This Rough Magic

 Apparently November is not only NaNoRiMo, but also NaBloPoMo. Gee, maybe I'll do both. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hah!

 
Hubby has finally created an Official Site -- check out ariberk.com! Lots of pretty pix, links to his books and writing, and surprises. If you're a fan, he'd also appreciate your linking to the site -- good for the Googling, y'know!

More on the topic of the "new" Shakespeare portrait:
Sadly, I have to admit I'm more convinced by Katherine Duncan-Jones' identification of the portrait as Sir Thomas Overbury than by Stanley Wells' argument that it's a "life portrait" of Shakespeare. We'll never know for sure, but Jones makes a very persuasive case. See (and read) for yourself:



That's the "new" portrait on the left, Overbury in the middle,  and the engraving of Shakespeare from the First Folio on the right.
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article5931174.ece

P.S. He's sharing the list with the likes of Nikki Giovanni, David Almond, and Lois Lowry! Fine company indeed.

Excellent news for fantasy fans -- Realms of Fantasy magazine has been purchased and will continue publication! 
See save_rof  for details. Long live print!

  

Stanley Wells, eminent Shakespeare historian, will present evidence tonight that leads him to believe that the "Janssen Portrait" is indeed one painted of Shakespeare a few years before he retired from the stage. Great news if true! Handsome devil, isn't he?

Here's a meme via miep  that we all can handle - short-answer! Fill it out and post your answers in my comments. Instant friendship!
1. Can you cook?
2. What was your dream growing up?
3. What talent do you wish you had?
4. Favorite place?
5. Favorite vegetable?
6. What was the last book you read?
7. What zodiac sign are you ?
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
9. Worst Habit?
10. Do we know each other outside of lj?
11. What is your favorite sport?
12. Negative or Optimistic attitude?
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
15. Tell me one weird fact about you:
16. Do you have any pets?
17. Do you know how to do the macarena?
18. What time is it where you are now?
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
22. What color eyes do you have?
23. Ever been arrested?
24. Bottle or Draft?
25. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew?
27. What 's your favorite bar to hang at?
28. Do you believe in ghosts?
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
30. Do you swear a lot?
31. Biggest pet peeve?
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
33. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?  

The cutest video I've ever seen that doesn't involve a baby or cats: two Chicago anchors amusing themselves during a commercial break. I want to be their friend, because they are totally awesome!

You can also find a version set to music here.
Thanks to Shakesville blogger Liss!

I was so pleased and honored to become the co-editor (along with hubby) of the "Folkroots" column in our beloved Realms of Fantasy Magazine last Fall. which has featured articles in the past by Terri Windling, Midori Snyder, Ari Berk, and Phil Brucato.

Alas, Realms has announced its imminent demise. Newsstand sales haven't been enough to keep it going, and this wonderful source of new and exciting fantasy fiction and media coverage has just put out its final issue.
If you're a fan, you can help by subscribing, of course. The editors are currently trying to think of ways to keep Realms alive in some incarnation, perhaps online -- and are looking for ideas from readers. Check out the "Save Realms of Fantasy" LiveJournal page at http://community.livejournal.com/save_rof/. 
Facebookers can also join a Save Realms group here:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1021865867116&mbox_pos=0  

 "I have enjoyed greatly the second blooming... suddenly you find - at the age of 50, say - that a whole new life has opened before you."
-- Agatha Christie