Bristol Palin Memoir Set To Hit Shelves This Summer: "Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, will soon be able to add 'author' to her resume with the release of an as-yet-untitled memoir set to hit bookshelves this summer.
As noted by Political Wire, an Amazon listing for an 'Untitled Bristol Palin Memoir' -- in hardcover no less -- has been created, announcing that the 304-page book will be available for a little over $17."
Monday, February 07, 2011
Philly Leads the Way
Pregnant Woman Dies After Fight at Traffic Court | NBC Philadelphia: "A 22-year-old pregnant woman died after a fight at Philadelphia Traffic Court Monday, sources confirmed."
Out of the Gutter Update
Out of the Gutter 7, the "US vs. UK Issue," is finished and printed and will ship right away when you place your order. And don't forget, the more you order the cheaper the per-book shipping, so if there are any issues missing from your Out of the Gutter collection, fill them in now. When the present print runs are sold out we will be switching to the POD model, and collectors who want the original punk zine feel will be out of luck! Learn more about Issue 7 and other issues by going here.
All kinds of news on the Gutter Books front! Dig our new web site, our new covers delivered by the graphic design geniuses at Outland Grafix, and the announcement of three new titles coming this year!
We get to the very essence of pulp publishing with The Flying Saucers are Real, the world's first book-length treatise on the UFO phenomenon, published by Gold Medal Books in 1950. If you want to take a break from gangsters, violent retribution and hardboiled prose, take a journey into the unexplained with Marine aviator Donald Keyhoe, the foremost expert on UFOs during the 1950s and '60s.
If you enjoy federal inmate Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti's gritty articles that appear in every issue of Out of the Gutter, you will want to reserve your copy of Notes from the American Gulag, which features Seth's most outstanding work from Gutter and other publications, all selected and edited by Gutter editor, Matthew Louis.
First time novelist Sean Dennison breaks through this October with Deadlock. Ever wonder what would happen if an amateur MMA fighter was pitted against a psycho cop in a no-holds-barred fight to the death on the city streets? If so, you're about to find out. When John Reed finds himself the only witness to an act of unspeakable brutality by Sergeant Vincent Fallon, Reed learns what it really means to be on the wrong side of the law.
And, of course, available for order right now are Dodging Bullets, The Baddest of the Bad and On The Make. And don't forget the fashionably late March arrival of The Wrong Man, the hard-as-nails regular guy revenge tale from William Ingsley that Tony Black describes as "A first-rate, fly-through-the-pages freakshow."
Check it all out by visiting http://www.gutterbooks.com/.
Thanks for reading, and thanks as always for your interest and support!
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
News Radio 1200 WOAI San Antonio Texas: "A measure which would allow a judge to punish the parents of teenagers who engage in the risky practice known as 'sexting,' was introduced today in the Texas Legislature, and immediately received the support of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, 1200 WOAI news reports.
The measure, introduced by State Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), would make sexting a Class C misdemeanor requiring a court appearance for the teenaged violator, and would allow a judge to 'sentence' his or her parent to participate in an education program on sexting's long-term harmful consequences."
The measure, introduced by State Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), would make sexting a Class C misdemeanor requiring a court appearance for the teenaged violator, and would allow a judge to 'sentence' his or her parent to participate in an education program on sexting's long-term harmful consequences."
Brian Jacques, R. I. P.
BBC News - Redwall author Brian Jacques dies aged 71: "A former merchant sailor whose children's books sold millions worldwide has died aged 71.
Brian Jacques' Redwall series of books were translated into 29 languages and sold 20m globally.
He first wrote the series, set in an abbey populated by animals, for children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool.
The Liverpool-born writer's weekly show, Jakestown, ran on BBC Radio Merseyside for more than 20 years.
He died after a heart attack at the weekend and leaves a wife and two grown up sons."
Brian Jacques' Redwall series of books were translated into 29 languages and sold 20m globally.
He first wrote the series, set in an abbey populated by animals, for children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool.
The Liverpool-born writer's weekly show, Jakestown, ran on BBC Radio Merseyside for more than 20 years.
He died after a heart attack at the weekend and leaves a wife and two grown up sons."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Illegal immigration: Influx of immigrants from India baffles border officials in Texas - latimes.com: "Thousands of immigrants from India have crossed into the United States illegally at the southern tip of Texas in the last year, part of a mysterious and rapidly growing human-smuggling pipeline that is backing up court dockets, filling detention centers and triggering investigations."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
DALLAS, TX – The most valuable animation cel in the world, and one of the most important Mickey Mouse collectibles in existence – The Band Concert Production Cel Animation Art, Walt Disney, 1935 – will be part of Heritage Auctions Feb. 24-25 Signature® Comics and Comic Art Auction. It is estimated at $100,000+. It is thought to be the only production setup in existence from the first Mickey cartoon that features Mickey and the entire band.
“This cel is, in many ways, the ultimate Mickey Mouse item a collector could ever hope to acquire,” said Barry Sandoval, Director of Operations of the Comics category at Heritage. “The Band Concert was the very first theatrical Mickey Mouse cartoon in color, and has long been cherished by Disney fans worldwide.”
Seepy Sings!
You've read about Seepy Benton's singing in my books, but mere words can't describe it. Now you can get the full effect if you click here.
Yellow Wine Update
Bottle of 1773 French wine fetches record price - Yahoo! News: "An amateur wine group paid a record 57,000 euros ($77,000) Saturday for a 237-year-old bottle of wine from France's eastern Jura region at a local wine festival auction.
'Finally, yellow wine has hit the big leagues,' said wine festival founder Bernard Badoz of Jura's trademark beverage."
'Finally, yellow wine has hit the big leagues,' said wine festival founder Bernard Badoz of Jura's trademark beverage."
Here's the Plot for Your Next Prison Thriller
BBC News: "Prison officials in Colombia say they have caught an 11-year-old girl trying to smuggle dozens of mobile phones and a gun into a jail.
The guards became suspicious when they saw what they described as irregular shapes underneath the girl's jumper.
When they investigated they found 74 mobile phones and a revolver taped to her back."
The guards became suspicious when they saw what they described as irregular shapes underneath the girl's jumper.
When they investigated they found 74 mobile phones and a revolver taped to her back."
Brooklyn Leads the Way
Brooklyn's Evermore Pet Food creators of will eat dog food for a month to prove product's quality
Hat tip to Brooklyn's own Jeff Meyerson.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Gary Moore, R. I. P.
Guitarist Gary Moore Dies at 58. Blues, Jazz and Rock World Mourns Loss: "It has been confirmed by Adam Parsons, manager of Thin Lizzy, that Gary Moore was found dead at the luxury Kempinski Resort Hotel in Estepona, Spain in the early hours of Sunday, February 6. He was 58.
Born April 4, 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, (William) Gary Moore played some fine guitar.
During a cross-genre musical career that dates back to the 60s, he is perhaps best known for his work with Thin Lizzy, Skid Row and Colosseum II."
Born April 4, 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, (William) Gary Moore played some fine guitar.
During a cross-genre musical career that dates back to the 60s, he is perhaps best known for his work with Thin Lizzy, Skid Row and Colosseum II."
Valentine's Day is on the Way
3030 Winchester Bullet Pen With Copper and Gold by DorianCreations: "30-30 Winchester Bullet Pen with Acrylic Top.This pen was handcrafted using a real 30-30 winchester brass casing and an acrylic blank. The casing was polished with very fine steel wool and the acrylic blank was sanded and polish to a high gloss. A suedette pouch is included to protect the pen.
The bullet casing may contain small scratches or nicks if any due to the varing quality by manufacturer or if casing has been fired."
The U. S. Leads the Way
The 'conTROversy' over changing pronunciations - Telegraph: "In a study by the British Library, interim results suggest a third of Britons taking part now adopt the American-style “skedule” over the traditional pronunciation, which has a softer “sh” sound.
Other US pronunciations taking root, according to researchers, are “pay-triotic”, in place of “pat-riotic”, and “advertISEment”, instead of “adVERTisement”."
Other US pronunciations taking root, according to researchers, are “pay-triotic”, in place of “pat-riotic”, and “advertISEment”, instead of “adVERTisement”."
"Troubled" Might be an Understatement
Maywood Body: Deputies Say Son Admits Killing Mom, Stuffing Her in Freezer: "An 18 year old man who family members and neighbors described as 'troubled' is under arrest Saturday in connection with the murder of his mother whose dismembered body was discovered in a freezer."
Edgar Allan Poe Update
News from The Associated Press: "Baltimore cut funding for the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, one of the strongest links between the literary icon and the city that claims him as its own.
The Poe House must become self-sustaining by the middle of next year or it will close, curator Jeff Jerome and city officials said Friday."
The Poe House must become self-sustaining by the middle of next year or it will close, curator Jeff Jerome and city officials said Friday."
What Child Wouldn't Love This?
The Twilight Zone Talky Tina Doll Replica : "Features:
'My name is Talky Tina, and I'm going to kill you.'
Exclusive 18-inch talking-doll replica from the iconic The Twilight Zone TV series.
Based on the episode titled 'Living Doll' that starred Telly Savalas.
Speaks 5 phrases and features eyes that open and close.
Talky Tina is back again… to stay!"
Bloodsuckers
UPDATE 1-'Twilight' studio to Blockbuster: Pay or liquidate | Reuters: "The independent studio behind the hit 'Twilight' films wants a judge to force bankrupt movie rental chain Blockbuster Inc to pay its bills or force it to into liquidation, according to court documents."
So It's Come To This
Our Products: "Some Tweets should last forever - because they mark a special moment in your life or express your personal motto. Perhaps your favourite message is just so beautiful that you want to carry it with you. It's easy - with a tweet-ring.
Just select your favourite Tweet, or write your own message on tweet-rings.com. 140 characters, super sharp engraved on both sides of a ring."
Just select your favourite Tweet, or write your own message on tweet-rings.com. 140 characters, super sharp engraved on both sides of a ring."
Link via Neatorama.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Beaumont Chuck E. Cheese's Brawl Adds to City's Sterling Reputation: "We noted earlier today that Beaumont is gaining an Internet rep for the quantity, if not the quality, of its catfight videos of teenaged girls duking it out.
Not to be outdone, the adults are getting into the action.
The latest from the Golden Triangle city is this family outing at a Chuck E. Cheese's, where events take a loud turn when something happens to set it off. We as a nation can only be thankful for the guys who stand back and get the whole thing on video."
Not to be outdone, the adults are getting into the action.
The latest from the Golden Triangle city is this family outing at a Chuck E. Cheese's, where events take a loud turn when something happens to set it off. We as a nation can only be thankful for the guys who stand back and get the whole thing on video."
The video is at the link.
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Tura Satana, R. I. P.
Tura Satana, Cult Actress, Is Dead - NYTimes.com: "Tura Satana, the actress whose authoritative presence, exotic looks and buxom frame commanded the attention of viewers of Russ Meyer’s 1965 cult movie “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”, died on Friday evening in Reno, Nev."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
So It's Come To This
Routine items not allowed at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday: "As part of the increased security surrounding the Super Bowl, NFL and federal authorities are limiting what fans can bring to Cowboys Stadium.
Everyone entering the stadium must pass through a magnatometer, such as those used at airports, and get a patdown as part of the screening process. The majority of fans will enter through checkpoints on the east side of Cowboys Stadium.
Small bags are allowed, but will be searched, and jackets will be X-rayed."
Everyone entering the stadium must pass through a magnatometer, such as those used at airports, and get a patdown as part of the screening process. The majority of fans will enter through checkpoints on the east side of Cowboys Stadium.
Small bags are allowed, but will be searched, and jackets will be X-rayed."
Clearly These Guys Never Saw a Single SF Movie from the '50s
Scientists Race To Breach Anarctica's Lake Vostok - Science News - redOrbit: "Russian scientists are set to pierce through Antarctica’s frozen surface to reveal the secrets of an icebound lake that has been sealed deep there for the past 15 million years."
No Comment Department
Political Circus: 'Sarah Palin' gets trademarked - CNN: "Politics Daily reports that Sarah Palin's lawyer has filed applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the names 'Sarah Palin' and 'Bristol Palin.'"
Top 10 Uncracked Codes
Top 10 uncracked codes - Telegraph: "Although the internet has spawned a multi-billion dollar industry in creating and cracking codes, crypologists have yet to solve some of the oldest riddles."
Not That There's Anything Wrong with That
SILive.com: "A Rosebank attorney, deputy director of the city’s Administration for Children’s Services and a former military JAG lawyer ripped by the Pentagon for his handling of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal is in legal hot water over charges that he impersonated a Staten Island woman on a lesbian dating Web site."
No Comment Department
Calif. man fatally stabbed by rooster: "Investigators say a 35-year-old California man who died at a hospital on Sunday was killed by a rooster."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Austin Residents Point to Fred Durst for Waste Management | NowPublic News Coverage: "'Fred Durst Society of the Humanities and Arts': Frontrunner for Renamed Austin Waste Management Department
The city of Austin, Texas solicited citizen feedback for renaming the Solid Waste Services Department. Among suggestions which highlight recycling or form a catchy acronym, one entry is a clear frontrunner, with over 8,000 votes: The Fred Durst Society of the Humanities and Arts."
The city of Austin, Texas solicited citizen feedback for renaming the Solid Waste Services Department. Among suggestions which highlight recycling or form a catchy acronym, one entry is a clear frontrunner, with over 8,000 votes: The Fred Durst Society of the Humanities and Arts."
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
How Kraft's Face-Scanning Tech Will Tell You What You Like to Eat: "[T]his bad boy scans your face to figure out what you may be interested in cooking. For even more customized results, a user can choose to pull in purchase history data through her grocery store loyalty card, her shopping list on Kraft’s iFood Assistant mobile app, or her recipe-browsing history on kraftrecipes.com."
I'll Just Have a Burger, I Think
Ready to acquire a taste for the 'vacuum cleaners of the sea'? - Life & Style - NZ Herald News: "It breathes through its anus, can liquefy its body and acts as the waste collectors of the seabed. Scientists now believe that a species of sea cucumber living off the British coast could become a lucrative culinary export."
Friday, February 04, 2011
Bellagio Heist Update
The Associated Press: Bellagio heist soured quickly for accused bandit: "The scenes that led to the Bellagio bandit's downfall look less like 'Ocean's Eleven' and more like 'America's Dumbest Criminals.' Bragging about a big gambling score with high school buddies over rounds of shots in Colorado. E-mailing pictures to a total stranger — dated and signed 'Biker Bandit' with two $25,000 Bellagio chips.
Losing $105,000 gambling at the scene of the crime in Las Vegas, but cashing out nearly $209,000 and apparently hoping the casino wouldn't notice."
Losing $105,000 gambling at the scene of the crime in Las Vegas, but cashing out nearly $209,000 and apparently hoping the casino wouldn't notice."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Falling ice at Cowboys Stadium injures 7, one critically | Super Bowl XLV News - Sports News for Dallas, Texas - SportsDayDFW: "Seven people were injured, one of them critically, when ice fell from the roof of Cowboys Stadium this afternoon, authorities said.
[. . . .]
Huge sheets of ice and snow atop the stadium could be seen sliding off the dome and crashing down 200 feet to the ground as temperatures warmed and the sun reappeared this afternoon."
Huge sheets of ice and snow atop the stadium could be seen sliding off the dome and crashing down 200 feet to the ground as temperatures warmed and the sun reappeared this afternoon."
Robert Silverberg on "The Plot Genie"
Be sure to read the whole column because there's a writing contest revealed at the end.
Joyce Sloane, R. I. P.
Joyce Sloane: Mother of Second City Joyce Sloane dead at 80 - chicagotribune.com: "Joyce Sloane, the beloved maternal powerhouse of The Second City, and the woman who found and nurtured such comedy giants as John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley and Bill Murray, died Thursday, according to Kelly Leonard, the vice-president of The Second City.
According to her daughter, Cheryl, Sloane died peacefully, while in bed. She was 80."
According to her daughter, Cheryl, Sloane died peacefully, while in bed. She was 80."
Larry the Cable Guy to Host History Channel Show
Larry the Cable Guy to host History Channel show : "Dan Whitney, aka Larry the Cable Guy, will be filming episodes for a new History Channel show during his current five-month national tour. Tentatively titled, The United States of Larry, the show will find the hugely successful blue collar comedian criss-crossing the nation interviewing folks with interesting jobs, hobbies and ways of life.
Larry revealed that participating in a Civil War reenactment and learning how moonshine is made are just two of the activities he’ll be partaking in."
Larry revealed that participating in a Civil War reenactment and learning how moonshine is made are just two of the activities he’ll be partaking in."
I was going to say, "The decline of Western Civilization continues apace," but then I realized that I'd written books about both those topics.
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
Island to be staffed exclusively by blondes | Metro.co.uk: "Olialia (pronounced 'Ooh La La') is hoping that by opening a resort in the exotic Indian Ocean destination staffed entirely by fair-haired women, they can dispel the stereotype that blondes are ‘less intelligent’."
But there was a problem:
'Blonde women only' Maldives island hits snag as half of staff need wigs | Metro.co.uk: "A holiday resort on an island in the Maldives which bosses plan to staff using only blonde women is facing a major problem, but it's not over discrimination - nearly half their staff actually have dark hair and will need wigs."
But not to worry:
"Never fear though, Mr Drooling Businessman, your 'blonde-only' haven still looks set to become a reality.
Brand manager Lauryna Anuseviciut said Olialia are going to navigate the rather significant problem by ensuring any employees with dark hair wear a wig."
Wig, er, hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
E-Books Update
January Magazine: The Day E-Books “Arrived”: "t’s possible that February 13th, 2011 will go down in history as the day humankind understood the electronic book had well and truly arrived. And why? That is the day The New York Times new e-book bestseller list will appear in the print edition. As hauntingly ironic as that statement seems to some of us."
Behold: The Nicolas Cage Matrix
Behold: The Nicolas Cage Matrix - Movie Feature - TheShiznit.co.uk: "As Drive Angry revs its engine and readies to crash itself into our lives, it's time to consider the bigger picture: just how are you supposed to categorise Nicolas Cage movies? Which ones are good? Which ones are bad? Which ones are so bad they're good? Behold, the answer: The Nicolas Cage Matrix."
Beautiful, Collectible Old A-B-C Books
Beautiful, Collectible Old A-B-C Books on AbeBooks: "Welcome to the Beautiful Book Boutique. AbeBooks has many millions of books, many of which are rare books, collectible books, antiquarian books or unique books. They range in subject from collectible picture books and antique sports books to out-of-print magazine archives and more. And every day, thousands of books sell and thousands more are added from booksellers all over the world."
He Can Now Afford Good Lawn Care
Ming vase set to make retired factory worker a millionaire | Art and design | The Guardian: "A retired chocolate factory worker who took an old vase to a provincial auction house in a cardboard box is in line for a million-pound bonanza after being told it was a Ming moonflask.
Experts at Duke's in Dorchester, Dorset, were stunned when the 79-year-old man, who used to work for Cadbury, showed them the 29cm-tall vase, thought to date from between 1403 and 1424."
Experts at Duke's in Dorchester, Dorset, were stunned when the 79-year-old man, who used to work for Cadbury, showed them the 29cm-tall vase, thought to date from between 1403 and 1424."
Stanley Fish’s Top 7 Movie Lines of All Time
Stanley Fish’s Top 7 Movie Lines of All Time - The Daily Beast: "Stanley Fish, author of the recently published How to Write a Sentence (And How to Read One), selects his all time favorite lines from these classic films."
No Comment Department
American anxiety: The three real reasons why we are more stressed than ever before. - By Taylor Clark - Slate Magazine: "Over the last several decades, both through good economic times and bad, the United States has transformed into the planet's undisputed worry champion. Around the turn of the millennium, anxiety flew past depression as the most prominent mental health issue in America, and it's never looked back: With more than 18 percent of adults suffering from an anxiety disorder in any given year, the United States is now the most anxious nation in the world, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Stress-related ailments cost the nation $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity, while our usage of sedative drugs keeps skyrocketing; just between 1997 and 2004, Americans more than doubled their spending on anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and Valium, from $900 million to $2.1 billion. And this anxious strain hits us well before we reach college. As psychologist Robert Leahy points out: 'The average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s.'"
Charles Sellier Jr., R. I. P.
Charles Sellier Jr., Creator of ‘Grizzly Adams,’ Dies at 67 - NYTimes.com: "Charles Sellier Jr., a producer and director of family-friendly films and television shows and the creator of the popular 1970s NBC series “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams,” died on Monday at his home near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was 67."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Michael Tolan, R. I. P.
Michael Tolan, Stage and Television Actor, Dies at 85 - NYTimes.com: "Michael Tolan, an actor who became a recurring presence on television in the 1960s and ’70s after walking away from film and Broadway but who returned to the stage to help found the American Place Theater, a successful Off Broadway house, died on Monday in Hudson, N.Y. He was 85."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
You Mean this is Wrong?
Cop threatened to Taser suspects' testicles - Crime - Canoe.ca: "A Toronto Police officer admitted he threatened to use a Taser on the testicles of two prisoners to force them to help him catch a suspect."
Sounds Like Fun
Daredevils fly above gators on zip line: "The zip line and obstacle course at the 'Alligator Farm' in St. Augustine takes visitors flying through the air above dozens of alligators and crocodiles."
Video at the link.
Forgotten Books: Backfire -- Dan J. Marlowe
Marty Donovan is a cop who happens to be in love with Lenore, his partner's wife. When the two cops can't crack a tough case, Lenore suggests a stakeout that's not approved the the department. Her husband is killed, and Marty begins a complicated cover-up as the tries to find the killer.There's plenty of action and atmosphere, some nice old-time procedural details, and enough red herrings to keep you guessing about the outcome. While Backfire isn't up there with Marlowe's best work for Gold Medal (it reminded me a bit of his early Avon books), it's still an entertaining crime novel.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
This Does Not Bode Well for Seepy's Students
Study: Ogling women makes them worse at math - CSMonitor.com: "A new study has found that women who have been ogled by men before taking a math quiz perform worse than those who were not subject to subtle objectification."
Get a Rope!
Cops Charge 7-Year-Old for Bringing Toy Gun to Class | NBC Philadelphia: "A 7-year-old child allegedly shot a Nerf-style toy gun in his Hammonton, N.J., school Jan. 18. No one was hurt, but the pint-size softshooter now faces misdemeanor criminal charges.
Hammonton Police began an investigation into the “suspicious activity” at the Hammonton Early Childhood Education Center Jan. 18 after school officials alerted them to the incident.
The 'gun' the child brought to school was a $5 toy gun, similar to a Nerf gun, that shoots soft ping pong type balls, according to the school's superintendent.
Officials also say that there was no evidence of anyone being threatened. The child's mother told school officials that she didn't know her son brought the toy to school."
Hammonton Police began an investigation into the “suspicious activity” at the Hammonton Early Childhood Education Center Jan. 18 after school officials alerted them to the incident.
The 'gun' the child brought to school was a $5 toy gun, similar to a Nerf gun, that shoots soft ping pong type balls, according to the school's superintendent.
Officials also say that there was no evidence of anyone being threatened. The child's mother told school officials that she didn't know her son brought the toy to school."
Yet Another List I'm Not On
The 50 Most Popular Men on the Web, According to Google
And neither is Brent McKee, who sent the link.
Bellagio Heist Update
Judge's son arrested in Bellagio robbery - News - ReviewJournal.com: "Las Vegas police late Wednesday arrested the son of a city judge in connection with December's $1.5 million Bellagio casino heist.
Anthony Michael Carleo, 29, the son of Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge George Assad, was arrested after he met undercover officers to sell high-value chips taken in the heist, law enforcement sources said.
Carleo was a guest at the very hotel he is accused of robbing in December, and police executed search warrants at both the hotel and at the home of the judge. No one answered the telephone in his room at the Bellagio on Wednesday night."
Anthony Michael Carleo, 29, the son of Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge George Assad, was arrested after he met undercover officers to sell high-value chips taken in the heist, law enforcement sources said.
Carleo was a guest at the very hotel he is accused of robbing in December, and police executed search warrants at both the hotel and at the home of the judge. No one answered the telephone in his room at the Bellagio on Wednesday night."
The Chocolate Bar Smart Car
What a Sweet Ride: The Chocolate Bar Smart Car: "Just in time for Valentine's Day, and a mere $28,000: This chocolate Smart Car has gone on sale at Japan's high-end Q-Pot gadget shop and will only be available until March 13."
Maria Schneider, R. I. P.
iWon News - 'Last Tango in Paris' star Maria Schneider dies: "Maria Schneider, the French actress who was Marlon Brando's young co-star in the steamy 1972 film 'Last Tango in Paris,' has died, her talent agency said. She was 58.
A representative of the Act 1 agency said Schneider died in Paris on Thursday 'following a long illness,' but declined to provide details.
Schneider was 19 when she starred opposite Marlon Brando in Bernardo Bertolucci's racy 'Last Tango in Paris.' In it, she played a young Parisian woman who takes up with a middle-aged American businessman, played by Brando."
A representative of the Act 1 agency said Schneider died in Paris on Thursday 'following a long illness,' but declined to provide details.
Schneider was 19 when she starred opposite Marlon Brando in Bernardo Bertolucci's racy 'Last Tango in Paris.' In it, she played a young Parisian woman who takes up with a middle-aged American businessman, played by Brando."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Croc Update (Anniversary Edition)
Look Back: Elton John Scores His First #1 Single 38 Years Ago: "Elton John reached the top of the singles chart with his 'Crocodile Rock' on February 3, 1973.
The single, released with 'Elderberry Wine' as the B-side, was John's first number one, though he had already scored top-ten hits with 'Honky Cat,' 'Rocket Man' and 'Your Song.' It was the first of a string of chart-toppers John would release during the 1970s."
The single, released with 'Elderberry Wine' as the B-side, was John's first number one, though he had already scored top-ten hits with 'Honky Cat,' 'Rocket Man' and 'Your Song.' It was the first of a string of chart-toppers John would release during the 1970s."
And Keep Off Their Lawn
An Elderly Couple’s Defiant Stand Against Armed Robber: "A 91-year-old Minnesota man and his 82-year-old wife say they weren’t scared, but the guy trying to rob them sure was.
A masked intruder wanting money barged into Wally and Betty’s apartment in St. Charles over the weekend. However, he got something in return."
A masked intruder wanting money barged into Wally and Betty’s apartment in St. Charles over the weekend. However, he got something in return."
Gator Update (Lawsuit Edition)
Golfer Gored by Gator Sues Course Over Pond Design | Animals: "A golfer whose arm was torn off by an alligator during a round of golf in South Carolina has sued the course's owner under the novel theory that the design of the course created an alligator hazard.
Fripp Island is a barrier island along the South Carolina coast with luxury homes and three golf courses. James Wiencek of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was playing a round at the Ocean Creek Golf Club in October 2009 when a 10-foot, 400-pound alligator pounced on him, pulling him into the pond at the 11th hole and ripping his arm off."
Hat tip to Art Scott
Top 10 Weather Forecasters
Top 10 Weather Forecasters - The Shark Guys: "Here is our two-degree guarantee list of the Top 10 Weather Forecasters from movies and TV."
Archaeology Update
Archaeologists Say Fox May Have Been Man's Best Friend Before Dog: "Archaeologists unearthing a 16,500-year-old graveyard in Jordan say they have found a candidate for mankind's first pet: the fox."
Paging Dan Brown
Was the Model for Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa a Man?: "Call her 'Manny Lisa'? Italian researchers say the model for the world's most famous painting may have been a male apprentice and also a lover of the artist, Leonardo da Vinci."
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
No Comment Department
Pack, Steelers both weigh in with 13 300 pounders - Yahoo! News: "According to stats provided to The Associated Press by Stats LLC, there was one 300-pound player in the league [NFL] in 1970, three in 1980, 94 in 1990, 301 in 2000 and 394 at the start of last season."
McBain: The Movie
McBain: The Movie: "Someone just put all the snippets of McBain scenes, from The Simpsons, together in chronological order and discovered that it makes one sensical and badass action movie; our hero, McBain, “hunts corrupt drug kingpin Senator Mendoza and tries to exact revenge for his murdered partner while battling red tape at police headquarters.”"
Soon to be Renamed "Diddy" Planets
Space telescope spots odd new solar system | Reuters: "Astronomers have spotted a strange new solar system with small 'puffy' planets packed in close orbit to their sun."
Croc Update (Mafia Edition)
Readers of this blog knew this already.
The Devil -- Ken Bruen
You think Jack Taylor's had tough adversaries before? You think things couldn't get any worse? Think again. This time he's not up against just any adversary. He's up against The Adversary. And while some people might like to think it's all a metaphor, there's just no way (unless Taylor's fantasizing the third-person sections of the novel, which I suppose is possible since he could be fantasizing the rest of it, too) that Mr. K is anyone other than old Scratch himself. Mr. K has it in for Taylor because Jack has occasionally thwarted his little projects in the past, so just when Jack's approaching redemption (he's even quit smoking) and entry into the U. S. of A., Mr. K strikes. Jack's refused entry, and back in Galway, things go really bad. Even worse than before, and if you've read the previous books in the series, you know how bad that is. It's so bad that before it's over, Jack is smoking again. Ireland and the world are in terrible shape, suffering is everywhere, and Jack's determined to set things right.
In spite of all the misery on display, the book's almost jaunty, thanks to Bruen's patented post-modern style. And there's a lot more to like. Bruen can be counted on to mention lots of great music and a lot of my favorite writers. This time he even mentions his own work. Twice. (Jack picks up a DVD of London Boulevard, and someone recommends that Jack read Sanctuary.) I have no idea where Bruen can take Jack after this one, unless Mr. K turns up again, but wherever it is, I'll be there.
One thing. The ending. I'm still mulling that over. I know that Bruen has a doctorate in metaphysics, and whenever I heard that word, I'm reminded of Lord Byron's comment on Coleridge, who, according to Bryon was "explaining metaphysics to the nation -- I wish he would explain his explanation." Maybe someone will explain things to me one of these days.
Uh-Oh
'Fletch' Reboot Heading to the Big Screen - Heat Vision: "Warner Bros. is looking to bring investigating reporter Fletch back to the big screen.
The studio has pre-emptively picked up the movie rights to the Gregory McDonald mystery novels featuring the character for an adaptation to be produced by Anonymous Content’s Steve Golin and Michael Sugar as well as David List, the manager of McDonald’s estate.
No writer or director is board, but Warners and the producers are aiming for a reimagining, not a remake, and hope to make an smart action comedy that plays out on a bigger canvas than the previous movies."
The studio has pre-emptively picked up the movie rights to the Gregory McDonald mystery novels featuring the character for an adaptation to be produced by Anonymous Content’s Steve Golin and Michael Sugar as well as David List, the manager of McDonald’s estate.
No writer or director is board, but Warners and the producers are aiming for a reimagining, not a remake, and hope to make an smart action comedy that plays out on a bigger canvas than the previous movies."
The Decline of Western Civilization Continues Apace
Mercede Johnston, Levi Johnston's Little Sister, To Pose Nude For Playboy: "Levi Johnston's younger sister and Tripp's aunt, Mercede, will pose nude for Playboy, RumorFix.com is reporting.
Levi demurely stripped for a 2009 Playgirl shoot, and now Mercede, 18, will reportedly take everything off for Playboy."
Levi demurely stripped for a 2009 Playgirl shoot, and now Mercede, 18, will reportedly take everything off for Playboy."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Josh Henderson To Star In TNT’s ‘Dallas’, Larry Hagman Officially On Board – Deadline.com: "TNT's Dallas reboot is starting to take shape. Josh Henderson (Desperate Housewives) has landed one of the leads in the project, playing J.R.'s son. Additionally, original Dallas stars Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray are now all confirmed to return to Southfork."
He Doesn't Care if You're on his Grass
Man, 72, grew dope to 'survive' - National - NZ Herald News: "A pensioner was growing cannabis worth $240,000 because his pension was not enough and he 'needed the money to survive', the Dunedin District Court heard yesterday."
Arrested Development Clue Board Game
Arrested Development Clue Board Game |: "Pleated-Jeans gives you the Arrested Development themed Clue board game, complete with box art, game board, suspect cards and weapon cards."
Get a Rope!
Plastic pellet incident at Va. school ends in expulsion, assault charges: "The federal Gun-Free Schools Act mandates that schools expel students who take weapons, including hand guns, explosive devices and projectile weapons, to school. E-mail traffic among school officials showed they ruled that Mikel's plastic tube, which was fashioned from a pen casing, met the definition of a projectile weapon because it was 'used to intimidate, threaten or harm others.'
School officials in some e-mails referred to the plastic casing as a 'metal tube.' The plastic pellets were called 'B-Bs.'"
School officials in some e-mails referred to the plastic casing as a 'metal tube.' The plastic pellets were called 'B-Bs.'"
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Hampton man survives 110-foot fall while painting water tower in Texas - WTKR: "21-year-old man from Hampton has been hospitalized in fair condition after falling 110 feet while painting a water tower in East Texas."
Dino Update
Meet Titanoceratops, the Hornier Ancestor of Triceratops | Wired Science | Wired.com: "A newly discovered horned dinosaur called Titanoceratops appears to have reigned long before its more famous descendants, Triceratops and Torosaurus.
The species weighed in at around 6,800 kilograms [15,000 pounds] and an enormous 8-foot skull — rivaling Triceratops for size. It is very similar to Triceratops, but with a thinner frill, longer nose and slightly bigger horns."
The species weighed in at around 6,800 kilograms [15,000 pounds] and an enormous 8-foot skull — rivaling Triceratops for size. It is very similar to Triceratops, but with a thinner frill, longer nose and slightly bigger horns."
Blast from the Past -- Toni L. P. Kelner
Tilda Harper writes "where are they now" articles for various entertainment magazines on a free-lance basis. In Blast from the Past, she's invited to the set of Pharos, based on a obscure comic book whose mysterious author has remained unknown for many years. The movie's lead is John Laryea, who once starred in The Blastoffs, a Saturday morning live-action show that lasted only one season. Tilda's invited to the set because security is being provided by the company owned by the father of her ex-boyfriend. The father seems to hope that Tilda and his son will get back together if they're around each other all the time. The limo driver for the company turns out to be Pete Ellis, Laryea's co-star in The Blastoffs, though no one recognizes him except Tilda.
When Laryea's assistant is killed by someone driving the limo, Pete's the natural suspect. Tilda thinks he's innocent, and she does some amateur sleuthing to find out what really happened. In the meantime, she's also been given the job of tracking down the author of Pharos, which proves to be a tricky task.
You know Kelner must have had fun writing this book because not only does she get to write an entertaining mystery but along the way gets to create both a Saturday morning show from years ago and a comic book. She really fleshes them out and makes them seem real. Someone might offer her a new job after reading this novel. One thing I particularly liked was that the two characters on The Blastoffs are named Sid and Marty.
Blast from the Past is fast and fun. Check it out.
Happy Birthday, Frank Buckles!
A gift for the last doughboy's 110th birthday - CNN.com: "Today, on the 110th birthday of Frank Buckles, it's worth pausing for a minute to reflect on the sweep of this man's remarkable life.
He served in the ambulance corps during World War I in France and Germany, where he evacuated wounded soldiers from the horrific battlefield. As if that weren't enough, he was drawn into World War II, where he survived three years in a Japanese POW camp after his freighter was captured.
Buckles also happens to be the last surviving doughboy, yet another distinction for a man who was able to join the Army at just 16. Frank Buckles was on this Earth before we had washing machines, before X-rays, before air conditioning, before TV or plastic, even before sliced bread. He is, in short, amazing and has been alive long enough to inspire awe at his longevity."
He served in the ambulance corps during World War I in France and Germany, where he evacuated wounded soldiers from the horrific battlefield. As if that weren't enough, he was drawn into World War II, where he survived three years in a Japanese POW camp after his freighter was captured.
Buckles also happens to be the last surviving doughboy, yet another distinction for a man who was able to join the Army at just 16. Frank Buckles was on this Earth before we had washing machines, before X-rays, before air conditioning, before TV or plastic, even before sliced bread. He is, in short, amazing and has been alive long enough to inspire awe at his longevity."
Dead on the Island Is Back from the Dead
Get the e-book version now! (Should be on Amazon soon, too.)
Nominated for the Shamus Award for Best First Private Eye Novel"
Tennessee Williams Update
Texas Exes | Much-Anticipated Tennessee Williams Exhibit Opens At Harry Ransom Center: "The exhibit features more than 250 items — manuscripts, letters, photographs, and artwork — that illuminate the creativity of one of the country's most important playwrights. Williams brought the world 'The Glass Menagie,' 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' and 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.' The first two, particularly, were said to reinvent American theater in the mid- to late-1940s."
Seepy Benton Knew this Already
If You Work From Home, You Don't Need Pants! Happy 'Working Naked Day'!: "If you thought those late-January days on the calendar were bare, then Feb. 1 is the full Monty. Today, in case you weren't aware, is now officially known as 'Working Naked Day.'"
Melissa Mia Hall
Melissa Mia Hall died last week. She was a Texas writer and someone Judy and I were acquainted with, having met her at conventions over the years. She was in considerable pain last week, but that didn't stop her from sending Judy a card to wish her well in her own current medical adventures. And then she died. It's a sad story about a fine woman. You can read about it here: The Lipstick Chronicles: The Least Among Us
Uh-Oh
Valet iPad Car Mount | Cool Material: ". . .a car mount for the iPad. Now that your mobile office isn’t restricted to your couch, you can actually be productive. It’s made of carbon fiber for durability and the iPad is snap-in, snap-out for convenience. With the 360 degree rotation and the swivel base, even the back seat is a hands-free iPad zone."
The Decline of Western Civilization Continues Apace
AOL & Mark Burnett To Develop Comedic Shorts Based On CliffsNotes Books – Deadline.com: "AOL Inc., Mark Burnett, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Coalition Films have entered a digital production agreement to co-develop a series of comedic video shorts based on CliffsNotes Literature Guides, published by Wiley."
Damn Near Dead 2 Update
I've received word that the DND2 stories by S. J. Rozan and Ed Gorman have been selected by Otto Penzler and Harlan Coben for inclusion in Best American Mystery Stories 2011. Congratulations to S. J. and Ed, and I hope you've all bought DND2 and read the stories there rather than waiting for the Best of. Because (trust me on this) the other stories are great, too.
Naturally a Math Teacher is Involved
It's a hotel – but with a major difference.: "It's a hotel – but with a major difference.
Instead of booking in guests in human form, Cornwall's newest hotel only takes chickens.
The aptly-named Chicken Hotel recently opened for business at Boskenwyn, Helston.
The venture was set up to give chicken owners a place to check-in their birds while away from home.
David Roberts, 31, a maths teacher who keeps his own chickens as a hobby, runs the hotel."
Instead of booking in guests in human form, Cornwall's newest hotel only takes chickens.
The aptly-named Chicken Hotel recently opened for business at Boskenwyn, Helston.
The venture was set up to give chicken owners a place to check-in their birds while away from home.
David Roberts, 31, a maths teacher who keeps his own chickens as a hobby, runs the hotel."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
17-Year-Old Crowley Quadruplets Accepted Into American Mensa: "Most teenage siblings tend to share clothes and maybe even a family car, but one set of quadruplets from Wylie, Texas, shares something much greater: serious smarts.
The Crowley quadruplets -- Moria, Alanna, Thomas and Patrick -- are 17-year-old juniors at Lovejoy High School who just happen to be extremely bright and gifted.
The foursome have just been accepted into the prestigious high-IQ club, American Mensa, after scoring in the top 2 percent on a standardized test that qualified them for membership.
In the process, the multiples have made history."
The Crowley quadruplets -- Moria, Alanna, Thomas and Patrick -- are 17-year-old juniors at Lovejoy High School who just happen to be extremely bright and gifted.
The foursome have just been accepted into the prestigious high-IQ club, American Mensa, after scoring in the top 2 percent on a standardized test that qualified them for membership.
In the process, the multiples have made history."
Forgotten Films: Ishtar
Okay, so my wife didn't even crack a smile during Spamalot. Does that mean she has no sense of humor? Au contraire. She thinks Ishtar is hilarious. She thought so the first time we saw it in the theater ( could it really have been nearly 25 years ago?), and she thinks so every time she sees it again. Yes, that's right. She's seen it more than once. More than twice. When i