Sarah Silverman...

...is coming tomorrow night. And even though she's my age, I love the way she takes me back to that feeling of love for the girl in junior high that I was kinda afraid of, but kinda in love with, but more really afraid of.

Plus, Brian Posehn, who we must root for.

B

Warren Ellis, Novelist

Just saw the announcement for Warren Ellis's new novel, Crooked Little Vein (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=99505), so the cat is out and all that. This is who we need to support. As the novelist who was welcomed in comics, let me be the first to say that I hope for full reciprocity. Here's the comic writer jumping to the other side.

I read the book last month. Enjoyed the hell out of it. If you love Warren's stuff, well...then you know. Buy, pre-order, all the good things. And the joy will be yours.

B

JLA FCBD XYZ PDQ

This is news to me, but just heard that JLA 0 is going to be part of Free Comic Book Day. Not really sure why, but this one just makes me happy. Maybe just imagining all the little kids going into the shop and taking home a book that will be their first JLA story.

Good or bad, spectacular or fill-in, there's nothing like your first JLA story.

Thanks to all the artists who killed themselves for the Zero issue.

B

Andy Griffith loves terrorists!

So simple, but so eerie in a law school Patriot Act discussion way.

I bet you could get credit in class for writing about this today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CvoC551i2E

B

Give help, without all the mushy hugging

Here're the questions for the day:

1. What one word describes your relationship with you parents?
2. When has your mom or dad let you down?
3. Describe an incident where your mom or dad broke your heart.
4. Describe an incident where your mom or dad made you feel strong.
5. Extra credit: Best or worst memory of mom or dad.

As always, feel free to reply and post here, or send them directly to me at bradmeltzer27@bellsouth.net. Yes, this may show up in a book (so goodbye to your rights), but of course, no names will be named. We're not that crazy. :)

Thanks for playing and sharing. It means more than you realize.

Love,

B

Scooby-Doo creator dies

Iwao Takamoto, the creator of Scooby-Doo and Muttley, died at age 81. As a mystery writer, I have to say, Scooby was the first true "mystery" I ever encountered -- even before The Hardy Boys and Agatha Christie. It was an easy first crush (I was hot for both Daphne AND Velma, explain that), and that episode where they met Batman and Robin? That's as gold as mint Mego toys.

So let's raise a Scooby snack to one of the true greats.

And I didn't even know he created Muttley. Catch The Pigeon was a HUGE favorite of mine. And I sadly rooted against the pigeon every time.

Thanks, Mr. Takamoto.

B

Masons go NASCAR!

Okay, remember The Book of Fate being launched as the first ever novel on a NASCAR racecar -- at the Freemason's Scottish Rite HQ in Washington, DC? So what do my pals there do? They get their own.

Everyone, go get your own NASCAR racer. It's the new 2007 accessory. Ugg boots and Wiis are for followers.

Kisses and all that,

B

TRUE PRESS RELEASE:

Scottish Rite Masons Announce Newest NASCAR Racing Team

Washington, D.C., January 4, 2007 - The Scottish Rite Racing Team will be officially announced and introduced by NASCAR, BC Motorsports, and the Frank Cicci Racing team at the Scottish Rite House of the Temple on Saturday, January 6, 2007, at 11:00am. NASCAR representatives, the Racing Team, and members of the Masonic community will be available to the media. The House of the Temple is located at 1733 Sixteenth St. N.W., Washington, DC.

The Scottish Rite racecar will be driven by veteran driver Brian Conz, who himself is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason. Brother Brian, who began his career in 1988 in the Street Stock Division, later moved to the ARCA/REMAX Series in 1996. Brian has 15 wins, 79 top fives, and 108 top ten finishes to his credit and will be in the running for the Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors.