As Spock would say: fascinating.

Election only weeks away. Bank of America now owns Merrill Lynch. No one, apparently, owns Lehman. Hurricane Ike trashes Galveston - everybody knew it was coming, but 2000 people decided to just hang out anyway, see what happens. No big deal. Stocks falling, mortgages disappearing, hadron colliders ... colliding ...

I need a little break. I'll bet you do, too.

So we'll just take a load off with some humor, which is where you'll see things heading in future pages. A serious message or two, sure. But it's awfully grim out there. You can kick off your shoes in here. Relax. Somewhere out there, someone is having fun. Why not us?

Here's to visits from old friends. Lon Prater returns, and in fine form with a story that'll make you think twice about leaving Rhapsody streaming in the background while you work.

Rachel Swirsky pays us a brief second visit. Blink, and you'll miss Harmonic Nirvana, but it's funny while it lasts.

Steven Utley and Howard Waldrop share a unique vision of alien societies - which aren't so alien after all.

And Rhonda Eudaly gives us a look at science - and grilled chicken - gone terribly wrong.

We'll also take a look at the fantastic art of David Lee Anderson, and explore creative career progression as defined by actor turned writer Matthew Ewald.

These are people who dream for a living, and good examples to emulate. In a down economy, the best job security is going into business for yourself.

This coming weekend, as the issue goes live, I'll be attending FenCon 5 in Dallas. I'm doing a couple of panels, a reading, and a very brief short story workshop. As things progress, I'll be adding pictures, commentary, and video. Check back over the weekend, and in the week to come. I'll be adding stuff as I go along.

Are we having fun yet?

Dave Duggins
Gatesville, Texas
October, 2008