Saturday, May 03, 2008
Konga
Not in English and all the better for that. Thanks to Fred Blosser for the reminder. (I have the Monarch novelizations of both Reptilicus and Konga. I'm not proud of that.)
In Texas We Regard this as Normal Behavior
People may have lived with skeleton on couch - Weird news- msnbc.com: "DALLAS - The skeletal remains of a 93-year-old woman may have remained on a couch in her living room for months while one or more people continued living in the house, authorities said.
Neighbors reported seeing cars come and go from the home as recently as this week before police, doing a welfare check at the request of a neighbor, found a body inside Monday."
Neighbors reported seeing cars come and go from the home as recently as this week before police, doing a welfare check at the request of a neighbor, found a body inside Monday."
Jim Hager. R. I. P.
Jim Hager, 66, Is Dead; Performed With Twin on ‘Hee Haw’ - New York Times: "NASHVILLE (AP) — Jim Hager, one of the Hager Twins, who satirized country life with hit-or-miss one-liners on the television series “Hee Haw,” died here after collapsing in a coffee shop on Thursday. He was 66."
Friday, May 02, 2008
We're Back!
Judy and I are back in scenic Alvin after our trip to her hometown. Things went smoothly at the courthouse in Groesbeck. We were in and out in under 15 minutes, and now the house in Thornton officially belongs to Judy. After the visit to the courthouse, I couldn't resist stopping at a little antique shop, where I found a copy of a gothic novel by Gerda Cerra and a copy of Naked Portia by Marcus Miller. The latter is a Pleasure Reader from 1967. I wish I'd found a few more Pleasure Readers, but that was the only one in the store.
Back at Judy's house, we started going through things, mostly papers (letters, pictures, cards, things like that). After a while, it got too sad, so we stopped. We'll go back and do more another time. Among the things we found were a newspaper (or what's left of it) from 1929, with a front-page article about the death of Judy's grandfather. There was another newspaper with a front-page article about the marriage of Judy's parents. Maybe I'll try to scan the papers later, if I can do it without having them fall apart. The ads are great. One restaurant offered "Steak and Potatoes, 10 cents." Steak sold for 25 cents a pound in the grocery store.
Back at Judy's house, we started going through things, mostly papers (letters, pictures, cards, things like that). After a while, it got too sad, so we stopped. We'll go back and do more another time. Among the things we found were a newspaper (or what's left of it) from 1929, with a front-page article about the death of Judy's grandfather. There was another newspaper with a front-page article about the marriage of Judy's parents. Maybe I'll try to scan the papers later, if I can do it without having them fall apart. The ads are great. One restaurant offered "Steak and Potatoes, 10 cents." Steak sold for 25 cents a pound in the grocery store.
Gator Update (Toy Turtle Edition)
Toy Turtle Kills 9-Foot Alligator - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando: "BIG PINE KEY, Fla. -- An alligator in the Florida Keys has died after eating a toy turtle the size of a cookie cutter, wildlife officials said.
The 9-foot male was known by locals as 'Bacardi' because of his No. 151 tail tag. He was found dead in the popular Blue Hole quarry on Tuesday, and officials determined the cause the following day.
A necropsy showed the plastic toy stuck between the alligator's stomach and intestines, blocking his ability to digest food."
The 9-foot male was known by locals as 'Bacardi' because of his No. 151 tail tag. He was found dead in the popular Blue Hole quarry on Tuesday, and officials determined the cause the following day.
A necropsy showed the plastic toy stuck between the alligator's stomach and intestines, blocking his ability to digest food."
Unattractive Rockers?
From Gigwise. You can read it here or click the link for the slideshow.
20. Matt Bowman of The Pigeon Detectives - You wouldn’t exactly call The Pigeon Detectives a good looking band and their front man is no exception. It’s no wonder he keeps his hair all long and shaggy, it must be to cover his face.
19. Boy George - Listen here, George Alan O’Dowd, no matter how much make-up you put on, you’re never going look even remotely attractive. Time for growing old gracefully and not embarrassing yourself any longer.
18. Alice Cooper – At 60 years old and with a sprawling career that spans five decades, the tolls of his early hedonistic lifestyle and too much sun on the golf course recently have clearly paid their toll on Alice. That said, he’s still the king of rock and roll pantomime.
17. Adele – Before everyone gets on their high horses and complains, Adele isn’t on the list because she’s overweight. Nope, her inclusion is based solely on the paparazzi shots we get in the office of Adele looking worse for wear in the early hours after too many shandies.
16. Flavor Flav – To say that Flavor Flav has animated looks is a massive understatement. Let’s just say that the clock-loving Public Enemy man is unique.
15. Pete Townshend of The Who – The guitarist may be a musical legend, but everyone knows he’s always been an aesthetically challenged type – not helped by his absolutely massive hooter. Bless him.
14. Patti Smith - It hurts us to put her on here really, being a music legend and all that, but after the suggestions of several readers we decided to bow to pressure. Honestly guv'nor.
13. Joe Perry of Aerosmith – Frontman Steve Tyler was in our ugliest rock stars part one, now it’s the turn of Aerosmith lead geetarist Joe Perry. The man has the kind of square jaw line that would make David Coulthard weep.
12. Jackie McKeown of 1990s (centre, bottom) - Those teeth, those teeth! Has the man never heard of going to the dentist?! The 1990s front man has some of the nastiest gnashers in music and the rest of his face ain’t too good either. Still, top tunes.
11. Mick Jones of The Clash - We know who probably got all the ladies in The Clash, and it wasn’t Mick Jones. The guitarist just didn’t have any luck when it came to the dishing out of good looks and time hasn’t been too kind to him either.
10. Geddy Lee of Rush – The acclaimed lead singer and bassist is undeniably a music legend, but sadly for him he’s been beaten badly by the ole’ ugly stick. Close your eyes instead and enjoy the music.
9. Chad Kroeger of Nickelback – It really baffles us how Nickelback have managed to become a multi-million selling global superband. What’s even more confusing is exactly how anyone could be attracted to his ugly mush.
8. Ginger Baker – So proud of his auburn locks (and who wouldn’t be?) was Baker, that at an early age he dropped his forename Peter in favour of Ginger. His middle name is Ugly by the way.
7. Gene Simmons - He may have an extremely long tongue but some of the reputed 5000 ladies that have slept with the KISS man either needed glasses or had very low standards. He was never a looker and now he’s just a haggard old man clinging on to past glories.
6. Robin Gibb - Poor Gibbo, the Bee Gee is in no way hideously ugly; instead he's more the archetypal geeky nerd. That's before we mention the dodgy as hell wig.
5. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones – Word has it that scientists are preparing to pickle Keef when he finally croaks it to discover just how he’s managed to live so long after a life of unparalleled debauchery. Despite still being alive and kicking, his wrinkled-as-a-prune carcass-esque skin looks as though it’s ready to fall off at any moment.
4. Mick Mars of Motley Crue – The silent member of Motley Crue and for all the right reasons; he’s one funny looking character. The only major benefit of having him in the band is that he makes the other three look more attractive – something they’re all in dire need of.
3. Ric Ocasek - At well over six foot and weighing about six stone, former Cars singer Ocasek is very much the beanpole of our list. Add to this a pastey complexion and a curious face and you have one ugly bloke.
2. Justin Hawkins formerly of The Darkness – It escapes us why we didn’t put Hawkins on our first ugliest rock stars gallery, such are his frightful looks. Amazingly, his ugly looks are now where near as bad as the hideous music he makes.
1. Amy Winehouse - Let’s be slightly fair to Wino; if anyone had a swarm of paparazzi following their every move, it would be sure to churn up some pretty grim photos. Yet, ravaged by a diet of drugs, alcohol, kebabs and Space Raiders crisps, Amy is starting to look worse - and, sadly, uglier - by the day.
20. Matt Bowman of The Pigeon Detectives - You wouldn’t exactly call The Pigeon Detectives a good looking band and their front man is no exception. It’s no wonder he keeps his hair all long and shaggy, it must be to cover his face.
19. Boy George - Listen here, George Alan O’Dowd, no matter how much make-up you put on, you’re never going look even remotely attractive. Time for growing old gracefully and not embarrassing yourself any longer.
18. Alice Cooper – At 60 years old and with a sprawling career that spans five decades, the tolls of his early hedonistic lifestyle and too much sun on the golf course recently have clearly paid their toll on Alice. That said, he’s still the king of rock and roll pantomime.
17. Adele – Before everyone gets on their high horses and complains, Adele isn’t on the list because she’s overweight. Nope, her inclusion is based solely on the paparazzi shots we get in the office of Adele looking worse for wear in the early hours after too many shandies.
16. Flavor Flav – To say that Flavor Flav has animated looks is a massive understatement. Let’s just say that the clock-loving Public Enemy man is unique.
15. Pete Townshend of The Who – The guitarist may be a musical legend, but everyone knows he’s always been an aesthetically challenged type – not helped by his absolutely massive hooter. Bless him.
14. Patti Smith - It hurts us to put her on here really, being a music legend and all that, but after the suggestions of several readers we decided to bow to pressure. Honestly guv'nor.
13. Joe Perry of Aerosmith – Frontman Steve Tyler was in our ugliest rock stars part one, now it’s the turn of Aerosmith lead geetarist Joe Perry. The man has the kind of square jaw line that would make David Coulthard weep.
12. Jackie McKeown of 1990s (centre, bottom) - Those teeth, those teeth! Has the man never heard of going to the dentist?! The 1990s front man has some of the nastiest gnashers in music and the rest of his face ain’t too good either. Still, top tunes.
11. Mick Jones of The Clash - We know who probably got all the ladies in The Clash, and it wasn’t Mick Jones. The guitarist just didn’t have any luck when it came to the dishing out of good looks and time hasn’t been too kind to him either.
10. Geddy Lee of Rush – The acclaimed lead singer and bassist is undeniably a music legend, but sadly for him he’s been beaten badly by the ole’ ugly stick. Close your eyes instead and enjoy the music.
9. Chad Kroeger of Nickelback – It really baffles us how Nickelback have managed to become a multi-million selling global superband. What’s even more confusing is exactly how anyone could be attracted to his ugly mush.
8. Ginger Baker – So proud of his auburn locks (and who wouldn’t be?) was Baker, that at an early age he dropped his forename Peter in favour of Ginger. His middle name is Ugly by the way.
7. Gene Simmons - He may have an extremely long tongue but some of the reputed 5000 ladies that have slept with the KISS man either needed glasses or had very low standards. He was never a looker and now he’s just a haggard old man clinging on to past glories.
6. Robin Gibb - Poor Gibbo, the Bee Gee is in no way hideously ugly; instead he's more the archetypal geeky nerd. That's before we mention the dodgy as hell wig.
5. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones – Word has it that scientists are preparing to pickle Keef when he finally croaks it to discover just how he’s managed to live so long after a life of unparalleled debauchery. Despite still being alive and kicking, his wrinkled-as-a-prune carcass-esque skin looks as though it’s ready to fall off at any moment.
4. Mick Mars of Motley Crue – The silent member of Motley Crue and for all the right reasons; he’s one funny looking character. The only major benefit of having him in the band is that he makes the other three look more attractive – something they’re all in dire need of.
3. Ric Ocasek - At well over six foot and weighing about six stone, former Cars singer Ocasek is very much the beanpole of our list. Add to this a pastey complexion and a curious face and you have one ugly bloke.
2. Justin Hawkins formerly of The Darkness – It escapes us why we didn’t put Hawkins on our first ugliest rock stars gallery, such are his frightful looks. Amazingly, his ugly looks are now where near as bad as the hideous music he makes.
1. Amy Winehouse - Let’s be slightly fair to Wino; if anyone had a swarm of paparazzi following their every move, it would be sure to churn up some pretty grim photos. Yet, ravaged by a diet of drugs, alcohol, kebabs and Space Raiders crisps, Amy is starting to look worse - and, sadly, uglier - by the day.
Carnival in Germany!
Carnival of the Criminal Minds, No. 15 � Internationale Krimis: "Welcome to the 15. installment of the Crime Fiction Carnival !
With this post the Carnival arrives in Germany. As the majority of its regular attendants will not be so familiar with the German language I try to stick with English."
With this post the Carnival arrives in Germany. As the majority of its regular attendants will not be so familiar with the German language I try to stick with English."
Short Mystery Fiction Society Derringer Awards
The Abbott women rule. Megan wins an Edgar and Patti wins a Derringer. Congrats to all the winners.
BEST STORY, 1000 or LESS:
"My Hero" by Patricia Abbott
Published in DZ Allen's Muzzle Flash
BEST STORY, 1001 to 4000 WORDS:
"In the Shadows of Wrigley Field" by John Weagly
Published in The Back Alley
BEST STORY, 4001 to 8000 WORDS:
"The Gospel According to Gordon Black" by Richard Helms
Published in The Thrilling Detective
BEST STORY, 8001 to 17500 WORDS:
"Paper Walls/Glass Houses" by Eric Shane
Published in The Back Alley
BEST STORY, 1000 or LESS:
"My Hero" by Patricia Abbott
Published in DZ Allen's Muzzle Flash
BEST STORY, 1001 to 4000 WORDS:
"In the Shadows of Wrigley Field" by John Weagly
Published in The Back Alley
BEST STORY, 4001 to 8000 WORDS:
"The Gospel According to Gordon Black" by Richard Helms
Published in The Thrilling Detective
BEST STORY, 8001 to 17500 WORDS:
"Paper Walls/Glass Houses" by Eric Shane
Published in The Back Alley
New Issue of Astonishing Adventures Now Available On-Line
Digital download
http://www.mediafire.com/?lzrrmvvyste
Read online
http://issuu.com/astonishing/docs/aam3?mode=embed&documentId=080502043155-20cb411f0bc349d39594597bcbf2e2bc&layout=grey
http://www.mediafire.com/
Read online
http://issuu.com/astonishing
We hope you enjoy this issue! The print version will be available on Amazon shortly
The second issue is available on Amazon right now!
http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-Adventures-Magazine-Donald-Carlucci/dp/1434827100/ref=pd_ybh_1?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11Y1MPDFZH3YBPF040NM
Fossil Update
Pyramids packed with fossil shells (ABC News in Science): "Many of Egypt's most famous monuments, such as the Sphinx and Cheops pyramid at Giza, contain hundreds of thousands of marine fossils, according to a new study.
Most of the fossils are intact and preserved in the monument walls, giving clues to how the monuments were built.
The authors suggest the stones that make up the Giza plateau, Fayum and Abydos monuments must have been carved out of natural stone as they reveal what chunks of the sea floor must have looked like over 4000 years ago, when the buildings were erected."
Most of the fossils are intact and preserved in the monument walls, giving clues to how the monuments were built.
The authors suggest the stones that make up the Giza plateau, Fayum and Abydos monuments must have been carved out of natural stone as they reveal what chunks of the sea floor must have looked like over 4000 years ago, when the buildings were erected."
The Book You Have to Read: The Assistant -- Bernard Malamud
It's Friday again, time for Patti Abbot's "The Book You Have to Read" meme.I have no idea where Bernard Malamud stands in the pantheon of American literature these days. I just know that he wrote two novels that affected me powerfully. One is The Natural, which is nothing much like the movie version, and the other is The Assistant, which we might even be able to call a crime novel, since it begins with a holdup.
I grew up in a little East Texas town with a very small Jewish population. I remember the Altman family because they lived next door to my cousin. Ronnie played touch football with us and collected baseball cards along with us. I also remember Joe Jacobs, whose father owned a clothing store. Joe was the drummer in the high school band and a great one. He also carried a switchblade so long that even when closed it protruded out of the top of his jeans pocket. The other Jews I knew were all in books, and it was in The Assistant that I met Morris Bober. I also met Frank Alpin, who was not a Jew but who learns a lot about being Jewish after he holds up Morris and later becomes his assistant.
Desperation, sorrow, fear, happiness, this book has them all, and it's told in a clear, readable style, as are all the stories and novels I've read by Malamud. If you've never read Malamud, give him a try. This book, or the collection of stories titled The Magic Barrel, would be a great place sto start.
Click here for links to more forgotten books.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Edgar Awards
Congratulations to all!
Mystery Writers of America is proud to announce its Winners for the 2008 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television and film published or produced in 2007.
BEST NOVEL
Down River by John Hart (St. Martin's Minotaur)
BEST FIRST NOVEL BY AN AMERICAN AUTHOR
In the Woods by Tana French (Penguin Group – Viking)
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
Queenpin by Megan Abbott (Simon & Schuster)
BEST FACT CRIME
Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
by Vincent Bugliosi (W.W. Norton and Company
BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL
Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters
by Jon Lellenberg, Daniel Stashower and Charles Foley (The Penguin Press)
BEST SHORT STORY
"The Golden Gopher ' – Los Angeles Noir by Susan Straight (Akashic Books
BEST JUVENILE
The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh (Hyperion Books for Young Readers)
BEST YOUNG ADULT
Rat Life by Tedd Arnold (Penguin – Dial Books for Young Readers)
BEST PLAY
Panic by Joseph Goodrich (International Mystery Writers' Festival)
BEST TELEVISION EPISODE TELEPLAY
"Pilot" – Burn Notice, Teleplay by Matt Nix (USA Network/Fox Television Studios)
BEST MOTION PICTURE SCREENPLAY
Michael Clayton, Screenplay by Tony Gilroy (Warner Bros. Pictures)
# # # #
The EDGAR (and logo) are Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.
Get Ready for the New Indiana Jones Movie
Legend of the Crystal Skulls: "Along with superstars like Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, and Shia LaBeouf, the newest Indiana Jones movie promises to showcase one of the most enigmatic classes of artifacts known to archaeologists, crystal skulls that first surfaced in the 19th century and that specialists attributed to various 'ancient Mesoamerican' cultures. In this article, Smithsonian anthropologist Jane MacLaren Walsh shares her own adventures analyzing the artifacts that inspired Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (in theaters May 22), and details her efforts tracking down a mysterious 'obtainer of rare antiquities' who may have held the key to the origin of these exotic objects."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
We're from the Government, and We're Here to Help You
Air marshals grounded in list mix-ups�-�-�Breaking News, Political News & National Security News - The Washington Times: "False identifications based on a terrorist no-fly list have for years prevented some federal air marshals from boarding flights they are assigned to protect, according to officials with the agency, which is finally taking steps to address the problem.
Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) familiar with the situation say the mix-ups, in which marshals are mistaken for terrorism suspects who share the same names, have gone on for years — just as they have for thousands of members of the traveling public.
One air marshal said it has been 'a major problem, where guys are denied boarding by the airline.'"
Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) familiar with the situation say the mix-ups, in which marshals are mistaken for terrorism suspects who share the same names, have gone on for years — just as they have for thousands of members of the traveling public.
One air marshal said it has been 'a major problem, where guys are denied boarding by the airline.'"
The Shadow Year -- Jeffrey Ford
Jeffrey Ford won an Edgar a couple of years ago for The Girl in the Glass. I wasn't as taken by it as the judges were, just as I wasn't as taken with The Physiognomy as the World Fantasy award judges were. I liked the books well enough, but there was something about both of them that left me cold. Clearly I have a blind spot.I was hoping to like The Shadow Year much more than those others. I'm a sucker for books about childhood, books that seem to mix very real memories with fiction, and some of the ones that rank high with me are Rick McCammon's Boy's Life, Bradbury's Dandelion Wine, Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Lansdale's The Bottoms, and, well, I could go on and on.
While Ford's novel wouldn't be near the top of my list, it was okay. It begins at the end of summer, and it's told by a boy who has one more year of of elementary school before entering junior high. His family doesn't have much money. His father works three jobs, and his mother is an alcoholic. His sister, Mary, sometimes assumes the identity of "Mickey," as well as at least three other characters, and she has a mysterious affinity for numbers. His brother, Jim, is older and much more sure of himself. In the basement, Jim has build a model of their hometown. He calls it Botch Town. While a serial killer stalks the real town, Mary moves the figures in Botch Town into positions that foretell locations where bodies are found, among other things. The killer, Mr. White, begins to stalk the family.
This isn't the usual serial killer novel, however. The novel is, I'd have to say, very loosely plotted. Ford seems a lot more interested in recording his memories of the middle 1960s and what it was like to be a kid in a small town in those days than in the plot. In that since, the book rambles, but it's fun to read all the side material, which is more fun than the serial killer plot. The supernatural intervenes now and then, especially around resolution time.
I have a feeling this is another book that everyone will like more than I did. For me, it was only a moderate success.
Why Didn't I Think of Doing This?
The BIG One - WTAM 1100: "Paris Hilton can add musical muse to her resume - her boyfriend, Benji Madden, has written her a love song.
The socialite-turned-actress and singer reveals the Good Charlotte rocker has already recorded the track, called 'Shine Your Light.'"
The socialite-turned-actress and singer reveals the Good Charlotte rocker has already recorded the track, called 'Shine Your Light.'"
Croc Update (Wales Edition)
Crocodile spotted near Welsh supermarket - Telegraph: "Fisherman Steve Jenkins, 38, was walking his dog on the bank when he spotted what he thought was a log swim away.
He said he realised it was a crocodile and called the police.
Police officers and RSPCA inspectors visited the scene but could not find the reptile."
He said he realised it was a crocodile and called the police.
Police officers and RSPCA inspectors visited the scene but could not find the reptile."
Storyglossia Crime Fiction Issue
Anthony Neil Smith is the editor of Storyglossia's special crime fiction issue. Talk about a powerhouse line-up! Better check it out now, as there are bound to be some great stories in there.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Judy Update
Thanks for the good wishes. Judy's test results were great, so now she just has to look forward to an MRI next month and in three months another round of the usual tests. Tomorrow we visit the county courthouse. I haven't been inside this particular courthouse since Judy and I went for our marriage license. Judy worked in the tax assessor's office, which is where we'll be going, when she was in college.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Local museum ranked #1 : News : KVII: "Two Texas panhandle museums have been mentioned in the May 2008 issue of 'True West' magazine. The issue lists the top ten western museums and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum tops the list as the number one most loved museum. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame was mentioned on the honorable mention list."
On the Road Again
By the time you read this, Judy and I will be on the way to MD Anderson to get the results of the tests she had last week. After we get the results, we're going on up the road to the bustling metroplis of Thornton, Texas, where we'll be attending to some of the business relating to her mother's property. We'll be there a couple of days, stuck in the land of really slow dial-up, but posting will continue here, assuming I can get any kind of connection at all.
Gator Update (NPR Edition)
Audio at the link.
Beloved Gator's Body and Insides Go on Display : NPR: "Oscar the alligator charmed generations of tourists as he swam and lurked at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, and he will continue to be a tourist attraction after his death.
Oscar weighed a thousand pounds and was about 100 years old when he died last year."
Beloved Gator's Body and Insides Go on Display : NPR: "Oscar the alligator charmed generations of tourists as he swam and lurked at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, and he will continue to be a tourist attraction after his death.
Oscar weighed a thousand pounds and was about 100 years old when he died last year."
We Don't Think Small in Texas
Star-Telegram.com: | 04/29/2008 | Crowley man arrested after trying to cash $360 billion check: "FORT WORTH -- An aspiring record label owner is singing the blues after he was arrested last week for allegedly trying to pass a $360 billion check at a Fort Worth bank."
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
OGC unveils new logo to red faces - Telegraph
OGC unveils new logo to red faces - Telegraph: "It cost �14,000 to create, but clearly no-one at the smart London design 
outfit that came up with the new logo for HM Treasury thought to turn it on its side."Thanks to Jeff Smith for the link.
6 Random Things
Patrick Shawn Bagley tagged me with the meme. I'm supposed to tell you 6 random things about myself. Here goes:
1. I once had dinner with Katherine Anne Porter.
2. I'm about to leave the house and jog for 45 minutes.
3. I'm currently reading The Name of the Wind (which, by the way is really long).
4. I watch fewer than 5 TV shows regularly.
5. I do watch the Houston Astros regularly (masochism, I know).
6. I once owned a 1949 Dodge.
I'm supposed to tag others, but I don't like to do that. However, feel free to tell random stuff about yourself in the comments.
1. I once had dinner with Katherine Anne Porter.
2. I'm about to leave the house and jog for 45 minutes.
3. I'm currently reading The Name of the Wind (which, by the way is really long).
4. I watch fewer than 5 TV shows regularly.
5. I do watch the Houston Astros regularly (masochism, I know).
6. I once owned a 1949 Dodge.
I'm supposed to tag others, but I don't like to do that. However, feel free to tell random stuff about yourself in the comments.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Happy Birthday, Ann-Margret!
It's also Harper Lee's birthday, and I wish a very happy one to both of these women who've influenced my life in different ways.
UFO Update
Baytown's not too far from Alvin. About a 40 minute drive. Video at the link.
Bright lights, big city: UFO reported over Texas skies | News for Austin, Texas | KVUE.com | Top Stories: "BAYTOWN, Texas — Lisa Fojt and her aunt, Kathy Boyd, say they saw more than the bright refinery lights of Baytown when they crossed the Fred Hartman Bridge Saturday night.
“There’s no explanation. But we know what we saw,” Boyd said.
They saw a UFO. Really.
“It was an extremely bright light, it was a blue-green light,” Boyd said."
Bright lights, big city: UFO reported over Texas skies | News for Austin, Texas | KVUE.com | Top Stories: "BAYTOWN, Texas — Lisa Fojt and her aunt, Kathy Boyd, say they saw more than the bright refinery lights of Baytown when they crossed the Fred Hartman Bridge Saturday night.
“There’s no explanation. But we know what we saw,” Boyd said.
They saw a UFO. Really.
“It was an extremely bright light, it was a blue-green light,” Boyd said."
Leather Maiden -- Joe R. Lansdale
While you can't read this book until later in the year (official release date is 8/5), I happen to have special powers that allow me to see things in advance. So I'll tell you a little about it.
Cason Statler's a veteran of the Iraq war and a Pulitzer-nominated reporter who's had a little trouble on his last job. He also has a drinking problem. So he's reduced to looking for work in his hometown of Camp Rapture. He gets a job as a columnist for the local paper, and in the course of looking through his predecessor's files, he comes across some notes about a young woman's mysterious disappearance. When he starts digging into the story, he uncovers any number of unexplained events, from the seemingly innocent to the bizarre. The deeper he digs, the more bizarre things get, and when you're reading a book by Joe Lansdale, that can be pretty bizarre. Like the title. You might think you have an idea of what the title means, but I figure you're wrong.
By the time Booger shows up in town, Statler's into the middle of a conspiracy so twisted that only Lansdale could have dreamed it up. Booger, by the way, is a sociopath who counts Statler as one of his few friends. His other friends are a guy called Runt and his weapons, including Mr. Lucky, his .45 automatic. Before the end, Statler and Booger are literally in a race against the clock.
Violence, humor, snappy patter, suspense: Leather Maiden has 'em all. Too bad you have to wait until August, but now you know you have something to look forward to with eager anticipation.
Cason Statler's a veteran of the Iraq war and a Pulitzer-nominated reporter who's had a little trouble on his last job. He also has a drinking problem. So he's reduced to looking for work in his hometown of Camp Rapture. He gets a job as a columnist for the local paper, and in the course of looking through his predecessor's files, he comes across some notes about a young woman's mysterious disappearance. When he starts digging into the story, he uncovers any number of unexplained events, from the seemingly innocent to the bizarre. The deeper he digs, the more bizarre things get, and when you're reading a book by Joe Lansdale, that can be pretty bizarre. Like the title. You might think you have an idea of what the title means, but I figure you're wrong.
By the time Booger shows up in town, Statler's into the middle of a conspiracy so twisted that only Lansdale could have dreamed it up. Booger, by the way, is a sociopath who counts Statler as one of his few friends. His other friends are a guy called Runt and his weapons, including Mr. Lucky, his .45 automatic. Before the end, Statler and Booger are literally in a race against the clock.
Violence, humor, snappy patter, suspense: Leather Maiden has 'em all. Too bad you have to wait until August, but now you know you have something to look forward to with eager anticipation.
10 Nearly Forgotten Number One Songs
I remember 8 of these quite well, and in fact, I have several versions of "Telstar" on my computer, including one by Bobby Rydell (don't ask).
10 Nearly Forgotten Number One Songs - The List Universe: "As the decades pass, some songs increase in popularity when they reach new listeners via concerts, advertising, or movie soundtracks. Others aren’t readily available commercially, and thus become nearly forgotten.
This list is of outstanding songs many casual listeners will not be familiar with, and placed #1 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Please feel free to post how many of the selections you have heard along with your comments."
10 Nearly Forgotten Number One Songs - The List Universe: "As the decades pass, some songs increase in popularity when they reach new listeners via concerts, advertising, or movie soundtracks. Others aren’t readily available commercially, and thus become nearly forgotten.
This list is of outstanding songs many casual listeners will not be familiar with, and placed #1 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Please feel free to post how many of the selections you have heard along with your comments."
Kate Phillips, R. I. P.
Thanks to Vince Keenan for the link.
Kate Phillips, Actress Who Christened ‘The Blob,’ Is Dead at 94 - New York Times: "Kate Phillips, who played mostly supporting roles on Broadway and in more than 50 films in the 1930s and ’40s and who later was a co-writer of the 1958 horror film “The Blob,” died on April 18 in Keene, N.H. She was 94.
The death was confirmed by Lawrence Benaquist, chairman of film studies at Keene State College. Mrs. Phillips, known during her acting career as Kay Linaker, taught at the college from 1980 until two years ago.
In 1956, while working with Theodore Simonson on the script for a movie that was supposed to be called “The Molten Meteor,” Mrs. Phillips referred to the giant jellylike creature from another planet that had plopped into a field outside of a small town as “the blob.” Overhearing her, the producers changed the name of what became something of a cult classic."
Update: Click here.
Kate Phillips, Actress Who Christened ‘The Blob,’ Is Dead at 94 - New York Times: "Kate Phillips, who played mostly supporting roles on Broadway and in more than 50 films in the 1930s and ’40s and who later was a co-writer of the 1958 horror film “The Blob,” died on April 18 in Keene, N.H. She was 94.
The death was confirmed by Lawrence Benaquist, chairman of film studies at Keene State College. Mrs. Phillips, known during her acting career as Kay Linaker, taught at the college from 1980 until two years ago.
In 1956, while working with Theodore Simonson on the script for a movie that was supposed to be called “The Molten Meteor,” Mrs. Phillips referred to the giant jellylike creature from another planet that had plopped into a field outside of a small town as “the blob.” Overhearing her, the producers changed the name of what became something of a cult classic."
Update: Click here.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Gator Update (Diving for Balls Edition)
Alligator attack at Tampa golf course - Most Popular News - Tampa Bays Local News: "Tampa, Florida -- Around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 62 year old Dwight Monreal was diving for golf balls near the 13th hole at the Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club when he was attacked by a 10-12 foot alligator.
The alligator grabbed Monreal by his left arm and attempted to drag him under the water. Monreal was able to escape, but wasn't able to escape injury. He dislocated his left shoulder and has several puncture wounds to his left arm.
Witnesses say he was wearing two wetsuits and that saved him from more serious injuries. He was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital."
Update: "On Saturday night, about four hours after the 4:30 p.m. attack, state-licensed trapper Julie Harter captured a nearly 8-foot alligator she believes was the one that attacked Monreal because it was in the same place the attack took place, about 50 feet from shore."
The update is highly recommended as a much more detailed account of the entire event.
The alligator grabbed Monreal by his left arm and attempted to drag him under the water. Monreal was able to escape, but wasn't able to escape injury. He dislocated his left shoulder and has several puncture wounds to his left arm.
Witnesses say he was wearing two wetsuits and that saved him from more serious injuries. He was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital."
Update: "On Saturday night, about four hours after the 4:30 p.m. attack, state-licensed trapper Julie Harter captured a nearly 8-foot alligator she believes was the one that attacked Monreal because it was in the same place the attack took place, about 50 feet from shore."
The update is highly recommended as a much more detailed account of the entire event.
Agatha Awards
Via The Rap Sheet.
The traditional mysteries fan organization Malice Domestic has announced the winners of its 2008 Agatha Awards as follows:
Best Novel: A Fatal Grace, by Louise Penny (St. Martin’ Minotaur)
Also nominated: The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, by Donna Andrews (St. Martin’s Minotaur); Her Royal Spyness, by Rhys Bowen (Penguin); Hard Row, by Margaret Maron (Grand Central Publishing); and Murder With Reservations, by Elaine Viets (NAL)
Best First Novel: Prime Time, by Hank Phillipi Ryan (Harlequin)
Also nominated: A Beautiful Blue Death, by Charles Finch (St. Martin’s Minotaur); A Real Basket Case, by Beth Groundwater (Five Star); and Silent in the Grave, by Deanna Raybourn (Mira)
Best Non-fiction: Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters, by Charles Foley, Jon Lellenberg, and Daniel Stashower (Penguin)
Also nominated: The Official Nancy Drew Handbook, by Penny Warner (Quirck Productions)
Best Short Story: “A Rat’s Tale,” by Donna Andrews (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine [EQMM], September/October 2007)
Also nominated: “Please Watch Your Step,” by Rhys Bowen (The Strand Magazine, Spring 2007); “Casino Gamble,” by Nan Higginson (Murder New York Style, edited by Randy Kendel; L&L Dreamspell); “Popping Round to the Post,” by Peter Lovesey (EQMM, November 2007); and “Death Will Clean Your Closet,” by Elizabeth Zelvin (Murder New York Style)
Best Children’s/Young Adult: A Light in the Cellar, by Sarah Masters Buckey (American Girl)
Also nominated: Bravo Zulu, Samantha!, by Kathleen Benner Duble (Peachtree Publishers); Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl, by John Feinstein (Knopf); The Falconer’s Knot, by Mary Hoffman (Bloomsbury USA); and Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, by R.L. LaFevers (Houghton Mifflin)
In addition, British novelist Peter Lovesey (The Headhunters) was given Malice Domestic’s Lifetime Achievement Award. And the Poirot Awards (honoring “individuals other than writers who have made outstanding contributions to the Malice Domestic genre”) went to Linda Landrigan, the editor of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and Janet Hutchings, editor of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
The traditional mysteries fan organization Malice Domestic has announced the winners of its 2008 Agatha Awards as follows:
Best Novel: A Fatal Grace, by Louise Penny (St. Martin’ Minotaur)
Also nominated: The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, by Donna Andrews (St. Martin’s Minotaur); Her Royal Spyness, by Rhys Bowen (Penguin); Hard Row, by Margaret Maron (Grand Central Publishing); and Murder With Reservations, by Elaine Viets (NAL)
Best First Novel: Prime Time, by Hank Phillipi Ryan (Harlequin)
Also nominated: A Beautiful Blue Death, by Charles Finch (St. Martin’s Minotaur); A Real Basket Case, by Beth Groundwater (Five Star); and Silent in the Grave, by Deanna Raybourn (Mira)
Best Non-fiction: Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters, by Charles Foley, Jon Lellenberg, and Daniel Stashower (Penguin)
Also nominated: The Official Nancy Drew Handbook, by Penny Warner (Quirck Productions)
Best Short Story: “A Rat’s Tale,” by Donna Andrews (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine [EQMM], September/October 2007)
Also nominated: “Please Watch Your Step,” by Rhys Bowen (The Strand Magazine, Spring 2007); “Casino Gamble,” by Nan Higginson (Murder New York Style, edited by Randy Kendel; L&L Dreamspell); “Popping Round to the Post,” by Peter Lovesey (EQMM, November 2007); and “Death Will Clean Your Closet,” by Elizabeth Zelvin (Murder New York Style)
Best Children’s/Young Adult: A Light in the Cellar, by Sarah Masters Buckey (American Girl)
Also nominated: Bravo Zulu, Samantha!, by Kathleen Benner Duble (Peachtree Publishers); Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl, by John Feinstein (Knopf); The Falconer’s Knot, by Mary Hoffman (Bloomsbury USA); and Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, by R.L. LaFevers (Houghton Mifflin)
In addition, British novelist Peter Lovesey (The Headhunters) was given Malice Domestic’s Lifetime Achievement Award. And the Poirot Awards (honoring “individuals other than writers who have made outstanding contributions to the Malice Domestic genre”) went to Linda Landrigan, the editor of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and Janet Hutchings, editor of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
Trailer Land
MTV - TVLAND NOW TRAILER LAND: "MTV Networks' TVLand cable channel may be the place to watch classic television shows, but the channel announced Thursday that it has now included on its website, www.TVLand.com, nearly a thousand old movie trailers produced from the '50s to the '90s, from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Chariots of Fire to Risky Business to The Amityville Horror."
Nebula Awards
Via Jayme Lynn Blaschke's Gibberish.
The Nebula Awards® are voted on, and presented by, active members of SFWA. The awards were announced at the Nebula Awards® Banquet held at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
2007 NEBULA AWARD WINNERS
Novel
The Yiddish Policemen's Union, by Michael Chabon - HarperCollins, May 2007
Novella
"Fountain of Age," by Nancy Kress - Asimov's, July 2007
Novelette
"The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," by Ted Chiang - The Magazine of
Fantasy & Science Fiction, September 2007
Short Stories
"Always," by Karen Joy Fowler - Asimov's, May 2007
Scripts
Pan's Labyrinth, by Guillermo del Toro, Time/Warner, January 2007
shooting script)
Andre Norton Award
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling - Scholastic Press,
July 2007
The Nebula Awards® are voted on, and presented by, active members of SFWA. The awards were announced at the Nebula Awards® Banquet held at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
2007 NEBULA AWARD WINNERS
Novel
The Yiddish Policemen's Union, by Michael Chabon - HarperCollins, May 2007
Novella
"Fountain of Age," by Nancy Kress - Asimov's, July 2007
Novelette
"The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," by Ted Chiang - The Magazine of
Fantasy & Science Fiction, September 2007
Short Stories
"Always," by Karen Joy Fowler - Asimov's, May 2007
Scripts
Pan's Labyrinth, by Guillermo del Toro, Time/Warner, January 2007
shooting script)
Andre Norton Award
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling - Scholastic Press,
July 2007
Divine "Escorts"
Buried Dogs Were Divine "Escorts" for Ancient Americans: "Hundreds of prehistoric dogs found buried throughout the southwestern United States show that canines played a key role in the spiritual beliefs of ancient Americans, new research suggests.
Throughout the region, dogs have been found buried with jewelry, alongside adults and children, carefully stacked in groups, or in positions that relate to important structures, said Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico."
Throughout the region, dogs have been found buried with jewelry, alongside adults and children, carefully stacked in groups, or in positions that relate to important structures, said Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico."
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