SpaceX has announced that the maiden flight of their Falcon I launcher is scheduled for October 31st. Here's wishing them a Happy Halloween.

Less momentously, November 8th should see the release of George R.R. Martin's latest novel, A Feast for Crows.

Finally. But if you lived in London, you could buy it next week. Grrr.

A sample chapter is available here.

If you haven't read the books in a while you might want to take the time to brush up on them. There are plenty of on-line resources that will help you get up to speed. Here's an example of just one of them. If it's not to your taste, try some of the others.

It may feel like cheating, but these synopses are invaluable. I don't have the time to re-read all that has gone before, and my memory has lost too many key details. As I recall, Catelyn Stark was last seen looking kinda blue, but the exact circumstances have grown vague to me...

Lastly, John Birmingham has a sequel due out on October 25th. That would be Designated Targets, which allegedly picks up where Weapons of Choice left off.

Here's an early review. And here's Mr. Birmingham's blog and wiki. Who knew he was so accomplished?

Glenn Reynolds liked Book One. So did I.