Laura Hinds, Author, Book Reviewer

2011-05-27T09:34:00.002-04:00

Andy Kim Christmas Show 2010 - The Mod Club.MOV

2010-12-24T09:32:00.000-05:00

It's a Beautiful Wedding video

2010-11-29T17:50:00.000-05:00

Our niece Amy and her beloved, Mike were married November 7, 2010 in Charleston, South Carolina.
I'm so pleased to share this lovely video slideshow. Have your tissues handy and make sure your speakers are turned on for the music.
Enjoy!

Military Dream Wedding 2010 - Amy and Mike on Vimeo

Dear NaNoWriMo

2010-11-16T10:02:00.000-05:00

National Novel Writing Month

Dear NaNoWriMo,

Thank you for another fun-filled November. I really appreciate the pep talks, the web badges, the badgering to keep on going, the egg throwing, the monkey buying, and I find the spaceship crashing most enjoyable.

Did anyone tell you that after one year I am still editing the NaNo Novel I wrote last November? I didn't think so.

I am also working hard on my NaNovel this year. However, I refuse to surrender and give up everything else life has to offer this month. So I'm a lil behind on my word count at the half-way point.

Therefore, I am writing to suggest a novel idea; let's make it National Novel Writing Months! I propose that we extend this through December as well so we can have even more reasons to hide out in our writing space during the Christmas season.

Oh, I don't mean to cheat and take two months to write a mere 50,000 words. Let's double it up! Double or nothing! 100,000 words by December 31st.

Let's run this by the other WriMo's, shall we and get a vote on it?

I'm going back to viewing the all important LOL cats and spewing typed drivel.

K Tkx Bai

New book cover for "There's No Place Like Gnome"

2010-11-05T11:29:00.000-04:00

During a NaNoWriMo morning break, and while I was waiting to find out just how my husband was going to go from stranded in Charlotte NC airport to where he needs to be in Charleston, SC, I decided to completely redo the book cover. "There's No Place Like Gnome" is now on track for a Christmas season release, and book 3 is being drafted during this NaNoWriMo month!

Happy Halloweenie! Staring Azan, Rose, Geddy, Alex and Neil

2010-10-30T17:48:00.000-04:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Just the Facts: "Trickle Up Economy" The More Than "Inconvenient" Truth

2010-10-21T09:28:00.000-04:00

Kindle Edition

Michael Savage has written a masterpiece on the current state of politics and economics and yes, encroaching socialism in the USA.
You might hear about this book and be led to wonder how he could possibly substantiate all the details of each chapter. Yet you will find every chapter heavily annotated and documentation for every alleged instance of the manipulation of our economic and social systems.

This book is so very important for Americans to read to learn how, and indeed how quickly, we must act to save our country. Borders, language and culture are just the tip of the iceberg.

Buy a copy for yourself. Buy extras for your friends. Spread the word. If we don't save ourselves, we are sunk. The meltdown (intentional) of our economy, the takeover of vast segments of our freedoms and the land grabs must be stopped.

A Nose For Hanky Panky

2010-10-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

Well long time, no blog, eh? I have to admit that I've fallen far off the blogging train and apologize for my neglectfulness. I've been brought out of my "busy with other stuff stupor" to write about a really good new mystery book that I've recently had the pleasure to read and review. Read on to discover more about "A Nose for Hanky Panky"

Author Sharon Love Cook lives in a city nearby to my own, and I first saw mention of her in an article in The Salem News last winter. I was intrigued by the concept of her forthcoming book and sent her an email expressing my interest. Some months later Sharon got in touch with me and agreed to send me a copy of "A Nose for Hanky Panky" to read and review. I was thrilled when it arrived just a day later, and was even enchanted by the classy wrapping paper she used. That tipped me off that Sharon has a good eye for style and detail.

"A Nose for Hanky Panky" reflects the same: style and detail. The book is winsome, charming, fun, funny, and suspenseful all wrapped together. I particularly enjoyed how the characters are shown to be very human and pretty well rounded. I'd like to bring a few of them to "real life" to have as friends.

The mystery tale revolves around the stunning murder of local hot shot psychologist Dr. Vivian Klinger. The police have a suspect in mind and don't seem inclined to follow any other leads. Rest assured, our intrepid reporter Rose McNichols is on the case and hot on the trail of the killer. Unfortunately, she hasn't quite figured out whose trail it is she is hot on.

With wonderfully accurate descriptions of places, sights and sounds of the Cape Ann area, she evokes the sensibilties of readers so that they may feel transported enough to smell the ocean. Ms. Cook has a knack for using just the right combinations of words almost make you forget you are reading a fictional story. I felt as involved with the novel that I was sad when it ended. That said, I have something to look forward to as the series continues and evolves. I can't wait for the sequel!

Sadness at MyShelf- Kim Malo has passed away

2010-08-07T15:26:00.000-04:00

My heart and soul are very sad this afternoon. Earlier, I learned of the sudden passing of my colleague at MyShelf, my friend, Kim Malo.

Kim was undoubtedly the most intelligent person I have ever known. She was so outstanding at everything she did and I found myself always in awe of her. Despite difficulties that life threw her way, Kim did not complain. Ever.

There are so many more things I wish to say about Kim, but as another colleague said "words are not coming easy."

The loss of Kim is palpable. My heart aches. I fervently hope that wherever Kim is in the great beyond, she has a limitless supply of books, a super speed computer and no more pain or suffering ever again.

God rest her soul. Kim you are missed so much and we will never, ever forget you.

Frugal and Focused Tweeting review and Online Launch

2010-08-02T11:21:00.001-04:00

Today I'd like to congratulate my dear friend, Carolyn Howard-Johnson on the special Online Launch of her fabulous book "Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers"

Carolyn is one of the smartest people I've ever encountered, and she is as generous, kind and thoughtful as she is smart. I have learned and continue to learn so much from her, and it's an honor for me to share information on this latest book with you. If you are a retailer who wants to learn about Tweeting to improve your business, or a Tweeter who wants to learn retail marketing and utilize your Twitter skills you will love this book.

I had the opportunity to read it recently & I've now read it three times. While the information is presented in an easy to understand manner, there is so much knowledge within the pages that I wanted to be sure I didn't miss anything. Carolyn sure doesn't- she never misses a trick.

Below is a link for information to her Online Launch using the services of Promotion a la carte (Hi Aggie!). You can find out more about Carolyn's appearances at that site.

Next you will see Carolyn's smiling face on the image of the cover of "Frugal and Focused Tweeting for Retailers"

Last, but not least, the review I was delighted to write for http://www.MyShelf.com for their August update (coming soon).

It is my fondest hope today that readers/retailers/writers will take time to learn more about this accomplished and savvy woman who takes pride and delight in teaching and helping others. I know you will find her books and her blog and her Tweets as insightful and educational as I do!

Enjoy!

Schedule of appearances/

http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/frugal_and_focused_tweeting.htm

Are you can experienced Twitter user? Or are you a novice user or perhaps someone who has yet to dare to dip your toes into the Twitterverse? If any of these circumstances apply to you, “Frugal and Focused Tweeting” will teach you things you probably don’t already know about Twitter, and will most certainly help you get off on the right “Tweet” if you are just starting out.

In her friendly, easy to understand, and fun manner, Carolyn Howard- Johnson shares the simple ways to make use of your Twitter account to help grow your online or offline business. While the book is targeted, as evidenced by the title, to retailers it offers important information to anyone who seeks to further understand how to use Twitter and gain maximum benefit from the time you spend doing so.

You will learn about the Twitter Interface, how to build a targeted group of followers, the best ways to integrate your Tweets with other Social Media. Within a few short sections of this book you will be familiar with Twitter tools, statistics, and how to set your goals and follow through with them.

Once you’ve mastered the main content of the book, you’ll find a helpful appendix section which includes sample Tweets, a glossary of Twitter terms, and an introduction to some Twitter Applications to help you organize your ever burgeoning Twitter contacts.

Without a doubt in my mind, I recommend that anyone and everyone who wants to utilize Twitter to its fullest potential should read this book. It’s one you’ll want to keep on hand by your computer or in E-book form on your desktop.

RUSH Intro/"Spirit Of Radio" Albuquerque NM June 29th 2010

2010-07-19T16:49:00.000-04:00

What a day! What a week! What a sensation, eh? I'm having the great pleasure of finding more and more vids of the Rush Tour 2010 that I. Am. Not. Going. To. AGAIN this year. I suppose I'll just have to be happy with my memories of, oh, say 33 concerts over 25 years....
This is the opening vid and start of "Spirit of Radio" at Albukookie NM (HI JANIE!) June 29

#LowTech

2010-06-11T08:05:00.001-04:00

Late last night, as I was listening to a CD on my personal CD player, I thought about how low-tech I really am. The thing is, I'm fine with that!

While I obviously have a PC, I saw a manual typewriter on Freecycle the other day and was tempted, but just for a minute. I must confess to having a digital camera and a flip video thingy, but I wouldn't cry over losing either one. There are only oh so many cat pictures and vids one can make, right?

I'm very happy to have an old-fashioned family doctor who knows me inside out and upside down rather than an array of specialists. Also love having a small local pharmacy who still delivers when you are ailing.

I have no Ipod, no Ipad, no Laptop, no Iphone, no Smartphone, hell not even a cell phone!
I have a DVD player, but not a DVR. I still have tons of things in VHS format.

We still own our LP's! Vinyl! Have CD's and DVD's but wouldn't know a Blue Ray if it stung me.

There is nothing that could be called "flat screen" in our humble abode.

I actually still check email before I log on to see what's going on at Facebook or what Twitter is trending. When I do any web site work, I code in HTML by hand- although I do know how to use WYSIWYG editors.

Newspapers are still delivered to our house by a kid. Sure, I read news online, but I do my crossword and read my comics the old style way. Much like with a book, I love the feel of actual news paper in my hands. Back in the day, late 80's I worked for a leading computer magazine. Unixworld. Now defunct. Today, if I want to do most freelance writing, I'm forced to do it on the net. For the most part, that's fine, but it somehow lacks the personal interaction and even personal conflicts that made work more human.

Our Mr. Coffee does not have a programmable timer, unless you count me, making the coffee same time every AM hoping I'm awake enough to measure properly.

The most prevalent furniture in our house are bookcases in every room. Books are the accessories of choice. My favorite places are libraries and independent bookstores, so, you guessed it, I don't own a Kindle or a Nook or any kind of e-reader.

I've never texted anyone in my life, don't plan to start, and frankly wouldn't want to learn how to un-spell. IMO texting has dumbed down our kids to a point that this country may never recover as any sort of educational leader.

Recently, I was part of a discussion about how rude it is for people to Text when they are at a restaurant or a gathering of folks visiting and just kicking back together. During said discussion, while participating in the discussion, two people were glued to texting or checking their I-phones! One got the hint, the other was oblivious. Obviously hypnotized and chained to the hi- tech products rather than actual human interaction.

I'm about to become even more "Stone-Age"...my 1995 Buick has bit the dust and with no plans, nor finances for a new vehicle, my only mode of transport will either be my feet or waiting for hubby to drive me around. Unless, of course, they bring ZipCars to Danvers! Now that I'd be willing to upgrade my status to that of 2010 gal with an environmentally good plan for resuming automotive capability and saving $$.

Some of you are shaking your heads and maybe even feeling sorry for me. Please don't! Other than not having a car for the foreseeable future, I'm happy!

#LowTech and proud of it. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

Cheers!
LowTech Mama,
Laura

Rush - Caravan (New Single!!)

2010-06-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

Killer Characters

2010-06-01T09:48:00.000-04:00

The Cozy Chicks have a Cool New Blog--written by the characters from your favorite cozy mysteries! How unique and fun is that!!!!

I'm excited to read it, and today it starts out with a character from author Ellery Adams.

Check it out!

Killer Characters

Latest book news

2010-05-18T11:32:00.000-04:00

I know I keep saying I'm thisclose to done with the sequel to Banana. I really am! It's just that the characters aren't. They have more to tell and more to do and as their humble servant I must obey! Deadline approaches, no more flexibility, I'm on it! Meantime, refresh your memory (haha) of parts of Banana by clicking on the Widget above!
xoxo
Laura

The Sky Is Everywhere

2010-05-14T09:53:00.000-04:00

I seem to be continuing to find fascinating new YA books and authors! Last night, I finished the truly wonderful "The Sky is Everywhere" by Jandy Nelson.
I loved everything about this book, and will likely read it at least 23 more times (grin to Jandy!)

While a sad story about the sudden and tragic death of 19 year old Bailey Walker, the tale features Bailey's younger sister, Lennie, and how her whole world is changed and how she herself fundamentally grows and changes as a result.

It's a romantic story too! Young love at it's purest with all the resulting emotions and fears well illustrated. The characters are all vibrant, alive to the reader and astonishingly unique, lovable, smart, funny and charismatic.

Jandy Nelson has published her first novel with "The Sky Is Everywhere". Her ability to spin a web of people and events so interconnected that they buzz with electricity right from the page into the reader's heart makes her a Master Storyteller in my book. Her way with words, the oft said "turn of phrase", the way she opens the souls of each person she has created are all indeed special gifts.

I'm recommending this book to all Young Adults and any and all Adults who love a truly well crafted book. As for me, I'm hoping that Ms. Nelson is hard at work on her next book and her next one after that and I wish her phenomenal success.

Go...buy this book today! You won't regret a minute of your time or a penny well spent! There's an Amazon link above to make it easy for you.

Happy Weekend!
Laura

RUSH DISCUSSES DOCUMENTARY IN TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

2010-05-04T16:21:00.000-04:00

What can I say? I'm not going to Tribeca, not going to see the Rush tour this summer. Am happy with YouTube cuts and hope to see the movie when it's out this summer. See, I freaking told you guys Rush would endure.
Hi Ged! Hi Big Al!

If you loved reading "A Wrinkle in Time"..

2010-05-03T06:21:00.000-04:00

As a youngster I adored "A Wrinkle in Time". As an adult I still loved it so much that I added it to my ever growing book collection, read it again and hung on to it.

Yesterday, I had the great fortune to read the YA book "When You Reach Me" by the talented Rebecca Stead. "A Wrinkle in Time" figures prominently in this story, so of course I had to find my copy. You know what? Despite bookcases all over our house, I found it in a dark room, using just a flash light, in under 30 seconds!

I'm not going to give a summary review of "When You Reach Me". You can find such reviews at Amazon when you click on the link above to go buy your copy. What I will say is that the book is amazing, unique and a really great read for all ages and both boys/men and girls/women. Loved it, loved it, loved it! My copy is going to live right next to "A Wrinkle in Time"

Thank you very much Rebecca Stead for sharing this story!! I can't wait to read whatever your write next!
xo
Laura

Lovely Blogs Deserve Awards!

2010-04-22T06:31:00.001-04:00

Today it is my turn to pass this award on to ten other Lovely Blogs. It is my privilege to share the list with you:
The Frugal, Smart and Tuned in Editor
The Lipstick Chronicles
Jane Ellen Music
WUBS
Clea Simon
Joanna Bailey Weddings
Albert The Cat
Mystery Lovers Kitchen
Deborah Adams
Julie Hyzy and her blog

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-04-20T14:55:00.001-04:00

With heartfelt gratitude to Heather at Heather Webber for the One Lovely Blog Award.
In accepting this One Lovely Blog award, I've posted it here on my blog, and given the name of the person who granted it to my blog. I will next be passing it along to 10 other blogs and am pondering which 10 and they will be awarded within the next 24 hours.

I love author Heather Webber's books! Truly, Madly, I do!

2010-04-19T08:24:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! This morning I have vowed to sit down and pound out at least 2,000 words on my WIP. It's early (7 am) so that is still within the realm of possibility.

  Yet over my morning java, I finished reading Heather Webber's new book Truly, Madly  The book won me over in the first chapter and by the end, I was just about drooling with anticipation for the soon to be released Deeply, Desperately. Thus, my priorities shifted and I just had to write this blog entry. After all, my WIP isn't going to get up and walk away on it's own, and I'm really not stuck in Procrastination Station (waving madly to Heather here!). It's very important to me to take the time to share my profound appreciation of the wonderful authors whose work I enjoy immensely and those who inspire me when the words that fly out of my fingertips are much more awkward than they were in my head. Heather is most definitely an inspiration, she makes me want to write better and as soon as I finish this, watch out WIP here I come!

  I became a fan on Heather's while reading her Nina Quinn Mystery Series and as I virtually met Heather through Facebook & got to know more about her as a person I realized how special she is. I anxiously awaited her new series starring Lucy Valentine, who has the psychic gift of finding lost items which she sees in visions that appear when shaking hands with people who have lost or misplaced something important to them. Lucy's family has their own secret ability; that of seeing auras and using the auras to matchmake couples who are bound to work out. Lucy lost that talent due to an electrical surge, thus opening the door to her new skill and her desire to find a purpose behind it. In Truly, Madly ,is set in and around Boston, Heather writes with genuine knowledge and love for the area, having grown up in a suburb of Boston herself. This, of course, made me curious (aka nosy) since I live in a suburb of Boston and wondered if she'd been raised nearby me. I got my answer as I perused her website and learned where she had her first job delivering papers. Not so near to me, as it turns out, but Heather is very much a lady after my own heart and we both root for the Red Sox, and after, all, that's what really counts if you are a Massachusetts native!

  For those who love a good mystery, a unique storyline, and great, fun characters who are so well written you want them to be your friends in real life, you won't want to miss the new Lucy Valentine series. Gardeners (and everyone else, frankly) will also love the Nina Quinn mysteries. I promise! You can order copies from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers, but wouldn't it be great to support your local independent book store? Please be sure to visit Heather's web site to learn more about Heather and her books. She also blogs on the site, has a contest, and lots of cool content.

  Heather and I do have more than a love of writing and reading and the Red Sox in common: we both love animals, don't know how to use an MP3 player, have never traveled overseas, tend to procrastinate, and have bad memories! I had to go back to Heather's Web Site to re-read her "about" page to refresh my memory on the above points...and I know there are more, but I seem to have disremembered.

  Anyway- the long and the short of it is this: get yourself copies of all of Heather's books. You can read the Nina Quinn mysteries while waiting for "Deeply Desperately" to be released in August. First though, grab ahold of "Truly, Madly" and don't let go until you have thoroughly enjoyed every single word! Hat's off to Heather.

  Oh, but wait! I just remembered something! When I was looking into Heather's background, oh so discreetly, to see if she'd been a neighbor at any time, I tried Wikipedia. The only Heather Webber I found was the notorious vixen from daytime drama "General Hospital". That Heather Webber had a few portrayers, but one of them was Cher's sister Georganne LaPierre! Hmmm.The son of that Heather Webber is now a doc on the show...now I don't know exactly what happened to "Heather", but wouldn't it be a hoot if our beloved author friend made a cameo on the show, perhaps as a patient, using her own name? Perhaps I can connect my best bud Karen WubsNet and Heather to do an interview about her books and her drama queen namesake....I'll be doing some guest blogging at WubsNet this week myself, so GH fans, you'll know where to find me, although I can pretty much guarantee I'll only have half an ear on the tv as I'll be knee deep in my own WIP!
Peace & Light,
Laura

Procter and Gamble to reduce 1,4-dioxane levels in Herbal Essences shampoos

2010-04-12T07:35:00.000-04:00

Procter and Gamble to reduce 1,4-dioxane levels in Herbal Essences shampoos

Write or Die today. Perhaps Herbal Essences already helped me along. Good that they are taking this out, or rather, reducing, but dang....enough said, right?

Facebook | MILITARY DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAY by Joanna Bailey Weddings

2010-04-05T07:59:00.000-04:00

Our beloved niece Amy Burns and her fiancee Michael Grant are this years winners of the Military Dream Wedding by Joanna Bailey Weddings. We are so thrilled for them! Amy and Mike have been through a lot- especially their tour in Iraq. No one could be more deserving!

I remember so well making Amy's web site while she was in Iraq- the pictures, especially the children, were amazing. We all worried and worried about Amy and were so happy when she came home. This wedding will be the icing on the cake for Amy and Mike's love story!

Facebook | MILITARY DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAY by Joanna Bailey Weddings: "MILITARY DREAM WEDDING GIVEAWAY by Joanna Bailey Weddings The couple who has been chosen to receive this year's Military Dream Wedding is Amy Burns and Staff Sergeant Michael Grant! Please take a few minutes to meet them... I think you will agree that they are extraordinarily deserving. Their story will unfold over the next week. I truly hope that anyone who takes the time to learn about Amy and Mike will listen to their story with an open heart."

Good Friday

2010-04-02T11:56:00.000-04:00

Good Friday already and the sun is shining and our back yard is drying out! No more rushing river!
BookBuzzr has a new mini widget so I grabbed one:

Mr Ollie has been practicing his poses for the next book cover as you can see in the photo above. He even has props this time! Yes, yes, I am still working on the book- slow but steady. I promise I'll get it done soon! I already have a whole box of promotion materials to give away, so that is my extra incentive!

Enjoy the weather if it is as nice where you are as it is here! About time too- we were overdue! 80 tomorrow!
xoxo
Laura

Yes I Will or No I Won't now (sung to Should I Stay or Should I Go Now; The Clash)

2010-03-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

cartoon Comments
Yes, you may leave blog comments. Yes, I will moderate them, and most likely reject them if they are bots or spam. Genuine comments, yes, I will publish them.

No, I will not participate in any Facebook Apps. That means No, I will not get involved in Farmville. Ever. Not if my life depended on it as I truly believe it is contributing to the utter dumbing down of Americans. Nor will I participate in Mafia Wars, Petville, any of the games or gifts. So just stop asking.
Yes, you may however, be my friend on Facebook providing I don't have a grudge against you, find you unbelievably dull, or I don't know you and don't want to know you. Or if I used to know you and obviously no longer want to know you. With me so far?

Yes- you may follow me on Twitter. No, I probably won't follow you unless you really have something interesting to Tweet about. Not that I promise interesting Tweets from me, but sometimes there are gems in there. Yes, Sophie and Ollie do have their own Twitter account, but generally they snub it.

Yes, I will Guest Blog for you- especially if you have an author group web site, a book review web site or are a friend of the WubQueen.

Yes, I will write a book review for you on Amazon or Barnes and Noble-- if I have actually read your book and especially if I liked it. Common sense here- if I read your book and didn't like it, do you really want me to write a book review anyway?

No, I will not likely participate in a Podcast, nor a live chat, nor make a YouTube video of anything, other than perhaps my cats.

Yes! Yes! I will send you magnets or bookmarks or other stuff if you are interested in my novels.
Ok- YES- dang it-- I will put down some of the 45 library books I have at the moment and get back to writing the finale of Google Ghoulash and get it off to the Editor before he gives up on me completely.

Guest Blogging at Powered By Books

2010-02-22T07:19:00.002-05:00

Writing Book Reviews by Laura Hinds | POWERED by BOOKS BLOG

I enjoyed writing todays blog post for Powered By Books for the wonderful Deb Baker. It was a fun post to write and Deb is an absolute joy to work with! Author of the Yooper Mystery Series and Dolls to Die for Mysteries, Deb has a new series coming soon under the pen name of Hannah Reed. Visit Deb at http://www.debbakerbooks.com to learn all about her books. They are favorites of mine and I can't wait for the Queen Bee books!

Onward and upward, today is dedicated to writing the ending to the upcoming Google Ghoulash and the evening to editing. I cleverly made enough dinners for the next several days so I don't have to cook! YAY!

Best
Laura

My book is for sale WHERE????

2010-02-19T12:21:00.005-05:00

I used CreateSpace to publish my first novel "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?" early in 2009. Sure, I had some sales, but mostly to friends, and friends of friends. A few sales from Twitter & Facebook, but nothing to write home about.

At present, I'm in the final stages of editing and getting the book cover done for the sequel. I'm still holding the name a secret up my sleeve for a bit longer- just to keep you guessing!

I did enroll in CreateSpace's new Expanded Distribution program, but some weeks had passed and no real results. All of a sudden, wowza! My book is for sale through multiple outlets, including "in bulk" at ecampus.com. I kept looking and sure enough, it is also available at Amazon.jp and Amazon. uk! Now I just need to get the word out to people in JP and UK! So if ya know anyone....hint hint!

It's been a lovely miserable weather winter- lovely as I can justify sitting and reading, writing book reviews for MyShelf.com, reading more, and really fine tuning this next novel. Yes, before you ask, I did indeed do the first 50,000 plus words during NaNoWriMo. Again, no need to ask- that is National Novel Writing Month. I'm very excited about the upcoming book because not only have I learned alot and grown as a writer, I've had the advantage of time on my side to do it correctly.

Bravo and Kudos to NANOWRIMO and CreateSpace!
Oh 'n' btw- I get Google Alerts for my name all the time. There is another Laura Hinds, she's 18 or 19 and lives in the UK. SO if you see anything about me using Google that makes you scratch your head or think I've lost mine- it's not me! Hey! She lives in the UK...hmmmm.....off to find my namesake for some UK marking help!
xoxoxoxoxo
Laura

BookBuzzr

2010-01-26T06:56:00.004-05:00

The sequel to "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?" is in the works and I'm also in the midst of doing some virtual PR.
Winter is a great time for both reading and writing! Here's the BookBuzzr link from fReado.com so you can take a look before purchasing! You'll want to read "Banana" first so you can be at full speed for the sequel (yes, the title is still a secret!)
Cheers!
Laura

Snow is indeed Simple

2009-12-20T09:50:00.003-05:00

Snow is simple if you rely on your body's signals- aches, pains, pressure...even your nose can smell snow on the way. Snow is not so simple if you are a TV Weather Futurecaster. The answer for them is CYA...and each channel gives a slightly different forecast so one of them is bound to be right. Snow was forecast to start at 4pm yesterday. They kept pushing the timeline up and I believe it was closer to 4 AM today!

Around 6:30 am I decided to take the Flipcam as far as the front door and video whatever I might see. Snow, snow,Snowplow at the corner trees, snow. Snowplow still just sitting there. What's he waiting for? Christmas? Oh! Car! Snowplow..
Whatdaya want from me? I hadn't even had coffee!

So what DID happen to November?

2009-12-18T12:07:00.002-05:00

Before I tell you all about November, and what is happening this week before Christmas, please allow me to introduce one of my most favorite readers! Stormy belongs to my good pal Jackie and has loved reading about Sophie and Ollie in my novel!~ Hmmm...is Stormy angling for a guest role in Google Ghoulash?
Speaking of Jackie-- the cupcakes are one her favorite things to bake and they look so yummy that my tummy is growling just looking at the picture!

November-- well National Novel Writing Month pretty much consumed me. Well, that and various medical ups and downs for hubby and me-- thank goodness all is well! Oh, and there was Thanksgiving too!

All in all, I made the 50K NANOWRIMO challenge in about 16-17 days of writing, finishing up at the 29th of November. Most of my writing was in fits and starts, but this time around I knew my characters, knew my story and had a plan. Unlike last year when I wrote "Are You Gonna Eat that Banana?" with no plot, no plan and characters who were strangers to me. This year was really fun!

I still have to finish writing the story- and will- I already know how it ends, but for now I'm working with some writing software to iron out the kinks of the first 35 chapters, trying to decide on a cover design, and I admit, reading, reading and more reading to catch up with some of my favorite authors/series who were neglected in November.

Christmas is almost upon us and this is the first year of my adult life in which I have not mailed one snail mail card, not given any gifts- and don't intend to. Wow? Bah Humbug you say? E-cards save trees, and these days NOTHING goes on a credit card and no one needs more stuff anyway. I'd rather get things out of the house- have given many Christmas things on local Freecycle, and even gave away our artificial tree to a stranger! So- my punishment for my No Christmas Spirit Zone?
Maybe the 3 Ghosts...but even worse, now they say SNOW SNOW AND MORE SNOW!

Hey- Happy Merry! Catch ya on Twitter where I spend way too much time!

2009-11-13T15:16:00.003-05:00

Ok, so the story goes that kids at Danvers High have been saying "MEEP" much to the annoyance of staff and the principal. This even caused an automated telephone call to go out to parents issuing an "edict banning the use of the word meep" in the High School! Despite vague explanations and concerns about behavior this became a front page headline in The Salem News the other day.

My take: Why aren't they more worried about things like drugs, alcohol, sexting and so forth? Give me a break! In my day, I would have staged a walk out protest! Oh wait- I didn't stage one, but went along on one as a freshman when the seniors walked out and walkd to Town Hall to protest something I don't even remember.

Oh and there was the time we took our chairs on wheels racing up and down the hall to torture a shorthand teacher with either a wooden hand or fingers. Damn I'm old- can't remember. There was also the time I didn't want to read aloud in English class and feigned largynitis, but I had an accomplice- a girl pal who had crutches for sprained ankle. We got to leave class early so I could carry her books since I wouldn't be "speaking". Got to the hall and she threw down the crutches and ran and I yelled "Hey wait up!"

Oh- and those notes from MD to get me out of Gym for all 4 years-- I totally blackmailed him to sign them. He's dead now so I can say that.

Anyway- the cartoon which doesn't show well here says "The Students want WHO as a commencement speaker?" and shows a harried secretary watching the principal chuck a nutty. Then the speaker is none other than "Beaker" from The Muppet Show.

Danvers High Principal-- you are so lucky I've been out of there for decades. Go MEEP yourself!

Big News!

2009-10-05T12:55:00.002-04:00

For the month of October, I will donate any and all book proceeds to! Team Scrubs Wubs as part of the 2009 LA Aids Charity event. Please buy your copy of "Are You Gonna Eat Your Banana" NOW and help the cause.

The other big news is that I am officially entered in NaNoWriMo for November 2009 and this time have a plot, a plan and an editor in place!!! This is to be a sequel to "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?" and I'm going to Tweet as I write too!

Hugs
Laura

Are-You-Gonna-Eat-That-Banana?

2009-09-30T11:14:00.001-04:00

The Cats

2009-07-29T09:33:00.003-04:00

Fishing Equipment info

2009-07-28T08:47:00.004-04:00

Fishing equipment is all sold- thanks for the reminder from the nice fellow from the UK!

What a fun yard sale!

2009-07-26T11:35:00.003-04:00

After spending most of Friday sorting and pricing, with the help of my sister and a dear friend of mine, we were ready for Saturday morning and anticipating the work and the crowds. There was plenty of both, but we had much more fun than I expected! I'm very glad to share some stories here and they should also appear on GarageSalesTracker when they update.

GarageSalesTracker is a really great tool for Garage Sales with free advertising and helpful information.

Yesterday we ended up selling almost exclusively kitchen supplies and appliances. It amazed all of us how one man could have so much stuff- much of it brand new. It was great to get good prices on decent equipment, and also felt good to see people's faces when they were delighted to find just what they needed, or items they didn't know they needed until they saw them. It was an eclectic group of shoppers of all ages from kids to the elderly, probably equal amounts of men and women, some families, and neighbors we'd never met. Almost everyone came with a smile and kind words, and we got a lot of hugs from people we don't see often so that was a bonus! I'm a hugger and always say the more hugs the better.

Our next Garage Sale will be in two weeks. I do call it a garage sale when it's really a driveway sale because I do want people to visit the GarageSalesTracker site and help them to thrive!

Thank you to everyone who came to look, shop and buy and we hope to have continuing good turnouts as we next should be selling electronics and in September much more of the Christmas decorations. We hardly had room to put any of them out yesterday! The sale was such a success that we felt able to cancel today and rest up- the weather is very humid with rain coming too. The next planned sale is in two weeks!

Ta ta and Cheerio!
Laura

Holy Moly It's a Giant Yard Sale

2009-07-24T07:22:00.006-04:00

Has anyone ever actually sold their yard at a yard sale? Or their garage at a garage sale? Estate at an estate sale? Just asking!

We are about to embark on quite an adventure! Recently, our niece Kate's father passed away. It was not unexpected. What was unexpected was the amount of STUFF he accumulated. It boggles the mind.

Tomorrow will be the first day of many for a yard/estate sale to find new homes for his worldly goods. Mike and I volunteered for this, because we love KT with all our hearts and want her to have some money to help pay for her trip across the country to be here for her Dad's funeral.

There is furniture, there are boxes and boxes of kitchen goods and appliances. Books, Christmas items, so many things that I still haven't discovered! We expect a good turnout and good weather.

We are a little antsy about the amount of things in our house, so items will be priced to move. If you are anywhere near the NS in MA, we hope you'll come! The sale with details is posted at GarageSalesTracker

The people at GarageSalesTracker are doing a great job all across the country, and I was surprised and happy that they asked me to blog, and I will blog away as it will be a wonderful way to memorialize this giant event and hopefully find some tips to offer others for their sales! Thank you to GarageSalesTracker

Time Flies Like an Arrow- Fruit Flies Like a Banana

2009-07-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

Holy Macaroni Batman! I have not blogged since May 25th!!! Where did that time go?
A lot has happened- Mike and I had our 24th anniversary on June 2nd. We officially adopted Ollie (see above) the Cat From Next Door. We had Mike's parents and sister Michelle visit for several days in June, and a wonderful family get together here with Mike's other sister and her family who I had not seen in many moons! It was great fun!
4th of July came to pass, and there were finally fireworks here. They'd been delayed because of rain almost the whole month of June and into the first couple of days of July. So, I guess that about accounts for the time flying and my lack of blogging!

I'm still trying to get the word out and sell some more copies of "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana/" before it withers and dies and goes out of print. There is indeed a sequel in my brain, but it may not come to me to type until I get some motivation by seeing "Banana" move at least a few more copies. You can get it by clicking this link:

Or a Kindle version here:

Happy July! Enjoy your summer! Nudge me now and then on Twitter or Facebook to blog! LauraHinds for both!

Laura
The More Books the Better

New Amazon Book Store

2009-05-25T14:31:00.001-04:00

Visit my new Amazon book store where you can buy things directly from Amazon safel and securely.

Huge Money Savings Day @ Walgreens

2009-05-21T10:48:00.005-04:00

This morning, armed with coupons, a well planned list, and a store sale flyer, I managed to get the following deals at my local Walgreens!

I did have a $5.00 of $25.00 printable coupon from Walgreens.com that was only good yesterday, and today. You can still sign up and get one (as far as I know) but ONLY today!

Hint: Colgate Visable White and Bayer Quick Release Crystals are both only found near the register. Both are FREE after RRs.

Bottom line this AM: I got $79.02 in merchandise (inc tax) for $41.17 AND got $23.00 in RR's for a final price of $18.17!
Deals were:
Colgate Visible White $4.49, -$1 PC, and $4.49RR
Bayer Quick Release $2.49 $2.49 RR
Edge Shave Gel $1.79 - $1coupn $1.00RR
Dry Idea Clinical $5.99 $2 PC $5.00RR
Bandaids 4pkgs $10.00 $1 coupon $4.00RR
Bic Utility Lighter $2.99 $1 cpupn $1.00RR

Glade Sense& Spray on sale for 9.99 got 4.00 and 1.50 RR
Clairol Balsam Hair 4.99 got 2.00 RR
Off Clip On sale 9.99 buy 1 get 1 free with coupon 3.00 R

The printable coupons came from Coupons.com for Dry Idea, and Colgate site for toothpaste.
Others were from Sunday Flyers.

You can make this better if you have extra Band Aid Coupons (use 1 per pkg)!

That was really fun and people in line were asking for advice! I loved being able to help them, too!

Laura - use your savings and buy a book and still have a ton of $$ left!
"Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?"

Create a Mystery

2009-05-04T14:38:00.002-04:00

What's going on at your house?

Well aside from the missing bumble bee in ours, this is whats up. Create a mystery story from it and you could win a bookmark!

Book review writing day

2009-04-14T10:55:00.002-04:00

I have a puzzle to ponder. Just how do I approach writing a book review of a "chick-lit" book when the book is about a novelist who wrote a chick-lit book, but hates it when anyone calls it chick-lit.

I asked Mike what he thought, and he asked me where I got the term chick lit besides off a box of gum (chicklets). No help from that corner.

Ah well, the book is a fun read and easy breezy fun, so maybe the review will come easily too when it comes down to it.

Anyone reading anything good today?

Sneak Peek- Chapter 32 Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?

2009-04-05T09:13:00.001-04:00

THIRTY TWO

The roommate slunk in bearing a pile of mail. She brushed her teeth with her tongue as she sorted through it and it was the most annoying sound I’d heard in ages. I turned the radio on and set the volume up higher than I would have liked. Especially since they were playing Christmas Carols already. Singing Chipmunks.

Obviously, this in turn annoyed the roommate since she heaved a stack of mail in my direction and ran up the stairs to her lair. Most of the mail did land on the coffee table, but I had to get up and reach for the few pieces that missed. The first thing to catch my eye was a reminder notice from the meth clinic. Er, I mean the deli. They had potato salad ready for me and if I didn’t pick it up by yesterday they would throw it to the cats in the alleys and never make any for me again.

Normally, this would have made me really mad. In the scheme of things, though, it seemed about the only normal thing going on. The deli owner had both a temper and an usual sense of justice.

Justice. That reminded me. As soon as Tommy made an appearance, Tim and Mom both had orders to bring him to my castle to stand in judgement. I would have to have on hand several dozen rotten tomatoes if he were to be given proper Vegetable Justice. I would also need several semi athletic people to help toss them at him. I really don’t know too many people around here. Kenjl maybe. I wasn’t sure if Tim would participate. Pregnant Pattie was too swollen to invite her, although she might enjoy it. She could be our judge and keep score.

Cynde from the library probably would disapprove, but on the other hand I could ask. She might even bring her kids! I needed more recruits. I had an AHA moment. The Aging Hippies Volleyball Team! I typed up a flyer to post on the beach where they play.

The specifics weren’t important, but just that they show up at my house in clothes worth getting stained for some Vegetable Justice fun. I left my phone number and instructions to call for the final details of date/time. Now all I had to do was find a way to get this posted. I thought and thought and thought some more. I got a brain cramp. The obvious answer was one that might not go over well. I’d have to ask Mom. I could probably persuade her with the argument that Vegetable Justice was better than me having Tommy arrested and thrown in the clink.
Her mother’s instinct to protect her young might work. After all, a few rotten vegetables weren’t going to hurt him, right? I gave up the idea of asking the volleyball team to participate.

The telephone rang and nearly gave me heart failure. It had been so quiet just a few minutes before that I nearly fell asleep in the middle of the book I was reading. I think I did, I felt some drool sliding down my chin.

As I wiped it off and simultaneously answered the phone, my “hello” came out more like “elmo?” It was Cynde at the library calling to say she had a new book I’d likely be interested in. She only chuckled at the “elmo” assuming it was just me being me. Weird, that is. I asked what the book was, and she said it was called “The Secret Lives of a Chinese Fortune Cookie Maker”.

I guess I’d rambled on some of my strange tale when taking out the Chinese Translation book. I did agree it sounded good and asked her to please hold it for me. Without even hesitating to think any further, I grabbed my cell phone and hit the speed dial for Tim.

“Elmo” he said. Or at least that is what I heard. How could he have known? “Tim?” “Yeah it’s me. Oh hi.” “Did you just say Elmo?” “No. I said Hello. Why would I say Elmo?” I shrugged my shoulders then light dawned that he couldn’t see me. “No reason. My ears must be plugged. Wanna go for a ride to the library?”
“Ok. I have books to return.” He sighed slightly.
“Ok then. I think I can walk this time.” I sighed in turn.
“Good enough. I’ll be there after a fashion.” He clicked off. What the hell did after a fashion mean? I’d best get ready. I had two books to return myself. They were mysteries that I solved in the first fifty pages. That was always disappointing to me.

I put the books in my book bag and went outside to sit on the front steps and wait. The sun was warm for mid November, which meant we’d likely have snow for Thanksgiving. I don’t know how long I waited, but it couldn’t have been too long since I didn’t have time too think too much.
Tim pulled in, this time driving a Prius. It belonged to Stanley he said. “Is Stanley your Mom’s boyfriend who I hear so much about?” I asked. “Yeah. The rich dude.”
I put my book bag down and looked in the mini back seat. It was full of library books. “Tim, er, did you read all of those.” “Yeah”he said. “We have a lot of books at school and stuff, but when you have had library withdrawal syndrome for years, once you get a taste of library books again there is no going back.”

“I am thinking of asking if there is a way I can work off the error of my ways as a youth. Do some pennance as a volunteer or something.” Good for Tim! I smiled and said “I tell you what. You ask Cynde when we get there and I’ll back you up and maybe even volunteer with you.”

Half way to the library we spotted a lanky figure on a ten speed bicycle. Wearing a baseball cap and flip flops. I knew it was Tom! Tim pretended he didn’t see him, but I rolled down my window to call out to him, when he raised his fist in the air and shook it at us, yelling at the top of his lungs “MR IAN WOON!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON”. I spun around in my seat and yelled at Tim, “TIM!!! TIM! That was Tom!!! Tom!!! Why didn’t you pull over?” Tim was whistling and playing innocent. “Huh? Did you say something? I had the wind in my ears.”

Earl Schenck Miers

2009-03-30T15:46:00.002-04:00

Quote of the day, found in "Book Reviewing" by by John E Drewry, 1946

From Earl Schenck Miers:

"Bring into a room two statesmen, and very likely you will have a war, two churchmen you will have a schism, two businessmen and you will have a merger or a panic, two murderers and you will have a murder, but bring into the same room two men who work and live with books and the walls will ring with camaraderie."

Year's Oddest Titled Books

2009-03-29T12:57:00.002-04:00

A really nice friend sent me this today. She noted that I am the only person she knows who would appreciate this. Now that might just be because my book is oddly titled "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?" Or it could be that she knows I enjoy oddities in all forms. Anywho- I bet some of you will get a laugh too!

Cheesy book takes prize for year's oddest title

Mar 27, 12:05 AM (ET)

By JILL LAWLESS

LONDON (AP) - A heavyweight study of the future of soft cheese has won Britain's annual competition to find the year's oddest book title.

"The 2009-2014 World Outlook for 60-milligram Containers of Fromage Frais," by Philip M. Parker won the Diagram Prize, awarded Friday by trade magazine The Bookseller.

The runner-up was primate study "Baboon Metaphysics," by Dorothy L. Cheney and Robert M. Seyfarth.

Horace Bent, who runs the award, said Parker's volume was a surprise winner given the competition from racier-sounding finalists like "Curbside Consultation of the Colon" - a medical manual - and hobby handbook "Strip and Knit With Style."

Bent said "Fromage Frais" was a worthy winner that had "turned the supermarket chiller into the petri dish of literary innovation."

Fromage frais - literally "fresh cheese" - is a dairy product that originated in France and has a similar consistency to sour cream. The book is a 188-page study of the global retail market for the product.

Parker's book is published by Icon Group and sells for a hefty $795 (euro589.)

The Diagram Prize was founded in 1978, and the winner is decided by public vote.

This year's other finalists were "The Large Sieve and its Applications" and "Techniques for Corrosion Monitoring."

Previous winners include "Bombproof Your Horse,""Living With Crazy Buttocks" and "People Who Don't Know They're Dead: How They Attach Themselves to Unsuspecting Bystanders and What to Do About It."

Now see, here's the thing

2009-03-28T17:38:00.003-04:00

In trying to promote my book, I've been advised to join Facebook, Twitter and to do an Author's Blog on Amazon. All well and good. I drew the line at MySpace since I hear that is yesterday's news.

Now see, here's the thing: trying to keep up with all this is killing me ever so slowly. I know, I know, I can do one blog and have it both here and on Amazon. I can have my Twitter Posts also be on Facebook....leading to the problem of what if I say something on one that I don't want to share with people on the other??? Hmmm??

So I guess I just limp along and do the best I can and update each now and then. Twitter is easiest except when it tells me that I am locked out for tying to log on too often, when I've only logged on once the whole darn day!

There are a lot of other "things" that I could blog about, but who knows who is reading this blog and how they might use it against me? They might not buy my book!
Egads- they aren't anyway. I evidently have written a book that is best used to pass around from friend to friend, and to take out of the library.

Now the other thing is: To Sequel or Not To Sequel?

GOGGIES

2009-03-15T11:38:00.003-04:00

CONTEST

2009-03-12T10:42:00.002-04:00

Purchase a copy of "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana" from Amazon using this link:

Email me at LauraHinds@aol.com with the date of your order so I can verify it. I get a count of how many books sell on any given day. When you email me, be sure to give me a mailing address for you and you'll soon receive a personalized bookmark in the mail!

Write a fair review on Amazon, send me a copy, or the direct link to your review, and I'll also send you an autographed bookplate for your copy of "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana?"

Contest ends March 31st.

New Logo....

2009-03-06T16:51:00.002-05:00

How do you like my new logo for the book?? Don't forget to buy the book!

Writing Google Ghoulash

2009-03-06T12:45:00.001-05:00

	309

6

lab.drwicked.com

Google Goulash

2009-03-05T11:26:00.002-05:00

I'm finally inspired to work on Google Ghoulash and am pleased with this mini success story of the morning. Drum roll, please:

	204

4

lab.drwicked.com

Banana's Everywhere!

2009-02-11T10:40:00.002-05:00

Cats and Bananas are everywhere! I found this one on LOL Cats this morning! How did they know it was purrfect for the day my books are on their way here!

Don't forget- you can get your very own copy from Amazon.com

It's Official! The Book is on Amazon

2009-02-08T17:15:00.002-05:00

Clown Free Zone

2009-01-12T07:52:00.004-05:00

In response to blog reader concerns (Oh Hai Gail!), I want to reassure fearful fans that "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana" is truly clown free and safe for your eyes!!! I even had my favorite LOL cat of the week take care of any clowns lurking about seeking to insinuate themselves into the manuscript!

Of course, you might want to be careful about the rogue Gnomes!!!

Happy Monday!!!

The editing continues today!!!! I only have to slog through about 50,000 more words or so!

Laura
http://www.laurahinds.com
(ok, so that only brings you to this blog for now! Better things are coming soon!)

It's HERE!

2009-01-08T12:59:00.003-05:00

The book will be available on Amazon.com soon!!

NaNoWriMo winner me- and about 1200 others!

2008-11-27T17:27:00.003-05:00

This was won for "Are You Gonna Eat That Banana" which will be available in January, 2009. Yes, it will be on Amazon!

Careful of Bananas!

2008-11-13T14:42:00.002-05:00

Coming Soon:

"Are You Gonna Eat that Banana?"

Careful, or you'll end up in my newest novel!

National Novel Writing Month

Election Day.

2008-11-04T10:44:00.003-05:00

Sad Announcement

2008-10-31T09:38:00.002-04:00

Sad Announcement!!!!
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas and oil.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off.
We apologize for any inconvenience.

Or- as a friend said to me "Unless of course the Light at the End of the Tunnel is the oncoming train."

Trust Nothing and No one

2008-09-30T11:55:00.001-04:00

I got this in an email from a dear friend-- suits me perfectly:

Blessed are the Cracked, for they are the ones who let in the light"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial

In Other News

2008-09-13T17:36:00.002-04:00

Net Burning Toaster-- get the news on your morning toast!

Wacky Toaster

Rest well sweet friend

2008-08-15T10:45:00.002-04:00

We recently had a dear friend and longtime neighbor leave us behind for a better place. I feel so lucky that I got to visit with her one last time this spring. I can still hear her saying "Yum Yum" at the chocolates a friend brought for her.
She let me take this picture, somewhat relucantly. I had told her that I promised I wouldn't put it all over the internet. To which she replied "Not until I'm dead, anyway".

So here you go my friend! I hope that you can look down and smile at this!

We've missed you all the long months since you left our neighborhood, and now you've left our world.

Louise was 96 in July. She drove right up until she took a fall last December. Always smart as a whip, well read, and mentally never faltered for a minute. She was quick with a hug, quick with a quip, and a very brave lady who loved her home and her car and her church always.

Rest well sweet friend. We love you.

Laura and Mike

Crab spider

2008-07-31T14:01:00.003-04:00

I've seen a little critter in our living room a few times. Tiny as a speck of dust!
It just dropped down from our ceiling and landed on me twice. I thought I was seeing things-- I thought it was an Albino spider! Doing a bit of "web" work, I learned that it is a Crab Spider, and is a beneficial insent who sometimes wanders indoors. It does not spin a web, but is an active hunter. Hmmmm...perhaps that is what happened to the fly that was driving me crazy for a week. These tiny spiders do like flies I understand. They are also amazing in that some of them can change color to include bright yellow or bright pink to match a flower that they might land on. They are not harmful to humans, but they do bite, although it just causes a minor irritation.

The things I will do to avoid actually Working On My Book! I spend a half hour researching spiders!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Hot Under The Collar

2008-07-26T12:02:00.003-04:00

Yowza-- what a game between the Red Sox and the Yankees last night. It was a real pitchers match, a poorly Umpired game, and the Sox got hot under the collar and so did I! I've heard it said that Kevin Youkilis tends to "wet his pants" over things, but man, how he held it together when fast balls were flying in the vicinity of his head AGAIN! I was waiting for a Bench Clearing Brawl, but the Sox rose above that.
Mike Lowell really had a wobbly when he was called out on strikes and the final strike was clearly a BALL!!!!! I was almost as mad as he was. As for Manny-- hmmm...he's out because he knee hurts. Then it is both knees hurt. Yet the MRI showing nothing wrong? He really should have been in the game for Big Papi's return. This Manny being Manny stuff is wearing thin. Perhaps if his knees are that bad he'd better go on the disabled list and get some acupunture or even counseling on Adult Professional Behavior. I've always enjoyed Manny, he's a great player and funny as can be. To a Point. Hmmm... perhaps Tito could just bench him and not LET him have the honor of playing. Would that be cutting off the teams nose to spite their face? I think not. Time for Manny to have a time out.

Ok-- today, the Red Sox are going to be out for blood. There is a blood lust at the ready, and the fur will be flying.

I can't wait. Go RED SOX!!!

oh- and I just returned 2 library books and came home with 8 new ones....it is possible to watch baseball and read three books at once. I should know!

Laura
the more books the better

Rest In Peace

2008-07-25T10:13:00.004-04:00

May your soul continue it's wonderful journey now that you have left your poor broken body behind. Many happy returns when you are ready.

Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture passed away on July 24, 2008.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-07-25T09:14:00.003-04:00

On the heels of learning recently that Rush would be getting their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009, two good friends of mine had the chance to see a show in this leg of the Snakes and Arrows tour! One went to NH to see them, and the other saw them in NC. While I'm a wee bit envious, I'm also very happy for them both! The first friend saw them for about the 30th, and likely the last time, while my newer friend finally went to her first show after waiting 28 years! Then, while perusing YouTube, I found this gem!

So that's all fun and games, and then I found my favorite Laugh A Minute duo cracking up as they tried to announce a Red Sox game while hearing "Mooo Mooo" in their headsets after photos of Vermont Cows were shown during Vermont Day at Fenway Park. If you want a good laugh, view this clip. You won't be able to help youself, the laughter is contagious!

NESN Final
by bsap11

Enjoy!
Laura
The More Books the Better
reading:

Atmospheric Disturbances

2008-07-24T09:33:00.002-04:00

Well this book disturbed me allright! Yet it was compelling, interesting and something I had to pry myself away from....one has to wonder if this actually happened to someone in the author's life.
Here's a trailer, and don't forget you can use any of my Amazon.com links to buy the book!

The weak of the pea/pee, hehe, pee-pee

2008-07-19T10:12:00.002-04:00

Ingo Rademacher of General Hospital has a new son-- named Peanut Kai. Kai means water in Hawaiian. Some clever person posted online that they could call him Pea Water. Made me laugh!
Then, this morning, I got this story from Coast to Coast online:

Leak at Nasa

A Nasa plea for urine donations has been leaked, leading to a flood of offers.

The US space programme is seeking urine from workers at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, so it can create the perfect space lavatory.

It's for the new Orion space capsule which will eventually take astronauts to the moon, reports the Daily Telegraph.

John Lewis, Nasa's head of life support systems for Orion, said the Orion will be in space for up to six months while astronauts work on the moon, so getting rid of urine is a pressing issue.

To design, build and test the systems, Nasa needs nearly eight gallons of urine every day - about the total daily output of 30 people.

Nasa has a long-standing tradition of collecting samples from its workers to help design better space toilets because "you can't make fake urine," Mr Lewis said.

The memo seeking daily contributions from July 21 to July 31, contains detailed instructions for participants, but was not meant to go public.

It requests donors do not drink too much to encourage urination, warning that "you are not encouraged to over-hydrate as this could dilute the urine we collect".

"Unlike in the doctor's office, you do not need to worry about starting collection midstream," the memo states. "Our testing will be much more accurate if you collect as much of the entire urination as possible including the beginning."

It also calls for urine to be fresh, no more than an hour old. "We suggest that morning urine be collected at home, but not night-time urine," the memo states.

General Snoozepital

2008-07-14T10:40:00.003-04:00

Ok, big whoop- Genie Francis is back for a short stint. Mostly in Lulu's mind. Yawn.
More Mob stuff coming from Russia this time. Yawn.
People paying tons of money to go to the Fan Club Weekend. People who don't know how they will heat their homes this winter, don't have money to pay their credit card debt, complain about how broke they are-- they still come up with cash for a soap opera fan club event-- for which the actors get PAID to be there. How stupid is that??

I think I'm having our Tv totally disconnected after the Red Sox win the World Series in October.

Laura
The More BOOKS the Better

George Noory- Coast to Coast

2008-07-14T10:37:00.002-04:00

For the Full Story, visit The Washington Times website--
No sleep for the curious
Night listener discusses aliens, Bigfoot, angels and presidential hopes
Jennifer Harper THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The talk is good tonight. Angels, mystery fireballs in space, rustlings in the attic, memories of grandma, a cure-all from the ancients, some scrappy politics. Someone gets choked up. A truck driver shouts over the roar of his diesel. A woman offers the details of a particularly close encounter of the alien sort with complete conviction.

There were weird lights, she says. And wires.

Ah, yes. Settle back, folks. Plump up the pillows. This is “Coast to Coast AM,” the all-night talk radio phenomenon heard from 1 to 5 a.m. on 500 stations, seven nights a week, by three million very devoted, very earnest listeners around the globe.

Five of those nights belong to host George Noory, whose mellifluous voice and empathetic bearing provide the ultimate foil to those who want to talk of Bigfoot, political assassinations, Armageddon and the time they awoke to find a dim figure, gazing at them from the end of the bed with luminous eyes.

Mr. Noory is the very model of civility through it all, that honey-smooth voice - familiar and authoritative both - steering the conversation to its conclusion in a very satisfying minute or two. Sometimes he takes 50 calls a night.

”George? Is this me?” listeners often ask.

“Yes, St. Louis. This is you,” he replies.

It could be Toronto. Or New Orleans or Anchorage. Or nowhere. The “you” - hailing from some distant dell in Vermont, an urban condo or perhaps a cell phone on a stretch of highway - get their moment.

“Americans are in a huge pressure cooker right now. They've got to be allowed to vent their feelings. Through talk radio specifically, they have a feeling there's someone to listen to them. It has had an effect, and that is to keep them calm,” Mr. Noory said recently.

At 57, he's got more than three decades in the broadcast business as newsman and a host of the old-school sort. He doesn't argue, he doesn't run roughshod over his listeners or the three special guests who make up the programming every night. Among his fans: C-SPAN's venerable founder Brian Lamb.

Summertime and the living is hot!

2008-07-09T09:28:00.003-04:00

Heatwaves, floods, missle testing in Iran. Fire's in CA. Gasoline sky high.
The living is easy. NOT!

Last night the flax seed hot pack I use to help with leg pain decided to catch fire in the microwave. All is well, no one hurt and I didn't burn the house down. Handled the whole thing calmly and by myself which is a surprise given my fear of fire.

This morning, Ollie brought us a very dead red squirrel. Very dead. For the rest of the week, Ollie will be known as Squirrel Boy.

Still working on the book and reading tons. Thinking about unravelling the mystery of some neighbors who up and disappeared. Of course, I didn't even notice this, but another neighbor pointed out that all the cars were gone and the house is vacant.

That's it folks--
Laura
The More Books the Better

Sorry for not blogging

2008-07-01T10:42:00.002-04:00

Hi all,
I've been quite busy with writing and also reading a lot! I apologize for not blogging. I also have nothing to say, really, so for today, I'm sharing an interesting story that I heard about on Coast to Coast at 1 am!
Laura
The More books the Better

skip to main | skip to sidebar Joint Recon Study Group
The "Joint Reconnaissance Study Group" is the name of the special research team in my novels, "MISSION INTO LIGHT" and the sequel "LIGHT'S HAND." The ideas behind this group are useful for many kinds of people and activities. By viewing information in this blog, readers join the efforts of the Joint Recon Study Group.

Monday, June 30, 2008
Ancient crashed UFO claimed to be from dinosaur age, 150 million years ago

(This article also appears on AmericanChronicle.com.)

By Steve Hammons

News released today about a secret U.S. Government project to analyze an allegedly extraterrestrial craft has a unique twist.

This craft did not crash in 1947 in Roswell, New Mexico.

According to the anonymous sources, it crashed approximately 150 million years ago during the age of the dinosaurs.

This information has been posted on the SERPO.org Web site, home to other reports about extraterrestrial visitation reportedly provided by current and former officials of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The conduit for the information is Victor Martinez, the moderator of an e-mail “stream” information service that focuses on topics related to anomalous phenomena. Martinez has reportedly worked for several U.S. Government agencies.

In late 2005, Martinez wrote that these DIA sources had reached out to him to reveal information about “Project SERPO,” a later code name for a secret “exchange program” in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s between a small team of American military personnel and extraterrestrial visitors who had established contact with the U.S. Government.

Other information reportedly provided by these sources noted that the U.S. Government maintains records collected by both U.S. officials and a race of extraterrestrials that notes visitation to Earth in ancient times.

The most recent information report from the anonymous sources via Martinez makes the claim that “A highly classified, sensitive operation with far-reaching national security implications that took place in 1968.”

ET VISITATION IN DINOSAUR AGE

“A [redacted] archaeological team uncovered a large metallic object in a remote area of southern [redacted] which is a close NATO ally of ours,” according to Martinez’ anonymous sources.

The sources also reportedly told Martinez, “The object was believed to be an alien spacecraft that had crashed approximately 200 million years ago according to the archaeological team. The site subsequently was examined by a USAF recovery team, which then put the age of the alien craft at approximately 150 million years ago.”

As fantastic as this sounds, it is not inconsistent with other speculation that if extraterrestrial visitors have been coming to Earth in recent decades, it is possible they visited in previous centuries and in the far-distant past.

Martinez reports that his sources stated, “Our scientists used the absolute dating method employing decaying radioactive isotopes. Sedimentary rock formations and the fact that the object was embedded into the rock were used to estimate the age of the alien craft.”

“The alien craft itself was 45 feet in diameter,” the sources continued. “The craft was transported to the State of [redacted] and then to the giant [redacted] lab complex in [redacted] and opened.”

“The alien craft contained two highly decomposed alien bodies and decayed animals, which were apparently abducted by these alien beings. The animals were small dinosaurs on board the alien craft.”

ANALYZING THE CRAFT

Martinez states that his sources provided the following information: “The craft was stored at [redacted] and years of intense research were conducted. The last time I checked, the research team ruled out the craft being of Eben origin.”

“Eben” is a name allegedly given to an ET culture who have visited Earth from the Zeta Reticuli star system, were the group who crashed in Roswell and the beings with whom the U.S. shared the exchange program.

The anonymous sources allegedly added, “However, no one could tell where it came from. The alien bodies were far too decomposed to be thoroughly examined. They were about 5 feet tall and had very large, bulbous heads.”

“To the best of my knowledge, 'Operation [redacted]' is still an ongoing project. I personally worked on the operation in the early '70s.”

“The instruments from the craft were interesting because they were made of small crystal-like devices, wired together with a form of very fine wire.”

“The alien propulsion system contained a large chamber with what we called ‘rocks’ (obviously some form of energy) in the chamber. Large vents placed around the chamber vented some sort of power, radiation or some form of tremendous energy generated through the vents and into the propulsion chamber which enabled interstellar space travel.”

The anonymous sources claimed, “Examination of the rocks found zinc, and several unknown materials and alloys which we still cannot identify to this day. The ‘rocks’ obviously lost all of their energy over the years. They were not radioactive nor did they contain any special properties. We could never power up the alien craft in the nearly 40 years we've had possession of it.”

“We could not locate the actual power system and therefore could never operate any of the equipment contained within the craft. However, we did find a 'star chart.' The chart was created from outside of the Earth on the alien home world.”

“To this day, we have been unable to read and decipher the alien star chart. The star chart was of a deep area of space, but our scientists haven't been able to find that specific area of space.”

“ … the amazing … alien technology on this craft has similarly stumped us; while some progress has been made on it since 1968, it's been minimal (partially due to the poor, degraded condition of the alien craft).”

BOGGLES THE MIND

In the posting on SERPO.org and in his e-mail stream, Martinez and his anonymous sources reflect on the implications of what a discovery of this nature means.

“Anonymous” writes, “… the existence of alien civilizations who had already achieved space traveling capabilities zipping around the Milky Way Galaxy (and perhaps others) truly boggles the mind.”

“The Ebens were perhaps still in their ‘galactic diapers’ when these alien beings were already visiting other worlds –150-200 MYA [million years ago] and Homo sapiens did not even exist!”

“One can only wonder and speculate where a civilization – that had already achieved interstellar space travel – would be at today technologically from 150-200 MYA!"

Anonymous and Martinez continued their speculation with Anonymous allegedly stating: “How many star systems have they visited by now? How many other alien civilizations have they made successful contact and interacted with, and perhaps carry on some sort of trade with? How many solar systems have they visited and mapped out in our Milky Way Galaxy and perhaps those of other galaxies?”

“One also has to consider the possibility that rather than this crash having occurred in our timeline of 150-200 MYA, these alien beings traveled to Earth from the future to our distant past – when dinosaurs ruled – as part of a research mission ... that also boggles the mind!” Anonymous said, according to Martinez.

As with all of the Project SERPO information, this latest chapter will surely provoke discussion, doubts about its truthfulness and trigger the imaginations of many readers.

Is it true? Is it some kind of disinformation or phony claim? Is there some truth hidden within inaccurate information?

Is it part of an “acclimation” program to prepare Americans and the human race for the awareness of very interesting and surprising information?

At present, it is not possible for most readers to confirm the truthfulness of the statements Anonymous is reportedly making to Martinez and Martinez is passing on to the public.

What may be helpful for our perspectives, however, is considering that if extraterrestrial visitation to Earth is a reality, then it could have been occurring in time frames beyond what we might have previously thought.

TGIF

2008-06-20T11:19:00.002-04:00

It's been an interesting week. I've done something or other to my right knee so that it cracks when I walk and hurts like heck when I first sit down.
Using the RICE method for now. It was on the mend until Sophie decided to play hide and go seek the other day and I couldn't find her for 6 hours, so I searched high and low and crawled around on my knees.

Ok- I've been using most of the time for reading and writing, so that's not unusual, except I did get the courage to send the first part of my book to both a dear old friend and to my sister in law for review. I've only heard from my sister in law so far, but let me tell you, she hit it right on the head. The things she expressed are exactly what I knew in my head and heart were wrong. So, I'm going to continue with forward momentum on the book, but know what I have to focus on for rewrites. Maybe I can even just sit with good old fashioned paper and pen and scribble notes in the margins now and then as things occur to me. Small bites, baby steps.

While I've read several books lately, my favorite is Ann Leary's. We have always enjoyed her husband Denis Leary and to find that his wife is such a talent in her own right is a bonus. I highly recommend her newest book, and in fact, I'm awaiting arrival for her earlier work "An Innocent, a Broad". Here's an Amazon link for "Out takes from a Marriage". You'll love it.

Laura
The More Books the Better

Curious Bob

2008-06-15T14:18:00.002-04:00

Found this on the Coast to Coast site and it's so cute I had to share!
My husband took this picture last year in September 2007. I was reminded of the picture while listening to a caller's story about a praying mantis and George Noory's related tale about his pet mantis that he used to walk on a leash and then accidentally stepped on. Well, this is a picture of our recently adopted three-legged cat named Bob. He came across a praying mantis in our house. I just love the look on both of their faces! Bob is quite curious and the mantis is posing for the camera. I hope you all enjoy it.

--Lisa Gorog & Darin Boen

Frustration

2008-06-10T14:30:00.003-04:00

AGGGHHHHH>....... RUSH is performing in MA this coming weekend and I can not only not afford tickets, but if I could afford tickets I cannot afford gasoline to get there. I am ripping my hair out strand by strand.

Who can afford anything anymore? There is no more middle class, just poor and rich. Ok- Rich people, pony up and help the rest.
Saudi Arabira, send free oil to the USA. Mexico and all the oil they sit on and they send us their poor so we can take care of them. Again ripping out hair.

Put Michael Savage in charge of this country for 3 months and he'd straighten things out.
Borders, Language and Culture. So easy to understand.
Global warming. Duh.
Health care crisis. Duh.

I JUST WANT TO SEE RUSH ONE MORE TIME.

Is it the GH office?

2008-06-07T16:08:00.001-04:00

Friday Fun

2008-06-06T12:31:00.003-04:00

Cute ad above! Although I don't drink milk, I love the ads! Becky Herbst is sooo thin and pretty! We use Soy Milk-- preferably Silk.

Quote of the day: Coco Crisp after the Bench Clearing Brawl last night: They were pulling my hair like little girls!

I wondered what he was laughing at after the fight! I called that BCB way before it happened. I told Mike it was coming. He said "You've been wanting one for a month".
True enough! The funniest thing ever was Remdawg and Don pretend fighting in the announcers booth after Manny went off and hit Youk. Now what was THAT about? Manny is usually the coolest cat who never gets really upset....

I have been trying to replace the inkjet cartridges in my printer. Mike refills them to save $$. I own 4 currently--3 black, one color. All four are low so I cannot print. I would attempt to refill them myself, but just getting them out of the printer I somehow managed to get ink not only on my white shirt and peach slacks, but on my inner arm, all the way to my armpit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF???

Happy Friday

Laura
The More Books the Better

I have to admit it

2008-06-04T16:02:00.002-04:00

I loved the last few minutes of GH today! I even turned the sound on for the Claudia/Lulu confrontation, which was made even better when Carly got in the middle! Old Carly vs New Carly up close and personal! In "real" life, I have never seen anyone get right up in someone else's face like that-- well, except for Umpire's faces during MLB games!

Here's are links to my new favorite commercials:

Water on Wednesday

2008-06-04T08:03:00.002-04:00

Yay! It's raining this morning! I don't have to fight with the hose to water the veggie garden! Clearing this afternoon should make for a "just right" day, but with lots of heat and humidity descending upon us this weekend.

Primaries are over, Hillary won't give up. Positioning herself to try and get the VP nod, or hanging in to say "I told you so" in 2012 if Obama wins and doesn't do well? Who really knows what goes on behind the scenes. Not me-- no scoops there!

Karen has a ton of new GH scoops on WUBS with more on the way.

There will be an update on Mars press briefing this morning:

Update on Mars Phoenix Lander Scheduled for June 4
06.03.08 -- PASADENA, Calif. - NASA and the University of Arizona, Tucson, will hold a televised news briefing on Wednesday, June 4, at 11 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. EDT), to present the latest news from NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander mission, which touched down on the Red Planet on May 25.

The briefing will take place at the University of Arizona, and will be carried live on NASA TV's Media Channel only, and will also be Webcast. The Media Channel is available on an MPEG-2 digital C-band signal via satellite on AMC 6, Transponder 17C in continental North America. In Alaska and Hawaii, it is available on AMC 7, Transponder 18C. To view the Webcast, go to www.nasa.gov/ntv and click on Media Channel.

Briefing participants will include Peter Smith, Phoenix principal investigator from the University of Arizona, and other team members.

Enjoy the day!
Laura
The More Books the Better

Tuesday Tidbits

2008-06-03T10:17:00.003-04:00

Pictures above: Our Plumeria is in beautiful and fragrant bloom. This plant blooms every seven years or so and it's always a special time. Below is one of our Wisteria "trees" from last month. Abundant flowers this year!

Yesterday, Mike and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Our first visit there and we really enjoyed it. The portions are huge, so we brought enough food home for each of us to have another meal.. in fact, we were so full we didn't even try any cheesecake!

General Hospital remains unwatchable. I still find some scoops etc for Karen, but I find them hard to even read. Things like Nik might marry Claudia. Or Jason might marry Claudia. Nikolas is really an old school mobster. Sonny is bored. Jason won't return the business to him. Kate dresses awfully for a fashionista. Carly is a shrew. Jax should just leave and go find Brenda. Send Lulu far far away to college. Ditto Maxie. All girls school for Maxie. Enough already. Guza go home!

Reading The Idiot Girls Action Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro. Really funny!

Laura
The More Books the Better

The Bee and The Bee Whisperer

2008-05-28T13:16:00.004-04:00

We've apparantly got Bumble Bees finding a way into our living room. Also one Yellow Jacket in the bedrom yesterday. I'm becoming quite proficient as a Bee Whisperer as I can open the front door several feet away and say "Here Bee, Come Here Bee" and they come and go out. Since I never see more than one Bumbler, I wonder if it could be the same one who wants my attention for something? I decided to Blog about this. As I was trying to upload a graphic of a pretty Bee and some pretty flowers, the computer locked up. Deciding to leave it alone for a few minutes, I headed back to the living room and there was a Bee! It is now outside, having heeded my call to go back to the great outdoors.

Just finished a great book today. It is the 2nd book by one of my new favorite authors. Please feel free to purchase it from Amazon via this link!

TV for the most part remains unwatchable. Daytime, primetime, anytime. AWFUL. Almost the only things I watch are the Boston Fox Morning News which is very entertaining for a news show, and the Red Sox (when they aren't on until 1 am or later). So, it's "More Books the Better" for me!

Laura

A Week Later

2008-05-22T10:15:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged. Where does the time go? Does time seem speeded up to you, too? It's almost Memorial Day already!

My favorite stories of this week:

1) David Cook wins American Idol! Yay! I just love this guy and have been rooting for him for weeks and weeks. He definitely has Rock Star quality and also has a big heart. It was so week how he kept putting his arm around Archie's shoulders like a big brother. How about Simon apologizing to him for what he said the night before the finale? I don't care how much they protest, Simon knew who was going to win and wanted to save face. I think most of us on the net knew who the winner was from the polls. Twelve million votes is quite a margin.

My second favorite story is from Japan. I first saw it on the Drudge report, then heard it on Coast to Coast, and then it was on Fox news this morning. Here is the text from Drudge:

TOKYO - When Yosuke the parrot flew out of his cage and got lost, he did exactly what he had been taught — recite his name and address to a stranger willing to help.
ADVERTISEMENT

Police rescued the African grey parrot two weeks ago from a neighbor's roof in the city of Nagareyama, near Tokyo. After spending a night at the station, he was transferred to a nearby veterinary hospital while police searched for clues, local policeman Shinjiro Uemura said.
He kept mum with the cops, but began chatting after a few days with the vet.
"I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," the bird told the veterinarian, according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by singing songs.
"We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke," Uemura said.
The Nakamura family told police they had been teaching the bird its name and address for about two years.
But Yosuke apparently wasn't keen on opening up to police officials.
"I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely ignored me," Uemura said.

3) Here in Massachusetts the news of Ted Kennedy's illness really struck home. He's been a Senator from our state for over 40 years. While many of us do not agree with his politics, face it, he does keep getting re-elected, and I think most all of us can put politics aside to wish him well. We know he's getting the best care in the world. The most touching scene for me was when his dogs were at the hospital to greet him as he exited. He looked so pleased to see them. He was walking at least one of them when he had the seizure, and I bet the dog was scared silly--the tails were wagging when they saw him walking out, that's for sure!

Stay well! Be kind to each other!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Horrible People

2008-05-15T10:34:00.003-04:00

As part of my ongoing effort to find another mindless way to pass a few minutes here and there, I found an online soap spoof. Each episode runs about 6 minutes or less. It is for the "over 18" only group due to language content. It's so bad it is amusing!

Here's the link: Horrible People

Sleepless Child

2008-05-13T08:57:00.002-04:00

"Doctors said Rhett Lamb of St. Petersburg apparently has a condition called chiari malformation that puts pressure on his brain."

Wow, this might be my problem! I've never slept well-- although at least I sleep some! My Mom used to say I never slept because I didn't want to miss anything.

These poor parents! The poor kid!!! He is three years old and has never fallen asleep.

Well in other news, the planet sure seems to be striking back at man. Between the Cyclone in Burma (I can never spell the name they use now), and the huge Earthquake in China, to the Tornados in the USA....and Volcanos erupting after years..it seems like Mother Nature is thinning the herd of mankind. Very scary. I feel so badly for everyone who has lost family or friends and for those who are suffering and homeless.

It's time to stop taking life for granted and realize that anyday, anything could happen to any of us.

Peace and Light for all

Laura
The More Books the Better

Eyes Only

2008-05-10T12:02:00.000-04:00

"There are things that the public is better served not knowing."

Another Sunny Day

2008-05-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

Is this really Pee Wee? Or is this a GH spoof from way back time? HAHAHA!

Suicide or Murder?

2008-05-02T07:45:00.002-04:00

Did "DC Madam" Deborah Jeane Palfrey really commit suicide yesterday, or was it murder? Conspiracy theorists are cautioning the press to be careful not to just take the word of the police involved.

I'm usually one of the first in line to be cynical and suspect the worst. This time, though, I do believe she hung herself. Although I do find it very cruel that she did it in a place where she likely knew her mother would be the one to find her.
I guess one could theorize that if she WAS murdered, perhaps it took place in her mother's shed to send a message-- someone may think the mother knows more than she has said about the clients of Palfrey's Escort Service.

I think she hung herself because she didn't want to face prison time, and perhaps she was selfish enough to want her mother to find her. If she was murdered, it was a very professional job and will likely never be proven to be anything but suicide.

ON to GH--- a much "lighter" more fun topic. HA! Things just go from bad to worse, darker and darker, families plotting against each other, a boy still in a coma, Luke back in trouble with the mob. You would think that man might know better by now!
Then, of course, Bob Guza, headwriter is talking to the magazines again-- stories initially written by the "scabs" during the writer's strike are just being ignored.
Kate's heart problem, Kate's mysterious "Olivia", Jason's injured hands, and I'm sure there are others. I keep finding scoops and sharing them with Karen, but honestly, I don't even read most of them. The words just appear to me as "blah blah blah and more danger, death, guns and neurosis".

Happy Friday- go read a book!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Warning- spoiler alert

2008-04-24T09:16:00.002-04:00

"Emily" will finally leave Nik/GH on May 1st. Nik and Em have made another mag cover!

This speaks for itself!

2008-04-23T13:09:00.003-04:00

Ok- a couple of things to add from today's GH: My new bifocal eyeglasses must be affecting my hearing as well as my vision. I could swear Nik told Nadine that she rode well without a "face"...hmmm. Also that Nadine told Nik he was a hopeless thumb? Carly also sounds like she is saying "MikeO" instead of Michael...

Reality or just not real?

2008-04-23T12:55:00.002-04:00

I couldn't believe my eyes when I got to a certain part of the Dorothy Cannell book! It is such a fun book, as the whole series is, and I can incorporate a book review both here(when I finish the book) and in the novel I am writing! Gotta love Dorothy!

Then, when I logged on to write this, imagine my HORROR to discover that OJ Simpson wants to be on Donald Trumps' "The Apprentice", and that TMZ (I'm addicted to TMZ to watch celeb train wrecks) reports that he is under serious consideration! Well, on the other hand, it might be fun to watch The Donald ridicule him and make him lunge for The Donald on TV and get OJ put away for good! A bonus could be that if he earns any money for appearing it would go right to The Goldmans!

Laura
The More Books the Better

I'm back with news of the weird!

2008-04-23T07:39:00.003-04:00

Space.comVisit Space.com for the story on Strange Things Happen at Full Moon.

There were more strange lights spotted over the skies of Phoenix on Monday night. One witness quipped that "maybe it is aliens coming to save us from ourselves".
Find links to pictures and video of the event at Coast to Coast

To view the video of a man trapped inside an elevator for 41 hours, please visit
Fox25News

Remember the two men in NY accused of wheeling their pals dead body down a street and trying to cash his check? Well the charges have been dropped. It seems two autopsies couldn't prove the time of death and the friends claim they didn't know he was dead-- they thought he was just in a coma!

Do geese see god?

More later-- time for a library run before it gets too hot out!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Earthrise

2008-04-17T10:37:00.003-04:00

"Earthrise" as seen by a Japanese orbitor. Read the article and watch the image at space.com

Who put the SPAM in your Lucky Charms this morning?

2008-04-14T10:34:00.003-04:00

I don't get a lot of SPAM these days, thank goodness. AOL has a separate mail folder for anything that might be SPAM, and I check it when I think of it. Not often.

This weekend, I learned the origin of the term SPAM as used to describe junk email that is sent to the masses randomly. I never would have guessed that it originated with the Monty Python SPAM skit. The explanation is that in the skit the word SPAM is an annoying and constant interruption in the normal flow of things. Someone coined the phrase for email in a Usenet group several years ago and now it is a word that anyone with email access will understand immediately.

Ah, it is knowing these little important details in life that count. Isn't it?

I read a really good book this weekend, by author Karen Joy Fowler. The book is "Wit's End" and is a story within a story within the past and present. Quirky, funny, sad...it was the kind of book which made me not only laugh, but tear up and also make sure I had my dictionary handy to look up the most unusual words and phrases I've read in awhile. If you've got a block of time to devote to a book, this is one for you, since you will absolutely not want to put it down.
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General Hospital is getting way too dark again. I am so not paying attention (even though the TV is on), that I sent Karen some scoops that had ALREADY HAPPENED on air and I didn't even notice! How bad is that? Especially since part of my job is to gather news and scoops for the site! I'm very sad to see that Dylan Cash is leaving since it has been fun watching him grow up on the show. On the other hand, maybe he'll have some time to just be a kid now, while he still can, and be away from stories involving mobsters and guns. I'm also starting to think that if most households now have Soapnet (I wonder what the numbers are on that), it might be time to move GH to strictly a Soapnet show. Maybe for all the ABC soaps. Then create some whole new genre for daytime tv. No, I don't have any brilliant ideas on that...actually, I'd prefer to just keep the Idiot Box off and read and listen to talk radio.

Desperate Housewives was back last night. My favorite part? Susan's cousin-- what a hot young guy. Wow~ My least favorite part? The church angle because it is all of a sudden so forefront, and it was so lame that the Priest would come to marry Carlos and Gaby without even a marriage license, blood tests, or WITNESSES!!! I think DH may have Jumped the Shark with this episode. Or, it could be that I just no longer care after the Writer's Strike and such a long break. I will give House another chance, and probably Grey's Anatomy, but they sure don't hold the interest that they used to.

Laura
The More Books the Better

Amazon.com Widgets

News of the Weird

2008-04-09T08:48:00.002-04:00

I've been listening to late night talk radio again. Big surprise, eh? A most interesting story was about children who remember their past lives. Kids are so much more open to the paranormal and I found it fascinating to listen to the story of a little boy who remembered being a pilot and crashing in WWII.

Today's news of the weird is that a pack of black squirrels attacked and killed a stray dog in a park in Russia. There were evidently no pine cones on the trees at all this year, causing starvation and agitation and the squirrels just banded together and attacked the dog for food. Previous reports include chipmunks attacking cats. Sophie is shaking her head at that one, but even though we aren't in Russia, I'm glad she is an indoor Mackeral Tabby.

General Hospital-- misery, murder, death and shooting of a boy. Carly's son who Sonny keeps calling his son. Well maybe in theory, but he isn't his biological dad, yet Carly is the bio mom and she should have had some say in where the kid went with Sonny. Nikolas is crazed with his brain tumor. No sign of Bobbie or Mike....Ick, my eyes this show hurts!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Gh Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2008-04-02T16:51:00.002-04:00

Maxie always is so well dressed and groomed. I just about cracked a rib laughing when I saw part of her hair falling over her forehead just like Spinelli's when she was talking to him! How cute was that? It's all in the little things, because you cannot count on GH for the big things!

Like Shenanigans on South Park. I don't watch South Park but I casually introduced the word in conversation with hubby and he said "That's a South Park Episode"!!! You may be one or two up on me you know who friend, but I have sources! LOL!

And the Weak Shall Inherit the Mirth!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Not April Fools Tricks

2008-04-01T16:19:00.004-04:00

Do you have a cat or a dog? Or perhaps you would like to do something nice for your local animal shelter. If so, please go to this Purina One link, fill out a very short survey and get a coupon for free dog or cat food. Use it for your own fur people or donate it to a shelter. Pay it foward! Purina One

Man orders coffee at drive-through while naked

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- A state employee was arrested Sunday night after he went to a Dunkin' Donuts drive-through window while naked, said police. Visit WHDHTV in Boston's website for the full story.
WHDHTV Full Story

Dunkley takes a dip: Firefighters, tow truck rescue cow from swimming pool

By Patrick Anderson
Staff writer

ESSEX — A team of firefighters, with the help of a tow truck, pulled a cow out of an Eastern Avenue swimming pool Saturday morning after the animal escaped from its pen and plunged into the icy water while trying to cross the pool's winter cover.

Around a dozen firefighters responded to a farm at 64 Eastern Ave. after receiving a call for help at 9:45 a.m. Saturday. They found the cow with its head above the water, resting against the side of the pool, and its legs submerged, sticking through the pool cover, Essex Deputy Chief Paul Doucette said yesterday.

Doucette said his men tried unsuccessfully to drag the cow, which was shaking because of the cold, out of the pool by its hindquarters before the tow truck, from Ernie's Service Station, arrived.

Firefighters slid a set of straps underneath the cow and the truck hoisted it out of the water and dropped it back on dry land about 30 minutes after the call was made, Doucette said. After the cow was out of the pool, the men covered it with blankets to try to warm it up while a veterinarian was called in to make sure the animal was alright.

The cow, named Dunkley, was walking around and doing fine yesterday, said Chris Fogarty, who was working on the farm.

Fogarty said someone must have left one of the gates to the pen open, allowing some of the cows to get out and begin roaming around. The pool is located close to a house on the rear of the property, away from the street and the cow pasture.

Manchester firefighter Warren Grant, a former Essex firefighter who was called in because of his familiarity with livestock, said he didn't know why the cow tried to cross the pool, but may have mistaken the green cover over it for grass.

Grant, who worked on a farm for 20 years before becoming a firefighter, said the only similar incident he had been involved in was when a horse escaped from its stable a few winters ago, ran out onto the frozen salt marsh and eventually fell through the ice.

Grant estimated Dunkley weighed more than 1,000 pounds and said cows are not known for their ability in the water.

"They can do a doggy paddle for a little while, but are not really built for swimming," Grant said. "She was pretty worn out by the time we got to her."

Essex Fire Lt. Joe Lafata said the incident was unusual, but turned out well.

"I have never been on a call like that before," Lafata said. "It was a strange call with a happy ending."

The above story also aired on WHDH TV, but this report is from Gloucester Times

April Fools

2008-04-01T08:48:00.001-04:00

All Wired WIRED MAGAZINE: 16.04

Culture : Lifestyle
10 Best: April Fools' Gags (the Web Is Closing for Spring Cleaning!)
Asami Novak 03.24.08 | 6:00 PM

1976 At precisely 9:47 am on April 1, Pluto will pass behind Jupiter, causing a brief reduction in Earth's gravitational pull. Astronomer Patrick Moore urges his BBC Radio audience to jump into the air at that exact moment to experience a floating sensation. At 9:48, dozens of light-headed listeners begin calling the station to report their success.

1984 Never mind the Cold War; the Soviets want to initiate unfettered discussions with Americans via Usenet newsgroups. This according to a message from what appears to be a Kremlin server (kremvax.UUCP). Thus the Internet hoax is born. When Moscow's first real Usenet site appears years later, it's named kremvax.

1994 A proposed law will ban online sex chat and inebriated Web surfing. "Congress apparently thinks being drunk on a highway is bad no matter what kind of highway it is," editorializes PC Computing. The bill's supposed sponsor, Senator Ted Kennedy, is not in on the joke. After an onslaught of complaints from drunken perverts, he issues a formal denial.

1996 The hotheaded naked ice borer, a sort of mole with a searing, bony forehead, lurks under Antarctica, melting the ice beneath the butts of hapless penguins and eating them as they sink. When Discover magazine publishes its retraction, penguins everywhere breathe a collective sigh of relief.

1997 Between March 31 and April 2, the World Wide Web will be closed for cleaning. Five Japanese-built, multilingual Internet-crawling robots will remove "electronic flotsam and jetsam." But don't believe everything you read in an email.

1998 In accordance with a biblical passage describing the circumference-to-diameter ratio of a bowl in the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 7:23), the Alabama legislature has voted to round the value of pi to 3.0. Well, that was the claim made by the New Mexicans for Science and Reason in their newsletter ... or rather, circular.

1998 Disney has bought MIT for $6.9 billion. The School of Engineering will be renamed the School of Imagineering and the campus will move to Orlando, according to hackers who altered the MIT homepage. Hey, anything's better than trying to work in an Athena cluster.

1999 To fund the US government's $4 billion next-gen Internet project, millions of Internet nodes are available for an initial price of $100 each at Webnode.com. The Business Wire press release induces nearly 2,000 would-be investors to try to buy in. Another name for this April foolery was "the tech boom."

2003 Bill Gates is dead, shot by a lone gunman at a charity event in Los Angeles. After three South Korean networks broadcast the story on local TV, ensuing panic triggers a 1.5 percent drop in the Seoul stock exchange — a value loss of $3 billion. Just another Windows-related crash.

Book Alert! GH Line of the Day for Mon 3/31

2008-04-01T08:12:00.004-04:00

It's a great week for reading! I've just finished the 2nd book in one of my all time favorite series (anticipating many more books from this author!)
I can't say enough about the wacky, funny, daring antics of Izzie Spellman and family. Links below- buy from Amazon using them! I've now made a grand total of $6.77 cents in a year. At least I think that is what it is. I won't even get paid until I make $10 and then I get the best thing in the world-- an Amazon gift certificate! WOW...I wonder what I'll have to pay in taxes on all this income! LOL!

I started a new book at midnight last night. It's a wonder I managed to put it down and get some sleep. Part One of the book is entitled "Hindsight"--my nickname! It is set in North Carolina and is about a special family with unusual powers and edible flowers and a magic apple tree! Link below-- again with the Amazon thingy..

The General Hospital line of the day for Monday the 31st goes to Claudia-- "Kate Howard is a stick with a head on it. Skeeeennny"

Laura
The More Books the Better

Super Glue

2008-03-31T09:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday! I had another of my infamous glue-accidents this weekend. I am not good with glue. This time, I had a broken item (keeping this mysterious on purpose) and decided to use Super Glue again, since I actually had some success earlier in the week when I broke a plate. Uh-oh-- the Super Glue cap had glued itself to the tube.
Naturally, I opened my blabber mouth and told my husband. He, of course, shook his head in dismay and informed me that I am now BANNED from using glue. Glue of any type. Glue is not my friend. Etc etc etc.

So, this morning, I sat down and Googled super glue and found that it was easy enough to just soak the tube in warm soapy water for a little while and the cap came off! Now I can't wait for Mike to get home and use the glue on the item in question so I don't mess things up again. I am never to use glue again without Adult Supervision. Mike has nightmares about me gluing all my fingers together and not being able to dial for help. Or type and therefore work!

GH-- well twice in two different real life people's lives (what a whacked sentence), GH has been interuppted by a President getting shot. JFK and Ronald Reagan. Just saying---weird. Should be another fun week what with Michael getting shot, and whatever the heck else is going to happen. Spoilers are drying up faster than super glue these days. Maybe Sonny has a hit out on people who leak storylines?

Hillary Clinton--- so far in debt to so many people. She is just stiffing people for money she owes them left and right as far as I can tell from the news. Hey, that's a great way to build confidence in voters. Just saying.....not so smart.

Shout out to my new bud Gail! I needed a new happy funny read to join my regular crowd and expand my horizons with your wit and our amazing coincidences in our lives!
Azanna Azanna Azanna....go ahead Gail-- through it out there into as many sentences as you can! Azanna loves it!

Oh and the bestest most happy news-- Kathy Lee Gifford is joining The Today show for their 4th hour. Good thing I can pick from The View or Will and Grace at that time--or just plunk my butt down here at the computer and do some work. I am again, very studiously avoiding work. It might have something to do with the Death Pool on 3 different people we know as to who goes first, and then there is the whole can I wear the same outfit to all 3 funerals? Why do people have to go and get sick and die anyway? It doesn't seem fair.....

Stay well, will you? ALL of you!

Laura
The More Books the Better

Rainy Friday

2008-03-28T07:07:00.003-04:00

The above is just one picture taken by Elevision! Visit this link for the story, and watch for the show to appear, I believe on Animal Planet. Elevision Story
Hey, better rain than snow!!! A good day to catch up on emails, work on the book, work on next weeks newspaper article, and delay all of the above by blogging!

I had a wonderful visit with my sister in law and niece yesterday. It was my first time seeing them in about 12 years or more. Our niece is now 26! She was just a teen when I last spent time with her. She's grown into a lovely young woman who is extra bright, funny, and loving. It was a weird day because they were here to make final arrangements for our nieces dad, who is the ex-husband of my husband's sister. He's in Hospice care now and they had to have a whole series of discussions with him and then go to the local funeral home.....but it all seems to have gone smoothly and now it's just a waiting game. We talked about it quite a bit, but we also had many other things to share. Kate shares my love of music, she remembers watching Dark Shadows on the Sci-Fi channel with me, she believes in fairies and elves, and adores cats! She also rescued an abused dog and she and her boyfriend spoil him silly. My SIL looks great too---amazing after the accident last year when a horse kicked her in the face. All in all, and despite the sad circumstances it really was a wonderful day and I was glad to give them some love and attention. I only wish they lived closer.

Oh--and I'll be up late tonight/tomorrow morning! My favorite Theoretical Physicist, Dr Michiu Kaku is on Coast to Coast with Art Bell filling in as host tonight! Check your local radio station listings. Dr Kaku will be discussing his new book.

You can buy the book by clicking on the picture above. I always love to listen to Dr Kaku since he is one of the smartest and most articulate people on the planet today. He makes the most complicated phsyics seem easy and even perfectly reasonable enough to wrap your brain around!

Laura
The More Books the Better