Saturday, September 05, 2009
Alchol Might Have Been Involved
Bremerton Men Accused of Getting Naked and Loud : Local news : Kitsap Sun: "Police were called to Mountain View Drive early Friday to investigate reports of intoxicated men urinating on cars.
While officers were en route, the men allegedly got undressed.
Witnesses said one was completely naked, one wasn’t wearing any pants and they couldn’t see the third man because the other two were on top of him, they said. The witnesses said they heard somebody yell “return of the Jedi” while the three were naked and entwined."
While officers were en route, the men allegedly got undressed.
Witnesses said one was completely naked, one wasn’t wearing any pants and they couldn’t see the third man because the other two were on top of him, they said. The witnesses said they heard somebody yell “return of the Jedi” while the three were naked and entwined."
I Think This Kid Will Go a Long Way
China schoolgirl aspires to be 'corrupt official':state media - Yahoo! News: "A six-year-old girl has become a media darling in China on her first day of school by expressing her aspiration to become a 'corrupt official' when she grows up, state media said Friday.
[. . . .]
'When I grow up I want to be an official,' said the girl, whose face was blurred to protect her identity.
'What kind of official?' the interviewer asked.
'A corrupt official because corrupt officials have a lot of things,' she replied."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
[. . . .]
'When I grow up I want to be an official,' said the girl, whose face was blurred to protect her identity.
'What kind of official?' the interviewer asked.
'A corrupt official because corrupt officials have a lot of things,' she replied."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
A Really Cold Case
New York’s Coldest Case - A Murder Trail 400 Years Old - NYTimes.com: "It was on Sept. 6, 1609 — 400 years ago Sunday — when this, the first recorded murder in what became metropolitan New York, was committed. Colman was killed only four days after the first Dutch and English sailors arrived.
“There’s a reason it’s still a cold case,” said Detective Michael J. Palladino, president of the city detectives’ union, mulling the scant evidence that remains today."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
“There’s a reason it’s still a cold case,” said Detective Michael J. Palladino, president of the city detectives’ union, mulling the scant evidence that remains today."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Unschooling
From home schooling to 'unschooling' -- baltimoresun.com: "Unschooling incorporates every facet of a child's life into the education process, allowing a child to follow his passions and learn at his own pace, year-round. And it assumes that an outing at the park - or even hours spent playing a video game - can be just as valuable a teaching resource as Hooked on Phonics."
Why do I get the feeling my parents would never have gone for this?
Why do I get the feeling my parents would never have gone for this?
No More Pencils, No More Books . . . .
A library without the books - The Boston Globe: "This year, after having amassed a collection of more than 20,000 books, officials at the pristine campus about 90 minutes west of Boston have decided the 144-year-old school no longer needs a traditional library. The academy’s administrators have decided to discard all their books and have given away half of what stocked their sprawling stacks - the classics, novels, poetry, biographies, tomes on every subject from the humanities to the sciences. The future, they believe, is digital."
Croc Update (Contraception Edition)
BBC NEWS | Health | Contraception myths 'widespread': "Contraceptive myths have been around for thousands of years.
Ancient methods have varied from crocodile dung and honey before sex, to sea sponges and beeswax after.
Perhaps the most intoxicating was alcohol made from stewed beaver's testicles."
Ancient methods have varied from crocodile dung and honey before sex, to sea sponges and beeswax after.
Perhaps the most intoxicating was alcohol made from stewed beaver's testicles."
Friday, September 04, 2009
Keith Waterhouse, R. I. P.
Keith Waterhouse dies - Telegraph: "Keith Waterhouse, the author, journalist and playwright has died aged 80.
Mr Waterhouse died ''quietly in his sleep'' on Friday, a family spokeswoman said.
Waterhouse, whose works include Billy Liar and Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell, was at his home in London when he passed away.
He also was a journalist who helped create the satirical 1960s TV series 'That Was the Week That Was' and wrote a long-running column in the Daily Mail.
Mr Waterhouse frequently railed against declining standards of English. He founded the Association for the Abolition of the Aberrant Apostrophe, which attacked poor punctuation on shopkeepers' signs."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Mr Waterhouse died ''quietly in his sleep'' on Friday, a family spokeswoman said.
Waterhouse, whose works include Billy Liar and Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell, was at his home in London when he passed away.
He also was a journalist who helped create the satirical 1960s TV series 'That Was the Week That Was' and wrote a long-running column in the Daily Mail.
Mr Waterhouse frequently railed against declining standards of English. He founded the Association for the Abolition of the Aberrant Apostrophe, which attacked poor punctuation on shopkeepers' signs."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Best Mom Ever
Montana mom pleads guilty, drove son to break-ins - Yahoo! News: "A Montana woman charged with driving around her 16-year-old son and six others while they broke into cars in April has changed her plea.
[. . . .]
Court records say Dilley drove a group of teens around while they stole more than $3,600 worth of items from vehicles. Dilley's husband called police the next morning after finding a pile of items in his back yard that he suspected had been stolen, including a set of golf clubs and power tools."
[. . . .]
Court records say Dilley drove a group of teens around while they stole more than $3,600 worth of items from vehicles. Dilley's husband called police the next morning after finding a pile of items in his back yard that he suspected had been stolen, including a set of golf clubs and power tools."
Another Forgotten Book
Rick Robinson over at The Broken Bullhorn has a post on a book that few people will remember, but you'll probably want a copy after you read the review. Take a look.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Cities Ranked by Dependency on Fast Food - Digital City - Local Lifestyle and Entertainment News: "To point out America's unhealthy love affair with fat-laden meals, the September issue of Men's Health ranked 100 cities that are the most dependent on fast food restaurants.
Arlington, Tex. is ranked #1, followed by: Anchorage, Alaska; Charlotte, N.C.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Raleigh, N.C.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Fremont, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Lexington, Ky. and Wichita, Kan. The city that ranked 100th, or fared best on the list as the city least dependent on fast food, was Buffalo, N.Y."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Arlington, Tex. is ranked #1, followed by: Anchorage, Alaska; Charlotte, N.C.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Raleigh, N.C.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Fremont, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Lexington, Ky. and Wichita, Kan. The city that ranked 100th, or fared best on the list as the city least dependent on fast food, was Buffalo, N.Y."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
National Punctuation Day Contest
� National Punctuation Day Contest�—�Behind the Grammar: "Send an ode to your favorite punctuation mark to punctuation@quickanddirtytips.com. The week of the 24th, we’ll feature the best entries as the tip-of-day in the Grammar Girl e-mail newsletter, and one entry may be chosen to be the Grammar Girl podcast on September 24. Subscribe to the Grammar Girl newsletter at the QDT website and the podcast at iTunes.
Entries shorter than 200 words will be considered for the newsletter.
600- to 700-word entries will be considered for the podcast.
Multiple entries are allowed, and “ode” is just a guideline. As long as the piece is about punctuation, it can take any form. Please do not send attachments. Paste your text or image into the body of the e-mail."
Entries shorter than 200 words will be considered for the newsletter.
600- to 700-word entries will be considered for the podcast.
Multiple entries are allowed, and “ode” is just a guideline. As long as the piece is about punctuation, it can take any form. Please do not send attachments. Paste your text or image into the body of the e-mail."
As If We Didn't Know
Men lose their minds speaking to pretty women - Telegraph: "The research shows men who spend even a few minutes in the company of an attractive woman perform less well in tests designed to measure brain function than those who chat to someone they do not find attractive."
Eternal Sunshine . . . .
In Future, Science Could Erase Traumatic Memories : NPR: "Scientists are beginning to understand why fearful memories are so persistent in the brain, and how they can be erased."
It's Official
81 years on, Winnie-the-Pooh is back in the first official sequel to AA Milne classics | Mail Online: "The first authorised Winnie-the-Pooh sequel since AA Milne laid down his pen more than 80 years ago is ready to hit the shelves, bringing Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and the melancholic donkey Eeyore, to a new century of readers."
50 Things That Are Being Killed by the Internet
50 things that are being killed by the internet - Telegraph: "The internet has wrought huge changes on our lives – both positive and negative – in the fifteen years since its use became widespread."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
'Trash' dance celebrates everyday labor as art: "Freeman is driving in unison with three other trucks while music plays. And he's not exactly retrieving trash: He's rehearsing for one of Austin's most unusual dance performances.
Freeman is one of 25 employees of the city's Solid Waste Services Department who have volunteered for 'The Trash Project,' Orr's latest creative venture using nondancers and their movements as the basis of a choreographed performance. It's all part of an effort to celebrate the artistry in everyday work, and it will be staged on the weekend following Labor Day."
Freeman is one of 25 employees of the city's Solid Waste Services Department who have volunteered for 'The Trash Project,' Orr's latest creative venture using nondancers and their movements as the basis of a choreographed performance. It's all part of an effort to celebrate the artistry in everyday work, and it will be staged on the weekend following Labor Day."
Gator Update (Interview Edition)
JEFF EDELSTEIN: Interview with an alligator - The Trentonian Opinion: Serving Trenton and surrounding communities. (trentonian.com): "The following is the exclusive, unedited interview [Jeff Edelstein] conducted yesterday with the Stacy Park Alligator."
John Wilkes Booth in Texas?
Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. | Texas Co-op Power: "According to most historical accounts, John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, perished shortly after being shot inside a burning barn in Virginia nearly 150 years ago. But tales of a man resembling Booth pop up in Glen Rose, Texas, and later in Granbury, starting five years after the April 14, 1865, assassination of the president."
Forgotten Books: THE MCBAIN BRIEF -- Ed McBain
Okay, here's the problem. In the intro to this collection of short stories, Ed McBain says that only one of them was previously published under the McBain name, and that was as a reprint. But the book gives no publishing information. We don't learn when or where or under what names the stories were originally published. I read the paperback, so maybe the info's in the hardcover edition. I would hope so. The first and last stories in this book are also the first and last stories in McBain's more recent collection, Learning to Kill. Some of the others appear there, too. "Kiss Me, Dudley," for example. (When I was a kid, I thought this parody of Spillane was hilarious. Now, not so much.) But there are other stories that aren't in Learning to Kill ("Skin Flick," for one), and they all illustrate McBain's strengths as a story teller. If you have one collection, there's really no need to own both, but I'm glad I do.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Here's the Plot of Your Next Redneck Noir Novel
Fire chief shot by cop in Ark. court over tickets - Yahoo! News: "It was just too much, having to return to court twice on the same day to contest yet another traffic ticket, and Fire Chief Don Payne didn't hesitate to tell the judge what he thought of the police and their speed traps.
The response from cops? They shot him. Right there in court."
The response from cops? They shot him. Right there in court."
BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Naked man jumps off fourth plinth: "A naked man has thrown himself off the fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square.
The man had earlier thrown down a pair of inflatable sex dolls before stripping and hurling himself into the safety net which surrounds the plinth.
He also took a live chicken on to the plinth which had to be rescued by security staff after the man, who called himself Gunter, ran away."
The man had earlier thrown down a pair of inflatable sex dolls before stripping and hurling himself into the safety net which surrounds the plinth.
He also took a live chicken on to the plinth which had to be rescued by security staff after the man, who called himself Gunter, ran away."
Out of the Past
� A 1001 MIDNIGHTS review: JAMES HADLEY CHASE - No Orchids for Miss Blandish.: "A 1001 MIDNIGHTS Review by Bill Crider"
I Don't Even Need to Read This to Know I'm Fine
Local News | 11 signs of Internet addiction | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Signs of Internet addiction, according to Hilarie Cash, executive director of the ReSTART center for Internet addiction near Seattle. Three of the following symptoms suggest abuse, five or more addiction:"
Maine Leads the Way
FEDS PROBE 'SCALPS' CLAIM: "The FBI is investigating recent posts on craigslist that offered to sell 'Maine Indian scalps' to 'white people only,' according to court documents and the leader of the Penobscot Indian Nation, who reported the situation to state and federal officials.
The person who posted the items claimed to have six scalps and related artifacts that were obtained by bounty hunters in the 1700s and came into his possession through a private family collection."
The person who posted the items claimed to have six scalps and related artifacts that were obtained by bounty hunters in the 1700s and came into his possession through a private family collection."
New Jersey Leads the Way
Monmouth County man accused of drunken driving in Morris County - NJ.com: "A Holmdel man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police found him lying on the grass near his parked car, police said today.
Devin R. McQuade, 23, was also charged with careless driving, Madison police spokesman Lt. Darren Dachisen said."
Devin R. McQuade, 23, was also charged with careless driving, Madison police spokesman Lt. Darren Dachisen said."
Why We'll Miss Newspapers
Happy Birthday, Alan Ladd!
It's Alan Ladd's birthday! Check out the Turner Classic Movie Channel Schedule. Start celebrating with a pair of noirs: THE MAN IN THE NET, at noon ET, THE BLUE DAHLIA at 2!
Archaeology Update
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Ancient wall found in Jerusalem: "A 3,700-year-old wall has been discovered in east Jerusalem, Israeli archaeologists say.
The structure was built to protect the city's water supply as part of what dig director Ronny Reich described as the region's earliest fortifications."
The structure was built to protect the city's water supply as part of what dig director Ronny Reich described as the region's earliest fortifications."
Movie Update
Favreau and Downey Play 'Cowboys & Aliens,' 'Iron Man 2' May Go 3-D: Movie News for 9/2 - Inside Movies: "Now that they have 'Iron Man 2' in the can, director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. are looking to play 'Cowboys & Aliens' together. Favreau is in negotiations to direct and Downey is attached to star in the pic based on a 2006 Old West-set graphic novel, in which cowboys and Native Americans join forces to battle alien invaders.
Get ready for your fanboy head to explode because 'Iron Man 2' may hit theaters in digital 3-D. Paramount and Marvel Entertainment have reportedly been shown a one-minute clip from the film converted into 3-D and are now considering adding a third dimension to the whole shebang. Keep your fingers crossed."
Get ready for your fanboy head to explode because 'Iron Man 2' may hit theaters in digital 3-D. Paramount and Marvel Entertainment have reportedly been shown a one-minute clip from the film converted into 3-D and are now considering adding a third dimension to the whole shebang. Keep your fingers crossed."
So What's Your Point?
I have been abducted by aliens, says Japan's first lady -
Asia, World - The Independent: "Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Japan's Prime Minister-elect, Yukio Hatoyama, is a lifestyle guru, a macrobiotics enthusiast, an author of cookery books, a retired actress, a divorcee, and a fearless clothes horse for garments of her own creation, including a skirt made from Hawaiian coffee sacks. But there is more, much more. She has travelled to the planet Venus. And she was once abducted by aliens."
Asia, World - The Independent: "Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Japan's Prime Minister-elect, Yukio Hatoyama, is a lifestyle guru, a macrobiotics enthusiast, an author of cookery books, a retired actress, a divorcee, and a fearless clothes horse for garments of her own creation, including a skirt made from Hawaiian coffee sacks. But there is more, much more. She has travelled to the planet Venus. And she was once abducted by aliens."
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
I'm Shocked
Internet providers seek low broadband bar | Technology | Internet | Reuters: "The biggest U.S. Internet service providers urged regulators to adopt a conservative definition of 'broadband,' arguing for minimum speeds that were substantially below many other nations."
Houston Leads the Way
Houston Has Most Congested Roadway Stretch in Texas - KIAH: "It's something anyone who drives in Houston already knows, Houston is home to a lot of traffic. According to a new list released by the Texas Department of Transportation, six of the most congested roadways in the state are in Harris County."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
State reduces health and P.E. requirements : Corpus Christi Education | Caller-Times |: "The state Legislature modified graduation requirements for physical education from 1-1/2 years to one year, and health will no longer be necessary in high school. The change will give students more time for other electives, especially fine arts, legislators said."
Will the Flying Monkeys be in 3-D?
‘Wizard of Oz’ Update- We Are Movie Geeks: "From the horse’s mouth comes new word on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ remake."
No Comment Department
Man says he robbed bank to get away from wife - Weird News - MiamiHerald.com: "A central Pennsylvania man said he robbed a bank in 2007 to go to jail and get away from his overbearing wife. At a sentencing hearing Monday, 39-year-old Anthony Miller said he robbed a bank in Ephrata because he wanted to leave his then-wife but she had threatened to commit suicide if he did."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Grease-o-Meter off the charts with new State Fair treats | Latest News | WFAA.com: "Last year, Chicken Fried Bacon and a Fried Banana Split took top honors at the annual Big Tex Choice Awards to pick the best new foods at the State Fair of Texas.
This year, the competition is equally innovative (and similarly deep-fried)."
This year, the competition is equally innovative (and similarly deep-fried)."
One Big Happy
Lawyer: Calif. kidnapper's wife misses children | National News | Comcast.net: "The lawyer for the wife of accused kidnapper and rapist Phillip Garrido says his client misses the children her husband allegedly fathered with his victim, and says she saw them all as a family."
Putting the Bite on Cri. . . Law Enforcement
Dog makes meal of NC deputy cruiser’s 4 tires | jacksonsun.com |: "The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office says a pit bull deflated all four tires of a deputy’s cruiser near Hope Mills on Sunday.
Spokeswoman Debbie Tanna says the deputy parked his car in a woman’s driveway while responding to her complaint about another dog.
When Deputy Lynn Lavallis went to speak with Gloria Bass, the dog chomped into the tires."
Spokeswoman Debbie Tanna says the deputy parked his car in a woman’s driveway while responding to her complaint about another dog.
When Deputy Lynn Lavallis went to speak with Gloria Bass, the dog chomped into the tires."
No Comment Department
Convicted Thief Sues Store He Robbed - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.com: "The criminal is finding new and legal ways to victimize the people he ripped off and threatened to kill.
[. . . .]
According to police and court records, Zeilinski came in wearing a mask and carrying a knife that he put to the throats of several employees, threatening to kill them before stealing cigarettes and cash. As he was leaving--reportedly still making threats--one of the young clerks grabbed a gun and shot him in the arm and back. Zeilinski's lawyer says his client is asking in excess of $125,000 for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
[. . . ]
Zelinski says the incident 'ruined his life' and believes the store is responsible for it.
[. . . .]
According to police and court records, Zeilinski came in wearing a mask and carrying a knife that he put to the throats of several employees, threatening to kill them before stealing cigarettes and cash. As he was leaving--reportedly still making threats--one of the young clerks grabbed a gun and shot him in the arm and back. Zeilinski's lawyer says his client is asking in excess of $125,000 for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
[. . . ]
Zelinski says the incident 'ruined his life' and believes the store is responsible for it.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Yes, There Is a Photo!
Bikini girl: Pervert yeti stalked me | Metro.co.uk: "A teenager has added fresh rumour to the yeti debate after claiming the beast spied on her in her bikini as she paddled in a river.
Justyna Folger was having a dip during a camping trip when a shadowy creature appeared on the opposite bank."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Justyna Folger was having a dip during a camping trip when a shadowy creature appeared on the opposite bank."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Afghanistan: Where the Party Never Ends
Animal House in Afghanistan | Mother Jones: "Numerous emails, photographs, and videos portray a Lord of the Flies environment. One email from a current guard describes scenes in which guards and supervisors are 'peeing on people, eating potato chips out of [buttock] cracks, vodka shots out of [buttock] cracks (there is video of that one), broken doors after drnken [sic] brawls, threats and intimidation from those leaders participating in this activity….' Photograph after photograph shows guards—including supervisors—at parties in various stages of nudity, sometimes fondling each other. These parties take place just a few yards from the housing of other supervisors."
Paging Ben Rehder Again
Texas Man Says He Has Mythical Chupacabra - Baltimore News Story - WBAL Baltimore: "A man living north of San Antonio says he has quite the animal sitting in his freezer -- and it may be a mythical chupacabra.
Jerry Ayer, a teacher at the Blanco Taxidermy School in Blanco, Texas, told TV station KSAT that he's never seen anything like it.
'Different, that’s for sure, very interesting,' said Ayer.
The find comes amid a number of strange sightings in the area. The animal is gray in color with leathery, hairless skin and large fangs."
Video at link.
Jerry Ayer, a teacher at the Blanco Taxidermy School in Blanco, Texas, told TV station KSAT that he's never seen anything like it.
'Different, that’s for sure, very interesting,' said Ayer.
The find comes amid a number of strange sightings in the area. The animal is gray in color with leathery, hairless skin and large fangs."
Video at link.
Vampire a Go-Go
In spite of the title, Victor Gischler's Vampire a Go-Go isn't a sequel to Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse. It doesn't even have go-go girls. What it does have, however, is a vampire, a werewolf, witches, a golem, Jesuit SEALS (okay, not exactly, but you get the idea), mad scientists (okay, alchemists; close enough), ghosts, sentient bodiless heads, magic, zombies, and a graduate student who's really good at research. I may have forgotten a thing or two, but that's close enough. Anyway, they're all in Prague, all after the Philosopher's Stone, which isn't what you might have thought it was.Heads roll. There's vampire sex. Priests wield automatic weapons ("Vatican thugs! Run!" yells one character before he's machine-gunned). Anybody can die at any time. There are very funny lines ("Dr. Evergreen's party was almost no fun at all after the discovery of the headless corpse.") What more encouragement do you need? Get your copy today.
DePaul Leads the Way
WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Twitter 101, course at Depaul: "DePaul University will offer a journalism class this fall focused on Twitter.
The class is called 'Digital Editing: From Breaking News to Tweets.'"
The class is called 'Digital Editing: From Breaking News to Tweets.'"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston - Eating Our Words - Anvil's 100 List: Cocktails To Try Before You Die: "Although only one page long, the list is daunting. Satan's Whiskers, Monkey Gland, Blood & Sand, Corpse Reviver #2, Death in the Afternoon, Widow's Kiss, El Diablo: one could almost mistake the cocktail names for santer�a ingredients. And the sheer breadth of the different cocktails is mesmerizing; some with egg, some with absinthe, some with champagne, some with rum. And each of them a classic cocktail, in the truest sense of the phrase."
Check out Scott Cupp's New Column at SF Signal
SF Signal: Geek With (Lots of) Books: The First Step is to Admit You Have a Problem: "Hi, my name is Scott and I am a bookaholic. Chances are you are too.
It's been two years since I last sold my collection. It's been a tough two years. I mean, one day I'm sitting here looking at a complete collection of Philip K. Dick novels and stories, and the next day - zip! Nada! All gone. I watched as 19,000 volumes walked out the door. It took 10 trained packers over 6 hours to just pack them up. I wondered if I would ever miss them, where they would go, what families would have them to hold and cherish, would they love them the same way I did? It was devastating."
It's been two years since I last sold my collection. It's been a tough two years. I mean, one day I'm sitting here looking at a complete collection of Philip K. Dick novels and stories, and the next day - zip! Nada! All gone. I watched as 19,000 volumes walked out the door. It took 10 trained packers over 6 hours to just pack them up. I wondered if I would ever miss them, where they would go, what families would have them to hold and cherish, would they love them the same way I did? It was devastating."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Study: Houston leads in births under age 15 | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "More girls under 15 give birth in Houston than any other U.S. city, according to a new national report, and many of the city's teen moms have additional children before they turn 20.
The report by the research organization Child Trends found that there were 20 percent more babies born to girls 14 or younger in Houston than in New York and Los Angeles in 2006 and that 24 percent of all Houston's teen births were repeat births that year, the latest for which data is available."
The report by the research organization Child Trends found that there were 20 percent more babies born to girls 14 or younger in Houston than in New York and Los Angeles in 2006 and that 24 percent of all Houston's teen births were repeat births that year, the latest for which data is available."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Astros to debut reality TV series - Houston Business Journal:: "Though the harsh reality of the team’s disappointing season is just setting in, Houston Astros players are set to star in their own reality-based television series."
Monday, August 31, 2009
Headline of the Day
A cleaner Cedar Rapids, 1 butt at a time | GazetteOnline.com:
"Butts are no longer welcome on the streets in downtown."
Ed Gorman, take note.
"Butts are no longer welcome on the streets in downtown."
Ed Gorman, take note.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Police Officer Fired for Egging Home - CBS News: "An officers with the Carrollton Police Department, along with three civilian employees with the department, have been fired for egging a house."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Because This Is a Family Blog, . . .
I cannot link to this:
Ban the Bounce - Shock Absorber Sports
Although YesButNoButYes had no problem with it.
Ban the Bounce - Shock Absorber Sports
Although YesButNoButYes had no problem with it.
Rambo Update
Stallone readies for fifth 'Rambo' - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety: "John Rambo's officially readying for a fifth mission.
Nu Image/Millennium Films has greenlit the franchise's fifth installment, with Sylvester Stallone starring and directing, repeating his duties from 2008's 'Rambo.'
The upcoming project's storyline revolves around Rambo fighting his way through human traffickers and drug lords to rescue a young girl abducted near the U.S.-Mexico border. Production will start in the spring."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Nu Image/Millennium Films has greenlit the franchise's fifth installment, with Sylvester Stallone starring and directing, repeating his duties from 2008's 'Rambo.'
The upcoming project's storyline revolves around Rambo fighting his way through human traffickers and drug lords to rescue a young girl abducted near the U.S.-Mexico border. Production will start in the spring."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Fat Chance
The Suburban High: Why Mowing the Lawn Makes Us Feel Relaxed and Happy: "Researchers have discovered that a chemical released by a mown lawn makes people feel happy and relaxed, and could prevent mental decline in old age."
12 Rounds
James Reasoner recommended this one, so I watched it. It's one of those action movies that's about as believable and realistic as, say, Star Wars. John Cena, whose head appears to have been sculpted from a concrete block, plays a cop who gets embroiled in a game of wits with a terrorist who blows stuff up all over the place. To save the woman he loves, Cena's willing to cause (roughly) a billion dollars worth of damage and endanger the lives of (roughly) five thousand citizens. And get a few of people killed (including the one wearing the "I am going to die" sign). There are enough cars wrecked in this movie to keep the cash for clunkers program going for another ten years. Even at that, however, things are never quite what they seem.Renny Harlin directed, and, like James, I'm not ashamed to admit that I liked Cutthroat Island. I even own the DVD and have seen the movie more than once. Needless to say, I enjoyed every minute of 12 Rounds. That's not to say you will, but, hey, it's worth a try.
Croc Update
Endangered crocodiles get a lake to call their own - Asia, World - The Independent: "Members of the world's most threatened crocodile species have been re-introduced into the wild in a scheme that many supporters had feared 'could never be done'."
From Rick Helms
After a ridiculously convoluted series of delays, the new issue of THE BACK ALLEY WEBZINE has gone active. This new issue features six original short stories by an all-female roster of outstanding hardboiled and noir authors. Included are Edgar Award recipient G. Miki Hayden; SMFS Derringer Award recipient Patricia Abbott; Phobos Fiction Contest winner Susan Fry; Baltimore-area short story author and novelist Debbi Mack; and two new and exciting voices--screenwriting college student Katrina Barnett, and forensic psychologist/poet j.a. kazimer.
You can tune in to all the action at www.backalleywebzine.com , and it won't cost you a red cent. Think of it as my little present to you, the hardboiled/noir short story aficianado. Of course, there is always the opportunity to contribute to 'the cause' at the website, but I won't hold it against you if you just enjoy the stories and wander on...
Hope to see you there!
You can tune in to all the action at www.backalleywebzine.com , and it won't cost you a red cent. Think of it as my little present to you, the hardboiled/noir short story aficianado. Of course, there is always the opportunity to contribute to 'the cause' at the website, but I won't hold it against you if you just enjoy the stories and wander on...
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
TRAIL BLAZERS Blog | The Dallas Morning News: "Rick Perry's talk of secession appears to have buoyed efforts by Texas secessionists who want the governor to follow through. At a rally Saturday on the Capitol steps, members of the of the Texas Nationalist Movement called on the governor and the Legislature to put a referendum on the state ballot on whether Texas should leave the union."
Paging Ben Rehder
Friends Worry About Mental Health of The Shining Star | WorstPreviews.com: "Friends and neighbors are coming forward about the mental state of Shelley Duvall, who co-starred opposite Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining' and Robin Williams in 'Popeye.'
Several Blanco, Texas residents have voiced their concerns for the actress because she spends night after night patrolling her backyard, convinced her home is a portal for aliens."
Several Blanco, Texas residents have voiced their concerns for the actress because she spends night after night patrolling her backyard, convinced her home is a portal for aliens."
You Can't Get Away with Anything These Days
Man gets 15 years for biting off finger - NJ.com: "A 30-year-old Staten Island man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for biting off the finger of an Atlantic City police officer and assaulting two other officers attempting to subdue him at a casino nightclub."
Crown Vic, R. I. P. ?
Ford planning to phase out Crown Vic in two years | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal: "Ford Motor Co. will phase out production of its popular police car, the Crown Victoria, in 2011 at a plant in Ontario.
However, the Dearborn-based automaker declined to say Friday if that means the police car would cease to exist afterward or confirm reports that it wants to replace the Crown Vic with a police version of the Ford Taurus."
However, the Dearborn-based automaker declined to say Friday if that means the police car would cease to exist afterward or confirm reports that it wants to replace the Crown Vic with a police version of the Ford Taurus."
Geoffrey Jenkins Update
Not so long ago, I featured a Geoffrey Jenkins novel as a "forgotten book." Jenkins isn't forgotten at all, as you can see. All 16 of his novels are returning to print.
Confessions of an Heiress -- Paris Hilton
This amazing book was a gift from George Kelley and Art Scott, who obviously have impeccable taste and know good literature when they see it. See is the right word since there's not a lot of text, but then who cares? There are hundreds of photos, and that's what you want in a book like this, right?What? You mean you were expecting actual confessions? Surely you jest. Paris has little to confess, other than the fact that she has naturally curly hair. Sex tape? What sex tape? There's no mention of that here, so we can assume it doesn't exist.
There's plenty of good advice, like "act like you're wearing an invisible crown" and "project an extreme sense of confidence." You can't find stuff like that just anywhere.
The writing is, as you'd expect, superb, which I'm sure is the result of Paris having cleaned up any mistakes in grammar her co-author (Merle Ginsberg) might have made.
But why should I go on? I know all of you already have your own copy (or copies) of this fine volume. An American classic.
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