Dime novels

For some time now, I've had a fascination with the Dime novel. These were books published cheaply and in very poor quality, mostly, during the 1870's - 1910 or so. These books weren't terribly well-written for the most part, but they were escapism, pure and simple. Yesterday, while perusing the used book store here in town, I came across a book called EIGHT DIME NOVELS edited by E.F. Blieiler. I, of course, bought it on the spot. The introduction has an interesting list of books published in the time and, thanks to the internet, I've managed to download a few more dime novels. One novel in particular, JACK WRIGHT AND HIS ELECTRIC STAGE, sounds like pure escapism....and it'll be my next book to read (after I finish Hemingway's ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES). I found that book at Project Gutenberg, an awesome resource for long out-of-print public domain novels. Check them out at www.projectgutenberg.org

I found an old Manly Wade Wellman book, THE DEVIL'S ASTEROID, there as well. Collecting Wellman's books is a bit of a pasttime for me, anyway, and I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 of his books now. He was a great writer, and I recommend starting with his Silver John stories if you're interested in reading some great southern horror. WHO FEARS THE DEVIL? is the book you need to look for. It shouldn't be too hard to find out there.

Anyway, figured I'd post something that might peak your interests. See, I can write a gentle blog entry when the mood strikes me.

Have a good day, gentle readers.
Roger

Tami (Tamara) Keller and Stan Feist R.I.P.

Today provided a double whammy to the heart. I found out that Tami (Tamara) Keller, one of my high school crushes, died today at the age of 46. And, to top that off, Stan Feist, a teacher from High School, also passed away. Both people will be sorely lamented. I saw Tami not too long ago, and her beauty hadn't faded one bit. She was still lovely. Cause of death is still unknown. Forty-six is too young to be dying.

Stan was a good man and I was happy for him when I discovered he died with friends and family nearby. Everyone should have that.

I will take a moment tonight to remember both Tamara and Stan. They have passed on, but my memory of them remains.

R.I.P.

Higher Edjamacation

Lord, I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. Anyway, I want to discuss the concept of people with PhD's being smarter than dumb ol' redneck hicks. While those letters (PhD) seem important, trust me when I tell you they are, all too often, a load a steaming fecal matter. I learned a long time ago that just because someone has a degree in this or that, it doesn't necessarily make them smart. It just means they had the money to make them look a little smarter by putting PhD behind their names. It's a vanity thing, I reckon. As far as I'm concerned, I think PhD stands for "piled higher and deeper". Having one doesn't make you one bit smarter, prettier or skinnier than you would be without it. It doesn't make your blemishes or bad breath go away, nor any other body odor.

Where am I going with all this? Heck, I don't know. I know that my blog was recently re-scrutinized for its content. While I suppose I am sticking my neck out there for the world to cut at with a blog, it's also a medicinal thing for me. I write this blog because I have friends in far off places that I miss and want to keep up with. They can come here and read what I'm doing and/or thinking. Unfortunately, so can everyone else in the world. Sometimes that's good; sometimes it's bad. All I can say to people reading this blog with a critical eye is this: You have the right to read it. You also have the right not to. If you don't like what you read here, if you find it offensive in any way....GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! You have that right. I also have the right to think and believe whatever I wish. Heartland Security hasn't taken that way...yet. There's something called Freedom of Speech and I'm a big advocate of it. What I do in my free time (which is minimal these days) is my own business. Remember that.

Sermon over.

Back to being a rat bastard.