Try to remember that time in September...
Can't believe summer is almost over. It got to above 90 today, so it's hot and muggy here, but there's supposed to be a bit of a cooldown tomorrow and a HUGE cooldown -- mid-60s -- by Labor Day. Only in Ohio LOL.
I'm gearing up for Yankee Peddler again. Have the facepaints, just need to get everything sorted and organized. I have a feeling that's going to be a Monday project, since the bulk of my stuff is in the attic, which turns into an oven when it gets this hot. Not sure what I'll be doing tomorrow. THought about going to Taste of Hudson sometime, but it's supposed to rain. All day. Both Sunday and Monday. Joy. Figures... the first year I can go, and Mother Nature decides to turn on the waterworks :P Best made plans...
Oh yes -- had a BLAST when my 'Net friends and I got together. Temperatures were warm but not unbearable and my house was OK with all the doors open and fans at full blast. We went to the car show, had pizza, and Bus brought his laptop with a simulation program to build rockets. Basically, that became an exercise in 137 ways NOT to build a rocket. But it was hilarious.
And, of course, I have books:
12. Oh, Say Did You Know?: The Secret History of America's Famous Figures, Fads, Innovations & Emblems, by Fred DuBose and Martha Hailey. I'm a bit mixed on this book. On one hand, it's very easy to read and entertaining. There are a lot of neat stories in it about our various historical figures, as well as some not-so-well known people. It is well organized by topic. It's a very quick read. But a few things bothered me. One, there was no index, no list of sources (if there is one, I somehow missed it). After this, I'm relying on memory; it's been a while since I've read the book. But there was a reference to Thomas Edison, how he made a sort of crude brief movie (was it the Kinetoscope?) about a war battle (I think it was the Boer war)-- except the whole battle had been staged. The attitude of the writing was ah, but who cares if Edison "gilded the lily," since he made so many wonderful inventions. Basically, the book excuses him for dishonesty because he was successful. That's the impression I was left with and it left a bad taste in my mouth, especially since this book seems aimed at older grade school children. It seems there were a couple other bits of information that didn't sound right to me, but I don't recall what those might have been, and I forgot to write it down. There also was, I remember, a missed opportunity: on one page, it mentions about the first dishwashing machine, invented by Josephine Cochrane, was first seen at the Chicago World Fair in 1893. On the very next page, it mentions the Ferris Wheel -- but makes no mention that it, too, was a part of the same World Fair (indeed, it was one of the highlights, created to outdo the Eiffel Tower, which had been created as the entrance arch for the 1889 World Fair. I highly recommend The Devil in the White City for anyone wanting more information on the 1893 World Fair). While I understand the book was crafted to be a fast read, with very short stories, this omission seemed odd to me.
13. The Cleveland Creep, by Les Roberts. Milan Jacovich is back, for the 15th mystery set in the Cleveland area, and is as compelling as ever. In this story, what starts out as a missing persons case gets sticky (of course). Milan is asked to find 28-year-old Earl Dacey by Dacey's mother. It doesn't take long for Milan to discover that Dacey was into some pretty unsavory things, including taking surreptitious videos up the skirts of schoolgirls at local malls. The private investigator gets entangled with some rather shady characters in the pornography business and manages to make Victor Giamari angry in the process. When Dacey turns up dead, Milan is, surprisingly asked for his assistance by none other than the brusque Lt. McHargue, who's past relationship has been rocky at best. Another twist is the addition of Kevin O'Bannion, who comes on as Milan's assistant at the insistence of a friend and fellow PI. I actually figured out who-dun-it a couple chapters before it was revealed, but there are a lot of twists and red herrings. Also felt sorry for Milan-- just when it seems like his life is in order the pieces once again get shuffled. Even when he wins he loses. Readers should note that this book touches (in a very astute, professional and non-gratuitous way) some pretty sticky subjects, including child pornography and "crush" films.
14. Six Inches of Partly Cloudy, by Dick Goddard. For non-Cleveland residents, Dick Goddard is a (very, very) longtime meteorologist for this area, known for covering the weather, and for the annual Woolybear Festival. I read and enjoyed two of his Almanac books ( I believe there are three total), and this newest book did not disappoint. There are a few things readers of his previous books might recognize (including the inspiration for the title). This is more of a personal take on Dick Goddard's life and experiences in the television business and with his favorite causes- the aforementioned festival, animal charities and animals in general. Most of the stories are very light-hearted and funny, although there are one or two more somber ones (such as his recollection of the time when he lost both his wife and mother around the same time). There also are many stories from other local Cleveland television people, particularly Robin Swoboda, Tim Taylor and "Big Chuck Schodowski, many of them absolutely hilarious. Weather buffs, Ohio history buffs and those looking for a fun, educational and entertaining read will enjoy this.
15. Watchers, by Dean Koontz. This book takes off at a rapid clip and doesn't let up. The main focus of the story is on two lab creations -- a super-intelligent (and super sweet) golden retreiver who could put Lassie to shame, and a creature, known as The Outsider, which is just as smart but made to kill -- and it was created a little too well. Travis is a man who has lost everyone close to him, and is convinced he is a jinx. He's gone back to the trails he knew growing up when he encounters the retreiver, who saves his life. Later, they run into Nora, a shy, timid woman who had lived under the emotional abuse of her aunt. The three of them come together and start to heal, but are also thrown into the mystery of the dog's origins and the nature of the dark creature that has been killing people. Another compelling story centers on Len, an NSA agent, and his friend Walt, a local sheriff. Len, a workaholic who starts to examine his life and his obsessions, often finds his friendship at odds with his duty as he tries to track down The Outsider. A little bit of international and mob intrigue is thrown in the story with Vince, a professional hit man who is, in his own way, scarier than The Outsider. The story raises intriguing questions about the ability to create superintelligent life-- and if that creation would have rights. I do like the fact that one of the "good guys" is a lawyer-- you don't see that in many stories (my one nit is how he's kind of referred to as an afterthought at the end).
Currently reading: Mockingjay, by Suzzane Collins. About halfway through and enjoying it immensely. I've been waiting a while to get my hands on this one.
Also on hand, 12 Sharp, by Janet Evanovich-- on CD. Figure this will be good to listen to while working on projects I need to get going on. A good comic break from the serious stuff I've been reading lately.
I'm gearing up for Yankee Peddler again. Have the facepaints, just need to get everything sorted and organized. I have a feeling that's going to be a Monday project, since the bulk of my stuff is in the attic, which turns into an oven when it gets this hot. Not sure what I'll be doing tomorrow. THought about going to Taste of Hudson sometime, but it's supposed to rain. All day. Both Sunday and Monday. Joy. Figures... the first year I can go, and Mother Nature decides to turn on the waterworks :P Best made plans...
Oh yes -- had a BLAST when my 'Net friends and I got together. Temperatures were warm but not unbearable and my house was OK with all the doors open and fans at full blast. We went to the car show, had pizza, and Bus brought his laptop with a simulation program to build rockets. Basically, that became an exercise in 137 ways NOT to build a rocket. But it was hilarious.
And, of course, I have books:
12. Oh, Say Did You Know?: The Secret History of America's Famous Figures, Fads, Innovations & Emblems, by Fred DuBose and Martha Hailey. I'm a bit mixed on this book. On one hand, it's very easy to read and entertaining. There are a lot of neat stories in it about our various historical figures, as well as some not-so-well known people. It is well organized by topic. It's a very quick read. But a few things bothered me. One, there was no index, no list of sources (if there is one, I somehow missed it). After this, I'm relying on memory; it's been a while since I've read the book. But there was a reference to Thomas Edison, how he made a sort of crude brief movie (was it the Kinetoscope?) about a war battle (I think it was the Boer war)-- except the whole battle had been staged. The attitude of the writing was ah, but who cares if Edison "gilded the lily," since he made so many wonderful inventions. Basically, the book excuses him for dishonesty because he was successful. That's the impression I was left with and it left a bad taste in my mouth, especially since this book seems aimed at older grade school children. It seems there were a couple other bits of information that didn't sound right to me, but I don't recall what those might have been, and I forgot to write it down. There also was, I remember, a missed opportunity: on one page, it mentions about the first dishwashing machine, invented by Josephine Cochrane, was first seen at the Chicago World Fair in 1893. On the very next page, it mentions the Ferris Wheel -- but makes no mention that it, too, was a part of the same World Fair (indeed, it was one of the highlights, created to outdo the Eiffel Tower, which had been created as the entrance arch for the 1889 World Fair. I highly recommend The Devil in the White City for anyone wanting more information on the 1893 World Fair). While I understand the book was crafted to be a fast read, with very short stories, this omission seemed odd to me.
13. The Cleveland Creep, by Les Roberts. Milan Jacovich is back, for the 15th mystery set in the Cleveland area, and is as compelling as ever. In this story, what starts out as a missing persons case gets sticky (of course). Milan is asked to find 28-year-old Earl Dacey by Dacey's mother. It doesn't take long for Milan to discover that Dacey was into some pretty unsavory things, including taking surreptitious videos up the skirts of schoolgirls at local malls. The private investigator gets entangled with some rather shady characters in the pornography business and manages to make Victor Giamari angry in the process. When Dacey turns up dead, Milan is, surprisingly asked for his assistance by none other than the brusque Lt. McHargue, who's past relationship has been rocky at best. Another twist is the addition of Kevin O'Bannion, who comes on as Milan's assistant at the insistence of a friend and fellow PI. I actually figured out who-dun-it a couple chapters before it was revealed, but there are a lot of twists and red herrings. Also felt sorry for Milan-- just when it seems like his life is in order the pieces once again get shuffled. Even when he wins he loses. Readers should note that this book touches (in a very astute, professional and non-gratuitous way) some pretty sticky subjects, including child pornography and "crush" films.
14. Six Inches of Partly Cloudy, by Dick Goddard. For non-Cleveland residents, Dick Goddard is a (very, very) longtime meteorologist for this area, known for covering the weather, and for the annual Woolybear Festival. I read and enjoyed two of his Almanac books ( I believe there are three total), and this newest book did not disappoint. There are a few things readers of his previous books might recognize (including the inspiration for the title). This is more of a personal take on Dick Goddard's life and experiences in the television business and with his favorite causes- the aforementioned festival, animal charities and animals in general. Most of the stories are very light-hearted and funny, although there are one or two more somber ones (such as his recollection of the time when he lost both his wife and mother around the same time). There also are many stories from other local Cleveland television people, particularly Robin Swoboda, Tim Taylor and "Big Chuck Schodowski, many of them absolutely hilarious. Weather buffs, Ohio history buffs and those looking for a fun, educational and entertaining read will enjoy this.
15. Watchers, by Dean Koontz. This book takes off at a rapid clip and doesn't let up. The main focus of the story is on two lab creations -- a super-intelligent (and super sweet) golden retreiver who could put Lassie to shame, and a creature, known as The Outsider, which is just as smart but made to kill -- and it was created a little too well. Travis is a man who has lost everyone close to him, and is convinced he is a jinx. He's gone back to the trails he knew growing up when he encounters the retreiver, who saves his life. Later, they run into Nora, a shy, timid woman who had lived under the emotional abuse of her aunt. The three of them come together and start to heal, but are also thrown into the mystery of the dog's origins and the nature of the dark creature that has been killing people. Another compelling story centers on Len, an NSA agent, and his friend Walt, a local sheriff. Len, a workaholic who starts to examine his life and his obsessions, often finds his friendship at odds with his duty as he tries to track down The Outsider. A little bit of international and mob intrigue is thrown in the story with Vince, a professional hit man who is, in his own way, scarier than The Outsider. The story raises intriguing questions about the ability to create superintelligent life-- and if that creation would have rights. I do like the fact that one of the "good guys" is a lawyer-- you don't see that in many stories (my one nit is how he's kind of referred to as an afterthought at the end).
Currently reading: Mockingjay, by Suzzane Collins. About halfway through and enjoying it immensely. I've been waiting a while to get my hands on this one.
Also on hand, 12 Sharp, by Janet Evanovich-- on CD. Figure this will be good to listen to while working on projects I need to get going on. A good comic break from the serious stuff I've been reading lately.