As announced in Beep Me, I have a book contract. Though the working title was given in the announcment my preferred title is "Cooling a Fevered Planet", subtitle "Beyond Market Tinkering in solving the Climate Crisis". I would love to get some Beta readers, first section to be ready for feedback by mid-month. The deadline for responses is not tight. All levels of knowledge and interest are welcome, as long as you are willing to provide feedback.If you are interested, please let me know if you only have time to read once, or if you are willing to read more than once (that is read again after I incorporate feedback) please let me know. ) I will be grateful for either level of involvement.

Thanks and profile addy is good.

Google (Chrome) Offering Free Holiday Wi-Fi on Virgin, AirTran, and Delta Flights

Google's feeling the gift-giving spirit once again this holiday season. From Nov. 20 through Jan. 2., most flights offered by Virgin, AirTran, or Delta will feature free in-flight Wi-Fi, sponsored by Google and its Chrome browser.

Google's promising what seems like full web browsing and email access from their in-flight offerings, though we'd imagine data-intensive apps like Skype or YouTube/Hulu would be blocked. In any case, it's nice to have a freebie internet available if you need it while traveling the skies. While Chrome is the official sponsor of the offering, you won't need Chrome installed to use the in-flight web.

MI-5 Volume 8 is being released on dvd in the US prior to airing here. And TVShowsondvd reports that Volume 9 will be released on dvd this summer.

ETA: Volume 8 is coming out on January 25th.

I've mentioned this in Natter, but thought I'd put up the link here also as the Holidays near. I have been really pleased with Goozex as a means to get rid of video games and movies that mac no longer wants. The system is basically all done on points (you do pay for shipping and $1 per trade) and we have been able to get new items for him without the drama of stores, and without the outlay of money. Anyway, here's the link if you are interested: [link] You have to complete a trade of somethings you are offering before you can get matched with things you want.

Hey other parents - if you join Amazon Mom now you get a free membership to Amazon Prime (in exchange for some personal info that I assume will be used for marketing to you).

I think it's likely that Amazon won't be shipping Sam, like, ever. I'm unsure how to resolve the problem. It's just a big failure. I contacted Amazon, and they suggested that I learn more about promotion. I wrote back and suggested that they ship books to people who paid for them. At any rate, I suspect this is a flop. And I'm upset about it, butwhatcanyado? If I can't get Amazon to ship, or bookstores to stock it, the best I can do is roll up my sleeves and write the next thing. But i would like to cry into a glass of wine, first.

My suggestion at this point, if you've purchased it through Amazon, is to cancel. They appear uninterested in stocking it. If you'd like, you can email me, I have twenty copies here and I'd be happy to mail one to you.

Press announcement, to calm the hubbub, bub:

Anyone wishing to buy a copy of Sam right now who doesn't want to deplete Allyson's stock, ping me. The publishers have about a dozen copies on hand right now, and they can get the printer/distributor to spit out as many more copies as are needed. They're also engaged in a highly professional campaign of focused and highly concentrated whoop-ass yelling at Amazon in an effort to straighten everything out.

In the meantime: if you have a pending order in with Amazon and they're not sending Sam, file a complaint. If you don't have one but had been planning on placing one, consider either asking your local indie store to get a copy for you or pinging me. Until it's all settled (and it will be, to our satisfaction, or cities will burn), we will match Amazon's price and ship one hell of a lot faster.

eta: And, ta-dah! Though Amazon can't manage to keep enough copies on hand to cover their own preorders, the publishers have wisely set up their own storefront through Amazon, so feel free to order directly from us. Satisfaction, including cuddly wee bats, motherly barn owls, rodent lullabies, and a bare minimum of one glorious cathedral and three magnificent bridges, guaranteed.

Those participating in the gift exchange, please remember to ask your giftee things on elfster or to get the file of useful information from Deena. Also, it's never too early to send notes.