Another week has zoomed by and I am on some much needed vacation and some much needed rest. A time to reflect on the last year and focus myself on what to do for the next few months. My gf is here and we have a lot to talk over.

At least the weather is good - this my favourite time of the year: the golden leaves and the warmth in the colour if not the weather.

On the news: China has joined the ranks of the space faring nations. Good for the Chinese but how much has it cost them? Prestige and nationalism is one thing but bankrupting the country is not a good idea. Maybe this is a great way to distract all from noticing the increasing gaps between rich and poor in the country. I hope it doesn't fracture the country. Still, it was a great project - I think mankind must continually reach for the stars as we can so easily damage our world beyond repair if we don't change our ways and change it soon.

On books: just finished China Melville's 'The Scar' and I am immensely impressed with the skill of writing and the originality of the book: a floating city made up of thousands of ships - tethered to a massive creature, the Avanc. Of possibility machines and Remade. Super stuff. Also managed to zip through Michael Moore's 'Dude, where's my country?' Hilarious and sharp. Go Mike, go!