Be Still My Heart

Midtown shop owner protests what he sees as a diminishing support for the printed word.
By DAVID TWIDDY
The Associated Press

The flames rose Sunday as Tom Wayne burned used books at Prospero’s Books at 39th and Bell streets. He hopes to make this a monthly event.
Photo gallery: Book burning at Prospero's Books
In the 10 years Tom Wayne has operated Prospero’s Books, a used bookstore in midtown Kansas City, he has amassed thousands of books in a warehouse.

Ranging from best sellers such as Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October and Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities, to obscure titles such as a bound report from the Fourth Pan-American Conference held in Buenos Aires in 1910 and a textbook on beginning Polish, the books won’t sell. Wayne said even local libraries and thrift stores have told him they were full.

On Sunday, Wayne began putting them to the torch, tossing scores of books into a burning cauldron to protest what he sees as society’s diminishing support for the printed word.

“This is the funeral pyre for thought in America today,” Wayne told spectators outside his bookstore as he lit the first batch of books.

The fireblazed for about 50 minutes before the Kansas City Fire Department put it out because Wayne didn’t have a burning permit.

Wayne said he would get a permit for next time. He said he envisioned monthly bonfires until his supply — estimated at 20,000 books — was exhausted.

He said he had noticed a decline in customers and perceived more people getting information from television or the Internet. He pointed to a 2002 study by the National Endowment for the Arts, which found that less than half of adult respondents reported reading for pleasure, a decline from almost 57 percent in 1982.

Dozens of customers took advantage of the event, scouring the pile of books waiting to go into the fire, looking forlast-minute bargains.

Mike Bechtel paid $10 for a stack of books, including an antique collection of children’s literature.

“I think given the fact it is a protest of people not reading books, it’s the best way to do it,” Bechtel said.

Did anyone see this on the news?

Next question: Did you nearly have a coronary?

At first, I nearly choked watching this man burn books!! My thoughts went to: is he crazy or what? Did the word "SALE" not enter his mind???!

Or is this man really smart? It did bring to the attention that reading books is on the decline. (very sad, but true) It also gave him national coverage that will possibly send him many offers to take the books off his hands. Hmmm.. I hope he chose books he really expected would never sell before piling them into the trash to burn!!

It makes me wonder why teachers don't promote reading anymore? I mean, they MAKE KIDS READ the standard school books, but you never hear of any promoting the individual reading of books each kid may actually enjoy. I wonder why that is?

Trying to think back to my school days, things really haven't changed. I can remember the "assigned books", (few if any were anything that drew me into them) but, I can't ever remember a teacher giving the students an assignment of reading a book of their choice and then making a report on it. Possibly asking "why" they liked it and "why" they would recommend the book to others....

... and then they blame the fact that kids have no imagination anymore because of television and computers. Duh.. well.. it needs to be promoted at a young age and repeated throughout their youth to give them the opportunity to understand that reading is fun too!

I just hope this was a way to make more people want books... if it's not, then it's sure a sad state of affairs.

I wish I had been there! I woulda made a killing gabbing books for almost nothing!

...'till next time...

Katharine Hepburn

Had she lived longer, Katharine Hepburn would have been 100 years old this month.
My girlfriend Ann, reminded me of this fact, and the fact that John Wayne would have been 100 also.. Annie posted about one of her favorite actors, John Wayne, right " here "
Katharine Hepburn is one of my all time favorite actresses, so I thought I would do a little post about her here.
Birth: 12 May 1907, Hartford, Connecticut, USA more
Date of Death:29 June 2003, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA. (natural causes)
Born May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the daughter of a doctor and a suffragette, both of whom always encouraged her to speak her mind, develop it fully, and exercise her body to its full potential. (I would say her parents were most successful!)
Kate Hepburn (as she was often called) made 52 movies... starting in 1932 in A Bill of Divorcement and ending with One Christmas (made for tv) in 1994.
In between were such movies as:
Little Women (1933),
Mary of Scotland (1936),
Stage Door (1937),
Bringing up Baby (1938),
The Philadelphia Story (1940),
Dragon Seed (1944),
Adam's Rib (1949),
African Queen (1951),
Pat and Mike (1952),
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967),
The lion in Winter (1968),
Rooster Cogburn (1975),
On Golden Pond (1981),
and The Man Upstaris (made for tv 1992).
Some, if not all of those, should ring a bell with you. If they don't .. well.. You've missed out on some really great movies and a fantastic actress.
Kate began her long career doing plays. In 1928 she first appeared in a play called "The Big Pond" and went on to appear in some 20 plays, including "The Philadelphia Story", later to become the movie.

Though many books are written about her, Katharine wrote her own Biography, called: Me : Stories of My Life

(She also wrote: "The Making of the African Queen". )
Young or old-er... she was one hellava'n actress!


I will always stop to watch a movie with Katharine Hepburn in it. I'm never disappointed.
There are a number of Kate's movies grouped together for sale, if you are interested, check them out. Here. Here. and Here. (the last one being the Tracy/ Hepburn movies) and lastly an A&E Biography of Kate.
If you've never watched her... maybe it's time that you did.
And if you have seen her before... maybe it's time to see her again.
....'till next time....

Books

Well.. another book bites the dust.

I picked Here there be Dragons, from the new books that came from Amazon.com because I thought it was a stand alone book.

(Note: "I thought!"... and was wrong once again. sigh)

The author, James A Owen has a second book (the sequel? or will there be a third??) due out this coming January called, The Search for the Red Dragon (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, the)... so much for stand alone!

However, I will say this about book one, Here There Be Dragons, does come to a conclusion so that it could be a stand alone book... one need not read farther to enjoy this book.

Three Oxford men, become companions on a voyage through the Archipelago of Dreams .. and there begins the Story (stories?) containing Legends, Myths, and Fantasies.. which pop up all through the entire book.

Travel with these men, aboard the Indigo Dragon, through the Archipelago of Dreams and encounter many heard of, Legends and Myth's (good and bad) along the way. You will find yourself trying to guess "who's who" before you actually find out.

I quite enjoyed reading this book, although I will say the building of the 3 main characters was not the best. (I believe he was trying to protect the identity of these men for the end of the book) But still, this book was a fun read, and I'm happy to find out another such book will be out in January.

Reading level: Young Adult ... It actually said.. from 8th grade and UP.

(I'm about as "up" as it gets and I enjoyed it)

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publishing (September 26, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1416912274

At the end of the book there is a page of Author's Notes... and I quote:

"Suppose the worlds of make-believe had a basis in reality. Suppose that we could, in the right circumstances, visit them. And suppose that the proof of their substance was strewn throughout both history and fiction, if only we knew where to look...... "

.... 'till next time...

************************************

Ah... well.. make that 2 books bite the dust! I started this post on Saturday, planning to put it up on Sunday, which I didn't.... now, it's Monday and last night I finished reading Fablehaven by: Brandon Mull.

I have to say, that the young adult books I've been reading have really all been very good. I am beginning to think the authors of these books are better then most!

Fablehaven was a fun read. Kendra and Seth (sister and brother) get dropped off at Grandpa Sorenson's home while their parents go on a cruise. Their expectations of a "fun time" are at an all time low... but what happens there is surely a visit to remember!

It's a fast and enjoyable read ... and I hope that anyone who's already read the book found the "secret message" at the back of the book! Drink the Milk!

Hardcover: 368 pages

ISBN-10: 1590385810

Today I will begin to read the second in the series (the third due out next year)... Fablehaven: Rise of The Evening Star

I've Been Reading Again...

I just finished reading The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly.

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Atria (November 7, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743298853

I don't like to give things away ( so I won't) but I will say it's was an enjoyable read.

It begins: Once upon a time-- for that is how all stories should begin-- there was a boy who lost his mother.

After a few chapters, 12 Yr old David finds himself in another land, where things aren't so nice. There are battles to be fought, and lessons to be learned.

It's a book that, as you read it, you quickly figure out what is going on. But the author writes in such a way that you find you want to keep reading anyway.

I think anyone picking up this book will, in the end, have to admit that they enjoyed John Connolly's writing; I know I did.

****************************************************

Last night, (after Dancing With the Stars) I read this little fairy tale by Anne McCaffrey, An Exchange of Gifts.

I scanned both sides of this little book because I thought the artwork was so nice, by Pat Morrisey. I haven't read any of McCaffrey's sci-fi books... but I think I've read ALL the Pern related books.

This was different from either. As I said.. it's tiny... only 92 pages, so I read it in one sitting, and found that it was very enjoyable. I would catagorize it as a romantic fantasy. I will say, that more then likely, I never would have even considered this book had it not been by McCaffrey. (just not into romance as much as adventure) But I am more then happy I read it and that I can now add it to my "collection" of books.

Hardcover: 92 pages
Publisher: Roc Hardcover (November 1, 1995)
ISBN-10: 0451455207
Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches (I told you it was tiny!)

Oh! and just FYI for those McCaffrey fans out there... she and her son Todd's next book will be out in December, called: Dragon Harper. You can already pre-order it at Amazon for 17.13 ... if you are so inclined.

Here are the specifics on it:

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Del Rey (December 26, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0345480309

....'till next time...

2 fer 1

8 Things About Me Meme..
Here are the rules:
1: Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2: People who are tagged, write a blog post about their own 8 random things, and post these rules.
3: At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and include their names.
4: Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.
1. I love reading fantasy..
big surprise huh? I just love Sorcerers and Dragons and adventure (doesn't have to be "high adventure).. and.. . On the occasion that I don't read fantasy I enjoy books about the original astronauts and now and then I read a Biography of someone who interests me.
2. I love movies and like to own them.
If I want to see a movie, then it's the same as saying I want to own the movie! I hate renting movies and I can no longer get out to go to the movies when I'd like to. There's also the fact that if I like a movie I do watch it more then once! (more then twice.. more then...)
3 I still miss DeForest and Carolyn:
Another no brainer here. There are times I miss them so much I begin to dream that they are still with me. They made such an impression on my life, I can't let go of them.
4 I love animals:
I love just about all animals. A highlight in my life was doing volunteer work for Tippi Hedren with her lions and tigers and cougars (and elephants) I had a special bond/ love affair with a (then) young Cougar named Daisy, and even as time passes I think of her.
5 I collect autographs:
I guess I'm not giving away too much new information with this meme! But there's not much about me that I haven't mentioned at one time or another in my journal! (sorry 'bout that)
6 Don't ever take me to either: a book store, or an art supply store or a computer store
These are stores that I can't walk out of without spending money that I don't have! So PAHLEEZE, never take me into one of them!
7 I cry alot and often:
Ok, that here's one you may not know, and at the same time, it's more then you'd want to know!
8 I used to daydream alot... I miss it.
When I was younger my "handle" for my old CB base was DayDreamer. I was disappointed when I came to aol that the name was already taken so I resorted to DesLily, which many know was originally De's Lily, from when I first met DeForest.
I tag anyone who would like to participate!...
**************************************
I finished Bridge to Teribithia... all i can say is: I wasn't prepared for it!
(I'm glad I didn't see the movie before reading this book.)
It's a small book..
most can likely read it in one sitting... but don't.
Read it slow.
Read it with heart.
It's a book you won't soon forget.... 'nuff said.


...'till next time....

Moondust

I just finished reading Moondust: The Search for the Men That Fell to Earth

I sent for this book because the write up said the author was in search of the "Moonwalkers" to try to understand those years better and to see what became of the very few that actually walked on the moon.

He delivered that and more.

In between finding the Astronauts, he would discuss what was going on during those years here on earth, and with the young man he was at the time. In the very least, he was most interesting. He did find the "moonwalkers" and found out what they did after walking on the moon and how life changed for each of them.

I felt something within the author that I related to.. namely.. he saw them as amazing individuals as I do. Once he wrote: Not for the first time, I want to laugh at the sight of everyone else going about their business.. chatting and checking/ asking directions or buying drinks or waiting in the lobe for traveling companions to show.... unaware that standing quietly in their midst is someone who lived on the Moon for three days. Most of the time I forget how strange what I'm doing is, but every so often it hits me like an Arctic wind. It does now..

And he noted: Twenty-seven left, nine landed, all came back. Something I've said before: the more you consider what Apollo did in so little time, the more unbelievable it seems.

Myself, well... I've already said it... they are my heroes. Yes, it gripes me that after all they did that NASA stepped back and didn't keep going forward. But I also know the reason is "politics". If it were up to NASA, I doubt they would have stopped in their tracks and doggie paddled for so many years, making it look as if those brave men went for no particular reason. But that doesn't blind me. It takes a special kind of man to sit atop that rocket and go to the moon, only "thinking" he could get back. That much will never change.

The book wasn't ALL I thought it would be, but I definitly enjoyed reading it, and found times I wanted to keep reading when I was too tired so I'd put it down not wanting to "miss something from a foggy brain".

I learned a few things about some of the Moonwalkers that I didn't know.. and I stay steadfast and loyal... they ARE my heroes.

Since the one time I got to meet and be in the same room with some of heroes of mine (breathing the same air even!!) I've hoped they would do the show again here in NJ but.. each year they are somewhere else.

I did find two Shows that many of them will be at though and I'll put the links here in case you are interested in the Original Astronauts and happen to be in the vicinity that you might want to go.

Spacefest 2007 will be held in August at the Mesa Convention Center in Phoenix. (click the link to see who all will be there)

The 2007 Kennedy Space Center Florida Convention and Autograph Show will be in June at the Kennedy Space Center! (eating my heart out here!)

...'till next time...

Physik

So... I just finished the last book by Angie Sage, Physik.

The best part is: I'm sorry it's over and I hope she writes more to this series containing Septimus Heap! (I enjoyed it that much)

The worst part is: In the beginning, she took me by surprise because I expected book three to tell me what happened to a major character, who was good.. gone bad. That didn't happen. (except in a blurb at the end of her books where she writes a few pages of: what happened to...)

All through the book I expected this character to show up so I would learn what happened to him but it was not to be... leaving me with the feeling that there should be another installment. I searched the web to see if indeed she was writing another Septimus Heap book, but I could find nothing.

I did enjoy book three as much as the others but it bothered me that I never really learned more about this one character: Simon Heap.

In book 3 she introduced some new characters and of course a set of new problems and it read very well. I don't want to give anything away but I would definitely recommend these books for young adults and for those of us just wanting something easy and enjoyable to read.

Reading level: Ages 9-12 (In my opinion: All Ages!)

Magyk... Angie Sage
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (March 15, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060577312
ISBN-13: 978-0060577315
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.8 x 1.8 inches

Flyte.... Angie Sage
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (March 14, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060577347
ISBN-13: 978-0060577346
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.6 x 1.8 inches

Physik....Angie Sage
Hardcover: 560 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (March 27, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060577371
ISBN-13: 978-0060577377
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.8 x 1.9 inches

Before I go I want to direct anyone who reads a lot to Sandra Ruttan: On Life and Other Inconveniences blog. She wrote a great post about reading: or the lack of. It's a good read, so hop over and check it o ut and leave a comment if it strikes a nerve.

Also,.. I finally finished writing my list of all the books I own! I've been wanting to list my books for a long time and I finally did it! (though it was a reminder of moving from CA and having to sell some that I would rather not have) It can be found here. I just ordered more books so those will be added soon!

I just thought I'd show you how exciting it is around here today.. meanwhile...have a nice day! ....'till next time.....

Stress

I am not sure exactly how it works, but this is amazingly accurate. Read the full description before looking at the picture .

The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used in a case study on stress levels at St. Mary's Hospital. Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The dolphins are identical. A closely monitored, scientific study revealed that , in spite of the fact that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress would find differences in the two dolphins. The more differences a person finds between the dolphins, the more stress that person is experiencing. Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may want to take a vacation....



Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

I've had my Fill...

Is it just me? Or is anyone else sick of hearing about poor Paris Hilton?

Hello? This person is 26 years old, not a child by any stretch of the imagination!

And it's not her first offense! *shaking head*

So, tell me why she doesn't deserve to go to jail?

Why is money a reason to break the law?

Why is money a way of NOT going to jail for breaking the law?

Well, I guess ignorance is bliss... but not when you break the law!

Although it wouldn't the the first time someone got away with breaking the law with bribes and payoffs... it's got to stop sometime! (doesn't it?) It's downright scary that I felt I had to ask!

Facing a 45-day jail sentence – and perhaps her first brush with accountability – could be a reality check for Hilton. But regardless of how she handles it, it may make her more popular than ever. "It will actually increase her star appeal in a very sick and demented way," said longtime publicist Michael Levine. (Sandy Cohen: Associated Press)

Wow.. how scary is that!?! What's with the love affair young people have with people like Paris Hilton? Or other celebrities that make big bucks and carry a gun around? Or hero worship those who get away with any sort of the breaking of our laws?

I took some other clips from SANDY COHEN Associated Press........

LOS ANGELES – Paris Hilton is so pampered she doesn't read her mail. "I have people who do that for me," she told a judge. Legal documents and traffic citations elude her. "I just sign what people tell me to sign," she testified.

(I have a blank check I'd like to put in front of her!)

He said Hilton was being truthful when she told a judge she believed – incorrectly, it turned out – that "it was O.K. for her to drive under certain circumstances" under the terms.

(remember she was told to read what she signed, and was asked if she understood it before she left the courthouse)

The 26-year-old hotel heiress, who parlayed her party lifestyle into worldwide fame, told the judge Friday that she didn't have time to talk with her attorneys about her probation. That dismissive attitude is part of her appeal, said veteran publicist David Brokaw.

(no time to talk to her attorneys? duh! To busy working I'm sure!)

"The premise of her fame is being naughty," he said. "This is a career move for her. It simply fuels the fascination. She can only win with this.''

(This is down right terrifying and true!)

Hilton made her first public comments on the sentence to photographers assembled outside her home on Saturday night. "I feel that I was treated unfairly and that the sentence is both cruel and unwarranted and I don't deserve this," she said as she left for a shopping trip with her mother.

(unwarranted??? Doesn't deserve it???? )

Bad behavior means big publicity for Hilton, Levine said, noting that she wasn't maligned when her homemade sex tape surfaced on the Internet. Instead she became more famous than before.

(what draws our young people to worship this sort of behavior??? I want to know!)

"This is a girl who has total disregard for the rules of our society," Levine said. "And she's been rewarded for it.''

(This about sums it up!)

Time behind bars isn't likely to impart any lessons for Hilton, said West Hollywood psychologist Jeremy Ritzlin. Jail time doesn't equal rehabilitation and the club-hopping Hilton would need extensive therapy to make lasting changes in her life, he said.

(someone with a brain! Once more, scary and true. Scary because she won't do anything to help herself)

Hilton's fans filled her MySpace page with words of support over the weekend. Mintz declined to comment.

(no comment.)

There you have it... and as much as I wish it was the last I'd hear of it, I'm sure it will stay at the top of the NEWS, so that her popularity grows despite the fact that she broke laws and then broke probation. She's been given 3 chances to do something right... there must be a limit to bending over backwards.

Flyte

So.. I took my time reading book 2, Flyte, by Angie Sage but finished it just this morning. Sigh*.. yes, I am signing.. I do that because I know there's only one book to go and this trilogy is done. And I surely dislike it when characters I am growing to like disappear because the books end.

I must be going through a second (3rd? 4th?) childhood because I sure have found that I am enjoying the "young adult" books that I've gotten lately. Though I still feel that Inkheart and Inkspell had a little more something (not sure what, it could just be the story itself), I am enjoying this group of books too.

Without giving away anything, I can say that Flyte picks up a year later, and there is a big upset in the Heap family with a few of their 7 sons. This book has some excitement in it and towards the end I was having trouble putting it down. (which I do ONLY to extend the time of the eventual end) This book tied many ends up as did book one but it leaves you knowing for sure "it ain't over till the fat lady sings" (and you don't want to hear me sing!) So I am looking forward to beginning Physik (book 3) sometime today.

That is... IF I can wrestle it away from Myrtle!...

On a different note: we are having some real spring weather here in NJ!! They actually are predicting 5 days of sun and in the mid 60's! (could this be Magyk?..heh, sorry.. hadda say it)

The lawn was mowed last evening, so now we are the only lawn on the block not seeing dandelions! Oh, the plants are still in the ground!... but the flowers are gone. We can still view them though on the neighbors lawns!

I am doing "chores" today.. I just mopped the kitchen floor (can't tell you how that makes the bulging disks feel).. and now I have to go down and change the sheets on my brothers bed. So I am off to do "womanly things".... (yes, that was said with sarcasm)

Hope y'all are having a good week... 'till next time...

Not the Norm...

*Getting out calendar and marking today* A first has happened to me! I won something! And not just a something but a fantasy BOOK! Hello? Is this a perfect win or what?!

Chris over at Stuff as Dreams are Made Of, had a giveaway of Mirrormask by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean.. and I won!

Now, normally... I am no winner of anything! So much so, that I rarely even try to win anything! But this week I put my name in the hat twice, both for books. It would be more then amazing if my name is picked for the second book too!! But, hey! I won!

I wonder if this means I should actually buy a lottery ticket?! I never buy them, because I'd never win.. I'm that person who wouldn't bet on a one horse race because that horse would fall and break a leg and never cross the finish line!.. that's the sort of luck I have!

I've been reading alot more book blogs... which is why you hear more about the books I am reading. (duh) I do enjoy reading fantasy .. which is why when I wrote my story, it too is a fantasy. (double duh) I love the escape it provides me (and trust me.. I NEED the escape!) and I am very character driven. If I like the characters, you've got me hooked! Then, of course, I hope it's more then a stand alone book, so that I can be with them over and over again.

Free or not, I would not have left my name to try to win if I didn't think it would be a book that I would enjoy... this one comes off as one that I should have no problem liking.

So... I circled the date on my calendar... it's surely a Special Day when I something so nice!!!

'till the next time...

Gone but not forgotten...

I just heard on the news that we lost another fine actor: Tom Poston

Born: 1921-2007

I heard of his passing on the television news but I find nothing on the web news about it yet. All they said was he passed after a short illness.

I am sad that we have lost Mr Poston. I have a small but vivid memory about him... the first time I ever flew to California (LA) and got off of the plane and was waiting to be picked up by my friend, who was standing a few feet away?.. Tom Poston. Many a time I have chuckled when I thought about it.. first time in CA and there stood an actor! I remember humming "hollywood" in my mind and smiling!

I think I first remember Tom Poston from the Steve Allen Show. (well that sure dated me!). He also appeared on many game shows along with his movie career. He was on such shows as: I've Got A Secret with Gary Moore, To Tell the Truth with Bud Collyer, What's My Line with John Daly, Password Plus with Allen Ludden.

He was a regular on the Bob Newhart Show as Cliff Murdock and on Newhart as George Utley and did sever appearances on Mork and Mindy.

I'll miss him for all the laughter he gave me... and for being at LAX at the right time!