Al & Me: Best Friends Forever

Here's the video! In all seriousness, that Al Roker is one nice guy. I'm so thrilled to have been a part of the book club!

And thanks to all the book club kids. I've never worked with a finer bunch of show biz professionals!

Zombie Meat for Sale in Japan!

More at Pink Tentacle. (Someone pointed out that it should come in a twin pack--zombie meat and BRAINS!)

But What Do They WANT?!?!?!

The Japanese town of Bibai is known for its asparagus. But until recently, the asparagus tended to stay on the farm. Now "power asparagus" stalks are breaking through the asphalt all over town.

I'm quite curious to see how far this goes. Will they start breaking through the floorboards of houses? Will they crack concrete dams and sewage treatment plants. What will end their reign of destruction?!?

UPDATE: Girl genius and long-time friend of the blog, Hazel, may have exposed this picture as a fake! Stay tuned for more!

Gramercy Park: The Creepiest Place in Manhattan?

I came across the poster shown above just the other day. It's an artist's view of Gramercy Park in Manhattan, and it was part of a subway ad campaign a while back. I really wish I had found the image while I was writing The Eternal Ones, because it does a great job of capturing my feelings about the park. (Though I can't quite understand the kitty. Anyone know what that's about?)

I have a feeling that the artist intended the park to look like a sunny, green oasis in the center of the city. But it comes off as a wee bit sinister, wouldn't you say? Almost as if it were luring unsuspecting visitors into a trap. (Once again, the kitty doesn't help.)

For those of you unfamiliar with New York City, Gramercy Park is one of the only private gardens in town. It's circled by a tall, wrought-iron gate, and in the very center of the greenery is a statue of a man whose brother killed Abraham Lincoln. But the really creepy part? It's always locked, and there's almost never anyone inside. I've lived in New York for almost 20 years. I've never known anyone with a key to Gramercy Park. And I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone strolling the garden's paths.

The mansions surrounding the park only add to the ambiance. Years ago, I attended a memorial service at the National Arts Club. The experience made such an impression that I kept the building in the back of my mind for over a decade, waiting for a chance to use it. Some readers may have noticed a few similarities between the National Arts Club building and the mansion that houses the Ouroboros Society. Let's just say that it's not a coincidence.

I hope I haven't scared you away. Next time you're in New York, you really should pay a visit. Lost City did an excellent guide to the Gramercy Park neighborhood. Check it out here.

Announcement

(Art by Catherine Ledner.)

Katy, your anonymous friend would like to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A Few Helpful Travel Tips

If you're heading to Berlin this summer, be sure to check out the super-creepy fence shown below. When viewed straight-on, it's just an average iron fence. But from the side . . . mwahahaha. I might just get one of these installed outside my house. I can't think of a better way to scare off potential burglars. (Aside from a guard guinea pig.)













And if you're traveling to Naples, you might want to avoid the pizza. Apparently some pizza shops there have been caught digging up coffins in the local cemeteries and burning the wood in their brick ovens. Gives the pizza a little something special, I hear. (Don't believe me? Click here.)

So, What Happened to Me?

(Photo: Ben Aqua)

Nothing. I've been working, working, working! I'll get back to posting more regularly soon. I promise!

In the meantime, check me out on the Today Show. I'll be there on May 27th between 9:30 and 10:00am to discuss the wonderful world of Kiki Strike.

Watch, and you'll learn the answers to the following questions . . .

1. Is she really as unbelievably charming as everyone says?
2. Did she finally have that parasitic twin removed?
3. Will she be able to form coherent sentences while in the presence of HER PERSONAL HERO, Mr. Al Roker?

Questions that may not be answered . . .

1. Is that REALLY her?
2. Is that a disguise or does her hair always look like that?
3. What's up with the strange foreign accent?

(If you happen to be attending the BEA, I'll be there later that afternoon. Stop by and say hi!)

Don't Mess With the Bronte Sisters

Are You Being Watched?

You've been receiving threatening texts from an anonymous number. Every night, someone prank calls your house. You have gotten numerous notes warning you're going to be attacked. And you've started to sense that an evil clown is watching your every move.

If you live anywhere other than Switzerland, you should start practicing your kung-fu, hire a squad of girl masterminds to act as your personal bodyguards, and consider phoning the police. If you're Swiss, check your parents' credit card bills. It might just be your birthday present.

Dominic Deville has started a new birthday service in Lucerne, Switzerland. For a reasonable fee, parents can hire him to slap on some evil clown makeup and scare their birthday girls and boys senseless. He'll stalk each kid until he has a chance to deliver a "present"--a birthday cake smashed in the kid's face.

Most people think it's sick. But I kind of feel sorry for Dominic. One day, he's going to end up stalking the WRONG kid.

More here.