Monday, November 07, 2011
And Keep Off Her Lawn!
The Smoking Gun: -Convinced that her 88-year-old husband was having an affair with her hairdresser, a Missouri woman, 87, shot her spouse in the arm with his own gun, police report.
Sid Melton, R. I. P.
NYTimes.com: Sid Melton, a jug-eared character actor best known for his regular roles in the television shows “Make Room for Daddy” and “Green Acres,” and for his unflagging reliability as the comic relief in many science fiction and noir films of the 1950s, died on Wednesday in Burbank, Calif. He was 94.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The Night Circus -- Erin Morgenstern
Now and then a book that might be published as a big fat fantasy without anybody quibbling about it manages to avoid that label and get published as a mainstream novel to great acclaim. That's what happened with Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, which is about two old magicians who decide to bet on which of their pupils can get the better of the other. Will it be the one who has inherited magical powers or the one who's been carefully taught?Make no mistake here. The magic is real, though the magicians have to pretend it's just legerdemain in order not to frighten the public. With real magic, anything is possible, so we get a story of escalating marvels. And since the pupils are male and female, we get a love story, too.
The Night Circus is full of characters and incident, but Morgenstern's style is clear, and the story flows in short chapters. My friend George Kelley found this book tough going, but I found it fairly entertaining. Even at that, I'm not sure why it's getting such a big push when I find other fantasy novels (like just about any fantasy by Jack Vance) that are more compelling are shoved off into the genre ghetto. I guess that's just the way of the world.
Reese Palmer, R. I. P.
The Washington Post: Reese Palmer, the leader of the Washington-based doo-wop group the Marquees, which in the late 1950s featured singer Marvin Gaye and accompanied Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Billy Stewart on records, died Oct. 27 at Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton. He lived in Temple Hills.
The War on the Apostrophe
Fun Facts (and Fiction) about Pikes Peak: In the early days, it was called (and spelled) “Pike’s Peak.” However, in 1891, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names recommended against the use of apostrophes in geographic names, and the possessive apostrophe was removed from all official references. If that wasn't enough, the Colorado state legislature passed a law in 1978 requiring the use of “Pikes Peak.”
Sunday, November 06, 2011
And Stay off Her Lawn!
Houston Chronicle: A 70-year-old Southern California woman and her son are among four people indicted in a narcotics scheme that authorities say involved buying pharmacies so they could purchase and send a powerful cough syrup from California to Texas, where it was sold for the street concoction "purple drank" or "the�lean."
AbeBooks' Top 10 Most Expensive Sales in October 2011
AbeBooks' Top 10 Most Expensive Sales in October 2011: Those naysayers who say the physical book is dead should take a look at October’s top 10 most expensive sales on AbeBooks. The combined value of the top 10 sales exceeds $98,000 and an $11,000 signed first edition of A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway didn’t even crack the top three.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Leonard Stone, R. I. P.
NYTimes.com: Leonard Stone, a familiar character actor on television and in films who had a memorable turn as an overindulgent father in the 1971 movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” died on Wednesday at his home in San Diego. He was 87.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Andy Rooney, R. I. P.
The Raw Story: Andy Rooney, the curmudgeonly commentator who pondered everything from shoelaces to the existence of God on CBS’s “60 Minutes” news show for more than 30 years, died on Friday night at the age of 92, CBS said.
Friday, November 04, 2011
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
press-citizen.com: According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, 47-year-old Mary K. Wells went to her husband’s workplace in Iowa City at 9:15 p.m. Monday and found him there with another, unidentified woman. Police said Wells hit her husband in the face, tore his shirt and hit him in the face with a rubber hose. Police said Wells hit the other woman in the face and pulled her hair. She also threw a quart of oil at her, striking her in the leg, police said.
Where Am I?
Well, for a good part of the weekend, I'll be visiting the old hometown. I'll be away from the computer, but the usual blog posts will appear if I've scheduled them right, and there should be some other stuff, too. I won't be able to answer e-mail, though.
Matty Alou, R. I. P.
NYTimes.com: Matty Alou, a left-handed slap-hitting outfielder who won a batting championship as a Pittsburgh Pirate and who as a San Francisco Giant once shared an outfield with his brothers Felipe and Jesus, has died in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He was 72.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
They're Doing It To Us as Usual
Daylight Saving Time Is Still A Scam: To sum up: It was never established to help farmers, and has absolutely nothing to do with agriculture; it does not save energy, and may actually expend more of it; and it was not invented by Benjamin Franklin (belief that it was, is an anachronistic misinterpretation of a satirical piece he wrote about the Parisians of his own time).
Archaeology Update
FRANCE 24: A team of paleontologists Thursday showed reporters skulls of a rat-like mammal that lived when dinosaurs still roamed the earth and was recently discovered in southern Argentina.
The '80s and '90s Game Show Quiz
The '80s and '90s Game Show Quiz: How well do you recall the game shows that filled up the TV listings of the 1980s and early '90s?
Top 25 Fantasy Books
Top 25 Fantasy Books: From Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings, IGN presents the best fantasy novels ever written.
The Art Books of Phaidon Press
AbeBooks: The Art Books of Phaidon Press: Phaidon Press has been one of the pioneers of the art book format since publishing a number of gorgeous books on artists in the mid 1930s. Originally founded in Vienna in 1923, this company relocated to London to avoid the Nazis and then carved out a niche for itself by producing beautiful but affordable publications adored by art fans.
Phaidon’s huge range of titles over the decades has covered both popular and scholarly art. Every aspect of visual art has been showcased - photography, classical art, pop art, the history of art, the art collections of the rich and famous, fashion, architecture, decorative arts, all the major artistic movements and even cookbooks that, of course, are easy on the eye.
Phaidon’s huge range of titles over the decades has covered both popular and scholarly art. Every aspect of visual art has been showcased - photography, classical art, pop art, the history of art, the art collections of the rich and famous, fashion, architecture, decorative arts, all the major artistic movements and even cookbooks that, of course, are easy on the eye.
Forgotten Books: Odds Against -- Dick Francis
Now that Dick Francis has gone to that big racetrack in the sky, Felix Francis has inherited the writing chores and appears to be doing just fine. So his father is probably not at much risk of being forgotten. Still, Odds Against, my favorite of his novels, is out of print, so I thought this might be a good time to mention it.I did a post about this book a while back, and instead of going into the story about how I first encountered Francis' work, I'll just let you click on the link and read all about it.
This is the first book about Sid Halley, a former rider who's had to leave the track because of an injury. Now he's a private-eye. He's also got all the baggage that Francis' heroes usually carry: a terrible injury, a wife who's left him, and severe depression. Oh, yeah. He's also just been shot in the stomach. Halley's no Jack Taylor, but he certainly has troubles enough.
When he recovers from the gunshot wound, Sid is hired to look into what appears to be a scheme to buy a racetrack and build a housing development on the property. Complications ensue.
I wonder if all the people writing the "new noir" have read Francis. His characters go through at least as much punishment as most of those today, and sometimes more. Somehow it all seems more upbeat when Francis does it. At any rate, after reading Odds Against, I read every Francis novel that appeared for 40 years or so and never regretted a minute of the time.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Something to Look Forward To
Horror Movie, DVD, & Book Reviews, News, Interviews at Dread Central: Back in 1977 a young Robert Englund co-starred in Tobe Hooper’s Eaten Alive about a backwoods maniac feeding people to a crocodile. A quarter century later, Englund will be back contending with crocodiles in Lake Placid: The Final Chapter. And a former “Angel” star will be joining him.
Richard Gordon, R. I. P.
latimes.com: Richard Gordon, a B-moviemaker whose credits as a producer and executive producer of science fiction and horror films included "Fiend Without a Face" and "The Haunted Strangler," has died. He was 85.
The Gingerbread Bump-off -- Livia Washburn
This is the latest of Livia Washburn's "Fresh-Baked Mysteries," and it's another winner. Pretty soon, Phyllis Newsom is going to have to quit thinking about entering baking contests, though. Too many people get killed when she does. This time the victim is Georgia Hallerbee, who persuades Phyllis (at the last minute) to include her home on the annual Christmas Jingle Bell Tour. Phyllis reluctantly agrees, but her home's not on the tour, after all, since someone clobbers Georgia with a ceramic gingerbread man on Phyllis' front porch.
Phyllis finds herself being drawn into the investigation of the crime, much to the chagrin of a local cop who thinks Phyllis would be a lot better off in the kitchen. Phyllis doesn't like his attitude, and neither does her friend Sam, but they both realize that Phyllis isn't a law-enforcment officer, after all. That cop does seem rude, however.
As usual, Washburn manages to make everybody involved seem to be a likely suspect, and when Phyllis works everything out, she discovers . . . well, that's something I won't reveal. There's a good bit of humor in the book, too, and when I read the "get off the lawn" joke, I knew this book would entertain me all the way. And there's more: the recipes will make your mouth water. Definitely a cozy to read during the holidays or any other time.
Jim Thompson Update
The Fact and the Fiction: Jim Thompson Trivia | Mulholland Books: Mulholland Books is pleased to announce the publication of Jim Thompson’s THE KILLER INSIDE ME, THE GRIFTERS, A SWELL-LOOKING BABE, THE NOTHING MAN, and AFTER DARK, MY SWEET, available as e-books for the first time.
Sunstone Update
Telegraph: A Viking legend which tells of a glowing "sunstone" that, when held up to the sky, disclosed the position of the Sun on a cloudy day may have some basis in truth, scientists believe.
A haven for the spooky and the geeky
A haven for the spooky and the geeky: With more than 100,000 books, the Eaton Collection at UC Riverside is the world’s largest public assortment of science fiction, fantasy, horror and utopian literature. And it is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers worldwide.
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . . .
Police: Parent called to school to discuss fight later starts one | Des Moines Register Staff Blogs: When she returned to the car she learned that her husband “felt disrespected by being told to wait in the car,” police said. Andrew Long allegedly punched his wife in the face and choked her on the way home as she was driving. When she pushed him away he allegedly bit her finger, police said. Angie Long admitted biting him back, officials added.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Ripper Update
The Sun |News: AN author has uncovered a six-inch blade - which he believes was the one used by Victorian serial killer Jack the Ripper.
Tony Williams found the knife amongst the possessions of his distant relative Sir John Williams, a chief suspect in the murders.
Tony Williams found the knife amongst the possessions of his distant relative Sir John Williams, a chief suspect in the murders.
George Rountree, R. I. P.
The Washington Post: A key behind-the-scenes associate of the famed Motown quartet the Four Tops, George Rountree, has died. He was 61.
Gilbert Cates, R. I. P.
CBS News: Gilbert Cates, the producer and director who oversaw a record 14 Academy Awards ceremonies, has died. He was 77.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
How Celebrities Took Over Cartoon Voice Acting - Scott Meslow - Entertainment
Entertainment - The Atlantic: Puss In Boots, with Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, is the latest animated flick with famous voices behind the characters. It wasn't always this way, though.
Link via SF Signal.
This Is Not a Post from Russia in 1955
USATODAY.com: Starting today, the welcome screens on 1.2 million hotel television sets in Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn and other hotels in the USA will show a short public service announcement from DHS. The 15-second spot encourages viewers to be vigilant and call law enforcement if they witness something suspicious during their travels.
Uh-Oh
Houston woman says she was sickened by contaminated Dr. Pepper
Yes, I know there's not supposed to be a period after the abbreviation, but I'm not the headline writer.
Seepy Benton Knew this Already
Fibonacci: the man who figured out flowers - Telegraph: Try to imagine a day without numbers. Try to imagine getting through the first hour of that day. No alarm clock, no time, no date, no television or radio, no stock market report or sports results in the newspapers, no bank account to check.
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
NJ.com: A Jersey City woman said her finger was bitten during a fight at a Hoboken parking garage early Saturday after a woman from Texas pulled the bottom of her skirt down, police said.
Uh-Oh
Deadline.com: Director Martin Campbell is in early discussions to come aboard The Fall Guy, the movie adaptation of the Glen Larson-created 1981 TV series.
No Comment Department
AFP: Bidders scramble for royal underwear: A pair of ample bloomers once owned by Queen Victoria sold for more than £9,000 ($14,330, 10,500 euros) at an Edinburgh auction, more than three times the original estimate.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Stay off Their Lawns!
FBI — North Georgia Men Arrested, Charged in Plots to Purchase Explosives, Silencer and to Manufacture a Biological Toxin: Frederick Thomas, 73, of Cleveland, Ga.; Dan Roberts, 67, of Toccoa, Ga.; Ray H. Adams, 65, of Toccoa; and Samuel J. Crump, 68, of Toccoa, were arrested today relating to plans to obtain an unregistered explosive device and silencer and to manufacture the biological toxin ricin for use in attacks against other U.S. citizens and government personnel and officials.
PimPage: An Occasional Feature in Which I Call Interesting Books to Your Attention
Amazon.com: National Security (9780786024940): Marc Cameron: Books: They can strike anytime, anywhere. A public landmark. A suburban shopping mall. And now, the human body itself. Three Middle Eastern terrorists have been injected with a biological weapon, human time bombs unleashed on American soil. They are prepared to die. To spread their disease. To annihilate millions. If America hopes to fight this enemy from within, we need a new kind of weapon. Meet Special Agent Jericho Quinn. Air Force veteran. Champion boxer. Trained assassin. Hand-picked for a new global task force that, officially, does not exist, Quinn answers only to the Director of National Intelligence and the U.S. President himself. His methods are as simple, and as brutal, as his codename: The Hammer.
A Podcast of Interest
The Night Crew Podcast: This episode The Night Crew brings you director Monte Hellman, and author Joe R. Lansdale. Hear about Hellman’s classics Two-lane Blacktop and Cockfighter, as well as his recent neo-noir Road To Nowhere. Then Hisownself, Mr. Lansdale hangs out and talks his new novels, the writing process, and geeks out over comics and movies with Sean and Thom
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
The Augusta Chronicle: A 10-year-old Aiken trick-or-treater pulled a gun on a woman who said she would take his candy on Halloween.
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
Naples Daily News: A Bonita Springs man is accused of beating his girlfriend after she woke him playing with a sex "toy" in bed.
Zombie Worms WBAGNFARB
Zombie worms found in whale fossil
And so would their alternate name: They are also known by the colourful name of “bone-eating snot flowers”.
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
St. Petersburg Times: Anger over dead pet leads Clearwater man to burn roommate's belongings
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Austin, Texas Explores Photo Parking Snitch Tickets: Residents of Austin, Texas may soon have the power to issue parking tickets by taking a few photographs of someone else's car with their smartphones. A unanimous council voted on October 20 to explore the concept of deputizing vigilante meter maids using an iPhone app.
Whatever Happened to the Harry Potter Readers?
AbeBooks: Whatever Happened to the Harry Potter Readers?: AbeBooks analyzed the subsequent purchases of customers who bought Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from our site and this rather eclectic list of 30 books reflects the most popular post-Potter reading. We expected to see Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight books, Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy and perhaps some magical-themed literature but our guesses were wildly off target.
My comment would be that people who bought the books didn't necessarily read them. I suspect that many of them were people who bought them for their kids. A very unscientific survey.
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
CBS Sacramento: The bizarre incident began at the Starbucks at West El Camino and Truxel after a man began asking customers for money. When he failed to get any donations, witnesses said he grew very agitated and started screaming at people.
Officials said he also allegedly shattered a glass counter that separates the customers from the baristas, and threw coffee and other items all over the cafe.
Officials said he also allegedly shattered a glass counter that separates the customers from the baristas, and threw coffee and other items all over the cafe.
Blasted Heath Blasts Off
Blasted Bonanza: Free books!
Every day this week, starting Wednesday 2nd, we’re giving away one of our five launch novels. All you have to do is enter the code below at our checkout and the price will be miraculously reduced to zero. Ta da!
Every day this week, starting Wednesday 2nd, we’re giving away one of our five launch novels. All you have to do is enter the code below at our checkout and the price will be miraculously reduced to zero. Ta da!
Overlooked Movies: Three Godfathers
I have a soft spot for this one because it's the first movie I remember going to see with my father. I would've been seven years old at the time. Aside from that, though, I can watch this anytime at all. John Wayne might not have been a great actor, but he was a great screen presence as he proves in many movies, including this one. For me, that's as good as being a great actor. Some people think this movie's too sentimental, and maybe it is. Not for me, though. (See above for the reason I have a soft spot for it.) Besides, it's directed by John Ford, who could do sentimentality in a way that I don't mind. Some people find it hard to believe that three bank robbers would risk everything to save a child. More sentimentality, I suppose, but I can suspend my disbelief easily enough when I want to. I don't mind the religious symbolism, either, even if it does get a little heavy at times.
The scenery's great, as you'd expect, and if you don't need a drink of water by the end of the trek, you're just not human. I don't ever put 3 Godfathers on my list of Top Ten Westerns, but it would have to be close.
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