May 25, 2014

LEST WE FORGET…..

TOMORROW IS MEMORIAL DAY! That being the case, I would like to start with a huge THANK YOU to all who have served in our nation’s military. We appreciate your service to our country and I salute you for your efforts to keep us free. God bless each and every one of you! I don’t know if I ever mentioned it, but my father was in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Airman Yanoff flew across the Atlantic Ocean on a B-24 (a rare event at the time) and served as a tail-gunner during the campaign in North Africa.

I used to kid my father about the first 3 aircraft he shot down. I told him that he would have gotten a medal if they hadn’t been BRITISH aircraft! He would laugh, and then tell me that he might have gotten a medal AND a promotion if they had been FRENCH aircraft! Like most men who served back then, he had a sense of humor about his experience, but was also very proud of his involvement.

Thanks to Sgt. Max Talbott, I received a long-overdue medal for “good conduct” from the U.S. Air Force. (I tried to enlist, but failed the entrance exam.) I received the medal (after a 30-year wait) because I returned the test pencil! Better late than never. Not to brag, but I once worked for the Salvation Army. I was stationed in Times Square, and if I remember correctly, I raised quite a bit of money. (Of which I only kept half.) Hard service, but somebody had to do it.

In case you’re wondering, our Friday night food festival was a big success. We had the pleasure of entertaining the Princess of Portugal and her wealthy hubby, Baron Lee. Judge Susan was also in attendance, as well as some uninvited guests….. which brings us to the main course….. roast COATIMUNDI! (A truly amazing delicacy from South America.) Trust me, you haven’t dined lavishly until you’ve eaten a ring-tailed Coati with fried onion rings. After dinner, we watched “Fiddler On The Roof,” which seemed oddly appropriate, since that is where we caught the main course.

If I sound like I’m rambling, it’s because I’ve only had one cup of coffee. Still, I think I’ve discovered a Sunday morning pattern….. Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. Yes, these are the five stages of waking up! What a gift to be young (?) and talented! Reminds me of an old adage….. “Talent is good. Practice is better. Passion is best.” Frank Lloyd Wright said that, he knew about talent. He and his brothers, Orville and Wilbur invented the first airplane….. the one that flew at Kitty Wells.

In closing, I would like to thank all of my blog followers for supporting my recent literary effort. (THE SECOND MOURNING) I have been fortunate to receive some excellent reviews, but I am fully prepared for a bad review! If and when I receive some unkind words, I shall order the following license plate for that mean old person….. are you ready?

How do you like this plate? 370HSSV

To get the full effect, you must read the plate upside down!

Yes, I know, talent on loan from God! Have a safe and wonderful week! Love to all…..

Doc Yanoff

May 18, 2014

TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN NON-FICTION, TOO!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT….. 3 days after the publication of my first non-fiction book, THE SECOND MOURNING, (The True Story of President Garfield’s assassination) thieves broke into Garfield’s tomb in Cleveland, Ohio!! No joking. Vandals shattered a window to get inside a 180-foot-tall monument at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland Heights!

Interestingly, Garfield’s casket is the ONLY Presidential casket on full display for the public to view. (He’s buried beside his wife, Lucretia.) The thieves stole some silver spoons from a glass display case, but they were not able to reach the coffins. They couldn’t have lifted them out anyway. Too much dead weight. (Ouch!)

In case you’re wondering, I had NOTHING to do with the break-in, and furthermore, I have an air-tight alibi. Still, you have to admit that the timing is a little suspicious. Book comes out, grave robbers go in. Hmmm.

I’d like to thank my friend, and poker buddy, Kevin Evans, for sending me the link about the break-in. If you want to read the full story, just go to: http://www.foxnews.com (Published on 5/11/14.)

Incidentally, I am happy to report that THE SECOND MOURNING has sold over 300 copies on Amazon.com alone! (Not counting Kindle and Nook.) I’d like to thank all of my blog followers who have purchased a book, and please remember that anyone who buys 3 or more copies can audition for the movie role of Charles Guiteau. (The deranged psychopath who shot Garfield.) Yeah, I know. They don’t make guys like me anymore.

Speaking of rare guys… I’d like to say “top o’ the mornin'” to my good friend Max Talbott (and his lovely lass, Barbara) who are presently vacationing in Ireland. They are having a grand time, but Max got into a little trouble in Belfast. Apparently, he walked into a bank and inquired about opening an I.R.A. (I think they’ve been outlawed. So has Max.)

My wife’s maiden name was McCloskey, and she told me that she was recently at an authentic Irish wedding where the M.C. made the following announcement: “Would all the married men please stand next to the person who has made your life worth living.” (The bartender was almost crushed to death!) And since we’re on the subject of crushes, please remember that if you love books (or me) you are invited to attend a gala book signing event on Friday, June 6, at 7 p.m. The event will be held at BookPeople on Lamar Blvd. (Next to Whole Foods.) Free admission, free parking, free porches. (Just kidding about the cars.)

By the way, I’m sorry this blog came out a little late today, but I just got back from another wild weekend in Boerne, Texas. My brother-in-law, Tim McCloskey was celebrating his 60th birthday, so he and the lovely Miss Hannah threw a lavish party at their one-of-a-kind ranch. Unfortunately for me, they had some authentic “moonshine,” which tasted mighty smooth going down, but it had a bit of a kick. (From what I recall, it was a very long night.)

In closing, I would like to mention a new survey that said that 55 percent of Americans think they are smarter than the “average American.” Damn, that’s almost half. The same study indicated that 1 in 10 Americans no longer carry cash. (They’re called Liberal Arts Majors.) Well, have a safe and prosperous week! Love to all…..

Doc Yanoff

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…..

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

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!

March 2, 2014

SMOKEY AND THE (BOOK) BANDIT…..

10-4 ROAD WARRIORS, THIS IS THE KING COBRA… DO YOU GOT YOUR EARS ON? I just passed a Kojak with a kodak. He looks like a county Mountie, but he may be a state trooper. Keep the metal off the petal and watch for a bear in the bushes. Roger that? Gosh, I just love this trucker CB lingo! One question, though….. Who’s this guy Roger they’re always talking about?

Well, as you can see, I’ve been spending a little too much time on the road. By the way, did you know that our Interstate system is laid out in a gridlock, I mean, grid-like fashion? Check it out, good buddies. The even numbered roads run east to west. (I-10, I-20, I-30, etc.) The odd numbered roads run north to south. (I-55, I-75, I-95, etc.) Our Interstate system was apparently designed by a Czech! I once passed a “bad Czech” (on the highway) but that’s another story.

My first stop (after Nashville) was Valdosta, Georgia. I attended a book club event, autographed a few copies of THE GRACELAND GANG and THE PIRATE PATH, and then proceeded to amuse the Southern belles that were gathered at the big house. Naturally I managed to make a fool of myself by inquiring about “Valdosta Onions.” (They’re actually called VIDALIA Onions!) Nevertheless, I did not lose my “appeal” to the group… and nobody was brought to tears. Well, except for a few tears of laughter when I did my Rhett Butler impression.

I had “Georgia on my mind” until I reached warm and sunny Florida. The weather has been absolutely perfect. Last night my brothers and I threw a surprise party for our mother, who just turned 88 years old. Two of Grandma’s favorite nieces (Rachel and Rebecca) flew in from Austin, Texas, and surprised everyone with a guest appearance! We wined and dined at the Addison Club in Delray Beach… and feasted on the most incredible seafood (think lobster) buffet in the world! A truly wonderful evening was had by all, and thanks to my generous sister-in-law (Miss Grace) we intend to have another gourmet festival this afternoon….. when we will be celebrating the 39th birthday of my beautiful wife, Miss Patty. (Think great Italian food!)

While we’re on the subject of celebrations….. My third mystery novel, DEVIL’S COVE has just landed on the best-seller table at BookPeople in Austin, Texas! If you need a copy, come on down! (I will be happy to provide an autograph.) Even more exciting, is the wonderful news we just heard about Miss Kellie (the enchanting daughter of Judge Susan) Along with her handsome hubby, John, we are celebrating the soon-to-be birth of a little baby girl! The princess is due on September 1, 2014. (At approximately 3:45 p.m.) If you intend to visit, please bring your own french fries, as Miss Kellie is rather stingy with her spuds!

We have about 5 more days of Floridian fun ahead of us, and then it’s back on the book tour trail, bound for Tallahassee, Mobile, New Orleans, and then Austin. Whence I return, I will have a major announcement about book number four (THE SECOND MOURNING) so please stay tuned. Until then, take care, and love to all…..

Doc Yanoff, The Sun Tan Man.

February 2, 2014

DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL!

UNLESS YOU’RE TAKING A SHOWER….. Then you may need some soap. Now don’t get yourself in a “lather,” but I have two major announcements….. On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, I will be featured (almost live) on a nationally broadcast radio program called “THE BOOK CLUB.” The show will begin at noon, eastern time, and will be carried from coast to coast on WTAN-AM 1340 in Tampa, Florida, and on KLRG-AM 880 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The interview will also be streamed live via the Internet on: www.tantalk1340.com

The host of the show is Jack Drucker, former Vice-President of Harper and Row Publishers. The program is quite popular and follows the Don Imus Show on stations around the country. (I hope I don’t get any basketball questions)

Jack and I will be discussing my third mystery novel, DEVIL’S COVE. Most exciting, the interview will later be broadcast worldwide, in well over 125 countries! (and Louisiana) Since all of my books have been translated (into French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese) this exposure should result in a large increase in book sales. (and more foreign marriage proposals.)

Speaking of radios, did you know that I once dated MISS EMERSON? (I called her that because she was easy to pick up at night!) She tried to “turn me on” but that only “turned me off” so we were never “in tune.” (I could have made a few jokes about “frequency” but some of my blog followers are under 16.)

Speaking of X-rated events…. wait until you hear about the couple we had dinner with last night! A lovely couple, who used the names “Debra and Fred.” (I have no idea what their real names are.) They had some great “convention tales,” but I’m a little suspicious of them. (The beautiful woman who called herself “Debra” travels around a lot and had one of those very common last names… the ones they use in the Witness Protection Program!)

In closing, I would once again like to thank all of you for making my literary dreams comes true. I could not have done it without you, and frankly, it wouldn’t be as much fun without your friendship and support. Next Sunday’s blog will be sent from….. the Caribbean! I am off on another book tour/tax deductible winter cruise! And yes, the rumors are true, I will be scouting out locations for the movie version of THE PIRATE PATH!

Until we meet again, take care, and love to all…..

Doc Yanoff

January 26, 2014

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE!

MODESTY IS VERY BECOMING… (and it’s becoming quite rare) I’m not that modest. Every year, on my birthday, I send my mother a “congratulations card” for having me. I just installed mirrors in my bedroom. (no, not for that reason!) To look at myself. Does that “reflect” badly on me? Well, today’s blog will not focus on me, but on my loyal blog followers! (who I love)

Last weekend, we Austinites lost Steven Fromholz, one of the true legends of the outlaw country era. Steve was a major talent, and he also served as the Poet Laureate of Texas. I’m friends with his sweet daughter, Felicity, and my heart goes out to her and her family. Your Dad was one of the great ones.

We also lost Mrs. Alice Bonefield, a gentle spirit, the mother of Paula Johnston. “Miss Alice” was one of my favorite ladies and she will truly be missed by everyone who knew her. She was, as they say, a class act.

I would like to extend my best wishes to Mrs. Donna Simon, who is recovering from a heart attack. Donna and I are old friends, and she worked for Yanoff & Company for many years. In fact, she was the manager of our Chicago office. We (the Yanoff clan) wish you a speedy recovery! You did a great job for us and we all love you! (Miss Hazel told me to send you a special kiss!)

Speaking of speedy recoveries….. If you’re ever in need of emergency care, you should limp on over to the Texan Urgent Care facility in Riverplace. Hopefully, you will be seen by Cindy Kelt, FNP-BC (I have no idea what those letters mean, but Cindy is a brilliant and caring nurse practitioner!) Tell her that I sent you and you will receive a free enema. (Let me know how that comes out!) We adore you, Cindy!

I’d like to give a big “shout out” to my friend Steven B. who is back in Iraq doing who-knows-what. I hope you and your buddies are safe and sound, and we wish you a speedy return to the good old U.S.A. Be careful if somebody offers you a camel. (It might not be a cigarette!)

For you book lovers out there, please note that BookPeople has just restocked their shelves with 18 copies of my various mystery novels. (The first group sold quickly.) As you might guess, the books are to be found in the “mystery section” up front. (Makes sense to me)

Finally, remember the secret of enjoying a good wine….. Open the bottle and allow it to breathe….. If it doesn’t seem to be breathing….. Give it mouth to mouth! (The preceding humor courtesy of C.T. Nickles.) C.T. is the head of my New Jersey humor division, and let’s face it, you have to have a sense of humor to live in New Jersey!

Have a safe and prosperous week! Love to all,

Doc Yanoff

P.S. My “big announcement” will be posted next week. This blog is for my wonderful followers!

January 12, 2014

INVASION OF THE BOOK PEOPLE!

MY GOODNESS, THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE TITLE OF A 1950s HORROR MOVIE! But it’s not… In fact, it’s just the opposite of horrible, it’s some more wonderful news! I love sharing good news with my blog followers, and today I have something splendid to share….. Starting next Tuesday, January 14, 2014, all 3 of the “Adam Gold Mystery Novels” will be featured and sold at Austin’s most prestigious book store….. BookPeople! (Located on N. Lamar Blvd.) Yep, you read right, the good folks of Central Texas will now be able to purchase all of my books at a traditional book store, as well as on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Kindle, and the Nook.

Two days ago I signed a contract with the store, and starting next Tuesday, the books (THE GRACELAND GANG, THE PIRATE PATH, and DEVIL’S COVE) will be featured at the front table as you walk into the store! (Where the “best-sellers” are sold) I will attach the covers at the end of this blog, just in case you forgot what they look like. By the way, I will also be featured in their newsletter and in their online book catalogue, so if you can, please spread the word. Incidentally, none of this would have been possible without you guys, so THANK YOU!

In other news, our 3-day winter has finally ended. Whew, that was a rough few days! How cold did it get down here in Austin? Well, thanks to that darn polar vortex, Texas inmates were BEGGING for the electric chair! People were getting the cold shoulder everywhere they went! It was too frigid to get into a heated argument! Our politicians had their hands in their own pockets! (Now THAT’S cold)

I may have a book signing/lecture in San Antonio next week. (Depending on the weather.) I hope it comes off, because I would love to go back to El Mirador restaurant for a bowl of sopa de lima or chile de arbol. If you ever find yourself in the historic King William neighborhood, you must stop in for some of Maria Trevino’s amazing food. (Her family is keeping her reputation alive and well.) Es muy bueno!

Finally, I was chatting with a neighbor yesterday, and he asked me what I thought about same sex marriage. I told him that I’ve been having the same sex for the last 35 years! I did ask my wife if she wanted me to take Viagra. She told me to start with NoDoz, whatever that is. Women!

Well, on that note, I wish you all a safe and pleasant week. I might have another major announcement next week, so keep those cards and letters coming! Love to all,

Doc Yanoff