"Historical Sketches" is a series of 28 minute films covering a historical period, a nation, a character, or providing curious knowledge and anecdotes that do not find their way in to text books. Each sketch is a fascinating mosaic of history that can peak the viewers curiosity and add to their knowledge. Art work and other images are added to give pleasure to the eye while entertaining the mind. We need history to understand the present and nurture the future. As Shakespeare would say 'may all the number of the stars give light to thy fair way.'

Episode #286 of Fast Forward: Contemporary Science Fiction features an interview with author, historian and composer Ada Palmer. Ms. Palmer talks about her first novel, Too Like the Lightning.

Also in this episode:

Guest book reviewer Steve Cordle discusses Night Shift, the 3rd Book in the Midnight Texas series by Charlaine Harris.

Marianne Petrino gives 5 chans, her highest rating, to the thoughtful anime series Gingitsune.

We talk to the man behind "Dalek Rainer" at last year's World Science Fiction Convention.

In Episode #284 of Fast Forward: Contemporary Science Fiction, we feature an interview with author, editor, and publisher Bill Campbell. Mr. Campbell talks about the most recent developments at his company, Rosarium Publishing.

He discusses several recent book projects, including one of stories inspired by the works of Samuel (Chip) Delany, an anthology of Southeast Asian "Steampunk" stories, and a book of essays and comics dealing with the current problem of police brutality in America.

On this December 2019 holiday edition of "The Connie Bryan Show", Connie's blockbuster guest is SANTA CLAUSE himself, who shares his thoughts on several current social and political issues, and ultimately ties it all in to the REAL meaning of Christmas...This holiday edition also features 2 of Connie's musical performances, "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and "Blue Christmas".