First, I allude to the amazing storm we had last Friday!  I watched part of it from a high-rise apartment downtown, and it was truly a sight to behold.  Did you know that a lightning bolt can heat the surrounding air to 54,000 degrees Fehrenheit?  That’s six times hotter than the surface of the sun!  Hotter than yours truly in a tight speedo!  (There’s a troubling image!)

Second, I refer to the wonderful news that my new publisher (Murder Ink Press/Penguin Books) has recently purchased all rights to my first two books, THE PRESELY PLOT and MURDER ON MAIDEN LANE.  Both books will be lengthened, re-edited, and re-published in a much more professional package.  New chapters have been added, so get ready for some great fall reading.

Meanwhile, DEVIL’S COVE continues to garner some excellent reviews, and as I have recently learned, the book cover is about to be nominated for some kind of art award later in the year.  I shall keep you posted.  (or rather, emailed)  Thanks again to the beautiful and talented Rachel Zell, the dear who designed the initial cover.

So what else is new?  Well, as some of you know, I made poker history by making it to the final table in the last 8 tournaments in a row….. BUT……the big news is that some of my friends and colleagues have done ever better!  For instance, Judge Susan (The Legal Eagle) made it to the final table last Thursday and astonished the crowd by getting FOUR KINGS in a very big hand!  Beverly Skipper Lange and Steven Gee recently participated in the MAIN EVENT at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.  There were well over 6,000 great players in the event.  ($10,000 Buy-in!)  Beverly placed 86th and won $71,000!  Steven placed 24th and won…..  $285,000!!    (I was instrumental in both of their careers, albeit in a roundabout fashion.  Neither one of them took my poker advice!)

Great week for my brother, Glenn Yanoff.  He spent the last 10 days sailing down the Rhone River on a luxury cruise.  (He was vacationing and hopefully doing some research for my next mystery novel titled, RANSOM ON THE RHONE.)  His lovely daughter, Jessica, just landed a terrific teaching position.  He has two handsome and talented sons, and the oldest, Jarrett, just got accepted into the University of Miami Law School!  Well done, J-Man!   (Uncle Steve is going to need some legal representation!)

Speaking of representation…..  I think my hometown (NYC) has lost its collective mind.  Eliot Spitzer is running for Comptroller?  (You remember Spitzer….. he gave new meaning to the term “room service.”)  Anthony Weiner wants to be the mayor?  How can he “expose” himself to further humiliation?  I heard they’re calling his campaign “The Tour de Pants!”

Did you hear that Michael and Rita Hennecke are making a movie called “From Here To Paternity?”   (Hey, Stella!  Stella!)  Wait a minute, that line is from “A Streetcar Named Desire.”  Of course, down here in Texas, the movie is called “A Streetcar Named Perspire.”   (Next week we will have 6 days of 100 degree temperatures!)

Well, my friends, I must leave you now.  I am on my way to Comfort, Texas, for a book signing/speaking engagement.  (I love the name of that town!)  I hope to have lunch or dinner at a great new restaurant called the Plaid Goat.  (No, I’m not bringing my “nanny!”)  Food review to follow!  Until we meet again, be safe, behave, and believe……….   Love to all,

Doc Yanoff