There are so many great authors out there writing science fiction: Dan Simmons, China Mieville, and Rudy Rucker just to name a few. Peter F. Hamilton isn't quite to their level, but he is a master at penning compelling Space Operas that span multiple volumes. When I picked up Pandora's Star I was under the impression that it was a stand alone volume, however, I was sadly mistaken. Hamilton spends most of this volume introducing his characters and setting up the situation for the next volume, Judas Unchained, which I will be purchasing as soon as it comes out on Feb 28th (just 2 weeks after my birthday, just in case you were looking for gift ideas). This was a rollicking good read, and if you are into SciFi (space opera in particular) you should pick yourself up a copy. I would loan you my copy but Glenn has it, and I am certain that he won't be finished with any time soon.

Whilst in Boston Thad, Albert, and I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and a good time was had by all. I really enjoyed the movie (though I tend to enjoy most of Tim Burton's work) and Thad was especially enamored with the music (sadly, not available on the iTunes Music Store at the time of this writing). The movie is classic Burton, a colorful overload of crazy characters and slightly demented. There were some laugh out loud moments in this movies, as well as some chuckles. I found myself smiling the entire time while I watched it but I was just enjoying it so much. And Deep Roy was very good in his thousands of roles.

I'm trying this new plugin out for Wordpress, so I thought I would throw Paul Anka some 'props' for his newest CD. Go out and buy it, kids.