And in the nick of time! I have to say, opening a box from amazon.com is almost as exciting as opening a gift on Christmas morning. In some ways, it’s better, because I know I’m getting something good, not a Dating for Dummies book or a Girls of MSU calendar. I guess I shouldn’t complain. Maybe it’s just me, but some gifts are better off ungiven. Anyway, here’s what Amazon sent me:

Ender’s Game Gift Edition - I’ve already read this book a dozen times (who hasn’t?!), but I’ve never read the special gift edition. My original plan was to read this on Thanksgiving Day so that lunch at Arby’s won’t be quite as depressing, but I honestly don’t know if I can hold out that long.

Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century - Even though it’s an Ace production, which as you know is notoriously mediocre, Orson Scott Card is the editor. I always want to hear what he has to say. I can’t wait to read his introductions to some of my favorite stories. There is one drawback. I don’t know how anyone can call a collection of sci fi stories “masterpieces” without including stories by Bester, Wolfe, Zelazny, and Robert Reed. I shouldn’t get too worked up about what’s missing. I should enjoy what I have.

Law & Order - The Fifth Year - You might think this DVD is a waste of money because I can catch Law & Order reruns on A&E, but I assure you, it’s not a waste of money. First off, reruns have commercials, and when a commercial comes on an 2:15 a.m., you’re pulled briefly back into the real world of night demons who are all too unforgiving. Another problem with reruns is that you have no control over who’s going to be in the episodes. I like Chris Noth better than Benjamin Bratt or any of the later guys, and I like Sam Waterston much more than that wet noodle Michael Moriarty. And Season 5 is the only season that has both Chris Noth and Sam Waterston. This DVD is like a suit of armor that repels the Forces of Night.

Isolation Score: 3