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I just worked my way through the beastling archive.  I'm a fan: though the pace is very slow, it still manages to push the plot forward.  I've added it to my regular list of webcomics.

I'm calling fake (or vaporware), too  I haven't seen any active systems that worked except for small squares in controlled lab conditions.  As far as I know, Saab (yeah, the same swedish company) makes the best multispectral camo nets out there.  All the major powers (the press says the US is buying it to replace current nets) seem to be buyi ng their 'Barracuda' netting.

much congrats, too!

...not even Amelia Earhart?

I loved all three of the Borchardt books, but then read her earlier work "Raven Warriors.'  Not near soo good. Still, I'll eagerly pick up whatever she does next just to find out if I like it.

More winter reading from me:

Unusual fantasy: Cecelia and Sorcery by Patricia Wrede (who wote all the 'talking to draons' books).  Regency period (1817 London) costume piece, in an alternate universe where magic is somewhat common.  Written entirely as letters exchanged between two cousins. No transformations besides one off-camera human->beech tree.

The Liaden SF series, by Miller and Lee. About 6 books, beginning with Local Custom.  This is about my third time through these.

I also bought a box of the old yellow-cover DAW paperbacks cheap, lots of stuff there!  Rediscovering Lloyd Biggle, Jr.

I like to save up a couple of different projects, so that I can put down one and work on another when I get burnout.  The danger of this is that several deadlines might slip up all at once!

I've been in the same job for 16 years now (defense contractor, doing computer simulations). It was my perfect career when I first started; but lately I have more and more trouble working up enthusiasm.  As I get more senior, the 'fun' parts fall more and more to the new folks, and I now spend most of my time troubleshooting, attending meetings and hand-holding management.  I've spent the past 40 hours working on powerpoint slides!

Many penguiins in movies lately. The 'Madagascar' ones stole the movie, fo example.  I'm reading "Stuffed" by Brian Wiprud, one of those 'gimmick' detective novels. The protagonist is a taxidermist, and seven stuffed penguins (Grumpy, Dopey, etc) feature prominently, along with another frozen (on ice doesn't sound right) one named Reggie.

I spend entirely too much time reading webcomics, so here are a few to share:

Bunny has a consistently surreal mood:

http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/index.php?id=17
http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/index.php?id=19
http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/index.php?id=27
http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/index.php?id=32

Mark Stanley's Freefall is a slow-paced story line with deeply insightful moments mixed with great comedy:

http://freefall.purrsia.com/ff1200/fv01150.gif
http://freefall.purrsia.com/ff1200/fv01162.gif

Oops, Nevermind is a strip that has been running for about 6 months now. Alien girl moves into guy's house with her pet dragon..
http://nevermind.comicgenesis.com/d/20050413.html

Enjoy yourself in Japan!  I was there last winter, and its truly the most 'foreign, but  nice" country I've been in. I can't wait for my next visit.

PS: writing this while waiting for my flight to Orlando, Florida, on business.

good to see you again!

Have been reading up a storm this summer. Hundreds of titles, most of which I've already forgotten.  Here are a few that stuck:

Wen Spencer- Tinker.  Unique fantasy novel, one of a kind.  Pittsburg is scooped up and delivered to an alternate universe by a matter transmitter gone wrong; and returns to Earth once a month.  Great characters, the heroine is a genius teen girl who owns and operates a junkyard.  has elves, magis, etc.

Louis Bujold's Miles Vorksigan SF series.  about 8 books, ostensibly  military SF; really a victorian costume drama.  Very funny (I think)

There were more, but my mind went blank.  (Pretty sure I reread all Foster's "Flinx" SF novels, too

Rush. lots and lots of Rush, even if I think each album for the last 15 years has been pitched at frequencies only gerbils and hummingbirds can hear.  Can sing every word on the "Signals" and "2112" albums (and do, loudly, when alone in the car:).  Also trying to rebuild my essential Jethro Tull collection.  Then Pink Floyd, and on occasion, Queen.

--got to listen to some bands younger than me one of these day...