Okay, read this fast, because our holiday themed covers don’t last long…
Plus, I’m not sure how protective big shot magazines like The New Yorker (a great magazine–everyone should read it!) are about being ripped off for some cheesy little web site about fictional private eyes, so my next message may be from jail. judging from their cartoons, they’ve got a wicked sense of humour, but I’m not sure if their lawyers are as full of chuckles…
Anyway, it’s a cover from their December 22 & 29, 1997 issue (twenty-three years ago!), done by the always awesome Owen Smith (no relation), the awesome artist who still paints ’em like they used to, but with modern day spunk that kicks out the jams, and can benchpress a Buick. And what could be more seasonal, especially at the end of this dismal crap shoot of a year, than his interpretation of someone finally getting what they really want for Christmas?
And how was your year?
As for us, well, we’re keeping busy. If you’ve ever darkened our cyber doorstep in the last year or so, well, you already know the drill. If not, then welcome, and please allow us to introduce ourselves:
“If trouble is your business, murder is your meat or gumshoes are your glory, you picked a good time to drop in. This site is now twenty-two years old, which means it can now drink legally in every state of the union. Please browse responsibly.”
Me? Well, I’ve been working on The Big Move quite a bit lately–what else can I do? Right now, there’s no real rhyme or reason as to what gets moved here, and when — it’s all pretty much impulse and stream-of-consciousness, as I try to figure it all out. But don’t panic–we’ll get there. Likewise, don’t get your panties all twisted about us losing anything. We’re going to save it all. We’re simply tweaking and simplifying and updating it, moving things from one site to another. Yes, it’s taking a while, but it’s also sorta fun, as entries that haven’t been touched for years suddenly get tasered back to life, and decades-old typos and run-on sentences get slapped into submission (replaced, of course, by brand new typos and new run-on sentences).
ABOUT YOU
For God’s sake, stay healthy. Be smart, be kind and stay indoors if you can. Vaccines may be here, but it’ll take a while for them to make a difference, so in the meantime please listen to real news, listen to real doctors. Wash your hands. And think kindly upon those who are out there on the frontlines: cops, doctors, nurses (like my daughter), delivery people, clerks, pizza guys, EMTs, first responders and the like. They’re putting their lives on the line for you and me. They’re the real heroes in all this–not some pathetic, cowering, lying scumbag of an egomaniac whose train left the station months ago.
And for gawd’s sake, call your kids or your Mom. Call someone, tell them you love them.
Kevin Burton Smith
Editor/Founder
