Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Colorado Leads the Way
Dustin Winesberry, registered sex offender, takes world's sexiest mug shot - Denver News - The Latest Word: "Words commonly used to describe mug shots include 'menacing,' 'pathetic,' 'disturbing' and 'hilarious' -- but usually not 'sexy.'
So congrats, Dustin Winesberry. The seductive, come-hither mug shot taken of you yesterday at Boulder County Jail looks like the cover of a '70s-era album -- say, Dustin Winesberry Gets Next to You -- by an R&B lover man. If only you weren't a registered sex offender."
Mug shot at the link.
So congrats, Dustin Winesberry. The seductive, come-hither mug shot taken of you yesterday at Boulder County Jail looks like the cover of a '70s-era album -- say, Dustin Winesberry Gets Next to You -- by an R&B lover man. If only you weren't a registered sex offender."
Mug shot at the link.
Life Imitates "Art"
Missing L. Merion chicken meets a violent end | Philadelphia Daily News | 04/06/2010: "When the cop responded to a call for a 'large, orange chicken running at large' in a residential lawn, he got his fireman friend to skewer Connie the chicken with a bow and arrow, police said."
And what's scary is that the book won't even be out until August. It's Murder in the Air, and you'll have forgotten this post by the time it appears.
And what's scary is that the book won't even be out until August. It's Murder in the Air, and you'll have forgotten this post by the time it appears.
Deep Shadow -- Randy Wayne White
Doc Ford and his pals are looking for gold from Batista's Cuba in a deep lake in Florida. Ford's experienced at this underwater stuff, but we readers know that treasure's always guarded by a dragon. Or maybe a sea monster. Could it be the Creature from the Black Lagoon? Something, anyway, has been killing cattle in the area for many years. You'll have to read the book and see what it is.And as if the creature andunderwater landslides weren't bad enough, who should turn up but a couple of psycho killers to take over the operation.
All the action in this book takes place in the course of one day, so as you can guess, it's really one damn thing after another, both below the water and on the shore. Even at that, I have to throw in my usual complaint about the length of books these days. Nearly 350 pages is just too much. Well, not for the people who'll put this on the bestseller list, but for me.
The writing's sharp and everything's well-observed, so no complaints on that score, but another problem for me is the switch from Ford's first-person narration to the third person for large chunks of the book. Why not just write the whole thing in third person? The shifting around doesn't work for me here. I don't know why. In some books it doesn't bother me, but it seemed awkward this time.
The good stuff outweighs the things that bothered me, though, so check it out.
Ohio Leads the Way
Ohio Woman Kills Cousin over 'Inappropriate' Easter Outfit: "An Ohio woman shot her teenage second cousin dead when she arrived for Easter dinner wearing an 'inappropriate' and revealing outfit, The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday.
Evelyn Burgess, 42, became mad when her husband allegedly took notice of the T-shirt and denim shorts that Danielle Pickens, 19, was wearing to the meal, according to family members at the incident."
Evelyn Burgess, 42, became mad when her husband allegedly took notice of the T-shirt and denim shorts that Danielle Pickens, 19, was wearing to the meal, according to family members at the incident."
10 Acclaimed Authors Who Only Wrote One Book
10 Acclaimed Authors Who Only Wrote One Book | Online Degree Programs.org: "Acclaimed Authors Who Only Wrote One Book"
Link via Neatorama.
Link via Neatorama.
Sexy Vampire Update
University to hold sexy vampire conference | Metro.co.uk: "The conference, called Open Graves, Open Minds: Vampires And The Undead In Modern Culture, is believed to be the first such event in the UK.
It aims to put British vampire fiction 'back on the map' after recent American dominance in the genre. And with many young people gripped by the recent Twilight vampire books and films and the True Blood television series, the University of Hertfordshire hopes the event will encourage students of all ages to study literature."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
It aims to put British vampire fiction 'back on the map' after recent American dominance in the genre. And with many young people gripped by the recent Twilight vampire books and films and the True Blood television series, the University of Hertfordshire hopes the event will encourage students of all ages to study literature."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Worst Movie Ever Made?
BBC News - Is Birdemic worst film ever made?: "Some critics have called Birdemic: Shock and Terror the worst film ever made but it is rapidly becoming a hot ticket in America.
It is the story of an invasion of lethal eagles, being celebrated for its awfulness."
Video at the link.
It is the story of an invasion of lethal eagles, being celebrated for its awfulness."
Video at the link.
Sign Up Today!
Battle of San Jacinto Symposium | Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground: "ANNOUNCING the 10th Annual Battle of San Jacinto Symposium - Saturday April 17, 2010 - Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, University of Houston Central Campus
'SKULLS, SLAVES, and SEX: SECRETS OF EARLY TEXAS'"
Link via Will's Texas Parlor.
'SKULLS, SLAVES, and SEX: SECRETS OF EARLY TEXAS'"
Link via Will's Texas Parlor.
Bring on the Cheeseburgers
Fruits and Veggies Prevent Cancer? Not So Much, It Turns Out - Shots - Health News Blog : NPR: "Remember the government's advice to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to lower your risk of cancer?
Well, times change.
A huge nine-year study of diet and cancer, involving nearly a half-million Europeans in 10 countries, finds only a very weak association between intake of fruits and vegetables and cancer incidence. The study is in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute."
Well, times change.
A huge nine-year study of diet and cancer, involving nearly a half-million Europeans in 10 countries, finds only a very weak association between intake of fruits and vegetables and cancer incidence. The study is in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston man convicted in $1M adult diaper scam | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "The former co-owner of a Houston a durable medical equipment company has been convicted of bilking Medicaid of nearly $1 million in a scheme involving adult diapers, federal authorities said.
Fred Jessie Cole Jr., 44, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of health care fraud connected to a scam to file fraudulent claims for incontinence supplies, such as diapers and briefs, federal authorities said late Monday."
Fred Jessie Cole Jr., 44, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of health care fraud connected to a scam to file fraudulent claims for incontinence supplies, such as diapers and briefs, federal authorities said late Monday."
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Wal-Mart Update
Brawl erupts over Easter candy | Salisbury, NC - Salisbury Post: "Police aren't sure whether Walmart's prices were so good or if there was shortage of chocolate rabbits.
Whatever the reason, seven women ended up in a brawl in the Easter basket aisle Saturday evening.
Candy eggs, rabbits and Peeps flew through the air in an unlikely Easter exchange.
Property damage, primarily to candy and Easter decorations, totalled nearly $800."
Whatever the reason, seven women ended up in a brawl in the Easter basket aisle Saturday evening.
Candy eggs, rabbits and Peeps flew through the air in an unlikely Easter exchange.
Property damage, primarily to candy and Easter decorations, totalled nearly $800."
Here's the Plot of Your Next Off-Beat Crime Novel
Orkney monkey keeper jailed for life over love triangle murder | Metro.co.uk: "A monkey keeper who murdered his love rival on a remote island after being consumed by jealousy has been jailed for life."
No Comment Department
Man Almost Jailed Over A Penny - News Story - WFTV Orlando: "An Osceola County man thought he’d paid off a parking ticket, so he was surprised to find out Monday that the Orange County Clerk’s office had issued a warrant for his arrest.
Luis Gomez owed exactly one cent on a speeding ticket he received one year ago. Gomez tried to call the court to resolve the problem, and then tried to pay online, but had no luck.
“They won’t take a payment of a penny online,” said Gomez."
Luis Gomez owed exactly one cent on a speeding ticket he received one year ago. Gomez tried to call the court to resolve the problem, and then tried to pay online, but had no luck.
“They won’t take a payment of a penny online,” said Gomez."
Hmmmmm
What's Wrong With Forensic Science - Sharon Begley - Newsweek.com: "According to the Innocence Project, of the 252 DNA exonerations since 1989, half the convictions were based at least partly on 'unvalidated or improper forensic science.'"
Weekend at Bernie's Update
Women arrested in UK for taking corpse onto plane: "Police have arrested two women at an British airport after they reportedly tried to smuggle a corpse onto a flight.
Police said Tuesday the women were detained at Liverpool's John Lennon airport 'on suspicion of failing to give notification of death' of a 91-year-old man.
The BBC and other British media reported that the women placed the man, a relative of theirs, into a wheelchair and covered his face with sunglasses in a bid to get him aboard a flight to Berlin."
Hat tips to Jeff Meyerson and Art Scott, who says they were probably trying to dodge the checked baggage fee.
Police said Tuesday the women were detained at Liverpool's John Lennon airport 'on suspicion of failing to give notification of death' of a 91-year-old man.
The BBC and other British media reported that the women placed the man, a relative of theirs, into a wheelchair and covered his face with sunglasses in a bid to get him aboard a flight to Berlin."
Hat tips to Jeff Meyerson and Art Scott, who says they were probably trying to dodge the checked baggage fee.
Happy Birthday, Merle Haggard!
Merle Haggard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music singer, guitarist, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield Sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster guitars, vocal harmonies, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era.
By the 1970s, Haggard was aligned with the growing outlaw country movement, and has continued to release successful albums through the 1990s and into the 2000s. In 1997, Merle Haggard was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for his song 'Okie from Muskogee'."
By the 1970s, Haggard was aligned with the growing outlaw country movement, and has continued to release successful albums through the 1990s and into the 2000s. In 1997, Merle Haggard was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for his song 'Okie from Muskogee'."
Rondo Hatton Awards
Rondo Hatton Awards: "District 9, the gritty Oscar-nominated science fiction film, Rue Morgue magazine, a bloody yet reverent compendium of horrors old and new, and Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, a revised history of the rivalry between two of Hollywood's greatest hissables, all shared top honors in the 8th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards announced Monday night."
The Bricklayer -- Noah Boyd
Something called the Rubaco Pentad is blackmailing the F. B. I. When the Bureau tries to pay off, bad things happen to the money carriers. So what else is there to do but call in Steve Vail, once an agent but now a bricklayer, having been fired because he doesn't suffer fools gladly. Deputy Director Kate Bannon is the one who gets him to accept the job, and things move fast after that, with all booby traps and twists galore. The writing is fine, and the pacing is dandy, but I had a few problems with the book. I have advantage, however. I've read a lot of thrillers, whereas the characters in the novel have to play by different rules. At any rate, I was always several steps of Vail, and in one case I was about 300 pages ahead of him. Vail is one of those super-competent guys who sometimes show up in thrillers. Nothing wrong with that, and maybe more about his past will be revealed in future books.
Problems aside, this was an entertaining debut novel. I'll probably read another one in the series when it comes along.
Anyone Can See that it's a Chupacabra
'Oriental yeti' discovered in China - Telegraph: "This bizarre creature dubbed the oriental yeti has baffled scientists after emerging from ancient woodlands in remote central China.
The hairless beast was trapped by hunters in Sichuan province after locals reported spotting what they thought was a bear.
Hunter Lu Chin explained: 'It looks a bit like a bear but it doesn't have any fur and it has a tail like a kangaroo.'"
The hairless beast was trapped by hunters in Sichuan province after locals reported spotting what they thought was a bear.
Hunter Lu Chin explained: 'It looks a bit like a bear but it doesn't have any fur and it has a tail like a kangaroo.'"
Monday, April 05, 2010
Peter Gowland, R. I. P.
Peter Gowland, Pinup Photographer and Author, Dies at 93 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com: "Peter Gowland, who used camera, sunshine and imagination to portray ravishing women at a time when the pinup girl was a nearly ubiquitous fixture of American life, died on March 17 in Los Angeles. He was 93."
Hat tip to Todd Mason.
Happy Birthday, Roger Corman!
Roger Corman - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Roger William Corman (born April 5, 1926), sometimes nicknamed 'King of the B-movies' for his output of B-movies (though he himself rejects this as inaccurate), is an Academy Award-winning American producer and director of low-budget movies, some of which have an established critical reputation: his cycle of films derived from the tales of Edgar Allan Poe for example[1]. Corman is also an occasional actor, taking minor roles in such films as The Silence of the Lambs, The Godfather Part II, Apollo 13 and Philadelphia."
Final Approach -- Rachel Brady
In Rachel Brady's first novel, skydiver Emily Locke is talked into helping a private-eye named Richard Cole, the man, Emily believes, messed up a previous investigation in which she was involved. Emily's not in the best of shape because of the certain events in her own life, but she agrees to help because she can't stand the thought of parents losing a child because she refused.Emily, who lives in Ohio, has to travel to Texas to work with Cole. She's the perfect undercover operator for him because she's a skydiver, and Cole's work so far as led him to a skydiving school. Emily joins the school and meets everyone who works there. One of or more of them must be involved in the child's disappearance, but it's going to be tough for Emily to find out who it is, especially since she's not a trained investigator.
She almost immediately gets caught messing with the school's computer system, but before she does, she discovers income that's unaccounted for. Convinced that there's something truly sinister going on, she continues her probe. It gets complicated, dangerous, and violent for all concerned.
Quirky characters, a little romance, and snappy dialog. Plus skydiving, something I wouldn't do (though apparently Brady does) but like to read about. Good fun, and since the book's set in this area, I enjoyed all the local color.
Paging CSI
S.F. crime lab's new woes - army of feral cats: "San Francisco's police crime lab, already plagued by a drug-skimming scandal, is quietly dealing with another pesky problem - cats.
A multiplying army of feral felines has moved into a lab hangar at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard where the Police Department stores evidence from old crimes. The cats have been sleeping, eating rodents and going to the bathroom around evidence items and police files, some of them boxed up, some out in the open."
A multiplying army of feral felines has moved into a lab hangar at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard where the Police Department stores evidence from old crimes. The cats have been sleeping, eating rodents and going to the bathroom around evidence items and police files, some of them boxed up, some out in the open."
Hat tip to Angela Crider.
Have a Birthday Coming Up?
NASA's $9.4 billion mission to nowhere: "Anyone need a $500 million, 355-foot steel tower for launching rockets into space?
There's one available at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Brand new, never been used.
The mobile launcher has been built for a rocket called the Ares 1. The problem is, there is not yet any such thing as an Ares 1 rocket - and if the Obama administration has its way, there never will be."
There's one available at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Brand new, never been used.
The mobile launcher has been built for a rocket called the Ares 1. The problem is, there is not yet any such thing as an Ares 1 rocket - and if the Obama administration has its way, there never will be."
Will They Stop at Nothing?
Aliens are attacking our sheep, UFO experts claim | The Sun |News: "ALIENS are attacking our SHEEP, UFO experts chillingly claimed yesterday.
Fuming farmers have been waking up to find animals dead after seemingly being 'experimented on'.
UFO hunters who set up a special team to investigate are linking the mutilations - including the removal of sheep brains and eyes - to sightings of mysterious reddish orange lights in the sky."
Fuming farmers have been waking up to find animals dead after seemingly being 'experimented on'.
UFO hunters who set up a special team to investigate are linking the mutilations - including the removal of sheep brains and eyes - to sightings of mysterious reddish orange lights in the sky."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Convincing photo at the link.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Dortmunder Goes to France?
UPDATE 1-Termite gangs tunnel into third French bank
| Reuters: "Would-be robbers armed with a pneumatic drill dug a tunnel from a Paris subway station into the basement of a bank in the early hours of Sunday but failed to seize any cash or valuables, police said.
The attempted robbery of BNP Paribas is the third time this year so-called 'termite gangs' have tried to rob a bank by digging a tunnel into the building.
It is not known whether the three incidents are related.
The gang dug into the bank's basement, possibly via the sewage system. They failed to enter the safety deposit room and nothing was taken, a BNP spokeswoman said."
| Reuters: "Would-be robbers armed with a pneumatic drill dug a tunnel from a Paris subway station into the basement of a bank in the early hours of Sunday but failed to seize any cash or valuables, police said.
The attempted robbery of BNP Paribas is the third time this year so-called 'termite gangs' have tried to rob a bank by digging a tunnel into the building.
It is not known whether the three incidents are related.
The gang dug into the bank's basement, possibly via the sewage system. They failed to enter the safety deposit room and nothing was taken, a BNP spokeswoman said."
Tom Selleck Talks Rockford
'Rockford Files': Tom Selleck says Dermot Mulroney 'has an uphill battle' - From Inside the Box - Zap2it: "Tom Selleck thinks an update of 'The Rockford Files' without James Garner may as well be called 'The Henderson Files.'
Before he became a television icon in his own right on 'Magnum, P.I.,' Emmy winner Selleck played too-slick rival Lance White to Garner's Rockford in two episodes of the classic 1970s private-eye series. NBC is remaking 'Rockford' with Dermot Mulroney in the title role, and while Selleck wishes him well, he feels a Garner-less 'Rockford' just might not be 'Rockford.'
'They ought to cast Jim Garner,' Selleck tells Zap2it. 'I'm a little prejudiced because he was really a formative influence on me, even a mentor in so many ways, even though he probably wouldn't admit to it if he was aware of it."
Before he became a television icon in his own right on 'Magnum, P.I.,' Emmy winner Selleck played too-slick rival Lance White to Garner's Rockford in two episodes of the classic 1970s private-eye series. NBC is remaking 'Rockford' with Dermot Mulroney in the title role, and while Selleck wishes him well, he feels a Garner-less 'Rockford' just might not be 'Rockford.'
'They ought to cast Jim Garner,' Selleck tells Zap2it. 'I'm a little prejudiced because he was really a formative influence on me, even a mentor in so many ways, even though he probably wouldn't admit to it if he was aware of it."
Link via Gravetapping.
King of the Wild . . . Something or Other
Charles Woodson, Inspired by Davy Crockett, Skinned Guinea Pig to Use as a Hat - True Crime Report: "Charles Woodson, a 41-year-old Davy Crockett fan from Front Royal, Virginia, wanted to have a cool hat, just like his hero. But he apparently didn't want to go hunting to get the genuine article. So he went to the pet store and bought a guinea pig instead..."
A tip of the Crider coonskin to Jeff Meyerson.
New York Leads the Way
BBC News - US girl sues for $1m over arrest for desk scribble: "A 12-year-old US schoolgirl is suing the New York City authorities for $1m in damages after she was arrested for writing on her desk.
Alexa Gonzalez was led out of her school in handcuffs by police after she was caught scribbling a message to her friends with an erasable, green marker."
Alexa Gonzalez was led out of her school in handcuffs by police after she was caught scribbling a message to her friends with an erasable, green marker."
Happy Birthday, Muddy Waters!
The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor: "It's the birthday of blues great 'Muddy Waters' (McKinley Morganfield), born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi (1915), who taught himself to play harmonica and guitar. He played in various bands in bars on the south side of Chicago, and in 1950, he made the first recording for Chess Records, a tune called 'Rolling Stone.' He later became famous for songs like 'Hoochie-Koochie Man' and 'Got My Mojo Working.'"
No Comment Department
KFC Announces “Double Down” Sandwiches, Emergency Rooms Prepare For Heart Attacks: "How does KFC make sandwiches even better? They get rid of the pesky bread typically offered with sandwiches and instead they replace that bread with two pieces of chicken. That ladies and gentlemen is the “Double Down” the companies newest sandwich arriving April 12th."
Photo of sandwich at the link.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Happy Birthday, Doris Day!
Happy Birthday Doris Day! - Global Cocktail - Gay Travel Blog - Passport Magazine: "Doris Day turns 86 today. She has not made a movie since 1969, but to this day she remains the reigning female movie star in terms of box office revenue. From 1959 to 1964 she was the #1 female vocalist on records. Her TV show, which ran from 1969 to 1975, was frequently #1 and always in the top ten. Then when it was over, it was over. She walked away from Hollywood and turned her energies full time to animal rights activism."Happy Birthday, Washington Irving!
Pushkin by Marjorie Kowalski Cole | The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor: "It's the birthday of the writer Washington Irving, (books by this author) born in New York City (1783). He wrote 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Rip Van Winkle.' He was the first person who referred to New York City as 'Gotham,' and he created the character of Diedrich Knickerbocker, the Dutch New Yorker. 'Knickerbocker' came to describe any New Yorkers who could trace their family to the original Dutch settlers, and that's where the New York Knicks get their name."
Wombat Update
Hi Karmann! Meet the orphaned waving wombat, rescued after his mother was run over | Mail Online: "She may only have a tiny heart - but luckily for Karmann the orphaned wombat, she was rescued by an animal lover with a large one.
The helpless little creature owes her life to a driver who rescued her from the pouch of her dying mother, who had been run over in East Gippsland, Australia in early March.
Karmann was rushed to the Warrandyte Wildlife Shelter in Melbourne, where she is to spend the next three months of her life being cared for in their state-of-the-art intensive care unit."
Photo at the link.
Hat tip to David Cranmer.
The helpless little creature owes her life to a driver who rescued her from the pouch of her dying mother, who had been run over in East Gippsland, Australia in early March.
Karmann was rushed to the Warrandyte Wildlife Shelter in Melbourne, where she is to spend the next three months of her life being cared for in their state-of-the-art intensive care unit."
Photo at the link.
Hat tip to David Cranmer.
This Is the Best Kind of Research
Fried breakfast is healthiest start to day, say scientists - Telegraph: "A breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs, and beans could be the healthiest start to the day, according to new research."
And Somewhere Someone Opened the Seventh Seal
Viagra-fueled 'Sunset Daze,' a geriatric version of 'Jersey Shore' starring Gail Leibowitz, to debut: "Move over, Snooki!
The big-haired party girl faces stiff competition from New York old-timer Gail Leibowitz - star of a naughty new series featuring Viagra-fueled seniors frolicking in hot tubs and talking about sex toys.
The petite senior, whose bright red bouffant hair style gives Snooki's trademark pouf a run for its money, grabs the spotlight in a new show called 'Sunset Daze,' a sort of geriatric 'Jersey Shore.'"
The big-haired party girl faces stiff competition from New York old-timer Gail Leibowitz - star of a naughty new series featuring Viagra-fueled seniors frolicking in hot tubs and talking about sex toys.
The petite senior, whose bright red bouffant hair style gives Snooki's trademark pouf a run for its money, grabs the spotlight in a new show called 'Sunset Daze,' a sort of geriatric 'Jersey Shore.'"
No Comment Department
Avatar fans are learning how to speak Na'vi. - By Arika Okrent - Slate Magazine: "Aspiring Pandorans, however, can introduce themselves, give opinions, make requests, and even write poems in Na'vi. This, in fact, is what they are doing at learnnavi.org. The forum there already has 153,000 posts by 4,300 people—aficionados who chat, translate, and encourage novices who have never even studied a foreign language. (Yes, there are people who didn't bother learning Spanish in high school but who are eager to learn the invented language spoken on a fictional alien planet.) Na'vi, it would seem, has been taken over by the Na'vi speakers."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houstonian Ernie Bainbridge crowned 'Groom of the Year' - Houston Business Journal:: "Houston’s Ernie Bainbridge was named Brides.com’s “Groom of the Year.”
The fourth-grade teacher at Walnut Bend Elementary School beat out Justin Clarke of Lawrence, Kan., to nab the crown."
The fourth-grade teacher at Walnut Bend Elementary School beat out Justin Clarke of Lawrence, Kan., to nab the crown."
'The Breakfast Club Musical'
'The Breakfast Club Musical', and Other John Hughes Projects - Speakeasy - WSJ: "“The Breakfast Club Musical”: “I remember watching the film in college and thinking it should’ve been a musical all along,” said Jason Geis, writer and director of the “The Breakfast Club Musical,” which is based on the 1985 film about a group of high school students serving weekend detention. The 90-minute, two-act show, which runs through April 29 at StudioBE Theater in Chicago, features original songs like “Detention” and “Clubs and Activities” that mirror the film’s plot but aren’t mired in the decade from which it originated."
Archaeology Update
Missing link between man and apes found - Telegraph: "The new species of hominid, the evolutionary branch of primates that includes humans, is to be revealed when the two-million-year-old skeleton of a child is unveiled this week.
Scientists believe the almost-complete fossilised skeleton belonged to a previously-unknown type of early human ancestor that may have been a intermediate stage as ape-men evolved into the first species of advanced humans, Homo habilis."
Scientists believe the almost-complete fossilised skeleton belonged to a previously-unknown type of early human ancestor that may have been a intermediate stage as ape-men evolved into the first species of advanced humans, Homo habilis."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
S.A. woman sees face of St. Peter in rock | kens5.com | San Antonio News, Weather, Sports, Traffic, Entertainment, Video and Photos: "A San Antonio woman claims she sees the face of St. Peter in an agate stone."
Photo at the link.
Photo at the link.
Friday, April 02, 2010
I Was Hoping this was an April Fool's Joke
SFGate: Daily Dish : Michael Bay will deliver new 'Rosemary's Baby': "Cult horror 'Rosemary's Baby' is set to be reborn -- a revered film critic has confirmed Michael Bay is bringing the spooky classic back to the big screen.
It was rumored in 2008 that the 'Transformers' director would remake Roman Polanski's 1968 movie, which saw Mia Farrow play Rosemary, a young woman who is pregnant with the Devil's baby.
Now respected critic Roger Ebert has taken to his Twitter.com page to tells fans that the film is in the pipeline."
Link via Ed Gorman.
It was rumored in 2008 that the 'Transformers' director would remake Roman Polanski's 1968 movie, which saw Mia Farrow play Rosemary, a young woman who is pregnant with the Devil's baby.
Now respected critic Roger Ebert has taken to his Twitter.com page to tells fans that the film is in the pipeline."
Link via Ed Gorman.
John Forsythe, R. I. P.
John Forsythe, ‘Dynasty’ Actor, Is Dead at 92 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com: "John Forsythe, the debonair actor whose matinee-idol looks, confident charm and mellifluous voice helped make him the star of three hit television series, including ABC’s glamour soap “Dynasty,” died on Thursday in Santa Ynez, Calif. He was 92."Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Man's lawsuit alleges he found rat's head in beer | Facebook | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "After a hard day's work on his Crystal Beach beach home, Everett Johnston just wanted a cool beer.
He grabbed a Tecate Light out of his fridge and began to sip. But, Johnston said, something didn't taste quite right. He said his wife looked in the bottle and noticed a rat's head floating inside.
Johnston filed a lawsuit recently in Galveston County against FEMSA Cerveza (CCM), the Mexican maker of Tecate, and Heineken, which distributes the beer in the United States, among other defendants. He's citing the severe psychological damage he says he has sustained."
He grabbed a Tecate Light out of his fridge and began to sip. But, Johnston said, something didn't taste quite right. He said his wife looked in the bottle and noticed a rat's head floating inside.
Johnston filed a lawsuit recently in Galveston County against FEMSA Cerveza (CCM), the Mexican maker of Tecate, and Heineken, which distributes the beer in the United States, among other defendants. He's citing the severe psychological damage he says he has sustained."
Life Imitates "Art" Again
N.M. businessman charged after body parts found at waste facility -: "A New Mexico businessman has been arrested after six heads and other body parts supposed to be cremated and returned to families were found in a truck at a waste facility in Kansas."
"Chexting" Is Mainly for Geniuses
Perils of "chexting" hit spotlight - Yahoo! News: "You might like texting, frown upon sexting, but now comes 'chexting' -- and it can lead to big trouble. Just ask Tiger Woods and Jesse James.
Golf superstar Woods and TV celebrity James, who is married to Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock, have seen their lives unravel amid revelations of cheating on their spouses, in part by arranging liaisons via text messages."
Golf superstar Woods and TV celebrity James, who is married to Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock, have seen their lives unravel amid revelations of cheating on their spouses, in part by arranging liaisons via text messages."
New CD from the Cornell Hurd Band
My son, Allen, engineered this CD, and he plays lead guitar on a lot of tracks. Sometimes he plays several guitar parts. On one, he plays about eight guitar parts, plays the glockenspiel, plays sax, and sings harmony. How can you resist?
Forgotten Books: THE WAVE HANGS DARK -- Alan Dipper
It's surprising sometimes how much of a book you read forty years ago will come back to you once you pick it up and start reading it again. I own the hardcover, and I remember exactly where I bought it, a little thrift store in Austin. I was in Austin again last weekend, saw the paperback, and picked it up. You can never have too many books.You can see the blurbs on the cover, but the best one is from Publisher's Weekly on the back cover: "A ripsnorting nautrical swashbuckler of the kind 'they don't write any more' . . . ." If it was the kind they don't write anymore in 1969, that must be a lot more true now.
Simon Algive is an underwater demolition expert who's recruited by an old friend to recover some diamonds from a sunken ship filled with bombs. The diamonds are hidden in the bombs, which have to be disarmed. You already know that things don't go as planned. They never do. There are double crosses. Lots of people die, both above and below the water. There are those bombs. And romance. But here's the kicker, something that I'm sure James Reasoner will agree improves any thriller: quicksand. You can't go wrong with quicksand. It takes a while to get things sorted out in the end because things are much, much more complicated than they'd seemed. All of this is smoothly told in Algive's first-person narration. I was reminded much more of Alistair MacLean than of Ian Fleming (see blurb on cover). Fine stuff.
Dipper went on to write five more novels, which I haven't read. I don't know why. I should have sought them out.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Revenge of the Carp
Revenge of the carp: Fish hunted by woman armed with bow and arrow leaps out of the water to smack her in the face | Mail Online: "A carp hunted by a woman armed with a bow and arrow has got his own back – by delivering a well-aimed slap to the face of his pursuer.
The bizarre shot was caught on the reservoirs of the Illinois River, where the population of Asian carp, an invasive species, has exploded.
The fish, who have habit of jumping out of the water when boats approach, are regarded as a nuisance, which has led to the sport of hunting them."
The bizarre shot was caught on the reservoirs of the Illinois River, where the population of Asian carp, an invasive species, has exploded.
The fish, who have habit of jumping out of the water when boats approach, are regarded as a nuisance, which has led to the sport of hunting them."
Photo at link.
Hat tip to Art Scott, who would never play an April Fool's Day joke, would he?
Secrets of the Psycho Shower
Secrets of the Psycho shower | Film | The Guardian: "It is one of the most notorious scenes ever filmed – yet Hitchcock and Janet Leigh didn't tell the truth about it."
Dino Update
BBC - Earth News - Agile 'roadrunner' dinosaur fossil discovered in China: "One the most agile dinosaurs so far discovered has been unearthed in China.
The tiny dinosaur, dubbed a 'roadrunner' by the scientists who found it, is also one of the smallest dinosaurs known.
Measuring just half a metre long, the fleet-footed theropod named Xixianykus zhangi was likely to have used a huge claw to dig for termites and ants.
It then used its speed to efficiently move between ant mounds and avoid the attentions of larger predators."
The tiny dinosaur, dubbed a 'roadrunner' by the scientists who found it, is also one of the smallest dinosaurs known.
Measuring just half a metre long, the fleet-footed theropod named Xixianykus zhangi was likely to have used a huge claw to dig for termites and ants.
It then used its speed to efficiently move between ant mounds and avoid the attentions of larger predators."
Will Grayson, Will Grayson -- John Green & David Levithan
I think the title of this one should be Will Grayson, will grayson because the book is told in alternating chapters by two high schoolers with the same name, one of whom doesn't use upper case letters. Maybe his clinical depression and lack of self-esteem have something to do with it.When I was reading the book, I wondered who wrote which chapters. The first Will Grayson's chapters sound more like John Green, and I'd have picked him as the author of those except maybe that's what they want me to think. Maybe Green and Levithan switched off chapters. Or maybe they switched off on styles and Green wrote the will grayson chapters.
Not that makes any difference. No matter who wrote what, it's a very funny, touching book. One of the major characters is Tiny Cooper, the “the world’s largest person who is really, really gay, and also the world’s gayest person who is really, really large.” Tiny is Will Grayson's best friend and has been since they were in fifth grade. Through a remarkable coincidence, Tiny meets will grayson, and the two fall in lust. Things get complicated because Tiny has introduced a girl named Jane to Will Grayson, whose two rules for living are these: "1. Don't care too much. 2. Shut up." Will finds himself falling for Jane, while will and Tiny are falling for each other.
Meanwhile Tiny is preparing to produce his high school musical, which, believe me, bears absolutely no resemblance to any Disney movie named High School Musical. It's the world's gayest high school musical. It's so gay that it makes Glee look like an episode of The Wire. But it's a great musical. It's about love and friendship, just like the whole book, which concludes with a performance of the show. While the ending is highly improbable, it's also eminently satisfying.
A final comment. This book has every naughty word you can think of in it. Not to mention underage drinking. Combine that with the gay themes, explicit references to gay sex, and even a couple of necking scenes with Tiny and will, and you have a book that would have sent the parents of my hometown marching on the library with torches and pitchforks when I was in high school. Times have changed, as if you didn't know, but I have to wonder if this book won't get some of that kind of attention even now. We'll see.
Machu Picchu Update
Machu Picchu reopens to tourists: "Train service to Peru's main tourist attraction Machu Picchu, one of the world's most prized heritage sites, partially reopened yesterday after heavy rains cut off the ancient citadel earlier this year.The formal reopening of the ancient Inca citadel will be held Thursday, with a hand from Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon, tourism office PromPeru said.
The 15th-century city perched around 2500 meters above sea level is the most visited site in South America, a pillar of the Cusco region and the source of 90 per cent of Peru's tourist revenues, according to the country's finance ministry."
This is So Unfair
Why Internet connections are fastest in South Korea - CNN.com: "Editor's Note: Which 17 countries have faster Internet connections than the United States? See our Internet speed map.
(CNN) -- People in the United States basically invented the Internet. So U.S. connections must be the fastest and cheapest in the world, right?
Not so much."
(CNN) -- People in the United States basically invented the Internet. So U.S. connections must be the fastest and cheapest in the world, right?
Not so much."
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