Say hi to Aslan for me.

When the little boy stepped out of the clothing rack,

I had the sudden urge to ask him if he'd just come from Narnia.

Guess I was wrong.

I guess I was listening to the wrong album seeing as how everything came to a grinding halt.

It wasn't as if I didn't know where I was going.

I did.

But the song, the song was wrong, and once I started listening to it, it was like I had run into a brick wall.

All of those ideas I had had were suddenly gone.

The pace was shot.

The characters just kind of stood there looking around.

(I swear one of them was even whistling.)

I tried to push through.

Disaster.

Then I changed the tunes.

Suddenly everyone remembered what they were doing and where they were going.

They picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and got back on track.

What was cloudy became suddenly clear.

Let this be a lesson to us all: music is powerful stuff, use it wisely.

But do they actually contain any?

They're in the process of moving things around at the grocery store, and on an endcap currently stocked with cookies there's a sign that says, "Temporary Peanuts." I was unaware the two were interchangeable.

(Maybe it's like Cinderella's pumpkin coach and sometimes they're peanuts and sometimes their cookies and sometimes their cookies with peanuts in them.)

In case you were wondering...

Here's Ma Parker from Batman:

(And yes, it is indeed Shelley Winters, and she does indeed have purple hair. It's a wig.)

Way to go, Buzz.

Camera in hand, Mark enters The Forbidden Shed Of Doom where he finds all sorts of boxed up animal meat and immediately comes to the conclusion that much of it, if not all, is illegal. Oh boy. Looks like someone is in trouble, and that someone may be Mark, for as he takes a few pictures for evidence, a mysterious woman steps onto the scene. (I sure hope that The Jack Elrod Ball warns him in time.)
Mark, consumed by his curiosity over the mysterious storehouse of illegal game meat, and the fact that there appear to be quite a few boxes with the name of Senator Wallace's restaurant on them, doesn't realize someone is sneaking up on him until it's far too late. (He also didn't realize that he had been moving out onto the dock. Mark, dear, that camera of yours probably has some sort of zoom on it, which means that you don't have to be a mile away for that close-up shot.) Looks like there's another Parker on the scene and this one is packing heat. Oh Ma Parker, did you learn nothing from Batman and Robin? (I guess not.)
Suddenly seeing what's happening on shore, Joe and Moe cut their harassment of Buzz short in order to rush to Ma's side, leaving behind the wonder that is panel one. Wonder, you say? Well, I don't know about you, but even though I now realize that Joe and Moe are looking at Mark and Ma (who is apparently named Gladys) through the windshield of their boat, I initially thought that the two on shore were inside of some sort of glass tent or greenhouse. (Actually, that would have been kind of neat, especially if said greenhouse contained man-eating plants.) Oh well. This whole thing kind of makes me feel sorry for Joe and Moe. I mean, they seem to really enjoy pushing people around and what with the sudden appearance of Mark, they won't be able to do that with Buzz. (They will, however, attempt to swamp Buzz's little canoe or tip it over with their wake because that's just the sort of guys that they are, so I guess that's a little consolation.) I sure hope Mark was keeping an eye on the water. His one on one fight with Ma, er, Gladys, is about to get really lopsided.

Aren't you supposed to be extinct?

Because he long ago took a vow to never strike a woman with his fists (even if said woman is holding a gun on him), Mark does the only thing he can and knocks the gun from Gladys' (who I think I might just keep on calling Ma) hands with his camera, probably breaking a lens or two in the process. (I hope that camera isn't Rusty's, after everything he went through to get it back from those bank robbers.) As Mark runs from Ma, the Parker brothers are about to be intercepted by a very heroic duck. (I guess he felt a little bad about what the ducks who were supposed to escort Mark and Ben to the hospital did and is trying to make up for their cowardice.) Lucky for him, the Parkers don't appear to be armed and he can fly around the boat and out of reach while still being a nuisance.
Back on shore, Joe and Moe learn that Mark has taken some incriminating photographs of what they've been hiding in the cooler. (They also apparently decided to take a moment to give themselves kicky new summer dos.) Grabbing their guns, the two head off into the woods to try to find Mark and convince him not to talk to the authorities. Jeez guys, it's not like there was a dead body in there (at least, I didn't see one), but I guess you just don't want to go to prison, so you're going to resort to murder. Great plan, guys, great plan. Unfortunately, I don't think you realize that you're about to go up against Mark Trail, woodsman par excellence. I sure hope you look good in stripes. (We already know that Gladys does.)

It's all over but the tears.

The danger over, Ambassador U. Niform steps back onto the scene (probably to take credit for everything), and just looks annoyed by everything that has happened. Can't a guy throw a little party without having to deal with bombs and gunfire? Really Lenin, do your job! (Looks like someone is going to be getting a frowny face sticker put on his employment record.) The only thing that actually seems to snap the Ambassador out of his foul mood is the appearance of Virgil Ohso, who seems none the worse for wear and has also answered my question. Seems that Tracy did shoot the gun from his hand after all. Friends, let this Virgil Ohso thing be a lesson to all of us: don't trust someone who wears their sunglasses at night, for they are up to no good (unless they're named Abdul and pilot a giant robot).
As Phil Harmonic mourns the loss of his son, a sad Dick Tracy finally decides that he can leave the party. Tess, ever supportive, tries to comfort him with the fact that he did save the Ambassador's life. I don't think it's working, though, and I have to think that Dick is kicking himself for not saving Kid's life, even if he wasn't really anywhere near him when Ohso took his shot. With things wrapping up, we finally learn a little more about Virgil Ohso. It seems that he used to work for the Ambassador until he stole some money and had to be let go. I guess that explains why Ohso wanted to blow up the embassy and the Ambassador. Wait a minute. No, it doesn't. Oh well. So ends another adventure in the fascinating life of Dick Tracy. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. (Me, I'm hoping for aliens, or maybe another mad scientist. He was fun.)

I knew it!

I knew I had heard Del Shannon's "Runaway" on a television show. Turns out it was Crime Story. Now, I don't think that the show lasted very long, and I can't honestly ever remember watching it any further than the opening theme, but I did remember parts of the intro, even if I might have actually thought it had something to do with The Untouchables. Oh well. I've always loved the song "Runaway," though. Still, in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's the intro to Crime Story:

I will say this once and then say nothing more about this subject.

If you vote for something only because someone else needed you to, but had they not needed your vote, you wouldn't have voted for it, that does not tell me you were doing what you felt was right. It tells me that you can be bought.

(I am not saying I am for or against anything. That fact is for me, myself, and I, not you. The above is merely an observation, so don't get your knickers in a twist.)

Do they really, or is this another of those "Tastes like chicken," things?

Three things that smell like cinnamon:

1. Autumn leaves

2. A cat

3. Books

It just does, so I'm glad that you can't...for now.

Reading Farenheit 451 on a Kindle, or any other e-reader, just feels wrong.

Just be careful you don't end up in there too.

Oh, now I understand. Mark and Buzz needed two boats because they're going to try to trick the Parkers. Buzz gets to be the sacrificial lamb while Mark gets to sneak around the forbidden camp and see what he can see. I guess that makes sense. I guess. What doesn't is how a simple life preserver is going to conceal Buzz's true identity as a ranger. Wouldn't he have some sort of patch or something on his sleeve? (Who knows, maybe he's not that good of a ranger, or maybe the patches were taken away in the cutbacks.) Someone should really get him one of those fisherman's caps with all of the lures and brick-a-brac on it, and tell him not to paddle too well. That would give him away too easily.
The plan set in motion, Mark sneaks through the forest toward the Parker camp, apparently going for a kicky new summer do by rearranging his spit curl and trying out a dangly earring. Not your best look, my friend. Try something else. (Like maybe a less unfortunate placement of The Jack Elrod Ball.) As he finally reaches the camp, Buzz reaches the Parker side of the lake (as designated by the wavy line drawn in the sand), and starts to fish. This just might work. Of course, if the Parkers show up and see that Buzz is fishing without any bait, or if he starts speaking in ranger lingo, then someone will have to swim home.
Seeing the poor man in the canoe, the Parkers jump into their speed boat and head over to cause some trouble and throw their weight around (or cause the little vessel to capsize, or maybe just ram him and sink the canoe while they laugh and rev the engines). Mark, meanwhile, creeps around the Parker cabins, coming upon a nondescript tool shed that suddenly becomes very, very interesting when he notices the door (and probably the hum of the engines keeping the food cold) and decides that now is the time to investigate, if only Buzz can give him enough time.

Have a tissue.

The crowd scatters as shots ring out (and the man in front who only seems to have pupils also seems to have no trouble pushing women and children out of his way). Tracy leaps into action, his bullet striking Ohso in the side (or in the wrist, or something), causing the felon to drop his gun as he tips over, though he seems to be shaped a little like a Weeble and since we all know that Weebles wobble but they don't fall down, it's anyone's guess as to whether he's actually going to hit the ground (though we can be pretty sure that he's been shot). Um, Mr. Low Note, I know that he's your boss and all, but if he does go down, you might not want to be there seeing as how you planted the Stradivarius and everything, but hey, loyalty is loyalty.
Turning back to Phil, the poor Maestro is still in shock over what has just happened. Luckily, Tracy is used to this sort of thing and calls for an ambulance (which I thought would have been there already seeing as how there was that whole explosion thing and people could have been hurt, but hey, that's just me). Once that's over, he switches back into detective mode and immediately calls for Ohso's arrest, though the words of the officer standing behind him kind of tell me that old Virgil might or might have been killed by that bullet, or maybe he's just letting Tracy know that Ohso isn't going anywhere because he's currently lying on the ground, bleeding and in pain. Speaking of bleeding people, we now join the Maestro and his son.
Poor Phil. Looks like Kid wasn't wearing a bullet proof vest and that that shot to the chest was really a shot to the chest. This is just sad. You can see it in everyone's faces and even in the postures of those shadowy figures in the background who seem to want to leave but know that it would reflect poorly upon them if they did, so they're just kind of stuck there. Phil though, can't seem to accept the fact that junior has gone to go play in that big orchestra in the sky (going so far as to cover the kid's ears so that he won't lose the will to live, even if he's already lost it). Maybe he will tomorrow, but not today. Is there a Mrs. Harmonic that someone should be calling? (And shouldn't someone be going after Low Note?)

Travel Tip #557: Music

When bringing a CD to listen to on a car trip, always make sure the CD is actually in the case before you leave.

Third time's the charm.

I finally got to see Coraline.

It was good.

(It was also good that the parents had both HBO Family East and HBO Family West,

and that they were playing the movie a lot that day.)

Well, it was a nice thought while it lasted.

After printing out the last forty-five pages, I came to the realization that I'll probably have to delve into the ones that come after, and that I won't make page 216. Oh well. At least things are coming together, so I'm happy about that.

(Now if I could only get someone to pay me for doing all of this...:D)

Oh yeah, the Senator and I go way back.

Totally ignoring that fact that it looked like Ben, Tim, and Mark were just in Tim's office, we venture back to the hospital, where Senator Hatcher is recovering while wearing The Golden Shirt Of Strength And Resilience. He also seems to have had a little time to think and this near-death experience has put the whole Paradise Lake issue in another perspective. Perhaps there is a middle ground that can somehow be reached. Perhaps it doesn't have to be my way or the highway. (Wow. That's a little unexpected from a Senator/government person. Who are you and what have you done with the Senator?) One can't help but wonder if this new point of view has something to do with the fact that The Jack Elrod Ball has been at the Senator's side, perhaps helping to give him this new point of view. (Amazing thing, The Jack Elrod Ball. It should run for President, just like Batman.)
Later, even Tim seems to be coming around, finally realizing that perhaps that fabled middle ground can indeed be reached. Yes indeed, this could usher in a new era for the Paradise Lake area. (Thank you, Jack Elrod Ball! We'll have to throw you a parade.) Leaving the hospital, Tim and Mark run into Senator Wallace, who is heading over to check up on his buddy Senator Hatcher, a lovely bouquet in his hand. Now, I don't want to think badly of the Senator, and I really want to believe that he and the Senator are actually friends who go bowling and fishing and chat about the grandkids, but just remember, The Wicked Witch Of The West used flowers too. Better check those out, Mark, just to be sure.

Now is really not the time, Buzz.

Mark and Tim head back to the office where a certain Ranger Buzz (who is in no way related to Buzz, the heroic robot that sacrificed its life to save Dick Tracy) is waiting. It is quickly decided that he and Mark should check out Paradise Lake, and the camp belonging to the nefarious Parker Brothers in particular seeing as how they are the reason for the Senator's current ailment and because Mark didn't really get to see a whole lot of the lake during his first trip. As they paddle peacefully across the lake, under the watchful gaze of a nearby duck, Buzz explains that he actually receives quite a lot of complaints about the Parkers (gee, I wonder why), but because of cutbacks (and evil skeletons and lost mutants), there just aren't enough rangers around to investigate every little thing (which means it's a good thing that Mark Trail just happens to be in the area, isn't it?).
Unfortunately, before Mark and Buzz can get any real work done, Buzz spots something pretty diving off of a rock. (I guess The Jack Elrod Ball has decided to take up coaching and is preparing a diver for the Olympics.) Mark, eager to get some real work done, quickly points out that it's Jan, Ben's daughter (so back off, Buzz. The lake is more important than your love life.). Buzz distracted, and probably unable to keep his mind on the job, Mark decides that they might as well stop in and see Ben again, just to let him know that they'll be in the area so that if they disappear, he can call the authorities, dive teams, and various tracking services. Poor Ben. He really should have taken that walk.
Standing on the dock (and joined by Jan), Mark, Ben, and Buzz talk about the lake and Senator Wallace in particular. It seems that while the old man doesn't do a lot of fishing, he does seem to spend quite a lot of time at the Parker camp, which might mean that the brothers are somehow involved in how he gets the meat for his menu (and that said meat might not be completely legal). Despite the fact that Mark and Buzz already have their own canoe, they're going to take one of Ben's. I guess his doesn't say Wildlife Ranger in giant letters, and I guess they're hoping that by using it, they'll actually make it to the camp. (I guess we're suppose to have forgotten how close Ben and Mr. Tuggle got to the Parker camp using one of Ben's canoes.) Good luck, gentlemen. Good luck.

Aftermath comes recess.

Gloating over the supposed assassination of Ambassador U. Niform (who has never been given any other name than Ambassador), Ohso decides that he wants to go witness the carnage of the Stradivarius bomb for himself. Yeah, that's smart. Return to the scene of the crime. I'm sure no one will notice. I'm also sure that no one will notice Low Note, who was already at the party, mysteriously disappeared, and then suddenly reappeared after the explosion. (I'm really starting to doubt your criminal mastermindedness, sir, I really am.) Unfortunately for the criminal genius (tests pending), Tracy is a mastermind of all things detective and he has a photographer. Anticipating the crowd that an explosion at an embassy (and really an explosion at anything) will draw, he orders the photographer to take pictures of everyone there (and hey, if it turns out that no one evil shows up, think of all of the pictures and memories that can be put into the scrap book).

Orders given, Tracy returns to the remains of the party where Lenin (or whoever he is) lets him know that the Ambassador is still okay and that he's glad that Tracy saved his life. (He's not going to give him a medal or anything like that, but he's glad all the same.) Meanwhile, Kid Vicious deals with the fact that his rock and roll career is over. Sorry guy, but people just don't want to book bands known for being at explosions (insurance purposes and all that). Oh well, at least he still has a future in the orchestra (if his father doesn't kill him first), even if he has to start his own or join up with another because Phil Harmonic wants nothing more to do with him, talented or not. (He might also want to think about getting a restraining order seeing as how old Phil has done nothing but talk about how he's going to kill the kid the entire night.)

There's nothing like a near-death experience to bring a family together.

Moping about (and apparently circulating through the crowd, perhaps trying to get a little fresh air), who should Kid come upon but Virgil Ohso, who doesn't appear to be too happy that the Ambassador isn't dead (even though he hasn't been told one way or another, but it's probably one of those things that you can just tell). What I'm a little confused about, though, is that fact that Kid knows Ohso is the one who bought the Stradivarius seeing as how the two never met. Oh well. It also looks like Tracy isn't the only detective there tonight, as Kid appears to have put two and two together, come up with five, tried again, come up with four, and realized that the exploding Stradivarius had to have been in some way connected to Ohso. Unfortunately, he does appear to be the only detective without a gun. (Maybe someone should think about going to find Tracy before this all ends in tears?)
Before anyone can find the intrepid detective (and before Kid can talk his way out of this predicament), who should arrive but the enraged Phil Harmonic. Forgetting all about the fact that the two are supposed to now be bitter enemies, Son of the Maestro leaps in front of his father, hoping that his bullet-proof scarf will protect them both as Ohso finally takes his shot, much to the shock of those two guys loitering around in the background. We've never seen them before, and I don't know who they are, but the way Ohso's collar hits the man in front makes him look like he came in an evening gown. (I can't help the way my mind works sometimes. I just can't.)
Unfortunately, the motion of moving to block the bullet's path from his father caused the scarf of Son of the Maestro to shift position, hitting the poor kid squarely in the chest (which, unless he's wearing a bullet-proof vest is a very bad place to be hit, what with all of the vital organs there and everything). A split second later, Tracy is on the scene, gun blazing as he pumps Ohso full of lead. (I really hope you didn't have any questions for him, Tracy. I really do.) The Maestro, however, doesn't seem to notice Tracy, as a look of horror crosses his face upon the realization that his son has been shot protecting his life. (Now, we could also say that Phil is horrified that he won't be the one to do his son in, but I'm going to choose to believe that he's actually sad that his precious boy has been shot.)

It was sort of cold in the office, too.

The electric pick the dental hygienist used to clean my teeth sounded a lot like an emperor penguin.

So very close...sort of.

I am a mere six pages from being forty-five pages from the end.

Hooray for me!

It all starts at home...sort of.

Before we can even think about cleaning up the planet, it is my belief that we should concentrate on keeping the fitting rooms of the world clean. After all, if we can't keep a tiny room clean, how can we be expected to do the same with an entire world?

How was today? Guess.

People are remorseless shopping machines, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

(But enough about me. How was yours?)

Not quite, son, but close.

Upon hearing that the U.S. hockey team had lost, the shocked little boy asked his father, "Does this mean we lost the Olypmics?"