Brazil

April 6, 2014

FAST AND FURIOUS!

NO, I WILL NOT BE DISCUSSING MY HONEYMOON NIGHT AGAIN!  (Besides, as I explained to the wife, I had jet lag.)  Nor will I be discussing illegal gun shipments to Mexico.  Actually, I’m referring to my writing revisions, which have been fast and furious in order hit my publishing deadline for THE SECOND MOURNING.  Man, this editing thing is for the birds.  No rest for the wicked, I mean, the weary.  I don’t even have time to take a nap!  Which reminds me…..  If a person refuses to take a nap, could they be locked up for….. “resisting a rest?”  Hmmmm.

Well, what else is new?  (Wait, don’t tell me!)  I am pleased to announce that I received notification that DEVIL’S COVE (Adam Gold mystery number three) was recently nominated to receive the 2014 Raymond Chandler Writing Award!  However, I wouldn’t get my hopes up.  (Elmore Leonard is also in the running!)  Still, all of these little awards add up, and I am thrilled to be among such wonderful writers.  In other words, I have little chance of winning, but my writing resume keeps growing.  Nothing wrong with that.

On the subject of honors…..  The Mighty Cobra (my poker identity) was well on his way to another final table when he tangled with Rich “Big Win” Walker last Thursday evening.  Incredibly, my pair of sevens held up against his Ace/King!  However, the poker gods do have a wicked sense of humor, so a few hands later my two aces in the hole got busted by a lousy set of fives!  Life ain’t fair!

Did you folks hear that President Obama asked the Pope to make him a saint because of Obamacare?  The Pope said he would consider the request, since it was going to take a miracle to make the program work!  All I can say is Bingo!

I have attached another photograph to this blog, so if you are the first person to tell me where this lady went to college, you will win a $100 gift card!  Good luck, and no cheating!  (If you were willing to split the prize with me, I might give you the answer!)

Speaking of great prizes…..   I would like to share some bizarre history with you folks.  As you might know, my next book (The Second Mourning) deals with the assassination of President Garfield.  Well, try this on for size…..  Did you know that Lincoln was shot at the theatre named “Ford?”  Kennedy was shot in a car called “Lincoln,” which was made by….. Ford!  (Get this:  Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.  Both Presidents were shot in the head.  Lincoln’s secretary was named Kennedy.  Kennedy’s secretary was named Lincoln!)  Ah, the mystery of history!!

Well, my dear family and friends, that’s about it for this week.  Please tune in next Sunday for another thrilling post, and until we meet again, please have a safe and happy week.  Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

P.S.  This Sunday’s blog is dedicated to “Miss Mollie,” a very special dog who brought fifteen years of happiness to a dear friend.  R.I.P., little princess.

And now for your photograph…..

 

LucretiaGarfield

 

March 30, 2014

YANOFF WINS MEGA-LOTTERY MILLIONS!

BEFORE YOU GET TOO EXCITED, OR ASK TO BORROW MONEY…..  I would simply like to remind you that April first is just around the corner.  (i.e., April Fools’ Day!)  Perhaps I should have gotten your attention with a different headline.  How about…..  CRACKPOT WINS JACKPOT!  Did you know that our national day of pranks is based upon ancient Roman and Hindu festivals which occurred just after the VERNAL EQUINOX?  (Which is similar to the VENAL MAALOX.)  Me neither.  Some folks believe it was ushered in as part of “spring fever,” and others think it is connected to the Jewish spring holiday of Purim.  (One of my favorite holidays.  You bring the wine, and the host will pour ’em!)  I think it has something to do with the I.R.S., but I can’t prove it.

Today, March 30th, was an interesting day in history, too.  On this very day, in 1856, Russia signed the Peace of Paris Treaty ending….. the Crimea War!  (What goes around, comes around.)

On this day, in 1870, Texas became the LAST Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union.  (Clearly a foolish mistake on our part.)  Whose idea was that?  (Somebody get a rope!)

On this day, in 1976, INDIANA went undefeated and won the NCAA Basketball Championship.  Are you from Indiana?  Hoosier mama?  Hoosier papa?  What the heck is a hoosier, anyway?

On this very day, in 1992, Anthony Hopkins AND Jodie Foster won Academy Awards for acting in a sweet, family-oriented animal movie.  (The Silence of the Lambs.)  Hey, I’m only trying to “pull the wool” over your eyes… this is one scary movie!

Speaking of scary things…..  Last week I appeared on a local radio show, sharing some insurance insights into the tragic disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370.  You might be interested to know what I discussed with the host…..  The Boeing 777 that was lost was valued at….. $320,000,000!  (Yep, you read that right.)  The plane contains over 3,000,000 different parts, manufactured by over 500 different companies around the world.  The insurance coverage is “All Risk,” which covers nearly every peril known to man.  (Which is why the companies involved have already begun to pay out claims.)  The high cost of the aircraft is due, in part, to the fact that it can travel at close to 600 mph — and has a cruising range of 6,000 miles.  I thought you might like to know these details, as the “insurance angle” is seldom discussed in the media.

On a lighter note…..  My esteemed publisher is working on the final book cover revisions for THE SECOND MOURNING.  I am very pleased with the cover and will be doing the final editing one day next week.  I really think you’re going to enjoy this story and I will keep you informed of my progress.  In the meantime, if you would like to listen to my coast-to-coast radio interview of last week, simply go to the website I listed on last Sunday’s blog.  You will find a convenient link.  Let me know what you think.

If are the first person to correctly identify the attached photograph, you will win a $25 gift card to Target.  (But if I were you, I would not give them your credit card information!)  Unless, of course, you want to become a target.  (Of identity thieves)  Did I mention that somebody stole my identity last week?  The son of gun cancelled his credit cards and told the police that he was embarrassed to be me!  He actually resumed his former identity!  (The cops told me that he was a voracious reader, whatever that means.)  Well, have a great week, and love to all…..

Doc Yanoff

On this day, in

March 23, 2014

FREQUENCY IS IMPORTANT!

NO, NOT THAT KIND OF FREQUENCY!  I’m referring to your radio frequency, ergo I shall remind thee of my upcoming radio interview, scheduled for this Tuesday, March 25th.  If you prefer, I will post a link to the podcast and you can listen at your leisure.  I’ve heard a tape of the interview, and I was very pleased.  (I only mispronounced my main character’s name once!)  The host, Jack Drucker, was exceedingly complimentary, which was a very pleasant surprise.  (He must not read a lot!)  Mr. Drucker thinks I might become a household name.  (If I change my name to Stephen Can-Opener.)  In any case it was a great experience and a terrific opportunity to discuss DEVIL’S COVE and my other semi-brilliant mystery novels.

As some of you know, my first non-fiction book, THE SECOND MOURNING is now in the hands of my publisher.  I’m told to expect a publication date in mid-April, which is a lovely time of year down here in Austin, Texas.  (Wildflowers and such)  I shall keep you informed of my progress.  So, how was your St. Paddy’s Day?  Did you know that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland?  (One reptile kept asking, “Are we there yet?”  Another had to stop and use the bathroom.)  I’m not sure, but I think the snakes were driven west, toward the District of Columbia.  Just saying.

My literary agent (Black Bart Berkowitz) tells me that my name was recently added to Vladimir Putin’s “no travel” list.  (I am now persona non gratitude in Russia.)  No big deal.  Did you know that there is a group of Russians that are claiming that Putin is a ruthless tyrant?  Do you know what they’re called?  Missing.

Speaking of oddities, did you hear about the “Woman’s Butt Size Study” that was conducted at Harvard University?  The results were quite interesting:   10% of women think their ass is too skinny.  30% of women think their ass is too fat.  60% say they don’t care, they love him, he is a good man and they wouldn’t trade him for the world!  (Would you folks like to guess which category my wife is in?)  Women!

After a short absence (due to parole requirements) I have returned to the world of professional, high-stakes poker.  Registering under the name of The Mighty Cobra (a lot of snakes in this blog, huh?) I managed to make the final table at the huge Steiner Ranch Tournament last Thursday!  If you can identify the photograph attached to this blog, I just might share my winnings with you!  (All right,  maybe not, but I will autograph your copy of THE SECOND MOURNING.)

Finally, I would like to mention that my book signing at the Barton Creek Mall has been postponed.  (At my request.)  I must attend another function, a birthday party hosted by the eminent Judge Susan!  We will be celebrating the birthdays of Patricia E. Yanoff (a living saint) and Ms. Barbara Talbott (a true martyr)  Gifts are not necessary, unless you want some food or drink or don’t care about walking around with a black eye and a broken arm.

In closing I would like to remind you that life is short….. so smile while you still have teeth!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

 

RoscoeConkling

 

 

March 16, 2014

MAKING MORE WAVES! (AIRWAVES, THAT IS!)

Well, now that we have set our clocks backward or forward for daylight savings time (depending on which state you live in) it is time to adjust our radio dials so that we don’t miss the coast to coast interview of America’s most endearing mystery author!  Me!  As a public nuisance, I mean, public service, I would like to remind you that on Tuesday, March 25, I will be the featured guest on “THE AMERICAN BOOK CLUB” radio program.  The show begins at 12 noon, Eastern time, and will follow “Imus In The Morning,” on KLRG-AM 880.  The host will probably ask about my goal, which is simple.  (After all, I am a simple person.)  I just want the audience to accept me for who I pretend to be!  Not too much to ask, eh?

Speaking of radios, don’t you just hate it when you’re listening to a song and singing out loud and then the artist gets the words wrong?  Jeez, what’s wrong with those folks?  Now for some news about the folks who follow this blog…..     Did you know that my old friend (and former lawyer) Bruce Blakeman was running for Congress in the 4th District of New York?  Well, now you do, so I would ask all of my New York followers to please vote for this gentleman, who is a fine fellow and will make you proud!

And since I mentioned “pride,” I am very proud to have most of the “Deatrick Clan” as followers, as well as Ms. Lisa Reischer, one of the very best photographers in New York State!  I would also like to welcome the entire “Raymond Chandler Book Club” of El Paso, Texas.  (And thank you for choosing DEVIL’S COVE as your book-of-the-month!)  All I can say about that is…..  Yeeehaaaa!

Speaking of yahoos, how do you like the nerve of this guy Rootin’ Tootin’ Putin?  Did you see the photo of him riding that horse with his shirt off?  The commie obviously doesn’t understand the meaning of the word “bareback.”  If you ask me, he’s not “stable.”  (All right, I’ll stop “horsing around!”)  Wait, I’ve got one more commie joke…..  Did you hear that Putin just recorded his first record?  It’s called…..  “Crimea River.”  (Cry Me A River?)  I should have stopped while I was ahead!

Before I go, I would like to say “Happy Birthday” to one of my personal “idols.”  Today is the birthday of James Madison, our fourth President.  Did you know that Mr. Madison was the “Father of the American Constitution?”  He was also the primary author of the “Bill of Rights.”  Do you remember the saying about “good things come in small packages?”    Well, Mr. Madison was only 5′ 3” in height, and he weighed just 100 pounds!  (His favorite Broadway musical was…..  “Hello Dolly!”)  Just kidding about that last part!

Finally, congratulations to Daniel Mantrone of Richmond, Virginia, who was the first to identify last week’s photo of the assassin, Charles J. Guiteau. (I hope the attached caption was helpful!)  Another gift card will be given to the first person who can identify this week’s photograph.  Good luck to all!

Have a safe and prosperous week….  We shall chat next Sunday!

Love and knishes,

Doc Yanoff

 

JamesBlane

March 9, 2014

GOOD NEWS TRAVELS FAST!

A LOT FASTER THAN ME ON THE INTERSTATE!  Fellow travelers, I am proud to announce that I recently signed a new book contract, and that in mid-April, my fourth masterpiece will be published!  (Just in time to pay my taxes!) Please, hold your applause.  (Never mind, clap!)  Murder Ink Press, in collaboration with Penguin Publishers, will be publishing my first non-fiction book, titled THE SECOND MOURNING.  (The True Story of America’s Most Bizarre Political Murder.)  The book will reveal the true events surrounding the assassination of President James A. Garfield, our twentieth President.  I’m told that it will be available in hard-back, soft-back, and ebook versions.  Readers will be able to purchase the book on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kindle, Nook, and a large number of traditional book stores.  (Including BookPeople in Austin, Texas.)

I would like to thank each and every one of our 7,000 blog followers, because without your continued support, none of this would have been possible.  You folks are the best and I’m honored to be invited into your homes each Sunday.  We gained many new followers on our last book tour, which ended two days ago, and took us to Dallas, Texarkana, Little Rock, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Valdosta, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Mobile, Baton Rouge, and Houston!  Whew, what a drive!  Two thousand miles in two weeks!

While we were gone, the Winter Olympics “played out.”  You know what that means.  American athletes will now be appearing on cereal boxes!  (“Flakey” idea.  Too “corny.”)  I hear that Vladimir Putin wants to put his face on a box of crackers!  (Ever heard of “Putin on the Ritz?”)  Ouch!

Several of our curious blog followers have asked about my favorite road stop.  There were many great stops, but my personal favorite was Lynchburg, Tennessee, the charming town where they produce Jack Daniel’s Sour Mash Whiskey.  After a brief tour of the distillery, we sampled some Old No. 7, and from what I remember, our “spirits” were truly lifted!  (I think I met a guy named Jim Beam and a fellow named George Dickels, but don’t quote me on that!)  If you think I’m joking, I’ve got (ninety) proof!

Speaking of “blithe spirits,” I would like to say happy birthday to Ms. Barbara Talbott, who will be turning 39 or 49 tomorrow.  I forget her exact age, but I congratulate Barbara on reaching a new pinochle.  (I could have said pinnacle, but she’s a “real card!”)  Well, at least she’s playing with a “full deck!”  (Unlike me!)  Have a great day, darling!

In closing, I would like to remind you that we are now in the midst of Daylight Savings Time.  (Why don’t banks ever offer daylight savings accounts?)  Anyway, don’t forget the old motto:   “Spring back and fall ahead.”  Wait a minute, maybe it’s “Spring forward and fall back.”  Well, I don’t suppose it really matters.  Sooner or later you’ll have the right time.

Well, I’m off to the office to pay some bills, make some excuses, and catch up on my fan mail.  (I received a letter from my Mom.)  I hope everyone has a safe and happy week.  We will chat again next Sunday!

Love to all…..

Doc Yanoff

 

P.S.  Depending on my computer skills, which are minimal, you might see a photograph attached to this blog post.  Be the first to identify the person in the photo and you will win a $50 gift card!  (I will post the winner’s name next Sunday.)  Good luck!

 

CharlesGuiteau