The Sword and Laser discussion

Surprise, there's a problem with hosting the Hugos in China. Plus: Keanu Reeves is co-writing with China Mieville, we kick off our February read, The Shadow of the Gods. And our spoilery thoughts on The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes.

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https://www.patreon.com/posts/9724699...

Just listened to this podcast and it was implied that WorldCon was going to be in China. But WorldCon WAS held in China in 2023 and WILL be help in Glasgow in 2024. Confused!

At about the halfway point and I would like to say that I would be glad to see more of Sarcastic Veronica any time. Fantastic takedown.

Dan is older than mid to late 30s in the book.

He is closer to 50. He gives a few clues that he is much older than Kirby (who is 25/26), including his internal dialogue about his ex-wife getting pregnant with her new partner at 46.

Unusual for both the hosts to admit that they didn’t really like the book. It’s definitely an unusual choice for S&L. It’s in that zone of not quite science fiction where it has unrealistic aspects but, as Tom says, the world isn’t fully built.

Star Trek Season 2 Episode 14 "Wolf in The Fold" written by Robert Bloch had a murderous immortal entity. The crime was first placed on Scotty, who was last seen with the victim and couldn't remember what happened because Scotty got drunk on shore leave. So, I am giving the The Shining Girls a full hearted "it is a SF book." I remember Dan as being a former Crime Beat reporter who moved over to the Sports Beat.

I really enjoyed listening to this episode (while doing cardio at the gym, hilariously).

For any woman (or a man who wants to understand more about women go through), I've found Dr. Jen Gunter's instagram and her books to be interesting and useful (and she's a Canadian, I believe!). https://www.instagram.com/drjengunter... She's written The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism, The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina—Separating the Myth from the Medicine, and has a new book out about menstruation, Blood.

I didn't read the book last month (January) and was surprised to hear both T and V not enjoy it as much. I guess that was bound to happen at some time in the many year history of this group! I'm looking forward to the February pick, but want to finish reading Iron Flame first. I've already picked up the Kindle and Audible versions for the February book.

I'm also very sorry to hear about the layoffs. That has to be hard, and hope people land new things soon. :(

Dan was. Crime beat reporter who
Investigated The attack on Kirby.

Hardcover should definitely hire Veronica.

I'm going to join, download the app, and give it 4 stars. My review: The only thing that would make the app better is if Veronica Belmont worked there. Then the app would be unstoppably awesome!