I think I need some kind of refreshing / re-energising experience.  Today was the kind of day that all of us have – not at all bad, but tiring and kind of draining.  I’m currently sitting in the backyard, hiding behind the clothes hoist, trying to get a quiet moment while children run around, plundering the house.  The fish are dying again (something I can’t diagnose, but we’re doing everything we can).  There’s nowhere quiet to sit.  I’m not in a reading mood.  And I’m aware of the need to be doing things I’m not.  sigh.  Maybe a quiet night will help.

…I know Jeremy hated the theme, but I needed to do something. I’ll keep looking for something better, when I have time, but this will have to do a for a little while.

The good folk over at Starship Sofa have podcast Ted Chiang’s stunning novelette, “The Alchemist and the Merchant’s Gate“, which also appears in The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year: Volume 2. Props to JJA for pointing this out.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering – yes, I’ve already picked several stories for The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year: Volume 3.