Lost city of 'cloud people' found in Peru - Telegraph: "The settlement covers some 12 acres and is perched on a mountainside in the remote Jamalca district of Utcubamba province in the northern jungles of Peru's Amazon.
The buildings found on the Pachallama peak are in remarkably good condition, estimated to be over 1,000 years old and comprised of the traditional round stone houses built by the Chachapoya, the 'Cloud Forest People'.
The area is completely overgrown with the jungle now covering much of the settlement but explorers found the walls of the buildings and rock paintings on a cliff face."
Friday, December 05, 2008
Forgotten Books: The Inquisitor Series -- Simon Quinn
Some of the series books that came along in the '70s were a lot more entertaining than people generally think. I've mentioned The Destroyer here before, along with Warren Murphy's Razoni and Jackson series. The Hardman books by Ralph Dennis that I mentioned last week, and which had quite an influence on Joe Lansdale's Hap and Leonard novels, would be another example. And then there's The Inquisitor.His name is Francis Xavier Killy. He's a lay brother of the Militia Christi working for the Holy Office of the Inquisition in Rome. Unbound by vows of celibacy and fears of comman man, he's tough, aggressive, and a master of highly original deadly arts. Part saint, part sinner, he dares to hesitate before he kills.
There were, I believe, six books in this series, and I recommend all six. They're all a lot of fun and all are different from any other action series that came along. And in case you didn't know already, "Simon Quinn" is a pseudonym used by Martin Cruz Smith before he became the bestselling writer that he is today. If you haven't read these novels, check 'em out.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Sneak Peek
The Education of a Pulp Writer: BEAT to a PULP Link: "Ok folks, here’s a sneak peek at BEAT to a PULP. Only the home page and the guidelines page are available until the entire site goes live December 15th. Our new email address for submissions is given on the guidelines page. We are looking forward to hearing from you."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Leavin' on a Jet Plane? Karaoke arrives at Bush airport | Top stories | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Air travel and karaoke. They go together like, um, like — well, we're not exactly sure.
No matter. Karaoke has landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, just in time for the holiday season. Now you can clear security, step up to the microphone and belt out your travel frustrations by singing the Beatles' Nowhere Man or Help! Or, if you're not such a Grinch, you can croon Home for the Holidays or Sentimental Journey."
No matter. Karaoke has landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, just in time for the holiday season. Now you can clear security, step up to the microphone and belt out your travel frustrations by singing the Beatles' Nowhere Man or Help! Or, if you're not such a Grinch, you can croon Home for the Holidays or Sentimental Journey."
Uh-Oh
'They Live' to be reincarnated: "'They Live' is finding life again.
John Carpenter's cult 1988 film is getting the remake treatment from Universal and studio-based Strike Entertainment, which are in negotiations to acquire the film rights with rights holder Les Mougins."
John Carpenter's cult 1988 film is getting the remake treatment from Universal and studio-based Strike Entertainment, which are in negotiations to acquire the film rights with rights holder Les Mougins."
Gator Update (Territorial Imperative Edition)
Golf-course tussle costs one alligator a leg | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC: "A young male alligator on Bald Head Island decided to go wandering last month, trading the comfort of the freshwater lagoon near the island golf course’s ninth hole, where the roughly 5-foot-long gator had been observed all summer, for a pond down by the seventh hole.
But instead of landing a birdie or eagle, he scored a bogie when he became food for a bigger male that had already staked the watering hole as his territory.
The result was a four-legged gator going into the pond, and a three-legged one coming out."
But instead of landing a birdie or eagle, he scored a bogie when he became food for a bigger male that had already staked the watering hole as his territory.
The result was a four-legged gator going into the pond, and a three-legged one coming out."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
The one that didn't get away yields long-lost ring - Yahoo! News: "BUNA, Texas – The one that didn't get away held an unlikely surprise for a Texas man. The blue-stoned class ring of Joe Richardson, engraved with his name, turned up inside an 8-pound bass 21 years after he lost it while fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn.
'My first reaction was — you gotta be kidding,' he said Wednesday.
The fisherman who discovered the tarnished ring inside his catch contacted Richardson on Nov. 28 in Buna, about 100 miles northeast of Houston, after tracking him down with help from the Internet."
'My first reaction was — you gotta be kidding,' he said Wednesday.
The fisherman who discovered the tarnished ring inside his catch contacted Richardson on Nov. 28 in Buna, about 100 miles northeast of Houston, after tracking him down with help from the Internet."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Police pose with naked girls | Metro.co.uk: "A police officer could be in big trouble for posing for a photograph with a woman exposing herself.
US media reports while it is not illegal for police to pose for photographs, exposing yourself in public is against the law.
And new images emailed to News 4 anonymously in the US show the officer posing with a woman clearly breaking the law.
His boss said the officer is now facing the sack.
The officer involved is said to be a San Antonio Park Police officer."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
US media reports while it is not illegal for police to pose for photographs, exposing yourself in public is against the law.
And new images emailed to News 4 anonymously in the US show the officer posing with a woman clearly breaking the law.
His boss said the officer is now facing the sack.
The officer involved is said to be a San Antonio Park Police officer."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
A Meme
Vince Keenan sort of tagged me with this one here are the rules:
1. List the authors you read in 2008 who were new to you, regardless of the year of publication.
2. Bold (mine are in italics) the ones that were debuts (first novel, published in 2008).
3. Tag some people. (I don't do this.)
Here's my list (fiction only):
Ancient Shores, Jack McDevitt
Big City, Bad Blood, Sean Chercover
The Broken Body, Floyd Mahannah
How the Dead Live, Derek Raymond
Sin Pit, Paul S. Meskil
Frenzy, James O. Causey
Crimson Orgy, Austin Williams
Million Dollar Murder, Thomas Black
The Sword-Edged Blonde, Alex Bledsoe
The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss
Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
The Somnambulist, Jonathan Barnes
Johnny Guitar, Roy Chanslor
Peeps, Scott Westerfeld
The Great Stink, Clare Clark
A Dog among Diplomats, Jeff Englert
Tiger Heart, Peter David
Head Wounds, Chris Knopf
The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch
Skin and Bones, Tom Bale
Ratcatcher, James McGee
West on 66, James Cobb
1. List the authors you read in 2008 who were new to you, regardless of the year of publication.
2. Bold (mine are in italics) the ones that were debuts (first novel, published in 2008).
3. Tag some people. (I don't do this.)
Here's my list (fiction only):
Ancient Shores, Jack McDevitt
Big City, Bad Blood, Sean Chercover
The Broken Body, Floyd Mahannah
How the Dead Live, Derek Raymond
Sin Pit, Paul S. Meskil
Frenzy, James O. Causey
Crimson Orgy, Austin Williams
Million Dollar Murder, Thomas Black
The Sword-Edged Blonde, Alex Bledsoe
The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss
Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
The Somnambulist, Jonathan Barnes
Johnny Guitar, Roy Chanslor
Peeps, Scott Westerfeld
The Great Stink, Clare Clark
A Dog among Diplomats, Jeff Englert
Tiger Heart, Peter David
Head Wounds, Chris Knopf
The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch
Skin and Bones, Tom Bale
Ratcatcher, James McGee
West on 66, James Cobb
Happens all the Time
Husband: Wife shot during sex - UPI.com: "URBANA, Ohio, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- An Ohio man who claimed that he accidentally shot his wife while they were having sex has been jailed for violating a protection order."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Wrecker driver arrested after crashing into Harris deputy | Front page | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "The driver of the wrecker that struck the deputy — and a second tow-truck driver who pulled up at the scene — were both taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, police said."
Hollywood Logos
The Story Behind Hollywood Studio Logos - Neatorama: "You see these opening logos every time you go to the movies, but have you ever wondered who is the boy on the moon in the DreamWorks logo? Or which mountain inspired the Paramount logo? Or who was the Columbia Torch Lady?"
I enjoyed reading these stories and seeing the older logos.
I enjoyed reading these stories and seeing the older logos.
Perhaps You've Wondered. . .
. . . what would Bill look like with a 'stache? Now you know. Pretty scary, huh? You can make your own here.
And the Beat Goes On
FBI agents stage sting to snare corrupt Ill. cops - Yahoo! News: "CHICAGO – Duffel bags stuffed with cocaine were delivered by plane to an out-of-the-way suburban airport while two sheriff's officers provided security. A police officer stood by to guard the cash and keep out the riffraff at a poker game where $100,000 changed hands. And a drug dealer was told squad cars marked 'sheriff' and 'sheriff's police' might be available on a 'freelance' basis to provide protection for his deliveries.
Such tales of law enforcement gone awry emerged in court papers Tuesday as federal prosecutors unveiled a series of elaborate sting operations aimed at officers who hired out to ride shotgun for drug deals and other criminal activities."
Such tales of law enforcement gone awry emerged in court papers Tuesday as federal prosecutors unveiled a series of elaborate sting operations aimed at officers who hired out to ride shotgun for drug deals and other criminal activities."
Signs of the Apocalypse
Sepinwall on TV: 'According to Jim' goes on (and on and on and on and on and on...) - TV and FILM - NJ.com: "'According to Jim' has already run for seven seasons. Among the classic sitcoms it's had a longer run than: 'The Dick Van Dyke Show,' 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' 'The Odd Couple,' 'Taxi,' 'The Honeymooners,' 'The Bob Newhart Show,' 'Golden Girls,' 'Sanford & Son' and 'I Love Lucy.' If it makes it to the end of this season, it will have been on as long as 'The Cosby Show,' and produced more episodes than 'Seinfeld.'"
100 Greatest Movie Characters
According to Empire Magazine. You'll have to be more patient than I am if you look at all of them.
I Have a Tip for Old Harry . . .
. . . In D. C. it ain't the tourists who stink.
www.dcexaminer.com >> Yeas & Nays - Reid: We won't smell the tourists anymore: "The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
'My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway,' said Reid in his remarks. 'In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true.'"
www.dcexaminer.com >> Yeas & Nays - Reid: We won't smell the tourists anymore: "The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
'My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway,' said Reid in his remarks. 'In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true.'"
Odetta Holmes, R. I. P.
Odetta Holmes dies at 77; folk singer championed black history, civil rights - Los Angeles Times: "Odetta, the classically trained folk, blues and gospel singer who used her powerfully rich and dusky voice to champion African American music and civil rights issues for more than half a century starting in the folk revival of the 1950s, has died. She was 77."
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Texas' Tango Blast gang draws kids with tattoos, loose affiliation rules | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News: "They tattoo themselves with Dallas Cowboys stars and the area code 214. They proudly proclaim 'D-Town' and brag about their hometown affiliations on MySpace and YouTube.
The Tango Blast, a violent, drug-dealing gang born in the Texas prison system, is growing in popularity and could change the Dallas landscape because it rejects old notions of prison gang exclusivity and lifelong commitments.
Authorities say the trendy look and loose rules of the Tango Blast are proving irresistible to kids. Tangos can maintain affiliations with gangs they joined outside prison, a hybrid approach to membership that allows them to plant tentacles in many of Dallas' established Hispanic neighborhood gangs."
The Tango Blast, a violent, drug-dealing gang born in the Texas prison system, is growing in popularity and could change the Dallas landscape because it rejects old notions of prison gang exclusivity and lifelong commitments.
Authorities say the trendy look and loose rules of the Tango Blast are proving irresistible to kids. Tangos can maintain affiliations with gangs they joined outside prison, a hybrid approach to membership that allows them to plant tentacles in many of Dallas' established Hispanic neighborhood gangs."
And His Grotto Will Never Be the Same
Complaints pour in over 'Lapland' park (From Dorset Echo): "Tensions reached a peak when furious parents allegedly confronted ‘elves’ in a ‘gingerbread house’ and Father Christmas was punched in his grotto, according to angry customers."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
iWon News - Man says God ordered him to ram vehicle at 100 mph: "SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A man who rammed his truck into a woman's vehicle on a highway early Friday told authorities he crashed into her while going more than 100 mph because God told him 'she needed to be taken off the road.'"
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Elvis Christmas Duets
Will they never run out of ways to merchandise Elvis? I think not. What they've done this time is to take some of his most famous Christmas solos and make them into duets with female country singers like Wynona Judd, Leann Rimes, Martina McBride, and a bunch of others. Since Elvis' original Christmas album has been a favorite of mine for more than 50 years, I had to give this one a listen. It's okay. Besides adding the singers, the instrumentation has been updated and augmented, so the songs have a bit of a different sound. I liked them the old way, and I prefer the solo renditions, but if you've never heard an Elvis Christmas song before, you'd probably like these.
Since this is an album of duets, it's a little odd that the "bonus tracks" are solos, but that's what they are. The songs are ones Elvis fans have all heard before, but with slightly different instrumentation. Not bad at all. Sort of gets me in the holiday mood.
The Secret of Narnia
Secret theme behind Narnia Chronicles is based upon the stars, says new research - Telegraph: "Each of the seven children's chronicles is based on one of the seven planets that comprised the heavens in medieval astrology, says a scholar whose theory is examined in the programme.
The explanation comes after more than five decades of literary and theological debate over whether Lewis devised the fantasies with a pattern in mind or created characters and events at random.
It is put forward by Reverend Dr Michael Ward, in his book Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis."
The explanation comes after more than five decades of literary and theological debate over whether Lewis devised the fantasies with a pattern in mind or created characters and events at random.
It is put forward by Reverend Dr Michael Ward, in his book Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis."
Monday, December 01, 2008
Yet Texas Needs Rain
Tourists warned to stay away as Venice suffers worst flooding for two decades - Times Online: "Sirens sounded across Venice yesterday as flooding submerged 95 per cent of the city and left tourists in St Mark’s Square thigh-deep in water.
The highest water levels in more than 20 years paralysed services. Elderly residents were carried to high ground and some people took to the piazzas in inflatable dinghies."
The highest water levels in more than 20 years paralysed services. Elderly residents were carried to high ground and some people took to the piazzas in inflatable dinghies."
These Bookish Days
globeandmail.com: SOCIAL STUDIES: "It is now dreary December, the month when many intelligent people feel the urge to curl up with a good book. A few of them can even be found reading books the rest of the year, carrying them around wherever they go, if you can imagine. And there are even greater levels of book passion."
Thanks to Karin Montin for the link.
Thanks to Karin Montin for the link.
There's Good News Tonight!
Paris Hilton: I've finished my second album | In the studio, Music, Music Biz | Hollywood Insider | EW.com: "Paris Hilton may not be dating a rocker anymore, but she still has music on her mind. The celebutante caught up with EW.com backstage at last week's American Music Awards and told us that she has finished her second album, featuring production by Mike Green (Paramore, the Matches), and is deciding what to do next, now that she’s no longer at Warner Bros. Records. “I wrote all the songs,” Hilton beamed."
Happy Anniversary to a Casa de Crider Christmas Favorite
'Christmas Story' fans celebrate film's 25th year - Yahoo! News: "CLEVELAND – Fans of the holiday classic 'A Christmas Story' are celebrating the film's 25th anniversary with a convention and trips to the house where the movie was made.
The 1983 film, an adaptation of Jean Shepard's memoir of a boy in the 1940s, was set in Indiana but largely filmed in Ohio. The movie starred Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, a young boy determined to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas."
The 1983 film, an adaptation of Jean Shepard's memoir of a boy in the 1940s, was set in Indiana but largely filmed in Ohio. The movie starred Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, a young boy determined to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas."
The 20 Most Heartbreaking Songs Of All Time
Cry Me A River: The 20 Most Heartbreaking Songs Of All Time! - Rock's Backpages: "For the last month Rock's Backpages has offered up a slew of sobworthy classics from all walks of pop. Country, soul, AOR, dance: you name the genre, we've scoured it for heartbreak greats. So get yer handkerchiefs ready... here's our tearjerking Top 20 , from the Everly Brothers to George Jones via Lorraine Ellison and Little Feat. --Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages"
Thanks to Doc Quatermass for this link. For what it's worth, I absolutely agree with #1, a classic of the first water.
Thanks to Doc Quatermass for this link. For what it's worth, I absolutely agree with #1, a classic of the first water.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Dog Earns Law Degree from Baylor University -- ZooToo Pet News: "WACO, Texas -- He can pick up items as small as a dime with his teeth, but if you need him to write a legal brief, Skeeter also has the training -- and degree -- required.
The 6-year-old service dog received an honorary law degree from Baylor University two weeks ago, when his owner, Amy Jones, graduated alongside him."
The 6-year-old service dog received an honorary law degree from Baylor University two weeks ago, when his owner, Amy Jones, graduated alongside him."
A Review
Here's a nice (i.e. favorable) review of a Christmas story I wrote some years back. I'm glad to see it's still being read.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Weeding the Shelves
Essay - The Well-Tended Bookshelf - NYTimes.com: "Nicholson Baker, who wrote an entire book protesting the “weeding” of books and periodicals from American libraries, still mourns the collection of science fiction paperbacks he discarded in his youth."
Good old Nicholson Baker.
Good old Nicholson Baker.
Washington: Town of Well-Kept Lawns
Just Who Are You Calling Old? - washingtonpost.com: "Icould barely contain my shock when I read the offhand comment that George Artz, a longtime Democratic operative and former press secretary to Mayor Edward I. Koch, recently made to The Washington Post: He said that Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) would make a great replacement for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton because Lowey 'is in her 70s, and her health is so-so, so she would be the perfect interim pick to serve out the term.'
I've got news for Artz: In a town of power geezers, the 71-year old Lowey is a spring chicken. Sure, we have a 47-year-old president-elect. But it doesn't hurt to be well past the standard retirement age when you're traversing the halls of the Capitol."
Thanks to Beth Foxwell for the link.
I've got news for Artz: In a town of power geezers, the 71-year old Lowey is a spring chicken. Sure, we have a 47-year-old president-elect. But it doesn't hurt to be well past the standard retirement age when you're traversing the halls of the Capitol."
Thanks to Beth Foxwell for the link.
Just Take a Seat
Unusual Museums of the Internet - Toilet seat museum: "Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum"
Thanks to Jeff Segal for the link.
Thanks to Jeff Segal for the link.
The Devil's Rejects
See what the poster says? Well, nasty, savage, and brutal barely begin to describe this movie. You can throw in violent, blood, gory, and sadistic, and there are probably still some adjectives lacking.The story opens only a short time after the end of the move's predecessor, House of 1000 Corpses, which I haven't seen. A misshapen hulk drags a corpse through a wooded area. A guy is asleep with the corpse of what once was a woman. Two living women sleep peacefully. Then the sheriff and his deputies arrive to "do the Lord's work." A bloody shoot-out ensues. Some members of the Firefly family are killed. Mom is captured. Otis and Baby escape, get in touch with dad, and then things really get hellish. Even the sheriff who wants to do the Lord's work changes until by the end of the film, he's no better than the Fireflys.
Not that the Fireflys don't have a sense of humor. They take their nicknames from Marx Brother movies, after all. On the other hand, they get their laughs from killing people, which isn't funny at all. They kill because they can and because they like to. It's what they do.
If you didn't know better, you'd swear The Devil's Rejects was made around 1977. It's a perfect re-creation of the exploitation films from that era (The Hills Have Eyes comes to mind). If you like that sort of thing, you'll like this one.
A Blast from the Past
GOLD MEDAL CORNER by BILL CRIDER: ALBERT CONROY: "You never know where collecting old paperbacks will lead you."
Space Opera?
Will Asimov’s Foundation saga be Lord of the Rings in space? - SFFMedia: "New Line founders Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne are developing an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's 1951 novel Foundation, the first in Asimov’s classic space opera saga. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Shaye said, “our idea is to renew the worldwide audience’s appetite for the story” but he added that it is a complex novel, 'this is not a script you can knock out in six months.' Shaye and Lynne plan to adapt the first book, but if the first Foundation movie is successful, aim to create an entire new Foundation movie trilogy just as New Line did with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings."
[. . . . ]
Recently we told you about the upcoming adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation saga. Perhaps realising the cinematic potential of Asimov’s work, or just getting in on the act, New Regency recently acquired the rights to The End of Eternity, a time travel novel first published in 1955.
The End of Eternity tells the story of a ruling class, the Eternals, who can manipulate time and alter history to prevent disasters or remove people they believe will challenge the status quo. One of the time travellers breaks a cardinal rule by falling in love with a woman from another time period.
[. . . . ]
Recently we told you about the upcoming adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation saga. Perhaps realising the cinematic potential of Asimov’s work, or just getting in on the act, New Regency recently acquired the rights to The End of Eternity, a time travel novel first published in 1955.
The End of Eternity tells the story of a ruling class, the Eternals, who can manipulate time and alter history to prevent disasters or remove people they believe will challenge the status quo. One of the time travellers breaks a cardinal rule by falling in love with a woman from another time period.
Get Ready!
(PhysOrg.com) -- Unveiled today, the third annual "IBM Next Five in Five" is a list of innovations that have the potential to change the way people work, live and play over the next five years.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Stand-Off in New Jersey!
Cardboard figure keeps police at bay - Breaking News From New Jersey - NJ.com: "A cardboard figure of a person inside a Somerset County bank kept police at bay for 90 minutes tonight, authorities said.
The standoff at the PNC Bank on routes 518 and 601 in the Skillman section of Montgomery Township ended at about 10:20 p.m., Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest said."
The standoff at the PNC Bank on routes 518 and 601 in the Skillman section of Montgomery Township ended at about 10:20 p.m., Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest said."
Very Bad Deaths -- Spider Robinson
It's hard to know what to say about Spider Robinson's Very Bad Deaths. Robinson's best know as a science fiction writer, and while this book has SF elements, it's not really SF. I'd call it a serial killer novel, but it's not really that, either.The story begins with a huge coincidence. A telepath lives on a deserted island near Vancouver. A plane piloted by a serial killer is in trouble and passes over his house. He picks up the killer's thoughts of regret missing out on torturing and killing a family of four. But the plane rights itself, and the killer is saved. So how does the telepath prevent the murders?
He goes to the one person he can stand to be around, his former college roomie, Russell Walker. Walker's a newspaper columnist, sunk in depression because of the death of his wife. He knows nothing about how to do what the telepath (whose nickname is Smelly) wants him to or how to prevent the murders. They don't know the telepath's name or the name of the family. Walker's attempts to do something, with the help of a woman cop, take up the first 2/3 of the book. The last third brings in the killer.
The Walker character seems closely based on Robinson himself. There are flashbacks to his '60s college days that do little to advance the plot, plus plenty of opinionated digressions. Some nice descriptions of the landscape, too. Since it's essentially a four-character story, you get to know them pretty well. You might not like Walker much. He doesn't seem to be quite the nice guy he says he is. I'm saying no more about the plot, but you might not be too thrilled at the resolution, either. There's a sequel, but I haven't decided if I'll read it. I liked a lot of things about the book, but maybe not enough to read another in the series.
I think Robinson's a Robert B. Parker fan. Key clue: Use of the line, "We'd be fools not to."
Untold Truths -- Kevin Costner
If you're a little skeptical about a new CD from a 53-year-old guy who's better known for other things, I can't blame you. So was I. But by golly, I like what I'm hearing from Kevin Costner and Modern West. Costner's not Elvis, but he's got a voice that's suited to the kind of upbeat country songs on Untold Truths. I especially like the first two songs, "Long Hot Night" and "90 Miles an Hour," but they're all pretty good. If you don't like Costner's movies, but you do like country rock, give his CD a try. It might surprise you.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Kung Fu Panda
Okay, I'll admit it. I enjoyed this movie. Sure, it has the same plot as every sports movie ever made, from The Bad News Bears to Dodgeball, but you gotta go with what works. The fat panda gets chosen as the next kung fu savior, so he has to become the greatest martial arts expert every known in 24 hours (sort of like Bob the Nailer in The 47th Samurai; apparently this, too, is a plot staple, at least in samurai movies). If he doesn't, then the evil villain kung fu guy will destroy the village and maybe the world. Jack Black voices the panda, and he's good, but Dustin Hoffman, as the kung fu master, steals the show.
Why I Don't Shop on Black Friday
Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede: "A worker died after being trampled and a woman miscarried when hundreds of shoppers smashed through the doors of a Long Island Wal-Mart Friday morning, witnesses said.
The unidentified worker, employed as an overnight stock clerk, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m.
Witnesses said the surging throngs of shoppers knocked the man down. He fell and was stepped on. As he gasped for air, shoppers ran over and around him."
The unidentified worker, employed as an overnight stock clerk, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m.
Witnesses said the surging throngs of shoppers knocked the man down. He fell and was stepped on. As he gasped for air, shoppers ran over and around him."
This Year's Bad Sex Award Winner
Book Case at The Times � Blog Archive � The Bad Sex Awards 2008: "The winner of this year’s Bad Sex in Fiction Award is Rachel Johnson, the novelist sister of Tory London Mayor Boris Johnson. Johnson beat former Tony Blair spin doctor Alistair Campbell and veteran writer John Updike to become the 16th winner of the award run by the Literary Review and established by Auberon Waugh to “gently dissuade” authors from including “unconvincing, perfunctory, embarrassing or redundant passages of a sexual nature in otherwise sound literary novels”. The awards were presented by actor Dominic West star of The Wire at the In & Out club in London on Sunday night."
The relevant passage is at the link.
The relevant passage is at the link.
Forgotten Books: HARDMAN #1 ATLANTA DEATHWATCH -- Ralph Dennis
I recommend any books in the Hardman series, but start with the first one. As you can see from the cover, they were marketed like any other men's adventure series from the '70s, but they were a cut above. Sure, Dennis wrote fast, but the writing's very good for the most part. Some books are better than others, but they're all fun if you like hardboiled p.i. stories. The setting (Atlanta) is different, and Hardman himself is an intriguing character. He has a black partner, Hump Evans, who's a bit like Parker's Hawk, and I wonder if Parker read this series.From the back cover: [Hardman's] laws of right and wrong are his own, and he's willing to live and risk dying by them." The case involves "a beautiful blonde, a Black Mafia leader, a white politician, and a murder who strikes at victims regardless of race, creed or sex."
If you haven't read these books, you've missed a treat.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
OMG! Will the Persecution NEVER End?
OMG! Paris Hilton ‘booed at gig’ | Celebrity News | Now Magazine: "Paris Hilton is said to have been reduced to tears at a nightclub appearance earlier this week.
The heiress was due to take to the stage for the 16th birthday party of socialite Crystal Audigier at LA’s Kress nightclub.
But when the crowd realised their surprise guest was Paris, 27, they started to boo."
The heiress was due to take to the stage for the 16th birthday party of socialite Crystal Audigier at LA’s Kress nightclub.
But when the crowd realised their surprise guest was Paris, 27, they started to boo."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Man shoots teen who 'apparently looked at him the wrong way,’ police say | Top Stories | Star-Telegram.com: "HURST -- Police searched for a gunman Wednesday who opened fire on a teen after the youth apparently looked at him the wrong way at an apartment complex.
The 16-year-old was hit in the right buttocks, and his injury was not life-threatening, police said Wednesday."
The 16-year-old was hit in the right buttocks, and his injury was not life-threatening, police said Wednesday."
Croc Update (Family Pool Edition)
Croc takes swim in family pool | Weird True Freaky | News.com.au: "A ONE metre-long crocodile has been found in a backyard swimming pool in Darwin.
The Northern Territory News reports Karen Sanderson, 40, had just jumped into the family's 5m saltwater pool in Darwin's rural area of Noonamah on Monday night, when her husband Steve noticed a dark shape resting on the bottom.
'He was obviously a croc - you could see his teeth hanging out the side of his mouth when he had it shut,'' Mr Sanderson said."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The Northern Territory News reports Karen Sanderson, 40, had just jumped into the family's 5m saltwater pool in Darwin's rural area of Noonamah on Monday night, when her husband Steve noticed a dark shape resting on the bottom.
'He was obviously a croc - you could see his teeth hanging out the side of his mouth when he had it shut,'' Mr Sanderson said."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The Fall
The Fall is the best-looking movie I've seen in a long time. It bombed at the box office, and in fact was barely released. Maybe nobody knew how to sell it. Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies) plays a stuntman in early 20th century Hollywood. He's been crippled in a fall. He's suicidal and in a hospital in which a young girl played by Catinca Untaru (in a fine performance) is also a patient. Pace begins telling her stories, starring himself as the Blue Bandit, to persuade her to get him the pills he needs to kill himself. The tales of the Blue Bandit get grimmer as they come to an end. The girl is hurt in a fall herself, but she recovers, and the magic of the movies brings her happiness later on as she works in the orange groves with her family. Judy found this movie boring and slow. I can see why, but even in the slower parts, it's a wonder to look at. One of these days when you want to see something completely different, rent this one and see what you think.Gator Update (Drug Bust Edition)
Yes, it's happened again. How many times does this make that a routine drug bust has led to the discover of a captive gator? Something's happening here, but I don't know what it is, Mr. Jones. And this time it's in Texas.
Drug bust leads to discovery of alligator in pit | News Bizarre | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "A drug bust at a home in South Texas led to the discovery of a 7-foot-long alligator in a pit topped by wire.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino says game wardens were being called in to pick up the alligator and determine whether the suspects legally had it on their property.
The home in Alton that was raided Tuesday led to the recovery of about 50 pounds of marijuana and cocaine, some apparent stolen goods, plus discovery of the lengthy reptile."
Drug bust leads to discovery of alligator in pit | News Bizarre | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "A drug bust at a home in South Texas led to the discovery of a 7-foot-long alligator in a pit topped by wire.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino says game wardens were being called in to pick up the alligator and determine whether the suspects legally had it on their property.
The home in Alton that was raided Tuesday led to the recovery of about 50 pounds of marijuana and cocaine, some apparent stolen goods, plus discovery of the lengthy reptile."
Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope all of you who are celebrating have a wonderful day. Judy and I will be at our daughter's townhouse in Houston, along with our son and my sister. We'll have far too much to eat, but then that's a tradition, right?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
You Know You Want This
Busted Flush Press: "Coming fall 2009, Tower marks the first collaboration between crime writers Ken Bruen (The Guards, Once Were Cops) and Reed Farrel Coleman (The James Deans, The Fourth Victim). With four Shamus Awards and four Edgar Award nominations (and plenty of other trophies!) between them, Bruen and Coleman combine forces with a novel that is steeped in metaphysics, baseball, and brutality... Over the next few months leading up to publication, we'll reveal here bits and pieces about the book, with interviews, excerpts, contests and more. Today, we have a sampling of the cover copy. Enjoy, and please spread the word! [If you need any Ken Bruen or Reed Farrel Coleman bibliography checklist bookmarks, just shoot us an e-mail.]"
Happy Anniversary, Casablanca!
"It was on this day in 1942 that the film Casablanca had its first showing. The event took place at the Hollywood Theater in New York City. It starred Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Casablanca is the story of a cynical freedom fighter-turned-nightclub owner, Rick Blaine, an American expatriate living in Casablanca and staying out of politics, staying on the good side of the local police chief. Then Victor Laszlo, a leader of the European resistance movement, turns up in town and needs Rick's help. He brings his wife, Ilsa, who turns out to be Rick's former lover, a woman who ran away from Rick and broke his heart. Rick has two visas to get out of occupied Casablanca, and he considers escaping with Ilsa, but gives his visas to Victor and Ilsa.The film did pretty well and got decent reviews. The New Yorker magazine called it 'pretty tolerable.' But it won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and now it's one of the best-loved films of all time, and one of the most quoted."
Paris Hilton Update
Paris 'desperate' to win Benji back - New Zealand's source for entertainment news, gossip & music, movie & book reviews on Stuff.co.nz: "Paris Hilton has been desperately trying to win ex-lover Benji Madden back.
The heiress chased her former boyfriend across Los Angeles on Saturday night in an attempt to reconcile with him following their split last week.
Paris had reportedly been bombarding the Good Charlotte rocker with text messages, but he refused to reply."
The heiress chased her former boyfriend across Los Angeles on Saturday night in an attempt to reconcile with him following their split last week.
Paris had reportedly been bombarding the Good Charlotte rocker with text messages, but he refused to reply."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
CRIME Blog | The Dallas Morning News: "Dallas County Constable Jaime Cortes is already feeling the Christmas spirit.
But this is not your average law enforcement holiday event.
Cortes, the Precinct 5 constable who was just re-elected, is holding a political fund raiser at the Hooters restaurant in downtown Dallas."
But this is not your average law enforcement holiday event.
Cortes, the Precinct 5 constable who was just re-elected, is holding a political fund raiser at the Hooters restaurant in downtown Dallas."
Our Tax Dollars at Work
TSA ads aim to get fliers on board with security measures - USATODAY.com: "WASHINGTON — The group that created Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog has a new potential icon: Stephanie the airport screener.
A $1.3 million ad campaign launched this month teams the Ad Council and the Transportation Security Administration trying to change behavior of passengers who no longer automatically accept post-Sept. 11 airport security procedures. The public relations push explains the terrorist threat and the reasons behind annoyances at checkpoints."
A $1.3 million ad campaign launched this month teams the Ad Council and the Transportation Security Administration trying to change behavior of passengers who no longer automatically accept post-Sept. 11 airport security procedures. The public relations push explains the terrorist threat and the reasons behind annoyances at checkpoints."
I Hope This Guy is Wrong
Satellite Radio Is Dead: "I hate to say it, but somebody has to: Satellite radio will come crashing down to Earth within the next two years. The newly merged Sirius XM Radio is already living on borrowed time -- and borrowed money -- and simply will not and cannot survive."
This Raises More Questions than it Answers
My parrot bonked my feather hat | The Sun |News: "HORRIFIED Jackie Lucking woke to find her parrot bonking her feather hat — while she was wearing it!
Her pet Shrek flew into a lust-filled frenzy after swallowing nine SlimNSexy diet pills, which also boost sex drive."
Her pet Shrek flew into a lust-filled frenzy after swallowing nine SlimNSexy diet pills, which also boost sex drive."
Monday, November 24, 2008
An Idea Whose Time Has Come
AandE reality suits Steven Seagal - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety: "Steven Seagal can now add 'reality TV lead' to his resume, as A&E is in production on nonfiction skein 'Steven Seagal: Lawman' in New Orleans.
According to the net, Seagal has been working on and off as a fully commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish County Sheriff's Office for nearly two decades. One of his stints found him assisting with recovery efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
'Lawman' also will document his life off the beat, including his musical and philanthropic activities in the Big Easy."
According to the net, Seagal has been working on and off as a fully commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish County Sheriff's Office for nearly two decades. One of his stints found him assisting with recovery efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
'Lawman' also will document his life off the beat, including his musical and philanthropic activities in the Big Easy."
This Can't Be Good
Lee Goldberg has a snipped from PW. It seems that HMH has "temporarily stopped acquiring manuscripts." You can read Lee's post here.
Jeff Meyerson is Famous
Dave Barry's Blog: IF WE OBSERVED BIRTHDAYS ON THIS BLOG, WHICH WE DO NOT: "IF WE OBSERVED BIRTHDAYS ON THIS BLOG, WHICH WE DO NOT
...we would observe that today is Jeff Meyerson's 60th."
Happy birthday, Jeff!
...we would observe that today is Jeff Meyerson's 60th."
Happy birthday, Jeff!
Croc Update (Swiss Edition)
150 million-year-old skeleton of a marine crocodyliform, metriorhynchus, found. - swissinfo: "Palaeontologists have announced the discovery of a 150 million-year-old skeleton of a marine crocodyliform - a unique find for Switzerland.
Up until now, discoveries of the metriorhynchus have only been made in a handful of countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Argentina and Chile."
Up until now, discoveries of the metriorhynchus have only been made in a handful of countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Argentina and Chile."
The Poll is Closed
The results are here: Sci-fi special: Your all-time favourite science fiction - 12 November 2008 - New Scientist: "Sci-fi special: Your all-time favourite science fiction"
Croc Update. Or Gator Update. Or Caiman Update (Nobody's Business Edition)
Connecticut Law Tribune: To Homeowner, $35 Fine Is A Big Croc: "Former Greenwich resident and pro se appellant Gary Ryder won’t say whether he has a pet crocodile. Or alligator. Or caiman, for that matter.
But a police officer reported seeing some type of seven- or eight-foot-long reptile in Ryder’s bathtub on a late summer afternoon in 2004. Ryder’s response: Whatever was there was not anyone else’s business, especially not the police officer’s."
But a police officer reported seeing some type of seven- or eight-foot-long reptile in Ryder’s bathtub on a late summer afternoon in 2004. Ryder’s response: Whatever was there was not anyone else’s business, especially not the police officer’s."
Penguin's Cool Philip Marlowe Set
You get the poster, too. They have other sets and posters. You can check them out at the link.Penguin Sets - Penguin UK: "Philip Marlowe is the quintessential hard-boiled private investigator. Gumshoeing the mean streets of Los Angeles in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties, Marlowe is on the trail of mobsters, hoods, femme fatales, killers, liars, drunks, crooked police and anyone else looking for a short cut to the American Dream.
The seven novels and four short stories collected in these eight books reveal a dark, wicked world where the gun trumps honesty every time."
Iron-Age Torc
I remember Peter Tork.
Metal detector man's �350,000 Iron Age neckband - Telegraph: "Maurice Richardson discovered the Iron Age gold and silver choker, known as a torc, in a Nottinghamshire field near his Newark home.
Archaeologists believe the torc, the most expensive single treasure find since 1996, was made by the Iceni tribe, once headed by Boudica, which had its power base in present-day East Anglia.
Four other similar torcs have been discovered, but they were all found some 100 miles away in Norfolk."
Metal detector man's �350,000 Iron Age neckband - Telegraph: "Maurice Richardson discovered the Iron Age gold and silver choker, known as a torc, in a Nottinghamshire field near his Newark home.
Archaeologists believe the torc, the most expensive single treasure find since 1996, was made by the Iceni tribe, once headed by Boudica, which had its power base in present-day East Anglia.
Four other similar torcs have been discovered, but they were all found some 100 miles away in Norfolk."
Chariots of the Bulgarians
Bulgarian archaeologists discover ancient chariot: "Archaeologists have unearthed a well-preserved 1,800-year-old bronze chariot at an ancient Thracian tomb in southeastern Bulgaria, the head of the excavation said Friday.
'The lavishly ornamented four-wheel chariot dates back to the end of the second century A.D.,' Veselin Ignatov told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from the site, near the southeastern village of Karanovo."
'The lavishly ornamented four-wheel chariot dates back to the end of the second century A.D.,' Veselin Ignatov told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from the site, near the southeastern village of Karanovo."
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Why Didn't Texas Think of This?
Noise violatiors in Fort Lupton sentenced to listen to Barry Manilow : Local News : The Rocky Mountain News: "FORT LUPTON — Barry Manilow's 'I Write the Songs' may begin with the line, 'I've been alive forever,'' but for noise ordinance violators, listening to Manilow may feel like forever.
Fort Lupton Municipal Judge Paul Sacco says his novel punishment of forcing noise violators to listen to music they don't like for one hour has cut down on the number of repeat offenders in this northwestern Colorado prairie town.
About four times a year, those guilty of noise ordinance violations are required to sit in a room and listen to music from the likes of Manilow, Barney the Dinosaur, and The Platters' crooning 'Only You'"
Fort Lupton Municipal Judge Paul Sacco says his novel punishment of forcing noise violators to listen to music they don't like for one hour has cut down on the number of repeat offenders in this northwestern Colorado prairie town.
About four times a year, those guilty of noise ordinance violations are required to sit in a room and listen to music from the likes of Manilow, Barney the Dinosaur, and The Platters' crooning 'Only You'"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Economy has new-car dealers shifting to used-car focus | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News: "Dust rises daily from Prestige Ford in Garland, grit that doesn't quite fit this spare era.In the worst new-car market in 25 years – and at a time when most car dealers are cutting way back – Prestige owner Randall Reed is spending $6 million to extensively remodel a portion of his dealership and convert his former new-car operation to a used-car superstore."
But What about us Geezers?
BBC NEWS | Technology | Online time 'is good for teens': "Surfing the internet, playing games and hanging out on social networks are important for teen development, a large study of online use has revealed.
The report counters the stereotypical view held by many parents and teachers that such activity is a waste of time."
The report counters the stereotypical view held by many parents and teachers that such activity is a waste of time."
Ths News Doesn't Make my Day
Sunday Express | UK News :: Clint hangs up Magnum: "CLINT EASTWOOD has squinted his last on the big screen. He is set to retire from acting after a career spanning more than 50 years.
Clint, 78, says he has no plans to appear in films again after starring in Gran Torino, a drama about a racist veteran of the Korean War."
Clint, 78, says he has no plans to appear in films again after starring in Gran Torino, a drama about a racist veteran of the Korean War."
The Devoured Planet
That would have been a good title for a novella in Imaginative Tales.
Remains of devoured planet discovered - 22 November 2008 - New Scientist: "A DUST cloud around a dead star may be all that's left of a planet that was eaten like a peach.
Observations of the cloud around the white dwarf G29-38 by a team led by William Reach of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena suggest it is most likely to be the shredded core of a gas-giant planet like Jupiter (The Astrophysical Journal, in press)."
Remains of devoured planet discovered - 22 November 2008 - New Scientist: "A DUST cloud around a dead star may be all that's left of a planet that was eaten like a peach.
Observations of the cloud around the white dwarf G29-38 by a team led by William Reach of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena suggest it is most likely to be the shredded core of a gas-giant planet like Jupiter (The Astrophysical Journal, in press)."
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