The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Squeez Bacon in a Bottle

My editor/mentor/friend and Best Selling Author Kristen Lamb started a trend this week of giving me +K on Klout about Bacon. Several others followed suit, and this week’s End is Near is my expression of gratitude. Thank you for associating me with the choice gastronomic delight of Mt. Olympus.

So many uses, so little time. *deep sigh* I’m betting this will be a post-apocalyptic staple along with Twinkies and Spam.

Announcements, Blogs, and Articles in No Particular Order

Speaking of bacon, the awesome Prince of Prose and Porcine Delights, Ryne Douglas Pearson, now has his books Confessions and All for One available in audio. Also, watch for his new release, Cop Killer, later this summer.

New York Times Best Selling Author and Heckuva Guy James Rollins released his latest Sigma Force novel, Bloodline, this week. In it, war dog Kane and his handler join the Sigma Force team. Watch for an interview with this outstanding author  here with Bayard & Holmes on Monday, and click on this link for James Rollins’ Bloodline Tour Dates. Don’t be shy. Stop in and say hello. He’s a very nice man.

Jenny Hansen hosts Kasey Matthews, author of Preemie: Lessons in Love, Life, and Motherhood. Inside the Life of a Preemie Parent

As my son says, “When life gives you lemons, say ‘screw this’ and go get a steak.” Susie Lindau knows where to find her steak where the weather is concerned. I Am So Hot! and Dancing for Rain! A Colorado Wildfire Photo Essay

My friend and high school classmate Bob Farkas sent me this spoof on espionage which isn’t entirely a spoof. Tradecraft at The Covert Comic, by John Alejandro King.

Great advice for writers who are experiencing ‘white out’ from International Best Selling Author and Graceful Lady Vicki Hinze. White Out–When Writers Blank Out on the Page

The funny and clever zombie advocate, Shantnu Tiwari, reports that Zombies Demand Equal Pay and Rights.

Facebook’s New ‘Find Friends Nearby’ Feature: Creepy or Clever?

I found this kind of cool. Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman created this giant Rubber Duck that measures nearly 12 meters high as part of his Rubber Duck Project in 2009. Since then Hofman has taken the Duck around the world to float it down rivers and other major international water-ways. No doubt it baffles people, but I’m guessing it brings on lots of smiles.

As Hofman says, “The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate (against) people and doesn’t have a political connotation.” It just makes people smile. This video was taken in Osaka, Japan where rubber ducks are apparently quite proliferous.

Okay, fess up. Will you be trying the Squeez Bacon? 

All the best to all of you for a week of simple smiles.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Miss Hooker Beauty Pageant

Miss Hooker Beauty Pageant

Yes. It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a beauty pageant for members of the world’s oldest profession. Charlotte Laws reports on the event in her blog for The Huffington Post. Miss Hooker Beauty Pageant: Naked Facts About Women and Equality

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

Best selling author Kristen Lamb found out the advantages of Twitter when her community was beset by tornadoes this week. Twitter & Twisters – A Life-Saving Combination

It’s the hottest game in town, and Marcy Kennedy caught the fact that one important line was missing. The Missing Hunger Games Line

Best selling author Larry Enright released an exciting new apocalyptic novel, 12/21/12. You can find it at the Larry Enright Amazon Page. While you’re there, check out the review by another of my favorite authors, Ryne Douglas Pearson. Ryne is possibly the most eloquent author I know, and even reading his book reviews are a real mind soothing treat.

Historical fiction author and publishing attorney Susan Spann is writing a brilliant series to educate us about the A – Z of publishing that every writer needs to know before plunging in. She started with A is for Agency and is now up to E is for Exclusivity. A must read.

August McLaughlin gives us a most helpful update on the new changes to Pinterest, a playground for the visually oriented. #Pinterest: How to Pin Without Getting Arrested

Thought the threat to our internet freedom went down with SOPA? Not a chance! Check out CISPA, which, like Grendel’s mother from Beowulf, has even uglier potential, making our government partners with web sites to spy on us. Even Worse Than SOPA: New CISPA Cybersecurity Bill Will Censor the Web Via Andrew Kincaid.

This is a hoot! Peeps on Television: 20 Shows Starring Marshmallow Peeps by Mental Floss.

Grandparents Rock! Kathy Owen shares ten reasons why grandparents are the best, along with a video of an old couple that’s sure to have you grinning.

Pro Soccer Player Wipes His Booger on a Child’s Face. Just to warn you, this video is seriously disgusting. Do not watch it if you don’t want to see a gross out that makes middle school humor seem pleasant. My esteem for American football players just went up ten notches.

Nigel Blackwell avoids controversy in a most hysterical fashion. A Non-Controversial Sockumentary

Super Blogger Leanne Shirtliffe pointed out Play Date Waivers: A Bizarre New Trend in Parenting.

Love this super fun video of a wild river otter and Rio the backyard beagle. Perhaps we should recruit them to teach our country (and our world) about peaceful co-existence.

What do you think of the Miss Hooker Beauty Pageant?

All the best to all of you for a week of feeling pretty.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Man Adopts His Girlfriend as His Daughter

Billionaire John Goodman adopted his girlfriend as his daughter. And it gets worse. He seemingly did it to protect his assets from a law suit in a drunk driving case.

Soooo . . . Can he now be arrested for incest?

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

For those of us who remember Soul Train, Barbara McDowell writes a tribute to Don Cornelius, who passed away this week. Love, Peace, Soul, & Silence. My thanks to Barbara for the tip about John Goodman.

New York Times Best Selling Author and Heckuva Guy James Rollins released an updated description of his upcoming Sigma Force novel, Bloodline.

Best Selling Author and Angel of Awesomeness Vicki Hinze shares her wisdom in Interviewing Tip: Focusing Your Remarks. Watch for her visit to Bayard & Holmes  on February 22.

For Immediate Release: Author Bryan Thomas Schmidt Joins Madonna in No Nipples Policy. I can only say I’m relieved after reading this funny posting.

Jayrod P. Garrett asks the question, What do I Need to do to be Black Enough?

Laird Sapir stirs up trouble with Grudge Match: Seuss v. Slim Shady. Who gets your vote?

 

Julie Glover provides us with Six Ways to Say, “You Spineless Weakling.”

A critical question today. Who Owns Your Personal History? via Lonny Dunn at ProNetworkBuild.

Spring isn’t so far away, and K.B. Owen gets us started with Backyard Gardening.

Catie Rhodes steps into the creepy world of Celebrity Ghosts.

 

I have long said that everything I need to know about writing I learned from belly dancing and Kristen Lamb. And James Rollins and Vicki Hinze and Ryne Douglas Pearson. Jill Kemerer explains How Choreography Helps a Scene as she visits P.W. Creighton’s blog.

Shawn Hopkins holds Part 1 of The Magnificent 7 Interview Event with such esteemed authors as Ryne Douglas Pearson and Larry Enright.

I am deeply touched by Maxwell Cyn’s blog about his son, Joshua, a 21-yr-old diagnosed with acute T-cell leukemia in December. There are ways that we can help Joshua and his family at A Life-Changing Event – Leukemia.

An Amazing Moment from the always real Chaz at One Direction Forward.

Finally. The perfect beauty solution.

What do you think? What should we do with this Sugar Daddy and his Little Darlin’ daughter?

All the best to all of you for distinguishing between your spouses and your children.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Santa Loses Reindeer in Ohio

Poor thing. Now wonder this one doesn’t lead the sleigh.

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

New York Times Best Selling Author and One Heckofaguy James Rollins gives folks on Facebook a sneak preview of his next thriller, Bloodline. Check out his new characters, Tucker Wayne and his war dog, Kane. Sneak Peek at Bloodline, a Sigma Force Novel

James Rollins’ sister, Carrie Czajkowski, takes her turn at writing, too, telling us about the Holidays at Home with James Rollins.

Seven Swanson’s Swimming

The clever author Larry Enright’s My 12 Days of Christmas. This guy’s a hoot! You can find his best selling books at Larry Enright.

Ryne Douglas Pearson has a virtual twin named Ray Allman, who just happens to write a very fun Christmas story. It’s a great short read, and only $ .99 on Kindle. Get a Good Tree or Die Trying

And a special holiday promotion from another of my favorites, Vicki Hinze. For the next four days, her book, Beyond the Misty Shore, the first book in her Seascape Romance Series, is free on Kindle. Download your copy at Vicki Hinze, Beyond the Misty Shore.

Not every author is lucky enough to have a family that supports them in their career choice. Marcy Kennedy talks about What to Do When Your Loved Ones Want You to Quit writing.

Ghosts of Christmas Sweaters Past. 16 Christmas Sweaters that Make Santa Puke Nog

The Need for Speed. Santa visits Nigel Blackwell and leaves a guest post as an early present.

Got a story to pitch? Jami Gold is holding a pitch session at her blog, and the editors from Entangled Publishing will be watching. Write Fiction? Why You Should Try a Short Story

And this Santa was in the right place at the right time. Santa rescues a man from a burning car.

Energy crisis? Nonsense. Wildpoldsried is a German Village the Produces 321% More Energy Than it Needs.

Great sounding gluten free recipe for Butternut Squash Fries from Kait Nolan, author of the awesome YA novel, Red.

My love of my Ozark granny drew me to this excellent post by Catie Rhodes. Folk Magic: Appalachia

Many of us are struggling with passing on old family recipes at this time of year. Jenny Hansen shares her trials and triumphs with Almond Roca. She also shares her recipe.  When Candy-Making Isn’t So Sweet

 Most Epically Awful Videos of 2011: Even Worse than Rebecca Black

This is a stunning dance that incorporates the beautiful visual of blue LED lights. Pas De Bleu.

Throughout the last week of this year, we will bring you some of the beautiful or just plain wrong videos of the season, returning with written blogs on January 2, 2012.

All the best to all of you for a Merry Solstice Christmukkah, and a Happy New Year.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Michael Jackson’s Hair to be Made into Roulette Ball

Online gambling website, OnlineGamblingPal.com, announced it will be having a bit of Michael Jackson’s hair made into a professional standard roulette ball. They are already soliciting bids for the novelty item, just in case you’re interested. Only a few more shopping days before the holidays.

All together now. . . . Eeeww! . . . Click here for the full article: Michael Jackson Memorabilia Fail: Gambling Site Turns King of Pop’s Hair into Roulette Wheel.

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order 

The Bayard/Lamb 2012 Campaign Blog Tour is stopped off at Myndi Shafer’s blog this week. The Foxie with Moxie Pair Answer this Question: What’s Wrong with this Picture? Find out what the Foxie with Moxie Pair have to say about pizza as a veggie and great uses for Granny’s pills.

Great news! My friend/editor/running mate and best selling author Kristen Lamb is offering her unparalleled course on blogging. Join this Class or the Pixies WIN

Two of my favorites in one place. Donna Newton’s 30 Second Interview with . . . Ryne Douglas Pearson. Ryne isn’t just a genuinely thoughtful, terrific friend, he is also a novelist and screenwriter, with such credits as Knowing and Simple Simon, the book that the movie Mercury Rising was based on. You can find his work at his website, Ryne Douglas Pearson.

In the world of Cute, ferrets are getting a bit of competition from a snoozing baby seal. I’m sure it’s only temporary, though. A report from my presidential opponent, Samuel Clemons. Snagging My Gig

In case you were wondering, Erik Klemetti, assistant professor of Geosciences at Denison University, clears up this pressing question. The Right (and Wrong) Way to Die When You Fall Into Lava

And don’t despair if you’re outbid on the hairy Michael Jackson roulette ball. Stacy Green has some unique and eccentric gift ideas. Glovers for Lovers

Speaking of seasonal shopping, Mark Kaplowitz asks, Remember When You Couldn’t Buy Things Online?

Another awesome installment from Nigel Blackwell about flight and the sound barrier. Not the Only Game in Town

A look at America, India, work, and the meaning of education through the eyes of a thoughtful young Indian gentleman from Calcutta, Vikash Pandi. Ohh, America

Merry Farmer discusses the power structure of England during the Middle Ages. Who’s In Charge Here?

Chaz questions our human tendency toward legalism at his blog, One Direction Forward. Legalism

Alicia Street asks a question near and dear to my heart. What Makes You Dance?

Today, I want to introduce you to one of my favorite dancers, Sonia. Sonia is an awesome lady with some outstanding moves. Yes. I can do this. But since I’m at least 20 years older than Sonia, I will concede that it looks better on her. She dances in the Boulder/Denver area, and you can find her at her website, Sonia Belly Dancer.

What do you think about Michael Jackson’s hair being made into a roulette ball? Would that be a Michael Jackson hairball?

All the best to all of you for keeping your hair in place.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End Is Near (and we deserve it). . . . D.C. Cops Jail Drivers for Expired Tags

Auto Owners Beware — D.C. Cops Throw Drivers in Jail for Expired Tags, AAA Cries Foul

By Judson Berger

Published October 05, 2011, FoxNews.com

“Accounts from those who’ve been locked up suggest it is not just a tactic designed to give police an opening to hassle and root out bona-fide criminals. Townsend said in one case, police arrested a mother on her way to pick up her child from school, with her younger child in the car. In another incident, a D.C. resident on his way to meet up with his girlfriend was arrested and forced to spend the night in a series of holding cells.”

Click here for full article.

Seriously? Like they don’t have any real criminals in D.C.?

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

The wife of a fallen Navy SEAL lost his wedding ring during a flight from Deer Park, Texas to Washington D.C. She notice after her connecting flight in Charlotte, N.C. If you are in any of these areas, please read this article and keep an eye out. This lady is devastated. Wife of Fallen SEAL Hopes to Find Wedding Ring

As I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, Steve Jobs died this week. Love him or hate him, it would be foolish not to learn from him. We All  Can’t Be Steve Jobs by Ryne Douglas Pearson.

image from imcdb.org

Generally, a cool car doesn’t get my attention for long, but Nigel Blackwell’s blog pulls me in. Holy Smokes Batman, It’s the Lincoln Futura

Writers’ Gains from Whole Grains. August McLaughlin explains how your diet can affect your creative abilities.

And speaking of eating, any idea what the “food” really is? Ellie Ann gives us a clue. GMO’s and Underwater Tomatoes

Jenny Hansen has been running a great series about pregnancy. In this blog, she talks about how things don’t always go as we hope, and how we can help our friends when they suffer a loss. Risky Baby Business: When Pregnancy Goes Awry

For you gamers out there, Ted Henkle has Pass and Review: Figures in A Touch of Evil. Terrific pictures of this board game.

Dr. Elizabeth Boskey brings us important information about HIV transmission and contraceptives in her article, What’s the Mechanism, Jim?

You may recall that in our review of You Only Live Twice, Holmes and I recommended that if you want to see real espionage drama, go to the UN and attempt to stay awake. Spy Games Come to New York for the UN General Assembly

And speaking of spies and drama, James Rollins has a new video out for his bestselling book, The Judas Strain. Check it out below. And if you missed it the first time, check out our interview with him, in which he reveals his new characters coming up in his next Sigma Force novel. It’s only here, folks.

Have you seen any amazingly cool cars lately?

All the best to all of you for a week of avoiding overzealous police.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Fake Texting Girlfriends

For a fun time (and a fake girlfriend), text this number

By Rosa Golijan

“This service is called FakeGirlfriend.co — no, there really isn’t supposed to be an “m” after the “co” — and it’ll provide you with a fake girlfriend who’ll send text messages and even call you.”

Click here for the full article.

Ok, guys. If you’re using this service for any reason, that reason, right there, is why you don’t have a real girlfriend.

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

I’m honored to be a guest blogger over at Writers In the Storm today. How Writers Learn What They Need to Know is about my guinea pig journey from hubris to humility.

This one is entirely too true for comfort. Top 10 Writing Distractions by Meredith Jaeger.

Screenwriter and author Ryne Douglas Pearson shares Wise Words from My First Agent. Great advice!

Fun blog by K.B. Owen that gave me the same feeling I got the first time I read Jeff Foxworthy. You Know You’re a Mystery Fan If . . . .

Dolphin Tale: Behind the Scenes. Clay Morgan brings us special footage of Winter the dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium where the movie was filmed.

Winter the Dolphin, image from winterthedolphin.webs.com

Samuel Clemons brings us some darling footage of baby bears playing in the road at Yosemite as their mother looks on unconcerned. Bad Mommy!

A wonderful comparison of Warrior Goddesses by Kate Wood.

Are those butt-toning shoes really toning your buttocks? Reebok Settles with FTC Over Butt-Shaping Shoes

Doritos to be Sprinkled Over Creator’s Grave

A Canadian man who enjoys his own social networking. Canadian Man Friended by Thousands from 4,800 Messages in a Bottle

In the spirit of fake girlfriends, check out this commercial. But I have to warn you. If you keep clicking on  the videos, they start to get a bit racy.

What do you think of the Fake Girlfriend service?

All the best to all of you for a week of keeping it real.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . “Schweddy Balls” is Now an Ice Cream Flavor

Next they’ll be coming out with “Betty White’s Muffin.”

Holmes: “Now, that’s in poor taste.”

Three Posts Regarding Yours Truly

The Power of a Swift Kick. Guest post at Renee Jacobson’s blog about the teacher who kept me from being the queen of a double-wide with five kids and four baby daddies.

A tribute to my first crush. An amazing young man who took me from crayons to perfume. The world is darker for losing you, Gregg. At Gregg’s Piano. Guest post at David Walker’s Thoughts & Ideas.

Kristen Lamb explains how Social Butterflies Trump Worker Bees on Social Media – Meet the Connector. My special thanks to Kristen for this blog. After reading it, a couple of my tweeps dubbed me with the moniker “The Connector” and promoted a hashtag for me. Now, I post all my follow recommendations to #theconnecter hashtag. For those of you on Twitter, you can’t lose with those tweeps. Check it out. Note it’s spelled with an “e” rather than an “o” though. The “o” was taken.

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

Catie Rhodes asks What is Beauty?

Speaking of which, Nancy Upton entered American Apparel’s “Plus Size Model” contest as a joke and won. Check out her story at My Big, Fat Photo Spoof.

Nancy Upton, photo by Shannon Skloss

Every wonder who’s seeing your tweets? Greg Pincus explains it in Who Can See My Tweets? – A Case for Wikipedia Brown.

Have you got Klout? Raising Klout Score 4 Points in One Day from Lonny Dunn at ProNetworkBuild tells us how it matters, and how to get it.

Brilliant read from Ellie Ann. Interview with Joe M. Monks: First Blind Director. Seriously. A successful blind director. This guys proves the power of focusing on what you can do.

The eyes have it. What Your Characters’ Eyes Tell the Reader by Steven Aitchison at Donna Newton’s site. Very helpful read for “show, don’t tell” writers.

Jenny Hansen’s Coffee-Snorting Video Clip of the Week . . . Christian Panties. This one had me ROFL.

This one is in honor of my tweep, Ryne Douglas Pearson. Ryne is an awesome screenwriter and novelist, and you can find his books and blog at Ryne Douglas Pearson. He’s also a true bacon aficionado. He teaches me about bacon and about spelling the word, “aficionado.” Top Ten Bacon Scenes on the Big and Little Screens by Chuck Cotton.

This is a riot. What to get your favorite lady for Christmas. Dear Santa. . . I’d Like the NEW Hitch Stripper Pole by Natalie Hartford.

image from shop.tailgatingideas.com

Sorry. I’m going to totally make you cringe with this one, but I couldn’t pass it up. A gentleman in China went to a fashionable spa and came out with a little more than he paid for. Eel Removed from Man’s Bladder. Not for the faint of heart!

I’ve seen a lot of hate in the media this week. Enough to wear me down a bit. This story, though, gave me hope. You should know that the gentleman these brave folks saved suffered several broken bones, but he is alive as of the time I write this. Click here for the print article.

All the best to all of you for giving the help you need.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Dog Eats 10k In Loose Diamonds

Some jobs are just dirtier than others. Like the country western song says, Some Days Are Diamonds, Some Days Are . . . Well, it’s close.

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order

Great blog by renowned novelist and screenwriter Ryne Douglas Pearson that hits the nail on the head. I think this should be required reading for all writers when they sign up for their Twitter accounts. Writers & Twitter: They Call It ‘Social’ Media For A Reason

Once upon a time, Red Riding Hood fell in love with the wolf.  It ended badly…

Kait Nolan has a great new twist on the old Red Riding Hood tale in her newly-released novel, Red.  Now Available: RED .Keep an eye out here for an interview with Kait in September.

A funny, honest blog by the lovely winner, author Susan Bischoff. My Husband Says I Can’t Spell Discipline, or How I’ve Been Failure’s Bitch

Think your writing sucks? Check out Kate Welshofer’s report on the Bulwer-Lytton Contest. Kate’s writing doesn’t suck. Her writing is excellent. But the Bulwer-Lytton folks will have you patting your backs. Congratulations. Your Writing is the Worst.

My first blogger friend was Dr. Steve Wiggins, a professor of Religious Studies and lecturer at Rutgers University. His credits are as long as an Academy Awards acceptance speech, and he’s one of the nicest folks on the internet. In his blog Just Druid Again, he reviews the non-fiction book, The Druids and brings up how the Celtic influences on Christianity were at odds with the Church of Rome. Fascinating stuff.

Ok. I just love Chuck Norris. Truth is, I would take him over either one of the Old Spice Guys, and here’s why. . . .

You know, this article is absolutely mezmerizing, but I just can’t decide what I think of this idea. Do You Suffer From Decision Fatigue? I think it’s saying that if I eat more donuts, I’ll have more willpower. I think I just decided to have a donut.

Mapping the 2010 U.S. Census. This website shows a map, and as you move your cursor across it, it displays the racial demographics of each county in the nation. Very fun and informative.

At Funeral, Dog Mourns the Death of Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan. . . . The dog gets it.

I just thought this video was incredibly cool. It’s actually an ad for STA Travel Australia. They sent three guys around the world for six weeks and put together this one minute video of their travel pictures.

The End is Near (and we deserve it). . . . Salon Owner Takes Robber as Sex Slave

My good Twitter friend, Samuel Clemons, the world’s most charming narcissistic ferret, scooped me on my The End is Near today.

I encourage you all to read about it in Sammy’s own words at Sarcastic Sam, where we find out just how Sam’s infamous Uncle Freddie plays into this whole scenario. I also recommend following him on Twitter at @Samuel_Clemons.

Female salon owner keeps robber as sex slave, feeding him only Viagra

By ANI | ANI – Wed, Jul 13, 2011

London, July 13 (ANI): A Russian man who tried to rob a hair salon got more than what he had bargained for when the female shop owner, a karate black belt, overpowered him, stripped him naked, and for the next three days, used him as a sex slave to ‘teach him a lesson’ – force feeding him Viagra to keep the lesson going.

Click here for full article.

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

I predict Olga will get a book deal and be cast as a villain in the next Bond film. Victor will join the John Wayne Bobbitt acting company and star in films with Rosie O’Donnell.

Blogs and Articles

An interview with Yours Truly about my cowgirl days. Ellie Ann Soderstrom had a chat with me in conjunction with the release of Cowboys and Aliens. I’d like to think it was the Western aspects that made her think of me rather than the alien themes. An Interview with a Cowgirl, But No Alien

Happy Anniversary, You Things from Another World, You! Dorian Tenore-Bartilucci brings us a blast from the past with The Thing from Another World as part of the Monster Mash Blogathon.

Check out the visuals on this one! Definitely need to get some travel plans going. 13 Beautiful Gardens from Around the World from The Grow Spot.

Two of my favorites in one place. A guest blog by Clay Morgan at Kristen Lamb‘s site. The Pain of Resetting–Loving Your Novel. . . . Even When It Hurts. I’m sooo relating to this one.

Great blog by the awesome screenwriter, novelist, and bacon aficionado, Ryne Douglas Pearson on why his writing rules. . . . I mean his writing rule. Here’s a guy who shows us how it’s done. My Writing Rules

What Urban Legends influenced you? The Urban Legend: Fact or Fiction? Fun, excellent read from Donna Newton.

Ever notice how your pets just seem to know things, especially when you’re not feeling well? Great post by Amy D. Shojai published on Huffington. Why Pets have ESP When It Comes to Health Crises

Rachel Beckwith wanted to raise $300 before her 9th birthday to help bring water to poor countries. She was $80 short when she turned 9 in June. Last week, she was killed in a car accident, but seed she planted continues to grow. 9-Year-Old Girl’s Clean Water Wish Takes Off After Her Death 

And to wrap it up today, I can only say I hope Olga took the advice in this hysterical commercial. . . . Word of advice: Keep your volume down for this one.

Do you think Olga should be prosecuted? Or do you think the robber got what he deserved?

All the best to all of you for a week of beautiful gardens.

Piper Bayard–The Pale Writer of the Apocalypse