Saturday, February 04, 2012
Friday, February 03, 2012
Millennium Falcon Built from Mega Bloks
I built this model of the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars out of Mega Bloks in under 6 hours.*gasps of awe*
*wild applause*
Thank yew, thank yew verra much.
The Top Suspense Group is Back with Their Favorite Kills
A great anthology. Amazon Prime members read for free! Others pay only $2.99.Amazon.com: Favorite Kills (Top Suspense Anthologies) eBook: Harry Shannon, Bill Crider, Vicki Hendricks, Max Allan Collins, Paul Levine, Libby Hellmann, Dave Zeltserman, Lee Goldberg, Joel Goldman, Ed Gorman: Kindle Store: We're back. We hope you're sitting down, and that you've finally caught your breath from Top Suspense, our first bestselling anthology. You're about to take another screaming thrill ride with twelve master storytellers. Each Top Suspense Group author is an award winning, highly acclaimed pro whose compelling and unforgettable tales have been published all over the world—and, in some cases, have even become blockbuster movies and TV shows.
In this book, Favorite Kills, we've collected our very best short stories. All major prize-winning tales and personal favorites, each one a knock-out punch of suspense.
So hold on tight my friend, or better yet, tie yourself down. You're in for another breathtaking wild ride of seething sex and unexpected twists, dark humor, and certain death. And when it's all over, and you're sitting there spent and satisfied, soaked in a flop sweat of terror and exhilaration, we're gonna be right there to bring you even more.
And Yet They Didn't Base It on My Novel
TV Icons Barry Williams And Danny Bonaduce TVbytheNumbers: Television legends Danny Bonaduce (The Partridge Family) and Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch) will star in the new Syfy Saturday Original Movie Bigfoot, completing production in Seattle.
Joining Williams and Bonaduce will be Howard Hesseman (Head of the Class), Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), Andre Royo (The Wire) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper (School’s Out). Oscar and Emmy nominee Bruce Davison (X-Men) will direct and also appear in the movie.
Joining Williams and Bonaduce will be Howard Hesseman (Head of the Class), Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks), Andre Royo (The Wire) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper (School’s Out). Oscar and Emmy nominee Bruce Davison (X-Men) will direct and also appear in the movie.
Free e-Book! One More Day!
If you have a Kindle, please grab it. You don't even have to read it. Just help me improve my numbers. I thank you, my family thanks you, and the publisher thanks you.
Free Story!
And while you're getting the free story, don't forget to pick my my FREE BOOK, today only!
Amazon.com: The Red Reef eBook: James Reasoner: Kindle Store: Inspired by the classic adventure stories that appeared in such pulp magazines as ARGOSY and ADVENTURE, "The Red Reef" features the colorful glamour and the gritty danger of the South Seas as a guilt-ridden ship's captain gets a last chance at redemption. Written by bestselling novelist James Reasoner (the RANCHO DIABLO and WIND RIVER series, as well as cult classic novels TEXAS WIND and DUST DEVILS), this 4300-word short story first appeared in the final issue of the legendary webzine HARDLUCK STORIES and is now available again!
The Paris Review: Bastion of Fine Fiction & Poetry
AbeBooks: The Paris Review: Bastion of Fine Fiction & Poetry: Founded in 1953 by Harold L. Humes, Peter Matthiessen and George Plimpton, the Paris Review is more than just a quarterly journal. It is a literary institution. As stated in the magazine’s inaugural issue, the creators wanted a vehicle to showcase great new fiction and poetry without shifting into literary critique, which was the dominant style of the time. The Paris Review is not un-critical but its focus is a celebration of great writing.
The Artist
Why James Reasoner should see The Artist: one word -- Quicksand.Why everybody else should see The Artist: Great black and white photography, scene-stealing dog, actors who appear to be having a wonderful time, the amusing take on an old story, lots of laughs and heart, and wonderful use of sound. What's not to like. Highly recommended.
Forgotten Books: A Night for Screaming -- Harry Whittington
This post originally appeared in slightly different form on July 13, 2005, before the “Forgotten Books” feature got started.
Which of Harry Whittington's novels is my favorite? That's an impossible question for me to answer, since I like so many of them. Certainly A Night for Screaming is right up there, so I decided to re-read it. It's the story of Mitch Walker, ex-cop, on the run from a murder he didn't commit, who winds up in Kansas, working on a huge farm that's run like the prison camp in Cool Hand Luke. The complications include Walker's relentless pursuer, the beautiful but nutjob wife of the farm's owner, the owner himself, the brutal overseers, and more.
One thing Whittington can do about as well as anybody ever could is begin the book with a tense situation and then dial up the tension on every succeeding page. He can put his protagonist into a situation that seems as bad as it can get, and then he can make it worse. And after that, he can make it worse still. In this book he takes a seemingly simple situation and complicates it more with every chapter, throwing in a few reversals and surprises along the way. If you ever run across a copy of A Night for Screaming, don't pass it up. You'll be sorry if you do. It's a dandy story, and it has a great cover, besides.
Since I wrote the above, the book has been reprinted in a swell double volume along with Any Woman He Wanted by Stark House. You can’t go wrong.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
World News: Two infamous Swedish murderers, the "Skara Cannibal" and the "Vampire Woman," hope to get married, according to Expressen, a Swedish newspaper.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Ed Wood Update
NYTimes.com: TIM BURTON’S finely textured 1994 film, “Ed Wood,” would seem to have dramatized nearly everything the world needs to know about that schlocky filmmaker.
But at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, last month two earnest and affable men, Jason Insalaco and Jonathan Harris, presented what they called the only existing complete print of a 22-minute television pilot that could ignite new appreciation for Wood. Called “Final Curtain,” this odd, minimalist pilot was written, produced and directed by Ed Wood in 1957.
But at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, last month two earnest and affable men, Jason Insalaco and Jonathan Harris, presented what they called the only existing complete print of a 22-minute television pilot that could ignite new appreciation for Wood. Called “Final Curtain,” this odd, minimalist pilot was written, produced and directed by Ed Wood in 1957.
Ah, Ross Thomas
If you've been reading this blog for years (as who hasn't?), you know that Ross Thomas is one of my favorite writers. I'd give a lot just write one paragraph half as good as thousands that Thomas wrote. At any rate, here's a link to a fine essay and survey of Thomas' work, with copious quotations. Highly recommended. Ah, Treachery! - Do The Math
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
HPD jails suspect in deadly text feud: According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, the older brother knew that his sibling and Franklin were involved in a feud based on threatening text messages sent to the younger brother's phone.
When he passed by, Franklin confronted Ruben Rubio. Xavier Rubio joined the argument then pulled a knife, according to the complaint. Franklin revealed a pistol and began firing.
When he passed by, Franklin confronted Ruben Rubio. Xavier Rubio joined the argument then pulled a knife, according to the complaint. Franklin revealed a pistol and began firing.
Mona Lisa Update
Earliest copy of Mona Lisa found in Prado - The Art Newspaper: Conservators at the Prado in Madrid recently made an astonishing discovery, hidden beneath black overpaint. What was assumed to be a replica of the Mona Lisa made after Leonardo’s death had actually been painted by one of his key pupils, working alongside the master. The picture is more than just a studio copy—it changed as Leonardo developed his original composition.
Reminder: Free e-Book -- Two Days Left
If you have a Kindle, please grab it. You don't even have to read it. Just help me improve my numbers. I thank you, my family thanks you, and the publisher thanks you.
Croc Update (Head Bump Edition)
‘Shieldcroc’: The Prehistoric Crocodile With a Bump On Its Head | Earth & Environment | Science | Epoch Times: The remains of a new species of ancient crocodilian have been unearthed in Morocco that date back to the Late Cretaceous Period, around 95 million years ago.
The now-extinct crocodile is named Aegisuchus witmeri and has been nicknamed “Shieldcroc” due to the shield-like layer of thick skin on its head. The new species was identified from the remnants of a fossilized skull.
The now-extinct crocodile is named Aegisuchus witmeri and has been nicknamed “Shieldcroc” due to the shield-like layer of thick skin on its head. The new species was identified from the remnants of a fossilized skull.
Put Him in the Scuppers with a Hose Pipe on Him
Drunken sailor opens wrong door | Seattle Times Newspaper: A drunken sailor who walked into the wrong apartment in Bremerton, urinated on the floor and then climbed into bed with an 80-year-old woman was "totally humiliated" by his actions but is unlikely to face criminal charges.
Hat tip to Fred Zackel.
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Man keeps getting arrested on someone else’s warrant: Real criminal already in jail
Shooter's Cross: The First Rancho Diablo Book Free!
Get it while it's free and get started on a great western action series.
Here's the Plot for Your Next Birding Thriller
UPI.com: Two European birdwatchers and their tourist guide were kidnapped in the southern Philippines Wednesday, police said.
Five heavily armed men abducted Elwold Horn, 52, of the Netherlands and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, of Switzerland along with Filipino guide Ivan Sadenas, the Inquirer Mindanao reported.
Five heavily armed men abducted Elwold Horn, 52, of the Netherlands and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, of Switzerland along with Filipino guide Ivan Sadenas, the Inquirer Mindanao reported.
4 Ways to Enjoy Nature According to Insane Old Magazines
4 Ways to Enjoy Nature According to Insane Old Magazines
The magazine covers alone make this worth a look.
Angelo Dundee, R. I. P.
NY Daily News: Angelo Dundee, the famed trainer most noted for his work with Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, died at his home in Tampa surrounded by his family on Wednesday. He was 90.
“He was a giant of a man, a history maker,” promoter Don King said. “He stood up in spite of and not because of. The most amazing thing about Angelo was that he could get along with anyone. He was the personification of walking in another man’s shoes.”
“He was a giant of a man, a history maker,” promoter Don King said. “He stood up in spite of and not because of. The most amazing thing about Angelo was that he could get along with anyone. He was the personification of walking in another man’s shoes.”
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Here's the Plot for Your Next Chilean Thriller
Glacier thief arrested in Chile: Police hold man on suspicion of stealing five tonnes of ice from a glacier in Patagonia to sell as designer ice cubes for cocktails
PimPage: An Occasional Feature in Which I Call Interesting Books to Your Attention
I read an advance copy of McGrave, and I gotta tell you, it's terrific. A great action hero, nonstop action, and a lot of laughs. Reading it was like watching a great action movie, and I'm really glad to hear it's likely the first book in a series. Highly recommended!Amazon.com: McGrave eBook: Lee Goldberg: Kindle Store: Los Angeles cop John "Tidal Wave" McGrave is an unstoppable force of nature who always gets his man...even if it means laying waste to everything around him, including his own career...which is exactly what happens in his pursuit of Sebastian Richter, the ruthless leader of an international gang of violent thieves.
When Richter flees to Berlin, McGrave chases after him...even though the cop doesn't know the language, the laws, or the culture. But McGrave doesn't care...he speaks the universal language of knee in the groin and fist in the face...and he won't let anything get in his way.
Feeling Safer Now?
TSA agent arrested for stealing iPads from travelers: "If they're the guys who are protecting us and they're not, who am I going to trust next?" one angry victim, Borna Mojra, told the TV station.
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Mike Kelley, R. I. P.
Gallerist NY: Mike Kelley, one of the most critically acclaimed artists of his generation, has died at the age of 57, at his home in South Pasadena, Calif. According to several sources close to the artist that Gallerist has spoken with, the cause of death was suicide.
Another Freebie for your Kindle
Amazon.com: Hot Pursuit eBook: Paul Bishop: Kindle Store: A Calico Jack Walker / Tina Tamiko L.A.P.D. novel . . .It’s 1977 and veteran L.A.P.D. cop Calico Jack Walker and his rookie partner, Tina Tamiko, are planning to make Calico’s last shift on the job something special – but plans, as they do, come apart because Walker and Tamiko are good cops no matter what the cost . . . even if they're L.A. cops, in uniform, in their patrol car, on duty, and way out of their jurisdiction on the Las Vegas Strip.
When a major crime is going down, good cops never hesitate.
Uh-Oh
Diet soda linked to stroke, heart attack - UPI.com: Drinking diet soft drinks on a daily basis might increase the risk stroke, heart attack and vascular death, U.S. researchers said.
What It Was -- George Pelecanos
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear (1972) that some of us remember well. It was the time of blaxploitation, Plymouth Furies, Isaac Hayes (and Roberta Flack), Kool cigarettes, and just plain cool. George Pelecanos knows the territory -- the music, the styles, the attitudes -- and they're all on display here as private-eye Derek Strange and his former partner, Frank Vaughn, go after a stone killer known as Red Fury (like the car). Red even has a soundtrack: "Red Fury, he's the man/Try and stop him if you can." If Red were into country music, he'd be singing, "Life fast, love hard, die young."
Readers familiar with Strange from previous books will be glad to meet his youthful self again. The novel is framed by the present-day Strange telling his tale to Nick Stafanos, and other familiar character, and it's a fast, lean story that moves like a Plymouth Fury peeling away from a stoplight. Check it out.
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Ardath Mayhar, R. I. P.
Joe Lansdale reported the passing of Ardath Mayhar on his Twitter feed. Judy and I met Ardath more than 30 years ago at AggieCon, and I still have many of her books that I read and enjoyed. She'll be missed.
Update: There's a fine tribute here by Jayme Blaschke.
Teach 'em the Alphabet!
CBS Boston: It’s going to be a while before things get back to normal for Judy Sanchez and her three-year-old daughter.
Last Thursday, a team of FBI agents swarmed her apartment building as part of a massive citywide drug and weapons gang raid.
Trouble is, Sanchez lives in apartment 2R.
The suspect they were after is in 2F.
Last Thursday, a team of FBI agents swarmed her apartment building as part of a massive citywide drug and weapons gang raid.
Trouble is, Sanchez lives in apartment 2R.
The suspect they were after is in 2F.
First It Was the Thin Mints Melee . . .
Half Moon Bay Review : News:A National Parks ranger subdued a Montara resident with a Taser Sunday afternoon, arresting the man after an argument unfolded about walking his dog without a leash at the Rancho Corral de Tierra open space.
Don Cornelius, R. I. P.
latimes.com: "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius was found dead at his Sherman Oaks on home Wednesday morning.
Law enforcement sources said police arrived at Cornelius' home around 4 a.m. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.
Law enforcement sources said police arrived at Cornelius' home around 4 a.m. He apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.
Free for Kindle -- 3 Days Only
If you have a Kindle, please grab it. You don't even have to read it. Just help me improve my numbers. I thank you, my family thanks you, and the publisher thanks you.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
UFO Update
UFO Found In Baltic Sea?: A team of shipwreck hunters that found a strange circular object on the floor of the Baltic Sea in 2011 now says they have discovered visual evidence of a second "disc-like shape" some 200 meters from the original find, CNN reports.
PimPage: An Occasional Feature in Which I Call Interesting Books to Your Attention
Amazon.com: Call Me Cupid: Six Screwball Stories of Love eBook: Gerald So: Kindle Store: Gerald So brings you six flash fiction stories of off-the-wall romance: "Call Me Cupid", "Connect the Dots", "Every Man for Himself", "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Rocky Road", and "Once Upon a Wedding Cake". Includes work originally published in POWDER BURN FLASH and ZYGOTE IN MY COFFEE.
Dust of the Damned -- Peter Brandvold
This is a real rip-snorter of a weird western, set in an alternate America in which Abraham Lincoln had to resort to bringing in werewolves from Europe to win the Civil War. The werewolves were supposed to go home after the war, but you just can't trust a werewolf. They didn't go, and now the frontier is overrun with werewolves, swillers, and hobgobbies. Instead of the traditional bounty hunters, there are ghoul hunters, chief among them being Uriah Zane. When Charlie Hondo, the worst werewolf of them all, breaks out of Hellsgarde prison, assisted by a couple of other werewolves and a Mexican witch, it's up to Zane and beautiful U. S. Marshal Angel Coffin to track them down before they wreak real havoc.This is one of those books where the action never lets up. Heads roll, supernatural creatures die by the dozens (humans do, too), and there's lots of sex. There's humor, too, and I got a kick out of noticing that an undertaker was named Hank DeRosso. If you're looking for a horror novel crossed with a spaghetti western, this is the one to try. Check it out.
Maybe They'll Ask Me to Star in the American Version
Televisual: Spun Gold TV is making its first wildlife programming with the commission of Swimming with Crocodiles for BBC Two.
The two hour-long shows will follow presenter and World Wildlife Fund ambassador Ben Fogle as he travels across the world to discover more about the behaviour of wild crocodiles and to dive with them.
The two hour-long shows will follow presenter and World Wildlife Fund ambassador Ben Fogle as he travels across the world to discover more about the behaviour of wild crocodiles and to dive with them.
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