I'm enjoying reading the new Michael Crichton novel. I'm not sure if it's a great book or not, but I haven't read much fiction at all lately and it's a very nice change of pace.

May I also take the opportunity to draw your attention to the new Zatoichi film, now available on DVD?

This is a new film starring and directed by Takeshi Kitano. It's a classic Zatoichi story, with some very, very fine modern directing. Two Solomonia thumbs up!

For those not familiar, the Zatoichi character is a blind masseur/kick-ass swordsman, and there were something like 26 Zatoichi movies made between 1962 and 1989 starring Shintaro Katsu:

These movies are more than simple slash-fests, and they're also a lot of fun, with a different kind of protagonist. Many of the original films are also available on DVD. You might give 'em a try.

And remember...

...never underestimate the blind guy.