Tannhäuser (Marion Zimmer Bradley)

Some of this will be hard reading. It was not easy writing.

There is too much.

The short version: All of fandom has been plunged into war navelgazing over recent articles which highlighted what some already knew: the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, icon of SF feminism, SCA cosplay, and a multi-award winning author, had been complicit in covering up the sexual abuse of minors by her late husband Walter Breen.  Others suspected Bradley of committing some abuse herself.

And now the long version, below the cut.

Cutie Mark of the Beast

The cutie mark of the beast.

(Re: Discussion of "My Little Pony" hatedom ) (*)

I never got into MLP in any form, but the idea that somehow it makes everything it touches evil is just...

Well, at any rate, it appears that the font of the number of the beast is Snap ITC, Ravie, and Magneto.  Because why pick just one?

Short discussion of santity and sanctity of mocking of 'mark of the beast' and other devil related material below:

Hugo Ballot 2014: Fan Artists

Nominees: Brad W. Foster / Mandie Manzano / Spring Schoenhuth / Steve Stiles / Sarah Webb

My art preferences and thoughts on the Hugo art ballot in general are here.

Of these, Foster, Stiles and Webb had art in the packet. (Stiles was added late, but was up by a week after the download went live.)  Manzano’s work can be seen here:.  Her work appears to be flat/digital, so I am not clear on why it has not made the packet (yet).  Given the subject matter, I suspect interference from the House of the Mouse, but that is merely libelous rumor mongering.

Schoenhuth’s is best seen on her Springtime Creations facebook page (select 2013 from the timeline to see works created last year.) She is an artist in the round, specializing in jewelry and other wearables. 

My thoughts on each:

On Hugo-related Artwork (2014)

What kind of jelly I like on my PBJ:

I refer art that is original, realistic and displays the use of technical skill over derived/interpreted works, abstract, and…errr…accidental works.  I can and have been persuaded/moved by works that are highly abstract, clearly representational, and make us of chance/unplanned circumstances to good effect. I marginally prefer flat art to sculpture.  I regard art for display more highly than art for use or wear.  (I don’t use books as doorstops, stereo proppers, or bug smashers, either.) (Edit: Yes, I like illustrated book covers more than plain ones.  Yes, even Baen covers. No, I don't have space in my house for all the book covers I like.  No, it's not logical. Hush and let me finish. End edit.) I like realism and grit but not gore.  I have definite color preferences, and pinks and oranges aren’t them. I prefer art that I can hang/place in my living/work space over art that I can only stand to look at for half an hour at a time.  

More preferences:

A word about Hugo 2014 slate reviews

So I broke down and purchased a WorldCon  supporting membership. Which means that I get to vote for Hugos!   And I might as well try to share as I work through the ballot.

(Lots more Hugo related nathering below the cut.)

Parable of the Rich Family In Church

Trying to keep my temper and my attitude pointed in the right directions. Craziness going on (internets and elsewhere) is not helping.

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Also trying to avoid procrasting in an unhelpful manner. Yet here it is, already after 1 pm.

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A tale, a fable, a parable...

The Rich Family In Church

(http://www.mikeysfunnies.com/archive/richFamily/)

The Rich Family In Church
By Eddie Ogan

I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12, and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money.

Noah

Dear Blogspot: get a freaking clue and put in a cut command WITH A FREAKING END TAG. Thank you.

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Learned how to pronounce (badly) molon labe today.  A cancelled appointment opened up a good four hours for studying. Sun is out and shining. Life is good.

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Memory Is A Tricky Thing, #187: I read the Baen Fantasy Contest guidelines the other day, and could have sworn the line went “political drama where nothing happens” and not ( as it currently reads) “political drama without any action.”

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'Go sir, gallop, and don't forget that the world was made in six days. You can ask me for anything you like, except time.' - Napoleon

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Thoughts on the movie Noah -

Short version: I saw, twice. I liked.  Thought it was fairly scripturally sound, and that the variation from Genius were more like the difference within the Synotic Gospels than the differences between those recitations and that of John. Wonderful special effects, thought the actors really brought out the humanity of the characters.

Long version: