It's been quite a year for books. Gary Don Rhodes was, I thought, a shoe-in for his terrific Lugosi book. Then along comes Tim Lucas and his incredible ton of Bava. And, though I haven't seen it yet, I hear great stuff about August Ragone's Tsuburaya tome.

Ah, it's so close to ballot-time. This is that festive time of year when I imagine Rondo's Workshop just buzzing with activity. The elves, err, imps bent over their desks, Rondo cajoling the minions, (electrically) prodding them on to meet the DEADline. Makes me feel warm all over. Blood nog, anyone?