Go Tell Someone About A Great Book

And for the love of god, please let that tidbit of publicity coming from your mouth not be about Fifty Shades of Crap Grey.


Also, read this fantastic op-ed piece by Ann Patchett about the disappointment of not having a Pulitzer choice for Fiction this year.

And The Winner Isn't...

Patchett mentions some wonderful books that came out this year.  I suggest reading them all.

But my tidbit of publicity will be for

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson


Read it.  It's wonderful.

A String Around Your Finger

Interesting Play, Sir

The 2012 Pulitzer Prize winners were just announced and they have given "No Award" for Fiction.  According to the Pulitzer FAQ

According to The Plan of the Award "If in any year all the competitors in any category shall fall below the standard of excellence fixed by the Pulitzer Prize board, the amount of such prize or prizes may be withheld"

I find this fascinating and a little bit shocking.  Granted, I suppose I'm not surprised that there was also no award for "Editorial Writing" but Fiction?  There really wasn't a single book that warranted the award? According to my quick research, the last year this happened was 1977.  Since 1918, this is only the 10th time they have abstained from awarding a prize for Fiction.  The 70's take the top honors of being owners of 3 of those "No Award"s. 

This being said, I don't have a great idea as to what should have won but considering the titles that got MASSIVE press....1Q84, Freedom, The Marriage Plot, The Tiger's Wife...

To fiction writer's everywhere--here's your kick in the ass. Love, Pulitzer.

**UPDATE** One thing I didn't realize--The Pulitzer is meant for American authors writing stories preferably "dealing with American life"..which I guess takes 1Q84 and The Tiger's Wife out of contention...

All Too True

Busy Girl Comics

Do What You Love And Success Will Follow

This kid is going to be a millionaire someday...

ROFL Hillz

Texts From Hillary

Someone Deserves A Prize

Whoever came up with this idea needs to be awarded something.  Something awesome.



Each stack of wine comes in 4 sections.  Each section is its own stemless wineglass filled with wine.  Which means that this might possibly be the worlds best picnic idea ever.  I'd like to buy a case of these to bring with me to Ravinia because you not only don't have to drag wine glasses there with you, you don't have to haul the dirty ones home! Just throw them away! (or now that I think about it, drag em home and don't feel bad if they break outside...I should really try to be more green)

It's ridiculously smart.

Buy them here- Stacked Wines

Why Wuthering Heights Makes My Brain Hurt

black line: brothers or sisters: dotted means adopted
red line: wedding: double line means second wedding
pink line: love
blue line: affection
green line: hate


yellow area includes the main characters
purple area includes random background characters

Even reading this map is exhausting....oh, and I copied it off of the Wikipedia page that I was reading to try and figure out what I was missing...turns out, I wasn't really missing anything...it just has giant gaps on purpose...uuuuuuuugggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

God's Farts

This movie looks ridiculously hilarious.  As well as just plain ridiculous.  I figure this is the sort of movie that could really screw with people on drugs.  But being a non-drug-doing type person, I'm just going to go and laugh my ass off.  

Ya Gotta Do What Ya Gotta Do

Mike Montiero

*I'm not currently burning any bridges but I'm not scared either*

Martini And A Side Of Shame, Please

I'm sure you've all heard of it by now.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

They're referring to it as "mommy porn".  I'm referring to it as a giant pain in my librarian ass.

I could go into a whole rant about my feelings on this and the lack of common sense that I think lead to this book's popularity...but I won't...

Instead, I just think you should read this and laugh

The Thinking Woman's Guide to Fifty Shades of Grey by Julieanne Smolinsky

Classic Book #2

My goal for 2012 is to read not only 50 books (which was the goal I achieved for 2011) but to also have 10 of those books be classics.  I've never been a big reader of classics so I find myself totally out of the loop when people start talking Jane Austen or Grapes of Wrath.  Of Mice and Men and Lolita are 2 of my top 5 favorite books of all time but it's not enough.  I kick started this goal by reading Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell in January.  In case you didn't know, I've become a bit obsessed with all things GWTW now.  It was fabulous and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.  Don't be scared by the giant page count! It's totally worth it.

Since I finished Gone with the Wind, I've been a big hesitant to start another classic.  I wasn't sure what to choose, nothing seemed interesting, I didn't want another 1000 page book, and compared to Scarlett, everything seemed so dense.  I decided to just go with the first book that came to mind that I've had a weird desire to read and never have.  I distinctly remember picking this up in ELEMENTARY school (maybe 5th grade?) for some reason and making it through about 3 pages before putting it back on the library shelf.  side note- way to push your reading boundaries, young Madeline...  I haven't picked it up since..until now



My classic book #2!  I officially started it last night and I'm already a little hooked.  To be honest, I read the first 2 pages yesterday morning and thought "ugh, this is hard and boring already" but was convinced by my co-worker, Melissa, to give it a couple pages.  She promised me that I would be sucked in and love it.  I trust her so I gave it a shot! I'm only about 20 pages in but I wish I was reading it right now....

Anyone else have any reading goals for the year?  Anyone ADORE Wuthering Heights? Anyone HATE it?

Still In Lexington, KY

Lots of other smarty comics xkcd.com 

Another Way To Lose An Hour

Feeling like you don't have enough ways to waste an hour or more of your day? Simply can't find enough to look at online? Or you just kinda like snarky websites that talk about entertainment, fashion, books, puppies, etc?



Check out The Frisky

I'm Pretty Sure I'd Choose To Be Drunk

 

Say you were involved in an accident that could have potentially harmed another person.  At this point, if you decided that instead of checking to make sure the other person was ok, you decided to run away from the scene of the accident, would it EVER occur to you to claim you were STONE COLD SOBER??  

Then again, you might not also try to adopt your girlfriend to hide you money....

Florida Millionaire Found Guilty

You Got Kindle I Got Spines

These awesome b*tches just combined my love of reading AND Jay-Z! I didn't even think it was possible...my mind is officially blown

My aunt, Kitty, is the coolest for sharing this with me!

Stayin' Alive

Little Indian Princess Is Getting Married

To my best girl Pharon







and the super cute couple.....



CONGRATULATIONS PHARON AND GEO!!!!!!

p.s. Pharon, I guess that Geo kid is a good guy to know! Hardy har har...

Dr. Dentist Coroner?

I recently watched "Post Mortem- Death investigation in America" which was a PBS Frontline documentary about the system of coroners and medical examiners in the United States.  It was shocking.  The lack of medical experience and ineptitude that is prevalent in the system will floor you.  I was under the impression that the people elected to be the county coroner were doctors or had SOME sort of medical experience.  This is often NOT the case and in some places, one of the only requirements is a HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA!

After spotting a "Vote for so and so for Coroner" sign in Highland Park yesterday, I was compelled to see what the qualifications were of the candidates running for this office.  I'm more than a little shocked.  Out of the 4 candidates, 1 is a board certified pathologist (the only qualified candidate as far as I'm concerned), 2 had no experience that was even remotely medical but had previous experience in law enforcement/coroners office, and 1 was a dentist.

A flipping dentist.  Seriously.

Granted, the Lake County system is set up that the coroner is not performing any autopsies.  Autopsies are contracted out to a pathologists from an outside company.  I am not saying that the candidates don't seem like smart men and don't have valid arguments for why they should be the coroner.  They are and they do.  But the bottom line, is that personally, I'd like someone with surgical and pathology experience.  Even if they never touch an instrument.  It just seems like they are better qualified to even have a discussion with the 3rd party pathologists and make a competent decision.  Oh, based on the dentists declaration that he'd focus on "death prevention" by talking to high schoolers about suicide, drinking and texting, etc, I'd still much rather a medical doctor was having those conversations.  C'mon people.

Take a peek into who is in charge of your county coroner's office.  I wonder what their background is...and if you have Netflix Instant, check out the special from PBS..it's fascinating

Candidates for Coroner in Lake County

I'm The MotherFlippin'

It's a gorgeous day outside and it's making me almost giddy.  So when I was reminded of this Flight of the Concords classic, it was all I could do not to get up and dance.

In fact, I'm totally breaking out the snap dance this weekend....Cause Bret and Jemaine have sweet moves

Keep It Classy, Chicago

This is an actual billboard on the side of I-290 in Chicago.  Seriously.

Check out the story

Spread The Word. Do Something

Put A Smile On Your Face

The 26 Happiest Animals in the World

Just Another Jon Hamm Stalkathon

In case you didn't know, Jon Hamm is on the cover of Esquire magazine this month.  Which meant that I had to check it out.  Which in turn led me to this awesome bit of Jon Hamm love

Emotions with Jon Hamm

Seriously, genius...

No You Don't Have Narcolepsy

Sometimes my 83 year old library boyfriend, Dave, just makes my day....


Dave: Hello! I've missed you baby!
Me: Thanks, Dave.  What can I help you with tonight?
Dave: I'm going to a sleep center tomorrow and I'm filling out their survey.  I sleep just fine but sometimes I'm still real tired during the day. My doctor thinks maybe it has to do with snoring or something....Anyway, there's a question on here 'Do you or anyone in your family have a history of narcolepsy?' What's that? What's narcolepsy?
Me: (I give him the definition and explain that it's kinda like when you spontaneously fall asleep and can't control it) So, you probably don't have that...otherwise I think you'd know...
Dave: Oooohhhh nooooooo....I don't have that...but I don't know...I mean, sometimes when I'm in my easy chair, I can't help it....


No, Dave, I'm pretty sure you aren't narcoleptic....and I'm also pretty sure that your sleepiness during the day might be due to the fact that you're 83 years old...and because you're calling everyone you see on television to give them your thoughts on their acting/journalism skills/opinions/wardrobe/political views/etc....

Oh Dave...

Bring Me A Ducky!

I love the idea of baths.  There is nothing better than a giant bathtub with a bunch of bubbles.  The only issue is, the tub holding said baths is usually really sub-par...Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a bath but being 5'10" means that they aren't always the most cozy, relaxing experience.  Which is why I fell in love with Alegna's wooden bathtubs....they are probably the most gorgeous, inviting looking bathtubs I've ever seen...





Alegna

They are probably a bazillion dollars so I'll probably never be getting one...but a girl can dream..

I'll leave you with this image to drive your own daydreams..



Yes, please.

Ahem...

Wanna Be A Balla Shot Calla!

Thinking of moving to Highland Park?  Got a bit of pocket change you feel like layin down?

I've got the place for you!

Michael Jordan's Highland Park home for sale






Also, tidbit of info--this house is less than a mile away from me (.9 miles to be exact)...just another reason you should buy it

The Deserving Few

My opinion of the Oscars last night is pretty low.  I'd become the Oscars grinch right now but I'd rather share something wonderful instead.  The winner of the Best Animated Short last night was The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.


Until this morning, I hadn't had the pleasure of watching this film.  Now that I have, I feel compelled to share with anyone and everyone it's utter perfection. It's heartbreakingly sweet and a wonderful ode to the beauty of the book.  The animation is lush, the characters are instantly bonded to you...I absolutely loved this.

Happy Snowy Friday

 








(I don't know why but this made me laugh out loud)






all images blatantly stolen from the website that will in turn steal an hour (at least) of your life
http://iwastesomuchtime.com/index.php

Please Do Not Steal The Puppies

I mean, there's times when I've wished I could take a cute puppy and run.  But good sense has always prevailed.  Evidently this is not the case for everyone.


"Seriously lady?"
Woman "tucked puggle under coat"

*side note, puggles are beagle-pug mixes..not poodle-pug mixes..a poodle-pug mix is known as a Puggapoo..just fyi

Trying To Become Better

(sorry, I know this doesn't format well...forgive me)

Sassy Became Jane Which Became.....Ummmm

Other sweet images of the 90's

Even When Starting Over Hurts

Or even when you didn't think you had the strength to start over...or when you got there in a million of the wrong ways...just remember, life can be exactly how you pictured it..and sometimes it's even better...

Today I am grateful that I am who I want to be, where I want to be, and I'm incredibly proud of the life I have.

I'm even more grateful that I can say that without a single shred of doubt or the smallest fear that I'm lying to myself.

What a wonderful day

Classy And True

Score One For The Old Dude

Timing Is On My Side

Timing is everything...just a girl sitting by herself having dinner and a cute guy 2 tables over...

Happy Valentines Day, AJD

xo

Waiting To Exhale

Waiting to find out when your favorite author's new book is coming out?  Holding your breath for something interesting to hit the shelves?

Feel free to exhale because I've got the list!

The 30 Most Anticipated Books of 2012

Personally, I'm really looking forward to Justin Cronin's 2nd book in his vampire trilogy started by The Passage.  *side note--I really hate labeling that as a "vampire" trilogy..it's much more than that and not full of stereotypical vampire characters*

Here's to hoping I get some great books to review this spring!

You Are What You Eat

Being as I'm trying to consistently eat a bit healthier, I'm always interested in new food sites.  While I've always liked the recipes on Weight Watchers, my friend Joey suggested I check out SkinnyTaste.com for some new ideas.  I love it!



This easy to navigate blog includes a ton of different recipes (with their Points value for those of us trying to follow WW) and great pictures as well.  I was impressed by the variety of foods in general but being as I'm going to attempt to be vegetarian for a month, I wasn't too impressed with her vegetarian options.  Maybe I didn't dig far enough into the site (I went about 5 pages into the vegetarian options) but most of what I saw was desserts or side dishes.  Kind of disappointing.  For vegetarian options I'll probably stick more to Hungry Girl (whom I also LOVE LOVE LOVE) but I'll be looking forward to March 14th when I can bring back the meaty options!

I Have Some Catching Up To Do

Where ARE Biggie and Tupac?

Right on, Mr. President. Right On.

If Only My Dog Did Tricks

pizza

Food On My Dog

**Not MY dog. Someone else's much better trained dog. Midge wouldn't sit down long enough for me to even attempt it**

Google Really Does Rule The World

Or at least they just seriously rule sometimes.

One of my fellow librarians was attempting to Google something random about atheists and wandered into some hidden Google tricks.

First, in Google, type in "do a barrel roll" and hit enter.

Are you laughing?  Are you surprised? Did you know Google did that?

If you're as entertained as we were, check out these other Google tricks

Mashable's Google Golden Eggs

Also funny but not actually produced by Google--search "Find Chuck Norris" and enjoy the first result