Cormac McCarthy

The Road
Entertainment Weekly declared it the number one book of 2006. Stephen King said it was #1 on the top ten books he read all last year. The book is by Cormac McCarthy and it's title is The Road. Well, it was a Christmas present from my wife. I finished it today. What's my opinion? It's one of the most powerful books I have ever read. Another book by Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian, is the best book I have ever read. When I read the last pages of The Road, tears welled up in my eyes. Writer's like McCarthy put people like me to shame. Savant writers like McCarthy, King, Koontz and Collins are not of this earth. I don't think people can understand just how difficult it is to write a novel, let alone one so incredible. I love reading fantastic books then I'm like the dude in Amadeus who sees Mozart and realizes he's a no talent hack. God alone gives people this kind of talent. Much like music, art, singing - all God-given talent.

Two for the Money

Max Allan Collins
I just finished reading the outstanding book Two for the Money by the legendary Max Allan Collins. Nolan is the main character. Don't ask what his first name is because he doesn't have one. Nolan is the toughest, savviest sonofabitch out there. Don't cross him because he'll get you. I love all Noir and this is another fantastic book put out by Hard Case Crime. I've yet to be dissapointed by any of these books.

Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way
I'm now reading the book by Bruce Campbell- Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way. It's a funny spoof on making movies and the entire method acting mores. No doubt that Bruce can write some very funny stuff.

Night at the Museum
I took my children to see this gem and I loved it. Wholesome family entertainment by one of my favorites - Ben Stiller.

The Devil Wears Prada
If Meryl Streep doesn't win the Oscar for this role, it a rip off. She's evil, she's ruthless, she's the boss from hell. She chews up the screen every time she's on there. Amazing friggin' performance. I put her character on the villian scale right up there with Hannibal Lecter. That's how good it is.

My Novel
Yup. I'm still writing. It's harder than ever to squeeze in the free time yet I'm compelled to do it. I get miserable if I don't get to sit down and crack some words off. Some people go to a therapist -I go to the keyboard! Try it sometime, you might love it!

Youth Writing Workshop
I'm a member of the Utica Writer's Club. We'll be conducting a youth writer's workshop at the New Hartford, NY Barnes and Noble on Saturday, January 20th at 1pm. We'll be reading poetry, teaching the kids how to write poetry, and allowing them to read their creations to the audience. Should be a lot of fun on a cold winter day.

Ghost Ride the Whip

The Urban Dictionary
I'm not a teenager and I don't hang with the homeboys so I'm clueless to the words and phrases used by kids. For instance - I didn't know what the phrase "420" meant or "Ghost Ride the Whip" and finally "resolutionary." You can find the meanings and discover new slang terms of your own at The Urban Dictionary. Just go to www.urbandictionary.com and find the answers.