Photo Opportunity

Thanks to The Cosby Show, I grew up fascinated with the bacon burger dog, not certain such a tantalizing treat actually existed. Thanks to the Web, I found recipes for it and enlisted grill master John Ricotta to one day make it a reality. That day was yesterday, my first chance to meet five-month-old Anando Paul, son of my friends Deshant and Tracy.

I assist in Anando's superhero training.

Flanked by John, Kelly, and young John Ricotta on the left; Julie and Emma Ricotta, Anando and Deshant Paul on the right.

Resolve

I can't remember the last time I made a New Year's resolution, but I have made resolutions mid-year and kept them.

Mid-2011, I resolved to learn George "Rhino" Thompson's Verbal Judo, as much as a means of self-discipline as of more effective communication.

Mid-2012, I made a daily commitment to three sun salutations after hearing they were part of Dr. Mehmet Oz's morning routine. Slowly but surely, they have improved my flexibility and weight. I've added some qi gong, reverse pushups, Figure 8s, and medicine ball work in a 20-minute continuous flow that kept me from feeling stuffed over the holidays. If I don't have twenty minutes, I just break the routine down and do one exercise.

The pressure to make and then keep New Year's resolutions is external. Internal resolve leads to more lasting results.

Booked for Bouchercon 2013

In 2013, Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention, will be held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY, September 19-22. I've been two previous Bouchercons, and, as Albany is only a three-hour drive from home, I knew this would be my third.

I registered for the con as a Black Friday present to myself, and, following @Bouchercon2013 on Twitter, I saw that the hotel information posted to the site today. I booked a room at the Hampton Inn, five blocks from the convention center, but $35 cheaper than the nearer hotels.

I'll be spreading the word about The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly, of course, and I hope the Short Mystery Fiction Society will have a Derringer Award presentation (Anyone can join the SMFS by December 31 to be part of the 2013 Derringer submission, judging, and voting process that begins on January 1). I'd love to be on another panel about crime and poetry or short stories, but I'll also enjoy the con as a fan. I'm particularly looking forward to lunch with my investigator friend, John DuMond.

If you're also attending, feel free to ambush-greet me.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as I am nothing if not grateful. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, thinking of all I could have lost with a simple wind shift, I am especially grateful to gather with my family and to communicate with you.

My favorite part of the day is after lunch, slowly falling into a nap.

Here's a Thanksgiving poem for mature audiences only.

Back to the Movies

It's rare I watch a movie within six days of its premiere, but I was glad to prove the Aurora shooting did not affect my love of the movies. Reflecting on each part of the experience—the Subway sandwiches beforehand, the previews, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, and after-movie chat—I appreciated it all the more.