Pet Peeves and Paranoia

Given the very sad news of Roy Horn's passing on 5/8, I thought it appropriate to post this article I wrote about him several years ago, after watching a TV special detailing his recovery from an onstage incident involving a white tiger.

Although the piece (which was initially penned for the "Pet Peeves and Paranoia" column of my Mil Mania newsletter, and an excerpt from which was subsequently published in the Mensa Bulletin) discusses events now far from current, the spirit that inspired its writing will surely live on as Roy's legacy, and it's being shared here as both a tribute to him, and a challenge to readers (and myself).

Pet Peeves and Paranoia -- Roy Horn 

Writing Section Updates

Having rediscovered the novelette that was serialized in the "Writings From the Asylum" column of Mil Mania (as noted in the last blog post) I'm now posting chapters of it as time permits the bit of reformatting needed for the web.  A new chapter (in two parts, as it appeared in the newsletter) has just been added this evening.  More will be coming soon, so check the  "Fiction" page for these regularly.

I hope you enjoy it.  And, of course, feel free to share your feedback either via email or the Random Rants Discussion Board.

What's Old Is New Again

As a completely non-political artist maneuvering my way through a presidential election year (with primary season in full swing) -- and with at least one "old" section of artistinsane.com having recently been resurrected (i.e. the Mad Ravings On reviews mentioned in my last post), I thought it an appropriate time to share yet another "blast from" atistinsane's "past."

For several years in the mid-2000's, I wrote and published a newsletter called Mil Mania (sent to subscribers via email).  As you'll see from this sample, it routinely included a mix of news, fiction, reviews, poetry and essays. Some of the essays were humorous, some serious, and some honestly expressed my thoughts on various topics -- which brings me to the reason I'm sharing the particular issue linked here.

As you'll see, this issue's "Temporary Insanity" column (middle of the right side) is about the subject of politics and art.  As you'll also see, it was written in 2007 -- the year the smartphone debuted, incidentally (which has since exponentially increased the "information available ad nauseum" the article mentions) -- but as the title of this post implies, it could easily have just been penned today.

Mil Mania -- March-April 2007 Issue

P.S.  The story "Of Julie and Better Men" under  "Fiction" in the "Mil's Writing" section of artistinsane.com is, in fact, the Prologue to the novelette that was serialized in the "Writings From the Asylum" column of Mil Mania, a chapter of which is also included in the above issue.

And, as always, once you've read it, feel free to share your thoughts, either via email or the Random Rants Discussion Board.

More "Mad Ravings On" -- Outlander

With Season 5 beginning this weekend, what could be a more appropriate time to add a review of Outlander to the Mad Ravings On section of my website.

Click Here to check it out!

A New Year -- and a New (Old) Addition to Artistinsane.com!

A staple of the first incarnation of artistinsane.com has (at last) returned! Now you can check out my reviews of great (and not so great... and sometimes maybe abysmal) films in the Mad Ravings On section, added just today!

The first entry is a discovery so fantastic it actually inspired Mad Ravings On's return.  Go read it now -- and then, go watch the film!

More entries (some new, some from the old Mad Ravings On page) will be added in the days ahead.   So check back soon.

New Rodent Reader Issue!!!

It's here!  The latest issue has begun mailing out!  And, the story rat lovers on social media have waited for is now in TRRQ... "The Incredible Sadie, Part 1" by Kevin Grazier!  Also in this issue, an artist profile of illustrator Dean Griffiths, a holiday installment of "The Rat Lady: Rewind" (reprinted writings of Debbie Ducommun), a new chapter in The Return of Row and Rifflerat, celebrations of the season, photos by Kim Zier, book reviews, poems and much more!  Visit the Quick Subscribe page to order your copy today!

Hopeless!!!

Yes, I am hopelessly behind on writing news posts! So, as soon as time permits, I will attempt to provide a recap of highlights since the last one appeared.   ("Attempt" is the key word there.)  😄

In the meantime, here are a few pictorial hints...

Stay tuned.  (And, thanks for your patience!)

To all who share an appreciation in the music of Michael McDermott, I'm posting to announce  that the McDermott birthday surprise project has been brought out of retirement for one special encore.  Details can be found at the page linked here.  Feel free to share with any and everyone who might also want to get involved - except, of course, Michael himself!
http://artistinsane.com/music-mayhem/the-2018-mcdermott-birthday-surprise

Are you a Rodent Reader reader?

The latest issue has proved so popular that I just ordered a second printing! Visit http://artistinsane.com/rodent-reader to get yours. Subscribe for a full year or puchase just a single issue. Thank you, all Rodent Reader readers!!!

P.S.  The spring issue is nearing completion, so will also be available soon!

Happy Groundhog Day!!!!

While it's Groundhog Day all year in our household, the season others share in our enthusiasm for these wonderful furry friends is always an exciting time of year.

Enjoy the celebrations!!!!

New Online Store!

For the first time ever, this website has its own online store! Currently featuring two brand new 2018 caledars of The Rodent Reader Quarterly's little friends, including both groundhogs and pet rats.

 Check it out here today!

Check Out These New Leggings on Zazzle!

In experimenting a bit on zazzle, I was thrilled with how these leggings featuring (pet rat) Bevin and (pet groundhog) Maude came out. Had to share! (If anyone's interested in purchasing, they're 25% off through tomorrow [1/9] by using the code ZKICKOFF2017 at checkout).



Bevin and Maude Leggings

Mil's Review of Sharon Winters Latest Book

Educational and Inspiring

It probably shouldn't come as a surprise that the author who penned the highly informative and entertaining memoir, Cutted Chicken in Shanghai, should bring these qualities to her first foray into children's books.  Within the 32 page format standard for young readers, Sharon Winters manages to deftly fit not only a wealth of facts about the lives, characteristics and challenges of desert rodents, but also introduces a character filled with insecurities, longings and fears individuals of every species (and age) can relate to.   

As the youngest of seven desert rat children, Leilani is ridiculed for her small size and inability to measure up to her siblings' achievements.  But, in seeking refuge against a close call that turns her frustrations into all-out fear, Leilani happens upon a new friend, who helps her understand that being short on physical attributes doesn't make her short on value -- and that a little patience and belief can spark truly amazing growth. 

Though an acknowledgement tells us the book was written for Sharon's youngest granddaughter (who shares her name with the title character), it presents a warm and touching story of universal appeal. Beautifully augmented by simply styled drawings that clearly portray Leilani's emotions and environment, the author's words inspire readers to wish along with "Runtie" that her dreams of growing as big, strong -- and fast -- as her older brothers and sisters might be fulfilled, and to revel in the whimsical resolution that changes her life by leaps and bounds.      

Get your copy of Runtie the Desert Rat here.

New Zazzle Products

New to our zazzle store -- sneakers featuring rats of The Rodent Reader Quarterly.  Here's one of the styles available...

Mailbox Molly Pet Rat Lace-up Sneakers Printed Shoes by artistinsane

Check them all out at zazzle.com/artistinsane*

New Issues -- New Printing Company!!!

In case you haven't yet, heard, a new issue of The Rodent Reader Quarterly mailed out a few weeks ago -- and it has a new look and feel thanks to the services of a brand new printing company.  The issue honored the 10th anniversary of discovering the lovely Molly under a drive up mailbox, an event that sparked all the rat love that followed -- and is yet to come.

Another issue is nearing completion and will be released before the holidays.  So, if you want to receive it, or give the magazine as a gift, what are you waiting for? 

This article from the 4th qtr. 2014 edition of The Rodent Reader Quarterly was recently shared on Facebook, and in case you missed it there, I'm posting it here as well.  If you've never checked out the magazine before, I hope you enjoy this introduction -- and that you'll consider joining us by subscribing today! 

A new issue is currently under construction -- filled with rodent fact and fiction you won't want to miss.   

In the meantime...
More Marty Mouse -- Expressions from the heART

The holiday edition of The Rodent Reader Quarterly is now available! Click Here for more info or to purchase yours today. Print or PDF format.  Gift subscriptions available, too!

Featuring articles on Martin "Marty" Mouse, Broadway rat actor, Toby, holiday pics, poems and much more!

2015 Calendar of Rats from The Rodent Reader Quarterly

Check out our new 2015 Calendar - NOW AVAILABLE!

AND -- take advantage of 60% off calendars through Tuesday 11/11, plus 50% off holiday cards! Use the code VETERANDAY14 at checkout...

NEW!!! 2015 Rodent Reader Quarterly RATS Calendar by artistinsane

Many other gifts and holiday cards also available... http://www.zazzle.com/artistinsane*