In October we embark upon a new journey, a quite different facet or phase relationship to any I had envisaged when I sought to start this net. This is for the reason that we are going to invest ourselves in the mind set of a deep, fascinating, and maybe a bit weird fiction writer; Thomas Harris, and his novel, "Hannibal".

Let me first explain that I don't really think he is weird at all! I would like to believe that I think much like he does. I have also read and completely enjoyed his books, "Red Dragon" and, "Silence of the Lambs"! This net though will be a departure from our past thematic formula but, maybe not all that far divergent!

The line-up of our last discussed stories were: "Earth Abides" by George R. Stewart, "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose, "The Prize" by Daniel Yergen, and "Bias" by Bernard Goldberg. I will confess that I chose this last only because I thought it might be popular on our 'conservative leaning repeater system'. Don't mis-understand! I count myself as a conservative, and certainly a free market enthusiast. Its just that I was not too inspired by Mr. Goldberg's book. It's a good book! It just didn't tell me anything I considered significantly NEW.

The other books that I had previously chosen though carried fourth the following theme; they all told of the individuals spirit and drive to achieve and produce. They each do this well, and I'm inclined to next go to Jeremy Berstein's book, "Three Degrees Above Zero". This is because, just as "The Prize" told of mans greatest scientific and industrial achievements of 19th and 20th century's, "Three Degrees Above Zero" tells us of those individuals at AT&T Bell Labs greatest achievements of the 20th century; that will lead us well into the 21st century. To name just one such AT&T innovator, John Kirtland Galt!

I deviated though from this above suggested course for two reasons: 1) "Three Degrees Above Zero" is out of print, and may be difficult for all to obtain, and 2), "Hannibal" brings fourth the drive and motivational values that lead to that special quality of knowledge. The valuable knowledge of meaning, purpose, understanding, and achievement. Its a great story!

Hannibal Lecter has honed these qualities himself. He has taught them to the medical intern Barney. He next teaches them to Clarice Starling. I will let this bit of the story out! Even while it is intimated that Clarice learns these things at the end of the movie. There is no doubt she has learned these things at the end of the book, and learned them well!

I was sort of chastised for not being better explanatory as to when and where this net occurs. For those who follow our activities via only the Internet, let me explain. At present, The Bookworm Net takes place only on the 147.210 MHz. KE6ZLZ repeater (CTCSS 156.7 Hz.) in the Los Angeles area. It happens on the Thursday evening following the 2nd. Wednesday of each even numbered month (this is so I can do the Tech Bench Net on the 2nd. Wednesday of that month, and then do the Bookworm Net the next night). Net time is 02:30 UTC or, 19:30 Local Los Angeles time.

I am thinking about taking this net to an HF band. I haven't made up my mind, I'm interested in your thoughts! What do you think of such a net on 40, 80, or possibly 60 Meters? Tell me at wa6bfh@aol.com         Until net time, Ta Ta....... bfH