Slapdash Sunday Topic: 2011 (1 of 2)

SUNDAY

 

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week 'leftovers.' Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn't worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?
That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!
Today's Topic:  Changes for 2011?
December/January will be one year of book blogging/reviewing for me.  I have learned so much about this new world, mostly from all of you, who answered my endless questions, but feel that I am doing something wrong as far as time allotment.  Take reviews for an example.  I draft it until I make edits after edits and even some more edits.  I post it on the main post of blog,  cut and paste for my Navigation Tab, cut and paste for the following GR, LT, and shelfari.  It seems like it takes me forever.  Am I doing this issue wrong?  Where do you post all of your reviews.

I have also learned that I won't be entering into so many challenges.  Thinking back, I thought it would be a breeze and that I could get all of the challenges completed, or if not, maybe close.    I really thought that requests for reviews would be scarce.  WRONG!!  I think I also have to modify my "Review Policy" but not sure how to do this and be fair at the same time.  Say you get a book that is being published around 00/00/00 but some indie authors have also contacted you to read and review their book a month before.  Do you read the ones with dates first, and push the indie author down on the list?  I thought that if I read and reviewed as they were delivered to my house, it would be the accommodating to all and somewhat fair, but not sure if that is right!!

As you know I participate in many memes sometimes 4 in a day.  I usually do a separate post for each meme.  Since it is you,  the wonderful people that visit and comment, I was wondering, would you rather I put all the memes in one post or separate them as I do now?

One more thing,  I enjoy this meme because the topic can be anything you want it to be.  Would you be interested in something like this, with a little bit different twist, name, (would have to come up with the icon but I am getting better at that) and make it a blog hop.  I think it would be interesting what "Topic" others would want to talk about on their blog.  I usually respond to comments via email but with this meme, I respond from the blog so that it is a "discussion".  Just a thought to see if you would be interested. I would love to host it.
I have loved every minute since joining this community but still consider myself a novice.  Any  advice, ideas and/or suggestions that you think I should change, stay status quo, do differently, etc etc,. would be greatly appreciated.  This is not only my blog, but your's too.  You are the wonderful people that visit and leave the fantastic, thoughtful, funny and interesting comments.  2011 is just 2 months away so want to start on my new year's resolutions/changes.

BTW....I LOVE Reese's Peanut Butter cups!!!  So if anyone has any leftovers, you know where to find me, and trust me, they will be enjoyed and not go to waste!!!  Happy Halloween!!!

October Wrap Up (2 of 2)

Another month has past, where has the time gone?  October was a month that didn't turn out like I wished, but real life throws a wrench into your plans and hobbies have to take a back seat.  It has also been approximately 10 months that my blog has been public.  I have learned so much but realize I need to learn more.  I can see where I made mistakes and those will change for 2011, just getting prepared because it is right around the corner  (see today's Slapdash Discussion above).  Here is what little I read for the month:    :(

The Chill of Night by James Hayman   3/5

Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English by Natasha Solomons    3/5

Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman   3/5

Love Always, Hobby and Jessie by Sara Robinson   4/5

i know i am, but what are you? by Samantha Bee   4/5



A Bit Of Me

SATURDAY

Hosted by Danielle at There's A Book

From Danielle's blog:

  We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.

This week's question:

What is your favorite candy bar?

 

Favorite?  Favorite?  As in JUST ONE favorite?

How about we compromise???  Just pick one bunch lol !!!!!!!

Aloha Friday (1 of 2)

FRIDAY

Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:
  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, visit An Island Life answer the question and then 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!
I am thinking that most AF questions today will be about Halloween, so I am taking another approach, one that is a sensitive yet scary question that pertains to everyone's life.

My Question:

Do you have a Living Will?

My Answer:

Yes and also a Last Will and Testament

2 Friday Blog Hops (2 of 2)

Hosted by Java from Never Growing Old

From Java's blog:
Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers!!

Hosted by Jennifer from CRAZY FOR BOOKS

From Jennifer's Blog:
  In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
  The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
  Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
  If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!
Today's Twist:
"What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?"
My Answer:
It would be the newest model of either the Nook and/or Kindle.  I have a Sony EReader but it doesn't have a back light nor wireless d/l which I think a 2 important features, at least for my needs. 

Review "i know I am, but what are you?"

i know i am, but what are you? by Samantha Bee
Published by Gallery Books/A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-4391-4273-8
At the request of Gallery Books, a HC was sent, at no charge to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from book's jacket): Critics have called her "sweet, adorable, and vicious." But there is so much more to be said about Samantha Bee. For one, she's Canadian. Whatever that means. And now, she opens up for the very first time about her checkered Canadian past. With Charming candor, she admits to her Lennie from Of Mice and Men-style love of a baby animals, her teenage crime spree as one half of a car-thieving couple (Bonnie and Clyde in Bermuda shorts and braces:, and the fact that strangers seem compelled to show her their genitals. She also details her intriguing career history, which includes stints working in a fame store, at a penis clinic, and as a Japanese anime character in a touring children's show.
  Samantha delves into all these topics and many more in this thoroughly hilarious, unabashedly frank collection of personal essays. Whether detailing the creepiness that ensues when strangers assume that your mom is your lesbian lover or recalling her girlhood crush on Jesus (who looked like Kris Kristofferson and sang like Kenny Loggins), Samantha turns the spotlight on her own imperfect yet highly entertaining life as relentlessly as she skewers hapless interview subjects on The Daily Show. She shares her unique point of view on a variety of subjects as wide-ranging as her deep affinity for old people and her hatred of hot ham. It's all here, in irresistible prose that will leave you in stitches and eager for more.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I have stated many times that I am not a TV watcher, so I need to confess, I have never watched the The Daily Show. But, after reading this book and knowing that the author, Samantha Bee is a senior correspondent of that show, there is a good chance I will be watching. The author writes about her dysfunctional family, her childhood antics and even some when she was a bit older. I found myself laughing out loud, chuckling and even at time saying "me too, me too!!!!" Each chapter was equally funny, whereas I couldn't even pick one as my favorite. However, there was one that really had me laughing and that I could really relate to, myself being of the same religion, was Man-Witch. She relates her story of being in a Catholic elementary school and having a "crush" on God. Reading this book now was the best remedy, to escape from "real life" and just laugh. Have this book on hand for when you just need to read something funny and totally entertaining.

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold...they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

Booking Through Thursday (1 of 2)

THURSDAY

http://btt2.wordpress.com/

Today's Question:

In honor of Halloween this weekend:

What reading skeletons do you have in your closet? Books you’d be ashamed to let people know you love? Addiction to the worst kind of (fill in cheesy genre here)? Your old collection of Bobbsey Twin Mysteries lovingly stored behind your “grown-up” books? You get the picture … come on, confess!
My Answer:
Sorry everyone...this is going to be a very boring response.  There are none.  I just recently did a huge purge of my books so there are none hidden.  The only books that I should get rid of, and not sure why I can't, are my college text books.  Since they are from 10, 20, lets just say they are a few years old.  The content is outdated and any info, if needed, is now at my finger tips but I just can't find the courage to toss them.

Enquiring Minds (2 of 2)

Hosted by Lori from Dollycas's Thoughts

From Lori's site:
  It struck me recently how much time I spend on this computer every day, blogging, chatting or playing games on Facebook, emailing friends and relatives, making cards and calendars, etc. etc. etc.
  We depend on each other for book reviews, giveaways, encouragement, friendship, but how well do we really know each other?
  So that is what this meme is all about, getting to know each other.
  Each Thursday I will post 3 questions for you to answer that you can copy and post on your blog with your answers.
WEEK 9 QUESTIONS

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY?
   It was always Christmas Eve.  But haven't done it in a few years due to my health.  We would host a sit down supper for immediate family and friends, consisting of a 5 course fish and sides dinner (that is a Catholic/Italian tradition) and then have an open house for anyone and everyone that usually went into the wee hours of Christmas morning.
ARE YOU DRESSING UP FOR HALLOWEEN? IF YES, AS WHAT?
   No
IF YOU HAVE KIDS ARE THEY DRESSING UP? AGAIN IF YES, WHAT ARE THEY DRESSING UP AS?
  Since both boys live out of state, not sure.  My youngest son did tell me that where he lives, that there will be a party in the club house and both him and his gf are getting dressed up.  Hoping they send me some pictures.

Giveaway "How Music Works" 10/27 to 11/06 (posting 1of 2)

HOW MUSIC WORKS



by JOHN POWELL

October 27th to November 6th

Synopsis:

The Science and Psychology of Beautiful Sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyond

by John Powell

What makes a musical note different from any other sound? How can you tell if you have perfect pitch? Why do 10 violins sound only twice as loud as one? Do your Bob Dylan albums sound better on CD or vinyl  John Powell, a scientist and musician, answers these questions and many more in HOW MUSIC WORKS, an intriguing and original guide to acoustics. In a clear, accessible, and engaging voice, Powell fascinates the reader with his delightful descriptions of the science and psychology lurking beneath the surface of music. With lively discussions of the secrets behind harmony, timbre, keys, chords, loudness, musical composition,

and more, HOW MUSIC WORKS will be treasured by music lovers everywhere.

THANKS TO BRIANNE AND THE AWESOME

PEOPLE AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

I HAVE THREE (3) COPIES OF THIS GREAT BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE

DISCLAIMER

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher, agent and/or author.

This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the above. No items that I receive are ever sold...they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
Winner will be chosen via Random.Org.   Winners will be notified via email    Winners must respond with 48 hours with mailing information.  I am not responsiblefor lost or damaged books/products that are shipped from agents.  I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries, if rules of giveaway are not followed.

W.W.W. Wednesdays (2 of 2)

WEDNESDAY

Happy Wednesday everyone.  Wanted to let you know that there is a lot going on this week and things are a bit chaotic.  Being part of the latter half of the Baby Boomer generation, I  have some issues that need to be taken care of this week, so things may get behind here.  But things are also busy here, on the blog (you should see my desk...notes and notes everywhere of what I need to do).  There are giveaways (think that you are definitely going to want to enter!!!) to be posted, a review to write, almost forgot...read lol ....and some news that surprised me.  I have been nominated for an award, I Luv Your Blog Award.  There are different categories and it's the kind of award where your friends, followers and/or visitors vote.  I want to thank Elizabeth from Silver's Reviews for nominating me and thinks that my blog is a bit special.  I will update the criteria as I get it, just in case you would like to vote for me.  This is the first time that I have been involved in something like this, so don't yet know all the rules, criteria, etc etc.  Will keep you updated.  Have a good day....off to try and check off some of my to-do notes. 

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading 

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Teaser Tuesday (1 of 2)

TUESDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Before my teaser, I have to tell you, that this is the perfect book to reading with all that is going on in real life.  So far it's a lol, chuckle, chuckle read!

Chapter 3 the birds and the bee

There aren't many things I know for sure, but I feel pretty confident about this one: You should never tag along on someone else's honeymoon. And if you do, you definitely shouldn't bring your kids. I know this because my dad and stepmom crashed their best friend's honeymoon with me and one of my pale and unenthusiastic friends in tow, I mean, who does that?

page 41

Fall Into Reading 2010--Week's Question #5 (2 of 2)

Hosted by Katrina from CALLAPIDDER DAYS

This week's question:

When you read a book, do you read EVERYTHING? In other words, do you read the dedication, the acknowledgement, the foreword, the afterword, the prologue, the epilogue, the appendices, etc.? Or do you just read the “meat” of the book? Or is your approach somewhere in between?

My answer:
I am a somewhere in between reader.   I tend to either skim or even skip  over the acknowledgements, especially if it is a long list.  I am sure that I won't know anyone on that page lol and when there is a long list, I understand it is important to the author and those named, but it's like watching an award show.  The afterword depends on the subject matter.  Prologue and Epilogue are a definite because, to me that is also part of the "meat" of the story.  And if it's a book I really enjoy, I look and hope for a synopsis of the next book that will be published and it goes on my tbr bucket list.
OK....your turn....what kind of reader are you?

And the winners are...........

 

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

12    10

Timestamp: 2010-10-25 22:17:12 UTC



Marjorie said... 12   This would be a wonderful book to win and read.

Cathy W said... 10 Follow on FB (Cathy Wallace)

An email has been sent to the winners and they have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen.

Musing Mondays (posting 1 of 4)

MONDAY

Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading

This week's question:
About how many books (roughly) would you say you own? (If you don’t have a clue how many, do you care to know? Why, or why not?)

My answer:
I know its a lot less then a couple of months ago.  I had read an article stating that if a book has been on your shelf unread for 2 years, then get rid of it.  So when we redid one of our rooms into an office/library, I purged 4 big boxes of books.  Not sure how many we have now, but the 2 brand new large 5 shelf bookcases are full and a couple of shelves with PBs are doubled up.  I think if I new the exact number, it might depress me because I'm not sure if I can read all that I own, plus the books on my EReader.  That is why instead of calling it my personal tbr list, I now call it my "tbr bucket list". 

Mailbox Monday (2 of 4)

This month is being hosted by Avis from She Reads and Reads

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia of The Printed Page and is now on tour.
  According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
                                          Monday  10/18                     Thursday  10/20

                                       Author  (EBook)                        Doubleday

                                           

Meet Me On Monday (3 of 4)

Hosted by Java from Never Growing Old

"Meet Me On Monday!"
From Java's Blog:
  Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!
  Every Sunday I will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!
  "Its a great way to to meet new friends and for others to get to know me better....one Monday at a time!!!"....as quoted by the Chacogirl!!
  I will make this SIMPLE and FUN!!!

Questions:

1. Do you sleep with a night light on?

No..need darkness, especially hubby, so if I read in bed, I use a clip on book light.

2. What do you drink with dinner?

With lots and lots of ice.

3. Do you play the lottery? If so, how often?

Once in a great while!!

4. How often do you go to the grocery store?

We usually do a big grocery shopping about once a month at BJs Warehouse

and then a regular about every other week or when needed.  We have, which

is fantastic for me because I can't lift, online ordering and delivery from regular market.

5. Would you rather travel back in time 500 years or travel forward 500 years?

This is a hard one.  It would depend.  If one could relive their

lives then I would say 500 years back.  But if it was just to visit

either time frame, I would want to travel forward to see 

house designs, new technology, modes of travel, etc.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (4 of 4)

Hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey Through A World Of Books

This is a meme to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read, and the books to be finished this week
I am so excited to be participating this week,  because of a reading slump, there wasn't anything to report until now....so here goes:

Completed Last Week

Currently Reading:

Up Next: