AI Extra

On the subject of impending rule by pitiless robot overlords, here's a revealing look at how the clankers hope to hijack our fish. Hopefully, Starkist will discover this method first and lead fish to their proper destination—the tummies of Mankind.

New Black Matrix Home

For Black Matrix Publications, the nice folks who published my short story, "Bane Fish." They are in transition from old website to new and from publishing short stories to novels of sci-fi, horror and fantasy. If you can, support the small presses. (Some are no bigger than napkin caddys, but support them nevertheless.)

Running and Robots

I made such a big deal out of running. Look at the Japanese! They've transcended actual marathons by inventing robots to do it for them. The robots are programmed to grow increasingly cranky from mile 20 onwards and to shuffle post-event for several days.
via Drudge Report

R.I.P. McDuffie

Didn't really know the man, but we labored in the same fields. Prayers to the family.

Run Around

My friend Bernadette mentioned she was training for May's Pasadena Marathon. I thought, 'Why don't I blog about running anymore?' I had me. I had me cold. Maybe it's because progress is only measurable in geologic time. Since December I've steadily run (or run and walked) three times a week. And while I've been mostly injury-free, I can only progress as fast as I'm able to assimilate the chi running form. Since a slight pain while training for a marathon in 2008, I've started and stopped walking and running numerous times, grown depressed, ate quite a bit, became a tubby man, then commenced the exercise process all over again. In addition, my training attempts have been periodically interrupted by a galaxy of necessary physical repairs. I've had: Knee surgery in 2009. Physical therapy for a knotted shoulder tendon in Feb. 2010. Skin cancer surgery in May 2010. Now that knotted tendon has become a partially torn shoulder muscle. I'll need...surgery! The mileage and times I used to post seem mythic. Another reminder of things past was yesterday encountering Coach Katie (pictured on the left). We ran together for two miles around the Rose Bowl, discussing matters old and new. Very nostalgic and reminded me of how I took my health for granted and what a blast I had with Team in Training. I'm not ungrateful for everything that has befallen me. (Worse things were always possible.) And I had good health care. But years of start-and-stop make for boring blogging. 'Quixotic' comes to mind regarding my ever running distance again. Why not let it slide? Clearly, I'm too old and fragile for the sport. But something says I've got another marathon left. Maybe two. I'm just not ready to concede.

Link to Kung Fu Panda Lawsuit Post

Dreamworks/Paramount call out the attorneys as plagerism suits pile up for Kung Fu Panda.

Your Tax Dollars At Work

DHS displays its Internet prowess by falsely labeling 84,000 sub domains as "child pornographers." Nothing boosts business better than having the unwashable odor of child porn rubbed into your name.

Perhaps DHS will get involved next in the field of dentistry. What could possibly go wrong?

So long, Kenneth Mars.

Actor Kenneth Mars died. A funny guy, he graced the cast of Candle Jack and was a big addition to any show, segement or episode you had in mind. A real pro. God bless. Oh, nuts. I said.....
(Image: fixinthemix.com)

Funny BBC VO Link

They're firing on all cylinders over at the BBC. Via Tom Ruegger comes this most hilarious collection of voice-overs.

Welcome to Copy Writing

Working a job for a marketing company as a copywriter; deliver all assignments this week with next week for notes. I have not written so much, so fast in all my decades of scribing. Long letters, short emails, long and short videos all crammed with product info, all under deadline. Today is only a series of emails, but I'm gassed. Even working hard every day on the novel didn't turn my brain into a wok.

Animation writing never looked so good.

'Another Life' Lives On

Speaking of Nate Ruegger, his film has found another festival. Stop by Another Life for more updates on...Another Life.

Ruegger Boys Nail One

Very funny musical by Nate and Cody Ruegger on the perils of making a Spiderman musical.

Hats of the Super Bowl Losers

Super Bowl XLV - perhaps the last event in the world where Roman numerals are still used. A good contest this year with proper ebb and flow. Perhaps the biggest fumble of the night was Christina Aquilera's muff of the National Anthem. Ozzy Osbourne might've done better.

But what fate is in store for all the "Pittsburgh Steeler Superbowl Champs" ball caps kept under the bench in case of victory? Marred by a scarlet L for "loser," the caps might find their way to eBay for purchase by collectors of loser memorabilia. Or maybe there is a Loser Museum filled with Chicago Cub 2003 collectibles, Mondale-Ferraro buttons, earth shoes, and Window's Vista.

Anthology Me

"Fresh Ideas" has been selected for inclusion in The Best of Every Day Fiction Three anthology due out in late April or early May. Many of you read and commented favorably on this tale and I thank you for helping me pump up my print credits.

Snow Belongs on TV

For those who must deal with it in person, my condolences.