When the Crime Writers' Association announced their longlist Dagger Award contenders, I decided I would read them all ahead of the May 29th shortlist announcement, figuring a mere 12 books was eminently doable. However, I soon realized that the 12 books I had set out to read represented only ONE of multiple Dagger Award categories.…

Our Columbo rewatch continues with... "Negative Reaction" This episode aired October 15, 1974 Danny Kaye was considered for the role of Paul Galesko but Peter Falk shot down the idea. Peter Sellers was offered the role but he demanded $360,000 which was eighteen times more than the show had ever paid for a guest star.…

Meditations... "Mom!  I love you!" Fly-catcher... Out and About with Sharky - Victor Rose! Rainbow poop! Sharing with Caramel... Living the good life...

I'm more of a Sweden guy. Asked Grok "If Stargate: SG-1 was shot in the U.S. instead of Canada, which American actors would have likely been cast for the roles of Samantha Carter and Daniel Jackson in late 1996?" Which American actors would you have cast alongside Richard Dean Anderson and Chris Judge? More Stargate…

Our Columbo rewatch continues with... "An Exercise in Fatality" This episode aired September 15, 1974. Peter Falk lobbied for, and got, a 6 episode fourth season (as opposed to 8). Said Falk: “The fewer you make, the better they are.” He also secured himself a nice little raise, going from 100k to 132k an episode…

Thanks for all the well-wishes.  Mom had her operation on Friday and it went well.  Now she has an implanted rod in her right hip to match the one implanted in her left hip 15 years ago.  She is in a fair bit of pain, but the hospital feels confident that they can release her…

This episode aired May 5, 1974. This episode was directed by Peter Falk's good friend and fellow actor Ben Gazzara. Gazzara on working with his pal: “Peter can exhaust you. Peter can go on forever. He’s warming up on take seventy. I’d beat him to it. I’d say “Let’s do it again.” He’d say “Yeaaaah!”.”…

Hanging out at the park with Bubbie... Blind puggle zoomies... Celery... Poop bag deliveries... Out and About with Sharky: The Old York Tavern... Sharky's travel day...

Akemi, Sharky and I landed in Montreal a little after 4:00 p.m.  Given the back and forth I would be doing between mom's place and the hospital, I elected to rent a car for this trip.  I assume nav systems would be standard in all rentals but not, I had to spring for the Chrysler…

Our Columbo rewatch continues with... "Swan Song" This episode aired March 3, 1974. The prized black guitar featured in this episode was a one-of-a-kind custom build for Johnny Cash that was created without the knowledge of Martin Company President C.F. Martin III as he had always resisted requests to make a black version. Eventually, the…

#35. “Funeral Arrangements” (Spectacular Spider-Man 186-188) A terminally-ill Adrian Toomes, aka The Vulture, seeks redemption and revenge in the time he has left. Writer: J.M. DeMatteis Penciler: Sal Buscema Colorist: Bob Sharen Letterers: Rick Parker, Joe Rosen This story is as much a reflection on life and legacy as it is a meditation on how…

Well, the plan was for Akemi, Sharky and I to fly in to Montreal on Friday and spend the next two weeks with mom while my sister headed off for a well-earned two weeks in Cuba.  Unfortunately, fate - and varied ailments - have conspired against us. Last time I was in town, a little…

This episode aired February 10, 1974. The computer room set was a re-use from The Andromeda Strain (1971). Robert J. Walker, who played Neil Cahill, is perhaps best known for portrayal of Charlie Evans in the Star Trek episode "Charlie X". Jessica Walter, who portrayed the enigmatic Margaret Nicholson, would later play the matriarch Lucille…

Pug on the bus interview... Gimme some! Go for Pho! Out and About - De Mello Coffee... Out and About with Sharky - A Return to Tiny Market! He loves his scallops.  Takes after dad!

I've been making great progress on the Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards longlist.  I've worked my way through four categories - Whodunit, Twisted, Crime Fiction in Translation, and the Golden Dagger - and am finishing cup a fifth category... Once done, I'll start on the First Novel longlist... And then, time permitting, try to get…