Reading: "Walter Gibson's Clockwork Cat" and "Counting Down From Five" by yours truly (editing mode)
Music: random comedy radio
TV/Movie: The Blues Brothers
Link o' the Day: The Mystic Seaport

Welcome to Thursday!

So I got a half-rejection slip in the mail yesterday. Not a total rejection (but not an acceptance either). I had written a story for an anthology on dark elves (i.e., _not_ elves full of sunshine and goodness). In my story, the dark elves, while important to the plot, were not active participants, so the editor decided to give me story a pass. However, he did say that it would be perfect for another anthology they're planning in a few months, and that if I've not sold it by then, I should resubmit it--so it's sort of an acceptance if I don't mind waiting a few more months.

In any case, I've sent out another story to the slushpiles, and have likewise put the above-mentioned one up for consideration at a market that pays more on the off chance it will fit their publication. This makes four stories currently out in slushpiles--one response being a bit overdue which could be good news (it's in the Accepted pile and waiting for a contract to be written up) or bad news (it got lost in the mail). I've queried once, but not heard any response as of yet.

I'm in the midst of editing more stories for more slushpiles, and working on another new one. Go, me!

* * *
Huh, an editor I e-mailed two stories to just e-mailed me stating that they don't take multiple submissions and he offered to let me pull one. That was pretty darn nice of him. The last time I pulled that (at a different publication) (and I swear... I didn't realize that some places treat that as a sin) I got both stories rejected unread.

I pulled the second story and will send it elsewhere before the end of the day.

* * *
I've been hearing all sorts of hubbub about Janet Jackson's little flash at the Superbowl. Like everyone else, I'm wondering what the big deal is. We've certainly seen worse on TV, in magazines, in movies, and on the news. Hell, I found Ms. Jackson's breast much more tasteful than Kid Rock's performance. And what the heck was up with all those Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders swaying suggestively while Willie Nelson sang about lynch mobs? (Admission: I actually like that song quite a bit... I just don't find it "sexy")

Let's face it. The FCC's standards are antiquated and irrelevant.

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Today's link is another whaling link. The Mystic Seaport was one of my most favorite destinations for family outings when I was a kid. I would spend hours at the planetarium, or on board the Charles W. Morgan (the last of the old wooden whaling ships) or the George Stagen, a Norwegian training sloop. I heard my first sea chanties sung outside the general store there by live musicians. It's easily a great place to spend the day. Anyone in the southern New England area should check it out once the weather gets a touch warmer.

Cheers!