K.A. Laity's Blog, page 29
November 1, 2021
51%: Witches
No, I’m not claiming 51% of the population is witches — would that it were! — rather I am one of the folks interviewed on the timely edition of this venerable radio program 51%. Host Jesse King interviewed me along with Pam Grossman (readers of this blog will be well familiar with the host of... Read More
October 20, 2021
Surreal Noir: 20 Oct 21
Coming up on the spooky holidays, it’s SURREAL NOIR at NoBounds Radio. This episode brings together a surprisingly apt pair: Dorothy B. Hughes’ Ride the Pink Horse and Dorothea Tanning’s memoir Between Lives. What brings together two such unlikely texts? Chicago gangsters! Yes, really. How so? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out. I’ll... Read More
October 18, 2021
Upcoming Events
Who’s super busy? Me. Yes, I am saying no to things — mostly so I can say YES to things I am enthusiastic about (yes, it’s still a struggle not to overburden my time). Some of them quite fun. I have two conference presentations coming up next month and another in December. I have a... Read More
October 16, 2021
Song for a Saturday: Grow Me a Gown With Golden Down
A little noise for your Saturday: inspired by the 1966 Hammer film The Witches, which has been obsessing me lately for a number of reasons. Along with all the other things, all the other things. It may be turning up in the expected places, but also the unexpected places [makes finger down the nose gesture... Read More
October 15, 2021
Film for a Friday: Derek (2008)
Today in films I can’t believe I’ve not watched before, I watched Derek via my local library Kanopy account which has far more films available than my campus account does. Though it limits me to five a month, the wretched pace at which I have managed to watch films lately means that I have not... Read More
October 4, 2021
Highsmith @ 100: Ripley
TOM RIPLEY: MASTER CRIMINAL? I know I have forgotten to keep up with posting the assignments for my students, but if you want to read along, here’s the intro text for this week: I’m always amazed at the back cover copy of different editions of this book. I’ve got this edition with me. It refers... Read More
October 1, 2021
FFF: The Mystic (1925)
THE MYSTIC (1925) Tod Browning’s silent film can be watched on the ‘tube. Sometimes it shows up on MUBI, too. Of course it involves the ‘spook racket’ and grifting, two things I am fascinated by always. The film opens in the familiar ambience of the traveling carnival, where Aileen Pringle plays the titular role of... Read More
September 30, 2021
#InternationalPodcastDay
Hey, it’s apparently International Podcast Day, so I remind you that I have TWO podcasts/internet radio shows appealing to a super-niche clientele of oddballs and hipsters. SURREAL NOIR via NoBounds Radio IS IT FUNNY? via Anchor and many platforms: new episode on Muriel Spark coming when I return to NY. Just a reminder, too, that... Read More
September 22, 2021
Surreal Noir 22 Sep 21
The Equinox brings the monthly return of SURREAL NOIR at NoBounds Radio. This episode brings together another unlikely pair: Alice Rahon and Patricia Highsmith. This episode may sound a little different: cobbled together from the phone and recordings made in hasty moments when I could find a little quiet here at my dad’s. Not easy... Read More
September 16, 2021
Tainted Hearts & Dirty Hellhounds
Pleased to have my Graham Wynd story ‘The Pick-Up’ in the first anthology from the fine folks at Bristol Noir. Tainted Hearts & Dirty Hell Hounds is just one of the two simultaneously released volumes. The second, Savage Minds & Raging Bulls, is just as packed with noir goodness — or is that badness? Buy... Read More
