Madison Needs You!

Two of our favorite conventions are looking for panelists. First up is Odyssey Con (April 24-26). This is a wonderful, intimate convention. This year's GoHs are Emma Bull and Tobias Buckell. Other pro authors include Alex Bledsoe, Joan Vinge, Sarah Monette, Will Shetterly, Richard Chwedyk, and Matt Forbeck. I really enjoy my panels at Odd Con. The fans are very positive and energetic. Sign up here.

Programming is also up for WisCon (May 22-25). This is an phenomenal convention. The GoHs are Ellen Klages and Geoff Ryman. There are hundreds of other amazing authors that regularly attend. Sign up here

Baseball Is Back

The Cubs have their first spring training game today. Thank the maker. I can almost feel the spring weather.

It was a neutral off-season. Milton Bradley is a great hitter when he's healthy and not having a case of the screaming crazies. Since those two things have never happened in his career, I don't see him as that element that puts us over the top. I'll miss Mark DeRosa, but I don't see his loss as a major problem.

After all of the moves, we're basically the same team. I see us winning 95 games and easily taking the NL Central. The biggest help has been the lousy off-season for the Brewers and Cardinals. Both are worse teams than they were last year. Not to mention, the Reds, Pirates, and Astros will be awful this year. We'll be in the playoffs. Who knows what will happen once we're there.