Easily the best fantasy novel I read all year, though to be fair I've stopped reading sci-fi/fantasy for the most part. There was a sample chapter of this at Mysterious Galaxy as a free giveaway, and I picked it up with no real expectation. The first two pages hooked me, and I had to buy it immediately. It's like Oliver Twist, set in a sort of fantasy Venice, with more con-artistry than a presidential election. The sequel should be out in July, but if you're looking for a very entertaining read, pick this up.
3. Believer Magazine
No magazine has better captured everything that's been in my head than this one. In fact, I have sometimes felt that my brain waves were being scanned in order to generate articles, so I have taken to wearing a tin-foil hat in order to foil these thieves. I get asked about it in public sometimes (the magazine, not the hat) because it's not a magazine everyone has heard of, and the covers are so, well, cartoon-design-chic.
I don't know how to quite describe it; usually I mumble something about a West-coast Harpers or Partisan Review crossed with Adbusters and um...yeah. There is fiction, although the main bulk of the issues seems to be creative nonfiction and interviews. The issue you see here, which also graces the top of my commode, has an article about Indian undercover journalism, Jack London and a man who makes a living impersonating him, a woman who wrote an amazing column in the Village Voice that I would like to take over, and literary manifestations of rats in books, among other things. They are the brainchild of McSweeney's, a San Francisco based purveyor of books and pirate gear.
2. Who Dat? Who Dat? The New Orleans Saints!
Nobody saw this one coming. A team that was 3-13 last year with no stadium, no city, and no hopes to a playoff-bound #2 NFC seed that is more than capable of going all the way. I'm not saying they will, because I've seen enough Saints seasons self destruct, but the athletic ability, discipline, playcalling, and sheer firepower of this team have been breathtaking. They are 10-6, and thanks to some great scheduling I've been able to see nearly every single game this season. Seriously, thanks Fox, for putting their games on west coast TV. From the Superdome opener against the Falcons
While I can't say I'm surprised about #1, I am astonished to see Andy Kopp omitted from even a Top 10 showing. He is easily the most entertaining Guns N Roses tribute artist you've encountered this year! In all seriousness, congrats to you both in finding each other and all the best in '07. God bless America....and nobody else! (This post was not posted by Andy Kopp or affiliates of Andy Kopp Inc.)
*warm fuzzies* Awwwwww!
Posted by
Hannah |
12:36 PM
While I can't say I'm surprised about #1, I am astonished to see Andy Kopp omitted from even a Top 10 showing. He is easily the most entertaining Guns N Roses tribute artist you've encountered this year! In all seriousness, congrats to you both in finding each other and all the best in '07. God bless America....and nobody else! (This post was not posted by Andy Kopp or affiliates of Andy Kopp Inc.)
Posted by
Anonymous |
1:06 PM
Well, I'm glad to hear it. I'm very happy for you both. We enjoyed spending time with you in SD over Christmas.
Posted by
Anonymous |
5:15 PM