Big Guns Okay, this is going to sound like a second grader’s excuse for not turning in homework but I swear it’s the truth. Lightening struck a tree next door and fried my computer. Honest to God. I had to take it to the Apple store and they admitted it to critical care and I should have it back in about a week. Luckily, I’d finished my book and backed it up on a thumb drive. The tech who looked at it said he didn’t think I’d lose many files, but you never can tell.

So. Still no Firefox I’m working on my laptop today and since I really don’t have too much to talk about, this will probably be a short submission.

And speaking of submissions, I have been invited to contribute a short story to an anthology edited by Charlaine Harris, Toni L. P. Kelner and Martin Greenberg. This will be my first attempt at short story writing and I may bomb. I think in terms of novel length and I’m not sure I can do it, but I like the theme—vampires and birthdays, so I’ll give it a go. Any ideas out there you’d like to share?

Mario talked about weapons in his last blog. And that got me thinking about a movie I saw this weekend—Miami Vice. I really liked it. Of course, I like big guns and blowing things up and steamy sex scenes. It was directed by Michael Mann, another favorite of mine. He makes Florida look attractive and anyone who has ever spent anytime there knows it’s pretty much not!

Speaking of Michael Mann, he made the very best Hannibal Lector movie of all, the 1986 release, MANHUNTER. It starred a very young William Peterson as Will Graham and Brian Cox as Hannibal Lector in an adaptation of Thomas Harris’ RED DRAGON. Much better than the later version. In fact, I think Anthony Hopkins based his interpretation of the Hannibal Lector role on Brian Cox’s. Just the right amount of creepy genius. And Tom Noonan, the Tooth Fairy, is the freakiest villain you never hope to meet. So if you haven’t seen it, and you like the psychological thriller stuff, you’ll like this one.

Is anyone watching King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes? If you are, care to explain last week's episodes? I didn't get either one! Did the writer get kidnapped by the crazy guy in the painting and now has to ride the highway with him forever? Did the con's wife get away with the treasure? Will he ever get out to enjoy it with her? EEEEK! I like tidier wrap ups.

Okay, I suppose that’s enough rambling for one day. I should have my MAC back next week and maybe even Firefox up and running. I’d better not promise, though. The last time I did that, I drew the wrath of the gods…  ¶ posted by Jeanne Stein @ 2:38 PM