For Mizé: A reading on divorce

Mizé asked: Íd like to ask you a reading for my love life. Íve recently separated from a 15 years partner from which I have a daughter and I think I still have feelings for him. He insists on divorcing but told me that we could get along better after it. Should I trust this view? Ask your cards if he still loves me and if this vision of his is for real, will you?

Past - Swords V (reversed) - This card speaks of distance between friends, distrust, jealousy and lies. My feeling is that suspicion and miscommunication, mistrust, stepped between a close relationship and undermined it's strengths.

Present - 0 The Fool (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card speaks of apathy, indecision, wrong decisions, confusion and distrust. I don't know who distrusts who, but it argues that right now the relationship is stagnant and at least one of you is very hesitant to make a real change in it. But, where you are now is not healthy for anyone. So, if you move, if you divorce, then what?

Future - Wands VII - Wands VII is a card of success through courage, patience and tenacity. It's a card of standing on one's own and independence and finding yourself as a result.

I'm sorry, because I know you are worried about the divorce (and divorce is not fun under the best of circumstances, even when it's the best thing), but the cards seem to think this will be good for you. Difficult, challenging, but you'll be better off in the end.

You asked if he still loved you and I didn't get an indication, so I'm going to pull a couple more cards - and look, a couple of the higher arcana cards.

XX Rejuvenation (also Judgment) - This is a great card for your future, especially with all the uncertainty associated with your current position. It's a card about rebirth, rejuvenation, finding yourself. It's a card of forgiveness and finding your destiny.

X Wheel of Fortune - adapation, culmination, happy ending.

I don't know if you and your partner will find yourselves together again in the future, but the cards seem to think that moving on is the healthiest thing for you, the manner in which you'll find your destiny. It's scary and challenging, but it can all work out better than you ever expected.

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For DC: Any Career Changes

DC asked: Hi...just happened to land on your site and found it very very interesting...see you have helped a lot of people with advice on their careers and such...could you give a reading on where my career is headed? Any change in position?

The tarot readings do come in spurts. Alright, let's see what the cards have to say.

Past - Wands X (reversed) - This card in the reversed position talks about duplicity and intrigue but also seeking a job that you could enjoy. I get the feeling that your work in the past has been reflective of you looking for jobs that suit you, that fulfill you, that make you happy, but that you've found that the jobs have had unforeseen issues, largely because of the people you worked for or with ruined much of what you would otherwise have enjoyed.

Present - XII The Hanged Man (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card, which can be a very uncomfortable card, can go one of two ways - either a sacrifice you've made pays off or your fear of sacrifice, your preoccupation with protecting yourself keeps you from moving forward. Which path you're on is determined by where you are right now. Have you made the sacrifices, withstood the nonsense, grin and born it? If so, this card argues that things are looking up. If not...well, let's check out the last card.

Future - King of Swords - Well, this card is just reinforcing the last one. This card is all about justice, reaping what you sow, specifically patience and perseverance paying off. This card argues not only that you have been patient and paid your dues, but that it will finally work to your benefit.

I hope that's the answer you were looking for. Good luck!

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For Momof1: More Kids?

Momof1 asked: I'd like one more baby, but my partner isn't very keen. Are chances favorable (money)? If so how soon?

Interesting question. Let's see what the cards say.

Past - Knight of Swords (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card speaks of obstacles and challenges. Since you mention money, it would seem this has been an obstacle.

Present - King of Swords (reversed) - Again, obstacles, but there's obstinancy, perversity and indecisiveness. Clearly, as you mentioned, there's some reticence, some concern, some doubt about having more children.

Future - VII The Chariot - Well, this is an interesting card. It's a card that includes obstacles, but there's a potential for success (after effort). However, the card speaks of male bellicosity and female passivity. I'd read this card as it being dependent on you to convey how important this is to you, if it's important, and note that his objections and concerns are probably justified. The challenges that have hampered to date will still be around. But, the card argues they can be overcome if it's something you're willing to commit to.

I have to pause a moment, though, and say that I can't, no matter what the cards say, recommend pushing an issue about children with a reluctant spouse. Children are a huge responsibility and a life-long commitment. I truly believe that both parents should be involved in the decision or it will be hard on everyone involved, including the child. If the reticence is related to the circumstances, that's one thing. If the reticence is real, I would think very carefully before trying to force the issue.

I will go ahead and pull another two cards for clarification.

IV The Emperor (reversed) - this card talks about stress in the relationship, power struggles, strife, potentially even divorce. This is a subject that can put a lot of stress on a marriage.

XI Strength (reversed) - more stress in the relationship, tyranny, pressure, miscommunication.

OK, here's what I think the cards are saying. You have a potential to get another child, but there's also a strong possibility that it will take a severe toll on your marriage. Only you can decide what's most important to you, but I would advise persuasion rather than trickery or pushing if your relationship is important to you.

Sorry I couldn't give you a happier reading.

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Quadmama asked: Blog pages?

Quadmama asked: How do I add a "page" to my blog... for instance a disclosure policy or other info that I want people to read but don't want the entire thing right on my home page?

I can't answer this readily. Truth is, html isn't my strong suit. However, I'll tell you what I did as an html idiot and hope that one of my many computer savvy readers will pop in with more details if it doesn't answer your question.

I use blogspot and it's pretty uncomplicated. It's got a standard form and, to make a "page" I put in a post with a forced date earlier than my earliest post so it went to the "beginning". Then, I just have to put a link up in the setup. I'd love to tell you how I did that here, but I had someone build my website and she put in a button for me. I don't think it would be hard to do, but I haven't done it so I don't have the specifics.

Bottom line, "page" is just a post. It's the link to it that makes it useful. If that doesn't help, I'll hit up one of my knowledgeable buds and hopefully they can get you more steps.

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For Shakespeare: Hubby Part 2

Shakespeare asked: I'd like a Tarot reading for my husband, or perhaps two--one for career, one for domestic life. How likely is change in his immediate future, and how will that affect his family overall?

Finally getting back to the second half of Shakespeare's question, let's see how her hubby's personal outlook is looking.

Past - Swords X (reversed) - This looks like far past - separation, fear of trusting people, learning to cope. It helped shape who you are but didn't make you because you DID learn to cope.

Present - VI The Lovers - love, passion, trust, marital harmony. That aspect of your hubby's life is all good at the moment. And isn't that a good thing.

Future - Page of Swords (reversed) - This looks like someone coming into your life who is not good for it, someone malicious and manipulative, someone untrustworthy who brings unexpected change. I don't know who this is so let me get some clarification.

Wands X (reversed)- more of the same, malice, deceit, selfishness. it would seem that this individual is someone you initially trust.

VII The Chariot (reversed) - ruthlessness, bullying, defeat.

Clearly, there is something coming he needs to be on the lookout for that will affect his personal happiness. According to the cards. Remember, take that with the grain of salt it deserves.

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Sick Hiatus

I sick so I didn't work out so I also can't blog. I didn't allow for not working out due to illness.

Sorry.

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For Shakespeare: Hubby Part 1

Shakespeare asked: I'd like a Tarot reading for my husband, or perhaps two--one for career, one for domestic life. How likely is change in his immediate future, and how will that affect his family overall?

In the interest of doing a single reading per post, so we'll start with the career. You, I know, know the drill.

Past - Cups II (reversed) - disappointment, short term relationships, not seeing eye to eye. Given what I know about Richard, this argues that his work to date has involved interpersonal friction, has never been a long term commitment and hasn't been as fufilling as he had hoped from a work standpoint.

Present - V The High Priest (reversed) - This one's harder to interpret, but I'd have to say that there's a conflict between what someone expects him to do and what he thinks is the right thing to do. I have the sense that it starts small but, as it progresses, it becomes more and more uncomfortable.

Future - IV The Emperor - So far, the cards are not clear on the choices that he faces or whether he'll remain where he is now or not; however, this card makes a strong case that the eventual outcome will be very good. This speaks of a position of power and material strength, a position that requires structure and organization, but also charisma and skill. It speaks of a position where he can follow his own thoughts and call his own shots, make a difference.

Since I'm guessing you're looking for insight in his career path, I'm pulling two more cards:

Page of Swords - This just appears to be a card representing Richard - vigilant, flexible, stubborn, managerial and perceptive

XIV Temperence (reversed) - Lots of related but not identical concepts with this one so I'm going to pick the definition(s) that seems most likely. Inability to work with others and the proven proves inconsistent. I would say, from this card, that the conflict reflected in the present card may make where you work now untenable, but the outlook, even if you break from your normal pattern, is still good.

Let me remind you again to be wary of putting too much faith in remote tarot readings...

Oh, and yes, I did my workout.

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For AP: What about my career?

A.P. asked: could you pleas ask your tarot cards about my career?

Yes, I could. Hopefully, everyone's familiar with the drill:

Past - Queen of Cups (reversed) - this card is not the most responsible card in the reversed position. It argues frivolity and self-indulgence. My sense from this card is that you've had a somewhat glamorous job, or one associated with glamor, that you reveled in that, but that you weren't particularly careful with money or didn't really look ahead at other options. Either that or it was a job where egoism and greed are part and parcel, whether or not you indulged in either yourself.

Present - Coins (Pentacles) III (reversed) - This card (in the reversed position) is an effective follow-on to the last card. In this card, egoism and greed cause a reversal in fortunes. It's not clear that the egoism and greed are yours, but I get the sense that they affected your fortunes, financial and perhaps otherwise.

Future - Cups III - Ah, but things look up in the cards for you. Ahead I see fulfillment and friendship, apparently in a job that involves communication. It doesn't look like a job as glamorous nor as ruthless as what you've done before, but one that will be satisfying to you.

Again, this seems pretty clear given the question. If you have more questions or would like me to pull a clarification card, let me know.

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For Katrina: About My Friend...

Anonymous (Katrina) asked: I'd like to know what to expect from an online friend I have had for the past two years. What does your tarot cards have to say about this? A friendship worth keeping? Does this person feel as I do? Is it real? friend? or foe? or a possible soul mate?

Let's see what the tarot cards have to say.

Past - Pentacles (Coins) VIII - Since you asked about a particular person (and your relationship with him/her), I'm assuming this card is talking about your friend or your relationship. From this card, which has to do with building things with care, I would say it seems like you've both built this relationship carefully over time, that your friend is methodical and patient, intelligent and even-tempered. I'd say it was a relationship based on respect.

Present - Ace of Pentacles (Coins) - This is a card often associated with finances, and you didn't mention those, so I'm going to assume that it's a reflection of your relationship and it's non-monetary wealth. If so, then it indicates a relationship very wealthy indeed. Success, prosperity. I'm guessing that a personal meet is in order because physicality is mentioned and that seemed pertinent to me.

Future - Knights of Cups (reversed) - If you were hoping this would become a romantic relationship, this card does not indicate that it will be easy as it, in a reversed state, indicates confusion in love and convoluted traveling.

I asked for clarification.
VII The Chariot (reversed) - this argues of strained tensions, perhaps expectations that are too high or emotions running too high, even bullying and being overwhelmed.
XXI The World (reversed) - In the reversed position, this argues failure at the last minute, goodbyes, making a fresh start.

XIII Death - This card is not as scary as it sounds. Can it mean endings? Yes, but it can also mean starting with a clean slate, beginning again, transformations.

I can't tell you what the final outcome will be, not with the cards I've drawn, but I can tell you that is likely to be challenging. And, if you're the emotional one in this relationship, it might be undue pressure for the other to be what the first wants him/her to be.

Good luck.

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For The Mother: Foresight and the Future

The Mother asked: Does knowing something about the future alter it? Does Heisenberg apply to Tarot?

I like your question, the Mother. I won't pretend I have the answer, but I will tell you what I think.

Let's presume that foresight is possible or we won't get anywhere. I'm guessing that's not a notion you embrace, but who doesn't like to play, "what if"? So, there are three possibilities.

First, there's the possibility that the future cannot be changed, whether we see it or not. Heinlein's first short story, "Lifeline" was based on this notion. The specifics around the main events might not match exactly but the privotal events are not changeable. This works with the notion of Karma or destiny, that everyone has particular fates that cannot be changed. Sometimes, this is expressed as people knowing they're making a mistake and yet not being able to stop themselves. I'm not a big fan of this kind of thinking - the "I-can't-help-myself" thinking because I think it is a way of avoiding responsibility. I generally tend to think we make our own destiny; however, I also feel like my husband and I were destined to be together. I am a hopeless romantic, after all. What I'm saying is that I believe that there are things we can't change, knowing about them or not, because they are beyond our control. And there may be decisions that we can't change because any other decision is unconscionable. I have played with both situations in fiction.

Secondly, there's the possibility that foreknowledge will allow you to shape the future, avoid unhappy events without impinging on foreseen successes. Unfortunately, there's always a possibility that the changes you make will lead to new events as bad or worse in a "Monkey's Paw" kind of way. Still, the thinking that knowing the future can help us shape it is probably what drives many to seek fortune-tellers and oracles. However, I think just as many people just want to know what to expect. The unknown is often scary and knowing, even if it's not the answer you wanted, can be less frightening than not knowing. It's interesting that, though I favor the notion that free will, this isn't a path I often write about. I guess I'm a believer in balance, that trying to make it all good will backfire.

Thirdly, there's the possibility that actions you take to avoid your fate actually make your fate come to fruition. From a fiction standpoint, this is one of my favorites and I use it in the Tarot Queen stories all the time. It's sort of a variation on the first one, that your fate cannot be avoided, but I'm not sure that it's the same thing. It's like the time travel stories where you went to the past only to find out that it was your going back in that changed the past into what it was.

So, having said all that, do I think knowing the future changes the future? I think it can - if the future is mutable. That doesn't mean, however, that changing the future is a good idea. Ironic, no?

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For Swad: Tarot on my Career

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Swad asked: could you give me a reading about my career?

I could indeed. If you've been here before, you know I favor a three card spread for remote readings and just ask for clarification as I need it. The three cards represent past, present and future.

Past - Wands IX (reversed) - this card can speak of illness or obstacles and I think I'm favoring the second one, setbacks, a plan gone awry through circumstances outside your control. Not saying it couldn't be illness, but I'd say that your career didn't go down the path you'd envisioned for whatever reason or took much longer than you thought it would.

Present - XX Rejuvenation - for you, this card is just what it says it is, a change that give you a restart and recharges your career. It might be a promotion, but I think it's a change in career path, perhaps doing something you hadn't envisioned or even going back to a path you thought you'd abandoned. I wonder if you're wondering if this is a better path for you. Let's look.

Future - Cups VI - This is a card that speaks of contentment, finding yourself and finding fulfillment. Perhaps not where you expected it or how you expected it, but here, it looks like, you find your ease and serenity. It's not exciting, but doing this job gives your steady progress and satisfaction. I sense it's a path that can take a lifetime and that's pretty appealing especially in these uncertain times.

Your cards are pretty clear so I don't feel the urge for a clarification card. If you want to know anything more, let me know.

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For Aron Sora: Meeting Clients

Aron Sora asked: I have a meeting with my client for my first Engineering class. It is a real client, nothing is simulated, do you have any tips for meeting with a client for the first time. It is a community service project, but it is real. I get my project in 1 week and the first meeting is in 2.

I will tell you what I would do, but I caution you, client schmoozing and customer relations aren't my forte. However, I do tend to have very good relationships with my NASA customers because I do good work efficiently, I can almost always figure out what they really want, I'm reliable, and I'm honest. Fortunately, I have a number of readers who know a great deal more about public relations, so, with any luck, they can add appreciably to what I'll put here.

Here's what I would suggest:

Be confident. Selling yourself is no time to be modest (or conceited). If you think you can't do it, the client will too. Remember, you didn't get where you are because you are incapable. You have to trust in yourself or no one will ever do so. Know your own worth.

Be honest. People do respond to this. Do not pretend to knowledge or ignorance you don't have. If you know something, speak up. If you don't, listen and, if challenged, admit to what you don't know without excuses. Everyone is ignorant of some things and ignorance can be cured. It's only for those who refuse to admit their ignorance that it's persistent.

Be respectful but not fawning. Yes-men and toadies come across as insincere, probably because they are. Be respectful and polite, but straightforward and honest. Don't compromise your values, but remember, you're there to help him or her.

Listen. Whether you're talking over an existing assignment or getting direction, listen. Too often, this is the step missed. Someone reads a proposal, thinks they know what the customer wants, and hears nothing when the customer gives specifics and details - then delivers something the customer doesn't want. Listen. When I think I understand what the customer wants, I often repeat back my understanding (not the same words) back to the customer. That way, if I've missed something or misunderstood something, he can correct me.

If you're presenting, don't rehearse. Unless you're an accomplished actor, rehearsing sounds rehearsed and appears insincere. Instead, know your material. Better to hem and haw a little but be able to answer questions or explain points then to be smooth, but clueless if they ask a question.

If you're presenting, be straightforward and clear. Keep it simple but not patronizing. Know the details behind the bullets you present. I'm an advocate for letting the substance sell it rather than using buzzwords and emotive language. On the other hand, I'm not a salesperson. Also, get someone you trust to go over it for unclear language, spelling and syntax.

I hope that was the kind of advice you were looking for. Hopefully, my wonderful commenters will chime in with more.

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For Anonymous: How's My Love Life?

Anonymous (Adja) said: Hi, i'd like to ask you what your tarot cards have to say about the prospects for my love-life?

Well, let's ask them.

Normally, I do a three card spread, past, present and future, but another card leapt out, so we'll check it out in after the nominal three.

Past - Wands VIII - This has to do with speed and generosity, friendliness, frankness. To me, this card argues an open outlook, quick to love without hesitating, perhaps even on whim. Generous, giving, but not necessarily choosing your partners wisely or finding yourself falling for people who used you.

Present - Swords X - this card seems to reinforce my interpretation of the first one. This card speaks of betrayal and despair. Not just sorrow, but sorrow born from trusting in someone who betrayed that trust, believing in something that is no longer there. I'm sorry.

Future - Cups VI - There are quite a few interpretations of this card, but one that leaps out at me is the return of a lover, a reconciliation with someone you thought lost. There's an air of fulfillment and contentment. Destiny. That does make things interesting.

Extra card - X Wheel of Fortune - And this card is just reinforcing the last. Destiny. Inevitability. Culmination. Happiness.

I'd have to say, Adja, things look good for you, though not someone new. At least, that's what the cards say.

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For Shakespeare: Tarot for my Semester

Shakespeare asked: I have a question for Tarot Queen (since you give me fabulous readings every single time). How is my semester going to go? If the cards could just give me a general idea what to expect by December, when everything calms down, I'd love to know. I know you don't do futures, per se, but since I know overall WHAT is going to happen, I'd like to know HOW I and my family will respond to it.

It's not that I don't do futures, but I struggle with time frames and yes or no questions. Yours is a good one, so I'll see what the cards will tell me. We'll start with the three card spread, past (immediate), present and semester future.

Past - Ace of Cups (reversed) - stress, anxiousness, difficulties gettings tarted. This is likely all about the worries you had about finding work and the resultant uncertainty.

Present - Justice VIII (reversed) - imbalance. Your fears in being too idle have pushed the pendulum too far in the other direction (or you fear that may be the case). But, what will happen?

Future - Wands VI - This is a happy card, a card of good tidings like achievement of desires and realization of goals. Clearly, your trepidation is unwarranted and you will amaze even yourself with what you manage to accomplish. Damn, hon, that's excellent. Now, I'll pull a card to see if there's any impact on your family.

Ah, Ace of Pentacles (Coins) - looks like it's all good. Prosperity, satisfaction, fulfillment. I think it works for everyone.

Lee and I were actually at a reading circle on Saturday. We can't read our own futures and haven't been able to (or each others) since we've been together. When we're together we affect each other. So, I thought maybe someone else could give us readings. You know the rune we BOTH pulled for our future? The blank one that says "Not gonna tell you."

Perhaps I should take the hint.

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For Marilynne: Carbon Savings

Marilynne asked: Solar. Our inverter for our solar panels says we have not contributed 600 pounds of carbon to the environment in the few weeks we've had it. Where does this carbon come from? Power plants or something else?

Presumably, your inverter has calculated the power you've used via the solar panels and there is a standard value assigned as the amount of carbon burned used per kilowatt hour. For instance, my power company (because I use Green Mountain Energy which is 100% renewable energy) says I've saved 855 pounds of carbon last month. Here's the source for their value: U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Information Administration, EGRID 2004 database, Texas State Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate of 1.420 lbs of CO2 /kWh.

In theory, this represents how much carbon dioxide would be produced if that same energy were produced by fossil fuels. Chance are your own are is using a similar value in keeping with local norms. I'm not sure if all fossil fuels produce the same amount of carbon per kW, but it's a reasonable estimate.

So this represents the amount of carbon your utility company is not having to produce to provide the power you used. Congratulations!

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Dracula "Answers"

Vlad Tepes is an interesting historical figure surrounded by a great deal of apocryphal history.

As nearly everyone noted, Dracula had to do with being "Son of the Dragon," as his father was called Dracul when he entered the Order of the Dragon. I've often found it ironic that Dracula is so firmly connected to being the antithesis of the christian religion when this title (and the Order that bestowed it) was given to those to protecting the Catholic Church against Turkish Muslims. And that's exactly what Vlad did. Not always, of course. Both he and his father spent some time bowing down to the Turks, but one could say that was out of necessity.

That, of course, does not make Vlad a good guy. Did he perform all the atrocities attributed to him? Perhaps, perhaps not. There was clearly some propaganda at the time against him, but I don't think even the most charitable could call him a good man. He was ruthless. He was brutal. And he was a product of a particularly brutal time and still stood out.

But there are many who believe that he was pivotal to the defense of Christianity in Europe against the Turks despite being in power seven years total. Even today he is regarded almost as a folk hero in places in Easter Europe. He sent the Turks back empty-handed against overwhelming odds, shocked even them with his brutality, which was saying something. In fact, Vlad the younger spent a great deal of time as a hostage to the Turks while his father ruled and learned many of his less appealing ruthless practices under their auspices, including his propensity for impalement (and impalement was even worse than it is often depicted - I'll spare you the details but they're pretty bad).

That served the Turks ill when they invaded once with overwhelming force to be confronted with an army of the impaled: 20,000 Turkish prisoners impaled on stakes. Dracula's guerrilla tactics also worked to stop the overwhelming force, but some historians think the unmistakable evidence of the risks of failure are really what sent the Turks back.

Estimates of the number of people Vlad Tepes had killed vary from 40,000 to 100,000 (impressive at any time, in a horrible kind of way), but it's important to realize a few things. First, brutality in the name of religion or crime was standard practice at that time in Europe. Even trivial crimes would routinely end in death (often brutal death) and torture was not eschewed even in the most enlightened European countries of the time. He may have stood out, but it was a matter of degree only in a brutal world (and his anticrime stances was apparently rewarded with an incredibly low crime rate - but I suspect that the atmosphere was much like the informing and paranoid world of fear under the Nazis). Also, many of the casualties we're talking about were undoubtedly casualties of war, either killed prisoners (which was not an uncommon practice) or killed in combat. The US has killed more civilians than that just in the past decade. But, no matter how you slice it, Vlad was vicious, he enjoyed impaling as a punishment, did not preclude women and children from his brutalities and generally disgusted even his contemporaries.

As to whether Vlad Tepes was married - it's not clear. He had women and children, but it's not clear that they were married per se or that there was only one at a time. There was a story of one of his women (presumably the mother of his eldest son, Mihnea cel Rău) who flung herself from a castle to the river below for fear of being captured by the Turks - the river is called The Lady's River even today. Another woman, Ilona Szilágyi, is reputed to have married Vlad Tepes, is believed to have married him and provided him two more sons.

Not a pretty chapter and not a pretty guy, but far and away from Bram Stoker's Dracula.

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Trivia Break: The "Real" Dracula

It's no surprise to most that there was at least one real person inspiring the fictional depictions of Dracula. Many point to the historic figure of Vlad Tepes, aka Vlad the Impaler, who was also known as Dracula.

My question is, how did he get the name Dracula and what did it signify?

(And, yes, I'm out of questions again).

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For Jeff King: Going Solar

Jeff King asked: Are solar panels worth the investment to run electricity for your house?

It's a simple question with not quite so simple answer. I'm a huge advocate for green technologies and certainly think solar power has tremendous promise. It is versatile, reliable (as has been demonstrated by a substantial number of key spacecraft out there), and, after the original investment, free.

But, at the current time, they're expensive. Prices are currently going down and efficiency is going up for photovoltaic cells. That's good, but it means that an investment today won't buy you as much as it will tomorrow. Unfortunately, if no one invests today, of course, prices will stay high so there's some gambling. In order to get the most from a P-V (photovoltaic) system, you also need to change how your house uses power and perhaps put in battery backups. However, there are some tremendous tax advantages that can recoup a substantial portion of the investment.

So, are they or aren't they a good idea today?

Well, there are a number of factors. First, where do you live? Do you live in a climate with a great deal of sun (i.e. rarely overcast, long days, etc)? Higher altitudes can have an advantage as well, though not by much. If you live somewhere where sun isn't a big part of your days, you won't be getting your money's worth out of your solar panels. Do note, however, that Europe (which is largely further north than we are in the US, has managed to get a lot of mileage from solar power).

How long do you think you'll live in your house? If you're there for the duration, an investment that may not really pay off for a decade may still be well worth it. But, if you expect you might be moving in three, five years, it might not make as much sense.

How much space do you have to devote to panels? If you have a small footprint to work with (or one that spends time in shadow), P-V cells might not be the correct option at this particular time.

But, don't despair. Whether or not solar P-V panels are right for you at this time, you aren't necessarily out of options. There are solar water preheaters that can reduce the cost of heating water without necessarily requiring an entiry house switchover. Wind generators may be alternative if the solar panels aren't.

And, whatever you do for greening your house, something that always makes sense is reducing your energy footprint. If you live somewhere hot and sunny, solar screens, radiant heat barriers or ugrading aging AC units can have a drastic impact on your energy usage. Hot or cold climates, switch to low wattage bulbs (LED bulbs are already available, but compact fluorescents can make a big difference), get a programmable thermostat, and seal your house. Consider investing in higher efficiency windows and, when you replace appliances, always go for those that are most efficient. Knowing how to use your windows to the best effect in winter or summer can also go a long way toward a happy energy situation.

The sun is a wonderful thing and I have high hopes for it's effective use. Do your homework and compare it to your particular circumstances. Remember, every watt we don't use or we can generate through clean energy is to the good.

And keep up with advances, whatever you decide in the short term. The situation is radically changing and a bad deal today may be a good deal tomorrow.

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For Shakespeare: What About Reincarnation?

Reincarnation; the Hindu understanding. Image by the Himalayan Academy, from Wikipedia - original url. Copyrighted to Himalayan Academy Publications, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. Licensed for Wikipedia under Creative Commons License cc-by-sa-2.5 and requires attribution when reproduced.

Shakespeare asked: What are your thoughts about past lives, about reincarnation. Does it exist, and what evidence is there that it might?

I'm going to answer the second part first because it's easier. There is no objective evidence today that reincarnation has ever happened. That ought to satisfy the Mother.

I'll expand, however, and say there's no way for objective evidence to exist, however, with our current technology. In order for there to be credible objective evidence of reincarnation, one would have to have a way of identifying people's souls definitively, like one can bodies via DNA or fingerprints - and then comparing it to a similar soul in a previous life. Since we can't even prove souls exist, this is beyond us and may always be (assuming, of course, souls exist). There has been some research done on this with some pretty compelling anecdotes (particularly the book, Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation by Ian Stevenson) and I must say that the critic's arguments fall flat for me. Assuming, because you're sure it can't exist, that it doesn't is hardly scientific; however, since I also don't discount the notion of psychic power out of hand, I can't discount that reincarnation is not the only explanation.

And that's why I specified "objective evidence." If you're open to the concept, as I am, the evidence seems pretty compelling. If you're closed to the notion, you can find excuses to dismiss the evidence with other explanations, which might be convoluted but can't be discounted out of hand. And it's all anecdotal, which is hard to evaluate objectively.

Having said all that, let me tell you what I think. I think it's quite plausible and personally believe it likely, even that I've lived previous lives. Why?

Several reasons that I find personally compelling. First, I believe, absolutely, in souls, in children having distinct and different souls that, in combination with the genetic makeup of their bodies, the physiological circumstances and environment, create the finished personality. I'm personally at a loss to understand how one could have children and not recognize the existence of souls, but I have no doubt it's happened. Just because I find the evidence overwhelming does not mean someone else would. But I think the belief in souls is required to open to the notion of reincarnation.

And I have a great respect for nature, who recycles like no one's business with nothing going to waste. It seems illogical to me, wasteful, for souls to be used and tossed with nowhere to go from there and, since Heaven is actually a harder concept for me to swallow (but I wouldn't have a problem with reincarnation even if I swallowed that), it makes sense to me that lives become journeys where you capture the most important lessons, the ones that affect your soul, over time, over lives before moving on to the next plane, whatever that might be.

I also have seen some very old souls in some young people, myself included. I can't remember when I didn't feel very old. And I see it in my eldest daughter as well.

But I don't expect that kind of evidence to be compelling to anyone else. Nor am I offended if someone else doesn't see it like I do.

But that's how *I* see it and, after all, I'm the one you asked.

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Making a Statement Here, Too

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Purrfect!

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For Anonymous: Let's Talk Germs

Anonymous/Anna asked: Why is lactobacillus linked with breaded chicken?

I have no idea. Your question is the first I've heard of it. Nor, when I did a search on it, did I find anything that linked them.

Now, I'm not a bacteriologist or a food scientist or a doctor, so I'm not saying there is or isn't a link and, since you asked me, I could speculate (in an amateur kind of way) on why they might be linked. And, since it's my blog, I'll do that. Just note that my speculation should in no way be confused with facts.

Lactobacillus actually encompass a large family of bacteria, mostly benign, some helping in digestions and often associated with the breakdown of lactose (and other sugars) to lactic acid. They are a commonly used in yeast cultures, in beer making and in yogurts. In fact, that (and that alone) seems like a good argument for why we might find lactobacillus around breaded chicken; with their affinity for grains/flour and milk products, it seems like there'd be no surprise to find them in a chicken batter, which would likely include both - particularly a buttermilk batter. However, it seems unlikely they'd survive the frying process.

If that wasn't what you were looking for, please let me know with some nudges what you were looking for and I'll do more digging.

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For Jeff: More about Me

Jeff King asked: What is your fav book? Who is your fav author? Who is your fav character?

It's hard for me to answer this. I love so many books for so many reasons and I can't remember ever having just "a" favorite book or "a" favorite author (and books or authors don't become favorites without loving the characters). The best I can do is give you some of my current favorites (noting that my tastes change through life).

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - The Liaden series - I love these books. They're not for everyone, but they're filled to the eyeballs with my favorite kinds of characters and societies that intrigue me, flaws and all. And they have humor.

Georgette Heyer - Possibly my favorite author of all time. I've read most of her books dozens of times. She's funny and sarcastic and intelligent. I can't read one of her books and maintain a bad mood.

Robert Heinlein - True, some of his later stuff got pretty weird and flaky, but, when he was good, like with the incomparable The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, he was fabulous.

JD Robb/Nora Roberts - I'd fallen out of love with romance authors (except Heyer) and Nora Roberts changed my mind...sort of. I'm still mostly disgusted, but I like Nora Roberts' work, particularly her In Death series.

Edgar Allan Poe - the best poet EVER.

And more...

Dune series
Count of Monte Cristo
Hawaii
Shogun
Fruits Basket
Tsubasa: Those With Wings
Pride and Prejudice
Wuthering Heights...

And, sadly, I've only scraped the surface.

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Jeff King: Who Would You Like to Know Better?

Jeff King asked: If you had the opportunity to meet one person and get to know them over dinner, who would that person be...and why?

If you're asking about a current living celebrity, I might not be the right one to ask. As a general rule, celebrities don't interest me much. I like people, though. I'd like to meet some of the people I've met online like flit or JD or Peter Whimsy (on gather.com) or... the list is very long. I'd like to meet a few key people like President Obama or the Emperor of Japan (whose daughter is unlikely to inherit his throne now that he has a nephew).

But mostly I'd like to meet some of the people of the past I really admired, people who touched me or impressed me with their abilities, like Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Bronte, Wolfgang Mozart or (personal thing) Nelson Eddy. They're all dead, of course, and so it's all a moot point, but I'd love to have an evening with them, pick their brains, find out how they did it and what motivated them.

Call me crazy. After all, you won't be the first or last to do so.

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For Jeff King: Tell me about dreams

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Jeff King asked: what "Dream theories" like Freud, Carl Jung, Calvin Hall, David Foulkes do you think are legit of most likely to have merit? or in another way of asking the question, basically why do you think we dream?

I'll be honest, Jeff King, what I know about psychiatry is very limited. I know what I've learned to benefit my characters. I know what I've learned because of curiosity that ended up being useful about certain aberrations like multiple personalities and psychic speculation.

But I've never studied dreams, largely because I don't remember my own. It's interesting, too, because you'd think I'd have vivid and fascinating dreams (and the consensus is that I have them, but I just don't remember them), but I can't remember a one. Or not many of them. The good news is that my subconscious seems to have no trouble coughing up ideas, dreams or no dreams.

Do I think someone has a handle on it? I don't think there's one answer for any psychological phenomena. I'm a firm believer in the diversity of explanations, just like I believe in the diversity of people and imagination.

So why do we dream?

Memories we are unwilling to consciously acknowledge likely cause some of them. Anxieties that have not come to be are likely responsible for more of them. Good dreams could be memories we are unwilling to let go or want to relive, futures we want to live a first time, imaginings beyond anything we've lived or would even be comfortable living.

The mind is a mighty unpredictable and powerful thing. Sometimes, I think dreams are there for warnings, sometimes for comfort, and, sometimes, for the terrors that cannot be contained.

Enjoy.

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Jeff King: What Gives You the Most Pleasure?

Jeff King asked: what gives you the most pleasure in life?

Accomplishment.

Oh, other things are nice, exciting, pleasurable. Sex. Receiving admiration. My children. Learning. Making people happy.

But, in the end, few things make me feel better than accomplishing something.

Sometimes, these answers are pretty easy.

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For Jeff King: Dream Venue

Jeff King asked: where would you like to live if you could chose.. if money didn't matter, and who would you take with you?

I'm an inside person so the location of where I live isn't desperately important. I'm desperately unpicky (assuming money wasn't an issue). There are things I must have:

• I must be close enough to an urban area to have some decent shopping. I hate driving for hours to get stuff. I also am spoiled and need cable or similar internet options. (There are circumstances where I'd give up the access to shopping, but the internet is nonnegotiable).
• I don't like to shovel snow and I hate the cold, so somewhere temperate (or warmer) is good. I'm particularly fond of a desert climate, but I'm fairly open.
  
• I like mountains and seashores.
  
• I should probably live somewhere where English is a primary language.
  

So, in short, Hawaii or New Zealand sound fun. But I wouldn't want to live anywhere without taking my family (husband and kids) with me.

Hope that's a good answer for you.

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Hiatus

It's my son's birthday. I've worked too hard the past few days and today's been an endless stream of little miseries. And I need to not be miserable, if only for my six-year-old boy.

So, I'm not going to be back tonight. Hopefully, I'll be a reasonable person again tomorrow.

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For Jeff King: Do you Hunt?

Jeff King asked: Do you like to hunt? If so what kinds of animals do you like hunting? Or are you anti hunting?

Not a hunter. I don't know if I'm anti-hunting, in principle; I recognize that most hunting done now is actually required to keep populations down. I also acknowledge that dying by gunshot is far more humane than starving to death.

But it doesn't interest me.

I feel there's a difference between living in the wild and being killed and being raised for food and being slaughtered, but I can't give you a hard and fast reason. I am a carnivore and it could be as simple as that I haven't run into any wild food that appealed to me.

The other reason is even more selfish. the concept holds zero appeal. Dragging my butt out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, when it's cold and miserable to wander out into the wilderness (and the wilderness around here crawls/flies with biting nasties) to spend all day doing nothing but waiting for prey to show up to be plugged. I'm getting bored just thinking about it. The same applies to fishing and sunbathing.

I'm not a fan of the outdoors or sitting still without mental stimulation. And I'm not short of hobbies, between needlework, writing, learning, etc.

In fact, the only thing I'm generally hunting down are my children to figure out what they did with my phone.

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A request

OK, I know I have some more questions and I'm still going to do that, but I'm going to digress for today. Today, it's because I've got a request. I also am doing something new - putting this on both blogs.

See, here's the thing. I have a fairly large backlog of short stories I've written, almost all in the fantasy, science fiction or, in one case, I don't know what to call it. I'd like to market some of these, get some visibility, some interest going, perhaps even some money. And the short stories are already written.

So, what's the problem? Well, I wrote most of these years ago and, though I like them, I'm not objective about them. Many are overtly feminist and violent - I was young. Most are exercises in swift character building, effective description, surprise endings. Many are old ideas I wanted to play with. And I have too many of them to effectively try to market them all at one time. I'm just not that organized.

What I need are objective eyes to look at some of these short stories (or all of them) and tell me (a) which ones are just too immature to be publishable (or that there's not enough there for publishing), (b) which ones seem publishable and, (c) of the publishable ones, which ones do you like best or think are the best bet for getting a publisher's attention.

So, I'm asking you all, would any of you be interested in reading all or some of the short stories? You don't have to read them all, but I do want to know what you think about whatever you read.

I know most of you are quite busy. I know you all have lives. It isn't a short turnaround situation, because I'll be going back over these (given that many of them haven't been touched in years or longer). But I could use some help if any of you could spare it. Do note that all of the sword and sorcery include violence.

List:

• Charley - Story about a teddy bear
• Time of Change - Science fiction exploring the notion of parallel universes (going at different time scales or directions).
• Captain of the Guard - Sword and Sorcery playing off the Phoenix legend Graphic violence
• Backseat Driver - Science Fiction - AI
• Dark of Night - Dark Fantasy - Graphic violence
• Seeds of Tomorrow - Fantasy
• Windmaster - followup to my favorite Windrider - Fantasy
  
• Tryst on the Balcony - my only foray into vampires
• King of Swords - first of the Tarot Queen stories - Fantasy
• Intemperate Sword - Sword and Sorcery - crude humor
• Stormmistress - Fantasy
• Precipice - Fantasy (mermaid)
• Castles of Sand - Fantasy
• Masks - Fantasy
• Echo - Fantasy

Just let me know if you're interested in reading some or all. I would really appreciate it. Please leave a comment and I'll figure out how to get back with anyone interested

Update: Check here to read stories. Let me know, though, so I know how long to keep the webpage up.

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