A wrap of today’s SFF news, some links and some fun. If you have news to be included, DM or email me.
Someone broke teh interwebz
If you’re at all IT savvy you’ve probably heard about the Java debacle and how Java version 7 had a serious security flaw, so serious Bill Chappell of NPR said
As we reported Friday, hacking groups included the Java 7 vulnerability in new “exploit kits” this year.
the Department of Homeland Security said computer users should remove the latest versions of its Java software…
since Homeland Security said that, apparently
Oracle Corp. says it has fixed the flaw, in a new update released Monday…
But the experts who highlighted the Java 7 flaw say that even though it’s fixed, users should beware, as other security problems could arise in the software.
“Unless it is absolutely necessary to run Java in web browsers, disable it… even after updating,” recommends Carnegie Mellon University’s CERT computer security site.
Since the security flaw was supposedly fixed, I’ve had issues with Facebook and Twitter intermittently loading in their text-only versions. As it’s not a loading issue – my download speed is currently 16.77 mbps – I assume that the fallout from the java debacle is continuing, hopefully with social media platforms updating their software.
Horror convention in Melbourne this weekend
Oz Horror Con is in Melbourne this weekend. The program for the day is up on Facebook. Tickets are for sale through TryBooking and this is a shortcut to the list of tickets for the whole weekend, starting tonight, Friday 18 January.
Bitten TV program
Kelley Armstrong, author of the Women of the Otherworld series of novels announced the Bitten TV program on her website. Kelley says,
“What’s happening with the TV show?” has shot to my most-asked question since the news hit in August.
So she’s updated her website with the latest news on the Bitten TV program.
Last year Kelley toured Australia. Kelley spoke to Nalini of Dark Matter and had a series of public author talks, one of which is here.
Carolyn Jess-Cooke (fantasy author) lunches in Britain
For UK readers: Carolyn wrote the AWESOME Guardian Angel’s Journal, and continues to write fabulous books and poetry. There is a lunch with Carolyn coming up; find out more and purchase tickets here. [It’s CLOSED.]
Comic book reviews
Grant Watson reviews comic books including comments about DC’s internal machinations that are causing concern in the comic book community.
Michael Pryor’s writing tips
Michael Pryor, author of MANY books, gives five tips for revising and editing. Michael has written lost of short stories and novels ranging from literary fiction to science fiction; he has an amazing track record for being nominated and short-listed for awards. Michael says:
I’ve been shortlisted six times for the Aurealis Award for Speculative Fiction, and has also been nominated for a Ditmar award. My short stories have twice been featured in Gardner Dozois’ ‘Highly Recommended’ lists in The Year’s Best Science Fiction and The Year’s Best Fantasy. Five of my books have been CBC Notable Books, I’ve been longlisted for a Golden Inky and I’ve been shortlisted for the WAYBRA Award. I’ve also twice won the Best and Fairest Award at West Brunswick Amateur Football Club.
Reality bit: SF inspiration for today
The Age reports that an IT consultant on a six figure salary outsourced his own job for less that one-fifth of his pay, to become the most productive person in the company. Is this unethical or good delegation? I guess it depends on his contract.
Right, SF writers, pens at the ready: GO!
The Nerdist lists January releases of science fiction and fantasy DVDs/blurays from Britain
The Nerdist not only lists these DVDs and blurays, it also says a bit about them. Can someone please explain why Misfits, which is at season 5, is only just now having season 2 released?
Worldbuilders update – buy geek books and merchandise for charity!
Pat Rothfuss says that if I share only one post this Worldbuilders season, make it this one. Well, I’ve shared several because I think what he’s doing to raise money is awesome. There’s an old saying, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ Worldbuilders aims to empower people to support themselves.
