Went out yesterday to pick up the new chaise lounge for the office, and when I returned cake had spontaneously appeared at my door. How did it happen? You tell me!

The one alternate explanation is that my friend and neighbor Alisha sent it over in appreciation for getting Adam Savage’s autograph for her at w00tstock earlier in the month. But seriously, what’s the likelihood of that? Right, exactly. I’m voting for cake fairies!

Science fiction balladeer John Anealio has written a song to go with the Unicorn Pegasus Kitten painting.

You will go here now and listen to it.

AND THEN YOU WILL DOWNLOAD IT AND TREASURE IT UNTIL THE END OF YOUR DAYS.

That is all.

As most of you are aware, I’ve been renovating my office for the last few months, a process which has included repainting, taking out the old carpet, putting in new floors and shelves, getting new furniture and so on. The office isn’t completely finished yet — we still have new blinds and couple of new pieces of furniture to get, and then books need to go back on the shelves — but I thought you might like a sneak preview of the office in progress.

I’m particularly pleased by the bookshelves, which were custom made for me by Overholser Cabinets here in Bradford. Aaron Overholser, the owner, is also the fellow who made my new desk, and there’s also another really excellent piece here that he’s done for me that I’ll hold off on showing you all until the office is completely put together. Nevertheless, if you’re in the northern Dayton area and need some cabinet work done (as well as kitchens, etc), he’s the fellow I’d recommend.

Also, for those of you who want a followup, Athena (pictured here on the chaise lounge) is doing fine; a little bit of an ear infection but we’re working on that now. Thanks for the good wishes.

The good news is: Hit my deadline. Go me.

The bad news is: My morning is going to be taken up with the running of the daughter over to the doctor’s, because she is feeling poorly, which is sad thing and especially during summer vacation.

Be back a bit later with a new Big Idea piece and a visit from the cake fairies! And I know how you all love the cake fairies.

Over at FilmCritic.com this week, I’m looking at environmental themes in science fiction, and whether the oil spill in the gulf means that we’re likely to have more film of an environmental stripe over the next couple of years. The answer may surprise you! Or it may not because by now you know all my little tricks, don’t you? It’s like we’re married or something. As always, feel free to leave your comments and observations on the article over there on the FilmCritic site.