Is it just me, or does one of our local newsdudes here in Austin (Jason Wheeler, first photo below) look like the kid from Superbad?

I just noticed, after I posted that last entry, that the ads at the top of the page included one for "Russian Girls for Dating." You've got to be kidding. I guess it's because the post before that mentioned a Russian model.

Everybody knows the best "girls for dating" come from Uzbekistan.

Heading up to Georgetown, Texas, this afternoon for a discussion and signing at the library. Does anybody remember the slogan, "Just a conversation away"?

Willie Nelson was on a local show recently--a show hosted by a guy who's a big conspiracy nut--and said some things to indicate that he (Willie) thinks 9/11 might not have been what it seemed. The buildings came down too easily, according to Willie. The easy joke is: What were you smoking? I'm a Willie fan, but come on.

I'm reading Elmore Leonard's "Up in Honey's Room" right now. Good stuff, as usual. The man was born to write. He's quite a gentleman, too. I asked him to blurb Gun Shy, knowing it was a long shot, and he couldn't fit it into his schedule. But he sent me a nice letter--not a standard boilerplate letter--telling me what he was working on at the moment. Gracious as could be.

I watched the movie Eastern Promises over a couple of lunches this week. Good movie, but not great. I generally trust Roger Ebert's reviews, and he gave it four stars. I'd give it three. To me, four stars means a movie is right up there with The Godfather or Apocalypse Now. This movie wasn't even close to that standard. Still good, just not a classic. I haven't seen any of the Oscar-nominated films. If you have, tell me which ones are worth watching, please.

Holy Moly comes out in about three months. I've already scheduled some signings, so if you get a chance, check my web site. No, I mean right now. Do it.

I hate to admit this, but I lost a little respect for David Letterman when Paris Hilton was on his show recently. He apologized profusely--and seemingly sincerely--for the way he treated her last time. She's a laughingstock who brings it on herself, so he should skewer her every chance he gets. Especially in person. Are you with me, people?

In the past few months, I have to admit I've developed a habit on eBay. Bought a nice pair of Lucchese boots for nearly nothing. Bought a spotting scope, and a bottle of my favorite vintage cologne. But I can't seem to find a pair of Britney's underwear. Oh, right, she doesn't wear any. My bad. (Don't you hate that phrase?)

We ordered a beautiful Amish dining table near the end of last year. It will be delivered on Sunday. Does anyone else see the irony in an Amish table being delivered on a Sunday? I'm going to have some oats ready to feed the horse. Thank you. I'll be here all week. Try the veal.

I'm posting this not only to put some distance between me and my last post (it's obvious now why I said "wholly unqualified, isn't it?), but also because this news report from CNN seems like something right out of a bestselling thriller.......

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Anna Loginova was, for many Russians, a feminine icon -- bridging the glamorous world of modeling and the murky depths of Russian crime.

But this week, the stunning Loginova became a victim of the criminals she made sure could not get to her millionaire clients. She was killed trying to stop a thief stealing her own car on a busy Moscow street.

As a glamour model, 29-year-old Loginova often appeared on the covers of Russian magazines, scantily clad. She fronted advertisements for high-profile brands in Russia, like the German carmaker BMW.

But behind the glossy images, Loginova had another profession: She was an experienced bodyguard, trained in martial arts, commanding high prices to protect Russia's wealthy elite. One notable client was Russian boxer Kostya Tszyu.

Patriots 48
Giants 17