Fun apps for all your new electronics!

With Apple's attempt (a successful one, I'm thinking) of Total World Domination, I am sure there are a few of you out there that received Devices for Christmas...iTouch, iPhone, iPad? So I thought it would be a good time to offer this public service announcement with a few apps that I've found quite helpful in my day-to-day life:





1. Weatherbug (Free) - Ask my friends, I have an obsession with the weather. Florida, as a rule, is pretty consistent with its temp, but the rain is what drives me crazy, especially with football practice, the golf game, and yard work. Enter Weatherbug. It not only provides the current temp and various stats, but the seven day forecast (hourly if you'd like), the current radar map which you can zoom on to your neighborhood, and even live camera footage from places around town.

2. AllRecipes (Free) and Epicurious (Free) - meal plan on the run! Access thousands of recipes for anything and everything. Epi even will create a shopping list for you from the recipes you choose.

3. Open Table (Free) - I am assuming you have all heard of this, but if not, you must partake. Say you are laying around your house on Saturday at 4:00pm, and you decide you want to go out to dinner. Dang it, it is too late to find an open reservation! Not with Open Table. You plug in what time, how many people, and it will give you all openings for restaurants within a specified mile range. And it will make a reservation for you. You earn points every time you use it, for cash back. Greatest thing since sliced bread.

4. Angry Birds (99 cents) - Beware all you obsessive personalities. Slingshot various angry birds at blockaded pigs that snort and snigger at you. Crush those pigs. It is excellent stress relief and the best buck you will ever spend. (There is an Angry Birds Lite for free...test it out. But it is worth the buck for the full deal.)

5. Have2P (Free) - Have you ever had those moments where you HAVE TO GO and there are no bathrooms to be found? Get this app. Whether you are at a mall or in the middle of nowhere, it will show you the quickest path to relief.

6. Point Inside (Free) - I probably should have given this to you right after Thanksgiving. Sorry. But it has detailed maps for every mall and airport known to man. Never again will you need to race manically through an entire mall to find a Starbucks.

7. .Parking (99 cents) - This is another one that probably would have been useful during the holidays. For any of you that have lost your car downtown, or at a large shopping mall, this will solve your problems. Via GPS, mark the location of your car, and the app will lead you back to it when you are ready to leave!

8. Common Sense Media (Free) - Reviews on movies, video games, websites, apps, books, etc. from a parent's perspective. This provides rankings from one to five on messages, role models, violence, sex, language, consumerism and drugs, and offers what parents need to know, and what families can talk about. My kids are at the age right now where they are attempting to push the envelope, and this app gives me quick and practical advice on what is appropriate and what isn't.

9. Pizza Hut (Free) - Plant yourself in your comfy chair, declare yourself on strike from making dinner, and pull up your Pizza Hut app to order your meal. It is sloth at its best. You will have to register before you order, and I found I couldn't do that on my phone, it had to be done on the computer. Still.

10. Yelp (Free) - You want to find something, you've got it. Plug in the name of whatever (restaurant, theater, attraction, etc.) and not only will you get the address and reviews on the place, but a live map and directions. If you are on a road trip and you need to find a grocery store, just type "grocery store" and it will show you everything in your area. You want pizza, type "pizza" and it will give you choices, with a million reviews on which one is best. It is a beautiful thing.

Which ones are your favorites? I'm always looking for the newest and most clever.

Sworn to Silence - Linda Castillo (Audio)

In a previous life, I was a murder mystery addict. Seriously, that is all I read. And when I locked into a series, I was in it for better or worse. After about ten years of that, I began to get tired of the predictable, formulaic trends I was seeing, and moved onto other pastures. Before I moved on, though, I threw a few of my favorite series into my baggage, and am always on the lookout for new material. Caite recently reviewed Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo, a part of a murder mystery series that takes place in Ohio Amish country. It was enough of a hook to inspire me to try it. Sworn to Silence is the first in the series and luckily found it on audio at my library.

Synopsis: When Kate Burkholder was 14, she experienced a horrifying encounter with a serial killer that left her alive but scarred for life. As a result, she cast aside her Amish heritage and joined the "English" community, became a police officer, and is now the Chief of Police in her hometown of Painter's Mill. In a town where the biggest problem she has is the occasional wayward cow on the road, the community is turned upside down when the body of a naked and slaughtered young woman is found. The body has all the same markings as the serial murder from Kate's past. Could this be the same person?

Although Kate is a smart, competent police officer, she is a woman, and the town's leaders decide to bring in outside help to compensate for Kate's perceived inexperience. Enter BCI agent John Tomasetti, a mysterious, smouldering dude with secrets and baggage of his own. As the killer escalates, the murders get more and more gruesome, and it becomes obvious that Kate may possibly have to sacrifice her career, her family and her long-hidden secrets to save the next victim.

My thoughts: In many ways, I've read this story a thousand times. Everyone has secrets. Attractive, competent woman is instantly repelled by dark, mysterious man. But then they hook up and become a team for the greater good. There are red herrings, and ultimately a really evil antagonist is revealed. A colorful secondary cast of characters. Gratuitous, out-doing the competition gore. Some pretty bad dialogue. I found very little in the story that would be considered a surprise or a plot twist.

But there are also some elements that make this story stand out. The first would be its unique setting of an Amish community. Because the character of Kate lived as an Amish youth, she has insight into their customs, and as a reader, we are treated to a little bit of an education on their way of life. Combine that goodness, that pureness of the Amish people, with a series of incredibly vicious, over-the-top murders? It is a shocking contrast, and one you don't see often in murder mystery literature.

The characters were well-drawn and entertaining as well. Not only is Kate likable, but her staff is as well. Her eager beaver, CSI-wannabe dispatch operator Mona, her semi-retired piss-and-vinegar officer Pickles, and ex-military badass officer Glock all pepper the story with humanity and humor. I wouldn't mind hanging around to see them again.

Are these positives, burdened by an overused plot and trite dialogue, enough to carry a series? Time will tell. I have the second book in the installment, Pray for Silence, on my iPod, waiting to provide an answer.

A word about the audio production: The narrator for Sworn to Silence is Kathleen McInerney, a narrator I've listened to before (Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin) and is experienced in the area of children's literature on audio. I remember enjoying her narration of the Giffin novel, but had small irritations with this one. Her vocal portrayal of the dudeish John Tomasetti was breathy and low, kind of like a lounge lizard, and the ridiculousness of it made me laugh. It instantly turned Tomasetti into a caricature, and it was hard for me to take him seriously. Beyond that however, she did a decent job. I think she would be better suited, however, for women's or children's fiction.

3 out of 5 stars

Laika - Nick Abadzis

I should know better than to read a book with a dog on the cover. Or an animal of any kind. This always means tears, lots of them. But I remembered reading Alyce's review of this graphic novel, and on a library/graphic novel spree of gluttony, I grabbed it on impulse.

Everyone in my house knows the story of Laika, being animal lovers that we are. The Russian street dog that became a hero overnight, as a result of his one-way trip to space on Sputnik 2, a rushed mission to prove to the world that Russia reigned supreme in the field of space exploration.

Nick Abadzis diligently researched Laika's story, added his own interpretations, and the result was this heart-wrenching story of a dog that will forever be remembered.

Synopsis: Korolev was once a political prisoner in a Siberian gulag, now an engineer for the Soviet Space Program. He is a "man of destiny", and was saved from frostbite and starvation by the barking of a dog. He has been charged with making history by sending Russian orbital vehicle in space before the Americans.

Yelena is a soft-hearted animal handler for the dogs that are test-subjects for the space program. She is attached to the animals, and often can even imagine their thoughts, and is deeply distressed by their ultimate fate.

Laika is a scruffy but high-spirited dog who was once an abused pet, then a stray, and finally one of the test subjects for the Sputnik program. He was identified as a resilient and good-natured animal, and was sent into space knowing he would not return to earth alive.

This graphic novel weaves the stories of these three characters into a part fiction, part non-fiction account of Laika's legacy.

My thoughts: In almost every book I read, somebody dies and I just tool along like it is expected. An innocent dog dies, for the sake of Russian glory, and I fall apart. I would dare you to read this one, even knowing the ending, and not shed a tear or two.

The illustrations are not necessarily outstanding, but what sets this graphic novel apart from the rest is the emotion that is rendered. When Abadzis provides the thoughts of Laika and her other test subjects, or repeats various phrases like "Good dog", "Don't worry" or "You can trust me", I thought my heart would break into a million pieces. Never mind that this is the poetic license that Abadzis adds to the facts of the true story, it resonates as completely believable.

Abadzis also delves into the personal histories of the main characters of Korolev, Yelena and Laika, which gives the story some depth, something most people might think is impossible for a graphic novel. Korolev wasn't just a task-master dooming a dog to death, he was a man who had nearly died in Siberia, had a strong will to survive, and had a soft spot for canines. It was hard to be angry at him. Laika's life as an abused stray, in one situation was dumped into the river by a former owner, tested my desire to finish the book. But I'm glad I did. Laika's story deserves to be told. Good dog.

4.5 out of 5 stars

I Know I Am But What Are You? - Samantha Bee (Audio)

A good majority of the books I read have a general level of gravitas...people die, animals die, people struggle with their personal baggage, people fight, people get divorced, there are wars, you know. A body can only take so much of this drama, no matter how well-written. That is when I turn to a small dose of self-deprecating, sarcastic, raunchy humor...David Sedaris, Jon Stewart, and one of the correspondents from Stewart's Daily Show, Samantha Bee. The expectation isn't to be emotionally moved. I'm just looking for some comedic relief!

Synopsis: Bee has lived a fairly unconventional life thus far, and has used this book as letting it all hang out there for us to see and be entertained, as embarrassing as it might be. An only child of divorced parents, she converts her youthful awkwardness into something light-hearted and laughable:

"Dating from well before the turn of the twentieth century, if there has ever been a successful, happy marriage in my family lineage, I have yet to hear about it. When I rack my brain, I can't think of a single adult, other than myself, in my immediate or extended family who has not been painfully divorced at least once, usually twice -- even the gay ones. This inspires tremendous confidence in my husband."

Whether she is sharing stories about her crush on Jesus, on doing drugs, stealing cars, watching porn at a young age, or her knack for attracting exposed penises, she doesn't hold anything back.

My thoughts: Maybe I'm just burned out from writing what appears to be 140-ish reviews in 2010, but I don't have a whole lot of insightful commentary to reveal about this audiobook. Like the Sedaris collections, it is a series of short stories, where she reveals outlandish tales of her childhood, and not so outlandish tales but spiced up to be funny anyway. (She could probably find irony and humor in my life, she is just that type of comedian.) The segments are often rude, with all races, religions and walks of life insulted equally. I am almost unoffendable in these situations, and I laughed at every cuss word and politically incorrect slur.

A word about the audio production: The book is narrated by Bee herself, and like Sedaris, it really works. She is easy to listen to - she has an expressive voice - and she has a wicked dry sense of humor and good timing. It was a nice break from the norm, quick to listen to...I'd say it accomplished its goal!

3 out of 5 stars

Monday Movie Meme - A Change is in the Air

Monday Movie Meme is back after a small hiatus! And today, the Bumbles are ruminating over all the transformations that occur when we transition from one year to the next. Vows of turning over a new leaf, losing weight, reading more, or a new outlook on life (at least for a month or two!) is something we all do...changes for the better. The movies are also known for showing major changes in their characters throughout the story, and not always for the better! The Bumbles came up with some great ones. Here are a few that were memorable for me:

1. Allison Reynolds (the basket case) - The Breakfast Club: How much fun is it to see Ally Sheedy go from sort of an emo-looking shaggy dog to a pretty girl, worthy of dating the jock? Do I think she can maintain that look? No! But it is entertaining to watch.

2. Sandy - Grease: You can't deny the power of the black leather pants, after all of those poodle skirts. As a teenager, I thought it was so very cool that Sandy transformed to a bad girl for her boyfriend, but now, if I analyze it, it seems pathetic. I think I'm getting old.

3. Phil - Groundhog Day: Surly, self-absorbed weatherman sees the error of his ways after he has to relive the same awful day over and over again until he gets it right. I never ever tire of watching this one!

4. Jack Torrance - The Shining: OK, I'll grant you that he was a tad creepy even at the beginning of the story, with some latent aggression, but seclusion, those dead twins and room 237 really do a number on him by the end.

5. Rocky and Adrian - Rocky: Another great example of basket case getting pretty for her man, plus Rocky himself no only gets a little bit more buff, but begins to believe in himself.

6. Seth Brundle - The Fly: Not the preferable changes you would wish on your intended. That is some nasty back hair...


Something in the back of my mind tells me I am missing some really obvious ones. What do you think?

Sunday Salon: New Year, New Start

Long time, no see friends! Happy New Year! I blew off last Sunday Salon, and basked in the holiday sloth. But now I'm back, and full of piss and vinegar.

We had a great holiday. I received wonderful gifts...a Cuisinart Griddler, a Nike chip that goes into my shoe to track miles walked, gift cards for shopping, a gift card to the spa, new golf shoes, a renewal for Bookmarks, lotions, perfume...woo hoo! I hosted Christmas Eve and Christmas at my house, cooked my brains out, and had quality time with my family. We went to the Champs Bowl, we hosted 16 people at our house for New Years, and now all I want to do is collapse! (But not for too long...I am arranging a birthday party for my husband's 50th in a couple of weeks! And my son starts a new season of football...) Today my family is going to take the boat on the lake and have a relaxing picnic. Get the kids back to school and I will be golden.

I've been attempting to keep up with the blogs the best I can...all those Best Of Lists have been awesome (seeing alot of Fingersmith guys!). I've been attempting (and failing) to keep up with my reviews. I'm going to be featured at The Scene of the Blog sometime in the next month or two...stay tuned for that. I have yet to put pen to paper on the resolutions. But I'd say simplicity should be one of the goals for blogging. Read what I have. Read what I want. Personally, I'll need to be dropping a few pounds, get back into shape, and stay sane while I manage a few home improvement projects.

What about the reading? On audio, I finished Sarah Vowell's "Assassination Vacation", which I enjoyed. She is a funny lady. I am now on the mission to get through "Freedom", all 19 discs, for my book club. Jury is out on whether I'm loving it or not. With Franzen's "The Corrections", I hated it until I finished it, then I loved it. Maybe this is the same deal, I don't know.

For printed books, I am reading all of my author-signed novels so I can then donate them to my Adult Literacy League event this spring. I read "Song of the Sparrow", a YA book that draws on King Arthur and his knights of the round table, and thought it was wonderful. I am now reading "The Lake of Dreams" by Kim Edwards, the author of "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". No opinion yet...only 60 pages into it. I also read "And the Pursuit of Happiness", an impromptu treasure from the library, and a graphic novel that has been getting some attention. It blew me away.

A little administration: A month or two ago, I removed my word verification for comments, just to make things easier on you all. Good Lord, the spammers pounced like hyenas on fresh antelope meat. These idiots are the devil's spawn. I may need to institute the word thing again if it gets much worse...I apologize in advance.

Lastly, I just want you all to know how much I appreciate your support and friendship in 2010. Many of you all have been there, and you know there are days when you wonder why you are killing yourself over something that earns little to no money. But then I get e-mails and comments from you that make my day, and justify what I am doing. Some of you are new friends, some I've known for 2 1/2 years, and some forever. Every one of you guys rock!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. 2011 is going to be amazing!

2010 Challenge Wrap Up

This year, the challenges plum wore me out. It is easy to get excited about them. Library! I can do that! Audiobooks? That is totally my gig. Memoirs? I love memoirs. Graphic novels? I want to try them. But at the end of the day, there were things I wanted to read, but didn't. Now I'm irritated.

Despite my annoyance, I did pretty well. Here are the list of my challenges and the results - I failed to complete one. I am not going to add titles or links, because that is way more work than I want to do right now. I'm tired!

1. Support Your Library Reading Challenge - 25 out of 25 read

2. 100+ Reading Challenge - 140 books read

3. Graphic Novels Challenge - 3 out of 3 (plus a whole lot more!)

4. Memorable Memoir Reading Challenge - 4 out of 4

5. Amy Einhorn Perpetual Challenge - 2

6. E-Book Challenge - 6 out of 6

7. Audiobook Challenge - 20 out of 20

8. Twenty Ten Challenge - 20 out of 20

9. Read and Review Challenge - up to date

10. TBR Challenge - 7 out of 12 (My big failure!)

11. Read the Book/See the Movie Challenge - 4 out of 4

12. Read From My Shelves Project - 30 out of 30

13. Vietnam War Challenge - 5 out of 5

14. Okra Challenge - 4 out of 4

15. RIP Challenge - 4 out of 4 (plus more!)


For 2011, I have taken the TBR Dare from James, and will only read my printed books from now through April 1st. It will be good for my soul. I will continue to keep track of Amy Einhorn imprints - that one offers no pressure. I may read a western in May with James. I may be sucked into RIP in the fall, because it is tradition. But as of right now, I'm laying low and doing as I please!

Happy New Year everyone!