tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78368185583624339962024-02-08T02:40:41.646-05:00From Cop to Mom & the Words in BetweenKathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-50275650219866391612015-12-31T20:48:00.000-05:002015-12-31T20:48:07.861-05:00Farewell, Women of Mystery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN_JKXYA-dnz5sPjK0QpJc9RqHFye-az5CEsRp-fqechWaE6GyIp2urtm3sEqZRQB8GYF0AXUGofhHI38xbETs6f6vpp2LzEg6L61Yv4gPwueoWQU8wEwTuYV9EzJC_8a02G6HgmKtQ/s1600/jpg_pancilhand-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN_JKXYA-dnz5sPjK0QpJc9RqHFye-az5CEsRp-fqechWaE6GyIp2urtm3sEqZRQB8GYF0AXUGofhHI38xbETs6f6vpp2LzEg6L61Yv4gPwueoWQU8wEwTuYV9EzJC_8a02G6HgmKtQ/s200/jpg_pancilhand-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I've been blogging at <a href="http://www.womenofmystery.net/2015/12/31/closing-the-door/" target="_blank">Women of Mystery</a> for more than six years now, but the time has come for the blog to come to an end. It was a wonderful experience to work with fellow Sisters in Crime ~ such talented writers. I will miss the blog, but it means I will be able to focus on my own blog and concentrate on my writing. I would certainly be open to joining another group blog, so if any mystery/crime fiction group blogs are looking for another blogger, give me a shout-out.<br />
<br />
The eight years of blogs from Women of Mystery will remain available online. I'm grateful for the experience, and especially thankful for the assistance rendered by <a href="https://twitter.com/laurakcurtis" target="_blank">Laura K. Curtis</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Clare2e" target="_blank">Clare Toohey</a> when I first joined in 2009.<br />
<br />
I will also miss our regular visitors and blog pals. Hopefully, they will Google the various Women of Mystery to continue to follow some of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3_UuBtCcNVDU1y8yDC25KyZrfnYYjyJbAjyJpNnj9_0HEgCeFNNugc99YS-uyKUH1qGSIi6E9lFxvIIBRNTLCF9ocD0_yM5NoA4p5TqWuua02yy8A29s-tvKFQQIZiD3kWNNdu41bg/s1600/Crooked+Holster-+Ritual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3_UuBtCcNVDU1y8yDC25KyZrfnYYjyJbAjyJpNnj9_0HEgCeFNNugc99YS-uyKUH1qGSIi6E9lFxvIIBRNTLCF9ocD0_yM5NoA4p5TqWuua02yy8A29s-tvKFQQIZiD3kWNNdu41bg/s320/Crooked+Holster-+Ritual.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have some happy news to share: On December 13, 2015, an anthology named <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crooked-Holster-Anthology-Fiction-Volume/dp/1519267614" target="_blank"><i>Crooked Holster: Ritual, </i>edited by Sandra Kohls and Jo Young</a>, was published in the UK (although it's available in the U.S. Amazon as well), and my story, "A Spontaneous Decision" is among the crime fiction stories included. Crime Fiction author Louise Welsh has written the foreword.<br />
<br />
I'm currently the President of Long Island Sisters in Crime. We meet monthly at 66 Austin Blvd., Commack, at 12:30 p.m. Established and Emerging writers interested in mystery, thriller, crime fiction and related genres are welcome to join our group. Although the name of the group is Sisters in Crime, we certainly welcome Misters and Brothers! You can attend a few meetings to see if this is the group for you. If so, dues are to be paid at the <a href="http://www.sistersincrime.org/" target="_blank">National Sisters in Crime </a>and the <a href="https://longislandsinc.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">local chapter as well</a>.<br />
<br />
Long Island Sisters in Crime can be found on Twitter as <a href="https://twitter.com/LI_SinC" target="_blank">@LI_SinC</a> and on <a href="http://facebook./">Facebook.</a> <br />
<br />
You can find me on Twitter and Instagram under <a href="https://twitter.com/katcop13" target="_blank">katcop13</a>. I'm on Facebook as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.ryan1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Kathleen Gernert Ryan. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7836818558362433996%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RqmrLiOib8E%2FVoW9CUuoZXI%2FAAAAAAAABb4%2F0ahUJFH0N9s%2Fs320%2FCrooked%252BHolster-%252BRitual.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=syWf4EvWqCGF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7836818558362433996%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RqmrLiOib8E%2FVoW9CUuoZXI%2FAAAAAAAABb4%2F0ahUJFH0N9s%2Fs320%2FCrooked%252BHolster-%252BRitual.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=syWf4EvWqCGF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF8X-OSKj0ubbZukmNYRugIcXnJV5Pc0nsMI73dinlYlfD1YxazlR00nvMEDvD3OwH-mZmtO86TBTiR2ziasIH0DaHYW6Hd-ddlnSile6ZjYIk444p3k0-yv6h0fOKjaJxO5lCt_isQ/s1600/Crooked+Holster-+Ritual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF8X-OSKj0ubbZukmNYRugIcXnJV5Pc0nsMI73dinlYlfD1YxazlR00nvMEDvD3OwH-mZmtO86TBTiR2ziasIH0DaHYW6Hd-ddlnSile6ZjYIk444p3k0-yv6h0fOKjaJxO5lCt_isQ/s200/Crooked+Holster-+Ritual.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7836818558362433996%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RqmrLiOib8E%2FVoW9CUuoZXI%2FAAAAAAAABb4%2F0ahUJFH0N9s%2Fs320%2FCrooked%252BHolster-%252BRitual.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=syWf4EvWqCGF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7836818558362433996%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RqmrLiOib8E%2FVoW9CUuoZXI%2FAAAAAAAABb4%2F0ahUJFH0N9s%2Fs320%2FCrooked%252BHolster-%252BRitual.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=syWf4EvWqCGF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7836818558362433996%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RqmrLiOib8E%2FVoW9CUuoZXI%2FAAAAAAAABb4%2F0ahUJFH0N9s%2Fs320%2FCrooked%252BHolster-%252BRitual.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=syWf4EvWqCGF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7836818558362433996%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RqmrLiOib8E%2FVoW9CUuoZXI%2FAAAAAAAABb4%2F0ahUJFH0N9s%2Fs320%2FCrooked%252BHolster-%252BRitual.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=syWf4EvWqCGF&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 253px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 306px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-57518058835589308662014-04-29T03:19:00.001-04:002014-04-29T10:35:40.574-04:00National Poetry Month: 30 Days of The 5-2 (2014)<a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5-2 Tour Badge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAMc2hP9SpT9tH4ZrRJ4VMLNY2_jabDAvycCvit26a3AxTji4Ic-mQE5XRUFX9NbEvjKhd7QGlqw_SWajnXcbEphkz7eJ8-5Gjjc16Z-xbmW1L8HFA3QoKjCqy9EPujdhgV49YA5XFtW9/s1600/30Days52-2014-128lt.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>April is <a href="http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41" target="_blank">National Poetry Month</a>, and today is Day 29 in the "30 Days of The 5-2" blog tour. Check out the <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2013/12/30-days-of-5-2-2014.html" target="_blank">list of the tour</a> to visit other posts celebrating The 5-2. The Editor of The 5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly is <a href="https://twitter.com/g_so" target="_blank">Gerald So</a>, who was interviewed recently by Matt Forrest Esenwine at <a href="https://mattforrest.wordpress.com/2014/04/23/national-poetry-month-catching-up-with-crime-poetry-editor-gerald-so/" target="_blank">Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. </a><br />
<br />
All April revenue from <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/p/books.html" target="_blank">5-2 and Lineup poetry anthology books</a> and merchandise is donated to the nonprofit Academy of American Poets, supporting poets at all stages of their careers and fostering the appreciation of contemporary poetry.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM4eRKs9lXwhPhVfmKnJ1qbDh6Sr8UDxMIsH9MZj6qk7vLKXzUMKe5lic7qvICfbpWxFbujVPQZWuj1aMe9Q6BCWueDBGdGctMjV3fLbAyF6hg5d9G5MGD2mfxNEZgTn_nc0ehFUIIw/s1600/jpg_BPA0176-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM4eRKs9lXwhPhVfmKnJ1qbDh6Sr8UDxMIsH9MZj6qk7vLKXzUMKe5lic7qvICfbpWxFbujVPQZWuj1aMe9Q6BCWueDBGdGctMjV3fLbAyF6hg5d9G5MGD2mfxNEZgTn_nc0ehFUIIw/s1600/jpg_BPA0176-2.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a>I'd like to suggest a poem by <a href="http://www.versedaily.org/2011/aboutlindalerner.shtml" target="_blank">Linda Lerner</a>, entitled, "Fear As Loud As A Mugging," that appeared on The 5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly on April 14, 2014. For a real treat, listen to <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2014/04/linda-lerner.html" target="_blank">Linda recite her poem as you read along</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/@CrimeVictimsOrg" target="_blank">The National Center for Victims of Crime</a> offers "<a href="http://victimsofcrime.org/help-for-crime-victims" target="_blank">Help for Crime Victims</a>."<br />
<br />
From The 5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly, <a href="http://poets.nyq.org/poet/lindalerner" target="_blank">Linda Lerner</a>'s bio:<br />
<br />
<i>LINDA LERNER's Takes Guts & Years Sometimes was published by NYQ books, 2011. She previously published thirteen collections of poetry. Forthcoming: a chapbook of poems inspired by nursery rhymes illustrated by Donna Kerness (Lummox Press). Yes, the Ducks Were Real will by published by NYQ books in 2015.</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Follow The 5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/PoemsOnCrime" target="_blank">@PoemsOnCrime</a>.<br />
<br />
To submit to The 5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly or find out more about guest opportunities, visit <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/p/guidelines.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
One of Ray Bradbury's "<b>12 Pieces of Advice for Young Writers," </b>which he calls "writing hygiene,<b>"</b> includes: "...create a course of bedtime reading, that includes: one short story, <b>one poem</b>, and one essay...". WritingClasses.com offers a "<a href="http://www.writingclasses.com/WritersResources/resources.php/ClassGenreCode/PY" target="_blank">Poetry Writing Resource List</a>." Be sure to check out <i>Poets & Writers' </i>"T<a href="http://www.pw.org/toolsforwriters" target="_blank">ools for Writers</a>."<br />
<br />
Ever wonder what the Poet Laureate of the U.S. does? Stop by the <a href="http://www.loc.gov/poetry/laureate.html" target="_blank">Library of Congress site</a> to find out!<br />
<br />
Thanks to Gerald So for inviting me to participate in #30OfThe52.<br />
<br />
<i>Follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/katcop13" target="_blank">@katcop13</a>. </i>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-12360510680247228392013-10-19T01:00:00.000-04:002013-10-19T01:00:05.421-04:00Marilyn Meredith: The Importance of Weather in Writing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1EPM_HWQJvYuO9chjdHmI_BDxD5VRkNM_FUuDH6Khb0FPOGtx1CNX6vIuQpOGYtKbUEnxJXgJdq6UraniZOP-xTGDbIxUh8XFjCkg-9cp2lWGeQ_LrzkRQO1-FNNBCKi73H-SJaxZw/s1600/Me+and+Indian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1EPM_HWQJvYuO9chjdHmI_BDxD5VRkNM_FUuDH6Khb0FPOGtx1CNX6vIuQpOGYtKbUEnxJXgJdq6UraniZOP-xTGDbIxUh8XFjCkg-9cp2lWGeQ_LrzkRQO1-FNNBCKi73H-SJaxZw/s200/Me+and+Indian.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I am thrilled to welcome the talented, prolific mystery author, Marilyn Meredith, to discuss the importance of weather in writing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Marilyn is the author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series. She borrows a lot from where she lives in the Southern Sierra for the town of Bear Creek and the surrounding area, including the nearby Tule River Indian Reservation. She does like to remind everyone that she is writing fiction. Marilyn is a member of <a href="http://epicorg.com/" target="_blank">EPIC</a>, three chapters of <a href="http://www.sistersincrime.org/" target="_blank">Sisters in Crime</a>, <a href="http://mysterywriters.org/" target="_blank">Mystery Writers of America</a>, and on the board of the <a href="http://policewriter.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Public Safety Writers of America</a>. Visit her at </span><a href="http://fictionforyou.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #063ff4; letter-spacing: 0px;">http://fictionforyou.com</span></a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and follow her blog at </span></span><a href="http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/">http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">In Marilyn's latest novel, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Spirit Shapes, </i>gh</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">ost hunters stumble upon a murdered teen in a haunted house. Deputy Tempe Crabtree's investigation pulls her into a whirlwind of restless spirits, good and evil, intertwined with the past and the present, and demons and angels at war. <b><i>Spirit Shapes</i></b> is <a href="http://mundania.com/book.php?title=Spirit+Shapes" target="_blank">available directly from the publisher in all formats</a>, and also on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?ie=UTF8&field-author=Marilyn+Meredith&search-alias=books&text=Marilyn+Meredith&sort=relevancerank" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Importance of Weather in Your Writing</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Marilyn Meredith</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQQBkxf-7iaUKMmFDNXMhKwaoQETOpIoLUyhgIYLTgegwmmTrAyPbOG9wgKpZ0ReP42HibeO8uWKniz3jC0-BeSf3m9ba9d5e86mpRyg55HgMW-_zTvGB_COb1_ZsEYZ6_RvEQkKFuQ/s1600/Spirit+Shapes+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQQBkxf-7iaUKMmFDNXMhKwaoQETOpIoLUyhgIYLTgegwmmTrAyPbOG9wgKpZ0ReP42HibeO8uWKniz3jC0-BeSf3m9ba9d5e86mpRyg55HgMW-_zTvGB_COb1_ZsEYZ6_RvEQkKFuQ/s320/Spirit+Shapes+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Weather can play a big part in any mystery. At times it can be as important as a character.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my previous Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, <b><i>Raging Water</i></b>, too much rain creates havoc in the small town of Bear Creek, eventually cutting them off from the rest of the world.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog is a major player in <b><i>Spirit Shapes</i></b>.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog swirls around the deserted Wilkinson House adding to its haunted mystic.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog adds to the gloomy atmosphere.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog cuts down on visibility making the reader and the characters what it might be hiding.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog gives everything a gray, colorless appearance.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog makes the air damp.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fog causes the temperature to drop—as does the presence of ghosts and evil spirits.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That gives you a taste of what one kind of weather can do and does in <b><i>Spirit Shapes</i></b>.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For all you writers out there, think about how weather can enhance your stories. And readers, pay attention to how the author of the books and stories you read use weather to add to the atmosphere and suspense.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***</span></span></div>
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Marilyn is offering a terrific contest for a lucky commenter: </b>The person who comments on the most blogs on her <a href="http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/2013/09/blog-tour-for-spirit-shapes.html" target="_blank">blog tour</a> will have the opportunity to have a character named after him or her in the next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.</span></span><br />
<div style="min-height: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #063ff4;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Tomorrow, Marilyn will be visiting author J.R. Lindermuth's blog: <a href="http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #021d80; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #063ff4;">
<span style="color: #021d80; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #063ff4;">
<span style="color: #021d80; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks, Marilyn, for visiting <i>From Cop to Mom & the Words in Between</i> as part of your blog tour, and for sharing your words of wisdom on the importance of weather in writing.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #021d80; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-34900490751786963012013-10-08T19:10:00.000-04:002013-10-09T01:16:28.560-04:00"Baby Hope" Case DevelopmentThe <i>New York Times</i> has revealed that police have identified the mother of 'Baby Hope,' the name given to the corpse of a young girl stuffed in an iridescent blue cooler in a wooded area near the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/21/nyregion/no-name-few-clues-the-case-of-baby-hope.html?src=pm" target="_blank">Dyckman Street exit off the Henry Hudson Parkway in Washington Heights on July 23, 1991</a>. The young victim appeared to be between three and five years of age, malnourished, and subsequent tests showed she had been sexually abused.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPPptlnm3FwGlMtJdpLf9JR94wQ6Kc79k09pyW84kDsPXu1M8-7Phz2lLVNZ97sdkQooR5pK807CNaqg_m36e6cTu8YoN48rfghbt81UPNRC1w9wMcTDssYP9SCIAGLZ5Fj5k5tA-9Q/s1600/gif_Mystery.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPPptlnm3FwGlMtJdpLf9JR94wQ6Kc79k09pyW84kDsPXu1M8-7Phz2lLVNZ97sdkQooR5pK807CNaqg_m36e6cTu8YoN48rfghbt81UPNRC1w9wMcTDssYP9SCIAGLZ5Fj5k5tA-9Q/s1600/gif_Mystery.gif" /></a></div>
For more than two decades, her identity has remained a mystery. No one ever came forward to report this young girl missing. In 2011, the medical examiner's office completed a DNA profile of the victim after<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/09/nyregion/medical-examiner-opens-old-cases-and-graves-to-identify-dead.html?pagewanted=1" target="_blank"> exhuming her remains</a> from St. Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx. Unfortunately, no matches were made when tested against a database of convicted felons or active missing persons cases.<br />
<br />
As a retired police officer who worked in the Crime Stoppers unit for 13 years and a current volunteer who serves on the Board of Directors of Crime Stoppers of Suffolk County, Inc. (which I joined two days after my retirement in 2007), I have something to say (okay, a rant) about the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/08/nyregion/mother-of-baby-hope-is-identified-police-say.html" target="_blank">information revealed in this article</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5pzdB47xurnTkQkkxxVM_Ap0KuFdwJP3BnEQ_NuBVUFQqOxeiMC2eGxRa42i33I5AdiSI0vzuPp0zF0DMa9MsUVfJtEHQ1GJCmHrzuql9pcNz8h97JiNLwfBdfc3gKe0x09np1blig/s1600/17652.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5pzdB47xurnTkQkkxxVM_Ap0KuFdwJP3BnEQ_NuBVUFQqOxeiMC2eGxRa42i33I5AdiSI0vzuPp0zF0DMa9MsUVfJtEHQ1GJCmHrzuql9pcNz8h97JiNLwfBdfc3gKe0x09np1blig/s1600/17652.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First, however, some information I'd like to share:<br />
<br />
It is common practice in Crime Stoppers to profile an unsolved case on or near an anniversary date. There are several reasons for this; among them:<br />
<br />
1)The news media refrains from airing/printing 'old news.' However, if a request by Crime Stoppers and the police emerges on/near an anniversary date, it justifies a valid reason to report, once again, on certain unsolved cases. Whether it's print, radio, TV, internet, the reporter/journalist/news broadcaster can say, "It's been X years since..." and include visuals that have been previously issued to the public, or in some cases, release a 'new' visual if one is available, and of course alert the public to the existence of the Crime Stoppers Tips Line.<br />
<br />
2) Over time, relationships shift ~ and it's to law enforcement's benefit. Someone in possession of information who was once reluctant or afraid to come forward may now find him or herself in a different situation; it may be due to separation, death, divorce, health reasons, incarceration, a woman (or man) scorned, revenge, guilt ~ any number of reasons that a person with information may NOW feel secure ~ <i>in some cases compelled</i> ~ to reveal what they know. This is why it is vital for Crime Stoppers to periodically issue a plea for information, especially on an anniversary date.<br />
<br />
3) When the plea is issued on/near the anniversary date, there's a chance that people who frequent that area during that time of year might see or hear the story, realize they can call (and now text or email) <b>anonymously</b>, and possibly be eligible for a cash reward, if they contact Crime Stoppers. For example, if a crime was committed the day before, after, or on a holiday ~ let's say Thanksgiving ~ if it's a habit to 'return home' to be with loved ones, the advertising of the crime might catch the attention of the 'right' people. Also, it may jar some people into realizing that the information they've held on to for so long is more significant than they realize ~ or they may even have mistakenly assumed the case was solved, and their information is unnecessary.<br />
<br />
My years of experience in Crime Stoppers taught me this: If the 'right' person (meaning someone with information vital to an investigation) with a 'good conscience' (one who is willing to 'do the right thing') comes across the plea in whatever medium (a poster, article, blog, radio or TV news report, word-of-mouth, etc.), and becomes aware of the number to call/text/email <b>anonymously</b> to pass that information along, it's a formula for success.<br />
<br />
A victim's family and friends, after years of enduring agony and heartache, might have a chance to obtain answers they've wished, hoped, prayed, and dreamed about getting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/24/nyregion/two-decades-later-police-still-seek-identity-of-girl-found-in-a-cooler.html" target="_blank">This past summer, after the police issued a plea for information about the Baby Hope case</a>, someone (the 'right' person) apparently came forward with information. The caller's information led to a confirmation of the mother's identity through scientific evidence.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQou3BnBMGAjjm-ldhsFNNg2y5Uwjw9fh_DNLLj5k59VwLS5r7d-Ph4tML8PvwsQV9k-xpFEO4OMba4o_KO8xC0xt3TGoeD_tif-BfAdo-4LrnvLVXMOuBNCQu0sZAW_cXGiBITmdKzw/s1600/jpg_BPA0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQou3BnBMGAjjm-ldhsFNNg2y5Uwjw9fh_DNLLj5k59VwLS5r7d-Ph4tML8PvwsQV9k-xpFEO4OMba4o_KO8xC0xt3TGoeD_tif-BfAdo-4LrnvLVXMOuBNCQu0sZAW_cXGiBITmdKzw/s1600/jpg_BPA0101.jpg" width="125" /></a>Sadly, officials revealed the contents of the confidential tip, evidenced by the journalist printing exactly what the informant told Crime Stoppers. It's unfortunate that the journalist didn't realize the severity of the violation even if the source, the unnamed "official"quoted in this article, did not.<br />
<br />
When I handled the tips line, my subsequent reports to corresponding units or agencies responsible for follow up did not even contain the <i>gender</i> of the caller, as is protocol.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/tag/baby-hope/" target="_blank"><i>Wall Street Journal</i> </a>reveals that the mother has been identified and is cooperating with police. It also states that the police do not consider the mother a suspect: "...she appears to have been estranged from the girl at the time of her death."<br />
<br />
This photo of the victim's grave was included in a tweet by Tim Fleischer from Eyewitness News:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">
Big break! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYPD&src=hash">#NYPD</a> cracks 22 y/o cold case Baby Hope's mother found Live EWN @ 5 <a href="https://twitter.com/eyewitnessnyc">@eyewitnessnyc</a> <a href="http://t.co/0VtczllzEt">pic.twitter.com/0VtczllzEt</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">
— Tim Fleischer (@TimFleischer7) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimFleischer7/statuses/387679449724252160">October 8, 2013</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUvKExgxrccbywao5AEU5tk2Sne7w5bFunn7c-9QhAhXmYlv-Sy-KMG7F-R5AfeDIm27KxxJYLLN576AwLS_yquPoUHOXDDj8qzPz8Pzf34LAcpiv7yrShkLa4VetXdKEJ9vTOW7VwA/s1600/BWFQZ8PIIAARhso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUvKExgxrccbywao5AEU5tk2Sne7w5bFunn7c-9QhAhXmYlv-Sy-KMG7F-R5AfeDIm27KxxJYLLN576AwLS_yquPoUHOXDDj8qzPz8Pzf34LAcpiv7yrShkLa4VetXdKEJ9vTOW7VwA/s1600/BWFQZ8PIIAARhso.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you look closely at the bottom of the gravestone, there's a plea for information along with the<a href="http://a056-crimestoppers.nyc.gov/crimestoppers/public/index.html" target="_blank"> NYC Crime Stoppers number</a>. It promises, "All calls will be kept confidential."<br />
<br />
I am absolutely thrilled that this case may be on its way to a successful conclusion, as the identity of the Baby Hope is now known to police, and the murder investigation can properly begin. However, I am deeply saddened that "officials" decided to violate the basic premise (and promise) of the Crime Stoppers program. Because of this violation, it may preclude future callers from reaching out, as they now know that a caller's information (and gender, which can certainly clue a murderer/fugitive/bank robber/drug dealer/kidnapper/rapist in to whom called the tips line) may be exposed by "officials" to the media. This is a serious breach of trust that could have a negative impact on such a valuable program.<br />
<br />
The information may appear to be benign in most reader's eyes, but for anyone who's worked or volunteered with Crime Stoppers, it is a blatant infraction.<br />
<br />
The information given could have easily been provided to the media without revealing the gender of the caller nor the content of his/her information; it could simply have been revealed that as a result of the publicity on the anniversary, information was received that has led investigators to the possible identity of the mother of Baby Hope. End of story ~ at least until the investigation has a chance to get underway and updated information can be released, while all along protecting the existence and identity of the anonymous source who came forward.<br />
<br />
In the unlikely event the informant doesn't mind having his/her identity or information revealed, in the interest of protecting the program, it's still optimal for law enforcement and journalists to keep that information confidential. If there is an insistence to have one's gender or information revealed, at the very least, a statement should be included that it's against the protocol of the Crime Stoppers program to reveal an informant's gender and the content of his/her information, but with this rare exception, it's being revealed at the request, consent, and/or insistence of the informant. In this situation, future callers might then be assured that the confidential information they may provide would not routinely be released to the public, and that Crime Stoppers does guarantees anonymity.<br />
<br />
An updated <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/09/nyregion/baby-hopes-mother-is-questioned-as-investigators-proceed-with-caution.html" target="_blank"><i>New York Times</i> article online</a> now reveals:<br />
<div class="columnGroup first" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 7px; text-align: left; width: auto !important;">
<div class="articleBody" style="margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><i>According to two law enforcement officials who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, the mother is originally from Mexico and at one point lived in Queens. She was interviewed by detectives and Manhattan prosecutors in recent days.</i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-style: italic;">Follow me on Twitter </span><a href="https://twitter.com/katcop13" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">@katcop13</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span><br />
<div class="columnGroup first" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 7px; text-align: left; width: auto !important;">
<div class="articleBody" style="margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<div style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px;">
<nyt_correction_bottom></nyt_correction_bottom></div>
<div class="articleCorrection" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 2.8em;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, times, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><nyt_update_bottom></nyt_update_bottom></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="columnGroup " style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 7px; text-align: left; width: auto !important;">
<div class="articleFooter" style="margin-bottom: 16px;">
<div class="articleMeta">
<div class="opposingFloatControl wrap">
<div class="element1" style="float: left;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-9521511316234057202013-07-19T22:35:00.000-04:002013-07-19T22:35:41.713-04:00Grand Central Noir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXnsxra5ZNvs0h-r9g3oepekO-pw9j72R26NfHH8a4fvDJ3VnkZOWgo-K9Nut5HLnzblvldq0wIlc9NGHTx1_llPH6gXVTGjbWHVz1Qxa2uAXm5eh13MEFI7GowTMu4OLJCzrAKV5nw/s1600/GCNCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXnsxra5ZNvs0h-r9g3oepekO-pw9j72R26NfHH8a4fvDJ3VnkZOWgo-K9Nut5HLnzblvldq0wIlc9NGHTx1_llPH6gXVTGjbWHVz1Qxa2uAXm5eh13MEFI7GowTMu4OLJCzrAKV5nw/s1600/GCNCover.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have a post up at Women of Mystery announcing a new short story of mine, "A Primal Force," that appears in <i>Grand Central Noir</i>, an e-book compiled by Terrence P. McCauley, which was published by Metropolitan Crime in June 2013. It's currently available on Amazon for Kindle and Kindle Apps. All proceeds go to the charity, God's Love We Deliver.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNptU0M8pRwMrWJHnIEMyjEPcxwzxrbtHEeu_wtQtITaAxEwONX27gv6dNnE52qP4UEVRAR_e9J65ZKwy4Rl-FfnSC7hi-A0xJdYleymv6VRAJRxe6HZkDbwLPYEVx0rDn1xHDpwb27A/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNptU0M8pRwMrWJHnIEMyjEPcxwzxrbtHEeu_wtQtITaAxEwONX27gv6dNnE52qP4UEVRAR_e9J65ZKwy4Rl-FfnSC7hi-A0xJdYleymv6VRAJRxe6HZkDbwLPYEVx0rDn1xHDpwb27A/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.womenofmystery.net/2013/07/19/grand-central-noir/" target="_blank">Visit Women of Mystery</a> to read all about it!Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-2008848874503417412013-05-07T12:33:00.001-04:002013-05-07T15:17:57.787-04:00Cleveland Missing Women Rescued: A Day to Celebrate!<div style="text-align: left;">
How wonderful to have positive news to celebrate ~ the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/police-three-rescued-cleveland-women-6-year-old-are-in-good-health/2013/05/07/dd65ea5e-b719-11e2-aa9e-a02b765ff0ea_story.html" target="_blank">rescue of three missing women.</a> Three separate kidnappings that occurred about a decade ago. It's a joyous day for all Americans, but especially for the family and friends of victims <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/three-women-found-alive-in-ohio-after-a-decade-missing/2013/05/07/6b8b5e5e-5b3f-4261-b21f-a2447b10c412_video.html" target="_blank">Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight</a>; and certainly every person in law enforcement, past or present, who has had to deal with the nightmare of a kidnapped or missing person, and the tragic effect it has on their loved ones.</div>
It certainly brings to mind the heartening returns of <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/elizabeth-smart-overjoyed-hear-women-19126217#.UYkwU5UxHN4" target="_blank">Elizabeth Smart</a>, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_23189594/jaycee-dugard-missing-ohio-women-give-them-time" target="_blank">Jaycee Dugard</a>, and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/kidnapping-survivor-katie-beers-recounts-ordeal-new-book-article-1.1241051" target="_blank">Katie Beers</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj3u7VL6gdrIJq9RFTqpNQaSg5RU04cCtoqNir8d5RkowbpkrRC9xLqBGxKvd2p_aiI0blmUnVxpwyX4wP-2FU-s_ZAmkldj_KX10Mbx6BwBzEaJ5ydv0XKa5m_auclkUe9WXxtCjdA/s1600/katie-beers-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj3u7VL6gdrIJq9RFTqpNQaSg5RU04cCtoqNir8d5RkowbpkrRC9xLqBGxKvd2p_aiI0blmUnVxpwyX4wP-2FU-s_ZAmkldj_KX10Mbx6BwBzEaJ5ydv0XKa5m_auclkUe9WXxtCjdA/s200/katie-beers-300.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
During my 21-year police career, I spent several years working in the Public Information Bureau. I handled the media during the Katie Beers kidnapping in late December 1992 into January 1993. Just before leaving home to work a 4 pm to midnight shift on January 13, my mother called with news she heard on the radio that Katie Beers had been found. I held my breath, then asked, "Alive?" and to my biggest relief, she said "Yes." On January 13, 2013 (the 20th anniversary of Katie's rescue), her book (written along with Carolyn Gusoff), <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Memories-Katie-Beers-Story/dp/0985247843" target="_blank">Buried Memories: Katie Beers' Story</a>,</i> was released.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaPfdUrPBGPijiLdjouM7aID3Wv5pOo0CFvLqu83vEpybqgciaZZev6vIa7tDAxZzoDhfC23BOrXv-36CplqRsEX-n5cuLjghQs0v7S-AOQUcit5pHZmg-NbddvIADacJv7X20uutNw/s1600/130507-cleveland-women-hmed-9a.380.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaPfdUrPBGPijiLdjouM7aID3Wv5pOo0CFvLqu83vEpybqgciaZZev6vIa7tDAxZzoDhfC23BOrXv-36CplqRsEX-n5cuLjghQs0v7S-AOQUcit5pHZmg-NbddvIADacJv7X20uutNw/s200/130507-cleveland-women-hmed-9a.380.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reunion of sisters Beth Serrano & Amanda Berry<br /><i><a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/" target="_blank">photo via usnews.nbcnews.com</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The exciting reunions have begun. <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/kidnapping-victim-amanda-berry-reunites-family-article-1.1336942" target="_blank">The <i>NY Daily News</i> reports that Amanda Berry reunited with her older sister Beth Serrano</a>. Beth also got to meet the niece she never knew she had. Sadly, Amanda's mom died from heart failure in 2006, but Amanda's family never gave up hope.<br />
America has a new hero, Charles Ramsey -- a neighbor who got involved by assisting a distressed woman and her child. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/three-women-found-alive-in-ohio-after-a-decade-missing/2013/05/07/6b8b5e5e-5b3f-4261-b21f-a2447b10c412_video.html" target="_blank">This interview with Charles Ramsey</a> is fantastic. <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/" target="_blank">His 911 call is quite colorful but entertaining</a>. <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/videos/2013/05/07/charles-ramsey-and-the-internet-sensations.html" target="_blank"><i>The Daily Beast</i> </a>assembled some of the most unique witness interviews with folks who became internet sensations, which now includes Charles Ramsey:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="225" id="flashObj" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=2362884452001&playerID=1140772469001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAEDRq0~,qRcfDOX2mNtWW87VePrJiaFRXUo43tGn&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=2362884452001&playerID=1140772469001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAAEDRq0~,qRcfDOX2mNtWW87VePrJiaFRXUo43tGn&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="300" height="225" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/castro-brothers-arrested-connection-missing-cleveland-women-article-1.1337032" target="_blank">Former bus driver Ariel Castro, age 52 and two brothers, Onil and Pedro, have been arrested.</a> How frightening to learn that this man had access to children. It's bizarre that all three brothers apparently engaged in this crime.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nnw5E1vrVq4A51e_8sMcOY50oy-YT8TVnEjt3THn11Z3X_TUj70hlK0cPyo9JD7eyAEq_G_sm7neZDh17RfFijwRa4vm8-9hQANdqDnGYoedFkXclek_dlsPzdB0J0QMLhx36kL0gA/s1600/castro-brothers-mugshots-in-cleveland-kidnap-case-300x143.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nnw5E1vrVq4A51e_8sMcOY50oy-YT8TVnEjt3THn11Z3X_TUj70hlK0cPyo9JD7eyAEq_G_sm7neZDh17RfFijwRa4vm8-9hQANdqDnGYoedFkXclek_dlsPzdB0J0QMLhx36kL0gA/s1600/castro-brothers-mugshots-in-cleveland-kidnap-case-300x143.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hinterlandgazette.com/2013/05/mugshots-ariel-castro-brothers-pedro-onil-castro-released.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HinterlandGazette+(The+Hinterland+Gazette)" target="_blank">Mugshots via hinterlandgazette.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I look forward to the media coverage in the days and weeks to come, as more details become known about how these women and a young child survived this ordeal.<br />
<br />
I hope this rescue gives the family and friends of missing persons a ray of hope that in the very near future that they, too, may be reunited with their loved ones.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-lf9qb0GgkozCT1XAMW8vWNe4eQLW10PG6msIuxgbUKm1LrJC-ZMjz7-TkRs-ZbjSmgpEHWI-vxGumUjr0ZnWrbcGOAGFd3i4HzXNxsW5ffR5zg6FjcMmdxsESknvMHF9dXtpz_hhA/s1600/20091118_8089a3aa7b1bdd81481ckMFc2TLidHwg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-lf9qb0GgkozCT1XAMW8vWNe4eQLW10PG6msIuxgbUKm1LrJC-ZMjz7-TkRs-ZbjSmgpEHWI-vxGumUjr0ZnWrbcGOAGFd3i4HzXNxsW5ffR5zg6FjcMmdxsESknvMHF9dXtpz_hhA/s200/20091118_8089a3aa7b1bdd81481ckMFc2TLidHwg.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Take a moment to review the <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap" target="_blank">FBI cases of kidnappings and missing persons</a>; you never know who may be in your very own neighborhood or have been assimilated into society under another name and change of hair color or style. The U.S. Department of Justice has a website called <a href="http://www.namus.gov/" target="_blank">NAMUS (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6M7QXHaeOFG3efFmbymzIt6tv4WUS4gWawt_93f6G9LVgzqKuRYkWd6AqorSRJRGzEpnBCHUc2R_SgMrO98IVdZ6yRkeUEUQZNJ8iMmd2yPC47KzrkTTtUDpvXlJJi2VTSVNy2zzjg/s1600/namus_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6M7QXHaeOFG3efFmbymzIt6tv4WUS4gWawt_93f6G9LVgzqKuRYkWd6AqorSRJRGzEpnBCHUc2R_SgMrO98IVdZ6yRkeUEUQZNJ8iMmd2yPC47KzrkTTtUDpvXlJJi2VTSVNy2zzjg/s200/namus_logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
God Bless these women (and Amanda's child) who have miraculously returned to their loved ones. May their futures be healthy, bright, and full of love and laughter throughout the healing days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Please say a prayer for the kidnapped or missing people who are currently being held captive so that they, too, may escape or be rescued by an attentive neighbor. </div>
<br />
<br />Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-24559127665454682382013-04-17T07:00:00.000-04:002013-04-17T09:46:34.198-04:00National Poetry Month: "30 Days of the 5-2" Blog Tour<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmyC_NAUidXN-hgCK6yWxSAu4HoINXP_CN3ekJMUnVOLEa_LL0OMA3e5MaScYIh6IIhEfk_agY-U6iEUuZZqrvkPayuqNhi27JKoqoeJnWt8y38gkIBpGvQ8RA3r4wFCHRJN2SonotQ/s1600/npm2013_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmyC_NAUidXN-hgCK6yWxSAu4HoINXP_CN3ekJMUnVOLEa_LL0OMA3e5MaScYIh6IIhEfk_agY-U6iEUuZZqrvkPayuqNhi27JKoqoeJnWt8y38gkIBpGvQ8RA3r4wFCHRJN2SonotQ/s200/npm2013_logo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm happy to be celebrating <a href="http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41" target="_blank">National Poetry Month</a> by participating in the <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2013/01/30-days-of-5-2-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">“30 Days of the 5-2″ Blog Tour</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Editor <a href="http://geraldso.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Gerald So</a> publishes an original poem in text and audio/video every Monday at “<strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly." </strong> Submissions of poems (crime-related, or the poet’s reaction to what he or she sees as crime), 60 lines or fewer per poem (any form or style) are open year-round. The 5-2 seeks original, unpublished work only. Read the complete <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/p/guidelines.html" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">submission guidelines</a> for further information. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow Crime Poetry Weekly on Twitter </span><a href="https://twitter.com/poemsoncrime" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@poemsoncrime</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you would like to help promote The 5-2 Blog Tour this month, use the hashtag #30OfThe52.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #373737; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.womenofmystery.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the_52_crime_poetry_weekly_mug.jpg" style="border: 0px; clear: left; color: #1982d1; float: left; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="the_52_crime_poetry_weekly_mug" class="alignleft wp-image-4590" height="90" src="http://www.womenofmystery.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/the_52_crime_poetry_weekly_mug.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); display: inline; float: left; height: auto; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-right: 1.625em; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 97.5%; padding: 6px;" width="90" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During the month of April 2013, sales proceeds of <a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/p/books.html" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">poetry publications by The 5-2 </a>will be donated to the non-profit <a href="http://www.poets.org/" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">American Academy of Poets</a> to support poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry. Sales proceeds from <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/poemsoncrime" style="border: 0px; color: #1982d1; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The 5-2 Shop at CafePress.com</a> will also be donated this month.</span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLmv47aNwO8mJ_Fp9Zk-xGFJ8ASvcXWOmHX4ZlhrtBG0ZCtvOrb1n-6re9wfP3vIdTFu7bpHTbcOmicWrEnghX1UCtkOELOyjolzCL9S-wVriRfVo1aAFnvkW3h5e7YICARbL9tcnKg/s1600/Sylvia-Plath-9442550-1-402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would like to feature a poem by <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristineElla" target="_blank">Christine Aletti</a>, called "<a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2013/02/christine-aletti.html" target="_blank">Sylvia Plath: Gaslight Left On</a>," which was published on The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly on February 11, 2013 -- the 50th anniversary of the <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2013/01/20/the-last-days-sylvia-plath/Dlpv1hzF4OFO6gtxoGNG5I/story.html" target="_blank">tragic suicide</a> of 30-year-old <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/sylvia-plath-9442550" target="_blank">Plath</a>. She was the youngest person to receive a Pulitzer Prize posthumously; it was awarded in 1982 for her<i> <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061558894" target="_blank">Collected Poems</a>.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8065898944887819851" itemprop="articleBody" style="position: relative; width: 536px;">
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLmv47aNwO8mJ_Fp9Zk-xGFJ8ASvcXWOmHX4ZlhrtBG0ZCtvOrb1n-6re9wfP3vIdTFu7bpHTbcOmicWrEnghX1UCtkOELOyjolzCL9S-wVriRfVo1aAFnvkW3h5e7YICARbL9tcnKg/s200/Sylvia-Plath-9442550-1-402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biography.com/imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/P/Sylvia-Plath-9442550-1-402.jpg" target="_blank">Sylvia Plath, via Biography.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SYLVIA PLATH: GASLIGHT LEFT ON</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I waited by the phone for you to call</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">the coals from burning, burning off the bed.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I suppose I never knew you at all. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When clouds' rims reddened, rope began to fall</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">& overanalyzed lies swayed and pled.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I waited by the phone for you to call.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Itch my anger, the skin's started to crawl;</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Crack the coating, the olive oil's bled.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I suppose I never knew you at all.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the street, villagers started a small</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">affair, stomping and singing, but instead,</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I waited by the phone for you to call.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There’s no enamel left here to enthrall;</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Stroke heaven’s match on its gelatin head.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I suppose I never knew you at all </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This little note was just what I could scrawl:</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’m sorry. I didn't mean what I said.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I waited by the phone for you to call.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I suppose I never knew you at all.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #444444; line-height: 18px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Come follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/katcop13" target="_blank">@katcop13</a></i></span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-30353358750345040862013-03-11T12:06:00.002-04:002013-03-11T12:06:55.299-04:00Novelist Makes $1M Before Book Hits Stores<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYluWyKb59iG_eGChA31XEJTrkb7c5atSyvbAHWsouyrtgkYdLe_vXYpGfBJnDATU5meT3uPSUq8QqAj3Se0j9BL71zNxQNhVTLP0ZcjBVZXeNh6IYdJ3lB4LABobc3KlY0UmbV07hQ/s1600/46-FE3-Self-Publishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYluWyKb59iG_eGChA31XEJTrkb7c5atSyvbAHWsouyrtgkYdLe_vXYpGfBJnDATU5meT3uPSUq8QqAj3Se0j9BL71zNxQNhVTLP0ZcjBVZXeNh6IYdJ3lB4LABobc3KlY0UmbV07hQ/s320/46-FE3-Self-Publishing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via <a href="http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/46-FE3-Self-Publishing.html" target="_blank">wow-womenonwriting</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Talk about a Cinderella story! This is the dream of every self-published author, or even those who've been tempted to take the plunge of self-publishing. This success story might very well prompt reluctant writers to give it a shot.<br />
<br />
The story has been covered (quite nicely, I might add) by <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324678604578340752088305668.html" target="_blank">The </a><i><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324678604578340752088305668.html" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>,</i> and there's an accompanying video, too. Read and/or listen how author <a href="https://twitter.com/hughhowey" target="_blank">Hugh Howey</a>, a 37-year-old college dropout, wrote <i>Wool </i>(which originally began as a short story in 2011), a post-apocalyptic thriller about the remnants of humanity living in a giant underground silo, and how he was vigorously pursued by publishers.<br />
<br />
Check out some of <a href="http://www.hughhowey.com/short-stories-2/" target="_blank">Hugh Howey's short stories</a>. For more information on Wool, check out <a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/geekdad-book-review-the-wool-omnibus-by-hugh-howey/" target="_blank">Wired's GeekDad Book Review by Erik Wecks</a> -- his pick for Best Indie Fiction in 2012 (you can follow Erik on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/erikwecks" target="_blank">@erikwecks</a>)<br />
<br />
Here's an<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324678604578340752088305668.html?mod=e2tw#project%3DWOOL0308%26articleTabs%3Dinteractive" target="_blank"> illustration by Mike Sudal for <i>The Wall Street Journal</i>:</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQNjxPA-SpBKGu9WGPJ_jWCCpvKbCEkgGlHEuMixY0q6_0TgaoeR4gO11RqGVVYKeLM3SoxPYa__K6v08yxbBEBgBeQZxRnlQ49r2MFQAHI6NxNgRBsJ7-zOL42WKtAV79IONbPgJtQ/s1600/AR-AB772A_WOOL_G_20130307222602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQNjxPA-SpBKGu9WGPJ_jWCCpvKbCEkgGlHEuMixY0q6_0TgaoeR4gO11RqGVVYKeLM3SoxPYa__K6v08yxbBEBgBeQZxRnlQ49r2MFQAHI6NxNgRBsJ7-zOL42WKtAV79IONbPgJtQ/s320/AR-AB772A_WOOL_G_20130307222602.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Twentieth-Century Fox and director Ridley Scott ("Alien") have optioned the film rights.<br />
<br />
Print publication rights for this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2012-06-03/e-book-fiction/list.html" target="_blank"><i>New York Times</i> bestseller</a> were acquired by <a href="http://pages.simonandschuster.com/wool" target="_blank">Simon & Schuster</a>, and tomorrow, <i>Wool</i> hits the stores; it will cost $15 for a paperback version, $26 for a hardcover, or $5.99 digitally. In a rare move, Howey retains the digital rights.<br />
<br />
For tomorrow's U.S. launch of <i>Wool</i>, <a href="http://www.hughhowey.com/bio/" target="_blank">Hugh Howey</a> will be appearing at <b>Murder by the Book</b> in Houston at 6:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTymK3er7bLytMN1nOSX6afLVnelwE5APNsYVxamTaHozAqb1_963nrVirBbxxJHPNLW8tZ9sDaGVrHlLx766q7OzPzKltbFz2P4XeM3L8nesvBdhCO6mLFruhPggov1hq5hcmdHGNFg/s1600/AR-AB707_Bottom_DV_20130307174321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTymK3er7bLytMN1nOSX6afLVnelwE5APNsYVxamTaHozAqb1_963nrVirBbxxJHPNLW8tZ9sDaGVrHlLx766q7OzPzKltbFz2P4XeM3L8nesvBdhCO6mLFruhPggov1hq5hcmdHGNFg/s320/AR-AB707_Bottom_DV_20130307174321.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Congratulations, Mr. Howey ~ and best wishes to the reluctant self-publishers out there. May you be inspired to take the plunge!Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-17085841301279988872013-02-01T19:55:00.002-05:002013-02-01T19:55:49.615-05:00"Guiltiest Dog Ever" Video<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=306317306152331" width="270"></iframe><br />
<br />
This is hysterical. It's very cute and oh so funny. I had to share it!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-56472596003794789942013-01-07T02:36:00.000-05:002013-01-07T02:36:45.633-05:00Zora Neale Hurston Quote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1U7_oUMuSJg797rR4OEPIWxxomeQ3V45geBQZ9LJYQrPgZE8D4P_DJVO-Qh_AdgjTEkLCCxpDBrxRvZQuaupytSblPjb6tjd8u55XI9BpUrvX_hyhbXvy7GyIMLJJlk45FI7kkFkEw/s1600/zora-neale-hurston-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1U7_oUMuSJg797rR4OEPIWxxomeQ3V45geBQZ9LJYQrPgZE8D4P_DJVO-Qh_AdgjTEkLCCxpDBrxRvZQuaupytSblPjb6tjd8u55XI9BpUrvX_hyhbXvy7GyIMLJJlk45FI7kkFkEw/s200/zora-neale-hurston-quote.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Folklorist, anthropologist, novelist, and short story writer Zora Neale Hurston was born in Alabama on this date in 1891. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">One of her quotes:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">"If writers were too wise, perhaps no books would get written at all. It might be better to ask yourself "Why?" afterwards than before. Anyway, the force from somewhere in Space which commands you to write in the first place, gives you no choice. You take up the pen when you are told, and write what is commanded. There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="http://baybottomnews.com/" target="_blank">Zora</a> passed away from heart disease on January 28, 1960, and was buried in Fort Pierce, Florida, in an unmarked grave. In 1973, novelist Alice Walker and literary scholar Charlotte Hunt found the unmarked grave and marked it as hers. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-62729683258188737732012-11-19T13:30:00.001-05:002012-11-19T13:30:37.712-05:00A Reflective ThanksgivingFor the folks affected by Hurricane Sandy, this Thanksgiving may be quite different. Tragically, lives were lost. For the families and friends of those victims, the absence of their loved ones on this holiday and the holidays to come will be even more painful. I pray for their strength to get through it. Many people lost their homes, cars, treasured possessions, and more. Out-of-state utility workers left their families to help us. Public Safety workers have put in exhaustive hours. I hope that the majority of them can be home with their families for Thanksgiving. There will be much to ponder this Thursday when reflecting upon what we are grateful for in our lives.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wQpPfVbgRsOa5kj0FHswDnP8Kys7eu9joSQ4aWeOHHmtv2IQQ6LjTNgMQe79hLG80wRVMBD2PANwMWWK0PAHT_hkNhdot9YhCHcCpwJmoDe4-QXgXpsqhUATwIoGWIoxrK3z8USdKw/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wQpPfVbgRsOa5kj0FHswDnP8Kys7eu9joSQ4aWeOHHmtv2IQQ6LjTNgMQe79hLG80wRVMBD2PANwMWWK0PAHT_hkNhdot9YhCHcCpwJmoDe4-QXgXpsqhUATwIoGWIoxrK3z8USdKw/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of my neighbor's uprooted trees</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My family, our relatives, and friends got through it relatively unscathed; we were extremely fortunate, compared to the devastation experienced by some of our neighbors and fellow Long Islanders.<br />
<br />
For those who might need assistance, or if you are interested in helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy, visit the website of the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/redcross" target="_blank">@RedCross</a> on Twitter).<br />
<br />
Yesterday, on a brisk yet sunny autumn day, I took a long drive to attend a guided walking tour of Northport. Along the way, I admired the colors of the leaves which still clung to the trees that were left standing. I listened to one of my "mix-tape" CDs, which included (get ready, I have an extremely eclectic love of music): "Moondance" by Van Morrison, "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen, "Forever in Blue Jeans" by Neil Diamond, "You're My Home" by Billy Joel, "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by the Eagles, and "Song for You" by Leon Russell, and many, many more. But it was some of the sights on this journey that encouraged me; the clean-up, repair, and rebuilding that has already taken place in such a short period of time. However, from seeing the photographs on the news, in the paper, and online, there is devastation on this island and surrounding east coast communities that will take months, if not years, to recuperate and rebuild.<br />
<br />
Several Robert Frost quotes went through my mind, including:<br />
<br />
"Nothing gold can stay."<br />
<br />
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."<br />
<br />
"Hope is not found in a way out but a way through."<br />
<br />
I enjoyed the informative guided walking tour of Northport's historic Main Street. <a href="http://www.northporthistorical.org/index.htm" target="_blank">The Northport Historical Society</a>'s guided tour ("Parading Down Main Street") is offered approximately one Sunday a month, starting at 1:30 p.m. The next scheduled tour is December 16, 2012. A ticket cost $5.00, and it is well worth it. (The <a href="http://www.northporthistorical.org/MuseumCollection.htm" target="_blank">museum</a> also offers a self-guided tour, Tuesday through Sunday from 1 pm - 4:30 pm). The tour guide, Dan, was a wealth of information. I highly recommend it ~ get ready to learn a lot.<br />
If you've never visited Northport, you will see "Gunther's Tap Room," a favorite hang-out of Jack Kerouac's, and you will discover where a speakeasy existed during Prohibition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthhb47437AYETAjtBV0S_q94gmkRdu9rH1W1wnjVI-L7IiwaoFRhHJt5O757-jxGUb2_lpa1mJ118Y2r3y-HvUA0dt_CVkVbkYV7KdGgXsGO6oJv4eOADAxH8cDNUSwn_81NTXlQ5PA/s1600/AnniLogo_200px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthhb47437AYETAjtBV0S_q94gmkRdu9rH1W1wnjVI-L7IiwaoFRhHJt5O757-jxGUb2_lpa1mJ118Y2r3y-HvUA0dt_CVkVbkYV7KdGgXsGO6oJv4eOADAxH8cDNUSwn_81NTXlQ5PA/s1600/AnniLogo_200px.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The museum, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1914 with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie for a Village Library. It functioned as a library until 1967; it became the home to the Northport Historical Society Museum in 1974. The society was established in 1962, and this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the society.<br />
<br />
Why the walking tour of Northport, you might ask?<br />
<br />
My husband grew up in Northport; his parents were born and raised in Northport. My mother's family moved from Brooklyn to Northport in the early 1950s. My grandfather, Edward Welsh, ran the concession stand at Crab Meadow Beach; he installed a jukebox under the pavilion, and he filled it with records from some new singer named Elvis Presley. Tragically, a massive heart attack claimed his life at age 47, leaving my broken-hearted grandmother to raise six children (ages 4-16, my mom being 15) on her own.<br />
<br />
Even more connections: I delivered mail one summer in Northport; I subbed as a music teacher in the Northport-East Northport School District shortly after graduating from LIU. When I became a Suffolk County Police Officer, I patrolled the East Northport and Northport areas outside of the Incorporated Village of Northport. Fate has been pointing me towards Northport my entire life.<br />
<br />
My true crime memoir centers around the 1955 hatchet murder of a taxi driver on Scudder Avenue in Northport (today happens to mark the 57th anniversary); it was a case that my armchair-detective grandmother, who lived two miles from the scene of the crime, discussed with me regularly, among other unsolved cases. Sadly, she passed away at age 61 when I was 13. I often ache to have an "adult" conversation with her about the case and what I've uncovered over the past two decades.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Northport, there's an unusual but fun event occurring on Saturday, November 24, 2012, at 7 p.m., in front of the Northport Hardware Company, 90 Main Street; the <a href="http://www.villageofnorthport.com/home/" target="_blank">Annual Leg Lamp Lighting Ceremony</a> (an homage to "A Christmas Story"). Check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBb4hMc3Ttk&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">YouTube Video</a> from last year's event.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxEPzUedMdzTt5_DDqGn67r4C3StgC-eSQtyxLbVIBxaQ161FvqLIXZ9TxcaOyEetJAcaGi-Zyt_qct-tTLcXisEjA05y8fT0sZFkQujdLlU3FC2M9ZbZkY0ViVSFZZ4qGXD9GPyL2w/s1600/2012-12-leg-lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxEPzUedMdzTt5_DDqGn67r4C3StgC-eSQtyxLbVIBxaQ161FvqLIXZ9TxcaOyEetJAcaGi-Zyt_qct-tTLcXisEjA05y8fT0sZFkQujdLlU3FC2M9ZbZkY0ViVSFZZ4qGXD9GPyL2w/s320/2012-12-leg-lighting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Wishing you and yours a warm, relaxing, enjoyable Thanksgiving with your loved ones.<br />
<br />
Here's one of my favorite Erma Bombeck quotes, sure to give you a chuckle:<br />
<br />
"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence."<br />
<br />Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-53053149248288503562012-09-25T03:40:00.000-04:002012-09-25T03:40:00.066-04:00Craft of Writing Quote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxamL8BMRTqzKSMqwtwydnOyWyuVvMk1_xZZ3QSkE4gDYurZ6ukgMPogHJXk2rIKEpzSEZIaR1vdahssihvhRIF0f75cbWlxEp2Ly5PALplPTecPQbaOph3c6TKveS-7bjLUUMBar2A/s1600/hug-club-clip-art-591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxamL8BMRTqzKSMqwtwydnOyWyuVvMk1_xZZ3QSkE4gDYurZ6ukgMPogHJXk2rIKEpzSEZIaR1vdahssihvhRIF0f75cbWlxEp2Ly5PALplPTecPQbaOph3c6TKveS-7bjLUUMBar2A/s200/hug-club-clip-art-591.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I enjoy collecting quotes on the craft of writing. I'd like to share a couple of quotes from American writer <a href="http://www.mzbworks.com/" target="_blank">Marion Zimmer Bradley </a> who passed away on this date in 1999. </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“There's no "magic secret"; writing is like everything else; ten percent inspiration or talent, and ninety percent hard work. Persistence; keeping at it till you get there. As Agnes de Mille said, it means working every day—bored, tired, weary, or with a fever of a hundred and two.” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Think of this: a thousand pages sounds like a lot. But write three pages a day and a year from now you'll have a book."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In "<a href="http://www.mzbworks.com/what.htm" target="_blank">What Is A Short Story?</a>" Marion offers advice on the elements of the short story. </span></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Clipart source: <a href="http://shannonkodonnell.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Book Dreaming, Home of MG Author Shannon O'Donnell</a></i></div>
Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-41956231776579686122012-07-03T11:58:00.001-04:002012-07-03T20:33:53.043-04:00"The Fighter" by Gym Class HeroesI fell in love with the song the first time I heard it...some songs may take time to grow on you, but this one hit me immediately. I think it will hit you, too! It's contagious ~ and very inspirational! It's no surprise that the featured singer, the super-talented Ryan Tedder, is the flavor added to this fantastic song. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Tedder" target="_blank">His life story is one big inspiration</a>. You may recognize his voice ~ he's the lead singer of <a href="http://www.onerepublic.net/" target="_blank">OneRepublic</a>. He's also a songwriter and a producer.<br />
<br />
I'm fairly new at <a href="http://pinterest.com/katcop13/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and I've started a board called, "Cool Music" and this one fit the bill.<br />
Let me know what you think ~ and if you have any other suggestions for my Cool Music board.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bxV-OOIamyk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-60599647266072666892012-06-28T10:59:00.001-04:002012-06-28T10:59:07.447-04:00Mammogram Bill in NYS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2OVgYjH2D4Zl1KHwPK3wE9m0IvbqMNyvP6lvanSCbfxwA0feaSqpKlGr2bn9qTgC2HYBZ1xGsU4shlqNUolcXrxk93n9lsy2poIVsYdSrxm4Y4CSxc_C8iANIkNrpR5ygJexWUzT8w/s1600/breast-cancer-ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2OVgYjH2D4Zl1KHwPK3wE9m0IvbqMNyvP6lvanSCbfxwA0feaSqpKlGr2bn9qTgC2HYBZ1xGsU4shlqNUolcXrxk93n9lsy2poIVsYdSrxm4Y4CSxc_C8iANIkNrpR5ygJexWUzT8w/s320/breast-cancer-ribbon.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I've just read some positive news: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57461572/ny-bill-would-notify-women-of-dense-breast-tissue/" target="_blank">A bill approved by the NYS Legislature</a> in hopes of increasing the early detection of breast cancer would require that women be given notice in mammography reports if they have dense breast tissue, which makes it difficult to detect cancer.<br />
<br />
I just wrote a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo to urge him to sign the measure. Any fellow New Yorkers who wish to email the governor may do so <a href="http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
However, it's only one step in the right direction.<br />
<br />
I am living proof that even a sonogram may not pick up existing tumors.<br />
<br />
I had a baseline mammo at age 34, because of family history. I was vigilant about screening and health care exams. At age 40, during a SBE (self breast exam), I felt something hard, something different. I immediately went to my OB/GYN. Since I had a mammogram months earlier, he sent me for a sonogram. I was relieved, but puzzled, when I was told it was nothing. I did what no woman should ever do: I gave up on SBEs. I should have followed my gut, which was telling me something wasn't right. But the tests showed otherwise, right? Why should I keep checking, only to bother the doctor, to have tests that show nothing? In hindsight, of course, I should have insisted on a biopsy.<br />
<br />
Here's the kicker: a biopsy wouldn't have revealed anything. Why? Because in order to do a biopsy, a sonogram must zero in on the questionable spot. If the sonogram isn't picking up on the questionable spot, how can a biopsy be properly performed? It can't!<br />
<br />
When I had a mammogram at age 42, the day before Thanksgiving in 2003 (I was given this appointment three weeks after being told they wished to repeat the mammo and conduct a sonogram because of "dense breast tissue"), I was informed I had at least three tumors; at least one was "highly suspicious of a malignancy." I asked the doctor how she knew this already, without benefit of a biopsy; she said that most benign tumors were cylindrical; malignant ones had spidery veins.<br />
<br />
It took three more weeks to get an appointment with a breast surgeon; two weeks after that, a needle-core biopsy. Two medical professionals labored for three hours to obtain fluid samples to perform the biopsy. They struck a vein, and blood poured down into my neck and hair as they attempted to stop the bleeding.<br />
<br />
About three days later, while I was at work, a nurse called with the results. I held my breath. "Benign!" she said. Huh? Puzzled again.<br />
<br />
I saw the breast cancer surgeon for a follow-up on my biopsy. He said whatever they removed during the biopsy may have come back benign, but it didn't match what he had seen in the other reports. He insisted on an excisional biopsy; this took about another month to schedule.<br />
<br />
During my follow-up, I was told, "It's not good." He informed me and my husband that I had three malignant tumors that were 5.5, 3, and 2 centimeters in size. I had lobular cancer (something I had never heard of), and that lobular cancer is difficult to detect in mammograms and sonograms.<br />
"Do the women of America know this?" I asked, since I consider myself fairly well-read, and I had NEVER heard of this (which is tough to hear for the first time when it applies to you).<br />
<br />
My thoughts flooded back two years earlier, when I had complained of a lump, and the mammo & sonogram failed to pick up on it. I had given up on SBEs, assuming the tests would pick up on it. I was WRONG.<br />
<br />
According to the University of Washington Department of Radiation, "<a href="http://www.rad.washington.edu/academics/academic-sections/mbi/education/mammoed/teaching-files/case-13/case-13-answer-2" target="_blank">Lobular tumors are notorious for hiding within breast tissue</a>."<br />
<br />
The only message I can tell women (or men with women in their lives, to pass this message along): you must be your own best advocate. You know your body better than anyone else. You must push forward if you feel that something foreign has developed in your body. The sad news is that at least three exams, the mammogram, sonogram, and biopsy may not even pick it up. The only test that will ultimately discover the tumors is an MRI, which is extremely expensive and not covered by most insurance.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, exams are moving along a lot quicker for patients these days. When I think that I saw my OB/GYN for an annual visit in September 2003, and it took until Halloween to get a mammogram appointment, then the day before Thanksgiving to get a repeat mammo and a sonogram, several weeks to see the breast surgeon, two more weeks to schedule a needle core biopsy ~ only to hear the results were benign (meanwhile, I had cancer), and another month for an excisional biopsy ~ to be told on February 4, 2004, that I had lobular cancer, it makes me shudder. I am truly fortunate to be alive, eight years later. I endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.<br />
<br />
Each day is such a gift, and I'm extremely grateful to my doctors for saving my life.<br />
<br />
Check out: <a href="http://www.rexhealth.com/body.cfm?id=1958" target="_blank">Breast Cancer Facts Every Woman Should Know</a>.Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-16097641030148859512012-06-07T15:17:00.000-04:002012-06-07T15:17:15.954-04:00Shakespeare's Pre-Globe Theatre UnearthedArchaeologists from the <a href="http://www.museumoflondonarchaeology.org.uk/NewsProjects/CurtainTheatre.htm" target="_blank">Museum of London Archaelogy</a> (MOLA) have <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47707443/ns/technology_and_science-science/#.T9D5DY5OjEk" target="_blank">discovered the remains of The Curtain theater</a>, built in 1577, an early playhouse used by William Shakespeare's company where "Romeo and Juliet" may have first been performed, before the Globe theater was built.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/polopoly_fs/hg_wk23_shakespeare_s_curtain_1_1401510!image/62198713.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/62198713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/polopoly_fs/hg_wk23_shakespeare_s_curtain_1_1401510!image/62198713.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/62198713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-89998570469614330332012-05-26T09:55:00.000-04:002012-05-26T09:55:41.343-04:002012 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69dqM1QZapRFj_sjwbvwTTz1EZA5Bz5dvaDZ11IgOLQvlPZEdToOCmjj4n6ObCkdXdPK_VdEh241MCih_5OlOeCC1oUhJkCL9qH3HilyGokteTMziObKpa8bb6lD4V8_skvtTMvVDqA/s1600/2012-spillinginkshort-story-prize-richard-beard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69dqM1QZapRFj_sjwbvwTTz1EZA5Bz5dvaDZ11IgOLQvlPZEdToOCmjj4n6ObCkdXdPK_VdEh241MCih_5OlOeCC1oUhJkCL9qH3HilyGokteTMziObKpa8bb6lD4V8_skvtTMvVDqA/s320/2012-spillinginkshort-story-prize-richard-beard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I just learned about a writing competition, and the deadline's around the corner. But if you've got an unpublished story that's no more than 1500 words, any genre, and are willing to spend $10 on the entry fee, you may want to consider entering it into the <a href="http://spillinginkreview.com/competitions/2012-spilling-ink-literary-competitions/2012-spilling-ink-short-story-prize/" target="_blank">2012 Spilling Ink Short Story Prize</a>. Spilling Ink Review is a quarterly e-journal (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/spillinginkling" target="_blank">@spillinginkling</a> on Twitter).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhYANQgHhG_2Wp5pHHhEu1k6FZX4fMcZfMy2qFYDmuAT7kZ7aMxXE_hhH2cug32jpB6ujoE7Fd8h9OV7Zeg7_PoXo7q6CBRVFLJjrLVo3ONjsRHtonNJ_-UZkdbb1Po67HJ2ZvDZ9bw/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhYANQgHhG_2Wp5pHHhEu1k6FZX4fMcZfMy2qFYDmuAT7kZ7aMxXE_hhH2cug32jpB6ujoE7Fd8h9OV7Zeg7_PoXo7q6CBRVFLJjrLVo3ONjsRHtonNJ_-UZkdbb1Po67HJ2ZvDZ9bw/s200/writing.jpg" width="200" /></a>The guest judge is <a href="http://www.richardbeard.info/" target="_blank">Richard Beard</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/BeardRichard" target="_blank">@BeardRichard</a> on Twitter).<br />
<br />
Deadline is May 31, 2012.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://spillinginkreview.com/competitions/2012-spilling-ink-literary-competitions/2012-spilling-ink-short-story-prize/" target="_blank">Check out all the rules</a> ~ and good luck!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-53696803704424881562012-05-25T19:54:00.001-04:002012-05-25T19:54:37.657-04:00Arrest in Etan Patz Murder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-E-8T-1AUdVmSWvyXQvnbKihFaO5YYAe4fJpdTl_kNfNya4U9paDm4bdOv7n_GqyYcI-byj8q-lu1KUTj0c3d87b-HFUT3s2510aFcl-dTjipbeGnCovh0BKQhPxvoXdibHM9hQlKw/s1600/ALeqM5hm4WGkujDETdwJr0U43YonT-GMOQ.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-E-8T-1AUdVmSWvyXQvnbKihFaO5YYAe4fJpdTl_kNfNya4U9paDm4bdOv7n_GqyYcI-byj8q-lu1KUTj0c3d87b-HFUT3s2510aFcl-dTjipbeGnCovh0BKQhPxvoXdibHM9hQlKw/s320/ALeqM5hm4WGkujDETdwJr0U43YonT-GMOQ.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Thirty-three years ago today, Etan Patz disappeared along the two-block route to his bus stop, the first time he ever walked it alone.<br />
<br />
Today, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/pedro-hernandez-arrest-etan-patz-missing-child_n_1544083.html" target="_blank">Pedro Hernandez, age 51, of Maple Shade, New Jersey</a>, was arraigned for the murder of six-year-old Etan Patz.<br />
<br />
I've written an in-depth post about the case on <a href="http://www.womenofmystery.net/2012/05/25/etan-patz-mystery-solved/" target="_blank">Women of Mystery</a>, including the difficult revelation that the evidence was within reach of the original investigators, yet they chose not to pursue it.Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-2108181587104500392012-05-21T02:53:00.000-04:002012-05-21T02:53:21.438-04:00Happy Birthday Gotye<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnCV2oxWov7zirUW1SX7Tj5tivtRJvH6xoYEltflO9PI3NfI1Q0LpaE09JD90EUq4-cQ8MhtOP05X_I1ZY7d4DjsZG_3051LojN1Aek7AmkvPl6lULa6Ak-vMtK1sPdZoWSfUGyrsgA/s1600/jpg_Happy-Birthday-Baloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnCV2oxWov7zirUW1SX7Tj5tivtRJvH6xoYEltflO9PI3NfI1Q0LpaE09JD90EUq4-cQ8MhtOP05X_I1ZY7d4DjsZG_3051LojN1Aek7AmkvPl6lULa6Ak-vMtK1sPdZoWSfUGyrsgA/s200/jpg_Happy-Birthday-Baloons.jpg" width="144" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.gotye.com/" target="_blank">Gotye</a>, the Belgian-Australian recording artist who sings "Somebody That I Used to Know," turns 32 today. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few weeks ago, my 14-year-old son introduced me to the fascinating song; he said it was the number one song on iTunes. I was immediately hooked; I quickly learned the rest of the world is crazy about it, too! The song, a slow-building duet with New Zealand singer <a href="http://www.kimbramusic.com/frontpage" target="_blank">Kimbra</a>, is achieving phenomenal success. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/gotye-s-somebody-that-i-used-to-know-roars-1006798152.story#/news/gotye-s-smash-hit-almost-didn-t-happen-1006759152.story" target="_blank">Richard Smirke of <i>Billboard</i> describes it</a>: "The song, which mixes sparse, shuffling percussion; spooky tremolo sounds; and an earworm melody played on a xylophone, has since topped the charts in more than a dozen countries..."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Michael Martin (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Martin_Kronicle" target="_blank">@Michael_Kronicle</a>) of <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HuffPostEnt" target="_blank">@HuffPostEnt</a> interviewed Gotye last month, and among the topics discussed is Gotye's experience in writing the song. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-martin/gotye-exclusive-interview_b_1419707.html" target="_blank">A video of their interview</a> (just shy of 24 minutes) appears on @HuffPostEnt. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To date, the video of the song has been viewed more than 218 million times. In Australia, "Somebody That I Used to Know" has been certified 8x Platinum! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another video gone viral is a cover version of the song, performed by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9NF2edxy-M" target="_blank">Walk Off The Earth, in which the five band members play one guitar</a> ~ it's super cool!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm addicted to it ~ the haunting melody, harmony and the intensity of the singers' emotions ~ as if they truly were scorned lovers. The song </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">certainly has struck a chord with worldwide listeners. What about you? Have you heard this song before? Like it? Love it? Hate it? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UVNT4wvIGY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-3900757313900842942012-05-02T05:45:00.001-04:002012-05-02T05:45:35.116-04:00The Wisdom of Da Vinci<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8vXQegiqQKD23ZCgncTLOxmGKGvKkdc2QU3HMahf0KdgzTmqbezmevDiJHzRiup0_MOy8wAU3alsPP90mBehZWjo9t3ajUQJP551CUf95UXgnUKx8jk2yJ0cUJx8G3bvkkOlWPJANw/s1600/leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8vXQegiqQKD23ZCgncTLOxmGKGvKkdc2QU3HMahf0KdgzTmqbezmevDiJHzRiup0_MOy8wAU3alsPP90mBehZWjo9t3ajUQJP551CUf95UXgnUKx8jk2yJ0cUJx8G3bvkkOlWPJANw/s200/leonardo-da-vinci.jpg" width="200" /></a>On this date in 1519, the world lost a genius, <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/1998/03/02/leonardo-da-vinci">Leonardo Da Vinci</a>. Whenever I read his <a href="http://www.davincibio.org/quotes.jsp">quotes</a>, I'm in awe of his wisdom ~ yet it doesn't come as a surprise, coming from an artist of his magnitude.<br />
<br />
Here's a few of my favorites:<br />
<br />
"Art is never finished, only abandoned." (This reminds me of a Hemingway quote I once read, of which I'm paraphrasing: "Writing is never done; it's just due.")<br />
<br />
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaMWieux30rZ-aUNl4DaFDD76SaIP64yyBdRK58ThicwnFy6Y_9Mcmw-qX2TWe6_jvR0VyM1Gd2-ha1bWAqIjALeF8596tQLt233zr5dQ7RMx2I9sDGGgje9sWjT91K5evjD3Glfx-Q/s1600/mona_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaMWieux30rZ-aUNl4DaFDD76SaIP64yyBdRK58ThicwnFy6Y_9Mcmw-qX2TWe6_jvR0VyM1Gd2-ha1bWAqIjALeF8596tQLt233zr5dQ7RMx2I9sDGGgje9sWjT91K5evjD3Glfx-Q/s200/mona_large.jpg" width="135" /></a>"Although nature commences with reason and ends in experience it is necessary for us to do the opposite, that is to commence with experience and from this to proceed to investigate the reason."<br />
<br />
Think you know a lot about Leonardo? Check out this <a href="http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz30816623479d8.html">fun trivia quiz</a>.<br />
<br />
Did you know that Leonardo was an <a href="http://neuronarrative.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/on-procrastination-sometimes-genius-doodles/">inveterate procrastinator</a>? <i>The Last Supper</i> was only completed after his patrons threatened to cut off his funds; <i>Mona Lisa</i> took 20 years to complete! By the way, the Writing Center of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers excellent <a href="http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-paper/procrastination">advice in assisting writers who suffer with procrastination</a>.<br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/leonardo-da-vinci-40396">Biography.com</a> for vital info and a video on the life of the gifted painter of <i>The Last Supper</i> and <i>Mona Lisa. </i>An article by Jeanna Bryner on <a href="http://www.livescience.com/4648-25-secrets-mona-lisa-revealed.html">LiveScience</a> reveals 25 Secrets of <i>Mona Lisa</i>.<br />
<br />
It's in Italian, but there's a Twitter account devoted to the Vinci, Italy museum <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/museoleonardo">@museoleonardo</a>.<br />
<br />
My daughter, Miranda, had the privilege of viewing the <i>Mona Lisa</i> when she visited the <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/en">Lourve</a> last summer during her 21-day tour of Greece, Italy, and France with the <a href="http://www.peopletopeople.com/pages/default.aspx">People to People Ambassador Program</a>. (On Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/PeopleToPeople">@PeopleToPeople</a>). She was deeply moved by the experience. I dream about visiting France and Italy someday.<br />
<br />
As a part of the <a href="http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/TheQueenandspecialanniversaries/TheQueensDiamondJubilee2012/TheQueensDiamondJubilee2012.aspx">Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen</a>, from now through June 10, 2012, visitors to Bristol can view an exhibition of <a href="http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/ten-drawings-leonardo-da-vinci-exhibition">ten Da Vinci drawings. </a> In addition, Da Vinci-themed workshops, family events, lectures, guided tours, and more are being offered.<br />
<br />
I will make it to Bristol one day ~ my grandfather was born in London in 1911, and his maternal ancestors (his mother, Beatrice Needham, was born in Fishponds), lived in Bristol for hundreds of years. I've done extensive genealogy research, and have even found relatives online -- and I can't wait to visit.<br />
<br />
How about you? A favorite Leonardo Da Vinci quote? Have you experienced the viewing of either <i>Mona Lisa</i> or <i>The Last Supper</i>?<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<br />Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-29102148083923451982012-04-25T00:52:00.000-04:002012-04-25T00:55:37.695-04:00The "5-2 Crime Poetry Weekly" Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotKxYH5lGcWGhplbuYg8UpP6i9C2aVT8du-qOfNxzE4qjJh7GW6B3yL67b8fmN19fUjPfCxNwEU_pTqzz2GpWAsErQOCqiGVmiFokslQVMHPkPbjrlSng-qKa6u6WwXvCxZyBSaibkg/s1600/30Days52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotKxYH5lGcWGhplbuYg8UpP6i9C2aVT8du-qOfNxzE4qjJh7GW6B3yL67b8fmN19fUjPfCxNwEU_pTqzz2GpWAsErQOCqiGVmiFokslQVMHPkPbjrlSng-qKa6u6WwXvCxZyBSaibkg/s1600/30Days52.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41">National Poetry Month</a> is drawing to a close, and it's been such a wonderful opportunity during </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the "<a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2012/02/30-days-of-5-2-blog-tour.html">30 Days of the 5-2</a>" blog tour </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to celebrate the poetry that is published at "<a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/">5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly</a>" presented by Poetic Justice Press (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/PJPress">@PJPress</a> on Twitter). I'd like to thank Editor <a href="http://geraldso.blogspot.com/">Gerald So</a> for allowing me to participate in this fabulous tour!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The poem I'd like to profile is called, "<a href="http://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2011/11/ray-succre.html">Twelve Apologies</a>" by <a href="http://raysuccre.blogspot.com/">Ray Succre</a>. For an extra bonus, click below to listen to Ray reading this entertaining piece of <a href="http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5650">confessional poetry</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>TWELVE APOLOGIES</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Mr. Arnolds, my neighbor five years ago:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It was me. I'm the one who ran over your cat. I didn't even see it. I'm sorry that I suggested your daughter may have done it. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Jan Arnolds:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">See above. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Grandma J.:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The coat you bought me last year? The one I always say I've just taken off whenever you call? I drunkenly lit it on fire five months ago. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Amad, my old friend:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Remember when I threw that monstrous party and you passed out, and by morning, some measly person had stolen your cigarettes and poured soup on your crotch? They gave me some of the cigarettes not to say anything, and the soup was my idea. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>My ex, Andrea:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When I lost my job because of corporate cutbacks? That was a lie. I told my boss that if she talked to me that way again, I'd piss on her head. She fired me. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Bookstore On the Bay:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It was me. I stole all those books. I figured out how to remove the magnetic strips, and would do so while chatting up your clerk. I did this daily. He thought we were pals. I read all of the books I stole, at least. One a day for almost an entire summer. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Little Lisa:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We only went out for a single day in the third grade, and we broke-up because I wouldn't give you my pen. Listen, I told everybody we did it. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Laurel, a waitress in Olympia, Washington:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">That guy who stole my wallet off the counter while I was in the restroom, which made me unable to pay for my coffee that one time? I didn't own a wallet. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Safeway of America, Inc.:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> I was the one who stole</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Eraserhead</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. I gave you the wrong phone number which truly was an accident because I'd just moved into a new place with a new number, but you didn't check my I.D. and when I was about to sign the little rental agreement, I noticed the phone number I'd given had pulled up the first name "Esther", so, quickly and unfortunately for Esther and your company, I signed it "Antonio Banderas" and never returned the video. I'm sorry to you and I'm sorry to Esther and I'm sorry to Mr. Banderas, as well.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>To a certain couple:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Red fruits don't cause Alzheimer's disease. I made it up. You can start eating strawberries again. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>To Aaron from sixth grade:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> Though it’s been twenty years, I've still got your Nintendo game, Bionic Commando. I convinced you I had given it back and that you had lost it, but I just hadn't beaten the game yet. I moved to the other side of the country with it. I'm sorry.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>To Kat, a neighbor in a high-rise apartment building I once resided in:</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Sixteen years ago, I needed to make a local call and my phone service had just been disconnected. You had offered to let my use your phone for local calls. I knocked but you weren't home. Later, I found the telephone service grid on the second floor, so I spliced into your line with my room's phone, thinking that it wouldn't really matter as long as I switched it back when I was done. When I picked up to make my important call, you were home and you were ordering something on it. The salesclerk couldn't figure out what ordering number your item was supposed to have, so you had to explain to him (and though you didn't know it, to me) that it was the jelly-apparatus on some page 36 . The Rhino II, I think it was called. I didn't mean to overhear it. I hope everything worked out and I'm sure blue was a wonderful color. I'm sorry.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s6LrTQGcDxQ" width="560"></iframe></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I think that confessional poetry might be fun to experiment with; how about you?</span></span>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-91499657794824530972012-04-01T14:31:00.000-04:002012-04-01T14:31:02.598-04:002012 Derringer Award Winners Announced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm-0IRhdlRblOvgaGw6EH5VuXli4striFItv6TGPV8OaVLIKE4KcRrrIHxYKT1_getE11YJTgpsjX57eKHUF2WEGRMYJSY5QCwQaT6XUBn7LS7zw_AO5sKaxiUdFPxW0LEDth8UbnEw/s1600/SMFS-150w.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm-0IRhdlRblOvgaGw6EH5VuXli4striFItv6TGPV8OaVLIKE4KcRrrIHxYKT1_getE11YJTgpsjX57eKHUF2WEGRMYJSY5QCwQaT6XUBn7LS7zw_AO5sKaxiUdFPxW0LEDth8UbnEw/s1600/SMFS-150w.gif" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am deeply honored that my story, "<a href="http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/2011/02/twist-of-noir-661-kathleen-ryan.html">Heat of Passion</a>" was among the finalists for the 2012 Derringer Award for Best Flash Fiction Story. The results have just been announced by SMFS President (and awesome short story writer) <a href="http://sandraseamans.blogspot.com/">Sandra Seamans</a>. Eligible voting members of the <a href="http://shortmystery.blogspot.com/">Short Mystery Fiction Society </a>read the stories and cast their votes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congratulations to the winners:<br />
<br />
Best Flash Story: "<a href="http://www.shotgunhoney.net/2011/07/lessons-learned-by-allan-leverone.html">Lessons Learned" by Allan Leverone</a><br />
<br />
Best Short Story: "Touch of Death" by <a href="http://bvlawson.com/index.html">B.V. Lawson</a><br />
<br />
Best Long Story: Tie "<a href="http://eqmm.podomatic.com/entry/2012-03-01T09_13_57-08_00">A Drowning at Snow's Cut"</a> by <a href="http://www.arttaylorwriter.com/Drowning.php">Art Taylor </a>and "Brea's Tale"<br />
by <a href="http://www.karenpullen.com/">Karen Pullen</a><br />
<br />
Best Novelette: "<a href="http://www.untreedreads.com/?p=2926">Where Billy Died</a>" by Earl Staggs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congratulations to <a href="http://shortmystery.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-short-mystery-fiction-society.html">all of the nominees</a> as well. Your stories are outstanding and the judges did a terrific job in narrowing down the choices. I'm grateful for the efforts of 2012 Derringer Coordinator Gwen Mayo, the judges, and the voting members of SMFS who took the time to read the stories and make the tough decisions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks, also, to Editor Christopher Grant for having accepted and published "<a href="http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/2011/02/twist-of-noir-661-kathleen-ryan.html">Heat of Passion" on <i>A Twist of Noir</i></a> on February 14, 2011 ~ and to the dedicated readers who took the time to read and comment about my story. The feedback has been a tremendous gift. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A special shout-out to the publishers/hosts of the winning stories: <a href="http://www.shotgunhoney.net/2011/07/lessons-learned-by-allan-leverone.html">Shotgun Honey</a>; <a href="http://absentwillowreview.com/">Absent Willow Review</a>(currently closed); <a href="http://www.untreedreads.com/?p=2926">Untreed Reads</a>; <a href="http://www.themysteryplace.com/eqmm/">Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine</a>; and to the dozens of bloggers (and those who promoted on Facebook and Twitter, too) ~ who announced the 2012 Derringer Award Finalists throughout March 2012 and wrote so many kind words. Thanks for your faithful support of short mystery and crime fiction!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-81242381657795171562012-03-27T10:04:00.000-04:002012-03-27T10:04:15.755-04:00Backspace/SEMINAR Log Line Contest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWly56yb7tjpt-23ItsNMoM2o78-WeIXCP4QyfZE0N0bGoMAuy8c3ilC2JHcD45dWkMAlHTW-l4yKdTt-ClNoMUFsRnHNi9AXZPQEonEgFLvMLg7dg8KNPP63TIq8r276IAjszV72TA/s1600/277132_129228213754437_7440556_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWly56yb7tjpt-23ItsNMoM2o78-WeIXCP4QyfZE0N0bGoMAuy8c3ilC2JHcD45dWkMAlHTW-l4yKdTt-ClNoMUFsRnHNi9AXZPQEonEgFLvMLg7dg8KNPP63TIq8r276IAjszV72TA/s1600/277132_129228213754437_7440556_n.jpg" /></a></div>Up for a fun log line challenge?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/">The Backspace Writers Conference</a> is hosting a <a href="http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/backspace-seminar-logline-contest/">log line contest</a>. For more info on the conference being held May 24-26 in NYC, check out this <a href="http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/2012/02/backspace-conference-in-the-writer-magazine/">article in the March 2012's issue of Writer Magazine. </a><br />
<br />
Three winners will be chosen based on originality and execution by Judges from <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/FolioLiterary">Folio Literary Management</a>. Each winner receives a pair of tickets to the Broadway smash, <i><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SeminarOnBway">Seminar</a>.</i> The tickets can be won on someone else's behalf (but can't be transferred once a name is connected to the voucher), which must be redeemed by May 13; performances run until May 27. <i><a href="http://www.seminaronbroadway.com/">Seminar</a></i> currently stars Alan Rickman until April 1, then Jeff Goldblum joins the cast on April 3.<br />
<br />
The title and pitch for your log line (limit: 100 words) is for a <i>fictitious</i> novel -- not your own. According to the announcement: "The more inventive and high concept your story idea, the better!"<br />
<br />
One entry per person. Read the <a href="http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/backspace-seminar-logline-contest-rules/">official rules</a> before filling out the form. There's a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BackspaceTheWritersPlace?sk=wall&filter=12">Facebook</a> angle involved in the contest, too; authors who receive the most combined "likes" and comments will each win a signed and personalized copy of literary agent Donald Maass's <i>Writing the Breakout Novel</i> and <i>The Fire in Fiction. </i><br />
<br />
The deadline is April 15. Winners to be announced April 22.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
<div><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</strong></div>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-34083409794049806842012-03-17T19:55:00.002-04:002012-03-17T19:55:01.114-04:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<blockquote class="tr_bq"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfzvsPdFffX-c_RNg1dlSwr1ye7AVpMcfJwvGHeZxLXRjdCHA3VD4Hv0t5stqIUzBxYRIhvftIaHU9bnNVy68UdxwB3et7toisXLbeF47qGOBJY4OQmxied6MLw7OasZ-5_xh0lmrrg/s1600/GetAttachment.aspx_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfzvsPdFffX-c_RNg1dlSwr1ye7AVpMcfJwvGHeZxLXRjdCHA3VD4Hv0t5stqIUzBxYRIhvftIaHU9bnNVy68UdxwB3et7toisXLbeF47qGOBJY4OQmxied6MLw7OasZ-5_xh0lmrrg/s320/GetAttachment.aspx_7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">River Bandon, County Cork</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table></blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0IYP4acn9ROkEg6ZVf8IaeeIIjjdsLVyAbGmLB3jTT4tFxSrJ8rDBl7gIyR26ewJd9xIZTa3dnJo84iKnH7pbprAd-HtA0u_U6l57h448QdiK5Yi1UjKvy0uhMpYehgmjY28BFyL9Q/s1600/GetAttachment.aspx_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0IYP4acn9ROkEg6ZVf8IaeeIIjjdsLVyAbGmLB3jTT4tFxSrJ8rDBl7gIyR26ewJd9xIZTa3dnJo84iKnH7pbprAd-HtA0u_U6l57h448QdiK5Yi1UjKvy0uhMpYehgmjY28BFyL9Q/s320/GetAttachment.aspx_3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kinsale, Ireland</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUVfgNnE1kXB5X6zZlj_-PCzYnSoIe2Do7pGEwoC7dQrs9n80j6M3aGjLSn-8l71pBoduo_WVsAwpAKz95phHpngMlpBW5QI-5_ghhtborYqQreTu-4eVoqtqERBpeTeyULbXrTc2kg/s1600/GetAttachment.aspx_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUVfgNnE1kXB5X6zZlj_-PCzYnSoIe2Do7pGEwoC7dQrs9n80j6M3aGjLSn-8l71pBoduo_WVsAwpAKz95phHpngMlpBW5QI-5_ghhtborYqQreTu-4eVoqtqERBpeTeyULbXrTc2kg/s320/GetAttachment.aspx_5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cobh, Ireland</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, I'm posting a few photographs I took during a trip to Ireland in 2003. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;">"Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart." ~ Margaret Jackson</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-41598650575435629332012-02-28T12:32:00.000-05:002012-02-28T12:32:46.255-05:00Ben Hecht: The Shakespeare of Hollywood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk98mRUeHGFgSiEOiTnhep-UeVBHTBUZ9MXIDm6NIzMGMpdpPaGeHmhC56e8WKfUut2rF05sLSEPcNzjcYdV7p5elNRFZ-z7-RXLffIHrjTMEZVTlZzmyhZFY-qz7gGu7nCPT7yCERA/s1600/220px-Ben_Hecht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk98mRUeHGFgSiEOiTnhep-UeVBHTBUZ9MXIDm6NIzMGMpdpPaGeHmhC56e8WKfUut2rF05sLSEPcNzjcYdV7p5elNRFZ-z7-RXLffIHrjTMEZVTlZzmyhZFY-qz7gGu7nCPT7yCERA/s200/220px-Ben_Hecht.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>On this date in 1894, one of my favorite screenwriters of all time was born. <a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ben-hecht-is-born">Ben Hecht</a> was also a director, producer, playwright and a novelist.<br />
<br />
Ben was the first recipient of the Academy Award for Original Screenplay, for the movie <i>Underworld </i>(1927).<br />
<br />
The screenplays he wrote or worked on (many times uncredited) include the following:<br />
<br />
<i>Scarface</i> (1932), <i>The Front Page, Twentieth Century</i> (1934), <i>Barbary Coast</i> (1935), <i>Nothing Sacred</i> (1937), <i>Some Like It Hot, Gone with the Wind, Gunga Din, Wuthering Heights</i> (all 1939),<i> His Girl Friday</i> (1940),<i> Spellbound</i> (1945), <i>Notorious </i>(1946), <i>Monkey Business, A Farewell to Arms</i> (1957), <i>Mutiny on the Bounty</i> (1962), and <i>Casino Royale (1967</i>; released after Hecht's death in 1964).<br />
<br />
He also provided story ideas for such films as <i>Stagecoach</i> (1939). In 1940, he wrote, produced, and directed <i>Angels Over Broadway</i>.<br />
<br />
Six of his movie screenplays were nominated for Academy Awards; two won.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF0yQ2wRpYcynXJ3maczAtk1iolIKeE4hW4MSSaU0j0EITI9S2UcMh1x9d0hAsHaFbZx4QdMlvnf73JXSJjqmA_mxH7rHeTH6Gae7AC0kbp2hpj-rleDQAF1B_K3Lxfprm6vGq22n1w/s1600/f7f8c6ed-5102-47fd-b877-cc1386981313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF0yQ2wRpYcynXJ3maczAtk1iolIKeE4hW4MSSaU0j0EITI9S2UcMh1x9d0hAsHaFbZx4QdMlvnf73JXSJjqmA_mxH7rHeTH6Gae7AC0kbp2hpj-rleDQAF1B_K3Lxfprm6vGq22n1w/s200/f7f8c6ed-5102-47fd-b877-cc1386981313.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><br />
My personal favorite is <i>His Girl Friday</i>. If you've never seen it, try to get it from your library (or watch it <a href="http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi3054437145/">online at IMDb</a>). The rapid-fire dialogue is extraordinary. As a police officer, I worked with the media for 16 years, so this movie is even more endearing to me. It's quite evident in this film that Mr. Hecht had an extensive background in journalism.<br />
<br />
When Hecht was living in New York in 1926, he received a <a href="http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/83910%7C18760/Ben-Hecht/">telegram</a> from a screenwriter friend who had recently moved to L.A. "Millions are to be grabbed out here and your only competition is idiots. Don't let this get around." He traveled to Hollywood, and began his career by writing the screenplay for <i>Underworld</i>, as the sound era had ended.<br />
<br />
We know where that landed him!Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7836818558362433996.post-86377254436011341662012-02-27T11:50:00.001-05:002012-02-27T11:57:24.840-05:00The 2012 Academy Awards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfS3mjyEJ47QIpAmxULHTvf4Ao3zK6_iMPKVq7eVIantzd6m_7qCzhGthpNdLKP_D-q17NZzN2-NHhyphenhyphenkCviUGp530yj8NgjUOEphrdJ0sl-R1Due4ntUJhDAwhRMe_CTtg8JC2yZZ1g/s1600/midnight+in+paris_m-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfS3mjyEJ47QIpAmxULHTvf4Ao3zK6_iMPKVq7eVIantzd6m_7qCzhGthpNdLKP_D-q17NZzN2-NHhyphenhyphenkCviUGp530yj8NgjUOEphrdJ0sl-R1Due4ntUJhDAwhRMe_CTtg8JC2yZZ1g/s1600/midnight+in+paris_m-1.jpg" /></a></div>I'm thrilled that Woody Allen won the <a href="http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/02/oscars_2012_midnight_in_paris.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Best Original Screenplay Academy Award</span></a> for <i>Midnight in Paris</i>. I blogged about my admiration for the film on <a href="http://www.womenofmystery.net/2012/01/midnight-in-paris-writers-film.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Women of Mystery</span></a> in January. <br />
<br />
How wonderful that Christopher Plummer finally gets to take home the Oscar. I loved his <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/christopher-plummer-wins-supporting-actor-oscar-becomes-oldest-academy-award-winner/2012/02/26/gIQAkiRrcR_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">acceptance speech</span></a> the most. Such class!<br />
<br />
I'm glad I got to see <i>The Artist</i>, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/env-oscars-2012-news-story,0,2701093.story"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Best Picture</span></a> </span>winner. I took my teenage daughter to see it ~ we absolutely loved it. After it ended, I asked her, "Well ~ what do you think for Best Picture? <i>Midnight in Paris</i>, <i>Hugo</i>, or <i>The Artist</i>?" since we had seen and loved all of them, and we knew it would be a tough decision. We were stumped.<br />
<br />
A theatre patron on the way in as we were heading out asked if we liked it. Her hesitation, as I've heard from so many others, was that it was a "silent" film. We reassured her that she would enjoy it thoroughly. When you think about it, there is no other way to honor the silent film era but to make a silent film, and in black and white. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeMDXQEhisdMgLUIJUfhJ21_nHO8m1d44xk8G9rqAzBVSUc4hWMk3tImM5i0iaGq_S2r8GkM80r5iQBEmEenTLMbEqpBAvCdjL0pTpXExyMAn3GgSOOhXR2t1WT6-PjOt70FTUY_osg/s1600/Walter-Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeMDXQEhisdMgLUIJUfhJ21_nHO8m1d44xk8G9rqAzBVSUc4hWMk3tImM5i0iaGq_S2r8GkM80r5iQBEmEenTLMbEqpBAvCdjL0pTpXExyMAn3GgSOOhXR2t1WT6-PjOt70FTUY_osg/s200/Walter-Man.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>During the Oscar telecast, my husband keenly noticed a cameo of Jim Parsons, the extremely talented, multi-award-winning actor who portrays Dr. Sheldon Cooper on <i>The Big Bang Theory</i>, during an extremely brief video clip of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/02/oscars-2012-original-song.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">winning Best Original Song</span></a>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MFn8L9tIrg&feature=fvwrel">"Man or Muppet.</a>"</span></span> If you're a fan of the show, you'll love the video -- it's awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoepf1msqwrhJUoLKWmCz1MBtUqk-XOulwvjiSOdRdaot3PPhG-yX8nZoXpxcY3txs7j1sMxS-EaAws2kszR0byCFrCJYeJHVFXmrcGffimYfvLsRJDGPlpP191S0NQKPjoXnYlBrBhA/s1600/The_Fantastic_Flying_Books_of_Mr_Morris_Lessmore-849402803-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoepf1msqwrhJUoLKWmCz1MBtUqk-XOulwvjiSOdRdaot3PPhG-yX8nZoXpxcY3txs7j1sMxS-EaAws2kszR0byCFrCJYeJHVFXmrcGffimYfvLsRJDGPlpP191S0NQKPjoXnYlBrBhA/s200/The_Fantastic_Flying_Books_of_Mr_Morris_Lessmore-849402803-large.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>Available for a limited time, you can watch the Oscar-winning "Best Animated Short Film,"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://theguardiansbooks.com/FlyingBooks/?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=RHSocialMedia">The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore</a>. </span></i><br />
<br />
For a complete list of winners, click <a href="http://oscar.go.com/nominees"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. <br />
<br />
Did you watch the Oscars? Did any of your favorites win? Didn't Angelina Jolie look ridiculous as she awkwardly stood with her right leg sticking out of the slit in her dress while presenting? It didn't take long for <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/AngiesRightLeg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">@AngiesRightLeg</span></a> to pop up on Twitter (which currently has more than 13,000 followers).Kathleen A. Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02067969207174384793noreply@blogger.com2