Saturday, July 04, 2009
New Jersey Leads the Way
Mother, daughter arrested in Hamden- The New Haven Register - Serving Greater New Haven, CT: "An apparent road rage incident in the center lane of Whitney Avenue near Thornton Street led to the arrest of two women Thursday night.
Capt. Ronald Smith said that police responded to a fight in progress at 7:45 p.m. Police learned that a car operated by Rebecca Huelsman, 19, of 210 Wolcott S., Apt. 3A, New Haven, allegedly rammed another motor vehicle. The vehicle that was struck was occupied by a husband and wife and their two children, ages 6 and 2.
According to Smith, Huelsman allegedly threw a milk shake into the family’s vehicle and then pulled the front passenger, the wife, out of the vehicle by her hair. Huelsman then allegedly punched the woman several times in the face causing injuries, Smith said. The woman, whose name is not being released, was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital by ambulance. The husband and children were not injured."
Capt. Ronald Smith said that police responded to a fight in progress at 7:45 p.m. Police learned that a car operated by Rebecca Huelsman, 19, of 210 Wolcott S., Apt. 3A, New Haven, allegedly rammed another motor vehicle. The vehicle that was struck was occupied by a husband and wife and their two children, ages 6 and 2.
According to Smith, Huelsman allegedly threw a milk shake into the family’s vehicle and then pulled the front passenger, the wife, out of the vehicle by her hair. Huelsman then allegedly punched the woman several times in the face causing injuries, Smith said. The woman, whose name is not being released, was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital by ambulance. The husband and children were not injured."
I Blame Nicolas Cage
INSIDE WASHINGTON: Archives' many missing items - Yahoo! News: "National Archives visitors know they'll find the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the main building's magnificent rotunda in Washington. But they won't find the patent file for the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine or the maps for the first atomic bomb missions anywhere in the Archives inventory.
Many historical items the Archives once possessed are missing, . . . ."
Many historical items the Archives once possessed are missing, . . . ."
On This July 4, Pause to Remember the NASA Chimps
Nasa chimps earn Florida comforts after taking a punishing step for Mankind - Times Online: "“When the astronauts came back from their space missions they received ticker-tape parades and were rightfully considered heroes. But the chimps were forgotten and relegated along with their descendants to biomedical research laboratories,” Jen Feuerstein, the sanctuary director, said.
As America marks the 40th anniversary of man’s first footsteps on the Moon, Marty and friends rely solely on charity to support their retirement. Nasa and the US Government have never donated a penny towards Save the Chimps’ annual $4 million (�2.5 million) budget. But astronauts have — among them Bob Crippen, 71, who piloted the first orbital test flight of the space shuttle in 1981, commanded three subsequent shuttle missions and served as a director of Nasa’s shuttle programme in the 1990s."
As America marks the 40th anniversary of man’s first footsteps on the Moon, Marty and friends rely solely on charity to support their retirement. Nasa and the US Government have never donated a penny towards Save the Chimps’ annual $4 million (�2.5 million) budget. But astronauts have — among them Bob Crippen, 71, who piloted the first orbital test flight of the space shuttle in 1981, commanded three subsequent shuttle missions and served as a director of Nasa’s shuttle programme in the 1990s."
America's Strangest Monument?
American Stonehenge: Monumental Instructions for the Post-Apocalypse: "The strangest monument in America looms over a barren knoll in northeastern Georgia. Five massive slabs of polished granite rise out of the earth in a star pattern. The rocks are each 16 feet tall, with four of them weighing more than 20 tons apiece. Together they support a 25,000-pound capstone. Approaching the edifice, it's hard not to think immediately of England's Stonehenge or possibly the ominous monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Built in 1980, these pale gray rocks are quietly awaiting the end of the world as we know it.
Called the Georgia Guidestones, the monument is a mystery—nobody knows exactly who commissioned it or why. The only clues to its origin are on a nearby plaque on the ground—which gives the dimensions and explains a series of intricate notches and holes that correspond to the movements of the sun and stars—and the 'guides' themselves, directives carved into the rocks."
Called the Georgia Guidestones, the monument is a mystery—nobody knows exactly who commissioned it or why. The only clues to its origin are on a nearby plaque on the ground—which gives the dimensions and explains a series of intricate notches and holes that correspond to the movements of the sun and stars—and the 'guides' themselves, directives carved into the rocks."
Friday, July 03, 2009
Brazil Leads the Way
Guards nab pigeon smuggling cell phone into Brazilian prison -- Newsday.com: "Prison guards foiled a new attempt to smuggle a cell phone into a Brazilian prison by carrier pigeon — this one wearing a tiny backpack — and said Friday that the practice is becoming almost commonplace."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Paging Mongo
Two Mexican Midget Wrestlers Killed by Fake Prostitutes - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com: "Mexican authorities say two professional wrestlers found dead in a low-rent hotel in the capital may have been drugged to death by female robbers.
Autopsies are being performed on the two midget wrestlers, one of whom went by the name 'La Parkita' — or 'Little Death' — and wore a skeleton costume in the ring. The other was known as 'Espectrito Jr.'"
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Autopsies are being performed on the two midget wrestlers, one of whom went by the name 'La Parkita' — or 'Little Death' — and wore a skeleton costume in the ring. The other was known as 'Espectrito Jr.'"
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Really, Now, They Gotta be Kidding
Boborci. Kurtzman. Kane. VIEWMASTER. Movie. -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.: "FRINGE writer/co-producer Brad Caleb Kane is developing a VIEWMASTER movie for DreamWorks."
Colorado Leads the Way
Colorado company offers banana coffins : 24 Hour Breaking News : The Buffalo News: "Casket makers catering to natural burials have offered biodegradable coffins made of such materials as recycled newspapers or cardboard. Ecoffins USA, based in Montrose, Colo., is selling caskets made of banana sheaves.
They take six months to two years to biodegrade."
Link via Jake Murdock.
They take six months to two years to biodegrade."
Link via Jake Murdock.
Jaws 6 -- The Swamp
Bull sharks take to Louisiana swamp - WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |: "HENDERSON, LA (WAFB) - Bass, catfish, and perch make for a great fish fry down on the bayou, but lately, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has found sharks in inland waters of the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp.
Most people have a preconceived notion that sharks are found in the ocean. While that's certainly true, sharks are also being found among the beautiful cypress trees in the waters of the Atchafalaya. 'Well, I guess this is a swamp, shark that lives in the swamp,' said Mike Walker with Wildlife and Fisheries. 'You could call it a swamp shark.'"
Most people have a preconceived notion that sharks are found in the ocean. While that's certainly true, sharks are also being found among the beautiful cypress trees in the waters of the Atchafalaya. 'Well, I guess this is a swamp, shark that lives in the swamp,' said Mike Walker with Wildlife and Fisheries. 'You could call it a swamp shark.'"
Maybe a Distinctive Style Isn't Such a Good Thing
Dear Garry. I've decided to end it all: The full stop that trapped a killer | Mail Online: "A veteran of more than 300 investigations into crimes ranging from extortion to murder, Olsson is one of the leading experts in a still emerging field known as 'forensic linguistics'.
His skill lies in identifying a suspect's 'linguistic fingerprint' - the distinctive use of language which makes each of us unique, whether we are writing letters, emails or mobile phone texts.
Thanks to Olsson and his colleaues and their work, police no longer have to depend on a crooked 'c' or a missing 'm' on a suspect's typewriter to establish whether they have written an incriminating document.
Even in today's high-tech culture, when villains use seemingly identical computers and mobiles in pursuit of their crimes, these modern-day Sherlock Holmeses can still track them down - simply through their choice of words, spacing and punctuation."
His skill lies in identifying a suspect's 'linguistic fingerprint' - the distinctive use of language which makes each of us unique, whether we are writing letters, emails or mobile phone texts.
Thanks to Olsson and his colleaues and their work, police no longer have to depend on a crooked 'c' or a missing 'm' on a suspect's typewriter to establish whether they have written an incriminating document.
Even in today's high-tech culture, when villains use seemingly identical computers and mobiles in pursuit of their crimes, these modern-day Sherlock Holmeses can still track them down - simply through their choice of words, spacing and punctuation."
Deadly Dames -- Edited by Gary Lovisi
From its beautiful Maguire cover to entertaining contents, this anthology is a hardboiled treat. The title tells you all you need to know about the stories, and a deadlier bunch of women you probably haven't met in a while. So I've read the stories by Ed Gorman, Wayne Dundee (a new Joe Hannibal), Vin Packer, Pearce Hansen, Gary Lovisi, and C. J. Henderson, and I can tell you that you shouldn't expect the women in the stories to be all the same. Sure, they're deadly, but in different ways. The spy in Henderson's story is a femme fatale for sure, but not exactly in the Cain sense. Others are fatal in their own ways. It's a lot of fun to see how the writers work things out and how the different styles lead to stories of all kinds, from the all-action-all-the-time story by Henderson to the hardboiled Dundee to the contemplative Gorman. If you like noir, you'll find it here, but there's plenty more besides. Check it out.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
TVNEWSDAY - Leno Wins Right To Web Name For His New Show: "Television host Jay Leno has won control of a Web address using the name of his new show.
The U.N.'s World Intellectual Property Organization says current owner Guadalupe Zambrano of Katy, Texas, will have to transfer the domain name — thejaylenoshow.com — to the comedian.
The agency says Zambrano failed to demonstrate he had a legitimate reason for registering the address five years ago while Leno was still hosting 'The Tonight Show.'"
The U.N.'s World Intellectual Property Organization says current owner Guadalupe Zambrano of Katy, Texas, will have to transfer the domain name — thejaylenoshow.com — to the comedian.
The agency says Zambrano failed to demonstrate he had a legitimate reason for registering the address five years ago while Leno was still hosting 'The Tonight Show.'"
Banjo Jones, Take Note
Three new dinosaurs found in western Queensland | The Courier-Mail: "A VICIOUS meat-eating dinosaur, bigger, faster and more terrifying than velociraptor made famous in Jurassic Park, once roamed the plains of Queensland.
The bones of Australovenator Wintonensis, nicknamed 'Banjo' by paleantologists, are among the remains of three new species found in the outback near Winton."
The bones of Australovenator Wintonensis, nicknamed 'Banjo' by paleantologists, are among the remains of three new species found in the outback near Winton."
Forgotten Books: PAGODA -- James Atlee Phillips
If you think The Green Wound, a Gold Medal book also issued as The Green Wound Contract, was the first of Philip Atlee's books about Joe Gall, you're wrong by 12 or 13 years. The first one was Pagoda, published in hardback by Macmillan in 1951 and in paperback by Bantam in 1952. Obviously this one was intended as a standalone book, and technically it's not part of the series. It's not even told in first person like the rest of the Gall books. But Gall's the same hardboiled guy, and Atlee writes about him very well, no matter how he's handling the narration. There's the same terse style, the same swift flow of the story.As you can see from the back cover, this is Joe Gall's backstory. It's set in Burma, and Gall's a flyer. If you've read the series books, you no doubt recall Gall's many references to flying over "the hump" in Burma. Here's the story of some of those experiences. Atlee does the setting very well indeed, as he did in all the Gall books. If you liked the series, you'll like Pagoda. If you like good hardboiled writing, you'll probably like Pagoda. Dated? Sure, in the same way that Hammett and Chandler are dated, which is to say only in the details. Check it out.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Biological 'Fountain Of Youth' Found In New World Bat Caves: "ScienceDaily (July 1, 2009) — Scientists from Texas are batty over a new discovery which could lead to the single most important medical breakthrough in human history—significantly longer lifespans. The discovery, featured on the cover of the July 2009 print issue of The FASEB Journal, shows that proper protein folding over time in long-lived bats explains why they live significantly longer than other mammals of comparable size, such as mice."
Another List I'm not On
SI.com - The Fortunate 50: "Is the slumping economy finally affecting America's premier athletes? For the sixth consecutive year, Sports Illustrated has compiled a list of the 50 top-earning American athletes in salary, winnings, endorsements and appearance fees. And for the first time, the average earnings of those on the list fell -- down $1.5 million per athlete to $23.6 million.
That falloff is mostly due to lower earnings for No. 1 Tiger Woods and No. 2 Phil Mickelson, both of whom saw their on-course income shrink while also losing key endorsement deals. This year's list features 22 basketball players (a record nine who earned more than $20 million), 14 major leaguers, nine football players, three golfers and two NASCAR drivers."
That falloff is mostly due to lower earnings for No. 1 Tiger Woods and No. 2 Phil Mickelson, both of whom saw their on-course income shrink while also losing key endorsement deals. This year's list features 22 basketball players (a record nine who earned more than $20 million), 14 major leaguers, nine football players, three golfers and two NASCAR drivers."
This Time, Ohio Leads the Way
VIDEO: Perry police chief, officer kiss repeatedly while transporting prisoner - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com: "She massages his neck and body. She kisses his neck repeatedly. They kiss.
She tugs at his shirt sleeve with her teeth. He caresses her right cheek.
They smile.
Officer Janine England rests her head on the shoulder of her boss, then-Police Chief Tim Escola, as they travel together in the front seat of a police cruiser June 2. They went to the Cincinnati area to bring a burglary suspect back to Stark County."
She tugs at his shirt sleeve with her teeth. He caresses her right cheek.
They smile.
Officer Janine England rests her head on the shoulder of her boss, then-Police Chief Tim Escola, as they travel together in the front seat of a police cruiser June 2. They went to the Cincinnati area to bring a burglary suspect back to Stark County."
I, for One, Welcome our New Myrmidon Overlords
Slashdot News Story | Ant Mega-Colony Covers the World: "A mega colony of one family of ants has spread all over the world. Previous mega colonies in California, Europe and Japan have been shown to be in fact one global colony."
Rules for Vampires
In vampire world, the rules keep changing - USATODAY.com: "On HBO's True Blood (Sundays, 9 ET/PT), Lafayette asked vampire sheriff Eric to turn him. And Twilight found Bella Swan begging immortal beloved Edward Cullen to make her a vampire.
Before folks swear off sunlight, they should know the basics, which would be easier if the rules didn't change in every film, book and TV show.
USA TODAY offers a guide to life (and after)."
Before folks swear off sunlight, they should know the basics, which would be easier if the rules didn't change in every film, book and TV show.
USA TODAY offers a guide to life (and after)."
The First Review Is In. . .
. . . and it's not good. Thanks to Jeff Segal for the link.
Early Review for CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON RAGIN' ROCK SHOW...: "Ever since we first mentioned that Universal had changed their musical based on the CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON into a 'RAGIN' ROCK SHOW' (details here), Fango readers have been wondering how it would all play out."
Early Review for CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON RAGIN' ROCK SHOW...: "Ever since we first mentioned that Universal had changed their musical based on the CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON into a 'RAGIN' ROCK SHOW' (details here), Fango readers have been wondering how it would all play out."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
iWon News - Cops zap pastor protesting traffic stop at church: "WEBSTER, Texas (AP) - Police in Texas said they used a Taser on a pastor and pepper spray on his congregants after the man interfered with a traffic stop in the church parking lot. Police said the traffic stop Wednesday morning involved a member of the Iglesia Profetica Peniel church in its parking lot in Webster, southeast of Houston.
The department's incident report says Officer Raymond Berryman tried to calm 42-year-old Jose Elias Moran and arrest him, but he pushed the officer, entered the church and returned with 40 other congregants.
The family said Moran did not touch the officer. Moran's son Miguel said 30 witnesses saw the police officer turn aggressive and repeatedly kick the church door."
Webster is 12 miles from Alvin and is next door to NASA. Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
The department's incident report says Officer Raymond Berryman tried to calm 42-year-old Jose Elias Moran and arrest him, but he pushed the officer, entered the church and returned with 40 other congregants.
The family said Moran did not touch the officer. Moran's son Miguel said 30 witnesses saw the police officer turn aggressive and repeatedly kick the church door."
Webster is 12 miles from Alvin and is next door to NASA. Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Gator Update
Liberty man makes mud sculptures along Line Creek | Community News | News | Sun Tribune: "His latest sculpture, two weeks in the making, is an approximately 25 foot crocodile, which now lays curled up in a half circle guarding the little bridge across the creek; a talisman made of sediment with orange peel eyes and stone teeth soaking up the shade."
Great photo at the link.
Gator Update (Storm Drain Edition)
Wayward Gator Causes Commotion in Mauriceville | KBMT ABC 12 - News, Weather and Sports - Beaumont - Port Arthur, TX Beaumont - Port Arthur, Texas | Local News Top Stories: "Passersby of the Market Basket on Hwy 62 in Mauriceville got quite a show Wednesday afternoon. Gary Saurage of Gator Country began working to remove an alligator that took up residence under a storm drain.
'This will be the hardest one yet,' said Saurage. 'But we are definitely going to get him.'
Gary Saurage owns Gator Country in Beaumont. He was called because he contracts as a gator catcher for the state. He says he has received more calls to remove gators this year than in the past, partially because of Hurricane Ike. He says the storm pushed salt and oil onshore, moving the gators a little bit northward. He says since April he has been called to remove 67 alligators from drains, ditches and other places near humans."
'This will be the hardest one yet,' said Saurage. 'But we are definitely going to get him.'
Gary Saurage owns Gator Country in Beaumont. He was called because he contracts as a gator catcher for the state. He says he has received more calls to remove gators this year than in the past, partially because of Hurricane Ike. He says the storm pushed salt and oil onshore, moving the gators a little bit northward. He says since April he has been called to remove 67 alligators from drains, ditches and other places near humans."
But Was It Worth the Trouble?
Two Centuries On, a Cryptologist Cracks a Presidential Code - WSJ.com: "The cipher finally met its match in Lawren Smithline, a 36-year-old mathematician. Dr. Smithline has a Ph.D. in mathematics and now works professionally with cryptology, or code-breaking, at the Center for Communications Research in Princeton, N.J., a division of the Institute for Defense Analyses."
I'm disappointed. I thought Seepy Benton would crack the code first.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Buy a House, Get a Lizard
Amenity: giant lizards | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader: "If you're looking for a silver lining to the home-foreclosure story -- and who isn't? -- the good news is that 8-foot-long Nile monitor lizards are taking over our abandoned properties. What, if anything, real estate agents will be able to make of this news is another matter.
'For sale: Like-new 3/2 Cape Coral home on canal with boat dock. Amenities include walk-in closets, granite countertops and family of razor-toothed dragons that will swallow your dog as deftly as you would gulp down a California roll.'
No one knows exactly where these giant lizards came from, though the Nile is high on the list of suspects."
Hat tip to Steve Stilwell.
'For sale: Like-new 3/2 Cape Coral home on canal with boat dock. Amenities include walk-in closets, granite countertops and family of razor-toothed dragons that will swallow your dog as deftly as you would gulp down a California roll.'
No one knows exactly where these giant lizards came from, though the Nile is high on the list of suspects."
Hat tip to Steve Stilwell.
Harve Presnell, R. I. P.
The Associated Press: Actor Harve Presnell dies of cancer at 75: "Harve Presnell, whose booming baritone graced such Broadway musicals as 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' and 'Annie,' has died at age 75.
The actor died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., said Gregg Klein, Presnell's agent.
Although he was best known for his roles in musical theater, Presnell also is remembered as William H. Macy's father-in-law in the Coen brothers' 1996 film 'Fargo.'"
The actor died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., said Gregg Klein, Presnell's agent.
Although he was best known for his roles in musical theater, Presnell also is remembered as William H. Macy's father-in-law in the Coen brothers' 1996 film 'Fargo.'"
Joe Bowman, R. I. P.
Renowned Houston marksman, showman dies | Death Notices | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Joe Bowman, a Houston bootmaker turned shooting expert whose marksmanship drew the attention of some of the Hollywood stars he had revered, including Roy Rogers and John Wayne, died Monday. Houston’s world-famous “Straight Shooter” was 84.
“My dad was revered around the world as a Western shooting expert in the vein of Roy Rogers,” said his son, Mark M. Bowman II. “He loved an era of bygone days and lived by that code.
“We lost a part of Houston’s heritage and a great guardian of Texas culture and history this week.”"
“My dad was revered around the world as a Western shooting expert in the vein of Roy Rogers,” said his son, Mark M. Bowman II. “He loved an era of bygone days and lived by that code.
“We lost a part of Houston’s heritage and a great guardian of Texas culture and history this week.”"
Karl Malden, R. I. P.
Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dies at 97 - Los Angeles Times: "Karl Malden, one of Hollywood's strongest and most versatile supporting actors, who won an Oscar playing his Broadway-originated role as Mitch in 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' died today. He was 97.
Malden starred in the 1970s TV series 'The Streets of San Francisco' and was the longtime American Express traveler's-check spokesman, warning travelers to not leave home without it. He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood, said his daughter Mila Doerner."
Malden starred in the 1970s TV series 'The Streets of San Francisco' and was the longtime American Express traveler's-check spokesman, warning travelers to not leave home without it. He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood, said his daughter Mila Doerner."
Rick Klaw's Interview with Joe Lansdale
SA Current - ARTS: Crazy sort of folk: "“[The Hap and Leonard stories] are crazy sort of folk tales mixed with reality, but it’s always the social and cultural issues and the two characters that drive the series.”
— Joe R. Lansdale"
— Joe R. Lansdale"
Here's Your Big Chance
Home: "Cheerios� is searching for the next great children's book author. It could be you!
Just enter your original children's book story by July 15, 2009."
Just enter your original children's book story by July 15, 2009."
Texas Doesn't Lead the Way!
State-by-state list of obesity rates, rankings - Yahoo! Asia News: "State-by-state list of obesity rates, each state's obesity ranking in the nation and the percentage point change from the previous report, according to the Trust for America's Health"
More info here.
More info here.
Education? Who Needs It?
DON'T GET THAT COLLEGE DEGREE! - New York Post: "The four-year college degree has come to cost too much and prove too little. It's now a bad deal for the average student, family, employer, professor and taxpayer.
A student who secures a degree is increasingly unlikely to make up its cost, despite higher pay, and the employer who requires a degree puts faith in a system whose standards are slipping. Too many professors who are bound to degree teaching can't truly profess; they don't proclaim loudly the things they know but instead whisper them to a chosen few, whom they must then accommodate with inflated grades. Worst of all, bright citizens spend their lives not knowing the things they ought to know, because they've been granted liberal-arts degrees for something far short of a liberal-arts education."
A student who secures a degree is increasingly unlikely to make up its cost, despite higher pay, and the employer who requires a degree puts faith in a system whose standards are slipping. Too many professors who are bound to degree teaching can't truly profess; they don't proclaim loudly the things they know but instead whisper them to a chosen few, whom they must then accommodate with inflated grades. Worst of all, bright citizens spend their lives not knowing the things they ought to know, because they've been granted liberal-arts degrees for something far short of a liberal-arts education."
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Understatement of the Day
Man uses nail clippers in DIY circumcision - Telegraph: "'This is something we would advise men never to attempt,' a medic said, 'The results can be quite horrific and long-lasting and have quite an affect on a man's sexual performance."
Close Encounter
So Judy and I are sitting outside the PET scan unit in the Mays Clinic in the Medical Center, waiting for Judy's scan. We'd overheard someone saying that they were running behind schedule, but we didn't hear why. Then a large group of people came out of the PET scan unit. Lots of them wore dark blue suits. As the last of the people came out, one of them waved at me and Judy. It was John McCain. Maybe he was in town to learn something about health care. He didn't stop to chat with us, though.
The Roaring Twenties Update
Walter Satterthwait called my attention to this info about one of the actors in the film.
His career momentum was briefly halted with a two-year (1927-1929) forced hiatus when he spent 25 months in California's San Quentin prison for beating to death actor Ray Raymond in a fistfight. Raymond's widow, Dorothy MacKaye, later married Kelly. She was briefly imprisoned for being an accomplice in the murder."
The Druggies Love the Gators. And Crocs.
Crocodile Caught At Reynosa Home : News : KGBT 4: "Action 4 News first reported that crocodiles have been spotted in the Rio Grande around Reynosa last year.
Authorities believe they could be escaped pets from drug lords or others."
Authorities believe they could be escaped pets from drug lords or others."
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian --Sherman Alexie
This is a YA novel I picked up on the recommendation of a very old friend, one of my oldest in fact, a guy I've known since we were in first grade together and who was one of my best friends in high school. The reason he recommended the book is that it's at least partially autobiographical, and his son was one of Sherman Alexie's best friends. His son's name is Gordy, and a boy by that name plays a big part in the novel. If the real Gordy is anything like the one in the book, my friend can be justifiably proud.As for the book itself, it's an amazingly whacked-out combination of humor and grief. It has some of the saddest things I've read in the YA novels I've looked at, and some of the funniest. You'll laugh, but it'll break your heart. Some of the funny scenes are also the saddest.
The main character, Arnold Spirit, or Junior, is a Seattle Indian, and he lives on the reservation. He decides to leave the reservation and attend a school that has no Indians, only white kids. He knows he has to break away, but he feels guilty for doing it. He leaves behind his best friend, who then turns on him. Arnold feels like an outcast on the reservation and in school. He's pulled both ways and seems to belong nowhere.
Alexie is a balls-to-the-wall storyteller, and I think a lot of adults who read this blog would find a lot to like in this book.
Keep This Guy Off My Lawn!
Don't Drop Trou On My Lawn | NBC Connecticut: "It was a simple request: Don't defecate on my lawn. But shortly after making it, the head of homeowner Elias Ramirez of Bridgeport was met by a black plastic milk crate Saturday night, police told the Connecticut Post.
Gabriel Venegas, 34, was apparently the guy who unbuckled his pants and squat on Ramirez's lawn. When ordered off the property, he apparently became enraged, threw the milk crate and took off."
Gabriel Venegas, 34, was apparently the guy who unbuckled his pants and squat on Ramirez's lawn. When ordered off the property, he apparently became enraged, threw the milk crate and took off."
Monday, June 29, 2009
Michael Jackson, Booklover
Michael Jackson, the bookworm - Los Angeles Times: "When news broke in early 2009 of Michael Jackson's return to Los Angeles, it was not via reports of him being spotted dining at the Ivy or dancing at the hottest new Hollywood club but book-shopping in Santa Monica.
'He was a longtime and valued customer,' a store representative of art and architecture bookstore Hennessey Ingalls said Thursday. 'We'll miss him.'
If Jackson's bookstore appearance surprised his pop fans, it was nothing new for booksellers. A few years ago, Doug Dutton, proprietor of then-popular Dutton's Books in Brentwood, was at a dinner with people from Book Soup, Skylight and other area bookstores.
'Someone mentioned that Michael Jackson had been in their store,' Dutton said by phone Thursday, 'And everybody said he'd shopped in their store too.'"
Hat tip to Gerard Saylor.
'He was a longtime and valued customer,' a store representative of art and architecture bookstore Hennessey Ingalls said Thursday. 'We'll miss him.'
If Jackson's bookstore appearance surprised his pop fans, it was nothing new for booksellers. A few years ago, Doug Dutton, proprietor of then-popular Dutton's Books in Brentwood, was at a dinner with people from Book Soup, Skylight and other area bookstores.
'Someone mentioned that Michael Jackson had been in their store,' Dutton said by phone Thursday, 'And everybody said he'd shopped in their store too.'"
Hat tip to Gerard Saylor.
Joe Lansdale in the Austin Chronicle
Books: Sometimes Rumble, Sometimes Tumble: Joe Lansdale may be Texas' bloody answer to Mark Twain - The Austin Chronicle: "Joe Lansdale was 4 when his father bought him a puppy. The dog soon started digging in a flower bed across the creek from their home, so an irate neighbor cracked the dog across the head with a steel pipe and tossed the limp critter into the creek to die. His father heard the news and marched to the neighbor's house with young Joe tagging along behind. 'He hit him just as hard as he could and knocked him cold out,' Lansdale remembers. 'Then he threw the guy in the creek. My father found the dog, which was alive, and nursed it back to health. I was nearly 18 when that dog died.' That moment speaks volumes about the man and the writer Lansdale would become while staying ever close to his East Texas roots."
Megan Abbott & Theresa Schwegel Need Your Help!
Busted Flush Press: Megan Abbott & Theresa Schwegel need your help!: "Help Edgar Award winners Theresa Schwegel and Megan Abbott! They're going to be barnstorming the following cities (see below) over the next few weeks, promoting their new books (Last Known Address and Bury Me Deep) and they're looking to see some true crime-related sites along the way. Places like the Scottsdale hotel where Hogan's Heroes' Bob Crane was residing when he was murdered, or the bank Bonnie and Clyde robbed back in 1930, or the strip club Jack Ruby used to own before he shot Oswald. If you know of any interesting crime-related sites or locales that they must check out, post them here or e-mail them to Busted Flush Press to pass along."
No Comment Department
Sky News: Adults embarrassed in spelling study: "Sydneysiders and Melburnians have been left red-faced after a survey showed more than two-thirds of them have trouble spelling the word embarrass.
The Galaxy survey asked 400 people aged over 16 years to spell eight commonly misspelled words.
About 70 per cent couldn't spell accommodation, one in two people spelled accessory wrong and a quarter had trouble with February.
Other tricky words included guarantee, opportunity, eighth and receipt.
The survey found women were better spellers than men."
The Galaxy survey asked 400 people aged over 16 years to spell eight commonly misspelled words.
About 70 per cent couldn't spell accommodation, one in two people spelled accessory wrong and a quarter had trouble with February.
Other tricky words included guarantee, opportunity, eighth and receipt.
The survey found women were better spellers than men."
Fred Travalena, R. I. P.
Comedian Fred Travalena dies of cancer - CNN.com: "Comedian and impersonator Fred Travalena died Sunday afternoon after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was 66.
Comedian Fred Travalena had a 40-year career in show business.
Travalena -- known as 'The Man of a Thousand Faces' -- died at home in Encino, California, surrounded by family, according to his publicist."
Comedian Fred Travalena had a 40-year career in show business.
Travalena -- known as 'The Man of a Thousand Faces' -- died at home in Encino, California, surrounded by family, according to his publicist."
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Gale Storm, R. I. P.
Actress Gail Storm Dead At Age 87 | digtriad.com | Triad, NC | Watercooler News Article: "Gale Storm, whose wholesome appearance and perky personality made her one of early television's biggest stars, has died at age 87.
The actress died Saturday at a convalescent hospital in Danville, said her son, Peter Bonnell. He says she died of natural causes.
Storm was a Texas high schooler named Josephine Owaissa Cottle when she won a talent contest for a radio show called 'Gateway to Hollywood' on New Year's Day 1940.
Soon she was in Los Angeles, making movies with Jackie Cooper, Eddie Albert and Audie Murphy.
In 1952 she landed the starring role in 'My Little Margie,' which quickly became an audience favorite and ran until 1955."
The actress died Saturday at a convalescent hospital in Danville, said her son, Peter Bonnell. He says she died of natural causes.
Storm was a Texas high schooler named Josephine Owaissa Cottle when she won a talent contest for a radio show called 'Gateway to Hollywood' on New Year's Day 1940.
Soon she was in Los Angeles, making movies with Jackie Cooper, Eddie Albert and Audie Murphy.
In 1952 she landed the starring role in 'My Little Margie,' which quickly became an audience favorite and ran until 1955."
Billy Mays, R. I. P.
'Infomercial King' Billy Mays Found Dead in Home - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment - FOXNews.com: "Television pitchman Billy Mays — who built his fame by appearing on commercials and infomercials promoting household products and gadgets — died Sunday.
Mays, 50, was found unresponsive by his wife inside his Tampa, Fla., home at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Police said there were no signs of forced entry to Mays' residence and foul play is not suspected. Authorities said an autopsy should be complete by Monday afternoon."
Mays, 50, was found unresponsive by his wife inside his Tampa, Fla., home at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Police said there were no signs of forced entry to Mays' residence and foul play is not suspected. Authorities said an autopsy should be complete by Monday afternoon."
Capricorn 2
Sunday Express | UK News :: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: NASA finds missing moon landing tapes: "ECSTATIC space officials at Nasa could be about to unveil one of their most stunning discoveries for 40 years — new and amazingly clear footage of the first moon landing.
The release of the new images next month could be one of the most talked about events of the summer."
The release of the new images next month could be one of the most talked about events of the summer."
Plastinated
Michael Jackson set to be 'plastinated' after missing the deadline for cryogenic freezing | Mail Online: "Michael Jackson will live on as a 'plastinated' creature preserved by German doctor Gunther von Hagens.
Von Hagens has caused controversy with everyone from the Pope to the chief rabbi in Israel with his practice of embalming corpses with preserving polyurethane.
Yesterday, he declared: 'An agreement is in place to plastinate the King of Pop.'
Von Hagens said that he spoke with representatives of the Jackson family 'many months ago' and it was agreed that his body will be plastinated and placed next to Bubbles, his late pet monkey who was plastinated a number of years ago and is exhibited at The Body Worlds & Mirror Of Time exhibition at the O2 Centre in London."
Von Hagens has caused controversy with everyone from the Pope to the chief rabbi in Israel with his practice of embalming corpses with preserving polyurethane.
Yesterday, he declared: 'An agreement is in place to plastinate the King of Pop.'
Von Hagens said that he spoke with representatives of the Jackson family 'many months ago' and it was agreed that his body will be plastinated and placed next to Bubbles, his late pet monkey who was plastinated a number of years ago and is exhibited at The Body Worlds & Mirror Of Time exhibition at the O2 Centre in London."
Gone Tomorrow -- Lee Child
At the beginning of every one of Lee Child's novels about Jack Reacher, Reacher finds himself in a situation any of the rest of us are unlikely to experience. Just as well, since we probably wouldn't be able to handle things the way Reacher does. This time around he's on a subway in New York City with a woman who exhibits all the characteristics of a suicide bomber. What are those, exactly? Don't worry. Reacher will tell you. That's a problem for me with these books, by the way. Reacher (this one's in the first person, though not all of them are) or Child goes into more detail than I think is necessary for the story. No wonder the book's so long. For example, we find out all about the subway car Reacher is riding. When someone fires a pistol, we're going to learn everything about that pistol. And speaking of everything, that's what Reacher knows. Everything. He's never forgotten anything he's ever heard or read, though when he has time to read is something I wonder about.
But I digress. Reacher's wrong about the suicide bomber, but there's a suicide, all right. And then things get complicated. Why did this woman kill herself? Why, suddenly, are all kinds of shady characters trying to keep Reacher from finding out? Who's the beautiful woman who has an interest? It's all very complicated, and there's a McGuffin of sorts. I have a problem with the McGuffin, but that's just me, I think. It won't bother anyone else with a bit more knowledge about certain things than I have.
This book's already a huge bestseller, and it doesn't need me to recommend it. I enjoyed it, but I do think it was too long and a bit padded. If you're a Reacher fan, you already have it on order.
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