Dinosaur fossil found in pensioner's garden rockery - Telegraph: "A grandfather told of his shock at discovering a 135-million-year-old dinosaur fossil in his garden rockery.
John Ruggles, 75, first found the priceless Plesiosaur fossil when he dismantled the garden feature nine years ago."
Monday, March 01, 2010
Shot to Death Blog March
Today the blog is playing host to a Blog March. Shot to Death is the book, and Stephen D. Rogers is the author. He'll be hanging around to respond to your comments, so make some. That way he won't think I don't have any readers.Stephen D. Rogers is the author of Shot to Death (ISBN 978-0982589908) and more than six hundred stories and poems. He's the head writer at Crime Scene (where viewers solve interactive mysteries) and a popular writing instructor. For more information, you can visit his website, www.stephendrogers.com, where he tries to pull it all together.
Shot to Death Blog March
"You know I don't like working on custody cases." - "Custody Battle at Red Creek"
So begins one of the 31 stories contained in Shot to Death (ISBN 978-0982589908). Within that beginning lurks the ending to the story and everything that happens between the beginning and the end. Or at least it seems that way to me.
This opening felt ripe. It wasn't just that the private investigator didn't like working on custody cases. It wasn't even that the client knew the PI didn't like working on custody cases but still asked. What really got me was the understanding that the PI was going to accept the case anyway.
What made the PI ignore his better judgment? (And is that ever a good thing?) What card did the client play?
While "custody" usually refers to questions of childcare after parents split, how else could the word be used? The custodian of records is someone who safeguards the official version of events. A custodian can also be the person who cleans up messes. Both of those seem to be good descriptions of what a PI does.
That's when the title popped into my head.
My first reaction to the title was that it sounded to me like a western, and since so many have linked PI fiction to westerns,this created an interesting vibe.
If the PI was the retired gunslinger, he was going to need an all-powerful rancher to test his mettle.
Since I really didn't want to write another story about a PI going up against big business or police bureaucracy, how about the PI has to fight a large and more successful PI agency? While this storyline may have been mined by others, it was fresh territory for me.
So there I was. All that was left was the writing. For a chance to win a signed copy of SHOT TO DEATH, click on over to http://www.stephendrogers.com/
And then come back here to post your comments. Phew.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A PQ Interview
A long, long time ago, I can still remember. . . Paperback Quarterly, Billy Lee's pioneering zine about paperback collecting. Billy and his wife, Charlotte Laughlin, were the driving forces, but I hung around as "contributing editor." This was back in 1978, before the Internet, before anything like the network of collectors and fans that exists today. But we did what we could. One of the features of the magazine was interviews conducted through a form of written correspondence known as "letters." First a request for an interview would be composed on a "typewriter" and then it would be "mailed" to the person we wanted to interview. If the person consented to the interview, we'd go back to the typewriter and compose it. When it was completed, we'd mail it. The interviewee would then type the reply and return it by mail. All this took a while, but we did get a few interviews done. Because we didn't want to take up too much of the person's time, and because we didn't really know what we were doing, the interviews were short. Some of them might be of interest, however, so I thought I might put a few of them here on the blog, like this one with Norman Saunders from Volume 1, Number 2 (Fall 1978). If there's any interest, I'll try to do another one or two.
Down Under Update
5,200 Australians bare all for photo shoot - Yahoo! News: "About 5,200 naked people have embraced each other on the steps of Sydney's iconic Opera House for a photo shoot by Spencer Tunick.
Tunick, who is known for his nude group photos in public spaces, posed participants for more than an hour in a variety of positions Monday.
'It was difficult to get the straight participants to embrace the gay participants and vice versa,' Tunick said. 'So I was very happy that that last set up finally got done and everyone came together (in a) united, friendly kiss, a loving kiss in front of this great structure.'"
Tunick, who is known for his nude group photos in public spaces, posed participants for more than an hour in a variety of positions Monday.
'It was difficult to get the straight participants to embrace the gay participants and vice versa,' Tunick said. 'So I was very happy that that last set up finally got done and everyone came together (in a) united, friendly kiss, a loving kiss in front of this great structure.'"
The 5 Most Badass Presidents of All-Time
One of them is John Quincy Adams, and one of the things that qualifies him is the reason I once wrote a story about him.
The 5 Most Badass Presidents of All-Time | Cracked.com
The 5 Most Badass Presidents of All-Time | Cracked.com
Archaeology Update
My Way News - Massive head of pharaoh unearthed in Egypt: "Egypt's Culture Ministry says a team of Egyptian and European archaeologists has unearthed a large head made of red granite of an ancient pharaoh who ruled Egypt some 3,400 years ago.
A ministry statement Sunday said the team discovered the head of Amenhotep III wearing the traditional white crown of the southern kingdom buried in the pharaoh's mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile in the southern city of Luxor."
A ministry statement Sunday said the team discovered the head of Amenhotep III wearing the traditional white crown of the southern kingdom buried in the pharaoh's mortuary temple on the west bank of the Nile in the southern city of Luxor."
Bat Segundo Show Update
Here are links to the new podcasts. Check 'em out.
SHOW #318 -- Peniel Joseph (44:43)
Direct Link to Show: http://www.edrants.com/
Five Second Excerpt: "Is it possible to have someone who can leave a legacy beyond the elected moment?"
* * *
SHOW #319 -- Gail Godwin (27:06)
Direct Link to Show: http://www.edrants.com/
Five Second Excerpt: "I should point out that here we have a situation in which a biological budding occurs."
* * *
SHOW #320 -- Sue Grafton (42:29)
Direct Link to Show: http://www.edrants.com/
Five Second Excerpt: "Not to get into Hannah Arendt’s banality of evil, but that’s essentially what you set up here."
* * *
SHOW #321 -- Christian Berger (23:45)
Direct Link to Show: http://www.edrants.com/
Five Second Excerpt: "Dark is usually a problem on the analog way."
* * *
SHOW #322 -- Kevin Sampsell (1:01:23)
Direct Link to Show: http://www.edrants.com/
Five Second Excerpt: "But how do you get from worn out to divorce?"
* * *
SHOW #323 -- Justin Taylor (48:31)
Direct Link to Show: http://www.edrants.com/
Five Second Excerpt: "There’s only so old you can be crying at a barbershop."
* * *
Wyoming Wants to Lead the Way. . .
. . . but the code came from a Texan.
The code would stress the importance of living with courage, keeping promises, finishing what you start and saying more by talking less.
Based on the “Code of the West” outlined in a 2004 book by James Owen, a Wall Street investor from Texas, Senate File 51 galloped through the Wyoming Senate last week and on Monday lassoed unanimous approval from the House Minerals Committee."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
You've heard of 'Shoeless Joe'? Meet 'Shoeless Johnny,' restaurant robber | News Bizarre | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "A thief who tried to avoid identification by going shoeless during some Fort Worth-area holdups must serve 35 years in prison.
Detectives say 21-year-old Johnny Lee Britt thought he could elude police by not leaving shoe prints."
Detectives say 21-year-old Johnny Lee Britt thought he could elude police by not leaving shoe prints."
The Voice is Familiar
Meet the face behind the voice of your GPS: "She is both blonde and beautiful - and the world's most notorious back street driver.
While you may not have heard of the name Karen Jacobsen, you certainly would have heard her voice."
While you may not have heard of the name Karen Jacobsen, you certainly would have heard her voice."
Photo at the link.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas
| Texas/Southwest: "A Dallas man appointed to head a Texas arts commission was arrested at Southern Methodist University on trespassing charges after he was warned to stay off the campus because students filed complaints alleging he offered alcohol to minors, officials said."
| Texas/Southwest: "A Dallas man appointed to head a Texas arts commission was arrested at Southern Methodist University on trespassing charges after he was warned to stay off the campus because students filed complaints alleging he offered alcohol to minors, officials said."
All Righty, Then
Crimespree Cinema: Dermot Mulroney is Jim Rockford.: "Well, it seems to be true. After Michael Ausiello broke the news, THR and Variety followed up with reports of their own.
Dermot Mulroney is the new Jim Rockford. Mulroney is perhaps best known as Julia Roberts' pal in MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING and has also appeared in ZODIAC and YOUNG GUNS. This will be his first regular television gig."
Dermot Mulroney is the new Jim Rockford. Mulroney is perhaps best known as Julia Roberts' pal in MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING and has also appeared in ZODIAC and YOUNG GUNS. This will be his first regular television gig."
It's Not Who You Think
Boozy ape sent to rehab: "'The beer and cigarettes were ruining him. He would pester passers-by for booze,' the Komsomolskaya Pravda paper said."
Hat tip to David Cranmer.
Dirty Hippies!
Woodstock Hippies Lead to the Financial Collapse, Says New Film - ABC News: "New Film Claims Hippies-Turned-Boomers as Responsible for Excessive Spending, the Mortgage Crisis, and Recklessness on Wall Street"
Hat tip to Seepy Benton.
The Food of the Gods
Ancient Egyptian Priests Died by Lavish Banquets | TopNews United States: "The food listed in hieroglyphic inscriptions on temple walls, which was offered by the Priests to ancient Egyptian Gods, was weighed down with saturated fat, according to an analysis. The priests offered food to appease the God and they carried the rest of the food with them, which blocked their arteries."
Hat tip to Fred Zackel, who is in no way responsible for the poor writing in the article.
Hat tip to Fred Zackel, who is in no way responsible for the poor writing in the article.
Get a Rope!
Andy Griffith Statue Vandalized - KTLA: "MOUNT AIRY, N.C. - The statue of Andy and Opie that sits outside the Surry Arts Council building was painted red and green by vandals over the weekend."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston area assistant principal and teacher face drug charges after being caught with cocaine - 2/26/10 - Houston News - abc13.com: "A teacher and an assistant principal are charged with possession of a controlled substance after getting arrested outside a Montrose bar.
Matthew Neufeld is an assistant principal at Chancellor elementary in Alief, and Bradley Voss is a teacher at Stafford high school. Police say an officer approached the men in a parked car last night and discovered two bags of cocaine."
Matthew Neufeld is an assistant principal at Chancellor elementary in Alief, and Bradley Voss is a teacher at Stafford high school. Police say an officer approached the men in a parked car last night and discovered two bags of cocaine."
Kinks Update
Ray Davies Rerecording Kinks Songs With Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and More - Spinner: "While Kinks frontman Ray Davies joins millions of British Invasion fans in waiting on his brother and guitarist Dave Davies to decide if he wants to reunite the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, the singer-songwriter is continuing to find new ways to re-examine his legendary band's catalog.
Having viewed the Kinks through the eyes of choirs with 'The Kinks Choral Collection,' he now will see the band through some of music's biggest stars. In an interview with NJ.com, Davies revealed that he's recording a duets album of classic Kinks tunes with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, the Killers, Lucinda Williams and more."
Having viewed the Kinks through the eyes of choirs with 'The Kinks Choral Collection,' he now will see the band through some of music's biggest stars. In an interview with NJ.com, Davies revealed that he's recording a duets album of classic Kinks tunes with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, the Killers, Lucinda Williams and more."
Sauced
Police: Man beaten with Worcestershire bottle | TimesDaily.com | The Times Daily | Florence, AL: "Florence police said the 43-year-old Florence man was injured when he was severely beaten in the head with a bottle of Worcestershire sauce and a fire extinguisher outside the Economy Inn on Wednesday night."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Roger Ebert Upate
Technology giving Roger Ebert his voice back - Chicago Breaking News: "Nearly four years after a battle with thyroid cancer robbed him of the ability to speak, iconic film critic Roger Ebert sounded like his former self Friday during a taping of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' the show's producer said.
It was no medical miracle, but rather a demonstration of new software using audio recordings of Ebert to create a synthetic voice that sounds like his own.
CereProc, a company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, created the voice for him using mostly audio of Ebert's DVD commentaries on 'Citizen Kane' and 'Casablanca.'"
It was no medical miracle, but rather a demonstration of new software using audio recordings of Ebert to create a synthetic voice that sounds like his own.
CereProc, a company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, created the voice for him using mostly audio of Ebert's DVD commentaries on 'Citizen Kane' and 'Casablanca.'"
Egad! Update
1939 Batman Detective Comics No. 27 sells for record $1 million at auction - washingtonpost.com: "Well, that record didn't last long.
Just three days after a Superman book became the first comic to sell for $1 million, a Batman comic book sold Thursday at auction for about $75,000 more.
Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas reports that a rare copy of Detective Comics No. 27 from 1939 -- in which 'The Batman' made his debut -- sold for a record-setting $1,075,500."
Just three days after a Superman book became the first comic to sell for $1 million, a Batman comic book sold Thursday at auction for about $75,000 more.
Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas reports that a rare copy of Detective Comics No. 27 from 1939 -- in which 'The Batman' made his debut -- sold for a record-setting $1,075,500."
He Should Have Been Scaring Kids off his Lawn
Police: man makes fake prescription pills, tries to trade them for sex | pills, percocet, miller - News - Northwest Florida Daily News: "A 68-year-old man was arrested for manufacturing imitation drugs after a witness alleged that the man traded the drugs for sex, according to an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office arrest report."
It's Not Who I Thought It Was
Carly Simon ends You’re So Vain riddle | The Sun |Showbiz|Bizarre: "SINGER CARLY SIMON has finally ended a 38-year guessing game - by naming the subject of hit You're So Vain."
Poor Baby
Student files complaint against councilman who teaches - baltimoresun.com: "A fight between two Patapsco High School students has led to a complaint that a substitute teacher, Baltimore County Council member Vincent J. Gardina, forcibly restrained one of the students."
Blackout in Precinct Puerto Rico -- Steven Torres
This is the fifth book in Steven Torres' excellent series, though I believe it was the first written. I generally avoid books about small-town Sheriffs because I don't want to fall into unconscious plagiarism, but I'm willing to make an exception for this series. The Puerto Rican setting makes it different enough from my own Blacklin County, and there's no reason I should miss out on some good reading. Besides, Torres' books are a bit more darkly tinged than mine. We're doing different things here, not that there there's no humor in Torres' books. There is. It's just different from mine.In this installment, Sheriff Luis Gonzalo has to discover who attacked and battered a 16-year-old girl who refuses to speak. The list of suspects is short, at first, and that leads to some serious repercussions. People will talk, no matter where they are. Sometimes they talk too much.
Sheriff Gonzalo is a fine creation. He's human and humane in dealing with the town and with his family. He's tough but fair, and he's very much affected by the things that happen. Nobody comes out unscathed.
If you haven't read the previous books in the Precinct Puerto Rico series, that's no barrier to reading this one. It's a good place to start. Check it out.
Coming Soon: Sheriff Rhodes Road?
BBC News - Derby inner ring road to be named Lara Croft Way: "A new £36.2m Derby road is to be named after computer game and movie character Lara Croft following a public vote.
The star of the Tomb Raider franchise was originally devised by a computer game developer based in the city."
The star of the Tomb Raider franchise was originally devised by a computer game developer based in the city."
Paris Hilton Fragrance Line Collection
Paris Hilton Fragrance Line Collection: "She's famous. She's an expert at attracting attention. She's in the spotlight wherever she goes. She is setting new standards for socialites. She always seems to be at the centre of things. Who is she? Paris Hilton, of course.
Rich in its appeal, it defines that moment in time when powerful sensuality and breathtaking beauty are captured in a way that all can enjoy. Now, you have the opportunity to share in the grip of the magic that is Paris Hilton.
Find out what it smells like to be a Star."
Rich in its appeal, it defines that moment in time when powerful sensuality and breathtaking beauty are captured in a way that all can enjoy. Now, you have the opportunity to share in the grip of the magic that is Paris Hilton.
Find out what it smells like to be a Star."
And then there's this. I've always wanted to smell like a cucumber!
"Paris Hilton knows how she likes a man to smell so she has created a scent to share with her male admirers around the world. A fresh, clean and airy fragrance with notes of Fig Leaf and Green Mango make this an ultra masculine scent. Elegant White Sage, Juniper and Basil develop into an invigorating encounter. Moroccan Cedarwood, hypnotic Cucumber and Amber unfold to create a deeply seductive blend."
Will the Persecution Never End?
iWon News - Paris Hilton too hot for Brazil? Gov't protests: "Paris Hilton is giving blondes a bad name.
So says Brazil's Secretariat for Women's Affairs, which wants a sultry beer commercial starring the hotel heiress, model and actor off the air."
So says Brazil's Secretariat for Women's Affairs, which wants a sultry beer commercial starring the hotel heiress, model and actor off the air."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
We Normal Older People Should Take Heed, I Suppose
Interval training can cut exercise hours sharply - Yahoo! News: "People who complain they have no time to exercise may soon need another excuse. Some experts say intense exercise sessions could help people squeeze an entire week's workout into less than an hour. Those regimens — also called interval training — were originally developed for Olympic athletes and thought to be too strenuous for normal people.
But in recent years, studies in older people and those with health problems suggest many more people might be able to handle it. If true, that could revolutionize how officials advise people to exercise — and save millions of people hours in the gym every week. It is also a smarter way to exercise, experts say."
But in recent years, studies in older people and those with health problems suggest many more people might be able to handle it. If true, that could revolutionize how officials advise people to exercise — and save millions of people hours in the gym every week. It is also a smarter way to exercise, experts say."
Yes, It's Happened Again: Drugs and Crocs
Police remove talking parrot, crocodile and 12 pit bulls from Oakland home - San Jose Mercury News: "Police raided a known drug house Wednesday night and found a few ounces of marijuana and a house-full of animals.
Police discovered 12 pit bulls trained for fighting, a wild parrot, which was trained to say 'hello blood,' and a foot-long caiman, a type of crocodile that police thought was a baby."
Police discovered 12 pit bulls trained for fighting, a wild parrot, which was trained to say 'hello blood,' and a foot-long caiman, a type of crocodile that police thought was a baby."
And You Thought Warren Beatty Got all the Women
Bob Hope: the road to bed - Times Online: "The trademark leer of America’s top comedian was the public clue to an insatiable appetite for women. Bob Hope was one of show business’s most incorrigible philanderers, reveals his biographer Arthur Marx."
Forgotten Books: If the Coffin Fits -- Day Keene
This book came up in the comments last week, and I couldn't resist rereading it for this week's post. This one's not a free eBook. It's from off the shelves, and as you can see, it has a dandy needle cover. That alone makes it a collector's item.Day Keene wrote only a few novels with a p.i. as the main character, but this is one of them. I think it's an expansion of a pulp tale, but I'm not sure. Anyway, Tom Doyle is the first-person narrator. He has his own agency in Chicago. He takes a job in Central City, Nevada, to help out an old friend, who wants Doyle to prove a man innocent of murder. While he's at it, Doyle's also going to have to clean up Central City, which is one of those corrupt towns replete with gambling, prostitution, and cops on the take, all under the control of Mr. Big.
As soon as Doyle steps off the plane, he's in a fight, and after that things never slow down as Doyle is beaten, drugged, beaten, drugged, propositioned, jailed, and beaten. Meanwhile lots of people are dying, just as others have died before when they've come close to uncovering Mr. Big. The story takes place over a couple of days, and the only sleep Doyle gets is when he's knocked unconscious (which is often) or drugged. The story is a lot more complicated than I can describe here, but it's a lot of fun. If you like the old-fashioned pulp-styled p.i. stories, you'd find a lot to like here. I know I did.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ed Thomas, R. I. P.
He read Orange County like a book - Life - The Orange County Register: "For nearly 30 years, customers stepped through the door of Book Carnival and into a world created by owner Ed Thomas, a place where hard-boiled detectives, tea-sipping sleuths and cagey cops pursued killers, cons and creeps.
Fictionally, of course.
Thomas was almost always behind the counter, open book in hand (he read the way other people breathe) surrounded by stacks of the just-finished and the about-to-begin. If you wanted something he'd gladly put down his book to help you, though if he liked it, and thought you might, he'd try to sell that one to you, too."
Hat tip to Rick Robinson.
Fictionally, of course.
Thomas was almost always behind the counter, open book in hand (he read the way other people breathe) surrounded by stacks of the just-finished and the about-to-begin. If you wanted something he'd gladly put down his book to help you, though if he liked it, and thought you might, he'd try to sell that one to you, too."
Hat tip to Rick Robinson.
California Leads the Way
California Assembly Says 'Yes' To No Cussing - cbs13.com: "Californians had better start watching their mouths.
The state Assembly passed a resolution Thursday that would establish the first week of March as 'Cuss Free Week' throughout the state. If approved by the Senate next week, the measure would take effect immediately."
The state Assembly passed a resolution Thursday that would establish the first week of March as 'Cuss Free Week' throughout the state. If approved by the Senate next week, the measure would take effect immediately."
World's Oldest Hot Dog Not in NFL Stadiums
140-year-old hot dog discovered: "At nearly 140 years old, this Coney Island hot dog is in pretty good shape.
It was recently found encased in ice underneath the boardwalk's famous Feltman's Kitchen.
It was recently found encased in ice underneath the boardwalk's famous Feltman's Kitchen.
[. . . .]
Officials at the Coney Island History Project say the hot dog still had its original restaurant receipt attached to it."
Officials at the Coney Island History Project say the hot dog still had its original restaurant receipt attached to it."
New York Leads the Way
Occupational Therapists Are Helping Children With Handwriting - NYTimes.com: "These days, many little fingers are being drilled. Twenty-five years ago, pediatric occupational therapists primarily served children with severe disabilities like spina bifida, autism or cerebral palsy. Nowadays, these therapists are just as focused on helping children without obvious disabilities to hold a pencil.
In affluent neighborhoods in and around New York, occupational therapists have taken their place next to academic tutors, psychologists, private coaches and personal trainers — the army that often stands behind academically successful students."
In affluent neighborhoods in and around New York, occupational therapists have taken their place next to academic tutors, psychologists, private coaches and personal trainers — the army that often stands behind academically successful students."
The 14 Funniest Police Composite Sketches
The 14 Funniest Police Composite Sketches (PICTURES): "All kidding aside, these are some of the worst police sketches we have ever seen."
It's Clear that Hot Dogs Must be Banned
The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO - <img src=" http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/ttalker.gif" border=0> Kansas man sues Royals claiming hot dog injury: "But a Kansas man says it was a flying hot dog, not a baseball, that almost put his eye out while watching a Royals game late last summer."
Uncovered
Lingerie model runs one of world's largest drug gangs, according to police - Telegraph: "They tried to trace her via her Pomeranian lapdog but found it registered to a disused warehouse."
Killer -- Dave Zeltserman
Leonard March gets out of prison after 14 years, not bad for a guy who killed 28 people as a hit man for Sal Lombard. Naturally the families of the men March killed are furious that he's out, and they're all suing him. Lombard and his mob aren't so happy, either, since March informed on them to get his light sentence.March says he just wants to get on with what's left of his life, and he takes a job as a janitor, tries to get in touch with his kids, and avoids the public as much as he can. He's always looking over his shoulder, wondering who might be back there with the intention of killing him.
March tells his story in the first person, and Zeltserman arranges it in alternating sections that take place in the past (narrated in present tense) and in the present (narrated in past tense). The sections in the past are the action sections, and they detail a number of March's kills. The sections in the present carry the story forward, but if you've read any crime novels, you know that somehow the two will intertwine in some way by the end.
Things get complicated for March when he gets involved in an attempted hold-up, taking out the bad guys in an action that brings him unwanted publicity. He also meets a beautiful woman named Sophie, who seems to like him, though he suspects her motive might not be exactly what she claims.
The whole book is told in tightly controlled prose that's perfectly suited to the subject matter. Killer is another bang-up job from Zeltserman, and a noir novel in the grand tradition. Don't miss it.
No Comment Department
George Lopez to voice Speedy Gonzales in new movie: "Speedy Gonzales is speeding toward the big screen.
New Line is turning the 'Looney Tunes' character into a live-action/CG hybrid movie with help from George Lopez, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog.
The comedian and sitcom star is set to voice Speedy, the fast-moving, red-kerchiefed mouse known for his signature speed-demon battle cry, 'Andale! Andale! Arriba! Arriba!' The character debuted in the 1950s as the arch-nemesis of Sylvester the Cat.
Producers say they plan to update the character, which has been criticized for being racist.
'We wanted to make sure that it was not the Speedy of the 1950s - the racist Speedy,' said producer Anne Lopez. 'Speedy's going to be a misunderstood boy who comes from a family that works in a very meticulous setting, and he's a little too fast for what they do. He makes a mess of that. So he has to go out in the world to find what he's good at.'"
New Line is turning the 'Looney Tunes' character into a live-action/CG hybrid movie with help from George Lopez, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog.
The comedian and sitcom star is set to voice Speedy, the fast-moving, red-kerchiefed mouse known for his signature speed-demon battle cry, 'Andale! Andale! Arriba! Arriba!' The character debuted in the 1950s as the arch-nemesis of Sylvester the Cat.
Producers say they plan to update the character, which has been criticized for being racist.
'We wanted to make sure that it was not the Speedy of the 1950s - the racist Speedy,' said producer Anne Lopez. 'Speedy's going to be a misunderstood boy who comes from a family that works in a very meticulous setting, and he's a little too fast for what they do. He makes a mess of that. So he has to go out in the world to find what he's good at.'"
Oddest Title Award
BBC News - Worm Hunter makes shortlist for oddest title award: "Afterthoughts Of A Worm Hunter and Collectible Spoons of the Third Reich have been shortlisted for this year's oddest book title award."
The complete list is at the link.
Forgotten Music -- The "Annie" Sequence by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters
When I was a whippersnapper, it didn't take much to get your songs banned from the airwaves by the FCC. Those songs seem pretty mild now when compared to just about anything from the respected rap artists of this era, but they were hot stuff back in the '50s. Hank Ballard and the Midnighters caused a sensation with "Work with Me, Annie," which was followed by "Annie Had a Baby" and "Annie's Aunt Fanny." And those were followed by "Sexy Ways," one of the inspirations for this fine story. I still own my 45 of that one.
Hank went on to write a little number called "The Twist" that made Chubby Checker a household name and hit #1 on the charts twice, the second time after being off the charts for a year. No other song's ever done that. Hank's own version was a b-side but it got a lot of airplay. Still, for those of us who came a long a little before "The Twist," it's the sexy stuff that you could hear only on the jukebox or late at night on stations far away that will define Hank Ballard and the Midnighters.
Cleveland Leads the Way
Snuggie Night!
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
At Last
Flying into the future: New Zealand company to make personal jet packs - Telegraph: "Martin Aircraft Company, in Christchurch, New Zealand, aims to make 500 packs a year which will sell for around £50,000.
The 200 horsepower dual-propeller packs are the brainchild of inventor Glenn Martin who unveiled his machine for the first time in July last year."
The 200 horsepower dual-propeller packs are the brainchild of inventor Glenn Martin who unveiled his machine for the first time in July last year."
Man of Bronze Update
Columbia Pictures Takes The Bronze In New Pulp Revival - Doc savage - io9: "The pulp era's 'Science Detective' is about to make a big-screen comeback, courtesy of the man behind Lethal Weapon and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; Writer/Director Shane Black will be bringing Doc Savage to the world of movies."
Croc Update (Horny Edition)
FOXNews.com - Ancient Human Ancestors Faced Fearsome Horned Crocodile: "A newfound horned crocodile may have been the largest predator encountered by our ancestors in Africa, researchers now suggest.
Scientists have even found bones from members of the human lineage bearing tooth marks from this reptile, whose scientific name, Crocodylus anthropophagus, means 'man-eating crocodile.'
This predator, which lived some 1.84 million years ago, possessed a deep snout that would have made it look more robust than modern crocodiles. It also had prominent triangular horns."
Scientists have even found bones from members of the human lineage bearing tooth marks from this reptile, whose scientific name, Crocodylus anthropophagus, means 'man-eating crocodile.'
This predator, which lived some 1.84 million years ago, possessed a deep snout that would have made it look more robust than modern crocodiles. It also had prominent triangular horns."
Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods
Full List - Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods - TIME: "The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement on Feb. 22, 2010, recommending the labeling and possible redesign of hot dogs to prevent dozens of choking deaths among children every year. Here's a look at 10 risky foods."
I, For One, Am Grateful
Puppet cleavage a no-no for Colo. bus shelter ads - KRDO.com Colorado Springs and Pueblo News, Weather and Sports: "There will be no puppet cleavage shown on advertising posters in Colorado Springs bus shelters."
And, as Dave Barry would say, Puppet Cleavage would be a good name for a rock band.
They Needed a Study?
Hourglass Figures Affect Men's Brains Like a Drug - Yahoo! News: "Watching a curvaceous woman can feel like a reward in the brain of men, much as drinking alcohol or taking drugs might, research now reveals."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
4 inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame
4 inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame - Welcome to Charter.net: "Ferlin Husky usually gets a lot calls in the spring from friends telling him this has to be the year he'll be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
'Every year I've heard that — for the last 15 or 20 years,' Husky said with a laugh.
[. . . .]
Husky joins fellow crossover pioneer Jimmy Dean, producer Billy Sherrill and top-selling singer Don Williams. The men will be inducted into the Hall in Nashville, Tenn., later this year."
'Every year I've heard that — for the last 15 or 20 years,' Husky said with a laugh.
[. . . .]
Husky joins fellow crossover pioneer Jimmy Dean, producer Billy Sherrill and top-selling singer Don Williams. The men will be inducted into the Hall in Nashville, Tenn., later this year."
Hat tip to Ivan G. Shreve, Jr.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Movie Box Office: Real Betting Is On the Way | The Hollywood Reporter | Showbiz 411 | Entertainment News: "People in the industry like to place little wagers on the weekend boxoffice. They’re probably nothing more than five bucks, or a coffee shop lunch if “x” beats “y” this weekend. That sort of thing.
That’s about to change, though, in a major way. Soon, everyone —I mean, everyone — will be able to bet on the boxoffice, and make or lose lots of money on the outcome.
Cantor Fitzgerald’s Howard Lutnick is right now beta testing something called The Cantor Exchange. You can find it here. Lutnick already operates the Hollywood Stock Exchange, where players trade “virtual” shares of everything including stars, directors, films, etc. It’s all innocent fun.
CX, as it will be known, is a different story. Cantor is awaiting regulatory approval before it launches officially. When it does, the boxoffice could become an interesting, maybe even dangerous, game. It’s real money, and it sure looks like anyone can play, even studio execs and theater distributors."
That’s about to change, though, in a major way. Soon, everyone —I mean, everyone — will be able to bet on the boxoffice, and make or lose lots of money on the outcome.
Cantor Fitzgerald’s Howard Lutnick is right now beta testing something called The Cantor Exchange. You can find it here. Lutnick already operates the Hollywood Stock Exchange, where players trade “virtual” shares of everything including stars, directors, films, etc. It’s all innocent fun.
CX, as it will be known, is a different story. Cantor is awaiting regulatory approval before it launches officially. When it does, the boxoffice could become an interesting, maybe even dangerous, game. It’s real money, and it sure looks like anyone can play, even studio execs and theater distributors."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Suit possible over baby DNA sent to military lab for national database: "An Austin lawyer threatened to pursue a new federal lawsuit Monday after learning that some newborn blood samples in Texas went to the U.S. military for potential use in a database for law enforcement purposes."
Victor Gischler's Running a Contest
Victor Gischler's Blogpocalypse: The Free Film Option Contest: "Hello directors, producers and screenwriters. Let's talk film options. THIS IS A CONTEST."
He Should've Tried Mowing HIs Lawn with It
Police: Allentown man robs roommate, using beer bottle as weapon - mcall.com: "A 68-year-old Allentown man robbed his roommate by threatening him with a beer bottle that he was trying to pass off as a gun, police said.
When the ruse proved ineffective, Aaron Ingram then attacked his roommate, Frank Corradi, 51, with the bottle, Assistant Chief Joe Hanna said."
When the ruse proved ineffective, Aaron Ingram then attacked his roommate, Frank Corradi, 51, with the bottle, Assistant Chief Joe Hanna said."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
She should be taking care of her lawn.
Massachusetts Leads the Way
Finch Fighting: A New Breed of Animal Cruelty - AOL News: "America's more-unsavory pastimes have long included underground cockfighting and dogfighting scenes, but now reports point toward a new animal-cruelty trend: finch fighting.
Last week, Massachusetts authorities seized more than 20 of the birds -- 6-inch 'little bursts of yellow' as described by The Boston Globe -- after a home inspection in Ashland, a small town about a half-hour's drive from Boston. More than 20 Brazilian men were at the house, and some were detained by immigration authorities."
Last week, Massachusetts authorities seized more than 20 of the birds -- 6-inch 'little bursts of yellow' as described by The Boston Globe -- after a home inspection in Ashland, a small town about a half-hour's drive from Boston. More than 20 Brazilian men were at the house, and some were detained by immigration authorities."
Hat tip to Todd Mason.
The 14 Freakiest Serial Killers You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
The 14 Freakiest Serial Killers You’ve Probably Never Heard Of: "We all know of the Mansons, Dahmers and John Wayne Gacys of the world—the mass killers that are media darlings. But for every nutbar killer who are splashed all over the headlines, there are plenty who never make the limelight. Some are from other parts of the world, some from too long ago to remember. But each of them is interesting and terrifying in their own right."
Link via Neatorama.
And Keep off their Nursing Home Lawn!
Nursing Home Residents Form a Biker Gang |
NBC Chicago: "Lydia Scheltes woke up in her bed at Bethesda Retirement Center one morning with pinkish hair, a tattoo on her arm and a hangover. Not a typical morning for the 90-year-old.
“Seniors are more fun than you’ll ever know,” she said.
Scheltes wasn’t alone: Seven ladies and one dude – aged 65 to 97 – all had a similar hazy look in their eyes after they hung out with bikers at the Evil Olive bar in Wicker Park on Feb. 11.
Some of them were still wearing their own biker gear."
NBC Chicago: "Lydia Scheltes woke up in her bed at Bethesda Retirement Center one morning with pinkish hair, a tattoo on her arm and a hangover. Not a typical morning for the 90-year-old.
“Seniors are more fun than you’ll ever know,” she said.
Scheltes wasn’t alone: Seven ladies and one dude – aged 65 to 97 – all had a similar hazy look in their eyes after they hung out with bikers at the Evil Olive bar in Wicker Park on Feb. 11.
Some of them were still wearing their own biker gear."
No Wonder We Old Guys Are So Smart!
A midday nap markedly boosts the brain's learning capacity: "If you see a student dozing in the library or a co-worker catching 40 winks in her cubicle, don't roll your eyes. New research from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that an hour's nap can dramatically boost and restore your brain power. Indeed, the findings suggest that a biphasic sleep schedule not only refreshes the mind, but can make you smarter."
Link via Boing-Boing.
Link via Boing-Boing.
Has the Persecution Ended?
20 Celebs Who Are Awesome In Person | The Frisky: "“Shocker, but I’ve always been impressed by Paris Hilton. I used to run into her a lot, and she is always drunk or stoned but really friendly. She’s a popular party girl because she’s easy to get along with.”"
If Only They'd Done this in the '70s!
Arrest made in break dancing damages | WIVB.com: "An 18-year-old Cheektowaga man was arrested on felony criminal mischief charges, after being accused of repeated attempts at 'break dancing.'"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Mother Finds Animal Head in Frozen Veggies | MyFoxHouston.com: "“When I saw it was a snake's head I just threw it down and called my kids and said I got a snake head in the green beans, everybody said ‘oh lord, you got a snake head in the green beans,' said Jamison."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Uh-Oh
CANOE -- JAM! Television:
Blues Brothers TV show a go: "Movie classic Blues Brothers is to be turned into a new TV show.
The widow of original star John Belushi has teamed up with Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts to write a script for a small screen adventure, which will star Kieron Lafferty and Wayne Catania as Jake and Elwood Blues."
Blues Brothers TV show a go: "Movie classic Blues Brothers is to be turned into a new TV show.
The widow of original star John Belushi has teamed up with Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts to write a script for a small screen adventure, which will star Kieron Lafferty and Wayne Catania as Jake and Elwood Blues."
Monday, February 22, 2010
Egad!
Superman's debut comic book issue sells for $1M - Yahoo! News: "A rare copy of the first comic book featuring Superman sold Monday for $1 million, smashing the previous record price for a comic book.
A 1938 edition of Action Comics No. 1, widely considered the Holy Grail of comic books, was sold from a private seller to a private buyer, neither of whom released their names. The issue features Superman lifting a car on its cover and originally cost 10 cents."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
A 1938 edition of Action Comics No. 1, widely considered the Holy Grail of comic books, was sold from a private seller to a private buyer, neither of whom released their names. The issue features Superman lifting a car on its cover and originally cost 10 cents."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Foundation Update
Emmerich confirms 3D motion capture for Asimov's Foundation trilogy - SFFMedia: "MTV reports that Roland Emmerich, director of the upcoming adaptation of Isaac Asimov's epic Foundation trilogy, will film the three movies in 3-D, using technology similar to the CG motion-capture techniques James Cameron used in Avatar.
When asked if Asimov's Foundation trilogy would be in 3-D and in motion capture, Emmerich replied, 'Yes.'"
When asked if Asimov's Foundation trilogy would be in 3-D and in motion capture, Emmerich replied, 'Yes.'"
Zombieland
You know the drill. A virus is unleashed that turns (almost) everyone into zombies overnight. Zombies, for some reason, want to eat the living, not that there are many living around to eat. The few survivors have to kill zombies to keep on living. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a shy, geeky kid who's managed to stay alive by developing a set of rules that he follows. (I like the way the rules are used in the movie; very funny.) Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is a Twinkie obsessed loner who's just about Columbus's opposite. Road trip ensues, during which they team up with a pair of sisters played by Emma Stone and Amanda Breslin. Everyone wants to go somewhere different, but the sisters want to go to Wally World. Okay, not quite, but same thing.
Zombies die, Harrelson dispenses one-liners and acts crazy, and so on. Not much of a plot, lots off-the-wall stuff, and I laughed a lot. Judy, who normally doesn't go for zombie movies, laughed, too. She had a tough time with the opening sequences, which are bloodier than any of the later ones, but once she got through those, she was okay with it. Supposedly the sequel is already a done deal, and I'm sure we'll watch that one, too.
They're Smoking their Lawns!
The Canadian Press: Senior and stoned: More US seniors using marijuana as baby boomer generation grows older: "The number of people aged 50 and older reporting marijuana use in the prior year went up from 1.9 per cent to 2.9 per cent from 2002 to 2008, according to surveys from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
For 1st time, brothers guard Tomb of the Unknown - washingtonpost.com: "For the first time, two brothers have earned the rarest honor offered in the U.S. Army, having completed training to serve as highly regimented sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Army Spc. Mathew Brisiel of Spring, Texas, on Friday followed his brother, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brisiel, when he became the 578th soldier awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge since 1958."
Army Spc. Mathew Brisiel of Spring, Texas, on Friday followed his brother, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brisiel, when he became the 578th soldier awarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge since 1958."
Gator Update (Water Hazard Edition)
Golf course hosts snappy water hazard | The Courier-Mail: "A NORTH Queensland golf course has an unusual water hazard with a wayward crocodile taking up residence near the 17th hole.
A golfer spotted the 1.5-metre freshwater crocodile a week ago in a lake which forms part of the par three hole at Willows Golf Resort in Townsville.
'They were walking along and saw it swanning around in the lake and said: 'There's a crocodile' and everyone was laughing at them. But we went down later on and sure enough it was,' Willows manager Adrian Lawson said."
A golfer spotted the 1.5-metre freshwater crocodile a week ago in a lake which forms part of the par three hole at Willows Golf Resort in Townsville.
'They were walking along and saw it swanning around in the lake and said: 'There's a crocodile' and everyone was laughing at them. But we went down later on and sure enough it was,' Willows manager Adrian Lawson said."
Blast from the Past (1995)
Clifford Stoll: Why Web Won't Be Nirvana - Newsweek.com: "Visionaries see a future of telecommuting workers, interactive libraries and multimedia classrooms. They speak of electronic town meetings and virtual communities. Commerce and business will shift from offices and malls to networks and modems. And the freedom of digital networks will make government more democratic.
Baloney. Do our computer pundits lack all common sense? The truth in no online database will replace your daily newspaper, no CD-ROM can take the place of a competent teacher and no computer network will change the way government works."
Baloney. Do our computer pundits lack all common sense? The truth in no online database will replace your daily newspaper, no CD-ROM can take the place of a competent teacher and no computer network will change the way government works."
Sunday, February 21, 2010
We're Number 1!
America: Laziest Country on Earth - List crunches numbers in anti-Olympics: "Let the Olympics rate each country’s elite athletes; the Daily Beast wanted to know which country had the laziest general populace. So they pitted 24 developed nations against each other in four statistical categories: calories consumed per day, television viewing, Internet usage, and aversion to sports."
Will the Persecution Never End?
Exes battle at Paris Hilton's 29th birthday bash | News.com.au: "THINGS got dramatic at Paris Hilton's birthday bash in Los Angeles when her boyfriend, Doug Reinhardt, got into a fight with her ex, Brandon Davis, the New York Post reported today.
Onlookers said former The Hills star Reinhardt squabbled with Hilton, and then had a screaming match with notorious party animal Davis during her 29th-birthday bash at Tea Room on Thursday night.
A witness said, 'One minute, Paris and Doug were looking all loved up, the next minute, they started bickering."
Onlookers said former The Hills star Reinhardt squabbled with Hilton, and then had a screaming match with notorious party animal Davis during her 29th-birthday bash at Tea Room on Thursday night.
A witness said, 'One minute, Paris and Doug were looking all loved up, the next minute, they started bickering."
I can't believe I wasn't invited.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Top 10 Little Things That Count in a Car
Top 10 Little Things That Count- Yahoo! Autos Article Page: "In the time our editors spend reviewing hundreds of cars a year, we run across features we simply can't live without. The features that make us whine when we don't have them aren't high-end, expensive gadgets but little conveniences that make a high impact on everyday usability and comfort. Here are our 10 favorites."
Has National Geographic Jumped the Shark?
Check Out National Geographic Channel's 'Explorer: Vampire Forensics' - Starpulse Entertainment News: "National Geographic Channel's 'Explorer: Vampire Forensics' follows forensic anthropologist Matteo Borrini as he digs deeper into this legend."
Archaeology Update
Unearthing the splendour of Ur in Iraq - Telegraph: "'This site will become perhaps more important than Giza,' he added, referring to the plateau outside the Egyptian capital of Cairo where some of mankind's most treasured antiquities have been unearthed, including the Sphinx and several notable pyramids.
That may not be just an idle boast."
That may not be just an idle boast."
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