I Meme It

Musing Mondays

2009-04-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

Coming towards the end of April, we’re a third of the way through the way through the year. What’s the favourite book you’ve read so far in 2009? What about your least favourite? (question courtesy of MizB)

I've had a really good run of reading so far this year!

Since I switch back and forth between fiction and non-fiction I thought I'd double answer this question.

Street Gang by Michael Davis is probably my favorite non-fiction book so far this year. I don't know how much of this has to do with my past work experience in TV, but I thought this book was really great in the amount of detail the author was able to cover without the book ever becoming dry.

If you twist my arm, I would have to say Alex & Me by Irene M. Pepperberg was my least favorite non-fiction book so far. Although I have no regrets about reading it. The only thing that puts it at the bottom of the list is the writing. I feel like I could have written the book myself if I had had those same experiences. Still, it is a great story and well worth the little time it takes to read!

Moving on to fiction...by George by Wesley Stace is such a good book! Multi-generational, focus is on the young male character and a ventriloquist's dummy, but the women in the book are very well developed and strong.

And, least favorite fiction would have to go to The James Boys by Richard Liebmann-Smith. It's an ambitious book imagining Jesse and Frank James as brothers to Henry and William James. I really like the premise but the author put things together in a very confusing manner by including biographical research in a way that pulls the reader out of the story. Still, I will pick up his next book, if there is one.

I've linked the titles to my reviews if you're interested.

Sunday Stealing: The 40 Meme

2009-04-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

1. My uncle once :
On advice of council, I'm going to have to skip this question.

2. Never in my life :
Will I be a puppet to "the man".

3. When I was seventeen :
"I learned the truth..."

4. High School was :
A necessary evil.

5. I will never forget :
Well...I'm sure there must be something...

6. I once met :
Tiger Woods when he was 4 yrs old and his dad toured him around country clubs.

7. There’s this girl I know who :
...once at band camp...

8. Once, at a bar :
I met a lesbian who used to be a homosexual man. It's true...

9. By noon, I’m usually :
Thinking I should probably think about getting out of bed.

10. Last night :
I forgot all about doing this meme.

11. If only I had :
A brain.

12. Next time I go to gym/church :
What's "gym/church"?

13. Susan Boyle :
Sadly, probably the definition of 15 mins of fame.

14. What worries me most :
What? Me? Worry?

15. When I turn my head left, I see :
Green

16. When I turn my head right, I see :
Yellow

17. You know I’m lying when :
I'm blogging.

18. What I miss most about the eighties :
My neon green jacket with the giant shoulder pads. Oh, yeah!

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be :
Shakespeare!

20. By this time next year :
I will be independently wealthy beyond belief!

21. A better name for me would be :
Well, that depends on who you ask...

22. I have a hard time understanding :
Anything I don't care about.

23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll :
Start my own gang.

24. You know I like you if :
I speak to you.

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be :
Seriously, who would ever give me an award?

26. When I compare 80’s rock to 90’s rock :
I wonder what ever happened to the '60's and '70's.

27. Take my advice, never :
Neither a borrower nor a lender be, Do not forget: Stay out of debt; Think twice, and take this good advice from me, Guard that old solvency. There’s just one other thing you ought to do. To thine own self be true.

28. My ideal breakfast is :
My dad's cast-iron skillet fried potatoes!

29. A song I love, but do not own is :
At This Moment by Billy Vera and the Beaters

30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest :
You take a book.

31. My favorite Beatle is :
RINGO!

32. Why won’t people :
Just do what I tell them to do?

33. If you spend the night at my house :
I would have to, first, lock up the cutlery.

34. I’d stop my wedding for :
One thin dime.

35. The world could do without :
Weddings

36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than :
Well...just about ANYTHING!!! Who doesn't want to lick the belly of a cockroach?

37. My favorite blonde is :
My own darn self.

38: Paper clips are more useful than :
Q-tips

39. If I do anything well, it’s :
Probably done wrong.

40. And by the way :
I think that's plenty...

Booking Through Thursday: Windfall

2009-04-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, April 15th, was Tax Day here in the U.S., which means lots of lucky people will get refunds of over-paid taxes.

Whether you’re one of them or not, what would you spend an unexpected windfall on? Say … $50? How about $500?

(And, this is a reading meme, so by rights the answer should be book-related, but hey, feel free to go wild and splurge on anything you like.)

Unfortunately, my "windfall" is going to have to go to my car: insurance, renewed registration and licence, check-up...

But, if I had a true windfall I would spend it on, finally, opening my Etsy shop! Supplies for making bookmarks, blank books, bookplates, boxes decorated with books that have fallen apart. Recycled materials used for everything! But even "one man's trash" can cost...

Man, I just need to get myself organized and do this! If I didn't need to go to sleep so I can be at work in 6 hours, I would start right now!

Hope I don't loose the mojo by the time I get home...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Camera Critters

2009-04-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

This is Penny

She lived in an ancient used bookstore in downtown Long Beach, CA

This store was huge, dark and crowded with 10' tall, make-shift wooden shelves. Some made from planks, some made from crates, some made from, seemingly, whatever wood was found around. I couldn't even tell you what the walls were made of, they were all covered top to bottom with shelves. The whole place was stocked very heavily with books. Some of the aisles weren't more than 2' wide. The store had been around for so long that if you digged deeply enough you could find some real treasures!

When I first met Penny, I was browsing through the Mystery section. I glanced up from the 1st edition Arthur Conan Doyle (pre Sir) that I was looking at and saw her staring at me from about 5yards away. Quietly sitting in the middle of the aisle, just watching. I said, "hi, kitty". She had no response. A couple of minutes later, she was still sitting there watching me, I turned in the opposite direction, went a few aisles down to browse some more. My decisions made, I turned to head for the cashier. But, at the end of that aisle sat Penny. Just watching me. "Oh! Hi, kitty!" Nothing. I turned the other way not wanting her to think I was approaching her and took the long route to the register. By the time my transaction was complete, there was Penny! Approaching me from on top of the counter. She layed down right in front of me looking for a bit of petting to which I, of course, obliged.

The store closed in October. Seems the city feels you can never have enough ugly condos sitting over-priced and empty.

I miss that place. And I miss Penny who now lives in the home of the ex-store owner.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-04-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

1. Angel or not, I will be-devil you!

2. Shake me, bake me, any way you want me.

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of beans. And she was right! I just finished a baked bean sandwich! I'm also, now full of gas, but that's passing...

4. __?___ after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous. Oh, please...I don't do that...

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I am the smartest, most captivating, most admired, most worshipped, most beautiful person in the place! Oh...it's true...

6. Every day is a day fraught with peril.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Heads or Tails: See

2009-03-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Musing Mondays

2009-03-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Do you keep track of what and/or how many books you read? How long have you been doing this? What's your favorite tracking method, and why?If you don't keep track, why not? (question courtesy of MizB)

When I was a kid I, pretty much, read only mass market paperbacks. I would tear out the page that list all the authors works in the front of the book and in the back of the book there were always pages that had other books by the same publisher listed, I would tear those out too. Then I would cross the books off as I read them.

Now that I'm a big girl, I no longer feel the need to tear pages from books, not even the "unimportant" ones. And, there's a lovely thing on the internet called LibraryThing!

Now, some of these LTers, as we're called, are very anal and feel it should only be used for books that are actually on your shelves at home. That doesn't make much sense to me. I can see those books. I use it, not only for those books, but also for books I no longer have, for whatever reason, and books I hope to read one day. Unfortunately, I'm old and can't remember everything I've read and I get bored or distracted, by a shiny object or a title that makes me wonder if I've read something else or want to read something else, or I pick up a book I'm listing and start leafing through it, or I try to decide whether or not I want people knowing I've read a particular book (you know, Mom and Dad could drop by that list! Should I list the books in the sock drawer!), well...you see where this is going and stop listing the books I own. But, like I said, I can see those.

The answer is...I use LibraryThing. And perhaps I'll finish the list before I kick it.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

These were, then, rational beings; on the moon, that perennial object of earthly wonder, intelligent life had at last been discovered. For some moments the astronomers scarcely breathed, observing the startling scene, but eventually the import of what they had found began to sink in, and what Grant called "our paralyzing astonishment" began to subside, and together they denominated this unexpected new creature Vespertilio-homo, or man-bat.

Thursday Thunks

2009-03-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

1. The last flight of stairs you walked up/down - were they carpeted?

If you can call that "carpet".

2. Green or purple grapes?

I thought they were called "white" grapes? Anyway...I guess, green...seedless.

3. Do you like Peeps?

No hooves and eyeballs for me!

4. The smell of Vicks - like it?

LOVE...IT!

5. Do you put decorative cling-ons on your windows for different holidays?

You mean one of these guys?

He looks pretty "decorative"!

6. Finish the sentence - I spent too much money on rent, groceries, general necessities . If it weren't for that stuff, I'd be rich, I tell ya, RICH!

7. Which celebrity should be flown into outer space or placed on a desert island?

Oh, man! Celebrities get to go to all the exotic places!!! PICK ME! PICK ME!

8. Would you support schools changing the "open" time? Such as 10am - 5pm, for example?

How about 5am-10pm? Oh, yeah.

9. Do you go fishing?

How would you like it if someone just started throwing food through your ceiling?

10. What question should we ask next week?

Who's your Daddy?

Heads or Tails: Point

2009-03-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

OK!

So, when you put the word "heads" and the word "point" in the same space, one thing, and only one thing comes to my mind. I've been unable to shake it all week. It was instant and I couldn't get it out of my mind.

Then, before posting, I decided to check out some folks who have already posted because I couldn't imagine any other answer. I was sure everyone would have the same idea.

I was wrong!

So far, only one other person's head went in the same direction...so I've stolen her post:

From Autumn at Random Autumness

Now, some of you may have noticed that I do a “what first pops into my head” kind of a thing when I do Heads or Tails. So…this is what first popped into my head for this one!

So...There you go! The easiest post ever! I need to steal more often...

Musing Mondays

2009-03-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

We were all warned as children to 'never talk to strangers', but how do you feel about book-talk with random people? When you see people reading, do you ask what it is? Do you talk to people in the book store or the library? Why or why not? What do you do if people talk to you?

Well, generally speaking, I don't like talking to people and I don't like them talking to me!

But, seriously folks...but you were serious...shhh!

If I'm reading, I'm reading, don't talk to me! I find it rude. If you're reading, I'll leave you alone.

However, in a bookstore or library it is a totally different thing. Talking while browsing is perfectly acceptable as long as it doesn't become "the beginning of a beautiful friendship". One must know when the conversation is over. Some people don't have that skill. Or the skill of ending a conversation. Have you ever run out of things to say to a stranger, but they just linger, while you're wondering if it would be rude to just say "OK. Bye-bye now."?

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

"As she got up, my head toppled out of my body, which flopped back onto the sofa. As my face hit the floor, a tiny chip of my nose broke off."

Musing Mondays

2009-03-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

What is your policy when it comes to new authors? Do you feel comfortable purchasing a book or do you prefer to borrow new authors from the library? How often do you 'try out' a new author?

I love reading new authors. Good new authors, that is.

I don't, at all, mind paying for the books. I'm actually more likely to just borrow an author that I know.

The trick is to read the first chapter (or few pages) of the book before you buy it. It doesn't usually take long to decide if the author fits your taste.

Sunday Stealing: The Random Question Meme

2009-03-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

1. How old do you look?

17

2. Where do you live?

Wherever I am.

3. Are you waiting for something?

The next question.

4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common?

I don't have "pet peeves" so much as things that just turn me into a crazy person. I'll not reveal them here, because I like my victims to be surprised.

5. Do you want/have kids?

Nope. And they don't want/have me.

6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion?

You can convert a sofa to a bed. You can convert a hard-top to a rag-top. What could I convert my religion to...

7. Last shocking news you heard?

Clay Aiken is gay!

8. What was the last thing you drank?

Orange pop.

9. Who do you most look like in your family?

I have my mom's feet...

10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be?

PIZZA! The answer will always be PIZZA!

11. Where does most of your family live?

An undisclosed location in Texas. Gotta love that Witness Protection Program.

12. Where did you grow up?

Findlay. Can you find that on a map?

13. Where do you want to go on vacation?

I don't know. Where do you want to go?

14. Have you ever had a panic attack?

Yes! In Ikea! You know there's only one way out of those places?!?

15. What can’t you wait for?

Using the bathroom. Did I understand that question right? Oh, well, I'll be right back.

16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it?

My kitties, everyday.

17. Have your parents ever smoked pot?

I have a strict "don't ask, don't tell" policy when it comes to my parents' private lives.

18. Want someone back in your life?

Why not? Who'd you have in mind?

19. What do you order at the bar?

If you don't know, then you're not old enough to be in a bar.

20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard?

WOW! Where did that come from? Everything's going so nice and light and then you go and harsh my mellow! I'm going to cry "really, really hard" right now! Thanks...

21. Ever licked someone’s cheek?

Nooo...

22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?

Bread and butter pickles. Or lettuce. Or honey.

23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008?

Under my bed, avoiding gun fire.

24. What are your nicknames?

The ones people use to my face, or behind my back?

25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?

All the way, baby!

Camera Critters

2009-03-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

That's Quincy's eyeball! Doesn't she look intense? Don't look too long, she will hypnotize you...

"you want to give me green mouse..."

Booking Through Thursday: The Best Book You've Never Read

2009-03-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

What’s the best book that YOU haven’t read yet?

Oddly...only one book even comes to mind (and I've been thinking about this since last night)...

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

I've heard it's one of the first courtroom type mysteries and has a lot of twists and turns.

Has anyone read it? I'd love to read your opinions.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

"Reluctantly and sadly, I packed him into his cage and drove him back to the lab that evening. I knew he would never return, that this was the last time in my house for Alex and me."

Booking Through Thursday: Storage

2009-02-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

“How do you arrange your books on your shelves? Is it by author, by genre, or you just put it where it falls on?”

From where I'm sitting I can see 6 bookcases:

The first is under the TV. It's just a single, 4' long shelf, 18" high. It contains oversized, coffetable type books. I like to use these photos for artwork reference.

Moving to the right is the 3 shelf unit at the front door. The top shelf is basically empty. It has sides and a back where I drop off my keys and whatnots when I come home. The bottom 2 shelves are just slightly shorter than the first bookcase, so it also holds oversized books of a general catagory.

Then there's the 4 shelf unit that I can see sitting in the hallway. That's full of your basic sized hardcover nonfiction books. Mostly pertaining to budgeting (which I don't do), gardening (which I don't do) and cooking (which, surprise, I don't do).

Past that doorway and back into this room is the 7 shelf unit behind the couch. The top shelf is shorter and full of mass market books. The next five shelves are the perfect height for basic hardcover and trade paperbacks. These are all "readables". Novels, biographies, medical narratives...The bottom shelf is tall and holds more oversized books, again, mostly art reference.

Behind me is a built-in desk unit with 12" wide shelving on each side. These contain the same types of books that are in the hallway, but in paperback.

Now we head up to the ceiling! I have shelving above all the doors and windows which hold mass market books that I got about 25-30 years ago when I worked at B. Dalton. Back then we were allowed to take stripped books home. So I would take a copy of just about anything we were stripping, thinking one day I would retire and have a chance to read them. Don't know if that's ever going to happen now but I still have the books!

Aren't you glad you asked?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

Heads or Tails: Legend

2009-02-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

I've always been a bit of an "old-soul". And when I was in grade school, I remember running home to catch the Mike Douglas Show at 4 o'clock! I always loved Mike Douglas. And his show is how I was first exposed to:

Totie Fields

1930-1978

If you're too young to know who she was...you've missed a gem! Totie was one of few female stand-ups working in the 60's and 70's. She always made me laugh! Mike Douglas often used her as a co-host on his show. I remember turning on his show one day in the mid 70's, by this time I was in junior high school, and Totie came out in a wheelchair. One of her legs had been amputated. I remembered it as having been due to diabetes, but wikipedia says it was a botched blood clot surgery. Either way, it didn't stop her, she was still as funny as ever!

So, for those who have never had the pleasure...and for those who have...here is the only video I can find on the Internet. Her closing joke is one I have never forgotten!

Musing Mondays

2009-02-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book reviews…
Do you read any non-blogging book reviews? If so, where (newspaper, library etc)? Do you have any favourites sources you'd like to share?

Well, I must admit, I'm a bit back-half-asswards on this particular topic.

You see, I don't read reviews at all until after I've read the book. Then I'll read any review I can find just to compare opinions. The problem with reading them before-hand is I feel like I've already read the book while I'm reading it. Maybe it's just me...

If I should find the New York Times Book Review or Publishers Weekly lying around at work I'll read reviews of books that I have no intention of reading (my mind has never been changed). Or books that I know I'll never have the time for (I'm an incredibly slow reader).

There is a nice magazine called BookMarks that I like to pick up from time to time. It has little short, one paragraph, type of reviews or synopsises (spellcheck says that's right, I'm not convinced). That can be fun. There's about a million in each issue. Well, maybe not a million, but a lot!

Camera Critters

2009-02-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

I found this kitty picture somewhere on the internet months ago. It seemed perfect for today.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-02-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

1. It seems like I'm loosing my edge. Have you seen my last couple of posts! Lame-O

2. Flush when you're done, please? What is it about public restrooms that makes people think they don't have to flush! Or wipe up when they miss!!!

3. If I thought you were my mommy I'd wonder who the heck that lady in the house I grew up in was!

4.Do I know you? is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means Alphonse "Scarface" Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.

Just call me an incurable romantic!

6. Candy gives me strength. At least that's what I tell myself!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to work, tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to work! Oh yeah... I'm on eight days in a row! The excitement never ends!

Booking Through Thursday: Authors Talking

2009-02-12T17:50:00.001-08:00

Do you read any author’s blogs? If so, are you looking for information on their next project? On the author personally? Something else?

I read a couple of blogs that are written by authors that I just happened upon.

But for the most part, no.

I only look for author blogs when I'm doing a review so I can add a link. But, more often than not, I can really only find a website. It's rare that I find an actual blog.

If you're interested in a fun author website, though, check out jasperfforde.com. It's a lot of fun!

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favorite Childrens' Movies

2009-02-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Musing Mondays

2009-02-09T19:33:00.001-08:00

What do you use to mark your place while reading? Do you have a definite preference? Do you use bookmarks, paper, or (gasp) turn down the pages? If you use bookmarks, do you have a favourite one?

Well, I'm really late to the party but I've been meaning to play for a long time.

As for bookmarks:

I tend to use whatever is handy:

Index cards

Post-it notes

Stray piece of paper

Magazine subscription cards

Free bookmarks

I have one bookmark with monkey faces and a tassle that keeps the cats amused while I read

Most often, a receipt

But, I'm currently making bookmarks for my other blog. I've been using the prototypes.

Sunday Stealing: Get to Know Your Friends

2009-02-08T17:28:00.001-08:00

1. What is your occupation right now?

Right this moment...I'm a blogger.

2. What color are your socks right now?

Always white. I don't have time for matching socks.

3. What are you listening to right now?

I Love Lucy

4. Last person you spoke to on the phone.

MFing computer people. No help at all! I don't know why I keep trying.

5. How old are you today?

Hopefully not as old as I'll ever be!

6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

Seriously?

7. What is your favorite drink?

Spleen Tea (more popularly known as Good Earth Tea. It's good for the spleen!)

8. Have you ever dyed your hair?

My grandma dyed her hair black all of her life. By the time she was in her 50's she had only patches. I can't afford the wigs! If the grey's good enough for Lauren Bacall, it's good enough for me!

9. Favorite food?

Whatcha got?

10. What is the last movie you watched?

Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou

11. Favorite day of the year?

Any day I wake up!

12. How do you vent anger?

Why do you have to ask me something like that! That is so freakin' rude! Are you kidding me! Are you insinuating that I have anger issues?!

13. What was your favorite toy as a child?

The family dog

14. Living arrangements?

Yes...

15. What was the last thing that you cried about?

The frustration of trying to get my computer fixed after the idiots that "fixed" it caused a whole new problem! It wasn't quite a cry, but it was close.

16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?

That would be myself...

17. What did you do last night?

Slept. I do it almost every night.

18. What are you most afraid of?

"You can't catch me. I'm the Gingerbread Man!"

19. In how many areas of your country have you lived?

Three. Ohio, Texas and California

20. What is your favorite flower?

"The calla lillies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower---suitable to any occasion. I carried them on my wedding day, and now I place them here in memory of something that has died."

Camera Critters

2009-02-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

So, now my scanner is acting hinky. So here are previously seen photos, Obamicon'd.

Booking Through Thursday: Too Much Information?

2009-02-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been put off an author’s books after reading a biography of them? Or the reverse - a biography has made you love an author more?

Well, my first thought was "no". The end.

Then I thought some more...

Please indulge me while I seem to go off topic.

I never had a hard and fast opinion of Marilyn Monroe. Until 25 years (or so) ago when I read Marilyn Monroe: Confidential by Lena Pepitone, just because I've always liked biographies. Since then, while not a fanatical fan, I do consider myself a fan of Marilyn Monroe.

A couple of weeks ago I was lurking through blogs and ran across one that was OK, but, again, I had no hard opinion. Then I noticed she had a political statement button on the sidebar. I laughed, thinking this blogger was being funny. Then I noticed she had a political blog. I zoomed over, only to find she was serious! I've never been back.

As for authors, I think, for me, it works about the same way.

If I see (or read) an interview with an author of a book I haven't read, and I'm not impressed, I won't read their book no matter how interested I may have been before. On the other hand, if I am impressed by them, I'll pick up one of their books even if I had never thought to before. Harlan Coben (I found him amusing) falls in this category, as do Patricia Cornwell (I liked the way she argued points logically) and Walter Mosley (he just seemed like someone who could be a personal friend).

At the same time...I enjoyed Funny Boys by Warren Adler. After I wrote my review, in looking for an author link I came across his blog. Politically and socially, I agree with him almost 1% (yes, that's almost not at all), but I still like his writing style and story. And, frankly, as with Cornwell, I like the way he argues his points even if I reach a completely different conclusion.

So, I guess I'm saying, it depends on when I find "biographical" information.

Also, I have been less than happy with books written by authors that I like on a more personal level based on, sadly, not caring for the book.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

Clipart from Clipartheaven.com

Computer Under the Weather

2009-01-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

My computer is in the hospital for the next 3-4 days. It fell very ill with a virus last Thursday night. Please don't abandon us! We will be back...In case you're wondering, I'm at Kinko's right now, so I could get my book review up, but it's too expensive to do again. See ya'll in a couple/few days!

Booking Through Thursday: Inspiration

2009-01-22T00:57:00.000-08:00

Since “Inspiration” is (or should) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

First of all, let me just say, you're making me think way too hard...

Well, I guess there are about a gazillion "inspirations".

My mood is probably the first and last. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something light, sometimes serious, sometimes mystery, sometimes history...well, you see where I'm going here. I'm a very complicated person.

So, my mood sends me to the bookstore (completely ignoring the hundreds of un-read books at home) and decides whether I'm heading to fiction or non-fiction.

This is when my "inspiration" moves to my eyeballs.

I love bookcovers. If the cover art and/or design isn't interesting to me, I'm not likely to pick up the book. That's not engraved in stone, it's just most likely. Now, having said that, there are certain words in a title that will get my attention... "freak", "anomalies", "medical", "chimp", "dwarf (or midget)", "giant"...You see where I'm going...

The thing is, I like reading about things that I could never possibly understand without reading about them (or living many lives allowing me to meet many different people. But then I'd have to talk to people, and we can't have that).

I also like reading things that I can very much relate to (ended with a preposition!). So anything linking to things that I've done...TV news, theatre, radio, art, retail (oddly, don't find a lot of those), working with animals...I guess that's kind of my "comfort food".

The next step has to do with what I'm reading. One book often leads to another, even, if only by my own logic. Sometimes the only common thread will be the location of the story or the time period or, even something mentioned only on a single page.

And then the whole convoluted process begins again...

Can I get off the couch now, doctor?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

Heads or Tails: Feet or Feat

2009-01-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

So, when I saw this week's topic, I knew exactly what I was going to post.

I have always LOVED to watch tap dancers! And, I have no idea why, but I've always been more impressed by the men than the women. Something in the over-all movement of the body, I suppose.

But then...I won't tell you who I started with, but one dancer lead me to another, and then another, and on and on...

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Buddy Ebsen, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly,

Sammy Davis, Jr., Gregory Hines

So, while going from video to video on YouTube I fell across this:

I thought it was especially fitting today...

Camera Critters

2009-01-17T00:19:00.001-08:00

Bow Chicka Wow Wow...Chicka Wow Wow...

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-01-16T00:29:00.000-08:00

1. Enough with the sirens, man. I don't know what's going on around here right now but for the last four days, not one day has gone my without alarms going off or police sirens, or fire engines...

2. Waking up in the morning causes me to be conflicted. Do I go to work or find some lame excuse to call out so I can go back to sleep? Of course, once I've made the call I'll be wide awake. If I have the morning off, do I wake up to watch Regis? Of course, I only really want to see the first 20 minutes. Then what do I do? Do I take a shower and then clean the bathroom? Or do I clean the bathroom and then take a shower? It's not easy being me...

3. I've been craving pizza. So I had some the other day and thought, "there, now my mind can rest". But now I want more...

4. makes me laugh. That's Quincy. She's hilarious!

5. I wish I could go to KKKKKKKatmandu next week. If I ever get out of here, that's where I'm goin' to... Or maybe Kalamozoo...Great another cause of confliction! (It's a word. I looked it up. So *raspberry* to you doubters.)

6. Pay attention...PIZZA has been on my mind lately. I think I've already explained that!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to I don't know, what night is this?, tomorrow my plans include absolutely nothing and Sunday, I want to eat some pizza!

Booking Through Thursday: Sing! Sing a Song...

2009-01-15T00:35:00.000-08:00

If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.

So many possibilities!!! The first thing that came to mind was Sheryl Crow's Na-Na Song: "...Steely Dan Rather be a hammer than a nail..."

I LOVE that!

Then that sent my mind to this:

Just in case you don't make it to the end of the video (but I have no idea how you could possibly turn it off!) the last verse is my favorite:

Have you ever went over a friends house to eat

And the food just ain't no good?

The macaroni's soggy, the peas are mushed,

And the chicken tastes like wood

So you try to play it off like you think you can

By saying that you're full

And then your friend says, "Mama, he's just being polite

He ain't finished, uh-uh, that's bull!"

So your heart starts pumpin' and you think of a lie

And you say that you already ate

And your friend says "Man, there's plenty of food"

So you pile some more on your plate

While the stinky food's steamin', your mind starts to dreamin'

Of the moment that it's time to leave

And then you look at your plate and your chicken's slowly rottin'

Into something that looks like cheese

Oh so you say "That's it, I gotta leave this place

I don't care what these people think,

I'm just sittin' here makin' myself nauseous

With this ugly food that stinks"

So you bust out the door while it's still closed

Still sick from the food you ate

And then you run to the store for quick relief

From a bottle of Kaopectate

And then you call your friend two weeks later

To see how he has been

And he says, "I understand about the food,

Baby Bubba, but we're still friends"

With a hip hop the hippie to the hippie

The hip hip a hop, a you don't stop the rockin'

To the bang bang boogie

Say up jump the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie the beat

That's POETRY!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T00:08:00.000-08:00

I decided I liked this picture of Flynn that I posted for Camera Critters so much that I would play with it and post the new image today...not exactly "wordless"

Heads or Tails: Bottle

2009-01-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

LOVE the new button, BTW!!!
edited to add: Avon's Small World Collection

Premios Dardo Award

2009-01-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Aw Shucks! I've just been awarded The Premios Dardo Award! Given to me by fellow blogger Laza at Gimme More Books!

Well, technically, she awarded my other blog, NoBSBookReviews. You know, the one where I dress in proper business attire, shake hands with people and speak properly. It's my alter-ego that reveals itself every 10 days.

Alrighty then! So, here are the rules:

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his or her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day.

The rules to follow are

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

And here are the blogs that I would like to acknowledge:

Kittling Books
The Thin Red Line
TeacherDad's Book Reviews
Books for Kids
Devourer of Books
Boston Bibliophile
Rose City Reader
Literarily
Joy's Blog
The 3 R's
Book Critiques
That Book Addiction

And three blogs that are not dedicated to books but belong to incredibly funny writer's:

Freelance Mum
Bernthis
Irregularly Periodic Ruminations

Thank you for the award and, please, visit these others!

Camera Critters

2009-01-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful...

Booking Through Thursday: The Best

2009-01-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

It’s a week or two later than you’d expect, and it may be almost a trite question, but … what were your favorite books from 2008?

Without a doubt, the absolute favorite book that I reviewed in 2008 was The Treatment & The Cure by Peter Kocan. It wasn't first published in 2008, but it was re-published last year.

I also would highly recommend Woman's World by Graham Rawle. It will give you an over-all experience in reading that was completely new to me. It just came out in paperback this week if you're interested.

And, just for a good time, The Urban Hermit by Sam MacDonald. A memoir of a very likable, fallible "guy".

I linked to my reviews because it just makes more sense than re-hashing them here.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-01-06T14:09:00.001-08:00

"I'm terribly sorry," he said, seeming relieved with the smoothness and profundity of his vocal presentation, "I would be loath to knowingly inflict 'the willies' upon anyone. I was merely curious about that story you're reading."

Monday Movie Meme

2009-01-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

This week's movie topic is all about Memorable Endings...

(1939) “Oh, but anyway, Toto, we're home! Home! And this is my room - and you're all here! And I'm not gonna leave here ever, ever again because I love you all! - And oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home.”

(1940) “It's Mrs. Danvers. She's gone mad. She said she'd rather destroy Manderley than see us happy here.”

(1942) “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

(1946) “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” “That's right, that's right. Attaboy, Clarence.”

(1949) “Made it, Ma! Top of the world…He finally got to the top of the world. And it blew right up in his face.”

(1950) “…You see, this is my life. It always will be! There's nothing else - just us - and the cameras - and those wonderful people out there in the dark. All right, Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close-up.”

(1950) “How shall I make out the report on him, Captain?”“Better make it 'dead on arrival'.”

(1953) “After all that men could do had failed, the Martians were destroyed and humanity saved by the littlest things which God in his wisdom had put upon the Earth.”

(1965) “We saw her many times again, born free and living free. But to us, she was always the same, our friend Elsa.”

(1968) “You finally really did it. You maniacs! You blew it up! God damn you! God damn you all to hell!”

Sunday Stealing: The New Year Meme

2009-01-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

1. Looking back on 2008, what might your theme song have been?

Send in the Clowns

2. If 2008 was a movie, who would play you?

Jodi Foster

3. What was your greatest gift of 2008?

The firing of the Evil Doer...I don't like to see anyone loose their job, but, eventually, evil gets what evil deserves. And the workplace has been so much more pleasant!

4. What is your New Year Resolution, or, what are you committing to this year?

Cleaning out and organizing my backroom so I can use it for something more creative than storage.

5. If January could be represented by one song, what would it be?

Ball of Confusion

6. What do you wish for your body in 2009?

It stays alive. It would be nice if my mind does too.

7. Name one new thing you would love to try in the New Year.

Maybe, I'll learn the "correct" way to play the drums...

8. What do you long for 2009 to bring?

To change the lightbulb that blew out in my ceiling light 4 days ago.

9. If that happened, how would you feel?

Enlightened

10. Where would you love to vacation in 2009 if money were no object?

I would pay for everyone in my apartment building to go away and spend my vacation in my own home with my own stuff in peace.

11. What would you like the theme of 2009 to be?

Fun!

12. If 2009 was a book, and the title was 5 words or less, what might the title be?

Lighten Up!

Camera Critters

2009-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE TOOTSIE ROLL CENTER OF A TOOTSIE POP?

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-01-02T00:41:00.000-08:00

1. The world is wacky I tell ya. Just wacky!

2. The world is wacky I tell ya. Just wacky was the last thing I said. Yes, I said it out loud! Comedy ain't funny unless it sounds funny! 3's are funny...3 w's...funny! The "ck" sound is funny! "I tell ya" harkens back to vaudeville...funny! The word "funny" is funny! I am, technically, HYSTERICAL!!!

3. I wonder wonder who, baduba who (beat) who wrote the book of love.

4. An exclamation point at the end of all things. It just makes everything better, doesn't it!

5. There's something to be said for saying something. duh...

6. On a slow boat to China is where I want to be. Yeah, sure, why not?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to trying to figure out what the heck my problem is, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to work! Well, I don't want to work. I have to work...I think I may have just figured out "my problem"...

Booking Through Thursday: Resolutions

2009-01-01T00:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!
So … any Reading Resolutions? Say, specific books you plan to read? A plan to read more ____? Anything at all?
Name me at least ONE thing you’re looking forward to reading this year!

Funny you should ask!

It looks like my first book review this year is going to be a favorable one. I'm going to finish up The Book of Obituaries, put out by The Economist. I've read on more than one occassion that these are the obits to read, and so far, I must agree.

The second obituary in this book is for Alex the Parrot. I've had the book Alex & Me by Irene Pepperberg in my TBR pile for quite some time, so, I think, I'll be hitting this one early on in the year.

Also, I just ran across this one at the store the other day:

Must, must, must read! And a BIG THANK YOU to whoever decided to put Oscar on the cover. I LOVE HIM!!!

BTW: I've also resolved to be a better "meme" participant, now that I kinda know what I'm doing. So, you will be able to link to the meme's that I play by clicking the button at the top of each post. I'm such a good girl! Oscar would be so disappointed...

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

Heads or Tails: Watch

2008-12-30T00:35:00.000-08:00

Soft Watch at the Moment of First Explosion
1954©Salvadore Dali

Curious As A Cat

2008-12-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

1) Who do you wish could find their inner spirit to become more comfortable in their life?

The people who live in the apartment below me! I swear! They call the police on each other at least once a month! LORD!

2) You have to fight a duel tomorrow at dawn. You have been allowed to choose the weapons. What do you choose?

Shades, for me. None for my opponent, who has to face the sun.

3) What’s the best thing to inherit other than money?

A thick skin.

4) Do you hope to run your own company some day?

Of course! I own 5 now! Unfortunately, none of them make enough, even put together, to get me out of working a full-time job to keep a roof over my head.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
What the heck is that thing!!!

Sunday Stealing

2008-12-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

1. Name a TV show series in which you have seen every episode at least twice:

Star Trek, it always seems to be on. And, of course, the ones that I own.

2. Name a show you can't miss:

Dancing with the Stars

3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to watch a show:

Betty White

4. Name an actor who would make you less likely to watch a show:

A Martinez

5. Name a show you can, and do, quote from:

The Late Show with David Letterman: "They pelted us with rocks and garbage." Moonlighting: "No flys on you."

6. Name a show you like that no one else enjoys:

Big Brother

7. Name a TV show which you've been known to sing the theme song:

Green Acres, Maude, Gilligan's Island, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, One Day at a Time, The Nanny, Laverne and Shirley, The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, The Golden Girls, The Flintstones

8. Name a show you would recommend everyone to watch:

NCIS, House

9. Name a TV series you own:

The Flintstones, The West Wing, Moonlighting, The Pretender (these are the only ones that I have the complete collections of)

10. Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another medium, but has surprised you with his/her acting chops in television:

Ice T

11. What is your favorite episode of your favorite series?

I don't know what it was called, but did you ever see the episode of Ellen when she was helping her cousin pass a courtroom "roll playing" thing for his law degree. She was playing the part of a stripper. Then, in a separate storyline, at the end of the show 4 guys were playing the boardgame "I've Got a Date". It was really funny. Maybe you had to be there...

12. Name a show you keep meaning to watch, but you just haven't gotten around to yet:

Can't think of any.

13. Ever quit watching a show because it was so bad?

Not likely. I'm such a creature of habit, if I watch a show, I'll keep doing so long after it's done it's shark jumping.

14. Name a show that's made you cry multiple times:

Cold Case

15. What do you eat when you watch TV?

What have you got?

16. How often do you watch TV?

Too often, but that will end in Febuary.

17. What's the last TV show you watched?

The Dead Zone

18. What's your favorite/preferred genre of TV?

Drama with humor

19. What was the first TV show you were obsessed with?

Charlie's Angels

20. What TV show do you wish you never watched?

Wife Swap

21. What's the weirdest show you enjoyed?

Unsolved Mysteries, Tales from the Darkside

22. What TV show scared you the most?

Criminal Minds

23. What is the funniest TV show you have ever watched?

Mad TV

Camera Critters

2008-12-27T22:16:00.001-08:00

Good vs Evil

In case there's any doubt, the little one is "Evil". She actually will answer to "Bad News".

Friday Fill-Ins

2008-12-26T00:51:00.000-08:00

1. I must clean (organize, actually. I don't want you to think I'm dirty. I'm messy) my apartment before I die. I really don't want to end up as "the crazy clutter lady who died" on the 6 o'clock news

2. You can't stop lovin' me, can you? You've tried, but you just can't. Go on, admit it...

3. I wish I never had to buy toilet paper again. I don't know why, I'm just tired of buying it. I keep getting bigger and bigger rolls and more and more quantity, but there I am again...

4. Getting rid of my credit cards has helped me change my life.

5. I know the song "Animal Crackers" by heart. That may not surprise you, but it freaked out my staff a few weeks ago when I sang it from beginning to end!

6. If I weren't so afraid, I would quit my job and work freelance and temp jobs.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to posting a new review on NoBS, tomorrow my plans include starting a brand new book and Sunday, I want to do nothing, but I have to work.

Booking Through Thursday: Wintery Books

2008-12-25T00:32:00.000-08:00

What I want to know today is … what are the most “wintery” books you can think of? The ones that almost embody Winter?

Well, this is odd...Turns out, the only book that comes to mind, that even comes close to a "wintery" book that I've read is A Creed for the Third Millenium by Colleen McCullough which I read 20+ years ago.

I guess I just don't like cold books!

Time for some introspection...

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-24T01:48:00.000-08:00

Monday Movie Meme

2008-12-22T01:56:00.000-08:00

This week's movie topic is all about Feel Good Flicks...

It's just FUN!!!

...and almost anything these two guys did together.

...any time one of these two show up in a comedy it's good news! Don't miss "Holiday", with both of them and "Monkey Business", Grant and Ginger Rogers! Ooh, and "Topper"! "His Girl Friday"! I LOVE me some Cary Grant!!!

You also can't go wrong with "Curly Top" (Animal Crackers in my soup!) and "Captain January". Frankly, any movie that includes Temple with Bojangles, Buddy Ebsen or Arthur Treacher! And, of course, team her up with Cary Grant and you've got "The Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer"!

My all time favorite Disney animation!

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-12-21T02:20:00.000-08:00

1. Carpet ::

Bagger (where did that come from?)

2. Bottoms ::

Up. Quickly followed by Elephant Pants. Does anyone remember Elephant Pants, from the '70's. I had a purple pair. They were hip-hugger bell legged pants. Instead of the "bell" starting at the calf or knee, it started all the way up at the crotch of the pants. They made a very short comeback a couple of years ago. I think they were called Rave Jeans or some such thing. The rave added a bunch of pockets and zippers.

3. Music ::

Mogul

4. Nails ::

Nine Inch (I don't know why. Never heard a single song)

5. Watch it! ::

Weirdo

6. Your life ::

...is flashing before your eyes!

7. Candies ::

8. Chafing ::

Elbows

9. Svelte ::

Not me!

10. Ding ::

Dongs, Ho Hos, Snowballs, Twinkies, Cupcakes...

Camera Critters

2008-12-20T11:54:00.000-08:00

Pretty Girl Flynn

The Friday Five

2008-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

1. What decade did you attend/are you attending high school or college?

High school, the '70's. College, the '80's.

2. What clothing fashion from that time are you glad/do you wish went out of style?

I've never been a "fashion maven" so it's pretty much always been Levi's and a comfortable shirt for me and my jobs have almost always supported that.

Although, if I may fast forward to the late '80's when I had a retail job that I had to dress "nicely" for, my very favorite thing was my shiny neon green jacket, which, by the way, I still own!

3. Do you still listen to the music from your high school/college years on a regular basis?

Oh Yeah!!! I stopped listening to most new music in the late '80's. I'll forever be a Motown girl!

4. What hairstyle/hair color did/do you wear during high school/college?

After those answers, I'm sure you'll be shocked to learn that my hair style and color also remains pretty much the same. Shoulder length, blonde and straight.

5. What was/is "the cool thing to do" while in high school/college?

OK, I don't know if this was cool or stupid, but it was fun!

It was the dead of winter in Huron, Ohio. The house my three roommates and I rented (which was known on campus as "The House") was just a break wall away from Lake Erie.

It was bitterly cold.

We went to the nearest actual beach and filled everything we could find with sand and hauled it all back to the house and poured it all in the living room, right on top of the carpet, until it was about an inch deep through the entire room.

We then commenced our Winter Beach Party.

Everyone came in bathing suits and shorts and sandals and brought beach blankets to sit on.

At one point, some of the party goers were running low on beer and munchies, so those of us who didn't drink (yes, I did this stone cold sober) made a run to the 7/11 dressed only in our beach gear, car windows down, music blasting, snow 3" deep on the ground.

Memories, like the corners of my mind...

Booking Through Thursday: Generosity

2008-12-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

Do you give books as gifts?

Of course! Although, more often than not, it will be a gift certificate for books so I don't end up getting them something they already have. One year I bought a book for my mom that I wanted to read too, so I did, and then I wrapped it up and sent it to her.

To everyone? Or only to select people?

Well, I can't afford books for everyone!!! So I only get gifts for friends and family. Hardy hardy har...Actually, I know a distressing number of people who just don't seem to own books. I find it very odd the number of homes I walk into and see no books...weird...

How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?

LOVE IT!!! But, really, would prefer a gift certificate. I'm never sure what I'll be in the mood for. So, for those of you trying to decide what to get me...

What is the best book you ever bought for yourself?

That's easy! A first edition of The Secret Life of Salvador Dali by Salvador Dali! At least, that's the latest one!

And, why? What made it the best? What made it so special?

After reviewing Dali & I, I became a bit obsessed with Salvador Dali. I was browsing around a used book store to find anything I could about him and stumbled across this book. It was a first edition, hardcover of The Secret Life of Salvador Dali by Salvador Dali! It was $70!. I went to a used book store to find something inexpensive, so I told myself "no". The problem was, in addition to my obsession, this was also a book that was bound in my favorite way! It's a cloth hardcover book with paper "paste-downs" on both the cover and the spine. I avoided going back to that store everyday for 3 months and then decided the book had too much power over me. I went back to "buy my book". It was gone! The bookseller was certain he hadn't sold it. I was there for more than an hour searching every shelf, one book at a time. The gentleman called the other two men who work at the store at their homes to see if they knew where it might be. And then...insert angels singing...I found the coveted book! I bought it, brought it home and have never been happier to have spent $70 on an item for myself!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-17T02:18:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Heads or Tails: Anything Round

2008-12-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

Round Robin!!!

Curious As A Cat

2008-12-15T02:07:00.000-08:00

1) What one quality of your father’s would you most like to share?

I once got my dad a coi for his birthday. It was huge! He put it out in his coi pond and in no time at all, it was eating up all of the food before the others could get to it. Turns out this fish was a bit of a bully, Dad suspected him of actually eating some small fish that he had.

Anyway, one day Dad went out to the pond for the morning feeding and found the fish floating at the top of the water. He spent a good 10 minutes trying to resuscitate this bully coi until Mom made him stop.

2) Among all the people you know, who would you like to have known when s/he was a child?

Time to come clean...I'm not a big fan of kids, generally speaking (are you shocked!). I didn't much like them when I was a kid. Don't know why. Just the way it's always been for me. That doesn't mean I've never seen a child and thought "Cute kid". A kid or two has even made me laugh (I tend to like them best). So, frankly, I wouldn't want to screw-up perfectly fine friendships by imagining my friends as children.

3) If you wanted to meditate for a whole day, where would you do it?

In bed, under the blankets, with my eyes closed and unconscious. I think it's called...sleep...

4) What is your favorite thing to do in a city park?

Run free with the wind in my hair, playing frisbee and marking all the trees...Oh, wait, that's a dog...

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

When I was a kid (yes, I admit it, I was a kid) we used to go to the International Fair in Toledo every year. I never missed the food at the Greek booths, the sandalwood carvings at the Indian booths or the West African dancers. So...I answer this picture with a video...

Camera Critters

2008-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

I didn't do it! (yet...)

Aloha Friday

2008-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below.

Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

What is your family's favorite joke? You know, the one that someone tells over and over and everyone still laughs...

In our family it was always this bit between my grandparents:

Grandma (to any one of us): Oh, you are so beautiful. You must get your looks from me!

Grandpa: Yeah, she must, 'cause I still have mine.

Booking Through Thursday: Time Is of the Essence

2008-12-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

1. Do you get to read as much as you WANT to read?

Of course not!!! Oddly, I was just talking about this at work today (which is why this is posting so late. Pacific Time stinks for this stuff). I want to quit working and just read 24 hours a day and write a review after each book.

Yesterday I had allotted an hour and a half in the middle of the day to just read. It was cold in my apartment so I sat on the couch with a blanket thrown over my legs. Less than an hour into my reading, I fell asleep!!!

2. If you had (magically) more time to read–what would you read? Something educational? Classic? Comfort Reading? Escapism? Magazines?

I like to read a large spectrum of things. To me, though, it's all "escapism". The only thing I would not bother with is magazines. Oddly, I don't have the attention span for magazines the short articles feel like chaos to my brain. I tend to skim as opposed to reading.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

Heads or Tails: Fill

2008-12-09T00:20:00.000-08:00

FILL it to the rim...

Camera Critters

2008-12-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

OH, MOTHER, YOU ARE SO DROLL.

Booking Through Thursday: 5 For Favorites

2008-12-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

1. Do you have a favorite author?

Believe it or not, there are actually "best-selling" authors that I do like. The first to come to mind are Patricia Cornwell and Gregory Maguire. I also enjoy Edgar Allan Poe and Jack London. Oh, and Robin Cook and Tess Gerritsen. And on and on and on...

2. Have you read everything he or she has written?

Patricia Cornwell, I had to stop.

Gregory Maguire, only his adult works.

Edgar Allan Poe, I've skipped some.

Jack London, only White Fang and Call of the Wild (White Fang is better), but would read more.

Robin Cook, working on it.

Tess Gerritsen, working on it.

Everyone else, I need some time for TV before I loose access in February.

3. Did you LIKE everything?

Cornwell, Scarpetta got too big for her britches.

Maguire, in order of best to worst: Wicked, Mirror Mirror, Son of a Witch, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and you can just skip Lost altogether...pooh wee! Haven't hit his latest yet.

As for the rest...I've liked everything so far! Fingers crossed!

4. How about a least favorite author?

It's got to be that guy who wrote Dali & I. Yeah, I know his name...oh, man...why'd ya havta bring that up! I'm mad all over again now!!!

Oh, yeah! I'm about over this whole Stephanie Meyer thing too! In all fairness, however, I haven't read her books.

And before you hit that comment button, I've also never seen an episode of "Seinfeld", "The Simpsons" or "Buffy" and I'm over them too...Go ahead, begin the flogging NOW!!!

5. An author you wanted to like, but didn’t?

I want to like every author whose work I read. I guess the most disappointing was Robert Rankin. He was recommended to me due to my enjoyment of The Eyre Affair series. Ooh! CrapORama! I forgot Jasper Fforde! I didn't care for the last the last book in that series or the first book in his Nursery Crimes series, but the rest are GREAT! (Way to stay on topic) Anyway Rankin didn't work for me. sad.

So did you notice my marketing genius in linking to my other blog. Not once. But twice! I swear, I wasn't even planning to, but then, since those were the first books that came to mind, I thought, "Why not, dag-nab-it? Let the people see what I'm talking about!"

That's right. It's for you, I do what I do!

Alrighty, then...I really shouldn't be allowed on the computer in the middle of the night...

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

Heads or Tails: Shine

2008-12-02T01:43:00.000-08:00

Lovable ShoeShine Boy.........................Underdog!

NAME THAT (SUNSHINE) TUNE!

1. ...I love her and she's loving me...

2. ...I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while...

3. I used to think maybe you loved me now baby I'm sure...

4. ...But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken...

5....How could so much love be inside of you...

And Finally...By Popular Demand!!!

This is my hand. Notice the shine of my nails!

This is the weird thing I can do with my hand:

TAH-DAH!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-30T00:04:00.000-08:00

1. Sleepy ::

Dopey

2. Thanksgiving ::

Thanksgetting!

3. Fifteen ::

The number of toes I have...oh, wait...nope...ten.

4. Authority ::

Ignore it. Unless it's me!

5. Bangs ::

Bang, Bang. He shot me down.
Bang, Bang. And I turned around.
Bang, Bang. That awful sound.
Bang, Bang. My baby shot me down.

6. Curled ::

Toenails

7. Young man ::

Get out of my way!

8. Surprised ::

Earthquake!

9. Mistake ::

I've seen them made by others...

10. Handle it ::

My head just went to a very naughty place. Time to stop.

Camera Critters

2008-11-29T07:27:00.000-08:00

KITTY OR DECOR?

Booking Through Thursday: Thankful

2008-11-27T01:36:00.000-08:00

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

1. I have a job! At least for now...

2. Even if I were to loose my job tomorrow I have 280hrs. of vacation time backed up that they would have to pay out. So that's 7 weeks to find something new!

3. I have a lot of little independent side jobs that could keep me afloat for awhile and I can do anywhere.

4. I own my car out-right and it's in great condition!

5. Even at my age, my parents are still a viable "safety net". Although, my pride makes that a last resort.

6. Books to divert my attention.

7. Possibly most important. My cats. One that sits next to me while I read, the other that sits behind my head on the couch and whose mere existence reminds me to never throw in the towel.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-26T01:57:00.000-08:00

PATRICK THE LIGERPICTURES FROM SHAMBALA.ORG

Heads or Tails: Anything You Can Do With Your Hands

2008-11-25T00:04:00.000-08:00

I was actually going to post a picture of the weird thing I can do with my hand. But, having waited until the last minute, my camera batteries are dead and my nails need filing. That's way too much work for me.

So, I ran across this video a couple of weeks ago and thought I'ld share.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...MR. BRENT LEWIS!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

1. Spit it out ::
That cat needs to stop eating plastic!!!

2. Shadow ::
Just because I'm parnoid, it doesn't mean I'm not being followed...

3. Database ::
Heavy dose of confusion...

4. Expression ::
;-)
:-)
:-p
:-o
:-(
;-)

5. Boss ::
"I'll tell you right now, I don't think it will work. But, if that's what you want me to do...I'll do it."

6. Baby ::

7. Mystic ::
Now you're just creepin' me out.

8. Kate ::
Hepburn!

9. Boobies ::
BOOBIES!!!

10. Raid ::
Thank goodness for the lemon scented RAID!!!

Camera Critters

2008-11-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Quaizy Quincy

I don't know why, but sometimes Quincy likes to stand on top of a door...

No Photoshop here. Just a really weird angle.

Friday Question

2008-11-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

When you were in high school did you eat dinner with your family or on your own?

Circa 1970's. Small town in Ohio. Oh, yes, the family ate dinner together with few exceptions. There were, of course, Dad's bowling nights and Mom's hospital volunteer nights...but, basically it was family dinners in the kitchen. And Sunday suppers in the dining room.

But, lest you think this was the Waltons or the Bradys...allow me to regale you with a favorite dinner table memory:

We were a family of four kids (and usually two dogs). Child #1 daughter. Child #2 me. Child #3 daughter. Child #4 you finally got your son, it's time to stop now.

Loving mental torture was, and is, our forte.

While sitting around the table one night, one of us, I can't recall who, decided to tell Child #3 that she was adopted (untrue [and, I know, politically incorrect to use as torture]) At first, she didn't fall for it, but between Mom and Dad remaining silent and the fact that the other two kids chimed in, we eventually had her in tears.

Dad was laughing so hard he was red in the face but he was denying that it was true. He had his arm around Child #3 (his "Bug") and kept reassuring her that she was not adopted. But I guess between his laughing and us not stopping...it just wasn't enough.

Finally, Mom put an end to the entire episode with this simple statement:

"You are not adopted. If we had our pick of kids to adopt, we wouldn't have chosen you."

Yes, it may seem cruel to those of you peeking in to this story, but it made perfect sense to Child #3 who saw the perfect logic in the argument. All was well...

...And they all lived happily ever after.

Booking Through Thursday: Honesty

2008-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

I receive a lot of review books, but I have never once told lies about the book just because I got a free copy of it. However, some authors seem to feel that if they send you a copy of their book for free, you should give it a positive review.
Do you think reviewers are obligated to put up a good review of a book, even if they don’t like it? Have we come to a point where reviewers *need* to put up disclaimers to (hopefully) save themselves from being harassed by unhappy authors who get negative reviews?

When I started my book blog (NoBSBookReviews) this past summer, I started it for one reason: To give my opinion of books I've chosen to read.

I had no intention of being offered free books from publishers or authors and I don't solicit them and I have turned down all that have been offered. I read only books that I pick off the shelf of the bookstore. I have received 2 free books from a source not connected with either the publisher or author with the understanding that I write a review for the site that provided the book.

This is how my blog will stay.

If an author feels compelled to reply to one of my reviews, that is their right (so far, only Warren Adler has done so, and, I might add, very nicely to a book I had no hard and fast opinion on). I, however, am writing for the consumer. In time, people will decide whether or not they agree with my opinions and either continue to read my blog and take my recommendations or stop reading.

For me, it's just that simple.

Have I written negative reviews? Yes. Have a written a review for a book I didn't care for but admitted, "I may not be the intended audience"? Yes. Have I "attacked" an author? Yes. His "memoirs" truthfulness is very much in doubt. Have I agonized over the review of a book that was so over-the-top good that I couldn't figure out a way to do it justice? Yes! And I don't believe I did do it justice.

But in the end, I'm not trying to help or harm the author. I'm trying to inform the customer who will be spending their money and time on "this" book when there are sooo many others from which to choose.

Let me add: This is just me. Everybody reviews for their own reasons. Some people can accept books from the source and still remain true to themselves. I think I could, but I'm not sure.

Wednesday Weirdness

2008-11-19T00:11:00.000-08:00

1.) Have you ever taken your clothes off for money?

No! But if you can find someone willing to pay to see me do that. Let me know. Oh, and call a doctor because they probably need medication.

2.) Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I'm really more of a child who refuses to go to bed at a decent hour and refuses to wake up at a decent hour. I don't like change.

3.) Do you take any kind of medication daily or regularly? If so, what?

I do like my NyQuil! It's good for anything that ails ya. Got a cold, take NyQuil. Migraine? NyQuil! Cramps? NyQuil! NyQuil! NyQuil!!!

4.) Do you ever have naughty thoughts about any of your friends significant others?

Well sure! That's what friends are for!

5.) What are your favorite comfort foods?

NyQuil!!! Just kidding...I'm fond of angel hair pasta with peas and butter.

6.) Would you rather direct a porn or star in one?

As stated before, ain't no one gonna pay to see me naked. Besides, I love telling people what to do!

7.) Have you ever seen a "donkey show"? Would you ever be interested in seeing one?

I'll have to take a pass. I'm more your basic "dog and pony show" type.

8.) On a scale of 1 to 10, how gullible of a person would you say you are?

2.

Camera Critters

2008-11-15T00:24:00.001-08:00

KITTY NOIR: PART DEUX

That's Pug in front wanting very badly to go to sleep. That's Flynn behind him, trying to pretend that she is not waiting for him to lay down so she can wedge herself between us and suckle from him, as she did for about 10years. It freaked him out at first but he got used to it after a few times.

Booking Through Thursday: Why Buy?

2008-11-13T11:50:00.001-08:00

If you usually buy your books, tell me why. Why buy instead of borrow? Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for something you could get for free?

Mine?! Mine?! Mine?!

1. I'm a very controlling person. I even like to control my books.

2. Genetics. My mother has the same problem as did her father, before her.

3. I'm a slow reader but I want what I want when I want it. It might not be there later.

4. Kooties!

5. I might need that gardening book 10 years from now if I ever start a garden.

6. I still have wall and floor space.

7. I have the mentality of a bag lady.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-12T02:17:00.001-08:00

Heads or Tails: Wear

2008-11-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

SNAP! SNAP! and SNAP!!!

Curious As A Cat

2008-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

1) Whose thoughts would you most like to read?

Well, my own, of course. Why do you think I answer these questions?

2) How do you feel when someone smiles at you?

Very suspicious! They are clearly either crazy, done something to me that I just don't know about yet or simply don't know me at all.

3) If you were allowed to teach any course (real or made-up by you) at any university in the world, where and what would you teach?

How to make the perfect Lemon-Ade on my very own Dog and Kitty Ranch University (staff of one, so no one can tell me what to do). Tuition would consist of cleaning up the ranch. All I need to do, is figure out how to make Lemon-Ade.

4) If you could be buried or have your ashes spread anywhere at all, where would it be?

Please don't bury me...The Worms Crawl In, The Worms Crawl Out...So, I guess it's ashes for me! I think each of my friends and family should take a bit of ashes and sleep with them in a baggy under their pillows each night!

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Yeah...I should really fix that hole in my ceiling...

Camera Critters

2008-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

KITTY NOIR

That's Pug on the left, Quincy in the center and Flynn on the right.

Friday Fill-Ins

2008-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

1. My blueprint for success includes stepping on all the little people on my way up the ladder of success and then looking down on them from the other side of the glass ceiling.

2. A giant Hershey's bar with almonds was the last candy I ate. But I'm sure it won't be the last candy I ever eat. Breakfast is only a few hours away!!!

3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is ____?______. (I should really try that one day.)

4. Watching Jerry Springer can be good therapy. You can't possibly seem crazy after that!

5. I'd like to tell you about my three week vacation trip to Greece. But I've never been there, so, I can't!

6. Well, according to my sidebar, my grit and my wit are running neck and neck as my strongest characteristic. I'm going with grit. Life is pretty simple when you don't really give two shakes of what other people think about you. And the wit is easy when you're just out to amuse yourself.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finally paying this month's rent, tomorrow my plans include meeting Ernest Borgnine (really, that's no joke! I'm going to meet Ernest Borgnine tomorrow!!!) and Sunday, I want to make a million dollars, move to Greece, eat all the candy I want while watching Jerry Springer and moisturizing the grit from my pores! I might be late for work Monday.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T00:09:00.001-08:00

Heads or Tails: Guard

2008-11-04T00:43:00.000-08:00

oh WEE oh...OoOH oh!

Monday Music Mambo

2008-11-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

Choose a band or musician, and create a sandwich inspired by them.

Vegetarian Tuna Salad

Chopped Hot Pepper

Chopped Sweet Onion

Sweet and Spicy Relish

Gourmet Black Pepper

Slice of Firm Tomato

Firm Dark Bread (never toasted)

Flip the sandwich and eat!

You've got yourself a:

Spicy and Sweet, Firm, Dark, Classy (that's Gourmet Black Pepper) Tuna Turner Sandwich! Relish it!

7 Random Bookish Things

2008-11-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

So, I'm driving home from work today wondering which meme was going to catch my fancy when I got home. And how I was going to catch my cats to dose them with some Advantage. Sometimes I can catch one but then the other gets wise and it could be hours before I catch her...but, I digress.

I turned on my computer and found a lovely (?) e-mail from Ann. Who is Ann I wonder. Well, read the e-mail and find out you fool!

Anywhoo...Turns out, this virtual person claiming the name of Ann is actually someone I keep virtually running into by the name of Anysia. That's right...I figured it out. I'm a regular Spy Master. Now Anysia (a.k.a. Ann...yea...right) has decided to "TAG" me. Seems this "TAG" is a lot like the good old-fashioned chain letters that the mean kids used to start in long-ago-times to scare the be-jessez out of the sweet innocent kids, who simply wanted not to die!

Now, as I understand it, no one will die from not continuing this "TAG" . That's what they say. But, they can't be trusted.

The evidence:

Exhibit A: Anysia, of Booklorn (umm hmm, I know all your little hiding places) sent this to me under the cover of an alias (Ann. HA! Don't make me laugh!)

Exhibit B (or should I say "W"): Wendi.
Let me elaborate:

Before I realized the true evil that lies beneath, I thought, "Oh! I'll (innocently) invite my friend Cathy!" OK. So Cathy doesn't know she's my friend. Big deal! She was the first person to ever comment on my blog (NoBSBookReviews) and she is the only person who cared, last week, whether or not I had clean underwear. If you had read all my postings you would know what I'm talking (typing) about!

But I was foiled!!! By whom, you ask (if you think in proper English)? AH-HA. WENDI!!! She stole my friend!!!

This dastardly duo has set me up for failure. But they will not win. THEY'LL NEVER DEFEAT ME!!!

So, here we go. I'm going to play along as if I have not a care in the world...

7 Bookish Things About ME:

1. I was sent to the principals office in Jr. High School for reading "The Girls of Huntington House".

2. I was so annoyed by #1 that I did an oral report on the book for English class when I finished it.

3. I've only read one romance novel. Oddly, it's also the only romance novel my dad has ever read.

4. I have walked into 6 completely bookless retail bookstores and worked like a dog for 12+ hours a day, 3 weeks at a time, helping to put every book on the shelves.

5. I left a decent paying job at the age of 33 to take a crappy paying job in a bookstore because I liked it better. (still do)

6. I was once an assistant manager at 3 different chain bookstore locations at the same time.

7. Right now, I have so many books in my apartment I can hardly find the floor. The last time I brought books home, I had to put them on the vanity in the bathroom for a week until I got rid of some on a trading site which I started using thinking it would help me to get rid of some books but instead I just keep accumulating more and more and more...breeeathe...

Now, I am obligated to inflict this terrible ordeal upon 7 more, unsuspecting victims. Please, just remember, I, too, am a victim of this despicable scheme.

Have mercy on all of our souls!

1. Was supposed to be Cathy!!!

So, in no particular order, except #7

1. Smiling Sal from Florida at Smiling Sally

2. RoseAnn from Texas (I, think) at The Social Frog

3. Mango (I don't know what her name is. OK, so I'm not a Spy Master) from Boston at Mango Missives

4. Teena from Toronto at It's All About Me (I LOVE that!)

5. Lynda from North Wales at Lynda's Book Blog

6. Gautami Tripathy from India at Reading Room

and, finally, this is a travel blog but I know she loves books and, frankly, she made me cry today

7. Gretchen traveling somewhere in the USA at Gretchen's Travels

And now, a plug for Wendi's Book Corner. Why, you ask? Well, because I stole, yes, stole, as in "copied and pasted" the next 6 lines from her blog. That's right...I did it, I meant it, I'm here to represent it! You steal my friends, I steal your typing skills. HA! Right down to the double spacing. Oh yeah!

Now - for your instructions:

1. Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog

2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself

3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs

4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!

Tag - You're It!!

One more thing:

Because, I don't believe in holding a grudge (I'm nice like that) one more plug for Anysia. This time for Here Be (Book) Reviews. A collection of book review blogs. Join if you have one. Find some great ones to read whether you do or not (have one, that is).

Good Luck Everybody.

Camera Critters

2008-11-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

This is my baby boy, Pug (a.k.a. "Face" and a whole lot more, but Face was his favorite). He was about 16 yrs old in this picture. I found him when he was far too young to be on his own and, literally, fit in the palm of my hand. He was a big "talker" and a mama's boy, both were fine by me. When he was less than a year old he was diagnosed with a "brain fungus" which, I think, was just the vets' way of saying, "it's clearly something in his brain, but we don't know exactly what it is." At that time he spent about 4months on steroids and every vet visit was a reminder of the "inevitable", which never came to be. At least, not for another 16 years, when he developed a brain tumor. It's been a few years now and, as my eyes start to water, I still haven't fully snapped back. Maybe this will by "cat"thargic for me. I love and adore my girls, but Pug was THE cat.

Booking Through Thursday: Conditioning

2008-10-30T01:40:00.000-07:00

Are you a spine breaker? Or a dog-earer? Do you expect to keep your books in pristine condition even after you have read them? Does watching other readers bend the cover all the way round make you flinch or squeal in pain?

OH!!! Don't even get me started!!!

But you did. OK. Just remember, you asked:

Do not break my spine! Do not dog-ear my pages! Don't let me see you doing it with your own books!

I realize, what you do with your property is your business. I just don't want to be an unwitting witness.

I don't lend books. If I hand you my book to read, it's yours. Except my mom, who, no doubt, did this to me.

And, I don't know why, but when I see someone eating while reading, it's traumatising! I can fully recall every time in my life that I have seen this dreadful scene! MY EYES!!! MY EYES!!!

I'm feeling a bit dramatic.

Oddly, all this being said, I don't care about the condition of a used book that I get (except, again, food stains). I am careful, however to treat them just as if they are pristine adding no further damage from my own hands.

In summation, your honor (if you're not honorable, stop reading now):

I would never remove a kitty's leg, however, I still would not reject, but would love and care for a three-legged kitty.

Now I want a three-legged kitty. Weird...

...and I am now emotionally drained.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T01:06:00.000-07:00

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favorite Horror Movies

2008-10-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

In no particular order: