Thursday, June 07, 2007
Over at Bookgasm. . .
. . . there's a review of James Reasoner's fine new novel called Dust Devils. I couldn't have said it better, myself. So I won't. Just go over there and read the review.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
A Hard Case Crime Movie
Who would Richard Aleas want to star in the upcoming movie version of Little Girl Lost? You can read his thoughts on the matter here.
I Report, You Decide
FOXNews.com - John Ramsey and Beth Holloway Twitty Are Dating - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News: "n a match seemingly made in tabloid heaven, the father of murdered child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey and the mother of missing-in-Aruba teen Natalee Holloway are dating, FOX News has confirmed.
John Ramsey, 63, and Beth Holloway Twitty, 46, have been romantically involved since January 2007, though the two met at a fundraiser last year.
The couple has been spotted openly holding hands and kissing in Mountain Brook, Ala. — where Twitty lives — and at an art show at a nearby art museum. They've also been seen at various restaurants."
John Ramsey, 63, and Beth Holloway Twitty, 46, have been romantically involved since January 2007, though the two met at a fundraiser last year.
The couple has been spotted openly holding hands and kissing in Mountain Brook, Ala. — where Twitty lives — and at an art show at a nearby art museum. They've also been seen at various restaurants."
Robert E. Howard Days Coming Up
Brownwood Bulletin: "CROSS PLAINS — Fantasy literature experts and fans from across the country — and perhaps a few from across the oceans — have their reservations made for Cross Plains this weekend.
They will be arriving today as they begin their annual trek to Callahan County to celebrate the works of fantasy fiction author Robert E. Howard, whose blossoming career ended with his suicide in 1936.
“We don’t expect quite as many people here this year as we had last time, because that was the 100th anniversary of his birth,” Era Lee Hanke, president of Project Pride here, said Tuesday. “But we already have over 100 people registered for the events where we need a count, the ones with meals being served. We have reservations for 118 for Friday dinner, and we always have a lot of people show up during each day who didn’t register.”"
They will be arriving today as they begin their annual trek to Callahan County to celebrate the works of fantasy fiction author Robert E. Howard, whose blossoming career ended with his suicide in 1936.
“We don’t expect quite as many people here this year as we had last time, because that was the 100th anniversary of his birth,” Era Lee Hanke, president of Project Pride here, said Tuesday. “But we already have over 100 people registered for the events where we need a count, the ones with meals being served. We have reservations for 118 for Friday dinner, and we always have a lot of people show up during each day who didn’t register.”"
D-Day the 6th of June
Osprey Media. - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA
A small piece of history sits on Gordon and Alice Cook's kitchen table.
It's a photocopy of part of Gordon's military records. Halfway down the page, are two half-typed, half-handwritten lines.
"Embarked at UK on 3 June 44. Disembarked at France on 6 June 44."
It's a very simple way of noting Cook's participation on D-Day, the world's largest-ever military invasion.
On this date in 1944, Operation Overlord, the Allies' invasion of Nazi-occupied France, was a success.
Powered by ScribeFire.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
The Deep Blue Alibi -- Paul Levine
This is the second Solomon & Lord novel. (I talked about the first one here.) The two mis-matched lawyers are still law partners, but Victoria Lord wants to go out on her own, much to Steve Solomon's dismay. She's not only a great partner, but he's in love with her. A man from her past shows up and proves to be even hunkier than ever. His father is accused of murder, and Victoria wants the case for her own. At the same time, Steve is trying to clear his father's name. (As we learned in the first book, Herbert Solomon, a judge, was removed from the bench for a crime that Steve knows he didn't commit. Herbert doesn't want Steve to open that can of worms.
While Steve has issues with his father, Victoria has them with her mother, whom she blames for her father's suicide. The man Victoria's defending was her father's business partner.
Other complications include environmentalists intent on blocking construction of a floating hotel/casino, attempts on Steve's and Victoria's lives, and a side trip to a nudist colony.
Like the first book, this one's a fast, light read with plenty of twists. Levine has a way of making you (and some of the book'c characters) look at things in a whole different light by the time things come to a conclusion. Check it out.
Note Author's Name
Yep, that's Joe's kid. A chip off the old block. They call him "Scoop Dog" at home.
Former Center teacher accused of sex with student: "Former Center teacher accused of sex with student
Topless photos on cell phone lead to 23 charges, including sex assault of a child
By KEITH LANSDALE
The Daily Sentinel
Thursday, May 31, 2007
NACOGDOCHES — Former Center eighth-grade teacher Janet Susan Gallager Parker, 26, surrendered to Shelby County authorities Wednesday, after school officials discovered photographs of the woman, partially-nude and draped in a rebel flag, on a student's cell phone. Those photos eventually led to 23 warrants for her arrest on charges ranging from sexual performance and sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography.
Parker had been suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a student while she was employed at Center ISD teaching technology applications and graphic arts. However, no proof could be established at that time, according to a press release.
Parker resigned after an investigation was initiated in December 2006 after the school received information that Parker had been seen at a shopping mall, holding hands, according to an affidavit filed with a Shelby County Justice of the Peace. Parker denied the allegations when questioned by school and law enforcement officials, but resigned from her teaching post at the middle school, according to the affidavit."
Former Center teacher accused of sex with student: "Former Center teacher accused of sex with student
Topless photos on cell phone lead to 23 charges, including sex assault of a child
By KEITH LANSDALE
The Daily Sentinel
Thursday, May 31, 2007
NACOGDOCHES — Former Center eighth-grade teacher Janet Susan Gallager Parker, 26, surrendered to Shelby County authorities Wednesday, after school officials discovered photographs of the woman, partially-nude and draped in a rebel flag, on a student's cell phone. Those photos eventually led to 23 warrants for her arrest on charges ranging from sexual performance and sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography.
Parker had been suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a student while she was employed at Center ISD teaching technology applications and graphic arts. However, no proof could be established at that time, according to a press release.
Parker resigned after an investigation was initiated in December 2006 after the school received information that Parker had been seen at a shopping mall, holding hands, according to an affidavit filed with a Shelby County Justice of the Peace. Parker denied the allegations when questioned by school and law enforcement officials, but resigned from her teaching post at the middle school, according to the affidavit."
Janes in Jail: Day 1
Even the Game Show Network is getting into the act.
And thanks to Jeff "Big Winner" Meyerson for the link.
And thanks to Jeff "Big Winner" Meyerson for the link.
The Times, They Are A-Changin'
The long goodbye - USATODAY.com: "Times have changed for Michael Jackson (No. 24 below) and vinyl records (No. 5) since he released Thriller 25 years ago. Today, we look back at 25 years of other changes in our lives. Some things are still around (No. 4), some not (No. 6). Disagree with our picks? Tell us at usatoday.com, and we'll post yours."
Here's the Plot for Your Next Novel (I Charge 10%)
Serial killer may have blogged clues | NEWS.com.au: "THE serial killer behind the 1994 Claremont murders may be leaving clues to his identity in a series of comments on Australia's leading crime blog which show an unusually detailed knowledge of the case.
The latest comment was today.
The man, who calls himself 'Dr Phibes', started contributing detailed knowledge about the killings after journalist Gary Hughes started writing about the murders in his blog Gotcha in October last year."
The latest comment was today.
The man, who calls himself 'Dr Phibes', started contributing detailed knowledge about the killings after journalist Gary Hughes started writing about the murders in his blog Gotcha in October last year."
Janes in Jail: Day 1
Thanks to Jeff "Warden" Meyerson for the link.
I think you should all read this and reflect on the lawyer's remarks. You've been so wrong about P.H.
I think you should all read this and reflect on the lawyer's remarks. You've been so wrong about P.H.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Flaming Youth
For those of you who can't get enough of celebrity follies, here's something to look at. Thanks to Jeff "Jim Bowie" Meyerson for the link.
Movie News - Disturbing Photos of Lohan Hit Internet - AOL News: "(June 4) -- Shocking photos that depict Lindsay Lohan and an unidentified female friend playing with knives while seemingly under the influence are causing a stir across the Internet. "
Movie News - Disturbing Photos of Lohan Hit Internet - AOL News: "(June 4) -- Shocking photos that depict Lindsay Lohan and an unidentified female friend playing with knives while seemingly under the influence are causing a stir across the Internet. "
Thuglit #16 Now On-Line
And there's a BIG announcement, too. Check out the stories and the announcement, too. Click here.
Happy Anniversay to Me & Judy
Today we have been married for 42 years. Seems like a long time to you whippersnappers, I'm sure, but it went by so fast that I can hardly believe it.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Hard Case Crime at Book Expo
Click the link for more photos.About Hard Case Crime: " On June 2, 2007, Hard Case Crime welcomed booksellers from around the world to the annual Book Expo America tradeshow in New York City. Editor Charles Ardai was joined by stage and screen performers Meredith Napolitano (also the cover model for ZERO COOL), James Huffman, and Victoria Lee, all three of whom were dressed in vintage clothing from the pulp era. See below for some candid photos from the event..."
Man of the Century
I can't remember who recommended this one, but I'm glad somebody did. It's an odd little B&W movie about a guy named Johnny Twennies. Johnny appears to be living in the 1920s, even though he's living in the present day. He dresses in '20s clothes, shaves with a straight razor, uses '20s slang. He writes a column for a metropolitan daily, tapping it out on an old typewriter. His attitudes toward sex and dating are from a century ago.None of this is explained. It just is. The rest of the screwball plot involves mobsters, Johnny's girlfriend, another girl who wants to be an opera singer, and things like that. Mostly, though, the movie is just strung-together bits, most of which I found very entertaining. The ending is right out of It's in the Bag.
Gibson Frazier plays Johnny. It's as if he's spent most of his life watching Warner Brothers movies about the '20s. Most of them with Bogart. His acting style is based on those movies, particularly Bogart's. Some of his lines are even stolen from Bogart movies, among others. Putting that style into a modern movie, where everyone else is from a different school, might seem odd, but it works just fine. If you're looking for something different, this is it. Check it out.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Once Again Texas Leads the Way
Not that we're surprised. Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Top News - Texas Leads Nation in Carbon Emissions - AOL News: "WASHINGTON (June 2) - America may spew more greenhouse gases than any other country, but some states are astonishingly more prolific polluters than others - and it's not always the ones you might expect."
Top News - Texas Leads Nation in Carbon Emissions - AOL News: "WASHINGTON (June 2) - America may spew more greenhouse gases than any other country, but some states are astonishingly more prolific polluters than others - and it's not always the ones you might expect."
The Carpetbaggers -- Harold Robbins
The Carpetbaggers was originally published in 1961, which means that the paperback came out in 1962. So in the summer of 1962 I read the book for the first time. A week or so ago I visited my local personal bookseller (Wal-Mart) and saw a brand-new paperback edition from Tor. I went into a veritable frenzy of nostalgia (shocking, I'm sure, many Wal-Mart shoppers). This happened on the same day that I'd just read somewhere that it was Harold Robbins' birthday. The coincidence and the nostalgia, along with the fact that it had been just about exactly 45 years since I read the book, were too much for me, and I bought it.When I read it in 1962, the book was considered very hot stuff. I believe one reviewer said that it should have been written on a restroom wall rather than published between covers. And it is indeed full of sex: straight sex, gay sex, rough sex, near-incestuous sex, solitary sex, group sex, kinky sex, and probably other kinds of sex that I'm forgetting at the moment. None of it, however, is graphically described. I'm sure that Nightstand Books and others of the time were going farther in that regard than Robbins did.
The book is divided into sections named for the characters. Jonas Cord is the major figure, and he narrates his sections in the first person. Cord was based on Howard Hughes, a fact that was obvious to me even 45 years ago. I'd see The Outlaw and knew the story about Jane Russell and the bra, which is fictionalized in the book.
The section I remembered best was devoted to Nevada Smith. I guess others liked it best, too, because it was made into a movie with Steve McQueen, and even into a TV movie with Cliff Potts. The section is under 100 pages long, but there's enough violence in it to fill a much longer book. No wonder I remembered it. It's the most vivid in the novel. Smith seems to be about 90% fictional, but there are traces of Tom Mix and William Boyd in the character, for sure.
I enjoyed reading the book again. Since it was a historical novel, it's not nearly as dated as you might think. It's still pretty darned good popular entertainment if you like trashy books, which I do. Check it out.
Aside: The first book I read by Robbins was A Stone for Danny Fisher, which I checked out of the library after seeing King Creole and noticing that it was based on Robbins' novel, which it hardly resembles. After The Carpetbaggers, I never read another book by Robbins, and I didn't realize that he kept on cranking them out for so many years. In fact, the books have continued to appear right up to the present, even though Robbins died in 1997. Someone called Junius Podrugg is now sharing credit with Robbins on the covers. The same roman a clef formula seems to be working all these years later.
Buy Mine! Buy Mine!
Tough sell for writers at NY literary speed-dating | Entertainment | Reuters: "NEW YORK (Reuters) - If you think speed-dating is tough, try selling your book to an editor in three minutes.
That's what hundreds of aspiring authors were doing this week at a New York trade fair, and the odds were against them.
Literary agent Peter Miller said there were as many as 15 million wannabe writers in the United States with books to sell."
That's what hundreds of aspiring authors were doing this week at a New York trade fair, and the odds were against them.
Literary agent Peter Miller said there were as many as 15 million wannabe writers in the United States with books to sell."
Friday, June 01, 2007
Paging Jules Verne
Trip proposed to centre of Earth via Arctic hole: "A U.S. scientist and a small band of believers are planning a journey to the Canadian Arctic for what they call 'the greatest geological expedition in history.'
Are they searching for Arctic oil reserves? Documenting evidence of climate change?
Not quite. They're looking for a fog-shrouded hole in the Arctic Ocean that leads -- they say -- to the centre of the Earth, where an unknown civilization is lurking inside the hollow core of the planet."
Are they searching for Arctic oil reserves? Documenting evidence of climate change?
Not quite. They're looking for a fog-shrouded hole in the Arctic Ocean that leads -- they say -- to the centre of the Earth, where an unknown civilization is lurking inside the hollow core of the planet."
The Results are In
The all new seven wonders of the world | Uk News | News | Telegraph: "The Channel Tunnel has been voted one of the seven new wonders of the world in a new survey.
The longest undersea tunnel in the world, which opened in 1994, came seventh in an online poll conducted by Teletext Holidays, while the Sydney Opera House was hailed as the top new wonder of the world.
Second place was given to the Eiffel Tower, which has been visited by more than 200 million visitors since its opening in 1889."
The longest undersea tunnel in the world, which opened in 1994, came seventh in an online poll conducted by Teletext Holidays, while the Sydney Opera House was hailed as the top new wonder of the world.
Second place was given to the Eiffel Tower, which has been visited by more than 200 million visitors since its opening in 1889."
Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality
Check it out. But not when you're feeling queasy.
Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality: "Each item was purchased, taken home, and photographed immediately. Nothing
was tampered with, run over by a car, or anything of the sort. It is an accurate representation in every case. Shiny, neon-orange, liquefied pump-cheese, and all."
Fast Food: Ads vs. Reality: "Each item was purchased, taken home, and photographed immediately. Nothing
was tampered with, run over by a car, or anything of the sort. It is an accurate representation in every case. Shiny, neon-orange, liquefied pump-cheese, and all."
Cue Michael Jackson Singing "Ben"
Lost documents shed light on Black Death-Life & Style-Health-TimesOnline: "For centuries, rats and fleas have been fingered as the culprits responsible for the Black Death, the medieval plague that killed as many as two thirds of Europe’s population.
But historians studying 14th-century court records from Dorset believe they may have uncovered evidence that exonerates them. The parchment records, contained in a recently-discovered archive, reveal that an estimated 50 per cent of the 2,000 people living in Gillingham died within four months of the Black Death reaching the town in October 1348."
*********
"Experts now believe that the Black Death is more likely to have been a viral infection, similar to haemorrhagic fever or ebola, that spread from person to person."
But historians studying 14th-century court records from Dorset believe they may have uncovered evidence that exonerates them. The parchment records, contained in a recently-discovered archive, reveal that an estimated 50 per cent of the 2,000 people living in Gillingham died within four months of the Black Death reaching the town in October 1348."
*********
"Experts now believe that the Black Death is more likely to have been a viral infection, similar to haemorrhagic fever or ebola, that spread from person to person."
More on Astonishing Adventures
The site is now up and running - please pop over and take a look. The magazine will be released on August 31st, so please sign up for the mailing list to receive your free copy of the Astonishing Adventures! magazine ePulp. The site itself will cover comic, DVD, movie, and genre interviews. We've just posted the first of the content tonight!
Anyway, keep coming back and enjoy the magazine!
Editor-in-Chief
John Donald Carlucci
Anyway, keep coming back and enjoy the magazine!
Editor-in-Chief
John Donald Carlucci
Thursday, May 31, 2007
It Was 40 Years Ago Today, er, Tomorrow
Thanks to John Duke for the tip. Like some of you, I can remember where I was when I first heard it. Others of you whippersnappers weren't even born yet.
nme.com: The Beatles' album 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' is 40 years old tomorrow (June 1) - and to celebrate the occasion, we want your thoughts on arguably the most famous album of all time.
The LP was revered on its' 1967 release, both a critical and popular sensation. It was seen as innovative in every possible sense, from the recording techniques to the astonishing cover. Designed by Peter Blake, it featured the band themselves surrounded by cardboard cut-outs of famous people chosen by the band.
nme.com: The Beatles' album 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' is 40 years old tomorrow (June 1) - and to celebrate the occasion, we want your thoughts on arguably the most famous album of all time.
The LP was revered on its' 1967 release, both a critical and popular sensation. It was seen as innovative in every possible sense, from the recording techniques to the astonishing cover. Designed by Peter Blake, it featured the band themselves surrounded by cardboard cut-outs of famous people chosen by the band.
Nessie's Back!
Unfortunately I can't find a link with video. Update: In her comment below, Karin says there's video at the link. It won't play on my computer, but maybe you can see it.
New Loch Ness Monster video - CNN.com: "EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- Like tartan, bagpipes, and shortbread Scotland's Loch Ness Monster is as much an emblem as a tourist draw.
And now Nessie's back.
An amateur scientist has captured what Loch Ness Monster watchers say is among the finest footage ever taken of the elusive mythical creature reputed to swim beneath the waters of Scotland's most mysterious lake.
'I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this jet black thing, about 45-feet (15 meters) long, moving fairly fast in the water,' said Gordon Holmes, the 55-year-old a lab technician from Shipley, Yorkshire, who took the video this past Saturday.
He said it moved at about 6 mph (10 kph) and kept a fairly straight course.
'My initial thought is it could be a very big eel, they have serpent-like features and they may explain all the sightings in Loch Ness over the years.'
Loch Ness is surrounded by myth and mystery, as it is the largest and deepest inland expanse of water in Britain. About 750 feet (230 meters) to the bottom, it's even deeper than the North Sea."
New Loch Ness Monster video - CNN.com: "EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- Like tartan, bagpipes, and shortbread Scotland's Loch Ness Monster is as much an emblem as a tourist draw.
And now Nessie's back.
An amateur scientist has captured what Loch Ness Monster watchers say is among the finest footage ever taken of the elusive mythical creature reputed to swim beneath the waters of Scotland's most mysterious lake.
'I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this jet black thing, about 45-feet (15 meters) long, moving fairly fast in the water,' said Gordon Holmes, the 55-year-old a lab technician from Shipley, Yorkshire, who took the video this past Saturday.
He said it moved at about 6 mph (10 kph) and kept a fairly straight course.
'My initial thought is it could be a very big eel, they have serpent-like features and they may explain all the sightings in Loch Ness over the years.'
Loch Ness is surrounded by myth and mystery, as it is the largest and deepest inland expanse of water in Britain. About 750 feet (230 meters) to the bottom, it's even deeper than the North Sea."
A Small Gallery of Photos . . .
. . . of the cell where a certain celebrity will be doing hard time. And seems that she's in trouble again. And the persecution will never end.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
So Close
Let's see. We have beautiful young women who are professional assassins, high tech geekery, a relentless woman cop who's as expert in the martial arts as the assassins, big-time criminals, wire work, zippy camera angles, kung fu, sword fights, car chases, lots of shooting, and a couple of love stories. Did I leave anything out? Oh, yeah. Explosions. And a bubble bath scene. And there might be a few other things. Don't worry too much about the plot. This is Hong Kong hokum at its best: fast moving, fun to watch, and great to look at. Shu Qi (The Transporter) plays the older sister of the assassin duo and does the killing. Zhao Wei, the younger sister, is the computer geek. You'll want a wrist watch like these two wear after you see the movie. Karen Mok is the relentless cop. Her fight with Shu Qi in a parking garage is just one of many highlights in the movie.
Comparisons with Charlie's Angels are probably inevitable, but while the plot doesn't make any more sense than the ones in the Angels movies, this is a lot more fun. Trust me.
One more thing: the movie did not make me any fonder of the syrupy "Close to You," but you might feel differently. Check it out.
We're from the Government, and We're Here to Help You
Net taxes could arrive by this fall - Page1 - MSN Tech & Gadgets - News and Features: The era of tax-free e-mail, Internet shopping and broadband connections could end this fall, if recent proposals in the U.S. Congress prove successful.
State and local governments resumed a push to lobby Congress for far-reaching changes on two different fronts: gaining the ability to impose sales taxes on Net shopping, and being able to levy new monthly taxes on DSL and other connections. One senator is even predicting taxes on e-mail.
At the moment, states and municipalities are frequently barred by federal law from collecting both access and sales taxes. But they're hoping that their new lobbying effort, coordinated by groups including the National Governors Association, will pay off by permitting them to collect billions of dollars in new revenue by next year.
State and local governments resumed a push to lobby Congress for far-reaching changes on two different fronts: gaining the ability to impose sales taxes on Net shopping, and being able to levy new monthly taxes on DSL and other connections. One senator is even predicting taxes on e-mail.
At the moment, states and municipalities are frequently barred by federal law from collecting both access and sales taxes. But they're hoping that their new lobbying effort, coordinated by groups including the National Governors Association, will pay off by permitting them to collect billions of dollars in new revenue by next year.
Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in your Hair
San Francisco, Calif, May 29, 2007-- The Summer Of Love 40th Anniversary Concert
announced today the partial listing of the bands and entertainment that have
committed to perform at the free outdoor concert in San Francisco, September 2,
2007. The free event will take place between 10 am and 6 pm at the historic
Golden Gate Park and will celebrate both the music as well as the cultural and
political awakening inspired by the 1967 Summer Of Love.
The artists that have committed to performing at the Summer of Love 40th
Anniversary Concert include: Michael McClure, Ray Manzarek, Canned Heat, Country
Joe McDonald, Sons of Champlin, Nick Gravenite, The Charlatans, Barry Melton, Taj
Mahal, New Riders, Brian Auger, Eric Burdon Dan Hicks, Great Society and David
LaFlamme. Other musicians will be announced.
retroCrush's 100 Scariest Movie Scenes Ever
retroCRUSH: the world's finest pop culture and Leo Sayer website: "This has been a great labour of love and truly one of the most fun articles I've ever had the pleasure of putting up on retroCRUSH. It's easy to talk about scary movies, but we wanted to highlight the individual scary scenes that really stick out. Some films aren't scary by design, but happen to have creepy and shocking moments that deserve special recognition. So enjoy this list and have fun discovering a bunch of new movies to see! Special thanks to Darin Wood and Christy Savage of TRASH FILM ORGY for their efforts, and the hundreds of you who responded with your own suggestions. And for those who care, our list came out a good year before Bravo decided to do a TV special with the same theme, so in case you're wondering...
If this if your first time to this page, welcome! For fun, see how many movies you can identify by just looking at the pictures! Also, before you scold me with, 'How come you didn't include THIS MOVIE?' make sure I really didn't include it.
We're also slowly putting up YouTube clips of each scene to make this an even more kickass feature!"
If this if your first time to this page, welcome! For fun, see how many movies you can identify by just looking at the pictures! Also, before you scold me with, 'How come you didn't include THIS MOVIE?' make sure I really didn't include it.
We're also slowly putting up YouTube clips of each scene to make this an even more kickass feature!"
Will the Persecution Never End?
Perhaps. Thanks to the kindness of strangers.
And thanks to Jeff "Don't Be a Stranger" Meyerson for the link.
And thanks to Jeff "Don't Be a Stranger" Meyerson for the link.
Poetry Corner
There was a young laddie from Alvin
Who adhered to the doctrines of Calvin
But predestination
Was a source of frustration
And he wondered if his soul was worth salvin'.
Yeah, yeah, I know, but YOU try to find another rhyme for Alvin.
Who adhered to the doctrines of Calvin
But predestination
Was a source of frustration
And he wondered if his soul was worth salvin'.
Yeah, yeah, I know, but YOU try to find another rhyme for Alvin.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
New Issue of Crime and Suspense Now On-Line
The June issue is up, and you can check it out right here.
The authors this month are Donna Nowak, with the second installment of her three-part serial, Kim Mallin, Gary R. Hoffman, J.T. Deckard, William G. Schweizer, Robert Wangard and even a story by the editor, Tony Burton. You can read more about all these authors in the Rogues' Gallery on the Crime and Suspense website. And, as authors have indicated that they would like to hear from the readers about the readers' opinions on their stories, we have created email links on the names of each of the authors listed below. Feel free to let the authors know what you think of their work!
Editor Tony Burton gives us his opinion of Elementary, My Dear Watkins by Mindy Starns Clark. Yvonne Battle-Felton tells us all about the novel Fatal Laws by Jim Hansen. Dorinda Ohnstad gives us the lowdown on Tasha Alexander.
Harry Potter Update
Ga. judge: Keep Potter books in school - Yahoo! News: "LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - The adventures of boy wizard Harry Potter can stay in Gwinnett County school libraries, despite a mother's objections, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Laura Mallory, who argued the popular fiction series is an attempt to indoctrinate children in witchcraft, said she still wants the best-selling books removed and may take her case to federal court.
'I maybe need a whole new case from the ground up,' said Mallory, who was not represented by an attorney at the hearing."
Laura Mallory, who argued the popular fiction series is an attempt to indoctrinate children in witchcraft, said she still wants the best-selling books removed and may take her case to federal court.
'I maybe need a whole new case from the ground up,' said Mallory, who was not represented by an attorney at the hearing."
If You're Going to the Exhibition. . .
. . . be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.
New York museum recreates Summer of Love (minus the drugs) - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK (AFP) - Forty years after a generation of young Americans turned on, tuned in, and dropped out during the Summer of Love, a New York museum is hoping to recreate the psychedelic intensity of the period.
The exhibition at the Whitney Museum features posters, artwork, light shows, trippy album covers and experimental film from a counter-cultural movement that brought together peace activists, musicians, hippies and artists.
Curator Christoph Grunenberg said he hoped the exhibition would either provide a trip down memory lane or help recreate the 1960s for those who, for various reasons, couldn't remember them."
New York museum recreates Summer of Love (minus the drugs) - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK (AFP) - Forty years after a generation of young Americans turned on, tuned in, and dropped out during the Summer of Love, a New York museum is hoping to recreate the psychedelic intensity of the period.
The exhibition at the Whitney Museum features posters, artwork, light shows, trippy album covers and experimental film from a counter-cultural movement that brought together peace activists, musicians, hippies and artists.
Curator Christoph Grunenberg said he hoped the exhibition would either provide a trip down memory lane or help recreate the 1960s for those who, for various reasons, couldn't remember them."
Hose Monkey -- Tony Spinosa
According to the jacket copy, Tony Spinosa is "the product of a passionate affair between a Capo in the Gambino crime family and the blind daughter of a local rabbi." He writes a lot like Reed Farrel Coleman, though.Hose Monkey is the story of a cop, Joe Serpe, who did the right thing and thus lost everything that mattered to him: his job, his friends, his wife and son. Except his brother. And then his brother, a firefighter, died on 9/11.
So Joe's in a funk. He makes his living as the driver of an oil delivery truck, keeps to himself, and doesn't care much about anything. Then a "hose monkey" at the oil company is murdered, and Joe's drawn into the investigation. He teams up with another retired cop and starts to remember what it was like to have a life.
Hose Monkey is a good book for the summer because the winter scenes will help cool you off. The mystery's complicated, the characters are well-drawn, and the violence (especially toward the end) is unrestrained. You'll care about Joe Serpe, and you'll be rooting for him to find some kind of redemption. Check it out. (Not recommended for cat-lovers.)
Attack of the Beta Males
In Hollywood, Beta Males Best Alpha Dogs - Newsweek Entertainment - MSNBC.com: ". . . the new movie star looks less like Colin Farrell than Will Ferrell. Or Steve Carell. Or Jon Heder. Or, if he's animated, Shrek or Homer Simpson. The testosterone-pumped, muscle-bound Hollywood hero is rapidly deflating—this summer, Bruce Willis is the last he-man standing. Taking his place is a new kind of leading man, the kind who's just as happy following as leading, or never getting off the sofa."
Monday, May 28, 2007
Book Burning
Thanks to Rick Klaw for this sad story, which is worth reading in its entirety.
Mo. man burns books as act of protest - Yahoo! News: "KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Tom Wayne has amassed thousands of books in a warehouse during the 10 years he has run his used book store, Prospero's Books.
His collection ranges from best sellers, such as Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt for Red October' and Tom Wolfe's 'Bonfire of the Vanities,' to obscure titles, like a bound report from the Fourth Pan-American Conference held in Buenos Aires in 1910. But when he wanted to thin out the collection, he found he couldn't even give away books to libraries or thrift shops; they said they were full.
So on Sunday, Wayne began burning his books in protest of what he sees as society's diminishing support for the printed word."
Mo. man burns books as act of protest - Yahoo! News: "KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Tom Wayne has amassed thousands of books in a warehouse during the 10 years he has run his used book store, Prospero's Books.
His collection ranges from best sellers, such as Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt for Red October' and Tom Wolfe's 'Bonfire of the Vanities,' to obscure titles, like a bound report from the Fourth Pan-American Conference held in Buenos Aires in 1910. But when he wanted to thin out the collection, he found he couldn't even give away books to libraries or thrift shops; they said they were full.
So on Sunday, Wayne began burning his books in protest of what he sees as society's diminishing support for the printed word."
Bruno Fischer
Back when I was helping out Billy Lee with Paperback Quarterly, one of the first writers I interviewed (we did it by mail in those days) was Bruno Fischer. Like the others I got in touch with, he was extremely gracious and generous with his time, happy to help us out for no pay do an interview for a zine with barely any circulation. Ed Lynskey has a new article on his work at Al Guthrie's Noir Originals. Check it out. And don't miss Fischer's letter to Ron Goulart in Cheap Thrills, either.
From Ed Gorman
The Poker Club
Starring:
Johnathon Schaech as Aaron Tyler
Lori Heuring as Jan Tyler
Loren Dean as Curtis Wilcox
Judy Reyes as Detective Patterson
Based on the novel by: Ed Gorman
Screenplay by: Johnathon Schaech and Richard Chizmar
Director: Tim McCann NY Times called him one of the best new indie directors
Producer: Bruce Devan
Executive Producer: Jordan Gertner
Plot Summary:
Four friends discover and accidentally kill a burglar -- who may not be alone -- in the kitchen during their weekly poker night.
Status: Filming commences 30th May 2007
Availability: TBA
Starring:
Johnathon Schaech as Aaron Tyler
Lori Heuring as Jan Tyler
Loren Dean as Curtis Wilcox
Judy Reyes as Detective Patterson
Based on the novel by: Ed Gorman
Screenplay by: Johnathon Schaech and Richard Chizmar
Director: Tim McCann NY Times called him one of the best new indie directors
Producer: Bruce Devan
Executive Producer: Jordan Gertner
Plot Summary:
Four friends discover and accidentally kill a burglar -- who may not be alone -- in the kitchen during their weekly poker night.
Status: Filming commences 30th May 2007
Availability: TBA
Because of Winn-Dixie -- Kate DiCamillo
I can't resist reading kids' books, and this was a good one. I think it's aimed at about ages 6-10, which made it just fine for me. Winn-Dixie, as some of you know, is a grocery chain, but in this book it's the name of a big, ugly, friendly dog. Because on Winn-Dixie, a girl named Opal learns 10 things about her mother (who left Opal and her preacher father when Opal was a baby), makes friends (with a woman people think is a witch, with an ex-con, a librarian, another girl, and a couple of boys), gets a job sweeping a pet store, and throws a party. It's funny and touching. Great stuff if you like that sort of thing, and I do now and then. So does the Newberry Committee, because this was an honor book in 2001. Check it out.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
The Most Reprinted Authors and Stories in Mystery Anthologies
Over at his excellent Mystery*File blog, Steve Lewis has a list of the most reprinted authors and stories in mystery anthologies. I never expected to see my name on a list like that, but there it is. I barely made the cut, but I'm there. When I look at the other names on the list, I'm amazed to find myself in such a company. I never would have dreamed it.
San Francisco, Happy Birthday to Your Golden Gate!
An iconic bridge -- and its people / Hundreds paint, repair, take tolls to keep landmark in golden shape: "It is used by more than 100,000 commuters a day, visited by as many as a million tourists a month, and crossed by 40 million drivers a year. Its bold beauty is staggering, its mystique legendary.
But the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened to pedestrians 70 years ago today -- at 6 a.m. on May 27, 1937 -- is more than an international icon in burnished red. To the 200 people who work on the bridge, taking tolls, painting cables, replacing steel and providing security, it is a paycheck first. An honor second."
But the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened to pedestrians 70 years ago today -- at 6 a.m. on May 27, 1937 -- is more than an international icon in burnished red. To the 200 people who work on the bridge, taking tolls, painting cables, replacing steel and providing security, it is a paycheck first. An honor second."
It's in the Bag
Frequent blog commenters Todd Mason and Art Scott recommended this movie starring Fred Allen and a plethora of others, including Binnie Barnes, Robert Benchley, Jack Benny, Don Ameche, Rudy Vallee, William Bendix, John Carradine, Sidney Toler, Minerva Pious, and Jerry Colonna. I immediately recognized the plot as that of The 12 Chairs, a Russian tale that Mel Brooks filmed in the '70s, except that in Allen's movie there are only five chairs. Not that the plot matters, but it's essentially this: Allen has inherited his uncle's fortune. Turns out that the uncle was murdered, and the identity of his killer, along with $300,000, is hidden in one of five chairs that Allen has sold to an antiques dealer, who's passed them along to others. Allen needs to recover the chairs to prove that he's not a killer and to get his hands on the money.The plot is just a device to give Allen an excuse to get into a lot of situations ranging from the absurd to the more absurd. The logic of movies is pretty much tossed out the window, and the fourth wall not so much shattered as ignored. (Characters address the audience and even ask for directions.) One thing I particularly liked was the villainous lawyer John Carradine's hair, which appears to be especially coiffed to accommodate his top hat. Yes, he wears a top hat. And a cape. Plays the organ, too.
It would be futile to try to explain why this movie's funny. If you've ever heard Allen's radio show, you might have some idea, but not a very good one. You have to see this to believe it. Check it out.
A Couple of Birthdays to Celebrate
The Bunburyist: "Two major mystery birthdays to celebrate today: Dashiell Hammett would have turned 113 (he died in 1961), and gentlemanly Oklahoman Tony Hillerman turns 82."
Gator Update
The probably want more gator nuggets.
United Press International - NewsTrack - Quirks - Alligator on the lam in Philadelphia pond: "PHILADELPHIA, May 26 (UPI) -- An alligator spotted in a Philadelphia park pond remained at large after eluding a reptile hunter who found no trace of the creature.
The popular Haddonfield's Hopkins Pond and surrounding park were reopened Friday even though a Boston gator tracker and two Pennsylvania Department of Fish and Wildlife officials found no trace of the 3-foot-plus reptile a county ranger swears he saw in the water May 11."
United Press International - NewsTrack - Quirks - Alligator on the lam in Philadelphia pond: "PHILADELPHIA, May 26 (UPI) -- An alligator spotted in a Philadelphia park pond remained at large after eluding a reptile hunter who found no trace of the creature.
The popular Haddonfield's Hopkins Pond and surrounding park were reopened Friday even though a Boston gator tracker and two Pennsylvania Department of Fish and Wildlife officials found no trace of the 3-foot-plus reptile a county ranger swears he saw in the water May 11."
DVD Update: 20 Million Miles to Earth
Thanks to Rick Klaw for the tip.20 Million Miles to Earth gets 50th Anniversary Edition in July - DVD: "Sony Pictures Home Entertainment marks the half-century milestone of one of the earliest films by stop-motion animation genius Ray Harryhausen with the July 31 debut of 20 Million Miles to Earth: 50th Anniversary Edition. The two-disc DVD will be available for a suggested retail price of $24.95.
The film, which depicts the destruction of Rome by a reptile from the planet Venus, was directed by Nathan Juran (The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, First Men ‘in’ the Moon) and stars William Hopper (The Bad Seed) and Joan Taylor (Earth Vs. the Flying Saucers). In addition to the pristine, digitally-restored black & white original, the classic film will now be available in a newly colorized version supervised by Harryhausen himself.
In a recent interview, Harryhausen said “I am thrilled that this film is finally being seen in color. I had wanted to do the film in color in the 1950s, but our budget was not large enough to accommodate that luxury. Now, thanks to the marvelous advances made in the colorization process by San Diego’s Legend Films and others, audiences will be able to see 20 Million Miles to Earth as I originally intended.”"
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Wall-Climbing Gator Update: Nuggets Edition
Breaking News - Wall-Climbing Gator To Be Made Into ‘Nuggets’ - from TBO.com Breaking News
WESLEY CHAPEL - An alligator that got itself caught between two houses in the Meadow Pointe community Thursday evening had been trapped, killed and ready to be made into “alligator nuggets” by this morning, a local trapper said.
Mickey Fagan of M and D Gator Products of Dade City said he caught the gator - which tried to climb the side of a house in the Morningside neighborhood at about 7:30 p.m.
A series of photos can be found here.
Another John Wayne Tribute
Duke / Assessing John Wayne's true grit on his centennial: "When we talk about John Wayne -- whose 100th birthday is Saturday -- we are talking about a lot of things. We're talking about an actor. We're talking about movies. We're talking about an era. We're also talking about an idea -- specifically an American idea about itself that was appealing to so many people that Wayne remains unquestionably the most enduringly popular screen actor in the history of the medium.
That may surprise today's moviegoers. Was Wayne really more popular than Chaplin? Or Humphrey Bogart? Or Bette Davis? Or Marilyn Monroe? Think of the great male stars of his generation and other names come to mind more readily: Clark Gable, Cary Grant, James Stewart. And yet it's Wayne who racked up the numbers: Between 1949 and 1974, Wayne made the top 10 list of box office stars 25 times. He topped that list four times.
The significance of that can't be overstated. Think of what America was like in 1949. Then think of what it was like in 1974. Think of the changes in music, styles and social mores. Think also of the changes in movies, from 'On the Town' to 'Chinatown.' And then think how, across that span, Wayne remained one of the top 10 people that other people wanted to see. That's longevity of epic proportions."
That may surprise today's moviegoers. Was Wayne really more popular than Chaplin? Or Humphrey Bogart? Or Bette Davis? Or Marilyn Monroe? Think of the great male stars of his generation and other names come to mind more readily: Clark Gable, Cary Grant, James Stewart. And yet it's Wayne who racked up the numbers: Between 1949 and 1974, Wayne made the top 10 list of box office stars 25 times. He topped that list four times.
The significance of that can't be overstated. Think of what America was like in 1949. Then think of what it was like in 1974. Think of the changes in music, styles and social mores. Think also of the changes in movies, from 'On the Town' to 'Chinatown.' And then think how, across that span, Wayne remained one of the top 10 people that other people wanted to see. That's longevity of epic proportions."
Gator Update: Reggie Edition
keyetv.com - Reggie The Alligator Resting Comfortably At Zoo: "(CBS) LOS ANGELES Reggie the alligator was resting comfortably Friday in his new digs at the Los Angeles Zoo, officials said.
The 7-foot gator is expected to undergo a physical examination next week to make sure it is healthy, and to definitively determine the beast's gender, according to the zoo's reptile expert, Ian Recchio.
Zoo officials are also expected to decide in the coming weeks whether Reggie will be sent elsewhere or remain in Los Angeles with the zoo's six other American alligators and two Chinese gators.
'This whole situation is still so fresh and we're still trying to catch our breath,' Recchio said. 'We're just concerned about getting him comfortable right now and just dealing with the media attention.'"
The 7-foot gator is expected to undergo a physical examination next week to make sure it is healthy, and to definitively determine the beast's gender, according to the zoo's reptile expert, Ian Recchio.
Zoo officials are also expected to decide in the coming weeks whether Reggie will be sent elsewhere or remain in Los Angeles with the zoo's six other American alligators and two Chinese gators.
'This whole situation is still so fresh and we're still trying to catch our breath,' Recchio said. 'We're just concerned about getting him comfortable right now and just dealing with the media attention.'"
Laura Gets the Title Almost Right
And she really ought to read Blood Marks.Criminal Brief: The Mystery Short Story Web Log Project: "For Laura Lippman, a current best-selling novelist who’s also been known to write as many as six short-stories in a single year, the many original-anthology volumes being done by such publishers as Akashic are a great place to discover not only “terrific new voices” but also to find out “new things about writers that you thought you knew.” As a for-instance of the latter, she cites author Bill Crider: “He’s been on the scene for a long time; and … I think people would say, ‘Oh, Bill Crider, he’s this nice man from Texas, and he writes these very – nice books’; but if you read Bill’s story – I think it’s ‘Crank,’ in Damn Near Dead [Busted Flush Press, 2006] – you’d be surprised!”"
This Would Be Funny . . .
. . . if it weren't so sad, Part II of a series.
Reuters AlertNet - UN meeting wiped after U.S. reads wrong statement: "UNITED NATIONS, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad had to reconvene the U.N. Security Council and rerun a meeting on Friday after reading the wrong statement on Sudan, effectively wiping an entire council session out of history.
At the first session, Khalilzad, current president of the council, read out a hard-hitting statement denouncing aerial bombardment in the troubled Darfur region in a clear critique of the Sudanese government.
When the session ended, Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin was the first to point out that the statement was not the one that the council's 15 members had agreed, participants said.
After about 10 minutes, officials managed to corral diplomats wandering off for the weekend back into the council chamber. Khalilzad opened a new meeting under the same serial number at which he read out a more anodyne statement that just urged all parties in Darfur, rebels included, to end violence."
Reuters AlertNet - UN meeting wiped after U.S. reads wrong statement: "UNITED NATIONS, May 25 (Reuters) - U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad had to reconvene the U.N. Security Council and rerun a meeting on Friday after reading the wrong statement on Sudan, effectively wiping an entire council session out of history.
At the first session, Khalilzad, current president of the council, read out a hard-hitting statement denouncing aerial bombardment in the troubled Darfur region in a clear critique of the Sudanese government.
When the session ended, Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin was the first to point out that the statement was not the one that the council's 15 members had agreed, participants said.
After about 10 minutes, officials managed to corral diplomats wandering off for the weekend back into the council chamber. Khalilzad opened a new meeting under the same serial number at which he read out a more anodyne statement that just urged all parties in Darfur, rebels included, to end violence."
12 Cool Pirate Movies
I don't care what this guy says: I love Cutthroat Island.
Buried treasure: 12 pirate flicks to dig up - MOVIE OPINIONS - MSNBC.com: "In the early days of moviemaking through (roughly) the 1950s, pirate movies were reliably common — not as ubiquitous as the western, but the scurvy sea dogs held their own. Even after the genre fell out of favor, directors repeatedly tried to hoist the skull-and-crossbones flag again, but the results were usually leaky vessels and even disastrous shipwrecks like “Cutthroat Island” and “Treasure Planet.”
That’s one reason why few people expected “Pirates of the Caribbean” to be a hit, let alone the record-breaking smash that it is. But one reason that the trilogy has been successful is the way it embraces the best trappings of the genre while jettisoning the worst. The creators of the series clearly know their pirate-movie history, and it’s worth taking the time to check out some of the films that inspired them. So let’s set a course for adventure: Here are 12 pirate films worth their sea salt."
Buried treasure: 12 pirate flicks to dig up - MOVIE OPINIONS - MSNBC.com: "In the early days of moviemaking through (roughly) the 1950s, pirate movies were reliably common — not as ubiquitous as the western, but the scurvy sea dogs held their own. Even after the genre fell out of favor, directors repeatedly tried to hoist the skull-and-crossbones flag again, but the results were usually leaky vessels and even disastrous shipwrecks like “Cutthroat Island” and “Treasure Planet.”
That’s one reason why few people expected “Pirates of the Caribbean” to be a hit, let alone the record-breaking smash that it is. But one reason that the trilogy has been successful is the way it embraces the best trappings of the genre while jettisoning the worst. The creators of the series clearly know their pirate-movie history, and it’s worth taking the time to check out some of the films that inspired them. So let’s set a course for adventure: Here are 12 pirate films worth their sea salt."
Happy Birthday to the Duke! And 100 Reasons to Love John Wayne
Thanks to John "The" Duke for the link.
On his 100th birthday, 100 reasons to love John Wayne | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — John Wayne was born May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, 100 years ago. Alone among his generation of movie stars, he remains an apparently permanent image of American masculinity.
You can accept his representation of manhood or you can reject it, but you can't ignore it.
Like Elvis Presley, he was a pure product of America, unthinkable in any other culture. Unlike Elvis, he never went crazy, never lost his faith in his essential rightness — in several senses of the word — never really tried to adapt to changing times. Blessedly, he never hid behind irony.
He was John Wayne, and here are 100 reasons to cherish his memory, some of them from his movies, some of them drawn from Wayne in conversation."
On his 100th birthday, 100 reasons to love John Wayne | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — John Wayne was born May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, 100 years ago. Alone among his generation of movie stars, he remains an apparently permanent image of American masculinity.
You can accept his representation of manhood or you can reject it, but you can't ignore it.
Like Elvis Presley, he was a pure product of America, unthinkable in any other culture. Unlike Elvis, he never went crazy, never lost his faith in his essential rightness — in several senses of the word — never really tried to adapt to changing times. Blessedly, he never hid behind irony.
He was John Wayne, and here are 100 reasons to cherish his memory, some of them from his movies, some of them drawn from Wayne in conversation."
Poetry Corner
A while back I confessed on Crimespace that my earliest publications were poems. I was published in a few "little magazines," and I actually got paid for my work in The Runner and Grit. Now and then the poetic muse still seizes me, and I produce poems full of pith and moment. Also full of symbolism and metaphorical language. But mostly full of pith. To wit:
There was a young laddie from York
Who ate all his meals with a spork.
He then tried a spife
But soon lost his life --
Cut his throat while eating, the dork.
Thank you. Thank you very much, ladies and germs. You're a wonderful audience. I'll be here all week.
There was a young laddie from York
Who ate all his meals with a spork.
He then tried a spife
But soon lost his life --
Cut his throat while eating, the dork.
Thank you. Thank you very much, ladies and germs. You're a wonderful audience. I'll be here all week.
Nobody Wants To Marry Jodie Marsh - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise
Thanks to Al "Hard Man" Guthrie for the link. You can also check out Jodie's official website, with a NSFW photo, here.
Nobody Wants To Marry Jodie Marsh - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise: "When Jodie Marsh announced details of a new reality TV show, 'Who Will Marry Jodie Marsh?', no doubt she expected the men of the country to quiver in anticipation.
But it turns out that even they're not that desperate.
Today's Mirror reports that at the first auditions for the reality show just TWO people turned up, 'and one of those was horribly drunk'.
Does nobody want to marry the glamour model?"
Nobody Wants To Marry Jodie Marsh - Entertainment News, Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise: "When Jodie Marsh announced details of a new reality TV show, 'Who Will Marry Jodie Marsh?', no doubt she expected the men of the country to quiver in anticipation.
But it turns out that even they're not that desperate.
Today's Mirror reports that at the first auditions for the reality show just TWO people turned up, 'and one of those was horribly drunk'.
Does nobody want to marry the glamour model?"
Friday, May 25, 2007
10 Essential Bug Movies
10 bug films with good buzz, bite and hidden meaning | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Entomologists notwithstanding, we're all a little undereducated about 'bugs,' which is probably why they have such a chilling effect in movie theaters, from the brain-eating things in Star Trek II to the roaches of Pacific Heights to the bugs that spew from people's mouths (often corpses) in Indiana Jones movies.
Sometimes these bugs (please know that we're using the term as a catch-all) are just props. Other times, they carry allegorical and metaphorical baggage, as Bug — a chilling post-terrorism tale — does.
Here are 10 essential bug movies (some fun, some creepy) and some explanations (some fun, some creepy) about what great unspoken thing they might represent."
Sometimes these bugs (please know that we're using the term as a catch-all) are just props. Other times, they carry allegorical and metaphorical baggage, as Bug — a chilling post-terrorism tale — does.
Here are 10 essential bug movies (some fun, some creepy) and some explanations (some fun, some creepy) about what great unspoken thing they might represent."
Disney, it Ain't
Bemusement park: Where Dickens meets Disney | csmonitor.com: "Welcome to Dickens World, a theme park with a difference. If you thought theme parks were all about thrilling roller coaster rides, wolfing down hotdogs and cotton candy, and shaking hands with overgrown mice and goofy dogs, you're in for a rude awakening. Dickens World recreates the filth, squalor, and even the unpleasant whiffs of Victorian London, the city in which Charles Dickens lived and breathed, and wrote so memorably about in 'A Tale of Two Cities,' 'Great Expectations,' and 'Oliver Twist.' It's less a theme park, and more a 'grime park.'"
"Let Are Kids Walk"
Check out the sign the protester is carrying. Is this a great country or what?
FW students protest TAKS decision | Latest News | WFAA.com: "FORT WORTH — Students who had been planning to walk across the stage at graduation ceremonies this weekend were instead walking a picket line Thursday morning.
The Trimble Tech High School seniors marched in front of Fort Worth Independent School District headquarters to protest Wednesday's decision by trustees to bar students who failed the TAKS test from commencement exercises.
About a dozen young people, carrying signs and chanting, began picketing at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. They represent the 613 Fort Worth seniors who did not pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills exam."
FW students protest TAKS decision | Latest News | WFAA.com: "FORT WORTH — Students who had been planning to walk across the stage at graduation ceremonies this weekend were instead walking a picket line Thursday morning.
The Trimble Tech High School seniors marched in front of Fort Worth Independent School District headquarters to protest Wednesday's decision by trustees to bar students who failed the TAKS test from commencement exercises.
About a dozen young people, carrying signs and chanting, began picketing at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. They represent the 613 Fort Worth seniors who did not pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills exam."
Emus Never Learn
Emu leads wild goose chase | The Daily Telegraph: "A MYSTERY emu has been shot dead after a cross-border chase by police in Europe.The Australian native bird was first spotted in the German town of Grenzach-Wyhlen near the Swiss border.
Police tried to capture the emu, but it dashed away, prompting an international operation involving both German and Swiss police.
The police gave chase in parol cars for hours but were no match for the agile fugitive, which darted down narrow alleyways and made tight turns.
Vets and staff from local zoos were called in to help, before the German police called upon their Swiss counterparts.
The emu was clocked at speeds up to 50 km/h, with police resorting to roadblocks, while the vets were unsuccessful in their attempts to sedate the bird with tranquiliser darts."
Gator Update: They're Learning New Tricks
Gator Visits Suburb: "WESLEY CHAPEL - A 6- to 7-foot alligator drew a small crowd of incredulous onlookers Thursday evening in the Morningside neighborhood in Meadow Pointe.As the reptile attempted to climb the stucco wall of a house, near several electrical boxes, a woman across the street said, 'Oh my God.'
Pasco County sheriff's Deputy Todd Koenig said his agency was called to a house on Morning Mist Drive about 6:15 p.m.
Rick Skinner, onto whose property the gator crept, said it was the second one he had seen in his yard in five years. Homes on the street were built between at least two ponds.
'The other one was about a 5-footer,' Skinner said. 'It was in the middle of the night. We just left it alone, and it took care of itself.
'I would be of the mind to leave this one alone, too. If they trap it, they'll kill it, and what's the point of that? It's not hurting anybody.'"
Out of the Gutter Returns
Out of the Gutter is back. Issue 2 is ready for preorder, and you can take a look at the cover. The theme for Issue 3 is posted. Check it out.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
A Gumshoe's Tour of L. A.
A gumshoe's tour of Los Angeles | csmonitor.com: "Raymond Chandler buffs take a bus ride through L.A., visiting the dark city of the late author's crime novels."
Star Wars Trivia
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | 30 pieces of trivia about Star Wars: "The original Star Wars film was released on 25 May 1977. Much to the surprise of many involved in the project, including the studio which backed it, it became a runaway success.
To celebrate the movie's 30th anniversary here are 30 facts and figures related to the film which influenced a new generation of film-makers."
To celebrate the movie's 30th anniversary here are 30 facts and figures related to the film which influenced a new generation of film-makers."
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Dave Barry and Me
Thanks to Ted Hertel for the photo. As you can see, I have Dave pretty much spellbound. Or maybe it's the tie.
10 Best-Selling Books of All Time
mental_floss magazine - Where Knowledge Junkies Get Their Fix: "Today, let’s talk about the all-time best-selling books. If you’re a budding author, it looks like books outlining some sort of religious doctrine would be the way to go. Boy wizardry is another area rich with potential."
Once Again Texas Leads the Way
It's perfectly okay, however, to possess six Glocks. When's the last time you heard of someone being killed in a drive-by dildoing?
Police Raid Lingerie Shop: "LUBBOCK, TX -- An obscure law sends one local lingerie store clerk to jail. And now she may forever have to register as a sex offender.
The lingerie store, Somethin’ Sexy was raided by police last week for violating Lubbock`s sexually oriented business ordinance.
'I feel like I`m in 1690 Salem, Massachusetts and we`re looking for a witch to burn' says the store’s owner.
The witch: the owner of Somethin’ Sexy. He`s speaking out about the raid of his shop and the arrest of his employee. Now, if convicted, the clerk will have to register as a sex offender.
'I think it`s ridiculous. She`s not a sex offender, she was selling something that I had instructed them it was ok to sell, I think it`s ridiculous' he says.
Earlier this month, four officers raided the shop, confiscating several toys deemed to be illegal by the Texas penal code. The code states 'a person who possesses six or more obscene devices is presumed to possess them with intent to promote the same.' In other words, intent to sell."
Police Raid Lingerie Shop: "LUBBOCK, TX -- An obscure law sends one local lingerie store clerk to jail. And now she may forever have to register as a sex offender.
The lingerie store, Somethin’ Sexy was raided by police last week for violating Lubbock`s sexually oriented business ordinance.
'I feel like I`m in 1690 Salem, Massachusetts and we`re looking for a witch to burn' says the store’s owner.
The witch: the owner of Somethin’ Sexy. He`s speaking out about the raid of his shop and the arrest of his employee. Now, if convicted, the clerk will have to register as a sex offender.
'I think it`s ridiculous. She`s not a sex offender, she was selling something that I had instructed them it was ok to sell, I think it`s ridiculous' he says.
Earlier this month, four officers raided the shop, confiscating several toys deemed to be illegal by the Texas penal code. The code states 'a person who possesses six or more obscene devices is presumed to possess them with intent to promote the same.' In other words, intent to sell."
This Would Be Funny . . .
. . . if it weren't so sad. Time to read Catch-22 again, I guess.
The Blotter: "Al Hurra television, the U.S. government's $63 million-a-year effort at public diplomacy broadcasting in the Middle East, is run by executives and officials who cannot speak Arabic, according to a senior official who oversees the program.
That might explain why critics say the service has recently been caught broadcasting terrorist messages, including an hour-long tirade on the importance of anti-Jewish violence, among other questionable pieces.
Facing tough questions before a congressional panel last week, Broadcasting Board of Governors member Joaquin Blaya admitted none of the senior news managers at the network spoke Arabic when the terrorist messages made it onto the air courtesy of U.S. taxpayer funds. Nor did Blaya himself or any of the other officials at the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the network.
'How does it happen that the terrorists take over?' asked Rep. Gary L. Ackerman, D-N.Y., at a hearing last Wednesday of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee he chairs. 'Is there no adult supervision?'
Blaya conceded that the top officials in the network's chain of command could not understand what was being said on al Hurra broadcasts."
The Blotter: "Al Hurra television, the U.S. government's $63 million-a-year effort at public diplomacy broadcasting in the Middle East, is run by executives and officials who cannot speak Arabic, according to a senior official who oversees the program.
That might explain why critics say the service has recently been caught broadcasting terrorist messages, including an hour-long tirade on the importance of anti-Jewish violence, among other questionable pieces.
Facing tough questions before a congressional panel last week, Broadcasting Board of Governors member Joaquin Blaya admitted none of the senior news managers at the network spoke Arabic when the terrorist messages made it onto the air courtesy of U.S. taxpayer funds. Nor did Blaya himself or any of the other officials at the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the network.
'How does it happen that the terrorists take over?' asked Rep. Gary L. Ackerman, D-N.Y., at a hearing last Wednesday of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee he chairs. 'Is there no adult supervision?'
Blaya conceded that the top officials in the network's chain of command could not understand what was being said on al Hurra broadcasts."
Gator Update
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the breaking news. There's a great "gator in the toilet tank photo at the link.
Fla. Man Accused Of Keeping Baby Gator In Toilet - Local News Story - WKMG Orlando: "ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A Clay County man was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor charge after sheriff's deputies acting on a Crimestoppers tip said they found a baby alligator in the toilet tank of his apartment, according to WJXT-TV.
Officials said Michael Dyer, 22, of Orange Park, gave permission to search his apartment on Arora Boulevard. Inside detectives said the also discovered a dog, a rat, a tarantula and an 8-foot python snake.
Hearing the toilet running, Clay County Animal Crime Detective Annie Henderson said she looked inside the tank and found the baby gator.
'When you see the aquarium on the table and he tells you it has been two weeks since he got rid of the gator, and it's fresh clean water, and you keep hearing the toilet running -- it stops, it runs and stops and runs. I'm thinking in my mind, 'Where would be the best place to hid an alligators that has water?' Of course, the toilet tank,' said Henderson."
Fla. Man Accused Of Keeping Baby Gator In Toilet - Local News Story - WKMG Orlando: "ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A Clay County man was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor charge after sheriff's deputies acting on a Crimestoppers tip said they found a baby alligator in the toilet tank of his apartment, according to WJXT-TV.
Officials said Michael Dyer, 22, of Orange Park, gave permission to search his apartment on Arora Boulevard. Inside detectives said the also discovered a dog, a rat, a tarantula and an 8-foot python snake.
Hearing the toilet running, Clay County Animal Crime Detective Annie Henderson said she looked inside the tank and found the baby gator.
'When you see the aquarium on the table and he tells you it has been two weeks since he got rid of the gator, and it's fresh clean water, and you keep hearing the toilet running -- it stops, it runs and stops and runs. I'm thinking in my mind, 'Where would be the best place to hid an alligators that has water?' Of course, the toilet tank,' said Henderson."
Overlooked Books?
To celebrate the first anniversary of The Rap Sheet, J. Kingston Pierce asked a lot of people this question: What one crime, mystery, or thriller novel do you think has been most unjustly overlooked, criminally forgotten, or underappreciated over the years?
My contribution is in this batch of answers.
My contribution is in this batch of answers.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Barbarella Remake Update
Rodriguez Will Handle BARBARELLA: "Universal Pictures has hired Robert Rodriguez to direct BARBARELLA.
The story centers on female mercenary who roams across the universe in a distant future, undertaking missions that require her physical fearlessness, ingenuity and sensuality. Barbarella made her debut in 1962 in a French graphic magazine written and illustrated by Jean-Claude Forest."
The story centers on female mercenary who roams across the universe in a distant future, undertaking missions that require her physical fearlessness, ingenuity and sensuality. Barbarella made her debut in 1962 in a French graphic magazine written and illustrated by Jean-Claude Forest."
Mansion of Evil -- Joseph Millard
What was the first graphic novel? I don't have a clue. Here's one from 1950. It's a Gold Medal Book, written by Joseph Millard. There's no credit for the art. Maybe he did that, too.
I'm not sure what prompted GM to publish this. Maybe no one was sure who the audience for paperback originals was, and someone had the idea that maybe comic book readers would find the new format appealing. Anyway, what we have here is a full-color comic book with about the same number of pages as a Gold Medal novel.
Maxwell Haimes, a famous artist, happens to see Beth, who's a double for the wife he's recently murdered. Since no one knows the murder's taken place, Haimes believes that if Beth has an "accident," he can cover up the murder. So he kidnaps her and takes her to the Mansion of Evil. After that it's a race against time for Beth's fiance and the cops. Can they save her? Sure.
Along the way we're treated to a portrait of Laura (the dead wife), which of course shows the dead woman's startling resemblance to Beth. (Where do these writers get their ideas?) We see the secret room in the basement where Laura is buried. We get car wrecks and near escapes. It's not V for Vedetta, that's for sure, but it's kind of fun it its dated way. I even like the art.
After looking this one up on abebooks.com, I can't recommend that you check it out. Way too pricey.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sexiest Women over 35
Another list from Todd Mason. Sadly, even these women are too young for me.
men.msn.com: You've seen the "hottest girls on the planet" type lists before. The problem is that those lists are less about the women, and more about who has the best publicists and plastic surgeons. We're not doing that here. We understand that most women (and men) generally don't come into their own until they're at least in their 30s. And besides, there's a whole lot more that goes into being "sexy" than starving yourself or being drunk on YouTube.
Yes, raw physical beauty is taken into account here, but one must consider the whole package. As we get older, the definition evolves the same way we do. How she carries herself, her attitude, and how she conducts her life are every bit as important as how she looks. A woman with no redeeming social value might be "hot" (*cough* Paris Hilton), but she'll never be truly sexy. (For more on the topic, check out a great article on "The New Definition of Sexy.")
This list isn't perfect. It's populated primarily by actresses and other highly visible women, therefore ignoring a wealth of lesser-known, but equally sexy candidates. So we invite you to make your own suggestions on this message board, where you can also comment on (or ridicule) our choices.
men.msn.com: You've seen the "hottest girls on the planet" type lists before. The problem is that those lists are less about the women, and more about who has the best publicists and plastic surgeons. We're not doing that here. We understand that most women (and men) generally don't come into their own until they're at least in their 30s. And besides, there's a whole lot more that goes into being "sexy" than starving yourself or being drunk on YouTube.
Yes, raw physical beauty is taken into account here, but one must consider the whole package. As we get older, the definition evolves the same way we do. How she carries herself, her attitude, and how she conducts her life are every bit as important as how she looks. A woman with no redeeming social value might be "hot" (*cough* Paris Hilton), but she'll never be truly sexy. (For more on the topic, check out a great article on "The New Definition of Sexy.")
This list isn't perfect. It's populated primarily by actresses and other highly visible women, therefore ignoring a wealth of lesser-known, but equally sexy candidates. So we invite you to make your own suggestions on this message board, where you can also comment on (or ridicule) our choices.
25 Years of Syndie Landmarks
Another from Todd Mason, who's not impressed.
TV Week: "25 Years of Syndie Landmarks A Business Model Built on Trials and Celebrity News, Sci-Fi and `Xena,' and a Ton of Talk Shows"
TV Week: "25 Years of Syndie Landmarks A Business Model Built on Trials and Celebrity News, Sci-Fi and `Xena,' and a Ton of Talk Shows"
Alvin Makes Court TV!
Well, the blog, at any rate. Check out the video, and check out the blog because they give this blog a great plug.
Court TV's Informer: You've Got to Moove It, Moove It!: "Alvin, Texas: You know those pick-your-own strawberry and pumpkin patches? Well in this Court TV RED video, you'll see how a robbery suspect's attempted getaway almost turned a cattle ranch into a make-your-own burger joint.
Watch this amazing pick-up plowing through the pasture vid right now, right here. Ya know, when cows put the hoof to the metal they are surprisingly speedy. Is this how they make lean beef?"
Court TV's Informer: You've Got to Moove It, Moove It!: "Alvin, Texas: You know those pick-your-own strawberry and pumpkin patches? Well in this Court TV RED video, you'll see how a robbery suspect's attempted getaway almost turned a cattle ranch into a make-your-own burger joint.
Watch this amazing pick-up plowing through the pasture vid right now, right here. Ya know, when cows put the hoof to the metal they are surprisingly speedy. Is this how they make lean beef?"
Best Broadcasts of the Past 25 Years?
Thanks to Todd Mason for the link.
TV Week: "Broadcast's Best of Past 25 Years A Salute to 25 Prime-Time Network Shows That Have Had an Impact on the Television Industry During the Past Quarter-Century"
TV Week: "Broadcast's Best of Past 25 Years A Salute to 25 Prime-Time Network Shows That Have Had an Impact on the Television Industry During the Past Quarter-Century"
Want to Make Vicki Hendricks a Best-Seller?
Here's your chance.
Vicki sez: In an attempt to get extra publicity and favor from agents and editors, I'm trying to do a "best seller" day on amazon.com. I'm asking anyone who would like to buy my new novel, Cruel Poetry, from them to please do it on May 25, this coming Friday. I'm told that if even 20 people buy on that day, that it can push the numbers up to make me a “best seller” and get my book recommended more for special offers. Who really knows? Anyway, I'm giving it a try since it's been 5 years since my last book, and I would really like to see if I can get noticed this time, in hopes of being able to sell another book in the future. I also have the reprint of my first novel, Miami Purity, with a foreword by Ken Bruen and an afterword by Megan Abbott, available now at amazon.com. The two books together won’t get you super-saver shipping, because they only total $21, but what a bargain, eh?
Vicki sez: In an attempt to get extra publicity and favor from agents and editors, I'm trying to do a "best seller" day on amazon.com. I'm asking anyone who would like to buy my new novel, Cruel Poetry, from them to please do it on May 25, this coming Friday. I'm told that if even 20 people buy on that day, that it can push the numbers up to make me a “best seller” and get my book recommended more for special offers. Who really knows? Anyway, I'm giving it a try since it's been 5 years since my last book, and I would really like to see if I can get noticed this time, in hopes of being able to sell another book in the future. I also have the reprint of my first novel, Miami Purity, with a foreword by Ken Bruen and an afterword by Megan Abbott, available now at amazon.com. The two books together won’t get you super-saver shipping, because they only total $21, but what a bargain, eh?
Books - Writing and Writers - Christopher Buckley - Stephen King - Norman Mailer - Ann Patchett - Neal Pollack - New York Times
Sadly, I agree with Ann Patchett.
Books - Writing and Writers - Christopher Buckley - Stephen King - Norman Mailer - Ann Patchett - Neal Pollack - New York Times: "FOR all those who believe that “Moby Dick” would be great except for the parts about the whale, the British publisher Orion Books will publish this month a set of pared-down classics, cutting about 40 percent of what it calls “padding” from works like “Anna Karenina,” “David Copperfield” and yes, “Moby Dick.”
It’s a well-trodden path, from Reader’s Digest to CliffsNotes to “Shrink Lit,” and has sparked the inevitable tsk-tsk-ing in literary circles.
But surely, there are some books that could use some trimming. We asked seven authors, all of whom know a thing or two about the judicious use of words, what books they would put on the chopping block."
Books - Writing and Writers - Christopher Buckley - Stephen King - Norman Mailer - Ann Patchett - Neal Pollack - New York Times: "FOR all those who believe that “Moby Dick” would be great except for the parts about the whale, the British publisher Orion Books will publish this month a set of pared-down classics, cutting about 40 percent of what it calls “padding” from works like “Anna Karenina,” “David Copperfield” and yes, “Moby Dick.”
It’s a well-trodden path, from Reader’s Digest to CliffsNotes to “Shrink Lit,” and has sparked the inevitable tsk-tsk-ing in literary circles.
But surely, there are some books that could use some trimming. We asked seven authors, all of whom know a thing or two about the judicious use of words, what books they would put on the chopping block."
Frank Werber, R. I. P.
The Kingston Trio: News: "We are sorry to report that Frank Werber, the Trio's original manager, passed away at his New Mexico Ranch Saturday afternoon, May 19th. His loss is deeply felt by us all. Frank helped make The Kingston Trio what it was and is today, and was our dear friend for over 50 years. Frank, we will miss you greatly, and you will live on in our hearts and souls forever."
Coelacanth Update
Indonesian fisherman nets ancient fish - Yahoo! News
MANADO, Indonesia (Reuters) - An Indonesian fisherman has caught a coelacanth, an ancient fish once thought to have become extinct at the time of the dinosaurs, a fishery expert said on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Yustinus Lahama and his son caught the fish on Saturday in the sea off North Sulawesi province and kept it at their house for an hour, said Grevo Gerung, a professor at the fisheries faculty at the Sam Ratulangi University.
After being told by neighbours it was a rare fish he took it back to the sea and kept it in a quarantine pool for about 17 hours before it died.
"If kept outside their habitat (60 metres or 200 ft below the sea), the fish can only live for two hours. But this fish lived for about 17 hours," Gerung told Reuters.
"We will look into why it had lived that long," he said.
The fish was 131 centimetres (about four feet) long and weighed 51 kg (112 lb), Gerung said.
In 1998, fishermen a caught another coelacanth in a deep-water shark net off northern Sulawesi.
That catch came 60 years after a member of the species was rediscovered on the east coast of South Africa.
Powered by ScribeFire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)