Straha

I enjoy reading her 43 Places site. She reads interesting.

Also, she has traveled through Japan and I could use some tips.

Hangbok and I went to high school and university together.

We also did two stints teaching in Korea. He speaks fluent Korean. The best I’ve ever heard from a Westerner.

I could talk about the bars (Nex Beer, TGI Fridays, and Itawon) but this a a PG-13 posting.

He has done some nasty jobs, but still retains a great sense of humor. He never disrespects the people he works with. If anything, he seems to admire these guys (like we all should).

Mike did an interview with Larry King Live for Dirty Jobs, and Larry was a total prick about the jobs and how nasty they were. Mike was not only respectful about the jobs, he seemed annoyed with Larry King.

Don’t let the Ted Kizintski look fool you, Harry Turtledove is the best alternative history writer out there.

His alternative Great War series starting with How Few Remain is amazing. His In the Balance series is also a work of art.

He uses/balances more characters in one book than most writers use in their careers.

The man is a writing God!

ToddieM is a great guy. The restaurant was closed, but at least 20 people showed up for lunch while I waited. There were lots of disappointed lunch people in Glendale (sob). Still, the sleeping homeless guy didn’t seem to mind the foot traffic.

Anyway, we ate a burger joint three or four blocks away. It was a nice walk.

We talked Iraq, Ron Paul, Fargo, and history. The Ron Paul bit is really interesting …. a candidate that can be fiscally responsible without being a social thought fascist.

Anyway, it continues to amaze (and delight) me that there are so many fascinating people out there.

Also, Straha is a character from a series of Harry Turrtledove books.

I just noticed that he was local, and sent him a smacker.
He replied in the affirmative.
He was on time, as I knew he would be. I was five minutes late and chose a restaurant that had been closed down. The homeless guy sleeping in the entry was an attestment to that fact.
We share an extreme admiration for the movie Fargo, Ron Paul, and history.
Too bad Dude is moving to DC…

Bear ate zebra tar tar in Africa and hollowed out a camel in Morocco. He also ate camel testicles…..

Bear is former SAS, and has trained with the French Foreign Legion. Both are serious no joke military organizations.

This guy is a “real” man that approaches adventure with the enthusiasm of a child.

Joss Whedon is a great writer. When Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on, it was one of the best programs on television. I believe during Season Five it was the best.

He also created Angel and Firefly, both great programs. I can’t believe Firefly only lasted one season. Leave it to FOX to kill a promising program.

He also worked on Speed, a great movie.

I love his books. In the 1980s read Iceberg and was hooked. I’ve read and own every book Mr. Cussler has written.

My favorite titles are Treasure, Sahara & Atlantis. All are incredible thrill rides. He did bomb out with Valhalla Rising, but you can’t be perfect all the time.

Dirk Pitt rules!