Mainstream Media (Sigh)

I've pretty well given up on getting accurate, factual reporting from mainstream media, and that view has nothing to do with my politics.  I always thought that the criteria for being a serious journalist included the ability to fact-check and superior communication skills, but that's all changed now.  A college degree is not even required (I'm looking at you, Scott Pelley).

Speaking of Scott, I was watching the CBS Evening News on the night the Royal Infant's name was announced.  Pelley informed us that the child would bear the name of George Alexander Louis:  George in honor of the many British monarchs of that name, Louis for Louis Mountbatten, the Earl of Burma and the grand-uncle of the current Prince of Wales. and Alexander, as there have been three kings of Scotland of that name.  Okay, we're doing fine.  The information is correct.

But as Pelley is educating us on Scottish Kings, a graphic appears on the screen.  It's a portrait of Alexander

...the Great.

You know, the guy from Macedonia.  He's even got a laurel wreath around his head.  I kid you not.  Somewhere, a lot of real journalists are turning over in their graves.

Rip Van Winkle Here

Hello?  Anyone out there?  It seems I was gone much longer than anticipated.  If you're wondering what's happening with India and French, I've completed the second India short story.  India Black in the City of Light is available now for pre-order from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  The release date is October 1st.

The fourth novel in the series, India Black and the Gentleman Thief, is also available for pre-order.  Here's the cover:

Yes, I know.  Another headless woman.  Do you know why publishers do that?  They use models for these figures, and they don't want too many books with the same woman on the cover showing up under their imprint.

Taking a Break

I'm taking a break from the blog for awhile, as I deal with a few projects.  I'll catch up with you soon.

It's Friday - Have Another Review

This one is from Dawn.  Another nice review of India's latest outing.  Thanks, Dawn!

It's Wednesday - Have an Interview

Head on over to Mysteries and My Musings for an interview with moi.  Ariel asked some great questions and I attempted to answer them.

It's Monday - Have a Review

 This review from Jessie really pleased me.  Thanks, Jessie!

Interesting Lives

Years ago I heard Garrison Keillor bemoaning the banality of American life.  "All you need to know about someone is that they live down the street from a Blockbuster's, eat at McDonald's and watch the Super Bowl."  At least it went something like that.  To be truthful, all I can remember is the part about Blockbuster's, which is amusing since that commercial enterprise is now just a memory.  In a way, I admire people who are satisfied staying in the same job for three decades or the same town for their entire lives.  That's just not me.  I suppose I get bored too easily.  I like change and travel and new hobbies.  I'm fascinated by people who stepped up to the plate and swung for the fence, whether they struck out or hit a homer.  Here's an obit for Barney Conrad, described as "novelist, diplomat, club owner who hung out with Sinatra and was gored by a bull in Spain."  What a life!

And yes, I do read a lot of obituaries.  I don't think it's unhealthy.