June 2008 – Nullius in Verba

William Shatner should demand a recount

A poll of musical experts has said that Celine Dion is responsible for the worst cover song ever. Six years ago in Las Vegas, Dion performed AC/Dc’s You Shook Me All Night Long. See the BBC story. Hear a clip of Celine Dion singing You Shook Me All Night Long. William Shatner did not makeContinue reading “William Shatner should demand a recount”

Football (soccer) Koan?

Perhaps German striker Lukas Podolski meant to psyche the opposition at the 2008 European Football (soccer here in the US) Championship, when he provided a koan–a puzzling statement used in Zen Buddhism to meditate on. Or, perhaps, it came from one too many headers. “Make haste slowly” while you meditate on this one: ‘Football isContinue reading “Football (soccer) Koan?”

What is Plot?

Literary agent Nathan Bransford has an excellent post on what constitutes plot.

Going Green

Here in the US, gas is above $4 a gallon and on its way to $5. Everyone is looking to save gas and lower their carbon footprint as well. Time to consider a hybrid? Read Who are you kidding? in Britain’s Telegraph first. “However much fuel it does or doesn’t save, the Toyota Prius hasContinue reading “Going Green”

Nightlife in Lake County

We got up and had coffee this morning. I needed it. I was groggy (and probably Mary was too) from a visit by a raccoon in the wee hours. Around 1:10 this morning, Peaches ran down the bedroom and office stairs alerting us to the critter’s presence. I had closed the basement door around 7Continue reading “Nightlife in Lake County”

And I Thought Stinging Nettles Were Bad

Stinging nettle (Urtica spp.) can sting and hurt for a few minutes but it’s completely benign when compared with Gympie Gympie (Dendrocnide moroides). According to Neil blogging on jennifermarhasy.com, “[c]ontact with human skin can cause extreme pain, starting as a rapidly intensifying burning sensation. The pain may persist for days, but upon exposure to coldContinue reading “And I Thought Stinging Nettles Were Bad”

Second Draft Advice

The Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers offered some useful advice on writing your second draft. See SECOND DRAFT.

Copter 104

Yesterday was a pretty quiet and relaxing Sunday. The flock of pubescent girls that had been squawking Friday and Saturday, migrated back to roost elsewhere and we were allowed to listen to the lake lapping at the shore once more. Around 1:30 PM, we got a visit from my former neighbors. I used to workContinue reading “Copter 104”