I didn’t laugh once. Yes, this British version of Saturday Night Live has all the format features of the US version, but it just wasn’t funny. You would think that Tina Fey would inject some humor into the premier of this show…but no.

The musical group, Wet Leg, was awful. The female lead singer belted out lyrics like “People want to fuck me.”

Diane and I skip a lot of skits in Saturday Night Live US–we typically watch the opening, the host monologue, and Weekend Update. Most of the music groups are not to our taste. The Saturday Night Live UK Weekend Update was lame.

Saturday Night Live UK will be available on Peacock the day after the British broadcast. We won’t be watching. GRADE: C-

“A book like this has no start and no end. These are things we’ve been thinking about and will go on thinking about, they’re part of a conversation older than we are and that will carry on longer than we will.” (p. 352)

Jo Walton and Ada Palmer, two Award winning writers, share their years of conversations about Science Fiction and Fantasy. As Jo Walton puts it, Trace Elements (2026) “will join nonfiction works like Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Language of the Night, Samuel R. Delany’s The Jewel-Hinged Jaw, and Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud on the short shelf of titles essential to all readers of our genre.” I agree.

I’m a fan of Jo Walton’s solo volume, What Makes This Book Great (2014) (you can read my review here). If you’re a fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy, this is a must-read!

“Our greatest hope, of course, is that this book will be the middle of a conversation, as you who read these pieces chew on them, share them, debate them, harvest the terms and observations useful to your own ongoing thoughts about the interwoven world of stories we all love, and say new things.” (p. 553)

What more can you ask from a wonderful, nonfiction book on Science Fiction and Fantasy? GRADE: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Section 1: Genre; or, The Modern Proteus — 1

Integral to the Plot: The Author-Reader Contract –3

The Science Fiction Conversation: Imprint SF — 22

Genre Pacing and Protocols, or What is Genre? — 35

Poem: By Their Spaceship Ye Shall Know Them — 54

History of Science Fiction Publishing — 55

Sheep’s Clothing Why SF and F might Be Disguised as Each Other — 93

Where Does Dystopia Fit as a Genre? — 114

Not Saving the World? How Does That Even Work? — 121

Mitfreude: The Joy of Sharing Friends Joy — 132

A Mitfreude of Manga and Anime (and Their Relationship with SF) — 134

A Mitfeude of Genre Romance — 167

History and Robots — 192

The Ghost Did What?! Translation Exposing Providentialist Thinking — 209

Section 2: Anyone Who Says Differently is Selling Something — 219

Chrome Pain Chronicle, in Prose and Verse — 221

Writing Realizing Disability + Power — 237

Not Deluded How I Sold My First Novel While on Vacation — 259

The Key to the Kingdom, or How I Sold Too Like the Lightning — 266

Author’s Note and Acknowledgements from Too Like the Lightning — 275

Section 3: Craft — 279

Spear Point Theory — 281

The Protagonist Problem — 284

What’s Reading For — 293

Expanding our Empathy Sphere Using SF & F, a History — 306

Poem: Translated from the Original — 316

Censorship and Genre Fiction–Let’s Broaden Our Broader Reality — 317

How to Encourage Space Exploration? — 325

Poem: On Praising Tech — 328

Poem: Old Question — 329

Meta, Irony, Narrative, Frames, and The Princess Bride — 330

Hopepunk, Optimism, Purity, and Futures at Hard Work — 337

Poem: Somebody Will — 347

Acknowledgements — 351

About the Author — 355

Some consider Judith (1975) Judy Collins’ best album. The Very Best of Judy Collins (2001) updates the songs since Judith and includes Judy Collins’ early hits. I love Judy Collins’ rendition of “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.” “Send in the Clowns” is a classic. And so is “Both Sides Now.”

While I prefer Sandy Denny’s version of “Who Knows Where The Time Goes,” Judy Collins comes close to that perfection. “Amazing Grace” is heart-felt.

Despite her successes, Judy Collins has a sad history of addiction to alcohol and drugs. Collins entered a rehabilitation program in Pennsylvania in 1978 and has reportedly maintained her sobriety ever since. Are you a Judy Collins fan? Do you have a favorite song? GRADE: A (for both)

TRACKLIST:

A1		The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress Bass Flute – Romeo Penque English Horn, Flute – George MargeLute [Alto] – Bill Slapin*Piano – Judy CollinsViola – Emanuel VardiViolin – Gene Orloff Written-By – Jimmy Webb	2:59
A2		Angel, Spread Your Wings Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Electric Piano – Ken Ascher Guitar – David Spinozza, Hugh McCracken, Steve Burgh Percussion – Ralph MacDonaldSynthesizer [Arp] – Ken Bichel Written-By – Danny O’Keefe	3:05
A3		Houses Written-By – Judy Collins	4:32
A4		The Lovin’ Of The Game Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Charlie Brown (7), David SpinozzaHarmonica – Don BrooksOrgan – Pat RebillotSteel Guitar, Resonator Guitar – Eric Weissberg Written-By – Pat Garvey (2)	3:03
A5		Song For Duke Bass – Tony Levine*Drums – Stephen Gadd*Electric Piano – Pat RebillotGuitar – David Spinozza, Hugh McCrackenHorns – Arthur Clarke, Frank Wess, Garnett Brown, Randy Brecker, Seldon Powell, Tony Studd Written-By, Piano – Judy Collins	3:33
A6		Send In The Clowns Written-By – Stephen Sondheim	3:57
B1		Salt Of The Earth Backing Vocals – Cissy Houston, Denver Collins, Eunice Peterson, Steve Goodman, Sylvia ShemwellBass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Eric Weissberg, Hugh McCrackenOrgan, Electric Piano – Paul Griffin Written-By – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards*	3:59
B2		Brother, Can You Spare A Dime Acoustic Guitar – Eric Weissberg, Hugh McCracken, Steve GoodmanBass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Written-By – Jay Gorney	3:12
B3		City Of New Orleans Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Hugh McCracken, Judy Collins, Steve GoodmanHarmonica – Don BrooksSteel Guitar, Backing Vocals – Eric Weissberg Written-By, Backing Vocals – Steve Goodman	4:07
B4		I’ll Be Seeing You Written-By – Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain	3:44
B5		Pirate Ships Accordion – Dominic Cortes*Cello – George RicciFlute – Romeo PenqueHarp – Corky HaleRecorder – George Marge Written-By – Wendy Waldman	2:42
B6		Born To The Breed Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Charlie Brown (7), Eric WeissbergHarmonica – Don BrooksOrgan – Pat Rebillot Written-By, Piano – Judy Collins

TRACKLIST:

1		Turn! Turn! Turn!/To Everything There Is A Season Bass [Upright] – Bill TakasTwelve-String Guitar [Acoustic] – Jim McGuinn Written-By – Pete Seeger	3:41
2		So Early, Early In The Spring Acoustic Guitar [2Nd] – Eric Weissberg Written-By – Trad.*	3:12
3		Suzanne Written-By – Leonard Cohen	4:26
4		Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues Written-By – Bob Dylan	5:08
5		Both Sides Now	3:16
6		Since You’ve Asked	2:36
7		Albatross	4:53
8		My Father Piano – Michael Melvoin*	5:02
9		Someday Soon Electric Bass – Stephen StillsElectric Guitar – James BurtonPiano – Van Dyke ParksSteel Guitar [Pedal] – Buddy Emmons Written-By – Ian Tyson	3:47
10		Who Knows Where The Time Goes Piano – Michael Sahl Written-By – Sandy Denny	4:47
11		Chelsea Morning Orchestrated By – Jimmie Haskell Producer – David Anderle	3:21
12		Farewell To Tarwathie	4:58
13		Song For Judith (Open The Door) Drums, Percussion – Susan Evans*Electric Bass – Gene Taylor Electric Guitar – Ry Cooder	4:07
14		Cook With Honey Acoustic Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli, Steve MandellAcoustic Guitar, Bass [Upright] – Eric WeissbergArranged By [Recorders] – Richard Bell (4)Bass [Upright] – Bob DaughertyCongas, Bongos – Ray BarrettoElectric Bass – Don Payne, Russel George*Percussion – Allan Schwartzberg Written-By – Valerie Carter	3:31
15		Send In The Clowns Arranged By, Conductor – Jonathan TunickBass – John BealCello – Charles McCracken, Kermit MooreFrench Horn – Albert Richmond*, Larry WechslerGuitar – Cliff MorrisHarp – Abe RosenPercussion – Hank Jaramillo*Piano, Celesta – Thomas PearsonTrombone – Garnett Brown, Vinnie Fanuele*, Wayne AndreViola – George Brown (8), Julien BarberViolin – Al Miller (4), Alvin Rogers, Ann Barak, Bob Rozell, Cy Berger, Dan Reed (2), Guy Lumia, Harriet Reynolds, Harry Cykman, Julie Held, Larry Goldman, Marilyn Wright, Mathilde Pincus, Norman CarrWoodwind – Jerry Smith (17), Joel Kaye, Les Scott*, Bob Steen*, Sidney Weinberg Written-By – Stephen Sondheim	4:03
16		Amazing Grace

I’ve been reading W. C. Tuttle’s tales of Sheriff Henry Harrison Conroy for almost a decade now. Popular Publications (aka, Steeger Books (formerly Altus Press) has been reprinting Tuttle’s entertaining Western stories featuring a seemingly bumbling former actor who has been elected Sheriff of Tonto Arizona, a town with plenty of problems.

Blind Trails at Tonto is Volume 8 of this reprint series. The three stories included in this book also feature Sheriff Conroy’s loyal deputy, Judge Van Treece (a man with a serious drinking problem, but with an uncanny intelligence), and jailer, Oscar Johnson (a massive man with incredible strength). For comic relief, Frijole Bill and Slim Pickins are always around with their powerful prune whiskey laced with high octane alcohol.

“Henry the Silent” involves Frijole and Slim finding a dead body…and some money. Sheriff Conroy suspects the young woman who had just been hired at the Tonto saloon as a violinist, is connected to the case. Another murder and the disappearance of Mary McLean, the violinist, leads the Sheriff to a treacherous plot of counterfeiting and duplicity.

“Tracks in the Sand” begins with a plot to gain control of a mine outside of Tonto Arizona. The owner of the mine, Frank Travis, is found dead just outside of town. Yet, another man, claiming to be Frank Travis shows up to chase a beautiful woman named Nola Terry, who comes to Tonto to become its teacher. As the bodies pile up, Sheriff Conroy sets a trip for the gang who hopes to steal the mine.

“Blind Trails at Tonto” begins with the local newspaper Clarion, calling for the defeat of Sheriff Conroy at the next election. Conroy’s opponent is “Honest” Ed Henderson, owner of the Circle H spread who is backed monetarily by Jim Nelson. Nelson purchased the King’s Castle, the biggest saloon, gambling house, and honkatonk in the country. Conroy takes a lot of heat as the number of murders pile up. But once again, Conroy has a plan to reveal what is really going on.

I’ve enjoyed all the Sheriff Conroy stories–all 8 volumes!–and recommend them to readers who like their Westerns with humor and mysteries. GRADE: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

“Henry the Silent” — 1

“Tracks in the Sand” — 137

“Blind Trails at Tonto” — 223

Kimberly Akimbo is a highly acclaimed, Tony-winning Broadway musical (2023 Best Musical) praised for its unique blend of heartfelt drama and dark, quirky humor. The story involves a girl in High School who celebrates her 16th Birthday. However, she’s afflicted with a rare genetic disease (1 in 50 million) that accelerates her aging process. Although she’s 16, she went through menopause four years earlier. Yes, this is Benjamin Buttons in reverse.

The musical follows Kimberly as she deals with her dysfunctional family: a con-woman aunt, an alcoholic father, and a pregnant mother. Kimberly also has a high school crush. Within these problems, Kimberly grapples with with her shrinking lifespan and failing health.

This is one of those musicals that will make you laugh…then make you cry. GRADE: B

Musical numbers:

Act I “Skater Planet” – Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa, Seth, Kimberly “Hello, Darling” – Pattie “Make a Wish” – Kimberly “Skater Planet (reprise #1)” – Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa † “Anagram” – Seth, Kimberly, Company “Better” – Debra, Kimberly, Company “Hello, Darling (reprise)/Father Time” – Pattie “Happy For Her” – Buddy “Anagram (reprise)” – Kimberly † “This Time” – Company

Act II “How to Wash a Check” – Debra, Kimberly, Seth, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “Good Kid” – Seth “Hello, Baby” – Buddy “Skater Planet (reprise #2)” – Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa, Seth “Our Disease” – Kimberly, Seth, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “The Inevitable Turn” – Pattie, Buddy, Debra, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “Now” – Seth, Kimberly “How to Wash a Check (reprise)” – Debra, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “Before I Go” – Kimberly, Buddy, Pattie “Hello, Sister” – Kimberly, Seth † “Great Adventure” – Company

All of us have watched thousands of hours of television programming. Jon Burlingame’s Music for Prime Time is the most comprehensive book I’ve ever read that traces the origins of all the TV theme music for those TV programs.

I’m a big fan of Peter Gunn–both the TV show and the theme music created by Henry Mancini. Here’s an example of Burlingame’s approach:

“Mancini happened to be getting a haircut on the Universal lot when he ran into [Blake] Edwards, who as then planning Peter Gunn. Edwards casually asked if the out-of-work composer might be interested in writing the music. His positive response altered the direction of television scoring practically over night. Peter Gunn was an entirely jazz-based score. Reflecting later on the choice, Mancini said, “It was an idea that, I think, was obvious. Blake had set it in a jazz club. The minute that hit, the rest of it all fell into place.” (p. 34)

Even though Peter Gunn was a half hour program, there was often 15 minutes of music in those episodes. “By early 1959, The Music from Peter Gunn reached Number 1 on the Billboard popular album charts, spending 10 weeks at the top and 117 weeks on the chart overall.” (p. 37)

The level of detail Burlingame infuses into his survey of TV theme music is astonishing! And, as an unexpected bonus, AMAZON is offering Music for Prime Time–$37.00 everywhere else–for $17.00! What a bargain! I’ve ordered my copy, you should order yours before the price goes up!

Do you have a favorite TV theme song? GRADE: A

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Acknowledgments — vii

Introduction — 1

1. “Hi-yo, Silver!”: The Birth of TV Music — 5
2. “Book ’em, Danno”: Cop and Detective Shows — 33
3. “Head ’em up! Move ’em out!” The Westerns — 84
4. “You are traveling through another dimension”: Fantasy and Science Fiction — 115
5. “Man, woman, birth, death, infinity”: Drama — 159
6. “Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale”: Comedy — 187
7. “Your mission, should you decide to accept it”: Action-Adventure — 253
8. “You are there”: Documentaries, News and Information Programming — 282
9. “Flintstones! Meet the Flintstones!” Cartoons in Prime Time — 311
10. “My name is Kunta Kinte”: Made-for-TV Movies and Miniseries — 325
11. “Mrs. Peel, we’re needed”: British shows aired in the U.S. — 374
12. “I couldn’t possibly comment”: Music in contemporary television — 399

Afterword — 426
Photo Credits — 429

Bibliography/Sources — 431

Index — 447

PEAKY BLINDERS: The Immortal Man delivers everything you could want in a Peaky Blinders movie. If you’re looking for angst, violence, sex, suspense, explosions, and the unexpected, it’s all here. Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby which shows in part why he won the Best Actor Oscar back in 2023.

“Written by series creator Steven Knight, the film reunites Cillian Murphy with co-stars including Sophie Rundle (Ada Thorne), Packy Lee (Johnny Dogs), Ned Dennehy (Charlie Strong), and Stephen Graham (Hayden Stagg). New cast members include Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth.”

I will watch anything with Rebecca Ferguson in it! GRADE: A

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Science Fiction (1996)  includes a Who’s-Who, an A-Z of Science Fiction characters, a reference guide to writers, actors, directors, an in-depth glossary, listing of the seminal sf movies and much more.

This book is a browser’s delight! David Pringle managed to provide both information and fun in this encyclopedia. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is a handy tool. And, copies are available online at reasonable prices. GRADE: A

The 1980s was a decade of change. The impact of MTV cannot be over-estimated. Katrina and the Waves’ “Talking on Sunshine” became used in TV commercials for 40 years–it makes about a million dollars per year.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax” still gets airplay on our local Oldies radio station. And, so does Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I never hear the Miami Vice Theme anymore. But I do hear one of Trump’s favorite songs: “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears for Fears.

I’m a big fan of The Honeydrippers’ “Sea of Love.” Do you remember these songs from the mid-Eighties? Any favorites here? GRADE: B+

TRACK LIST:

1	a-ha–	Take On Me Written-By – Mags (2), Harket*, Waaktaar*	3:50
2	Starship (2)–	We Built This City Written-By – Taupin*, Lambert*, Page*, Wolf*	4:56
3	ZZ Top–	Sleeping Bag Written-By – Gibbons*, Hill*, Beard*	4:05
4	The Power Station–	Some Like It Hot Written-By – Taylor*, Taylor*, Palmer*	3:44
5	Paul Young–	Everytime You Go Away Written-By – Daryl Hall	4:30
6	Katrina And The Waves–	Walking On Sunshine Written-By – Kimberley Rew	3:58
7	Frankie Goes To Hollywood–	Relax Written-By – Johnson*, O’Toole*, Gill*	3:57
8	The Honeydrippers–	Sea Of Love Written-By – Khoury*, Baptiste*	3:05
9	Foreigner–	I Want To Know What Love Is Written-By – Mick Jones (2)	5:01
10	Jan Hammer–	Miami Vice Theme Written-By – Jan Hammer	2:29
11	Glenn Frey–	The Heat Is On Written-By – Faltermeyer*, Forsey*	3:47
12	David Lee Roth–	California Girls Written-By – Brian Wilson	2:48
13	John Parr–	St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion) Written-By – Foster*, Parr*	4:11
14	Tears For Fears–	Everybody Wants To Rule The World Written-By – Hughes*, Stanley*, Orzabal*	4:12
15	Mr. Mister–	Broken Wings Written-By – Lang*, Page*, George*	4:44
16	‘Til Tuesday–	Voices Carry Written-By – Mann*, Pesce*, Hausmann*, Holmes*	4:24
17	Aretha Franklin–	Freeway Of Love Written-By – Cohen*, Walden*	5:51
18	Commodores–	Nightshift Written-By – Lambert*, Golde*, Orange*	4:20