As I’ve mentioned before I’m a big fan of Court TV and will generally watch it when I have the morning off. One of the cases currently being televised is Montana vs. Beiber, in which a day care center employee is accused of causing the death of a child by giving him an over-the-counter cold medication. Apparently, at least according to the Prosecutor this was S.O.P. for this place in order to get the children to take naps if they weren’t inclined to do so on their own.

Anyway, the Defense has learned that someone involved in the case (possibly as a witness) may be blogging about the case. There has been a discussion by the various segment hosts and their guests on whether or not this borders on the illegal, coming under any type of ‘gag order’ the judge may have imposed. Generally, as I understand it (and Bob Ingersoll isn’t around to say different) a gag order would only cover the principles in the case anyway. I always find it interesting when the blogoverse comes under discussion out beyond our little world, which we seem to more and more.

Boy, just when you think that the folks over at the 700 Club have gotten the good reverend back on medication he gets in front of the camera again. Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, probably goes up there with the other stupid things he's said although it crosses a new line.

According to reports I've heard & read the Venezuelan Vice President Vicente Rangel has called Robertson's comments 'criminal.' If nothing else it might make already strained U.S. Venezuelan relations a bit more so, since Robertson's known ties to the GOP and the administration are well known.

I know it's about Free speech and all, but can you imagine if someone like Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton called for the U.S. to assassinate a right-wing dictator? Whew! Fox News and the White House would be all over their ass!

Whoa! How could I have missed the news last Friday that they may have clue to the disappearance of Judge Crater? He might have been buried under the boardwalk at Coney Island and actually was dug up years ago. Seems that when they were building the Aquarium human bones were found but not identified. Now a woman has come forward to say her late husband, a police officer at the time of the Judge's disappearance may have done away with him in some kind of political murder. How cool is that?

Sad that nothing else has really caught my attention this weekend. There were somethings which came up which I can't talk about, but we'll deal with things as they arise.

On the political front, it looks as if even members of the GOP (those looking forward to 2006 and further down the line) may be trying to distance themselves from G.W.'s increasingly unpopular Iraq policy. Too little, too late in my book! Still it should make things interesting as the wagons have to be drawn in tighter at the White House.

Several years ago, back when I was working for the University of New Haven, I twice took part in a research project. Sadly, no super-powers developed and my hair still hasn’t grown back.

Seriously, the research had to do with memory or rather what triggered memories. Each of the volunteers was given a journal and for one month we would record those moments when we had memories of either the recent or distant the past. In the journals, using a series of shorthand notations, we would try to note what might have triggered the event (taste, sound, something we had read or seen, etc.). I have to admit that it was pretty fascinating and personally brought back even more memories as the journal writing itself would trigger further events.

Even though I no longer keep a journal, I do find that when certain memories spring to mind I try to decipher exactly what it was that led to that moment. Today on the subway, for instance, I was reading a review (a graphic novel in which trolls appear) which reminded me of an e-mail exchange I once had with Neil Gaiman (of all people) involving childhood fears (ask Elayne about “Three Billy Goats Gruff”). This in turn brought back a frightening reminder of a reoccurring nightmare I had for years as a teenager, involving an abandoned well, a girl living there and decay. Brrrr!!!

I realize this has nothing to do with Iraq, Israel or anything political which is triggering posts in the Blogoverse, but I just wanted to get that out there while it was fresh in my mind.

Well the heat here in New York has apparently broken, at least for the time being. It's still a tad too humid for my taste, but I can live with it. The hotter than normal days have been replaced with a forecast calling for showers & thunder showers for the rest of the week, with more 'seasonable' temps. Fingers crossed!

Donna and I didn't accomplish a whole heck of a lot this weekend, but did spend some time with friends. Visited our friend Bella in the hospital and then went out to dinner with Donna's best friend, Frances. Actually got out last evening, when the temps fell a bit, and threw some hotdogs on the barbecue. I think I'm really getting the hang of not burning everything.

It continues to amaze me how upset the right-wing is over the anger and grief of a mother who lost her son in Iraq. Heard that somebody actually fired off a shotgun and then laughed it off when confronted. "That's the way we are in Texas." or some such thing like that was his response. Just a good ol' boy, like G.W. down the road!

It's rather sad when you discover that Library Administration has lost track of where you are currently assigned. I received an e-mail earlier this morning requesting me to do something at a branch I haven't been at for close to six months. I suppose I should be happy that my check is automatically deposited and I'm not waiting for it here every other week.

Oh, and before I forget...."It's not the heat, it's the humidity!"

Good to hear that "Mr. Compassion" (aka President Bush) sympathized with Cindy Sheehan. I'm certain that that will make her and the thousands of other mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children feel a whole lot better about the deaths of their loved ones. According to what I've heard (second & third hand of course, since I don't listen or watch Fox News nor various radio right-wing hosts) Mrs. Sheehan is doing little but disgracing her son Casey's actions in Iraq. How can she sleep at night?

Seriously, I don't think any of us should be surprised either at the callousness of the talking-heads or of El Presidente. For them to do anything otherwise they would have to admit mistakes, which of course they could never do.

Spent most of yesterday trying to get myself on a Jury here in Brooklyn. I'm guessing that I don't qualify to sit in judgement of the accused. Actually, I think it was because I was a victim of a crime years ago and had to identify the two men responsible. Seems that the 'accused' in this particular trial was also picked out in a lineup, so his Defense attorney probably didn't want someone who thought that type of thing works.

The fine folks over at Air America Radio (link over on the Left) would invited one & all to sign their petition to have Karl Rove fired. While it might be fun pretending that the White House cares about what citizens think I'm past the point of kidding myself.

I've been the kind of progressive who has been signing petitions, writing letters to the editor, donating time & money to various causes and groups since the late 1960s. After all this time I have come to the realization that I am way out of touch with my fellow Americans and am pretty much fed up with all of them. You do in fact get the type of government you deserve and we're living it now. We are not going to change it and it is going to get progressively (I can't help but smile when I use that expression in this case) worse.

Live the best life you can under the circumstances, but don't expect things to get any better.

Have a good weekend!

Granted, it may have had something to do with the Rum & Cokes I'd been drinking for the past few hours, or the beers i just had. However, I'd like to think that it had more to do with being surrounded with my family.

Saturday night found Donna and I attending a surprise 50th b-day bash for my brother-in-law Teddy back in Connecticut. I was up on the dance floor with three of my female cousins, a floor we shared a trio of ladies who were apparently sent over from Central Casting to appear as Dykes on Bikes in a drive-in flick. The club, which my sister rented for the night, certainly had its share of characters in the adjoining bar/pool hall. Around midnight some of those folks drifted in to the party and joined the festivities. I was having a great time!

The flash came when I realized how different my life might have been had I not joined the Navy after high school, or even if I had stayed in my hometown after my enlistment was up. I would probably have married one of the girls I dated back then (wherever Diane or Martha may be?) and could have easily ended up a member of something like the American-Polish Club or something along those lines.

Family is a wonderful thing and I really do believe that you can go home again. At least for a weekend and a few drinks.

Here's a toast (another Barcadi & coke over here, please) to my sisters Pam & Sue, both Teddys, Charlie, Sandy and the rest of the Papineau(my mom's relatives) side of the Chaput family!

Hey! Was there any woman there that Bob didn't put the moves on?

Looks like good ol' Gary Trudeau is in trouble again, at least with some newspapers. Apparently the term "Turd Blossom" isn't suitable for some tender readers to encounter in the funny pages. I think Bush using it as the new nickname for a certain White House staffe is pretty cute, myself.

I heard the news about the bombing incident in London before heading off to work today. Another unfortunate situation and I’m glad that only one person seems to have been injured. Apparently, according to early reports, the only one hurt was one of the bombers who was surprised by an early detonation. What a shame!

I find myself in agreement with some of the British journalists who believe this is probably the work of ‘copycats’ rather than the same group responsible for the 7/7 attacks. This group seems, fortunately for those involved, a bit more amateur than those who carried out the very deadly bombings of two weeks ago.

Fingers crossed that things have not gotten worse since I last heard the news. Also, I hope they capture those responsible for all the deaths and injuries in both incidents.

Also, since everybody else has chimed in on the topic. Who would have thought that the perfect Supreme Court candidate would be a conservative White man in his fifties? Obviously the President and his cronies searched far & wide for someone like John Roberts in order to fill the slot vacated by the first woman to sit on the court. Do you think the odds are good that he might be a Republican?

I'm not in San Diego this year, obviously, but we'll see about 2006. Donna had initially wanted me to plan my vacation to coincide with the convention, but I think we both needed the earlier time off.

Now that I'm not actively involved in fandom or a member of Friends of Lulu, I'm just one of the nameless fanboys who would drift around. I'm not even reading any comics regularly so I'd probably be hitting the various panels rather than haunting the dealer's room.

If anybody reading this is out in San Diego, I hope you enjoy yourselves and find whatever it is for which you're searching. Also, don't miss the costume contest if you can help it! If you happen to be a member of Capa-Alpha (the oldest continuing comics apa) toast all of those who couldn't make it this year.

If you aren't going, word is that New York City will finally get a major comics convention again in 2006. While Big Apple is fine it will be nice to see a really major event in the city which is still home for a good part of the industry.

I don't want to get myself in trouble, but I have to say that it ticks me off that the Queens Library (and apparently the other library systems in New York) are allowing Scholastic to set ridiculous rules regarding the new HARRY POTTER book.

We actually have to lock the books in the Branch Manager's office upon receipt. The book cannot be linked to the library until just prior to the opening on Saturday (or whatever the first day after 7/16 the library opens). A memo was sent out all but threatening staff should they do anything with the book before the branch actually opens to the public.

The library, like book stores, receive many new books prior to the publication date and we DO NOT release them until then. We have had to lock books away, sealed in plastic, until a set time.

I'm half way tempted to stand out front of the branch at 10:01 am (just after we open) and read the last chapter of the book to anyone interested.

Don't get me wrong! I really enjoy the Harry Potter series and have been looking forward to this latest installment. On the other hand, I think the publisher is being a bit high-handed about all this. We're talking about a children's fantasy book, people!!

Well, just to keep you updated I've been out sick and really haven't felt like posting. Heck, I've barely been keeping up with my e-mail.

While I certainly don't want to make light of the tragic bombings this morning, it was certainly fortunate that those responsible didn't take advantage of the celebrations in Britain last evening. The throngs of folks out celebrating the awarding of the 2012 Olympics to London would have been a prime target for such a group. My guess is that they already had plans in place for today's action and could not change them suddenly.

Naturally the press had their reporters aiming cameras and microphones at New Yorkers trying to go about their daily transit. Again, the folks going in to the MTA stations said they could not and would not change their plans. Donna actually wanted to drive me to work today, I told her not to bother, but I did promise to call as soon as I got to the library.

Frankly, the MTA itself is the biggest threat to my daily commute! The daily trip to Forest Hills should usually take me about an hour & fifteen minutes, but has taken me over two hours the last few days. It always seems to be "signal problems". Maybe they should just have a few guys with red & green flags waving from each station.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - I’m not going to do a complete review of this book, since it has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year. In all likelihood, if you haven’t read it as yet you probably haven’t much interest, or are waiting for the paperback edition due later this year. Plus, there have been television network specials on some of the theories and ideas expressed. On top of that, once the trailers for the film version of the book (starring Tom Hanks) begin to appear the morning talk-shows and other media outlets will be filled with even more information.

In Brown’s novel, Professor Robert Langdon (introduced in the earlier novel, ANGELS & DEMONS) is in Paris to lecture on religious symbolism. On leave from his teaching chores at Harvard, Langdon has been contacted by Jacques Sauneire the curator of the Louvre Museum. When Sauneire is murdered the French police bring Langdon in for questioning, since he had been scheduled to meet with the curator earlier in the evening. This is the beginning of a series of mysteries which involve Langdon and Sauneire’s granddaughter in a search for what just might be The Holy Grail. Brown does an excellent job of balancing actual historic facts with an exciting chase, as Langdon tries to discover why he has possibly framed for the murder. He also must try to keep ahead of both police and others who are searching for the Grail. Even without the theory which is getting so much publicity the novel itself is a very good thriller, and will keep the reader second guessing.

Brown has filled the book with so much information that it is impossible not to be drawn into the idea of a conspiracy. While he admits that some liberties were taken for effect, it is also evident that he has done an enormous amount of research. In fact, there are currently at least half dozen books which examine the facts which Brown uses as starting point. A quick Internet search will also spotlight a number of sites dedicated to either backing up or denouncing the ideas expressed by Langdon. Heck, you can even check out Brown’s own website at http://www.danbrown.com/ and find all sorts of interesting material.

As with all books of this type, how much you get out of it will depend on what you’re looking for. If nothing else it has interested me in picking up some of Brown’s other books, which I guess is all a writer can ask.

Good morning, patriots!

Just a quick wish for everyone to have a safe and joyous Fourth of July. Stay clear of the fireworks, but if you must fool around with loaded ordinance, try not to be drinking at the same time, huh?

Oh, and congrats to NASA for being able to hit a huge chunk of ice millions of miles away, while not being able to ensure the safety of the astronauts they strap into the shuttle. Way to spend the budget, guys!!

Be safe and kind to each other!

First the Supreme Court opinion allowing the display of the Ten Commandments and now today's announcement that Sandra Day O'Connor is resigning. Since we can also expect that the Chief Justice will do likewise (within the next few months, is my bet) those of us who believe in the seperation of church & state and other Constitutional issues should begin to worry. We should also start to organize and let our voices be heard by the spineless seat-fillers in Congress.

I'm placing a link to the organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State over on the Left. It was there, just a few minutes ago in fact, where I first read of O'Connor's announcement.

Both progressives and true Conservatives should be concerned about the tilt of the next Court.

Interesting that only one of the major networks felt inclined to cover the Presidential speech last evening. Everyone else went with the usual, including reruns over on CBS. Not sure what that means, if anything.

It appears that everything is going smoothly and the media just isn't telling us that, the liberal bastards that they are! Apparently those in the military (Generals can be very short-sighted)who seem to feel that there are problems are ignoring the good things going on there.

The Prez wants all Americans to show the flag next Monday to demonstrate support for 'our troops.' Of course, there are millions of citizens who put out the flag on national holidays anyway. This was something my own father used to do and I've taken up that habit here in Brooklyn. Now, sadly, the administration and it's supporters will broadcast pictures of this and twist it into a demonstration of support for G.W.'s policies. I'm almost tempted NOT to put out the flag this weekend.

On the local front the MTA, who can't seem to repair much or get what is running to do so on time, are going to begin cracking down on us slobs who are eating and drinking on the subway. Those of us with the nasty habit of not taking the limo in will have to forego our morning cup of coffee. Since I have no plans on doing that we'll have to see when I get that first summons.

Just wanted to express my condolences to the family, friends and many fans of Paul Winchell, among the last I certainly consider myself. I was catching up on my blog reading this morning and caught Mark Evanier's comments on his death.

I fondly recall sitting around as a kid watching Winchell and his wooden friends, Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff. He really did make you forget what a great ventriloquist he was since Jerry & Knucklehead seemed almost alive and separate individuals. later you seemed to hear Winchell's voice on literally hundreds of cartoons (probably best known as the voice of Tigger in the Winnie the Pooh features & shorts) and commercials (he did the voice of the Scrubbing Bubbles for years, as I recall). I also remember seeing him on a handful of shows in the 1960s(Perry Mason, for instance) demonstrating that he was also a versatile actor.

Farewell to a truly gifted man!

"If you have a weak candidate and a weak platform, wrap yourself up in the American flag."-- Matt Quay, 1886

Well, as the blog-o-sphere seems to be taking this on I figured I'd toss in a few greenish pennies of my own.

I spent a little less than a decade in the U.S. Navy, most of that on active duty. This began while the Vietnam War was still quite active and protests were going on around the world. I don't think I'd ever considered that somebody might think that burning the flag would get so many folks all bent out of shape. Sure, growing up in the fifties I did my share of standing for the Pledge of allegiance, but I knew that it was the idea behind the symbol rather than the flag itself (a piece of cloth, after all) that was important.

Seems every few years this whole anti-flag burning thing comes up again and we all have to join ranks on one side or the other. Aren't there really more important matters which should have the attention of those buffoons in D.C.?

If somebody tried to take a sledge hammer to the Lincoln Memorial I'd be the first one to call for this guy to be handcuffed. But there is only ONE such memorial. Flags are manufactured in factories, generally in some third-world country by folks barely getting by on minimal pay. That should get folks upset and not some anarchist or other fringe type taking a match to a $10 red, white & blue table cloth.

That's just me, okay?

Okay, maybe it's just me, but is there something disquieting about your Urologist making Michael Jackson jokes during your prostate exam?

******************
The two recent helicopter accidents here in have convinced me that my distrust of them is rational. To be honest, I'm nervous enough flying in a regular airplane, but helicopters have always scared me. I had to get ride one once, while I was in the Navy, and that once will do me for the rest of my life.

***********
We were discussing the conviction yesterday of the former Tyco executives and the outcome of the Michael Jackson trial. Someone pointed out, and I think correctly, that since one involved money and the other child molestation the government feels the first is more important. Witness the conviction of Martha Stewart for trying to save a few bucks, compared to O.J. and Robert Blake killing their wives. And this was from someone who works in law enforcement!

As hard as it is to believe, Michael Jackson has been acquited on all charges. This sucker is going to be debated endlessly.

You have to wonder how these jurors will feel when this type of thing happens again (and you know it will, since the King of Pop will see this as a free pass to continue) in a few years.

For the past few weeks, beginning before our California adventure, I've been re-listening to some old audiotapes I have.

Taking a break from the usual Old Time Radio or Books on Tape, I have been going through tapes on political conspiracy produced by Dave Emory. Emory has been doing this type of thing for over twenty years beginning with shows broadcast from several non-commercial & college stations in California and then picked up by others. By the mid-late '80s his show, HARD RAIN was available on several Pacifica stations including WBAI, here in NYC. That's where I began taping and then purchasing some of his programs.

Emory dealt with the widely known stuff on the JFK, RFK & MLK assassinations, but really his his stride with covering the little known history of the early support (financial & political) of Hitler and the Nazi Party by American industry. A quick search of the 'net will bring you to several sites which offer his programs and include transcripts of some material. Since he doesn't appear to have his own site I'm not going to link to anyone of them. Just a heads up to those, like myself, who are fascinated by this material.

I am, on the other hand, going to put up a link to Conspiracy Planet where you won't find Dave Emory, but you will find plenty of other things which will give you pause.

Since this stuff really fascinates me I'm probably going to add some similar sites over the next week or so.

Sadly, after enjoying a very nice week in California we returned to Brooklyn and found ourselves dealing with 'real life.'

One of Donna's very close friends Bella was diagnosed with cancer and this past Monday had to undergo a hysterectomy. They were unable to remove all of the cancer and she will soon begin a six-week chemotherapy treatment. Donna and I have both spent time with her in the hospital, visiting and also trying to cheer up her husband,Pete.

Having lost both of my parents to cancer it is one of those diseases which I have come to dread in my own life. When someone like Bella, only a year in age different from me, contracts such a serious form it once again reminds me of my own mortality. Also, the fact that I may indeed by genetically predisposed to it.

I have only yesterday made an appointment with my doctor for a regular check up and prostate exam. Men over forty years of age and women, as well should not take their health for granted. You only get one chance here on Mother Earth, so try and stick around as long as you can!

I meant to mention this last time out, but it slipped my mind.

The theatre in which we caught both REVENGE OF THE SITH & MADAGASCAR was the Edwards Stadium Cinema in Aliso Viejo. We had been there during our Christmas trip and found the place just as clean and friendly as we did then. It's one of those places with dozens of screens and multiple showings of the major releases.

They are really gearing up for the up-coming FANTASTIC FOUR feature in July. For the four days leading up to the film and they are running what they have dubbed MARVEL MANIA WEEK. Each night at 9:00pm they will be showing a movie based on a Marvel comic. Starting with the two SPIDER-MAN films, followed by DAREDEVIL, then X-MEN. Finally, on the last night the 9:00pm showing of X-MEN II will be followed by the midnight premiere of FF. Pretty cool, huh?

I don't know if they'll be doing anything else to tie-in with the event, but if you're in the Orange County area you might see if other Edwards Cinemas are having something like that.

Oh, and they had trailers for both BATMAN BEGINS & FANTASTIC FOUR at the screening of REVENGE OF THE SITH, so this fanboy really was in a good mood.

Well, except for a bit of turbulance both ways our trip to California was pretty good. To be honest, we discovered that it was actually a bit warmer here in NYC than out west. We hit what is known (at least out there) as the June Gloom, so every morning started out overcast, but would generally burn off by around 1:00pm.

Donna had a chance to spend time with her daughter, Kristina and we all had a good time the first Saturday night at a party that Michael (Kristina's dad) and she threw. Must have been around thirty people at Michael's place coming and going until almost 2:00am. I think he was smart to just get take out from several places instead of trying to put it together himself.

During our stay we had a chance to catch both REVENGE OF THE SITH & MADAGASCAR, (I'll have brief comments on both over at Shot's Shack in a day or two) plus Donna & I went to San Juan Capistrano, which I'd never seen before.

We did get some anxious phone calls during the week when Donna's mother thought we might have been in Laguna Beach, where a number of homes were destroyed in a landslide. Fortunately, nobody we knew was involved, although Michael's sister and several friends do live in that area.

Whenever we visit California we find it hard to get back on the returning flight. Both of us love southern California and hope to eventually settle there, when family responsibilities allow. It does rain there, by the way!

Historically, as everyone knows, when a blogger or other site owner plans on going on hiatus she or he usually posts a photo of a can of Campbell's Mushroom Soup. Sadly, this blogger hasn't figured out how to post pics yet so you will have to make do with a link to my destination.

If you click over here http://www.myoc.com/ you can at least see how the weather & traffic is out in the Laguna Niguel vicinity. We plan on hitting the beach, trying to do the tourist thing in Capistrano and swing by El Polo Loco or In & Out Burger a few times for lunch. If we have a free weekend we also want to help out poor George Lucas by donating twenty bucks or so to catch the "last" STAR WARS movie. May the Schwartz be with you!!

Actually, Donna and I are heading out to spend some time with The Child (as she is known here at Chez Chaput). Kristina, and her father Michael, have a party planned for our arrival so if you happen to catch an episode of COPS in the near future, you may just see us enjoying ourselves. The consumption of mass quantities is in order!

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and a Happy Fleet Week to my fellow New Yorkers!

I don't know if I'll have a chance to post out there so I'll probably catch you in a week or so.

May 25, 1787, The Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding. Just a reminder that not everyone with the initials G.W. is necessarily evil.

Also, the current G.W. would probably gladly oversee another Constitutional Convention which would probably gut or narrow the focus of several of those pesky amendments. Who needs something like Freedom of Speech & Assembly when Fox News will give us the "fair & balanced" views of those in power?

Hey, if Bush II didn't know what was good for us he wouldn't be President, right?

Creatures of the Night (Dark Horse Books; Hardcover) - I just want to quickly recommend this book for any fans of Neil Gaiman out there (and I know there are a few), or of artist Michael Zulli. The book is available at your local Barnes & Noble, some comic shops and possibly (at least here in Queens) at your neighborhood library.

Gaiman, know for his work on SANDMAN, AMERICAN GODS and the cult favorite NEVERWHERE, is good form. In the first story, THE PRICE, we learn of a writer and his family who have adopted a number of cats. One in particular, the black cat, mysteriously appears one day and turns out to be something much more than what he appears. The story is touching and any cat fancier will absolutely love it. Zulli, whose work I first encountered back in the 1980s with PUMA BLUES (recommended for fans of fantasy, human interest and works dealing with the environment & nature in a spiritual way), does some wonderful painted work, giving the writer and the cats their own personalities.

The second tale, THE DAUGHTER OF OWLS, reads as if it was an adaptation of a traditional fairy tale or myth. The young baby is found abandoned, holding in her hand the droppings of an owl. Seen as an omen by the women of the village, they demand the infant be killed. Cooler heads prevail and the child is left in the care of an old nun. Years later, the child has become a beautiful woman and the men of the town have become very interested in her. A haunting tale and certainly in keeping with Gaiman's own interest in such legends and stories. Either is certainly worthwhile and more than reason to check out the book if you get the chance.

I'm in agreement with Jerry Springer today (as appalling as that once would have been for me to admit), as I don't see any benefit to what the Democrats did yesterday. Senator Joe Lieberman, founding member of H.A.D. (Hardly A Democrat), states that the political center has held. With three ultra-conservative judges approved and the 'nuclear option' still available the first time the Dems show any backbone, what did "we" win?

The Administration and its allies will use this to move the judiciary further to the Right and you can bet that Roe v. Wade (amongst other issues) will be turned back, if not immediately within the year once a new Chief Justice steps over the body of the current one.

On an lighter note, why does it seem that every time I'm preparing for a flight anywhere there seems to be at least one airplane crash. The past few days we have witnessed two such events, and although they involved small craft it still makes me nervous. I think as I grow older my belief that man should fly becomes less sure. Back in my Navy days I didn't think twice about flying and actually enjoyed it. Perhaps it's that sense of my own mortality (or mistrust of the aviation industry) that has me giving second thoughts to the whole thing.

By the way, are fellow CSI:Miami fans as curious about last night's season finale as I am. We've seen the death of one cast member and the possible resignation of Calleigh. Is Emily Proctor returning next season? Hate to see the NRA's fave cover girl out of the picture, since she was really one of the more intriguing characters on the show. Along the same lines, I'm wondering which character will be written out of NAVY NCIS in tonight's that season ender. Sadly, my money is on Sean Murray (Agent Timothy McGee) as the team member likely to buy it. I'd hate to see it, but I think fan outrage would negate the other choices. Of course, the actor/actress could want out, so who really knows?

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Gorshin earlier. Of course, in my mind he'll always be remembered for his brilliant portrayal of the Riddler in the old BATMAN television series. As he played the character Gorshin made him far scarier then the Joker, even though in the comics it was the Clown Prince of Crime who was far more off the deep end. I think it was the way that Gorshin really put himself into the character, leaping about the set with that maniacal laugh.

Gorshin was also good in straight dramatic roles, as well as being one of the best in the original STAR TREK episode "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" with Gorshin as the half white/half black Commissioner Bele pursuing his prey even beyond the death of their planet. He also appeared in any number of other televisions shows, often as the heavy. You can get some idea of how varied the man's career was over at the Internet Movie Database site.

It would be easy to end with the over used "Goodnight, funny man" phrase, but Gorshin was more than that. Condolences to his family and many friends.

Far be it for me to get all conspiratorial, but this current brouhaha over the NEWSWEEK article certainly couldn't come at a better time for the Administration. Things are going badly in Iraq, but the demonstrations and deaths caused by the anti-American riots are what is getting coverage.

Of course, over on Fox and in certain circles, all blame is because of reporters and the 'Liberal media'. The actions of this administration and the bad feelings that many in Islamic countries have for us are apparaently the fault of a single article in an American newsweekly that most of those involved in the riots have never heard of. They will ignore the fact that there have been similar reports about the treatment (or rather mistreatment) of Muslims held in confinement since those have generally appeared in the alternative press, in foreign papers or in blogs. If not for irresponsible journalists everything would be just peachy and we'd be beloved as is our right as the One & Only Superpower.

I think we can pretty much lay bets that Republicans in Congress will be holding hearings and trying to pass legislation to curtail the press. For our and their own good, of course!

Donna and I attended a wedding for one of her cousins this past weekend. It got me to thinking about the receptions usually held after the ceremony.

Having gone through three ceremonies myself, I don't think the proceedings tell as much about family dynamics and such as the reception. Even the casual observer at such events can usually tell by just the seating arrangements how things are in the family. Also, it's really interesting to check out the wedding party and notice how the various brides maids & ushers relate. It is easy to tell who genuinely likes each other and who was put together by the whim of the couple.

I think when it comes down to it the wedding reception always appears to be a compromise between what the couple wants and what they feel their family would enjoy. That's not necessarily wrong, but you have to wonder if it bodes well for what is in store down the road.

Just another post since this caught my attention.

From what I've been reading today Pope Benedict XVI has announced or at least indicated that he will be placing the late Pope John Paul II on the 'fast track' to sainthood. Who knew that you could do something like that? Apparently when you have a direct pipeline to the Almighty as the Pope does it doesn't take years of miracles to make the big time (religion wise, that is!).

Seriously, if I remember my childhood catechism correctly you have to have so many miracles performed in your name to get moved up the sacred ladder. Wasn't it three? Somebody would be healed or something after praying to you, then after it was 'officially' investigated and proclaimed valid by the Vatican you'd move one step closer to sainthood. Am I off base here?

Call me cynical, but should popularity be the criteria for this?

Since we're on the subject of cynicism I'm going to add yet another link over on the Left. This is for www.skeptic.com which is the official website for The Skeptics Society and their magazine, appropriately called SKEPTIC. Along with essays by James Randi (you'll find his official site via another link over on the side), you can read articles, book reviews and find information on events in your area. If you're really into it you can join the Skeptic Ring!

Unless something of major import happens later today I only have a few quick comments.

With the infrastructure of New York seeming to self-destruct of late (i.e. the crumbling of a restraining wall on the Westside Highway stopping traffic yesterday) I think the city should worry about other things besides the Olympics and a new stadium for a second-rate football team. Okay, the last comment was a cheap shot from a Patriots fan. Sorry about that!

Also, this being an election year we should remember that apparently none of this is Mayor Mike's fault. Of course, it also wasn't Rudy's fault, because you don't want to criticize "America's Mayor." It must be Dave Dinkens...yeah, that's the ticket!

People keep reminding me that today is Friday the 13th. Besides being a fan of the movie series I can't say that the whole bad luck thing bothers me. Perhaps having been born on Dec. 13th (on a Wednesday, however) I've never found my luck changing for the worst just because of the calendar date.

Even though I have been running my comics reviews over on SHOT'S SHACK recently, I decided that I'd post one here. Since Parting Shots was created to allow me to post this type of thing to begin with I figured I'd go back and forth. Annoying, huh?
***********************

RED SONJA #0 published by Dynamite Entertainment was a twenty-five cent promotion for the up-coming regular series from that company. According to online sources, this particular item garnered sales of around 200,000 copies which were higher than many Marvel & DC titles solicited at the same time. Personally, I think the price tag and the possible future collectable status of the book pushed up the figures beyond what you’d normally see. While there is a core fan base for the character I don’t know that all of that audience will be able to locate this item in some stores. I’m sure we’ll be seeing it showing up (if not already) on eBay.

If it wasn’t for the metal bikini/stripper outfit for which she has become famous, I think I’d have an easier time accepting this character. I just find it impossible to believe that a woman-warrior (preceding a certain warrior-princess by a couple of decades or so) would purposely run around in such an outfit. First off, it offers no protection from the weapons of her opponents, and secondly, all but begs for the leers and low opinions of the type of men she generally encounters. I don’t see it screaming “Hey, barbarian, respect me!”

As far as I know it was only in her initial appearances in the pages of Marvel’s CONAN title, as written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith, that she wore anything remotely comfortable or suitable for her profession (which was more thief than warrior back then). I believe it was artist Frank Thorne who first put the lady in the metal coin peekaboo, which led to her becoming the highlight of many a comic book convention costume contest. (I remember seeing the pre-Elfquest Wendi Pini winning one such contest in San Diego back in the mid-1970s.)

Having said all that, I can certainly say that Red Sonja, as she appears in this preview, seems suited for those fanboys who like to ogle. The story is written by Michael Oeming and Mike Carey, who present a done-in-one tale of Sonja seemingly falling into a pretty obvious trap and then turning the tables on her attackers. There's nothing new here and not one of Oeming’s better efforts (since he is given joint credit I really don’t know how much to blame him), but it is not something to be ashamed of either.

The art is by Mel Rubi, with coloring by Ceasar Rodriguez and Richard Isanove. Rubi does a nice John Buscema riff, solid work but nothing we haven’t seen in hundreds of other barbarian titles. I will give Rubi credit for not filling each panel with a lot of T&A, even though he doesn’t shy away from showing Red Sonja’s physical attritutes to their fullest. Fans of this type of thing won’t be disappointed. By the way, the cover of this preview is by Greg Land.

Obviously, I’m not the intended audience for this type of thing. However, it you are you’ll probably already be picking up the regular series. Two stars out of four for effort.

Does there really seem to be an unusual number of horrible stories hitting the news of late? It appears that a day doesn't go by without at least one more news report of a crime against children making headlines. I guess it's easy to get viewers attention with such things and I don't put it past the folks responsible for the 27/7 news networks to go in search of such stories. It allows them to bury political and economic events which are more difficult to explain in a sound bite and don't offer dramatic video of distraught family members.

I think the news worthiness of the Jackson trial is starting to drag and the nightly news shows need something. Besides, we're all growing bored with Iraq and the mid-east anyway.

Since I was able to hit Jim Hanley's Universe this past Saturday, I picked up a few freebies as part of the Free Comics Day promotion. I'll be reviewing them over at Shot's Shack for the next week or so, along with some stuff for which I actually paid. These include some promotional issues which went for $.25-$.50 and caught my eye.

Today I start with the SF tale, RUNNERS, which should appeal to the STAR WARS fans and others. It has a bit of the humor and adventure of the original SW film. I haven't wasn't disappointed at all and will be looking for the TPB which collects the first six issues of the series.

Hope folks enjoyed their weekend and had a chance to call or visit with their moms or mom-in-laws. Sadly, my own mom passed away just about three years ago and I miss her very much. Be sure to show your mom's that you appreciate what they have done for you. Even if you didn't get along with them or feel you've drifted apart over the years, you can never go back for one more hug once they have gone.

Well, it seems that the British people are a forgiving lot, or else the opposition is so bad that Blair & Co. still look pretty good. Not a mandate, but then that hasn't stopped G.W. from pushing his own agenda. Apparently there are enough folks on both sides of the pond who seem to believe that things are going along just peachy keen.

Now far be it from me to criticize the security in place in at the British consulate in New York.

But since it was the day of the elections over there and there are a number of folks less than happy with Britain's place in the Coalition of the Senseless, wouldn't you think that the NYPD, the FBI and even Homeland Security might have put at least a couple of extra folks around the site to keep an eye out. Fingers crossed for apparently hap-hazard security camera film isn't something to make the rest of us feel safe.

Of course, the major story in the U.S. remains the possibility that AMERICAN IDOLATRY might be rigged to some degree. Shameful!!

Have a nice weekend and Happy Mother's Day to Kristina's mom!

I'm behind in just about everything lately, so haven't had a chance to post much. Anyway, the big thing this past weekend was America's love affair with Laura Bush. Apparently she's everything that Hillary wasn't and the entire nation can be glad that she is there beside her husband (or rather a step or two behind, unlike that B* Hillary, who doesn't know her place!!).

Wow, the woman can read a script, including getting up at a planned (and no doubt rehearsed moment) to interrupt G.W. during his attempt to make a joke. What a swell gal! The ladies here at work were all gushing over her, which is amusing since they haven't said a single positive thing about her husband since I got here. *shrug*

Caught one of our favorite shows on Sunday night, namely CBS' COLD CASE. I've raved about the show before and continue to find it one of the better offerings from the networks. This time it was a nice tribute (or inside joke, for those who weren't in on it) to the ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

For those unfamiliar with COLD CASE, the show deals with a squad of detectives who deal in unsolved murder cases (Cold Cases) from the past. They use new information (informants, old witnesses, etc.) and new DNA/forensic techniques to solve the killings. This time the murder of a young man who may have been the first victim of a serial killer, about to be released from prison. The murder takes place after the performance of ROCKY HORROR and the serial killer is portrayed by Barry Bostwick (who played Brad Majors in the cult classic). COLD CASE always uses music from the era to help with the mood, and this time all the music is from the cast recording (at least it sounds it to me). They also have plenty of clips from the film, as some scenes take place during the midnight showings.

I was actually surprised to discover that Donna has never seen ROCKY HORROR, even on video. It's something we'll have to get around to one of these days. As usual, in those situations where my past comes back to haunt me, Donna gives me the strangest looks. Maybe singing along with the soundtrack wasn't very subtle though.

Oh, and as my ex will attest, I never attended a showing myself, but was introduced to RHPC on VHS when we were dating.

I've been having trouble trying to post the past week, so I apologize for not being here.

It's been a fairly productive week here at Chez Chaput. We broke down and bought a new propane grill, so we can get rid of the old rusted charcoal one in the back. If you happen to hear of a major fire in the Dyker Heights area of Brooklyn this summer, look for my name in the police report.

Discovered recently that I have a ganglion cyst on my right ring finger. Doctors tell me that it may go away on it's own, but could then come back periodically. I'd be better off, they say, to have it removed surgically. The hand specialist said it had to be done in the hospital, a simple procedure but my finger would be wrapped up for up to ten days. Hard to get much typing done, I guess. So I've decided to hold off until Donna and I get back from our California adventure in June. I think I can survive until then. :-)

I was listening to CBS TV on my Walkman and heard that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany has juat been elected the newest Pope today by the College of Cardinals. He has chosen the name Benedict XVI, which will, I'm sure, be debated and discussed quite a bit.

Apparently he was close to the late John Paul II, so his choice was not totally unexpected. I don't forsee any drastic change in the Roman Catholic church's policies in the near future, but rather an re-entrenchment to very conservative values.

Not being a practicing Catholic any longer this doesn't have an immediate effect on me one way or the other. It will be fascinating to learn more about this man in the next few days & weeks.

I joked with my wife that this particular Cardinal will probably go the Sgt. Schultz route over questions about what he did during WWII. "I knew nothing! I saw nothing!"

Yeah, that's probably not very nice, but that's why we have blogs, right?

It appears to be a battle between bird lovers (re: dirty disgusting birds, I might add) and cat lovers in Wisconsin. Whose side is PETA on this time? :-)

Apparently residents in that state are being asked to allow 'licensed kill...um, hunters' to shoot cats in order to cut down on the population.

Seriously, I can't believe that there are ...okay, I take that back...I'm NOT surprised that there are actually people out there who would like to have open season on kitty cats. The answer, in my humble opinion, is to spade or neuter the animals (capturing them when you can and releasing if necessary, although adoption would be preferable) thereby keeping the future feline population under control.

I think allowing folks to shoot the animals opens up all sorts of horrific possibilities. The murder of household pets, to name just one.

I normally don't post the same item on both this blog and over on SHOT'S SHACK, but decided to make an exception today.

This is from internal e-mail sent to all staff at the Queens Library:
Tuesday, April 12, is NATIONAL LIBRARY WORKERS DAY, as designated by the American Library Association, and timed to occur during National Library Week. It is intended to recognize nearly 400,000 special people whose efforts in libraries across the U.S. serve the public’s need for information and literacy.

Hat's off to my fellow Librarians, the clerical staff, pages and volunteers who serve the public here in New York and around the nation. We don't get nearly enough pay, but we do our job for millions of American each day.

Had a very relaxing weekend, even if I did have to spend part of Saturday working. We went out to Staten Island to return some gifts and I picked up a new jacket. Donna broke down and let me buy her the new Catherine Crier book on the Scott/Laci Peterson trial.

We decided to have some harmless entertainment last night, so we watched SUPERVOLCANO on the Discovery Channel. The premise was an eruption at Yellowstone Park, which some scientists have predicted is very possible in our lifetimes. It was followed by a report on that very issue hosted by Tom Brokaw. Actually both were pretty interesting, if the movie very predictable. The Science Channel is running another show on the Yellowstone volcano later this week.

Oh, it was funny to learn of the arrest of THE APPRENTICE cast member Chris Shelton, known for his temper. Word is that he freaked out at the Hard Rock in Tampa, Florida over the cover charge. Apparently he felt he should have the $20 waived. Think he'll be "FIRED"?

I was sorry to read of the passing of Dale Messick today, at the age of 98. Her long-running comic strip "Brenda Starr, Reporter" was once published in over 200 daily newspapers. When she began working in the 1930s the field was pretty much a male world has died at age 98. "Brenda Starr" began as a Sunday only strip, and later became a daily. The strip is now produced by writer June Brigman and artist Mary Schmich. Ms. Messick both wrote and drew the strip for decades, until she gave the job over to Ramona Fradon and Linda Sutter in 1980.

I had a chance to see Ms. Messick at a San Diego comic convention in the mid-1970s. She appeared on a panel dedicated to Milton Caniff, but spoke of her own early experiences in the industry. I remember her as very entertaining and obviously enjoying the attention and affection of her many fans.

Condolences to her family on this sad occasion.

Rob Kall over at OpEdNews.Com (link on the Left) has some interesting opinion pieces regarding Pope John Paul II. The comments of Prof. Matthew Fox point out some of the things which the media has not mentioned, or mentioned only in passing the past week, despite giving hours and hours of coverage to the Pontiff's dying days and funeral arrangements.

I have to admit to mixed feelings about the whole thing myself. There is no denying the charisma the man had, nor the hardships he had to overcome throughout his life. He also inspired a great many folks to think about things like Iraq, the death penalty, etc. which they might have not considered before. On the other hand, the media is all to willing to forget some of the other things the pontiff proclaimed and pushed ahead in the quarter of a century as the leader of the Catholic Church.

The essays over on OpEdNews remind us of the conservative and sometimes backwards leaning ideas that the late John Paul promoted. As with all things it never hurts to remember the flaws along with the good things as we mourn his passing. Like all of us, the Pope was a human being capable of mistakes.

I spent a great part of the past weekend glued to the set watching coverage of Pope John Paul II. Among the hours of sameness there were some bright spots. I was fascinated to learn something of the younger priests inspired by the Pope, especially those American students in the Vatican seminary. They are far more conservative than one might think, holding to the beliefs and teachings of John Paul rather than the more liberal leanings of many U.S. Catholics.
It will be interesting to see how evangelical they are in the coming years and if they are able to maintain the discipline they seem to have at this point.

It was also interesting to hear and see reports on some of the possible successors to the Pope. Although many of the priests and theologians interviewed warned that you can never really be sure who the Cardinals would choose. Many feel that they would go with some one older, to ensure that the reign would be relatively short, giving the Holy See a chance to see how things settle. John Paul II was such a charismatic individual that it is not likely that next Pope could equal his personal appeal.

Certainly interesting times to be a Catholic, even a lapsed one!

I could not help thinking as I watched the televised 'death watch' from the Vatican, of my own mother's passing. Her last few days were spent in the home of my younger sister, with the aid of a hospice care giver. The priest from her parish came to give her the Prayer for the Sick (which we used to call last rites in the Catholic faith), and even though she had been waking only occassionally she did respond with an amen a couple of times, before going back to sleep.

I'm what is commonly called a 'lapsed Catholic' attending mass only for funerals and weddings. I've never been terribly religious, even as a teenager, despite years of attending mass with my parents and my mother's best efforts. Still I can't help but feel touched by the outpouring of genuine sorrow.

This is so different from the political posturing we witnessed during the period when Terri Schiavo lay in her hospital bed.

From New York Newsday.com:

"Terri Schiavo dies after 14 days without feeding tube. Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo died today, ending an agonizing 15-year odyssey that divided a family and a nation over her right to die. She was 41. "

Our condolences, of course, go out to her husband and her parents, as well as the rest of her family. We can only hope that both sides of the battle can now put their differences aside and quietly mourn her passing. She is at peace now and her suffering over.

Let us also hope that those extremists who actually threatened violence against legislators and judges during this tragic series of events will be brought to justice. We are very lucky that it went no further than threats, and that wiser heads prevailed.

Can Congress and the President now go on to issues that truly effect the American people?

It appears that a federal court is opening the Schiavo case once again. At least allowing the parents to file another appeal, but not stating that they will hear the case any time soon.

I was surprised to see the New York Post come out editorially and say that it time for the family to allow Terri to 'die with dignity'. Hasn't this been the entire arguement from the start?

Re: Johnny Cochran - like lots of others I made jokes and rude comments about the man's defense of O.J. He was however known prior to that time, and after that case, for his defense of people's civil liberties. He did his share of good for a number of folks and those who begrudge O.J. his own defense should keep that in mind. Sympathy of course goes out to the Cochran family.

The Terri Schiavo situation appears to be winding down, at least on the legal front. Now the news media is getting folks worked up about a difference of opinion on the funeral and whether Terri shall be buried or cremated. Once again, sadly, her parents and her husband differ on what shall be done.

Interesting stories coming out reminding folks (or letting them know for the first time) that George Bush seemed to have a different opinion on prolonging life when he was Governor of Texas. Just last week the life sustaining machinery for an infant were shut off despite the protests of the mother. This thanks to some cost cutting legislation signed into law by the life loving George II.

Regarding the folks outside the hospice in Pinellas Park. Given their love of humanity, wouldn't it be nice if they considered the fact that there are other patients at this facility, who would also like to live their last days with a bit of peace and quiet. I have heard on one incident (I heard this second hand, so take it for what it's worth) where a woman was unable to be at her father's deathbed, since it took her so long to get through the cordon of protesters and security.

It was also fascinating to hear this morning that Michael Jackson has compared himself (not in so many words of course) to Nelson Mandela. According to the "King of Pop" in an interview with Jessie Jackson, he is being persecuted simply because he is a celebrity. Damn us all for tormenting this poor soul!

I don't know how it is where you are but here in the American media center, the three daily tabloids all dedicated their front pages to the Terri Schiavo story. Naturally, each took their own distinctive run at the story.

Newsday was the least offense going with "Their Hope is Dimming", with a photo of the parents. The New York Daily News goes with the more dramatic, but a bit more offense "Death Watch". Finally, the ever delightful New York Post features a calendar on the front page, with the days crossed off and a picture of Terri; the headline "Terri's Doomed." My commute in on the subway allows me to read these over and over again as my fellow passengers read each paper.

The outcome, barring Jeb Bush running in to personally carry Terri out, seems a foregone conclusion at this point. My heart goes out to her family, by which I mean all of her family no matter on which side they find themselves. I'm sure that they all have her best interest at heart, and I am disgusted that individuals (of the religious and political stripe) have jumped on their tragedy as the latest bandwagon to arrive in town.

I'm know I'm not the first to bring this up, but you can be sure that some of these same folks will use her death just as greedily as they have used the legal process for their own purposes. You can bet that their will be hundreds, if not thousands of 'mourners' at her funeral even if the family requests their privacy. Hey, never let personal tragedy get in the way of a good photo op!

According to what I've just read over on the CNN website the U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene in Terri Schiavo case. This will mean that a lower court decision to remove feeding tube stands, at least until we see what outcome of the latest attempt by Jeb Bush turns out to be.

It will be interesting to see what this action does for Bush in his apparent bid for the '08 GOP nomination. It could come back to blow up in his face, but the base constituency he & his brother aim for may still support him.

Air America has been having some wonderful guests of late, talking about this issue and reminding us that there are OTHER things our government might want to work on. I mean, apparently they are bored with steroids in baseball.

Before he took up weapons and took human life, Jeff Weise created a violent animated short entitled "Target Practice". If you go over to www.thesmokinggun.com you'll be able to view this work. Weise posted this on the Internet and it demonstrates that thoughts of death and revenge were already filling his imagination.

I want to warn you that this is a disturbing piece of work, but it sadly shows that this young man was talented. It is unfortunate that he could not have channeled the anger in less violent areas.

I realize that I made light of the shooting incident yesterday, but the more I read about Jeff Weise, the shooter, the more my heart goes out to him. There is no apology for what he did, but I can't begin to imagine what this poor kid must have been going through. His father committed suicide, his mother in a nursing home and being raised by his grandfather. He was picked on in school and apparently became fascinated with both Hitler and death. How sad is that?

I suppose we should be grateful, considering the ease with which kids can get their hands on lethal weapons, that this type of thing is not even more common. The high school near my home had an incident yesterday where a kid accidentally shot himself in the leg with a gun he had smuggled into school. What's that about?

It's probably not really "dating myself" but rather showing my state of mind, that the first thing I thought of yesterday (upon hearing of the school shootings) was "I don't like Mondays!"

Yeah, it's not really PC of me, is it?

On her show on Air America Radio yesterday, Randi Rhodes did a nice job of going over the time-line and major events in the Terri Schiavo case. As a former resident of Florida, Rhodes is very familiar with the case, before it became a national soap-opera. She reminds her audience (or tells them for the first time, if they were unaware) that in almost every case in which an unbiased judge or arbitrator looked into the case, it was decided in favor of Terri's husband. When various 'religious' & 'ethical' groups became involved this personal tragedy became a political football.

I'm guessing that the GOP and the administration were surprised that the judge yesterday decided in favor, once again, of removing the feeding tube. It is also interesting to see how Tom DeLay is using this situation for his own purposes. Trying to deflect attention from his own political trouble, DeLay and his supporters are using a family misfortune to their own advantage. Does this administration have no shame whatsoever?

Even some folks who believe that Terri's parents are in the right, should take a close look at some of the politicians on 'their side' of the issue. I think they would be sadly surprised. It was Terri's mother who said just the other day that she did not want this turned into something political. Anyone in the White House listening?

While Donna and I don't agree on everything (Surprise, surprise!), we both feel that Congress has more important matters to deal with than the life of a single woman. Terri Schiavo's struggle is between her parents and her husband. Rightly or wrongly they disagree on what would be in her best interest. It is a family matter which should be handled in that fashion.

The part that really sickens me is that a majority of the members of Congress would happily condemn to death a mentally-handicapped teenager, without thinking twice. The only reason they have signed on to this legislation is for an easy election issue. Millions of Americans are injured or killed each year in accidents caused by industry and commercial products, but our esteemed representatives can't seem to do anything about that.

Each and every member of Congress, who can not honestly say that they believe in Terri Schiavo's rights is a fraud and should be held accountable come November '06, or sooner.

The less said about the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave the better. That man could not care less about this family or for anybody else unless they, like him, are multi-millionaires.

Apparently lying to the American people and Congress, as long as you keep the President's back gets you promoted. I see where Paul Wolfowitz is King George's nominee to head the World Bank. I mean he and his fellow neo-cons did such a good job for planning post-invasion Iraq, that, like Condi Rice, he deserves a promotion.

Apparently some writers, here in the Blogverse and in the mainstream press, have nothing better to write about than speculation on the next Presidential campaign. Can anybody seriously consider Condi as a viable nominee?

It appears to me that some Republicans want to push her into the limelight, so they have a female to run against Hillary. I can't even see her constituency would be? Considering her politics and the fact that she is so identified with Bush's Iraq policy, that in itself would be major strikes against her.

Besides, isn't Jeb the heir apparent?

Had a bit of trouble posting yesterday, so I didn't have a chance to mention the departure of Dan Rather. I got home just in time to catch his closing remarks and sign off.

I don't know when I first became aware of television news, probably while watching it with my parents. My father, in particular, was a news junky, reading two newspapers everyday (the NY Daily News & the local paper, the Norwich Bulletin) and a third paper on Sunday (Boston Herald). He pretty much read the entire thing, not just the headlines & sports scores. He also was a fan of the all-news radio stations out of New York. He'd probably love the chance to watch a multitude of cable news stations.

Anyway, the first time that television news really made an impact on me was during the days following the assassination of JFK. The three major networks pretty much dropped all programming and stayed focused on the events of that weekend. That was probably also the first time that I ever saw Dan Rather over on CBS, although it's possible that I had seen him earlier.

Rather and his predecessor, Walter Cronkite, seemed to always have been there. The major events which shaped the national consciousness were all reported by these two gentlemen, either in person (both having traveled to Vietnam and other places), or turning the story over to some other CBS correspondent. It will seem strange not to see Rather each evening, although I suppose his glory days are over.

I'm afraid that we've probably seeing the last of the reporters like Rather and his ilk. The networks and especially the cable news stations will probably go for safer anchors who won't immediately anger anyone.

Courage, indeed!

Since it was announced that Gary Trudeau had hurt his drawing hand, I was wondering how long it would be before he began doing new material. This week's strip has answered my question.

I'm not sure where Trudeau is going with Duke, but I hope that he doesn't pull the plug on a character, inspired by Hunter Thompson. I am sure that some folks will think that he may have crossed a line with today's strip. I don't know how I feel about it, myself.

Apparently the Republican controlled Senate is going to sell the middle-class down the river again. The bankruptcy bill will pass without doubt to the cheers of Wall Street. We've also heard how a raise in the minimum wage will destroy those small businesses King George II praises so highly. Not, of course, that he has ever had to play on the same field that those small business owners. Daddy and Daddy's pals have always been there to help poor George out of his own ineptitude.

If only those soreheads in the unions and folks barely making ends meet would just shut up, things would be just fine.

Our lives are shaped by those around us. Whether for good or bad, the lives of those closest to us change us. What we once were, we no longer are or can be.

Well, Martha Stewart is out of prison and under house arrest (or mansion arrest, in her case). Like the folks over at Air America, I'm not sure how I should feel about the whole thing. Personally, I don't think she did anything overly horrible, but rather stupid. Trying to stonewall the feds did more harm in the long run than fessing up and paying a ridiculously small fine. I think her fame and persona did her in.

I remember when I was living in Westport, CT that Ms. Stewart did not have a good reputation with some folks in the community. Never dealing with her myself I couldn't say if the rumors of her stiffing folks for work done had any truth or not.

I'm not a fan myself, but she is admired by many people and millions use her products even after all the bad publicity. I think she'll bounce back from all this, with a few books, a Barbara Walters/Larry King interview or two and her new 'reality show' of course. She'll be just fine, I'm sure. :-)

Meant to say something yesterday, but I'm temporarily assigned to another branch and spent a good part of the day learning my way around. We open up late today, so I thought I'd take a few minutes during my break.

I had never seen NYPD BLUE until I started dating Donna back in '99. She was a fan of that and ER, another show which I'd never seen on a regular basis. At least with ER, I'd had a chance to catch the pilot, which I had to review for the old Joe Bob Briggs print newsletter. I didn't know a lot of the back story for either show, but reruns and Donna got me up to speed enough to begin enjoying both.

Once we got Court TV on our cable system in Connecticut, we started watching the past seasons of BLUE every night, plus occasional 'marathons' on the weekend or holidays. It wasn't hard to become addicted to the show.

I glad we caught the final episode, even though we'd gotten out of the BLUE habit the past couple of seasons. We've begun watching other things and BLUE fell off our regular viewing schedule. I think they ended the show on a good note, leaving the team together, allowing for any future reunions or one-shot movies.

Dennis Franz, as Det. Andy Sipowicz has become a classic TV character. Franz is a under rated actor and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

LOST was very good last night. Finally we get the back story about Hurley (Jorge Garcia ), who has become a fan favorite. Seems that he had his own personal reasons for going to Australia and remains haunted by some events. It was also nice to see Mira Furlan back for few scenes. There remains enough mystery in her character, but I'm hoping that we will see a bit more of her in future episodes.

Next week they'll be going back to reruns for a bit. My guess it that the season finale will feature the birth of Claire's child. If there are spoilers out there about what will happen I don't think I want to know, since I love being surprised each and every week.

Since the show is one of ABC's few hits, especially with NYPD BLUE leaving, I'm sure the show will be picked up for another season. Fingers crossed they don't 'jump the shark' next year.

Certainly not a memorable Oscar show, but hardly unwatchable. Chris Rock will no doubt catch some flack for his Bush-bashing, but I don't think he ever came close to crossing the 'decency line'. Perhaps he wanted to demonstrate to folks that he could work pretty clean. I think he's a safe bet to get this gig again. The audience seemed to like him, except for the Sean Penn who needs to develop a thicker skin and a sense of humor.

No major surprises in the awards that I could see. Maybe those folks more knowledgable of the technical awards (sound editing, design, etc.) might quible, but the big awards seemed to go to those folks generally considered favorites.

By gosh, you can't say the fine folks over at the Miss America pageant aren't keeping up with the changing tastes of the American public. After ABC finally pulled the plug on this event, the pageant organization has decided that the best way to save the thing is by making it a 'reality show'.

Apparently the idea will turn the one night special into a multi-part series, where we get to see such reality staples such as backstabbing and contestant eliminations. The series will begin with regional competitions and then end with the live telecast, just as we've seen in the past.

I don't know if this will really increase the number of folks tuning in, but it might give the show a chance to be picked up by one of the cable networks. How about SPIKE TV the "men's network!" (Whatever the hell that is supposed to mean?

The current concern over the health of the Pope reminded me of something I'd read (or heard) a few times. Apparently the Pope has written a letter of resignation (or whatever it's called in the church) which will be presented when he feels that he can no longer perform his responsibilities. I know that John Paul II doesn't actually have his hands on the day-to-day running of the Vatican, but I'm wondering if anyone knows at what point someone other than the Pontiff would make such a decision?

Perhaps he has instructions in place for such an event, but should he slip into a coma or otherwise be unable to order/request the resignation is there something in place to gather the College of Cardinals who would vote on his successor?

This lapsed Catholic is just curious. :-)

This is the second book I’ve completed in my attempt to go back and read some classic or at least well-known books. These are books that I feel that I should have read at some point, but have never gotten around to actually picking up. Not quite a resolution, but something which was inspired by a class on ‘readers advisory’ held in January by the Queens Library system. If you’re paying attention you’ll remember that the first was Agatha Christie’s AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. As with that book I’m not going to do a review as such but rather talk about what the book brought to mind, either regarding the book or other media interpretations of the story.

Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN was first published in 1818, when Shelley herself wasn’t yet twenty years of age. Conceived originally several years previously when she, her husband (the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley) and several house guests were passing the time reading German ghost stories. Mary and two others set out to create their own stories, but only she actually completed a work. She wrote that the idea came to her as she tried to fall asleep. She said she saw the image of a young man kneeling and working on an artificial being only to have that being come to life to confront his creator. It was that haunting image which formed the inspiration for the story.

Like many folks of my generation, it was the Universal version of that monster with which I first became familiar. I was probably ten or eleven years old when I first saw the movie FRANKENSTEIN on television. During the late 1950s and early ‘60s every television market had some late night television program (likely called “Chiller Theatre” or some such) which ran on a Friday or Saturday night after the late news. From talking to others and reading the articles written by my contemporaries I think we all shared those same memories of sitting up while our parents thought us asleep. No lights save that coming from the B&W set before us, totally hypnotized by what we saw.

The version of Frankenstein we knew was a gaunt and hollow eyed giant, portrayed by Boris Karloff (and later by others including Bela Lugosi and Glenn Strange). He had a flattened head, with metal bolts protruding from his neck. His stiff, slow gait would have allowed most of his victims to escape if they hadn’t been frozen in fear at his very appearance. The creature which Shelley described was indeed horrid to look upon, but it was the yellowish tint of his skin, gigantic height (he stood close to eight feet tall) and other unnamed deformities that caused folks to be startled. In the novel, Frankenstein does not use electricity to bring his creation to life, but rather some unspecified method.

Shelley’s monster is also not mute, as Karloff was in his initial appearance. Through months of observing others, Frankenstein’s creation teaches itself to both speak and to read. Those sections of the novel narrated by the creature demonstrate that he is probably more literate and intellectually curious than most of those around him. It is because of this that we feel sympathy for his plight despite some of his more horrendous deeds.

I’ve seen enough versions on film and television, plus I read the Classic Illustrated version as a kid. Still I don’t remember actually reading the novel even back in high school, where I read just about everything I could get my hands on. I must admit though that as I read the book there were some scenes which seemed to register, as if I had read it before. Very possible that I discovered one of those ‘bowdlerized’ editions that some schools liked to have on hand for we sensitive young minds.

I was reminded as I read that the book was originally published at a time when there were still folks about with memories of the American Revolution. The War of 1812 was only a few years in the past and Napoleon was in exile on the island of St. Helena. The events which make up the story are supposedly taking place at some point in the later part of the 18th century. The movies adapted from the novel for the most part tend to place it in the Victorian era or in the early 20th century, if you look at the styles and equipment used in the Universal films. The language and viewpoints of the novel bring to mind a much different mindset than our own. An age still violent, but when men and women of intellect seemed to believe that we might move beyond the superstition and ignorance of the past. Sadly, while modern technology has advanced to a point that our forebears could not have imagined, society itself has not progressed nearly as fast or as far as they would have hoped.

The book is brilliantly written, but almost unbearably tragic. The character of Victor Frankenstein, who we generally see portrayed as slightly mad to begin with, is here driven not by madness but by curiosity and a desire to understand. Like Prometheus (note the novel’s subtitle: The modern Prometheus) Frankenstein is cursed by fate for what he has brought forth. He suffers not physical pain, but a mental anguish as he sees all he loves destroyed by the creature he brought to life.

It is perhaps the ultimate cautionary tale of man attempting to duplicate that which only nature can or should do. Almost two hundred years after it was first published Victor and his ‘monster’ have become two of the most well known creations in literature. It’s not hard to understand why the story continues to resonate after all this time.

It's pretty frightening to see the video coming out of California and know that Kristina is out there. I also find myself thinking of the other friends and acquantances who might find themselves in actual danger from flooding and landslides. Some of the same roads in the Laguna Hills area we drove during our Christmas holiday seem to be closed or destroyed by the rain and mud.

Donna and I have our fingers crossed that our friends are able to stay safe until the rains cease. Our thoughts and best wishes also go out to anybody reading these words who find themselves in a similar situation.

Many years ago, in what now seems to have been another life, I subscribed to ROLLING STONE magazine. When it began publishing the serialized ramblings of a Dr. Raoul Duke about a trip to Las Vegas I was totally blown away. To discover that it was actually Hunter S. Thompson led me to seek out whatever I could get my hands on. A true American original whose genius and madness will be missed.

Light one up and raise a glass!

It was a pretty hectic weekend, but everything seems to have gone off fairly well.

Folks who know me will tell you that I really cannot keep a secret. I do not have what you would call a 'poker face' and you can read my emotions pretty easily. Anyway, with all that I was still able to pull off very successful 'surprise birthday party' for my wife on Saturday. Naturally the biggest surprise for her was the appearance of her daughter, Kristina, who flew in from California to celebrate with us.

Ordering food and getting various stuff together for over twenty people would not have been possible without the aid of Donna's youngest sister, Marilyn and her brother George. My in-laws are some really great folks and we all did our best to make sure that Donna would not forget her fiftieth b-day.

I was able to get Donna out of the house on Saturday (so the place could be fixed up and food brought it) by taking her to the movies. We saw the new Will Smith comedy, HITCH, which was okay, but certainly nothing to rush out to see. Personally, I thought it was a bit too long in parts, with a scene between Smith and Eva Mendes (apparently showing just how vulnerable and selfless they both are) stopping everything in its tracks. You know, one of those scenes where you catch yourself glancing at your watch. Kevin James, who we like in his sitcom KING OF QUEENS was the best thing about the movie, in my opinion. The guy demonstrates that he can really act given the write script. Like to see him in more films, possibly even in a dramatic role.

Looks like it may not be the smooth sailing for King George that everyone had assumed. He might have some problems even within his own party for some of his Social Security plans. Even Greenspan doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about some details.

I wish I had seen video of the protester tossing the shoe at Richard Perle. Morning Sedition played some of the audio, which was delightful. It's good to see that Howard Dean is still pushing his anti-war position and not trying to play it safe. Fingers crossed that he will continue to move for a more progressive, less centrist Democratic Party which will better represent what many in this country feel is the correct agenda.

Speaking of Morning Sedition, Marc Maron will probably catch some flack for the bit on "Freedom Fighter vs Insurgent", especially his use of the non-PC 'retarded'. Still, those guys are back on my list of morning commute listening. (At least until after basketball season is over and the ESPN can get back to talking baseball.)

As Donna said earlier today, "That just looks silly!" She was, of course, referring to a news report dealing with a new revamping of the classic Warner Bros. characters. I have to admit that I was initially startled, but on second thought I agree with Mark Evanier (link over on the Left) who reminds us that this has all been done before.

Hey, even I liked TINY TOONS!

Once again my cynical side had to laugh when I watched the news last night. The video shows someone waving from behind some vertical blinds, claiming that this is Michael Jackson acknowledging his fans. Couldn't it just as easily be somebody joking around? Now if a baby had been dangled I'd believe it was the King of Poop. Um, Pop, sorry!

I'm sure we all feel safer with a new head of Homeland Insecurity in place. Especially since he vows to 'balance' national security with civil liberties. I know I feel better.

Seems the STAR TREK fans are fighting to keep ENTERPRISE on the air. Always get a sense of deja vu when things like this happen. Of course, with networks like SCI-FI around this sort of campaign may have a happy ending. Back when the original show was cancelled there really was no place to turn. Personally, I haven't been a regular ST viewer since the days of DEEP SPACE NINE, but I know folks who love the show in just about any incarnation, so fingers crossed.

Oh, I see where poor Michael Jackson has the flu (at least that's the last report I read). Cynical folks like me see it as bogus, but I suppose that surgical mask he usually wears might not have worked this time. Maybe one of those nasty potential jurors sneezed in his direction or something.

Thanks to Mark Evanier I've learned that John Ostrander now has a blog of his own. I've placed a link to it over on the Left.

For those of you who don't know it already, John is one of the best comic book writers currently working in the industry. Sadly, he is not considered 'hot' so, like many of the other writers of his generation, he is not given nearly the number of opportunities to prove it as he should. Back when I was active in comics fandom I had to chance several times to chat with him at various conventions.

I recommend that you take a look at his blog to see what he is up to and what he might have to say about the current state of the comics industry.

Oh, and if you ever get a chance to meet John, ask him about A. Robins (The Banana Man). It will make his day!

"-- Howard Dean went from being the hot new face of 2003 to the laughingstock of 2004. Now he is poised for a Democratic Party takeover in 2005." Lead paragraph in CNN article on Dean's new position heading the Democratic Party.

I find this especially insulting, since CNN was among those media outlets (print & broadcast) which first pushed helped push Dean into the spotlight and then turned on him. I'm not saying that the Dean campaign was without fault and that Howard's sometimes over emotional speeches didn't help perpetuate the impression of 'out of control', but the sad thing is that his message was lost (and generally ignored) once the media elite decided that they wanted a more centrist candidate.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Dean can actually bring some needed changes to the party and push aside those in the Dem leadership who basically want to keep the party GOP-Lite.

I was saddened to hear of the death of Arthur Miller last night. He was without question one of America's premier playwrights and possibly the best of his generation. His numerous works including DEATH OF A SALESMAN, THE CRUCIBLE and VIEW FROM A BRIDGE will continue to be performed for generations. It seems that just about every American actor of a certain age wants a chance to portray Willy Loman on stage. It is probably a safe to say that you could probably find one of Miller's plays being presented at some college or regional theatre just about any month of the year here in the states or around the world.

I'm also going to do what every other obit I've seen has done and that's to mention that he is probably better known to many Americans as one of Marilyn Monroe's husbands than he is as a writer. In fact, it's probably real safe to say that the "entertainment" shows tonight will spend almost as much time talking about his short marriage to the tragic star as they do mentioning his decades long work in the theatre. It will be interesting to see which 'stars' the shows spotlight to talk about Miller. (It would be more interesting to see if they could get some of those same stars to name more than one Miller play off the top of their pointed little heads.)

Farewell to one of the great playwrights of the English language. I doubt that we will see many others who can produce half the masterpieces in their careers that he did during his.

Ah, so apparently what we need here is 'spending discipline' in Congress and making the previous tax cuts permanent, then all will be well economically. Damn! It was so simple, no wonder none of us realized it until G.W. told us.

Stupid, stupid, stupid progressive voters! When will we learn what's good for us?

I blame myself for not sticking to my pledge to ignore anything political. Now my oblivion is shattered and I'm ticked off again. *sigh*

I guess the saddest thing about the budget G.W. wants to push is how predictable it is. More money for defense and 'national security (read profits for the military/industrial complex) and cuts in domestic spending. Oh, and lets not forget some more tax cuts (read profits for the already too-wealthy).

Don't expect much from the Democrats in the way of fighting these things. I expect more of them to drop ranks and vote with the GOP, or simply switch parties. It probably seems to them the best way to remain in office and protect their own 'constituents' (read anybody who has donated money to their campaigns).

New York seems to be in for some bad times, at least according to some folks who have looked at the budget figures. Anybody surprised that a blue state, with two Democratic senators (one a possible candidate in '08), a Republican governor (likely to go up against Jeb Bush next time around) and whose population didn't appear to appreciate all the White House had done for them since 9/11 would get the budgetary shaft?

Petty? Not our President!

I don't know that I'd be yelling our "DYNASTY" as some folks are, but I certainly have to hand it to the New England Patriots for hanging on and repeating as Super Bowl champs. It really looked a little hairy there in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles seemed to falter (and why they decided to go back into a huddle was a blunder from which they could not recover) allowing the Pats to maintain their lead.

I didn't get to see the entire game, since we were having a b-day party for one of my sister-in-laws. Saw a few commercials which I enjoyed, the trailer for BATMAN BEGINS and the half-time show (which all of us questioned, even though we all like Paul McCartney). An enjoyable day, which capped off a pretty quiet (thankfully!) weekend.

"I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such: because I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no Form of Government but what may be a Blessing to the People if well- administered; and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a Course of Years and can only end in Despotism as other Forms have done before it, when the People shall become so corrupted as to need Despotic Government, being incapable of any other." Benjamin Franklin discussing his uncertainty with the Constitution.

I came across this rather pessimistic quote today and have a feeling that ol' Ben had it pegged pretty accurately. If we haven't already hit that point I don't think it's far off.

Was listening to a radio show the other day and the host was discussing the State of the Union and the Democratic response. He felt that while we were constitutionally entitled to have the address he didn't believe that there was a need for a response, since that wasn't in the Constitution.

This whole democracy thing really is a pain in the ass, isn't it?

Have a nice weekend!

Well, I'm gearing up for another fine Super Bowl Sunday this weekend. Looks like we'll be spending the evening watching the game at my in-laws, so I'll probably be the only New England Patriot fan in the room. Not that anybody is a real fan of the Philadelphia Eagles mine you, but they are still P.O.d about the Red Sox win so this seems to them a good way to razz me. All to macho, I know!

Now I'm a fan of Paul McCartney, but even I have to admit that he is not the artist I would have thought of to front the half-time show. Perhaps ten years ago! I guess he's considered a safe bet after what went down (pardon the expression) last year. Still I generally use the half-time show to visit the bathroom and refill the munchies. On the other hand, I might actually check out the pre-game telecast (which I generally skip except when the commercials are on) to see how John Fogerty is looking. I can't see myself tuning in for the "Super Bowl Gospel Celebration", either!

We all know that about half the SB audience never watches another football game all season, tuning in the spectacular to see what the sponsors are pushing and how clever the ad agencies are this year.

Apparently one car spot was already pulled because of pre-broadcast criticism from a group working with Catholic priest abuse victims. The ad had a priest take a set of keys found in the 'collection plate' only to be confronted by a father and his little girl. When the reverend is shown putting up a sign for his next sermon the word 'L**T' appears and this was reportedly too much for some folks. (My guess being that that word and the little girl appearing in the same commercial implied a bit too much) Perhaps simple white screens with the corporate logo showing for thirty seconds would be acceptable to one & all, huh? I mean, really!!

It will be interesting to see what folks will be blogging about come Monday morning. I'm sure I'll have my own thoughts to share.

Next to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, probably one of the best known writers of mysteries was Agatha Christie. Although her characters Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot may be a tad less well known than Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, still there is no denying that the lady had a lasting impact on the genre. While almost every Holmes story has been adapted to film, Christie is probably close in the number of movies which have used her characters or the plots of her stories (sometimes with only the title remaining unchanged by screenwriters and directors, feeling they knew better). My late mother was an avid reader of Christie and for a number of years I would try to buy her a new collection of Christie's short-stories or novels for Christmas.

I'm sure that somewhere along the line I've read a tale or two by Dame Agatha, but I can't really swear to it. As part of my new plan to read some classics, I felt that I would finally pick up one of her most famous novels (and probably the story most ripped off and adapted), namely AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (also known as TEN LITTLE INDIANS). A quick search of the Internet Movie Database (IMDB.com) shows at least ten movies with those titles, and probably there a few others which have stolen the plot but changed the title, for obvious reasons. I do know that I've seen at least a few adaptations of this novel and the concept has been stol...er, borrowed by dozens of writers especially those writing for television detective shows. Face it, how many episodes of MURDER, SHE WROTE, or the later Perry Mason TV-movies used the idea of folks being invited to a place only to be killed off, one by one?

I don't want to write a review of the novel since I'm sure many of you have already read the book or know the plot even though you haven't. It is, after all, close to being a mystery clicheé. The only things I did want to mention were how fascinating I found the book and what a quick read it was. Once I started it I couldn't put it down, reading it over this past weekend. Also, I can see why some of the screen adaptations probably had to change the story, especially the ending, to make it more palatable to audiences. Not exactly your typical movie happy ending.

If you are not already familiar with the plot, here's a basic summary:

Eight people, who have never met, are invited for a weekend to an island seemingly by an acquaintance of each. When they arrive they are greeted by the two servants (man and wife) and are they informed that their host, a Mr. U. N. Own (think about the name) isn't on the island but is expected. After dinner a recording is played, that accuses every one of them (including the two servants) of murder. The "guests" soon learn that they have all been tricked into coming, by someone very familiar with each of them. Before long the first of them is dead and each suspects the others of secretly being responsible. One by one the list of suspects shrinks as the body count mounts.

If you haven't already read the book, I really do want to encourage you to pick it up. Be warned that certain expressions and racial terms used in the book may be offensive. In fact the book was initially published as "Ten Little N*****s", which was later changed to the better known "Ten Little Indians" until some folks objected to that, hence the title which you'll find on most new editions of the book. However, as my ex used to say, you can't blame somebody for not being ahead of their time.

A check of IMDB.com will show that some film adaptations were known by two or more of the book's titles, depending on where and when they were released. I was surprised to find that the original title was actually used for a made-for-TV film released in 1949. An interesting note about this film is that one of the actors was Arthur Wontner, well known in England for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in five films, but later overshadowed by Basil Rathbone who assumed the role in the American made movies.