For US readers:
Here’s a link to an online petition that Al Gore will take to Congress this spring. Please sign if you want to, it only takes a minute.
http://www.algore.com/cards.html
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If you could write like one fiction author, who would it be?
Submitted by Marilyn.
This is tough, but I think I’ll go with Jonathan Safran Foer. I love his style and originality.
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What are five things you’re good at?
Submitted by HapaLove.
1. Making enchaladas
2. Graphic Design
3. Keeping a poker face – during Uno
4. Finding books I want to read
5. Making lists
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I finished The Mysterious Benedict Society tonight. I was completely enchanted by it. It was fun to read a YA book with an interesting plot and fascinating and likable characters.
I hesitate to bring up this comparison, because I did not like the Series of Unfortunate Events books much, but The Mysterious Benedict Society is sort of in the same spirit, yet much more smartly executed. The plot is more interesting, the characters are actually lovable, and it ends before it gets annoying – and ends very satisfactory as well. I enjoyed the puzzles throughout the novel; the last one from Mr. Benedict to the reader was especially fun.
Now I’ve just begun The Double Bind. I trust Barnes and Nobles book recommendation series completely, and I’m interested to see what this one is like. Also, its ties to The Great Gatsby fascinate me, I’m interested to see how it fits in. I have a feeling I’m going to desperately want to re-read F. Scott’s best work after I finish this novel. It’s been a while.
Endnotes: Today I found out that MIT offers free online classes (not for credit, of course). No registration is required. This is absolutely the nerdy sort of thing that I adore. I haven’t had a chance to explore this much, but here is the link: http://ocw.mit.edu/index.html
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I was so excited to see The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart at Barnes and Noble today. The release date of this book has been just as mysterious as the title of the book. After seeing it at B&N I went to Strand and bought it for 50% – very awesome.
I’ve been hearing about this book for quite some time, it first showed up in the Publisher’s Weekly email newsletters months ago. Very happy to now have a copy in my hands. I’ll start it as soon as I finish The Memory Keeper’s Daughter.
Here’s the book description (fyi, this is a young adult book):
“ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES? Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) Only four children-Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they’ll find in the hidden labyrinth of the school’s underground tunnels is more than your average school supplies. First time children’s novelist Trenton Lee Stewart takes readers on an adventure that puts friends, family, and foe to the test. Are you up to the challenge?”
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This book caught my eye repeatedly, and I got it after the holidays (Someone bought me a book I already have, so I exchanged it for this).
Just a little way in so far, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a very interesting story, and it’s very well written. Everyone I know who has read it really loved it.
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I love this beautiful bird design. You can find a template on Flickr to print out and design your own. How fun!
I printed it out and traced it on to some beautiful craft paper I had, and cut it out. It looked beautiful even with one print.
Here’s where you can find the template: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flammableskirt/237136059/in/set-72157594350267258/
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As a Apple loyalist, I found this article from The Onion quite excellent:
Microsoft released its new operating system, Vista, on Jan. 30. Here are some of its features:
Microsoft Word’s helpful paper-clip icon now blinks at rate of normal humans
Enhanced graphics on “System Is Not Responding” pop-up window
Five new card-back designs for Solitaire
Something that Apple would never, ever dream up in a billion years
4,391 security flaws to be patched over next 15 years
Promise of broad, open-minded future or some bullshit
Lists blocked wireless connections with greater speed and accuracy
New operating system, same old Microsoft Paint
link: http://www.theonion.com/content/infograph/microsoft_vista_released
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What are your Superbowl plans? What’s your prediction and why?
Submitted by danatmedog.
I’m “watching” the superbowl with Ryan – glancing up at it between reading and playing on my computer.
I hope the Colts win – because I hate Chicago and love Dave Letterman.
Except for Michigan teams like the Red Wings and Tigers, and MSU teams, all my sports affections come from entirely unrelated events and happenings. I like Seattle teams because I once visited Seattle and had a lovely time. Or things I like once I knew a snooty person who liked _________ team, so I now root for the team’s demise. It’s a complicated system of loyalties, but it works because at the end of the day, apathy wins overall.
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