The Infinite Matrix

Looking through some old bookmarks I came across the webzine Infinite Matrix. Warren Ellis originally brought the site to his forum members' attention when the Warren Ellis Forum was the center of deep thinking on the internet. It's been a couple years since the Infinite Matrix was really active but digging into the archives I rediscovered some great science fiction stories and novellas. My favorite among these were the Nanotales written by Richard Kadrey. These very short stories were imaginative and bold in their scope. I remember that reading them was a great way to kill a few minutes on my lunch hour. Luckily the site is still active and their archive is open for exploration. You could do worse things than take a look.

NORAD Tracks Santa

Merry Christmas everyone! Click here to track Santa Claus as he makes his way around the world. Ho ho ho!

Feast of the Seven Fishes Signing at Jimmy's Italian Foods

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a delicious Italian tradition observed by many in the Mahoning Valley. The family gathers together on Christmas Eve and enjoys a wonderful dinner consisting of seven different fishes and other Italian delights. Although I've heard of other Italian families enjoying this tradition, ours has never taken part. After reading Robert Tinnell's engaging graphic novel, "Feast of the Seven Fishes", I may be convinced to begin partaking in the festivities.

This collection of on-line strips follows the Oliverio family as they prepare for their Christmas Eve feast. The strip draws on Tinnell's memories of his own family gatherings and rings true in it's portrayal of a large family at the holidays. Personalities play off one another like billiard balls on the felt as the younger members of the story try to stave off loneliness at the holidays and the older generation passes on their knowledge of how to prepare the meal. This story is as satisfying as the feast itself.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes tour will be coming to Youngstown for a book signing on Dec. 10 from 5-7 p.m. at Jimmy's Italian Food (3129 Belmont Ave). More information about the book and tour can be found at sevenfishesblog.com. I recommend everyone try to make it to the signing and take the opportunity to enjoy great art while picking up something good to eat.

Buon natale!