Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Frank Frazetta, R. I. P.
Frank Frazetta Dead: "Fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta has passed away at the age of 82. He is best known for his paintings of Conan, but began his career in the comic book industry."Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Tagged
Mystery writer and fellow blogger Beth Groundwater tagged me. I'm supposed to answer 5 questions 5 times to share a bit about myself.
1. Sitting in front of this computer, updating my blog.
2. Dreading the coming Texas Gulf Coast summer.
3. Wondering that if after 20 years of the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series St. Martin's would want another book.
4. Thinking about how I hated to mow the lawn.
5. Wondering if I should give up the one part-time class I still taught at the college.
Question 2 - Where would you like to be in five years?
1. Sitting in front of this comptuer, updating my blog.
2. Planning to go out to dinner and then to the theater to watch the new blockbuster Sheriff Dan Rhodes movie.
3. Writing another novel.
4. Reading a good book.
5. Enjoying the success of all my friends.
Question 3 - What is on your to-do list today?
1. Sitting in front of this computer, updating my blog.
2. Writing at least five pages of a novel.
3. Writing a post for Ed Gorman's blog.
4. Getting the @#$&*%! magnolia leaves off the driveway.
5. Reading.
Question 4 - What snacks do you enjoy?
1. Hershey's Dark Chocolate Nuggets.
2. Oatmeal cookies.
3. Almonds.
4. Peanuts.
5. Cajun trail mix.
Question 5 - What five things would you do if you were a billionaire?
1. Sit here at this computer and update my blog.
2. Travel around the world.
3. Make sure my family's future was taken care of.
4. Move to somewhere less humid and prone to hurricanes.
5. Buy a copy of Reform School Girl.
Damn. I Fee. Better Already
Swearing Can Make You Feel Better Keele University Press Office: "Researchers from Keele University’s School of Psychology have determined that swearing can have a ‘pain-lessening effect’, according to new study published in the journal NeuroReport."
Lost TV Pilots
Lost TV Pilots: "If you thought Gilligan’s Island or Alf were goofy ideas for TV shows (which they were), you should see the stuff that doesn’t make it onto the air. Someone actually filmed pilot episodes of the following shows."
Gator Update (You'd Scream, too, Edition)
Alligator wrestler attacked during show, hospitalized | abcactionnews.com: "A self-employed alligator wrestler was injured after the animal bit him on the arm, according to New Port Richey Police.
Lt.. Steve Kostas told ABC Action News that 45-year-old Jeffrey Quattrocchi of Kissimmee was performing during the final day of the Cotee River Seafood Festival when his 8-foot sparring partner bit him on the arm just after 1 p.m.
The attack happened as Quattrochi reached down to try to grab the alligator inside a shallow pool where he was performing. He began screaming after the bite, but he was able to get up just moments after the attack, which was caught on tape by Dan Hicks of Holiday."
Lt.. Steve Kostas told ABC Action News that 45-year-old Jeffrey Quattrocchi of Kissimmee was performing during the final day of the Cotee River Seafood Festival when his 8-foot sparring partner bit him on the arm just after 1 p.m.
The attack happened as Quattrochi reached down to try to grab the alligator inside a shallow pool where he was performing. He began screaming after the bite, but he was able to get up just moments after the attack, which was caught on tape by Dan Hicks of Holiday."
Understatement of the Day
Man who shot self in groin at parking lot found guilty | SummitDaily.com: "A man who fired a handgun into his groin at a local parking lot last year was found guilty Wednesday of a felony and two misdemeanors.
David Leroy Blurton, 50, had been drinking alcohol the evening of May 29, 2009 when he pulled a Makarov 9mm pistol from his truck near City Market in Dillon and tried to cock it, resulting in serious injury, according to Deputy District Attorney Kristine Word.
[. . . .]
“He's not a bad guy. He just made a series of really bad choices,” she said"
David Leroy Blurton, 50, had been drinking alcohol the evening of May 29, 2009 when he pulled a Makarov 9mm pistol from his truck near City Market in Dillon and tried to cock it, resulting in serious injury, according to Deputy District Attorney Kristine Word.
[. . . .]
“He's not a bad guy. He just made a series of really bad choices,” she said"
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
It's National Ettiquette Week (Gator Edition)
Can You Teach My Alligator Manners? on Disney Channel Playhouse Disney for National Etiquette Week: "Can You Teach My Alligator Manners? on Disney Channel Playhouse Disney for National Etiquette Week."
Lena Horne, R. I. P.
Lena Horne, Sultry Singer and Actress, Dies at 92 - Biography - NYTimes.com: "Lena Horne, who was the first black performer to be signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio and who went on to achieve international fame as a singer, died on Sunday night at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She was 92 and lived in Manhattan."Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Bloodbeast Update
Death metal teacher sacked |
Quirky News |
Orange UK : "School governors have sacked a philosophy teacher from his job after discovering his secret life - as a blood smeared death metal rock singer.
By day shaven-headed Thomas Gurrath, 29, discussed ethics with his 14-year-old pupils at his high school in Stuttgart.
But by night he calls himself The Bloodbeast and writhes around on stage covered in animal blood with topless backing singers and his band Debauchery."
Quirky News |
Orange UK : "School governors have sacked a philosophy teacher from his job after discovering his secret life - as a blood smeared death metal rock singer.
By day shaven-headed Thomas Gurrath, 29, discussed ethics with his 14-year-old pupils at his high school in Stuttgart.
But by night he calls himself The Bloodbeast and writhes around on stage covered in animal blood with topless backing singers and his band Debauchery."
Top 10 Sad Love Songs in Country Music
If you haven't guessed what #1 is, you don't know country.
Hat tip to George "Kicker" Kelly.
Upstart Python Update
Hunters and Tourists Stalk Pythons in the Everglades - NYTimes.com: "“It’s a little frustrating and very strange,” said Mr. Freer, who figures that his 40 captured pythons — most of which he has euthanized — make him the state’s top private hunter. “They’re asking about pythons that don’t even belong here, instead of alligators.”"
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Jolly Rancher Candy Lands Third-Grader In Detention - KIAH: "All this week, Leighanne Adair, 10, didn't play outside during recess or eat her lunch with friends. Instead, she spent that time writing an essay about her punishment.
'She never gets in trouble. I don't think she's gotten a discipline notice this year,' said Michael Brazda, the girl's stepfather.
On Monday, Adair came home in tears with a detention notice for her parents. The punishment was not for talking in class or for hitting another student. The notice said it was because she had accepted a Jolly Rancher candy from a friend during the lunch hour. A teacher confiscated the candy and sent the third-grader to the principal's office."
'She never gets in trouble. I don't think she's gotten a discipline notice this year,' said Michael Brazda, the girl's stepfather.
On Monday, Adair came home in tears with a detention notice for her parents. The punishment was not for talking in class or for hitting another student. The notice said it was because she had accepted a Jolly Rancher candy from a friend during the lunch hour. A teacher confiscated the candy and sent the third-grader to the principal's office."
Reggie the Gator Update
iWon News - Reggie the gator gets new mate at Los Angeles Zoo: "Reggie the celebrity alligator is getting some female companionship at the Los Angeles Zoo.
The 7 1/2-foot gator, who became famous after his owner dumped him in a lake several years ago, is now sharing a space with Cajun Kate."
The 7 1/2-foot gator, who became famous after his owner dumped him in a lake several years ago, is now sharing a space with Cajun Kate."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Top 10 Baby Names
Isabella Reigns as New Queen of Baby Names - Takes Top Spot on Social Security's Most Popular Baby Names List: "There’s a new queen of baby names. Isabella took the crown from last year’s winner, Emma, to claim the top girl baby name of 2009. Jacob continued his remarkable run by holding onto the top boy name for the 11th year in a row over a new number two for boys, Ethan. New to the top 10 this year for boys are Jayden and Noah, and for girls, Mia."
Complete lists at the link.
No Comment Department
Va. woman, 28, accused of beating boyfriend, 77, with own cane | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com: "A 28-year-old Bedford County woman has been charged with beating her 77-year-old boyfriend with his own cane, according to Bedford authorities."
What's Up, Doc?
Teacher with rabbit phobia to sue 14-year-old for drawing bunny - Telegraph: "The teacher, from Vechta, Germany, says she was traumatised by the drawing, and claims the girl knew it would terrify her.
She had transferred to the school where a pupil from her former school had just become a pupil and told her new friends about the teacher's fear of rabbits.
'We did it for fun and out of curiosity', one of the girls told a court, adding, 'We wanted to see if she would really freak out.'"
She had transferred to the school where a pupil from her former school had just become a pupil and told her new friends about the teacher's fear of rabbits.
'We did it for fun and out of curiosity', one of the girls told a court, adding, 'We wanted to see if she would really freak out.'"
Friday, May 07, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Hudson woman 'attacks husband for being bad in bed' | News.com.au: "A US woman has been accused of stabbing her husband with scissors because she was unhappy with his performance in bed.
Michelle Thomas, 26, was arrested on Tuesday after police were called around 1am to the couple’s house in the east Texas town of Hudson, Lufkin Daily News reports.
The man told police Ms Thomas became angry with him after a sex session left her unsatisfied.
He said Ms Thomas grabbed a pair of scissors and began slashing him, according to court papers."
Michelle Thomas, 26, was arrested on Tuesday after police were called around 1am to the couple’s house in the east Texas town of Hudson, Lufkin Daily News reports.
The man told police Ms Thomas became angry with him after a sex session left her unsatisfied.
He said Ms Thomas grabbed a pair of scissors and began slashing him, according to court papers."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Here's the Plot of the Next National Treasure Movie
Misplaced from space | Chronicle | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "They have been able to determine that 90 or so nations cannot account for the precious pebbles.
“The moon rocks are disappearing,” Gutheinz said. “Most of the ones that are now truly gone will probably be gone forever.”"
“The moon rocks are disappearing,” Gutheinz said. “Most of the ones that are now truly gone will probably be gone forever.”"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Willie Nelson statue and boulevard planned for Austin | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Country music great Willie Nelson is being honored in Austin with plans for a guitar-in-hand bronze statue and a street named in his honor.
The city council on May 27 is scheduled to vote on dubbing a stretch of 2nd Street “Willie Nelson Boulevard.”"
The city council on May 27 is scheduled to vote on dubbing a stretch of 2nd Street “Willie Nelson Boulevard.”"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Salad bowls?
Dallas - Fort Worth News | wfaa.com
| Crime: "Federal agents on Wednesday arrested the ex-husband of a Colleyville woman who found an explosive device on her front porch last Sunday.
The bomb — which police now say was manufactured using gunpowder, bullets and salad bowls — did not go off."
Forgotten Books: EPITAPH FOR A LOSER -- James T. Doyle
Epitaph for a Loser (Walker, 1986) was James T. Doyle's second book (and as far as I know the last) about private-eye Paul Broder. I haven't read the first one, and I probably wouldn't have read this one if I hadn't seen it on the shelf at a thrift store the other day and picked it up. I wasn't familiar with Doyle and his work, and Broder's not listed among the p. i.'s on the Thrilling Detective website. So I figured this must be a genuinely forgotten book.If Epitaph for a Loser had been published by in the '50s, it would have been advertised as being "in the Spillane vein" because it's about a private-eye with a .45, and there's some heavy-duty violence in it. It's set in Florida, and I detect a little John D. MacDonald influence, too. Broder's an ex-cop who's doing okay in the p. i. game, not getting rich but getting by. One night his former brother-in-law shows up with a story that Broder doesn't think is quite right. He needs to disappear, he says, because of his gambling debts. Broder gives him some cash, and the guy leaves. Soon his body's found, and Broder thinks the cops have closed the books on the murder too quickly. So does Broder's ex-wife, who hires him to look into things.
As you can guess, there are a lot of people who don't want the investigation to continue, including a bent cop, his Broder's ex-wife's new husband, and a bunch of mobsters. Broder, in the way that fictional p. i.'s have, is undeterred, even when he's savagely beaten and tortured.
You might be way ahead of Broder on the way to the final twist in the tale, but Doyle tells it all well, and Broder's a fine first-person narrator. If you're in the mood for a p. i. story like they don't write anymore, this is a good one.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
They Probably Needed the Money for Lawn Care
Houston man, 72, charged with drug trafficking | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "A 72-year-old man and three others 55 and older were arrested on drug charges after authorities found cocaine and marijuana at a home in Brazoria County earlier this week, authorities said."
Gator Update (Galveston Edition)
Big gator nabbed near Galveston's East Beach |khou.com
| khou.com Local News: "A big alligator was captured near Galveston’s East Beach Wednesday morning.
It was spotted in the middle of Boddecker Road near Apffel Park."
Life Imitates "Art"
Wild goose chase nets emu near downtown Rock Hill | The Herald - Rock Hill, SCHat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Soon to Be a SyFy Movie!
CMT : News : Piranha Reported Loose at Opry Mills Mall: "A pair of piranha reportedly escaped from their aquarium during Nashville's recent flood. According to police reports quoted by television station WKRN, at least two flesh-eating piranha slipped out of the huge 150,000-gallon tank at Aquarium Restaurant in the Opry Mills mall and are swimming in the flooded hallways, where water remains waist-deep to neck-deep in spots."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Sounds Good to Me
Surprise superfoods: Forget blueberries. Dieticians say popcorn and pork scratchings are bursting with nutrients - and could be GOOD for you
| Mail Online: "Forget blueberries. Dieticians say popcorn and pork scratchings are bursting with nutrients - and could be GOOD for you"
| Mail Online: "Forget blueberries. Dieticians say popcorn and pork scratchings are bursting with nutrients - and could be GOOD for you"
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Girl catches Disney's grammar error - UPI.com: "A Texas fourth-grader who spotted a grammatical error at Florida's Walt Disney World said officials wrote back to her saying the mistake would be corrected.
Hannah Estes said she was waiting in line with her family for the Primeval Whirl at the park's Animal Kingdom when she saw a sign counting down to the ride read 'one seconds,' WESH-TV, Orlando, Fla., reported Wednesday.
'Because I learned in Ms. Bennett's class that a singular number can't be with a plural word, and so that's what it was, and it wasn't right,' Hannah said."
Hannah Estes said she was waiting in line with her family for the Primeval Whirl at the park's Animal Kingdom when she saw a sign counting down to the ride read 'one seconds,' WESH-TV, Orlando, Fla., reported Wednesday.
'Because I learned in Ms. Bennett's class that a singular number can't be with a plural word, and so that's what it was, and it wasn't right,' Hannah said."
Croc Update (You're Not Safe Anywhere Edition)
NJ Woman Lauren Failla Fatally Attacked By Crocodile While Vacationing in India - WPIX: "A New Jersey woman vacationing in India was killed Tuesday in an apparent crocodile attack.
According to family and friends, 25-year-old Lauren Failla was fatally attacked by the reptile while snorkeling in Port Blair which lies off the coast of India."
According to family and friends, 25-year-old Lauren Failla was fatally attacked by the reptile while snorkeling in Port Blair which lies off the coast of India."
Caught on Tape
This is a very long article, but it has enough material for your next five police procedural novels.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
One partner's male birth status allows two women to get married - El Paso Times: "Can a person born a man but who is now a woman marry another woman?
Sabrina J. Hill and her longtime girlfriend, Therese 'Tee' Bur, were legally married Monday in San Antonio after being unable to get a marriage license in El Paso."
Sabrina J. Hill and her longtime girlfriend, Therese 'Tee' Bur, were legally married Monday in San Antonio after being unable to get a marriage license in El Paso."
The Man with the Golden Gun
Diamond-Studded Guns Part of Mexican Drug Lord's Haul: "Police in Mexico's Jalisco state got quite a surprise when they raided a hideout that they believe belongs to Valencia drug cartel boss Oscar Nava Valencia, they found 31 diamond-studded handguns. The gold and silver plated handguns were studded with diamonds and ornately engraved. Some bore the word lobo (Spanish for wolf) and others are decorated with wolf pictures. One gun bears a Ferrari logo."
Photos at the link.
News from the Criminal Element
Dear Crime Fiction Fan:
You've been with us over the years, from Maisie Dobbs to Gretchen Lowell, and for every great crime in between. We'd like to express our gratitude for your continued interest and support.
We're launching a brand-new consumer e-newsletter to offer you more! More in-depth articles, intimate author Q&As, history about mysteries, exclusive content, and monthly sweep offers. To lead the charge, we've enlisted former Wall Street Journal reporter Robert Hughes. For over a decade, he served as the culture expert at the Journal. He was the paper's theater reporter, reviewed books, and wrote on publishing, the art and auction markets, television, music, film, and philanthropy. With Bob, we have an experienced journalist who can get to the heart of every crime we offer you!
What's more exciting is that we're widening our scope! Picador Crime and Minotaur Books are joining forces, along with the rest of Macmillan's imprints: St. Martin's Press, Henry Holt, andFarrar Straus & Giroux . Our goal is to be the preeminent source for mystery news.
The first issue is coming May 11th...
So be on the lookout!
For more information, visit: criminalelement.com
I'm Shocked! -- Shocked!
Lawsuit slams Donald Trump's online business school as a ripoff: "The No. 1 lesson students learn at Donald Trump's online business program is How To Max Out Credit Cards 101, a new lawsuit charges.
A California businesswoman says that lured by the Trump name, she took bogus seminars at Trump University that destroyed her credit - and taught her almost nothing about real estate."
A California businesswoman says that lured by the Trump name, she took bogus seminars at Trump University that destroyed her credit - and taught her almost nothing about real estate."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Everybody Needs a Mummy
Pressconnects - Mummified baby corpse missing from NH grave site: "The mummified body of a baby, kept by a family for nearly a century before a judge ordered the remains to be buried, has been removed from a cemetery, police said Tuesday.
A cemetery visitor on Monday reported that a grave appeared to have been unearthed, police Sgt. John Thomas said. The corpse of 'Baby John' has not been recovered, he said.
The mummified body had been kept for years by Charles Peavey. He had said the family had the mummy, possibly the stillborn son of a great-great-uncle, for 80 to 90 years and considered it a family heirloom."
A cemetery visitor on Monday reported that a grave appeared to have been unearthed, police Sgt. John Thomas said. The corpse of 'Baby John' has not been recovered, he said.
The mummified body had been kept for years by Charles Peavey. He had said the family had the mummy, possibly the stillborn son of a great-great-uncle, for 80 to 90 years and considered it a family heirloom."
Dressed for Success
SLPD: Woman Wears Fuzzy Slippers In Robbery - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston: "Police need help to find a woman who robbed a Sugar Land drug store while wearing fuzzy slippers, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday."
Especially in Noir
Beautiful women can be bad for your health, according to scientists - Telegraph: "Beautiful women can be bad for your health, according to scientists"
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Philly Leads the Way -- Part 2
Phillies reliever Ryan Madson needs toe surgery | Comcast.net: "Phillies reliever Ryan Madson will have surgery Tuesday on the broken right toe he injured when he kicked a chair after blowing a save."
Philly Leads the Way
Phillies Fan Gets Shock to His System - Write That Down - Comcast.net: "Ballpark security has officially taken a step in a new direction. Run onto the field and you no longer get tackled or forcefully pushed to the ground. Instead, you get Tasered. Welcome to the 2010 version of Philadelphia fan control.
At least that's what happened Monday night during a game between the Cardinals and Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. A teenage fan ran onto the field, made a couple Barry Sanders cuts in the outfield to elude officers and darted towards the infield. Then ... zap!
Down went the perpetrator, much to the delight of the crowd and the players. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard had to bury his head in his glove to mask the laughter after a Philly police officer hit the youngster with some 50,000 volts."
At least that's what happened Monday night during a game between the Cardinals and Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. A teenage fan ran onto the field, made a couple Barry Sanders cuts in the outfield to elude officers and darted towards the infield. Then ... zap!
Down went the perpetrator, much to the delight of the crowd and the players. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard had to bury his head in his glove to mask the laughter after a Philly police officer hit the youngster with some 50,000 volts."
A Great Baseball Story
Richard Justice: Negro Leaguer has a 'uniquely American life' | Richard Justice: Columnist | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "When it became clear that baseball’s color line was going to be broken, Negro League owners were in agreement on one thing.
“They said I’d be the perfect person to do it,’’ Monte Irvin said. “I was easy to get along with. I had a little education. I could play every position. But I went to the Service for three years. When I came back in 1946, I got an ear infection, and it took me awhile to regain my former talent.’’
Irvin is 91 now, living in a Houston retirement community, clear of mind, lively of spirit. He still has the arms, hands and presence of a great athlete. He has no regrets about how it worked out."
“They said I’d be the perfect person to do it,’’ Monte Irvin said. “I was easy to get along with. I had a little education. I could play every position. But I went to the Service for three years. When I came back in 1946, I got an ear infection, and it took me awhile to regain my former talent.’’
Irvin is 91 now, living in a Houston retirement community, clear of mind, lively of spirit. He still has the arms, hands and presence of a great athlete. He has no regrets about how it worked out."
Must-See TV
History, Stan Lee Search for 'Superhumans' | TheCelebrityCafe.com: "The History Channel is jumping on the comic book bandwagon.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, History and comic legend Stan Lee will create a series that hunts for real life X-Men.
Stan Lee's Superhumans will look for real people with extraordinary abilities due to genetic differences. Lee will co-host the series with the world's most flexible man Daniel Browning Smith."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, History and comic legend Stan Lee will create a series that hunts for real life X-Men.
Stan Lee's Superhumans will look for real people with extraordinary abilities due to genetic differences. Lee will co-host the series with the world's most flexible man Daniel Browning Smith."
Hat tip to John Neal.
Peter O’Donnell, R. I. P.
Peter O’Donnell, Creator Of Modesty Blaise, Passes Bleeding Cool Comic Book News and Rumors: "Peter O’Donnell died last night, after celebrating his ninetieth birthday a week ago.
He’s best known for creating the classic crime character Modesty Blaise whith artist Jim Holdaway. The continuing thriller strips originally appeared in London newspaper, the Evening Standard in 1963 and ran for almost forty years."
He’s best known for creating the classic crime character Modesty Blaise whith artist Jim Holdaway. The continuing thriller strips originally appeared in London newspaper, the Evening Standard in 1963 and ran for almost forty years."
I'll Just Have a Burger, I Think
Korean restaurant's live Octopus dish has animal rights activists squirming: "The tentacles writhe on the plate, their suction cups latching on to chopsticks, fingers, or in the case of the colleague who joined me for dinner, the roof of one's mouth."
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
America's Fattest Cities : Men's Health Metrogrades: "Go to Google Maps, type in 'United States,' and you'll be reminded of just how big Texas is. But what you can't see is the size of the state's citizenry: Five Lone Star cities are among the nation's fattest, with Corpulent Christi at the top."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass
Monday, May 03, 2010
News from Mystery Scene
Mystery Scene is welcoiming spring with a new issue and a brand new website. Go there for web-exclusive content like Tom Nolan's piece"Watchlist: A Serial Thriller"about the collaboration between 21 of the world's best thriller writers including Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Scottoline, and Joseph Finder.City of Dragons author Kelli Stanley was kind enough to dub the new site "really cool" when she stopped in at the Barnes & Noble Mystery forum hosted by Mystery Scene last week. We hope you like it, too!
For Ed Gorman
Jimmy Wakely - Comic Book Cowboys, by Boyd Magers: "Slightly different in approach from other cowboy comics based on western film stars, Jimmy was picturized as being a western movie actor who, off camera, gets involved with adventures in both the modern and real West; the editors didn’t seem to care which as long as it was a good story. The opening page in issue #1 (Sept./Oct. ‘49) even mentions Monogram, and many stories feature directors, cameramen and leading ladies (all of them fictional)."Lots more info and a sample page from the comic at the link.
Lynn Redgrave, R. I. P.
Lynn Redgrave, 67, Is Dead - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com: "Lynn Redgrave, the theater, film and television actress and scion of the Redgrave acting clan, has died. She was 67. The death was confirmed by her publicist, Rick Miramontez, who said that Ms. Redgrave died Sunday night at her home in Kent, Conn. A cause of death was not immediately given."
Gutter Books: A New Publisher
This is good news. Check the link for more info.Gutter Books: "The creators of Out of the Gutter magazine bring you Gutter Books, a new publisher dedicated to delivering the hardest and smartest crime thrillers and street novels available anywhere."
Old Dogs -- Donna Moore
If you've read Donna Moore's Go to Helna Handbasket, then you know how funny she can be, and now she's done it again. I'm not sure there'll be a funnier crime novel this year than Old Dogs. It's billed as a screwball mystery. While reading it, I was reminded a bit of What's Up, Doc, the film with Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Streisand from long ago. It's not rocks that keep moving around in this book, however. It's dogs. Not real dogs, but a couple of Tibetan statues of dogs. Along with the fake statues of dogs.
Another couple of old dogs are the two ex-hookers who want to steal the dogs from a Glasgow museum. La Contessa Letitzia di Ponzo and her sister Signora Teodora Grisiola. Okay, those aren't their real names. They're Letty and Dora, and since they're in their 70s they're a bit old for the hooking game. They're con artists now.
And they aren't the only ones after those dogs. Toss in their patsy, a Buddhist monk, a murderer, a couple of crematory workers, and a few others. Add a corpse that gets around almost as fast as the dogs (real and fake) or sometimes faster. There's more, but you need to read it for yourself. I see Judy Dench and Helen Mirren in the movie. Or Maggie Smith. They'd be perfect.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
I really enjoyed this one. When he and his wife are caught in a trap after killing a couple of chickens, Fox promises he'll reform if they escape. That's the end of the scene, and when we pick them up two (human) years later, they're living in their hole with their son. Fox is a columnist for the local paper, but he wants more. He wants to live in a tree, and he wants to resume his criminal career. He has, of course a Master Plan. Things go pretty well, at first, but you know how capers go. Complications ensue.I liked just about everything about The Fantastic Mr. Fox. The stop-action animation is excellent, the voice actors are great (especially George Clooney as Mr. Fox), and the movie never slows down for a minute. If you need a smile, this movie should give you a lot more than just one.
Happy Birthday, Pete Seeger!
Pete Seeger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Peter 'Pete' Seeger (born May 3, 1919) is an American folk singer and an iconic figure in the mid-20th century American folk music revival. A fixture on nationwide radio in the 1940s, he also had a string of hit records during the early 1950s as a member of The Weavers, most notably the 1950 recording of Leadbelly's 'Goodnight, Irene', which topped the charts for 13 weeks in 1950.[1] Members of The Weavers were blacklisted during the McCarthy Era. In the 1960s, he re-emerged on the public scene as a prominent singer of protest music in support of international disarmament, civil rights, and for environmental causes."
Donner Party Update Update
The Donner Party: yes, there was cannibalism - latimes.com: "Based on the comments of the survivors, there simply is no rational dispute about cannibalism at the other Donner Party sites. People at those locations stayed alive by eating the bodies of the dead — an act of necessity and courage.
In other words, even if there was no cannibalism at Alder Creek, there was still cannibalism in the tale of the Donner Party."
In other words, even if there was no cannibalism at Alder Creek, there was still cannibalism in the tale of the Donner Party."
There's Nothing Like Good News to Start the Week
Prevent Alzheimer's? No evidence you can: panel
| Reuters: "Fish oil, exercise and doing puzzles may all be good for the brain but there is no strong evidence that any of these can prevent Alzheimer's disease, an expert panel concluded on Wednesday.
Nor can any other supplements, drugs or social interaction, the independent panel meeting at the National Institutes of Health outside Washington concluded.
The group of experts looked at the dozens of studies that have suggested ways to prevent Alzheimer's -- a devastating and incurable breakdown of the brain -- and found none were strong enough to constitute proof."
| Reuters: "Fish oil, exercise and doing puzzles may all be good for the brain but there is no strong evidence that any of these can prevent Alzheimer's disease, an expert panel concluded on Wednesday.
Nor can any other supplements, drugs or social interaction, the independent panel meeting at the National Institutes of Health outside Washington concluded.
The group of experts looked at the dozens of studies that have suggested ways to prevent Alzheimer's -- a devastating and incurable breakdown of the brain -- and found none were strong enough to constitute proof."
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Furio Scarpelli, R. I. P.
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" co-writer dies | pal-item.com | Palladium-Item: "The Oscar-nominated screenwriter Furio Scarpelli, who co-wrote some of the best Italian comedies of the post-war period and who ventured into the spaghetti-western genre with the 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,' died Wednesday, his family said. He was 90."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Police shoot charging bull on I-30 in Arlington |
News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News
| Latest News: "Arlington police shot and killed a bull that found its way onto Interstate 30 on Saturday evening, brought traffic to a standstill and menaced animal control workers and others at the scene."
News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News
| Latest News: "Arlington police shot and killed a bull that found its way onto Interstate 30 on Saturday evening, brought traffic to a standstill and menaced animal control workers and others at the scene."
Needle
I've just finished reading the first issue of Needle, a new print magazine of crime fiction. Most of the writers in the issue were familiar to me, and will be to you if you read crime fiction in on-line zines, so I knew what to expect: straightforward stories of the dark side. No cozy stories, but no stories where the authors are going out of their way to shock the readers. I found one of the stories (Patti Abbott's) quite funny. Needle's first issue isa solid outing, and I mentioned Hilary Davidson's story in an earlier post, but if you like hardboiled crime tales, you can't go wrong with any of them, though. I believe that one of them, Dave Zeltserman's, is a reprint, whereas the others are all originals.
You can't find the magazine on the newsstand, but you can buy it on Lulu. It's a classy production, from the cover to the interior illustrations to the contents. Check it out.
Stairway to Hell -- Charlie Williams
This is one of those books that's almost impossible to describe, but I'll give it a try. Let's assume that back in the '70s, Jimmy Page (yes, that Jimmy Page) was a warlock and that he discovered a way to switch souls from one body to another. And let's assume that he did it.In the present day, the novel is narrated by Rick Sutton (aka Rik Suntan), a singer with a cleft lip (but a great moustache) and every little talent. He believes that he has great talent, great sex appeal, and lots more. This is a very funny book, and a lot of the humor comes from Rik's narration, as he's a guy sublimely unaware of his shortcomings, completely unable to see himself as others see him.
When Rik loses his job at a local club, things start happening, most of them bad, and all of them extremely odd. Ted, Rik's manager, is gathering the people who, like Rik, have other people's souls (Rik, in case you're wondering, has David Bowie's). Ted's plan is to reverse the process. It's complicated, completely nuts, and, as I've said already, very funny. You definitely won't read another book like this for a while. If ever. Check it out.
And Stay off His Lawn!
Pensioner fined €14,000 for 'ass bombing' pool - The Local: "A pensioner from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate has reportedly been fined €14,000 for repeatedly doing Arschbomben, or “ass bombs,” the German equivalent of cannonballs, at a public swimming pool.
The retired 74-year-old teacher, identified as Axel G., appeared before the Alzey district court this week to appeal the fine for what daily Bild on Friday described as years of terrorising the local pool, where “ass bombs” are forbidden."
The retired 74-year-old teacher, identified as Axel G., appeared before the Alzey district court this week to appeal the fine for what daily Bild on Friday described as years of terrorising the local pool, where “ass bombs” are forbidden."
Link via Dave Barry's blog.
Criminal Genius of the Day
Shooting suspect arrested while trying to 'dine and ditch' at a Pappas Seafood restaurant - 5/01/10 - Houston News - abc13.com: "Police say the man ate dinner at a Pappa's Seafood on the East Freeway, then he tried to leave without paying. Police came to arrest him and discovered he was a man wanted for a shooting just a couple hours earlier."
Agatha Awards from Malice Domestic
Best Children's/Young Adult:
The Hanging Hill, by Chris Grabenstein
Best Nonfiction:
Dame Agatha's Shorts, by Elena Santangelo
The Hanging Hill, by Chris Grabenstein
Best Nonfiction:
Dame Agatha's Shorts, by Elena Santangelo
Best Short Story:
"On the House," by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Best First Novel:
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley
Best Novel:
The Brutal Telling, by Louise Penny
"On the House," by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Best First Novel:
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley
Best Novel:
The Brutal Telling, by Louise Penny
Drink This
LUGOSI WINES: "Bela Lugosi created his unique characterization of Count Dracula on the Broadway stage in 1927 and brought it to the screen in 1931. One of the first members of the Screen Actors Guild, he was a true American film pioneer. Although Count Dracula never “drank” wine, Bela Lugosi, the man, had impeccable taste in wines. With the creation of the Bela Lugosi brand wines, the Lugosi family pays tribute to their patriarch, a man of distinction, while acknowledging the icon that will forever be - Dracula."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Michael Connelly Update
Michael Connelly’s devils are in L.A.’s details - latimes.com: "Michael Connelly is looking to stage a kidnapping."
Nice, lengthy article about Connelly at the link.
Hat tip to Rick Robinson.
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