A really brief Renovation report. And a book I'm this close to throwing at someone.

Had a blast at the 69th World Science Fiction Convention.

( Read more... )

The drives up and back went off without too many problems. Taking US 50 was a good plan, as most of the time we had the road to ourselves and the climb into the Sierras is far more gradual than I-80. We also got to see one of the most awesome distance markers in the US

Now, the book. I really like the Ring of Fire series. I like the concept, I like the research that goes into detailing the effects of dropping a West Virginian mining town in Thuringia during the Thirty Years War. Some of the books are gripping, with political intrigues and conflict and well-drawn characters from both up-time and down-time. 1635: The Tangled Web isn't one of these books. It claims to be a "blended novel", a collection of different stories that make a whole. What it actually is a confusing mis-mash of numerous characters, endless expository text, and almost now action. Even the action points (like the kidnapping of an important abbot) happen off screen! I am never buying another book written by Virginia DeMarcie solo. She's decent with a co-author, but I cannot take 300 pages of endless talking!

Not the right way to make ESPN

Fun night in the Maddenverse where my 49ers ran all over the reeling Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45-25. It should have 45-19 but for a freaky interception return for a touchdown. That was juggled by at least five people, mine and his, before a corner back grabbed the ball and scampered into the end zone. No, but the story of the game was the Buc's hapless place kicker. Not only was he 0-3 on field goals, he managed to miss 3 of the 4 point after touchdown kicks he attempted.

( For the non-fans of American football )

After the fourth attempt sailed wide right, I began imagine how the One True Sportscenter Team would have called his efforts. I'm picturing Dan Patrick at his most droll.