Archive for Fandom
This week’s Rumor Tuesday features little-known facts about the Olympics. Who says I can’t keep up with current events?
Rumor has it… At the first modern Olympics games in 1896 held in Athens, the IOC had waited until only the day before the opening ceremonies to announce that the competitions would not be held in the nude as they had been in the ancient Olympics.
Rumor has it… The International Olympics Committee has never had a medal-winner among its members.
Rumor has it… The torch relay at the 2010 Winter Olympics is set to be the longest relay in Olympic history.
Rumor has it… The words in the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Latin meaning “Faster, Higher, Stronger”) have been used as model names for cars, computers, and skateboards.
Rumor has it… 2010 will be the last year for the classic three-tiered rostrum for medal award presentations. All future Olympics will use a single-levelled platform so as not to raise any one competitor above another during the ceremony.
Rumor has it… The mascots for the 2010 Winter Olympics are Miga (a mythical sea bear) and Quatchi (Sasquatch).
Rumor has it… In the entire history of the Olympics, there have been three non-concurrent events known as curling. One is the now-familiar sport using heavy stones on ice. The others were Summer Olympic events: one being a form of lawn tennis using a soft cloth ball stuffed with feathers (1896-1912) and the other being a demonstration event similar to lacrosse combined with bocci (1930-1934).
Rumor has it… Olympic host cities must pass strenuous tests from the IOC regarding air and water quality, siesmic stability, and average intelligence.
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Today’s link is a fun one for science fiction fans. Welcome to the blog of Fred Pohl entitled The Way The future Was. This was the title of his very excellent memoir, and now it’s a blog. This is some pretty interesting reading from one of the original Futurians.
Check it out.
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Welcome back to Monday–post-hiatus.
Time well spent, by the way. I got a decent amount of work done over this past week–and looking forward to getting more done. But it was nice to get some projects off the table–even if they’ve just gone out for proof. The Sondra Lee autobiography went off to the printer. Dracula’s Daughter (edited by Phil Riley) is off to the printer. The Dead End Kids/Bowery Boys book is off to the author for proof, as is still the Janet Gaynor/Charles Farrell book. Also out now is the second proof of The Musical Comedy Films of Grigorii Aleksandrov: Laughing Matters by Rimgaila Salys for Intellect Books. Nearly ready for the press–just awaiting one page of data–is the August-September issue of the SFWA Bulletin.
This week I’ll be focusing on some the next proof of the medical journal, some book covers, the movie book, a Hollywood gossip book, and a collection of letters by Louise Brooks.
All good stuff.
But that’s not to say it was all work and no play this past week. Friday we went to the Washington County Fair–something we try to do every year. Usually we only go for a few hours–plenty of time to check out the animals, various vendors, food, music, midway, and 4-H exhibits. This year we stayed closer to ten hours as we were joined by a bunch of friends–most of whom had never been to the fair before.Much fun was had and I’ve taken up the Teehan tradition (started by my father) of finishing off a Fair visit with a heaping bowl of strawberry shortcake. I didn’t see the Irish salt potatoes this year. Just means I’m going to have to make them myself, I guess.
And last night I played out again at Ward’s Pub. A fun night for tunes and friends. I’ve been trying to mix up my style of play a little bit–experimenting with dotted notes and trying to get some more “swing” into my rhythm. One thing I noticed as I was playing last night that as I found myself thinking about how I was going to play a certain set of notes later in the tune–I’d lose my place where I was currently (in the tune). Fortunately I recover quickly, but it’s not often I’m so conscious of a process like that.
And we’ve been dog hunting. No, you don’t get more explanation than that other than… “Tom Cruise’s performance during the closing credits of Tropic Thunder is an amazing piece of work. I’m just saying.”
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Today’s link goes to 2009 Hugo award winner for Best Fanzine: Electric Velocipede. (Actually, I’m not sure how this qualifies as a fanzine–as it seems more like a semi-prozine. I’m sure the topic has already been debated hotly and I’m coming into the discussion very late in the game… but life is a banquet and I’m sometimes still down by the appetizers.) Anyway, check out the free fiction you see here, and if you like–consider subscribing.
Cheers!
Filed under: Blogosphere, Book layouts, Fanzines, Layouts, Magazine layouts, Music, Publishing, Writing | |No Comments
Heckuva weekend.
Last minute decision to go to a wake at the long end of Long Island led to a very exhausting (physically and emotional) Saturday. Long Island is a tedious sort of place–except for certain isolated pockets where one might think they’re in New England again–but driving-wise, Connecticut is even more (tedious).
I like New London, though. Anyway. By Sunday we were just not doing anything. My weekend was pretty much a bust as far as getting any work done, but I found it easier once I accepted that and just relaxed. Sunday’s highlight was dropping by Ward’s Pub for a night of picking the banjo and beating the goat. A good night. I got compliments on my playing which is kinda cool, though I know I’ve got a long way to go. One thing I need to find time for this week is picking up a new tune or two.
Actually, I’ve got quite a bit planned this week between layout projects, music, and writing.
So time to get to it!
Today’s entry isn’t very inspiring, I know. I’m still shaking off some sleep, and really do need to get down to work. I will mention, however, that I’m getting quite the kick out of Twitter these days. Did you know Wil Wheaton has to cough five times before he can pick up a phone? I doubt it’s true, but wouldn’t that be somethin’?
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Speaking of which, today’s link goes to everyone’s favorite geek-made-good, yes… WWdN: In Exile aka Wil Wheaton’s blog. For those who are not in touch with the geek world, the guy who played Wesley Crusher on ST:TNG is a highly respected member of the geek community and quite a decent writer. Follow his adventures, read his musings.
Cheers!
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I spend a lot of time in the basement. No surprise, it’s where I do the majority of my work. On the very day we moved in, I made sure that I had a working space in the basement with ready access to power and internet connections. Since then, I’v been slowly transforming the basement from a place where a lot of stuff has been stored–and my office to: my office–with some storage tucked away.
It’s slow going because paying work always has to come first, but little by little I’m putting my stamp on the place. I have a bit more room in this basement than I did at our old apartment, many options for layout, and all the time in the world. No rush. I have some bookshelves set up. Some work surfaces. Some file storage. That’s about it right now. I need to set up many more bookshelves, a couple of more workspace areas, and filing cabinets for that which isn’t already digitized.
And then there are the walls.
My plan is to cover every conceivable bit of wall and post space with bits of geek artifactry, ephemera, and other such wonderful strangeness. Old fanzine cartoons, columns and letters, pieces to old computer, sailing, and roleplaying magazines, Comics. Post cards. Hollywood glossies. Movie cards. Newspaper clippings. Whatever I come across that seems of interest and can be tacked or taped to a wall. Big or small. Actually, a lot of small because I want to cover all the nooks and crannies. Leave no wood exposed. It should take a person days to read my basement.
I’m not saying it’s a good plan. But some people have no plan at all.
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That said, today’s link takes you The Ephemera Society of America. In their own words:
The Ephemera Society of America, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed in 1980 to cultivate and encourage interest in ephemera and the history identified with it; to further the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of ephemera by people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of interest; to promote the personal and institutional collection, preservation, exhibition, and research of ephemeral materials; to serve as a link among collectors, dealers, institutions, and scholars; and to contribute to the cultural life of those who have an interest in our heritage as a nation or a people, both nationally and internationally.
A worthy organization if ever I’ve seen one.
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Rumor has it… singer Alanis Morisette’s first paid musical gig was as an Elvis impersonator at a Saskatchewan country fair when she was 14 years old.
Rumor has it… the average person produces eough saliva in their lifetime to fill two swimming pools.
Rumor has it… while filming The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, actor Bill Murray discovered a fear of being submerged in water, a phobia he had not yet realized he had. Scenes in which Bill Murray is diving were actually performed by co-star Jeff Goldblum.
Rumor has it… more minor household injuries are caused by thumbtacks than any other common household item.
Rumor has it… author Mike Resnick, while attending a script meeting in Hollywood to discuss possible filming of his book Santiago was asked by one studio exec, “Could we make one of the twins black?”
Rumor has it… you are five times more likely to be sneezed on in the morning than you are in the afternoon, but being sneezed on in the afternoon makes you more likely to catch harmful germs.
Rumor has it… Douglas Adams, creator of the Hitchhiker’s Guide series, was once approached by an individual who sought the rights to adapt the series to radio–unaware that the series began as a radio play on the BBC.
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Today’s link goes to Mike Glyer’s web incarnation of his fanzine File 770: news of science fiction fandom. It looks like Mike attended SDCC and hung out with Ray Bradbury for a bit. This page is in blog format, but there are links along the upper right to download PDF files of the print version which has a much more look-and-feel of a traditional fanzine.
Enjoy!
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Rumor has it… Author JRR Tolkein was once kidnapped as a baby while the family resided in South Africa.
Rumor has it… The look of the Death Star in Star Wars was based on the layout for campus of the University of Arizona–the idea being that the layout maximizes breezes throughout the station, keeping it cool during times of high activity.
Rumor has it… The Rhode Island Blood Bank is sinking at an average of an inch per year because engineers did not factor in the weight of blood supplies when calculating the strength requirements for the building’s foundation.
Rumor has it… Pandas are the only animal that can recognize written language.
Rumor has it… Ants can see in the dark, but they cannot hear. Likewise, in daylight, an ant’s hearing is among the best in the insect world, but their eyesight is very poor.
Rumor has it… Japanese voice actress Inoue Kikuko voiced all twelve female roles, and three male roles in the short-lived anime series Shiny Shiny Top Round Soldier School. Due to union rules, she could only be paid for five roles for any one episode, so the producers scheduled three times as many episodes as is normal for a single seaon, then spliced them together days before airing.
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I was thinking…
How many times do you folks want to read about my work schedule? This is probably the most boring part of these daily posts. Suffice to say, I’m keeping nose to the grindstone, and work continues. I think I’m just going to limit this section of my daily post to new news of note about either new projects, projects going off to printers, or interesting developments (like cover designs) that might be of interest.
Back to our regularly scheduled post…
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Today’s link goes to a page devoted to one of my all-time favorite manga and anime series: Maison Ikokku by Rumiko Takahashi. It’s a romantic comedy about a young man, Godai, who is trying to get into college, but is distracted by the crazy folk who live in his apartment complex, and his sudden infatuation with the newly arrived manager, Kyoko, who also happens to be a young, beautiful widow. Godai has lots of ups and downs. It’s a real roller coaster combo of comedy and drama brought to you by master manga-ka Rumiko Takahashi, creator of other such hit series as Urusei Yatsura, Ramna 1/2, and InuYasha. This is probably my favorite of her works, although I confess I’m a huge fan or UY and Ranma as well.
Anyway, if you’ve not heard of the series–check it out. Manga can still be found in English and Japanese, and the anime series is available on DVD.
Cheers!
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SFWA recently reported the passing of author David Eddings whose work I’d been a fan of for since the very beginning of his fantasy-writing career. I’m thinking I’ll be writing up a long piece on his for tomorrow’s entry at Forces Of Geek describing my long history with his books, impressions both general and specific, and an appreciation.
There is a surprising absence of any official or up-to-date pages on David Eddings’ work. Granted, his most recent books were disappointing to most readers (including myself), but his earlier works resonated so much that I’m surprised there’s not more of a web presence. Still, I wanted to have some kind of Eddings link today, so I found a 2006 interview with David Eddings at sffworld.com.
For no particular reason, I’m going to mention how much I enjoy performances by actor Edward Everett Horton. You’d probably recognize him most as the narrator for the “Fractured Fairytales” segment on the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show, the medicine man on F Troop or Dr. Witherspoon in Frank Capra’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace. There’s just something about his voice I’ve always liked–him and William Powell. People don’t talk like that anymore and it’s a shame.
And really… just how cool was Peter Lorre? Very cool
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Work is pretty much on schedule. Keeping things together. I have a couple of TumbleTap projects to finish so we can get them done and out in time for the San Diego ComicCon. I’m hoping to take care of some of that today. And I’d like to get the okays on sending Van Alexander off to the printer. Work continues on Gaynor and Raffel. Then tackling the Dead End Kids. I should be getting some comp copies in soon from the publisher of some of the books I’ve been working on recently. Always a good thing to have for the old collection.
All in all, it’s nose to the grindstone. Nothing new or exciting to report.
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Today’s link goes to my most recent posting at Charge of the Write Brigade in which I discuss writing outside one’s own gender and ethnicity.
Enjoy!
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Today is “Christmas in March”–if Christmas were a DVD release date. Longtime readers know that I’m a big fan of Adult Swim’s The Ventutre Bros. and today, at long last, is the DVD release of season three. I actually went and reviewed season three a month ago basing my review on memories of the initial broadcasts and catching some episodes online or on-Demand. I wonder if I’ll want to change my review? Doubtful.
But yeah, I’m happy.
Rumor has it…Venture Bros. supporting character Dr. Henry Killinger and his Magic Murder Bag is not based on Dr. Henry Kissinger, but rather actor Steve Buscemi.
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Another shocking short entry today. Why is it on days I want to wake up early, I sleep late–and days I wouldn’t mind oversleeping, I’m invariably up hours before I need to be? Fortunately, yesterday was a very productive day so I’m still on schedule, and today doesn’t look o’erwhelming by any means.
So I’m not going to keep you. Let’s move on to..
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Today’s link takes you to Classic Johnny Quest, a fun homebrew website dedicated to the classic animated series Johnny Quest–the original series, mind you–which was part of the inspiration behind the above-mentioned Venture Bros.. You can still catch episodes of Johnny Quest on the Boomerang Network and for pure pulp fun, I’d say they still hold up well. They were made in a different era, so be prepared for the bad guys actually being killed–as well as the occasional innocent bystander.
Cheers!
Filed under: Fandom, Rumor | Johnny Quest, Venture Bros.|No Comments
Monday morning and somewhat recovered from my New York ComicCon trip. I’ll be writing up a full trip report for Forces of Geek (dot come) but figure I can give some of the highlights here.
My main mission in scoping out potential candidates for future Tumbletap publications was somewhat successful. I have a lot of info to process over the coming weeks–and that in itself is a good thing. I also talked with other small press publishers and folks and am getting a handle on things. I managed to meet some of the Greats in the field (well, I consider them Greats), like Joe Staton, Bob Burden, Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, Dick Ayers, Bill Sienkiewicz, Peter Laird, and the incomparable Phil Foglio. There were some others I’d have liked to have met, but it was a crowded event. I did get to meet some of the webcomic-world Greats like Mike Kahulik and Jerry Holkins (Gabe ‘n Tycho) of Penny Arcade, Scott Kurtz of PVP Online, and Ryan Sohmer and Lar DeSouza who give us Looking For Group and Least I Could Do. I only gently harrassed the above folks…I’m on a mission now to get Jerry Holkins to write a book or something.
There was a lot I wish I could have seen, but like I said…crowded event. And I wasn’t a fan of how they handled the panel programming, but you can’t have everything I suppose with an event of this size.
Somewhat of a photo gallery at my Facebook albums page.
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So back and getting back to work. A decent stack awaiting me, but nothing insurmountable. I want to finish the TumbleTap sampler this week, but more immediate projects include a medical journal, two autobiographies, an episode guide, (all of which are maybe a week or so away from being sent to the printer), a brochure, and some triaging work for the next projects.
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Rumor has it… The practice of using “o’clocks” to indicate positions while flying originated with 19th century French clockmaker and avid baloonist Rene Prefour who designed a combination clock/compass/barometer for use in navigation.
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Today’s link visits the Comics Revue website–home to a publication devoted to the old newspaper serial comics Prince Valiant, Flash Gordon, Modesty Blaise, and more. They have some great stuff here to preview, and the journal itself is a pretty cool publication if you’re a fan of old school adventure comics.
Cheers!
Filed under: Comics, Fandom, Publishing, Rumor, Webcomics | NYCC|No Comments
So does Battle Royale kick ass or what? I can’t believe I once tried to compare the storylines with The Condemned. They should be so lucky. It just shows to go ya that if you can’t get a dozen bulked out steroid monsters to be in your “kill or be killed” movie, you’d be better off with Japanese high school students. I will admit that The Condemned had tighter action choreography, but Battle Royale makes up for that in gruesome realism. That’s not to say it’s a very bloody movie. Sure, a bit bloody, but it’s not a nonstop gore-fest. There’s a lot of character going on here.
Oh, and it features one of my favorite Japanese actors–Beat Takeshi.
And while I’m going on about stuff I should have seen, like, years ago. Lost continues to amaze me. We’re now up to the middle of Season 2 and it’s still successfully keeping our attention. The only thing that really bothers me about the story so far is the black smoke. Everything else I can come up with an explanation for–but the black smoke? What the hell? I can explain (for myself at least) the mysterious roars, the exploding trees, the visions, Them–practically eerything.
But not the black smoke.
Some of you are probably snickering at me. You know about the black smoke. You know all about it. You can’t believe I haven’t figured it out by now.
Please keep it to yourself. If I don’t know by Season 4 well…the writers’ names are available on IMDB and I’m pretty good at finding people online.
I’m just sayin’
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Workwise I’m gearing up to get the next issue of the SFWA Bulletin underway. I have a couple of things to do with the Hardcastle & McCormick book, as well as ginning up a new cover layout. A decent amount of writing, some phonecalls, arranging some scanning, and some webpaging.
Busy, busy!
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Today’s link goes to the most recently yearly edition of Steven Silver’s fanzine Argentus. I have a small appearance in this issue in the “Mock Review” section where Steve asked a few of his readers to choose a book at random and write a review based solely on the information printed on the back cover. Other features include Chris Garcia’s TAFF Report, a report on the 2007 Worldcon in Japan, pieces by Fred Lerner and Alma Alexander, and more. It’s a quick download (PDF format) and well worth the read.
Argentus and many other fine fanzines are kindly archived at Efanzines.com by Bill Burns.
Filed under: Fanzines, Reviews | Argentus, Battle Royale, Fanzines, Lost|No Comments
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