Thank God I’m not a swimsuit model!

Thank God I’m not a swimsuit model!

A problem for any creative individual is that critiques of what we do—by friends, family (parents especially), peers, taste arbitrators and the public—can really hurt. I’ve taken to throwing up a first line of defense when it comes to Internet reviews—especially anonymous ones—which is to remind myself that, until proven otherwise, every Internet pundit is […]

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Ignorant Vigilance Is Worthless

Ignorant Vigilance Is Worthless

Back in the 1980s, a cabal of fringe law enforcement officials (who also happened to be Born Again Christians), radio and televangelists (Bob Larson, to name but one) and traumatized parents (Pat Pulling being one) got together to warn the world about the dangers of Satanism. I became involved in a rational effort to rein […]

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Lime & Chili Tapenade

Lime & Chili Tapenade

The closest I get to being a scientist these days is to pretend to be one in the kitchen. I like cooking. The fact that it’s chemistry that tastes good is a huge plus. I generally mix things on the fly out of the variety of spices in the cupboard, but sometimes I sit down […]

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Ask Dr. Sinisterion: Who do I back in the GOP Primary?

Ask Dr. Sinisterion: Who do I back in the GOP Primary?

(After months of having been absent from blogging and off the radar, please welcome back Doctor Sinisterion. He assures me that he’s successfully fought extradition, so should be a regular here once again. Here is his latest dose of insight about the world from a decidedly and distinctly unique point of view. —Mike Stackpole) Doctor […]

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iBook Author Software projects…

iBook Author Software projects…

On 19 January, Apple made its big announcement about reinventing textbooks. They showed off some gorgeous, interactive texts that, frankly, I’d have killed to have as a kid. The animations, graphics and even the review section in the book really make it easy for kids, in my opinion, to move ahead at their own pace. […]

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Capitalism 101

Capitalism 101

Writers write for a lot of different reasons: For fun. For feedback. To hone their skills. To get noticed. To get famous. To get rich. To change the world. To make a living. I’m sure there are many more reasons for writing. Many writers write for more than one of the the above—all the good […]

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…In Book Form…

…In Book Form…

HarperCollins has sued Open Road Integrated Media over Open Road’s publication of an ebook version of Julie of the Wolves, a children’s book HC acquired in 1972. The link above is to The Passive Voice blog, which is a great place for learning about publishing and contracts. I retweet their content often and am pleased […]

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