Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
San Antonio city manager wages war on sugar | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "City Manager Sheryl Sculley has declared war on sugar.
Well, at least when it comes packaged in cans and candy bars. Sugary sodas no longer have a home in the city's 250 beverage vending machines and unhealthy foods in the 75 snack machines in city facilities are next."
Well, at least when it comes packaged in cans and candy bars. Sugary sodas no longer have a home in the city's 250 beverage vending machines and unhealthy foods in the 75 snack machines in city facilities are next."
This Is Where I've Been Today
Archaeopteryx: "This premier exhibition will present some of the finest known fossils from the late Jurassic period showing life at the time of these first birds. Fossils from the world renowned quarries of Solenhofen, Germany, will be featured. Organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science."
Top Five Hideouts with No Extradition
For Wall Street Villains: The Five Best Hideouts -- With No Extradition - DailyFinance: "Luckily, the financial scofflaw with a truckload of money has several options at his or her disposal. Granted, traditional havens like Canada might be a little hesitant to adopt someone who helped bring down the world economy -- and in light of recent events in Greece, even France might be reluctant to open its doors.
But never fear, dozens of countries don't have extradition treaties with the U.S. -- and are desperate for new visitors."
But never fear, dozens of countries don't have extradition treaties with the U.S. -- and are desperate for new visitors."
If Only the Paramedics Had Had a Ruler
Roaming bear traps NJ paramedics inside building - Yahoo! News: "Paramedics in New Jersey have been slowed responding to an emergency call by a bear that kept them trapped inside their building.
A nearby contractor getting something from his truck says he came face to face with a 200-pound bear but threw a carpenter's folding ruler at it and scared it away."
A nearby contractor getting something from his truck says he came face to face with a 200-pound bear but threw a carpenter's folding ruler at it and scared it away."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Weaponized Beer
Men allegedly use case of beer as weapon in heist - Yahoo! News: "Bud Light may not be advertising these two as 'Real Men of Genius.' Two men are accused of using an 18-pack case of Bud Light as a weapon while stealing beer at a Loaf 'N Jug convenience store."
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Geez, I Must Be Downright Giddy all the Time
Happiness Comes With Age, Study Reveals - Yahoo! News: "Life looks a little rosier after 50, a new study finds. Older people in their mid- to late-50s are generally happier, and experience less stress and worry than young adults in their 20s, the researchers say."
Dracula Trivia
| The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor: "It was on this day in 1897, shortly before the novel itself was published, that the Irish writer Bram Stoker held a dramatic reading of Dracula in an effort to protect the copyright."
20 Villainous Animals in Fiction
20 Villainous Animals in Fiction on AbeBooks: "In celebration of the darker side of literary animals, we’ve put together the best of the worst offenders. We insisted on talking animals with actual bad intentions, rather than a creature simply acting as nature intended, so you won't find Cujo or Jaws here. Whether simply nasty and cantankerous or downright evil and cruel, these are not your garden-variety fluffy bunnies."
Monday, May 17, 2010
Double Action Detective, Issue No. 6, Spring 1957
What we have here are the front and back covers of Double Action Detective from 1957. You'd think I'd get used to it, but even after all these years, I'm amazed at how prolific Robert Silverberg was in the late '50s. He must have been writing two or three short stories a day plus a novel on the weekends. On a typewriter. I find it incredible. And he wasn't writing just one kind of story. Science fiction, crime, erotica, westerns, you name it and he was writing it.
And I love the back cover ad. What man wouldn't want his own portable bar, one that "adds class to every gathering, and points up the cleverness of its proud owner." And for only $4.98. Plus 63 cents postage, of course. Those were the days!
Kangaroos Need Love, Too
Love-Struck Kangaroo Hunts Aussie Women - Yahoo! News UK: "A frisky kangaroo has caused mayhem after stalking women in an area known as the Honeymoon Ranges in northern Australia. Skip related content
Female residents in the isolated town of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory have complained that the animal has been lurking and making its intentions vey clear."
Female residents in the isolated town of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory have complained that the animal has been lurking and making its intentions vey clear."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Hunt Beyond the Frozen Fire -- Gabriel Hunt, as Told to Christa Faust
I believe I said that reading Hunt at World's End was like "reading" a Republic serial, so to use a similar analogy, I'll say that reading this latest entry in the series was like "reading" a good '50s B-movie, one of those about finding a civilization under the ice at the South Pole. It's not exactly an ancient civilization, though, and I'm not going to say any more about it. After you read the book, you can come back here and click this link if you think the idea's too far-fetched.Naturally there's action aplenty from start to finish, as is the norm in a Gabriel Hunt adventure, some of the action is in one of the coldest climates in the world. I'm a sucker for that kind of thing, as my undying affection for Alistair MacLean's Night without End attests.
At any rate, Gabriel Hunt and his crew this time are faced with saving the world and having mandatory sex. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm not revealing anything more about that part of the book, either, but if you've seen enough '50s movies, you might be way ahead of me.
The scene on the cover is from the opening of the book, a sort of prologue to the main action. Crazed knife-throwers are always fun.
In short, another fine romp from Gabriel Hunt, this time aided and abetted by Christa Faust. Check it out.
Nebula Award Winners
SFWA announces 2010 Nebula Awards winners | The Nebula Awards: "The Nebula Awards are voted on, and presented by, active members of SFWA. The awards were announced at the Nebula Awards Banquet held at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront the evening of May 15.
2009 Nebula Award Winners
Novel
The Windup Girl - Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade Books, Sept. 2009)
Novella
The Women of Nell Gwynne’s - Kage Baker (Subterranean Press, June 2009)
Novelette
“Sinner, Baker, Fabulist, Priest; Red Mask, Black Mask, Gentleman, Beast,”
Eugie Foster (Interzone, Feb. 2009)
Short Story
“Spar,” Kij Johnson (Clarkesworld, Oct. 2009)
Ray Bradbury Award
District 9, Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell (Tri-Star, Aug. 2009)
Andre Norton Award
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,
Catherynne M. Valente (Catherynne M. Valente, June 2009)
Additional Honors
During the ceremonies, Joe Haldeman was honored as the next Damon Knight Grand Master, while Neal Barrett, Jr., was honored as Author Emeritus. Vonda N. McIntyre and Keith Stokes were honored with SFWA Service Awards while the SFWA Solstice Award, bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape, was presented to Tom Doherty, Terri Windling and the late Donald A. Wollheim."
2009 Nebula Award Winners
Novel
The Windup Girl - Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade Books, Sept. 2009)
Novella
The Women of Nell Gwynne’s - Kage Baker (Subterranean Press, June 2009)
Novelette
“Sinner, Baker, Fabulist, Priest; Red Mask, Black Mask, Gentleman, Beast,”
Eugie Foster (Interzone, Feb. 2009)
Short Story
“Spar,” Kij Johnson (Clarkesworld, Oct. 2009)
Ray Bradbury Award
District 9, Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell (Tri-Star, Aug. 2009)
Andre Norton Award
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making,
Catherynne M. Valente (Catherynne M. Valente, June 2009)
Additional Honors
During the ceremonies, Joe Haldeman was honored as the next Damon Knight Grand Master, while Neal Barrett, Jr., was honored as Author Emeritus. Vonda N. McIntyre and Keith Stokes were honored with SFWA Service Awards while the SFWA Solstice Award, bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape, was presented to Tom Doherty, Terri Windling and the late Donald A. Wollheim."
The Lookout
The Lookout stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Chris, a young guy trying to put his life back together after a terrible automobile accident (his fault) in which two people are killed and a third is severely injured. Chris receives a serious head injury that leaves him very unlike the person he once was. Instead of a high-school hockey hero, he's a janitor at a bank. He attends a class that's supposed to help him learn to "sequence," to live an orderly life. His roommate is a blind man (Jeff Daniels, almost unrecognizable behind a bushy beard) who tries to help him, too. What Chris wants most of all is the one thing he can't have: his old life back. Along comes Gary Spargo, who says he can help Chris get it. Spargo's everything Chris no longer is. He's got a way with women, he's in control, he's sure of himself. And he wants to rob the bank where Chris works.
This isn't really a caper movie, though it has the trappings of one. You know what happens in capers, right? Something always goes wrong.
I thought this had the makings of a nice little noir movie, but it's not noir, not by my definition, anyway, and I can't tell you why without spoiling the whole thing. So, as usual, I'm keeping mum.
What you think of this movie might come down to what you think of Chris. Obviously the filmmakers want you to sympathize with him. I can see why someone might not. Still, this was a worthwhile movie. Different from what you might expect and full of good performances. Check it out.
I'm Obsolete Already
My Way News - Eyes flashing, robot conducts wedding in Tokyo: "Almost everyone stood when the bride walked down the aisle in her white gown, but not the wedding conductor, because she was bolted to her chair.
The nuptials at this ceremony were led by 'I-Fairy,' a 4-foot (1.5-meter) tall seated robot with flashing eyes and plastic pigtails. Sunday's wedding was the first time a marriage had been led by a robot, according to manufacturer Kokoro Co.
'Please lift the bride's veil,' the robot said in a tinny voice,waving its arms in the air as the newlyweds kissed in front of about 50 guests."
The nuptials at this ceremony were led by 'I-Fairy,' a 4-foot (1.5-meter) tall seated robot with flashing eyes and plastic pigtails. Sunday's wedding was the first time a marriage had been led by a robot, according to manufacturer Kokoro Co.
'Please lift the bride's veil,' the robot said in a tinny voice,waving its arms in the air as the newlyweds kissed in front of about 50 guests."
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Secret Mission Accomplished
A few months ago, Lauren Bettinger, my niece, asked me to officiate at her wedding. I've never officiated at anything, and I wasn't an ordained minister, but I figured that if she was crazy enough to ask me, I was crazy enough to do the job.
So I went on-line and became an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church. I made sure that the Great State of Texas accepted marriages performed by ministers of that church, and it does. So that was Step One. Then I read a bit about weddings. My friend Fred Williams suggested that I do one of the Marryin' Sam Special $5 weddings, which had many special features. I'm not sure what they were, but I believe wrestling a life wildcat was one of them. Or maybe performing the wedding while being drawn and quartered. I didn't think I was willing to go that far, so I went for a more traditional ceremony.
The wedding was last night, and it went off without a hitch. Everyone had a wonderful time, and my niece is now officially married to Jeff McCarty. I'm sure video will eventually surface on the Internet, but I doubt very much that I'll be posting a link. Just use your imagination.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Mr. Shivers -- Robert Jackson Bennett
A group of companions wanders across a blighted land in search of mysterious, perhaps not entirely human, man known as Mr. Shivers. You think you've heard this one before? Maybe not, considering that the blighted land is the U. S. of A. in the 1930s, blighted by the Dust Bowl years and the Depression, a setting vividly rendered in this book. Each of the companions has a good reason for finding Mr. Shivers, and in the end the reasons are all the same: revenge.As they make their way across the country, they encounter bizarre and terrible things, the more bizarre the farther they travel, and the companions begin to lose something of their own humanity until at the end . . . . Nope, not going to tell you. Wouldn't be prudent. Anyway, I think most of you will have a pretty good idea well before you get to that part. And that's the weakness in the book. I knew well before the end where it was going. Getting there, however, was worth the trip. There's some heavy-duty violence, but the setting and the characters and the quality of the writing are all topnotch.
151 Best Movies You've Never Seen --Leonard Maltin
I was surprised when I read this book to discover that I'd seen quite a few of the movies that Maltin discusses. But that still left plenty that I hadn't seen, not to mention a few that I hadn't even heard of.I enjoy reading a writer who's passionate about what he likes and can explain why he likes it, so I enjoyed this book. Some of the movies were critical or festival favorites that bombed at the box office. Some didn't get much attention from anyone. Most were made within the last 20 years, but some are much older.
You probably won't always agree with Maltin's opinions about these movies. I know I didn't. That doesn't take away any of the fun of reading the book, however, and it's even more fun when you run across a movie that you liked a lot and that Maltin does, too.
Bonus: Includes Bubba Ho-Tep.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Lawyer allegedly fired at census worker - UPI.com: "A Texas lawyer was charged with aggravated assault after she allegedly fired five shots from a handgun at a census canvasser.
Carolyn Barnes, 53, of Leander, could face a more serious charge of aggravated assault on a public servant, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Barnes told Kathleen Gittel to leave after the temporary U.S. Census Bureau employee knocked on her door Saturday, Williamson County Sheriff's Sgt. John Foster said.
'She was apparently not getting off of her property fast enough, and Ms. Barnes decided to shoot five rounds in her direction,' Foster said."
Carolyn Barnes, 53, of Leander, could face a more serious charge of aggravated assault on a public servant, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Barnes told Kathleen Gittel to leave after the temporary U.S. Census Bureau employee knocked on her door Saturday, Williamson County Sheriff's Sgt. John Foster said.
'She was apparently not getting off of her property fast enough, and Ms. Barnes decided to shoot five rounds in her direction,' Foster said."
Zero Tolerance
CVS Shoplifter Death Now An 'Active' Investigation, Police Say - cbs2chicago.com: "No one's denying what he might have done was wrong: allegedly stuffing crayons and toothpaste into his pockets and shoplifting.
But the fact that Anthony Kyser was killed after he was caught, and allegedly choked by a store employee -- with an off-duty sheriff's officer watching it happen -- continues to hit a nerve."
But the fact that Anthony Kyser was killed after he was caught, and allegedly choked by a store employee -- with an off-duty sheriff's officer watching it happen -- continues to hit a nerve."
Hat tip to David Cranmer.
Friday, May 14, 2010
10 Posters from Hollywood’s Atomic Age
Canadian Mounties vs. Atomic Invaders!
Mystery Scene Update from Kate Stine
We're spreading the word about recent developments at Mystery Scene.
The new MS website has just launched. It's pretty gorgeous! The site is updated daily and offers original content as well as selected material from print.
The website joins the MS Blog, Facebook Fan Page (950+ fans), monthly e-newsletter (5K subscribers), and MS Twitter feed.
Reaction from our readers has been very positive. It's a brave new world!
Secret Mission
Yes, I'm on a secret mission this weekend. Posts will appear as usual, but I probably won't be responding to e-mails or comments. All I can tell you now is that this is something different from anything I've ever done before. It might be great fun. Or it might not. If it's great fun, I'll let you know, eventually. If it's not, I'll forget all about it. So should you.
All Righty, Then
Mayor's Mom Says She 'Hates' Alamo - San Antonio News Story - KSAT San Antonio: "San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro was recently profiled in the New York Times, which referenced him as the next national Hispanic leader and perhaps president.
'It's been a very promising response,' said Castro. 'It's a very flattering article.'
But comments he didn't make could draw some strong opinions. His mother, Rosie Castro, had strong words when asked about her memories of the Alamo, a symbol of Texas independence.
'They used to take us there when we were school children,' Perez told the Times. 'They told us how glorious that battle was. When I grew up, I learned that the 'heroes' of the Alamo were a bunch of drunks and crooks and slaveholding imperialists who conquered land that didn't belong to them. But as a little girl I got the message (that) we were losers. I can truly say that I hate that place and everything it stands for.'"
'It's been a very promising response,' said Castro. 'It's a very flattering article.'
But comments he didn't make could draw some strong opinions. His mother, Rosie Castro, had strong words when asked about her memories of the Alamo, a symbol of Texas independence.
'They used to take us there when we were school children,' Perez told the Times. 'They told us how glorious that battle was. When I grew up, I learned that the 'heroes' of the Alamo were a bunch of drunks and crooks and slaveholding imperialists who conquered land that didn't belong to them. But as a little girl I got the message (that) we were losers. I can truly say that I hate that place and everything it stands for.'"
Forgotten Books: SHOOT THE PRESIDENT, ARE YOU MAD? -- Frank McAuliffe
Okay, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, this is a new book. How can it be forgotten? Crider's finally lost it. You're probably right, as much as I hate to admit it. But here's my thinking.Frank McAuliffe wrote some of my favorite crime novels, a three-book series featuring Augustus Mandrell, a professional assassin. When I picked up the first book, Of all the Bloody Cheek back in 1965, I don't know what I expected, but it sure wasn't what I got, which was one of the most original crime novels I'd read up to that time. 45 years later, it still is. (See my earlier post here.) Sort of. In 1968 and 1971 McAuliffe published two sequels. But they're not exactly sequels. All three books are made up of a series of linked novellas that play off each other and intertwine in ways that still amaze me after all these years. Taken together, they're really one big, hilarious, incredible book. You should find all three, which besides Of all the Bloody Cheek include Rather a Vicious Gentleman and For Murder I Charge More.
In 1975, McAuliffe submitted another novel to Ballantine books. The Ballantines thought it was too soon after the Kennedy assassination for a comedy crime caper about presidential assassination, and the book was turned down. It took another 35 years for it to appear in print. So it was forgotten for a long, long time.
I'm afraid it might be forgotten again, since it's been published by a small press called The Outfit, which as far as I can tell doesn't even mention the book on its website. You can order it from Amazon, though.
What you'll get is a book unlike any other you've ever read, unless you've read the earlier three. This one's more conventional than they are. It's not a series of linked novellas, but one caper. It's narrated by Mandrell in his usual style, which, let's say, is a unique form of stream-of-consciousness with snarky asides, comments addressed to the reader, and lots more. It's full of narrow escapes, sometimes one after another, and at times it's almost like watching a Marx Brothers movie. Maybe I'm the only one who likes stuff like this now. Others might not get it at all, but it connects with me just like it did in 1965. It's great to have this book in print. I hope it's not forgotten.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Goodbye to the Oldest Orphan
Comic Riffs
- COMIC FAREWELL: 'Little Orphan Annie' to walk into the sunset: "The sun will come out tomorrow -- but not for many more tomorrows for 'Little Orphan Annie.'
Daddy Warbucks's favorite little tyke may have used pluck to survive the past 85 years in daily newspapers, but now she's apparently outta luck. Come June 13, her clear-eyed vision of the world will end as her final newspaper client, the Chicago Tribune, sends her off into the sunset.
So reports the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal, who writes: 'June 13 will be the first in generations to dawn without 'Annie' appearing in a daily newspaper.
'The final Sunday panel of the strip, once seen in hundreds of papers but now run by fewer than 20, will end with Daddy Warbucks uncertain over what happened to Annie in her latest run-in with the Butcher of the Balkans. And, leaping lizards, what about her dog, Sandy? Arf.'"
- COMIC FAREWELL: 'Little Orphan Annie' to walk into the sunset: "The sun will come out tomorrow -- but not for many more tomorrows for 'Little Orphan Annie.'
Daddy Warbucks's favorite little tyke may have used pluck to survive the past 85 years in daily newspapers, but now she's apparently outta luck. Come June 13, her clear-eyed vision of the world will end as her final newspaper client, the Chicago Tribune, sends her off into the sunset.
So reports the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal, who writes: 'June 13 will be the first in generations to dawn without 'Annie' appearing in a daily newspaper.
'The final Sunday panel of the strip, once seen in hundreds of papers but now run by fewer than 20, will end with Daddy Warbucks uncertain over what happened to Annie in her latest run-in with the Butcher of the Balkans. And, leaping lizards, what about her dog, Sandy? Arf.'"
No Comment Department
Councillor killed in fall from tree - AOL News: "A councillor for the Green Party has died after falling out of a tree, it has been disclosed."
Hat tip to Jeremy Lynch at Crimespree Cinema.
Uh-Oh
Worst Idea Ever: Hilary Duff to Star in Bonnie and Clyde Remake | /Film: "Variety has confirmed that Duff will play Bonnie in Tonya S Holly’s The Story of Bonnie and Clyde, which is technically not a remake of the 1967 classic film Bonnie and Clyde which starred Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty. Holly supposedly penned a new adaptation on the life and times of the famous gangster duo.
But don’t worry, the supporting cast will surely make up for Duff, right? — Air Bud 3 star Kevin Zegers will play Clyde."
But don’t worry, the supporting cast will surely make up for Duff, right? — Air Bud 3 star Kevin Zegers will play Clyde."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Cops: Man arrested during traffic stop after pot found wrapped in court papers |
khou.com
| Khou.com - News, Houston news, Texas News, Headlines: "A man was facing charges Monday after police said they found pot wrapped in a deferred adjudication order for possession of marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle."
khou.com
| Khou.com - News, Houston news, Texas News, Headlines: "A man was facing charges Monday after police said they found pot wrapped in a deferred adjudication order for possession of marijuana in the suspect’s vehicle."
Dave Fisher, R. I. P.
R.I.P, Dave Fisher Dave Fisher, founding member and lead singer of the 1960s folk group the Highwaymen, whose recording of the Civil War anti-slavery song "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" became a surprise pop hit in 1962, has died. He was 69.
Fisher died Friday at his home in Rye, N.Y., of myelofibrosis, a rare blood disease, family friend Nicole Fiftal said Wednesday.
"The original Highwaymen, along with the Kingston Trio and, later, Peter, Paul and Mary, were among those responsible for popularizing original American music — call it folk, blues, country, whatever," Kris Kristofferson told The Times on Wednesday. "Those of us who were able to walk through the doors they opened are grateful."
Fisher died Friday at his home in Rye, N.Y., of myelofibrosis, a rare blood disease, family friend Nicole Fiftal said Wednesday.
"The original Highwaymen, along with the Kingston Trio and, later, Peter, Paul and Mary, were among those responsible for popularizing original American music — call it folk, blues, country, whatever," Kris Kristofferson told The Times on Wednesday. "Those of us who were able to walk through the doors they opened are grateful."
Hat tip to Ivan Shreve, Jr., at Thrilling Days of Yesteryear.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Texas Led the Way
Oregon's just following.
Hat tip to Jeff Segal.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Bar-brawling principal arrested, suspended - NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida: "A Fort Worth, Texas middle school principal has been placed on administrative leave with pay after being arrested over the weekend on child endangerment charges.
Carla Westbrook-Spaniel, 44, of Arlington, allegedly left her children, ages 3 and 4, unattended at the Dallas Adolphus Hotel while she tried to get into a downtown Dallas club, according to police.
Westbrook-Spaniel tried to get into the Mantus Lounge, but instead got into a confrontation when the bouncer told her she wasn't dressed appropriately.
According to police, Westbrook-Spaniel tried to push her way past the bouncer by shoving him."
Carla Westbrook-Spaniel, 44, of Arlington, allegedly left her children, ages 3 and 4, unattended at the Dallas Adolphus Hotel while she tried to get into a downtown Dallas club, according to police.
Westbrook-Spaniel tried to get into the Mantus Lounge, but instead got into a confrontation when the bouncer told her she wasn't dressed appropriately.
According to police, Westbrook-Spaniel tried to push her way past the bouncer by shoving him."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Cool Water
14th-Century Aqueduct Found in Jerusalem - ABC News: "Archeologists said Tuesday they have uncovered a 14th-century aqueduct that supplied water to Jerusalem for almost 600 years along a route dating back to the time of Jesus — but unlike most such finds, this time the experts knew exactly where to look.
Photographs from the late 19th century showed the aqueduct in use by the city's Ottoman rulers, nearly 600 years after its construction in 1320. The photo shows an inscription dating back to the aqueduct's early days."
Photographs from the late 19th century showed the aqueduct in use by the city's Ottoman rulers, nearly 600 years after its construction in 1320. The photo shows an inscription dating back to the aqueduct's early days."
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
FOXNews.com - Star Athlete at Texas High School Really 22, Police Say: "A West Texas student who led his high school basketball team to the state playoffs last season was actually a 22-year-old man, police said Tuesday.
Police say the basketball star was really Guerdwich Montimere, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Haiti who school officials say was recognized last month by Florida coaches as having been a star high school player in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a few years ago."
Police say the basketball star was really Guerdwich Montimere, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Haiti who school officials say was recognized last month by Florida coaches as having been a star high school player in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a few years ago."
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Doris Eaton Travis, R. I. P.
CBC News - Theatre - Last Ziegfeld Follies chorus girl dies at 106: "Doris Eaton Travis, the last of Broadway's famed Ziegfeld Follies girls, died Tuesday at age 106.
The youngest Ziegfeld Follies girl when she was hired — at 14 — in 1918, Travis continued to dance long after her Follies days ended.
'When the stage lights hit Doris, she was instantly and forever young,' said Tom Viola, executive director of the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS organization that Travis supported.
Broadway, which will dim its lights Wednesday night in Travis's honour, will 'miss her forever,' he added."
The youngest Ziegfeld Follies girl when she was hired — at 14 — in 1918, Travis continued to dance long after her Follies days ended.
'When the stage lights hit Doris, she was instantly and forever young,' said Tom Viola, executive director of the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS organization that Travis supported.
Broadway, which will dim its lights Wednesday night in Travis's honour, will 'miss her forever,' he added."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
The Handy Law Answer Book -- David L. Hudson, Jr.
A long time ago, this book might have been titled Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Law but were Afraid to Ask. It's very thorough, it's conveniently arranged, and it's written in language that non-lawyers will find easy to understand. When I started going through it, I realized that it has uses I hadn't anticipated. Crime writers might want to consider it for their libraries. There's a quite useful and readable section on "Criminal Procedures," for example. But that's not all, since crime novels are likely to touch on lots of other legal problems, most of which are outlined in this book. Invasion of privacy? Covered. The court system? Covered. Adoptions? Sure. You name it, and it's likely to be here.
There's also a history of the Constitution (which is reprinted in an appendix), a handy list of on-line resources (good stuff, for sure), and a short glossary. If you need a legal reference book or if you're just curious about the law, this is certainly a book to check out.
Phil Collins’ Alamo Obsession
Phil Collins’ Alamo Obsession | FrontRow: "File this under most random celebrity obsession: British rock star, former Genesis man, and one of those rare drummer/front men, Phil Collins, has an obsession with the Alamo. In fact, he has the largest private collection of Alamo memorabilia in the world. He will be in Dallas on May 10 to speak about his life and the collection at the Dallas Historical Society."
If You Can't Come to Texas, . . .
. . . you can just watch TV.
'5327 Elm St., Dallas, TX, 11:27 p.m.' it says on home screens before a cat burglar busts into a vacant home, deflects a cell phone call ('Can I call you back? I'm just steppin' into work') and makes off with a humidifier. This triggers a succession of serio-comic events involving a plastic surgeon, former Big Fat Greek Wedding star Nia Vardalos, a drug lord's 'second-best assassin in the world,' etc. There's a little to-and-fro time traveling, too. Enjoy. And you very probably will."
Comcast Is at it Again
Comcast is blocking the e-mails I send to certain addresses. This has happened before, but not recently. Very frustrating, and I don't have time to deal with calling. I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason, of course. There's always a perfectly good reason.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Adele Mara, R. I. P.
Adele Mara's name always jumped out at me when it was in the credits, maybe because I found it unusual and intriguing. She was in many movies and TV shows, including this one, lost in the dim memory of another time.
Born April 28, 1923, in Highland Park, Mich., Mara started dancing as a youth and was discovered by bandleader Xavier Cugat, her son said. She moved with her parents to Philadelphia to dance with Cugat's band, then moved to Hollywood and began working in movies regularly in the 1940s.
Her other credits included 'Angel in Exile' in 1948 and films starring Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.
In 1953, she married Roy Huggins, a writer and producer who created such hit television shows as '77 Sunset Strip,' 'Maverick' and 'The Fugitive.' He died in 2002."
Hat tip to Ivan Shreve, Jr., at Thrilling Days of Yesteryear.
Hmmmmmmm
Tyra Banks Tries Hand at Fantasy Novels - ABC News: "Former supermodel Tyra Banks has signed a deal for a series of fantasy novels about the world of modeling, her publishers said on Tuesday.
Banks, the host of reality competition 'America's Next Top Model' and whose own TV talk show is set to end this year, will write three books, Delacorte Press said.
She has already finished the first, called 'Modelland', which is about a teen girl in a make-believe society at an academy for exceptional models called Intoxibellas. It will be published in the summer of 2011."
Banks, the host of reality competition 'America's Next Top Model' and whose own TV talk show is set to end this year, will write three books, Delacorte Press said.
She has already finished the first, called 'Modelland', which is about a teen girl in a make-believe society at an academy for exceptional models called Intoxibellas. It will be published in the summer of 2011."
Hat tip to Todd Mason.
Antiques Bizarre -- Barbara Allan
As you all know by now, Barbara Allan is the writing team of Barbara and Max Allan Collins. Their series about Brandy Borne and her "mom," Vivian, is one of the funniest going. In this one, Vivian talks a Russian heiress named Nastasya Petrova into donating a valuable Faberge egg to a church auction, where things go wrong. Really wrong. Nastasya winds up dead, and so does one of the bidders. Many of the other bidders are poisoned, though they don't die.Vivian, amateur sleuth that she is, swings into action, dragging Brandy along with her, not that Brandy needs much encouragement. She's as much into the investigation as Vivian. She's also off her medication (Prozac) because she's acting as a surrogate mother. That's just one of the interesting story arcs that runs through the series. Brandy also wonders about her and the mysterious letters that someone's sending. I'm sure we'll find out more about those things in the next book.
Meanwhile, if you need a laugh and enjoy a neatly plotted mystery with a lot of engaging characters and lots of snappy patter, not to mention a little romance, read Antiques Bizarre.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Giant flying dinosaur fossil found - Telegraph: "A 14 inch long lower jaw belonging to one of the reptiles was found by an amateur fossil hunter.
Two of its teeth were still present and experts were able to analyse it and produce an artists impression of what the beast looked like.
Paleontologists are now hailing the discovery as 'remarkable'.
They have named it Aetodactylus halli after it was uncovered by amateur fossil collector Lance Hall on a construction site near Dallas, Texas."
Two of its teeth were still present and experts were able to analyse it and produce an artists impression of what the beast looked like.
Paleontologists are now hailing the discovery as 'remarkable'.
They have named it Aetodactylus halli after it was uncovered by amateur fossil collector Lance Hall on a construction site near Dallas, Texas."
'Starving Yogi' Update
'Starving yogi' astounds Indian scientists: "An 83-year-old Indian holy man who says he has spent seven decades without food or water has astounded a team of military doctors who studied him during a two-week observation period.
Prahlad Jani spent a fortnight in a hospital in the western India state of Gujarat under constant surveillance from a team of 30 medics equipped with cameras and closed circuit television."
Prahlad Jani spent a fortnight in a hospital in the western India state of Gujarat under constant surveillance from a team of 30 medics equipped with cameras and closed circuit television."
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.
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