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Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: How To Write Killer Fiction
How To Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & The Roller Coaster of Suspense By: Carolyn Wheat
Non-fiction: writing 180 pages
Book Count: 79
It is amazing that all of these books on writing X type of books all have the same basic form, but are still very different. This one is divided up between three sections. First, they deal with how to write a mystery book (its history, sub-groups, formulas etc.) Next, it does the same for suspense novels. Then last it works on writing; mainly with the two main ways of writing (outliner and blank pagers) and with the revisions. It also has some information of getting your book published mostly how to look for an agent and look for what publishers you want to try and sell the book to first.
Non-fiction: writing 180 pages
Book Count: 79
It is amazing that all of these books on writing X type of books all have the same basic form, but are still very different. This one is divided up between three sections. First, they deal with how to write a mystery book (its history, sub-groups, formulas etc.) Next, it does the same for suspense novels. Then last it works on writing; mainly with the two main ways of writing (outliner and blank pagers) and with the revisions. It also has some information of getting your book published mostly how to look for an agent and look for what publishers you want to try and sell the book to first.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Home Cheese Making
Home Cheese Making: Recipes for 75 Homemade Cheeses By: Ricki Carroll
Non-Fiction, cooking 263 pages
Book count: 78
First, this book is written by the Queen of home cheese making, so if you look up anything on the subject they will either refer back to this book or her personally 90% of the time. (Also her company is the most popular home cheese making kits maker.) That being said I expected the book to make cheese making sound easier then this book did. (Especially as the book used to be called "Cheese Making Made Easy.") For example, a number of recipes had directions like "Raise the heat by two degrees every 5 minutes," which seams a lot more complicated then you would expect with things you make at home. It is possible that it is something that is a lot easier to do then it sounds or the recipes are a lot more fluid, but that is the optimal way of doing it; however, in any way the book doesn't seam like the best way to learn how to make cheese. If the ingredient list was used with the step-by-step pictures on the company's web site (http://www.cheesemaking.com/ only for some of the recipes in the book) it would be more beginner level. That being said the basic information on what happens during cheese making is very helpful for learning about the process of making cheese and there are a number of tasty looking recipes for what to do with the cheese.
Non-Fiction, cooking 263 pages
Book count: 78
First, this book is written by the Queen of home cheese making, so if you look up anything on the subject they will either refer back to this book or her personally 90% of the time. (Also her company is the most popular home cheese making kits maker.) That being said I expected the book to make cheese making sound easier then this book did. (Especially as the book used to be called "Cheese Making Made Easy.") For example, a number of recipes had directions like "Raise the heat by two degrees every 5 minutes," which seams a lot more complicated then you would expect with things you make at home. It is possible that it is something that is a lot easier to do then it sounds or the recipes are a lot more fluid, but that is the optimal way of doing it; however, in any way the book doesn't seam like the best way to learn how to make cheese. If the ingredient list was used with the step-by-step pictures on the company's web site (http://www.cheesemaking.com/ only for some of the recipes in the book) it would be more beginner level. That being said the basic information on what happens during cheese making is very helpful for learning about the process of making cheese and there are a number of tasty looking recipes for what to do with the cheese.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Sunday, November 07, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Will Write for Shoes: How to Write A Chick Lit Novel
Will Write for Shoes: How to Write A Chick Lit Novel By: Cathy Yardley
Non-Fiction, Writing 208 pages
Book Count: 77
This book has a format similar to the last book that I read. It starts with some information on what a Chick Lit book is, their history and sub genres. Then it gets into the basics of how to write a book including special information on Chick Lit books. The information on how to get published is very good. There are appendixes of information/examples in query letters, synopsis, outlining, agents and publishers that do chick lit books. It includes a very broad idea of what chick lit is (for example including multiple series that men I know read) so even if you aren't writing a book for chick lit, but it is a book with a strong female protagonist and some level of humor and/or is character driven you might get some good information out of this book.
Non-Fiction, Writing 208 pages
Book Count: 77
This book has a format similar to the last book that I read. It starts with some information on what a Chick Lit book is, their history and sub genres. Then it gets into the basics of how to write a book including special information on Chick Lit books. The information on how to get published is very good. There are appendixes of information/examples in query letters, synopsis, outlining, agents and publishers that do chick lit books. It includes a very broad idea of what chick lit is (for example including multiple series that men I know read) so even if you aren't writing a book for chick lit, but it is a book with a strong female protagonist and some level of humor and/or is character driven you might get some good information out of this book.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Friday, November 05, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: How to Write Action Adventure Novels
The Writer's Digest Genre Writing Series- How to Write Action Adventure Novels By: Michael Newton
Non-fiction: writing 154 pages
Book Count: 76
This book is all about how to write books in the action adventure genre. It deals with what makes a book that genre, famous authors/series in the genre,issues with writing that genre and general writing information. The general writing tips are also geared for the genre. For example, while most books on writing talk about paceing in a way to remind you to add excitment to the book this one reminds you that it cann't be none stop explosions, fights and chasing and be believable, even if you don't write about sleeping, eating and using the bathroom in writing you need to give the protaginist some breaks where a person could do these things. The book is from 1989, but most of the information is still usefull. Many of the authors he talks about either still write, or you could easily find their books. Although most reasurch now would include using the internet as many of the books he menchioned were about the history of an orginzation or refrence on guns/uniforms/vehicales of differnt wars they would still be useful. The one place where the age of the book is an issue is in the chapter one getting published. In that section the majority of advice is no longer useful. For example: it states that you don't need an agent when today most publishers will not read books without one and that if you do try to get an agent they may charge a reading fee when now a reading fee is a red flag for writers.
Non-fiction: writing 154 pages
Book Count: 76
This book is all about how to write books in the action adventure genre. It deals with what makes a book that genre, famous authors/series in the genre,issues with writing that genre and general writing information. The general writing tips are also geared for the genre. For example, while most books on writing talk about paceing in a way to remind you to add excitment to the book this one reminds you that it cann't be none stop explosions, fights and chasing and be believable, even if you don't write about sleeping, eating and using the bathroom in writing you need to give the protaginist some breaks where a person could do these things. The book is from 1989, but most of the information is still usefull. Many of the authors he talks about either still write, or you could easily find their books. Although most reasurch now would include using the internet as many of the books he menchioned were about the history of an orginzation or refrence on guns/uniforms/vehicales of differnt wars they would still be useful. The one place where the age of the book is an issue is in the chapter one getting published. In that section the majority of advice is no longer useful. For example: it states that you don't need an agent when today most publishers will not read books without one and that if you do try to get an agent they may charge a reading fee when now a reading fee is a red flag for writers.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
New Stuff
This is the 4th year that this blog has done it's holiday special. (Which of course is named after when it was a paper done for multiple times before the blog.) Because of this we are having the problem of having already done much of what we think of to do this time. You may have noticed the change in Octobers posts with much more movies. What do you think of this? And do you have any other things you would like to see in holiday postings?
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones The Troublesome Success of Children's Literature from Slovenly Peter to Harry Potter By: Jack Zipes
Non-fiction: writing, literature, essays, 188 pages
Book Count: 75
This book is a collection of essays, most of them had been used at other times. One was new and one was a mix of two different ones. They are all on the issues of writing for children. The book points out a lot of issues, with the main two being children's books are mainly bought and there forth made for adults and issues of culture and society and their effects on children and their books. It doesn't really do much to answer any of these problems. It would be a good thing to read if you were a teacher or librarian or otherwise working with picking out books for kids; however, I don't think that people writing kids books would get much out of this to help their writing. Also, when talking down about books that were formulaic, commercial, stereotypical or otherwise things that he thought were things that are wrong with kids books he would note authors that he felt were good because they weren't these things, but he didn't include any information like books they wrote to help people that aren't experts in this field have some idea who they are.
Non-fiction: writing, literature, essays, 188 pages
Book Count: 75
This book is a collection of essays, most of them had been used at other times. One was new and one was a mix of two different ones. They are all on the issues of writing for children. The book points out a lot of issues, with the main two being children's books are mainly bought and there forth made for adults and issues of culture and society and their effects on children and their books. It doesn't really do much to answer any of these problems. It would be a good thing to read if you were a teacher or librarian or otherwise working with picking out books for kids; however, I don't think that people writing kids books would get much out of this to help their writing. Also, when talking down about books that were formulaic, commercial, stereotypical or otherwise things that he thought were things that are wrong with kids books he would note authors that he felt were good because they weren't these things, but he didn't include any information like books they wrote to help people that aren't experts in this field have some idea who they are.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Microwave Cranberry sauce
2 c. cranberries
2/3 c. sugar
3" cinnamon stick
1/2 t. nutmeg
4 drops lemon extract
water to cover bottom of microwaveable glass dish
Place a ingredients in a microwaveable glass dish with a lid. Cover. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and re-cover and microwave 1 minute. Repeat until berries have all popped. Let sit in microwave for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick. Place in serving dish and refrigerate until cold.
2/3 c. sugar
3" cinnamon stick
1/2 t. nutmeg
4 drops lemon extract
water to cover bottom of microwaveable glass dish
Place a ingredients in a microwaveable glass dish with a lid. Cover. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and re-cover and microwave 1 minute. Repeat until berries have all popped. Let sit in microwave for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick. Place in serving dish and refrigerate until cold.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Holiday Books:
As you can see to the right -----> we are doing NaBloPoMo this year. As this is the blogging version for NaNoWriMo we thought that we would include books on writing for this month's holiday books. (Plus, there are only so many things on Pilgrims.)
September- October Book Count:
Number of books read: 18
Pages read: 4984
Average number of days to read a book: 3
Average number of pages read in a day: 82
Average number of books read in a month: 9
Average number of pages read in a month: 2492
Pages read: 4984
Average number of days to read a book: 3
Average number of pages read in a day: 82
Average number of books read in a month: 9
Average number of pages read in a month: 2492
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Sherlock Holmes the American Years
Sherlock Holmes the American Years Edited by: Michael Kurland
Fiction: mystery, short stories, classics, 344 pages
Book Count: 74
This is a collection of short stories about Sherlock Holmes taking a trip to America as a young man. In some of the stories he is like the Holmes we are all use to, in some he is still learning how to see all the little things that help him solve mysteries. All are written in about the same time frame. In the stories he visits places all around America and into Mexico. He also meets with some famous people like Mark Twain and Edwin Booth (after his brother ruined the Booth name).
Fiction: mystery, short stories, classics, 344 pages
Book Count: 74
This is a collection of short stories about Sherlock Holmes taking a trip to America as a young man. In some of the stories he is like the Holmes we are all use to, in some he is still learning how to see all the little things that help him solve mysteries. All are written in about the same time frame. In the stories he visits places all around America and into Mexico. He also meets with some famous people like Mark Twain and Edwin Booth (after his brother ruined the Booth name).
Holidays in November:
1 All Saints Day
Day of the Innocents
2 All Souls Day
Day of the Dead
9 World Freedom Day
11 Veterans Day
Armistice Day
12 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
13 World Kindness Day
14 World Diabetes Day
15 America Recycles Day
start of Winter Lent
16 International Day for Tolerance
19 World Toilet Day
20 Universal Children's Day
21 World Television Day
World Hello Day
National Adoption Day
25 Thanksgiving
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
26 Black Friday
Day of the Covenant
28 Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá
29 Cyber Monday
Day of the Innocents
2 All Souls Day
Day of the Dead
9 World Freedom Day
11 Veterans Day
Armistice Day
12 Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
13 World Kindness Day
14 World Diabetes Day
15 America Recycles Day
start of Winter Lent
16 International Day for Tolerance
19 World Toilet Day
20 Universal Children's Day
21 World Television Day
World Hello Day
National Adoption Day
25 Thanksgiving
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
26 Black Friday
Day of the Covenant
28 Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá
29 Cyber Monday
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: The Time Pirate
The Time Pirate: A Nick McIver Time Adventure
Fiction, YA, Sci-Fi, Adventure 454 pages
Book Count: 73
This is book two in a series the review of book one is here. In this one the main storyline takes place in early days of England being in WWII. The rest takes place in the 1880's and 1780's. Unlike the first book the majority of the story was things that happened to Nick, so it breaks up differently making it feel more like two books put in one book. Also, there are more issues with the fact that they are time traveling, but don't take advantage of their time traveling abilities. Besides these minor issues the book was a fun story. This book has more Nazis and pirates, but also airplanes and traitors (and not who you would think.)
Fiction, YA, Sci-Fi, Adventure 454 pages
Book Count: 73
This is book two in a series the review of book one is here. In this one the main storyline takes place in early days of England being in WWII. The rest takes place in the 1880's and 1780's. Unlike the first book the majority of the story was things that happened to Nick, so it breaks up differently making it feel more like two books put in one book. Also, there are more issues with the fact that they are time traveling, but don't take advantage of their time traveling abilities. Besides these minor issues the book was a fun story. This book has more Nazis and pirates, but also airplanes and traitors (and not who you would think.)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter (1966)
Jesse James and Frankenstein's granddaughter in the Southwest, sure that doesn't have WTF written all over it!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Corpse Vanishes (1942)
You must have a bride to make someone look young, unless you are in a pinch, then any woman will do?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)
Also called Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride
Warning: this movie was R for some nudity as well as cheesy horror.
Also dig the music in the intro, or the official 1970's movie opening music. Sure they made some variations on it but you hear it and you think "Haven't I heard this before?"
Warning: this movie was R for some nudity as well as cheesy horror.
Also dig the music in the intro, or the official 1970's movie opening music. Sure they made some variations on it but you hear it and you think "Haven't I heard this before?"
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Nick of Time
Nick of Time By: Ted Bell
Fiction: YA, sci-fi, adventure 434 pages
Book Count: 72
Pirates, Nazis and of course time travel. This book has all of the action and adventure that a pre-teen to young teen could want in a book. The main story takes place on a small island between England and France owned by England in the days leading up to WWII. But the main character, Nick along with a couple of adult friends (Lord Hawke and Gunner) travel back in time to the days of the Napoleonic wars, pirates and Nick's hero, Lord Nelson to help his ancestor (who has the same name). Meanwhile, his little sister and her nanny (English Commander Hobbes)have to deal with an insane German U-boat captain, the SS, and a top secret new German sub. And also there is the kidnapping of Lord Hawke's children, Nick's dog and Lord Nelson's niece.
Fiction: YA, sci-fi, adventure 434 pages
Book Count: 72
Pirates, Nazis and of course time travel. This book has all of the action and adventure that a pre-teen to young teen could want in a book. The main story takes place on a small island between England and France owned by England in the days leading up to WWII. But the main character, Nick along with a couple of adult friends (Lord Hawke and Gunner) travel back in time to the days of the Napoleonic wars, pirates and Nick's hero, Lord Nelson to help his ancestor (who has the same name). Meanwhile, his little sister and her nanny (English Commander Hobbes)have to deal with an insane German U-boat captain, the SS, and a top secret new German sub. And also there is the kidnapping of Lord Hawke's children, Nick's dog and Lord Nelson's niece.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
City of the Dead/Horror Hotel (1960)
City of the Dead was the movie's original name in England and it was changed to Horror Hotel for Americans. Also, much like the last movie this is not at all predictable. (Or for that matter most of these films.) Makes you wonder if people were surprised by what happened when they first were out. Not that knowing what will happen doesn't make it fun to watch.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Carnival of Souls (1962)
Imangine what would have happened if she started playing rock and/or roll in the church.
Friday, October 15, 2010
What Kind of Vampire are You Quiz:
1. How did you become a vampire?
A. An animal jumped over your corpse, crossed your funeral procession or you were evil in your life.
B. You were repeating attacked by a vampire
C. You drank vampire blood
D. You were born one
E. A vampire bit you once, killing and turning you
2. What do you look like?
A. A bloated corpse
B. A shiny supermodel
C. Mostly like you did before, maybe a little pale
D. Sometimes a bat or wolf
3. What were you before becoming a vampire?
A. A minor noble
B. A teenager
C. An average middle class person
D. A peasant, most likely dying of consumption
4. What do you drink?
A. The blood of evil people, animals, blood bank blood; whatever you can find without killing the innocent.
B. Coffee
C. Only animal blood and the occasional bit of human food to look normal
D. The blood of your family
E. The blood of fair maidens
5. How do you spend your nights?
A. Stare at people when they sleep
B. Same thing you do every night. . . Try and take over the world
C. Visiting living family members, occasional impregnation your former wife
D. Eat, party, work, shop. . . basically the same types of things you did when alive
6. What does sunlight do to you?
A. I don’t know I’m never out in the day
B. Reduces your powers
C. Spontaneous combustion
D. Worst sunburn ever
E. Nothing
F. It makes you blindingly shiny
7. Does garlic affect you?
A. Yes
B. No
8. What most makes a vampire different then humans?
A. They are dead, evil soulless beings
B. They are undead
C. They crave human blood and have fangs
D. They have different DNA
Points for each answer to follow results to make it harder to see in advance.
Results:
39 or more: You are an Eastern European folklore vampire. You might have just been some poor unlucky person that now is forced to attack your loved ones each night, or you could have been an evil witch that enjoys your new powers. Either way one day the mob of angry villagers will arrive when you are asleep in your grave to dig you up, stake you, cut you to pieces, burn you and maybe feed your ashes to the sick.
38-28 You are a classic lit. or movie vampire. You’re rich, noble, powerful and ready to end life as we know it. Good thing that the heroes always kill you in the end.
27-8 You are a modern lit. or movie vampire. You might be rich, sexy and famous, or you could be flipping burgers on the night shift to pay for all the dry cleaning bills to get the blood out of your clothes. Either case be glad, you don’t have to hide in the shadows forever, as long as you don’t act like a soulless ghoul you’ll find friends both alive and undead. Also vampire rights are just around the corner, if your world doesn’t have them already.
7 and under: You are not a vampire. I’m not sure what you are, but look into mutants, fairies, and rare medical/mental conditions. If you still believe that you are a vampire, please study vampire history and rework your world accordingly. Also some basic biology, animal behavior, etc.
1. A) 6 B) 5 C) 3 D) 1 E)0
2. A) 6 B) 0 C) 4 D)5
3. A) 5 B) 1 C) 3 D) 5
4. A) 3 B) 2 C) 1 D)6 E)4
5. A) 1 B)4 C) 6 D) 3
6. A) 6 B)5 C)3 D)2 E)4 F)0
7. A)2 B)1
8. A) 5 B) 3 C)2 D) 1
A. An animal jumped over your corpse, crossed your funeral procession or you were evil in your life.
B. You were repeating attacked by a vampire
C. You drank vampire blood
D. You were born one
E. A vampire bit you once, killing and turning you
2. What do you look like?
A. A bloated corpse
B. A shiny supermodel
C. Mostly like you did before, maybe a little pale
D. Sometimes a bat or wolf
3. What were you before becoming a vampire?
A. A minor noble
B. A teenager
C. An average middle class person
D. A peasant, most likely dying of consumption
4. What do you drink?
A. The blood of evil people, animals, blood bank blood; whatever you can find without killing the innocent.
B. Coffee
C. Only animal blood and the occasional bit of human food to look normal
D. The blood of your family
E. The blood of fair maidens
5. How do you spend your nights?
A. Stare at people when they sleep
B. Same thing you do every night. . . Try and take over the world
C. Visiting living family members, occasional impregnation your former wife
D. Eat, party, work, shop. . . basically the same types of things you did when alive
6. What does sunlight do to you?
A. I don’t know I’m never out in the day
B. Reduces your powers
C. Spontaneous combustion
D. Worst sunburn ever
E. Nothing
F. It makes you blindingly shiny
7. Does garlic affect you?
A. Yes
B. No
8. What most makes a vampire different then humans?
A. They are dead, evil soulless beings
B. They are undead
C. They crave human blood and have fangs
D. They have different DNA
Points for each answer to follow results to make it harder to see in advance.
Results:
39 or more: You are an Eastern European folklore vampire. You might have just been some poor unlucky person that now is forced to attack your loved ones each night, or you could have been an evil witch that enjoys your new powers. Either way one day the mob of angry villagers will arrive when you are asleep in your grave to dig you up, stake you, cut you to pieces, burn you and maybe feed your ashes to the sick.
38-28 You are a classic lit. or movie vampire. You’re rich, noble, powerful and ready to end life as we know it. Good thing that the heroes always kill you in the end.
27-8 You are a modern lit. or movie vampire. You might be rich, sexy and famous, or you could be flipping burgers on the night shift to pay for all the dry cleaning bills to get the blood out of your clothes. Either case be glad, you don’t have to hide in the shadows forever, as long as you don’t act like a soulless ghoul you’ll find friends both alive and undead. Also vampire rights are just around the corner, if your world doesn’t have them already.
7 and under: You are not a vampire. I’m not sure what you are, but look into mutants, fairies, and rare medical/mental conditions. If you still believe that you are a vampire, please study vampire history and rework your world accordingly. Also some basic biology, animal behavior, etc.
1. A) 6 B) 5 C) 3 D) 1 E)0
2. A) 6 B) 0 C) 4 D)5
3. A) 5 B) 1 C) 3 D) 5
4. A) 3 B) 2 C) 1 D)6 E)4
5. A) 1 B)4 C) 6 D) 3
6. A) 6 B)5 C)3 D)2 E)4 F)0
7. A)2 B)1
8. A) 5 B) 3 C)2 D) 1
Phantom Ship (1936)
The most unlikly answer to what happened to the Mary Celeste; however, it does have Bela Lugosi in it.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: The Government Manual for New Wizards
The Government Manual for New Wizards By: Matthew David Brozik and Jacob Sager Weinstein
Fiction: sci-fi/ fantasy, paranormal, humor 157 pages
Book Count: 71
This book is a guide to new wizards. It includes both classic and new wizard things in it. It also has a lot of great funny lines in it. Many of them are puns, but not all. It also has information about other magical beings like fairies and faeries. And notes from an evil dark lord, who is not named Melvin.
Fiction: sci-fi/ fantasy, paranormal, humor 157 pages
Book Count: 71
This book is a guide to new wizards. It includes both classic and new wizard things in it. It also has a lot of great funny lines in it. Many of them are puns, but not all. It also has information about other magical beings like fairies and faeries. And notes from an evil dark lord, who is not named Melvin.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Night Of The Living Dead (1968)
Apparently one goof up in making a film, meant it didn't get copyrighted in the 60's.
A Book in Review: Eat More Dirt
Eat More Dirt Diverting and Instructive Tips for Growing and Tending an Organic Garden by: Ellen Sandbeck
non-fiction gardening 179 pages
Book Count: 70
This book has a collection of tips on organic gardening. Some of them directly relate to gardening, some are use full for gardening, but could work for other things. For example, there are stretches to do before and after gardening so you don't hurt yourself. It also has writings on the philosophy of gardening.
non-fiction gardening 179 pages
Book Count: 70
This book has a collection of tips on organic gardening. Some of them directly relate to gardening, some are use full for gardening, but could work for other things. For example, there are stretches to do before and after gardening so you don't hurt yourself. It also has writings on the philosophy of gardening.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Top Secret Recipes Sodas, Smoothies, Spirits, & Shakes
Top Secret Recipes Sodas, Smoothies, Spirits, & Shakes Creating Cool Kitchen Clones of America's Favorite Brand-Name Drinks By: Todd Wilbur
Non-fiction, cooking 231 pages
Book Count: 69
This book gives you recipes to make many drinks at home. Most of them only require things that most grocery/liquor would have. (Coke has some hard to find ingredients.) Many of the recipes seem almost too easy; however, it isn't something that you would think up on your own (i.e. many liqueurs can be made with a favoring extract mixed with a little sugar water and vodka) Wither you like soft drinks or alcholic mixed drinks it is worth it to read this book if only to give you ideas of how to recreate your favorite drinks at home.
Non-fiction, cooking 231 pages
Book Count: 69
This book gives you recipes to make many drinks at home. Most of them only require things that most grocery/liquor would have. (Coke has some hard to find ingredients.) Many of the recipes seem almost too easy; however, it isn't something that you would think up on your own (i.e. many liqueurs can be made with a favoring extract mixed with a little sugar water and vodka) Wither you like soft drinks or alcholic mixed drinks it is worth it to read this book if only to give you ideas of how to recreate your favorite drinks at home.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Columbus Facts
As most people agree that Columbus never discovered the Americas for one or more of the following reasons:
- People were already there
- He thought he was in Asia
- There is proof that the Vikings got to America earlier
- There are stories of other people from around the world finding a distant land that matches the Americas in general location/discribtion
- He was a jerk who’s actions were even considered horrible in his day, so he doesn’t deserve it
We thought we would give you some info on things that he actually did.
- He was born in 1451
- He died on May 20th 1506
- There are no paintings of him made during his life around today.
- He like many people at that time thought the world was rounded. Unlike most he thought it incorrectly was smaller than most; however, he was correct in that it was not a perfect sphere. (He compared it to a breast)
- He tried to get many kingdoms to finance his trip before getting the Spanish royalty to do so. (The queen did not sell her jewels for this as she already sold them to pay for fighting the Moors.)
- In 1492 he sailed the ocean blue (also 1493, 1494, 1498, 1500, & 1502)
- His efforts to enslave the people living in the lands that he landed on were in direct opposition to what he was commissioned to do as the King and Queen of Spain considered them as their subjects (as they considered the land theirs).
- He had reactive arthritis which might have caused a heart attack that killed him
- He was buried in Valladolid, then Seville, the Dominican Republic, Havana, Cuba, (or his brother or son) and finally back to Seville. (or he always was in Spain and someone else or only part of him did all the moving)
- He has many things named after him; however, Columbus wasn’t his name but a variation of it.
- People were already there
- He thought he was in Asia
- There is proof that the Vikings got to America earlier
- There are stories of other people from around the world finding a distant land that matches the Americas in general location/discribtion
- He was a jerk who’s actions were even considered horrible in his day, so he doesn’t deserve it
We thought we would give you some info on things that he actually did.
- He was born in 1451
- He died on May 20th 1506
- There are no paintings of him made during his life around today.
- He like many people at that time thought the world was rounded. Unlike most he thought it incorrectly was smaller than most; however, he was correct in that it was not a perfect sphere. (He compared it to a breast)
- He tried to get many kingdoms to finance his trip before getting the Spanish royalty to do so. (The queen did not sell her jewels for this as she already sold them to pay for fighting the Moors.)
- In 1492 he sailed the ocean blue (also 1493, 1494, 1498, 1500, & 1502)
- His efforts to enslave the people living in the lands that he landed on were in direct opposition to what he was commissioned to do as the King and Queen of Spain considered them as their subjects (as they considered the land theirs).
- He had reactive arthritis which might have caused a heart attack that killed him
- He was buried in Valladolid, then Seville, the Dominican Republic, Havana, Cuba, (or his brother or son) and finally back to Seville. (or he always was in Spain and someone else or only part of him did all the moving)
- He has many things named after him; however, Columbus wasn’t his name but a variation of it.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: 100 Vegetables and Where They Came From
100 Vegetables and Where They Came From By: William Woys Weaver
Non-fiction: gardening, history, food 289 pages
Book Count: 68
First, yes I know that this book has nothing to do with any October holidays (unless you are Canadian), but as Thanksgiving is one of the holidays of the Super Holiday Special, and most people do not read as much as me I thought I would put some books on the list early.
About the book, this is much like the title suggests a book on 100 different variates of vegetables and their history. It also includes ways to cook them, other uses for them and a list in the back of where you can get them in case you want to grow your own. A number of the websites on that list have changed, but most of them are still running and at the stated address and if you are interested in growing these types of veggies the links that do work are worth looking at the book alone. It deals mainly with heirloom and rare vegetables. There are a number of tomatoes, peppers, greens, peas,and beans in the book. The author has grown all of these plants and a couple of them are ones that he himself had created. Each veggie has a drawing of it; however, it is only a black and white line drawing which I find odd as many of the veggies have unusual coloring and for a couple color/non-color drawings of them in older books made the difference in finding them in modern times. Overall if you like growing classic foods this is a good book for you.
Non-fiction: gardening, history, food 289 pages
Book Count: 68
First, yes I know that this book has nothing to do with any October holidays (unless you are Canadian), but as Thanksgiving is one of the holidays of the Super Holiday Special, and most people do not read as much as me I thought I would put some books on the list early.
About the book, this is much like the title suggests a book on 100 different variates of vegetables and their history. It also includes ways to cook them, other uses for them and a list in the back of where you can get them in case you want to grow your own. A number of the websites on that list have changed, but most of them are still running and at the stated address and if you are interested in growing these types of veggies the links that do work are worth looking at the book alone. It deals mainly with heirloom and rare vegetables. There are a number of tomatoes, peppers, greens, peas,and beans in the book. The author has grown all of these plants and a couple of them are ones that he himself had created. Each veggie has a drawing of it; however, it is only a black and white line drawing which I find odd as many of the veggies have unusual coloring and for a couple color/non-color drawings of them in older books made the difference in finding them in modern times. Overall if you like growing classic foods this is a good book for you.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Fun Facts on Dracula (the novel)
• It’s the only novel by Bram Stoker that ever had any great successes.
• The Dead Un-Dead and The Un-Dead were possible titles for the book.
• Dracula’s name was originally Count Wampyr.
• Do to copyright issues Dracula has always been in the public domain in America.
• Nosferatu was an unauthorized film adaptation that Stoker’s widow tryed to stop the release of.
• The Dead Un-Dead and The Un-Dead were possible titles for the book.
• Dracula’s name was originally Count Wampyr.
• Do to copyright issues Dracula has always been in the public domain in America.
• Nosferatu was an unauthorized film adaptation that Stoker’s widow tryed to stop the release of.
Movies
This year at WNBNI we will add links/videos of classic (i.e. copyright expired/public domain) movies to the holiday mix, enjoy.
More Royal Vampires
After yesterdays, none vampire post I thought I would post a link to the princess who was real and in the origional version of Dracula.
It's a full length show so watch when you have an hour.
It's a full length show so watch when you have an hour.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed: Serial Killer, Vampire?
Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed, also known as the Blood Countess was possibly the most prolific of all female murders. Although she was never convicted of any crime, mostly due to her royal status, her collaborators were convicted of torturing and killing 80 girls and young woman and some thought they killed over 600, 650 being the number of murders most connected with her. There were reports at that time of up to 200 bodies found in her castle at the time the authorities stopped her. She is best known for bathing in the blood of her victims in order to stay young. This is how she gets connected with vampires and is often called a better example of a real, historic vampire then Dracula because of this. However, this legend came out centuries after her life, making them unlikely to be true. But, even given that, with hundreds of gruesome deaths on her hands, the title Blood Countess is more then appropriate.
A Book in Review: Feasting on Asphalt the River Run
Feasting on Asphalt the River Run By: Alton Brown
Non-fiction: food, travel, TV 197 pages
Book Count: 67
This book goes with the TV mini-series of the same name. This book uses the same format of going over what happened in chronological order from the bottom of Louisiana to where the Mississippi river starts in Minnesota. It includes 40 recipes. Some were given by the cooks they meet along the way and some are based off the food they ate.
Non-fiction: food, travel, TV 197 pages
Book Count: 67
This book goes with the TV mini-series of the same name. This book uses the same format of going over what happened in chronological order from the bottom of Louisiana to where the Mississippi river starts in Minnesota. It includes 40 recipes. Some were given by the cooks they meet along the way and some are based off the food they ate.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Fun Facts about Manatees
• The name manatee comes from the Tainno word for breast.
• One of the manatee’s closest living relations are the elephants.
• Manatees can live up to 60 years.
• Manatees travel north as far as to Massachusetts in the summer.
• Manatees become sexually mature in about 5 years.
• Manatees form breeding herds where they breed indiscriminately.
• Manatee fossils have been found that are 60 million years old.
• One of the manatee’s closest living relations are the elephants.
• Manatees can live up to 60 years.
• Manatees travel north as far as to Massachusetts in the summer.
• Manatees become sexually mature in about 5 years.
• Manatees form breeding herds where they breed indiscriminately.
• Manatee fossils have been found that are 60 million years old.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Saturday, October 02, 2010
A Holiday Book in Review: Wicked
Wicked The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West By: Gregory Maguire
Fiction: 409 pages
Book Count: 66
First, like all stories based off of a children's classic that I have read, this is not a book for children. This is a book, as you probley know, is about Oz (as in the world created by L. Frank Baum). It is the life story of the Wicked Witch of the West. It changes many things about the politics/government/way of life in Oz. Some of the changes in the story could be seen as consistent with the different view point. But some do not reconcile well with each other. One thing that it does go back to the original story with is that the magical shoes are silver and not ruby red. (As you may know they changed it for the 1940's movie as they thought that red shoes would look better on the film, as it was in Technicolor.) Even without a great knowledge, or especially without one, of the Oz books this book would be a great read. It weaves a complex story of how lives interconnect in ways one would never expect. It makes the witch a sympathetic character, without removing or sugar coating over the things that she did. It explains how the witches of the east and west could be sisters. And it has readers group questions at the end.
Fiction: 409 pages
Book Count: 66
First, like all stories based off of a children's classic that I have read, this is not a book for children. This is a book, as you probley know, is about Oz (as in the world created by L. Frank Baum). It is the life story of the Wicked Witch of the West. It changes many things about the politics/government/way of life in Oz. Some of the changes in the story could be seen as consistent with the different view point. But some do not reconcile well with each other. One thing that it does go back to the original story with is that the magical shoes are silver and not ruby red. (As you may know they changed it for the 1940's movie as they thought that red shoes would look better on the film, as it was in Technicolor.) Even without a great knowledge, or especially without one, of the Oz books this book would be a great read. It weaves a complex story of how lives interconnect in ways one would never expect. It makes the witch a sympathetic character, without removing or sugar coating over the things that she did. It explains how the witches of the east and west could be sisters. And it has readers group questions at the end.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Holidays in October
1. Feast of St. Thérèse de Lisieux
International Day of Older Persons
2. International Day of Non-Violence
Gandhi’s Birthday
4. Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
World Animal Day
5. World Teachers' Day
9. Leif Erikson Day
10. World Mental Health Day
11. Columbus Day
National Coming Out Day
12. Freethought Day
14. World Standards Day
15. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
White Cane Safety Day
16. World Food Day
Boss's Day
17. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
20. Birth of the Báb
21. International Day of the Nacho
22. International Stuttering Awareness Day
23. Mole Day
24. United Nations Day
27. Navy Day
30. Devil's Night/Mischief Night
31. Halloween
Samhain (northern hemisphere)
Beltane (southern hemisphere)
International Day of Older Persons
2. International Day of Non-Violence
Gandhi’s Birthday
4. Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
World Animal Day
5. World Teachers' Day
9. Leif Erikson Day
10. World Mental Health Day
11. Columbus Day
National Coming Out Day
12. Freethought Day
14. World Standards Day
15. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
White Cane Safety Day
16. World Food Day
Boss's Day
17. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
20. Birth of the Báb
21. International Day of the Nacho
22. International Stuttering Awareness Day
23. Mole Day
24. United Nations Day
27. Navy Day
30. Devil's Night/Mischief Night
31. Halloween
Samhain (northern hemisphere)
Beltane (southern hemisphere)
Super Holiday Special Editions!
Its that time again. Time for the super holiday specials!!!! YAHHHHHHH!!!!!
(that is all, continue on)
Look for near daily postings
(that is all, continue on)
Look for near daily postings
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Book in Review: America's Cheapest Family
America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money By: Steve and Annette Economides
Non-fiction, Economics 276 pages
Book Count: 65
First, this really is their last name. Second this book was overall a good book for people interested in learning how to get the most out of their money. It includes at the end of most chapters 3 levels of things that you can do to help save/better use your money depending on where you are at now in the process. It has only a couple of things that I disagree with. One, I know from others experience that not having any credit cards does have a negative effect on your credit score. (Even if you have paid off your mortgage, car(s) and have worked for years.)Of course, if you are planning to pay for everything with cash and have money saved for emerengices then all you would need is a debt card that can be used as a credit card, like they have. Two, I have found that shopping once a week lets you take advantage of all the best deals in a stores sales cycle. Shopping once a month causes you to miss too many deals and spend more. And three I have no idea what making your kids dress up has to do with saving money. The part about not buying the trendiest clothes makes cents (ha ha puns!) but how dress pants and button downs save you money is beyond me. Expecaily, when they talk against letting their kids dress in grunge style (why do they think kids wear grunge as a major trend in 2007???) It is a style that is perfect for resale/consignment store shopping. Besides that I can't think of anything in the book that jumped out at me as not a good idea. Many of the things are found in lots of other books on the subject. It does have a lot of tips on all different types of money saving. And it has info on how to teach your kids how to handle money, which most books don't have.
Non-fiction, Economics 276 pages
Book Count: 65
First, this really is their last name. Second this book was overall a good book for people interested in learning how to get the most out of their money. It includes at the end of most chapters 3 levels of things that you can do to help save/better use your money depending on where you are at now in the process. It has only a couple of things that I disagree with. One, I know from others experience that not having any credit cards does have a negative effect on your credit score. (Even if you have paid off your mortgage, car(s) and have worked for years.)Of course, if you are planning to pay for everything with cash and have money saved for emerengices then all you would need is a debt card that can be used as a credit card, like they have. Two, I have found that shopping once a week lets you take advantage of all the best deals in a stores sales cycle. Shopping once a month causes you to miss too many deals and spend more. And three I have no idea what making your kids dress up has to do with saving money. The part about not buying the trendiest clothes makes cents (ha ha puns!) but how dress pants and button downs save you money is beyond me. Expecaily, when they talk against letting their kids dress in grunge style (why do they think kids wear grunge as a major trend in 2007???) It is a style that is perfect for resale/consignment store shopping. Besides that I can't think of anything in the book that jumped out at me as not a good idea. Many of the things are found in lots of other books on the subject. It does have a lot of tips on all different types of money saving. And it has info on how to teach your kids how to handle money, which most books don't have.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
A Book in Review: i know i am but what are you?
i know i am but what are you? By: Samantha Bee
Non-fiction: humor, biography, essay 239 pages
Book Count: 64
This book is by the Most Senior Correspondent of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. It is a series of essays on different times in her life. It includes stories from when she was little and wanted to be Jesus' girlfriend up to her current inability to give her husband a good gift. (Who by the way she meet before the both were working on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.) As one would expect the essays are all rather funny and on odd topics. And according to the back cover someone that is not Nelson Mandela called it "Smutty".
Non-fiction: humor, biography, essay 239 pages
Book Count: 64
This book is by the Most Senior Correspondent of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. It is a series of essays on different times in her life. It includes stories from when she was little and wanted to be Jesus' girlfriend up to her current inability to give her husband a good gift. (Who by the way she meet before the both were working on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.) As one would expect the essays are all rather funny and on odd topics. And according to the back cover someone that is not Nelson Mandela called it "Smutty".
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Book in Review: Made by Hand
Made by Hand : Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World By: Mark Frauenfelder
Non-fiction DIY, farming, 223 pages
Book Count: 63
First, I would like to say given a number of books that I have read in the last couple months, I am not reading books to prepare for the Zombie Uprising. In a couple months it will be too cold for zombies anyway. I only read this one as Adam Savage (from Mythbusters) said I must read it on both covers! Given that I was amazed that nothing exploded in this book. It was fun to read the author's adventures in DIY. And it did succeed in making me want to do some making of something, nothing to do with chickens, but maybe something with the kids.
Non-fiction DIY, farming, 223 pages
Book Count: 63
First, I would like to say given a number of books that I have read in the last couple months, I am not reading books to prepare for the Zombie Uprising. In a couple months it will be too cold for zombies anyway. I only read this one as Adam Savage (from Mythbusters) said I must read it on both covers! Given that I was amazed that nothing exploded in this book. It was fun to read the author's adventures in DIY. And it did succeed in making me want to do some making of something, nothing to do with chickens, but maybe something with the kids.
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Note to Self: Butterflies, Flowers vol 3
Butterflies, Flowers vol 3 by: Yuki Yoshihara
non-fiction, manga, romance 190 pages
Book Count: 62
non-fiction, manga, romance 190 pages
Book Count: 62
Sunday, September 19, 2010
A Note to Self: Butterflies, Flowers vol 2
Butterflies, Flowers vol 2 by: Yuki Yoshihara
non-fiction, manga, romance 188 pages
Book Count: 61
non-fiction, manga, romance 188 pages
Book Count: 61
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A Note to Self: Butterflies, Flowers vol 1
Butterflies, Flowers vol 1 by: Yuki Yoshihara
non-fiction, manga, romance 190 pages
Book Count: 60
Note: all the notes are on the series as a whole.
This manga is called Chou yo Hana yo in Japan. It is from Shojo Beat Manga, but is actually josie manga. (shojo is geared for 10-18 year old girls, josie older teens and adult women.) As such it is rated M or mature. It has some nudity and sexual situations (think R movie level: breast, views from the waist up, carefull placements, lights going out.)
The story line is that the main character used to be part of a rich noble family, but they went bankrupt when she was 7. She is now 20 and got a job at a office. She finds out that her boss used to be a servant boy of her's. Note: he is at most 9 years older then her as he states that he isn't 30 yet whenever anyone calls him old. And now they are in a weird relationship where he is her boss, but also her servant and they fall in love.
non-fiction, manga, romance 190 pages
Book Count: 60
Note: all the notes are on the series as a whole.
This manga is called Chou yo Hana yo in Japan. It is from Shojo Beat Manga, but is actually josie manga. (shojo is geared for 10-18 year old girls, josie older teens and adult women.) As such it is rated M or mature. It has some nudity and sexual situations (think R movie level: breast, views from the waist up, carefull placements, lights going out.)
The story line is that the main character used to be part of a rich noble family, but they went bankrupt when she was 7. She is now 20 and got a job at a office. She finds out that her boss used to be a servant boy of her's. Note: he is at most 9 years older then her as he states that he isn't 30 yet whenever anyone calls him old. And now they are in a weird relationship where he is her boss, but also her servant and they fall in love.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Note on Picture Books
The next three books that I will be writing on are volumes of Manga. And I have already posted on a graphic novel this year (or last, not sure). This lead me to think that I should have a clear rule on books that are mostly pictures. So the rule for book counts will be: graphic novels and volumes of manga count as books. Comic books and magizines of manga will not count as they are too short. Online reading of chapters of manga that would add up to a volume in book formate will also not count as it is too hard working out page count. Also, because I am not physicaly holding the book much like how audiobooks are not added to the book count. (If I somehow read an e-book [not getting into why I think e-books suck] I will deside then how I will count them.)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Book in Review: Haunted Heartland
Haunted Heartland By: Beth Scott & Michael Norman
non-fiction paranormal 468 pages
Book count: 59
This book is an odd combination of very well known stories and ones I have never heard of before even after reading other books on ghost stories only from the same areas. For example, the first story of the book is Resurrection Mary. Even if that name doesn't ring a bell you have heard some variation of the story as it is a well known urban legend. Resurrection Mary is a teen age girl that died long ago, but still enjoys going out dancing and getting rides back to her home. In this story she directs the young man she was dancing with or a cabbie to her current home, Resurrection Cemetery and either disappears on the way or walks thru the car/gate to get inside the graveyard. See, you do know the story. But, most of the stories I have never heard before, even in the MI part where I have read multiple books with ghost stories from this state.
The book is divided by state and includes a long list of sources in the end of the book making it different from most books of this type. It also works hard to be factual, so some of the stories do not have all the details added that books mainly interested in telling ghost stories do. It also will add commentary on some or additional information when the story and provable facts do not line up (dates etc.)or when they found additional information.
non-fiction paranormal 468 pages
Book count: 59
This book is an odd combination of very well known stories and ones I have never heard of before even after reading other books on ghost stories only from the same areas. For example, the first story of the book is Resurrection Mary. Even if that name doesn't ring a bell you have heard some variation of the story as it is a well known urban legend. Resurrection Mary is a teen age girl that died long ago, but still enjoys going out dancing and getting rides back to her home. In this story she directs the young man she was dancing with or a cabbie to her current home, Resurrection Cemetery and either disappears on the way or walks thru the car/gate to get inside the graveyard. See, you do know the story. But, most of the stories I have never heard before, even in the MI part where I have read multiple books with ghost stories from this state.
The book is divided by state and includes a long list of sources in the end of the book making it different from most books of this type. It also works hard to be factual, so some of the stories do not have all the details added that books mainly interested in telling ghost stories do. It also will add commentary on some or additional information when the story and provable facts do not line up (dates etc.)or when they found additional information.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
A Book in Review: The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove
The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove By: Christopher Moore
Fiction: humor, Sci-fi 304 pages
Book Count: 58
First, as you can tell with a quick search of this blog, I have liked every Christopher Moore book that I have read. (Go ahead and look, we'll wait.) Are you back? good. Now this book is about a small town in the fall. Due to a death, the town shrink takes everyone off their meds and puts them on a placebo, in case the antidepressant caused the death. As they are all dealing with the withdraw a giant sea beast moves into town. Along with causing an explosion and eating a few people it also causes all the townspeople to be horny. In then chaos/fun ensues. Also this book stars Kendra, Warrior Babe of the Outland.
Fiction: humor, Sci-fi 304 pages
Book Count: 58
First, as you can tell with a quick search of this blog, I have liked every Christopher Moore book that I have read. (Go ahead and look, we'll wait.) Are you back? good. Now this book is about a small town in the fall. Due to a death, the town shrink takes everyone off their meds and puts them on a placebo, in case the antidepressant caused the death. As they are all dealing with the withdraw a giant sea beast moves into town. Along with causing an explosion and eating a few people it also causes all the townspeople to be horny. In then chaos/fun ensues. Also this book stars Kendra, Warrior Babe of the Outland.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
A Book in Review: First You Build A Cloud
First You Build A Cloud and Other Reflections on Physics as a Way of Life By: K.C. Cole
Non-fiction, Science 212 pages
Book Count: 57
This book does a good job of explaining different ideas/theories/concepts in physics for people with a basic understanding of science (i.e. some high school/ college level science, but not majoring in science.) It talks about major scientist in the field as wall as tries to explain how things work/ why you don't understand a concept easily.
Non-fiction, Science 212 pages
Book Count: 57
This book does a good job of explaining different ideas/theories/concepts in physics for people with a basic understanding of science (i.e. some high school/ college level science, but not majoring in science.) It talks about major scientist in the field as wall as tries to explain how things work/ why you don't understand a concept easily.
July- August Book Count:
Number of books read: 12
Pages read: 3784
Average number of days to read a book: 5
Average number of pages read in a day: 61
Average number of books read in a month: 6
Average number of pages read in a month: 1892
Pages read: 3784
Average number of days to read a book: 5
Average number of pages read in a day: 61
Average number of books read in a month: 6
Average number of pages read in a month: 1892
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A Book in Review: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle By: Barbara Kingsolver
Non-fiction: food 352 pages
Book Count: 56
This book was surprising good for the most part. Giving the other places I have seen it references I expected it to be mostly crap. It was for the most part interesting. It is mainly about how the author spent their year of living off the land. There are a few parts about how people are destroying everything and using fossil fuels is evil, but it also has an essay on why you should eat meat. There was only one place where the liberal earth first BS really annoyed me. In one paragraph the author goes on about how the way we eat is killing us and the world. (Not that I am not saying that some ways we use aren't bad for both.) But, she both talks about how the generations after her's (she's 55) are living shorter lives, and that the world is going to be horrible overpopulated in 40-50 years. Now even just putting theses to facts next to each other make it sound a little silly. When you look at the data on the world's population it becomes more of an issue of one or the other, but both of these things can't be true. Her longer living, large generation will be mostly dead in 50 years. If people are dieing younger then a lot of the next one will be dead too. Most of Europe and much of Asia average less then the 2 children per couple needed just to keep population at nearly a standstill. (2 kids still equals a small negative as not all people have kids. And the average is closer to 1.) And many of the populations that have a large number of children do so as they know most of there kids will die before adulthood, so unless people live longer lives in the future in 2 generations we most likely will not have a population explosion beyond what the earth can handle. Anyway besides that there were some fun and worth while info in this book. Things like menus and recipes for the foods found in each month and info on what time each food grows. In both cases that dates will very slightly based on where you live, but it gives a good rough idea.
Non-fiction: food 352 pages
Book Count: 56
This book was surprising good for the most part. Giving the other places I have seen it references I expected it to be mostly crap. It was for the most part interesting. It is mainly about how the author spent their year of living off the land. There are a few parts about how people are destroying everything and using fossil fuels is evil, but it also has an essay on why you should eat meat. There was only one place where the liberal earth first BS really annoyed me. In one paragraph the author goes on about how the way we eat is killing us and the world. (Not that I am not saying that some ways we use aren't bad for both.) But, she both talks about how the generations after her's (she's 55) are living shorter lives, and that the world is going to be horrible overpopulated in 40-50 years. Now even just putting theses to facts next to each other make it sound a little silly. When you look at the data on the world's population it becomes more of an issue of one or the other, but both of these things can't be true. Her longer living, large generation will be mostly dead in 50 years. If people are dieing younger then a lot of the next one will be dead too. Most of Europe and much of Asia average less then the 2 children per couple needed just to keep population at nearly a standstill. (2 kids still equals a small negative as not all people have kids. And the average is closer to 1.) And many of the populations that have a large number of children do so as they know most of there kids will die before adulthood, so unless people live longer lives in the future in 2 generations we most likely will not have a population explosion beyond what the earth can handle. Anyway besides that there were some fun and worth while info in this book. Things like menus and recipes for the foods found in each month and info on what time each food grows. In both cases that dates will very slightly based on where you live, but it gives a good rough idea.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A Book in Review: Pickled, Potted and Canned
Pickled, Potted and Canned: How the Art and Science of Food Preserving Changed the World By: Sue Shephard
Non-Fiction: food/cooking 345 pages
Book Count: 55
This book goes over all of the major methods used in history to preserve food, the pluses and minuses of each method as well as how food preserving has changed/stayed the same threw out history. It goes into many key points in food history, and had some interesting things to say about them. For example, some groups of explorers that used early cans were thought to have died from lead poisoning from the cans; however, at that time they were exposed to so many other sources of lead, even if that is what killed them it might not be the cans fault. As I read it during the time of year that my garden is going crazy with tomatoes, and the peppers will soon be too, it made it all the more interesting as I am currently using some of the food preserving methods it talks about.
Non-Fiction: food/cooking 345 pages
Book Count: 55
This book goes over all of the major methods used in history to preserve food, the pluses and minuses of each method as well as how food preserving has changed/stayed the same threw out history. It goes into many key points in food history, and had some interesting things to say about them. For example, some groups of explorers that used early cans were thought to have died from lead poisoning from the cans; however, at that time they were exposed to so many other sources of lead, even if that is what killed them it might not be the cans fault. As I read it during the time of year that my garden is going crazy with tomatoes, and the peppers will soon be too, it made it all the more interesting as I am currently using some of the food preserving methods it talks about.
Friday, August 13, 2010
A Book in Review: Fiction first aid
Fiction first aid Instant Remedies for Novels, Stories and Scripts By: Raymond Obstfeld
non-fiction: writing 283 pages
Book Count: 54
Like every other book on writing this one has advice that goes against the advice in other books on the subject. This one's main oddity is the belief that if you get stuck at part of the story you should not skip ahead to the next part and then work to connect the two parts later as the author feels that getting stuck means that there is something wrong with the story so far that should be fixed. Also this book uses a constant editing method where you edit each chapter/scene before working on the next one. It does have a lot of good advice on how to fix common problems in writing. (However, it doesn't include the awesome "Old Spice Man" writing issue, "I'm in a chair!")
non-fiction: writing 283 pages
Book Count: 54
Like every other book on writing this one has advice that goes against the advice in other books on the subject. This one's main oddity is the belief that if you get stuck at part of the story you should not skip ahead to the next part and then work to connect the two parts later as the author feels that getting stuck means that there is something wrong with the story so far that should be fixed. Also this book uses a constant editing method where you edit each chapter/scene before working on the next one. It does have a lot of good advice on how to fix common problems in writing. (However, it doesn't include the awesome "Old Spice Man" writing issue, "I'm in a chair!")
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A Book in Review: Geek Love
Geek Love By: Katherine Dunn
fiction: 348 pages
Book Count: 53
I first picked out this book as an audio-book for a trip. The back cover made it sound like a book about a carnivel family that try to have children that were freaks (the freak show type, not just odd people). I didn't get to the audio-book, but read the paper book. The back cover didn't cover the story at all. First, it was told years later by one of the kids. Half the story is her life at the time dealing with her mother that doesn't remember her after her years of drug use and experimitation to creat freak children and with her daughter that was raised in an orphanage because she was too normal, who doesn't know that her mother is the abino hunchback dwarf in her apartment building. The rest of the book is about her life in the carnival from when she was very little until her current life started. It is an unusual book, due to the supject.
fiction: 348 pages
Book Count: 53
I first picked out this book as an audio-book for a trip. The back cover made it sound like a book about a carnivel family that try to have children that were freaks (the freak show type, not just odd people). I didn't get to the audio-book, but read the paper book. The back cover didn't cover the story at all. First, it was told years later by one of the kids. Half the story is her life at the time dealing with her mother that doesn't remember her after her years of drug use and experimitation to creat freak children and with her daughter that was raised in an orphanage because she was too normal, who doesn't know that her mother is the abino hunchback dwarf in her apartment building. The rest of the book is about her life in the carnival from when she was very little until her current life started. It is an unusual book, due to the supject.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
A Note to Self: King Lear
King Lear By: William Shakespeare
non-fiction: clasics/ play 125 pages
Book Count: 52
Note: the page count is only the play there were also 125 pages with notes on them of word/ saying meanings and a few pages of introduction about the play, Shakespeare and plays at that time.
non-fiction: clasics/ play 125 pages
Book Count: 52
Note: the page count is only the play there were also 125 pages with notes on them of word/ saying meanings and a few pages of introduction about the play, Shakespeare and plays at that time.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
A Book in Review: Angels & Demons
Angels & Demons By: Dan Brown
Really, really fiction, mystery 569 pages
Book count: 51
First, I would like to say that I only read the book because it was given to me and by finishing it I can put it in my garage sale this week and get rid of it. (Also, all the better to rant about what a piece of crap it is.) Second, I would like to suggest that no one goes to the head librarian at Ohio University- Chillicothe for help on research information as according to the acknowledgments he is in part to blame for this horrible book. As this book is a strange combination of things that you could learn with a five minute search on the Internet and complete BS. For example, it talks about the Catholic priest that worked on making The Big Band Theory (the science one, not the show), rips off Catholic teaching on science (as one of the characters own idea, not a church one as that would ruin the whole idea of the book), and then goes on and on about how religion and science are in this epic fight. The main plot is about the Illuminati, a group of scientist hunted down by the Church centuries ago now getting their revenge. It is always talking about scientific ideas that by their being science is naturally evil. A main character's parents refused to give him medicine when he's deathly ill, studying the origin of the universe is evil because God did it is all you need to know, etc, etc. And sure, some religions would say that, but not the one that the story is about. And then they finally get to something scientific that the Catholic Church has moral issues with and a bunch of cardinals state that it is a good thing! Frankly I do not know how these books became so popular, as anti-Catholic Protestants would be more likely offended by the pro-science anti-religion message of the first 400 pages of the book (ruining all the unfacts about the "evils of the Church" they would enjoy learning)and really Catholic hating seams like the only reason to read the book, its writing is OK, it has a fast pace, action but it is so much about religion.
Really, really fiction, mystery 569 pages
Book count: 51
First, I would like to say that I only read the book because it was given to me and by finishing it I can put it in my garage sale this week and get rid of it. (Also, all the better to rant about what a piece of crap it is.) Second, I would like to suggest that no one goes to the head librarian at Ohio University- Chillicothe for help on research information as according to the acknowledgments he is in part to blame for this horrible book. As this book is a strange combination of things that you could learn with a five minute search on the Internet and complete BS. For example, it talks about the Catholic priest that worked on making The Big Band Theory (the science one, not the show), rips off Catholic teaching on science (as one of the characters own idea, not a church one as that would ruin the whole idea of the book), and then goes on and on about how religion and science are in this epic fight. The main plot is about the Illuminati, a group of scientist hunted down by the Church centuries ago now getting their revenge. It is always talking about scientific ideas that by their being science is naturally evil. A main character's parents refused to give him medicine when he's deathly ill, studying the origin of the universe is evil because God did it is all you need to know, etc, etc. And sure, some religions would say that, but not the one that the story is about. And then they finally get to something scientific that the Catholic Church has moral issues with and a bunch of cardinals state that it is a good thing! Frankly I do not know how these books became so popular, as anti-Catholic Protestants would be more likely offended by the pro-science anti-religion message of the first 400 pages of the book (ruining all the unfacts about the "evils of the Church" they would enjoy learning)and really Catholic hating seams like the only reason to read the book, its writing is OK, it has a fast pace, action but it is so much about religion.
Monday, August 02, 2010
A Book in Review: Battle of the Network Zombies
Battle of the Network Zombies By: Mark Henry
Fiction, paranormal 307 pages
Book count: 50
This is the 3rd book in a series of books about the life(unlife?) of a fanshionista zombie. In this one she is in despairt need of money and so gets a job being a judge of a reality show. The show is a contest to be the bodyguard of a wood nymph celebrity best known for his long list of ex-lovers. Along with zombies and the nymph the cast of characters includes: vampires, yetis, werewolves, sirens, and a Enenri (Japanese smoke ghost). The only problem with the show is that star is killed the first night. So Amanda (the main character zombie) takes all her knowledge from buying and never finishing Agatha Christy novels and turns the show into a mystery show where she is the detective working on finding out who the killer is.
Fiction, paranormal 307 pages
Book count: 50
This is the 3rd book in a series of books about the life(unlife?) of a fanshionista zombie. In this one she is in despairt need of money and so gets a job being a judge of a reality show. The show is a contest to be the bodyguard of a wood nymph celebrity best known for his long list of ex-lovers. Along with zombies and the nymph the cast of characters includes: vampires, yetis, werewolves, sirens, and a Enenri (Japanese smoke ghost). The only problem with the show is that star is killed the first night. So Amanda (the main character zombie) takes all her knowledge from buying and never finishing Agatha Christy novels and turns the show into a mystery show where she is the detective working on finding out who the killer is.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Book in Review: 30 Steps to Becoming a Writer
30 Steps to Becoming a Writer By: Scott Edelstein
non-fiction: writing 224 pages
Book Count: 49
This book has a lot of good advice and is useful for both people that like a structured program and those that like a more free from method. In fact a couple of the exercises is to try a couple different methods for writing to see which you like better. It also has you writing as part of reading the book. The only thing that I didn't like about the book is how they tell you to submit pieces. First, I don't see why you need a laser printer, as long as it is typed and printed on a printer that works well, would this be an issue? I understand if it was about pictures where the printer greatly effects the quality, but for written words? Also, although telling the basics of what is needed on a manuscript when send to be publisted is good, it would be better if he noted that anything that the magazine, paper, etc states in their requirements overrides this advice. But beside these two little things I over all liked the book.
non-fiction: writing 224 pages
Book Count: 49
This book has a lot of good advice and is useful for both people that like a structured program and those that like a more free from method. In fact a couple of the exercises is to try a couple different methods for writing to see which you like better. It also has you writing as part of reading the book. The only thing that I didn't like about the book is how they tell you to submit pieces. First, I don't see why you need a laser printer, as long as it is typed and printed on a printer that works well, would this be an issue? I understand if it was about pictures where the printer greatly effects the quality, but for written words? Also, although telling the basics of what is needed on a manuscript when send to be publisted is good, it would be better if he noted that anything that the magazine, paper, etc states in their requirements overrides this advice. But beside these two little things I over all liked the book.
Monday, July 19, 2010
A Book in Review: Skinny is Overrated
Skinny is Overrated: The Real Woman's Guide to Health and Happiness at Any Size By: Danielle Milano, MD
non-fiction, diet, health 209 pages
Book Count: 48
First, given the title would you think that the main point of this book is "You are too fat you must follow this lifelong, strick diet to be better"? This book SO upset me at points that I almost stopped reading it in the first chapter. Although it has a large amount of good information, the bad really outweighs it. For example, besides lying about the main point of the book it has advice like: watch the DVD of "The Secret" to think yourself thinner, as your friends are all exactly like you you need to get new thinner friends, and the only good kitchen tools are expensive ones. And although the main points of the diet are good, healthy and based on evidence (both scientific and experience based) as it is a life long one (as they are the best for real change) it is too strict and at time counterdictering. For example, in one chapter it says that you can only drink water, and an occasional beer or wine. Then in the next chapter it says that some fruit juice is fine as long as you think about the calories in it. It also lists iced tea as a drink you can't have, but earlier when talking about groups and times of people known for a healthy diet and good health talks about a group that drinks tea as part of the healthy things they do. It also has a number of rules that no American, over weight or not can follow all of the time. These include NEVER eating anything containing the following: fast food, deep fried foods (chips, fries, etc), trans fats,and high fructose corn syrup. As well as EVERY day eating: 3 meals and 1-2 snacks, dark green leafy vegetables, and 5-10 fruits and veggies. (OK, besides eating salads or greens everyday that part isn't hard, but we all have had days where we can't eat at normal meal times for us or you're traveling and the only food is a fast food burger and fries where if you are adding a normal pop or ketchup you have broke every one of the NEVER eat rules. If the diet was simply to not normaly eat these foods, I wouldn't have a problem with the rules, but its not.)
non-fiction, diet, health 209 pages
Book Count: 48
First, given the title would you think that the main point of this book is "You are too fat you must follow this lifelong, strick diet to be better"? This book SO upset me at points that I almost stopped reading it in the first chapter. Although it has a large amount of good information, the bad really outweighs it. For example, besides lying about the main point of the book it has advice like: watch the DVD of "The Secret" to think yourself thinner, as your friends are all exactly like you you need to get new thinner friends, and the only good kitchen tools are expensive ones. And although the main points of the diet are good, healthy and based on evidence (both scientific and experience based) as it is a life long one (as they are the best for real change) it is too strict and at time counterdictering. For example, in one chapter it says that you can only drink water, and an occasional beer or wine. Then in the next chapter it says that some fruit juice is fine as long as you think about the calories in it. It also lists iced tea as a drink you can't have, but earlier when talking about groups and times of people known for a healthy diet and good health talks about a group that drinks tea as part of the healthy things they do. It also has a number of rules that no American, over weight or not can follow all of the time. These include NEVER eating anything containing the following: fast food, deep fried foods (chips, fries, etc), trans fats,and high fructose corn syrup. As well as EVERY day eating: 3 meals and 1-2 snacks, dark green leafy vegetables, and 5-10 fruits and veggies. (OK, besides eating salads or greens everyday that part isn't hard, but we all have had days where we can't eat at normal meal times for us or you're traveling and the only food is a fast food burger and fries where if you are adding a normal pop or ketchup you have broke every one of the NEVER eat rules. If the diet was simply to not normaly eat these foods, I wouldn't have a problem with the rules, but its not.)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A Book in Review: The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower
The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower : A Murder That Became A Real-Life Mystery, A Mystery That Became An Obsession By: Robert Graysmith
Non-fiction, true crime, history, biography, film 289 pages
Book Count: 47
This is a book about many people. The main story is that of Marli Renfro, the uncredited body double in the Hitchcock film Psycho. It is also about the sexual revolution of the 60's, Alftred Hictcock, Francis Ford Coppola, a murderer much like the character of Norman Bates, the author of the book, the writer of Psycho, the murder the book is about, the murder of Janet Leigh's stand in, the Playboy empire, film history and the author's obsession with Marli Renfro. It mixes in all of these stories well, but one should have seen the movie before reading the book. Reading the info on all the work that went into the making of the film makes one want to see it again.
Non-fiction, true crime, history, biography, film 289 pages
Book Count: 47
This is a book about many people. The main story is that of Marli Renfro, the uncredited body double in the Hitchcock film Psycho. It is also about the sexual revolution of the 60's, Alftred Hictcock, Francis Ford Coppola, a murderer much like the character of Norman Bates, the author of the book, the writer of Psycho, the murder the book is about, the murder of Janet Leigh's stand in, the Playboy empire, film history and the author's obsession with Marli Renfro. It mixes in all of these stories well, but one should have seen the movie before reading the book. Reading the info on all the work that went into the making of the film makes one want to see it again.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A Book in Review: Turn Coat
Turn Coat By: Jim Butcher
Fiction: Fantasy, 548 pages
Book Count: 46
This is a novel in the Dresden Files series. A graphic novel of the series is reviewed here. In this one Morgan, a fellow wizard is on the run from the White Council of wizards because he is thought to have killed one of the top wizards of the council. He comes to Harry for help. Harry is sure that Morgan is Innocent, but the only way to stop the White Council from killing him is to find the person that did it, a person on the inside who did a great job of framing Morgan. If he fails he too may be killed for helping a criminal. This book has many twists and turns in it as well as tons of different magical folk: wizards, vampires, skinwalker, werewolves, fairy folk and others.
Fiction: Fantasy, 548 pages
Book Count: 46
This is a novel in the Dresden Files series. A graphic novel of the series is reviewed here. In this one Morgan, a fellow wizard is on the run from the White Council of wizards because he is thought to have killed one of the top wizards of the council. He comes to Harry for help. Harry is sure that Morgan is Innocent, but the only way to stop the White Council from killing him is to find the person that did it, a person on the inside who did a great job of framing Morgan. If he fails he too may be killed for helping a criminal. This book has many twists and turns in it as well as tons of different magical folk: wizards, vampires, skinwalker, werewolves, fairy folk and others.
Monday, July 12, 2010
A Book in Review: The Locavore's Handbook
The Locavore's Handbook The Busy Person's Guide to Eating Local on a Budget By: Leda Meredith
Non-fiction, food, environment 185 pages
Book Count: 45
First this book is badly named. It should be something like "The Locavore's Guide to New York City" as about 80% of the parts on actually eating locally are about her own experiences and resources for people living in New York or the surrounding area. There is some information for people living else where, mainly in web sites or other books, but the book is very much a NY book. For example, in all the recipes she uses honey instead of sugar, because there "is no local sugar" which is true for where she lives, but in MI just about every grocery store has sugar grown in the state. Also, like most books of this type it is very preachy. Although, it does talk about how you can save money on eating locally by growing or finding food, joining a CSA (community supported agriculture), and shopping the farmer's market at the right time most of its talk on budget eating is rants about how big business working with the government is artificially lowering the cost of bad foods. (Not saying that it isn't true, just budgeting advice shouldn't be, "You should pay more.")
Non-fiction, food, environment 185 pages
Book Count: 45
First this book is badly named. It should be something like "The Locavore's Guide to New York City" as about 80% of the parts on actually eating locally are about her own experiences and resources for people living in New York or the surrounding area. There is some information for people living else where, mainly in web sites or other books, but the book is very much a NY book. For example, in all the recipes she uses honey instead of sugar, because there "is no local sugar" which is true for where she lives, but in MI just about every grocery store has sugar grown in the state. Also, like most books of this type it is very preachy. Although, it does talk about how you can save money on eating locally by growing or finding food, joining a CSA (community supported agriculture), and shopping the farmer's market at the right time most of its talk on budget eating is rants about how big business working with the government is artificially lowering the cost of bad foods. (Not saying that it isn't true, just budgeting advice shouldn't be, "You should pay more.")
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
An Audio Book in Review: Jessica's guide to dating on the dark side
Jessica's guide to dating on the dark side By:Beth Fantaskey
Fiction: YA, paranormal romance
This book is slightly different from other teen romances books about vampires as told by the girl in the relationship in that she is also a vampire. In fact she is a vampire princess. The only problem is that she was raised by hippies in Amish country and doesn't believe in vampires. Also, it turns out that the creepy guy that seams to be following her is the vampire prince that she was engaged to as a baby.
9 CD's 11 hours
Fiction: YA, paranormal romance
This book is slightly different from other teen romances books about vampires as told by the girl in the relationship in that she is also a vampire. In fact she is a vampire princess. The only problem is that she was raised by hippies in Amish country and doesn't believe in vampires. Also, it turns out that the creepy guy that seams to be following her is the vampire prince that she was engaged to as a baby.
9 CD's 11 hours
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