Antietam

My daughter and me strolling our way across Antietam National Battlefield.

The iconic Dunker Church, also known as the Beacon of Peace.

Canons on the part of the battlefield where the New York regiment fought and probably where my great great grandfather, Alfred Cranmer, was wounded.

Ava and me striking a pose.

My littlest Charmer.

Bloody Lane.

The re-enactment troops. This week marks the 150th battle anniversary. Anyone else have family members that were there or was in the American Civil War?

BEAT to a PULP: Superhero (Updated Links)

Contributors:

James Reasoner
Jake Hinkson
Kevin Burton Smith
Garnett Elliott
Liam José
Sandra Seamans
Jerry Bloomfield
Thomas Pluck
Keith Rawson
Court Merrigan
Benoȋt Lelièvre
Chad Eagleton
Steve Weddle

Check out Scott D. Parker's introduction.

An excerpt from Steve Weddle's "The Last Hero."

Sandra on the origin of her "Moon Mad" story.

James Reasoner on "Drums."

Randy Johnson's take on Superhero.

BEAT to a PULP: Superhero is available through Amazon.

Submissions

BEAT to a PULP submissions are open ...

... the editor is in.

Protectors: Stories to Benefit PROTECT

41 stories.

One cause: PROTECT

100% of proceeds go to PROTECT and the National Association to Protect Children - the army fighting what Andrew Vachss calls "the only holy war worthy of the name," the protection of children.

We've rallied a platoon of crime, western, thriller, fantasy, noir, horror and transgressive authors to support PROTECT's important work: lobbying for legislation that protects children from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Powerful stories from George Pelecanos, Andrew Vachss, Joe R. Lansdale, Charles de Lint, Ken Bruen, Chet Williamson, James Reasoner, Charlie Stella, Michael A. Black, Wayne Dundee, Roxane Gay, Ray Banks, Tony Black, Les Edgerton and 16 more, with 100% of proceeds going to PROTECT

PROTECTORS includes a foreword by rock critic Dave Marsh, and fiction by Patti Abbott, Ian Ayris, Ray Banks, Nigel Bird, Michael A. Black, Tony Black, R. Thomas Brown, Ken Bruen, Bill Cameron, Jen Conley, Charles de Lint, Wayne D. Dundee, Chad Eagleton, Les Edgerton, Andrew Fader, Matthew C. Funk, Roxane Gay, Edward A. Grainger, Glenn G. Gray, Jane Hammons, Amber Keller, Joe R. Lansdale, Frank Larnerd, Gary Lovisi, Mike Miner, Zak Mucha, Dan O'Shea, George Pelecanos, Thomas Pluck, Richard Prosch, Keith Rawson, James Reasoner, Todd Robinson, Johnny Shaw, Gerald So, Josh Stallings, Charlie Stella, Andrew Vachss, Steve Weddle, Dave White, and Chet Williamson.

All the details here.

Through Daddy's Eyes

This picture is of Ava's first drawing on her new Crayola crayon dry erase board. As Ava was creating her masterpiece, I said to my wife, "Doesn't that look like a cat?" She agreed and we took a picture. Does anybody else see it or is this a matter of parent goggles, which is okay with us!

Meatballs, Baby!

A co-worker made these meatballs which were fantastico. Never had them before and I'm hooked. My charmer says she's heard of a similar recipe. I thought I'd share.

2 tbs Grape Jelly
2 tbs Brown Sugar
1 cup Ketchup
1/2 tsp Chili Powder (to taste)
Costco pre-cooked meatballs

Mix first four ingredients together to make sauce. Place meatballs in sauce until thawed. Place meatballs in slow cooker to let flavors combine.

BEAT to a PULP #178: The Step Away by Kieran Shea

Kieran Shea returns to BTAP with a Charlie Byrne grind.

Thanks, amigo.