Profile: Amy Archer-Gilligan
- Full Name – Amy Duggan Archer-Gilligan
- Nickname – Sister
- Born – October 1868
- Location of Activity – Windsor, Connecticut
- Years of Activity – 1907-1917
- Number of Kills – At least 5, 48 or more suspected
- Date of Death – April 23, 1962
- Cause of Death – Natural causes
Born into a large family, one of ten children, “Sister” Amy Archer-Gilligan led a normal life for most of her early years. She married in 1897, had a daughter and went into business with her husband acting as caretaker for an elderly man. When their charge died, his heirs turned his home into a boarding house for the elderly and kept the couple on, caring for the new residents. Eventually, the house was sold and the family moved to Windsor, Connecticut where they started their own care home.
It was in Windsor that Archer began her killing spree. The first to die under mysterious circumstances was her husband. He perished less than a year after they moved, conveniently leaving Archer some money via an insurance policy that had been taken out on his life but a few weeks earlier. She married again shortly thereafter, though this husband also died and again Archer was left with money because of the man’s will.
Over the years, deaths began to pile up at the Archer’s care home. There were 12 people to die in Archer’s care between 1907 and 1910 and another 48 from 1911 to 1917. People began to get suspicious about these deaths, as many died shortly after giving Archer money.
The police, after a year-long investigation, exhumed five of the bodies and found that they had died of poison. Archer was further implicated when it was discovered she had been purchasing large quantities of arsenic. She was finally arrested and tried for five counts of murder. Although sentenced to death, she appealed and pled insanity, ending up with life in prison. Most of that time was spent in an insane asylum, where she eventually died.
Falls Music and Arts Festival
In the two towns of Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania, a less than 20-year-old New Year’s tradition has sprung up and become a sell-out event that brings in music lovers from around the world. The Falls Music and Arts Festival is one great way to bring in the New Year if you happen to be in Australia at the time.
Turkey’s Mevlana Festival
In the country of Turkey, a faction of Islam puts on one of the most famous dancing events in the world. The Mevlana Festival (also known as the Whirling Dervishes Festival) is a religious celebration that takes place in the town of Konya each year during mid-December. Though originally begun as a means to celebrate the death of a famous Muslim poet, it has since grown to attract more than one million people each year over the course of its eight-day run.
Mevlana, translated, means “Our Guide.” It is one name used to represent the a 13th century Sufi poet who happens to be the most recognized Muslim poet in the entire world. Upon his death, the followers of this wise man formed the Mevlevi order. Though many know them as the whirling dervishes nowadays, they have remained the same order for centuries, using their skills at dance in their worship practices.
The events begin with an important scholar reciting a prayer for Mevlana and reading some from the Quran. It then immediately proceeds to the ritual dancing. During the dance, the dervishes wear long white robes with skirts to represent death shrouds. They crowd the dance floor and spin in circles, sending the skirts whirling out around them. But one dance is not enough. They dance over and over and over again, each time performing yet another ritual to honor their saint.
Mevlana Festival starts each year on December 10th and continues until the day of Mevlana’s death, on December 17th. Due to the popularity, visiting Turkey during this time can be a bit of a pain, so make sure to book hotels at least a few months in advance or take some tour that arranges accommodation for you. Either way, if you get a chance to see this spectacular dance of the Muslim world then take it.
The Doo Dah Parade
Though the Doo Dah Parade has spawned many imitators over the years and now takes place in a variety of cities across the U.S., the original and still the best is the event that takes place in Pasadena, California. The origins of the parade lie in a group of people who felt that the world-famous Rose Parade (also held in Pasadena) was becoming a bit too serious for their tastes. So, on January 1st, 1978, when the Rose Parade was cancelled, they decided to put on their own impromptu event - one that followed few of the traditional parade’s rules.
The Doo Dah Parade was so well-liked that they continued to hold it, albeit sporadically, with irregular dates and locations. Nowadays, it has settled down a bit, being held virtually every year and almost always falling on whatever Saturday happens to be closest to May Day.
This chaotic nature of the parade’s organization extends to many of the regulations involved in holding it. Anyone is allowed to take part in the parade; all they need do is apply. There is no marching order determined ahead of time and the first to show up on the day of the event get to go first. There are no judges, no advertisements and no vehicles allowed.
Themes of the parade are not set, so everyone involved is free to put together whatever they feel best represents them. These can be often turn out sexual or as political statements and this tendency has brought some criticism to the parade in the past. But the overall no-holds-barred approach has led to some pretty bizarre presentations and given the parade the reputation it now carries.
Today, the parade ends up with about 1500 groups marching and brings in somewhere around 40,000 spectators each year. In 2013, April 27th is the date of the parade, though if you don’t happen to be near Pasadena there are still plenty of other places around the U.S. holding their own Doo Dah Parades at varied times throughout the year.
Sam Lufti's defamation suit against Britney Spears' parents dismissed
Anyone who has followed the defamation lawsuit brought by Britney Spears' former manager, Sam Lufti, against the singer and her parents can tell you, this week's big news isn't surprising. What happened? The judge in the case essentially tossed out the suit. In other words: It's over.
The whole case was stinky from the beginning, as far as I'm concerned. Lufti seems like a sleaze, and he seemed desperate to make money no matter what the cost. I think he'd say or do just about anything to get what he wanted. Apparently, the judge in the case agreed.Sam Lufti made a lot of crazy claims. Among other things, Lufti sued Britney Spears and her parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, claiming he was owed money for a breach of contract. He also claimed that the Spears' parentals defamed him, smearing his good name (not that he actually *had* a good name to begin with). If you've read Lynne Spears' memoir, you know she's not easy on Lufti. In fact, she pretty much claims he's at least partially responsible for her daughter's very public meltdown.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Suzanne Bruguera threw out Sam Lufti's case, citing "insufficient evidence." Bruguera then told the court, "I thought long and hard. It's the right thing to do, so I am going to do it." Amen!
Does this mean the Spears' legal battle is over? Not quite. There's still the not-so-little matter of Sam Lufti and the lawsuit and the court fees to deal with, and Lynne and Jamie Spears might just come after him soon. One report suggests that the Spears family will definitely file a lawsuit against Lufti to try and recoup some legal fees. I don't blame them one bit. I hope they take him for everything he's worth, which isn't much!
Keith Richards' Life
No one reading Keith Richards’ Life should expect the book to describe a normal one. Massive amounts of drugs, especially heroin, legal battles in the court and on the street, fights and accidents. Who knew that he carries a knife and knows how to use it?
All this makes for fascinating reading, if you are interested in drug stories. He began with pharmaceutical grade cocaine and heroin, tried everything else and is hardly apologetic. But if you want to learn about his relationships with his bandmates, for example, forget it.
Obviously he couldn’t get away with writing a book without describing his love/hate relationship with Mick Jaggar, but other brief mentions of his dislike for Brian Jones (whose girlfriend he stole) and his huge respect for Charlie Watts, the other Rolling Stones are largely absent from this story. Richards’ best friends were Stones saxophonist Bobby Keys and other musicians like Gram Parsons, fellow heroin users and wild men.
So don’t read Keith Richards’ Life for another history of the Rolling Stones. Read it to hear Richards’ story, as he tells it. His passion for music is especially compelling. Although they are known for rock and roll, in the beginning the Stones were a blues band, Chicago style, in the vein of Muddy Waters, who Richards both idolized and studied intensely.
I found his development as a guitarist especially interesting – his signature five-string tuning and method of writing the Stones’ biggest hits. Life is a good story, written in a conversational style, which will put off readers who aren’t interested in the ups and downs of a junkie or don’t want to hear women referred to as bitches.
Me, I liked it a lot – what do we expect from Keith Richards? A normal life?
Vietnam's Halong Bay
A guided tour isn’t my idea of a good time. There’s something I don't like about being led around touristy spots with a bunch of camera toting strangers, waiting for them all to come back to the bus late, and eating all together in pre-chosen restaurants that specifically cater to tourists. I’d much rather be in charge of my own trip – maybe getting lost in the process but at least making discoveries for myself.
But when the tour costs less than 20 dollars and includes three days, two nights in a hotel, two long boat rides and all meals, then why not?
Vietnam’s Halong Bay is full of jungle-covered islands of towering cliffs, the kind you always see in travel posters for Southeast Asia. Little fishing villages hug the cliffs or simply float in the water.
The boat trip through this otherworldly landscape gave stunning views and plenty of swimming breaks. Six hours later we arrived at a large island, which had beaches, a national park full of thick jungle and our hotel. Our second day was activity-free, so we spent the morning hiking in the park and the afternoon playing frisbee on the beach with some local kids.
Vietnam has a lot for the tourists – good food (lots of noodle soups full of vegetables and lightly fried things), friendly people, gorgeous scenery and low, low prices. I went there almost ten years ago, so I doubt the Halong tour is still only 20 dollars. But if you are looking at doing some traveling in Vietnam, Halong Bay should be high on your list.
Denzel Washington stars in Flight
After the action thriller 'Safe House' in early spring, we get another Denzel Washington flick in 'Flight.' This a mystery drama with Denzel starring as the alcoholic pilot Captain William Whitaker.
The plot by John Gatins really sets the stage for a blockbuster and has the audience at the edge of their seats at times. There is that right mix of comedy, emotion, romance and action that ensures that the film will be one of those Denzel classics like 'Training Day' or 'Remember the Titans.'
Flight feels so real and people with a fear-of-flying are bound to get even more terrified after watching the crash scene. I obviously will not spoil the fun for you by revealing too much here. I only wanted to highlight something that is truly 'hot in the U.S.'
It shows Denzel Washington in a new light; rather than marvel at him, viewers are forced to worry for his well-being save the incredible crash landing that he accomplishes.
The film has gotten rave reviews from the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune among others. It features Washington in a fairly meaty role and could see him potentially winning an Oscar. Director Robert Zemeckis always serves up the best for moviegoers.
The movie promises to be a must-watch with its action-packed scenes and Denzel brilliance. The flight crash scene makes for some crafty special affects too. Paramount Pictures, Robert Zemeckis and Denzel Washington have taken a huge gamble with this morally ambiguous drama and you know what - it just might pay off.
Moreover, the Captain Chesley Sullenberger landing on the Hudson River gave Flight its wings.
NBA coast to coast
The NBA is back! I am giddy with excitement and it makes me feel like a kid again as always when the season gets underway. There are really two big stories coming out of the league at this early point: the Lakers and the defending champions Miami Heat.
Have the Lakers become the team to hate?
The Lakers have lost their opening season games and a lot of fans are loving it. Are the Lakers officially the Yankees of basketball? Let's hope not because they are my favorite team and I do love Kobe Bryant. As for the Lakers losses, it really seems to be the like the Miami Heat all over again. Give it time and you will see fans and basketball analysts reveling at the Lakers losing eating their words.
For now, the LA Clippers are enjoying their beat down of the Lakers at the Staples Center.
The team from South Beach
It seems that everywhere I go, the talk is all about a Kobe-LeBron Finals showdown. It actually has always been this way, but this time it has been more so. What is more, we might finally get to see it. James has some high-profile names in the business world that talk of his penchant for creating success. But it's the Heat's new look roster that has fans in South Beach excited. In addition to Ray Allen, there is Forward Shane Battier and the dynamic Rashard Lewis.
That's probably all you need to know about the NBA for now. Except maybe more hilarious stuff from Charles Barkley on TNT.
Jarabe de Palo
Jarabe de Palo is one of those Latin rock groups whose songs are everywhere south of the border – on the radio, on the DJ's party playlist, even reworked for supermarket muzak. Hailing from Spain, the group's leader Pau Donés has a knack for writing catchy hooks, such as in their huge 90s hit “La Flaca.”
But the music never really grabbed me until I heard their 2010 album Orquesta Reciclando, which means Recycling Orchestra. The album is a collection of their biggest hits, rearranged with better instrumentation and played by a super hot band.
The standard pop-rock of the originals is rearranged with diverse musical styles and much more energy. “Depende” is given a reggae treatment, “Bonito” is infused with a funk groove, while “La Flaca” begins with a spare, percussion led verse and ends with a rocking salsa-style jam section.
There's no filler on Orquesta Reciclando – sure the songs had already been released, and to success, but it 's not every day that a popular band gives their repertoire a complete makeover. It could easily have been a miss, but it came out as a hit.
This was one of those albums that I wore out when I first got it. I learned a lot of Spanish from this album – he sings clearly and the lyrics are pretty basic.
It can be hard for Latin groups like Jarabe de Palo, who are from Spain, to break into the U.S. market, especially if they only sing in Spanish. But you don’t need to understand all the words to get into this music. Orquesta Reciclando finally got a U.S. release last October. It you like eclectic music with a Latin touch, seek out this fine album. You won't be disappointed.