A man goes to the doctor. Says he's depressed. He says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. The doctor says "The treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him, that should pick you up." The man bursts into tears. He says "But doctor... I am Pagliacci."
-an old joke, as told in The Watchmen by Alan Moore

okay where are we, its valantines day apparently, the sun is zooming in, the islamic jihadist movement is sweeping across the university culture disguised as youth rebellion, millions of people in the western world still believe in an invisible friend who will save our asses, yep its buisness as usual.
i've just read the three books revelation space, chasm city, redemption ark and about to satrt absoultion gap, by the amazing aliester reynolds. if you like your sci fi, fast, well written, inventive, filled with hard science and a universe thats as rich and diverse and intresting as the charachters that fill it, these are choice books to read.

Quite a different book is Sam Harris, letter to a christian nation, which is a discourse on the way religion is effecting rational thought and debate. its a brilliant and brave book and one that should be read at school (my friend evan says at gunpoint)

books books books, my home is turning into a book depository, i have books piled on top of one another, towering sculptures of stories spread across my floor, i am trying to make sense of them, give them some order but its proving immposible, i walk through a maze of them just to get to my bedroom, which is equally filled with books. i do have two huge piles of unread books i need to get through.

terrible news, this morning while walking pan i was fined becuase he did not have a leash on, the fine was $260. That's more than ya get fined for dangerous driving, rape and freaking murder. Well okay slight exaggeration but jeez, what the......?