Hey Guys,

Unfortunately with our last release, and its instability, we were forced to roll back releases. Unfortunately in doing so, it would seem that our notification system has been broken somehow. Our engineers are working on this issue as quickly as possible. We hope to have a patch within the next day, so we can deploy our code and fix the notification system at the same time. Please *bear* with us ;)

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freeskiers
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I first read of this book back when we subscribed to Experience Life Magazine, and I was glad to find it in a thrift store earlier this year.

Hyman's basic theory is this: Americans are obese because of widespread misinformation about diets (especially low fat and low calorie diets) and how our DNA is programmed to gain weight. Many pre-packaged foods contain additives and fats that are not natural and our bodies don't know how to process them. Therefore, Hyman's Ultrametabolism Prescription advises that people eat as their ancestors did a hundred years ago with lots of raw fruits and veggies, ancient grains, nuts, and lean meats, and avoiding white flours, sugars, and many pre-packaged products.

I've tried various diet plans before to dismal results. Even though I exercise six days a week for 30 minutes to an hour, my weight stays at the same plateau. Hyman's theory does have merit, I think, in citing that a lot of cheap and easy foods are actually rather toxic. I don't agree with everything he espoused; one thing he said is that we need to eat as we did a hundred years ago, but at the same time he says we need to avoid flour. Um, flour has been pretty important for a long time. I can't afford to dump out all of my gluten-y foods (or buy all organic), but I do plan to try out his recipe suggestions and read labels more carefully. Moderation seems to be the key, as with anything. I've been eating a lot of produce this year, and I hope to increase that intake, stop buying frozen Lean Cuisines, and see if I really can boost my energy and metabolism.

Last night, I finished reading a book by Allen Steele, called Oceanspace. Steele is known as an SF author, and is good at what he writes, but I'd almost call this book a technothriller, rather than straight SF. Still, the themes that are the background for the book are out of SF of the past, but this book isn't technology of the distant future, but probably could be done right now. Don't get me wrong; I found the book very readable and enjoyable in its own right, but it wasn't quite what I'd expected.

Evan and Elle

Rhys Bowen

Between Madame Yvette's arrival in town with her new French restaurant and her secrets, a possible serial arsonist running loose in Llanfair, and his relationship with Bronwen, the village schoolteacher, Constable Evans has his hands full.

I really enjoy the Constable Evans series, and this is a very nice installment.

Even though these books deal with murder and mayhem, they always leave me feeling hopeful, feeling that all is right with the world; that the Constable Evans of the world will always triumph.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, and haven't yet read this series, you definitely don't want to miss it. It reminds me quite a bit of M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series, but it definitely has its own flavor.

Microblogging compiled

• 00:48 RT @wilw: Me: Move. I'm trying to make the bed. Cat: IZ NOT UR BED IZ MAH FORT! Me: Um. Cat: U CANT SEE ME SO I CHOMP UR HAND LOL! Me: Yes. #

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#43 - The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal by Laurie Notaro (2008, 218 pages)

Laurie Notaro is back...along with her infamous mayhem.

For those who are not familiar with Notaro, she is a writer of hilariously traumatizing personal essays, much in the same vein as David Sedaris and Jen Lancaster. And in her sixth book of essays (one of her seven books was a funny fictional tale I wholeheartedly recommend), Notaro is clearly up to her usual shenanigans.

The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death is a collection 18 stories that will leave readers doubled over in laughter. She covers everything from the trauma of putting her house up on the market and the sex offender down the street to tape worms and bird poo. What helps these stories is Notaro's sardonic way of telling things and the tangents she uses to prove her point. It's what keeps me reading and giggling and why I always enjoy her books when I need some cheering up, which is why this books gets a hysterical four out of five flaming tantrums of death.

Total Books Read: 43 / 50 (86 percent)
Total Pages Read: 12,310 / 15,000 (82 percent)

his is cut for length. The * designate a book I read for the m/m romance challenge. Be aware, not all my books are safe for work or children. The stuff that you can't get at Amazon has links.

( 1-44 under here )

45) The Cold Ones. Elizabeth Donald. A terrific little zombie novella that should have been at least a full length novel if not two. The military starts a secret super soldier project, but is aware it could go drastically wrong, so posts Maj. Sara Harvey and her squad in a nearby town...just in case. This being a Donald, the "just in case" is practically guaranteed as is the death of just about everyone. (her character kill-rate is about 60%)

46) Deviations II: Domination. Jodi Payne and Chris Owen. Another visit with Noah and Tobias as they grow closer, go deeper and learn more about each other. Very hot.

47) Prelude to Penemue. Sara M. Harvey. Prequel to her CONVENT OF THE PURE. Lady Hester has to help hold off an attack on the Nephilim stronghold. (in case you're wondering, Elizabeth borrows names of her friends to populate her books. As far as I know, this Sara has never held off a zombie attack)

I haven't had this feeling in a long time! A book i can barely bear to put down...it's called "The Blood of Flowers" and is bout Persia (in what is now Iran) ad is a story about rug-making. I wasn't expecting much when i started it but the way the write tells the story, i'm hooked!!!

I highly recommend it to anyone.

Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism by Georgia Byng

Mistreated orphan Molly Moon has a pretty miserable life, until she finds an old book on hypnotism in the local library. She decides that the possibilities are endless and sets about building a new life for herself. But she's not the only one who knows about the book...

I think I would have enjoyed this book a lot more when I was ten. Which is fair enough - that's the age group it's aimed at, after all. But after books for younger people by authors like Terry Pratchett and Diana Wynne Jones, which are enjoyable for adults too. this was a little disappointing.