Thunder Road is on Turner Classic Movies this afternoon at 4:15 EDT.
Set those DVRs!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Resolution -- Robert B. Parker
This is the second book in what Parker is calling "the Appaloosa trilogy," and it picks up just after the first book (Appaloosa) concludes. Everett Hitch is now in a town called Resolution, located somewhere in Parker's mythical West, where an open-pit copper mine and a timber operation exist side by side. Hitch takes a job as bouncer in a saloon. Pretty soon he's joined there by Virgil Cole, whose romantic interest, Allie, has split for Texas. Cole and Hitch are going after her, but not until their business in Resolution is finished.And what business is that? Well, there's the power-mad saloon owner and the homesteaders. Need I say more? I guess I should, since there's more to it than that and since the plot does have a few twists and turns. Hitch and Cole are, at first, on the side of the saloon owner. But things change.
There's plenty of discussion of what a man's gotta do, as you'd expect in a Parker novel, and plenty of shooting, all handled matter-of-factly. Parker must have watched Deadwood, since there's also plenty of cussing. Plenty of short sentences, short paragraphs, and white space, as well. Very few question marks, though. Maybe it's a style thing.
The book's nearly 300 pages, but you'll finish it in a jiffy. Nothing wrong with that, and I've admitted before that I'm an unabashed admirer of Parker's work (though there are some who would like to abash me for that). I liked this one, too, and I eagerly await the one where Cole and Hitch take on Texas.
ABBA Update
ABBA foursome make rare appearance | Entertainment | Reuters: "STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - All four members of supergroup ABBA appeared together on Friday at the Swedish premiere of the film 'Mamma Mia!', delighting fans with their first public showing for years.
Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad -- known as Frida -- and Agnetha Faltskog walked down the red carpet at a Stockholm movie theatre to the cheers of several thousand fans."
Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad -- known as Frida -- and Agnetha Faltskog walked down the red carpet at a Stockholm movie theatre to the cheers of several thousand fans."
New Tune
You'll have to blame frequent commenter Todd Mason for the new addition to the jukebox. He said he'd been hoping for one of Mitchum's calypso numbers, so I've obliged him.
Friday, July 04, 2008
New Song on the Jukebox
I decided I needed should have put Robert Mitchum's classic on the jukebox the other day, so I removed a version of "This Land" and added it. Check it out.
This Land is Your Land
One of my favorites. Two other versions are over to the right on the jukebox.
But Did They Find the Cherry Tree?
Foundations of a Founding Father - washingtonpost.com: "On a bluff overlooking the Rappahannock River, 50 miles south of the capital city that bears his name, archaeologists have unearthed a site that provides what they call the most detailed view into George Washington's formative years: his childhood home and, likely, the objects of his youth.
There are marbles and wig curlers, utensils and dinnerware. A pipe, blackened inside, carries a Masonic crest and dates to when he joined the Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge."
There are marbles and wig curlers, utensils and dinnerware. A pipe, blackened inside, carries a Masonic crest and dates to when he joined the Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge."
Forgotten Books: The 21 Balloons -- William Pene Du Bois
The 21 Balloons was published in 1947 and won a Newbery award. I probably read it a year or two after that, and I was astounded and delighted, so much so that I read it several times over the years of my childhood. A few years ago, I bought a used copy and was astounded and delighted all over again. Maybe you will be, too, if you choose to read it.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Bozo, R. I. P.
The Associated Press: Larry Harmon, longtime Bozo the Clown, dead at 83: "LOS ANGELES (AP) — Larry Harmon, who turned the character Bozo the Clown into a show business staple that delighted children for more than a half-century, died Thursday of congestive heart failure. He was 83.
His publicist, Jerry Digney, told The Associated Press he died at his home.
Although not the original Bozo, Harmon portrayed the popular clown in countless appearances and, as an entrepreneur, he licensed the character to others, particularly dozens of television stations around the country. The stations in turn hired actors to be their local Bozos."
His publicist, Jerry Digney, told The Associated Press he died at his home.
Although not the original Bozo, Harmon portrayed the popular clown in countless appearances and, as an entrepreneur, he licensed the character to others, particularly dozens of television stations around the country. The stations in turn hired actors to be their local Bozos."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way: Brewing for Democracy
LoneStarIcon.com: "AUSTIN, Texas — In the heart of Austin, a strange trend is brewing: Small collectives of people, average citizens by most measures, are opting out of corporate economic structures in favor of an old American standby, the co-op."
Top Ten Movie Sword Fights (Not a Repeat)
Sporting News - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball and Fantasy Sports scores, blogs, and articles: "This particular list came to mind when I was flipping through my HD channels and came across one of my favorite all-time movies, The Princess Bride. I caught up to the movie right when Inigo Montoya begin his awesome sword fight with The Dread Pirate Roberts.
So it got me thinking: What are the other great movie sword fights?"
So it got me thinking: What are the other great movie sword fights?"
Happy Birthday, Dave Barry!
One of the greats!
"It's the birthday of humor columnist Dave Barry, (books by this author) born in Armonk, New York (1947), the son of a Presbyterian minister. He was elected Class Clown by his high school class of 1965, then went on to major in English at Haverford College, where he claimed to have written 'lengthy scholarly papers filled with sentences that even he did not understand.'"
"It's the birthday of humor columnist Dave Barry, (books by this author) born in Armonk, New York (1947), the son of a Presbyterian minister. He was elected Class Clown by his high school class of 1965, then went on to major in English at Haverford College, where he claimed to have written 'lengthy scholarly papers filled with sentences that even he did not understand.'"
By Request
Juri Nummelin asked about the covers for the Richard Stark paperback originals, so I've posted them on Flickr. The slideshow is available here.
Western Writers of America Name Top 100 Western Movies
SHANE the Greatest Western Movie of All Time, Western Writers of America Announces: "SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SHANE, director George Stevens' classic 1953 movie about a weary gunfighter caught up in a land war between Wyoming ranchers and farmers, is the greatest Western movie of all time, Western Writers of America has announced.
For top honors SHANE, which Pulitzer Prize-winning Western novelist A.B. Guthrie Jr. adapted for the screen from Jack Schaefer's novel, edged HIGH NOON, the 1952 movie that won Gary Cooper his second Academy Award as Best Actor."
For top honors SHANE, which Pulitzer Prize-winning Western novelist A.B. Guthrie Jr. adapted for the screen from Jack Schaefer's novel, edged HIGH NOON, the 1952 movie that won Gary Cooper his second Academy Award as Best Actor."
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
This Doesn't Happen Every Day
Bear rescued from drowning in gulf - UPI.com: "ORLANDO, Fla., June 29 (UPI) -- Florida officials say they rescued a 375-pound bear from drowning in the Gulf of Mexico."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Lawmaker wants to make couples wait 2 years for divorce: "Texans would have to wait two years to get a divorce — unless they take a class designed to save their marriage — under a proposal a key state lawmaker says he plans to revive.
State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, sought to get a similar measure passed in 2007. He said he's planning to bring it back as one of his priorities for the legislative session that begins in January."
State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, sought to get a similar measure passed in 2007. He said he's planning to bring it back as one of his priorities for the legislative session that begins in January."
Write about Zombies, Get Tenure!
CFP: An Interdisciplinary Collection of Essays on the Zombie: "We are seeking proposals for an interdisciplinary edited volume discussing the zombie from a wide variety of perspectives and within a wide range of contexts. We encourage submissions from any discipline, including but not limited to English literature, film studies, media studies, cultural studies, gender studies, queer studies, philosophy, religious studies, anthropology, sociology, history, psychology, economics, and political science. We especially welcome new approaches to the study of zombies. In addition to theoretical essays on zombies, we also welcome critical discussions of specific zombie films, novels, and graphic novels, including those both pre- and post-Romero."
Thanks to Beth Foxwell for the link.
Thanks to Beth Foxwell for the link.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
FLDS fashions for kids sold on enterprising Web site - Salt Lake Tribune: "ELDORADO, Texas - A new clothing brand may be born out of the Texas raid on a polygamous sect.
FLDS women for the first time are offering their handmade, distinctive style of children's clothes to the public through the Web site fldsdress.com.
Launched initially to provide Texas authorities with clothing for FLDS children in custody, the online store now is aimed at helping their mothers earn a living."
FLDS women for the first time are offering their handmade, distinctive style of children's clothes to the public through the Web site fldsdress.com.
Launched initially to provide Texas authorities with clothing for FLDS children in custody, the online store now is aimed at helping their mothers earn a living."
I Can Hardly Wait
Holmes pic nabs Baron Cohen, Ferrell - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety: "Columbia Pictures has set an untitled comedy that will star Sacha Baron Cohen as master detective Sherlock Holmes and Will Ferrell as Watson, his crime-solving partner.
Etan Cohen ('Tropic Thunder') is writing the script, and Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller will produce.
The comedy is inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales. Though the thrust is different, the Baron Cohen-Ferrell pairing is the second major studio project featuring the supersleuth, as Warner Bros. is prepping the Anthony Peckham-scripted drama 'Sherlock Holmes' with director Guy Ritchie."
Etan Cohen ('Tropic Thunder') is writing the script, and Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller will produce.
The comedy is inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales. Though the thrust is different, the Baron Cohen-Ferrell pairing is the second major studio project featuring the supersleuth, as Warner Bros. is prepping the Anthony Peckham-scripted drama 'Sherlock Holmes' with director Guy Ritchie."
Ah-Ha!
Women prefer men with stubble for love, sex and marriage - Telegraph: "Stubble is the way to win a woman’s heart, a study has shown. Researchers found that women are more attracted to men with stubbly chins than those with clean-shaven faces or full beards."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Texas PC Repair Now Requires PI License - News and Analysis by PC Magazine: "From its Texas Rangers to its enthusiastic take on the death penalty, the Lone Star State has long been known for its aggressive stance on law enforcement. Thanks to a strange new law, it's a sting that may soon be felt by a number of the state's computer-repair people.
A recently passed law requires that Texas computer-repair technicians have a private-investigator license, according to a story posted by a Dallas-Fort Worth CW affiliate.
In order to obtain said license, technicians must receive a criminal justice degree or participate in a three-year apprenticeship. Those shops that refuse to participate will be forced to shut down. Violators of the new law can be hit with a $4,000 dollar fine and up to a year in jail, penalties that apply to customers who seek out their services."
Hat tip to Dwight Silverman's TechBlog.
Things might not be as they seem. Here's an update from Dwight's blog.
A recently passed law requires that Texas computer-repair technicians have a private-investigator license, according to a story posted by a Dallas-Fort Worth CW affiliate.
In order to obtain said license, technicians must receive a criminal justice degree or participate in a three-year apprenticeship. Those shops that refuse to participate will be forced to shut down. Violators of the new law can be hit with a $4,000 dollar fine and up to a year in jail, penalties that apply to customers who seek out their services."
Hat tip to Dwight Silverman's TechBlog.
Things might not be as they seem. Here's an update from Dwight's blog.
Once Again, Texas, um, . . Forget I Mentioned It
Texas students, especially teens, are out of shape | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Less than one-third of Texas third-graders passed all six parts of a new physical fitness assessment that debuted statewide this year and older students fared much worse, according to results released today.
About 21 percent of female seventh-graders and 17 percent of male seventh-graders reached healthy standards in all six zones. By the senior year of high school, just 8 percent of females and 9 percent of males reached those targets."
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Don S. Davis, R. I. P.
GateWorld - Don S. Davis: 1942-2008: "With great sadness we must report that veteran actor Don S. Davis passed away on June 29, 2008. He was 65 years old.
Don co-starred on Stargate SG-1 for the show's first seven years, helping to launch the enduring science fiction franchise. Davis played Major General George Hammond, base commander and a father figure to many of the show's characters.
He is also well-known for his portrayal of Major Garland Briggs in Twin Peaks."
Thanks to Mary Ann Melton for the link.
Don co-starred on Stargate SG-1 for the show's first seven years, helping to launch the enduring science fiction franchise. Davis played Major General George Hammond, base commander and a father figure to many of the show's characters.
He is also well-known for his portrayal of Major Garland Briggs in Twin Peaks."
Thanks to Mary Ann Melton for the link.
12 Film Directors Who are Waiting by the Phone
12 film directors who don't seem to get the call - Den of Geek: "Hollywood can be a brutal place to work. Even if you have a string of hits as long as your arm, one flop can get you yanked off the rolodex in double quick time. Here are some previously proficient high profile directors, who seem to struggle to get the gigs that in the most part they deserve to get…"
Happy Canada Day to all our Canadian Readers
Canada Day: "On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty's loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.
The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day."
The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day."
Macworld | Laptops lost like hot cakes at US airports
Macworld | Laptops lost like hot cakes at US airports: "Keep laptops close at airports, because they have a startling tendency to disappear in the blink of an eye, according to a new survey.
Some of the largest and medium-sized U.S. airports report close to 637,000 laptops lost each year, according to the Ponemon Institute survey released Monday. Laptops are most commonly lost at security checkpoints, according to the survey."
Key quote: "Travelers seem to lack confidence that they will recover lost laptops."
Gee, I wonder why.
Hat tip to Dwight Silverman's Techblog.
Some of the largest and medium-sized U.S. airports report close to 637,000 laptops lost each year, according to the Ponemon Institute survey released Monday. Laptops are most commonly lost at security checkpoints, according to the survey."
Key quote: "Travelers seem to lack confidence that they will recover lost laptops."
Gee, I wonder why.
Hat tip to Dwight Silverman's Techblog.
The Most Unhealthy Carnival Foods
A slideshow guaranteed to make you hungry. When you start with deep-fried Oreos, you can't go wrong.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Purer than the Driven Snow
'Pure' Paris Banned From Tattoos - Starpulse Entertainment News Blog: "Paris Hilton has been banned from getting a tattoo by her rocker boyfriend Benji Madden, because he wants her to remain 'pure.'"
10 SF Novels (or stories) that Were Better Off Unfilmed
Failures Of Cinema: 10 Books That Were Better Off on Paper: "It's happened to all of us. We read a novel that blows us away, and a few years later its title appears on posters underneath the face of Harrison Ford or Natalie Portman. But at some inevitable point in that darkened theater, the movie takes a turn we didn't expect. Our eyebrows go up, our lips turn down, and the disappointment begins. Maybe the wrong director or writer can curse an otherwise excellent project — or maybe some things were just never meant to be filmed. Here are 10 books that we think should never have been committed to celluloid."
Hat tip to Gerard Saylor.
Hat tip to Gerard Saylor.
Hollywood Star Makes Comeback!
And without even going to rehab!
Tarzan Chimp Makes Hollywood Comeback: "The chimpanzee star of movies Tarzan and Bedtime For Bonzo is making his return to Hollywood after a four decade-long hiatus - the ape's handlers have signed a record and DVD deal and announced plans to publish a memoir on his behalf.
The 76-year-old chimp, Cheeta, starred in his last feature film Doctor Dolittle opposite Rex Harrison in 1967, and has been hailed by The Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living monkey.
And now his owner, Dan Westfall, is looking to capitalise on the Liberian-born chimp's unusual life, publishing details in a memoir entitled Me Cheeta, slated for release next year."
Tarzan Chimp Makes Hollywood Comeback: "The chimpanzee star of movies Tarzan and Bedtime For Bonzo is making his return to Hollywood after a four decade-long hiatus - the ape's handlers have signed a record and DVD deal and announced plans to publish a memoir on his behalf.
The 76-year-old chimp, Cheeta, starred in his last feature film Doctor Dolittle opposite Rex Harrison in 1967, and has been hailed by The Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living monkey.
And now his owner, Dan Westfall, is looking to capitalise on the Liberian-born chimp's unusual life, publishing details in a memoir entitled Me Cheeta, slated for release next year."
ApolloCon
We're back from ApolloCon, where a good time was had by all, or at least by us. It's always fun to see friends from other conventions and to be on panels or attend them. I was a bit disappointed in the dealers' room, so Scott Cupp and I sneaked off one afternoon to Ye Old Bookstore. It looked great from the outside, a shabby building with windows you couldn't see through because of the books piled in them. Inside, it smelled great. Nothing beats the scent of the oxidizing pages of paperbacks. Unfortunately, the store didn't live up to its appearance or smell. 99% of the books were far too recent to be of any interest to either me or Scott, though Scott, as usual, found more stuff to buy than I did.
We had a couple of great meals. One was on Friday afternoon when we took George, Diane, and Katie Kelly to Taste of Texas, where they got to visit an authentic Texas salad bar. Well, Diane, Katie, and Judy did. George and I had more substantial meals. Afterward, George was photographed with the giant stuffed bear, and we all had our photo made in front of the gun cabinet.
Saturday night, Judy and I went with Scott Cupp to Tony's, a Mexican food place that Judy and I hadn't tried. It was great. And we could even watch the Astros on TV while we ate.
Jayme Blaschke was lurking around with his camera most of the weekend, and when he posts his photos, I'll provide a link.
All in all, a very good weekend. Maybe the ApolloCon folks will invite me back next year.
We had a couple of great meals. One was on Friday afternoon when we took George, Diane, and Katie Kelly to Taste of Texas, where they got to visit an authentic Texas salad bar. Well, Diane, Katie, and Judy did. George and I had more substantial meals. Afterward, George was photographed with the giant stuffed bear, and we all had our photo made in front of the gun cabinet.
Saturday night, Judy and I went with Scott Cupp to Tony's, a Mexican food place that Judy and I hadn't tried. It was great. And we could even watch the Astros on TV while we ate.
Jayme Blaschke was lurking around with his camera most of the weekend, and when he posts his photos, I'll provide a link.
All in all, a very good weekend. Maybe the ApolloCon folks will invite me back next year.
A Dog Among Diplomats -- J. F. Englert
This is the kind of book you're either going to like or not. I mean, it's narrated by a dog who reads Proust and surfs the 'Net, so there you go. I liked it, which I'm sure destroys whatever street cred I had left, but let me tell you some of its good qualities. It's well written, it's funny, and it has a good fair-play mystery plot. These are all things I like.
Randolph, the Labrador narrator, gives us a dog's-eye view (and smell; Randolph is very good at smells) of things, and it's a refreshing change. This is a sequel to Randolph's first novel, A Dog about Town. In that one, Imogen, Randolph's human companion goes missing. She still hasn't been found, but in this new book, Randolph and Harry (his current human companion) get word that she's still around town. Unfortunately, she's been seen leaving the scene of a murder. More murders follow, and it's up to Randolph and Harry to prove Imogen's innocence. If they can. Luckily Randolph is pretty much Holmes, Watson, and Poirot all in one.
Even if you don't like dogs, you'll like get some fun from this book. If you're a dog fan, you'll love it.
he follow-up to last year's A Dog About Town comes out of the gate running. And it's a winner! Like the first book in the series (review here), this one is written in the first person from Randolph's point of view. But I was now used to seeing through the eyes (and nose) of a dog by this time! :P
In this installment, Randolph and Harry are still pining after the missing Imogen, but now there's been evidence that she's still alive and in New York City. Though why she was last seen fleeing the scene of a murder, and is now nowhere to be found again, has the police, as well as Harry and Randolph, a bit baffled. Randolph has even been asked to play a part, by playing the role of "therapy dog" to a visiting diplomat who will be staying at the Bed & Breakfast from which Imogen recently fled. Now as a few more dead bodies turn up, Imogen's involvement in this string of murders is questioned, though she still can't be found and brought in for questioning herself. Is this just some elaborate hoax someone is trying to pull? Or is there a reason for Harry and Randolph to be worried?
These Kids Would Get on Your Lawn
Revealed after 50 years: The secret of the greatest-ever student prank | Mail Online: "It was probably the most ingenious student prank of all time.
In June 1958, Cambridge awoke to see a car perched at the apex of an inaccessible rooftop, looking as if it were driving across the skyline.
The spectacle made headlines around the world and left police, firefighters and civil defence units battling for nearly a week to hoist the vehicle back down before giving in and taking it to pieces with blowtorches."
Photo at link. Hat tip to Art Scott.
In June 1958, Cambridge awoke to see a car perched at the apex of an inaccessible rooftop, looking as if it were driving across the skyline.
The spectacle made headlines around the world and left police, firefighters and civil defence units battling for nearly a week to hoist the vehicle back down before giving in and taking it to pieces with blowtorches."
Photo at link. Hat tip to Art Scott.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Dawn Patrol -- Don Winslow
You never know what to expect from Don Winslow. This time it's a fine novel about San Diego and the city's surf culture, with a couple of mysteries thrown in. Boone Daniels is an ex-cop, now a part-time p.i., who's devoted to surfing. A beautiful lawyer wants to hire Daniels just at the time a big surge is going to bring the best waves ever. Daniels doesn't want to take the job, but of course he needs the money. Besides, the job seems simple enough. It isn't, however, and the next thing Daniels knows he's involved in a murder case. After that, things get complicated, and before it's all over, we've entered some dark territory, indeed.The plot, however, isn't really what The Dawn Patrol is all about. It's about friendship, history, growing up, and the way the world changes. It has as many backstories and asides as any John D. MacDonald novel about Florida, and Winslow's wistful descriptions of the history and changes in San Diego reminded me a little of MacDonald's writing. If you've never read Winslow before, you're missing a treat, and this is as good a place as any to begin.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Lew Shiner and the Fiction Liberation Front
I'll let Lew speak for himself: "Short fiction endures because it provides a way of introducing writers to new readers, and because there are stories that need to be told at that length.
"For all these reasons I've decided to open myself to this uncertain future. Starting now, I plan to make all my short fiction and articles available on the web, both in HTML for easy browsing and in typeset PDFs for those who might want to print them. The process of conversion will take a while, but I hope to get to everything eventually, including a number of previously unpublished pieces and even some unsold screenplays.
"I'll also be adding new short fiction, music reviews, and articles from time to time, though I won't guarantee that I won't also publish short pieces elsewhere. I'm launching the site with three previously unpublished stories ("Straws," "Fear Itself," and "Golfing Vietnam") plus a major story from 2004 ("Perfidia") that's had only limited circulation."
Hat tip to Lou Antonelli.
"For all these reasons I've decided to open myself to this uncertain future. Starting now, I plan to make all my short fiction and articles available on the web, both in HTML for easy browsing and in typeset PDFs for those who might want to print them. The process of conversion will take a while, but I hope to get to everything eventually, including a number of previously unpublished pieces and even some unsold screenplays.
"I'll also be adding new short fiction, music reviews, and articles from time to time, though I won't guarantee that I won't also publish short pieces elsewhere. I'm launching the site with three previously unpublished stories ("Straws," "Fear Itself," and "Golfing Vietnam") plus a major story from 2004 ("Perfidia") that's had only limited circulation."
Hat tip to Lou Antonelli.
Here Come the Machines
Millions of books to choose from – yours will take only minutes to print - News, Books - The Independent: "Blackwell bookshop announced yesterday that it is to install an 'Espresso Book Machine' that will allow customers to print out a novel in just seven minutes.
The self-service machine, which will eventually be installed in 50 stores across the country, offers a choice of around one million titles. The fully-bound books are printed to library quality, including a front cover.
A more sophisticated version of the machine is smaller and prints books in just three minutes. The older version has already been installed in 11 sites worldwide and Blackwell hopes to eventually have the faster machine in its stores."
The self-service machine, which will eventually be installed in 50 stores across the country, offers a choice of around one million titles. The fully-bound books are printed to library quality, including a front cover.
A more sophisticated version of the machine is smaller and prints books in just three minutes. The older version has already been installed in 11 sites worldwide and Blackwell hopes to eventually have the faster machine in its stores."
Small Crimes -- Dave Zeltserman
Dave Zeltserman created a bit of buzz with his earlier books, and this might be the one to break him out of the pack. It's Jim Thompson for the new century.Joe Denton is an ex-cop, leaving jail after seven years served for stabbing and disfiguring the local D.A., who's still around and looking for payback. Denton let cocaine, a gambling habit, and a talent for self-deception take him down a dark path. He tells himself that he's going to do better, but he finds that everything conspires against him. Or at least that's his take on it. A local crime boss is dying and seems to be on the verge of confessing. If he does, a lot of people will suffer, including Denton and the local sheriff, who must be a relative of Lou Ford. The sheriff gives Denton a choice: kill the crime boss or be killed himself.
Denton's downward spiral involves everyone around him: his parents, his ex-wife, his daughters, a nurse he meets in the hospital. Though Denton keeps pulling rabbits out of hats, you know things aren't going to end well, but Zeltserman comes up with a conclusion that's both stunning and surprising. Check it out.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
If it's bad TV, it must be good | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "There's a revolutionary idea for television — a station that puts on crummy shows.
Wait, I know what you're saying.
They all put on crummy shows.
But here's the difference.
This one is doing it on purpose.
'We're going to call it a night of Bad TV, and we're going to run it for three hours, maybe four, on Saturdays starting in October,' said Channel 55 president Matt Reiff."
Wait, I know what you're saying.
They all put on crummy shows.
But here's the difference.
This one is doing it on purpose.
'We're going to call it a night of Bad TV, and we're going to run it for three hours, maybe four, on Saturdays starting in October,' said Channel 55 president Matt Reiff."
Friday, June 27, 2008
ApolloCon
Today Judy and I are heading over to Katy, Texas, for lunch with George Kelley, an occasional commenter here and a long-time member of DAPA-Em, the only apa devoted to crime and mystery fiction. George's lovely wife, Diane, will be joining us, too. They're from New York, but they're in town for the wedding of a relative. And to enjoy Houston's mild and temperate summer climate, too.
After lunch, Judy and I will hie ourselves all the way across Houston to the DoubleTree Hotel at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for the annual ApolloCon. I've posted my schedule here, and if you're in town, drop by and say "hey."
After lunch, Judy and I will hie ourselves all the way across Houston to the DoubleTree Hotel at George Bush Intercontinental Airport for the annual ApolloCon. I've posted my schedule here, and if you're in town, drop by and say "hey."
Time for the Persecution to End!
iWon News - Paris Hilton donates to LA's Childrens Hospital: "LOS ANGELES (AP) - Paris Hilton is making good on her promise to become a better person.
The 27-year-old socialite made an 'extremely generous' donation toward the construction of a medical building at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, hospital officials said Thursday, although they did not specify the amount.
'The children I have met through my involvement with Childrens Hospital have truly touched my heart,' Hilton said in a statement. 'I am proud to make a donation and lend my name to the fundraising effort to help children who are facing terribly serious illnesses.'"
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The 27-year-old socialite made an 'extremely generous' donation toward the construction of a medical building at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, hospital officials said Thursday, although they did not specify the amount.
'The children I have met through my involvement with Childrens Hospital have truly touched my heart,' Hilton said in a statement. 'I am proud to make a donation and lend my name to the fundraising effort to help children who are facing terribly serious illnesses.'"
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Forgotten Books: WOLF HOUSE -- Jack Lynch
It wasn't so much that I forgot about Wolf House. I didn't even know it existed until I read the bad news about Jack Lynch's death on Jiro Kimura's Gumshoe Site. (I highly recommend that you read this obituary. Lynch was an interesting guy.) At any rate, as soon as I learned about Wolf House, I bought it. After all, and we're getting to Forgotten Books now, I'd read all seven of Lynch's previous books about p.i. Peter Bragg. They were published first by Gold Medal and then by Warner Books. One was nominated for an Edgar. Two were nominated for Shamus Awards. But Lynch is pretty much fogotten now. That's too bad, because his books are quite good.That being said, Wolfe House isn't the best of them. It was published only a few years ago by some imprint of iUniverse. I suspect that it was written earlier and that Lynch finally decided to publish it himself if he couldn't interest a mainstream press in it. There are some attitudes in the book that seem to date it back to an earlier time, though not everything does.
Some people will be put off immediately because the book begins when Bragg gets a call from a psychic who believes that someone is killing people and dumping the bodies in Jack London National Park, the location of Wolf House, a home London had begun building but which was mostly destroyed by fire. Only the shell remains. The psychic turns out to be correct, and Bragg is drawn into the search for the serial killer. There are a few holes in the plot, but this is a perfectly serviceable p.i. novel of the kind they don't write anymore. It's now gaudy or showy, but Bragg's a good narrator, and the characters and the local color ring true. If you don't want to read this one, why not try one of Lynch's earlier books? I recommend them all. I'm sure you can find them on-line for next to nothing. That's what happens when books are forgotten. I'm sorry it's happened to Lynch's work.
Gator Update (Cop Killer Edition)
HeraldTribune.com - AP - Nation - - HeraldTribune.com: "BAYOU GEORGE, Fla. — A 10-foot alligator attacked and killed a 5-year-old bloodhound used as a tracker by the Bay County Sheriff's Office.
Investigator Doug Pierce's wife had taken Datsi and the family's two other dogs for a run on Monday when Datsi jumped into a lake to cool off. That's when she was attacked by the alligator."
Investigator Doug Pierce's wife had taken Datsi and the family's two other dogs for a run on Monday when Datsi jumped into a lake to cool off. That's when she was attacked by the alligator."
Keep this Guy off the Streets
MyWestTexas.com > Ap > Strange: Inmate leaves toilet paper rose after jail escape: "VAN BUREN, Ark. - Crawford County authorities say an inmate escaped the county jail and left behind a rose fashioned out of toilet paper because he felt sorry for breaking out.
Luis Camacho-Mendoza was recaptured a day later on Wednesday in a Van Buren home after police received a tip. Investigator Ken Howard said Camacho-Mendoza was found hiding in a closet in a pile of clothes with a pillowcase over his head."
Thanks to John Duke for the link.
Luis Camacho-Mendoza was recaptured a day later on Wednesday in a Van Buren home after police received a tip. Investigator Ken Howard said Camacho-Mendoza was found hiding in a closet in a pile of clothes with a pillowcase over his head."
Thanks to John Duke for the link.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Cross -- Ken Bruen
Ken Bruen's Jack Taylor novels have become less about the plot than about the nightmare that is Jack Taylor's life. Although Taylor is a survivor, you can't say the same for his friends, associates, and companions. The guy is toxic, and it causes him more suffering than most of us can imagine.I suspect that there are a number of spoilers in what follows. Just thought I'd warn you. You might want just to read the book and skip the comments below.
Cross picks up right where Priest left off, which the young man named Cody, whom Taylor had hired as an assistant and who took a bullet meant for Taylor, in the hospital. Taylor had come to think of Cody as the son he never had. This doesn't bode well for Cody.
Not that crimes are missing from the book. A young man has been crucified, and Ridge, Taylor's former associate (uh-oh) asks Taylor to help out. Meanwhile dogs have begun to disappear, and a client asks Taylor to look into things. Taylor hires a gent named Heaton (uh-oh) to do the legwork. These crimes are resolved, but the focus is on Taylor and his so-called life. It appears that he might have made the big score that will allow him to escape Galway forever. (While this isn't resolved, I'm betting he never does.) The back cover of the paperback claims that the book is a "trip to Hell, and back." Where the blurb writer got the last half of that comment is beyond me. Taylor never comes back. He just circles deeper into the inferno. As for me, I've followed him this far, and I'll follow him farther. I believe Sanctuary is the next book in line. I, for one, will be reading it.
Croc Update (Barfly Edition)
A crocodile walks into a Top End bar | NEWS.com.au: "A CROC walked into a Territory pub for a quiet evening brew.
And the male saltie nearly made it to the bar too - but was bailed up by three punters in the car park of the tavern in Darwin's rural area on Sunday night.
The Territory's most feared icon was then wrestled in to the Noonamah Tavern for a couple of happy snaps with the locals and tourists.
Noonamah Tavern barmaid Sarah Sparre, 22, said the toothy visitor was a momentary diversion from general beer swilling.
'It's not every day you see something like that,'' she said."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
And the male saltie nearly made it to the bar too - but was bailed up by three punters in the car park of the tavern in Darwin's rural area on Sunday night.
The Territory's most feared icon was then wrestled in to the Noonamah Tavern for a couple of happy snaps with the locals and tourists.
Noonamah Tavern barmaid Sarah Sparre, 22, said the toothy visitor was a momentary diversion from general beer swilling.
'It's not every day you see something like that,'' she said."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tarzan Would be Proud
Spanish parliament to extend rights to apes | Science | Reuters: "MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's parliament voiced its support on Wednesday for the rights of great apes to life and freedom in what will apparently be the first time any national legislature has called for such rights for non-humans.
Parliament's environmental committee approved resolutions urging Spain to comply with the Great Apes Project, devised by scientists and philosophers who say our closest genetic relatives deserve rights hitherto limited to humans."
Parliament's environmental committee approved resolutions urging Spain to comply with the Great Apes Project, devised by scientists and philosophers who say our closest genetic relatives deserve rights hitherto limited to humans."
The I, Libertine Hoax
WFMU's Beware of the Blog: The I, Libertine Hoax: "Over 50 years ago, one of the greatest media hoaxes ever was foisted upon New York City and the world at large. Overnight WOR-AM radio show host Jean Shepherd asked his listeners ('the Night People') to go into bookstores and ask for a book that didn't exist. Armed with a fictitious title and author, along with a vague plot outline, the Night People got their hooks in wherever they could. Fueled by bewildered bookstore owners and distributors, I, Libertine eventually did end up as a genuine bestseller. The crazy tale is recounted here in Shep's own words on Long John Nebel's radio show from 1968."
Hat tip to Boing Boing.
Hat tip to Boing Boing.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
State sues director of Garland-based antidrug charity | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News: "The state on Tuesday sued the executive director of a Garland-based anti-drug and low-income housing charity, accusing him of violating nonprofit rules by using tax-free money to pay himself an exorbitant salary, finance his failed congressional race and run a NASCAR racing team.
Among the allegations leveled against Gene Christensen, who this year unsuccessfully challenged Ralph Hall for his congressional seat, is that from 2006 to 2008, he transferred $545,000 from the charity, People Against Drugs Affordable Public Housing, into his personal checking account."
Among the allegations leveled against Gene Christensen, who this year unsuccessfully challenged Ralph Hall for his congressional seat, is that from 2006 to 2008, he transferred $545,000 from the charity, People Against Drugs Affordable Public Housing, into his personal checking account."
Hardluck Stores -- the Final Issue
Dave Zeltserman's always excellent Hardluck Stories is closing up shop, but Dave, guest editor Ed Gorman, and illustrator Jean-Pierre Jacquet have delivered a bang-up final issue. I've read a couple of stories, and they're terriffic. I'll be reading the rest soon. And I'd say that even if I didn't have a story in the issue. I hope you'll all take a look and help Hardluck say good-bye in a big way. Click here.
I've Been Everywhere
Just for fun I added the Australian version (the original), mentioned by Brent in the comments, to the jukebox on the right.
Check out SNL this Saturday
SNL To Air First-Ever Episode This Saturday, In Tribute To George Carlin - Media on The Huffington Post: "George Carlin, the comedy legend who died on Sunday at the age of 71, became a part of television history on October 11, 1975, as the host of the first-ever episode of 'Saturday Night Live.' This Saturday, the show, which just completed its 34th season, will pay tribute to Carlin by re-airing that first episode, live from Studio 8H.
Said SNL creator and exec producer Lorne Michaels in a release today: 'You never forget the people who were there at the beginning. George Carlin helped give 'Saturday Night Live' its start as our first host. He was gracious, fearless, and most important of all, funny.'
The musical guests for the debut episode were Janis Ian and Billy Preston, with a special performance from Andy Kaufman. Carlin performed three monologues, and it was the debut of future stars like John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner. It also featured a short film by Albert Brooks; Five-Timers Club member Paul Simon announcing that he'd be hosting the next week; the Bees, which became the first-ever SNL recurring characters; and, oddly, The Muppets."
Said SNL creator and exec producer Lorne Michaels in a release today: 'You never forget the people who were there at the beginning. George Carlin helped give 'Saturday Night Live' its start as our first host. He was gracious, fearless, and most important of all, funny.'
The musical guests for the debut episode were Janis Ian and Billy Preston, with a special performance from Andy Kaufman. Carlin performed three monologues, and it was the debut of future stars like John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner. It also featured a short film by Albert Brooks; Five-Timers Club member Paul Simon announcing that he'd be hosting the next week; the Bees, which became the first-ever SNL recurring characters; and, oddly, The Muppets."
Bananas
Bananas was allegedly a humor magazine. It was aimed at Jr. High kids, and my kids must have subscribed. I ran across a few copies the other day, and I posted one cover earlier. Here's another.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Worst Cover Song?
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Dion sang 'worst ever cover song': "Celine Dion is responsible for the world's worst cover version, a poll of music experts has decided.
The Canadian star's rendition of the AC/DC track You Shook Me All Night Long was given the dubious honour in the Total Guitar magazine survey."
Thanks to Scott Cupp for the link.
The Canadian star's rendition of the AC/DC track You Shook Me All Night Long was given the dubious honour in the Total Guitar magazine survey."
Thanks to Scott Cupp for the link.
I Know You've Been Wondering about this for Years
The Associated Press: Scholars set date for Odysseus' bloody homecoming: "WASHINGTON (AP) — Using clues from star and sun positions mentioned by the ancient Greek poet Homer, scholars think they have determined the date when King Odysseus returned from the Trojan War and slaughtered a group of suitors who had been pressing his wife to marry one of them.
It was on April 16, 1178 B.C. that the great warrior struck with arrows, swords and spears, killing those who sought to replace him, a pair of researchers say in Monday's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science."
It was on April 16, 1178 B.C. that the great warrior struck with arrows, swords and spears, killing those who sought to replace him, a pair of researchers say in Monday's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Inmate falls through ceiling into Texas police office - Yahoo! News: "ALTON, Texas - Authorities say an inmate trying to flee a Texas city jail crashed through the ceiling into a police chief's empty office.
Police say 17-year-old Jesus Albert Suarez Chavez and 22-year-old Roman Orozco Martinez tried to escape through air conditioning ducts of the Alton city jail around 3 a.m. Saturday, but had been spotted by a dispatcher monitoring security video.
One of the inmates fell through the ceiling into the office of Police Chief Baldemar Flores. The second inmate was trying to get into the vent."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Police say 17-year-old Jesus Albert Suarez Chavez and 22-year-old Roman Orozco Martinez tried to escape through air conditioning ducts of the Alton city jail around 3 a.m. Saturday, but had been spotted by a dispatcher monitoring security video.
One of the inmates fell through the ceiling into the office of Police Chief Baldemar Flores. The second inmate was trying to get into the vent."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston, we have no problems. - By Daniel Gross - Slate Magazine: "To find a hot spot where soaring oil and commodity prices and the booming economies of the developing world are keeping cash registers ringing and construction crews fully employed, you don't have to trek to Dubai or Moscow. You need travel only as far as Houston. In May, the unemployment rate in the nation's sixth-largest metropolitan area was a measly 3.8 percent. In the past year, Houston-based companies, which include 26 Fortune 500 firms, added 71,000 jobs to their payrolls. The local United Way closed out its fiscal year with a record $76.1 million in donations. At the Galleria, a high-end shopping oasis, Bridgette Bottone, manager of the De Beers store, notes, 'We're still selling the big guys': three-carat-plus diamonds that retail for more than $50,000. Pessimists are as rare as Birkenstock sandals or Obama '08 stickers in ExxonMobil's parking garage."
Paris Hilton Update (Lone Ranger Edition)
Paris Hilton hides face behind mask | The Sun |HomePage|Showbiz|Bizarre: "PARIS HILTON has never been one to hide her face and it’s recognisable here — even behind a mask.
The socialite wore the intended disguise at a Hollywood showbiz bash.
But her blonde locks and distinctive face gave her away.
Paris, 27, wowed guests in a slinky black outfit and arrived waving a sparkling wand."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson. Photo at link.
The socialite wore the intended disguise at a Hollywood showbiz bash.
But her blonde locks and distinctive face gave her away.
Paris, 27, wowed guests in a slinky black outfit and arrived waving a sparkling wand."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson. Photo at link.
Paris Hilton Update (World of Warcraft Edition)
Virtual Paris Hilton sells bags in World of Warcraft - Video Game Feature - Yahoo! Video Games: "Spoiled socialite Paris Hilton is a pop-culture icon, questionably-talented singer, occasionally working actress and...World of Warcraft vendor?
Sort of. In an effort to stave off impending inflation issues, Warcraft's designers have created 'Haris Pilton,' a non-player character who sells rare, high-end items to Azeroth's wealthiest warriors."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Sort of. In an effort to stave off impending inflation issues, Warcraft's designers have created 'Haris Pilton,' a non-player character who sells rare, high-end items to Azeroth's wealthiest warriors."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Dody Goodman, R. I. P.
TV, 'Grease' Actress Dody Goodman Dies - AOL News: "NEW YORK (June 23) - Dody Goodman, the delightfully daffy comedian known for her television appearances on Jack Paar's late-night talk show and as the mother on the soap-opera parody 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' has died at 93.
Goodman died Sunday at Englewood (N.J.) Hospital and Medical Center, said Joan Adams, a close family friend. The actress had been ill for some time and had lived in the Actors Fund Home in Englewood since October, Adams said."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Goodman died Sunday at Englewood (N.J.) Hospital and Medical Center, said Joan Adams, a close family friend. The actress had been ill for some time and had lived in the Actors Fund Home in Englewood since October, Adams said."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Croc Update (Palm Frond Edition)
Man fights off 15ft crocodile with palm frond - Telegraph: "An Australian plumber is recovering in hospital after he was attacked by a 15-foot saltwater crocodile, saying that he managed to fight off the monster using nothing more than a palm frond."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
Croc Update (Chatty Babies Edition)
Audio and picture at link.
Baby crocs start chatting even before they hatch | Science | Reuters: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Baby crocodiles start chatting to one another and to their mothers just before they hatch, perhaps signaling that it is time to be born, French researchers reported on Monday.
The little crocs make an 'umph! umph! umph!' sound right before they hatch, Amelie Vergne and Nicolas Mathevon of Universite Jean Monnet in Saint-Etienne, France reported."
Baby crocs start chatting even before they hatch | Science | Reuters: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Baby crocodiles start chatting to one another and to their mothers just before they hatch, perhaps signaling that it is time to be born, French researchers reported on Monday.
The little crocs make an 'umph! umph! umph!' sound right before they hatch, Amelie Vergne and Nicolas Mathevon of Universite Jean Monnet in Saint-Etienne, France reported."
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
JS Online: NewsWatch: "Milwaukee police said they have restored order but will remain outside of the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center after a crowd awaiting free food vouchers became unruly this morning.
Department spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said Vliet St., between N. 12th and N. 13th streets, is blocked and barricades have been installed so people are able to line up around the block of the building at 1220 W. Vliet St."
Department spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz said Vliet St., between N. 12th and N. 13th streets, is blocked and barricades have been installed so people are able to line up around the block of the building at 1220 W. Vliet St."
Making News Update
Journalist suspected of murder dies in jail: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) -- A Macedonian journalist jailed on suspicion of murdering at least two women in crimes he wrote about for his newspaper has been found dead in his cell, police said Monday.
Vlado Taneski, 56, had been charged with two murders and was being investigated for the death of another woman and the disappearance of a fourth. He was jailed Sunday after a court ordered him held for 30 days pending the conclusion of the investigation."
Vlado Taneski, 56, had been charged with two murders and was being investigated for the death of another woman and the disappearance of a fourth. He was jailed Sunday after a court ordered him held for 30 days pending the conclusion of the investigation."
4000-Year-Old Ropes
And nobody knows what they're made of.
Discovery News : Discovery Channel : Ancient Rope Found in Cave: "June 20, 2008 -- The ancient Egyptian's secret to making the strongest of all rigging ropes lies in a tangle of cord coils in a cave at the Red Sea coast, according to preliminary study results presented at the recent congress of Egyptologists in Rhodes.
Discovered three years ago by archaeologists Rodolfo Fattovich of the Oriental Studies University of Naples and Kathryn Bard of Boston University, the ropes offer an unprecedented look at seafaring activities in ancient Egypt."
Discovery News : Discovery Channel : Ancient Rope Found in Cave: "June 20, 2008 -- The ancient Egyptian's secret to making the strongest of all rigging ropes lies in a tangle of cord coils in a cave at the Red Sea coast, according to preliminary study results presented at the recent congress of Egyptologists in Rhodes.
Discovered three years ago by archaeologists Rodolfo Fattovich of the Oriental Studies University of Naples and Kathryn Bard of Boston University, the ropes offer an unprecedented look at seafaring activities in ancient Egypt."
New Members of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame
empsfm.org - EXHIBITIONS - Science Fiction Hall of Fame: "On Saturday, June 21, EMP|SFM [held] its 2008 Science Fiction Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Those being honored this year are Betty and Ian Ballantine (Literature Category), William Gibson (Literature Category), Richard M. Powers (Art Category), and Rod Serling (Film, Television and Media Category.)"
George Carlin, R. I. P.
My first memory of Carlin comes from around 1965. He played the hippy-dippy weatherman on a John Davidson TV variety show. I believe Richard Pryor was on the same show. Neither he nor Carlin had as yet developed the personas they later became famous for.
The Associated Press: George Carlin mourned as a counterculture hero: "LOS ANGELES (AP) — Acerbic standup comedian and satirist George Carlin, whose staunch defense of free speech in his most famous routine 'Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television' led to a key Supreme Court ruling on obscenity, has died.
Carlin, who had a history of heart trouble, went into St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica on Sunday afternoon complaining of chest pain and died later that evening, said his publicist, Jeff Abraham. He had performed as recently as last weekend at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. He was 71."
The Associated Press: George Carlin mourned as a counterculture hero: "LOS ANGELES (AP) — Acerbic standup comedian and satirist George Carlin, whose staunch defense of free speech in his most famous routine 'Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television' led to a key Supreme Court ruling on obscenity, has died.
Carlin, who had a history of heart trouble, went into St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica on Sunday afternoon complaining of chest pain and died later that evening, said his publicist, Jeff Abraham. He had performed as recently as last weekend at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. He was 71."
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Is This a Great Country or What? (Part 2)
Art Scott sent me this link. I thought it was a joke at first, but then maybe this is an even greater invention than Batter Blaster.
Anna Nicole Smith Update
Anna Nicole’s Ex Snaps Up Negligee for Their Daughter Feature Story: "Larry Birkhead, former boyfriend of Anna Nicole, spent nearly $3,000 at a celebrity auction, Saturday, getting the lingerie that the former Playboy model wore in a shoot that she was in for the magazine, reported the Associated Press.
The “heirlooms” were bought for the daughter that the couple had together before Smith passed away. Birkhead said that he is trying to make sure that his daughter, Dannielynn, has something to remember the playmate by."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The “heirlooms” were bought for the daughter that the couple had together before Smith passed away. Birkhead said that he is trying to make sure that his daughter, Dannielynn, has something to remember the playmate by."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Things Fall Apart; . .
. . . the center cannot hold.
Everything seemingly is spinning out of control - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - Is everything spinning out of control?
Midwestern levees are bursting. Polar bears are adrift. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Home values are abysmal. Air fares, college tuition and health care border on unaffordable. Wars without end rage in Iraq, Afghanistan and against terrorism."
Everything seemingly is spinning out of control - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - Is everything spinning out of control?
Midwestern levees are bursting. Polar bears are adrift. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Home values are abysmal. Air fares, college tuition and health care border on unaffordable. Wars without end rage in Iraq, Afghanistan and against terrorism."
There's a Killer Loose! by Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins
My review of this story is over at Nasty, Brutish, and Short. The story's in EQMM's new Black Mask section in the August issue, which I recommend to you not only for that story but for contributions by Jan Burke, Nancy Pickard, Jorge Luis Borges, Brendan DuBois, O'Neil de Noux, and a number of others. The magazine's running out of Ed Hoch stories, I'm sorry to say, but there's a reprint in this issue (first U. S. appearance). Disclaimer: I write the "Blog Bytes" column for EQMM, but this is an unpaid plug.
Is This a Great Country or What?
Organic Batter Blaster ™ - Original Pancake and Waffle Batter: "With its unique, pressurized, patent pending process, Batter Blaster™ makes organic light and fluffy pancakes and light and crisp waffles in minutes! And while breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it’s also the most skipped meal. Batter Blaster is fast, easy and fun for the whole family. Batter Blaster makes breakfast a blast!"
I recommend the demo video.
I recommend the demo video.
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