I know that Orange County residents lean heavily towards the right. I saw the pro-Prop 8 signs on some of our neighbours' lawns last fall.
But when I read this article in the L.A. Times this morning, I was upset. No, make that horrified to the point of stuttering. It appalls me that the mayor of the city that I live appears to be an ignorant bigot.
I did a little bit of research on him, and found this biography from his website for the 2006 election. He appears to be a well-informed individual. He was Public Information Officer for the Community College District, for goodness' sake! Surely that would have educated him to some extent about sensitivity.
He apparently has apologized to the recipient of the email, but I think a more
general apology is required.
At least I can console myself with the fact that I didn't vote for him.
25 February 2009
24 February 2009
Just finished reading...
I received this book as a contest prize.I'm going toLeft Coast Crime 2009, and they've been giving away books by some of the authors who will be attending.
I'd never read a book by Louise Ure before, and I was absolutely mesmerized. This is actually her second novel (the first was Forcing Amaryllis). Both are stand-alones, not part of a series.
The protagonist of The Fault Tree is Cadence Moran, an auto mechanic who has been blind since she was in a car accident eight years earlier. Her 3-year-old niece was killed in the accident, and Cadence has been unable to forgive herself.
Walking home from work late one evening, Cadence is clipped by a car. Although not seriously hurt, she is bruised and shaken, and her hand-carved cane is broken. Assuming it was just an accident, she doesn't report the incident, and goes on with her routine.
The next day, she is visited by homicide detectives who are investigating the murder of one of her elderly neighbours in a presumed robbery about the same time as she was hit. Initially reluctant to get involved, Cadence changes her mind when she is attacked again, presumably by the robbers who think she was a witness to the crime.
Cadence is a strong, self-sufficient woman, and her refusal to give in to whoever is stalking her is inspiring and riveting. This is one of those books that I could have read straight through without putting it down if my eyes hadn't kept trying to close. I'm definitely going to look for Forcing Amaryllis as well as Ure's third book Liars Anonymous, to be released April 14.
I'd never read a book by Louise Ure before, and I was absolutely mesmerized. This is actually her second novel (the first was Forcing Amaryllis). Both are stand-alones, not part of a series.
The protagonist of The Fault Tree is Cadence Moran, an auto mechanic who has been blind since she was in a car accident eight years earlier. Her 3-year-old niece was killed in the accident, and Cadence has been unable to forgive herself.
Walking home from work late one evening, Cadence is clipped by a car. Although not seriously hurt, she is bruised and shaken, and her hand-carved cane is broken. Assuming it was just an accident, she doesn't report the incident, and goes on with her routine.
The next day, she is visited by homicide detectives who are investigating the murder of one of her elderly neighbours in a presumed robbery about the same time as she was hit. Initially reluctant to get involved, Cadence changes her mind when she is attacked again, presumably by the robbers who think she was a witness to the crime.
Cadence is a strong, self-sufficient woman, and her refusal to give in to whoever is stalking her is inspiring and riveting. This is one of those books that I could have read straight through without putting it down if my eyes hadn't kept trying to close. I'm definitely going to look for Forcing Amaryllis as well as Ure's third book Liars Anonymous, to be released April 14.
18 February 2009
Just finished reading...
Jane Whitefield is backand I'm so glad!
We last saw Jane nine years ago in Blood Money, where she decided to retire from the business of helping people disappear, and became the philanthropic wife of surgeon Carey McKinnon.
They're attending a hospital fundraiser that Jane has organized when a bomb goes off. While attempting to aid victims, Jane is approached by a young pregnant woman who says she's been instructed to seek Jane out and ask for help. The young woman, Christine, is trying to get away from an abusive boyfriend, and although she doesn't tell Jane the complete story, it's obvious that Christine is in danger.
When Jane takes Christine out to the car to talk in private, they are followed by armed attackers, and Jane is forced to make her decision very quickly. She decides she has no choice but to help the girl, and finds herself back in an environment where the rules have changed drastically since her last "job".
Jane is still very good at what she does, but though she successfully manages to hide Christine, the boyfriend does not stop searching for her.
This is a real pageturner, and I had to force myself to close the book and go to bed at 1:00 a.m. today. I'm really hoping we see more of Jane now that she's back.
We last saw Jane nine years ago in Blood Money, where she decided to retire from the business of helping people disappear, and became the philanthropic wife of surgeon Carey McKinnon.
They're attending a hospital fundraiser that Jane has organized when a bomb goes off. While attempting to aid victims, Jane is approached by a young pregnant woman who says she's been instructed to seek Jane out and ask for help. The young woman, Christine, is trying to get away from an abusive boyfriend, and although she doesn't tell Jane the complete story, it's obvious that Christine is in danger.
When Jane takes Christine out to the car to talk in private, they are followed by armed attackers, and Jane is forced to make her decision very quickly. She decides she has no choice but to help the girl, and finds herself back in an environment where the rules have changed drastically since her last "job".
Jane is still very good at what she does, but though she successfully manages to hide Christine, the boyfriend does not stop searching for her.
This is a real pageturner, and I had to force myself to close the book and go to bed at 1:00 a.m. today. I'm really hoping we see more of Jane now that she's back.
17 February 2009
Just finished reading...
In the fourth title of the Bear Collectors' Mysteries, Brad and Ashleigh Lyon return to California. The impetus for their visit is the annual teddy bear festival in Sonoma, but they also plan to work in a visit with family and friends.
Of course, nothing goes as simply as planned. On the first day of the festival, Brad witnesses a person dressed in a bear costume steal the cashbox from one of the other exhibitors.
While they are having dinner with Brad's former partner and his wife in San Francisco, his partner is called out, and invites Brad to tag along. What a surprise when Brad stumbles over a robotic teddy bear in the parking lot at the scene of the crime!
Despite the cuddly subject matter, much of the narrative leans towards the gritty. The relationship between the Lyons is charming; it's so refreshing to see the hero of an action novel so smitten with his wife! I really appreciate reading a combination of my two favourite mystery genres: cozies and police procedurals.
Of course, nothing goes as simply as planned. On the first day of the festival, Brad witnesses a person dressed in a bear costume steal the cashbox from one of the other exhibitors.
While they are having dinner with Brad's former partner and his wife in San Francisco, his partner is called out, and invites Brad to tag along. What a surprise when Brad stumbles over a robotic teddy bear in the parking lot at the scene of the crime!
Despite the cuddly subject matter, much of the narrative leans towards the gritty. The relationship between the Lyons is charming; it's so refreshing to see the hero of an action novel so smitten with his wife! I really appreciate reading a combination of my two favourite mystery genres: cozies and police procedurals.
16 February 2009
Knitting for Good - a review
I received this ARC through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. The subtitle says it all, really.
The book begins with an introduction to knitting (and by inference, other needle and fibre crafts) and it's re-emergence as a popular craft. The concept of knitting (etc.) as a link to one's ancestors is an important concept here.
Personally, I believe that knitting as an activity is inherently good: one is making warm garments or even toys to provide love and warmth to oneself or someone else. And then there is the psychological benefit to the knitter. Knitting is a proven stress reliever (my screams and curses when attempting to follow a difficult pattern notwithstanding).
Greer deals with this to some extent in the first section of the book, also citing the satisfaction of creating a tangible item, and the possibilities of earning a living through this creation.
In subsequent chapters, the focus is on knitting as a communal activity, which is evidenced by the number of recently formed knitting groups all over the world. The idea of knitting as a feminist craft rather than as old-fashioned "women's work" is dominant here.
The last section of the book focusses on knitting as an instrument of good on a global basis: knitting for charities outside one's immediate circle, such as those that send knitted toys to children in third-world countries.
Knitting is, without exaggeration, a respite from grief, war, and cold, as Greer makes clear in this book.
There are patterns included that are suitable for giving or sending to charities, as well as a list of knitting groups and knitting charities.
As this is an Advanced Reader's Copy, I'm hoping that the publisher chose not to print the personal narratives that appear throughout the book in white letters on gray background. It's just too difficult to read!
I didn't sit down with this book and become absorbed in it to the exclusion of everything around me, but that doesn't mean it's not valuable. It's chock-full of ideas and inspirations; perfect for dipping into when you're feeling purposeless or unmotivated.
The book begins with an introduction to knitting (and by inference, other needle and fibre crafts) and it's re-emergence as a popular craft. The concept of knitting (etc.) as a link to one's ancestors is an important concept here.
Personally, I believe that knitting as an activity is inherently good: one is making warm garments or even toys to provide love and warmth to oneself or someone else. And then there is the psychological benefit to the knitter. Knitting is a proven stress reliever (my screams and curses when attempting to follow a difficult pattern notwithstanding).
Greer deals with this to some extent in the first section of the book, also citing the satisfaction of creating a tangible item, and the possibilities of earning a living through this creation.
In subsequent chapters, the focus is on knitting as a communal activity, which is evidenced by the number of recently formed knitting groups all over the world. The idea of knitting as a feminist craft rather than as old-fashioned "women's work" is dominant here.
The last section of the book focusses on knitting as an instrument of good on a global basis: knitting for charities outside one's immediate circle, such as those that send knitted toys to children in third-world countries.
Knitting is, without exaggeration, a respite from grief, war, and cold, as Greer makes clear in this book.
There are patterns included that are suitable for giving or sending to charities, as well as a list of knitting groups and knitting charities.
As this is an Advanced Reader's Copy, I'm hoping that the publisher chose not to print the personal narratives that appear throughout the book in white letters on gray background. It's just too difficult to read!
I didn't sit down with this book and become absorbed in it to the exclusion of everything around me, but that doesn't mean it's not valuable. It's chock-full of ideas and inspirations; perfect for dipping into when you're feeling purposeless or unmotivated.
15 February 2009
New Sunday topic!
I've decided that I'm going to feature something from my CafePress shop every Sunday.
Because it's been so cold and rainy here, I've been thinking about spring, and things growing in the garden.
Here's a photo I took about this time last year that symbolizes that feeling:
This baby strawberry photo is available as a note card in packs of 10 or 20, as a postcard in packs of 8, or as a tile coaster.
Because it's been so cold and rainy here, I've been thinking about spring, and things growing in the garden.
Here's a photo I took about this time last year that symbolizes that feeling:
This baby strawberry photo is available as a note card in packs of 10 or 20, as a postcard in packs of 8, or as a tile coaster.
12 February 2009
Recent reads
This is the fourth book in the Bewitching Mystery series. Protagonist Maggie O'Neill has been drafted to help out her sister Mel, who is expecting her third child and has been put on strict bed rest by her physician. They've never been the best of friends, but suddenly Maggie finds her younger sister depending on her to help discover the origin of the weird occurrences in Mel's home. A quick, enjoyable read.
This is the first book in the Domestic Diva series. Sophie Winston is an event planner, recently divorced from Max, who is now engaged to Natasha Smith. Not only is Natasha an old high school rival of Sophie's, she's also a current business rival. As the story opens, Sophie's life is hectic: her parents, sister and fiance are visiting for Thanksgiving. Sophie is also preparing for a cooking contest (one of the competitors for which is Natasha), dealing with eccentric neighbors and a new kitten that's been foisted upon her by a PI who ended up dead behind a grocery store.
I'm always awed by people who can cope with houseguests, a job, neighbors constantly dropping by, and dead bodies turning up everywhere not only with a certain degree of calm, but managing to feed everyone and make a centerpiece for the table at the same time. Although Sophie complains about all the stuff going on and how much her mother expects from her, she manages to do all this with aplomb. Despite making me feel inadequate, this is a fun read. There are little hints at the beginning of each chapter; outrageous ones (setting jars of votive candles on the staircase) by Natasha and more practical ones by Sophie (how to serve leftover turkey without drying it out), who somehow manages to be a sympathetic character despite being incredibly capable.
This is the first book in the Domestic Diva series. Sophie Winston is an event planner, recently divorced from Max, who is now engaged to Natasha Smith. Not only is Natasha an old high school rival of Sophie's, she's also a current business rival. As the story opens, Sophie's life is hectic: her parents, sister and fiance are visiting for Thanksgiving. Sophie is also preparing for a cooking contest (one of the competitors for which is Natasha), dealing with eccentric neighbors and a new kitten that's been foisted upon her by a PI who ended up dead behind a grocery store.
I'm always awed by people who can cope with houseguests, a job, neighbors constantly dropping by, and dead bodies turning up everywhere not only with a certain degree of calm, but managing to feed everyone and make a centerpiece for the table at the same time. Although Sophie complains about all the stuff going on and how much her mother expects from her, she manages to do all this with aplomb. Despite making me feel inadequate, this is a fun read. There are little hints at the beginning of each chapter; outrageous ones (setting jars of votive candles on the staircase) by Natasha and more practical ones by Sophie (how to serve leftover turkey without drying it out), who somehow manages to be a sympathetic character despite being incredibly capable.
09 February 2009
08 February 2009
Saturday evening in Westwood
Last night Tod and I went to Westwood. The occasion was the launch of Jerrilyn Farmer's new book Murder at the Academy Awards. She cowrote it with Joan Rivers (!), and told some fabulous stories about working with her. She also told the story (which she always tells at her book launches) about how she was instrumental in the meeting between Tod and me.
The first time I came to California was to visit my brother and his wife, who had recently moved to LA. I timed my visit so that I could attend the launch of Jerrilyn's third Madeline Bean book Killer Wedding. It was March, and the weather in Los Angeles was lovely. Flowers were blooming, the sky was blue and the sun was shining; it made me think of that song about how it never rains in Southern California.
(Just as an aside, it's been raining here since Thursday, and will probably continue for a few more days.)
When I walked out of Logan Airport in Boston it was SNOWING. I was wearing sandals and a tank top with my jeans, and I was not impressed. When I got home, I immediately started searching for jobs in Southern California.
I moved out here in 2000, met Tod in 2002 and we got married in 2004. Yes, that means we'll be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary this year.
Back to Westwood...
After getting a book signed and chatting with Jerrilyn for a few minutes, Tod and I went to dinner at The Gardens on Glendon. There was no actual garden that I could see, but the restaurant had a lovely courtyard with a fountain. Although it was busy, we were seated at almost the exact time of our reservation. The food was great. Our waiter was very personable, but scarce. He may have had too many tables, but I did notice the other server around a lot more. Anyway, it was a lovely evening, and it was great to see Jerrilyn again.
The first time I came to California was to visit my brother and his wife, who had recently moved to LA. I timed my visit so that I could attend the launch of Jerrilyn's third Madeline Bean book Killer Wedding. It was March, and the weather in Los Angeles was lovely. Flowers were blooming, the sky was blue and the sun was shining; it made me think of that song about how it never rains in Southern California.
(Just as an aside, it's been raining here since Thursday, and will probably continue for a few more days.)
When I walked out of Logan Airport in Boston it was SNOWING. I was wearing sandals and a tank top with my jeans, and I was not impressed. When I got home, I immediately started searching for jobs in Southern California.
I moved out here in 2000, met Tod in 2002 and we got married in 2004. Yes, that means we'll be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary this year.
Back to Westwood...
After getting a book signed and chatting with Jerrilyn for a few minutes, Tod and I went to dinner at The Gardens on Glendon. There was no actual garden that I could see, but the restaurant had a lovely courtyard with a fountain. Although it was busy, we were seated at almost the exact time of our reservation. The food was great. Our waiter was very personable, but scarce. He may have had too many tables, but I did notice the other server around a lot more. Anyway, it was a lovely evening, and it was great to see Jerrilyn again.
05 February 2009
Twenty-five random things...
I've now been tagged twice in this meme that's making the rounds on Facebook, so I thought I'd kill three birds with one meme.
1. I considered just adding to the Sixteen Random Things meme I completed last month, but apparently that's cheating.
2. I am a classic middle child.
3. Going to library school was the second-best life-changing decision I ever made.
4. Marrying Tod was the best.
5. I look forward to being a grandmother, but I'm in no rush.
6. Not only am I lactose-intolerant, the idea of drinking milk makes me gag.
7. I started finding gray hairs on my head when I was 21.
8. My favourite author of all time is Jane Austen.
9. I love to read mystery novels.
10. I love playing Trivial Pursuit.
11. I have all sorts of trivial information in my head, but usually not the answer
to a Trivial Pursuit question.
12. It's really hard to think of 25 random things.
14. I don't like wearing socks and shoes. I don't mind wearing footwear with no socks or socks with no shoes, though.
15. I'm glad I started knitting again, because I've made some wonderful new friendships through it.
16. I like the dark-chocolate-covered Altoids.
17. And dark-chocolate-covered Digestive Biscuits.
18. Continuing in the chocolate thread, my favourite chocolate bar is Coffee Crisp, which is nearly impossible to find in the U.S.
19. Red wine gives me migraines.
20. I like white wine better, anyway.
21. Tod and I bought our wedding rings at the Orange County Swap Meet.
22. I like sappy love stories.
23. I cry too easily.
24. Did I mention that thinking of 25 things is hard?
25. I'm happy with my life.
1. I considered just adding to the Sixteen Random Things meme I completed last month, but apparently that's cheating.
2. I am a classic middle child.
3. Going to library school was the second-best life-changing decision I ever made.
4. Marrying Tod was the best.
5. I look forward to being a grandmother, but I'm in no rush.
6. Not only am I lactose-intolerant, the idea of drinking milk makes me gag.
7. I started finding gray hairs on my head when I was 21.
8. My favourite author of all time is Jane Austen.
9. I love to read mystery novels.
10. I love playing Trivial Pursuit.
11. I have all sorts of trivial information in my head, but usually not the answer
to a Trivial Pursuit question.
12. It's really hard to think of 25 random things.
14. I don't like wearing socks and shoes. I don't mind wearing footwear with no socks or socks with no shoes, though.
15. I'm glad I started knitting again, because I've made some wonderful new friendships through it.
16. I like the dark-chocolate-covered Altoids.
17. And dark-chocolate-covered Digestive Biscuits.
18. Continuing in the chocolate thread, my favourite chocolate bar is Coffee Crisp, which is nearly impossible to find in the U.S.
19. Red wine gives me migraines.
20. I like white wine better, anyway.
21. Tod and I bought our wedding rings at the Orange County Swap Meet.
22. I like sappy love stories.
23. I cry too easily.
24. Did I mention that thinking of 25 things is hard?
25. I'm happy with my life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
