FOXNews.com - Massive Glacier Triggers 'Tsunami' in Lake: "A huge glacier has broken off and plunged into a lake in Peru sparking a 23-meter high tsunami wave that destroyed a nearby town.
The massive chunk of ice --called Hualcan glacier, it was around the size of four soccer fields -- tumbled into the '513 lake' in the Andes near Carhuaz, around 200 miles north of Lima."
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
John Schoenherr, R. I. P.
John Schoenherr, first artist to draw Dune, dead at 74 | SCI FI Wire: "John Schoenherr, one of the finest science-fiction illustrators of the 1960s and 1970s—and the first artist to draw Frank Herbert's Dune and Anne McCaffrey's Pern—died Thursday at age 74. Herbert was so taken with Schoenherr's images that he referred to the artist as 'the only man who has ever visited Dune.'Schoenherr was perhaps best known for his illustrations for Dune, which was first published in two parts as 'Dune World' and 'The Prophet of Dune' in the science fiction magazine Analog in 1963 and 1965, respectively, and for which he won the 1965 Hugo Award for Best Artist. Beginning in the late 1950s and continuing through the late 1970s, Schoenherr contributed hundreds of distinctive and memorable illustrations for various science fiction magazines and books."
Happy Birthday, Bill Pronzini!
Bill Pronzini - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Bill Pronzini (born April 13, 1943) is an American writer of detective fiction. He is also an active anthologist, having compiled more than 100 collections, most of which focus on mystery, western, and science fiction short stories.He published his first novel, The Stalker, in 1971. However, his best known works are the Nameless Detective series, which he began in 1971. As of April, 2009, there are more than 35 books in the series, as well as a number of short stories. Over the life of the series, Nameless has gracefully grown and matured as an “everyman” character, aging along with his creator and audience. While the stories involve the usual range of crimes typical to mysteries, they depict relatively little violence. Pronzini’s style is more character driven than plot driven, giving his stories insights, depth, and durability atypical for the mystery field. Because Nameless develops over the run of the series, it's most effective to read them in sequence."
No Comment Department
Pornographic magazine for the blind launched - Telegraph: "A pornographic magazine for the blind has been launched - complete with explicit text and raised pictures of naked men and women."
Time to Buy!
I'm sure you pre-ordered, but in case you forgot, it's time to get on board! You can get a signed copy, eventually, from Murder by the Book. Or you get it on-line.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston Burger Challenge: Can Your Stomach Handle It? - KIAH: "Nestled off the corner of Nance and Richey Street, Ray's Franks & More is known for its hot dogs and hamburgers, which are named after popular scary movies.
'People know the movies (like) The Blob, and they know leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre and stuff like that,' said Henrickson.
One customer, who told us it was his fifth visit to the place, said their 'burgers are great. They have a different type of bun. They're pretty big too.'
If you have a big appetite, the King Kong burger is your best bet.
'It's five meat patties and the one (is) our vegetarian pattie, which is a black bean and rice patty we make here,' said Henrickson. 'You've got an incentive of getting a free over three pound burger if you finish it within thirty minutes with the fries.'"
'People know the movies (like) The Blob, and they know leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre and stuff like that,' said Henrickson.
One customer, who told us it was his fifth visit to the place, said their 'burgers are great. They have a different type of bun. They're pretty big too.'
If you have a big appetite, the King Kong burger is your best bet.
'It's five meat patties and the one (is) our vegetarian pattie, which is a black bean and rice patty we make here,' said Henrickson. 'You've got an incentive of getting a free over three pound burger if you finish it within thirty minutes with the fries.'"
They Could Hear Him Now
Avalanche Traps Hiker Who Calls 911 from Under Snow: Top News Stories at Officer.com: "Searchers rescued a hiker who was trapped by an avalanche after he called 911 from beneath the snow that partially buried him, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reported."
This Looks Like a Job for Droopy
Escaped convicts disguised as sheep evade Argentinian authorities | Courier Mail: "TWO escaped convicts in Argentina have dodged a huge manhunt by disguising themselves as sheep."
Will the Persecution Never End?
Paris Hilton warms up Las Vegas night club by shouting expletives and playing with her boobs | The Sun |Showbiz|Bizarre|USA: "HERE's how PARIS HILTON warms up a crowd - shouting expletives and playing with her boobs."
Video at the link if you dare.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Above the Law?
Movie star Steven Seagal ‘is a sex trafficker’ | News: "Action film star Steven Seagal has been accused of sexually assaulting a personal assistant and trafficking women for sex.
The martial arts specialist is being sued by 23-year-old former model Kayden Nguyen, who claims she signed up to work for him after responding to an advert on Craigslist.
She says he went on to treat her as “his sex toy” and expected her to live in his house in Louisiana.
Ms Nguyen also claims he had two young Russian women as “attendants” at his home “who were available for his sexual needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week”."
UPDATE:Former action hero Steven Seagal has strongly denied allegations by a former employee that he sexually assaulted her and 'treated her like a sex toy'.
The martial arts specialist is being sued by 23-year-old former model Kayden Nguyen, who claims she signed up to work for him after responding to an advert on Craigslist.
She says he went on to treat her as “his sex toy” and expected her to live in his house in Louisiana.
Ms Nguyen also claims he had two young Russian women as “attendants” at his home “who were available for his sexual needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week”."
UPDATE:Former action hero Steven Seagal has strongly denied allegations by a former employee that he sexually assaulted her and 'treated her like a sex toy'.
Monday, April 12, 2010
No Comment Department
News: Male Studies vs. Men's Studies - Inside Higher Ed: "First came women’s studies, then came men’s studies, and now, a new field in reaction to both: male studies.
Scholars of boys and men converged Wednesday at Wagner College, in Staten Island, N.Y., to announce the creation of the Foundation for Male Studies, which will support a conference and a journal targeted at exploring the triumphs and struggles of the XY-chromosomed of the human race -- without needing to contextualize their ideas as being one half of a male-female binary or an offshoot of feminist theory. Organizers positioned themselves in contrast to men's studies, which is seen as based on the same theories as women's studies and is grouped together with it as gender studies."
Scholars of boys and men converged Wednesday at Wagner College, in Staten Island, N.Y., to announce the creation of the Foundation for Male Studies, which will support a conference and a journal targeted at exploring the triumphs and struggles of the XY-chromosomed of the human race -- without needing to contextualize their ideas as being one half of a male-female binary or an offshoot of feminist theory. Organizers positioned themselves in contrast to men's studies, which is seen as based on the same theories as women's studies and is grouped together with it as gender studies."
John "Jack" Agnew, R. I. P.
The Associated Press: Member of unit linked to 'Dirty Dozen' dies in Pa.: "John 'Jack' Agnew, one of the original members of a U.S. Army unit that operated behind enemy lines in World War II and is often credited with having loosely inspired the movie 'The Dirty Dozen,' has died at age 88.
Agnew belonged to the Filthy Thirteen, an unofficial unit within the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was pronounced dead Thursday at Abington Memorial Hospital after becoming ill at his home in the Maple Village retirement community in Hatboro, where he and his wife moved about a year ago, his daughter Barbara Agnew Maloney said.
On D-Day, the Filthy Thirteen parachuted into France to take a bridge over the Douve River. It was 'a mission that would cost most of the men their lives,' according to an article in the winter 2008-09 edition of American Valour Quarterly, a publication of the nonprofit American Veterans Center."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Agnew belonged to the Filthy Thirteen, an unofficial unit within the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was pronounced dead Thursday at Abington Memorial Hospital after becoming ill at his home in the Maple Village retirement community in Hatboro, where he and his wife moved about a year ago, his daughter Barbara Agnew Maloney said.
On D-Day, the Filthy Thirteen parachuted into France to take a bridge over the Douve River. It was 'a mission that would cost most of the men their lives,' according to an article in the winter 2008-09 edition of American Valour Quarterly, a publication of the nonprofit American Veterans Center."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Eddie Carroll, R. I. P.
Actor Eddie Carroll dead at 76 - UPI.com: "The voice of Disney's Jiminy Cricket -- actor Eddie Carroll -- has died of a brain tumor in California at age 76, his wife says.
Carroll, who was also known for his stage tribute to comic Jack Benney, died Tuesday at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, his wife, Carolyn, told the Los Angeles Times.
Carroll became the second actor to give voice to Jiminy Cricket, starting in 1973, the Times said. The native Canadian holds the record for voicing the same Disney character
longer than anyone else, Rick Dempsey, senior vice president of Disney's Character Voices division, told the Times."
Carroll, who was also known for his stage tribute to comic Jack Benney, died Tuesday at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, his wife, Carolyn, told the Los Angeles Times.
Carroll became the second actor to give voice to Jiminy Cricket, starting in 1973, the Times said. The native Canadian holds the record for voicing the same Disney character
longer than anyone else, Rick Dempsey, senior vice president of Disney's Character Voices division, told the Times."
Expiration Date -- Duane Swierczynski
It's been only five years since I reviewed Swierczynski's Secret Dead Men, and since then he's more than fulfilled the promise of that novel. His latest book, Expiration Date, was to be publishes as a serial in The New York Times Magazine, but when that publication dropped its fiction, Swierczynski decided to make the story into a novel instead.About the only thing you can expect from a Swierczynski novel is that you never know what to expect. This one might (notice I said might) be described as a time-travel/serial-killer novel. When Mickey Wade takes what he believes is a Tylenol in his grandfather's apartment, a funny thing happens. He wakes up in 1972. He can see and hear people, but they can't see and hear him. Well, most of them can't. It's complicated.
And it gets even more complicated than that when Mickey starts trying to change the past. If you know about time-travel paradoxes, you know that making those changes might not get you what you want.
As usual with Swiercznyski, the book moves like a bullet. It's also short, which is fine by me, and Swierczynski manages to tie all the plot elements together in the end. There's some great local color for fans of Philadelphia, and there's a really nice nod to Secret Dead Men. There are even illustrations. Check it out.
5 Civilizations That Just Disappeared
5 Civilizations That Just Disappeared - Weird Worm
Link via Neatorama.
Some of you are going to be picky about this one, I'll bet.
Link via Neatorama.
Some of you are going to be picky about this one, I'll bet.
There Was a Time When Americans Took Risks and Dreamed of Travelling in Space
Commander: Apollo 13 was ‘successful failure’ - Space- msnbc.com: "The 40th anniversary of Apollo 13 was celebrated Sunday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Sunshine Award
This blog is the proud recipient of a Sunshine Award presented by The Rap Sheet. Here's the deal: The award's 
supposed to go to bloggers whose “contagious positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging universe.” I hadn't thought of myself in those terms, but who am I to argue? After taking my bow, I'm supposed to applaud others.
The rules read as follows:
1. Put the logo on the blog within your post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blogs.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received
this award.
I enjoy so many blogs that I'm going to slight someone for sure, but what the heck. I'll give it a shot and try not to repeat any from The Rap Sheet. My memory's not so hot, but I'm sure any repetition will be forgiven. Here are 12 good ones, in no particular order.
1. James Reasoner's Rough Edges
2. George Kelley's Shocking Full Book-Length Website
3. Paul Bishop's Bish's Beat
4. Janet Rudolph's Mystery Fanfare
5. Randy Johnson's Not the Baseball Pitcher
6. Patti Abbott's Pattinase
7. Cullen Gallagher's Pulp Serenade
8. Juri Numelin's Pulpetti
9. Ed Gorman's Blog
10. Jen Forbus's Jen's Book Thoughts
11. Rick Robinson's The Broken Bullhorn
12. Vince Keenan's Blog
I could easily name another two dozen. I'll save them for next time.
supposed to go to bloggers whose “contagious positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging universe.” I hadn't thought of myself in those terms, but who am I to argue? After taking my bow, I'm supposed to applaud others.The rules read as follows:
1. Put the logo on the blog within your post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blogs.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received
this award.
I enjoy so many blogs that I'm going to slight someone for sure, but what the heck. I'll give it a shot and try not to repeat any from The Rap Sheet. My memory's not so hot, but I'm sure any repetition will be forgiven. Here are 12 good ones, in no particular order.
1. James Reasoner's Rough Edges
2. George Kelley's Shocking Full Book-Length Website
3. Paul Bishop's Bish's Beat
4. Janet Rudolph's Mystery Fanfare
5. Randy Johnson's Not the Baseball Pitcher
6. Patti Abbott's Pattinase
7. Cullen Gallagher's Pulp Serenade
8. Juri Numelin's Pulpetti
9. Ed Gorman's Blog
10. Jen Forbus's Jen's Book Thoughts
11. Rick Robinson's The Broken Bullhorn
12. Vince Keenan's Blog
I could easily name another two dozen. I'll save them for next time.
10 Cars to Drive Before You Die
10 Cars to Drive Before You Die - Feature - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver: "10 Cars to Drive Before You Die - Feature
For the broadest automotive experience before your dirt nap, we suggest these 10."
For the broadest automotive experience before your dirt nap, we suggest these 10."
Why Didn't I Think of This When I was Teaching?
Outsourced Grading, With Supporters and Critics, Comes to College - Teaching - The Chronicle of Higher Education: "Lori Whisenant knows that one way to improve the writing skills of undergraduates is to make them write more. But as each student in her course in business law and ethics at the University of Houston began to crank out—often awkwardly—nearly 5,000 words a semester, it became clear to her that what would really help them was consistent, detailed feedback.
Her seven teaching assistants, some of whom did not have much experience, couldn't deliver. Their workload was staggering: About 1,000 juniors and seniors enroll in the course each year. 'Our graders were great,' she says, 'but they were not experts in providing feedback.'
That shortcoming led Ms. Whisenant, director of business law and ethics studies at Houston, to a novel solution last fall. She outsourced assignment grading to a company whose employees are mostly in Asia."
Her seven teaching assistants, some of whom did not have much experience, couldn't deliver. Their workload was staggering: About 1,000 juniors and seniors enroll in the course each year. 'Our graders were great,' she says, 'but they were not experts in providing feedback.'
That shortcoming led Ms. Whisenant, director of business law and ethics studies at Houston, to a novel solution last fall. She outsourced assignment grading to a company whose employees are mostly in Asia."
Dixie Carter, R. I. P.
'Designing Women' star Dixie Carter dies at age 70 | EW.com: "Actress Dixie Carter, 70, who most memorably portrayed Southern interior designer Julia Sugarbaker on the sitcom Designing Women from 1986 to 1993, died Saturday morning, her publicist confirmed to EW.com. “This has been a terrible blow to our family,” Carter’s husband, actor Hal Holbrook, told Entertainment Tonight. “We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy.” Carter is survived by Holbrook, her husband of nearly 26 years, and two daughters from a previous marriage."
Bad Juju -- Jonathan Woods
Jonathan Woods his is own take on noir, and this short story collection is pretty much guaranteed to be unlike anything else you'll read this week. Or month. Or, probably, year. There's nothing conventional or usual about any of them. Some of them, in fact, are almost surreal, like a fever dream of noir. Sex, murder, killers, and con men? All present and accounted for, along with assorted lunatics, lawmen, and lawyers. I'd describe the stories themselves, but it's almost impossible. I'll just say that my favorite was the last (and longest) in the book, "No Way, Jose." It brings together one of the oddest assortments of characters you're likely to find one one place, along with enough plot for a full-length novel. All you can do is fasten your seat belt and wait to find out who lives and who dies. Heads roll.
The next time you're looking for something really different, pick up a copy of Bad Juju. It has the goods.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Cheerleaders peed in sodas - Weird News - Canoe.ca: "Cheerleaders at Saginaw High School in Forth Worth, Texas, have a strange way of spreading school spirit.
A handful of girls have been disciplined for giving their teammates sodas that contained urine, reports the Forth Worth Star Telegram.
According to a parent of one of the students who drank the tainted beverages, one girl peed into a cup, then mixed in it with the sodas. The other girls then got the idea to distribute the drinks to teammates at the basketball game."
A handful of girls have been disciplined for giving their teammates sodas that contained urine, reports the Forth Worth Star Telegram.
According to a parent of one of the students who drank the tainted beverages, one girl peed into a cup, then mixed in it with the sodas. The other girls then got the idea to distribute the drinks to teammates at the basketball game."
So?
iPranged a submarine | The Sun |News: "A US nuclear sub rammed another ship causing nearly �60MILLION damage - while its navigator was listening to his iPod."
Croc Update (with Turtles and Snakes)
Thick-shelled turtle species lived with world's biggest snake, reveals fossil found in Columbian coal mine: "Cerrejonemys wayuunaiki takes its genus name from Cerrejon, and emys -- Greek for turtle. Its species name is the language spoken by the Wayuu people who live on the Guajira Peninsula in northeastern Colombia near the mine.
About as thick as a standard dictionary, this turtle's shell may have warded off attacks by the Titanoboa, thought to have been the world's biggest snake, and by other, crocodile-like creatures living in its neighborhood 60 million years ago."
About as thick as a standard dictionary, this turtle's shell may have warded off attacks by the Titanoboa, thought to have been the world's biggest snake, and by other, crocodile-like creatures living in its neighborhood 60 million years ago."
And Keep off Their Lawns!
Japanese robo-suit promises superpowers for greying farmers: "While Robocop and Iron Man can dodge bullets and crush villains, a new powered suit from Japan promises its elderly users more modest powers, such as pulling up radishes without getting a backache."
Friday, April 09, 2010
I Thought Only Mark Finn Did Stuff Like This
Two fires hours apart destroy beach house - Thursday, Apr. 8, 2010: "Firefighters wrap up at the scene of a fire at 15 M. St. in Hampton this morning, where a home was gutted by two fires this morning. Right, Wayne McGowen, who was sleeping in the basement of the house when it caught fire, watches firefighters at the scene along with neighbor Kali Burns, who was dressed as a gorilla."
Set the DVR!
TV show on local gator wranglers premieres tonight | www.beaumontenterprise.com - Local: "A new television show hasn’t stopped Gary Saurage from doing what he does best.
Tuesday, the gator-wrangler was in the middle of getting an alligator out of a hole in Anahuac when The Enterprise called to talk to him about the show “Gator 911,” which premiers tonight at 8 p.m. on CMT."
Tuesday, the gator-wrangler was in the middle of getting an alligator out of a hole in Anahuac when The Enterprise called to talk to him about the show “Gator 911,” which premiers tonight at 8 p.m. on CMT."
Billy Joe Shaver Update --Not Guilty!
Shaver is not guilty of aggravated assault in bar shooting | Austin Legal: "A McLennan County jury has found country music songwriter Billy Joe Shaver not guilty of aggravated assault in the March 31, 2007, shooting of a man at a bar.
Shaver let out a big long exhale after state District Judge Matt Johnson read the jury’s verdict."
Shaver let out a big long exhale after state District Judge Matt Johnson read the jury’s verdict."
Justice prevails.
Hat tip to Richard Moore.
Meinhardt Raabe, R. I. P.
'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin coroner Meinhardt Raabe dead at 94: "Meinhardt Raabe who played the Munchkin coroner in the 1939 MGM film classic 'The Wizard of Oz' has died, according to Jean Nelson, founder of the Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton.
Nelson said Raabe died Friday morning at the Florida retirement home where he had lived in recent years. He was 94."
Nelson said Raabe died Friday morning at the Florida retirement home where he had lived in recent years. He was 94."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Fort Worth Light Bulb Still Shines After 101 Years - cbs11tv.com: "There is a place in Fort Worth where volunteers help preserve the city's history. But there is one enlightening piece on display that has worked continuously for more than a century; far outshining its modern counterparts."
Okay, I should have said "almost" leads the way, as Art Scott will be the first to tell me. (See last paragraph of the article.)
Forgotten Books: DEATH OF A CITIZEN -- Donald Hamilton
How can it be that Donald Hamilton's Matt Helm books are out of print? Maybe it's just a matter of money, with his estate asking too much for reprint rights. I can't think of another reason because this is one of the best spy series ever. In fact, I'd put it right at the top.Death of a Citizen is the first book in the series. Matt Helm is a photographer and writer, living peacefully in Santa Fe, long past the days in WWII when he was a member of a super-secret government agency dedicated to things like assassination. Mac, the head of the agency, told Helm after the war that what they did "never happened."
But we all know that the past is never dead and that secrets are never buried deeply enough. And that super-secret agencies never shut down. An operative named Tina comes back into Helm's life and with her the violence that Helm thought he'd turned his back on. There's a body in a bathtub, and Helm's daughter is kidnapped. Here's a tip: You should never kidnap the daughter of someone once code-named Eric. Helm begins to revert to his old ways, and before long the citizen Helm is dead and the operative Eric is back.
This is hardboiled fiction at its best. The way Helm handles the kidnappers, and especially his final disposition of them, is still shocking even today, though its impact was much greater when the book was published 50 years ago. If you've never read Hamilton's work, particularly this series, Death of a Citizen is the place to start. I can almost guarantee you won't stop until you've read more.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
No Comment Department
Woman's boyfriend nearly died when she suffocated him with her enormous boobs during sex | News Of The World: "BUSTY Claire Smedley's boyfriend nearly DIED when she suffocated him with her enormous boobs during sex."
Here's the Plot for your Next Glitzy Hollywood Thriller
iWon News - Mexico: Hollywood producer suspect in wife's death: "'Survivor' and 'Pimp My Ride' producer Bruce Beresford-Redman is a suspect in his wife's death days after reporting her missing in the resort city of Cancun, a Mexican official said Thursday.
The body of Monica Beresford-Redman was found Thursday in a sewer at the swanky Moon Palace resort where the family was on vacation, according to the official at the office of the attorney general for Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located."
The body of Monica Beresford-Redman was found Thursday in a sewer at the swanky Moon Palace resort where the family was on vacation, according to the official at the office of the attorney general for Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Paris Hilton Update
Ananova - Ferrets now more popular down south: "Ferret ownership is now more common in the south-east than the north - partly thanks to celebrity owners such as Paris Hilton."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
David Adickes: Offbeat Artist Sells Property to Eclectic Church - KIAH: "An offbeat Houston attraction is up for sale with an interested buyer. A deal is in the works for Ecclesia Church to buy the studio of artist, David Adickes. Adickes is best known for sculpting the heads of past and current presidents along with a 36-foot tall rendering of the Beatles."
The 55 Master Tricks and Tools of Jason Bourne
Lone Iguana - The 55 Master Tricks and Tools of Jason Bourne [How to Be Bourne] (Updated): "Jason Bourne. The ultimate man. The trained assassin who has an arsenal of strength, tricks and gadgets to complete his missions. This article aims to dissect the Jason Bourne film trilogy, so that you, the reader, can soak up as much information on Jason Bourne as possible."
Link via Neatorama.
Link via Neatorama.
Fishzilla!
Tree-climbing fish and a savage 'Fishzilla' pose real threat to Australia's wildlife | News.com.au: "A SAVAGE predator known as 'Fishzilla' and a perch capable of climbing trees could soon reach the far north of Queensland."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Colorado Leads the Way
Dustin Winesberry, registered sex offender, takes world's sexiest mug shot - Denver News - The Latest Word: "Words commonly used to describe mug shots include 'menacing,' 'pathetic,' 'disturbing' and 'hilarious' -- but usually not 'sexy.'
So congrats, Dustin Winesberry. The seductive, come-hither mug shot taken of you yesterday at Boulder County Jail looks like the cover of a '70s-era album -- say, Dustin Winesberry Gets Next to You -- by an R&B lover man. If only you weren't a registered sex offender."
Mug shot at the link.
So congrats, Dustin Winesberry. The seductive, come-hither mug shot taken of you yesterday at Boulder County Jail looks like the cover of a '70s-era album -- say, Dustin Winesberry Gets Next to You -- by an R&B lover man. If only you weren't a registered sex offender."
Mug shot at the link.
Life Imitates "Art"
Missing L. Merion chicken meets a violent end | Philadelphia Daily News | 04/06/2010: "When the cop responded to a call for a 'large, orange chicken running at large' in a residential lawn, he got his fireman friend to skewer Connie the chicken with a bow and arrow, police said."
And what's scary is that the book won't even be out until August. It's Murder in the Air, and you'll have forgotten this post by the time it appears.
And what's scary is that the book won't even be out until August. It's Murder in the Air, and you'll have forgotten this post by the time it appears.
Deep Shadow -- Randy Wayne White
Doc Ford and his pals are looking for gold from Batista's Cuba in a deep lake in Florida. Ford's experienced at this underwater stuff, but we readers know that treasure's always guarded by a dragon. Or maybe a sea monster. Could it be the Creature from the Black Lagoon? Something, anyway, has been killing cattle in the area for many years. You'll have to read the book and see what it is.And as if the creature andunderwater landslides weren't bad enough, who should turn up but a couple of psycho killers to take over the operation.
All the action in this book takes place in the course of one day, so as you can guess, it's really one damn thing after another, both below the water and on the shore. Even at that, I have to throw in my usual complaint about the length of books these days. Nearly 350 pages is just too much. Well, not for the people who'll put this on the bestseller list, but for me.
The writing's sharp and everything's well-observed, so no complaints on that score, but another problem for me is the switch from Ford's first-person narration to the third person for large chunks of the book. Why not just write the whole thing in third person? The shifting around doesn't work for me here. I don't know why. In some books it doesn't bother me, but it seemed awkward this time.
The good stuff outweighs the things that bothered me, though, so check it out.
Ohio Leads the Way
Ohio Woman Kills Cousin over 'Inappropriate' Easter Outfit: "An Ohio woman shot her teenage second cousin dead when she arrived for Easter dinner wearing an 'inappropriate' and revealing outfit, The Columbus Dispatch reported Tuesday.
Evelyn Burgess, 42, became mad when her husband allegedly took notice of the T-shirt and denim shorts that Danielle Pickens, 19, was wearing to the meal, according to family members at the incident."
Evelyn Burgess, 42, became mad when her husband allegedly took notice of the T-shirt and denim shorts that Danielle Pickens, 19, was wearing to the meal, according to family members at the incident."
10 Acclaimed Authors Who Only Wrote One Book
10 Acclaimed Authors Who Only Wrote One Book | Online Degree Programs.org: "Acclaimed Authors Who Only Wrote One Book"
Link via Neatorama.
Link via Neatorama.
Sexy Vampire Update
University to hold sexy vampire conference | Metro.co.uk: "The conference, called Open Graves, Open Minds: Vampires And The Undead In Modern Culture, is believed to be the first such event in the UK.
It aims to put British vampire fiction 'back on the map' after recent American dominance in the genre. And with many young people gripped by the recent Twilight vampire books and films and the True Blood television series, the University of Hertfordshire hopes the event will encourage students of all ages to study literature."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
It aims to put British vampire fiction 'back on the map' after recent American dominance in the genre. And with many young people gripped by the recent Twilight vampire books and films and the True Blood television series, the University of Hertfordshire hopes the event will encourage students of all ages to study literature."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Worst Movie Ever Made?
BBC News - Is Birdemic worst film ever made?: "Some critics have called Birdemic: Shock and Terror the worst film ever made but it is rapidly becoming a hot ticket in America.
It is the story of an invasion of lethal eagles, being celebrated for its awfulness."
Video at the link.
It is the story of an invasion of lethal eagles, being celebrated for its awfulness."
Video at the link.
Sign Up Today!
Battle of San Jacinto Symposium | Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground: "ANNOUNCING the 10th Annual Battle of San Jacinto Symposium - Saturday April 17, 2010 - Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, University of Houston Central Campus
'SKULLS, SLAVES, and SEX: SECRETS OF EARLY TEXAS'"
Link via Will's Texas Parlor.
'SKULLS, SLAVES, and SEX: SECRETS OF EARLY TEXAS'"
Link via Will's Texas Parlor.
Bring on the Cheeseburgers
Fruits and Veggies Prevent Cancer? Not So Much, It Turns Out - Shots - Health News Blog : NPR: "Remember the government's advice to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to lower your risk of cancer?
Well, times change.
A huge nine-year study of diet and cancer, involving nearly a half-million Europeans in 10 countries, finds only a very weak association between intake of fruits and vegetables and cancer incidence. The study is in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute."
Well, times change.
A huge nine-year study of diet and cancer, involving nearly a half-million Europeans in 10 countries, finds only a very weak association between intake of fruits and vegetables and cancer incidence. The study is in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Houston man convicted in $1M adult diaper scam | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "The former co-owner of a Houston a durable medical equipment company has been convicted of bilking Medicaid of nearly $1 million in a scheme involving adult diapers, federal authorities said.
Fred Jessie Cole Jr., 44, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of health care fraud connected to a scam to file fraudulent claims for incontinence supplies, such as diapers and briefs, federal authorities said late Monday."
Fred Jessie Cole Jr., 44, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of health care fraud connected to a scam to file fraudulent claims for incontinence supplies, such as diapers and briefs, federal authorities said late Monday."
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Wal-Mart Update
Brawl erupts over Easter candy | Salisbury, NC - Salisbury Post: "Police aren't sure whether Walmart's prices were so good or if there was shortage of chocolate rabbits.
Whatever the reason, seven women ended up in a brawl in the Easter basket aisle Saturday evening.
Candy eggs, rabbits and Peeps flew through the air in an unlikely Easter exchange.
Property damage, primarily to candy and Easter decorations, totalled nearly $800."
Whatever the reason, seven women ended up in a brawl in the Easter basket aisle Saturday evening.
Candy eggs, rabbits and Peeps flew through the air in an unlikely Easter exchange.
Property damage, primarily to candy and Easter decorations, totalled nearly $800."
Here's the Plot of Your Next Off-Beat Crime Novel
Orkney monkey keeper jailed for life over love triangle murder | Metro.co.uk: "A monkey keeper who murdered his love rival on a remote island after being consumed by jealousy has been jailed for life."
No Comment Department
Man Almost Jailed Over A Penny - News Story - WFTV Orlando: "An Osceola County man thought he’d paid off a parking ticket, so he was surprised to find out Monday that the Orange County Clerk’s office had issued a warrant for his arrest.
Luis Gomez owed exactly one cent on a speeding ticket he received one year ago. Gomez tried to call the court to resolve the problem, and then tried to pay online, but had no luck.
“They won’t take a payment of a penny online,” said Gomez."
Luis Gomez owed exactly one cent on a speeding ticket he received one year ago. Gomez tried to call the court to resolve the problem, and then tried to pay online, but had no luck.
“They won’t take a payment of a penny online,” said Gomez."
Hmmmmm
What's Wrong With Forensic Science - Sharon Begley - Newsweek.com: "According to the Innocence Project, of the 252 DNA exonerations since 1989, half the convictions were based at least partly on 'unvalidated or improper forensic science.'"
Weekend at Bernie's Update
Women arrested in UK for taking corpse onto plane: "Police have arrested two women at an British airport after they reportedly tried to smuggle a corpse onto a flight.
Police said Tuesday the women were detained at Liverpool's John Lennon airport 'on suspicion of failing to give notification of death' of a 91-year-old man.
The BBC and other British media reported that the women placed the man, a relative of theirs, into a wheelchair and covered his face with sunglasses in a bid to get him aboard a flight to Berlin."
Hat tips to Jeff Meyerson and Art Scott, who says they were probably trying to dodge the checked baggage fee.
Police said Tuesday the women were detained at Liverpool's John Lennon airport 'on suspicion of failing to give notification of death' of a 91-year-old man.
The BBC and other British media reported that the women placed the man, a relative of theirs, into a wheelchair and covered his face with sunglasses in a bid to get him aboard a flight to Berlin."
Hat tips to Jeff Meyerson and Art Scott, who says they were probably trying to dodge the checked baggage fee.
Happy Birthday, Merle Haggard!
Merle Haggard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Merle Ronald Haggard (born April 6, 1937) is an American country music singer, guitarist, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield Sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster guitars, vocal harmonies, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville Sound recordings of the same era.
By the 1970s, Haggard was aligned with the growing outlaw country movement, and has continued to release successful albums through the 1990s and into the 2000s. In 1997, Merle Haggard was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for his song 'Okie from Muskogee'."
By the 1970s, Haggard was aligned with the growing outlaw country movement, and has continued to release successful albums through the 1990s and into the 2000s. In 1997, Merle Haggard was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for his song 'Okie from Muskogee'."
Rondo Hatton Awards
Rondo Hatton Awards: "District 9, the gritty Oscar-nominated science fiction film, Rue Morgue magazine, a bloody yet reverent compendium of horrors old and new, and Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, a revised history of the rivalry between two of Hollywood's greatest hissables, all shared top honors in the 8th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards announced Monday night."
The Bricklayer -- Noah Boyd
Something called the Rubaco Pentad is blackmailing the F. B. I. When the Bureau tries to pay off, bad things happen to the money carriers. So what else is there to do but call in Steve Vail, once an agent but now a bricklayer, having been fired because he doesn't suffer fools gladly. Deputy Director Kate Bannon is the one who gets him to accept the job, and things move fast after that, with all booby traps and twists galore. The writing is fine, and the pacing is dandy, but I had a few problems with the book. I have advantage, however. I've read a lot of thrillers, whereas the characters in the novel have to play by different rules. At any rate, I was always several steps of Vail, and in one case I was about 300 pages ahead of him. Vail is one of those super-competent guys who sometimes show up in thrillers. Nothing wrong with that, and maybe more about his past will be revealed in future books.
Problems aside, this was an entertaining debut novel. I'll probably read another one in the series when it comes along.
Anyone Can See that it's a Chupacabra
'Oriental yeti' discovered in China - Telegraph: "This bizarre creature dubbed the oriental yeti has baffled scientists after emerging from ancient woodlands in remote central China.
The hairless beast was trapped by hunters in Sichuan province after locals reported spotting what they thought was a bear.
Hunter Lu Chin explained: 'It looks a bit like a bear but it doesn't have any fur and it has a tail like a kangaroo.'"
The hairless beast was trapped by hunters in Sichuan province after locals reported spotting what they thought was a bear.
Hunter Lu Chin explained: 'It looks a bit like a bear but it doesn't have any fur and it has a tail like a kangaroo.'"
Monday, April 05, 2010
Peter Gowland, R. I. P.
Peter Gowland, Pinup Photographer and Author, Dies at 93 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com: "Peter Gowland, who used camera, sunshine and imagination to portray ravishing women at a time when the pinup girl was a nearly ubiquitous fixture of American life, died on March 17 in Los Angeles. He was 93."
Hat tip to Todd Mason.
Happy Birthday, Roger Corman!
Roger Corman - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Roger William Corman (born April 5, 1926), sometimes nicknamed 'King of the B-movies' for his output of B-movies (though he himself rejects this as inaccurate), is an Academy Award-winning American producer and director of low-budget movies, some of which have an established critical reputation: his cycle of films derived from the tales of Edgar Allan Poe for example[1]. Corman is also an occasional actor, taking minor roles in such films as The Silence of the Lambs, The Godfather Part II, Apollo 13 and Philadelphia."
Final Approach -- Rachel Brady
In Rachel Brady's first novel, skydiver Emily Locke is talked into helping a private-eye named Richard Cole, the man, Emily believes, messed up a previous investigation in which she was involved. Emily's not in the best of shape because of the certain events in her own life, but she agrees to help because she can't stand the thought of parents losing a child because she refused.Emily, who lives in Ohio, has to travel to Texas to work with Cole. She's the perfect undercover operator for him because she's a skydiver, and Cole's work so far as led him to a skydiving school. Emily joins the school and meets everyone who works there. One of or more of them must be involved in the child's disappearance, but it's going to be tough for Emily to find out who it is, especially since she's not a trained investigator.
She almost immediately gets caught messing with the school's computer system, but before she does, she discovers income that's unaccounted for. Convinced that there's something truly sinister going on, she continues her probe. It gets complicated, dangerous, and violent for all concerned.
Quirky characters, a little romance, and snappy dialog. Plus skydiving, something I wouldn't do (though apparently Brady does) but like to read about. Good fun, and since the book's set in this area, I enjoyed all the local color.
Paging CSI
S.F. crime lab's new woes - army of feral cats: "San Francisco's police crime lab, already plagued by a drug-skimming scandal, is quietly dealing with another pesky problem - cats.
A multiplying army of feral felines has moved into a lab hangar at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard where the Police Department stores evidence from old crimes. The cats have been sleeping, eating rodents and going to the bathroom around evidence items and police files, some of them boxed up, some out in the open."
A multiplying army of feral felines has moved into a lab hangar at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard where the Police Department stores evidence from old crimes. The cats have been sleeping, eating rodents and going to the bathroom around evidence items and police files, some of them boxed up, some out in the open."
Hat tip to Angela Crider.
Have a Birthday Coming Up?
NASA's $9.4 billion mission to nowhere: "Anyone need a $500 million, 355-foot steel tower for launching rockets into space?
There's one available at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Brand new, never been used.
The mobile launcher has been built for a rocket called the Ares 1. The problem is, there is not yet any such thing as an Ares 1 rocket - and if the Obama administration has its way, there never will be."
There's one available at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Brand new, never been used.
The mobile launcher has been built for a rocket called the Ares 1. The problem is, there is not yet any such thing as an Ares 1 rocket - and if the Obama administration has its way, there never will be."
Will They Stop at Nothing?
Aliens are attacking our sheep, UFO experts claim | The Sun |News: "ALIENS are attacking our SHEEP, UFO experts chillingly claimed yesterday.
Fuming farmers have been waking up to find animals dead after seemingly being 'experimented on'.
UFO hunters who set up a special team to investigate are linking the mutilations - including the removal of sheep brains and eyes - to sightings of mysterious reddish orange lights in the sky."
Fuming farmers have been waking up to find animals dead after seemingly being 'experimented on'.
UFO hunters who set up a special team to investigate are linking the mutilations - including the removal of sheep brains and eyes - to sightings of mysterious reddish orange lights in the sky."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Convincing photo at the link.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
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