Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Look what Grayson can do!
Yaay!!
He can ride all the way down my long parking lot and he can get started all on his own now!
Now we just need to work on turning and stopping...
..
Scathing.
Just ran across Rebecca Traister's peice on Sarah Palin on Salon.com. In a word: scathing.
Great quote (but the rest is well worth reading):
Me, neither. I can't wait for Thursday's debate.
.
Great quote (but the rest is well worth reading):
Sarah Palin is no wilting flower. She is a politician who took the national stage and sneered at the work of community activists. She boldly tries to pass off incuriosity and lassitude as regular-people qualities, thereby doing a disservice to all those Americans who also work two jobs and do not come from families that hand out passports and backpacking trips, yet still manage to pick up a paper and read about their government and seek out experience and knowledge.
When you stage a train wreck of this magnitude -- trying to pass one underqualified chick off as another highly qualified chick with the lame hope that no one will notice -- well, then, I don't feel bad for you.
When you treat women as your toys, as gullible and insensate pawns in your Big Fat Presidential Bid -- or in Palin's case, in your Big Fat Chance to Be the First Woman Vice President Thanks to All the Cracks Hillary Put in the Ceiling -- I don't feel bad for you.
When you don't take your own career and reputation seriously enough to pause before striding onto a national stage and lying about your record of opposing a Bridge to Nowhere or using your special-needs child to garner the support of Americans in need of healthcare reform you don't support, I don't feel bad for you.
When you don't have enough regard for your country or its politics to cram effectively for the test -- a test that helps determine whether or not you get to run that country and participate in its politics -- I don't feel bad for you.
When your project is reliant on gaining the support of women whose reproductive rights you would limit, whose access to birth control and sex education you would curtail, whose healthcare options you would decrease, whose civil liberties you would take away and whose children and husbands and brothers (and sisters and daughters and friends) you would send to war in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Russia and wherever else you saw fit without actually understanding international relations, I don't feel bad for you."
Me, neither. I can't wait for Thursday's debate.
.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Pew! Pew! Pew!
Actually, Amy Poehler's Katie Couric is masterful as well. It must be a great time to be an SNL writer - this shit's practically writing itself at this point.
Oh, and before you leave a snarky comment about how I'm "scared" of a cute, spunky conservative woman candidate, just ask yourself if you agree with her on dinosaurs. Be sure to add your support in your comments, mmmmmkay?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I'll be reading from Nights of Sin on Saturday
I just got offered an opportunity to read from Nights of Sin on Saturday the 27th at 2:00PM at ConText in Columbus.
(( Deep breath)).
I've never done a reading before. Ever. Can you tell I'm a mite nervous?
Just thinking about this brings up every time I've sat in a hotel room or convention room and listened to an author read aloud their work. I've listened to George R.R. Martin, Carl Sagan, Arthur C. Clarke, Mike Resnick and a slew of others, and now, at least in a very small way, it's my turn. This is one of those small, but significant things I always wanted to do with my life, and now I have the opportunity. Cheezy, I know, but for anyone that writes (or wants to write), I think you'll understand why I'm pumped.
So... what should I read? The opening chapter? Something else? If you've read the book and have a suggestion, email me or post a comment here and let me know. Please - no spoilers in your suggestion, if you'd be so kind.
See you at ConText this weekend I hope!
.
(( Deep breath)).
I've never done a reading before. Ever. Can you tell I'm a mite nervous?
Just thinking about this brings up every time I've sat in a hotel room or convention room and listened to an author read aloud their work. I've listened to George R.R. Martin, Carl Sagan, Arthur C. Clarke, Mike Resnick and a slew of others, and now, at least in a very small way, it's my turn. This is one of those small, but significant things I always wanted to do with my life, and now I have the opportunity. Cheezy, I know, but for anyone that writes (or wants to write), I think you'll understand why I'm pumped.
So... what should I read? The opening chapter? Something else? If you've read the book and have a suggestion, email me or post a comment here and let me know. Please - no spoilers in your suggestion, if you'd be so kind.
See you at ConText this weekend I hope!
.
From Creampuff to Conan the Barbarian
I know I promised no more political stuff, but... da-yum.
Once again: I'm proven wrong about Campbell Brown. When I used to see her on CNN, I had to struggle to keep awake. "Softball" was the least offensive of the nicknames I had for her.
Now she's more like Conan the Frickin' Barbarian. Whatever the hell they're slipping into Ms. Brown's water, I want some. Grrrrrrrrrrroowl!
Hopefully, her reaction below (televised just before President Bush's speech last night) is the "tip of the spear" and represents the first real flood-tide of change in the way the media's been asleep at the switch until, oh, about this time last month. From then until now we've gone from "Lipstickgate" to actual, substantial challenging of the day's events. You gotta love the call for an open and honest debate. DEBATE. Love it.
Keep it up, Campbell!!
Once again: I'm proven wrong about Campbell Brown. When I used to see her on CNN, I had to struggle to keep awake. "Softball" was the least offensive of the nicknames I had for her.
Now she's more like Conan the Frickin' Barbarian. Whatever the hell they're slipping into Ms. Brown's water, I want some. Grrrrrrrrrrroowl!
Hopefully, her reaction below (televised just before President Bush's speech last night) is the "tip of the spear" and represents the first real flood-tide of change in the way the media's been asleep at the switch until, oh, about this time last month. From then until now we've gone from "Lipstickgate" to actual, substantial challenging of the day's events. You gotta love the call for an open and honest debate. DEBATE. Love it.
Keep it up, Campbell!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
On a lighter note...
Hmmm... so you will soon be able to play "Bejeweled" inside World of Warcraft.
Penny Arcade's Gabe calls this:
True 'dat. Oh, and don't forget that while you're "Bejeweling" in WoW, you're simultaneously paying $15/month for the privilege. For a five year-old game that you can get free almost anywhere.
...
Ah... for the days that gamers were actually smarter than the average bear. (( Pout ))
Penny Arcade's Gabe calls this:
"...one of the world's most addictive games being embedded inside one of the world's most most addictive games. It's Chicken Cordon Meth, and there is no escaping the folds of its eternal midnight."
True 'dat. Oh, and don't forget that while you're "Bejeweling" in WoW, you're simultaneously paying $15/month for the privilege. For a five year-old game that you can get free almost anywhere.
...
Ah... for the days that gamers were actually smarter than the average bear. (( Pout ))
Enough is enough...
OK, so this will be my last post on politics, I promise. My stomach can't take the stress - between the book and my family life, I've got far more than enough shit to worry about, and I suspect that nobody comes around here to listen to my views on policy or the candidates.
Andrew Sullivan put up a freshly re-confirmed list of Sarah Palin's many lies today - read them all, with extensive links back to the corroborating sources HERE.
Honestly, the question in my mind now is not "why did she lie?" - that's obvious. She wants the power of the position and will do anything she needs to do to get it. I think she really believes that she will be doing good by keeping the Republicans in the White House, I really do, even as I'm terrified about what it says about her that she feels the best way to maintain that power is by bald-faced lies. That's a good enough moral position, Sarah? Really?
I'm also amazed on a daily basis that she chose to lie about things so easily fact-checked, and then continues to lie even when faced with her own deceptions. Keepin mind: I write bad guys that have to jump through a forest of hoops in order to mentally justify their own evil deeds for a living, and even to me Palin seems totally whacked (and I don't mean that as a compliment). Honestly, I don't know if I could convincingly write a villain as mentally screwed up as Palin seems to be. "The only difference between truth and fiction," I once read "is that fiction has to make sense". This proves that theory.
After all this, my real question is: what the hell is wrong with the American voter that they tolerate this? My good friend Dave said the most illuminating thing about Palin that I've ever heard. He said:
"The choice of Palin allows conservatives to feel better about a choice they've already made." Thereby, I assume, goading them to go out and vote, something they might not have done just for McCain.
Do we really as a nation have so little self-respect that we can stomach to turn a blind eye to this? Have we really become a nation of people so afraid of the future that we can glibly ignore the blatant disrespect for the American people shown by Palin and the McCain campaign?
Enough is enough. Vote this Republican ticket down, on pure moral outrage if nothing else. the fact that Obama seems to have a much better handle on what needs to be done, has a seemingly better and more "Presidential" temperament and is actually, you know, a unifying force for millions of Americans is just gravy at this point.
.
Andrew Sullivan put up a freshly re-confirmed list of Sarah Palin's many lies today - read them all, with extensive links back to the corroborating sources HERE.
Honestly, the question in my mind now is not "why did she lie?" - that's obvious. She wants the power of the position and will do anything she needs to do to get it. I think she really believes that she will be doing good by keeping the Republicans in the White House, I really do, even as I'm terrified about what it says about her that she feels the best way to maintain that power is by bald-faced lies. That's a good enough moral position, Sarah? Really?
I'm also amazed on a daily basis that she chose to lie about things so easily fact-checked, and then continues to lie even when faced with her own deceptions. Keepin mind: I write bad guys that have to jump through a forest of hoops in order to mentally justify their own evil deeds for a living, and even to me Palin seems totally whacked (and I don't mean that as a compliment). Honestly, I don't know if I could convincingly write a villain as mentally screwed up as Palin seems to be. "The only difference between truth and fiction," I once read "is that fiction has to make sense". This proves that theory.
After all this, my real question is: what the hell is wrong with the American voter that they tolerate this? My good friend Dave said the most illuminating thing about Palin that I've ever heard. He said:
"The choice of Palin allows conservatives to feel better about a choice they've already made." Thereby, I assume, goading them to go out and vote, something they might not have done just for McCain.
Do we really as a nation have so little self-respect that we can stomach to turn a blind eye to this? Have we really become a nation of people so afraid of the future that we can glibly ignore the blatant disrespect for the American people shown by Palin and the McCain campaign?
Enough is enough. Vote this Republican ticket down, on pure moral outrage if nothing else. the fact that Obama seems to have a much better handle on what needs to be done, has a seemingly better and more "Presidential" temperament and is actually, you know, a unifying force for millions of Americans is just gravy at this point.
.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Matt will be at ConText 21 on Sept. 26-28!!
As mentioned in the previous post, I will be attending this year's ConText Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in my home town of Columbus, Ohio from Friday night, the 26th of September to Sunday the 28th. I'll be sitting in on panels and I'm going to ask them for an autograph session.
So... If you fancy a good writer's con, or have been wanting to meet me in the flesh, you really should try out ConText. Editors from all sorts of magazines and publishing houses tend to be there and are generally open and willing to talk business, as this is a "working con" for many of them.
Also note that my wonderful editor at Juno Books, Paula Guran, will be this year's Editor Guest of Honor. Be sure to catch any panels she's on - she's a real pro. If you've read Blood Magic and/or Nights of Sin and liked them, please track her down and let her know. She and Juno took a huge chance on my work (Kirin's story isn't really the tradtional "paranormal romance" tale that Juno's known for), and I figure the more people that ler her know her decision was a good one, the better.
Hope to meet a bunch of you this weekend!
So... If you fancy a good writer's con, or have been wanting to meet me in the flesh, you really should try out ConText. Editors from all sorts of magazines and publishing houses tend to be there and are generally open and willing to talk business, as this is a "working con" for many of them.
Also note that my wonderful editor at Juno Books, Paula Guran, will be this year's Editor Guest of Honor. Be sure to catch any panels she's on - she's a real pro. If you've read Blood Magic and/or Nights of Sin and liked them, please track her down and let her know. She and Juno took a huge chance on my work (Kirin's story isn't really the tradtional "paranormal romance" tale that Juno's known for), and I figure the more people that ler her know her decision was a good one, the better.
Hope to meet a bunch of you this weekend!
Nights of Sin sold out at BN?
Went by a local Barnes and Noble's book store to hopefully grab a snap of the new book, only to find an empty shelf (they did have a copy of Blood Magic on-hand, which surprised me). When I asked at the counter, they said that they were "sold out" and expected more copies.
So...
Keep looking at your local book retailer for Nights of Sin and send me a photo of yourself with the book when you find it! Everyone that sends me a photo will be entered in a drawing for a personally autographed cover flat set, featuring the uncut jackets for both books! Look for official contest details and a deadline later - I'm just waiting to actually see the book on shelves to set a cutoff date.
In the meantime, if you just can't wait, here are your options:
1. Get online and get a copy from Barnes and Noble, Amazon or another online retailer (the links go right to the book)
OR...
2. Attend ConText 21 2008, next week in Columbus. I'll be there all weekend sitting on panels and signing copies. If history is any indication, there will be vendors in the dealer room with copies. If you go to ConText, please be sure to find me and get your copy signed, and please let me know what you thought of it! Note that my editor, Paula Guran, will be the Editor Guest of Honor at ConText this year, so if you liked Blood Magic and Nights of Sin please let her know so, if you'd be so kind. Every little bit helps immensely.
So...
Keep looking at your local book retailer for Nights of Sin and send me a photo of yourself with the book when you find it! Everyone that sends me a photo will be entered in a drawing for a personally autographed cover flat set, featuring the uncut jackets for both books! Look for official contest details and a deadline later - I'm just waiting to actually see the book on shelves to set a cutoff date.
In the meantime, if you just can't wait, here are your options:
1. Get online and get a copy from Barnes and Noble, Amazon or another online retailer (the links go right to the book)
OR...
2. Attend ConText 21 2008, next week in Columbus. I'll be there all weekend sitting on panels and signing copies. If history is any indication, there will be vendors in the dealer room with copies. If you go to ConText, please be sure to find me and get your copy signed, and please let me know what you thought of it! Note that my editor, Paula Guran, will be the Editor Guest of Honor at ConText this year, so if you liked Blood Magic and Nights of Sin please let her know so, if you'd be so kind. Every little bit helps immensely.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Nights of Sin ON SALE at Amazon,com
Book 2 of the Blood Magic trilogy is on sale at Amazon.com. CLICK HERE to order! After you've read it, please do me a huge favor and leave a review on Amazon - every little bit helps. If you write a longer review, or find one on a blog somewhere, please please please send me the link!!
...
For BRK
(Click the pic for a bigger version.)BRK is, of course, Big Red Kitty. If you understand this, well, just admit that you have a problem (like me). Props: Penny Arcade. You rulz0r my wurld.
Pew Pew! ( Heh.)
...
Greatest Batman Story Ever Told
Ran across this while browsing music blogs of all things... From 1949.
Maybe I'm a cheeseball, but this panel brought a tear to my eye.
God... Batman is so fucking naive, don't you think? I mean, what does he know?
Read the whole thing HERE.
Maybe I'm a cheeseball, but this panel brought a tear to my eye.
God... Batman is so fucking naive, don't you think? I mean, what does he know? Read the whole thing HERE.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Protesting the RNC
Some really disturbing (and powerful) photos and blogging from the protests at the RNC HERE. This one's my favorite, but many others are good.
From the blog article linked above:
From the blog article linked above:
By the time I realized I was at the center of the conflict it was too late. The bombs and tear gas were exploding all around me and cops were screaming at everyone to go south toward the bridge. I yelled to one cop "I'm media! Where do I go?!" but he pointed his rubber bullet gun at me and yelled "Go to the fucking bridge!" It was utter chaos. The police were throwing gas and bombs in between the bridge and people being told to go to the bridge. Poor aim? Amid the mayhem I managed to click away a few frames, but I couldn't help but notice what was going on. They had surrounded the area and were corralling what seemed like 300 people, including a large number of media and legal observers, onto the bridge for a mass arrest.
Palin Parody...
"Global Warming? It's PS." ((Snicker))
OK, so I gotta love this, but I have to admit that it would be even funnier without the sensation of creeping doom it invokes.
Niiiiiice boy-shorts though, I gotta admit. Gina Gershon - who knew?
OK, so I gotta love this, but I have to admit that it would be even funnier without the sensation of creeping doom it invokes.
Niiiiiice boy-shorts though, I gotta admit. Gina Gershon - who knew?
See more Gina Gershon videos at Funny or Die
Mental Health Break - the Mellowest Black Hole Sun.
That's all I can call this... Mental Health Break, fo'shizzle. And yes, I totally ripped off the term from Andrew Sullivan - sue me.
So... I was listening to The Hype Machine (Matt's official new "best Goddamn thing ever on the internet") today while banging my head against the desk... erm, I mean "while trying to figure out the new Expense Report system we implemented at work", when I heard this wonderfully surreal song.
Yes... you're not hallucinating. That's Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" performed by Paul Anka. Yeah, the guy that sang "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and "Puppy Love". THAT Paul Anka.
About now, I bet you're wishing that you're on my "mix CD list", ain'tcha? Because you know this puppy's gonna make an appearance sooner rather than later.
Anyway, listen and enjoy.
(NOTE: There's an audio player imbedded in the web site - look for the triangular "play" button to the right of the song title - works on PC and Mac).
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Nights of Sin pages up at Juno/Wildside
Juno Books has the Nights of Sin page up here:
http://juno-books.com/nights-of-sin.html
While there, you can sample chapters one and two!
If you can't wait for the book to his store shelves (it should be there any day now), you can go direct to Wildside Press - they have a page up for Nights of Sin here:
http://www.wildsidepress.com/Nights-of-Sin-by-Matthew-Cook-MM-PB_p_31-186.html
Also, be sure to send me photos of yourself next to the book when you see it in stores. I'm considering having a contest, actually... something like "Send Matt a photo of yourself next to Nights of Sin and get an autographed cover flat set of both books!" or something. Would you all like that? I have both the cover flats framed and hanging on the wall, and they look really fantastic.
Let me know!
http://juno-books.com/nights-of-sin.html
While there, you can sample chapters one and two!
If you can't wait for the book to his store shelves (it should be there any day now), you can go direct to Wildside Press - they have a page up for Nights of Sin here:
http://www.wildsidepress.com/Nights-of-Sin-by-Matthew-Cook-MM-PB_p_31-186.html
Also, be sure to send me photos of yourself next to the book when you see it in stores. I'm considering having a contest, actually... something like "Send Matt a photo of yourself next to Nights of Sin and get an autographed cover flat set of both books!" or something. Would you all like that? I have both the cover flats framed and hanging on the wall, and they look really fantastic.
Let me know!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
This CANNOT be real...
Can it??
Is this really Republican VP Sarah Palin's blog? I mean... I dearly, dearly hope not. It's gotta be some sort of joke, right? here's one of several, um, "gems"?
Is this really Republican VP Sarah Palin's blog? I mean... I dearly, dearly hope not. It's gotta be some sort of joke, right? here's one of several, um, "gems"?
-----------------------I'm gonna be a grampa!
Guest Blogger: Todd Palin
Well well well Miss Briss! You know I just cant believe it. It was just last year I was escorting you to the purity ball and now here you are, a grown woman and about to have a baby! Youll have to excuse a sentimental old fool but man you sure did grow up fast.
I just want you to know that Im awful proud of you. I will admit I was worried at first about this fiancey of yours. I mean Levi, thats not a normal name like Trapper or Hunter or Trigger or Scout. Also whenever I drove you kids to Mcdonalds I noticed he always seemed to get the steak and egg bagel. Im not prejudice but its my job to watch out for my grandkids immortal souls, right?
But after going hunting with Levi I know Ive got nothing to worry about. As that helicopter started to takeoff I turned to him and said son I need you to be straight with me, is Jesus Christ your lord and savior? and he said yes sir of course he is. That was enough for me! I said well alright, lets go stomp us some wolves! And did he ever, that boy is a good shot. He also told me a story about snagging some salmon up by moose lake, Im still tickled thinking about it. By the end we'd made plans for me to give him some snowmobiling lessons ( I think thats going to be part of my wedding present to you guys).
Anyway I just want to say I love you Briss, and I think youve found a fine man. I cant wait to have you guys visit the white house!
--------------------------
Yep... GOTTA be a joke (crosses fingers).
EDIT - I guess I have to take back every snide, nasty thing I ever said about CNN's Campbell Brown. Watch her absolutely skewer McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds on Palin's so-called "experience". Wow... (Hat tip: The Daily Dish)
The book is printed!
Came home from a weekend visiting family to find a box of books and cover flats from Juno and Wildside Press.
Nights of Sin looks fantastic! It's 375 dense pages and has surprising heft. Paula tells me that it should start appearing on store shelves in a few weeks. If you'd like a review copy, please drop me an email or post a comment here with your contact info and I'll forward it to Paula. I got a ton of great reviews last time around, and if anything I'd like to triple that this time, so if you know someone with a literature or reviews blog or site, please steer them this way.
Thanks!
Nights of Sin looks fantastic! It's 375 dense pages and has surprising heft. Paula tells me that it should start appearing on store shelves in a few weeks. If you'd like a review copy, please drop me an email or post a comment here with your contact info and I'll forward it to Paula. I got a ton of great reviews last time around, and if anything I'd like to triple that this time, so if you know someone with a literature or reviews blog or site, please steer them this way.
Thanks!
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