Gratifying news today: I was delighted to hear that THE NUMBER has been named one of five finalists in the best Business book category for the 2006 Quill Book Awards. The winners, which are selected by popular vote underway now through September 30, will be announced at a ceremony to be held in New York City on October 10, then broadcasted on NBC on October 28. Last year’s Business winner was Freakonomics.

I’m pleased to report that THE NUMBER is on an international roll. Most recently, global publishers abroad have contracted to bring out foreign-language editions in Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. Also on the calendar is a September talk I’ll be giving in Hong Kong. The event is the 2006 CLSA Investors Forum, which annually brings together several hundred CEOs worldwide. This year’s featured speakers also include Alan Greenspan and Al Gore. From Hong Kong, it’s back to the States for several planned talks, notably the Financial Planning Association’s annual meeting in October. All that’s to the good. The challenge is to get through it all without shaving cream, deodorant, and toothpaste.