News Roundup 2nd Dec

The New York Times weighs in on NaNoWriMo, and screws up right in the first sentence.
"The secret to writing a novel in a month is just to do it — and it’s a good idea to accept from the start that, barring miracles, it will be very, very bad."
So, I take it none of these novels is going to make the New York Times best seller lists, right? I'm gonna keep a watch on this, and if ever one of the novels written from start to finish during this month makes it to the list, the grey lady is toast.

Australia neglecting its own writers, says The Australian.
"Senior academics claim a new cultural cringe is infesting our universities and encouraging the neglect of Australian literature."
Cultural cringe? Infesting? Add that to my vocab.

Is freelancing under attack from Europe? The UK Contractor thinks so.
"Fears were raised this week that plans tabled by the European Commission could result in a directive to restrict freelancing and self-employment in the UK."
Impose sactions against Iran? Nope. North Korea? Nope. Trade sanctions against China? Nope. Poor, hungry and impoverished freelancers? Bring em on! Such bravery!