Persephone Writers

I've recently been accepted as a member of Persephone Writers, an organization of women writers of dark literature. I had to reach a sales requirement to join. Hopefully, I'll learn a lot and make more friends in the writing community.

Annual Checkup

I went to the GYN yesterday for my yearly pap smear and breast exam. So far so good. No problems yet. But if some do come up, it will be caught quickly and the chance of surviving the cancer will be much higher. All women need to be examined yearly.

Blogs and First Rights

I recently read a post from a listserve I belong to. Evidently someone spread the poem she posted all over the internet without her permission. What's so bad is that it was a prize winner based on its not being previously published. So now she's in danger of losing her prize.

So what's the lesson here? Don't post anything anywhere if it's previously unpublished if you think you might want to sell it later.

Judgement

I've finished judging the Speculative Poem category of the 2006 Kentucky State Poetry Society Contest. There were 32 entries. I awarded first through third honorable mention. Since this is a double blind contest, I don't have the names of the winners. I've sent the winning poems back to the contest chair who will announce the winners sometime in September or October of this year.

My Thoughts on Angel: Old Friends

To read my thoughts on Angel: Old Friends, the comic book released by IDW Publishing, go to http://www.firefox.org/reviews/angel-old-friends. This is my second review I sold to Firefox News.

I have even more thinking to do. I received my packet of poems from Christine Delea, the Contest Chair for the 2006 Kentucky State Poetry Society Contest. I am judging the specuative category.

Two Tankas Published

Two of my untitled science fiction tankas have been published by Ultravers. You can read them at http://www.ultraverse.us/2006_07/v3i4_poetry_newman.shtml

Greenbriar Bunker

I recently read in the paper that the Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia is having tours in a bunker built in 1959 in the Cold War. It was supposed to be used for Congress in the event of a nuclear attack and held 1100 people. According to my calculations, there are about 535 members of Congress (435 House and 100 Senate). So why the extras? Maybe it was for their family. I believe the spots were for sale, so the wealthy could buy their safety.

I can't believe there isn't a newer, improve bunker or bunkers out there for certain people for the right price. In a nuclear war, you had time to hide from a bomb flying overseas. In today's warfare, catastrophe could strike unannounced. What do the rich do now? That's why I think there have to be more than one bunker.

Kings Island Roller Coasters

I read with horror about the accident at Kings Island. 12 people were hurt riding Son of the Beast. I wish everyone involved a speedy recovery.

I haven't been to Kings Island since a group of my friends from grad school and I went there in the heat wave of 1988. It was 104 degrees. We were at the park eight hours and rode six roller coasters (counting some twice). I was the most scared on King Cobra, where riders stood up and rode. I didn't feel very secure. We drove all over to get a hotel room because no one thought to book it early. We ended up at The Drawbridge which cost big bucks for us. The next day we went to the Cincinnati Zoo. Good times...

Gothic Goblets

I received the four gothic goblets I ordered from The Pyramid Collection today. They each hold 8 oz of liquid in a stainless steel cup nestled inside a intricately carved black goblet. One is of the grim reaper, one is flying dragons, one is bat-winged demon, and one is red-eyed dragon. It kept my milk real cold for lunch.

Poetry Winners

The Science Fiction Poetry Association has announced the winners of their contest. They are:

1. Morning, Europa by Malcolm Deeley
2. Office Complex, 13th Floor by Ree Young
3. Mice Over Fallen Mirrors by Duane and Cathy Ackerson

The Rhysling Winners have also been announced. They are:

Short Poem
1. Strip Search by Mike Allen
2. Tsunami Child by David C. Kopaska-Merkel
3. South by Marge Simon

Long Poem
1. The Tin Men by Kendall Evans and David C. Kopaska-Merkel
2. Old Twentieth: A century full of years by Joe Haldeman
3. First Cross of Mars by Drew Morse

Congratulations to all the winners, especially Mike Allen. He is one of my favorite poets and has deserved this win for a long time.

Spike Comics Came Today

I received my Spike comics today from IDW Publishing. Spike: Lost & Found can be seen above. I also got the first two issues of Spike vs. Dracula. Just more for my summer reading. BTW I'm over halfway done with Creepers by David Morrell.

Angel: The Curse Review

My review of Angel: The Curse, a comic book series written by Jeff Mariotte and illustrated by David Messina, is up at Firefox News. You can read it at http://www.firefox.org/reviews/angel-the-curse.

I've always been a big fan of the Buffy and Angel TV shows, still in syndication. They are well done and full of action. I wish there were more shows like them on the air. Blade: The Series is the closest one now airing with new episodes.

I'm glad someone is writing new stories about the Angel and Spike characters. You can buy these comics at IDW Publishing.

Happy Birthday, America and Appalling Limericks

Happy 230th birthday, America! I celebrated by having an indoor picnic at a local restaurant with my family. I ate a steak fillet, homestyle mash potatoes, and steamed vegetables.

We have extended our submission deadline for Appalling Limericks until August 31, 2006. Please go to http://www.samsdotpublishing.com for complete guidelines before submitting to appallingNOSPAMlimericks@yahoo.com, leaving out the NOSPAM.

July Afterburn SF Is Live

The latest issue of Afterburn SF is live. Read seven action-packed stories from up-and-coming authors. The link is http://afterburnsf.com.