A Galaxy Called Dallas

ConDFW 2012

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:34:00 +0000

Running today through Sunday, ConDFW is the place to be for readers and writers of speculative fiction or genre fiction. With panels on publishing, writing, marketing, world creation, and RPG creation there is a little something for everyone. You can also take part in the 7th Annual ConDFW Sci-fi Spelling Bee!

Author Guest of Honor is Cherie Priest. Cherie is the award-winning author of ‘The Clockwork Century’ series of steampunk novels starting with “Boneshaker,” which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Artist Guest of Honor is William Stout. Clicking through his gallery, you’ll recognize his work readily if you’ve seen the movie posters for ‘Wizards’ or ‘Life of Brian’. I was even surprised to find some that I didn’t expect!

Check out the website for panel times and guest readings! Who are you looking forward to seeing?

Minor Tech Glitches

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:04:00 +0000

It seems that I’ve changed something somewhere and now pictures are missing from some of my posts. I’m in the process of figuring it all out and getting everything back to ship-shape, so please bear with me. Thank you. That is all.

North Texas Irish Festival Celebrates 30 Years

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:29:00 +0000

A gathering of clans will take over Fair Park March 2-4, 2012. For 30 years the North Texas Irish Festival has been gathering in a céilí to pay tribute to it’s roots from across the sea. This year’s theme is “Harps & Fiddles” and they are expecting a very large crowd.

With traditional Irish foods and some new dishes served up by top chefs, no one will go hungry. And why would you have an appetite? Because of music and dancing, my friend! Who can resist when Irish bands play and lads and lasses dance reels and jigs.

We will not miss it and this will be our two year old daughters first time. Do they make kilts for toddlers? Any of you going? Sporting a kilt?

‘Breaking Dawn–Part 2’ Sneak Peek Is On Target

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Target must be crazy to do this kind of promo . . . crazy like a fox! According to Fandango.com Target will show a sneak peek of the new film, Breaking Dawn – Part 2 as part of the Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Blu-ray and DVD release Friday February 10th. This is to raise the hype even further to astronomical levels. Is that even necessary? Guest services will begin distributing tickets at 9 p.m. and the show will begin at 11 p.m. Stores will then close at 1 a.m. You can find your participating locations here.
Also in the article from Fandango, Lions Gate has hinted at continuing the franchise beyond the books.

In an interview with the L.A. Times, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer hinted that Twilight will go on.
"It's hard for me to imagine a movie that does $700 million-plus doesn't have ongoing value. It's an amazing franchise that they have done a great job of maintaining with absolutely no deterioration."

Can you continue a franchise of a best-selling book and not screw it up. Movie and maybe TV. I don’t even know why I ask that in this day and age when some movie adaptations come out and you find that the only thing close to the book is the title.
Before I go any further, let me say that I reserve judgement on the series because I have not read the books myself. It’s not that I’m not into sparkly vampires, I’m just not that into vampires period.
That being said, from my time working in a book store I’ve heard so many people complain about the quality of the writing and whether it deserves the accolades that it receives. In an article on whether Rowling should get a Nobel Prize, Meyer’s books were brought up. If Rowling should be considered for her single-handedly getting kids back into books in the last decade, then what about Meyer. She has saved teen fantasy lit by getting every emo kid to read. So is she deserving?
Back to my original point. Whether her writing is of Nobel quality, it’s obvious that she has written a very entertaining series of books. But . . . can it survive past that? Can Lionsgate continue the money train and entertain countless teens (and pre-teens and moms) with more movies or a TV show?
Last question. What is a movie that you were all excited for and then found that it had nothing to do with the book? Does not have to be a sci-fi or fantasy movie for you to gripe!
Target Stores to Sneak Peek 'Breaking Dawn – Part 2 | Fandango.com

All-Con Goes to the End of the World in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

I received my All-Con post card in the mail yesterday and I’m getting geared up. The theme this years celebrates all things apocalyptic, so as the card says “whether you’re into the coming of a savior, total destruction by natural forces, nuclear holocaust, next-age-dawning, arrival of the aliens, or the always feared Zombie Apocalypse” which means tons of costume ideas. I’ve already decided on mine! And I’m not tellin’ either!

Do you dress up at conventions or is that just for Halloween? Just a looker or do you like to be looked at? Let me know what your plans are and if you’ve got any photos of years past at All-Con send me photos or send me links!

PAST ARTICLES

All-Con 2010 Has Arrived

All-Con 2011 will bring out the steampunk in you!

Elizabeth Banks to Play Real ‘Tink’

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:14:00 +0000

It seems that fairy tales are the big hit this year and Disney is throwing this live-action out there. I have to wonder how well it’s going to do when the studio says that it’s a modern telling of the J. M. Barrie tale. They even go so far as to say that it’s like ‘Elf’.
I loved ‘Elf’ but I don’t want to see a female version of it, and really, how many times do we have to see this type of movie as in ‘Enchanted’ with Amy Adams. That was a cute movie, and so was ‘Elf’, but I don’t need to see another one.

Check out the link for more info from ScienceFiction.com and let me know what you think. Will it fly? Or is the pixie dust all gone from this trope?

Sci-Fi Expo February 11-12 2012

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

***UPDATE – February 7th, 2012 – Word is that if you get a Dallas Observer, there should be a coupon for $5 off. Can anyone confirm or deny that for me?***

This will be a great show this year thanks to the guests involved. Eliza Dushku is getting headliner treatment, but I’m looking at the four guests behind her. For all Firefly fans, you will be able to meet Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, and Ron Glass. I’ll be there working a table for an independent publisher that I know, but will definitely be taking time to visit everyone. I’ll see everyone at the Giant Sandcrawler in Irving!

Author Opportunity at SciFi Expo

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:40:00 +0000

I’ve just recently begun helping Larry Luby with HIS Publishing in promoting his business. We’ve set up a small press table at SciFi Expo here in Dallas on February 11-12, but with only a few titles we have plenty of room for more. Larry has asked me to spread the word to other authors that would like to utilize this space in selling their own titles. Space is limited so hurry and email at the link to the right for more info.

I’m really excited about this because I’m hoping to stream live video with interviews and crowd commentary in addition to a Twitter feed. Again, if you are an author who can’t make it to SciFi Expo and would like to see your titles there, email me at the address to the right in the sidebar and I’ll email you all the info.

Lewisville Science Fiction Book Club Discuss _Ender's Shadow_

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

The Lewisville Science Fiction Book Group will meet on Friday the 13th at 7:30 pm. Join us at the IHOP in Lewisville which is behind the Discount Tire on the northeast corner of I-35 and Round Grove Road. The address is 2345 South Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, TX.

This month’s book will be “Ender’s Shadow” by Orson Scott Card. Even if you read the book years ago, only read part of it, or haven't read the book and just want to see what the book is about, come see us. Once we're done talking about the book, we usually move on to movies, other books, technology, or who knows what.

To be honest, I got started and couldn’t finish due to other projects, but I’ll be there with a wiki cheat sheet and a promise to finish it later. I’m hoping they’ll pick a Little Golden Book sci-fi next. I might be able to finish that in time!

Kevin J. Anderson signs _Sisterhood of Dune_

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Kevin J. Anderson will be in town Tuesday (that’s tomorrow) January 10 to sign Sisterhood of Dune at Barnes & Noble in Dallas. It’s the Lincoln Park location over by Northpark Mall and I’m sure there is going to be a pretty good size crowd. Follow the link up above to the event page for more info.

I can’t say that I’ll be going just because I’m on a budget and that I haven’t read anything past the original Dune and I had to read it twice to get everything. I’ve seen the movie more than that and still miss things. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. Heck, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have put myself through it again. There seems to be some discord on the net about whether anything after Frank Herbert is worth reading. This is just one website that I found that seems to be a little “ticked” off about the pairing of Brian Herbert and Kevin. How many of you out there read the series and feel that it’s up to snuff? Anyone ticked off about the later books? Let me know whether I should waste my time with it or not.

If you’re a little undecided about whether to buy the book yet (it was released January 3rd), you can go to this link at Tor.com to read an excerpt from it. I’ll post what I think of the excerpts as soon as I get some feedback from you about the book.

Official Dune Website

Dune Wiki

Dune Novels

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

With the new year brings the birthday of my child. The only problem with this is the fact that it’s too close to Christmas and New Year’s, not for the gifts but for all the chaos. We didn’t have time to plan anything, so we are celebrating her birthday a week late. She’s only two, so there’s no disappointment. But, mommy and daddy were off on Monday while her daycare wasn’t. Which meant we celebrated her birth by going to a movie!

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS was my choice over DARKEST HOUR and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL. Though I want to see both of them, I was in the mood for Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. I really enjoyed the first movie and was looking forward to the banter that the characters hurled at each other.

Though the first movie was received with some concern as to the rewriting of “Sherlock Holmes” canon, I found it a fun watch and didn’t get caught up in all the hubbub. I find that I’m able to separate my characters and enjoy the cinema Sherlock just as well as my literary Sherlock.

Guy Ritchie has a way with kinetic film making and the scenes race along at a break neck pace. There are times when I think that he could have slowed it to normal and still accomplished the task. I love the way the character analyzes his moves before a fight and then follows through, almost showing the coolest moves and then saying “Watch this!” The plot was on par for movies of this type. Nothing really new which was a bit disappointing. You would think that Moriarty would have more fiendish diabolical plans than what is found out. The characters are funny and brave and faulty which makes me love them so much, kind of like a Victorian Riggs and Murtaugh. They love each other, they hate each other. It’s a period buddy cop movie!

This movie seems on it’s way to beat the predecessor’s box office winnings and it is definitely set up for another in the can. Have you seen it yet? What are you waiting for? And if you did see it, what did you think?

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:16:00 +0000

To all who follow this intermittent blog or “like” me on Facebook or are fellow Twits, Twitterers, or whatever: Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a Bright Shiny New Year!

Get Your Hands on the Sony Playstation® Vita!

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

It seems that you don’t have to wait until February 22nd to get a Sony Playstation® Vita. Of course, you won’t be able to take it home and you’ll have to share but, hey, whataya gonna do? Now until December 30th, you can try out the new mobile gaming rig as the Sony Playstation® Experience rolls into the Grapevine Mills Mall food court.

This mobile gaming platform seems to bring a lot of new tech to the table and I have to admit, even though I’m not a mobile gamer myself, I wouldn’t mind testing this one out. WiFi and 3G, front and rear-facing camera, dual analog joysticks, front touch screen, and a rear touch pad. It’s just packing a whole lot of awesome! Go to the Sony Website to check out the demo video and then get on over to Grapevine Mills Mall (3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway) to run it through it’s paces.

Again, The Sony Playstation® Experience is only in town until December 30th and then you’ll have to wait until February 22nd to get one of your own. When you get done drooling all over it, come back here and let me know what you thought of it.

FenCon VIII Recap with Photos

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:43:00 +0000

Got a chance to go visit the fine folks at FenCon. Happened in Addison where they always have a great turnout. My friend Tom Branch and I got there in time to listen to Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine on a panel about steampunk. I got to get my copy of Phoenix Rising autographed and a photo together with them. I truly enjoyed meeting them.

Also, got to listen in on Gail Carriger. I read her first book, Soulless, and wanted to get it signed but due to time constraints, couldn’t get to her in time. I did get her photo, though. Was very amazed to find out that she is an archeologist, but she deals more with the archeological materials which if I’m not mistaken is about the tools that made certain items. Don’t hold me to that, Google it.

Was, also, able to speak with Rachel Caine and P. N. Elrod who shared a table together. Very nice ladies and Mrs. Elrod was nice enough to give me one of her books on tape since I . . . still have . . . a tape player. Nonetheless, a most wonderful lady and look forward to seeing them again soon.

I always have to stop by the table of Gloria Oliver and say hi. She’s got the same spot every year and I have yet to find where they engraved her name. Everyone seems to know that it’s her spot. I picked up her latest and can’t wait to find time to read it!

If you get a chance to go next year, you won’t be disappointed. It’s always a lot of fun and the authors are more than happy to talk to their fans! If you’ve got any photos to post, put the link in the comments section. Here’s the link to my album.

Fan Days October 8-9 2011

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:10:00 +0000

This will be my first time to visit the Fan Days event. Usually didn’t have the money or the time to go in the past, but I made a little money on Amazon (I know, my ex-co-workers from Borders will be burning me in effigy) and splurged to get the early price for a priority pass. Plus, they threw in two soon-to-be collectible cards that were used to help promote Fan Days in Toronto and Atlanta. So, with lanyard round the neck, I’ll be waiting to see Lando and Mr. Sulu.

I’ve picked up a copy of a book that Billy Dee co-wrote with Rob MacGregor and will get him to autograph it for me. Then I might even read it. Ah, I’m pretty sure I’ll read it. It’s about the military using psychics and such and when I’m done I’ll write a review for you.

Then a friend of a friend posted on Facebook this nice little gem that he got off of eBay. Can’t wait to see what Billy Dee has to say about that!

What’s the weirdest thing that you’ve ever had a celebrity, author or artist sign? Show pictures if you can!

Secrets from Beyond the Stars or Hints at the Next Book in the Series

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:06:00 +0000

I got an email from Ronald Dunn yesterday and it’s got hints as to what he has in store for Rob, the main character of his novel The Wisdom of Solomon. For those that don’t remember, I wrote a review for Ron back in April of this year and eventually went to work helping him promote it. Anyway, I read the email and was so giddy with anticipation that I dropped what I was doing so that I could call him to drop what he was doing and tell him that I wanted that sequel RIGHT NOW!

Knowing that wasn’t going to happen, I told him that I would have to just go back and re-read the first one until he finished. Here’s what he’s told me so far.

Rob has got himself into a mess like no one in the history of mankind. He now has not one, but two monumental problems. First, he must deal with the fact that his 65 year old mental self is now encased in the physical body of his 9 year old self. His brain power, which has been tremendously enhanced by his association with an alien spacecraft, does not work well with his young, immature body. He must now face every situation, including his interaction with his parents and brother, knowing that he must “act his age”! How about school? Can he somehow act normally in front of all his classmates from 56 years earlier. Back then he was known to interrupt class proceedings and get in trouble with the teachers because of too much talking. Now, what will everybody think when he remains mute because he knows opening his mouth will surely provoke much more severe problems!

Secondly, Rob has lost his telepathic connection with Torena, the alien woman who helped him travel back in time to his childhood. His connection with Torena is his only tie to his prior place in the time continuum and he knows, that without her help, he can never be careful enough to keep from changing his previous future; unless he can, somehow make it back to the cavern in Northern New Mexico!

If you haven’t read the first book then you need to click on picture. It’ll take you to his website and you can purchase it there. This is definitely gonna be a humdinger of a ride and I can’t wait. How about you? Have you read it?

Black 7 Comics is a new face in Lewisville

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:09:00 +0000

I happened to be out running errands the other day when I decided to run through this little shopping center that used to house a comic book shop and a used book store. The comic/game shop had changed names once before going under and it may have been more before I came along, but I was sad to see both disappear. Every once in a while I would drive through hoping that someone would give it another go and Friday it looked like someone had.

Terry Black moved in and opened about six weeks ago. Though the sign says comics, like all comics stores out there, he does carry games. He has the basic RPGs like D&D 4E and Pathfinder, but his main crowd is Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon! and Yugi-oh! He is definitely interested in building an RPG crowd, maybe doing a Wednesday Night Encounters group, but so far, no dice. No pun intended . . . well, okay a little. If you are an experienced DM and would like to run some games, it wouldn’t hurt to check him out.

It would seem that I wasn’t the only one to find him. Check out this article by Lewisville Public Library Roleplaying. If you do decide to go in, be sure and bring this coupon and get some change knocked off your purchase. Oh, and be sure to tell him you read about it here!

Armadillocon 33 underway this weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:56:00 +0000

Due to a death in the family, this will be just a quick blurb. Armadillocon 33 will be this weekend, August 26 – 28, in Austin Texas. Check it, lots of great authors including some of my local favorites and Bruce Sterling. Check it out at Armadillocon 33!

Bad movies or just not great movies

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 05:29:00 +0000

I'm testing my phone app to see how easy it is to post. So far, the only drawback is that my carpal tunnel kicks in way too soon.

Big question! Friends have told me to stay away from Conan on the big screen. Is it that bad or just a good movie that failed the hype? Give your opinions for a follow up post next week.

Cowboys and Aliens and Aurora Texas!

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:29:00 +0000

First order of business is the Lewisville Book Club meeting this Friday night, August 12th, at the IHOP. Kick-off is at 7:30 P.M. and we will be discussing Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris. Excellent book! I’ll try to find time to review it. This is the first book that I’ve actually finished on time for the meeting, so that’s a testament to how much I enjoyed it. See this previous post for the book trailer.

So, following our last book discussion we were talking movies. Cowboys and Aliens came up and no, I haven’t seen it yet, but plan on going. I wondered out loud where the guy came up with the idea for the comic on which the movie is based when I remembered a story in the news about an alien crash here in Texas. Doing a little research, I found that we were only 40 miles from where it supposedly happened.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find the video below before we went, so we may be making a return trip. I want to find that well and that tree. Here’s a link to the photos that we took. No evidence of extraterrestrial life but maybe on the next visit. You can also see Aurora in season 3 episode 1 of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel.

Channel 13 out of Houston talking aliens in Texas

If you happen to make the trip out there be sure to have an appetite. There is a little restaurant called Tater Junction and they have got some of the best home cooking you’ll ever get this side of your grandma. The ladies there are the sweetest things and love to converse with the customers.

You’ll also find the DNAlien series of novels by Jim West at the register. Mr. West is a native of Texas and has written a story of a government-grown alien on the run. Using the local area as setting, it sounds like a good read and I will eventually get to it as soon as I knock my stack down a little more. If anyone has read it, shoot me a review and give me your take on it.

Has anyone been to Aurora before and if so, what did you find? Is there life out there? Let me know what you think!

Studio Movie Grill offers up some great viewing options

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:03:00 +0000

If you’ve never been to a Studio Movie Grill or a theater like it, then you need to crawl out from under that rock. The concept is to offer food and drink while you watch your movie and now Studio Movie Grill is offering up some great options for your viewing pleasure.

One of the first things you need to do is to join their email list because sometimes these things are not offered on the website. They are pretty good about sending about one a week, so it doesn’t flood your inbox.

One of the first offers that I saw in my email this week is a code for a $6.25 ticket to see Transformers: Dark of the Moon plus a free soda. And sodas get free refills! If you opt for the 3-D ticket there will be an upcharge but I’m not sure how much. If Michael Bay ‘splosions in your face are your thing then 3-D it up! Oh, and if you’ve got friends, I think your able to print out more than one but there is a special way of doing it so that you get a unique barcode each time. Just read the instructions on the coupon. I’m not sure how long the promotion is going on, but the link still works.

Next goodie from the email is the SMG with a Twist night. July 21st for only a dollar . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . . GOONIES! Okay, so I’m a big kid, but this movie is awesome and I love it and I get to see it on the big screen AGAIN and for only a dollar! See Samwise Gamgee and Jonah Hex as brothers! Did I mention that it was only a dollar! And you’ll still be out in time to stand in line for the midnight showing of Captain America!

And last, but not least, and this is not in this week’s email, FUNimation hosts an anime viewing every second Tuesday of the month. Best of all is that it’s free! That’s right, free. BUT, you do have to RSVP through their Meetup.com account. You can find that here and register for the next showing on August 9th. You can enjoy episodes 1-4 of BAKA & TEST – SUMMON THE BEASTS.

Of Dyson Spheres and refueling dying suns with wormholes

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Friday night was our monthly book club meeting in Lewisville and oh, the many topics we tossed about! This month we met to discuss Alastair Reynolds’ novel, House of Suns. As usual, I was a little behind on my reading and so had only finished about a third of the book. Thankfully, I was not the only one, but we had fun discussing what we had read so far.

This is a great read and Alastair Reynolds is a forward thinking writer. One of the ideas in use is the idea that a person will be able to create their own clone and then pass their memories on to the new one, thus making themselves immortal. Thus, “you” can essentially cross hundreds of thousands of light-years and have all the experiences that you attain in that travel.

Refueling a dying sun by funneling in more fuel through a wormhole is a unique use of said hole. Always knew that a wormhole could be used to transport all kinds of things, just never thought of doing that. And the use of Dyson spheres is really really cool, but you’ll have to read the book to find out why.

Below is a video that describes an alternative to cold fusion that is more efficient and practical than what they’ve been trying in research. Yes, we discussed this, too. What? TOO geeky for ya? Come join us next month when we’ll be discussing Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris. A little steampunk ought to ease the mental strain. Book trailer is below the fusion video.

Focus Fusion

Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris

Lewisville SciFi Book Club will discuss Alastair Reynolds ‘House of Suns’

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:06:00 +0000

If you are available this Friday night, June 8th, the Lewisville SciFi Book Club will meet at the IHOP at I-35 and Round Grove Rd. to discuss the 2008 Alastair Reynolds novel House of Suns. Even if you haven’t read it in a while or are a few pages shy of finishing it, come on in for a great discussion. The group usually starts about 7:30pm but show up early if you like to get some food ordered. We’ll be in the back room, the hostess will know where. The IHOP is located at 2345 S. Stemmons Expressway along the service road on the north side of the highway. Hope to see you there!

A-Kon and Gone!

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:31:00 +0000

I didn’t get to go to A-Kon this year and I always say that I’m going to go. It seems there is always something hindering me. Usually, it’s money, but this last year I’ve had a lot heaped on my plate. Anyway, here’s a write-up by D Magazine (click the photo) for their website. It has a video and photo link, also. If you went and have photos, give us links in the comments!

Lewisville Science Fiction Book Club and man, does a month move fast

noreply@blogger.com (James Pickering) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:11:00 +0000

June 10, 2011 will be that Friday night again for the Lewisville Science Fiction Book Club. We’ll be discussing the book “Directive 51” by John Barnes and even though I bought the book two days after the last meeting, I’m still finishing the previous book. So, now I’ve got four days to finish it and this is the week that I start a new job. Plus, I’m still trying to promote my author, Ronald Dunn, and his book “The Wisdom of Solomon,” and keep this site up and running. Sometimes, I think I make things too hard on myself.

We are to bring in four titles that we’d like to suggest for future reads. Our group is not necessarily “hard” sci-fi, but we don’t tend to stray far. What are some reads that you think we might enjoy?

And if you have read “Directive 51” or are midway through (which is probably where I’ll be) stop by the IHOP at I-35 and Round Grove Road around 7:30 PM in the back room and join us.

Now, what are those book titles again?