(December 12, 2007: Los Angeles, CA) Tonight, "The
Twelve" took over Citizen Smith, the hot hang in the heart of
Hollywood. No, we don't mean the Twelve Supreme Court justices (they may
have been over at Government Smith, perhaps), nor the Twelve days of Christmas
(which we love, of course, but that is not Gothic enough for this riddle).
We mean the book party and signing for screenwriter/filmmaker Tom Kennedy
and his new debut horror novel, THE TWELVE. Everyone in attendance was
graciously gifted with a copy of "The Twelve" as well as a cookie
version of the book. (You know, those special order shortbread confections
that feature the cover of a book or other work of art using newfangled
food technology, we love those!)
We are told that "The Twelve"
involves the killing of Beverly Hills billionaires (which may have Rupert
Murdoch sweating), and that the novel features a suspenseful Stephenkingesque
style (an accolade bestowed by Kirkus Reviews), so we look forward to
reading the book. Tom told The LA Report he uses "the same program
coroners use" when writing his new tome -- "Via Voice"
-- the advanced natural-language dictation software that can (very accurately)
translate voice into text. Coroners use it since their hands are always
busy, Tom explained, and this certainly makes sense. Tom uses it in order
to keep the writing flowing freer than when one's hands are tied to a
typewriter (ahem, I mean, computer keyboard).
Along with many photographers and other members of the media in attendance,
the VIPs and celebrities at the party (including Patrika Darbo [Hatchet],
Lorielle New and others) enjoyed fine red wine plus delicious passed appetizers
served up by the Citizen Smith kitchen, such as lightly-fried chicken
skewers, empanadas and homemade cookies. All in all, a very fun affair.
(Note: no billionaires were harmed in the making of this story.)
In health, are you tired of wearing glasses or contacts? LASIK surgery
is not your only option. Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has details
on a new way to see clearly. Kathy Welsch loves spending time reading
to her kids. It's easier than ever now that she's seeing clearly. "I
can see everything better than perfect," said Kathy. Not long ago, that
wasn't the case. Like millions of people, Kathy needed glasses or contacts
to see anything at all. She has not seen on her own since 4th grade.
After years of thinking about it, she decided to undergo vision correction
surgery. She planned to get LASIK but wasn't a candidate because her
corneas were too thin. So she turned to a new alternative, a lens that's
implanted into her eye. "I think this is just an amazing lens," said
Dr. George Pronesti with Kremer Laser Eye Center in King of Prussia.
It's called the Visian Lens. Dr. Pronesti said it isn't just for those
who can't get LASIK.