With “Steven Spielberg’s (?) War of the Worlds” approaching, we’re beginning to see the usual pre-release deluge of puff piece news stories about science fiction. Among them, though, is this anomaly: a great discussion on CNN radio online you can download as an MP3 (I refuse to use the term “podcast” under any circumstances) featuring Harlan Ellison, Connie Willis, Bruce Sterling and Len Wein….and most shocking of all, an interviewer who actually seems to be familiar with the topic he’s discussing.

Check it out here.

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I’ve been neglecting my blog a bit of late due to a somewhat overwhelming workload, but after the weekend things may slow down a bit. I’ve been teaching two comics classes a day and freelancing in the afternoon/evenings–all with the Charlotte con in between. But my classes wrapped up today and, although this was by far the best batch of students I’ve ever had, I’m glad class is done and I can start catching up on my freelance work and personal projects.

As an “end of summer session” treat, I stopped by Borders on my way home and picked up a couple of records I’ve been wanting to check out: “Stairs and Elevators” by The Heartless Bastards and “Elevator” by Hot Hot Heat (what’s up with the “elevator” thing??). I haven’t listened to the Hot Hot Heat record yet, but damn the Heartless Bastards record is good. They sound like Mountain, Led Zeppelin and Cream all smushed together with a female lead singer who looks to weigh about 90 lbs, but who belts out lyrics with a voice that hits you like a Mack truck.