Nadia Lee :: Romance Writer

I'm sure by now many of you who follow figure skating have heard of the Yuna/Brian breakup. It's strange since it's only been six months since their amazing triumph in Vancouver, where Yuna set the world record score to win Korea's first gold medal in figure skating.

Why did they break up...? Who knows? It's been mostly he said, she said, but I suspect that Yuna's mom had a part in the entire affair. Regardless, I wish both Yuna and Brian the best.

Anyway in one of his interviews, Brian revealed that Yuna's new long program will feature Korean folk songs, including "Arirang". Here's an orchestral version performed by the KBS Orchestra in Osaka.

P.S. You can listen to another orchestral / choral version here.

Masato Akamatsu's Catch

Amaya Soichiro's Catch

They're both Hiroshima Carp players. Aren't they amazing?

I know times are tough and local governments are looking for a way to get some extra cash, but extorting demanding money from bloggers smacks of thuggery.

The Washington Post wrote:

...Philadelphia, where the city has been asking bloggers with any sign of a business model to pay for a "business privilege license." [emphasis mine]

Of course, the definition of "any sign of a business model" is a bit broad. It apparently includes having an ad on your blog. So what about writers who have their book covers on their blog? Or maybe bloggers who don't have ads but affiliate links to places like Amazon?

Philadelphia City Paper reports:

After dutifully reporting even the smallest profits on their tax filings this year, a number -- though no one knows exactly what that number is -- of Philadelphia bloggers were dispatched letters informing them that they owe $300 for a privilege license, plus taxes on any profits they made.

Many of the bloggers who are being extorted -- yep, I said it -- don't make anywhere near $300. A lot of them are doing it just for fun / as a hobby with an ad thrown in there.

In a way it's sad since people can't just decide to boycott this ridiculous fee. The government has the power to jail or fine you or whatever to get the money it wants. (Unless you run like hell to another country or something.)

My solution to the bloggers in Philadelphia -- Form a union of bloggers. Then demand a bailout from the federal government on the basis of "too big to fail".

If you wanted to get the conference tapes but were hesitating over the price ($129.99 plus shipping and handling), here's a chance to get the complete set (DVD or CDs) on sale at www.billspro.com/order/rwa/index.html.

Promotional code for August is RAug9226. Mention that you're on Facebook and that you've seen Bill Stephens Productions Facebook page, and you can get additional $5 off. So that should bring the total down to $94.99 plus shipping and handling.

I found their shipping charges very reasonable, even if you live overseas. I already ordered my copy. If you have any questions, you can email them at ServeMe2@BillsPro.com. Their customer service is prompt and courteous.

P.S. As of August 19, their mp3 download page doesn't contain all the recordings from their master catalogue.

Just because so many people seem pessimistic about the print media's future...