Issue of February 18, 2008

Notes From The Office 05 by Alexandra Queen — Announcement

Professional and creative? Not once you become a parent. Because Mattel's Barbie is there to eat your brain.

Fire Scar by Mel Trent — Cover story fiction fantasy

Death and pain have followed the Seraphim Twins for so long that there is nothing else for them to remember. They can only have faith that they know how to defeat the demon sent to kill them, but the price of victory may cost them more than they possess ...

Birthday Cakes and Fun by Lydia Manx — Food

A surprise birthday cake? How about one called Chocolate Mocha Dessert Cake? Staff writer Lydia Manx tells us how it's done.

Winter Color: Tecomaria Capensis by Sand Pilarski — Gardening

Tecomaria Capensis -- brilliant orange flowers in winter in temperate zones, rich growth -- and about as welcome as ants at a picnic.

Peek of the Week 130 by Lydia Manx — Photo art

African daisies on the Pacific Coast of California.

Patterns in Blood 15 by Lydia Manx — Serial fiction horror vampires

An unexpected death of a close family member, and there's no tears? Strange voices on the telephone, ugly messages following Alanna from work to home, and odd behavior by her in-laws are making her waking hours worse than any nightmare.

A Youthful Indiscretion by Dan Mulhollen — Short fiction

There are layers to every story, and the richness and fascination only get better when you start to hear about what happens on each layer ...