Monday, February 23, 2009

Bog Child

So I recently finished this book "Bog Child". It was a good read about post world war Ireland while the north and south were still separated. You experience the life of Fergus as he deals with discovering a body in the bog and dealing with his brother's incarceration.

I wasn't captivated by the story but there were definitely some twists in there that made it all the more interesting. Dowd writes so that you can read the accent in the words which is sorta cool like - 'S alright.

Anyway I'm now reading Memory Keepers Daughter (c/o a friend) and trying to finish the beast known as The Executioner's Song.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Octo-Mom

So there's been a lot of news on this woman. There was a lot of speculation and rumor about her prior to giving an interview. I reserved my judgment while all of this was happening because you just never know what a person's intentions or situation are.

So she's got 14 kids - but then I think of the Duggars and she's got 17 or 18 - I've lost track. And then she's single - and I thought maybe she's got a boyfriend or family support.

Well come to find out - she's a train wreck. I can't imagine how a woman with no income (but has had plastic surgery - I mean c'mon its obvious) would bring so many children into the world. Ok so she loves kids and wants to be a mom...but she's just being selfish. Who would bring so many people into the world and not be able to provide a good life for them? Diry home, food stamps, tons of medical bills...even her parents tried to stop this last pregnancy.

Is any child protective services agency going to step in and now we hear CALIFORNIA residents are going to have to pay for this multi-million dollar medical bill.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Some Books

So I'm working on a few books:
- The Executioner's Song
- What was she thinking: Notes on a Scandal
- The Monster of Florence
- The Gargoyle
- I read the first couple hundred chapter's of Wally Lambs The Hour I First Believed

Besides those I've finished:

- Merle's Door: Lessons of a Free Thinking Dog
About a man who adopts a stray dog while on a kayaking trip. It goes through the bond created between the owner and Merle is strengthened through the dog's ability to make his own decisions...and again another tear jerker. Why does every dog book take you to the ultimate end. I finished this book on the plane and cried like a baby...had to put it down to compose myself as Elmond watched me sop the tears up with my hoodie. HILARIOUS!

- The Case for Christ: The Student Edition
This is the shorter version of Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ. It's a really good book for everyone...if you're not sure about Christ or if you're already a Christian - there are things to learn. It's not preachy but simply presents the facts that a journalist goes through as he tries to discover how likely it is that Christ was real and also the Son of God. I will definitely read the whole book - not just the student edition but thats all the library had available at the time :)

- The Executioner's Song
I've been working on this book since December....its a big one - I think about 1100 pages...maybe 1500. I don't remember. Anyway its a true story that covers the first man to be executed in Utah after a number of years and how it affects himself and those around him. It's very interesting, I think I'm about 1/2 way through where he's been sentenced to death and doesn't want to appeal. Can't quite say whether I'd recommend it but its an intense read and always good to 'mix it up'.

- The Monster of Florence
Another true story. This about a journalist who moves his family to Florence Italy to write a book about murder. Well he ends up looking into the notorious monster of florence serial killer - sorta like jack the ripper of his day. Anyhoo...its a decent read. Not a page turner for me but since I started it - gotta finish it.

Once I read more into the other books I'll post some information about those. In the meantime - I no longer have to call in about jury duty service - yay.

Have a great Valentines Day everyone....


St. Valentine
Patron of Love, Young People, Happy Marriage

Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended, and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who, on finding all his promises to make him renounce his faith in effectual, commended him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards, to be beheaded, which was executed on February 14, about the year 270

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Client List

So if you've followed the new you know about Bernard Maydoff and how he scammed hundreds of people out of bajillions! So his client list came out and its really long...and the names being repeated more than once means they probably had more than one account with him. What a prick!!



I watched a special on his ponzi scheme and recordings of him talking about the loop holes in the laws that allowed for this to happen. I wonder what will happen to him...I also wonder - all those people who invested with him and saw large returns (on paper) during years in which the market was 'soft' - did anyone wonder how he was doing it? It's not their fault I just wonder....He's a true sociopath

Sociopath -
–noun Psychiatry.
a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.

Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others

On a lighter note

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Love IT

I heard this song months ago - and every time I hear it...love it just as much as the first time.


Monday, February 2, 2009

Hawaii Vacation

So if you're ever in Kauai I've listed some fun places to visit and eat...

1. Waimea Canyon - the drive is slightly curvy but from the turn-off its approximately a 20 minute drive to the viewpoint. It's worth the drive up.

2. Grinds Cafe & Espresso - the breakfast is delish. Beware: do not use the bathroom after anyone who's been in there for more than 5 minutes. There's also a local cat who likes to eat whatever you might offer.

3. Hyatt on Kauai - its gorgeous!!

4. Marriott Vacation Club in Kauai - the sushi bar is fantastic and the pool area is gorgeous. Try Duke's as well.

5. Line zipping - there are a few different places you can get your zip on but either way its worth the money. Locals can zip for 60 pp.

Though Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian island chain - its still the most primitive. The scenery is really natural and untouched; however, I've never seen so many wild cats and chickens. It rains a bit there but the temperature is really moderate so I didn't mind it at all. They're also known for their incredibly red dirt - its everywhere.

I personally loved being there - giving it a 9 for relaxation and setting. It loses a point for the 22 mosquito bites I received while there. :(