Because we've all been creeped out by at least one of these ...

Some life lessons i09 would like to share courtesy The Twilight Zone.

Books: Good reads ...

Why I've just noticed something terribly amiss! I forgot (i.e. willfully neglected) last week's Friday roundup!

So sorry! Here we go!

"The Art of the Dragon," Sean McMullen - Fantasy and Science Fiction Aug/Sept 2009 - What begins with one of the best leads I've ever read: "I was there when the dragon appeared - and ate the Effiel Tower" just gets better as the story progresses. McMullen puts forth a remarkably original fantasy that manages to squeeze in a ton of insightful commentary about the nature of art and humanity. But it's never hard-hitting, in fact, it's remarkably clever and, at times, downright fun. I wasn't huge on McMullen's last story in F&SF, "The Spiral Briar," but "The Art of the Dragon" is a keeper. Definitely earned it's place as the lead off story in this month's issue.

"Icarus Saved from the Skies," Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud - Fantasy and Science Fiction Aug/Sept 2009 - Ever wonder what you do if you sprouted wings? I know I did, at least as a kid. Châteaureynaud's fable cleverly deals with the question and rises at a surprising conclusion. Translated from the original French by Edward Gauvin. Recommended. For more Châteaureynaud, check out his collection, Le kiosque et le tilleul, The Pavilion and the Linden.

"The Others," Lawrence C. Connolly - Fantasy and Science Fiction Aug/Sept 2009 - At first I didn't really know what to make of this story, but after a few days I've more or less come around. It's good. And I liked it. For those not in the know, "The Others" continues the journey of the many incarnations of Cara Randall who this time is exploring a strange planet with intelligent life. The story is a direct sequel to "Daughters of Prime," which first ran in July 2007 and can be viewed here.

Ascended Fanboys: Characters Who Say What the Audience Is Thinking

There's a great piece on this over at io9. Touches on several great sci-fi shows from Lost to Battlestar Galactica and Firefly. Check it out above, but here's a taste:

TV: Sci-Fi network to become "Syfy" tomorrow ...

And after thinking about it, I've concluded it's a good move for the network.
Yeah, it's a PR grab, we get it. But that's not really a bad thing, is it?
Currently, the Sci-Fi network is commonly known for two things - Battlestar Galactica and B-rate monster flicks. And of the two, only one still stands. Hint: it's not Battlestar. And the misconception that the network airs nothing but crap (can't anyone remember their good shows? Taken, Mystery Science Theater, etc.) isn't really good for business.
Enter the "Syfy" brand. Billed as the hip, more-accessible side of science fiction, SyFy execs say the new station will now put more emphasis on well-written original programming filled with heavy doses of quirky humor.
Warehouse 13, a show about two Secret Service agents assigned to a fantastical factory in South Dakota, will be a perfect example of this, execs say. The series premiers tomorrow at 9/8c.
So let's hope there's something to this re-branding. With Caprica on the horizon and Stargate still running strong the network certainly has the tools to live up to their hipper billing.
Just one thing, don't cancel all the B-movies, guys. I need something to watch at 3 a.m. on Fridays.

What are your hopes for the new station?