Saturday, July 30, 2005

Terrill Lankford Responds to the MeMe Challenge

Fellow So Cal dude and writer of Hollywood Movieland Noir (yeah, I just made that up) Terrill Lankford has responded to my MeMe Challenge....

But before we get to that, go out and buy his new book BLONDE LIGHTNING. I mean NOW! I will be at his launch party on Tuesday night at Dutton's in Brentwood and have the pics from the signing. I thought EARTHQUAKE WEATHER was really good, this one is much better (meaning excellent!)

So, now that We have an understanding, here is Lee's reply....

(1) Imagine it's 2015. You are visiting the library at a major research university. You go over to a computer terminal (or whatever it is they use in 2015) that gives you immediate access to any book or journal article on any topic you want. What do you look up? In other words, what do you hope somebody will have written in the meantime?

The explanation of what a "Meme" is. You lost me at "Who."

I would also like to read the articicle about the fantastic ray that my sons invented in 2006 that gave eternal life to our friends and loved ones.

And vaporized our enemies.

(2) What is the strangest thing you've ever heard or seen at a conference? No names, please. Refer to Professor X or Ms. Y if you must. Double credit if you were directly affected. Triple if you then said or did something equally weird.

I'll go for the triple. I've only attended one conference (officially). It was Left Coast Crime in San Diego about eight years ago. I was on a panel about writing erotic books, due to the quasi-pornographic nature of my book, SHOOTERS. A very successful lady writer (who was also openly lesbian) was sitting next to me on the panel. Someone had provided a box of white chocolates for the table. During one of the lulls in the conversation said lady writer decided to fellate one of the white chocolates. We were all shocked and amused. And she did a VERY professional job of it. The crowd roared with laughter. Then she popped the chocolate - or what was left of it - into MY mouth. I was startled, but had no choice but to eat it.

I didn't even think she LIKED guys.

(3) Name a writer, scholar, or otherwise worthy person you admire so much that meeting him or her would probably reduce you to awestruck silence.

Bob Dylan.

I was actually in the same room with Warren Zevon about ten months before he died, but could not muster up the courage to talk to him. (He was also constantly surrounded by others.) What was I going to say? "Love your stuff, man"? (I regret it now, of course.) Not too many people intimidate me, but I would feel like an idiot trying to talk to Dylan or Zevon. I am in awe of their words and music. And if I had to speak to them, I'm sure I'd act the fool.

(4) What are two or three blogs or other Web sites you often read that don't seem to be on many people's radar?

Mystery Dawg, Mystery Dawg, Mystery Dawg...

Oh, and Lee Goldberg runs a nice, quiet little blog that no one ever visits and where nothing unusual ever happens...TL

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

GM Ford.... No Man's Land


I almost missed GM Ford at Mysteries To Die For. I walked in during the last few minutes of his signing and was able to ask Gerry if he would do me the favors...

Yosemite Pics or What I Did On My Summer Vacation




You remember the first few days of school when your teacher would ask you to write an essay of a journal entry about what you did over the summer. Well, since I should practice what I preach, here is a pictorial version of my summer vacation in Yosemite. Mind you, I picked the hottest week to be there with the average temperature being 101 degrees. This is about 20 degrees higher than normal, but what else is new......

Here is the river in Chanalla falls in Wawona that I sat in most days reading books and manuscripts while supervising three teenage boys.



Here is Bridalvail falls. We were up at 5:30 AM to drive into the valley to see the sights. I can't begin to describe the sheer beauty of the park at this our. Only three of us made this trip - Bridget, our 3 year old, Tina and I hiked back to the viewing area.





Here we are in front of Yosemite Falls.




Here is a better view of Yosemite Falls....



Next, is a picture of Half Dome....

The boys went on a night hike during the Full Moon and were able to see the climbers on the rock. Apparently the average climb is over three days, so climbers sleep attached to the front face of the mountain.


and finally, the whole Dawg Gang back at the home camp....

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

I'mmmmmmmmm Baaaaaaaaack

Wow, just back from my first vacation in over 5 years! The family and I spent the week in Yosemite. I was able to read 5 books, and actually take a nap in the daytime. The only downside of the trip was the 100+ degree temps during the first 5 days. I spent alot of time sitting in the river with a book in one hand and a fly swatter in the other.

Pics to follow.

PS. Since I haven't shaved in two weeks I'm starting to look like Rickards or McBride......

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