Unca Harlan's Art Deco Dining Pavilion

Archive - 05/16/2011 to 10/29/2011

Unca Harlan's Art Deco Dining Pavilion

ATTENTION PHILLY AREA WEBDERLANDERS!!
Sorry, it's been a bitch of a week or I would have posted sooner. If any of you come into the King of Prussia Sephora Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and ask for me, I'll get you 20% off your purchase. Come see me!

Harlan, I love Hallowe'en too, except for one thing: it heralds the start of "Holiday Music" Season. Two fucking months of Christmas music. Nine hours a day, five days a week. Pity me.

Sandra,

My sister went through what you're going through right now. It sucks to high heaven to have to depend on the kindness of those strangers. She survived the experience and did get the benefits she needed. Hang in there, kiddo.

Roger,

Sorry about how your birthday went. The unexpected death in the family is a real punch in the gut. I hope for better days ahead for you and your family.

Chuck

Mind Fields
Mind Fields is good. Really Fucking Good. Perhaps Susan could communicate to us if there are any left available for sale. I’d encourage anyone here to get a copy if possible. It’s a fantastic piece of art, both literary and graphic.

I can’t stop looking at it, it’s one of those really cool surprises in life, something BETTER than advertised.

Harlan, thank you for the personalized bit you did for me on the second page. I hesitated to request such a thing, for fear of being a nudge.

Happy Halloween, Everyone!

Tim

HALLOWEEN
We hosted a Halloween party about 25 years ago, which was a little bit of a dud, because most of my friends insisted on showing up in their normal clothes, too embarrassed to dress up, I guess(??). Anyway, the best feature was that my late wife, an expert tailor, made me a Phantom outfit(Lee Falk's comic hero, with the purple hood and the blue-striped undies, you know?). I could never stand to sell or loan this great costume out(in fact I still fit into it since I eat strictly vegetarian), and am hoping to have an occasion to wear it again sometime (nothing shaking around here this year though). But if I lived ANYWHERE near HARLAN, I SWEAR I would have donned it and shown up at his house, JUST for the **FREE** COMIC BOOKS!

Pants down... flag waving in the breeze...
(shields eyes and holds out a belt)

Oh, the humanity!

CAUGHT WITH MY PANTS DOWN


It wasn't nearly 6012 children. That was my eerie sense of what is hilarious. Closer to 500, in actuality. The rest of it was true. Malformed, but true.

-he

Seconding Mr. Loftus

The media types and the chattering class are being obtuse. Plenty of very smart people have been outlining for 3+ years what needs to be done: reinstate Glass-Steagal, spin the tax code back to 1959 and cut our the loopholes, put a transfer tax of stock sales of 1% and/or make people hold the stocks they buy for 48 hours to end this computer-driven arbitrage that causes unnecessary price fluctuations in the market, and put financial derivatives under the rules and oversight of the SEC. And, while we're at it, pass a constitutional amendment that ends the corporations legal status as fictive individuals.

The people who brought us the invasion of Iraq, the intervention in Libya, TARP, and the bailouts of AIG and GM will plaintively cry, "But we can't doooo thaaaaat." No, not and keep their campaign donors happy, they can't. Which means that the Occupy Wall Street people, and those honest Tea Party members who are not Republican shills but actually are pissed off at the hijacking of our Republic, will have to keep up the pressure, 24-7, and get millions more riled up, until the Powers That Be can no longer fob us off with Business As Usual.

Harlan - Have you considered reading Free with this Box! or Jeffty to the kids some time?
---
TV Tuesday presents The Glass Teat: Harlan Ellison on Television, Tuesday, Nov 15, 8:00p, The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre, Los Angeles
http://events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/222083845-tv-tuesday-presents-the-glass-teat-harlan-ellison-on-television

Illegal Angry Candy: www.4shared.com/document/ekyIVdbV/Angry_Candy_by_Harlan_Ellison_.html
(for more illegal Ellison books use search)
---
Jan's non-Halloween latecoming film recommendation: The Baader-Meinhof Complex (2008). Authentic epic movie of crime and mayhem based on 8 years of left-wing terrorism in Germany. Everyone who can handle blood on the screen should see this. (I'm assuming almost no one here did because of its limited release in the US.)

Glad yr having fun Harlan!! ;-) Ah... to be in balmy LA for the Hallo-days... Friday was a pretty hectic pumpkin party day in Gotham too, young adults lining up round the block at the half-priced costume stores, crowding cobwebbed pizza shops and Starbucks. Wish I was there, because now it's...SNOWING!!!

xx

cc

Falling
Greetings from the wintry East, where we are enjoying an October 29/WTF?!?" snowfall. It's a a day only fit for doing things like I have been enjoying here in the domicile: eating huevos rancheros and watching Boris Karloff in "Before I Hang".

Just wanted to say a big thanks to all for the warm welcome to the Pavilion. That the door to the diner was held open for me by the Man Himself was so wildly unexpected and amazing, and the greetings from the other kids waving hi as I walked in were pretty fabulous, too.

I appreciated David Loftus' reflection about the first time most folks came into the Ellisonian universe: "I'm sure I'm not the only person here who feels instantly transported back to his or her teens when rereading Harlan Ellison, or whatever age we were when we first encountered his work. Not that many things, aside from a first love, a beloved movie or TV show, or a particular song, can do that."

Well, it turns out that I was 50 when I had "My First Time with Harlan" (there's a series of essays begging to be published if they haven't been already). So I thank you, David, for the reminder that even as the odometer turned for me this year, I still am in touch with the feelings more closely associated with a more chronologically youthful time - of cascading ass over teakettle into a world I hardly know, don't really understand, yet feel such a gravitational pull towards that I am happily falling, falling, falling.

Response to Steve Perry's questions

If you're fighting a huge, powerful, complex system that's been working through the legal and political establishment toward its own ends, often to your detriment, then it's probably not going to be easy to figure out what to do about that, let alone sell it to the rest of the American public in a nice, tidy, 20-second sound bite.

What we know is, what has been happening is NOT FAIR. We need to hold onto that thought and talk it through at length, because probably none of us knows even the size and nature of the problem we're trying to tackle, let alone the best solutions.

As the Reverend Bill Sinkford, pastor of First Unitarian Church, told the downtown Occupy Portland rally I attended yesterday (the paltry-to-nonexistent coverage of that massive event in the local newspaper and TV news is the subject of my latest blog commentary): the opponents of the Occupy movement are demanding specific proposals so they can get right to work undermining them and adapting them to their own ends. Stay in that place that says "it's not fair!" he counseled us.

I welcome you to try to find evidence that someone's in charge. The relative chaos and power struggles going on at Occupy Seattle, Occupy Oakland, Occupy Portland are a reflection of that fact. Reuters got slapped for intimating that George Soros was funding and directing the Occupy movement without having one shred of actual evidence; the news service was partly peddling insinuations by Rush Limbaugh!

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/business/2011/10/reuterss-dizzying-changes-its-soros-occupy-wall-street-story/43676/

Anyway, I've started to develop conspiratorial paranoia after my personal experience of a huge public Occupy Portland event that simply did not make the radar on most local Portland news sources:

www.americancurrents.com

Harlan, I once butt-fucked an owl, but never got one to suck me.

Koala Bears, now that's some good mouthwork.

A bag of gummie bears for your stellar screed.

STEVE-
thank you for your thank you. I had a great time and really enjoyed seeing (and hearing) Cris' show. Now I have another CD for my cross country trip back to Chicagoland. My job has ended, so I'm soon to be windy AGAIN. But I shall return.

Happy Halloween you all.

jimmy

SANDRA - I'm really sorry to read about your challenges and the unnecessarily worthless judge. You've got a lot going for you, and a lot of people who are right there beside you, at least in spirit. Feel free to write or call if you need a shoulder.
_____________________________________

JIMMY - Thank you for coming to Cris' gig at the Bonaventure. Good seeing you and catching up! I never did get to the free munchies...ended up with a McD burger at 9:30 that night. Ah, the glamorous life of a jazz roadie.
_____________________________________

ROGER - Ditto what other have said. It's a tough time. I hope your friends and loved ones are there for you. (We just lost my Aunt Betty, completely out of the blue. Medical malpractice. Just awful.)
_____________________________________

HARLAN - 6012 kids? Wow. We're lucky to have 150, and consider THAT a huge turnout. But we DO get to do it on the 31st. We trundle out our little firepit to the patio at the front of the house, gather a few lawn chair and sit with our friends Mary and Evelyn waiting for the ghouls to drop by. This year we add a smoke machine to the graveyard we've built on the front lawn. (A bit of competition with the neighbors down the street who moved in a year ago...they have a good sense of the dramatic and last year caused a virtual fog bank to roll down Claiborne Drive. Well, TWO can play at that game...)

6012. &%$# me.
_____________________________________

Radioclassics has been running Halloween-themed programs for the last few days. Yesterday it was a jackpot. The Mercury Theater's FRANKENSTEIN; Jack Benny's 1948 Halloween special; and FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY's Halloween Party at Throckmorton Guildersleeves' house.

Tonight Cris and I carry on our annual tradition of watching SLEEPY HALLOW while carving pumpkins.
_____________________________________

A new blog entry. This week an On the Road Essay featuring the Sicilian town of Taormina.

http://thumbnailtraveler.blogspot.com/

Halloween
They still do it on Oct 31 hereabouts. The number of kids who show up is **just low enough** to make the evening a tedious drag, **just high enough** to make getting involved with anything else impossible. (There's a higher number where it's a party of sorts for you too.) 'Round this here household it's one of the year's two guaranteed date nights, the other being our anniversary, December 25th. (SUCH a great bargain the goyim gave us on the wedding hall, you wouldn't believe.) We go out and stay out, not coming back until any kid still wandering the streets in costume isn't a cute manifestation of a silly holiday, but a reason for social services. As Harlan says, there's no penalty, anywhere. The "trick or" part of the equation has been completely abandoned.

One fun Halloween we had was the year we got our kitten Uma Furman (now a big old lazy fat cat), who was still rambunctious and fearless and unable to be trusted to not run out the door every time it was opened. I spent the night tucking her under my arm and answering the door with her. WITHOUT EXCEPTION, the kids all said, "Trick Or...Awwwwwwwwwwww." I surprised a couple of kids by making as if I was about to toss Uma into their bags, as their treat; a number acted like they wouldn't have minded.

Roger, my sincere condolences.

Harlan’s Haunted House!!!!!!!!
I’ll give you a buck if you teach me how to flip my eyelids inside-out. The last guy I saw do that regularly was Mike Mosley back in second grade. I was fargin’ jealous, dammit! And I’m also green with envy of that little bee, who is she to get free fucking comics….shit, I used to get four pennies wrapped in toilet paper sealed with a rubber band in my plastic pumpkin.

But wait….hmmmmm...Coy Drive? Might be a target for a TP papering; if I don’t get a kick ass Archie comic, those rolls might fly….

Happy Halloween, Harlan and Susan!

Tim

MY DAY by Eleanor Roosevelt


Tonight was "Hallowe'en" for these Young Moderns. Gawd forbid they lose a weekend evening at The Mall. So they proliferated tonight. But we were ready for them, The Crazy Old Man of Coy Drive and his domiciled redhead. Fuck'm all, I had a grrrrreat time. Spoke in tongues. Did Bert Lahr routines. Flipped back my eyelids and scared 'em shitless. Ate Snickers and wouldn't give them any. Made 'em line up by height and rank and lack of blood on their faces. "I was here last year," one said. I gave him a Gerald Kersh. "Shut up, kid, and count off! And polish that brass till I can see my spit in it, or it's 6 days of latrine duty for you AND your mother in the Lady Gaga get-up!"

6012 children. We went through 2 boxes of free comic books. I wore an elephant nose. My wife would not wear the gorilla. Go marry a Brit shiksa white woman who insists they say "trick or treat" when they only know from greed greed greed gimme gimme gimme. I tried to explain the differences among Aphrodite, Demeter and Persephone to a 12 year old. One of the teeny fuckers demanded candy. I said, "We don't give out candy; it'll rot your little fangs; we are a cool house that gives comic books. You want an Archie or a Spider-Man?" He demanded candy. I said, "Take a hike, y'little schnorrer." His father took offense. I told his father to take a hike. His father wanted to duke it out with me. I laughed and advised him I'd kill his whole fuckin' family, right in front of him. He huffed off, up Coy Drive. A guy shook my hand and told me our house was AWWWWWWWWWWSOME. I went and lit the lights on The Keep. A little ballerina gave me a kiss. A baby bee fell in love with me and thought our Edgar Allan Poe puppet in the living room was coooool. I explained the Inverse Cube Law to a three-foot-tall ant. I'm not sure he got the "as mass doubles..." part. Every third parent is an "independant film producer" and was honored to meet me, addressed me with the presence of Ralph Waldo Emerson,and businesswise...could we "talk?" Susan gave them crayons. I told them to "do" their parents' cars, sidewalks, walls, patios with the Crayolas.

I don't think a one of them knew what to do when I said, "No treat, whattaya gonna trick?" Lots of blank stares. It ain't like the Olde Dayz when everyone played the game and knew the rules. You get a thankyou that's been droned into them by the few parents who think of it beforehand, it's like getting a blow job from a succubus owl. It ain't like when I was a ragamuffin kid who'd fuckin' t.p. your entire village if he didn't get an O. Henry bar or a Granny Smith, back in the dayz before everyone put hash or razor blades in the cookies.

Trust me, as Sophie Tucker said: Old Age ain't for pussies.

Sometime, ask me to tell you about Florence Foster Jenkins, and who "Cosmo McMoon," her pianist really was.

Screw Xmas, I love Hallowe'en.

Yr. Pal, The Elephant Nose Man

Hi guys. Tim is right but most people stiff effin suck. Present company excluded. Roger sorry for your loss and a belated Happy Birthday.

Shagin
That offer of cocoa is what makes life worth living. Fuck all that other stuff. Time marches on and things tend to work out. It’s our enemy and also our healer.

And so is beer, but that's another story. :)

Tim

Hi guys, I haven't left a note for a while, just too much stress with my mother's health going downhill. She wanted to take my out for breakfast Thursday this week to celebrate my 60th birthday which was that day, and then my massage therapist and her little girl,who just turned 5, wanted to take me out for lunch which I was so looking forward to, Piper is such a character she just tickles me to no end. It did not happen unfortunately. I got a call late Sunday night that one of my cousins had died of a heart attack right at the admitting desk atthe hospital. The funeral was Thursday in Jesup,Iowa which is about 25 miles east of Waterloo where I grew up. My uncle Bob was having a very difficult time, this was his favorite son and the one with whom he butted heads quite often. It was woderful seeing all my cousins but the circumstances made it very difficult. It was just not what I had expected to do on my birthday. Take care all of you.
Roger

Occupy Writers -- in support of the Occupy movement
LAST post on this (and for a while) -- promise! The following link is even MORE informative about how a group of (disparate)writers got together to support Occupy Wallstreet, and the Occupy Movement in general. And there is a link -- Occupy Writers (referring of course, to the writers who support the movent -- not a movement to actually occupy writers) -- which can be use -- by ANY writer (as long as your work/book, self-published or otherwise, can be verified -- to sign on in support of the momvment) Other writers mentioned (besides those already named below) include Samuel "Chip" Delany, Namoi Wolf (who actually got arrested at a local movement), Donna Tartt, Alice Walker, Jennifer Egan, Jonathan Lethem and...Lemony Snickett (!):

http://www.observer.com/2011/10/the-zuccotti-literatti-slumbering-prolixariat-awakes/

Rushdie, Oates and Gaiman support Occupy Wall Street Movement
An article about writers like Salman Rushdie, Joyce Carol Oates and Neil Gaiman (among others) supporting the Occupy Wall Street Movement. :)


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/14/famous-writers-occupy-wall-street-rushdie_n_1011218.html

Reuter's piece on "vidiots" mentions Harlan and Glass Teats
Mention is made of Harlan Ellison, with reference to his his "Glass Teat" columns/books in this Reuters piece:

http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2011/10/28/a-nation-of-vidiots/

Thank You
Made it through yesterday. Lawyer was very gentle, a lovely woman. Judge less so, not a lovely man. Afterwards, hubby and I drove to an empty lot and he held me.

The vocational expert ruled that I was qualified to work as a folder (of sheets, skill level 2) or a writer (prose, fiction/non-fiction, skill level 8). Irony?

Came home late last night. YJ: "I love you mom, even if they say you're too crazy. Want some cocoa?"

Had a cup of hot cocoa, researched proper slang for a character, made story notes, didn't fold any sheets.

Tomorrow is tomorrow. Today I hide.

Thank you.


Sandra

Asimov on Scientology, After He Read Hubbard's DIANETICS:
"Gibberish."

Kind of says it all, dosen't it?

Scientific American

The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN piece on scientology referred to by Duane is also online:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-real-science-behind-scientology

Re: Scientology /
Duane -

Thanks for the heads-up regarding that Harlan Ellison mention in Scientific American on the birth of Scientology.

For those interested, below is a link in which Ellison discusses in his rapid-machinegun-fire delivery the same story on L. Ron Hubbard and how he came to give birth to Scientology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9AGVARpqdk


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For those following the "Occupy" movement, I found an interesting link containing four short stories centered around the worldwide protests. All four stories have their protagonists come to a Joycean epiphany at the end. Three of the stories are meant to be poignant. But one is I think a satire and very tongue in cheek. The title of this one humorously called "Whole Foods Was Around the Corner." The story is summed up as follows on the site of the online journal: "Elizabeth had tons of debt and no job, but blamed herself for majoring in English -- until she attended a rally." There is a funny line spoken by the protagonist's roommate (who didn't go to college, was a waitress, and who had no debt): "After the march, I'll buy you an artichoke pizza."

http://www.salon.com/topic/occupy_wall_street_fiction/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Another off-topic item: The newly released Blu-Ray DVD of Terrence Malick's THE TREE OF LIFE is something to behold.

"If I never meet you in this life, let me feel the lack. A glance from your eyes, and my life will be yours." --from Terrence Malick's THE THIN RED LINE

Philip Dick Estate lawsuit
This is a new one on me -- Philip K. Dick's Estate is suing the company that made the movie THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU:

http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/philip-k-dick-estate-sues-media-rights-capital-over-adjustment-bureau/

Apparently, the company made a deal for the story, paid a large chunk of the money -- but now won't pay the rest by claiming that the story is in the public domain (so why did they negotiate in the first place?).
Another example of them not Paying The Writer! Let's hope the estate blows them out of the water!

SANDRA SHAGIN


Go sweetly, my friend; go sweetly, stay softly. Again, that blessing of the 19th Egyptian Dynasty: "God be between you and harm in all the empty places you walk."

As much as I humanly can, I am with you. You are not alone.

Harlan

oh lord

Louis Wu just kicked Nessus in the left larynx...ack

recovering yet,
Rick

p.s. Hi Rosemary, about thyme you checked in. ba-DING

Kuttner
Nah, not nitpicking. I see your point; clearly you remember Kuttner and some other people do, too. But he's been out of print at times and the reissues you're talking about are from small presses doing small print runs. Even in the SF ghetto, my guess is that not many younger readers would recognize the name, and he's completely unknown beyond genre walls. And that's a shame.

Henry Kuttner
Is this nitpicking? Kuttner is hardly forgotten or even out of print. Altus Press has a collection of his Thunder Jim Wade stories out, Planet Stories has three volumes of his work available, and Haffner Press has two collections out with two more on the way.

An influential and prolific writer who died too young at an obscenely early age, his work continues to find new homes, and may it always be so. Unknown to some perhaps, but hardly (I think) forgotten.

Henry Kuttner on writing and criticism
Here's a great (and touching) quote from the talented but largely forgotten writer Henry Kuttner that comes from a letter he wrote to the young Ray Bradbury. The letter is that of a mentor essentially saying goodbye to the gifted mentee who has found his voice and is ready to move on:

"I want you to remember something that I've always tried to point out: that no critic is infallible. The best thing a writer can do is to get several critical opinions, consider them, and then go ahead and do as he damn pleases, making use of the opinions if he finds them acceptable. Never take my word for gospel, or anybody's, in the matter of writing."

Good words to remember.

A good excuse to pick up the November 2011 issue of Scientific American:

Michael Shermer's latest Skeptic article is entitled "The real science behind Scientology," and he mentions an interview he conducted with Harlan about Scientology's founding. No spoilers, but most who know more about Our Host than the basic encyclopedia entry will have an idea of what the interview consisted of. Good read!

Speaking of Freedom Riders...
I saw my friend Ray Arsenault this past weekend as he spoke about his book (Freedom Riders) and he had two of the original 436 Freedom Riders with him, who also spoke (one of whom now collects toll money at the Sunshine Skyway bridge), along with the Emmy winning producer of his documentary. Funny, since I'm dropping names, he told me his documentary was up against our mutual friend, Dan Ellsberg, whose Most Dangerous Man in America lost to Freedom Riders. Both great documentaries and highly recommended. You can watch the FR documentary for free at the PBS website.

Co-Workers
Jeff: I once had a job in Chicago where one of my co-workers became baffled by the song "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel. "What IS a sledgehammer? Is that like a tool?" Another time, she was downright astonished when she learned that "www" stood for "world wide web."

Being out of work for four and a half years now has been tough, but, well, it has saved me from working with those who suffer from chronic ignorance.

Not alone
Sandra,
What Iain and Diane said (well, except for the part about driving trains). I wish for you to meet with people who take the time and attention to accurately understand your situation and respond to it fairly. If the feds can give billions to the crooked fucks who helped create this mess they sure as hell can do their job in this department.

A good day to all here.

One More Sign That I Need a New Job
Today, I found out that one of my co-workers has no idea how to spell her own middle name.

Social Security and Social Ills
Sandra -- best wishes and best of luck. To paraphrase Flatnose talking to Butch after the knife fight, we're rootin' for you.

David --

I was too young to do the Freedom Rides, but old enough to be a hippie, so I know from protests; however, both of those eras tended to have a sharper focus. Wall Street Sucks! is at least partly true, but if I have to go to the wiki to have what's going on explained to me, that's crappy PR. If nobody is in charge -- and I find that unbelievable -- that's not a selling point. If you are hunting ducks, you don't just point the shotgun at the flock overhead and pull the trigger, you have to aim at a particular one.

The people seldom speak with one voice, sure enough, but the message doesn't seem to be getting produced at the street-level. Sure, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" is a great phrase and if you aren't disturbed by what is going on in the country, you aren't paying attention, but clarity counts.

I'm waiting for the local news interview with the frat boy saying "Part-eeeeee!

I'm all for free assembly, long as it's mostly legal. And civil disobedience certainly has a valid place. Sitting in the front of bus is not quite the same as blocking a street and stopping an ambulance from getting through, or making somebody who needs his job late enough to get fired. Sometimes the ends justifies the means. Sometimes it doesn't.

Perry

Correction to previous post
Forgive the tripping over the word "mingle" in my previous post.

(Damn, no matter how many times I try to proofread before submitting, there almost always seems to be a mistake that gets by. Damn.)

A sweet Halloween memory
I hate Halloween more than Harlan Ellison hates Christmas; but as that miserable day approaches, I am reminded that it was at a Halloween party at the Dangerous Visions bookstore in 1985 that I saw Harlan Ellison for the second time in my life (the first time was by accident, when I was lost on Ventura Blvd, and came into the bookstore to ask for for directions, and there he was! And the third and last time was in 1989 when he and Susan--and his custom lecturn--went up to San Francisco to give a talk and promote ANGRY CANDY and HARLAN ELLISON'S WATCHING). He parked out front and arrived with Susan. They had a Harlan mannequin out front When he saw it, he said, "Aww shit!" I was in awe and watched him mingle with him mingle with the other people at the party. I wanted to say hi again, but I didn't want be another fan accosting him. So I left early. Neither Susan nor he were in costume. I found a pair of those Groucho Marx disguises--you know, the one with the glasses and nose and moustache and eyebrows--and as I left, I put it on Susan's face. I am sure she was shocked, but she was very gracious and said in her beautiful British accent, "Oh, thank you! Thank you!"

Going to go watch that 1962 camp classic, CARNIVAL OF SOULS, now...

Oh, and P.S.

Steve, there's very little indulgence in recreational drugs or fornication at the Occupy Portland site. Most of the arrests you've heard about in the news has occurred because A) volunteer security at Occupy Portland has alerted the police, and B) Portland Police have patrolled the site and worked very well with the Occupy veterans, so far.

What's really drawing so many people -- especially the longtime homeless, the mentally ill, and career criminals; none of whom have anything to do with the Occupy movement and its goals, but have been lumped in with it in the media -- is the free meals.

Occupy Portland is caring for other disenfranchised victims that our society has failed to take care of . . . not because the protesters wanted to, or planned to, and certainly not because they have the expertise and training (which they don't), but because we didn't.

checking back

A warm welcome to Rosemary Connors. I'm sure I'm not the only person here who feels instantly transported back to his or her teens when rereading Harlan Ellison, or whatever age we were when we first encountered his work. Not that many things, aside from a first love, a beloved movie or TV show, or a particular song, can do that.

MICHAEL MAYHEW: Yep, I auditioned for "The Flash," too, but they said I was a little too old and they wanted a different look.

STEVE PERRY: Sure there's a lot of different messages coming out of Occupy Portland, but there are several basic ones that nearly everyone agrees on. The Wikipedia pages for "Occupy Wall Street," "Occupy Portland," and the "Occupy movement" give a decent overview of developments and issues, and yesterday's cover story in Willamette Week gives a different, but equally fair and informative look inside the camp, to place alongside the one I'm offering on my blog, if you wanna check that out:

http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-18140-notes_from_the_occupation.html?current_page=1

My Facebook friends have sent links to all sorts of interesting angles: military veterans, young and old, coming out in support of Occupy (and some getting beaten by police for it, in Boston); Keith Olbermann's impassioned scolding of Oakland Mayor Quan last night for letting their police department whomp on protesters (which should ring a bell for Harlan from the days when an LA cop broke his arm in the late '60s when he was in a protest march); and the Congressional Budget Office report that came out this week to confirm the gross increase in income inequality in this country over the past three decades. Check 'em out, or let me know if you want me to circulate links here.

This is a very exciting time.

Sandra, you are not alone. You have me. And everyone here. I will pray for you. Let us know how it goes. Love you, Diane.

Amy Goodman and Chris Hedges were on Charlie Rose the other night--now tonight Slovaj Zizek will be on and he's a marxist!

This can't be a coincidence--this is Frank Church letter writing success, the same success that got Jello Biafra and our Harlan on Maher back in the day.

I be God people.

Reply to Sandra

Hey Shagin,

Fear is a demon that sits on everyone's shoulder. We all have it buried deep in our subconsious or even our waking and thoughtful mind. How we deal with it varies, but deal with it we must. to other some may seem irrational, some may seem silly, others may seem terrifyingly real. Yet for those who are afraid or have to conquer these demons they are mountains to be scaled.

One of the things I have is a joke tshirt from the website Wicked Jester. On the front is just their logo in red which appears to have been printed in dripping blood (ho ho ho) and on the back in white is a large grim reaper and the motto "Yae though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For I am the baddest motherfucker in the valley". The main joke being that I am in fact a pretty mild mannered and gentle human being.

What do I fear? Well to be honest... My job. It is for me the fact that should I make a simple human error I could end up in jail, at worst, losing my career of 20 years, or being downgraded so low that you would need sonar to find me. You may find that hard to believe but train drivers in Scotland are treated pretty badly all in all. Railway employees are treated like shit generally, to be honest. The simple fact that we are human beings forced to work long hours at extreme times does not factor into their thinking. Just who to blame so the company doesn't look bad.

Let me add a little to this, a kind of eye opener. 4 years 1 month and 13 days ago (but who is counting) I had a slip up. But a bad one, one of the worst kind that a train driver can have. I passed a signal at danger without authority. Which is a gross oversimplification, as there were some other details that were ignored, like me having an operation 7 days previously. But I was taken off driving and made to sit in the canteen for 8 weeks. At my hearing everything I said was ignored. In short I was railroaded, no pun intended. But I was allowed back onto drive again.

Then came my problem. I couldn't step into a driving cab without feeling sick, my hands shaking like the temperature was minus 40 degrees C. Frankly I was terrified. Terrified that I would make another mistake, even a minor one and have my ass hauled over the coals and sacked, losing my home, my family, everything I have worked nearly 20 years to build.

That lasted probably a year to two years. Every working day to a greater or lesser degree. Its pretty much gone now, but I still get days when I wake up and think "Shit I have to go in and do this... again". But I suppose everyone gets that.

Sandra, you are never really alone. Even when friends aren't with you physically, they worry and they care. And they will offer every support they can given half a chance.

Take care Sandra. You are NEVER alone.

Iain

HARLAN: ("I GUARANTEE you'll like my writing better than you'll like me...") Knock that crap off.

***

Given the time, instead of "tomorrow" I will say that later this morning I am bound for the Social Security offices in Seattle where I will give a statement on my own behalf as to the state of my disability.

It. Hurts? Stings? Shames? Terrifies? Yes? Not certain. I'm struggling against the frame of the admission, the thought that I shall become no better than the word when what I desperately hope for is the chance to work, earn my own way, do SOMETHING, even take care of my children and my house. This involves both my decaying mental health as well as my physical condition.

And I'm afraid. Afraid. A feared.

I have a small stone plaque: "On The Other Side Of Fear, There Is Freedom". Kali, the Hindu Black Earth Mother, the Devourer, bid the spirit face its fears, pass through her darkness to the enlightenment on the other side. Buddha taught: "The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed." Mark Twain wrote: "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."

Harlan tells us of Fear, and how necessary it is to grab the motherfucker by the throat and take it down before it does the same to us.

A girl is sexually penetrated for the first time at the tender age of 10-months. She sits beside the woman who had a mild stroke a few months ago. Together they look through my eyes, and type with one serviceable hand and a pencil in the other.

In a little under 8 hours I will be seated before a judge (in what I've been told will be an informal settling, around a table, no black robes, no noose or guillotine) who will ask questions about what I can and cannot do. Can I do this? Why/Why not? Can I do that? Why/Why not?

I am more than the sum of the things I must speak aloud later today. I will face my fears by speaking their names aloud, and maybe, just maybe, stand a little straighter for it.

Why is she telling us this? Because I've been told honesty beats the alternative.

And I don't want to be alone.


Sandra

Welcome, Rosemary Connors. Kin I be your friend too? Was you ever bit by a dead bee?

I think you'll like the Dining Pavilion. Quite a group we have here. Just a fun-loving gang of rakehells, hoydens and ne'er-do-wells.

And do try the lamb. It's great with barbeque sauce.

Chuck

Infiniti ad

David Loftus - were you hired for your ability to walk at very high speed in a somewhat blurry, yet somewhat strobey way?

I imagine the casting notice must have read: "Distinguished-looking middle aged male for national ad. Ability to move at near-supersonic speed a must."

Congrats.

MM

From the squirrel bag...
Susan,

The Essential Ellisons showed up today ~ big, meaty, wonder-packed stocking stuffers (if you wear a 64 stout) for two old friends. Thanks for the speedy turn-around time.

And Harlan, I know you spent some time (maybe toured with) the Rolling Stones, but I've never seen any detailed accounts. I'm sure the dinners in the Pavilion would enjoy a Keef antidote or two.

I know, I know, I exhausted my favor quota for the next decade, but should the mood strike you...

REPLY TO ROSEMARY CONNORS


WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD. As the man in the jumper sweater used to say, "Can I be your friend? May I be your friend? Would you like a friend?" Why doesn't that sound comfortable coming from an old dream who still, apparently, possesses some sharp teeth?

I GUARANTEE you'll like my writing better than you'll like me...but I'll do my best to make myself presentable. As for t'others here: they are a variegant bag o'squirrels. You'll dote on them soon enough.

Everyone be nice to Rosemary.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Hello I Must Be Going
Hello - First time I am posting here as I am relatively new to the wonders of Webderland. Boy, you all keep the conversation sprightly!

Susan and Harlan - just wanted to say thanks for the Glorious 39 suggestion from Netflix Instant - I really like Stephen Poliakoff's work, so this was a great find. Someone who can layer a story like he does is just jinkies with me (don't know how much of his other stuff you have seen, but Shooting the Past with the great Timothy Spall is a fave).

Netflix Instant is also where I first came into contact with all things Unca just a few short months ago - I was transfixed by Dreams with Sharp Teeth upon first viewing, and was compelled to find out "what is *up* with this guy?". While I am sure I am not the first person who saw the doc and then went to the writing, I admit it's kind of a a goofy way to get to the party...but now that I am here, better late than never!

Thanks for taking the newbie along for the ride.

MORGUE FOR WHORES
I'd like to respectfully ask the court's indulgence for a moment and recommend a new novel by a writer named Roy Edroso. Roy is one of the sharpest and funniest political bloggers on the 'net, the purveyor of a site called alicublog (http://alicublog.blogspot.com). He's also one hell of a writer and has just released his first novel, an e-book called MORGUE FOR WHORES, which Roy describes as "a neo-noir set in Brooklyn (that) has lots of violence, sex, and hard-boiled palaver". The book can be found at several sites, including Barnes & Noble and I-Tunes, and also at the e-book site Smashwords.com.

Harlan, I am sure you have a lot on your plate, but if you'd like to read the book I can send you my complimentary copy in Adobe Acrobat PDF form via e-mail or snail mail -- not to review or comment but just because I think you would enjoy the book. (And by the way, I designed the cover in concert with photographer Vincent L. Smith, but he and I don't get a cut so this isn't meant as a plug for myself.)

David Loftus
You move pretty fast there, David. I'd seen the commercial, didn't realize 'twas you. Nice.

As to the Occupy movement, local news talks about it every day in Portland. For my part, it seems to be diffused in intent and action. Lot kids camping in the park, smoking dope an fornicating -- not that there's anything wrong with that. Scratch ten of them and ask why they are here, you get ten different answers, everything from Fuck the Corporations! to Vote for Ron Paul! to The Native Americans Got Screwed!

I'm reminded of Mildred talking to Johnny (Brando) in The Wild One:

Hey, Johnny, what are you rebelling against?

Whaddya got?

Perry

Woody Allen movies that are masterpieces:

Annie Hall, Hannah and her Sisters, Purple Rose of Cairo, Crimes and Misdemeaners, Zelig, much of Deconstructing Harry, Match Point.

----------

I hope the punk ass Oakland police get it in the ass.

They almost killed an Iraq Vet.

Tahrir Square, meet America.

The New 'Zogg.....
It's the "Feel Bad" movie of the Holiday Season!!!

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/intotheabyss/

When Ray Met Rachel

Robert,

yes, Ray has seen the video, and he has met Rachel Bloom. By all accounts he was mightily amused by the whole thing. There are some photos here:

http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku.com/topic/34495#.TqhrcXKArK4


- Phil

P.S. Just realised this my second post of the day. Apologies. I shall vamoose to do penance for a few days.

Fuck Me Ray Bradbury musical tribute
Is anyone in here familiar with young comedian Rachel Bloom's hilarious musical tribute to Ray Bradbury? I wonder if Mr. Bradbury has seen this "Glee" parody -- and what he would make of it:

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2010/08/rachel-bloom-ray-bradbury/

It appears a season of change for "WALL STREET OCCUPIERS"

A political organizing group has now been hired to open a website and create a cohesive message with signs and appointed reps. to do national interviews and talk show appearances. Main directive to be established,Wall Street firms payback funds given as bonus during hardest of times economy collapsed.Hmm,Wall Street gives more to Dems. than Reps.,this should be a thrashing considering Obama and Pelosi pledged obedience to the gathering,I guess Romney as well. I might join if they focus on Banks and Wall Street and stop shitting in the streets and using children as shields.Too bad alot of persons need others pain to just shit on their Government.

Mind Fields
Susan

I received my copy of Mind Fields on Monday along with all of the HERC goodies. Thanks very much for the speedy service. And for the extra HERC goodies. Now I've got two HE mousepads - one for home and one for work! Thanks again.

Harlan

Thanks for the signature! Mind Fields is quite simply a very cool book. I can't really say more than that. I'd just be tripping over my tongue or in this case tangling my fingers up in the keyboard.

Sincerely

Mike Lane

"Gee, I've always wanted my own Harlan Ellison..."

Well, okay. But keep him out of direct sunlight and, for the love of God, don't feed him after midnight, or you're on your own.

PAD

To Peter David:
If I DID get the book wet, and it DID hydrate into a live Harlan right in front of me, would that be a bad thing?

Gee, I've always wanted my own Harlan Ellison...

JOE WALKER: Congratulations on the great TOC news, and on "The Penthouse View". Not only are you sharing the TOC with Harlan, but with Doug Lane, our own FinderDoug. Kudos all around!

***

PHIL NICHOLS: That would be Harlan's story from that same Foolscap panel that generated FinderDoug's "One Man's Famine" from his Monday, October 24 2011 8:43:7 post.

My story from that piece is still making the rounds. Excuse me while I rub against Harlan and FinderDoug for a bit of their splendiforousness.


shagin

One to bookmark for later...

A while ago we heard from Harlan that he had contributed to a new tribute volume in honour of Ray Bradbury. The book isn't out yet, but Amazon now has a page for it showing a release date in mid-2012.

Watch this space:

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Forever-Anthology-Honor-Bradbury/dp/0062122681/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319589043&sr=8-1

- Phil

checking in

Ummm . . . I did a quick swoop through the Bulletin Board and didn't see any subject headers that looked like they address the nationwide -- nay, worldwide -- protests currently going down against our corrupt corporations and government.

Is ANYBODY talking about the Occupy Wall Street movement in these environs? I'm blogging about Occupy Portland like crazy:

http://www.americancurrents.com/


On the lighter side, I auditioned today for a couple tiny walk-on roles in the upcoming fantasy noir series, "Grimm" (see the Wikipedia page if you haven't heard of it), which is debuting this Friday. I don't think I did very well; here's hoping I get another shot later.

Also, you might get a kick out of this Infiniti car ad I shot in January, which ran on local TV stations for much of the past three months. Since I don't watch much TV I didn't actually see it myself until yesterday when it went online:

http://vimeo.com/31055374

Harlan on eBay and apologies
Excuse the double post: I just wanted to apologize publicly to David S - having already e-mailed him my mea culpa - for my lack of discretion. The flogging will commence at dawn.

Updated Ed on the outcome, and he'd pleased and wishes to express thanks to all involved - all the bidders (both on-line and at Mile High Con last weekend in Denver) and to those like Harlan who generously donated their time, talents, or items on his behalf. Sometimes, Ed, being a World Class mensch does indeed pay off.

And Harlan, Glorious 39 is due tomorrow from Netflix on your and Susan's recommendation. We always appreciate the tips.

Kubrick Documentary
I second that jolt, Rob. First, everyone must see the Kubrick doc. It's almost a love letter.

Funny, you can measure the self-esteem of certain directors by what they have to say regarding Stanley. Compare Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese and tell me which one of these men is at one with his universe.

MOHO

ATTENTION: DAVID SILVER, MARK BARSOTTI, RICK WYATT

No need to delete anything. Let it stand.

If I may dodgem in with a fresh new trope: No Harm, No Foul!

It will remain our business, David.

I MAY (repeat: MAY) ask Ed Bryant, himself a fine fine editor and teacher of aspiring writers, he of superior rep and long-standing, to follow-up after I am through with the manuscript, just to see if I've gone awry or missed something important... which would be lagniappe for you having won the bidding; but otherwise, no one will poke a snout into this academic setting without your express permission.

You see, David, one and all, now the hard part begins. Oh, very exacting. Bidding, winning, doing the writing: easy.

Assaying: hard. Careful, cold, passionate, punctilious.

Had I my druthers, the winner would have been someone totally unknown to me. But I DO know David Silver. I know him to be a friend when I needed help, a man of intelligence and polish, and a man who knows his way around the block. A clever man.

But I have NO IDEA, even an inkling, if he can write.

So. Begins the hard part. Reading someone known to me--which buys him no more charity than were he my deadliest enemy--only serves to make the job harder. I will do it with what I've claimed over and over through fifty years of this "workshop" thing: Balzac's "Clean hands and composure," to be sure; but it may lose me a good friend. I can do no otherwise. This job is a sacred one and, to boot, the guy paid over half a grand to get The Truth As I Perceive It. I can be off-base, or even flat wrongheadedd, it's happened a few times, and my language may be mollified because David and I have some small history together. But the message, for yay or nay, will be just as clear.

No quarter asked, or given.

I'm delighted to have come in as one trooper in Ed's cavalry charge, just like everyone else who came to the clarion call, but it being David Silver compounds my responsibility.

I shall endeavor to superbalize my meager abilities as a teacher passim this sacrosanct chore.

Oh, by the way, David: it definitely NEED NOT be a science fiction or fantasy story. In fact, if I had my druthers, I would love it to be a "mainstream" story, something Erskine Caldwell or Joyce Carol Oates or John O'Hara or Jonathan Lethem might write. Something one would not find out of place in The Atlantic or Esquire or F&SF. I sorta feeel uncomfortable suggesting a story that might find its way onto the platinum pages of The New Yorker, because I don't think they have the respect for good writing or divergent genres to know their asswipe from asbestos...but apart from the Manchu Dynasty of New Yorker fare, I would look with equal--if not greater--sanguinity on a modern American short story, non-genre, as much as a detective, horror, western or fantasy tale. But it is 1000% yer choice.

I'm looking forward to this, as I hope are you.

And on behalf of myself, and Ed, and Mark, I thank you for your confidence that your investment will be rewarded.

Yr. Pal, and now Professor of Literature, Harlan Ellison

Two things
First, I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of the upcoming "Bugf*ck: The Worthless Wit and Wisdom of Harlan Ellison." It's like mainlining the Pavilion. It's such concentrated Ellison that you have to make sure not to get it wet, lest it hydrate into a full Harlan right in front of you. I'm assured that it will in fact be out in time for the holidays and it's a must-have for either yourself or the Harlan fan in your family.

Second, my novelette, "Bronsky's Dates With Death" which was printed in the July/August F&SF, is now available for free at www.suvudu.com. Please check it out and, if you like it, let folks know.

http://graphic-novels-manga.suvudu.com/2011/07/free-story-from-fantasy-science-fiction-magazine.html

Just a quick apology to ATC, who last night wrote "John Williams, one is tempted to say, "Holy John Wayne Gacy on a handtruck, I know that, it was a typo, for pete's sake." And I say, say it! Because that was a great line. But also, what happened was, I breezed through this site after a long night of studying for my Astronomy class, of all things, saw the several references to "Sleeper(s)" (not just Adam-Troy's) and launched into my goofy shtick for no other reason than it was fun. Which I think ATC gets, but I didn't want anyone to think it was meant as anything beyond that.

Calling Rick Wyatt...


...Rick, if you catch this quick enough (I can't find your dang telephone number!), please remove Mark Barsotti's message immediately preceding mine (and mine as well) because this was NOT supposed to be public knowledge. My (and Harlan's) business only. Thanks.

Harlan on eBay
The auction for Harlan's fiction critique to raise money for Ed Bryant ending within the last hour with a winning bid of $570. Harlan, the winner is apparently a friend of yours, David Silver. He plans to pay toward the end of the week and will contact you directly to submit his story. Thanks again for your generous offer to help Ed, and to Susan for pitching the idea to you so persuasively.

Major karma points to you both.
Be well,

M

Forgive the digression in the Woody Allen thread, but Woody jolted me recently in a documentary about Stanley Kubrick; in a nutshell, he states that even though he had problems with the writing and some of the performances, he liked DR. STRANGELOVE "very much"! "It was the WAY it was directed - that's what made it an experience for me."

I remain utterly nuts about the cast and the writing in SL, and I'd offer Woody steroids if he'd explain to me where he felt these elements went wrong. Between Terry Southern, Kubrick's cynicism, George C. Scott, Sellers, and Sterling Hayden, I think it's one of the greatest ever in writing and acting (all shaped and hewned within the directing itself).

As for Woody's own work, regretfully, I haven't revisited him in a long time. I embrace the two first decades of his career - sort of in tendem with Mel Brooks - but I couldn't get into much once past ZELIG.

BugF#$* Quote
Unca Harlan

Don't sweat it. I'm sure that between now and the twelfth of never you'll say and write enough witty, intelligent and profound things that a second edition will be necessary.

Just make sure Susan knows you'd like that to be added.

Lori

Correction
The quote I have in the edition in my hands is: "The minute people fall in love, they become liars."

Quote: "The moment people fall in love they become liars"
Harlan and Chuck Lang,

That's a quote from the introduction to Love Ain't Nothing But Sex Misspelled ("Having an Affair With a Troll")

Susan,
I sent over my check for membership to The Harlan Ellison Recording Collection. If you can, at your convenience of course, please confirm when you receive my check and note. Thank You.

REPLY TO CHUCK LANG


Yes, the attribution for that quotation is correct. I wrote it. Where, I do not recall; but it is mine. Wish Arnie Fenner had found it for BUGF#CK! I rather like it, and think it is so very true. And so sad.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Tom, you know, those dumb college kids. They all don't give three squirts about anything...

hehehe.

Runz.

--------

A much-welcomed arrival
Thank you to both of you, Susan and Harlan, for the copy of Mind Fields which gently settled into my Supermailbox* yesterday. It is a beautiful book, and both Linda and I will enjoy it.

Best,
John Hayes

(* - Canadians will understand.)

Occupy Wall Street?
Is Harlan keeping tabs on the movement to make Wall Street pay for soaking the taxpayers with the sub-prime mortgage fiasco?

I'm very interested to hear what (if anything) he has to offer in the way of observations and analysis.

Hungry Eyes for Halloween
Our host's loving comments on Fritz Leiber a little less than a month back reminded me of his adoration for "The Girl With The Hungry Eyes." It took me a few minutes (well, more than a few minutes) to remember where his mention of that story was... in "Blood/Thoughts," the introduction to No Doors, No Windows.

That 1975 mention impelled me to track down the same-titled 1949 Avon paperback anthology (still on my shelf this many years later). The short story has been in and out of print, of course, and other appearances might be easier to find.

But newest of all is in "Vampires, Zombies, Werewolves and Ghosts," fresh from Signet Classics, available in various e-forms as well as mass-market paperback in all good bookstores now (including the one I manage).

If the story's eluded you so far, give yourself a Halloween treat.

To: David Loftus, re: Midnight in Paris


How refreshing to read your comments on Midnight in Paris. But you were really too "generous" about that pedestrian film. I hated that movie so much that afterwards I made a quick beeline to the nearest bar so that I could wash the awful taste in my mouth that that movie left me.

While listening to Spotify...
Spotify, after many fits and starts is a music service that allows you to listen to the music of your choice with the assurance that the rights holders get paid. I hope that means the artists get something too.

So, while I was going through, listening to a mix of things (heck, they even had Clarence Profit!), I thought, "Why not?" and I typed in a familiar phrase and it turned up one entry:

Room of Toys (Harlan Ellison Mix) - Echo Tattoo

Apparently Echo Tattoo is a Greek band from Athens that has been around since 1989 and knows a good name when they hear one.

Brian Douglas Phillips

P.S. I am NOT the Brian Douglas Phillips that recorded the album "Gunnison" by the way.

For lovely Lorin

What has always upset me the most,growing up in a household of a Father that rarely ever asked anyone to ever do any fixing of problems I can ever remember him encountering,is others griping about Social Issues of Government without even dedicating any time to suggesting a reasonable solution.I remember watching Howard Hughes being wheeled out in a gurney with his long finger nails and dirty frizzy hair,looking up from my Hot Wheel track to my Father I asked why he was so important? "It appears he's not very important anymore is he?" I'll remember that image of Hughes for the rest of my life;a life wasted,unclear to the role we all play to each other.Years later sitting in a poetry reading of Allan Ginsberg in Tampa,and slowly passed around the room was a flyer to meet up with anti-nuke rally in Gainesville the next day;again the feeling of a civilization in decay,Nuclear Science is what could clear the way to unlimited Space travel and exploration;I looked up at Ginsberg after reading it,he was looking at me,still making rythmic tones with two wooden sticks,our eyes met,tears washed my cheeks,another cause,awashed in self-indulgence.Had the anti-nukes only put modest resources into finding a method to reverse the contamination of radiated particals the issue would just go away.The same for abortion,which I'm now seeing CNN starting to ask all the Republican whiners in recent interviews,a more sickening subject outside of African famine that human ears have ever encountered.Within 10 years abortions will be highly encouraged,and sought after with renumeration for cryonic storage for later parenting adoptions for implanting.Couples pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for artificial inseminations.And so I listen to the "OCCUPY" folks and I see yet another rising generation clueless to their roles as citizens in a very complex World;some of us will not make it to our later years,many more will,cherish what you can offer;apply what you have learned to leave this World better;to be doing anything else,FUCK OFF!!

Forgive me, but got to brag a bit

Just a blast.

No, no, not talking about the parties in Libya, the most recent Woody Allen film, or the new season of MYTHBUSTERS...I'm talking about Sunday night at the Coach House.

First and foremost, my little brunette chick just blew the doors off the place. The band was tight, the song set was dynamic, and the audience receptive and intense. Cris got an overwhelming response from the SRO crowd, of which a good fifty, scattered in and around, made their fandomof my lady known.

The guys at the Coach House were terrific, and gave us our good luck Green Room, aka The Graphitti Room. Deedles herself -- Ms Schuur's nickname -- was a friendly, funny, funloving soul of Jazz. Her band both excellent and accessible, with none of the attitude or standoffishness you can sometimes encounter with the headliners. Everette Harp, the incredible sax player who often tours with Schuur, was there and immediately bonded with our own Greg Vail. Even Cris' lowly roadie got to spend some fun time sharing war stories with Diane's personal assistant. Go figure.

I will be posting some video of Cris' set on YouTube in the next few days, and maybe a couple of pics on Facebook. But for all of you guys who have been so supportive -- Mark, Keith, Peggy, Doug, Diane, Lori, Duane, Rick, Gwyn, Frank, John, Josh, and of course uberfriends and fans Susan and Harlan -- she did us all very, very proud last night.

(Harlan, your message from Saturday evening just warmed our hearts and brought a huge smile to her face.)

Thanks guys. This was one of the good ones.

I'll post when the video is up.

Wind Knocked Outta Me
Just found out that my story "Peripheral" made the cut for Bernard Schaffer's Kindle All-Stars project (http://apiarysociety.typepad.com/kin...ll-stars-.html), the proceeds of which are going to a terrific charity. What has me knocked out about this, of course, is that the book will also include a story by Harlan. I never thought I'd see my work and the writer I've idolized since I was 12 under the same cover. The thought that HE might get the book and actually--deep breath--READ MY STORY is enough to send me into something resembling shock.

This is on top of selling another story (my third this year) yesterday, and then today in the mail getting my contributor's copies of the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine Jan/Feb 2012 issue with my story "The Penthouse View" (on the shelves in two weeks, reserve your copy now!).

If I'm not careful I might start to feel like a real writer soon. Harlan, once again, my thanks for . . . well, making me feel like that was possible, I suppose.

SLEEPER
John Williams, one is tempted to say, "Holy John Wayne Gacy on a handtruck, I know that, it was a typo, for pete's sake."

Correctamundo
The name of the film is SLEEPER, for the love of Ba'al, SLEEPER! SINGULAR! As in, Woody Allen is in cryogenic freeze for 300 years and is therefore the titular SLEEPER in question! It's what Peter Lorre is wearing when he loses one slipper and can't for the life of him find it anywhere! SLEEPER! I have just run out of puns! I wail, I gnash my teeth.

And anyway, TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN was funnier:

Have you any experience in running a high-speed digital electronic computer?

Yes, I have.

Where?

My aunt has one.

Now I know why myself and a certain fella have never really gotten along--it's all about the Woody connection.

I feel, without roses on the sidewalk, that Woody Allen is one of best writers/filmmakers we have ever had. He has a sharp eye for the trials of life and how to laugh back at the beast. He pokes sticks into God's eye but puts his own wet thumb in the light socket. The guy is a master artist--not much of a human being, but artists are usually quite fucked up.

If I want touchy feelie I will read a Hallmark card.

Woody, you asshole, why do you own my heart so.

National Food Day - October 24, 2011
Today is National Food Day! http://www.foodday.org (Er, is it wrong to celebrate with a $1 Banquet frozen dinner and some soda?)

RWW (Rhymes With Witch) Halloween Comics
I've pimped the SOMETHING POSITIVE webcomic to the Pavillion before. The regular, ongoing comic can be a love-it or hate-it kind of affair, but R.K. Milholland is currently running creepy/sweet/spooky/wonderful! Haloween single panel cartoons and accompanying stories (no more than 100 words each, most significantly shorter) under his RHYMES WITH WITCH comic heading.

The link below will take you to the main page. Scroll down until you see the RHYMES WITH WITCH heading. You can enjoy the two most recent comics, and from there you can click on Previous Comic for the other three (five in total). Or you can click on the Archives button and scroll down to the bottom of the archives page for The Last Trick-or-Treaters comics.

And baskets full of non-contagious warm fuzzies to someone who can direct Harlan to the comics as well.

http://www.somethingpositive.net/


shagin

A Quote from 'you" or so they say
The Quote:
"The monent people fall in love they become liars"

Did you write/say this? A interesting thought...

DJL's post -- lovin some Wood(y)!
DJL: Holy Forgetfuleness (masked man)! I actually forgot about that one! Don't know why (tired, in too much of hurry to post a quick defense of the Woodmeister -- who knows?). Also forgot to mention the giant breast, the talking spermatoza, etc., in "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex..."), etc., etc. Thanks for the reminder.

BRIAN P.: Of course, writer's borrow from (and take tours through) other lives -- but's the the personal baggage (and experience) that they _always_ bring to their own work that makes it unique. And (as you pointed out) the reason why we return again and again to the well.

Great to see so many others still lovin some some Wood(y)! :)

--DTS (Who will absolutely, postively, exit stage left for the rest of the week -- promise)

SLEEPERS and Asimov
Isaac Asimov's autobiography contains an anecdote where he was hired to read the screenplay of SLEEPER and correct anything that might have been awful from a science-fictional perspective.

(Can you imagine anybody doing that today? But I digress...)

Asimov loved the screenplay, noting that it didn't read like something by anybody who had ever read science fiction, but worked as science fiction because it was written by somebody with a functioning mind, who could develop his made up world.

He met with Allen and his producers to report his findings and may have had a few small notes but said, yes, this is fine science fiction. You don't need to worry.

One of the producers was so worried by Asimov's minimal feedback, fearing that they'd hired some know-nothing, that he asked Asimov how many science fiction novels he had written, himself.

Asimov, of course, said, "Twenty." (Pause) "The other three hundred were not science fiction."

Woody Allen cried, "Did you see how he did that? Did you SEE?"

HARLAN -

Six thousand years ago, at Foolscap VII, I took part in the "Show Me A Story" workshop that you moderated. I wrote a short, one-punch bit of deserted-Earth fiction titled "Hunger Strike" that betrayed my Twilight Zone-drenched roots. You identified key missteps, grammatical foibles, and the telegraphing of my ending, and you provided a sharp "NO!" to my step past the natural ending into some pointless denouement. You also offered a "not bad" in summation of my effort.

For your part, you gave me unvarnished truth in a very small window of time. For my part, I took your suggestions and insights and applied them to my rewrite efforts, and "Hunger Strike" became "One Man's Famine" and was picked up earlier this year by Bards and Sages Quarterly for their October issue. The story was leaner, tighter, didn't show its hand too soon, and stopped at the platform instead of past it. Still short, still a one-punch bit, but the jab was sharper, and the whole thing used the ring more efficiently.

I did the lifting. Wrote, trimmed, tucked, hacked, rewrote, subbed, read the rejections it received, let it sit, read it fresh, tweaked, etc, etc, and at the end of a long, sporadic gestation placed the story with an editor who liked it. But I credit you with giving me signs pointing the way, both with this story in particular, and with general suggestions that have helped me improve over the last few years.

All of this I mention because I received an email last night: "One Man's Famine" has won a Bards and Sages Readers' Choice Award - Best Story, October 2011. It is a small award, but one of great personal significance to me due to the circumstances under which the story was written, formed, refined and sold.

So THANK YOU, my friend, for your brief but critical contribution to getting this tale from Point A to Point B.

Woody Allen did much more than "dabbled(if only for a moment)" in SF-he co-wrote, directed and starred in a Science Fiction/Comedy film called "Sleepers"! It's about the adventures of the owner of a Greenwich Village, NY health food store played by Woody Allen who is cryogenically frozen in 1973 and defrosted 200 years later in an inept totalitarian state. The film contains many elements which parody notable works of science fiction."Sleepers" is also one of his best early films.

DTS, David Loftus, I don't know too much about swordplay...
...it epees to be ignorant. However, before Unca Harlan comes back into the room and addresses the Woody Allen topic, should he wish to, let us not forget a couple of things:

1. Harlan wrote an essay in which he and Allen, discussed Allen never getting the Hugo, even though he had certainly written things that would qualify, such as "Zelig" and to a lesser extent "A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy".

2. The "Woody Allen" character, by Allen's own admission, is based on Bob Hope, so by a loose application of the transitive property of equality, Owen Wilson's performance is based on Hope.

3. As an actor, I can only imagine how intimidating or daunting it might be to do the "Woody" character in a different way in front of Woody Allen.

4. I think we live in an age of too much information, both bad and good. We're a nosy species, so we end up finding out about whatever Allen does off-screen ("Wild Man Blues" is a documentary, so he did put part of his own life onscreen willingly) and for better or worse affects what we see onscreen. It is getting harder to judge art on its own merits. Is "Dance, Girl, Dance" a good film? Is it better or worse because a lesbian directed it? (Dorothy Arzner, so you don't need to run to Leonard Maltin or the Internet Movie Database). So, let us take Allen writing on occasion about himself and/or his experiences as read. I suppose it can be limiting, but it doesn't always have to be the case. A certain gentleman once wrote "A writer takes tours through other people's lives". Allen's bus just goes by his apartment building a bit more often, but I wouldn't trade that for some of the movies that he has made or ANY of the stand-up comedy that he did (although distance has not added pleasure to his view about his stand-up years). Musically, "Pet Sounds" by the Beach Boys is very much based on Brian Wilson's experiences, as much of his work at the time was, but hey, it's a great album, ifyalikethatsortathing.

As for the people in his movies, good on him for sticking to what he is comfortable with. I don't travel in his circles, but I would rather that than a movie with a bunch of characters he knows little to nothing about.

Brian Phillips

P.S. For those who have high-speed access, a wonderful resource is online, through legitimate channels. The taped interviews that formed the basis for the book "Hitchcock/Truffaut" is now available here:
http://www.hitchcockwiki.com/wiki/Interview:_Alfred_Hitchcock_and_Francois_Tuffaut_%28Aug/1962%29

If you haven't read the book, do so! It's great.

A parry and riposte to the Loftus post
LOFTUS: Actually (don't you hate it when someone starts out that way? You know it means they're gonna point out something you got wrong)... :) Woody Allen did the fantasy thing with "The Purple Rose of Cairo"; and he dabbled (if only for a moment) in SF when the aliens came down to visit him in a flim (the title of which escapes me -- it may have been "Stardust Memories", I think; or, "A Midsummer's Night Sex Comedy"), merely to ask him to make more "funny movies" (they were tired of his serious efforts).

Maybe it's all in how you see the world, or in how it is filtered through one's particular ego/id, but the feeling you got -- that the writer of the movie didn't like people all that much -- didn't (and hasn't) ever come over me when checking out a Woody Allen flick. I say hasn't because Allen has ALWAYS had some dialogue in most of his flicks which pokes fun at people who are either pseudo-intellectuals (in this case, the Paul character; in "Stardust Memories", I belive, it was the idiot in line to see a movie; etc.), who pretend to know more than they do, or see themselves as superior.

As for the "Woody" character in most (but not quite all -- "September", etc. -- of his films), that's not different than the character in a novel or short story who most reflects the author's beliefs or experiences. Goes with the territory. As for Wilson's take on the usual role, I think he did a MUCH better job of it than others have. And I think that was largely due to his West Coast, laid-back, personality. Less frenetic than others have been when trying to do a "Woody Allen".

And as for your finding it hard to believe in coincidence where plot is concerned, I'll let John Irving instruct you on that. This is from his essay, "The King Of the Novel" (which is an appreciation of Charles Dickens): "I wonder how many people who call a plot 'unlikely' ever realize that they do not like plot at all. The nature of plot _is_ unlikely."

Of course, you may not be a fan of John Irving -- or maybe not even of Dickens (though most artsy folks allow room for Dickens, even if they don't love his penchant for wild plot devices, broad characterization, etc.).

The thing is, by being overly anal about a lot of that stuff, you missed the romance of the movie -- which came into play when Gil is swept away by Paris, and when he meets the _right_ girl (I'll say no more, so as not to give too much away) -- AND when Gil has his minor epiphany. I think the theme of past versus present (both of which "come together", so to speak, in the ending - because of the way things work out, and because of who it is that Gil makes things work out with) is the heart and soul and _romance_ of the movie. But if you're busy picking nits, or pointing out the obvious, or even making incorrect observations, you'll be too busy to invest emotion (rather than intellect) into the film (emotion is what Dickens and Irving are all about, which is why their names came up earlier when driving home the point about plot).

Maybe it's just me being overly romantic, Loftus, but (knowing you do some acting) I don't think you could've played Gil Pender in that movie had the opportunity been yours. I'm thinking you would've been better suited to playing someone else...perhaps the pendantic guy (to paraphrase Carla Bruni, who plays the Museum Guide). :)

Au Revoir!
--DTS

My Movie Programme for Oct. 31st (in no particular order)

Halloween isn't just another holiday. Like Christmas, it's a mood. The smell of rawly-cut pumpkin, the kids walking down the sidewalk dressed in a delightfully amateur masquerade, the hokey-yet-mandatory decorations of fake cobwebs and goofy cut-out skeletons. That said, here are my personal five films that best evoke that unique, hard-to-articulate, orange-shaded Halloween "ambience":

NOSFERATU (1922)

CREEPSHOW (1982)

HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (1959)

THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (1985)

ERNEST SCARED STUPID (1991)

...okay, that last one is sort of a nostalgic thing.

Midnight in Paris

You know, folks . . . I wrote about my reservations regarding this movie on the Ellison BB months ago. Surprised to see so much hoopla over the movie of late, in a bid for some balance and sanity in the Pavvy, I offer to you my comments on Woody Allen's most recent offering:


June 25, 2011:

This isn't a review of "Midnight in Paris," -- if you want to know what the movie's about or who all's in it, read one of the established reviewers' pieces. I just wanted to put my thoughts down someplace after watching the thing this afternoon, and this seemed as good a place as any.

I read the first half a dozen reviews linked from the "External Reviews" page on the IMDb, and nobody else seems to have felt quite the way I did about this. Ebert thought it was wonderful. Others say it's Allen's best in years, or at worst, it's charming and fluffy and lightweight. I went because lots of other Portlanders had spoken warmly of the movie, and I'd heard the professional buzz was good.

I liked some stuff about it -- the photography, sound, colors, acting mostly, and some of the inside literary jokes just made for people like me -- but to some extent the movie gave me the creeps, too. I don't think Woody Allen understands ordinary human beings anymore. And though I appreciated his attempt to move in a somewhat unfamiliar direction for him -- a bit of science fiction/fantasy element to the plotting -- I don't believe he thought it through sufficiently. I liked "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" a bit more, though I thought it was far from his best work of the 1980s and 1970s), but it was better than "Scoop," which was often a bit embarrassing. (Because I've found his recent films weak and/or uneven, I haven't gone out of my way to see them all, but I did see "Deconstructing Harry," "Mighty Aphrodite," "Everyone Says I Love You." I think the last Woody Allen films I thought were fairly solid were "Husbands and Wives" and "Crimes and Misdemeanors.")

It's hard to separate what one knows or at least has read about Woody Allen the man from each of his projects, especially when the lead character, played here by Owen Wilson, so obviously plays a "Woody Allen type character" (and does it rather well, I must say). There's no particular reason the protagonist of "Midnight in Paris" should have Allen's tics and obsessions, really, let alone his verbal style, so I have to think either Wilson made that acting choice, or Allen specifically made him do it. Neither does the two of them any credit, it seems to me. Haven't we had ENOUGH films where guys handsomer than Woody Allen pretend to be Woody Allen? Do I need to go to Woody Allen movies to learn more about Woody Allen, much of which I feel I already know, or wouldn't it be nicer to learn more about other people, about life itself, in general?

Allen's characters are never anything like ordinary people anymore. They're upper middle class at worst, literary and cultural jet setters at best. They're artists or writers or celebrities of some other stripe, or the people around them who don't adequately understand and appreciate them. And the Woody Allen character almost inevitably has a beautiful woman or two, sometimes a flock (there are at least three in this movie) that are only too happy to help him out, perhaps even strongly attracted. Doesn't this guy ever really do anything on his own, or team up with another guy?

I get the impression the writer of this story doesn't really like people all that much. That he likes having control of a situation, or at least possessing more information than the people around him, even if he doesn't make good use of it. I'm thinking, for instance, of Owen Wilson's character knowing a lot about the lives and work of the people he meets in the 1920s, even feeding them their own ideas repeatedly, so that halfway knowing folks in the audience can laugh. I laughed, sometimes pretty much alone in the sparsely-attended theater I was in, but I still think it's a cheap trick. Or, on the other hand, bringing the knowledge he acquires in the 1920s back to 2010 to get the better of the humorless pedant played by Michael Sheen (so fabulous as Tony Blair in "The Queen" and David Frost in "Frost/Nixon"), whose role as a uni-dimensional irritant had long before paled for me. I'm not sure I laughed at his comeuppance over the Picasso painting.

As for the time travel element, he certainly had no need to explain it, but I don't feel he thought it through much. The complication of the modern-day detective trying to figure out where he was disappearing every night by following him could have been interesting, but he elided right over it and disposed of the character in a quick joke. If the Owen Wilson character managed to find Adrianna's published diary in a Paris street book stall (a VERY long shot), then he should have seen what was coming, simply by a glance at the publication date of the book. And, as one reviewer did catch, it set up a nice expectation for him to hand Zelda Fitzgerald a Valium, but then she promptly disappears from the movie.

I don't want to say he should quit making movies. But I wish he'd put a little more time into each one, perhaps.

HELL HOUSE
Frank, I should reread that one as well. I just suggested a screening of THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE for a friend's Halloween party the other day. I have a tie-in paperback (somewhere) from around (yet again) 1973, but I know it's out in trade paperback size, having seen it at the recently deceased Borders shops.

A bit of homework on the soundtrack / score by Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson has opened up some new research venues. Yeah!
A nice double feature could be TLOHH following THE HAUNTING (1963). Julie Harris very good in that one. I had frightening feelings from that film as a kid after seeing it broadcast on television. It's an easy find on dvd.

To this day, that line Roddy McDowall delivers towards the end of TLOHH to the entity of Emeric Belasco regarding Belasco's mother is priceless.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

On a "less scary" note, the countdown to The Beach Boys' SMiLE is continuing. The US release date for this sonic ear candy (better-late-than-never) album is November 1.

Harlan and Daredevil
Hi Mr. Ellison--

Former Marvel Editor-In-Chief Jim Shooter posted the cover to your 1984 issue of DAREDEVIL (#208) (sez Shooter, "Here’s an issue of Daredevil that JayJay turned up with partial writing credit to Harlan Ellison. I said he never wrote for Marvel on my watch, but apparently he did. I’ll try to find out the story behind this, because, honestly, I forget"). His assistant JayJay Jackson also provided a link to an article about the issue from AMAZING HEROES #44.

The Shooter piece is here (you have to scroll quite a bit, since the post consists of several different and unrelated anecdotes):

http://www.jimshooter.com/2011/10/stan-meets-mobster-and-other-tales-to.html#comments

And the link within the piece, to the AMAZING HEROES piece, is here:

http://daredevil.dreamhost.com/articles/repamazheroes44.htm

In an earlier blog piece, he also talks about a phone conversation with you regarding Bill Mantlo's plagarizing of one of your stories for an issue of THE HULK; he's quite complimentary towards you, expressing gratitude that you didn't sue the company (which he fully admits you had every right to do). I can also find that in his archives if you want it for your records.

Thanks for many years of wonderful stories!

Harlan on eBay
Harlan:

No, I didn't see your earlier post about a complete story v. the opening 2500 words of a longer work; that's why I asked the question here. I'm not running the auction on eBay, but am just trying to play traffic cop on these kind of details so this works out smoothly for all involved: no unwanted headaches for you, raising the most money for our mutual friend Ed Bryant, and having a satisfied winner of the auction. To that end, I just asked the question (does this have to be a self-contained 2500 word short story v. 2500 word opening of a longer work)on eBay and emailed the folks running things in Denver to supply the answer, which hopefully will appear later tonight. For those who don't know what the hell we're talking about, here's the link to Harlan fiction critique on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FriendsOfEd-Personal-Fiction-Critique-Harlan-Ellison-/110760813424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c9dbe370

Troublemaker, I
So sorry for the double-post. I'll fade back into the woodwork after this, BUT...

Just wanted to assure Harlan that there's only ONE troublemaker asking the question about a critique of a portion of a longer work: me.

I'd sent the question via eBay but then thought it would be prudent to ask you directly, Harlan. My guess is that Mark just didn't see my question here or your cogent reply.

So, if it helps bolster your faith in humanity just a teeny bit, count me as the one and only miscreant, to whom your position has been made perfectly clear.

-- Lorin

Er, make that...
Make that Ellison -- two decades of using it to earn money, and over 30 years since my typing class, and I STILL fat-finger the keyboard! (I suppose it's good to know somethings never change).

--DTS

Note to Susan Ellisoh
SUSAN: Got the book! That was MUCH faster than Amazon (or anyone else, for that matter)! :) Thanks for the kind wishes (I'm already mobile and even walking 3 or 4 kms with my buddy, Irving -- Keeney should be catching up with me soon, given that he's a newer model). The bookmark is tres cool: and the motto ("Less eminence, more moolah") is a wise one. In these flavor-of-the-week-times, one must maintain a proper balance. :) Tell your roomie I said thanks, too.

Looking forward to BUGF#CK - and the BRAIN MOVIE/ELLISON 101 releases as well!

Fond regards to you both,
DTS

MARK BARSOTTI


PLEASE NOTE !!

Clearly, your post today, assuming I would critique the first 2500 words of a longer work, as opposed to a SHORT STORY, which I specified several times, ignores the long post I entered on JUST THIS QUESTION, last night. I think it a bad idea, say so in great detail, and would rather not. Revised: WILL NOT!

Please go back and see my message; and pass it on to whomever, so we don't wind up with a bad situation. Why is there ALWAYS someone who needs to change he rules to suit him/herself?

I am adamant on this.

Harlan

HARLAN- Cris got your message from last night, Thank You! At the sound check now. Woohoo!

Disappearing words
The full header of my last post should've have been, "Harlan Ellison's 'fiery' critique"

I typed them in, but the words somehow vanished

Harlan Ellison's
I heard Mr. Ellison at workshops has been known to set your manuscript ablaze in front of you if he really didn't like it.

Below is a great link describing Mr. Ellison's participation in the 1998 Odyssey fantasy writing workshop, with info on what he discussed and quotes from the participants about the experience.

An excerpt:

"One student fled into the night after simply meeting Harlan Ellison--cleaned out his room and retreated, never to return. Two others cracked a little under the pressure. Three went to the hospital--one of them twice. Harlan's week at Odyssey offered plenty of real-life drama, and most of that was outside the classroom."

"Opinions about the experience of working with him ranged from "like a chainsaw enema" to "a privilege." Harlan told us that an intensive writing workshop is something like an encounter session: We would learn more about ourselves and each other than we expected. With Harlan Ellison as a catalyst, some of that education was shocking, even emotionally violent, but most of us left Odyssey better writers than we were before. I believe that I came away a stronger person as well."

Very interesting!

http://harlanellison.com/heboard/odyssey.htm

I am rereading Matheson's Hell House. I first read it in my twenties--then saw the movie.

Is there a book more blood curdling?

----------

"Nixon was the last liberal President"

Noam Chomsky.

Critique
Harlan -- Thanks so much for the response, which of course makes perfect sense.

Re: Don Maass... I can only remember some nebulous details of the story, but as I recall, *many* years ago you and Don were at a big conference together. At some point, Don took charge of helping to convey a very old, well-known science fiction author (I can't remember who it was, unfortunately) from one area to another but had to leave him for a moment to make some arrangements for the author in the next location.

Apparently, you came across the poor man and somehow were given the impression that Don had just left him and his wheelchair stranded in the some corner of the hotel. Hence, you went gunning for Don.

So, your response was justifed, really, and apparently there were no actual fisticuffs. Don has nothing but great things to say about you as well.

And for the others, in addition to his being an ambitious guy with a load of integrity, Don's also--all bias acknowledged--one of the best teachers of fiction craft I've ever encountered. Worth checking him out if he lands near you at any point.

Happy remaining bits of the weekend, all --

Lorin

(Daughter, not son. ;-))

Halloween and Sci Fi Channel
Anyone in Southern California who has no plans for Halloween:
there are still tickets available to see Neil Gaiman and his lovely wife Amanda Palmer at the Wilshire Ebell Theater (see Ticketmaster).
The wife is making me dress up -- yes, I will be one of the many Doctor Whos there. Bow ties are cool. She's going as Neil's Tardis character.

*******************************************

I actually have fond memories of watching FARSCAPE and LEXX on the old Sci Fi Channel. Loved FARSCAPE.
Don't love anything on that channel now. More likely to be watching BBC America.

Critique
Lorin --

What our Esteemed Host has so eloquently said about critiquing part of something long, as opposed to all of something short, is dead-on. It's much like the tale of blind men trying to describe an elephant by feeling only a bit here or there.

Speaking here as somebody who has been both blind and the elephant in such a situation.

One of the biggest pitfalls of pachyderm and parser is the "Yes, but --" Response.

The writer offers up a chapter of his novel-in-progress. The critic reads it, and says, "Well, it's got a good start, but so-and-so seems ill-defined and her purpose murky." Whereupon the writer says, not trying at all to be disingenuous, "Yes, but I plain to explain all that in Chapter Seventeen." It may be so, but it justifies the response, "And who am I? the Amazing Kreskin that I can read your mind ... ?"

Perry

Romance, Paris, and the Neverending Search for Love
DTS: You seriously need to clone yourself, oh romantic one...your wife is blessed to have one such as you. I, alas, have been politely told yet again that "I like you, you're a good person, but I think you need to keep looking" from a guy that I thought I could really enjoy being with. So, onward with the search for l'amour. I shall not complain, whine, or wonder what the hell I did wrong. That would be wasted energy, and I've got a lot to do today. I've started reading "Siddartha"...heavy reading, folks, but worth it.

Back to quiet of a Sunday morning...

Pure in Heart
The Wolfman is my favorite monster movie. The sympathy you feel for Lawrence Talbot makes your heart break. I don't know whether to credit writer Curt Siodmak or actor Lon Chaney, Jr or both. Both feels right to me.

I think I'll re-read Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38 54'N Longitude 77 00'13"W on Halloween. Maybe I should just re-read all of Deathbird Stories.

Harlan Ellison, what are you doing for Halloween? Last year you were marching neighborhood children through your house (Lost Aztec Temple).

Trick o Treat

jimmy

I came so close to finding the perfect flat. A shared accommodation, sure, but with a wonderful room, generally pleasant ambience, and a sensible price. The landlady also owned a basset hound, so it was all good news for me.

Long, sordid story short, the landlady took an abrupt and inexplicable shift in personality, and I lost the room. Where I'm living now is still comfortable, but sadly twice as expensive. It's depressing when you come face-to-face with a set-up almost too perfect to be true, only to learn that indeed it is.

I dunno, I can't remember a time when I was especially impressed by anything offered by the Sci-Fi Channel, aside from Ron Moore's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, and of course the brief period when it acquired MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 (and of course I loved SCI-FI BUZZ). But for the most part my memory of the channel's selections is of the worst, lamest crap. It clearly lacked rights to anything substantial and didn't have a clue how to work with what it did have. I stopped having cable about 10 years ago so for all I know it improved immensely (doubtful) but I think call it SyFy or even PsiFie, makes no difference. Crap by any another name...

Harlan o eBay
That link was to my personal "Watch List"

Here's the Harlan critique auction link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FriendsOfEd-Personal-Fiction-Critique-Harlan-Ellison-/110760813424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c9dbe370

Oh woe, what the suits and little black dresses did to the SciFi (now SyFy) Channel was painful to watch. Good men died like dogs, metagonzophorically speaking.

It's one of the reasons why I don't particularly miss cable anymore. The whole of paytv has become so homogenized and dumbed-down, I'd rather use rabbit ears.

Chuck

ebay auction
Harlan:

The $500 minimum bid has been reached, with two days to go and more than a dozen folks "watching" the auction. Someone wanted to know if it had to be a short story or would you critique the first 2500 words of a longer work. I assume the answer is yes, but that's your call. Again I'm posting the eBay link for late comers to this topic.

Tell Susan the $ for the Essential Ellison books is in the mail.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110760813424?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Harlan, thanks for the comments and unfortunately, the assertion you have about the people there "not liking that stuff" is something I have heard before. I feel the only reason they did the few things right that they did, was almost by mistake.

Now I just have to find Dick Crew.....

HARLAN'S
The current bid is $500, according to Ebay.

THAT STORY CRITIQUE FOR THE BRYANT FUND


Barsotti, anybody...

Does anyone know how that's going? How many bids? Where's it stand making-money-for-Ed-wise?

If anyone cottons to it, drop a word here.

Curious readers want to know? Namely me.

-he

REPLY TO JOSH HADLEY


Josh:

Oddly enough, for all my connection with what used to be called "The Sci-Fi Channel," I am absolutely clueless about what went on there, or how they became whatever the hell they are now. I always knew deep in my heart that they disrespected and misunderstood monumentally what "science fiction" or even "sci-fi" was supposed to be, do, perform; quality and originality were venom to them. And their contant minute-to-minute metamorphoses, their endless Palace Upheavals & Coups in which good people who actually were involved in worthwhile programming got shitcanned while Suits and Little Black Dresses from parent organizations were shuffled in to "set things right"
made everyone crazy and paranoid, and made less and less sense as weeks/months passed; soon -- though it was halfway there at the git-go -- the channel became a joke in the industry. As far as my personal knowledge extends, with the bizarre exception of me, I don't think they ever attempted to staff or consult ANYone who knew ANYthing about the genres, or who even LIKED that sort of "stuff."

I fear I cannot help you.

The one guy who could, my producer on SCI-FI BUZZ, the absolutely terrific, smart, professional, budgetarily frugal, and dedicated Dick Crew, who retired to (I think) Seattle and threw his hands up, and got out of the game, is the source you want. Haven't talked to Dick since he fled screaming, but he's the one you should seek out.

I miss him much. He was a fine producer, did a sweet job, and I have all those shows copyright in the name of The Kilimanjaro Corporation, not that of the Sci-Fi Channel. I own 'em, and they sit here waiting, on tape. One day, maybe, I'll find someone who wants to issue them as a 50-segment disc pack. Stranger things have happened.

But more, Josh, I cannot assist you.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

"Im not the kind of girl who gives up just like that." Blondie

It's an 80s music night here at Didi's.

Harlan, you are fine as you are. Just perfeckly find.

Tim, I knew that , Mister I bet ya.

Sandra, get better sooner please.

Hello Harlan!
Do you hate it when people want you to sign stuff on your books? I think after a few years I would learn to hate that.

P.S. TO LORIN


I have no memory whatever of why or how I might have "almost come to blows" with the agent Don Maas(s?) but my impression of him has always been that he is a straight-arrow good guy, who knows his business now, and works his tail off for his clients. I hear nothing but good of him and his efforts. If I am guilty of bad behavior toward Don in the past -- and how unlikely, given the total population I've browned-off at one time or another, is that? -- please extend to him, when next you see him, that I can be a bumptious, petty little bloviator, quick to take umbrage, but loooooong on guilt and repentance, and if I owe him a tug of my forelock, he should apprise me. The older I get, the more I discover how too frequently my tongue wagged my body.

Respectfully, Harlan Ellison

REPLY TO LORIN


Ummm. That's a tough one, kid.

I think (and I'm speaking to YOUR best interests here, not mine), unless that primary 2500 words has a strong STRONG element of self-containment -- that is: it forcefully yet not blatantly preshadows and foretends what is to come, not only immediately in the action, but as succinct statement of what the longer work portends -- unless it encapsulates your writing at its most impactful and muscular, stylewise and otherwise without defying the Heisenberg Principle of "looking at itself" and thus overwriting or "acting out," as thespians put it -- and unless it points with aggressive questioning to the totality of the work and its purpose, no matter how complex or diversive, or complicated -- a mere 2500 words can lead even the FINEST line-editor or critic or analyst 'way off the ridgeline. False leads can give you bum steerings, leading you where the work does not intend itself to go; awkwardisms you might well flense through a sharp critique, might slip by; there is always a tendency (I think an able editor must CONSCIOUSLY RESIST) to interpret through his/her own imprimateur...do as I do, not as your Muse dictates.

And on and on.

The more I think about it, Lorin, for something in excess of $500 for one long, complex lesson in How To Better Your Work, sending in a snippet from something of stretch would be like trying to parse, say, CATCHER IN THE RYE from its opening ten pages. Or Dostoevsky's THE IDIOT. Or Gerald Kersh's "Whatever Happened to Corporal Cuckoo?" I think, truly, I do you no beneficence by casually saying, "Y'wanna send the opening of a novel...send the opening of a novel." I think, no, I KNOW that would be casual and hurtful and irresponsible.

I cannot stop you, if you ignore the above QUICKSAND warnings, fer crissakes it's an open auction, my friend. But my instincts after all these years, all the stories I've critiqued, everything I know and sense and intimate, well, it all tells me you wouldn't be investing your time and pelf and talent wisely in such a venture.

It just seems to me: what is, is.

Good luck with the long haul, son. The path you tread is thorny, my son, as Mme. Maria Ouspenskaya told Lawrence Talbot.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Let’s Pretend Shall We?
Enthusiastic writers do research
And poets go to workshops
And yet we procrastinate.
We fool ourselves.
Throw up.
Shit.

It’s far easier to hug the sun
than it is
to write
two minutes
of
motherfucking
kick
ass
dialogue.

So feel free to suck my cock. Maybe toss that salad a bit, YO!!!!!. Swish that warm grape jelly around that slick hairy clock, ‘ya stinking hump.

Tim Raven

p.s. when I get all agro, with the salad tossing bit, I’m not talking ‘bout you guys, I’m railing against the world, and all of those other dicks….Right?...Was that not clear, before? Jeezus H. Christ on a Stick……

p.p.s –Janet G. – Keep feeding me, if you can…..

Tim Raven

Re: Contacting Harlan Ellison...
Duane, thanks and I will check to see if he reads it. Without e-mail and not wanting to have him respond in an open forum like this, I am curious as to how safe my posting my phone number would be and see if he can call me if he wishes to talk to me. Hmmmmm....

Also, for anyone that might know, is Dick Crew still kicking around? I would want to talk to him as well....

Keeney, Mind Fields, Pneumonia
RICK K.: Glad to hear you made it through okay. Yes, no restrictions. Get up and move whenever you can. It may hurt like hell now, but your body will thank you later.

***

MIND FIELDS arrived yesterday. We opened the package and called James over to see his name and to glance at the art. At first he didn't appear interested, but later in the afternoon I found the book on his bed, open to "Attack At Dawn". I guided James' finger over the words of the title, and touched the picture ("See the tail? And there are airplanes like the ones in Daddy's books.").

We took the book out of his room at bedtime, and this morning it was back again, closed, on the bed beside Elmo. James brought it out easily a half-dozen times, asking that we open it to the page with his name (signing please, and then trying to flip through the pages until we get to the front). Then it's "thank you" in sign, and he grabs the book and runs back to his room.

James can't talk, so let me say it for him once again. Thank you, Harlan and Mark.

***

Did you know that victims of stroke are at a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia, or pneumonia as the result o f a respiratory infection. Neither did I until I went to the ER last night because I could not take a normal breath and my lips were turning blue. Figured the cold had gotten out of hand.

Yeah...

The doctor wasn't happy that I didn't agree to self admit for IV antibiotics. No childcare = Sandra back home.

/whine off


shagin

Hey Josh,

Harlan doesn't have email, but he does read this forum. If he reads your request and is so inclined, he'll respond here, so check back often. Good luck!

Contacting Harlan Ellison...
Sorry to bother you with this on an open forum Harlan but I don't have any direct contact info for you.

I am a freelance writer and I am writing an article on the self implosion of the Scifi Channel and I wanted to get in contact with you privately to talk about some of your experiences working with Scifi back in those early years.

If you are so inclined, please contact me at 1201beyond@gmail.com and we can talk further.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

"The highwater mark for sanity". In these times of great drought, anything we can remotely point to is a life-saver!

------------------------

Per X-Men: First Class, I never thought I'd say it - but I liked THOR more than I'd expected to. Rented it a week ago - perhaps I saw it with someone who helped make it a nice experience - and my scoffs subsided quickly. I wanted to hear some of Stan Lee's trademark "thees" and "thous", which I totally dug when I was a wee shit, but the flick was quite well acted, and it delivered a decent moral for the younger audiences it is clearly directed at.

---------------------------

Harlan, when you were an infant, did you experience the expressionistic horror opuses of Michael Curtiz? I recently became enamored of DOCTOR X and, to a lesser extent, MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM. The man was associated with two of my all-time favorites - Angels With Dirty Faces and The Sea Wolf - but it was a whole different "feel" when he got into..."synthetic flesh".

-------------------------------

I must retract something I posted here a week ago.

I have lotsa material ideal for the short story format. I did 7 summaries over the last few days; I'll crank out the prose over the next few weeks. I'm doing a little research to fine-tune my approach; right now, I'm reading short stories by Langston Hughes, Somerset Maughm, Ambrose Bierce, and Vonnegut. The stories I want to write sort of rock between the Juvenalian and Horatian, giving an edge to what is often considered "light-hearted" and sweetness to the darker thematic taboos.

I may like this format more than I thought I would: it's a great exercise, and it provides potential templates for longer projects down the line.

That's all I'll say about it for now. Let's see what I can do with it!

The West Wing
I loved that episode. If only I were so eloquent.

It’s the beauty of writing. Forty hours of agony creating 120 seconds of Motherfucking Kick Ass dialogue.

Tim Raven

Frank and Clipping Service
Thank you both for these. My wife and I sat here and giggled with delight as we read and watched. It distracted me from thoughts of strangling my new neighbor who is running a chainsaw at 8am on Sunday morning. I am stealing them and spreading them far and wide.

With much gratitude for preventing mayhem in Maianbar,
Chris

The West Wing
dramatization of the below letter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD52OlkKfNs

OR, the letter was a dramatization of this West Wing. Never sure how these things go....

You will all find this funny. This was a joke letter sent to Doctor Laura after she made comments against 'the homosexual lifestyle":

"Dear Doctor:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them:

When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness – Lev.15:19- 24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own a Canadian?

I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should ask the police to do it?

A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination – Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this?

Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? – Lev.24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Thank you,
Jim"

I'd kiss Jim if I could.

Boy, the official Richter scale descriptions sure sound casual. Makes sense though. It was developed in California and reminds me of how people talked when I was there.
---
"The astounding thing for most people is that the areas most likely to experience an 8 or 9 are NOT here in rocky old California, but along the New Madrid Fault underneath the Mississippi River, Alaska, and in the northwest around Seattle."

Is there also more smog in those places?

"Midnight in Paris" -- redux
MARY: Considering the situation in the film, I'd say your remark (to a married man) was perfect (comedic) timing! :) And, of course, that the film also celebrates love and romance (and sex! Remember the scene in Pigalle?) makes it all the more appealing to moi. Although some, like me, might figure out the ending, it still doesn't make for a less perfect ending (foreshadowing, and letting the audience -- or reader -- figure it out before Gil, the protagonist, does, is actually okay in the world of storytelling). (Also: like Harlan, I used to have a tought time NOT staring at Judd Nelson's nostrils on the big, or small screen -- and Adrian Brody ocassionally did/does that to me, almost as if his nose was/is an extra character -- THIS time, his nose is perfectly cast, as is Brody). From one romantic to another, glad you loved the film! And, Jetaime! (And yeah, "Radio Days" -- along with "The Purple Rose of Cairo" -- is another Woody Allen highpoint).

Lorin: Same to you!

Cheers all (lying low for a while),
DTS

Aren't the timekeepers of "In Time" actually keeping track of how much time people own, while the timekeepers in Ellison's story there to keep everyone on schedule?

Just asking.

Hmmm...

God was going to Rapture Believers and toast the rest of the world yesterday. There was an early indication of God's wrath in the South Pacific, but evidently He got bored and didn't bother doing much else than rattle the windows in San Francisco (House of the Wicked don'tcha know) with a 4.0.

Last count, only a handful got Raptured, though reports may be that the majority actually died from other causes, and left the entire body, not just the clothes behind.
_____________________________________

Speaking of 'quakes, for those of you outside the usual quake zones:

1-3, pretty much undetectable.
4 - Rattles a few windows and nerves
5 - You felt it and Aunt Ginny's creche of Brother Anthony might have tumbled from the shelf.
6 - Okay, that'll leave a mark. Some damage and general jumpiness. Able to toss famous writers down stairwells with a single bound.
7 - Major damage.
8 - Devastating.
9 - Able to leap tall buildings with a single tsunami.

The astounding thing for most people is that the areas most likely to experience an 8 or 9 are NOT here in rocky old California, but along the New Madrid Fault underneath the Mississippi River, Alaska, and in the northwest around Seattle.
________________________________________

Cris is all set for the gig tomorrow, opening for Diane Schuur in San Juan Capistrano. We're really excited.

She's also playing at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown LA next Wednesday. Say hello if you're in the neighborhood.
_________________________________________

We're all getting a little bloghappy these days, and I've always been a joiner:

http://thumbnailtraveler.blogspot.com/2011/10/get-off-bus.html

A response to Mr. Hull
Paul

It's just like any other scale you'd care to consider, the larger the number the bigger the thing being measured.

None of what we've been going through since Thursday is all that serious as far as earthquakes go. The worst one to date was a 6.9 and that was over 20 years give or take a year or so.

diligent troublemaking

Hey, gang!

Yesterday was a GREAT day. I volunteered for four hours at the Occupy Portland site, and here on my blog is the first of what I expect will be three or more commentaries on my impressions and the issues as I see them:

http://www.americancurrents.com/2011/10/occupy-portland-part-1-first.html


Also, roughly on the other side of the globe, the British literary site Book Drum activated my in-depth profile of Joseph Heller's immortal _Catch-22_. It's not finished, but the editors asked that I allow what I've done so far to go online because this month is the 50th anniversary of the publication of the book:

http://www.bookdrum.com/books/catch-22/9780684833392/index.html


A telephone call from Harlan Ellison was just rich gravy on the day. In the evening, I went out to dinner with my wife Carole, and then we went dancing.

When John Fogarty's "Fortunate Son" came on the sound system, we hit the floor and yelled the lyrics at the top of my voice . . . the perfect ending to a day begun in orderly protest against the system.

San Francisco

A friend of mine in the Bay Area has reported a few aftershocks. Since I've never been in an earthquake, I know not what is better or worse, the danger the numbers indicate, what a 2.3 means or a 3.8, etc.

So I was just checking in on all the west-coasters out there. Stay safe!
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, yes. And I wanted to wish a spectacular and glorious performance to a certain jazzy lady on her show tomorrow. Cris Rocks! (Which ought to be the name of her album of punk covers.)

Touchstone
Truth told
with fervent intensity
seems to resonate
at the same frequency
as Beauty.

And thus,
we are transformed
“in all" that "golden warmth:”
“glorious,” “sundrunk”
and enamoured
of every living thing.

J.

Consolidated De-lurking
Hi, all --

Long, LONG time lurker, former sporadic contributor.

Just a few things:

1. A question about the eBay auction: I shot over a query via eBay, but I thought I'd go to the horse's mouth here.

Harlan -- are you willing to look at the first 2,500 words of a longer work, or does it HAVE to be a self-contained story?

2. Re: Occupy Tampa (for Alan): I've had a very different experience with my dealings with the group, though I don't doubt some kids have been marshaled there by professors or parents, etc. I can't imagine ANYONE has been paid to be there, and the folks I've spoken to have been pretty cohesive in their overall message, though of course ancillary concerns leak into the conversation and the demonstration. But I think the general view, that we've turned into a corporatocracy, rather than a democracy, comes through loud and clear.

3. For writers in the group: I'm program director and editor-in-residence at the Breakout Novel Intensives with literary agent Don Maass (whom Harlan knows and once, apparently, almost came to blows with--a story I really enjoy). Anyhoo, once every couple of years, I gather up my ducats to offer a scholarship for one of the week-long programs. Covers the registration, which includes full room and board for the week.

Anyone interested can check my website: www.free-expressions.com for more details.

4. Going to add my thumbs-up for Midnight in Paris. I've seen it twice, and it kept me in such a sustained state of delight throughout my viewings that I can't imagine anyone even remotely involved in the world of words wouldn't be absolutely tickled by it. Or really anyone who enjoys a smart, whimsical, funny, and nostalgic tale.

Over and out --

Lorin

Midnight in Paris
DTS, I love you! (Whoops, should I be saying that to a married man?) "Midnight in Paris" was so well written, and you're so right about all of the actors. I wasn't really a fan of Woody Allen's prior works ("Annie Hall" just got on my nerves for some reason), but I did thoroughly enjoy "Radio Days". This film, however was the best I'd ever seen him do. I don't want to spoil it by talking about it too much, but the fiancee of the main character...lord, I know so many girls like that. They go to these wonderful places like Paris, and they don't appreciate the beauty of where they are. (Silly twits, they don't know what they're missing.)

Besides the exquisite portrayals of all the famous authors, one of the best performances was of the pompous know-it-all who was lecturing on and on about art...and getting it all wrong. At one point Owen Wilson's character knocks him off his self built pedestal beautifully...Harlan, take Susan, make it a date night, go see it if it's still playing in your area.

And that goes for the rest of youse...What a movie!

Netflix
Some selections on Netflix (streaming) I have watched recently, some I sought out, others I found by accident:

Angel Romero: Virtuoso (1981)
Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown (1997)
Trumbo (2007)
The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming! (1966) (When I was a kid my father would gather us all together by running around the house yelling "Eee-mer-gencee, eee-mer-gencee!")

Since I don't have cable and watch the few shows I do watch on the internet, Netflix has been a great way to catch up at my leisure on shows like MAD MEN and WALKING DEAD.

Also, though it is not available for streaming, I highly recommend Tom McCarthy's WIN-WIN, starring Paul Giamatti, not least because the writer/director was a schoolmate of mine and because the film takes place (and was partially filmed) in my hometown. It's a nifty film anyways.

ELLISON'S TEATS and WATCHING -- and MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
HARLAN: All of the previous discussion about THE COMPLEAT GLASS TEAT, AKA THE GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS got me to thinking about your uncollected "Harlan Ellison's Watching columns (even the very short piece on "Batman Returns" that you did for a film magazine, the name of which escapes me at the moment). If you continue releasing the EdgeworksAbbey books (via Cafepress or otherwise, after the publication of the next two Brain Movie volumes and the two fiction (short novels and short stories) and one nonfiction (essays) volumes, I hope you'll consider releasing The Compleat Harlan Ellison's Watching in the same format (that way you could include the left-over columns from "F&SF" mentioned above, and maybe even some material from the "Scifi Buzz" days). Hell, maybe Joe Stefko would even consider doing a limited edition of _The Compleat Harlan Ellison's Watching_, replete with a slipcase that features a very blue eyeball on the front, or something (okay, that last suggestion might be pushing it, considering the long gestation for TEATS, but perhaps you'll find the paperback EdgeworksAbbey suggestion is "doable").

And since I've mentioned your film columns, I have to ask:
Have you seen "Midnight in Paris"? I haven't been a big fan of going to the cinema (even over here, where movie-goers are less boisterous), because of cellphones, blackberries, loud talkers and knuckleheads who can't close the theater doors (I always sit in back) when they go for popcorn or a piss, so I tend to rent or purchase DVDs and...I bought the French edition of "Midnight in Paris" because it's already out and I've watched it THREE times now in three days! Woody Allen did a terrific job with "Match Point", but he hasn't really knocked anything out of the park since then (a few parts of "Vicky Christina Barcelona" were nice, but as a whole the movie wasn't one of his best). But "Midnight in Paris" is -- in my uneducated and humble opinion -- one of his finest films (maybe even his best to date). The opening montage is the best of that sort since "Manhattan", and script-wise (I think) this film ranks alongside of that flick as well as "Husbands and Wives", "Annie Hall," "Mighty Aphrodite" and "Deconstructing Harry". The actors are all terrific, too (Owen Wilson is perfect in the lead). And while there are a lot of great lines and bon mots, as well as great scenes and beautiful shots, the "surrealist scene" (in which the protagonist discusses his plight with some surrealists) is hilarious. (And ALL of the actors chosen to play famous writers, painters, etc. -- Hemingway, Stein and Fitzgerald; Bunel, Man Ray, Matisse and Dali -- are practically dead ringers).

Sorry for going on so (that apology extends to Harlan AND the rest of you folks who hang here regularly), but (as everyone can tell) this is my favorite movie of the year (and, along with flicks like "The Fall" and "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnaasus", a movie that has made me enjoy the medium again as did few others). And considering the fantasy element, it actually should have garnered more attention from the genre crowd -- the reviewers at "Locus" online, etc. Also, one of themes it considers -- the past vs. the present -- is a theme which Harlan has struggled in various stories over the years ("Jeffty is Five", "One Life, Furnished in Early Poverty", etc.).


For anyone who hasn't yet seen it: check out "Midnight in Paris", it's a corker. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, once you've seen the movie, if you care to share them on the forum, Harlan. If not, no worries.

All best wishes to you and Susan (and all the rest of the regulars here in cyberspace),
-- DTS

Yo Frank,

Things do look rather bleak now, but remember: the forces of oppression MUST take notice when the average man finally WAKES UP. What did Gandhi say? "First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." (Not an exact quote, but close.)

THE ARAB SPRING, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

I just returned from the gala event of the Arab Film Festival in Beverly Hills. 300+ people literally walking around on the balls of their feet from the excitement of the last year or so. It was invigorating.

Oh yeah, Steven Pinker wrote a book detailing how overall humanity is becoming less violent.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=history-and-the-decline-of-human-violence

You see? YOU SEE??? We're WINNING, DUDE! We may not live long enough to see the full effects of the changes cropping up all around us, but....

.... we are HERE, NOW, AT THE MOMENT OF CREATION.

Now accept my friend request before I bop ya one! ;)

Hey guys and wimmins,


Tim Raven, where's the beef, kiddo?
lol?

Keeney following your progress on FB and here. Keep on keepin on and catch the good thoughts heading your way.

Steve, wish I could be there for Cris's show. Tell her much luck and love.

Hey Harlan and Susan.

I'm really liking the phrase, "a highwater mark in sanity for all". Damn, I'd love that as a campaign slogan. Country's too bugfuck right now to stand for that, though.

Rick Keeney, glad the surgery went well. For netflix recommendations, how about TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, RIO BRAVO, UNFORGIVEN, and for shits and giggles, MONARCH OF THE MOON, an affectionate send-up of the old serials from the 30's and 40's. It's an actual six-part serial, so I'd recommend seeing it a chapter or two at a time.

Chuck

My junior mints award for 1973...
...goes to SOYLENT GREEN. Watched the Blu-ray edition and although Harry Harrison may be so so with it, there are some decent things 'bout this film, I believe. For one, Edward G. Robinson's performance as Sol Roth. The inclusion of Global Warming Greenhouse Environment is very noteworthy as well.

Beefs
I’m beginning to like the phrase, “no harm, no foul.”

Tim

Re: Norman Corwin
Thought Terry Teachout's RIP for Norman Corwin with link to his 1996 piece on NC for Civilization, links to a few recordings of broadcasts and a short film clip of Corwin talking about "On a Note of Triumph" might be of interest. So:

http://www.artsjournal.com/aboutlastnight/2011/10/tt_norman_corwin_rip.html

And bests to all,

--tr

DAVID LOFTUS & JOE STEFKO

David and Joe and I had a 3-way conference call today.

Know this, all of you, and pay heed:

THE GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS would not exist as the immense glory it is, were it not for Joe Stefko's long friendship with me, his eight unrelenting years of masterwork, and his deranged need for perfection...nor would it be in the form I'd always dreamed, indexed, had David not suggested it, done the hard, unendurable preparatory work, sent it to Joe for virtually a pittance (which David never sought, he wanted to work for nothing, all those many many picayune hours), and did not Joe slavishly go over David's work to hone it and prune it and polish it.

There is no harm here, no foul.

These two guys are my dear friends. There should be no casual snark between them from a minor, useless, expendable misspeak or misread of a Pavilion post.

We three chatted. They are good guys. You cannot know how terrific they are! Each, in his way, remarkable, diligent, talented, and exceptionally dedicated. Apologies weren't even necessary. JUst a pleasant chat, a little give'n'take, a smile. Mutual agreement that no one was a prick, that this minor bump in the road had been smoothed. Good phone call, nifty day's work.

I love them both; I would be far less in Heaven over THE GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS had either of them not pitched in mightily.

Let this be a highwater mark in sanity for all of us.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

teapot, meet tempest

It can't be too often that Harlan Ellison calls you at home to play the role of peacemaker between you and somebody ELSE. Until the moment Harlan spoke to me, I wasn't even aware that I'd upset somebody.

Everything's hunky-dory now. Simple misunderstanding. I posted something that was not as clearly phrased as it could have been. Through the magic of speaker-phone or whatever it was, Harlan put me together with Joe Stefko and got it all ironed out.

Now I can go back to thinking about what I saw and experienced this morning volunteering on-site for Occupy Portland. Details coming on my blog. . . .

Take Shelter
Friends, if you're like me you go into the theater hoping for the best but aware how rarely you get it these days. So when you come out completely blown away you have to tell somebody!

Curtis LaForche is a working stiff in a suburb of Cleveland. He has a good job as a manager of a road crew, a smart pretty wife, good friends. His six year old daughter is hearing impaired but hey the insurance company is coming through with the money for the operation. It's a good life but something is wrong...bad wrong...It starts with visonary apocalyptic dreams...

Michael Shannon gives an amazing performance of quiet subtle power. Jessica Chastain (Tree of Life) is right with him every step of the way. Jeff Nichols writes and directs. This film works on every level. A quick scene in one part of the movie illumines a conversation in another and vice versa.

This is one of those non-flashy movies that could quickly disappear and god knows what its distribution will be. But don't let it go by without checking it out.

Re: Ina Lonely Place / Semi-Writer

The Smithereens has a beautify, sadl song of the same name, with some of the lyrics appropriated from the film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlOVlqUcB8A

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Semi-Writer -

Not that you have time for such things, with all the things going on in your life, but there are two short stories by Judith Ortiz Cofer I really recommend: "American History" and "Nada." Both are in the collection entitled THE LATIN DELI. Both stories haunted me for days.

I have been occupying Webderland for years and I don't even have bongo drums, but I do have flowers in my hair.

The police shut down Occupy Cincinnati--surprise, surprise. The irony is we have a black mayor.

This aint a free country.

-------

I saw a kitten on a bicycle.

De-lurking momentarily to echo Paul’s astounded ‘Wow’.

As someone who has long lusted after owning just one of Charnel House’s quite spectacular offerings (Alas! Way, way out of my price range), I’m really sorry to hear that something went seriously sideways, but even though I don’t hang around here much anymore I feel compelled to note that I’ve always regarded Loftus as one of the more honorable and gentlemanly denizens of the Webderland.

Love to all,

jono

Piri Thomas
I discovered Piri Thomas' "Down These Mean Streets" while attending Northern Michigan University--a location quite isolated from the slightest scent of Puerto Rican culture--in a desperate attempt to connect to my family's history (Spanish/Puerto Rican/Taino, I think). Sometime during that four years, I wrote a short story in which I used the word "bohío." It brought a smile to my father's face when he read it; I'm fairly certain that he hadn't seen or spoken the word since leaving the island in 1949. The green, green grass of home, and all that.

It's "All The Sounds of Fear" which symbolized Ellison perfection for me, incidentally.

The Cheese Stands Alone
I was thinking today about some of the best stories I've read that aren't really talked about and The Cheese Stands Alone is one of them. That story meant a lot to me when I first read it. I think it's one of Harlan's best. It always gives me a boost. I just wanted to say thank you. That story is important to me. I remove my hat. I bow.

Another loss

Piri Thomas died this week at 83 -- a talented guy who found redemption in words and books while serving a 7-year prison sentence. He told his story of Spanish Harlem life in the memoir "Down These Mean Streets" and other books. And he inspired countless other Latino writers like Junot Diaz along the way. Interestingly, I've seen "Memos from Purgatory" assigned along with "Down These Mean Streets" and "Manchild in the Promised Land" in a number of college courses with titles like "Literature of the City" and "Literature of Social Protest in America." (My wife managed college bookstores for many years.)

Adam-Troy, great list of movies. "In a Lonely Place" is one of Bogart's best and least well-known performances, although I suspect writers in particular enjoy seeing him play a darkly edgy screenwriter. The movie is much better than the Dorothy B. Hughes story on which it's based.

"...Devine fans..."
Not to be confused with his later, lesser work, LUST IN THE DUST.
Boom-TISHHHhhhh. Thank you folks, I'm here all week. Tip your waitstaff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harlan's observation put me in mind of a quote I couldn't quite remember so I had to look it up. Here it is, as I found it on the nets:

Italian reporter Oriana Fallaci asked Winston Churchill, “Mr. Prime Minister, why have you gone to the far ends of the world to India to install a hand picked, colonial East India government but fail to do this on your own doorstep in Ireland which has created war and conflict for you?”
After a pause, Churchill replied, “Because I do not have two essential tools in Ireland to achieve this”.
Fallaci asked, “What might those be?”
“An ignorant majority and a traitorous minority.“
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wow, I didn't read that in Loftus' post at all. But I'm an outsider.

A friend of mine moved to Portland a few months ago. I told her to check out Grendel's Coffee House and I set her on David's website so she can request more Story-time For Grownups.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rick, if you like documentaries, MAN ON WIRE is a great story with high-wire artist Philippe Petit revisiting his tightrope walk between the twin towers in the 70's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alan~ My sympathies on your loss, sir. Courage.

46 and Ignorant
Thanks to all for your comments about Norman Corwin, a person of whom I knew far too little. He's gone now, and obviously missed, but last night -- thanks to you kind folks -- an ignorant 46-year-old Ohio writer went to a website and sat, rapt, listening for the first time to "On a Note of Triumph".

In the end, there is the work.


http://u-teez.com/triumph/

THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
For Wayne, Ford, Stewart, Devine fans...

More
IN A LONELY PLACE (one of Bogart's darkest films); THE THREE MUSKETEERS / THE FOUR MUSKETEERS (Richard Lester version); BIG NIGHT and JOE GOULD'S SECRET (two films by Stanley Tucci that tell you everything you may ever want to know about the artist's lot); FOUR LIONS (the dumbest jihadis you ever did see); ACE IN THE HOLE aka THE BIG CARNIVAL (Billy Wilder at his darkest); TWICE IN A LIFETIME (Gene Hackman); I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER; 13 ASSASSINS; MICHAEL CLAYTON; THE STATION AGENT; LIVING IN OBLIVION. Just off the very top of my head.

This list provided by someone currently in a state of dark despair over the long list of friends who reacted to the horrifying first six minutes of the new THREE MUSKETEERS movie, a travesty visible from a distance, with eager cries of "Wanna See!"

Reply to David Loftus
"Since the Charnel House omnibus has an index that probably wouldn't exist were it not for me..."

David, you are so very self-important and you want us all to know how wonderful you are. However, if your index was correct the book would not have been held up while I redid your work. Yes, David, the world revolves around you and the sun shines only because you are here. How did I ever produce all those Charnel House books without you? If you did your job properly you wouldn't be buying a book. And if you weren't such a horse's ass nobody would know that you failed in your task.

An artisan does his work, he doesn't talk about it.

UH, ER, AHEM...

That would be, of course, YOJIMBO

not "Jojimbo," about which I've heard nothing, for there is nothing to've been heard.

-he

RICK KEENEY NETFLIX REDUX

Rick:

Whilst you mend, a pair of utterly entertaining, mindless but peachykeen to watch, films....current vintage:

UNSTOPPABLE

X-men: FIRST CLASS

neither one in a class with THE OLD GUN or

ALL ABOUT EVE or

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN or

JOJIMBO or

the original Paul Munie SCARFACE or

THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS (originally Eric Ambler's A COFFIN FOR DEMETRIOUS) or

Orson Welles's THE IMMORTAL STORY

but two well-done, action-thrillers that do not insult the laws of either physics or believability if you "believe."

Has anyone noticed, yesterday a very bad man, Ghadaffhi was taken away as simply as a very very GOOD man, Norman Corwin.

Life grows stranger by the moment.

So sayeth, Yr. Pal, Harlan

Rick Keeney – Netflix
Rick, Netflix coughed up this recommended movie list for me a few days ago. The list was titled…

“More like Harlan Ellison: Dreams with Sharp Teeth”

1. This So Called Disaster
2. Obscene
3. Examined Life
4. The Cruise
5. A Man Within (William Burroughs)
6. It’ll Be Better Tomorrow
7. Roman Polansky – Wanted and Desired
8. My Father the Genius (architect Glen Howard Smith)
9. It Came From Kuchar
10. The Outsider (James Toback)
11. John Waters – This Filthy World

I haven’t seen any of ‘em, but I might go for the Waters or the Burroughs this weekend.
Glorious 39 sounds interesting too.

Did they add any enhancement to the knee during the surgery? Bionic strength? The amount they charged would merit it, I’d bet!

Take it easy big guy….

Tim

HARLAN ON eBAY - BID EARLY! - BID OFTEN!
Amazon on longer lists Jan 2012 as the release date for BUGFUCK; now there's no date given. But we know it's coming sooner...

And a reminder: Harlan is offering a personal fiction critique on eBay to raise money for his old friend and award-winning writer, Ed Bryant, whose laundry list of health issues have caused Ed money problems as well. The current bid for Harlan's critique of YOUR story stands at $500, with more than four days to go. Here's the link to the auction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FriendsOfEd-Personal-Fiction-Critique-Harlan-Ellison-/110760813424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c9dbe370

HARLAN - Got the -- in the immortal words of Ted -- most excellent catalog of radio oldies. Love this stuff!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I was listening to an episode of the Jack Benny Show on the way home. Jack and Mary were attending the World Series. The stadium announcer was giving the celebrity rundown, pointing out the presence of Mr and Mrs Gary Cooper. Mr and Mrs Clark Gable. And Mr and Mrs and Mrs and Mrs and Mrs Artie Shaw.

(Ya hadda been there.)
_______________________________________

Got confused today. Thought the trend was Occupy Wal-Mart. Some of them greeters can be downright ornery if provoked.
_______________________________________

KEENEY - Glad to hear it went okay. Don't be a hero, take the Percocet. As my doctor once noted: "You don't get medals for grinning and bearing it in civilian society". And since the recommendations for DVR seem to be in fashion, please look up and enjoy JEROME BIXBY'S MAN FROM EARTH. It'll getcha thinking.
______________________________________________

And lastly, a doff of the cap to yet one more rose blooming for the Arab Spring.



Gptta go walk the dog.

Harlan - Your thoughts on...

Harlan, I am curious as to your thoughts on a couple of authors and their works, Robert Anton Wilson and Kieth Roberts. The Illuminatus books and "Pavane" respectively. Wilson seems to get mention only in New Age circles and Roberts seems to have been criminally neglected until his passing in 2000. These fellows have moved me and have been thought provoking in similar fashion to many of your works. If a reply is too long a thing to post here I quite understand, I'm sure you get these kind of requests frequently.

Sincere thanks and respect,

-Kris

catching up

HARLAN and the rest o' yous:

That's great news about BUGF*CK! I'll definitely look into that one.

Since the Charnel House omnibus has an index that probably wouldn't exist were it not for me, I decided I had to have a copy. And since I'm a free-lance writer and actor now, income doesn't quite meet expenses, despite all the fun I've been having -- last week I was sipping wine at Ponzi Vineyard, a 41-year-old veteran Oregon winery founded by a former Disney and aerospace engineer for a promo photo shoot; two weeks before that I was romping around the lava fields of Mt. Hood on a print shoot for Keen Shoes. So I begged and pleaded with the publisher to let me purchase a copy on a layaway plan, and he was amenable. But don't none of you let my wife know about this, or she'll kill me.

* * * * *

Occupy Portland hits its two-week anniversary today. I stopped down to the occupied territory for an hour this afternoon to check out the scene.

Mildly tempted to volunteer, partly to learn more about what's happening and partly to have more to write about, I came home and skimmed through the comments on the local daily newspaper's website. The suburban yahoos are still repeating the mantra of "dirty, filthy hippy kids who can't get a job" (and isn't that last aspect part of the point?) and that made up my mind: I'm taking my well-washed, well-clothed, and scholarly-looking bod down to Occupy Portland tomorrow morning and manning the barricades for a few hours, in Ellison-esque fashion.

My last blog post on the subject is a little old (goes back to Monday night), but since I made a literary connection to Catch-22 -- a book some of you hear may adore as much as I -- you might get a kick out of it:

http://www.americancurrents.com/2011/10/yossarian-lives-in-tent-with-occupy.html

Alan, I'm a little surprised by what you observed at the Tampa protest. Conservative critiics -- at least down at street level -- have charged that the unions and George Soros have been driving and financing the Occupy movement, which looks absurd from where I'm sitting, but maybe things aren't as cut-and-dried as that.

I'm kind of in a privileged spot, though, living eight blocks from probably the biggest Occupy event in the U.S. after Manhattan, and possibly the best organized: online, they've got a Facebook page, Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube video coverage; and on site I noted an Information tent, a library, various food services, etc.

RICK KEENEY:

I'm getting the news probably too late for you to see it going in, but my best wishes for your medical treatment today and into the future.

GOOD ON'YA , KEENEY !!!!


After previous post, learned through Mark's message that you were out of the charnel house. It makes for a gentle, more supportable day, chum. Heal steadily, go softly.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Semi-writer
Semi is writing a blog and it, well, it shouldn't be neglected. Go read it. Start from the beginning and just read what she's written. You will feel things, but I'm not sure what, exactly, nor how in common they'll be with other readers. But you will feel something, something real, and that is the point.

http://solitarypoverty.blogspot.com/

thanks Brian,

Sorry for your loss as well,I remember you posting at the time way back. After Oxy-codone prescription my father started to change in personality and also started to turn on love ones.Very sad,I have a certain hatred for pill-poppers,I thought it went back to watching Jack Webb on Drag Net,but it is a inherant disdain my generation shares but not without many of them learning the hard way. Being a Reform Party loyalist,and having watched the recent debates,I cringe to think,any of those whiny self-serving pinheads could win. Donald Trump not looking so bad after all.Imagine,a First Lady who worked as a nude model in Europe,yikes! I guess it worked in France.

RICK KEENEY...


RICK: For a Netflix recommend from Susan and myself, see if you can snag a nice little UK film titled GLORIOUS 39. Held us rapt. Didn't get much attention when it came out, but it is literate, involving, and filled with things you cannot anticipate. The "39" is, of course, the year 1939, just before England went to war with Germany.

Good luck, my dear friend.

Harlan

Keeney

Good to see you're still among us. Someone here once said it was the "routine" things that can get you worried. We just lost a very good friend a month or so ago. He was having a lung biopsy, started to have a heart attack, and it must have been a doozy because he died right there in the hospital room. Fucked up.

Take care. Percoset good. Try some restrictions, the Boston Marathon isn't for another six months.

Bests,
Paul

proceeding with some caution

Best part of this mini ordeal-besides the doctor's recommendations of NO RESTRICTIONS (!!)-is that last sentence I read prior to the procedure:

ARE YOU AWARE OF HOW MUCH PAIN THERE IS IN THE WORLD?

This from Harlan's intro to PAINGOD AND OTHER DELUSIONS, the 1983 ACE edition: (And, by the way, the Barclay Shaw artwork on this tome is more than worth the price of admission.) Therein, the "new essay" entitled, "Your Basic Crown of Thorns." People, it scintillates. Go find it. Read it. Use sunglasses.

Now percocet,
RIck

Keeney update
Just got a call from Keeney that he is out of surgery, sounds like everything went well and he will able to go back to work on Monday.

They gave him pictures of the surgery (and I hope he does not bring them to show me when I see him on Tuesday) which I found slightly odd. I have not had a surgical procedure like this done before and wonder if it is common practice to provide photographic evidence after it is complete

Regardless, he sounds fine and I have no doubt he will posting here again very shortly

Mark

One could hardly ask
for better society in which to mourn the death of Mr. Corwin than is found at Harlan's Art Deco Pavilion.

Thank you for this small oasis.

The Outer Limits
Below is a link to a film-review site I like a lot. (The main reviewer, Walter Chaw is, I guess, an Ellison also.) It has a little review of every episode. For "Demon with a Glass Hand." Chaw writes, Shot on location in The Bradbury Building from a script by Harlan Ellison, Demon with a Glass Hand is above reproach. Complex, melancholy, and engrossing, it is in fact, to my mind and experience, the best single stand-alone hour the medium has ever produced."

He concludes his capsule review of this episode by writing, "Apocalyptic but hopeful, exciting and thoughtful, Demon with a Glass Hand is exhilarating for its heat and its ambition. It's reason enough to own this set. **** (out of four)"

http://filmfreakcentral.net/dvdreviews/outerlimitstuesdayss1.htm

My favorite Outer Limits episode, though, is "The Sixth Finger," and I am sorry Chaw didn't give it a higher rating that, in my opinion, it truly deserves. I love the discussion on Art and creativity, and the test of time. There is a great scene in which the super-evolved Gwyllm, is hungry to feed his ravenous mind. He briefly goes through stacks of books looking for new reading material, but then quickly and violently tosses them aside, thinking the knowledge contained in them are now beneath his consideration. He stops at one book, though, opens it, and we see it is a book containing a musical score...what in fact turns out to be the Dover edition of The Well Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach ("Genesis I, I"--H.L. Mencken). In the next scene, we see and hear him performing excerpts, and at one point, he says the following to the professor:


"Amazing, isn't it, the things that endure the ravages of time and taste? This simple prelude, for instance. Bach will quite probably outlive us all... Man produces little that is lasting--truly lasting. It's understandable. Fear, conformity, immorality; these are heavy burdens. Great drainers of creative energy. And when we are drained of creative energy we do not create. We *pro*create; we do not create."

Great episode, great music!

Re: Norman Corwin
Very nice appreciation of Mr Corwin in today's Washington Post available online at this link

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/norman-corwin-poet-laureate-of-radio-dies-at-101/2010/09/21/gIQAz246wL_story.html

“The hardest thing for me is not occasional losses of balance, or a tooth, or a few hairs, but of a friend and loved one,” he wrote in the book “80” (2007), edited by Gerald Gardner and Jim Bellows. “But it is possible to approach the ultimate without staggering, and even with a kind of glow, like a radiant sunset.”

Sympathies
I just helped record a version of "The Plot to Overthrow Christmas" (I was "Sotto Voce"). He sounded like an amazing man and you have my sincere condolences, Harlan.

To alan: I lost my Dad in 1991. We were estranged for a number of years, but we had reconciled in the last years of his life. I am sorry for your loss.

To Jeff: Apparently some of your classmates have become movie studio executives.

Brian Phillips

For Keeney Netflix streaming suggestion
"Cleaner" stars Samuel L Jackson and Ed Harris
Jackson plays a retired cop who now does crime scene clean ups and when called to a home in a wealthy neighborhood he does his usual good job of cleaning up a crime scene- and then things rapidly go sour for him!

Excellent movie very highly recommended!

Mr. Norman Corwin
In college, I listened to Mr. Corwin's "On a Note of Triumph" radio broadcast, first aired right Germany surrendered in May, 1945.

Writing of such quality was, and is, extremely rare. That's why I was so appalled that so many of my classmates that day were nodding off, looking at their watches, acting as though they'd rather be anywhere else in the world at that moment, etc. Those fools had no sense of history. To them, quality writing was the latest Marvel comic. Wonder whatever happened to them?

Harlan,
I wish I could make it less painful, but there is no way around it.
I can't help in any way. I just want you to know that I
care that you lost someone important and my heart goes out to yours.

C.

one other thing

If any one of you have any Netflix suggestions for me I'd appreciate it. As long as it's "watch instantly." My imagination will be in the shitter for a day or so I'm sure.

For reading it's PAINGOD.

Thanks.

out

Kneeded that

What I don't know could fill something truly large.

But what you said, Harlan, that I knew. Love you.

And thanks to everyone else who's wished me well via email and otherwise.

I'll have Goldberg or the Museum Guy update ya'll here when there's something to share.

rock and fucking roll,
Rick

At the Tampa "OCCUPY" gathering today;still unclear as to motives

For Harlan,my heart with you for yet another friends passing,lost my Father this year my 45 yr.old sister 2 yrs. ago,I guess it's the realization we are soon alone.

Walked into "OCCUPY" tampa gathering with a couple of pizzas today to try and understand the objectives this growing political group is after.No two persons shared the same grief.While handing out slices and moving through the crowd asking about their concerns,one gal sais she was tweeted to show up due to environmental cocerns,another said she was there because it's important to eep hope alive.Talked to a group guys with USF caps on and said their Professor was giving them credit to relive a time of social concern;and there were other stories all different than each others. I walked away wishing I could hear something noble like "Death to swines!!" or "Wall Street hacks to the guilatines!!" or even "Death Penalty for crooked bankers!!" But none of that resonated,they had signs,but almost like many were being paid to just hold them,is that possible?

Sometimes a century is not enough. The world is poorer tonight.

Norman Corwin was the kind of influence the world needs badly and the lack leaves a big hole where he once was. I was first exposed to Mr. Corwin on the PBS program, ACADEMY LEADERS, which reinforced my love for short film. I saw the first computer animation there, and first saw the Bergman parody, DE DUVA.

Even on my small screen, he seemed like he'd be great company at dinner. The world's lucky they had him when they did.

Chuck

CORRECTION #2
That should be "NOT," not "noy."

I fear I am not at my sharpest dealing with this awful news. Please excuse me.

Harlan

CORRECTION


That should be "ENNOBLE."

-he

NORMAN CORWIN' DEATH


I just learned.

It is said much too frequently, but in truth, none such ever walked the Earth before him; and his like in this species will never be seen again.

He was a friend--not as good and important and long-term as he was to Ray Bradbury and J. Michael Straczynski, who are in deep and wrenching mourning--but he was kind and generous to me, as he was to anyone he considered of even minimal worth; and his passing is a major tearful milestone in the progress of this plodding caravanserie we foolishly ennonle with the word Humanity.

Norman Corwin WAS the very hallmark, the apotheosis of Humanity.

We can lose millions, and survive. But noy without Norman.

Harlan Ellison

REPLY TO JEFF R.


Met Mitchum twice. Liked him both times. Second time better than the first. He rememebered the initial meet, and was a lot fiendlier and surlier...the sort of teeth-gritting I admired greatly.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

CROSSED FINGERS TO MY GUY RICK KEENEY


You know all the usless & windy good luck wishes I can conjure go with you, don't you, buddy? Yeah? You knew that, huh?

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Kids and Kulture
After a long time lurking, primarily because of taking heed to Unca Harlan's comments on the Internet and its downside -- and trying to finish an essay comparing and contrasting the Man and Cormac McCarthy for Joe Francavilla's recently published _Critical Insights_ volume -- Frank Church's question demands I post again.

I have two boys, aged four and six. I don't try to ram things down their throats, I don't censor age-appropriate material and I don't ignore what they say...

My older boy comes back from school talking about Justin Bieber. I listen. Because I listen, he asks me what I like and I play him selections from the Ramones or The Clash.

"That's rock-and-roll," he says.

My younger son wanders into the office while I work, starts dancing to the song I'm listening to and voices his approval... It's "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The flip-side is that their mother and I like some of the programmes they love: "SpongeBob Squarepants", "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" and "Regular Show"...

I should mention that premise of "Adventure Time" owes a whole lot to "A Boy and His Dog"...

TWO LITTLE MICE...
"Wwwwow!"
IF YOU haven't seen this, and you need a grin (maybe even a laugh, depending on your mood), have a gander:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giAQuLntqXY&feature=related

P.S. It helps if you know about the TV show, "The Walking Dead"...and if you're a Christopher conniosseur.

"Two little mice..." (I LOVE this goofy little film).

Frank, check out your own response to your question in the archives, dated Wednesday, November 25 2009 8:18:28.
---
Johnny English Reborn is opening now in the U.S. and already has the Jan stamp of approval.

RIP Norman Corwin

Radio dramatist and producer-director Norman Corwin has died. He reached the grand age of 101, and was still writing in his second century on this planet.

Detail:
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-norman-corwin-20111019,0,7316029.story

FRANK's question
FRANK: Alex's story is similar to mine: reading from the get-go, with the wife doing it most of it at first (cuddling and bedtime readings) then me getting involved because I "do voices" and entertained them both sometimes (everything from the usual kid books to a bit of Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"). I even introduced our daughter to comics, much to the wife's chagrin; it didn't hurt her at all. During adolescence, she read everything from comics and (yeech) an occasional "Star Wars" adaptation to (after seeing me using/reading it for my own purposes) "Dante's Commedia". Now, at 21, she still reads the ocassional comic, plenty of "entertainment" type novels (as Graham Greene might've called 'em) and LOTS of classical literature. She is currently obsessed with Shakespeare, having just read and reread "Richard III" (she got one of the few, first or second year, "verified" A papers -- graded twice, by two different professors -- in one of her literature classes recently) and she is currently reading (on her own) more Shakespear, Sophocles, etc. -- she digs it.

By the way, FRANK: check out Rod's answer, below, to your homeless question. If I interpereted it right (roughly 110 homeless, give or take another dozen), it's enlightening, considering Melbourne is as huge as it is. There were at least that many homeless folks in KC (1/4 the size of Melbourne) when I left the U.S. in 2007.

--DTS

Krislov, such a great response. Alfie Kohn would approve, but he wouldn't dare give you an A.

It doesn't help that we project culture like it is beets or fiber.

Culture doesn't involve any ivory towers, it involves the human heart. aww.



-----------

Even our mentor makes mistakes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4VtZotYkVQ&NR=1

Raising Culturally Literate Kids
Frank asks, "I want to ask the people with kids here about culture. What do you do as parents when your child brings home a Miley Cyrus album or wants to see Twilight 32? Do you culturalize your kids, take them to the symphony, the museum, or do you just let them be themselves, even when that means being part of this lousy, corporate culture."

It's a good question. My kids are grown now, one finished with college, the other drilling along at Carnegie-Mellon, but the answer for me was exposure. I exposed my kids to everything I liked. Good stuff, fair stuff, junk stuff--all of it. I encouraged them to grow up as I had. We read to them every night until they preferred to read to themselves. We played jazz, classical, rock, and pop. We immersed them in culture.

And when they brought home stuff in which we had little interest, we paid attention. That's how I came to be a fan of Amanda Palmer, Rasputina, Mathias Svalina and K.J. Bishop. I think that part of the reason my kids paid attention to me when I wanted them to notice the greats of the past is that I paid attention to them in their turn.

And it paid off. My kids are familiar with classics. They're fans of Harlan's work. And my younger daughter gave her senior speech in high school based on a quotation of Ted Sturgeon's.

That help at all?

Frank, you do both. A kid has to live in the world and know about what his peers might be interested in as well as the pop culture of the past, which is what "classical" music is. Let them have a taste from a varied plate.

Apologies, been vacant of late. Battling the forces of evil at the mighty corporate 'Murrica, and they've been remarkably tenacious in creating unacceptable problems for me to clean up.

Be that as it may, Skip...
______________________________

HARLAN, SUSAN - Thank you for the copy of MIND FIELDS. It is inscribed exactly as I'd hoped it would be, and will make a marvelous Christmas gift for my nephew Tommy, who possesses the mind and the attitude to appreciate the contents.

Thank you, Susan, for the copy iof the Rabbit Hole. I didn't make note of the date, and found myself startled and a little annoyed that you had never mentioned your new computer...until I realized that the issue in question is a decade old. Sheesh. Overy thing old is new again.
_________________________________________

I ordered my copies of BUGF#CK from Amazon days ago and have returned to register my concern regarding the release date. So far no response...
_________________________________________

Angelenos and OC-ites. (?!)

Two gigs for my lady coming up: The aforementioned Opening for Diane Schuur at the Coach House in deep Orange County. And a new free-to-the-public gig next week at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Apparently they have recently completed a remodel and this is a grand re-opening for a hotel which, from all appearances, never closed during the remodel. But heck, they're paying...

The Bonaventure holds an interesting place in my memory. Many, many years ago there was a short-lived science fiction tv series titled The Fantastic Journey starring Roddy McDowell. (I was then, and remain today, a tremendous fan of Mr. McDowell. His onscreen roles and his offscreen activities as a brilliant photographer, have been a major inspiration for what one can accomplish in life. That he was a friend and fan of one Harlan Jay Ellison, as I discovered much later in life, just attests to the legitimacy of my fandom.) (But I digress.)

The Bonaventure, then a recently opened and quite futuristic hotel, was used as the set for the technological city of Atlantium. I was a sixteen year old SF fan -- already rabid in my appreciation for Harlan's work -- and really, really, really wanted the show to last.

Alas, the ratings bear took it down after ten episodes. But once I moved out to the West Coast to attend college one of our favorite things to do was to go to the Bonaventure for drinks and lunch. Yeah, pretentious, but that was a good chunk of my college life. Pretentious, I mean, not the hotel.

So...Cris playing the hotel's grand re-opening is kind of a kick. We'll be in the lobby from 5-8pm. Listen for the cool jazz licks and come on by to say hello if you're in the area.
____________________________________

Ugh. Email from Provisioning. 'Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more'

Homeless Stats in Melbourne

To DTS:

Out of interest, a yearly survey called The Street Count produced these stats in 2010:

In total, 101 people were counted in the StreetCount2010 data collection:
* 51 people were observed during the StreetCount but not surveyed;
* 27 people were surveyed during the StreetCount; and
* 23 people were surveyed during the day count at service agencies.

71% of those counted were male and 14% were female. The gender of the remaining 15% could not be identified by observation during the StreetCount;

37% of those people counted were aged 41 to 60, 27% were aged 26 to 40, 10% were aged 18 to 25, 6% were aged over 60 and 8% were aged under 18. The age of the remaining 13% could not be estimated by observation during the StreetCount;

74% of those counted were alone, 14% were in an unrelated group, 7% in a couple. No children were observed. 5% could not be identified.

(Source http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)

Australia is OK, but it could still be a lot better. As with every country, a lot of people In Power, or who Have Power, or who Want Power, are doing their best to fuck it all up for the masses.

Cheers to all,
Rod

"The Resurgence of MIss Ankle-Strap-Wedgie"
(First of all, I hope I hyphenated that correctly!)

Harlan, since you used Robert Mitchum as a character in the story, did you ever hear anything about it from him or any of his people? Come to think of it, did you ever meet the man?

THE BEES MADE HONEY IN THE LION'S SKULL

SURGERY: KEENEY'S KNEE

It goes down Thursday. Try to say "Fix the meniscus" ten times fast.

PAINGOD is the waiting room reading material. Earth on the iPod.

No luck involved.

peace,
Rick

My Fabulous Weekend.
Just wanted to pass along some good news. I spent this weekend in the company of Caitlin Kiernan and photographer Kyle Cassidy, as the video strawboss on a promo video for her upcoming book _The Drowning Girl_.

It was the most fun I've had in a long while. Even Caitlin stepped in and tried some directing: as she put it, she got to be Werner Herzog while I got to be Terence Malick.

The promos won't be released until January, and I hope you'll like'em.

Ed Bryant eBay auction and Harlan fiction critique
Hey All:

Harlan has generously offered a personal fiction critique as an item up for auction on eBay to raise money for his old pal, Denver based SF/Horror writer Ed Bryant. I've posted the link below, and even though it says so in the body of the ad, let me make clear that the MINIMUM bid to win Harlan's personal critique for YOUR story (maximum word count 2500) is $500.

There's a lot of other cool items, like a lunch with Neil Gaiman. Links to a couple different "Friends of Ed" website are also listed at the bottom of the ad.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FriendsOfEd-Personal-Fiction-Critique-Harlan-Ellison-/110760813424?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c9dbe370

I want to ask the people with kids here about culture. What do you do as parents when your child brings home a Miley Cyrus album or wants to see Twilight 32? Do you culturalize your kids, take them to the symphony, the museum, or do you just let them be themselves, even when that means being part of this lousy, corporate culture? Thanks.

Thanks
Thank you, Susan, for the package that arrived here today. You are more than generous, as is the odd fellow with whom you live.

Perry

MARK BARSOTTI on ED BRYANT AUCTION
I was at the first Clarion Workshop with Ed Bryant. Is it too late for someone to contribute items for auction? What I have for sure is:
A (careful) original pencil rough of my Lovecraft portrait pose which appeared on the Lava Mt. recording of "The Outsider."
10 limited ed. prints (8.5 x 11) of my Finlay-style Clark Ashton Smith portrait which was used by Mirage Press on two of their books.
One of the original photocopies given out to all Clarion participants in 1968 of an Ed Bryant manuscript (that ought to be a keepsake, for sure).
And if I CAN contribute items, I might be able to locate other art, etc. Please let me know! I want to help! Joe

Speaking in general, Underwood/Arnie should have a Vendor account on Amazon that makes it possible for their own staff to change product information. https://vendorcentral.amazon.com

Since this doesn't seem to work...

WE can send Amazon a new pub. date via their Update Product Info form, but it requires a DATE (instead of "now") - Amazon is a computer system managed by administrators and has a date on every product page - and whoever is in charge of product pages needs VERIFICATION in one of these forms:

"The publisher's website verifies my changes." (Underwood doesn't feature the book on its website www.underwoodbooks.com)
"There are other websites that verify my changes." (We cannot link directly to any postings here.)
"The Amazon product page contains information that verifies this change." (No.)
"I have an image or images to upload which verify my submission." (We could send them images of Harlan's and Arnie's postings - but they don't contain a date.)

Mind Fields
Dear Susan

Just to let you know I sent my check for Mind Fields and a HERC membership (separate check) late last week so you should be getting it soon. I think it was Thursday..? Anyway it should be there soon. Regards to you both. Thanks.

RE: MIND FIELDS
Hello Susan,

I will mail you a check for Mind Fields and a HERC subscription come Thursday. Thank you again!

Take care,
Kara

Mine Mind
gaaahhh. MIND!!! I have to stop posting late after work.

MIND FIELDS

Upon returning home from a particularly health-robbing evening at the life-sucking office of boredom, what should my eyes alight upon but a package leaning against my door! Mind Fields has arrived safely and I am now traversing the foothills near the gateway to the neighborhood of shangri-la. Thank you. Thank you. And again - thank you!

Mine Fields
Received said book today + it really made my week. Thanks to both of you!!

Offsetting the vagaries of The Employed Life of late, this site has renewed a bit of childhood wonder:
https://www.kreiselparadies.de/

Tops, tops, & pretty much nothing but more damned tops. I'm totally enchanted. I've been fascinated with the "wendekreisel" a.k.a. Tippe Top (patented 1892) since I got one in my Cracker Jacks back around 1967. I still have the darned thing, too. This oddly specialised site has one for 7 Eur that's all of 15mm x 10mm.

Somewhere, I've still got a string top (wurfkreisel) that Dad had as a kid, tractor blue with a steel tip. He always liked his tchotchkes, & this catalogue would probably have delighted him.

Damn -- has anyone under fifty even spun a top...?

eBay Auction for Ed Bryant
Hey all ye classy, deep-pocketed visitors to Unca Harlan's Pavilion:

With Harlan's blessing, I'm pimping an eBay auction underway for Harlan's old friend, multi-Nebula award winning writer, and all 'round good guy Ed Bryant, who's fallen on financial hard times due to a depressingly long list of medical issues. Great items up for bid (links below) include a signed first edition of Harlan's STRANGE WINE (which I'm bidding on, so I'm foolishly driving up the price, but it's for a great cause so what the hell?) a lunch with Neil Gaiman, which can be redeemed in LA, Denver, or NY, and loads of other cool literary items. If the links don't work, just go to eBay and search either FriendsofEd or Edward Bryant and you're sure to find it. Bid early and often, and a special thanks to Harlan for allowing me to spread the word here in the Pavillion.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/FriendsOfEd-Lunch-Neil-Gaiman-/110759530551?pt=US_Fiction_Books&hash=item19c9c85037

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110759057810?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1431.l2649

PUB DATE OF "BUGF#CK" not JANUARY!!!!!!!!!!


Folks!

Stop going, well, bugfuck, because the Amazon site has the ship date for the book in January, so your stockings won't be stuffed on Xmas!!!!!!!!! They're just behind the curve....'way behind. I've got my copy already!

That was a tentative on Amazon's part; and they haven't updated. The books are being shipped NOW NOW NOW and within a week Amazon will have altered its "available date."

With a teensy push from you, if you can.

If you're concerned, get in touch with Amazon NOW and tell them the books are being delivered everywhere now, and to instantly alter their online presentation so we have a chance of catching the wave. On such thin partitions balance success and failure.

My thanks. Many many MANY thanks.

Anyone with a way in to the right integer at Amazon, please use it!

Thanks, Yr. Pal, Harlan

Monday night-tight
Joe: I had a package ripped open by the USPS this year, though it was done deliberately. I'd sold a vintage rhinestone bracelet and had it in a small padded envelope, taped to the side and wrapped in a facial tissue. It raised someone's suspicions.

DTS: Affordable housing is the problem these days, indeed. Heck, I'm losing my apartment at the end of November: http://solitarypoverty.blogspot.com

What we need in America are more pillbox-sized rooms to provide your average citizen with the basics of living at a reasonable price. Nothing fancy is needed for the single folks like myself, just a room big enough for a bed, a little closet and a small toilet area with a shower. But what do we have instead? Condos! Everywhere you want to rent, it's condos. And the standards for getting a regular apartment exclude those who aren't "fit" to live in certain places. First/last month's rent and a security deposit are the rules of the day, but even that's not enough; I had to lie about my income to get my current apartment under my name, even though I'd already sublet here for five years previously and had a good reputation. And in two years' time, have I once been late on the rent or missed a payment? NO! Mercifully, my renter's credit is sterling, so that wasn't an issue, but so many people have such a problem now that it precludes them from getting their own place.

Frank's question regarding homeless in Australia
Hey FRANK: I've only lived here for four years, and, unfortunately, the first three years of that we (meaning "I") had to deal with a few problems with my daughter's dealings regarding Uni (things have settled down now, and she's working on a double degree: microbiology and literature) and with rental houses (we had to move three times, count 'em, three) because of 1) a crummy landlord and a so-so house and 2) a couple of greedy assholes who lied about wanting to rent long term (they sold the houses after 9 months and 6 months, respectively).

So while you CAN get to know at least a city and state after living there for four years (not necessarily the ways of the entire country), we've been a bit preoccupied to say the least, with our own troubles.

That said, from what I know, and what I've seen in four years(as opposed to what I saw and experienced, second hand, on and off, in the USA, for nearly forty years), the effort to help the homeless here in Australia outstrips those made in the USA (in the cities _I_ lived in...Kansas City, Worchester, Atlanta, Roswell,Corpus Christi, Austin, New Jersey, etc.). Also, the unemployment compensation (or "dole" as it is called) far outstrips the USA (and, of course, National Health Care here is better than it is in, say, England -- and still a joke in the USA), so, in truth, I don't believe there aren't as many viablereasons to be "homeless" as there are in the USA (where there is a lack of enough shelters -- even though _countless_ churches sit unused, most, if not all, the time -- and a lack of medical care, etc.). Which might explain WHY I don't see as many homeless folks. At least not here in Melbourne (Kansas City, with a population a fourth the size of this town, had more homeless people).

I may be wrong about my perspective. There are at least one or two native Australians on this site (I'm just an expat), so you might ask them to weigh in. And if you do, you might want to start a topic in the other forum, where this coversation should take place (I don't go there because merely typing and chewing gum confuses the hell out of me).

All best,

Dorman
(Who will now exile himself for the rest of the week, unless the Susan has a question she needs answered).

RE: SASE
Susan,

I apologize, profusely, for your having received my SASE damaged. The envelope was sent inside a larger envelope and I suppose the USPS tore it open for some unknown reason (it was shipped first-class, too). Thank You, so very much, for still mailing the order form/HERC Info. I'm looking over it now and will send over my order soon.

Again, thank you thank you.

Best,
Joe

Mind Fields
Susan,

I received my copy today. Thank you so much! And please thank Harlan for signing it to me. I really appreciate it.

debbie

USA
Surprise for an old, old fan. Christmas came early here when my husband presented me with #50 of the Glass Teat. Wow.
The gift means a lot, of course as did the gifts recieved when I first read those books way back when they were new. I was pretty new too. But not so new, even then, to be surprised by much written then.
Looking at the pages, reading a line here and there is like a reunioun with my youth.
Thanks.

Dorman, I know very little about Australia. What do you guys do about the homeless? Do you have job programs, food pantries, high gloss shelters?

Australia has a history of going right.

Note to SUSAN regarding MIND FIELDS
SUSAN: Almost forgot: If you're able to decipher my note, you'll figure out that I neglected to say anything about a personalization on my copy of MIND FIELDS (I was finally feeling physically fit after the knee surgery -- but apparently my mental facalties weren't up to speed). Please tell Harlan, that yes, I would love a personalization. I'll leave the content of said personalization up to Harlan, and to how he's feeling at the moment he signs. This will make a good bookend to the paperback copy I got in '93, while still living in Missouri, when you and Harlan were in Newport Beach (at least that's what the personalization on that copy says).

Warm wishes to you both, from Oz,
Dorman

My State of Literacy essay
www.whatbrickwall.blogspot.com/
Being a humble writer with a few stories to me credit I am concerned about the lack of the number of readers in the industry.

Over the past few days I have been going over a 6 page document that looks at the state of the industry from my Cleveland point of view. If you wish- post it on your own blog or print it out and snail mail it to friends. I just want people to pass the word so we can keep getting people interested in reading for entertainment again. If you post it on your blog or webpage and you have a couple of other ideas to add that might help please feel free. Thanks.

Melbourne: Where even the homeless are "posh"
Hey EVERYONE, you may have read that Melbourne was voted the most liveable city in the world, recently (can't remember the name of the magaazine). Usually, I would take such things with a grain of salt, but...(and I have this on VERY good authority, my daughter)...I just heard that several of the homeless folks (admittedly, there aren't nearly as many as one would think in a city this size) have fashioned cardboard signs that say, "Gold coins only". Which means, only the gold-colored coins: the $2 and $1 denominations. Lesser denominations will, apparently, be thrown back. :)

To: Mark Barsotti: I have the answer to your question about THE ESSENTIAL ELLISON. Please give us a call.

To: Potential HERC members: I'm down to the last 10 "free gift" HERC membership package. If anyone is thinking about joining HERC, send your $15.00 for 6 issues to: The Harlan Ellison Record Collection, Post Office Box 55548, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413.

Thanks-Susan

MIND FIELDS!!!

Dear Kara:

Yes, we do have a copy of MIND FIELDS available.

Thank you--Susan

One of my Halloween Night activities

Listening to THE THING ON THE FOURBLE BOARD. With a circle of friends. In a dark room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_r_OiSDbDw&feature=related

Help requested
Hi All --
After you buy your copies of BUF#CK, please think about pre-ordering my wife's first novel, STARTERS. It's a young adult science fiction book. I know it may be too pricey for many of you to afford. So only those with some extra pocket change should go for it. But you'll enjoy it -- I guarantee you will!

http://www.amazon.com/Starters-Lissa-Price/dp/0385742371/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318875333&sr=1-1

It doesn't come out until March, but we're just trying to get those pre-order numbers up to impress her publisher.(And that cover's pretty cool, isn't it?)

Also something that won't cost you anything: please go to goodreads.com and vote for STARTERS by Lissa Price for Upcoming YA Debut and various other categories (you'll have to sign up on the site, but it doesn't cost you anything and I've found they don't bother me much with emails or nonsense):

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11525.2012_Debut_Authors_Young_Adult_Middle_Grade_

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4902.YA_Novels_of_2012?format=html&page=2

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/153.Most_Exciting_Upcoming_YA_Books?format=html&page=1

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9748.YA_Debuts_2012

We appreciate any help you can give us! Thanks.

Ain't none of you....
"Bad As Me"

badasme.com
Tom Waits new album. Live. Streaming.


Of course, Tom himself is doing this. This is an official pre-release deal to his fan club. Which you can join for the cost of an e-mail address. Which, I assure you, is worth it.

So if you want to stream "Bad as Me" go there. Give them an e-mail address. Listen. Rejoice.

And folks, you want to listen. It's good. The last time I felt like this about an album...I can't remember the last time I felt like this about an album. The first time I heard Dylan's "Oh Mercy," maybe. It's listening to an album by your favorite artist for the first time, and *its as good as you hoped it would be.*

Halloween Reading (cont)
In an effort to avoid the familiar classics but also not recommend something so esoteric it's impossible to find allow me to pick Oliver Onions' THE BECKONING FAIR ONE. Less than 100 pages, it's a story of obsession and possession and losing it big time. Best read in a room lit by candles with the blue moonlight shining on the windowsill...


"What is it? What's there? Who's there?"

A sound of scuttling caused his knees to bend under him for a moment; but that, he knew, was a mouse. That was not something that his stomach turned sick and his mind reeled to entertain. That other sound, the like of which was not in the world, had now entirely ceased; and again he called. . . .

He called and continued to call; and then another terror, a terror of the sound of his own voice, seized him. He did not dare to call again. His shaking hand went to his pocket for a match, but he found none. He thought there might be matches on the mantelpiece-----

He worked his way to the mantelpiece round a little recess, without for a moment leaving the wall. Then his hand encountered the mantelpiece, and groped along it. A box of matches fell to the hearth. He could just see them in the firelight, but his hand could not pick them up until he had cornered them inside the fender.

Then he rose and struck a light.

The room was as usual. He struck a second match. A candle stood on the table. He lighted it, and the flame sank for a moment and then burned up clear. Again he looked round.

There was nothing.

There was nothing; but there had been something, and might still be something. Formerly, Oleron had smiled at the fantastic thought that, by a merging and interplay of identities between himself and his beautiful room, he might be preparing a ghost for the future; it had not occurred to him that there might have been a similar merging and coalescence in the past. Yet with this staggering impossibility he was now face to face. Something did persist in the house; it had a tenant other than himself; and that tenant, whatsoever or whosoever, had appalled Oleron's soul by producing the sound of a woman brushing her hair.

Bugf#ck Release date
There has been a little confusion or concern about the release date given Bugf#ck on Amazon.com. The 1/10/12 publication date was a projection 6 months ago when the information had to be given to the distributor for their catalog: Amazon and all of the retailers picked up their listing information from there. But...we pushed production forward and the books are all printed and (if the information I have is correct) in Customs. Amazon will change their info once they have books in hand. Harlan would not be waxing poetically over a cobbled-together "fake" book: he's holding the real-McCoy. A half-page ad is in the latest issue of Sci-Fi; a full page ad will appear in the November Locus. Bugf#ck should be in the distributor's warehouse—and, subsequently, the hands of booksellers—within the month. So order from Amazon or B&N or whomever with confidence for your Christmas presents: BUGF#CK is imminent! And (if I may say so) it is sweet. Well...since it's Harlan, sweet with a kick.

Keeney about Stuart/Campbell
Yes, I'm sure a lot of people won't ever bother reading "Who Goes There" because they've seen one of the movies, and think that's "it." A funny story: I had John W. Campbell sign a book for me in a convention hucksters' room, probably in the late '60s. He had a copy of Jim Schmitz's WITCHES OF KARRES under his arm and said he was looking for a copy of NINE TALES OF SPACE AND TIME which contained his final story as a writer. His own copy had been stolen at a con when he laid it down somewhere for a minute. A while later my group came through the room again, and I spotted a lone copy of WITCHES OF KARRES lying on a table. I thought, "surely not..." and flipped the cover back. There was the famous signature, and Campbell nowhere around. I fervently hoped nobody would swipe that one- he obviously hadn't learned to keep a tight grip on his stuff!

COPYRIGHT VIOLATION ALERT!!!
I've only had time to skim the Pav of late, so my apologies if I have missed anything momentous and failed to comment.

I wanted to stop by and report that there are a lot of books I have found pirated, in media many would not think of: Smartphone app (short for "application," for those without a techie bent) markets.

I have a smartphone which runs on the (Google) Android operating system. The "Android Market," the clearinghouse for all apps which run on Android (some for pay, some for free), also includes e-books.
I did a search on the market for "science fiction," hoping to find interesting apps or wallpapers.

What I DID find was that someone named Marvin Khan had uploaded an app which contained every one of Frank Herbert's Dune books.
Looking further, I saw that Mr. Khan had uploaded several Zelazny books. And Donald E. Westlake. Marion Zimmer Bradley. Heinlein. Dick. And lots more. Many of the 183 books listed were in the public domain--but more than half, I'd say, were most assuredly not.

(At first, I thought that the guy was just reposting works of deceased authors, probably thinking them therefore copyright-free, but then I saw that he had also pirated Philip Pullman's books, as well as many of the bestsellers' list's darlings type, as well--Dan Brown, Stieg Larsson, Dan Brown, et alia.)

Rather than flag every app as inappropriate, piecemeal, I contacted the Android Market staff directly. Making certain to point out that I was not a lawyer, that I represented no one, and that I was merely a person who respected intellectual property, I explained the situation, making certain to reference "Ellison v. Robertson, et al.". They were very cool about it, and promised they would check to make sure the developer had license to distribute those books.

THEN I found MORE idiots doing the same thing, by the simple expedient of searching for any app with "Dune" in its title. Doing so, I found many more pirating developers stealing many of the same books.
(Those developers, by the by, would be "HAYYEON", "lookatme", "lchb139", and "BOYDSTUN", by the way.)
So I contacted Google again, and let them know. The same guy answered, so he knew where I was coming from, and thanked me for maybe saving them from lawsuits from the likes of Charlaine Harris/HBO, the Chicken Soup for the Soul people, James Patterson ...

So. If you're an author and want to be sure you're not being pirated, here's what you do.

Look on the Android Market: https://market.android.com/
DO NOT look under "Books," DO NOT look under your name. Look under "Apps". Search for the titles of your books. (Narrow the filter to "Free" rather than "Paid" apps, while you're at it.)

If you find that your books are being pirated, then go tio the Android Market "Contacting Support" page: http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/bin/request.py?contact_type=contact_policy

Put your info in, click "Call Me," and they will call the number you provide instantly. Let the staff know the situation, then sit back, secure in having struck a blow for truth justice, and the Pay-the-Writer Way.

(Please pass this on to any authors you think might want to know about it--and those of you who are Apple-centric might want to take a looksee at the App store and iTunes, as well ...)

The Art of Leo and Diane Dillon
Wow, I just stumbled across a fantastic online database of illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon called "The Art of Leo and Diane Dillon: An online archive dedicated to sharing the work of Leo and Diane Dillon." (Yes, I am fortunate to own both the regular and limited hardcovers of THE ART OF LEO AND DIANE DILLON.)

They are organized by the names of authors whose books they have illustrated. 28 illustrations can be seen for Harlan Ellison's works. I love the one for the Pyramid edition of LOVE AIN'T NOTHING BUT SEX MISSPELLED. (My filthy mind wants to think that horned fellow has just finished, or is about to start, performing cunnilingus on that women Heh Heh.) Illustrations for posters are also included.

This archive is definitely worth checking out!

http://leo-and-diane-dillon.blogspot.com/

Don A. Stuart

Worth finding and reading (or rereading) is John W. Campbell's "Who Goes There?" This which might otherwise get lost or ignored amid the hype of a recent (third) celluloid retelling of the wonderful short story.

peace,
Rick

TO, I meant...
"Prayer to the East". I was out late last night.

Patton Oswalt was on NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!"
For those who have broadband connections, it's on NPR.org/waitwait .

Here is an anecdote that Harlan will like:
Last night, as a birthday present to myself, I was spinning Soul, R&B and Gospel records last night. The fellow I was DJing with said he just acquired a huge Jazz record collection, which included some original Blue Note pressings.

I asked him, did you happen to get a copy of "Prayer From the East" by Yusef Lateef? He said that he did. I mentioned the cover and he said, It's amazing! Photos don't do it justice."

I then asked if he would sell it.

He, of course, said no.

So, grrrr. Thanks for the tip on the disc, Harlan, but I left the club out on my asp.

Brian Phillips

blacklist
Interesting tidbit on the original move "The Thing" aka The Thing from another planet, published in the National Post Friday Oct 14 by Scott van Wynsberghe.

The title was changed from had to be changed because musician Phil Harris brought out an unrelated humorous tune called The Thing.

The scrip was officially Charles Lederer's however Ben Hecht secretly collaborated. The secrecy was because he was blacklisted--not the anti-communist blacklist--but a British blacklist. Hecht was a supported of the creation of the state of Israel. Since Britain lost control of Palestine, British motion-picture authorities blacklisted Hecht for two-and-a-half years. Hollywood complied with the ban to protect its foreign markets.

Mind Fields
Hello Susan,

Are there any copies of Mind Fields left? I am planning on sending a SASE to HERC requesting a book list; if you still have a copy, I will happily enclose payment along with the request.

When sending mail to the HERC address, is it permissible to enclose a brief, hello-from-a-reader letter for Harlan?

Thank you for your time, and thank you both for the good work you do. I have been a fan since I was much too young to really understand what I was reading, and have been working to rectify the situation ever since.

A Writing Lesson for Wild-Eyed Children
Do a Google search for the McDonalds beating video that happened recently in Greenwich Village, New York. Two arrogant, self-centered people attacked with juvenile confidence someone who was also (unbeknownst to them) fundamentally violent. The victorious outcome that the two agitated women were obviously expecting never happened; instead they were brutally beaten by the beleaguered cashier with a metal rod and sent to the hospital. Surprise!

It’s human nature to figure out who was right and who was wrong in a situation like this. It’s my opinion that you would be wasting your time trying, because all of the participants were wrong. Perhaps I cling to the concept of Art too tightly but it is one of the few positive human attributes that I see within myself that travels in tandem with my personal capacity for violence. We are all the best and the worst in this world. It could have been any of us in that video if the circumstances had pushed our buttons in all the right / wrong places. No one is exempt.

So, did they want fries with that? Apparently so. He had their fucking fries right here, and here, and here, and here! He hoped they enjoyed their fucking fries as he was handcuffed and trundled off to prison yet again.

There is a story in here somewhere. A really, really old story.

Tim Raven

BUGFUCK
Pre-ordered my copy of BUGFUCK on Amazon. But a stocking stuffer? Alas, no. The estimated delivery date isn't until January 12, 2012! What was the publisher thinking, missing the Christmas/Hanukka rush? Don't they know how much Harlan loves the holidays? That he's at the top of list to play Kris Kringle in Terence Malick's remake of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, if he can be lured from his Sherman Oaks hilltop?

Missing a holiday sales opportunity like this shakes my confidence in the American Businessman. Maybe we should occupy Wall Street on something...

Another Saturday Night, and you know the rest.
Damn it, find me some pennies to pinch! Ah, "Bugf#ck," you shall be mine some day! Some sweet day, I will have you, my tidy little volume of "Bugf#ck"...

Shagin: keep up the physical therapy and give your husband an extra kiss of love per day. If only for those of us without such love.

I'm not doing so hot myself. Lost out on a studio audience gig in Culver City on Friday, too exhausted to do it after having worked "Sons of Anarchy" on Wednesday and "The Mentalist" on Thursday. Sure, I managed to stumble my way there, but they wouldn't check me in because I couldn't stand up and walk properly. Oh, and heaven forbid they make any accommodations like providing a folding chair. One of these days when this happens, I've gotta get the balls to bring up disability discrimination, damn it! Instead of protesting, I went meekly home and slept for nine hours... after having already gotten eight hours the night before. Eh, who needs rent money, anyway? Having a roof over one's head is a highly overrated experience.

Oh, and a quick remark about the latest viral video--the smack-down that took place at McDonald's. Yes, the proper human response is to be outraged and disgusted at how an ex-con beat two women badly enough to send them to the hospital with lacerations, a broken arm and a skull fracture... but seeing as they went after him in tandem, after verbally and physically abusing him and then jumping the counter to chase him, one CNN comment comes aptly to mind: "Don't start none, won't be none."

I am holding in my hands a copy of The Someday Funnies, the near-mythical, 40-years-delayed collection of comic strips about the 60s - including Harlan's and the Dillons' "Ecoawareness" - that was recently mentioned here. Harlan, I certainly hope you and the Dillons have your contributors' copies by now - but I can attest that the thing is definitely real. It exists! (The book isn't going to be in stores for another couple of weeks, but the publisher, Abrams, is selling them this weekend at its booth at New York Comic-Con, and I bought a copy there. They've got plenty more, if any Webderlanders are going to be at the last day of the con on Sunday.)

It should go without saying that "Ecoawareness" is terrific - the Dillons' art gives the story even more of an impact than it had when I first read it, back in Harlan's collection Approaching Oblivion. I haven't read most of the rest, but I'm overjoyed at just the thought of being able to read unpublished work from, among others, Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Wally Wood, Art Spiegelman, Harvey Kurtzman, Russ Heath, Gahan Wilson and many, many others, both in and out of the comics field.

It's a gorgeous-looking book, if a bit eccentrically organized. I had to look in the index to find "Ecoawareness" - it's #77 of 129 strips.

Besides the strip itself and the notes on contributors, Harlan makes at least one other significant appearance in the book - on the endpapers, which feature a pile of some of the correspondence that editor Michel Choquette received from his contributors. Harlan's letter is partly obscured, but the last line is clearly visible. I won't spoil it here; suffice to say it's quintessential Harlan.

By the way, since I was mentioning New York Comic-Con: I had the pleasure of meeting two fellow Webderlanders there today, Tony Isabella and Bob Ingersoll. Fine gentlemen both. And the people at the Atlas Comics booth, where Tony was signing his GRIM GHOST comic, could not have been nicer to my 11-year-old son, a budding comics fan. Check out THE GRIM GHOST and the rest of Atlas's titles! (Free unsolicited plug.)

Mercury Men -- and a cheaper listing on BUGF#CK
"I've described this show to my friends as what you'd get if you took Flash Gordon, combined it with Harlan Ellison's 'Demon With A Glass Hand,' and swirled it all around within the mind of the late Jack Kirby and I'll stand by that." (a quote from,
"Syfy's The Mercury Men Succeeds on Back-to-Basics, Elemental Levels" by Darren Goodhardt
(Which means it might be a show worth watching)
http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=12719

If you're REALLY pinching pennies:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bugf-ck-harlan-ellison/1103239456?ean=9781599290614&itm=6&usri=harlan%2bellison
BUGF#CK: $7.92 at B&N! (eight cents is eight cents, nu?)

Mind Fields
Harlan:

I have never wept over a book inscription.

Until now.

"Thank you" doesn't suffice ... but it will have to, for now.

Zuz

Hallowe'en Readin'
I was just reminded today of the works of John Bellairs. If you know a kid who likes good, scary stories and want to share with that kid something that is a cut above HARRY POTTER literary-wise, treat that kid to one or a set of Bellairs' books. Several of them are illustrated by Edward Gorey, including the first and best of the series, THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS. I can't properly describe how smart and sly and downright friggin' spooky these books are, so here's an excerpt from CLOCK:

"Lewis got up. He threw back the covers, slipped on his bathrobe, and found his slippers. Quietly, he padded down the hall and then down the dark staircase. At the entrance to the front hall he stopped. There was a streetlight burning just outside the front gate, and it threw a bent black shadow against the pleated curtain on the front door. Lewis stood still and watched the shadow. It didn't move. Slowly he began to walk forward. When he reached the door, he closed his fingers around the cold knob and turned it. The door rattled open, and a freezing wind blew in over his bare ankles. There stood his Aunt Mattie, who was dead.

Lewis stepped back as the old woman, her head cocked to one side as it always had been, tottered across the floor toward him. A shaking blue light filled the air around her, and Lewis, his eyes wide open in this nightmare, saw Aunt Mattie as she had been the last time he saw her alive. Her dress was black and wrinkled, she wore heavy shoes with thick heels, and she tapped her bunchy, black umbrella as she went. Lewis even thought he smelled kerosene- her house, her clothing, and her furniture had always reeked of it. The white fungus blotch that was her face shook and glowed as she said, in a horribly familiar voice, "Well Lewis? Aren't you glad to see me?"

I mean, holy crap.

Authors, Ideas, Ethics

Adam-Troy Castro mentioned recently how the politics of a certain book made him wince. I can understand this reaction under certain circumstances, wherein the book in question (and I haven't read the book he mentions, so this doesn't apply to Flashback from my perspective) obviously and deliberately gives a positive spin to the unsupportable. I'm not talking about creating characters who believe certain things (say, O'Brien in "1984", or Rashkolnikov in "Crime and Punishment") and espouse them. That's not only fine, it is necessary, and would strangle art if it were banned. I'm talking about Leni Riefenstal making odes to Adolf Hitler. A person like Riefenstal must bear some real moral responsibility to lionizing the man and the movement she did.

I'm sure someone here may be able to find a reason why a book that promoted racism, antisemitism, rape, or genocide, portraying such in a positive light, could be a good thing. I would deny no one the right to write such a book. But that doesn't mean writing such a book isn't morally reprehensible. In some cases, the ambiguity can save you: is "Straw Dogs" an ode to rape and misogyny, or a critique of male aggression and sexuality? Damned if I can say for sure. But it's hard to say that a film like "Rambo: Missing in Action Part II" isn't a paean to militarism and blood-lust.

My point being, should Mr. Simmons, or anyone else, if he or she feels so inclined, write a book whose crypto-fascist agenda makes people's skin crawl (and I'm not saying "Flashback" is such a book, because I really do not know)? Absolutely. Does that absolve them, if they write such a book, from any moral opprobrium? Not from my perspective.

DRIFTGLASS: Beautiful.

***

HARLAN: Is buying BUGFUCK through Amazon the best way to put money in your pocket for the purchase? Not certain if we can get it, but will definitely pinch pennies.

***

For the past week or so, I can't feel my right hand. No texture or pressure sensation at all, and limited movement. I didn't realize I'd lost one of my Mom's rings that I wear until it was gone. I have an idea of where I might have lost it, and am hoping I'm wrong. Worst of all, it was the ring destined to go to my niece if she finishes high school. Desperately want to find it.


***


Hello to most! And Jello to the rest!


shagin

Bug-Ican'tsayitIdon'tcuss is available for pre-order
I looked at Amazon and it read:

Bugf#ck: The Worthless Wit and Wisdom of Harlan Ellison by Harlan Ellison and Arnie Fenner (Hardcover - Jan 10, 2012)
Buy new: $8.00

Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on January 10, 2012.

I Chide You Not
Okay Unk, nary a raised eyebrow shall you see ... Well, other than: Who the hell are you and what have you done with Harlan Ellison? Is that a pod behind the bookcase there?

Is Captain Kirk about to tell Spock he's a meddling Vulcan half-breed and he should mind his own business?

And in this light? Say, Josh, you wanna read my fucking script ...?

Perry

Rankin/Bass' THE LAST UNICORN getting a re-release
Hey, Phil? The animated adaptation of THE LAST UNICORN was a theatrical release, not a made-for-television movie. Anime News Network reports that the animated feature will get a re-release in 2012 and 2013 in honor of the movie's 30th anniversary. Presumably, Peter S. Beagle with get his fair share of the pie.

Article: www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-14/the-last-unicorn-gets-theatrical-re-release

Dylan Ratigan, now there's someone who I really admire lately. His rants about getting money from politics is amazing. His head explodes a lot but the shrapnel goes to cover the right things. He even had on Thomas Ferguson, who Chomsky quotes a lot. Ferguson never gets on tv, never!

The occupy movement is moving tv.

----------

Beyond my lefty lust it was a bit shameful to see one faction of the occupy movement refuse to let John Lewis, civil right's hero, speak, because they had a meeting and thought that meeting should come first. They would let Lewis talk after the meetings, but he had to take a plane to dedicate the MLK memorial.

Lewis, who is pure class, is not angry and the occupiers will let him speak to them any time.

I would surmise that the movement is so young they don't know how Lewis was. Too much podcasting not enough basic reading.

Fun with Haiku
On the subject of offers one takes...

A ticket for a
dozen falls. With Lee. At his
personal dojo.

Cyrano says "Sure,
I'll check the heft and balance
of your hand-forged blade."

Minnesota Fats
wants to show you a thing he
does on that first break.

McQueen offers to
take a caliper to your
Soapbox Derby rig.

ROB REPLY


Lou...who?

-he

BUGF#CK
I advance ordered my copy. I will order copies for Xmas presents for friends and family. What better gift than wisdom? Really?

Bugfuck
Well, fuck me, if it’ll cure the case of catarrh that I caught from that Bangkok whore at the water park last week, then sign me up for two, ‘cause goddammit, they’re small!

Don't look at me funny, man, I have a Potent Wit in my back pocket…”Hey, stop looking at my fine bum, you bum-lookers!

Tim

Voices From The Past?

I know it's a different trip when you know someone in the mortal flesh, but as a listner I've come to venerate Bill Maher. He's grown in several ways since his ABC days (I even wondered occasionally if a bit of "Ellison" rubbed off on him, as some of his words came to share many of your own). His words have become MY words. Some of my favorite morsels ever come from NEW RULES.

My last vestige of hope in this society is kept alive by Maher, Rachel Maddow, and the cool-headed intelligence of Thom Hartmann (whom I spoke with on the air briefly a few weeks ago).

--------------------------------------------

Harlan, just to kill 30 seconds of idle blather, a couple of weeks ago I ran into Carla Ferrigno in Santa Monica. I remembered her from 1996, when I briefly did some work for Lou. We got into the subject of comics, because she knows Stan Lee. I mentioned your name while rambling. Carla's eyes widened. Laughing, she said she remembers you through a friend of hers you once dated in 1977. She says her girl friend "found her date with Harlan...to be an experience she could never forget!"

HARLAN POPS IN

HOSSANAH IN THE HIGHEST EXCLAMATION PERNT!

Now that I've done my good deed for the day, as I always do (Boy Scout w/merit badges), permit me to try and make a buck before all those Synth Maestros forget I'm still breathing. That is to say, shamelessly, yet merely another sad, ragged mendicant seeking alms from the benevolent and kindly, lemme try to make a buck here:

We got the first copies of

BUGF#CK

today. It ain't spiral-bound as I misascertained from the advance copy, but a real authentic you-can-hold-it-in-the-palm book, non-electronic!!!!!!!!! It is lovely, just luh-uv-er-leeee! Available NOW from Amazon at a

pittance

a farthing

a sou

a kopek

a naugahyde!

A pppppperfect stocking-stuffer (as Amazon puts it, "for someone with intelligence and a mean wit." F'rinstance:

From P. 61

"Just today, guy gave me a spectacular accolade.
"Two thumbs up!
"One in each eye."

Only a sample of BUGF#CK: The Useless Wit & Wisdom of HARLAN ELLISON. No home or stocking should be without this miraculous health-bestowing tome. Cures cattarh, cleanses the nerves, opens the sinuses, dissolves warts, wens, pustules, scabrous deposits. Better than moxybustion or cupping. Endorsed by leading authorities: Reich, Adler, Freud, Chingachgook, Aimee Semple MacPherson, Tinkers, Evers & Chance! Babies cry for more!

(Actually, DID HAVE a phone call today from a film producer who is buying 60 copies as Xmas gifts for his production/office staff.) Tell your friends. Tell Neil Gaiman. Tell him to tell Amanda. Have Amanda tell all her goth groupies. Let it flow like lava from Mount Etna! Let it ring 'cross the treetops! Tell Jan in the E.U. Alert the Pope! Let the kvetching world know Our Savior hath come at last!

Or not.

I'll go lie down with a moist compress o'er my eyes, now.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

HARLAN POPS IN

HOSANNAH IN THE HIGHEST EXCLAMATION PERNT!

Now that I've done my good deed for the day, as I always do (Boy Scout w/merit badges), permit me to try and make a buck before all those Synth Maestros forget I'm still breathing. That is to say, shamelessly, yet merely another sad, ragged mendicant seeking alms from the benevolent and kindly, lemme try to make a buck here:

We got the first copies of

BUGF#CK

today. It ain't spiral-bound as I misascertained from the advance copy, but a real authentic you-can-hold-it-in-the-palm book, non-electronic!!!!!!!!! It is lovely, just luh-uv-er-leeee! Available NOW from Amazon at a

pittance

a farthing

a sou

a kopek

a naugahyde!

A pppppperfect stocking-stuffer (as Amazon puts it, "for someone with intelligence and a mean wit." F'rinstance:

From P. 61

"Just today, guy gave me a spectacular accolade.
"Two thumbs up!
"One in each eye."

Only a sample of BUGF#CK: The Useless Wit & Wisdom of HARLAN ELLISON. No home or stocking should be without this miraculous health-bestowing tome. Cures cattarh, cleanses the nerves, opens the sinuses, dissolves warts, wens, pustules, scabrous deposits. Better than moxybustion or cupping. Endorsed by leading authorities: Reich, Adler, Freud, Chingachgook, Aimee Semple MacPherson, Tinkers, Evers & Chance! Babies cry for more!

(Actually, DID HAVE a phone call today from a film producer who is buying 60 copies as Xmas gifts for his production/office staff.) Tell your friends. Tell Neil Gaiman. Tell him to tell Amanda. Have Amanda tell all her goth groupies. Let it flow like lava from Mount Etna! Let it ring 'cross the treetops! Tell Jan in the E.U. Alert the Pope! Let the kvetching world know Our Savior hath come at last!

Or not.

I'll go lie down with a moist compress o'er my eyes, now.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

REPLY TO MARK BARSOTTI


Mark:

Call Susan. You know the number.

-he

DENNIS JONES IN NAUGATUCK


Stop kvetching, Jones!

I know this will come back to masticate my ass, sooner rather than later. Don't chide me Josh, or Steve Perry, either.

Nonetheless:

Shut up, the rest of you.

Jones: Write me (or dig out of your existing pyramid of "awful" work) the best 1000-1500 word story you have done/can do. Figure out how to reach me by human method--i.e., NOT internet--because gawd knows there are enough postal clues to find me here on this website, or ask Barber to forward it, or ask our Webmaster Rick Wyatt for the HERC address. Double-space the manuscript, write a one-paragraph enclosed note to remind me who the hell you are and what I said I'd do for you, put it in an envelope with a SASE, and send it to me. Make it fuckin' good, y'li'l obsessive, and I'll take a few minutes to let you know if I (that is ONLY I, not Chekhov, not Emily Dickenson, not Donald Westlake, just li'l ole me and 50 years of unrelenting discovering of good writers) think you got the goods. The chops. If you "hear the music."

Do not bleat if the news is less than salutary.

I will not shade it, I will not coddle, I will not tell you oh honey keep on batting your brains out. You may be an unknowing Great Brain Surgeon or House Painter a la Michelangelo, but I know what a writer reads like, and if you send me ONE story, as noted above, I will do for you what I'd charge you $5000 at a Workshop to let you know.

Say nothing more. Do it, or not. Ball in your court.

Everybody else, just let me dig my own ditch here.

I know...I know...it's been an anaconda of a week.

Head shaking as with the ague, Yr. pal, Harlan

Frank Church's last post
Frank, I'm certain that "strange some chickens" is not only more poetic, but, insofar I-don't-wanna-talk-about-it fetishes are concerned, definitely more conducive to conjuring up some interesting "brain movies".

An self-indulged letter to Frank Church,with love.

You know not too many years ago,when considering the age of the Republic,Republicans were considered the norm,the straight line,anti-slavery,anti-railroad barons,anti-logging and strip mining.If Lincoln was the standard for human rights,Douglas represented the most destructive elements this Republic has ever experienced.These "OCCUPY" protesters,at least the Colorado gatherings and NYC,don't seem to have a cohesive gripe;some want to collapse the monetary system,others want millionaires of very field of opportunitties,to cease and assist at every level;some others just want guaranteed employment without the effort of learning a trade or craft;"fuck you!give us a job!" then there are the hooligans and homeless,the college students studying social sciences and having missed every meaningful movement of earlier generations,are grabbing at political straws to experience this one,or at best recreate one similar.Only thing missing yet I fear foreseen,introduction of rocks and bottle throwing.

Pay The Writer!

Here's a remarkable story to file under "Pay The Writer": Peter S. Beagle and his years-long struggle to obtain royalties due him for a TV adaptation of his LAST UNICORN.

http://file770.com/?p=7229

I've never read a word of Mr Beagle's fiction, but I'm pleased to hear that someone decided to do the right thing... after years of legal action.

- Phil

Strangle some chickens. grrer

Jumping the shark is the issue. The only way to make it in this awful economic pissfarm is to milk the cows, slop the pigs, strange some chickens and find the project you left moldering under a dirty linen cloth.

Find a niche or create one.

A compromise solution
Dennis,

There's another way to approach your goals while also making a living. Your background in network management and computers makes you an ideal candidate to write for any number of industry publications and sites such as Network World, Network Computing, PC Magazine, etc. You could also work as a "content development specialist" -- i.e., what used to be called a tech writer -- developing job aids, quick references, and other user support material for a wide range of companies and other organizations.

This obviously isn't fiction writing, although I swear the manual for my DVD player qualifies as Joycean experimental fiction. But writing for an audience will hone your communications skills and help prime your literary pump while putting food on the table. It's great training in clarity and getting to the point. And it enables you to secretly (shhhh) squeeze in more time during a work day in front of the computer to write your own stuff.

There's a long list of fiction writers who have done exactly that -- everyone from the unjustly forgotten John Sladek (check out his hilarious Roderick robot novels)to Robert M. Pirsig (Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance) to Nicholson Baker. And George Saunders -- who won a MacArthur "genius" grant a few years back -- feels his tech writing background greatly enhanced his fiction. You can check out an entertaining interview with him here: http://www.thedaysofyore.com/george_saunders/

Again...it's a compromise. But you have the right background -- and it addresses the need to feed your family and feed your muse at the same time.

Just a thought.

Bob

ADAM-TROY:
I wondered if Flashback might pop up as a topic hereabouts. I gave it a favourable review in SFX, but the more I think about it, the more I am troubled by it; even though Dan himself, in an extraordinarly lengthy background post about the book on his website, takes the time to say that his own politics have never come through in one of his novels, and that the politics of his works are not his own. And if we take the infamous time-traveler story/posting on his site from 2006 as merely the genesis of his latest book, and bear in mind, as our host has said of The Author,, "You don't know me," well, I'm still troubled mightily. The fear of spoilers prevent me from talking more about Flashback here in any kind of depth, but it's a frightening book, I think. More to the point: I don't really know *what* to think.
All best
Jes

WITH OR WITHOUT BREATHING ROOM
Dennis,

I would suggest looking for another job (one that won't make you extremely unhappy) and then KEEP IT FULL-TIME (as a wedge between you and unemployment) while you ritualize your daily writing regimen. Don't blow the "sizable check" to settle it!

Test yourself. Can you write 1 hour a day for 1 week. Then try two hours a day for two weeks. That will settle it.

In my experience, it can be a trap to allocate "breathing room" to write. I'm 42, working full-time, 3 cats, 1 wife, some health issues, trying to sell a house, etc., etc., etc...and I write on average about 15,000 to 20,000 words a month.

I struggle all the time in keeping with my work habits. And I fail very often. Demons of doubt and excuses are magnets to writers. But then, you start over the next day and repeat, as any good recidivist should, what is often deemed by society and friends as a criminal act of a foolish nature.

As others have iterated in so many fine words...

FIND YOUR SPACE. SIT IN IT. WRITE. WITH OR WITHOUT BREATHING ROOM.

Best of luck,

MOHO

Various
Dennis, I worked a job I hated for seventeen years, while writing at night and weekends. When I was fired and necessity made me give full-time writing a go, several *years* passed before I made an acceptable -- though still not lavish -- income commensurate to my half of the marriage. I am struggling to attain the next level and am grateful that my circumstances actually do seem to be improving. Until you can make the leap, watch one less TV show a night, get up an hour earlier, commit to a thousand words a day...but be aware that it IS a cold, tough slog out there.

*

I work 70 hours a week at home. Unfortunately, my job is cleaning this septic tank, and it only qualifies as "home" because my boss won't lower a rope ladder. I'm only paid in rotten apples and orange peels fired from a t-shirt cannon, but I have managed to make a nice bed for myself out of this mat of floating rancid sauerkraut. I haven't seen the light of day in three years, but I think the Occupy Wall Street people are whiners. I'm the 53%.

*

I read Dan Simmons's latest, FLASHBACK. Did not hate it, but its politics made me wince.

Lou Stathis, fondly
Thanks, Jan, for the heads up regarding thestoolpigeon:

www.thestoolpigeon.co.uk/features/interview-john-foxx-the-maths.html

I've been an enthusiast for John Foxx since the time of 1977 / 78. I first heard about Ultravox! from Lou Stathis in his special section within Heavy Metal magazine. Those were the days, simply. I went out and purchased all John Foxx / Ultravox albums at the time, relishing them. Foxx's METAMATIC (30th Anniversary Edition is really great, and available at iTunes as well as on shiny disc. It's probably not important to know exactly which Harlan Ellison stories made an impression on Foxx. They are both very creative and there certainly is a Zeitgeist associated with that 1970s period.

I've seen The Quietus also ran this promotion for John Foxx and The Maths, although a typo currently has HE as "Harlan Ellis." Ooops!

Essential Ellison
Hi Susan,

Never see it in the HERC listings, but are they any versions of the ESSENTIAL ELLISON available for gifts?

Thanks in advance for checking.

Hope you're both well.

Don't Quit Your Day job
Dennis --

If you are like I was, there is probably time you can write without taking it from your family. Skip lunch. Get up earlier, or if you are an owl, stay up later. Give up a couple hours of TV.

When I started in the biz, I was working full time at a clinic, had two small children, was the Cub scoutmaster and an Indian Princess Guide, plus training to run a marathon and teaching martial arts classes. Plus, you know, the wife and like that. I was able to swipe enough time to do a short story a week for 40 weeks before I crashed and burned.

You can find the time if you really want to write. Always.

Perry

MY THANKS TO ARNIE FENNER re MEFISTO LOVELINESS

Hahaaaaa . . .I just KNEW, instinctively and gut-feelingly, that Harlan had something to do with this. He was just too bloody modest to admit it.

I KNEW it . . .I KNEW it !!

Modest ?? Dunno, though . . .

Right again and luvvin it, Yer Smug China 'Owes

Dennis Jones
Dennis,

Dive in, man. Don't wait. If you have the option and the energy, take a shot at it. I supported the family & paid the mortgage with computer work too, and am now retired (still at it part time, though, for a variety of reasons). Part-time can give you the blocks of time you need. But don't wait too long. If you don't use those writing muscles, they can atrophy just like the physical muscles do, and it takes longer and it is harder than you'd believe to get back in condition. You hate your stories? Let the editors (or the readers if you choose to go the Kindle/ebook route) tell you they hate them -- that's their job. Your job is to get 'em written and out there.

But DON'T WAIT.

Bests,

--tr, who has been there.

I had to look up Rara Avis.

Salt in the wound, but it feels very nice.

Love you too bubby.

-------

Robert Ross, a sweet fellow. May he see the tops of the trees on the flight of the whirlwind.

His soul is sound.

Ripping off the Band-Aid, Picking up the Pen?
I have been contemplating making the step into the great field of trying to make a few bucks off the printed word for quite a while now. I believe the time has come to sink or swim, rise or fall, rip off the band-aid, as it were.

I will be thirty-nine this month. I have two kids, a wife, a cat, and a house. The wife and I are both well employed and have some breathing room for the first time in our thirteen-year marriage.

I have been in the computer network administration business for close on sixteen years now, and I have been a computer hobbyist/enthusiast since I was eleven and my uncle gave me a Tandy Sinclair. I've supported my family with my knowledge of computers.

But, for many years now I've felt the pull of writing. Writers like Mr. Ellison, Stephen King, Arthur C. Clarke, Heinlein and many others have inspired me. The "pull" is greater with every story I read, and the itch drives me mad...forget mad, it drives me up an effing tree!

In 2006 I submitted some writing to a local newspaper and got a "job" as a freelancer. It was one of the happiest moments in my life, but it was not to be. I felt guilty about being away from the family at night and on weekends. So I bashed the muse over the head with a shovel and buried that bitch ("bitch" being used purely in the gender-neutral sense that pervades the vernacular).

But it keeps coming back, digging and clawing its way out of the hole I dug for it. It comes back so often that I've taken to calling my muse "The Crazy Man in my Head". When I tell my wife The Crazy Man is back, she lets me be so I can go bang away at the keys on my computer for a while.

I've written a few stories, all crap. I hate them. I'm my own worst critic. I hate them I hate them I hate them!! Of course a smart man once said art SHOULD be hard. However, I still get up from the keyboard with a headache.

This is all a round-about way of saying that while computers are my trade, writing is my passion. I realize there are tremendous forces at work making it more and more difficult to actually get PAID to write, but I think the time has come for me to settle the struggle with The Crazy Man once and for all.

The situation at work for me has become a tense one. We recently "merged" with another company, and while I believe my job is secure, I also believe I will be extremely unhappy. By way of coincidence, due to the merger I will be getting a sizable check in July that I’m thinking of putting on ice to support us whilst I try to settle this. I will need to continue working, because, you know, we like to eat. But, I will be looking to go part-time with something so I can finally have the breathing room I need to get a twist on this thing.

I do not wish to burden the wordsmiths present who’ve actually made some coin off their sweat and talent, nor am I asking for advice or coddling. I’m wondering if anyone can offer anything on the whole “working to support oneself while writing” experience. Am I asking for trouble? Am I nuts? Is it worth it? Does working part-time give you the time needed?

-Dennis “Testing the Waters in the Deep End” Jones

Harlan inspired...
Horror novelist Matthew Costello (7th question)
www.fearnet.com/news/b24162_horror_novelist_matthew_costello_on_his.html
Philip Athans (3rd question)
http://nevermetpress.com/author-interview-philip-athans-part-1
John Foxx of Ultravox (5th paragraph)
www.thestoolpigeon.co.uk/features/interview-john-foxx-the-maths.html

DVD Verdict says: "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Season One, Volume 3 gives us what may be the finest episode in franchise history."
www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/mysteryinc1v3.php
Monsters and Critics: "I got a real kick out of the Shrieking Madness."
www.monstersandcritics.com/dvd/reviews/article_1667675.php/Scooby-Doo-Mystery-Incorporated-Season-1-V-3-%E2%80%93-DVD-Review

A Quick Note to the Ellisons...
I received my copy of Mind Fields yesterday. Thanks a lot to you, Susan. You're are very thoughtful. Thanks to you, Harlan, as well for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sign my copy. Cheers, ExKx

Just popping in with a quick "hello" while waiting to board my flight (Albany NY to Houston). Long few days back home helping Mom pre- and post- surgery (80% carotid blockage). She's sore, but doing very well. My sister tagged in this morning. Returning to Greene County and my old haunts has touched off some soul searching that I wasn't expecting. But an impromptu dinner with a friend of 30+ years was a balm for a stressful trip.

Meanwhile, the Kindle All-Stars project accepted my story "Exhuming Harry Truman" for the book. It was a wonderful, well-timed bit of news while waiting for mom to be discharged.

And apropos of nothing, Joe Stefko's wonderful publishing house is about 500 yards from my grandmother's house in Catskill (now inhabited by my uncle.) Small world? Fucking microscopic.

Hope all are well, especially our patron and his wonderful spouse. Catch you on the flip side.

Remembering a lost friend
Two years ago today, we lost a good man and a friend to a number of people on this board, Robert Ross.

If you have a moment spare him a thought

You are not forgotten my friend,

Mark

U.S. Funds solved, and Thank you
Dear Susan, and Tom Morgan,

Susan,
I will happily trust Tom to handle this for me. So, just to reconfirm. A copy of MIND FIELDS (personalized is always appreciated, but not required) and a HERC membership. Which, if I've done the math correctly, totals $50 US. As I believe that you lost quite a bit on the last treasures you sent to me, couldn't we look at increasing the postage on these international orders? Also, could you please enclose the cost of the back issues of RH and a current list of available titles. Thanks for your patience.

Tom,
I am quite grateful and will take advantage of your very kind offer. This, of course, means that if you ever find yourself in Oz, you have a place to stay. I'll email you.

Everyone else,
The kindness, intelligence, humor, and sheer good will of everyone here is a constant source of amazement. Thank you, Harlan, Susan, Rick, and all the Webderlanders for this unlikely little corner of civility in the midst of all the chaos and vitriol found elsewhere on these internets!

Chris

A WORD TO FRANK CHURCH FROM A FRIEND


You are to read no more into this than what I'm setting down here, got it, Frank, you rara avis. But...

I've "done" the various incarnations of Bill Maher's shows for decades. Backstage, onstage, offstage and in m'lady's chamber.

I suggest:

A grain of salt.

Kapeesh, my chum?

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Mailing Address
SUSAN:

2880 NE 72nd St
Bremerton, WA.
98311

***

Can't feel anything with my right arm below the elbow today. Frustrating isn't nearly a strong enough word. Still, I'm typing one-handed and have managed another 500 words on a story.

And both boys are still alive. After YJ decided to try his "I'm 15 and I can do what I want" shoes on for size yesterday, it wasn't completely clear how Harlan should sign the book.


shagin

To Chris Campbell:

Tom has indeed offered his gracious services (he is a good guy) to HERC members in the past. That might work for you. Or, if you feel comfortable, you could send cash.

Hope one of the suggestions might work for you.

With all best--Susan

Bill Maher agrees that Mormonism is a cult. I agree, but get worried, because my Christianity was once a small cult.

Is it really bigotry to outline the fact that not all religions are equal.

Just that people take Republicans seriously is bad in of itself.

A shout back
Harlan: Thanks for the kind words -- they're much appreciated and mean a lot. Your copy of the October, 2006 NYRSF will be heading your way soon and I'll give you a heads-up when it ships. I'm afraid I must decline your offer to have my baby, though. My guess is that it would probably disturb our respective spouses.

I've been a full-time freelancer for many years and pretty much live by your code of pay the writer. But I'm afraid that I must decline your offer of the five bucks as well. Most of my teen years were spent in a back brace for scoliosis and I'm not exaggerating when I say that reading you and everyone else in that story (not to mention Bradbury, Saroyan, Chekhov, Marquez, llosa, and so many others) helped save my sanity and my life. However, I might hit you up with a SASE and request for a signature on my first edition of "Love Ain't Nothing But Sex Misspelled" or "Angry Candy" one of these days...

"Phoenix Without Ashes" was a beautifully executed 3-point jump shot during a very tight game and "How Interesting: A Tiny Man" a slam-dunk to win the championship match. It's a joy to see you playing in top form -- and in the midst of a winning season.

LTD
The talk about MEFISTO IN ONYX got me thinking about the stunning limited edition box that the illustrious Steve Kirk DID design. Here, let Barry Levin describe it in his catalog:

---

ELLISON, HARLAN (Foreword by Stephen King).
Stalking the Nightmare
Huntington Woods: Phantasia Press. 1982 First edition, LETTERED STATE. Limited to ONLY 40 SIGNED AND LETTERED COPIES. The book is bound in full black Oasis Morocco (goat-skin) with a gold stamped design by Jane Mackenzie of the white rabbit from ALICE IN WONDERLAND on the front cover. The rabbit has Harlan Ellison's face. The book is contained in a "grimoire box." The box is cast in a synthetic resin called Uncast Three, from original linden wood carvings by Steve Kirk. The box was then hand finished with intentional irregularities in surface and finish to produce a "stressed antique" appearance. The "carvings" on the faces of the box represent scenes from the stories in the book: Top face illustrates "Grail" and incorporates the publisher's logo and the sculptor's chop, hinge face illustrates "Final Trophy," lock face illustrates "Tracking Level," top end illustrates "Tiny Ally," bottom end illustrates "Invasion Footnotes" and the base illustrates "Visionary." The grimoire box is lined in black Siloma quilted velvet. The box has antiqued brass fittings, lock, and hasp, and two keys. The box is signed by the author and by the sculptor via a card inserted in a brass frame which is affixed to the inside of the box's lid. One of the most elaborate science fiction specialty press books ever produced. Fine in antiqued grimoire box. This state not issued in dust jacket.
$4,000.00

---

It is, in a word, magnificent.

Fat fingers

"...dollars OR money orders..."

MINDFIELDS!!!

Dear Unca Harlan and Aunt Susan,
I just received my copy of MINDFIELDS, membership in HERC and Rabbit Hole in the mail. I am enraptured, elated, in raptures, euphoric, rapturous, joyful, overjoyed, blissful; on cloud nine, in seventh heaven, beside myself with joy, jumping for joy, delighted, thrilled, exultant, over the moon, on top of the world, blissed out. Thank you so much for the opportunity to own such a beautiful tome!
I was especially delighted and humbled to find it personalized to me since I don't personally KNOW you Unc. Thanks so much for your kind attention. I will treasure it.
–S

Fields of the Mind and Dollars of the Down Under
Susan,
Mind Fields received yesterday, thanks!

Chris Campbell in Australia and others abroad,
(Long time regulars go on to the next post, you have heard this before) If access to American dollars of money orders is a problem for you and you or someone you trust has access to a PayPal account I can help you order items from Harlan (well, actually Susan). I have done it before for people all over the world and it works. Let me know what you want to buy and I will figure out your total and send you a PayPal request for the funds. When I receive them I send a check and your information to Susan. I do not charge anything, the only extra amount you will see is what PayPal charges me for the transfer, which is usually just a couple of bucks. I just need to know what you want to buy and the email address associated with the PayPal account (While you are at it sign up for the HERC and start getting nifty newsletters!).

A good day to all here.

Re: Mefisto in Onyx

Although this story has never resonated with me, I was very curious about this very rare limited edition. There's one on eBay now with the asking price of $1,800. It is a beautiful book, and comes locked behind a cell and has keys to open it! Very clever!

http://tinyurl.com/3mgcbsr

United States
Just an additional note about the über edition of MEFISTO IN ONYX: when we were kicking idea cans back and forth in the alley, trying to figure out how to do something that hadn't been done before, it was Harlan who said, "Wouldn't it be neat if the book was locked in a cell?" From there it was just a matter of me measuring and drawing and Gary making the diagrams real.

So...credit where credit is due: Gary and me were the hands, Harlan was the head. Everything I've ever done for him—whether a project has reached the shelves or not—has been a collaboration, with much give and take. As an art director Harlan is the most demanding pain the the butt I've ever worked with. He's also, unquestionably, the BEST art director I've ever worked with, too. Funny how that works.

Saving Steve the trouble
Hey Steve,

Don't know if my ISP actually tracks, since it changes everytime I log on to the computer, but... that was me who used your email address to let the person know they had an illegal post (can't even remember when, since I did it in a hurry).

And since I was in a hurry, and wanted to let the guy know he had something illegal on his site (before rushing off in my usual fashion). Didn't want to seem like an arrogant twit by saying I was a concerned citizen of the web, and when I tried to put Rick's (the webmaster) email from Weberland, then I recalled you had taken over for a while. I thought you were still "the webmaster "pro tem" (or whatever), so I used your address thinking they might want to contact the webmaster or somone with an offical connection to Harlan's site.

Obviously there was no malice intended. In fact, I'm amused, dismayed and somewhat disappointed you would think the act was an act of delinquency or identity theft (disappointed, because I would hope that someone operating with that in mind would do something a little more creative than use your address to report an illegal download). But, hey, if you feel otherwise, and want to ban me, etc., knock yourself out.

Cheers,
DTS

OEM Name (false identity)
It's good to see this atrocity removed from ePubBud. No time permits researching the ways and whyabouts of that copyright infringement. The internet is as if The Wild West. I noticed the violators when looking for a reference to the film RAW DEAL (as a plot element within "A Boy And His Dog"). Been seeing a dvd of RAW DEAL floating about from Sony Wonder / ClassicMedia at a very affordable four bucks in Chicagoland. May watch this for the first time this weekend (Egads! ... after way too long).

Best to all from the primordial stew of life!

False Identity

I was more than a little disturbed to open the following email this evening:

"Hello,

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The material you referenced
has been taken down, effective immediately. Please let me know if you need
anything else at all.

http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=FJWZVTTK (A BOY AND HIS DOG by OemName)


josh!
www.epubbud.com"


I don't know why "one of you" thought it would be cute to submit a complaint, justifiable as it may be, under my name -- but let this be the one and only time. Happens again and I will notify your ISP, have you disconnected and publish your name here on the Pav. IP addresses embedded in email don't lie, no matter what that guy from Nigeria keeps telling you.

Josh is a nice guy. Very accommodating.

Some help with U.S. Funds
Dear Susan,
And any Australians willing to advise an immigrant to your fair country.

Sorry to have taken so long to get a check in the mail for MIND FIELDS. I have been trying, without success, to purchase a check in U.S. Funds. I have never had a problem before. And though my bank does charge $25 per check, they will not let me buy the check with a PO Box as the address. To make matters a little more complicated, I live in the Royal National Park, so every errand is quite the hike. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My Thanks,
A Confounded American

Workers' Comp
It's sad that even when you play the Workers' Compensation game, they'll still bite ya in the ass.

I had an angina attack in January while on location for "Desperate Housewives," got an ambulance ride to the hospital and a decent work-up, and I then provided a written denial of Workers' Comp (with the understanding that the hospital stay and ambulance would be covered by them). Good. Fine. Six months later, I got a letter from Radiology saying that I owed $48. Not only did I send Workers' Comp a letter with copies of the radiology bill, but I then send Radiology copies of the letter from Workers' Comp stating they'd cover everything. Thought I washed my hands of the matter. Still, I got a call a week ago from a collections agency looking for the $48. Uh, no, guess again.

SHOUT OUT TO ROBERT FRIEDMAN IN SKILLMAN, NJ


Spectacular, kiddo!

From me and my teammates, living&dead, we is delighted!

Of course, Hartwell would never think of making sure any of us got a copy of that issue of the magazine, whether we would be happy to pay for it or not, but it is a hoot, AND great color coverage of that game, where we ALL played our hearts out! I DEFINITELY would like to tip the author. That's a please, mother, may I!?!

PAY THE WRITER, I say!

If you would be so kind as to take down the piece with its header, sidebars, et al, intact, just as it comes up--for the archive--and send it to me c/o HERC (or if you know my home address)...send me those pages (c/o The Harlan Ellison Recording Collection, PO Box 55548, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413) and I'll send YOU a crisp new $5 bill. If you can, additionally, score for me a copy of that isssue of The NY Review of SF containing the original publication, and you include it, just tell me in an enclosed note how much to add to the fiver, and I will not only love you forever, Pancho, I will have your baby.

Yr. Pal, that small but jittery player-coach, Harlan "The Edge" Ellison (as one with Kareem, who played the magical lead in the tv version of "Djinn, No Chaser").

MEA CULPA aka CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE

I grow old, my memory betrays me. In re: the "death cell" matte gray steel case edition of MEFISTO IN ONYX about which we were speaking a day or so ago...now showing on sites at $1800+.

I had credited its design and creation to someone other than

ARNIE FENNER

and

GARY RINGLER,

the latter who actually did the construction from punctilious drawings and designs created by the magnificent Fenner, creator & co-editor of the annual SPECTRUM art books.

It was Arnie's handiwork all the way. Gary is the one who conceived of each one of the limited LIMITED editions from Mark V. Zeising Books being individually keylocked. But It was

ARMIE FENNER who created the "death cell" edition.

I haven't heard from/about Gary Ringler in years. But Arnie is still extant, currently working on the next SPECTRUM with Kathy.

I apologize.

I grow old; memory betrays me.

Harlan

Rick Keeney:

I hope you can find a way to make the callous bastards pay up. What a world.

Chuck

Stuffs
Keeney: Seeing as how your ass kicking ability is in serious question, you want I come out to your neck of the woods and deal with those Workman's Comp idiots for ya? I mean I still desire to kick your butt for stiffing me on a visit when you where out here last anyways....

This is a link for any and all of you who are old enough to remember when SF book covers were awesome pieces of art in and of themselves: http://tinyurl.com/3gugkcm

Harlan saves the world -- again
Terrific board populated by really interesting people. I've been reading but not participating.

Harlan appears as a key character in my homage entitled, "SF's Fabled New Wave Considered as a Barnstorming Basketball Team." The story was published originally in The New York Review of Science Fiction (edited by David Hartwell) and reprinted online by Quantum Muse. I thought people here might enjoy it. You can check it out at the following link:

http://www.quantummuse.com/july06_barnstorm.html

Harlan: Thank you for many, many hours of great reading pleasure.

Happy genocide day.

MIND FIELDS!!
Many thanks, Susan- I have just finished making out the check and addressing the envelope! Joe

MIND FIELDS!!!

Yes, Joe, confirmed. $30.00 plus $5.00 shipping.

Thanks--Susan

RESPONSES TO KEITH CRAMER & JIMMY
Keith, you are a fortunate man and, apparently, a visionary for buying this exquisite edition. Stood alone is the only sensible way. Strangely the interweb is totally devoid of any further photographs save the three on ebay which are, sadly, too small to use as desktop wallpaper. My warmest congratulations to you for owning one of these and curiosity gets the best of me. How much was this edition at publication, if I may ask ??

jimmy, glad my extraordinary sentence struck you. I was born and raised in the East End of London (I'm not a cockney in the true sense of the word but conceived so close to the sound of Bow Bells that it makes no mind) where the humorous turn of phrase tends to be earthy and rude but, crucially, understood only by the indigenous population.

I've discovered that a vast majority of message boards and fora tend to be dry, soul-less wastelands badly in need of some frivolity and ludicrousness. Happily such is not the case at the Pavilion but if any more homespun gems come to mind I'll be sure an post 'em here.

Yer bruvver from Albion Kenny

6 little words to start my day with a bang


"Workmans comp has denied your claim."

Overheard at a bar


"Hey! I had a 1350 on my SAT--I know what Cabernet is!"

***

"First off, you know a girl is crazy when she tells you she's a shaman."

***

Man: "But you're not attracted to me."

Woman: "This isn't about the way you look; this is about your c*** in my p****."

Early this morning, I was flipping through my battered paperback copy of STALKING THE NIGHTMARE while holding our two-week-old baby girl, the two of us on the couch downstairs. Mama and the four-year-old were asleep upstairs.

I skipped back and forth through the book, reading a few passages to her out loud. She showed a preference for "Grail", exhibiting an already finely-tuned love of good writing.

The thing that struck me, however, was the line from Harlan's essay, "The 3 Most Important Things in Life", which reads as follows:

"I have never been sought out by fawning sycophants, whimpering to abase themselves before my wisdom, hungering to prostrate themselves and to offer oblations at the altar of my Delphic insights."

Now THERE'S a line which was obviously written before the advent of the internet.

35 Year Essential Ellison
What a great place this is. Mark Goldberg, you're a gent.
Let me do my bit too: I'm moving house shortly, and having a ruthless clear out. Loathe as I am to part with any of my Ellison, I have a copy of The Essential Ellison 35 year retrospective I'm letting go (I have the 50 year retrospective so it's surplus Ellison at this point).
Now, I could put it on Ebay, or I could take it down to Oxfam with the rest of the books I've culled, but it seems to me that one of you fine folks might not have a copy. So if you don't have a copy, can't find a copy, can't AFFORD a copy, just email me: the first claimant gets it free, and I'll pay postage.
I will only say, please don't email if you DON'T NEED IT; if you've already got a copy, or you've read all the stories and essays in it, or if you just want another Ellison book for your collection, please let someone else who would otherwise not have the means to get it, have it. (Bear in mind if you're across the pond it might take a couple of weeks to get to you too.)
Otherwise, hope everyone is well and, boy, isn't it great to see Harlan around here these days?
Cheers
Jes

MIND FIELDS
Susan,
I'm assuming you guys probably would have said something if the books were all gone, so please reserve one for me. If I remember correctly, the price was $30, but I don't recall what you needed for shipping. Besides personalizing it to me, I will let Harlan decide if he wants to say anything else! Best, Joe

MIND FIELDS!!!


To Shagin:

Your book order came in via the very kind Mark. The book is all signed...but I'm not sure we have a current address. Please send.

With all best--Susan

Susan Ellison,

I wanted to thank you for your recent response in signing me up for HERC. I got all the stuff I ordered and all the goodies. I have sent another check with the remaining books I don't have.

Actually, I have all these books I'm ordering but they were put in storage when I moved to Ohio. It will be nice to have them to read again.

Thanks for all the hard work that you do.

ATC, how about a novel about dancing, rabid hamsters?

They eat Republicans, spit out liberal replicants, that do the bidding of Wall Street, they just like hipper music.

Mind Fields
Susan, Harlan,

The check will be on its way tomorrow morning. It packed a bindle, booked tickets, and will leave home to fond farewells and many happy returns and all that.

Thank you much

Mark

Say what?

You know how you always thought, nay, KNEW, a word? A word you'd heard your whole life? A word that you've said out loud and people knew what you meant? A word that you've written a million times? A word that you'd apparently mis-heard or something as a wee laddy and have been writing, saying and hearing it WRONG for all those years? Wrong, and no one ever corrected you? Well, now I do. I'm not used to being confused, grateful and embarrassed all at one time, but I am.

And now there will be no more BADINAGE from me, because I need to throw out all the old BAND-I-AGE that I've been using since hector was a pup.

(Now if I can just learn to spell refrigerator without the 'd'.)

Paul "The-Word-'Spelling'-Has-No-Synonym" Hull

drive by
Boy howdy, do I love reading this wall every 48 hours or so. SO much more pleasant than pretty much all of 2010 and the first half of 2011 was around these here parts. What a difference a crazy Uncle and mentor can make.

Just needed to say that again.

While I wouldn't wish Facebook on anyone despite my daily participation in it I do sometimes wish Harlan and Susan could see some of my links over there. Mostly Art, science, some lefty politics and Twain related. If only to see that my obsessions are broader and a bit more well rounded than the fish-eye lens of this (wonderful) venue. Towards that end, here are a couple of TED Talks by Sir Ken Robinson on education, it's failures and potential.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html

What a wonderful and brilliant speaker.

- Barney

Harlan mention
Harlan is mentioned in this post about the story THE PROBLEM OF CELL 13 by Jacques Futrelle (a story with which I was not familiar -- and now I will seek it out):

http://scienceblogs.com/evolutionblog/2011/10/great_short_stories_i_the_prob.php?utm_source=sbhomepage&utm_medium=link&utm_content=channellink

Post-It
"The missus would use my knackers for whistle-peas when she blew for a foul."
Ken, what an extraordinary sentence. Can you send some more?

And then there was Steve Barber's post with the quotations about genius. This makes me imagine a room with bits of paper or tape with these wise words written across them. Doesn't Harlan Ellison have such scraps of paper (Toulouse-Lautrec, etc)? And this makes me think wouldn't it be fun if when Bugfuck comes out they had a special Post-It edition where each sheet was a different quote from the book and you could stick em in your home in your office in the mens room on the subway (you get the idea). And then I think why so lazy? Don't you have a sharpie? Don't you have some Post-Its (or a roll of white paper tape)?

Ellison graffiti. Why does it always have to be a spray can?

jimmy

re: Ken 'Owes Death Cell State question
Ken,

I'm a happy keeper of a Death Cell State "Mefisto In Onyx" art-piece. I'll never let mine go. The book is in a blood velvet frame behind a beautiful matte grey cage. It is as near a perfect place for the story to rest as I could ever imagine. You should buy it if you have the money to spare, you've already given to the poor/needy, and you're tithed up for the month. Otherwise, you'll be far happier reading the story again than having this stunning presentation box sitting on your shelf. I confess I got mine as an odd-matched "bookend" to use with my Grimoire presentation edition of "Stalking the Nightmare," but I don't/can't use them as bookends. They sit on the book shelf, but stand alone. They always stand alone.

-Keith

Art and Artists and Writing and some fourteen year old kid
Mark Adams – recently you asked the same question to Harlan that I did over a year ago. What does it take to be an artist? Is my stuff any good?

William Goldman had the real answer to those questions, and here it is, it’s your goddamn lucky day Mark…Ready????.....No One Knows Anything!

The over the top ten dollar word super trite flowery responses that you’ve sent our way are understandable…you are by your own admission a child and it's a good survival technique to emulate those whom you deem to be talented and successful, someone like Harlan Ellison in this case.

If you’re lucky, he’ll give you some constructive criticism and it’s worth your effort to receive such advice. But go that far, just that far, take that advice only, and you are destined to fail. Why? The reason that you will fail is because despite advice and encouragement you are not going to have the guts to be bad before you can earn the privilege of being good. You will be impatient. Don’t sweat it, Mark, the vast majority of the humans on this spinning planet lack that type of courage. Normal people are too smart for that trap. Mr. Ellison has told me directly that there are far easier ways to generate cash than typing away on a typer, or playing an instrument, or painting fine art, and he’s right. I’ve gone through two years of unemployment with no success as an artist. So now I’m working a slave wage job again to pay the bills. I hate getting up in the morning and I’m a fucking lucky cunt to do so.

Steve Barber had a very thoughtful rebuttal to my statement that “all good art invariably comes from pain”. He’s right of course; exceptions exist, there has been good art created by fat, happy, contented people. I thought about his response deeply, and the point that I missed making to him is this – obsessing on the creation of art, at the expense of personal health and well-being, going against the advice of people you respect and admire, is not normal. Screwed up people do this. You will struggle for money. You will strain relationships with your friends and family. You will probably expire unappreciated by anyone during your lifetime. Totally Fucking Ignored by all. You will disappear into the ether like a greased ghost, just like the rest of us.

But if you gotta do it, Chief, just do it. So put pen to paper, that’s 95 percent of the battle. Motivation. I struggle with it every day. In the face of that, just play yourself and do what seems right to you.

Welcome to Webderland!

Tim Raven

THANKS FOR THE INFO, HARLAN

First, my apologies for hogging the posts with an encore and secondly - and more importantly - my thanks for the extra information, Harlan.

I feel a tad foolish waxing lyrical about a book I once saw in a photograph but, nevertheless, it blew my socks off so completely that it occupies most of my waking thoughts. If, as I suspect, you have a touch of the schoolyard collecting junkie about you then I hope you'll humour me and my besotted covetousness (is that a word ? I'm too excited)

The concept behind it is so simple and yet so cunningly and splendidly realised that I'm tempted to think you might have had some hand in its' design. It is quite extraordinary.

The irony for me is that the hardback version I own pisses me off because it doesn't fit my bookshelf. Just wish I had £1152.59 to spare. Even if I did my missus would use my knackers for whistle-peas when she blew for a foul.

Yr exceedingly jealous china 'Owes

re: Hey Kids -- it's Scoooooby Doo!
Hey kids! Just noticed this link to a review of "Scooby-Doo-Mystery-Incorporated" Season 1 Volume 3 (I know, I know: it's not the whole season, but c'mon: how many times can hearing a dog ray Rooby doo, or Raggy be that funny?). And yeah, this small sample (four shows) features, "The Shrieking Madness", co-starring none other than his eminence, the man who also believes he can drive better than anyone else, the man who CAN write better than just about anyone else, the man who DID send a gopher in the mail to some dumb NYC schumuck, the man who did NOT throw a fan (or his mother) down an elevator shaft, the winner of not one, not two, not three but four (count'em FOUR) Nebula Awards, 81/2 Hugos, 2 Edgar Awards, a Silver Pen Award from P.E.N., four Writers Guild of America Awards, a World Fantasy Award, four Bram Stoker Awards (obviously not counting them Lifetime/Grandmaster/Career awards in these tallies), and...AND (!!!)...a Captain Midnight Secret Decoder Ring...Harlan Jay Ellison (age, 10 and 1/2-ish). Here's the link to the article, followed by a link to an Amazon page where you can nab your own swell copye:

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/dvd/reviews/article_1667675.php/Scooby-Doo-Mystery-Incorporated-Season-1-V-3-%E2%80%93-DVD-Review

http://www.amazon.com/Scooby-Doo-Mystery-Incorporated-Season/dp/B0051SFTP2

REPLY TO KEN 'OWES


It is more magnificent than any photo can convey. Steve Kirk (brother of the artist Tim Kirk and the man who created the Lost Aztec Temple of Mars frieze that fronts Ellison Wonderland, and who also, incidentally, designed the "Usher House" that Horror Writers of America uses for its Bram Stoker Awards) created it. Each is individually keyed, with a deep magenta crushed French silk lining. Solid. Heavy. Comes with its own stand. One of my great personal treasures. Only $1800?
Wait'll Im gone. Heh heh.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

re: MEFISTO IN ONYX (the Ziesing Years)
Dear Mr. Twat (sorry...can't reSIST using that word after hearing Emma Stone use it in "Easy A" -- it just _sounds_ funny)

Let's try again...
Hey, Nosy...er,
KEN:
I can think of at least ONE person who I believe still owns it and still haunts this board/forum: Harlan.

That version of MEFISTO IN ONYX (published by Mark Ziesing, back when he was still a small press publisher as well as online book dealer) was described by Harlan (either in HERC, or here on the forum -- maybe both) when it was published back in '93. (It also came out in trade harcover, two different printings), which featured the same Frank Miller dustjacket. Got a copy of one of those, myself (as does my kiddo), signed by He Who Must Not Be Named (or bothered) before his first cup of morning coffee.

Yours in whimsy and info, with cheers from oz,
--DTS

GOBSMACKED AIN'T THE WORD

I was merrily wending my way through ebay just this morning when I came across a listing that smacked me upsides the haid like a 2 by 4. It concerns the "Death Cell State" Special Deluxe Signed edition of Mefisto in Onyx.

As someone with more than a passing interest in all things collectible (OCD is the term, I think)my breath was spirited way. I don't think it was the $1800 price tag or the fact that I'd never chanced across it before but, rather, the absolute uniqueness and beauty of the item.

I've rarely seen anything in a photograph that looks so aesthetically pleasing which leads me to ask if anybody here owns one of these corkers.

Call me a nosy twat if it pleases or, anything else as long as it's not late for dinner, but i'd like a first-hand appraisal of this wonderful object.

The Someday Funnies
Here's the publisher's promo for the book (which doesn't mention our host or the Dillons, alas), along with a look at the cover:
http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/The_Someday_Funnies-9780810996182.html

After a week of tough reversals of fortune
the sheer zany ridiculousness of this Bad Lip-Reading mash-up of Michele Bachmann went down like a shot of the good stuff (their schtick is finding absurd words/phrases that produce a nearly identical mouth shape to the words the subject is actually speaking and then dubbing them in with an appropriate voice.)

http://youtu.be/LFB6LQ1-WKU

It's a "YouTube" video, so for those with computers that are more of the aeolipile-powered variety it may be tough to load, but it made me laugh good and hard and more than that I cannot ask.

So drink entire against the madness of crowds and I hope you all enjoy it too. :-)

Dorothy Parker
It was Dorothy Parker Day last Sunday in Long Branch, NJ, which is (a) the birthplace of Dorothy Parker and (b) just up the road from Asbury Park, where we live. Attended a quirky, fun, and diverse program of lectures, letters, and lore from by and about Parker and her colleagues.

And I thought of you, and of how little known the connection between you and Dorothy Parker is. Do you think that this because the literary world has become more segregated, more genre-centric, with no commonality, no melting pots? Just curious...

Take care,

Nita Congress

Another copyright violator? A Boy And His Dog
This seems wrong. Whadayathink, Bruce?

http://www.epubbud.com/read.php?g=FJWZVTTK&p=2

Re Harlan's Chiding "Go Write Another Novel, Adam"
I'm on it. Honest.

Radio talk-talk response
Harlan: it must be said, after that reply... I fucking love you, man.

REPLY TO CORRINA HARPER


Dear Ms. Harper:

As extremely politely as I can answer your query, odd as it may be: notwithstanding I am politically-unallied officially, rather than listen to Savage, Limbaugh, Beck, Nancy Grace, or any of that ilk, I would infinitely prefer to have my head taken off slowly with a cheese grater, have my mouth sewn shut with sailcloth twine, have my eyes stapled closed, my nostrils filled with quick-setting cement, my ears lopped and mailed C.O.D. to Quaddafi, wherever he may be, and have the rest of my corpse burned at the crossroads with a stake in its heart.

I hope I have not been too reticent in my reply.

Otherwise, most respectfully, Harlan Ellison

Prof Ellison, well, i know where my extra lunch money is going. off to find the aforementioned volumes!


Mrs. Shagin, having two young boys of my own, I must say, I hope they grow up to be very much like your own. Very well done.

Mark, dude, you rock.

Mike, I agree with everything said here about your writing sample, but it's okay. I'm a verbose wordy bastard too. Here's something I wish someone had told me 17 years ago, when I was your age (my god, did I really say, when I was your age? Next I'll be finding a grey hair, and muttering about kids and their damn music. ) Life is to important to waste time trying to SOUND smart. If you are creative and smart, you don't need to prove it.

Also, AFTER doing Professor Ellison's homework assignment, you should read this excerpt from Stephen King's book, On Writing. www.msu.edu/~jdowell/135/King_Everything.html

Also Also, you just opened a passage for Harlan to read a lot of drek, including mine. You are going to be honored and cursed for that, my boy!

Knee problems -- here and there
KEENEY: I'm surprised by how long it's taking for your treatments (and even to get the MRI). Over here, in oz, got my MRI the next day (I picked up myself, though they would have mailed it to the Doc's office as well). I was able to get in to see the specialist/surgeon soon after (over here, medical professionals go to extra university, etc., to be able to be called Mr. -- they're puzzled by the desire to be addressed as Doctor as honorific). And the surgeon, Mr. S_____, said he could've operated two days later! I opted for the following week (and I have/had the same tear, as you -- both my GP and the surgeon said I could live with it, as I'd done for a year-plus already, or get it repaired). It's only been a week, now, and I'm already able to walk on the leg, and the swelling etc. (which might be lasting longer, since I'm an older model than you) is just about nonexistent. Can't wait to get back to my long (8 or 10 km) walks, and then...a bit of running again (yay)! Go for the fix if you can!

Cheers,
DTS

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE PATHETICALLY UNINFORMED
Dennis C . . .re your link entitled "Harlan's typewriter sale is mentioned in this article by a man who knows typewriters." How I sniggered. How I cringed. This guy might know about typewriters but he knows dick-all about writers.

"sci-fi master Harlan Ellison ??" What a Berkshire Hunt. Oooooooooh I can envisage the imaginary steel-toecap connecting with the virtual bollocks. And very well deserved sunshine in my 'umble opinion.

Game for a larf. Yr trans-A chummy 'Owes.

Keeknee

Hurt my knee at recess with the guys at school a few weeks back. Warming my fat ass on the couch ever since. I received my MRI results this week:

-strained MCL
-cyst as a result of swelling
-radial tear of the meniscus

Next up, a trip to the orthopedic specialist.

Settling into AS I LAY DYING. Faulkner's more comforting than percocet, this I know.

Did I already share this? Memory is shite.

Ouch.

Peace,
Rick

P.S. Shagin search your inbox.

Harlan, I hope I didn't piss you off. If I did, I'm sorry.

---------

John Williams, come back, we love you. Loveeeeeeeeeee...

----------

The internet is a vast sea of killer sharks and Islands with bountiful cocoanuts and headhunters. People need better maps.

I do admit to being addicted to the beast.

Helppp...

Harlan mention
Harlan's typewriter sale is mentioned in this article by a man who knows typewriters:

http://www.staythirstymedia.com/201110-062/html/201110-hausman-typewriters-ebooks.html

Time
I started reading Harlan's work in Jr. High School, just in time to have him become my favorite writer before going all the way from Tucson to Phoenix to see him as the guest of honor at the World Con.
After high school Harlan was still a fave author but if he wasn't the fave, it was his own fault... with all that prodding to get out there and explore other writers like Borges, Hesse, Dick, etc.

I read REPENT HARLEQUIN a good number of times and even had the record album of Harlan's sumptuous reading of the same, and therefore I am pretty familiar with the text, even though it has been many years since the last time I took a look at it.

But what? It took like what maybe 5 seconds into the trailer for IN TIME to sit up and go HEY, WTF? Those are life time durations on their arms. They are running out of time. They are running and trying to get around the system. And on and on.

So when I saw the news yesterday all over my Google news page settings for news about Harlan, that the lawsuit had come down, I was pretty gratified. If anyone knows, Harlan knows how to win these things and stand up to the idiots who think they can get around what's right by simply assuming some privileged attitude and throwing their money around.

And as a side note, its always nice to wake up the next morning and realize someone has our back, when they try to save us all from having another Justin Timberlake movie out in the world.
Cheers and all best,
Rob

The Subject of Genius

"Just go; do; get back to me when you've done it; not before," sez Harlan Ellison.

Sage words.

Garry Kasparov - "Talent is a misused term and a misunderstood concept. The moment I became the youngest world champion in history at the age of 22 in 1985, I began receiving endless questions about the secret of my success and the nature of my talent. I soon realized that my answers were disappointing...My memory was good, but hardly photographic...There is little doubt that different people are blessed with different amounts of cognitive gifts such as the long-term memory and visuo-spatial skills that chess players are said to employ...(but) where so many of these investigations fail...is by not recognizing the importance of learning....The ability to work hard for days on end without losing focus is a talent. The ability to keep absorbing new information after many hours of study is a talent."

Malcolm Gladwell - "Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good, It's the thing you do that makes you good.’”

K. Anders Ericsson - "Experts are always made, not born . . . Nobody questions that Mozart's achievements were extraordinary. . . . What's often forgotten, however, is that his development was equally exceptional for his time. His musical tutelage started before he was four years old, and his father, also a skilled composer, was a famous music teacher and had written one of the first books on violin instruction. Like other world-class performers, Mozart was not born an expert—he became one."

In The Origins of Genius - Darwinian Perspectives on Creativity, Dean Simonton defines geniuses as those "have the intelligence, enthusiasm, and endurance to acquire the needed expertise in a broadly valued domain of achievement"

JS Bach - “I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.”

Rushkin - “I know of no genius but the genius of hard work.”

Alexander Hamilton - "All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study it profoundly. Day and night it is before me. My mind becomes pervaded with it. Then the effort that I have made is what people are pleased to call the fruit of genius. It is the fruit of labor and thought."


and, of course, Edison's famous “Genius is 1 per cent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.”

Repeating from Ellison - "Just go; do."

Genius is, as Genius does.
_________________________________________________

SILVER: I conform to no man -- but this is Susan and, well, ...

I know which side my butter is toasted.
_________________________________________________

MICHAEL ADAMS - Two small, short items.

First, we limit posts to one per day per person except when directly answering a question from Harlan or Susan. You're a very welcome new voice in these parts, but please check the rules at the top of the page...there aren't many, but Rick (webmaster here) asks that you follow those few he imposes.

Secondly, and please note that I am not a writer, professionally or otherwise, but as Harlan noted you used a lot of very expansive words in your last post. I don't write, but I can edit quite well (my father was a publisher and writer, so I got to learn from an expert). The words you chose were correct, but came across not as a learned wordsmith but as someone who is trying very hard to make a good impression.

Relax. You're among friends. Use your normal voice.

Now, before you respond to this note: Go, read.

(I'm certainly going to.)

Harlan,

Your words warm me in ways you can't imagine. The internet is indeed a spectacularly dumb place, but also a very useful and surprisingly rewarding one, so I ain't going nowheres for now. My dumb post was nothing more than an observation that Mark Tiedemann's name had popped up on two unrelated webpages I had open at the same time (us children of the 'net do that sort of thing). But thank you just the same for letting me know I am welcome here. You, sir, are the original rock star!

Come on, Harlan. You DELIBERATELY, with MALICE, make people think teat rhymes with compleat so you can humiliate them and rub it in their faces that they don't have your street smarts. And that, to all of us, is even worse.
---
(Admittedly, you were right about Di FILIPPO.)

Right-talk radio and your opinion
I was curious about whether or not you listen to conservative talk radio. Y'know, Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, those people (I realize you don't know Rush Limbaugh or Michael Savage, when I refer to them, I mean what do you think of their radio programs). I don't mean to sound stupid or pry into your business, and if I'm doing either of those things, feel free to tell me so if you like.

REPLY TO JOHN E. WILLIAMS


Don't you dare go away! I like you. Yes, the internet is far too big; far too self-important and bloated with its own vile and undeserved grandiosity; far too incomprehensible and pumped with its power; too unmanageable to deal with. Yes! You're right!

And it won't cease; and it won't let you alone! I've got people nagging me on a daily basis to join "twitter," because I'm so "quotable" and (they assure me, not knowing they chill my blood with the mere suggestion) as soon as Neil Gaiman knows I'm on "twitter," he'll tell his foaming hordes of fans, and I'll have a million "tweets" or "toots" or "tits" or whatever they're called, inside a month. I shiver at the suggestion, much as I love Neil.

John, pal, buddy, mijo...I'd hate to lose you. Uh, er, you rock, dude!

Yr. Pal, Harlan

REPLIES TO SOME OF YOUR POSTS ... not ALL ... but a FEW


MOHO: D'uhhhhh. You really have me out of my depth. I've read BILLY BUDD so many times, I remembered that the first time I was bedazzled it had "Foretopman" attached to it. Otherwise, I am at a loss to advise which is the version best to read. There is a Signet Classic version I know Susan went through about a month ago, and she loved it, but beyond that, hell ANY version ought to be satisfactory. I guess. D'uhhhh.

MICHAEL ADAMS: Get the fuck off the internet, answering (using too many words, words too big for you, words you think make you seem bigger than you are) and answering and answering posts from strangers. Stop it! The internet is a Sargasso of Simpletons. It is opium. You are already addicted. Kick it!

Do the readings, THEN come back and bother us. Stop blathering.

ADAM-TROY: Leave him alone to stew. Stop philosophizing before the kid even learns how to type a capital "i," or loses that--he thinks--singular Homo sapien. Or do I have to come and swat you? Go write another novel, buttinski.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

IMPUDENT REPLY TO MY PAL JAN IN THE E.U.


Hey, foreigner...

You may correct me to your heart's bliss--heaven knows if there was ever a sentience awalk these plains who NEEDS informed and constant and severe upgrading and upbraiding, it is I--so no harm, no foul there--but please note:

I do indeed happen to know that "teat" is pronounced, ahem, uh, correctly, dictionarywise, as "teeeeeeet," but here in the States, since I was knee-high to a hiccup, we heathen Yanks always pronounced them dugs as "tits," pronounced EXACTLY as I pronunnned it in the movie: "tit." You will find, I think, you snotnosed doryphore, that either pronunciation is acceptable. Both, in most REPUTABLE dictionaries, as well as books of slang and minutiae. I purposely and ALWAYS use tit not teat because the latter always sounds to me so snooty and conversationally inoffensive--neither my metier, as you already know--not to mention "proper" and Edwardian--rather than street-rat, which is what I are.

So, alien being, you can correct the shit outta me, with my blessing, but if you do, a-ha!, you leave YOURSELF open to chiding and remonstration, such as finally being brought to book and learning that (stated incorrectly in your post) the great writer's name is spelled

Paul Di Filippo

not as you casually, erroneously, rudely and egregiously spellt it. (I cannot bring myself to repeat the onerous gaffe passim your posting.)

Take that, varlet! Yr. chastened pal, Harlan

BILLY BUDD, FORETOPMAN
Harlan,

Regarding the publishing history of Billy Budd, do you recommend the Hayford-Sealts text over the earlier editions?

Your mention of 'Foretopman' led me to think you might be referencing one of the earlier iterations.

Just wanted to have my head in the right book.

MOHO

"Close your eyes, run the movie, open your eyes, write what you saw, and how you saw it."

Harlan - exactly how I'm doing it. Thanks for the Bloch anecdote!

I'll look for BRAIN MOVIES.

Y'know, since you brought your friend RB into the discussion, I have a good number of his shows from THE HITCH HOUR, from a taping frenzy a few years ago. WATER'S EDGE, A HOME AWAY FROM HOME, and FINAL PERFORMANCE - among the best of those shows, perhaps just behind Bradbury's dynamite contributions.

------------------------------------------------------

Just to share this with you briefly, I am absolutely carving myself a path to becoming a writer. More specifically, a writer/artist. The graphic novel format is where most of my time is going as I hone my narrative skills. I have a folder filled with ideas for film scripts and novellas, but none particularly for the short story format.

At this time, I am working on a title for a graphic novel. The plotting has grown in complexity, beyond my current skill level as a writer; its hurdles are teaching me a shitload in techniques - to the point of laying out a customized diagram that seems to work for me. I've come to sense the limitations in advice a writer can give a novice in technique: ultimately, a beginner has to find his own ways; the seasoned pro can offer the bases in method, but as we each live in a room of our own experience we can only really grow by our own orientation. I think that's the only way each of us finds out if "ya got it or ya don't".

Next year, I'll be returning yet again to the university to get a Masters in English lit - to acquire teaching credentials for the college level (the only means I can see right now to steady work), AND to make connections in publishig - along with a second Masters in computer science.

I've lived with the life-long dream of becoming a film director. Between my personal problems of the past and a fundamental shift in the film industry, I find myself forced to redefine my goals. The digital arts - graphic novels, animation, and makig movies with the iMac (in honor of Steve Jobs) - is now the river I forge.

In the course of my own writng exercises I hope I can find an agent or the like who will take material unsolicited, so that doors can open, later.

Okay, the internet is a far too tiny place, or I need to remove myself from it for good. At the same time I scanned this page and read Mark W. Tiedemann's post here, someone forwarded on my Facebook wall an image from Mark W. Tiedemann (the "What It Says/What It Meant" mashup). Maybe I should play the lottery.

ughhhh
ughh, *music industry (I'm bad at this)

Response to Frank/Sorry for the double post, feel free to combine
Frank, I would have responded in the other post if i were adept at responding to the point where things directed at me wouldn't have sooooo much time to spring from the keyboard while I'm still trying to think of something clever to say.
The music entry went from masters like Stravinsky and Jimi Hendrix to Justin Bieber because Lucian Grange (or whoever did it) is the music industry's Pol Pot.
Satan walks the Earth

On another note, you're certainly right about my being in a privileged position. I'm eternally thankful for all the wonderful advice.
Best of wishes from your fellow Homo sapien, Mike

Poe?
My apologies if this is old news here, but I just saw it. Seems there is a movie involving Edgar Allan Poe, starring John Cusack.

http://www.slashfilm.com/the-raven-trailer/

I am of mixed mind concerning this endeavor. It could be really good---hard to argue with the casting---but it could also be really really bad.

Mark

MIND FIELDS!!!


Dear One and All:

The CA tax for MIND FIELDS is 8.75% not 8.25%. $2.63 not 2.48. If you've sent out the check - don't worry about it. If you have not mailed your check - got you just in time.

All best--Susan

Response to Adam-Troy Castro
I definitely agree with your assessment; the technical aspects of my work definitely need to be developed. There is however, sitting next to me right now, a copy of BILLY BUDD (and several pages beside it) beset by masses of my own John Forbes Nash-esque scribblings and annotations. The rich content and beautiful prose of even just the few pages I've had the time to ingest and digest (the egestion still some time away) have already matured my notions on the craft and imparted me with an analytical voracity that will doubtless compel me to seek out the finer things in great works I've already read. Revelation after glorious revelation have nestled next to -or sometimes atomized- my previous conceptions on our wonderful mutual addiction. If it all coagulates soon enough to make me a wunderkind it'd be in contention with my birth for the title of the most influential moments of my life. If it doesn't, then all I'll have to do is keep the lessons in mind and continue throwing linguistically orderly words onto page after page until it does.
If any of you have a better fate to be condemned to than either of those, I'm very happy for you. Me, I'm just glad that I've already beaten Sisyphus.
Best of wishes from your fellow Homo sapien, Mike

Adams will probably say, "why then does James Patterson get published?"

Because Satan runs the mill.

You're 14, you have a whole life to improve. Hell, I'm 48 years old and still want to one day finish a book.

Take the good advice and remember people rarely get this kind of advice.

Just don't read Giacomo Leopardi or it will make even the top writers want to quit.

Much luck.

The new edition of Screamplays seems a good idea in light of the success of Brain Movies.
www.cemeterydance.com/page/CDP/PROD/chizmar12
(Some may opt for Brain Movies 2 instead.)

Harlan will also be in "Freaks in a Box", a Paul di Philippo collection about the "evils of TV and the internet as seen through the eyes of sci-fi writers"
www.ipgbook.com/freaks-in-a-box-products-9781933065359.php
...and in The Horror Hall of Fame: The Stoker Winners, Edited by Joe R. Lansdale
www.cemeterydance.com/page/CDP/PROD/lansdale05
---
I always thought (Glass) Teat was obviously pronounced "teet", yet in DWST and Welcome to the Gulag Harlan says "tit". Last week I looked it up. I was right, Harlan is -- WRONG.
You shouldn't have done it, Harlan.

Watching
A post about Harlan's (and others') film essays in Fantasy & Science Fiction:

http://socialistjazz.blogspot.com/2011/10/ffb-feminist-in-dark-by-kathi-maio.html

Belated Response To Michael Adams
Michael Adams,

I am not Harlan Ellison, but I am another published writer with a small reputation.

I have read your posts and the graf you submitted as a sample.

I can say this.

You have a lot of things to learn on a technical basis. You need to work on your presentation and on your punctuation. You also need to eschew cliches. We all fall back on them, and sometimes use them without realizing what we've done, but to go any further you need to be able to look at your words afterward and recoil, thinking, Crap! I Used THAT hackneyed line?

There is no way of telling, from the sample graf, whether you have what it takes to create characters we know, embroil them in plots that make sense and create suspense, or that rarest of all gifts, give their petty problems a resonance relevant to the concerns of your readers. These are all things that you might have now and that might not manifest for years, if at all; there are, after all, any number of published writers who can emit a pretty paragraph but cannot create a narrative worth following.

That said,

You said that you're 14.

We are not all wunderkinden. I didn't sell my first short story until age 28. There are any number of things I sold or tried to sell in the decade that followed that make me wince powerfully now. When we tell you that you have a distance to travel, it is not discouragement.

And I need to also tell you this, because I wouldn't have gotten involved in this conversation otherwise: what I do perceive in your raw and as-yet unprofessional prose is an undeniable, energetic passion.

That's a seed.

Whether it grows into anything worthwhile is up to a number of factors, some beyond your control and some yours to mold.

But there is that seed.

I just wanted you to know that I saw it.

Adam-Troy Castro

DTS, the fine print said EXcludes Glass Teat. But, then again, I don't have my reading glasses on.

THE GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS -- 25 percent off sale
Hey FOLKS: Don't know if any of you ladies and gents saw it, but Charnel House is offering 25 percent off all of their books for the month of October, including THE GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS.

Cheers,
DTS

Occupy the U.S.

Did any of the rest of you get involved in the Occupy Wall Street spinoffs this week?

I was in the thick of it up here in Portland on Thursday. Here's my report:

http://www.americancurrents.com/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-comes-to-portland.html

today was a very Good Day on the Pav

It did my weary heart good to come here today. Hooray for all of us!

And, also, Melville, Prokosch, and Westlake are ordered and en route. I'm playing the Ellison/Adams Game (home edition)!

Whatever else may be said about newcomer Michael Adams, the dude has impeccable timing. You think about the thousands and thousands of folks who have made similar requests over the years and come away empty-handed, to show up on THE DAY that our good host says "....maybe..." well, that's natural-born timing.

Or luck.

Or both.

A Good Day on the Pav.

And a Good Night to you all.

MM

James Can't Talk, But He Can Say Thank-You
I read the Pavillion posts starting at the most recent and going back. At first nothing made sense. Why was Harlan including Mark and Paul in on posts about a copy of MIND FIELDS. Why was Susan confirming the order with Mark as well? Gods of Little Green Boogers, what had I done?

Then I read Paul's response to Mark, and Mark's request of Susan.

I've dropped by the Pavillion a scant handful of times today in the hopes I could make sense of this, and perhaps find a way to clear things up. That's what I get for posting in my sleep, and with one hand. I wasn't asking for help with the order. I wanted to share a bit of Harlan goodness with the rest of the crowd. We could manage. Honest. The electric company would probably accept another partial payment.

I received a shut-off warning from the water company today. And James (all 6ft 2in, taller than Daddy, of him) came up to me after school and pointed to each of the words on my t-shirt, asking me to read them: "WHAT PART OF BWAHAHAHAHA DID YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?" I read my shirt to him, directing his finger to each word as I did. He signed "Thank You" and ran off to watch TOY STORY.

Thank you, Mark. Thank you, Paul, Harlan, and Susan. Thank you, Rick Wyatt, for building the Pavillion and keeping a ready supply of Hydrox on hand.

HARLAN: Please make the book out to Ian "Young Jackanapes", and James. If you could, please print James' name larger than the rest of the inscription. He does recognize his name, and loves pointing it out to us.

MARK: Today I can say that I hope to live long enough to someday thank you in person.

(And to keep this from becoming too sappy, YJ spent most of the morning complaining that James needed a new tape to watch/always asked for a juice/wouldn't leave him alone.)

Sandra

obtaining Critical Insights
Harlan,

Thanks for telling me about the problem with Salem Press not selling copies of the Critical Insights series to individuals. If Amazon.com goes temporarily out of stock on the book, here are some other places people can get it for about the same price:

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.booksamillion.com

www.allbookstores.com

www.abebooks.com has it but for $ 128


Best,

Joe Francavilla

Mortality
Harlan: Good news. I just got off the phone with God. (Strangely enough, he really does sound like Morgan Freeman. True story.) Anyway, I traded him four Exxon executives and one Nicholas Sparks fan for your continued existence on the planet.

He said we've got you till you're 92. After that, it's all performance incentives and complicated shit we can discuss later. Regardless, chill out on all the "final act" stuff. Learn to roller-blade or something.

Yours Truly,

Bernard

P. S. TO BRIAN SIANO


Boy, did IIIIIII miscalculate.

It wasn't 25 years between the time I wrote "Ecowareness" for Michel Choquette and the "soon forthcoming, magnificent" book, THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES, and his reappearance this year.

It was more than FORTY (40) YEARS!

I went back and looked at my file, and the original manuscript shows that I was still living on BUshrod Lane when I wrote it, and I sent it to him, and never got paid, never heard back, and let it lie dormant until I got a small publication in a newspaper called "Sideshow" in 1974. I included it in one of my collections, I bought the original Dillon artwork and had it framed (it's still here, really lovely) and there's a letter in the file to Choquette dated 1974. So, finally getting him to pay me for over forty years' waiting, and getting the Dillons also paid, is one of my final acts of responsibility.

Boy, I hope Choquette gets massive publcity on this, and that Leo, Diane and I get our fuckin' copies after this long!

Angry all over again, Yr. Pal, Harlan

BRIAN SIANO


Miracle of miracles. After having stiffed me, as well as Leo & Diane Dillon, Choquette resurfaced a few months ago, after 25 years. I got him to pay the Dillons, got him to pay me pro rata for the quarter of a century he was underwraps, the book has been bought and yes, I (Leo&Diane) and "Ecowareness" will appear in THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES when it appears next month.

Now, if they don't backslide and forget to send me my contributors' copies...

Funny you should ask. Time DO PASS, don't it?

Yr. Pal, Harlan

MARK GOLDBERG, SANDRA SHAGIN, PAUL HULL, et al


I am humbled. Mark, you are...cleverness stumbles...speech falters...there are no sufficient accolades.

Sandra, please, now that Susan apparently has it all in hand, make sure AI have proper names for the Youg Jackanapes and James and anyone else you want on the personalization.

Paul Hull: you are, never doubt it, a creature with a sweet heart and a rich soul.

For my part, I try not to give in to weeping at how fortunate I am to have you bunch around me at this stage of the game.

Yr. pal, as always, Harlan

THE SALEM PRESS ELLISON "CRITICAL INSIGHTS" VOLUME


ATTENTION, PLEASE!!!!!!!

I've had half a dozen calls/posts from folks interested in getting this book. (It is, I must say, with some blushing and awe, that it is remarkable) Salem Press has told them they don't sell to individuals, only to academics, libraries, universities.

BUT...

There is a URL to Amazon. Same Price. Go there, if you want it for your personal enjoyment. Salem Press. Critical Insights. Harlan Ellison.

Gee whiz!

Yr. Pal, Harlan

dogs
I was thinking today about 'A Boy and His Dog'. Strikes me that early humans got a large boost from the dog/wolf ancestor. We invented the dog, the dog invented us.
In the end, will the dog be all that we have, bookending the story of the human race?

The lovely Susan wrote: "Steve B. and Shagin/Mark - conformed."

About time that hippie-ass wild-thing Barber "conformed"! Good on you, Susan, for finally whipping 'im into shape!

Won't comment on Shagin or Mark. Never realized they were that far gone...

On another note, Harlan, as per your instructions the other day, I did contact your friends the very next morning and I did lay out some possible profitable scenarios for them. You're right, she's the financial brains of the duo, and that's who I spoke with. She was very pleased to hear what I had to say, and expressed much interest. I told her to take some time to consider, definitely have her son (much more savvy about things internet, etc.) intervene to speak with me if she wanted, and if nothing else this may lead to a small "test" batch that I can handle for her so she can see how it might work out over the long haul. Wonderful, wonderful gal. It was a pleasure just to "meet" her, so thanks for that little bit of sugar in my daily cup o' mud. Extremely hard work looms ahead, but for them (and for you by friendly proxy) I'm more than happy to handle it.

For the rest of you, lots of things I'd love to comment on, both light and dark and murky gray in between, but the ugliest man in science fiction needs to get back to work. Another day, folks, but I'm always there if anybody is looking, and please don't forget me while I'm chasing that carrot...

Ta!

MIND FIELDS!!!


Steve B. and Shagin/Mark - conformed.

Thank you.

MIND FIELDS

Susan and Harlan - the cheque, as they say, is in the mail. I personally dropped it into a blue box in front of the post office - a light began flashing on the top and it vanished with a strange groaning wheezing sound as if the very fabric of time and space were being rent apart so I can only guess that it is on the way to you.

Many many thanks to you both!

I will button my lip about Steve Jobs, as not to offend fans of his or people like Harlan who hates computers.

Don't ask me. Lips are sealed like a nun in Russia.

--------

Rob, we finally have something in common. Lynch just thinks different, as do you, as do I.

The Blue Monkeys and the Lynch cult, two wonderous shadow beings.

He has the rat's eye and the angel's eye at one time.

I used to hate Blue Velvet, now I get it.

Apologies for the second post, but I realized one sentence is not very clear. When I said "she likes a great many but praises few" I meant a great many writers. So far, she's had nothing but praise for all your stories with which she's familiar.

Mark

Harlan,

A pleasure talking to you yesterday. Per your instruction, I'm herewith asking that you reserve a copy of Mindfields for me. As we discussed, if everything works as it should, I'll send a check for it next Monday. (Of course, Donna said to me "Why wait? of course we want one!" But I'll stick to my schedule for my own reasons.) Signed definitely. Your option whether or not to personalize.

Speaking of Donna, the call she made last night was the result of my telling her about our talk and relaying certain, what she regarded as unduly humble, comparisons you made. "I should call him right now and tell him how good a storyteller he is." I handed her my phonebook with the number and, to my pleasant surprise, she actually called.

She hasn't read a great deal of your work. Mainly I have read her stories and she has heard you read, especially your breakneck rendition of "Prince Myshkin, Hold the Relish," but she has read a number on her own and I gotta say, she's a tough audience. She likes a great deal but she praises very few. (Among her favorites is Gene Wolfe, so you're in rarefied company---it's a short list. I'm not sure I rank all that high on her list.) What she is familiar with she has gone back and reread or had me reread them to her. She rates you very high.

Just sayin'.

Anyway, very good to talk to you and thanks for the joke. That has been added to the leprechaun nun bit are on our short program for parties.

Take care

Mark

Re: Critical Insights: Harlan Ellison -- Update
I just got a message back from Salem Press. I tried to order this title, but it turns out they do not sell the book to private individuals; they only sell to institutions (libraries).

They told me to get it from Amazon, and that there would probably be copies available in a couple of weeks.

http://www.amazon.com/Harlan-Ellison-Critical-Insights-Francavilla/dp/1587658283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317918588&sr=8-1

Steve Jobs
For revolutionizing that way that people worldwide access and use information and technology, Mr. Jobs is one of the most significant figures of the last generation. He had a pretty good take on life as well, as evidenced by this quote from his 2005 commencement address at Stanford:


"Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

As Hunter S. Thompson would say, he stomped the Terra.

Question for Harlan about The Someday Funnies
Hi, everyone. A few months ago, maybe a year, I asked about Harlan's involvement in a project from the early 1970s called _The Someday Funnies_. It was organized by a guy named Michel Choquette, who'd been assembling a comics anthology with contributions from the likes of Federico Fellini, Jack Kirby, Robert Crumb, and our host. The project never appeared, and Harlan gave an opinion of Choquette that was, well, pretty unfavorable.

Turns out that Choquette's finally reassembled the project, and it's due for publication on Nov. 1st. Thing is, in interviews (such as http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/20145.html), Choquette says that he's been contacting the contributors and their estates about the materials, and that his advance is going to them first.

So my question is whether he's squared things with Harlan on this. I hope so, because I'm dying to get the book, and it'd be nice to enjoy it without thinking about unpaid bills.

Revelation

Damned if Sandra didn't get my brain moving this morning.

Susan, if yet one more copy of MIND FIELDS is available, please reserve one for me as well. Yes, I already have a most wonderful copy, but Shagin's note hit me right square between the eyes. This would make for just a wonderful gift for my niece's daughter, who is, just now, a breath post three years of age. Her parents are both college professors, and the little girl is reading at a year year old level (I do not preen, I had nothing to do with it).

MIND FIELDS is a "future text" gift for her. No way she will get the stories, but let us begin by exposing her to the magic images, and then wean her into Ellisonian prose as her mind allows. I am sure Mom and Dad will enjoy as well, and will themselves be happy to read, for her, some of the more complicated words. I will include a note with my requested personalization.

Stunning in its simplicity, and reminiscent of a gift given me when I was only a little older than my grandniece. Shagin, YJ is a genius.

Steve Jobs and his legacy
Truly, a genius has left us. And I personally take away something beyond the cool toys he gave us. I take away from this his work ethic and the ability to think beyond the box. That box that the powers that be shove at us from all media. The sheepishness mind set that keeps us all 'in line'.

In fact- I challenge everyone reading this to do something kind, good or earth shattering toward the positive. And do that over the next 56 years. Imagine how different the world might be if we all did this. That would surely be a lasting tribute to what Steve Jobs has done for all of us.

Cause and effect

Re: Goldberg

THAT is what reading Harlan Ellison will do for you. THAT is what will save the human race. THAT is the definition of friendship, and of random acts of kindness.

THAT is why this place kicks oh-so-very-much-more-ass than any other on the internets.

Mark, you made my heart sing, bubba. Nothing to some, everything to others.

Shagin's order for Mind Fields
Susan,

I will cover Shagin's order of Mind Fields.

A check for $30 will be placed in the mail today. You get a check from her, you rip it up, OK?

Mark

YJ & Harlan Lead a New Reader Through the Mind Fields (maybe?)
I can't believe I'm doing this, but there comes a time when I can only mother up and admit that I have a kick ass kid.

Earlier this evening hubby and I were sharing thoughts on this and that, and the hard back MIND FIELDS came up, in particular Harlan's remark "Particularly if you've got young kids you want to wean over from picture books to Real Words. Painlessly." One of those 'wouldn't it be nice. . .' kind of conversations.

That's YJ came out of the bathroom and asked why we didn't buy a copy, that James (his younger brother with global developmental delays) likes picture books and words, and if Harlan thought it would be a good idea to help kids learn to read then we could try it with James.

We came up with the usual "we can't afford it", "bills", etc., all true.

YJ: "But James likes it when you read the words on your t-shirts, and he when you read him books with pictures. Can't we get it for him just this once?"

ME: "Which means you want the book, too."

YJ (shrugs): "Yeah, but James is my brother, and I figure if I like Harlan then he'll like Harlan, too, and that way he can learn reading better."

So. . .

SUSAN: I would like to reserve a copy of MIND FIELDS if there are any available. Harlan's personal touch is preferred, but by no means necessary.


Sandra
(proud mother of YJ and James)

Singular, not plural


Uh...Make that "Delusion for a Dragon Slayer."

Re: Critical Insights: Harlan Ellison

Dear Mr. Ellison -

Thank you for the heads-up regarding this new book. I went ahead and ordered myself a copy.

I re-read "Delusions for a Dragon Slayer" two more times today and love it so much. One of the best last lines, ever.

For those interested, more info on the book can be found at the link below.

http://salempress.com/Store/samples/critical_insights/ellison.htm

REPLY TO ROB


After that Rosetta Stone to Adams, yours is easy to answer.

When I got out here on January 1st 1962, and got ensconced in a motel, never even having SEEN a screenplay, I called Robert Bloch and asked him if I could borrow three or four scripts as reference. Bob let me have some half-hour Hitchcocks he had done, I read them that first night, sat in the motel bathroom with a board across my lap, using an Olympia portable with an all-black ribbon, as my then-almost-ex 2nd wife slept in the next room, and began writing. By eleven the next morning, I'd written my first script. It was produced as "Where Do the Elephants Go to Die?" as a segment of the syndicated tv series RIPCORD.

Bob is now--o gawd how i miss him, dear man, great friend--long gone, but most of those teleplays/screenplays of mine can be found in a book just published as BRAIN MOVIES (go to harlanbooks.com). They write scripts a lot less fully now--ask Josh Olson, or go back in this Pavillion's archives for the exchanges between us re: style in the year 2011--but that's all you need, kid. Close your eyes, run the movie, open your eyes, write what you saw, and how you saw it.

Simple. Right?

Welcome back, Rob. Yr. Pal, Harlan

SPECIFICALLY TO MICHAEL ADAMS... AND ANYONE ELSE


Ahem.

Today has been humbling.

It is not every day that, after a long busy life, one has cause to pause and look back--via the awesomely prestigious CRITICAL INSIGHTS volume from Francavilla and Salem Press--at the continent that apparently has built up behind oneself as one sat (like a character from the tv show "Lost") watching the tides play red rover red rover let water come over with one another. I am a bit discombobbled.

Nonetheless...

Mr. Michael Adams: we have had here, at this site, a number of disencumbered individuals who pretended to be one thing, or another; one age, or the other; one sex, or many-choices. Sneaks, slobs, insulters, backdoor insinuators, playing out their tragic little internet personae. Both I and my fellow Webderlanders have taken a few under our wilted wings; usually to our dismay, but just a few times to our salutary mutual pleasure. (Latterly, as with "Kafkahead," who appears a rather remarkable young man from Portugal.) Others have sadly, and more than a bit pathetically, pulled their own wrappers. And we feel sad for them, but, as they say in horse-racing: no-price. So. A hint of huh-well-maybe-y'think...?is this kid...?
in relation to your/my exchanges. Suspicion may merely be unsought paranoia.

If you ARE 14, and you ARE as represented, I may have been a bit too gruff and imprudent with your, uh, ahem, "dismissal" from the milieu.

Here's what I'd like to do.

I'm going to give you three things to read. These days, the internet and libraries being as prevalent as "independent film producers," acquisition of the trio is as easy as peeling an escargot outta its shell with the indicated implements. You take a run at these books...they're the first three things I would have ANY wannabe writer read, before I started at him/her

(and that means the "anyone else" noted in my header can play along with Harlan and Michael)

and THEN I'll take a look at what you write thereafter. But it must be IMMEDIATELY thereafter. Not something out of the old trunk, or a school exercise, but something prompted by what you've read and--please gawd--learned--from the following:

1. BILLY BUDD, FORETOPMAN (or just "Billy Budd") a novella (short novel) by Herman Melville.

2. THE SEVEN WHO FLED by Frederic Prokosch. (Particularly the early section that proceeds from the beginning of chapter 2, subtitled "desert" through to the section ending with the sentence "they were shuddering with nervousness as dusk approached.") We're talking about 7 and a half pages of prose.

3. THE OUTFIT by "Richard Stark" (a well-known pseudonym of the brilliant mystery novelist Donald Westlake (recently deceased, goddammit!). Get any edition. Paperback or hardcover, there are tons of them available online, in used bookstores, everywhere. This is the third in a series about a stoic, memorable thief named Parker. You can read the shit out of this book from the git-go, or go back and get books one and two (THE HUNTER and THE MAN WITH THE GETAWAY FACE) and read them first if you like, but all I want you to do is start with THE OUTFIT, understand that Parker has had plastic surgery done so he doesn't look like the "former" Parker, and that he's getting ready to do a job that requires he obtain a car for the op. So start reading--and READ ONLY--chapter 1 of the section numbered 2. It begins with the words "The woman with orange hair sat on the porch and watched Parker..." and ends with the words "...north out of Georgia." We're talkin' here only 11 pages of prose, a short story in itself, a vignette.

Read all three of the above, as much of them as you want, as little as you can, remember where you started, where you stopped, make notes so I can compare; and that will be our pre-enrollment requirement, if you're 14 or 44 or 544.

Do that, then we'll talk again. No need for any acknowledgment of this. Just go; do; get back to me when you've done it; not before.

Respectfully, Harlan Ellison

Harlan, it's been a long time since we last confabulated. Like Earnest Shackleton, I vanish in Antarctica for years and magically re-appear here at the Ellison Whaling Station!

A question that might offer some light on career stepping stones (in writing) that I may not have yet considered:

In your earliest days, when you were learning your craft in the 1950's, and gaining ground in professional publishing, what resources did you turn to to learn scriptwriting? It was a very different discipline in a period when there were no film schools around.

As my eye is on diverse markets - given the hellish global shifts we now face, thanks to this Land Owned By The Hillfolk - your career sets a brilliant example of this kind of anticipation; the practical need to equip yourself with skills for as many markets as possible. By the 1960's, you leapt readily between the forms - to the point of making it look easy.

-------------------------------------------------------------

I recently declared myself an official David Lynch fan. After years of swaying between admiration and annoyance with Lynch, MULHOLLAND DRIVE settled the question for me. The film had me going for a solid week last month. I got into its cryptic dream-symbols, which, in turn, inspired new ideas of my own (I was grabbing my notepad frenzily on my third viewing). Like him or hate him, Lynch is unquestionably an auteur: NO ONE else could have gotten away with making a commercial success out of a movie that made no sense, garnering professional reviews to the effect, "the less sense it makes, the better the movie it becomes".

---------------------------------------------------------------

As always, my best to you and Susan!

IN TIME
Sorry to post twice but just saw an ad during Colbert for IN TIME with release date of 10/28/11.

Denmark, Fishy
Wow. I guess every other fourteen-year-old I've ever known must have been taking stupid pills every morning, because this new one certainly makes them all look like members of another species ...

If I was working the door down to the pool hall, I'd surely want to see some ID.

Perry

Richard Matheson library
Richard Matheson and his son are trying to get movie studios interested in Richard's massive library of stories. REAL STEEL, out this week, is based on one of his stories.
Here's an article in VARIETY, but you may need to subscribe in order to read it (I'll try to find another source for it, but right now it's exclusive to them):

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118043997?refCatId=13

susan

Yeech.

Please, if you would, de-apostrophize the first two uses of that punctuation mark in the penultimate sentence below. Leave the third, it works.

NOT Harlan Ellison

"Barber fix this please!!!!"

Erm, I don't have the code access to the site and can't make such changes.

(HOWEVER! Never one to ignore or refuse to act upon the needs of a Damsel in Distress:)

*ahem*

"The Preceding message from Harlan Ellison was not from HARLAN ELLISON but from Diane Bartels."

The management would like to thank you for noting this small change in the evening program.
________________________________________

MICHAEL ADAMS - You seem well-grounded for a 14 year old. I highly recommend you remain engaged at this here site 'pon the internets. You will learn much, offer more, and probably lower the average age of participation by at least a decade. (There was a notable drop when Kafkahead began posting...)
________________________________________

KAFKAHEAD (Joao) - Diane speaks correctly. You want inspiration to walk up upon you and smack you across the face. Sometimes it does. But often it is there, sitting quietly to one side just out of eyeshot -- you're just looking too hard to see it. Life gives you that. Not every idea needs to explode, fully formed, in your head. Relax, as you did, and it will come again.

Harlan and others have commented the most important aspect of being a writer is writing. Jot things down. Give yourself a schedule. MAKE yourself put something on the screen. I have a friend who wrote a most excellent book on writing entitled "Writing in Flow". It really does hold some great ideas for getting past that block, as well as the responses from some 75 different (successful) writers -- including T. Coraghessan Boyle, Sue Grafton, Ursula K. Le Guin, Donald Hall, David Gerrold, the late, great Octavia Butler and Jane Smiley -- on their methods to get themselves into Flow.

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Flow-Susan-K-Perry/dp/0898799295

http://www.bunnyape.com/writing_in_flow.htm

Not flogging her book -- it's several years past it's time in the Bestseller's lists, but it's damned useful as a resource and inspiration.

Just sayin'.

All the funny, brave postings, and...the check (or cheque)...
DIANE: If someone fixes your earlier header, that will take all the funny out of your second post. I say: play as it lays. :)

ALL: Regarding all of the M. Adams postings: I'm not making any judgements or claims, other than to say that initial reply to Harlan certainly sounded like a "voice singing above its range", which would mean, at fourteen, he's already head and shoulders above most of the _published_ crowd. But I must admit that everytime I see folks rushing to respond to such posts, I always think back to the heartfelt interactions of both Webderlanders and Harlan with one "Scotty" & his wife, a "person" who turned out to be an attention-seeking sociopath who didn't find it in the slightest bit odd that he'd led a whole slew of caring individuals into believing "he" (or his wife, I forget which, since I never got involved) had died of cancer. NOT that I'm claiming M. Adams isn't for real...just remembering how easy it is to "become" somebody else here on the interweb (with all it's sticky entanglements and spiders in dark corners).

SUSAN: My cheque (or check) for MIND FIELDS will be in the mails tomorrow (I had to sit still yesterday, cause all of my too-early walking around made one of the slits in my bleed a bit -- it's not yet a week, but it feels like five months, cooped up and chained to the crutch!).

Cheers from oz,
DTS

TYPED LETTER
HARLAN,

I sent you a typed letter a couple months ago, hammered out on an old Royal Quiet Deluxe I found at a repair shop just a few blocks from my house. I had been suffering from ocular fatigue as a result of interfacing with a computer for too many years, and reading about your loyal adherence to the manual typewriter (oh, the shame…I could not find an Olympia) proved to be just the 'royal' fix.

I don't expect a response but was curious if you had received the post. The words it contained remain unequivocal, and since writing you I've managed to act upon them to a degree I've never done before (writing over 70 pages in 6 weeks).

Historically, I've had a monstrous time completing stories and breaking the unconscious destructive patterns of my psyche that always attenuate or entirely annihilate what I try to write.

It's still a vertical climb and something I find I am compelled to do (yes, I am one of those). But as you say, "The trick is staying a writer." And ever since going manual nearly two months ago, I've managed to wrap up a first draft of a new novelette. A smidge of credit must go out to you, if nothing else for just being an inspirational, fearless, cantankerous, manual-pecking mensch.

I raise a glass to finishing, exhausted and exhilarated.

Again, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

MOHO

The above comment was not Harlan. It was me. I swear to God I typed my own name. Jesus.... Rick, I did not do that. Honest. Holy F...!Please dont be mad Harlan. I hate computers. Barber fix this please!!!!

Harlan, I don't think you are getting senile. I think you, and all of us, are mellowing as we age. Your posts seem as sharp as ever, and in person last year, you were you, which was the treat of Madcon.

I am currently trying to teach my nephew to write papers for college. And as I iterate and re for him one learns to write by writing and rewriting. And rewriting. And.....

Most anyone who is literate can read one's story and correct for grammar. Friends can tell one if it is interesting. Writing classes rock.

Kafka, two things I been atellin' you. You are 18, 19. Most all artists need ti do some living before they will mature. To have ideas, you need to do some living. The difference between mature Johnny Cash, young Johnny Cash. When he sings I Hurt Myself. He hurt me in my soul. Young Harlan. Mature Harlan. Second point, finish one or two of the stories you have showed me. FINISH THE MOFOS. Then you will be a writer. And one up on me, as I have a severe problem with finishing my creative work. You write well, very well. Stick to it.
For myself, I do one thing on Harlan's list really well. Guess. Also not just my opinion. (Hint, State Farm once cancelled my car insurance.) LOL

For myself

Thanks anyways, if I've come off as ungrateful and arrogant i can only say it wasn't my intention (which didn't seem to stop me from doing it rather splendidly). Besides that I hope that one day you'll wind up appraising a work of mine because it's among those few that have won a Hugo and you'll remember all this. I've still got a very long way to go in order to get to that point, but I'm determined and I have time to spare, so it might just be realistic.
Until then, best of wishes from yr fellow Homo sapien, Mike

TO MICHAEL ADAMS

No harm, no foul.

But I think I will pass on appraising your work.

Nonetheless, kiddo, I wish you the very best luck. Keep at it. This noble work.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

THE FOOTPRINT LEGACY PRESERVED ----- AT LAST?????


Today, a box of books arrived. From the prestigious Salem Press academic publishers of the long-honored CRITICAL INSIGHTS series, famous for their tomes on Twain, Poe, Chaucer, Nabokov, Faulkner, Hemingway, and on and on.

The box contained six copies of a book titled

CRITICAL INSIGHTS: HARLAN ELLISON

edited by Prof. Joseph Francavilla.

The books run to 388 pp. each, with an index and notes.

According to the introduction, only one other author of "popular fiction" has been similarly published in this prestigious congeries. Stephen King.

For information about online access to this print book contact Salem Press's Customer Servfice and Sales Department at csr@salempress.com or by telephone at (800) 221-1592.

I have had absolutely no input to this volume.

I offer the information here for those who may find it of interest.

Harlan Ellison

THE FOOTPRINT LEGACY PRESERVED ----- AT LAST?????


Today, a box of books arrived. From the prestigious Salem Press academic publishers of the long-honored CRITICAL INSIGHTS series, famous for their tomes on Twain, Poe, Chaucer, Nabokov, Faulkner, Hemingway, and on and on.

The box contained six copies of a book titled

CRITICAL INSIGHTS: HARLAN ELLISON

edited by Prof. Joseph Francavilla.

The books run to 388 pp. each, with an index and notes.

According to the introduction, only one other author of "popular fiction" has been similarly published in this prestigious congeries. Stephen King.

For information about online access to this print book contact Salem Press's Customer Servfice and Sales Department at csr@salempress.com or by telephone at (800) 221-1592.

I have had absolutely no input to this volume.

I offer the information here for those who may find it of interest.

Harlan Ellison

Mind Fields
Susan

I just wanted to let you know that I mailed the check today. Thanks again!

debbie

Actually, Mike, turning 14 wasn't an issue for Gandalf
Michael Adams wrote, "Being that you were once a child, I'm assuming that you at one time were also 14 because it takes a great deal of sorcery to go from 13 to 15 years of age, something I'm confident even Gandalf the Grey would've had quite an astonishing shitload of trouble attempting."

Just a point-of-fact, Mike (I hope it's okay if I call you 'Mike'). When Gandalf turned fourteen years old, he was still the Maiar called Olórin. When he first appeared in Mortal form in Middle-earth as one of the Istari, he was given the form of an old man.

Good luck with Unca' Harlan.

Hmnh Indeed/Sorry I'm posting twice, admittedly schmuck-ish
Alexander, I definitely agree with your interpretation of parts of the letter as a challenge from Harlan and I should probably strive to make all parts of my opinion clearer in the future. I responded more-so to any accusations that such a challenge and such a response in general would leave me damaged in any way. There's no ill will harbored on this end because there's nothing to harbor ill will towards and even if there were, it's a waste.
As for the complete response to the challenge, it currently resides in the inbox of Joe Wehrle, you'll find that morsel you suggested i post below. It's from an unfinished story that I'm hoping to get rolling sometime soon. Thanks for the advice.

He opened the door and stepped into a world he knew all too well, for it was his world. It was the world where the stenches and wastes of modern society came for their final judgment, and he was its archangel, made to bear the burden of the litany of lives which had crossed through that very same door. Gone was he from the plane of existence inhabited by sanity and rational thought, now only the madmen kept him company. Across from him was one in a long and unbroken line of these madmen, separated from him only by leather restraining straps and air. Granted that the machine inhibited him in some slight sense, but it was a frail thing made by frail men, breaking it would require only facile effort.
He took his coat off, placing it and himself on the reversed plastic chair across from the grizzled man in the machine and as he had done so many times before, began his dissection of yet another unholy sinner polluting god’s great earth.

UHH...
Folks, I didn't know this young man until yesterday, either, when I offered to look at one of his stories. I just now told him that while I realize he was trying to be clever and funny, he took what I feel was a very improper approach for his reply. A unique opportunity that few have enjoyed has been cast his way, and I hope he will acknowledge that in a straightforward manner. One can show appreciation without feeling it's "sucking up." Someone's idea of submitting a strong 150 word manuscript was an excellent one, and I suggested he do that(if Harlan's offer is still open!) I didn't realize he was just fourteen! With hard work and probably a lot of time, he will be a writer, I'm sure.

Hunh
I'm not sure why everyone was gleefully waiting to see how Mr. Adams would respond to Unca Harlan's "lambasting". That seemed to me to be Harlan being downright nice and charitable to the lad.

Mr. Adams, I think that was a challenge from Harlan to put up or shut up. I would personally suggest polishing up a good 150 words of story that grabs and hooks, and post it here for Harlan to peruse.

As for myself, I said "Screw it" to the morass of the modern publishing house, and struck out on my own publishing my work online. Lazy? Maybe. Arrogant? Most certainly. And I DO miss the concept of an editor, as like a similar situation with lawyers and client's, only a fool is the final editor of his own writing. (Fool or genius who's been doing it for years). So much so that I ended up BEING the editor for a lot of friends online, and hosting for people. So that's always an avenue as well! The Publishing houses are shrinking daily, it seems.

Dear Harlan
If you and all the other Merry Pranksters whose words inhabit this little construct we've got here got the idea that I'm one of the many esteem-drunk buffoons in my generation that can't handle criticism or adversity then your opinion has stumbled into a wee bit of a glaring fucking misconception.
Of my previous post I can only say that in my attempt to melt the callus of the notorious personality that could very easily have turned it down for "the thousandth time in ten years" I may have inadvertently kissed some ass. I'm fourteen and didn't think I had much of a chance of even garnering a response (and what a response it was). I was hoping to have available to me another scenario by which I could make my way into the industry besides the well known Writers of the Future contest because I'm the slightest bit uneasy about putting all of my eggs into a basket smelling of Scientology. Being that you were once a child, I'm assuming that you at one time were also 14 because it takes a great deal of sorcery to go from 13 to 15 years of age, something I'm confident even Gandalf the Grey would've had quite an astonishing shitload of trouble attempting. Somewhere in the repository of your memories you must have a recollection of the unease and anxiety associated with getting started on the path to be a published writer and you can understand why my post admittedly made it sound like I was trying to court you. For myself I believe I shrugged off most of that anxiety at about 8:37:10 PM yesterday, I don't think I'll be seeing it again. I've got too many good concepts and too much of an admittedly budding sense of how to write them for that.
As for all 'dem greenbacks you usually get for such editing/reviews, I'd be lying if I said the Adams household could spare such a sum.

On a different note, if you do decide to look at a story of mine I'll need an address (earthly or electronic) to send it to. Alternatively, you could acquire it from Joe Wehrle. Even if you don't, I must say that your responses to this point have given me a story I'll entertain my friends and future spawn with until the day I pass from this plane of existence into.....I have no idea.
Still completely intact after seeing your response, yr fellow Homo sapien, Mike

P.S. Joe, thank you for your hospitality, much obliged.

MIND FIELDS!!!

Mike Lane, Michael Miller and Tim Raven confirmed. Thank you.

MIND FIELDS. Hardcover.
$30.00 plus $5.00 s/h. CA tax (if needed) $2.48.

Send to:
THE KILIMANJARO CORPORATION
Post Office Box 55548
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413.

All best--Susan

DV/A, DV estates list
Harlan and Susan:

The USPS returned the package today. Apparently, the postage (which they applied) came loose, and rather than send it on anyway they sent it back to ME. I'll resend tomorrow.

Ellison Quote at WCPE Website Today
WCPE, the radio station in Raleigh,NC which streams free classical music over the Internet, features this quote at the top of their playlist today:

"To say more is to say less."
--Harlan Ellison

Find it (and some great music) at

http://theclassicalstation.org/playing_wed.shtml

Hope that this info is useful.

Know that "free time" seems to be in even shorter supply than usual for everyone, so no reply is necessary or expected.

Best Wishes to Harlan and Susan.

I just read a wonderful interview with Maurice Sendak in the GUARDIAN. Darned if he don't sound like Harlan.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/oct/02/maurice-sendak-interview?fb=native&CMP=FBCNETTXT9038

"At 83, Sendak is still enraged by almost everything that crosses his landscape. In the first 10 minutes of our meeting, he gets through:

Ebooks: "I hate them. It's like making believe there's another kind of sex. There isn't another kind of sex. There isn't another kind of book! A book is a book is a book."

New York: "You get pushed and harassed and people grope you. It's too tumultuous, it's too crazy!"

The American right: "These Republican schnooks would be comical if they weren't not funny."

With apologies to Harlan and Susan for using this place for a personal message...

Hey, kids...

Just a reminder that I will be at the New York Comic Con, October 13-16. I'll be signing The Grim Ghost and other Isabella stuff at the Atlas/Ardeen booth.

If you're a friend, a reader, or an artist, editor, or publisher who would like to work with me, send me a private message and we can arrange to meet. If your convention schedule is as uncertain as mine, we can exchange cell phone numbers before the show.

Hope to see you at the convention.

Tony Isabella

Rhino Hide
A few words from the cabbie here: Kevlar is your friend, should you consider writing for publication an activity to which you aspire.

The first year I gave it a go, I got three hundred rejections on my story submissions.

Could have papered my office wall with them. Said office being the converted tool shed next to the carport.

I was trying to follow Ray Bradbury's zen-writer advice, to wit: If you do a short story a week for twenty years, you'll probably get pretty good at it.

I managed one a week for forty weeks before I crashed and burned, and late in the year, I had a piece on every magazine editor's desk; at least one on the way there; and sometimes more than one on the way back. (More than a few "Alas" letters from Colonel Scithers my own self, ATC.)

I figured if I couldn't give them quality, I could give them quantity. You work with what you got.

Once, I got five rejections in the mailbox at the same time. Not my happiest day, that one.

On the other hand, I managed to peddle two of those particular rejections in the following months. Scithers bought the first one for Asimov's, and Baen the second for Galaxy, though the publication order was reversed.

They usually aren't personal, the rejections. If the story works and they love it, they won't care if you are seventy or seventeen, nor if you vote Republican or Socialist, nor if you are male, female, or other. (Until later, when you piss somebody off, at which time it can get personal in a hurry...)

Contrast this to my daughter's experience: She sold the first piece she wrote to the first magazine editor who saw it, and it was a fucking short-short, to boot.

If you are going to write, you have to keep on truckin'. Even Asimov sometimes got rejections from his own magazine. No shit.

Perry

Cary
Quick answer to direct question: take it from someone who is blogging on and in that manner writing a book on remakes, a new remake of THE SEVEN SAMURAI is no big deal. It's already been remade half a dozen times, officially and unofficially, including THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, A BUG'S LIFE, a Deep Space Nine episode, an episode of Kung Fu, and even, to some extent, THE THREE AMIGOS.

Shiiiiit
If he doesn't want it, can I have his slot? I mean leaving aside the fact that Mr. Ellison is a Great Writer- you don't want the input of someone who has successfully sold literal thousands of stories, essays, scripts and other misc. bits of writing?

He's tough and mean? So's the fuckin' WORLD, kiddo, and it usually doesn't have the good grace to teach you while it's gnawing on your femur.

If Harlan Ellison offered to come to my house and slap me around while insulting my writing, I'd agree, because I'd probably learn more from his insults than than anyone else's compliments.

------------------------------------------------

@Adam Troy-Castro- word on dat, yo. One of the better pieces of writing advice I got was from Tayari Jones, a writer who came to speak to my creative writing class in college. I told her that I always edited my stories to death and never dared send them out. She said:
"You're treating your stories like your children. I want you to go down to the store, buy a sippy-cup, and keep it on your desk to remind you that you need to let go."

I still have that little yellow bastard on my desk. It doesn't always work, but it helps.

--------------------------------------

Also @ATC- you've heard they're remaking "The Seven Samurai," right?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/may/04/seven-samurai-remake-weinstein

Because, if not, well, a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved. Or, more likely, I just want you to suffer like I have.

It's directed by Scott Mann, whose only real claim to fame is that his first movie, a mindless little shoot-em-all-up called "Tournament," looks like it cost more than it really did.

And now I'm gonna go gargle draino.

--------------------------------------------------------


@Frank Church- hey pal, hows it hanging? I've been around other places, mainly facebook. My other internet home recently went to shit though, so I figured I'd come hang around here and irritate you tolerant folk.

Contradictions
Dear Harlan

After a long absence from this shrine of yours, due to academic dilemmas and constant gnashing of teeth over artistic infertility, I've returned to ask to you, O Writer, some advice.
Allow me to give you the thinny of it: during the last entire college year, I had an incessant craving for acquiring ideas for a good story. Not The Idea, mind you, but at least one thought, a single moment, something that could germinate into a full-blown story.
This obsession went on and on for months, dragging me into a certain overdrive I couldn't get rid off. Eventually, in warm Summer night, already feeling my brain reaching the fevered apex of the entire ordeal until I said to myself "Enough is Enough. I'm done. I don't care anymore". It was a moment of release. From that day on I felt all the pressure of constantly wanting for an idea, for always searching for it disappearing, leaving me at ease.
Recently, though I've suffered a Kafkaesque relapse, in which not only am I feeling the same urge to seek out ideas taking over, as well watching as all and any attempts to avert the meltdown of before ending in me worrying about it even more.

My question is this, Harlan: what would you advise me to counter this? How would you fight off this sort of thing? I know this is probably a ridiculous question, but I'm down to my last resort, which is asking you, and I really didn't want to bother you about it. If possible, please answer.

Worryingly, a fellow from Portugal

K.

Various
Best rejection slip I ever received was from George Scithers, then of either ASIMOV'S or WEIRD TALES. He's edited both, and I forget which he was piloting at the time. He said, "Alas," because of all his rejection slips started with alas, "I might have considered buying this tale, but I found it just plain stupid." He later sent me one reading, "I enjoyed this story, but in order to publish it in my magazine, I would have to completely change my criteria of what makes a story good." That one remains ambiguous to me; was he saying that it was a trailblazing original, or just being splendidly sarcastic?) Mentioned here because, yes, as Harlan says, you really do need to develop a thick skin in this biz, because you cannot just throw a tantrum the first time somebody says to you, "You only think you know how to write."

*

How fine is it to see Harlan around these parts again?

*

Just finished watching an absolutely astounding classic, lesser known Kurosawa DRUNKEN ANGEL, about alcoholic slum doctor treating TB-ridden yakuza (Toshiro Mifune). Not one of the Kurosawas people will know, but Mifune is magnificent in it.

You know, I must have seen close to twenty Kurosawa films by now, some of them multiple times -- I really would have to go through his filmography with a pad and pencil to figure out exactly how many -- and so far, I have only seen two, maybe three, that were not insanely brilliant. (His version of THE IDIOT was, to my mind, not successful; AKIRA KUROSAWA'S DREAMS suffered the uneveness of most anthology films and had sparks of brilliance alongside segments that were not so much; and RHAPSODY IN AUGUST, to my mind, didn't achieve those lofty heights until the last few minutes.) Compare that to YOJIMBO, SANJURO, THE HIDDEN FORTRESS, RAN, KAGEMUSHA, STRAY DOG, HIGH AND LOW, IKIRU, REDBEARD, RASHOMON...a roll call of absolute greatness that I don't think anybody, in the history of the art, has ever come close to matching. That's from a guy who loves Hitchcock and John Ford and John Huston and so on...who thinks we have some pretty goddamned great moviemakers around today, as well...but Kurosawa was lightning in a bottle. We shall not see his like again.

*

Last iteration of that URL for "Her Husband's Hands."

http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/her-husband%e2%80%99s-hands/

Michael Adams:
Did you think Harlan was too tough, maybe even cruel? Any good professional editor to whom you submit your work will be just as severe. If you're not prepared to deal with such treatment, it's very unlikely that you'll ever make it as a professional writer.

Punxsutawney Phil
Hello Mr. Wehrle.

When I was but a wee apprentice film editor, one of my first jobs was on Groundhog Day. It was shot in Woodstock Illinois doubling for, of course, Punxsutawney Pennsylvania. I have many fond memories of my time on the film, and when it was done shooting I actually drove out east to visit the sacred spot. Paid my respects to Punxsutawney Phil and moved on.

A few years before that, a fellow with whom I had worked briefly, was leaving Chicago to try his hand at screenwriting in California. Good luck, I thought. Flash forward to my first day out in Woodstock, and I opened the script only to find on the very first page, written by Danny Rubin. Way to go, kid.

So whenever I see the name of your home town, Mr. Wehrle, it makes me smile.

jimmy

ps Groundhogs bite (just ask Bill Murray)

PS on Adams
Is it another day yet? Well it is here, anyway.
I probably shouldn't have used that term "nurturing." Sounds too much like "coddling," which you certainly don't do. You made it clear he has to measure up. Don't mind me, I just get emotional whenever I see someone reaching out to a young person who has a goal. Best, Joe

Michael Adams
Harlan,
After reading someone's comment advising Michael Adams that he shouldn't be bothering you with this, I emailed him and offered to correspond, and possibly help him with his writing. You, of course, will cut to the nitty-gritty much better than I. It's a very kind and nurturing thing for you to do, and it gives me hope for the planet. Of course, he hasn't seen the Ellison 1-minute literary critique yet(I still have mine AFTER FORTY-THREE YEARS, stuck into the back of STALKING THE NIGHTMARE), so we'll see how tough the kid really is! I hope he'll still write me, anyway, because there's no SF fandom here in Groundhogville, and I need some new blood to listen to my old-time reminiscences. And hey- I'm very tickled that you still have fond feelings for my Big Little Book! Bestest, Joe

OH, BY THE WAY, ADAMS


There are at least eight punctuational, grammatical, and syntactical errors in your post, not to mention a minimum of four threadbare, shopworn, slovenly catchphrases ("I'm not about to let any sort of opportunity pass me by" and "too few and far between" as quicks-to-mind). So, for starters, you ain't shown me shit, kid.

Your first lesson, free.

Ellison

REPLY TO MICHAEL ADAMS


Truly, I must be losing it. But I am considering your request to "line-edit" a short story of yours. Others reading this will now of a certainty know for certain I've grown senile. This may be the thousandth time in ten years I've ignored such pleas.

As I've said repeatedly (and been quoted as having said), there are three things in this life that people ALL think they can do supersensationally:

1) Fuck memorably.

2) Drive brilliantly.

3) D'uhhh, I could write a story.

The truth, of course, is that 99.9% of everyone cannot even do ONE of those three passably, much less memorably.

So I ignore the bleats and blandishments and chunks of money people send my way to help turn them into Dumas or Gerald Kersh or Joyce Carol Oates. Fuck'm, I say. I had dto learn the hard way, so can they.

Understand: I get paid about five grand (minimum) for doing this kind of thing; and stopped doing it long ago, because it always ends in tears. Helped create Clarion, and other workshops, and walked away from it because it was becoming "Oh, don't be too hard on the little dears, they bruise so eeeeeesily."

I am not one of those writing symposium wanna-be-adored-by-students types who's afraid of putting a canker on the budding rose of your nascent talent. I read professionally--and I'm fuckin' GOOD at it--remember who it was who edited DANGEROUS VISIONS and MEDEA and AGAIN, DANGEROUS VISIONS--and I am ruthless. No bullshit taken, along with an absence of prisoners...but I'm feeling kindly today. I've made stars before, but I haven't done it in a couple of years. If you can't be as good as Paul Di Filippo, why bother?

But... So.... Maybe I'll look at one of your stories.

Tell me why I should single you out for this attention.

Nothing in your request provides me with that spur.

Jump through a few hoops, kid; we'll see if you're worth it.

Waiting, Yr. Pal, Harlan

MIND FIELDS
Dear Susan,

If copies are still available, please hold one for me. Check is ready to send upon confirmation.

Best,

Mike

Mind Fields
Susan, it’s a bit late to ask but if the box of Mind Fields has yet to be depleted, please reserve a copy for me. I can’t resist; it’s cool to think that in a left-handed sort of way I had something to do with the discovery of this treasure cache!

Thanks!
Tim

p.s. could you repeat the price and mailing instructions?

Mary, I personally would suggest "Love ain't nothing but sex misspelled" for easy reading, and "Deathbird stories" for not so easy reading.

Harlan, there are people listening. I swear. I've broken friends of the habit of watching Jersy shore and similar drek, taken them away from websites that entertain, at a cost, to ones that make them think, challenge them to be. And they DO exist. Sturgeon's law holds true, but needs an adjustment for inflation and cost of existing, its closer to 98 percent these days.

Pardon the double post but...
Uhhh that would be reserve a copy not reverse a copy. I must have been looking in a mirror or....or what? ...I don't know... something...

Request for Mind Fields
Dear Susan

If you have any copies of Mind Fields left I would like to reverse one. Thanks very much in advance.

Post below
Hey, Michael, you seem like a polite kid, a good kid, but you'd be better off asking an English teacher at school to read your story. Those of us who've been around this site for awhile know Harlan's got a lot of demands on his time these days, a lot to think about, and your request, while certainly humble, probably is going to be just a tad unreasonable, something you'll come to understand with the wisdom of a few more years. Keep plugging away.

A Humble Request
Harlan
I'm a high school student who's love of the many great written works of science fiction has lead him -and in all probability misled him- to think that he might be able to scratch his own name into the dirt around the great monuments that are the works of men like yourself, Frederick Pohl, Philip K. Dick and many many others. I can't think of anything more to say besides that i humbly ask if you might take the time to read a work of mine and give me your opinion. I understand that you're under no obligation to do so and don't expect anything to really come out of this, but I'm not about to let any sort of opportunity pass me by; they are too few and far between for me to even think of that.

Cary, hey kid, where ya been?

Snif.

----

Most bosses are mooches, that's why they are bosses. How to deal with them? Make us all bosses.

Book & Membership

...Usually, it is two sep. checks. One to The Kilimanjaro Corporation (for books) and one for HERC stuff.

Susan,
YIKES! I already sent my check and combined the two. Hope this isn't a problem. Please advise in=f necessary.

:-) –S

I suppose the whole "Pay the Writer" (and other artists) offense comes down to a simple act of human nature: pay me what I'm worth UNLESS I decide to do it because I am your friend. In Castro's case the person asking for the favor ought to be smacked on the back of the head for their meanness (in the classic 'cheapskate' sense, not because they're being particularly nasty).

I have had any number of people want to use my photographs, positioning my anticipated motivation as a 'resume builder', to which I usually respond '"I'm not building that kind of resume". Offer to pay me, even a pittance, and it's my choice whether or not to offer my work for free. There ARE circumstances in which I have gladly turned down the offer of money in order to do something nice for a friend, but it has always been MY offer and choice, not theirs. And i've gotten some very cool things as a result, things which could not be bought for cash, and say more about the project and their gratitude than a dime or two ever could.

If there is a project I want to be involved with, or a gift I wish to bestow, not only do you cheapen my offer by beating me to the punch, you cheapen my work in its entirety.

This is, in its own way, analogous to the entire artist's rights, Creative Commons debate. Let ME decide the fate of my work, and don't presume to lecture me or be unhappy with me for not providing you with something for free when I have bills to pay. My two entirely unqualified to even speak in this company cents.

--- ——— --- ———

I have mentioned that I listen to Radio Classics on XM during my road time, and this morning was particularly fun and nostalgic. As the rain fell on my commute, I listened to two mid-50s X MINUS ONE programs, based upon short stories "From the pages of GALAXY SCIENCE FICTION, available at newsstands now!"

Gonna have to dig out that box of old digest magazines in the garage this upcoming weekend.

--- ——— --- ———

MIND FIELDS is one of my absolutely favorite of Harlan's works. It clearly showcases his flexibility as a storyteller and has more than a few gutshots and guffaws mixed in between Yerka's fabulous works. Absolutely without a doubt one of the first things a newbie should enjoy. (One of the paintings -- and I'm gonna have to research which one -- was mislabeled, IMHO. Either Yerka or Ellison should have hipped to the inevitable pun, 'Mined Fields', as a title and subject of the painting.)

May have to appropriate that title if I ever get a chance...

--- ——— --- ———

Have I mention to all of you South Orange county types that Cris is opening for Diane Schuur in three weeks? Okay, just making sure you're paying attention...

--- ——— --- ———

Cris and I caught THE HAUNTING AT THE BEACON on cable this last weekend. I can see both sides of the debate, but it does hold an eerie tone without being a jump out and scare you kind of horror film. The twists are nicely done, and some...not all...of the actors do a credible job. An interesting diversion, which is about as wishu-washy and uncommitted a comment as I could make.

Just sayin'.

Scott M. - Confirmed.

Chris - Usually, it is two sep. checks. One to The Kilimanjaro Corporation (for books) and one for HERC stuff. Back issues of the Rabbit Hole are available (except for issues 1 & 5).

All best--Susan

Joe
Yeah, thanks. Apparently I corrupted the URL in some way, 'carrying it around'.

This is it. http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/her-husband’s-hands/

*

Last year, I was contacted by an associate of a good friend, who wanted me to do some writing for him. I didn't want to charge the friend of a friend, as I knew it was an ultra-low budget project, so I said, "Tell you what. Just look at your books, figure out what YOU would consider a fair payment, even if it's just a token amount, and I'll do it." Never heard back from him. Dig it: I had just told him I would do a week's work, for as little as twenty dollars. Never heard back from him. Even the token payment was too much, I guess.

RE: SASE/Catalog, Adam-Troy Castro link, Etc.
Susan & Harlan--
The SASE is in the mail, should be to the PO Box by Tuesday.

Adam-Troy Castro--
The link you provided leads to an error page. I gather this is the correct link: http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/her-husband's-hands/

Mencken
Cary Bleasdale:

In what specific book -- title, publisher, date of publication -- did you see Mencken use the phrase “myth of the holocaust”? Some of his work was reprinted long after his death by an anti-semitic press – could the phrase have been used in an editor’s introduction, rather than by Mencken?

I know that Mencken was prejudiced, an isolationist, and a crank. I know that during WWII he was skeptical about reports of Nazi barbarity because he was a Germanophile and he remembered the anti-German propaganda from the previous war. I know he was criticized for remaining silent on the holocaust after the evidence was incontrovertible. But I’ve never heard that he actually denied it. A quick google search doesn’t confirm that he did, so I’d appreciate it if you could provide information to help with verification.

Mind Fields!
Hi Susan. I would love a copy of Mind Fields if I'm not too late to the party. Signed and personalized if that's not asking too much.

Scott

The Cary Bleasdale post
I know how he feels. When I was a fifteen-year-old Trekkie, our ringleader was a scruffy, smelly twenty-three year-old misfit who had no friends his own age. He was constantly nagging us to do all sorts of things for him free, including writing for his stupid little fanzine. When we sometimes broached the subject of getting paid, he'd actually get offended, and tell us that we were supposed to do all these things free just to prove to him how much we loved him. Yet, when WE asked HIM for a favor, he'd say, "Well, I'd have to charge you for my time, plus the travel costs, etc., etc., etc.'

A little bit of that went a long way. By the time we were seventeen, we dropped him. He still hasn't figured out why.

Various / Her Husband's Hands


Here 'tis. My second story for Lightspeed, "Her Husband's Hands." Available as screen text, e-book, or as podcast. A sad homecoming.

http://www.lightspeedmagazine.​com/fiction/her-husband%e2%80%​99s-hands/

*

The strangest of last night's several dreams -- I woke often -- was a bizarre cinematic mashup worthy of SCTV at its most surreal. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, circa their early Billy Wilder appearances, sharing the role of James Bond. They did everything James Bond would have done, up to fighting Blofeld in a volcano base, but as their screen personas, Lemmon fussing and Matthau grumping, the two of them bickering as they ran about flirting with Moneypenny, fending off assassins, and knocking minions off catwalks. I woke up at 4 AM and marveled, "That was GOOD."

Sitting up, sleepless in a Grapevine, TX hotel room, pondering all of *that* (waves at the corner, where a small, gray pile of petty worries and critical concerns writhes and chitters back) at 2 A.M. and missing my sweetie; and I needed something to take my mind off this, that, t'other - so for Ed King and Steve Swanson:

Charles Criswell - whose biographical sketch from NOBODY... also served as the lion's share of his obituary in Publishers Weekly - died May 14, 1960. At the time, he was managing editor of publishing house McDowell, Obolensky. He'd been on the editorial staff of the company since its founding in 1957, and had been appointed managing editor on January 1, 1960. The house dissolved later that year. No idea how Criswell linked up with them. NOBODY... was also published in 1960 in England by the Hutchinson Group. I have no idea if there are other stories floating around, uncollected, but that wouldn't surprise me.

There might be something more to be gleaned about his background from period reviews of the book, given his connection to the publisher, but I stopped my spade at 4 feet down. (The NY Times review from 1958 is available for a fee from their digital archive.)

McDowell, Obolensky Inc. was established in 1957 by Ivan Obolensky (who was Mary Astor's son) and David McDowell, who was a friend of James Agee (and the editor who turned Agee's unfinished manuscript about his father's death into A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, published by M,O in 1957 and which won Agee a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1958.) They also published Chinua Achebe's THINGS FALL APART in 1959. An aside: according to one Nabokov biographer, Obolensky bid on the rights for M,O to publish Nabokov's LOLITA, and Nabokov was ready to go with them until steered differently by Doubleday's Jason Epstein.

And maybe now there's some sleep over *there* (points to king-sized hotel bed and mocking alarm clock), because I sure as hell am not watching Bad Boys 2 on HBO.

More movie talk -- "Thor"
Hey, ALL: I know I'm late to the party as regards the film, but if you haven't checked out "Thor" (I just watched the DVD), you should give it a look. For my money, it may be the best "superhero" film ever (I'll have to watch it again to make up my mind). Even the best of the Batman flicks (by Nolan and Burton), and the best of the Superman and Spiderman movies (as well as all of the others hero or comic book flicks, including "The Shadow" and "The Phantom" and "Dick Tracy") all seem to have one or more flaws that stand out (these days, and it's often the flaw of simply going on for too long -- two 1/2 hours or more, just for a superhero/action movie). This one has it all (from what I could gather): the superhero as modern god theme, Shakespearean and Wagnerian echoes solely due to language (in some parts) and the god tropes, a romance (and even a meet-cute that is, well...kinda cute), the sibling rivalry, the old and new gods, science and magic (and where the twain might meet) good writing (dialogue and a plot that works), some comedic moments, good acting, terrific directing by Branagh, excellent editing (can't recall the credit), and so on. And I never even read those particular comic books, so you don't have to be a fan to enjoy it (obviously, given that the comics were based on mythology).

Cheers,
DTS

MIND FIELDS and HERC
Hello Susan,

I was heading out to the bank to buy a little of that American money when I realized I had a bit of a dilemma. I want to pay for my copy of MIND FIELDS and to be one of the cool kids with a HERC membership number! Do I make the check out to HERC or KILIMANJARO, or do I need two separate checks? And being late to the party, is it possible to retroactively join and get back copies of the newsletter?

Thanks so much,

Chris

REPLY TO CARY BLEASDALE


GOOD ON'YA, KIDDO! LESSON LEARNED. THE WORLD IS FULLA FUCKIN' MOOCHES. THE WORKMAN IS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS WORTH HIS HIRE. IF THE SHITHEAD HAD EVEN SAID, "I AIN'T GOT MUCH MONEY, BUT WOULD YA MIND TAKING A PASS AT IT FOR, SAY, TWENTY BUCKS..."

BUT HE DIDN'T; AND YOU DID JUST FINE, PAL; JUST GODDAM FINE. GO PREEN IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR.

Yr. admiring pal, Harlan

REPLY TO JOE IN NY

Susan says to tell you a regular envelope will suffice.

-he

REPLY TO MICHAEL MAYHEW


No, though I have cribbed from Ray many many many times, we being friends and his voice having spurred me, early on, that particular last line from "Delusion for a Dragon-Slayer" was not Bradbury tinged, influenced, hat-tipped, or otherwise. I take full respopsibility for its brillince and nuance.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

REPLY TO MICHAEL MAYHEW


No, though I have cribbed from Ray many many many times, we being friends and his voice having spurred me, early on, that particular last line from "Delusion for a Dragon-Slayer" was not Bradbury tinged, influenced, hat-tipped, or otherwise. I take full respopsibility for its brillince and nuance.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

To Unca Harlan, Brian, Jan, and Susan
Many thanks for your suggestions...I have sent the list to my new friend. I'll also pass along to him about the signed copies, Susan :)...

All this talk about all things Ellison made me bring out my Essential Ellison. The book fell open to "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans." It made for perfect Sunday evening reading. That and "True Love: Groping For the Holy Grail."

In regards to the latter, been through similar experiences via Internet dating...shudder.

Fritz Leiber reply and Thank You
Mr. Ellison,

Your reply ended with "I wish I could do better for you" but you've done better than I could have ever wished. When an artist has a body of work (ala Fritz Leiber, yourself, and a select group of others) that resonates with a reader as a lifelong experience any glimpse of the actual life of that artist is a welcome herald I'll take any day.

Your reply actually came at a great moment. Just before I checked in here, I retrieved from my snail-mail box a protruding copy of the 35th Anniversary Edition of Dangerous Visions. I'll quote the first line of your dedication because it is the core of his work, yours and so many others.

"The compassionate learn from wiser others what they know of themselves, of the world in which they must live, and the world in which they would like to live."

So, I have printed your reply, and put it on my wall of inspiration where it will with all the others forever remind me of what we do and why we do it.

Thanks a million times over.

M

JEFF M.

Yes, of course: STRANGE WINE

My memory was mired in the great Billie Holliday classic, which once upon a time, in 1962, a film was in prep by name of that song, "Strange Fruit," trope for the lynching of black folks; it was to have been the retitle of the proposed film based on my "Daniel White For the Greater Good" from GENTLEMAN JUNKIE. Director James Goldstone ("The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight," et al) had optioned it, and it was one of the impetus prods that brought me I out to California, aside from the Hitchcock option and assignment on MEMOS FROM PURGATORY. Never happened. He was a sweet guy, and a good directror. Lost track of him decades ago.

My error. Y'caught me.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

JEFF M.

Yes, of course: STRANGE WINE

My memory was mired in the great Billie Holliday classic, which once upon a time, in 1962, a film was in prep by name of that song, "Strange Fruit," trope for the lynching of black folks; it was to have been the retitle of the proposed film based on my "Daniel White For the Greater Good" from GENTLEMAN JUNKIE. Director James Goldstone ("The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight," et al) had optioned it, and it was one of the impetus prods that brought me I out to California, aside from the Hitchcock option and assignment on MEMOS FROM PURGATORY. Never happened. He was a sweet guy, and a good directror. Lost track of him decades ago.

My error. Y'caught me.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Thiis and that
A little background on the Chicago parking meter scandal -- "Plate Sin with Gold" http://bit.ly/6YZf2M

And just for fun, "Because they're Tharks, that's why." http://bit.ly/nR10Pl

RE: Mencken

I once picked up a selection of Mencken's writings and flipped to the section on Lincoln, wherein he is described as a booze-guzzling skirt-chaser, at least in his younger days (if memory serves--a search on Amazon pulls up "Until he emerged from Ilinois, they always put the women, children and clergy to bed when he got a few gourds of corn aboard..."). Unfair or not, I never read Mencken again.

The Gulag.
Prisoners indeed. Chained to flickering screens. It's how it is. I didn't want to live like this; I woke up one morning and found myself here.

I noticed it half way through university. Suddenly, I could only apply for my courses on computer.

Then I could only pay for my courses on computer.

Then, I could only take my courses on computer. They weren't offered any other way.

Then, I could only apply for jobs on computer. Seriously: I went into teaching, and in Ontario, teaching jobs are only advertised online (at a PAY site. No one's ever told me who gets the money). There are no newsletters or adds in the local paper, you cannot visit the schools, you're not allowed to visit the schools, they will not speak to you, they will not see you, they will not accept a paper resume given in person, they will not look at it, they will throw it in the trash. They say in bold capital letters You Must Apply On-Line.

The first question they ask you in a job interview is "how would you utilize Information Communication Technology in your classroom?" Meaning: computers. And I have to tell them what they want to hear if I want to eat or pay rent.

(They can Google me if they don't trust my response: they just might find this post.)

And on both sides of the Atlantic, curricula mandates training in the use of computers from the age of five. Five year old kids are plugged into machines and told to make the cursors go 'round. I'm not joking: that's modern education.

Everything you wrote was true Unca Harlan. This is the Gulag, I'm stuck here for life. Since I went into teaching, it could be argued I'm even a collaborator! It wasn't my intention, but it's never anyone's intention, is it? I can't deny I gave myself over.

But, BUT:

I never did it happily.

- Steve E.D.
Bucks, UK

The couple-pages back discussion of racist authors made me remember my first encounter with that- H. L. Mencken, actually.

I was reading his introduction to Nietzsche's "Antichrist," and was entranced. I mean, Mencken commenting on Nietzsche is about the closest you can get to sex as a fat, cocky, college sophomore. And halfway through, unrelated to any particular subject at hand, he dropped a reference to the "myth of the holocaust." It was one of the only times I've actually felt physical revulsion to something I'd read, and I've barely been able to read him since. It is one thing to excuse Twain or Lovecraft for ideas that while sickening, were part of the cultural norm. It was another thing entirely for someone writing in the late '40's or early 50's to practice holocaust denial. For years, I would occasionally go back and find that phrase, just to ensure that I hadn't had some strange psuedo-literary dream seep through into my memories.

So it goes.

---------------------------------

On a happier note- Mr. Ellison, I listened to the Glass Teat introduction on youtube, earlier, and- well, it shamed me. I cannot cut myself off entirely from this delicious electronic narcotic, but you've made at least one junkie think, and try to cut down his dosage just a little bit.

And I also wanted to thank you for something else- I was recently approached by a friend of a friend to write a script for some sort of student film thing. So we discussed length, a few ideas, etc, until, with a niggling in my brain, I raised the subject of money. A pause, a hesitation and then "Well, I was hoping you could do it for free."

And to my shame, I considered it, I mean- c'mon, free publicity is SOMETHING, right?

And then like the voice of some wrathful desert God, I heard you in the back of my head roaring "PAY THE WRITER!"

I politely pointed out that I was trying to be a writer, that the reason he was talking to me at all was that HE apparently thought I was a writer, and that my work had value, and I would require compensation for my efforts. (Like my grandfather said: "Always work for what you're worth.")

Last I heard from the guy.

So, thanks for keeping me honest on that one. I may not be published, and my name might not be on some nameless, gormless student film, but I've got self-respect.

(That helps pay the bills, right? RIGHT??)

RE: SASE for Catalog
Susan,

Great. One last question: Is a regular letter envelope okay, or would a larger flat envelope be better?

Thank You,
Joe

Franky4posts didn't see or smell the irony of a glass Teat being seen on a glass teat.

---------

Gonna be a bundle of fun tonight on Hardball: Michael Moore and Bernie Sanders are going to debate Mark Penn and Ed Rendall.

For a politics junkie that's daddies candy.

Speaking of that noxious peckerwood Rendall, according to Matt Taibbi, when Rendall was still governer of Pennsylvania he tried to sell the Pennsylvania turnpike to arab interests, especially Dubai.

In Chicago they sold the parking meters to big arab interests.

Arabs I adore, elite ones I cringe.

-----------

My main stance on Israel is simple: It has to play by the same exact rules every other state plays by--simple.

Take away the mystical gauze. Even the lowest terrorist deserves his day in court.

Jeff M. - Confirmed for MIND FIELDS.

Joe - Send a SASE to the HERC address (P.O. Box 55548, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413) and I'll send you a complete book list. You may even want to join HERC - the newsletters have original Ellison material. RH #46 has an essay - never reprinted anywhere else - called "Bounce Notes."

Mary - The book list has both SLIPPAGE and SHATTERDAY. You can get them signed/personalized at no extra charge.

With all kindness--Susan

Welcome To The Gulag, The Compleat Introduction
Welcome To The Gulag--The compleat Introduction, by Harlan Ellison is now up on Youtube. Here is the address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgsLQr__TSg

last lines
Harlan-

The last line of "Delusion for a Dragon Slayer" - "It did not rain that night, anywhere in the known universe" - has stuck in my head for many years as well, in part because I assumed when I read it that it was a sly tip-o-the-hat to Ray Bradbury, whose Martian story "The Earthmen" ends with "That night it rained all night. The next day was fair and warm."

Now I'm curious, was it?

(and please forgive me if this was already covered in the thread and I somehow overlooked it)

MM

Re Steve Swanson
Mr Swanson, thanks for your reply. The only thing I could find was a guy posing the same question as mine out on the interwebs. His dying in '60 would explain a lot. The bio in the book had mentioned about his moving to New York to study painting, but that he decided to go with writing whist convalescing. It also noted he was working on a novel. I posted the question on fb, but all I got were a lot of "Hey man, cool title" type responses. As I mentioned, I really like the book--I hope you will to. ExKx

Said Harlan a few days ago: "...a year from now E.Reads will begin including "The Glass Teat" and "The Other Glass Teat" among the 30-something of my downloadable books now available".

Criswell
I love good titles. "Nobody Knows What the Stork May Bring" is wonderful. My all time favs are "Marching Morons" and "The Bolts In Mother's Head".

But I digress. Just ordered "Nobody ..." and also did a quick search for Criswell. The only thing that popped up is a footnote in Tennessee Williams' "Notebooks". There it lists Criswell's birth and death dates as (1910-1960), as well as having an interesting story about a typewriter and his desire to be a painter.

Glass Teat coming to kindle?
Hi all - while I'm glad The Glass Teat is now in a collector's edition, it's still a bit pricey for my range. Any chance of it and the sequel coming to Kindle? Or released in paperback format?
I'm sure that while the content was written over 40 years ago- the content of television (sadly) has not really changed in all those years. While some of the material in the book might be a little dated- it would make for fascinating reading to today's viewers. So if there are plans for a Kindle or affordable paperback version could someone let me ( and all the rest of us curious ones) know? Thanks!

Updated HERC Store Catalog
Hello Susan,

I'm looking to possibly purchase some items from the HERC store.

Does the current list on this site include everything that's available? If not, is there a way to get a current catalog of available items? I see there is (or possibly was) a mailing list.

Thank you for your time.

Best,
Joe

Le

Vintage Ellison is a strange fruit.

a good day
All the talk about MIND FIELDS reminded me, "Hey, I have a copy of that!". But where is it? It's not on my bookshelf in Chicagoland. Let's see, I bought it at the book signing Harlan Ellison did at Skylight Books around 2006. Hmmmm.

So I journeyed long and hard to the outskirts of Los Angeles (okay, it was Atwater Village) and dug through my storage unit (shades of Susan and Tim). And -- success! And not only did I find my copy of MIND FIELDS, but I found THE ART OF LEO & DIANE DILLON too. Oh joy, oh rapture.

Like Chuck Messer, I've been enjoying my time with this book. I also was surprised to learn from the DILLON volume that SHATTERDAY was written to their illustration (like MIND FIELDS) and not the other way around (and quite a few other stories as well). And all these years I thought it was Schenectady that our host got his ideas from.

Thank you to Le for the YouTube links. I really miss Tom Snyder.

Think I'll go back to my book now.

jimmy

I too assume Harlan meant STRANGE WINE when he said STRANGE FRUIT ... but take a look at the lyrics for "Strange Fruit," the famed Billie Holliday song. Very Ellisonesque, don't you think? (That's a compliment, by the way.)

Judge for yourself:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/strangefruit/film.html

All this talk about Mind Fields has inspired me to pull out and re-read, re-savor my own hardback copy. This is one helluva sweet art book, and if there are still copies left, and you don't have one, pain will not hurt you if you get it, but oceans of regret will visit you if you don't.

Chuck

At first I thought I, the HE completist, was missing a volume - Strange Fruit. Strange Wine, right?

Mind Fields
Greetings :)

Please add me to the list for Mind Fields should any copies remain available.

Thanks,

Jeff

FOR MARY


Where to start?

If it were I, the first recommendation would be MIND FIELDS

and then

SLIPPAGE or THE ESSENTIAL ELLISON

followed by

ANGRY CANDY and SHATTERDAY and STRANGE FRUIT

and then

THE BEAST THAT SHOUTED LOVE AT THE HEART OF THE WORLD.

AN EDGE IN MY VOICE and HARLAN ELLISON'S WATCHING are good places to start," if you are more into non-fiction primarily.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

FOR MARY


Where to start?

If it were I, the first recommendation would be MIND FIELDS

and then

SLIPPAGE or THE ESSENTIAL ELLISON

followed by

ANGRY CANDY and SHATTERDAY and STRANGE FRUIT

and then

THE BEAST THAT SHOUTED LOVE AT THE HEART OF THE WORLD.

AN EDGE IN MY VOICE and HARLAN ELLISON'S WATCHING are good places to start," if you are more into non-fiction primarily.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Shatterday is one of our host's best and most accessible books, and it's out in a good and inexpensive edition from Tachyon.
www.amazon.com/Shatterday-Harlan-Ellison/dp/1892391481

Mary! I forgot (forgive the double posting)!
You can purchase "Shatterday" and "Slippage" here:
http://ereads.com/ecms/authorname/Harlan-Ellison
This gives your friend the ability to read these works electronically OR purchase a book.

The links above the pavilion are slightly inaccurate.

I will absent myself from posting for a while, unless asked for by our esteemed host.

Brian Phillips

Suggested Ellison and a very scary thing.
Hello, Mary!

Small note: I have a collection of stories called, "This is My Best". The compiler asked various writers, "Send me your best story for inclusion in this book". This was around 1943 and when Ernest Hemingway was asked this, his response was, "This one will do as good as any!", which I believe was the gist of the response. He sent "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", by the way.

Before Harlan sees this and answers it himself should he so desire, I humbly suggest "Slippage", not only because it has one of my favorites, "Mefisto in Onyx" (which I would love to stage as a radio play), but it also contains "The Fault in My Lines", which is an arresting piece of non-fiction, which shows, like Isaac Asimov who wrote fiction, non-fiction, even a book about Gilbert and Sullivan (!), that Harlan Ellison has been, always will be one thing...an Ameri...I mean a writer, adept at various styles, be it fiction, screenplays or non-fiction. "The Essential Ellison" more than proves this, but it is a large collection, should your friend wish to start small.

Sentimentally, I am also drawn to "Shatterday", which features the heart-wrenching "Jefty is Five", which gathers more meaning for me as I age, the titular story and "Shoppe Keeper" which is one of those stories that I dig and is not mentioned often. It was also one of the first I read right around the time it was published, so I have a soft spot for this book.

I hope this helps you, Mary.

The scary thing is at this URL:

http://tinyurl.com/3oo96pc

I saw the aforementioned article and I find it disquieting to say the least. This is far from the first attempt at computer-generated writing, but it was usually dismissed, because the result was genuinely awful ("Mr. Buxley hugged Mrs. Buxley with passion" was a sample). Now, it seems, that this program can spit out far better material than the Buxley sample. Just as reality TV won't just dry up, because it is popular but mainly because it is cheap, how long will it be that newspapers seriously start considering this as an option? I am surprised that Harlan has not written a story about the dangers of automation *click* automation *click* automay-may-may-may...

Brian Phillips' MacBook, with assistance from some Black guy.

Need Some Help...
I've just met a fellow reader...very nice guy who has read most of the classics and is a HUGE fan of Asimov. Today we sat in a book store discussing books and other things, and he asked me for some suggestions for more reading material. I suggested Harlan Ellison, and then I realized...what collection would be a good place to start for someone who's never read him?

Does anyone out there have any suggestions?

Oopski!


Here is the link to that "Our Cell Phones, Ourselves" article mentioned in my last post.

http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/our-cell-phones-ourselves

Re: Last line
Tony Rabig -

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for identifying the Harlan Ellison short story -- "Delusion for a Dragon Slayer" -- in which that most beautiful, haunting, enigmatic last line --"It did not rain that night, anywhere in the known universe" -- appears.

It's funny; I had only read that story once, and that was back in 1985, but that last line has always haunted me and wanted to read it again but forgot the name of the story it came from and thought it came from a Ellison collection I no longer had or even from another writer! Little did I know it was hiding in plain sight!

I got to read it again this morning after coming home from a stressful, mentally exhausting 12-hour shift in the Pediatric ICU, and it was one hell of a read! In addition to that last line, I also love the part that comes before it:

"...a man may truly live in his dreams, his noblest dreams, but *only* if he is worthy of those dreams."

Whoa!

Thank you, Mr. Ellison, for writing such a powerful story. Vintage Ellison is best. It is now a favorite of mine.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I loved reading -- and hearing -- the intro called "Welcome to the Gulag" in my numbered edition (#20) of THE GLASS TEAT AND OTHER GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS.

On a similar theme, I came across a great article called "Our Cell Phones, Ourselves" by Christine Rosen wherein I learned such concepts as "Actor-Observer Paradox" and a new word: thigmophilic.

Very interesting article!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back by popular demand...

Below are links to a TV interview Harlan Ellison with Tom Snyder while promoting his book MIND FIELDS. (I own the regular hardcover.) In the first clip, he reads "The Silence." In the second clip, it is really a touching moment when he is presented with the original painting that accompanies "Ellison Wonderland" and becomes speechless.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AD256UFbHI

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSfb-nWA3M8&feature=related

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv5kT3SPVzA&feature=related

MIND FIELDS!!!


Alex Michael and Ed are confirmed.

Thank you--Susan

Reply to Susan & a quick question for Harlan
Susan, Please excuse my tardiness. I dropped a m.o. in the mail today (in the amount of $40.) My preferences are as follows: 'Mind Fields', 'The Essential...', or anything you feel like surprising me with (as long the price and shipping all come in under $40, obviously.) Again, I'd love to have Harlan draw/scrawl/sign whichever one you send. Thanks!
Harlan, First, I want to assure you I've researched what information I've had availible and have come up with a big, fat goose egg. I recently bought a copy of "Nobody Knows What the Stork May Bring" by Charles Criswell. It was published in '58 and, according to the brief bio, Mr. Criswell took up writing after returning from service in WW II and "recovering from a serious illness." I'm really digging his stories (they kinda-sorta remind me of Charles Beaumont-- this in no way implies one was jumping the other's train; it's simply an observation)and find it odd that he simply vanished into the ether. Yes, I know the world has a habit of wiping its ass with the best and most talented among us, but would like to know what became of such a promising writer. Thank you either way, ExKx

BUGF*CK will go right next to our Notebooks of Lazarus Long, and neither one will be useless.

***

Had a rough day Friday. Met with the lawyer who will assist with my disability claim for SSI, a very pleasant, gentle woman who took the time to answer all of my questions and ask ones I didn't know I needed to think about. Yes, she has more than a vested interest in my disability claim (if I don't get it, they don't get paid), but she was also upfront in talking about her own experiences with SSI for her son and mother, and her 22 years of experience.

I want to work. I'm putting in applications, updating the resume, the whole bit. I'm not giving up, but it's hard to look in the mirror of late and not see the things that I can't do when I know, I KNOW, there are still things I can. Not giving up.

***

A bit of good news. It's not BUGF*CK, but FinderDoug and I share a table of contents in this months BARDS & SAGES QUARTERLY.

HARLAN: FinderDoug's piece is the short work he whipped out at the same Foolscap panel that spawned your own "Weariness". Go, go, Doug!

http://www.bardsandsages.com/quarterly

Mind Fields
Susan, if any copies remain, I'd be thrilled to purchase one.

Zuz

All right, I admit it. The reference to the Brigadier in last night's episode of DOCTOR WHO got to me.

What? Aren't I allowed to be a big baby once in a while?

For the Writer (or Writer's Wife) Who Has Nearly Everything...
...the perfect gift (Listening Mrs. Ellison?):


http://www.cafepress.co.uk/+bloody_harlan_sweatshirt_dark,403092915

The shirt, of course, refers to the coal mine strike (etc., etc.) of 1931, but...it might also serve as either an unvoiced epithet (when a certain Electric Lady is peeved at her significant other) or as an unvoiced boast by the writer of this particular site (and at his willingness to get down and dirty with mooks who don't get out of the line of fire).

Greetings, Mr Raven.
The Muse favours you?

Abashed/intoxicated
by such
beauty,

J.

Last Lines
I remember that line well, DFADS being a particular favorite.

"He had secretly worshipped at the altar of lust and evil." Young as I was, I wondered if I did likewise.

CHUCK: Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check out Eisner's Fagin the Jew.

GEEEEZUS PEEEZUS !


Apparently, I'm not quite as shaky in the memory-bank as I feared.

Thanks, both.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

2 UNRELATED COMMENTS RE POSTINGS HERE


1) Alex Krislov: Susan asks me to advise you: you're confirmed on that hardcover copy of MIND FIELDS. I do so love that book. Took me a year.

2: Le: Yes, it IS the last line of one of my stories. Can't remember which, but it might well be "Delusion for a Dragon-Slayer." DougFinder or Barney or one of the other savants with more intact memory might asssist here, if so willing.

Yr. Pal, Harlan

Last line
Le,

The line is:
"It did not rain that night, anywhere in the known universe."

It's the last line of "Delusion for a Dragon Slayer."


Bests to all,

--tr

Mind Fields
Susan,

If there are any left, I'd like to get one. The one I have isn't the hardcover!

--Alex

last line from a short story


There is a last line from an sf short story I once read. I am pretty sure it is by Harlan Ellison, but I can't reminder where. Anyway, the last line goes *something* ilke this:

"It did not rain anywhere in the universe that night."

Can anybody tell me from what story did this last line come from?

Thank you for reading this.

The L.A. Times on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Interesting, if inconclusive, article on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-levy-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-20110930,0,4021674.story

Susan, the check is in the mail.

No, seriously...

MIND FIELDS!!!

Marko - Confirmed. Thank you.

The Fuzzy Red Ants are coming!! The Fuzzy Red Ants are coming!!

Run, run, runnnnnnnn...!!!

Hide your puddin, hide your pop tarts, hide your ass, the Fuzzy Red Ants are coming!!

Runnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Mind Fields
Susan,

If there are any Hardcover copies from the recent find remaining, may I reserve an autographed copy?

Thanks!

Marko

Given that the subtitle of BUGF#CK specifies "The USELESS Wit & Wisdom of Harlan Ellison," I am not surprised to learn that it is a tiny volume. If, on the other hand, someone were to publish a compendium of the USEFUL wit & wisdom of HE, that would be a door stopper of a tome.

In any case, Unca Harlan, congratulations on this latest addition to the oeuvre.

Steve J.

My pharmacist wife is on call this weekend and had to go into work at 2 in the am. I went with her. Because if I've learned anything from horror movies, it's not to let anyone walk around a mostly empty hospital by themselves. Especially in October.

Quote for the day
"A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, of the manifestations of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty, which are only accessible to our reason in their most elementary forms—it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute the truly religious attitude; in this sense, and in this alone, I am a deeply religious man."
--Albert Einstein

Occupy L.A.
The Harlan Ellison of the LA Free Press days would probably have loved a US-wide protest against Wall Street tycoons and global corporate capitalism, but do you still see the System through those same firebrand eyes these days? LA joins in the fun tomorrow, support protests to the NYC one being planned in most major US cities.

You should stop by city hall, you've always had a great voice on these issues and we whipped dogs might finally be ready to stop whimpering.

Bugf#ck (and more!)

Congratulations on Bugf#ck! Harlan! Looking forward to picking up my copy and learnin' something useful!

(Might I suggest that a terrific cross-promotion might be getting this onto the shelves next to Penn and Teller's BULLSH!T. Seems like a natural...)
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Gotten a couple of messages telling me I need to post some pics.

Ask and ye shall receive.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150314712202205.350808.593857204&l=7369c5a5bb&type=1
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Off to our favorite Italian place in Burbank. Need our garlic breadstick fix!

BUGF#CK


Today, via editor Arnie Fenner, Spectrum Books and Publishers Group West, I received the first Uncorrected spiral-bound Galley Proof booklet of

BUGF#CK: The Useless Wit & Wisdom of Harlan Ellison.

It is small -- 3 and a half across x 5. 128 pp. with photos.

Gee, it is swell.

Pub date 2 January 2012.

Oh boy. It is really neat.

You can hold it in one hand and continue to eat a banana.

Take THAT Victor Hugo!

Exceedingly pleased, Yr. Pal, Harlan

Thanks, Susan, and...
SUSAN: Thanks, and:

1) The cheque won't be in the mail till midweek this coming week. I've a high threshold for pain, but I've never had to put up with a level 6 or 7 for a sustained period of time (which was what was going on when I originally posted). Now that I've taken extra meds (with codeine), the pain is at a more civilized level. But I don't think I'll be up and crutching around outside until Tuesday or Wednesday next week, (it's already Saturday here), so you'll get the cheque a bit later from me.

2) I actually have an excuse for typing in Mindfields instead of MIND FIELDS, but tell your roomie, sorry 'bout that, mate.

Cheers,
DTS (who can't wait to run again, like normal folks, now that I've been given a newish knee -- the heart, well...me and the Tin man remain the same in that regard).

Minde Feelds, gotcha.

Thankfully those wonderous paintings save us from the bleatings from this Ellison feller.

giggle.

Oww, Harlan, youse knows we loves ya.

It's almost sinful that such a love becomes viral. A mint under every pillow, a blue sky over the waving grain.

Woo.

Mind Fields

Guilty as charged - forgot to mind the gap! Two words...two words...got it!

MIND FIELDS!!!


Dr Chris, Sara, Greg and DTS confirmed. No extra postage needed, I'll work it out.

All best--Sue

note - not "mote"

Valigursky
Harlan,

Thank you Very Much for that little biographical/artistic digression. Noted and much appreciated. And I'm glad you got the Emsh. When I spoke to Carol a couple of years ago she had mentioned that most of what she had left in the 1990's was now scattered. So I'm glad that piece was "properly associated" or whatever. Nice mote on Fritz as well.

As always Harlan, more than I can adequately express, I'm GLAD you're feeling better.

Manly hugs - B

MIND FIELDS
I'd like one of those hardcovers; please confirm and I'll send payment. Is there any extra shipping cost required for Canada?

Laughing, very hard

"'Mr. Right" is a runt with a dick like an old shitake mushroom..."

Jeezus, Ellison, you really should apply some sort of "don't drink anything before you read this..." warnings before you post.

Now I gotta clean off my computer screen.

But I'm STILL laughing.

"old shitake mushroom..."

Hee!

MM

Janet Gamache
Your hammer hits the nail. Less urgent, indeed…

Tim

Susan
If there are any copies of MIND FIELDS left, I surely would like to have one. I'm sure that would be much better than Mindfields. thanks!

Powerful Reiteration
Okay, I don't really think there is a rat's ass chance in hell (or equivalent), but I really think we/somebody has to get you off dial-up. There, I said it. How many others before me, I don't know. Their bones lie scattered in a tomb out of an Indiana Jones movie (or something better). And I know this just is not something that is of any importance to you. But I think it would make your life better. Or the Lady Susan's life better. Or at least offers the slimmest of chances that when you click on something it actually responds immediately and you don't have to click on it again because you're not sure whether or not you clicked on it the first time and now goddammit the bloody thing got posted twice stupid internet computer electronic devices hell on earth.

I just want your life to be as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be.

In even the smallest of ways.

Because it matters to me.

think about it

jimmy

PRETEND


I didn't do it because of old age and stuuuuutttttering digits.

Pretend I did it for Powerful Reiteration!

-he

UH....

It's really none of my business, but:

1) "Mr. Right" is a runt with a dick like an old shitake mushroom; and a brain even more shriveled. Don't egg him; he's here today under several pointless anonymities, like all craven, whimpering punks. Used in the sense they use it in the joint.

2) the book is called MIND FIELDS, folks, not "mindfields." Geeezus!

Harlan

REPLY TO MAH BOY, BARNEY

Barn:

Don't fret, pard. Could've had that cover painting from A TOUCH OF INFINITY for nothing, not a cent, free of charge, back in 1957-60 FOR NOTHING. They had it leaning against a wall with a bunch of other Ace Doubles covers they were too fuckin' greeedy&stupid to return to their creators (instead, they stacked 'em in a warehouse for decades), but I DID take the OTHER side of that book: the Ed Emshwiller cover from THE MAN WITH NINE LIVES (aka THE SOUND OF A SCYTHE) and I actually paid Ed $500 for it. More than A.A. Wynn and Don Wollheim had paid him. And it hangs here today, just as beautiful as ever it was. I thought the Valigursky was just fine, but it didn't make me want it very much; and when I saw it in the Heritage catalogue (thanks to someone on this site giving me a heads-up), I called up the honcho in charge of dear gone Jerry Weist's collection, and told him if he wanted to try for a small exchange for something I had here worth more, but didn't care much about after all these years, he should let me know. Just for, i dunno, old times' sake. Never heard back. La-dee-dah. Greedy&stupid lives on, I guess.

So SOMEONE bought the cover from my very first short story collection, and I only wish Ed Valigursky could've seen some of that $5500 (+ buyer's percentage), instead of the Heritage Hogsellers. I hope s/he enjoys it. No, I don't have it; don't need it. I have the Emshwiller.

But thanks for caring, old pal. Yrs. in infirmity, Harlan

REPLY TO MAH BOY, BARNEY

Barn:

Don't fret, pard. Could've had that cover painting from A TOUCH OF INFINITY for nothing, not a cent, free of charge, back in 1957-60 FOR NOTHING. They had it leaning against a wall with a bunch of other Ace Doubles covers they were too fuckin' greeedy&stupid to return to their creators (instead, they stacked 'em in a warehouse for decades), but I DID take the OTHER side of that book: the Ed Emshwiller cover from THE MAN WITH NINE LIVES (aka THE SOUND OF A SCYTHE) and I actually paid Ed $500 for it. More than A.A. Wynn and Don Wollheim had paid him. And it hangs here today, just as beautiful as ever it was. I thought the Valigursky was just fine, but it didn't make me want it very much; and when I saw it in the Heritage catalogue (thanks to someone on this site giving me a heads-up), I called up the honcho in charge of dear gone Jerry Weist's collection, and told him if he wanted to try for a small exchange for something I had here worth more, but didn't care much about after all these years, he should let me know. Just for, i dunno, old times' sake. Never heard back. La-dee-dah. Greedy&stupid lives on, I guess.

So SOMEONE bought the cover from my very first short story collection, and I only wish Ed Valigursky could've seen some of that $5500 (+ buyer's percentage), instead of the Heritage Hogsellers. I hope s/he enjoys it. No, I don't have it; don't need it. I have the Emshwiller.

But thanks for caring, old pal. Yrs. in infirmity, Harlan

Second chances
Well, I got to finish reading my beautiful numbered edition (#20) of THE GLASS TEAT OMNIBUS, and now the book sits in its gorgeous case and is proudly displayed on my coffee table. I love how the gold Leo and Diane Dillon illustration on the traycase glints in the light.

Now, let's see if I can go purchase BRAIN MOVIES....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I found a wonderful computer-animated short film that might appeal to some fans of The Twilight Zone and Bernard Herrmann. It is only 4-minutes long, and you can watch it for free at the link below. It is called "Swing" by Tim Granberg. This short film uses excerpts from Bernard Herrmann's achingly beautiful score for that Twilight Zone episode called "Walking Distance"(still far and away my favorite episode); however, I would say the short film is more closely thematically linked to the episode called "Kick the Can." The particular recording of the score in this short film is the one done by the Seattle Symphony, conducted by Joel McNeely.

http://www.pocketmovies.net/download/swing

bad writing is hard on the knees


Gods!! I’ve just saved myself from the awfullest thing of a book; the most dire and haphazard quagmire of words, sentences, paragraphs and chapters I’ve ever sat in front of. How in the name of a slovenly reader did I persevere through those broken pages in the first place? In the second place I’m done with it before it ends, and any accidental second-rate piece of genre trash is going to read like Faulkner compared to that, that...telephone book I just eluded. I hate it when that happens. Visual jibber jabber! Ack!! And I PAID for that!

I am reaching for Tim Powers even as we read this, as second thoughts inform me that second-rate won’t work. I require the literary equivalent of evening primrose oil. Aah.

DTS-Right there with you mate. Had my MRI today. Mostly boring except for the Springsteen cd they played for me. (They had bluegrass too, but I’m thinking I am merely a LIVE bluegrass fan.) But the knee, yeah. Been down three weeks, not prettily.

Bob Homeyer-That killed me.

Harlan Ellison is so often right that I simply ignore what’s left, because when he is right he is SO right as to create a new direction. And HE was never righter than the day he set me toward Fritz Leiber. Good grief, such wild rides Fritz hath hosted, with many cats. Mayhap I reread “Smoke Ghost.” That one gave me the yibbers.

Barney, I like the way you talk.

Mindfields HC
Like many others, I only have the softcover. I would like to reserve one if possible.

Mindfields
Susan, if ou have any copies left, I would love one as well, inscribed if Harlan is willing. Thank you!

JOE WEHRLE, JR.

Geezus, Joe!

Good to hear from you.

70!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember you when you were a kid, just like me.

And I STILL love that Big Little Book you created, for me and for everyone else.

How's Punxatawney Phil, you olde farte?

Much affection, Yr. Pal, Harlan

P. S.


The dust jacket illustration of that 1957 Gnome Press book by Fritz was done by a kid in art school who is referred to on the inner dj flap as "Lionel Dillon." It was, and to this day, is my dear friend LEO DILLON, half the sumptuous art-famous duo of LEO & DIANE DILLON, whose work, if you don't know it, you should rush to your electronic moronicus and seek out. Or look at, on more than half of my books; for whom they have done the covers; or my slick magazine stories, for which they have done more than half of the illustrations. My home's walls sing with Dillon originals! If you own one, you own the world.

There is more than enough adoration in some parts of this universe for Fritz, for Leo, and for Diane, to whom I spoke today.

Right, Arnie?

-he

REPLY TO MICHAEL MILLER

re: FRITZ LEIBER

I don't quite know how to answer your question directly.

Perhaps one of Fritz's biographers would be better at this chore than I.

Simply put, Fritz Leiber was the firmament for me. Not merely as a writer, but as a man. Simply put, we knew each other quite well; he was far older than I, knew more of the universe than I; and had much to say to me. I listened...as a chit of paving stone waits for the sound of the raindrop to fall, waiting stupidly for the sound the impact it knows will be made. Simply put, I loved him with all the fervor that I could, or now can, muster.

There is a photograph on my personal "wall of fame" here at the house, that when I go up to my office, I look at every day, as I climb the Art Deco Staircase where it prominently hangs. Here is what is in that photo. It will not answer your question.

Fritz and I have both won large awards, which are on the table
between us, and we are sitting there, our hands clasped on the tablecloth, looking into each other's face, smiling, chatting, and all I need know of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser (since I bought TWO SOUGHT ADVENTURE in 1957 in the Gnome Press hardcover 1st edition, for $3.00) is that he was the gentlest, most congenial, somber sometimes, jovial and gracious always, good-with-an-epee (because we dueled) savant and gentleman I have ever known. Deponent swallows hard, eyes moist.

Simply put, sir, to say that I would have crawled on hands and knees through broken glass to the 8th and Inner Circle of Hell just to bring him a moist towel for his forehead, is to write so ovwrblown and bloviating that my dear Fritz would tsk-tsk me.

I have no idea which was whom, as you ask. But.

To me...

One of us was one, hoping to be as good as the other. The other was already both, and better than anyone else.

There was Fritz Leiber.

And there was no other.

I'm sorry I cannot do better for you. It was a lovely question; and I still miss him every day.

Respectfully, Harlan Ellison