A Parliament of Me

Last night, I had the immense pleasure of listening to Andy Catt's reading of my short story "A Parliament of Me," broadcast on the excellent podcast website Well Told Tales.

I was blown away.

The special effects, the different voices that Mr. Catt employed, everything was amazing, far beyond what I expected. One of the interesting changes was his use of British accents for the character(s), something that I never intended when I wrote the story, but now that I hear it, very much approve.

I describe "A Parliament of Me" as Jorge Luis Borges meets Stephen King. It is my one Borges-esque story, although I wrote it long before I had ever read Borges.

The story is roughly 18 minutes long and is completely free and very easy to listen to (though I would suggest, if you like the story, and enjoy website, that you might donate a small amount). Check it out when you can! Here's the link.

inaugaration and my own anticipation

I very much enjoyed watching the inaugural ceremonies this morning and look forward to catching the re-run of The Daily Show's satirical coverage of the event tomorrow evening.

In the meantime, I've been told that one of my stories will be broadcast in two days time, and the editor of the website, Well Told Tales, told me it was one of their best readings yet.

I'm excited beyond words. For both myself and the country.

This just blew my mind...

Neil Gaiman, one of my heroes, linked to this article from his blog and after reading it, I feel I must do the same:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126911.300-our-world-may-be-a-giant-hologram.html?full=true&print=true

I'm very much reminded of Edwin Abbott's book Flatland. Perhaps the British teacher and theologian was more right in his geometrical/sociological satire than we knew. I particularly like the part where the universe is described as "pringle" shaped. (though reading further, if the hologram theory proves sound, it might be actually be sphere shaped, if I understood the article correctly--which I probably didn't)

Fascinating stuff, and it actually feeds into an idea for a story I've been toying around with.

All I will say as a hint is that in the kingdom of the blind, the man who can see is king.

Works of art that made my day.

Feegles

People keep asking me why I can't stop laughing when I'm reading Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books about the Feegles (or Nac Mac Feegle) (or also the Wee Free Men, as they sometimes call themselves).

I try to explain to them that they are books featuring creatures that are like indestructible Smurfs from Scotland, on crack, who have watched Braveheart 1000 times.

Most of the time, they respond by giving me a puzzled look and backing away slowly.

But for those of you who are wondering, I've found some perfect illustrations by Paul Kidby depicting what Feegles are and why they're so awesome:

Garrison Keillor rocks

One of the only reasons I enjoy Mondays is Garrison Keillor's weekly "News From Lake Wobegone" monologues, available online for free to download and listen to. This week's (1/3/09) story was a repeat, but its one of my favorites, because it combines two of my favorite things: Costa Rica and Lake Wobegone. Check it out, when you can:

http://americanpublicmedia.publicradio.org/podcasts/xml/prairie_home_companion/news_from_lake_wobegon.xml

time to clock back in

As much as I would love to keep on doing what I've been doing for the past weeks, which essentially has been taking it easy, reading books and eating far too much unhealthy foods, I'm beginning to feel restless...

I think my uneasy feeling is my intuition telling me that real life is about to start up once more tomorrow, and that I'd better get ready to get back in the game.

Ah well. My mom once told me that heaven for me would probably entail a comfortable couch and an unlimited supply of both books and breakfast cereal. Perhaps she was right (and I'm inclined to think she partially was) but I need to get writing again. Unless I've pushed myself, I find it difficult to relax and "take 'er easy". I guess its just that Catholic guilt at work!

Well, perhaps its time to excise the guilt. Work, here I come!

Ah, the Holidays

Overall, I must say that they went rather well!

I had a great, surprisingly drama-free, time visiting the family, sitting around the house watching movies on Sean's new big screen projector. I loved my gifts and I think everyone in the fam appreciated the ones from me.

Both the Hurley and LaForge Christmas gatherings were completely awesome.

Also, I had a lovely time visiting wineries in Canada and catching up with a dear friend.

And finally New Years.

Let's just say that I celebrated this New Year's Eve with a literal "bang" as it were. (no, my pun has nothing to do with sex you pervs).

Apparently, I am no one to be trifled with. In the way of a hint...so far, after last night's misadventures I've been given the nicknames "Killer", "Irish Avenger", "Rocky", and most suprisingly "Ghandi." (thanks EJ) Ask me about it and I may tell you what happened.

And that's all.

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

Love,

-the Irish Avenging, Killer Ghandi