I'm Now on MySpace

Come on over and visit me on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/karenlnewman I'd like to hear from you.

New News Source

I was googling around yesterday and found a great news source for science fiction fans and writers. It's SF Scope at http://sfscope.com It reminds me of how good Hellnotes was before it moved online.

Norv Turner at San Diego and Other News

What a great move by San Diego getting Norv Turner! I think Dallas really screwed up letting him get away. The Chargers' future looks bright, unlike that of Colts running back Dominic Rhodes who was arrested for suspicion of DUI. I'll be surprised if he's back, considering he's a free agent this year and with Joseph Addai's great rookie performance this season. Maybe he can go to Cincinnati where he'll fit in with all the other arrested players.

Poem in Kentucky Monthly

My poem "The Sum of Me" is in the February issue of Kentucky Monthly. You can purchase a copy of the magazine at http://www.kentuckymonthly.com

Guiding Light Wednesday Episodes

Yesterday's Guiding Light episode was a shock. It wasn't a real episode at all - it showed the cast building houses. I think it's great they're doing that, but I tune in to watch the show. I tape the show and won't want to waste tape if they're going to air that each week, or even monthly. If they want to show how generous they are, put it on the web for people to download and leave the TV to regular programming.

Top Ten Finisher at Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll

My poem "The Sands of Kentucky" finished 7th, my nonfiction article "Using Message Boards Effectively" was 10th, and I finished 9th as a poet. Thanks to everyone who voted for me and my work.

PBS Dracula

I watched the PBS version of Dracula last night. The costumes and acting were well done as you'd expect. However, the story had significant changes such as the syphillis angle and Dracula out in the daytime. I enjoyed the show. Very scary and entertaining.

Pro Bowl

That was the most exciting Pro Bowl I've seen in years. It got down to a game-winning field goal by the AFC. It's unfortunate when players get hurt in this award game, but Drew Brees dislocated his elbow. Carson Palmer played well and deserved the MVP. It was classy of Peyton Manning not to play much and let others shine. He certainly got his last week. Now if only he'll stop being in those ads where, I believe, he mocks poor people (having some grocery clerk sign a mellon and especially the one where a person got steamed by an expresso machine.)

I can't believe the Cowboys hired Wade Phillips. He barely has an overall winning coaching record. I think the right hire would have been Norv Turner. He had the Redskins turning around before Snyder got impatient and canned him. We'll see what happens. Remember, you heard it here early. (not sure I'm the first)

Clean Streets and No Slush

I saw my street being cleared Thursday and by yesterday the roads were mostly dry. My slush pile is finally dry too. I ended up taking 4 out of 13.

Two Poems in Star*Line

Two of my haiku "antique vase" and "jungle journey" are in the thirtieth anniversary issue of Star*Line. You find more about the magazine at http://www.sfpoetry.com

Wading in Slush

I'm halfway through the Afterburn SF subs. So far I've rejected six and accepted one.

I'm wading in slush outside too. Snow, that is. We got about six inches last night - the most snow here in several years. Global warming seems to have taken a vacation.

Super Bowl XLI

A big congrats to Peyton Manning. He'll finally get the respect he deserves and Tony Dungy couldn't be a classier guy. Looks like the Bears should have enough incentive to get a new quarterback for next year. Grossman appears to be just a backup. I feel sorry for Urlacker. He played his heart out. I wonder why the others on defense didn't help him.

We just saw the end of an era last night. I'll be shocked if anymore Super Bowls are played in Miami what with those rich people being poked fun at by the booth, particulary the crack about the cast of Rules of Engagement in the rain because the show's not a hit yet. Rich people hate being laughed at. Just ask Donald Trump. You see, the ultra rich were in the boxes while the ordinary rich got wet. (those tickets cost hundreds, if not thousand of dollars) Ordinary folks just can't afford to be there. The other games will be in domes. Mark my words because money talks and wet soggy BS walks.

Busy

I've been swamped lately what with the Stoker ballot voting and the two book reviews I'm working on. Today I got 13 submissions to Afterburn SF to read. Finding time to write for me is getting tough.

The outside cat struck again. It hopped up on the front windowsill and climbed up the screen as far as it could. Fortunately, there was no damage. Tri-Paw ran up to it and cried. It stared him down until Fluffy Buddy came. It then left and I haven't seen it for several days. Figured it couldn't win on two against one. I hope it found shelter. It's getting super cold outside.

I'll take a break and watch the Super Bowl. I think it's the Colts time. I'm looking forward to halftime. It'll remind me of Prince's Purple Rain concert I attended while in college.