I usually don't read science fiction advertised as written in a detective format. Still, when the publisher of Altered Carbon comes out with a book in hardcover in 2002, then transfers it to trade paperback a couple years later, and then finally only in 2006 turns it into a regular paperback, I figure they must think they have something decent on their hands. Correct. A very good "Blade Runner" type novel, set in a world where people can achieve immortality by repeatedly downloading their personalities into different bodies. Everybody can upload their consciousness, but only the wealthy can afford to repeatedly download into new bodies. The poor have to languish in cyberspace for decades until relatives can afford to pay for a new "sleeve". Good pacing, fun novel. No great philosophical insights, but a wild ride of read. Think I'll skip the sequels. The problem I've found with detective novels is that they tend to get formulaic. You get a unique setting and personality in the first one, and then in the sequels nothing fundamentally different happens - they just have the same character, living the same life, with a new mystery to solve.

Went for an eight mile hike on Saturday. I had some nice conversations with the people I was hiking with, covering topics including air conditioning refrigerants, college grading policies, and global warming. The temperature was in the low 40s: cold enough to feel it, but still one less layer of clothing than a few weeks ago. Most of the snow has melted, and I'm looking forward to seeing this year's crop of wildflowers soon.

In other news, I've been procrastinating on my taxes, and now I can't find my W-2. I'll have to hunt this evening when I get home. Hopefully, I will be able to avoid the embarassment of having to ask accounting to make another set for me. I also have to get my car inspected and registered this week. I should probably limit my time playing "Galactic Civilizations 2" and "Ticket to Ride" to make certain I get things done.