1. Supermodel Fallen On Hard Times International Model Adriana Verladelia needs your help! As a widely sought after supermodel she does not get out of bed for less than $5000 a day. However, with the recent economic downturn and companies cutting back in various ways, Adriana is in desperate need of shampoo, summer-appropriate heels, and food and water for her shih tzu, Foofa. “I actually haven’t seen Foofa in several days, my housekeeper says she probably escaped through a window but I’m sure she’s just staying in her doggie bed out of loyalty to my cause.” For just a small contribution, you can help – don’t wait, time is running out!   2. Support Your Favorite Show Do you love Game of Thrones? Of course you do! Now for the first time ever, HBO is offering fans of the show the opportunity to be involved on a whole new level! With rising production costs, subscriptions and advertising dollars just aren’t cutting it. If you would like to see everyone’s favorite sexily violent fantasy world continue to grace your televisions, please donate today. Only a Lannister would not be moved by this predicament. So dig deep, and be a part of television history! [Actual involvement not guaranteed]   3. Help Me Help You. Hey all, Simon here. You guys know I’m always there to lend a helping hand to my friends in need. I mean, where would I be without you guys? My talented, ambitious friends mean the world to me. And man, you guys sure have been ambitious as of late. Film projects, music projects, art installations, you name it! Wow. I’ve been so proud to support all of your Kickstarter campaigns with words and dollars! I really want to continue to show you...

Heyo! If you’re coming to this page from our home site, you’ll notice that we’re working on a new look for Fierce and Nerdy. So if you see something, you absolutely love, can’t stand, or feel is missing, please let us know. We hope to have the new design all firmed up by Monday. Meanwhile, here’s some good old-fashioned procrastination to get you through the weekend. Cheers! etc 1. Sad but true, here are 8 reasons you’ll probably never be able to upload your mind into a computer. The most interesting obstacles: the hard wall issue of transporting your consciousness into a new body and uh, how would we go about testing this ish out? [i09, “You’ll Probably Never Upload Your Mind Into a Computer] 2. I’m always complaining that not enough private vendors use/know about the Square payment device. But apparently Silicon Valley doesn’t have that issue. Even the sex workers there are using the clever device to accept payments these days!  [Gawker, “Sex Workers Are Using Square For Tech Clients and Business Is Soaring”] 3. Our friend Delia Hauser is doing pregnancy so much better than most–especially me. She’s even put together a genius system for keeping her and her husband in food and snacks for the first month (way harder than you think if you’ve never had kids). Definitely worth clicking through if you’ve got a baby on the way. [Martha Stalwart, “Frozen Food Month! (or two)”]  4. I love this list of Best Day Jobs for Screenwriters. Wish I’d had it when I moved out here to write. [GalleyCat, “What Are the Best Day Jobs For Writers?”] 5. Ugh! I promised myself that I’d never, ever seen another Ryan Reynolds movie after he chose the awful GREEN LANTERN stall out over the...

“No one ever erected a statue in honor of a critic.” Whenever I hear that quote from now on, I’ll think of Roger Ebert, who finished this lifetime yesterday and should definitely have a statue put up in honor of his brilliant, brilliant mind. I wish he could have stayed with us forever. That all honored, let’s procrastinate on this: 1. Speaking of brilliant minds, soon-to-be-mom Delia Hauser from Martha Stalwart pointed out to me that I needn’t have bought an expensive pumping bra. I could just cut two holes in an old running bra and voila, hands-free pumping. I tried this at home, and I won’t post a pic, but I will say it totally worked! So heads up to other pumping moms. 2. As someone who just had to use our emergency fund to pay a much higher than expected tax bill, I loved this friendly reminder about how it’s more important to build your emergency fund than pay off all your debt. [The Simple Dollar] 3. I also loved, loved, loved this defense of using current music in historical movies, citing the peasants rocking out to “We Will Rock You” in the (in my opinion) way underappreciated A KNIGHT’S TALE: Imagine if this scene had had music that was appropriate to the period. It would sound to our modern ears like ye olde lute music, and would result in a kind of Disneyland feeling. But by using Queen’s anthem “We Will Rock You,” and incorporating it into the action (the peasants are actually clapping and singing along), we are suddenly electrified with the knowledge of what a jousting event really would have been like in the 1400s. It was a fucking rock show, people. It was not ye olde dancing and funny...

Whatta week! I’ve been cleared for exercise and I’m doing a No Sugar Detox until April, so I’ve been ping-ponging between lots of energy and focus and … well, something akin to non-specific rage. Basically, it’s like going through withdrawal, but meanwhile I’m kicking ass on my ToDo list. But enough about me, lets crack open this week’s batch of nerdy procrastination! 1. Why am I, the queen of all gummy bear addicts, ditching sugar all of sudden? Well, last week my sister introduced me to, HUNGRY FOR CHANGE, a fascinating documentary about the way we eat and diet, and it really inspired me to a) never ever go on another diet-diet, and b) ditch the sugar. I’ve been eating as much as I want of good foods all week and I mostly feel awesome save for the sugar withdrawal symptoms. If you don’t have Netflix streaming, click through to watch HUNGRY FOR CHANGE for free on your computer. But hop on it soon, the film will only be available until the end of March. [HUNGRY FOR CHANGE Screening Event] 2. Since this is from THE ONION, this advice is probably meant to be a joke, but unfortunately, this is how many of us pursue our dreams in real life. Read it and laugh…or groan. [“Find The Thing You’re Most Passionate About, Then Do It On Nights And Weekends For The Rest Of Your Life”] 3. As a “zafty” “bookwright” and “spermologer,” I’m wondering why these wonderful “Englishable” words fell out of favor. And I’m determined to bring back “Wonder-wench,” which is so much more clever than it’s boring counterpart, “sweetheart.” [Jezebel, “Are you a Spermologer? Find Out With 18 Obsolete Words That Never Should Have Gone Out of Style] 4. Find out what your Facebook...

I can’t believe my first week back from maternity leave has already passed! Today I’m finishing up the first copyedit of my second book, THE AWESOME GIRL’S GUIDE TO DATING EXTRAORDINARY MEN: a novel (click through to pre-order), and I’m also gearing up for my first night out unaccompanied by a member of my newly-large family. So yay, maybe I’ll get back to being even halfway interesting soon. Meanwhile, here’s a whole bunch of procrastination, just because I love you. 1. I often tell folks that it’s easier to date if you’re a writer, because you’re already used to rejection and things not working out as planned. I also believe that rejection makes you a much better artist; therefore you should go out there and accrue as much of it as you can. However, Tayari Jones explains why rejection is good for the writer’s soul much better than I do, so definitely click through. [The Best Way to Get Over Rejection? Get Rejected More Often] 2. This post about a now-stalled possible spin-off for ONCE UPON A TIME’S Mad Hatter character reminded me how underused some of OUAT’s most interesting characters are. Here’s hoping they give my favorite character, Mulan, an episode of her own someday soon. [The Mary Sue] 3. Read these “20 amazing facts about the human body” if you want to be fascinated and possibly somewhat disgusted by your mortal coil. My fave facts: “On sheer count of cells, there is more bacterial life inside you than human” and “If sci-fi movies were to be believed, terrible things would happen if your body were pushed from a spaceship without a suit. But it’s mostly fiction. There would be some discomfort as the air inside the body expanded, but nothing like the...

Heyo! I’m back! I’m back! And so very happy to be so. Reading nerdy tidbits just ain’t the same without you, dearest readers, and numerical aggregation. Also, I’m back just in time for Woman’s History Month, so a whole lot of fun is about to be had — if you’re a nerd who appreciates women, which I’m sure all of us are. But enough small talk, let’s get to the good stuff! 1. Man, I miss driving our electric car. I had to do an exchange with my husband and now he drives the Chevy Volt while I’m stuck in the much more twins + toddler friendly, Ford Flex. I really can’t wait until they come up with an electric 7-passenger vehicle — or even better — one that drives itself. So this Slate op-ed in favor of electric cars that drive themselves is right up my alley. And yes, I’m obsessed with the subject of self-propelled cars, and will probably find a way to bring it up at least every other month until I get one of my very own. [“A Computer Will Drive the Electric Car of the Future”] 2. The story of why men stopped wearing high heels — basically, they were practical at first for riding a horse into battle and the like, but then they became impractical. But do read the entire story as it’s fascinating. [Jezebel] 3. All artists — especially writers and non-trained actors– should download this body language cheat sheet by psychologist, Carolyn Kaufman, like yesterday. Very useful. [h/t GalleyCat] 4. My remaining twin tummy pooch is out of control, and I need all the shopping tips (and pooch-hiding clothes)I can get until I’m cleared for exercise and can attack it properly. So I really enjoyed...

Hello! Hello, Wonderful People! If I sound a bit more chipper than usual, that’s because I’ll most likely be getting my sitting up privileges back on Monday, when I’ll be 36 weeks pregnant. Huzzah! The only nice thing about being forced to lie down almost 24/7 is gaining appreciation for the heretofore smaller things in life. But enough about me, let’s get into your weekend chunk of procrastination: 1. For your consideration, the 10 worst movies made by 2012 Oscar nominees [Topless Robot] 2. Thinking about asking for a raise or really just interacting with any kind of sales person this year? Then you should definitely read this guide to easily negotiating for anything you want first. [Lifehacker] 3. Sigh. Sounds like both black and white women need to closely vet their therapists: “Therapists tend to view African American women as anxious or phobic while perceiving white women who describe similar emotions and behaviors as sad and depressed. Black women are more likely to be described by therapists as hostile and paranoid, and diagnosis for black women is inclined to be more severe than for white women.”–Melissa Harris-Perry [AfroFuturist Affair] 4. “20 Things Everyone Thinks About the Food World But Nobody Will Say” — clever list, but I wouldn’t be a good East Coaster turned Californian if I agreed with the assertions that New York bagels are terrible and all wines taste the same. [First We Feast] 5. Want your home life to operate, taste, and smell better this year? Then check out these 44 tips and make it so! [Buzzfeed] 6. If you’re feeling a little too up because it’s the weekend, then check out this post, which charts the causes of death in America between 1970 and 2006. That should bring you...

We are soooo excited about presenting our Best of/Worst of 2012 lists over the next couple of weeks, but until then, here’s a whole bunch of holiday procrastination. Happy Holidays! 1. Religious folks rejoice and non-religious folks frown. As it turns out, writing Xmas doesn’t take the Christ out of Christmas: It turns out, “Xmas” is not a non-religious version of “Christmas”. The “X” is actually indicating the Greek letter “Chi”, which is short for the Greek, meaning “Christ”. So “Xmas” and “Christmas” are equivalent in every way except their lettering. [Today I Found Out] 2. Still writing holiday cards and attaching gift tags? How about including a QR code for a free book? Cool, right! Click through to find out how. [GalleyCat] 3. Sorry to double mention Martha Stalwart, but you really should check out her “amazing gift-wrapping” post, too. [Martha Stalwart] 4. Apparently Domino’s Pizza is suing over the Obamacare contraception mandate. Ugh! Pizza Hut, this holiday please give me the present of not taking political stances that keep me from buying your pizza. [Gawker] 5. This list of 10 New Years Resolutions for Writers is fantastic. I especially needed to hear the one about backing up my computer more. [Writer Unboxed] 6. If you have an extra 750 milly lying around, you could always gift somebody with a trip to the moon. [Slate] 7. And talk about happy holidays! Here’s the trailer for the upcoming indie movie, UPSTREAM COLOR, by Shane Carruth, who directed one of my favorite indie gems of all time, PRIMER. I have no idea what’s going on or what it’s about, but I can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t...

So this week, there’s awesome news and bad news. The bad news is that I’m on modified bed rest and hating every moment of it. Last night I had a dream about walking around the mall. I was so happy, then I woke up. 9 more weeks, ya’ll… But the AWESOME news is that not only has Curly Nikki announced the natural hair guide we’ve spent the better part of two years putting together, she’s throwing an amazing pre-order giveaway/contest over at her site. Check it out HERE, and check out the official BETTER THAN GOOD HAIR website for more info on achieving healthy, gorgeous, natural hair before the book comes out on January 29, 2013. Yay! And even better, I still have a ton of procrastination for you this weekend, so check it out! 1. My latest goal as a midwestern raised by a southerner, is to teach my 3y0 daughter how to maintain good table manners without the benefit of an iPhone. Her home game is steadily improving, her restaurant game — well, we’re still working on that. Anywho, here’s “8 Tips for teaching your child table manners.” [Today’s Parent] 2. I’m so grateful that the Anonymous Smithie, introduced me to The Frisky. This article on moving on from as opposed to dwelling on past relationships is right on point. Next! [The Frisky] 3. Take cheer, flu sufferers, there’s a RNA-based vaccine that could wipe out the flu forever, leaving you free to use your sick days for impromptu TV marathon sessions — as you should be. [i09] 4. Speaking of cures, gratitude is a cure-all for all sorts of mental ills. So really, you should practice being grateful all the time, not just at Thanksgiving, if only to benefit yourself. Thanks...

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Technically we’re off, getting our tummy and shopping gobble gobble on until next Monday, but you know I couldn’t leave you without some form of procrastination to get you through the long holiday weekends. I love you too much for that, boo! 1. Here’s a Cyber Monday coupon for the We Love Fine shop, to get your nerdy T-shirts for 25% off. If you go through as many nerdy T-shirts as my husband does, you’re probably pretty stoked right now. [The Mary Sue] 2. And if you, like me, have to curb your book habit because of end-of-the-year shopping for others shenanigans, here’s a handy graphic of Project Gutenberg’s Top 50 Free eb00ks. Click on the pic to enlarge.   3. Speaking of books, looking for an audiobook to distract you from your family this weekend?  Then check out this list of “Best Audiobooks to Distract You from Your Family this Weekend.” I just downloaded THE PASSAGE myself, but um, don’t tell my family. [i09] 4. Apparently, it’s really hard to be a food writer during Thanksgiving. Apparently, Gawker doesn’t agree. Click through for both the whine and the take down. [Gawker] 5. My only Black Friday plans are to eat leftovers and make a list of Cyber Monday sales. But just in case, you want to actually go into the real world to shop, here’s a handy guide for doing so. [My Brown Baby] 6. And, I’ll just, ahem, leave these 10 tips for having sex after a huge holiday meal here. [The Frisky] 7. And of course Sanrio has a Thanksgiving Hello Kitty — obviously. Click on the pic to buy yours for...

Alas, we’ve reached the end of another BOOK WEEK. It’s been oh-so-fun and I can’t  wait to do it again next spring when my own book comes out. Also, we’re off next week for Thanksgiving, but will be back in the brightest of nerdy holiday spirit when we return on Monday, November 26th. Til then, here’s a huge chunk of book-centered procrastination: 1. Need a name stat for that character in that novel you’re writing? Try the Random Name Generator! [GalleyCat] 2. Helen Fielding is going to release a new Bridget Jones album next fall!!!! And it looks like Bridget’s going to be a mom in this one. Yes, that’s the sound of my squeeing my pants. [GalleyCat] 3. Wondering how humans might evolve over the next few centuries? Check out this list of “20 Essential Books About the Next Step in Human Evolution”. [i09] 4. Also, you never know when a Hurricane Sandy-like event might hit your neighborhood, so consider purchasing these “Survival Books to Keep on Your Bookshelf in Case of an Apocalypse.” You might want to also consider getting them in both physical and electronic forms, just in case your house is destroyed and you’re left with nothing but your relatively-easy-to-power-with-a-small-generator-or-crank-radio e-reader. [i09] 5. BTW, we’re going to be posting holiday gift ideas for nerds starting the week after Thanksgiving and going up until the week before Christmas. But just in case you want to get a head start on your list, friend of FaN, Kim Malgrem, has put together an awesome Pinterest board of “Christmas Ideas for Book Nerds.” Yes, please to the $42 JANE EYRE scarf in the featured image. Seriously thinking of looking into doing a custom order for a THE COLOR PURPLE one. [Kim Talks Books] 6. Kristine Kathryn...

Super quick because 1) I’m on deadline, or as I’ve been calling it while turning down invites, writer prison, and 2) Book Week II starts next Monday, and you know how chatty I get during Book Week — aka my favorite two times of the year here at Fierce and Nerdy. 1. I would like to nominate this Sears ad as the best fake trailer for a movie about two bloggers falling in love of the holiday season — so far. Oh, and speaking of the holidays, T.E. is once again doing several weeks of Nerd Holiday Gifts as soon as we get back from Thanksgiving break, so definitely stop by for ideas to cross off your geeky shopping lists. Have I mentioned that I’m REALLY looking forward to not being on deadline? [GalleyCat] 2. Don’t forget, Battlestar Galactica: BLOOD AND CHROME, the prequel webseries, featuring the adventures of a young William Adama starts tonight! [The Mary Sue] 3. Not worn out on politics yet? Check out this fascinating list of “Science Fiction’s Presidents of the 21st Century,” which includes Chelsea Clinton, Malia Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Lex Luthor among others. [i09] 4. As someone who used to cross-stitch a ton in high school — don’t ask — I snickered a lot at this DIY pattern for a “naughty cross-stitch.” [Jezebel] 5. Speaking of being a nerd from a start. I’m not thrilled about the LES MISERABLES casting for the movie version, but the musical theatre nerd I was raised to be (thanks, Dad) can’t figure how to not see this in the...

Whatta week! Whatta week! Election! Deadlines! And one whammy of a Hurricane! Dude, I think we all could use a big chunk of procrastination right now. 1. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. If you’re a parent, especially one who prefers to work outside of the home, you should be embracing some of the tenets of socialism big time. Check out this American mom living abroad in France who says women can have it all — as long as you have access to excellent and affordable childcare — in other words, if you don’t live in the States where this isn’t even a talking point for most politicians. [Slate] 2. This term “running amok,” which we casually use to describe everything from children’s birthday parties to Black Friday sales to New Yorkers searching for electrical outlets after Hurricane Sandy, actually started out as a medical term, the history of which is kinda fascinating. Definitely click through. [i09]  3. Both my husband and my best friend have been on the East Coast all week, trying to navigate career and life in the wake of the American storm of the decade (so far), and yes, this does make sitting and driving around sunny California unimpeded by power outages, public transportation woes, business shutdowns, and generally bad weather feel a little weird. Apparently, I’m not the only one. Here’s one of the few Jezebel writers working outside of New York, talking about the weirdness of not suffering the effects of Hurricane Sandy when so many people you know are. [Jezebel] 4. These 60 NaNoWriMo tips are worth a read even if you’re not participating in NaNoWriMo this year. [GalleyCat] 5. This chyck downsized her life to 100 things. I so want to do this,...

Oh guys, before we tackle the scary stuff, let me just thank you profusely for the outpouring of love and comments since yesterday’s pregnancy announcement. I’m very lucky to know all of you online and off, and you’ve truly made my entire month. But enough about that. Did somebody say Halloween??? 1. Yet another reason to YOLO all over Halloween this year — here are seven signs we are heading for mass extinction. [i09] 2. Instructions for how to make a wolf suit ala WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE for your kid. I’d make one for Betty, except I’m totally not crafty. I’m also afraid she’d spend an inordinate amount of time chasing our cat around with a fork. [Running With Scissors] 3. I hate dressing up for Halloween, but I love, love, love couples costumes. Here are some ideas just in case you and your partner are still trying to figure out what to be for Halloween. [The Frisky] 4. The horror! The horror! Apparently popular people really do do better in life, but only if you’re a white male. So make sure to buy your favorite misanthropic white male a beer this weekend. [Jezebel] 5. No word on robot maids, yet, but apparently they’ve invented a robot that can carve a jack-o-lantern for you. Um, progress, I guess?...

So after saying over and over again that I wasn’t going to dress up this Halloween … I’m dressing up. I’m just hoping my daughter won’t be too freaked out by my bearded Lady fortune teller ensemble. We’ll see. But what are you dressing up as this Halloween? Let me know in the comments. 1. I’d been plagued by nightmares — at least one a week since childhood. But lately I’ve gone down to the adult norm of one per month. I credit therapy, self-help books and not watching as much scary TV now that we no longer have cable — but most of all, I try to either fight back against my attackers/chasers/circumstances as soon as I realize it’s a dream (read about a Native American-spirit animal version of this solve in an old 70s-era dream book) or rewrite the dream once I’m awake (a natural reaction when I don’t fight back in dream, since I’m a writer). As it turns out the rewriting bit, is now on the books as an official technique to ending chronic nightmares. [i09] 2. Just in case you weren’t sure payday loans weren’t evil and designed to bring on your financial destruction, read this firsthand account from a person who used to dole them out. [xoJane] 3. I loved this post about the beauty of raising late bloomers. [Homegrown Mosaic] 4. Sorry, JURASSIC PARK fans. Cloning dinosaurs just ain’t going to happen. [The Mary Sue] 5. Every writer who has any dream whatsoever of being a writer full time, needs to read this post. Every writer who is currently working as a full time or part time writer also needs to read this post. [The Business Rusch] 6. Just in case you were wondering, a lot of...

1. No, I could not be more excited about Issa Rae from MISADVENTURES OF AN AWKWARD BLACK GIRL and Shonda Rhimes getting together to make a TV show called, I HATE LA DUDES. Why can’t it be Fall 2013 now???? Squee!!!! [Jezebel] 2. THE COLOR PURPLE, aka my favorite book of all time is now 30! This got me to wondering how old your favorite books are. [Tayari Jones] 3. GM’s Cadillac division says they’ll have partially autonomous cars on the road by 2015 and fully autonomous ones by 2020. Yes! I’m basically looking at our current ride as Dead Car Driving, because it’ll get dumped so hard by the end of this decade. [Wired] 4. Did you know that the ampersand used to be an official part of the English alphabet? Click through to read its strange & fascinating history. [Dictionary.com] 5. If you really want your Halloween costume to pop, pick up some glow in the dark fingernail polish for $9.99 [pictured]. [Likecool] 6. If you’re as much of a DEEP SPACE NINE stan as I am, you’ll love this list of “10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” My favorite reveal: The show was originally supposed to be a Western ala FIREFLY, but budget concerns kept them grounded on a sound stage/space station set on the Paramount lot. [i09] 7. I’m having trouble deciding whether I’m going to love or hate 43, which is basically SCARY MOVIE meets LOVE ACTUALLY with no horror and A-list actors. What say you? Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV...

1. The trailer for the erotic Lithuanian film, VANISHING WAVES is both NSFW and mind blowing. I haven’t gone to see a film just to look it at for quite a while, but this strange little story just might qualify for the honor. [i09] 2. Why is there a Fifty Shades magazine? Apparently it’s selling like hotcakes. [Literary Marie] 3. But in better literary news, here’s a list of 40 children’s book which feature diverse characters. [Honeysmoke] 4. And here’s a super simple braid out recipe for parents who don’t have a lot of time to fuss with their kids hair. [CurlyNikki] 5. FARGO is being turned into a television series. Yes! I’d totally watch that. How about you? [Gawker] 6. Help one of my favorite book bloggers, Reads4Pleasure complete her “Books: Passports to the World” list. She’ll soon be putting on a reading challenge to read one book set in at least 52 different countries in 2013, but she needs some help coming up with the list of books. Globetrotting through books ain’t easy! [Reads4Pleasure] 7. Sad news for McRib lovers. The boneless wonder sandwich not only skipped summer but also won’t be back until Christmas. Thanks to Ryan Dixon for letting us know the sad news. [The Salt] 8. Just when I think I can’t love Tegan & Sara anymore than I already do, they release this beyond awesome video for their latest single,...

1. The founders of Paragraph, a membership writing space in NYC are considering opening a branch out here. Yes, please, please, please do! And fellow L.A. writers, take this short survey, so the founders can know what L.A. Writers are looking for. [GalleyCat] 2. Apparently the Carnegie Mellon professor credited with the invention of emoticons, really hates himself some emoji. He says they’re ugly and lack creativity. To which emoji answered, ;-p [Gawker] 3. Big thanks to Brian Viehland from ArchitectBlog.org for sending us the link to this total traffic light win. [Cheezburger.com] 4. According to a new study, as gender equity rises, men are caring less about beauty in a potential partner and women less about wealth — which means Intelligence and Compatibility for the win! Yeah, baby! [Time] 5. A trailer for WUTHERING HEIGHTS, starring a black Heathcliff?!?! Oh yes, I will be watching this. [Jezebel] 6. They’re making a GNOMEO & JULIET sequel. Why is this happening to us??? What have we done to deserve this??? Oh, woe is me. [i09] 7. A creepy chair made up of eyeballs, because … well, why not? [LikeCool] 8. Why is it that when the rare film is made revolving around old women, there are always old men in it, but when a film is made revolving around old men — not so much? Latest example, if the EXPENDABLES wasn’t enough, the trailer for STAND UP, GUYS, which features Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin, that one old character actor who has played the baddie in everything from GENERAL HOSPITAL to BREAKING BAD to this movie, and zero women even remotely around their...

Happy Labor Day Weekend, all! In celebration, we will be … well, not working. So until next Tuesday, here’s a bunch of stuff to procrastinate on while you’re also hopefully not working. 1. This advice for fixing your novel seems like it would really work, especially for a genre novel. Unfortunately the title of the piece is accurate to the advice given. “One Simple and Incredibly Painful Way to Fix Your Novel Draft.” [i09] 2. Speaking of advice, if you have as many problems with clothes clutter as I do, you’ll definitely want to click through to get some good tips on keeping your floors clothes-free. [xoJane] 3. And the advice keeps coming. Here’s a remedy for writer’s block/procrastination. [Tayari Jones] 4. I had no idea that my 80s era, fierce nerd crush on Levar Burton still raged on until I saw this interview with him re Reading Rainbow. I’m still in love. (Don’t tell my husband.) [GalleyCat] 5. If anyone else loved THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE by Aimee Bender as much as I did, you will understand why I adore the first photos in this series of quirky self-portraits. Everyone else don’t click through unless you want the book majorly and rather surreally spoiled. [LikeCool]  6.If you like cringing your way through a movie, as much as I do, then you’ll definitely want to check out the red band (so maybe NSFW) trailer for  THE TO DO LIST (original title: THE HANDJOB), starring Aubrey Plaza, Donald Glover, and a lot of awkward...

1. A “Kardashian” is a unit of measure representing 72 days of marriage. So I’ve been married 26.13 Kardashians! Click through to see how many Kardashians you’ve been married. [Kardashian Calculator] 2. Delia Hauser, who planned my baby shower (which was called the “best baby shower I’ve ever been to” by many of those in attendence) has done us all the great favor of breaking down her shower-planning process. Only click through if you want the baby shower you’re planning to throw to be beyond awesome. [Martha Stalwart] 3. Florissant, Missouri, also known as the place where you can’t throw a rock without hitting a member of my extended St. Louis fam, made the list of “Best Places to Live” at #76. [CNNMoney] 4. And here’s “The 10 Best Disney Songs You’ve Never Heard.” Apparently Mustafa originally had a song in THE LION KING. Who knew! [TheFW.com] 5. Author Tayari Jones issues “A Warning Against Self-Sabotage” for her August #writelikecrazy challenge. Run tell that, sister! [Tayari Jones] 6. There really is nothing to watch on TV, so check out this newly updated list of “251 Movies About Writers,” many of which are available on Netflix streaming. And by the way, I’m still dreaming about a LIMITLESS pill — or at least a film version where a fellow working mom takes the pill. Now that would be som wish-fulfillment watching! [Christina Katz] 7. Le Sigh. Childcare is now more expensive than college in most states. [The Consumerist] 8. Oh, and here’s a super huge guide to Fall’s Nerdiest TV shows. Yay, Fall. Seriously I’m so thirsty for good TV. [i09] 9. As a fan of both precocious black girls and butter, I will definitely be seeing BUTTER in theater.            ...

1. Who doesn’t love a nerdy fall movie preview? Myself — well, I’m most looking forward to LOOPER, CLOUD ATLAS, LIFE OF PI, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, THE MASTER, BRANDED, and yes, I’ll admit it, TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN PT. 2. Check out the full list and let us know what movies you’re most looking forward to this fall. [io9 Fall Movie Preview] 2. Author Tayari Jones provides five sexy links to practical articles on writing about sex. Is it getting hot in here or what? [Tayari Jones] 3. It’s good to know I’m not the only one who has grown increasingly suspicious of people who aren’t on Facebook. Apparently potential employers are becoming wary of hiring folks without a social profile, and a few psychologists point out that at least a couple of dangerous people (James Holmes and Norway’s Anders Behring Breivik) didn’t have Facebook pages. So if you’re under the age of 50 and you’re not on Facebook yet, just be aware that you might be creeping folks out — though to be fair, I know of at least two wonderful people without FB profiles who have tons of friends and who have landed really nice jobs over the past year. [Jezebel] 4. Question: why bother with scissors when you can use a piranha? [Piranha Scissors] 5. CH and I watched this strange little series called DARKER THAN BLACK (seriously worth clicking through for the trailer, btw) earlier this summer and vowed we’d seek out more anime — especially since we’re giving up cable when we move to our new house (more on that later). So this list of “10 Anime You Should Watch (And that Are Easy to Find)” is right on time. [The Mary Sue] 6. Oh, hold up now, a romantic comedy that I’m...

It was so amazing to see my home team win the World Series while surrounded by family. Also, I’m still a little fearful of swimming pools since watching the video for DYE’s “Fantasy,” so being the lovely person that I am, I figured it would be a great idea to re-run it during swimming pool season.  Hey Fierce Nerds! I’m headed back to St. Louis for a family visit and what I’m sure will be a fabulous Wine, Wit, and Lit event in St. Charles, featuring a gang of super-amazing STL authors. But I didn’t want to leave you hanging for procrastination on Halloween weekend. Enjoy the below. And, of course…. GO CARDS!!!! etc 1.Want to make your Halloween pumpkin extra special and nerdy? How about carving a mockingjay into it? Here are instructions for how to do that. You’re welcome. [The Mary Sue] 2. If the Hunger Games squash doesn’t light up your stoop, how about slicing up these jack-ass-o-lantern effigies of the FX cartoon spy team from ARCHER. [CableTV.com] 3. Apparently, Ben Affleck has been tapped to direct a movie version of THE STAND by Stephen King. This is either going to be scary-good or scary-bad. [Topless Robot] 4. Still don’t think we’ll eventually be taken over by the machines? Click HERE and HERE. I’m just saying that I hope our future overlords celebrate Halloween. 5. Still looking for costume ideas? Think about going literary! [The Galleycat] 6. Big thanks to French animator, Jeremie Perrin, who uses the old titillate-us-then-terrify-us trick to great effect in this fantastically disturbing video for DYE’s “Fantasy.”...

My supposed break from Procrastinate on This (I think I lasted three whole months before I took it back over), some great advice for living your life well, a Chipolte ad which nearly turned me vegetarian, and yes, I’m still obsessed with the idea of Tayari Jones writing her next novel on a typewriter.    So, sadly, this will be my last Procrastinate on This! I’m going back into writing mode and T.E. will be taking this spot back over as of next week. I know you’ll miss me. Please don’t cry. The good news is that I’m off tour, which means that I’ll be returning to my regularly scheduled blogumn next Tuesday (we’re taking Labor Day off) as opposed to frantically playing catch up. We have some super-great stuff coming up on FaN over the course of September, so make sure to keep your eyes right here, starting next Tuesday. Meanwhile let’s say good bye to summer with a bunch of random stuff from the internets.   1. Wait, wait, wait — chocolate is good for you now??? I’m all over testing out this science. (nom! nom! nom!)  [BBC News] 2. Apparently living in a Red State means you’re way more likely to get divorced. Also, people who get married later or more likely to stay together. Also, the marriage numbers are at an all-time low. Basically you want to click on the link for a whole slew of information from the U.S. Census. [Huffington Post] 3. Tayari Jone, the author of SILVER SPARROW (my favorite novel of the year so far) is going to type her next novel on a pink, 50s-era Smith Corona. Wait, you can like actually write on typewriters??? I thought they were just meant to sit in prominent...

1. Though, I really enjoyed my experience getting an MFA, this is a very good argument about why MFA programs shouldn’t be only about craft. Learning the business of writing is just as important as craft. Actually it’s more important. There are only a handful of authors who manage to make a living off of writing fiction alone, who also don’t have good business sense. [The Business Rusch] 2. I just came off of a deadline and I’m so going to treat myself to a luxurious hot oil treatment this weekend. Fellow naturals definitely want to click through. [CurlyNikki] 3. If you love Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” as much as I do — and really, who doesn’t? — you are going to adore this law professor’s breakdown of the song. Main takeaway: the po-po doesn’t need a warrant to search your car, but they do need probable cause — like something other than you being black or Latino. [The Grio] 4. There’s going to be an Internet Cat Festival in Minneapolis next month. I’m SO hurt that Fierce and Nerdy wasn’t invited. But seriously, click through to find out how to nominate your favorite cat video. [Gawker] 5. The only good thing I can say about paying out-of-pocket for IVF is that  the ultrasounds are plentiful and they monitor you like a hawk. You know that you’re miscarrying within days of it happening, and you don’t have to wait days for an appointment if you suspect you might be losing your baby. It’s the best version of an awful event that you could possibly have. I didn’t realize that until I read this miscarriage story out of Britain. [xoJaneUK] 6. My favorite nerd-girl blog is looking for a new writer/editor. This would be my dream...

About to head out on a road trip, so I’ll have to make this super-quick. But just wanted to say that like many of my fellow writers, I was devastated to hear about the passing of Nora Ephron. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY remains my favorite romantic comedy of all time, and I consider her a sterling example of a writing life well-lived. Having mourned that, let’s get into this week’s extra-large batch of procrastination: 1. Got natural hair? Curly Nikki is looking for your stories! [CurlyNikki] 2. Apparently you really can figure out the whole new Spiderman movie based on all the clips and trailers Sony has been releasing. If you don’t care about spoilers, check out this brilliant 25-minute version of the movie. [Worst Previews] 3. 21 reasons to never have kids. #4 is my favorite. Let me know yours in the comments. Oh, and, to my daughter, if you’re reading this many years later, you know mama kids, honey. I love, love, love you. [Buzzfeed] 4. Here’s a rundown of all the upcoming sci-fi movies that aren’t sequels are prequels, and it is a very exciting list. I want to see almost every movie on it, save, R.I.P.D. — and only because it stars Ryan Reynolds, who is dead to me after GREEN LANTERN and getting cast in the HIGHLANDER reboot. [i09] 5. Thinking about running a marathon? Here’s a running concept that might boost your performance. [lifehacker] 6. An AT-AT made out of leftover diaper boxes. Just in case you were wondering, nerd parents are the absolute best, I mean seriously better than any other type of parent on the face of the earth. Just so you know… [walyou] 7. Apparently, Ford engineers have unveiled a cruising system that will allow...

1. I love that Helena Andrews is trying to set up her 60yo mom, with another writer’s mom. I’ve said it before, but writers are the best. Or the worst. Really, it depends on the situation. But in this case, it’s absolutely the best. [xoJane] 2. Today in your moment of NSFW “What?!?!”: $128 Vagina panties. And yes, of course, they come from Japan. [Topless Robot] 3. Some great advice on growing the eff up already from Elphaba of the Brew. [The Witches’ Brew] 4. Oh man, this “How to Make Your Own Geeky Hair Accessories” makes me we want to have crafting skills SO bad. I’m dying for a repurposed comic book headband of my very own. [Fashionably Geek] 5. I’m not a huge fan of egregious trademarks, and that makes this “Six Strange Cases of Science Fiction Trademarks” article especially fascinating. Did you know the Blue Police Box and the words “Super Hero,” “zilla,” and “Monster [anything]” are all trademarked? Click through to get the case-by-case stories. [i09]    6. Also fascinating, this article on the history of fan fiction. Did you know that Meg Cabot (THE PRINCESS DIARIES) started out writing Star Wars fan fiction at age 11? [WSJ] 7. Just in case, you’ve loved having “Call Me Maybe” stuck in your head on repeat for the past month, Carly Rae Jepson has teamed up with another unusually sticky act, Owl City for “Good Time.” Find yourself weirdly loving something you really shouldn’t below. [Jezebel] 8. Ugh! Don’t know what to do. THE BLACK DYNAMITE trailer looks equal parts kick-ass and misogynistic. What’s a feminist who really loves watching kick-ass ish to do??? Also, this starts on July 15th, and I’m already as bored as bored can be with summer TV,...

Heyo! Happy Father’s Day to all the nerd dads. Keep on doing that geeky thing you do. Your kids might not appreciate it now … or ever, but just keep in mind the most important part of parenting is being as embarrassing as possible, especially around their friends and potential love matches. If your child(ten) start telling you that you’re not allowed to go places with them, then you’ll know you’re doing a terrific job. Meanwhile here’s your weekly extra-big dose of father-themed procrastination. 1. Do good dads get the shaft in our society? Bosses who throw shade at dads who take paternity leave, men’s rest rooms without changing tables, and overly helpful strangers, we’re looking at you. [Jezebel] 2. As it turns out moms and dads are pretty much equally capable of effing you up. Hooray! More to talk about in therapy! [Science Daily] 3. Check out this list of “Protagidads: 7 Dads Who Got to Be the Hero,” which includes Benjamin Sisko from DEEP SPACE NINE, Marlin from FINDING NEMO, and perhaps more controversially, Rick Grimes from THE WALKING DEAD and Ned Stark from GAME OF THRONES. [The Mary Sue] 4. One stay-at-home dad explains how his family makes it work socially and financially. [xoJane] 5. Apparently dads are getting a wee bit fed up with being portrayed as incompetent, bumbling fools. I can already tell they’re really going to enjoy ABC Family’s upcoming sitcom, BABY DADDY. Because everyone knows that inept single moms are evil, while inept single fathers are hilarious. [Gawker] 6. Dads do not watch this VW Polo ad unless you want to cry — especially if you have a...

1. Of all the things I’ve had to overcome, dealing with the “noise in my head” has been my greatest obstacle. No wonder this Seth Godin post particularly resonated with me: It’s not all in your head But part of it is. We spend an enormous amount of time trying to get the world to align with the vision we have for what will make us happy or successful. Whatever “it” is, figuring out how to deal with the noise in your head is probably faster and cheaper than changing the outside world. Not easier, though, merely important.” [Seth’s Blog] 2. If you love your Mophie battery pack as much as I do, you’ll be happy to know there’s now a toddler-proof rugged version available. Check the product copy: “With an impact resistant design that exceeds military specifications (MIL-STD 810G), a large battery and an included belt clip to keep it securely on your hip, you can be assured that no matter how extreme your weekend gets your iPhone will still be there when you need to get back to civilization.” [LikeCool] 3. As someone who spent a year in Japan, I find the fact that they favor fax machines over email surprising-but-somehow-not-surprising. This is the country that had internet on their cellphones back in 1999 but still worshiped bands like Mr. Big (yes, Mr. Big, the hair band). They’re singularly talented at advancing electronics while holding on tightly to certain (usually undeserving) things with an odd-but-fierce nostalgia. Either that or they just prefer the long-abandoned-over-here art of handwriting. One of those. [Gawker] 4. A little bit of gross, a little bit of heart-warming “aww!” — apparently your babies never leave you on a cellular level. [Jezebel] 5. Here’s how to donate your skeleton to...

So, I’m headed out to see SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMEN this weekend, and that’s about it. Is anyone else feeling like we might have already seen the best movie of the summer in THE AVENGERS? Ah well, at least we have this big batch of procrastination to get us through another boring weekend at the movies. 1. Want to write a novel, but don’t feel like waiting until National Novel Writing Month in November? The NaNoWriMo people are now offering Camp NaNoWriMo in June and August! [Camp NaNoWriMo] 2. Good news on the truth-in-advertising front: the FDA has ruled that the makers of corn syrup cannot change the name of their product to “corn sugar.”  [Jezebel] 3. I am obsessed with community and will therefore definitely be going to check out this Community-themed art show in Downtown L.A. [slashFilm] 4. Basically, we need to start getting girls more interested in tech or they’re going to get left behind. [Jezebel] 5. Thinking about pursuing an artist residency? Tayari Jones has a great rundown on them over at her blog. [Artist Residencies-FAQs] 6. “The Cost of Being an Unbeatable Evil Overlord” contains 100 financial line items for being a better super-villain, and it is the best list ever. Most of my favorite line items include low-cost suggestions that involve killing troublesome folks sooner than later. For example #53. If the beautiful princess that I capture says “I’ll never marry you! Never, do you hear me, NEVER!!!”, I will say “Oh well” and kill her. Cost: $1 The cost of two bullets. [Centives.net] 7. Forget zombies — too subtle. Let’s straight-up just start making movies about how we’re all being mind-washed by product marketing aliens. In other words, check out the sci-fi (or is it sci-true?) trailer...

Soooo much procrastination today, so let’s get right to it! 1. An interesting reminder that it’s not fun to get objectified — even if you’re a man. Apparently, this is part of the reason for D’Angelo’s decline — that along with substance abuse issues, which may have been sparked by being objectified, so…. From the latest GQ feature: The shoot took six hours, and it changed D’s life. Trenier got his wish: Thanks to D’Angelo’s luscious physicality, albums started flying off the shelves. But the trouble began right away, at the start of the Voodoo tour in L.A. “It was a week of warm-up gigs at House of Blues just to kick off the tour, draw some attention, break in the band,” says Alan Leeds, D’s tour manager then and now. “And from the beginning, it’s ‘Take it off!’ “ D’Angelo felt tortured[…]by the pressure to give the audience what it wanted. Worried that he didn’t look as cut as he did in the video, he’d delay shows to do stomach crunches. He’d often give in, peeling off his shirt, but he resented being reduced to that.  [xoJane] 2. Loved this “Ultimate Guide to Writing Better than You Normally Do.” Good advice for the published and aspiring-to-get-published alike. [McSweeney’s] 3. My mom was a big fan of Barbara Cartland novels. So imagine my delight to find out she was not only a record-setting romance novelist but also a high-flying daredevil who changed the course of aviation history. Yes, seriously. [i09] 4. W. Kamu Bell is hella funny. And he’s about to get his own comedy news show, produced by Chris Rock, on FX. Thanks to Lori Tharps for the introduction. [My American Meltingpot] 5. If anyone else is a stationary nerd like I am,...

Wassup-wassup-wassup! Just wanted to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the nerdy moms out there, before I open up this big ol’ batch of procrastination for ya. 1. Just in time for Mother’s Day, The Mary Sue is celebrating “Momtagonists,” including Elastigirl from THE INCREDIBLES, Jessica Jones (from AVENGERS 2?), Athena from BSG, and of course, the most momtastic momtagonist of all, Sarah Conner. The full list is definitely worth checking out. [Momtagonists: 7 Moms Who Get to Be the Hero] 2. Yes! Yes! Yes! Mindy Kaling’s sitcom got picked up and will be headed to TVs this fall. Seriously, when was the last time a non-white woman got her own prime time sitcom? I can’t wait! I can’t wait! I can’t wait!!! [Jezebel] 3. Stop the historical presses. As it turns out the Egyptian Eye of Horus is actually a math problem! Wha??? Mind officially BLOWN! [i09] 4. This tip is a tad icky, but it’s also super-easy and might just keep you from getting sick the next time you travel via metal petri dish — or as the uninformed like the call it, “airplane.” [Daniel H. Pink] 5.Please, please, please watch this trailer for GANGSTER SQUAD (starring our current boyfriends Ryan Gosling and Anthony Mackie, and our douchey old boyfriends Sean Penn and Josh Brolin). They’re very concerned that you understand that this film is going to be a) cool b)  DRAMATIC c) Cool d) sexy e) so freaking cool, son! I mean they’ve even got Jay-Z on the trailer...

1. I loved this round-up of the 30 Nerdiest MAD Magazine Covers from the last sixty years. As one might imagine, there have been quite a few. It was hard for me to pick just one for the featured image. But in the end my enduring love for STAR TREK IV won out. [Topless Robot] 2. This Steampunk Optimus Prime T-shirt is full of YES! [Fashionably Geek] 3. As a writer who can be a bit grammatically-challenged at times myself , I appreciated Yvonne’s review of Grammarly “The World’s Most Accurate Grammar Checker.” [Homegrown Mosaic] 4. In the future, will a pill be able to save your marriage. If the problem is rooted in the usual “we grew apart,” “our love faded,” “the excitement is gone,” and “one of us is less interested in sex” — the answer may be yes! Married folk, click through to be fascinated by the possible future of marriage counseling. [i09] 5. I want to try Delia Hauser’s Southern Pimento Cheese recipe so bad, I’ve become borderline obsessed with it, which is strange, since it features mayonnaise, which I’ve gone on record as despising very much. [MarthaStalwart] 6. Make your Mother’s Day brunch as awkward as possible with the following gift suggestion. [The Consumerist] 7. A tumblr well worth reading if you’re challenged in the “being neat” area as I am. [Unfuck Your Habitat] 8. Oh, and just in case you were thinking of making a Dalek dress this weekend, here ya go. [BoingBoing] 9. Also, Planetary Resources, Inc. is now looking for a few good engineers to build a fleet of asteroid mining robots. [Space.com] 10. Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness!!! The most exciting and promising indie film of the summer actually stars black people!!!...

1. Oh my dear gosh, summer is looking bleak TV-wise for sci-fi and fantasy. We can look forward to the return of shows like TRUE BLOOD, WILFRED, BREAKING BAD, and WAREHOUSE 13; and make do with FALLING SKIES and ALPHAS; but everything else looks truly suck-tacular. [i09’s Ultimate Guide to This Summer’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy TV] 2. You might want to get rid of cable all together and spend the extra money on this summer’s large crop of small, medium, big and super-sized budget nerd sci-fi and fantasy films. [33 Science Fiction and Fantasy Films that Could Rock Your Summer (i09)]  3. Or you could read. Sooooo many good sci-fi and fantasy books out this summer! [Your Summer Beach Reading List 2012 (i09)] 4. Apparently, Matt Smith, the current Dr. Who, looks exactly like the Beatles manager, Neil Aspinal from the side. This made for a rather uncanny photo [featured image]. [The Mary Sue] 5.  23 Timeless Quotes about Writing. One of my faves: “The first sentence can’t be written until the final sentence is written.”~Joyce Carol Oates. [Writer’s Digest]  6. Just in case you were wondering how asteroid mining will work, here’s a simple-enough-yet-fascinating explanation. It’s rather interesting that filmmaker, James Cameron, is involved as an investor. This reads a lot like the corporate backstory to the evil mining company in AVATAR. [Gizmodo] 7.  H/T to Lori Tharps for introducing me to this multicultural parenting online magazine. Good stuff! [InCultureParent]  8. Loved this xoJane piece about what to do when you feel a panic attack coming on in a public place. [xoJane] 9. History nerds, Costume geeks, and Moms alike will appreciate this post on what pregnant women wore back in the (most European) day by one of of my favorite historical writers. [Sandra...

Okay, I’m on deadline (yes, again), so I’m going to have to make this super-quick like a bunny. 1. By most accounts, I’m a pretty happy (if insanely chatty) drunk. So while I found this explanation of what makes some people happy and some people belligerent drunks interesting, I also found it confusing. Basically their saying that the more prudent you are in real life, the less likely you are to get belligerent and angry when you’re drunk. But I’m not all that prudent in real life — in fact, all my worst, most intense bridge burningss have been rendered stone cold sober, so then how does that translate? In any case, this has me wondering what kind of drunk everyone else is. Feel free to sound off in the comments. [i09] 2. I found this video, in which a talented Brazilian photographer confronts a “the most downloaded man in the world” [pictured] — a Danish stock model who has apparently cost him a lot of work, fascinating … and really, really awkward. [Gawker] 3. I loved this “thorough analysis of television’s most ambiguously priced homes,” including Carrie Bradshaw’s SATC pad, Liz Lemon’s Upper Westside digs, and the Cosby’s brownstone. Especially interesting: apparently, the Golden Girls wouldn’t have been able to afford the place they lived in, and even though, the Jefferson’s could certainly have afforded their “dee-luxe apartment in the skyyyy,” because of racism, they most likely wouldn’t have been able to rent it. [Vanity Fair] 4. I had no idea the adverb “hopefully” was even up for debate until The Anonymous Smithie linked to this item about the AP Stylebook officially accepting its modern usage … via tweet.  [The Washington Post] 5. Wondering what’s hot right now in the world of black fiction? Carleen...

1. This writing advice from C.S. Lewis (who wrote the very first book that ever sent me into a complete book thrall, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE), is both excellent and still “write” on-point. [io9] a. Always try to use the language so as to make quite clear what you mean and make sure your sentence couldn’t mean anything else. b. Always prefer the plain direct word to the long, vague one. Don’t implement promises, but keep them. c. Never use abstract nouns when concrete ones will do. If you mean “More people died” don’t say “Mortality rose.” d. In writing. Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the thing you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us a thing was “terrible,” describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was “delightful”; make us say “delightful” when we’ve read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers, “Please will you do my job for me.” e. Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say “infinitely” when you mean “very”; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. 2. The We Love Fine store (aka the best place on Earth to get Steampunk Hello Kitty tees) is hosting a Jem & the Holograms Design Contest. Meanwhile, I once again curse the fates for not blessing me with any kind of design talent. [WeLoveFine.com] 3. Apparently, NASA is introducing a mentoring program for girls interested in science. Oh, I am so gotdang jealous of today’s tweens! [The Mary Sue] 4. The good news is that THE ART OF WAR is getting a fictionalized, sci-fi graphic novel...

Greetings from Charlottesville, VA, where I’m taking part in the VA Festival of the Book, but mostly ensconcing myself in a hotel room for five days, so that I can finally catch up. Other than missing my family terribly, it is awesome. Especially the part where I subsist on packaged food like I’m in my teens twenties — okay fine, early thirties again. Oh, Little Debbie, how I’ve missed thee, girl. I’m happy to report that the Oatmeal Pie has still got it going on. Now, if you think I’m more concerned with hunting down a package of those orange Hostess cupcakes than giving you your weekly batch of procrastination, let me assure you … I totally am. But don’t worry, I can do both. Here ya go… 1. These tips for a meat eater dating a vegetarian and vice versa are so awesome. Thanks to the Anonymous Smithie from “My You Really Have Put on Weight” for posting. [The Frisky] 2. This list of “10 Psychological States You’ve Never Heard Of … And When You Experienced Them” is super-intriguing. Especially fascinating: Dysphoria, Enthrallment, Normopathy, and Repetition Compulsion. [i09] 3. Good news, a 2,150-piece R2D2 LEGO set is coming soon, and it will only set you back $250! What do you mean that’s only good news if you’re ridiculous STAR WARS nerd? [LikeCool] 4. THE LEGEND OF KORRA, which was co-created by Friend of FaN, Mike DiMartino, will be hitting Nickelodeon on April 14th. I will try not to expire from anticipation before that. [The Mary Sue] 5. This list of “Six Kids’ TV Stars I Want to Marry” is awesome in every way, mostly because it includes DJ Lance Rock, David the Gnome, and my long-time crush, Jeff (the mannequin) from TODAY’S SPECIAL....

1. WARNING: Do not, not, NOT look at this SeaWorld penguin cam unless you want to lose at least 20 minutes. We made the mistake of showing it to our daughter right before bedtime, and immediately got sucked into a group thrall, from which we weren’t released until a penguin accidentally knocked over the camera. It is so dangerous. [Discovery Seaworld Penguin Cam] 2. I would love to see what the 2100s look like for myself, but alas the intelligence and possible economic gap make me hesitant to get on board with cryogenic freezing, even if they did get it to the point where unfreezing would 100% work. This is all to say I really appreciated this “The Economic Problems with Cryogenically Freezing Your Body” post. [i09]  3. All work and no play make Woody a very dull doll. If you clink on one link in this batch of procrastination, please make it this TOY STORY-THE SHINING mash-up one. It’s like a deliciously evil movie nerd gift. [The Mary Sue] 4. This is the best use of body paint I have ever seen. One of the pics is slightly NSFW, though, so if your ultra-conservative boss is standing nearby, maybe don’t click on the link. [LikeCool] 5. A really interesting possible advance in fertility. Basically scientists might have found a way to make our ovaries “live forever.” [Jezebel] 6. Need to get inspired for that big project you’ve been contemplating? Read this “12-Point Program for Absolutely, Positively, %1000, No-Fail Success” by Jesse Thorn. [Transom] 7. Love this “Are You a Slut” flowchart, which is almost as ridiculous as slut-shaming itself. [Mother Jones] 8. Speaking of slut shaming … The tagline of the foreign film, TURN ME ON, DAMMIT, asks, “How come there are so many films about...

In lieu of an apology for not being around much online or off the last three weeks, I’ll just post this (slightly edited) email that I sent our co-editor, Amy Robinson, this morning: My inbox is currently FUBAR […] Last big deadline of the season is on Saturday and then, I’m going to be so stellar … starting Monday. So, you know, looking forward to actually being a decent editor-in-chief again next week. Til then, here’s a big ol’ batch of procrastination. As you know, no matter how much I’ve got on my plate, I will always, always put your Friday procrastination needs first. 1. Apparently, Americans hate California more than any other state in the Union, including New Jersey! New Jersey!!! In other news, haters be cray-cray. The writer of this post says that it’s not because these folks are jealous, to which I say, yeah, right. Most haters don’t get they’re jealous b-words, which is why they’re haters, and — getting back to my original statement — totally cray-cray. Someone please call me right now, so that I can hear my ringtone, which is “I Love L.A.” #straightrepresentinLA4lifeyo  [Gawker] 2. Check out the free course offerings for writers and readers at iTunes U. [GalleyCat] 3. I think everyone should read this fascinating and scary post: “What Does Science Fiction Tell Us About the Future of Reproductive Rights.” [Jezebel] 4. Seth Godin has some insightful thoughts on engaging with criticism. [Seth’s Blog] 5. History buffs (like my husband) should appreciate this “The Weirdest Unsolved Mysteries of WWII” post. Ghosts and alien theories abound. [i09] 6. One of my favorite book bloggers (mostly b/c her reading tastes run just as random as mine) reviews THE TINY BOOK OF TINY STORIES by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. According to her it’s beyond...

1. If you ever wanted to see vaginas dressed up as superheroes, go’on ahead and click through. I’d say NSFW, but if anyone’s looking at your computer screen closely enough to actually tell what these are, they deserve to see what they see. [The Mary Sue] 2. “Do you make decisions quickly based on incomplete information? Do you lose your temper quickly? Are you easily bored? ” Your answers to these questions might mean you’re a novelty seeker — and that might not be such a bad thing. Thanks to the Anonymous Smithie for the link. [The Washington Post] 3. This Rihanna/Whitney mash-up, “We Found Whitney” made me smile. [SoundCloud] 4. This Swiss dude installed a wood-burning stove in his 1990 Volvo 240 station wagon. Yes, really. [LikeCool] 5. Did you know that archaeologists found a Viking boat, a Mayan Female Ruler, a gladiator gym, and an ancient Chinese takeout last year? Now ya do. In other news, Archaeology is still one of those rare fields that manage to be insanely boring and really freaking cool at the same time. [Archaeology.org] 6. Apparently bad habits are best tackled one at a time. [ZenHabits.net] 7. The Bad News: Sitting for more than six hours a day is most likely taking years off your life. The Good News: There are ways to counteract the effects of sitting round all day. Everyone who works at a computer, should definitely click through.  [lifehacker] 8. What if there were a kitty rapture and all the cats disappeared one day? Well, the answer to that question is pretty gross, because it involves us having to live with a lot more rodents. [i09] 9. I am posting this NSFW redband trailer for The FP, because it’s about two rival gangs waging a turf...

So I’m coming out from underneath a crushing February 15th deadline (seriously, who contractually obligates somebody to turn in a project on the day after Valentine’s Day — and what sucker writer agrees to it??? Me, that’s who. [sad face]), to bring you this special, extra lurvely batch of procrastination. Though, seriously, as much as I complain about writing, on this day I’m reminded that writing is my forever love, and I’m exceedingly lucky to be able to do what I forever love for a living. So a big smoocharoo going out today to my very first love. 1. “I like big butts and I cannot lie, but is there some evolutionary reason as to why?” — and thus, begins the best internet comment thread ever. Seriously, if you click through on one thing in this post, click through on this. [Reddit] 2. Not feeling flowery enough today? Here are some flower-inspired scents, make-ups, and bath stuff. [xoJane] 3. “One romantic guy named Travis Hines self-published a book to ask for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. The book told their personal story and he gave it to her as a gift out on a date.” [GalleyCat] 4. The most amusing aspect of this Amazon listing for a $1500 (discounted from $2500!) 55 gallon barrel of Passion Natural Water-Based Lubricant are the customer reviews. If you’re looking to laugh, click on the link. [Amazon] 5. This anti-Valentine’s day, James Altucher post on “What To Do When She Leaves You” is a handy one to keep around ALL YEAR. [The Altucher Confidential] 6. History-makin interracial couple alert: THE LOVING STORY documentary airs tonight on HBO at 9PM EST! Woo-hoo! [Honeysmoke] 7. This video makes me want to buy a red Field Note Book, just because you’ve got to respect...

Happy Super Bowl Weekend! We’re all cheering for the N.Y. Giants, right? Tebow crushing aside, I just can’t see myself cheering for the Patriots. But either way, I hope you all have lots of french onion dip, chicken wings, and beer while watching all the clever ads on Sunday, because as we all know, when the Steelers aren’t playing, that’s what’s most important. Speaking of which, co-editor, Amy Robinson will be running down all the best and worst ads for us on Monday, so definitely come back for her special post-Super Bowl edition of “Tall Drink of Nerd.” Til then, here’s a big batch of procrastination to get you through the work day. 1. What’s up with young folks these days??? As it turns out, not too much. According to one study, today’s teen’s are way more upstanding than their parents were at the same age. Take that, old man! And thanks to the Anonymous Smithie for the link. [NYT] 2. This “Hierarchy of Publishing” List will either make you laugh or cry. In any case, thanks to Gudrun Cram-Drach from “Secret Life of an Expat” for sending it along. I’m going to go somewhere dark and curl up into a fetal ball now.   3. A bunch of authors (including moi) are weighing on the best writing advice we ever got. [Girlfriends Book Club] 4. Former FaN blogger, Kelli Bielema, has a post up at her party-planning blog about how to make your Super Bowl party pop. I especially love the referee whistle cupcakes. [The Shindiggery] 5. LeVar Burton himself is now in charge of the @ReadingRainbow handle. It’s actually a pretty heartwarming story about how he achieved this feat: He simply asked the person that owned it nicely if he could have it, and the person...

1. Trying to figure out how I could love this Spanish short, which deals with two gay Stormtroopers forced to hide their relationship, more. But I’ve got nothing. [i09] 2. My first cry of the week came courtesy of this less than 7-minute short, which documents the history of the Gay Rights Movement. I was appalled by the past, moved by how far this country has come, and hopeful for the future. [Jezebel] 3. I’m trying not to cry about the fact that Steak N’ Shake is expanding into NYC, but has yet to com to Los Angeles. Why, Steak N’ Shake, why??? I love you so! Why can’t you just love me back? Oh, and they’re offering free meals for a year to the first 150 customers, so you should definitely click on the link to find out more if you live in NYC.  [The Consumerist] 4. Apparently the Germans are way closer to getting a driverless car on the road than we are if this clever driverless BMW is any indication. I have never wanted early adopt something so bad. [LikeCool] 5. While we’re waiting for driverless cars, here’s a list of “10 Badass Ways to Get Around” that includes a Segway, Magic Unicorns, Dragons, The Batmobile, and my personal favorite, Pneumatic Tubes. [The Mary Sue] 6. The latest from the franchise that brought us vajazzling: “The Carnivale Bikini” and the “The Foxy Bikini” (pictured) — two beauty treatments that makes your houhah look like either a peacock or a pink fox respectively. Nice! And by “nice,” I mean. “WT-holy-F???” [xoJane] 7. I didn’t realize what a ridiculously hardcore Dr. Who fan I was until I totally teared up while watching the below “50 years of Dr. Who in 10 minutes” video...

1. So next Monday is my birthday. It’s also the day we celebrate Martin Luther King’s Birthday, which is technically January 15th, but celebrated as a federal holiday the third Monday of every January come rain or come shine. Maybe once every four years or so, our birthdays collide. I wrote a play back in grad school in which MLK was a recurring character, warts and all. It was my first and last race play, and I remember it fondly now — more for the MLK research it required me to do than for the play itself (which was great for first-year-grad-work but riddled with new, young writer potholes). I was fascinated by who he was leading up to the “I Have a Dream” speech, and who he became in its wake. Much like the Kennedys, MLK was a product of grooming. He wasn’t so much a civil rights pioneer as the child of a civil rights pioneer who juggernauted, kind of like William Randolph Hearst — Hearst’s millionaire father made a lot of money, but Hearst made way more. Like Hearst was put on the path to make big money, MLK was put on the path of becoming a civil rights leader — but those who groomed him could never have known how big he’d become. A lot was expected of him, but he went way above and beyond those expectations. I also remember being fascinated by the fact that he went into the civil rights movement, thinking that it would only take a few years to nip this racism problem in the bud. It reminded me of my expectations when I first entered grad school — that I’d be turned into an amazing writer in one, two years top. But as I...

Hulloo, Party People! First of all, did you miss us or are we doing something super-right? Because we’re having one of our best hits weeks ever here at dear old FaN. So thank you, thank you, thank you for all the love. 2012 is already off to a fantastic start. Other than that, I just wanted to say that you should come back on Monday for a very inspirational speech from moi, which will hopefully help you get your writing kickstarted for the year to come. And then come back again the week after that, because I’m finally going to announce the second book details. Woo-hoo! Until then, do avail yourself of this extra-lovely batch of procrastination: 1. Apparently Microsoft is developing a holodeck. Wha???? I think I just had a nerdgasm in my pants. [The Mary Sue] 2. Seth Godin points out re the argument “it’s always been that way” …. 1) in most cases (especially religion and culture) no it hasn’t, 2) everything in our created world is only a few generations old, and 3) the only guarantee is that nothing will stay the way it is right now forever. Basically, don’t assume the future, based on the past unless you want to get burned. [Seth’s Blog] 3. No hyperbole: this is the best idea for a surprise birthday party that I have ever scoped. Delia Hauser is officially my hero-genius. [Martha Stalwart] 4. You know how we all feel now about 20th century medical practices like lobotomies, radical mastectomies, and wire hanger abortions? Apparently, that’s how our 22nd century decedents will feel about unscheduled childbirth, chemotherapy, blood donation, and waiting for someone to die to receive an organ transplant. Trust, the full list is even completely fascinating and totally worth reading. [i09]...

Oh guys, I miss you SO bad already! Two whole weeks. What am I going to do without you? But no worries, we won’t be completely gone. We’ll be doing year-end round-ups all the way 1. Well, I’ve been very vocal about how I feel in regards to rodentia of any kind. This ballerina squirrel wasn’t enough to sway me from that opinion, but I’m posting it, b/c I know many of you think it’s possible to be cute and a member of the rodent family at the same time (even though it really isn’t). [Jezebel] 2. A lot of us will be spending more time than usual with little ones over the course of the holidays, so I thought this fascinating report on the science of temper tantrums might be of some interest (and help). [NPR] 3. Sadly this “21st Century Children Raised by Wild Animals” list, reads more like a “21st Century Children Who Ran Away from Really Effed-Up Households” list. In any case, if your family’s getting on your nerves, flash to this and know that it could be way worse. And feral. [i09] 4. If you love(d) RED DWARF as much as I do/did, prepare to squee your pants. [Topless Robot] 5. To counterbalance my “How to Be Sad” post from earlier this week, some great practical advice on “How to Be Happy” from someone who coaches writers for a living — so she knows from sad.  [Christina Katz] 6. And some great advice about on how to go into a dating experience. [Happy Black Woman] 7. And some more great advice — this time from author Carleen Brice about setting intentions as opposed to resolutions. [Girlfriends Book Club] 8. Speaking of resolutions, instead of resolving to be more well-rounded...

1. Amazing writing advice from Tayari Jones: “Here is an easy suggestion to amp up the language in your story.  Use your “find” function on your word processor and look for the following words– NEVER, ALWAYS, EVERYBODY, NOBODY, NO ONE, EVERYBODY, NOTHING, EVERYTHING.  You think you are using these words for emphasis.  For example, you say that NOBODY attended the funeral. I get your point that the guy was not popular. But it’s way more interesting for you to describe the two or three people that did attend. ” [Tayari Jones] 2. Zombie Christmas Cards: Unghh, Yes! [ThinkGeek] 3. Did we not feature any cat stuff this week??? Oh now, we can’t have that. Go get your (really friggin cute) fix at [cuteoverload] 4. I can’t decide whether this dog decorating trend is dreadful or fascinating. In any case, I expect we’ll get a reality show about it fairly soon.  [BoingBoing] 5. Need to Photoshop a pic, but low on dash? Check out these “Top 10 Photoshop Tricks You Can Use Without Buying Photoshop.” On a related note, I continue to just adore the internets. [lifehacker] 6. I think this news item proves that there’s a thin line between awesome homage and waaaay too much time on one’s hands. [endgadget] 7. After watching this Siri ad parody, I asked Siri to tell my husband, “I love...

1. Got a few nerds on your holiday gift list? Well we’re going to be featuring a of ton of gift ideas in the month to come. But if you want to get all your shopping down like right now, then check out this one. [i09’s Ultimate Futuristic Gift Guide for 2011] 2. I love, love, love these 33 Unusual Tips to Being a Better Writer. My especial faves: 1) read before you write (good excuse!) 2) Take a dump everyday, and 3) Be honest. [The Altucher Confidential] 3. As it turns out, John Barrowman, who plays my favorite TV bisexual of all time on TORCHWOOD is both badass and quite kind. [Topless Robot]  4.  I guess my vow to keep up with the music scene after my daughter’s birth has fallen to the wayside, because I had no idea who Skrillex is, I guess that makes me out-of-touch/old. Ah, well… [“The Old Person’s Guide to Skrillex” via Gawker] 5. As much as I dislike Orange County, I’ve got to give them props for this beyond clever gingerbread AT-AT, which is on display right now at their Discovery Museum. [BoingBoing] 6. Former FaN Blogger, Kelli Bielema has a great post about how to pull off a fun, fashionable, and fabulous girls night out over at her blog. [Shindiggery] 7. Fun fact: If you got stuck in an airlock, it wouldn’t be the lack of oxygen that would kill you but the carbon dioxide poisoning. Good times! [i09] 8. Friendly reminder for those of you with flexible spending accounts and insurance cut-offs to get your new pair of glasses before the end of the year. If you live in Los Angeles, I highly recommend the place where I got mine. They literally won’t let you...

First, thanks so much for celebrating our 4th super-fierce-and-nerdy BOOK WEEK! We can’t wait to do this again next summer. Til then, here’s a ton of bookish procrastination to tide you over… 1. Salon did a great article on African-American fantasy writers, which includes, one of my favorite authors right now, N.K. Jemisin. [What if Tolkien Were Black] 2. If this is what book covers will look like in the future, the future is going to be purty freaking cool. Seriously, a must-click. [GalleyCat] 3. As someone who is always judging books by their cover, I can never hear enough about jacket design. So bit h/t to author Randy Susan Meyers (THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTERS) for sending round this interview with four book cover designers. Fascinating stuff. [The Book Deal] 4. One of my favorite book bloggers, Reads4Pleasure has an AWESOME new tumblr filled with all sorts of short and sweet literary goodies. 5. How to find a book that’s at the tip of your tongue. [mediabistro] 6. Awesome graphic novels that non-comics fans will love. Make sure to scour the comments, too. There are some great suggestions… [i09] 7. Apparently there’s a Kickstarter campaign on for a book of erotic James Franco fanfic. Ooohkay… [Jezebel] 8. Many of us literate types tend toward sarcasm. So I present to thee these $65 Kate Spade Air Quote Mittens (featured image). [Fashionably Geek] 9. Okay, you guys know that I’m not a fan of the vast majority of dead white male cannon authors. But I frickin adore Thomas Hardy, and I loved, loved, loved Michael Winterbottom’s adaptation of JUDE. So when I found the trailer for TRISHNA, his movie adaptation of Hardy’s TESS OF D’URBERVILLES, set in India and starring Freida Pinto, I was all like, “I’m soooo...

1. 10 (fairly easy) zen habits that will make parenting easier for you. [The Rules of Effortless Parenting] 2. If you want to get a better night sleep, consider putting your smart phone in another room. I’m going to try this next week, but truth be told, I’m already starting to feel anxious at the thought of doing so, which brings me to the article’s next point — I’m totally and somewhat unhealthily addicted to my iPhone. Find out if you are, too. [CNN] 3. Wanna be a better thief? Here’s how to unlock anything from those addictive smart phones to physical locks to garage doors.  [LifeHacker] 4. If you want to continue to enjoy McRibs, perhaps it’s best if you don’t click on the following link to find out what they’re made of. [Consumerist] 5. An argument for buying inexpensive technology by a blogger who lost his iPod and bought a Coby. Yeah I’d never heard of that brand either. Really the only reason I’m posting this is in the interest of keeping FaN somewhat fair and balanced. #TeamMac4Life [The Last Word on Nothing] 6. Burt Reynolds is set to guest star on the next season of ARCHER (which begins in January). So the answer to your question is no, life couldn’t possibly get any better. [EW] 7. Got bad teeth? No worries about passing them along to your grandchildren. Science is working on a vaccine to prevent tooth decay. Yay, Science! [i09] 8. Is it wrong that I have always liked the Misfits more than Jem and the Holograms? Goody-goody is so boring. At least the Misfits kept things interesting, even if some of their schemes were downright illegal. Anywho, here’s a list of “10 Jem Episodes Where the Misfits Totally Should Have Been...

Hello Friends, I know you’ve been waiting all week for this, so I won’t dilly-dally. Ahem, you’re Friday chunk of procrastination… 1. God, I wish I’d had the mammaries to do something like this during my Sunday School days. [FailBlog] 2. Don’t be afraid of sharks, be afraid of obesity, airplanes, hippos, bathtubs, deer, and hotdogs — because all of those things kill more people on their own than sharks do. [Damn Cool Pictures] 3. For anyone who gets as frustrated with the “science” and “technology” used in the CSI series as I do. [Comixed] 4. The most appropriate rape analogy I’ve ever read. [Feminist Philosophers] 5. In Australia escaped pet birds (mostly parrots and cockatoos) are teaching their wild brethren English. Methinks the screenwriter of RIO 2 just got a plot gimme. Get to typing, lucky boy! [treehugger] 6. Ooh! Facebook may be introducing new buttons, including “Read” “Listened” “Watched” and the one I’ll be pressing like a fiend: “Want.” Thanks to Ryan Dixon for the h/t. [techcrunch] 7. I don’t know what it is about movies that involve old folks falling in love, but I just love them to death. So yeah, I saw COCOON in the theater, and I’ll so be seeing THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, which is about old people (most excitingly Bill Nighy and Dame Judi Dench) falling in love in...

Hey-o, Before I break out this big ol’ batch of procrastination that I made especially for you, friendly reminder that if you’re in the L.A. area, we’d love you to see you at our Fierce and Nerdy Happy Hour tonight. Get all the deets HERE. 1. People who believe they are suffering from “Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity” or “wi-fi illness” are flocking to a radio-free section of West Virginia in droves. The good thing is that they’ve found relief, but the really terrible thing is that they’ve had to move to West Virginia to do so. [NPR] 2. Big thanks to Awesomely Luvvie for hepping us to this post by Jack Cazir, which basically states that while you should avoid dating a writer, you should definitely jump on the opportunity to sleep with one for five pretty fantastically true reasons. [You Should Sleep With a Writer] 3. Check out what all Science has in the works for this fall, including a post-stroke brain regeneration strategy, a Mexican space program, and robots with flexible legs. Nice work, Science! [i09] 4. The only thing tastier than donuts are donuts made to look like cats (featured image). This is a fact. [Epicute] 5. I’m not going to lie or try to seem cooler than I am — I love Cameron Crowe movies, even the universally panned ones like VANILLA SKY and ELIZABETHTOWN. I will probably be watching WE BOUGHT A ZOO in the theater, even though according to the trailer after eschewing women his own age, Matt Damon’s character goes on to establish a relationship with Scarlett Johansson’s character (despite their IRL 14 year age difference)....

Hello, hello again. I’m back!  I know you must have missed me in this space terribly this summer. What was that? You didn’t even notice I’d left? And did somebody just yell, “Bring back ETC?” Why, I’ve never… Seriously though, here’s your weekly chunk of procrastination — which ETC has chosen to weigh in on in a couple of spots. Have fun with it. 1. Everybody’s not cut out to self-publish. Author, blogger, and former bookseller, Cory Doctorow, breaks it down for you. [Locus Online] 2. Thanks to BabySmiling from “Baby Smiling in Back Seat” for sending us this slide presentation by former mathematician, current computer scientist, Terri Oda, about how supposed biological differences re math have eff-all to do with the low numbers of women in computer science. (ETC Note: As someone who switched from computer science to the arts, I’ll say that at least for me, it wasn’t about Computer Science being hard. It was about Computer Science being hard and boring. Writing is way harder in many respects, but at least it’s interesting.) [geekfeminism.org] 3. In the L.A. area? Our own Eric Sims has a show up, a little classic, you might have heard of, called COMEDY OF ERRORS by some dude named Billy Shakespeare. And even better, it’s FREE, so do make your reservation — sooner than later since it’s already 90% sold out. [Powerhouse Theatre] 4. Basically, if you’re serious about becoming a published writer, you should work hard on craft … and even harder on developing a thick skin. (ETC Note: This is so effing true. In fact I say that if you have to choose one, opt for developing a thick skin over developing craft. ). [The Newbie’s Guide to Publishing] 5. I’ve never snuck to the...

Hello, hello, from Sunny St. Louis! I’m soooo excited about tomorrow’s book event, but not so excited, that I don’t have a big old batch of procrastination for you today. Good priorities — I has them. 1. Apparently the more educated you are, the more you spend on booze. Not to be elitist, but this is absolutely true. I was okay with Budweiser in high school, but post-MFA, it’s either a microbrew, a good foreign beer, or death. This is all to say, seriously guys, drinking Budweiser is gross … and uneducated. Science just totally proved that. [ThinkProgress] 2. Are our playgrounds too safe now? As someone who played on asphalt, I can’t believe people are seriously considering this question. I’d rather my kid be a little anxious than suffer broken bones. Though, I, too, have quite a bit of nostalgia for the monkey bars. [NYT] 3. Has the higher education bubble popped? Side-eyeing my higher-education loan bill as I write this. [Christian Science Monitor] 4. It looks like the fall 2011 movies will definitely be less derivative and disappointing than the summer 2011 movies. Thank goodness. [i09’s Fall Movie Preview] 5. Speaking of movies, this Serge Gains6bourg biopic looks sorta...

Hey Guys, About to rush over for my #litchat on Twitter, but I didn’t want to leave you hanging without any procrastination for the work day. So if you can’t make the #litchat, here’s something else to do while you’re not doing something else: 1. Just in case you didn’t think we were living in a sci-fi novel already, it looks like we’ll soon be able to determine the sex of unborn babies with a simple blood draw at seven weeks. Nice! [i09] 2. The NPR list of of Top 100 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books as voted on by the American public has few women and not even one person of color — not even Octavia Butler … not even Murakami. Way to go, America. [NPR] 3. Speaking of writers of color who should have made that list, Tananarive Due has some great advice about making a book trailer on a budget. [Tananarive Due] 4. Apparently Computer Science started off as a women’s profession — thought to be a natural extension of the secretary’s job. Thanks to Baby Smiling for the h/t. [The Society Pages] 5. Um, speaking of traditionally female positions, how is THE SITTER not ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING with Jonah Hill, sex, and cussing? Just pointing some things...

As you’re reading this, I’m recording a sure-to-be-awesome debut novel podcast with Ryan Dixon for ScriptShark. So do stay tuned for details about that, as we’ll be giving away a few copies of the 32 CANDLES paperback to some lucky listeners. Meanwhile, please enjoy this big chunk of procrastination, courtesy of your friends at Fierce and Nerdy. 1. Agent Rachelle Gardner, has a parade of posts about book promotion. Every author and would-be author should do themselves the favor of reading through them as super-valuable insights abound. [How to Market Your Book] 2.  Looking for good-but-cheap e-books. Harper Perennial is selling 20 of its books for $0.99 for the entire month of August. Ole! [Harper Perennial 20 E-books for $20] 3. Hey-o, Emerging Authors, SheWrites is running a contest, in which five would-be novelist will win coverage of their first 2,000 words from two agents and an editor from Grand Central Publishing. I would have entered this contest SO HARD back when I was gearing up to start sending my book around. Definitely take advantage. [We Love New Novelists! Contest] 4. Wondering about the serious lack of great (or even halfway decent) movies this summer? Screenwriters/actors Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon explain why movies suck so very hard these days. Warning: if you’re actually in the filmmaking business, you will be seriously depressed after reading this. [NY Post] 5. But RED TAILS, a movie about black WWII fighter pilots, does not look like one of those movies that will suck. It stars just about every black male B-lister in Hollywood, and I will be seeing it in the theater come January 2012. Check out the trailer...

Hey-o, By the time you read this, I’ll be up in the air, hurtling toward the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta. So many authors that I’ve book reported on are going to be there, including Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Carleen Brice, Helena Andrews, and just yesterday, Tayari Jones. So if you’re in the Atlanta area this weekend, do consider coming out. For the rest of you outside of Atlanta, though , here’s a whole bunch of procrastination. Mmm, procrastination! 1. Has the current publishing environment made writers too nice? Author Chuck Wendig thinks so. Here are his suggestions for turning writers into rock stars ala Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, Hunter Thompson and their ilk. I think we should all follow this advice since those guys didn’t all die in horrible ways. Oh wait, they did… #boringwritersrepresent [terribleminds] 2. For the record we here at Fierce and Nerdy in no way support making fun of children, even if they are celebrity spawn. That all said, though, this Suri Burn Book tumblr, in which Suri Cruise, ostensibly trash talks other celebrity progeny — especially their clothes, is pretty freaking funny. Thanks for the h/t, Negative Natalie. [Suri’s Burn Book] 3. Author Julianna Baggott has too many double letters in her name. More importantly, though, she also has some really good advice on getting your smart kid who hates to read to … well, read. Check it. [My Smart Kid Hates to Read: Part 1] 4. 8 Super-Interesting facts about the Smurfs, quite a few of which have to do with their original creator being somewhat racist and most definitely misogynistic. Smurfy! [Topless Robot] 5. We all figured that the BATTLESHIP movie (yes, the one based on the board game) would be bad. Judging from the trailer, however, it’s...

Heya, I’ve gotta bounce for a weekend of … well, nothing much. But ya’ll don’t want hear me, ya’ll just want to dance … with this weekend’s chunk of procrastination. So here you go: 1. I was just complaining the other day that we don’t roll creepy enough here at Fierce and Nerdy. So to correct that, I’m including this post about how to make crafts with cat hair. Sorry ahead of time. [Jezebel] 2. Note to women: according to this one study, if you cheat on your boyfriend with another man, then there’s only about a 22% chance that he won’t dump you. But if you cheat on him with another woman, than the chance of him taking you back goes up to 50%. So if you’re thinking of stepping out…. [NYT] 3. See, I wanted to take the advice offered within in the “How to Complain … Without Being an Asshole” post. But as it turns out, it takes a lot of work to complain in a civilized manner. So I think I’ll just stick to complaining the uninformed, emotional, and ranty way. Sorry, Customer Service People. If only Americans weren’t grown so lazy.  [Lifehacker] 4. Just when you think that male body spray ads can’t get any more ridiculous, I present to you, “Fallen Angels.” [LikeCool] 5. Wondering how to raise your kids with a good sense of geography? Try these homeschooling lesson plan by friend of FaN, HOMEGROWN MOSAIC. The brilliance of the plan is that you don’t have to be a homeschooler. It can work just as easily as a supplement to whatever you child is learning at her or his traditional school. I also like that it’s very democratic — starting with the continent of Africa, then moving on from there...

I think there might be some type of gaming event on this weekend. I’m not sure what it is, since no one’s really been talking about it this week. I might go do a deep internet search on the topic to see if I can dig up any information on this mostly ignored event, but first …. your weekly dose of Procrastinate on This. 1. Could the U.S. take out our internet, like Egypt took out their citizen’s internet? Short answer: Not so much, but our enemies — now they should be worried. [i09] 2. I don’t care if this guy has written the next BEOWULF, I would never ever read a 10,000 page poem. Okay, well, m/b if it was as good as BEOWULF, I’d read it. Hey, somebody else should read it first and let me know. Anyway, not to gender bait, but I wasn’t surprised to find out that the poet was a guy. That takes (the bad kind of) balls. [GalleyCat] 3. This Definitive Guide to Housecats was more than my puny brain could handle, but maybe it won’t short-circuit your head. [Jezebel] 4. This list of 100 Interjections rawks hard. My favorite is “Feh,” which is described as a cousin of “Meh.” [Daily Writing Tips] 5. Oh wait, now I remember what that sporting event was called: The Super Bowl. And this Volkswagon ad, which will show during said event is fierce, nerdy, and super freaking cute. UPDATE: As it turns out Friend of FaN, Jennifer May Nickel made the awesome cape, which as you can see, billows like a rock star. We’ve got friends in high(ly nerdy) places. [Angry Black Lady...

Hello Dearest, Just wanted to get a few things out of the way, before we get into this week’s big batch of procrastination. Our last for a while, since the blog is going on vacation for the next couple of weeks. 1) On July 15th, we’ll be naming the 14 winners of a $25 32 CANDLES gift card AND the (seriously) limited edition paperback tote, so enter to win HERE. 2) Is your book club planning to read 32 CANDLES this summer? If so, you could win all sorts of neat-o prizes including totes for your entire club and/or a $100, $150, or $250 32 CANDLES gift card for your club. So definitely enter to win those prizes HERE. 3) We’re going to miss you soooo much while we’re away on vacation, but make sure to keep on visiting us, as we’re doing our Best of FaN reruns until July 18th, when we’ll be back with fresh material and lovely tans. That all said, Happy Independence Day. Here’s some stuff to procrastinate on, while you’re waiting to get out of the office already. 1. My third novel has a speculative fiction aspect to it, and it seems like something’s popping off in the black author zeigist, because not only is Colson Whitehead’s next book about zombies, but now Zadie Smith, says that she’s interested in writing a speculative or sci-fi novel within the decade. Loving this trend. [i09] 2. You know how I complained HERE last year about how THE WALKING DEAD television series (unlike its graphic novel source material) seriously underused their characters of color. Well, it looks like the TV series is bringing on the original story’s Michonne, one of the most kick-ass black females in comic history (yay!) … but maybe...

Hey-o, It’s me, Ernessa. I’m taking PoT! Friday back over for most of the summer — you know why, right? Right? Of course you do. It’s because the 32 CANDLES paperback releases next week, so that means you have to put up with me schilling again. So… I’ll be doing a reading along with a few other awesome black authors on the mainstage of the Leimert Park Book Fair this Saturday at 11:30AM. Then I’ll be moderating a “What Makes Black Books Go” panel later on in the day with a wonderful group of writers, including Helena Andrews, of BITCH IS THE NEW BLACK fame (see my book report HERE) and Todd Bridge (of “Whatchoo talkin’ about Willis” fame) — yes, I do realize that one of my husband’s Pictures this week was of a Gary Coleman poster, but I assure you, it was just a coincidence. A weird coincidence, yes, but coincidence nonetheless. Whatchoo talkin’ about CH? The point is if live in L.A. and you want your paperback copy of 32 CANDLES before it hits the stores, you should definitely come out as I’ll be signing after my first panel. Oh, and make sure to hit us up next week, because we’re going to be running two weeks worth of dope 32 CANDLES giveaways starting Tuesday, and I know you don’t want to miss that. Okay, that all plugged, let’s get into this special BOOK WEEK edition of PoT! Friday in zee can. 1. Alright, I know I can’t be the only Loveswept imprint line fan in the proverbial room. Seriously, this used to be my favorite line of thin grocery store romances, and it launched many popular writers’ careers, including Sandra Brown, Janet Evanovich, Tami Hoag, and my personal out-of-the-box favorite,...

Well, obviously I’m going to go see GREEN LANTERN this weekend, but other than that, I’m also putting together all of my posts for BOOK WEEK 1, which pops off next Monday. So do join us for that, as it’s going to be a whole container of awesome sauce. Meanwhile, here’s your big dose of procrastination to get you through the weekend. 1. Don’t bank on giving birth to a future X-Man. Apparently human mutation is way more rare than generally thought. This evolution thing ain’t going so well for us. [i09] 2. Not only is Fraggle Rock getting a movie version, but Scissor Sisters have been tapped for the soundtrack. My innerchild can basically die happy now. [The Mary Sue] 3. Friend of FaN, Julianna Baggott has some great ideas about how to raise creative, active kids as opposed to the sedentary couch potatoes that the summer often brings forth. Basically, if your kids are being entertained, it’s their responsibility to entertain as well. Entertain it forward, if you will. [Julianna Baggott] 4. Keep this on file for the next time you need to get out of a spot of trouble. You know, speeding tickets, bitTorrent charges, credit card black marks — that kind of thing. [Lifehacker] 5. Thanks to Ryan Dixon for this “Whole Foods Parking Lot” rap, which according to both him and Ernessa is 100%...

You know, I have have no idea what SUPER 8 is about other than a train derailment and a mysterious predator (from outer space?), but I’m excited to see it. Mainly, because I feel Kyle Chandler would want me to and I’ve watched a little too much FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS to abandon him now. But before I retire to a theater cave, let me hit you up with this extra big dose of procrastination. 1. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE should read this article on suntanning and sunscreen. Basically we all (even the darker PoC) need to avoid too much sun exposure, wear hats and cover ups if we’re going to be outdoors for a while, and wear sunscreen — though really SPF 15 will do for all shades. [i09] 2. If you haven’t had Korean bulgogi, I feel sad for you. Do yourself a favor and try this New York Times DIY backyard bulgogi recipe post haste. If you’ve known the pleasure of bulgogi, then I’m sure you’ve either already printed out this recipe or are not even reading this sentence, because as soon as you read “DIY backyard bulgogi,” you skipped to the end and clicked on the link. [NYT] 3. RIGAMORTIS: A ZOMBIE LOVE STORY isn’t quite as good as DR. HORRIBLE, but it’s got the same low budget, great situations, musical spirit. Also, it’s a good 30 minutes worth of procrastination if you watch all three parts. [The Mary Sue] 4. FaN Blogger, Kelly Lett, gives us five (seriously good) tips on how to be a frugal dieter. [PerkStreet Financial] 5. Okay, THE TRIP, starring Steve Coogan and some other British comic I’ve never heard of is getting amazing reviews, despite the fact that 1) the British just aren’t as funny...

Before we get into the good stuff, can I just say that X-MEN: FIRST CLASS has been receiving excellent reviews (88% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing), and that has me excited. Because let’s face it, the only really good movie that’s come out this summer so far is BRIDESMAIDS and that didn’t satisfy my May action quota at all. Let’s hope that June goes better. I’m also looking forward to SUPER 8, GREEN LANTERN, CARS 2, and BAD TEACHER. And though I’m still on the fence about seeing TRANSFORMERS 3, I suppose it would be weird not to give it a mention. Let us know what June movies you’re looking forward to in the comments. But first, procrastinate on this: 1. As someone with a lot of fear, I found this “Ten Fear Responses That Make No Sense And Why We Have Them” post pretty illuminating. Though, I’d posit that “freezing” makes perfect sense, as it gives us extra time to formulate a plan without giving away our position. [i09] 2. More great tips for writers, this time from novelist, Saralee Rosenberg. [Girlfriends Book Club] 3. Friend of FaN, Delia Hauser, walks you through making your own Personalized Wine Bottle Labels, ostensibly for weddings, but really any event can get its own wine label. Amirite. [Martha Stalwart] 4. Also on the DIY tip — literally — how to paint your nails with stripes. Read through to the comments for a clever (and much easier) typeprint nails recipe. [Jezebel] 5. So when I first saw that there was a HAPPY FEET TWO trailer, I was like, “No way!” But then I saw the trailer. L.L. Cool J mixed with cute penquins, as it turns out, is complete good taste kryptonite, and I...

Wassup Kids! So how sad is it that both of this weekends tentpole movies are both sequels I have absolutely no interest in seeing? So this Memorial Day weekend, in between making myself a sad little bratwurst on my George Foreman grill, I’ll probably be heading to the indieplex to take in Terence Malick’s THE TREE OF LIFE and the sexy vampire romp WE ARE NIGHT? But how about you guys? Any plans to see THE HANGOVER 2 or KUNG FU PANDA 2? Let us know in the comments. Oh, and procrastinate on this … 1. Apparently cultured men are happier than uncultured men. So do consider getting your art on this weekend. [Gawker] 2. I thought I was done with zombies, but Colson Whitehead’s unexpected new zombie novel might pull me back in. It also helps that his debut novel, The Intuitionist, is one of my favorite books of the 90s. [Galleycat] 3. Okay, this fascinating Deborah LeBlanc post, “Funky Facts About Cremation” is a must read for anyone who plans to be cremated or cremate a loved one. [Girlfriends Book Club] 4. Contrary to what movies like ARMAGEDDON or television series like DR. WHO would have you believe, there is no crying in outerspace — even if you want to. [Jezebel] 5. Here’s a handy dandy guide to what to watch this summer, sans TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY, b/c the folks at Gawker have obviously bumped their heads. I’m most looking forward to MTV’s serialized TEEN WOLF, but USA has an uncanny way of drawing me in with their “good enough” programming, so I’m fairly sure I’ll also be watching their new football therapist show, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS. See the trailer below and see trailers for other upcoming summer programs...

Hey Kids, So I’m going to give PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 a chance. I don’t have high hopes, but I also don’t have anything else to watch this weekend, so … yeah, basically I’m just counting down to Memorial Day when I’ll get to enjoy both barbecue and movies. Til then, let’s all just procrastinate on this: 1. Tim Mitchell quite rightly adds “direct-to-DVD release” and “lack of story progression” to Ryan Dixon’s list of Seven Deadly Sequel Sins. [Titans Terrors & Toys] 2. Don’t want to be one of those overprotective parents? This list of dangerous things to do with your kids should inspire you. That way when they’re prattling on to their therapists about all the emotional damage you caused, they’ll have that shining memory of the one time you let them lick battery to hold on to until they have kids of their own, see it’s not that easy, and cut you an effin break already. [My Brown Baby] 3. Speaking of kids, here are some tips for flying with toddlers. Basically practice before you get on the plane. [The Next Family] 4. The next time you really just love a book here are ten great ways to support it from author Jody Hedlund. I plan to start doing all of these as a matter of principle every time I borrow and love a book from the library. [Jody Hedlund] 5. This FRIGHT NIGHT trailer looks pretty good, but considering that Anton Yelchin has been playing high schoolers for over eight years now, I’m finding it hard to buy him as a high schooler. What’s sad is that his love interest is also in her 20s. Whatever happened to high schoolers playing high...

What’s crack-a-lackin’ kids? You know it must be summer movie season, b/c instead of my maybe-one-movie-a-month, I’ve got plans to see both PRIEST and BRIDESMAIDS this weekend. What’s doin, yo? Oh, what’s that you say? You have plans that involve other people and non-darkened, overly air-conditioned theaters. Whatever, we can’t all be social butterflies like you. Are even just social. Okay, let’s end this and just all enjoy this fine batch of procrastination that I’ve gathered for you here today. 1. What lies outside our known universe? Theories include black holes, infinite bubbles, parallel universes, something called Dark Flow, and something called Hubble Volume. In any case, it’s all very interesting. [i09] 2. Looking to really procrastinate? I mean really just get your true procrastination on? This super-interesting project, FUTURESTATES is a series of potential pilots grouped around the same them of “What will our future look like?” Especially gripping if you’ve ever lived or visited San Francisco: “Remigration.” Big thanks to author N.K. Jemisin for posting this on her author site. [FUTURESTATES] 3. Some fresh writing tips that you might not have already heard ad nauseum from Curtis Brown agent, Sarah LaPolla. [Sarah LaPolla] 4. This Beijing Moonwalking Granny made my week, and I’m sure she’ll make your weekend. Kudos to the judges for speaking slowly and simply enough that I could actually understand what they were saying. Either that, or my Chinese isn’t nearly as rusty as I thought it was. … yeah it’s probably the former, huh? [Jezebel] 5. REAL STEEL looks sooooo bad, yet I will definitely be watching it in the theater this summer. Robots are like my kryptonite. And Rockem Sockem Robots are like my...

Hey Kids, Nothing much happening this weekend, just kind of waiting for THOR to kick off the official summer movie season. I’m also waiting for five o’clock. Here’s a whole bunch of stuff to procrastinate with while you wait for five o’clock, too. 1. Sally Hogshead teaches you how to market yourself or your product using online dating as a guide post. It weirdly makes sense and it has a super-sweet kicker. [Sally Hogshead] 2. Looking to buy a new summer wardrobe? Read this guide to shopping for clothes online first. [Jezebel] 3. Want to live in the future today? Here are ten ways you can futurize your current home. Though, if you take this advice and you’re renting, be prepared not to get back your deposit. [i09] 4. Molly Garner calls out folks who have the nerve to be “too cool” to watch the Royal Wedding, but seemingly have no problem with watching crappy reality TV. [Scenery Chewer] 5. I’m somehow just finding out about this fantastic alien abduction short, EXIST, by Tyson Johnson, told from the POV of two black men. Weirdly refreshing to see an immigration experience worked into an abduction. Good...

So it’s Friday, and I’m super-exciting, so that means I have a very hard decision to make regarding my social plans. Should I go see HANNA by myself or SOURCE CODE by myself? Hmm… Well, while I chew over that, why don’t the rest of you just go on ahead and procrastinate on this. 1. It’s Friday, so we should probably all check out these 10 super-interesting facts about poop, including that whale poop is good for the ocean and that ancient poop (not a comet) might one day bring on an apocalypse. Yes, seriously. [i09] 2. Are you or someone you know a sociopath? Well April Henry, the co-author of the new thriller, HEART OF ICE, provides us with a handy list of sociopath traits. Hint: you don’t have to be a criminal to be one, and apparently Henry discovered that she knew one or two sociopaths in her own social circle. And just in case you were thinking of not clicking over, one of the traits includes not wanting to know if you’re a sociopath. [Girlfriends Book Club] 3. Since introversion came up a couple of times this week, here’s some handy tips on how to market yourself when you don’t have extroversion on your side. [Shrinking Violets Promotions] 4. Please help terrific author and Friend of FaN, Bernice McFadden, travel to Egypt to research what we’re sure will be an amazing book. [Bernice McFadden] 5. Billionaire Richard Branson will be piloting the Virgin Oceanic, a pretty futuristic-looking sub that will hopefully pave the way for serious undersea tourism someday. Branson must have read way too much Jules Verne growing up, and to tell you the truth, that’s kind of what I like most about him. [PopSci] 6. This mash-up of 2011...

Do you guys do April Fools Day? Well, Ernessa and I gravely discussed doing something more than changing the current mood photo this year, and well … as you can see, unlike Zack Bunker, we’re way too lazy for April Fools hijinks. But how about you? Are you usually the one pulling the prank or the one getting pranked? Let us know in the comments. Meanwhile here’s a whole bunch of stuff to procrastinate on that has nothing whatsoever to do with April Fool’s Day. Maybe we’ll get our act together next year. But seriously, don’t hold your breath. 1. It’s funny b/c these Cake-Wreckers didn’t realize that their cakes looked like uteruses. [Baby Smiling in Back Seat] 2. Some fantastic advice on breaking into the TV writing business from friend of FaN, Clark Perry. [clarkblog] 3. Looking to vintage up your light sources in a really fierce and nerdy way? Check out these lamp shades from Schoolhouse Electric. Thanks to FaN blogger Missy Kulik for hepping us to these on her RANCHO COCOA blog. [Schoolhouse Electric] 4. Agent Rachelle Gardner has some great tips for what fiction editors look for when they’re looking for good fiction. A great list to read and reread as you’re working on your rewrites. [Rachelle Gardner] 5. Hey, it’s Friday. Why not creep ourselves out with CHERNOKIDS, an animated feature about mutated babies? [LikeCool] Chernokids (english subtitles) from Les Chernokids on...

Finally SUCKER PUNCH weekend is here. I’m going to go see it this afternoon, so I’ll be procrastinating in the theater as your read this. But the rest of you should feel free to procrastinate on the below, then go see SUCKER PUNCH after you do. Happy Viewing. 1. Friendly reminder, starting on Monday, you’re going to have come off some dough to have full electronic access to the New York Times. I think I’m going to have to bite the stick, and go for the full $35 pass. How about you? [NYT] 2. These solutions just might solve whatever life problem you have right now. Yes, seriously! [Lifehacker] 3. Trying to decide which writer conventions and conferences are worth your time and money? Check out the comments section of this PIMP MY NOVEL post. Published and unpublished writers alike weigh in. [Pimp My Novel] 4. I would download this picture-a-day app, but I already know that Ernessa would make me post the daily results on Fierce and Nerdy. But if you don’t have a tyrannical co-editor, might be a fun project for you. [Galleycat] 5. I don’t want to say that this storyline might be a turn off for their core audience. But if I were a scrawny nerd, a comic about a scrawny nerd who can’t fight for his country without undergoing some questionable Frankenstein work might be a little offensive. But whatever, CAPTAIN AMERICA will probably do just fine at the box office without any scrawny nerd support behind...

So I might leave the house to catch PAUL this weekend, but other than that, it’ll be another weekend spent indoors. Really March was just one long water tread til SUCKER PUNCH, which won’t be hitting theaters until next week, so let the thumb twiddle continue. Meanwhile I’ll start marking down the days to the premiere of DR. WHO. Have I mentioned that I’m real glum about the dearth of good sci-fi on American TV right now? 1.  In a crappy mood? This “Stuff to Watch When You’re in a Crappy Mood” list will get you out of it. 100% guaranteed. [Angry Black Lady Chronicles] 2. Christina Katz reminds us that it’s totally okay to actually want things … and then she gives us some great advice about how to go about wanting the things we want. Every writer should read this post yesterday. [Christina Katz ~ Empowering Writers] 3. Oooh, Salman Rushdie has a possible series on deck with Showtime. Yes, seriously. Thanks to Ryan Dixon from “The Ryan Dixon Line” for the h/t! [The Independent] 4. If you thought my placebo post from earlier in the week was fascinating, this RadioLab piece will BLOW YOUR MIND. Thanks to friend of FaN, Layla Riviera for passing this along. [RadioLab] 5. If you’re like me, you’re finding it hard to decide where your money and volunteer efforts will be most valuable in the case of the ongoing crisis in Japan. This guide will help you out. [Jezebel] 6. So I kind of want to see this LARRY CROWNE, just b/c I can’t remember the last time I saw a romantic comedy about two middle-to-lower-income people over 40 falling in love. Maybe that Clint Eastwood-Meryl Streep movie, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, back in the 90s?...

What’s up, weekend rockers? I just got edits back from my agent, so I’m planning to spend the next few months of weekends rewriting my novel. Being a hermit by nature, I’m really excited to have an excuse not to go out. But maybe you’ve got better weekend plans? If so, sound off in the comments. Meanwhile, here’s your extra-big dose of procrastination to get you through until we meet again next Monday. 1. FINALLY, somebody tells me how to make my own pop rocks. Stay tuned for lots of mayhem. Seriously, I might make the news. [i09] 2. The smartest (and funniest) response to Tiki Barber’s attempted football comeback that I’ve read thus far. [Angry Black Lady Chronicles] 3. Awesome post by Randy Susan Meyer’s (THE MURDERER’S DAUGHTER) about great craft books to read before and after you write your novel. [grub street daily] 4. Looking for good anime? Check the comments section of this N.K. Jemisin post asking for good anime suggestions. My hand is all crampy now from adding so many new series and movies to my Netflix queue.  [N.K. Jemisin] 5. You know, how Ernessa is always saying that her fellow Smithie author, Jessica Brody, always has the best YA trailers. And how every other YA author should take note, and how Jessica Brody hung the YA trailer moon? Well, she’s right. Here’s the trailer for Jessica Brody’s upcoming book, MY LIFE UNDECIDED. And once again, it looks like movie I’d actually want to watch if I was a teen. Good job, dude. [Jessica...

What’s up everybody. Anybody else got a three-day weekend on the table. If so, how do you plan to spend it. I might watch RuPaul Drag Race, since right now it might be the best sci-fi on television. I kid, I kid … sort of. 1. For the sake of good math is it time to get rid of pi and replace it w/ something called tau? One math dude makes a good case for doing just that. [i09] 2. Did you know that elephants really are afraid of mice? Then you must have watched that episode of Mythbusters, too. Here are six other unbelievable myths that the show proved to be true. [Topless Robot] 3. Everybody should probably read this post on how to ergonomically organize your workspace. Though if you’re lazy and cheap like me, the only advice you’ll probably utilize is the “take more breaks” suggestion. Me likey the breaks. [Lifehacker] 4. Received this with a note from Ernessa that read, “Please put this what to really expect when expecting piece in the Procrastinate on This! Friday edition. Also, please put the exclamation point back in Procrastinate on This! It really is cuter that way.” Well, I’m only honoring one of those requests. [Jezebel] 5. You know how you sometimes see a trailer and your adult mind goes “Hell to the naw” but your inner-teenager jumps up and down, asking to see this ish on opening day? That was kind of my response to BEASTLY, even though Pettyfer is nowhere near beastly in this,  just tattooed and pierced up — which is actually kinda hot, But yeah, I’ll probably end up at the very least renting it. Damn you, Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman. Thanks to the two seasons I spent...

Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, but we’re assuming that you’ll all be celebrating or lamenting this weekend, so here’s a special edition of PoT filled with both pro and anti Valentine’s stuff for you, b/c we’ve drank both the kool-aid and haterade here at Fierce and Nerdy. 1. Sixteen authors talk about how to write sex-ay sex scenes, including our dear co-editor, Ernessa T. Carter, who writes awesome sex scenes, and who totally didn’t tell me to say that. [Girlfriends Book Club] 2. This round-up of the Valentine’s Day “types” that populate every American office is dead-on true. Being a writer, I know my way around a dead-end office job and I’ve met every single person on this list. [Witches Brew] 3. So how exactly did people date before the internet? Cue the fascinating tale of two rival dating services launched at Harvard. It’s like the Facebook story, but with dating, and you know, way earlier. [Jezebel] 4. Apparently, divorce rates go up 40% around Valentines Day.  So you know, no pressure while you’re picking out a V-day present for your husband or wife. [NY Post] 5. So, I was going to feature the trailer for the Russell Brand ARTHUR remake, b/c the original was a romantic comedy, but this version looks a lot less romantic … unless Brand’s going to get it on w/ Helen Mirren — which now that I think of it, I would definitely pay money to see that. Anyway, here’s the trailer. And I put the trailer from the original movie below that, so that you can compare. Though warning, Dudley Moore’s hyena laugh is even worse than you remember. Here’s the remake: And here’s the original, which I remember liking, but that might have been because...

So … anyone else planning to spend the weekend watching Season 1 of HOT IN CLEVELAND, b/c Jersey Joe recommended it so highly? No? Just me? Whatever, here’s your weekend’s worth of proscrastination. 1. Published authors and hope-to-be-published authors (like me) might find this advice on how to promote your books from 23 different authors useful. I know I did. [Girlfriends Book Club] 2. Any fellow RED DWARF fans out there? Because it’s maybe definitely coming back for a 6-episode season in 2012. [Topless Robot] 3. Looking for a job? Here’s what’s NOT to do. Thanks to Anonymous from My You Really Have Put On Weight for the h/t. My favorite it-really-happened example was the guy who tossed his beer in the outside trash can before coming into the office. Smooth. [Washington Post] 4. As someone who even Ebeneezer Scrooge might refer to as “mighty stingy,” i find myself oddly compelled to send this poverty-stricken, Ugandan chess phenom some money, so that she can compete in future Olympiads. [Jezebel] 5.Friend of FaN, Tara Armov, would so appreciate if we kept her employed by watching Bob’s Burgers, the latest animated offering from Fox. Not a bad request, because it’s purty amusing. Check it out below. [Knuckle Dragging...

Hey, what’s up. T.E. here, finally getting my act together and turning in these special-edition PoTs. It only took three weeks and that’s a personal “getting my act together” record, so yeah, I’m feeling a little proud of myself right now. 1. Good news for all those who, like me, are just yelling “C’mon in, Tinnitis” with their lead finger on the volume button and their chronic need to listen to lots and lots of heavy metal and rap. Scientists have found a cure for the disease in rats and might be on the verge of solving it in humans, too. C’mon feel the noise.  [i09] 2. Science just ruined another great relationship theory. Apparently opposites DON’T attract, and in fact, do not last. So  that one couple you know who look exactly alike to a creepy brother-sister extent — yeah, they’re going to be together forever. [Jezebel] 3. Would it be wrong to adopt a cat just so I could put him in a kick-ass cat Tron costume? [Great White Snark] 4. Thanks to Friend of FaN, BabySmiling from Baby Smiling in Back Seat for sending this link to habitforge, a website dedicated to helping you form a habit in 21 days. I’m already perfect and a paragon of good habits, but maybe the rest of you could use it… [habitforge] 5. Living in a post-apocalyptic world can really put a complicated damper on the old love life. Just ask Ewan...

Oh guys, I have had so much fun procrastinating with you this year, and I look forward to doing so again in 2011. Till then here’s one last chunk of procrastination to get you through the weekend. Oh, and do make sure to come back next Monday for our two week round-up of the Best and Worst of 2010. It’s going to be awesome. 1. I know a lot of us have “Better Mental Health” on our list of New Year’s resolutions. So do think about checking out this great advice post on how to find a good therapist even if you don’t have insurance or a ton of money. [Jezebel] 2. What if Joseph and Mary had Facebook? This short by Igniter Media was strangely compelling and weirdly moving. [YouTube] 3. You know how the last time I got pregnant, I was all like, pregnant women are beautiful, I’m going to rock this baby bump! Well, these Awkward Pregnancy Photos have reversed my thinking on that. Um, thanks(?) to Kelly from “Nerd in Transition” for sending this round. [Thrillist.com] 4. This holiday season, remember that toys have secret and complex lives, too. Thanks to friend of FaN, Killie Knobel for the h/t. [Etsy.com] 5. And last but not least, 270 of the movies released in 2010 in one handy montage. [Defamer] Happy Holiday Mood Photo Credit:...

Sooooo much to do today, but I am side-eyeing a matinee of the new Harry Potter movie, so we’ll see. What are you all up to this weekend? I assume parties, parties, and more parties. Ah, the holidays! But before you move on to your fabulous weekends, do procrastinate on the below… 1. Bah humbug! As it turns out, my fourth favorite game show, Cash Cab, is totally fake. You will never throw up a hail and be randomly picked up by what turns out to be the Cash Cab. All the contestants or pre-selected (only gregarious and witty people get chosen), and the show itself is pre-planned and produced within an inch of its life. Even though I used to write “pretend live” for my old job, I was really saddened to hear this — though, having done that job I did suspect this was the case with Cash Cab. Ah, well. [A.V. Club] 2. I totally agree with former agent Nathan Bransford about the importance of exercise for writers. Not only does exercise give me more energy to handle my day but I swear that every time I get on the elliptical it feels like ideas just download into my head. A serious must-do for creatives, in my opinion. [Nathan Bransford] 3. Could the season in which you’re born affect your temperament for life. No wonder I’m friends with so many fellow winter babies! #capricornsrepresent I’d be really interested to see this broken down with writers. For example, are winter babies more likely to write heavier fiction, while the summer babies write the lighter stuff? Seriously GalleyCat.com, you should get on that! [EurekAlert] 4. Looks like VirginGalactic will have commercial space travel up and going by 2012. Yes! Though for $200,000 per...

Oh! I’m so sorry to see BOOK WEEK 2! end. It feels like it went by soooo fast. But there’s always next year. Until then, do enjoy this special BOOK WEEK 2! edition of Procrastinate on This! 1. I loved this list of Worst Television Versions of Science Fiction and Fantasy Books. Though, dude, I had no idea they tried to make WRINKLE IN TIME into a TV series! [i09] 2. Will we soon be seeing advertising in digital books? [Galleycat] 3. Thinking about acquiring a Creative Writing MFA? Tayari Jones has some (really fantastic) advice for you. [Tayari Jones] 4. What kind of writer are you? A Thief? Or a Soloist? [Lev Grossman] 5. My whole goal in life is do a WilliamShatneresque song with Bens Folds. Nick Hornby is such a lucky dog! [YouTube] 6. I’m not going to lie. I really wanted to listen to George R.R. Martin’s GAME OF THRONES, but totally didn’t have the attention span to tackle 20+ disks. So I’m glad I’ll be able to watch it in a more manageable TV series...

Ugh, we’re in the process of moving. And I must say that the only thing I dislike about being in a family unit as opposed to single is the moving bit. It used to take me three hours tops to move. Now it takes two weeks and a couple of outside services to get us into a new place. Ah well, at least we’ll be within walking distance of stuff again. My soul has really been missing that. Apparently motherhood didn’t make me magically-suited for the suburbs like I thought it would. Team City #forevah yo! But while I’m offline and moving, I would so love if you took advantage of this big batch of procrastination. 1. As someone who grew up with a shopping addict/hoarder and has always had trouble explaining the weird horror of it, I’m glad this issue is getting some attention. And I agree with Jezebel that it’s way too often classified as a “women’s problem.” [Jezebel] 2. I was shocked that my least favorite airport, LAX showed up at #4 on this list of America’s Airports Ranked from Best to Worst, while my favorite airport, Newark Liberty International, came in dead last. But then I realized that they weren’t using anything on my personal ranking system. They were concerned with stuff like on-time departures, safety, and amenities, whereas I’m more concerned with the ease of getting to and from the airport and not having to wait forever at baggage claim. Team EWR! [The Daily Beast] 3. I’ve been saying for years now that if we really want to make advances in space travel, we need more pioneering efforts (1000 year ships, lifetime missions, etc) and apparently a few people agree with me. Two scholars are pointing out that we’d...

Good news and bad news. Bad news first: Yesterday I had my last non-L.A. book event of 2010. Good news: I’ll no longer be whining about how busy I am like every other blog. Here’s a whole bunch of procrastination to celebrate… 1. Ah, sweet! This couple has been married for 72 years. But perhaps more importantly, they have matching easy chairs! CH why don’t we have matching easy chairs? [KPTV Portland] 2. I think I just might download this idea brainstormer app. Just perfect for spontaneous writers, which I am not, but perhaps could be if I had an app like this. [Galleycat] 3. So thanks to Google, there’s now free wifi on Delta, Virgin American, and AirTran. But sadly, I only fly Continental/United, American, and JetBlue. One day… [ValleyWag] 4. Seriously Zac Effron going is to star in the American adaptation of AKIRA??? Seriously? Where to start? That’s just one huge #icant [Los Angeles Herald] 5. Had no time to actually watch this, b/c I’m so crunched for time. But let me know what you think of the trailer for the much-hyped BATTLE: LOS...

Some house business: we’re only 8 reviews away from my 100 review goal. If you want a 32 CANDLES t-shirt, then leave a review on Amazon, and email me your address and size (S,M,L, or XL) at etc at 32candles.com and I’ll send you one out. This is the last batch of 32 CANDLES T-shirts, so you should definitely get yours before we run out! That all promoted, let’s procrastinate on this! 1. I love the concept of this Cliche Finder database, but am afraid to use it, for fear that I’ll find too many of my pet phrases within. [Galleycat] 2. Agent Rachelle Gardner basically says that writers who want to get published need to pick up a gotdang business book. I totally agree! [Rachelle Gardner] 3. This list of 15 sci-fi classics that publishers repeatedly rejected is both cool and inspiring. The list includes H.G. Well’s WARS OF THE WORLDS, Frank Herbert’s DUNE, and fellow Smithie, Madeleine L’Eng;e’s WRINKLE IN TIME. [i09] 4. One businessperson confirms what I’ve suspected for a while now: offices are soooo bad for productivity. [Jezebel] 5. Um, I pretty much hate the concept of Jack Black in a modern-day, 3D version of GULLIVER TRAVELS, but I have to admit that Lilliputian version of KISS’s “Rock and Roll All Night.” I’m such a sucker for 70s hair...

So obviously I won’t be procrastinating at all this weekend. Not only do I have my self-imposed deadline to finish the first rewrite of my second women’s fiction novel by November 1, but I’m also gearing up for the Circle of Sisters Book Club tomorrow in good ol’ NYC, so be there, our hurt our collective feelings. Meanwhile, I do believe it’s time to procrastinate on this! 1. Yeah, this Death Star pumpkin is pretty much the best jack-o-lantern in the history of ever. [Topless Robot] 2. Looking for a romantic dinner to make for your vegetarian sweetheart? Look no further than this Sweetie Melt recipe made up by own own Kelli Bielema (“Fierce in Seattle”). Seriously, I’d eat this, and ya’ll know how I luvs the meat. [Veg Out & About] 3. Love, love, love these PSA posters for alien invasions. But yeah, let’s hope we never actually need them. [i09] 4. Ya’ll know how I’m always lovin’ on my gap, right? Well, it’s looks like I’m not the only one. It looks like gap-tooth honies are “in.” This makes me wish that people still said “Woot!” [NewsOK] 5. Sookie! There’s a big blizzard comin’! Check out Vampire Bill using his real accent in the trailer for Ice, a movie that looks like the British version of The Day After Tomorrow. Though I consider not actually having Roland Emmerich at the helm a plus, I’m still on the fence about whether I want to see this. What say...

I’m looking soooo forward to the 32 CANDLES Q&A at Writing Pad tonight. And I’ve been really good with the Weight Watchers points this week, so salted caramel cupcakes will be eaten without guilt. This I decree! But before all that, let’s get our procrastination on, shall we? 1. Our own Ryan Dixon not only gave the best quote in a Wall Street Journal article about the legendary McDonald’s McRib (“It has a ghostly quality […] You don’t know when it will appear. It’s the girl who you are in love with who has always been a tease to you.”), he’ll also be talking about on NPR this Saturday for “All Things Considered,” so do tune in. For those of you who haven’t met Ryan IRL, he talks just like he writes. Don’t believe that’s even possible? Dudes, tune in…. [WSJ.com] 2. A preview of the upcoming SWEET VALLEY HIGH sequel (drop date: April, 2011), which will feature the twins all grown up. Elizabeth and Jessica have fallen out because of an unnamed betrayal. I can tell myself I’m too grown to read this, but we all pretty much know that I’m going to be pre-ordering it on Amazon. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug, ya’ll. [Jezebel] 3. Apparently, 92% of babies have a social networking presence. My bigger question is about the 8% that don’t. I mean if a baby is born and you don’t post her or his picture on your blog or Facebook page, does that baby actually exist? [ValleyWag] 4. I likes me both some meat and some seafood, but I imagine this article from our own Kelli Bielema (“Fierce in Seattle”) about how to navigate being a vegetarian at a seafood restaurant might be very helpful to someone...

So I actually don’t have any plans this weekend, which feels weird to say the least … But what are you up to this weekend, I mean other than procrastinating on this: 1. Our own resident sex therapist, Dr. Miro, appears in this month’s Women’s Health Magazine with a quote about how to keep your marriage sex-ay. Alright! [Women’s Health] 2. According to British scientists, light drinking poses no threat to unborn babies. As someone who forewent champagne when she got her book deal b/c she was pregnant, this news was greeted with a slam of my fist into my hand. Ah well, next time… [BBC News] 3. Waving at my new must-read blog, Witches’ Brew … full of really smart, really snarky news and gossip analysis. Love! Love! Love! Seriously check ’em out — it’s “White Jesus Approved.” [Witches’ Brew] 4. Looking for a crafty way to trick out your bathroom? Check out Missy Kulik’s super-cute embroidery hoop idea. [Rancho Cocoa] 5. Yeah, I’m just go’on have to admit that I’ll watch pretty much anything with quirky English folk in it. And this film TAMARA DREWE is about quirky English writers, plus a chyck with a fresh nose job. So yeah, I’ll be downloading this one on Apple TV pretty soon here. current mood photo credit: Tambako the...

Just in case you didn’t know, it’s Banned Book Week, and a bunch of us authors are getting together to read passages from our favorite Banned Books at the Santa Monica Library on Saturday (you know who called dibs on THE COLOR PURPLE, right?). More info can be found HERE. And some relief from your work day in the form of procrastination can be found below: 1. To all the city folks who get sick all the time, apparently people who live in big cities are supposed to get sick way less, b/c our immune systems are  stronger, due to having to work harder in a dense, germ-ridden environment. So seriously never move to the country, b/c you just might die. [Gawker] 2. Netflix Queue Add Alert: “The Ten Best Foreign Language Sci-Fi Films.” Most excited about seeing Godard’s ALPHAVILLE and (Paris 2054) RENAISSANCE — haven’t seen a French movie in forever… [i09] 3. Don’t want to define myself as a Hipster Christian, but yeah, most of the authors on this Hipster Christian Reading List can be found on our bookshelf. So… [Galleycat] 4. Can’t stop listening to this playlist of music that the whole family can enjoy, composed by fellow IR mom, Yvonne. Her taste is so spot on, and both Betty and CH got their sway on while this played in the background. [Homegrown Mosaic] 5. Check out STASIS, an engrossing and gorgeous  24-minute sci-fi short. STASIS from Christian Swegal on...

I’m at Smith right now, doing a little bit of research and staging a mini writing retreat, so once again, no procrastination for me this week. But do feel free to help yourself when the boss isn’t looking. 1. I have always said that if I had to be an actor, I’d want to be a character actor. That way I could enjoy the craft and get paid well, w/o having to suffer through too much attention. So I found this essay by character actor Steve Tobolowsky (Glee, Groundhog Day) especially interesting. [NYT] 2. I’ve already apologized to Betty profusely, because she’s genetically fated to have terrible eyes like both of her parents. But apparently, a revolutionary eye drop that prevents nearsightedness might be introduced into society soon, which would mean I apologized in advance for nothing. Whoa. [Gawker] 3. Speaking of the future, here’s an item about a $60,000 bionic finger out of Scotland. [LikeCool] 4. Struggling with dialogue? Check out these great tips! [Tayari Jones via Crystal Wilkinson] 5. I can’t decided whether I want to see this new Matt Damon/Clint Eastwood collabo, HEREAFTER. On one hand, I usually love Eastwood films. On the other, this seems just a bit schlocky. What say...

So I’ve a weekend of catching up to do before I head to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, for the next 32 CANDLES book event on my impromptu book tour (deets HERE). So excited to get back to the Burgh!!! But sadly, no time to procrastinate. So please quaff this extra-big dose of procrastination for me while I’m toiling away. 1. I found this tale of how my not-black friend, Laurenne up and got a weave completely fascinating, especially since I’m at the salon as you read this, getting some more color extensions braided into my own hair. Which reminds me, I really need to do a blog about that one of these days… [humans are funny] 2. Oh my deity, DARK TOWER, my favorite Stephen King series featuring my favorite black action heroine of all time (that would be the legless-but-no-less-badass, Susan) is being made into both a movie and TV series by Ron Howard, Akiva Goldsman, and Brian Grazer. My only fear is they’ll eff up the Susan casting. Let me make this easy for you guys: Kerry Washington. Nuff said. [Topless Robot] 3. As someone who is coming to terms with the fact that she’s going to need some kind of bi-focalur help reading when her insurance lets her buy a new pair of frames in two years, these tru-focals sound right up my alley. My only issue is that they only come in a John-Lennonesque design. I don’t look good in John Lennon glasses, so hopefully they’ll have more designs by the time I’m looking to buy. [BoingBoing] 4. Well, I’m certainly going to the Wormhole, a BACK TO THE FUTURE themed coffee shop the next time I’m in Chicago — working on doing a book event there at the end of...

I’ve got a ton to do before I head to DC next week for the first stop on my impromptu book tour (deets HERE), so I’ve sadly no time to get a good procrastination on. But please avail yourself of this big batch of procrastination in my stead. 1. I loved Author Tayari Jone’s idea for keeping a list of all the nice things folks say to and do for you as opposed to obsessing over the opposite. [Tayari Jones] 2. Sandman, my favorite comic book series of all time, might be made into a TV series. Please-oh-please don’t eff it up! [Topless Robot] 3. Though, I’ve mentioned before how done-to-death guys making fun of TWILIGHT is, I thought these Twilight “spark notes” were clever in places. Thanks to my nephew, Josh for passing this on. [The Spark Life Blog] 4. For about $3000-4000 dollars, you can have your loved ones cremated ashes turned into a vinyl record. Yes, seriously. [Boing Boing] 5. Is it wrong that my only response to the below send-up of “nerd cool” is, “Ooh, I want a polaroid app for my iPhone! Does that really exist?” Thanks to Gudrun Cram-Drach for sending this along. Featured Image Credit:...

So I’ve got a ton of stuff to do before we leave for Hawaii tomorrow, but I’m hoping that you can take some time out of your busy day to procrastinate on this. Cheers! 1. When I saw these dresses made out of balloons, I immediately thought of Katy Perry. [] 2. According to one study, women are much better at cheating than men. Sadly, it’s b/c we actually put a decent amount of effort into hiding affairs, as opposed to men who apparently don’t. [Jezebel] 3. I adore Brian Viehland’s idea for making a pantry with Ikea bookcases. It looks great, fits into small spaces AND it’s cheap. Triple win! [architectblog] 4. Star Tours is one of the few rides I really like at Disney Land. So hopefully they don’t eff up the remodel. Til then, you can watch the trailer for the revamped attraction at [Topless Robot] 5. This Jake Gyllenhaal/Anne Hathaway rom-com, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS, actually looks appealing in that Anne Hathaway’s character doesn’t seem like an uptight, Type A personality that needs some laidback guy to put her down so much that she realizes she should spend the rest of her life with him. Hopefully Anne doesn’t die at the end of the movie. B/c often when a female love interest is actually interesting in one of these movies, that means they have some kind of terminal illness. Either way, I’ll be there just b/c it stars Friend of FaN, Josh Gad as the roommate, so they had me with the...

I, for one, am trying not to procrastinate too much today, since I have A LOT to do if I want to complete all of my summer time goals by September 1st. But I hate the thought of anyone stuck at work, having to do actual, you know, work, so here’s a big old chunk of procrastination for when the boss isn’t looking. 1. I love this list of the 28 kicking-assiest females from geek culture. [Wired] 2. Oh my deity, why did I vow to hunker down this August? If only I had known that the American Ninja Warrior tryouts are THIS Saturday at Venice Beach. Temptation thou name art Ninja Warrior! And, oh hey, thanks to Amy R from “Tall Drink of Nerd” for the h/t. [G4] 3. This list of 3 things never to say to a bride is hilarious, because it is so FREAKIN’ true. I especially loved the bit about how singletons claim they’re just going to elope on a beach somewhere, so as to “avoid” the pain of a wedding. Dude, you’re not going to elope. Trust me, I tried. But then, I was like, well I have to invite my family and my best friend and my closest friends, and my husband felt the same way, and boom, suddenly we weren’t eloping but planning a wedding for 100 in good ol’ LA. I know of not one couple who has managed to fully elope on a beach. And trust me when I tell you that you won’t be able to either. Anyway, I’m going to stop now, because the rant at Scenery Chewer is waaaay more funny. [Scenery Chewer] 4. Writer Mamas! Short on funds, but full of desire to get your writing career kickstarted? The deadline for...

I have a PACKED Friday. We’re getting AT&T U-verse, running about a thousand errands, on top of my usual writing session. Site note, if you have any suggestions for our upcoming redesign, please let us know. We love our readers and want to improve you’re experience when you’re here with us. So do give us suggestions in the comments. Meanwhile, we’ve got your procrastination right here: 1. As someone who spent the summer rewriting a weird dystopian girl-gang sci-fi novel that I fear that no one will ever want to read,  I so appreciate this list of 6 great novels that were critically panned in their time, which includes, BRAVE NEW WORLD, GRAPES OF WRATH, LORD OF THE FLIES, MOBY DICK and other English class staples. [Cracked.com] 2. I’ve been saying for years that iPhone should do an ad specifically geared toward moms, b/c mine has been my lefthand in this whole motherhood business. Til then Huffington Post has a list of Top iPhone Apps for Moms. [Huffington Post] 3. Cool movie-inspired furniture. Thanks to Kelly Kaboom Lett for the h/t! [Tom Spina Designs] 4.  Wanna see what a $20,000 foosball table looks like? [LikeCool] 5. This trailer for MONSTERS looks intriguing. Apparently, it’s about two Americans trying to get to the US Border six years after an alien invasion. Dude, I had to do the exact same thing once, and let me tell you, it’s really...