Crimson Screams

2007: The Year in Literary Horror

Thu, 15 May 2008 01:23:23 GMT

A little late, I know...I found this summation online. The good folks at Fright.com had nothing but nice things to say about Apple of My Eye. This makes me very happy!

Back on the Information Superhighway

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:19:47 GMT

Five days of being cut off from the online word has come to an end. I didn't think I was gonna make it, but this is my crazy week at work, so I was at the office late and managed to get a quick fix. The Internet and I are tight. I'm an Online Editor, so Web sites are like my second home; being locked out for so long was frustrating.

It turns out there was an outage in my part of Brooklyn that Time Warner claimed to know nothing about. How reassuring...I did get them to credit my account for $8--I'll try not to spend it in one place.

I called my landlady from work a few hours ago to see if she would be home tomorrow night because I had a Technician scheduled for a visit. I'm a relic, when it comes to TV--I still use rabbit ears--I won't get cable until I absolutely have to in 2009--that's also when I'll treat myself to a sleek state-of-the-art flat-screen TV--mine is a gigantic relic with, **gasp** a picture tube!

I must go now. I have lots of Web sites to update and stories to send to Editors. I just wanted to let you know I'm not dead...

I Haz No Interweb!!!!

Sat, 10 May 2008 17:48:28 GMT

When I got home from work last night, I planned to update my Web sites. Time Warner had other ideas. My cable modem went offline; I was unable to reboot it on my own. I tried 6 times before calling Tech Support. They're sending a technician to fix/repalce it next Wednesday night. Ugh! I am in production next week, working on the 5-19-08 issue of Vision Monday, so that mean's I'll be working late. Monday night and Tuesday night so I can leave a little early on Wednesday night to be home before the Tech arrives...

I am going to call Time Warner later and have them credit my account for the 6 days I'll be offline...

On the bright side, I did finish revising a story; of course I can't e-mail it to the Editor until I'm back online...

My life is never dull...In fact it's downright complicated!!!

I'm visting my parents on L.I. this weekend; tomorrow being Mother's Day and all--that's the reason I'm online now.

Amy

Iron Man Rocks!

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:01:52 GMT

OMG, I saw Iron Man last night and was blown away! Robert Downey Jr. rocked. The suit was magnificent. This is a great way to start summer movie season. Go see this movie now!!! It's great eye candy with substance!

Great ready for Iron Man 2 swooping into theaters in 2010!

Get Some Fresh Finch...

Mon, 05 May 2008 23:24:07 GMT

Look for my story, "Fresh Finch," to appear in the Pretty-Scary.net anthology! I'll post the cover and the TOC as soon as they're available!

Colorful Candles

Sun, 04 May 2008 21:16:22 GMT

While researching a story scene, I consulted Google Images for pictures of candles. Here's one that fits my story perfectly.

I may even order some of these colorful candles--I have never seen colored flames before! I'm partial to the red and purple.

Got me Some PinkBerry

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:40:25 GMT

So I finally tried PinkBerry last night. I had a medium original with Fruity Pebbles, Mango chunks and raspberries. The yogurt was tart, not at all what I had expected, but I'm hooked, so I'll defiantly be back for more!

Get Infected

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:34:56 GMT

It starts with the triangles...

Being a Horror Writer myself, it takes a lot to scare me--I may seem like a pleasant person, but I'm really twisted--I see the world through crimson colored glasses--noting but carnage, as far as the eye can see...Scott Sigler not only shares my distorted vision of the world; he piqued my interest on page one and held it ‘til the end.

Infected really got under my skin—not an easy feat—with an interesting blend of horror and science fiction that really made me stop and think. The non-stop action combined with wry humor made me laugh at beautifully twisted descriptions. Sigler has created a visceral dystopia where ordinary people evolve, becoming paranoid killers, grandmothers, mothers and one Perry Dawsey, a force not to be reckoned with—his insatiable desire to set things right at any cost when his world is turned upside down is morbidly fascinating. He noticed several triangular growths on his skin. At first he thinks it is just a rash, but he is infected. That funny-looking mole could be cause for concern...

Time to Check Your Peeps...

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:18:55 GMT

Check out VM WebTV for more fun videos like this one!

Sweet

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:58:02 GMT

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sweet, mellow, and easily satisfied.

You don't like anything too intense and dramatic.

Deep down, you're a kid at heart... and you're nostalgic for the past.

You are mellow, spiritual, and philosophical.

You are a true humanitarian. You enjoy helping people.

Your heart can be too open at times. You sometimes over-extend yourself.

You love new adventures and activities. You enjoy living a full life, even if it is chaotic.

You feel lost when things are quiet. You rather not think... you prefer to just do!

The Chocolate Oracle

Back from NY Comic Con

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 01:42:28 GMT

Well, when I arrived yesterday, I thought I would be sharing a table with a few other Authors, hocking my wares, but the folks at Fearsmag.com forgot I was coming, so there was no room at the table, which disappointed me, but I did check out two neat panels: 85 Years of Weird Tales and The History of Animation. I won a copy of Weird Tales; The 21st Century, an anthology featuring a bunch of Authors I know—that was a nice surprise.

The Exhibitors didn’t really interest me, cuz comics aren’t my thing…Today the Javits Center was mobbed. I spent two hours at the table selling Apple of My Eye and various assorted magazines that showcase my work. I sold a lot of what I brought, so I left happy! I did manage to meet up with joshuagee and a few creative types he knew for a late lunch at Burgers & Cupcakes on 35th Street and 9th Avenue. I had a juicy, rare burger and a red velvet cupcake. Both were mighty tasty, but they didn’t put my cupcake on the bill, probably because the server almost didn’t bring it...

Tag Time

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:24:47 GMT

I got my tax refund the other day. My Accountant saved the day. I got a nice chunk of change back and have decided to treat myself to a TAG Heuer watch. My bother and sister-in-law and my bother bought each other watches for their wedding. I have always admired these timeless classics.

My current watch is from Kenneth Cole and has a blue face; it is nine years old, so it owes me nothing--I've chanced the battery twice and the leather band twice. Maybe my fancy new watch will help me land a rich guy...

Gorey End

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:44:22 GMT

What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?

You will be sucked dry by a leech. I'd stay away from swimming holes, and stick to good old cement. Even if it does hurt like hell when your toe scrapes the bottom.
Take this quiz!

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Bed Sandwich...

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:47:27 GMT

The trade show was very stressful...There were many technical glitches, like the database eating my slide shows on two separate occasions...Which resulted in me missing the company party at Bowlmor Lanes, as well as most of my Manger's Awards Ceremony at Top of the Rock, though Mary and I did get to congratulate Marge, who was radiant while we tossed back a Cosmo in the ultra-hop space, complete with two awesome terraces!

My bed at the Crown Plaza was decent; after all it was king size, but one night Mary and I worked so late that I had a bed sandwich for dinner. We finished at the Javits Center after 10:00PM. Then we wandered around the building with a clueless security guard. Only when I suggested he use his walkie-talkie, did someone else point him to the only open door, the employee entrance. He brought us down through the dimly lit basement, which reeked. I tried hard not to retch. When we got back to the hotel, Mary asked if I'd like to join her for dinner, but I declined--I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I ate that late...I had a bed sandwich instead...

One the bright side, I found a pair of really cool, green metal frames I'll be getting at a considerable discount; the lenses will be ultra high tech, cuz I've got connections!

Killing Time...

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:35:22 GMT

The trade show is going well for the most part, we had some technical glitches last night, but these things are bound to happen. I'm waiting for the other editors to bring photos back so I can build today's slide show.

I took a personality test while I waited. Here are my results:

My Personality


Neuroticism	23
Extraversion	97
Openness to Experience	77
Agreeableness	0
Conscientiousness	88

You very rarely feel depressed and are usually in a good frame of mind, however you are not generally self conscious about yourself. You like crowds but sometimes feel overwhelmed by them. Sometimes you feel like you need some privacy and time for yourself. You like the security of tradition, but sometimes have a desire to bend the rules and challenge conventional thinking. You will help others if they are in need. If people ask for too much of your time you feel that they are imposing on you, however you believe that a certain amount of deception in social relationships is necessary. You are guarded in new relationships and less willing to openly reveal the whole truth about yourself. You have strong will-power and are able to overcome your reluctance to begin tasks. You are able to stay on track despite distractions.

Take a Personality Test now or view the full Personality Report.

The best Buying Pet Gifts.

Really Big Show

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:56:01 GMT

So I'm off to a trade show for work April 9th - April 13th. On Wednesday night after I get settled in the hotel, I plan to be a tourist in my own town and eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company; afterwards, I plan to go to check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not! I have to get up very early on Thursday to have breakfast and catch a cab over to the Javits Center with my boss. The other days there will be a shuttle bus, but it will probably take me longer than my usual 30 minute subway ride from Brooklyn to the office in SoHo...The company is putting me up in the swank Crowne Plaza and I do get an expense account for meals, so it's almost like a working vacation.

I will be online for a bit tomorrow night. I haven't been away from my computer this long since the last trade show I attended in Las Vegas. Six days away from the keyboard is almost unfathomable, between my Web Work and my Writing, but it's something I must do...I'll see you on the other side...

My Accountant Called

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:04:11 GMT

Maybe it’s just an odd coincidence, but five minutes after I posted about my Accountant dragging his heels, he called to go over my taxes. I’ll get getting a $1042.00 refund and a $600 stimulus check in May. So my Accountant is in my good graces again and I can afford to buy myself something nice!

How Taxing...

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:59:08 GMT

I called my Accountant this past Friday to see if he finished my taxes yet...My taxes have never been done later than March, ever...The first year he did my taxes they were completed before the end of March and I had my refund before April 15. I met him the third week in March to give him all of my paperwork, my W-2 and client invoices; I e-mailed him all of my expenses in two handy spreadsheets at the beginning of March, one for my Writing and one for my Web stuff.

I told him I will be at a trade show for work April 9 - 13 and will not be available to discuss my taxes during that time at least three times...I called him a little while ago to see if he was done yet. He told me he got caught up in some other things. Huh?!?! WTF!!! I'm one of his clients...I might have to fire his lazy ass after he does my taxes and I pay him. I'm much too busy to be calling my Accountant to see if he did his job. I am many things, but babysitter isn't one of them!!!

Most of my friends got their refunds weeks ago...

Sleepin' Good

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:47:51 GMT

A few weeks ago I splurged on 620 thread count sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I had a 20% discount coupon, so I had no qualms about treating myself...I finally washed them last weekend and slept on them for the first time last night. Maybe it's my imagination, but I slept more soundly and had some really sweet dreams. I don't get enough sleep, so I pamper myself whenever I can!

New York Comic Con April 18 - 19, 2008

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:24:52 GMT

I'll be attending New York Comic Con April 18 - 19, 2008 at the Jacob K. Javits Center
to promote my collection Apple of My Eye.

I hope to see you there! I'll sign just about anything if you buy my wares...

Going Postal...

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:32:51 GMT

Last night after work I went to see the NYC Premiere of Postal, directed by Uwe Boll at the Tribeca Cinemas. The theater featured a bar, but I was really tired and snuck in my own soda, so I didn't get anything. The screening was packed, one of the event organizers but Joe Mauceri, let me in! Joe is awesome!

Uwe Boll was there to introduce the movie. He's a really wacky guy! The movie opens with two of the 9/11 terrorists arguing about how many virgins will be waiting for them in heaven...Hilarious! I laughed the entire time! Do yourself a favor and check out Postal when it's released in May.

My subway goes above ground in Brooklyn for a few stops; when the train emerged the rain pounded it. Some of the trains are older and it rained so hard the water seeped into the car. The rain wanted in...One of my co-workers told me there was a tornado warning last night. Yikes!

The Origins of Grech

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:57:39 GMT

Everything you wanted to know about Grech but were afraid to ask...Note the scorpion...

The origins of the surname Grech appear to ultimately lie in the Latin word "Graecus" meaning "Greece." Thus the surname Grech denotes "descendant of the Greek." Malta's relations which Greece and Greek culture goes back to ancient times. About 1000 B.C. a Phoenician colony was established on the island. In the year 736 B.C. the Greeks who called their colony Melita occupied them. During the division of the Roman Empire in 295 A.D. Malta was awarded to the Eastern Roman Empire and came under the rule of the Byzantine Emperors of Constantinople. One of the earliest references to the surname Grech, in its original form, is a record of one Joannis GRIKAS who was recorded in the year 1131.

The surname Grech has long been associated with the nobility of Malta with bearers of the name having their own family coat of arms, as described below. Notabile bearers of the surname Grech include Rev. Mgr. Salvatore Grech-Delicata, a descendant of Pietro Cassia, third baron of Ghariexem and Tabie who died in 1686. The above mentioned Monseigneur was left a legacy by the 3rd Baron which bore a "Name and Arms" clause so the prelate petitioned the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese nobility for permission to use the designation "dei Baroni Cassia." this was a practice, which the British tried to stamp out unsuccessfully. The committee upheld the request of the Mgr. Grech-Delicata.

He was not so successful in his efforts to obtain the title of Baron of Budaq (he had been nominated by the 5th Baron of Budaq). This nomination was overruled in 1885 and the title went to Giuseppe De Piro.

Blazon of arms: Azure between two scorpions or; a tree ppr; and on a chief sable; three mullets of the second.
Crest : A ducal coronet.
Origin: Malta

Web Design Rap

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:03:10 GMT

Coding made simple...

See for yourself:

I loves me some coffee!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:25:33 GMT

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

Running on Fumes

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:09:14 GMT

A few weeks ago, there was a report on 60 Minutes about the perils of sleep deprivation. According to the report, the Science of Sleep, we need at least 8 hours of sleep every night to stay healthy and fit. During the week between work, writing and updating my Web sites, I get 6 hours per night and 9 or 10 on the weekend--I've gotta catch up sometime.

I have noticed that I tend to eat more when I don't get enough sleep, that's probably I could stand to loose a good 15 pounds...The study also said that if deprived of sleep for prolonged periods of time the body can develop Type 2 Diabetes...

Watch and learn...