Thursday, December 25, 2008
No Comment Department
Are Michael Cera and Beyonce Heading for Gilligan's Island?: "Sherwood Schwartz, creator of The Brady Bunch, and his son Lloyd Schwartz are finally moving ahead on a big screen version of Gilligan's Island, a 1969 sitcom which the legendary producer also created. And if the two Schwartzs have it their way, Michael Cera will be slipping into that famous red shirt and white hat as Gilligan. They are also currently trying to nab Beyonce as sexy movie star Ginger."
It's Christmas!
So Judy and I are waiting around the house, where the stockings are hung by the chimney with care (as you can see in the photo somewhere below), hoping that our kids will arrive soon. Santa has been here, and we want to open the presents. It's 62° outside, and foggy. Not ideal Christmas weather, but we'll take it. A Christmas Story is running in its continuous loop on TV. Life is good, and I hope that whoever is reading this, wherever you are, that you're full of happiness and good cheer. Maybe for one day we can have peace on Earth and good will for everyone. Nah, too much to ask, but, as one of my favorite literary characters says, "Isn't it pretty to think so."
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas to All
Thanks for reading the blog and buying my books. Judy and I wish a wonderful holiday, for all of you, no matter what you might be celebrating.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Better watch out: Pancho Claus is coming to town | Life | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Santa has a cousin named Pancho.
He loves kids. He passes out gifts.
And he’s a barrio folk hero with as many faces as there are guys across Texas willing to pull on a red suit and get into the act.
In Houston, Richard Reyes’ version of Pancho Claus wears a red zoot suit, fronts a swing band, and keeps an entourage of “elves” and lowrider cars. His Pancho, designed to appeal to at-risk kids, grew out of his Chicano version of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, which he wrote and turned into a play in 1981: “When what to my wondering eye should appear, but eight lowrider cars all jacked down in the rear!”
In San Antonio, Rudy Martinez dons a red sombrero, a Christmas poncho and a jet-black beard to play Pancho Claus. When children ask, he explains that Pancho drives a team of burros led by a special burro named Chuy. If pressed, Martinez might tell them the legend of Pancho Claus: Two children were standing in a field in Mexico. A fairy godmother appeared and granted them one wish for Christmas. The children said they wished to make all the children in the world happy. Impressed, the fairy godmother created Pancho Claus, Santa’s cousin from the South Pole."
He loves kids. He passes out gifts.
And he’s a barrio folk hero with as many faces as there are guys across Texas willing to pull on a red suit and get into the act.
In Houston, Richard Reyes’ version of Pancho Claus wears a red zoot suit, fronts a swing band, and keeps an entourage of “elves” and lowrider cars. His Pancho, designed to appeal to at-risk kids, grew out of his Chicano version of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, which he wrote and turned into a play in 1981: “When what to my wondering eye should appear, but eight lowrider cars all jacked down in the rear!”
In San Antonio, Rudy Martinez dons a red sombrero, a Christmas poncho and a jet-black beard to play Pancho Claus. When children ask, he explains that Pancho drives a team of burros led by a special burro named Chuy. If pressed, Martinez might tell them the legend of Pancho Claus: Two children were standing in a field in Mexico. A fairy godmother appeared and granted them one wish for Christmas. The children said they wished to make all the children in the world happy. Impressed, the fairy godmother created Pancho Claus, Santa’s cousin from the South Pole."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
CRIME Blog | The Dallas Morning News: "When two robbers hit the Romance Store at 780 N. Beach St. in Fort Worth Sunday afternoon, they took cash and may have taken care of their Christmas shopping as well.
'They took four or five penis pumps,' said manager Sunny Sharma. 'And a life-size blow-up doll.'"
'They took four or five penis pumps,' said manager Sunny Sharma. 'And a life-size blow-up doll.'"
Some Christmas Stars for You from the Hubble
Hubble Captures Images of Rare Mammoth Stars | Wired Science from Wired.com: "The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed two of the most massive stars in our galaxy as never before. Located 7,500 light years away from Earth in the Carina Nebula, these stars are rare ultra-hot, super-bright stars that emit primarily ultraviolet radiation, that gives them a blue hue.WR25, the brightest of the stars near the center of the image, is actually a large star 50 times the size of our sun with another star half that size orbiting around it. To the upper left of WR25, the third brightest star in this image is really a triple star cluster. Two are so close together that telescopes with less resolution can't resolve them. The third star may take hundreds of thousands of years to orbit around them."
10 Great Serious Sci-Fi Movies From The 1950s - The List Universe
10 Great Serious Sci-Fi Movies From The 1950s - The List Universe: "1950s sci-fi is noted for its remarkable lack of, shall we say, sophistication. For the most part, the genre was derided as mere B-grade theater-filler schlock. But during that decade, there were serious efforts. The science in most of the films on this list is probably not plausible (or is no longer considered plausible), but these films attempted to present serious dramas, or at least thoughtful stories, amid a genre flooded with the absurd."
A Plot for Your Next Novel
Mexican beauty queen arrested in gun-filled truck - Yahoo! News: "GUADALAJARA, Mexico – A reigning Mexican beauty queen from the drug-plagued state of Sinaloa was arrested with suspected gang members in a truck filled guns and ammunition, police say.
Miss Sinaloa 2008 Laura Zuniga stared at the ground, with her flowing dark hair concealing her face, as she stood squeezed between seven alleged gunmen lined up before journalists. Soldiers wearing ski masks guarded the 23-year-old model and the suspects."
Miss Sinaloa 2008 Laura Zuniga stared at the ground, with her flowing dark hair concealing her face, as she stood squeezed between seven alleged gunmen lined up before journalists. Soldiers wearing ski masks guarded the 23-year-old model and the suspects."
Cats are a Boy's Best Friends
Real-life Mowgli kept alive by cats - Telegraph: "The boy, whose ordeal mirrors that of the character Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling The Jungle Book, was discovered by police in Misiones, in Argentina, surrounded by eight wild cats.
Doctors believe the animals snuggled up with him during freezing nights which would otherwise have killed him.
The boy was seen eating scraps foraged by the animals while they licked him, it has been claimed."
Doctors believe the animals snuggled up with him during freezing nights which would otherwise have killed him.
The boy was seen eating scraps foraged by the animals while they licked him, it has been claimed."
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Paris Hilton Update
Okay, here's my latest million-dollar idea: Paris Hilton, P. I. First the TV series, then the tie-in novels, action figures, etc. Are you listening, Paris?
Paris Suspects Burglar Was No Stranger to Her Home, Asks for Jewelry's Safe Return - E! Online: "Having viewed her home surveillance tapes, Paris Hilton doesn't think a stranger is responsible for burglarizing her Sherman Oaks, Calif., abode.
'I think whoever did this, definitely has been there before,' the ripped-off heiress told E! News Monday while perusing the racks at the L.A. boutique Intuition. 'We have some suspects that I'm thinking of.'"
Paris Suspects Burglar Was No Stranger to Her Home, Asks for Jewelry's Safe Return - E! Online: "Having viewed her home surveillance tapes, Paris Hilton doesn't think a stranger is responsible for burglarizing her Sherman Oaks, Calif., abode.
'I think whoever did this, definitely has been there before,' the ripped-off heiress told E! News Monday while perusing the racks at the L.A. boutique Intuition. 'We have some suspects that I'm thinking of.'"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Lawsuit from cheerleader's mother: Carrollton-Farmers Branch schools didn't punish bullies enough | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Carrollton/Farmers Branch News: "Misbehaving cheerleaders are causing drama for a suburban school district.
The mother of a former Creekview High School cheerleader has filed a federal lawsuit against Carrollton-Farmers Branch schools, arguing the district did not sufficiently discipline cheerleaders who she says bullied her daughter."
The mother of a former Creekview High School cheerleader has filed a federal lawsuit against Carrollton-Farmers Branch schools, arguing the district did not sufficiently discipline cheerleaders who she says bullied her daughter."
Alamo Update
Santa Anna cannonball missing: "If you see someone trying to unload a cannonball, San Antonio police want you to contact them.
A thief stole the cannonball Sunday night while it was on display at the Fairmont Hotel in the 400 block of South Alamo.
The cannonball once belonged to Gen. Santa Anna, the man who defeated Texian forces in 1836 at the Battle of the Alamo. The softball-size cannonball has been certified authentic by the Institute of Texan Cultures."
A thief stole the cannonball Sunday night while it was on display at the Fairmont Hotel in the 400 block of South Alamo.
The cannonball once belonged to Gen. Santa Anna, the man who defeated Texian forces in 1836 at the Battle of the Alamo. The softball-size cannonball has been certified authentic by the Institute of Texan Cultures."
Archaeology Update
News from The Associated Press: "SAQQARA, Egypt (AP) -- A pair of 4,300-year-old pharaonic tombs discovered at Saqqara indicate that the sprawling necropolis south of Cairo is even larger than previously thought, Egypt's top archaeologist said Monday. The rock-cut tombs were built for high officials - one responsible for the quarries used to build the nearby pyramids and another for a woman in charge of procuring entertainers for the pharaohs.
'We announce today a major, important discovery at Saqqara, the discovery of two new tombs dating back to 4,300 years ago,' said Zahi Hawass, as he showed reporters around the site Monday. 'The discovery of the two tombs are the beginning of a big, large cemetery.'
The discovery indicates that there is even more to the vast necropolis of Saqqara, located 12 miles south of the capital, Cairo, he added."
'We announce today a major, important discovery at Saqqara, the discovery of two new tombs dating back to 4,300 years ago,' said Zahi Hawass, as he showed reporters around the site Monday. 'The discovery of the two tombs are the beginning of a big, large cemetery.'
The discovery indicates that there is even more to the vast necropolis of Saqqara, located 12 miles south of the capital, Cairo, he added."
40 Years Ago
Apollo 8 astronauts remember historic voyage - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- Forty years ago this week, three men in a tiny spacecraft slipped their earthly bonds and traveled where no one else had before, circling the moon 10 times and bringing back an iconic image of a blue-and-white Earth in the distance, solitary but bound as one against the black vastness beyond.
Host Nick Clooney (left) and astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders answer questions in October.
The voyage of Apollo 8 from December 21-27, 1968, marked humans' first venture to another heavenly body.
'We were flying to the moon for the first time,' said Jim Lovell, one of the three astronauts aboard the historic flight. 'Seeing the far side of the moon for the first time. Coming around and seeing the Earth as it really is -- a small fragile planet with a rather normal star, our sun.'"
Host Nick Clooney (left) and astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders answer questions in October.
The voyage of Apollo 8 from December 21-27, 1968, marked humans' first venture to another heavenly body.
'We were flying to the moon for the first time,' said Jim Lovell, one of the three astronauts aboard the historic flight. 'Seeing the far side of the moon for the first time. Coming around and seeing the Earth as it really is -- a small fragile planet with a rather normal star, our sun.'"
The 20 Most Ridiculous Batman Covers
The 20 Most Ridiculous Batman Comics Ever Released | Cracked.com
Some of these are pretty funny. So are the annotations.
Some of these are pretty funny. So are the annotations.
Rubber Duckie, Where are You?
Nasa hunts for rubber ducks used to track melting of Arctic icecap | Environment | The Guardian: "Sailors, fishermen and cruise passengers should be on the alert. If anybody spots a yellow rubber duck bobbing on the ocean waves, Nasa would like to know.
The US space agency has yet to find any trace of 90 bathtub toys that were dropped through holes in Greenland's ice three months ago in an effort to track the way the Arctic icecap is melting. Scientists threw the ducks into tubular holes known as 'moulins' in the Jakobshavn glacier on Greenland's west coast, hoping they would find their way into channels beneath the hard-packed surface, to track the flow of melt water into the ocean."
The US space agency has yet to find any trace of 90 bathtub toys that were dropped through holes in Greenland's ice three months ago in an effort to track the way the Arctic icecap is melting. Scientists threw the ducks into tubular holes known as 'moulins' in the Jakobshavn glacier on Greenland's west coast, hoping they would find their way into channels beneath the hard-packed surface, to track the flow of melt water into the ocean."
Music: It's Not Just for Dancing
If music be the food of love ... then it also lowers cholesterol - Times Online: "Take a tune and come back to see me in the morning. Doctors have found that prescribing music can improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels.
Their research found that if a patient listens to 30 minutes a day of their favourite music, it does more than relaxing them mentally – it also benefits them physically by expanding and clearing blood vessels.
Doctors have tried the method on some patients in America and it has been welcomed by British experts. It is believed to work by triggering the release into the bloodstream of nitric oxide, which helps to prevent the build-up of blood clots and harmful cholesterol.
The findings are part of a growing body of research into the effects of music on the human body. Scientists have found that songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna can improve endurance, while 18th-century symphonies can improve mental focus."
Their research found that if a patient listens to 30 minutes a day of their favourite music, it does more than relaxing them mentally – it also benefits them physically by expanding and clearing blood vessels.
Doctors have tried the method on some patients in America and it has been welcomed by British experts. It is believed to work by triggering the release into the bloodstream of nitric oxide, which helps to prevent the build-up of blood clots and harmful cholesterol.
The findings are part of a growing body of research into the effects of music on the human body. Scientists have found that songs by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna can improve endurance, while 18th-century symphonies can improve mental focus."
William Blake Update
Recreated: the exhibition that broke William Blake - News, Art - The Independent: "When William Blake began orchestrating his first solo exhibition in London in March 1809, showcasing what he thought were his most important works of art, he hoped the world would instantly hail him as a British Raphael or Michelangelo.
But it was a career turning point of a very different kind. Blake's art show, at his brother's shop in Soho, was a critical flop which precipitated a crisis of confidence. Only one critic turned up to give it a stinking review and even his friends were baffled by the 16 works on show. The opening night was such a blow to Blake's ego that he retreated from public life and became deeply embittered by the state of the art world.
Now, his most ambitious attempt to create a public reputation as a painter will be re-enacted by Tate Britain."
But it was a career turning point of a very different kind. Blake's art show, at his brother's shop in Soho, was a critical flop which precipitated a crisis of confidence. Only one critic turned up to give it a stinking review and even his friends were baffled by the 16 works on show. The opening night was such a blow to Blake's ego that he retreated from public life and became deeply embittered by the state of the art world.
Now, his most ambitious attempt to create a public reputation as a painter will be re-enacted by Tate Britain."
Killing Castro -- Lawrence Block
It's 1961, not long after the Bay of Pigs fiasco and not long before the missile crisis. Five oddly assorted men are hired by a man named Hiraldo and paid $20,ooo each. Their mission: kill Fidel Castro.Two of the men go into Cuba together. Turner is wanted for murder in the U.S. and is looking for a way out. Hines is just a kid, but Castro had his brother executed. Hines wants revenge. Their plan: kill Castro with a bomb while he's making a speech.
Two others join a guerilla band. Garth is a lump of muscle with no brain. Fenton has cancer with six months to live and wants to accomplish something before he dies. Their plan is to ambush Castro on the highway.
Garrison is a loner. He has a rifle and a hotel room with a good view of a square where Castro is scheduled to speak.
The fates of the men play out in different ways, sometimes in ways you might not have expected. Interspersed with chapters about the men are italicized chapters giving the history of Castro and his revolution for those who weren't around at the time or who don't remember or who didn't pay attention in history class.
Not Block's best, but it's lean (Block doing a little Hemingway) and fast, and Block is always worth reading. What I wish is that there was a little history of the book included, a short essay on how and why it came to be written, for example. Also, I've heard that there are some minor changes in the text and in the ending. I'd like to know if that's true, and, if it is, what those changes are and why they were made. It would add a lot to the enjoyment of the book for me. But I'm happy to have it as it is. Check it out.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Buzzwords of 2008
The Buzzwords of 2008 - NYTimes.com: "Picking out political buzzwords from 2008 is like shooting moose in a pigpen. The fundamentals were so dizzyingly strong, it could be tough to keep them all straight. Before you knew it “The One” had become “That One” and the “team of mavericks” were going rogue on each other. You mixed up Client 9 and Candidate 5 at the holiday party and tried to change the subject.
The lifespan of Hillary Clinton’s campaign “meta-narrative” could be charted entirely in buzzwords and catch-phrases — “inevitability” to “Clinton fatigue” to “Obamamania” to “he can’t win” to “team of rivals.”"
The lifespan of Hillary Clinton’s campaign “meta-narrative” could be charted entirely in buzzwords and catch-phrases — “inevitability” to “Clinton fatigue” to “Obamamania” to “he can’t win” to “team of rivals.”"
Hat tip to Rick Robinson.
No Comment Department
Werewolf dramedy unleashed at Fox: "Talk about a hairy 'Sex and the City.'
The Fox network is developing 'Bitches,' a dramedy about a quartet of female friends in New York who are werewolves."
The Fox network is developing 'Bitches,' a dramedy about a quartet of female friends in New York who are werewolves."
Archaeology Update
Israeli archaeologists find rare gold coins - CNN.com: "The Israel Antiquities Authority reported a thrilling find Sunday -- the discovery of 264 ancient gold coins in Jerusalem National Park.
The coins were minted during the early 7th century.
'This is one of the largest and most impressive coin hoards ever discovered in Jerusalem -- certainly the largest and most important of its period,' said Doron Ben-Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets, who are directing the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority."
The coins were minted during the early 7th century.
'This is one of the largest and most impressive coin hoards ever discovered in Jerusalem -- certainly the largest and most important of its period,' said Doron Ben-Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets, who are directing the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority."
Croc Update (Three for the Price of One Edition)
African dwarf crocodile is actually three distinct species | Entertainment and Showbiz!: "By looking at the genes of the African dwarf crocodile, scientists have found that the group comprises of three distinct species rather than one.
The analysis was done by a team from the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History.
This not only ends a long debate about the taxonomy of this group, previously thought to consist of two closely related subspecies, but also defines a new, distinct species from genetic samples."
The analysis was done by a team from the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History.
This not only ends a long debate about the taxonomy of this group, previously thought to consist of two closely related subspecies, but also defines a new, distinct species from genetic samples."
The Evil Santas of Science Fiction
Triviagasm: The Evil Santas of Science Fiction: "When most of us think of Santa, we envision Coca-Cola's jolly old elf. But some Santas are more naughty than nice. We list some of the most evil scifi Clauses to stalk the Christmas skies."
Hat tip to Don Webb.
Hat tip to Don Webb.
If You Think It's Bad Where You Live, . . .
12 Decapitated Bodies Found in Southern Mexico: "MEXICO CITY, Dec. 21 -- The decapitated bodies of 12 men were discovered early Sunday scattered in and around a state capital in southern Mexico. Nine of the headless corpses were strewn along a busy street, where the Guerrero state governor later appeared for a religious procession. Authorities said some of the victims were Mexican army soldiers.
The gruesome display comes as drug traffickers and their death squads fight law enforcement authorities as well as each other for control of prized routes into the United States, the world's most lucrative drug market.
Near some of the decapitated remains, authorities found a sign that read: 'For every one of mine that you kill, I will kill 10.' Dumping heads and bodies in public view is becoming a common tactic as the cartels wage a campaign of narco-terrorism."
The gruesome display comes as drug traffickers and their death squads fight law enforcement authorities as well as each other for control of prized routes into the United States, the world's most lucrative drug market.
Near some of the decapitated remains, authorities found a sign that read: 'For every one of mine that you kill, I will kill 10.' Dumping heads and bodies in public view is becoming a common tactic as the cartels wage a campaign of narco-terrorism."
Space Tourism Update
FOXNews.com - Space Tourism Aircraft Makes Maiden Test Flight - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News: "A carrier aircraft designed to be the first stage of a commercial spaceline system made its maiden test flight today at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California.
Designed by Scaled Composites, the huge and unique WhiteKnightTwo mothership rolled down the runway and muscled itself into the air using four Pratt and Whitney PW308A turbofan engines. The WhiteKnightTwo flew for about an hour, departing the runway at roughly 8:17 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, safely touching down at the Mojave Air and Space Port at approximately 9:17 a.m. PST."
Designed by Scaled Composites, the huge and unique WhiteKnightTwo mothership rolled down the runway and muscled itself into the air using four Pratt and Whitney PW308A turbofan engines. The WhiteKnightTwo flew for about an hour, departing the runway at roughly 8:17 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, safely touching down at the Mojave Air and Space Port at approximately 9:17 a.m. PST."
Conspiracy Alert
General George S. Patton was assassinated to silence his criticism of allied war leaders claims new book - Telegraph: "George S. Patton, America's greatest combat general of the Second World War, was assassinated after the conflict with the connivance of US leaders, according to a new book."
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Frog Update
Devoted readers of the blog will recall the tree frog that took up residence in a hanging basket on our front porch back in June, and no doubt many of you wonder if the frog is still around. Yes, it is, and here's a phot from last night to prove it. I don't how well the froggie will weather tonight's cold temperatures, but for now it seems to be doing just fine.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston octuplets celebrate 10th birthday | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Half of the cake was iced in pink, half in blue. Half of it was chocolate; half was vanilla.
The candles on top proclaimed the birthday girls — Echerem, Ebuka, Gorom, Chidi, and Chima — and their brothers — Ikem and Jioke — to be 10 years old.
Saturday, the seven surviving Chukwu octuplets, along with 6-year-old sister Favor and some of the volunteers who helped care for them, blew out those candles to celebrate the milestone day."
The candles on top proclaimed the birthday girls — Echerem, Ebuka, Gorom, Chidi, and Chima — and their brothers — Ikem and Jioke — to be 10 years old.
Saturday, the seven surviving Chukwu octuplets, along with 6-year-old sister Favor and some of the volunteers who helped care for them, blew out those candles to celebrate the milestone day."
Happy Birthday, Crossword Puzzle!
The Writer's Almanac: "On this day in 1913, the world's first crossword puzzle appeared in a special Christmas issue of the New York World."
Julius Fast, R. I. P.
Obituaries - Julius Fast, 89, Mystery Writer Who Also Wrote Books on Body Language and the Beatles, Is Dead - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com: "Julius Fast, who won the first Edgar Award given by the Mystery Writers of America and went on to publish popular books on body language, the Beatles and human relationships, died on Tuesday in Kingston, N.Y. He was 89."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The Kid from Broken Gun
The Kid from Broken Gun (1952) was the last Durango Kid movie and marked Charles Starrett's final appearance on the silver screen. I wish I could tell you it was a classic, but that would be a lie. Like most of the movies in the Durango Kid series, it relies a lot more on action than on any semblance of logic in the plot.It's partially a courtroom drama, too. Jack Mahoney, playing a character named Jack Mahoney, is framed for murder. At his trial, the story unfolds in numerous flashbacks, and it makes very little sense if you stop to think about it. Not that the audience would have cared, since the film seems aimed at six-year-olds. You'd have to be about that age to enjoy the alleged comic relief provided by Smiley Burnette. Smiley gets the song in the picture, too. Earlier films in the series had legitimate singers doing the tunes, but by 1952 budgets must have shrunk considerably.
The film looks good, and the fights and stunts are fun. There's a lot of early parkour-type stuff, with, I guess Mahoney doubling for Starrett. The cast is good, too. Tristram Coffin is the baddie, and Mahoney is fine as the wrongly accused man. I was glad to catch this on TCM at the recommendation of John Hall.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Longarm and the Valley of Skulls -- Tabor Evans
It's an open secret that Tabor Evans, in this instance, is James Reasoner. And if you ask me, James is having way too much fun writing these Longarm novels. My theory is that James wants to have written for every western series there is, or ever was. Since some of the series are defunct, he's sneaking them into the Longarm novels. This time it's the gang from Easy Company. Longarm is sent to the titular (no pun intended) Valley of Skulls to help out with some trouble there. Easy Company is having some problems of its own with Indians in the area and with a wagon train of pilgrims headed for the valley. The two stories are told in alternating chapters until they mesh toward the end of the book. Before that happens, though, James has brought in another series western character, but I'll let you find out about that one for yourself. It gave me a grin or two, though. And the plot turns out to be tied to still another series that James had a hand in.
As usual in a book by James, you get full value. Hooded stage robbers, an Indian attack on a town, fistfights, gunplay, ambushes, and sex. And all that's just in the first 75 pages or so. You can't go wrong here. Check it out.
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Phantom Returns
The Associated Press: New 'Phantom' movie to be filmed in Australia: "An Australian production company on Monday announced it had secured the rights to 'The Phantom Legacy,' a follow-up to the 1996 film 'The Phantom,' which starred Billy Zane as the masked hero who fights evil from his jungle headquarters."
Thanks to Jeff Segal for the link. Updates say this is not a sequel to the Zane picture.
Thanks to Jeff Segal for the link. Updates say this is not a sequel to the Zane picture.
New Flash Fiction Site
Out of the Gutter is sponsoring a new flash site. It's called The Flash Fiction Offensive and stories published on this site are eligible for publication in OOTG. The editor, Rey Gonzalez, is accepting submissions.
I'm Innocent!
iWon News - Police: Man broke into Paris Hilton's home: "LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles police say they are investigating a burglary at a home owned by socialite Paris Hilton.
Los Angeles Police Officer Julianne Sohn says the break-in occurred around 5 a.m. Friday at a home in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles. Sohn says detectives report that a man wearing a hooded sweat shirt broke into the home and ransacked Hilton's bedroom."
Los Angeles Police Officer Julianne Sohn says the break-in occurred around 5 a.m. Friday at a home in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles. Sohn says detectives report that a man wearing a hooded sweat shirt broke into the home and ransacked Hilton's bedroom."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Top 50 Movie Fight Scenes
TOP 50 MOVIE FIGHT SCENES Movie Feature at TheShiznit.co.uk: "'How much can you know about yourself if you've never been in a fight?' The wise words of one Tyler Durden, and a maxim we live by here at TheShiznit. The fifty scenes celebrated in this article represent the finest fights in cinema history, the almighty showdowns that shook the Earth to its very core. Featuring men, women, dinosaurs, robots and computer viruses, it's an unparalled feast of fist-on-fist action that packs a knockout punch. Enjoy!"
Hat tip to Walter Satterthwait.
Hat tip to Walter Satterthwait.
3 Minutes of Your Life You'll Never Get Back
But now you can skip the movie.
Clip du jour: 'Twilight' the Puppet Saga | PopWatch Blog | EW.com: "Attention Twilight lovers and haters alike: here's something you can all get on board with -- Twilight the Puppet Saga. It's the entire movie in three minutes, as performed by puppets."
Clip du jour: 'Twilight' the Puppet Saga | PopWatch Blog | EW.com: "Attention Twilight lovers and haters alike: here's something you can all get on board with -- Twilight the Puppet Saga. It's the entire movie in three minutes, as performed by puppets."
Forgotten Books: SCI-FI -- William Marshall
Once again, I've picked one of my favorite titles from a series, this time William Marshall's Yellowthread Street police procedurals. Imagine the 87th Precinct taken over by the Groucho, Harpo, and Chico and moved to Hong Kong. That'll give you some idea what this series is like.In Sci-Fi, the officers of the Yellowthread Street station are faced with a science fiction convention, something like a WorldCon, slightly exaggerated. Things, of course, go very, very wrong. And there are, as usual, other cases to be solved, all of them bizarre, like the guy who's incinerating people. Not that a problem like incinerated citizens is all that unusual in Marshall's novels. If you want bizarre cases, just pick up any book in the series. Marshall will knock your socks off.
The cast of characters in the books includes Inspectors Auden and Spencer, Harry Feiffer, and Christopher O'Yee, all of them fun to know. Their adventures are equally hilarious and suspenseful.
William Marshall is an Australian writer from whom I haven't seen anything lately. He did other series, but if you haven't read anything about the gang at Yellowthread Street, you've missed a real treat.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Majel Barrett Roddenberry, R. I. P.
Sci-fi icon Majel Barrett Roddenberry dies at 76 - Yahoo! News: "LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Actress Majel Barrett Roddenberry, the widow of 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry and a member of the show's cast, has died. She was 76.
Barrett Roddenberry died of leukemia on Thursday at her home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel Air, her family said in a statement.
Her relationship with Gene Roddenberry, who died in 1991 after the two had been married for 22 years, earned Barrett Roddenberry the nickname 'The First Lady of Star Trek.'"
Hat tip to Mary Ann Melton.
Barrett Roddenberry died of leukemia on Thursday at her home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel Air, her family said in a statement.
Her relationship with Gene Roddenberry, who died in 1991 after the two had been married for 22 years, earned Barrett Roddenberry the nickname 'The First Lady of Star Trek.'"
Hat tip to Mary Ann Melton.
Our Tax Dollars at Work
FBI agents asked for $45k apiece for Iraq OT - Conflict in Iraq- msnbc.com: "WASHINGTON - Taxpayers were billed an average of $45,000 in overtime and extra pay for each FBI agent temporarily posted to Iraq over the course of four years, according to a new Justice Department report. In some cases, agents were paid to watch movies, exercise and attend parties."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Hat tip to Scott D. Parker
Houston judge's daughter sues driver she hit while drunk | Front page | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Convicted last year of intoxication manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, the 21-year-old daughter of a state district judge is suing the truck driver she ran into during a drunken driving crash.
Elizabeth Shelton, the daughter of juvenile judge Pat Shelton, is accusing truck driver Lance Bennett of negligence in the Oct. 23, 2007, wreck that killed her boyfriend Matthew McNiece.
Shelton had a blood alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit, two tests showed. She was sentenced to eight years' probation and had to serve four months in jail.
Shelton, her family and the family of the boyfriend who was killed are suing for $20,000 for the destruction of the Lexus SUV she was driving and an undetermined amount for mental anguish, pain and suffering.
[. . . .]
[Bennett's attorney] noted that Shelton named 16 defendants, including insurance companies and banks.
Houston judge's daughter sues driver she hit while drunk | Front page | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Convicted last year of intoxication manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, the 21-year-old daughter of a state district judge is suing the truck driver she ran into during a drunken driving crash.
Elizabeth Shelton, the daughter of juvenile judge Pat Shelton, is accusing truck driver Lance Bennett of negligence in the Oct. 23, 2007, wreck that killed her boyfriend Matthew McNiece.
Shelton had a blood alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit, two tests showed. She was sentenced to eight years' probation and had to serve four months in jail.
Shelton, her family and the family of the boyfriend who was killed are suing for $20,000 for the destruction of the Lexus SUV she was driving and an undetermined amount for mental anguish, pain and suffering.
[. . . .]
[Bennett's attorney] noted that Shelton named 16 defendants, including insurance companies and banks.
Maybe not the Da Vinci Code
Three near-invisible drawings discovered on back of Da Vinci masterpiece - Times Online: "The French art world is in a frenzy of speculation today after the strange discovery of three almost invisible drawings on the back of a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci in the Louvre museum.
The mysterious sketches, which were found when the painting, Virgin and Child With Saint Anne, was taken down for experts to determine whether it could be restored, may be by the Renaissance artist himself, according to the museum in Paris.
Although the discovery is reminiscent of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, art experts said that the drawings would not have contained a hidden message from the painter."
The mysterious sketches, which were found when the painting, Virgin and Child With Saint Anne, was taken down for experts to determine whether it could be restored, may be by the Renaissance artist himself, according to the museum in Paris.
Although the discovery is reminiscent of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, art experts said that the drawings would not have contained a hidden message from the painter."
Croc Update (Tasty Pets Edition)
Video at link.
cbs4.com - Giant Crocodile Which Ate 3 Dogs Relocated, Again: "CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ―
A huge American crocodile, suspected of eating three dogs in a Coral Gables neighborhood, has been caught and relocated for the second time.
Last year, Gables-by-the-Sea residents had wildlife trappers remove the 11-foot croc out of a neighborhood canal after it ate three neighborhood pets.
Despite being relocated, the giant crocodile came back. So did trappers who relocated the animal a second time on Wednesday. Believe it or not, some neighbors actually enjoyed having the 11-foot long croc in their canal but understand that safety comes first."
cbs4.com - Giant Crocodile Which Ate 3 Dogs Relocated, Again: "CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ―
A huge American crocodile, suspected of eating three dogs in a Coral Gables neighborhood, has been caught and relocated for the second time.
Last year, Gables-by-the-Sea residents had wildlife trappers remove the 11-foot croc out of a neighborhood canal after it ate three neighborhood pets.
Despite being relocated, the giant crocodile came back. So did trappers who relocated the animal a second time on Wednesday. Believe it or not, some neighbors actually enjoyed having the 11-foot long croc in their canal but understand that safety comes first."
Dino Update
Fossil-hunters battle Sahara storms to find dinosaur prize - Times Online: "A dinosaur-hunting expedition to the Sahara desert involving British scientists has found the fossilised remains of what are thought to be two new species.
The ancient remains discovered in Morocco belong to a giant flying pterosaur and plant-eating sauropod. Initial examinations suggest that both specimens are unknown to science.
They were unearthed during a month-long quest during which the research team braved floods and storms to reach the dig site and then preserve the fossils. The scientists even feared that they would never get the bones out of the desert because they were so heavy that their Land Rover became stuck in sand."
The ancient remains discovered in Morocco belong to a giant flying pterosaur and plant-eating sauropod. Initial examinations suggest that both specimens are unknown to science.
They were unearthed during a month-long quest during which the research team braved floods and storms to reach the dig site and then preserve the fossils. The scientists even feared that they would never get the bones out of the desert because they were so heavy that their Land Rover became stuck in sand."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
McDonald's Robbery Suspect Gets Laughed At - Irresistible News Story - KSAT San Antonio: "SAN ANTONIO -- A man who attempted to rob a San Antonio McDonald's on Tuesday evening ran into a string of bad luck, police said.
The man approached a cashier at the McDonald's in the northwest part of the city and demanded money, only to be laughed at when the cashier didn't realize he was trying to rob the store, police said."
The man approached a cashier at the McDonald's in the northwest part of the city and demanded money, only to be laughed at when the cashier didn't realize he was trying to rob the store, police said."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Happy Birthday, Scrabble!
I'm a couple of days late on this, but it's worth a mention.
The sublime joy of Scrabble - This Britain, UK - The Independent: "Happy birthday, Scrabble! No, make that Joyous Birthday, because although 'happy' is one of those deceptively high scoring words, what with H and Y being worth 4, and P 3, making 15 in all, 'joyous' has that initial J, worth 8, which lifts it to 16, one point higher."
The sublime joy of Scrabble - This Britain, UK - The Independent: "Happy birthday, Scrabble! No, make that Joyous Birthday, because although 'happy' is one of those deceptively high scoring words, what with H and Y being worth 4, and P 3, making 15 in all, 'joyous' has that initial J, worth 8, which lifts it to 16, one point higher."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Slingin' Sammy Baugh, R. I. P.
Sammy Baugh, who set numerous passing records with the Washington Redskins, dies at 94 -- Newsday.com: "LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Sammy Baugh, who set numerous passing records with the Washington Redskins in an era when NFL teams were running most every down, died Wednesday night, his son said. Baugh, who was 94 and had numerous health issues, died at Fisher County Hospital in Rotan, David Baugh said. David Baugh said his father had battled Alzheimer's and dementia for several years. He had been ill recently with kidney problems, low blood pressure and double pneumonia.
'It wasn't the same Sam we all knew,' his son told The Associated Press. 'He just finally wore out.'
Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class."
Link via Thrilling Days of Yesteryear.
'It wasn't the same Sam we all knew,' his son told The Associated Press. 'He just finally wore out.'
Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class."
Link via Thrilling Days of Yesteryear.
That'll Teach the S. O. B.!
Madoff put under house arrest - in $7m apartment - Times Online: "Bernard Madoff, the Wall Street trader allegedly responsible for a $50 billion (�32.3 billion) fraud, will be electronically tagged and placed under house arrest at his Manhattan apartment after failing to find enough people to secure his bail.
Mr Madoff must wear an electronic tag and will not be allowed out of his apartment between 7pm and 9am as part of the bail conditions."
Mr Madoff must wear an electronic tag and will not be allowed out of his apartment between 7pm and 9am as part of the bail conditions."
iWon News - Forklift allegedly used to steal ATM in Texas
iWon News - Forklift allegedly used to steal ATM in Texas: "BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) - Talk about picking up some extra cash in time for the holidays.
Beaumont police on Tuesday arrested a suspect in an ATM theft in which a forklift apparently was used to put the electronic money dispenser into a truck.
Police before dawn responded to an alarm at a Wells Fargo branch. They discovered an exterior ATM was gone and the forklift nearby, with its motor running."
Beaumont police on Tuesday arrested a suspect in an ATM theft in which a forklift apparently was used to put the electronic money dispenser into a truck.
Police before dawn responded to an alarm at a Wells Fargo branch. They discovered an exterior ATM was gone and the forklift nearby, with its motor running."
Thanks to Jeff Meyerson for the link.
A First Novel
SF writer and publisher Chris Roberson has put his very first novel on his blog. Certain to become a classic.
Happy Birthday, Erskine Caldwell!
The View From Graustark: It all peaks when Dude runs over Grandma: "Erskine Caldwell was born exactly 105 years ago in Coweta County, Ga. Twenty-nine years later he published a novel that for decades would be a cultural touchstone in this country."
I urge you to read the whole post at the link.
I urge you to read the whole post at the link.
10 Most Important Moustaches
History's 10 Most Important Moustaches: "Since the dawn of time, the light of creation has shown down with favor on the most noble of man-growths: The Moustache. This is its story as told through its most important citizens."
Not a bad list.
Not a bad list.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Croc Update (Spermicide Edition)
Safe Sex - TIME: "Of course, the history of protected sex, in the broadest sense, used to be a whole lot yuckier. Take the practice of women in ancient Egypt, who resorted to using crocodile dung as a spermicide. Modern research has shown that crocodile dung actually created optimum conditions for sperm because of its alkalinity, but the sheer grossness of the practice might have worked if only to completely ruin the mood."
Antikythera Update (See #5)
6 Insane Discoveries That Science Can't Explain | Cracked.com: "We like to feel superior to the people who lived centuries ago, what with their shitty mud huts and curing colds by drilling a hole in their skulls. But we have to give them credit: They left behind some artifacts that have left the smartest of modern scientists scratching their heads."
Decide for Yourself
cbs13.com - Newly Erected Barriers Attract Unplanned Attention: "WINTERS (CBS13) ― A $2 million investment into a downtown improvement project has yielded an unintentionally distracting image, some residents say. Downtown Winters has new benches and new brick sidewalks, but that's not what people seem to be noticing on the corner of Railroad and Main.
Many residents can't agree on what the newly erected, three-foot-high pedestrian barriers look like."
Click the link and take a look.
Many residents can't agree on what the newly erected, three-foot-high pedestrian barriers look like."
Click the link and take a look.
Pulp Press
New publisher on the block.
Hat tip to Pulpetti.
Pulp Press - Home: "What do you do after a hard day? Turn on the goggle box and look at a half-wit squealing out a number in one of those talent shows, or maybe some idiots being baited against each other on a desert Island. Reality TV they call it. Yeah. Well, junior, Pulp Press is offering something a little different."
Hat tip to Pulpetti.
Pulp Press - Home: "What do you do after a hard day? Turn on the goggle box and look at a half-wit squealing out a number in one of those talent shows, or maybe some idiots being baited against each other on a desert Island. Reality TV they call it. Yeah. Well, junior, Pulp Press is offering something a little different."
Peru Update
Snort that, bub.
The Associated Press: Peru seizes 3 tons of cocaine mixed with guano: "LIMA, Peru (AP) — Drug agents in Peru say they have seized 3 tons of cocaine mixed into a shipment of guano bound for Spain."
The Associated Press: Peru seizes 3 tons of cocaine mixed with guano: "LIMA, Peru (AP) — Drug agents in Peru say they have seized 3 tons of cocaine mixed into a shipment of guano bound for Spain."
Fast Ships, Black Sails -- Edited by Ann & Jeff VanderMeer
I couldn't resist buying this book of pirate stories. I've read three of the tales so far, so I thought I'd make a couple of comments.First up is "The Whale Below" by Jayme Lynn Blaschke. I'd read about this one on Blaschke's blog, so I went for it first, and I'm glad I did. I got a big kick out of it. I don't know if it was Blaschke's intention, but I was reminded of some of the old high-adventure SF from the '50s digests like Imagination. This is a fast-action yarn with (of course) pirates, but it also has airships, whales, humor, and action galore.
I was hooked by the first paragraph of Rachel Swirsky's "The Adventures of Captain Black Heart Wentworth: a Nautical Tale" because I learned that the aforementioned Captain Wentworth is the "Rat Pirate of the Gully by the Oak." The tale is a condensed novel, and all the usual pirate tropes are there, but made charming by the cast of characters.
In "Avast, Abaft!" Howard Waldrop takes two or three well-known stories with pirates, shakes them around like dice in a cup, and rolls them out. A moderately amusing trifle.
I plan to read more stories in this volume, since a lot of the others look good to me. If you're a pirate fan, you should check it out.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Police: Tot broke into Family Dollar store to play with toys | News for Austin, Texas | KVUE.com | Top Stories: "BEAUMONT, Texas -- Police called to a Beaumont variety store by a burglar alarm overnight found a toddler inside, playing with the toys.
A police statement says a store surveillance video showed the unidentified boy, thought to be age 2 or 3, tried one of the front doors to a Family Dollar store about 3 a.m. Monday, only to find it locked. But the second door was unlocked and the child went inside.
That triggered the silent alarm that brought police to the store."
A police statement says a store surveillance video showed the unidentified boy, thought to be age 2 or 3, tried one of the front doors to a Family Dollar store about 3 a.m. Monday, only to find it locked. But the second door was unlocked and the child went inside.
That triggered the silent alarm that brought police to the store."
I'm Ahead of the Curve
You'll have to read my book to find out more.WBBM 780 - Chicago's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Urban Chicken Movement Gains Momentum: "CHICAGO (WBBM) - We all have heard of eggs 'fresh from the farm'. How about fresh from the back yard?
It's legal to keep chickens in Chicago.
One East Garfield Park resident who keeps five hens in a coop outside her home tells the Chicago Tribune the birds are 'like pets with eggs.'"
Why Book Publishers Fail
A Writer And Reader On Why Book Publishers Fail - Forbes.com: "In other words, publishing has drifted into the paper-thin celebrity culture that defines just about every other domain, and which is rendering American culture as dull and monotonous as anything in Western history.
But just as newspapers are dooming themselves by cutting the very thing they alone can provide--in-depth, on the spot reporting--so publishing houses are dooming themselves by trying to run in somebody's else's rat race and cutting the very thing we turn to them for: writing itself."
But just as newspapers are dooming themselves by cutting the very thing they alone can provide--in-depth, on the spot reporting--so publishing houses are dooming themselves by trying to run in somebody's else's rat race and cutting the very thing we turn to them for: writing itself."
I'm Not Wearing Mine Today
Times Online : Hello, girls! Bodysculpting underwear has long been the preserve of women, but male vanity is catching up with a range of support clothing to give an extra lift to rears and torsos.
Sacked City bankers needing a helping hand to look young and fit at job interviews are among those rushing to buy what is delicately called bodysculpture underwear. It promises to give a man a derrière similar to Michelangelo’s David.
No one dares to call them girdles because men would run a mile. “Shapewear”, “support boxers” or “compression shorts” are among the names preferred. Long gone are the days when men’s underwear came in two styles and one of those was clean. Now it is not just Jeremy Paxman who believes that men deserve more from their pants.
Croc Update (Nuclear Edition)
I can see a great "radioactive crocs!" movie in this.
Fla. nuclear plant a refuge for crocodiles: "A crocodile colony at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant in Homestead, Fla., has grown to about 400 of the big reptiles.
The National Wildlife Federation calls the sanctuary, which emerged about three decades ago, a 'crocodile Eden,' The Miami Herald reported Sunday.
The crocodiles use a 6,800-acre system of canals used to cool the power plant -- which the crocodiles are only too happy to use."
Fla. nuclear plant a refuge for crocodiles: "A crocodile colony at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant in Homestead, Fla., has grown to about 400 of the big reptiles.
The National Wildlife Federation calls the sanctuary, which emerged about three decades ago, a 'crocodile Eden,' The Miami Herald reported Sunday.
The crocodiles use a 6,800-acre system of canals used to cool the power plant -- which the crocodiles are only too happy to use."
Once were Cops -- Ken Bruen
Not so long ago, I made a few comments about the novels of Ross H. Spencer, who wrote his books using only one-sentence paragraphs for comic effect.Ken Bruen writes in the same style in Once were Cops, but for a far different effect.
I'd say,
"Serious, dramatic, like that."
It works.
An Irish cop, Michael O'Shea, who likes to strangle women with green rosary beads comes to the U. S. to work with New York's finest.
His partner's on the take.
Also has a sister in a mental hospital.
Bad things happen.
People die.
O'Shea becomes a hero.
It doesn't last.
I said the book was done in one-sentence paragraphs, but that's not entirely true, some of them have more than one sentence, and a few that don't have several clauses strung together, it's the way Bruen does it in this one, you see.
It's bleak, dark, depressing, as if you were expecting big laughs from a Bruen novel, as I know you weren't.
I liked it.
It's 294 pages long.
You can read it in an hour.
Robert B. Parker is probably eating his heart out.
Check it out.
Emerson LaSalle
The little-known (and, sadly, deceased) writer of such fictions as Kung-Fu Bitches now has a website, the go-to place for all things LaSalle.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Paris Hilton Speaks
Paris Hilton says that she's 'living proof' that blondes are not stupid | The Sun |Showbiz|Bizarre: "PARIS HILTON yesterday said she was “living proof” blondes are not stupid."
Hard Case Crime Update
Friends,
As the year winds to a close, we've got one last holiday treat for you: We've just added a new book to our Web site -- www.HardCaseCrime.com -- with our first ever horizontal cover. The book (which will come out next year) is LOSERS LIVE LONGER by Russell Atwood, a terrific new private eye story, and the cover is by the great Robert McGinnis. What does it mean to say that the cover is "horizontal"? Well, you'll understand when you see it. The book will be printed and bound the ordinary way, but in order for you to read the cover properly you'll need to hold the book sideways. (There are a few examples of sideways covers back in the pulp days, and we thought it would be fun to do one in our line.) To see the cover, just go to our Web site and click on the picture on the home page. You'll also find a description of the book and a sample chapter, which should whet your appetite for more.
Meanwhile, our big "50th anniversary" title, FIFTY-TO-ONE, is in stores now, and it'd make a perfect stocking stuffer for someone who enjoys old-fashioned crime stories. Reviewers have been very generous -- the Seattle Times called it "a doozy," Bookhound called it "simply the best kind of potboiler," and The Complete Review called it "[a] very enjoyable pulp ride -- almost a best-of collection in a single story." In addition to the story, the book contains a "best-of collection" in another sense, since it includes an 8-page full-color insert section featuring miniature reproductions of all 50 of our covers! Whether or not you pick up a copy or two for friends and family, I think you'll definitely want one for yourself. You should be able to find it at your favorite local bookstore -- but if you can't, for whatever reason, you can always get a copy directly by calling 1-800-481-9191.
Also in stores now you'll find David J. Schow's GUN WORK, Max Allan Collins' THE FIRST QUARRY, and Ken Bruen and Jason Starr's THE MAX, every one a brand new tale and every one a great read.
Coming in January: KILLING CASTRO by Lawrence Block. This is one I guarantee you've never read (it hasn't been published in almost 50 years and was never published under Block's real name) and the early copies we've sent around have been exciting reviewers as well. You can see what some of them have said on our Web site -- just click on "KILLING CASTRO" in the list on the front page.
And after CASTRO? We've got books by Roger Zelazny, Donald Westlake, E. Howard Hunt, Peter Blauner, Jason Starr, Robert B. Parker, Peter Rabe, and more...including a very special Christmas surprise.
But that's next Christmas. This one has to come and go first, and it will, all too soon. We wish you a merry and a happy, a great holiday season, and a terrific 2009. We have some wonderful dark yarns to spin next year and we hope you'll join us for them.
Warmly,
Charles
----------
Charles Ardai
Editor, Hard Case Crime
And Yet PUSHING DAISIES was Canceled
Usmagazine.com | News - A Double Shot at Love to Feature Bisexual "Ikki Twins": "Bisexual twin sisters Rikki and Vikki, known as the 'Ikki Twins,' will star on spin-off A Shot at Love, MTV announced in a statement on Friday.
Both men and women will vie for each twin's affections on the reality-competition series A Double Shot at Love, which premieres Dec. 9.
'When the men and women arrive, they are pleasantly surprised to find that the women they are fighting for are actually gorgeous twin sisters all living under one roof,' MTV said in the statement release to Usmagazine.com. 'The 12 straight men and 12 lesbians are narrowed down each week in a dramatic elimination ceremony.'"
Both men and women will vie for each twin's affections on the reality-competition series A Double Shot at Love, which premieres Dec. 9.
'When the men and women arrive, they are pleasantly surprised to find that the women they are fighting for are actually gorgeous twin sisters all living under one roof,' MTV said in the statement release to Usmagazine.com. 'The 12 straight men and 12 lesbians are narrowed down each week in a dramatic elimination ceremony.'"
Antikythera Update (with video)
Archimedes and the 2000-year-old computer - tech - 12 December 2008 - New Scientist: "MARCELLUS and his men blockaded Syracuse, in Sicily, for two years. The Roman general expected to conquer the Greek city state easily, but the ingenious siege towers and catapults designed by Archimedes helped to keep his troops at bay.
Then, in 212 BC, the Syracusans neglected their defences during a festival to the goddess Artemis, and the Romans finally breached the city walls. Marcellus wanted Archimedes alive, but it wasn't to be. According to ancient historians, Archimedes was killed in the chaos; by one account a soldier ran him through with a sword as he was in the middle of a mathematical proof.
One of Archimedes's creations was saved, though. The general took back to Rome a mechanical bronze sphere that showed the motions of the sun, moon and planets as seen from Earth."
Then, in 212 BC, the Syracusans neglected their defences during a festival to the goddess Artemis, and the Romans finally breached the city walls. Marcellus wanted Archimedes alive, but it wasn't to be. According to ancient historians, Archimedes was killed in the chaos; by one account a soldier ran him through with a sword as he was in the middle of a mathematical proof.
One of Archimedes's creations was saved, though. The general took back to Rome a mechanical bronze sphere that showed the motions of the sun, moon and planets as seen from Earth."
Get a Dog
Finger on the Pulse: A dog is for life in more ways than one - Telegraph: "'How are you feeling?' I asked. Mrs Leslie sighed, turned her face to the wall and pulled the sheets up to her chin. 'Do you think you are depressed?' I ventured. She shrugged. I sat down at the bottom of her bed.
'I miss Robbie,' she said after some time. I nodded. Mrs Leslie had been widowed two years earlier and was totally alone. 'Yes, it must be very hard,' I said sympathetically. 'How long were you and Robbie married?'
Mrs Leslie looked at me, puzzled, then shook her head. 'Robbie's my Jack Russell,' she said. 'I was married to my husband for 40 years, but God, I don't miss him.'"
'I miss Robbie,' she said after some time. I nodded. Mrs Leslie had been widowed two years earlier and was totally alone. 'Yes, it must be very hard,' I said sympathetically. 'How long were you and Robbie married?'
Mrs Leslie looked at me, puzzled, then shook her head. 'Robbie's my Jack Russell,' she said. 'I was married to my husband for 40 years, but God, I don't miss him.'"
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