The goal for 2025 was to read 215 books, the usual assortment of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. However, the significant change for me was switching from buying Marvel TPBs in favor of their Marvel Unlimited digital service. As a result, reaching the goal proved challenging, and I came pretty darn close. As always, I […]
It’s been a hectic week as things wind up and head toward Winter Break. First, MICA concluded its fall semester on Wednesday, and my students gave final presentations on what worked and what didn’t in their 30-page stories. They also received a final round of peer feedback, and most everyone was quite generous with their […]
“A date that will live in infamy.” December 7 signals America’s entry into World War II and deserves to be remembered. The date also brings back memories of the first and last time I succumbed to fannish exuberance. Star Trek: The Motion Picture was opening that day in 1979, and I was determined to have […]
Launching a Kickstarter campaign with my already packed schedule always comes with risk, but I went ahead and went for it with Thrilling Adventure Yarns 2026. As I write this, we’re at 61% funded after one week, which is good and means I will likely make my goal and produce the book. Its slow momentum […]
I was afraid of this. Once I broke the habit of posting more or less weekly, things would snowball. However, with the Baltimore Comic-Con and my two school jobs, it’s been busy, and having a wicked cold didn’t help at all. So, the con. As usual, I caught up with the regulars who make it […]
Given events we both want to attend this coming weekend, Deb and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary this past weekend. We had a lovely steak dinner and took in Red Pitch, a marvelous play at the Olney Theatre. Over our meal, we talked about regrets and we each harbor some. In retrospect, ours are […]
The best part of Baltimore Comic-Con is seeing old colleagues and friends, catching up, and trading stories (okay, gossip). I do my part by moderating panels and this year, I don’t have a particularly full schedule, although I will be panelist on two others, so it’s busy enough. If you happen to be at the […]
The Washington Post published a nice piece yesterday celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I enjoyed the film and appreciate its tone and attitude. The film is incredibly well-cast, giving career boosts to Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Meatloaf. I consider myself fortunate that I lost my Rocky virginity in the […]
Four weeks into the new academic year, and we’re already in a groove despite a plethora of special schedules for events and masses. I’ve gotten into a nice rhythm with the freshmen, who are proving to be a delight, each in their own energetic ways. The sophomores continue to vex me with their casual attitude […]
With the best of intentions, I swear at the beginning of each school year, I will find time to read and to write. While I can’t do anything significant, I can do little bits and pieces. And then reality settles in, and I can barely read the paper or do any writing. The original novel […]