Good Evening Humble Readers...
Maybe I'm being overly sensitive here, but...
I was minding my own business. At work, doing the bookselling thing. I catch a glimpse of the headline on the local newspaper sitting on the desk in our office... "Name My Baby!"
The story, on the front page, is about a woman in a neighbouring community who is 23, 28 weeks pregnant with her second son, and is just absolutely flummoxed on what to name her newest little one. Apparently she and her partner chose the 'perfect name' when they named their first son, and now they just can't come up with anything else.
In an effort for their child to not be nameless at birth, she has instituted a local contest. She even indicated that doesn't want the name to end in particular letters, presumably because they wouldn't work with her last name.
Honestly, I stopped reading at that point. I didn't read about what her grand prize would be or when her deadline for submissions would be. I was just disgusted.
What the story and her contest say to me, admittedly a very biased infertile, is that she cares so little about the child she's carrying that she can't be bothered to come up with a name for him.
If she wants names, I've got names. Names that I have carried in my heart for years. Names that I still cling to as beacons of hope. I can also give her the names of numerous babies, longed for and loved and cherished... babies that my bloggy friends never got to hold that have names.
The least a mother can do is put some thought into naming her child, and not make it a publicity stunt.
I would like, 12 years from now, to be a fly on the wall when she has that conversation with her son... "no, I didn't name you. We drew your name out of a draw box. Your brother's name was perfect, so we didn't even try."
Ok, rant over.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Photo Challenge #2: Variety
Good Evening Humble Readers!
Well, it's Friday... and that means it's time for Lindsay's Friday Photo Challenge! If you don't know about the Photo Challenge, please swing by and Lindsay's place and check it out. Everyone is welcome... the more the merrier!
This week's theme is Variety...
Now, looking around my home, and really around my life, there is one particular area where there is a ton of variety.
Books! The things you can experience, the places you can travel to, the people you can meet...
So many things to learn about...
And so many things to dream about...
Well, it's Friday... and that means it's time for Lindsay's Friday Photo Challenge! If you don't know about the Photo Challenge, please swing by and Lindsay's place and check it out. Everyone is welcome... the more the merrier!
This week's theme is Variety...
Now, looking around my home, and really around my life, there is one particular area where there is a ton of variety.
Books! The things you can experience, the places you can travel to, the people you can meet...
So many things to learn about...
And so many things to dream about...Now, if you don't have a pic for this week's challenge, next week's theme is Celebration. Start thinking about what might embody celebration for you.
**********
We have a house guest for the next two weeks. He arrived tonight with almost as much stuff as a baby would (and almost as many instructions :) ), and his mom & dad are on their way to Mexico. He's a goofy little thing, with a serious addiction to peanut butter and baby carrots. It will be fun to have a fur-baby for a couple weeks. Be prepared for some pug-tastic pictures!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
What Did I Do Wrong?
Good morning humble readers...
Ok, just a quick question for my fried chicken experts...
Why did the coating start sliding off while it was cooking?
I soaked the chicken in buttermilk, had lots of well-seasoned flour, kept the oil at the same temp the whole time.
I think the oil wasn't quite hot enough when I put the first piece in, so I waited another minute or so before adding the rest.
Everything else turned out ok... the chicken was cooked through, and it tasted pretty good. Didn't need to call for pizza. It did take longer than I expected, but I will know better for next time.
Ok, just a quick question for my fried chicken experts...
Why did the coating start sliding off while it was cooking?
I soaked the chicken in buttermilk, had lots of well-seasoned flour, kept the oil at the same temp the whole time.
I think the oil wasn't quite hot enough when I put the first piece in, so I waited another minute or so before adding the rest.
Everything else turned out ok... the chicken was cooked through, and it tasted pretty good. Didn't need to call for pizza. It did take longer than I expected, but I will know better for next time.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
January 2010 Hobbit-ish Book Reviews
Greetings Humble Readers...
It's been a while since I have done a book reveiw post. I thought I would give you a run down on what I've been reading. Two posthumous offerings from a couple of my favourite authors, a couple great reads for book clubs (if only I was a part of one), the next big thing in kids fiction, a treatise on manners, and some fluff.
Ciao Bella by Janice Kirk (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I stumbled across this one by accident, but I'm glad I did. It's the story of a young Canadian woman married to a missing Italian soldier, set at the end of WWII. The story begins with her waiting for him to return as she cares for his failing father. An American soldier, apparently lost and with a broken down motorcycle, takes shelter in their barn, and quickly becomes a part of their small world. The storyline that follows isn't altogether original, but unique in its subtle plot twists and interesting characters. Will her husband return? What is the American hiding? Can she let herself grieve when she doesn't know her husband's fate?
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - A complete manuscript found in Crichton's office after his death, this is not a typical Crichton story. Not at all science-based, imagine a more brutal, less humourous version of Pirates of the Carribean. Don't get me wrong, it had it's amusing moments, but it certainly didn't fit with what I was expecting. The story of a privateer captain setting out to capture a Spanish galleon full of gold, there are plenty of battles, daring rescues, and near wrecks. The thing that's killing me is that it leaves you hanging... I know there was another book found among Crichton's papers. I can only hope that it carries on with the story.
A Dangerous Love by Sabrina Jeffries (3.5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - A dying British Lord, father of three beautiful daughters, is trying to rectify an old wrong and provide for his daughers at the same time. His estate is entailed to the next male relative, the son of a cousin and known profiteer. Hidden identities, family secrets, and women who want to marry for love... all needed ingredients for a regency romance. I generally really enjoy Jeffries' romane novels, but this one felt a bit lacking. Her female lead was a bit wishy-washy, and the hero was less than heroic in many circumstances.
School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister (4.5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - An interesting collection of short, interconnected stories about a group of people attending a non-traditional cooking class. The teacher, a proponent of the slow food movement, works to show her students that food is a part of life, to be experienced and shared, rather than a necessity to be utilized. From the elderly couple with a surprising past, to the klutzy insecure young woman, to the man mourning the loss of his wife, and the woman in the first stages of memory loss/alzheimers... all the students have something to learn and it's not just how to combine tomatoes, garlic, and basil to make pasta sauce. This book was very enjoyable, and great book club fodder.
I See Rude People by Amy Alkon (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I was instantly intrigued when this title showed up in my store. I have a very strong opinion about how manners have declined in our culture, and I was excited to see that I was not alone. Her chapters on mobile phone savages (take that! chick who talks on her cell phone in a public bathroom!) and underparented children were outstanding, and I was literally cheering the author on as I was reading. But in between were rambling chapters on how she was abused by others (her car was stolen, her identity was stolen, her bank account was fraudulently tapped) and how she hunted down the perpetrators. Her war on bad manners started when she decided not to be a victim any longer, and I applaud her efforts. I just didn't need to hear the minutia of her every interaction with uncaring law enforcement officers and corporate suits.
The Blythes Are Quoted by L. M. Montgomery (2 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I can't express how disappointed I was with this book. I was so excited... the 'lost' final book of the Anne of Green Gables series! Never before published in its entirety. A manuscript delivered to her publishers on the day Montgomery passed away. Well, as a life-long fan of Montgomery, and as an avid reader of anything with her name on it, I was very saddened to find out that I had indeed already read 90% of this book. Rather than being a continuous narrative, it is a collection of short stories that only involve the Blythe family in a peripheral way. Other than that, there are poems between each short story with a bit of dialogue between Anne and Gilbert. The short stories have all been previously published in other collections. Don't waste your money if you are a LMM fan. Get it from the library.
Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - Loved, loved, loved this book! Riordan is capitalizing on the Harry Potter formula, but he does so with a sense of adventure and a major sense of humour. Percy, a middle school student dealing with ADHD and dyslexia, always seems to be getting into trouble. Strange things happen around him, things that only a few other people seem to understand. As he journeys to find out the secrets behind who he is, he ends up having the adventure of a lifetime... traveling across the US, battling creatures and beings of myth and legend, and saving the world in the process! FUN! I can't wait to read the rest.
So, that's it for January. 7 out of 75 down!
It's been a while since I have done a book reveiw post. I thought I would give you a run down on what I've been reading. Two posthumous offerings from a couple of my favourite authors, a couple great reads for book clubs (if only I was a part of one), the next big thing in kids fiction, a treatise on manners, and some fluff.
Ciao Bella by Janice Kirk (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I stumbled across this one by accident, but I'm glad I did. It's the story of a young Canadian woman married to a missing Italian soldier, set at the end of WWII. The story begins with her waiting for him to return as she cares for his failing father. An American soldier, apparently lost and with a broken down motorcycle, takes shelter in their barn, and quickly becomes a part of their small world. The storyline that follows isn't altogether original, but unique in its subtle plot twists and interesting characters. Will her husband return? What is the American hiding? Can she let herself grieve when she doesn't know her husband's fate?
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton (4 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - A complete manuscript found in Crichton's office after his death, this is not a typical Crichton story. Not at all science-based, imagine a more brutal, less humourous version of Pirates of the Carribean. Don't get me wrong, it had it's amusing moments, but it certainly didn't fit with what I was expecting. The story of a privateer captain setting out to capture a Spanish galleon full of gold, there are plenty of battles, daring rescues, and near wrecks. The thing that's killing me is that it leaves you hanging... I know there was another book found among Crichton's papers. I can only hope that it carries on with the story.
A Dangerous Love by Sabrina Jeffries (3.5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - A dying British Lord, father of three beautiful daughters, is trying to rectify an old wrong and provide for his daughers at the same time. His estate is entailed to the next male relative, the son of a cousin and known profiteer. Hidden identities, family secrets, and women who want to marry for love... all needed ingredients for a regency romance. I generally really enjoy Jeffries' romane novels, but this one felt a bit lacking. Her female lead was a bit wishy-washy, and the hero was less than heroic in many circumstances.
School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister (4.5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - An interesting collection of short, interconnected stories about a group of people attending a non-traditional cooking class. The teacher, a proponent of the slow food movement, works to show her students that food is a part of life, to be experienced and shared, rather than a necessity to be utilized. From the elderly couple with a surprising past, to the klutzy insecure young woman, to the man mourning the loss of his wife, and the woman in the first stages of memory loss/alzheimers... all the students have something to learn and it's not just how to combine tomatoes, garlic, and basil to make pasta sauce. This book was very enjoyable, and great book club fodder.
I See Rude People by Amy Alkon (3 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I was instantly intrigued when this title showed up in my store. I have a very strong opinion about how manners have declined in our culture, and I was excited to see that I was not alone. Her chapters on mobile phone savages (take that! chick who talks on her cell phone in a public bathroom!) and underparented children were outstanding, and I was literally cheering the author on as I was reading. But in between were rambling chapters on how she was abused by others (her car was stolen, her identity was stolen, her bank account was fraudulently tapped) and how she hunted down the perpetrators. Her war on bad manners started when she decided not to be a victim any longer, and I applaud her efforts. I just didn't need to hear the minutia of her every interaction with uncaring law enforcement officers and corporate suits.
The Blythes Are Quoted by L. M. Montgomery (2 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - I can't express how disappointed I was with this book. I was so excited... the 'lost' final book of the Anne of Green Gables series! Never before published in its entirety. A manuscript delivered to her publishers on the day Montgomery passed away. Well, as a life-long fan of Montgomery, and as an avid reader of anything with her name on it, I was very saddened to find out that I had indeed already read 90% of this book. Rather than being a continuous narrative, it is a collection of short stories that only involve the Blythe family in a peripheral way. Other than that, there are poems between each short story with a bit of dialogue between Anne and Gilbert. The short stories have all been previously published in other collections. Don't waste your money if you are a LMM fan. Get it from the library.
Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (5 out of 5 hairy hobbit toes) - Loved, loved, loved this book! Riordan is capitalizing on the Harry Potter formula, but he does so with a sense of adventure and a major sense of humour. Percy, a middle school student dealing with ADHD and dyslexia, always seems to be getting into trouble. Strange things happen around him, things that only a few other people seem to understand. As he journeys to find out the secrets behind who he is, he ends up having the adventure of a lifetime... traveling across the US, battling creatures and beings of myth and legend, and saving the world in the process! FUN! I can't wait to read the rest.
So, that's it for January. 7 out of 75 down!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Hobbit-ish Potpurri: Monday Morning Minutia
Good Morning Humble Readers...
It's been a quiet weekend. AF has packed her bags and has left for another month. She's been staying for short amounts of time lately, more than three days, but not a full four days. Just something to think about.
******
I have been slowly making my way through the Creme list (check out the link to the right if you don't know what I'm talking about). I've found I can only read a couple of posts a day because they are so emotionally charged. There are so many incredible stories in our community! If you haven't submitted something for the list, Mel is accepting submissions until March 1.
******
Calling my fellow foodies! I am going to be brave this week and am going to try frying chicken. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I have been reading a LOT of recipes and have a pretty good idea of what I need to do, but there are some contradictions. Soak the chicken in ice water or in buttermilk? Cook for 8 minutes a side, or 20 minutes, before turning? My Beloved is prepared for an emergency pizza order in case everything goes to pot.
*****
Does anyone have any experience with the OV.Wat.ch? I'm looking at getting one (from Kiji.ji... the Canadian equivilent of Cr.aig's List) and I want to hear how it worked for others.
*****
For those who asked... Yerger Burgers are kind of like sloppy joes. Brown up your ground beef, toss in a diced onion, a bunch of ketchup and mustard, and at the last minute a bunch of chopped up dill pickles (basically whatever you put on a burger). Then you put the mix on some good chewy buns, top with shredded cheese, then wrap them in foil and toss them in the oven for 10 or 15 minutes.
*****
I didn't make Iron Commenter during ICLW in January... *pout* It wasn't for lack of trying. I was able to visit 120 (or so) blogs before I ran out of time and steam. I love that there are so many people on the list these days, but it also makes me a little sad that there are so many of us... if you know what I mean.
*****
I watched the Dugg.ar special last night... about the premature birth of their 19th child. Honestly, I don't know what to make of the Dugg.ars, but in watching that episode last night it was very apparent how they cherish their children and don't take it for granted that they have been blessed with all these kids.
It's been a quiet weekend. AF has packed her bags and has left for another month. She's been staying for short amounts of time lately, more than three days, but not a full four days. Just something to think about.
******
I have been slowly making my way through the Creme list (check out the link to the right if you don't know what I'm talking about). I've found I can only read a couple of posts a day because they are so emotionally charged. There are so many incredible stories in our community! If you haven't submitted something for the list, Mel is accepting submissions until March 1.
******
Calling my fellow foodies! I am going to be brave this week and am going to try frying chicken. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I have been reading a LOT of recipes and have a pretty good idea of what I need to do, but there are some contradictions. Soak the chicken in ice water or in buttermilk? Cook for 8 minutes a side, or 20 minutes, before turning? My Beloved is prepared for an emergency pizza order in case everything goes to pot.
*****
Does anyone have any experience with the OV.Wat.ch? I'm looking at getting one (from Kiji.ji... the Canadian equivilent of Cr.aig's List) and I want to hear how it worked for others.
*****
For those who asked... Yerger Burgers are kind of like sloppy joes. Brown up your ground beef, toss in a diced onion, a bunch of ketchup and mustard, and at the last minute a bunch of chopped up dill pickles (basically whatever you put on a burger). Then you put the mix on some good chewy buns, top with shredded cheese, then wrap them in foil and toss them in the oven for 10 or 15 minutes.
*****
I didn't make Iron Commenter during ICLW in January... *pout* It wasn't for lack of trying. I was able to visit 120 (or so) blogs before I ran out of time and steam. I love that there are so many people on the list these days, but it also makes me a little sad that there are so many of us... if you know what I mean.
*****
I watched the Dugg.ar special last night... about the premature birth of their 19th child. Honestly, I don't know what to make of the Dugg.ars, but in watching that episode last night it was very apparent how they cherish their children and don't take it for granted that they have been blessed with all these kids.
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