“I’m not aware of any situation in the world where there is a system of jurisprudence that is recognized by civilized people where an individual can be tried and convicted without seeing the evidence against him,” said Brig. Gen. James Walker, U.S. Marine Corps staff judge advocate.

“I don’t think the United States needs to become the first in that scenario,” he said.

– “US generals criticize Bush plan on terrorism trials,” Reuters, September 8, 2006

I really doubt history is going to be kind to George Bush on this whole “alternative interrogation and trials” thing. To which I say: Good.

This is a damn entertaining video. The song is by Weird Al; the animation is by Bill Plympton. Those are two folks I personally never expected to get together for anything, but honestly. What the hell do I know.

Because stalkers deserve first-hand information.

* This Sunday (that’s 9/10/06) I’ll be at the Kerrytown Book Fest in Ann Arbor, to participate on a panel on science fiction with Toby Buckell, Sarah Zettel and Anne Harris. The panel starts at 1:15 in the main speakers tent. I think there may be a book signing afterward or something; honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I suspect I should find out. But even if there’s not and you want me to sign a book, just track me down; I’ll be happy to.

* September 14-17 (or some portion therein), I’ll be in Denver for the Mountains & Plains Booksellers Association Trade Show. There I will be signing books and generally schmoozing. It’s a trade show, though, so unless you’re a MPBA member (or an exhibitor), you won’t see me. Unless you use advanced stalking techniques. But I think I have most of those people under restraining order.

* Word up to all my central Ohio peeps, yo: First, I apologize for attempting slang. Second, on September 20 at 7pm, I’ll be making an appearance at the Marion Public Library to where, I imagine, I will blather about writing and science fiction and why hemp is our future, man. All right, maybe not so much that last one. This is the closest I’ll be getting to the Columbus area this year, I think.

* October 6-8 I’ll be in the Bay Area for the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association trade show, where once again I’ll be doing the “sign and schmooze,” this time for the wonderful booksellers of my native state. Once again if you’re not a member of the NCIBA, you’re unlikely to see me there — BUT there is a very good chance I will do some sort of public appearance, and if I do, it’ll most likely be at Borderlands Books (who — remember — are currently selling signed copies of OMW and TGB with free shipping through September! The monkey likes!). Whether I do a public appearance is largely dependent on my trade show schedule; as soon as I have all that hammered down I will let you all know.

* October 20-22 I’ll be at Capclave, the science fiction convention in Silver Spring, Maryland (that’s right outside of Washington DC, for those of you who do not know the area). I have no schedule for panels/readings/interpretive dance exhibitions for there yet, but I’m sure I will. Again, more updates as circumstances warrant.

That’s all the appearances I currently have scheduled for 2006, actually. I may do some local bookstore appearances when Android’s Dream comes out, and I sorta really want to go to Philcon, mostly to hang out with/harrass Charlie Stross, who is the guest of honor this year. But whether I can matters largely on financials which are not entirely clear at the moment. I have a lot of fun at conventions, but if you go to more than a couple a year, they start costing, well, a lot. Yes, it’s cheaper than blow, and less likely to make you paranoid, or to give you a deviated septum. Even so, it’s not cheap. So we’ll have to see.

The rest of the time I’ll stay in my office with my hand sanitizer and Kleenex boxes on my feet. As you do.