The Mob, Vegas, and Tea

For the first time that I can ever remember, the Festival of Books was not a scorching hot event. Rather it was just right outside during the day and as the sun started to set, it was even a bit chilly.

I covered three panels for the Times: Security and American Ideals; Science Fiction: The Grand Masters; and History: Unknown L.A.

I guess my day went more of less like this: Present, Future, and then Past.

Each panel offered its own sense of feeling--the first dealt with naked detainees and torture, making the audience really think about where we are going globally as it relates to terrorism; it was heavy. The second panel had the authors arguing over whether Sci-Fi belongs in an academic setting and talking about boyhood dreams. Felt hopeful and I dare say, sweet. The last panel told me things I didn't know about L.A. Made me excited to know that there are still new stories that need to be told in Los Angeles. More to discover. More to see.

For full coverage click below:
"Barton Gellman, Jane Mayer, Tom Hayden and others talk torture"

"Spaceships on the spine"

"Unknown L.A.? Tell me something I don't know"

Jacket Copy

(Photo: I took this photo with my iPhone at the Science Fiction panel. Scott Timberg chats with the Grand Masters of Sci-Fi. From left to right: Moderator Scott Timberg, Robert Silverberg, Harry Harrison, and Joe Haldeman.)