JUST TALK (#1)
No specific topic. Ridley will answer questions, find a muse, rant.
Join in.
REMEMBER: if you want to start a thread, or post a link or idea, just email:
nancy@ridleypearson.com, and we'll get it onto the blog.
Join in.
REMEMBER: if you want to start a thread, or post a link or idea, just email:
nancy@ridleypearson.com, and we'll get it onto the blog.
posted by Ridley at 6:31 AM
84 Comments:
This is perfect! Thanks carol.
It'll be fun to just ramble on here.
Ridley
So, Ridley, today's question: if you could choose only one protagonist from the world of mystery/detective fiction to have at your back in a physically dangerous situation, who would it be? If you could combine 2 characters from differect books for the same situation, who would you choose? Your own characters excepted, of course. And Pam, your votes would be...?
(I've been waiting for a forum to ask this question. Well done, Pam...)
To have my back...
In present time it might be Jack Reacher. But Travis McGee would never be far behind...
Ridley
I considered Travis, of course, but I think I'd take Joe Pike, possibly with Matt Helm my 2nd choice. Hawk from the Spenser novels (or Spenser, for that matter) are also formidable.
I'm not familiar with Jack Reacher, though. Who writes him?
Lee Child writes Reacher.
But you're right: HAWK.
Can't do better than Hawk!
The kudos go to Carol for emailing Nancy and Ridley for indulging us. Me- I just whine. First, I just found out about Reacher and have him on my list to buy! I understand he's pretty formidable. I would have to say LaMoia and Bosch. Of course after we averted death there would be all that,"oh my God, we're alive!" stuff... Yes, definitely LaMoia and Bosch.
Well, I found a Lee Child book, I guess I'll take that camping this weekend with my daughter (while I await patiently a new Boldt novel). I'll have my girl pack Peter and Starcatchers, not that she'll do much reading.
Question of the Day:
So, Ridley, do you use the Boldt books to try to turn people on to the music you love best (all that old jazz)? Or are Lou's musical tastes distinctly different than your own?
You are welcome Pam. I would definitely choose Hawk. But for the second character I would choose the seemingly laid back Thorn from James W. Hall's Thorn series.
As for music, I have never been one for jazz. If I had to pick for Boldt AND Ridley, I am afraid I would go classical. (Not me, rock and roll all the way)
Guess Dean hasn't found us yet, or he is still crying in his beer.
Hello Jamester, don't remember seeing your posts before.
I listen to a ton of rock, just for record. Maybe not Boldt. But I do. Comes with playing in our crazy author's rock band. I love Thorn. Nice addition.
R
Ridley can you give us some background information on how you created Lou Boldt and his cronies? I read all kinds of mystery/thriller books and get hooked on those series but Lou and the gang are kinda special to me. I feel like they are family somehow. I also just kinda wanted to know when you found out you could write and entertain us? How did you feel about that?
This is still a little strange for me...talk about teaching an old dog new tricks...when the blogging first started, there was a category called "information" or something like that, and people were staring to comment there...I just tried to find it under "August Archives" and it wasn't mentioned...I was hoping to be able to talk Dean in from the ledge...Inspired by Ben Affleck recently completing the filming of "Gone Baby, Gone" in the Boston area, and hearing that it was based on a Dennis Lehane book, I decided to check it out. Low and behold, it's part of a Dennis Lehane SERIES! So I've gotten ahold of all 5 books in the series. I'm on the second book. They're a little intense, but very good!
KJ - they're excellent, but AFAIK, he stopped writing the Kenzie/Gennaro books several years ago... I wish he'd start again.. I really enjoyed them.. and Bubba. *sniffs* I miss Bubba.
Going back a way to Jamester's second question (because everyone's picked my favourite "backers" already, so I'm skipping the first part), for a hero smush, I'd pick Reacher in combination with Lincoln Rhyme. I love the Rhyme/Sachs books, but on the ground, you really need someone who's not a quadriplegic.
I just thought of someone else.. Dallas and Roarke from J D Robb's "In Death" series. Of course, going by dates and ages, they're not even born yet (the series is set in the late 2050's), but at least I'll have them around to help when I'm a little old lady!
KJ: as per:
This is still a little strange for me...talk about teaching an old dog new tricks...when the blogging first started, there was a category called "information" or something like that, and people were staring to comment there...I just tried to find it under "August Archives" and it wasn't mentioned..
It's called "Instructions" and it's still there in the August Archives (bottom).
INKSMUDGE:
you wrote:
Ridley can you give us some background information on how you created Lou Boldt and his cronies?
The early Boldt was based a LOT on me. I was a huge jazz fan at the time, I was fascinated by the "science" of crime (a new idea in 1980, believe it or not); I was struggling in a relationship (hence the Boldt/Liz struggle). All Boldt novels are based on either a single true crime, or several coupled together; so hopefully they read "real." I still do a lot of research for ALL the crime novels. I have a PILE of stuff I'm going through for a future Boldt; I'm very excited by it. KILLER WEEKEND is based loosely on a real business conference held in Sun Valley, Idaho each summer (no names, please.) I like to read books that read "real" so I've tried to make my crime novels read that way. Hopefully at least some do. I think you miss the mark every now and then, and I'll never understand that. It's just a part of the process, I guess, but it defies logic, given the time and research and devotion to each novel.
The YA books are SO MUCH FUN because they're more fantasy. A mixture of research and pure imagination, and that's been a real healthy change, and I think will enable me to keep writing the crime novels for a long, long time, because I've found a way to give myself new breath.
R
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Ridley, how did you get together with Dave and decide to do the Peter books? And what was the collaberation process like?
I've got too many books to read already! Now I've got more....
(aside..) I can't believe that Lou Boldt has been around since 1980.. I may have missed some of the early books.. I started reading them years ago (I think around the time Miles was "born") and I read back as far as I could, but it looks like I missed a few... I'm going to have to go searching...
That was my introduction to Dennis: five really tough books about Boston. He just set the bar so high so quickly. What a writer! Then along came Mystic River, and everyone in the crime writing community was so excited, because for Dennis this was a Disney story by comparison, and sure enough the mass reading public found that book, found Dennis and the rest is...
But you can't do better than the early Dennis. I'm not sure there's anything better out there. Early Michael, and late Michael, and ANY Michael -- OF COURSE -- and I'd have to put George in this group, too. George is sensational. My new rave is Tom Franklin (Hell at the Breach, Smonk) but he makes even the early Dennis look like a joy ride. This guy is grizzly -- but he's maybe the best wordsmith writing right now in "crime fiction" if you can even call his books that, which you can't. Historical Crime Fiction is a little closer, but maybe just GOOD NOVELS, will have to do.
hey Everyone,
Oh yeah im down from the ledge and my beer mug is sans tears. I guess Red Sox management understand how important Jason Varitek is to this team. They are still my team but this collaspe is absolutely amazing. Supposedly we are building for the future. To me the foundation looks pretty weak.
If I could have any character "have my back" I am stuck between James Lee Burkes Clete Purcell, just because he is a wildman, and My man Agent Penderast (Lincoln Child) because he is just the coolest.
I've been reading this guy Charlie Huston. Cant get enough of is writing. Its funny, gritty, edgey and entertaining. He is a little crude and proud of it.
As far as music goes I listen to everything from Alabama to Zepplin and everything in between. Jazz, County, rock, soft rock, R&B, some rap. I just cant take the Jessica Simpson style music. My kids love the local station but I swear every song sounds the same. They found a formula and every artist is writing from it.
Glad to have you back Dean.
It is that time of year again. As I stit hear, grocery, gas, propane, dry ice lines are all long (took me 1/2 to get my gas this morning). Ernesto has everyone terrified. I think they need to realize he is not a Katrina, he is still a Tropical Storm and may be only a Cat 1 the time he gets here. But if nothing else Andrew in '92 and Katrina in 05' have taught us to be prepared. I've been stocking up on canned goods, pet food, cat litter, water, etc. for two months now. So we are ready for a nice long rainy day.
Carol
Hey Carol,
I hope Ernesto decides to go way south of Florida and leaves you alone. I can just imagine what it is like down there now. And of course the wonderful Insurance Co's have the United States Gov in their back pocket so if the storm does hit you know your not going to have the right insurance coverage. Now there is a difference between water damage and wind driven water damage. Most insurers don't cover wind driven water damage. Its a freaking Hurricane (of course the wind is going to play a role in moving the water)
Ridley,
Have to agree about Dennis Lehane. Mystic River was a little more commercial but still a great book. Shutter Island confused the heck out of me. I actually had to read it twice and then have my mom answer some questions for me.
-dean
OK, Ridley, I'll play -
"Michael" refers to Michael Connolly?
"George" = ? (I'm stuck)
Dean - Clete Purcell is a great choice, as would Robicheaux himself.
Hey Dean, Glad to see you're here. I won't talk too much about baseball, except to say i still watch and hope for my Astros to get to 500. For my husband it's still all about the White Sox. We don't talk about it.
I too listen to mostly rock on my ipod. Old and new. Love to run on my treadmil to Green Day "American Idiot" (a little angry but good motivation) and watch the ball game at the same time. My family thinks I'm nuts cuz I yell at the tv. The only country I listen to are the Dixie Chicks. I still buy the CD, unlike my boys and husband who download their music.
Carol- I can't imagine a hurricane season living in Florida. Here outside of Houston, we never really thought we were in danger until last year. They scared the crap out of us. Lots of people got on the roads. What a mess. My husband of course went into the hospital and it was gonna be just me the boys and the dog inside my closet! We could have gone in with him but would have had to leave the dog in the car and I wouldn't do it. Ultimately someone made rounds for him and so he got to come home which was nice, and nobody slept in the closet! My only reminder is the case of self heating coffee drinks I bought at Sams.
Jamester- How was camping? I don't know who George is either. Ridley?
Hey Jamestar,
thanks i know a guy that reminds me a lot of Clete. Has even pulled off some similar stunts. I was thinking Ridley was talking about George Pellicanos (spelling) I know I could google his name and get the correct spelling but that requires effort.
Camping was great. My 9 yr old daughter is a snorkeling fool (we were on Catalina Island).
Not too much sunburn.
I've never read Pellicanos ("many pelicans"? how immodest...)
I guess this is what happens when you're used to being the only "Ridley" in the room...
No problem with Ernesto, just going to have some rain and wind, nothing serious. After Andrew in '92, I think we can handle pretty much everything. Lost our house in that one (we stayed in the middle bedroom with 5 dogs and 4 cats). Took 8 months to get the place rebuilt. Ernesto doesn't bother me. It's those suckers that come off the Cape Verde Islands in Africa that usually turn out to be the worse. I start to tense up when I hear one of them is forming.
Thanks for the thoughts.
Pelecanos.
Ridley
Hey Dean, I think I'm going to join you out on that ledge...and to think we just sent our poor daughter to school down in Connecticut...to paraphrase Kermit, "It's not easy being RED." (PS:I knew Ridley meant Pelecanos, although I couldn't have spelled it, either.)
Thanks, Ridley, for the directions to the old "Instructions" section...I just didn't scroll down far enough. This section seems to fulfill the same function, but it's beginning to look more like the "old board" (before we were sectioned off into topics) to me!
Thanks for verifying the name Ridley. Sorry for my rotten spelling its a curse.
As much as it kills me to say I have to throw in the towel on this season. With the loss of Ortiz my beloved Red Sox have no offense. However, the good news is they have ruled out any major heart problems for Ortiz so it looks like he is going to be fine. Last night god threw me a bone and I got to see the Yankee's throw a game with two outs in the ninth inning. With a payroll up over $200 million if George can't buy a ring this year I can't wait to see what he does next year.
-dean
Sorry about the Sox, Dean, but my Marlins are coming back. Still not at the top but doing a whole lot better. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Carol
KJ: I agree. It would be better to separate a lot of this, rather than ramble. Suggestions? I'm open to them.
Ridley
Ill keep my whining down and that will proably stop a lot of the confusion. I just re-read some of the things I've written and it was pretty bad.
Just finished reading 'The Ruins' by Scott Smith. He wrote the Simple Plan a while back. Excellent book and movie. I can't say the same for this one. It's good in some ways, the characterizations and the general writing, but I felt he left some open ends and my feeling is this will make a great teen horror flick. Also read 'Blue Screen' by Robert B. Parker. It's one of his Sunny Randall stories but she teams up with Jesse Stone (in more ways than one). Good easy funny read like all Parker's books. Can't wait to see Tom Selleck in this one.
Dean, As for insurance companies, ours just dropped us after giving a grand total of $223 for $4,000 in damage by Wilma last year. Boy was I mad.
Carol
Sorry, Ridley, I'm the last one to ask about sorting this stuff out...and actually, it doesn't bother me, because I think those of us posting here prefer to just "chat". It just amused me that it seems to have come full circle.
I just finished Robert Crais's LA Requiem and really liked it. It was my first Elvis Cole. I started there because that's what Crais suggested on his web site. I got the idea that this was one of his favorites. Those of you who have read this series- what should I read next? Should I start at the beginning? Any suggestions ? Carol- I read all the Sunny Randalll stories recently and loved them. So easy, it felt like one book and like I got free therapy!
As far as separating topics out, I feel like KJ- it's fine with me like this, but if we need to, how about "Sports" and "What are you reading, watching or listening to?"
Starting at the beginning with Elvis Cole will keep the personal thread of the story straight, but you can read them in pretty much any order you like.. I think (although I'd have to double-check) that The Monkey's Raincoat was the first Elvis Cole.
oooh... here you go, a list of the novels..
http://www.robertcrais.com/novels.htm
If you are going to separate topics, I agree with the 'Sports' and then the 'Music, Literature, Movies'. I would also put a topic up whenever you publish a new adult book because they always generate lots of posts.
Pam, I kinf od think of Sunny as a female Spenser. But I absolutely love her dog, Rosie.
Carol
I love Rosie too! I've never read the Spenser novels, but I think I'll have to put them on my list.
Read his Jesse Stone books too. A couple of them have been made into TV movies with Tom Selleck as Jesse. Not bad. There are LOTS of Spenser books. You can get a list from any of his books.
UM vs. FSU tonight. How's that for starting the college football season. Go UM! One of the biggest rivalries in football as an opening game. Shame it's raining.
The Marlins are still on the move. Keep it up.
How many years has Parker been writing the Spenser books now? You're right, there must be quite a few. I remember the TV series.. that must be close to 20 years ago now, though. I never realised at the time (I was reasonably young..) that they were novels as well. I only figured that out about 5 years ago (hey, no one said I was quick!) when I picked up a Robert B Parker book, mistaking it for a T Jefferson Parker book. (T Jefferson is also very good!)
Jeff Parker is GREAT.
Ridley
Hello Everyone,
I figured Hurricane Ernesto would provide us with a weekend washout so I picked up two books on friday night. One was a collection of short stories by Dennis Lehane, "Coronado". They are like mini twilight zone episodes. Kind of leave you scratching your head when your done. I also picked up Tom Franklins "Hell at the Breach" on Ridleys suggestion. Great book so far.
As far as "The Ruins" I Have to agree with carol. Actually I might even go further and say that now that I have finished it and had a chance to think about it I would have to say it was awful. Character development stunk, plot was stupid and the ending was predictable. I loved "A Simple plan" I cant beleive it took 12 yrs and thats what he came up with.
Dean, I know, Iwas amazed when I read 'The Ruins'. I thought this can't be the same guy who did 'A Simple Plan'. I still think I will see it as a teen horror movie in a year os so.....that's what it came across to me.
Boo hoo - Miami lost to FSU. One of the biggest gollege rivals and Miami blew. Came close though. If that kicker from FSU had missed, would have been a tie.
Caro
I'm notoriously bad at presuming things when I read book spines. I saw Parker, and presumed it was T Jefferson. It wasn't. I saw Pearson, and presumed it was your fine self, but it wasn't. However, Ryne Douglas Pearson isn't a bad read.
(Sidenote: I finished Peter & The Shadow Thieves at about 6:30 this morning. Thanks :))
Hey everyone- Hope Ridley didn't work too hard. We spent Sat. driving 8hrs to retrieve my son's car (after his car vs huge deer accident). Had astros tickets that night, so we dropped the car gave my younger son pizza $ and went to the game. Actually saw two movies this weekend. First we watched "The Smartest Guys in the Room". The story behind the Enron collapse. Fascinating, disturbing etc. Really well done. Then on Sun night we went to see "Little Miss Sunshine" Really enjoyed it. Made me laugh, but also sweet and sad sometimes. The little girl was amazing. Really great performances. Not a kids movie. Rated R for language, some sexual references etc. Started an early Elvis Cole novel but I'm not sure about it yet. Almost too flip, different feel than LA Requiem. I'll have to see, maybe I need to continue from there on and skip the really early ones.
Hey Everyone,
Crazy couple of days here. Not even going to mention by favorite topic. Although I won 4 seats at a table in that new upper right field area. It's at the end of Sept against Tampa Bay. At least I will get to see some of the prospects for 07.
Just finsihed the book Ridley suggested. "Hell at the Breech" I really enjoyed it. Now I am waiting for this book about Guantanomo Bay (spelling) I read about it in the New York Times Book Review and it sounded interesting.
Hope everyone is well.
Dean
T Jefferson Parker is great. I read his last one 'California Girl' (I think) and thought it terrific.
I might have missed it, but James Lee Burke and his Dave Robicheux series are also great. He gets the feeling of the south down perfectly. I hope that what a poster on another board said is true - that his current book takes place during Katrina. If not, I hope he writes one with the action taking place at that time. Can't think of anyone better to give us the real feeling of what that storm was like.
I first want to give a big HELLO to all my Ridley Friends. I miss the old board. It was easier to stay in touch with everyone. NOt that this is not pretty cool but it seems that we have lost some of our steam.
Anyway sometime last year someone wrote an email (I think it was Pam) about Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay. Well I guess showtime is doing a series with one of the guys from six feet under as dexter. My library had put out the first two books on the suggested reading counter and I picked them up. I had remembered the post that I had read on the old board. Great books. I had been re-reading the Randy Wayne White series but I put it down so I can read about Dexter.
Now that baseball season is over for me (although I am pulling for the anyone but the Yankee's) I find myself reading more at night. I am anxiously awaiting the new Daniel Silva book and Mark Haddon (curious incident of the dog in the nighttime) has a new book coming out.
I hope all is well with everyone. WHAT ARE YOU ALL READING NOW?
Dean, I put the post about the Dexter books. Great aren't they? I watched the first show and it stayed true to the book. I guess what it looks like they are doing is a book a season. At least that what I guessed from the previewa.
Hope it stays on. It is on Showtime Sundays at 10 p.m. Jeff Lindsay better get busy and write another one - he only has two seasons worth.
Carol
Hey Guys-Thanks for the e-mail Carol. I had stopped looking on here. Sometimes I just can't remember how many posts are on each section, so I can't tell if there's anything new (really liked the old alert system). Dean, I really needed to talk about the Astros late run last week! I knew they probably couldn't pull it off, but it sure was nice to watch the Cardinals sweat! My husband has decided to cheer for the Oakland A's (Frank Thomas, who just hit a home run) and I'm not sure yet who I'll cheer for, but like you it will be whoever can beat the Yankees. I'm reading an Elvis Cole, Lullaby Town. I'm starting to enjoy them more. Also I've been reading Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch novella in The Sunday New York Times magazine. Conflicted about this though because this story post dates his new Bosch novel Echo Park (due out Oct 9) and the novella will be released in complete novel form in 2007. I'm tempted to just wait for the book but am so weak that I read it every Sunday! Is this where we'll post until Nancy answers my email about new sections? I'll check here.
Pam, it's where I am posting till other topics come up. Dean, Pam and I have exchanged email addresses. If you want to send me yours, I will send you mine.
Carol
I agree with Dean, we do seem to have run out of steam...I posted elsewhere (but no one probably saw it), the biggest problem with this new system is that the posts aren't dated. The date shows up when you "view" your comments, but after it's posted, there's no date, so I don't know if I'm commenting on something that someone wrote last night or last month. And I had a hard time locating this thread. I had to move around a bit to find it.
I'm just finishing "Prayers for Rain", the last in the 5 book series by Dennis Lehane. The books just seem to get better with each one. "Gone, Baby, Gone" just blew me away. Ben Affleck chose well in making this one into a movie. Hope the movie lives up to the book. (10/4)
Hey KJ glad you're here! I agree the lack of date is hard to figure out. It also seems you have to hunt around for things and friends! Like Carol said earlier, you and Dean can email us if you want. Carol posted hers earlier but mine is pbkrance@yahoo.com. Hopefully we'll get something figured out with the blog. I'll keep posting here.
Hey Everone, 10-5-06
First off I thought the Astro's were going to get back in this year. With that pitching I really thought they would dominate. They need another offensvive threat besides Lance.
I left all the Dennis Lehane stuff. I just read his short stories which were pretty cool. I am into Dexter right. Jeff Lindsay is witty and funny and just a really cool idea for a book series.
I hate the yankee's (just had to say that) Perhaps its the year of the Cardinals (at least for Ridley's sake) Detroit and the Twins have run out of steam.
10-5-06 I put the date in my last post. I sent the damn thing before I read it for mistakes. I meant to say I love the Dennis Lehane books. Also I think I made another mistake but thats me. Never try and send a post when your being yelled at on the phone for something you didnt do.
Hey KJ, good to see you here. I have the feeling until further news from Ridley about posting this is going to be the main one, just like the general discussion one on the old board. Pam, if you look at the first post in a topic it will tell you how many posts there are. Don't feel bad Dean, the Marlins fired their manager in a 5 minute meeting and had his replacement standing by and the Dolphins are doing lousy too 1-3.
Hey Dean- Are you doing the happy dance yet? I am! Yeah the Yankeees lose ! Now I can watch the world series and enjoy it! God Bless the Tigers. Heads will roll in Yankeeland. I actually like Joe Torre, but even he must be sick of them.( I can remember at the start of the season, you and TomN talking about the Tigers.) We were so happy we were dancing in front of the TV. Real mature, I know, but you have to take your pleasure where you can get it.
Hey Pam, 10-10-06
yes I danced and sang after the Yankee's lost. I am so bad I actually listened to the 8th & 9th inning on the Radio so I could John Sterling & Susan Waldman (who grew up in the shadow of Fenway park and became a freaking Yankee fan) Yeah its not that Arod was a mess or Randy Johnson & Mike Mussina did not dominate its all Joe Torre's fault for not motivating them. The funniest thing I read is they are blaming Jeter for not helping to straighten out Arod.
Also I had free Showtime this weekend and I got to see Dexter. I was let down. I just did not like the guy they chose to play dexter and how he plays him. To me dexter is 1/2 cup Hanibal Lecter (for smarts & knowledge 1/4 cup Ted Bundy for looks & charm and 1/8 Steven Wright 1/8 cup Dennis Miller for wit. I just didnt buy it.
The guy who plays Dexter used to be on HBO's 'Six Feet Under'. I didn't think he was too bad. Not enough wit though. Didn't care much for the girl who plays his sister. But at least they are staying close to the book, that's a pleasant change.
10/09/06
Dean, you must be a cook with that description! Oh yea, you make sauce right? I would love to join in on the whole Dexter thing, but given that I'm the only person that was actually scared when I watched "Poltergeist" (hey, it was scary back then) I'll probably have to pass. Sounds too gruesome for me. I did want to mention that I emailed "Nancy" at the blog site at least a couple of weeks ago requesting two new areas- Other authors & questions for Ridley, but have obviously not seen anything or heard back. Maybe one of you guys could try.
Pam, I emailed Nancy too, same two categories plus Sports. Haven't gotten a reply either. I was terrified with Poltergeist to, but Dexter isn't scary.
10/10/09
Carol
Hey Carol- good to know you are a fellow scaredy cat. I think I'll have to just try one of the books. Certain things just wig me out. We are having a huge thunderstorm here right now and my medicated dog is still pacing around the house looking for things to turn over. (trashcans, laundry baskets etc.)I probably should have gone to drugs earlier! (or maybe taken them myself!) I have kid stuff to do this afternoon and evening, so hopefully he'll calm down by then. How am I ever going to go back to work? Maybe I can find a part time job that allows me to work only on sunny days!
Hey Pam,
Yeah I pride myself in my culinary ability. However, my family gets mad because I never use measuring cups, timers or recipies. I cook by feel. When I actually used to cook for a living it drove my bosses crazy. So now I just cook for my family.
But really try the Dexter series I think you will enjoy them.
-dean 10-11-06
*enters after wandering around lost for 2 weeks*
First, thanks to Pam for the breadcrumbs.
I actually finished a non-detective type book most recently, more a dark fantasy, titled "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. Wonderful writer, good imagination. Other than that, I'm sort of between authors. I've read all of Ridley, Connely, etc, looking for something new. Haven't read Pelecanos, maybe that's next.
My Dodgers are really gonna rock next year, until then I guess I'm an A's fan (it was my son't most recent little league team).
Oh, yeah, 10/11/06.
hey Jamestar,
the a's have the pitching but no bats. Also all of a sudden their gold glove 3rd baseman is looking like ARod in the field. I think the tigers are just going to steam roll over everyone this year. They are a lot like TomN's white sox of last year. Pitching, Hitting, Defense and a gutsy unpredictable manager.
10/13 3:30pm Hey Jamester- New Michael Connely just came out-Echo Park (Harry Bosch). I bought it yesterday and am very excited to read it. Little League years are the best. Enjoy them. MLB charges the leagues to use those names so for the off season baseball, or fallball, here they use minor league names. My oldest played for a team called the" Lugnuts". Definitely one of my favorites.
Dean- I think this might be the year of the Tigers, but I don't think the Mets are going to roll over like the Astros did last year (sigh, a painful memory). Are you getting cold weather where you are? I think Carol, Jamester and I are probably still in shorts! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend. I'm going to read, watch baseball and clean up after my husband makes a gourmet feast on Sunday!
KJ- Are you still there?
Yes definitely in shorts down here. The weatherman talked about a cold front coming thru - it was going to get as low as 85. Our cool days are in January and February. Almost makes it worth living in Miami.
Dean, sorry about the loss of Lidle. Was he a good pitcher? I hate to see pictures of crashes. I always wonder what there last thought is. What a tragedy.
10/13/06 Carol
Hi, there!
Pam, thanks for tip on where people are hanging out.
We, too, always have to spell Alec's name out. During his first year after ALL diagnosis, when he spent a year in the hospital, I got so tired of him being called "Alex", I put a big sign on his door, "Hi, my name is Alec!"
Jamester, if you've read and liked Neil Gaiman, you're not averse to SF (mysteries and SF are my twue luvs), so I would recommend the MilSF series by Lois McMaster Bujold. We fans of hers say, "You can't read just one..." The best way to read her series (IMHO), if interested, is to start with Cordelia's Honor. If you'd like more info on her (her books have won quite a few Hugos), her website is: www.dendarii.com
I prefer her SF to her fantasy, but the fantasy work is really well done, too.
Hey Carol & Pam, 10-15-06
I went to a pig roast yesterday and I wore shorts. It was about 54 degrees but the guy that does also has a huge barn fire. Yes, the cold weather is upon us. I spent Saturday raking leaves and cleaning out the cutters and pulling the summer flowers (a little late but they still looked pretty good) and putting in Mums (which I hate).
I did not know much about Cory Lidle execept that he had the guts to call Bonds a cheater and say that this year Detroit was better prepared then the Yankees were. The worse thing about this whole tragedy is since he may have been flying the plane naturally their is clause in the MLB insurance contract that says his family won't be able to file. Carol you know about those damn insurance companies.
I do agree though it sure looks like the year of the Tiger. That win yesterday was pretty amazing.
Take care
-Dean
I guess we saw the worst of football Saturday with the brawl between UM and FIU. 2 players dismissed, 16 players suspended and that was just one team. Even an announcer was fired for what he said. It's a shame the game dissolved like that.
Yeah Dean, but it was our home insurance that doubled. Our life hasn't changed although they do have some tricky clauses. I worked for three of those SOBs, but luckily in the computer area.
OK guys, set your alarms. At 7:46 a.m. EDT the population of the US will roll over to 300,000,000.
Think we can get them to all buy Ridley's books?
10/16/06 Carol
Hornedhopper - I love SF, and will make a note. I grew up on Asimov, Heinlein, Zelazny, and that bunch.
So how does it feel to have 300,000,000 people living on the same chunk of rock (and a couple of associated rocks)?
This question comes from someone living on a chunk of rock with 4.something,000,000 people. There's not a lot of basis for comparison.
Hey Dean and Pam. There are some new topics, Yeah! on the first page.
Things are looking up.
10/21/06 Carol
Hello Everone, 10-23-06
Was not sure where to write this so I decided to post it here. I just got "Thirteen Moons" its the new Charles Fraizer (Cold Mountain) book and it is absolutely terrific. Maybe to high praise since its only the 2nd books he has written but to me he is like the next Mark Twain. The use of the Narrative style and his descriptions of the people, the land and the way they live is incredible.
Jamester -
I'm glad to hear you'll give them a try. I, too, grew up on early Heinlein, Asimov. Bujold's SF is really first rate; her character development, twisty plots, and world-building skills are terrific. Also a big fan of Larry Niven's Man/Kzin Wars books, Charles Sheffield, and Steve Stirling's alternate histories.
On my live journal, where a lot of my SF friends are, I've plugged Ridley's mysteries, too. So the recces go both ways!
Guess I'll x-post this to the "talk about other authors" spot, too.
Hey, guys!
I didn't know where else to post this (I x-posted it to Questions for Ridley, since that seems active...r), since "Just Talk" seems to have stalled, so I hope you see it. I guess I'll x-post it there, too.
A most excellent time was had last night by our son Alec, my husband, and me at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale! Ridley and an author I wasn't familiar with, James Rollins, came to sign and speak. There were only about 12 people there, so it was like sitting around in a living room chatting. I couldn't believe our luck in having Ridley come twice in such a short time!
I didn't write about the possibility of going because I was afraid that would jinx it (g). Alec has been, in fact, not doing well this week with bad side effects of vincristine (Pam, I'm sure you know ALL about this stuff - btw, does your husband know Mike Etzl? He's our excellent Chief Onco Dude), so we weren't sure until an hour before whether he would feel up to sitting for so long. Neurontin rules.
Ridley *so* had his game on - so very entertaining, we were laughing the whole time. Fortunately, the other author was funny, too, so he wasn't overshadowed...well, not totally, anyway (g).
Much fan envy; Barbara Peters (she *is* The Poisoned Pen) told us that Ridley and she email funny stuff back and forth daily. Love to be a party line on that one!
So, we were able to get Peter and The Shadow Thieves and my favorite Lou Boldt - Art of Deception - signed in person (always more fun). I did also get a picture of Ridley and Alec, but I don't know if there is a way to insert a picture into the blog...if you would like to see it, I have posted it to my LJ:
http://hornedhopper.livejournal.com/
The entry titled [duh], "Picture Day."
Ever brief with a keyboard...
(current read: The Long Arm of Gil Hamilton, Larry Niven)
Hey, Dean & Pam. Looks like Miami is going to be the big sports city in a couple of weeks. Super Bowl here with (yuk) Prince doing the half time show. Nick Saban left the Dolphins to go back to Alabama. Half the fans are cheering and the other half are crying. From what I saw of the fins this season, I think I would be on the cheering side. The Heat is racking up wins, even though Pat Riley will be out for awhile with hip surgery. the Gators from U of F won college championship and I am sure they all got new cars. The Marlins didn't go anywhere in the playoffs, and the Panthers (hockey) never go anywhere. Maybe we should hire David Beckham for $300 million instead of the $250 he got from California. That is the most ridiculous thing going these days. What sports stars and actors get paid. I personally don't feel they should make more than the President (no matter how you feel about the person).
Well, there you go. Up to date on all the sports from Miami.
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