Bruised Truth and Fearsome Fiction

Coffin Hop

2011-10-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm participating in this year's Coffin Hop. Please check out my horror poetry collection, ChemICKal Reactions, just perfect for Halloween. Pick up your copy at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32280 and

http://www.amazon.com/ChemICKal-Reactions-Karen-L-Newman/dp/0615428479/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1309115445&sr=1-1

Great Site for Halloween

2011-10-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Want to get in the Halloween spirit? Check out http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2011/10/infographic-classic-horror-films/

Where the Hell Have I Been?

2010-02-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

Long time, no post. I've been rather busy lately - playing NFL fantasy football (won league championship in 2008; placed as high as 3rd this past season) on espn.com. My third poetry collection, Toward Absolute Zero, came out in 2009 and can be bought at The Genre Mall, http://www.genremall.com. I write columns for The Black Glove: Horror Culture and Entertainment and Apex Book Company. I joined Facebook. I hope to write here again more often.

NFL HOF Game and Favre

2008-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Redskins are in great shape at quarterback. I'm really impressed with the rookie Brennan from Hawaii. I hope Peyton Manning is well enough for the Colts.

I hear that some people are complaining about all the Favre coverage. Face it, it's way better than last year's Vick coverage. At least it's positive - a guy wanting to come back and play, not a guy killing dogs. I think the Packers made a big mistake in trading Favre to the Jets. People pay to see Favre play; this is like taking money and wiping your butt with it - it stinks. If the Jets are smart, they'll trade Favre to the Vikings for a first round draft pick or picks. I don't think the Packers stipulated that the Jets couldn't trade him there. This could turn into a real debacle for the Pack, and they only have themselves to blame.

I'm Back, with a Fireworks Review

2008-07-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry about being gone so long. Not like there're a lot of people reading this, anyway. But to the few, I appologize.

I checked out the firework displays on TV last night, Macy's and Boston's. Macy's did a lot better this year than last, a longer show than at Boston, and they put some money into it. However, the Boston show was better. It was more patriotic and less comercial than Macy's. Also the music and fireworks were beautifully choreographed, where in New York the fireworks were just thrown up there. McFee did a good job singing, but her big umbrella blocked the fireworks. The history lesson was interesting, but took from the show.

Preseason's coming, and I can hardly wait.

Super Bowl

2008-02-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'm soooo glad the Patriots lost. You could see the smugness as they entered the stadium yesterday, expecting to win. Congrats to the Giants for a well-played game. Eli now has it made in New York. Tiki should be shutting up now and the Chargers can grouse over making a wrong decision.

I guess there's a new football curse besides the Madden - quarterback celebrity girlfriend. If a QB's celebrity girlfriend attends the game, loss is assured. Just ask Tom Brady (Giselle was there) and Tony Romo (Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood). At least Romo is supposedly proposing to a college sweetheart according to The National Enquirer, and the curse should be lifted for him. I wonder if Brady will propose now; it was alledgedly based on his winning the Super Bowl according to what I read.

Afterburn SF Changes Publishing Format

2008-02-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Afterburn SF is now publishing on a by-weekly schedule starting yesterday with Cathy A. Chance's story "Call Signs". Check it out at http://www.afterburnsf.com.

NFL Divisional Playoffs

2008-01-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Looks like the Pats are headed for the Super Bowl. With the Chargers so beat up after Indianapolois, I don't see how they can win Sunday. Poor Peyton was struck by the pick pixie again. I was shocked at the Jags. I expected more smash-mouth football than that. They just let Brady stand there and pick them apart. You deserve to lose when you do that.

How about them Cowboys? Lost another playoff game, that's what. Romo needs to take a page out of Tom Brady's book - wait until after you win a Super Bowl before dating models and starlets. I don't know what Romo sees in Simpson - I believe Nick Lachey ditched her; why would he want leftovers, seeing as he's got all that money himself? Eli Manning is now validated. He should be able to stay in New York for awhile. I bet Tiki's wiping the egg off his face after the comments he made about Eli on Football Night in America.

When the snow started I knew the Seahawks were done. Favre plays best in inclement weather, plus the Packers are hot. I think they'll beat the beatup Giants on Labeau Field.

NFL Wildcard Games

2008-01-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

As I said before, Jack Del Rio looks like a genius getting rid of Leftwich and he really had to win that game to make the decision look good because Byron got the team into the playoffs. Another genius is Bill Cowher for getting out before the losing started. I guess he took a page out of the book of Bobby Pruit of Marshall, since that team has really tanked since Snyder took over. Can you say coaching change?

Congrats to the Redskins for a great season. It seems they finally ran out of gas, along with their coach who just left. I thought Gibbs should have left seasons ago - the NFL just changed too much since his first time.

The Giants are on a roll. I think Eli was playing for his career. I don't know if the Giants would have kept him if they lost another playoff game. Just look what happened to Chad Pennington.

The Chargers were in the same boat except it was Norv Turner on the hot seat. Still they had a bye last year and lost in the divisional. Turner really has to win, but I think the Colts will beat them.

NFL Week 17

2007-12-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's always sad when the season ends. However, this year the end was better than most because of teams that were still trying to make the playoffs. Even so, the best game was the Saturday night game between the Patriots and the Giants. Hats off to Coughlin, who played his team to the end. Eli Manning might have just saved his job there. He finally looked like a number one pick. And of course I can't go on without acknowledging the Patriots' perfect season. Way to go! That'll mean nothing if they can't win the Super Bowl. I think the most dangerous team in the AFC is the Jags. Del Rio looks like a genius getting rid of Leftwich, whom I think will probably be a backup from now on. The Pats will have their hands full with them.

It's official - the Skins are now the team to root for, what with the Saints gone. With the way they're playing, they'll go far in the playoffs. I think they can beat the Seahawks. If the Giants play like they did Saturday, they can beat Tampa Bay. Both of those teams will give the Cowboys fits, especially if they play like they did yesterday.

I hope Vince Young can play next week. I still think he's the next Michael Vick, hopefully without the criminal charges. The Browns need a new QB. Anderson has thrown too many interceptions. Why won't Romeo play Quinn? It seems Quinn might be better off if Romeo takes a job with the Dolphins, which is being rumored.

NFL Week 16

2007-12-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it - the Browns outbungled the Bungles. Now they have to wait and see if the Titans lose, which is unlikely, considering the Colts have the bye locked up and have nothing to play for. However, the Patriots are playing for records, which was obvious yesterday. All the Dolphins did in the second half was play the pass and keep them from scoring. If the Giants do that Saturday, they have a great chance of winning the game. I wonder - what will be more important for Brady, his own TD record or the team record and his not getting hurt for the playoffs? Time will tell. I didn't see Brady on 60 Minutes. I wonder if he got a coach to help out his image. I assume that was why he was on the show, so he could try to be likable like Favre and Peyton Manning.

How about them Skins? It was clear who wanted to win more last night. If the Redskins make the playoffs, they'll have a lot of people rooting for them and they'll be like last year's Saints.

Happy holidays, everyone.

December Issue of Afterburn SF Is Live

2007-12-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

The December issue of Afterburn SF came out this morning and is chocked full of action. Stories on the site are

The Unicorn Problem by Joanne Hall
Jastice by Anthony Kendall
The Shadow by Douglas Kolacki
The Drunken Thinbeard by Jonathan S. Pembrook
Chatter Me Timbers by Lindsey Duncan
Barrier by John Kratman

Read them all at http://www.afterburnsf.com.

NFL Week 15

2007-12-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

What unselfish play by Brian Westbrook! Unfortunately it was all for nought after the Vikings eliminated the Eagles from the playoffs yesterday. I don't know about the Giants. With Shockey's season-ending injury and a bad case of team dropsies, I don't see how they can go far in the playoffs. It's not all Eli's fault.

I see Adrian Peterson took over as Nike's spokesman. That was Vick's job before. I saw where the NFL fined several Falcon players for supporting Vick. I guess the league doesn't want to support criminals.

Can the Patriots be stopped? I don't think so. The only thing left is to see whether Brady gets injured trying to go undefeated and breaking Peyton Manning's TD record.

NFL Week 14

2007-12-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

All the games I watched this weekend and Monday were all blowouts. The only thing of interest was Vick's sentence. I knew he'd get more time than the others, but I still think he got off easy. I thought for sure he'd get 36 months. After last night I don't think we'll hear about Vick much again, except when the new recruits come in next year and Vick is used as an example of what not to do. With Vick out of the way, the Pro Bowl roster should be interesting because he was a shoo-in each year. Favre should make it, as should Romo for the NFC.

Looks like the Patriots will go undefeated and have a great shot at another Super Bowl. I'm willing to guarantee victory for the Pats against the Dolphins. I wonder if the Steelers' Smith will agree. That Jets-Patriots game will be real interesting. I'm sure there'll be some hard hitting on the field, maybe even on the sidelines. The Giants better bring their A game, but I don't think Eli has matured enough as a QB to win that sort of game yet.

NFL Week 13

2007-12-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the Ravens blew their chance to beat the Patriots. They had 'em and kicked it in the weeds. I can see why Boller is a backup. Chad Pennington would be great in Baltimore. It's obvious he'll never be a starter for the Jets again, so why not go there? He's been to the playoffs and has winning experience.

I hate to admit it, but Jack Del Rio was right to get rid of Leftwich. I don't think he ever really recovered from that injury at Marshall, who BTW, is not in a bowl game. Maybe if Snyder spent more time coaching instead of being a grand marshall in an eastern Kentucky Christmas parade, perhaps the Herd would have had a chance to win more than three games.

Eli pulled out that win Sunday, but I still don't think he's improved enough. He's dangerously close to being a backup if he keeps that sort of play up. You can't always bounce back at the end and we know how tough a New York market is, right Chad?

However, Peyton keeps rolling along. I wonder when Marvin Harrison will be back. No one's said that I've heard.

Short Story Published & NFL Week 12

2007-11-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

My short story "Cameo Girl" is in issue 2 of 7th Dimension Magazine. Purchasing information can be found at http://www.newtonshair.com/7thdimension.

RIP Sean Taylor. What a horrible tragedy! There's too much crime in this country and I think it's because of lack of good employment opportunities. The high-paying industrial jobs have almost all gone overseas and now the US is divided into 'haves' and 'have nots'. Just look at the Christmas ads on TV - it's mostly either Wal-Mart or Lexus. When will America get tired of the rich getting richer? Can anyone really do anything about it at this point?

The Packers and Lions game lived up to the Thanksgiving hype, but the others were blowouts. I'm so pissed at not getting NFL Network. I'm going to miss one of the best NFC matchups of the year.

Eli Manning is too inconsistent for the New York market. If Chad Pennington was canned, what's keeping Eli afloat? The Manning name?

The Eagles are a better team than I thought. I'd rather see them in the playoffs instead of the Giants.

NFL Week 11

2007-11-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

Can the Patriots be stopped? At this point I don't think so. Shame about Spygate. That will surly tarnish the team's legacy.

Ta ta ta ta! The Bungles are back in all their nonglory. All that's left is the fans wearing paperbags. Cinci just can't seem to get it going. Look at the Browns. It's unbelievable that they're playoff contenders.

Dallas is for real. I wish they played Green Bay Thursday. Detriot and the Packers should be good though.

Vince Young and Jay Cutler played well last night. Vince is the new Vick without the stripes. I'm still shocked Vick went to jail before Thanksgiving. Doesn't say much for his family's support of him, his doing that. I sure would want to spend my last holiday for a while with loved ones.

NFL Week 10

2007-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Looks like the Packers and Cowboys are the best in the NFC. I predict they'll be one and two seeds, depending on who wins Thanksgiving Day. That'll be the best turkey day game in years. With the Lions imploding, the wildcard spots are more cloudy. The Giants should have one, the Lions too, if they can keep winning. If not, maybe the Eagles or Redskins can take it.

Speaking of imploding, what about those Colts? They've turned to road apples before my very eyes. Injuries can do that. I don't know who's better now, Vanderjagdt, or Vinetteri. Seems like if you go to the Colts as a kicker you go downhill. I don't know if the Colts can hobble into the playoffs or not, since the AFC is such a tough conference. Both the Jags and Titans are on their heels and other teams have good records; even the Browns have a shot. I predict the Steelers will win their division as well as the Patriots (duh). The AFC South is a toss-up between three good teams at this point, while the AFC West is a three way toss-up of three mediocre teams, meaning just one of those will probably be in the playoffs there.

The Niners need to replace Alex Smith, in my opinion. He seems to be getting worse as time goes on, not better. The season is a wash for them.

Two Poems in Star*Line and NFL Comments

2007-11-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

My poems, both haiku, "retirement party" and "electric eel" are in the Sept./Oct. 2007 issue of Star*Line. You can find out ordering information at http://www.sfpoetry.com.

Looks like the Pats are for real. The 1972 undefeated Dolphin team should be worried - they might not be the only undefeated team after this season. Is it me, or does Peyton Manning have a tendency to choke at the end, especially when playing the Patriots? He's lost several games because of interceptions near the end of games.

Injuries have pretty much ended the Broncos' season. I'm not sure if Jay Cutler will be back, but at least he got some publicity from being on the animated cartoon South Park this week.

I think they should keep the lights off during NBC's Football Night in America. The broadcasters looked so much better. There's only so much makeup can do to cover wrinkles, not that I'm super young myself, but I'm not on TV.

NFL Week 8 and Publication News

2007-10-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

I found out my poem "When We Were Wealthy" was published in August in issue four of The Written Word Magazine. It won third place in the Living in Oblivion category in the 2005 Kentucky State Poetry Society Contest. You can read it at http://www.rebeldawncf.com/writtenword/august2007/when.htm. Also my review of Kim Paffenroth's zombie book Dying to Live is up in the Fall 2007 issue of Noneuclidean Cafe, just in time for Halloween. You can read it at http://www.noneuclideancafe.com/vol3_issue1_Fall2007/reviews.htm#Newman.

Sadly the Jets benched Chad Pennington. I guess he just couldn't overcome those shoulder injuries because he was great years ago. I hope he can heal up some more and start again somewhere. However, Brett Favre was great as usual last night, winning the game in a long TD pass. It's a joy watching him play.

I saw the Redskins and Patriots game Sunday. I agree with the opinions given on ESPN last night that the Pats shouldn't have run up the score. The game was won in the first half. It will be interesting to see if defensive players now gun for Brady's knees in future run ups. That gave the Steelers a Superbowl win when Carson Palmer was knocked out with a knee injury. It's obvious Brady's going for Peyton Manning's season TD record.

Review in The Dream People, Second Place, and NFL Comments

2007-10-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

My review of "The Anthology of Spam Poetry", edited by Morton Hurley, is in the 28th issue of The Dream People at http://www.dharlanwilson.com/dreampeople/issue28/reviewanthologyspam.html.

I also won second place in the Heartland Review Prize in the 2007 Kentucky State Poetry Society Contest for my poem "Sense of Loss".

Now for the NFL. Brett Favre just keeps on going. I wish I knew where his fountain of youth is. I need it.

The Eagles have landed, but in a pile of poop. I think I can safely say they're out of the playoffs. Their division is just too talented this year.

The Chad Pennington bashing continues on Football Night in America. I hope they're ignored. The Jets' recent loss certainly wasn't all on Chad, plus he had over a 100 QB rating. I think those NBC people have made a snap judgment on Pennington and nothing he's ever going to do will ever be good enough. They're now trying to vindicate themselves before people go over to FOX's OT in droves, if they haven't already. Tiki Barber comes off as a smug know-it-all, in my opinion, and the others sit there like wet noodles.

The ESPN crew is better this year, but Russell Crow was super boring last night. I only wish they had gotten him out of the booth earlier.

NFL Week 4

2007-10-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Got a late start this week, so I'm combining Sunday's and Monday's games. Congrats to Brett Favre for breaking the NFL touchdown record. I saw that game and he's made a surgence in his career. He looks a lot like the Brett of old. Hopefully he'll play for a few more years.

Slippng Brian Griese in didn't do the Bears any good. There's a reason he's been a backup for most of his ten years in the league. You can officially write them off for the season.

The Chargers ran out of juice. It's hard to believe that coaching can make that big of a difference in a team, but appartently it's true. I bet Marty's laughing up his sleeves. Who in their right mind fires a coach with a 14-2 record? I can see why Keith had the Charger administration as the worst people in the NFL. Those people need to get new jobs, because they just flushed the franchise for the year.

MNF Week 3

2007-09-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the Aints came marching in last night, complete with a fan covering his face with his shirt. All that was missing were the paper bags. Do quarterbacks have expiration dates, like milk? It seems some are great one year and stink the next, never to return to their former glory. Drew Brees was a Probowl player last year and now he can't seem to throw enough interceptions. I hope it's temporary like Brett Favre, but I don't know. Maybe there was a good reason San Diego kept Phillip Rivers.

I alway liked Vince Young, especially after seeing him in the Rose Bowl playing for the national championship. I'm not surprised at his success. However, last night was not a do-over of that Rose Bowl game. That was the NFL, not college, and most of the players from then are at home, their playing days long behind them. It's just like I said before - those California players are mostly overrated - just ask Kurt Warner who came back to play by replacing Matt Leinhart and Marvin Lewis who's watching the slow return of the Bungles. Did they ever leave, or were they lost in the California hype? Time will tell.

NFL Week 3

2007-09-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Niners aren't there yet. The Steelers rolled over them yesterday with a healthy Ben Roelisbeger. The Steelers seem to be the ones to beat in their division. The defense did a great job containing Frank Gore.

The Giants won when they needed to. The defense stepped up in the second half over the Redskins who wore an early seventies throwback uniform. Way better looking than the Eagles' early thirties uniforms - ugly, but not so much as to make them the worst person in the NFL on the NBC SNF halftime show. I still think that segment is a bad idea what with that goofy red phone that reminds me of the Power Puff girls' phone with the clown head being that Keith guy's noggin. He sure looks foolish enough in that segment to be a clown, in my opinion.

What about them Cowboys? They're the team to beat in the NFC. I don't think the Bears will be in the playoffs this year because of the massive injuires in the defense and the inconsistency of Rex Grossman. The Bears really need to draft a QB next year. What about Andre Woodson of UK? The Wildcats are awesome this year, unlike the dundering turd of Marshall who'll be lucky to win one game this year.

New Issue ol Afterburn SF Live

2007-09-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

The September issue of Afterburn SF went live on September 17, 2007. Stories in this issue are:

Twenty-One by Michael Merriam
These Arms, and Her by Rupert Merkin
The White Devils by Jason Gross
Forever Underfoot by Larry Hodges
Heirloom by Nyki Blatchley
Battle Brothers by Sarah Wagner
Joyriders by Chris Ward
Eee by Jonathan C. Gillespie
Plague Chalice by Christine Lucas
Belvedere's House by Daniel I. Russell

Check them out at http://www.afterburnsf.com.

MNF Week 2

2007-09-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

I liked Charles Barkley in the booth last night. Not only was he entertaining, he had interesting insight on Philadelphia fans. According to him, if the Eagles don't win, McNabb is in trouble. I agree it's not fair. Don't get me wrong, I have no problems blaming QBs; just read my past posts. However, I don't think McNabb is to blame this time. Last week it was special teams. Andy Reid took care of that. Now it's the defense, so porous as to allow huge runs by Clinton Portis, and the receivers dropping balls that was to blame last night. Randy Moss should be in Philadelphia. His playing for the Patriots is like greasing a fat hog in the ass - totally unnecessary. The Patriots won three Super Bowls without him. The Eagles only got there through a big-name receiver, T.O.

I noticed Sunday that Randy Moss said he was from Rand University, not Marshall University. Rand was a playoff on his hometown, Rand, WV. I can see why he didn't mention Marshall - it's a paperbag (over your head) season, yet again. Snyder has had three years to get Marshall winning again. Instead he insists on playing Morris who can't lead a winning team. The NFL even looked at a QB that the coach never even played. What does that say about his talent assessment skills? Snyder had his chance. Time to find a new coach next year.

NFL Week 2

2007-09-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Bengals are bungling again. How they could beat the Ravens last week and then blow it with Cleveland is unbelievable. Carson Palmer couldn't get it done. Looks likes he's been a bit overrated unlike Ben Rothlisburger, who shone in the Steelers' win over the Bills. The Bills need a new QB, in my opinion. Losman hasn't done the job. How many more chances can he get?

Brett Favre is hot. I'm glad Eli played, although I didn't see that game. I watched the Cowboys and the Dolphins. The Dolphins have never recovered since Dan Marino retired. I saw some of the Bears and Chiefs game. What's up with KC? They used to be a playoff team. Herm Edwards is a good coach, at least at the Jets. They have talent, so you wonder.

The Patriots' cheating scandal rocked the NFL this week, even making NBC Nightly News. Various opinions were given Sunday night on the fines, but one important aspect was never discussed - Belichick's Hall of Fame chances now that he's been labeled a cheater. Before this week he was a shoo-in. Now, who knows? Michael Irving was very grateful to have gotten in as he mentioned in his induction speech, for things he did wrong after he left the game. Belichick accepted responsiblity for spying while as a coach. Maybe that's why Goodell didn't suspend him. If Belichick had gotten suspended, that could really ruin his Hall of Fame chances. If Coach Belichick does eventually get voted in, the Pete Rose debate will soar, even if it's baseball and not the NFL. If one so-called cheater gets in a hall of fame, why not Rose who just bet on games?

MNF Week 1

2007-09-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Bengals got lucky last night. They blew most of their opportunities and fortunately held out on a goal line stand. That Chad Johnson celebration wasn't much. Like Tony I expected more from the hype. Congrats to ESPN for getting rid of the 'Tony Tony Tony' email segment. The show was much better for it. The Ryan and Julia Parker video from Flatwoods was great. They're not far from where I live. The local paper had a small article about it. Evidently he's a song writer and has his own website.

The second game was a yawner. Matt Leinhart, I feel, is overrated, like a good number of the California players hyped by sports media. The SEC doesn't get the respect it deserves. Frank Gore wasn't shown to potential last night, but I don't believe it's his fault. Alex Smith to me seemed mediocre. The Cards need a bigger offensive line. Those players looked like receivers to me. They need more bulk.

NFL Week 1

2007-09-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

That Brett Favre can still play. He made something out of nothing several times yesterday. It looks to be a long season for the Eagles - their special team was far from special; it was downright awful, so much so it cost them the game. One bright point was that Donovan McNabb looked good.

I expected a more exciting game from the Chargers and Bears. The Bears looked lackluster on offense. Seems like sending their running back to the Jets was a mistake. I hope Chad Pennington is OK. I agreed with Keith Sunday night. The Jet fans were the worst for cheering Chad for being hurt. That's just plain mean in anyone's book. I can see why now why Tiki won't come back.

Paging Byron Leftwhich, paging Byron Leftwich, the Falcons need you. He'd certainly be an improvement over Joey Harrington. At least Byron won football games, even with the ankle injury.

Eli Manning looked great last night. It's a shame he was injured, sadly along with other Giants. It's going to be a long season for them. I'm predicting you can kiss Coughlin goodbye in February. I hope the Bills' TE recovers from surgery. It's terrible to have such a horrible neck injury.

Wade Phillips had a good debut. Romo also looked sharp, focusing on football instead of Carrie Underwood. Maybe after Jerry Jones pays him, they can date again.

NFL Season Opening

2007-09-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Cotls came to play and it showed. It seemed like the Saints weren't conditioned enough to last the entire game. I missed Pink singing the opening song, although Faith Hill did a good job.

If I were Toyota, I'd demand a refund. During the halftime show Ford ads dissing Toyotas ran. It looked more like the Ford halftime show. The guys at halftime were like limp dishrags. They hung around making limpid comments. The worst man in the NFL segment was poor. The obvious choice there was Michael Vick. I dread that part now each week.

Two Reviews and Poem Published

2007-09-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

My reviews of the IDW Publishing comic books Spike: Old Times and Spike: Lost & Found are in issue 12 of Night To Dawn. You can buy a copy of the magazine at http://www.bloodredshadows.com.

My poem (haiku) "rings of Saturn" is in the July/August 2007 issue of Star*Line. You can buy a copy of the magazine at http://www.sfpoetry.com.

MNF Preseason Week 3

2007-08-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

As expected everything was Michael Vick oriented. I watched the pregame show starting at 7 pm and saw Vick's appology in its entirety. He seemed remorseful - apparently to me that he got caught and his football career's in jeopardy. What threw me off was his use of the Jesus card so soon. He sputtered words and no action. He didn't offer to help dogs and animal shelters. Also the appology seemed rehearsed to me. You see, I write this blog from my head and go over in my head before I sit down what I want to say. Vick's speech seemed like that to me. He's smart enough to do that. He didn't get caught dogfighting for about six years. The only reason he was caught was that his cousin was being investigated and that property was searched and dogs were found.

On to football. Joey Harrington looked good, forturnately for the Falcons. The Bengals still need work. Hopefully they'll be ready for the season.

SNF Preseason Week 3

2007-08-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to appologize to ABC. As I found out from sfscope.com, the network did air "The Departed" Saturday night. It just wasn't shown locally. I didn't know that the local stations had the power not to air programs. According to the review I missed the best episode. Figures.

Now on to football. The Eagle defense was as porous as swiss cheese. The Steelers ran rough shod over them. Ben seeens to have recovered and McNabb looked ready for the season. However, the best play of the evening belonged to Jerome Bettis. That was so clever how he got his book plugged by the halftime show mentioning his not revealing an injury so he could keep playing. The drug selling comment is sure to boost sales too. Everyone likes an overcoming a bad environment story. Unfortunately the fallout will probably be players being checked more for injuries and the key players demanding a guaranteed contract, while the rest are screwed. Such is business, I suppose.

I'm Totally Pissed

2007-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. When I turned on Masters of Science Fiction last night, I found the movie Ray instead. What happened? I was really looking forward to seeing Harlan Ellison's The Departed. I hate it when the networks cancel shows without warning like what happed to Pirate Master, although that show was extremely boring and needed to go, unlike the science fiction series. I wonder if a DVD of all eight taped shows will be sold (only four were to air).

NFL Preseason Week 3

2007-08-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

What a shame about Donald Driver. At least ESPN said the injury didn't seem serious. The Packers looked sharp Thursday and Favre can still play. He's a real asset to the team. People will pay to see him play. A bad asset is Michael Vick who was suspended without pay and signed a document saying he killed dogs. As an animal lover, I wouldn't pay to see Vick play again, but I'd love to see Brett. You know, I've actually never seen an NFL game in person. I came close back in 1997 for a Bengals and Cowboys game, but it didn't pan out.

Leftwich looked shaky. I hope he works out the kinks in time for the regular season, because David Gerrard looked pretty good.

Congrats to Tom Brady for his new son. I was surprised to see him play yesterday. I would have expected him gone, not Randy Moss. The Pats looked good, but the Panthers seemed to be in trouble.

MNF Preseason Week 2

2007-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

The game was overshadowed by the breaking news that Michael Vick's going to plead guilty to the dogfighting charges. I can't say I'm surprised. My opinion is that he'll never play again. Even if he survives prison where his knees could be targeted for attack daily, fans won't pay to see him play again. All you would think about is him killing dogs and puppies. It's all about the Benjamins and I can't see an owner risking empty stadiums for Vick, regardless of how talented he is. I saw in the paper today where an Atlanta animal shelter is using donated Vick jerseys for dog beds and cleaning rags.

As for the game itself, Peyton was as gracious and good as ever. I enjoyed the Tony segment on Manning's banquet with the queen. It was the first time I had seen his wife. Grossman looks the same as last year, which isn't good if the Bears want to win the Superbowl.

SNF Preseason Week 2

2007-08-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

There's always been the debate on whether to have preseason or not. In the Giants' case, they might vote no after last night - four players were injured. Injuries can kill a season and I'm not sure how these will affect the team. On a positive note, Eli Manning looked good and the rumor is that Straham will return. The Giants also learned the downside of a retired player joining the media. Tiki Barber's comments, although truthful, made Eli look boyish. Good thing Barber's retired or he wouldn't be welcome back in any NFL locker room like he predicted if Vick rolls over on an NFL player during the dogfighting investigation. Evidently loyalty is important and Tiki's retired along with him.

The game itself was long and boring due to the penalties. I almost thought I was watching a Raiders' game.

NFL Preseason Saturday Week 2

2007-08-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

CBS did a better job this week. Phil Simms was in the booth, but Gumbal was gone. He was replaced by Ian Eagle, who did a good job. The booth was both professional and informative with awesome graphics, but it was obvious Simms carried the booth. Even though there was no side reporter, it wasn't missed. At least the players weren't forced to stare at the camera like deer in the headlights like last week. Only one player miked up, Rivers, and he was comfortable on camera. On a CBS note, I wish they'd get Dion "Prime Time" Sanders back. He was very entertaining on the pregame show plus a snazzy dresser. I watch FOX's pregame in the fall for the entertainment value, since the contents are similar on both stations.

Both the Rams and Chargers looked good. I like Marc Bulger. He played college at WVU and his sister started on the women's basketball team. He deserved the money he received.

The Chargers can win the Superbowl this year, barring injury. Norv Turner's a great coach. Dan Snyder shouldn't have dumped him from the Skins. The owner was too impatient. One more year and the Skins would have been set.

It's my opinion that a starting QB needs to have at least a 60% completion percentage. According to the stats given last night, both Garrard and Leftwich had only 59%. Leftwich better step it up.

NFL Preseason - Thursday and Friday Week 2

2007-08-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is I didn't see Thursday's game. There was a terrible storm and I lost power. Lightning struck about every six seconds for over an hour. The good news is that I missed those insipid Tony emails on ESPN.

I did, however, see Friday's game of the Jets vs. Vikings. Adrian Peterson was as good as advertised. What a talented back! For all the good I saw from the Vikes, the Jets were the polar opposite. The black and white cat was in the end zone longer than they were. Chad Pennington was awful, not because of arm strength, but because of bad decisions. I'm so tired of people ragging on that. I saw him play in Marshall games and he had no trouble throwing deep balls to Randy Moss. I hope he pulls out of his slump, although the run was good. I really admire Chad as both a player and person - total class unlike some QBs, like one in the dogfighting mess.

I saw on my soap, Guiding Light, where Kim Zimmer is a Jets' fan. At least she and I will be rooting for Chad and for the vast improvement the team needs before the start of the season.

MNF Preseason Week 1

2007-08-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

MNF last night was a mixed bag. ESPN gets kudos for muzzling Kornheiser during the broadcast to where the program had some respectability and professionalism. However, that inane 'Tony Tony Tony' email segment was still there, after the two minute warning of each half. Most of those questions were stupid and distracting. At least they didn't interrupt the plays on the field.

I hope the San Francisco defense gets better by the start of the season, or the team threw away millions of dollars on those pricey players since the tackling was gawd-awful. Both young QBs looked good.

I appreciated the straight skinny on Michael Vick's case. With two more defendents potentially biting the dust, I venture to guess that Vick probably isn't far behind. A real tragedy, actually. Vick was a Hall-of-Fame QB. What a waste. Now he's just prepping for the Fall of Fame.

Preseason SNF Week 1

2007-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

What a difference two days can make! Al and John have done it again. I really enjoyed the professional and informative broadcast of Sunday Night Football on NBC. Cheap it wasn't. Even part of the Football Night in America crew was there for the halftime show. I learned that the challenge rule changed because Seattle was allowed two challenges after winning the first one. Last year the coach had to win both challenges before getting the third. The elephant in the room wasn't ignored - Michael Vick looks to be gone for the season. Now that's news that the fans want to hear since it is the top preseason story.

Speaking of the Football Night crew, I disagree with one of The Bus' fantasy running back picks - Frank Gore. No way would I select a player injured for my fantasy team, if I played. For the past several years I participated on a message board where we picked the winning NFL teams each week and I always made my picks based on the injury of key players. It was successful - I was right more than 60% of the time, better than Frank the comic on Fox a lot of the time.

I agreed with Cris Collinsworth for the most part. He missed the field goal on the Panthers though. They're on the decline with aging stars. Tampa looks best there. Also I'm not sure about the Steelers and if Big Ben is over the motorcycle wreck yet. He sure wasn't last year. The Ravens look good and the Bengals are contenders. I give Cris kudos for not mentioning the Browns. How appropriate a name - brown like dog poo, because if the coach is choosing the starting QB based on a coin flip, the team's morale will be low and I can't see them winning. I'm also not sure about the Jags winning their division. They have a shot and I like Leftwich, being a Marshall alum and all, but the Titans really rocked at the end of last season and played better than the Jags. Also the Colts might have lost too much talent to free agency and the injury in practice to a defensive star isn't going to help them, so Cris has a point there.

NFL Preseason Week 1

2007-08-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

So far the highlight of the NFL preseason was the cockroach placed on Tony Romo's jersey. They sure grow 'em big in Texas, and I don't just mean a QB's arm.

The Fox broadcast was OK, even though I wanted to see the Colts' Superbowl ring and much better than CBS that went on the cheap with two relatively no-name announcers, no sideline reporters, and little statistical graphics. As I'm saying, the roach rules.

I don't want to forget the elephant. The elephant of Michael Vick. No one had the guts to talk about him. Maybe they don't want to fight each other in a dirt ring either.

Review in Dark Discoveries Issue 10

2007-08-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

My review of the vampire novel A Drop of Scarlet by Jemiah Jefferson is in issue 10 of the magazine Dark Discoveries. You can buy a copy at http://www.darkdiscoveries.com.

Story in Flashshot Daily Genre Flash Fiction

2007-07-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

My short story "How to Tell When the Honeymoon's Over" is up at Flashshot Daily Genre Flash Fiction at http://www.gwthomas.org/dailyflashshot.htm.

NFL Blues

2007-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

I got the NFL blues. I read in the TV Guide where the Hall of Fame game is being televised by the NFL network, which I don't get and apparently not a lot of other people do either according to the article. That game was the traditional start of the season for me and now I've been screwed. That network started taking games away last season. I live where the channel isn't offered so what am I to do? At least I'm better off than the Atlanta Falcons fans who've been screwed out of their whole season and not just a few games because Michael Vick struck again. I guess giving that girl genital herpes (according to Fox Sports News last year) wasn't enough. He had to be involved in dog fights according to the courts. I know he's supposed to be assumed innocent, but come on. Thirteen dog bodies were found on his property. They didn't bury themselves. I sure would know if anyone were digging around in my yard. The choice is easy - the NFL suspended Pacman Jones and should do the same for Vick. The player's position shouldn't be a factor, in my opinion.

July Issue of Afterburn SF is Live

2007-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

The July issue of Afterburn SF is now up. The TOC is:

Three Perspectives on the Role of the Anarchists in the Zombie Apocalypse by Ben Burgis
Of Kate, and Love, and the Faraway Door by Steven Pirie
The Dragon Chain by Scott Almes
Zaftig the Magnificent by Hank Quense
Taming Kitty by Timothy Mulcahy
The Hiss of Death by Ian Whates
The Throne of Skulls by Stephanie Bedwell-Grime
Firestorm by Stephanie Bonvissuto

Check them out at http://www.afterburnsf.com.

A Sad Day

2007-07-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

I had to put my cat, Fluffy Buddy, to sleep today. She had kidney failure and was over 14 years old. She was a wonderful pet.

ChemICKals Now Available Through Shocklines

2007-07-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

You can now buy ChemICKals through Shocklines at http://shocklines.stores.yahoo.net/chhopobkalne.html. Please pick up a copy today. Thanks.

Happy 4th Everyone

2007-07-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

Have a great holiday everyone!

In a sadder note, I saw where Cthulhu Sex Magazine is closing down. I'm glad to be in their last issue and wish them the best.

Poem Up at The Written Word

2007-07-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

My poem "At the Funeral" is now up at The Written Word. You can read it at http://www.rebeldawncf.com/writtenword/june/atthefuneral.htm.

Short Story in Sinister Tales

2007-06-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

My short story "Descension" is in Sinister Tales 2.2. You can purchase a copy of the magazine at http://darknessproductions.com/orderst.htm.

Short Story Published

2007-06-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

My short story "Time for a Change" is up at Flashshot Daily Genre Flash Fiction at http://www.gwthomas.org/dailyflashshot.htm.

Three Poems in Star*Line

2007-06-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Three of my haiku, "floating asteroids", "opening the box", and "super computers" are in the May/June 2007 issue of Star*Line. You can buy a copy through the Science Fiction Poetry Association at http://www.sfpoetry.com.

Interviewed by Marva Dasef

2007-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Marva Dasef interviewed me on her blog today. Read it at http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/2007/06/karen-newman-mistress-of-dark.html

My Second Poetry Collection ChemICKals Is Out

2007-06-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

ChemICKals is fresh off the press and ready for order from the publisher, Naked Snake Press, at http://www.nakedsnakepress.com. It contains fifty previously unpublished horror poems.

Congrats To Guiding Light

2007-06-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

My favorite soap opera, Guiding Light, won two Emmys last night - best writing and best drama. I wasn't surprised. The show is the best it's been in years. I was disappointed that Tom Pelphry didn't win. He's a phemoninal actor. He left the show, but appeared recently on Numb3ers.

Poetry Judge and Sponsor

2007-05-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row I'm sponsoring and judging the Speculative Poem category in the Kentucky State Poetry Society Contest. To enter go to http://www.kystatepoetrysociety.org and click on the contest link. All the information is available in a two-page PDF download. The deadline to enter is June 30, 2007. Good luck everyone.

Blood Ties

2007-05-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

I watched the season finale of Blood Ties last night on Lifetime. A good show, one I hope will be back. Yesterday's plot went full circle to the demon that appeared in the first episode. Everything was the same but the chalices. You see, I know where the props came from - The Pyramid Collection catalogue's gothic goblets. I have all four of them. The problem was, I don't believe they didn't use the same chalice in the first episode as they did last night. The reaper one was used first and then a dragon one - an error caught on my big-screen TV. It proves you have to pay attention to detail, an unfortunately declining art form these days.

New Job and Interview

2007-05-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

On May 1, 2007 I was promoted to editor of Afterburn SF and have been busy ever since reading submissions. I've bought one, held one, and asked for two rewrites, not counting the rejections.

On May 11, 2007 I was interviewed by Authors of MySpace. You can read it at http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=103409704&blogID=2635653268MyToken=e21a823d-a7a2-4c7a-845f-440048cb2310

Today is Limerick Day. Celebrate by buying the anthology I helped edit, Appalling Limericks, at http://www.genremall.com

New Issue of Afterburn SF is Live

2007-04-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Nat Thompson of Obsidian River has taken over as chief editor of Afterburn SF and I remained as horror editor, although I helped with all the stories this month. The new issue went live today and features stories from Stephen Patrick ("Amnesty"), Michael Merriam ("Red for Revenge"), Billy Wong ("The Darkmount Trilogy"), and David North-Marino ("Graven Image"). Read them at http://www.afterburnsf.com

Afterburn SF now pays $30 for a story. See the guidelines on the site. I look forward to reading your submissions.

NFL Draft

2007-04-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

I watched some of the NFL draft coverage on ESPN. I wasn't surprised to see LSU quarterback JaMarkus Russell picked first by Oakland. They need a QB badly. I was surprised about Troy Smith's absence. He won the Heismann at Ohio State and he seems to have disappeared from contention. I wonder what happened to him.

Brady Quinn wasn't in the first five - not a shock. I wasn't that impressed with him. He'll have a hard time, I think, at NFL speed games.

Virginia Tech Massacre

2007-04-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

I heard with shock and horror about the shooting at Virginia Tech today. As of now, thirty-one died and more are in the hospital. It's been dubbed the most deadly shooting in the U.S.

This especially touches me because I attended Virginia Tech my freshman year at college. I had classes at Norris Hall, where some of the shooting took place. I didn't stay in the dorm involved in the incident, though. I lived in Campbell and Slusher (not the tower) Halls.

I feel for the community. May God confort them. Blacksburg is a small town; the university is the heart of the area. What a tragedy! Hokie, hokie, hokie, cry.

Death of a Daffodil

2007-04-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

It snowed here yesterday, about half an inch. All the daffodils died in our front yard. One was lying prone on the sidewalk, appropriate considering it was Good Friday. It wasn't dried up; it was still a vibrant yellow, an Easter message if ever there was one. Happy Easter everyone, especially to my Christian friends.

Tri-Paw at the Vet

2007-04-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Whew, I'm worn out. I had to take Tri-Paw, my eleven year old cat, to the vet for his shots and a check-up. He cried all the way out there. He'd been shedding like crazy, coughing up massive hairballs, and pooping periodically on the living room floor, so he was prescribed some hairball medicine. At least it wasn't something more serious. To top it off, he whizzed in the carrier on the way home. The joys of pet ownership.

Now, I have to take the other one next month. Sigh.

Poem in Beyond Centauri

2007-04-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

My poem "Genetic Erector Set" is in the April 2007 issue of Beyond Centauri. You can buy a copy at http://www.genremall.com

List of 2006 Stoker Award Winners

2007-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the official press release of the 2006 Bram Stoker Award winners. Congrats to all.

For immediate release:

Horror Writers Association celebrates 2006 Stoker winners At long last, the anticipation is over. The Horror Writers Association has announced the winners of the 2006 Bram Stoker Awards at its annual Stoker Banquet held tonight as part of the World Horror Convention in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ten new bronze haunted-house statuettes were handed over to the writers responsible for creating superior works of horror last year.

This year’s winners are:

Superior Achievement in a NOVEL LISEY’S STORY by Stephen King (Scribner)

Superior Achievement in a FIRST NOVEL GHOST ROAD BLUES by Jonathan Maberry (Pinnacle)

Superior Achievement in LONG FICTION DARK HARVEST by Norman Partridge (Cemetery Dance)

Superior Achievement in SHORT FICTION “Tested” by Lisa Morton (Cemetery Dance magazine #55)

Superior Achievement in an ANTHOLOGY (Tie) RETRO PULP TALES by Joe R. Lansdale (Subterranean); and MONDO ZOMBIE by John Skipp (Cemetery Dance)

Superior Achievement in a COLLECTION DESTINATIONS UNKNOWN by Gary A. Braunbeck (Cemetery Dance)

Superior Achievement in NONFICTION (Tie) FINAL EXITS: THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HOW WE DIE by Michael Largo (Harper); and GOSPEL OF THE LIVING DEAD: GEORGE ROMERO’S VISIONS OF HELL ON EARTH by Kim Paffenroth (Baylor Press)
Superior Achievement in POETRY SHADES FANTASTIC by Bruce Boston (Gromagon Press)

Works can be recommended by any member of the HWA. Members with Active status then vote works onto a preliminary ballot. From there the field is narrowed to the final ballot and Active members choose the winners from that. The award is named for Bram Stoker, best known as the author of Dracula.

Deborah LeBlanc, HWA president, said, “As always, we began the Stoker process with hundreds of excellent titles receiving recommendations. Narrowing the field down is always difficult, but I’m confident we have once again rewarded the best the genre offered in 2006. Our winners are excellent writers who deserve all the recognition they’ve earned tonight.” HWA also presented its annual Lifetime Achievement Award and its Specialty Press Award. NAME, from Random House’s Toronto branch, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Thomas Harris, this year’s winner. The Specialty Press Award went to PS Publishing of East Yorkshire, England. Lisa Morton, HWA’s Stoker liaison, said it was good to have the Stoker banquet held in conjunction with the World Horror Convention again. “The World Horror organizers were fantastic to work with,” Morton said. “And it makes sense to award the Stokers during this convention since so many of the industry movers and shakers attend.”

A Review on Two Books in Noneuclidean Cafe

2007-03-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

My reviews of The Troublesome Amputee by John Edward Lawson and Shades Fantastic by Bruce Boston are up in the spring issue of Noneuclidean Cafe. You can read it at http://www.noneuclideancafe.com/issues/vol2_issue3_Spring2007/reviews.htm

Toodle-oo Tubby

2007-03-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tubby Smith is gone from UK. About time. Coaching is like preaching; after ten years, it's time to move on. I never liked that he played his son as a starter over other more talented players (in my opinion) and that the only national championship he won was with the players recruited by Rick Pitino. Here's hoping for a better season.

The NCAA tournament has been outstanding - close games. Great TV. Oregon is a better team than I thought. I wasn't surprised about Vandy though. That team had great defense.

New Editor Needed at Afterburn SF

2007-03-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Afterburn SF, an online magazine, is looking for a new chief editor to take over the zine. If you're interested, please email Carlton Brumbelow at editorNOSPAM@afterburnsf.com, taking out the NOSPAM first, and put New Editor Wanted in the subject line.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2007-03-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

May the wind always be blowing on your back.

First Publication Rights

2007-03-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

I recently read where a publishing company wanted people to submit chapters from their novels to be entered in a contest where they are voted upon online. The most popular one gets published. Beware! You'd better win because by doing this, you're giving away your first publication rights, meaning you can't sell the book later for real money. Professional writers never get involved in something like this. This would be OK if you weren't serious about a writing career.

March Madness

2007-03-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished filling out my brackets. I'm not in a pool, per se, but I am in a picking contest where I can win free mags. Oh, well. I was in one at work - we drew teams out of the hat at the sweet sixteen. I drew Kentucky and that's the year they won it all. That won't be the case this year. I have them beating Villanova, but losing to Kansas in the second round.

Funeral Bullies

2007-03-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm still pissed over what happened this morning. I took my dad to a local funeral home so he could sign the register and then go to work. Imagine my surprise when two men blocked the parking lot and asked if we were attending the funeral. "No, just the visitation," we said. Well, we were told we couldn't park in the plentiful spaces by the door (funeral goers only). I had to drop him off and park on the street a block away. I had to chase him down because he didn't know where I parked. Unbelievable that nowadays you have to bully people to attend a funeral. Doesn't say much for the popularity of the dead. Bad business model for the funeral home if you ask me. That's the last time I go to a visitation two hours before the funeral. I won't be bullied.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

2007-03-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

I read with dismay about the conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. However, I wasn't surprised. You see, the army now is made up of mainly poor people trying to get money for an education or have their only chance at a job. A government that canned Welfare likely isn't going to spend money on taking care of injured poor soldiers. Sadly, in my opinion, the rich congressmen probably use them as fodder to keep terrorists away from the rich folks that were targeted in 9/11. I'll change my view when the draft returns and rich sons and daughters fight like they did in WWII. I won't hold my breath, though.

ChemICKals Galley

2007-03-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

I got my galley copy for my upcoming poetry collection ChemICKals. The artwork by Donna and Alicia Burgess is fantastic, especially the cover. This book contains fifty of my previously unpublished horror poems. This is definitely for mature readers only. Stay tuned for more info.

I'm Now on MySpace

2007-02-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

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

New News Source

2007-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

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.

The Cat and the Garage

2007-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I backed out of the garage and pushed the button to the automatic garage door opener. The light flashed on and off and the door stood wiggling in suspension. I looked down and saw a neighborhood cat in the garage and then, apparently scared of the racket, rushed out. The door finally came down and we left to eat. The cat had obviously run in to get warm. I felt sorry for it - it had bad pet parents. The weather was too cold to have an animal outside. Poor thing was just trying to find shelter. If you have a pet, you have to take care of it, or don't have a pet at all. I have two cats and they never go outside. They eat the finest food and have lots of toys. The girl, Fluffy Buddy, is 14 and the boy, TriPaw, is 11. Both were discarded by others. He was hurt when and got him and he has three legs. She never adapted to other people and runs and hides at the doorbell. Both have long hair. They really appreciate being saved and are great pets. Instead of buying a fancy cat with papers, go to the shelter and get a stray. Don't forget to spay and neuter. You'll have a wonderful pet for years to come.

Figure Skating

2007-01-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

I watched the ladies figure skating championship yesterday for the first time in years. That Rachel Flat is someone to watch. She's only 14 and can really jump. She placed fifth and can be a star later, I think.

I knew Michelle Kwan was out this year - hip surgery. I was surprised about Sasha Cowen though - she didn't compete. She was last year's US ladies champion. Congrats to Kimmie. What an animated and athletic long program. Well deserved win.

Bill Parcells' Retirement

2007-01-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Bill Parcells announced his retirement. He's a Hall of Famer for sure.

What a mess for Dallas. Who's going to come in there with T.O.? Parcells made Romo. What'll happen to him now?

AFC & NFC Championship Games

2007-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a comeback! Peyton's erased all doubts about coming back in a big game. That must have been the best playoff game I've ever seen. I think the Colts can go all the way.

Congrats to the Bears. I didn't think they'd blow out the Saints like that. They'll need their A game in the Super Bowl to have a chance.

American Idol's at it again

2007-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

I watched some of American Idol last night. The show shows how desperate people are in this country. It's obvious most of those people had no talent, yet they tried out, some even losing their jobs. Why? Because it's their only shot at making any real money. You see, the unions are declining and they paid living wages to the average American. An example would be working in the labor gang at a steel mill. Back in the day, a guy could get out of high school, get on at the mill, and support his family on just one income. Now he's working for less than half that amount, taking account for inflation, with much less vacation.

The guy who taught singing should be unemployed soon. Let that be a lesson to any others. He was totally trashed last night, with the judges saying the students should get their money back. I bet he signed a document before auditioning saying he wouldn't sue. The girl superfan didn't fare any better. The music program she attended should fold too.

American Idol is great entertainment. A lot of people, I believe, love to see others humiliated and worse off than they are - makes them feel better about themselves. Hopefully they'll learn from what they see.

Emmons Jr. Fire

2007-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Please keep the survivors and the family of the nine victims in your prayers. For those of you who don't know, the Emmons Jr appartment building in Huntington, WV caught fire late Saturday, January 13, 2007. Nine people died, including three siblings and a seven year old child. You can send a check to the Red Cross and send it to Diaster Relief Fund, P. O. Box 467, Huntington, WV 25709.

NFL Divisional Playoffs

2007-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Colts have come to play this year. The defense has really manned up. But can Peyton Manning overcome the Patriots and go to the Super Bowl. I think the Colts have a shot. Manning is no longer trying to win it all by himself; the Colts are playing as a team right now whereas the Patriots depend on Tom Brady. That will be the difference maker. For me, the game is too close to call. If the Colts can stop Brady, they're in. If not, the Patriots get another Super Bowl ring because the AFC is a much stronger conference than the NFC.

The Seahawks played better than I thought, but in the end the Bears was the better team. The Saints, the new America's team in my book, beat the Eagles, surprising me. I think the Saints can go to the Super Bowl. The Bears will have to bring their A game to win, even at home.

Vote for Me at Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll

2007-01-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

The Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll is open until January 14, 2007. I've been nominated for an award in several categories, including poet, author, poem, horror short story, science fiction short story, romantic short story, editor, and nonfiction article. Please vote for me at http://www.critters.org/predpoll

NFL Wildcard Weekend

2007-01-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

What a change from last year! All the higher seeds won. No Cinderellas this year.

In championship football for-real teams step up to the plate like the Colts did Saturday. If their defense can keep playing like that, they could finally go to the Super Bowl.

I was shocked at how the Cowboys collapsed. The game was there for the taking. I'll go out on a limb and say the Seahawks have no shot next week to win - too many injuries.

Congrats to Chad Pennington for a great season. I noticed Sims and Nance didn't trash him for most of the game. What professionals! Chad needs more talent around him. If he were the Giants' quarterback, they'd be going to the Super Bowl.

Short Story Published in DemonMinds

2007-01-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

My short story "A White Christmas" is up at DemonMinds. You can read it at http://www.demonminds.com/tales/a_white_christmas.html. Be warned. It's an R-rated tale for violence.

Poems in Champagne Shivers and Appalling Limericks

2007-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

My poem "Burning Mad" is in the 2007 issue of Champagne Shivers. Also my poem "How a Pixie Lost her Boyfriend" is in the anthology Appalling Limericks where I was the associate editor. I worked with the great guys Scott Virtes (lead editor) and Ed Cox. You can buy both at The Genre Mall, http://www.genremall.com.

Bruised Truth and Fearsome Fiction

Coffin Hop

Great Site for Halloween

Where the Hell Have I Been?

NFL HOF Game and Favre

I'm Back, with a Fireworks Review

Super Bowl

Afterburn SF Changes Publishing Format

NFL Divisional Playoffs

NFL Wildcard Games

NFL Week 17

NFL Week 16

December Issue of Afterburn SF Is Live

NFL Week 15

NFL Week 14

NFL Week 13

Short Story Published & NFL Week 12

NFL Week 11

NFL Week 10

Two Poems in Star*Line and NFL Comments

NFL Week 8 and Publication News

Review in The Dream People, Second Place, and NFL Comments

NFL Week 4

MNF Week 3

NFL Week 3

New Issue ol Afterburn SF Live

MNF Week 2

NFL Week 2

MNF Week 1

NFL Week 1

NFL Season Opening

Two Reviews and Poem Published

MNF Preseason Week 3

SNF Preseason Week 3

I'm Totally Pissed

NFL Preseason Week 3

MNF Preseason Week 2

SNF Preseason Week 2

NFL Preseason Saturday Week 2

NFL Preseason - Thursday and Friday Week 2

MNF Preseason Week 1

Preseason SNF Week 1

NFL Preseason Week 1

Review in Dark Discoveries Issue 10

Story in Flashshot Daily Genre Flash Fiction

NFL Blues

July Issue of Afterburn SF is Live

A Sad Day

ChemICKals Now Available Through Shocklines

Happy 4th Everyone

Poem Up at The Written Word

Short Story in Sinister Tales

Short Story Published

Three Poems in Star*Line

Interviewed by Marva Dasef

My Second Poetry Collection ChemICKals Is Out

Congrats To Guiding Light

Poetry Judge and Sponsor

Blood Ties

New Job and Interview

New Issue of Afterburn SF is Live

NFL Draft

Virginia Tech Massacre

Death of a Daffodil

Tri-Paw at the Vet

Poem in Beyond Centauri

List of 2006 Stoker Award Winners

A Review on Two Books in Noneuclidean Cafe

Toodle-oo Tubby

New Editor Needed at Afterburn SF

Happy St. Patrick's Day

First Publication Rights

March Madness

Funeral Bullies

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

More Outside Cat Problems

ChemICKals Galley

I'm Now on MySpace

New News Source

Norv Turner at San Diego and Other News