Game of Thrones--Who is your favorite minor character?

I really mean from the Song of Ice and Fire series of books, but I put Game of Thrones since that is more recognizable these days to more people. I'm rereading all the books again for the fourth time, and I'm halfway through with A Feast for Crows. I can't understand why so many people rate it the worst of the series, because I just love it. I even love how it gives us differing POV characters than the earlier books did. To me it is expanding on the world building in very interesting ways.

Well it just struck me while reading that one of my absolute favorite characters in the series is Podrick Payne. I don't recall at the moment whether anything happens to him later on, but I hope he gets to be a big hero eventually. I also really enjoy Samwell Tarly.

Who is your favorite minor character?

USA Beats Russia!

I know it won't mean much to the non-chess admirers out there, but the US chess squad defeated the heavily favored and top seeded Russian team at the Chess Olympiad yesterday. The US stars on our top two boards rose to the occasion and beat their higher ranked opponents. Hikaru Nakamura beat former world champion Vladimir Kramnik on board one, and Gata Kamsky defeated Alexander Grischuk on board 2. Way to go guys!

Vladimir Kramnik against Hikaru Nakamura -- from Chessbase.com

At the beginning of the round the Russian team led everyone by two full points. After this massive upset, the US team pulled into a tie for first place.

Facebook

Okay, I finally broke down and did what I had once hoped I would never have to do--join Facebook. I did it mainly because everyone says authors need to have a Facebook presence. I think it will be a while before I figure out how to use it properly for showcasing the books I eventually publish. I'd especially appreciate any tricks and tips other writers have for using Facebook for this specific purpose!

Carrot and Stick

Sorry I haven't been blogging much. I haven't been able to write either, and it's eating away at me. All I can really do these days is study. First I have to pass a really difficult exam this September or I will lose 14% of my salary. I really wish my employer would use the carrot rather than the stick for us!

Playing one of my guitars

Anyway, unlike most such exams in the past, this one is truly hard. I've been studying for weeks already and still don't feel close to being able to attempt it, yet it's now September and I have no choice. This three day weekend is for nothing but studying.

My ever patient and lovely wife

To make matters worse, in October I have to go to Cisco's Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) training, and the test for that is also grueling.

Hanging out on Margit Island in Budapest

So I have little to look forward to over the next couple months except tedious studying. At least the NFL season will begin--go Peyton Manning! I'm no Denver Broncos fan, but I don't like the way the Colts ditched the greatest quarterback who ever lived.

Always a smile to brighten my day even when times are tough