Erotica, fantasy, and horror writer.
Most people think of the U.S. states of Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona as cowboy country, the Wild West. Originally, I wanted to do these three states as a post puncturing the cowboy myth, and how these rough-and-tumble men were nothing at all like those on TV and in the movies. But then I realized …
Among the more bizarre Japanese tokusatsu hero shows of the 1970s was Warrior of Love: Rainbowman. This sounds contemporary, but the show had nothing to do with LGBTQ people or rights, as it debuted in 1972. Due to the special training he received in India from the yogi Devadatta, young hero Takeshi Yamato was able …
Tokusatsu is a form of media native to Japan. At its most basic, it means any kind of Japanese SFF, horror or war drama that relies heavily upon special effects. But since the 1960s popular usage has defined it as any action-packed TV show or movie with colorfully costumed superhero characters who have their own …
New York City is famous for its Jewish delicatessens, with Katz’s still being the oldest and the best known. This particular kind of eatery sprang up in the late 1800s when German immigrants began to settle in lower Manhattan. The food was decidedly Teutonic: sauerkraut, pickles, cold cuts, sausages. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe later …
It’s time for another yearly reading challenge from the Authors Water Cooler! The past three years were disappointing for me, as I hadn’t been able to finish any of them despite my high intentions. 2022 was actually better, because I did make it 3/4 of the way, squeaking through with two books finished the …
My favorite Twittersnip magic items of 2022. 2022 Magic Items Anzha’s Bubble: This glass bubble measures 2” and constantly shifts colors. When held in the palm, it induces memories of the most tranquil place the holder ever visited, inducing in them calm and peace. Bag of the Banshee: This cursed sack screams loudly whenever …
You Look Like a Thing and I Love You by Janelle Shane Voracious, November 2019 [ Challenge # 3 : Just the facts, Ma’am: Nonfiction on any subject ] I’ve followed Janelle Shane’s weblog on AI and computer learning for a while, and it’s never failed to make me laugh. Out of that endeavor came …
The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation by Cathy O’Neil Crown, March 2022 [ Challenge # 45 : Face your fears: A book that intimidates you, for any reason ] This one’s a late-year substitute. Shoehorned The Shame Machine by Cathy O’Neil into the “Intimidating” category, because the title certainly is. …