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Kentucky Book Fair - I don't understand

The 2012 Kentucky Book Fair begins today in Frankfort, and, well, I'm not sure if anyone knows or even cares. The idea of a book fair in Kentucky certainly appeals to me, as it should all book-lovers.

Back in 2006, I submitted "The Developers" for a spot in the fair, but I was declined. I assumed I submitted late, or perhaps there just weren't that many spots. However, after seeing photos of the actual event, and noticing the lack of media coverage, I thought that maybe it just wasn't very big and no one actually attended.

Election wrapup

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama

The U.S. elections are finally over, and either you're elated, frustrated or somewhere in between (maybe your guy/girl won the big race, but that bond issue for building a life-size replica of the Millennium Falcon in your basement didn't quite make it). Following the races, specifically the presidential race, on TV, the web, Twitter, etc., was a somewhat dizzying experience. With the electoral votes changing rapidly, the election almost seemed like a basketball or football game, with continual highs and lows as the totals were revealed.

"The Developers" giveaway on Goodreads

I'm currently giving away 15 copies of my first book, "The Developers," on Goodreads. The giveaway ends in December, but sign up now so you'll be registered to win. I'm planning on doing a giveaway with "Corporate Ties" as well, so that you can stock up on Christmas gifts!

The ultimate hiking companion

There are a few things necessary when starting out on a long hike, regardless of the weather. You need a good pair of shoes, possibly boots. You need something to drink, most likely water. And finally, you need a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. Even the folks at the New York Times realize this!

IDs chipped at Texas schools

Sure, you could argue that attending a public school essentially excludes you from having privacy. But is it really necessary to add tracking chips to IDs for San Antonio students?

From the Archive

Find your favorite meaningful (or meaningless) quotes

They say a random quote is like reading obituaries from an 18th century newspaper on the other side of the world. The information is worthwhile to someone, but probably not the person actually reading it.

All right, so I made that up, but regardless, meaningful, unique quotes can be difficult to come by, unless you are perusing Food for Thought. The site is billed as "A Collection of Heretical Notions and Wretched Adages compiled by Jack Tourette."

Read just about all of 'The Developers' online

I recently noticed that Google Books has revamped its search and functionality. While it appears that you still cannot be yelled out by a real-life librarian, it does look as if you can read many books, including "The Developers," via your web browser. Check out the book here.

Figs are fun

figs are fun

It is really remarkable that after writing online stories for 25 years, I have a topic today that I’ve both never written about and something I know more about than almost anything else.

That thing is figs.

How did we get to this point? My uncle had a fig tree in his backyard, and we lived at his house 16 years ago. Coincidentally, my father-in-law also had fig trees, so when we bought a new house 14 years ago, we accepted a gift of a fig cutting and planted it in an auspicious backyard location.

Gift ideas never out of season

For some people, Christmas is the time of year that

most people never want to end. More importantly, Christmas

isn't over until you've gotten every item on your wish

list.

At first, I thought I had received everything I wanted.

Then I opened some junk e-mail and looked through a

few catalogs to realize all the things I didn't have.

Just another day at the office

I haven't written too much lately about technical support issues, so I decided I would tell you a little bit about a normal day here at the office.

First off, I think I have the second-biggest office in the place, behind the publisher. But that's only because I used to share an office with my boss, and he's not here anymore. There are four computers (two G4s, an iMac and a PC), six monitors and six chairs. I try not to use them all at once, but sometimes, I can't help myself, especially during puppet shows.

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