I know, for a guy who says he’s taking the day off, I sure keep updating a lot. But I thought you’d like to see the new cover art of the trade paperback edition of Old Man’s War and the cover art for The Ghost Brigades, both of which were sent to me by Tor, I can only surmise, as a birthday present. Yay! The new artist is John Harris, who has previously done covers for folks like Orson Scott Card and Ben Bova. There is worse company to be in. Anyway, here they are.

Actually, before I take the day off for my birthday, let me suggest a meme to propogate while I’m gone:

Pair up a picture with a song that best describes the picture (or vice versa). “Best decribes” being open to interpretation — it could literally describe what’s going on in the picture, or it could be a piece of music that invokes a feeling you associate with the picture, or whatever. Also, you can just name the song, if you think it’s something most people will recognize.

Here is my picture, and the song that goes with it:

“Over the Hillside” by The Blue Nile, from their album Hats.

Your turn.

36 today. 35 was largely a good year; I thank it for its service. 36 will hopefully carry on the tradition. Also, now that I am past the midpoint of my 30s, I have to say that it’s shaping up to be a damn fine decade. As with last year, I check to see if I have any deep insight into the world to share with you all, and once again the answer is: Well, no, not really. Be nice to each other. Floss. Don’t eat that fifth donut. Aside from that, I got nothin’.

I’m taking the rest of the day off; if you want to do the same, that’s your call.