Below are the most recent 25 friends' journal entries.

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Saturday, July 18th, 2009
jaylake	11:27a	[photos] Your Saturday moment of zen Your Saturday moment of zen. Photographed by calendula_witch in San Francisco. Originally published at jlake.com. (Comment on this)
peteyoung	8:20p	2009 books 40) Carsten Jensen, Earth in the Mouth, 1991  ( RE-READ ) This is an interesting experiment in self-reflection: the Danish author Jensen revisits an unpublished fictional Indian travelogue he wrote twenty years earlier, and questions himself – and indeed his younger self – on why it remained unfinished. The travelogue itself is of the kind many thousands of backpackers-as-aspiring-writers would have turned out, with the self cast as a third person and where the protagonist's culture shock is explored to the nth degree. In fact Jensen's alter, Thomas, excels at this as he staggers from one crisis of the ego to another, utterly overwhelmed by the alienness of India. The bracketing prologue and epilogue frame it well, and understandably Jensen never really gets to the bottom of things as his journey isn't yet finished. A mature book and one that, since the first time I read it, now reminds me of both Bruce Chatwin and Milan Kundera. (Comment on this)
desperance	5:56p	Sale! Pete Crowther has been a friend of mine for, ooh, many years now. I was always a fan of his short stories; I am deeply enamoured of his wife (it's okay, they both know this; I have Licence to Flirt). When he set up PS publishing, with the express intention of providing a market for the SF/F/H novella, I thought that was a fine thing. I thought I'd write him some novellae. So I did, twice, and he turned them both down. It's a confusing thing, this friendship... Anyway. Nothing daunted, I wrote a third, Rotten Row, my first lengthy foray into straight SF. It's been around a while now, being reworked a couple of times; last week, finally, JJ sent it to Pete for an opinion, as PS is still the publisher of first recourse. With the enthusiastic support of Nick Gevers as editor, he's bought it. Yay! My first legitimate SF volume!! You'll have to wait a while, mind - PS is notoriously backed-up with material, and it probably won't be out till 2011. Possess your souls in patience... PS - it's all mevennen's fault. I was chasing her across London when I did two things - walked the length of Rotten Row and saw my first cycle-rickshaw - that triggered the whole thing in my head... (16 Comments |Comment on this)
james_nicoll	12:30p	Whoops (the sequel) Poll #1431528 Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All I have read the following Thorne Smith books (part Three) View Answers Topper Takes a Trip 11 (100.0%) Well, apparently you can't insert a new poll into an old post. Good to know. My expectation is that the numbers for Topper, Topper Takes a Trip, Nightlife of the Gods, Rain in the Doorway, Turnabout and The Stray Lamb will be boosted because a lot of us will have seen the late 1970s reprints from Del Rey. (6 Comments |Comment on this)
james_nicoll	12:11p	About Thorne Smith Poll #1431522 Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All I have read the following Thorne Smith books (part one) View Answers Biltmore Oswald: The Diary of a Hapless Recruit 0 (0.0%) Out O' Luck: Biltmore Oswald Very Much at Sea 0 (0.0%) Haunts and Bypaths 0 (0.0%) Topper 23 (88.5%) Dream's End 1 (3.8%) The Stray Lamb 13 (50.0%) Did She Fall? 7 (26.9%) The Night Life of the Gods 19 (73.1%) * * * Poll #1431523 Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All I have read the following Thorne Smith books (part two) View Answers Turnabout 8 (22.9%) Lazy Bear Lane 0 (0.0%) The Bishop's Jaegers 10 (28.6%) Rain in the Doorway 8 (22.9%) Skin and Bones 6 (17.1%) The Glorious Pool 9 (25.7%) The Passionate Witch* 9 (25.7%) I don't know who Thorne Smith is 18 (51.4%) I would like to complain about this poll 3 (8.6%) * * * * As I recall, this was mostly written by Norman H. Matson and may not belong on this list. (11 Comments |Comment on this)
corwynofamber	9:14a	Party... Like a chimpanze (Comment on this)
james_nicoll	12:08p	! Steven Sondheim wrote episodes of Topper? (Comment on this)
james_nicoll	11:35a	And warmer than the sun Poll #1431512 Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All Which fusion reaction is more SFnal? View Answers D + T 0 (0.0%) D + D 1 (3.2%) p + 11Boron 2 (6.5%) 3He + D 0 (0.0%) 3He + 3He 7 (22.6%) D + 6Li 0 (0.0%) p + 6Li 0 (0.0%) 3He + 6Li 4 (12.9%) p + 7Li 2 (6.5%) Some other fusion reaction you've overlooked 8 (25.8%) Fusion is passé (see comments) 1 (3.2%) I would like to complain about this poll 6 (19.4%) (19 Comments |Comment on this)
renegade500	10:12a	24 hours I am having to re-evaluate a lot of things right now. In part because of R. The man has many, many fine qualities, he truly does. If he didn't, I wouldn't love him. But his emotional maturity, not one of his fine qualities. (Nor his unreasonable stubbornness that doesn't even allow him to consider new information to show his thoughts may not entirely be correct, but that's a whole separate other issue, although I am a little amazed to watch him cut off his nose just to spite his face, just so he can maintain his pride in being "right".) He was so completely dismissive yesterday of my emotional state and needs. Mind, when it comes to the physical issues, or the job situation, he's so lovely and supportive, but can't get his head around that emotional issues are just as real and needing of support. Yes, I'm not doing my best right now, but I think I have pretty good reason to be a tad bit upset. But to just ignore it, say I was making up problems, and call it drama shows a complete disregard for the nature of the situation. If I were bitching and moaning about a waiter bringing me my steak well-cooked instead of the barely medium rare as I prefer it, and demand the waiter be immediately fired, that would be drama. I think it's fair to say my current situation goes a smidge beyond that. It also shows a lack of respect (and self-awareness) to dismiss and even refuse to acknowledge) the pain one causes another. And to never want to talk about things, it just causes resentment, which I've told him will not stand him well in future relationships. Yesterday wasn't a good day to do that, but at the same time, maybe it was the perfect day. He really really needs to grow up if he's ever going to be happy. (And he's not happy, he's told me that pretty clearly in some of our last conversations, he feels his life is just as messed up and out of control as mine is, and he very much wants his life to be different, and I totally get that.) Last night I went to the Express game with reanimated, ryryforsale, and some of Kelly's oldest friends from Houston. Too bad Mark wasn't playing last night, maybe the Express would have won! Ryan picked me up and we drove to Round Rock, and he showed once again what a sweet, lovely, wise-beyond-his-years man he really is (who gives great hugs, btw). Dude, I'm so glad you're my friend, and I owe you like a dozen cookies or a dozen cakes or something. I gave him a pressie for Bill the Cat - a kitty blanket. I have a small stash of them (I make them to give to shelters) and Ginger likes to hang on them so her fur is all over it. But I'm curious to know if Bill the Cat likes his blanket. I ended up having a good time at the game last night. During (and after) the game, I was also chatting with napalmgod who offered up a lot more good, sensible talk (with just the right amount of randiness thrown in). He's a sweetie too, even if he doesn't want anyone to know it. I woke up this morning to discover that texansasha is in labor. I guess Sammy won't be born on my birthday after all. :-p Hopefully he'll be along soon, apparently she's worn out, been in labor most of the night. Even if you don't know her, I'm sure some good energy her way will be appreciated. Yeah, my birthday. So not interested in celebrating this birthday. It just serves to remind me of another year gone by, and what a cluster fuck it's been! There were a couple of spectacularly good months in there, but shit, call me greedy, I want more than that. And of course the practical considerations of job hunt, physical stuff, doctor appointments, COBRA. I don't see how I can't COBRA, if I do separate from the university (which I am still hoping it doesn't come to that, but I have to think ahead), because among other considerations is the fact that I have to get another ultrasound in Nov. on my right breast, and what if, god forbid, they decide it's not a harmless tumor after all, and want a closer look at it, or even worse? I know the odds are it's nothing, but can I take that chance? But I also don't know how I can fit it in at the same time, if I do end up on unemployment... I need to talk to my mother about all this. Not sure when I'll reach her - her schedule is so completely opposite of mine (she's a restaurant manager). But still... I'm trying to wrap my head around everything right now. There's so much happening at once and I'm not sure I can deal with it, all, especially not by myself. I'm at Genuine Joe's just because I really needed coffee. But soon I'm heading home. I have a little bit of a headache that I've had since I woke up. Tonight is captspastic's birthday fun times, so I may stop by for a bit. But also my friend Patrice is having a party to celebrate her second book launch, and I wanted to go to that, too. I may get to schnookiemuffin's house to pick up my new party skirt she made for me and wear it tonight. Not sure yet on that. But mostly I just want to wrap myself in a cocoon of forget. (Comment on this)
madfilkentist	10:41a	Bookstore Tour: Chapter 3 and Finale In the final installment of my bookstore tour (click on the tag to see all the posts), I set out yesterday for Pioneer Valley, the home of many, many bookstores. ( Cut for length ) (Comment on this)
james_nicoll	10:07a	Testing, Testing Poll #1431480 Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All Tanith Lee View Answers I know who she is 54 (29.7%) I know who she is and have read one or more of her books 121 (66.5%) I only know who she is because I just googled her name 3 (1.6%) As above and I see I've read something by her 1 (0.5%) I have no idea who she is 2 (1.1%) I have no idea who she is but this poll and the thrilling discussion which will no doubt follow has inspired me to read something by her 1 (0.5%) I have no idea who she is and I am proud or at least defensive about my ignorance 0 (0.0%) (48 Comments |Comment on this)
debgeisler	10:00a	Abbreviations to celebrate The Wisconsin Tourism Federation actually appears to *revel* in being called WTF. Via YourLogoMakesMeBarf. (Comment on this)
debgeisler	9:48a	Remembering Uncle Walter Although the late Walter Cronkite lived in Manhattan, he called Martha's Vineyard his second home, and Massachusetts thought of him at least partly as one of its own. Here is part of the New England Cable News network's coverage of his life (Flash, via the Boston Globe): (Comment on this)
debgeisler	8:23a	Villains vs. heroes One local business man and his family have tried to repair what Bernard Madoff destroyed. The story is touching, inspiring, and yet another reminder that the heroes outweigh and outnumber the villains. According to the Boston Globe, This week, [Salem's Robert I.] Lappin honored a promise. He and his family donated $5 million to restore the retirement savings of about 60 employees of various family enterprises, including the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation. The charity was almost wiped out when the Ponzi scheme run by Bernard Madoff collapsed. Lappin and his family had invested all of their employees’ 401(k) retirement plans with Madoff more than a decade ago. Lappin believed that giving his own money back to his employees was the right thing to do. He had invested heavily in Madoff's Ponzi scheme -- both his personal wealth and his employees' 401(k)s. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
wild_irises	12:58p	Well, pokershaman and I (and whipartist, too!) are in London for a weekend (!). We came to see Waiting for Godot with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. I am so not the "London for a weekend" kind of person, but the cast was irresistible, most particularly Ian McKellen, on whom both of us have major crushes of various sorts. The play was superb. McKellen is astonishing in person, and Patrick Stewart hardly a half-step behind him. (Plus, Stewart can look and sound like Picard without making you think the character is Picard, which is a very special skill.) slowjoe joined us for the performance and led us to an Argentinian steakhouse afterwards, which was quite amazing. Now, I'm sitting in the pub where we will present (some of) the Tiptree award to Patrick Ness for his novel, The Knife of Never Letting Go. (The rest of the award is slow in the mail, but he'll get it eventually.) And we'll see a few of you. And then we'll be home, almost before we left. Have a good time while I'm gone! Current Mood: adventurous (8 Comments |Comment on this)
gaspodex	12:42p	Comicon ... Is anyone going to Comiccon this year ? (3 Comments |Comment on this)
peteyoung	12:16p	A Happy Fannish Birthday to frostfox. (Comment on this)
girlgenius_lab [ daisho ]	11:30a	Entirely off-topic, but I felt I had to share... One of my friends dug up the following observation from somewhere yesterday: "Ferrets are awesome. They're like what would happen if a mad scientist gave brains to socks." I want to see this put into action! Current Mood: amused (6 Comments |Comment on this)
cuddles_batcave	11:15a	Late birthday present  Ralph's gift finally arrived but was detoured quickly to the framer. He bought me a beautiful Ann Stokes picture, which will probably replace my Jim Burns one over the fireplace.  She's placed the pentagram over a full moon and it looks stunning. (Comment on this)
smofbabe	7:05p	Uncle Walter Emerged from my Sabbath cocoon to discover that Walter Cronkite died. I don't think that anyone who grew up in the cable TV and Internet era can truly appreciate what Walter Cronkite meant to Americans who grew up with network TV and only 3 channels (plus PBS). Newspapers and television news shows were the main way that Americans found out what was going on in the world. Walter Cronkite was always a beacon of integrity, gravitas, and calm. You instinctively trusted his plain-spoken reporting and baritone voice. There will never be another news person like him. I think everyone around my age and older feels a bit of the loss personally - it is officially the passing of a less cynical, more innocent time, and a person of unquestioned decency. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
smofbabe	7:02p	Birthday Greetings! A double-whammy: happy birthday to frostfox and to parrismcb! Best wishes to both ladies for many happy, healthy more! (1 Comment |Comment on this)
instant_fanzine [ ninebelow ]	9:33a	A Simple Choice Poll #1431390 Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All The Hugos View Answers SF fandom, you must try harder, but i still love you! 13 (76.5%) SF fandom is a bunch of imbeciles and i am fucking GONE, bitches 4 (23.5%) (12 Comments |Comment on this)
brixtonbrood	9:26a	Critical Pretty Mass Gethin Jones is interviewing Morten Harket on 5 Live - gulp. Even on radio the pretty is almost too much. It is also, inevitably, very very dull. Female sidekick is clearly also entertaining herself by just staring vacantly and occasionally interjecting "But Morten, you're still so pretty!" - she may possibly be writing her own slash to pass the time. (Comment on this)
bohemiancoast	9:25a	Happy Birthday Happy birthday darling frostfox! Now tell me three things. 1. How long is your foot from toe to the back of the heel? 2. How much is it round the ball of your foot? 3. How much round your leg just a tad above the ankle? Thank you! (3 Comments |Comment on this)
alexmc	10:18a	Amphi here we come Getting ready to go to the Amphi Festival. Not been online much. I might pretend I will be bloging the holiday later on but I doubt it. I might be able to remember the games I have played, but not much else... (2 Comments |Comment on this)

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