This past Wednesday, Nov. 5th, ye old Air Chief turned 68!  Yup, we are still scratching our head trying to figure out exactly how that happened.  Honestly, we don't feel a day over 16, the real age deep inside this old frame.  Hahahaha.  Honestly, Loyal Airmen it was such an incredible, fun day.  We woke up to 127 e-mail Happy Birthday wishes from our Facebook account.  And we vowed to thank each and everyone we would receive throughout the entire madcap day.  We lost count way past 300.  It was both fun and humbling to be so well thought of us by all of you.  Mere words can't convey our gratefulness.  God has truly blessed this wonderful life.   Of course the family held off until after dinner for our personal little birthday shindig put on by Valerie, Alan and his wife Nicole, and our grand kids Cora and Alex. Above is a pix as the Air Chief is surrounded by his new toys and treats.  A giant Star Wars Stormtrooper action figure which, for no particular reason, we've named Mike.   Cora, a truly gifted young artist, drew a pix of actor David Tennant as Doctor Who, a show the Air Chief loves.  There were several Amazon gift cards….for which we say…WAHOOO.  Our Wish List there is about to be knocked down a few items.  In the bag was a new book and Blu-Ray DVD….and finally, that yummy looking thing in front of the Air Chief was (note the past tense) a peanut-butter pie.  Oh, yeah.   All and all a fantastic birthday…and to all of you who took the time to send along those wishes….THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

On to more fun news.  Early today Moonstone Books put out their Press Release for a new anthology called DAY OF THE DESTROYERS that features a brand new classic pulp hero, Jimmie Flint – Agent X-11 who battles to save America in the 1930s from a group of revolutionaries.  Gary Phillips edited the project and beside the Air Chief, the anthology contains stories from Adam Garcia, Gary Phillips, Paul Bishop, Eric Fein, Tommy Hancock, Jeri Westerson, Aaron Shaps and Moonstone's own Editor Joe Gentile.  The book has a scheduled March 2015 release date.  Oh, and our story is called, HELL FROM ABOVE.  We'll continue to keep you posted as when you can pre-order this really great book.

On the comics front we've got yet more great news.  Two years ago, writer Bill Gladman and the Air Chief created a new private eye character who operates out of Detroit.  His name was Simon Price and we play with that in calling the series – PRICE FOR ASKING.  Bill wrote the first issue and it was illustrated by Brian Latimer.  We wrote the second and our pal, Rob Davis, provided the art.  See covers above. Both are still available from (www.IndyPlanet.com).   Thing is, Bill and the Air Chief then co-wrote a third mystery called MAN OF ASH which we hoped to get out in short order.  Alas, proving to find another art team for this third story just didn't work out and one artist after another first signed on and then bailed on us.  Truly frustrating.  In the end we simply filed the script away.

As you'll recall, the Air Chief was a guest at a local Colorado comic con two weeks ago. Well, it was there we met young Colorado artist Barry McClain.  He was kind enough to show us his portfolio and we were blown away by his drawing skills.  After the show, we kept in touch via e-mails and Barry let it be known how much he wanted to do a project with ye old Air Chief.  Which was when we remembered that third and final Simon Price tale.   And so we offered it to Barry and he eagerly signed on.  Even as we write these words, Barry is busy at work bringing MAN OF ASH to graphic life.  We couldn't be happier.  Again, stay tuned and we'll keep you posted as it progresses.  We might even post peeks at the new artwork.

Which in the end proves you never give up on a project.  Ever.  Just as the Good Lord has never, in his infinite love and mercy given up on us.  As this past week proved.  Take care and as ever, thanks for stopping by.

Ron – Over & Out!