Chillax Badass

What do people think about the term “badass”? Still cool, right? Let’s forgo discussing the relative coolness of using the word “cool.” But badass still has some cache, even with the loss of the sting of taboo connected to “ass,” which barely registers as a curse anymore. Much more cache anyway than the stillborn "chillax." Can anyone really use this word and not sound like an Arnold Friend-esque poseur or a poor deluded child?

(pictured two badasses chillaxing)

Trademark This

So I'm writing response letters to some creative nonfiction essays, and I notice one of the students keeps capitalizing laundromat. So my marginalia cries, "Why? What's so proper about this laundromat?" Then I go to type up my comments and every time I type laundromat Word forces the capital Laundromat. Seriously? I do a little reading and it turns out it's just one corporation protecting another.

My love of Word is no secret. Here's another autocratic slip that shows the foulness of the MS soul. Too much? The point is that just on practical terms forcing the capital is a mistake because it makes the reader stop because the registered trademark is for a washing machine, not, as everyone understands, the place one goes to use a washing machine.

But more importantly, when words become part of the language, they belong to the people, not a corporation. Get over it kleenex.

Copyright

© 2009

S. Craig Renfroe, Jr.

Totally Book Porn

My friend Mel sent me the link to this photo blog Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone, calling it "totally book porn" and it's certainly corrupting the morals of the good non-reading public everywhere--if everywhere is this link right here.

Mourning the Perfect Word

I've just tried out Google Docs. And I'm wondering if this will one day push out Word. Which makes me think about how I loved WordPerfect so much and how I had to give it up for Word--forced kicking and screaming because of compatibility. Stupid, stupid Word. WordPerfect is still out there, like an unrequited lover.

The Death of Summer or How I Draw a Paycheck

School is in. And responsibilities loom over my puttering around. Which often, inexplicably, means I get more puttering done. Not really inexplicable because I have to prioritize my puttering, put my puttering first. These are things I've learned from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which I have never read but bought for a quarter at a garage sale from someone I suspect had not read it either. Point being, I'm teaching again. Shaping young minds. I try not to think about that too much. It's paralyzing if you do. Like the Larkin poem: "They fuck you up, your mum and dad./ They may not mean to, but they do."

(pictured: goats puttering)

My Ideal Fiction List Is Up on Flatmancrooked

So the folks over at the irrepressible Flatmancrooked came up with their ideal fiction anthologies and asked some of the writers they've published for their lists. Mine is up in Part III. Be sure to check out Parts I & II. I notice that many get real defensive about their lists and include disclaimers or get defiant as if expecting their choices to cause bar fights. Me included. I'm not making a point. Just noticing. I like to notice stuff.

Cool: The Collagist

Probably you've already checked out the first issue of The Collagist, a new online literary magazine from Dzanc, because I'm usually late to the party. If not, you should. Really. Because as previously stated, it is cool. It includes work by and about Gordon Lish. And even some Easter-egg-style goodies, like the Michael Martone contributor note story.