Humans have participated in tests of bravery and skill throughout history. Sometimes this was to impress a possible mate, sometimes it was to acquire prestige or perhaps the leadership position of that particular group. No matter the reason, it was always a stirring sight.
Among the first, most renowned challenges were the Olympics where the best athletes of the day competed amongst themselves. Their prize? Prestige and a laurel crown. Although women were banned from the spectator stands (the games were dedicated to the male god, Zeus), you can be sure that these prime athletes caught many a feminine eye.
In the medieval age, knights held Tourneys both to proclaim their knightly skills and to earn prizes. Their skills were battle-oriented and what fair maiden wouldn’t want a man with the skills to protect her?
Today we have many organized sports both professional and amateur. My favorite is hockey (I’m a Detroit Red Wings fan). Now there’s a sport full of break neck speed and huge amounts of testosterone. So it seemed reasonable that when I needed a sport to display on the holovision in a bar, I’d choose something like hockey.
Well, the keyword is something :D This particular story is a futuristic so I let my mind take elements of hockey and combine it with future tech to create a game that I’ve so far left unnamed. The only thing I named was a team playing it – Jet Sliders. Why? Because the game isn’t important to the story, only to the culture of that time and place. It takes a bare mention before it’s relegated to the background.
Huh? I can hear you asking. Well, the answer is simple. I grew up with a Dad who mastered the art of watching two football games on TV while listening to another on the radio. No joke. It was the holy hours of Sunday afternoons and woe to the person who interrupted with anything less that a lethal injury.
While I loved my Dad, I don’t find sitting in front of a TV for hours watching other men play a game all that heroic. And the heroes in my stories might watch an occasional game but they’re not the sort to be ‘addicted’ to it. They’re more the sort who will PLAY the game, testing themselves, their skills, their strengths.
Heroes are ‘doers’. Like the Olympic champions or medieval knights, they go after the prize, whatever it may be. That’s what sets them apart from other men. That’s what makes them heroes.
-- Lynda
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Witch Hunt?
I thought long and hard about this article and finally decided that I’d take the risk of posting it. Risk? Because I’m going to state how I feel about one of the Internet’s most vicious groups.
I’m sure you all have heard about the big brouhaha with the romance writer accused of plagiarism. Let me be clear...I do not now nor ever have I condoned plagiarism in any form. But neither do I appreciate a ‘witch hunt’.
Again, let me be clear. The writer accused of allegedly plagiarizing is not one of my favorite authors, nor even close to them. I am assured she is a genuinely nice person (by those who know her) but I have never found much interest in her books. The few that I’ve read left me cold and I was thankful that I’d not spent money on them. (They were freebies from RWA National.) I will admit that seeing a particular reference to a type of technology that I was sure wasn’t available in the time frame of the story did send me googling for facts about it. And I was right. The technology would have been extremely unlikely at that place and time.
That did not prompt me, however, to do a search for particular phrases to determine their origins. No, what it did was convince me that I would never purchase her books.
Not so with these other bloggers. They’ve spent hours, perhaps days, ‘ferreting’ out the phrases that ‘were written in a different voice’ from the author’s own. One has to wonder why they went to such lengths.
They claim their intent is altruistic; that they merely want to bring an ‘injustice’ to light. Perhaps they did. Or perhaps…not.
They’ve created a controversy and that draws hits. They’ve created a furor and that draws hits. I won’t even address the ‘glee’ I hear in their voices as they post the juicy details, as they build ever higher the bonfire to 'burn the witch' on.
And this isn’t the first time they’ve done this though perhaps it is the first time they’ve been quite so vicious. They’ve a track record for such antics.
You know who I’m talking about. I won’t give their web url or name them. Why not? Because that’s what they want, in my opinion. Hits, hits and more hits. It may be that this is their way to attain ‘popularity’ or ‘immortality’. I don’t know.
All I know is that because of these...women, the romance genre is again being lambasted as ‘bodice-rippers’ and ‘trashy’ books. Only now, in addition to being ‘trashy’, we’ll bear the stigma of being plagiarists too lazy to take our research and put it into our own words.
I won’t buy this writer’s books, not because of her alleged plagiarism, but because I simply don’t like her writing. And neither will I contribute to more ‘hits’ to a site so desperate for ‘popularity’.
I left high school long ago.
What are your thoughts?
-- Lynda
I’m sure you all have heard about the big brouhaha with the romance writer accused of plagiarism. Let me be clear...I do not now nor ever have I condoned plagiarism in any form. But neither do I appreciate a ‘witch hunt’.
Again, let me be clear. The writer accused of allegedly plagiarizing is not one of my favorite authors, nor even close to them. I am assured she is a genuinely nice person (by those who know her) but I have never found much interest in her books. The few that I’ve read left me cold and I was thankful that I’d not spent money on them. (They were freebies from RWA National.) I will admit that seeing a particular reference to a type of technology that I was sure wasn’t available in the time frame of the story did send me googling for facts about it. And I was right. The technology would have been extremely unlikely at that place and time.
That did not prompt me, however, to do a search for particular phrases to determine their origins. No, what it did was convince me that I would never purchase her books.
Not so with these other bloggers. They’ve spent hours, perhaps days, ‘ferreting’ out the phrases that ‘were written in a different voice’ from the author’s own. One has to wonder why they went to such lengths.
They claim their intent is altruistic; that they merely want to bring an ‘injustice’ to light. Perhaps they did. Or perhaps…not.
They’ve created a controversy and that draws hits. They’ve created a furor and that draws hits. I won’t even address the ‘glee’ I hear in their voices as they post the juicy details, as they build ever higher the bonfire to 'burn the witch' on.
And this isn’t the first time they’ve done this though perhaps it is the first time they’ve been quite so vicious. They’ve a track record for such antics.
You know who I’m talking about. I won’t give their web url or name them. Why not? Because that’s what they want, in my opinion. Hits, hits and more hits. It may be that this is their way to attain ‘popularity’ or ‘immortality’. I don’t know.
All I know is that because of these...women, the romance genre is again being lambasted as ‘bodice-rippers’ and ‘trashy’ books. Only now, in addition to being ‘trashy’, we’ll bear the stigma of being plagiarists too lazy to take our research and put it into our own words.
I won’t buy this writer’s books, not because of her alleged plagiarism, but because I simply don’t like her writing. And neither will I contribute to more ‘hits’ to a site so desperate for ‘popularity’.
I left high school long ago.
What are your thoughts?
-- Lynda
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Time to celebrate!
The Triskelion bankruptcy case is finally over for me and other authors who protested the confiscation of our contracts by the Arizona Bankruptcy Court! After six months of bitter disappointment that the Court did not uphold the letter of our contracts or respect our copyrights to the material, we finally prevailed. (Or we may just simply have worn them down, LOL)
While this is just a tiny step forward, I sincerely hope that it is a fundamental step that will lead to safeguarding all publishing contracts in the future. Bankruptcy courts, indeed, all courts should respect as legally binding all the terms in contracts between publishers and authors. That they don't is criminal. But, just maybe, our stand against this will lead to change. I hope it does.
For right now, I'm going to bask in a battle won, then get back to work :D
While this is just a tiny step forward, I sincerely hope that it is a fundamental step that will lead to safeguarding all publishing contracts in the future. Bankruptcy courts, indeed, all courts should respect as legally binding all the terms in contracts between publishers and authors. That they don't is criminal. But, just maybe, our stand against this will lead to change. I hope it does.
For right now, I'm going to bask in a battle won, then get back to work :D
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Got Post-Holiday Doldrums? Here's your cure!
Well, here is, January 8. The decorations are getting old and probably coming down. Presents have been opened (hope you got some good ones). You’re probably dieting to shed some of that holiday weight and you’re probably back to work. It’s winter, the sky is gloomy and the weather is cold. The holidays are all past us.
Not so! There’s a plethora of holidays that take place on this day. So okay, maybe they’re not well-known, NATIONAL holidays, but, heck, they’re still a good excuse to put your party on.
National English Toffee Day
I used to make candy and I still bake bread from scratch…You could always make your own English toffee but the Heath Bar is a fine way to go (and lots easier!). But if you’re dieting, you might want to skip this one.
National Joy Germ Day
Here’s a holiday I’d never heard of and it immediately brought to mind weird things like a new health food or a street name for a drug (I did say weird, didn’t I?) But the real idea behind this day is much nicer. It’s a day devoted to the spreading of kindness, courtesy and other good things. It sure beats what sprang to my weird little mind. I’d definitely advocate celebrating this one. Every day!
Show and Tell Day at Work
The idea here is that since students have show and tell at school, adults should get to do the same. I don’t know about other offices but the gals in my office celebrate this about three times a week (we’ve got a lot of crafters so that may up our statistics)
Birthday - Elvis Presley (Singer)
While this isn’t a holiday, it is a good day to pay homage to one of the most well-known singers/performers we’ve ever known.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935–August 16, 1977), was an American singer, musician and actor. He is a cultural icon, often known as "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", or simply "The King".
Presley began his career as one of the first performers of rockabilly, an uptempo fusion of country and rhythm and blues with a strong back beat. His novel versions of existing songs, mixing "black" and "white" sounds, made him popular—and controversial—as did his uninhibited stage and television performances. He recorded songs in the rock and roll genre, with tracks like "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock" later embodying the style. Presley had a versatile voice and had unusually wide success encompassing other genres, including gospel, blues, ballads and pop. To date, he is the only performer to have been inducted into four music halls of fame.
In the 1960s, Presley made the majority of his thirty-three movies—mainly poorly reviewed musicals. In 1968, he returned to live music in a television special and thereafter performed across the U.S., notably in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in the history of popular music. Health problems plagued Presley in later life which, coupled with a punishing tour schedule and addiction to prescription medication, led to his premature death at age 42.
Happy Birthday, Elvis!
Bubble Bath Day
Today is a fun day to relax and enjoy the warm and soothing pleasures of a bubble bath. Best of all, it can be enjoyed by kids and adults. For kids, it's playtime. For adults, it's soothing pleasure but, well, it can also be playtime (eg)
On Bubble Bath Day, there are a couple of ways to enjoy your bubble bath. It depends upon how old you are.
For kids, it's simple.... Just fill the tub with bubbles and toys. Then hop in and play!
For the ladies, its time to relax! Fill the tub with bubbly water. Hop in and just enjoy the soothing water and bubbles. Before hopping in, set the mood with candles placed (safely) around the bathroom and tub. Add a radio playing softly on the sink counter.
For the guys: Don't feel left out! With permission, you can hop in, too! Get in touch with your feminine side, and make sure the candles are lit. You can relax and/or play. The proper sequence is relax, play, relax. I highly recommend both!
Oh, and don't forget your rubber duckie!
Male (Man) Watcher's Day
Ladies, here is a day that we can thoroughly enjoy! Male Watcher's Day is for all of us ladies to go out and watch the guys. After all, they have their fun watching us. Now, it's our turn.
You can perform your Male Watching just about anywhere that suits your fancy. Popular places include:
* Watching them at work on the job, especially labor jobs where short shirts cover flowing muscles.
* On the beach...too bad this day is in January. Lucky you, though, if you live in a warm climate!
* Watching your favorite guy working....on a home project you wanted done.
* At a singles bar or sports bar.
* At the mall...it's time to get even. This is where more than one guy has been known to visit for the sole purpose of watching the ladies. This may be your favorite.
It is okay to perform Male Watching discreetly, or quite visibly. Single, unattached ladies may prefer to be seen male watching.......for obvious reasons. Those of us who are married may want to be a tad more subtle, especially if our husbands are near.
So don’t let the after-holiday doldrums get you down. Start celebrating!
Not so! There’s a plethora of holidays that take place on this day. So okay, maybe they’re not well-known, NATIONAL holidays, but, heck, they’re still a good excuse to put your party on.
National English Toffee Day
I used to make candy and I still bake bread from scratch…You could always make your own English toffee but the Heath Bar is a fine way to go (and lots easier!). But if you’re dieting, you might want to skip this one.
National Joy Germ Day
Here’s a holiday I’d never heard of and it immediately brought to mind weird things like a new health food or a street name for a drug (I did say weird, didn’t I?) But the real idea behind this day is much nicer. It’s a day devoted to the spreading of kindness, courtesy and other good things. It sure beats what sprang to my weird little mind. I’d definitely advocate celebrating this one. Every day!
Show and Tell Day at Work
The idea here is that since students have show and tell at school, adults should get to do the same. I don’t know about other offices but the gals in my office celebrate this about three times a week (we’ve got a lot of crafters so that may up our statistics)
Birthday - Elvis Presley (Singer)
While this isn’t a holiday, it is a good day to pay homage to one of the most well-known singers/performers we’ve ever known.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935–August 16, 1977), was an American singer, musician and actor. He is a cultural icon, often known as "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", or simply "The King".
Presley began his career as one of the first performers of rockabilly, an uptempo fusion of country and rhythm and blues with a strong back beat. His novel versions of existing songs, mixing "black" and "white" sounds, made him popular—and controversial—as did his uninhibited stage and television performances. He recorded songs in the rock and roll genre, with tracks like "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock" later embodying the style. Presley had a versatile voice and had unusually wide success encompassing other genres, including gospel, blues, ballads and pop. To date, he is the only performer to have been inducted into four music halls of fame.
In the 1960s, Presley made the majority of his thirty-three movies—mainly poorly reviewed musicals. In 1968, he returned to live music in a television special and thereafter performed across the U.S., notably in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in the history of popular music. Health problems plagued Presley in later life which, coupled with a punishing tour schedule and addiction to prescription medication, led to his premature death at age 42.
Happy Birthday, Elvis!
Bubble Bath Day
Today is a fun day to relax and enjoy the warm and soothing pleasures of a bubble bath. Best of all, it can be enjoyed by kids and adults. For kids, it's playtime. For adults, it's soothing pleasure but, well, it can also be playtime (eg)
On Bubble Bath Day, there are a couple of ways to enjoy your bubble bath. It depends upon how old you are.
For kids, it's simple.... Just fill the tub with bubbles and toys. Then hop in and play!
For the ladies, its time to relax! Fill the tub with bubbly water. Hop in and just enjoy the soothing water and bubbles. Before hopping in, set the mood with candles placed (safely) around the bathroom and tub. Add a radio playing softly on the sink counter.
For the guys: Don't feel left out! With permission, you can hop in, too! Get in touch with your feminine side, and make sure the candles are lit. You can relax and/or play. The proper sequence is relax, play, relax. I highly recommend both!
Oh, and don't forget your rubber duckie!
Male (Man) Watcher's Day
Ladies, here is a day that we can thoroughly enjoy! Male Watcher's Day is for all of us ladies to go out and watch the guys. After all, they have their fun watching us. Now, it's our turn.
You can perform your Male Watching just about anywhere that suits your fancy. Popular places include:
* Watching them at work on the job, especially labor jobs where short shirts cover flowing muscles.
* On the beach...too bad this day is in January. Lucky you, though, if you live in a warm climate!
* Watching your favorite guy working....on a home project you wanted done.
* At a singles bar or sports bar.
* At the mall...it's time to get even. This is where more than one guy has been known to visit for the sole purpose of watching the ladies. This may be your favorite.
It is okay to perform Male Watching discreetly, or quite visibly. Single, unattached ladies may prefer to be seen male watching.......for obvious reasons. Those of us who are married may want to be a tad more subtle, especially if our husbands are near.
So don’t let the after-holiday doldrums get you down. Start celebrating!
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