Just a brief update this month - firstly, to let you know that free downloads of Escape Velocity magazine are available: here: Mindreader is in Escape Velocity, issue 2, if anyone is interested.

Secondly, to alert you of the publication of a new African spec-fic magazine from Cape Town, South Africa: Chimurenga: – a double issue of numbers 12 and 13 is combined under the title: Dr. Satan’s Echo Chamber. This includes a section from Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu's wonderful YA spec-fic novel set in a futuristic Sahara, The Shadow Speaker

Thirdly, just to let you know I was lucky enough to see Toumani Diabate live at St. Luke's - a Hawksmoor Church in the east end of London. His kora playing lit up the place, including a last moving tribute to 'the late great Ali Farka Toure with Cachaito of the Buena Vista Social Club: http://www.myspace.com/toumanidiabate.

Nick Wood - May 2008