Luxx's Lounge: Sixth Round

Whoops, make that FIFTH round. Apparently I'm feeling it - are you?

"To tell people what to read is, as a rule, either useless or harmful; for the appreciation of literature is a question of temperament not of teaching .... But to tell people what not to read is a very different matter, and I venture to recommend it as a mission..." - Oscar Wilde, "Letter to the Pall Mall Gazette on the Subject of 'The Best Hundred Books'" (qtd. Wright, Built of Books, 317).

Luxx's Lounge: First Round

Luxx's Lounge: Second Round

Luxx's Lounge: Third Round

Luxx's Lounge: Fourth Round







I'm #5 on the introduction thread!

1. 'C' is for Corpse by Sue Grafton. 1.3.10. ***
2. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews. 1.4.10. ***
3. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. 1.13.10. ***1/2
4. Poetic Lives: Coleridge by Daniel Hahn. 1.13.10. ****
5. Pig Tale by Verlyn Flieger. 1.15.10. *****
6. Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan. 1.16.10. **1/2
7. 'D' is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton. 1.18.10. ***1/3
8. 'E' is for Evidence by Sue Grafton. 1.20.10. ***1/2
9. Naptime is the New Happy Hour by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor. 1.25.10. ****
10. Once Bitten by Kalayna Price. 1.27.10. **
11. Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews. 1.30.10 *****

12. Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews. 2.1.10 *****
13. Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton. 2.5.10. **1/2
14. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett. 2.10.10. ****
15. Soulless by Gail Carriger. 2.13.10. ****
16. Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Dudley Fitts. 2.14.10. *****
17. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. 2.16.10. ****
18. Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris. 2.17.10. **
19. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett. 2.28.10. ***

20. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. 3.7.10. *****
21. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke. 3.11.10. ***
22. Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips. 3.17.10. ****
23.The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. 3.18.10. ****
24. How to Wash a Cat by Rebecca M. Hale. 3.25.10. ***
25. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. 3.27.10. ****1/2
26. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz. 3.28.10. ***1/2
27. One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon. 3.31.10. ***

28. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare. 4.8.10. *****
29. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs. 4.11.10. *****
30. A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom. 4.17.10. ****
31. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. 4.22.10. *****
32. Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian. 4.24.10. ***1/2
33. Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong. 4.28.10. ***1/2

34. Changeless by Gail Carrige. 5.2.10. *****
35. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. 5.4.10. *****
36. Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. 5.7.10. ****1/2
37. Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. 5.7.10. *****
38. Two for the Dought by Janet Evanovich. 5.12.10. ****
39. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. 5.13.10. *******
40. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris. 5.14.10. **
41. A Treatise of Witchcraft by Alexander Roberts. 5.18.10
42. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison. 5.22.10. ***
43. Poison by Sara Poole. 5.29.10. ****

44. Bullet by Laurell K. Hamilton. 6.4.10. ***
45. Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur. 6.8.10. ***
46. Built of Books by Thomas Wright. 6.10.10. ****1/2
47. Working IX to V by Vicki Leon. 6.10.10.
48. I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells. 6.13.10. *****
49. The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues by Susan Griffin. 6.19.10. ***
50. Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. 6.22.10. *

51. Bedlam: London and Its Damned by Catharine Arnold. 7.2.10. ****
52. The Trouble with Magic by Madlyn Alt. 7.5.10. ****1/2
53. Mine-Haha, or On the Bodily Education of Young Girls by Frank Wedekind. 7.6.10. *****
54. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. 7.9.10. **
55. The Elfish Gene: Dungeons, Dragons and Growing Up Strange by Mark Barrowcliffe. 7.15.10. ***
56. Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews. 7.17.10. ****
57. Stork Raving Mad by Donna Andrews. 7.18.10. ****1/2
58. The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett. 7.19.10. ***1/2
59. A Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt. 7.22.10. ***
60. Still Life by Louise Penny. 7.28.10. ******

61. Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman. 8.1.10. ****
62. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. 8.6.10. *****
63. Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong. 8.8.10. ****
64. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny. 8.12.10. *****
65. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. 8.16.10. ***
66. The Critic as Artist by Oscar Wilde. 8.21.10. ****
67. Mad Kings & Queens: History's Most Famous Raving Royals by Alison Rattle and Allison Vale. 8.21.10. **
68. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey. 8.23.10. ***1/2

Woohoo! I think I'm first!

Edited to add that I truly AM first...I was afraid someone would slip in ahead of me while I was typing... :)

Ha! I was actually about to delete this one in favor of fixing the title, but I'll stick with it just for you. ;)

Surely you don't think anyone is keeping track of which number it is? It's all we can do to keep track of reading them!

Starred your immaculately flawed thread, dear Luxx. ;)

>5 tloeffler: - Oh goodness, I certainly don't expect anyone else to keep track of numbers, but I can be a bit OCD about these things.

>6 Ape: - immaculately flawed thread I love it.

#7: You can borrow some of my numbers, Luxx. I do not mind sharing :)

#7 Me too with the OCD thing. I once created a thread 4 times because I kept getting the title wrong...

Hee hee, immaculately flawed, *snigger*

Oh and, checking in!

Thanks, Stasia!

>9 flissp: - I'm glad I'm in such good company

Okay, Luxx, that's one too many for you. I shall stop posting to your threads so as to enable you to keep this one for the rest of the year.

And here you are, Luxx .... time for me to check in before the stampede begins. Fifth, sixth ... hey, whatever the number, I'm just glad you started a new thread because I was woefully behind on the last. So I can start afresh with this one.

Hi, Luxx!

Hello all!

I think I may *actually* need to go pour myself a drink...

*waves*

So does this mean if you create a Fifth thread AFTER filling the Sixth thread that you'll be somehow transported back in time to the space between the fourth and sixth threads?

*cue Twilight Zone music*

...I really need a coffee...

I'll pour you a cup.

And yes - that's exactly what would happen.

#15 *beaming smile*

#15: Can I back up to like number 3? I need that much time back I am sure!

And my first book of the thread...

62.
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Title: The Palace of Illusions
Publication: Paperback
Pages: 360 pages
Genre: Fiction, mythology
Acquisition: Recommended by richardderus
Date Completed: August 6, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In a time of rich spices, jeweled saris, and everyday magic - a time of curses, vengeance, and the power of the heart - a girl stumbles out of the flames that have already produced her twin brother, carrying with her the thread and promise of change. In Divakaruni's masterful hands the myth of Panchaali takes shape, and the reader leaves behind the contemporary world for a society that carries far too many parallels to our own.

On its own, the narrative is majestic, but it is Divakaruni's character development that truly brings The Palace of Illusions to life. Panchaali herself is capable of invoking a sea of emotional responses, and the power to invoke sympathy, hatred, admiration and condemnation within the space of 360 pages speaks volumes of her author's narrative capabilities. The inhabitants of The Palace of Illusions are far from two-dimensional characters moving through a storyline: they breathe through the pages and welcome the reader into their mysterious world. In short, the novel is simply magical.

High praise. This is on the tbr list. I need to move it up. Your review is great.

Luxx, it must be nice to start out a new thread with a 5-star book. Great review. I need a magical book about now. I have Palace of Illusions near the top of my TBR towers. I just started my new thread with a less than stellar read. You'll have to go over here to feel my pain.

Nice review of The Palace of Illusions, Luxx. It's already on my wish list, so I'll have to get this soon.

#19: Whew! I have already read and enjoyed that one. I am glad you liked it too, Luxx.

I have Palace of Illusions on my wishlist, too. Seeing as my note of people who recommended it now has four names just from this group, I probably ought to get hold of it very soon.

Palace of Illusions is one of those wonderful books that takes a tour of LT - and it well deserves the praise that has already been penned. I hope everyone who has not yet read it will enjoy it as much as I did!

Ok, I need to learn to read French. My first instinct was to go with Rosetta Stone for the basics, and then jump into familiar YA novels for practice. My partner found Fluenz, which looks similar (although I don't know if I could stand hour-long lessons on the black background).

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Rosetta Stone followed by Harry Potter. Worked for a guy I know who needed to learn Spanish so he could talk to his new wife. (Don't ask.)

Excellent. You're the fourth person to suggest just that, so I think that's how I'll go. I hate to spend so much money on the software, but I don't have the time for traditional classes, so I think it's the best place to start.

I should invent a new French wife just so I can use that excuse.

That would probably win himself's approval, especially if accompanied by a little costume....

I will second the recommendation for Rosetta Stone. We used that program for the girls' Spanish lessons for school.

You have made The Palace of Illusions sound so good that I just have to read it. But I'm a bit worried - my knowledge of the Mahabharat is pretty limited, will that limit my enjoyment of this book?

#31: Janet (sorry Luxx, I am butting in!), I knew absolutely nothing of the Mahabharat and I really enjoyed The Palace of Illusions, so I would say give it a shot.

Luxx, excellent review of Palace of Illusions which I need to move up on the pile.

The Palace of Illusions is on my tbr too... Have to try to bump it ..
very nice review!

Another person here with Palace of Illusions already on the TBR pile, needing to bump it higher...!

#31,32 - I likewise knew nothing, and enjoyed the novel immensely.

Thanks, Stasia, thanks, Luxx. I will read this as soon as I can find it. But I might try to find a copy of the Mahabharat anyway, as I have always thought I should know more about it (especially living as I do in one of the most multi-cultural places in the world).

A friend sent me this link, and I thought I'd share it here: Literature's 10 Best-Dressed Characters.

37 - I'd love to hear what publication(s) you find!

>38 London_StJ:: That was fun! And I found some movies that I missed the first time around.

63.
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Title: Waking the Witch
Publication: Hardback
Pages: 309 pages
Genre: Fiction, horror
Acquisition: Purchased August 6, 2010
Date Completed: August 8, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Armstrong had me until page 278. The novel that had the potential to be the most satisfying in a summer of genre-flops suffers from a rather unfortunate series of concluding twists. Prior to a rather jarring shift in the narrative, Waking the Witch is an entertaining look at Savannah Levine, all grown up and "on her own" as she tackles a case without supervision. The twists are numerous, and the mystery involved is enthralling ... right up to the Great Revelation. Still, fans of the series are likely to enjoy it, and I'm looking forward to the next one, which is apparently due out this November.

For shits and giggles I thought I'd organize my reads so far by rating. It's interesting to look at, and I think it pretty clearly defines my tastes as a reader.

Unrated
A Treatise of Witchcraft by Alexander Roberts. 5.18.10
Working IX to V by Vicki Leon. 6.10.10.

*******
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. 5.13.10.

******
Still Life by Louise Penny. 7.28.10.

*****
Pig Tale by Verlyn Flieger. 1.15.10.
Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews. 1.30.10
Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews. 2.1.10
Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Dudley Fitts. 2.14.10.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. 3.7.10.
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare. 4.8.10.
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs. 4.11.10.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. 4.22.10.
Changeless by Gail Carrige. 5.2.10.
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. 5.4.10.
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. 5.7.10.
I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells. 6.13.10.
Mine-Haha, or On the Bodily Education of Young Girls by Frank Wedekind. 7.6.10.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. 8.6.10.
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny. 8.12.10.


****1/2
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. 3.27.10.
Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. 5.7.10.
Built of Books by Thomas Wright. 6.10.10.
The Trouble with Magic by Madlyn Alt. 7.5.10.
Stork Raving Mad by Donna Andrews. 7.18.10.

****
Poetic Lives: Coleridge by Daniel Hahn. 1.13.10.
Naptime is the New Happy Hour by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor. 1.25.10.
Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett. 2.10.10.
Soulless by Gail Carriger. 2.13.10.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. 2.16.10.
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips. 3.17.10.
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. 3.18.10.
A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom. 4.17.10.
Two for the Dought by Janet Evanovich. 5.12.10.
Poison by Sara Poole. 5.29.10.
Bedlam: London and Its Damned by Catharine Arnold. 7.2.10.
Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews. 7.17.10.
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman. 8.1.10.
Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong. 8.8.10.
The Critic as Artist by Oscar Wilde. 8.21.10.

***1/2
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. 1.13.10.
'D' is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton. 1.18.10.
'E' is for Evidence by Sue Grafton. 1.20.10.
Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz. 3.28.10.
Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian. 4.24.10.
Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong. 4.28.10.
The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett. 7.19.10.

***
'C' is for Corpse by Sue Grafton. 1.3.10.
The Penguin Who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews. 1.4.10.
Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett. 2.28.10.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke. 3.11.10.
How to Wash a Cat by Rebecca M. Hale. 3.25.10.
One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon. 3.31.10.
Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison. 5.22.10.
Bullet by Laurell K. Hamilton. 6.4.10.
Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur. 6.8.10.
The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues by Susan Griffin. 6.19.10.
The Elfish Gene: Dungeons, Dragons and Growing Up Strange by Mark Barrowcliffe. 7.15.10.
A Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt. 7.22.10.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. 8.16.10.

**1/2
Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan. 1.16.10.
Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton. 2.5.10.

**
Once Bitten by Kalayna Price. 1.27.10.
Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris. 2.17.10.
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris. 5.14.10.
Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman. 7.9.10.

*
Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb. 6.22.10.

#41: I think it pretty clearly defines my tastes as a reader.

I like to think that my 'memorable reads' list does the same for me :)

It is an interesting way to look at your reads...I suspect that you will be reading more of Louise Penny and perhaps less of Charlaine Harris :)

#19 Fantastic review of Palace of Illusions Luxx - thank you for reminding me it was on my Wishlist - I think it needs bumping up!

#27 I second the Harry Potter recommendation for learning to read French - the French is nice and straightforward - and as the books get more complex as they go along, so does the language. Knowing the story definitely helps too.

#41 I notice poor old Tales from Shakespeare only has one star! I remember reading those at my Granny's when I was very small, but remember very little other than that... I think you're supporting my decision to steer clear of Charlaine Harris though...

I think Charlaine Harris is a stronger author the further she gets from the supernatural. Lately, though, she's just been terrible. I think I've read most of her novels to date, and I was most tickled by her cozy mysteries.

I started the second Three Pines novel last night, and I had to force myself to put it down after 100 pages because I desperately needed some rest before the kids got up. Its elegant and enchanting so far, just like the first.

Yesterday I tried searching for my favorite YA novels in French, but I had no luck (then again, I doubt I will since I'm searching the US Amazon site). When I was about ten Christopher Pike was my world, and I thought it would be great to pick up his books in another language.

My sister and I guzzled our way through every Christopher Pike book our local library had to offer when we were at school - occasionally I see books that they didn't have or that he's released since (like the sequels to Remember Me, which was my absolute favourite) and get itchy fingers...

Is there a Canadian Amazon (or is it just Amazon.com?) - presumably they'd have YA in French?

48 - I think it's different, so that's my next stop

I can buy Harry Potter in French, and Twilight in French is $40. Uh, no.

>46 London_StJ:: I like her Lily Bard books best. On the supernatural front, she's got a machine going here with the Sookie Stackhouse and Harper Connelly books...and I can't really blame her for trying to cash in on it while it lasts. I do think, however, she's starting to cheat her readers. The books have become totally cardboard. Which is, I guess, why I've stopped buying them.

Another hopelessly addicted Penny fan. It was inevitable. And not a bad thing at all!

I am so glad I gave in and started the Three Pines series.

I enjoyed Lily Bard and Aurora Teagarden, but Harper and Sookie lost their charm. I have no intention of picking up either series again (if anything else is published - I think Harper is over).

This hasn't been a good year for my favorite genre. :( Hamilton dredged the waters for the most lifeless plots she could find, Harrison is telling the same story over and over again, Harris is ... Harris, and Armstrong has been hit and miss. Thankfully, I really enjoyed Briggs' last book, and I enjoyed most of Armstrong's latest. I'm really hoping the genre picks up again.

>41 London_StJ:: What a marvelous way to arrange your books, Luxx. I'm planning to "steal" your idea when I reach the magic 75 number. I'm gaining on it...only six more books to go!

I'm glad to see you're still enjoying Louise Penney. I'm impatiently awaiting No. 3 from the library.

Oh, I'm sure I'm not the first to do this, so please "steal" away! I'd love to see a number of these lists - it's a great way to pick and choose from someone else's reading. Because, really, there's no point even looking if something rates less than three stars, and a five star read is often a 3-5 for any reader.

I've got mine arranged that way at the top of each thread—as I start a new one, all the old stuff gets rolled up. I figure it's much easier for someone than scrolling through post after post.

It also allows someone to look at a summary of my opinions and say, "He's whacked in the way he views books!" ;-)

I smiled when I saw Flirt and Grave Secret at the bottom of your list. ;)

>56 London_StJ:: Yes, I was a bit harsh on Flirt back on an earlier incarnation of your thread, I think.

Awww...thanks for keeping your flawed thread just for me...you're so sweet! :)

>55 TadAD:: Ah yes, Tad, I remember that you do that...and with such colorful stars!

>59 Donna828: - I'm totally jealous of his stars

The star thingy is definitely an interesting way at the books you've read. That's why I'm glad I create a collection for the books I've read each year. I can sort them by star rating and see this information, which is definitely interesting!

It's also fun to sort it by the date I've read them, and then see how I rated books over time. I see strings of books with bad and good ratings...which is interesting. Wonder if that is a mood thing. There was a time when I rated 5 books in a row with 3 stars, and another string of 5 books where I gave every book a 4+ star rating. Hm!

I don't really trust my own ratings - they're so dependent on my mood at the time. I'm definitely not consistent. I should probably just blank the lot!

>62 flissp:: In all likelihood, you'd regret it the minute you hit the Save button. Just review them periodically and update them upon "mature" reflection. :-)

#63 You're right. That's kind of what I do, but I do seem to end up revising my scores on a fairly regular basis ;o)

I'm moody on a fairly regular basis, so I leave my scores. ;)

I figure that the score I give it right after reading a book is the score it really deserves, so I leave them alone. I guess I *would* go back and change one if it was really unfair. But someone would have to do some fancy convincin' that it was that unfair.

Luxx petite ange, I looked at the Deck book link you sent me from NPR...I think I have a son....

I too, believe that I am influenced by mood when I rate, but .. I hesitate to change them. I too, leave them be..

I think I need to install a 3/4 star system: 1 = bad, 2 = average, 3 = good, (4 = excellent). Instead I end up faffing around with all these half stars... Or maybe I should just tag with a relevant comment eg "enjoyable fluff", "rubbish", "mediocre", "excellent" etc... Hmmm.

>68 flissp: - My ratings are usually based on the book as a sample of the genre. Hogg and Armstrong may both be five star reads, but they're very different publications.

I'm with Richard on ratings; my initial impressions of a book are usually the most honest. I stick with a 1-5 (and half) star system, but there are a few books that really blow me away, and they get extra credit.

I cut myself off at eighty-seven pages of Fatal Grace last night (why does it come up as "Dead Cold"?). I have zero time to read during the day, so curling up with some Penny before bed has been a real treat.

Michael was apparently up until 1am finishing Anathem (a favorite). He's read it a few times, and it's the first fiction book he's picked up in months, so I can understand how he got sucked in. He'll be feeling the lack of sleep today, I'd wager.

Oh I'm with you on rating based on the book as a sample of the genre (much as I hate categorising books into genre), and in theory I agree with you and Richard on initial ratings being the best. In practice however, there have been a number of books that I have gone on thinking about a long time after reading them or stick in my memory - and these usually get uprated at a later date. How honest that is, I don't know ;o) I've never been very good at scoring things!

there have been a number of books that I have gone on thinking about a long time after reading them or stick in my memory

That's one of my problems. I look over the books I read last year and wonder why I gave one book a 5-star rating when I barely remember it, and why one of the more memorable books that I remember liking quite a bit only got a 3 star rating instead of a 4 or 5.

But I won't change them. I figure there must have been a reason I bumped the rating of that 3-star book down so far...

Today's To-Do List:

* Get the hell off the internet. Yes, that means LibraryThing
* Grade last set of papers for online course
* Finish and send in this week's lecture notes for AP English
* Seriously, get off LT
* Pick up new edition of text for courses and parking pass
* Purchase fall blooms to spruce up my garden (I just ordered some LOVELY tulip bulbs from Burpee for the spring - so excited!)
* Edit syllabi to reflect changes in texts and new writing assignments
* Oh, just disconnect the router, because obviously you have no LT control
* Finish grading before the natives protest

71 .. That is exactly why I rarely give 5 stars to a book. It either has to be life changing or memorable, not just a very good read.

72 ROFL

>72 London_StJ: * Oh, just disconnect the router, because obviously you have no LT control

Uh-huh. That'll happen.

;o)

I'm not having much success staying off today either...

73: Yeah, I try not to give 5 stars very often either, but unfortunately I've given more than I think I ought to have. :(

72: Sounds like a long day, Luxx, and you still have to work "Give Ape a massage" in there somewhere. *ahem* I'm thinking those papers don't really need to be graded today, right?

..and no, beating me with heavy objects doesn't count as a massage. *covers head and scampers away*

>74 richardderus: - Nope, didn't happen. Although I did just finish typing my notes on the current selection of The Critic as Artist.

I still have to tackle the Montaigne selection for the week, but I tend to get carried away if Wilde is involved.

And Stephen, dear, the only one who gets massages from me is three feet tall and says, "Hi Mommy! How are you, Mommy? Kiss?" as he bats his long beautiful daddy-lashes.

Ok ok ok, back to work.

>72 London_StJ: Oh, just disconnect the router, because obviously you have no LT control

Thank God, I thought it was just me.

Good grief, you sound like me, except I have no current grading to do, and the semester doesn't start for another couple of weeks!

* Pick up new edition of text for courses and parking pass

* Edit syllabi to reflect changes in texts and new writing assignments

* Go up to sign in and get ID for this year.

* Email students regarding texts.

* Start developing lectures and class activities.

Although I teach regularly for the School Psychology Department at SDSU, I haven't taught this course in this configuration before, or in the last 10 years, so I need to get busy and get hopping!

I thrive in an environment of minor stress, so I'm doing pretty well right now. ;)

I went to campus to pick up the new edition ... and the office was closed.

I checked my campus mail, and my parking pass has not yet been delivered.

My distance learning course ends today at noon, so I'll be able to kick the fall prep up to high gear. It's going to be a semester of firsts - I'm teaching one class at a different community college, as well as two new distance courses for a private school. I'll also continue to tutor a student for the AP Composition exam, and I'll be teaching three courses at my regular community college.

I'm working on a major overhaul of my standard syllabi, though, to reflect my personal ideas regarding composition instruction. One of the ideas I'm most excited about is moving towards a paperless semester! Both community colleges use ANGEL, so I'm going to post all assignments and course materials online for students to access at any time. No more paper waste, and no more excuses! Well, I'm sure they'll think of something.

Teaching online has also showed me that I prefer to grade papers on the computer, so all of my students will be required to submit their papers electronically.

What's different about your course(s) this semester?

Valedictorian speaks out against current education system. Interesting.

When I leave educational institutionalism, will I be successful or forever lost? I have no clue about what I want to do with my life; I have no interests because I saw every subject of study as work, and I excelled at every subject just for the purpose of excelling, not learning. And quite frankly, now I'm scared.

We are more than robotic bookshelves, conditioned to blurt out facts we were taught in school. We are all very special, every human on this planet is so special, so aren't we all deserving of something better, of using our minds for innovation, rather than memorization, for creativity, rather than futile activity, for rumination rather than stagnation? We are not here to get a degree, to then get a job, so we can consume industry-approved placation after placation. There is more, and more still.

I think this child is my granddaughter. Or, more aptly, I think my granddaughter will turn into this child.

Darling Luxx! I can rely on you to put something up that will make my grumble-filled day a bit brighter, can't I?

81. Love it.

#81: I loved it too.

I can rely on you to put something up that will make my grumble-filled day a bit brighter, can't I?

Oh, I hope so! You certainly put a smile on my face.

64.
Author: Louise Penny
Title: A Fatal Grace
Publication: Paperback
Pages: 334 pages
Genre: Fiction, mystery
Acquisition: Purchased August 6, 2010
Date Completed: August 12, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

The second novel in the Inspector Gamache Three Pines series is just as elegant and breathtaking as the first. Penny's writing style defines traditional genre stereotypes, and the second in the series matches the first in careful construction and execution. For Penny, it seems the conclusion is not the point of the narrative. Rather, it's the journey through life,and the language that carries the reader there.

#85: Glad to know you are firmly on the Three Pines bus, Luxx.

BTW - why no pictures of the boys on this thread? It does not seem like yours without them!

The thread did feel a little bare.





There we go. Here there be monsters.

They are so adorable...I just can't stand it!! And in their matching PJs too...awww...

Hehehe, all of their PJs match. I'm kind of horrible.

There's undoubtedly lots of love between the two. You can tell Max looks up to Brooks already, it seems like in every picture you post of them together he's looking in the direction of his older brother. Very cute. :)

Just beautiful :)

it seems like in every picture you post of them together he's looking in the direction of his older brother

He's usually flinching.

I love love love that they've started playing together. Once Max learned to scoot his way around all monster hell broke loose. Brooks has taken to crawling instead of walking so that Max can keep up, and the two of them laugh and howl and have a grand old time. Brooks still needs some practice sharing, but Max certainly thinks his brother is the bees-knees. Some of my favorite moments are when Max gets upset, and B (in his slightly lispy little toddler voice) says, "Oh no! Baby! What's wrong, baby? There there, baby, it's ok. Hug? Hug, baby."

Every night they press cheeks as they each wait for the other to kiss him, which sends me into my evening with a smile.

Cute!

#92: Beth and Catey called each other "Dear" and "Dearest" for the longest time.

Thanks for posting the pictures, Luxx. Now it really feels like your thread.

Oh good!

My little brother is getting married today.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love him, I adore her, and three of the four of the Mishes are in the wedding. A two-year-old as the ring-bearer is a horrible idea, but he'll look dashing in his suit and it'll make Matt and Mandi happy.

Oh my. I should go do my hair.

89.. With three boys and a girl.. and being one who does not enjoy shopping..
My three boys often had the same .. shirts, sweaters, pj's and what have you.
One sad night.. just hours before a group pic appt.. I ran out and bought 4 of the same sweater, and even put it on my daughter. I was white with red and blue stripes.. put them in jeans, and nearly sent my youngest into therapy, as he wore that sweater for about 8 years.. on one size or another.. lol

Your kids are gorgeous! Thanks for posting the pic.. and have loads of fun at the wedding :)

Ya' know, it's really not fair for you to pepper you're thread with pictures of you're boys!!!!! Everyone comes back here looking for more. I don't have any such pictures to lure folks in over on my thread!!!! I suppose I could get you to post you're next set of pictures on my thread?!?!?!?

>97 blackdogbooks: - Post pooch pictures! I'd certainly visit your thread for those. But, of course, you have all those pesky reviews on your thread. I just have babies.

Kath, right now I'm into anything that says "Monster," and I tend to buy in 12m and 4T at the same time. The kids were born in different seasons, and so far I haven't been able to pass many clothes. I know it'll be different in the future.

We're not as cute as the kids, but here's a shot of me with my little brothers today:



The bald one is Matthew, and he was the groom. The hippie is my Stephen. I'm wearing 3-inch heels. I hate having to look up to them now.

Oh, and here's mommy's little ring man:



He woke up ill this morning, and he still made it down the aisle! Sure, he ran down the aisle (and then straight down another where my SIL was waiting for him), but he made his way through the church without screaming. Really, it went better than I thought it would.

Good going, Brooks!

Love the pics... ! Glad it went well....

Oh you have reviews aplenty here as well. And you and your brothers make quite a trio. Best wishes to the groom. And thanks for dressing you're little man in miniature versions of man clothes. I recall wearing a short pants suit at about his age for a similar event and I've never really gotten past the shame. Plus, the shoes are cool.

>98 London_StJ:, 99: You *do* have some handsome men in your family, lucky lady!

102 - Oh ... my. I don't think *I* could ever forgive myself for putting my son in a short pants suit. He refused to wear his jacket, but the vest tied it all together. I love those shoes, too - they're actually sneakers, so he was nice and comfy.

103 - I actually hadn't seen Stephen's hair down in years, I think. He always wears it in a pony tail, and I was a little jealous that he was able to do the Fabio toss during the photos. ;) My brothers are hams, and I love it.

>105 London_StJ: LOLOL

You don't reckon with the 20s-male hormone-fueled bubble machine, Luxx. It is truly the Irresistable Force. Harnessed properly, I contend that the *ahem* energies involved could power translight-speed travel.

*evacuates area before Aperino's head explodes*

Ha! You must have caught that post before I decided there were way too many photos on here already. ;)

Aw, I missed it! :(

Glad to hear the wedding went well!

Great photos, and congratulations to your brother and sister-in-law!

Love the photos, Luxx! I'm not surprised that the wingman ring man came through in the clutch. Best wishes and many years of happiness to your brother and new SIL.

Thank you for your kind wishes, everyone. Matthew is a lucky man.



(I couldn't resist including a picture of Mandi!)

What a happy couple! Thanks for including that pic, Luxx.

I absolutely adore her. she's sweet and funny and completely open and honest, and she's fantastic for my brother. In her company he went from a quiet, reserved, and shy teenager to a confident, happy, and motivated young man. They're perfect together, and I'm so glad to have Mandi as a sister.

On the reading front:

I'm about 100 pages into Governess right now. I've been very nit-picky with this book, so I'm not sure I'm giving it a fair go. It's certainly not a bad book, but the details of this one get to me from time to time.

I start work next week, which means I have a ton of work to do in the meantime. And fair opens on the 28th, which means all I want to do is sew. AND Michael is in TX for the week. *big sigh* Any guesses for how many times a day I log on to LT "just for second"?

I don't want to disenchant all you parents of small children who call each other sweet names, but..... my two teenage daughters call each other "smelly" and "bumface". They do love each other, though.

Oh, I can't wait for those kinds of nicknames, too.

I adore my brothers. I LOVE my brothers. And I call them both PAMFs (Punk-Ass-Mother-F-ers). It started as a joke when my baby brother did something less-than-intelligent, and it stuck when my brother Matthew was in a bad car accident, and Stephen and I had balloons made that said, "Get Well Soon, PAMF."

I tend to be wildly inappropriate with my brothers; we joke that together the three of us are like 16-year-old boys. It's a lot of fun.

Your sister-in-law is definitely a beautiful young lady, and she sounds very nice. Your brother is lucky indeed. I hope the marriage is filled with many years of happiness! :)

Now, why can't you have a sister so I can marry into the family, huh!? Sounds like a fun group of people. :P

117 - If I had a sister I doubt she would have survived childhood (I didn't play well with other girls when I was young). I do, however, have a perfectly lovely single sister-in-law... ;)

But what about Ellie?!

Oh, how very nice to return from a hectic business trip to Kansas City, MO to visit your thread and find wonderful, wonderful photos...

makes me smile!

Thanks.

But what about Ellie?!

She'd sell me and use the money to buy more books! :(

She'd sell me and use the money to buy more books! :( Smart woman. I'm so sorry, love.

65.
Author: Mark Twain
Title: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Publication: Hardcover
Pages: 300 pages
Genre: Classics, bedtime stories
Acquisition: Max's book
Date Completed: August 16, 2010
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Whew! Another tongue-twister of a bedtime story for my monsters. I feel out of breath just thinking of Jim's dialog, and my head is still reeling a little bit. I suppose Huck Finn is a classic for a reason, but I personally did not enjoy it nearly as much as I enjoyed reading the boys Tom Sawyer. Now I'll have to wait a few years to hear what they think.

Great photo! And nice story about your brothers..
you clearly have a loving family..

That's important.

Thank you! We are a very close family, and consider each other friends. It's wonderful, and we feel very lucky to have each other.

Lovely wedding, lovely sibs, lovely new family. You're truly blessed:)

I agree! :)

Gleefully borrowed from Stasia

1. A book with a "profession" in its title. Examples might include: The Book Thief, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Historian
Oedipus the King by Sophocles and Dudley Fitts.
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips. I’m calling “god” a profession. Dammit.
A Treatise of Witchcraft by Alexander Roberts.
The Book of the Courtesans: A Catalogue of Their Virtues by Susan Griffin.

2. A book with a "time of day" in its title. Examples might include: Twilight, Four Past Midnight, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews.

3. A book with a "relative" in its title. Examples might include: Eight Cousins, My Father's Dragon, The Daughter of Time
A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom.
Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern.
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl.
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

4. A book with a "body part" in its title. Examples might include: The Bluest Eye, Bag of Bones, The Heart of Darkness
C' is for Corpse by Sue Grafton.

5. A book with a "building" in its title. Examples might include: Uncle Tom's Cabin, Little House on the Prairie, The Looming Tower
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.
Bedlam: London and Its Damned by Catharine Arnold.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

6. A book with a "medical condition" in its title. Examples might include: Insomnia, Coma, The Plague
The Elfish Gene: Dungeons, Dragons and Growing Up Strange by Mark Barrowcliffe.
Stork Raving Mad by Donna Andrews.

#121: I just do not care for that book, plain and simple.

#126: I am glad you had a good time with the quiz, Luxx!

I don't like Huck Finn either. In fact, it's one of my least favorite books of all time... :(

Are we supposed to put multiple answers for that quiz??

Smart woman. I'm so sorry, love

Oh, don't worry, I don't blame her. If I could sell my body for books, I'd do it in a heartbeat!

...

:P

#128: I don't know if we are supposed to put multiple answers to the quiz or not, Stephen. I did because I had several books that fit. I do not know that you have to do it.

I didn't like Huck Finn either! In fact, I don't think I've ever finished reading it... heh.

I'm beginning to think that Huck Finn is why I thought I disliked Twain for so many years. I couldn't remember which book we had to read in school, but I have a feeling this is it.

Handbook for the Damned Human Race? Hilarious. Prince and the Pauper and Tom Sawyer? Great bedtime reads. Diaries of Adam and Eve? I loved it. I'm glad I moved beyond my original repugnance.

Stephen, selling your body for books? Sounds like a fantastic short story in the making. And .. GO!

If I'd read Huck Finn first instead of The Innocents Abroad, I would never, ever have gone near another Twain.

My sisters are a lot older than I am, and we weren't close; they **loathed** each other; and none of us liked our parents, whose dislike of each other was visible from space. YOU grew up in a weird family.

My parents didn't really get along, but it wasn't anything like you describe. Most of the time my dad went off and did his own thing, and my mom spent all of her time with us. My mom left my dad two years ago, and I wish she had done it ten years ago (for purely selfish reasons - my dad is still treating me like his therapist, and it frustrates me considering how emotionally distant he was when we were growing up).

My partner's parents have both been divorced twice. I'm hoping we'll be able to show the boys what true love looks like. :)

Hm, my parents got divorced when I was about...10-11 or so? They seemed mostly ok with eachother, most of the time, but as soon as my mother discovered he was cheating on her she filed the papers immediately. I'm definitely proud of her for that!

I am, too! Good for her.

Getting caught up with your thread was like going to a wedding and leaving before they cut the cake! Darn, we missed the champagne toast, too.

Thank you for posting the lovely pictures. It's always good to share fun times with friends. ;-)

The champagne and cake were very good, too!

Thanks for stopping in. :)

Chiming in on the conversation regarding parental relationships. My father left when I was ten, leaving my mother to raise us. My mother was a product of the 1950's wherein the woman was led to believe she would find happiness in her family/children.

Sadly, the 1950's did not do her any favors! She was a woman who did not have parental leanings at all and if she was a product of today she would not have had children at all.

Love the stories about your family and how well you get along with your siblings. Those are the kind of stories that make me wish I'd had siblings.
Most of the time I was happy to be the only one. My parents had little money and didn't spoil me with material things, but I loved having all their attention to myself.
Great photos!

>138 Whisper1: - My mom says that all she ever wanted was to have children, and to this day all three of us consider our mother one of our best friends. :)

Family is what you make of it, and I love mine. Even my inlaws! I feel very lucky indeed.

A fun website! Check it out, but watch your sound if you're not supposed to be surfing the internet.

HELP! I need a steampunk/fantasy/science fiction short story. Professionally published, and preferably available online (to share with a class). Any suggestions?

I suggested this site on your Facebook page.

Yup! And I found two stories that look very promising. Thanks again.

Hooray for friendly authors! I contacted Ethan Gilsdorf to ask if I could use a chapter of his book Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks in one of my classes, and he just sent me a very friendly response. I can't wait to see what my students think.

#141: That was fun! Catey and I both adopted words.

What words?

I couldn't resist sharing this acknowledgment from Wanton Words: Rhetoric and Sexuality in English Renaissance Drama:

"...Lee Edelman is friend, adviser, critic, and above all, He Without Whom Life Cannot Be Lived. I am astonished at the good fortune that brought me to his door, and grateful that the door was open. For suggesting that I look at Shakespeare awry, for laughing at my Anglo-Indian pronunciation, for trying my food, for overlooking my foibles, for improving my drafts, for teasing me mercilessly, for modeling intellectual rigour and professional behaviour, for making life away from home worthwhile, I would like to offer unending love and gratitude, poor return as it is, to Lee Edelman."

*Sigh* I know Lee Edelman as a queer theorist, and author of No Future: Queer Theory and the Death Drive, and I had the sublime good fortune to take three courses with Madhavi Menon (author of Wanton Words) at American University. I frequently wish I remained at AU and switched my concentration to Renaissance literature as I considered; continuing to study with Menon would have been much more fulfilling.

I have some serious hero-worship going on for two of my former Shakespeare professors.

#147: Catey adopted panchymagogue. I adopted cynicocratical.

#141 I have yet to adopt a word, but I am chuckling at the way they are all piping up, "Choose me!"

I have adopted "veprecose"...full of thorny bushes. Like life.

I have not adopted any, but I have played with them. I just do not have the time to care for anther word!

I just do not have the time to care for anther word!

Ha!

I'm not adopting, either, but I've included a link on each of my course sites for the semester. :)

I wouldn’t think that one single department should be in charge {of teaching writing}, because if you concentrate the teaching of composition in a single department – for instance, the literature department – then you’ll have the hegemony of some kind of norm in writing. The people in mathematics and history and law don’t have to write the same way. … you have to adjust the transformations of the way you write according to each discipline, the discourse of the discipline. - Jacques Derrida

66.
Author: Oscar Wilde
Title: The Critic as Artist
Publication: Paperback
Pages: 113 pages
Genre: Classics, dialog
Acquisition: Work text
Date Completed: August 21, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

My own response to this text is long, and likely tedious, so I will save my "review" for the classroom. In place of a personal response I would like to share the response of Ernest from page 112:
You have told me many strange things to-night, Gilbert. You have told me that it is more difficult to talk about a thing than to do it, and that to do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world; you have told me that all Art is immoral, and all thought dangerous; that criticism is more creative than creation, and that the highest criticism is that which reveals in the work of Art what the artist had not put there; that it is exactly because a man cannot do a thing that he is the proper judge of it; and that the true critic is unfair, insincere, and not rational. My friend, you are a dreamer.

Good luck with your class preparations!

Thanks! Classes start on Monday, and I couldn't be more excited.

Balancing this with two little guys and a family must be very challenging.

Oh, it's much more difficult for single parents, or even parents who work full time. Most of my work can be done from home, and I'm home by noon everyday. Add to that an amazingly supportive partner and a close extended family, and I'd say I have it pretty easy! I enjoy my job, and I have plenty of time with my monsters. It couldn't be better!

Well, that's a lie. A full time position would be amazing, but working for 2-3 schools offers a lot of variety.

67.
Author: Alison Rattle and Allison Vale
Title: Mad Kings & Queens: History's Most Famous Raving Royals
Publication: Hardback
Pages: 152 pages
Genre: nonfiction, history
Acquisition: Purchased August 21, 2010
Date Completed: August 21, 2010
Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Mad Kings & Queens is exactly what one would expect from a Barnes and Noble bargain history book, but I am nonetheless disappointed. I was prepared for the lackluster writing and the lack of development, but I was not prepared for the prejudice and judgment that guided the choices made by Rattle and Vale. It is no secret that royal lines have long been plagued with mental instability, and the "inbreeding" of European royal families has lead to a long list of unfortunate offspring. This progeny makes up a strong portion of the book, which is seasoned with famous figures such as Vlad the Impaler and Elizabeth Bathory (named as Erzsebet Bathory, accent marks missing).

What I found distressing was the long list of monarchs who were dubbed insane for, well, enjoying sex. Some of these royal figures are even included for simply enjoying sex with their lawful partners. Others, of course, include queens who had a number of affairs, and rulers who indulged in homosexual desires of varying degrees. While I understand that contemporary politics, religion, and cultural stigmas would likely influence the subjects of these royals to recoil in horror, does a strong libido really mark a historical figure for entrance into a collection of Mad Kings & Queens? I would argue that a king who engaged in sexual congress with his wife late into his seventies deserves a little more indulgence than the tsar who ran naked through the streets stabbing citizens.

Interested in naughty kings and queens? Eleanor Herman is a lot more fun - and a lot less judgmental.

#160: Too bad about that one because it sounds as if it could be very interesting. I hope you like your next read more, Luxx!

Thanks! I'm in the middle of three - Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks, Governess: Life and Times, and Jessica's Guide - and I just picked up the third Three Pines last night. :)

My grandmother's birthday is this week, and I picked her up a few Meg Langslow books. I think they'll be right up her alley, and she's the one that got me into mysteries in the first place.

68.
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Title: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
Publication: Kindle Edition
Pages: 384 pages
Genre: young adult, horror, vampires
Acquisition: Suggested by LT user elliepotten
Date Completed: August 23, 2010
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a light and frothy young adult novel that follows the current trend of vampire romance. Ellie Potten compared the book to the Disney "Princess Diaries" films, and she calls it spot-on. What I enjoyed most about Fantaskey's take on the popular Cinderella variation is her portrayal of Jessica's emotions; Jessica reads like a typical teenager (albeit in a supernatural position), and her evolution throughout the book seems natural and believable. Lucius is not nearly as interesting as the protagonist. As the love interest, he fulfills all the requirements that readers will expect from the genre. However, I felt his epistolary endeavors to be less than sincere, and I felt that his letters flattened Lucius as a character, rather than developing the character for the audience. His inner monologue is shallow and contrived, and his use of "quotations" is more than a little ridiculous. Still, the book was good fun, and I'd probably seek out Fantaskey in the future.

#163: I have seen a couple of reviews of that one recently. I will have to see if I can locate a copy.

Still not 'my kinda book,' but a nice little review nonetheless. :)

That's too bad about Mad Kings and Queens... sometimes I wonder how these 'bargain' history books get the green light from their publisher -- no one fact-checking for them, perhaps? (Or logic checking, either, it seems.)

I've seen a number of reviews for Dating on the Dark Side that say it's decent but not wonderful, so I'll probably pick it up if it's at the library in plain sight sometime.

Hope your first day of classes went well!

Thank you! My first day was great, my second day (at a new school) was spectacular. I'm so excited to be back to work.

sometimes I wonder how these 'bargain' history books get the green light from their publisher -- no one fact-checking for them, perhaps? (Or logic checking, either, it seems.)

I find myself wondering the same thing time and time again.

Dating on the Dark Side is cute, but would probably only be appealing to those who already enjoy the genre. It's not one to run out and buy, but it's not necessarily one to pass up if it crosses your path.

Don't worry, Stephen. I won't tell anyone about your penchant for young adult supernatural romances. Thanks, Stephen. :)

Hehe, yes, I try to avoid young adult romances. I hear tales of men my age being arrested for such activities! ;)

Tolkien interview resurfaces!

Right now, max is sitting with a book in one hand, he's pointing to it with the other, and he's talking to himself.

Max is reading! I always knew he was precocious :)

I am sitting in shock right now, and I can't resist sharing a quick film review.



The soul of Oscar Wilde's scandalous and captivating novel is alive and well in 2010. The latest film version of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" took my breath away. It is a different beast from Wilde's original novel, but it is no less majestic for its transgressions. The decadence is captivating, and the artistic expression is superb. Oliver Parker has shaped a masterpiece, manipulating an unforgettable tale and perfectly adapting it to film. What is important about Parker's film is that it projects the sensationalism and sensibility of the 1890 gothic story into the contemporary world, while remaining faithful to the culture that inspired the original manuscript. Yes, many aspects are unfaithful to the narrative as it is published under Wilde's name, but Dorian is not frequently known for his loyalty.

I truly cannot praise this film enough. As a faithful Wilde devotee, I highly recommend all others with even a passing interest seek out this visual, musical, and narrative masterpiece.

That sound you hear is the pitter-patter of my scurrying as I check to see if I can add it to my Netflix queue. . .

My god, Ben Barnes is handsome!

It's truly amazing. It came out in the US yesterday, and I am so glad I preordered it. Stasia, it should be available on Netflix, and I hope you enjoy it! Lord Henry is very different from the novel, but his character in the film really compliments the director's motives. Lovely lovely lovely.

#160: Oh, too bad about Mad Kings and Queens--I was all set to put it on my list, but now won't bother.

#169: Your description of your Max reading is so cute. At the library where I work I came across a tiny little girl sitting by the board books, reading out loud. I'm not sure what language she was reading in, but it was, umistakeably, reading. So sweet.

#171: I am going to head off to track down the new Dorian Gray DVD. Can't ignore your glowing review!

There's always lots of good information (and chuckles galore) on your thread!

Karen O.

Hello Karen! Both of my boys try to read, although it'll be a few years yet before they actually get it. I love sneaking up on them when they're lost in books. So sweet.

And I hope you enjoy Dorian Gray! I was very disappointed that it didn't play in US theatres, so I made sure to preorder it as soon as I could.

#174: Yes, it is available from Netflix and in my queue although there is a 'short wait.'

Which could turn in to a long wait if everyone enjoys it as much as I did. :-/ Please let me know what you think of it when it arrives!

#178: It will be a while before I get to it in any case. Since there are 4 adults all with different tastes living in my household, we rotate picks.

Re: Max reading. I remember when my son was about 3 he had this book about bulldozers that he absolutely LOVED so we would read it night after night until finally, one day he picked it up and "read it " himself. Of course he had memorized it but that's the pretend reading that is the first step to real reading. You go Max.

180 - That's wonderful! Early book love is a good thing. Brooks will read Goodnight Moon to Max (just saying "good night" as he turns each page), and I love it. He also loves the Mo Willems Pidgeon books because he can respond.

Hi, Luxx! Just stopping by to say hello. I am hopelessly behind on so many threads . . .

*waves*

171 Now what can I do? I don't even have a wish list for films. At least not until now.. and here I am with nowhere to keep it.

>183 mckait:: Keep it in Netflix?

Luxx my dear, you've been awfully quiet...are you off somewhere Renaissanceee Fayreeeeeing?

186 - Not today, sir. We attended opening day yesterday, and it was ... interesting. Friday night we had a friend stop by, and just two drinks left me feeling very poorly Saturday morning. So poorly, in fact, that I almost left faire an hour after we arrived, but I then realized it was my corset that was making me feel ill, so a quick wardrobe change kept me there all day.

Hangover + corset = bad idea.

Here I am with the love of my life:

Awwwwwwwwwww

So cute! So YOUNG! *pinches Luxx's cybercheek* Y'all go enjoy this beautiful day.

Oh, not that young! *stands up tall* We've already enjoyed a decade together ... but we did have a pretty good head start.

Ok, pretty young - and enjoying every moment. ;)

I hope you know that, while keeping the Jolly Old Fat Man facade going, I am secretly roiling with molten, hate-bubbled jealousy that you found The One at all, still less when you were both barely post-embryonic; and that there are voodoo dollies of your sons with "Catholic Republican Fascist Woman-Hater" on them.

Just sayin'.

.... I was ok until you wished such evil on my children. :-p

I know how lucky I am to have such a wonderful partner, and I make sure he knows everyday. He's my high school sweetheart, and I don't feel like I missed anything by finding my one and only so young! Our life together has only improved over time; we can't wait to see what the future holds.

*Sigh* That's so lovely: long may it continue!

Thank you, dear!

Now here's our squishy spawn:


The big one moves too much for cute photos.

You are one lucky woman, and actually, I'm very -- proud is too possessive, impressed is too condescending -- anyway, very _____ that you know it.

*jabs a "chinos and polo shirts only" pin into Max's voodoo dolly*

No Max jabbing, you!

And my lovelies can wear whatever they wish as soon as they're old enough to express an actual opinion. Until then, it's Mommy's domain!

#192: That is just too cute!

Although I met Kerry much later in life than you met your soulmate, Luxx, I hope I never take him forgranted either as he is the best thing that ever happened to me. We have been together for 22 years now.

We have been together for 22 years now.

I love you for that.

So many couples around us are splitting up after 20+ years together, and it's left my head spinning. I am very glad you have Kerry, and I hope you enjoy decade after decade after decade together.

Thanks, Luxx. I wish the same for you and your guy!

Thanks for sharing your sweet stories...and photos. I've only been with my hubby for 7 years, not as long as you guys, but it's great. Congrats for a decade of togetherness!

Does it count that The Divine Miss and I have known each other for 23 years? Yeah, she was married to someone else, and I was too, but no one alive is her, and there's no one else I'd've left my entire life behind for just to be sure she had help.

#199: I would say that definitely counts, Richard dearest.

199.....

I agree with Stasia and Kath - it's the bond that's important, not who you're boinking.

Oh, Luxx, I cannot thank you enough for bringing joy this morning! It was/is a crazy summer, filled with personnel problems at work (finally resolved and my new assistant will be officially in place tomorrow), doctor visits, more doctor visits..then again doctor visits....and now the beginning of semester.

The good news...a new assistant..
Great doctors who are wonderful in helping me
And, the beginning of the semester brings new students filled with hope and promise.

Life is good...And, I so enjoy hearing about your wonderful life as well.

Naturally, I love the photos. And, I agree with Richard, you look ever so young and vivacious. Your partner looks happy and your baby is so adorable that I want to reach out and touch his cheek and softly hold him in his sleep.

Cheers to you my friend! This group would not be the same without you!

opps, I forgot to mention that I'm going to locate the DVD of Dorian Grey. I'm running away with Colin Firth after a rendezvous with Dayton Duncan (the historian who works with Ken Burns on his excellent documentaries).

My hubby and I just celebrated our 39th and still going strong. It's a lot different than year one, but we've grown with each other over the years and have kind of melded into each other, if you know what I mean.

And yes, Richard by all means, it counts.

A big huzzah for 39 years!

And Linda, thank you so much for stopping by. I am sorry your summer has been so difficult, but I am happy to hear that there is a silver lining. By all means, run off with Firth and Duncan both at once! Life is short - live it to the fullest.

The head of my department for community college #2 has selected Let the Great World Spin as the bookclub book for November. I was really excited when I read the list, and greatly disappointed when I realized I have no childcare for the meetings. Boo hiss.

Ok, parents who occasionally visit my thread: I NEED HELP

Brooks is 2.5. Up until this summer he was a ... high maintenance child. In a word, he was a screamer. The temper tantrums were epic, and I thought I'd go crazy. Then, suddenly, the time-outs started to click and his vocabulary improved, and the tantrums almost completely disappeared. By the end of the summer he was a new kid, and life was grand.

Now, 1.5 weeks into preschool, the old Bear is back with a vengeance. Over the summer he went to a total of 6 days of camp at his new school (in two weeks), and he loved it. However, just three days into the school year he started throwing major fits when we say it's time to leave for school.

This Monday I received a note in his lunchbox that he throws major fits when they pull out his fruit bar (of course, he was coming home and eating it every afternoon). I know he's not napping; while he'll nap 2-3 hours at home, he'll nap for a max. of 45 minutes at school.

And then, today, the icing on the cake: he apparently tried to bite two of his teachers.

!!!!!!!!!

Brooks has his behavior problems, but physical violence of ANY kind has NEVER been one of them.

I am completely blind-sided. Does anyone have ANY advice for dealing with the school blues?!

I think it is more likely the half-year blues. My son always deteriorated and improved in half-year increments. His tantrums etc would be epic and then relatively controlled.

Biting is also extremely common in daycare centers at his age. I read an NYT article that said pre-school is the most violent time in a child's life. Take a deep breath and remember that this will pass and he won't be biting his high school teachers. My kiddo has bitten and been bitten many times. He is nearly 5 now and they don't bite anymore, but recently a little girl forked him in the nose during a disagreement about how to set the table for lunch. Yesterday a teacher took me aside to tell me Jack was "having trouble controlling his hands and wouldn't stop saying 'potty words'".

All of that said, from a practical perspective (which is what I know you really want) we had a fair amount of success w/ a simplified version of a reward sticker chart that we printed from somewhere on the Internet (I think maybe Supernanny's website) and a little set of pictures of the behavior we wanted - in our case: Put on Jammies, Get Clean, Brush Teeth, Kiss Mama, Go to Sleep. In yours maybe Get in Car, Play at School, Eat Lunch etc.

Transitions are hard but worth learning how to do. Socialization is also very, very hard but even more worth learning. Brooks will be fine. You are a great mother and the perfect mom for him!

Thank you very much for your kind words and advice. He has always responded really well to praise, so maybe we should try keeping a sticker chart in the car. He can get a sticker when he gets in the car without whining, a sticker when his teacher says he had a good day, etc.

It's also worth noting that we just ditched the paci, so that too could be causing him some frustration.

I wish I knew how the other kids behave in class so I could judge how well B is - or isn't - adjusting.

REgression to earlier behaviors is also extremely common when there are changes--as there have been in starting back to preschool, not being with mom all day, etc. Be sure not to inadvertently reinforce the more primitive behaviors by giving him extra attention for doing them--hard to do because we don't LIKE them and so the tendency is to focus on him to get him to stop--which just keeps him doing them because they get your attention. Supernanny is a great site. You might also start doing some yoga or stretches with him when he gets home, to help him learn some self-calming techniques--very valuable skills. And the behavior chart is great--important though to frame it as he is choosing to earn the stickers by his behavior, NOT that an adult is rewarding him for behaving in a way they like. Keep up the consistency in time outs. If you adults stay consistent and positive, he should adjust relatively quickly.

Disclaimer: I am not a parent, but am a school psychologist with 30+ years of experience.

>210 London_StJ: Why don't you take a gander then. Can you arrange to view the class without his knowing you're there? I don't know the logistics Luxx but it might be eye-opening if you could see what goes on when you're not around. A rewards system might work for him if you can find the BIG THING that he really wants. I think that's the key.

You shouldn't feel like you aren't a good mother, because all signs indicate that you most certainly are. He's only 2.5. That's still pretty young so it's probably something he'll outgrow. The child care providers should have a few tricks up their sleeves as well.

I'd be willing to bet he's not the only one exhibiting these behaviors.

211 - Thankfully, his behavior at home hasn't altered very much, but I think yoga and stretches would be great for him. We address unwanted behavior by using time outs, largely because he hates to be ignored or taken out of the action. He calms down very quickly when he's sent to the step (or his room if he's REALLY worked up), but I know for a fact that they reserve "time outs" for serious offenses at school.

212 - Unfortunately, there's no real way to observe. However, when I pick him up in the afternoon he never realizes I'm there, and he's always calm and hanging out with the other kids. To listen to his main teacher, though, you'd swear his head is spinning while he spews pea soup.

I think there have already been some great ideas for you to consider already. As his behaviour is only a worry at the preschool I suggest perhaps writing with his help a story book of his day illustrated with photos of him doing activities (including both home & school). Together you can read through it and hopefully he'll start to look forward to adding new episodes to the story. While this doesn't address his behaviour, it will reinforce the routines and tie his schoolday into his home life a little.

>214 avatiakh: THAT IS FABULOUS!!!!!!!!

I wish to high heaven I'd thought of that...eldest grandson = MAJOR tantrum-tosser (like Yappy Chihuahua Boy, his *retch* father)...and putting in the bad stuff would've made him embarrassed to do it!

Oh...and tell him it's so you and he can read it to his grandparents together! So they'll feel like they're there, too.

It sounds like you have gotten all kinds of wonderful advice, Luxx. I do hope you and Brooks can work it all out soon. You are a terrific mother!

#87 Belatedly, gorgeous photos Luxx!

#92 Gooey smile ;o)

Thanks for all the lovely wedding photos - sounds like it was a fantastic day. Love Brooks' shoes! ...isn't it wonderful having a sibling-in-law you truly know is a good thing for your brother/sister?

#105 - 107 Now I want to see that photo!

I'm sure that Brooks will settle in to his school routine soon, with such a loving family.

>214 avatiakh:/5 - Brilliant! Brooks thinks books are the greatest thing ever, and he's had a blast labeling photos lately. I'll have to take my camera when I drop him off tomorrow, and we can put a book together this weekend.

Thanks again for all the support. I love it here!

Hugs...big ones!

214: That is indeed a brilliant idea! Unless, of course, he likes to write horror books so he bites his teacher on purpose so he can come home and add it to the book... :D

Seriously, it sounds great idea, especially since he seems to like books so much! :)

May I add, that Jack came home from daycare yesterday so miserable and with such a rude mouth I had to remind myself of the words I'd posted here for you. My partner took him to bed about an hour early, and I've never been so glad to see them go. We're all in this together! I'm so grateful for LT.

Good luck to you as well!

When I get really frustrated I have to remind myself that he's a little person, and he's just as likely to respond emotionally as I am (especially since he inherited my flair for the dramatic. I call him "Karma").

What's this? An actual book post? Holy smokes!

69.
Author: John Fleischman
Title: Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science
Publication: Paperback, 202.
Pages: 75 pages
Genre: nonfiction, medicine
Acquisition: Purchased for classroom use
Date Completed: September 2, 2010
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Phineas Gage: A popular science book that doesn't underestimate children, and presents a fascinating medical oddity for their enrichment and entertainment.

In Phineas Gage John Fleischman chronicles the adult life of a man who has the extreme misfortune to experience an iron rod fly through his head and out the top of his skull ... and live to tell the tale. Literally, in fact, as he sat chatting with his landlord about the accident while he waited the half hour for the nearest doctor to arrive. Despite the extreme improbability given the state of medical treatment in 1848, Phineas recovers from the incident and goes on to live an additional eleven years. However, the true subject of Fleischman's narrative is not really Phineas Gage as an individual, but rather how he helped inspire the medical community. In life, aspiring surgeons look at Gage's recovery as proof of a number of neurological theories. After his death his doctor finally reveals that his patient's recovery was not as "complete" as first suggested, and Phineas' medical history and remains go on to inspire and enlighten medical minds for decades to come.

Phineas Gage is remarkable all on his own, and Fleischman makes his story available to young readers. I personally intend to use the volume to teach elements of nonfiction in a fifth-grade English class at a math and science academy, and I am looking forward to the feedback my students provide.

Courtesy of Wikipedia, here is Phineas with the tamping iron that caused the damage - and remained at his side even in death - as well as an illustration of the iron as it passed through his skull:

#223: I would add that one to the BlackHole except that I have already read it. I am glad you enjoyed it!

Best wishes for the book with Brooks. It sounds like a grand idea and one that both of you can enjoy together.

You know, Stasia, I thought the title sounded familiar - I must have seen it on your thread at some point.

And thanks!

#225: I do not deserve the credit this time - I read that book in my pre-LT days, I believe.

Hhmmm. I wonder if someone else in 75 read it recently? It's just as likely it caught my eye while I was browsing a bookstore...

#227: I do not remember seeing it on anyone's thread recently, but given the state of my memory, that is not saying much. I think you should just take the credit for discovering it on your own :)

I will - at least until someone tells me otherwise. ;)

An interview with author Simon Singh.

Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science looks good!

#230: Thanks for posting the link, Luxx. Although I have not read that particular book by Singh, I have read a couple of his others and greatly enjoyed them, especially Fermat's Enigma.

#230 Interesting article! I've not read any of his books, but he is absolutely right about the need for critical thinking, and the need to challenge the idea that just because there are two opposing views they must be of equal weight.

One hopes Mr. Singh is prepared for a long, uphill battle.

234 - He's already fought a few long, uphill battles (he won against the chiropractors ... for now). I've never read his work, but Michael enjoys it.

Given the recent discussion about vaccines on Ape's thread I though the comment regarding celebrity influence was pertinent.

Today marks the tenth anniversary of a very important conversation:

Me: What the hell is this?
Mike: What, do you want me to "ask you out"?
Me: {haughty} Yes.
Mike: {rolls his eyes} Will you be my girlfriend?
Me: .... Yes.

Bastard broke up with me a month later, but that lasted for less than a week. I still like to say that I'm going to make him pay for that week...

70.
Author: Louise Penny
Title: The Cruelest Month
Publication: Paperback, 2007.
Pages: 401 pages
Genre: Mystery
Acquisition: Resistance is futile
Date Completed: September 3, 2010
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache novels are deeply satisfying; as I reached the resolution I experienced that wonderful, comfortable full-belly feeling that only exceptional novels can inspire.

The primary plot of The Cruelest Month focuses on the now-infamous Arnot case which helped to define Gamache; though the case itself was long ago "resolved," the repercussions of Gamache's decisions have never fully dissipated. Now, Gamache and his team must face uncomfortable truths and a world of confrontations in order to support decisions that were honorable.

The secondary plot is the murder of a newer resident of Three Pines; unlike previous novels, the victim is not thoroughly detestable, yet there is no shortage of suspects.

The Cruelest Month is a character-driven narrative, in which quite a bit of development is presented. I enjoyed learning more about some of the principle characters, and was thoroughly pleased when my hopes for certain characters were fulfilled.

Love the acquisition info! I agree with you though - resistance is futile when it comes to those books.

It was very hard to keep myself from buying the next one last night, but I knew if I did I'd spend the weekend in Three Pines as opposed to publishing my distance courses. Ah, Penny, you sweet Siren.

#237: Reading Penny vs. distance courses - there would be no battle on my end. I would surrender to Three Pines in a heartbeat!

That's exactly why I didn't buy it!

Smart woman!

You can resist, but not for long. Great review of The Cruelest Month. It's hard for me to believe I only started the series last January and here I am halfway through the last one, Bury Your Dead. My original plan was to stretch them out as long as possible. The best laid plans....

#241: . . .are pretty much worthless when it comes to books!

The Halloween thread is up!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/98082&newpost=1#lastmsg

Brenzi/Stas - Yeah, I have no self control when it comes to series, so I usually plow through one and then wait eagerly for the next to come out...

Thanks, BDB!

Just dropping by to say hello, Luxx! :)

Hey! Barkeep! Whassan ol' fag gotta do ta gedda dring roun this jernt?!

Promise sugar on top, of course.

Hello gentlemen! Thanks for stopping in! I'm neck-deep in seven classes right now, so free reading time has largely disappeared. I'm about to plow through a couple work reads, though, sohopefuly I'll be able to resurface soon.

I am mixing up some G&T's rd.. that can tide you over til she gets back :)

Oh good lord, you can't mix G&Ts and leave me out! I'll take mine with lemon, please.

71.
Author: Benedict Carey
Title: The Unknowns: A Mystery
Publication: Hardback, 2009.
Pages: 259 pages
Genre: Mystery, Young Adult
Acquisition: Teaching Text - 5-8 grades
Date Completed: September 10, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Adjacent is a place to hide the unwanted but necessary. The little island is home to a large nuclear plant, the hard-working families that keep the plant running, and the garbage that is generated by the communities around them. The children of Adjacent spend their time running between trailers, hiding is broken down buses, and watching the garbage come in on large barges.

When the narrator begins on the first page, "people were praying for something twisted to happen last summer. ... We wanted a problem, and a hairy one, just for something to do," the reader really isn't surprised.

The surprise, though, is that they get what they ask for.

People start disappearing from Adjacent; ordinary people that live on the island, and no one seems to care what is happening to them. But when a local math tutor disappears two of her students are determined to find out what is going on, and work their way through a series of mathematical clues they're sure Mrs. Clarke left behind.

The mystery goes far deeper than they ever expected, and Di and Tom gather together an unlikely group of conspirators to help stop the disaster that is looming.

I purchased Carey's book to kick off my 5th and 8th grade language arts classes at a math and science academy. The mathematical theme of the book flows naturally with the narrative, and the reader is able to develop and theorize along with the protagonists. I believe that The Unknowns will be very appealing both for young readers who have an interest in reading, and those who proclaim that math is just plain boring.

G&T with lemon?? Travesty!!

That looks like a fascinating book.....

Hey, my son lives in Annapolis.. I think you might live nearby...? sorta?
And my son in law works at NASA.. You might just be near to family. Who knows.. maybe some day we can meet.

*Somebody* needs a new thread! *ahem* :)

Good work, Cadet Officer 254! *notes commendation in Thread Police records*

And if SOMEBODY paid attention, they would see that I started one yesterday. :-p

251 - Gin and tonics with lemon are the only way to go. I live 15-20 minutes from Annapolis, and my uncle used to work at NASA. :) I'm closer to Annapolis than DC or Baltimore, but all are within commuting distance. We live in a pretty convenient (and stupidly over-priced) city!

Ah, but you didn't link to it, so that's still a violation! It's just that the reprimand is less severe. Which is to say, there is less swearing. Count yourself lucky! :P

Hey now, I can't be blamed for your laziness.

And I can teach you a thing or two about swearing, whippersnapper. ;)