Posted by Christopher on April 27, 2009 at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
I had originally planned to express my support for the "Blog Every Day in April" effort by not providing any distractions. I launched a parallel "Blog No Days in April" effort, but then realized that if I took a whole month off, then it would look... a lot like all the other months around here.
Posted by Christopher on April 09, 2009 at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Look out! Deadlines are flying all over the place around here!
Posted by Christopher on March 24, 2009 at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Two things that came my way yesterday.
First, I got my very first piece of fan art! One Edward Cook, a very careful reader indeed, sent me this montage of images from my best-known story, "The Voluntary State" (with the bonus inclusion of a bicycle from the proposed related novel, The Border State). Thanks, Edward!
And thanks also to Eric J. Schlarb, staff archeologist with the Kentucky Archeological Survey, for identifying the artifact I uncovered while I was taking out a fence in out back yard. This point, he says, "probably functioned as an atlatl dart point or knife," and "probably dates to the Late Archaic subperiod (6,000-3,000 years ago)."
Posted by Christopher on March 11, 2009 at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted by Christopher on February 06, 2009 at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Wow, what a surprise that movie was. Best fantasy film I've seen in ages--in its way, it equals or even exceeds Pan's Labyrinth.
The story itself is as old as stories, like many of the best ones, but the way the characters are staged is fascinating and not at all traditionally cinematic. There are three major protagonists (played by Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, and, a revelation, Eliza Bennett), two minor (another promising youngster, Rafi Gavron, and the incomparable Helen Mirren clearly having the time of her life), and two tertiary (Jim Broadbent in crazed crotchety mode and Sienna Guillory doing fantastic physically expressive work). All of them have their own arcs, and all of them approach the same set of problems in different ways that grow out of their personalities, backgrounds, and skill sets. The complex, but never confusing, plot is well served by a beautiful setting (the Alps around Lake Geneva and points north, looked like), a judicious use of special effects, and a deft directorial hand.
Of course, a movie that loves books is easy for me to love. Also, there's an awesome minotaur. Parents will be interested to know that we were in a theater full of kids, and it was a quiet theater, because from toddler to tween, they were all leaning forward in their seats, rapt.
Now, an aside to Brendan Fraser haters, a club the existence of which baffles me. Yes, this is the guy who made Encino Man and George of the Jungle. But he's also the guy who made Traffic and Gods & Monsters. Y'all ever heard of Peter O'Toole or Michael Caine? He's a working actor, and even when the material ain't that great, he still works it, because that's his craft and his calling. As it happens, the material of Inkheart is great.
Posted by Christopher on February 01, 2009 at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Here's some stuff that has interested and amused me this week. Maybe some of it'll interest or amuse you.
The Mountain that Eats Men: A lengthy article at Walrus Magazine about living and dying in Potosí, Bolivia's infamous La Negra mine.
Flooding a McDonald's as Video Art: The UK based Architect's Journal previews a fascinating short film.
Gold: "The Web Series That Deals Double Damage" is a professionally produced, written, directed and (for the most part) acted series that should appeal to fans of The Guild and Kings of Kong. Sharp-eyed Colbert fans should notice a shout-out.
The Climbs of California: Specifically the cycling climbs on tap for the upcoming Tour of California, one of the finest spectacles in American sport. Some local elite riders put together this fascinating series of videos, graphs, and maps that hits at least three of my geek sweet spots.
And finally, a quote from someone whom I hope finds the peace in death he never found in letters.
Posted by Christopher on January 31, 2009 at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I got my first ever novel advance check in the mail just now (the portion due "on signing," which doesn't exactly mean "on signing"). And some earlier-than-expected short story money as well. I remember, wow, over ten years ago now, getting my first ever writing check in the mail from Sovereign Media for my debut story in Realms of Fantasy. I used it to pay rent. I shall use this to make a mortgage payment and buy a bunch of groceries. And maybe a few books. And also possibly a bottle of champagne, since we're apparently gonna be snowed in tomorrow anyway. And maybe we'll go see some movies.
But now, since neither of the pieces these checks partly pay for are actually, y'know, done, I guess I'll get back at it.
Posted by Christopher on January 26, 2009 at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Back in the Bluegrass, where the temperature is a humane fifty Fahrenheit and rising.
In celebration, I offer you, from the Europa Film Treasures online archiving project, this nine minute 1934 animated short from France, directed by Anthony Gross and Hector Hopin, with music by Tibor Harsanyi. Art deco! Ballet! Trains! Bicycles!
(Via Flavorpill's Daily Dose newsletter.)
Posted by Christopher on January 23, 2009 at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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