Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here. Well, in one of my most evil plans yet, I have decided to sneak away with the lovely Lynn Bracken whenever Harry isn't in town. I haven't really toyed with naked jealousy yet, but I'm sure I'll be able to summon some fair share of his wrath with this news. I'll be rubbing in my lovely evening with her at HOLY SMOKE tonight a little later this week. Until then, Harry, let's set aside our newly-brewing differences to discuss something positive, coming pleasantly on the heels of what seemed like bad news.

Today, Wednesday, is Forrest J. Ackerman's 83rd birthday. He was scheduled to spend it in court. Instead, he'll be celebrating it at home... or out on the town... or wherever the hell he wants to... and that's because there's been a major continuance in his case against Ray Ferry. So far, there have been motions made and dismissed and vague rumblings about jury selection. It didn't happen, though. Instead, there's a period of discovery that's been opened up.

For those of you who read my initial article about the case, you can skip this paragraph. For those who didn't, this is a case about the creator of an iconic film magazine (FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND) trying to regain his place in the magazine's history and trying to guarantee that he's fairly paid for his efforts in the past and in the future. This is a ridiculous case, the only possible outcome being clearly evident. Forry Ackerman is the voice of FAMOUS MONSTERS, and claiming otherwise is lunacy.

Ray Ferry, the gentleman who publishes FAMOUS MONSTERS currently, took great offense at my account of the trial in that initial article, even going so far as to bring it into court and asking for a gag order to be placed on this website and this reporter. Thankfully, and not surprisingly, that gag order was not allowed. In an effort to guarantee that the coverage we do (as well as the coverage that we're hoping Court TV will be doing) is as fair, complete, and accurate as possible, we are in the midst of obtaining from the court a complete set of the motions filed, the official suit, and Ferry's response. We're also going to be taking a closer look at Ferry's counter-complaints. We're going to be really looking at this case under a microscope.

I've also been in touch with or am trading calls with even more members of the creative community who were shocked to hear of Forry's troubles and who offered their support, guys like Gary Gerani, Joe Dante, Mick Garris, Tom Di Santo and Bryan Singer. I hope to be bringing you more of those comments, some great stories and some really heartfelt memories, in my next piece, which should be at the end of this week.

Right now, let's just wish Forry a happy birthday. Let's just be glad that his attorney is now going to be granted full access to Ray Ferry's records. Let's be happy that the discovery period between now and April offers Forry an opportunity to really fight this thing full force.

As our way of offering our respect to Forry on this very special day, at this very trying time, we'd like to officially offer all of our readers the option of being part of a legal defense fund for Forry. There were dozens of Talk Backs regarding this the last time, and I got hundreds of e-mails. Get in touch with me at MoriartyAICN@yahoo.com for the address, or just wait for Friday, when I'll post an address for you here.

I know from speaking with Forry J. this week that your love and support means volumes to him. There's never been a better reason to sign up and Talk Back. Let him know below that your prayers are with him.

Remember, Harry, fire up the Interociter just after the holiday. Until then...

"Moriarty"out.