Robobug goes to war: Troops to use electronic insects to spot enemy 'by end of the year' | the Daily Mail: "It may have seemed like just another improbable scene from a Hollywood sci-fi flick – Tom Cruise battling against an army of robotic spiders intent on hunting him down.
But the storyline from Minority Report may not be quite as far fetched as it sounds.
British defence giant BAE Systems is creating a series of tiny electronic spiders, insects and snakes that could become the eyes and ears of soldiers on the battlefield, helping to save thousands of lives."
Sunday, May 04, 2008
He & She
One of the great lost TV shows of the '70s is He & She. It wasn't a hit, but Judy and I never missed an episode. We still talk about it now and then. It's a crime that it's not available on DVD. My humble thanks to Jaime Weinman, who's posted an episode on this blog. It's just as funny as I remembered, and it doesn't seem to have dated at all.
Downgrading the Classics
New on DVD - Featured Articles: "Though they may be listed among the greatest films of all time, these 10 movies deserve to be downgraded."
Charlie Wilson's War
Judy and I both enjoyed Charlie Wilson's War, and not just because we live within easy driving distance of Wilson's old congressional district.I'm not sure exactly how close the movie sticks to the facts of the case, but Charlie Wilson, inspired by seeing Dan Rather in a turban, gets interested in what's going on in Afghanistan in 1980. He eventually manages to get enough money to get enough covert aid in the form of guns and ammo to the Afghans to make a difference in their fight with the Russians. The problem, as we see at the very end of the film, is that after the Russian defeat, the U. S. does nothing to help the country rebuild. After spending a billion or two, a palty million bucks for new schools is too much to ask. So even the best of intentions can lead to unexpected consequences that aren't so good, and you all know what happened to Afghanistan after 9/11.
I'm don't always like Tom Hanks' performances (except of course in Joe and the Volcano), but he's very good in this, restrained and funny when he need to be. Julia Roberts is great, and so is Amy Adams as Hank's administrative assistant. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as a non-conforming CIA man, runs away with every scene he's in.
The movie runs under 90 minutes, and you have to pay attention. There are so many great lines in Aaron Sorkin's script that you don't want to miss one. Sarcasm, comedy, and some very dark material are all bound together in a package that's well worth seeing.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Konga
Not in English and all the better for that. Thanks to Fred Blosser for the reminder. (I have the Monarch novelizations of both Reptilicus and Konga. I'm not proud of that.)
In Texas We Regard this as Normal Behavior
People may have lived with skeleton on couch - Weird news- msnbc.com: "DALLAS - The skeletal remains of a 93-year-old woman may have remained on a couch in her living room for months while one or more people continued living in the house, authorities said.
Neighbors reported seeing cars come and go from the home as recently as this week before police, doing a welfare check at the request of a neighbor, found a body inside Monday."
Neighbors reported seeing cars come and go from the home as recently as this week before police, doing a welfare check at the request of a neighbor, found a body inside Monday."
Jim Hager. R. I. P.
Jim Hager, 66, Is Dead; Performed With Twin on ‘Hee Haw’ - New York Times: "NASHVILLE (AP) — Jim Hager, one of the Hager Twins, who satirized country life with hit-or-miss one-liners on the television series “Hee Haw,” died here after collapsing in a coffee shop on Thursday. He was 66."
Friday, May 02, 2008
We're Back!
Judy and I are back in scenic Alvin after our trip to her hometown. Things went smoothly at the courthouse in Groesbeck. We were in and out in under 15 minutes, and now the house in Thornton officially belongs to Judy. After the visit to the courthouse, I couldn't resist stopping at a little antique shop, where I found a copy of a gothic novel by Gerda Cerra and a copy of Naked Portia by Marcus Miller. The latter is a Pleasure Reader from 1967. I wish I'd found a few more Pleasure Readers, but that was the only one in the store.
Back at Judy's house, we started going through things, mostly papers (letters, pictures, cards, things like that). After a while, it got too sad, so we stopped. We'll go back and do more another time. Among the things we found were a newspaper (or what's left of it) from 1929, with a front-page article about the death of Judy's grandfather. There was another newspaper with a front-page article about the marriage of Judy's parents. Maybe I'll try to scan the papers later, if I can do it without having them fall apart. The ads are great. One restaurant offered "Steak and Potatoes, 10 cents." Steak sold for 25 cents a pound in the grocery store.
Back at Judy's house, we started going through things, mostly papers (letters, pictures, cards, things like that). After a while, it got too sad, so we stopped. We'll go back and do more another time. Among the things we found were a newspaper (or what's left of it) from 1929, with a front-page article about the death of Judy's grandfather. There was another newspaper with a front-page article about the marriage of Judy's parents. Maybe I'll try to scan the papers later, if I can do it without having them fall apart. The ads are great. One restaurant offered "Steak and Potatoes, 10 cents." Steak sold for 25 cents a pound in the grocery store.
Gator Update (Toy Turtle Edition)
Toy Turtle Kills 9-Foot Alligator - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando: "BIG PINE KEY, Fla. -- An alligator in the Florida Keys has died after eating a toy turtle the size of a cookie cutter, wildlife officials said.
The 9-foot male was known by locals as 'Bacardi' because of his No. 151 tail tag. He was found dead in the popular Blue Hole quarry on Tuesday, and officials determined the cause the following day.
A necropsy showed the plastic toy stuck between the alligator's stomach and intestines, blocking his ability to digest food."
The 9-foot male was known by locals as 'Bacardi' because of his No. 151 tail tag. He was found dead in the popular Blue Hole quarry on Tuesday, and officials determined the cause the following day.
A necropsy showed the plastic toy stuck between the alligator's stomach and intestines, blocking his ability to digest food."
Unattractive Rockers?
From Gigwise. You can read it here or click the link for the slideshow.
20. Matt Bowman of The Pigeon Detectives - You wouldn’t exactly call The Pigeon Detectives a good looking band and their front man is no exception. It’s no wonder he keeps his hair all long and shaggy, it must be to cover his face.
19. Boy George - Listen here, George Alan O’Dowd, no matter how much make-up you put on, you’re never going look even remotely attractive. Time for growing old gracefully and not embarrassing yourself any longer.
18. Alice Cooper – At 60 years old and with a sprawling career that spans five decades, the tolls of his early hedonistic lifestyle and too much sun on the golf course recently have clearly paid their toll on Alice. That said, he’s still the king of rock and roll pantomime.
17. Adele – Before everyone gets on their high horses and complains, Adele isn’t on the list because she’s overweight. Nope, her inclusion is based solely on the paparazzi shots we get in the office of Adele looking worse for wear in the early hours after too many shandies.
16. Flavor Flav – To say that Flavor Flav has animated looks is a massive understatement. Let’s just say that the clock-loving Public Enemy man is unique.
15. Pete Townshend of The Who – The guitarist may be a musical legend, but everyone knows he’s always been an aesthetically challenged type – not helped by his absolutely massive hooter. Bless him.
14. Patti Smith - It hurts us to put her on here really, being a music legend and all that, but after the suggestions of several readers we decided to bow to pressure. Honestly guv'nor.
13. Joe Perry of Aerosmith – Frontman Steve Tyler was in our ugliest rock stars part one, now it’s the turn of Aerosmith lead geetarist Joe Perry. The man has the kind of square jaw line that would make David Coulthard weep.
12. Jackie McKeown of 1990s (centre, bottom) - Those teeth, those teeth! Has the man never heard of going to the dentist?! The 1990s front man has some of the nastiest gnashers in music and the rest of his face ain’t too good either. Still, top tunes.
11. Mick Jones of The Clash - We know who probably got all the ladies in The Clash, and it wasn’t Mick Jones. The guitarist just didn’t have any luck when it came to the dishing out of good looks and time hasn’t been too kind to him either.
10. Geddy Lee of Rush – The acclaimed lead singer and bassist is undeniably a music legend, but sadly for him he’s been beaten badly by the ole’ ugly stick. Close your eyes instead and enjoy the music.
9. Chad Kroeger of Nickelback – It really baffles us how Nickelback have managed to become a multi-million selling global superband. What’s even more confusing is exactly how anyone could be attracted to his ugly mush.
8. Ginger Baker – So proud of his auburn locks (and who wouldn’t be?) was Baker, that at an early age he dropped his forename Peter in favour of Ginger. His middle name is Ugly by the way.
7. Gene Simmons - He may have an extremely long tongue but some of the reputed 5000 ladies that have slept with the KISS man either needed glasses or had very low standards. He was never a looker and now he’s just a haggard old man clinging on to past glories.
6. Robin Gibb - Poor Gibbo, the Bee Gee is in no way hideously ugly; instead he's more the archetypal geeky nerd. That's before we mention the dodgy as hell wig.
5. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones – Word has it that scientists are preparing to pickle Keef when he finally croaks it to discover just how he’s managed to live so long after a life of unparalleled debauchery. Despite still being alive and kicking, his wrinkled-as-a-prune carcass-esque skin looks as though it’s ready to fall off at any moment.
4. Mick Mars of Motley Crue – The silent member of Motley Crue and for all the right reasons; he’s one funny looking character. The only major benefit of having him in the band is that he makes the other three look more attractive – something they’re all in dire need of.
3. Ric Ocasek - At well over six foot and weighing about six stone, former Cars singer Ocasek is very much the beanpole of our list. Add to this a pastey complexion and a curious face and you have one ugly bloke.
2. Justin Hawkins formerly of The Darkness – It escapes us why we didn’t put Hawkins on our first ugliest rock stars gallery, such are his frightful looks. Amazingly, his ugly looks are now where near as bad as the hideous music he makes.
1. Amy Winehouse - Let’s be slightly fair to Wino; if anyone had a swarm of paparazzi following their every move, it would be sure to churn up some pretty grim photos. Yet, ravaged by a diet of drugs, alcohol, kebabs and Space Raiders crisps, Amy is starting to look worse - and, sadly, uglier - by the day.
20. Matt Bowman of The Pigeon Detectives - You wouldn’t exactly call The Pigeon Detectives a good looking band and their front man is no exception. It’s no wonder he keeps his hair all long and shaggy, it must be to cover his face.
19. Boy George - Listen here, George Alan O’Dowd, no matter how much make-up you put on, you’re never going look even remotely attractive. Time for growing old gracefully and not embarrassing yourself any longer.
18. Alice Cooper – At 60 years old and with a sprawling career that spans five decades, the tolls of his early hedonistic lifestyle and too much sun on the golf course recently have clearly paid their toll on Alice. That said, he’s still the king of rock and roll pantomime.
17. Adele – Before everyone gets on their high horses and complains, Adele isn’t on the list because she’s overweight. Nope, her inclusion is based solely on the paparazzi shots we get in the office of Adele looking worse for wear in the early hours after too many shandies.
16. Flavor Flav – To say that Flavor Flav has animated looks is a massive understatement. Let’s just say that the clock-loving Public Enemy man is unique.
15. Pete Townshend of The Who – The guitarist may be a musical legend, but everyone knows he’s always been an aesthetically challenged type – not helped by his absolutely massive hooter. Bless him.
14. Patti Smith - It hurts us to put her on here really, being a music legend and all that, but after the suggestions of several readers we decided to bow to pressure. Honestly guv'nor.
13. Joe Perry of Aerosmith – Frontman Steve Tyler was in our ugliest rock stars part one, now it’s the turn of Aerosmith lead geetarist Joe Perry. The man has the kind of square jaw line that would make David Coulthard weep.
12. Jackie McKeown of 1990s (centre, bottom) - Those teeth, those teeth! Has the man never heard of going to the dentist?! The 1990s front man has some of the nastiest gnashers in music and the rest of his face ain’t too good either. Still, top tunes.
11. Mick Jones of The Clash - We know who probably got all the ladies in The Clash, and it wasn’t Mick Jones. The guitarist just didn’t have any luck when it came to the dishing out of good looks and time hasn’t been too kind to him either.
10. Geddy Lee of Rush – The acclaimed lead singer and bassist is undeniably a music legend, but sadly for him he’s been beaten badly by the ole’ ugly stick. Close your eyes instead and enjoy the music.
9. Chad Kroeger of Nickelback – It really baffles us how Nickelback have managed to become a multi-million selling global superband. What’s even more confusing is exactly how anyone could be attracted to his ugly mush.
8. Ginger Baker – So proud of his auburn locks (and who wouldn’t be?) was Baker, that at an early age he dropped his forename Peter in favour of Ginger. His middle name is Ugly by the way.
7. Gene Simmons - He may have an extremely long tongue but some of the reputed 5000 ladies that have slept with the KISS man either needed glasses or had very low standards. He was never a looker and now he’s just a haggard old man clinging on to past glories.
6. Robin Gibb - Poor Gibbo, the Bee Gee is in no way hideously ugly; instead he's more the archetypal geeky nerd. That's before we mention the dodgy as hell wig.
5. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones – Word has it that scientists are preparing to pickle Keef when he finally croaks it to discover just how he’s managed to live so long after a life of unparalleled debauchery. Despite still being alive and kicking, his wrinkled-as-a-prune carcass-esque skin looks as though it’s ready to fall off at any moment.
4. Mick Mars of Motley Crue – The silent member of Motley Crue and for all the right reasons; he’s one funny looking character. The only major benefit of having him in the band is that he makes the other three look more attractive – something they’re all in dire need of.
3. Ric Ocasek - At well over six foot and weighing about six stone, former Cars singer Ocasek is very much the beanpole of our list. Add to this a pastey complexion and a curious face and you have one ugly bloke.
2. Justin Hawkins formerly of The Darkness – It escapes us why we didn’t put Hawkins on our first ugliest rock stars gallery, such are his frightful looks. Amazingly, his ugly looks are now where near as bad as the hideous music he makes.
1. Amy Winehouse - Let’s be slightly fair to Wino; if anyone had a swarm of paparazzi following their every move, it would be sure to churn up some pretty grim photos. Yet, ravaged by a diet of drugs, alcohol, kebabs and Space Raiders crisps, Amy is starting to look worse - and, sadly, uglier - by the day.
Carnival in Germany!
Carnival of the Criminal Minds, No. 15 � Internationale Krimis: "Welcome to the 15. installment of the Crime Fiction Carnival !
With this post the Carnival arrives in Germany. As the majority of its regular attendants will not be so familiar with the German language I try to stick with English."
With this post the Carnival arrives in Germany. As the majority of its regular attendants will not be so familiar with the German language I try to stick with English."
Short Mystery Fiction Society Derringer Awards
The Abbott women rule. Megan wins an Edgar and Patti wins a Derringer. Congrats to all the winners.
BEST STORY, 1000 or LESS:
"My Hero" by Patricia Abbott
Published in DZ Allen's Muzzle Flash
BEST STORY, 1001 to 4000 WORDS:
"In the Shadows of Wrigley Field" by John Weagly
Published in The Back Alley
BEST STORY, 4001 to 8000 WORDS:
"The Gospel According to Gordon Black" by Richard Helms
Published in The Thrilling Detective
BEST STORY, 8001 to 17500 WORDS:
"Paper Walls/Glass Houses" by Eric Shane
Published in The Back Alley
BEST STORY, 1000 or LESS:
"My Hero" by Patricia Abbott
Published in DZ Allen's Muzzle Flash
BEST STORY, 1001 to 4000 WORDS:
"In the Shadows of Wrigley Field" by John Weagly
Published in The Back Alley
BEST STORY, 4001 to 8000 WORDS:
"The Gospel According to Gordon Black" by Richard Helms
Published in The Thrilling Detective
BEST STORY, 8001 to 17500 WORDS:
"Paper Walls/Glass Houses" by Eric Shane
Published in The Back Alley
New Issue of Astonishing Adventures Now Available On-Line
Digital download
http://www.mediafire.com/?lzrrmvvyste
Read online
http://issuu.com/astonishing/docs/aam3?mode=embed&documentId=080502043155-20cb411f0bc349d39594597bcbf2e2bc&layout=grey
http://www.mediafire.com/
Read online
http://issuu.com/astonishing
We hope you enjoy this issue! The print version will be available on Amazon shortly
The second issue is available on Amazon right now!
http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-Adventures-Magazine-Donald-Carlucci/dp/1434827100/ref=pd_ybh_1?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11Y1MPDFZH3YBPF040NM
Fossil Update
Pyramids packed with fossil shells (ABC News in Science): "Many of Egypt's most famous monuments, such as the Sphinx and Cheops pyramid at Giza, contain hundreds of thousands of marine fossils, according to a new study.
Most of the fossils are intact and preserved in the monument walls, giving clues to how the monuments were built.
The authors suggest the stones that make up the Giza plateau, Fayum and Abydos monuments must have been carved out of natural stone as they reveal what chunks of the sea floor must have looked like over 4000 years ago, when the buildings were erected."
Most of the fossils are intact and preserved in the monument walls, giving clues to how the monuments were built.
The authors suggest the stones that make up the Giza plateau, Fayum and Abydos monuments must have been carved out of natural stone as they reveal what chunks of the sea floor must have looked like over 4000 years ago, when the buildings were erected."
The Book You Have to Read: The Assistant -- Bernard Malamud
It's Friday again, time for Patti Abbot's "The Book You Have to Read" meme.I have no idea where Bernard Malamud stands in the pantheon of American literature these days. I just know that he wrote two novels that affected me powerfully. One is The Natural, which is nothing much like the movie version, and the other is The Assistant, which we might even be able to call a crime novel, since it begins with a holdup.
I grew up in a little East Texas town with a very small Jewish population. I remember the Altman family because they lived next door to my cousin. Ronnie played touch football with us and collected baseball cards along with us. I also remember Joe Jacobs, whose father owned a clothing store. Joe was the drummer in the high school band and a great one. He also carried a switchblade so long that even when closed it protruded out of the top of his jeans pocket. The other Jews I knew were all in books, and it was in The Assistant that I met Morris Bober. I also met Frank Alpin, who was not a Jew but who learns a lot about being Jewish after he holds up Morris and later becomes his assistant.
Desperation, sorrow, fear, happiness, this book has them all, and it's told in a clear, readable style, as are all the stories and novels I've read by Malamud. If you've never read Malamud, give him a try. This book, or the collection of stories titled The Magic Barrel, would be a great place sto start.
Click here for links to more forgotten books.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Edgar Awards
Congratulations to all!
Mystery Writers of America is proud to announce its Winners for the 2008 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television and film published or produced in 2007.
BEST NOVEL
Down River by John Hart (St. Martin's Minotaur)
BEST FIRST NOVEL BY AN AMERICAN AUTHOR
In the Woods by Tana French (Penguin Group – Viking)
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
Queenpin by Megan Abbott (Simon & Schuster)
BEST FACT CRIME
Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
by Vincent Bugliosi (W.W. Norton and Company
BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL
Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters
by Jon Lellenberg, Daniel Stashower and Charles Foley (The Penguin Press)
BEST SHORT STORY
"The Golden Gopher ' – Los Angeles Noir by Susan Straight (Akashic Books
BEST JUVENILE
The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh (Hyperion Books for Young Readers)
BEST YOUNG ADULT
Rat Life by Tedd Arnold (Penguin – Dial Books for Young Readers)
BEST PLAY
Panic by Joseph Goodrich (International Mystery Writers' Festival)
BEST TELEVISION EPISODE TELEPLAY
"Pilot" – Burn Notice, Teleplay by Matt Nix (USA Network/Fox Television Studios)
BEST MOTION PICTURE SCREENPLAY
Michael Clayton, Screenplay by Tony Gilroy (Warner Bros. Pictures)
# # # #
The EDGAR (and logo) are Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.
Get Ready for the New Indiana Jones Movie
Legend of the Crystal Skulls: "Along with superstars like Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, and Shia LaBeouf, the newest Indiana Jones movie promises to showcase one of the most enigmatic classes of artifacts known to archaeologists, crystal skulls that first surfaced in the 19th century and that specialists attributed to various 'ancient Mesoamerican' cultures. In this article, Smithsonian anthropologist Jane MacLaren Walsh shares her own adventures analyzing the artifacts that inspired Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (in theaters May 22), and details her efforts tracking down a mysterious 'obtainer of rare antiquities' who may have held the key to the origin of these exotic objects."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
We're from the Government, and We're Here to Help You
Air marshals grounded in list mix-ups�-�-�Breaking News, Political News & National Security News - The Washington Times: "False identifications based on a terrorist no-fly list have for years prevented some federal air marshals from boarding flights they are assigned to protect, according to officials with the agency, which is finally taking steps to address the problem.
Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) familiar with the situation say the mix-ups, in which marshals are mistaken for terrorism suspects who share the same names, have gone on for years — just as they have for thousands of members of the traveling public.
One air marshal said it has been 'a major problem, where guys are denied boarding by the airline.'"
Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) familiar with the situation say the mix-ups, in which marshals are mistaken for terrorism suspects who share the same names, have gone on for years — just as they have for thousands of members of the traveling public.
One air marshal said it has been 'a major problem, where guys are denied boarding by the airline.'"
The Shadow Year -- Jeffrey Ford
Jeffrey Ford won an Edgar a couple of years ago for The Girl in the Glass. I wasn't as taken by it as the judges were, just as I wasn't as taken with The Physiognomy as the World Fantasy award judges were. I liked the books well enough, but there was something about both of them that left me cold. Clearly I have a blind spot.I was hoping to like The Shadow Year much more than those others. I'm a sucker for books about childhood, books that seem to mix very real memories with fiction, and some of the ones that rank high with me are Rick McCammon's Boy's Life, Bradbury's Dandelion Wine, Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Lansdale's The Bottoms, and, well, I could go on and on.
While Ford's novel wouldn't be near the top of my list, it was okay. It begins at the end of summer, and it's told by a boy who has one more year of of elementary school before entering junior high. His family doesn't have much money. His father works three jobs, and his mother is an alcoholic. His sister, Mary, sometimes assumes the identity of "Mickey," as well as at least three other characters, and she has a mysterious affinity for numbers. His brother, Jim, is older and much more sure of himself. In the basement, Jim has build a model of their hometown. He calls it Botch Town. While a serial killer stalks the real town, Mary moves the figures in Botch Town into positions that foretell locations where bodies are found, among other things. The killer, Mr. White, begins to stalk the family.
This isn't the usual serial killer novel, however. The novel is, I'd have to say, very loosely plotted. Ford seems a lot more interested in recording his memories of the middle 1960s and what it was like to be a kid in a small town in those days than in the plot. In that since, the book rambles, but it's fun to read all the side material, which is more fun than the serial killer plot. The supernatural intervenes now and then, especially around resolution time.
I have a feeling this is another book that everyone will like more than I did. For me, it was only a moderate success.
Why Didn't I Think of Doing This?
The BIG One - WTAM 1100: "Paris Hilton can add musical muse to her resume - her boyfriend, Benji Madden, has written her a love song.
The socialite-turned-actress and singer reveals the Good Charlotte rocker has already recorded the track, called 'Shine Your Light.'"
The socialite-turned-actress and singer reveals the Good Charlotte rocker has already recorded the track, called 'Shine Your Light.'"
Croc Update (Wales Edition)
Crocodile spotted near Welsh supermarket - Telegraph: "Fisherman Steve Jenkins, 38, was walking his dog on the bank when he spotted what he thought was a log swim away.
He said he realised it was a crocodile and called the police.
Police officers and RSPCA inspectors visited the scene but could not find the reptile."
He said he realised it was a crocodile and called the police.
Police officers and RSPCA inspectors visited the scene but could not find the reptile."
Storyglossia Crime Fiction Issue
Anthony Neil Smith is the editor of Storyglossia's special crime fiction issue. Talk about a powerhouse line-up! Better check it out now, as there are bound to be some great stories in there.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Judy Update
Thanks for the good wishes. Judy's test results were great, so now she just has to look forward to an MRI next month and in three months another round of the usual tests. Tomorrow we visit the county courthouse. I haven't been inside this particular courthouse since Judy and I went for our marriage license. Judy worked in the tax assessor's office, which is where we'll be going, when she was in college.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Local museum ranked #1 : News : KVII: "Two Texas panhandle museums have been mentioned in the May 2008 issue of 'True West' magazine. The issue lists the top ten western museums and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum tops the list as the number one most loved museum. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame was mentioned on the honorable mention list."
On the Road Again
By the time you read this, Judy and I will be on the way to MD Anderson to get the results of the tests she had last week. After we get the results, we're going on up the road to the bustling metroplis of Thornton, Texas, where we'll be attending to some of the business relating to her mother's property. We'll be there a couple of days, stuck in the land of really slow dial-up, but posting will continue here, assuming I can get any kind of connection at all.
Gator Update (NPR Edition)
Audio at the link.
Beloved Gator's Body and Insides Go on Display : NPR: "Oscar the alligator charmed generations of tourists as he swam and lurked at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, and he will continue to be a tourist attraction after his death.
Oscar weighed a thousand pounds and was about 100 years old when he died last year."
Beloved Gator's Body and Insides Go on Display : NPR: "Oscar the alligator charmed generations of tourists as he swam and lurked at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, and he will continue to be a tourist attraction after his death.
Oscar weighed a thousand pounds and was about 100 years old when he died last year."
We Don't Think Small in Texas
Star-Telegram.com: | 04/29/2008 | Crowley man arrested after trying to cash $360 billion check: "FORT WORTH -- An aspiring record label owner is singing the blues after he was arrested last week for allegedly trying to pass a $360 billion check at a Fort Worth bank."
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
OGC unveils new logo to red faces - Telegraph
OGC unveils new logo to red faces - Telegraph: "It cost �14,000 to create, but clearly no-one at the smart London design 
outfit that came up with the new logo for HM Treasury thought to turn it on its side."Thanks to Jeff Smith for the link.
6 Random Things
Patrick Shawn Bagley tagged me with the meme. I'm supposed to tell you 6 random things about myself. Here goes:
1. I once had dinner with Katherine Anne Porter.
2. I'm about to leave the house and jog for 45 minutes.
3. I'm currently reading The Name of the Wind (which, by the way is really long).
4. I watch fewer than 5 TV shows regularly.
5. I do watch the Houston Astros regularly (masochism, I know).
6. I once owned a 1949 Dodge.
I'm supposed to tag others, but I don't like to do that. However, feel free to tell random stuff about yourself in the comments.
1. I once had dinner with Katherine Anne Porter.
2. I'm about to leave the house and jog for 45 minutes.
3. I'm currently reading The Name of the Wind (which, by the way is really long).
4. I watch fewer than 5 TV shows regularly.
5. I do watch the Houston Astros regularly (masochism, I know).
6. I once owned a 1949 Dodge.
I'm supposed to tag others, but I don't like to do that. However, feel free to tell random stuff about yourself in the comments.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Happy Birthday, Ann-Margret!
It's also Harper Lee's birthday, and I wish a very happy one to both of these women who've influenced my life in different ways.
UFO Update
Baytown's not too far from Alvin. About a 40 minute drive. Video at the link.
Bright lights, big city: UFO reported over Texas skies | News for Austin, Texas | KVUE.com | Top Stories: "BAYTOWN, Texas — Lisa Fojt and her aunt, Kathy Boyd, say they saw more than the bright refinery lights of Baytown when they crossed the Fred Hartman Bridge Saturday night.
“There’s no explanation. But we know what we saw,” Boyd said.
They saw a UFO. Really.
“It was an extremely bright light, it was a blue-green light,” Boyd said."
Bright lights, big city: UFO reported over Texas skies | News for Austin, Texas | KVUE.com | Top Stories: "BAYTOWN, Texas — Lisa Fojt and her aunt, Kathy Boyd, say they saw more than the bright refinery lights of Baytown when they crossed the Fred Hartman Bridge Saturday night.
“There’s no explanation. But we know what we saw,” Boyd said.
They saw a UFO. Really.
“It was an extremely bright light, it was a blue-green light,” Boyd said."
Leather Maiden -- Joe R. Lansdale
While you can't read this book until later in the year (official release date is 8/5), I happen to have special powers that allow me to see things in advance. So I'll tell you a little about it.
Cason Statler's a veteran of the Iraq war and a Pulitzer-nominated reporter who's had a little trouble on his last job. He also has a drinking problem. So he's reduced to looking for work in his hometown of Camp Rapture. He gets a job as a columnist for the local paper, and in the course of looking through his predecessor's files, he comes across some notes about a young woman's mysterious disappearance. When he starts digging into the story, he uncovers any number of unexplained events, from the seemingly innocent to the bizarre. The deeper he digs, the more bizarre things get, and when you're reading a book by Joe Lansdale, that can be pretty bizarre. Like the title. You might think you have an idea of what the title means, but I figure you're wrong.
By the time Booger shows up in town, Statler's into the middle of a conspiracy so twisted that only Lansdale could have dreamed it up. Booger, by the way, is a sociopath who counts Statler as one of his few friends. His other friends are a guy called Runt and his weapons, including Mr. Lucky, his .45 automatic. Before the end, Statler and Booger are literally in a race against the clock.
Violence, humor, snappy patter, suspense: Leather Maiden has 'em all. Too bad you have to wait until August, but now you know you have something to look forward to with eager anticipation.
Cason Statler's a veteran of the Iraq war and a Pulitzer-nominated reporter who's had a little trouble on his last job. He also has a drinking problem. So he's reduced to looking for work in his hometown of Camp Rapture. He gets a job as a columnist for the local paper, and in the course of looking through his predecessor's files, he comes across some notes about a young woman's mysterious disappearance. When he starts digging into the story, he uncovers any number of unexplained events, from the seemingly innocent to the bizarre. The deeper he digs, the more bizarre things get, and when you're reading a book by Joe Lansdale, that can be pretty bizarre. Like the title. You might think you have an idea of what the title means, but I figure you're wrong.
By the time Booger shows up in town, Statler's into the middle of a conspiracy so twisted that only Lansdale could have dreamed it up. Booger, by the way, is a sociopath who counts Statler as one of his few friends. His other friends are a guy called Runt and his weapons, including Mr. Lucky, his .45 automatic. Before the end, Statler and Booger are literally in a race against the clock.
Violence, humor, snappy patter, suspense: Leather Maiden has 'em all. Too bad you have to wait until August, but now you know you have something to look forward to with eager anticipation.
10 Nearly Forgotten Number One Songs
I remember 8 of these quite well, and in fact, I have several versions of "Telstar" on my computer, including one by Bobby Rydell (don't ask).
10 Nearly Forgotten Number One Songs - The List Universe: "As the decades pass, some songs increase in popularity when they reach new listeners via concerts, advertising, or movie soundtracks. Others aren’t readily available commercially, and thus become nearly forgotten.
This list is of outstanding songs many casual listeners will not be familiar with, and placed #1 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Please feel free to post how many of the selections you have heard along with your comments."
10 Nearly Forgotten Number One Songs - The List Universe: "As the decades pass, some songs increase in popularity when they reach new listeners via concerts, advertising, or movie soundtracks. Others aren’t readily available commercially, and thus become nearly forgotten.
This list is of outstanding songs many casual listeners will not be familiar with, and placed #1 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Please feel free to post how many of the selections you have heard along with your comments."
Kate Phillips, R. I. P.
Thanks to Vince Keenan for the link.
Kate Phillips, Actress Who Christened ‘The Blob,’ Is Dead at 94 - New York Times: "Kate Phillips, who played mostly supporting roles on Broadway and in more than 50 films in the 1930s and ’40s and who later was a co-writer of the 1958 horror film “The Blob,” died on April 18 in Keene, N.H. She was 94.
The death was confirmed by Lawrence Benaquist, chairman of film studies at Keene State College. Mrs. Phillips, known during her acting career as Kay Linaker, taught at the college from 1980 until two years ago.
In 1956, while working with Theodore Simonson on the script for a movie that was supposed to be called “The Molten Meteor,” Mrs. Phillips referred to the giant jellylike creature from another planet that had plopped into a field outside of a small town as “the blob.” Overhearing her, the producers changed the name of what became something of a cult classic."
Update: Click here.
Kate Phillips, Actress Who Christened ‘The Blob,’ Is Dead at 94 - New York Times: "Kate Phillips, who played mostly supporting roles on Broadway and in more than 50 films in the 1930s and ’40s and who later was a co-writer of the 1958 horror film “The Blob,” died on April 18 in Keene, N.H. She was 94.
The death was confirmed by Lawrence Benaquist, chairman of film studies at Keene State College. Mrs. Phillips, known during her acting career as Kay Linaker, taught at the college from 1980 until two years ago.
In 1956, while working with Theodore Simonson on the script for a movie that was supposed to be called “The Molten Meteor,” Mrs. Phillips referred to the giant jellylike creature from another planet that had plopped into a field outside of a small town as “the blob.” Overhearing her, the producers changed the name of what became something of a cult classic."
Update: Click here.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Gator Update (Diving for Balls Edition)
Alligator attack at Tampa golf course - Most Popular News - Tampa Bays Local News: "Tampa, Florida -- Around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 62 year old Dwight Monreal was diving for golf balls near the 13th hole at the Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club when he was attacked by a 10-12 foot alligator.
The alligator grabbed Monreal by his left arm and attempted to drag him under the water. Monreal was able to escape, but wasn't able to escape injury. He dislocated his left shoulder and has several puncture wounds to his left arm.
Witnesses say he was wearing two wetsuits and that saved him from more serious injuries. He was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital."
Update: "On Saturday night, about four hours after the 4:30 p.m. attack, state-licensed trapper Julie Harter captured a nearly 8-foot alligator she believes was the one that attacked Monreal because it was in the same place the attack took place, about 50 feet from shore."
The update is highly recommended as a much more detailed account of the entire event.
The alligator grabbed Monreal by his left arm and attempted to drag him under the water. Monreal was able to escape, but wasn't able to escape injury. He dislocated his left shoulder and has several puncture wounds to his left arm.
Witnesses say he was wearing two wetsuits and that saved him from more serious injuries. He was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital."
Update: "On Saturday night, about four hours after the 4:30 p.m. attack, state-licensed trapper Julie Harter captured a nearly 8-foot alligator she believes was the one that attacked Monreal because it was in the same place the attack took place, about 50 feet from shore."
The update is highly recommended as a much more detailed account of the entire event.
Agatha Awards
Via The Rap Sheet.
The traditional mysteries fan organization Malice Domestic has announced the winners of its 2008 Agatha Awards as follows:
Best Novel: A Fatal Grace, by Louise Penny (St. Martin’ Minotaur)
Also nominated: The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, by Donna Andrews (St. Martin’s Minotaur); Her Royal Spyness, by Rhys Bowen (Penguin); Hard Row, by Margaret Maron (Grand Central Publishing); and Murder With Reservations, by Elaine Viets (NAL)
Best First Novel: Prime Time, by Hank Phillipi Ryan (Harlequin)
Also nominated: A Beautiful Blue Death, by Charles Finch (St. Martin’s Minotaur); A Real Basket Case, by Beth Groundwater (Five Star); and Silent in the Grave, by Deanna Raybourn (Mira)
Best Non-fiction: Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters, by Charles Foley, Jon Lellenberg, and Daniel Stashower (Penguin)
Also nominated: The Official Nancy Drew Handbook, by Penny Warner (Quirck Productions)
Best Short Story: “A Rat’s Tale,” by Donna Andrews (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine [EQMM], September/October 2007)
Also nominated: “Please Watch Your Step,” by Rhys Bowen (The Strand Magazine, Spring 2007); “Casino Gamble,” by Nan Higginson (Murder New York Style, edited by Randy Kendel; L&L Dreamspell); “Popping Round to the Post,” by Peter Lovesey (EQMM, November 2007); and “Death Will Clean Your Closet,” by Elizabeth Zelvin (Murder New York Style)
Best Children’s/Young Adult: A Light in the Cellar, by Sarah Masters Buckey (American Girl)
Also nominated: Bravo Zulu, Samantha!, by Kathleen Benner Duble (Peachtree Publishers); Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl, by John Feinstein (Knopf); The Falconer’s Knot, by Mary Hoffman (Bloomsbury USA); and Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, by R.L. LaFevers (Houghton Mifflin)
In addition, British novelist Peter Lovesey (The Headhunters) was given Malice Domestic’s Lifetime Achievement Award. And the Poirot Awards (honoring “individuals other than writers who have made outstanding contributions to the Malice Domestic genre”) went to Linda Landrigan, the editor of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and Janet Hutchings, editor of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
The traditional mysteries fan organization Malice Domestic has announced the winners of its 2008 Agatha Awards as follows:
Best Novel: A Fatal Grace, by Louise Penny (St. Martin’ Minotaur)
Also nominated: The Penguin Who Knew Too Much, by Donna Andrews (St. Martin’s Minotaur); Her Royal Spyness, by Rhys Bowen (Penguin); Hard Row, by Margaret Maron (Grand Central Publishing); and Murder With Reservations, by Elaine Viets (NAL)
Best First Novel: Prime Time, by Hank Phillipi Ryan (Harlequin)
Also nominated: A Beautiful Blue Death, by Charles Finch (St. Martin’s Minotaur); A Real Basket Case, by Beth Groundwater (Five Star); and Silent in the Grave, by Deanna Raybourn (Mira)
Best Non-fiction: Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters, by Charles Foley, Jon Lellenberg, and Daniel Stashower (Penguin)
Also nominated: The Official Nancy Drew Handbook, by Penny Warner (Quirck Productions)
Best Short Story: “A Rat’s Tale,” by Donna Andrews (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine [EQMM], September/October 2007)
Also nominated: “Please Watch Your Step,” by Rhys Bowen (The Strand Magazine, Spring 2007); “Casino Gamble,” by Nan Higginson (Murder New York Style, edited by Randy Kendel; L&L Dreamspell); “Popping Round to the Post,” by Peter Lovesey (EQMM, November 2007); and “Death Will Clean Your Closet,” by Elizabeth Zelvin (Murder New York Style)
Best Children’s/Young Adult: A Light in the Cellar, by Sarah Masters Buckey (American Girl)
Also nominated: Bravo Zulu, Samantha!, by Kathleen Benner Duble (Peachtree Publishers); Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl, by John Feinstein (Knopf); The Falconer’s Knot, by Mary Hoffman (Bloomsbury USA); and Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, by R.L. LaFevers (Houghton Mifflin)
In addition, British novelist Peter Lovesey (The Headhunters) was given Malice Domestic’s Lifetime Achievement Award. And the Poirot Awards (honoring “individuals other than writers who have made outstanding contributions to the Malice Domestic genre”) went to Linda Landrigan, the editor of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and Janet Hutchings, editor of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
Trailer Land
MTV - TVLAND NOW TRAILER LAND: "MTV Networks' TVLand cable channel may be the place to watch classic television shows, but the channel announced Thursday that it has now included on its website, www.TVLand.com, nearly a thousand old movie trailers produced from the '50s to the '90s, from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Chariots of Fire to Risky Business to The Amityville Horror."
Nebula Awards
Via Jayme Lynn Blaschke's Gibberish.
The Nebula Awards® are voted on, and presented by, active members of SFWA. The awards were announced at the Nebula Awards® Banquet held at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
2007 NEBULA AWARD WINNERS
Novel
The Yiddish Policemen's Union, by Michael Chabon - HarperCollins, May 2007
Novella
"Fountain of Age," by Nancy Kress - Asimov's, July 2007
Novelette
"The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," by Ted Chiang - The Magazine of
Fantasy & Science Fiction, September 2007
Short Stories
"Always," by Karen Joy Fowler - Asimov's, May 2007
Scripts
Pan's Labyrinth, by Guillermo del Toro, Time/Warner, January 2007
shooting script)
Andre Norton Award
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling - Scholastic Press,
July 2007
The Nebula Awards® are voted on, and presented by, active members of SFWA. The awards were announced at the Nebula Awards® Banquet held at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 26, 2008.
2007 NEBULA AWARD WINNERS
Novel
The Yiddish Policemen's Union, by Michael Chabon - HarperCollins, May 2007
Novella
"Fountain of Age," by Nancy Kress - Asimov's, July 2007
Novelette
"The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," by Ted Chiang - The Magazine of
Fantasy & Science Fiction, September 2007
Short Stories
"Always," by Karen Joy Fowler - Asimov's, May 2007
Scripts
Pan's Labyrinth, by Guillermo del Toro, Time/Warner, January 2007
shooting script)
Andre Norton Award
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling - Scholastic Press,
July 2007
Divine "Escorts"
Buried Dogs Were Divine "Escorts" for Ancient Americans: "Hundreds of prehistoric dogs found buried throughout the southwestern United States show that canines played a key role in the spiritual beliefs of ancient Americans, new research suggests.
Throughout the region, dogs have been found buried with jewelry, alongside adults and children, carefully stacked in groups, or in positions that relate to important structures, said Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico."
Throughout the region, dogs have been found buried with jewelry, alongside adults and children, carefully stacked in groups, or in positions that relate to important structures, said Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico."
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Sidewise Awards
A couple of folks I know, including commenter Jess Nevins, are among the nominees for a Sidewise Award. Congrats to all.
Best Short Form:
Elizabeth Bear, “Les Innocents/Lumiere” (in New Amsterdam, Subterranean Press)
Michael Flynn, “Quaestiones Super Caelo Et Mundo” (in Analog, 7/07)
Matthew Johnson, “Public Safety” (in Asimov’s, 3/07)
Jess Nevins, “An Alternate History of Chinese Science Fiction” (in No Fear of the Future, May 17, 2007)
Chris Roberson, “Metal Dragon Year” (in Interzone, 12/07)
Kristine Kathryn Rusch, “Recovering Apollo 8″ (in Asimov’s, 2/07)
John Scalzi, “Missives from Possible Futures #1: Alternate History Search Results” (in Subterranean Magazine, Winter 2007)
Best Long Form:
Michael Chabon, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union (HarperCollins)
Robert Conroy, 1945: A Novel (Ballantine Books)
Mary Gentle, Ilario (The Lion’s Eye and The Stone Golem) (Eos)
Jay Lake, Mainspring (Tor Books)
Sophia McDougall, Rome Burning (Orion)
Jo Walton, Ha’penny (Tor Books)
Side by Side #7
I loved this book when I read it in 1971. I also liked Rifkin's Ladyfingers from Gold Medal and his western, King Fisher's Road. Plus another good one, McQuaid, a Putnam hardcover that was reprinted by Berkley.It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp
The 100 Best Films
The 100 best films - drama and thriller/action - Telegraph: "You'll laugh, you'll cry and you may angrily demand to know why we've snubbed Meg Ryan in our highly subjective, yet infinitely debatable list of the greatest films of all time."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
News 8 Austin | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Cedar Park church helps ease gas price burden: "If gas prices are getting you down, a Cedar Park church would like to help.
As part of its 'Faith in Action Weekend,' members of Highpoint Fellowship Church have struck a deal with an Exxon station to sell gas for $2.49 a gallon on Sunday, April 27.
They've actually bought down the price in order to help people who are struggling because of the high gas prices."
As part of its 'Faith in Action Weekend,' members of Highpoint Fellowship Church have struck a deal with an Exxon station to sell gas for $2.49 a gallon on Sunday, April 27.
They've actually bought down the price in order to help people who are struggling because of the high gas prices."
Croc Update (Prestigious Art Exhibit Edition)
Photo at the link.
Pantagraph.com | Life | Sculptures reveal artist's inner thoughts: "In the art piece 'Crocodile Tears,' a weeping crocodile towers above a girl. She extends her left hand, touching the creature's chest in a show of comfort. | Photo Gallery
She already has lost her right arm, from the elbow down -- presumably to the crocodile, who is feigning tears while poised to consume another of the girl's limbs."
Pantagraph.com | Life | Sculptures reveal artist's inner thoughts: "In the art piece 'Crocodile Tears,' a weeping crocodile towers above a girl. She extends her left hand, touching the creature's chest in a show of comfort. | Photo Gallery
She already has lost her right arm, from the elbow down -- presumably to the crocodile, who is feigning tears while poised to consume another of the girl's limbs."
Friday, April 25, 2008
The NYT Looks at Self-Publishing
You’re an Author? Me Too! - Essay - Book Review - New York Times: "In short, everyone has a story — and everyone wants to tell it. Fewer people may be reading, but everywhere you turn, Americans are sounding their barbaric yawps over the roofs of the world, as good old Walt Whitman, himself a self-published author, once put it."
Hooray for Bill O'Reilly!
He's here to save the day!
Newsman calls for Miley Cyrus media conference over shocking snaps - Newswatch50.com... We're Always On!: "Outspoken newsman Bill O'Reilly has called for a media conference to discuss revealing new photos of teenage star Miley Cyrus that were recently leaked online.
The pictures, which show the 15-year-old Hannah Montana star posing in nothing but lingerie as she lounges on an unnamed boy's lap, have caused outrage.
Fox News anchor O'Reilly is keen to get to the bottom of the scandal - and find out why and how the photos were leaked online earlier this week."
Newsman calls for Miley Cyrus media conference over shocking snaps - Newswatch50.com... We're Always On!: "Outspoken newsman Bill O'Reilly has called for a media conference to discuss revealing new photos of teenage star Miley Cyrus that were recently leaked online.
The pictures, which show the 15-year-old Hannah Montana star posing in nothing but lingerie as she lounges on an unnamed boy's lap, have caused outrage.
Fox News anchor O'Reilly is keen to get to the bottom of the scandal - and find out why and how the photos were leaked online earlier this week."
Eight '80s Movies that Should Have Been Hits
I've seen all of these. Some of them I really, really like.
IFMagazine: "Listmania: EIGHT 1980s MOVIES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HITS ... BUT WERE FLOPS."
IFMagazine: "Listmania: EIGHT 1980s MOVIES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HITS ... BUT WERE FLOPS."
50 Best Cult Books
The Telegraph has another interesting list.
50 best cult books - Telegraph: "Our critics present a selection of history's most notable cult writing. Some is classic. Some is catastrophic. All of it had the power to inspire."
50 best cult books - Telegraph: "Our critics present a selection of history's most notable cult writing. Some is classic. Some is catastrophic. All of it had the power to inspire."
Roger Ebert on JOE VS. THE VOLCANO
Roger Ebert's Journal: "APRIL 25, 2008--Every year I keep meaning to include 'Joe vs. the Volcano' in Ebertfest, and every year something else squeezes it out, some film more urgently requiring our immediate attention, you see. The 1990 John Patrick Shanley film, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, was about a wage slave in a factory where dark clouds lower o'er the sky; he is told he has a Brain Cloud, with only five months to live. How this leaves him to become a candidate for human sacrifice in the South Seas follows a long and winding road, in a film that was a failure in every possible way except that I loved it."
Roger Ebert, Vince Keenan, me, and Judy. That's about all I know who feel this way.
Roger Ebert, Vince Keenan, me, and Judy. That's about all I know who feel this way.
Happy Birthday, Howard Garis!
I see on Bill Peschel's blog (Reader's Almanac), that today's the birthday of the great Howard Garis. Rather than repeat myself, I'll direct you to this post I did a couple of years ago.
Scarlett Johansson Does Tom Waits
Does his songs, that is. On a CD. I read about this a while back, and I thought, "She can sing?" Well, I've been listening to the first single ("Falling Down") from the CD via Rhapsody, and I'd have to say that the jury is still out. The single is mesmerizing, and I like the production, but I'm not so sure about the alleged singing. Not that it matters, I suppose. If you want to get right down to it, Tom Waits doesn't exactly sing, either. I like this one enough to listen to the rest of the CD when it's released.
Tagged
Barbara Fister has put the tag on me. The meme is this: Pick up the nearest book, turn to page 123, find the fifth sentence from the top of the page, and copy down the next three sentences. Since I'm sitting in MD Anderson while Judy enjoys a CT-Scan, the book nearest me is the one I brought to read, Jeffrey Ford's The Shadow Year. Here are the sentences:
"A terrible drunk. Once he drove his motorcycle through a plate-glass window and was hospitalized for three months."
I waited for her to go on, but she didn't.
Doesn't tell you much, does it? I'll have a review of the book here in a few days, and then you can find out what it's all about.
I'm too lazy to tag anyone else.
"A terrible drunk. Once he drove his motorcycle through a plate-glass window and was hospitalized for three months."
I waited for her to go on, but she didn't.
Doesn't tell you much, does it? I'll have a review of the book here in a few days, and then you can find out what it's all about.
I'm too lazy to tag anyone else.
The Book You Have to Read
Patti Abbott came up with this idea. She has a great gator photo on her blog, so naturally I went along with her suggestion that some bloggers write about "forgotten" books, books that influenced them but that seem in danger of disappearing. So I thought I'd start with City by Clifford Simak. We're talking here about one of my favorite books by one of my favorite SF writers. Simak died 20 years ago, and while I don't know for sure, I suspect that few of his books remain in print in mass market editions. City is a "fix-up" book, composed of a series of chapters that originally appeared as short stories. Each story is a tale about the legendary creature known as "man" and what happened to him. It's about the end of the world, in a way, and it ends not with a bang, but a whimper, just as Eliot predicted. Except for the dogs, Jenkins, a robot, becomes the most human figure in the book, which contains as one of the chapters what is possibly my favorite SF story, "Desertion."
I really loved this book when I first read it more than 50 years ago. I've read it several times since, and I still feel the same way. "Desertion" never gets old, and that last line slays me every single time. I still think it's one of the best I ever read. Check it out.
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
'Hoodies' were the scourge of Medieval London - Telegraph: "They are the symbol of today's disaffected youth but a historian has revealed that the hoodie-wearing yob is not just a modern problem.
Professor Robert Bartlett, who is an expert on the Middle Ages, said hooded tops were also the garment of choice for 12th-century juvenile delinquents.
The teenage apprentice boys of London were lawless, violent and the scourge of the capital."
Professor Robert Bartlett, who is an expert on the Middle Ages, said hooded tops were also the garment of choice for 12th-century juvenile delinquents.
The teenage apprentice boys of London were lawless, violent and the scourge of the capital."
Thursday, April 24, 2008
My Profile Isn't Posted
iWon News - Paris Hilton talks about public search for new best friend: "LOS ANGELES (AP) - More than 85,000 people want to be Paris Hilton's best friend.
The 27-year-old is using the Internet to cast potential friends for her new reality show, 'Paris Hilton's My New BFF.' The MTV series, which begins production next month, will follow 20 contestants as they live together and vie for the chance to be Hilton's permanent plus-one.
Thousands of candidates have posted profiles and videos on ParisBFF.com in hopes of winning a spot on the show. Visitors to the site can vote for their favorites, and the top vote-getters will be added to the cast, producers said."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The 27-year-old is using the Internet to cast potential friends for her new reality show, 'Paris Hilton's My New BFF.' The MTV series, which begins production next month, will follow 20 contestants as they live together and vie for the chance to be Hilton's permanent plus-one.
Thousands of candidates have posted profiles and videos on ParisBFF.com in hopes of winning a spot on the show. Visitors to the site can vote for their favorites, and the top vote-getters will be added to the cast, producers said."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Welcome to Russia, er, New York
wcbstv.com - Machine-Gun-Toting Officers To Patrol NYC Subway: "NEW YORK (CBS) ― More protection against terrorists is coming to a subway station near you. Starting Thursday, special bomb teams - 'Torch Teams' - will be toting submachine guns and bringing bomb-sniffing dogs onto the platforms and into the trains."
What's Going on around Here?
Today from 1-4 pm, I'll be speaking at a mystery writers conference at theTomball College & Community Library, Meeting Room, L129 on the first floor. The topic is Myth or Truth: How Our Past Influences Our Writing. I'm not at all sure I know what that means, but I'll bet the other panelists (John Foxjohn, Russ Hall, Ayn Hunt, William Manchee, Rosemary Poole-Carter, Jo Ann Power, Leann Sweeney, Bev Vincent, and Gayle Wigglesworth) have it all figured out. There'll be refreshments, and everyone will be selling and signing books. It's a free event, so if you're in the area, drop by and say "hey."
After we leave Tomball, Judy and I will drive back to Houston and spend the night in our daughter's townhouse. We'd come back here, but Judy has to be at MD Anderson at 7:00 on Friday morning. It'll be easier just to stay in Houston. Judy will be having her first post-chemo testing. We'll get the results on Wednesday, so keep a good thought.
After we leave Tomball, Judy and I will drive back to Houston and spend the night in our daughter's townhouse. We'd come back here, but Judy has to be at MD Anderson at 7:00 on Friday morning. It'll be easier just to stay in Houston. Judy will be having her first post-chemo testing. We'll get the results on Wednesday, so keep a good thought.
Alexander the Great Update
Alexander the Great's "Crown," Shield Discovered?: "An ancient Greek tomb thought to have held the body of Alexander the Great's father is actually that of Alexander's half brother, researchers say.
This may mean that some of the artifacts found in the tomb—including a helmet, shield, and silver 'crown'—originally belonged to Alexander the Great himself. Alexander's half brother is thought to have claimed these royal trappings after Alexander's death.
The tomb was one of three royal Macedonian burials excavated in 1977 by archaeologists working in the northern Greek village of Vergina."
This may mean that some of the artifacts found in the tomb—including a helmet, shield, and silver 'crown'—originally belonged to Alexander the Great himself. Alexander's half brother is thought to have claimed these royal trappings after Alexander's death.
The tomb was one of three royal Macedonian burials excavated in 1977 by archaeologists working in the northern Greek village of Vergina."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Penis Theft Panic Hits City
Penis theft panic hits city.. | Oddly Enough | Reuters: "KINSHASA (Reuters) - Police in Congo have arrested 13 suspected sorcerers accused of using black magic to steal or shrink men's penises after a wave of panic and attempted lynchings triggered by the alleged witchcraft.
Reports of so-called penis snatching are not uncommon in West Africa, where belief in traditional religions and witchcraft remains widespread, and where ritual killings to obtain blood or body parts still occur."
Reports of so-called penis snatching are not uncommon in West Africa, where belief in traditional religions and witchcraft remains widespread, and where ritual killings to obtain blood or body parts still occur."
Secrets of Elvis Revealed!
Okay, so it's only one secret. Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Elvis made secret visit to Britain | NEWS.com.au: "ROCK'n'Roll legend Elvis Presley did in fact visit Britain, it was revealed yesterday, with a secret visit to London accompanied by another rocker.
For more than half a century it was generally accepted the 'King' only made a fleeting transit visit to Scotland in 1960 - much to the disappointment of his legion of UK fans.
But theatre producer Bill Kenwright has revealed in a radio interview that Presley, then 23, managed to go sightseeing in London with Cockney singer Tommy Steele."
Elvis made secret visit to Britain | NEWS.com.au: "ROCK'n'Roll legend Elvis Presley did in fact visit Britain, it was revealed yesterday, with a secret visit to London accompanied by another rocker.
For more than half a century it was generally accepted the 'King' only made a fleeting transit visit to Scotland in 1960 - much to the disappointment of his legion of UK fans.
But theatre producer Bill Kenwright has revealed in a radio interview that Presley, then 23, managed to go sightseeing in London with Cockney singer Tommy Steele."
Will the Persecution Never End?
Paris Hilton Banned From A Russian Hotel - Starpulse Entertainment News Blog: "Paris HiltonSocialite Paris Hilton has reportedly been banned from a top Russian hotel - after signing her name on its expensive wallpaper. The hotel heiress, 27, wrote 'Paris Moscow 2008' in a black marker pen in $16,000 -a-night suite in the Hyatt Hotel in the Russian capital."
Robocop
Robotic vigilante: Homemade 'Bum Bot' patrols in Atlanta - Yahoo! News: "ATLANTA - Cars passing O'Terrill's pub screech to a halt at the sight of a 300-pound, waist-high robot marked 'SECURITY' rolling through downtown long after dark.
The regulars hardly glance outside. They've seen bar owner Rufus Terrill's invention on patrol before — its bright red lights and even brighter spot light blazing, infrared video camera filming and water cannon at the ready in the spinning turret on top.
'You're trespassing. That's private property,' Terrill scolds an older man through the robot's loudspeaker. The man is sitting at the edge of the driveway to a child care center down the street. 'Go on.'"
The regulars hardly glance outside. They've seen bar owner Rufus Terrill's invention on patrol before — its bright red lights and even brighter spot light blazing, infrared video camera filming and water cannon at the ready in the spinning turret on top.
'You're trespassing. That's private property,' Terrill scolds an older man through the robot's loudspeaker. The man is sitting at the edge of the driveway to a child care center down the street. 'Go on.'"
The Girl Who Killed Things -- Talmage Powell
Talmage Powell was one of those guys who never cracked my Top Ten list, but he wrote some good paperback originals (try the Ed Rivers series, for example). The Girl Who Killed Things is a pretty good try at a Gold Medal book, and it's certainly influenced by James M. Cain (the ending is strongly reminiscent of Postman, at least to me), but it's not up to Cain's level. It's a good book, just not a great one.Enos Drake goes to Atlanta on business and meets Vi. He thinks she's perfect (he hasn't read any Cain or any Gold Medal books). Drake's from an old, wealthy family in his small town, and he doesn't ask Vi about her background before they marry. When he gets into trouble with a conniving business partner, Vi has the perfect solution: kill the guy. It would be wrong for me to tell you what happens after that. Let's just say that things sort of go as planned, and then they don't. And after they don't, it's downhill from there. You know what I mean.
Good pacing, some nice twists, and some nice swampy local color. Worth checking out.
Update: In a comment below, Todd Mason asks about Zenith Books. So I consulted my copy of Mass Market Publishing in America, edited by some guy named Crider, and read the Zenith article, written by some guy named Pronzini. He says that Zenith was born in 1957 and lasted a couple of years. It was created from the assets of Lion Books, so some titles were originally intended for that imprint. Best-known title: Damon Knight's The People Maker.
Scott Cupp Update
Scott Cupp's new, improved webpage is up, with links to a number of free (and good) stories, not to mention other stuff. Click here to check it out.
UFO Update Update
Phoenix man: Neighbor caused mysterious lights: "There could be a less-than-supernatural explanation behind the strange lights that appeared over Phoenix on Monday night, according to one Phoenix man.
Lino Mailo, 44, said he saw his neighbor launch several helium balloons with flares attached to them from the back porch of his north Phoenix home. Mailo said the balloons took off about 8 p.m., right before the mysterious lights were spotted.
“It's pretty tricky, because the higher the balloons get, the harder it is to tell what they are,” Mailo said."
Lino Mailo, 44, said he saw his neighbor launch several helium balloons with flares attached to them from the back porch of his north Phoenix home. Mailo said the balloons took off about 8 p.m., right before the mysterious lights were spotted.
“It's pretty tricky, because the higher the balloons get, the harder it is to tell what they are,” Mailo said."
Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare
The most interesting Shakespeare books, movies, and Web sites. - By Ron Rosenbaum - Slate Magazine: "America celebrates Shakespeare's birthday this April 23 with a sonnet contest at the Folger Library and festivities at New York's Shakespeare Society. But as Peter Ackroyd's recent Shakespeare: The Biography reminds us, we're not sure if April 23 was the day Shakespeare was born or the day his birth was assigned."
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
We're from the TSA . . .
. . . and by golly, we're going to stop attacks by cheese!
Airport screeners to get more security training - News- msnbc.com: "WASHINGTON - Airport screeners are about to get new security training designed to help them think creatively about possible threats — including those they have never thought of.
“We have to prepare for attacks that don’t fit our procedures,” such as the traveler who stuffed a block of cheese wrapped in wire into a checked bag, Transportation Security Administration Administrator Kip Hawley told reporters."
Airport screeners to get more security training - News- msnbc.com: "WASHINGTON - Airport screeners are about to get new security training designed to help them think creatively about possible threats — including those they have never thought of.
“We have to prepare for attacks that don’t fit our procedures,” such as the traveler who stuffed a block of cheese wrapped in wire into a checked bag, Transportation Security Administration Administrator Kip Hawley told reporters."
Gator Update (Looking for Rachel Ray Edition)
Woman finds 8-foot gator in her kitchen - 04/22/2008 - MiamiHerald.com: "OLDSMAR --
This alligator made himself at home in Pinellas County. Authorities say 69-year-old Sandra Frosti of Oldsmar found the eight-foot alligator in her kitchen late Monday night."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Update. Here's a link (with video) from Gerard Saylor.
This alligator made himself at home in Pinellas County. Authorities say 69-year-old Sandra Frosti of Oldsmar found the eight-foot alligator in her kitchen late Monday night."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Update. Here's a link (with video) from Gerard Saylor.
Bond. James Bond.
The Times On-Line has a terrific interactive tour of the James Bond exhibition. The page also includes links to all their Bond articles and Top 10 lists. Click here.
I Had Nothing to Do with This
Stolen crocodile statue returned to france - Halifax Today: "A valuable statue which was stolen from an art gallery in Paris ten years ago is to be returned to the French authorities after it was found in Doncaster.
The bronze statue of a crocodile devouring an antelope, which is worth more than 20,000 Pounds, was discovered in the Auction Rooms in Doncaster town centre in September 2005."
The bronze statue of a crocodile devouring an antelope, which is worth more than 20,000 Pounds, was discovered in the Auction Rooms in Doncaster town centre in September 2005."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Here's the Plot for Your Next Novel (I Charge 10%)
Former murder case detective held over killing | UK news | guardian.co.uk: "A former Metropolitan police detective has been arrested over the murder of a man whose death he himself investigated.
The arrest was one of six made today in connection with one of Britain's most controversial and high-profile unsolved killings.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of the murder of Daniel Morgan, a 37-year-old private eye who was found dead with an axe in his head in a south London pub car park in 1987.
A sixth man, a serving Met police officer, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office."
The arrest was one of six made today in connection with one of Britain's most controversial and high-profile unsolved killings.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of the murder of Daniel Morgan, a 37-year-old private eye who was found dead with an axe in his head in a south London pub car park in 1987.
A sixth man, a serving Met police officer, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office."
Hmmmmmmm
Christina Ricci Upset By 'Black Snake Moan' Marketing - Starpulse Entertainment News Blog: "Christina RicciChristina Ricci is still bitter about the way her 2007 film Black Snake Moan was marketed - because she felt movie posters and trailers exploited women. The actress played a troubled wild girl who is taken in by Samuel L. Jackson's eccentric bluesman character and chained to his radiator in an attempt to rid her of her demons."
It's about Time!
HAYDEN PANETTIERE - PANETTIERE: 'HILTON IS A GENIUS': "Heroes actress HAYDEN PANETTIERE has spoken out in defence of PARIS HILTON's airheaded party girl image - insisting the heiress is actually a 'genius'.
Panettiere, 19, who has been a close friend of Hilton's for several years, says the 27-year-old socialite is actually more level-headed than the dumb 'character' she projects to the media.
She explains, 'She's a nice girl and a lot brighter than people give her credit (for) but no one sees her like that because she plays this character all the time. She's actually a marketing genius.'"
Panettiere, 19, who has been a close friend of Hilton's for several years, says the 27-year-old socialite is actually more level-headed than the dumb 'character' she projects to the media.
She explains, 'She's a nice girl and a lot brighter than people give her credit (for) but no one sees her like that because she plays this character all the time. She's actually a marketing genius.'"
Gunfighter Jory -- Milton Bass
Okay, don't ask me why the title's not Gunfightr Jory. You'd think it might be, since it follows Mistr Jory and Sherrf Jory. Anyway, it's the fourth and (as far as I know) final book about the character. The first two, Jory and the aforementioned Mistr Jory, were published about 20 years before the final two. Somehow, though, I got the feeling that all the books might have been written around the same time. There's a scene in Gunfighter Jory that seems very 1960s to me. Maybe the first two didn't sell as well as expected, so the last ones came out in paperback much later.But I digress. In Sherrf Jory, as you may (or may not) recall, Jory becomes sheriff of Barronville and cleans up the town. It's now so clean that Jory's getting bored, and then along come some men from the town council of nearby Leesville. They say that since Jory is sheriff of the whole county, he can't just stay in Barronville. He has to clean up Leesville, too.
Jory agrees to check out Leesville, for a fee, and when he and his deputy, Andy, arrive, they find that the former town marshal, Bart Butler, has put a line of bricks across the main street and seceeded from the rest of the town. Since he owns the only saloon and hotel, he's doing pretty well for himself, and his income is supplemented by the outlaw gang living in his hotel.
Jory gets romantically involved with a woman named Maebeth, and Andy falls for Butler. There's sex, there's drugs (I told you there was a very '60s scene), but there's no rock and roll. There are, however, a piano and a trombone.
This isn't a standard powder-burner, though it has all the elements. I liked it, and I'm sorry there are no more Jory books for me to read. Bass left plenty of threads dangling at the end of this one, and I'd like to know what happened to Jory, to Andy, and to the other two women who are after Jory. I guess I never will, though.
The Bourne Ultimatum
This movie really zips along. Jason Bourne's on the run again, trying to discover the secret of his identity, and the CIA's still trying to stop him, no matter who gets killed along the way, because there's a big, dark secret to be covered up. Luckily there's at least one CIA operative who's willing to help Bourne, though she's pretty much powerless for most of the picture.I've never been much of a Matt Damon fan, but he does Bourne well, and I've enjoyed him in the three movies about the character, despite the fact that he's depressed all the time. I also didn't mind the camera work that seems to have induced Blair-Witch symptoms in some people. Judy said she had to close her eyes at times.
Lots of nice location shooting, non-stop action, a nicely convoluted story, and a good cast throughout. The movie reminded me of why I read a trailer load or two of spy fiction back around 40 years ago. It was a great way to spend an evening.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Croc Update (Vigilante Edition)
Crocodile kills man accused of illegal logging in Myanmar wildlife sanctuary - International Herald Tribune: "YANGON, Myanmar: A crocodile attacked and killed a man who was under arrest for alleged illegal logging in Myanmar, the country's state-run newspaper reported Sunday."
Croc Update (Stolen Brain Edition)
Or he could be following in the footsteps of Victor Frankenstein.
Sunday News: "POLICE in Hwange are on the look out for a suspect who killed a crocodile and removed its brains amid revelations that it could be used for poisoining unsuspecting individuals, it has been learnt.
The Hwange Colliery Company’s Risk and Control department which comprises the coal mining giant’s security personel has called upon residents to promptly report any cases of food poisoning or any person found in position of crocodile brains.
The crocodile was killed at a dam in Madumabisa compound and only its brains were found missing."
Sunday News: "POLICE in Hwange are on the look out for a suspect who killed a crocodile and removed its brains amid revelations that it could be used for poisoining unsuspecting individuals, it has been learnt.
The Hwange Colliery Company’s Risk and Control department which comprises the coal mining giant’s security personel has called upon residents to promptly report any cases of food poisoning or any person found in position of crocodile brains.
The crocodile was killed at a dam in Madumabisa compound and only its brains were found missing."
Snakes in a Coliseum
The Brownwood Bulletin - Brownwood, TX > News > From snakes, to wildflowers, to cleanup projects, take your pick: "The 44th annual Lone Star Fair and Expo and Brownwood Jaycees Rattlesnake Roundup runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Brownwood Coliseum. Arts and crafts vendors, educational presentations involving snakes and Guinness world record holder Jackie Bibby will be featured. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children."We went to the Rattlesnake Roundup several times when we lived in Brownwood. I'm not fond of snakes, but it was always an interesting experience.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Happy Birthday, Hugh O'Brian
Almost let this one slip by. Age 83 today. To some of us, he'll always be Wyatt Earp.
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