Ray Bradbury is my favorite author, science fiction or otherwise. Even though many of his stories contain science fiction or fantasy elements, the stories themselves are usually about people -- normal people like you and me, living in extrordinary times or dealing with unusual stuff.

His 86th birthday was a couple of days ago (22-Aug, for those keeping score), and despite the crazy situation our world is in these days, he still remains optimistic about the future. Not only that, but reports have it that he still writes every day.

But the most exciting news in the article referenced at the top are these two tidbits:

Bradbury also said he is working on a screenplay for a new movie version of Chronicles that he hopes will start shooting within two years. A 1980 TV miniseries version starred the late Rock Hudson. Bradbury also said he hopes shooting will start within 18 months on a new version of Fahrenheit 451, which was optioned years ago by Mel Gibson.

I only hope that Mr. Gibson's recent behavior will not cause a backlash like Tom Cruise's has.