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Oppose Bill Slated to Permanently Delist Wolves in Four States

Although the new Congress had yet to complete week two of the new calendar, new legislation was introduced to delist wolves. Bill H.R. 424 will permanently remove federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for gray wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Wyoming, and thus allow trophy hunting of wolves to immediately resume within the states. To add insult to injury, the bill prohibits judicial review thus preventing any legal challenge.

In 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) stripped federal protections for Wyoming’s wolves and handed management over to the state, a controversial decision, and contradiction of the agency’s stance in the past. Although USFWS had previously criticized Wyoming’s state wolf plan on the grounds that unregulated shooting in most of the state would reduce the state’s wolf population below federally required levels, the agency took a significantly altered position, announcing that these wolves no longer warrant protection under the ESA. The following day, management was handed over to the state and Wyoming’s inaugural wolf hunt commenced.

Wyoming’s wolf management plan calls for the state to:

Deem wolves predators in 90% of the state (all but the northwest corner of Wyoming), where they could be killed by any means, at any time, without a license.

In Wyoming’s northwest corner, right outside Yellowstone National Park, classify wolves as trophy game animals meaning they could only be hunted with a license.

Maintain only 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Par

In September of 2014, federal protections for gray wolves in Wyoming were reinstated after a federal judge invalidated the USFWS’s delisting decision.

In December of 2014, federal protections were also reinstated for wolves in the western Great Lakes states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin after another federal judge invalidated USFWS’s 2012 decision to delist wolves in that region. In both cases, the federal courts held that the state management plans for wolves at issue did not sufficiently protect wolves. The court decisions restored federal protection for wolves in all four of the states.

If passed, wolf-delisting bill H.R. 424 will nullify both of these federal court decisions and allow trophy hunting of wolves to resume under state management.

Take Action

Please urge your representatives to oppose legislation slated to delist wolves!

This action is open to U.S. residents only.

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No one respects you unless you have the word ‘monster’ in your name.

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My husband is working hard to get the next installments into your hands!

Publishing news

No, I’m still not done with Judgment Day. 

This is not, however, a George R.R. Martin-style kind of of announcement. Work is getting done. The revised Future Imperfect manuscript is completed. It just needs to be formatted. There is also the small matter of the rights being transferred from Caliburn, which will still be selling the older version until the distributors can pull it down. Once that happens, we can talk about the new edition, which will have at least some new material from Judgment Day. So there is that. And I believe (though I can’t promise) there will be hardcover editions. Still working that bit out. All versions, when available, will be on Amazon and other typical retailers.

I have the services of Future Imperfect’s cover artist available, and I am excited about working with her on some new material, both for Judgment Day and an upcoming short story collection.

My current goal is to have something new out by January 2017. That schedule depends on a lot of factors, including other people. Just trust that there is a plan, even if it all crashes and burns.

Now there’s something that could serve as a motto for my under-construction fictional universe.

MSC

The Backlist

www.mscottchambers.com

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Just So You Know, There’s No Such Thing As Loving Your Dog Too Much http://ift.tt/1WAXS18

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Perfect for some early week love!

#huskylove #officialhuskylovers #officialhuskyfanpage

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Judgment Day: a brief update

Work on the sequel to Future Imperfect, a novel entitled Judgment Day, continues. After some trial and error, I think I’ve found the most solid way forward for the book. Having made some critical decisions about the direction of the book, as well as the direction of the Future Imperfect series, I can share the following information:

1. Most of the major characters from Future Imperfect will return, as will a couple minor ones. Their roles in the upcoming story will be significantly different from the last book. For example, with the business of the Rahricht murder resolved, eight-year-old Sam will find himself with less to do. Other characters, though, will get the opportunity to tell their own distinct stories in this world.

2. Whereas Future Imperfect presented itself primarily as a murder mystery, the new book will be a bit more expansive. Science fiction, fantasy, and even horror elements will be much more prominent in the second volume.

3. Judgment Day will keep itself entirely within the confines of the 20th century. We won’t see any more of the 21st century until the third book, currently entitled Brief Lives.

That’s it for now. Hopefully I’ll be making some more progress soon. In the meantime, those of you who haven’t yet can pick up the Kindle version of Future Imperfect at Amazon for the low, low price of $2.99. Why not give it a try?

MSC

The Backlist

www.mscottchambers.com

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Get your motor runnin....

#officialhusky #dogsofinstagram #officialhuskylovers #husky #officialhuskyfanpage

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These are adorable and awesome. Check it out.

If you haven’t met Loki the Wolfdog yet, you’re about to lose the next 15 minutes of your life to some magical images. 

Loki and his owner Kelly Lund explore some of the most dramatic wilderness together, sharing everything from bonfires to sleeping hammocks. 

Want more? Check out World of Angus!

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Diversity in Fiction: a Writer’s Perspective

Cultural criticism about the representation of different kinds of people in fiction is not, by any stretch, a new phenomenon. It was old when I was a college student, but then (as now), I and my peers found it a fascinating subject. Why were the lion’s share of the protagonists in novels, films, and television shows white, straight males? What does that say about us as a society?

The world is perhaps a bit different now, but this particular strain of criticism is still strong, as demonstrated by #OscarsSoWhite or a stroll through Vox, or Slate, or really any cultural criticism website. People who don’t subscribe to the theory will rightly point out that television, at least, is as diverse as it’s ever been, which is certainly true. Critics maintain that our most popular properties are almost entirely white, male, and straight. (See the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even though that may be getting less true by the day.) 

Why not have stories that draw from all different kinds of experiences, the critics ask, rather than this one specific vein? 

I don’t think anyone would dispute the actual reason for a lack of diversity: most writers and decision-makers in the entertainment industry are white, straight men. By default, stories generally get written in a way that reflects the experience of the writer.

I myself am not immune to this phenomenon. I’m just lucky enough to have a bit more diverse background than most writers. In other words, as a gay writer who’s been all over the world, it’s not that surprising that I would write a novel with multiple gay characters of different races and backgrounds. I didn’t set out to make a novel that would, say, fulfill the requirements of the Bechdel test. If it does, that’s merely a happy accident borne of the way I imagined my story.*

The real problem, then, is that too many writers and content producers looks the same (i.e., white, straight males). That’s not to say these people can’t produce amazing works of art–they unquestionably can–but it indicates that the problem is more of a root-level creative one rather than one of conscious choice. 

Someone might postulate, for example, that some of the difficulties I experienced in getting Future Imperfect to print involved the fact that its main character is gay. I’m not sure whether that’s true, because I think it’s just hard to get any book by a first-time author published. It probably didn’t help, though, and some of the reactions I got from potential agents could potentially be explained that way.

All of that’s very nice, I suppose, but the question remains: what to do about this issue? All I can offer is advice based on my own experience. Storytellers, keep looking for a way to tell your story. Don’t give up, and do the best job you can. The current cultural shift in diversity tells us that we can use art to explore multiple perspectives in a way that improves the integrity and quality of the media. It’s just not going to happen overnight.

MSC

The Backlist

www.mscottchambers.com

* After having given the matter some consideration, I think Future Imperfect does pass the Bechdel test, albeit in a strange way. The Bechdel test requires at least two female characters who meet each other and talk about something other than a man. Without spoiling anything from the novel, I think a scene from the last chapter qualifies rather dramatically. Anyway, those who want a more feminine installment of the story will likely be happier with Judgment Day.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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Latest Japan trip

Been back for a week from Japan now and it has been hard readjusting to the reality of life in Las Vegas. Japan was a great time as each other time I have been there, but this time was a bit different since I was forced to see things through a child's viewpoint.

First off, the flight from San Francisco to Osaka was 12 hours. Yikes right? Aaron did super during this flight, he even slept without much prompting. I, on the other hand being as tall as I am, had incredible problems getting comfortable since by neck, head, and back did not fit well in the seat.

Osaka, a bustling city with an amazing skyline. It is how I imagine New York City would look like. Swissotel Nankai was amazing just like the last time we stayed there. We were on the 31st floor of about 40, and Aaron was in love with the window and more specifically the vent letting in air. Opened and closed each time we were in the room for at least 10 minutes. We visited Osaka Castle, danced with a man played a sitar, watched a street magic show, traversed the Osaka subway, found the riverfront shopping and arcade "Insert Coin."

(Views)(Arcades)

Then a couple hour ride via Shinkasen bullet train to Fukuoka. Stayed at the Hotel Nikko Fukuoka which was very nice. This town was the largest city in Kyushu but still maintained the lower busy feeling of Osaka, (second largest city in all Japan). Fukuoka had many more shrines to visit around the downtown area where we stayed. Just a short walk from our hotel was a Buddhist temple, Tochoji Temple, that was one of the most incredible things I had ever seen. Inside was the largest Buddha statue, 60 feet probably,  surrounded by 13 smaller sized statues on the back wall, then 100s of yet smaller statues surrounding these.  I wish that I could have gotten a picture of this, but they did not allow it. Also visited a few Shinto shrines in the neighborhood which we got good pictures. Fukuoka was also the place that Aaron learned to bow, and he did it in and around all the shrines we visited.

The highlight of this city was going to the neighboring SpaceWorld, a amusement park with a space theme. It was about an hour and a half train ride and we got to see how the people of the outlying city lived (So much different than we saw previous to this). We got off the train and it was overcast.  As we walked towards the entrance from the train it began to sprinkle rain. I made the comment that "the gods were peeing on us," and Aaron didn't miss a beat. For the rest of the day we were drenched in "pee" from the sky.  Out in the park itself there were possibly 50 other visitors, in a place that was roughly as big as Sea World San Diego.  We rode the Ferris wheel, a 3D space film (very cool), 3 different water rides (we were drenched already, why not?), and then found the "Space Dome." 

Space Dome was where Aaron had the most fun, probably us too. This was the home of the “Black Hole Scramble.” Same concept as Space Mountain at Disneyland, but better since there was a laughing, screaming, fun loving 4 year old sitting next to me. This is the first roller coaster that Aaron had ever been on, and he was ready to go a second time immediately. There was also a motion machine, but the best according to the child was the ball house. A child’s playhouse with foam balls that they could put into vacuums, guns, and launchers. He spent about 30 minutes there without a second thought of what else was going on.

Hilarious photo from Dippin Dan’s at nearby mall, especially with ‘serve here’ below it. (below)

After Fukuoka, it was time to head to Hiroshima, our favorite destination from last trip. Absolutely gorgeous, clean, new city - for obvious reasons. We got the same hotel (Royal Rihga Hotel) as last time since who would pass up being directly next/attached to SOGO, best department store and depachika (basement food floor) EVER. We had a view of the bay this time around rather than the castle view from last time. Three nights we had here to explore.

The first full day we awoke with goals of having a great day exploring Miyajima, but it was snowing. This is supposed to be the dry season, WHAT is going on? Thankfully had an extra day, so today we do laundry and explore town. As we are travelling the town looking for ‘coin laundry,’ we somehow manage to get into a Red Light district just after putting clothes in a washer. We needed breakfast and you don’t want hotel restaurants or American chains while in Japan. Looking for a moningu setto (morning set breakfast) was a bit harder than one would think. Using our limited Japanese speaking skills we asked a nice corner store employee where to get breakfast and got lost by a block. The Japanese use anime characters for everything in advertising (check out youtube Japanese commercials), and these building were not different so much, as my child thought they were either movies or more arcades to explore. We moved on quickly and found the cute, little restaurant doubling back.

We tried to do the whole A-bomb tour and looking around, but that was an afternoon of turmoil from the child, so thankfully we had seen it before and explored SOGO and Namco Station arcade. Namco was our first experience with Kouchuuooja (translated “Beetle Champion”), what we dubbed as “the bug game.”  Aaron was obsessed with this game. It is Rock/Paper/Scissors computerized and with bugs and bug playing cards.

Miyajima the following day was incredible yet again, but for different reasons. We got to see the deer try to eat our map and kiss Aaron several times. Saw the big orange Ootori gate of the island that is as synonymous with Japan as is Fujisan (Mt. Fuji). This time rather than travelling the beach and taking pictures with giggling school girls, we traveled up Mt. Misen. By Ropeway and by foot, we made it nearly to the top of this highly spiritual island. Tons of snow and ice that we all slipped and fell at least once, and Aaron’s mood was incredibly good throughout it all, including a ‘potty problem’ at the top. It was a fantastic journey up a mountain that we did not expect to have.

Okayama was the next stop, the gateway to Shikoku island. This town I liked a lot with its ‘real’ Japan feel. The feeling of a normal, run of the mill town that conducted business, not super touristy, and was friendly place to be. This was also the home to Joypolis, which is an SEGA arcade for all ages and genders. 

Aaron spent about an hour in the playpit, I played the new BlazBlu for nearly the same time on one coin, and all of us enjoyed the medal games, rhythm, and crane games they have.

Takamatsu I think was my favorite of this trip. It was absolutely breathtaking. I am so glad that we decided to stop by here, even if it was just a day trip. Beautiful beachfront, water castle grounds, amazing park (Ritsurin koen), and laidback rural town. Next time we will definitely stay here and explore more.

This sums up the first Japanese family experience. It was a grand time and cannot wait to do it again and would in a heartbeat.

Family names have been changed because this is the internet you know and I want to share, but protect my family at least a little bit from buttheads.

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Future Imperfect named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2015

I’m very excited to announce that Kirkus Reviews put Future Imperfect on its list of the Best Books of 2015 in its December 15 print issue, on sale today. An online list with all of the winners will go live on their website on December 21. Future Imperfect will also be featured in the Kirkus e-mail newsletter that goes out at that time. I’m elated at the win, and frankly still a little suspicious that this is some elaborate practical joke. (Because the most obvious explanation here is that one of the oldest, best-known book reviewing publications is for some reason targeting me for a practical joke.) Anyway, I’m very grateful to both the staff of Kirkus Reviews and the original reviewer who was assigned by book for giving my debut the novel this consideration. To be honest, I was just thrilled when Kirkus didn’t completed shred my book, as they’ve been known to do, so this is beyond my wildest expectations. Thanks also go to those of your who have read and liked it; I’ll do my best not to screw up any future installments.

MSC

The Backlist

www.mscottchambers.com

Image courtesy of Kirkus Reviews (P.S. - If you happen to get hands on the print copy of the December 15 issue, please let me know!)

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Agreed!

The world is not South Park

It’s been slower posting lately because (1) I am working on the new book as much as possible, and (2) the holidays have descended upon my home in full force. There’s only so much writing-related time I have available to me these days, so the blog has been suffering. Even as a I write this, I’m being haltingly interrupted by my son every 45 seconds. Best to just get on with it.

One of my oldest and dearest friends teaches and coaches at a high school. On one occasion, years ago, he was travelling with his team, as coaches do, and heard one of his students tells another, loudly and in public, “You’re such as Jew!” My friend reacted swiftly and justly, explaining that you can’t say things like that in the adult world. (At least, not unless you’re Mel Gibson, and even then you really shouldn’t.) After the incident, he told me about it with a kind of weary exasperation. “Of course, they’re just kids,” he told me. “They don’t know any better and they’re learning how to be good people. I understand that. But they just don’t seem to get that the world isn’t South Park.”

That was, an though, an especially insightful observation. At the risk of dating myself, I’ll admit that South Park came into being when my friend and I were both in college, and we watched it like college students in the 90s were supposed to. I think, back then, we were naive enough to think that satire was brilliant so long as it used taboo words and ideas in its storytelling.

Now, nearly 20 years later, South Park has not aged that gracefully, at least from my perspective. The few times I’ve been able to watch it, I’ve seen the following: (1) a thoroughly mean-spirited episode mocking transgender people, (2) a satire of people the show feels are too “politically correct” to use the N-word (be wary when the phrase “political correctness” rears its head), (3) an ostensible parody of The Human Centipede almost as disgusting as its source material, and (4) an episode using the sad state of US gun policy as a comedic plot point.

It could just be that I’m too old now to appreciate “edgy” humor and stories, though some who’ve read my book would probably disagree. What bothers me is this idea that transgression in and of itself is somehow funny or insightful. It certainly can be, but the fact that a show uses naughty words or flaunts social conventions  does not in and of itself constitute humor or satire. I feel like South Park lost that thread long ago, if indeed it ever had hold of it, and the result feels like the weirdly aggressive rambling of an 18 year old who’s just had his first introduction to philosophy course.

I’m not naive enough to think that South Park hasn’t had its moments over the years, but this isn’t a show known for its incisive social commentary so much as it is for boundary-pushing. If South Park has proven anything to me, it’s than transgression for its own sake is surprisingly boring.

MSC

The Backlist

www.mscottchambers.com

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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Me and my husband laughed hard at this one.