Ape's 2011 Challenge (12-2)

Prequel
Thread #1 (Book 1)
Thread #2 (Book 2)
Thread #3 (Books 3-5)
Thread #4 (Books 6-10)
Thread #5 (Books 11-13)
Thread #6 (Books 14-15)
Thread #7 (Books 16-22)
Thread #8 (Books 23-25)
Thread #9 (Books 26-28)
Thread #10 (Books 28-32)
Thread #11 (Books 33-34)

Books Read: 37
Pages Read: 9,038

January:
1. Wave of Terror by Theodore Odrach
2. Southern Storm by Terri Blackstock
3. The Ten Thousand by Michael Curtis Ford
4. The Medical Detective by Sandra Hempel
5. Biohazard by Ken Alibek

February:
6. The Atlantic Sound by Cary Phillips
7. The Killers Within by Michael Shnayerson
8. The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
9. Book of Clouds by Chloe Aridjis
10. Victorian Painting by Julian Treuherz

March:
11. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
12. Zombie Haiku by Ryan Mecum
13. Vampire Haiku by Ryan Mecum
14. Gods and Legions by Micahel Curtis Ford
15. Day by Day Armageddon by J. L. Bourne

April
16. Never Suck a Dead Man's Hand by Dana Kollmann
17. Terror on Troll Mountain by M.D. Spenser
18. Plague by Edward Marriott
19. Where the Sky Ends by M. G. Stephens
20. What I Was by Meg Rosoff
21. I Am Zoe Handke by Eric Larsen
22. Leonardo da Vinci (DK Art Book)
23. The End of the Alphabet by C. S. Richardson

May
24. The Bounty by Caroline Alexander
25. Muse of Fire by Dan Simmons
26. Peace by Richard Bausch
27. Prisons of Light by Kitty Ferguson
28. Van Gogh (DK Art Book)
29. Riddled with Life by Marlene Zuk
30. The Wild Trees by Richard Preston
31. The Pearl by John Steinbeck
32. Rembrandt (DK Art Book)

June
33. The Sword of Hannibal by Terry McCarthy
34. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
35. Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs by Adrienne Mayor
36. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
37. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

I couldn't use my last thread because there were too many pictures. So, here's a new one!

Uh, OK. Didn't you just start another new thread?

#2: Ah, I new there must be an explanation. We were cross-posting and I missed it :)

Hi Stasia! Yeah, I just couldn't load all those pictures at once. Maybe there should be a first car discussion thread though, both times I've seen the conversation pop up there were tons of pictures. A lot like that 'post pictures of your library' thread...

I see you Kath! You can't sneak past me! :)

#5: Yeah, but if we did a 'first car' thread, you would not be able to load all the pictures there either.

I know, I probably wouldn't be able to use it, but I still think it's a fun idea. The library thread was interesting while I could load it too. :)

It is a fun idea!

You know, I was afraid that would be a problem...

Hi, sir!

Stasia: Definitely. As I said on the last thread, first car discussions are always interesting, and lots of people seem to jump in on them. :)

Hi Luxx! :)

Oops! *futurely tries to remember Stephen has a slow connection*

>11 katelisim: Yes, Katie, we must all try to remember that Stephen's computer is powered by a 1/2-horsepower outboard engine, and is only suited to sending smoke signals, carrier pigeons, or harnessed hamsters to the nearest *actual* computer with an *actual* Internet connection for some kind stranger to type his messages in for him.

Katie: Yes, indeed. *Weeps*

Richard: Hey, that's not true! My computer is fine, it's only my internet connection that's crap! :(

Oh no! Another car photo!

Oops, no. Just another pesky vibrator on the loose.

Sara: ROFL. You realize anyone who doesn't read your thread is just going to think you are some weirdo posting vibrators on random people's threads, right? :P

>14 saraslibrary:...creepin' jesus, that's cute!

Just stopping by for a look-see

;-P

LOL...good one, Sara

Cute!? Hmmmm...

I don't know, I think I feel more sorry for the vibrator. Vaginas are way more intimidating than stomachs, and not satisfying a vagina probably has much more severe repercussions than not satisfying a stomach. Poor vibrator.

Pffft! No wonder my office firewall blocks so many LT pics!

35. Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs by Adrienne Mayor



Pages: 293
Rating: 3/5

Nonfiction: History, Mythology, Biological/Chemical Warfare

Biological and chemical weapons are terrifying. If their ability to wreak havoc on the battlefield isn't bad enough, the sheer panic and chaos they create is enough to devastate any army. They are truly a testament to the strength and versatility of modern science, right? Wrong. There is nothing modern about biological and chemical weapons!

Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs shows us that 'biochemical' weapons have been a horror for thousands of years. Whether it's the ever-popular poisoning of wells and arrows with toxic plants and animal venom or pouring molten mixtures of sticky chemical fires on your enemy's heads, humans have been using biology and chemistry on the battlefield for some time.

The book was certainly enlightening at times. In the beginning I had issues with it because the author insisted on naming Greek legends as the originators of these types of weapons. She names Hercules the first person to poison arrows, and while I agree that these myths can be looked at as proof that such weapons were used in real life, she frequently refers to them as if they actually happened. There are also some more questionable 'real' stories, such as Archimedes' Mirror, to cast further doubt of the book's validity for me as I read the book.

The book is also a bit repetitive. If I have to hear about Hercules and his hydra-venom arrows or Philoctetes and his damn foot again anytime in the near future, I think I'll set fire to my own head with naphtha. While each individual chapter is interesting, they are all littered with repetitious commentary that becomes tiresome after awhile.

Still, despite my grumblings, I found enough intriguing stories and anecdotes to encourage me to keep reading. There is definitely a good book here, you just have to dig a little to find it. It's probably not one that I would recommend very highly, but it is certainly an interesting read.

Dunno, Stephen...i've never been fond of vibrators........bananas are another story....and that little dude up there looks seriously pissed!

Good review...and a thumb from me....a thumb for the review...get your mind out of the gutter....

;-P

Mythology cannot be Nonfiction, can it?
On a similar note, there are books quoting Hindu mythology and claiming they were the originators of WMD :P

Thanks for the thumb, Jude! ;)

(Now how has their mind in the gutter?)

Piyush: Oh yes, mythology is certainly nonfiction. When you read books about mythology, you are learning about the religious beliefs and cultures of an ancient people. Not sure if this makes sense, but when you read a book about greek mythology, it's not that you are reading the stories, but that you are reading ABOUT the stories.

Plus, books on Christianity are found in the nonfiction section, and if THAT mythology is nonfiction, then greek mythology is too. :P

Technically only the first chapter of Greek Fire is about mythology, the rest is taken from accounts of the historians of the time and their observations of biological and chemical weapons in use.

LOL I have to come back and read the rest of your thread. Just sitting here and laughing because I was thinking back on your old thread, Stephen's computer is SOOOO going to crash because of all these pictures. :)

Great review, darling.

Oh...and congratulations on the car

.......now, maybe you can come and visit...i'm not that far away...

;-/

Valerie: Haha, yeah...I'm glad the vibrator didn't cause my computer to crash. That one would be fun to explain. "So, what were you doing when your computer crashed?" Oh, ummm...well, it was nothing really...I mean, there was a vibrator...and a banana...oh, NEVERMIND!!

Thank you, Luxx. ^_^

Jude: It's not out of the realm of possibility that I could attend an LT gatherings and whatnot now... ...assuming I can overcome the social anxiety and stuff. o.o

#15: But I AM some weirdo posting vibrators on random people's threads. :D Doesn't matter if they read my thread or not.

Now on to the next unsuspecting thread.... >:) Bwa ha!

#16-17: Thanks, you two. :) Glad I didn't offend everyone.

#18: Yeah, I kind of have to agree with you there. You can put pretty much anything in a stomach, but vaginas are very, very picky. Sometimes mine won't speak to me for days on end. :( Very fickle things--vaginas.

#19: :D Same with my work computers. Sucks, doesn't it? Why would they want to censor such a simple little book site? (halo falls off head)

#20: Oh, yeah. Count on Stephen to read a real pick-me-up-story. :P Honestly, it does look very interesting, but I doubt I'll ever read it. My reading level doesn't go higher than The Adventures of Captain Underpants, remember?

#21: lol @ a thumb from me

#23: (mumbles) Who put religion in nonfiction? It wasn't me, that's for sure. Should be in fiction or with all the other 398's and mythology stories. (grumble, grumble)

#28: Hey, I'd totally go on an LT outing with you, granted I got to stay holed up in a hotel or something with binoculars and an internet connection. :)

Damn picky vaginas! I bet the whole world would be a happier place if vaginas were just a little less picky. Hmph! :P

#20: Oh, yeah. Count on Stephen to read a real pick-me-up-story.

Haha, yeah well, what can I say, I can be a real pessimist sometimes. I need to read more from the 398-ish area. I stumbled upon the shelves one day and saw all the cool mythology books and thought "WOW! I want to read all these!" I checked out 1, it was horrible, and unfortunately never returned...even though all the other ones look really good still...

Sara: Now THAT sounds like an LT meet-up. We'll all check into the same hotel, go to our separate rooms, and talk on LT. *Cackles* Yep, count me in! :P

If you all go to a hotel and don't talk to each other, I will play ding-dong-ditch on ALL of your doors until you socialize! So there!

#31: Well, either vaginas can become a little less picky or everyone can just learn to worship them. (shrugs) I like the latter option. :P

What? You don't like the 398's? I love that section of the 300s. Well, that and the 364 area with all the true crime stuff. Maybe you just need to keep digging. There's some really fun stuff in mythology.

See? I think it's the perfect LT social gathering, too. But now we have to find just the perfect hotel that would be willing to accommodate all us weirdos. Hmm. That'll be a toughie.

#32: Too bad; won't work on me; I wear my earplugs all the time. Can't make me socialize, so neener neener. :P

Can't decide what I can safely comment on so I think I'll just say HI!!!

I'm offended. Were insinuating we use pot here?

Couldn't we all go into a big conference-type room and sit in awkward silence whilst we communicate via LT laptop transmission? I like that image better :P

#36: That is my idea of an LT meet up, Kate!

Nora: Won't work! I rarely answer my door even at home... :P

Sara: Oh no, I meant that I want to try 398s, they look like things I would like, but the 1 book I read from the number wasn't good and I just haven't brought myself to go back. It was The Snow Lion's Turquoise Mane and it was quite dull. Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs was in the 380-ish area so I'm getting close...

I like the 500-600s...

Micky: Uh, you could have told me how good my far-too-large-to-bother-with-reading review was, obviously! :P

Katie: Haha, that's brilliant! A conference room at a library would be perfect.

Stasia: And why didn't you post it sooner...? :P

#38: I did - over on Mark's thread yesterday morning. . .

Oh...right... *Reads Mark's thread again* Oh! ...right... well, I agree! :P

I'm all for the conference get-together. As long as I get to stay home. ;)

Yeah! It'll be like those 'Staycations,' where you stay at home on vacation, only it'll be a stay-gathering. :P

Congratulations on the new-to-you new car, Steven!

I have one of those public library grunt jobs, Steven, and I love it. I bet you would love it, too.

If your library isn't hiring, maybe you'd consider volunteering for a few hours a week? It's a good way to get your foot in the door, to learn how the library runs, and to make contacts.

Best of luck to you!

Karen O.

Thanks Karen! Unfortunately they haven't responded, so it looks like I'll have to go in and ask. I've also found the phone numbers and email addresses of all the libraries in my surrounding area, I had no idea there were so many libraries around here! Regardless of what happens I might wind up with 1 or 2 extra library cards after all this. I also found a used book store in a town about 25 minutes away...this might wind up worse for my wallet instead of better. D'oh...

#42: I had one of those last week. Never want to repeat it again. :/

Oh, wait, I'm ignoring you. Forget I just said that!

Yes, Stephen, your review is very good and I will never read that book. Now that I've stroked your ego (heh)...

Getting jobs in libraries can be a bit of a tough market (says the recent MLIS graduate) but I wish you much luck. I think a bookstore is always a good fallback plan.

Sara: What? Huh? Ignore me? You're ignoring me? Impossible! How can anyone ignore me when I post pictures like this:



Micky: Yeah, I'm really hoping for a library job but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. It doesn't help much when I don't have an MLS/MLIS...so it'll be even harder just finding a grunt position. It would be wonderful though...

47 messages already! *faints*

great pic there, Stephen. ;-)

Just got back from Columbus,OH. Congrats on your new car.

#46: Agreed. That's why one of my coworkers plans on killing all reference librarians in the county so he'll have first dibs on the first opening. Just a little bit of advice there. ;)

#47:

I saw this and immediately thought of you, Stephen: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/10913

I wonder why?

Ilana: Haha, wow, that is going a bit quick, isn't it? ...

Cindy: You were in Columbus!? Seems a lot of LT ladies are around here lately...

Sara:

Stasia: I can't imagine why! :P Too bad I can't watch the video, I'm sure it's...ummm, interesting. :)

You cannot watch the video? That was the best part! lol

No, I have dial-up interent. :(

Well, darn it.

It *was* pretty funny.

Stasia: Yep, that's pretty much the way I feel about it.

Richard: -.-

36. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck



Pages: 181
Rating: 4/5

Fiction: Classic

Mack and the boys are a simple group of fellows, living as bums and barely scraping together a living and subsisting on theft and trickery. Doc is the local scientist and operator of the Pacific Biological Laboratories, where he is supposed to be spending all his time studying animals but is prone to being interrupted by the locals to examine their health. Lee Chong is the owner of local grocer, where everyone's credit is good to a limit. Dora Flood runs the local whorehouse, and is highly respected for the good deeds she does for the community...

Well, you may have noticed I've already written this amount of text and haven't said a single thing about the story. Yes, precisely! You see, Cannery Row is about characters, whether it's the people, the places, the wildlife. Even the events that take place in the novel seem to have lives of their own. The Palace Flophouse, the frog hunting mission, and Doc's parties have just as much personality as Lee Chong, Mack, or Hazel, and every last detail that can be found in the book feels like a living, breathing thing, interacting and subtly influencing everything around it. I think the entire book is characterized by an ethereal sense of symbiosis, of life or sentience or a general aura of being

At some point or another a plot does develop, sort of. Mack and the boys want to throw Doc a party to show their appreciation for him but, being bums, they have no money. It's not important...or, rather, it's less important than other things. Cannery Row is more of an experience. On that, I think, will imbed itself in my mind like one of those random and seemingly unimportant memories that are so removed from anything important enough to give me reason to remember it as to make it striking that it hangs around in my head anyway. That's what Cannery Row is.

I'm afraid little will convince me to give Steinbeck another try, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks Luxx. It's too bad, I'm really liking the Steinbeck novels I've been reading. Unfortunately my library doesn't have Sweet Thursday. :(

Well, they have an old audio cassette version...but who the hell has a cassette player? o.O

>60 Ape:
*cough* my car does :S Dang I loathe how low-tech my car is sometimes...

Aaand on that note I'll slip back into lurkdom

Oh, i loved Cannery Row and its companion Sweet Thursday...when i read them years ago. My favorite Steinbeck, by far, is East of Eden....

Hey, speaking of an LT Meet-up...I live pretty near to Stephen...maybe a little to the Southeast...I have a big old farmhouse...and a DSL connection...only thing is...visitors have to help with the cooking/cleaning business....other than that it's all cool beans!!

;-}

oh, here is me...and my first "car"



?????????

Rachel: My first car, which I just made the switch from, didn't even have a cassette player. Just a radio...and considering where I live, all I could get was country music...

Jude: Ha! Now that seems like a convenient first car. :P I believe you live a little to the northeast of me, actually. More like WAY east and a smidge north. Wikipedia has very convenient little maps when you search for little towns that show you where they are:

PERFECT! Curmudgeoness Jude hosts LT meetup for phobic Stephen and the garrulous 75ers! I'll make baked chicken a la me, and pineapple upside-down cake only with pears. Also bacon/chicken pasta salad with peas, onions, and cucumber ranch dressing.

Who's bringing the gin?

Gin is on me.. and limes.

Jude, your dot looks fairly close to me

Jude, you got mint in your garden? I'm sensing juleps.

She does, I think.. if not, I do :)

Hope you all have fun. I'll be running way in a westerly direction.

Where terri will scoop you up

Stephen..you are correct sir...i was thinking of my girlfriend Angie..in Zanesville...forgive me? You live closer to Athens...

I do have fresh mint...if anyone wants to troll through the Poison Ivy to reach it...

Yes, Kath lives pretty close...if Pittsburgh is "close"

As if Richard would venture forth into Homophobic Alley!!.....but, you are always welcome in my house, Sweetie

Hell, all of you are welcome here....until i run out of sleeping space (work around the bookshelves)

;-}

I've got dibs on the tub.

#68: Oh no you don't. I'm in the westerly direction, and this here is all MINE. :P

but I don't live in Pittsburgh.. I am northwest of there.. so .. close :)

Kath...you are "close"er to Pittsburgh..than me, right?

I figure Stephen is digging himself an escape hole, by now

he has a car...and some women who live in relatively close proximity (hey, that almost rhymes!)

poor soul...

**the dreaded Jude**

Jude: Yes, I'm in that desolate place between Athens and Columbus. :)

Sara: Oh dear, I guess I'm not really safe no matter which way I go, huh? The only place safe is down! *Starts digging a new hole/cave*

Kath: Northwest of Pittsburgh? My, you and Jude ARE pretty close!

Jude: ROFL! We cross-posted, but you are exactly right about the escape hole. Haha... :)

That's okay, Stephen

i still love ya!

;-}

Nothing says love like an escape tunnel.

You are so wise, my man!!!

*Nods sagely*



Okay, that ape is officially freaky looking...hopefully so much so that it'll manage to change the topic. :P

Don't worry about it...

Nope. I say we all sit here and stare at the hairy ape.

Jude: Me? Not worry? Ha!

Sara: I think if you shut the door, turn all the lights off, and stare at the picture while whispering 'hairy ape' 3 times at the stroke of midnight, it'll come out of the computer monitor and try to dry hump you! Unfortunately there is no proof this is actually true, legend says no one has lived to tell the tale.

I don't know whether to laugh or run away screaming . . . so I'll do both--LOLAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

(And apparently I don't know how to type either. Fixed spelling. Kind of.)

(ponders the hairy ape some more)

I think it's working. I'm feeling a smidge smarter already.

#47 shock horror - does that look like what I think it looks like? I think it does! very funny pic

Sara: Oh dear, I just realized I made a horrible typo in that post about the hairy ape. I meant IT'LL come out of your computer screen! I swear that's what I meant... ...not I'll...

Megan: I know, I'm still trying to figure out if it's photoshopped. I don't ever remember he kneeling down for anything, so... ...it's funny regardless, though! :)

#87: Oh sure, sure. :P (eyes Stephen warily)

Photoshopped or not, it's a great one for the royal photo album. :) Why the little girl is covering her ears and not her eyes is even funnier!

I don't know, do you ever have your speakers one when you watch that stuff? I MEAN, do you ever have your speakers on when that stuff suddenly pops up for no reason? While the images are horrifying and traumatic, the sounds are even worse...

Why, no, Stephen. Whatever do you mean? (stares innocently @ Stephen)

:D j/k. Yeah, I do know what you mean, and it IS traumatic, especially if someone overhears it!

Okay I was supposed to come back and read on your earlier posts but now I come back and I am another 50 posts behind so I will just start here and say hello. :)

Whew! After going through slightly less than 50 messages:

Review of Steinbeck=good. Still unsure if I'll actually attempt reading him again...

You could always run north. Once you pass the border everyone will leave you alone. Mostly because the mosquitoes will be busy sucking the life out of you. :P

Umm, the creepy monkey scares me more than King Louis from the Jungle Book. And usually I find monkeys adorable.

Running westbound, eh?

*put up roadblock*

Sara: *Shudders* That is an understatement. Those sounds are nightmare-inducing!

Valerie: That's okay that you don't want to read all those messages...it means less embarrassment for me! :)

Micky: Thanks! And mosquitoes sucking the life out of me would definitely be preferable...

Tom: I'll just have to trade my car in for a monster truck...an inconspicuous monster truck...

Stephen me boy, looks like you're toast.. nowhere to run

The royal wedding pic ain't photoshopped, peeps - there was another ickle bridesmaid down there and Kate bobbed down to talk to her for a second. *chortles* Ooops.

Hello Mr Stephen! Good news on the new car, hooray! I actually just typed 'It's been a long time coming' but given that this is your thread I wasn't sure it'd be taken in innocence... :)

Poor shy and bashful Prince William, as if the peck on the lips didn't embarrass him enough already... :)

It's been a long time coming

Yeah! If only I could say that about myself for more than just my car... I MEAN I don't know what you're talking about, that was indeed a perfectly innocent place to put it...I mean way of putting it.

I just saw the royal wedding picture that you posted and of course where else would you find a picture like that except for Stephen's page. :)

Valerie: Hehe, that was one of those completely random google image results that has nothing to do with what you typed but you're glad it popped up anyway. :)

#94: You might get raped by a moose, though. (whispers so Micky can't hear) You know how those Canadians are! Sheesh. ;)

Oh dear...I'll never think of Bullwinkle the same again! Although it explains the odd name he has, I suppose...

Thanks for that! Just be careful. He runs with a bunch of hoodlums.



See? Nothing but trouble.

That is strangely disturbing...

Library trip tomorrow. For those counting, no, I didn't read my random book again *Shrug*

This time I'm not even going to bother with a random fiction. Here's my random nonfiction number though:

91

910-919 (Geography and Travel)

Hey Stephen, great review of Cannery Row. I love Steinbeck, even though I've only read maybe four of his novels at this point. My favourite of all so far is Grapes of Wrath, which I strongly recommend to you. I read Of Mice and Men a few times over the years, with the first time being in high school, and it's another favourite. The Pearl was a new discovery for me a couple of years ago and it just took my breath away. I remember loving East of Eden, but it's be a quarter century of more since I read it last, so will have to give it another go soon enough. In the meantime, I've got Cannery Row and The Red Pony, which is a collection of short stories awaiting on my tbr and I keep wanting to get to them then reading other stuff. Typical, right? ;-)

Good luck with that non-fiction selection.

I really want to read Grapes of Wrath. My library has (at least) 1 copy, so hopefully I'll get around to it soon. They also have a ton of other Steinbeck novels, so I won't run out of any of his books to read any time soon. :)

37. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells



Pages: 115
Rating: 3/5

Classic Science Fiction

The Time Traveler (for so it will be convenient to speak of him, because the author didn't give him a name) created a, you guessed it, time machine. With it he can, as you might imagine, travel through time, and what he finds in the distant future is rather shocking, of course! The upper classes have degenerated into thoughtless, mindless imbeciles incapable of complex thought, and the laboring classes have degenerated into brutish, nocturnal monsters that live underground and come out at night to hunt upper class.

I found The Time Machine a bit of a rough go at first. I found Wells' writing to be rather obnoxious, and I just couldn't find anything about the novel to make it worth reading. The characters were uninteresting, the language got on my nerves, and the lengthy descriptions of the time traveler's initial observation of the future and the tedious descriptions of the machine and traveling through time were simply painful.

Once the story moved into the future, however, it became a bit more interesting. The splitting and co-evolution of different groups of humans was an interesting and, at the time I assume, an original concept, and I did find it fascinating to read through the Time Traveler's adventure through a futuristic landscape.

The book, for me, was just okay. It felt like I was only reading it for the sheer novelty of reading a science fiction book from the late 1800's, not because it was some timeless piece of insight. I can see why so many would like that however, and at the end of the day it certainly isn't bad or anything. Read if it you feel like, or not. Whichever!

The Time Machine has been on my radar for a really long time. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it more Stephen. I don't know which way it'll go for me, and somehow, I'm not in a huge rush to find out.

The good thing is it's a fairly quick read. :)

For what it's worth, my library has The Island of Dr. Moreau and I still plan on reading it.

I read Moreau not that long ago. I liked, but it wasn't anything spectacular imho. But, maybe that's because I loved the movie when I was little (5, 6?) and the book was much slower than the movie, as they tend to be--especially older books. I seem to find that I have to be really in the mood to read Wells' stuff, because I felt the same for War of the Worlds. They're worth reading though.

I've been meaning to read The Time Machine as well but the recent reviews I've read of it haven't been too positive. The premise itself sounds interesting enough so I definitely want to give it a try one of these days but I'm thinking there is no real rush. :)
Is your next book going to be another classic since you are on such a roll!

I think the real problem with Moreau is that none of the characters are truly sympathetic; there's no one to connect with (at least I didn't find anyone to connect with), which can make it a bit of a wash. I enjoyed the novel as a subject for analysis as opposed to a novel for pleasure; the edition I used in the classroom had a fantastic introduction by Atwood which I found extremely useful and enlightening.

Time Machine is still on my radar as well.

Luxx, that's probably one of the reasons the beginning felt so slow. But you're right, I didn't read it for the characters, but rather for the classic scifi themes. It's a thinkin' book, not a emoting book. Oh, and I didn't read this for a class, which probably helped in the long run--that's probably the biggest issue I had with War for the Worlds. That whole rebellious thing. I swear I'm getting slightly better at reading the required things.

#108: Meh. I'm not into classics or sci fi, so I think I'll skip that one. But I liked your review, so I thumbed ya. Hee hee, that always sounds so perverted.

#112: Stephen? And romances? Oh ho! I double dare ya, Stephen. I'll even pay for it, if necessary. (Ew. That didn't quite sound right.)

Stephen, if you didn't like The Time Machine, I very much doubt you would like The Island of Dr. Moreau much either.

Katie: I want to read The War of the Worlds but my library doesn't have a copy. :(

Valerie: I'm not sure if my next book will be a classic, I have to run in to the library later this morning and see what I find. I ~might~ get The Island of Dr. Moreau and I ~might~ get another Steinbeck novel, so it's possible, but I dunno.

Luxx: Atwood! Grrr, I keep saying I really want to read one of her books but I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm really going to do that sometime soon...I hope...

Katie: Booo required reading, I shudder at the thought.

Sara: Ahhh, nothing like waking up to a thumb bright and early in the morning. (Stop looking at me that way, that's not what I meant!)

Piyush: Well, 3 stars is still a good rating for me. I didn't necessarily not like The Time Machine, but I didn't love it either, y'know?

I think I really need to like the characters to like a book.
The story is important, a well done ending is vital..
but the characters .. important to me .

I LOVE H.G. Wells! The Invisible Man is a good one, too.

How on earth does your library not have The War of the Worlds?? If you want to PM me your address I will send you my copy.

Are you going to the library in your new car?? What fun! :)

MY NONFICTION PICK: The Terrible Hours by Peter Maas (910.916 Ma)

Kath: Pffft, who needs stories? Books with stories are just good books with lots of extra, needless fluff.

(Ok, I didn't meant that.)

Nora: Ask Kath about my address... ...

Valerie: Haha, yes actually! Although I've driven it before when I borrowed it. My mom even left half a tank of gas. Woohoo for that. :P

Yeah, Noa.. I have been trying for months. He won't give it to me.
I wanted to send him a battered old copy of The Sparrow, which he NEEDS to read.
He is VERY annoying. PIA even.

Invisible Man is much higher on my TBR list. I have it in a collection of classic Gothic novels, and I keep meaning to get to it...

>123 mckait: I can understand where he's coming from. I HATE it when people who like me try to send me free books they think I'll enjoy. OH WAIT NO I DON'T.

Kath: My library is going to purchase a copy any day now, just you wait and see...

Luxx: My library doesn't have that one, I don't think. :(

Nora: Errr, well...I have extreme social anxiety issues that I've described at length in previous years on LT, and they basically inhibit me from doing anything remotely social.

I should have favorited the messages so I could just refer back to them whenever someone new joins my thread. Maybe I'll try to hunt it down sometime.

I won't write you a note to go with it, just an envelope with a book inside. But to each their own.

That's okay, Nora, it's a popular book, can't imagine I won't come across it sooner or later...

I think I found the posts. Starting at post 25 and extending down to about post 50 or so.

Social anxiety...I can so relate to that. Coming up on the most anxiety-provoking time of year for me...Planning my son's birthday party. This year I am preparing myself for 20 12-year-olds, and meeting-greeting the parents. This invariably leads to a sort of paralysis in preparing for the party. Somehow I always get through it, but only through strong application of parental guilt, an emotion even stronger than the social anxiety I guess.

I completely understand social anxiety.
But it is illegal to put a note in with media mail..
and I promise the book will not talk to you, not even a little.

Bahaha, this conversation comes up so frequently on this site. Yes, I'm an introvert. . . . but I swear I'm getting better, lol. I can now fully handle myself in more structured/formal situations. And a majority of my friends are *extreme* extroverts (example, walking 4 blocks with one friend took 40 minutes because we kept running into his friends, le sigh, at least I had met a couple of them before). They have to talk to everyone. So, little by little, I am not as bothered by random small talk. By comparison, I'm still pretty much silent, but I don't feel as awkward about it. Though, I still have some issues with large groups, even if I'm comfortable with everyone in it. But a couple cocktails help with that ;P

Jeanne: I can imagine! I walk around as a perpetual deer-in-the-headlights. I mean, literally, my brain just doesn't work in public. People talk to me or ask me things, and I'm just happy if I can get my voice to work. I just nod and shake my head, I'm content if they think I'm creepy and awkward so long as I don't actually have to speak. =/

Kath: Sorry, I prefer books that speak to me. If it doesn't have anything to say, then why read it!? :P

Katie: I'm being forced to talk to people right now. I've had 3 people stop here in 2 days asking about my car. I'm definitely doing better between the first and the third! And it's good to start getting used to it again in preparation for the *shudders* job interviews I'll be doing soon. *Feels faint*

Wow... how did I get sooooo far behind?!

Good luck with the job interviews. When do they start, Stefano? Don't forget, just look at your interviewers as fellow LT vampire/zombie allies and you'll come up aces. Just try not to shove a wooden stake through their heart.

Ugh, I know, job interviews suck. But at least they're structured and can guess at what they'll want to know. Luckily, my school has some preparation stuff, like mock interviews and a nifty handout that includes frequently asked questions. I can link the pdf to you if you want.

Caro: I've been sending emails out to every library/bookstore within driving distance. Unfortunately, I've had no luck, so no specific date. Regardless, job interviews are in my near future. *cringe*

Katie: Sure, it can't hurt to read it!

School libraries too?

122: Talking about anxiety, it looks like The Terrible Hours (your random non-fiction read) is about people trapped in a submarine under the ocean. Whoa, that would be unimaginably claustrophia-inducing! (Did you see how many big words I used right in a row??) It looks like a great read!

Karen O.

Here's the handout. The pdf is 10 pages, so it might take you a few to load it.

Caro: Ohhh, no, I didn't try school libraries. Do you think there is any chance a 23 your old guy is going to get hired to work in a building full of 16 year old girls though? ...probably not. *Rolls eyes and grumbles* -.-

Karen: I have zero problems with claustrophobia. In fact, I have the exact opposite...I get really comfortable in small, confined spaces. I remember once stuffing myself under my bed (it had a wodden, box-like frame) during hide-and-seek or something like that and falling asleep because I was so comfortable.

lol at the under bed sleeping. I was really sad when I got my new bed and the frame was so low to the ground that I couldn't crawl under it, still a little sad about that. The cat likes to taunt me with her ability to slink under there and not be reached *pout

Katie: Haha, yeah, if I manage to get myself wedged in somewhere I have to stave off sleep. Never ask me to go under your house or work under your car, I might be a few hours and not get any work done. :P

Thanks for the link, by the way. It loaded quite fast, since it was all text, and I'm finding some of it very useful. I've read lots of 'how to not look like an idiot during a job interview' guides but they've always been rather generic. This is much more helpful.

I have a nice high bed that can easily accommodate a person, but I use it to accommodate the toddler bed I have stored under there instead.

No social anxiety here, although I usually come away from work parties (his, not mine) feeling like I looked pretty silly, but that's because I'm overly age-conscious, and for a long time I was the 18/19-year-old in a room full of middle-aged computer professionals. It's better now that I have a profession of my own - and children to supply common ground with even the most opposite of work wives.

I loathe idle chitchat and forced socializing, like with my overly chatty neighbors. They're perfectly nice person, but I really have no desire to have 10+ minute conversations each time I walk in and out of my house. And HOLY GOODNESS DO NOT GO ON YOUR DECK TO SEE IF I'M IN MY LIVING ROOM. THIS IS NOT A COMMUNE AND YOU ARE NOT PRIVY TO MY PRIVATE LIFE. Yes, I've been having that problem lately. Damn townhouses.

Idle chitchat is the worst! I loathe a talkative barber that insists on talking to me while he's cutting my hair.

You're welcome! :D

I work at Papa Murphy's. . . so when I'm on cashier/pizza making duty, holy hell do the customers think you're supposed to be an unlimited chatter box, regardless if there's a long line behind them. And if you aren't, then they call and complain that you're grumpy and rude, over exaggerating someone's quiet nature. *eye roll

144 - I escape that by seeing my cousin, who is a stylist. ;) Even better is when she'll just come over to our house for haircuts...

I talk all day long for work, and I have no problem chatting casually with students. There's just something about neighbors/strangers that makes it exponentially more uncomfortable. Perhaps it's because I've already talked for hours straight by the time I return home?...

At that point the only conversations I'm willing to have are those that involve dinosaurs and requests for music for dancing.

Do you think there is any chance a 23 your old guy is going to get hired to work in a building full of 16 year old girls though? ...probably not. *Rolls eyes and grumbles* -.-

Actually, Stephen, being male might be a real plus for you in your search to work in a library. Libraries are really working to pull in young men/boys, and having a role model of the same gender can be a selling point.

Best wishes!

Karen O.

I have a far easier time talking to random strangers in
the grocery store, than to people I am supposed to be
"socializing" with. I am so with >145 katelisim:. Some people have quiet natures,
and just do not want to talk.

I'm pretty shy, but I deal with it by smiling a lot, and greeting everyone with a big "Hi, there..." Eye contact is very important, too.

Karen O.

While I don't have issues talking with strangers, I LOATHE small talk. I still shudder at the memory of last October when I went to the bank to pay my credit card bill and the line was long and the woman in front of me would not stop talking. I'm still unsure as to whether she was trying to set me up with her son or just very, very chatty. *le sigh*

Stephen, I've somehow missed most of this thread. Sorry! Will just say hello and mosey along...

Anxiety bewilders and exhausts me.

Katie: I hate it when quietness is mistaken for rudeness. =/

Luxx: Yes, indeed, all this applies almost entirely to strangers alone. Once I know a person, you can't shut me up!

Karen: I thought about that. You definitely don't see a lot of young men working in libraries, so that could definitely work for me here.

Kath: Nope, you got it all backwards, obviously. :P

Karen: Smiling isn't really an option for me, I have really crooked/gapped teeth and I'm very uncomfortable/self-conscious about it.

So, I'm forced to walk around with an unintentional menacing glare... and then I try to talk and emit weird noises as I awkwardly try to figure out what to say. Ick! You can see why I like to spend my time alone, regardless of how lonely it can sometimes be.

Laura: Glad you are here now! :)

Richard: Ah, well then, you have a taste of what anxiety is like, perhaps.

Ew!

I forgot, Richard, you already know what anxiety is like.

>155 Ape: That picture reminds me that what is worse than a chatty barber is a chatty dentist. Why do they ask you all these questions when your mouth is gaping wide open and drool is dripping down the side...why???

#156: Because they're sadists, pure and simple. ;)

Wish I could say something useful about the whole social anxiety thing--like it lessens with age or something--but I have nothing. :(

And don't give up applying at libraries, Stephen, if it's something you're really into. It took me years to get in (no related college degree; just had to pass the test, like the USPS). And guys do get hired in libraries, believe it or not (though our branch only has 2). Usually, they're in the delivery, maintenance, computer etc departments, so jobs are still kind of sexist that way.

No, Stephen, it's not anxiety I feel about the dentist, it's phobia...irrational terror with crippling physical symptoms. Like screaming loudly and running. I have actually done this, not just wanted to!

I like The Terrible Hours, Stephen, so I will be anxiously awaiting your review.

I so understand completely, Richard. When I actually manage to get there, they know in advance. Anti-anxiety drugs before and during, and gas, and anesthetic. Takes a lot of planning and someone to cart me around.

Valerie: Sara is right, they are sadists. Mine hummed a tune while she was yanking out my tooth. It was extremely creepy.

Sara: If that's the case, my library must be extra-sexist. Not only are all the librarians female, but the library director is (of course) a man. D'oh!!

I don't plan on giving up, but I'm running out of libraries. There aren't many around here, in small town Ohio...

Richard: Yep, irrational terror with crippling physical symptoms, that's it alright. Imagine that same feeling applied to every time you have to meet or talk to someone. You know it's irrational, but you're terrified anyway.

Stasia: I'll be starting it later today! :)

Jeanne: Isn't it odd, despite all this I have no fears when it comes to dentist. My biggest issue is setting up an appointment/talking to the receptionist. Oh, the horror. If I could do all that online and then walk through the door and straight to the chair, I'd be perfectly okay with it.

Our closest library has two male librarians and three female, and they've been the same five employees for as long as I can remember...

My library had 2 ladies that had been there since I was a little boy, until last year, then they both disappeared.

163> uh oh.. so it's true.. Make sure you retire from your library job before you get to age....
how old were they?

Not old at all! Mid-to-late 40's maybe? Although all the girls I see in there now seem to be in their 20's... *shrug*

You should work at the library near my house. You would be, by far, the least crazy person there.

Sounds wonderful, I love a nice group of crazy people. :)

*Looks around at everyone nervously* Heh heh...not that you're all crazy or anything... :)

I've tried volunteering for that library multiple times but the people there are too crazy for me. And I like crazy.

For example, the head of the Friends of the Library quit on day 2 of the 4-day annual book sale. She quit in an e-mail that she sent out at 4am, which basically said that she was quitting because people wouldn't do exactly what she wanted when she wanted it.

http://shirt.woot.com/

Our cows have been on the loose within our property since a neighbor's steer ran through the electric fence in numerous spots. Months ago. Yesterday after they stripped all the leaves off a lemon tree, I found a phone number and dialed a fencing guy before I could even think about it. Then he came to the house. And he'll be back again today. If I don't let the anxiety build up, I can do it, and it's never as bad as I think it's going to be.

Nora: Ah, okay. Crazy is fun but not angry/aggressive. :(

Kath: $10 for a shirt!? Outrageous, I'll pay $6 max. It does have a cool picture though! :D

Jeanne: Ick! I think I probably would have tried to fix the fence myself, even without having a clue what I was doing.

Oh, I tried. I did fairly well for about 4 months. Then our new puppy starting chasing them for fun and broke it down in too many places for me to deal with.

Jeanne: *Shakes Fist* That's all puppies are, trouble!

Ack, I can't seem to get interested in any of the books I've tried to read over the past couple days. I've started and stopped 2 books, one of them my randomized nonfiction pick. It just wasn't interesting, and I couldn't focus on it.

I think it probably has more to do with my current constant state of anxiety. A combination of job-hunt-jitters and having to deal with people asking about the car. I'm almost tempted to just sell to the first person who makes an offer, regardless of how low, just so I don't have to think about it. No no, that would be bad, but... *sigh*

I've started The Uncommon Reader just now and I'm really enjoying it. It's light and easy and short and it's just what I need.

Where the heck do you get shirts for $6?!?! The only place I can find that is Goodwill/Savers and sometimes during supersupersuper sales

Wal-Mart...just plain ol' t-shirts with nothing on them. :)

You could both probably find $6 shirts at Old Navy...

Haha, yeah, I forget about Old Navy. Most of their stuff is just too dang preppy. But I will get their tanks and sometimes pants. And the only dress I own is from there.

And the only dress I own is from there.

Funny...me too!

XD

Stephen, I've just messaged Sara about this - I just started watching 28 Days Later and it's freaking the crap out of me! Seriously, don't know if I'll be able to sleep comfortably tonight. Usually, movies that are supposed to be scary don't scare me, but this one is different. Yikes! I don't know if I can keep on watching!!!

Keep watching Laura! It's a wonderful movie. If you don't finish it tonight, at least when it's daylight time, many hours away from the sleeping time

Thanks, Kate. I'm at the part where the Dad just got killed and now Christopher Eccleston and the military guys have invited them in to that giant country house. It's a little less scary now, but I know it's going to get freaky-deaky again sooner than later. I'll keep on watching for now, but may have to resort to a DVD of The Golden Girls so I can get to sleep tonight!

BOOO! @ Laura. So, how was it? :) Do you hate us all now for making you watch it?

You're welcome *deep bow
I do my part to spread the ooky-spooky zombie fun :D

Richard: LOLOLOLOL Is it a sundress or something classier?

Kate: Why can't a sundress be classy?

I've bought cheapie Wal-Mart clothes in the past, but find they don't last. Cheapie Target clothes seem to be a bit better, though I may be biased by my general preference for Target over WM. I've shopped at both (though Target still gets my a lot of my household non-clothes purchases and WM very rarely gets my purchases, partly because here are none near me and partly because I support local businesses here). I shop at Old Navy some, but the cheap prices do make me wonder if third-world citizens are producing my clothes under slave conditions.

Of course, even when I buy a shirt for $50 at Banana Republic, it could be produced by a third-world-citizen at under slave conditions. That's an issue I face in today's world. How do I ensure my purchases are supporting employing people at non-poverty levels. I can presume that the more expensive BR shirt gives better odds then the cheaper ON shirt (BR and ON are part of the same company - Gap, Inc) but is it really?

The world today is complicated.

And I understand the difference between nerves and anxiety. I am nervous when the dentist needs to drill, and sometimes I might be tempted to term that anxiousness as anxiety.

But it isn't anxiety. Not in the true psychological sense. I've dealt with an anxiety disorder for 15+ years. It's quite under control now, but for many years it made me unable to live my life. I did not leave my home often and, when I did, it only exacerbated the anxiety issues. And, frankly, I'm a logical person. Very logical. I could easily explain to you why most of my anxiety issues were illogical, yet that did not overcome the power of those anxieties.

It's not easy for many folks to relate to these issues. It may be impossible, in fact. This does not make these folks bad or heartless, it just means they don't have a reference point -- these issues are foreign and unique to them. If not for my anxiety issues, I'm *certain* that I would understand other people's issues in this area. It takes one to know one, in sort.

>187 ty1997:: It is so true that problematic anxiety does not respond to logic.

188> I think that's the crux of the problem for those without anxiety issues. It is not that they do not sympathize, it is simply that anxiety of the mental state is completely foreign to them. It is a nasty beast.

I do not mean to define anxiety as an insurmountable beast. Depending on form, environment, and self-identity, it may be passable. And with the help of a therapist (at the time: foreigner who wanted to know my innermost secrets. in hindsight: and angel who made me who I am today) even more so. I do NOT want to position mental hurdles as a permanent imposition. But they can quite be a temporary Great Wall of China for the sufferer, with no judgement to be passed.

176, Luxx: I don't think we have an Old Navy. We have Wal-Mart and...ummm.... well, just Wal-Mart...

177, Katie: I used to feel similarly, but nowadays all I wear is jeans and plain t-shirts, because it costs more to have pictures. :P

178, Richard: Clearly I am not comfortable enough with my masculinity to own a dress. At least, I know that's what certain men say about wearing pink, so I assume it applies to dresses too.

179-183: It's good! How did you like it Laura? You did finish it right? It's one of my favorites, for sure! Now everyone needs to go watch The 40-Year-Old-Virgin and 300. :P

Piyush: *Shrugs* I'm still trying to figure out why those silly tie things make a person look more professional.

for many years it made me unable to live my life. I did not leave my home often and, when I did, it only exacerbated the anxiety issues. And, frankly, I'm a logical person. Very logical. I could easily explain to you why most of my anxiety issues were illogical, yet that did not overcome the power of those anxieties.

That is EXACTLY how it is for me, word-for-word. I rarely leave my house unless I absolutely have to (Food, Books) and I really have no life to speak of. I have no friends and haven't uttered more than a few words at a time to anyone other than my mom/sister in, I think quite literally, years. Aside from these people asking about my car, that is.

I definitely live a life in extreme solitude due to the anxieties. It's turned me into quite the recluse, and my mounting inexperience with social interactions only worsens my ability to interact with people. I wish it weren't so, and I know it's all illogical, but...I just have no control over it.

It gets lonely sometimes, with no one to really talk to. No friends, no girlfriend, and a disconnectedness from my family...but, the loneliness is much more manageable than the anxiety, and I feel much more comfortable suffering in here than...out there. *Glances towards front door.*

http://www.americansworking.com/clothing.html

made in America clothing

Anxiety is what it is.. for each of us. We need to fight it the best we can....
* gives Ape a nudge toward the door*

185: eh, I guess they can, I was just more thinking evening wear-ish type things

Stephen, you have friends here. Have you tried instant messaging with people you know from here? It might be easier to flex those social muscles with people you have already posted back and forth with.

*nudge towards door*

Or an e-mail pal. That way you can take all the time you want to think about what you're going to say.

Stephen, how could you even ask such a question!!! It is a well known fact that wearing a tie shows, by the exhibition of the willingness for self-strangulation, an undying loyalty and extreme need for the job and hence the implied implication for professionalism!

Well, chatting online is far from the same thing. I'm much more capable of expressing myself, without anxiety, here on LT. That's not an issue at all. Emailing and instant messaging is no problem. I just can't interact with people in person. As I understand, this is becoming more and more of a problem as more kids of the 'internet generation' communicate with each other through chatting/texting/etc, but I've been shy and introverted all my life, so... *Shrug*

Piyush: Ah, well, there is that I suppose. I figure that might be balanced out by the evident tendency for self-destructive behavior and apparent disregard for one's physical appearance, which might imply the opposite! :)

Shoot, I don't go to Old Navy - 95% of my shopping is done online. It's where I shop for the boys, because Old Navy agrees that little boys belong in dinosaurs, skulls, and pink. Max rocks his pink polo.

I say at least you make an attempt to communicate in some way. I'm glad you're here, even if you'd hide from me in real life. ;)

Ohhh, Luxx, I'm sure I wouldn't hide from you! You are far too kind. It's mostly Richard and Kath I'm terrified of. :P

Um um um...errr... *Hugs Richard and Kath* Nice of you to drop by, I was ~just~ talking about how wonderful you two are. Heh heh heh... *Glances around nervously*

I'll smooth the way with little monsters who will argue with you about pepperoni pizza.

At the risk of sounding hopelessly fossil-fuel generation...pick up the phone, Stephen. Starting with phone conversations might be the ticket. Social, but not face-to-face. Don't know what to talk about? Ha! You have a million things to say, including, "I'm so scared right now I think I might pee or puke, so please don't hang up if you hear me retching."

*NOT*ONE*PERSON* who comes to your thread will think anything but good, warm, loving, and supportive thoughts if you can't, just can't, make it past a few seconds on the phone. Everyone starts somewhere. I know for sure you can start here, and take a few small steps at a time, with the fun and funny people you hang with here. I'd really really encourage you to PM someone and ask if they'll try this with you. Don't make it public, or a big deal, just ask and see what comes of it.

Whenever you're ready, we're here offer all the help we can.

Padre, I adore you.

Hugging back ....

rd is right..

and trust me, I do not hang up .. I will wait until post retching ...promise

So, assuming that you may not have long distance? But you might just have a cell phone so?
Anyway.. I will give you my phone number any time you want to give it a shot..
:)

#190: Now everyone needs to go watch The 40-Year-Old-Virgin and 300.

Oh, sure, I'll watch The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Eventually. :P And as for 300, I've already seen it/own it/love it, so I'm safe there.

Omg, all this social talk is making me want to hide and hurl. Don't worry, Stephen, I'll never talk to you ever, I promise! :D You're welcome.

I second everything Richard said. It might suck horribly, but it'll suck a little less every time you try.

>200 richardderus:: Yea, yes, yes.

Yes, to what Richard said, Stefano. And if you want to use me as a practice board, PM me and I'll send you my cellphone number ... I'll be happy to chat with you any time .. and if you need me to pretend to be someone else .. why that's easy! Depending on what time of day it is and how long it's been since I've eaten something, I am often a different person. ;-)

and if you need me to pretend to be someone else

Gutter, party of 2. Where are you, Stephen? :P

Luxx: Yes, I've been told I'm pretty good with kids, actually. With the big goofy teeth I'm like a cartoon character or something to them. :P

Richard: It's funny, but I'm not so sure that phones are that much better. In fact, they might be worse. I never know what to say on phones, like in person, but at least in person I can shrug/nod/shake my head and people still think I'm communicating. I can't do that on the phone, it is a REQUIREMENT to speak vocally on the phone. *Shudders*

But you are right, it's a way to start. Tomorrow there is a library book sale and I'm forcing myself to go (I always say I plan to go to them and I talk myself out of it. Once I even drove there, then drove past and went back home. I also plan on walking across the street and asking for an application to my local library, even though I've been denied. It'll be a way to force myself to speak to them, and once I get over that initial hurtle I will usually be okay.

I've also got another application printed out and read to fill out and give to another library. I don't even know where it is, I have to find it, so when I go in I'll have to ask a librarian where the heck I'm supposed to go.

I think I'm usually better of just throwing myself in instead of taking careful, delicate steps.

Of course, talk to me tomorrow, you might find out I changed my mind and never went to the library. D'oh...

Kath: I don't have any phones, actually. I'm going to need a cellphone soon though, and once I get a paycheck I might be able to afford a real phone. As it is, I can't afford the bills, so I don't have them.

Sara: I thought you were ignoring me... :P

Nora/Jeanne: Uh oh! Agreeing with Richard, I believe that puts a black mark on one's soul, doesn't it?

Caro: Oh dear! Talk to you? On a cellphone? I'll need to cellphones, 1 to talk to you and another to call 911 when I hear a loud crash on the other side of the line. :P

Sara: ROFL! I was not thinking that, I swear.

Perfect! I can call you at your moms house.. or you me.. and I won't even have your phone number!
My trick for getting out of the house....I sleep... hurl myself into the shower.. dress and fly out as quick as I can.. If I sit down, I am in danger of not going out at all.. so I understand. But even if I sit.. the earlier I get out the door, the better..

Stephen, I'm going to echo all of the other sentiments here. Any time you feel like a call, add me to the list. And, like Kath, I'll wait til you're done hurling. I've done it for many a friend IRL, so it's not big thing.

On to movies, I already own 40 Year-Old and 300, so I'm set there! And yes, I did finish 28, and I ended up liking it much more than I originally thought I would. Despite the creepiness, it petered out a bit and I could watch it without too many cringe-y moments. Plus, Christopher Eccleston was in it, and that totally perked up my movie-watching experience! I've been a big fan of his since "Jude", one of my favorite movies. (Of course, I haven't seen it in probably 10 years, but I used to love it.)

Good luck going to the library/ies tomorrow, Stephen. You can do it!

#210 : You don't need a cellphone to talk to me, Stefano .. you just need a phone. Or Skype.

Skype's a good idea - it's free and you can see the other person, so you can
shrug/nod/shake your head and still be communicating:)

Kath: I'm also a 'get out of the house as early as possible' person as well. I do it to avoid the crowds as well. I get to the library a few minutes before it opens and wait outside, and I'm usually the only one in there browsing the shelves.

I definitely won't be giving anyone my mom's number. No way in hell do I want any of you talking to her. Nothing good can come from that. :P

Thanks Laura. Hmmm, having you type all that just made me realize all my favorite movies have numbers in them! Did you know, I only watched it once because I rented it, but it reminds me how much I loved The Number 23, with Jim Carrey.

On the phobia topic, I really do feel very comfortable with you all, even if I hate phones. I'm going to make it to an LT meet-up one of these days...even if I set way in the back somewhere and don't say a thing. :)

Caro: I meant talking to you while you were on a cellphone. Is there any way that can end without your falling/running into something? :P

Calm: Ah, my internet connection is too slow for video chat of any kind. I get, like, 1 frame per minute at my speed.

*67 blocks an outgoing number.. you can call out from her house :)

Frankly Stephen, with this group, the back would probably be the most crowded place..

Hmm...not really, but I fall and run into things even when I'm not on the phone, so don't let that be a deterrent, Stefano. :-)

Kath: I'll take Sara's advice and get far enough away so as to require binoculars then. :)

Caro: Shhh, that was a perfectly good excuse, don't ruin it for me! :P

Holy hand-grenades, Batman! Post explosion today.

You can add me to the phone list. Vomiting and hyper-ventilation do not bother me :P

40 Year Old Virgin=okay. 300=Amazzzzzing :)

I have the sneaking suspicion that at an LT gathering I might be one of the more extroverted. Lots of people sitting in quietude is a bit disturbing to me. . . so, I tend to turn social to end the freaky cult images I'm projecting on the group o_O;;;

My experience with meet ups so far is that we can't stop talking long enough to do the really important things like book shopping. :)

Hi Stephen- Sorry to interrupt the therapy sessions! Hope they are helping. These LTers are an amazing bunch, aren't they? You can feel the love.
Speaking of love, that's my feeling on your Cannery Row review. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I need to re-read that one at some point.

Katie: Yeah, there is always a lot of talk whenever we talk about not talking... I saw 300 in theatres...it was breath-taking. I was posting all over the place telling people to go see it while it was in theatres, because with all the wonderful imagery THAT was the place to see it. I don't think anyone listened though.

Jim: Haha, yeah, I imagine. They look like a lot of fun! :)

Mark: It was fantastic, and I've got another Steinbeck novel checked out of the library and waiting to be read.

#214: On the phobia topic, I really do feel very comfortable with you all, even if I hate phones. I'm going to make it to an LT meet-up one of these days...even if I set way in the back somewhere and don't say a thing. :)

I understand about being a social-phobe, Stephen. It was hard for me to pick up the phone and talk to Linda for the first time too - and Linda is probably one of the most understanding people I have ever known. The same goes for the LT meet up at Richard's - I probably would never have shown up if Linda had not eased the way for me. I am not at all comfortable in social surroundings. I never know what to say. LT is has been a godsend for me because it allows me to have a social life without being at all social :)

Just catching up with you...I see you've been reading some Steinbeck lately. I read a lot of his novellas in the last year or two. He's amazingly talented, but I found I needed to read them in small doses because they are usually pretty sad. I saw the plot twist in Of Mice and Men coming before I got to the end, but The Red Pony confused me. My favorite was The Moon is Down. Really liked that one.

Sending positive job interview vibes!

I am getting jealous of all the attention Stephen is hogging, look at the number of girls offering him their cell phone numbers, never happens to me!

Regarding talking on phone, its much easier tactually, all you need to do is *pretend* to listen, I would sometimes go and make myself a tea in the middle of a telephone conversation without the other person being any wiser, something you can't do in a face-to-face communication.

Key words while talking on the phone:- "yeah", "mhm", "why do you say so?" (to be used when you take longer than expected while making your tea) and most importantly "you are absolutely right, you should do that!".

Hi Stephen, I'm hopelessly behind. I saw your post on the weekly thread and now I see you've been reading some Steinbeck. The Grapes of Wrath is terrific and not as much of a chunkster as it first appears. And agree with Angela above, The Moon is Down is excellent and very different from his other books.

Skimming through, I see news of new cars and possible jobs and LT meetups! (Just kidding about that last one but you'd have fun, really.) :)

Stephen: Oh, I definitely saw 300 in theaters. I believe I went to the midnight showing (98% sure on that). Loved it. I am also a pretty big fan of the spoof, Meet the Spartans, which has Leonidas kicking so many pop-culture references into that gaping hole while yelling "This.Is.Spartaaaaaaaaa!!!!" Just hilariously beautiful. :)

Stasia: I agree, LT has definitely been a huge help. Without some sort of outlet, I'd be sitting alone in here jabbering to myself or something. :P

Angela: The Moon is Down is the one I have now! Looking forward to reading it.

Piyush: Haha, yeah I know, all these phone numbers, it's a real nightmare. :P There is still something horrifying about phones though.

Joanne: I really need to try The Grapes of Wrath. Maybe during my next trip...

Katie: I've never seen the spoof, I liked the first 3 Scary Movies but there are so many spoofs now that I've grown tired of them, I'm afraid. =/

*pokes Stephen for passing along the phone numbers*

Stas LT is has been a godsend for me because it allows me to have a social life without being at all social :) yes! one of the joys of the internet! and I agree, Linda is wonderful and a meet up is terrifying..

Hi Stephen ! lol

#230: Oh, I expect we will meet in person one of these days, Kath, terrified or not :)

I expect so, stas.. :) Isn't Linda cooking something up?

Yes, next April. I have been ordered to go :) lol

Yeah, there are a lot of spoofs. I don't watch them very often, but every once in a while it's just the right thing to do. The last one I saw was Transylmania. Not the best, but had hilarious references to the original Dracula novel and to the movie Young Frankenstein.

Back from the library sale! I decided I would throw myself into the library first (before heading out to the annex building) to ask for a job application. Somehow in the meager amount of time it takes to say "Could I get a job application" I both lost my voice and, upon trying to regain it, listened with horror as it cracked. I believe there was the hint of a sympathetic smirk on the librarian's face who, as it happens, is one of the ones I remember from childhood that I thought had left. :)

Then I went to the library sale, with ONLY a Wal-Mart bag. I figured I'd fit, at most, maybe 5-6 hardcover books into it. *Ahem* Well, I managed to stuff 13 into it. Whoops...

Here's my haul.

The Porcupine by Julian Barnes
Tribes by Arthur Slade
Saucer by Stephen Coonts
The Far Side of Evil by Sylvia Engdahl
Funeral Games by Mary Renault
The Plague by Albert Camus
Steeldriver by Don DeBrant
Girl with a Pearl Earring Tracy Chevalier
Bone in the Throat by Anthony Bourdain
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (Edited by T.S. Dorsch)
Endless Forms Most Beautiful by Sean B. Carroll
A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman
My Favorite Band Does Not Exist by Robert T. Jeschonek

I was really surprised to see the Sean B. Carroll book. A recently published science book with a pretty high rating, it seems. Oh, and the cover is so pretty! Its the one that is cut in half, with zebra stripes at the bottom. Had it not been for that I might have passed it right by.

...now to find time to read all these...and the 6 books I already have checked out from the library...and all those books I bought on Amazon awhile back that I still haven't gotten around to yet...

ETA: Realized I had the title wrong when I said there was no title for 'My Favorite Band Doesn't Exist.'

HOOOOOORAAAYYY Good on ya !!!!

Not only did you ASK for an application, you got yourself a great haul of books.. I am so proud of you and happy for you!!!

Good for you. :)

What a great day! And it's only noon!

Just stopping by for a long-distance wave from WI!

Funeral Games!! W00t! Someone new to the Renaultian club! Good choice.

Puppchen, get over yourself...you have a phone line, or you wouldn't have DIAL-UP, now would you? A phone, the device you plug into the wall instead of a computer, can be found at a garage sale for a buck, or...whaddaya know...pinched from your mom's house! (Trust me, she won't care if it means you'd have one.)

*pats foot impatiently awaiting next lame excuse*

Nods admiringly at rd's observational skills..

Thanks Kath, Angela, and Nora! *Waves back at Amber* :)

Richard: Can you believe it, my library only has ~one~ book by Renault in their entire inventory! How horrible is that? And, of course, now I see the book I bought is part of a series. *Grumble grumble* I'm going to read one of her books one of these days...

I'll probably need a cellphone as soon as I get a job, so...

Well done, Stephen! And what a great bunch of books you found!

#242: Cell phones are 90% useless, except for those few times you can't find a pay phone. I have one (I don't pay the bill, though; it's a family plan), but I really don't use it. All it does is stay in my back pocket and give me butt cancer.

Cool buys @ the library. :) I won't pretend like I've read them, 'cause you'd know I was lying. And you'll find time to read them; don't sweat it.

Jeanne: I know! I admit several of them I just threw in the bag because they seemed ~mildly~ interesting (such as the science fiction books), but things like the two science books and The Plague were nice finds. :)

Sara: Haha, yeah, I don't think I would get anything too fancy. Probably just one of those cheap little trackphones with a 10-minute card for emergencies. Although most of the roads I drive on are out of cellphone signal anyway, so I'm not sure how much good it would do. :P

Yep, I still have my old Tracphone, though I never use it. It's HUGE; almost the size of my TV remote. But hey, it's cheap, so I'm happy. :) Hope you find one that picks up reception!

How about Cricket? I think they have cheap plans. I had a Trackphone.. terrible!!!!!

Well done!

And that is a great haul of books.

Echoing the above in admiring your haul from the library book sale. Although I did shudder when I saw Albert Camus' name. So not my thing. But I'm impressed by the Shakespeare purchase. I had to study Julius Caesar in high school and memorize entire speeches. Unfortunately, the only part that's stuck in my brain is the same line everyone knows, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Happy reading!

Huzzah for an application and a dandy bag-o-books!

*Pat on the back* for asking for the job application, voice crack and all. ;)

And all I can say is I get jealous when people write about their book hauls! I need to find me a good book sale around here sometime...

Great book haul, young man! The only one I have read, (twice) is The Plague. It's a classic. Enjoy!

Good job Stephen! I mean good move asking for a job application and good luck.

You've got yourself a great armload of books too. You made me laugh when you said you have no idea how to manage to read all of them because I mean... isn't that the biggest problem we all have here to begin with? And then, aren't we constantly encouraging each other to make it even worse? He he.

Hats off to you for reading Shakespeare. We didn't study him in school here, and I've never been able to understand him, though admit I do get discouraged with him pretty easily.

I am proud of you. Hope they pay attention to your application.
We no longer have a land line. I use Virgin Mobile with a top up card. My plan is $10.00 and it is good for 3 months but I do not dare let it lapse. I am not much of a phone talker so the money does add up towards minutes.

Sara: It's funny, my old phone from when I was in high school was smaller than some of these new ones. Smart phones are huge!

Kath: Never heard of it! I'll start looking into things when I earning paychecks.

Thanks Caty! :)

Micky: Is he difficult? It's probably the book I'm most looking forward to out of all those books.

Thanks Luxx! :)

Valerie: Yeah, SOME people's *cough*Ellie's*cough* book hauls are envy-inducing...

Mark: Thanks! See what I typed to Micky a few lines up, I'm looking forward to the Camus.

Thanks Ilana. I don't normally have a problem with owning too many books because I can't afford to buy them all the time, but right now I have quite a huge pile on my hands...

Hi Cindy! I hope they pay attention to the application too. I'm torn from trying to maintain professionalism or squee excitedly in all the 'extra detail' boxes about my love for books. I suppose I should be somewhere in between...

Well, now you know how the other half lives Stephen. Stressful, isn't it? ;-)

eta: not sure what 'squee' means, but you definitely should. Throw in a little song and dance too while you're at it. Surely a great love of books must be a requirement?

'squee' is basically a giddy/excited squeal of happy