Words & Tricks » Archive
Warning: Post Contains Rant About Rejection from a Pro. Fiction Mag.
So, to the left you will see a recent rejection slip from Realms of Fantasy Magazine, one of the top professional markets in the speculative fiction genre. Now, don’t get me wrong, these poor editors have a lot on their plate, I’m sure. However … HOWEVER, this has got to be the most insulting slip of paper I’ve gotten in the mail in a long time. I’m including those fake checks that lenders send you that look just like a real check made out in your name for thousand of dollars that say on the back “By signing this you are agreeing to pay back all this money at 500% interest and hand over your cats, too. Both of them.” Those are pretty low, but check out what this form letter says: We … Read entire article »
Filed under: Writing
An Extra Month of Daylight Next Year
When Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 he gave kids and people who work a typical 9 to 5 schedule here in the U.S. 2 extra weeks of daylight on either end of Daylight Saving Time. Starting in 2007 DST will begin on the second Sunday of March and end the first Sunday of November. So, mark the calendar. March 11, 2007 spring forward. November 4, 2007 fall back. This juggling of the American circadian rhythm is supposed to curb energy spending by about 1%, or the “equivalent to roughly a hundred thousand barrels of oil daily over the two months” according to a Department of Transportation report from 1975. Linda Lawson, the acting deputy assistant secretary for transportation policy, gives this caveat “There have been dramatic changes in … Read entire article »
Filed under: News
Minnesota’s Wetterling – Bachmann Race Quite a Nail Biter
The latest poll from SurveyUSA shows Republican and soldier of God Michelle Bachmann leading Democrat Patty Wetterling. However, despite this discouraging news for those who believe separation of church and state is a good thing, this race changes on a nearly weekly basis. Here’s a poll from October 12th that shows Wetterling in the lead. Andy Birkey over at Eleventh Avenue South posted some historical polling data on the race: SurveyUSA 10/25, 10/09, 9/18, Zogby 10/04, Majority Watch 10/11, Minnesota Poll 10/18 Bachmann 49% (47) (50)…(46)…(45)…(40)Wetterling 43% (44) (41)…(43)…(49)…(48)Binkowski 5% (7) (5)… (?)… (?)… (4) A quick overview of Bachmann’s campaign: Said, “Be submissive, wives, you are to be submissive to your husbands.” Considers herself a “fool for Christ“. Doesn’t believe in global warming trends. Threatened … Read entire article »
Filed under: Politics
Turn Back Clocks Tonight
It’s that time of year again when children and adults conspire to widen their cavities and line the pockets of jubilant dentists everywhere with a little extra money. Ah, Halloween. The night when tons and tons of vinyl death masks and plastic princess dresses are worn, wadded up and discarded. Whereupon they finally find their way into the American landfills and garbage pits where microscopic creatures will try in vain to eat them for the next 3,000 years. It’s also the end of Daylight Saving Time as of 2 a.m. Monday morning. So set those clocks before going to bed. You owe yourself an “extra” hour of sleep. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advice
Last Minute Costume Ideas to Look Like a Million (Dead) Bucks
Haven’t quite decided whether your costume passes muster this year? Tired of living in an economy where wages don’t even pretend to keep up with the cost of living? Well, then why not address both your concerns and dress as one of these top earning dead celebrities: Kurt Cobain Elvis Presley Charles M. Schulz John Lennon Albert Einstein Andy Warhol Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) Ray Charles Marilyn Monroe Johnny Cash J.R.R. Tolkien George Harrison Bob Marley Every year Forbes.com puts together their list of celebrities who have passed into the great beyond, but whose art continue to make millions and millions for their estates. Now the question is, where in the world can one find a J.R.R. Tolkien … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advice
