Underwater Microbe Invasion

Perhaps it is not an invasion, but it is surprising. A while back I posted about a huge biomass living 1.6 kilometers beneath the sea floor. Well, these are not the same critters. But they are just as interesting. While scientists have not ruled out whether they prove the existence of a shoggoth or Ubbo-Sathla, researchers have decided that these sturdy micro-organisms do account for nearly one-tenth of the biomass on Earth. That is one HUGE biomass. And while these critters are living on a geologic timescale - meaning they live for several centuries - it seems they do interact with the environment. Quoting one of the scientists involved in the investigation:

These microbes influence the Earth's long-term carbon cycle and also these microbes may be quite ancient.

So what's the big deal about such small things? Other than the vast quantity, researchers are now suggesting that similar creatures could live in other locations in our solar system - citing Jupiter's moon Europa as one of the many potential locations (these worlds belong to you, except Europa - quote from the novel 2010).

For those following this sort of news, predicting life on Europa isn't new. Really, it is probably a "safe bet." It is an icy body in space with what is believed to be a sub-surface ocean. So beneath that ocean surface could be lurking the elusive shoggoth.

The Big Lebowski - 10th Anniversary Limited Edition

If you're a fan of the film "The Big Lebowski," then there is a chance you know the 10th anniversary is arriving, and so is a special re-release of the film. I'm spoke with many people who have not seen them film - thinking it was about bowling - only to learn that they enjoyed the film after watching it. In the past, my argument is that the film isn't about bowling. Yet, the new re-release has the DVDs in a bowling ball case. Okay, I still hold my ground. It isn't about bowling. In fact, it is pretty much about everything but bowling. It just so happens that the Dude (Jeff Bridges) enjoys bowling - it is his Zen.

The new release is a limited edition (at least in the bowling ball case), and includes a 2nd special edition DVD. If you're into the brevity thing, then the DVD can be purchased at 1/2 price without the special case.

If you haven't seen this film, and don't intend to purchase the DVD, then at the very least, rent it. Watch it with an open mind. And then re-watch it to find all of the clever aspects. Even figure placement (the characters and how they are staged) is playful. Of the three key characters in the film, one is always on the "right" one is always on the "left" and one in the "middle." Oddly, there seems to be some political banter that goes with these characters. Of course, all of them are caricatures - hyperbolic. But that is what makes the film entertaining. Among the various aspects of the film are two characters named Lebowski. One seems to be a left-0ver hippy, and the other a successful businessman. There is more to both of these characters than the fact they share the same last name. Naturally, this mirror-reflection trick speaks volumes in the film.

Yes, there is bowling in the film. This seems the be the route that the film company has taken to promote the film. But The Big Lebowski is much more than that. I won't say he's a hero, because what's a hero? But sometimes there's a man. And I'm talking about the Dude here. Sometimes there's a man who . . . he's the man for his time and place, he fits right in there - and that's the Dude.

Opening voice over from the script:

A way out west there was a fella,
fella I want to tell you about, fella
by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At
least, that was the handle his lovin'
parents gave him, but he never had
much use for it himself. This
Lebowski, he called himself the Dude.
Now, Dude, that's a name no one would
self-apply where I come from. But
then, there was a lot about the Dude
that didn't make a whole lot of sense
to me. And a lot about where he
lived, like- wise. But then again,
maybe that's why I found the place
s'durned innarestin'.

Unusual Characters in Pulp Cthulhu

It has been a while since I posted about Pulp Cthulhu, so I thought I'd throw another item out there. The artists are working furiously, and hopefully things will all meet at one point soon.

While at Gen Con, the editor of Game Trade Magazine, Andrew Smith, handed me the August issue (#102). I happen to have a column in this issue about Pulp Cthulhu. In fact, the article includes a rare look at one of the unique character options available in the game - a Human Hybrid.

I cannot show the entire article, so I'm including a snippet. The complete stats are including in the article, with some interior art from Pulp Cthulhu by the artist Gwabryel. What is depicted in the article is a feral Deep One hybrid. These are fierce creatures/investigators, who have difficulty controlling their transformation. Yes, players can be hybrid humans, but you wouldn't like them when they are mad . . . or insane . . . or having a bad night.

Eugenics - A Recovered History

While I was at Gen Con, I passed by the Indiana State Library and Historical building. In front of the building was an interesting sign (both sides displayed here). For those who drop by my blog with some frequency, you'll know that I often discuss the American Eugenics program. This was a series of state laws passed in the early 1900s that forced sterilization of the "unfit," and also (in some states) required tests to prove adequacy for marriage.

So what does that mean? The interpretation varied, but basically, the various state laws were designed to improve the overall "stock" of humans by sterilizing those who appeared inferior. Naturally, the amount of money earned was a clear choice as a genetic trait that needed to be culled from the human species. So "pauperism" was deemed genetically inherited, and the poor were typically sterilized to prevent from adding to the gene pool (although genetics where not yet understood). Over the years, many methods for determining the "unfit" were found. One of the cornerstone books published in the late 1800s was often cited. Lombroso's The Criminal Man - although the book dealt with both genders. Lombroso did a study of "criminals," looking for physical attributes. And he believed he'd discovered quite a few. He published his findings in a book - sometimes making the eyes darker in photographs to enhance the effect - and the world had a photographic catalog of criminals. If you're interested in some of the traits Lombroso found, read most any H. P. Lovecraft story that has a character "degenerating" into a monster. I also have a post on Lovecraft and eugenics: American Eugenics and H. P. Lovecraft

There are many reasons why these laws passed in the United States, and it is surprising that it lasted until the 1970s before they were repealed. This was a case where tens of thousands of Americans suffered forced sterilization because it was believed they would reproduce "unfit" offspring. Another popular book that influenced this movement was The Passing of the Great Race, by Madison Grant. This book would later be described by Adolf Hilter as "his bible." Of course, fans of Lovecraft might also notice a common name "The Great Race of Yith" (an advanced race, threatened by a flying cancer of sorts -Lovecraft termed them "polyps"). Of course, Lovecraft wasn't the only author influenced by the eugenics craze. Many authors dabbled in similar writings. If you get a chance, Read Dashiell Hammett's The Degenerate. It uses Lombroso's theories to speak to the issues of criminality.

This is a large topic, so I'll leave space for later.

Getting Into Anthologies

Because I edit a number of fiction anthologies, I'm often asked about how one gets into the anthologies. There is a bit of a trick - not really a secret, though. At one time, I used to do open calls (and I still do for some anthologies). However, open calls produce millions of words of reading. Yes, that many people submit to anthologies. I enjoy the variety, but sometimes responses bounce, email addresses change, or submissions are overlooked. When you consider the volume of stories coming in electronically and by post, there is room for all many of mishaps.

To help manage this, as of late (last couple of years), I've taken to posting queries on my blog. The last time I did this was about a dark fantasy anthology. These posts are not open calls. Why? Because, if I made an obvious post, someone would submit it to many of the wonderful market services, and I'd have countless submissions. And beyond having numerous "subs," many of such submissions are off topic. Many writers have ready made tales that border the requirements of an anthology. This results in increased submissions that are not really focused on the theme of the book I'm editing.

The result of all of this is that I post seemingly rhetorical questions about topics, and the writers who are interested in the topic typically email me with a story, or ask about writing for the anthology.

Oh, I also mention anthologies in my newsletter. Writers often get a head start by reading that.

Perhaps you're wondering why am I mentioning this? Won't it defeat the purpose of this strange system I'm using? Or, if you're one of the writers who knows, you're saying, "Shhh...don't tell everyone." :) Well, the truth is, I do tell most everyone. And mentioning it here won't undermine the tactic because I still don't post all of the information about the anthology - which keeps it from appearing elsewhere. My main motivation for mentioning this now is the number of emails I've had over the last week or so, asking about getting into anthologies. I figured I'd simply make a post to let everyone know.

Other methods of getting into one of these mysterious anthologies is by my contacting you. Sometimes I read a story by a writer, enjoy the story, and find a match with the style with what I'm working on. I also try to bring in a few new writers whenever I can.

This probably leans to the question: Are you about to mention a new anthology. :) No, not right now. I do have a few in the works, but they are mainly full. If a determined writer is interested, that shouldn't keep the writer from emailing me a query at the least (for existing anthologies). Most importantly, keep an eye out for any cryptic messages. Or, the less cryptic version of, I'm editing anthology X (that one is easy to figure out).

Time to stop typing. I'm at Gen Con, and I need to be somewhere else. If you're at the convention, and you run into me, ask me about my latest anthology. :) Or just say "Hello!"

Fun Friday

Sure, the title is hokey, but I just made it up, and I thought I'd post something to have fun with.

I pulled some song lyrics from the Internet, and I thought I'd post them. The purpose is to interpret what they mean - or not mean. The song is "Nowhere Man," by the Beatles (really a John Lennon song). So, I do think there is something to be gleaned from these seemingly strange lyrics. If it was what Lennon intended, I don't know. But that doesn't make the interpretation any less valid - so long as it is anchored in some coherent reasoning. I'll hold off on my comments and let the lyrics brew for a bit. I will say that I think it might have something to do with identity and who we are.

Nowhere Man

He's a real nowhere Man,
Sitting in his Nowhere Land,
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.

Doesn't have a point of view,
Knows not where he's going to,
Isn't he a bit like you and me?
Nowhere Man, please listen,
You don't know what you're missin',
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command.

(lead guitar)

He's as blind as he can be,
Just sees what he wants to see,
Nowhere Man can you see me at all?

Nowhere Man, don't worry,
Take your time, don't hurry,
Leave it all 'till somebody else lends you a hand.

Doesn't have a point of view,
Knows not where he's going to,
Isn't he a bit like you and me?

Nowhere man please listen,
you don't know what your missin'
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command

He's a real Nowhere Man,
Sitting in his Nowhere Land,
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.

Books in the Mail

One of my favorite surprises is an unexpected book in the mail. This week I was lucky enough to get two such surprises. One was Queen of K'n-yan, by Asamatsu Ken; the other book was Degrees of Fear and Others, by C. J. Henderson.

I must admit, the books were anticipated, just not expected (there is some fun with semantics). I had the pleasure of reading Queen of K'n-yan before it was published. In fact, I've been waiting for it's publication to post a review. For now, let me state that it is a delightful and horrifyingly Lovecraftian novel. After my previous post, I confess that I did endorse the book, as did Brian Lumley, so I'll just quote the words from the back cover:

"Asamatsu Ken's Queen of K'n-yan is a fascinating story, and as Darrell Schweitzer states in his Introduction, it is indeed a fine Cthulhu Mythos novel..." -- Brian Lumley

"Original, dark, graceful and chilling. Asamatsu Ken understands the genre, and delivers a compelling novel." -- William Jones

If you read the "blurb's," then you'll also know that there is a great Introduction by Darrell. If you enjoy Mythos fiction, this is a novel to read.

As for Degrees of Fear and Others, this is a collection of C. J., and story commentaries (short paragraphs before the story). The stories are fun to read without the commentaries. Certainly read the book. It has Lovecraftian tales, and other tales of horror.

The surprise with this book was the cover change. My website has one of the early versions, and as it turns out, it was swapped. I like this cover very much. I had to scan it, as I couldn't find an image online. Well, if I had more time, I'm certain I could have found one.

Both of these books are delights and elegant. Take a peek at them.

What About Blog Reviews?

I've seen a number of posts along these lines over the last few weeks, so I thought I'd pose a question about the topic - particularly since I just sent my column to Game Trade Magazine about Ken Hite's and Andy Hopp's new book Where the Deep Ones Are.

Many folks as of late have been wondering if blogs are challenging traditional review sources. With the abundance of blogs on the Internet, reviews in newspapers and magazines could become less significant. Or have they already? This includes reviews of films, books, music, and most anything that can be reviewed.

Think of how easy it is to find a review of anything on a blog. Are these reviews competing with the traditional sources? Reviews are abundant on the Internet from many "official" review sites. But it could be argued that the difference between a blog review and a review from traditional source is that the traditional source has a reviewer with credentials of some sort, while the blog is a fan/reader/blogger. Well, that's how the discussion goes: fans reviewing VS established reviewers.

A word that usually creeps into this conversation is "democracy." My only concern with the use of this word in this topic is that "democracy" is a charged word. If I were to call blog reviews the "democracy of reviews," fewer people are going to say "Hey, democracy is bad in reviews." :) I'm not entirely sure that label fits here, so I'm going to avoid it now that I brought it up.

I think the crux of the issue comes down to fans reviewing as opposed to traditional reviewers. Is there more trust in one or the other? Certainly the traditional outlets are feeling the pressure as newspapers and magazines drop review staff.

Hmm, I think I just wrote a review of reviews.