This site, by the very nature of its subject matter, is no laughing matter. But even the most terrible tragedy has some comic relief. Nick has a wicked, dry wit, and can crack jokes even under the greatest pressure. So he’d appreciate me giving a little “time out” to show you something that, now that I look back on it, is absolutely hilarious.

You may remember the publication Weekly World Digest, which was sold mostly at supermarket check-out lines and newspaper stands. It was a black and white rag that was even worse than a tabloid, because tabloids at least attempt to convey something like the truth (they have to, it’s illegal not to…). Weekly World Digest preferred to tell tales of babies born with bat wings, demons possessing ball machines at church bingo nights, vampires feeding off the First Lady, etc. All of these stories were accompanied by usually terribly unconvincing photoshopped pictures – ringing any bells now? Unfortunately, Weekly World Digest went out of business, so I can’t link you to a web site with samples. But I’m sure it’s well logged in the annals of most people’s memories.

Well, Weekly World Digest got wind of the aftermath of the Memorial Day Rose Red trip and printed what may have been the only WWD feature ever to have some basis in reality, even if the details in their version are – to say the least – highly inventive.

(Continue reading…)

Last week I proposed the idea for this post to Steven Rimbauer, and while he was naturally hesitant at first, he soon adopted his usual laissez-faire stance. That is to say when it comes to stories, he tends to let the storyteller have his or her way…and sometimes ends up butting in and telling the story himself!

There’s no chance of that happening here, since this is my blog. But after he agreed to let me talk about this “taboo” subject, he drew up notes of everything he remembered from his and Joyce’s private conversations over the course of their relationship. I’d say that’s participation in the story. And as it gives interesting insight into Joyce’s fascination with Ellen Rimbauer, and indeed her relationship with Steve, I thought it worth presenting to you for your consideration.

It must be noted that everything I am about to divulge has been approved for publication here by Steve. Even the most intimate details. Otherwise, I wouldn’t write them—his friendship is too precious to me to sacrifice over a good tale.

Warning: this post contains adult content, or at least adult references. (Continue reading…)

Unraveling Rose Red: Piecing together the puzzle of history and “coincidence” in Rose Red.

Pinafore Lodge was constructed in 1876 on the slope of Mount Pinafore in Pennsylvania—called “Pinafore” for its curious shape and landscape, creating an apron-like appearance when covered in snow. Its builder and original owner, a wealthy Swiss emigrant by the name of Marti Lautens, saw the potential of the location for a mountainside resort—recognized, even before the advent of the popularity of skiing—that Americans would flock to the mountains for their natural beauty, restorative properties and amusement opportunities. He was correct.

For 60 years Pinafore Lodge reigned as the queen of Pennsylvania mountain retreats. Initially the wealthy came for the socializing, enjoying each other’s company in the enormous structure’s two ballrooms, four dining rooms, five recreation rooms (where various events and activities were held, typically gender-disparate in interest, but occasional lectures by famous physicians, writers and artists were attended by members of both sexes), two libraries, a cavernous gentleman’s club, two billiards rooms, a lavish theatre, a large gymnasium, a thoroughly-equipped beauty salon and many other attractions and amenities. After skiing became popular approximately a century ago, the lodge offered a range of slopes to satisfy skiers of all levels, and this brought further influxes of guests. In 1905 a sprawling addition of guest rooms was added to the original lodge complex, and their advertising boasted the Pinafore Lodge as “the largest and grandest resort in the country”. While I have been unable to substantiate those claims, Pinafore Lodge was clearly among the top of the tops for resort destinations at that time. (Continue reading…)