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Showing posts from December, 2012

A Review of A Parent's Playbook for Learning by Jen Lilienstein

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Kindle format Publisher- Kidzmet (November 30,2012) Synopsis: A detailed guide for parents and teachers to find out how children with different personality types learn best. It teaches specific strategies based on the eight personality types. My review: I found the book to be written in an easy to understand language. The author broke down the tips into detailed steps. A handy guide for parents to help their children maximize their learning. * I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Rating:  Select Store

Tincture of Murder by Donna Fletcher Crow- A Review

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E-book format Publisher: Greenbrier Book Company (November 30, 2012) Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. Fourth in the Lord Danvers Victorian True Crime Mysteries Synopsis: It's Victorian era England and Lord Charles Danvers and his wife Antonia are asked to come to York by his brother to help solve a string of mysterious deaths at the Magdalen House- an asylym for poor, pregnant women. After a mysterious fire at their estate Lord and Lady Danvers decide to go there just on holiday but are soon thrust right into the middle of death when one of their host servants dies. Will they solve the mystery before another death occurs? My review:   I thought the book started off slow and there were a few typos but nothing really distracting. It picked up quickly for me and I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery. I also liked the characters and the way the book weaved in real events of the time and social justice issues. Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward

A Review of The Richard Burton Diaries

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Published October 23, 2012 Yale University Press 704 pages Synopsis: This book covers the diary entries from the time Burton was a teenager living in Wales in the late 1930's until 1983, the year before he died. They reveal his most intimate thoughts-from co-stars, his marriage, children, and the many books he read. The book also has annotations to clarify people, places, and other experiences of his. Review: I thought the book started off slow, not because of Burton's writing style but because of the same things happening over and over. It picked up during his marriage to Elizabeth Taylor. He wrote his innermost thoughts on his marriage, children, fears, desires, and thoughts on co-workers. He had an engaging writing style. I found him to be intelligent, funny, and somewhat catty. Despite the slow start I enjoyed reading the book. I found him to be an interesting man. My rating: * I received a complimentary copy from Yale University Press via Netgalley in exchan

Nekkid Ham

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My inner OCD child came out in full force earlier today: "Aw crap he's unwrapped the ham.", I said to the husband about my grandfather. "It's his ham.", he said. "That's not the point. I told him we were going to fix it and now a nekkid ham is lying on the table." "It's not a big deal.", Mr. Cool exclaimed. "NEKKID HAM is on the table." "Not a big deal." "NEKKID HAM.NEKKID HAM." "It's ok, what do you want me to do? I can put it in grocery bag and take it down to your Mom." "NEKKID HAM. NEKKID HAM. NEKKID HAM." "It's not a big deal. What do you want me to do. I can put it in a grocery bag and take it downstairs." "Well I was going to carry it down myself cause it had a handle but I can't now because it's unwrapped and LYING ON THE TABLE." "Ok I'm going to take it downstairs now. It's not a big deal." Calm and collect

Testosterone and Swagger

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English Leather- The smell of swagger. Mom done went to the Wal-mart and got my grandfather some English Leather. And he has been applying it to his person liberally. The house now smells of testosterone and swagger.

I Feel Like Hatching

Today at Dad's Doctor Appointment: The nurse asked, "Have you had a flu shot?" Dad replied with, "Nooo, I haven't had one of those in a long time." "Do you want one?" " I don't like needles." Well if you're between the ages of 18-62 you don't have to get an intramuscular one. You can get a transdermal one." Where would the inner muscular one go?" "I'm thinking your tongue", I said. "Well, with the transdermal one it would be a tiny needle and barely go under your skin.", said the nurse. "Ok." "Are you allergic to eggs or had any reaction to any egg like product?" "Well, I had two this morning. Will they go against me?" "Good grief", says I. "No" "Here you go." "Ouch." "Did it hurt?", I asked. "No." "Now Lisa when your Mamaw calls for a report tell her I'm bloated and have worms

A Time For Hugs...Not Politics

 Two people have been in the news lately in regard to the tragedy in Connecticut-Mike Huckabee talking about God not being in schools anymore and Victoria Jackson comparing the shootings to abortion and attacking our President.. This is not the time to promote your political agenda, this is a time for people to band together and support one another, a time to focus on the children who lost their lives and their grieving families. A time to promote compassion and love for your fellow human beings not to tear down opposing political viewpoints. So please for everyone's sake JUST BE QUIET. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/mike-huckabee-school-shooting_n_2303792.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/victoria-jackson-connecticut-school-shooting_n_2303518.html

Weekend Blog Hop

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Guest Post- Caregiving by Kristin Palardy

 Today Kristin Palardy from Rescue Alert of California writes on caregiving. Caregiving Caregiving is something that millions of Americans struggle with every day, in addition to holding full-time jobs and maintaining their own homes and families. Unfortunately, the stress and extra burdens that caregivers take on will affect not only their moods and make them tired, but will negatively impact their health. The following five items are just some ways caregivers can ensure that they are taking care of themselves mentally and physically: Learn to “let it go”: Don’t let little things get to you- if your house isn’t always spotless, or your meals aren’t gourmet masterpieces, don’t let it get you down. You work hard and do your best, and that’s the best you can do. Obsessing over things that don’t end up perfect will only cause you unnecessary stress, and a high stress level can cause your health to quickly deteriorate. Know your loved one’s condition : R

Look What I Made!

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" You know the church dinner is tomorrow, right?", I asked the Husband. " Yes I was just thinking about that. Still wanna go?", he asked. " Yes. I need to get something to make." " Potato chips. That's what I always took and I'd say See what I made!" "Uh no."

Shifted Perspective ( Tails of Change #1) by J. Bridger

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Shifted Perspective by J. Bridger My rating: 3 of 5 stars ebook , 231 pages Published August 28th 2012 by J. Bridger  Synopsis:  High school senior Caleb Byrne lives an average life in a small North Carolina town. That is until unusual things start happening- like wakening up naked in his basement. He eventually realizes he turns into a cocker spaniel once a month. His aunt from California asks him to move in with her so she and her family can help him adjust. But once there he gets more than he bargained for- murder.  My review: A good paranornmal fantasy for young adults (and not so young adults) with a touch of mystery thrown in. Not too gory or violent, which I liked. I really liked the protagonist Caleb as well, I think the author nailed a teenager going through "changes" really well. I enjoyed reading it. I also liked the cover for the book. * I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. View all

Chicken Run

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A phone conversation between Me and Dad: Me: Hello. Dad: Where's your Mommy? Me: At work. Dad: Work? Where's she working? Me: Sugar Run. Dad: She's got the runs? Me: SUGAR. RUN. Dad: You need to learn how to talk plainer. Me: I said Sugar Run, you need to clean out your ears. Dad: Chicken Run? And I cleaned 'em out thank you. Suuuure he did.

Justin Beaver

Last night I watched Rudolph. That's a classic, I wasn't watching that other stuff with that singing. They had that Justin Beaver-that geeky dweeby looking thing with the baggy pants. Looked like he'd sh*t in 'em, like they were spring loaded. -Dad

Roost (Uncertain Ground Series) by Jasmine Winterson

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Synopsis from Amazon.com: Four urban refugees move west, haunted by echoes of a tangled conspiracy. Colorado’s Western Slope and the fertile beauty of the Grand Valley beckon with the promise of new beginnings. As the women seek to find their place in this seeming paradise, partnership with gutsy local Anna Garcia opens their eyes to an unsettled region torn by natural resource and labor wars. For the men, a mountain biking trip with Olympian Derek Draben transforms their plans into a much broader vision of glory. Time passes … relationships grow … until a chance meeting in the desert reminds everyone that the past lives on ... and does not forget. My review: I've never been to Colorado-sadly I've never even been west of Kentucky. But because of the author's descriptions I felt like I was there experiencing the natural beauty of Grand Valley. She had interesting, well fleshed out characters and a plot that wasn't as simple as it seemed. You think the fo

A Review of The Living Room by Bill Rolfe

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Daniel Clays seems to have it all- a good job as an investment banker, good looks,  and plenty of money. But one thing is missing and that is love. But when a relative leaves him a house he embarks on a a journey that could change his life. A great job, good looks, and plenty of money. You'd think that would be enough, but for Daniel it isn't. He feels empty. In an easy to read style Bill Rolfe has crafted a moving testament on finding love. I found it to be an inspiring read. Rating: 3 stars * I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a review.

A Review of Bohemia by Veronika Carnaby

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Bohemia by Veronika Carnaby My rating: 3 of 5 stars Synopsis: In 1960 a group of young friends set out on a journey to find creative fulfillment.But they choose to do it on their own terms, not on the terms of mainstream society.  I was excited to read this book because I always had an interest in the Beat Generation.  At first I had some trouble following the book but I think I was just having one of my slow days. Which happen often.Once my brain caught up I found myself drawn in by the language of the characters. I also felt at times that I was a member of this group of young people trying to find fulfillment while not sticking to the mainstream. Even though I left my 20s a while back. So after all this rambling what I'm basically saying is that I dug the book. View all my reviews I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Book Review Blogs .

Larry's Whiz

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I took my Dad and husband to have blood drawn. This is the enlightening conversation they had while on the way there: " If they want me to piss in a cup today I ain't gonna do it. That's embarrassing, they need to build a private bathroom for people who need to do that. And have paper bags to put it in. That's what I'll do, next time I'll bring me a paper bag and write Larry's whiz on it", Dad said. (No he does not pause to take breaths while speaking). "I totally agree.", said Dear Husband. "And if they ever want me to sh*t in a cup I'm gonna bring me a giant butter bowl and sh*t in that. I bet they'd like that. "Parkay, poopie! Parkay, Poopie!. I can't believe it's not poop!" "And if she hurts me while sticking me I'm gonna pinch her on the a**." Parkay, Poopie! Fun times.

Adudan by Dario Giardi

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Synopsis: Marcel a would be writer finds out from his dreams that he was once a guard named Railen to the Princess Adudan in the world of Atlas. They are lovers but have to separate because the Crystal of Atlas needs to be defended against the Draconians, an evil alien race. My review: Adudan by Dario Giardi My rating: 3 of 5 stars A fantasy/romance, this book has vivid details of the magical world of Atlas and a passionate romance between Railen and the woman he protects- Princess Adudan. It was different from the books I usually read but I found I got caught up in their world. View all my reviews *I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a review. Check out the book trailer:

Boy, Girl, Wise One by Anthony Coleman

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Boy, Girl, WIse One by Anthony Coleman My rating: 3 of 5 stars Synopsis: The scenario has adolescent boys and girls engaging The Wise One on difficulties that arise in their life. The Wise One gives advice on how to navigate the world in which teens live in. My review: A handy, simple to read guide for adolescents. It gives tips to young people on how to navigate problems that may arise in their lives. *I was given a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for a review. View all my reviews