We just got back from a weekend in Los Angeles, visiting with our families. I'm tired as hell right now, but just wanted to post one thing. I sprung my book on them all (parents, in-laws, brother & his fiance, one friend), and they were all very happy and impressed with it.

I don't know why, but I was a little nervous what their reaction would be, but that was unwarranted. Perhaps, I was just being a bit shy. Anyway, they all can't wait for it to be "officially" released and available on many more web sites that it currently is. Should be happening very soon...

... I just found it's now listed on Barnes & Noble (.com)... Click Here to buy it! - Should be on Amazon any day now...

AN OIL COMPANY PROVES BUSH WRONG ON CLIMATE CHANGE
CEO John Browne Demands Government Help - by Seth Dunn

BP has exceeded its emissions reduction target eight years ahead of schedule, and at no net cost. That undermines Bush's claim that the Kyoto Protocol would be too expensive. (from TomPaine.com)

The world of comedy had a triple hit within the last day as Billy Wilder, Milton Berle, and Dudley Moore all died. Each of them created work that has survived over the years as groundbreaking works of human humor. Good bye, you'll all be missed.

Yes, a most momentous moment has occurred! My book arrived today! The first copy of Aaron's Intifada and Other Short Stories is in my hands (well, actually, I put it down to type this, but it's right next to my hands).

It's available now from iUniverse, or, you can pre-order an autographed copy direct from me for $14.45 (includes shipping and all - I should have a box of books ready to ship by April 15). It will be another six weeks or so before it is listed with Amazon, B&N, etc.

Meanwhile - I'm excited! It's quite a feeling to finally have the physical book of my work right here. Wonderful! Now, I've got to update the web site with ordering information... that may take a couple of days...

One of our local government officials has apparently gotten himself into trouble by saying that graffiti "tagging" can sometimes be art. What an idiot.

Not that I don't agree with him. I've occasionally seen some tagging that impressed me from an artistic point of view. It's just that that's besides the point. I like Picasso, but I don't want anybody putting Guernica on the side of my car without my permission.

Whether it's defending graffiti, or persecuting Robert Mapelthorpe, I just don't want any politicians deciding what is or isn't "art."

The correct answer for that local idiot, or any other public official who gets suckered into this debate, is, "It's not a question of art. It's a question of law. Defacing somebody else's property is a crime, regardless of its merits."

What is it about computer solitaire that's so hypnotizing? Is it really that much more exciting than traditional solitaire? If I weren't so lazy, would I really be getting out the deck of cards and playing solitaire all day long if I didn't have the computer?

Or is it simply a means of procrastinating? I have important writing to be getting to... but first I want to see if I can win ten in a row... or get my statistics up 1/2 a percentage point...

Or, maybe, or maybe I'm just deluding myself, it helps to clear my mind so that I can get to that writing? I do sometimes find it relaxing and meditative. I kind of zone out while clicking on the cards and it moves the stress of the day away so that the creative thoughts can rise to the surface.

At least, that's what I tell myself. Of course, I could be highly deluded... I'll give that some serious thought... right after this next game...

It was a busy week for us, as report cards were due yesterday. Leslie was working on them all week, and I (of course) was helping out with grading assessment tests and organizing the files for each kid. That, obviously, didn't leave a lot of time for posting here.

Sorry to continue to go on and on about the release of my new book, but it is the most exciting thing going on in my life these days. What I wanted to say about it today, however, is that I've been considering ideas of what to do for my next project.

One thing that bothers me about the book I just did, is that the material is not appropriate to share with my nephews (ages 7 and 10). These guys are a very important part of my life, and I feel terrible that I can't share this with them for several more years.

Which has led me to a decision about what to do next. Looking over my lists of book concepts, I've found one that can be adapted slightly to make an excellent book for teens. In fact, making that change in focus is exactly what it needs to make it a viable concept. So, I'm going to attempt that as my next major project.

Of course, there may be other short stories for adults coming out of here while I'm working on that longer project. But, at least as of this moment, the next book I'm working on will be for my nephews.