BBC NEWS | UK | England | Staffordshire | Huge Anglo-Saxon gold hoard found: "The UK's largest haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure has been discovered buried beneath a field in Staffordshire.
Experts say the collection of 1,500 gold and silver pieces, which may date to the 7th Century, is unparalleled in size and worth 'a seven figure sum'.
It has been declared treasure by South Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh, meaning it belongs to the Crown.
Terry Herbert, who found it on farmland using a metal detector, said it 'was what metal detectorists dream of'.
It may take more than a year for it to be valued."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
First it Was Drug Dealers; Now It's Chop Shops
Police find alligators at suspected chop shop in Detroit | detnews.com | The Detroit News: "Police raiding a suspected chop shop operating out of a home on the city's east side also found two alligators in the home."
Cracking Down on Pick Flickers
Carlisle man cited for harassment in toothpick incident | Breaking Midstate News with The Patriot-News - - PennLive.com: "A Carlisle, Pa., man has been cited for harassment for allegedly flicking a toothpick on the sidewalk in front of another man's home last week, police said."
Dr Pepper Update
The Associated Press: Sugar makes Dr Pepper special from Dublin, Texas: "Tens of thousands of people trek to tiny Dublin in north-central Texas each year to buy cases of the nation's third most popular soft drink from a bottling company that uses real sugar in its flagship product. No high fructose corn syrup in sight.
It's been that way since 1891, when Dublin Bottling Works became the world's first bottler of soda pop and the first to distribute the fruit- and berry-flavored carbonated drink that had debuted six years earlier at Wade Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in downtown Waco, about 80 miles to the east."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
I've plugged Dublin Dr Pepper in the Sheriff Rhodes novels several times. You'd think they'd send me a free case, but nooooooooo.
It's been that way since 1891, when Dublin Bottling Works became the world's first bottler of soda pop and the first to distribute the fruit- and berry-flavored carbonated drink that had debuted six years earlier at Wade Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in downtown Waco, about 80 miles to the east."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
I've plugged Dublin Dr Pepper in the Sheriff Rhodes novels several times. You'd think they'd send me a free case, but nooooooooo.
Inherent Vice -- Thomas Pynchon
I've read three other Pynchon novels, but nothing since the publication of Gravity's Rainbow, well over 30 years ago. I don't know why. I liked V. a lot, and I also liked The Crying of Lot 49 and Rainbow. I always intended to read something else, but I just didn't. Now along comes Inherent Vice, a private-eye novel. I figured that was a sign of some kind, so I read it.What is it with Pynchon and the letter V? I'll bet someone's already written a doctoral dissertation on the topic. Anyway, there's V. and then there's Gravity's Rainbow, which is, of course about the V-2 rocket and is therefore V-2. Then comes Vineland, which we'll call V-3. Now we get this new one, which, well, look at the initials. It's IV. I'm sure there's something in all this. But I don't know what.
Now about the book itself. The setting is around 1970. The '60s are still with us but winding down. I think that's probably the theme of the book. The times they are a-changin'. And not for the better. I wasn't too worried about historical details, but they sound right. Certainly the feel of the book is perfect. I wasn't in California at the time, but I was in Austin. Close enough.
And the book is funny, the funniest I've read in a long time. There's a laugh or two on every page, and that alone makes it worth reading. You also get the usual goofy Pynchon character names, which always make me smile. One woman is named Trillium Fortnight, which I think would have been perfect in a James Bond novel.
As for the plot, well, I can't summarize it. The word byzantine comes to mind. Doc Sportello, the stoner p.i. and center of consciousness of the story, is hired to find Mickey Wolfmann, a developer who's gone missing. Then he's hired for three or four other jobs, all of which are connected and all of which lead to the Golden Fang organization, which leads to government hitmen and conspiracies galore. Somehow Doc sorts all this out and ties it all up in the end. I think. I had to read V. twice, and I'll probably have to read this one again, too. But if it's not all clear the first time, it's still fun. I think I can safely promise you that you won't be reading another p.i. novel like this one for a long time.
Update: I forgot to mention that Pynchon should have put together a soundtrack CD for the novel. He's got more song references than you can shake a stick at. And of course he includes lyrics to his own songs as well.
Can the Ice Pirated be Far Behind?
Water particles have been detected on the surface of the Moon ... - Yahoo! Canada News Photos: "Water particles have been detected on the surface of the Moon by three missions, including an Indian probe."
Yet Another Re-Imagining, I Suppose
BAZ BAMIGBOYE: With a little luck Keira Knightly will have sharpened up enough for My Fair Lady | Mail Online: "Keira Knightly is sharpening her vowels, having just received the latest draft of Emma Thompson’s-script for the new version of the musical My Fair Lady.
Various studio executives connected to the re-make of the classic film, which starred Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, have said that Keira, Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson are the main possibilities to play Eliza Doolittle.
However, Cameron Mackintosh, one of the film’s main producers with Duncan Kenworthy, let it be known that there are two contenders and they happen to be Keira — and Scarlett."
Various studio executives connected to the re-make of the classic film, which starred Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, have said that Keira, Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson are the main possibilities to play Eliza Doolittle.
However, Cameron Mackintosh, one of the film’s main producers with Duncan Kenworthy, let it be known that there are two contenders and they happen to be Keira — and Scarlett."
Here's the Plot of Your Next Novel
The people living in drains below Las Vegas | The Sun |Features: "LOVEBIRDS Steven and Kathryn share a well-organised home in bustling Las Vegas.
They have a neat, if compact kitchen, a furnished living area, and a bedroom complete with double bed, wardrobe and bookshelf featuring a wide selection including a Frank Sinatra biography and Spanish phrase book.
And they make their money in some of the biggest casinos in the world.
But their life is far from the ordinary.
Because, along with hundreds of others, the couple are part of a secret community living in the dark and dirty underground flood tunnels below the famous strip."
They have a neat, if compact kitchen, a furnished living area, and a bedroom complete with double bed, wardrobe and bookshelf featuring a wide selection including a Frank Sinatra biography and Spanish phrase book.
And they make their money in some of the biggest casinos in the world.
But their life is far from the ordinary.
Because, along with hundreds of others, the couple are part of a secret community living in the dark and dirty underground flood tunnels below the famous strip."
25 Best Book to Film Adaptations
25 best book to film adaptations - Telegraph: "Twenty-five films that made it from the book shelf to the box office with credibility intact."
No Signal!
fourfour: No Signal: A Supercut: "a montage of contemporary horror and suspense cinema's go-to roadblock, non-working cell phones."
The video at the link includes 66 clips.
The video at the link includes 66 clips.
The 20 Best Cartoons Of The 90's
The 20 Best Cartoons Of The 90's: "The 90's were a golden age of cartoons."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Gator Update -- Paging Benny Profane
Authorities Try To Snag Alligator In Storm Drain - West Palm Beach News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach: "Authorities unsuccessfully tried to catch a 12-foot alligator spotted in a Lake Worth storm drain Tuesday night.
Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue crews and a state trapper were called to the Palm Club apartment on Second Avenue North after some children saw the gator rearing its head through the grate."
Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue crews and a state trapper were called to the Palm Club apartment on Second Avenue North after some children saw the gator rearing its head through the grate."
Spotted Richard Update
BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Spotted Dick back on council menu: "Council chiefs have reversed a decision to rename the pudding Spotted Dick after receiving 'abusive letters' and accusations of political correctness.
Canteen staff at Flintshire council had decided it would be referred to as 'Spotted Richard' on their menu after 'immature comments' by some customers."
Canteen staff at Flintshire council had decided it would be referred to as 'Spotted Richard' on their menu after 'immature comments' by some customers."
You've Probably Been Wondering What They'd Re-Imagine Next
Highlander ‘reimagining’ on the way - Den of Geek: "Summit Entertainment is set to deploy some of it on a new version of the film Highlander. It's being described, it seems, as a ‘re-imagination', and Summit has hired the Fast & Furious team of producer Neal H Moritz and director Justin Lin to bring the project to life."
And You'd Better Keep off His Lawn!
88-Year-Old Fights Off Thieves -- With Bare Hands! - wcbstv.com: "The hunt is on for four suspects who tried to rob a senior citizen in New Jersey.
But as CBS 2 HD found out, the feisty 88-year-old fought back and stopped the thieves from taking his property.
[. . . .]
'The guy pushed me; I gave him a sock … a good sock and he stood there and looked at me. I said you're gonna get some more if you don't drop that safe.'"
But as CBS 2 HD found out, the feisty 88-year-old fought back and stopped the thieves from taking his property.
[. . . .]
'The guy pushed me; I gave him a sock … a good sock and he stood there and looked at me. I said you're gonna get some more if you don't drop that safe.'"
Croc Update (Mafia Edition)
Italian police seize crocodile from suspected mafia boss - Monsters and Critics: "Italian police have seized a crocodile allegedly used by a suspected mafia boss to intimidate people into paying protection money, officials said Wednesday."
He Should've Checked with the Blues Brothers
Sheriff: Suspect says God led him to Jewel's ranch: "A man accused of stalking singer-songwriter Jewel at her rural Texas ranch said he was on a mission from God, authorities said Tuesday."
Have You Bought Yours?
Dragnet rates a U.S. postal stamp - TV Squad: "How many people remember Dragnet? Or maybe I should say how many people remember actually watching Dragnet, the 'just the facts' police show starring the iconic Jack Webb? The reason I ask is because the U.S. Postal Service is immortalizing Dragnet with a postage stamp . . . ."
Hat tip to Art "Dragnet" Scott, who also provides this link.
When Roosters are Banned, . . .
. . . only outlaws will have roosters.
LA passes law limiting roosters to 1 per household: "The chickens have come home to roost for Los Angeles city dwellers who keep roosters.
The City Council on Tuesday passed an ordinance that—with few exceptions—allows only one rooster per property. It was spurred by complaints over noise and hygiene and concerns over illegal cockfighting."
LA passes law limiting roosters to 1 per household: "The chickens have come home to roost for Los Angeles city dwellers who keep roosters.
The City Council on Tuesday passed an ordinance that—with few exceptions—allows only one rooster per property. It was spurred by complaints over noise and hygiene and concerns over illegal cockfighting."
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
John Hart, R. I. P.
John Hart dies at 91; the other 'Lone Ranger' -- latimes.com: "The actor took over the TV role for 52 episodes after Clayton Moore walked out in a reported pay dispute, and also played the lead in the 1947 Columbia serial 'Jack Armstrong: The All-American Boy.'"
Robert Ginty, R. I. P.
R.I.P. Robert Ginty - The Exterminator at horroryearbook.com: "Sad news for action exploitation fans out there as Robert Ginty, star of The Exterminator films, died of cancer Monday in Los Angeles. He was 60 years old. He also wrote, produced and directed the films as well."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Sherlock Holmes Update
Sherlock Holmes Sequel In The Pipeline? - Contactmusic News: "Movie bosses are reportedly planning a second SHERLOCK HOLMES film - three months before the first instalment hits theatres.
Robert Downey Jr. stars as the legendary detective in Guy Ritchie's new movie, which is set for release in December (09). Brit actor Jude Law is taking on the role of Dr. Watson.
The film's epic trailer has received mixed reviews by critics - but movie chiefs are busily rounding up writers to draft a script for a follow-up to the Arthur Conan Doyle tale, according to Hollywood Reporter's RiskyBiz blog."
Robert Downey Jr. stars as the legendary detective in Guy Ritchie's new movie, which is set for release in December (09). Brit actor Jude Law is taking on the role of Dr. Watson.
The film's epic trailer has received mixed reviews by critics - but movie chiefs are busily rounding up writers to draft a script for a follow-up to the Arthur Conan Doyle tale, according to Hollywood Reporter's RiskyBiz blog."
Smile, You're on Candid Camera
Polk undercover drug investigators play Wii during raid: "With guns drawn and flashlights cutting through darkened rooms, Polk County undercover drug investigators stormed the home of convicted drug dealer Michael Difalco near Lakeland in March.
As investigators searched the home for drugs, some drug task force members found other ways to occupy their time. Within 20 minutes of entering Difalco's house, some of the investigators found a Wii video bowling game and began bowling frame after frame.
[. . . .]
But detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Auburndale, Lakeland and Winter Haven police departments did not know that a wireless security camera connected to a computer inside Difalco's home was recording their activity."
As investigators searched the home for drugs, some drug task force members found other ways to occupy their time. Within 20 minutes of entering Difalco's house, some of the investigators found a Wii video bowling game and began bowling frame after frame.
[. . . .]
But detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Auburndale, Lakeland and Winter Haven police departments did not know that a wireless security camera connected to a computer inside Difalco's home was recording their activity."
Archaeology Update
Archaeologists find suspected Trojan war-era couple - Yahoo! News: "Archaeologists in the ancient city of Troy in Turkey have found the remains of a man and a woman believed to have died in 1,200 B.C., the time of the legendary war chronicled by Homer, a leading German professor said on Tuesday.
Ernst Pernicka, a University of Tubingen professor of archaeometry who is leading excavations on the site in northwestern Turkey, said the bodies were found near a defense line within the city built in the late Bronze age."
Ernst Pernicka, a University of Tubingen professor of archaeometry who is leading excavations on the site in northwestern Turkey, said the bodies were found near a defense line within the city built in the late Bronze age."
Amazing Photos
Click on the picture of Saturn for the slideshow and give your sense of wonder a charge.
They've Tried Everything to Kill Air Travel . . .
. . . and this should finally do the job. Depressing photo at the link.
Packed in like sardines: New aircraft design plans to seat passengers face-to-face | Mail Online: "Air travel is being overhauled with a new aircraft design which plans to seat passengers facing each other in rows.
The controversial design is intended to save space and money and could see 50 per cent more passengers packed on to each plane."
Packed in like sardines: New aircraft design plans to seat passengers face-to-face | Mail Online: "Air travel is being overhauled with a new aircraft design which plans to seat passengers facing each other in rows.
The controversial design is intended to save space and money and could see 50 per cent more passengers packed on to each plane."
Here's the Plot of Your Next Redneck Noir Novel
Belton man pleads not guilty in fatal shooting allegedly connected to his cross-dressing - Kansas City Star: "Michael Adams Jr. of Belton appeared at his arraignment Monday at Cass County Circuit Court wearing a baby blue jumpsuit, shoulder-length hair and makeup.
Police say he shot 36-year-old Amber Hartwig in the head July 14 before shooting himself and causing a superficial wound. Hartwig was the mother of Adams’ two children.
Relatives say Adams and Hartwig argued on the day of the killing about his cross-dressing. The couple’s 18-year-old daughter found her mother dead on the kitchen floor while her father, wearing women’s clothing, sat on the floor smoking a cigarette."
Photo of the alleged perp at the link.
Police say he shot 36-year-old Amber Hartwig in the head July 14 before shooting himself and causing a superficial wound. Hartwig was the mother of Adams’ two children.
Relatives say Adams and Hartwig argued on the day of the killing about his cross-dressing. The couple’s 18-year-old daughter found her mother dead on the kitchen floor while her father, wearing women’s clothing, sat on the floor smoking a cigarette."
Photo of the alleged perp at the link.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Happy Birthday, Stephen King!
Stephen King - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American writer of contemporary horror fiction, science fiction, fantasy literature, and screenplays. An estimated 300–350 million copies of King's novels and short story collections have been sold, and many of his stories have been adapted for film, television, and other media. King has written a number of books using the pen name Richard Bachman, and one short story, 'The Fifth Quarter', as John Swithen."
The first book of King's I read was 'Salem's Lot. I picked it up because it was a vampire book. It's hard to believe now, but when that one came out, it wasn't easy to find a good vampire novel. It wasn't easy to find any vampire novel. So I bought it. And I was hooked. It's still one of my favorite horror novels, and certainly right up there at the top of my list of favorite vampire tales.
After that, I read everything King wrote, and I continued for a good while. Up until the time of It, in fact. He lost me with that one. It was way too long, and it wasn't all that interesting to me. I started reading the Dark Tower books, but I ran out of steam before the series did. I read an occasional novel with great pleasure (The Green Mile), and I still enjoy some of the shorter works. I think King's an important writer, and I'm glad he's still at it.
The first book of King's I read was 'Salem's Lot. I picked it up because it was a vampire book. It's hard to believe now, but when that one came out, it wasn't easy to find a good vampire novel. It wasn't easy to find any vampire novel. So I bought it. And I was hooked. It's still one of my favorite horror novels, and certainly right up there at the top of my list of favorite vampire tales.
After that, I read everything King wrote, and I continued for a good while. Up until the time of It, in fact. He lost me with that one. It was way too long, and it wasn't all that interesting to me. I started reading the Dark Tower books, but I ran out of steam before the series did. I read an occasional novel with great pleasure (The Green Mile), and I still enjoy some of the shorter works. I think King's an important writer, and I'm glad he's still at it.
An (Electric) Bicycle Built for Two
PEDEGO Develops World's First Electric Tandem Bicycle | Reuters: "PEDEGO, an electric bicycle company creating the coolest electric bicycles outfitted with the latest in electric technology, announces the debut of the world's first electric tandem bicycle. The bike will be on display September 23-25 at Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the cycling industry's largest trade show, in Las Vegas. This two-person e-bike joins PEDEGO's growing line of electric bicycles including the Comfort Cruisers and Umbrella Folding electric bicycles."
And It Hasn't Changed
Just kidding, Scots!
Vikings 'were warned to avoid Scotland' - Telegraph: "Scotland is full of dangerous natives who speak an incomprehensible language and the is weather awful. That was the verdict of a series of 13th century Viking travel guides that warned voyagers to visit at their peril."
Vikings 'were warned to avoid Scotland' - Telegraph: "Scotland is full of dangerous natives who speak an incomprehensible language and the is weather awful. That was the verdict of a series of 13th century Viking travel guides that warned voyagers to visit at their peril."
The Perils of Facebook
Burglar leaves his Facebook page on victim’s computer - journal-news.net | News, sports, jobs, community information for Martinsburg - The Journal: "The popular online social networking site Facebook helped lead to an alleged burglar's arrest after he stopped check his account on the victim's computer, but forgot to log out before leaving the home with two diamond rings."
Hat tip to Richard Prosch.
Hat tip to Richard Prosch.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
The Associated Press: Man accused of sword attack after finding soda can: "A man who was apparently was upset after finding a soda can in his room allegedly used a sword to cut two of his roommates. Michael Angel Zamago was jailed on Friday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to family violence. Bail was $25,000."
Adventureland
I'm a sucker for a good coming-of-age story, and Adventureland fills the bill. I hadn't read any reviews or seen any trailers, but someone mentioned that he enjoyed it. So I took a look, and I'm glad I did.It's 1987. James (Jesse Eisenberg) graduates from college with plans to tour Europe with a friend. Instead he winds up working at Adventureland, a semi-seedy amusement park. He meets the owners and the other workers and immediately falls for Em (Kristen Stewart). Who could blame him? What he doesn't know is that Em (who has serious family issues) is having a hot affair with Connell (Ryan Reynolds) and older, married employee at the park. There are plenty of other characters for Jesse to interact with, too, including the supposedly unattainable Lisa P (Margarita Levieva), who's attracted to Jesse.
There's humor throughout, but Adventureland isn't a comedy. It's just a story. People do good things, and they do bad things. They make amends or they don't. There aren't any heroes and villains, just ordinary people. That's part of what makes the movie so enjoyable.
The performances are fine from top to bottom, and the '80s atmosphere is helped along by a great soundtrack. I have to say that any movie that uses Lou Reed's "Satellite of Love" is aces with me.
I could say a lot more, but by now you probably know if you'd be interested. If you are, give it a shot. You might be surprised at how much you like it.
The 50 Best Foods in the World
The 50 best foods in the world and where to eat them | Life and style | The Observer: "From cake, steak and tapas, to oysters, chicken and burgers, Killian Fox roamed the world to find the 50 best things to eat and the best places to eat them in."
Stay off Their Lawns
Bardot and Loren still sex goddesses at 75: "Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren stripped off and pouted with an abandon that took the prudish 50s by storm and their sex goddess image endures even as both turn 75 this week."
Tough Town
AFP: New murders break 2008 record in Mexico: "A new spate of violence has pushed the homicide rate in the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez to an unprecedented 1,701 murders, breaking the record set just a year earlier in 2008.
Officials reported 14 new violent deaths over the weekend in the town, which sits across the border from Texas, pushing the homicide rate past last year's record level of 1,653 murders.
In all, 22 people were killed on Saturday night and Sunday in the two Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua, which border the US states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas."
Officials reported 14 new violent deaths over the weekend in the town, which sits across the border from Texas, pushing the homicide rate past last year's record level of 1,653 murders.
In all, 22 people were killed on Saturday night and Sunday in the two Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua, which border the US states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas."
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Nessie's on Vacation in Canada
Search on for serpent-like lake creature - Weird News - Canoe.ca: "Brigette Horvath knew she saw something strange in Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island two years ago and a team of researchers say she might be right.
Was it a fish, an eel or some kind of serpent-like creature? She says she didn't know. But Horvath grabbed her camera and managed to fire off one shot before the batteries failed.
The researchers who specialize in looking for so-called crytozoological creatures - in other words, monsters - spent Saturday on the lake probing the depths with a sonar-like fish finder."
Was it a fish, an eel or some kind of serpent-like creature? She says she didn't know. But Horvath grabbed her camera and managed to fire off one shot before the batteries failed.
The researchers who specialize in looking for so-called crytozoological creatures - in other words, monsters - spent Saturday on the lake probing the depths with a sonar-like fish finder."
Hunt Through the Cradle of Fear
The second book in the Gabriel Hunt series was told to Charles Ardai by Hunt (as Hunt explains in an short coda), though like all the books it's published as by Gabriel Hunt himself. The idea of the series is to provide pulp adventure in a modern setting, and Through the Cradle of Fear delivers. It's pretty much non-stop action, with Hunt jumping off a cliff, zipping through the streets of New York in a harrowing cab chase, stowing away in a packing crate and winding up in the shadow of the Great Sphinx, escaping on camel back, and so on. Talk about one damned thing after another!The villain in this one, Legor DeGroet, might be 70 years old, but you wouldn't want to get on his lawn. He's a former Olympic medalist, and he carries a sword cane. He's still a brilliant fencer, too, as Hunt knows well. He's after the secret of the Sphinx, and he pursues Hunt (and a beautiful, scholarly woman named Sheba) from Egypt to Greece to Turkey to Sri Lanka as Hunt follows the clues and unravels the mystery. Descendants of Homer. Ancient evil. Secrets passed down for thousands of years. Hired assassins. It's all here between the covers.
But wait! There's more! Ardai throws in a bonus short story, not featuring Hunt but written in the pulp tradition. "Nor Idolatry Blind the Eye" is desert adventure about a former soldier, now a drunk trying to forget the death of his wife, recruited to find the fabled Golden Calf of the Old Testament. It's a fast-moving story with a memorable ending.
You can read Dan Brown if you want to. I'll stick to Gabriel Hunt.
And to Think You Were Worried about Swine Flu
Bacteria linked to university scientist's death - 9/19/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com: "There was word Saturday that the death of a University of Chicago scientist may be linked to a bacteria that causes the plague."
Here's the Plot of Your Next Gory Novel
Recordpub.com - Breaking News, World & Local News, Sports & Multimedia
Richard Alden Samuel McCroskey III rapped about the thrill of murder in songs he posted on the Internet. Police believe the fantasy lyrics became a gruesome reality in a small Virginia college town.
McCroskey, 20, was being held Sunday in the killings of four people who were found at a Longwood University professor's home near campus in Farmville, which is about 50 miles west of Richmond. McCroskey, of Castro Valley, Calif., faces charges of first-degree murder, robbery and grand larceny of an automobile, said Farmville police Capt. Wade Stimpson.
[. . . .]
"You're not the first, just to let you know. I've killed many people and I kill them real slow. It's the best feeling, watching their last breath. Stabbing and stabbing till there's nothing left," McCroskey sings in "My Dark Side."
Richard Alden Samuel McCroskey III rapped about the thrill of murder in songs he posted on the Internet. Police believe the fantasy lyrics became a gruesome reality in a small Virginia college town.
McCroskey, 20, was being held Sunday in the killings of four people who were found at a Longwood University professor's home near campus in Farmville, which is about 50 miles west of Richmond. McCroskey, of Castro Valley, Calif., faces charges of first-degree murder, robbery and grand larceny of an automobile, said Farmville police Capt. Wade Stimpson.
[. . . .]
"You're not the first, just to let you know. I've killed many people and I kill them real slow. It's the best feeling, watching their last breath. Stabbing and stabbing till there's nothing left," McCroskey sings in "My Dark Side."
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Happy Birthday, Adam West!
Biography | AW: "Adam West is a true American icon. From his humble beginning on a wheat ranch in Walla Walla, Washington, Adam skyrocketed to fame in Hollywood, pursuing an extraordinary career in entertainment that has spanned half a century. His role as Batman in the classic television series and feature of the same name continues to be seen throughout the world more than 40 years after its debut. While Batman, and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, remains his signature role, Adam has a multitude of motion picture, theater, and TV credits to his name."
The Great Escape
Monopoly's Hidden Maps Help World War II POWs Escape - ABC News: "During World War II, as the number of British airmen held hostage behind enemy lines escalated, the country's secret service enlisted an unlikely partner in the ongoing war effort: The board game Monopoly.
It was the perfect accomplice.
Included in the items the German army allowed humanitarian groups to distribute in care packages to imprisoned soldiers, the game was too innocent to raise suspicion. But it was the ideal size for a top-secret escape kit that could help spring British POWs from German war camps."
It was the perfect accomplice.
Included in the items the German army allowed humanitarian groups to distribute in care packages to imprisoned soldiers, the game was too innocent to raise suspicion. But it was the ideal size for a top-secret escape kit that could help spring British POWs from German war camps."
The Holy Bullet -- Luis Miguel Rocha (trans. Robin McAllister)
In 1981, there was an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II by a Muslim terrorist. This attempt came right after the very short reign of John Paul I, and some people believed that the papacy itself was under attack. Luis Miguel Rocha takes off from this premise and introduces a cast of characters who want to find out the truth. If you've read Rocha's previous book (I haven't), you'll already be familiar with Sarah Montiero, a journalist, her Father, who's a military officer, and Father Santini.
Plots and counterplots? You better believe it. Twists? Yep. Machinations within the church and its hierarchy? Check.
But this isn't Dan Brown. The pace is a lot more leisurely. The chapters are short, but there are plenty of paragraphs that cover almost an entire page. Lots of description, which is done well but which readers looking for a really fast pace might find distracting. I didn't, but I did think the book was a bit too long. I say that about most books, though, so you can probably disregard it. If you're looking for something a little different, but familiar at the same time, give this one a try.
And then there who is editor of international affairs at a prestigious magazine in London. Her father, Raul, is a Portugese military officer, and was involved earlier with Sarah when they looked into the death of John Paul I. Another returning character is Father Rafael Santini; caught up in religious politics and secretive about the things he knows. There are representatives from the CIA, the Masons, the Opus Dei, the police forces of several countries, and the Catholic church.
that the truth behind the 1981 attempt on the life of John Paul II was never revealed—is undercut by a muddled story line and such winks to the reader as naming a British agent Simon Templar (the hero of a popular 1960s TV series starring Roger Moore) and one character telling another that the previous book (i.e., The Last Pope) is available for sale in the bookstores. Long-winded descriptive passages, like the opening set at an expensive restaurant in an unnamed city, dampen the tension in a novel alleging dark doings at the heart of the Vatican. Still, those with a limitless appetite for stories about evildoing involving the Catholic Church may be satisfied. (Aug.)
are as fond of evocative descriptive writing as you are of clandestine plots involving the Roman Catholic Church –- and really, who isn’t fascinated by a bit of Vatican-spiced intrigue? –- you’ll find much to admire in this follow-up to Mr. Rocha’s The Last Pope, an account of the conspiracy lying beneath the 1981 attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.
Plots and counterplots? You better believe it. Twists? Yep. Machinations within the church and its hierarchy? Check.
But this isn't Dan Brown. The pace is a lot more leisurely. The chapters are short, but there are plenty of paragraphs that cover almost an entire page. Lots of description, which is done well but which readers looking for a really fast pace might find distracting. I didn't, but I did think the book was a bit too long. I say that about most books, though, so you can probably disregard it. If you're looking for something a little different, but familiar at the same time, give this one a try.
And then there who is editor of international affairs at a prestigious magazine in London. Her father, Raul, is a Portugese military officer, and was involved earlier with Sarah when they looked into the death of John Paul I. Another returning character is Father Rafael Santini; caught up in religious politics and secretive about the things he knows. There are representatives from the CIA, the Masons, the Opus Dei, the police forces of several countries, and the Catholic church.
that the truth behind the 1981 attempt on the life of John Paul II was never revealed—is undercut by a muddled story line and such winks to the reader as naming a British agent Simon Templar (the hero of a popular 1960s TV series starring Roger Moore) and one character telling another that the previous book (i.e., The Last Pope) is available for sale in the bookstores. Long-winded descriptive passages, like the opening set at an expensive restaurant in an unnamed city, dampen the tension in a novel alleging dark doings at the heart of the Vatican. Still, those with a limitless appetite for stories about evildoing involving the Catholic Church may be satisfied. (Aug.)
are as fond of evocative descriptive writing as you are of clandestine plots involving the Roman Catholic Church –- and really, who isn’t fascinated by a bit of Vatican-spiced intrigue? –- you’ll find much to admire in this follow-up to Mr. Rocha’s The Last Pope, an account of the conspiracy lying beneath the 1981 attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.
The Holy Bullet digs deeper into the hidden plots and treacheries of the shadowy figures in the upper echelons of the Catholic hierarchy. Incorporating everything from a female British journalist to a Muslim who has visions of Christ’s mother Mary to a priest who, conveniently, doubles as an assassin, it seems, at times, as if Mr. Rocha has created a story that threatens to collapse under its own weight. However, the cool, intricately constructed prose prevents the byzantine plot from being too annoying. The Da Vinci Code this is not; but it’s an intriguing tale in its own right.
In May of 1981, the world was shocked when a Muslim terrorist attempted to assassinate the beloved Pope, John Paul II. Although greviously wounded, he survived and lived to fulfill God's mission for him. Even more shocking to many, Pope John Paul met with his attempted assassin, Mehmet Ali Ağca after the attempt, and fully forgave him. Luis Miguel Rocha's new novel, The Holy Bullet, is written around this shocking event.
John Paul II came to the office after the short tenure of John Paul I. His short time in office led to rumours that his death was not natural. The attempted assassination of John Paul II so quickly after his ascension to Pope reinforced the belief that there were powers plotting against the papacy. Now, warring factions form alliances and opposing forces to try to either discover or hide the truth of this event, depending on which side they are aligned with.
The reader is faced with a dizzying array of characters. There is There are plots, counterplots, betrayals and surprising facts that are revealed. Over all looms the question of whether Sarah and Rafael can discover what lies behind the plot against the papacy, and whether they can use that knowledge to save the Pope.
Fans of Miguel Luis Rocha's first novel, The Last Pope, or those who enjoyed The DaVinci Code, will enjoy The Holy Bullet. The author insists that not only is the book based on true facts, but that some of these facts were given to him only years after the attempt on John Paul's life by a man who claimed to have been involved in the death of the first John Paul. The plotlines are tight and intersect compellingly, and the reader is pulled along, afraid to read what comes next but afraid also not to. The characters are interesting, and their motivations twine and twist until none of them is predictable. This book is recommended for suspense readers.
This Never Happened to Me When I Went Fishing
Teens hand in $100,000 catch - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "Police say two boys have found nearly $100,000 in cash while fishing on the New South Wales north coast."
Didn't I Read This in a Ken Bruen Novel?
Daily Express | UK News :: Policeman caught dealing cocaine for beer in toilets: "A POLICEMAN was exposed by his own colleagues as a cocaine dealer with a 520 Euros per month drug habit.
Christopher McGinn, who has since quit his job, gave his friends lines of the Class-A drug in exchange for pints of beer in pub toilets.
He even used an iTunes card to snort his own drugs."
Christopher McGinn, who has since quit his job, gave his friends lines of the Class-A drug in exchange for pints of beer in pub toilets.
He even used an iTunes card to snort his own drugs."
Friday, September 18, 2009
There's Nothing Like a Trip to the Fair
Insane killer escapes on field trip to county fair - Bay News 9: "Authorities have put out a statewide alert for a mentally ill killer who escaped during a hospital field trip to a county fair, leading to fears that he'll become more unstable and potentially dangerous the longer he is on the loose with no medication."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Where's the Beef?
The Associated Press: NC doctor removes plastic fragment lodged in lung: "Doctors say a North Carolina man who was plagued with coughing fits should be OK now that they have removed a 1-inch piece of plastic from his lung, where it had rested since he apparently inhaled it nearly two years ago while sucking down a soft drink at a Wendy's restaurant.
Doctors at Duke University Medical Center say the plastic fragment of an eating utensil — with the Wendy's logo still legible on the side — was likely to blame for the coughing, fatigue and pneumonia spells that plagued John Manley for almost two years."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Doctors at Duke University Medical Center say the plastic fragment of an eating utensil — with the Wendy's logo still legible on the side — was likely to blame for the coughing, fatigue and pneumonia spells that plagued John Manley for almost two years."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Happy Birthday, Elvira!
World's sluttiest 'Mistress of the Dark' still pretty hot for age 58: "Is that a wooden stake in our pockets, or are we just really, REALLY happy to see how great actress Cassandra Peterson -- aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark -- looks on her 58th birthday?"
Okay, so I'm a day late. I apologize. Photos at link.
Okay, so I'm a day late. I apologize. Photos at link.
It's Like We're Living in Russia!
NY Tax Lawyer’s $100K in Deductions for Prostitutes Disallowed | ABA Journal - Law News Now: "A New York tax lawyer has lost a bid to deduct more than $100,000 in payments for prostitutes and pornography.
The federal Tax Court denied the deductions, claimed by lawyer William Halby as medical expenses for sex therapy. TaxProf Blog reported on yesterday's ruling, first noted by Tax Update Blog.
The U.S. Tax Court opinion (PDF) involved more than $100,000 in deductions for 2004 and 2005. Halby noted his visits to prostitutes in a tax journal, but they were not part of a physician-ordered therapy and they are illegal in New York, the Tax Court said."
Hat tip to Ted Hertel.
The federal Tax Court denied the deductions, claimed by lawyer William Halby as medical expenses for sex therapy. TaxProf Blog reported on yesterday's ruling, first noted by Tax Update Blog.
The U.S. Tax Court opinion (PDF) involved more than $100,000 in deductions for 2004 and 2005. Halby noted his visits to prostitutes in a tax journal, but they were not part of a physician-ordered therapy and they are illegal in New York, the Tax Court said."
Hat tip to Ted Hertel.
Josh Olson's Comments about Reading Your Script Prompt The Little Professor to Give a Historical Perspective
The Little Professor: "At the first perusal of your letter I felt only shame, and regret that I had ever ventured to trouble you with my crude rhapsody": "The rather amusing brouhaha over (not to mention agreement with) Josh Olson's outburst got me to thinking: has hitting up established authors for free critiques ever worked very well? The answer would appear to be a resounding 'no.'"
Gator Update (Hot Blonde Edition)
Arianne Prevost, Gator-Slaying Blonde - Asylum.com: "So far, Florida's annual public gator hunt has had an unexpected big winner. No, not the alligator, although that would be something. Instead, it was Arianne Prevost of Satellite Beach, who bagged an 11-foot, 450-lb. swamp beast with a crossbow during her first ever outing, and also happens to photograph well.
[. . . .]
People like to make fun of Florida, but a state where hot blondes will go hunting with you in a swamp can't be all bad."
Photo of blonde and gator at the link.
[. . . .]
People like to make fun of Florida, but a state where hot blondes will go hunting with you in a swamp can't be all bad."
Photo of blonde and gator at the link.
Croc Update (Luggage Edition)
South African caught at airport with crocodiles in luggage - Telegraph: "A South African man has been caught trying to smuggle 70 live animals including crocodiles through airport customs in his luggage.
Experts believe the suspect had been smuggling the animals into South Africa to sell as part of the lucrative global trade in endangered species.
The 28-year-old was arrested after apparently stashing several of the valuable reptiles in his bags, along with dozens of snakes, a turtle, spiders, scorpions and frogs."
Experts believe the suspect had been smuggling the animals into South Africa to sell as part of the lucrative global trade in endangered species.
The 28-year-old was arrested after apparently stashing several of the valuable reptiles in his bags, along with dozens of snakes, a turtle, spiders, scorpions and frogs."
I'm Glad I'm Not on the Clean-up Crew
Circus maximus! 'Ben Hur Live' brings horses, eagles, chariots to stage - �Celebs - MSN CA: "It has a cast of hundreds, dozens of horses, gladiators, a sea battle and a live chariot race.
A stage version of 'Ben Hur' is opening Thursday at London's 02 arena before going on tour across Europe. German producer Franz Abraham has worked for 15 years to create 'Ben Hur Live', which features music by Stewart Copeland, former drummer with rock band The Police.
Copeland said the show was 'more of a circus of Ben Hur' than a play. In addition to thoroughbred horses, the cast features donkeys, eagles and chickens."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
A stage version of 'Ben Hur' is opening Thursday at London's 02 arena before going on tour across Europe. German producer Franz Abraham has worked for 15 years to create 'Ben Hur Live', which features music by Stewart Copeland, former drummer with rock band The Police.
Copeland said the show was 'more of a circus of Ben Hur' than a play. In addition to thoroughbred horses, the cast features donkeys, eagles and chickens."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Forgotten Books: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST -- Ken Kesey
Okay, maybe everybody remembers this one, but I'm guilty of forgetting it. Some recent memes have gone around asking for favorite books, and I don't think I included this one in any of them. That was remiss of me. It's certainly one of my favorite novels, funny, touching, well-paced, just right. It's the perfect book for the '60s, too, with it's attitudes toward authority and individuality. Maybe the movie eclipsed it for some people, but certainly not for me. The Chief, Nurse Ratched, and Randall Patrick McMurphy live for me in the pages of the book, not on the screen, even as good as the performers were.When I was a graduate assistant at The University of Texas, the freshman English instructors had a saying: "When all else fails, teach The Cuckoo's Nest." It always connected with the students; it could save a whole semester. After I started teaching full-time, I taught it for years in an American fiction class. I don't know if the students loved it, but I did, and I went over it so many times that I practically had it memorized. If you've seen the film but never read the book, you really should give the novel a try. I think you'll be glad you did.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
No Wonder I Feel So Safe When I Fly
Updated: Hair clippers, cologne lead to brief evacuation of Tallahassee Regional Airport lobby | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat: "The front lobby and ticket area at the Tallahassee Regional Airport were briefly evacuated this morning after airport officials found what they thought might be a grenade in luggage.
However, emergency responders quickly determined that what appeared to be a grenade was actually hair clippers and a bottle of cologne, said Jim Durwin, assistant superintendent of airport operations."
However, emergency responders quickly determined that what appeared to be a grenade was actually hair clippers and a bottle of cologne, said Jim Durwin, assistant superintendent of airport operations."
My 10,000th Post
So naturally I wanted something special. I thought this would be just about right. Link via Pop Culture Junk Mail.
Hurricane Ike Update (Alvin Community College Library Edition)
Hurricane Ike recovery: one local college accomplishes a daunting task: "One year ago today, tornadoes spawned from Hurricane Ike formed a path of destruction that simply left the faculty and staff at one local college in a state of shock.
The devastation that remained at Alvin Community College amounted to $15 million worth of damage resulting from flooded buildings, molding books, useless computers, and mangled roofs. Then (within hours) this college community came together to find a way to rebuild. Standing amid the debris that first day after the storm, the college administrators held an impromptu meeting, considering the task ahead and how they could turn tragedy into opportunity. 'At the time, we were so sad and it was hard to imagine,' said ACC Dean of Financial and Administrative Services Dr. Darryl Stevens.
The most significant damage was discovered in the library. As ACC Librarian Tom Bates was returning home to assess his own personal situation, he received a call from Dean of Academic Programs Drew Nelson: 'You'd better get back to work, Tom,' he said. 'Your library just got destroyed.'"
Hat tip to Gerard Saylor.
I went to the library a couple of weeks ago. It looks great, and I'm glad they've managed to achieve so much.
The devastation that remained at Alvin Community College amounted to $15 million worth of damage resulting from flooded buildings, molding books, useless computers, and mangled roofs. Then (within hours) this college community came together to find a way to rebuild. Standing amid the debris that first day after the storm, the college administrators held an impromptu meeting, considering the task ahead and how they could turn tragedy into opportunity. 'At the time, we were so sad and it was hard to imagine,' said ACC Dean of Financial and Administrative Services Dr. Darryl Stevens.
The most significant damage was discovered in the library. As ACC Librarian Tom Bates was returning home to assess his own personal situation, he received a call from Dean of Academic Programs Drew Nelson: 'You'd better get back to work, Tom,' he said. 'Your library just got destroyed.'"
Hat tip to Gerard Saylor.
I went to the library a couple of weeks ago. It looks great, and I'm glad they've managed to achieve so much.
The Gift of Murder Update
Criminal Brief: The Mystery Short Story Web Log Project: "For the last three years, Wolfmont has published anthologies of short crime fiction with the theme of crimes centered around the winter holiday season and have donated over $6,600 to the Toys for Tots Foundation. This year, a fourth book is soon to be published. Tony announced, “This fourth book will be our largest thus far to help Toys for Tots, with 278 pages of great stories.”"
A Review
Steven Torres reviews a story about one of Monk's ancestors over on Nasty, Brutish, and Short. I'd thought of reviewing it, myself, but since I agree completely with Steven's comments, I'll just post the link here so you can check out what he has to say.
Nasty. Brutish. Short.: The Case of the Piss-Poor Gold by Lee Goldberg
Nasty. Brutish. Short.: The Case of the Piss-Poor Gold by Lee Goldberg
Croc Update (Two Heads Edition)
Weird animals from around the world - Telegraph: "A snake with a single clawed foot has been found in China. Here's a look at some other weird animals from around the world."
Sandman Slim -- Richard Kadrey
Here's a bit of the back-cover blurb from William Gibson: [I]t's like watching Sergio Leone and Clive Barker codirect from a script by Jim Thompson and S. Clay Wilson: an L. A.-noir-spaghetti-western grudge-war apocalypse . . . ." Maybe nothing could live up to that, but Richard Kadrey gives it a good try.James Butler Hickok Stark (aka Sandman Slim) is a magician. A real one. Some his pals get rid of him by sending him to hell, not as a dead man but while he's still alive. Then they kill his sweetheart.
He's trapped in hell for 11 years, fighting monsters as a gladiator and serving as a hit man for demons. The book opens with his return to Los Angeles, and he's bent on revenge. To get it he has to fight demons, angels, magicians, and the kissim, beings that aren't demons or angels but worse than either.
L. A., it seems, is a hotbed of magic, and Kadrey's good at presenting it as a nightmare. So Slim's is not an easy job. Heads roll. Not to mention other things. There's violence enough for anybody, but Stark's one of those badasses who, we just know, is really decent at the core, no matter who or what he kills and how many nice people he damages in pursuit of vengeance.
The book's too long, and it's obviously the set-up for a sequel, but I had a good time reading it. If you give it a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed. For sure you won't read anything else like it this year.
And Keep Off Her Lawn!
92-Year-Old Tops Beatles on British Charts - CBS Evening News - CBS News: "'We'll Meet Again' seems like one of those songs forever frozen in a time and a place: Britain in World War II. It was sung by Vera Lynn, who came to be called the 'Forces Sweetheart.'
Now 92-years-old, Lynn has a good reason to raise a glass.
The re-released recording of her songs on the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the war has shot to No. 1 on the U.K. charts with a bullet. It's even eclipsed the re-release of the Beatles discography."
Now 92-years-old, Lynn has a good reason to raise a glass.
The re-released recording of her songs on the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the war has shot to No. 1 on the U.K. charts with a bullet. It's even eclipsed the re-release of the Beatles discography."
As Who Wouldn't?
Ananova - Naked blonde turns tables on builders: "Burly builders fled when a naked blonde rushed at them on a construction site in the Austrian capital Vienna shouting: 'Who wants me?'"
Photo at link possibly NSFW.
Frank Coghlan Jr., R. I. P.
Frank Coghlan Jr. dies at 93; actor played Billy Batson in landmark Captain Marvel serial -- latimes.com: "Frank Coghlan Jr., a silent-movie child actor who later played young Billy Batson, who transformed into Captain Marvel by uttering the magical word 'Shazam!' in the landmark 1941 serial 'Adventures of Captain Marvel,' has died. He was 93."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Spreading the Word
The Education of a Pulp Writer: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: WAR STORIES, SEA YARNS & COZY MYSTERIES: "Spread the word, please! There will be only a few openings, but the first print anthology for BEAT to a PULP is in the works. To round out our usual, diverse array of pulp genres, we are actively seeking war stories, sea yarns and cozy mysteries. 4,000 words or less. The BEAT to a PULP print collection will be released in 2010."
Mary Travers, R. I. P.
The Associated Press: Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary dead at 72: "Mary Travers, one-third of the hugely popular 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died.
The band's publicist, Heather Lylis, says Travers died at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut on Wednesday. She was 72 and had battled leukemia for several years.
Travers joined forces with Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey in the early 1960s.
The trio mingled their music with liberal politics, both onstage and off. Their version of 'If I Had a Hammer' became an anthem for racial equality. Other hits included 'Lemon Tree,' 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' and 'Puff (The Magic Dragon.)'
They were early champions of Bob Dylan and performed his 'Blowin' in the Wind' at the August 1963 March on Washington."
The band's publicist, Heather Lylis, says Travers died at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut on Wednesday. She was 72 and had battled leukemia for several years.
Travers joined forces with Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey in the early 1960s.
The trio mingled their music with liberal politics, both onstage and off. Their version of 'If I Had a Hammer' became an anthem for racial equality. Other hits included 'Lemon Tree,' 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' and 'Puff (The Magic Dragon.)'
They were early champions of Bob Dylan and performed his 'Blowin' in the Wind' at the August 1963 March on Washington."
Four Pound Burger A Financial Success
How could it not be?
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Four Pound Burger A Financial Success - Sports Biz with Darren Rovell - CNBC.com: "Mickey Graham, the team's director of marketing and media relations, said that 476 people attempted the meat feat, meaning that 62.6 percent of people who tried to do it actually finished it."
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Four Pound Burger A Financial Success - Sports Biz with Darren Rovell - CNBC.com: "Mickey Graham, the team's director of marketing and media relations, said that 476 people attempted the meat feat, meaning that 62.6 percent of people who tried to do it actually finished it."
Bobby Graham, R. I. P.
Drummer Bobby Graham | Graham Died | Dead Death | Stomach Cancer | The Animals | Tom Jones - Oneindia Entertainment: "UK’s great drummerBobbyGraham has died of stomach cancer at the age of 69. The percussionist had played on more than 15,000 records, which saw him working with stars like The Animals, Dusty Springfield and Tom Jones. However,oneof his best efforts was the hit track ‘You Really Got Me’, which he recorded while sitting in for The Kinks’ drummer Mick Avory."
Hat tip to Beth Foxwell.
Hat tip to Beth Foxwell.
Oklahoma Leads the Way
75 Percent of Oklahoma Students Can't Name the First President - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |: "Only one in four public high school students can name the first President of the United States, according to a survey released today."
Henry Gibson, R. I. P.
Henry Gibson, original 'Laugh-In' cast member, dies at 73 -- latimes.com: "Henry Gibson, the veteran character actor who came to fame in the late 1960s as the flower-holding poet on TV's landmark satirical comedy show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In,' has died. He was 73.
Gibson died late Monday night after a short battle with cancer at his home in Malibu, said his son, Jon.
Gibson, who more recently played a recurring role as cantankerous Judge Clark Brown on 'Boston Legal,' was part of the original ensemble cast of 'Laugh In,' which ran on NBC from 1968 to 1973."
Keep a'goin', Henry!
Gibson died late Monday night after a short battle with cancer at his home in Malibu, said his son, Jon.
Gibson, who more recently played a recurring role as cantankerous Judge Clark Brown on 'Boston Legal,' was part of the original ensemble cast of 'Laugh In,' which ran on NBC from 1968 to 1973."
Keep a'goin', Henry!
Definitely Not Safe for Work
But pretty funny.
Harlan Ellison's Dramatic Reading of the Seussified "I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script" - New York News - Runnin' Scared: "Several of our commenters have struck on the Dr. Seuss-like cadence of Josh Olson's popular manifesto, 'I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script.'
One of the first to point it out was Steve Jarrett, a writer and teacher in Winston-Salem who sent Olson the following parody. Olson asked his friend, legendary writer Harlan Ellison, to give it life."
Harlan Ellison's Dramatic Reading of the Seussified "I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script" - New York News - Runnin' Scared: "Several of our commenters have struck on the Dr. Seuss-like cadence of Josh Olson's popular manifesto, 'I Will Not Read Your Fucking Script.'
One of the first to point it out was Steve Jarrett, a writer and teacher in Winston-Salem who sent Olson the following parody. Olson asked his friend, legendary writer Harlan Ellison, to give it life."
Arrrrrr.....
Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol falls into the hands of pirates | Books | guardian.co.uk: "Pirated copies of Dan Brown's new Robert Langdon thriller The Lost Symbol have started appearing across the internet only a day after the book was published.
The book's UK publisher Transworld said it was aware of the transgressions and was taking action to have the illegal downloads removed. 'It is available on a number of pirate sites,' said associate publicity director Alison Barrow, who added that the publisher was asking websites to take down digital copies of the book. 'We are not being complacent about this,' she said. 'It's only the US version so far.'
The Lost Symbol was available for download via peer-to-peer sites including The Pirate Bay and Scribd.com on Wednesday morning. 'Thank you so much! You just made my day. :)' said one Scribd user, while another requested that the book file be sent to their email."
The book's UK publisher Transworld said it was aware of the transgressions and was taking action to have the illegal downloads removed. 'It is available on a number of pirate sites,' said associate publicity director Alison Barrow, who added that the publisher was asking websites to take down digital copies of the book. 'We are not being complacent about this,' she said. 'It's only the US version so far.'
The Lost Symbol was available for download via peer-to-peer sites including The Pirate Bay and Scribd.com on Wednesday morning. 'Thank you so much! You just made my day. :)' said one Scribd user, while another requested that the book file be sent to their email."
One Lovely Blog Award
I've been honored by Mary Ann Melton, who's passed the One Lovely Blog Award on to me. Mary Ann's a photographer of note, and you can see some of her wonderful photos right here. You can also find her blog if you click here. Mary Ann's married to Henry Melton, Golden Duck Award-winning writer of SF for young people. I admire both of them tremendously, not least because they did what so many people talk about but so few ever do: they decided to travel when they were young, and they've been doing it ever since. They blogged and tweeted about their latest long journey to the WorldCon and back, with many side trips.
It is now my pleasure to pass on this award. These are the rules for those individuals I choose. They are simple:
1) Accept the award, and don’t forget to post a link back to the awarding person.
2) Pass the award on.
3) Notify the award winners.
I read so many blogs every day that to mention them all would take forever. I'm passing this on to a few of them, though I could list dozens more. James Reasoner, George Kelley, Rick Robinson, and Patti Abbott, here ya go.
It is now my pleasure to pass on this award. These are the rules for those individuals I choose. They are simple:
1) Accept the award, and don’t forget to post a link back to the awarding person.
2) Pass the award on.
3) Notify the award winners.
I read so many blogs every day that to mention them all would take forever. I'm passing this on to a few of them, though I could list dozens more. James Reasoner, George Kelley, Rick Robinson, and Patti Abbott, here ya go.
Employee of the Month
Caught on camera: The sickening moment a supermarket worker licked a raw chicken... before putting it on display | Mail Online: "He is seen:
* Urinating in a toilet bin
* Slashing furniture and colleague's coats in the staffroom
* Setting off a fire extinguisher
* Filming firefighters responding to a false alarm
* Playing cricket and football with stock
* Poking his fingers in, stamping on and licking an uncooked chicken
* Smashing boxes of eggs in the stockroom"
* Urinating in a toilet bin
* Slashing furniture and colleague's coats in the staffroom
* Setting off a fire extinguisher
* Filming firefighters responding to a false alarm
* Playing cricket and football with stock
* Poking his fingers in, stamping on and licking an uncooked chicken
* Smashing boxes of eggs in the stockroom"
Gator Update (Cheerleader Edition)
Cheerleader Hunts, Kills 10 Foot Long Gator | wltx.com: "A Midlands teenager spent Saturday night on a boat hunting of all things, alligators--and she came back with a big one.
Cammie Colin, 16, helped catch a gator that was 10 feet, five inches long and weighed 353 pounds.
[. . . .]
Colin then used a crossbow to shoot the gator. She and four others then taped the alligators mouth shut and took it back to land.
The junior varsity cheerleader at White Knoll High School has been on deer hunts with her father, but this was her first time alligator hunting."
Photos at the link.
Cammie Colin, 16, helped catch a gator that was 10 feet, five inches long and weighed 353 pounds.
[. . . .]
Colin then used a crossbow to shoot the gator. She and four others then taped the alligators mouth shut and took it back to land.
The junior varsity cheerleader at White Knoll High School has been on deer hunts with her father, but this was her first time alligator hunting."
Photos at the link.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Former police chief jailed on charges from Tarrant and Dallas counties | Dallas | Star-Telegram: "A former police chief was behind bars in Dallas County on Tuesday night, charged with seven felonies in Tarrant and Dallas counties that range from promoting prostitution to engaging in organized crime.
Michael Meissner, a 39-year-old described by some as a 'gypsy' officer for holding more than a dozen law enforcement jobs in the past 18 years, remained in jail on a $1.5 million bond, Dallas County Jail records show."
Michael Meissner, a 39-year-old described by some as a 'gypsy' officer for holding more than a dozen law enforcement jobs in the past 18 years, remained in jail on a $1.5 million bond, Dallas County Jail records show."
Yes, There's an Academic Journal for Everything (Part 2)
Celebrity Studies: "Celebrity Studies is a journal that focuses on the critical exploration of celebrity, stardom and fame. It seeks to make sense of celebrity by drawing upon a range of (inter)disciplinary approaches, media forms, historical periods and national contexts. Celebrity Studies aims to address key issues in the production, circulation and consumption of fame, and its manifestations in both contemporary and historical contexts, while functioning as a key site for academic debate about the enterprise of celebrity studies itself. Alongside the primary articles, the journal will include a ‘blog' section devoted to shorter observations, debates or issues in celebrity culture, in conjunction with book reviews and conference reports."
Another tip of the Crider chapeau to Beth Foxwell.
Another tip of the Crider chapeau to Beth Foxwell.
Yes, There's an Academic Journal for Everything
Journal of Graphic Novels & Comics: "The Journal of Graphic Novel and Comics is a peer reviewed journal covering all aspects of the graphic novel, comic strip and comic book, with the emphasis on comics in their cultural, institutional and creative contexts. Its scope is interdisciplinary and international, covering not only English language comics but also worldwide comic culture. The journal reflects interdisciplinary research in comics and aims to establish a dialogue between academics, historians, theoreticians and practitioners of comics. It therefore examines comics production and consumption within the contexts of culture: art, cinema, television and new media technologies.
The journal will include all forms of 'sequential imagery' including precursors of the comic but in the main emphasis will be on twentieth and twenty-first century examples, reflecting the increasing interest in the modern forms of the comic, its production and cultural consumption."
Hat tip to Beth Foxwell.
The journal will include all forms of 'sequential imagery' including precursors of the comic but in the main emphasis will be on twentieth and twenty-first century examples, reflecting the increasing interest in the modern forms of the comic, its production and cultural consumption."
Hat tip to Beth Foxwell.
Astonishing Adventures #7
MANITOWOC, September 15, 2009 - Astonishing Adventures Magazine, the
prominent ePulp magazine, today announced the release of their seventh
adventure-filled issue.
Seven issues into its amazing run, AAM and the Darke Media Group
continue to provide the highest quality free fiction eZine on the Net
while exploring ways to redefine the traditional publishing mode. Darke
Media is launching a new web serial with a second serial, starring the
mascot of AAM Scarlett, scheduled for early 2010.
*Astonishing Adventures Magazine Issue 7 – Free online/$10 print issue*
Have some crazy fun with the wonderful stories from writers like Mike
Hughes, Christine Pope, Katherine Tomlinson, Sidney Harrison, Roger
Alford, Brian Trent, Sarah Vaughn, Kat Parrish, Michael Patrick
Sullivan, G. Wells Taylor, and Cormac Brown.
Soak in the amazingly beautiful images by artists like Joanne Renaud,
Larry Nadolsky, G. Wells Taylor, Sarah Vaughn, and Susan Schader.
These are tales that will thrill and chill you well after you finish
reading them.
*Purchasers of the print copy will receive a free audio version of “The
Dark” adventure by John Donald Carlucci and read by vocal jihadist
Robert Page.*
For more information on Astonishing Adventures please visit the
dedicated website at http://astonishingadventuresmagazine.ning.com/
*Release date to the public September 15, 2009*
prominent ePulp magazine, today announced the release of their seventh
adventure-filled issue.
Seven issues into its amazing run, AAM and the Darke Media Group
continue to provide the highest quality free fiction eZine on the Net
while exploring ways to redefine the traditional publishing mode. Darke
Media is launching a new web serial with a second serial, starring the
mascot of AAM Scarlett, scheduled for early 2010.
*Astonishing Adventures Magazine Issue 7 – Free online/$10 print issue*
Have some crazy fun with the wonderful stories from writers like Mike
Hughes, Christine Pope, Katherine Tomlinson, Sidney Harrison, Roger
Alford, Brian Trent, Sarah Vaughn, Kat Parrish, Michael Patrick
Sullivan, G. Wells Taylor, and Cormac Brown.
Soak in the amazingly beautiful images by artists like Joanne Renaud,
Larry Nadolsky, G. Wells Taylor, Sarah Vaughn, and Susan Schader.
These are tales that will thrill and chill you well after you finish
reading them.
*Purchasers of the print copy will receive a free audio version of “The
Dark” adventure by John Donald Carlucci and read by vocal jihadist
Robert Page.*
For more information on Astonishing Adventures please visit the
dedicated website at http://
*Release date to the public September 15, 2009*
One of the Dangers of Sex in a Dumpster
Couple robbed while inside dumpster | News Updates | Wichita Eagle: "A man and woman decided to give the phrase 'dumpster diving' a new twist over the weekend, crawling inside one on North Waco so they could be alone.
But while they were engaged in what Wichita police described as 'an intimate moment,' they were robbed by a man armed with a pocket knife."
But while they were engaged in what Wichita police described as 'an intimate moment,' they were robbed by a man armed with a pocket knife."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Scott Cupp Has a New Column at SF Signal
SF Signal: Geek With (Lots of) Books: Super Special Secret Origin: "Several years ago Rick Klaw wrote that he had decided to take a break from his popular column Geeks With Books which ran on SF Site. I ran into him that very week and expressed an interest in doing a couple of columns so that Geeks everywhere might have someone to rant and rave with. For whatever reason, I never ended up doing those columns at the time, but the idea kept lingering in the back of my mind. Recently I ran into John DeNardo of SF Signal and approached him with the idea. He liked it and this column was born. I liked Rick's old title for the column and added my spin to it so that you get Geek With (Lots Of) Books."
Great "Before & After" Photos from Hurricane Ike
One year after Hurricane Ike - The Big Picture - Boston.com: "One year after Hurricane Ike tore across the gulf coast of Texas, residents paused on Sunday to observe the anniversary of the costliest natural disaster in Texas history. Destroying or damaging many thousands of houses, including 3/4 of all homes in Galveston, Ike's 110 mph winds caused more than $29 billion in damage, and took the lives of at least 72 in the United States. In Galveston one year later, 75% of businesses have reopened, much of the debris has been cleared, and 95% of the population has returned, but much work still remains to be done as residents continue to rebuild and recover."
You can click the photos at the link and watch them change from before to after, a very cool effect.
You can click the photos at the link and watch them change from before to after, a very cool effect.
Didn't We All at Least Consider Doing This?
Ala. boy fakes kidnapping to hide bad grades - Yahoo! News: "An 11-year-old boy gets high marks in storytelling after staging a hoax to cover up his bad grades. Police said the boy faked his kidnapping Friday to avoid bringing home a bad report card, saying that a man with a pistol snatched him after he left Ed White Middle School. The boy said the man forced him into a 'beat-up car' and threatened to kill him.
The student said he escaped by jumping out of the car but wasn't able to grab his bookbag, which contained the report card."
The student said he escaped by jumping out of the car but wasn't able to grab his bookbag, which contained the report card."
Here's the Plot of Your Next Techno Thriller
Runaway Drone Shot Out of Sky - Runaway drone - Gizmodo: "An MQ-9 Reaper drone's fail-safe programming failed and it rushed through Afghanistan's airspace on Sunday. The US Air Force simply responded by sending a manned plane to shoot it down. Turns out this isn't all that uncommon."
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