Crime Scene KC: "Analyst says she may avoid jail time
A Montreal woman has pled guilty to setting her boyfriend's penis on fire with fondue fuel while he slept after an argument. He suffered third-degree burns on the groin and spent a month in the hospital."
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Bob Dylan on XM
Just a reminder: You can listen to Bob Dylan yourself today on AOL Radio, or you can listen to any (or all) of the previous shows. The links are in my post here. Check it out.
Sad Anna Nicole Update
Mystery surrounds death of Anna Nicole Smith's son: "Mystery surrounds death of model's son
By JESSICA ROBERTSON
Associated Press
NASSAU, Bahamas — The remains of Anna Nicole Smith's 20-year-old son, who died suddenly while visiting his celebrity mother in the hospital, were to be returned to his home in California with no official word yet on what caused his death.
A funeral home hired by the family of the 38-year-old reality TV star, who had given birth to a healthy baby girl in the same hospital three days earlier, said today it expected to receive Daniel Smith's body after police completed an autopsy."
**************
"Daniel Smith, who died Saturday, was the product of Smith's 1985 marriage to Billy Smith. The couple, who met while working together at Jim's Krispy Fried Chicken in Mexia, Texas, divorced in 1987. The son had small roles in her movies Skyscraper and To the Limit."
By JESSICA ROBERTSON
Associated Press
NASSAU, Bahamas — The remains of Anna Nicole Smith's 20-year-old son, who died suddenly while visiting his celebrity mother in the hospital, were to be returned to his home in California with no official word yet on what caused his death.
A funeral home hired by the family of the 38-year-old reality TV star, who had given birth to a healthy baby girl in the same hospital three days earlier, said today it expected to receive Daniel Smith's body after police completed an autopsy."
**************
"Daniel Smith, who died Saturday, was the product of Smith's 1985 marriage to Billy Smith. The couple, who met while working together at Jim's Krispy Fried Chicken in Mexia, Texas, divorced in 1987. The son had small roles in her movies Skyscraper and To the Limit."
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
This Might Not Be True . . .
. . . but if one can't believe The Sun, whom can one believe?
The Sun, September 12, 2006
A WIFE aged 65 chopped off her dead husband’s willy in hospital — so she could keep it in a pickling jar as a souvenir.
The Sun, September 12, 2006
A WIFE aged 65 chopped off her dead husband’s willy in hospital — so she could keep it in a pickling jar as a souvenir.
Uta Schneider used a butcher’s knife to hack off the “treasured” manhood. She wrapped it in foil and put it in a lunchbox — next to gherkins.
But she was spotted by a nurse and arrested in Stuttgart, Germany. She is accused of mutilation.
Uta was wed to Heinrich, 68, for 35 years.
She told police: “It was his best asset and gave me so much pleasure.
“I wanted to pickle it for eternity — he would have wanted it. We called it his joystick. I wanted it to remember him by.”
Monday, September 11, 2006
The Hoff: Classier Than You Ever Imagined
The Hoff's 'friendship' with Diana: "Baywatch legend David Hasselhoff has claimed he was asked to sing at Princess Diana's funeral service.
The Hoff, whose musical talents are perhaps better known in Germany, said the Princess's brother asked him to perform at the service which famously featured Sir Elton John's outstanding rendition of a reworked 'Candle in the Wind'.
The former hunk in trunks said there was a common bond between the pair while the Princess was alive and that she even wrote him letters which she dared not send.
The Hoff said: 'Her brother Charles rang me up and asked me to sing at her memorial and he said she'd written me letters but had never sent them.
'He said 'was there something there?' and I said 'yeah'. I saw a lonely person in her, I saw a little girl and someone who needed a friend and I kind of needed a friend at that time and didn't even know it.
'We had a lot of fun together. The first thing she said to me was 'you look good with your clothes on' and I said 'so do you'.'
A spokesperson for Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, said: 'I'm afraid that we have nothing to say on this subject.'"
The Hoff, whose musical talents are perhaps better known in Germany, said the Princess's brother asked him to perform at the service which famously featured Sir Elton John's outstanding rendition of a reworked 'Candle in the Wind'.
The former hunk in trunks said there was a common bond between the pair while the Princess was alive and that she even wrote him letters which she dared not send.
The Hoff said: 'Her brother Charles rang me up and asked me to sing at her memorial and he said she'd written me letters but had never sent them.
'He said 'was there something there?' and I said 'yeah'. I saw a lonely person in her, I saw a little girl and someone who needed a friend and I kind of needed a friend at that time and didn't even know it.
'We had a lot of fun together. The first thing she said to me was 'you look good with your clothes on' and I said 'so do you'.'
A spokesperson for Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, said: 'I'm afraid that we have nothing to say on this subject.'"
Elvis (Jr.) Lives!
Son of Elvis or not, singer drops touring to settle down by lake
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Michael Sangiacomo
Plain Dealer Reporter
"Celina, Ohio- People with 'Suspicious Minds' want to know: Does the son of Elvis Presley live in Ohio?
Absolutely, says Elvis Presley Jr., and he'll tell you all about it.
'Junior,' as he likes to be called, can be found at Dreamland, the Elvis Presley Museum and Dinner Show, on Celina Road (Ohio 703) near Grand Lake St. Marys.
The museum, attached to the 'Nifty 50s' diner, is open daily. On weekends, Junior performs Elvis' greatest hits and some songs of his own. The club opened the first week of July and has sold out shows ever since.
Junior looks the part: the face, the hair. But unlike the army of Elvis impersonators, he doesn't talk like Elvis. He sings like Elvis but refuses to wear a tacky jeweled jumpsuit.
At 45, he's outlived Elvis, who died at age 42 in 1977.
But is he really the son of The King?
'People either believe or they don't,' he said. 'It's my story, and I feel I have the proof, and the rest is up to them.'"
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Michael Sangiacomo
Plain Dealer Reporter
"Celina, Ohio- People with 'Suspicious Minds' want to know: Does the son of Elvis Presley live in Ohio?
Absolutely, says Elvis Presley Jr., and he'll tell you all about it.
'Junior,' as he likes to be called, can be found at Dreamland, the Elvis Presley Museum and Dinner Show, on Celina Road (Ohio 703) near Grand Lake St. Marys.
The museum, attached to the 'Nifty 50s' diner, is open daily. On weekends, Junior performs Elvis' greatest hits and some songs of his own. The club opened the first week of July and has sold out shows ever since.
Junior looks the part: the face, the hair. But unlike the army of Elvis impersonators, he doesn't talk like Elvis. He sings like Elvis but refuses to wear a tacky jeweled jumpsuit.
At 45, he's outlived Elvis, who died at age 42 in 1977.
But is he really the son of The King?
'People either believe or they don't,' he said. 'It's my story, and I feel I have the proof, and the rest is up to them.'"
Will the Persecution NEVER End?
How Paris was left hopping at Branson's Mad Hatter bash ... | the Daily Mail: "How Paris was left hopping at Branson's Mad Hatter bash ...
By CHRISTOPHER LEAKE Last updated at 10:06am on 10th September 2006
Paris had asked if she could come to the Mad Hatter-themed bash dressed as Alice in Wonderland - guaranteeing her a starring role.
But when the Virgin tycoon found out, he secretly ordered that all 60 waitresses at the event should also wear Alice costumes - and he rubbed salt into Paris's wounds when she arrived by deliberately mistaking her for one of the serving staff and asking her to serve him a drink."
By CHRISTOPHER LEAKE Last updated at 10:06am on 10th September 2006
Paris had asked if she could come to the Mad Hatter-themed bash dressed as Alice in Wonderland - guaranteeing her a starring role.
But when the Virgin tycoon found out, he secretly ordered that all 60 waitresses at the event should also wear Alice costumes - and he rubbed salt into Paris's wounds when she arrived by deliberately mistaking her for one of the serving staff and asking her to serve him a drink."
On-Line Interactive Mystery Game
CNN.com - Review: 'Mansfield Manor' a clever whodunit - Aug 18, 2006: "Review: 'Mansfield Manor' a clever whodunit
By Marc Saltzman
Gannett News Service
Friday, August 18, 2006; Posted: 2:05 p.m. EDT (18:05 GMT)
Armchair sleuths with a knack for solving murder mysteries on TV shows or in books can put their skills to the test with a new Web-only adventure, 'Mystery at Mansfield Manor.'
This clever whodunit can best be described as an online interactive movie with nearly three hours of live-action video.
The game stars 14 real actors -- most of whom are suspects -- and it's your job as Detective Frank Mitchell to interrogate each one to solve the murder of a wealthy oil industrialist, Colin Mansfield Sr."
Mystery*File Update
Not good news. But there is some good news further down in the post. Go read it all.
MYSTERY*FILE ON-LINE: "Sept 10. SITE STATUS. I’ve been delaying this decision as long as possible, but since it has to be made, there’s no reason to put it off any longer. I’m not shutting down, but M*F On-Line, as it’s existed over the past year or so, is going on hiatus for the time being."
MYSTERY*FILE ON-LINE: "Sept 10. SITE STATUS. I’ve been delaying this decision as long as possible, but since it has to be made, there’s no reason to put it off any longer. I’m not shutting down, but M*F On-Line, as it’s existed over the past year or so, is going on hiatus for the time being."
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
I shouldn't write posts like the one immediately below. I start thinking about stuff, and one thing leads to another. You know how it goes. Anyway, thinking of the JFK assassination reminded me of Mort Sahl, whose career took a header when he became obsessed with the assassination and the supposed conspiracy surrounding it. Sahl's still around. It's just that his career died a long time ago. Or if it didn't die, it more or less disappeared. Anyway, I was reminded of one of Sahl's jokes: "Senator McCarthy doesn't disagree with what you say, so much as he disagrees with your right to say it." Change the name (you can probably think of a few to substitute without even trying), and you've got a joke you could use right now.
September 11
Everything happens when I'm in school. I guess that's because I spent most of my life in the classroom, one way or the other. When JFK was shot, I was in my first year of teaching. I was talking to to my fourth-period class about some scene in Huckleberry Finn when the school secretary came to the door and called me out of the room. She told me that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas. That was all she knew. I went back into class and finished the lesson.
I had a study hall the next period. It was in a huge room with a lot of students. I think there must have been 100, but I could easily be mistaken. When I walked in, the room was completely quiet, a big change from the usual. Someone had set a little transistor radio in one of the windows and tuned it to a Dallas station. For the rest of the period we all listened. For nearly an hour nobody said a thing. Some of the students cried.
Five years ago on this date I was in my office at Alvin Community College. A lot of years in a lot of different schools had gone by since that long ago day in 1963. I was grading some papers when John Duke came in from the office next door to tell me that something was happening in New York. An airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. He had a TV set in his office, so I went with him to see what was going on. We saw the Twin Towers collapse.
Like a lot of people who were a good distance removed from the event, I spent most of the rest of the day in a kind of daze. I couldn't quite get a grip on what had happened. I'm not sure I have one yet. In the years since, a lot of things have happened in this country. Most of them I don't like at all, though I don't often talk about them here. That's not the purpose of this blog (in case you were wondering, the purpose of this blog is to keep me entertained). I just thought I'd say a few words today and then move on.
I had a study hall the next period. It was in a huge room with a lot of students. I think there must have been 100, but I could easily be mistaken. When I walked in, the room was completely quiet, a big change from the usual. Someone had set a little transistor radio in one of the windows and tuned it to a Dallas station. For the rest of the period we all listened. For nearly an hour nobody said a thing. Some of the students cried.
Five years ago on this date I was in my office at Alvin Community College. A lot of years in a lot of different schools had gone by since that long ago day in 1963. I was grading some papers when John Duke came in from the office next door to tell me that something was happening in New York. An airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. He had a TV set in his office, so I went with him to see what was going on. We saw the Twin Towers collapse.
Like a lot of people who were a good distance removed from the event, I spent most of the rest of the day in a kind of daze. I couldn't quite get a grip on what had happened. I'm not sure I have one yet. In the years since, a lot of things have happened in this country. Most of them I don't like at all, though I don't often talk about them here. That's not the purpose of this blog (in case you were wondering, the purpose of this blog is to keep me entertained). I just thought I'd say a few words today and then move on.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Jumper -- The Movie
Steve Gould wrote an excellent SF novel called Jumper, which I read a number of years ago. It's now being filmed, and JoBlo has some photos from the set, including one of Samuel L. Jackson, who's definitely not in his Snakes on a Plane mode. Check it out. (Better yet, read the book if you haven't done so already.)
Megan Abbott Speaks
Over at The Rap Sheet, Megan Abbott has some interesting commentary on the actual case that inspired her forthcoming novel, The Song is You. Check it out.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Now You, too, Can Hear Bob Dylan on Theme Time Radio
Slampo doesn't like Bob Dylan's new album, but he has a link to this page, where you can listen to all the back shows. I also learned that Theme Time Radio Hour is now simulcast on AOL Radio, which is all for free, so you can listen every week. Now I can stop posting those playlists. You're on your own.
50 Best High School Movies?
Entertainment Weekly (or Weakly, as someone likes to say) has a list. I'd rank 16 Candles much higher. And how could they leave off Blackboard Jungle. Maybe I just missed it.
Friday, September 08, 2006
September 8, 1900: Deadly Anniversary
The 1900 Storm: Galveston, Texas: "A Galveston Daily News reporter in 1900 said the story of the Sept. 8, 1900, hurricane could never truly be written. For many, no words could ever be spoken again about the deadly hurricane that reshaped the Gulf Coast forever."
Happy Birthday, Grace Metalious!
Gator/Croc Update
Northern Territory News: Supersized saltie is back [ 08sep06 ]: "A CROCODILE believed to be the biggest known specimen in the world has returned to a popular Territory fishing spot.
Dozens of tourists were treated to a rare sighting of the super-sized saltie, estimated to measure at least 6m long, on a boat tour of Corroboree Billabong.
Tour guide Ted Jackson, who operates Wilderness 4WD Safaris, spotted the saltie on the banks of the Mary River two months ago -- but did not see it again until Sunday.
'He is without a doubt the largest-known living crocodile I've ever seen or heard of,' he said.
'We were just 2m from his head, which was lying on the bank of the river parallel to the edge.
'Boy, is he something.
'I was only just telling the group all about him and there he was.' "
Dozens of tourists were treated to a rare sighting of the super-sized saltie, estimated to measure at least 6m long, on a boat tour of Corroboree Billabong.
Tour guide Ted Jackson, who operates Wilderness 4WD Safaris, spotted the saltie on the banks of the Mary River two months ago -- but did not see it again until Sunday.
'He is without a doubt the largest-known living crocodile I've ever seen or heard of,' he said.
'We were just 2m from his head, which was lying on the bank of the river parallel to the edge.
'Boy, is he something.
'I was only just telling the group all about him and there he was.' "
Coming in January from St. Martin's
Buy early and often! (This is a Sheriff Rhodes book, despite the academic-looking cover.)Joi Lansing Sings and Dances!
Yes, and it's all there for you to see at Jaime Weinman's fine site. Check it out.
Something Old, Nothing New: Scopitones!: "'Trapped in the Web of Love,' a video with stupefyingly literal interpretations of the lyrics and lots of wholesome obscenity, featuring Joi Lansing."
Something Old, Nothing New: Scopitones!: "'Trapped in the Web of Love,' a video with stupefyingly literal interpretations of the lyrics and lots of wholesome obscenity, featuring Joi Lansing."
She Only Wanted a Quick In-N-Out!
No, the title is not a straight line. I knew, of course, that she had a good excuse. (And thanks to Paris Hilton mauven Jeff Meyverson for the link.)
New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Hilton is booked: "Hungry Paris only had one, lawyer says of DWI bust
LOS ANGELES - Hunger drove Paris Hilton to drink and drive, her rep says.
The willowy starlet, busted and handcuffed early yesterday on a drunken driving charge in Hollywood, was famished from a long day of working and schmoozing without eating when she headed out for a burger after downing 'one margarita' at a charity bash, her spokesman Elliott Mintz told the Daily News.
'She had not eaten all day. She was a little weak. She left the event intending to go to In-N-Out Burger,' Mintz said. 'She is a big fan of fast food.'"
New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Hilton is booked: "Hungry Paris only had one, lawyer says of DWI bust
LOS ANGELES - Hunger drove Paris Hilton to drink and drive, her rep says.
The willowy starlet, busted and handcuffed early yesterday on a drunken driving charge in Hollywood, was famished from a long day of working and schmoozing without eating when she headed out for a burger after downing 'one margarita' at a charity bash, her spokesman Elliott Mintz told the Daily News.
'She had not eaten all day. She was a little weak. She left the event intending to go to In-N-Out Burger,' Mintz said. 'She is a big fan of fast food.'"
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Paragaea -- Chris Roberson
At Armadillocon, I was on a panel called "What Should I Have Read this Year?" One of the panelists, Willie Siros, mentioned this book. When Willie speaks, I listen, so I immediately went into the dealers' room and picked up a copy. It's billed as "A Planetary Romance" in the tradition of Burroughs and Leigh Brackett, but I was reminded more of the "travels through wonder" branch of the genre. (The first Jack Vance book I ever read was Big Planet, which I thought of when reading this one. Maybe it's a planetary romance, too.)What happens is that a Russian cosmonaut (Leena Chirikov) from the early '60s slips through a wormhole to a parallel earth full of dinosaurs, cat men, snake men, and more wonders than I can catalogue here. Not to mention a handy hero (that's his name, too, sort of) from her own world (again, sort of). It's just one damn thing after another, from the first chapter to the last. There's enough material here for a slew of sequels about the different characters who go their own ways at the end of the novel. It's a very Burroughsian ending.
I enjoyed Roberson's take on all the old pulp cliches, updated in his own sly ways. He even manages to work in a comment (or so I took it) on airport security. Check it out.
Some Questions about Carter Brown
Dr. Toni Johnson-Woods, author of a two-part article on Australian pulp fiction, has some questions about Carter Brown. I'm sure she'd appreciate any help you can give her.
To Each His Own
Thanks, again, to Jeff Meyerson.
KSBY - Sheriff's Deputies Make Bizarre Arrest: "Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputies come across a bizarre encounter at La Purisima Mission in Lompoc.
Around midnight they found a 69-year-old Huntington beach man...naked and covered in oats.
Deputies say the man had covered himself in olive oil, rolled around in oats and allowed the horses at the mission to lick him clean.
He apparently told deputies this has always been a fantasy of his and drove up from the Los Angeles area to play it out."
KSBY - Sheriff's Deputies Make Bizarre Arrest: "Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputies come across a bizarre encounter at La Purisima Mission in Lompoc.
Around midnight they found a 69-year-old Huntington beach man...naked and covered in oats.
Deputies say the man had covered himself in olive oil, rolled around in oats and allowed the horses at the mission to lick him clean.
He apparently told deputies this has always been a fantasy of his and drove up from the Los Angeles area to play it out."
Will the Persecution Never End?
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
iWon News - Paris Hilton Booked on DUI Charges: "LOS ANGELES (AP) - Paris Hilton was arrested early Thursday for investigation of driving under the influence, police said.
Hilton was arrested shortly before 12:30 a.m. after being pulled over in Hollywood, said police Officer I. Isabella, who declined to give his first name.
Police stopped Hilton because she was 'driving erratically,' he said.
'The officers observed that Hilton exhibited the symptoms of intoxication. A field sobriety test was conducted at scene, and the officers determined she was driving under the influence,' Isabella said, reading a police statement.
Hilton was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and released, he said."
iWon News - Paris Hilton Booked on DUI Charges: "LOS ANGELES (AP) - Paris Hilton was arrested early Thursday for investigation of driving under the influence, police said.
Hilton was arrested shortly before 12:30 a.m. after being pulled over in Hollywood, said police Officer I. Isabella, who declined to give his first name.
Police stopped Hilton because she was 'driving erratically,' he said.
'The officers observed that Hilton exhibited the symptoms of intoxication. A field sobriety test was conducted at scene, and the officers determined she was driving under the influence,' Isabella said, reading a police statement.
Hilton was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and released, he said."
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Bob's Back!
Dylan's New Album Hits No. 1 on Charts: "Bob Dylan is back at the top of the charts — for the first time in 30 years. His new album, 'Modern Times,' reached No. 1 on the album sales chart, selling 192,000 units in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures released Wednesday.
The critically acclaimed disc is Dylan's first No. 1 album since 1976's 'Desire.'"
The critically acclaimed disc is Dylan's first No. 1 album since 1976's 'Desire.'"
Bob Dylan on XM
Bob Dylan Theme Time Radio on XM
September 6, 2006
Theme: The Good Book
“Where Are You Bound?” sermon by the Reverend J. M. Gates
“The Bottle and a Bible,” the Yayhoos
Clip from The 38 Steps
Bob tells the story of Samson and Delilah
“Samson and Delilah” (“If I had my Way”), The Reverend Gary Davis
“He Will Set Your Fields on Fire,” Kitty Wells
“Adam, Come and Get Your Rib,” Wynonie Harris
“The Old Ark’s a-Movin’,” AA Gray
“Denomination Blues,” Washington Phillips
“I’m Using my Bible for a Roadmap,” The Four Interns
“God and the Bible,” commentary by Keb Mo
“Elijah Rock,” Ollabelle
“Rivers of Babylon,” Melodians
“John the Revelator,” Blind Willie Johnson
“Boogie Woogie Preachin’ Man,” Jess Willard
“Oh Mary Don’t You Weep,” The Swan Silvertones
“That’s What the Good Book Says,” The Robins
September 6, 2006
Theme: The Good Book
“Where Are You Bound?” sermon by the Reverend J. M. Gates
“The Bottle and a Bible,” the Yayhoos
Clip from The 38 Steps
Bob tells the story of Samson and Delilah
“Samson and Delilah” (“If I had my Way”), The Reverend Gary Davis
“He Will Set Your Fields on Fire,” Kitty Wells
“Adam, Come and Get Your Rib,” Wynonie Harris
“The Old Ark’s a-Movin’,” AA Gray
“Denomination Blues,” Washington Phillips
“I’m Using my Bible for a Roadmap,” The Four Interns
“God and the Bible,” commentary by Keb Mo
“Elijah Rock,” Ollabelle
“Rivers of Babylon,” Melodians
“John the Revelator,” Blind Willie Johnson
“Boogie Woogie Preachin’ Man,” Jess Willard
“Oh Mary Don’t You Weep,” The Swan Silvertones
“That’s What the Good Book Says,” The Robins
For the '80s Generation
Over 1500 music videos. I recommend starting with ABBA.
(Hat tip to Pop Culture Junk Mail for the link.)
(Hat tip to Pop Culture Junk Mail for the link.)
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Yet Another One of those Lists
Screen siren Vivien Leigh tops British beauty poll | 24dash.com - Showbiz & Slap Dash: "Screen siren Vivien Leigh has topped a poll of the greatest British beauties of all time.
The Oscar-winning Gone With the Wind actress, who died in 1967, beat contemporary style icons like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller to the title.
Elizabeth Taylor, who was born in Britain to American parents, came second.
She was followed by former Darling Buds of May actress Catherine Zeta Jones in third place.
Princess Diana took fourth place in the survey of 1,000 men and women.
Screen icon Julie Christie was next, followed by Bond star Honor Blackman.
Supermodel Kate Moss took seventh place, followed by actress Sienna Miller, model Liz Hurley and actress Jane Seymour.
The survey, for the Bottlegreen Drinks Co, also found the so-called golden age of film boasted the most beautiful man of all time - Cary Grant.
:: The top 10 British female beauties:
1. Vivien Leigh
2. Elizabeth Taylor
3. Catherine Zeta Jones
4. Princess Diana
5. Julie Christie
6. Honor Blackman
7. Kate Moss
8. Sienna Miller
9. Liz Hurley
10. Jane Seymour"
Our Legal System at Work
Michigan woman cleared of crime after bank finds money: "GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- Accused of stealing money from work, Lisa Hansen has maintained her innocence.
She said after leaving her receptionist job at a Panopoulos salon last Sept. 3, she had placed a bag containing $80 in cash and $345 in checks that belonged to the company in the night depository of a Huntington National bank branch, just as she was supposed to do.
Several days later, her manager told her that the money was missing. He fired her but promised that the company wouldn't press charges if she returned the cash and the checks.
The Grand Rapids woman said she did nothing wrong. She was subsequently arrested, jailed and punished.
Then, on Aug. 9, a bank worker found the money -- right where Hansen had said she'd left it nearly a year earlier. Huntington officials will say only that the bag had become lodged and hidden within the depository."
She said after leaving her receptionist job at a Panopoulos salon last Sept. 3, she had placed a bag containing $80 in cash and $345 in checks that belonged to the company in the night depository of a Huntington National bank branch, just as she was supposed to do.
Several days later, her manager told her that the money was missing. He fired her but promised that the company wouldn't press charges if she returned the cash and the checks.
The Grand Rapids woman said she did nothing wrong. She was subsequently arrested, jailed and punished.
Then, on Aug. 9, a bank worker found the money -- right where Hansen had said she'd left it nearly a year earlier. Huntington officials will say only that the bag had become lodged and hidden within the depository."
Greatest Movie Musicals?
CNN.com - 'Singin' in the Rain' named best musical ever - Sep 5, 2006: "LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- 'Singin' in the Rain' topped the American Film Institute's list of the '25 Greatest Movie Musicals,' the movie preservation group said Sunday.
A jury of more than 500 film artists, composers, musicians, critics and historians selected the list, whose top 10 are, in descending order, 'West Side Story,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'The Sound of Music,' 'Cabaret,' 'Mary Poppins,' the 1954 'A Star Is Born,' 'My Fair Lady,' 'An American in Paris' and 'Meet Me in St. Louis.'
The remaining 15 films are 'The King & I,' 'Chicago,' '42nd Street,' 'All that Jazz,' 'Top Hat,' 'Funny Girl,' 'The Band Wagon,' 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' 'On the Town,' 'Grease,' 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,' Walt Disney's 1991 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Guys and Dolls,' 1936's 'Showboat' and 'Moulin Rouge!'"
A jury of more than 500 film artists, composers, musicians, critics and historians selected the list, whose top 10 are, in descending order, 'West Side Story,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'The Sound of Music,' 'Cabaret,' 'Mary Poppins,' the 1954 'A Star Is Born,' 'My Fair Lady,' 'An American in Paris' and 'Meet Me in St. Louis.'
The remaining 15 films are 'The King & I,' 'Chicago,' '42nd Street,' 'All that Jazz,' 'Top Hat,' 'Funny Girl,' 'The Band Wagon,' 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' 'On the Town,' 'Grease,' 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,' Walt Disney's 1991 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Guys and Dolls,' 1936's 'Showboat' and 'Moulin Rouge!'"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
WFTV.com - Food News - Newest Fair Food: Deep-Fried Coca-Cola: "DALLAS -- There are fried Twinkies and even fried candy bars.
Now, vendor Abel Gonzales Jr. has come up with a new artery-clogging concoction for the State Fair of Texas. It's fried Coke.
Gonzales deep-fries Coca-Cola-flavored batter. He then drizzles Coke fountain syrup on it. The fried Coke is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry. Gonzales said the fried Coke came about just from thinking aloud.
Gonzales' diet-buster wins the creativity honor at the second-annual Big Tex Choice Awards Contest.
Judges for the contest chose Shirley London's Fried Praline Perfection as the tastiest fried delicacy.
The two won out among 26 entries such as fried macaroni and cheese and a deep-fried cosmopolitan.
London said she came up with the fried pralines idea after buying pralines at the fair last year. She plans to sell the pralines alongside fried marshmallows.
Gonzales achieved notoriety in 2005 with the fried peanut butter, banana, and jelly sandwich -- selling an estimated 25,000 of the treats, according to the fair's Web site. The site said London got media attention in 2004 with her fried marshmallows on-a-stick."
Now, vendor Abel Gonzales Jr. has come up with a new artery-clogging concoction for the State Fair of Texas. It's fried Coke.
Gonzales deep-fries Coca-Cola-flavored batter. He then drizzles Coke fountain syrup on it. The fried Coke is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry. Gonzales said the fried Coke came about just from thinking aloud.
Gonzales' diet-buster wins the creativity honor at the second-annual Big Tex Choice Awards Contest.
Judges for the contest chose Shirley London's Fried Praline Perfection as the tastiest fried delicacy.
The two won out among 26 entries such as fried macaroni and cheese and a deep-fried cosmopolitan.
London said she came up with the fried pralines idea after buying pralines at the fair last year. She plans to sell the pralines alongside fried marshmallows.
Gonzales achieved notoriety in 2005 with the fried peanut butter, banana, and jelly sandwich -- selling an estimated 25,000 of the treats, according to the fair's Web site. The site said London got media attention in 2004 with her fried marshmallows on-a-stick."
What the World Needs Now: Snakes on Crack
Samuel L Jackson Wants Some 'Snakes On Crack' - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise: "
Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson has said he would love to make a sequel to his new film ‘Snakes on a Plane’.
The film, which has already developed cult status, features Jackson playing an FBI agent who is taking a witness to testify in a trial but an assassin bent on killing the witness releases a whole load of snakes on the witness’s plane leaving Jackson to get rid of them.
Jackson enjoyed the experience of making the film so much that he is already thinking about the sequel that he wants to call ‘Snakes On Crack’."
Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson has said he would love to make a sequel to his new film ‘Snakes on a Plane’.
The film, which has already developed cult status, features Jackson playing an FBI agent who is taking a witness to testify in a trial but an assassin bent on killing the witness releases a whole load of snakes on the witness’s plane leaving Jackson to get rid of them.
Jackson enjoyed the experience of making the film so much that he is already thinking about the sequel that he wants to call ‘Snakes On Crack’."
Monday, September 04, 2006
Paris Hilton in Vegas, Part 2
In a comment to this post, Disco Legend Zeke mentions that he was at Paris Hilton Day in Las Vegas and got to see P.H. and take a few photos. Click Zeke's link for his post about it.
This is Just Cruel
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Paris Hilton targeted in CD prank: "Paris Hilton's album entered the UK chart at number 29 last week.
Hundreds of Paris Hilton albums have been tampered with in the latest stunt by 'guerrilla artist' Banksy.
Banksy has replaced Hilton's CD with his own remixes and given them titles such as 'Why am I Famous?,' 'What Have I Done?' and 'What Am I For?'
He has also changed pictures of her on the CD sleeve to show the US socialite topless and with a dog's head.
A spokeswoman for Banksy said he had doctored 500 copies of her debut album Paris in 48 record shops across the UK.
She told the BBC News website: 'He switched the CDs in store, so he took the old ones out and put his version in.'"
The Passengers Wanted Barry Manilow
United Press International - NewsTrack - Passengers complain after Tyler sings: "PARIS, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Passengers on a flight from France to Mauritius have filed suit against Air France after musician Bonnie Tyler performed a song at the request of the co-pilot.
The passengers, believed to be Belgian, complained to the airline after the Welsh singer performed part of her 1983 hit 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' at the request of the co-pilot, who retired after the flight, The Mail on Sunday reported.
'I was asleep in First Class. The stewardess came and said the co-pilot was retiring. And they asked me would I sing to him. They were having a bit of a party,' Tyler said.
The complaining passengers reportedly claimed they were traumatized by the experience and had feared for their safety during the celebration. The complaint eventually escalated into a legal dispute."
The passengers, believed to be Belgian, complained to the airline after the Welsh singer performed part of her 1983 hit 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' at the request of the co-pilot, who retired after the flight, The Mail on Sunday reported.
'I was asleep in First Class. The stewardess came and said the co-pilot was retiring. And they asked me would I sing to him. They were having a bit of a party,' Tyler said.
The complaining passengers reportedly claimed they were traumatized by the experience and had feared for their safety during the celebration. The complaint eventually escalated into a legal dispute."
But What about ABBA?
Rock music boosts your brain power - Newspaper Edition - Times Online: "LONG suffering parents of adolescents might not agree, but scientists claim that listening to rock music can boost your brain power.
Researchers at a Scottish university believe that the sound of guitar-based rock such as Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC and the Red Hot Chili Peppers improves concentration and boosts memory."
Researchers at a Scottish university believe that the sound of guitar-based rock such as Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC and the Red Hot Chili Peppers improves concentration and boosts memory."
Best Cover Ever?
Is it just me, or does anybody else think that Megan Abbot is getting the best covers ever for her books? These are prestige hardbacks, but the covers would be right at home on a Hard Case Crime paperback, or an old Gold Medal Original. I frankly don't care what this book is about: I gotta have it. (If you do care what it's about, check out this Rap Sheet post.) It's not due till January, so I'll have to wait a while.
Texas: No Longer the Home of the Armadillo
The armadillo is waddling its way north: "The official small mammal of Texas is becoming a Yankee.
Blame global warming. Or maybe just wanderlust.
Texans feel proprietary about the armored mammal, but we hardly have a monopoly on its range. It's not even a native.
The nine-banded armadillo, the most prolific of the 20 species of armadillo and the only one to live in the United States, crossed the Rio Grande about 150 years ago.
In recent years, though, it has been spotted as far north as Illinois.
'I don't know exactly how they get here,' said Joyce Hofmann, a research scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey's center for wildlife and plant ecology. 'I don't know if they're really surviving and breeding here.'
But she has gathered more than 100 reports of sightings — mostly roadkill — since 1999.
A few have been found as far north as Chicago, but most have been in southern Illinois.
Emboldened by the disappearance of its predators, the 'dillo spread first across the Southeast and now is marching through the Midwest, where the biggest threat isn't bobcats and foxes but freezing weather."
Crocodile Hunter, R. I. P.
Australia's 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin killed by stingray's barb - Asia - Pacific - International Herald Tribune: "CAIRNS, Australia Steve Irwin, the ebullient Australian whose catch cry of 'Crikey!' helped him rise to global fame as television's the 'Crocodile Hunter,' was killed Monday by a stingray while filming on the Great Barrier Reef. He was 44.
Irwin was in the water at Batt Reef, off the remote coast of northeastern Queensland state, shooting a segment for a series called 'Ocean's Deadliest' when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous barb on their tails, said John Stainton, a friend and colleague.
'He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart,' said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat, Croc One, at the time."
Sunday, September 03, 2006
EQMM
What with the recent anniversary of Katrina's landfall, it's time for me to mention (again) the special EQMM issue devoted to New Orleans. Most of the stories are by people who live or have lived in New Orleans, and there's a poem by another former resident, Jim Sallis. I've received my subscriber's copy, so the issue should be on the stands now. All advertising revenue goes to Katrina relief, and you'll be getting some great stories besides making a contribution. There's more info here. Check it out.
Everybody's Getting into the Act
Story, video: Apaches go public with Bigfoot sightings | www.azstarnet.com ?: "Footprints in the mud. Tufts of hair on a fence. Ear-piercing screeches in the night. These are only fragments of the stories now coming from the White Mountains in Eastern Arizona.
For years the White Mountain Apache Nation has kept the secret within tribal boundaries. “We're not prone to easily talk to outsiders,” said spokeswoman Collette Altaha. “But there have been more sightings than ever before. It cannot be ignored any longer.”
It is a creature the world knows as “Bigfoot”."
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Brick
Instead of snakes on a plane, what we have here is Hammett in a high school, I suppose. The script is obviously an homage to Red Harvest and The Maltese Falcon, and there are some bows to films like The Big Sleep as well as most of film noir. The difference is that Brick puts high school students into the roles filled by Bogart and Bacall and Elisha Cook, Jr. Does it work? Well, sort of. I was, for some reason, reminded of Samuel Johnson's comment on women preachers: "It is not done well but you are surprised to find it done at all."Actually, Brick is done well. Sort of. Some of it takes place at Low Budget High, a school which seems to have no teachers and only a couple of students other than those involved in the story. (In the oddly deserted school, however, the drama department stands out. Its four of five students appear to be there at all hours of the day and night in constant rehearsal.)
Not only does the school seem to have no students, the students seem to have no parents. Well, there's one parent, but she's the mom of the drug kingpin (who's cleverly called "The Pin"). He's not a student, though. I liked it that his office was in his mom's basement. And I liked his mother. She serves cereal, apple juice, and cookies to the hero after the Pin's enforcer beats the crap out of him.
When I watch a movie from the '40s with Bogart or just about anybody, I can understand the dialogue. It's spoken crisply and cleanly. One reason Brick didn't quite work for me is that the actors seemed to be mumbling or whispering about half the time. (Possibly I have a hearing problem, like other old guys of my age. And while we're at it, you damn kids get off my lawn!) I liked a lot of the dialogue I could hear, though.
Another problem is that if you're familiar with film noir or '40s detective flicks, you pretty much know where things are heading. There are no real shocks or suprises. The wrap-up indicates that the plot's as complex as the one in The Big Sleep, but you can probably keep up with it just fine.
Would I recommend Brick? Sure. It's a little slow in spots, but it's fun to watch, even if you know what's coming. Check it out.
If You Ever Vist Dallas, Buckle Up
Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Latest News: "Being hauled out of school in handcuffs because of a $50 seat-belt ticket was bad enough for Lancaster High School music teacher Theresa Dobbs.
She had no idea what was yet to come.
That seat belt ticket – the only blemish on her driving record – would result in a harrowing three-day stay in a crowded holding tank at the Dallas County Jail last week without a chance to see a lawyer, bail bondsman or judge."
She had no idea what was yet to come.
That seat belt ticket – the only blemish on her driving record – would result in a harrowing three-day stay in a crowded holding tank at the Dallas County Jail last week without a chance to see a lawyer, bail bondsman or judge."
Friday, September 01, 2006
Even Homer Nods
The Sun Online - News: JK has lost the plot: "JK ROWLING has been forced to correct a plot blunder in a Harry Potter book — after fans spotted it.
The author credits Hermione Granger with 11 top exam results in the first hardback edition of book six, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince.
But in book five — Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix — we are told she takes TEN examinations.
Publishers Bloomsbury have corrected the paperback edition to give Hermione nine “outstanding” and one “exceeds expectations” in her Ordinary Wizarding Levels."
The author credits Hermione Granger with 11 top exam results in the first hardback edition of book six, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince.
But in book five — Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix — we are told she takes TEN examinations.
Publishers Bloomsbury have corrected the paperback edition to give Hermione nine “outstanding” and one “exceeds expectations” in her Ordinary Wizarding Levels."
Gator Update
Hernando: Wrestling match on basketball court, gator loses: "BROOKSVILLE — Kristen Williams was taking roll for her gym class when she noticed a visitor nearby — an 8-foot, 2-inch alligator.
The reptile was sunning itself on the basketball courts just outside the gym at Parrott Middle School. It wasn’t moving at first, but then Williams looked outside and saw it start to slither.
She called for help.
“This is not a little gator,” she said. “This is a big gator.”"
The reptile was sunning itself on the basketball courts just outside the gym at Parrott Middle School. It wasn’t moving at first, but then Williams looked outside and saw it start to slither.
She called for help.
“This is not a little gator,” she said. “This is a big gator.”"
Big Ratings Guaranteed!
United Press International - NewsTrack - VH1 launches Sizemore, Clay realities: "LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable channel VH1 is launching two reality series focused on celebrities in their 40s trying to make comebacks -- Andrew Dice Clay and Tom Sizemore."
Mystery*File Again: Ed Gorman on Richard Matheson
If you haven't read Ed Gorman's commentary on Richard Matheson elsewhere, don't miss it! There's a short interview, too.
Happy Birthday, Edgar Rice Burroughs!
It would be impossible to overestimate the influence ERB had on me. I still have four or five of the Grossett & Dunlap reprints of the Tarzan novels that my cousins gave me back in the long, long ago. I later discovered John Carter in, of all places, comic books, so I had to go back and read the novels, which I liked even better than the Tarzan series. Naturally the Tarzan movies were a big part of my childhood, starting with the ones featuring Johnny Weismuller and moving on to Lex Barker, Gordon Scott, and many others.American novelist, creator of the world famous character of Tarzan, one of the indispensable icons of popular culture. Burroughs also published science fiction and crime novels, some 26 books dealt with the Apeman. Critics have considered Burroughs's fiction often crudely written and chauvinist. His books, however, are still widely read and usually more interesting than the films. It is true that Burroughs often portrayed Africans, Arabs or Asians as evil or comic, but the stories also contain several elements that have kept them 'politically correct': Waziri warriors are brave, and his cave girls Nadara and Dejah Thoris, the princesses of Mars, are courageous and resourceful characters.
"As the body rolled to the ground Tarzan of the Apes placed his foot upon the neck of his lifelong enemy, and raising his eyes to the full moon threw back his fierce young head and voiced the wild and terrible cry of his people." (from Tarzan of the Apes, 1914 )
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Happy Birthday, Debbie Gibson!
At age 36, she prefers "Deborah."Official Deborah Gibson Website: "The 'Original Pop Princess' Deborah exploded on to the pop music scene at the age of 16. An entertainment prodigy, Deborah became the youngest person ever to write, produce, and perform the number one single, 'Foolish Beat”, a record she holds to this day in the Guinness Book of World Records. Among Deborah’s many impressive career achievements include her album Electric Youth which soared to #1 on the pop charts and her #1 hit single 'Lost In Your Eyes'."
New Bob Dylan CD (and a Video)
First View -- New Music Videos Exclusives, Songs, Internet Radio - AOL Music: "Bob Dylan's Brand-New Video
Scarlett Johansson stars in the video for the first single from Dylan's critically acclaimed new album 'Modern Times.' Directed by Bennett Miller of 'Capote,' the sexy throwback video will make you think of old home movies. "
Thanks to Walter Satterthwait for the link.
Scarlett Johansson stars in the video for the first single from Dylan's critically acclaimed new album 'Modern Times.' Directed by Bennett Miller of 'Capote,' the sexy throwback video will make you think of old home movies. "
Thanks to Walter Satterthwait for the link.
Happy Paris Hilton Day
There's a short video at the link. Thanks to John Duke for the tip.
Happy Paris Hilton Day - TMZ.com: "Sin City just got a little more sinful.
Yesterday the Mayor of Las Vegas proclaimed August 29,2006 Paris Hilton Day and gave the budding popstar the key to the city. News of the impending apocalypse to follow.
Comedian Jeff Beacher introduced the heiress in front of a packed crowd at a Vegas block party.
Hilton proclaimed her love for Vegas saying it's her 'favorite place in the world to come to party.' Considering her good time girl reputation, that's a huge compliment."
Happy Paris Hilton Day - TMZ.com: "Sin City just got a little more sinful.
Yesterday the Mayor of Las Vegas proclaimed August 29,2006 Paris Hilton Day and gave the budding popstar the key to the city. News of the impending apocalypse to follow.
Comedian Jeff Beacher introduced the heiress in front of a packed crowd at a Vegas block party.
Hilton proclaimed her love for Vegas saying it's her 'favorite place in the world to come to party.' Considering her good time girl reputation, that's a huge compliment."
Mystery*File Again: Mike Nevins Muses on TV Detective Dramas
First You Read, Then You Write, by Francis M. Nevins.: "The first 19 episodes of the Perry Mason TV series (1957-66) came out on DVD last month. In recent decades millions have seen this old series on WTBS, but every episode was cut to shreds to accommodate far more commercials than were the norm back in the Fifties. These DVD copies are complete and re-mastered and lovely to look at.
Whether the series stands up well after almost half a century is another question entirely. All the early episodes were supposedly based on Erle Stanley Gardner’s novels but – as I’ve confirmed by rereading several of the books after watching their TV incarnations – it would be more accurate to describe most of them as using parts of Gardner’s plots and some of his characters in new and much simpler stories, completely lacking the breakneck pace and dynamism of the novels. "
Whether the series stands up well after almost half a century is another question entirely. All the early episodes were supposedly based on Erle Stanley Gardner’s novels but – as I’ve confirmed by rereading several of the books after watching their TV incarnations – it would be more accurate to describe most of them as using parts of Gardner’s plots and some of his characters in new and much simpler stories, completely lacking the breakneck pace and dynamism of the novels. "
Vanilla Ice: On the Comeback Trail!
Hattiesburg American - www.hattiesburgamerican.com - Hattiesburg, Miss.: "Vanilla Ice is still sizzlin' - on the college circuit anyway.
The once-famous hip-hop artist of the early 1990s, will take the stage at the Phi Kappa Tau house at 10 p.m. Sept. 9 following the University of Southern Mississippi's first home football game of the season.
'We were looking to do something bigger and popular than the bands we usually go with,' said fraternity president Dylan Mezey, 21, whose brother is the booking agent. 'He was able to get in touch with some artists in our price range.'
Mezey said the show's cost is about $10,000.
'We were able to get this kind of event through sponsorship from businesses around town,' Mezey said.
Vanilla Ice is scheduled to play a few of his old-school hits and some new songs.
'He's gone back to his rap roots,' Mezey said.
Tickets are $10 and can be bought at the fraternity house. For more information, call (601) 266-4806."
When I See an Article Like This . . .
. . . I become very afraid.
Clutter blamed in fatal Houston home fire: "HFD says piles of paper helped the blaze quickly spread, hindering a woman's rescue
By MIKE GLENN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Family members had regularly offered to help make order out of the chaos of books, magazines and papers that filled Marilyn Berzeny's modest northwest Houston home.
But the 64-year-old woman always refused any assistance, they said. Relatives now believe that resistance may have cost the woman her life early Wednesday when a fast-moving fire burned through the clutter she refused to move."
Clutter blamed in fatal Houston home fire: "HFD says piles of paper helped the blaze quickly spread, hindering a woman's rescue
By MIKE GLENN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Family members had regularly offered to help make order out of the chaos of books, magazines and papers that filled Marilyn Berzeny's modest northwest Houston home.
But the 64-year-old woman always refused any assistance, they said. Relatives now believe that resistance may have cost the woman her life early Wednesday when a fast-moving fire burned through the clutter she refused to move."
Glenn Ford, R. I. P.
WASHINGTON — Glenn Ford, a rugged but amiable leading man who appeared in nearly 100 movies, died Wednesday at his Beverly Hills, Calif., home, police said. He was 90.
Police found him dead about 4 p.m., Sgt. Lincoln Hoshino said. No foul play was suspected. Mr. Ford had suffered a series of strokes in the 1990s.
Three of Mr. Ford's best films were "Gilda" (1946), "The Big Heat" (1953) and "The Blackboard Jungle" (1955). In them, he was a gambler, a police detective and a schoolteacher, respectively. As varied as the parts were, all benefited from his low-boil technique. He also was the Man of Steel's adoptive father in "Superman" (1978).
I remember Ford in so many movies that it's hard to count them. Besides the ones mentioned above, The Sheepman is a favorite. He was one of those guys who could play almost any role and play it well.Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Gene Simmons, R. I. P.
He won't be here when mornin' comes.
TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - Rockabilly singer and songwriter Jumpin' Gene Simmons, who worked with Elvis Presley and had a top 20 hit in 1964 with the bouncy "Haunted House," has died. He was 69.
TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - Rockabilly singer and songwriter Jumpin' Gene Simmons, who worked with Elvis Presley and had a top 20 hit in 1964 with the bouncy "Haunted House," has died. He was 69.
He died Tuesday at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after a long illness, according to Holland-Harris Funeral Directors.
Simmons - not to be confused with the Kiss bassist with the same name - was in show business for more than 50 years, working with such names as Sam Phillips and the Bill Black Combo.
In the Company of the Courtesan -- Sarah Dunant
Now and then something comes over me and I read a book a little different from what I'm usually attracted to. I read something about In the Company of the Courtesan that made it sound interesting, so I bought a copy. The setting of the story is Venice in the 16th century. Maybe that's what attracted me. Or maybe the fact that it's narrated by a dwarf who's in partnership with a courtesan caught my attention. Anyway, I read it. I didn't find it particularly involving, but there was at least a slight mystery element (I'd figured it out long before the answer even occurred to anyone else). I'm sure the historical details were very good, and I found the picture of the city the best part of the book.
Here's what I'd like to ask about. The book begins with Bucino, the dwarf, narrating the story in the first person, past tense. Then there's a brief section of third-person narration. Then there's a switch to first person again, but this time in the present tense. All before page 50. Why? (The narration doesn't change again.) I suppose that if I were teaching a class and this book were one of the assigned texts, I could make a case for the changes, but I found them irritating. Maybe I just don't have a high tolerance for Art.
Joe Lansdale Tells a Tale
I was moving some stuff around and ran across this photo from the Washington Bouchercon in 2001. Joe Lansdale and Richard Moore, both storytellers of the first rank,were swapping tales in a hotel room full of appreciative listeners. Joe's on the right, Richard's in the middle, and the late, great Sue Feder is on the left. Obviously Joe's story cracked Richard up.
Happy Birthday, Robert Crumb!
Those of us who remember the '60s and '70s, or at least parts of them, will certainly remember that Robert Crumb was a big part of things in those days. When I was in grad school, I'd often go by a place called Oat Willie's to pick up the latest underground comix, a big stack of which still resides in my desk drawer. Many of the comix were written and drawn entirely or in part by Crumb. Mr. Natural, Lenore Goldberg and her Girl Commandos, and other characters of his will always be tangled up in my memories. Crumb is 63 today, and long may he thrive.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Gators Invade New Hampshire
Concord Monitor: A Beacon Street resident got a surprise when walking his tenant's dog along Horseshoe Pond on Saturday.
He spotted a 2-foot long alligator sunning itself on the bank.
Harlan Robb and his wife, Jackie, who works in the Monitor circulation department, called the Concord police.
"We just were afraid that some child would come down and go fishing," Jackie Robb said.
Flurb -- Rudy Rucker's New Webzine
And a very interesting one it is, too. Here's the contents page for issue #1:
Rudy Rucker and Paul Di Filippo
Elves of the Subdimensions
Richard Kadrey
The Arcades of Allah
(Liner Notes for Luchenko's Third Symphony)
Marc Laidlaw
Evaluation of the Hannemouth Bequest
(Hannemouth Self-Configurable Combinatorial Array)
John Shirley
Provocatourist
Terry Bisson
Billy and the Circus Girl
Michael Blumlein
Strategy for Conflict Avoidance:
Memo to the Commander-in-Chief
Cory Doctorow
I, Row-Boat
Kris Saknussem
Mystery Customer
This Is a Shame
Thanks to Ed Gorman for the link.
Tittle-Tattle Too: Paris Hilton Celebrity CD "Paris" Headed For Certain Obscurity - The Post Chronicle: "It just goes to show.. just because you have the name doesn't mean you have the talent. And Paris Hilton is learning yet another very public lesson -- celebrity isn't going to save her highly touted CD 'Paris' from almost certain obscurity.
'Paris' sales are being 'widely seen as a certified flop' says Page Six. 'Her career as a pop star is fizzling as quickly as one of her blink-and-you'll-miss-it relationships.'
Continue reading this article below
Hilton reportedly worked hard to make this music CD (we saw her 'struggle' through the grueling ordeal of picking out a sexy partner for her 'Stars Are Blind' music video), but it seems the monotone nature of the single didn't thrill clubgoers.
A second single 'Turn It Up' was released as well, but it didn't stem the downward slide."
Tittle-Tattle Too: Paris Hilton Celebrity CD "Paris" Headed For Certain Obscurity - The Post Chronicle: "It just goes to show.. just because you have the name doesn't mean you have the talent. And Paris Hilton is learning yet another very public lesson -- celebrity isn't going to save her highly touted CD 'Paris' from almost certain obscurity.
'Paris' sales are being 'widely seen as a certified flop' says Page Six. 'Her career as a pop star is fizzling as quickly as one of her blink-and-you'll-miss-it relationships.'
Continue reading this article below
Hilton reportedly worked hard to make this music CD (we saw her 'struggle' through the grueling ordeal of picking out a sexy partner for her 'Stars Are Blind' music video), but it seems the monotone nature of the single didn't thrill clubgoers.
A second single 'Turn It Up' was released as well, but it didn't stem the downward slide."
A Review from The Little Professor
The Little Professor: "Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2006
As I've noted on previous occasions, The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror (now edited by Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link, and Gavin J. Grant) usually leaves me feeling less enthusiastic than Gardner Dozois' counterpart SF anthology--but this nineteenth anthology is one of the more solid entries in recent memory. Granted, the editors' poetry selections continue to puzzle me--most of the poems are unexceptionable and, quite frankly, rather unmemorable free verse--but the fiction this time was frequently of high quality. "
As I've noted on previous occasions, The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror (now edited by Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link, and Gavin J. Grant) usually leaves me feeling less enthusiastic than Gardner Dozois' counterpart SF anthology--but this nineteenth anthology is one of the more solid entries in recent memory. Granted, the editors' poetry selections continue to puzzle me--most of the poems are unexceptionable and, quite frankly, rather unmemorable free verse--but the fiction this time was frequently of high quality. "
Monday, August 28, 2006
Not for the Faint of Heart
There's a track listing at the link. Gird your loins.
Restless Records to Release "Butchering The Beatles": Financial News - Yahoo! Finance:
Features Over 50 of Rock's Most Notorious Stars
NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Aug 22, 2006 -- On October 24, 2006 Restless Records will release 'Butchering The Beatles' -- featuring the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the HEAVIEST all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever -- THE BEATLES. All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs.
Restless Records to Release "Butchering The Beatles": Financial News - Yahoo! Finance:
Features Over 50 of Rock's Most Notorious Stars
NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Aug 22, 2006 -- On October 24, 2006 Restless Records will release 'Butchering The Beatles' -- featuring the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the HEAVIEST all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever -- THE BEATLES. All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs.
Headline of the Day
Harlequin Positioned To Satisfy Women Online:
By Kimberly Maul
"Romance publisher Harlequin has launched four new digital initiatives, designed to bring more of the company’s readers into the online arena.
“Harlequin is the brand in publishing that is trusted by women around the world to provide them with great entertainment,” said Donna Hayes, publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. “We are uniquely positioned to serve their needs and offer entertainment in new digital formats. Put simply, a lot of women are already there, and those who aren’t trust us to help them navigate the evolving digital space.” "
By Kimberly Maul
"Romance publisher Harlequin has launched four new digital initiatives, designed to bring more of the company’s readers into the online arena.
“Harlequin is the brand in publishing that is trusted by women around the world to provide them with great entertainment,” said Donna Hayes, publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. “We are uniquely positioned to serve their needs and offer entertainment in new digital formats. Put simply, a lot of women are already there, and those who aren’t trust us to help them navigate the evolving digital space.” "
Round Table Follow-Up
Tony Robinson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Tony Robinson (born August 15, 1946) is an English television comedy actor and political campaigner. He is presenter of the popular archaeology television series Time Team, and similar archaeological and historical programmes."
Thanks to Karin Montin for this Wikipedia link. I didn't know that the building was discovered by the guy who played Baldrick on Black Adder.
Thanks to Karin Montin for this Wikipedia link. I didn't know that the building was discovered by the guy who played Baldrick on Black Adder.
Another Cover
I was moving some books today and ran across a Harry Whittington edition that had been misplaced. It's a British pb, with the same cover as the American edition. I've added it to the Flickr set.
Mystery*File Again
Great new column by Ed Gorman, and I'm happy to see that he likes Three Hearts and Three Lions and Double Star as much as I do. Check it out.
This Time, by God, They've Gone too Far
The Sun Online - News: New 007 causes a stir: "JAMES Bond is no longer taking his favourite drink “shaken not stirred”.
In new movie Casino Royale 007 Daniel Craig, 38, asks a waitress: “A dry Martini, please.”
The line, breaking a tradition started by Sean Connery in 1962, is part of an image change for the superspy."
In new movie Casino Royale 007 Daniel Craig, 38, asks a waitress: “A dry Martini, please.”
The line, breaking a tradition started by Sean Connery in 1962, is part of an image change for the superspy."
Best Guitar Solo of All Time?
What? James Burton on "Hello, Mary Lou" doesn't even place?
Guardian Unlimited Arts | Arts news | Pink Floyd guitar solo sits comfortably in first place: "Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb' has the best guitar solo of all time, according to a new poll. It was chosen ahead of the opening riff from 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses. Third was 'Freebird' by Lynyrd Skynyrd, while 'Eruption' by Van Halen was fourth and Guns N' Roses' 'November Rain' fifth. Led Zeppelin classic 'Stairway to Heaven' was in sixth place.
The radio station Planet Rock asked listeners to come up with a top 40. The rest of the top 10 featured 'Sultans of Swing' by Dire Straits, 'Aqualung' by Jethro Tull, 'Hotel California' by the Eagles and Child In Time by Deep Purple."
Guardian Unlimited Arts | Arts news | Pink Floyd guitar solo sits comfortably in first place: "Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb' has the best guitar solo of all time, according to a new poll. It was chosen ahead of the opening riff from 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses. Third was 'Freebird' by Lynyrd Skynyrd, while 'Eruption' by Van Halen was fourth and Guns N' Roses' 'November Rain' fifth. Led Zeppelin classic 'Stairway to Heaven' was in sixth place.
The radio station Planet Rock asked listeners to come up with a top 40. The rest of the top 10 featured 'Sultans of Swing' by Dire Straits, 'Aqualung' by Jethro Tull, 'Hotel California' by the Eagles and Child In Time by Deep Purple."
Next They'll Locate the Grail
Independent Online Edition > This Britain: "Evidence of a building linked to the myth of King Arthur and the knights of the round table has been found at Windsor Castle.
The circular structure was built by Edward III in the 14th century to house the round table intended to seat the original 300 Knights of the Garter. Archaeological proof of the building was uncovered by members of Channel 4's Time Team in the castle's quadrangle.
Although the stones have been removed, rubble in-fill where they were originally located remained in place. The show's presenter, Tony Robinson, said the discovery could help settle years of debate among historians over the existence of the building. 'The round table building is one of our most significant ever archaeological finds. It is something that helped to establish Arthurian legends of the knights of the round table."
The circular structure was built by Edward III in the 14th century to house the round table intended to seat the original 300 Knights of the Garter. Archaeological proof of the building was uncovered by members of Channel 4's Time Team in the castle's quadrangle.
Although the stones have been removed, rubble in-fill where they were originally located remained in place. The show's presenter, Tony Robinson, said the discovery could help settle years of debate among historians over the existence of the building. 'The round table building is one of our most significant ever archaeological finds. It is something that helped to establish Arthurian legends of the knights of the round table."
Sunday, August 27, 2006
And Liz Could Have Played Moneypenny
JAMES BOND - BURTON WAS FIRST CHOICE BOND: "Late JAMES BOND creator IAN FLEMING originally wanted Welsh star RICHARD BURTON to play the superspy instead of SIR SEAN CONNERY. Newly-discovered correspondences from the writer to his film production boss IVAR BRYCE revealed his true wishes, which were ignored by producers HARRY SALTZMAN and ALBERT R. BROCCOLI. Fleming wrote, 'I think that Richard Burton would be by far the best James Bond.' The letters also show Fleming wanted legendary film director ALFRED HITCHCOCK to direct the first Bond movie. In a cable to a friend he wrote: 'Would Hitchcock be interested in directing first Bond film?'"
Take a Three-Hour Tour. Take Several.
New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - 'Gilligan' ship for sale: "'Gilligan' ship for sale
Just click right here and you'll find the link, a link to the tiny ship, that set off from a tropic port and washed up in TV history, the S.S. Minnow from Gilligan's Island.
You could take a slew of three-hour tours on what is one of four versions of the boat from the famed 1960s series, according to the show's fan club Web site.
The American Boat Listing Web site puts a $99,000 price tag on the 1964 40-footer, now docked in British Columbia, Canada, that sleeps five. But move fast. If not for the courage of the fearless bid, the Minnow could be lost."
Just click right here and you'll find the link, a link to the tiny ship, that set off from a tropic port and washed up in TV history, the S.S. Minnow from Gilligan's Island.
You could take a slew of three-hour tours on what is one of four versions of the boat from the famed 1960s series, according to the show's fan club Web site.
The American Boat Listing Web site puts a $99,000 price tag on the 1964 40-footer, now docked in British Columbia, Canada, that sleeps five. But move fast. If not for the courage of the fearless bid, the Minnow could be lost."
The Hugo Awards, 2006
I've actually read John Scalzi's Old Man's War and Wilson's Spin. I've seen Serenity, too. Maybe I should have gone to WorldCon. I believe the Beagle's novelette is available at the F&SF site. Good to see Betty Ballantine getting a special award, too. It's hard to believe, but I read Harlan Ellison's first story in Infinity all those years ago. Who'd have thought?
JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD: John Scalzi
Fan Artist: Frank Wu
Fan Writer: Dave Langford
Fanzine: PLOKTA
Semiprozine: LOCUS
Professional Artist: Donato Giancola
Professional Editor: David G. Hartwell
Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: "Doctor Who," "The
Empty Child" and "The Doctor Dances"
Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: SERENITY
Best Related Book: Kate Wilhelm, STORYTELLER
Short Story: David D. Levine, "Tk'tk'tk"
Novelette: Peter S. Beagle, "Two Hearts"
Novella: Connie Willis, "Inside Job"
Novel: Robert Charles Wilson, SPIN
Special Award: Betty Ballantine, for lifetime achievement
Special Award: Harlan Ellison, for fifty years of publishing fiction
JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD: John Scalzi
Fan Artist: Frank Wu
Fan Writer: Dave Langford
Fanzine: PLOKTA
Semiprozine: LOCUS
Professional Artist: Donato Giancola
Professional Editor: David G. Hartwell
Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: "Doctor Who," "The
Empty Child" and "The Doctor Dances"
Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: SERENITY
Best Related Book: Kate Wilhelm, STORYTELLER
Short Story: David D. Levine, "Tk'tk'tk"
Novelette: Peter S. Beagle, "Two Hearts"
Novella: Connie Willis, "Inside Job"
Novel: Robert Charles Wilson, SPIN
Special Award: Betty Ballantine, for lifetime achievement
Special Award: Harlan Ellison, for fifty years of publishing fiction
Cap'n Bob's New Book
It's time for me to start pimping Cap'n Bob Napier's new novel. Five Star's publishing the book in December, but here's a sneak preview of the cover. This is a fine debut p.i. novel, and you should all grab a copy for Christmas.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
50 Years of Havin' Fun -- The Kingston Trio
I ordered this DVD a few weeks ago, and when it came in the mail today I popped it into the DVD player for a look. It's a very good concise history of the Kingston Trio from the beginning to the present, with the source of a lot of the information being Bob Shane, one of the founding members. There's nothing new for long-time fans of the group, but it's good to hear Shane telling the stories and to see the clips of performances from old TV shows. The bad news is that there's only one complete clip, the DVD's only "bonus" feature. It's a performance of "This Little Light of Mine," from the days when John Stewart was a member. The Kingston Trio was a big part of pop history, and they made great music. For the fans, and I'm one, this is essential material.
Put Down that Tool, You Damned Dirty Ape!
Tool Use Observed in 2nd Group of Chimps - Los Angeles Times:
By Tony Perry, Times Staff Writer
August 26, 2006
"The noise came from the trees: crack, crack, crack.
As the researchers and their village guides crept closer, they saw something that was not supposed to be happening in the Ebo forest in the central African nation of Cameroon: chimpanzees using rocks as hammers to break open tough-shelled nuts.
Previous research had found that kind of tool use only in chimps 1,000 miles away, across the wide N'Zo-Sassandra River in Ivory Coast. Researchers thought the behavior was either a genetic trait or maybe a learned skill passed from one generation to another.
The discovery of tool use among chimps in Cameroon, separated from their cousins in Ivory Coast by the 'information barrier' of the river, suggests that the skill was invented independently in each place, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Current Biology."
By Tony Perry, Times Staff Writer
August 26, 2006
"The noise came from the trees: crack, crack, crack.
As the researchers and their village guides crept closer, they saw something that was not supposed to be happening in the Ebo forest in the central African nation of Cameroon: chimpanzees using rocks as hammers to break open tough-shelled nuts.
Previous research had found that kind of tool use only in chimps 1,000 miles away, across the wide N'Zo-Sassandra River in Ivory Coast. Researchers thought the behavior was either a genetic trait or maybe a learned skill passed from one generation to another.
The discovery of tool use among chimps in Cameroon, separated from their cousins in Ivory Coast by the 'information barrier' of the river, suggests that the skill was invented independently in each place, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Current Biology."
I Can Hardly Wait
Elton John vows to make hip hop record?|?Entertainment?|?Entertainment News?|?Reuters.co.uk: "LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - After 40 years of performing rock music, pop ballads and movie soundtracks, Elton John is looking to cross over to yet another musical genre -- hip hop.
'I want to bring my songs and melodies to hip hop beats -- a bit like 'No Diggity' by Blackstreet,'' John said in excerpts of an interview posted on Rolling Stone's Web site on Friday.
John told the music magazine he would like to work with producer Dr. Dre and a variety of artists, although he had yet to contact them."
'I want to bring my songs and melodies to hip hop beats -- a bit like 'No Diggity' by Blackstreet,'' John said in excerpts of an interview posted on Rolling Stone's Web site on Friday.
John told the music magazine he would like to work with producer Dr. Dre and a variety of artists, although he had yet to contact them."
Double Indemnity X 2
Check out Jaime Weinman's post on the made-for-TV remake of a great movie.
Something Old, Nothing New: "The new DVD of Double Indemnity includes a fascinatingly bad extra: a 1973 made-forTV remake, directed by Jack Smight (Harper), written by Steven Bochco, and with Richard Crenna, Samantha Eggar and Lee J. Cobb doing MacMurray, Stanwyck and Robinson, respectively."
Something Old, Nothing New: "The new DVD of Double Indemnity includes a fascinatingly bad extra: a 1973 made-forTV remake, directed by Jack Smight (Harper), written by Steven Bochco, and with Richard Crenna, Samantha Eggar and Lee J. Cobb doing MacMurray, Stanwyck and Robinson, respectively."
Friday, August 25, 2006
An Honest Politician?
Untitled Document: " What you see is what you get. I am the only drunken Pirate seeking office in this great nation. What a sad testimonial to our political system when a degenerate like me, feels like the most honest candidate on the ballot."
Hooray for VDOT
WSOCTV.com - Politics - Urgent Fundraiser? Bush Wanted Carpool Lanes Closed: "WASHINGTON -- Talk about political gridlock.
Secret Service officials confirm to The Washington Post they tried to get the Virginia Department of Transportation to close down the carpool lanes on a highway leading out of Washington Wednesday so President George W. Bush could easily get to and from a fundraiser for Republican Sen. George Allen.
State experts who monitor traffic predicted a commuting nightmare, because they would have had to close down the lanes for much of the day for logistical reasons, so they denied the request."
Secret Service officials confirm to The Washington Post they tried to get the Virginia Department of Transportation to close down the carpool lanes on a highway leading out of Washington Wednesday so President George W. Bush could easily get to and from a fundraiser for Republican Sen. George Allen.
State experts who monitor traffic predicted a commuting nightmare, because they would have had to close down the lanes for much of the day for logistical reasons, so they denied the request."
Crofton's Fire -- Keith Coplin
Forty years or so ago, I was in graduate school with Keith Coplin. I haven't seen Keith since then, but I remember him well, and I especially remember one funny story about him and the draft. But that's beside the point. The point is that a couple of years ago Keith published a novel called Crofton's Fire, and it's terrific. The title character is a military man who escapes the Custer fight at Little Big Horn and goes on to become involved in any number of interesting situations throughout the rest of the 19th century. Crofton, unlike, say, Harry Flashman, is a good and decent man, but his narrative voice is as compelling as Harry's. It's also entirely different. The book's style is spare and almost poetic.
This book got killer reviews, and independent booksellers loved it (see scan). If you're looking for a superbly written historical novel, this is the one. Check it out.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Paris, the CD
Blame Jeff Meyerson for this link. I agree with the brief review of the CD, though. I listened to it on Rhapsody yesterday.
Making Room for the Hopeless Pop Star in a Crowd of Professional Amateurs - New York Times: "“Paris,” the CD, is evidently a vanity project; the packaging includes nearly as many photographs of the singer (10) as tracks (11). And some of the lightweight love songs, like the sleek disco throwback “I Want You,” work pretty well. But throughout, you get the welcome feeling that Ms. Hilton isn’t taking any of this too seriously. Wasting no time in getting to her beloved catchphrase, she whispers, “It’s hot,” six seconds into the first song. And the album, which lasts less than 40 minutes, ends with a perfectly useless version of the Rod Stewart hit “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.”
Needless to say, most listeners will be able to make it through “Paris” without crying. But the CD should help refine the common notion that Ms. Hilton is famous for doing nothing. She is, on the contrary, famous for being able to do whatever she wants, which makes her the exact opposite of your average aspiring star. Ms. Hilton and Mr. Federline have this, at least, in common: Neither of them is looking for a job."
Making Room for the Hopeless Pop Star in a Crowd of Professional Amateurs - New York Times: "“Paris,” the CD, is evidently a vanity project; the packaging includes nearly as many photographs of the singer (10) as tracks (11). And some of the lightweight love songs, like the sleek disco throwback “I Want You,” work pretty well. But throughout, you get the welcome feeling that Ms. Hilton isn’t taking any of this too seriously. Wasting no time in getting to her beloved catchphrase, she whispers, “It’s hot,” six seconds into the first song. And the album, which lasts less than 40 minutes, ends with a perfectly useless version of the Rod Stewart hit “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.”
Needless to say, most listeners will be able to make it through “Paris” without crying. But the CD should help refine the common notion that Ms. Hilton is famous for doing nothing. She is, on the contrary, famous for being able to do whatever she wants, which makes her the exact opposite of your average aspiring star. Ms. Hilton and Mr. Federline have this, at least, in common: Neither of them is looking for a job."
Lola, R. I. P.
Lola was Angela's cat. Even though Judy and I have known her for 14 years, have fed her when Angela was out of town, and have even kept her in our house for days at a time, she never liked us. She never voluntarily got in our laps or liked being around us. Mostly she'd howl and hiss at us. But she loved Angela. She followed her everywhere, and when Angela was at home, Lola would either be in her lap or nearby. She was a one-woman cat.
Earlier this summer, Lola started getting sickly. The vets weren't much help, but we told Angela to spend whatever it took. If she couldn't pay, we would. Lord knows what the bills will be, since Lola went from the vet to the even more costly internist. In the end, nobody could help. Lola had three tumors in her tummy. Her weight dropped from 12 pounds to a little over 3 pounds. She could have visited the cat oncologist, but there would have been no guarantee of a cure. So today Angela did one of the hardest things she's ever done or will ever have to do (I hope): she took Lola in to the vet so that Lola could could sleep the big sleep and have some relief. I have no idea why I'm so sentimental about a cat that didn't even like me, but there you have it. Rest in peace, Lola. We'll never forget you.
No Comment Department
Sky News: Whose Books Get Discarded Most?: "Books We Leave Behind
Updated: 11:54, Thursday August 24, 2006
Celebrity autobiographies are the books most often abandoned by readers, according to a new survey.
The five books most often left behind in hotel rooms are all works written by the rich and famous, the survey by Travelodge found.
The book most often discarded was Paris Hilton's Confessions Of An Heiress, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in second place with his Made In Portugal.
In third place was glamour model Jordan - or Katie Price - with her A Whole New World.
Big Brother star Jade Goody was fourth with Jade's World and Sir Alex Ferguson fifth with Managing My Life.
While JK Rowling's Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone was sixth, two more celebrity autobiographies were in seventh and eighth positions - Tony Adams' Tony Adams Addicted and Paul Gascoigne's Gazza - My Story."
Updated: 11:54, Thursday August 24, 2006
Celebrity autobiographies are the books most often abandoned by readers, according to a new survey.
The five books most often left behind in hotel rooms are all works written by the rich and famous, the survey by Travelodge found.
The book most often discarded was Paris Hilton's Confessions Of An Heiress, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in second place with his Made In Portugal.
In third place was glamour model Jordan - or Katie Price - with her A Whole New World.
Big Brother star Jade Goody was fourth with Jade's World and Sir Alex Ferguson fifth with Managing My Life.
While JK Rowling's Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone was sixth, two more celebrity autobiographies were in seventh and eighth positions - Tony Adams' Tony Adams Addicted and Paul Gascoigne's Gazza - My Story."
100 Most Daring Movies Ever Made
100 Most Daring Movies Ever Made by Premiere Magazine: "Instead of quibbling with the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Best American Films, Premiere Magazine decided to rethink the point. In its October 1998 newstand issue, it presented 'Rebel Cinema' or 100 Movies That Shook the World, celebrating the filmmakers (and their films) who dared to be ridiculous, offensive, or even unpopular, and who still came up with classic films.
The 100 films that follow (in alphabetical order) were chosen by the magazine's editors for their startling ideas and images. Some are from foreign lands or scorned genres; many were made with tiny budgets; but all are great, and none are recognized by the AFI.
Note: The films that are marked with a yellow star are the films that 'The Greatest Films' site has selected as the '100 Greatest Films'."
The 100 films that follow (in alphabetical order) were chosen by the magazine's editors for their startling ideas and images. Some are from foreign lands or scorned genres; many were made with tiny budgets; but all are great, and none are recognized by the AFI.
Note: The films that are marked with a yellow star are the films that 'The Greatest Films' site has selected as the '100 Greatest Films'."
Pluto, R. I. P.
Scientists decide Pluto’s no longer a planet - Space News - MSNBC.com: "PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Leading astronomers declared Thursday that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight.
After a tumultuous week of clashing over the essence of the cosmos, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930. The new definition of what is — and isn’t — a planet fills a centuries-old black hole for scientists who have labored since Copernicus without one."
After a tumultuous week of clashing over the essence of the cosmos, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930. The new definition of what is — and isn’t — a planet fills a centuries-old black hole for scientists who have labored since Copernicus without one."
Whole Lotta Snoggin' Goin' On
News.com.au: IT TOOK about 30 takes to get it right, but Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe and his co-star Katie Leung clearly enjoyed their first screen kiss.
The pair, who are currently filming Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix, did, however, admit to a few nerves before their big moment.
Pretty Scottish actress Katie, 19, who plays Harry's girlfriend Cho Chang, had nothing but praise for her wizard beau despite some inital butterflies.
"Daniel is a good kisser," she revealed, "I really enjoyed it. He's energetic and makes you feel relaxed ... It's great working with him."
And the 18-year-old leading man was just as enthusiastic about the spellbinding love scene which will be screened next year: "My God, it was fun. Me and Katie - we were awkward and nervous at first but once we got it, it was fine."TV's Greatest Characters
The Rap Sheet: "Maybe the next time Whedon, Gunn, or anyone else thinks to assemble a list of television's greatest characters, they'll pay a modicum more attention to the myriad colorful figures--working both sides of the law--who've made TV crime series so damn popular over the last half century."
Check out the rest of the post to see who should have been included on Joss Whedon and James Gunn's lists. (Links to those lists are provided there.)
Check out the rest of the post to see who should have been included on Joss Whedon and James Gunn's lists. (Links to those lists are provided there.)
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