Coincidence or Conspiracy?

New York Yankees rookie sensation Justin "Joba" Chamberlain begins serving a two-game suspension tonight for allegedly throwing at Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis's head during his second inning of relief in yesterday's 5-0 Yankee win.

Joba denies intentionally throwing at Youkilis, but under the rules the team has established to preserve his arm. he would not have pitched again until Sunday anyway.

The rules are, if he pitches one inning he must rest one day; if he pitches two innings he must rest two days.

New Way to Spend the Dog Days

I read a lot this week. It struck me as a good way to kill the last of August, when uncannily I'm tired of summer. I think I'll do it again next year.

Speaking of dog days, I've reviewed "The Recipe", a dog-centric story by Carolina Garcia-Aguilera, for Nasty. Brutish. Short.

I usually enjoy USA Network's coverage of U.S. Open tennis, and I am, but I'm also going through Burn Notice and Psych withdrawal.

SONGS OF INNOCENCE by Richard Aleas

Deeply affected by the events of his last case (detailed in 2004's Little Girl Lost), John Blake has eschewed the detective business and become an administrative assistant at Columbia. Songs of Innocence opens with the news that one of Blake's classmates in a writing workshop, Dorrie Burke, has committed suicide. Dorrie's mother doesn't believe the reports and tries to hire Blake to find out who killed Dorrie. He refuses.

Blake has already learned a great deal about Dorrie as part of a cooperative writing assignment. He knows she made her living as a prostitute and contemplated suicide from time to time. They had promised each other, in fact, that whenever suicidal thoughts came to mind they'd call each other, talk it out. Because Dorrie hadn't called John, he begins to look into who killed her on his own.

A common thread in Aleas's work is that everything has consequences. Blake is not the seen-it-all hero who dismisses death and moves on. Concern for Dorrie draws him in, and as he digs deeper, it becomes impossible to walk away unscathed. Blake is truly not the man in the end that he was in the beginning, and Aleas's crisp prose paces his transformation perfectly.

On sale since July, Songs of Innocence is DetecToday's featured novel for September. DetecToday members will chat with the author on Thursday, September 20, 7:00-8:00 PM Eastern.

PATRIOT ACTS by Greg Rucka

On sale August 28 is Rucka's first book in six years about deep-thinking bodyguard Atticus Kodiak. In trademark fashion, Rucka lands fans in the middle of the action, picking up fifteen minutes after Atticus and his assassin lover Alena have dispatched their enemy, Oxford.

Atticus intends to leave Alena at a safe house in upstate New York, but driving away, he is ambushed. Narrowly escaping, he returns to the safe house to find several guards killed, including his longtime friend Natalie Trent.

So begins Atticus and Alena's quest to avenge their friends and find out who wants them dead. An impressive mix of military, espionage, and political thriller with white-knuckle pace and surprises through the last page.

NIGHT WORK by Steve Hamilton

Juvenile probation officer Joe Trumbull has spent the past two years mourning his fiancee Laurel, murdered the night of his bachelor party—a case that remains open. When the first woman he's dated in two years turns up dead, memories come flooding back. When the details of her death match those of Laurel's, Joe begins to wonder if there might be a connection, improbable as it seems. When other women with whom Joe's had the briefest contact are killed in the same fashion, official suspicion turns on him.

A clear break from Hamilton's Alex McKnight reluctant P.I. series, Night Work is tightly plotted and more procedural, featuring the younger, action-oriented Trumbull. Hamilton's sense of place is sharp as ever. His sense of suspense is more subtle here to good effect.

Sure to build a new audience for Hamilton as well as please his existing fans. On sale September 18.

Hello, Finland.

Received my contributor's copy of Juri Nummelin's flash fiction zine Ässä. My story "Drive", translated by Juri into Finnish, rounds out this first issue.

Thanks again, Juri.

Shreds of News

Shred of Evidence editor Megan Powell is celebrating her sister's birthday with three lawyer-centric stories, including my "Shotgun Divorce". Give it a read and let me know if watching all those episodes of JAG paid off.

Also freshly formatted for comment is my May 2004 Shred story "A Little Trouble" starring C.J. Stone.

Thanks again, Megan.

Flash Gordon: "Infestation"

I may be one of the only people watching at this point, but episode three was actually pretty good. Flash's best friend Nick is bitten by a deadly insect from Mongo, and Flash must obtain an antidote from an Amazon-like society. Meanwhile, Dale must slow the toxin's effect on Nick by stressing him out at his brother's wedding.

This episode unveiled a title theme (not a cover of Queen) and credits that didn't match faces to names (ala Season One of Bones). Flash's willingness to sacrifice himself for others feels homespun and genuine. I liked the higher stakes, but cutting between Mongo and Earth still makes for a choppy pace.

Grace Paley Dies

Olen Steinhauer spreads the word. Like Olen, I discovered Paley's fiction in grad school, an inspiration just when I needed it. Like all the best writers, her voice and characters, apparently without pretense, engaged readers instantly. I'll miss her.

How Not to Write Dialog

From Episode 2 of Sci-Fi Channel's Flash Gordon:

DALE
Don't worry, I'm going to kill the story. But listen to this: "Blah, blah, blah. The ranger says the woman has the ability to make herself invisible."

I've heard "blah, blah, blah" in the middle of a quote—a sort of spoken ellipsis—but here it sounds as if Dale is calling Flash's attention to information she still has to locate herself. Shouldn't she have found it before calling Flash's attention?

I like the semi-comic tone the show is trying to establish, but after two episodes, not enough has happened. Contrast this with Burn Notice, where Michael Westen gains real ground each week.

A Case for Rejection

No writer enjoys having work rejected. I no longer blog about my rejection slips, but I believe rejection is a necessary part of the submission process. If nothing else, it's a clear sign to writers it's time to move on. Try this piece elsewhere, or write something new.

Some markets "don't reject." They claim to only accept or to make picks ("Don't complain if your work isn't picked."). While an acceptance-only policy might save some egos, it seems to be merely rejection without the letter. Does it save writers' egos, or leave them without closure?

Some of these markets want to build reputations as unflinching, cutting edge, yet they balk at sending rejections? Say what you will about form rejection; at least it's a response.

Do we still call him Short Round?

Jonathan Ke Quan, who played Indy's sidekick in Temple of Doom, is 36 today. Did you know his brother actually auditioned for the part, but the producers picked Ke instead?

Orange You Curious?

Orange Room Review editors Corey and Rachael Cook have accepted my poem "I Tell a Joke About Susan" for publication in October 2007.

JAGathon

Catherine Bell turns 39 today, and I just bought the second season of JAG on DVD for $29.28.

Phil Rizzuto Dies

I grew up listening to Phil Rizzuto and Bill White call Yankee games on WPIX 11. On my first trip to Yankee Stadium (age 5 1/2), I wondered why it was so quiet. I expected to hear the Scooter on the PA system.

Rest in peace, Phil.

This pizza crust is just right.

Sorry to inform various dining partners, but I am not a fan of thin crust pizza. I don't want to feel as I'm eating tomato and cheese on a cracker. I'm not much a fan of Sicilian or pan pizza, either, with that highly visible oil. Give me a crust with some chew (not crunch) to it.

Image is Overrated

Regular readers of this blog know I'm a TV, DVD, and movie fan; however, I find Web images overrated. I don't need a ton of graphics or Flash effects when I visit Web sites. I'm looking to get in, get the info I need, and leave. Graphics and such are ultimately just more load time.

This is on my mind today, as image servers to some of the big sites (Yahoo!, Amazon) are at a crawl.

Sci-Fi Channel's Flash Gordon

...is meeting lukewarm-at-best reaction from critics. The writing is uneven, the acting so-so, but I'll give it an episode or two more. I do have some questions:

If Flash Gordon must be a runner, why is he a marathoner and not a sprinter?

Why do all the women, Dale Arden, bounty hunter Baylin, and Princess Aura, look alike?

Is Flash Gordon's given name really Steven?

New review for Crimespree Cinema

Jeremy Lynch has posted my review of The Dresden Files: The Complete First Season.

Barry Bonds Hits 756

I only saw the highlights of Bonds's record-breaking homer and Hank Aaron's videotaped congratulations. I could not bring myself to watch Bonds's thank-you speech.

As I posted Saturday, there's no joy in Bonds's achievement for me; however, I accept his record as valid, just as I accept Ruth's record though he didn't play against minority players, and Maris's single season record though he had more games that season to pass Ruth. I accept records because there's no way to go back in time and adjust them. There are nuances in every era, and as long as we're conscious of them, no asterisks are needed.

Barry Bonds passed Hank Aaron in an era of rampant chemical enhancement.

I Scream, You Scream

My story of one teen's quest for sex and ice cream, "Rocky Road", is live at Zygote in My Coffee. Thanks to assistant editor Karl Koweski and editor Brian Fugett.

More Baseball History

A tip of the cap to Tom Glavine on his 300th win. Glavine's force of will drives him to victory like no other pitcher I've seen.

I've Finally Seen: GALAXY QUEST (1999)

I liked the actors; I liked the concept; but I only got around to watching this movie tonight. It's a pitch-perfect sendup of cult sci-fi fandom with, yes, heart.

An earnest alien race in need of protection mistakes a 70s-80s TV show for a factual account, assuming the show's cast (Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Rockwell) are actually the characters they play. I would've related to the movie when it premiered as a Star Trek fan. I relate even better now as a Firefly fan.

Today in Homerun History

Alex Rodriguez hit the first pitch he saw in the first inning over the leftfield fence at Yankee Stadium, a 3-run shot. His 500th homerun, like his first and 499th, came at the expense of the Kansas City Royals.

UPDATE: In a game I didn't watch. Barry Bonds hit a homerun in the second inning against the San Diego Padres, the 755th of his career, tying Hank Aaron's all-time record. One never knows, but I'm more inclined to believe Bonds used performance enhancers than I am Alex Rodriguez, so there's no joy in the latter achievement for me.

Aww...

SciFi Channel has canceled The Dresden Files. While I'm not completely surprised (the ratings were lower than hoped), I thought the series had charm and was excited for a second season. Oh, well. I've ordered the DVD set and will watch it fondly. Meanwhile series star Paul Blackthorne has joined the cast of ABC's upcoming show, Big Shots.

My reason to watch Indy IV

You may have seen a certain photo of Harrison Ford on the set of Indiana Jones 4, but here's the only one that counts for me:



Marion's back!

KNOCK, KNOCK

Received my contributors copies of KNOCK #7, the literary journal of Antioch University Seattle, featuring my poem "Snowball." My thanks again to editor Bryan Tomasovich and staff.

Stranded in St. Louis

A favorite poem of mine has been reprinted at AsininePoetry.com.

Benson on Bond

Guest-blogging at The Lipstick Chronicles today. American James Bond author Raymond Benson, who took over the series from 1997 to 2002, gives his take on the six major actors to play Bond in the movies.

Gladly added to my blogroll

...is Mystery Scene Magazine's new blog, which as of yesterday includes Kevin Burton Smith's 100 PIs of the Mystery Scene era (1985-present).

Sports Takes

The Boston Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff and two 2009 draft picks. Along with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, this gives the Celtics three very good players, and should put them into contention for the Eastern Conference. Normally, I wouldn't want to see one team give up so much, but considering how bad the Celtics have been of late, I like it.

The New York Yankees hit 8 homeruns, defeating the Chicago White Sox 16-3 last night. None was hit by Alex Rodriguez, who remains at 499 for his career. Just funny.

While I was out...

Jeremy Lynch posted my DVD review of Psych Season One to Crimespree Cinema. Thanks as always, Jeremy.

Pardon the Interruption

Another thunderstorm, another three-day TV and Net outage. I didn't get much done as last week's fever devolved into a cough that is just now subsiding. Could you please pass the normalcy?