Chevy Chase - Chevy Chase Could Return To Fletch Role - Contactmusic News: "Comedy legend CHEVY CHASE has hinted he's set to return to the big screen in one of his most famous movie roles - playing FLETCH in a forthcoming sequel.
Chase played the womanising journalist in two movies in the 1980s, based on the books of author Gregory MCDonald."
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
I Feel Really, Really Old
Elvis' grandson, Benjamin Presley, age 17, recording first album - report: "Elvis Presley's grandson is out to fill some pretty big blue-suede shoes.
The Daily Mail reports that 17-year-old Benjamin Presley, the oldest son of Elvis' only child, Lisa Marie, has been offered a $5 million deal from Universal to record up to five albums.
But don't expect any rockabilly tunes or lavish, Vegas-like productions similar to you-know-who.
'The music will be nothing like Elvis,' said Benjamin Presley, who was in England for an awards ceremony. 'Nothing like him at all.'"
That last paragraph is probably an understatement.
The Daily Mail reports that 17-year-old Benjamin Presley, the oldest son of Elvis' only child, Lisa Marie, has been offered a $5 million deal from Universal to record up to five albums.
But don't expect any rockabilly tunes or lavish, Vegas-like productions similar to you-know-who.
'The music will be nothing like Elvis,' said Benjamin Presley, who was in England for an awards ceremony. 'Nothing like him at all.'"
That last paragraph is probably an understatement.
Anna Nicole Smith Update
Anna Nicole Smith investigated by FBI in murder plot: "Anna Nicole Smith was investigated by the FBI in a plot to murder the son of her tycoon husband following her husband’s death. Newly released FBI documents show that the organization investigated Anna Nicole Smith throughout 2000 and 2001. She was never prosecuted."
Internet Archive: Free Downloads: Film Noir
Internet Archive: Free Downloads: Film Noir: "Expressionistic crime dramas of the 40s and 50s: tough cops and private eyes, femme fatales, mean city streets and deserted backroads, bags of loot and dirty double-crossers."
42 films available. Link via Boing-Boing.
42 films available. Link via Boing-Boing.
Science Fiction Gets No Respect
Why science fiction authors just can't win - SFFMedia: "“It is a truth widely acknowledged that SF is not worth consideration by sane minds. Kurt Vonnegut and J. G. Ballard have adopted Atwood’s gambit. When Vonnegut grew tired of being a guru, he returned to SF and wrote such brilliant novels as Galapagos. No reviewer spoke its name. When — possibly because of my age — I was invited on Desert Island Discs this year, I was told that SF readers were nerds who were poor and could not 'get a woman.''"
Gator Update (Henry Giblson Edition)
If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger,There'd Be a Whole Lot of Dead Copycats: Stacks o' Wax #22: "As requested, here is Henry Gibson's LP ...by Henry Gibson, a reissue of his 1962 recording The Alligator, and Other Poems By Henry Gibson designed to cash in on his newfound fame on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."
Album cover photo at the link.
Album cover photo at the link.
The Story with No Name
Laurie's Wild West: "Here is part 10 of The Story With No Name. This is a free form western written by some very talented writers - each week a different writer takes on the assignment to keep the story going. Part 10 is written by Paul Dellinger."
At the link there are other links to blogs with the previous nine parts of the story in case you've missed them.
At the link there are other links to blogs with the previous nine parts of the story in case you've missed them.
See What I've Been Telling You?
Dangerous foods list includes leafy greens, eggs, tuna - Oct. 6, 2009: "Leafy greens -- including lettuce and spinach -- top the list of the 10 riskiest foods, according to a study from a nutrition advocacy group released Tuesday."
Archaeology Update
'Second Stonehenge' discovered near original | Science | guardian.co.uk: "Archaeologists have discovered evidence of what they believe was a second Stonehenge located a little more than a mile away from the world-famous prehistoric monument.
The new find on the west bank of the river Avon has been called 'Bluestonehenge', after the colour of the 25 Welsh stones of which it was once made up."
The new find on the west bank of the river Avon has been called 'Bluestonehenge', after the colour of the 25 Welsh stones of which it was once made up."
Jack the Ripper Update
New Jack the Ripper suspect was mortuary attendant who killed two more women | Mail Online: "An historian claims to have uncovered the identity of Jack the Ripper by using modern police forensic techniques.
Mei Trow also believes that the notorious Whitechapel murderer was responsible for the deaths of an additional two women.
He has concluded that Robert Mann, a local morgue attendant, was the killer who terrorised east London in 1888 and who was officially credited with dismembering five prostitutes."
Mei Trow also believes that the notorious Whitechapel murderer was responsible for the deaths of an additional two women.
He has concluded that Robert Mann, a local morgue attendant, was the killer who terrorised east London in 1888 and who was officially credited with dismembering five prostitutes."
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Latest Issue of Clues
The Bunburyist: <i>Clues</i> 27.2 published: Lesbian crime fiction.: "Clues 27.2 has been published, which is a theme issue on lesbian crime fiction guest edited by Jacky Collins (Northumbria University, UK). The contributors look at works by—among others—American author Katherine V. Forrest, British author Stella Duffy, French author Maud Tabachnik, German author Thea Dorn, . . and Spanish author Isabel Franc."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Criminalizing everyone - Washington Times: "'You don't need to know. You can't know.' That's what Kathy Norris, a 60-year-old grandmother of eight, was told when she tried to ask court officials why, the day before, federal agents had subjected her home to a furious search.
The agents who spent half a day ransacking Mrs. Norris' longtime home in Spring, Texas, answered no questions while they emptied file cabinets, pulled books off shelves, rifled through drawers and closets, and threw the contents on the floor.
The six agents, wearing SWAT gear and carrying weapons, were with - get this- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
The agents who spent half a day ransacking Mrs. Norris' longtime home in Spring, Texas, answered no questions while they emptied file cabinets, pulled books off shelves, rifled through drawers and closets, and threw the contents on the floor.
The six agents, wearing SWAT gear and carrying weapons, were with - get this- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Plasma Rocket Could Travel to Mars in 39 Days: "Last Wednesday, the Ad Astra Rocket Company tested what is currently the most powerful plasma rocket in the world. As the Webster, Texas, company announced, the VASIMR VX-200 engine ran at 201 kilowatts in a vacuum chamber, passing the 200-kilowatt mark for the first time. The test also marks the first time that a small-scale prototype of the company's VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) rocket engine has been demonstrated at full power."
4-7 People? I Was Thinking It Would Seve 2.
On Restaurants | A marriage of style, sushi | The Columbus Dispatch: "If you're looking for a way to 'disgust 4-7 people easily,' consider visiting Avalanche Pizza in Athens. The shop's newest pie is named Bride of Wonderboy, and at best, it will leave you wondering.
Here's the description: a crust stuffed with foot-long hot dogs, then laden with mustard, macaroni and cheese, a half-pound of mozzarella and cheddar, 'serious beef' and bacon, covered with onion, tomato and dill pickle, and topped with french fries and ketchup. Price: $18.99."
Hat tip to John Hall.
Here's the description: a crust stuffed with foot-long hot dogs, then laden with mustard, macaroni and cheese, a half-pound of mozzarella and cheddar, 'serious beef' and bacon, covered with onion, tomato and dill pickle, and topped with french fries and ketchup. Price: $18.99."
Hat tip to John Hall.
Max Allan Collins Website Update
Max Allan Collins has a revamped website, and he'll be blogging once a week or so here. Today's post is about the DVD of The Last Lullaby, and you can scroll down for other interesting stuff. Check it out.
A Case of Mistaken Robbery
My Way News - Jumpy clerks toss cash at man before he demands it: "Police said clerks at a convenience store that was robbed twice in recent months threw money at a man in a case of a mistaken robbery. The clerks at Five Star Snacks and More thought they were being robbed last Thursday when they were confronted by a rambling man who had his hand in his pocket. Police Capt. John Beckman said the clerks put money in a bag and threw it the man, who left it alone and walked out of the store.
Police said the man was drunk and the robbery suspicions were a mistake."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Police said the man was drunk and the robbery suspicions were a mistake."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Archaeology Update
'Alexander the Sexy' Seen in New Portrait: Discovery News: "An unprecedented miniature portrait of a young, resolute, sexy Alexander the Great has emerged during excavations in Israel, archaeologist announced this week.
Engraved on a brilliantly red gemstone, the finely carved tiny head portrait is estimated to be 2,300 old, possibly dating to after the Macedonian king's death in 323 B.C."
Photo at the link.
Engraved on a brilliantly red gemstone, the finely carved tiny head portrait is estimated to be 2,300 old, possibly dating to after the Macedonian king's death in 323 B.C."
Photo at the link.
Now We Know Why Mona Lisa's Smiling
McDonald's invades Mona Lisa's lair, will open eatery inside Louvre: "Sacre bleu!
In a move guaranteed to wipe the famous smile off Mona Lisa's mug, McDonald's is planning to open an eatery inside France's great temple of culture: the Louvre museum.
The London Telegraph reported the restaurant will open next month in the underground shopping plaza beneath I.M. Pei's glass pyramid in the museum courtyard."
Hat tip to Patrick Bowles.
In a move guaranteed to wipe the famous smile off Mona Lisa's mug, McDonald's is planning to open an eatery inside France's great temple of culture: the Louvre museum.
The London Telegraph reported the restaurant will open next month in the underground shopping plaza beneath I.M. Pei's glass pyramid in the museum courtyard."
Hat tip to Patrick Bowles.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Ummmmmmmm
Meet the 1,500-calorie 'Craz-E Burger': beef patty, bacon and cheese on Krispy Kreme donut: "The donut burger - a bacon cheeseburger with a buttered Krispy Kreme glazed donut standing in for a bun - is becoming a hit on the fair circuit and among some far-out foodies.
Amusingly, the heart-stopping sandwich was sold just outside the West Springfield agricultural fair's 'Better Living Center.'"
Artery-clogging photo at the link, which was provided by Art Scott.
Amusingly, the heart-stopping sandwich was sold just outside the West Springfield agricultural fair's 'Better Living Center.'"
Artery-clogging photo at the link, which was provided by Art Scott.
I'm Shocked
Supreme Court Strikes Down Case From Man Claiming to Be Elvis Presley's Son - Political News - FOXNews.com: "On its first day of a new term, the U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to hear a case from a man claiming to be Elvis Presley's first-born son.
Jason Presley of West Valley City, Utah, who is suing for rights to the entire Presley family estate, had penned a petition to the high court asking for it to review his case -- full of wild accusations including an allegation that the famous singer was murdered in 1977 and did not die from a drug overdose."
Jason Presley of West Valley City, Utah, who is suing for rights to the entire Presley family estate, had penned a petition to the high court asking for it to review his case -- full of wild accusations including an allegation that the famous singer was murdered in 1977 and did not die from a drug overdose."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Religious group sued for allegedly inciting harm through prayers - On Deadline - USATODAY.com: "A former military lawyer who served in the Reagan White House is suing a Dallas-based religious group for allegedly inciting harm upon him through prayers, The Dallas Morning News reports.
The newspaper says the suit could test the limits of free speech and prayer."
The newspaper says the suit could test the limits of free speech and prayer."
I Don't Know Much about Art, . . .
The Press Association: Heap of dust on art prize shortlist: "A whale's skull, a heap of dust made up of the remains of a jet engine and a workman's naked backside are among the artworks featuring in a display by this year's shortlisted Turner Prize artists.
Roger Hiorns, Enrico David, Lucy Skaer and Richard Wright are the artists in the running for the award, which is worth €25,000 to the prize winner and €5,000 for each of those shortlisted.
Among the exhibits at Tate Britain is a heap of metal dust from an atomised passenger jet engine by Hiorns."
Roger Hiorns, Enrico David, Lucy Skaer and Richard Wright are the artists in the running for the award, which is worth €25,000 to the prize winner and €5,000 for each of those shortlisted.
Among the exhibits at Tate Britain is a heap of metal dust from an atomised passenger jet engine by Hiorns."
Wait, You Mean Somebody's Getting Freebies and Payments?
FTC: Bloggers must disclose payments for reviews - Yahoo! Finance: "The Federal Trade Commission will require bloggers to clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products."
And They Wonder Why Newspapers are Dying
Book tells you when you should do ... everything | Life | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Or, as you’re holding a glass of wine, saddle up to someone new and dazzle them with this bit of trivia: Valentine’s Day is the only day of the year you can get married on top of the Empire State Building."
Italics are mine.
Italics are mine.
Happy Birthday, Monty Python's Flying Circus!
Is Monty Python's Flying Circus dead as a parrot? - Features, Comedy - The Independent: "It began with a shaggy, Ancient Mariner figure dragging himself along a seashore. Its jaunty credit sequence intertwined cartoon flowers and the photographed heads of Victorian grandees.
It introduced viewers to Arthur 'Two Sheds' Jackson and the Funniest Joke in the World – and it was the start of a five-year love affair between the British TV audience and a world of cosily surreal humour. Monty Python's Flying Circus first hit the airwaves 40 years ago, on 5 October, 1969."
It introduced viewers to Arthur 'Two Sheds' Jackson and the Funniest Joke in the World – and it was the start of a five-year love affair between the British TV audience and a world of cosily surreal humour. Monty Python's Flying Circus first hit the airwaves 40 years ago, on 5 October, 1969."
Land of the (Sort of) Free
New York City to Establish Surveillance Network in Midtown - NYTimes.com: "Asked Sunday about criticism of the increased surveillance, Mr. Bloomberg said: “We live in a world where we have to have a balance. We can’t just say everybody can go everyplace and do anything they want.”"
Soon to be a Movie on the SyFy Channel
Sheriff describes raccoon "gang attack" on Lakeland woman | 10connects.com | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater: "A Lakeland woman is recovering from serious injuries in the hospital after sheriff's investigators say she was 'gang attacked' by five raccoons Saturday afternoon."
Alcohol Was Certainly Involved
Alleged assault prompts charges against local man - Carlsbad Current-Argus: "A man pleaded not guilty to three charges after allegedly punching two people, crashing his car into theirs, and telling police officers they couldn't tell him what to do, a criminal complaint stated.
'____ you pig, I don't have to do what you tell me,' Jeremy Rodgers, 28, of the 300 block of Russell Street, reportedly told a police officer when asked to go talk to another officer."
'____ you pig, I don't have to do what you tell me,' Jeremy Rodgers, 28, of the 300 block of Russell Street, reportedly told a police officer when asked to go talk to another officer."
Okay, Now the Recession is Getting Serious
Louisiana gator farming takes a hit as recession chokes off interest in luxury goods | New Orleans Business News - - NOLA.com: "Louisiana alligator farmers are struggling through their worst season in 25 years as the national recession chokes off sales of luxury items."
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Another Twilight Zone Tribute (with Sound Clips)
wbur.org � News � After 50 Years, ‘The Twilight Zone’ Still Knows What Scares Us: "A HALF CENTURY AGO, a young writer walked across an empty set and pitched a new idea to television advertisers.
“What you’re about to see, gentlemen, is a series called ‘The Twilight Zone’,” the young man said. “We think it’s a rather special kind of series. The thing we’re concerned with, the thing we’re aiming for, the thing we’re working toward is entertainment. This is a series for the storyteller.”"
Hat tip to Ted (The Younger) Fitzgerald.
“What you’re about to see, gentlemen, is a series called ‘The Twilight Zone’,” the young man said. “We think it’s a rather special kind of series. The thing we’re concerned with, the thing we’re aiming for, the thing we’re working toward is entertainment. This is a series for the storyteller.”"
Hat tip to Ted (The Younger) Fitzgerald.
Croc Update (Jailbird Edition)
Crocodile thrown in jail cell for loitering | Weird True Freaky | News.com.au: "NORTHERN Territory police were forced to arrest a grumpy crocodile and throw it in jail after it was discovered loitering in a town."
Gabriel Hunt Interview
Charles Ardai talks about discovering adventure fiction in a series of short audio clips here. Find out how Indiana Jones influenced the Gabriel Hunt series, and more.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
(CBS) A Texas woman has a unique home defense system - hurling billiard balls at would-be robbers from the roof of her house.
Paula Ollie heard noises outside of her North Richland Hills home Wednesday afternoon and took action, reports CBS station KTVT. The 27-year-old mother collected several pool balls and placed them in her son's bicycle helmet.
[. . . .]
Ollie went out through the back door and climbed a tree to get to her roof - all while clenching the bike helmet's strap in her teeth. Once on the roof, she unleashed her unconventional defense.
"I hollered out 'Death from above!' I'm not kidding. And no sooner than I said that, I started chucking pool balls at them."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Paula Ollie heard noises outside of her North Richland Hills home Wednesday afternoon and took action, reports CBS station KTVT. The 27-year-old mother collected several pool balls and placed them in her son's bicycle helmet.
[. . . .]
Ollie went out through the back door and climbed a tree to get to her roof - all while clenching the bike helmet's strap in her teeth. Once on the roof, she unleashed her unconventional defense.
"I hollered out 'Death from above!' I'm not kidding. And no sooner than I said that, I started chucking pool balls at them."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
The U. S. Doesn't Lead the Way
Sweden's Internet connection speed gutsy: "Sweden ranks third in the world in average Internet connection speed, way ahead of the US.
The report by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) said the average download speed in South Korea is 20.4 megabits per second (mbps) -- four times faster than the US average of 5.1 mbps, ranked 28th.
Japan trails South Korea with an average of 15.8 mbps followed by Sweden at 12.8 mbps and the Netherlands at 11.0 mbps, the report said."
The report by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) said the average download speed in South Korea is 20.4 megabits per second (mbps) -- four times faster than the US average of 5.1 mbps, ranked 28th.
Japan trails South Korea with an average of 15.8 mbps followed by Sweden at 12.8 mbps and the Netherlands at 11.0 mbps, the report said."
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Sounds Reasonable to Me
Recording women's rears not necessarily illegal, it turns out: "'I saw a couple of decent looking women and had this feeling come over me. I got like a drunk feeling and I couldn't control myself,' Ajvalia told deputies in a statement."
They'd Only Just Begun
Surprising first products of 14 famous companies - CNN.com: "Some companies find their niche and stick to it. Others, though, have to adapt to changing markets in order to thrive. Here's a look at some companies that switched industries at some point in their histories, usually for the better."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
DA Accused of Stealing Money From Motorists Wants To Defend Herself With Money She's Accused of Stealing From Motorists - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine: "Here's the crazy part: Russell is attempting to use proceeds from the county's forfeiture fund to pay for her legal defense. That is, she wants to raid the fund she's accused of stealing from motorists to fund in order to defend herself from accusations that she stole from motorists to fund it."
Alligator Man
ALLIGATOR MAN Thousands of nuisance gators have met their match in La. hunter - State - SunHerald.com: "For eight years, he’s dragged their scaly hides from ditches, storm drains, airport runways, the living rooms of terrified housewives and anywhere else a brash alligator might decide to make a pest of itself.
He lost count long ago, but nuisance-alligator hunter Easton DeHart estimates he’s tangled with thousands of the reptiles since he made “fooling with gators” his full-time job.
Judging by the hundreds of severed, shellacked heads grinning from shelves in his trophy room, their glass eyes gleaming and toothy mouths gaping, it’s safe to assume he isn’t exaggerating."
He lost count long ago, but nuisance-alligator hunter Easton DeHart estimates he’s tangled with thousands of the reptiles since he made “fooling with gators” his full-time job.
Judging by the hundreds of severed, shellacked heads grinning from shelves in his trophy room, their glass eyes gleaming and toothy mouths gaping, it’s safe to assume he isn’t exaggerating."
Friday, October 02, 2009
Monkeying Around
Ted Williams' Severed Head Abused In Cryonics Facility: Former Exec: "The New York Daily News is reporting that Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams' severed head was mistreated at an Arizona cryonics facility, according to details from a new book.
In 'Frozen,' Larry Johnson, a former executive at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Scottsdale, Ariz., writes that Williams' head, which had been severed and frozen for storage, was abused at the facility. Johnson claims a technician took baseball-like swings at Williams' frozen head with a monkey wrench."
Thanks to Walter Satterthwait for the link.
In 'Frozen,' Larry Johnson, a former executive at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Scottsdale, Ariz., writes that Williams' head, which had been severed and frozen for storage, was abused at the facility. Johnson claims a technician took baseball-like swings at Williams' frozen head with a monkey wrench."
Thanks to Walter Satterthwait for the link.
Happy Birthday to The Twilight Zone!
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP): On a Friday night in October 1959, Americans began slipping into a dimension of imagination as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. They've really never returned.
"The Twilight Zone," first submitted for the public's approval by a reluctant CBS, has resonated with viewers from generation to generation with memorable stories carrying universal messages about society's ills and the human condition.
Here's the Plot of Your Next Lost Race Novel
Mysterious Orang Pendek apeman spotted by British expedition - Telegraph: "The team of four British explorers and their Indonesian guide tracked through dense and treacherous jungle in the Kerinci National Park of Sumatra where two of them caught a glimpse of the Orang Pendek - or short man.
The team have brought back hair samples and a piece of palm they hope will provide DNA evidence of the Orang Pendek - a creature sighted in the area since colonial times and reputed to be immensely powerful."
Hat tip to Fred Zackel.
The team have brought back hair samples and a piece of palm they hope will provide DNA evidence of the Orang Pendek - a creature sighted in the area since colonial times and reputed to be immensely powerful."
Hat tip to Fred Zackel.
Forgotten Books: THE ASSASSINATOR -- David Vowell
How forgotten is this book? Well, it was nominated for an Edgar® in 1976, and the last time I looked at the Edgar® database, the title was listed incorrectly (as The Assassination). It's a first-person police procedural in the Dragnet vein, about a serial killer. And it's 138 pages long. Now that's my kind of book.When I read this book back in the middle '70s, I was taken by the narrative voice, which reminded me a bit of Joe Friday, but not quite. Maybe it's time to mention that the only other book I have by David Vowell is Dragnet: 1968. I haven't read that one, but Vowell was also the writer on a number of the much-maligned '60s revival of Dragnet on TV.
Reading The Assassinator now, I find it disturbingly homophobic, something I didn't notice thirty-odd years ago, to my shame, I guess. I was still taken in by the voice, though. Imagine a book, even one as short as this, with almost no dialog. That's what you have here. It's a tough trick to pull of, but Vowell does it, and you almost don't even notice it. The procedural part's good, too, very Dragnet, as I said. Good book if you can get past the gay-bashing, and worth a read. It sure won't take you long.
Croc Update (Could Alcohol Have Been Involved? Edition)
B.C. man gets crocodile bites from urinating in a lagoon | VANCOUVERITE: "Urinating in a crocodile infested lagoon in Mexico has left a 20-year-old B.C. man with bite marks – to his legs.
According to Richmond cops, the man telephoned his family and told a story suggesting he had been kidnapped, forced to fight, got shot in the shoulder and then was dumped in water where he was attacked by crocodiles."
According to Richmond cops, the man telephoned his family and told a story suggesting he had been kidnapped, forced to fight, got shot in the shoulder and then was dumped in water where he was attacked by crocodiles."
As If We Didn't Know
Meeting pretty women makes men feel good - Telegraph: "Researchers found that just being in the presence of a pretty member of the opposite sex causes a temporary boost in levels of testosterone and cortisol – both hormones associated with alertness and wellbeing.
However hanging around with other men has the opposite affect – reducing the levels of both substances in the body."
However hanging around with other men has the opposite affect – reducing the levels of both substances in the body."
Thursday, October 01, 2009
New Cross-Genre Fiction E-Zine
BITTER WATER BLOG: Call for Submissions: The Feral Pages: "Lyman Feero is taking submissions for his new cross-genre e-zine, The Feral Pages. The October/November issue goes live on 10/15. Featured stories include Chris F. Holm's wonderfully disturbing 'A Better Life' and [Patrick Shawn Bagley's] 'The Cove.' Submission guidelines can be found here. I hope all of you writers and readers will help support what promises to be a unique new venue for short fiction."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Perry's cousin killed by sheriff's deputies | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting death of a cousin of Gov. Rick Perry in a mysterious exchange of gunfire with sheriff's deputies.
[. . . .]
Perry's office wouldn't elaborate on his relationship with Wheeler, a retired social worker listed as a member of Perry's 2006 re-election campaign steering committee."
[. . . .]
Perry's office wouldn't elaborate on his relationship with Wheeler, a retired social worker listed as a member of Perry's 2006 re-election campaign steering committee."
Top 10 Great Movie Deaths
Top 10 Great Movie Deaths – RopeofSilicon.com Movie News, Trailers, Reviews and More: "Movies love to kill people, and actors love to die (preferably slowly and with a great close-up). Yet, more often than not, film fatalities are an accountant's errand. Just another tally mark in the body count. This isn't a list celebrating the art of ludicrous squibs and exploding craniums. The following movie deaths deliver more oomph than henchmen #4 getting steamrolled by the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile."
Link via Neatorama.
Link via Neatorama.
Harry Whittington Update
When the 38 Harry Whittington porn titles were revealed by David Laurence Wilson in the Stark House Whittington triple-decker, we learned that Whittington used the house names Curt Colman, John Dexter, and J. X. Williams. I've now seen two different eBay dealers offering books with the Dexter and Williams by-lines as Whittington's work, even though the titles they're offering aren't among the 38 listed. Before long, we'll probably see people crediting Whittington with everything under those by-lines. All I can say is that if you're looking for the Whittington titles, better check the list in the Stark House edition before you buy.
They Need to Hurry Up and Get This on the Market
Scientists 'reverse ageing process' | Mail Online: "Building up muscles wasted away by age could one day be as simple as taking a pill. Scientists believe they may have found the secret to making muscles young again.
The key is a protein that sends signals to kickstart stem cells which can repair muscles.
Now it is hoped that a muscle-boosting drug can be developed to slow the ageing process."
The key is a protein that sends signals to kickstart stem cells which can repair muscles.
Now it is hoped that a muscle-boosting drug can be developed to slow the ageing process."
They Will Be too Busy to Worry about Their Lawns
Senior citizens offered brothel discount | National Breaking News | News.com.au: "SAUCY senior citizens can receive a generous discount at Melbourne brothels next week.
The Moorabbin Glen Eira Leader reports as thousands of old-timers celebrate national Seniors Week, those who present their seniors’ discount card at some brothels and escort services can mark the occasion in an entirely different way."
The Moorabbin Glen Eira Leader reports as thousands of old-timers celebrate national Seniors Week, those who present their seniors’ discount card at some brothels and escort services can mark the occasion in an entirely different way."
Texas Led the Way until the Newt Changed His Mind
Owner of Dallas topless club The Lodge stripped of entrepreneur award | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News: "Dawn Rizos didn't need any formal recognition that The Lodge, one of the best-known gentlemen's clubs in Dallas, was a successful small business.
But when former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's conservative group named her an 'Entrepreneur of the Year,' she was thrilled by the opportunity to accept the award in Washington and speak about ways to help small businesses.
That all changed, however, when Gingrich realized that The Lodge was a topless bar, not some other business in Virginia. He rescinded Rizos' invitation to a private dinner and returned the $5,000 donation she made to his group, American Solutions for Winning the Future."
But when former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's conservative group named her an 'Entrepreneur of the Year,' she was thrilled by the opportunity to accept the award in Washington and speak about ways to help small businesses.
That all changed, however, when Gingrich realized that The Lodge was a topless bar, not some other business in Virginia. He rescinded Rizos' invitation to a private dinner and returned the $5,000 donation she made to his group, American Solutions for Winning the Future."
A Mafia Quiz
Family Matters: A Mafia Quiz: "So you've memorized five scenes from The Godfather. How's your knowledge of real American Mafia history? Take this quiz to find out."
I missed one.
I missed one.
Gator Update (Movie Edition)
JournalOnline: If you want to see a movie depicting the destruction of Des Plaines, you'll have to wait a while longer.
Until then, perhaps a few clips from "Gator Gal", also known as "Alligator Monster", might whet your appetite.
[. . . .]The plot---if that's what you want to call it---of "Gator Gal" calls for the DNA of an alligator somehow being injected into a voluptuous woman who is miraculously transformed into a half alligator, half woman creature.
Wasn't that the plot of Alligator People?
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Pasadena police find goldfish fried, others eaten | Bryan/College Station, Texas - The Eagle: "A Houston-area woman apparently burned up at her former common-law husband fried their pet goldfish and ate some of them.
Pasadena police say it's a civil matter and no charges will be filed. The seven goldfish were purchased together by the couple during happier times."
Pasadena police say it's a civil matter and no charges will be filed. The seven goldfish were purchased together by the couple during happier times."
A Musical Based on a Carter Brown Novel
It’s Astounding: A Musical Revival from ‘Rocky Horror’ Creator - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com: "Variety is reporting that Mr. O’Brien is about to stage a British tour of his musical “The Stripper,” based on the Carter Brown pulp novel. Mr. Brown also wrote the book of the musical, about a policeman trying to solve a murder in California in 1961. (Given the title and Mr. O’Brien’s involvement, we’re guessing that fishnet stockings will somehow be involved.) The music is by Richard Hartley, who was a band member of the original “Rocky Horror Show” stage production and arranged music for the film. The tour, which starts on Aug. 29, will be followed by a new British tour of “Rocky Horror,” which begins in Wimbledon on Sept. 17."More here.
Original cast album and much more about the play here.
Somehow I missed the big news about this revival when it was announced, but I was reminded of it yesterday when I received the most recent mailing of DAPA-Em (the world's only apa devoted to crime and mystery fiction).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
This Rarely Happens at School Fetes in Texas
Decapitation: School fete turns violent - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "Police in Papua New Guinea are hunting for a notorious criminal after violence at a school fete left eight people dead and a severed head hanging from a power pole."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Perry camp uses Amway as model | Rick Casey | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "You know those ads that promise to show you how to make thousands of dollars working at home on your personal computer?
They're mainly bogus, of course.
But Gov. Rick Perry, ever dedicated to helping the Texas economy, has come up with a program to allow Texans to do just that.
It's sort of a campaign version of Facebook meets Amway.
The Dallas Morning News called attention Tuesday to the program, which is described at hq.rickperry.org/about, a Perry campaign Web site.
Here is the deal.
• You sign up at the Perry Web site to obtain your own campaign Web page.
• You then get 11 of your friends, located anywhere in Texas, to commit to voting for Perry as part of your team and put their names on your page.
• You make sure your 11 friends get to the polls during the early voting period next spring. You call them, you cajole them and you drive them to the polls if necessary.
Once you do all those things, you get paid $20 for each friend you recruit."
They're mainly bogus, of course.
But Gov. Rick Perry, ever dedicated to helping the Texas economy, has come up with a program to allow Texans to do just that.
It's sort of a campaign version of Facebook meets Amway.
The Dallas Morning News called attention Tuesday to the program, which is described at hq.rickperry.org/about, a Perry campaign Web site.
Here is the deal.
• You sign up at the Perry Web site to obtain your own campaign Web page.
• You then get 11 of your friends, located anywhere in Texas, to commit to voting for Perry as part of your team and put their names on your page.
• You make sure your 11 friends get to the polls during the early voting period next spring. You call them, you cajole them and you drive them to the polls if necessary.
Once you do all those things, you get paid $20 for each friend you recruit."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Police department gets boot in west Texas town | Latest News | KENS5.com: "Marfa's quiet country lifestyle and thriving art scene make this tiny west Texas town a favorite getaway.
But the city won't keep its police chief and two officers when the police department shuts down October 1.
'It's all about consolidation. What we're trying to do is run our community as efficiently as possible,' said Marfa mayor, Dan Dunlap.
According to the mayor, the city will save $90,000 a year by hiring the Presidio County Sheriff's Office to replace the local police department. The sheriff's office already patrols the rest of the rugged border city."
As you're all aware, the town of Clearview has always hired the Sheriff's Office in place of a local police department. Sheriff Rhodes is appreciative of the deal.
But the city won't keep its police chief and two officers when the police department shuts down October 1.
'It's all about consolidation. What we're trying to do is run our community as efficiently as possible,' said Marfa mayor, Dan Dunlap.
According to the mayor, the city will save $90,000 a year by hiring the Presidio County Sheriff's Office to replace the local police department. The sheriff's office already patrols the rest of the rugged border city."
As you're all aware, the town of Clearview has always hired the Sheriff's Office in place of a local police department. Sheriff Rhodes is appreciative of the deal.
Wild Bunch Wednesday Short Story
Meridian Bridge � Wild Bunch Wednesday Short Story Challenge 9: "The Western Story With No Name began its exciting run on Ian Parnham’s blog, The Culbin Trail. During the next seven weeks it loped across an open range under the rein of some terrific writers, and this week I’m honored to have Part Nine appear at Meridian Bridge."
Can I Just Get a Burger?
Vitamin cafes: Japan's latest health injection - CNN.com: "In trendy neighborhoods of Tokyo customers are lining up for vitamin injections that promise to improve health and beauty.
A Japanese woman receives an intravenous vitamin supplement at the Tenteki Caf�in Tokyo.
These intravenous vitamin 'drips' are part of the latest quick-fix, health fad catching on in Japan: the IV cafe.
Each drip pack contains saline solution and specific vitamins and minerals to target a particular health ailment or beauty concern."
A Japanese woman receives an intravenous vitamin supplement at the Tenteki Caf�in Tokyo.
These intravenous vitamin 'drips' are part of the latest quick-fix, health fad catching on in Japan: the IV cafe.
Each drip pack contains saline solution and specific vitamins and minerals to target a particular health ailment or beauty concern."
Gator Update (Texas Edition)
5 year old catches a 800 pound Gator - KTRE.com Lufkin and Nacogdoches |: "A young Livingston boy caught an alligator taller than a Texas tale.
Harvesting an alligator that's 20 times your size is a piece of cake, according to 5 year old Simon Hughes. 'Well, its pretty much simple,' said Simon who caught the alligator."
Photos and video at the link.
Harvesting an alligator that's 20 times your size is a piece of cake, according to 5 year old Simon Hughes. 'Well, its pretty much simple,' said Simon who caught the alligator."
Photos and video at the link.
Gator Update (Duct Tape Edition)
Police tape up alligator in Texas: "San Antonio police said officers used duct tape and a prisoner transport van to capture and relocate a 4-foot alligator found in a residential neighborhood."
Sheriff Dan Rhodes used this method in Murder in Four Parts.
Sheriff Dan Rhodes used this method in Murder in Four Parts.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Stephen King Update
Stephen King chills tube again - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety: "Stephen King is taking another stab at the smallscreen, signing on to turn his novella 'The Colorado Kid' into an hourlong series for indie studio E1 Entertainment ('Hung').
Titled 'Haven,' the project centers on a spooky town in Maine where cursed folk live normal lives in exile. When those curses start returning, FBI agent Audrey Parker is brought in to keep those supernatural forces at bay -- while trying to unravel the mysteries of Haven."
Titled 'Haven,' the project centers on a spooky town in Maine where cursed folk live normal lives in exile. When those curses start returning, FBI agent Audrey Parker is brought in to keep those supernatural forces at bay -- while trying to unravel the mysteries of Haven."
Gene Hackman -- Author
Gene Hackman's War - The Daily Beast: "Hackman told The Daily Beast about sparring with Civil War re-enactors on his book tour, how he nearly adapted Silence of the Lambs for the big screen, and why he gave up acting for writing."
I Knew I Left College Too Soon
Film 445* Special Topics:
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Film and Media / Winter 2010 / Frank Burke
The 1950s Italian and American Sword-and Sandal Film. This course will explore"sword-and-sandal" films of the 1950s and early 1960s, focusing both on schlock Italian products such as the Steve Reeves Hercules films that enjoyed surprising economic success and the more "serious" Hollywood epics of the same period, many of which were shot in Italy. Neither the Hollywood nor the Italian versions would have been possible without the strong interpenetration of Hollywood and Italian film, practically and economically, during the 1950s. The focus will not be so much on the history of a genre as on the analysis of a significant moment in the postwar history of media and representation. The western world was, in the late 1950s, beginning to undergo the transformation in capitalism, media (with the emergence of television), and cultural signification that has now acquired the label "postmodernity." The sword-and-sandal epic in terms of both production modes and signification provides a great deal of insight into this transformation. In relation to the Italian films, we will also examine the "seriousness" of seemingly airhead cinema, exploring how mass entertainment, seemingly empty of serious intent or meaning, and intended only to reap profit can become, through its popularity and "timeliness," a bearer of major social meaning. Other issues to be discussed in relation to the sword and sandal film will be melodrama, spectacle vs. narrative, camp, and kitsch. Assignments will include group presentations, brief bi-weekly individual assignments on screenings and readings, a group Mystery Science Theatre 3000 overdub, and a 15-page final essay.Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Uh-Oh
A Writer's Life: DiCaprio is Travis McGee: "Variety reports that Leonardo DiCaprio has signed to portray Travis McGee in a movie version of John D. �MacDonald's THE DEEP BLUE GOODBYE . Dana Stevens wrote the script, and Peter Chernin will produce, but no director has been set yet."
Crooked Little Vein -- Warren Ellis
I've read and reviewed several of Warren Ellis' graphic novels, so I thought I'd read his purely prose work. It's supposedly a p.i. novel, but it's really a road novel masquerading as a p.i. novel. Or maybe it's a p.i. novel masquerading as a road novel.Here's the deal: Self-proclaimed "shit magnet" Mike McGill is a down on his luck p.i. (is there any other kind?). Then the White House Chief of Staff shows up and pays him half a million bucks to find the Mcgugffin, which is a book that contains the real Constitution of the U. S. It's bound in the skin of an alien who pestered Ben Franklin and paid the price, and it's a document that could change the world as we know it. McGill hooks up with a young woman named Trix, and they travel to Columbus, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and finally Los Angeles in pursuit of the book.
Along the way Mike and Trix encounter enough warped characters, deviant sex, and just plain weirdness to fill a book. According to Ellis, it's all based on stuff he found in the Internet. Maybe that's true, or maybe not. One thing's for sure: There's something here to offend just about everybody. In fact, if you find Joe Lansdale too polite and restrained, maybe you should read this book. It's funny, and it moves right along, but if you're looking for a standard p.i. novel, you're looking in the wrong place.
Banned Books Week
New Page 1: "There are hundreds of challenges to books in schools and libraries in the United States every year. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were at least 513 in 2008. But the total is far larger. 70 to 80 percent are never reported."
It's Banned Books Week. The link above goes to an interactive map. You can see what titles were banned or challenged in the different locations.
It's Banned Books Week. The link above goes to an interactive map. You can see what titles were banned or challenged in the different locations.
Crank: High Voltage
This is the second of the Crank movies. When Jason Statham's eye popped open at the end of the first one after his long, long fall from a helicopter, you knew there'd be a sequel. And if you saw the first movie, you know what you'll get here except more of it. If you didn't see the first one, you're not in the target audience for this one, either. The first one was loud, fast, and out of control. This one is louder, faster, and even more out of control. By the end, I don't think anybody knew what it was about anymore, and certainly nobody cared.Okay, that's not fair. They knew, all right. It's about sex, nudity, and violence. Lots of all three. Mix 'em together, amp 'em up (joke intended), and you get this movie.
Of course, that's not all. No, there's more. There's also the sensitive Wizard of Oz subtext that us more astute critics noticed. What? You didn't see it. Well, that's what I'm here for. Someday people will be writing dissertations on how this movie is really about a caring but indestructible man who's looking for a heart. He has to follow the Yellow Brick Road, or what passes for it in Los Angeles to find it, but the Wizard (Dwight Yoakum) is there to help. There's no wicked witch, but there are plenty of obstacles. And there's David Carradine, in a role that's become something to talk about, I suppose, since his ignominious death.
Plot? Who cares? It's all action, and if that's what you're looking for, along with humor and the aforementioned sex, nudity, and violence, you'll find plenty of everything. This is a B-movie that knows it's a B-movie, and it just wants you to have a good time.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Lucy Vodden, R. I. P.
Lucy Vodden, of "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" Song Fame, Dies - Speakeasy - WSJ: "Lucy Vodden (n�e O’Donnell), who was the inspiration for the Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” has died, following a long battle with the autoimmune disease lupus. The British housewife — whose passing was announced by the St Thomas’ Lupus Trust charity — was 46."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Truckers Lead the Way
Driven to Distraction - Truckers Insist on Keeping Computers in the Cab - Series - NYTimes.com: "Crisscrossing the country, hundreds of thousands of long-haul truckers use computers in their cabs to get directions and stay in close contact with dispatchers, saving precious minutes that might otherwise be spent at the side of the road.
Like many truckers, Kurt Long uses a dispatching computer. “We’re supposed to pull over,” he said, “but nobody ever does.”
The trucking industry says these devices can be used safely, posing less of a distraction than BlackBerrys, iPhones and similar gadgets, and therefore should be exempted from legislation that would ban texting while driving."
Like many truckers, Kurt Long uses a dispatching computer. “We’re supposed to pull over,” he said, “but nobody ever does.”
The trucking industry says these devices can be used safely, posing less of a distraction than BlackBerrys, iPhones and similar gadgets, and therefore should be exempted from legislation that would ban texting while driving."
Move Along, Citizen, Nothing to See Here
The Associated Press: Attorney: OKC bombing tapes appear edited: "'Four cameras in four different locations going blank at basically the same time on the morning of April 19, 1995. There ain't no such thing as a coincidence,' Trentadue said.
He said government officials claim the security cameras did not record the minutes before the bombing because 'they had run out of tape' or 'the tape was being replaced.'
'The interesting thing is they spring back on after 9:02,' he said. 'The absence of footage from these crucial time intervals is evidence that there is something there that the FBI doesn't want anybody to see.'
A spokesman for the FBI in Oklahoma City, Gary Johnson, declined to comment and referred inquiries about the tapes to FBI officials in Washington, who were not immediately available for comment Sunday."
He said government officials claim the security cameras did not record the minutes before the bombing because 'they had run out of tape' or 'the tape was being replaced.'
'The interesting thing is they spring back on after 9:02,' he said. 'The absence of footage from these crucial time intervals is evidence that there is something there that the FBI doesn't want anybody to see.'
A spokesman for the FBI in Oklahoma City, Gary Johnson, declined to comment and referred inquiries about the tapes to FBI officials in Washington, who were not immediately available for comment Sunday."
Uh-Oh
DNA test shows Hitler skull is that of a woman | World News | News.com.au: "ADOLF Hitler may not have died in a bunker after fresh research suggests the skull thought to be the tyrant's was from a woman."
Caiman Update (London Edition)
Welcome to CTV Southwestern Ontario: "Police are keeping watch on a storm water pond in London where a caiman has taken up residence.
Police and animal control officers tried to corral the crocodile-like reptile yesterday, but it repeatedly eluded their grasp."
Police and animal control officers tried to corral the crocodile-like reptile yesterday, but it repeatedly eluded their grasp."
Ageist Swine
Too Old for Action - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment - FOXNews.com: "Willis' new film brings to mind a whole bunch of aging stars who we think are simply too old for action."
I'd Help Out, but it's Just too Far Away
Wanted: volunteers to move 400 crocs - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "A Northern Territory wildlife park is seeking volunteers to relocate some of its dangerous inhabitants.
Crocodylus Park, which operates as a zoo and commercial crocodile farm in Darwin, needs helpers to shift about 400 saltwater crocodiles into new ponds."
Crocodylus Park, which operates as a zoo and commercial crocodile farm in Darwin, needs helpers to shift about 400 saltwater crocodiles into new ponds."
Sunday, September 27, 2009
William Safire, R. I. P.
NY Times columnist William Safire dead at 79 | Entertainment | People | Reuters: "William Safire, the former speechwriter for Richard Nixon who won a Pulitzer Prize for columns on politics and language for The New York Times, died on Sunday, the newspaper said. He was 79."
All Righty, Then
For men's eyes only: boob-ogling good as 30 minutes in gym: "A study by German scientists showed that 10 minutes a day of ogling women’s breasts by men was as good at warding off heart disease, high blood pressure and stress as 30 minutes of aerobic exercise."
I was going to call this "The Stilwell Workout," but I thought better of it.
I was going to call this "The Stilwell Workout," but I thought better of it.
Harlequin Retro!
Learned about this from a post by Dave Zeltserman on the Rara-Avis list. Harlequin is reprinting six of its titles from the long ago with the original covers. The books are also available on Amazon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)