MY NAME IS BRUCE

Last Friday, while I was surfing the web, I ran across the official home page for actor/director/writer Bruce Campbell. It was there that I saw the trailer for his movie My Name is Bruce, which he also directed. It came out on DVD earlier this year. This one's definitely on my must-have list. You can check out the trailer below. Maximum coolness.

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON

Today's my first day off in two weeks. So what am I gonna do to pass the time? Watch cartoons, that's what. Hey, it's not like I'm going to mow the lawn. It's raining, for crying out loud. Maybe I'll mow tomorrow. Maybe.

FRIDAY MOVIE QUOTE

"Well hello, Mister Fancypants. I've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but two things right now: Jack and shit. And Jack left town.

-Ash (Bruce Campbell), Army of Darkness (1992)

THIS DAY IN CRIME HISTORY: AUGUST 26, 1980

On this date in 1980, two men made an early morning delivery of what appeared to be computer equipment to the Harvey's Resort and Casino in Stateline, NV.  Harvey's employees soon discovered the  "computer equipment" and the note attached to it.  The note informed them that the large package was a bomb, and that it would go off unless the bombers were paid $3 million by the casino.

Police, the FBI, and the ATF were called in.  Bomb squad personnel examined the object and confirmed that it was a bomb.  The device, which was very sophisticated, contained a large amount of dynamite.

The decision was made to pay the ransom, then concentrate on tracking down the extortionists later.  Unfortunately, the delivery of the ransom money - which was to be done by police helicopter - didn't go off as planned.  This left the bomb squad with the task of figuring out how to disarm the largest dynamite bomb anyone in law enforcement had ever seen.

After x-raying the equipment and carefully examining it, the explosive ordnance disposal experts decided that the best was to disarm it was to quickly disconnect the detonators before they could set off the dynamite.  To do this, they rigged shaped charges of C-4 and positioned them so they would blow the detonators off.  Sand bags were stacked around the bomb to minimize the damage in case the plan didn't work.  This was a good idea, as the plan didn't work.  The shaped charges set the bomb off, destroying most of the casino and causing some damage to the neighboring hotel.  Thankfully, there were no injuries from the explosion.

As the ensuing investigation unfolded, a suspect soon emerged: a Hungarian immigrant from Clovis, CA named John Birges.  Birges, as it turned out, lost thousands of dollars gambling at Harvey's. (note to all you high rollers out there:  You can lose.  That's why they call it "gambling.") In the summer of 1981, investigators received a tip that Birges had stolen dynamite from a construction site.  Forensic examination matched the dynamite used at the site with that used in the Harvey's Casino bomb.  John Birges was arrested in August 1981, almost a year after the bombing.  His three accomplices were soon arrested as well.  It wasn't long before they flipped and agreed to testify against Birges in exchange for lighter sentences.  John Birges was convicted of multiple state and federal crimes.  He died in prison of liver cancer in 1996.

Further reading:

Tahoe Daily Tribune - "Harveys bombing memorable 28 years later"

Reno Gazette-Journal - "Anniversary of Harvey's Lake Tahoe bombing"

BABE OF THE WEEK

This week's babe is actress and former fashion model (and karate black belt) Kelly Hu. Kelly was Miss Teen USA in 1985 and Miss Hawaii in 1993.

BACK TO WORK

Well, I managed to survive the week of military duty and the drive home.  Now it's back to work at my regular job.  I arrived this morning to find a ton of crap waiting for me to deal with it.  How unsurprising.  Gonna be one of those weeks, I guess.

FRIDAY MOVIE QUOTE

"Here last week they found this couple out in California; they would rent out rooms to old people and then kill 'em and bury 'em in the yard and cash their social security checks. They'd torture them first, I don't know why. Maybe their television set was broke. And this went on until, and here I quote...'Neighbors were alerted when a man ran from the premises wearing only a dog collar.' You can't make up such a thing as that. I dare you to even try.  But that's what it took, you'll notice. Get someone's attention. Diggin' graves in the back yard didn't bring any."

-Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), No Country for Old Men (2007)

FUN IN THE SUN (SORT OF)

I'm spending the week in Cape Cod, compliments of the Air National Guard.  Some thoughts on that:

Not surprisingly, traffic in Cape Cod sucks in the summer. 

It's been hot and humid as hell.  I guess summer has finally arrived.  And just in time!

The air conditioning in my building isn't working properly.  Gotta love that heat and humidity.  The $10 fan from Walmart has come in handy.

Every time I'm out here, I go through serious internet/blog withdrawal.  Last month, the Wing commander mentioned putting wi-fi in the barracks.  That would totally rock, but I'm not holding my breath. 

That movie District 9 looks like it might be pretty good.  I may have to go see that while I'm out here.

I haven't eaten dinner yet.  I can't decide between the 99 in Falmouth, or the pizza place near base.  Not sure what I'm in the mood for.  I may have to flip a coin.

BABE OF THE WEEK

This week's babe is Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza.  Dayana is a native of Venezuela, but don't hold Hugo Chavez against her.  In fact, you shouldn't hold Hugo Chavez against anyone.  That pudgy little bastard should be kept at arm's length (at the very least) at all times.

FRIDAY MOVIE QUOTE: 70th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

"What makes a king out of a slave? Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage! What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage! What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the "ape" in apricot? What have they got that I ain't got?"

-The Cowardly Lion (Burt Lahr), The Wizard of Oz (1939)

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

After a series of paperwork snags, my wife and I finally got to pick up our new car last night.  I was kind of sad having to leave the Jeep behind, but keeping it in running order was just becoming too problematic.  The new car is pretty cool.  I was going to take a picture of it to post on the blog when we got home, but it was getting dark.  So I'll have to make do with a stock photo from the Kia website.  The Sportage pictured above is in the same color as ours.  Not too shabby.  And it's still under warranty.

BABE OF THE WEEK - 80s EDITION

This week's babe is actress Kelly LeBrock, who starred in The Lady in Red and the classic, John Hughes-directed Weird Science.

THIS DAY IN CRIME HISTORY: AUGUST 11, 1934

On this date in 1934, the first inmates began to arrive at the federal prison on Alcatraz  Island.  Alcatraz, previously home to a military prison, was converted for use by the U.S.  Department of Justice to house it's most dangerous inmates.  Early residents of the federal  prison include Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Alvin Karpis, and Robert "The Birdman  of Alcatraz" Stroud.

Further reading:

AlcatrazHistory.com

National park Service - Alcatraz Island

BoP: Alcatraz

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

There's been so much going on in my world lately that I'm starting to feel overwhelmed.  Stuff like:

My air conditioner developed a coolant leak and needed a new coil.  Nothing like having an unexpected $800 bill dropped in you lap.  Especially on the heels of putting a new roof on the house and having a new radiator and thermostat put in my Jeep.

And speaking of my Jeep, the left rear brake line crapped the bed a few days ago.  Another $90 bucks to fix that.  My right rear brake line is about to go.  Since I'm already dealing with a rear main seal leak, a rusted front axle, and brakes that'll need replacing in another couple months, I figured it was time to retire the Jeep and get a new car.  It's 14 years old and has 138k miles on it, so it doesn't owe me anything.

The wife and I went car shopping last Thursday.  I hate car shopping.  I'd probably enjoy it if I was rich and money wasn't an issue.  But I always feel like I'm going to get in over my head, or get screwed on the deal.  Anyway, we settled on a Kia Sportage.  It's fairly spacious for a small SUV, and it gets relatively good mileage--better than my wife's 4Runner, anyway.  We were supposed to pick it up on Friday night, but there were paperwork issues.  Now it looks like we'll be picking it up either tonight or tomorrow.  I'll probably let the Mrs. take the new one, and I'll take her 4Runner.  My job comes with a take-home car, so I don't drive my own car as much as she drives hers.  But I will take the Sportage on Air Guard drill weekends to save money on gas.

And speaking of the Air Guard, I'll be heading out to Cape Cod on Sunday for a week of active duty days and a drill weekend.  I get tense every time I get close to having to make another trip out there.  It gives me that feeling of something hanging over my head, and I hate that.  Of course it would help if I didn't hate the Air Guard so much.  One more year and I can retire.  If things don't improve much out there by next summer, I may pull the plug on my career.  If I can afford to financially, that is.  I'd hate to stay just for the money, but I may not have a choice.

Last Saturday I took the family to Six Flags Great Escape.  I had chores to do that I didn't get done.  We spent money we didn't have.  Logic dictated that we not go.  Screw logic, we went anyway.  I'm glad we did.  I think Saturday was the only good day we had together as a family all summer.  Since we didn't get to go on a vacation, we had to make do with a day trip to Lake George.

The wife and I watched Weird Science last night.  Believe it or not, I had never seen it before.  Funny movie.  And Kelly LeBrock was smokin' hot.

I'll be starting my next online course tonight: CJ 601 Proactive Police Management.  One more course after that.  I'll be happy when I'm done with that.  Right now it's just another thing hanging over my head.

Lunch is about over, so I guess I'd better get back to work.  It'll take my mind off waiting for the other shoe to drop.

FRIDAY MOVIE QUOTE

"You guys give up yet? Or are you thirsty for more?"

-Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), Home Alone (1990)


RIP, John Hughes

THIS DAY IN CRIME HISTORY: AUGUST 6, 1890

On this date in 1890, convicted murderer William Kemmler became the first person to be executed in the electric chair.  A native of Buffalo, Kemmler was convicted in 1889 of the hatchet murder of his common law wife Tillie.  He was sentenced by the court to die in the electric chair at Auburn State Prison. 

The sentenced was immediately appealed by Kemmler's high priced legal team, which was hired by George Westinghouse.  Westinghouse feared that the association between alternating current and death would be bad for business (he had even attempted to prevent the prison from obtaining Westinghouse generators for use with the electric chair).  The appeal was based on the 8th amendment to the Constitution, which forbids cruel and unusual punishment.  Westinghouse testified at a hearing that death by electrocution would be exceptionally painful.  Thomas Edison (a proponent of direct current) took the stand and testified that electrocution, if done with sufficient voltage, would be quick and relatively painless.  The appeal was eventually denied, but Kemmler's lawyers appealed to a higher court, which was also denied.  By the time the appeals process was exhausted, Kemmler's original execution warrant had expired.  He was brought back to Buffalo for re-sentencing and his execution date was set for August 6, 1890.

On the morning of his execution, Kemmler ate a large breakfast.  Prison staff shaved his head where one of the electrodes would make contact.  Dressed in a new suit, he was led to the death chamber where the witnesses were assembled.  As he was being strapped into the chair, he said,  "Now take your time and do it all right, Warden.  There is no rush.I don't want to take any chances on this thing, you know."  Several minutes later, at the warden's instruction, the switch was thrown by State Electrician Edwin Davis.  Two thousand volts surged through Kemmler's body for seventeen seconds.  At that point, convinced he was dead, the command was given to cut the juice.  It soon became apparent that Kemmler wasn't dead.  The decision was made to throw the switch again.  This time, the electricity was left on for a minute.  Witnesses reported hearing a crackling sound and smelling burning flesh.  When the electricity was cut, the prison doctor examined Kemmler and declared him dead.


Further reading:

Crime Library - The Electric Chair

NY Times article from August 7, 1890 - "Far worse than Hanging; Kemmler's Death Proves an Awful Spectacle"     

BABE OF THE WEEK

This week's babe is actress, model, and former synchronized swimmer Estella Warren.

THIS DAY IN CRIME HISTORY: AUGUST 4, 1892

On this date in 1892:

Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty-one.

Of course Lizzie was acquitted of the murders. So technically, the case remains unsolved. You can read all about it at truTV's CrimeLibrary.

You can sleep in Lizzie's old bedroom at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, where live re-enactments are performed for guests.  There's also a gift shop where you can buy Lizzie Borden memorabilia, like the Lizzie Borden "Decomposed Skateboards".  Sounds like a nice spot for a romantic weekend getaway. 

THIS DAY IN CRIME HISTORY: AUGUST 2, 1876

On this day in 1876, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok was murdered in Deadwood, Dakota Territory. Hickok was playing poker, his back to the door, when a man named Jack McCall walked up and shot Wild Bill in the back of the head. Hickok was holding two pair, aces and eights: the "dead man's hand."

The motive for the murder was never clear. McCall claimed he was avenging the killing of his brother by Hickok. A trial was held in Deadwood and McCall was acquitted and told to leave Deadwood. As it turns out, McCall may have never had a brother. So much for the justice system.

But all was not lost. McCall, as dumbass crooks often do, bragged about killing Hickok. He was eventually arrested and taken to Yankton, Dakota Territory for trial. It turns out that Deadwood was an illegal town, as it was built on Indian land (like they say in the real estate biz, it's all about "location, location, location!"). Consequently, the trial that was held there was not legit, so a trial in Yankton wouldn't constitute double jeopardy ("I'll take screwed, blued, and tattooed for $1000, Alex"). McCall was tried and found guilty. He was hanged (I'm not sure if he was hung, you'll have to ask Mrs. McCall) on March 1, 1877. Legend has it that when his body was exhumed in 1881, it was discovered that he'd been buried with the noose still around his neck.

Further reading:

Legends of America: Jack McCall - Cowardly Killer of Wild Bill Hickok

John "Jack" McCall Trials