Fantasy Fans

Two things. First is a series of posts of memlu's that review Christopher Paolini's Eragon. In Post 1 she gives her own review, and in Post 2, she links to a number of articles on the web on the subject. The last one in particular is worth reading if you are even considering writing fantasy, as it spotlights the most common problem of the genre.

Second, limyaael just finished The Hounds of Spring, first of a series of stories she is writing to thank people who donated to Katrina relief organizations. The story contains a damn interesting world that isn't just Fantasyland, and focuses on religion in a way that neither glorifies or vilifies it. Parts one through four can be found on her journal.

My Day

Okay, so I woke up at 6:30 AM with a splitting headache and no medicine in the house. After a half hour of letting my head swim for a bit while I figured out how I was going to deal with it -- I get migranes less than once a month, but when I do, I can't eat (any smells make me sick), or really do much of anything besides wait for the painkillers to take effect -- I decide to go knock on neighbor's doors until I find someone who's awake.

Thankfully, Anna, my upstairs neighbor, was up and about. After seeing me barely conscious and in my PJs, she not only offers me painkillers, but offers to drive me to the store to buy some. She's a saint -- she also brought me cookies (Vegan chocolate chip) when I moved in.

Now I need to make her something in return. Vegan cookie recipes, here I come!

My aunt and uncle brought me furniture today -- a friend of theirs was giving away a couch and kitchen table set, and lamps. They also took me to get bookshelves at Walmart (and a kitchen trashcan and clothes hamper) and to dinner (we had Thai), and insisted on paying for things. They are driving back to Boston in the morning.

Fall Break is coming up. Perhaps I should make plans. Also, people are welcome up here for their fall breaks, as I now have something they can sleep on. I'm testing out the couch's sleepability tonight.

Anime Characters...

Looking on Chrono Crusade fansites. Found Sister Kate's last name -- Valentine. Makes me want to make a list of anime/manga/video game characters with this last name:

Faye Valentine: Bounty Hunter, Future!Earth (Cowboy Bebop)
Jan and Luke Valentine: Vampires, Present Earth (Hellsing)
Kate Valentine: Nun, 1920's Earth (Chrono Crusade)
Mai Valentine: Card player, Present Earth (Yu-gi-oh dub)
Vincent Valentine: Angsty!Bishounen, Fantasy World (Final Fantasy 7)

Feel free to add to the list