Cat Scratch Fever

If you recall, earlier this month I discussed my thrilling discovery of Eric Garcia’s perplexing Anonymous Rex series. Once you’ve warmed to the “Dino Mafia” genre (a phrase I never … Continued


Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

A lot of people know the name Cleopatra, even if just because of the 1963 movie that bore her name and starred Elizabeth Taylor.  But I don’t think many people … Continued


The Music Never Stopped

Fans of rock music know the Grateful Dead. For better or worse, love them or hate them, the Grateful Dead were an important and constant force in rock music from … Continued


Reading for Writing and Loving

To get back in the habit of writing after a long hiatus, I am reading Dodie Smith’s (of The Hundred and One Dalmatians fame) classic 1948 novel, I Capture the Castle (DB … Continued


Syttende Mai

For today’s celebration of Syttende Mai (Seventeenth May), also called Nasjonaldagen (The National Day) or Grunnlovsdagen (The Constitution Day), I wanted to make you aware of a rare bit of … Continued


Sun Studio

Memphis is known as the “Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll.” One of the city’s most famous recording studios was Sam Phillips’s Sun Studio down on Union … Continued


Gardening with Kids

Gardening with kids can be fun and educational, but did you know that it’s also full of sensory benefits? Children learn about the world using their senses, and as they … Continued


Extinct? Think Again

In my opinion, all good novels have a twist. Whether it’s a case of mistaken identities, a long buried secret, or a suppressed desire threatening to disrupt a peaceful equilibrium … Continued


Mother’s Day

As May begins, the two pillars of American Hallmark holidays draw closer: Mother’s and Father’s Day. They promise luke-warm brunch for mom and a never-to-be-used power tool for dad. How … Continued


Mommie Dearest

A couple of weeks ago I checked out Mommie Dearest on DVD from the library.  I had only vague memories of it being on TV when I was young.  Something … Continued