Metallica or ACDC

So Metallica is selling music. But I'm a bigger fan of the new tracks by ACDC and if I had to go with just one would definitely hang on for the later which feels fresh rather than a retread of an old tire. I'm way too in to the whole programming with song titles part of this year's Bouchercon.

Ruth here. With a jumbled list of messages for the membership.

YES YOU CAN

Still Register, that is. There are two ways left to register. You can Pay Pal from your puters until October 4th. If you choose this option please also send a registration form which is available on the Charmedtodeath Website. And at the convention itself you may register with a check or use the paypal option. We will ask you to fill out a registration form at that time. I am still getting inquiries into day passes and I regret it but we will be unable to accommodate folks with day passes this year. For those local to Maryland the good news is the dealer room will be open to the public, so come on down, take a look around and if you like what you see, remember Indy is just a year away.

On Refunds.... if you requested a refund after the cut off date of Sept 1, we will be addressing it at the conclusion of the convention. At that time if there are any left over monies, you will of course be reimbursed.

The programming has been updated.

Please go to the blog Your Charmed to Death Programming for the new daily lists.

Of note:

Author Ace Atkins will be ably filling the shoes of Ken Bruen at the Saturday at the Pratt- Govan's Branch Event Saturday October 11th.

George Pelecanos will still be joining Bouchercon 2008 but has had to move his signing time from the previously posted Saturday to Friday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. in the Carroll Room.

Frank Wydra who was a friend to many of us lost his battle to Cancer in August. A true fan and author of mystery, Frank will remain on the Charmed to Death Web Site. Our best wishes go out to his family and friends. For more on Frank visit here

The MWA table will be opening on Friday afternoon after the Business Meeting.

Once again, the standing committee STRONGLY encourages all of our membership to attend this meeting. It's our Bouchercon, please be a part of the future.

We are showing a variety of films throughout the con. Some are already on the schedule but I'll be back with a full list soon as everything is firmed up.

There will be a "So you want to put on a Bouchercon" panel Thursday morning at 8:30 am. If you and your community are interested in possibly hosting a con, you may want to attend. This year I'm bringing in people from the Tourist & Hotel Industry specific to my own history but who also can help you find the people in your own area to make this process easier along the way. 8:30 on Thursday morning? I told you Judy and Jon were harsh.

William Kent Krueger is great. Here in Milwaukee last night on tour for Red Knife the latest in the Cork series, he once again reminded me of why Mystery, the community, is such a wonderful place to be.

And of biggest note today, because I just don't say it enough ..... Judy Bobalik is one of those very special people. I cannot imagine my life without her in it. With a Dorothy Parker wit and heart larger than the Grinch's after little Cindy Loo get's to him..... I, like many, am forever in her debt..... and entirely relieved that three weeks out I still mean this from the bottom of my heart.

Ruth