Dave White's Writing Block

Forgotten Books Friday: The Clone Saga

2009-12-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

I got back into comic books last year after a long absence from them.

I gave up comic books after Spider-man's clone came back when I was high school.

"What are you talking about, Dave?"

Or, if you're a comic book fan, "This isn't a forgotten book. Hell, love it or hate it, this saga is still coming up in conversation like 15 years later."

You see, in the late 70s, someone thought it would be a good idea for a story if someone made a clone of Spider-man. They fought, the clone fell into a smokestack, and Spider-man question (for all of 3 pages) if he was a clone or the real one. He got tested, but decided that he knew he was the real one without reading the pages given to him.

In the late 90s, when all these characters were getting their status quos all shaken up (Superman "dies," Batman gets his back broken), Marvel decided they should shake up Spider-man's.

And it turns out, the clone lived. Moved to like... Portland or something... and went into hiding.

And eventually, because it sounded cool, he came back to make Spider-man's life a living hell.

I really only made it halfway through the Clone Saga. I thought it was the end, but I found out years later, it wasn't anywhere near the end.

You see, at the point when I checked out, a doctor revealed that the Spider-man I'd been reading about all my life was the clone. And the guy who came back was the real deal.

So the Spidey I'd been reading about packed up his stuff and his wife and moved off to ... who knows where. And the new/old guy took over as Spider-man.

At that point, I stopped. I was an annoyed kid. I figured the stories I'd read and loved had all been about a fake Spider-man. I didn't want to meet a new character. I wanted to see MY Spider-man. The one I knew.

Little did I know how cool an idea this really was. Sure it was driven by sales, and apparently got bloated and overblown, but as a writer sometimes you need to refresh things. Find ways to start a new. Send a character in a new direction.

I don't know what happened after the clone/fake clone took over (apparently at some point over the saga, the real Spider-man came back with his wife from whereever and the clone disintegrated in a battle with the Green Goblin... Yeah, I'm confused too...)

But the writers tried to refresh things. They tried to take something old--the clone story--and come up with something new. They tried to find a way to tell all-new, and all-different Spider-man stories.

They took a huge risk. And any time a writer does that, I respect it.

Well, now I respect it. Back then I was a ticked off geek.

But, kudos Spider-man writing staff. It takes a lot to try and change things around 100%. You guys gave it a shot.

If you publish a graphic novel or two about it, I might actually go and check it out.

(More on the Clone Saga. Because I know I didn't explain it anywhere near good enough. And for even move backstory, check this out. A very cool blog.)

Dave White as a Teen: Dating

2009-12-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

I was the worst dater in high school. I had no idea what I was doing. And if you look at an earlier post, you'll noticed that lasted long into my 20s.

I had my first "date" as a freshman in high school. I remember asking the girl to a dance we were both attending. Remember the words just babbling out of my mouth, my arms and ears getting hot, and the lead ball in my stomach. And I remember a key to my high school dating:

The wait list.

It was like college acceptances. Girls in high school could never say yes or no. I don't know if they didn't like being put on the spot or they were waiting for a better option, but you never got an answer at the moment.

"And let's be honest, there was no better option, ladies. If you turned me down you missed out," The 30 year-old Dave says. The non confident 14-17 year old would just shuffle off with a mumbling "Okay."

Even my senior year girlfriend made me wait on the dance invite. And we are talking a fifteen minute wait. We're talking a two week wait. What was so hard about?

Say yes or no. And then I can move on. That way I wouldn't have walked around with said lead ball dragging me down.

It sucked.

Me? On the other hand? From what I can remember, I got asked to things 3 times. Once I said yes and twice I said no. I never made the girl wait.

That didn't mean I didn't make it awkward.

Again, no experience, I didn't know how to let people down nicely. I once told a girl I had plans that night of the Junior Prom (I was a sophomore when asked) and couldn't go. That night she attended the same movie I did... and seeing that movie was spontaneous.

One girl asked if I wanted to go with her to a dance or if she should just leave. I said "Yes.... to the leaving."

Yeah, I was bad.

I'm so glad I've grown up. I'm getting goosebumps and the lead ball just writing this post. Those memories hurt.

Dating as a high school student was hard.

And it didn't get easier.

I just got more practice.

And, like a stand-up comic, a routine.

What are some of your high school dating stories?

What Movie Got Your Into Writing?

2009-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

One of the questions I often ask writers is: What book got you into writing?

There are a lot of answers, naturally. Writers range from Lehane to Chandler to Mosely to Hemingway to Shakespeare.

And all are understandable.

But I've been thinking about it, and while there are several books that got me into writing (and I'm sure I've mentioned them here), I can only think of one movie.

I saw In the Line of Fire in the theaters with my parents. It was probably in the summer between 8th and 9th grade. I also remember seeing the preview for it when I saw GROUNDHOG DAY.

The preview was John Malkovich, in a voice over, talking about killing the President. While that was happening, all you saw on screen was 1963. The sound of a ticking clock. The "6" spun around to become a "9." At the end of the voice over, Clint Eastwood slams down the phone and says "That's not gonna happen."

I was all in.

We saw it in the theater, and my heart was in my throat as Clint looked through the SEATING CHART (!!) to find Malkovich. When he got dragged on to the elevator at the end. Hell, the rooftop chase. Learning the correct way to spell "ukulele."

Great movie. Still holds up.

And I remember renting the movie and watching it again with my family. And I remember a scene--a montage--late in the film where the Secret Service is planning for the President's arrival and Malkovich is putting on his fatsuit disguise.

And I absently said, "I wonder how this would read in a book."

My parents started talking about how they'd do it, chapter by chapter with about twenty pages of description. How it would be all about building suspense and pacing. I started to play with it in my mind. How would I word those two scenes? Would I try to intertwine them or split them up? Had I read a book like that?

Afterwards, I started to track down political thrillers. I remember reading a book by Jefferey Archer about Saddam Hussein stealing the Declaration of Independence. Something by Christopher Hyde. Trying to get through PATRIOT GAMES by Clancy.

None of them brought the same feel that the movie did. At least not to my freshman mind.

So... now I'm trying to write a book with that feel.

What about you? What movies have inspired you?

New Jersey: The Promised Land--Population Density

2009-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Man, Brad Parks is all over the place lately. He was posting over on Do Some Damage about Paris Hilton. And then he was over at Poe's Deadly Daughters talking about characters talking to him. So, multiple personality Brad begged me to post about NJ on this blog. Since his book, Faces of the Gone, comes out today... .ANNNNDDD because people with multiple personality disorder frighten me, I decided to let this former NJ resident tell us why NJ is still great. As usual, I'll have my own comments after he's done:

By Brad Parks
Guest Promised Land Prognosticator

I like people. They’re funny, fascinating, imminently huggable creatures, full of quirks and twists, and they never stop surprising you – among God’s best work, if you ask me.

I even like Dave White. That’s how much I like people.

And if you like people, there’s simply no better state to be than New Jersey, the most densely populated state in America. We cram 8.6 million homo sapiens into a mere 8,729 square miles – a thrilling, hard-driving 1,134 people per stimulating, mall-loving, Taylor-ham-eating square mile. I mean, you basically can’t turn around without bumping into someone!

Especially in towns like Nutley, Clifton, Bloomfield, the real beating heart of Northern New Jersey. For nine years, I lived in Maplewood, with its 23,000 people all writhing on top of each other in an area less than four square miles. There’s an energy, a special vibrancy to a place with that many people crammed in that close. I would even argue there are healthcare benefits: When my neighbor had a cold, I knew about it, because our houses were so close I could hear him sneezing, even with the windows closed.

During that same time, I worked in Newark, one of the ten most densely populated cities in America – 21,000 people per square mile, if you don’t count the land at the air and seaports (and I don’t). Perhaps only sardines are so blessed when it comes to being packed in tightly with fellow members of their species.

Yes, there’s density everywhere you turn in New Jersey.

Not so in, say, Minnesota (#23).

Minnesota stretches its 5.2 million people over a vast 86,943 square miles – a dull, yawing 65.3 people per frozen, hockey-loving, Jesse-Ventura-electing square mile. It poses the existential quandary: If you scream at the top of your lungs in Minnesota, have you really made a sound? No. There’s no one around to hear it.

Plus, two-thirds of the populations lives in the Twin Cities, meaning the rest of the state is basically empty. Why? Because it’s just not worth inhabiting.

I went canoeing once up near the Boundary Waters area in Northern Minnesota, spent 10 days paddling and portaging across a chain of lakes with my brother. We went three days without seeing another living soul. If Minnesota was all that great, don’t you think folks would have at least built summer homes there?

In three days paddling around Lake Hopatcong, you’d probably get invited to at least eight barbeques and two totally awesome keggers.

Why? Because New Jersey is a place where people want to be. It’s got density, baby.

See? Even Brad knows NJ. And yeah, he's right. It's great to have people around. Any time I have a question, I can pretty much find someone to answer it. I can get advice, a plubmer or a pizza on a Saturday night within an hour, and I can talk to people.

When you talk in Minnesota, you know who talks back? Your echo.

Well said, Brad, eh?

For more Brad, visit his website, follow him on Twitter or became a fan of Brad Parks Books on Facebook.

Rutgers Basketball So Far

2009-12-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

We are seven games into another college basketball season, and where is RU thus far?

They are 5-2, and seem to be a little better than last year. They've looked really good at times (the win against UMass, they first half of a loss to Florida) and pretty bad at other (Win vs Drexel, Loss to VT, first half today against Colgate).

I can't tell if that's because we're going to be a bad team in the Big East or because it's a team with six new pieces that are still learning to play together. In fact, I don't think you'll be able to tell anything about this team until the UNC game or the Big East season gets going.

They have four games left until then. Games against Monmouth, Rider, NJIT and St. Peters. All are NJ teams, all are at home for RU. RU can lose any of those games. But let's talk about the players:

Mike Rosario: The kid just seems to be off this year. He averaged 16 pts in as a freshman, but now he's not taking the same amount of shots and therefore isn't hitting as many. I can't tell if he's still figuring out when to pass and when to shoot, but he hasn't been as good.

Greg Echinique: This C is going to be a beast. The past two games he's had 21 pts and 19 pts. He hits his free throws. He's a smart player, and he's only going to get better.

Dane Miller: Smooth, athletic, and only a freshmen. Could be a star if developed the right way.

Jonathan Mitchell: The transfer from Florida seems to be playing like the rest of the team plays. Some days he's on, and some days he's off. How he goes so goes the team. He's a PF, so he should be rebounding more, but he seems to just want to tip the ball to another player. Needs to get better.

James Beatty: A pass first PG, finally. He brings energy and tries to make the smooth plays. He's still learning the team and is only going to get better as the season goes on. If he improves dramatically, good things could happen for RU.

Mike Coburn: Also learning how to be a pass first PG. He looks off a step. At times he looks miles better than he has been in past years, but at times he looks lost out there. Needs to step it up.

Hamady N'Diaye: A senior. Still can't catch the ball, and is a hole on offense, unless the team is out running. Great defensively.

Patrick Jackson: Has showed some offensive promise, but has disappeared a bit lately. Seems to be forcing it. Be nice to have him coming off the bench for some jump shooting.

Austin Johnson, Mohammad Hasani, Brian Okam: Too early to tell still.

Hopefully, I'll be able to have a better gauge in the next month or so.

Go RU!

The Coffeehouse

2009-12-01T16:52:00.003-05:00

So I have Sirius/XM radio and love it. There are some great channels I check out like The Spectrum (their modern rock station) and Lithium (which is 90s rock).

The other music station I really love is The Coffeehouse. It's a singer/songwriter acoustic channel. Everything on it is acoustic. Sometime they break out some really cool covers by famous artists or covers of famous songs (Like Luka Bloom doing "Dancing Queen" which is odd and fun. And "You and I" by Wilco accompanied by Feist. Good stuff.)

But the last couple of times I've put it on I've heard some damn strange songs.

The first is a version of "Crazy Love" done by both Ray Charles and Van Morrison. Sounds fantastic right? Well, it should... except for one thing... At the end of the song, both Ray and Van try to free style... and, um, it doesn't quite work out. The song becomes a challenge between Ray and Van for who can say "Gimme gimme gimme" more times in the beat? Van is basically screaming it out by the end of the song. Makes me very uncomfortable.

And speaking of uncomfy...

The other strange song I've heard is an acoustic cover of "Crash" (the Dave Matthews tune) by Stevie Nicks.

Whaaaaaa--?

Yes.

Stevie Nicks trying her hardest to get through a song about a peeping tom (at least that's how I've always interpreted it)... She skips the parts about hiking up your skirt. And pretty much everything except "I see the wave coming, crash into me." It's like she heard the song... didn't really get it and tried to sing it as a karaoke tune.

Didn't quite work out.

What are some bizarre covers you've heard?

New Jersey: The Promised Land--The Weather

2009-11-29T21:08:00.005-05:00

One thing about New Jersey, we have weather.

I mean, everywhere has weather... but here in New Jersey we have the weather you're expecting. Despite global warming, we get ALL FOUR SEASONS. It's cool and wet in the fall, cold and sometimes snowy in the winter, warmer in the spring, and hot in the summer. We have the Jersey Shore, where you can sunbathe and swim in the summer. We have Vernon, where you can ski in the winter.

Compare that to say, I don't know.... Michigan (#22).

I've been to Michigan. I've been to Michigan in the winter, I've been there in the spring, and I've been there in the summer. My dad used to live in Mt. Pleasant.

And Michigan doesn't have seasons. They have cold. They have gray clouds. The sun only makes guest appearances. I'm serious. I was in high school and we'd show up. And from 8 in the morning, until 7 in the evening, all you'd see are clouds. And then at 7, just as it was supposed to set... the sun would pop out and say hello. The sun was a tease.

Also, in NJ, we respect our weather. If it's cold, you'll see people bundled up in heavy jackets. Scarves. Gloves and hats. You know, doing what normal people do.

People in Michigan don't do they. When it's cold, they wear shorts! Some might say that's braving the elements.

I don't... I just say that's a quick way to frostbite.

Thank you, New Jersey, for bringing sanity to our seasons. If I lived in Michigan... I'd be a crazy person. Seasons would be a rumor to me.

Yep, I've been gone a while

2009-11-16T16:45:00.003-05:00

This blog has been dormant for about 2 weeks, I think. It's been a very busy couple of weeks.

So what have I been doing?

Writing, revising, planning.

I just finished a short story I hope to publish in the next few weeks.

I'm still revising my third novel. It's getting there. Still very excited about it.

And I'm working on my fourth.

But, you can always catch me on Do Some Damage on Thursdays if you need a Dave White blog fix.

Why I Love Baseball

2009-11-05T09:51:00.006-05:00

When Matsui hit the two run single in the 3rd to put the Yankees up 4-1, I knew it was over. I wouldn't say it, didn't want to jinx it, but the game just had that feel.

Inevitable.

And as the series drew closer and closer to the end, the restaurant I was in getting louder and louder, I started to think about how much I love baseball, in good Yankees seasons and bad.

The baseball playoffs, to me, are like a great noir thriller. Each series is a slow burn that builds over nine innings and then (with 2 off days) nine days. Each move is dissected, talked about, twisted. Each pitch, each moment builds on the last until you're so exhausted you don't even want to watch anymore. The games go on forever, killing your nerves and your ability to sleep. By the end of October (or early November) you've got dark circles under your eyes and are either ecstatic or depressed.

People talk about the game being too slow, but that's part of what makes it great. It's the perfect game to talk about. You can guess what's going to happen next. You can play each scenario out in your mind, picture a double off the wall or a strike out on a slider in the dirt. Or even worse, the dreaded double play.

There are heroes (for me Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera over the years) and villains (David Ortiz, Vlad Guerrero, Cliff Lee... midges) and morally conflicted players (A Rod... love him or hate him?). I'm even catching some flak this morning, because I'm superstitious... I picked against the Yankees each round, in old reverse jinx fashion. I couldn't admit it then, and no one believes me now.

And the best thing about baseball? It's perpetual.

Last night, the ball had barely smacked Teixiera's glove, we had barely high fived, when the conversation switched to next year. The GM meetings are on Monday.

How would the Red Sox respond? They clearly had an off year. Were they already calling Toronto to get Halladay?

The Mets had many questions marks. Would they try and sign Holliday and Lackey? They would be better if they did.

And yes, we even talked about the Yankees. Could they let Matsui walk? Would they bring back Damon or try and go out to get another starter?

You can't do that with any other sport. You can't break down football this way. There isn't a hot stove football season and the games are once a week. College basketball is my other favorite sport, but it can only last so long and only interest so many people. Only die hards care about recruiting.

But baseball. In the Northeast, you can talk about baseball to anyone. You can discuss the weakness in a bullpen for hours and few people will look at you funny. You can trash a manager, celebrate a player, hate a team, love a team, and complain about payroll for hours.

From April to October, I become a sports talk radio junkie. I can't turn it off. I listen to all the idiot callers saying that trading Melky Cabrera for Roy Halladay is a fair deal. That Girardi should have pitched Chad Gaudin in Game 5. That Mariano Rivera should pitch 3 innings in Game 6.

I know this post can seem obnoxious. The Yankees just won. The Yankees always win. The Yankees and recently the Red Sox are the national villains. Everyone hates them. And what makes something great? Great villains.

I could have written this post last year. I could have written this post any year over the last 8, when the Yankees blew it.

The pain is fun. The joy is even better.

I can't wait until the rumor mill starts up again.

Go Yankees, 2009 World Champions.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men's Basketball 2009-2010 season

2009-11-03T16:36:00.002-05:00

I know it's still baseball season (on November 3rd!?) and I should be focusing on my Yankees, but my college hoops tickets just came in. And since it's about a week and a half away, it's time for me to do my annual predictions. Lemme know what you think in the comments!

This team is still young, with only one senior, and has brought in six new faces including two juniors (one a transfer and one a JUCO) and four freshman. While the talent and depth of this team is better than it's been in years, it's going to take a while to gel, I think. While I expect sophomore studs Mike Rosario and Greg Echinique to be solid... and maybe even more than solid, this team is going to rise and fall on the back of JUCO PG James Beatty. Can he make the engine go? Let's see? Hill's head is on the chopping block here, so it's an interesting season...

Game by game prediction:

RUTGERS vs. Marist: Last year RU won by only 1 point in the season debut. I expect a better showing here as RU debuts a fast break. The last time RU excelled at the fast break George Bush was in office. The first one. 1-0 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Drexel Legends Classic-Rosario has a big game with 20 points, but Echinique finally sees the ball in the right places and has a double double. 2-0 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Vermont-This team is still young and is trying to gel. They slip up here in a tight one. Fans leave the game and search the parking lot for torches to light. 2-1 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS at Massachusetts-RU rebounds with a solid, if not spectacular... and also closer than necessary win down in the Atlantic City Tourney. 3-1 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS at Florida/Michigan State-RU is still feeling the momentum of the win the day before and is able to hang with these two tough teams for three quarters of the game. Late turnovers get them and they lose by double digits... No matter which team they play. 3-2 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Princeton-You hate to play Princeton and your D has to be tough on those back door cuts. RU plays a lot of zone in this one, Princeton misses it's share of 3s. Our front court pounds them. 4-2 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Colgate-RU beats the Red Raiders in a strong effort as everything clicks. Is this team starting to come together? 5-2 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Monmouth-Maybe it is. Another solid showing. Fans start to get excited. 6-2 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Rider-With the excitement in the building, RU lays an egg as Rosario has an off shooting night and our Big men are in foul trouble. Rider wins and are better than most expect. 6-3 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. NJIT-Fans wait outside with pitchforks and expect to riot. But RU does what it's supposed to beats up a bad team. 7-3 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. St. Peter's-Not even close. The Jersey City team makes the bus trip... hits a few threes early, but the team looks like it's clicking again. 8-3 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS at North Carolina-RU hangs tough again with NC, as UNC is really young. But being on the road hurts. Reminds fans of the Waters second year, in a game they should have won. 8-4 (0-0 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Cincinnati-Lance Stephenson is cleared to play and excited to come to the area. He lights up RU for 28 pts. RU hangs in there as Rosario and Ech are starting to feel there oats. Beatty looks solid, but RU falls in the last two minutes. 8-5 (0-1 BE)

RUTGERS at West Virginia-This game isn't even close. WVU uses their athelticism to dominate RU. 8-6 (0-2 BE)

RUTGERS at Providence-Would love to call this a win, and RU makes a late rally. They never win at the DD center, however. 8-7 (0-3 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Syracuse-RU has this one circled on the calender. Hangs tough, takes a double digit lead. But turnovers hurt the team again. 8-8 (0-4 BE)

RUTGERS at USF-RU goes down to USF to get their first BE win. The guards are hot and win by six. 9-8 (1-4 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Villanova-The final four contender runs RU out of the building as they beat RU at it's own game. The first high scoring affair in a while. Very fun game to watch. 9-9 (1-5 BE)

RUTGERS at Georgetown-A tough defensive battle, but G'Town hangs on. RU falls under .500 for the first time. 9-10 (1-6 BE)

RUTGERS at Marquette-RU loses in the final seconds on free throws, but something seems to click with the team. Beatty and Ech both have double doubles. 9-11 (1-7 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Notre Dame-Whatever clicked in the 'Quette game grows a bit and RU shuts down Harangody for a tough, solid win. 10-11 (2-7 BE)

RUTGERS vs. St. John's-Momentum carries over and RU out runs a team that wants to muck it up and play a plodding game. 11-11 (3-7 BE)

RUTGERS at Louisville-RU can't keep the momentum going and is run out of the building. 11-12 (3-8 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Caldwell-Double digit win against a AA team. 12-12 (3-8 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Georgetown-RU gets some revenge... the front court plays solid D and RU wins in the final seconds. Is there hope? 13-12 (4-8 BE)

RUTGERS at DePaul-RU wins convincingly against a bad team and looks like they're turning a corner. 14-12 (5-8 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Connecticut-Rosario comes out to play and goes off for 30, but UConn is too strong as they are coming together at the right time. 14-13 (5-9 BE)

RUTGERS at Seton Hall-Seton Hall is good this year. I hate it as I'm there and angry. 14-14 (5-10 BE)

RUTGERS vs. DePaul-RU breaks out for another win. 15-14 (6-10 BE)

RUTGERS vs. Seton Hall-Seton Hall and RU wage a tough battle, but SHU is playing for an NCAA bid and wins in the final minute. 15-15 (6-11 BE)

RUTGERS at Pittsburgh-RU gives Pitt a scare, but it's not enough 15-16 (6-12 BE)

Is this enough to keep Hill's job? I'm really not sure... but each game in the BE at the RAC is close and could have gone either way. Fans are confused, and most are angry and are calling for Hill's head.

An Honor to Be Nominated

2009-11-02T16:20:00.001-05:00

I don't know if people know this--I didn't until last year--but when you're nominated for an award and don't win, you still get some swag. It's a cool little certificate to remember your nomination.

When I was just getting into reading crime fiction, specifically PI stuff, it was always cool to see "SHAMUS NOMINATED AUTHOR" on the front covers. And I was even happier when it was plastered on to a book I loved. It made me feel like I had good taste.

I would be lying if I didn't imagine the same thing plastered on the covers of my books one day.

I've published two books, and both were nominated for Shamuses. I missed B'Con this year so I wasn't able to get to the Awards dinner. Even though I didn't win, getting the second certificate in the mail today was such a huge buzz. Part of my dreams had come true.

Thank you so much, PWA.

Went to See Pearl Jam in Philly on Wednesday.

2009-10-30T13:15:00.004-05:00

Here are some You Tube highlights:

From the CBS TV Show MEDIUM

2009-10-18T21:09:00.005-05:00

Check out the top right corner of the picture...

This is one of those cool things that come out of left field and put a smile on your face for the rest of the day. To whomever chose this bookstore as the right setting, thank you. To whatever bookstore this is, thank you for putting up the poster!

And if it's a set... that's even cooler.

I'm going to have to check out MEDIUM soon. I've heard some great things about it. And it sounds like a cool premise.

Anyone have care to give me a show review?

Check me out!

2009-10-15T15:23:00.003-05:00

Okay, I've been lazy on this blog. Busy with work, busy with writing, busy with life.

But I am still blogging over at Do Some Damage. You can check out why I think boys don't like to read.

And this is also fun.

Some New Things

2009-10-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

Want to know what's going on in the crime blogs? Check my post on Do Some Damage!

Also, this is always fun!

FLASHFORWARD--Review and Spoilers

2009-09-26T10:26:00.004-05:00

Based on a book by Robert J. Sawyer, the TV show features a great concept. What if everyone in the world blacked out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and got a glimpse of their lives 6 months in the future?

ABC is trying to find their new LOST, and they may have. They find several interesting characters--FBI agents, doctors, babysitters, children and put out a pilot that is extremely compelling.

The flash forwards make for interesting mysteries. Why is a woman having a sonogram at 10 in the evening, for one? If a character saw nothing in the future, is he dead?

And what exactly is the FBI agent discovering, that leads a series of men to hunt him down and attempt to kill him?

(I can guess at the last one, mostly because I read the synopsis of the book... Wonder how close the series will stay? In the book, people flash forward 21 years instead of 6 months... My guess is "loosely.")

And in true LOST fashion, it has a great twist at the end of the episode--(I was wondering how cameras would play in... Would they black out too? Would they show what happened?)

There are a few drawbacks that I'll chalk up to being part of the pilot, but could detract from future episodes.

Some of the dialogue is really on the nose--mostly coming from the agents and the doctors as they try to explain some of what's going on, even though it's not necessary to the plot. It was distracting.

Also, in an effort to keep mysteries going, characters (much as they do in LOST) don't say anything about what happened to them? If they spoke up, it'd probably solve a lot of problems.

The one scene that really bothered me involved sharing their own flash forwards. The woman asks her husband to tell her about his. He does and when she asks about hers--DUH! Like he wouldn't--she refuses. For being a medical doctor, she's pretty dumb at that point.

But I give the pilot thumbs up and look forward (HA) to seeing what the series has in store.

The Motivator

2009-09-24T11:05:00.002-05:00

Sorry things have been so quiet here lately. Things are busy and something has to go by the wayside. I'll get back to consistent blogging as soon as I can, but until then, check out my latest DSD post. It's a shout out to everyone who thinks they have a book in there but are too tired or don't have time... or what not.

Check it out.

Do Some Damage

REVIEW: Pearl Jam Backspacer

2009-09-20T09:43:00.003-05:00

Bands change.

The Beatles went pop rock to psychedelic to just rock.

Radiohead went Brit rock to electronica to a strange combination of both.

U2 went from hard rock to techno to pop.

Pearl Jam is one of the bands that has changed over the years as well, though that change is more subtle, and, I feel, misunderstood.

With TEN, Pearl Jam was an aggressive rock band. You all know the anthems. The first three albums were like that, then the band started to move away from the hits. They didn't want to top the charts, but wanted to become a more complete band. The election of George W. Bush also pushed the band toward angry punk songs calling out the government.

The albums were solid, but angry.

Now they're back with their tightest album yet. Checking in at just over 35 minutes, this one moves. Not only that, but Pearl Jam has moved toward... pop music?

Well, not quite, but it's close.

The first half of the album is still guitar driven with "Got Some" and their most radio friendly single "The Fixer" being the highlights. "The Fixer" is a song that'll get stuck in your head for days. I've been listening to it since it was released and haven't gotten sick of it yet. Both songs are also extremely optimistic, something that's been rare for the band over the years.

The studio version of "Got Some" is much better than the rendition seen on THE TONIGHT SHOW.

Don't get me wrong, the band can still rock out, punk style. "Supersonic" is pure punk goodness.

The second half of the album is a series of ballads with sweeping hooks and long guitar solos. The songs also feel radio friendly with some studio elements added in, making the songs feel thick and deep. The highlights are "Speed of Sound" and "The End," where Eddie Vedder singing over an orchestra. Also "Just Breathe" is a fantastic love song, one I can imagine Vedder will sing solo, just he and his guitar.

The album is Pearl Jam's strongest in years. It finally feels as if the band has climbed out of the the doldrums writing politically, and become hopeful. Everything on this song is catchy.

Well done, Pearl Jam. You've grown. You've changed. And, it seems, it's for the better.

How Do You Read?

2009-09-10T20:07:00.004-05:00

One of the things that seems to have come out of the LEVEL 26 promotion is the idea that the novel is going to change the way you read. You see, in the LEVEL 26 novel, you can to stop every 20 pages or so to watch a video that will enhance the novel. The videos run 2-3 minutes apparently... and then you can continue on with the novel.

Of course, if you read the novel straight through, it's apparently supposed to make sense as well.

This got me thinking about the way I read. Interestingly, I read a lot like I write. When I'm just starting out, I often read slowly. Five to ten pages here... another fifteen two days later. It takes me a while to get into most books. (Of course, the books I love the most are ones I end up blowing through in two days, but this is rare.)

And usually, once I hit a certain point, I rush through the rest of the novel in a day or two. I can't always pinpoint the tipping moment, but once it happens, THEN I can't put the book down. It's a lot like a rollercoaster... a figuarative rollercoaster motion where I tick slowly up the hill only to rush my way down. (I hate to use such a cliched analogy, but it's the one that consistently comes to mind.)

LEVEL 26 is next on my reading pile, and I wonder how the videos are going to interact with my reading style. Will I stop to watch the videos whenever I'm reading? Will I plow through the novel and then go back to the videos? I'm very curious to see. Hopefully it'll be a great novel on it's own.

That makes me curious... how do you read? Does it vary for each book?

It's coming... September 20th

2009-09-09T15:34:00.001-05:00

First Annual BLOG BOOK CLUB: ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS

2009-08-31T07:40:00.000-05:00

JT Ellison's ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS was the winner, and is now the first book to be featured on my monthly book club.

Here's how it'll work: After the jump, I've posted ten questions about the book. Answer them in the comments. Feel free to discuss spoilers. Have fun with the questions. I'll jump in when I can as well.

At the end of this week I'll post another three books for your guys to vote on.

Have fun!

1) How does Taylor Jackson’s past affect her work on this case?

2) Do the Southern Stalker’s victims (specifically Christina and Noelle) reflect aspects of Taylor’s character in anyway?

3) Does the pregnancy scare push Taylor in solving the case? Why or why not?

4) Talk about the revelation of the killer. Did you see it coming? Why or why not?

5) What are some of the relationships this book has to other serial killer novels? How does it separate itself from those other novels?

6) Does Taylor change throughout the book? If yes, how? If no, why not?

7) Why does Baldwin resign? Was it building or did it come specifically from this case?

8) Was Grimes suicide justified? Did that twist surprise you?

9) What was the most surprising plot twist in the book? Why?

10) What did you think of the book? Why?

New Jersey: The Promised Land--Pizza

2009-08-28T09:11:00.004-05:00

In New Jersey, we are known for our food. I've mentioned Taylor Ham before. But, man, we have the BEST pizza.

You can get any kind you want. You can go to a pizza place and get a slice, not too think, not too thin. A good suggestion would be Pizza Town in Elmwood Park. They do really good hot slices. Kind of like you'd get in NY, but better because it comes from New Jersey.

Or you can get a deeper dish pizza. Thick crush, good toppings, soft and crunchy at the same time. Patsy's in Paterson is known for this... it's a place that's been around forever. It's almost a Chicago style pizza, but better... Why? Because it comes from New Jersey.

And then there's my favorite... thin crust pizza. So thin it's like pizza on a cracker. It's soooo delicious. There are so many places for this... Mario's, Pete and Elda's (eat a pizza get a t-shirt), Kinchley's, and my favorite the Emerson Hotel. It doesn't compare to any pizza I've ever had, and it's clearly the best.

You can't get pizza like this anywhere else. Especially not Massachusetts (#21). I've had pizza in Mass. Let me describe it for you.

Have you ever had Ellio's frozen pizza? You know, how it's... not good? Now imagine Ellio's, but instead of having tomato sauce and a decent crust on it, it's slathered with ketchup and instead of crust you get wonder bread. And that's being complimentary. It's really gross and slimey and mushy. I couldn't even call it pizza... It's an open faced sandwich. And it's lame.

You want pizza, you got go to New Jersey... And no where else.

Movie Review: INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

2009-08-27T14:12:00.005-05:00

Quentin Tarantino is back with the story of secret Nazi killing Americans. You've all seen the preview, so we'll just get into my thoughts.

I love Tarantino movies. They are fun and usually full of character and heart. Inglorious Bastards is fun. And it has a message. I really liked it and need to see it again.

Because I really feel like I was missing something.

The movie hinges on a HUGE coincidence, which I felt was easy enough to be explained away, but as far as I can tell it never is. The coincidence was enough to take me out of the film several times.

However, everything else works about the film. It's compelling, it's shocking, and it's a lot of fun. Brad Pitt is great, as is Christoph Waltz.

And Melanie Laurent is great too, in a role that needed more meat. Her character is at the crux of the film, but is not given enough time for us to mine the character depth out of her needed to get rid of the coincidences.

Tarantino does a good job of trying to villainize the audience for enjoying the violence in the movie as well.

It just strikes me that, for this film, QT became more interested in the crafting of scenes than the crafting of an entire story. He tries as always to combine genres--war movie, western, James Bond/spy story, female revenge story--but this time forgets to tie everything together neatly.

It's a good movie. Probably the best movie I've seen this summer.

And perhaps I just blinked when the coincidences were explained. I did have an issue with my phone that needed to be taken care of. (I was the only one in the theater, so don't get on me for rudeness.)

But it doesn't match up well with Kill Bill (esp. Vol 2) or Jackie Brown, which both had depth of character.

BOOK CLUB REMINDER!!

2009-08-23T14:22:00.001-05:00

Hope you're all catching up on JT Ellison's ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS. I'm about to dig into it now, hoping that I'll be able to get the questions up next weekend.

We will discuss the books in the comments then.

Happy Reading!

The 2009 Shamus Award Nominees

2009-08-21T18:28:00.003-05:00

Congrats to all the other nominees! It is definitely an honor to be nominated! Here's the list (via Judy Bobalik):

PRIVATE EYE WRITERS OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES
2009 NOMINEES FOR SHAMUS AWARDS

The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 28th annual Shamus Awards, given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in private eye fiction. The 2009 awards cover works first published in the U.S. in 2008. The awards will be presented at the PWA banquet, to be held Friday evening Oct. 16, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention.

2009 Shamus Awards Nominees

Best Hardcover
Salvation Boulevard by Larry Beinhart (Nation Books), featuring Carl Vanderveer
Empty Ever After by Reed Farrel Coleman (Bleak House Books), featuring Moe Prager
The Blue Door by David Fulmer (Harcourt), featuring Eddie Cero
The Price of Blood by Declan Hughes (Wm. Morrow), featuring Ed Loy
The Ancient Rain by Domenic Stansberry (St. Martins Minotaur) featuring Dante Mancuso

Best First PI Novel
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer (Doubleday), featuring Riley Spartz
Swann’s Last Song by Charles Salzberg (Five Star), featuring Henry Swann
The Eye of Jade by Diane Wei Liang (Simon & Schuster), featuring Mei Wang
In the Heat by Ian Vasquez (St. Martins Minotaur), featuring Miles Young
Veil of Lies by Jeri Westerson (St Martins Minotaur), featuring Crispin Guest

Best Paperback Original
Snow Blind by Lori Armstrong (Medallion) featuring Julie Collins
Shot Girl by Karen Olson (Obsidian) featuring Annie Seymour
The Stolen by Jason Pinter (MIRA) featuring Henry Parker
The Black Hand by Will Thomas (Touchstone/Simon &Schuster) featuring Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn.
The Evil That Men Do by Dave White (Crown/Three Rivers Press) featuring Jackson Donne

Best Short Story
“Family Values” by Mitch Alderman (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, June 2008), featuring Bubba Simms
“Last Island South” by John C. Boland. (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Sep/Oct 2008), featuring Meggie Trevor
“The Blonde Tigress” by Max Allan Collins (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, June 2008), featuring Nate Heller
“Discovery” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Nov 2008), featuring Pita Cárdenas
“Panic on Portage Path” by Dick Stodghill (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Jan/Feb 2008), featuring Jack Eddy and Bram Geary.

-30-

PWA was founded in 1981 by Robert J. Randisi to recognize the private eye genre and its writers. Previous Shamus winners include Lawrence Block, Ken Bruen, Harlan Coben, Max Allan Collins, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, O’Neil deNoux, Brendan DuBois, Loren D. Estleman, Carolina Garcia-Aguilera, Sue Grafton, James W. Hall, Steve Hamilton, Jeremiah Healy, Dennis Lehane, Laura Lippman, John Lutz, Bill Pronzini, S.J. Rozan, Sandra Scoppettone and Don Winslow. P.I. Guy logo by Terry Beatty.