Relatedly, the TAL story on a bank takeover a couple of weeks ago was fascinating.

We heard that in the car while driving back from a weekend away. Really incredible--the armies of folks going through every scrap of info in such a short time.

Just got back from the dentist. I thought I still had to pay for my cleaning from two weeks ago and feared I'd have to pay a bit more for my permanent crown today, but when I stopped at the receptionist, she said I only owed $11--yay!

So, I stopped at the Jewish deli on my way home and splurged on extra lean corned beef, sweet and sour meatballs, and some fresh-baked bagels with veggie cream cheese. Yummmm. The corned beef is the best ever, but it's expensive ($15.50/lb), so I've only gotten sandwiches in the past, not buying it by weight. I'm looking forward to lots of sandwiches made at home in the next week or so. I was tempted by their kugel, but I passed.

The Dairy Queen next door to the deli knows their customers--they had handwritten signs wishing Happy Passover and offering flourless ice cream cakes.

Zombies mash-up author receives rumored $575,000 for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies author Seth Grahame-Smith, whose Jane Austen mash-up has more than 120,000 copies in print since its publication April 1, has just inked a two-book deal with Grand Central Press for a rumored $575,000, Publishers Weekly reported. Grand Central Press would not comment on the size of the advance.

Grahame-Smith's first book for Grand Central Press, which currently has no release date, will be Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. The proposal for the new novel sold at auction Wednesday, and the story is a loose sketch of Lincoln's life with one twist—our 16th president is the world's most skilled vampire hunter.

A film proposal has already started circulating, with the William Morris agency handling film rights.

What's next? Shirley Temple: Necromancer?

Oh, ita - are you still looking for bare feet?

I'm on a train to Michigan. I should have brought snacks, but I am soothed by the fact that my train currently is on time and I'll be devouring an enormous pizza shortly after I arrive.

I think it is time to go home.

Zombies mash-up author receives rumored $575,000 for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

::sigh::

At this point, if I DID have a good idea for a paranormal/vampire book, I'm so perverse, I'd probably fight like hell against writing it. Just... 'cause.

Work is slow. I have already filled out 1.5 divorce forms. There are just two I have to get done for the initial filing. After that...a BUNCH more.

Check out this ad for Progressive Insurance: [link]

I've never seen so many old old photos of gay couples....

I wouldn't assume those people are gay. Standards of physical affection in public differ in different places and times. For example, in recent times in Turkey it was common for close male friends (not sexually involved) to hold hands.