What a fantastical bio: once Eugene Vidocq was a criminal mater mind! then later he became the most influential crime fighter in the history of detection!?and it's all totally true. No wonder the man inspired everyone from Victor Hugo, to Dickens, to Edgar Allan Poe.

According to the Vidocq Society the man can be credited with these achievements:

* Introducing record keeping (a card-index system), criminalistics, and the science of ballistics into police work.

* The first person to make plaster-of-paris casts of foot/shoe impressions.

* A master of disguise and surveillance.

* Held patents on indelible ink and unalterable bond paper.

* Founded the first modern detective agency and credit bureau, Le Bureau des Renseignements.

See more: Style Icons: Male Detectives

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 18, 2009

For an atheist, I can sure get spirited away by gospel music and Freedom Highway is a solid example of some of the best. Actually a compilation of the original 1965 in-church release and subsequent added material, the album is best (in my opinion) when it's slow and almost mournful. Move Along Train, What You Gonna Do? and The Lord's Prayer are among my favorites.

The Staple Singers is a family affair grounded in traditional Gospel who gained popularity with their hit “I'll Take You There“. You might also recognize “Pops” Staples for his glorious role as a voodoo doctor in True Stories. The band, continuing a connection with Byrne, even covers one of my personal favorite Talking Heads songs, Slippery People on their album Turning Point.

See more: Albums 1960s Gospel

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 18, 2009

The Suspicions of Mr Wicher is a true crime tale centered on the real life mysterious murder of a young boy. Like the JonBenet Ramsey case of its time, the crime mesmerized and rocked the nation. It was speculated about in the media and everyone within the home's walls was a suspect.

Mr. Wicher was a fairly renowned detective at a time when detectives were a new concept, seen as part supernatural genius, part shaman or – when the tides of popular sentiment turned against them – as voyeuristic intruders into the highly guarded personal lives of respected society.

The book is most interesting when it handles the crime itself and the suspicions, not only of Mr. Wicher, but the townsfolk and media. It's a bit less engaging in the latter bits that detail what happened to all the players. One son grows up to be a famous botanist, etc… I guess I'm living proof that the salacious intrigue of the evil men do is always most compelling, just as it was when this murder took place.

Unlike the similar crime in Boulder, this one has a conclusion and a confession, which is led up to with some suspense by Summerscale, whose short resume also includes a biography of an eccentric world-class speedboat racer and heiress (The Queen of Whale Cay).

This book is a perfect pair to this week's TV show, A Most Mysterious Murder.

See more: Books 2000s Historical Pre 1900 True Crime

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 18, 2009

My mom sent this Polaroid of me in 1980, rocking the stand up comedian look, playing my very first video game. And, a nerd is born. Love you mom!

See more: Laughs Found Photos

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 11, 2009

Northern Africa, you are welcome here.?Time and time again we were greeted with locals more than eager to show us Marrakech. After traveling through the Sahara near the Algerian border, my wife and I returned to Marrakech.?We were certainly ready for the infamous and ever so detailed and delightful L Mansion.

We were primed for the first class services and privacy it had to offer and we found it.?Our stay could not have been better.?The food was so fresh and delicious and the service so genuine.?We had the palace to ourselves.?The private hamam was a favorite of mine.?The pink plastered walls in contrast to the pale blue skies eased the eyes into relaxation mode.?The mountain views and property walks were how mornings were shared.

After a few days of pampering at the hotel we were again eager to hit the town and do some shopping.?We had a perfect referral from the owner for a guide us through the labyrinths of the Kasbah.?I feel the best money spent, having a private tour guide in Marrakech. You provide yourself the adventures, while focusing on the best places to eat and shop. The best private guide in Marrakech is Anas (“Anas Kezzar ).

Fluent in French, English and Arabic we were able to experience the city with no worries or hassles while attaining so much knowledge of the city.?We gained so much time by being so efficient.? We shopped for antiques.?Carpets, textiles and jewelry were our primary focus, with so many lovely spices we made a few additional stops.?We found just what we wanted and more.

View an exquisite photo album here.

See more: Places to Visit Africa

Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on May 11, 2009