Creature from the Black Lagoon

Monster Movies
There's no doubt that I'm addicted to my NetFlix account. They have every movie there is and I can rent them as long as I want. When I used to go to my local movie rental store they would never have the selections I like. I just watched Creature from the Black Lagoon and loved it. I have all the old Universal monster movies coming in and I couldn't be happier. When I was a small child, I couldn't get enough of scary movies. I'd be glued to the screen watching Frankenstein then spend the night with the covers over my head, shaking in fear.

Florida
Well, I'm off the Disney with the wife and kids. This is my first time back in 12 years and they have many new attractions. This will be the first ever plane ride for my children. I can't drive for two days down and back. All I'd hear is, "Are we there yet?"

The Ruins
I just finished Lemons Never Lie and it was another great outing from Hard Case Crime. I just started The Ruins by Scott Smith and it's fantastic so far. This is being hailed as the book of the year. His last book, A Simple Plan was one of the best I have ever read.

Utica Detective

Book I'm Working on
My current project is coming along nicely with me getting close to the 10,000 word threshold. It's a detective story that takes place in Utica, NY in the winter of 1959. I picked this time because Utica was at it's peak with 110,000 citizens and plenty of manufacturing jobs for families. I also like the era because a detective had to use his wits more for technology wasn't there back in the days before profiling, computers, the internet and Ipods. When I'm finished, I'll let more out about the title and the plot. Nothing too complicated. Just a straight Noir story - man meets woman, woman plays man, man falls into trouble, people hurt and lives on new paths. I'm shooting for a McBain feel.

Once Again, Ed Wood
I used my NetFlix account to rent some bizarre movies and others I love. I'm waiting for Cannibal Holocaust that is so vile that some have called it a snuff film. Well I rented Ed Wood again and I love it! Nothing better than watching how bad sci-fi and monster movies were made. It's funny to watch a movie like Creature from the Black Lagoon that scared the crap out of me when I was a little kid. Now, as an adult, I watch the movie and its laughable. I can see the zipper down the back of the costume yet I still have a fondness for it. I highly recommend Ed Wood.

Monster House

Monster House
I took my kids to see the animated movie Monster House and it was fantastic! This will definitely be nominated for an Oscar and I bet it wins. By far the best animated movie I've seen this year. I saw Cars and it was really cool but not quite the experience of this movie. My kids laughed and shrieked a couple of times in the scary parts. The best part was I went to a matinee and there was no rude person talking behind me. Hot buttered popcorn, ice cold soda and a great movie. What more could you want?

Jester
I'm listening to the book on tape of the fantastic Jester. I can see why Patterson is a NY Times best-selling author. He's a master at ending the chapters leaving you wanting more. His writing is like being addicted to a drug that you can't get enough of. Stephen King is right when he says there's author's that are born writing savants and Patterson is one. Heads and tails above the rest of us. Bravo!

Football
Anybody that knows me, knows I love football more than any other sport. Well now I'm helping coach a group of Mighty Mites and I'm enjoying every minute of it. My son asked to play so I thought I'd help out. My hat is off to any person who coaches. You're volunteering precious free time and don't get paid for it. Seeing the joy of players makes it all worthwhile.