Monday morning lesson

Don't read graphic novels on the train. It will make you sick.

This lesson comes as a shock to me since I thought I had gotten over my reading in a moving vehicle = wanting to puke. When I was a kid I could never read in the car but as I got older I would often read a book on the bus in B'ton and I regularly take books on the Metrolink. Today, I learned that this non-motion sickness does not apply to graphic novels. My cuz and his fam bought me Tales of the Vampires for my birthday and this morning I thought that book is sufficiently small enough to be a good train book. Until about 5 minutes into my train ride and the next 15 minutes on the train to my stop. And the whole 10 minute walk into campus. And even a little as I write this. Woo. Breathe in and out.

Lesson learned. I will read that shit at home on my non-moving couch.

Another book (with a plea to Diana Gabaldon)

I love Diana Gabaldon. Since that fateful day in 1999 when Angie handed me the first three books in the Outlander Series I have been a devoted fan. I've devoured every word. I've reread the books; I've patiently waited for the latest installment in the ongoing saga of Jamie and Claire. I can empathize with Diana that she must get tired of the constant research and the dealing with the same characters for over 15 years. But seriously, stop with the Lord John books and give me Jamie and Claire.

That said, I actually liked Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade much more than the first Lord John book. I will be the first to admit that Lord John is not my favorite of secondary characters. I don't why but he's just one of the characters I could always take or leave in the great Outlander universe. But I was surprised at how much I ended up liking this book all about Lord John.

So, the story revolves around several things...the first being the mystery of who murdered Lord John's father many years ago. Secondly, Lord John has a love affair with the interesting Percy, and finally a whole lot of dealing with the Seven Years War. Throw in a conversation or two with Jamie during his time at Helwater and you have a novel.

I would suggest this book to anyone who likes the Outlander series. It's a fine offshoot. But I would much prefer having book seven in the Outlander series instead of a third Lord John book.


Books Read in 2008:


Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon
The Attack by Yasmina Khadra
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
She Went All the Way by Meg Cabot
Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
Princess Mia by Meg Cabot
Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart
Stowaway by Karen Hesse
The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart.
Spike: Asylum by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru

Mixtape are fun

Bill linked to this awesome site. Oh god, I know I am going to waste so much time making mixtapes now.

BSG Top Ten List

Frak yeah! Oh April 4, I cannot wait for your arrival!

ETA: What the frak?!?! I tried to post this like last week and it finally shows up today. Looks like Youtube is having some issues. But hey, don't you just love how Lee starts out speaking American and ends in his cute Brit accent? I know I do.

Take one down, pass it around...

98 more books on the shelves. Well, I read a couple more books and I thought you might just be dying to hear about them.

So I have maybe mentioned just how much I loved the BBC miniseries North and South a few times. Bur what you may not know is that I've never read the book North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. I have to say that the movie is remarkably similar to the book and I was rather impressed by that. To refresh you memories, in case you didn't click on any of the links I provided you, North and South is like Pride and Prejudice meets Communist Manifesto. Margaret Hale's family moves North and encounters the likes of John Thorton, mill owner and hunk. Heh. The book shows how these two people learn not only about the similarities and differences in the other but also about the lives of the common workers.

This novel is all about rebellion. From striking workers, to sea mutinies, to lying to the police, to turning your back on the church. Even though I knew what was going to happen I was riveted to the page and could hardly put the book down. I think Margaret and John are giving Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester a run for their money in my favorite couple battle royale.

The other book I finished this week was Yasmina Khadra's, The Attack. This book is the story of Dr. Amin Jafaari who is a respected surgeon and Arab-Israeli citizen. Amin's world is turned upside down when he comes home one night to find that his beloved wife of 10 years has become a suicide bomber and is responsible for the deaths of 17 people. The book follows Amin's desire to reconcile the wife he thought he knew with the woman she was and chose not to share with him.

I thought this book did a wonderful job of making you understand and yet still be repulsed by the idea of someone choosing to become a suicide bomber. I also thought that for about 95% of the book Khadra did a good job of maintaining a balanced story without showing obvious prejudices but that falls away the last couple of chapters. I don't think that detracts from the story at all but it might be off putting to some. Anyway, this was a really compelling read and it makes me want to check out Khadra's other book The Swallows of Kabul.


Books Read in 2008:
The Attack by Yasmina Khadra
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
She Went All the Way by Meg Cabot
Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
Princess Mia by Meg Cabot
Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart
Stowaway by Karen Hesse
The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart.
Spike: Asylum by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru

Why you should be watching BSG

Sometimes I think Beth's reasons and Bill's reasons and my previous pleas have fallen upon deaf ears. Because I think too many of you mother frakkers still aren't watching Battlestar Galactica. Well, if us regular Janes and Joe can't convince you maybe some famous folks who love this show can.

Now go watch these frakking videos that splain to you how awesome BSG is.

OMG and hell yeah

From whedonesque:

So.....

The bag is catless.

During the strike I started writing a musical intended as a limited internet series, 3 episodes of approximately 10 minutes each. Writing with me was my brother Jed, his fiancee Maurissa, and my other brother Zack. To my shock and surprise, we finished it. To my greater shock and surprise, we managed (with the help of many people I'll be praising at length soon) to drag it into preproduction (yes, just as DOLLHOUSE was given a start date two months away and all my comics were due.) And today, after a grueling week of writing everything ever while trying to be a producer, I got to start shooting. A musical.

This much I will say: It's the story of a low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he's too shy to talk to. And I'm having the time of my life.

"DOCTOR HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG"

Neil Patrick Harris.....as Dr. Horrible
Nathan Fillion..........as Captain Hammer
Felicia Day.............as Penny

And a cast of Dozens!

Coming soon.

-j.

A new musical by Joss. With Nathan Fillion and NPH! It doesn't get much better than this. Prayers are answered. Skies have opened. I cannot wait to see this.

OH also, the Buffy Reunion Paley Fest gathering is tonight. What a fabulous day!

More books I have read lately

So, I know this might come as a big shock to you all but I've read some more books. I know; it came as a surprise to me too.

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray is the follow up to her book A Great and Terrible Beauty. Picking up almost exactly where the last book left off, Rebel Angels follows Gemma, Ann, and Felicity on their Christmas holiday. This time around Gemma is tasked to find the elusive Temple in the realms. She is unsure about who to trust. Kartik isn't really reliable to her, Pippa is acting oddly, and her new teacher is frightening. Is the new teacher Circe? Then Gemma stumbles upon a girl driven mad by Circe. Is she the key to finding the Temple or is she just another trick by Circe? On top of all that Gemma gains her first real suitor!

I did like this book very much and I was really fooled about the person who was Circe for the longest time. Although once I figured it out it did make sense. Anyway, this book has made me anxious to read A Sweet Far Thing so I can find out how the trilogy ends.

Dramarama by E. Lockhart is the story of Sadye (pronounced Sadie) and Demi. Sadye and Demi are from small town Ohio and are basically outcasts in their little ville until they become fast friends. Sadye has a love of all things Broadway and Demi does too. They head to summer theater camp together thinking they will rule the place. And, well, Demi does. But that's what happens when you are a gorgeous, talented, black, gay boy at theater camp. Heh. As camp progresses Sadye and Demi grow further and further apart. Sadye's jealousy and combative temperament get her into trouble just one too many times. And when Demi makes a life altering decision things go truly awry.

I thought this book was very fun to read but often times I wanted to smack Sadye for being so obtuse. I mean, the way she speaks to her teachers is just atrocious. At any rate, I think this was a good read.

Finally, I read She Went all the Way by Meg Cabot. Have y'all noticed how much I love me some Meg Cabot? Anyway, She Went All the Way is actually an adult novel by Meg. I know! This book tells the story of screenwriter Lou (short for Louise. Hey, think Meg knew Lou Malcomb? It's totally possible since she is an IU Alum) who has to go to Alaska to finish up some last minute things on her latest film. The bad part is she gets stuck in a small plane with the leading man, actor Jack. Jack and Lou don't like each other and haven't for years but then the pilot tries to kill Jack as part of a hit. This forces Lou and Jack to go on the run in the Alaskan wilderness. In the meantime, can they get past their hatred to survive, find out who wants Jack dead and possibly fall in love?

Yes, this book was total cheese. And I loved every second of it. If you love Meg Cabot then I consider this a must read.

Books Read in 2008:

She Went All the Way by Meg Cabot
Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
Princess Mia by Meg Cabot
Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart
Stowaway by Karen Hesse
The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart.
Spike: Asylum by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru

How I Met Your Mother - The HIMYM Dictionary

Tonight one of my favorite shows comes back to my telly. Yeah for the HIMYM!!

She's back

Well after almost two months I finally got my car back from the shop. It seems strange to be driving my car again after all this time. I've been driving my parent's Impala for over a month now and it's a little strange to be in such a small car again. Not that I mind. I freaking missed my car and I am so happy to have my little, blue baby back. Driving my lil' Mazda home yesterday was pretty great and so far my car seems to drive like it did pre-accident. My car is amazingly clean on the inside; I didn't remember that at all. Heh.

Anyway, I finally have a non-gas guzzling car in my possession again and it totally rules.

A to Z cds: Day 66

I am trying to get back on track with this listening project. I listened to most of these at the hospital or on the train to work.

315. Exodus ~ Bob Marley (last listen: 1-3 years): I've liked Bob Marley for ages. I was always angered by the whole back and forth on Gilmore Girls about how all reggae songs sound alike. Anyway, I think a great day involves sun, a porch, a swing, a good book, and some Bob Marley in the background.

316. Kaya ~ Bob Marley (last listen: 1-3 years)

317. Uprising ~ Bob Marley (last listen: 1-3 years)

318. Legend ~ Bob Marley (last listen: 6-9 months)

319. Natural Mystic ~ Bob Marley (last listen: 3-6 months)

320. Songs About Jane ~ Maroon 5 (last listen: 1-3 years)

321. It Won't Be Soon Before Long ~ Maroon 5 (last listen: 0-3 months)

322. Capitol Collector's Series ~ Dean Martin (last listen: 1-3 years)

323. Room For Squares ~ John Mayer (last listen: 6-9 months): I can't help liking John Mayer. I know it's not cool to like John Mayer but I don't care. I think his music is wonderful. Plus, he's growing into becoming a pretty kick ass guitar player.

324. Any Given Thursday ~ John Mayer (last listen: never)

325. Continuum ~ John Mayer (last listen: 1-3 years)

326. Try ~ John Mayer Trio (last listen: 6-9 months)

Oh Andrew! (NSFW due to language)

Some of you who love Buffy will remember Tom Lenk as Andrew. I swear to blog you will laugh.

Tim Gunn rules

If you don't read Mo Ryan's column but you love Tim Gunn, then check out this awesome interview. Tim dishes all about PR and his show Guide to Style. Also, if you are wondering about the weirdness between Heidi, Tim, and Victorya at the Reunion Show then this is a must read.

Human Giant (NSFW)

I've told you before but I am saying it again. Watch Human Giant, mother frakkers! This shit is funny, plus Will Arnett. Who doesn't love Gob Bluth? Season 2 starts March 11 on MTV.

Raising Sand

Holy shit! Holy crap! Holy moly! My pal Steph and I just got tickets to see Alison Krauss and Robert Plant play at The Fabulous Fox Theater. It's going to be awesome. Let the jealousy begin.

On Death

I know I haven't been posting much lately. That's mostly due to the fact that my aunt died last week and I was busy helping my cousins settle things. I know I usually talk about silly things like television and books in this space but I need to vent.

It's strange that I am both happy and sad that my aunt is gone. I am happy because I know she's not in anymore pain. But it saddens me that things got to this point for a woman who was relatively young; she wasn't even 60 years old. The thing is all of this could have been prevented. There was no need for her to die in this manner. Maybe I should back up a bit. This story is a bit of a doozy but since my family has only known about it for a few weeks well we are still reeling a bit.

Almost four years ago my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unlike most women, she chose to not treat her cancer even though she caught it in the earliest of stages. She thought that her prayer and her faith in Jesus would heal her. Sigh. She also chose to not tell a single member of my family about her sickness. Not her kids, not her sisters, not a soul. We all noticed around October that she wasn't looking very healthy and she was clearly not using her left arm but when we directly asked her she denied being ill or sick at all. At Christmas one of my aunts predicted she would die before the next Christmas.

Fast forward to three weeks ago when my aunt was rushed to the hospital because she couldn't breathe. The breast cancer had spread into her lungs, liver, and spinal cord. She was on a respirator for the last three weeks of her life. Her kids rushed into town from Paris, France and Lawrence, KS to be by her side. They had to make terrible, awful decisions while battling almost crippling anger and sadness.

Last Wednesday, my aunt (amazingly enough she was lucid through all of this) chose to take herself off the respirator and a few hours later she died. I've never seen a person die before and I don't relish seeing someone die again. It's strange and humbling and sad.

Amazingly enough some good has come from this horrible experience. I've gotten closer to my cousins than I have been since we were kids. Sad that this is what it took to bring us together. And I now know exactly what my parents desires are should a similar situation befall them. I know where their will is and I know that I am co-executor with my oldest sister. These are things I didn't know three weeks ago. While these aren't the most pleasant conversations to have I urge you all to have these conversations with your parents so you don't end up like my cousins almost having to guess the wishes of a dying parent.

We are all getting older now, my friends. And we don't want to think about these issues at any age but they happen whether we want them to or not. So, my suggestions are this: tell people what you want and ask those who you will have to care for what they want. And for Yahweh's sake; get some damn chemo if you are diagnosed with cancer.