(Book) You Suck by Christopher Moore

55

Kind of a follow up to Bloodsucking Fiends. And it's funny, really funny. Christopher Moore does what he does best. Make you laugh, make you roll your eyes and makes you laugh some more. Read and try not to giggle. I dare you.





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Being dead sucks. Make that being undead sucks.

Literally. Just ask Thomas C. Flood. Waking up after a fantastic night unlike anything he's ever experienced, he discovers that his girlfriend, Jody—the woman of his dreams—is a vampire. And surprise! Now he's one, too.

For some couples, the whole biting-and-blood thing would have been a deal breaker. But Tommy and Jody are in love, and they vow to work through their issues. Like how much Jody should teach Tommy about his new superpowers (and how much he needs to learn on his own). Plus there's Tommy's cute new minion, sixteen-year-old goth girl Abby Normal. (Well, someone has to run errands during daylight hours!)

Making the relationship work, however, is the least of Jody and Tommy's problems. Word has it that the vampire who nibbled on Jody wasn't supposed to be recruiting any new members into the club. Even worse, Tommy's erstwhile turkey-bowling pals are out to get him, at the urging of a blue-dyed Las Vegas call girl named (duh) Blue.

And that really sucks.

(Book) The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

54

I was going through my bookshelf and I saw that I still had this poor book. I was originally going to get them all, but seeing as they are still coming out, I decided what the heck... and read it :)

This was such a good/cute read. I have no idea why it took me so long. Totally not something I would have picked up myself and now I'm looking forward to reading some of the others. Definitely, definitely worth a read!





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From Publisher's Weekly:
"The African-born author of more than 50 books, from children's stories (The Perfect Hamburger) to scholarly works (Forensic Aspects of Sleep), turns his talents to detection in this artful, pleasing novel about Mma (aka Precious) Ramotswe, Botswana's one and only lady private detective. A series of vignettes linked to the establishment and growth of Mma Ramotswe's "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" serve not only to entertain but to explore conditions in Botswana in a way that is both penetrating and light thanks to Smith's deft touch. Mma Ramotswe's cases come slowly and hesitantly at first: women who suspect their husbands are cheating on them; a father worried that his daughter is sneaking off to see a boy; a missing child who may have been killed by witchdoctors to make medicine; a doctor who sometimes seems highly competent and sometimes seems to know almost nothing about medicine. The desultory pace is fine, since she has only a detective manual, the frequently cited example of Agatha Christie and her instincts to guide her. Mma Ramotswe's love of Africa, her wisdom and humor, shine through these pages as she shines her own light on the problems that vex her clients. Images of this large woman driving her tiny white van or sharing a cup of bush tea with a friend or client while working a case linger pleasantly. General audiences will welcome this little gem of a book just as much if not more than mystery readers."

(Restaurant) North & South China on 620 in Austin, TX

We moved into this area of town a couple of years ago and North & South China is the first Chinese place we tried for delivery. It was okay, nothing great, but decent. Over the years, we've gone there several times per year. The wait staff was polite and they always let us sit in front of the fish tank (my kids will go to ANY restaurant that has a fish tank you can sit at! They love to watch the fish swim around). The food was good, they had an ice cream machine so it was easy - our kids love buffets. I noticed when we went six or so months ago that the quality of the food had gone down. We chalked it up to an off day.

I went there myself with the kids last month and there were only a few people there. My kids asked politely to sit in front of the fish. Well, that table, we were informed is for six people, not 3. I looked around wondering when they expected the rush *laugh* That time the food was pretty bad. They had again cut corners and it showed. Prices had gone up, quality was really down.

Well, this past weekend, the kids wanted to try again and Tom wanted to go too. I tried to keep an open mind, but I knew they were obviously suffering (a lot of restaurants are now, I'm told). Yuck. Not only are the prices still higher, but they now charge for crab legs (which we never bothered with because they were pretty small) and limit you to a pound per person. They don't even have lids for the kids for their cups anymore (they don't need them as a rule, but it's nice not to have to worry at a restaurant - they are usually excited). The kids said the food wasn't good. AND the ice cream machine was broke. And, for the kids, the biggest sin of all - the waiter refused to let them sit in front of the fish. We were 4 people. That table is for six (again, there were 10 other people there - are they expecting a big rush?). The wait staff are also now VERY rude. The lady at the front was too busy chit chatting with a friend on the phone to even say goodbye as we left.

Tom or I will be writing or may have already written an entry on our business blog because I think this is a huge mistake they are making. Keep an eye out for it. We were pretty regular and loyal customers who have already started looking for a new Chinese place (or fish place - anyone know of a place with a fish tank up this way?) and will not be returning here. Most people, like us, are creatures of habit. We find a good friendly place and we stick to it. It takes a lot to make us decide not to return somewhere. Sadly, this is one we will be staying away from.

For more information visit, their website HERE.

... if you dare!

(Book) There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell by Laurie Notaro

53

I had only read The Idiot's Girls Guide to Christmas or whatever it's called from this author before and it was funny - like really funny - so I had high hopes for this one. Plus the title is enough to crack me up. I'm very mixed on this book. The first half really wasn't all that funny. I was thinking "Yeah, and there's a very good chance I'm going to throw this book across the room in disgust". But once they dubbed "Finding Nemo" it got funnier. It ended on a pretty funny note, but left me wondering about Ruby. It's worth a read. It may have been I just wasn't in the mood for this book, but I wish the funniness was in the first half too. It just fell flat for me in the start.





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Synopsis

The first novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club is a rollicking tale of small-town peculiarity, dark secrets, and one extraordinary beauty pageant.

When her husband is offered a post at a small university, Maye is only too happy to pack up and leave the relentless Phoenix heat for the lush green quietude of Spaulding, Washington. While she loves the odd little town, there is one thing she didn’t anticipate: just how heartbreaking it would be leaving her friends behind. And when you’re a childless thirtysomething freelance writer who works at home, making new friends can be quite a challenge.

After a series of false starts nearly gets her exiled from town, Maye decides that her last chance to connect with her new neighbors is to enter the annual Sewer Pipe Queen Pageant, a kooky but dead-serious local tradition open to contestants of all ages and genders. Aided by a deranged former pageant queen with one eyebrow, Maye doesn’t just make a splash, she uncovers a sinister mystery that has haunted the town for decades.

(Product) Bucky Duo Bed Pillow

I am on a constant quest for a pillow that doesn't suck. I like pillows that are so firm, they are basically soft bricks. These days you cannot find one that doesn't make your head sick directly to the mattress, I swear. They are all too soft. So, I'm constantly squeezing pillows everywhere we go. Too soft, too soft, too soft, too soft. We were at Bed Bath and Beyond last week and Tom came across this heavy pillow "full of stuff". Oh yeah, baby. These thing isn't going anywhere.

I've slept on it a few days now and I must say that I FINALLY am not waking up with a headache from the strain on my neck (and those neck pillows only choke you, don't bother). This is great because the millet and buckwheat can easily move around to mold to the shape of my head/neck. I can make it bunch around under my neck for more support or I can sit up in bed and read and not worry about it taking forever (hello memory foam my old friend) to go back into shape. So far, I'm VERY impressed.

The bad? The buckwheat side is pretty noisy. It's a soft rustling sound. So, I use mainly the millet to fall asleep and flip it over in my sleep if one side gets too hot (yes, I'm a sleep pillow flipper - the things you learn about people, right?)

Anyway... this thing is pretty cool so far. If it's too big, you can also remove some of the stuff inside, but it seems pretty right on for me. The pillow is kind of small, but I don't have a big head, so it works. :)





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Product Description
Ingenious double-sided design gives you the best of our two natural fillings in one luxurious bed pillow. Buckwheat for cool, stable support. Millet for dense, silky softness. Too full? Just unzip and remove some filling. Comes with a pure white pillow case in elegant quilted knit fabric. Packaging is a useful vinyl tote-great for storage, shopping, or going to the beach! Washable cover.

(Restaurant) Nino's Pizza in Austin, TX

I noticed a new pizza place opened in Anderson Mill Shopping Center a few months ago called Nino's Pizza and earlier this week we stopped by to check it out. I love New York style pizza, "that there's folding pizza" ;) But walking in to the place, I wasn't sure of what to expect. It seemed a little deserted and the place was pretty bare bones as far as decor goes. There's a TV, a few pictures, several plain tables/chairs. But the kids were all hyped up about pizza, so we decided what the heck.

The first thing you need to know (and this is something that Tom never seems to remember) - an 18" pizza is HUGE and more than large enough for a family of 4. So Tom ordered a large (18") pepperoni and an 18" BBQ chicken. So yeah, we have these two huge pizzas (and yes, we brought an entire pizza home). The pepperoni is absolutely, 100% amazing. The sauce... the bread... the cheese. It's all top-notch as far as I'm concerned. It rivals Saccone's as our fave (which still hasn't opened in the new location since the fire over here!)

Tom thought the BBQ chicken was pretty good. I am not a big fan of it anyway.

The crust though. Wow. Just wow. Give these guys a shot. You can eat there or take home (or if your spouse is like mine, you can do both!)

The only thing that could make 'em all better is if they delivered.

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ABOUT THEIR PIZZA (From the website)
We offer authentic New York Style pizza and Sicilian style too. Our ovens are originally from New York, having spent 13 years in Brooklyn before moving to Florida for another 17 or so and then coming to us. New Yorkers know, the oven makes a big difference!

Its not just the ovens that make our pizza tasty, its Chef and Owner, Ambrogio Buraglia's nearly 20 years of experience that makes Nino's Pizza so delicious. Ambrogio is the only one who knows the secret recipe for the dough and the sauce, the two most important ingredients in any pizza.

(Book) Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk

52

This is one really screwed up book. I've always said that to be in Stephen King's head must be a scary place, but I'm starting to wonder if Chuck Palahniuk's head is even scarier. How does one sit down and come up with stuff like this? There were a few things that were a bit of a let down, but the ending totally played with my head. It didn't sit in my brain with all the other "Fertility" hints we had been given. I was ready to throw things around until I found the author's website where he explains it. Ahhh... now I feel better :)

Do NOT go to this link if you haven't read the book. Seriously!
Survivor Ending





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From Chapters:
The lives of the passengers aboard flight 2039 are in the hands of Tender Branson. This may prove to be fatal, as the last surviving member of the Creedish Death Cult has something terrible in store for this flight. As Branson cruises on autopilot, he is dictating the story of his life and his thoughts on suicide, martyrdom and the importance of press coverage. As the plane heads for its final destination in the Australian outback, Branson ponders the decline of society. From Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, comes Survivor.

(Movie) Sex and Death 101

This movie is a little bit twisted, a little bit stupid, but a lot of fun. A man gets an email with a list of all the women he has ever had sex with - or ever will have sex with. Interesting because he's engaged to number twenty-something but there's over 100 on the list... Oh, it's pretty stupid, in all truth, but it has it's quirky, fun moments and there's even a little bit of a message (if you stretch for it) in there. Well worth a rental.





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Sex and Death 101 stars Golden Globe nominee Simon Baker (“The Guardian,” The Devil Wears Prada) as Roderick Blank, a successful executive and ‘ladies man,’ whose life is turned around by an email that includes the names of everyone he’s had sex with and ever will have sex with. Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Winona Ryder (The Age of Innocence, Little Women) stars as ‘Death Nell,’ the mysterious femme fatale who becomes an urban folk hero when she targets men guilty of sex crimes against women. The film co-stars Leslie Bibb (Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby), Julie Bowen (“Boston Legal”), Sophie Monk (Click, Date Movie), Mindy Cohn (“The Facts of Life”), Dash Mihok (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang), Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille) and Neil Flynn (“Scrubs”).

(Movie) Vantage Point

Tom and I watched this and we both really enjoyed it. The cast is pretty amazing, they have quite a few big names. I actually liked the premise and the "rewinds". The execution was a little odd, but we learned something new every time they went through the events again, so it worked pretty well. Worth a watch on date night as the guys will like the explosions and the girls will like the fact that there's an actual story and puzzle to figure out. Yeah, I just stereo-typed ;) Just watch it.





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Product Description
During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness the reality of the assassination takes shape. But just when you think you know the answer the shattering final truth is revealed. VANTAGE POINT is a mindbending political action-thriller starring Dennis Quaid Matthew Fox Academy Award® Winner Forest Whitaker (Best Actor 2006 The Last King of Scotland) with Sigourney Weaver and Academy Award® winner William Hurt (Best Actor 1985 Kiss of the Spider Woman).

Sister Salty, Sister Sweet: A Memoir of Sibling Rivalry

51

I wasn't really expecting this to have some serious subject matter. I thought it would be mainly fun sister vs sister stuff, but it did have some things in it that I wasn't expecting. BUT those things shaped these two women's lives and made them who they are today to tell their story. It also reminded me a lot of my own sister. Oh, we hated each other, but when we get together, we always laugh about something from when we were kids - not the pizza stain on the ceiling, but the time I made her cry because I convinced she was from Mars or the time I got in trouble for trading her dimes for nickels (well, dimes are smaller and therefore worth more, sheesh!). If you have a sibling - and are sisters - you'll find a lot of heartwarming (and heartbreaking) stories in here. Give it a read.





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Synopsis

A Book Sense selection in hardcover, Sister Salty, Sister Sweet is a deeply personal and yet wickedly candid memoir from two sisters who came of age in the 80s and 90s. Shannon and Natalie Kring grew up in rural Wisconsin, in a house full of strong characters. Natalie's arrival meant the spotlight was no longer on Shannon, and she reacted by becoming "a handful." Shannon did everything in her power to ensure that her younger sister always understood she came second. From the hierarchy of their Barbies to the hand-me-down clothes, the message to Natalie was clear. Shannon never had cause to envy Natalie's anonymity-until the older sister was finally confronted with a drama not of her own making.

The Kring sisters experienced the usual sibling ups and downs, sometimes not speaking to each other, sometimes bonding out of necessity. Everyone who has ever had a sibling-older, younger, brother, sister-will find echoes of their relationship in this story.