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December 23, 2006
Madeline Loves Christmas
Like another cat I used to know, Madeline loves the Christmas tree. Now that there are more presents under the tree - the better to climb on you see – she has taken to getting up into the tree.
Here are a couple pictures, one in the tree and one under the tree among the presents.
Posted by Selena at 10:13 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: "How Angels Fledge" by Jane Lebak
To close out December's issue, we have the last of the honorable mentions from our recent poetry contest…
"How Angels Fledge"
by Jane Lebak
Honorable Mention, 2006 Poetry Contest
Tease:
"Every human has his own guardian who protects, guards and enlightens the soul en route to God's arms. Maybe sometimes the human soul is able to repay the angel in some measure for what it has received."
Posted by Selena at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
December 20, 2006
Exercise Your Brain
Here is today's good reading:
"Short Mental Workouts May Slow Decline of Aging Minds, Study Finds"
I had actually already heard this and started trying to do or learn something new everyday. I need to do more of it though and increase the difficulty. I'm not quite 40 and already I've noticed some decline in my mental skills. Or maybe I was never as smart as I thought I was. ;)
Posted by Selena at 07:49 AM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
"The Curse of Chalion"
I just finished Lois McMaster Bujold's "The Curse of Chalion
About halfway through the book I realized that I should be noting my favorite parts so that I could easily find them again. So, I grabbed a stack of Post-Its and began bookmarking pages for future reference. I ended up having to rip the Post-Its in half to increase their number. Now the book has this disorderly mass of tiny pieces of blue paper sticking out from its pages.
I don't usually go in for the "lords and ladies" type of fantasy. Court politics just seems oh so boring. But not in Bujold's hands.
What appeals to me most about this book, and the other of hers set in this world ("Paladin of Souls
That's not to say that the intricate plot and compelling characters did not also hold my interest and provide much enjoyment.
The book spoke to me in so many places (as "Paladin of Souls" did). I hate that I have to return the book to the library. I must buy a copy of my own since this book bears re-reading. Already I think I could stand to read it again from the beginning.
The book is also very quotable. Here are a few choice passages:
"When it is too-long-anticipated, a blow falls as a relief." (page 317, at least in my current copy)
"Any man can be kind when he is comfortable. I'd always thought kindness a trivial virtue, therefore. But when we were hungry, thirsty, sick, frightened, with our deaths shouting at us, in the heart of horror, you were still as unfailingly courteous as a gentleman at his ease before his own hearth."
"Events may be horrible or inescapable. Men always have a choice – if not whether, then how, they may endure." (page 340)
"All is well, and if it's not, then at least each day brings us closer to our god." (page 438)
I highly recommend this book and "Paladin of Souls."
Now, I'm off to see if Bujold has written any more.
Posted by Selena at 06:22 PM | Comments (0)
Article on Gift-Giving Mishaps
Here's an interesting article about gift-giving mishaps. I find it fascinating that being especially close to someone makes it more likely you'll mess up.
"In the Holiday Gift Forecast? Brain Freeze"
Check out this quote:
"Recent research…shows that…· Almost half of all lovers are worse at predicting their partner's heart's desire than a stranger who simply uses average gender-specific preferences.
· In addition, the more you know about your inamorata, the worse your success rate is likely to get."
Isn't that wild? It seems that part of the problem is that we think we know everything there is to know about that most important person in our lives and thus we ignore any new information that comes along. Also, we tend to overestimate the similarities between ourselves and our partners.
That's intriguing stuff!
I think I did okay with hubby's gift though since I got him something recent evidence suggests he will like. Plus I know it's something I don't like. So clearly I didn't buy it based on my preferences, which is a common mistake.
We'll have to wait and see what happens on Christmas morning. Here's hoping.
Posted by Selena at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
DKA: "Black Hole Relationships" by R. L. Copple
Next up is another honorable mention from our recent poetry contest:
"Black Hole Relationships"
by R. L. Copple
Honorable Mention, 2006 Poetry Contest
Tease:
"There's more than one type of unknown left in the universe."
Posted by Selena at 07:36 AM | Comments (0)
December 18, 2006
Radical Non-Consumption
I came across this fascinating article today about a group of people who have vowed not to buy anything new for a year, with very few exceptions.
"Nothing New Here – and That's the Point"
It's an interesting counter-point to the rampant consumerism in our culture, especially during in the holiday season.
One person put the "don't buy" approach this way: "we're simply trying to bring less . . . into our house."
I like that. As someone who moved recently, I am all too aware of the amount of stuff we tend to accumulate. I don't think I have the dedication and strength of will for the "buy nothing new" plan, but I am at least going to try to buy less.
Truth is, I already buy less than most people. Most of my buying splurges are on dining out, which is allowed on the "buy nothing new" plan since it is food. But I could afford to cut back more. Just getting all my books at the library would help a lot. I have long since run out of space on my bookshelf. (Newer books are stacked in my closet next to T-shirts and sweaters. It's sad, I know.)
The article reminds me of a scifi book and movie, I think it is "Brave New World," where the workers constantly hear exhortations to buy. I wish I could remember the catch phrases that played repeatedly on the speakers, but they all boiled down to things like "Newer is Better," and "Don't mend, spend."
Does anyone remember the book/movie I'm talking about?
Let's see if I can get through today without buying anything.
Posted by Selena at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
December 16, 2006
DKA: "PB&J (A Tale of Conquest)" by Marshall Payne
Here is a fun piece of flash fiction for your weekend reading:
"PB&J (A Tale of Conquest)"
by Marshall Payne
Tease:
"America was founded on freedom for all, but what if one whacky alien didn't see it that way and let things get out of hand?"
Posted by Selena at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
Marketing Ploy or Human Behavior Experiment?
Check out this article in The Washington Post.
So…is that shrewd marketing by Starbucks or a fascinating experiment in human behavior?
Actually, I think it's both.
Only problem is now that the tactic has been publicized, future results are unreliable. Are the people responding now good Samaritans or just savvy folks out to get some free coffee?
Posted by Selena at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
What Church Should Be
I can’t sleep. In my insomniac web wanderings, I came across this website that has a great vision of what church should be. (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page.)
My favorite quotes from the page:
Church should be a place where God's people are sensitive and responsive to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people. (Ephesians 4:29)
Church should be a place where God's priorities take precedence. (Matthew 22:36-40, 28:18-20)
I couldn’t agree more.
Posted by Selena at 12:32 AM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2006
"On the Crest of Victoria Crater" by Deborah P Kolodji
Today's update contains another of the honorable mentions from our recent poetry contest.
"On the Crest of Victoria Crater"
by Deborah P Kolodji
Honorable Mention, 2006 Poetry Contest
Tease: "What do the Martians think of the NASA Rovers exploring their planet?"
Posted by Selena at 07:31 AM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2006
Subtle Stereotype Triggers Can Affect Performance
Wow. I am becoming a big fan of Shankar Vedantam's column in The Washington Post. It's called "Department of Human Behavior" and I've posted about his articles before. (See "Apologies and Insanity" and "Birds of a Feather")
Today's article is more fascinating reading.
"With Subtle Reminders, Stereotypes Can Become Self-Fulfilling"
The article talks about how subtly reminding people of their gender or ethnicity can cause them to act more in accordance with associated stereotypes.
For instance, ask a group of women their stance on co-ed housing, a topic that triggers a recognition of their gender, and they are more likely to express a preference for art over math than a control group of women who are asked a question that did not involve gender.
And it works for both positive and negative stereotypes. Check out this quote from the article:
"When 5- to 7-year-old and 11- to 13-year-old Asian girls are subtly reminded of their Asian identity, they do better at math tests; when subtly reminded about their sex, they do worse."
Freaky huh?
I have long believed that we are affected by more than we realize and in ways we don't realize. (See my essay "Osmosis.") But this is new.
Reading the article I sensed it was somehow related to why I am so annoyed by how the people at the church I've been trying out keep asking me if my husband will be attending and would he attend if this and would he be interested in this other church function. I don't like being dealt with as if my gender and marital status are the only important things about me. Maybe being constantly reminded of those things and the associated stereotypes is what is bothering me about those church interactions. I haven't completely parsed my thoughts on the matter.
Vedantam's article has given me even more to think about.
I highly recommend you give his article a read.
Posted by Selena at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)
December 10, 2006
The "One Year to Live" Mindset
I've been re-watching old "Studio 60" episodes and I've been thinking a lot about one moment: Jordan admitting that when she took the job she decided she would approach it as if she only had one year to live.
Maybe that's what I need to do. Maybe that is the kick in the butt my work life needs.
I know however that I can't apply the "one year to live" mindset to the rest of my life, because then I would just eat whatever sweets and junk food I wanted, with wanton disregard for my long-term health.
But it might be a useful approach to my writing life. It might keep me working when I feel discouraged, keep me focused when I really just want to lay around and watch TV. It might help me shake off the inevitable setbacks.
And writing has a lot of setbacks. Just this month, I have received three declines so far. I got them all in the first week of the month even. Three declines in eight days – that can't be good.
But my husband reminded me that this time last month I had just finished writing 50,000 words in one week. So that's something.
Also on today's plus side:
1) I tried out Sunday School at the new church I've been attending. (They call it Bible Fellowship, but whatever.) It went okay. I think I'll go back next week.
2) We had pizza for dinner and I managed to stop at two slices and one breadstick. That's impressive for me.
I keep trying to focus on this scripture from today's lesson:
"…God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
God has begun something good in my life; I just need to get out of His way and let Him get on with it.
Posted by Selena at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 09, 2006
DKA: "Near the Meandering Way" by Tim Baer
Next up is a charming piece of flash fiction that you won't want to miss:
"Near the Meandering Way"
by Tim Baer
Tease:
Wooly Bear and Sparrow chatter while locked in mortal combat.
Posted by Selena at 07:47 AM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2006
Studio 60 – The Christmas Show
I just watched the latest episode of "Studio 60." It's great.
I am loving the Danny & Jordan thing!
I love all the little signs that Danny is falling for her. I love his reaction when he realizes he has feelings for her. And I really love the way he puts Jordan on notice at the end of the episode.
If you aren’t into the romantic stuff, the episode also has some truly great music. You can view a clip here. It's worth it, trust me.
Favorite quote: "Say it. Just say it out loud." That still makes me laugh because it's so clear what Matt's talking about, even though no one is saying it.
Posted by Selena at 06:54 PM | Comments (0)
December 06, 2006
Grey's Anatomy
I have become totally hooked on "Grey's Anatomy." I am so into this show that I am watching the current season via Tivo while making my way through the ones I missed via Netflix.
Last night I watched the two episodes that piqued my interest in "Grey's Anatomy". Strangely I didn't watch them at the time. I just remember seeing the ads and thinking "That looks good, I should watch that."
The episodes are "It's the End of the World" and "As We Know It". It's the double episode about "Code Black" – a patient comes into the hospital with unexploded ordnance embedded in his chest. A paramedic has her hand inside the injury, trying to keep the guy from bleeding to death. She of course doesn't know at first what she's got her hand on. And that's not even the half of it.
In addition to the brilliance of the episode, there was a cool personal moment in it for me when I recognized one of the actors as someone I went to college with and then worked with years later. Not that he'd remember me or anything. Just to be sure I wasn't crazy, I called hubby into the room to take a look. Yep, he said, that's Marty Lodge playing the anesthesiologist. Cool. Good for Marty.
The moment got soured though towards the end of part one, when Marty's character turns out to be a lousy coward. Not that it's Marty's fault. But still.
Favorite moment from these two episodes - it's tough because there are so many - but it has to be near the end when Derek is frantically searching the hospital. He asks the chief repeatedly, "Where is she?" The chief, misunderstanding, points him in Addison's direction. (She is Derek's "was-separated but now on-again" wife, if you don't know.) Addison hugs Derek, clearly relieved that he is okay. But Derek is still scanning the room.
It's the chief's wife who points out what I knew all along, that Addison is not the "she" Derek was asking for. He was asking for Meredith.
Second favorite scene:
Meredith says, "I have a feeling."
Derek says, "I get those," then "if you wait long enough, it passes."
Moments later Derek runs into his wife Addison who asks what he is doing.
He replies, "Waiting for it to pass."
She doesn't know what he is talking about of course, but we know. Don't we?
Really good stuff.
Posted by Selena at 06:44 PM | Comments (0)
Newer Isn't Always Better
I have subscribed to WritersMarket.com for years. Recently they "upgraded" the site. Problem is…it's not better, it's worse.
Probably my favorite thing about WritersMarket.com was the submissions tracker. The new version of the subs tracker is annoying and nearly useless. In fact, I don't bother with it anymore. It's a big waste of time. Instead I track my subs in an Excel spreadsheet.
With the old submission tracker you could get a "quick list" of all your submissions, the markets they had been sent to, and their current status. Not so with the new version. You can get a list of your manuscripts, but you can't see their statuses unless you click on the "view submissions" button next to the manuscript. Then you can see where just that one manuscript has been sent. It shows the status at each place it has been subbed, but of course you still can't get the dates of those statuses without clicking on another screen.
Arrgh. It's so annoying.
Sadly it's not the first time I have experienced an "upgrade" taking away basic functionality I had come to depend on.
One thing's for sure, I won't be renewing my WritersMarket.com subscription this year. I've started using Duotrope instead. It's free. The market search is easier to use and they have a submissions tracker that will give me a list of my subs and their statuses. Go figure.
Posted by Selena at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 05, 2006
SR & DKA Blogs Back Up
I think the blog spam at SR and DKA is now under control, so I have restored those blogs if you want to take a look.
(It's pretty much the same content as here, except they have cool emoticons that I don't have here in Movable Type land.)
A girl can never have too many blogs. ;)
Posted by Selena at 09:31 PM | Comments (0)
DKA: "open" by Patricia Kelly
Today's update contains one of the honorable mentions from our recent poetry contest. This one is a scifaiku, a sci-fi/fantasy form based on the haiku.
"open"
by Patricia Kelly
Honorable Mention, 2006 Poetry Contest
Tease:
"...what we are, will out..."
Posted by Selena at 09:18 PM | Comments (0)
December 02, 2006
DKA: "Godspeed" by Chris Miller
Here is a bit of science fiction to kick off our December issue…
"Godspeed"
by Chris Miller
Tease:
Earth's first evangelist to the stars.
Posted by Selena at 07:38 AM | Comments (0)