Thursday, March 31, 2005

Other Things my Brain Needs to Learn

Microsoft Access is an evil necessity. My record database at work is huge. Like Excel is rapidly running out of lines, huge. As a consequence of being the administrator, over-seer and all-around-babysitter of said database, I am required to learn Microsoft Access. Let me tell you, having a conversation about getting access to Access causes major confusing for the IT support that is to install it, as well as any other cube dwelling neighbors who are listening to your conversation. I like Excel. I'm comfortable with it. I know how to get what I want and check my data to make sure it makes sense. I don't like Access. It's uncomfortable. I can't get what I think I should be able to. I don't know if my data makes sense. It is a slow, plodding and some what painful road that I walk right now. I keep reminding myself that I'll be a better person for it when I'm done. Or when I'm done I'll be a better person to be around since I won't be cursing under my breath every few seconds.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Bookworm Reports

I should probably apologize for the lengthy book lists I've posted, but I won't. One of the things I want to do on my blog is give book reviews and I've been rather lax about it. To make my lists complete, I decided that I also needed to post my past readings and link to the applicable month. Once in that month, starting with March 2005, I want to the the title linked to the review I have done as well. This public proclamation is to guilt me into doing it even when I don't feel like it. Thanks for being patient with my tediousness.

Bookworm Report, 2004

January

  • Key of Valor by Nora Roberts
  • Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts
  • Nights In Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
  • Key of Valor by Nora Roberts
  • The Plan by Stephan J. Cannell
February
  • The Wonderful World of O by James Thurber
  • How Does Olive Oil Loses its Virginity? by
  • Lucy's Laundrette (Book Club Selection) by Betsy Burke
  • The Partner by John Grisham
  • Confessions of a Shopoholic (Book Club Selection) by
  • Last Puzzle & Testament by Parnell Hall
  • Split Second by David Baldacci
  • Dead Ringer by Lisa Scotello
March
  • The Last Juror by John Grisham
  • Letters From a Nut by Ted L. Nancy
  • The Bride Hunt by Jane Feather
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • Howard's End by E.M Foster
April
  • Kissed by Shadows by Jane Feather
  • Almost Innocent by Jane Feather
  • Suicide Season -- A Devlin Kirk Novel by Rex Burns
May
  • The Prize by Julie Garwood
  • Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown
  • Corner of the Universe by Ann Matthews Martin
  • For the Children by Tara Taylor Quinn
  • The Road To Echo Point by Carrie Weaver
  • The Prometheus Conspriacy by Robert Ludlum
  • Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
  • Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
  • Deception Point by Dan Brown
  • A Midnight Clear by Katherine Patterson
  • Naked Came the Phoenix by Various
June
  • Burden of Proof by Scott Turow
  • Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding
  • Wild Orchids by Jude Deaveraux
  • Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
  • Birthright by Nora Roberts
  • True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
July
  • The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
  • Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
  • Left for Dead by Kevin O'Brien
  • Diary of a Mad Mother-to-be by Laura Wolf
  • House Husband by Ad Hudler
August
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
  • Dead Women Don't Wear Diamonds by Nancy Martin
  • Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts
  • Finding the Dream (audio) by Nora Roberts
  • Untamed by Nora Roberts
  • Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson
  • An American Summer - Book Crossing by Frank Deford
  • The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
  • Born O'Hurley by Nora Roberts
September
  • Sam's Letter to Jennifer by James Patterson
  • A Certain Smile by Judith Michaels
  • 3rd Degree by James Patterson
  • Key of Light by Nora Roberts
  • Tough Cookie by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
  • A Little Night Magic by Nora Roberts
  • Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  • Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag
  • Half Moon Bay by Meryl Sawyer
  • Nights Landing by Carla Neggers
October
  • Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont
  • Trunk Music by Michael Connelly
  • Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen
  • Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
  • Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
  • Wild Orchids by Jude Deaveraux
  • As Night Falls by S.K. McClafferty
  • Once and Always by Johanna Lindsey
November
  • Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich
  • Night Watch by Terry Prachett
  • London Bridge by James Patterson
  • Hour Game by David Baldacci
  • Mimosa Grove by Dinah McCall
  • Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
December
  • Secret Admirer by Patricia MacDonald
  • Hot Ice by Nora Roberts
  • Magician's Ward by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Population: 485 by Michael Perry
  • Sorcery & Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
  • Book of Enchantments by Patricia C. Wrede
  • The Grand Tour by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
  • Night Fall by Nelson DeMille
  • Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts
  • The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
  • Sleeping Beauty by Philip Margolin
  • Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
  • Why They Killed Big Boy by Michael Perry

Bookworm Report, 2004

January

  • Key of Valor by Nora Roberts
  • Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts
  • Nights In Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
  • Key of Valor by Nora Roberts
  • The Plan by Stephan J. Cannell
February
  • The Wonderful World of O by James Thurber
  • How Does Olive Oil Loses its Virginity? by
  • Lucy's Laundrette (Book Club Selection) by Betsy Burke
  • The Partner by John Grisham
  • Confessions of a Shopoholic (Book Club Selection) by
  • Last Puzzle & Testament by Parnell Hall
  • Split Second by David Baldacci
  • Dead Ringer by Lisa Scotello
March
  • The Last Juror by John Grisham
  • Letters From a Nut by Ted L. Nancy
  • The Bride Hunt by Jane Feather
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • Howard's End by E.M Foster
April
  • Kissed by Shadows by Jane Feather
  • Almost Innocent by Jane Feather
  • Suicide Season -- A Devlin Kirk Novel by Rex Burns
May
  • The Prize by Julie Garwood
  • Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown
  • Corner of the Universe by Ann Matthews Martin
  • For the Children by Tara Taylor Quinn
  • The Road To Echo Point by Carrie Weaver
  • The Prometheus Conspriacy by Robert Ludlum
  • Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
  • Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
  • Deception Point by Dan Brown
  • A Midnight Clear by Katherine Patterson
  • Naked Came the Phoenix by Various
June
  • Burden of Proof by Scott Turow
  • Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding
  • Wild Orchids by Jude Deaveraux
  • Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
  • Birthright by Nora Roberts
  • True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
July
  • The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
  • Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
  • Left for Dead by Kevin O'Brien
  • Diary of a Mad Mother-to-be by Laura Wolf
  • House Husband by Ad Hudler
August
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
  • Dead Women Don't Wear Diamonds by Nancy Martin
  • Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts
  • Finding the Dream (audio) by Nora Roberts
  • Untamed by Nora Roberts
  • Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson
  • An American Summer - Book Crossing by Frank Deford
  • The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
  • Born O'Hurley by Nora Roberts
September
  • Sam's Letter to Jennifer by James Patterson
  • A Certain Smile by Judith Michaels
  • 3rd Degree by James Patterson
  • Key of Light by Nora Roberts
  • Tough Cookie by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
  • A Little Night Magic by Nora Roberts
  • Eragon by Christopher Paolini
  • Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag
  • Half Moon Bay by Meryl Sawyer
  • Nights Landing by Carla Neggers
October
  • Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont
  • Trunk Music by Michael Connelly
  • Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen
  • Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
  • Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
  • Wild Orchids by Jude Deaveraux
  • As Night Falls by S.K. McClafferty
  • Once and Always by Johanna Lindsey
November
  • Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich
  • Night Watch by Terry Prachett
  • London Bridge by James Patterson
  • Hour Game by David Baldacci
  • Mimosa Grove by Dinah McCall
  • Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
December
  • Secret Admirer by Patricia MacDonald
  • Hot Ice by Nora Roberts
  • Magician's Ward by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Population: 485 by Michael Perry
  • Sorcery & Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
  • Book of Enchantments by Patricia C. Wrede
  • The Grand Tour by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer
  • Night Fall by Nelson DeMille
  • Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts
  • The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
  • Sleeping Beauty by Philip Margolin
  • Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
  • Why They Killed Big Boy by Michael Perry

Bookworm Report, 2003

January

  • Lord of the Silent (audio) by Elizabeth Peters
  • The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
February
  • The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
  • A Dangerous Mourning (audio) by Anne Perry
  • Hanging by a Thread by Monica Ferris
  • Black Rainbow (audio) by Barbara Michaels
  • King of Tortes by John Grisham
March
  • Tough Cookie (audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Crewel World by Monica Ferris
April
  • Catering to Nobody (audio) (1st) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • The Main Corpse (audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Planning Your Pregnancy by (unsure)
  • The Bestseller by Olivia Goldsmith
  • Last Man Standing by David Baldacci
  • Death of a Stranger (audio) by Anne Perry
May
  • PenPals (audio) by Olivia Goldsmith
  • The Last Suppers (audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Word of Honor by Nelson DeMille
  • The Ultimate Guide to Harry Potter by HP Sleuths
  • Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
June
  • Nanny Diaries (Audio) by
  • Grilling Season (Audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
  • The Mirror by (unsure)
  • Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult
  • Local Girls by Alice Hoffman
  • More than You Know by (unsure)
July
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
  • Nerd in Shining Armour by (unsure)
  • Your Pregnancy Week by Week by (unsure)
August
  • The Eternity Code by Eoin Coulfer
  • Dying for Chocolate (Audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • To the Nines by Janet Evanovich
  • Killer Pancakes (Audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
September

(none)

October

  • Tara Road (Audio) by Maeve Bincy
  • Bleachers by John Grisham
  • Kill Joy by Julie Garwood
  • Suspicion of Betrayal (Audio) by Barbara Parker
  • Suspicion of Deceit (Audio) by Barbara Parker
November
  • Diary of a Mad Mother-to-be (Book Club Selection) by Laura Wolf
  • Prime Cut (Audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • The Cereal Murders (Audio) by Diane Mott Davidson
  • When the Bough Breaks (Audio) by Jonathan Kellerman
  • The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing (Audio) by Melissa Bank
  • The Devil Wears Prada (Book Club Selection) by Lauren Weisberger
  • Key of Light by Nora Roberts
December
  • A Room with a View by E.M Foster
  • Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (Audio) by Gregory Maguire
  • Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts
  • Key of Light by Nora Roberts

Bookworm Report, 2002

January

  • The Locket by Richard Paul Evans
  • The Carousel by Richard Paul Evans
  • Spencerville by Nelson Demille
  • Loyalty in Death by J.D.Robb
  • The Web by Jonathan Kellerman
  • Like our Sisters Before Us by Jamakaya
  • Do you Want to Know a Secret? by Mary Jane Clark
  • Violets are Blue by James Patterson
  • Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
  • Write Angles by Bill Kinkaid
  • The Hades Project by Robert Ludlum
  • Billy Straight by Jonathan Kellerman
February
  • The General's Daughter by Nelson Demille
  • Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
  • The Lion's Game by Nelson Demille
  • The Alibi by Sandra Brown
  • Thursday's Child by Sandra Brown
  • The Summons by John Grisham
  • Plain Jane by Fern Michaels
  • The Last Precinct by Patrica Cornwell
March
  • Naked Once More by Elizabeth Peters
  • Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
April
  • Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golded
  • The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
  • The Husband Test by Betina Krahn
May
  • The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey
  • Murder by Absolution by (unsure)
  • The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by (unsure)
  • Face the Fire by Nora Roberts
  • Artemis Fowl - The Arctic Incident by Eoin Coulfer
June
  • Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters
  • The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deaveraux
  • The Three Fates by Nora Roberts
  • High Five by Janet Evanovich
  • Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
July
  • Night Train to Memphis (audio) by Elizabeth Peters
  • Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
  • Three Fates by Nora Roberts
  • A Class By Itself by Sandra Brown
  • Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown
  • Beach House by James Patterson
August
  • Above and Beyond by Sandra Brown
  • Led Astray by Sandra Brown
  • Smoke and Mirrors by Barbara Michaels
  • Night Sins by Tami Hoag
  • Street of the Five Moons (audio) by Elizabeth Peters
  • Silohette in Scarlet (audio) by Elizabeth Peters
  • Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown
  • 2nd Chance by James Patterson
  • Cold Paradise by Stuart Woods
September
  • Confession by Nancy Pickard
  • Dust to Dust by Tami Hoag
  • Mourning Shift by Kathleen Taylor
  • Full House by Janet Evanovich
  • Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
October
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Forever… by Jude Deaveraux
  • Up Country by Nelson Demille
  • Hard Eight (audio) by Janet Evanovich
  • Trojan Gold (audio) by Elizabeth Peters
  • A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle
  • A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Forever… by Jude Deaveraux
November
  • Full House by Janet Evanovich
  • Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Visions of Sugared Plums by Janet Evanovich
  • The Face of A Stranger (Audio) by Anne Perry
  • Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Borrower of the Night (audio) by Elizabeth Peters
  • Mercy by Julie Garwood
  • Defend and Betray by Anne Perry
  • Series of Unfortunate Events: The Carnivous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
  • Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorised Autobiography by Lemony Snicket
December
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • Table for Two by Nora Roberts

Bookworm Report, 2001

For the Sake of my sanity... I'm one of those horribly consistent people and it bothers me that I refer to something but never posted it. Hence, post of the master list of books read, by year. January

  • The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
  • Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts
  • The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
  • The Reader by Benard Schlink
  • Rebellion by Amanda Quick
  • Rendezvou by Amanda Quick
  • Ravished by Amanda Quick
  • Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
  • One Summer by Karen Robbards
  • High Temptation by Jude Deaveraux
  • Genuine Lies by Nora Roberts
  • The Stanislaski Brothers -- Alexis & Mikhail by Nora Roberts
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Heartbreaker by Julie Garwood
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
  • Great Sex Games by Anne Hooper
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
  • Shakespeare's Scribe by Gary Blackwood
  • Bethlehem Road by Anne Perry
  • Regular Guy by Sarah Weeks
  • Alexander, Who used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Voirst
  • Bloomability by Sharon Creech
  • Ties that Bind, Ties that Break by Lensey Namioka
  • The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
  • The Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
February
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • The Stanislaski Sisters -- Natasha and Rachel by Nora Roberts
  • Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
  • Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray
  • Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep by Gail Carson Levine
  • Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli
  • Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer
  • The Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
  • The Mouse of Amherst by Elizabeth Spires
  • A Season in the Highlands by Various Authors
  • J.K. Rowling: The Wizard behind Harry Potter by Marc Shapiro
March
  • The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • The Reef by Nora Roberts
  • Briar Rose by Jane Yolen
  • From the Heart -- Three Stories by Nora Roberts
  • Owners Guide to Hamsters by Barrie
  • Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • The Series of Unfortunate Events: The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
  • After the Dancing Days by Margaret I. Rostkowski
  • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them by Newt Scamander
  • Quidditch through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp
  • The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins
  • Affair by Amanda Quick
  • Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts
  • Bright Shadow by Avi
  • The Winner by David Baldacci
  • Heroes and Monsters – Greek Myths by ?
  • Steal Away Home by Lois Ruby
  • Wicked Widow by Amanda Quick
April
  • The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
  • The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander
  • The Castle of Llyar by Lloyd Alexander
  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Calvin and Hobbes – Weirdos from Another Planet by Bill Watterson
  • The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
  • Calvin and Hobbes – Revenge of the Baby-Sat by Bill Watterson
  • Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman
  • Taran Wandarer by Lloyd Alexander
  • Matilda by Roald Dahl
  • Calvin and Hobbes – Something Under the Bed is Drooling by Bill Watterson
  • The High King by Lloyd Alexander
  • Calvin and Hobbes – It’s a Magical World by Bill Watterson
  • Calvin and Hobbes – Scientific Progress Goes Boink by Bill Watterson
May
  • The BFG by Roald Dahl
  • The Series of Unfortunate Events – The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket
  • The Series of Unfortunate Events – The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket
  • Redwall by Brian Jacques
  • The Dress Lodger by Sheri Hollman
  • The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
  • Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
  • speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • The Wonderful O by James Thurber
  • Cinderellis and the Glass Hill by Gail Carson Levine
  • The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg
  • Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • The Bellmaker by Brian Jacques
  • A Time Apart by Diane Stanley
  • Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
  • Finding Forrester by James W. Ellison
  • Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byers
  • Hard Landing by Lynne Heitman
June
  • Mary Queen of Scots and the Isles by Margaret George
  • The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
  • The Villa by Nora Roberts
  • Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
  • Dance Upon Air by Nora Roberts
  • Absolute Power by David Baldacci
  • Mistress by Amanda Quick
July
  • A Painted House by John Grisham
  • Knight of the Sacred Lake by Rosalind Mills
  • 1st to Die by James Patterson
  • The Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver
  • Reflections and Dreams by Nora Roberts
  • The Heretic’s Apprentice by Ellis Peterson
  • With This Ring by Amanda Quick
August
  • Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
  • Saving Faith by David Baldacci
  • Killing Time (Audio) by Caleb Carr
  • Bad Boy by Olivia Goldsmith
  • The Family Way by Jayne Ann Krenz
  • Once Upon a Dream by Nora Roberts
  • Private Affairs by Judith Michael
September
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  • Atlantis Found by Clive Cussler
  • Home to You by Muriel Jenen
  • The Wedding in White by Diane Palmer
October
  • Time and Again by Nora Roberts
  • The Simple Truth by David Baldacci
  • The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre
  • The Fifth of March by Ann Rinaldi
  • The Secret of Sarah Revere by Ann Rinaldi
  • A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks
  • Darkness Peering by Alice Blanchard
  • Beetles, Lightly Toasted by Phyllis Renolds Naylor
  • Inca Gold by Clive Cussler
  • Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbon – The Story of Phillis Wheatley by Ann Rinaldi
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secret’s by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
  • The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes
November
  • Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts
  • The Classroom at the End of the Hall by Douglas Evans
  • Hercules – the Twelve Labors of a Legendary Hero by
  • Mountain Light by Laurence Yep
  • Keep Smiling Throug by Ann Rinaldi
  • Everything We Had by Al Santoli
  • Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
  • Year of Wonders—A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks
  • The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
  • Mine Eyes Have Seen by Ann Rinaldi
  • The Fall of Maggie Brown by Ann Stuart
  • Circle of Gold by Diana Palmer
  • Dr. Death by Jonathan Kellerman
  • Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
  • A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
  • The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood
  • Clockwork by Philip Pullman
  • I was a Rat! by Philip Pullman
  • Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts
December
  • Glass Houses by Stella Cameron
  • Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts
  • Equivocal Death by Amy Gutman
  • A Finer End by Deborah Crombie
  • The Enduring Vision – 20th Century American History by
  • Curriculum Integration by
  • What every Middle School Teacher should Know by
  • Miscellaneous readings for Whaley by
  • At My Father’s House by Ann Rinaldi
  • Confessions of a Shopoholic by
  • Artemis Fowl by Eoin Coulfer
  • Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz
  • Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
  • One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Ripping Music & Blogs

I'm ripping some of the cds I had when I was in high school. It amazes me how when I play certain tracks, albums, lyrics, I have a flood of memories. Some good, some bad. It has been quite the trip. I'm currently listening to Violent Femmes "Blister in the Sun." If that doesn't date me, then I don't know what else would. I love these guys. Having an MP3 player is really motivating me to re-discover my music collection. And it makes those free tunes from Pepsi and iTunes much more useful than they used to be.

I love Arbitrary Decisions...

...as much as I love people who use the symbol for hearts instead of typing "love" (lazy bums.) My work flow was recently impacted by a seemingly arbitrary decision. In the long run it truly makes no difference to me, but it annoys me none the less. (And although I swore off blogging about work, I'm breaking the rules.) As I administer my databases, I have to write reports so that the database makes since to those less intimately acquainted with it than me. (What? Why don't you know that Column BD clearly is the product of Column D and AC.) As I design these reports using my own personal sense of style and propriety, I jot notes to myself on a legal pad. Nothing fancy as no one other than myself can read the incomprehensible scribbles. Quite frankly, often times I cannot read them, either. I rummaged through my supply room closet one day to appropriate a new legal pad only to find that the stack had been replaced with something called "Project Planner" notebooks. A quick inquiry of the administrative staff solved the problem: "The X-Team prefers these, so we aren't going to stock legal pads anymore. I can order them for you, if you want." An order that will take up to a week to get here, provided that it is remembered when placing the order. No, thanks. I took one of the "Project Planners" and set back to my cube. What an utterly useless piece of s***. The whole thing has a spiral wire binding it together. Perfect for catching on sweaters (which by the way are a staple in the summer because hypothermia is possible when sitting in front of a computer all day long.) As if the spiral weren't enough, the pages are perforated. Perfect for easy remove -- intentionally and unintentionally. The icing on the cake came when I tried to turn to the second page; spiral wire binding being insufficient by the publisher's standards, the left edge of the pages were pasted together like a good binding on a paperback book. While the decision may have started as arbitrary, it has become a full-fledged p.i.t.a.*. *Pain In The Ass

Monday, March 28, 2005

Sour Grapes

Deny it all he wants, it still comes off sounding like sour grapes.

"I want to tell the truth," said Ben Rowling. "She based a lot of the character on myself." He said it was "aggravating" knowing what he believed was true when the author has publicly denied his claims. "It's about respect." With Ben Rowling hooked up to a polygraph machine, he appeared on PAX-TV's Lie Detector and was asked: Are you claiming to be the real-life Harry Potter to benefit from your cousin's financial success? Are you claiming to be the real-life Harry Potter in order to have fame? He responded "no" to each question and was told later in the show that their test indicated he was telling the truth. "I came here to prove I'm the real-life Harry Potter, and I did it," he said.
The thing about polygraph tests is that they are somewhat easy to beat. If you truly believe the answer as given, you can beat it. Doesn't really prove that the answer is right, just that the person truly believes in what they are saying.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Ten Gimmicks for Saving Money

If you have been a regular reader of my blog, you know that I like to save money. I pursue the MSN Money boards for realistic tips and tricks for someone of my financial standing. My favorite poster, Liz Pulliam Weston, came up with ten gimmicks that can make saving fun and less painful.

“It’s a hook, kind of like ‘no carbs’ is a hook,” says Chatzky, financial editor for NBC’s Today Show. “This is a problem we need to get our hands around. . . . (We need) some sort of mental game we can play with ourselves that will help us solve the problem.” If we were entirely logical, of course, we wouldn’t need hooks or gimmicks or any of the little self-delusions that in reality can be so helpful in giving ourselves a financial cushion.
I've used one of the tricks listed -- padding my checkbook. It has covered my butt a couple of times. But I really like a couple of the others too. I'm going to have to decide which will be my next savings gimmick.

No Further Word From the Scammer

...which was a bit disappointing. But I did receive another "first" email from him. Gosh, I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to get those funds.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

From Phillip Andrews (Urgent Reply)

I'm going to be having some fun with scammers. This piece showed up in my spam box about an hour ago. I also had the same message on 3-21, but didn't notice it as I don't check my spam box every day. There are a plethora of sites that play around with scammers. I decided to do the same. I'll post the dialogue as it occurs. Here's an excerpt of the first standard message:

Hello, Greetings to you my dear friend,It is obvious that this proposal will come to you as a suprise.Its because we have not met before, but I am sending you this email in regards of the fund transfer opportunity that will be of mutual benefit to the two of us. I am Barrister Phillip Andrews,the personal Attorney to the late Senator Paul lane Wellstone, a Citizen of the United states. On the 25th of October 2002, my client,his wife and their three children were involved in a fatal Plane Crash on their way home. Unfortunately they all lost their lives including other people in the Plane.Since then I have made several enquiries to several Embassies to locate any of my clients extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to trace and locate any member of his family but of no avail,hence I contacted you.
Because, afterall a random stranger is better than anyone else when trying to misappropriate funds. The plane crash really did happen, but in Northern Minnesota during his campaigning. My response:
Mr. Andrews, Gosh, was I ever surprised to receive your email. I was in my junior year of high school when that crash happened. Imagine, an important senator like that having no will or any way to take care of his wealth when it happened. Course, he probably didn't expect it, him being so young and all. I'd be glad to help. Let me know what I can do. Stacie
Let the games begin!

New Facts to Titalate and Amuse Your Friends

Gullible provides opening lines for every ackward situation that one may encounter. Heck, if nothing else, it should prove that anyone can put anything on the internet and call it a fact.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Teaching my Brain new Tricks

School was a long time ago, folks. Most of what I learned there would have been helpful had I stayed on the original career path. But since I took a major turn in life, I find that I need to teach myself how to do things that I should have known how to do years ago. Like HTML coding. Like how CSS works with HTML. But most importantly, how to trackback. Trackbacking is everywhere. I love the idea of reading other people's thoughts on a post that I've enjoyed. Often, I'll even post about and think, now my blog will be registered with the trackback. Alas, it is not so. First, I had to have trackback on my own blog. Hence, the change to Halcon comments. With Haloscan, I was trackback-enabled. (Yes, I'm making up words again. Deal.) My first post to trackback! But wait, somethings wrong. It's not working. Work calls, kids calls, marriage calls. Everything is left on the to-do pile. Several weeks pass and I figure I should tackle the problem again. I check out some helpful sites, mainly this one from TypePad. Very helpful, but I use Blogger cos it's free. Haloscan has a tutorial that I quickly find, now that I understand the theory of how trackbacks work. But wait - Blogger isn't automated. I have to do a manual trackback??? WHAT THE?? Okay, I can cope. After all, if I ping them, they might see me, more readers, wider audiences, etc. etc. All the things I want, but am not getting. So, I taught myself how do to this. I can't wait until Blogger makes it automatic.

Monday, March 21, 2005

The Blind Fragging the Blind

Okay, I have to admit that the title caught my eye and I had no idea what it said. Now I know how my five year old feels when I use words he doesn't understand (Pick - up - your - toys.) In reality, the article is about gamers who are blind. Personally, I never thought about it, but there's a growing number of them available for the blind.

"My dad had taken me as a young person to arcades and he would tell me what to do, and what was going on," said Feir, founder of Audyssey Gaming Magazine, an online quarterly for blind gamers. "I always thought that I could play myself if they were sound-based games." Now the games exist -- lots of them. Audio games represent almost every gaming genre, from multiplayer role-playing games to action-adventure titles, driving games, science fiction thrillers and puzzle games.
Totally awesome. I personally like RPG (role playing games.) But I couldn't imagine trying to find hidden items when I can't even tell what I'm looking for. But then too, I don't spend my days in the dark either. Brainstorm -- what an awesome way to explain to a sighted person how a blind person spends their day. I'm going to have to check into this further.

Friday, March 18, 2005

I think I'd like to...

...read the next Harry Potter book in one sitting. "Boss, I'm sick. I have Potter-itis. The only cure is to read."

Best Website in Oshkosh Contest

I've been nominated for Best Website in Oshkosh Contest held by the Oshkosh Public Library. I found out about it by checking my referrer logs. I wonder how the nominees for Academy awards find out. By reading the tabloids, perhaps? The listing of the my competition is cool. I didn't realize that so many sites were to be found in the area. Good luck, everyone!

Thursday, March 17, 2005

I think I'd like to...

...hand a "Shut-up" card to anyone having an extremely personal phone conversation in an extremely public area.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

I think I'd like to...

...give my screaming kid to the person who decided that the twist off top was not enough security for the gallon of milk and had to put an impossible to remove foil seal on the jug as well.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

I think I'd like to...

...work in a porn shop. Then I could tell people "Have a good time" and know that they most likely will.

Monday, March 14, 2005

News about .Net

On Daily Dose of Excel a petition is being circulated about Microsoft's decision to not back support VB6 in .Net. As a consequence, any code written in VB6 or earlier would be extinct. Quite the scary thought for anyone who has any sort of customizing in VB6. From what I understand, the change to .Net serves only Microsoft's purpose. By not supporting the VB6 community, they are forcing a new product upon its users for the sole purpose of profit. The corporate greed of Microsoft is really pissing me off. How much money is enough?

Friday, March 11, 2005

Terms of wealth

I'm the 218,347,827 richest person on earth!


Discover how rich you are! >>
It's all a matter of perspective, I guess. But it still doesn't get all of the bills paid. How rich are you?

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Challenging the Church, Part 3

The last section of the book is a series of essays, interviews and "proof" of why The Da Vinci Code is false. I enjoyed the book up to this point. At the beginning it seemed like an unbiased review, a "hey, let our reader decide based on the evidence presented" sort of thing. In actuallity, the build up was to make their reader not believe a thing Dan Brown wrote. They even went so far as to outline, page by page, various geographical errors, timing errors and borrowed plot elements. All well and good, I guess, if you want to show that he could not possibly be right about the big conspiracy, if the author made mistakes about such little things. I still think it is a good novel and fun to read. It prompts people to think about what they really think regarding their faith and morals. It promotes intriguing discussions. But when it comes right down to it, it is a novel. No matter what sort of disclaimers are put in front of it.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

New Potter Cover

The cover for Harry Potter's next adventure has been released. MSNBC interviewed Mary GrandPre about her efforts and artwork. Take a look and see what you think! Mugglenet also has some hints and spoilers about the new book, if you are interested. I won't post them here, just in case you don't want to know.

Luxuries you can live without -- and should

Luxuries you can live without -- and should This is the very message that I love to see and hear. I just hope that it spread wide and far.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it wasn't that long ago when the mere concept of Williams-Sonoma (or Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, et. al.) would have struck most folks as . . . nutty. Oh sure, I'll pay a premium price to buy upscale versions of ordinary stuff -- replacing functional things I already own -- because my lifestyle must reek of affluence! Thirty years ago, people would have scoffed at such vanity. Today, inundated by high-end specialty stores in every corner of the retail market, more and more Americans are succumbing to the siren song of these so-called affordable luxuries. And at what cost?
All too often people forget to take a step back and think, Do I need this? Or am I pretentious?

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Up-Coming Must Reads

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer will be released in April 2005. Eoin's main character is Artemis Fowl, who begins his criminal career at the age of 10. This is the fourth installment in the series. I have the first three and love them. The Eldest by Christopher Paolini. Christopher began his career as a self-published author who broke through with persistence and detemination. He is also in his early twenties. His writes carefully, building naturally until each and every new event seems natural and flawless. Perfect for the fantasy genre. The Eldest will be available in August 2005.

Monday, March 07, 2005

Challenging the Church, Part 2

I'm about half way through Dan Burstein's Secrets of the Code. In my prior post I didn't have much of an opinioin yet. I'm here today to give what I have formulate thus far. The format of the book is excerpts of various scholars own works and interviews in support of various questions that the author detailed in his introduction. The answers range from the orthodox, or traditional, views to the gnostic, or heretical, views. I'm impressed with the balanced arguements. Each side is given their voice, leaving the reader to formulate his own opinion. The excerpts overlap and answer points or arguments that another may raise. While I can see where the gnostics have formed their opinions, theories, arguments. I just don't believe it. Is it because of my own background? Can I remove the filters that I have been trained to look through and evaluate their information in an unbiased manner? I believe so. My problem with their arguments lies with the whole. The point of the Bible is to show man how to get to heaven. The paths that the Gnostics follow do not do this. When they are taken as a whole, contradictions appear and no over-all message appears. Orthodox thought does this. I like some of the teachings that are found in the Nag Hammadi texts, but again, it's personal preference. It doesn't add to the over-all orthodox message. In some cases, there is an outright contradiction. Doesn't change the fact that I like it. My liking doesn't make it right either. I believe that what The Da Vinci Code does best is raise questions and cause people to think. Mr. Burnstein found that supplemental books sales have risen since The Da Vinci Code was published. (By supplemental books, he means books like his own or the Bible.) The mysteries are worth-while to look into. Don't take Dan Brown's word as truth. Additional Interesting links Dan Brown's website has a variety of supporting documentation, all from his point of view. Free. The Secret of the Code website is a paid site. For a mere, $19.95 you can explore what Mr. Burnstein has to say, receive articles and essays via email, plus a variety of other things. Personally, $19.95 for three months is steep for me, but everyone needs to make money somehow. I have to wonder at how many subscribers Dan Burnstein has collected when Dan Brown's site is free.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Challenging the Church

When Dan Brown wrote The DaVinci Code he revived many arguments and theories surrounding the church and its traditional teachings. I hail from a strong Protestant upbringing, following the teachings of Luther as closely as possible in today's world. Naturally the questions he raised interested me. During a quick foray into the local library, I found a book entitled Secrets of the Code: The Unauthorized Guide to the Mysteries Behind the DaVinci Code by Dan Burstein. Mr. Burstein takes the stand of

...I feel I owe my readers at least an executive summary of the case I think the materials in this book present in aggregate. My personal conclusion is that the novel is a fascinating, well-crafted work of fiction that is finormed throughout by interesting bits of little-known facts and stimulating, but highly speculative though provocations. It is most valuagle when read as a book of ideas and metaphors - a notebook, Leonardo style, that helps the reader think through his or her own philosophy, cosmology, religious beliefs, or critiques
Personally, my opinion is still forming as I have not yet completed the book, but only a portion of the first section. The hypothesis of many scholars on the far left side of the spectrum is that Mary Magdelen was intended to be the leader of the church, that Christ wanted to restore the feminine leader to the church he was leaving behind. Some even take one step further and say that Jesus and Mary Magadelene were married (gasp!). The arguments, though logical, contradict everything that is ever taught about the life of Jesus. It is too far of a step for me to follow that. But I can the early formers of the church being very upset. Naturally, they would have felt, Peter should be the leader. I can see a conspiracy developing to crush this teaching, just as a decision had to be made as to which texts were official. Just avoid the ones that don't support it. The Catholic Church has often modified its teachings to suit the tone of the time. Priests weren't always required to be celibate, you know. I can see how the legends and stories of the regions could support the ideas presented, and developed by these scholars. But I see most of this with my writer's eye. I like Mr. Brown's novel. I enjoyed the suspense and intrigue. I appreciate the debates and discussions that have developed surrounding his novel and its controversy. If it is being discussed and debated, it forces people to evaluate their own belief system. To look at themselves and what their churches teach, or, perhaps, why they don't attend a church. I enjoy entertaining the possibilities as presented, playing the "What if" game. When I look at the pieces as a whole, the pieces that I have seen thus far, I have to side with the ones that do not contradict, the ones that support can be found through what I consider the true Bible, in spite of the recently discovered texts. I have to take a leap of faith and simply trust what my mind cannot comprehend. To have faith in what Jesus taught. But then too, when I look at all of the pieces, I begin to wonder why it matters. The purpose of the Bible is to teach people how to get to heaven. Everything else that comes from it is superfluous.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Terrifying, Yet Frighteningly Understandable

Smokers need not apply at Weyco, according to Newsweek.

Howard Weyers, the founder and CEO of the Michigan-based health-benefits-management company, attracted a lot of media attention—and the ire of workers’ advocates—when he let go four employees recently after they refused to stop smoking. Civil-rights activists accused the company of discrimination, arguing that Weyers was punishing workers for engaging in a legal activity on their own time.
While I can understand why companies could be motivated to do this, I would fear it too. I'm someone who would be targeted because of obesity. Too, with height/weight charts being what they are, who knows what to believe, really. Food for thought.

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

The Great Inside Joke

Three weeks ago, my oldest spent some time in the hospital with pneumonia. (He's better, thanks. Back to his normal troublesome self.) At the same time, the youngest was sick with the indeterminable cough/cold/fever that he has had four or five times this winter. Needless to say, I was a little distracted. When my brother called last night, to give me a bad time about not calling to let him and his wife know, I took the ribbing with a smile. Not becaue I'm good natured, you see, but rather because he was calling me on my birthday and forgot that it was. I called him back about a half hour or so after he had hung up, to point out the error of his ways in harrassing me. Moral: Before giving someone a bad time, make sure that they have nothing to give you a bad time about.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Bookworm Report, February 2005

My apologies for not posting yesterday. It was a bad morning. Double posts today, though. For the month of February, I read 923 pages or 3 books. In 2001, I read 3,049 pages/11 books; 2002, 3,409 pages/8 books; 2003, 1,911 pages/5 books; 2004, 2,597pages/8 books. The Raven King by Patricia C. Wrede Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss The Runaway Jury by John Grisham For the year, I've read 11 books, or 3,637 pages, which averages to 6 books a month, or 1,819 pages per month, and an average book length of 331 pages. I have some great things planned for the Bookworm Reports. Well, maybe not great, but things planned nonetheless. Have a great March!

This is why I love Dooce.com

As Heather describes her snowboarding experience I think, God she is amazing and I wish I was that brave. But I'm glad that she posts stuff like this so I can live vicariously.