Night Shade -- publisher of my collection Hart & Boot & Other Stories and many other fine books -- is having a big crazy 50% off sale until July 29. Go to www.nightshadebooks.com and use coupon code NSB0750. There's a minimum four-book order, and they've got tons of great new titles and classic reprints for you to scoop up. Get your shop on.

Rain today. The dude at the grocery store told me that it hasn't rained on this date since 1890. He's of the opinion that it's because of global warming, and we're destroying the planet, and the gods are angry, and we're all going to die, and that the end is nigh. When he handed me my receipt, he said "Have a nice day."

It's getting sunny now, though. Hot too.

Our favorite mechanic is gone. I took the car in for an oil change and other little things today. There's a new guy running the place. He seems nice and all, but it's a bummer. Apparently our old mechanic is running for city council (not in my city, alas), which is cool. He's a very likeable guy. Hope he does well.