Tuesday's Author

New York Times bestselling author Barry Eisler has created a franchise with his John Rain series of thrillers. Titles like Hard Rain, Rain Fall, and Requiem for an Assassin have put him in ermine with fans everywhere. His most recent releases Fault Line and Inside Out have introduced his fans to a new hero as well. Barry can weave stories of intrigue and espionage with such finesse because he himself is a man who possesses a lot of what he calls "forbidden knowlege." Having worked everywhere from the US government to his own law practice, Barry is no stranger to the things that make this world go 'round.

Having known Barry for a few years, I can honestly say that he has a keen interest in the state of American political issues of the day. He and I have communicated frequently on topics that give us both cause for concern and while Barry is more active in these areas than I am, I always follow his posts and views with zeal. Barry really cares and he wants the world to be a better place, starting with our own backyards.

Barry is a friend. He's someone I'm proud of. I think he deserves all the success he receives and the praise his work garners if certainly worthy indeed. As I watch his career grow and evolve, I always know that he's still the same guy I first became friends with. Barry is a true inspiration. His web site: http://www.barryeisler.com/.

Hollywood Publicist Ronni Chasen Murdered

From AOL News.

Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen was murdered in the early hours of Tuesday in Beverly Hills, RadarOnline.com reports. Chasen, 64, was shot while driving her Mercedes-Benz, crashing into a pole. She was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

An employee at Ronni's PR and marketing firm, Chasen and Co., told Radar police confirmed her death. The LA Times verified the information with the LA County coroner's office, adding that police are searching for the shooter

Chasen represented 'Inception' composer Hans Zimmer, producers Dick Zanuck and Irwin Winkler, and actress Natalie Wood, who died in 1981. Films like 'Lolita' and 'Driving Miss Daisy' were on Chasen's resume. She became MGM's senior vice president of worldwide publicity in 1993.

Police told The Hollywood Reporter:

"On Nov. 16th 2010 at approximately 12:28AM Beverly Hills police officers received info regarding shots that were heard in the area of Sunset and Whittier, shortly after a collision was reported in the same area. Units arrived and discovered a newer black Mercedes Benz E-350 involved in a solo crash to the light pole. The lone female occupant was located in the vehicle with apparent multiple gunshot wounds to her chest. Beverly Hills paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. The investigation is in the preliminary stages and no further information is available at this time. At this time there is no suspect, info or motive for this crime."

Howard Bragman, a fellow Hollywood publicist who worked with Chasen, told the LA Times: "She had been doing this forever. She had a lot of class, a lot of style and a lot of intelligence. She was just very very well-respected."

Radar writes that Chasen was an active community member who spent time with Women in Film and Big Sisters of Los Angeles.

Prince William & Kate Middleton Engaged

From People.com:

The wait is over: Prince William and Kate Middleton, having been a couple on and off for eight years, are finally set to wed, they have announced.

While no date has been revealed, it is thought the ceremony will be held in a few months and be the biggest since William's mother, Diana, married Prince Charles.

"Everyone is absolutely delighted. He has never had eyes for any other woman since Kate came on the scene," says an old friend. "She is going to make a wonderful wife, a wonderful princess."

Both the future bride and groom are 28.

The Official Statement

The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.

The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.

Prince William and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya. Prince William has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton¹s father.

Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force.

Tuesday's Flashback

She made one of the biggest comebacks in rock music history. Tina Turner, who ruled in the sixties and early seventies with her ex-husband Ike, becoming legendary for hits like Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, and Think It's Gonna Work Out Fine, spent several years in obscurity after the break up of her marriage and the duo's act. Then, in the early 80's, she met manager Rodger Davies and the two set out to make history. Davies knew some of the most influential and talented producers and writers on the scene. He hooked Tina up with a London based techno wunderkind who proceeded to produce a cover of Al Green's Lets Stay Together for Tina. And this was the song that relaunched her career.

Number One in Europe for weeks, the single soon began pouring into New York via import copies and Capitol Records rush released it in the States. With Tina's scorching vocals still as pristine as ever, and with that elegantly captivating arrangement, Lets Stay Together was a natural for the Top Ten. What followed this success made Tina an icon and one of the most successful singers in history.

Shot on the "quick and cheap" in London, the video for Lets Stay Together immediately went into heavy rotation on MTV. The song was such a success that Tina was suddenly everywhere and it set the stage for the release of her first album in five years, Private Dancer.

Every time I hear this track, I feel like I'm 16 all over again, riding down the road in my first car, listening to KZ-106 out of Chattanooga, and falling in love with Ms. Turner for the very first time. It is an affair that continues to this day.

Thought For Today

“I fear one day I'll meet God, he'll sneeze and I won't know what to say.” - Ronnie Shakes