Saturday, April 05, 2014
Uh-Oh
The Interrobang: An adaptation of Terry Gilliam’s sci-fi classic 12 Monkeys is headed to the Syfy network next year. The show will star starring Aaron Stanford in Bruce Willis’s role. Amanda Schull, Noah Bean and Kirk Acevedo have also been cast.
Free for Kindle For a Limited Time
Amazon.com: The Year I Died Seven Times Book #3 eBook: Eric Beetner: Kindle Store: Dying twice hasn’t deterred Ridley from finding the love of his life. The mystery deepens and the action increases as Ridley enlists the help of old buddy CJ for a return trip to New York. There, he’ll encounter vicious gun dealers, some familiar faces (not in a good way) and an old friend who may be able to help find Miho.
This time he’s walking straight into the Lion’s den in search of answers. Death awaits, but that’s just the kind of year Ridley’s having.
Get caught up with books 1 & 2 and be on the lookout for book #4 in June.
This time he’s walking straight into the Lion’s den in search of answers. Death awaits, but that’s just the kind of year Ridley’s having.
Get caught up with books 1 & 2 and be on the lookout for book #4 in June.
I Miss the Old Days
Chicks Dig Accordions! Vintage Vinyl and Squeezebox Groupies
Some album covers might not be safe for work.
Some album covers might not be safe for work.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Arthur Smith, R. I. P.
WBTV: Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith has passed away at the age of 93, sources tell WBTV.
The South Carolina native was a bluegrass legend. In 1955, Smith wrote what he called 'Feuding Banjos.'
It would later be known as 'Dueling Banjos' and was played during a memorable scene in the movie "Deliverance" in 1972.
The South Carolina native was a bluegrass legend. In 1955, Smith wrote what he called 'Feuding Banjos.'
It would later be known as 'Dueling Banjos' and was played during a memorable scene in the movie "Deliverance" in 1972.
Croc Update (Amorous Frogs Edition)
Amorous frogs blissfully unaware of voyeuristic croc behind them miraculously survive encounter as he decides against chomping them at last minute
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Great photo at the link.
And, yes, Amorous Frogs WBAGNFARB
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Great photo at the link.
And, yes, Amorous Frogs WBAGNFARB
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee
Dispute Over Guy Leads to Rat Retaliation: Investigators said an ongoing dispute over a man escalated late Wednesday, when a woman in her 20s, her mother and a pack of eight or nine other women went to the victim's house with a baseball bat and a box containing an unknown number of white rats.
Jeff Meyerson saw Rat Retaliation open for Moby Grape in 1968.
Jeff Meyerson saw Rat Retaliation open for Moby Grape in 1968.
FFB: A Candle for the Dead -- Hugh Marlowe
Some of you will understand perfectly when I say that I remember quite well pulling this book off the shelf at a little used-book store in Abilene, Texas, back in the early '70s. I must have known at the time that Hugh Marlowe was in reality Jack Higgins/Harry Patterson/James Graham, or else the memory wouldn't have stuck with me.
Sean Rogan is in prison for his political crimes, but he was a hero in WWII, having saved the life of Inspector Vangbrugh, now of Scotland Yard. Rogan escapes from prison and agrees to help out the IRA one more time, but only because of the pleading of Colum O'More, who's dying of cancer. The help involves pulling off a Big Caper, and much of the book goes into the planning and execution of the caper. Besides Rogan, a corrupt cop, a couple of hardened criminals, an alcoholic accomplice, a scheming solicitor, and a beautiful woman are involved.
You might know where the plot's headed, but there are crosses and double-crosses along the way, along with a nice surprise or two. Marlowe's descriptions of weather and landscape are as spare and poetic as ever, and the book is an entertaining way to spend an evening.
One thing needs to be said. Many of you know Lachman's Law, which states, "Never buy a book with a swastika on the cover." This one's different, however, as the only Nazis involved are mentioned briefly in flashbacks to WWII. So although there's a swastika on the cover and this book was published at the height of the swastika-on-the-cover phase, the image has nothing to do with the contents.
Sean Rogan is in prison for his political crimes, but he was a hero in WWII, having saved the life of Inspector Vangbrugh, now of Scotland Yard. Rogan escapes from prison and agrees to help out the IRA one more time, but only because of the pleading of Colum O'More, who's dying of cancer. The help involves pulling off a Big Caper, and much of the book goes into the planning and execution of the caper. Besides Rogan, a corrupt cop, a couple of hardened criminals, an alcoholic accomplice, a scheming solicitor, and a beautiful woman are involved.
You might know where the plot's headed, but there are crosses and double-crosses along the way, along with a nice surprise or two. Marlowe's descriptions of weather and landscape are as spare and poetic as ever, and the book is an entertaining way to spend an evening.
One thing needs to be said. Many of you know Lachman's Law, which states, "Never buy a book with a swastika on the cover." This one's different, however, as the only Nazis involved are mentioned briefly in flashbacks to WWII. So although there's a swastika on the cover and this book was published at the height of the swastika-on-the-cover phase, the image has nothing to do with the contents.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
A Rope for a Rat
A Rope for a Rat: The Montana vigilantes lynched a gang informant—or so they thought.
15 Short Stories You Can Read in Under 15 Minutes
Short Stories You Can Read Quickly: 15 Short Stories You Can Read in Under 15 Minutes
Western Trail Blazer Day
Western Fictioneers: Western Trail Blazer Day: We have a lot of exciting new things for you this month- several ebook shorts, and our monthly western anthology is joined by a new anthology series focused on the Weird West. Read 'em up, we have lots more right around the corner.
Here's the Plot for Your Next CIA Thriller
Parallels : NPR: How is it possible that a group of average citizens doing Google searches in their suburban town homes can outpredict members of the United States intelligence community with access to classified information?
Batman vs. Killer Croc
'Son of Batman' clip features Batman vs. Killer Croc, world premiere announced
The writer of the movie is Joe Lansdale.
The writer of the movie is Joe Lansdale.
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Who Said It?
We all know the answer to this one: When in Doubt Have a Man Come Through a Door with a Gun in His Hand
I Miss the Old Days
Yorkshire Post: It was in 1949 that the Radio Corporation of America invented the 45 as a replacement for the brittle 78rpm shellac discs that had endured since the late 19th century. Like the 12-inch long players introduced a year earlier by rival Columbia, they sounded better and were virtually unbreakable.
The Real-life inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings?
heCHIVE: Ever wonder what was the real-life inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings? (33 Photos)
Picasso on the Page
Picasso on the Page on AbeBooks: Pablo Picasso’s long life (1881-1973) as a painter, draughtsman and sculptor spanned two World Wars and the Spanish Civil War. He kicked off Cubism and his name will always be synonymous with avant-garde art. The Spanish-born artist is particularly remembered for his angular depiction of five Barcelona prostitutes, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, and his stunning anti-war painting of the Guernica bombing, but his contribution to the art world is vast.
How did zebras get their stripes?
New study claims to solve mystery that baffled Darwin: How did zebras get their stripes?: Zebras have stripes to deter the tsetse and other blood-sucking flies, according to a fresh bid to settle a debate that has raged among biologists for over 140 years.
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
New Fight Card Tale Now Available
Amazon.com: Fight Card: Copper Mountain Champ eBook: Jack Tunney, Brian Drake, Paul Bishop: Kindle Store: Butte, Montana. 1951…Back from the horror of World War II, Alex Slayton started working the copper mines of his hometown, but it’s hardly the life he intends for himself...or his girlfriend, Liz. However, when long festering problems at the mine force a union strike, Alex finds himself up against the mining company’s notoriously tight-fisted owner – a man who believes in violence as a first resort.
Based on his raw fighting talent, Alex learned the sweet science from his mentor and fellow miner, Pete Kovich – hoping boxing would get him out from underground and on to a sunny future. Now, caught in a web of town intrigue, violence, and sudden death, Alex is forced to face the mine owner’s son, a top boxing prospect, in the ring. Alex knows he’s not ready, but the only way out is to fight – not just for himself, but for the whole town…
I Like this April 1 Post
Penguin Now! | Penguin Books UK: A new range of classic novels, grammatically updated for 2014
Gator Update (Puppy Puppy Edition)
Neighbors catch woman on camera feeding and yelling at gators in Port St. Lucie: She nicknamed the gator Puppy Puppy
Video at the link.
Video at the link.
Black Death Update
Black death was not spread by rat fleas, say researchers: Evidence from skulls in east London shows plague had to have been airborne to spread so quickly
The Sound and the Fury of William Faulkner
The Sound and the Fury of William Faulkner: William Faulkner was born William Cuthbert Falkner in 1897 in Mississippi and remained true to the old south all his life, always returning to Mississippi after stints and travels around the world. During his career, he wrote 20 novels, countless short stories and even a few collections of poetry. His most famous works include As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury and Sartoris.
Mutant Head Lice WBAGNFARB
It's April Fools' Day, but if you can't trust the Daily Star, whom can you trust? WARNING: Drug-resistant mutant head lice now living in mobile phones
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
It's April Fools' Day
"Why is April 1 a day to celebrate foolishness?": There's some uncertainty about when and where this bizarre tradition began, but the most accepted explanation traces April Fools' Day back to 16th century France. Up until 1564, the accepted calendar was the Julian calendar, which observed the beginning of the New Year around April. According to "The Oxford Companion to the Year," King Charles IX then declared that France would begin using the Gregorian calendar, which shifted New Year's Day to January 1.
Overlooked Movies: Adventures in Babysitting
Most of the movies I talk about here aren't really overlooked or forgotten. They're just a little bit obscure, and I figure some people haven't seen them or thought about them for a while. Like this one.
I'd try to summarize the plot, but I'm not sure I could. There's so much going on that I've probably forgotten half of it. It's winter in Chicago. Elizabeth Shue plays the babysitter (with great '80s hair), who's just settling in to watch over the Anderson kids, when she gets a call from her best friend (Penelope Ann Miller), who's stranded at the bus station. Shue feels she has no choice but to borrow the Andersons' car and go pick her up. That's when the adventures begin, and there are a million of 'em. Okay, not that many but a bunch: car thieves, gang fights, car chases, a fraternity party, a chase up a high-rise, a blues bar, and on and on. Watch the trailer below if you haven't already. Meanwhile, Miller is having her own adventures, including a good one that involves a sewer rat. And then there's the appearance by Thor. Sort of.
It's all fun and games. And there's even a little romance. Check it out.
It's all fun and games. And there's even a little romance. Check it out.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Free for Kindle For a Limited Time
Amazon.com: Miles to Little Ridge (Cash Laramie & Gideon Miles Series) eBook: Heath Lowrance: Kindle Store: Edward A.Grainger's Gideon Miles hits the trail in this fast-clip western novella written by Heath Lowrance. The U.S. Marshal finds himself in the sleepy town of Little Ridge, Montana, on the search for a wanted man. But just as Miles enters town, he's spotted by a hard case who recognizes Miles as the lawman that killed his friend. Now Miles must face the wanted man, who claims his innocence and is raising a daughter on his own, while the hard case and a ne'er-do-well partner are gunning for him.
Song of the Day
Rockabilly n Blues: Chuck Berry released the iconic "Johnny B. Goode" this day in 1958. It peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart and #8 on their top 100. Rolling Stone magazine placed the song at #1 of it's 100 Greatest Guitar Songs Of All Time list.
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode [HQ] - YouTube:
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode [HQ] - YouTube:
Batman 75th Anniversary: Vintage Comic Covers
People.com: Batman Turns 75: 16 Amazing Vintage Batman Covers to Celebrate
Here's the Plot for Your Next Plane-Crash & Jewelry Thriller
BBC News - The mystery of Mont Blanc's hidden treasure: It's a plot line that wouldn't be out of place in a Tintin comic - a French mayor, an Alpine climber, a historian, a wealthy Jewish stone merchant from London, and their tenuous connections to a bag of lost jewels discovered on the peak of Mont Blanc.
Amazing Stories 88th Anniversary Issue
AMAZING News 3-30-29 - Amazing Stories: AMAZING STORIES will begin publication of a special 88th anniversary edition of the magazine on April 1st, 2014.
April 1st may be April Fools Day, but this is no joke. Beginning Tuesday, April 1st, the contents of Amazing Stories’ 88th Anniversary issue (April 2014, Volume 75, Number 1, Whole Number 610) will be rolled out on the website under the MAGAZINE tab.
April 1st may be April Fools Day, but this is no joke. Beginning Tuesday, April 1st, the contents of Amazing Stories’ 88th Anniversary issue (April 2014, Volume 75, Number 1, Whole Number 610) will be rolled out on the website under the MAGAZINE tab.
Eddie Lawrence, R. I. P.
Contactmusic.com: U.S. comedian Eddie Lawrence has died at the age of 95.
The funnyman passed away in New York City last week (25Mar14). He is believed to have died from natural causes.
Famed for his 'Old Philosopher' character, Lawrence's routine involved him delivering doom-laden monologues which started with a three-minute single which rose into the U.S. charts in 1956.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The funnyman passed away in New York City last week (25Mar14). He is believed to have died from natural causes.
Famed for his 'Old Philosopher' character, Lawrence's routine involved him delivering doom-laden monologues which started with a three-minute single which rose into the U.S. charts in 1956.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
A treasure trove of silent American movies found in Amsterdam
A treasure trove of silent American movies found in Amsterdam: Long-missing comedy shorts such as 1927’s “Mickey’s Circus,” featuring a 6-year-old Mickey Rooney in his first starring role, 1917's "Neptune's Naughty Daughter"; 1925’s “Fifty Million Years Ago,” an animated introduction to the theory of evolution; and a 1924 industrial short, “The Last Word in Chickens,” are among the American silent films recently found at the EYE Filmmusem in Amsterdam.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
J.K. Rowling Update
'Harry Potter' Spinoff 'Fantastic Beasts' Is Getting A Trilogy: In a New York Times interview with Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara, the paper reported that J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" spinoff "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is slated for "three megamovies."
Kate O’Mara, R. I. P.
NY Daily News: Actress Kate O'Mara, best known for her role in the 1980s soap opera Dynasty, has died at the age of 74.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Bang
Off-Duty Deputy Shoots Man After Catching Couple Having Sex in Community Pool: The man was reportedly hovering over the deputy in a threatening manner, leading to a confrontation in which the man attempted to strike the deputy and the deputy opened fire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)