QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I had no shoes, and I felt sorry for myself until I met a man with no feet. I took his shoes. Now I feel better." --George Carlin
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Ladies’ Man
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
In ten words or less: Handsome young cop falls for older single mother in danger.
Review: Ellen, an English professor at Yale, has a summer fling in New York City with a gorgeous, younger cop named Sam. But will Sam be able to protect her from a deranged stalker? Sam meets Ellen when he is mistaken for a famous author who has agreed to write her uncle’s biography. Fresh from a divorce, Ellen is escaping her suburban Connecticut home for a summer in the city, where she hopes to switch careers and become an actress. After a quick sexual encounter in a limousine, Sam is in love, but Ellen wants just a fling. Who prevails?
Why bother? Romance and danger combine for a satisfying read.
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
In ten words or less: Handsome young cop falls for older single mother in danger.
Review: Ellen, an English professor at Yale, has a summer fling in New York City with a gorgeous, younger cop named Sam. But will Sam be able to protect her from a deranged stalker? Sam meets Ellen when he is mistaken for a famous author who has agreed to write her uncle’s biography. Fresh from a divorce, Ellen is escaping her suburban Connecticut home for a summer in the city, where she hopes to switch careers and become an actress. After a quick sexual encounter in a limousine, Sam is in love, but Ellen wants just a fling. Who prevails?
Why bother? Romance and danger combine for a satisfying read.
Friday, November 17, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Clearing Customs
Author: Martha Egan
In ten words or less: Gift shop owner is targeted by customs officials.
Review: Folk art dealer Beverly Parmentier is being pursued by crooked agents from the U.S. Customs Service. Beverly is an honest businesswoman who can't figure out why her store is being targeted or why she is being followed, even on a rafting trip on the Yampa River. Could it be that she spoke out on behalf of a fellow importer unjustly accused of smuggling? Or is it her Peace Corps background and her ex-hippie lifestyle?
Martha Egan wrote this novel in 1988 in response to the U.S. customs Service war on small import businesses. Egan was raised in DePere, WI and is a graduate of St. Joseph's Acacemy in Green Bay.
Why bother? Great combination of humor and mystery with a dash of over zealous government agents thrown in for good measure.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Holmes on the RangeAuthor: Steve Hockensmith
In ten words or less: Two cowboys solve a murder a la Sherlock Holmes.
Review: Gustave "Old Red" Amlingmeyer is a Montana cowboy who dreams of being the Sherlock Holmes of the American frontier. With winter fast approaching and no income to rely on, Old Red and his younger brother Otto "Big Red" hire on as hands at the Bar-VR Ranch. After a stampede, the body of the ranch manager is found, an apparent murder. Soon another man is discovered to have committed suicide--or is it more foul play?
The sights and sounds of the 1890s American west come alive in this mystery-meets-western. This is a first novel from Hockensmith, who is a contributor to Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine.
Why bother? The strange blend of mystery and western works well, because of the likeable brothers.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Cinderella Pact: a Novel
Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
In ten words or less: Overweight friends support each other while trying to lose weight.
Review: Nola Devlin is an editor at Sass! magazine but feels her ideas are not seriously considered because she is overweight. When she turns in sample columns under he own name, she is sure they get tossed straight in the trash. But when she invents sexy Belinda Apple, and submits her identical columns with a picture of the oh-so-trendy Belinda attached, her editor at Sass! is salivating at the thought of snagging Belinda as a contributor.
While the mysterious Belinda is penning columns on weight loss, style, and sex, Nola is making a pact with her two best friends to get in shape over the next six months. Nola has no social life, so what does she have to lose? And her younger sister is sure that Nola is envious of her upcoming wedding, and asks "Belinda" to be her maid of honor.
And then...a handsome computer geek named "Chip" shows some interest in Nola. Is he for real? Lightweight fluff, but readable and fun.
Why bother? Perfect paperback to bring with you on a weekend getaway.
Monday, October 23, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Out of the Frying Pan, into the Choir: a Ruby, the Rabbi's wife mystery
Author: Sharon Kahn
In ten words or less: The murder of a choir member has Ruby investigating.
Review: Temple Rita's choir has a trip to Lake Louise and Banff scheduled but Temple busybody Essie Sue thinks that funds have fallen short. She hires paty planner/grief counselor Bitsy to co-ordinate latke sales in support of the trip.
The choir's lead soprano Serena Salit collapses and dies during the next concert. But the train trip must go on, and despite a warning from her policeman boyfriend, Ruby--rabbi's widow and amateur sleuth--boards the train.
There are plenty of suspects, from Serena's ex-husband to a womanizing tenor. And when Ruby spots a body as she is taking photos from the back of the train, she begins to fear for her safety.
This is a great "kosher cozy"--plenty of humor and Ruby is a thoroughtly likeable heroine.
Why bother? A lighthearted cozy guaranteed to bring a smile. The authors website is http://www.sharonkahn.com
Monday, October 16, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Cross Bones: A Temperance Brennan mystery
Author: Kathy Reichs
In ten words or less: A skeleton leads Tempe to Israel, seeking an ancient tomb.
Review: After an Orthodox Jew is murdered, a mourner gives Tempe a photograph of a skeleton, and hints it is a clue to the crime. An anthropologist friend tells Tempe the photo was taken in Israel, and the skeleton may be linked to an ancient tomb, one that arguably belongs to the family of Jesus. And are the bones the remains of James, the brother of Jesus?
Reichs combines the elements of a good mystery with history and archeology. "The Da Vinci Code" fans should check out this book.
Why bother? Tempe Brennan fans will not be disappointed, but it's not necessary to read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Nerds Like it Hot
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
In ten words or less: Witness to a murder hides on a nerds only cruise.
Review: Hollywood makeup artist Gilliam McCormick witnesses a suspect leaving a murder scene. The victim is actor Theo Patterson, and the murderer is Neil Rucker, who lost the starring role that Theo won. To complicate matters, Neil is the stopson of a notorious mobster.
In a panic, Gilliam flees to the home of octogenarian actress Cora, who hires two hot young bodyguards and helps Gilliam to transform herself into a Marilyn Monroe look-alike. They book passage on an "all nerds" cruise.
Most of the cruise is spent trying to figure out if Gilliam is being tailed by a mafia hitman. Included are some humorous situations and hot sex.
Why bother? For fans of romance who like it light, funny, and steamy.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: The Highly Effective Detective
Author: Richard Yancey
In ten words or less: Security guard turned detective investigates the killing of goslings.
Review: Teddy Ruzak always wanted to be a detective, but after he washed out of the police academy, he took a job as a security guard on the night shift. Not endowed with a lot of ambition or drive, there he stayed until his mother died.
He used the money from the sale of her house to bankroll his detective agency. He didn't know he needed a license when he accepted his first case--the hit-and-run murder of a gaggle of goslings. He's in over his head from the beginning.
Ruzak is a likable if somewhat pathetic character--his heart is in the right place but he realizes he doesn't want to do any more work than he has to.
Why bother? A detective for the rest of us--not handsome, fearless, or brilliant--but an average guy in over his head. A refreshing change from the detective-as-superhero.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Lost in the Forest
Author: Sue Miller
In ten words or less: A sudden death affects all members of a family.
Review: Eva is happily remarried, with two daughters by her ex-husband and a small son with her current spouse John. When John is killed in a car accident, the family is thrown into chaos. Eva draws closer to her ex-husband, little Theo doesn't believe his daddy is gone forever, and teenage Daisy is drawn into a sexually abusive relationship with the husband of her mom's best friend. There is graphic sexual description and not the happy ending expected, but characters come to terms with their losses.
Why bother? Fans of domestic fiction by authors like Jane Smiley and Anne Tyler will appreciate the emotion in this story of a family torn apart.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Bookmarked to Die
Author: Jo Dereske
In ten words or less: Humorous mystery featuring humorless librarian solving crimes at work.
Review: Helma Zukas is a 40-something librarian with a relationship with the Chief of Police Wayne Gallant and a suspicious stray cat she has never named. Her library director feels Helma isn't a team player, and orders her to attend a series of self-improvement workshops. And when she organizes a program on local authors, one of them is murdered afterwards. To top it off, her cat is kidnapped and Chief Gallant's ardor is cooling.
This is not the strongest entry in the Miss Zukas series but it's good to see her back.
Why bother? Mystery 'lite' features a likeable if prickly librarian who likes to keep her relationships on a professional level.
BOOK REVIEW
Author: Jane Heller
Title: Some Nerve
In ten words or less: Humorous romance between celebrity journalist and the actor she stalks.
Review: As a celebrity journalist at "Famous" magazine, Ann Roth is about to lose her job unless she can come up with the big interview with reclusive actor Malcolm Goddard. After a disastrous attempt to bribe her way into his favor, he agrees to an interview when she threatens to publishe a not-quite-truthful story about him. But her phobia of flying prevents her from showing up for the interview.
When Ann is fired for not obtaining the story, Ann heads home to small-town Missouri until she can find another job. But surprise! Who shows up but Goddard, checked into the local hospital under an assumed name. A little too much mean spirited deceitin this story to make it totally enjoyable, but a quick, glitzy read for those who enjoy "People" magazine.
Why bother? If you want a smar, celebrity-packed romance, this is it. Not one of Heller's best, but since Olivia Goldsmith's death, Heller leads the pack when it comes to witty romances with plenty of glam.
Jane Heller's website is at http://www.janeheller.com
Friday, September 15, 2006
MOVIE REVIEW
Title: Good luck
Review: Vincent D’Onofrio and Gregory Hines
Seattle Seahawks star receiver Anthony “Olee” Olezniak (D’Onofrio) receives a life-altering injuring during a game—he is blinded by a freak spinal cord injury. After almost a year, he hasn’t adjusted at all to his blindness, and when his ex-lover writes a tell-all book about him, he flies into a rage and throws his furniture out the window.
Geeky dental technician Bernard Lemley, who was paralyzed when a drunk driver ran into his car weeks before his graduation from dental school, was Olee’s biology tutor in college. He asks Olee to go on a whitewater rafting trip with him, to prove that gimps can do challenging outdoor activities. Olee feels he is being used because of his celebrity, but agrees only if Lem agrees to no publicity until after the trip.
Olee complains to Lem at the outset that he hasn’t been to a party, had an erection, or a decent bowel movement since his accident. There is crude toilet and sexual humor here, and a flash of tits at the beginning of the movie, but D’Onofrio and Hines have great chemistry and the buddy story clicks. One of my favorite actors from “Barney Miller,” Max Gail, appears as a marijuana farmer. I borrowed this film from the library, and enjoyed it enough to purchase the DVD.
Title: Good luck
Review: Vincent D’Onofrio and Gregory Hines
Seattle Seahawks star receiver Anthony “Olee” Olezniak (D’Onofrio) receives a life-altering injuring during a game—he is blinded by a freak spinal cord injury. After almost a year, he hasn’t adjusted at all to his blindness, and when his ex-lover writes a tell-all book about him, he flies into a rage and throws his furniture out the window.
Geeky dental technician Bernard Lemley, who was paralyzed when a drunk driver ran into his car weeks before his graduation from dental school, was Olee’s biology tutor in college. He asks Olee to go on a whitewater rafting trip with him, to prove that gimps can do challenging outdoor activities. Olee feels he is being used because of his celebrity, but agrees only if Lem agrees to no publicity until after the trip.
Olee complains to Lem at the outset that he hasn’t been to a party, had an erection, or a decent bowel movement since his accident. There is crude toilet and sexual humor here, and a flash of tits at the beginning of the movie, but D’Onofrio and Hines have great chemistry and the buddy story clicks. One of my favorite actors from “Barney Miller,” Max Gail, appears as a marijuana farmer. I borrowed this film from the library, and enjoyed it enough to purchase the DVD.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
MOVIE REVIEW
Title: A Prairie Home Companion
Folks who haven’t listened to “A Prairie Home Companion” won’t get the in-jokes, so I can’t speak for them. But I’m a big Lily Tomlin fan, and she and Meryl Streep were spot-on as the aging gospel singing sisters. I can’t say I’ve ever seen Woody Harrelson in anything other than a couple of episodes of “Cheers,” but I laughed so hard at his comedy routine with John C. Reilly, I had tears in my eyes. And the jokes were real groaners! But Harrelson’s expression is what did it for me. That sly grin and the look of innocence that precedes a joke that should have been left unspoken. And Keillor is Keillor—pretty much the same on screen as he is on radio.
Title: A Prairie Home Companion
Folks who haven’t listened to “A Prairie Home Companion” won’t get the in-jokes, so I can’t speak for them. But I’m a big Lily Tomlin fan, and she and Meryl Streep were spot-on as the aging gospel singing sisters. I can’t say I’ve ever seen Woody Harrelson in anything other than a couple of episodes of “Cheers,” but I laughed so hard at his comedy routine with John C. Reilly, I had tears in my eyes. And the jokes were real groaners! But Harrelson’s expression is what did it for me. That sly grin and the look of innocence that precedes a joke that should have been left unspoken. And Keillor is Keillor—pretty much the same on screen as he is on radio.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Book review
Title: Kiss me like a stranger: my search for love and art (Audiobook)
Author: Gene Wilder
In ten words or less: Actor tells of his career and personal life.
Review: Wilder reads his own book, and it tells of his extraordinary life on stage and in film. He grew up in Milwaukee with a sick mother, a supportive family which included an older sister who was studying acting. Gene followed in her footsteps, to the University of Iowa, spent two years in the army as a medic at a psychiatric hospital at Valley Forge, and on to the stage in New York.
Wilder worked in serious stage drama, and then Mel Brooks offered him the role of Leo Bloom in “The Producers.” Other comedy roles followed, “Young Frankenstein,” “Blazing Saddles,” and films with Richard Pryor, such as “Silver Streak.” During this period Wilder has two failed marriages, and a rocky relationship with his step daughter, whom he adopted.
His marriage to Gilda Radner is described with humor, sensitivity, and love. Her battle with cancer and death was followed by Wilder’s own bout with cancer. Wilder’s book is funny, interesting, moving, but never maudlin.
Why bother? A good listen(or read) for fans of Wilder.
Title: Kiss me like a stranger: my search for love and art (Audiobook)
Author: Gene Wilder
In ten words or less: Actor tells of his career and personal life.
Review: Wilder reads his own book, and it tells of his extraordinary life on stage and in film. He grew up in Milwaukee with a sick mother, a supportive family which included an older sister who was studying acting. Gene followed in her footsteps, to the University of Iowa, spent two years in the army as a medic at a psychiatric hospital at Valley Forge, and on to the stage in New York.
Wilder worked in serious stage drama, and then Mel Brooks offered him the role of Leo Bloom in “The Producers.” Other comedy roles followed, “Young Frankenstein,” “Blazing Saddles,” and films with Richard Pryor, such as “Silver Streak.” During this period Wilder has two failed marriages, and a rocky relationship with his step daughter, whom he adopted.
His marriage to Gilda Radner is described with humor, sensitivity, and love. Her battle with cancer and death was followed by Wilder’s own bout with cancer. Wilder’s book is funny, interesting, moving, but never maudlin.
Why bother? A good listen(or read) for fans of Wilder.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Don’t cry for me, hot pastrami: A Ruby, the Rabbi’s wife, mystery
Author: Sharon Kahn
In ten words or less: Ruby solves a mystery aboard a cruise ship.
Review: Third in the series. Ruby is tricked into sailing on a cruise with members of her temple. How bad can a cruise be? Ruby finds out when the lecturer hired for the group is killed as he is about to board the ship. When she is exploring on shore, Ruby is attacked, knocked unconscious, and her camera is vandalized. If that is not bad enough, the sleazy, toupee wearing captain has it in his head that Ruby is romantically interested in him. Ruby manages to solve the mystery, with the help of an attractive investigative reporter.
Why bother? A breezy, humorous mystery that will not tax the grey cells, and offers some laughs to boot.
Title: Don’t cry for me, hot pastrami: A Ruby, the Rabbi’s wife, mystery
Author: Sharon Kahn
In ten words or less: Ruby solves a mystery aboard a cruise ship.
Review: Third in the series. Ruby is tricked into sailing on a cruise with members of her temple. How bad can a cruise be? Ruby finds out when the lecturer hired for the group is killed as he is about to board the ship. When she is exploring on shore, Ruby is attacked, knocked unconscious, and her camera is vandalized. If that is not bad enough, the sleazy, toupee wearing captain has it in his head that Ruby is romantically interested in him. Ruby manages to solve the mystery, with the help of an attractive investigative reporter.
Why bother? A breezy, humorous mystery that will not tax the grey cells, and offers some laughs to boot.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
SASQUATCH CHIPMUNK
The chipmunk that was living under the deck has apparently gown too large for his quarters. He was seen diving under the siding on the house, and is probably living in the cellar. I hate to think of how many chipmunks are down there. I do not begrudge them a place to live, but their favored place seems to be behind the central air conditioning and near the electrical service box. I know they will chew through anything. So far live traps have not worked. The fox urine scent has not worked. I can't seal the openings until I am sure all the munks are out. Today the munk spent 45 minutes sitting on my deck scolding me for not refilling the safflower seed birdfeeder. When hell freezes over!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Team of Rivals
Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin
In ten words or less: Biography of Lincoln and his rivals Seward, Chase, and Bates.
Review: Another Lincoln book? Over the past few years I have read Stephen B. Oates, “With Malice toward none,” other books on the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant, and other figures of the era. So by the time I picked up the Goodwin book, I was hearing the same anecdotes for the third or fourth time. Goodwin is an eminently readable author (“No Ordinary Time, “Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream”) however, and she seems to have bounced back from the scandal of a few years ago. The focus of this volume is the political rivalry among William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates, who were also seeking the 1860 Republican presidential nomination. After losing to Lincoln, they all went on to serve in his cabinet.
Why bother? Exhaustive and well written biography of Lincoln’s life and his political rivals.
Title: Team of Rivals
Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin
In ten words or less: Biography of Lincoln and his rivals Seward, Chase, and Bates.
Review: Another Lincoln book? Over the past few years I have read Stephen B. Oates, “With Malice toward none,” other books on the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant, and other figures of the era. So by the time I picked up the Goodwin book, I was hearing the same anecdotes for the third or fourth time. Goodwin is an eminently readable author (“No Ordinary Time, “Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream”) however, and she seems to have bounced back from the scandal of a few years ago. The focus of this volume is the political rivalry among William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates, who were also seeking the 1860 Republican presidential nomination. After losing to Lincoln, they all went on to serve in his cabinet.
Why bother? Exhaustive and well written biography of Lincoln’s life and his political rivals.
Friday, May 26, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Author: Michael Schumacher
In ten words or less: Gripping tale of the legendary Lake Superior shipwreck.
Review: Twenty nine men died when the ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Schumacher, who has written biographies of Allen Ginsberg, Eric Clapton, and Francis Ford Coppola, retells the story of the days leading up to the disappearance of the big ship. The official reports from the Coast Guard and other sources are at odds, and with no eyewitnesses to the sinking, the cause of the accident is still unknown. Gordon Lightfoot’s song kept the public interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald, and there were battles afterwards about recovering relics and taking photographs of the sunken wreck.
Why bother? Lots of local interest for readers in the Great Lakes area. Examines a mystery that has not been solved to this day. Young adults who don’t like fiction might be interested in this story.
Title: Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Author: Michael Schumacher
In ten words or less: Gripping tale of the legendary Lake Superior shipwreck.
Review: Twenty nine men died when the ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Schumacher, who has written biographies of Allen Ginsberg, Eric Clapton, and Francis Ford Coppola, retells the story of the days leading up to the disappearance of the big ship. The official reports from the Coast Guard and other sources are at odds, and with no eyewitnesses to the sinking, the cause of the accident is still unknown. Gordon Lightfoot’s song kept the public interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald, and there were battles afterwards about recovering relics and taking photographs of the sunken wreck.
Why bother? Lots of local interest for readers in the Great Lakes area. Examines a mystery that has not been solved to this day. Young adults who don’t like fiction might be interested in this story.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: A Liberal in City Government: My Experiences as Mayor of Milwaukee
Author: Frank P. Zeidler
In ten words or less: Zeidler recalls his 12 years as Milwaukee's socialist mayor.
Review: Milwaukee has a long tradition of democratic socialism, and Frank P. Zeidler was elected mayor in 1948, as the socialists were on their last legs. He recounts the elections and the red baiting by opponents and the local media. Most of the book tells of the problems of the city versus the suburbs, during a time of economic growth. Suburbs fought annexation, though city services such as water and sewer were demanded.
Zeidler tells how the long hours and demands of the office took a toll on his health. He ran for president in 1976 on the Socialist Party USA ticket.
Why bother? Interesting to readers looking for an insider's view on Milwaukee politics and to those seeking a practical look at the effect a lone outsider can have in government.
Monday, May 22, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Kenny Salwey's Tales of a River Rat: Tales of Trapping and Living on the Upper Mississippi River
In ten words or less: Thoughtful stories of life near the Mississippi river.
Review: Kenny Salwey was born in Buffalo County, Wisconsin. The rural county abuts the Mississippi River, and is a maze of swamp, bluffs, and backwater sloughs. Salwey combines poetry with tales of hunting and trapping in the river wetlands. His childhood memories include trying to avoid school whenever possible and learning about skunk cabbage from his father. Trout fishing, canoe paddling, and morel mushroom picking are the subjects of some of Kenny's stories. His stories are thoughtful and well written, and respectful of nature.
Why bother? For readers who love stories of nature and wildlife.
Friday, May 19, 2006
FILM REVIEW
The Whole Wide World
"To make life worth living a man or a woman has to have a great love or a great cause...I have neither."--Robert E. Howard
A film festival favorite of 1996, "The Whole Wide World" is the story of Robert E. Howard, pulp fiction writer, and school teacher Novalyne Price. Howard (Vincent D'Onofrio) was the author of the Conan, Kull, and Red Sonja stories that ran in such magazines as "Weird Stories." As the film opens, he is living with his parents--his father is a physician and his mother is sickly, possibly from tuberculosis. Robert spends his time writing and attending to his mother's needs.
Novalyne (Renee Zellweger) is a feisty young teacher who dreams of becoming a writer. When she hears that a published writer, Robert Howard, lives in town, she phones him, but he doesn't return her calls. She gathers up the courage to call on him, and so begins a complicated relationship. Though only a couple of kisses are exchanged on screen, it is a relationship filled with passion, humor, pain, and regret. The dusty 1930s Texas landscape adds to the visual setting.
Zellweger and D'Onofrio are terriffic! This is a gem of a film.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: A Multitude of Mercies
Author: Fay Freimuth
In ten words or less: Portrait of how a schizophrenic woman's disease affects her family.
Review: Freimuth's novel is dedicated to her sister, who suffered from schizophrenia. It is the story, simply told, of two sisters--Nancy and Laura. Nancy is married, mother of two, and is expecting her third child. Laura, who has been hospitalized for schizophrenia, is struggling to support herself and get a college degree. Laura's illness affects her entire family--her parents, her grandmother--and leads her to get involved with a series of abusive men.
I don't know how much of this book is based on the author's real life experience, but it reads as if it was a journal kept to record all the painful moments of this part of her life.
Why bother? A worthwhile read--no gimmicks here--just pain, disappointment, and hope.
Monday, May 15, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: A Venom Beneath the Skin: a Romilia Chacon Novel
Author: Marcos M. Villatoro
In ten words or less: FRI agent Romilia investigates the death of a fellow agent.
Review: FBI agent Chip Pierce is bludgeoned to death with his own prosthetic leg, only hours after fellow agent Romilia Chacon turns down his marriage proposal. The Los Angeles police and the FBI believe the killer is the elusive drug lord Tekun Uman. Only Romilia believes another is responsible, but the Bureau discounts her theory. The Feds accuse her of being personally involved with the Uman.
Several other books have featured female law enforcement officers, involved with criminals, including Elmore Leonard's "Out of Sight," and Thomas Harris' "Silence of the Lambs." Romilia's family life is what makes this book different; her mother Celia and Uncle Chepe came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic. Sergio, her son, read books and plays soccer.Title: A Venom Beneath the Skin: a Romilia Chacon Novel
Author: Marcos M. Villatoro
In ten words or less: FRI agent Romilia investigates the death of a fellow agent.
Review: FBI agent Chip Pierce is bludgeoned to death with his own prosthetic leg, only hours after fellow agent Romilia Chacon turns down his marriage proposal. The Los Angeles police and the FBI believe the killer is the elusive drug lord Tekun Uman. Only Romilia believes another is responsible, but the Bureau discounts her theory. The Feds accuse her of being personally involved with the Uman.
Third in a series.
Why bother? A latina protagonist sets this mystery apart.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
BIRDS IN THE YARD
This has been a wet, rainy weekend. For most of yesterday, a morning dove sat on my deck, no doubt eyeing my flower pots as a place to put a nest. This morning a pair of goldfinches were flying around the lilac bushes. I've got seven different lilacs in my relatively small yard, and I love this time of year.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
FILM REVIEW
Title: Salton Sea
Thoroughly repellent film about meth dealers. Danny Parker, a jazz trumpeter, loses his wife in a violent murder. Danny then becomes a meth freak and is dealing for a large amount of meth, but is he also ratting out the dealers to the cops? Don’t know, don’t care.
I should have known there was no where to go but down when I saw that Val Kilmer was starring. Don’t think I’ve ever seen him do justice to a role—“Red Planet” was okay, but anyone associated with “The Island of Dr. Moreau” should have their Equity card ripped to shreds. I got the film because Vincent D’Onofrio was in it, but he played an even more repellent character than Kilmer. But in D’Onofrio’s case, I think it was the physically nastiness of the part that put me off, not his acting. The lowlight of the film was when the meth dealer (D’Onofrio) was going to torture Parker (Kilmer). The henchmen pulled down Parker’s pants and shoved a cage with a hungry badger (wolverine?) against his crotch. When you’re on the side of the badger, you know it’s time to call it quits
Monday, May 01, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Endless forms most beautiful: the new science of evo devo
Author: Sean B. Carroll
In ten words or less: Evolutionary biology explained for the masses.
Review: Evo devo--evolutionary developmental biology--explores how form and pattern emerge in empryos, and begins to explain how primitive forms of millions of years ago developed into today's diverse animal kingdom.
Although Carroll, who teaches genetics at the University of Wisconsin, has presented a great deal of technical information, even readers who have only a casual knowledge of genetics and evolution can appreciate this book. Typical chapter titles are: "From e.coli to elephants." "Monsters, mutants, and master genes," and "Making babies: 25,000 genes, some assembly required."
Readers of Stephen Jay Gould will find this a fascinating explanation of genetic evolution.
Why bother? Readers interested in nature and natural history will find much to delight and ponder.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: University of Wisconsin Football
Author: Dave Anderson
In ten words or less: Photos of Badger football history
Review: Written by a fan of Univeristy of Wisconsin football, this book is mostly photos of players, old programs, and other Badger memorabilia. There's only about half a dozen pages of text.
Why bother? For UW football fans only.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Grant
Author: Max Byrd
In ten words or less: Civil War vet and reporter covers the 1880 presidential campaign.
Review: This historical novel covers the final years of the life of Ulysses S. Grant, former Civil War general and 18th president of the United States. Reporter Nat Trist, a Union veteran who lost an arm at Cold Harbor, is assigned to cover the 1880 election. Grant, just returned from a world tour, and the most celebrated man in America, is rumored to be considering a run for an unprecedented third term. The author brings to life Grant and his contemporaries, including William T. Sherman, Henry Adams, and Mark Twain.
Why bother? Very good glimpse at life inside American politics in the 1880s.
Friday, April 28, 2006
BOOK REVIEW (Audiobook)
Title: Napalm and Silly Putty
Author: George Carlin
In ten words or less: Exerpts from Carlin's book, read by the author.
Review: Carlin asks the usual questions, such as "If people climb Mount Everest because it's hard to do, why do they go up the easy side?" and "If there are really multiple universes, what do they call the thing they're all part of?" he wonders why housing for the homeless can't be built on golf courses. He uses BAD WORDS--you know the one's I mean.
Why bother? I listened to this at work, and I laughed. 'Nuff said.
VULTURES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
Just came back from a stay at Clifty Falls State Park, in Madison, IN. It’s near Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH. I was impressed by the number of vultures we saw, both soaring overhead and by the side of the road, chowing down on an unfortunate deer, possum, or unidentifiable roadkill. There are turkey vultures here on the Frozen Tundra, usually in the sky near a river valley. I had never seen any on the ground before, and was taken aback by their size.
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Death of a Dreamer
Author: M.C. Beaton
In ten words or less: Visitors to remote Scottish village cause problems for local constable.
Review: In this cozy mystery, Constable Hamish MacBeth eyes the newcomers to Lochdubh with suspicion. Most of them don't last a winter in the remote highland village. But Effie Garrard is staying around, and notices Jock Fleming, a painter who has just arrived, to the delight of the local ladies.
The colorful local characters, gentle humor, and the appeal of the unambitious MacBeth make this a treat of a mystery.
Why bother? Twenty-first in a series. Once you start, you can't stop.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Brett’s Back!
Brett Favre has announced he will return for another season with the Green Bay Packers. This is front page news here in the frozen tundra. In honor of this event, here’s a typical tailgating recipe. Most tailgating recipes involve bratwurst and beer, in some combination.
GRILLED BRATWURST
Bratwurst1 can beer1 1/2 c. water1 c. ketchup
Grill bratwurst over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Combine beer, water and ketchup in large saucepan. Simmer the grilled brats in beer mixture for 15 to 30 minutes.
Brett Favre has announced he will return for another season with the Green Bay Packers. This is front page news here in the frozen tundra. In honor of this event, here’s a typical tailgating recipe. Most tailgating recipes involve bratwurst and beer, in some combination.
GRILLED BRATWURST
Bratwurst1 can beer1 1/2 c. water1 c. ketchup
Grill bratwurst over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Combine beer, water and ketchup in large saucepan. Simmer the grilled brats in beer mixture for 15 to 30 minutes.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Setting the Lawn on Fire: a novel
Author: Mack Friedman
In ten words or less: Horny teen leaves Milwaukee to discover the gay life.
Review: Ivan is a gay,, Jewish teen who heads off to Alaska looking for a job in a fishing village. The fishing boats are on strike, and Ivan ends up living rough in a tent city. He spends most of his time thinking about sex. And when he leaves to go to college, he is still thinking about sex, and takes a job with the Hot Jock Cleaning Service. Readers uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of gay sex will want to skip this book.
Why bother? A gay teen's coming of age story.
Monday, April 24, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Tricky Business
Author: Dave Barry
In ten words or less: Losers meet mobsters aboard a gambling ship during a storm.
Review: The "Extravaganza of the Sea" is a gambling ship that sails off the Florida coast nightly. The captain has done prison time, and is under orders from his mob bosses to take the boat out in a tropical storm. This night the passengers include Arnold and Phil, a couple of octogenarians escaping from their retirement home; a man in a pink plush conch costume; a band of dopers called Johnny and the Contusions; and a cocktail waitress named Fay Benton, a single mom at odds with her ex-husband. Barry peppers his story with his usual fart jokes, outlandish situations, and colorful Florida characters.
Why bother? If you enjoy Dave Barry's columns, you'll like his second novel.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Good Morning, Mr. Zip Zip Zip
Author: Richard Schickel
In ten words or less: Film critic recalls growing up in 1940s Milwaukee.
Review: Critic Schickel grew up in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa in the 1940s. He weaves stories of his middle class WASP existence into the larger story of life in America during World War II. Yet another story is told by the films produced during this era.
Schickel disagrees with Tom Brokaw and others who argue that the "Greatest Generation" had "some mystical connection between the dumb, dutiful decency of the average American and the great and necessary moral task they accomplished, which was, of course, the defeat of absolute and unprecedented evil." Schickel points out the racism at home, and the scant attention paid to the Holocaust while it was happening.
Why bother? Fantastic memoir that film fans will love.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Grape Expectations: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery with Recipes
Author: Tamar Myers
In ten words or less: Wise cracking Mennonite innkeeper investigates murder in Penn Dutch country.
Review:Magdalena Yoder, owner of the Penn Dutch Inn in Hernia, Pennsylvania, is disturbed when a local farmer sells out to a developer planning to build a vineyard and upscale hotel and restaurant. Magdalena's concerns about the effect on her business is overshadowed when one of the owners of "Grape Expectations" is murdered near the property.
This is the 14th in the series, and the plots are getting a little thinner, the supporting characters not as charmingly eccentric, and Magdalena's snappy comebacks fall flat. Myers needs to give the series a megadose of new energy, or give the good citizens of Hernia a rest.
Why bother? Once witty series has passed its prime.
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Between Camelots
Author: David Ebenbach
In ten words or less: Collection of short stories that captures brief moments in relationships.
Review: In Ebenbach's short stories, the characters are looking for ways to connect with other human beings. The title story, "Between Camelots," centers on a man who waits at a dinner party for a blind date who never shows up. In other stories characters explore tenuous moments that lead to changes in lives and the people that effect them. Winner of the Drue Heinz Literature Prize for 2005.
Why bother? Brief insights into private lives.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
THE BIRDS
The other day as I was returning home, I found 30-40 starlings in the tree next to my birdfeeder. I have never had more than a few at any one time in the past. It felt Hitchcockian, to say the least. The next morning, the starlings were squabbling and acting so agressive I was afraid to walk past them, so I slunk around the other side of the house, and with a lot less style than Tippi Hedren would have shown. The starlings even chased off a bluejay.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Film Review
Title: Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
In this gentle documentary, filmmaker Judy Irving takes a look at Mark Bittner, who has befriended a flock of parrots in a San Francisco park. Bittner is a laid back, well spoken individual, who moved to the city in the early 1070s trying to make it as a musician. After a string of inconsequential jobs, he ended up caretaking a house that overlooked the park that was home to a flock of parrots.
No one knows how the parents came to call the park their home--perhaps they escaped while in transport to pet shops, or perhaps bored owners released pet birds into the wild. The birds prospered and bred in the wild, and Bittner would spend hours observing the parrots.
This is a thoughtful film, and a heartwarming look at both the birds and the man.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Potluck Dinners
This recipe is from the sister-in-law of a co-worker. It's a great sweet side dish, perfect for folks who enjoy candied yams, Harvard beets, and sweet and sour coleslaw. You can even re-heat leftovers, and serve with ice cream or whipped topping. It tastes like the bottom of pineapple upside down cake.
Pineapple and Cheese Casserole
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drain and keep juice
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup grated cheese
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 1 quart casserole dish combine, flour, sugar and 3 tablespoons of the pineapple juice. Add cheese and pineapple and stir. Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter. Cover casserole with crumbs. Bake 25 minutes or until heated through. Great with ham or pork chops. Recipe can be doubled, tripled or quadrupled depending on how many you are serving. Heat longer for larger amounts.
Fattoush in Worcester
When I was living in Worcester, MA, there was a Lebanese delicatessen on the same street as the agency where I worked. A good looking Lebanese man ran the place, and he flirted with all the female customers. His long-suffering wife would roll her eyes and head to the kitchen to get on with the work.
Toasted Bread and Salad (Fattoush)
Fattoush means "moistened bread", and this salad consists of a chilled mixed salad tossed with small cubes of toasted bread.
2 or 3 tomatoes, cubed
1 small cucumber, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and chopped
1 medium green pepper, seeded, deribbed, and diced
5 scallions, chopped
1/2 small lettuce, shredded
2 Tbs. finely chopped parsley
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp. dried mint
1 pita bread (or 2-3 slices of bread), toasted and cut into cubes
A dressing made from equal amounts of olive oil and lemon juice and seasoned with salt and black pepper. (Make plenty of dressing and store whatever you do not use in the fridge.)
Combine the vegetables, herbs, and bread. Make the dressing, pour it over the salad, toss well, and chill for 30-60 minutes before serving. For an authentic Arabic flavor, the dressing should be made of equal parts of oil and lemon juice. However, you may prefer to use more oil - perhaps two to three parts of oil to one of lemon juice. Serves 4 to 6.
Toasted Bread and Salad (Fattoush)
Fattoush means "moistened bread", and this salad consists of a chilled mixed salad tossed with small cubes of toasted bread.
2 or 3 tomatoes, cubed
1 small cucumber, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and chopped
1 medium green pepper, seeded, deribbed, and diced
5 scallions, chopped
1/2 small lettuce, shredded
2 Tbs. finely chopped parsley
1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp. dried mint
1 pita bread (or 2-3 slices of bread), toasted and cut into cubes
A dressing made from equal amounts of olive oil and lemon juice and seasoned with salt and black pepper. (Make plenty of dressing and store whatever you do not use in the fridge.)
Combine the vegetables, herbs, and bread. Make the dressing, pour it over the salad, toss well, and chill for 30-60 minutes before serving. For an authentic Arabic flavor, the dressing should be made of equal parts of oil and lemon juice. However, you may prefer to use more oil - perhaps two to three parts of oil to one of lemon juice. Serves 4 to 6.
BOOK REVIEW
Title: The Eyes of Darkness
Author: Dean Koontz
In ten words or less: Former showgirl haunted by messages from her dead son.
Review: Tina Evans, a former showgirl turned Vegas show producer, has been experiencing disturbing events recently. Her young son Danny had perished in a wilderness Boy Scout accident, along with the other boys and their leader. But when she enters his room now, there is a distinct chill in the air. Pictures are overturned, messages spontaneously appear on his computer, and she believes that he is trying to contact her. The fact that she never saw his body after the accident feeds into her fears.
When she meets handsome businessman Elliot Stryker, she confides her suspicions to him. And a chain of events is set into motion that involves secret government operations, a Las Vegas hypnotist, and a frantic search for a boy who may not be dead.
Author Koontz wrote this under a pen name, Leigh Nichols, who he then killed off when he was successful under his own name. Koontz called this novel a combination of action, suspense, romance, and the paranormal.
Why bother? A light read that would have cross-genre appeal.
Guacamole
A recipe from my friend Carmen
4 avocados -- seed,peel2 TB lemon juice
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1 tomato -- finely chopped
1/4 cup onion -- finely chopped
1/4 tsp ground cumin
4 drops hot pepper sauce
Tortilla chips
Using a fork, coarsely mash avocado with lemon juice and garlic. Stir in remaining ingredient to blend. Serve with tortilla chips.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: The year of pleasures
Author: Elizabeth Berg
In ten words or less: Self-absorbed widow moves to the Midwest.
Betta Nolan is a new widow who is grieving the death of her husband John, a psychiatrist. They had been a perfect couple, and had no need for anyone but each other. John’s daydream had been driving off to the Midwest and opening a mom and pop grocery store. Betta sells their Boston brownstone for $1.6 million and drives west, thinking of John.
She stops for a frozen yoghurt somewhere in her travels, and notices a beautiful Victorian house, which she purchases on a whim. She notices an empty storefront, and dreams of opening a store with luxury items for women. Then feeling lonely, she telephones her college roommates, after losing touch with them years ago. When one friend flies in to spend the weekend with Betta, we learn that she is not living in an isolated small town in the Midwest, but less than an hour from Chicago, though the author feels this must qualify as “isolated.”
This book brought out all my blue collar biases. It’s hard to feel sorry for someone who has over a million dollars, a quality education, and a career that is portable—she is a children’s book author. She has also dropped all her friends when she met her husband, yet they are happy to drop everything and fly to be with her—apparently they have no money or family problems that need their time.
This author was recommended to me by a friend, but I didn’t like this book at all. I didn’t even feel enough empathy for Betta to work up a tear or two.
Why bother? I’ll pass.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Ten Years Ago
This is what I was reading ten years ago. I read three to five books a week. Looking back on this list, I remember that "Mornings on Horseback," David McCullough's biography of Theodore Roosevelt, was the first book of his that I read. I have since read all of McCullough's books, and look forward to each new one. I also highly recommend Steve Thayer's "The Weatherman," although it is not for the squeamish. It's a great mystery about a serial killer set in Minneapolis, MN.
Dickens, Charles. Great expectations
Clark, Mary Higgins. Anastasia syndrome and other stories
Vine, Barbara. No night is too long
Truman, Margaret. Murder in the CIA
McCullough., David. Mornings on Horseback
Thomas, Ross. Briarpatch
Thomas, Ross. Chinaman’s chance
Thayer, Steve. The Weatherman: a novel
Patterson, Richard North. Degree of Guilt
Eco, Umberto. Name of the rose
Follett, Ken. Man from St. Petersburg
Follett, Ken. Lie down with lions
Barth, Richard. Rag bag clan: a novel
MacLean, Norman. River runs through it and other stories
Grant, Michael. Rise of the Greeks
Smith, Wilbur A. Elephant song
Coonts, Stephen. Red horseman
This is what I was reading ten years ago. I read three to five books a week. Looking back on this list, I remember that "Mornings on Horseback," David McCullough's biography of Theodore Roosevelt, was the first book of his that I read. I have since read all of McCullough's books, and look forward to each new one. I also highly recommend Steve Thayer's "The Weatherman," although it is not for the squeamish. It's a great mystery about a serial killer set in Minneapolis, MN.
Dickens, Charles. Great expectations
Clark, Mary Higgins. Anastasia syndrome and other stories
Vine, Barbara. No night is too long
Truman, Margaret. Murder in the CIA
McCullough., David. Mornings on Horseback
Thomas, Ross. Briarpatch
Thomas, Ross. Chinaman’s chance
Thayer, Steve. The Weatherman: a novel
Patterson, Richard North. Degree of Guilt
Eco, Umberto. Name of the rose
Follett, Ken. Man from St. Petersburg
Follett, Ken. Lie down with lions
Barth, Richard. Rag bag clan: a novel
MacLean, Norman. River runs through it and other stories
Grant, Michael. Rise of the Greeks
Smith, Wilbur A. Elephant song
Coonts, Stephen. Red horseman
Poor Man's Lobster (4-6 servings)
There is a local restaurant that advertises “Friday night lawyer all you can eat.”
This is what they mean.
3 quarts water; 1 medium onion; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 3 tablespoons salt; 1 bay leaf; 3 pounds lawyers (eelpout/burbot/ling cod) cut into 2-inch pieces; 1/2 pound butter; 2 cloves garlic; Paprika
In large kettle, boil water, onion celery, lemon juice and salt for 4 minutes. Add bay leaf and burbot. Boil for 3 minutes. remove fish,. Place on cookie sheet . Brush with melted garlic butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Broil for 2 minutes. Serve with melted garlic butter.
There is a local restaurant that advertises “Friday night lawyer all you can eat.”
This is what they mean.
3 quarts water; 1 medium onion; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 3 tablespoons salt; 1 bay leaf; 3 pounds lawyers (eelpout/burbot/ling cod) cut into 2-inch pieces; 1/2 pound butter; 2 cloves garlic; Paprika
In large kettle, boil water, onion celery, lemon juice and salt for 4 minutes. Add bay leaf and burbot. Boil for 3 minutes. remove fish,. Place on cookie sheet . Brush with melted garlic butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Broil for 2 minutes. Serve with melted garlic butter.
CAMPING WITH KIDS: INTRODUCING CHILDREN TO THE REAL OUTDOORS
Introduction
Fresh air. The sounds of birds. The rustle of the trees in the wind. If you love the outdoors and would like to pass along your love to your children, grandchildren, or other young person, I would like to share some ideas that will make everyone a “happy camper.”
We camped for years with a Volkswagon van and a tent. We no longer have the VW (actually, we went through two of them), but we still have the tent. We also have a smaller, lighter tent now, and a Chevy van.
There are also three grandchildren now, and I hope that they will grow up to appreciate outdoor activities other than theme parks.
Appreciating the outdoors means to leave the television and video games at home. I don’t even like bringing a radio or personal stereo, although a good book on tape might save the day if your whole trip was rained out. I think bringing along books is just fine. A weather radio is the only exception to the electronics gear—I want to know if a severe thunderstorm is heading my way, or if flooding is a possibility.
EQUIPMENT
Tent (Make sure you take a dry run before you leave, and have all the poles and stakes)
Mallet or hammer (for driving stakes; if you forget, it takes a lot longer using a can of baked beans)
Ground cloth
Sleeping bags
Foam pads for under sleeping bags
Lantern and flashlight (and spare batteries)
Folding chairs (optional, we sit on the ground)
First aid kit
Equipment for whatever sports you will be participating in (fishing gear, binoculars, compass)
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS
When packing, take into account what the weather will be like as you travel, and at your destination. It could also be unseasonably warm or cold. Check the weather forecasts before you leave, but leave room for quickly changing weather.
FOOD
Will you cook over an open fire, on a gas stove, or both? Make sure you pack the correct supplies.
55 quart insulated cooler (for perishables)
smaller insulated cooler (for cold drinks)
stove or trivet for cooking over fire
pots and pans (a small Dutch oven, a small frying pan, and a small saucepan are sufficient to prepare food for four people)
coffee pot (if you need one)
plates, bowls, cups, forks, and spoons
box or plastic container for storing dry food (cereal, cookies, etc.)
sharp knife
spatula and large spoon for stirring and serving
aluminum foil
zip lock bags
trash bags
moist towelettes
dish pan, dish soap, and a couple of kitchen towels
a couple of plastic resealable containers
I do not take a vacation to cook. Unless your family fishes, or has some family outdoor favorites (hot dogs, S/Mores, hobo stew), I say the less complicated cooking the better. I will leave the outdoor cake baking to others. While I can exist quite nicely on unheated foods for a week, not everyone feels the same as I do. Here is a sample of what I would bring along on a week’s camping trip.
FRIDAY (leave after work)
PLAN THE ITINERARY
Don’t keep all the fun for yourself! Let the kids get involved in planning. Just remember that long stretches en route to a destination make for cranky children. A trip closer to home can be just as exciting.
Try to incorporate some of your child’s interests when you plan your trip. Does one have a rock collection? Is one interested in astronomy or birds? What did they study in school this year—what will they be studying next year?
Unless you are heading cross country for another reason, try out some short weekend camp trips.
HAVE FUN
Introduction
Fresh air. The sounds of birds. The rustle of the trees in the wind. If you love the outdoors and would like to pass along your love to your children, grandchildren, or other young person, I would like to share some ideas that will make everyone a “happy camper.”
We camped for years with a Volkswagon van and a tent. We no longer have the VW (actually, we went through two of them), but we still have the tent. We also have a smaller, lighter tent now, and a Chevy van.
There are also three grandchildren now, and I hope that they will grow up to appreciate outdoor activities other than theme parks.
Appreciating the outdoors means to leave the television and video games at home. I don’t even like bringing a radio or personal stereo, although a good book on tape might save the day if your whole trip was rained out. I think bringing along books is just fine. A weather radio is the only exception to the electronics gear—I want to know if a severe thunderstorm is heading my way, or if flooding is a possibility.
EQUIPMENT
Tent (Make sure you take a dry run before you leave, and have all the poles and stakes)
Mallet or hammer (for driving stakes; if you forget, it takes a lot longer using a can of baked beans)
Ground cloth
Sleeping bags
Foam pads for under sleeping bags
Lantern and flashlight (and spare batteries)
Folding chairs (optional, we sit on the ground)
First aid kit
Equipment for whatever sports you will be participating in (fishing gear, binoculars, compass)
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS
When packing, take into account what the weather will be like as you travel, and at your destination. It could also be unseasonably warm or cold. Check the weather forecasts before you leave, but leave room for quickly changing weather.
FOOD
Will you cook over an open fire, on a gas stove, or both? Make sure you pack the correct supplies.
55 quart insulated cooler (for perishables)
smaller insulated cooler (for cold drinks)
stove or trivet for cooking over fire
pots and pans (a small Dutch oven, a small frying pan, and a small saucepan are sufficient to prepare food for four people)
coffee pot (if you need one)
plates, bowls, cups, forks, and spoons
box or plastic container for storing dry food (cereal, cookies, etc.)
sharp knife
spatula and large spoon for stirring and serving
aluminum foil
zip lock bags
trash bags
moist towelettes
dish pan, dish soap, and a couple of kitchen towels
a couple of plastic resealable containers
I do not take a vacation to cook. Unless your family fishes, or has some family outdoor favorites (hot dogs, S/Mores, hobo stew), I say the less complicated cooking the better. I will leave the outdoor cake baking to others. While I can exist quite nicely on unheated foods for a week, not everyone feels the same as I do. Here is a sample of what I would bring along on a week’s camping trip.
FRIDAY (leave after work)
PLAN THE ITINERARY
Don’t keep all the fun for yourself! Let the kids get involved in planning. Just remember that long stretches en route to a destination make for cranky children. A trip closer to home can be just as exciting.
Try to incorporate some of your child’s interests when you plan your trip. Does one have a rock collection? Is one interested in astronomy or birds? What did they study in school this year—what will they be studying next year?
Unless you are heading cross country for another reason, try out some short weekend camp trips.
HAVE FUN
Friday, March 31, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Tales from the Wisconsin BadgersAuthor: Justin Doherty
In ten words or less: Anecdotes from Badger football's past.
Review:
From Badger football's beginning to the conclusion of the Barry Alvarez era, author Justin Doherty tells the story of the players, coaches, and other personnel involved in Wisconsin football. Decade by decade, Doherty tells the story of Badger notables by anecdotes, recollections, and brief personal sketches. The story behind Bucky Badger, the history of "On Wisconsin," and notable players and games from the past are all covered.
Doherty is a staff member of the University of Wisconsin Athletic Communications office.
Why bother?: Teens interested in UW football would enjoy this book.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Title: I love the illusion: the life and career of Agnes Moorehead
Author: Charles Transberg
In ten words or less: Detailed history of Agnes Moorehead's long, illustrious acting career.
Review: Agnes Moorehead donated her papers--159 boxes--to the State Historical Society in Madison. The author used these archives as the basis for this book, as well as interviews with actors and others connected with Moorehead.
Moorehead's remarkable acting career is the focus of the book; her stage, film, radio, and television roles are examined in great detail. The tales of her association with Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre are particularly fascinating. She appeared with most of the noted actors of the 1930s-1960s, and received 4 Oscar nominations, seven Emmy nominations, and other awards.
The weakness of the book is that there is so little insight into her personal life. She was a very private person, and apparently even her closest friends were not privy to her intimate thoughts.
My favorite anecdote recounts a party at which Moorehead was a guest--it was when she was on "Bewitched." The teen son of the host arrived home with his friends and was introduced to her. As he was about to leave, he was asked if he didn't want to stay to talk with Moorehead. "Why should I," he scoffed. "It's not like she was in 'Citizen Kane' or anything." (Moorehead was Kane's mother in the film).
Why bother?: For film buffs only; no dirt dished here.
Title: First Kill
Author: Michael Kronenwetter
In ten words or less: High school sweetheart asks Hank to investigate her husband's murder.
Review: Hank and Jack were best friends in high school, and both in love with Liz. Liz and Jack became a couple, but the three friends only drifted apart when jack joined the Army and served in Vietnam, and Hank avoided the draft by moving to Canada.
Years later, Jack--now a reporter for the hometown newspaper--is murdered. Hank--now a private detective--is hired by Liz to look into the death of her husband. Hank discovers a wealth of suspects: the son of a local mobster who has relocated to the area and local politicians and developers eager for city funding for a controversial project.
The north central Wisconsin setting is used to good advantage by author Kronenwetter, who lives in Wausau.
Why bother?: Solid private eye novel.
Author: Michael Kronenwetter
In ten words or less: High school sweetheart asks Hank to investigate her husband's murder.
Review: Hank and Jack were best friends in high school, and both in love with Liz. Liz and Jack became a couple, but the three friends only drifted apart when jack joined the Army and served in Vietnam, and Hank avoided the draft by moving to Canada.
Years later, Jack--now a reporter for the hometown newspaper--is murdered. Hank--now a private detective--is hired by Liz to look into the death of her husband. Hank discovers a wealth of suspects: the son of a local mobster who has relocated to the area and local politicians and developers eager for city funding for a controversial project.
The north central Wisconsin setting is used to good advantage by author Kronenwetter, who lives in Wausau.
Why bother?: Solid private eye novel.
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Hannah: from Dachau to the Olympics and beyond
Author: Jean Goodwin Messinger
In ten words or less: Poorly written biography of interesting Holocaust survivor
Review: Hannah was imprisoned at Dachau when she was three, and stayed until the camps were liberated in 1945. At age eight she went to live in a convent, where nuns took care of many of the children survivors. Hannah lived in Israel for a year and served in the army, and was a member of the Olympic ski team. How can this be made uninteresting?
This book badly needed editing. The author kept inserting anecdotes about herself into the narrative. I didn't think this was supposed to be a "Tuesdays with Morrie" kind of book. The author also did not bother to research background that would have added to the richness of the story. This would have been simple to do with the Olympic games, and a plane hijacking that was mentioned.
Why bother?No way, no how!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Ten years ago...
Just found my notebook that had listed the books I read in 1996. This is a partial list.
Preston, Richard. Hot zone
Criddle, Joan. Bamboo and butterflies: from refugee to citizen (sound recording)
Faragher, John Mack. Daniel Boone: the life and legend of an American pioneer
Follett, Ken. The key to Rebecca
Follett, Ken. Dangerous fortune
Bradford, Barbara Taylor. Everything to gain
Gentry, Curt. J. Edgar Hoover: the man and his secrets
Jakes, John. Homeland
Evanovich, Janet. One for the money
Gilbert, Martin. Churchill: a life
Maupin, Armistead. Further tales of the city
Trillin, Calvin. Calvin Trillin: piece by piece (sound recording)
Hamilton, Jane. Map of the world
Connelly, Michael. Last coyote
Michener, James. Space
Martini, Steve. Undue influence
Krentz, Jayne Ann. The main attraction
"The Hot Zone" is one that I still remember and recommend to folks looking for a nonfiction read. It's the tale of how the ebola virus came to the United States and is as chilling as any Robin Cook or Michael Crichton thriller. And it's true!
Just found my notebook that had listed the books I read in 1996. This is a partial list.
Preston, Richard. Hot zone
Criddle, Joan. Bamboo and butterflies: from refugee to citizen (sound recording)
Faragher, John Mack. Daniel Boone: the life and legend of an American pioneer
Follett, Ken. The key to Rebecca
Follett, Ken. Dangerous fortune
Bradford, Barbara Taylor. Everything to gain
Gentry, Curt. J. Edgar Hoover: the man and his secrets
Jakes, John. Homeland
Evanovich, Janet. One for the money
Gilbert, Martin. Churchill: a life
Maupin, Armistead. Further tales of the city
Trillin, Calvin. Calvin Trillin: piece by piece (sound recording)
Hamilton, Jane. Map of the world
Connelly, Michael. Last coyote
Michener, James. Space
Martini, Steve. Undue influence
Krentz, Jayne Ann. The main attraction
"The Hot Zone" is one that I still remember and recommend to folks looking for a nonfiction read. It's the tale of how the ebola virus came to the United States and is as chilling as any Robin Cook or Michael Crichton thriller. And it's true!
Monday, March 27, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
Title: The Big Over Easy
Author: Fforde, Jasper
In ten words or less: Jack Spratt and Mary Mary investigate Humpty Dumpty's death
Review: I feared that this mystery might be just too, you know, cutesy. But a patron of the library where I work recommended it, and she didn't seem like the type to wallow in ooey-gooey silliness. Detective jack Spratt might be any British law enforcement officer, from Adam Dalgliesh to Inspector Morse. But Spratt's las case involves three pigs nabbed for the murder of a certain wolf.
When Humpty Dumpty is found dead at the foot of a wall in a seedy neighborhood, Spratt and his new partner, Sergeant Mary Mary,comb Dumpty's sordid past, looking for the killer.
The book on CD was narrated by Simon Prebble, who narrated it as if magic beanstalks and homicidal pigs were every day occurrences.
Rating: Clever characters and plot make this mystery a delight for British who-done-it fans.
Title: The Big Over Easy
Author: Fforde, Jasper
In ten words or less: Jack Spratt and Mary Mary investigate Humpty Dumpty's death
Review: I feared that this mystery might be just too, you know, cutesy. But a patron of the library where I work recommended it, and she didn't seem like the type to wallow in ooey-gooey silliness. Detective jack Spratt might be any British law enforcement officer, from Adam Dalgliesh to Inspector Morse. But Spratt's las case involves three pigs nabbed for the murder of a certain wolf.
When Humpty Dumpty is found dead at the foot of a wall in a seedy neighborhood, Spratt and his new partner, Sergeant Mary Mary,comb Dumpty's sordid past, looking for the killer.
The book on CD was narrated by Simon Prebble, who narrated it as if magic beanstalks and homicidal pigs were every day occurrences.
Rating: Clever characters and plot make this mystery a delight for British who-done-it fans.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Spring must be here at last!
Two weeks ago the first robins were spotted here in the Frozen Tundra. The redwinged blackbirds showed up at the same time. It was a fairly mundane winter at the birdfeeders in the back yard--there was the usual flock of about 60 sparrows, a couple of pair of black capped chickadees, cardinals, juncos, mourning doves, and a juvenile hawk, a red tail I think.
The mourning doves are starting to look broody; I don't know if they're chosen their nesting spot yet. A few years ago there were a pair that nested in a flower pot on my deck. The first year, no eggs appeared. The second year, there were eggs, but there was a severe storm which blew down the shelf on which the doves were nesting. I went out the next morning to check, and there was a dove sitting on a flower pot, with a can of charcoal lighter on top of her/him, and the shelf tilted at a 45 degree angle. The birds survived. I recall one morning when I saw the fledglings hopping out of the nest onto a Weber grill and awkwardly sliding down the side, trying to lift off. A few days later, the parents were starting another brood.
I have two indoor cats, but there are several neighborhood cats who skulk through the yard on a regular basis. I always fear there will be dead carcasses under the feeder. Sometimes I've seen little feathery bird chunks, but I've also seen the hawk around at the same time.
The first chipmunk was also spotted this week. I think they may be living in the cellar.
Two weeks ago the first robins were spotted here in the Frozen Tundra. The redwinged blackbirds showed up at the same time. It was a fairly mundane winter at the birdfeeders in the back yard--there was the usual flock of about 60 sparrows, a couple of pair of black capped chickadees, cardinals, juncos, mourning doves, and a juvenile hawk, a red tail I think.
The mourning doves are starting to look broody; I don't know if they're chosen their nesting spot yet. A few years ago there were a pair that nested in a flower pot on my deck. The first year, no eggs appeared. The second year, there were eggs, but there was a severe storm which blew down the shelf on which the doves were nesting. I went out the next morning to check, and there was a dove sitting on a flower pot, with a can of charcoal lighter on top of her/him, and the shelf tilted at a 45 degree angle. The birds survived. I recall one morning when I saw the fledglings hopping out of the nest onto a Weber grill and awkwardly sliding down the side, trying to lift off. A few days later, the parents were starting another brood.
I have two indoor cats, but there are several neighborhood cats who skulk through the yard on a regular basis. I always fear there will be dead carcasses under the feeder. Sometimes I've seen little feathery bird chunks, but I've also seen the hawk around at the same time.
The first chipmunk was also spotted this week. I think they may be living in the cellar.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Best Books for Young Adults Available on CD
Here are some titles from Booklist's "Best books for young adults, 2006". These are available on CD--I don't have time to read a lot of YA titles, so listening to them on CD saves time.
Buckhanon, Kalish. Upstate
Erdrich, Louise. Game of silence
Galloway, Gregory. As simple of snow
Gruber, Michael. Witch's boy
Rowling, J.K. harry Potter and the half-blood prince
Perkins, Lynne. Criss cross
Here are some titles from Booklist's "Best books for young adults, 2006". These are available on CD--I don't have time to read a lot of YA titles, so listening to them on CD saves time.
Buckhanon, Kalish. Upstate
Erdrich, Louise. Game of silence
Galloway, Gregory. As simple of snow
Gruber, Michael. Witch's boy
Rowling, J.K. harry Potter and the half-blood prince
Perkins, Lynne. Criss cross
Moviegoing in the 1950s
When I was a kid in the fifties, we didn't have a lot of money, but my mom would always scrape up enough to send us to the movies on the weekend. It was ten or fifteen cents admission then, and you could stay through as many movies as you wanted. We would go to the Airway Theater in Milwaukee--arriving at noon and staying until 6pm. It was the only break from us kids that my mother ever got.
I remember once staying through Gordon Scott in "Tarzan and the lost horizon" three times. I remember seeing a lot of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movies--and then Jerry Lewis solo. "Old Yeller" and other animal movies. Once there was an odd scheduling of films, and I sat through "The Three faces of Eve" several times. Very depressing for a kid--I must have been around ten at the time.
Once my younger brothers and I were dropped off at a a theater in Cudahy--maybe three or four miles from our house. It was a Martin and Lewis film festival and we stayed for the usual six hours. This time, however, our dad forgot to pick us up. He was probably sitting in a tavern somewhere, but we had no idea where. I forget how we eventually got home, but I think we walked over to a nearby restaurant and had someone call home. Mom didn't drive, but I assume she tracked down our father and had him pick us up.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Book Review
Radical Prunings: a novel of officious advice from the contessa of compost by Bonnie Thomas Abbott
In ten words or less: Humorous story told in advice-column format.
Review: Mertensia Corydalis is the author of a gardening advice column. While she dispenses wisdom in pruning shrubs, overwintering bulbs, and vegetable growing, the reader comes to know her office assistant Miss Vong, her gardener Tran, and her ex-husband Norton Doyle. Mertensia's brother Artie gets caught putting over a scam on elderly tourists, and begs his sister to help bail him out.
Why bother? A funny, clever little story for gardeners.
Radical Prunings: a novel of officious advice from the contessa of compost by Bonnie Thomas Abbott
In ten words or less: Humorous story told in advice-column format.
Review: Mertensia Corydalis is the author of a gardening advice column. While she dispenses wisdom in pruning shrubs, overwintering bulbs, and vegetable growing, the reader comes to know her office assistant Miss Vong, her gardener Tran, and her ex-husband Norton Doyle. Mertensia's brother Artie gets caught putting over a scam on elderly tourists, and begs his sister to help bail him out.
Why bother? A funny, clever little story for gardeners.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Capitol Murder by William Bernhardt
In 10 words or less: Politicians and vampires tangle in sleezy senator's murder trial.
Review: When Oklahoma Senator Todd Glancy's attractive staffer is found dead, all evidence points to him as the killer. After all, he is a notorious womanizer and was having an affair with her.
Glancy summons attorney Ben Kincaid to defend him, while Kincaid's staff investigates a group of Beltway vampires that are somehow connected to the dead woman. The vampire subplot never seems quite in sync with the rest of the story, as does the over-the-top sex maniac senator's escapades.
Why bother? Only for those out looking for politicians' blood.
In 10 words or less: Politicians and vampires tangle in sleezy senator's murder trial.
Review: When Oklahoma Senator Todd Glancy's attractive staffer is found dead, all evidence points to him as the killer. After all, he is a notorious womanizer and was having an affair with her.
Glancy summons attorney Ben Kincaid to defend him, while Kincaid's staff investigates a group of Beltway vampires that are somehow connected to the dead woman. The vampire subplot never seems quite in sync with the rest of the story, as does the over-the-top sex maniac senator's escapades.
Why bother? Only for those out looking for politicians' blood.
Monday, March 13, 2006
On the Trail with Lewis and Clark
Over the last couple of years, I've traced the beginning and the end of the Lewis and Clark trail. I especially enjoyed Astoria, Oregon, which has a great Riverwalk, and pedestrian-friendly downtown area, and lots of sea lions along the shore. We midwesterners don't get to see the sea lions, seals, and puffins.
Here are a couple of the Lewis and Clark titles that have been published in the last year or two:
Bakeless, John. Journals of Lewis and Clark
Duncan, Dayton. Scenes of visionary enchantment: reflections of Lewis and Clark
Foley, William E. Wilderness journey: the life of William Clark
Kukla, Jon. Wilderness so immense: the Louisiana Purchase and the destiny of America
Jones, Landon Y. William Clark and the shaping of the west
Over the last couple of years, I've traced the beginning and the end of the Lewis and Clark trail. I especially enjoyed Astoria, Oregon, which has a great Riverwalk, and pedestrian-friendly downtown area, and lots of sea lions along the shore. We midwesterners don't get to see the sea lions, seals, and puffins.
Here are a couple of the Lewis and Clark titles that have been published in the last year or two:
Bakeless, John. Journals of Lewis and Clark
Duncan, Dayton. Scenes of visionary enchantment: reflections of Lewis and Clark
Foley, William E. Wilderness journey: the life of William Clark
Kukla, Jon. Wilderness so immense: the Louisiana Purchase and the destiny of America
Jones, Landon Y. William Clark and the shaping of the west
Buried Deep: a Retrieval Artist novel by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
In 10 words or less: Skeletal remains on Mars threaten safety of solar system.
Review:
When a skeleton is uncovered on a construction site on Mars, medical examiner Sharon Scott-Olson is called upon to identify the body. More troubling is the fact that the Disty, the race of aliens that controls Mars, have severe cultural taboos regarding death. Anything or anyone that comes in contact with death is dealt with by the Disty Death Squads.
Nicolle DiRicci, newly named Chief of Moon Security, and her former partner, retrieval artist Miles Flint, join forces to prevent the Disty from causing widespread panic and death throughout the solar system.
Why bother? A blend of science fiction and mystery, this series would appeal to readers of J.D. Robb.
In 10 words or less: Skeletal remains on Mars threaten safety of solar system.
Review:
When a skeleton is uncovered on a construction site on Mars, medical examiner Sharon Scott-Olson is called upon to identify the body. More troubling is the fact that the Disty, the race of aliens that controls Mars, have severe cultural taboos regarding death. Anything or anyone that comes in contact with death is dealt with by the Disty Death Squads.
Nicolle DiRicci, newly named Chief of Moon Security, and her former partner, retrieval artist Miles Flint, join forces to prevent the Disty from causing widespread panic and death throughout the solar system.
Why bother? A blend of science fiction and mystery, this series would appeal to readers of J.D. Robb.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
On my "Films to See" list
Found a scrap of paper with notes of some films I've missed and want to see. I'm a long time film fan, but admit I haven't had much of a chance to go to the movies lately. That, plus the fact that the only theater in town is a multiplex that shows Disney, action flicks, and teen date movies, has me lagging behind. Of the recent Oscar nominated films, I only saw "Munich," "Pride and prejudice," and "Wallace and Gromit."
The list:
Best actor: Raging Bull, Pianist, Philadelphia, Training Day, Mystic River, Shine
Best actress: Blue Sky, Monsters Ball, Monster, Misery, Hours, Dead Man Walking
Best Picture: Dances with Wolves, Godfather, Million Dollar Baby, Driving Miss Daisy, Beautiful Mind
Best foreign language: Get out your handkerchiefs, Gate of hell
Best documentary: Eleanor Roosevelt story, In the shadow of the stars
Found a scrap of paper with notes of some films I've missed and want to see. I'm a long time film fan, but admit I haven't had much of a chance to go to the movies lately. That, plus the fact that the only theater in town is a multiplex that shows Disney, action flicks, and teen date movies, has me lagging behind. Of the recent Oscar nominated films, I only saw "Munich," "Pride and prejudice," and "Wallace and Gromit."
The list:
Best actor: Raging Bull, Pianist, Philadelphia, Training Day, Mystic River, Shine
Best actress: Blue Sky, Monsters Ball, Monster, Misery, Hours, Dead Man Walking
Best Picture: Dances with Wolves, Godfather, Million Dollar Baby, Driving Miss Daisy, Beautiful Mind
Best foreign language: Get out your handkerchiefs, Gate of hell
Best documentary: Eleanor Roosevelt story, In the shadow of the stars
Friday, March 10, 2006
The Blight way: a Sheriff Bo Tully mystery by Patrick F. McManus
In ten words or less: Rural sheriff investigates the murder of mystery city slickers.
Review: A dead body is discovered on Batim Scraggs' ranch, but the pinstripe suited murder victim is a stranger to the inhabitants of Blight County, Idaho. Normally, Sheriff Bo Tully would suspect the petty criminals of the Scraggs clan, but this killing doesn't seem like their type of crime.
Tully, a 40-something part-time artist and full time law enforcement officer, investigates with the help of his dad, Pap. It's Pap's 75th birthday, and allowing him to help with the case is Tully's gift to him.
While tracking down the killer, Tully and Pap discover strange goings-on at the neighboring Littlefield ranch. Rumors are that Littlefield is trading his cattle to make way for a vineyard. His cowboys are fired, and hard-looking men riding ATVs are patrolling the property.
Readers looking for a mystery with a northwoods flavor and a minimum of sex and gore will enjoy this book. Author Patrick McManus is a columnist for "Field and Stream" and "Outdoor Life," and the author of numerous books, including "Never Sniff a Gift Fish" and "The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw."
Why Bother? A "cozy" for the guys.
In ten words or less: Rural sheriff investigates the murder of mystery city slickers.
Review: A dead body is discovered on Batim Scraggs' ranch, but the pinstripe suited murder victim is a stranger to the inhabitants of Blight County, Idaho. Normally, Sheriff Bo Tully would suspect the petty criminals of the Scraggs clan, but this killing doesn't seem like their type of crime.
Tully, a 40-something part-time artist and full time law enforcement officer, investigates with the help of his dad, Pap. It's Pap's 75th birthday, and allowing him to help with the case is Tully's gift to him.
While tracking down the killer, Tully and Pap discover strange goings-on at the neighboring Littlefield ranch. Rumors are that Littlefield is trading his cattle to make way for a vineyard. His cowboys are fired, and hard-looking men riding ATVs are patrolling the property.
Readers looking for a mystery with a northwoods flavor and a minimum of sex and gore will enjoy this book. Author Patrick McManus is a columnist for "Field and Stream" and "Outdoor Life," and the author of numerous books, including "Never Sniff a Gift Fish" and "The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw."
Why Bother? A "cozy" for the guys.
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