Book Nook message boards

 

Subject: Re: March List

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 12:47 AM EST

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040105472801.AAA23628@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<it's lemon flavoured & has crushed almonds in it,>> Oh Carol, I can

hardly wait to find your recipe in our cooking folder! I have a confession

to make:



You all can have your chocolate.....I am a secret lemo-holic. (sorry about

the yellow--just had to do it. it says lemo-holic)



Currently reading The Wonder Book of the Air by Cynthia Shearer


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: I've been mouseless!!!

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 03:02 AM EST

From: Rashrr

Message-id: <1998040108024501.DAA06655@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Suzanne - I am usually just a lurker but I had to reply to your post. I

also had 2 miscarriages before I had my daughter - Chelsea! Her original due

date was Oct. 28, 1989 but she was born on Nov. 8. She was also born in

Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. I guess we must have parallel lives.

I think we even have a similar taste in books. Thanks for the nudge to get

me to post. I'll have to do this more often!

Robin in WA





Subject: Re: RA-/Turning 50

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 03:22 AM EST

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040108221101.DAA07786@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Leslie,


I don't know what she is talking about...it must be before/after my time.


I did participate in the Annual Grand Avenue Snowball Fight in 1978 which

resulted in the St. Paul police sending out the riot squad with billy clubs

and attack dogs....quite an event. It seems that Mac has such a reputation

as a radical school - surely the only one I can think of that had students

storm the administration building and take over the campus in those

politically quiescent 70's--that when the annual event that had gone on since

Macalesters early days of flinging snowballs across Grand Avenue between

(dorms on the north vs. dorms on the south) the police on duty that night

decided it was a riot. I was lucky in that I had a big test the next day so I

only stayed for the first 10 - 15 minutes of the snowball fight and left in

time to avoid getting maced, concussed by billy clubs and arrested. It

sparked quite an international incident since several of the students

arrested

and most severely beaten by the police were children of UN diplomats and of

officials in the governments of Thailand, Malaysia, Cameroon, and many other

countries. Despite the fact that most of the students were Minnesotans, most

of the arrested and beaten students were foreign and of color. The foreigh

students from France and the Netherlands, for example, were merely told to

leave. The City of St. Paul apologized profusely, but I don't know how

satisfying that was to a few students who were seriously injured.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: Re: RA-/Turning 50

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 03:23 AM EST

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040108234001.DAA05242@ladder01.news.aol.com>


By the way, Leslie, you must ask her if Beano was still there when she was

there.


[Beano was an odd duck and as far as I know was still attending Macalester

ten years after I left.]



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Re: BFH etc.

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:46 AM EST

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998040113464801.IAA22645@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cissie said, "I was born on April 3 but don't think that my mother "came to"

til April 5".


Cissie: Wow...with my kids, I'm not sure I'll "come to" until they are about

18! I wonder what that will do to their birth certificates!


As for extended birthday celebrations...I'm all for them. My birthday, May

26, almost always falls on or about Memorial Day Weekend. So I like to say

that the entire country gets a day off to celebrate with me!


Terri: Thank you for your kudos on my reading volume! And this month you read

two of my all-time favorites...Little Altars and Divine Secrets. It's very

strange though...this month I have had a tremendous amount going on in my

life. A possible career change is in the offing and my wheels are turning and

creative juices are flowing. Also I've been preparing for my one-week

business/pleasure trip to Boston without DH and children!!! So I feel like I

have been like a whirling dirvish (sp?). But you know what? The busier you

are, the more you accomplish. I think I was putting the same fervor into my

book-reading that I was putting into the other areas of my life! I was

shocked to look back and see how much I had read! I'm starting April with

Alias Grace which will probably take several days, so look for lower

production numbers in April.


Also, don't be intimidated to post if you can't be eloquent when posting

about books. Some people are really good at it...RuthAlice comes to mind.

Sometimes I add things to my TBR list, not because someone has posted and

eloquently critiqued the book, but because someone has posted, "I absolutely

loved it! Couldn't put it down!" and nothing more!!! I think my post about

Into Thin Air, my 1997 #1 book, was "You must go and get this from the

library,

buy it, borrow it, whatever. Just read it and then thank me for recommending

it." Words couldn't capture my feelings about this book, the writing style,

the emotion, etc., but I could certainly convey my enthusiasm!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading (and determined to finish this time) Alias Grace




Subject: Lots of books

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 09:50 AM EST

From: MJZ 216

Message-id: <1998040114503600.JAA29559@ladder01.news.aol.com>


If anyone is in the State College, PA area from Apr.4 - 8, the Penn State

chapter of the University Women is having its annual book sale. There will be

100,000 books of which 45,000 will be paperback, 8,000 children's books.

Prices range from .40 to $15.00.(art books). Some rare books for $100. or

more. On Apr. 7 the price of remaining books will be cut in half. On the 8th

the books will be $5.00 a grocery bag. Also included will be phonograph

records, ("People are abandoning their record collections for CDs")sheet

music and song books("Stephen Foster's Immortal Memories" book sold for .95

in 1939 goes for $!.00), and giant maps donated by the university, not new

but colorful. It sounds like a gread way to spend a day-or several days. The

hours are from 9 am to 9 pm at the Hetzel Union Building. Enjoy.

Jo Z.

mjz216






Subject: Wednesay a.m.

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 09:55 AM EST

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040114553501.JAA00209@ladder01.news.aol.com>


OK JACKIE - go for it!! The recipes are posted, & let me tell you -

premature samples by the experts say, those cookies are killers!!


DIANE: all the best to you this week - may all of your choices be filled

with wisdom & loads of luck!


BTW: LITTLE ALTARS & DIVINE SECRETS are my favourites of last year, & this

year - & for a long time to come! Now I know why: a friend of mine invited

some of us over for a treat last week - "real Suthen BBQ" - I said a few

prayers over it first (pork!!) - then closed my eyes had enjoyed every

mouthful. I didn't get struck by lightning yet - I just don't cook stuff

like that at home - my personal brand of hypocrisy-:) The rest of the ganag

almost

choked laughing & agreed, in another life I was either/or/and Suthen &

Italian. Must account for my reading perversions as well.


Did anyone see Larry King Live last night? I hate that show - (& don't care

for him, either) but I was busy baking & my hands were too dirty to change

the channel (what an excuse) - quite an interview.


Off to the torture chamber (dentist)

TTFN -

The Marco Maniac - reading DIVINE SECRETS again, & thinking: New York

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT





Subject: Re: Wednesay a.m.

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 11:00 AM EST

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040116001801.LAA10431@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Beautiful Wed. am. Sunny after a grim, gray day of clouds and rain

yesterday--all day sooo went for a lovely walk. Getting my energy back. Now

I find out I have to have a cat-scan tomorrow. Seems I have a granuloma in

my lung--@*&#% many bad words. Seems just when i start feeling well

something else happens. It's not likely that this is anything but of course

they have to check and of course my DH is up north. It really is nothing

compared to what some of you have been through. Just need to bitch. Thank

you for listening-you are the greatest.


Used yesterday for reading Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. Read Taft

by her first. this was much better-really loved it. I know many of you have

read it.


Finished Unredeened Captive by John Demos while baby-sitting the GC. On the

weekends they have friends over and then are gone but someone needs to be

minding the store. UC is non-fiction but almost reads like a novel.

Fascinating--In 1704 an Indian rainding party killed and captured many in the

town of Deerfield. A well-known minister John Williams and his five children

were captured. He was finally released as were most of his children. The

youngest was adopted by an Indian family and never wanted to returned which

really upset these Puritan fathers. (Not a spoiler as this is all spelled

out on the back cover) Won several history prizes and I very much enjoyed

it.

Reading Some Call it Sleep by Henry Roth. Has anyone read this?

Pat





Subject: Chain Letter

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 11:13 AM EST

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998040116133501.LAA12084@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I received this "chain letter" via email. I don't like chain letters but this

one is different and the message carries some advice for all of us who get so

busy we may forget what joy contact with a friend can bring. Hope no one gets

upset that I posted it.



FRIENDS


> > Around the corner I have a friend

> > In this great city that has no end,

> > Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,

> > And before I know it, a year is gone

> > And I never see my old friends face,

> > For life is a swift and terrible race,

> > He knows I like him just as well

> > As in the days when I rang his bell,

> > And he rang mine.

> >

> > We were younger then,

> > And now we are busy, tired men.

> > Tired of playing a foolish game,

> > Tired of trying to make a name.

> > Tomorrow" I say "I will call on Jim"

> > Just to show that I'm thinking of him"

> > But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And

> > distance between us grows and grows.

> > Around the corner!-yet miles away,

> >

> > "Here's a telegram sir-"

> > "Jim died today."

> > And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

> > Around the corner, a vanished friend.

> >

> > If you love someone, tell them. Remember always to say what you mean.

Never > > be afraid to express yourself. Take this opportunity to tell

someone what they

> > mean to you. Seize the day and have no regrets. Most importantly, stay

close to

> > your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person you are

today.

> > Pass this along to your friends. Let it make a difference in your day and

theirs.

> > The difference between expressing love and having regrets which may stay

> > around forever.



Carol





Subject: Re: RA-/Turning 50

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 11:18 AM EST

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040116184501.LAA12710@ladder03.news.aol.com>


leslie: Loved your tag. Will have to adopt that motto-though I am trying to

walk a little faster.

Terri: I, too, often feel inarticulate and it seems as if I read alot this

month but I only read 4--post those later.

Only beginning to get caught up--was gone for a week or so--but gotta go so

more later.

Pat





Subject: Re: Lots of books

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 11:42 AM EST

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040116423401.LAA13010@ladder01.news.aol.com>


You just got about 200 people to make reservations to get to State College,

PA for that sale!

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain





Subject: Re: RA-/Turning 50

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 11:45 AM EST

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998040116450100.LAA15930@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Pat: I read Some Call It Sleep a few years ago and really liked it. I can't

rememeber the details of it but do know that it won several awards. Are you

reading it now? What do you think?



Terri






Subject: BEE

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 11:48 AM EST

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040116483001.LAA16340@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Today is Birthday Eve Eve, just in case some of you didn't realize what an

important day this is. My brother and his wife are coming in to take me out

for dinner -- the first of my "events"-- since he will not be able to attend

any of my many weekend festivities.


Carol -- Did you do all that cooking just for moi? Send it on -- especially

the chocolate. You are certainly a "show off " with your reading list!

Would anyone believe it if I said I had been dedicating myself to a reread of

"Remembrance of Things Past"?


Finished Janice Daugharty's "Whistle" last night and thought it was

wonderful. I'll write more about this one later, but it's already assured a

spot on my favorites of 1998 list.


Cissie, wearing a birthday crown all week






Subject: Another newbie...

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 12:51 PM EST

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998040117513701.MAA24254@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hello Nookers,


Well here I am with another request.. Hope as many of you as possible will

come to the Fredonia chat tonight because I have invited a friend of mine to

come and check it out. I recently located through Member Directory a friend

from years ago. Connie/TellCon and I met in 1965 when both our now DX's were

stationed at Glasgow AF Base in Glasgow, MT. Our men spend a good time away

from home, and Connie and I helped each other to survive some very

lonely times as young military wives. She is new to the on-line experience

and has been hesitant to try chat rooms, (axe-murderers, you know?), so I

have convinced her to come to Fredonia tonight and meet some of the great

folks in this group.

Looking forward to the chat tonight..



Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Up Island", by Anne Rivers

Siddons.

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...






Subject: Books and Cooks

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 01:52 PM EST

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040118524901.NAA02093@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy in PA -- re. ANGLE OF IMPACT... someone on another board liked Bonnie

MacDougall's first book better (BREACH OF TRUST), but I thought this one was

pretty good...I'd give it a B+.


Terri -- I was glad to read your post. Don't worry about the number of books

you read, please! Some people have more time than others, some put reading

before other things like dusting (moi!), some need little sleep, some read

VERY fast, etc. etc. I too feel sometimes intimidated by the eloquence on

this board, but this is NOT a reading or writing contest, right Book Nookers?

Keep posting!


Carol/Maniac -- you said you gained 50 lbs. HANDLING the cooking

ingredients... well... I gained 50 lbs. READING about your confections. And

here I'm trying to cut back on my sugar intake. Sigh. Guess I go get a Kit

Kat. <g> (You cook, you bake, you play tennis, and... you read 14 books last

month! Wow!) I'll be thinking of you at the dentist today. This past Monday

was my day to be "crowned." Ugh.


Pat -- CAT scan tomorrow, Thursday? I'll keep you in my thoughts. Hang in

there dear lady.


Books read in March:

THE CARETAKER, William Simpson, B+, wickedly funny, trashy, but no one "wins"


TO DANCE WITH THE WHITE DOG, Terry Kay, A+, touching story of love and aging

BOOKED TO DIE, John Dunning, A, excellent mystery re. book-collecting

THE MARK OF THE ASSASSIN, Daniel Silva, A, gripping thriller, riveting ending

BLACK AND BLUE, Anna Quindlen, A+, beautifully written, tragic story though

THREE TO GET DEADLY, Janet Evanovich, B+, mystery, love her humor!

SKULL SESSION, Daniel Hecht, B+, page-turning thriller, scary

ANGLE OF IMPACT, Bonnie MacDougal, B+, legal thriller, fast-moving


Books not finished:

EVERYDAY SACRED, Sue Bender, C, disjointed vignettes


Audio Book:

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, Allan Folsom, A, exciting techno-thriller


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

Do not remove this Tagline under penalty of the law!





Subject: List by GRADGLASS

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 02:06 PM EST

From: SRULL

Message-id: <1998040119060000.OAA01141@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Great March list - noticed a tone that reminded of a post I made earlier this

week.

( It's OUT THERE somewhere, was posted for minutes and then disappeared. Is

that possible/probable?) Anyway, the ladies at Island Book Nook on Sanibel

sit at their

register surrounded by their picks. I read Bonita Faye in Sanibel because of

one of those ladies. You Crazy in Alabama readers need this one. You'll

cheer for Bonita Faye.

JRR - also celebrating 50 all week





Subject: Re: this and that

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 02:44 PM EST

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040119441200.OAA06196@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Terri: I'm liking Some Call It Sleep but it's a little too early to tell.

Roth certainly paints the terrors of childhood well. David, the young boy in

the story is what we used to call a Mama's boy. On the other hand, his

father is brutal and cruel. The parents try to off-set each other. The

mother is too coddling and the father is too cruel. It seems as if

everything is a disaster for this child. When he does stick up for himself,

he

hurts the other child and then gets punished. That's as far as I've read and

the book is quite long.


Nancy: Sure hope the cortisone does it for that pesky excema, especially if

you garden. Do you?


Ruth: I like that--IMNSHO--LOL


Cissie: HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Celebrate all year!! 50 is the one birthdya I had

trouble with. You have the right attitude.


Time to teach.

Pat





Subject: Wonder Book of the Air--finished

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 04:27 PM EST

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040121271600.QAA24451@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just posted this in the Book Club folder, but since some of you don't go

there, I thought you might be interested in what I thought about this book.


I finished The Wonder Book of the Air this morning. I want to thank EOR and

RuthAlice for their help in keeping the characters straight. I think it

would have been a good idea if some editor had suggested putting a family

tree in the flyleaf of this book. I did tend to get confused about some of

the relationships in the three generations.


I thought the writing was wonderful, and I enjoyed reading from the different

perspectives of the characters. There were a lot of unhappy souls.

Unhappiness seemed to be a gene that was passed down through the families,

and a general theme of the book.


Harrison Durrance was the central character, and his own unhappiness,

alcoholic rages, and infidelity affected his whole family, even generations

later. Kind of reminded me of throwing a pebble in the stream and watching

all the ripples form around it. It was easy to see how his disparagement of

women was formed early in his life, mainly by his unloving, alcoholic mother.

She's only interested in the money he earns. She steals his money

to buy things for his sisters and at one point actually throws his

hard-earned college

savings into the furnace. He recalls "She always smelled of onions or mint,

and I can hardly remember what it was like to see her smile. There must have

been some smiles directed my way, it stands to reason. I do not remember

what she looked like smiling." She doesn't smile when her brother, Artie

arrives. "She simply looked at him, and the quiet dismay broke over her

face. No smiles or hugs or handshakes. This was the way of our

family."


We don't learn much about Durrance's weak, passive father. Uncle Artie

becomes his hero and a big influence. Artie is the man he goes to when he

needs to understand something, such as accidently seeing Hoyt Benefield,

pants around his ankles, with a widow and mother while he's delivering milk.

Artie tells him

--Ah. Yes. My guess would be that what you were seeing there in that

kitchen was the old essential transaction itself.

--Transaction?

--Between a man and a woman. Basis of all life, really.

--Excuse me?

--Those children have to eat......


He adopts Artie's philosophy and collection of aphorisms as though they were

pearls of wisdom and repeats them ad nauseum throughout the book as though

they were the guiding principles of his life.

There was a lot I liked about this book and there were some patches of hope.

Marjorie's sister overcomes a drug addiction after a failed affair with the

doctor she works with. I thought Adrienne was an interesting character,

especially in the chapter where she's a feisty old lady of seventy-five and

thinks "Bald curiosity yields rich rewards. The

only way not to end up as somebody else's missionary work is to pitch in

there and do some yourself. The wall of human misery is like a slow tidal

wave you can never quite outrun, like in one of those old Japanese horror

movies." I thought this was a powerful interchange she had with her niece,

Phoebe:


--You know; you and I have something in common, I said.

--What's that?

--My mother didn't want me to be born either.

She looked at me like I'd pulled a knife on her. I plowed on, figuring I

would have to finish what I'd started.

--She used to tell me about it. She told me she drank turpentine to kill me.

She told me terrible things.

That crumpled her, that cracked the shell. She'd been waiting a long time to

run across somebody else who knows what that feels like.

--I used to think that your mother would snap out of it, and begin to pick

you up more or hold you on her lap. I used to think if we waited long

enough, she'd get more interested. And I used to look at all the little red

crinolines in the stores, and I'd think why couldn't I just TAKE you? I was

going to name you Julia Rebecca. And I always thought that the reason your

mother was always so mad with me was because you were always trying to run

away to my house.

She shrugged, kept creasing the dishtowel over and over. She wouldn't look

at me. I said, --You and I are going to be friends from here on out,

understand?


The title of the book seems to come from this passage from Harrison Durrance:


"The nadir of your life is the holiest. There is a point at which you will

opt for life you don't even understand yet. Something guides, something

takes over and navigates . . . This is the true wonder book of the air, the

secret flight manual tattooed inside you . . . The best to hope for is find

it navigable."



Barbara (reading Wonder Book of the Air--Cynthia Shearer)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)





Subject: Birthday Logic

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 04:34 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040121342301.QAA25669@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carolina Cissie,

I have some good news for you. You are spending your last day or two being

50. Without realizing it, by the time we become fifty, we have completed our

50th year, so our Birthday marks the beginning of our 51st year, and everyone

knows the 41st, 51st, 61st and on and on years of our lives are easier to

acknowledge. This is not an April Fool's Joke, and it does go to prove that

all the forboding, the anxiety, are over something we have already

completed, since we catapult over that milestone the year before it happens,

and do not even realize it. So as your 50th year on this planet comes to a

close, I wish you a



MOST HAPPY 50th Birthday,

and

a great 51st Year!


Roe

< PS: I used a font appropriately named, "Crows Feet Light" for you! <G>

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.


A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.





Subject: Re: BFH etc.

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 05:21 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040122211601.RAA01429@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Diane- you wrote<<As for extended birthday celebrations...I'm all for them.

My birthday, May 26, almost always falls on or about Memorial Day Weekend. So

I like to say that the entire country gets a day off to celebrate with me!>>


My birthday is May 30th and in olden days THIS was Memorial Day. But I

always felt cheated- no cupcakes that day and my parties always had to be

planned at other times since so many folks made plans for the day. Now I

generally work on my birthday but as I am over 50 it doesn't make any

difference to me. I really enjoy just letting the day pass.


And for my 50th, this coincided with Mich's college graduation so there was

no fuss or party or any other plans fo me. Just a wonderful graduation

celebration and dinner in honor of our daughter. Actually all of these

things were done for my 40th.


And to the person who said that the best party was for someone who had little

money, I have to say our best times were in this one bedroom apartment where

everyone sprawled across the floors and were happy with cheese, wine and

apples and endless discussions on important issues. Now we have these dinner

parties with expensive good and wine but sometimes stiff people with ever

deadlier conversation. Ah youth or the memories of it now....


Its pouring and I'm suppose to be leaving soon to see Nora Roberts at a book

signing. Hoping also to see Joan and Deb (going to try and convince Joan to

read one Roberts book and watch her become a convert) but whoknows what my

driver - DH will have to say about this when he arrives home.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Call It Sleep

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 05:25 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040122253001.RAA04841@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Do you mean the book CALL IT SLEEP by Henry Roth. This is a very old classic

book of the immigrant life on the Lower East Side of NY. I read this many,

many years ago. Roth actually never published another book until a few years

ago and then one or two more books that formed sort of a series abotu the

protagonist. Roth died a few years ago.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: March List

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 05:27 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040122272201.RAA05154@ladder03.news.aol.com>


A good reading month, March was. My yardstick is vivid memory or lasting

impression, and those titles in boldface will not be forgotten. Very Fine.


Paradise Toni Morrison

worth the time, did not much like the story, some characters

contrived, but found it interesting and quite different anyway.


Wonder Book of the Air Cynthia Shearer

Absolutely wonderful and Full/Did not want it to end


To Dance With The White Dog Terry Kay

Lovely character study, Grounded, and Sentimental


The Distinguished Guest Sue Miller

Okay


UnNatural Exposure Patricia Cornwell

This Kay Scarpetta was exciting/plenty of forensics


AUDIOS

Tuesdays With Morrie/ excellent

Street Lawyer/ nothing new under the sun

Sula Toni Morrison:

Plan to order this novel in hardback. Compelling and Beautiful. What a

work of art. Poetry and pathos. I loved it.


Roe<--Reading Asylum by Patrick McGrath ( am not enjoying the narration style

very much, as most of the story is "told" to the reader, but an interesting

study of a woman consumed by passion))



Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.


A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: this and that

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 05:33 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040122335400.RAA03687@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Pat - hope all is well. My anxiety level is way high too - both Mich and I

have appointments on Friday with our surgeon so I'll keep you and all other

book nookers in my prayers- hope you'll do the same for us.


You wrote:<<Nancy: Sure hope the cortisone does it for that pesky excema,

especially if you garden. Do you?>>


When the dr. examined my hands, he asked if I wash dishes- I almost burst out

laughing. As for gardening- you wanna see weeds????


My hands are a little better but Bruce is still convinced its due to the

puter.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 05:36 PM EST

From: JTCURRAN2

Message-id: <1998040122362600.RAA04172@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe - Your post to Cissie tickled me. The Italian way is to look forward and

say you are "going on 10 or 20 or 50" and I have always said I was a year

older than I actually am--it comes in useful now and again. <g> That is

until the day at the Mayo Clinic where I was having a routine physical and

the Doc asked my age. Without thinking I told him one year older that his

subtraction expected. After a curious look he started firing simple math

excercises at me. Seems he's never had a woman slip up on her age without

some incipient mental lapse in the offing. He's been my physician for years

now and he always opens with the age question and a grin. Now I'm afraid to

try to claim my legal age!






Subject: Mar list & stuff

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 06:14 PM EST

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040123152201.SAA11389@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I had to hunt down my reading list notebook; 3 months into the year & I'm

already big-time lapsing. I either haven't read as much as usual, or I can't

remember! I will have to walk around the house & see what books are still on

the floor. LOL


1. Black & Blue--Anna Quindlen 9

2. Goodnight Nebraska--Tom O'Neal 4

3. Cavedweller--Dorothy Allison 3 (skimmed last third)

4. Hank & Chloe--JoAnn Mapson 9

5. Loving Chloe-- " " 6

6. Blue Rodeo--- " " 8


And...I can't remember if I finished this one as I can't remember one thing

about it:

7. Disappearance of Lindsay Barratt--


Jackie--I'm with you.. lemon (lemon) over chocolate anytime.

Carol, what do you DO with all those cookies? Are they all for you or are

you sending them out to all your BookNook friends?


RuthAlice--she said they hold a NAKED OLYMPICS at Macalester every year where

the students enter different events & participate in them when it is VERY

cold & they (boys & girls) are butt-naked. Sounds like fun.(?) Can't image

doing the high hurdles that way. (or any way) She did also say what a good

school it is.


SRULL--Did you mean you are celebrating your 50th birthday week or

celebrating Cissie's with us?


DD #1 has to be picked up at the airport tonight so I doubt I'll make it to

Fredonia.



Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Some Call It Sleep

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 07:09 PM EST

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040200090201.TAA21878@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I remember Some Call It Sleep very well, having read it twice. It was first

published sometime in the 30s and has a somewhat dated feeling in the

language and the slightly melodramatic tone, however the story is engrossing

and remarkably advanced in its insight into poverty, parental behavior, and

love and how they interact in the character formation of children. This was

an important book in the development of our understanding of the immigrant

experience and reveals tremendous wisdom on the part of Henry Roth, the

author. It is a pity that it took more than 50 years for him to write another

book. I have not read his recent book, has anyone?


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: Re: this and that

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 07:10 PM EST

From: Ludsmith

Message-id: <1998040200105200.TAA22265@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy: I had eczema on my hands for several years. My dermatologist ran

lots of tests for allergies, fungus, etc. I tried all kinds of cortisone

creams, ointments, lotions, etc. Finally I went to another doctor who used

topical antibiotics (Doxycyclin and Ceclor) in a water base which I put on my

hands a few times a day. It took a few months to knock out the eczema, but

my hands are great now. I felt like a mummy because I would have to bandage

almost every finger and joint after applying other medicines. Shauna





Subject: Books Read

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 07:18 PM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040200184001.TAA26533@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Here's my list for the month.


Caucasia by Danzy Senna

The Fortune Catcher by Susanne Pari

Obsession by John Douglas

Enduring Love, by Ian McEwan

After Eli by Terry Kay

The Wonder Book of the Air by Cynthia Shearer


Now almost finished with WHERE SERPENTS LIE, by T. Jefferson Parker


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CISSIE!



i i

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Birthday

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


* * * * * * *

* * * * *

Mari Lu

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.

-Seneca





Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 07:34 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040200344400.TAA27073@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Erika, ( Goodness, I went off on tangent no.#534 here)


Not always a bad ploy, to say one is older than one is. It is so funny that

I forgot how old I was for a couple of years too. As a lifeguard and

swimming instructor for nearly two decades before PABA, a tennis player,

outdoor worshipper, and a golfer, my face, lovely and guileless as it is <G>,

is roadmarked and traffic lined by Helios and that other Sun Titan, Hyperion.

I do not sit in Apollo's chariot under a canvas gazebo ( whoops, sorry Sue).

Sometimes, a little imp justs sits on the shoulder and compels me to lie

about my age, always to the Senior side. It is so much nicer to hear, "

well, you do not look that old", certainly more preferable than, " My Lord,

what have you done to yourself?" A little bit of vanity is not a bad thing,

I hope. In addition to watching time marching on in the vicinity of one's

face by employing an intimately positioned magnified mirror, are the assaults

from the glossy magazine and slick television images. Where do these people

live? Have they always nestled themselves under rocks and in mushroom

cellars? Did they save their skin at the expense of interesting activities?

Or are they just lucky?


I found out that it does not matter; time marches on under the bathing suit

line as well. What a relief. Some of those faces have secrets below the

neck. And that's also hitting below the belt! LOL


Even with all the plastic surgery out there, an individual remains

intrinsically the same: interesting, intelligent, and innately capable, or

shallow, vacuous, and self-absorbed. Give me roadmaps and humor, compassion

and interest, every time. It does hurt when the dreaded and inflammatory

catcalls cease ( did I say that sexist drivel?). When one is used to being

admired through no effort of her own, is minding her own business, and has

much to

offer, the abrupt cessation of gratuitous admiration is a blow, but the

strong and happy are ultimately delighted by the occasion to be recognized

only for themselves. What an opportunity. Being lovely is not skin deep,

but it was nice, once upon a time.


I apologize for lack of inhibitions and frontal lobe management, but, When I

Am Old, I Shall Wear Purple too. And that is for sure.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 07:52 PM EST

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998040200524400.TAA00803@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Eor/Roe - You responded to a message that Rosemary wrote, not me! We are both

Currans. Not related. Except of course by BookNook.


Erika, finished The Wonder Book of the Air and started Alias Grace






Subject: This and That

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:00 PM EST

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040201001200.UAA04924@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy April Fools Day - Okay I did not win the 6 million dollar lottery in

the state of Connecticut!!! The only thing I have ever won was a Toaster

playing BINGO an I never went back!!


Ginaagain - So good to have you join us in Fredonia the other night. You

have been missed. Take good care of yourself you a very important person

around here.


CKoucky - Pat sorry I missed your birthday. 14 is a good number mine is June

14. Now if I can remember how you typed those swear words so I won't lose my

membership. LOL Bitch all you want and I can hold your hand through

Cyberspace so you can be brave. But you don't have to be Brave. Love

seeing you Post again. Prayers coming your way.


Kiheikarol/Carol - Love the "Chain Letter" like you I usually do not like

them.


E1Boz/Carole #1 - Looking forward to meeting your friend in Fredonia to

night. Welcome Connie to Book Nook People. Post often and join us in

Fredonia.


EOR WILES/Roe - Thank you for introducing Ashley to us. I sent her a e-mail

and she not only replied but sent me a Instant Message.


CloudLA/Leslie - Love your tag-line. Your something else.!! I too got all

organized in Favorite Places. (Thank you new Pam) Yes, and Golda Meir's

quote

is precious. See you in Fredonia.


Ludsmith/Shauna - So sorry you team lost. It is such a big let down. I have

experienced it with both our men and womens' teams. But a new season will be

upon us in 8 mos.!! !!Just wait until next year!!!!

Glad the baby was not born in Cyberspace in Fredonia.


J5577/Jackie - thanks for the Instructions on Life. Printed it out and put

it on my bulletin board. Hope you got the books.


Buny32132/MaryAnn - I am memorizing the "Nice Message to Share" its a warm

and fuzzy. Thank You!


Skill 40/Suzanne - So glad you an the Mouse managed to get back to Posting

and also in Fredonia. We have missed you. I am so happy your using quotes

from "The Prophet" one of my very favorite books in my entire lifetime.


TDanks777/Terri - Oh, what a nice Post!. You cannot sit back and observe

anymore. I won't let you!!!! Your Post was marvelous and looking forward to

many more. Glad your turning the corner and ready to please YOU!!!! I have

been around for a while like a year an a half and had a very difficult time

beginning to Post. I'm suppose to be an extravert but something new, and

first time is scary for us all. Its not a race or contest of how many

books you read in one month. Its how much did you enjoy what you have read.

See you in Fredonia Chat.


Rashrr/Robin --Welcome and glad to see you posting. Many of us have similar

taste in books. You did good for the first time, lady. You will get more

enjoyment of this group as you Post. Come join us in Fredonia Chat. We talk

about books but also we talk about life.


Regards,

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:09 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040201094100.UAA06806@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Rosemary.......


Mea culpa. Raison d'etre, raisins, currants, Currans...My heart was in the

right place.


Erika,

What do you think?<G> Thanks for cluing me in.


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:14 PM EST

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040201143001.UAA05159@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Roe:



I have smiled, laughed out loud, and simply enjoy your birthday logic. I too

Shall Wear Purple my friend.


Never ever apologize for lack of inhibitions and frontal lobe management,

but, When I Am Old, I Shall Wear Purple too. And that is for sure. "Ditto"


Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: My tiny list for March

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:15 PM EST

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998040201161201.UAA08098@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Well my reading has slowed down A LOT now but I hope to figure out a way to

improve that now I'm getting to know how to run the library.


"The Sweet Hereafter" Russell Banks

"Voodoo River" Robert Crais

"Cold Mountain" Charles Frazier

"Black and Blue" Anna Quindlen


And I'm now trying to read "Ellen Foster" by Kaye Gibbons



Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward






Subject: Cissie!

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:40 PM EST

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998040201403200.UAA12916@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday Cissie, and just remember:


50 is 5 perfect 10's !!!!!


Have a wonderful 51st year! Just develop the "attitude" and run with it!!


Carole #1

Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Up Island", by Anne Rivers

Siddons.

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...






Subject: Re: I've been mouseless!!!

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:42 PM EST

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998040201423301.UAA13285@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Robin -- What a small world. My nephew was also born in Sacred Heart

Hospital in Spokane since my brother lives in Spokane. As a matter of fact,

I have two brothers who live in Spokane.



Nancy in PA

Just finished The Wonder Book of Air and currently reading Here On Earth.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: I'm already wearing purple & book list for March

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:51 PM EST

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998040201513200.UAA12421@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe - I've always done whatever I wanted in the sun and my skin's held up

amazingly well - so I think it's genetic, as usual. Mind you the magnifying

mirror that I now have to use to apply makeup reveals a lot of lines but I

could never care about that. Makeup hides a lot.


Happy birthday, week, month and year, Cissie - hope all the celebrations are

wonderful.


Reading list for March (short, I know) -


Two volumes of A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell - A -

Remebrance of Things Past in English (and in England)

The Cat Who Caught a Thief by Lillian Braun - C - lacked energy, interest or

amusement but I read it all the way through.

Come Hell on High Water by ?? - B+ - totally amusing journal of a tramp

steamer trip around the world. The most enlightening insight into trips like

this is that all people do or have to do is drink. (Hopefully I'd read)


Going to Los Gatos for a wedding this weekend. We're leaving tomorrow and

will stay until Monday because we haven't been up north for a while and want

to to go San Francisco, Carmel, Capitola, Santa Cruz - other than the fact

that it's supposed to rain all weekend we should have a wonderful time.


Night, guys - got to pack -


P.S. Good luck with the cat scan, Pat - I know it will all be OK.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Nora Roberts...

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 08:53 PM EST

From: SilvlocMom

Message-id: <1998040201535901.UAA15449@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Well, NRK/Nancy never made it to the book signing.. so I was on my own as to

which Nora Robert's book to buy. I figured since she was signing her new one

I'd buy that and picked up a paperback as well. There were over 50 very

zealous fans there laughing, taking pictures, eating cookies and celery. Deb

joined me in line where I was chatting with 2 really nice women.. the fact

that Nora Roberts was there was incidental to me. I finally made it to

the table where she sat and smiled at her and said "I've never even read one

of your books but thought I'd give them a try?" she smiled back and said

"it's always nice to meet a potential fan.." . Deb didn't think I'd have the

nerve to say that... fooled her didn't I. I am looking forward to reading

her now, I think I'm going to enjoy her books. And I picked these out all

without Nancy's help.. hope I did okay?


Nancy - hope all goes well at the doctor and you find some relief for your

hand problem. Deb and I (and DH too) missed you tonight.


Joan in NJ






Subject: Sundries

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 09:33 PM EST

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998040202332100.VAA22996@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie -- A very happy birthday week to you.


NRK -- Will be thinking about you and Mich on Friday.


Pat -- Good luck to you also with your Cat scan.


Marilu -- Do you think you could rate your books for March. I was especially

interested in seeing how you rated The Fortune Catcher and Enduring Love

before I read them.


Marco Maniac -- How could you cook that much???


Nancy in PA

Just finished The Wonder Book of Air and currently reading Here On Earth.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: MARCH READS

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 09:47 PM EST

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998040202470001.VAA23153@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I just posted this same thing in Fav. Fiction so if you just came from there,

you can skip this post. Also, I don't know how to transfer it from there to

here so I have to type the whole thing over.


I love reading everyone's posts about what they have read that month but I

especially like it when we rate the books we have read. It makes it much

more exciting to see if I would like the same books.


So...following are my reads for the month...rated, of course. LOL


Black & Blue, Anna Quindlen -- 9 -- Really enjoyed this book, the writing and

the characters. I have a son the same age so the ending really killed me.

A Virtuous Woman, Kaye Gibbons -- 4 -- Found this book very boring although I

know many of you loved it.

To Dance With the White Dog, Terry Kay -- 7 -- Enjoyable; I love dogs so I

think that added to my enjoyment otherwise I might have rated it lower.

Sooner Or Later, Elizabeth Adler -- 5 -- Recommended by my mother. she loved

it; I thought it was very predictable and if I was in the book, I could have

solved the crime on page 150 at least.

Snow Falling on Cedars, David Guterson -- 9 -- Loved this book. Loved the

characters and the setting. Hated what was done to the Japanese/Americans

during that time.

The Wonder Book of the Air, cynthia Shearer -- 4 -- Really did not like this

book at all. I would have rated it lower but I think I did like one or two

chapters. Felt the characters were depressing; everyone was sorry they had

kids; everyong wanted to be with someone other than the ones they were with.

Gave a new meaning to the word dysfunctional.


Started Here On Earth by Alice Hoffman but didn't finish in time for this

list.


Nancy in PA

Just finished The Wonder Book of Air and currently reading Here On Earth.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: Re: Life in the big city

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 09:51 PM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040202514400.VAA24085@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Ruth, the Reader-Watcher: Me too! I constantly read and watch tv .It used to

drive my kids crazy, but they realized they had a built-in excuse for having

the tv or radio on when doing their homework. Oh well. Stitching is a

favorite too, in the winter. Don't like threads and things in my hands when

it's hot! Books are right, tho, for all seasons.

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell


"In the end, everything is a gag" - Charlie Chaplin






Subject: No Nora tonight

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 09:54 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040202541100.VAA24580@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Just my luck- I have my three Nora Roberts books that are my faves (how many

can you bring? - they're all good) and I can't wait to meet with Joan and Deb

too and then oh no - torrential rain. Flooded streets to say nothing of my

basment which so far is fine and then oh me oh my - thunder and lightening to

say nothing of the fact that Bruce was already exhausted from driving in rain

and traffic for the better part of the day here and there so we

stayed home. Oh well - I am really bummed out but as we say - the best laid

plans etc.


But I was so upset and Bruce was so sweet, I figured I can do major damage in

the bookstores over the weekend and he won't say a word.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Call it Sleep

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 10:00 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040203004200.WAA25923@ladder01.news.aol.com>


To the best of my knowledge this book by Henry Roth is titled Call It Sleep

not Some Call it Sleep.


And yes, Ruth I have read Mercy in a Rude Stream and hope to read the others

as well. Roth has ben considered something of a literary phenomenon -with

only one published book in so many years. He died after completing the last

book of this series, if one could call it a series.


Just checked Amazon and they seem to have all of his books.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: MARCH BOOKS

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 10:02 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040203024600.WAA28912@ladder03.news.aol.com>



My list is somewhat shorter for this month as I read two books that were

almost 700 pages each.


Green Darkness by Anya Seton - 10 - a reread after 25 years - still very

wonderful

Tears of the Moon by Di Morrissey- 9 - a traditional grand and sweeping novel

set in Australia

To Dance With the White Dog by Terry Kay- 9 - good sentimental read

Isolated Incident by Susan Sloan - 9

Dance of Dreams by Nora Roberts - 8



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Picking scabs

Date: Wed, 01 April 1998 10:34 PM EST

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998040203344801.WAA02616@ladder01.news.aol.com>


John. Thank you for coming back and speaking so eloquently on a subject that

has also been troubling me. I agree with you about teaching ABSOLUTE right

and wrong. It is so difficult to do when your children are among others whose

parents are not doing the same. I see it with my young children in things as

simple as jumping on the furniture, eating too much candy,

watching TV shows & movies that I don't approve of for them at their age. I

realise that I must be on top of them now for these simple things to protect

them from following along when the dangerous peer pressure begins. And I

sometimes wish we could all get together for a parents meeting and agree on

how to raise our kids right. I can remember feeling sorry for Ian, watching

other kids talking and making noise in church. He couldn't understand why a

family that we socialized with outside of church was alllowed to behave this

way, and he couldn't. These were nice people that we liked, why was it wrong

for him to behave that way, if it was OK for them?

I am often told how well behaved my children are. Many times by people who's

children are monsters. Why? Because I don't stop reminding them the

difference between right and wrong. You can't stop reminding them. Several

years ago I went to a PTA seminar on AIDS awareness for elementary age

children. Of course the question came up of how do you teach children that

don't know anything about sex, about AIDS prevention. The speaker told us

something that

I have adhered to ever since. When you take your small child out of the car

in a parking lot, what do you do? You tell them to take your hand. You don't

just tell them that once, you tell them EVERY TIME you take them out of that

car. The same goes with AIDS prevention at an early age: You always tell them

to practice good Hygiene. You protect them from what might be risky behavior

for them at their age. You remind them, every time they go to the

playground; if someone gets cut, you don't touch their blood. That's good

hygiene. You remind them to wash their hands before eating, that's good

hygiene. You KEEP reminding them. As they get older, you still remind them to

protect themselves from risky behavior.You remind them, when their young

teens, that body piercing is risky behavior. And at every age appropriate

moment you REMIND them. You don't stop! I have taken what I learned at that

seminar

and applied it to every aspect of teaching my children. Healthy lifestyle,

respect for others, right & wrong. My children are young, yet. But I believe

that I have set a standard which they have come to accept. Ian will turn 11

this year. He's a really good kid and has made excellent choices in

friendships. We watch Sally Jesse R together sometimes and he KNOWS who is

trouble and who can be redeemed. And that is because I always remind him.

There

will never come a time while I'm raising my children, that I will let up on

this. My parents never did, and I am very happy with the way I turned out! i

just wish all parents would get together and adhere to a simple standard.

BTW: What's the going rate for the tooth fairy? There's another subject I

wish we could all agree on!

That's my TOO cents!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Picking scabs

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 12:30 AM EST

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040205305801.AAA25727@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I like it, Suzanne, reminding constantly. Too late for my own perhaps,

though they've turned out fine but a rule I can use with grandkids. Thanks,

I'm printing this out for my dd and dil.

Books for the month, ALREADY!!!!

books are rated on a 1 to 5 scale but I'm an easy grader, I give anyone

credit for just writing a book!

At Weddings and Wakes, Alice McDermott 3


Evening Class, M. Binchey 5, what's not to

love, comfort reading!


Daring to Dream, Nora Roberts 2, sorry, Nancy, my

first and I didn't love it.


Schindler's List, Thomas Keneally 5


Acquired Tastes, Peter Mayle 3


See Jane Run Joy Felding 4, a good thriller!


Sacred and Profane Faye Kellerman 2



Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 01:13 AM EST

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040206130901.BAA29170@ladder01.news.aol.com>


LOL over "crow's feet light" font! I don't have that one, but need to get

it!

Cissie, wearing a birthday crown all week






Subject: Re: this and that

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 01:15 AM EST

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040206152400.BAA02186@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy -- Hope the surgeon has only positive things to say to you and Michelle

on Friday. Keep us posted!

Cissie, wearing a birthday crown all week






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 01:26 AM EST

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040206265500.BAA01033@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I like the birthday logic of saying that I'm older than I am. I've already

figured this out -- when anyone has the temerity to ask, I simply say "75".

Then I have to pray that he looks astonished! Woe to him who doesn't!


Since everyone is bragging about book lists, I'll post mine, though I don't

remember the month, just that it was since January 1:


Intrusions, Ursula Hegi

The Sweet Hereafter, Russell Banks **

Rule of the Bone, Banks *

Longing for Home, Buechner *

How Close We come, Susan Kelly

The Horse Whisperer (finally, just because everyone around here talks about

it)

In This House of Brede (a wonderful reread) **

Nathan's Run

The Long Walk *

The Book of Ruth

'The Rapture of Canaan *

Black and Blue, Anna Quindlen *

Jewel, Bret Lott *

After Dark, Margonin

Winter Birds, Grimsley **

Faith in What?

The Partner (what a waste)

Memoirs of a Geisha **

Whistle **

The Atonement Child (don't bother)

Echo House, Ward Just

Here on Earth

The Weight of Water (in progress)

Francis and Clare

Cissie, wearing a birthday crown all week






Subject: Re: Our Mom

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 01:29 AM EST

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040206295601.BAA03939@ladder03.news.aol.com>


EOR/Roe...Thank you for sharing your wise words of advice. I appreciate

being able to listen in and to learn. I realized a few weeks ago, when we

got the report on my mom, which though shocking to me was considered good by

her doctors, that I couldn't spend my time worrying and fretting. No matter

what time we have together, it should be enjoyed and we should continue to

have fun and, as you so aptly put it, celebrate. I know Carole and Jackie

appreciated your words, as do I.


Lita






Subject: Talk of the Nation

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 02:01 AM EST

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040207012901.CAA07465@ladder03.news.aol.com>


As I was pulling up to my office yesterday at the stroke of 10 (for a 10:00

meeting, of course!) I heard the intro for "Talk of the Nation" on NPR. The

intro could have mirrored our "conversations" of the past days....not all

aspects of Jonesboro but the debate on gun control. It was as if someone had

read all our posts, summarized them beautifully, chose experts on both sides

of the issue and.....????....had to turn the radio off and dash into the

office. Anyone hear it?


Lita - Currently readiing "Compromising Positions" by Susan Isaacs

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver and listening to Indigo Slam by

Robert Crais.

GO BRUINS!!!!!!!






Subject: Re: Picking scabs

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 02:26 AM EST

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040207270201.CAA07361@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sue....Is your top rating a 5? I cannot figure out which you are

recommending. And I value your opinions!


Do tell...Lita






Subject: Cissie

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 07:25 AM EST

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040212251201.HAA17649@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy

Birthday,

to you...

today,

&

the rest

of the

year!

CELEBRATE!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight





Subject: Burning Answers to Burning Questions

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 08:07 AM EST

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040213075601.IAA23828@ladder03.news.aol.com>


LESLIE: cookies?? To see me, you would think I eat them all - :) - but

Friday is a BIG tennis end of the year party - that's where all the cooking &

baking is headed this week.

When Alex walks in & sees either me or the kitchen in action, he smiles

because he KNOWS I am working out my anxieties & I am really happy with what

I am doing. If I cook it or bake it, I don't necessarily have to eat it - it

numbs the demons for me.


ROE: when I am old (any minute now) I SHALL WEAR A BIG BROWN PAPER BAG (over

my head). This area - Naples, Fla in particular, is known as the FACE LIFT

CAPITAL OF THE WORLD - I think it even makes Hollywood look pale, by

comparison & per capita. I feel as if I am the only one who has not been

'adjusted'. What you sees is how I arrived (except for the useless

plumbing)- why, I even have my tonsils-:) But they don't show, & they aren't

too

wrinkled yet.


I shall now collect this bag of bones (covered in sunscreen) & schlepp it off

to the golf course, for a few hours of non-stop frustration & fun in the sun.

Man, is it HOT out there! And it's only April.


The Maniac, Riding rampant



Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT





Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 10:03 AM EST

From: JTCURRAN2

Message-id: <1998040215034701.KAA07037@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe - That was, my dear, a hilarious transition. Does your mind ever sleep?


Rosemary Raisin, ummm, I mean Currant. NO, no, Curran.






Subject: Books in March

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 10:07 AM EST

From: Rickie122

Message-id: <1998040215071601.KAA04931@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Books I read in March:


Cadillac Jukebox (unabridged tapes) by James Lee Burke. DH and I listened on

the

way to Florida.

Evening Class by Maeve Binchy

Durable Goods by Elizabeth Berg

Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore

Into the Forest by Jean Heglund

Comfort Woman by Nora Okja Keller

Earth-Fires Dance by Janice Steinberg

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden


Off to Chicago this afternoon where Sue (Gazebo316) will join DH and me for a

theater

evening on Saturday night. I'm so looking forward to meeting her!

All of you lovely booknook people, don't be too prolific with posts -- I

have a heck of a time catching up!


Rickie in MI

Woman's virtue is man's greatest invention.

- Cornelia Otis Skinner






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 10:23 AM EST

From: Rickie122

Message-id: <1998040215232801.KAA06875@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cissie -- love your birthday logic of adding 25 years to your age. Reminds

me of when I was pregnant with my second child. Although I wasn't due until

Mar. 1, from Thanksgiving on until Christmas, people would express strong

disbelief when they asked me my due date and I told them.(This was probably

because I had weighed about 90 lbs. before I got pregnant, and had gained

close to 30 by that time and I was huge.) Anyway, I was so tired of the

constant doubt of the possibility that I was telling the truth about my due

date that I took to telling people (when asked) that I was due January 1. I

figured, let them worry about it!

In my defense, these people were not close friends or relatives...

Rickie

Woman's virtue is man's greatest invention.

- Cornelia Otis Skinner






Subject: Koontz

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 11:21 AM EST

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998040216214100.LAA16454@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I am currently listening to Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz. This man never

ceases to amaze me. How anyone can write horror stories in such a poetic

manner is remarkable. His words are so beautiful.


On the opposite end of the spectrum, IMHO, is The Cobra Event. In this book

it seemed to me that the author went out of his way to try and make things as

ugly as possible. I have attended autopsies and did human cadaver dissection

as a physical therapy student so I am used to the "unpleasant" to say the

least. But, I found this authors descriptions to be the most vile and

disgusting imaginable. I returned it to the library without finishing

it.


I am currently reading The Bone Collector and find it most interesting and up

to Deaver's usual good read.

Carol






Subject: Re: Rating

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 03:10 PM EST

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040220101401.PAA12821@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Lita, top rating is a five. But it's hard to rate any. A #5 fluff book

is a whole lot different than a #5 profound book but both worthwhile for what

they are.


Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: I'm already wearing purple & book list for March

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 04:24 PM EST

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040221245101.QAA23795@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Going to Los Gatos for a wedding this weekend.>>


Mary Ann,


How funny... I'm going to Los Gatos for a wedding next weekend! Have a

wonderful time.. maybe it won't rain all weekend.



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: My March Books

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 05:16 PM EST

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040222162400.RAA04944@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I only finished four, but to encourage others who only read a couple

themselves, I'll post my little list in the order I finished them:


Black Cherry Blues--James Lee Burke B+ Dave Robicheaux, a former New


Orleans policeman, is pursued by a psychopath and flees his home on the

Louisiana bayou to

find a new life in Montana. After settling near the Blackfoot River Canyon,

Robicheaux finds himself in the middle of an illegal Mafia takeover of Indian

lands.This won the 1990 Edgar Award for best mystery novel. I like this

writer a lot.

Possession--Ann Rule C Very creepy novel about a woman's camping trip to

Washington's Cascade mountains that goes awry--leaving her husband dead, and

her only hope for survival with the twisted stranger that murdered him. Made

my skin crawl.


Leaving Cheyenne--Larry McMurtry B+ Two best friends and the woman they both


love tell their own stories over a 40-year span. A little slow, but not to

be missed if you're a McMurtry fan. (Wrote Lonesome Dove, one of my all-time

favorite books)


Night Prey--John Sandford C- Cat burglar/serial killer obssessed with

beautiful woman carves her initials on his victims and is trailed by

Minneapolis deputy police chief Lucas Davenport. I don't know why I finished

this. I wouldn't recommend it, and don't think I'll bother with anything

else he's written.


Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: Picking scabs

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 06:18 PM EST

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040223184100.SAA13183@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Suzanne -- bless you! You are doing a wonderful job raising your children,

and I should know... having met your charming Ian. You expressed yourself

eloquently in your post. I wish we could post your post (huh?) in school

hallways, in churches and YMCAs, in libraries, on TV... well, you know what I

mean ... because I was that impressed with your words and practice. Keep it

up... never let up...


Sally






Subject: Re: My March Books

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 06:19 PM EST

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998040223194500.SAA15973@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK you smoked me out! I'm one of the ones that does not have a long list, and

I'm not ashamed to admit it!!! Hey, I've been giving chickenpox treatments

for the whole month! Anyone wanna trade places!!!!????

I started Wonder Book of the Air in Feb. and finished it in March. A+

I have been s l o w l y plugging away at How to Read an Unwritten Language by

Philip Graham and should finish it tonight. Also an A+. I wish someone else

would read this book and comment on it. I did post some excerpts from it and

the info from the back cover a couple of weeks ago and haven't gotten any

bites.

That's it folks....the whole list!

See ya!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet





Subject: Nancy

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 06:31 PM EST

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040223320000.SAA15530@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy/NRK -- As Bobby Simone (NYPD Blue) said the other night to Andy

Sipowitz (sp?) , I'll "have a good thought" -- for you and Michelle

tomorrow. As Miss Sally in NJ says, you will both be in my prayers.


Sally





Subject: Re: March List, et al

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 06:38 PM EST

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998040223384400.SAA16659@ladder01.news.aol.com>


This area is such an important part of my life now. I can't get to the

boards every day, but I always read everything, and appreciate everyone's

words of wisdom, jokes, critiques, book lists, human dramas, etc. It's quite

a slice of life here. Since I'm often reading posts a couple of days late, I

tend not to add my two cents because someone else has already made the same

point. I loved Giljohn's post, and was especially glad to read

it because we don't hear too much from him lately. RuthAlice, I'm always

impressed by your good sense and broad knowledge, and your passion for what

you believe in. I won't mention any other names, because I don't want anyone

to feel left out. Depend on it, if you post here, I will read it, and I'll

try to respond more often with my thoughts. I've always been more of a

listener than a talker by nature.


Haven't read too many books in March, because I try to keep current with the

daily newspaper, and I have to read some of my magazines before those piles

are toppling over! In order of reading:

PAYMENT IN BLOOD by Elizabeth George, a 9. She writes excellent English

mysteries.

A VIRTUOUS WOMAN by Kaye Gibbons, a 7. I liked it, but not great. I may try

another of her's.

ACT OF BETRAYAL by Edna Buchanon, a 9. One of a very good series about a

female Miami crime reporter.

PATTY JANE'S HOUSE OF CURL by Lorna Landvik, a 9. Enjoyed this a lot, cared

about the characters.


So that's the lot. I'd like to try that series GRADGLASS mentioned about

south Florida murders. And Maeve Binchy's EVENING CLASS is on the TBR stack.

And I still haven't started Burke's NEON RAIN, a Dave Robicheaux that is

waiting. Such decisions!


Carolyn on Long Island, where sudden summer is turning back to spring!





Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 07:03 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040300035300.TAA21109@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Miss Sally and others who have sent e mail or mentioned Mich and my drs.

appointment or even thought about us privately - we thank each and every one

of you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping us in your prayers.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: March List and other things.

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 07:11 PM EST

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040300122801.TAA25265@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie, glad to have you on board, or as those of you who have been on longer

than I, back on board. And a very happy birthday all this week. Hope the big

celebration helps you to get over the bad birthday.


I know some birthdays are harder to endure than others. Thirty-nine was

harder for me than 40, 46 was terribly hard, and 50 was a stinker, but since

then, time has not bothered me unless I look in the mirror very carefully.

And the other night l was leaning over to turn on the hot water in the tub

and I happened to look back at my thighs. Those firm thighs that I have been

bragging about, that I work out four days a week to keep in good shape,

that I walk everyday to keep in shape--those thighs rebelled against me and

have developed a definite sag. Almost as bad as the crepey skin on them.

And those underarm sags that I sweat bullets with free weights to make

disappear.


Well, with that cheerfull news, Happy Birthday, anyway, Cissie!


Jackie and Carole, I was so disturbed to hear about your mother. She sounds

like one fiesty woman, and I know that both of you have been proud to have

her as your parent. From what I gather from getting to know you both on this

bit of the net, she has definitely passed on good stuff to both of you. I

know the near future will be hard for you both. My prayers are with you.


Pam, welcome to our midst. What a good time to come out of the closet--on

your birthday! Consider us your birthday present.


And Paula, when I was in the lurk mode myself, I missed your birthday.

Belated good wishes to you and hope the day was great.


Mike--hope that Karen is better by now. I know that it will be hard for her

to be patient while her wounds heal. How lucky she is to have a friend like

you around.


Nancy I do hope all went well with you and Michelle today. You have been in

my prayers today.


Here is my March list in the order I read them:


Under the Tuscan Sun--8--Great in some places, made me jealous that I, too,

did not have a house in Tuscany and a new man who would do all those things

that her significant other would do, but at some places the book did drag


To Dance with the White Dog--9--Lovely book with good characters. Might make

an interesting contrast with AS I LAY DYING to see how families handle death.


Resistance by Anita Shreve--7--good story


Enduring Love by Ian McLean--8--I probably rated this one higher than most of

you because it did speak to me about the price of being right or needing to

be right


The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve--8--Loved it.


Indigo Slam--9--my introduction to Crais, and one that made a believer out

of me.


The Wonder Book of the Air--8--well written, but I had a hard time getting

through this one. Enough disfunction going on here that my family looked

really good.


Now reading Where Serpents Lie and loving it but having a hard time getting

throught it because of all the references to snakes--just one of my phobias.


Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 07:38 PM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040300383700.TAA29997@ladder03.news.aol.com>


ROE--Your post is hilarious! You're going to love me when you see me, dear!

I've got lots of roadmaps and humor, compassion and interest! And I earned

all of it!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 07:52 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040300525401.TAA29953@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Marilu,


You just quoted one of my favorite Langston Hughes poems, and it made me sit

back and think. You always make me sit back and think. Lord, pull this

woman up off her haunches and get her busy, invested in life. Thank you.


"I's still climbing" Don't you sit down on that stair. Life for me Ain't

been no Crystal Staircase. Yet another Langston Hughes.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 08:11 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040301112301.UAA03511@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I just E-Mailed MARILU this message:



Does my post imply,"Pull this woman up off her haunches", meaning ME? I hope

so. I just reread my instant reaction to your post and felt, rather than

ascertained, a faulty reference. I sure as heck hope no one infers that I am

pulling you up off your haunches. You ( and your haunches) are just fine.

It was I who needed an impetus and a nudge, plus a swift kick in the

backside.


quack, quack, quack, pulling splinters out of derriere.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 08:18 PM EST

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040301181301.UAA04842@ladder01.news.aol.com>


No matter how diligently we raise our children to do the right thing in all

circumstances, I wonder how many of us can say we honestly adhere to that

standard. Our parents taught us to tell the truth, to obey the law. We give

the same messages to our children. This is good.


Your friend with the beautiful, long red hair had it cut by Barney the

Butcher, who also died it raven black with platinum streaks. What do you say

when you see her?


The speed limit is 55 mph. You're on an open highway: no traffic either

direction, beautiful, clear weather. How fast are you going?


The cashier at the supermarket undercharges you 10 cents for an item. Do you

tell her/him? She undercharges you $5 for an item. Do you tell her?


Just wondering.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CISSIE - APRIL 3/98

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 09:11 PM EST

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040302113100.VAA14825@ladder01.news.aol.com>


OK Cissie I have waited

Long enough to write this pome -

Hope it finds you hale & hearty

Celebrating safe at home.


Being fifty is so nifty

We can all commiserate -

With dear Cissie on her birthweek,

Is this some new Southern trait?


You'll need lots of strength & verve

To celebrate all year,

And a lot of sleep & nerve

And a fat bankroll I fear.


Order diamonds, mink & jewels -

Hubby has a chore,

For when these belles get started you can

Hear them holler "MORE!!"


We're waiting for our gilt-edged cards

To lead us to the fun -

You know without us it's no party

We can make it run.


The gowns are out of mothballs,

The limo's at the gate -

We've doused ourselves with perfume

And now we just can't wait!


Just order in some extra,

We will not eat a lot -

We'll spend the night at your house

'Cause the motel's not so hot.


You want a lengthy birthday?

Well, we can fill the bill -

We'll bring all kinds of wishes,

Now that you've 'reached the hill'.


So Happy Birthday Cissie,

We hope your year is long-

And all throughout your party,

We'll sing the Book Nook Song:


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOO YOUUUUUUU,

MAY YOUR DAYS NOT BE BLUE,

MAY YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND,

AND NEVER GET THROUGH.


EAT CAKE & ICE CREAM,

AND DON'T YOU DARE WHINE -

JUST WAKE UP ON MONDAY, &

PLAY FORTY-NINE!


XXXXXXX FROM YOUR BOOK NOOK BUDS



Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Langston Hughes

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 09:14 PM EST

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040302142000.VAA18005@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe, you wrote << "I's still climbing" Don't you sit down on that stair.

Life for me Ain't been no Crystal Staircase. Yet another Langston Hughes. >>

I had to look it up and found a couple of others that I really like too, so I

thought I'd print them here:


April Rain Song

by Langston Hughes

Let the rain kiss you.

Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.

The rain makes running pools in the gutter.

The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night--

And I love the rain.


Teacher

by Langston Hughes

Ideals are like the stars,

Always above our reach.

Humbly I tried to learn,

More humbly did I teach.

On all honest virtues

I sought to keep firm hold.

I wanted to be a good man

Though I pinched my soul.

But now I lie beneath cool loam

Forgetting every dream;

And in this narrow bed of earth

No lights gleam.

In this narrow bed of earth

Star-dust never scatters,

And I tremble lest the darkness teach

Me that nothing matters.


And, the one Roe mentioned is:


Mother to Son

by Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up

And places with no carpet on the floor-

Bare.

But all the time

I'se been a-climbin'on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now-

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.


By the way, for other Langston Hughes fans, the web page where I found links

to these and several of his other poems is at RedFrog - Poems from the

planet Earth - Langs...

Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CISSIE - APRIL 3/98

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 09:34 PM EST

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040302341401.VAA19075@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Great poem, Carol. I thought I'd bring the cake and some balloons and we

could get the party started early.....


"Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind it, it doesn't

matter."---Mark Twain

. _

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Birthdays


I'm sorry you are wiser,

I'm sorry you are taller;

I liked you better foolish

And I liked you better smaller.



Aline Murray Kilmer (1888-1944), U.S. poet. For the Birthday of a Middle-Aged

Child.



Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 09:49 PM EST

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040302490800.VAA24744@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi and All:



Your words inspired this very tired but nervous response.


I lost my classroom key yesterday. No big deal. Right? Wrong. If my key

is lost, I will be responsible for replacing the lock which is an ordeal and

expensive for non-duplicated master keys. It was stolen right off my desk.

I offered a five dollar reward, no questions asked. Today my student, let's

call him Jamal, produced the key. I said, "Would you be satisfied with 2

dollars?" He said, "No, after all, I found it, and you said five

dollars". I peeled off five dollars. All the other kids know there was

duplicity and theft involved. Some are congratulating Jamal, another third

are wondering why they did not become richer, and the last third are asking

me, " Mrs. Wiles, why are you having to pay for your own key, I would have

given it to you?" What am I supposed to tell them?


We deal with no wrong or right while working with our children.. From the

ages of eleven up, kids have a new set of rules. A scary new set of rules

which are followed obediently according to their mental orientation. With my

own, it was often echoed as " I will do what I want, when I want, and too bad

for messy rooms and your values". But they followed them, mine and their own

proclivities, huffing and puffing. They stomped their feet and

threw things. They had a good time within the family and laughed a lot.

Life wasn't too bad. There was so much love. We said, " Some things are

right, and some things are wrong". The tenets of civilized behavior are

evident.


I have utmost respect for young Moms and their hopes and convictions that the

best upbringing will achieve desired results, but no matter how many times

one says the words, reinforces the concerns, or caresses the children, they

rebel. They start thinking for themselves. In my infancy as a young Mother,

we, my family, had an idyllic existence.


Look into peer pressure and current status, and hope and pray that they must,

just might remember, upbringing. Perhaps yes or no. My children believed in

hygiene, the Easter Bunny, and good works for ten or more years (reinforced

every day). While in college, my kids brought lice to my house, venereal

disease, and pregnancy, plus alcohol. They are very bright and educated.

Can one not see the forest for the trees? Kids cannot. Life was

fraught with despair and experimentation. All children are supposed to

follow the program. They frequently do not.


Apparently not. It hits us all. How we hope intelligence and common sense

will prevail. Right and Wrong are not a consideration with our children in

their older years, until our progeny have families or wives of their own.

Then it starts all over again. There is a huge gap between parents and

children. There will always be the chasm with young adults and their

mentors.. Sometimes, the gap is bridged by necessity. When they, the

wayward kids,

summon maturity and intelligent thought, there appears a window of calm,

until the next time. Their lives are as complex and frightening as they

come. Most of the time, we cannot even imagine what they do. Sometimes,

they mature.


Life goes on.


Most of what we do as parents imbeds values and long lasting memories, but

the meanwhile is frightening, when they aberrate into their own little

personal agendas, especially while they are experiencing whatever. Church,

adages, values, are less influential than time spent, physical contact, and

comforting words. And the heinous thing is that any word from a peer is

umpteen times more influential than a word from a trusted adult.


IMO.

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: My March Books

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 10:15 PM EST

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040303150401.WAA26996@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Suzanne,


How to Read an Unwritten Language by Philip Graham and should finish it

tonight. Also an A+. I wish someone else would read this book and comment on

it. I did post some excerpts from it and the info from the back cover a

couple of weeks ago and haven't gotten any bites.


You have a bite. I have it on reserve at the library, but it must be good

because there's a long waiting list.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 11:27 PM EST

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998040304272101.XAA13214@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy,


Special thoughts and prayers for you and your daughter tonight and tomorrow.

You must be very nervous, especially for Michele. May all be well.


Carolyn on LI






Subject: Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 02 April 1998 11:55 PM EST

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040304551301.XAA17916@ladder03.news.aol.com>


You can place me with those who believe that there are many shades of gray in

between absolute right and absolute wrong. I doubt there are few absolutes

since moral judgement is influenced by culture and, most certainly, by age.


A man is married to a woman who is dying of a rare disease which can be cured

by a drug that is sold only by Acme Pharmaceuticals. Since Acme is the only

vendor, they can charge what they please and they are very pleased to sell

the drug for $2000, ten times what it cost to produce. The man is not able to

afford the drug. He has $1000 and begs the company to sell it to him. They

refuse. Is it morally wrong for him to steal the drug and save his

wife's life?


Suppose you are in Kosovo and the Serbian police are looking for Tom, Dick

and Harry, whom you saw hide in the neighbor's cellar. The police knock on

your door and ask you if you have seen them. Is it morally wrong to lie?


We make moral choices less drastic than these examples all the time. We tell

acquaintances that their new dress is "interesting". We tell the absolute

boor we have just met, "Pleasure to meet you." We have many social lies that

aid and abet getting along with people with whom we don't have a strong

enough connection to tell them difficult truths. Sometimes we are less than

forthright because it is none of our business..though there are things that I

think are our business (abuse, neglect, etc.) Sometimes we even lie to

ourselves.


However, I believe that with children we must think and talk in terms of

absolutes because that fits the stage of moral development that children are

in. It is impossible to appeal to anyone successfully at a higher level of

moral reasoning that they have attained. Our moral judgement develops with

age and experience, just as our physical and intellectual development

matures. A two year-old is unlikely to understand conservation of mass and

will

think that water poured from a short, wide glass into a tall, narrow glass is

magically growing. TRY IT with toddlers...they will think you are a magician,

but even though they don't know the term conservation of mass, am 8 year old

will think you are silly.


It works the same way with children and moral judgement. You must demand

moral behavior based on the stage of moral development where the child

is--not where you are or where you wish the child to be. However, you can

help the child develop by explaining the reasoning behind the absolutes you

enforce. Stealing is wrong because it hurts other people, how would you feel,

etc. etc. and working to develop empathy -- necessary for a child to move

from the

first two stages into the thrid and fourth stages. Lawrence Kohlberg

developed a theory of moral development several years ago that is so sensible

it must have made people wonder why they didn't think of it earlier.


Forgive me for repeating something many of you may already know.


According to Kohlberg's theory, there are six stages of moral development:

Punishment and Obedience

The initial stage of moral development is based on punishment and obedience.

An action is good or bad depending on its consequence. Bad things result in

punishment.

Self-gratification

As children develop, chldren become more hedonistic. What is good is what

brings good consequences and reward. They become more pragmatic.

Approval of others

In the third stage, an understanding of others perceptions and values will

help define what is good and bad. Things are good because people that matter

to the person also think it is good.

Law and order In the fourth stage, society begins to play a role in moral

decision-making. What is good is determined by what is good for an orderly

society.

Social contract This is different from the first because the orderly

functioning of society is less important than what is good for society. The

social contract is the amorphous mutual contract we silently accept and

follow to live work and share the world together in mutual respect and peace.


Universal Ethical Principles This is the highest stage of moral development,

when a person is determines what is right or wrong based on self-determined

moral judgements, not influenced by society, but by personal morality.


Parents usually intuitively appeal to the appropriate level of reasoning,

knowing that anything else wouldn't work anyway. So I agree and disagree

with John, it is necesary to teach moral absolutes to children, because they

are not capable of self-directed ethical judgement or of comprehending the

social contract we silently and covertly make with each other to share our

world in as much peace as we can while we use punishment and reward to

attempt

to control the behavior of others whose moral development was stunted.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: Re: My March Books

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 12:54 AM EST

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040305545701.AAA24029@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara, don't you love Laurie Colwin? I consider her one of my best

friends. I adore "Home Cooking" and "More Home Cooking". Never spend any

quality time in the kitchen that I don't think of her. I adored all of her

novels and cried when she died. "A Big Storm Knocked It Over" was her last,

sadly.

Cissie, wearing a birthday crown all week






Subject: March books

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 12:55 AM EST

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040305553101.AAA24093@ladder01.news.aol.com>



After having read such a wonderful group of books in February, March was

definitely disappointing. I hate reading books that are just so-so as there

are so many really great ones waiting for me. This month was not memorable

for great reading.


Kaye Gibbons : A Virtuous Woman C+ (Previously reviewed in Fav. Fic.)

Terry Kay: To Dance with the White Dog B- (" " " " )

Louis De Bernieres: The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman D (He should

have stopped after Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts, the first of the trilogy.)

Harriet Doerr: Tiger in the Grass C+ (Short stories, memoirs, some material

that was probably left over from her 2 novels which I loved)

Cynthia Shearer: Wonder Book of the Air D (see review in Favorite Fiction)

Anne River Siddons: Up Island B- (A good old-fashioned novel. Not great but

entertaining. Not deep or thought-provoking but fun)


Currently reading :

Chitra Divakaruni: Arranged Marriage Short stories about the arranged

marriages of young Indian women. Divakaruni wrote Mistress of Spices as well.


Picked up at the library today:

Michael Dorris: Cloud Chamber


Listening to:

Nicholas Evans: The Notebook (A perfect audio for the car. Gentle romance.)

Arturo Perez Riverte-The Flander's Panel


What I wish I could read soon:

A post from Sandquist saying he feels better, or at least his email from

Prague with hope for better days ahead.


Jan


Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 01:00 AM EST

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040306012701.BAA24922@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Do you tell when undercharged? That one has always been so easy. Yes, yes,

yes, particularly if the children were around. How else are they to learn?

Cissie, wearing a birthday crown all week






Subject: What I Read in March

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 01:18 AM EST

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040306185700.BAA29720@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've been busy this week and haven't come here much (will catch up on the

week-end). But I do want to post my books read this month (BTW I have changed

my rating system to be like the schoold grades--I like that. Thanks to those

who use this system. Hope you don't mind my copy-catting):


For Us, the Living by Myrlie Evers B+ This is written by the wife of Medgar

Evers who was a NAACP leader in Jackson MS in the 50s and 60s. This was a

hard story to read as I saw the view of life for a black family in

Mississippi back when I was a white girl living in Jackson. Their

experiences and mine were very different. I read this one with a heavy

heart.


Crazy Ladies by Michael Lee West B+ After reading the Medgar Evers story I

needed something light. So I chose this book which had fascinating

characters--and they were all "characters". Each chapter is written in the

first person of one of the women in the story--Miss Gussy, the mother;

Queenie, her maid; Dorothy, older daughter of Miss Gussy; Clancy Jane,

younger daughter

of Miss Gussy; Violet, daughter of Clancy Jane; Bitsy, daughter of Dorothy.

The story begins in 1932 with Miss Gussy when Dorothy is a newborn and ends

with Queenie in 1972 after Miss Gussie's death. A wild and crazy tale about

"crazy ladies" from Tennessee.


One True Thing by Anna Quindlen A- After much hesitation, I finally read this

book and I am so glad I did!!! I cried a bit while reading this, but I

enjoyed the study of characters and relationships. I truly liked this book

and plan to read it again--but not in the too near future.


One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty A- Oh how I savored this little

volume! Eudora Welty also lived in Jackson MS. Why am I reading books set

in Jackson--or the South lately? I will think on that one!


For Writers Only by Sophy Burnham B+ If you want to read about technique,

this is not the book for you. This book is about the experience of writers.

It is also filled with wonderful quotes by and for writers. I enjoyed this

one a lot. I especially enjoyed the quotes like this one: Not to have

audience is a kind of death. ~~Tillie Olsen


Hank & Chloe by Jo-Anne Mapson A- What a delightful story! Hank and Chloe

are one of the most unlikely couples you could ever imagine--yet they fit

together well. I also have my --autographed-- copy of Loving Chloe which I

plan to read in April.


The Secrets of Pistoulet by Jana Kolpen A- This is a sensual book. It is a

touchy-feely book. It is a delight to all the senses. The story is almost

secondary to the experience of this book. It is set in the countyside of

France and is full of special recipes and dreams and magic. I love it! In

April I plan to read Kolpen's other book: The Legend of The Villa della

Luna.


I read less books in March--I'm still working on The Wonder Book of the Air

which will be listed as an April book--but had more high-scoring books this

month. I read mostly books that led me to think and savor and digest as I

read them.


I picked up a book of short essays last week-end at the Book Exchange called

The Art of Living--put together by the editors of Reader's Digest. There is

one particular essay in the book I will share with you--this week-end because

it is in my car and it's late and I don't wanna go fetch it right now.

Anyway, it talks about the art of slow reading. It sure struck a cord with

me. More about this on Saturday.




Currently reading The Wonder Book of the Air by Cynthia Shearer


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: What I Read in March

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:55 AM EST

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998040308551601.DAA11996@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I had a pretty good month of reading; enjoyed everything to one degree or

another. Here's what I read, in the order I read them, with grades:


C.S. LEWIS: A BIOGRAPHY by A.N. Wilson -- C

MERIDIAN 144 by Meg Files -- C-

COME TO GRIEF by Dick Francis -- B

ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' by Rick Bragg -- A+

NOBODY NOWHERE by Donna Williams -- B

THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce Courtenay -- A+

MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley -- A

TO DANCE WITH THE WHITE DOG by Terry Kay -- A

SALVATION ON SAND MOUNTAIN by Dennis Covington -- B

SMOKE by John Ed Bradley -- A

BOY,GIRL, BOY, GORL by David Michaelis -- C


Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: oops!

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:56 AM EST

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998040308563001.DAA09436@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Make that Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl :-) !


Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Dash, P.I.

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 09:14 AM EST

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040314141700.JAA01386@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Just got this book from The Mystery Guild and am enjoying it. It is actually

two mysteries by Carol Lea Benjamin, This Dog For Hire and The Dog Who Knew

Too Much, which feature P. I. Rachel Benjamin and her partner, a well-trained

Pit Bull named Dashiell, after Dashiell Hammett. Unlike the Cat Who series,

all of which I have read, there is nothing "cutesy" about Dash and his

mistress. Just well written, enjoyable mysteries. Nothing GREAT, but

very enjoyable.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 09:36 AM EST

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998040314360601.JAA03860@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Was at Target today buying my daughter some black wind shorts for a

tryout. Picked up two different styles one at $7.99 and one at $9.99. when

clerk rang up charged me 7.99 for both. I did point this out to her. I must

admit would probably not notice if undercharged a dime but the $5 I'n mention


Becky in Texas






Subject: March books

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 10:40 AM EST

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998040315403600.KAA08665@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I, too, enjoy reading everyone's monthly book lists. So, here's mine for

March:


THE BROKEN CORD, Michael Dorris - B-, the story of the authors oldest

adopted son, including a description of the emerging awareness personally and

nationally of fetal alcohol syndrome. Previously this year I had read Cloud

Chamber (in January), A+ - hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Jan/VoxMom!)

and A Yellow Raft in Blue Water (in Feb) C+, and I was interested in finding

out more about this author.


MONTANA 1984 - A, a bleak inside view of a family's demolition from within,

very crisply written by the adult son as he looks back on his 12th summer


SHOELESS JOE - A, long unread due to fear of the reading taking away from

Field of Dreams. I didn't need to hesitate -- this is also beautifully

written


THE WONDER BOOK OF THE AIR - B, would have graded higher had I not had to

work so hard to follow the first half of the book, notes from other

BookNookers helped a lot, but I should have been able to get it more easily

on my own! More comments to follow in the Book Readers folder above.


Erika, currently reading Alias Grace, and it looks like it's going to be an

A!






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 10:45 AM EST

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998040315455700.KAA11985@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Asked if anyone has read Rose's Garden--a non-BNer wanted to know if this is

a thumbs up or a thumbs down--anyone out there read this book???

Another question--the musical Rent--heard all the hype went it first came

out--we have a chance to see it--will need to do some major schedule shifting

to be able to go--my question

is it worth it---any feedback would be appreciated.

thanks SV

currently reading Object Lessons--






Subject: Simmer down, Roe!

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 11:05 AM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040316053501.LAA11720@ladder01.news.aol.com>


ROE--No,No, No--<G> No offense at all! I just enjoyed your post with its

reference to roadmaps, etc. I've been so busy lately trying to get this book

finished before I go to NY I haven't posted more then little (for me!)

snippets here and there. I barely get through the posts. I loved your whole

post. It was so full of good humor and fun.

Actually, my hanches are about the best part of me! They still work, but

barely. (No) pun intended!


And I have always loved Langston Hughes. Such beautiful imagery spoken so

softly!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: March bks

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 11:10 AM EST

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040316101400.LAA12293@ladder01.news.aol.com>


As expected the cat-scan showed nothing--so much for nerves and imagination.


Only 4 books:

On Looking into The Abyss--Gertrude Himmelfarb--essays--difficult reading for

me

The Paper Boy--Pete Dexter--on tape--7

Unredeemed Captive--John Demos--NF also--7

Patron Saint of Liars--Anne Patchett--9

Tuesdays with Morrie--Mitch Albom--6--mixed feelings about this one.


I see that Patron Saint is going to be on TV--can't imagine that they will do

it justice.


NRK--hope all went well with you yesterday.


Pat

reading Cold Mountain







Subject: Re: Langston Hughes

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 11:28 AM EST

From: JTCURRAN2

Message-id: <1998040316285701.LAA17251@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I love this place. What other medium could lead me, between yet another loan

of laundry and a snarky business problem to solve on a gray Friday morning,

to the Norton Anthology and Langston Hughes. Thank you all. You make my life

so much richer.


Rosemary






Subject: Thank You Friends

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 11:49 AM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040316490501.LAA16979@ladder01.news.aol.com>


We just returned from our appointment and we are FINE. Hooray!!!


It is almost impossible for me to explain how much your good wishes and

prayers helped me through my anxiety. Unfortunately for both Bruce and

myself this is a double whammy since Mich is also involved.


I do believe that all of our positive prayers and good wishes help each of us

as we face some difficult times. As the song goes, "In good times and bad

times, that's what friends are for." Hoping that we always will be here or

there for each other.


This really did belong in the prayer folderso I really thank you for allowing

me to vent here. And now I can't wait to party hearty at our book nook

reunion later this month. Can't wait!!!!and not in the prayer fol

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Goosebumps

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 11:58 AM EST

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998040316581500.LAA20701@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy---SO glad to hear your good news!!!

SV






Subject: Heart of Darkness

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 12:34 PM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040317342401.MAA25109@ladder03.news.aol.com>


For Chris who asked about Conrad's Heart of Darkness, go to this search

engine, which I have found to be the best one for finding info re literature

and authors.Inference Find! -- Server 40


Type in Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness, and you'll find all sorts of

articles about the author and the work. Take your pick.


Keep this search engine link in your favorite places by dragging the little

red heart to them.


Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 12:46 PM EST

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040317460100.MAA26514@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Yes, I always tell when undercharged. I know I'd squawk if I were

undercharged, and I don't have a double standard. Yesterday I thought Iwas

undercharged 20 cents on an item and pointed it out to the checker. It turns

out I wasn't, but I did tell her. However, and this is not to sound holier

than anyone, I think (I have no proof but I think it's human nature) that

most people would figure, "Oh, it's a big store. They can afford to lose the

20 cents--or $5 or whatever it is."

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Thank You Friends

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 12:48 PM EST

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040317493801.MAA24324@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy and Michelle--Can you hear the booming "YIPEE!" from the West Coast?

What a relief! Go buy a book. Oh, g'head, g'head, buy two--or two hundred!


Much love from

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Thank You Friends

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 12:59 PM EST

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040317592301.MAA25460@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<We just returned from our appointment and we are FINE. Hooray!!!>>



Yipppeee!!!



I'm so glad to hear it Nancy!

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Letters from Jerusalem 1947-1948

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 01:03 PM EST

From: MICHLOBXXX

Message-id: <1998040318035100.NAA28762@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Letters from Jerusalem 1947-1948 by Zipporah Porath, is a blow by blow

account of Israel's War of Independence as seen through the eyes of an

American Jewish Woman. First she was a student at the Hebrew University, then

a member of the Haganah, then a nurse with Hadassah.


In the letters she wrote home to her family, Zipporah describes the momentous

events as they unfolded, with a freshness and immediacy that brings them

alive.


These letters offer, for all those who missed it, a chance to be in Jerusalem

of 1947-1948. What a wonderful way to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's 50th

Anniversary of Independence!


Visit our website at http://www.ncx.com/wwi/LettersfromJerusalem






Subject: Re: March bks

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:14 PM EST

From: Ratacheck

Message-id: <1998040320144401.PAA15191@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm glad that things are looking up for you, Pat and Nancy. I haven't read

"all" the posts yet -- so know that good wishes go your way as I read through

the notes.


This AM, I received this hyperlink and wanted to share it with you. It was

cute ..... but, once is sufficient for me, IMO... Happy Easter


The book list for March follows ... (in order read) (1-10, with 10 being

high)


Devices and Desires - P.D. James (7)

84, Charing Cross Road - Helene Hanff (9)

Home Cooking - Laurie Colwin (8)

Free Fall - Robert Crais (8)

Here on Earth - Alice Hoffman (8+)

Sunset Express - Robert Crais (7)

The Invisible Circus - Jennifer Egan (5)

Total Control - David Baldacci (7)


Cissie, many happy wishes to you. Today is the real day, but I'm so pleased

to see an elongated celebration.


I'm about to read my very first Dick Rice book. A friend thinks I'm

completely missing out on "life" by not ever have read "any" of these books.

She brought it over the same day to rectify this abomination! I love it when

people feel so passionate about particular books. But let's face it --- it

really all goes together in the format of "book sickness" that most of us

have.... :) :)


Have a nice weekend.

Happy Reading,

Rita







Subject: Re: Thank You Friends

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:19 PM EST

From: Ratacheck

Message-id: <1998040320193801.PAA15882@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Good News, Gina!! Yay.


Rita






Subject: Book Talk

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:39 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040320390401.PAA18717@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu- after weeks of haunting the library for Cauacasia, I found it today.

Will let you know what I think.


Also picked up Whistle by Janice Daugherty and The Men of Brewster Place by

Gloria Naylor - I so enjoyed the Women of Brewster but am wondering if I can

remember all of the details without rereading it.


As an after doctors appointment treat today I bought myself two albums- Pete

Seeger's double CD of memorable songs and a Mandy Patankin CD of Yiddush

songs called Mamloshen. I also spent time at our library sale buying, what

else??? a real assortment of books. I found Cloud Mountain by Aimee Liu as

well as many many other paperback titles I just had to have. Not bad 25

books for $16. Now, I'm wondering if any of you also must buy books again

that you've either read from the library or previously sold?



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Bread Givers

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:42 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040320424300.PAA16595@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Speaking of Call it Sleep by Henry Roth, I did pick up Bread Givers by Anzia

Yezierska who was a Russian immigrant who also wrote both in this novel and

five others about the immigrant experience as well as life on the lower east

side. It seems as though our discussions are always so timely because when I

began to read the forward, there was a refernece to Roth's book also. Bread

Givers which today is considered a very fine portrait of life back

then, this book was long out of print and was only brought back due to the

efforts of several women who felt this book should remain on library shelves

etc. for future generations to read. I know that in our school district this

book is read every year by the senior class.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Gazebo's list

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:50 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040320503900.PAA17819@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sue - I did laugh when I read over your list and the numbers you gave to

each of the books. For instance, take the title At Weddings and Wakes, I

just bought this today to rerad. I do remember really enjoying this one so

much but then again I enjoy all of McDermott's other books as well. As for

the Roberts title you read, you picked the one book that I didn't much care

for either. You might want to try the next two titles in that series or try

Born In Fire for a good Nora read. She may grow on you.


As for the rest of the list did you have a bad month?

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: The Horse Whisperer

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:53 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040320533500.PAA20838@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie - the birthday queen with her crown- I noticed that you read The Horse

Whisperer this past month. Its funny cause I'm just beginning this book

after reading These Is My Words by Nancy Turner. So, why am I reading this

now (I only own it for three years)? The movie is opening in May and before

I see what they did to it, I must read the book. Unfortunately, I read the

ending awhile ago and I haven't been able to forget it sooo....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Our Mom

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:57 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040320574501.PAA21531@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Lita - I saw this message before today but didn't respond. Now I will. I

tried really hard not to say "what if" regarding our doctors visit and adopt

your new attitude. I think it worked a little and I'll try to always

remember Roe and your words in the future. I do agree with everything that

both Roe and you said but its so hard to do this when you're in the midst of

worrying which just happens to be my middle name.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Picking scabs

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 03:59 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040320593900.PAA19115@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Lita - just saw what you wrote to Sue and now I'm wondering too ig her

highest rating was a 5. Maybe we should all get together and decide on the

highest and lowest rankings for our top choices of the month.


BTW- speaking of top choices, has anyone heard from Warren?

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Rating

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 04:03 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040321034101.QAA19700@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sue---ohhh - see why its not good to write before one reads. Here I thought

you didn't like anything at all for March. Something like PMS of Books.

NowI'll go back and look at your list again to see what you do recommend.


Agree with your analogy- I opften rate a Nora Roberts book with a 10 but

thats for the romance genre and it certainly isn't the same 10 I gave to

Quindlen for Black and Blue or Kaye Gibbons for Ellen Foster.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Birthday Girl

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 04:15 PM EST

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040321150300.QAA24152@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday to Cissie/LizTom, the Birthday Queen of Smithfield.


Roses are red

Violets are blue

YOU are 50

I'm younger than you!


Love,

Leslie (3 months to go)





Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 04:17 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040321182301.QAA24663@ladder03.news.aol.com>


SV- because I grew up in the area which inspired Rent and remember the

squatters in the buildings around Tompkins Square Park, I couldn't wait to

see this show. My very honest opinion is save your money. The performers,

at least when I saw it, screamed over the music and unless you're very

familiar with the songs - the whole show is sung like Les Mis, it makes

little snese and at best its hard to hear the words. I think you'd be better

off buying

the album, if you're that interested. Finally, I think alot of the hype came

from the fact that Jonathan Larson died only a few days before its opening.

This was really a tragedy since he was young and probably had a wonderful

future ahead of him even if Rent wasn't to my liking.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: March bks

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 04:18 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040321183400.QAA24683@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Just read this -hooray!!!


<<As expected the cat-scan showed nothing--so much for nerves and

imagination.>>


Way to go Pat!


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Rent

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 04:54 PM EST

From: LPennin104

Message-id: <1998040321543700.QAA00435@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I saw Rent, too. I love plays, especially musicals. I liked this play, but

it was very loud with rock music and young people. The audience was full of

young people who all knew the words by heart. Two of the songs from Rent

became hits on the radio. It had lots of sex. I am old fashioned and am

bothered by two men kissing, passionately, so if this bothers you I would

skip it. It's a modern version of an opera, La Boheim (sp), with rock music.

I just finished A Chance to See Egypt and loved it. It was so well written

and I came to love all of the characters. Thanks to whoever recommended

it-the Maniac I think. I'm starting Evening Class next.

Linda from Austin, still looking for a tag line.





Subject: Re: Rent

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 04:56 PM EST

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040321563501.QAA00755@ladder03.news.aol.com>


SV...well, I have to say I loved RENT. After seein it, I bought the CD & then

saw it again a couple of months later. My kids loved it, as did my VERY

conservative DH. But then again, we don't get to NY too much, so usually

anything we see is great. The kids didn't like Miss Saigon, which I thought

they'd love. Go figure.


Nancy, Pat, Gina, glad all is well.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 05:24 PM EST

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040322243101.RAA02525@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I haven't seen Rent butfriends who have were not impressed. Maybe it's an age

thing. We are older and I don't think the music, etc. fit our style. It's

not something that everyone is running to see, no matter the age. Perhaps

someone else could add to my comments.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Good Nooze! YES!

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 05:42 PM EST

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040322423101.RAA07957@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Pat-

Wonderful, wonderful news. May all your checkups be as good. My husbands

eternal joke (yawn) is that he had his head examined and the doctor found

nothing. Now you can join the jokester parade.


Whoo-ee! Is my face red! Yesterday I posted that I was listening to The

NOtebook in the car and thought it was a sweet love story. Well, today, I

almost drove the car up a tree because that sweet tape included a v-e-r-y

steamy love scene. Hmm. I must be careful what I listen to when in behind

the wheel.


Nancy-Great doctor's news. Your anxiety level must have dropped considerably

since you got the all-clear!. Tell Michelle that she should keep up the

good work and paste a gold star on her forehead for me.


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 06:19 PM EST

From: Aqua Girlx

Message-id: <1998040323193501.SAA13816@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mrs Wiles,

About the key incident. I think that "Jamal" will be punished. His

conscious will punish him enough. The fact that he accepted the money in the

first place told you that he was just interested in the money. It is like he

is being rewarded for stealing your keys (if he stole them). If you hadn't

have offered the $5.00 reward you prbably would have never gotten your keys

back. He has to got hrough the rest of his life with the fact that he

stole someone's property and then made them pay for it. I think that was a

good way to deal with the problem. But hey there wasn't any other way to

deal with the problem. At Neal if you drop a dollar more than likely you can

kiss that dollar goodbye. But that's Middle School for ya.


Ashley

Aqua






Subject: Re: Rent

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 06:41 PM EST

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040323414300.SAA17305@ladder03.news.aol.com>



My DH and I really enjoyed it when we saw it a few months ago. It's not for

everyone, as you can tell from the other comments, but it did win the Tony

award and a lot of people liked it. I don't think it's an age thing, but it

does contain material that's offensive to some. I enjoyed "Hair" when I saw

it many years ago too, and it had about the same shock value that "Rent" does

now. It's a contemporary rock-opera

inspired by Puccini's "Boheme," but zapping Puccini's characters from Paris

in the 1830's to the East Village in the 1990's. Not very memorable songs

though; I didn't buy the CD. We had to buy our tickets months in advance, or

I probably wouldn't have seen it either. I remember feeling very

apprehensive when someone told me her friends hated it, but I'm glad we went

as we definitely enjoyed it. The middle-aged woman sitting on my right was

seeing

it for the second time--she loved it. Unless you think you'd be offended by

the subject matter, I'd say grab the tickets and enjoy yourself! So you'll

have a good idea of what to expect, I've copied and pasted a review from the

NY Times below:


February 14, 1996


Rent


By BEN BRANTLEY


The subject of the work is death at an early age. And in one of the dark

dramatic coincidences theater occasionally springs on us, its

35-year-old author died only weeks before its opening. Yet no one who

attends Jonathan Larson's "Rent," the exhilarating, landmark rock opera

at the New York Theater Workshop, is likely to mistake it for a wake.

Indeed, this vigorous tale of a marginal band of artists in Manhattan's

East Village, a contemporary answer to "La Boheme," rushes forward on an

electric current of emotion that is anything but morbid. Sparked by a

young, intensely vibrant cast directed by Michael Greif and sustained by

a glittering, inventive score, the work finds a transfixing brightness

in characters living in the shadow of AIDS. Puccini's ravishingly

melancholy work seemed, like many operas of its time, to romance death;

Mr. Larson's spirited score and lyrics defy it.


"Rent" inevitably invites reflections on the incalculable loss of its

composer, who died of an aortic aneurysm on Jan. 25, but it also

shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical. Though this

production still has its bumps, most visibly in its second act, Mr.

Larson has proved that rock-era song styles can be integrated into a

character-driven story for the stage with wildly affecting success.

(Only the Broadway version of the Who's "Tommy" has supported that

premise in recent years, and its characters were more icons than real

people.)


Actually, while Mr. Larson plays wittily with references to Puccini's

masterpiece, the excitement around "Rent" more directly recalls the

impact made by a dark-horse musical Off Broadway in 1967: "Hair." Like

that meandering, genial portrait of draft-dodging hippies, this

production gives a pulsing, unexpectedly catchy voice to one

generation's confusion, angep and anarchic, pleasure-seeking vitality.


The setting has shifted east, from Washington Square to St. Mark's

Place; the drug of choice is now heroin, not LSD; and the specter that

gives its characters' lives a feverish, mordant edge isn't the Vietnam

War but H.I.V.


And Mr. Larson has provided a story line and ambitious breadth of

technique miles away from "Hair," with its funky, loosely plotted

patchwork of countercultural ditties and ballads. But both works, in a

way, are generational anthems, not so much of protest, finally, but of

youthful exuberance, even (or especially) when the youth in question is

imperiled.


The denizens of Mr. Larson's bohemian landscape are directly descended

from their Puccini prototypes but given a hip, topical spin. The poet

Rodolfo becomes Roger (Adam Pascal), a songwriter who has shut down

emotionally after the suicide of his girlfriend. The painter Marcello is

now Mark (Anthony Rapp), a video artist who shares an abandoned

industrial loft with Roger on Avenue B.


Mark has recently been thrown over by his lover, Maureen (Idina Menzel),

th' show's answer to Musetta and a performance artist who has left him

for another woman, the lawyer Joanne (Fredi Walker). And Puccini's

frail, tubercular Mimi sheds her passivity to be reincarnated as Mimi

Marquez (Daphne Rubin-Vega), a tough stray kitten of a woman who dances

in an S-and-M club.


The plot is a peppery hash of lover's quarrels and reconciliations, with

a slightly labored subplot in which the men's landlord, Benjamin (Taye

Diggs), a former confrere gone Yuppie, padlocks their building while

trying to evict a colony of homeless people next door.


Obviously, poverty is less picturesque in Mr. Larson's world than in

Puccini's. (The moon, in the most inspired touch in Paul Clay's gritty

set, is only an oversize Japanese lantern.) This show's equivalent of

the Latin Quarter cafe scene, with its jolly parade of children and

vendors, is an angry Christmas Eve vignette set among bag people on St.

Mark's Place. And this Mimi has cold hands because she needs a fix.


Moreover, Mimi, who is H.I.V.-positive, isn't the only candidate for an

early death. Roger and his friends, Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin), a

self-styled computer age philosopher, and Angel (Wilson Jermaine

Heredia), a transvestite sculptor, also carry the virus. Accordingly,

the leitmotif of the show is the image of time evaporating; its credo,

quite unabashedly, "Seize the day."


Mr. Larson gives refreshingly melodic life to these sentiments with a

score of breathta'ing eclecticism, lovingly and precisely interpreted by

the production's excellent five-member band, led by Tim Weil.


The styles include not only electric rock but salsa, Motown, be-bop and

reggae, with a firm nod to Stephen Sondheim and even a passing one to

Burt Bacharach. There is also a disarmingly dexterous use of operatic,

multi-voiced counterpoint and of duets that range from the exquisite

(the candle-lit meeting of Roger and Mimi) to the two-fistedly comic

(Musetta's waltz becomes "Tango: Maureen").


An alternately agile and baldly declarative lyricist with a tireless

knack for all manner of rhymes, Mr. Larson, like his characters, is

clearly a child of postmodernism. (This, after all, is a show that

rhymes "curry vindaloo" with "Maya Angelou.") But he ultimately avoids

the style of brittle, defensive irony, with everything framed in

quotation marks, that has become the hallmark of downtown theater in

recent years.


In fact, on one level, "Rent" is about breaking through the

self-protective detachment, here embodied by both Roger and Mark, of a

generation weaned on the archness of David Letterman and the blankness

of Andy War'ol. Like such other recent works as Mr. Sondheim's "Passion"

and Nicky Silver's "Raised in Captivity," this show directly addresses

the idea of being cut off from feelings by fear.


This is definitely not a problem for Mr. Larson. Indeed, one forgives

the show's intermittent lapses into awkwardness or cliche because of its

overwhelming emotional sincerity. And when the whole ensemble stands at

the edge of the stage, singing fervently about the ways of measuring

borrowed time, the heart both breaks and soars.


It should also be pointed out that Mr. Greif lets his cast come to the

edge of the stage to serenade the audience entirely too often. He is

also guilty of staging that obscures crucial plot elements. And he and

his choreographer, Marlies Yearby, don't make the most of the varied

possibilities of the score. Only the heady, intricately rhymed "Vie

Boheme" banquet number, which concludes the first act, and the

erotically staged death of Angel really match the inventive sweep of the

music.


The cast, however, is terrific, right down to the last ensemble member,

and blessed with voices of remarkable flexibility and strength. The

unflaggingly focused Mr. Rapp gives the show its energetic motor; the

golden-voiced Mr. Pascal its meditative soul and Ms. Rubin-Vega its

affirmative sensuality. Mr. Martin, Ms. Walker, Mr. Heredia and Ms.

Menzel are all performers of both wit and emotional conviction.


It is the latter trait that lifts "Rent" well above the synthetic,

cleverly packaged herd of Broadway musical revivals and revues. Along

with George C. Wolfe and Savion Glover's "Bring in da Noise, Bring in da

Funk," this show restores spontaneity and depth of feeling to a

discipline that sorely needs them. People who complain about the demise

of the American musical have simply been looking in the wrong places.

Well done, Mr. Larson.


Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Book Talk

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 06:42 PM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040323420000.SAA14759@ladder01.news.aol.com>


*****Nancy in NJ*****CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you! And enjoy Cloud

Mountain! I loved it.


GINA--CONGRATULATIONS to you, too! ***********

PAT--CONGRATULATIONS to you, too! ***********

* * * * * * *

* * * * * *

WONDERFUL NEWS FOR ALL OF YOU! WAY TO GO!





Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: What I Read in March

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 06:55 PM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040323552100.SAA16920@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I neglected to give my ratings, such as they are, for the books I read in

March, so here they be.


March, 1998

Caucasia by Danzy Senna B+

The Fortune Catcher by Susanne Pari A-

Obsession by John Douglas B

Enduring Love, by Ian McEwan B-

After Eli by Terry Kay A-

The Wonder Book of the Air by Cynthia Shearer B


I'm reading Jane Hamilton's latest, THE SHORT HISTORY OF A PRINCE and having

a hard time getting into it. It starts out slowly.

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Many Thanks

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 07:07 PM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040400075800.TAA21588@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jackie, you are a remarkable woman. thank you for reaching out to us. I

come out of lurkdom to give you a {HUG}

love, Andie

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell


"In the end, everything is a gag" - Charlie Chaplin







Subject: Pat, Gina, & Nancy

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 07:17 PM EST

From: JaneE2059

Message-id: <1998040400170400.TAA23048@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Congratulations on the results of your respective tests! Best wishes to all

of you. :-)



JaneE2059

Proud Member of Clan Outlandish


"Texas '98 or Bust!"






Subject: Re: Jonesboro, and all the other boroughs

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 07:38 PM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040400381100.TAA26533@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thank you for saying so. Parenting is a lifelong commitment.. not a "hobby,"

and young human beings do not learn "humanity" from a pill, a tv tube or even

a book. They learn by watching and imitating the human around them from day

one. We are ALL responsible.

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell


"In the end, everything is a gag" - Charlie Chaplin






Subject: Re: March books

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 08:57 PM EST

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998040401570700.UAA02730@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jan -- I don't know if you want to be driving when you get to the end of The

Notebook......







Subject: All Screwed Up

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 09:11 PM EST

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040402111401.VAA00764@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am getting very weird AOL messages tonight - have the aliens landed -

again? Such as "You are no longer connected to news groups". I now find

they are niot marking messages as read - & all post appeared in backwards

order. OK - I am here & will make the best of it - maybe.

LINDA: I am so glad you liked A CHANCE TO SEE EGYPT - yes, it is a Maniac

Referral

NANCY: WHEN I saw 10 posts from you today, I knew - ZOWEE

TO YOU & MICHELLE.



GINA: HURRAY!!!!!

PAT: YES!!!!

WONDERING IF THIS WILL POST


THE MARCO MANIAC, IN LEFTOVER HEAVEN







Subject: Re: All Screwed Up

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 10:02 PM EST

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040403030001.WAA06890@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<"You are no longer connected to news groups". >>


I got this message tonight, too. What next?

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re: All Screwed Up

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 10:09 PM EST

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040403091800.WAA07971@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I got that too.........but now I'm here..........God Bless

AOL.............ya, right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: My March Books

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 10:23 PM EST

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998040403240901.WAA08042@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks RuthAlice. You have validated my choice!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Rent

Date: Fri, 03 April 1998 10:40 PM EST

From: VKRN

Message-id: <1998040403404200.WAA10986@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I must add my $.02 about Rent. I just saw it recently in St. Louis after

wanting to see it since it first came to Broadway. I really liked it and,

yes, it is not for everyone. I went with a group and some loved it, some

didn't, and some were lukewarm. One of the youngest of our group (male,35)

didn't like it at all. He called it "Friends" on crack!! One of the oldest

(62) absolutely loved it! Loved the Tango Maureen and the Cow

song was hysterical! The death scene was quite awesome, too. Anyone with an

open mind should see it. If you are squemish about the subject matter,

however, you should skip it as you will be offended from the beginning.

Venda in Illinois

Carpe Diem





Subject: Re: Pat, Gina, & Nancy

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 12:50 AM EST

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040405502601.AAA04853@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi everyone... I hate to say this but I was responding to Nancy's good news

in my YIPPEE post. While I certainly don't have any bad news right now.. I

still don't have good news. I see the doctor on tuesday and possibly then I

will have something to say. I'm sorry that my post was misleading.


Nancy, I am so happy that you and Michelle got good news!



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Cissie, Right & Wrong

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 01:01 AM EST

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040406010401.BAA03804@ladder01.news.aol.com>


EOR/Roe & Judi...As always, your words were very wise, understanding,

educational. My oldest DD just entering adolesence and am scared! One of

the lessons that has seemed important to me is to teach our children to think

independently and act on what they know is right, rather than giving in to

the group. That is what frightens me....peer pressure. We talk alot about

getting into a car with a drunk driver, going to a party they

know isn't a place for them....and being grown up enough to say they cannot.



I think it is incredibly important to teach children the difference between

right and wrong. But also to teach them that there are grey areas and those

are potentially the more difficult choices.



CISSIE - HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Still catching up and reading "Bruised Fruit" by Amy Ephron.


Lita






Subject: Re: Right and Wrong

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 01:03 AM EST

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040406034600.BAA04143@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Great post, Ruth Alice.....I just read it and appreciate your insights...as

always!


Lita

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver and listening to Indigo Slam by

Robert Crais.

GO BRUINS!!!!!!!






Subject: Re: Moving Sign

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 07:55 AM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040412554301.HAA29961@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks Gina! Finding you as our friend was the best part of moving...

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

"Make your work play and your play work" - Phil Jackson






Subject: Re: More about ... hunting

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 08:12 AM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040413125501.IAA04221@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice: You are eloquent as always. Did you see the movie Powder, where a

deer was shot and Powder had the hunter touch the deer, and through him,

experienced the animal's death as if it was himself? The man was forever

changed. If only we could all be so profundly related to life that causing

harm would be literally unthinkable!

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

"Make your work play and your play work" - Phil Jackson






Subject: Re: Cissie, Right & Wrong

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 08:35 AM EST

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040413351900.IAA06406@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Lita,

You just wrote down two of the keys for raising good people. My sons are 29

and 24, so I have weathered the child rearing days. My mother used to say,

"You raise your children to be independent and then hate it when they are."

But if they are raised to be independent and learn to make choices and

decisions, then peer pressure is not the horror it is when you have directed

your child's every choice and decision. When Simon was in Jr. High, he had a

pink Izod shirt. The first day he wore it to school, he came home and said,

"Chris and Kyle, (8th grade boys) called me a faggot because I wore a pink

shirt." When I asked if that bothered him, he answered, "No, I don't care

what those idiots say." He wore the shirt until it wore out. I guess my point

is that we raised two young men who have good lives, were never in trouble

with the law (though they had their moments with mom and dad) and now have

good lives. I'm not sure what the secret is, but consistency and mutual

respect have a lot to do with it. And raising them to be independent, so that

they can when the time comes.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Violent children

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 09:02 AM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040414023100.JAA09519@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thank you Marilu, I have saved your entire post and plan to read this book!

I ALWAYS learn something from you!

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

"Make your work play and your play work" - Phil Jackson






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 09:02 AM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040414024501.JAA09557@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jan and others on the subject of Rent- I'm not sure if its an age thing with

liking or disliking Rent although thats a possibility. I was raised on

Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loew and lots of folk music. I rarely

listened to rock and roll until the Beatles burst onto the music scene. I

was never an Elvis fan although now I have a greater appreeciation for him

and others from his era like Little Richard. But I also remember that in

later

years while my mom enjoyed some of the new music and groups, she would often

complain she couldn't remember the melody or words. Perhaps thats the way I

feel now - I can always hum All that Jazz from Chicago and conjure up those

wonderful dancing bodies but the lyrics or melodies from Rent- only two

peopular songs and thats it. I also think I miss the chorus and plain old

fashioned dialogue. And its always amusing to me how the revival shows are

the ones that do so well today.


A question - I know that Ragtime is based on the EL Doctorow book but I was

wondering if this show was done on Boadway in the past. A friend asked me

this yesterday but I couldn't remember.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Good Nooze! YES!

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 09:07 AM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040414073900.JAA10114@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<Nancy-Great doctor's news. Your anxiety level must have dropped

considerably since you got the all-clear!. Tell Michelle that she should

keep up the good work and paste a gold star on her forehead for me.>>


Ohh - I tried to paste a star on Mich's forehead but in her inimitable style

Mich left for an evening in the city before I could catch her. She seems to

take these visits more in her stride than her parents do.


DH just left for the city - coming and goings a la the Katz house - for a

trade show and before he left he asked me what I would do today. I said that

today I could stare at the wall and be happy. But now that I think of it the

used bookstores are just calling to me.


May all our days be happy and carefree and if not, may we be able to roll

with the punches in this game they call life.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: The Notebook

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 09:11 AM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040414110700.JAA08011@ladder01.news.aol.com>


For those of you who enjoyed The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, you can

download the first chapter of his new book, Message in a Bottle, from The

Book Report.


Jan - I agree with Nancy in PA - the end is....


Let us know what you think.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: All Screwed Up

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 09:12 AM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040414124400.JAA08230@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol - Yes your message did post. I think this is some aol screw up and has

nothing to do with us.


Thanks to you and all book nookers for your Zowees, Yipees, Hoorays and good

wishes.


I do believe they work.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Pat, Gina, & Nancy

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 09:14 AM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040414142300.JAA08425@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Gina- I am praying hard for you and hope that you get good news also.

Looking forward to that message so post quickly.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Gina news

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 10:26 AM EST

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998040415260400.KAA17974@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I agree with Nancy, Gina, we will all be waiting for your news of next week

and we are hoping and praying that it is nothing but good, good, good.

Carol





Subject: Anyone interested?

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 11:47 AM EST

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040416474300.LAA29665@ladder01.news.aol.com>


If anyone cares about how a poor little ole secretary could afford to keep up

a four-year suit against the Pres and and how she can afford her waterfront

condo in Long Beach and her Mercedes, you might check out a couple articles

in Salon.Veddy interesting!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: This and That

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 12:34 PM EST

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998040417341901.MAA06811@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I've read so little this month, either I'm depressed or this is why I'm

feeling blue.


Nancy, I'm SO relieved to hear that the doctor gave you and Michelle good

reports.


My Passover menu:


Pickled Salmon

5 varieties of Haroset

Mesclun Salad

Vegetable Kugel

Sweet Potato Gratin

Moroccan Meatballs

Chicken with Olives, Onions and Raisins

Sponge Cake

Chocolate Torte

Berries


Lita, How are you doing are you making a seder again this year. This will be

the first year with my grandmother gone, Now my Bubbe (father's mom) will be

the only one of her generation and we have an addition, my nephew to the new

generation.


Take care all, Nina






Subject: Re: Gina news

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 12:50 PM EST

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040417501000.MAA09215@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Count me in, Gina. Thinking good, good thoughts for you and will be awaiting

your good news!

Lita






Subject: Re: This and That

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 02:19 PM EST

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040419192301.OAA25048@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nina:


Your menu sounds terrific - I have not yet settled on mine - yet. This

month's Gourmet Magazine has some interesting ideas, with a Passover menu.

However, it our home it wouldn't be right without Matza Balls!! Mine fly out

of the soup, & Smart Alex just can't get enough of them. I might just work

around their ideas & add my own, as usual.


Your menu is Sephardic, isn't it? Or half & half? We are purely Ashkenazi,

but I do like to use Sephardic touches in our Seder, & always have - with the

Charoset especially.


Hope your Passover is wonderful!


Carol

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 02:43 PM EST

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040419432201.OAA26214@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Since we're yakking about B'way musicals, what does everyone say about

*Ragtime*? I think I remember reading here how much everyone enjoyed it, but

I have a friend who just got back that didn't llike it, thought it was flat,

no energy. Maybe she hit it on a bad night?


I'm asking because we are already ordering our tickets for our trip Oct

21-25. We've gotten Lion King ones so far, trying to decide the other 3.

Thinking of Scarlet Pimpernel, Cabaret, can't remember what else. Love

getting tips & recs from those of you in the know.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Super-Slow Reading

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 03:14 PM EST

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040420143000.PAA01106@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Earlier in the week, I touched on an essay I read titled THe Special Joys of

Super-Slow Reading, by Sydney Piddington. Mr. Piddington is Australian and

learned the art of super-slow reading when he was in a prisoner-of-war camp

in Singapore. He said each person was allowed to bring with them one small

pack. His officer suggested "Each man should find room for a book."


Piddington stuffed into his pack a copy of Lin Yutang's The Importance of

Living. He began--in his words--, "a reading habit that was to keep me sane

for the next three and a half years." He goes on to say, "Previously, if I

had been really interested in a book, I would race from page to page, eager

to know what came next. Now, I decided, I had to become a miser with words

and stretch every sentence like a poor man spending his last

dollar."


Here is a quote from Lin Yuatang's book: "There are two kinds of reading,

reading out of business necessity, and reading as a luxury. The second kind

partakes of the nature of secret delight. It is like a walk in the woods,

instead of a trip to the market. One brings home, not packages of canned

tomatoes, but a brightened face and lungs filled with good clear air."


Says Piddington: "That is what super-slow reading is all about. Try it. As

i read somewhere, a man is only poor when he doesn't know where his next book

is coming from. And if he can get out of the book everything the author put

into it, he is rich indeed."


Here is the method of super-slow reading: "Sometimes just a particular

phrase caught my attention, sometimes a sentence. I would read it slowly,

analyze it, read it again--perhaps changing down into an even lower gear--and

then sit for 20 minutes thinking about it before moving on. I was lide a

pianist studying a piece of music, phrase by phrase, rehearsing it, trying to

discover and recreate exactly what the composer

was trying to convey."


And again: "I defy anyone to pick anything really significant out of a book

by speed reading it. It would be like playing a Beethoven record at the

wrong speed!"


Why did this essay touch me so? As i read about super-slow reading, I

realized why I enjoy my "dessert books" so much more than the "main course

books"--and why I rate the "dessert books" so much higher--I am taking the

time to savor and think about the "dessert books" while I gulp down pages of

my "main course" books quickly.


Of course, you won't want to use super-slow reading with everything you read.

I know I won't, but will slowing down and savoring a truly wonderful book

increase the enjoyment of it? I believe it will. Some books are written to

be raced through and some are written to be savored--to stretch the mind--to

allow me to slow down and gaze out the window as I digest the meaning of the

words and see the pictures in my mind and smell the scents described

and hear the sounds the author hears.


Anyway, I wanted to share the idea of this essay with you. Some of you

already use this method of reading with some of your books. And I will join

you.


Currently reading The Wonder Book of the Air by Cynthia Shearer


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: This and That

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 03:28 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040420281200.PAA03164@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nina-


Our train gets in at 5 - set a place for three more.


Wow - you dinner sounds delicious. Actually our family seves the same for

all of the Jewish holidays--Gefilite Fish, Soup with Matzoh Balls, Pot Roast,

Vegetable usually asparagus and potato noodle pudding. But the best part is

the desert table filled with wonderful candies and cakes. If one can forget

that matzo meal is used instead of flour (this is a stretch) its really all

wonderful.


Have been listening to Mandy Patinkin's new album - all of the songs are in

Yiddish. Can you imagine Bernstein's Maria or Supercalifragilistic done this

way. Also the requisite tunes we were brought up on like Almonds and Raisins

and Ayfen Pripichick. Wonderful music and when Mandy sings, you feel the

songs.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: This and That

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 03:31 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040420321301.PAA03752@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol wrote<<Your menu is Sephardic, isn't it? Or half & half? We are

purely Ashkenazi, but I do like to use Sephardic touches in our Seder, &

always have - with the Charoset especially.>>


The first year my mom was not at our Seder table, I inivited very dear

friends to join with our family. My friend Lee prided herself on a Sephardic

recipe for Haroset from the 16th century. My cousin didn't hear her

correctly and thought she had preserved this dish from then and I was just

serving it. Boy did we have a good laugh at that one.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 03:33 PM EST

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040420335900.PAA04043@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leslie - I just ordered tickets for Cabaret. You shouldl keep in mind that

the audience is actually arranged as a club so I have no idea where the seats

are or how this will work up.

I've heard raves about Lion King and Ragtime and also Scarlet Pimpernel. You

might want to consider either Titanic or the new one thats opening High

Society.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Short shrift

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 03:54 PM EST

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040420543400.PAA09726@ladder03.news.aol.com>


The Notebook: ending: ****SPOILER***** I hate to tell you but I did guess

early on that the woman he was reading to in the Nursing Home was his lover.

I didn't think they had married but I did think they had somehow ended up in

the same place.

I enjoyed listening to the tape, even if my driving became erratic at a

certain steamy scene.


Leslie-Loved 1776 and I hear Cabaret is the best ever..


Oops-Darling grandson just arrived and I must leave to play with that darling

4 year old . See you all later.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Plays..

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 07:12 PM EST

From: SilvlocMom

Message-id: <1998040500123201.TAA10786@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Leslie - I recommend the Scarlet Pimpernel very, very highly. It's one of my

top 3 favorites.. Deb and I have been listening to the tape a lot since we

saw the play. Go, go, go.


DH had rotator cuff surgery last Dec and has been doing pretty good with

therap... until now. There's something going on inside the arm and we aren't

happy with the 3 options. Two of them would curtail golf a great deal. None

of us want that :( Shoulders seem to be the family curse lately.. he and

I were both at the doctor for cortisone shots an hour apart.


Enjoy the rest of the weekend.


Joan in NJ






Subject: Jean-Dominique Bauby

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 07:27 PM EST

From: Amdal

Message-id: <1998040500270001.TAA13008@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've just read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, a relatively short book by

the above mentioned French author--short because he wrote it after a stroke

in the brain stem which paralysed him except for his left eye. (This was in

1995. He previously worked for Elle magazine) He devised a method of picking

out one letter at a time from a rearranged alphabet and an

assistant wrote them down one at a time.

A fascinating piece of work that lets you realise the possible richness of an

inner life, and gives a glimpse of an existence that must have been really

frustrating much of the time.


Much food for thought in this one.....and a change from my usual mysteries.

Next up---

Blind Descent by Nevada Barr.


Toni





Subject: On wrinkles and birthdays

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 08:24 PM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040501252601.UAA22232@ladder03.news.aol.com>


GRADCLASS: Baking is my tension tamer too. And about those miniscule lines:

my favorite quote from a recent Body Shop ad: "The only way to avoid

wrinkles is to stop smiling for the rest of your life!" Bring on the

smiles....

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

"Make your work play and your play work" - Phil Jackson






Subject: Re: Books in March

Date: Sat, 04 April 1998 08:33 PM EST

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998040501332300.UAA20939@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My book list is very short for March:

All That Remains - P. Cornwell B+ classic Kay Scarpetta

She's Come Undone - Wally Lamb A, a lot of suffering, in the end a great

book!

From Potter's Field - P. Cornwell B+ scariest Kay Scarpetta

Seeds of Yesterday - V.C. Andrews D perfectly awful, hilariously bad!


Envious of those who can read 8-10 books in a month... but most are Quality

recs from Booknookers except VC Andrews, of course! ohmygosh, a co-worker

loaned it to me, I should have stuck to the Reader's Bill of Rights... I'm

loaning her the first Elvis Cole so she can have some fun (poor dear!).

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

"Make your work play and your play work" - Phil Jackson






Subject: Re: Nina's Passover

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 03:06 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040507063001.DAA10094@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nina--With a menu like that, you'd better be careful. When you leave the

door open for Elijah, I think all of BN is going to rush in!


Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Super-Slow Reading

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 03:11 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040507113500.DAA13176@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jackie--Thanks for the excerpts from this book. I don't have to learn the

technique because instinctively that is the way I usually read. And now I

don't have to feel bad about how few books I read compared to so many others

here. But if I enjoy what I'm reading, I'm going to enjoy it for all it's

worth. The TBR pile will always be there waiting for me (and growing).


I loved the Beethoven analogy.


Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Judi's soup

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 01:06 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998040517061400.NAA28523@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I finally got around to making Judi's minestrone soup last night and I am

here to testify that it is delicious. And it makes about a zillion servings.

We will have it a couple of times and then freeze the rest for enjoyable

meals in the future.


Thanks, Judi.

Carol





Subject: Wisdom of children

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 01:48 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040517480900.NAA04892@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Some wisdom from the young folk:


"H20 is hot water, and C02 is cold water."

"Three kinds of blood vessels are arteries, vanes and caterpillars."

"To remove dust from the eye, pull the eye down over the nose."

"For a nosebleed: Put the nose much lower then the body until the heart

stops."

"Blood flows down one leg and up the other."


Gonna see Jane Hamilton today! Yippee!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: My tiny list for March

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 03:37 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998040519373300.PAA23796@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carole #2: How did you like The Sweet Hereafter? I have heard that it is a

good book and movie. I tried to read The Rule of the Bone, also by Russell

Banks, and really didn't like it, so I haven't been in a rush to read The

Sweet Hereafter. Would be interested in your feelings about it!


Erika: I'm reading Alias Grace too...are you going to post in the book club

folder about it?


Cissie: You too...would like to hear your feedback on The Sweet Hereafter.

Also, what do the asterisks mean in your book list post?


Carolyn K: Looks like you had a great reading month....or you are an

exceptionally easy grader! Didn't you just love All Over But the Shoutin'? I

have been recommending this like crazy since I read it.


Diane in S. Florida (currently Boston)

Reading Alias Grace


Posting this an continuing to read posts....lots more to go and I'm afraid of

getting bumped!






Subject: Where River Turns to Sky/Rating scale

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 04:39 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040520391701.QAA00889@ladder01.news.aol.com>


(Posted also in Favorite Fiction)


I just completed Where River Turns to Sky by Gregg Kleiner and liked it very

much. It was a warmly touching book, humorous to tears of laughter at points

and troubled at times, told by Clara Palson and George Castor in alternating

chapters ( included are a few chapters following strange Grace). I do not

think is was intended to be an accurate reflection of alternate possibilities

of Care for the aged ( Independent living in the big red

house), but it takes a spirited and lively look at personalities and problems

of the elderly as it examines life in the twilight years in an

unconventional and improbable setting. The comparisons between what could be

and the cold actuality of Nursing home life make their points.


The setup is completely unbelievable (plot), but I have to assume this is

intentional, given George's fortuitous windfall inheritance and his promise

to make it up to Ralph, since George has so much remorse that Ralph died

alone. George's haphazard plans to make a home for other aged folks without

much thought and an assumption that it will just happen, mixed with a comedy

of errors, his impetuous, stormy nature, and focused energy, are delightful.

George and Clara's inner lives are rich and troubled, and I was drawn to

both of them. Strong characterization.


This is a book which can be read on different levels, but I enjoyed it for

its fast pace and clarity. A Satire of sorts? Certainly a journey. Rating:

3



I like Sue's (Gazebo) rating scale 5-4-3-2-1. It reminds me of a sliding

scale from Excellent-Good-Average-Fair-Poor and perhaps somewhat equal to

A-B-C-D-F, but ABC's are difficult for me to use because sometimes the

writing is superlative, but the content leaves me cold, or the story is

remarkable and the writing so-so. I always have the tendency to imagine

ABC's in terms of quality, not necessarily enjoyment. With the 5 to 1

rating system, my brain can register personal, gut-reaction appraisal rather

than absolute value. Also, the 10 to 1 scale is difficult to me because I

wouldn't know the difference between a 6 and an 8 if two tomes dropped on my

head. Simple seems best for me. So Sue, may I borrow your rating system?

5-4-3-2-1 is now my rubric.


Thinking like this, let me try it out for previous March listing:


Sula 5

Wonder Book of the Air 5

Paradise 3.

Street Lawyer 2.

To Dance With the White Dog 4.

Cause of Death 2.

Unnatural Exposure 4.

Virtuous Woman 3

Tuesdays With Morrie 3


Works for me. <G>


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Judi's soup

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 07:15 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040523152701.TAA28215@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK, Carol. You just inspired me. I think I'll make a vat o' minestrone

tomorrow. I make the whole recipe and do what you do: eat it for two meals

and freeze the rest. I love it--low calorie and delicious.


Glad you like it!

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Jane Hamilton

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 07:41 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040523412000.TAA02513@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I went to a reading by Jane Hamilton today that I hadn't known about until

this morning. She was very different from the Hamilton I thought I had seen

on tv--shorter, not as skinny, but same face. She read from her new book,

THE SHORT HISTORY OF A PRINCE, which I am in the middle of, so I felt

fortunate to learn about her being in this area while I was reading the book.


PRINCE was a little slow to get into, but once I got into it, I really

started liking it. Hamilton's writing is beautiful, of course, but I wasnt'

sure about the main character, a teenaged boy named Walter McCloud, at first.

Walter wants to be a ballet dancer, but he's totally without talent or the

body of a dancer. What he lacks in talent, however, he makes up for in

passion. His great dream is to dance the prince in The Nutcracker, but he

doesn't even make the cast while his best friends since childhood, Susan and

Mitch, both do. Then he's told he has a chance to play the prince in a

production of Nutcracker in Rockport, Il. He decides to go for it, even

though he's a terrible intellectual snob, because he recognizes he may never

have another chance, and imagines himself truly a prince. What Walter

realizes as he goes through adolescence is that he is in love with one of his

two

best friends, who are in love with each other. The one he's in love with is

Mitch, and so now we have a young, non-gifted teenaged boy who's also gay.

To add to Walter's troubles, his popular, gifted brother is dying with a

mysterious disease. Walter reminds me in some ways of Holden Caulfield--all

the angst of adolescence plus with the added burden of dealing with his

sexuality and his frustrated aspiriations.


Good book! I'm only half through, so I'll let you know more when I finish

it.


Where is everyone today? Out in the spring sunshine?

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: March List

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 08:02 PM EDT

From: SaritaN

Message-id: <1998040600023401.UAA06058@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy Sunday....hope everyone had a great weekend!


Here is my list for March:

Off Season, Death on a Vineyard Beach, A Case of Vineyard Poison and A Deadly

Vineyard Holiday all by Philip R. Craig - I rated these all an A because I

enjoyed the writing style and characters.

Choke - Stuart Woods about a B-.

Dark Debts - Karen Hall another A, started out slow, but I was totally

engrossed about a fourth of the way through.

Don't Cry Now - Joy Fielding - C, so-so.

Name Withheld and Shoot/Don't Shoot - both by J.A. Jance - another set of

A's.


For some reason, March was a heavy mystery month for me. April is starting

out quite differently as I've read To Dance With the White Dog and The Color

of Water.

Carol (Gradglass) - the titles of the Randy Wayne White novels sound

interesting. Should these be read in any order?

Off to try to catch up on the hour I lost last night!






Subject: Wonderful Day

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 08:26 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040600261401.UAA10013@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I am feeling rather blessed - two wonderful days in a row - enjoying this

place & climate as it should be lived, IMHO.

Got a bee in my bonnet yesterday, about going fishing - we have not done that

in a while. Usually that means we get the rods & equipment out of the locker

& stroll our the garage to the beach. We are there, & we fish. (Of course,

while Alex is getting himself primed, I have already gone & bought bait, made

lunch & snacks, & all that). Today was a little different - I did all my

usual chores, THEN we packed the car & drove a few miles to a

property just at the end of Marco, now called Key Marco - originally Capt.

Horr's Island - & you can guess why we changed THAT name. Capt. Horr used to

farm pineapples & fresh fruit here - vestiges of his house stand here - &

send the produce to Key West. If you have read the book, WHO KILLED MR.

WATSON by Matthiessen, you will recognize this location very easily. Alex is

part of the group that developed not only where we live here, but also this

beautiful, growing community. It is aimed at folks who love to boat - every

lot is on the water, & in addition, there is a dock master facility so that

each lot does not have to have a dock & all that stuff - you bring your boat

in to the dock master, he takes you home & then takes your boat back - cleans

it, services it, & has it all ready for the next time. In any event - this

is not a real estate commercial - but the place is gorgeous & we went

fishing off the docks there. It is so silent - dolphins & manatee jump &

play all around. Within a minute of dropping in a line, I had caught a fish

- & another - & another - within an hour or so we had dinner - 5 sheepshead,

1 red snapper, & an angel fish. We forced ourselves to stay there & enjoy

the lunch, the ice cold drinks, the fresh air.

If you have never seen sheepshead, they are very comical fish: they have

faces just like sheep - with teeth that look as if they are ready to nibble

grass instead of shrimp-bait. They have rather flat bodies & are striped.

Their dorsal fin is a 'stickler' - they are so full of bones that most people

do not bother to clean & eat them - however, we find their flesh very sweet &

if you cook them properly whole, you can lift the flesh right off the

bones. When we catch fish, we keep them in the water in a basket, & just

before we come home we put them in a cooler full of ice. All the way home

that cooler was "dancing".

Some acorn squash, a fresh salad - & fish that had absolutely NO odour as it

cooked - what a perfect ending to this weekend.

Oh yeah - I caught all but one of the fish- Alex guts them with no complaint

- then I re-clean them & scale them - I have a method.


I know it's not everyone's idea of a good time, but I love being out-of-doors

& just to sit seems very wasteful of the gorgeous weather & the ocean/Gulf.

I think I have downed about 6 glasses of ice water since I got home.


On our second date, Alex took me to his trout fishing club, about 30 miles

north of Toronto. There they raise trout for commercial sales, & stock their

own ponds. There is a delightful old farm house where you can stay overnight

if you want to spend a weekend, & a minimum staff to help you. They will

smoke the trout you catch, or cook them right away & serve you a meal. You

can take out a row boat, or fly fish from a dam. The first time we went,

I was charmed by the place (& by Alex, as well.) He was such a ---- klutz!

Within 15 minutes he had knotted his line every time he cast, & finally, the

coup de grace, cast & snared the seat of his own pants! Was he embarrassed -

not at all - he laughed at himself (& when you get to hear him laugh you will

appreciate THAT), allowed me to remove the hook, drew the New York Times out

of his pocket & proceeded to read while I fished. I am sure, after

13 years of 'dating' after one marriage failure, this gave me a great big

kick over the fence into falling for this man.

Now I have never been squeamish about worms & baiting hooks, but I do draw

the line at touching a live fish - feh!! It's a good thing there is a quota

at the club, or the pond would have been empty of fish. We must have had

particulary juicy worms, because I had soon reached the quota & Alex got to

clean the fish.


Sorry to blather on - must be sunstroke!


Off to read more of the YA YAs

The Marco Maniac - time to search for a new tagline

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Sunday poem

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 11:26 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040603261400.XAA12353@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thought I'd share a good one with you...Enjoy!


REMEMBER WHEN....


A COMPUTER WAS SOMETHING ON TV

FROM A SCIENCE FICTION SHOW

A WINDOW WAS SOMETHING YOU HATED TO CLEAN....

AND RAM WAS THE COUSIN OF A GOAT.....


MEG WAS THE NAME OF MY GIRLFRIEND

AND GIG WAS YOUR THUMB UPRIGHT

NOW THEY ALL MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS

AND THAT MEGA BYTES


AN APPLICATION WAS FOR EMPLOYMENT

A PROGRAM WAS A TV SHOW

A CURSOR USED PROFANITY

A KEYBOARD WAS A PIANO


MEMORY WAS SOMETHING THAT YOU LOST WITH AGE

A CD WAS A BANK ACCOUNT

AND IF YOU HAD A 3 1/2 in. FLOPPY

YOU HOPED NO ONE FOUND OUT


COMPRESS WAS SOMETHING YOU DID TO THE GARBAGE

NOT SOMETHING YOU DID TO A FILE

AND IF YOU UNZIPPED ANYTHING IN PUBLIC

YOU'D BE IN JAIL FOR A WHILE


LOG ON WAS ADDING WOOD TO THE FIRE

HARD DRIVE WAS A LONG TRIP ON THE ROAD

A MOUSE PAD WAS WHERE A MOUSE LIVED

AND A BACKUP HAPPENED TO YOUR COMMODE


CUT YOU DID WITH A POCKET KNIFE

PASTE YOU DID WITH GLUE

A WEB WAS A SPIDER'S HOME

AND A VIRUS WAS THE FLU


I GUESS I'LL STICK TO MY PAD AND PAPER

AND THE MEMORY IN MY HEAD

I HEAR NOBODY'S BEEN KILLED IN A COMPUTER CRASH

BUT WHEN IT HAPPENS THEY WISH THEY WERE DEAD

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron.






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Sun, 05 April 1998 11:34 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040603340401.XAA13654@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ok...here's a challenge. We saw my in-laws on the day after Xmas but for

reasons too long to outline here, they didn't give my kids their gifts. I

had told my mother in law about DD's top pick on her list and she had bought

it. January passed. February passed. They live about 2 hours away and

seldom are willing to make the drive to see us. Between their flu and our

flu....we were in March. DD was frantic for the particular gift so finally,

after weeks, I gave in, told her grandma and grandpa were giving it to

her....and bought it myself...to exchange when the appropriate time came.


I'm pretty honest but I'm in sales, so what do you expect? A little extra

flattery at appropriate times. DH is Mr. Honesty...he said we should not

tell grandma about the switch. He explained it to the girls so when DD got

the gift today, she was surprised and thankful. We talked about it

later...sparing someone's feelings is often kinder in appropriate situations

where no one is hurt by it.


So.....am I tarred and feathered for being the worst mother? I happen to

think in certain situations, you need to teach the socially acceptable or

kindest answer. (Now we can quarrel about the appropriateness of DMIL, but I

don't think this is the place!)



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron.







Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 12:16 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040604164701.AAA18012@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol--another fisherwoman! I used to go fishing every week-end when i lived

back in Illinois. And I have missed the experience a lot since I moved here

to Utah. So I have solved that dilema--I took my first fly fishing class

last Thursday! I'm the only woman in the class, but there is a young girl

taking the class with her Daddy--too cool! Next Thursday we get to learn to

cast--in the high school gymnasium.


I told DH I found my fishing vest--I am in love with it! I forgot to check

to see how much it costs, though. DH says "Oh boy!" and rolled his eyes.

What can I say? I want to do this with style! The fishing vest is a lovely

sage color and has the most interesting pockets. Isn't that interesting--I

found my vest before I found my rod? I can do that!


I can hardly wait for our first field trip in two weeks! We don't know where

we are going yet because the spring run-off has started in some areas. We

have to watch the water reports now.


If I ever get back to Florida, i will surely look you up, Carol, you maniac!


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Tape Gripes

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 12:47 AM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998040604470700.AAA25139@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm listening to Undue Influence by Steve Martini, read by Harry Hamlin.

Good mystery story, but I almost pulled the tape out of the player to throw

it out the window while I was on the freeway today! It's one thing to run

into unfamiliar place names when I'm reading and have to guess (anyone who's

come across the name "Puyallup" will understand what I'm talking about!) but

when I'm doing the reading, I can

mentlaly adjust and go on. However, it really bugs me on a professional

tape, to hear place names mispronounced! The killer this time? Lompoc.

Easy enough. It's a little town in California, known for its "country club"

federal prison (John Dean spent some time there, if I remember correctly) and

its nearness to Vandenberg AFB where much of the early space program happened

(lots of rocket tests and all).


LOM-poke. Not LOM-pock. Anyone living in California (and Harry Hamlin did,

at least for a while) should be able to pronounce it. And anyone doing a

commercial tape ought to check this kind of detail! g-nash, g-nash...

distracting, to say the least.


As for Undue Influence? About a B so far. Why do I get the feeling Martini

read a good book on how to write a page-turner?


Shannon






Subject: Another Book Nook Birthday!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 01:14 AM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998040605141600.BAA28693@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday to youuuu,

Happy Birthday to youuuu,

Happy Birthday, Mary Coral,

Happy Birthday to youuuu!!


And many morrrrrrreeeeee!! Enjoy your special day!!



~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633






Subject: Reading Binge

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 04:05 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040608052101.EAA09747@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I was on a reading binge this weekend (besides having to work this afternoon

at a fundraiser) and read a few really good books.


The Sixteen Pleasures by Robert Hellenga


Thanks to all who recommended this. I enjoyed it very much. The Sixteen

Pleasures is an intriguing blend of travel writing, romance, nun story and

caper thriller that works. I was impressed with her ingenuity in the caper,

hoped for better in the romance, but liked the characters and they were true

to their own characters--even if some are not true to each other (so to

speak) and the details about the art, the books and the convent added

richness to

the texture of the story. Intriguing and unique...altogether excellent.


The Echo by Minette Walters


Lighter relative to her other mysteries. In The Echo a homeless man starves

to death in the garage of a woman living in one of the wealthier and more

exclusive subdivisions of London. Michael Deacon is ordered to write a story

on this death and the homeless issue and after meetiung the woman whose

garage provided the final resting spot for Billy Blake, he becomes obsessed

with his search for the truth. If youa re looking for moral absolutes, you

won't find them here, but you will find a fascinating, thought-provoking

suspenseful mystery with more surprises than most. The only thing that did

not ring true was how difficult it was for some of the characters to make

the Billy Blake/William Blake connection---especially when Billy Blake turns

out to rant and roar about religion.


Four Letters of Love by Niall Williams


This was simply a pleasant book, a romance with some mystical element of Fate

moving the characters to the inevitable. I did not dislike this book at all,

but I must damn it with faint praise. It was pleasant, nice, etc. but I did

not feel that involved in the charactters so it was not affecting.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Censored 98

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 04:19 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040608195201.EAA12997@ladder03.news.aol.com>


As they do every year, the folks at Project Censored have published the top

25 Censored Stories of the Year. These are stories that did not get the

coverage they deserved, relative to their public interest and their possible

impact on people....stories that were driven out with the coverage of

JonBenet, Paula jones and Princess Di....celebrity journalism driving out the

news.


For the second year in a row, Covert Action Quarterly has 3 stories in the

top ten...I cannot praise this magazine highly enough.


This years stories include:

1) Clinton Adminstration Aggressively Promotes US Arms Sales Worldwide

2) Personal Care and Cosmetic Products May be Carcinogenic

3) Big Business Seeks to Control and Influence US Universities

4) Exposing the Global Surveillance System.

5) US Companies are World Leaders in the Manufacture of Torture Devices for

Internal Use and Export

6) Russian Plutonium Lost Over Chile and Brazil (It is not just for the

great taste that I have switched exclusively to Sumatran coffeebeans.)

7) Norplan and Human Lab Experiments in Third World Lead to Forced Use in US

8) Little Kno9wn Federal Law Paves the Way for a National Identification Card

9) Mattel Cuts US Jobs to Ipen Sweatshops in Other Countries

10) Army's Planm to Burn Nerve Gas and Toxins in Oregon Threatens Columbia

River Basin

11) Death Behind Bars

12) 21 States offer corporations immunity from violating Environmental laws

13) American Drug Industry Use the Poior as guinea pigs.

14) US Blood Supply is increasingly threatened by parasites.

15) Mainstream newspapers ifnore inner city low-income and rural 'fringe'

areas

16) ys paper comnpanies conspire to squash zpaptistas

17) Txins and envoiropnmental pollution contribute to human aggression in

society

18) Pharmaceutical companies mass market drugs

19) Evidence of flouridation danger mounts

20) environmental regualtions creat jobs and make american corporations more

competitice

21) Blood tests suggest reason behind gulf war syndrome

22) FBI: Sloppy, out of touch, and very powerful

23) The scheme to privatize the hanford nuke plant

24) Profits before People delay release of new AIDS drug

25) Black elected officials targetd by law


Appendices include national press resources and suggested reading to teach

readers to become better news consumers.


I get this every year and every year , it does not disappoint...though since

this focuses on investigative stories, it tends to be a little depressing.


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: McMala

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:37 AM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040611370000.HAA17506@ladder01.news.aol.com>



A

very

Happy Birthday

to you!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight





Subject: Re: My tiny list for March

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:50 AM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998040611502001.HAA20933@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Diane--I liked "The Sweet Hereafter". But the biggest reason I liked it was

because it took place in an imaginary town near me. Some of the places he

mentioned are real places. I am waiting for "The Cloudsplitter" by him to

come in so I can read it too. It was fast reading for me, which is always a

big plus.




Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward







Subject: Happy Birthday

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:58 AM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998040611582801.HAA18795@ladder01.news.aol.com>



HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MARY CORAL!!!!




Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward






Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARYCORAL!!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:26 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040612262101.IAA23321@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK - let's hear it - mi mi mi - this is to be sung to the tune of: STARS

FELL IN ALABAMA - what else????



Stars rose in Alabama,

The day that you came to earth-

The sky burst into a shower

To celebrate, your birth.


We, here in our wee Book Nook,

Are glad, that you are with us,

A most pleasant lovely lady,

Who doesn't make a fuss.


Mary lively as a Coral,

A charmer from the sunny South,

Let's hear what she says about books,

What pearls can fall from her mouth.


We know that it is her birthday,

We wish, that this year will be -

The best that she's had in a while

The best thing in life that's free.


MC makes time to help with her friends,

She makes time for cheery thoughts-

Her view is always optimistic -

While Book Nook posts she jots.


So let's, all join in the chorus -

And sing out loud & clear & true -

Dear MaryCoral have a birthday -

That's great & sweet, like you!


HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARY CORAL - ONE SWEET DESERVING LADY!


Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: March List

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:28 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040612282200.IAA23479@ladder03.news.aol.com>


THESE BOOKS CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER - BUT I FOUND SOME OF THE CHARACTERS

STARTED IN THE FIRST BOOK & EVOLVED A LITTLE - SO #1 - SANIBEL FLATS; #2 -

THE HEAT ISLANDS; #3 - CAPTIVA, #4 - THE MAN WHO INVENTED FLORIDA

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:31 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040612322301.IAA23754@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh Jackie - you are indeed a woman of kindred spirit! Come to Florida & I

will share all my favourite fishing "holes" with you!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:46 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040612464101.IAA22178@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I think you did the right thing. There was no point in hurting your DMIL.

Cheef

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: McMala

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:50 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040612501101.IAA25139@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday, Mary

Coral. May you be blessed all year.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Gone Fishing...

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 09:40 AM EDT

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998040613402401.JAA29369@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Good morning Book Nookers!

This is so neat, finding others here who like fishing!! I had my fishing

license in my pocket by 9am on April 1st. Last year for Mother's Day Ed and

Matt asked me if there was anything special I wanted. So I asked for and

received a shiny new fishing rod, tackle box and lots of nifty lures,

sinkers, hooks bobbers and other cool stuff. Two other friends and I just

LOVE to go fishing on our days off from work! It is so much fun, and SO

relaxing,

that I often go by myself. Felt like I was 12 years old the first time I

came home with a stringer full of trout to show off to DH and DS. And I made

them take my picture.

Don't mind baiting the hook or removing it.. but Matt cleans them for me..

Will be going out tomorrow if the weather is okay.

Before I forget


Happy Birthday, Mary Coral!!!


And don't forget! April 18th for First Great Albany Book Nook Sleepover!

Anyone wanting to join me and Carole's #2 and #3 and Jayne, and Laura, please

email me and I will tell you whatever you want to know about lunch, or

hotels, etc. I can't wait... my whole schedule this month revolves around

this date.!


Have a great day, everyone!



Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Up Island", by Anne Rivers

Siddons.

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...






Subject: Re: Another Book Nook Birthday!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 10:32 AM EDT

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040614320701.KAA01925@ladder01.news.aol.com>


MaryCoral Happy, happy birthday. Have a lovely day and many more!!!


Lita: I think you handled it just fine. What's the point of a

confrontation! Loved your Remember When. Do I ever!!


SilverLoc: Rotator cuff injuries are sooo miserable. Hope your DH recovers

so that he can still play golf


NANCY: So glad the news was good for you and for Mitch. I do think all the

good wishes and prayers from BN are helpful. Thay are to me.


Still not caught up--miss a few days and I'm way behind.


Still cold here in Mi but a beautiful sunny day.

Pat






Subject: Birthday wishes

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 11:02 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998040615022400.LAA05060@ladder01.news.aol.com>



MANY HAPPY RETURNS, MARY CORAL


ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Carol





Subject: Re: Tape Gripes

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 11:06 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040615060801.LAA08075@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shannon - I joined you a few months ago in the tape gripes. Was listening to

a Robert Crais (sorry Bob). Loved the book but the streets...La Cienega,

Sepulveda...were completely mispronounced. Fingernails on the blackboard!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY CORAL!!!!!! MANY, MANY MORE!!!!!



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron.






Subject: Re: Tape Gripes

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 11:17 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040615171501.LAA06606@ladder01.news.aol.com>


If it was the Voodoo River tape, not only are the street names wrongly

pronounced, but Lucy Chenier is not Shenyay, but Sheneer. I have that on Mr.

Crais' authority.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Native American site

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 11:54 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040615550601.LAA13302@ladder03.news.aol.com>


For those of you who love all things Native American like I do, I just found

this absolutely gorgeous site. I think this ranks with the Vicky Littleleaf

and NASA sites asamong my top three.


Main Menu: Native American Indian PlentyStuff


Enjoy!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: TO MC

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 12:43 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040616430801.MAA18686@ladder03.news.aol.com>


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MC


Is Jimmy whisking you off to someplace wonderful? Wish I was there to help

you celebrate.

Love,


Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Attn: SoCal Booknookers!!!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 01:01 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040617011900.NAA20856@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ok, she went to NY first but now Marilu is coming to Southern California! It

looks like we're planning a get-together on Thursday, May 21. We haven't

decided on a time...I know its a workday, so I was thinking lunch, late

afternoon, early dinner. Somewhere between LA and OC? (Which seems to be

where Marilu is going to be.)


Please e-mail me with your preferences and I'll try to straighten it all out.

Look forward to seeing all of you!


Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron.






Subject: Interesting to you?

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 01:40 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040617403300.NAA25622@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Not sure if this interests anyone - thought I would mention it anyway.

Author Jane Hamilton

Wednesday, April 8 at 8:30pm ET

Fans of Oprah's Book Club may remember Jane Hamilton's first novel, The Book

of Ruth. Her latest, The Short History of a Prince tackles literature's great

themes: ambition, art, death, friends and family (just to name a few).

(Keyword: BarnesandNoble)


NJ Governor Christine Todd Whitman

Wednesday, April 8 at 8:00pm ET

Christine Todd Whitman has been Governor of New Jersey since 1993. Many

believe she could turn up on the GOP Presidential ticket someday. Talk with

one of politics' leading figures. (Keyword: DCPhilly)


House Speaker/Author Newt Gingrich

Friday, April 10 at 9:00pm ET

Newt Gingrich's new book, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, recounts his

experiences as House Speaker. Talk with the provocative conservative leader.

Does he intend to renew his "Contract with America?" (Keyword:

BarnesandNoble)

************


Aha - some fisher-people have turned up here - that's great! Let's get

together & trade fishing lies. I have so many hysterically funny fishing

stories I lost count - but maybe that's because I tend to see the humour in

everything. The strangest was catching 6 small hammerhead sharks right off

the beach here last year - & the ugly little critters die as soon as you pull

them in. They looked like mini-Orcas - shudder.


Off to Ya Ya -ville


The Marco Maniac, having pre-Passover planning crises

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Monday morning

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 01:44 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998040617441101.NAA23361@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi all - I'm back from 4 days away and the first thing I do, of course, is

read our board. I checked immediately to see if we had heard from Warren

since I'd been gone - but I see we haven't. Does anyone know how he is? If

you're reading this, Warren, all my best to you.


Gina - Are you already familiar with Los Gatos? I had never been there

before. It was charming, very woodsy and lots of flowers everywhere. Our

couple (Megan & Mike) were married in a place called Villa Montalvo with the

reception at the Toll House Hotel. Everything went perfectly, down to the

bride's brother announcing his engagement the next morning.


I've started Isle of Joy by Frank Daugherty (?) and am enjoying it so far -


Congratulations to all who got good news while I was gone. I knew everything

would be OK for the people here.


Must get to work - have a nice day.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain






Subject: Monday, Monday

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 01:51 PM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998040617510601.NAA24246@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Congratulations, Pat, Nancy & Michelle!!! Wonderful news from doctors and

tests! Now Gina, let's keep fingers and toes crossed for your news tomorrow!


It saddens me to hear from you teachers and moms of older children what a

struggle is ahead for those of us with young children. Right now, Mike and

Nicky, are 6 1/2. They want to go everywhere with me. They think I know

everything and can fix anything. Our biggest battles involve getting in bed

on time and staying there! I hope Pat and I will be able to handle the time

in not too distant future when their friends, girls, driving, drugs, etc.,

will become the battle ground. My younger sister has three boys, 12, 15 and

18. I've seen what she's been through and cringe!!


Just started the late Lawrence Sanders McNALLY'S SECRET.


~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633






Subject: Re: My tiny list for March

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 01:52 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998040617523100.NAA24407@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Carolyn K: Looks like you had a great reading month....or you are an

exceptionally easy grader! Didn't you just love All Over But the Shoutin'? I

have been recommending this like crazy since I read it.>>


I do read fairly fast but I also have more time than some people -- I

retired from nursing a couple of years ago. And I did, indeed, LOVE All Over

But the Shoutin'! What a wonderful story. I had the pleasure of meeting

Rick Bragg last October (along with Jackie -- J5577); he's very

down-to-earth, warm, friendly, neighbor-like. It felt like we could easily

sit down together and enjoy a cup of coffee and nice chat. Neat guy . . .

Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Re: Happy birthday!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 02:12 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998040618125001.OAA29763@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral,

Have a WONDERFUL day!!! Thinking of you . . .

Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Re: What I Read in March

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 02:13 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040618132100.OAA29821@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'll never get caught up I fear! But I'm trying.

Jackie -- What a wonderful "reading" March you had.

Carolyn -- I gave "All Over but the Shoutin'" an A+, too!


SV --"Rose's Garden" got a rave review in our local Sunday paper yesterday.

Sounds sweet, affirming, but not sentimental.

I saw "Rent" with my girls this past summer. It reminded me of "Hair" --

lots of youthful energy, loud music. My then-17-year old adored it and has

seen it again. I guess I'd give it a B, though I'm glad I saw it especially

in light of the fact that it is enormously popular with young people and I

like to know what they're thinking, seeing, relating to, etc.


Nancy -- Just read of your good news. I hope spring weather has returned for

you both to mirror your emotional mood. Glad you celebrated with a

book-buying spree.


Is Horse Whisperer coming out in May? Whew! Glad I read it first. I didn't

HATE the book, though I know that it is fashionable to do so. Having spent

many years hanging out in a barn with my youngest, I guess the horse aspect

of it appealed to me. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, certainly not

the best. Sort of like a Big Mac -- really tasty sometimes, fills you up for

a short time, but nothing you're going to encourage others to rush

out and do.


I still have about 100 more posts to read. And I'm near death from the

protracted BD! That and the new time. I think I'll take a quick nap and

finish up later in the afternoon.


Cissie, who has OD'd on BD






Subject: Re: Patron Saint of Liars

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 02:45 PM EDT

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040618451501.OAA01114@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Who wrote All Over but the Shouting--Looks like another TBR


Gina: Thinking about you--hope the news is GOOD news.


Did anyone see Patron Saint of Liars on TV? Watched in spite of

myself--curious and I do like Delaney (sp?) I was surprised at how good it

was until the end. They had to pretty it up(what an expression) and it

really got hokey. So glad I read the book first. Even the spring started

gushing again. As usual the book was so much better. Sometimes things

don't have beatiful endings. Heaven forfend if things are left up in the air

and questions

are unanswered.


MariLu: Love the Langston Hughes poetry.

Pat

Still reading Call it Sleep(don't know where that "Some" crept in. Thanks

for the correction) Just read the review of his last bk. in the NYT. that's

how i heard about it in the first place.





Subject: Patron Saint

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 03:13 PM EDT

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998040619134601.PAA04797@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Last night I had Patron Saint on TV while reading the posts, etc. and was

taping it also. I have never read this book and I think I must have been

missing something. Although I liked the story line I kept thinking that

parts were missing. So guess I will have to go out and get the book and then

watch the tape all over again. Anyone else care to comment?



Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Up Island", by Anne Rivers

Siddons.

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...






Subject: A Special Birthday

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 03:53 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040619531801.PAA13316@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Have a Wonderful Birthday

Mary Coral !

You Deserve the Best !


Love, Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 04:02 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040620025701.QAA11727@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy -- Ragime -- The movie came out several years ago and was

disappointing. I think that this is its first run on Broadway, but there was

so much pre-opening hype that one would think it had been around for ages.


Leslie -- My lucky friends (some that you know, too) and family who have been

to NY lately rave about Jekyll and Hyde.


Jackie -- Thanks for the exerpt about slow-reading! I've been known to read

out loud which helps me to savor worthy books.


Diane - ** means "exceptional". But I'll go with letter grades or the

1-2-3-4-5 method in the future. I loved "The Sweet Hereafter", thought the

themes of loss and guilt and blame were explored so well. Very depressing.

Rule of the Bone was enjoyable, but didn't have the same impact as Sweet. I

also have Cloudsplitter on my tottering pile, but haven't the energy for this

lengthy a book yet. Banks is a talented writer, IT ("I Think').


I'll post now before I get bumped. Hoping to read good news from Gina soon!

Cissie, recovering






Subject: Birthdays

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 04:08 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040620084001.QAA15641@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral -- Happy Birthday. May you celebrate all week. It's the only

way.

Cissie, the former Birthday Queen






Subject: Re: Patron Saint

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 04:17 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040620173400.QAA17091@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol -- Like you, I haven't read this book but also felt that I was missing

something. I thought the movie was just dreadful. (Could the fact that I

drifted off a couple of times have anything to do with my opinion?)


Rick Bragg, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist, wrote "All Over But the

Shoutin'" -- the best "memoir" I've read since Liar's Club. Just when I

think that I cannot read another painful growing up book, along comes

something splendid like this one. Now I have "Are You Somebody? The

Accidental Memoir of a Dublin Woman" on my list.


Cissie






Subject: Bruised Fruit

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 05:02 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040621025000.RAA21411@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I posted this before and got knocked off...so frustrating...so trying

again...


I just finished Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron, a book I picked up because I

like the Ephrons and it said "sizzler", something I thought might keep me

interested since I've picked up and put down after a few pages over a dozen

books lately. It was not a sizzler, rather a psyhological exploration of a

woman under suspicion of the murder of her lover. It is less about the

murder and more about her. Very spare, oddly touching...though I had just

thought this would end up as a "fun, quick read", I was affected by this

short, easy-to-read book.


Now...is it All Over but the Shoutin or Snow in August?

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron.






Subject: Birthday Wishes

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 05:15 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040621153201.RAA26452@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Best of wishes on your birthday Mary Coral. Hope this year brings only the

best for you and your family.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Birthday Wishes

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 06:57 PM EDT

From: Ratacheck

Message-id: <1998040622571601.SAA14142@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thinking of you, Mary Coral, and wishing you a Happy, happy day!!


Rita






Subject: Happy Birthday

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:01 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998040623013200.TAA11858@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral,


A very, very happy birthday to you!


Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Re: Happy Birthday Mary Coral!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:27 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040623273500.TAA19455@ladder03.news.aol.com>




i i

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Birthday

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



i i

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Birthday

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


* * * * * * *

* * * * * *


Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:31 PM EDT

From: DCDLSD

Message-id: <1998040623311901.TAA17144@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Your day sounds wonderful to me. I just cooked the last sheepshead from the

freezer last Friday. What is your method of scaling. I have to use wire

cutters on the fins. One bone under a fingernail has made me much more

careful. They are really tasty fish, the angel fish too. We have a friend

who loves to fish, but hates to clean and cook so we always look forward to

his fishing trips!


Lynne in Houston







Subject: Re: What I Read in March

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:36 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040623361500.TAA18031@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Is Horse Whisperer coming out in May?>>


Yes, Cissie - I have seen the trailers sevevral times both on tv and in the

movie theaters. It looks sooo good especially since the background music is

the haunting melody from The Piano. I really can picture Redford as Tom

Booker and probably Kristin Scott Thomas as Annie. Nut sure who is cast as

Grace. In the meantime, many of the 7th grade girls read this book and want

to dicuss it with me.


I am almost finished with the book and a most curious thing has happened. I

was busy over the weekend and only read 80 odd pages. When I read so little

I'm not really into the book and I almost closed the book since I have so

many other good books waiting in the wings. But today I polished off 150

pages and now am really enjoying this title. Being a non- animal person

although I used to ride when much younger I wasn't at al lsure the basic

premise

of the book would appeal to me. Nevertheless I did buy it when it was first

published but put it away for the right time. Then I began reading such

negative reviews and reader's complaints about the ending. Well, I did read

the ending a long time ago and won't be able to judge till I finish. I do

wonder if knowing what happens to everyone isn't spoiling this for me just a

smidgen.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Monday morning

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:44 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040623443300.TAA19546@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Gina - Are you already familiar with Los Gatos? >>


Mary Ann, Yes, I grew up in Campbell which is right next door to Los Gatos.

I love the area. My brother will be getting married on Saturday at the Los

Gatos Opera House which is a lovely place.


Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:44 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040623443400.TAA22557@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie-<<Ragime -- The movie came out several years ago and was

disappointing.>> Nwo that you mentioned this I do think that James Cagney

was in the movie. Must have been sometime ago.


The author of the book Ragtime, E. L. Doctorow, has written some other very

interesting books. One of them is Daniel which is the story of a child whose

parents were exceuted for allegedly being spies for Russia and also of

passing along seceret documents dealing with the A Bomb. It was really the

story of the Rosebergs sons who wrote their own book several years ago called

We are There Sons. Although adopted by another family and with a new name,

the two boys who were quite young when their parenst went to the electric

chair did acknowledge world - wide that they were born to Ethel and Julius

Rosenberg. This was a very dark book and probably doesn't have the same

impact that it did when I first read it.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Happy Birthday Mary Coral!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:47 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040623483401.TAA20315@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday

Mary Coral!

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: Shoutin'

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 07:53 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040623534200.TAA24277@ladder03.news.aol.com>


LITA--Read ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN'. What a wonderful book! Although, the

other one is, too.


PAT--ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTIN' is by Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize winning

journalist.


CAROL--I went to a reading of Jane Hamilton's yesterday. She's very

different than I had thought she would be when I saw her on Oprah's. She's

very funny in person, and like with Margaret Hamilton, I was able to really

see her humorous side when she read her own work--her new one, which I am

about 2/3 through and which is called THE SHORT HISTORY OF A

PRINCE. She looks as though she were on a UC campus in the late sixties,

early seventies. She's very bright, down-to-earth.


RUTHALICE--<<since this focuses on investigative stories, it tends to be a

little depressing.>> Thanks for really cheering me up!


For anyone who loves words like I do, I stumbled onto this veritable search

engine of a dictionary site--every kind of dictionary imaginable.

A Web of On-line Dictionaries

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Another Book Nook Birthday!

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:06 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998040700065900.UAA23678@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Pat wrote: SilverLoc: Rotator cuff injuries are sooo miserable. Hope your

DH recovers so that he can still play golf



Actually, this is my father . . . it's Mom's (SilvLocMom) DH. To my best

knowledge, I do not have a DH (or even a DB) at the present time! (grin)


Meanwhile, Dad's shoulder is coming along and, yes, he's been out to play

golf a few times already this season. Thank heaven!

Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams






Subject: Re: Gone Fishing...

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:39 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040700394900.UAA02861@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<Don't mind baiting the hook or removing it.>> Count me in there, Carole!

When I used to fish in Illinois, it was with a large group. I was the only

woman who would gather the bait, bait my own hooks, remove the fish--and help

with the cleaning. Understand these were catfish we caught--no scales. I

haven't cleaned a scaled fish yet, but I suppose i'll have to learn how to

now. I believe if I'm gonna fish--I'm gonna learn to do it all.



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Happy Birthday MARY CORAL

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:43 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040700430800.UAA03484@ladder03.news.aol.com>



HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MARY CORAL


I AM NOT A POET AND


I KNOW IT.


BUT I KNOW WE BOTH ARE 39!!!!!


HAVE A GOOD ONE.


FOND REGARDS,

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:43 PM EDT

From: JKline31

Message-id: <1998040700434500.UAA03615@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hello,

I saw Ragtime in February and found it stunning - recommend it to

everyone. JKL







Subject: Two verbed nouns

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 08:57 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040700575701.UAA06237@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Marilu,


Thank you so much for including the Web of on-line dictionaries site in your

post. Found a wonderful feature there : Linguistic Fun

Just a couple of examples are included if anyone is interested or go to next

subject now!


Roe



Home

Cool Words Archive

Product Excerpts:

Flappers 2 Rappers

What's in a Name?Coined by ShakespeareWords from the Lighter SideSite

Map


Titillating Terminology Ever wonder where some of the strange slang in

the world of sports originated? Read on to find out!


People often ____ on college basketball games during the month of March:

Bet. To wager; to place money on an event's outcome. The vain Justice

Shallow in 2 Henry IV laments the death of a local archer who was a

favorite of Henry IV's father. "John a' Gaunt lov'd him well," Shallow

recalls, "and betted much money on his head" (III.ii.44-45). In 1592,

the noun bet was first recorded in English, and five years later

Shakespeare was the first to use the verb form, choosing betted for the

past tense. Less certain is the background of bet. One theory suggests

that it may have originated as a shortening of the noun abet, used to

mean "encouragement" or "support," inasmuch as placing a bet on

something (or someone) is one way of showing support. Any connection

between bet and abet, however, is purely speculative. It would be a safe

wager that the verb was not a favorite for Shakespeare, who uses it only

the one time. He does, however, place the noun form in a speech in

Hamlet, when the Prince elaborates on "the French bet against the

Danish" (V.ii.163). Nowadays the verb is heard in the slangy affirmative

"You bet," a phrase first recorded in American English in the

mid-nineteenth century, and in its more recent variant "You betcha."

Using Shakespeare's verb, the British novelist William Makepeace

Thackeray wrote in 1858 of a maxim that still holds for many gamblers:

"I don't bet on horses I don't know."

from Coined by Shakespeare



Aggressive players may be penalized for trying to ____ others out of

their way:

Elbow. To push or prod with or as if with one's elbow. Among the most

poignant scenes of King Lear is the reuniting of the King with his

youngest daughter, Cordelia. At first he refuses to see her when she

returns from France, and the Earl of Kent attributes that reluctance to

feelings of guilt, adding, "A sovereign shame so elbows him"

(IV.iii.42). In Old English, eln, meaning "ell," an old unit of

measurement, was combined with boga, "bow," to form the noun that

eventually came to be spelled elbow. Shakespeare is the first writer

known to turn this noun into a verb, using it figuratively to suggest

the nudging of a guilty conscience. Elbow has continued to be useful as

a figurative verb, though it's now more likely to suggest aggression

than irritation. Thomas Carlyle, in an 1858 essay on Sir Walter Scott,

wrote, "No man lives without jostling and being jostled, in all ways he

has to elbow himself through the world, giving and receiving

offense." But elbow is highly useful as a literal verb as well, as

people in a hurry continue to elbow their way through crowds, and hockey

players are sent to the penalty box for elbowing, a popular infraction.

from Coined by Shakespeare



------------------------------------------------------------------------


Home / Cool Words Archive /

Flappers 2 Rappers / What's in a Name? /

Coined by Shakespeare /

Words from the Lighter Side /

Site Map


© 1998 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated


Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: March List

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 10:22 PM EDT

From: SaritaN

Message-id: <1998040702224900.WAA22231@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol - Thanks for the Randy Wayne White info! Can't wait to start this new

series.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY CORAL! Also many thanks to Cheri for providing the

birthday list!


Take Care,

Sarita in WI

"Too much of a good thing is wonderful"

Mae West







Subject: Birthdays and more

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 10:35 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040702350800.WAA24616@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral, hope the BD was spectacular. You did say it's your 21st, right?


Cheef and Deb, may your birthdays tomorrow be the best you've ever had.

(By the way, where is our Nitnee with her confetti? It's not often that we

have three birthdays in two days.)


Mispronunciaton: i've been reading your comments about mispronuciations on

audio tapes and I've been nodding my head in agreement. Why aren't names

written phonetically so the readers can say the words correctly. Even worse,

recently, I was at an author's seminar but the person who introduced the

author did NOT do her homework. She mispronounced the author's name and the

name of the

book. It was embarrasing to be even sitting in the audience. I cringed. The

author is the editor of THe Paris Review and is a well-regarded author as

well. Her name is Patricia Storace (stor' iss) but was introduced incorrectly

(stor' itch). Even worse was the gaffe made on the name of her book Dinner

with Persephone. The emcee pronounced Per sef' o nee as Pers e phone'.

Yikes, and this was in front of a

group of Greek women.

I know strangely spelled words trip up folks. At another time, I've heard

Holden Caulfield's little sister Phoebe pronounced FOBE but that was done by

a high school student, and I heard Penelope pronounced to rhyme with

antelope. My favorite however, was someone speaking about a 'place-bow'

being given in place of the real medicine. It took a while to realize the

speaker meant 'placebo' (pla-see-bo).


My current book is Arranged Marriage by Chitra Divakaruni (author of Mistress

of Spices.) I am enjoyng it thoroughly.


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Reading/MCMala

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 10:50 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040702503901.WAA27607@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy birthday, Mary Coral! Hope it was wonderful and I wish you a healthy

and gratifying year ahead. Good wishes to a good person.


After finishing Cider House and feeling disgruntled (I'm usually very

gruntled), I started Little Altars Everywhere last night. Then I went to

SuperCrown looking to get a very creative book at a discount: Play With Your

Food. They didn't have it so will go to Dutton's, my old standby. The book

shows how you can take fruits and vegetables and by buying funky shapes and

with a little snipping and strategic placement of cloves

or beans for eyes, you can make all kinds of hilarious animals and insects.

I thought it would be fun to have a dinner party and cover the table with

creatures. After they have served their entertainment purpose, I would then

eat them so the children in China wouldn't go to bed hungry.


While I was in the bookstore I saw Erica Jong's Inventing Memory in PB and

bought it. I remember how highly Nancy had recommended it. So while waiting

for a doctor appointment, I started that. I don't like to read two books at

once so will probably finish Altars and then Invent my Memory. See, Nancy,

you speak and I listen.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: More Info on Censored 98

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 10:52 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040702525600.WAA25048@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Project Censored Contact Information:


I post about Project Censored every year and probably remind everyone more

than once a year about the most outstanding magazine of investigative

journalism that is available today - CAQ or Covert Action Quarterly, which

has had three of their stories make the top ten two years in a row. However,

I have been negligent in posting information on how to contact these places

or look for them on the web.


Project Censored is a project of Sonoma University. It has a web site

(http://www.sonoma.edu/ProjectCensored/ ) where you can find some of this

year's stories and where you can also find monthly updates listing new

undercovered stories.


CAQ (Covert Action Quarterly) is a news magazine that is published every

other month. It is on the web at http://www.caq.com and a few of each issues

stories including the biggest story of the issue are on the web and archives

go back several years. However, the entire issue is not on the web. Also, the

magazine footnotes their articles with extensive source documentation and I

am not sure that the web articles do that.


The Project Censored Yearbook is available at most bookstores ($16.95)

though they sell out rather quickly and quite definitely at Powell's. I

recommend buying the yearbook instead of reading off the web because it is

full of much more than those top 25 stories. It also has information

including addresses, phone and fax numbers, and urls and e-mail addresses for

most of the major media AND alternative media. It also had wonderful contact

information on media watchdog groups and so on. It is truly a handbook for

those who are concerned about the media and its junkfood diet.


It includes updates on stories from past years and several wonderful

chapters on the media including Media Myths, Self-Censorship and the

Homogeneity of the Media Elite (with diagrams showing how much the media

power has been concentrated in the hands of a very few), Reviews of current

books on the media , censorship and the first amendment, a chapter about how

we now have less access to information by and about hte government and a

chapter on Junk

Food News of 1997. One of my favorite sections is a parody of how important

events such as the election of FDR or the suffragette marches for the vote

would be covered by Sam Donaldson, Cokie Roberts and Dan Rather, to name a

few. It's hysterical.


CAQ costs about 20/year to subscribe (it's almost $5 at the newstand and is

hard to find except at those tobacco/news stands that sell everything under

the sun or at Powell's-- unless you have a really good book store the only

way to get CAQ is through subscription.


Project Censored and CAQ are not mouthpieces of the Democratic Party. Their

number one story is highly critical of the Clinton administration's

arm-selling and subsidies of arms sales to other countries and a majority of

the stories are critical of adminstration policies. One story praises one of

the people on my personal top ten list of despicable people (Dick Armey).


HOW STORIES ARE SELECTED

"Selection of the 'most censored' stories of the year is a complex task

involving hundreds of people nationwide. This year, close to 1,000 nominated

stories were screened by Project Censored staff. The nominations came to us

from supporters all over the world. In addition, we, in coopoeration with the

Fata Center in Oakland, CAlifornia, monitored over 700

alternative/independent media sources, looking for important, under-covered

stories.


After the initial screening (we set aside purely op-ed and news stories not

fitting our October 15th annual cycles) we referred 610 stories to 65 faculty

and communicyt evaluators, using a standardized grading sheet to weight the

storiy for importance and credibility. The 160 highest-rated stories are

researched by Sonoma University students for levels of coverage inthe

mainstream press. The top fifty stories with the highest importance and

lowest

coverager levels are read by faculty and students, and in November the vote

is tallied.. Finally, the top 25 are ranked by national judges for their

national significance."


What is key to remember is that these stories are under-reported or sometimes

not reported at all in mainstram media and yet they are some of the most

important stories of the year in terms of their impact on ordinary people

like you and me. The death of Princess Diana is not as important to our

daily lives as the fact that Crest contains 3 known carcinogens or that 2

pounds of plutonium may have been dispersed over Chile and

Bolivia--contaminating

groundwater and produce shipped to America or that our blood supply may be

contaminated with Chagas' Disease and that it is not being screened for the

disease even though the median rate of at-risk donors was 1 in 340 in Red

Cross' own study. If these stories are not reported, how can citizens make

intelligent decisions?


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: More about pronunciation

Date: Mon, 06 April 1998 11:46 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040703463301.XAA08141@ladder03.news.aol.com>


For a laugh, go to Fredonia and see how to get rid of pronunciation problems.

I thnk the cure is worse than the problem.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Hyperlinks to Project Censored

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 12:53 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040704534501.AAA18907@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Censored Stories of 1997


Project Censored MenuCovert Action Quarterly


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Re: Broadway

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 01:37 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040705372701.BAA24644@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Leslie, I saw Titanic in June and loved it, great staging and costuming. I

might have been influenced somewhat because my friend's dil was a featured

cast member but I did enjoy it a lot!

Sue






Subject: Birthday parties

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:32 AM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040710322601.GAA11163@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I do want to thank you all for the wonderful birthday party yesterday. I was

glad so many of you made such an effort to come from so many different places

across the USA. I know that your plane fares were exorbitant, but didn't we

have such a good time.


It was hard keeping Jackie and Carole #2 out of the Moon Pies--they had not

had some in so many years and were hungry for them. Oh, I think Mari Lu was a

part of that group, too.


Carol the Maniac and Nancy were a problem opening all those books you gave

me, and I think that I even heard Nancy muttering, "But it's from the

Strand," as one of you, I think it was you, Jayne, tried to lead her away

from the gift table along with Jan, who kept saying, "This is the South,

Nancy and Carol; there is no Strand in the South." Jo Anne gently took them

by the arm and mentioned all the new books she had noticed on theh Internet.


Judi held up the okra horsd'oeuvre, looking with a curled lip and disgust--I

think she had visions of a Southern Kelp, and she was joined a la Greek

chorus by Nance, Pat, Rita and Cheri, who was heard to have said, "Can you

believe she served OKRA?"


Leslie and Cissie along with Roe tried to convince you all that okra was a

food group in the South, but I also noticed the looks on the faces of Cheef,

Carole #1, Carolyn and Carolyn on Long Island as the Suthin gals talked. I

don't think you made believers of them, folks, and I was counting on you

fellow Southerners to do just that.


The rest of you from the West Coast, Carol, Lita, Gina and Sarita were so

welcome--I knew how far you had traveled. However, did you notice Gina--who

kept feeling that she needed to go to my computer and check out Booknook for

explicit references? She should not have worried--all the flagrantes who

flirt with what is not acceptable were at the party, and no one was going

near the computer but Gina.


All in all as birthday parties in the South go, it was a hit and I thank you

all for coming. I am sorry that the chocolate and the champagne ran out, but

I noticed that the okra was left intact.

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Happy birthday times 2

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:42 AM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040710423001.GAA08666@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Happy birthday, Cheef. May you have many more and find other wonderful books

for the rest of this wonderful year.


Happy birthday, Deb. Enjoy your new car as it takes you further and further

afield looking for new books to read.

Birthday Cake Birthday Cake

I got you each a cake so that you would not have to fight over it. I do hope

you both have a wonderful day.

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:36 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040711374301.HAA11580@ladder01.news.aol.com>


LYNNE: it may not be too original, but first I attack those nasty dorsal

fins with my kitchen scissors. Then, once I can get a grip, I hold the fish

under running water spray, & work my thumbnail backwards down the body - the

scales just move off & down the drain/compactor, with very little flying

around. On some larger fish like whole salmon or trout, I find a serrated

knife rubbed in the firection of the scales - much finer on these fish -

does the same job. Works for me---- Glad you mentioned the angel fish - I

was not sure if it were edible.


Carol

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Cheef

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:43 AM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040711434500.HAA11935@ladder01.news.aol.com>


and now it's your turn................



Happy Birthday,

may it be all

you wish it

to be.

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:49 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040711493401.HAA15276@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Da butcher, da baker, da candlestick maker,

We called to a meeting today -

It's da birthday of one of our favourite girls -

For D'Pinter we'll all say "HOORAY"!


Da butcher can cook wi' real class -

Da pheasant he'll put under glass -(hee hee)

He'll roast it & glaze,

He'll serve & amaze,

The seconds we'll just have to pass.


Da baker, he'll work on da cake,

Da best dat he'll ever make -

He'll fill it & ice it

A mountain, suffice it

To say, it makes strong women quake!


Now here comes da candlestick maker -

We hear he is great, he's no faker:

He's worked many a day

To create this array

Of fireworks, where we will take her.


So Deb, gear up for a good one,

A birthday that's great & so much fun -

With food that's unique,

Don't dare take a peek -

You'll think it's a grand prize that you've won!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB!!!!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEEF!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:55 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040711555301.HAA12793@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hail to the CheefWil & plan a sun dance,

Hail to the Cheef, it's her Birthday Pome -

Let's hoist a glass & wish her a good one,

Birthday, birthday - don't stay home!


Here comes a limo & a chauffeur,

Are you ready for some fun?

Put on the glitz & let's all go for

A party, a party - call everyone!


Who planned the menu & did the cooking?

Who baked the cake & brought it along?

Who wrapped the gifts & chilled those bottles?

Who wrote the special brithday song?


Sandy, Sandy - a new year is dandy!

Sandy, Sandy, you're sweet as before -

Keep your mirror & calendar handy -

You don't look another year more!


Blow the horns & beat the drujms now -

Light the candles - one, two, three -

Make a wish & close your eyes tight

Be as happy as you can be!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEEFWIL!!!


Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: tHIS AND tHAT

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:00 AM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998040712003801.IAA13139@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol-- I try to make an interesting meal. Sometimes it leans more to the

Ashkenazic tradition and sometimes more to the Sephardic. Last year I made

brisket for instance. Making several types of Haroset is my signature.

Since I am not a bid fan of walnuts and much prefer almonds this is reflected

in the Harosets I choose. If you'd like a caouple of recipes I can e-mail

them.






Subject: PROBLEMS!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:10 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040712100001.IAA13822@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am writing at a bit of a disadvantage for me today - minus my giant screen

& keyboard. For some reason, my Big MAC POOPED OUT ON ME - refusing to sign

on to anything last night. It is refusing authentication, & until I figure

out why, I am just grateful to have Petit Mac Laptop here so that I can stay

in touch - minus all of my wonderful favourite places which I didn't put here

- but thank goodness Book Nook is present. If a cleaning &

rebuilding of the desktop, & a running of Norton does not fix it - I am

stumped. More later. By then I may be begging for hyperlinks to all the

favourite places, if I should lose them. Nuts!


GINA: Is today the day? Praying for good news for you & your petit(e) one.


JUDI: I just finished a re-read of LITTLE ALTARS & YA YA - can't have one

without the other - & envy you reading them for the first time. I am in awe

of what & how Wells wrote. These two books are favourites of mine still.


Off to try to solve the puzzle of the ages -


The Maniac



Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: Happy Birthday Cheef

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:39 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040712393401.IAA19169@ladder03.news.aol.com>



HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUU


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUU


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHEEEFFFFFF


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUU


Have a wonderful Day!!



Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Birthday parties

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 09:20 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040713202601.JAA22607@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral, I was in Chicago and missed your birthday....and the great party

in Alabama. Double darn! Hope your year will be filled with great things.


A belated birthday wish to you!

While in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet Rickie122 and her DH who

hosted me to a night of theater where we saw their daughter perform in A

Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Delightful play, lovely

company and another confirmation that Booknookers are the very best people

and everyone should meet as many of them as they can!


Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEEF!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 10:31 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040714313300.KAA29886@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My word, your talents know no limit!!!!

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Birthdays

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:06 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040715064801.LAA00904@ladder01.news.aol.com>


HAPPY BIRTHDAY


CHEEF


&


DEB

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Bruised Fruit by Amy Ephron.







Subject: Re: Birthdays

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:17 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040715173101.LAA02062@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Best wishes go out on this glorious day in NJ to Deb and Cheef!!!

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Birthdays

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:37 AM EDT

From: Ratacheck

Message-id: <1998040715374201.LAA04317@ladder01.news.aol.com>


A happy healthy birthday to Cheef and Deb!!


Rita

Reading A Great Day for the Deadly by Haddam






Subject: Happy Birthday Deb

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:42 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040715424800.LAA04878@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Deb:



HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUU


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUU


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DEEEBBB


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUU


Have a wonderful Day!!




Jayne in Connecticut


No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.








Subject: Re: Happy Birthday Deb

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 12:31 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040716313800.MAA13550@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday, Deb!!!

Hope yours is turning out as wonderful as mine.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Reading Binge

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 12:32 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998040716320801.MAA10638@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I'm back from Boston where both the business and the pleasure were great. I

will be resigning from my job when I return from my 2-week vacation next

Monday and starting my business soon thereafter. So, if any of you work for

companies that are looking for experiential team building, please let me

know!!! It will be so nice to do what I do best, but do it for ME!!!


DH said there was a message on the machine from the library that there are

books waiting for me!!! Yee-ha!


RuthAlice: I read the Sixteen Pleasures in anticipation of my trip to Boston

where I would be going with my friend to her book group where this book was

to be discussed. It was such a fun evening. The person in charge of the

refreshments went with the Italian theme, including foccacio bread, olive

spread, Italian wine and some lovely Italian cookies. I wish I could find a

book group here in Florida!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading Alias Grace






Subject: Re: Birthdays and more

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 01:02 PM EDT

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040717021900.NAA14291@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef and Deb: HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more.


Talking about pronunciation one of the funniest ones for us happened when we

were in the service. Thepeople next door were from Alabama and one evening

they asked us over for "bald" peanuts. I asked several times but still

didn't understand. You southern gals all know what it was. We Yankees (I'm

orig. from N.Y.) don't boil our peanuts or at least I had never had them. I

was unimpressed. Maybe goes on the shelf with okra.


Silverloc2: Sorry about that. I do get things mixed. Glad your Dad is

feeling better and can play golf.


Pat

reading Cold Mountain and Call it Sleep (on tape--excellent reader)






Subject: More birthday wishes

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 01:22 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998040717221700.NAA19578@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Whew! After that humdinger of a party yesterday (even with the okra

appetizers) for Mary Coral, I am not sure I am ready to take on another one

today. But then I would not want to miss a celebration for Deb and Cheef. So

here we go again - this is not helping my plan to lose weight what with all

of the goodies served at these parties. The BookNook group are sure great

cooks.


HAPPIEST OF HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO CHEEF AND DEB.



Carol






Subject: More Birthdays!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 02:22 PM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998040718223101.OAA24105@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday to youuu,

Happy Birthday to youuu,

Happy Birthday dear Cheefff!

Happy Birthday to youuu!


~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633





Subject: More Birthdays!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 02:24 PM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998040718245401.OAA27524@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday to youuu,

Happy Birthday to youuu,

Happy Birthday Deb/dlpinter,

Happy Birthday to youuu!


~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633






Subject: Re: More Birthdays!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 02:43 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040718431501.OAA29928@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday to Deb and Cheef.

Hope your celebration is never-ending!



Cissie, relinquishing the birthday crown







Subject: Re: tHIS AND tHAT

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 03:06 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040719062101.PAA00187@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh yes!! I love to vary the Charoset - we used to invite a couple, one of

whom was allergic to nuts - that's what got me started. Now I just like the

variety. I will trade you, after I see yours!

XXX

Carol

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Reading Binge

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 03:08 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040719085901.PAA03721@ladder03.news.aol.com>


congratulations

DIANE!!!! Go baby, GO!!

A new job - MME PRESIDENT!


come & join our book group here on Marco - ha ha ha!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: 8000 Messages

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 03:13 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040719132201.PAA01261@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Wow - we are a prolific bunch! If the numbers are correct this may very well

be the 8000th message posted to this board.


Gina- many thanks again for taking us in while we were temporarily homeless.

As for the new format, which many of us were so upset over, this sure beats

deleted messages or rolloing back messages or folders that fill up after 500

messages.


Way to go Book Nookers. Always a pleasure to be here even if somedays one

needs to play ketchup!


Now waiting to hear from Gina that all is well with her.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Back Big!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 03:20 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040719201700.PAA05348@ladder03.news.aol.com>


JAYNE: Thanks for your kind offer of forwarding Hyperlinks - I will remember

in the future!

My Big Mac problem was not too big after all - 'we' just changed the modem

setting a little, & here I am! Whew! The laptop is great for travel, but I

wouldn't wanna live there! I am thankful that my computer guru was at home

today.


Aren't all these birthdays nice! I guess April isn't the cruelest month

after all! (as long as you aren't the one giving birth-:)


I finished YA YA for the second time last night, & just sat there savoring

it. It may have to be - along with LITTLE ALTARS - my favourites again for

1998 - these books really get to me big time.


For a change, I picked up - & had trouble putting down even at 1 a.m., GUILT

BY ASSOCIATION by Susan R Sloan. Methinks we have a winner here - I have not

yet read her earlier book, but this one, in spite of the subject matter

(assault) is a grabber.


I am off to a tennis meeting in Naples -

TTFN


The Marco Maniac, less manic now that the Big Mac is behaving

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Mary Coral

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 03:32 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040719322401.PAA07112@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral,



Happy Birthday!


Hope it was wonderful for you.



Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

Do not remove this Tagline under penalty of the law!







Subject: Birthday wishes

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 03:39 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040719391200.PAA05065@ladder01.news.aol.com>




*****~Happy Birthday, Deb!~*****


*****~Happy Birthday, Cheef!~*****



Wishing you both a year of happiness and flowers!

*\//*/\\ / *\ // */ *\/**\\ /*


Sally


Miss Sally in NJ

Do not remove this Tagline under penalty of the law!






Subject: Re: Shoutin'

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 04:03 PM EDT

From: Pbankos

Message-id: <1998040720041700.QAA11964@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu....thanks for the great link to the plethora of dictionaries on-line.

I immediately put it in Favorite Places and emailed the link to DH who will

love it even more than me and will want it in his Favorite Places as well.

The Linguistic Fun section is wonderful! I just get so excited when any of

you post hyperlinks that you enjoy....keep them coming!

Pam in Virginia

"Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open!"

- author unknown

Currently reading - Evening Class

by Maeve Binchy







Subject: Birthday Girls

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 04:30 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040720312500.QAA12972@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday to

CHEEF and DEB !

** Many Happy returns of the Day **


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Shoutin'

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 04:37 PM EDT

From: Pbankos

Message-id: <1998040720370901.QAA13872@ladder01.news.aol.com>


"Mari Lu....thanks for the great link to the plethora of dictionaries

on-line. I immediately put it in Favorite Places and emailed the link to DH

who will love it even more than me"


For those of you who thought, hmm...that is not grammatically correct, I

really did mean he would love it more than ME! LOL! We are celebrating 19

great years of marriage today, so I do not feel threatened by a hyperlink!!

Pam in Virginia

"Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open!"

- author unknown

Currently reading - Evening Class by Maeve Binchy

by Maeve Binchy





Subject: Belated Birthday Wishes

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 04:46 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040720463401.QAA15336@ladder01.news.aol.com>


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY CORAL! (a day late)

. _

------ _

. . . `

` .

. ßir†hday ßalloon . / HaÞÞy \

. ßouque†...... : ßir†hday

:.

. : Mary

Coral :

. _ ------ _ \ - ..

# /

. _ ------ _ . ` ` . ` . _ -..

_ . `

. . ` ` . / HaÞÞy \ ` )_( ` )

. / HaÞÞy \ : Year | _ ------ _ |\ (

. | HaÞÞy | : . ` .. ` .

)

. : HaÞÞy : \ - .. # / HaÞÞy.. \

. \ Ðay # / . ` . _ -.. _ .| ßir†hday |


. ` . _ -.. _ . ` ` )_( ` : #

:

. ` )_( ` |\ \ - .. #

/

. ( | _ ------ _| . ` . _ -.. _ . `


. `) \ . ` , ` ., ` )_( `

. `\ / , , \ /\,

. (`\ | : # , . | . / )

. )`\ \ : , / /`) (

. (` `\ ` . _ -.. _ . . ` /` (

. `\ )_( /` ,_)

. (¯`'·.¸(¯`'·¸ |\ ¸.·'´¯)¸.·'´¯)

. `¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥`

. ````````````` `\¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ß£v`¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥/` ``````````````````````

. `` `` `` `\¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥/` ```` `` ``

. ` ~--^---^---^---^---^--~ ` ```

. ßirthday ßalloon ßouquet--


Sorry my wishes are late,

That doesn't mean that you don't rate.

I really wish you lots of cheer,

I'll try to be on time next year.


Sorry that I missed the party. Sounds like it was lots of fun. Did you

dance on the table this time? I was getting my tax stuff ready.....tax man

came last night. Now, that's out of the way for another year.....BIG SIGH of

relief.


»§«:*´`»{@}« ´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«



Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)








Subject: Shoutin' Congratulations!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 04:58 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040720582000.QAA20417@ladder03.news.aol.com>



*4 * * * *PAM * * * @#*

Happy 19th Anniversary

to You and Your DH!


Roe<--whose DH loves sports more than me, but loves me quite enuff too!

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: March Book List

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 05:01 PM EDT

From: Ludsmith

Message-id: <1998040721013900.RAA17829@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Ok--mine is the shortest.


"Angela's Ashes." It was interesting, but depressing. What a mess of a dad!

Quite appropriate for St. Patrick's Day though.


April's list will be longer--I've already read 2 1/2 books and expect to read

at least two more (depends how long I can hibernate in the hospital, haha).


Shauna






Subject: Happy B'Day Cheef & Deb!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 05:07 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040721071101.RAA18734@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Happy Birthday Cheef and Deb!



() () () () () () () () () ()

[] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

[] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

{¯§¯¤¯§¯¤¯§¯¤¯§¯¤¯§¯¤¯§¯}

[*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*]

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{@^@^@^@^@^@@^@^@^@^@^@}

[ *_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_* ]

[§¯¯§¯¯§¯¯§¯¯§¯¯§¯§¯¯§¯¯§¯¯§¯¯§¯¯§]

{} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {} {}

»§«:*´`»{@}« ´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«



Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Happy 19th Anniversary, Pam

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 05:21 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040721215600.RAA24231@ladder03.news.aol.com>



»§«:*´`»{@}« ´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«


HAPPY 19TH ANNIVERSARY

TO PAM AND HER DH


»§«:*´`»{@}« ´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«



.\ººº/ \ººº/

. ¥ ¥ Cheers!!

._||_ _||_

Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Super-Slow Reading

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 05:22 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040721223200.RAA21212@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie,


Thanks. So far behind in responding to so many wonderful ideas again, but

feel compelled to tell you how much your post and excerpts affirmed my

thoughts. While reading a novel which is intriguing, hypnotically beautiful,

complicated, or just downright mind-boggling, I c r e e p a l on g a

t a s n a i l ' s p a c e to savor the words or internalize the

thoughts which can be so meaningful and personally satisfying. Rereading, or

pausing in wonder, while reading initially is a frequent tactic, and often it

doesn't even seem important to get to the end of the book. Cold Mountain,

The English Patient, Jude the Obscure, and Beloved come to mind. Slow

reading is as potentially erotic and satisfying as really good slow dancing,

and the extraneous stimuli, appreciated. IMO


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 05:28 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040721283400.RAA22242@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leslie,


I LOVED Ragtime! It was really one of my favorites last year, and definitely

my DH's favorite! It had energy to spare when we saw it! It was tons better

than the movie! If I had a chance to see Cabaret, I'd definitely grab it

too!


I want to get tickets for Chicago. Anyone seen it? Comments?

Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Recipes and books

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:15 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040722153701.SAA00178@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi -- PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD was a huge seller for a while at "my" bookstore.

The illustrations are wonderful, the ideas creative.


Passover -- I am not Jewish, but I remember some of you discussing Passover

menus. Our newspaper listed some Net sites you might want to check out.

Great Passover Recipes and Steven Spielberg's Matzah Brei recipe can be found

at: http://www.shamash.org/jfl/food/holidays.htm. For traditional and

non-traditional foods to serve during Passover, go to

http://www.holidays.net/passover/recipes.htm. For breakfast during Passover,

there's the Kosher

Express site,

http://www.marketnet.com/mktnet/kosher/recipes/passover.break.html. For

additional Passover links, go to

http://www.sk.sympatico.ca/Features/Passover/links.html.


Carol, you Maniac you... as always, your POMES are such fun to read! What

RIMING talent, what creative juices doth flow from your fingers. Brava!


Sally, reading my first Agatha Raisin cozy mystery... this one is due out in

a few months and is called AGATHA RAISIN AND THE WELLSPRING OF DEATH. Agatha,

a feisty 50-something PR person living in the Cotswolds, seems to be a

tougher version of what's-her-name from Murder She Wrote. Stay tuned...

Miss Sally in NJ

Do not remove this Tagline under penalty of the law!






Subject: Re: Happy B'Day Cheef & Deb!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:23 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040722231300.SAA04660@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I cannot tell you what the cakes, the confetti, the cards, the bookmarks, the

poetry and all the good wishes did to make this one of the best birthdays

ever. This is a wonderful place to be. Remember, the song from Cheers?

"Sometimes you have to go, where everybody knows your name. And it's always

just the same" Sort of describes the Book Nook.


Thank you all!!!!

from a very humble (just today, RuthAlice.),

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Shoutin'

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:43 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040722433500.SAA08160@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Merry Anniversary to you and DH, Pam! Hope the day and night are wonderful!

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: Re: Shoutin'

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:45 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040722454200.SAA08515@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Pam:



HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!


TO YOU AND YOUR ROOMIE!!!!


I FIND IT A GREAT INSTITUION!!!!


GLAD YOUR INVOLVED WITH US ALL.

WELCOME TO BOOK NOOK PLACE

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Many thanks to all of you

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 06:47 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040722472000.SAA05699@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I want to echo what Cheef said. All of your notes, poems, cards, etc, made

my birthday. And the party was wonderful. Hope you all learn to eat okra

before next year. I'm thinking of an OKRA cake with chocolate icing--whadda

ya think?

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: Re: Many thanks to all of you

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:10 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040723102801.TAA09818@ladder01.news.aol.com>


MARY CORAL--<<I'm thinking of an OKRA cake with chocolate icing--whadda ya

think?>> Yuck--Only if it's made of cornmeal with catfish in between the

layers!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEEF AND DEB!



i i

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Birthday

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



i i

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Birthday

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


* * * * * * *

* * * * * *


Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Many thanks to all of you

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:27 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040723272201.TAA13032@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dang it, Mary Coral, I was going to bring my special chocolate-dipped

okra-marzipan coconut macaroons. (Psssst!!! Do you ladies think that is

nauseating enough, or should I try harder.)

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Cheef

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:31 PM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998040723315800.TAA16973@ladder03.news.aol.com>



HAPPY BIRTHDAY

CHEEF

AND

DEB!!!


Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward






Subject: Re: More about pronunciation

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:50 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040723501800.TAA17362@ladder01.news.aol.com>


When I was in high school we read My Antonia in an English class and a girl

named Betsy Canary (please, God, don't let her be a BNer!) gave a report in

front of the class and mispronounced the name of a character; his name was

Otto Fuchs. Being the mature high school students we were (I'm not much

better in my dotage), we lost it and poor Betsy was clueless about our

hilarity. I think the teacher may have been, too.


Judi Fobe Perse-phone Booknooker, the epi-tome of correct pronunciation







Subject: Mispronounced words

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 07:51 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040723510500.TAA17509@ladder01.news.aol.com>


JAN--I recently went looking for a pair of coffee carafes in Macy's where

they have all those lovely things. I couldn't find any, so I asked the

salesgirl, when I finally found one, where they kept the carafes. "Oh, you

mean the carafays?" she said. I guess that's what happens when you live in a

city which is one fifth Hispanic. She

pronounced it as though it were a Spanish word. Of course, like the good

teacher I am, I explained to her that this was a French word and was not

pronounced "carafay." Still, that wasn't as bad as mispronouncing a person's

name and the name of her book to her face.

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Greetings from LALA Land

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:11 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040800114300.UAA21334@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef and Deb, the happiest of happy birthdays. May your coming year(s) be

filled with fun, friends, books, good health and love--in any order you

prefer.


Happy 19th to Pam--amost a fifth of a century!


Mary Coral, LOL at the description of your party. I am insulted, however,

that not one person deigned to nibble one of my mouthwatering (as in, spit it

out) Okra Delights (that's the oxymoron of the day). If you want some really

tasty food ideas, check out the cooking folder down below--anyone up for a

lard sandwich?


Finished Little Altars this morning as I lay in bed nursing my exploding

sinuses. Wonderful book that reminded me obliquely of The Sound and the

Fury--in that the white adults were hopelessly messed up and the blacks, like

Dilsie in TSATF, "endured." I adore Southern fiction and I can't quite

figure out why. Are the characters quirkier? Will read YaYa now for the

continuity, then on to Nancy's rec: Inventing

Memory.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Many thanks to all of you

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:20 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040800204100.UAA26155@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<I'm thinking of an OKRA cake with chocolate icing->> I say GO FOR IT! Is

it something like carrot cake -- or zucchini cake?


And Mary Coral--Where were the Goo Goo bars at your party? Did I miss them?

That is one thing I look for when i go back south. We finally can get them

here from the newly opened Cracker Barrel! So I can journey home in my head

anytime now.


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Play With Your Food

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:26 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998040800261001.UAA27190@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi---I love this book!!! (PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD) When I get bored at work I

get it out & put it on the counter. I never fail to sell one!


Thanks everybody for B'way play tips. We saw Chicago & Titanic last year, so

they're out of the running. After seeing Titanic the movie, I realized how

much more I liked Titanic the play.I think one of our group has already seen

Jeklyy & Hyde, so she probably won't want to go again.


What is charoset? she asks, sheepishly.


Happy B days to Cheef & Deb

Happy Anni to Pam

I bought THESE IS MY WORDS at work today. Everybody raved over the cover.

Can't wait to dive into it. I may even start it before I finish Holding Out,

which I'm finding funny & tres risque & full of S-E-X. Have you all heard

about this book? Based on Lysistrata story, & written by a woman from Lookout

Mtn., TN (where a lot of my cousins live). She even uses one of their last

names, can't wait

to find out if they know her!


Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Misc.

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 08:26 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998040800261400.UAA24094@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cissie: Just got notified that The Sweet Hereafter is waiting for me at the

library! So I'll go with your ** exceptional rating and read it after Alias

Grace. And Cissie...we must have the same taste in books...I loved All Over

But the Shoutin'.]


]Diane in S. Florida

Reading Alias Grace






Subject: Thanks All

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 09:50 PM EDT

From: Dlpinter

Message-id: <1998040801502000.VAA10855@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thank you all for the wonderful birthday greetings. And Mari Lu- thanks for

the virtual flowers.

I haven't posted in a long time although I have been here everyday lurking.

Everyone seems to express into words better then I can about all the topics

discussed. I've agreed and applauded alot of people views and opinions and

sometimes disagreed. But I enjoy and read each and every comment. I also wish

all the best for those that are going through tough times (be it illness,

family problems or loss of loved ones, ect.) I also cheer for those having

great medical successes, new jobs, pregnancies, birthdays, ect. So even if

I'm not vocal, I've been here celebrating and sympathizing with all of you.

I never even listed my monthly reads- it seems as If I put down more than

I've finished. Guess I've been in kind of a reading slump, actually, I've

been doing alot of cross stitching which takes up tons of time. But to me it

is relaxing. Have read a couple of Barbara Delinsky and another romance.

Right now I'm trying to read Road to Wellville but it's not holding my

interest either.

Did stop at Barnes and Nobles (of course what else would one do on her

birthday?) and with The Maniac's recommendation, picked up Sanibel Flats and

Heat Islands. I love anything to do with Florida and can't wait till we move

there in 2 years. Sanibel is one of my all time favorite places, so I thought

these would be interesting.

Well, this is long- winded! Just wanted to thank all for the birthday

greetings and let you know I'm still here enjoying all of you.

DEB in OHIO (A Positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it

will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort)---Herm Albright





Subject: Re: More about pronunciation

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 09:52 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040801524600.VAA14357@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Well, I hope this doesn't get me bounced, but my best friend, Lana, of all my

high school years, distinguished herself in Sophomore Biology with her oral

report on the octopus, "who has eight testicles with suckers on the

underneath." She went on at great length, totally puzzled as to why we were

all helpless with laughter and the teacher had tears running down his cheeks.

Among the things she pointed out was that the octopus seized its prey in

its testicles and then squeezed it to death.

And then there was my friend who made a poster advertizing the FHA "Carnal

Apple Sale."

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck





Subject: Re: Greetings

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 09:54 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040801541100.VAA14683@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Happy birthday to our two today, Deb and Cheef and congrats to you, Pam, on

your anniversary! I'm waiting for your address!!!

While in Chicago I spent two nights dining with incredibly bright and

informed people, reporters and editors, from both the Sun Times and the Trib.

Thanks to Booknook I felt well versed on many of the topics, especially every

conceivable arguement regarding gun control and Jonesboro!

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Bookstock 98'

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 10:13 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040802135301.WAA15498@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Time for another reminder about Bookstock even though I've never scanned

pictures for RuthAlice to put on the web site.

Bookstock 98' is our national convention of Booknookers and rooms are being

held at the Landmark Inn in Marquette, Michigan on the southern shores of

Lake Superior in the very beautiful Upper Peninsula.

The dates are August 6-9 and so far about 20 people have expressed an

interest in attending. There is a campground within the city limits which at

least two of our group have opted to use.

Please e-mail me with any questions regarding Bookstock. The Landmark does

have a web site and I will get the address for you all and post it soon.

Many serious issues will be discussed and decided during these few days

together so it's important for you all to be here in August!

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Happy Birthday Deb & Cheef

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:01 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998040803010500.XAA24885@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy birthday, Deb!


Happy birthday, Cheef!


May you both enjoy very special days in your honor!


Carolyn on LI






Subject: Happy Anniversary!

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:07 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998040803071601.XAA29178@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Well, Pam in Virginia, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! and many, many more!


Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Late Post

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:27 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040803275101.XAA29803@ladder01.news.aol.com>


PAM: Happy Anniversary! Keep up the tradition - many more.


I am laughing myself silly at the names, words - mispronounced - & misused.

My Mom is famous for addressing one of my sister's bosses (who, she was sure,

had changed his name[he had]} - he was known as Percy Lipsett - Mom said,

"Hello Mr. Lifschitz." My sister died a thousand deaths - & he said: "How

did you know my REAL name?" I merely plutzed.


In my last year of high school German, everyone who had to translate "Go for

a walk.." would read ahead madly & ask to be excused rather than have to say

aloud, "Eine Fahrt Machen." The two native Germans in the class of 5 could

not figure out the joke.


Truth is funnier than fiction: last one, I promise - I had a cousin In New

Jersey whose maiden name was Henrietta Lifschitz (another one) - she got

married to----Bob Schatzberg. Poor girl - could not escape it.


My favourite student name was a little girl known as Faegi Himmelfarb - I

dunno - it always cracked me up.


I get a kick out of writing the Birthday Pomes - I know how bad some of them

are rhyme-wise, but it tickles me to write to & about some people I have

never met.(yet) I may not mention it every time, but I also appreciate your

kind words (even if you do fib a little). Just remember - if you keep

encouraging me like this I may never quit.

Practise the fine art of scrolling.


I must go bury myself in some more of Susan Sloan's 'relaxing' book - here's

to nightmares!


The Maniac retires for the night

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Bookstock 98'

Date: Tue, 07 April 1998 11:49 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040803493400.XAA03825@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sue:


1. If we are to discuss serious issues I would like a one through ten in

order of importance so I can do my homework.


2. Since I am coming a few days early do I get to help you set up the topics

of serious issue?


3. I was under the impression I was to plan entertainment and games. Plus

drinking times and happy hour and bed check. Oh, and when and what we eat for

example Okra and maybe some southern corn bread prepared and shipped by Roe

and Leslie.


4. Jan/vox Mom can read to us a nice sweet novel. Marilu can read us the

dictionary. Ruth Alice can define her lectures an binge reading requirements

to us all.


I am tooo tired to go into more detail right now but looking forward to Book

Nook and hope everyone can make it. Meeting Book Nookers is the best

fun!!!!!!!



Jayne in Connecticut


No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 12:31 AM EDT

From: JaneE2059

Message-id: <1998040804310001.AAA10882@ladder01.news.aol.com>




*******HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY CORAL (belated)********



*******HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEB***********



*******HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHEEF*********

()()()()()()()

| | | | | | | |

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JaneE2059







Subject: Happy Anniversary

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 12:35 AM EDT

From: JaneE2059

Message-id: <1998040804353801.AAA11588@ladder01.news.aol.com>



*********HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO PAM AND HER DH!*****


CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!



JaneE2059






Subject: Re: More about pronunciation

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 02:03 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040806031301.CAA25768@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ok, I'll jump into this fray. While a freshman at Ohio University, I took

physical anthropology. A deadly bore. The professor was German, and spent

the entire quarter talking about apes, monkeys and "or-on-oo(ew)-tongs". I

had no clue what she was talking about....what is this strange thing, and

"or-on-oo-tong"? I did finally open the book the night before the midterm,

where, much to my surprise, I realized she was talking about orangutangs!




Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner and listening to Downtown by Anne

Rivers Siddons. (And loving both!)







Subject: Re: Birthday parties

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 02:38 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040806384000.CAA25854@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral... LOL and I was trying to be so descrete about my computer

addiction!


Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Cheef

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 02:50 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040806503001.CAA26776@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday

Cheef!


I could never TOS you on your birthday!

;)

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: Re: Happy Birthday Deb

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 02:52 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040806525401.CAA00167@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday

Deb

it's still your birthday in Seattle!

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: Re: Shoutin'

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 02:54 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040806543401.CAA27074@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy Anniversary

Pam and DH!

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:05 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040807055100.DAA27896@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Folks,


Thanks to everyone who remembered today was my dr. appt. and I apologize for

keeping you waiting.... Today was chaos.


The Dr. says everything is looking good. We were able to hear the baby's

heartbeat and it seems to be growing normally. I am free to return to normal

life but no lifting or strenuous exercise. Yippee! She also gave me

permission to drive to CA for my brother's wedding (something that she would

not do until today)


After that appt. I came home to a school crisis that took up the rest of the

day.. and then spent all evening at a school board meeting. Sometimes I'd

just like to lock them all in a closet until they see reason!!!!! (I'm sure

they feel the same about me)


Anyway, now I'm home and trying to wind down. I'm leaving for CA on

Thursday. If you have any questions for me between the 9th and the 19th

could you please put my name in the subject line so that I know to read that

post? I will be checking the board but I don't know if I'll have time to

read every message every day. And of course, if you need immediate help you

can e-mail Tracey at ThopeB.

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: More about pronunciation

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:55 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040811553501.HAA14353@ladder03.news.aol.com>


oooh. Poor Betsy Canary! That would have happened to me!


Diane -- Alias Grace is next up in the batting order. Just as soon as I

finish "Short History of a Prince" which is wonderful. I love the main

character, a 38-year old gay man who fell short of his dream of becoming a

ballerina and has decided to teach HS English in Oteen, Wisconsin. He's

funny, acerbic, insightful, and troubled!


Gina -- GREAT NEWS! Take care of yourself -- and your baby!


Cissie






Subject: Re: Gina

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:07 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998040813074401.JAA20306@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks for the good news Gina, have fun in Ca. No lifting, mmm? More good

news. I had a friend who told her husband that pregnant women couldn't

vacumn and he believed it thru three pregnancies!

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:10 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040813105700.JAA20613@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Gina:


The news of you and the baby okay is the best news of the day. Have a good

time at your brother's wedding and drive carefully.


Talk to you when you get back.


fond regards,

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.






Subject: Re: Cheef

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:41 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040813415701.JAA20485@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thank you, Gina. This is an example of why you are such a great hostess.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:43 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040813434300.JAA20678@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Good news, Gina. Enjoy the wedding and don't dance too strenuously.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:02 AM EDT

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998040814022100.KAA25729@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina: So glad you had good news. have fun at the wedding. We'll be

thinking of you.


Carol: Keep up with pomes.


Pam: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!


Still trying to get caught up.


Pat

Reading Cold Mountain--quite slowly. Was this discussed here when i was

away. Would love to read the comments on this.






Subject: Wednesday and all that means.

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:26 AM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040814262600.KAA25314@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Gina, great news. I am glad that everything is going so well with you that

you can go to your brother's wedding. It must be a load off your mind. Too

bad you had to go to that Yucchy board meeting instead of going somewhere to

celebrate. Glad you can celebrate it with us.


I am glad to say that I am obviously winning you all over the the okra side

of the street. RuthAlice sent me some virtual okra and I have put it in to

my virtual freezer for next year's cake. And Jackie, I will also think of

something creative to do with the Goo Goo Clusters. Loved Mari Lu's

suggestion of the layer of catfish and cornmeal ( you do mean fried, don't

you, Mary Lu?) and Cheef's suggestion of the marzipan? Judi--I did see the

lard

sandwiches on the food board, but I will definitely have them next year.


I know that all of you have secret yearnings for foods, so just bring them to

me and I will be sure they are on the menu next year. Judi--Lard with kelp?


Reading The Wonder Worker by Susan Howatch . Went to the library and got

Isle of Joy by Franklin Daugherty, (I'll soon be able to respond, RuthAlice),

Cloud Chamber by Michael Dorris, The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich and The

lighthouse at the end of the world by Stephen Marlowe. And I have to read

All Over But the Shouting for ftf. Maybe I can get it all done when a go to

the beach for a solitary trip next week.



Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Re: Cheef

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:33 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040814330701.KAA29154@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<Thank you, Gina. This is an example of why you are such a great hostess.

Cheef>>


Actually I want to clarify that the octopus story was not a TOSable issue. I

haven't found any rules against using proper names for body parts... although

it's stretching this a bit since it wasn't the proper name for the octopus

parts! I woke my husband up to tell him that story! LOL



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Gina

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 11:05 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998040815054601.LAA02964@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina,


I'm so glad to hear the GREAT NEWS! I know from too much experience how

trying the waiting is....but poor you...no lifting? How will you survive????


Have fun at your brother's wedding. You have a lot to celebrate.



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner and listening to Downtown by Anne

Rivers Siddons. (And loving both!)







Subject: Good News

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 12:42 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040816423200.MAA14551@ladder03.news.aol.com>


GINA: good news - have a good trip & take care of you-all. That's an order.


MARY CORAL: Never thought I'd see the day - but at the Southern Pig-Out I

went to a few weeks ago, I tasted & liked (a lot) pickled okra - no kidding!

Now I'm going to have to buy some.

Hey - 17 days until New York - but who's counting? (me)


Off to maintain my ravishing (ravished?) blonde tresses.


I am so excited - had a mid-morning visit from our builder who asked: #1 -

if he could put his sign on our lot - YES!!! That means progress. Then I

dared to ask - when? I was very surprised to hear him say - they should be

working on clearing & filling the lot mid-May, & that we should see

structural things happening in June - Yay yay & yay. I'll still believe it

when I see it - all this, if the river don't rise, Agnes.

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Good News

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 01:11 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998040817114501.NAA15043@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol--good news about your breaking ground for your new home--we share your

excitement, and Leslie and I and a few other Booknookers will be looking

forward to visiting you in your new digs, say next winter? Yeah, yeah, I

know, come to see me really doesn't mean that in the South.


I do have a recipe for pickled okra somewhere--just brine water and a few

peppers for flavor. But if you have a Sam's, you might check there. They

have it up here in big 2-quart jars. We sometimes serve them with martinis.

You can do it with your tennis friends, and they will think you a wonder.

Glad you like them. (One convert--200 to go!)


Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Re: More about pronunciation

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 01:13 PM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998040817130900.NAA18294@ladder03.news.aol.com>


CHEEF: You wrote: "my best friend, Lana, of all my high school years,

distinguished herself in Sophomore Biology with her oral report on the

octopus, "who has eight testicles with suckers on the underneath."


ROTFLMAO!!!!!!


Happy Birthday, BTW...


Terri--reading The Zone and Wait Till Next Year







Subject: Re: Good News

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 01:54 PM EDT

From: Pbankos

Message-id: <1998040817545700.NAA20505@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol....I believe I missed out on all the previous talk on okra. I saw your

mention of pickled (dill) okra and that you liked it. So do I...in fact in

past years I have pickled many a jar of my own. DH has not planted okra in

our garden in the last couple of years (although I plan to ask him to plant

it this year again). So, I started pickling green beans in the same manner.

Chilled in the fridge to make ultra crispy....they are delicious.

Email your address and I will send you a jar! I think you will like them.

Pam in Virginia

"Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open!"

- author unknown

Currently reading - Evening Class by Maeve Binchy






Subject: Chicago

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 02:28 PM EDT

From: Rickie122

Message-id: <1998040818280900.OAA28020@ladder03.news.aol.com>


As Sue(Gazebo316) posted earlier, we got to meet her for an evening of

theater in Chicago this last weekend. Many of you have met her already and

you already know this, but she is delightful and charming, and it was so neat

to meet a Booknook person f2f for the first time! We had a drink in a lounge

on the 15th floor of a Holiday Inn -- beautiful setting with all the lights

of Chicago below us.

I am really looking forward to Bookstock98 so that I can meet more of you

lovely folk.


RuthAlice -- I finished Critical Care. I thought it was brilliant in places

and annoying in others--especially the characterizations of Werner and

Felicity.But I'm glad I read it. It's funny but without your recommendation I

never would have picked it up -- the cover art (I got it from the library

in paperback) and cover copy would turn me off!


Rickie in MI, currently reading an anthology of mostly newly discovered

stories by Shirley Jackson...

Woman's virtue is man's greatest invention.

- Cornelia Otis Skinner






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:02 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040819022100.PAA02901@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina--I couldn't be happier or more relieved about your baby/mama update.

Wonderful news! Hope the trip is not too hard on you. Your OB didn't say

you couldn't dance at the wedding, did she? Have a great time (but hurry

back b/c we'll miss you).

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Names I hated to pronounce

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:06 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040819061400.PAA00272@ladder01.news.aol.com>


When I was teaching college English I used to get the rosters before the

first day of classes. In an ESL class I saw I had a student named Phuc Cun.

Gulp. At the first class I was calling the role and when I came to his name

I said, "I'm not quite sure how to pronounce this name: it's spelled

P-H-U-C," and with that he answered, "Michael."


Obviously, someone had clued him in shortly after he got to America.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:15 PM EDT

From: Ratacheck

Message-id: <1998040819152500.PAA04862@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina, this is grand news!! So happy for you -- our 20 year old "baby" flies

in today from his Easter break. Can't wait.


Rita






Subject: stuff

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:21 PM EDT

From: Mibenjori

Message-id: <1998040819210501.PAA05717@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I have been having so much trouble getting on line or I should say staying on

line that I haven't had a chance to even try to catch up on posts....but I

did want to post these greetings.........


Belated Birthday Wishes to:

Mary Coral (4/6)

Cheef (4/7)

Deb (4/7)

I had all good intentions of posting these wishes on time but the powers to

be of aol prevented me from doing so. Hope you all had wonderful birthdays

and received plenty of good books :) and a lot of delicious birthday

cake....yummmmmmmm!

Just in case anything else happens to keep me from getting on line...


Happy Birthday (a little early) to:

RuthAlice (4/15)

hope you have a wonderful day......

Paula...currently reading GENESIS CODE and turning the pages as fast as I

can.....

Paula

It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it

and remove all doubt.

(author unknown)






Subject: This & That

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:20 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998040819212201.PAA02599@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Good morning nookers - it's a gorgeous day here in Southern California - at

last. I'm home with a little virus of some sort but thinking about Easter

while I'm at it. The Times had a recipe for an asparagus salad that sounds

good and different. I'll do a ham in port wine with dried fruits that's

pretty to look at - but what for potatoes? For some reason scalloped

potatoes appeal to me but

they might be too rich and gooey with the ham. Maybe just oven roasted in

garlic and herbs - that's probably better.


Lita - I'd love to meet Mari Lu on the 21st, although I think once again

that's a day full of activity. We may have a graduation that day and DD may

hear about the bar exam that day. I've noticed that certain days attract

activities - the 21st of May looks like one of them. Evening would be best

for me, although late afternoon would be OK.


I'm still reading Isle of Joy and getting an insight into an Alabama I didn't

know existed. Very, very amusing book. I'll be curious to hear what Mary

Coral thinks of it.


I watched South Pacific last night on AMC - didn't realize that was a very

young France Nuyen playing Liat. I wonder if she was Vietnamese and Nuyen

was originally spelled Nguyen? Especially with France as a first name. The

movie was more wonderful than I remembered. Some Enchanted Evening is the

most romantic song.


Back to the Easter menu -



Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain








Subject: holiday greetings

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 03:23 PM EDT

From: Mibenjori

Message-id: <1998040819235200.PAA02980@ladder01.news.aol.com>


HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY PASSOVER

HAPPY SPRING

HAPPY, HAPPY EVERYTHING!!!!!!


Paula

It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it

and remove all doubt.

(author unknown)






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:08 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998040820090901.QAA10016@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Your OB didn't say you couldn't dance at the wedding, did she?>>


No dancing..unfortunataly. Oh well.


Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Reading/MCMala

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:24 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820242901.QAA12428@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi-did you hear me laughing when I read what you wrote:


<<So while waiting for a doctor appointment, I started that. I don't like to

read two books at once so will probably finish Altars and then Invent my

Memory. See, Nancy, you speak and I listen.>>


I wish everybody felt the same way.


Altars and Inevnting Memory were two books that made my top ten lists. I

thoroughly enjoyed both of them although for obvious reasons I related more

to Jong's book.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Birthday parties

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:27 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820270700.QAA16006@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral- you wrote<<This is the South, Nancy and Carol; there is no Strand

in the South."


Guess what - the Strand is only in New York City. They now have two stores

but I've only

been to the original. What can I say- I'm a traditionalist.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: To Diane

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:34 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820342401.QAA17167@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Diane-


Just read your message and wanted to offer my congratulations on your new

position, as Carol said Mme President.


We have a friend who began a business which was similar to this a number of

years ago. She then met a man who was also doing this and they became

partners. He was already divorced and then she got a divorce and just thsi

past winter she married her partner. Maybe thats not such a good story to

tell you after all. LOL


The very best to you but a word to the wise- do it alone.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Back Big!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:40 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820403001.QAA18149@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol- Gulit by Association is Susan Sloan's first book. I think you were

referring to her new book Isolated Incident.


Funny that you mentioned Guilt today. I ran home from work to grab lunch and

was almost finished with The Horse Whisperer. I was so clutched that I

wouldn't have something to read (how can I say this when I have a shopping

bag full of good titles from the library) that I ran to the book closet and

found Guilt. Previously ermember ing how much Nancy from PA enjoyed this

title, I hunted it down within the closet for a soon to be read. Now that I

know that you're reading it, you have made up my mind to read it also.


Something tells me you've already finished this one by now.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:44 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820443100.QAA18796@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara - we saw Chicago in January with Bebe Neuwirth and Marilu Henner.

The plot is really nothing with nothing but the dancing and songs are

glorious. I woudl suggest seeing it probably dpeneding on who has the two

female leads. Although the coreography by Anne Reinking has been redone from

the orginal show, the last number is the original dance routine from Bob

Fosse-----and all that jazz!!!!

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Recipes and books

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:47 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820473001.QAA16185@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sally - you wrote


<<Steven Spielberg's Matzah Brei recipe>>


Didn't you know he got it from moi. ROTFL!!!!


Thanks for the addresses but we won't be eating any matza brei in our house.

Wanna know why? I'm seeing a nutritionuist and without her even telling me, I

know that this is a no-no. If my famiyl wants it, they can prepare it for

themlseves. Now, ain't I cruel???? Better yet they can go to Nina's house

on Saturday morning.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:54 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820545201.QAA17345@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Great New Gina- enjoy your brother's wedding and California. Hurry back to

us.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Good News

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 04:58 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040820585201.QAA18000@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol and Smart Alex - I'm saying this softly - best of luck on the ground

breaking!!! One of these days .....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Holiday Greetings!!!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 05:03 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040821035601.RAA18803@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Although I'm sure I'll be here between now and Friday and now and Sunday I

wanted to wish everyone here the best of holidays no matter what you

celebrate.


Passover has always been my favorite holiday and I look forward to our Seder

(thankfully at my cousin's house). We are somewhat scattered for this Seder

but will be altogether next Sunday for the fourth generation's oldest

cousin's engagement party.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: A Little Late With My Response!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 05:10 PM EDT

From: CATZERS

Message-id: <1998040821102401.RAA19890@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sometimes takes me a while to respond but couldn't pass this one up~


<<Subject: bliss and Nancy Drew

Date: Sun, Mar 29, 1998 08:48 EST

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998032913484600.IAA21307@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Last night, as I was preparing to settle in with a new book by an author I

liked, I realized something. Sure, I was happy, but never, in all my years

of reading, have I experienced the sheer reading contentment I felt as a

child with a five cent box of jujubees and a brand new Nancy Drew or Dana

Girls, or Trixie Belden. That was a wonderful feelings, and it took me all

these years to realize I have never recaptured it, no matter if I am reading

a

book by a favorite author or re reading a special book. The only time it

ever came close was when I was in college. During the summer, no matter what

I read for commuting reading, I would come home at night, make a glass of

White Rose Reddi Tea, and read twenty pages of GWTW. I did that every year

in the summer, and may do it this summer as well.>>


This post inspired quite a bit of reminiscing. I could picture hot summer

days (before even window air conditioners were widely used) with the windows

about 1/3 the way up but the curtains and blinds drawn. There I was, about

10 years old, sprawled across a big armchair with a Coca-Cola bottle, straw

bobbing inside, on the table next to me and my nose stuck in a Nancy Drew

mystery. The Secret of the Old Clock

was one of my favorites. I remember thinking "Wow! I have to let my cousin

borrow this when I'm done--she'll love it."


I know what part of the fascination was, for me at least. I didn't have a

very close-knit family. I loved school, got good grades and enjoyed pastimes

in which my family had no interest. I can recall a few instances when

something I was involved in (notably antiques, history or reading) would make

me so excited and I would TRY to generate some of my enthusiasm in various

family members. It was like talking to a brick wall. After several

disappointments, I just gave up and thought I was an oddball and everyone

else was 'normal'.


See, when I was reading a book, I could be a part of it. I was there with

Nancy Drew or living with the people in A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. Sometimes

I was on the moors in Wuthering Heights or giggling in the parlor with Meg,

Jo, Beth and Amy in Little Women. All these wonderful characters accepted me

into their lives, understood me and made me feel welcome. I shared their

inside jokes and cried, laughed and explored with

them. Coming back to reality was quite a jolt.


Reading nowadays is enjoyable but my adult mind often lets the world's

worries and responsibilities intrude. I can be engrossed in a good book but

somewhere in the back of my mind I know there's laundry to be done, errands

to be run and a meeting to attend. I do find, though, that I can still drift

away if I'm on vacation and immersed in a long-anticipated book. But it's

still not quite as exciting as the adventures I had when I was a kid.


CATZERS

Don't quit five minutes before the miracle.






Subject: The Horse Whisperer

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 05:12 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040821123501.RAA23420@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just finished The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans in anticipation of

seeing the movie when it is released. I now have a question to ask those of

you that read it. I remember reading on various book boards for sometime

that many people felt the ending was rushed. Some went so far as to say they

hated the ending. Some also said that once Evans sold the rights for the

movie, they felt he couldn't wait to finish this book and be done

with it. If you felt this way, how would you have written the ending?


Perhaps answers could be sent to me by e mail. Or if you do answer here you

can put Spoiler at the top of the message so others who plan on reading this

won't find out the ending.


For the most part I did enjoy this book. it won't kmake my top ten list but

it was enjoyable. I never did get to like Annie much more than in the

beginning and truly wonder how Grace will be emotionally if the future. As

for the ending, one part of it, I did see as being logical - the other was

contrived and somewhat wrapped everything into a neat if precarious package.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 06:24 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998040822245901.SAA02337@ladder01.news.aol.com>


IS STEVE CASE THE DEVIL? --


I for one, he said under the hallucinatory influence of sleep

deprivation, believe that school is still out on this question. Certainly a

case for Case could be made. And, if we were to do that wouldn't it be fun to

encase Case in that case and ship him to, oh say, Devil's Island - where he

belongs. However, that is not to say that Steve Case is the devil. Much too

early. Time will tell. Some coercion may be necessary, but I assure you that

eventually time will tell.


But I digress. My hope is eventually to trigress, but I am far too

tired and angry to try that at this point. Or even at this point. Maybe

later. Anyhow, I have been tied up for over a week. I think Dorothea may be

having a mid-life crisis, or sneaking a few too many peeks at afternoon

television. Oh well, girls will be girls. Anyhow my recent opportunites to

get online even briefly have been few, and disastrous.


Earlier this week I downloaded the AOL 4.0 preview to one of my office

machines. We have a very high speed, broadband fiber optic connection at

work. This enabled me to download Case's lethal practical joke in next to no

time. Just about nothing works on that machine anymore. It basically sits

around my office and barks. 4.0 looks like it has some great features, like

not having to go offline to change screen names. Manna -- I thought. Trojan

horse. Beware Case bearing gifts. For that matter, beware bears bearing

gifts.


Well, fortunately I have about three hundred computers because the

Time Warner sales tax money was just sitting there doing nothing. I have kept

3.0 alive, which is how I am writing this on machine #17. Unfortunately, I

believed the AOL Tech Help people who assured me that the version of 4.0

which turns a Tecra into a doggie is just a rare mutant strain of the program

created my transmission line kennel noise. They also said that I should not

feed my machine more than twice a day with a good, hi-protein puppy meal, and

to give it plenty of water and take it on frequent walks.


Well this all sounded so sensible and credible to me that, at their

urging, I agreed to try another 4.0 download on another machine next time I

got back online. This I did about a half hour ago, and except for the fact

that 4.0 screwed up all my network and internet settings, it seemed to cause

no other comic effects. I couldn't use my broadband hook-up because of the

setting problems without rebooting, which should have made me skittish, or

at a minimum Scottish. Nope. I hooked back up to AOL with the modem. Made it

online with 4.0! Aha - mail for Luigi. Lots and lots of mail. Most of it

probably "HI -- I'm Susie mail", but there at the bottom - last mail in -- a

note from KarenLLS. Great. I hit Read, and watched Steve Case smile in the

ether as 4.0 DELETED ALL MY MAIL!! All of it at once. NO scrolling. No

warning. Very efficient. Bam -- one second -- it's all gone. I'm back on here

with 3.0, and, yup, the mail really is gone. This 4.0 prelim is quite a

product.


OK -- I am about to go to the Sandquist name to see if I can destroy my

mail there. Now, as I recall, when last seen I said something like --- "stop

sending me email." Well, I take it all back. I have had my email unblocked

for a week or more, and I fear some of you may have sent mail to me that the

Devil Case stole and deleted before I could even get to it. So if anyone has

sent something to Luigi -- I will try to be more careful with the

Sandquist stuff -- could you please resend it, or at least find out where the

heck Case sent the original. Meanwhile, I will email President Karen because

I do not want her to think that she has lost my vote -- Case my have lost it

-- but not me. I've lost my fastball, but that is another story. Hey, I

wonder if that was a trigression.


The WAC is back!!

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Kate's

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 06:25 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040822254400.SAA02443@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh joy... today I went to Kate's Paperie (NYC) for the first time... and

thought I had died and gone to heaven! What a wonderful store, and what a

day! After going to a City Opera dress rehearsal (Paul Bunyan... so-so..), my

friend and I drove downtown to SoHo to check out this store. It's a good

thing we only had about 1/2 hour there... because I would have spent every

penny I own! Beautiful papers, pens and inks, stationary, books, stamps,

and so much more. Heaven.


I purchased a few hand-made cards... and my new tagline is from one of these.


p.s. Speaking of opera, we now have our tickets for I PURITANI at the Vienna

State Opera in May! More joy...


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden - carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Personalities

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 06:34 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040822345700.SAA07169@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Remember how much fun we had doing our personality tests with the Keirsey

Temperament Sorter (http://www.keirsey.com) last year? I discovered I was an

INTJ....and I now know why so many people don't understand when I give

directions....my intuitive directions leave out a lot of steps. I just took

it again and I am still an INTJ. They have added a new test... Keirsey

Character Sorter and still an INTJ..no escaping it.


Well, I found another typology ( A Brief Description of the Enneagram

(http://www.freshy.com/personality/enndesc.html ) that I find even more

effective in understanding how to work with people on the job. This is the

enneagram which sets out 9 personality types. Here is a link to the test to

see where you are. In case you are curious, I am a 5 --- and I wouldn't be

surprised if there

were LOTS of 5's in booknook.


I read about it on the recommendation of a person who works as a

mediator/counselor and who uses it in her practice. I had asked her for

advice in dealing with the Executive Director where I work - a warm and

lovely woman with an incredible temper whose outbursts have made me think of

resigning, despite her sincere apologies after each tantrum. All but one of

the other staff were also thinking of resigning....for the same reason. The

only one who was

not considering resigning is a person whose temper is even more out of

control. So, the work situation is difficult -- common in campaign work

which is high-pressure -- however, in most campaigns you have a deadline and

know it will end in November. This is an ongoing organization and there is no

November respite. I have gone far adrift, but the point is that I

researched the enneagrams and applied what I learned about types to the work

place and

negotiated an agreement between the staff and the ED wherein whenever a staff

person perceives her behavior as over-the-line or abusive we need only say

time out and she will leave and go for a walk or whatever, not returning

until she has her temper under control and that future staff meetings will

end the moment she began to shout at any of us and not continue for two hours

of temper. IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING AND I AM IMPRESSED!!!! Applying the

suggestions for communicating with her type really improves the success rate

of communicating with her -- the only problem is that I am communicating in a

way I do not like to communicate, i.e. very confrontational , but at least

I have regained some control of the work environment.


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:10 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040823103801.TAA13189@ladder03.news.aol.com>


So happy for you and yours. I have copied your signature and quotation in

lieu of a message. You say it all, everyday, much better than I could:


<<Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.>>



Roe<---who is still ordering you, gently but firmly, to take it easy.

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:19 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040823194300.TAA14696@ladder03.news.aol.com>


WARREN--I'm so happy to see you back on board! We missed you, yes we did.

And I've been told there are still a lot of problems with aol 4.0, which is

the reason hardly anyone has it yet. I was warned! Why don't you stick with

3.0 for a while until they work out the bugs?


*****Nancy in NJ*****I'm one of the few people on here who liked HORSE

WHISPERER, but it's been so long since I read it when it first came out, I

don't have much to say. I for one, though, thought the ending fit.


THE SHORT HISTORY OF A PRINCE--I liked this book a lot. It was slow at the

beginning, but Jane Hamilton has a beautiful and droll writing style which

fits right in with my personality right now. When I listened to her on

Sunday, I realized the humor in some of what she writes that I hadn't seen

before. She really is a very good speaker, although somewhat nonconformist.

Her characterization of Walter

McCloud, the fifteen-year-old nongifted, gay wannabe ballet dancer is really

good. She was especially effective at capturing the adolescent voice. The

chapters alternate between Walter as a teenager and as an adult, and the

voice with which each speaks is generally quite clear. There were a few

times when I became a little confused about which one was speaking when

Walter slipped back into adolescence in memory. I liked the character of

Walter,

and several of the others, especially Mrs. Gamble who lives next door as

Walter grows up and who sees everything that happens in the neighborhood, as

she patrols it with a bullwhip. I especially like the fact that Walter

accepts his own homosexuality. He doesn't push it on others, but he accepts

it in himself.


RUTHALICE--I'm putting this at the bottom, because I took your personality

test, and I'm shocked. I came out as an 8. That means I'm bossy! I'm not

sure I like that. If you had asked me, I would have said no, not me!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:39 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040823392400.TAA14815@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sandquist and Luigi,


I for one am gladdened that you are merely encased, enchased, in need of

sleep, and not entombed within 4.0 itself, deleted by Case himself. A rare

opal in whatever setting, even six-pronged, fiery and brilliant. What a

funny letter, sleep deprived and all. Better than punchy.


So good to hear from you. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway:


SO GLAD TO SEE YOU! Hope you feel better.


There is a little adolescent novel some of my students are reading this

month. The title is Pinballs. The youngest character is Thomas J., and his

guardians, octogenarian twins, are in the hospital after sequential falls.

He tries to write them and all he can think of to say, even though he has so

many questions on his mind is:


"Hi, How are your hips?"


Well, I feel just like Thomas J. So glad to see you.


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: A Little Late With My Response!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:41 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040823410900.TAA15114@ladder01.news.aol.com>


CATZERS--When you were describing yourself as a child with a book you sounded

exactly like me! The Secret in the Old Clock--I still remember that one!

And with me it was Richard Halliburton's BOOK OF MARVELS which enthralled me.

I literally wore me copy out. I was with him on every adventure! Literally

there!


TO ALL MY JEWISH FRIENDS--I wish you all a very happy and wonderful Passover.


TO ALL MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS--I wish you all a very happy and wonderful

Easter.


GOO GOO CLUSTERS--My DH can go through a whole box of them in nothing flat!


Getting ready to begin THE ALL TRUE ADVENTURES OF LIDDIE NEWTON, Jane

Smiley's new book, which sounds good. I didn't like her last one, MOO. I

started it three times and finally gave it up. But I do look forward to this

one.

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:52 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040823524200.TAA17153@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nah. He is not nearly good looking enough to be the Devil. However, AOL 4 IS

the Devil's plaything. I am a Beta tester, and I KNOW.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: A Little Late With My Response!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 07:59 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998040823591100.TAA21444@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Marilu,


Thank you for the thoughtful and warm greetings for all of us. I am so glad

I halfway fit into one of the first two categories and not completely in the

Goo Goo Clusters category. WHEW! What sect is that? Smiling.


I too want to thank both Catzers and WayCool TR for the joyous trips down

Memory Lane. Nancy Drew or any animal story between two covers, a beverage,

some privacy...innocent Nirvana. "When we leave our childhood behind" is a

misnomer. We bring it right into adulthood with us, and it still brings

pleasure. Thank you both so much.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: a poem

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 08:18 PM EDT

From: Hernandies

Message-id: <1998040900185101.UAA24864@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I am way behind on posts and won't get to catch up tonight cuz DH need the

computer, but I got this on e-mail today and wanted to share it:




> The Dash

>

> I read of a reverend who stood to speak

> at the funeral of his friend.

> He referred to the dates on her tombstone

> from the beginning...to the end.

>

> He noted that first came the date of her birth

> and spoke of the following with tears,

> but he said what mattered most of all

> was the dash between those years.

>

> For that dash represents all the time

> that she spent alive on earth,

> and now only those who loved her

> know what that little line is worth.

>

> For it matters not, how much we own;

> the cars, the house, the cash.

> What matters is how we live and love

> and how we spend our dash.

>

> So think about this long and hard,

> are there things you'd like to change?

> For you never know how much time is left.

> (You could be at "dash mid-range.")

>

> If we could just slow down enough

> to consider what's true and real,

> and always try to understand

> the way that others feel.

>

> And be less quick to anger,

> and show appreciation more

> and love the people in our lives

> like we've never loved before.

>

> If we treat each other with respect,

> and more often wear a smile,

> remembering that this special dash

> might only last a little while.

>

> So, when your eulogy is being read

> with your life's actions to rehash...

> would you be pleased with the things they said

> about how you spent your dash?


Stephanie

"The universe is not only queerer than we imagine, but queerer than we can

imagine." J.B.S. Haldane

Reading Beyond the Cosmos by Hugh Ross






Subject: Octopus story

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 08:26 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040900262700.UAA26248@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<I woke my husband up to tell him that story! LOL>> said GIna.


Gina, I hope you didn't poke him in the tentacles to wake him up.



Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 08:49 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998040900495300.UAA27376@ladder01.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice - well, that was interesting to take. Like MariLu, I'm an 8 but I

wasn't surprised. I am The Boss. I was a pretty heavy 7, too - which is

what I think Catzers was describing when she was remembering childhood

reading - blocking out that unpleasant childhood. On the other one I was a

rational. Of course, I do expect that whatever mood one's in when one takes

the tests has an effect

to some degree.


Welcome back, Warren - so happy you're still with us.


off to shower and make myself beautiful before DH gets home. Wouldn't want

him to catch me this way.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain






Subject: Alias Grace

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:29 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998040901294800.VAA04821@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Could those of you who are reading Alias Grace for our Readers & Reading Book

Group please post how it's going? I just finished it and am chomping at the

bit to discuss it! Here's a link to a reading group guide that poses some

thought-provoking questions and gives some interesting insights from Margaret

Atwood. It doesn't give anything away, so feel free to read it before you

finish the book. It might enhance your reading of the book.


Amazon.com Reading Guides: Alias Grace


Diane in S. Florida






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:30 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998040901302600.VAA08057@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina,


Congratulations on your good news. (A collective sigh of relief has been

heard across the country!) Continue to be careful, and have a great trip to

CA!


Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Re: The Horse Whisperer

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:46 PM EDT

From: SecrtVenus

Message-id: <1998040901464700.VAA11147@ladder03.news.aol.com>


came out of my corner on this one.....decided to post once again.


Against a lot of peoples opinion on this book. This is my all time favorite

book...I some how connected to it. Its hard to explain but....it is. I

thought the ending to this book was just right....it had to end that way. Im

excited about the movie coming out but Im 100% sure that Hollywood changed

the ending. So im not too sure that im actually going to go out and see it.

I loved the book and thought it was great just how he wrote it. I know

this book is going to get a bit trashed because I saw it all over the place

but i've stuck by it. I've re-read this book so many times that I could

start quoting lines if you asked.


Nancy-- will you now go see the movie???

Anna

"No drowning man can know which drop his last breath did stop..." Sparks






Subject: My web site is finished!!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 09:59 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998040901594401.VAA13678@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just wanted to let everyone know that I have finished updating and moving

my new and improved web site, MIKE SUSSMAN'S THRILLERS & AUDIOBOOKS. Here is

a link to the site: Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks . I hope you will

check it out and bookmark it. All I have left to do on it is to update some

of the author links.


I've missed posting on the board regularly, but I think I'll be able to start

posting and reading the board regularly again soon.


Talk to y'all soon!



Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm






Subject: Re: A Little Late With My Response!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:01 PM EDT

From: Magpiefly

Message-id: <1998040902014401.WAA11460@ladder01.news.aol.com>


You are both so right.. I remember those summer vacations. On the last day of

school I would go to the library and lug home all my summer reading. I was a

family oddball ( well different anyway, no one in my family ever read a book

)also and I would read for hours escaping into those exciting stories. I

wish I could describe that feeling. It was really magical and it hasn't been

as good since. I couldn't imagine life without reading a book.


Reading Plum Island by DeMille.



Barb from Lk. Ronkonkoma //(º_º)\\

"I was dreaming I was awake,but then I woke up and found meself asleep"


...said Stan Laurel to Oliver Hardy





Subject: Re: Good News

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:02 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040902021600.WAA14137@ladder03.news.aol.com>


When this Southern says ya'll come, she really means it!


Oh boy - 2 quarts of pickled okra - here I come!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Back Big!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:10 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040902105301.WAA15772@ladder03.news.aol.com>


You are right, as usual - GUILT is her first book, I guess - I had some idea

that she had written something before this - NOT. Now I have something to

anticipate - another book!~ wow~ Only on page 302 - had a busy day!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: Re: Good News

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:11 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040902112000.WAA15834@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hey Sweet Thing - I wonder why!!!!


LOL

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: My web site is finished!!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:31 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040902310600.WAA19581@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Thank you Mike!!!



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: A Little Late With My Response!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 10:59 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040902591000.WAA22221@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Loved your post. Made me think back (way back) to those days when I had no

responsibility (at least, none that couldn't be dodged). Nancy Drew

"Larkspur Lane was a favorite,too), Cherry Ames (my mother thought those were

revolting), "Marjorie Morningstar", "Jane Eyre". Though I thought my

childhood was happy, I certainly spent a lot of time in my room with a nose

in a book (too bookie, my grandmother would say). Now

I think that my adulthood is happy, but I'm always reading.


Nancy -- I thought the ending was just too pat. I mean, talk about tying up

loose ends! Maybe Evans should have just left us when . . . you probably

know what I'm talking about without my ruining it for others. How would you

have ended it? Wonder if the movie will follow the book.


Warren -- Glad you're back. I downloaded AOl 4.0, which took over an hour,

and then a huge mess. So forget these nice improvements, Steve. You're

right. He is the devil!


Hope everyone has a Happy Easter, Happy Passover, or if neither is

appropriate, just a glorious weekend. My children are all coming home, so

that will make it joyous for us.

Cissie






Subject: If you ask me......

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 11:05 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998040903052700.XAA26004@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Whoops! 76 messages tonight! When do you folks sleep?


Mary Coral-You said, <<I'm thinking of an OKRA cake with chocolate

icing--whadda ya think?>> Well, um,... er, ...I think I have an important

appointment next April 6. Please excuse me if I don't show up to share that

cake. (Urp!)


Pam-Hope you had the happiest anniversary. Everyone should be glorious as

long as you can share it together. (Love your tag line).


Gina-Joyous news about you and the newbie. Take it easy, but enjoy the

wedding.


Catzers-Oh, how I enjoyued your lovely post about the importance and joy of

reading as a youngster. I do think I was given my keys to understanding

people and myself from my early immersion in wonderful books.


Maniacissima-Great news about the ground breaking. What's the news from

Canada. When's the closing?

Also, don't stop writing those pomes. They are fun and wonderful!


Hooray Warren., I got my wish. A while ago I said I wished I could be reading

a post from the Man of a Thousand Faces. I hope Dorothea unties you on a

regular basis so you can post often. As far as trusting Steve Case goes, I

thought you were smarter than that. I certainly hope you're feeling better,

even if the computers are ailing.


RuthAlice-Thanks for the hyperlinks. If I ever get finished going through all

these messages I will try the new assessment.


MariLu-I still have and cherish my ancient copy of Richard Halliburton's Book

of Marvels. It gave me the itch to travel, and I still remember being totally

enthralled by his tales.


Movie-Saw To Live and Die on Long Island. Steve and I loved it. However, it

may not be for everyone. It's a wonderfully funny remake of Thomas Mann's

Death in Venice. It stars that incredible English actor John Hurt (The

Elephant Man) and Jason Priestley.


Am reading and thoroughly enjoying Arranged Marriage by Chitra Divakaruni.

The stories marvelously portray the lives of Indian women, traditional and

more modern. Each story is a gem. A moving quote from one of the stories:

"It's how we survive, we Indian women whose lives are half light and half

darkness, stopping short of revelations that would otherwise crisp our

skins."

Beautifully written and thought-provoking.

Jan


Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: a poem

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 11:14 PM EDT

From: MKinkel948

Message-id: <1998040903140000.XAA24911@ladder01.news.aol.com>


That was a great poem, Stephanie......I printed it to save and share..Thank

you for sharing

Marlene

Marlene in So Calif

Let your day be a garden of pleasure and your year blossom with every dream

that is close to your heart.






Subject: Re: My web site is finished!!

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 11:15 PM EDT

From: MKinkel948

Message-id: <1998040903153800.XAA27823@ladder03.news.aol.com>


YEAH MIKE! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

Marlene in So Calif

Let your day be a garden of pleasure and your year blossom with every dream

that is close to your heart.






Subject: Re: Update on me and baby

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 11:35 PM EDT

From: JaneE2059

Message-id: <1998040903350500.XAA01298@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina--You wrote:


<<<<<<The Dr. says everything is looking good. We were able to hear the

baby's heartbeat and it seems to be growing normally. I am free to return to

normal life but no lifting or strenuous exercise. Yippee! She also gave me

permission to drive to CA for my brother's wedding (something that she would

not do until today)>>>>>>


CONGRATULATIONS....& WTG!!!!!!!!!


HAVE FUN IN CA!



JaneE2059

Proud Member of Clan Outlandish


"Texas '98 or Bust!"






Subject: New Book List- April 1998

Date: Wed, 08 April 1998 11:50 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040903504401.XAA04027@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi All:


I finally have completed this List. Sorry I am sooooo late. I believe its

160 titles. Thank you to Carole #1/El BOZ for Proof Reading.



BOOK NOOK NEW RECOMMENDED LIST

APRIL 8,1998


Compiled by Jayne/Yankee Nana



This is done in a Word Processing format. You can copy and Paste or cut and

Paste. You can double column etc. Any style you wish to make it. Happy

Reading!!


Remember: I cannot put down every recommendation each time. I can only do so

many. Any one who wishes any of the earlier lists please contact me via

e-mail. I must have authors first and last names. I also have this in a

Data Base.



Author Title

Sherman Alexie Reservation Blues

Max Apple Roommates

Kate Atkinson Human Croquet

Judy and Sean Barron There's A Boy In Here

Dave Barry Is from Mars and Venus

Maeve Binchy Firefly Summer

C. Blais In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle

Anatoli Boukreev The Climb

TC Boyle Riven Rock

Jeffrey Burke Island Lighthouse

Robert Olen Butler The Deep Green Sea

Hortense Calisher In The Slammer with Carol Smith

John Cheever Wapshot Chronicles

Jill Churchill Grime and Punishment

Laurie Colwin Another Marvelous Thing

Laurie Colwin Home Cooking

Laurie Colwin More Home Cooking

Laurie Colwin Family Happiness

Laurie Colwin Goodbye Without Leaving

Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness

Karin Cook What Girls Learn

David Cordy Miracle Strain

Bryce Courtenay Power of One

Robert Crais The Stalking Angel

Alain de Botton On Love

Jeffrey Deaver The Bone Collector

Barbara Delinsky Moment to Moment

Barbara Delinsky Sweet Serenity

Dominguez and Robin Your Money or Your Life

Dominick Dunne Season in Purgatory

John Dunning Booked to Die

Clyde Edgerton Raney

Earl Emerson The Rainy City

Heinz Fenkl Memories of My Ghost Brother

Joy Fielding Tell Me No Secrets

Penelope FitzGerald The Bookshop

Margaret Fox Cafe Beaujolais

Viktor Frankl Man's Search for Meaning

Sally Friedman Swimming the Channel

Charles Gaines Survival Games

G. D. Gearino Counting Coup

Anne George Murder Makes Waves

Anne George Murder on a Bad Hair Day

Anne George Murder on a Girls' Night Out

Anne George Murder Runs in the Family

Steven Gilbar (Editor) Reading in Bed:Personal Essays

Ellen Gilchrest Sarah Conley

Arthur Golden Memoirs of a Geisha

Olivia Goldsmith Fashionably Late

Eileen Goudge Trail of Secrets

Sue Grafton "D" is for Deadbeat

Terence M. Green Shadow of Ashland

Joanne Greenberg Where the Road Goes

Jim Grimsley Winter Birds

Haien Matters of Chance

Brian Hall The Saskiad

Patricia Hampl A Romantic Education

Ron Hansen Atticus

Ron Hansen Desperadoes

Aljean Harmetz Off the Face of the Earth

Daniel Hecht Skull Session

Ursula Hegi The Salt Dancers

Jean Hegland Into the Forest

Carl Hiaasen Lucky You

Carl Hiassen Stormy Weather

John Hockenberry Moving Violations (non-fiction)

L. F. Hoffman The Bachelor's Cat

Alice Hoffman Seventh Heaven

John Irving Cider House Rules

JA Jance Injustice of All

JA Jance A More Perfect Union

JA Jance Trial by Jury

JA Jance Until Proven Guilty

Diane Johnson Le Divorce

Robert Kaplan Balkan Ghosts

Terry Kay The Year the Lights Went On

Terry Kay Dance With The White Dog

Laurie King A Monstrous Regiment of Women

Gregg Kleiner Where River Turns to Sky

Krisher Spiritual Surrender

Madeleine L'Engle Two-Part Invention (non-fiction)

Madeleine L'Engle Summer of the Great Grandmother

Margaret Lawrence Blood Red Roses

Gus Lee Honor and Duty

Elmore Leonard Bandits

Craig Lesley The Sky Fisherman

Norman Lewis Naples '44 (non-fiction)

Eleanor Lipman Then She Found Me

Aimee Liu Cloud Mountain

David Long The Falling Boy

Lois Lowry The Giver

Steve Martini Undue Influence

Cormac McCarthy The Crossing

Sharyn McCrumb Zombies of the Gene Pool

Claire Messud When the World Was Steady

Jacquelyn Mitchard The Rest of Us

Marcel Monticeno Sacred Heart

Toni Morrison Paradise

Harry Mulisch The Discovery of Heaven

Sallyann J. Murphey Bean Blossom Dreams

Katherine Neville The Eight

Hilary Norman The Pact

Karen Osborn Between Earth and Sky

Karen Osborn Patchwork

Ann Patchett The Magician's Assistant

Cathie Pelletier Beaming Sonny Home

Tom Perrotta The Wishbones

Marge Piercy Gone to Soldiers

Rosamunde Pilcher Sweet Mountain Thyme

Rosamunde Pilcher Sleeping Tiger

Helen Prejean Dead Man Walking

Douglas Preston Reliquary

Anna Quindlen Black and Blue

Anna Quindlen Object Lessons

Sheri Reynolds Gracious Plenty

Jean Rhys Wide Sargasso Sea

Nino Ricci (Trilogy) Lives of the Saints (bk one)

Nino Ricci A Glass House (bk two)

Nino Ricci Where She Has Gone (bkthree)

Francine Rivers The Atonement Child

Nora Roberts Born in Fire (1 of a series)

Nora Roberts Born in Ice (#2 of Series)

Nora Roberts Born in Shame (#3 of Series)

Nora Roberts Daring to Dream

Mark Salzman Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia

Mark Salzman The Soloist

Lori Schiller & Amanda Bennett The Quiet Room

Anita Shreve Eden Close

Anita Shreve Resistance

Anita Shreve Strange Fits of Passion

Anita Shreve The Weight of Water

Anita Shreve Where or When

Barry Siegal The Perfect Witness

Edith Skom The George Eliot Murders

Edith Skom The Mark Twain Murders

Susan Sloan Guilt By Association

Lee Smith Saving Grace

Martin Cruz Smith The Rose

Jeffrey Steingarten The Man Who Ate Everything

Mary Stewart Touch Not the Cat

Tom Stoppard Arcadia

Patrick Suskind Perfume

James Alexander Thom Follow the River

Moritz Thomsen Farm on the River of Emeralds

Moritz Thomsen The Saddest Pleasure

Judy Troy West of Venus

Anne Tyler Celestial Navigation

Anne Tyler Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant

Leon Uris The Haj

Jane Urquhart Away (Irish Tale)

Ellen Vaughn The Strand

Judith Viorst Imperfect Control

Frances Weaver I'm Not as Old as I used to Be

Simon Weisenthal The Sunflower

Donna Williams Nobody Nowhere

Donna Williams Somebody Somewhere

Michael Winerip 9 Highland Rd (Non-fiction)

Stuart Woods Under the Lake

Stuart Woods Sante Fe Rules


If I have any repeats from the last list sorry. I forgot to check. I had a

Senior Moment. For all those going to THE STRAND on the 27th of April. Happy

Spending. For those going to Albany on the 18th. Happy Spending.



Fond regard,

Jayne the List Lady






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 12:00 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998040904004700.AAA03103@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, RuthAlice, I learned some things about myself tonight. But one thing

has me puzzled: I took both the Termperament and Character tests. by

Temperament, I am an ENFP, but by Character, I am an INFP. In one case I am

an Introvert and in one I am an Extrovert. I guess my GEMINI birth strikes

again! My Temperament says I am an Idealist Advocate (Motivator) and my

Character says I am an Idealist

Healer. I will need some time to look at these. The Idealist is consistent.

And looking at the four types: Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, and

Rationalist--I tend to agree with what the test told me--I am an Idealist.


BTW on the Enneagram test I am a 7. And this description does suit me better

than all the others.


Thank you for this interesting exercise in self-knowledge. I'm always amazed

when a test tells me about myself what I already knew. It is rather spooky.

Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 12:31 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998040904315300.AAA10827@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear All:


On Thursday April 2, 1998 at 9:18 pm Write Judi wrote the following Post

<No matter how diligently we raise our children to do the right thing in all

circumstances, I wonder how many of us can say we honestly adhere to that

standard. Our parents taught us to tell the truth, to obey the law. We give

the same messages to our children. This is good.>


I have read all the Post on Absolute Right and Wrong. Overcharges,

Undercharges, speeding etc. Thought of sharing this on the Book Nook People

Board for many days but not quite ready to announce to the world I am a

former Criminal. Yep yours truly.



THE CRIME



A premeditated crime. Guilty as Charged. A Genuine Shop Lifter at the ripe

old age of 10 years.


We lived near a Variety Store. Back in those days they had soda fountains,

comics, drugs, plus these circular racks and on them were Post cards and

packages of "Stamps" for ones collection. Cost 50 cents. I would look at

those stamps and wish, and wish and wish. I would never have 50 cents. Each

day I would go to the store for someone in my family and look once again.

Then my brain started to work rapidly with all kinds of ways to get those

stamps!!!! If I bought one comic book for ten cents and placed the package

of stamps inside the comic book!!!! My mind was just running a mile a minute.

Soooo I practised placing the stamps in the comic book for three days.


The big day came for the Crime of the Century to one little ten year old

girl. Bravely got the comic book, checked all corners of the store and gee,

no one in site here is my chance. Opened the comic book, slid the package in

and walked cautiously to the counter to pay for my comic. Alas, right in

front of the owner the stamps fell out of the comic book a deed I never

thought would happen. It never entered my mind something would go

wrong.!!!!!!


Young lady come with me this strong voice pounded into my ear. Every store

has a back room. After a good scolding the owner said to me "You go home and

tell your parents what you did today. I will call your house and see if you

told them by six o'clock. I just sat there, I could see the bars on the

jail, would anyone come an visit me etc. I would not cry and give the owner

the satisfaction. But I said in a nice strong voice: "Could you please

take me to jail and call my parents yourself?" ( Looking at this scenario as

an adult how did the poor man keep a straight face.)


I trudged home worrying all the way. I probably will be sent to my room for

life.!! Bread and Water in my room for life.!! My imagination raced an my

mind could not even imagine my punishment. I first told my Mom because Dad

had not gotten home yet. Well, my mother was ready to kill me!!! Back in

those days it was more the "What will the neighbors think" or "Shame on the

family". Old Mom was sputtering away. Good old Dad came home an then the

whole story came out. Dad just looked at me. Well, Jayne guess you and I

cannot go to the basketball game at the high school tonight. I was

heartbroken. A good old spanking would have been easier. My Dad never

raised his voice, never yelled just said "I am disappointed in you" Well, I

felt awful an went to my room to think about it. All night long.



the end



I had not thought of that for many a year. It was almost 55 years ago. When

people were talking about cheating, or speeding or whatever. It really

brought that incident back to me. Since that day I don't think I could have

stolen a paper clip at work, taught my children honesty is always the best

policy. Being honest an getting in trouble was one thing but lying an

getting in trouble was a major offense in our home. I told

my children what happened to me that day when they were older and they never

ever forgot it. Being an adult of sound mind (most of the time) I have

laughed about this many times over the years.



Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 01:17 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998040905180601.BAA17493@ladder03.news.aol.com>


No surprise to me: I'm an 8 and it was just about on target. (Hey, Mari Lu,

I'll bet I know how you answered the question about grammar and punctuation!)

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 03:19 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040907190301.DAA29211@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh that 8 thing!!!! I work with four 8's. However, the online description

does leave a lot to be desired. All the enneagrams range through 9 levels

from healthy to unhealthy and healthy 8's are really quite wonderful

champions of truth and justice.....it's the average to unhealthy 8's that are

those who respond with anger first, foremost and always. Healthy 8's are

leaders.


There is a great book on the enneagram that I have lent to a co-worker...even

better than Helen Palmer's The Enneagram Advantage and it is very encouraging

to those who are dumbfounded by finding themselves something they think might

be wrong. The online description seems to fit the extremes and not the

middle.




RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 03:25 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040907254200.DAA29635@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Like MariLu, I'm an 8 but I wasn't surprised. I am The Boss. I was a

pretty heavy 7, too - which is what I think Catzers was describing when she

was remembering childhood reading - blocking out that unpleasant childhood.

On the other one I was a rational. Of course, I do expect that whatever mood

one's in when one takes the tests has an effect

to some degree.


Mary Ann,


The interesting thing about the enneagram is the flexibility it holds for

personality typing and that it acknowledges that were usually have some

traits from all the types. However, where it gets more interesting is that

whatever type you are, you also have a "wing" that incorporates one of the

other adjacent types. For example, an 8 will have a 7 or a 9 wing. So your 7

wing just fits right in. I am a 5 with a 6 wing.


What the ennegram helps with is figuring out what is the best way to

communicate with someone -- and it does seem to work very well.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Welcome back!

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 03:28 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040907291201.DAA27174@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Warren,


I am so thrilled to see you back with us and I second Roe's question. How are

your hips? How are you doing? and did you go to Prague?


You have no idea how delighted I was when the new posts came up and there you

were!!!!


Welcome back!!



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:23 AM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040911234700.HAA04759@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I KNEW there was a reason I didn't download the preview version of AOL

4.0.........


and a big


Welcome Back, Luigi






Subject: This and That

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 08:00 AM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998040912002101.IAA04318@ladder01.news.aol.com>


CloudLA--- Haroset is one of the 5 symbolic things put on the Seder plate

which help to tell the Passover story. Haroset is a combination of fruit,

nuts and wine blended into a paste consistency to symbolize the mortar the

slaves used in their hard labor in Egypt. Different fruits and nuts are

traditional to each Jewish community, based upon what was readily available.

The traditonal Eastern European version is made

from apples, walnuts and wine. Middle Eastern communities use(d) almonds or

pine nuts and things like dates, figs, apricots instead.


Gina-- Glad to hear that all is well.


It's been a very difficult few days. The exterminator had to bomb our

kitchen. A plague of roaches arrived just in time for Passover. So, my

entire kitchen is in black trash bags in the middle of the living room. Last

night I cleaned out every cabinet. Scrubbing, windexing, you name it. Today

everything must be washed and put away. I must shop and start to cook for

tomorrow, set the tables etc. Sixteen for seder dinner and as soon as that

itdone I must finish the taxes. I feel a little overwhelmed and the girls

are home from school and my DH is out of town on business.






Subject: Plagues

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 08:51 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040912511301.IAA08410@ladder01.news.aol.com>


NINA: your plague arrived a few days too early - ugh - they are supposed to

wait until they are acknowledged during the Seder, aren't they -:) I am

about to get out the dishes & wash them all, & go through that minor kitchen

transformation today as well. Can hardly wait. As I packed away the stuff

last year I wondered - next year - where? Not in Jerusalem or a new house,

but right here, as imagined.


Up North house closing with the famous BFH, is still rolling ahead -

documents to arrive today via courier & actual closing next Wednesday, April

15. That explosion you hear will be a 21-champagne cork salute.


Why is it that: when a chore has to be done, like something carried to the

P.O, or someone has to be home for a delivery - 'your golf game" becomes less

important than "my Bridge game"? Scratching my head.


Finished GUILT BY ASSOCIATION - whew! good writing, interesting story - not

great, but a good airline or beach novel. I would read her next one gladly.


Off to the greens - toss 'em or play on 'em.

More later

TTFN

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: New Book List- April 1998

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 09:12 AM EDT

From: Ratacheck

Message-id: <1998040913120901.JAA10419@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks, Jayne. What a treat!!


Rita





Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 09:30 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040913304601.JAA12123@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jayne -- Loved your story of your early days as a criminal. My two oldest

remember vividly being taken back to the grocery store to return stolen

counter-candy and to confess their crime to the manager. Not only was I

furious with them for taking what I had told them they positively could not

have, but I had to load them back in the car and drive all the way back to

the store in 5 PM traffic! During the return trip, they cried and asked

over and over again what was going to happen to them. I replied that I had

no idea; it was up to the manager, but that stealing was against the law. To

this day, they remember the humiliation and the fear that they were going to

be thrown in jail. Had I punished them at home without returning to the

store, they might have missed the point and thought that the only problem

was being discovered and making me mad.


RuthAlice -- I took the test, answered all 180 questions, but each time I

tried to score the darned thing I got that "attempt to load failed"message.

What causes that? Am I off the charts? Or do I just keep trying? I guess

now I'll have to answer all those questions again.







Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 10:52 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040914524600.KAA20780@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am glad that happened to someone else, because I kept getting the same

message, and now I have to take the test over as well.


Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 12:53 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040916534901.MAA07950@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I have never gotten that message there, but I know that I get that message at

other sites once in a while. It happens more commonly with aol than with a

different isp using netscape. I always blame it on aol, perhaps unfairly.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Trips down memory lane

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 01:07 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998040917070101.NAA09566@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I agree! I loved Nancy Drew and Rrixie Belden when i was growing. Was

thrilled when my now 15 yr old fell in love with them too. she has since

outgrown them Oh well.


Becky in Texas




Subject: Re: More about pronunciation

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 01:13 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998040917131401.NAA07699@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Had a friend in high school who signed on to do a verbal report in English

class. When she got up in front of us she was stunned at the laughter that

followed her announcement of her topic: the misproNOUNciation of common

words. Felt so bad for her.


Carolyn K

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 01:15 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040917154300.NAA10640@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Does anyone remember Cherry Ames?? Student Nurse, Night Nurse, etc?? Used to

love those books, too.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re 8000 Messages

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 02:03 PM EDT

From: Avidca6

Message-id: <1998040918035100.OAA17142@ladder03.news.aol.com>


After being out of town for a week, I find myself facing over 500 messages.

EEEKS. I know I will not be able to catch up, so I will be skipping some.

But I have followed the gun control thread, and I want to thank you for

bringing up points that I needed to hear on both sides.


Also, happy birthday to all of you whose celebrations I missed.


Catzers/Way -- I came from a family of readers, a very tight-knit group. But

I remember those same summer days, holed up in the coolness of my basement

bedroom. My drink of choice was Squirt, but my books were Nancy Drew and the

Hardy Boys, anything about horses or dogs, and, eventually, the Brontes and

Gone With the Wind. I agree that I rarely feel that incredible sense of

escape and sheer joy at plunging into even the most enjoyable book these

days.


I finished Owen Meny and just loved it. Gave it to a friend so we can talk

about it.


I read Alias Grace in February and am looking forward to the discussion in

the R and R Book Club!


Congratulations Gina -- very good news!


Welcome back, Warren -- sorry the aol devil traps gotcha.


I have just returned from a visit with my 88 year old aunt who is doing her

best to make the transition to "adult care" (blech, what a name) from

independence. It is such a tough step, and I have been doing a lot of

reflecting this week. I appreciate the humor and dignity and intelligence in

the women I met who live with Aunt Chrissie. I am also grateful that this is

the time of year to celebrate renewal and life. Happy Spring, Easter,

Passover, and reading to all!


Melinda in California's Central Valley - reading Chasing Cezanne


The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.

- Emily Dickinson






Subject: The Test

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 02:20 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040918205700.OAA16931@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I confess - I am an 8 - but I must take the time to analyze the results

further, as some of the statements it makes are totally NOT me. The first

time I did it I also had problems - & found that one question I had answered

had not registered completely - I had to go over it line by line.

Very interesting!


All hung up with Watson's WHITE CROSSES, when I should be doing Passover

things! Oh well - there's always tomorrow - when I can beat myself for not

doing it today.

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 02:24 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998040918245701.OAA17466@ladder01.news.aol.com>


CHERRY AMES!! - you bet - I read them all - & imagined her to look like a

cross between Carmen Miranda (OK - she was my idol - who else do you know

that could dance with a fruit bowl on her head) & Brenda Starr - smart &

gorgeous. I think I must have been about 8 - 10 years old when I read them -

must have been during one of my altruistic stages-:)


How about Maggie Muggins? - or was she just a Canadian invention - with her

freckles & pigtails (my childhood double) - author was Mary Grannan.

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT





Subject: Re: Rent and Rose's Garden

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 02:36 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998040918361101.OAA18996@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy, The female leads are different, but I'm going to get tickets anyway.

I hope it will be as good as the show you saw in NY. I loved the movie, All

That Jazz. The ad in the L.A. Times just says Jasmine Guy and Alan Thicke,

and doesn't mention the second female lead for Orange County Performing Arts

Center. It's coming in July. The ad for the Ahmanson in

L.A. says Charlotte d' Amboise, Jasmine Guy, and Brent Barrett. The show

begins there April 29 and will play until they come to Orange County.


We have tickets to see Riverdance on April 19. I'm looking forward to that.

I have the video of it, as well as Lord of the Dance.

Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over--Laurie Colwin)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Things to think about

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 02:53 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040918530201.OAA21270@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Here are some things to muddle your brains over:


V A R I A T I O N S O N M U R P H Y ' S L A W


1. The Law of Common Sense

Never accept a drink from a urologist.


2. The Law of Reality

Never get into fights with ugly people, they have nothing to lose.


3. The Law of Self Sacrifice

When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last.


4. The Law of Volunteering

If you dance with a grizzly bear, you had better let him lead.


5. The Law of Avoiding Oversell

When putting cheese in a mousetrap, always leave room for the mouse.


6. The Law of Motivation

Creativity is great, but plagiarism is faster.


7. Boob's Law

You always find something in the last place you look.


8. Weiler's Law

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself.


9. Law of Probable Dispersal

Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.


10. Law of Volunteer Labour

People are always available for work in the past tense.


11. Conway's Law

In any organisation there is one person who knows what is going on.

That person must be fired.


12. Iron Law of Distribution

Them that has, gets.


13. Law of Cybernetic Entomology

There is always one more bug.


14. Law of Drunkenness

You can't fall off the floor.


15. Heller's Law

The first myth of management is that it exists.


16. Osborne's Law

Variables won't; constants aren't.


17. Main's Law

For every action there is an equal and opposite government programme.


18. Weinberg's Second Law

If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programmes, then

the first woodpecker that came along would have destroyed

civilisation.

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: A Great German Story

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 03:26 PM EDT

From: KarinFrey

Message-id: <1998040919261501.PAA28514@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just read a very interesting story. It is called "Walls" by Hiltgunt

Zassenhause. It is written about her life during the second world war in

Germany. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.






Subject: Personality Test

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 03:59 PM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998040919591701.PAA03408@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Geeeeeeshhhh! That was a long questionairre--had to really focus on that

one. I came out a 9! A Mediator---perfect, being a libra and all.


Well, I'm off to London for 9 days with my 10 and 12 y.o. sons and my sister.

My DH had to bow out at the last moment due to a crisis at his business.

Fortunately, my sister was able to step in and take his place. My boys,

especially the younger one, were REALLY disappointed. The vacation won't be

quite the same without him. DH is a very commited father who arranges his

schedule around the kids schedules so they are quite used to having him

around. However, it was a good lesson for them in doing the responsible

thing. Dad had to make a difficult choice but is taking care of his

responsibilities. I am proud of him for doing the right thing!!


The most difficult decision for me has been: which book to take with me.

I'm leaving in one hour and I still can't decide. I think I'll grab one as I

run out the door!!


I do have one request of yall: PLEASE DON'T POST UNTIL I RETURN---I'll need

another vacation after catching up when I get back!!!


Wishing everyone a Happy Passover/Easter-----



Terri--reading The Zone and Wait Till Next Year






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 04:02 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998040920023700.QAA01344@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I took the test and am a well adapted 8. I am also, no surprise, an Aries.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 04:46 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040920463400.QAA08105@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Warren - good to see you back online. I also know other people who are

downloading aol 4.0 and are having lots of problems. Nina wrote the other

day that when she did this she couldn't find us anywhere. Me- I like to stay

where I am until the kinks are worked out.


Mari Lu- Thanks for your input into The Horse Whisperer. I think it could

have been better and parts of it reminded me of Bridges of Mdison County but

I did think the writing was better than Bridges. Sometimes I like a book not

because of the writing but because of the characters or plot.


Sally -so you found Kate's Paperie without all of the book nookers trailing

behind you at our reunion in April. Hooray for your opera tickets. Hope

Judi doesn't read this but I am one of those people who has tried and tried

to enjoy the opera but rush back to my folk music or Barry Manilow instead.

What can I say - once a plebian always a plebian.


Mari Lu- I don't have to take no test to know I'm bossy. LOL

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Haroset

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 04:48 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040920484900.QAA10994@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I was going to respond to Mary Coral's asking about Haroset but since I

rarely make this or the Seder I will defer to my two other mavens- Nina and

or Carol. So ladies - what is this and please let us know a very good

recipe. Also what is the symbolism or why we use this as part of the dinner.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: a poem

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 04:50 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040920500300.QAA11201@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Stephanie - have just printed the poem you posted - many thanks.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: The Horse Whisperer

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 04:53 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040920533200.QAA11764@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Anna- the main reason I read the book is because I'm do plan on seeing the

movie. before I saw the trailers, I had no desire to read it. I still adore

Robert Redford although some say he's had some work done. Who cares? I do

think he's perfect for this role - anybody ever see him in the movie The

Electric Horseman?

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 04:59 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998040920594001.QAA12691@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Leave it to Warren . . . that was one of the most entertaining "computer

disaster" stories I've read in a while! And people wonder why we missed our

Emperor Chameleon!! Welcome back, WAC!


Deb

Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams






Subject: GUILT!!!

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:00 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040921002701.RAA10272@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol- I'm sure that you and many others here can relate to this. I began

reading Guilt by Associaiton this morning and am already half-way through.

During lunch I mentioned to a friend how much I was enjoying this book. She

asked if it was new and I said no - almost three years old. After we left

each other I began thinking back about this title. I remembered that I

originally borrowed this from the library but like so many of

my library books, I never even opened it and returned it and forgot about the

title. Then while book browsing one day I came across this in paperback and

bought it and then placed it in my book closet. I only rememebrd it after

Nancy in PA urged us to read Isolated Incident and I looked up in my

inventory to see if I had other titles by this author.


My main point is, as I continue to buy and borrow I'm wondering how many

other books are in the closet that I'm really missing out on a good read

while I continue to buy new ones and borrow from the library.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: A Little Late With My Response!

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:01 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040921015201.RAA13048@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie - thats a good teacher's trick - how would I have ended The Horse

Whisperer. I really don't know but agree that one part was way too pat.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:03 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998040921031400.RAA13289@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've been having fun with IQ tests online, lately. The very first one I

tried, 20-minutes long, gave me the exact same score that I got from those

battery of tests you take throughout high school. I thought that was kind of

interesting! It's nice to know I haven't gotten and more dumb in the last 13

years!



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams






Subject: Re: This and That

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:05 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040921050801.RAA11046@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nina- I should have known that you would have answerd this question and now I

left two messages one asking for you to do it and now one thanking you.


Why don't I just learn to read or go back to writing multiple messages?

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: The Horse Whisperer

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:08 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998040921085800.RAA11698@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I haven't gone back to revisit THE HORSE WHISPERER, but I agreed with most of

you . . . the ending was flat. The beginning of that book was wonderful, but

I remember that the last third or so seemed very rushed and rote . . . not up

to the quality of the beginning. It wasn't until I read all the comments

here that I realized that was because Evans had already sold the book and

needed to meet the deadline--but that's exactly what I was

thinking--that he rushed it.


Meanwhile, I may well decide to go see the movie when it comes out . . . who

knows? Redford hasn't aged particularly well, though . . . (grin)


The movie I'm curious about is CITY OF ANGELS . . . Nicholas Cage and Meg

Ryan, an intriguing idea . . . I can't wait to find out if it lives up to its

premise!



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:09 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998040921090801.RAA11734@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I sure do remember Cherry Ames- as a matter of fact I still have some of

those books and my Nancy Drew books and even Bobbsy Twin books. They are

worn and well read - just the way I like my books to look.


My Amazon box of goodies arrived today but unfortunately DH was with me. He

was sooo funny, asked me if we're going to the poor house surrounded by

books.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:11 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040921114401.RAA12158@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jayne dear -- what a lovely and poignant story! Something similar happened to

me... not with shoplifting but with misbehavior when I was in elementary

school. I will NEVER forget the fear I felt as I was hiding out in the home

ec room and was sent for by Miss Ayers, a stern, white-haired, no-nonsense

teacher. (This had to be at least 45 years ago and last I heard she was STILL

going strong at 105 in a local home for the elderly... and I thought

she was 110 in those days!) I have no idea how I was punished, or what she

said.. but the fear stays with me to this day.


Sally, currently reading THE BETRAYal by Sabin Willett.

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden - carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Thursday afternoon

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:28 PM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998040921283101.RAA17455@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina: I'm so happy to hear the good news from the doctor! Have a great time

at the wedding.


Jackie: I'm also an INFP! It was slightly eerie reading the description of

my personality and thinking, "Yes, that's me all over!" I'll have to take

the new test soon.


Oh, Nancy Drew! What vivid memories that name recalls! My favorite

continues to be THE CLUE IN THE CRUMBLING WALL. I first read them in the

early 60s. The Louisville Public Library would only let children take out

four books at a time, so I plowed through the series and then went on to the

Judy Bolton mysteries. Anyone remember those? I bought about a dozen of

them from a nice woman in Mystery Realm last fall.


I would also like to wish everyone the best of holidays that pertain to them!

We're going home to Louisville for a visit next week when the twins are on

spring break. Haven't seen our families since Christmas, so this will be a

treat. I'll get terribly behind on the posts, unless I can use my sister's

pc to catch up then.


Jayne: I hope you don't think I'm a rude bonehead! When you IM'd me last

week, I thought we were finished talking and looked up at the clock to

realize that I was late going to get the boys at school. I dashed out,

leaving AOL on and didn't know you were still writing me! Sorry!!



~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:34 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040921342501.RAA18409@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice -- You're so right. I blame AOL for everything. Even ElNino!


Cissie






Subject: Question about JFK Airport

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:40 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040921403100.RAA19394@ladder03.news.aol.com>


When Celesta and I go to NYC April 26 we are arriving at JFK at almost

identical times, but on different airlines. I will be on Delta, and she will

be on American. We're trying to decide where to meet, but since we're not

familiar with the airport, and the last time I went through there it was

under construction and a big mess, we don't have any idea of where might be a

good central place to meet, it there is one. Does anyone have any

ideas?

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Early Reading

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:45 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040921453300.RAA20240@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Of COURSE I read Nancy Drew! The Secret of the Hidden Staircase was my

favorite, as I recall. Did anyone else read the True Love/True Romance

magazines besides me? I felt so very... GUILTY ... and read these under the

covers with a flashlight. And as long as we are going down memory lane, and

are dating ourselves, how's about those wonderful radio programs like The

Shadow, Nick Carter, The Green Hornet, The Lone Ranger, Stella Dallas, and

(as

my DH is reminding me as I write) Captain Midnight, Hopalong Cassidy, and

Tom Mix... ::::::::::Sally sighing::::::



Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden - carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Cherry Ames

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:47 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998040921475100.RAA18107@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef -- Oh my yes! I loved her. My mother thought she was trashy and made

me read one book of HER choosing for every Cherry Ames. I thought that was

unfair since I devoured those nursing stories like popcorn. How fair is

this: "Cherry Ames: Visiting Nurse" for "David Copperfield"? The woman did

not believe in fairness where children were concerned.


I'm on Day 3 of Zyban, the drug to help those of us who are addicted to the

noxious weed. I thought this would be a nice Birthday present for myself.

After 35 years of smoking, I'm going to try 35 of not smoking. Then, when

I'm 85 (and I've got good genes) I'm going to chain smoke. By the time I get

to that age, my kids will probably give me a carton! So hope if I say

anything obnoxious or mean-spirited or just plain crazy, you'll understand.


Carol -- So excited for you about possibly breaking ground soon on your new

house. And especially happy that the closing is coming up soon. I know what

an ordeal this has been for you and Alex. Keeping my fingers crossed that

all goes well.


Cissie, reading "The Short History of a Prince"






Subject: Plebian?

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 05:58 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998040921590901.RAA22448@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy -- a plebian? Nah... just 'cause you don't like opera, doesn't mean you

are platitudinous! <g> (How do you like them words!) I didn't like opera

either until about 10 years ago when I became a Board member of a regional

opera company. And remember, I'm married to a guy that likes country western

music, dislikes (a euphemism for "near-hates") opera. I'm dragging him to the

opera in Vienna... but I will have to PAY! You

betcha. I'm going to be dragged to the Porshe factory/testing grounds over

there.


Warren -- glad to have you back among the BookNook living. Hope you are

feeling better and are planning to join us later in the month.


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden - carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: AOL4.0


Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 06:11 PM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998040922111100.SAA21941@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I've been using AOL4.0 ever since it was first offered in preview. NO

problems whatsoever, and it's a real treat to be able to switch between

screennames to pick up business mail without fighting to get back online.

The toolbar is cleaned up and looks far less cheesy. However, beyond that,

it's hard to tell what the differences are!


Shannon






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 06:35 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998040922353401.SAA28439@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just lost a whole post--don't know whether it is worth trying to remember,

or now, but here goes.


CAROL OF MARCO ISLAND, JUDI, CHEEF, AND RUTHALICE--You all and I oughta get

along just fine, what with all of us being 8's. We'll be telling each other

what to do all the time! But honestly, I raised five kids and taught junior

high. How can you do that without being somewhat bossy? DH says it

tactfully, though. He says I'm not

bossy, just controlling, while he ducks for cover!


For those of you who are being nostalgic about the long-lost days of

childhood books, here are some links for you.

Nancy Drew Page

Cherry Ames Page

Trixie's Homepage


Jayne in Connecticut--Your story reminded me of DD when she was about twelve.

She went with her girlfriend and friend's mother to the mall, and mother

turned them loose. They were caught taking some little thing--costume

jewelry or cosmetics, I don't remember--and were caught by the security

guard, who hauled them up to the story office. DD called

me from there, crying and sobbing. She was so embarrassed. I picked her up,

and the first thing I said to her was, "I'm so glad you got caught." She

didn't understand why I said that then, but she does now. To my knowledge,

she never did a thing like that again and is the epitome of honesty.




Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 06:38 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998040922381000.SAA26289@ladder01.news.aol.com>


yes Cherry Ames was a fav along with Nancy and Trixie(spelled it right this

time)


Becky in Texas






Subject: Re: Misc..

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:15 PM EDT

From: SilvlocMom

Message-id: <1998040923155501.TAA02763@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jayne - loved that story.. you rascal you, what a scamp.


I took the test and came out a 9, no surprise to me!


Hope everyone has a Happy Easter, a Happy Passover and a great weekend.


Joan in NJ





Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:37 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040923374901.TAA06576@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My feelings "eggsactly", Nancy..........:) I usually wait, too!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:40 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040923401100.TAA09545@ladder03.news.aol.com>


read them, too, but daughter was never interested in them.......she reads

though, so it's OK!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight





Subject: Re: Early Reading

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:42 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998040923424300.TAA07414@ladder01.news.aol.com>


YES.......to ALL.........I can remember listening to the Shadow and Boston

Blackie......sitting on my grandfather's lap and covering my ears when there

it got to scary......LOL.....and a Sunday evening ritual was Mom, Dad,

brother and I in parents bed listening to the Jack Benny Show..........fond

memories.......oh yes........!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight





Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:53 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998040923533801.TAA11797@ladder03.news.aol.com>


MARILU SAID: CAROL OF MARCO ISLAND, JUDI, CHEEF, AND RUTHALICE--You all and I

oughta get along just fine, what with all of us being 8's.



I must demur, since I am not an 8, but a 5 -- one of the defining

characteristics of a 5 is being a book collector and a reader. I was

expecting to find more 5's. Are there any out there?



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Re: Misc..

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 07:53 PM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998040923542300.TAA11918@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Okay...after reading 150 messages here I don't know how I missed this test

thing <g>....can someone repost where to take it at?


Thanks



Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward






Subject: Re: Absolute Right and Wrong

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 08:43 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041000435400.UAA20165@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ruth Alice and All,


To 5's and 8's and 9's and whomever's...Could I be more jealous of those of

you who know who and what you are? Not likely, said the chameleon. I failed

another personality test. How can one fail to succeed on a test of this

sort? By having no definitive personality and plenty of contraindicating

traits, of course. Alias Grace has nothing on me, nor do Sybil, Eve, and

Suddenly Seeking Susan, and especially Looking For Mr. Goodbar. First of

all,

I am an EN(X)P which is an affirmation of being exactly half and half

T(thinking) and F(feeling). Hapa. Because of myriad workshops on personality

tests and team building on the professional level, this type is an absolute

assessment of yours truly.


For the second time I took the Enneagram, once about six months ago, now

today, and there are four types in which the percentage is equal: 5 6 7 8

. 80% Apparently there are no wings. I'm just a four humpback camel, no

angel. Perhaps this indicates indecision or multiple personalities, or

merely multidimensional facets, but it sure is confusing. Now, if I look at

the well-adjusted 5 6 7 &8' s, the world is my oyster, but looking at the mal

adjusted 5 6 7 &8's is an invitation to climb back into the womb or at least

the oyster shell. I am tempted to take the test again to make it come out in

a more preferred way. Yes, that's what I'll do. Manipulate the test

results. Have a new category: Manipulator. ROFLMAO.


I am interested in more literature on this subject. Apparently, I need

definition! Thank you for the fun. We love to investigate ourselves, and

that factor should be another consideration in personality typing. Egoism .

Laughing and Laughing. Ruth Alice, I am a 5, yes, and a 6 and a 7 and an 8.

Scary, huh? Somewhere, in the back or recesses of my mind, I perceive some

or many of us are just individuals, multi dimensional, who react to

different stimuli differently, on any given day, while our inherent selves

remain the same.


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Early Reading

Date: Thu, 09 April 1998 10:07 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041002072801.WAA02809@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sally, I used to come home from school and race to turn on the radio. My

favorites were "Search for Tomorrow" and "From these Roots". Talk about

dating yourself!!! I'm from the deep South, so I'd stretch out on the

kitchen counter and my sweet cook and I would listen to the trials and

tribulations of the Bauer family.

Oh, yes! Hidden Staircase was the best. I had forgotten.


Leslie -- Hope your survived the storms in Alabama. From the news reports we

get, you had a wallop.


Roe -- Laughing about your personality disorder. I'm going to try the test

one more time and see if it will score me. Will report back.


Cissie





Subject: Re: Misc..

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 12:03 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041004035300.AAA24102@ladder01.news.aol.com>


There are three Carole: Keirsey Character Sorter Keirsey Temperament

Sorter A Brief Description of the Enneagram I should read all the types and

see if I can figure you out, SIS!


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: Early Reading

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 12:23 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041004230700.AAA00160@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Sally,


I have to laugh when you ask if anyone read "True Love" or "True Romances".

Well, another true confession. In our home we were taught that you read good

books an not trash. A magazine of the above title was never, ever allowed in

our house!!! Since I was caught Shoplifting at 10 felt I really did not want

to spend the next 5 or 6 years on restriction.!!! When I finally read one of

those romances I thought it was the no brainer of all times. "I

fell in love behind the barn", or some other stupid title.


Growing up was not the easiest thing I ever did but it sure was interesting.

When the teacher left the room on her return the eraser I was throwing hit

her!!! Of course, not on purpose. Or, my football broke the church window

and the Priest brought me home and I had to pay for the window. All my

friends had run away. It never mattered I got caught every time!!! Not a bad

kid, just got in alot of trouble.


In spite of all the stuff, I was a very good student and had alot of fun.


Nancy Drew's "The Hidden Staircase" was my favorite. Read every Bobsey twin

book. NRK 18/Nancy help me out. The older twins were Bert and Nan. What

names were the younger twins?


We used to listen to "Grand Central Station" on Saturday mornings. My older

sister bossed us around while we did our Saturday chores. I visioned the

train went right through the main waiting room. The first time I went to NYC

I was 17 years old. My Sister met me and we went to I think you spell it

"Shraffts for lunch.


Lordy, all those memories. Sure am dating myself.


Regards,

Jayne in Connecticut


No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.






Subject: Re: Is Steve Case the Devil?

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 12:34 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041004341100.AAA29208@ladder01.news.aol.com>


WELCOME BACK LUIGI ALVA -


You have been missed. Working out a way to get to NYC on the 27th and sure

hope your will be there. I plan to bring my shoes with bells on AND my not

so Maine accent.


I can hardly wait. See you soon. Bye the way, did you make a reservation to

spend your time in the Men's Room with your Laptop? Just checking.


Regards,

Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.








Subject: Re: Early Reading

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 12:38 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041004380300.AAA29841@ladder01.news.aol.com>


The younger twins were Flossy and Freddy.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: More Enneagram stuff

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 01:54 AM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998041005542401.BAA13065@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Here are two more links to Ennegram info, and maybe more helpful than the

extremes you've been finding on the Keirsey enneagram enneagram explanation


and then if you just want to have some fun... try this one! Online IQ Test


Shannon

an ENFP who can fake a J if she has to.... (one of my volunteer teachers

once asked if she could come to my office and learn my "organizational

system." I laughed. I work like God does, out of chaos! I do remember what

color a particular announcement was printed on, but that's IT. For the

teachers, I always do things on colored paper.)







Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 01:59 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041005595701.BAA11055@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef - I do remember Cherry Ames who made me want to be a nurse, too. I had

a daydream about training at an Episcopal hospital in San Francisco - it was

a wonderful daydream.


I wrote a nice Petition today in which I managed to use the words

foreshadowing and alacrity - I was very pleased with myself. Even for the

court I feel we should be entertaining.


MariLu - I will remember the law of self sacrifice. There's a lot of truth

in that (but, of course, I think I'M the tiger, so I don't worry too much)


Karin - thanks for the recommendation. I usually love books like that. I'll

look for it.


Miss Sally - I particularly remember (on the radio) Armstrong Circle Theater

and some program that played all the operettas. I can see every song in The

Student Prince and Desert Song to this day. And baseball, of course - every

baseball game for the Dodgers, the Giants and the Yankees, but particularly

the Dodgers.


DH took the test, too, and he's an 8 with a 7 wing as well - I'm not

surprised but I'll never figure out how we've gotten along all these 34 years

when we're both so domineering. What's odd is that we were both born 8's in

numerology terms.


RuthAlice - I'm a book collector and a reader without being a 5 - there must

be more individually defining traits for you - perhaps they have bossy book

collectors and unbossy book collectors?


Really, really sleepy tonight - but it was fun reading the posts, as usual -

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain






Subject: Barry Manilow

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:21 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041006213601.CAA13438@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancele--Barry MANILOW??? But I still love you. ("I write the songs that

make the whole world puke...." Something like that, wasn't it?) But some

opera really sets my teeth a'grating, I'l admit. They don't call it Uproar

for nothing.


Truce? Truce.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Early Reading

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:29 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041006291001.CAA16813@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, Miss Sally, I'm with you. The Hidden Staircase was the best! Every time

I read it I was no less terrified by the archvillain, Nathan Gombet. Chills

and squeals! who knows how many times I read that one. My parents must have

gotten rid of all of my NDs but I saved my DD's, all neatly boxed along with

all her Agatha Christies that she read the summer she turned 13 and we spent

2 1/2

months in Europe. Not sure she saw any scenery but she did plow through her

Agathas. If this is Tuesday it must be Ten Little Indians.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:39 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041006392701.CAA15066@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Radio programs I loved: "A Date with Judy" (remember her friend Fuffy

Adams?); "Henry Aldrich"; "Beulah" (I wonder how that would fly today); the

Sunday (Saturday?) afternoon terrors; "Sgt. Preston of the Yukon"; "Amos and

Andy" (another "I wonder")--and when I was home sick I loved listening to the

soap operas, particularly "Helen Trent." Major sponsor was Duz. "Duz (pause

pause) does everything!" Damn, I'm old!

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Holidays

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:42 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041006420101.CAA17956@ladder03.news.aol.com>


If you celebrate Passover or Easter, I hope your holiday is wonderful. It's

not often that Passover coincides with Good Friday and the Last Supper. If

you celebrate neither, I hope your weekend is peaceful and enjoyable.


When I grow up I want to be the Eternal Harbinger of Spring. Is that job

taken?

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Cracking-up Time

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:54 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041006543301.CAA16335@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Just to give you the headlines re: DS's upcoming wedding. Ten days ago the

inn the kids had booked in Kennebunkport called to tell them they had screwed

up and given the guest rooms to the next night's wedding party--after

assuring them they could have the whole place. The general manager was also

a rude, abrasive pig. The kids had bad vibes and wanted out of the place and

will get some damages. So Kim's parents have been scrambling around

all week to find a private house for rent on the ocean. They kept taking

photos and FedExing them to Jonathan and Kim. OK. Found a beautiful

Victorian. Good. Progress. Got caterer. Got florist. Had band and

photographer. Got tent, light, heaters, you know all the details.


J&K wanted the daughter of my oldest friend to do their invitations. She's

incredibly creative and her invitations are unique masterpieces. Kim was

flexible but my DS had certain ideas in that cement head of his--the

invitations will be spectacular and one of a kind--but poor Erin, the

creator, is leaving in a week and we got the address of the wedding locale

only yesterday. She's giving them the invitations as her wedding present!

She's so good

natured about this, but it's a major project.


I don't even drink but Kim's mother and I made a pact today that we're going

to get drunk when we get together in Maine and this is all over. (Mary

Coral, we may dance on the tables, too.) Also, I'm putting together a

lobster bake for the post-coital night (instead of a rehearsal dinner) and if

Sprint wants to know why there are 10 long phone calls a day between our

house and Maine, I've got the answer.


OK, I'm all better. Just needed to vent. It was either that or a primal

scream and since DH is sleeping,I thought this was the better choice. You

can ignore this whole post. Just needed to get it down on paper.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Memory Lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:59 AM EDT

From: Goodreader

Message-id: <1998041006595001.CAA16747@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I read both Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton mysteries, when I was around 11-12

years old. I would save my allowance to buy the latest Nancy Drew book, and

eagerly awaited each new volume. I loved how the books looked, all lined up

on my bookshelf, with their bright yellow spines.


My brother read the Hardy Boys series. We often traded the books back and

forth. He said that he enjoyed reading the Nancy Drew series, just as I

enjoyed the Hardy Boys. I had a crush on Joe Hardy...perhaps my brother had

a crush on Nancy Drew? LOL

The Judy Bolton books were a gift from a neighbor, an old woman, who knew of

my love for mysteries. The Judy Bolton books were old and a bit musty, but I

loved them anyway. I believe they were written in the 1920's, but I am not

certain. Does anyone here know?


Later on, my daughters read Nancy Drew also, however these were "the New

Nancy Drew". I didn't like them as much as the originals, but my daughters

were hooked on them. They also enjoyed the "Choose Your Own Adventure"

series of books, which could have amusing results and surprise endings.


I wasn't around for the old radio shows, but I used to listen to my parents

talk about them. Shows such as "The Shadow" and "Fibber Magee and Molly". I

wish I could have heard them myself. One Halloween, the local radio station

played "The War of the Worlds" by Orson Welles. I can well imagine how that

show must have scared people silly back when it originally aired.


~ Jo Anne in San Jose


"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love

breathing." - Harper Lee






Subject: Glory Hallelujah

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 07:06 AM EDT

From: Spmfans

Message-id: <1998041011061901.HAA29933@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dearest Nookers:


At 12:00 pm, April 6, 1998, Steve Martini's latest work of fiction, "Critical

Mass" was dropped off to the local Federal Express office with combined

curses and tears of joy. Pub date is September.


During the last week of this book project Steve managed to write and I

managed to edit over 100 pages of a 601 page manuscript. We cancelled our

scheduled trip to Vancouver, BC to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary, so

we could ship this puppy outta here (it's only a YEAR late). Working on 4

hours sleep a night for 6 nights running, we got a little bleary-eyed. At

about 2:00 one of those mornings when we were supposed to be in Vancouver,

Steve

stumbled into my study, looked lovingly into the eyes of his bride of 22

years and said, "I sure know how to show a girl a good time!"


Who says romance is dead.


Next work in progress - "Leah Passing Out"


For the first time in 10 years, Steve Martini has no contract with a

publisher for a book. For a month or two, we own our souls. It's a nice

feeling.


Off for a much-needed week's vacation - then I'll be back and TRY to catch up

with this prolific group.


IDEA!!! Next book I think I'll assign everybody a chapter to write, and then

put it all together and see what we get. The folks at Bee's should be great

at this.


TTFN


Leah, Queen of Spam







Subject: Re: Writers we'd like to see back in print

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 07:11 AM EDT

From: Spmfans

Message-id: <1998041011112800.HAA27514@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Kat -


Amazon.com has a search service where they find out-of-print books for you.

I've used it extensively. It sometimes takes a while - but it's worth it.

One of the sites I visit is Antiquarian Booksellers, who found The Travels of

Jamie McPheeters for me. I also got a copy of Trigger Berg and the Sacred Pig

- a book my mother read to us when we all had the measels. I read it to my

daughter - who enjoyed it just as much as I did as a child.


Leah






Subject: Re: Question about JFK Airport

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 07:54 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041011540901.HAA02846@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU MEET IN THE BAGGAGE RETRIEVAL AREA - EACH AIRLINE

DROPS ITS BAGGAGE THERE - & YOU CAN GO TO THE PARTICULAR ONE - NUMBERED -

WHERE YOUR BAGGAGE ARRIVES. IF YOU ARE BOTH CARRYING ON & HAVE NO BAGGAGE,

THEN YOU MIGHT WANT TO FOLLOW THE SIGNS & GO DIRECTLY TO WHERE ALL THE TAXIS

LINE UP AT THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING.


COUNTING DOWN -----

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT





Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 07:58 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041011585901.HAA03180@ladder03.news.aol.com>


YOU can't be old, because I remember all this stuff & I'm just a babe!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Take your pick---

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:06 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041012063801.IAA03730@ladder03.news.aol.com>


HAPPY EASTER


HAPPY PASSOVER


HAPPY SPRING


-----JUST BE HAPPY!


Off for an annual doc's appointment - the kind you love to have over. I call

it the peek-a-boo special. My innards are growling as I have fasted - but

will gurgle appropriately because unless I swallow tanks of water I have been

known to refuse to give the blood samples easily. The last time I went,

right after a tennis match, there was no blood to be found - they even tried

the backs of my hands. I can be real stingy (when it's MY blood!)


I wonder if I am going to be ready by 6 pm - maybe we can hold the

traditional Seder tomorrow instead? I have a list - bring out & wash all the

dishes, make the stuffing & stuff the turkey, set the table, find all the

Passover things where I packed them, pick up a few last minute items at the

store, make the vegetable dishes, make the matzoh balls & fly them - I do it

every time - only because it works. Tomorrow I will be wiped out.


Off for another day of fun in the kitchen - oh my aching feet!


The Maniac in a Panic

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Early Reading

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:00 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041013002000.JAA08534@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Need to check this out later and will answer. Momentarily we're off to do

some food shopping. I can't imagine how I left this chore for the morning of

our holiday - the stores will be maddening but Bruce offered to come along to

find parking and then loading the car. Considering I'm not making the

holiday and we're only three people how much can I buy, he asks.


Jayne- I see that Cheef already answered about the Bobsy Twins. But I did

want to mention that the restaurant is Schrafft's> Thats the way I remember

its spelled. I don't think any of them are left. Wow--- that is some memory

for me too-shopping with my mom and then having lunch at the one on Fifth

Avenue.


Mari Lu - afraid that neither Bruce no I can help you out MariLu on where to

meet up at Kennedy Airport. Now that we live in NJ, if we can't fly out of

Newark, we don't go. LOL


Judela - you weren't suppose to read my message about my musical taste. Yeah

I do like Barry - saw him at the Garden State Arts Center a number of years

ago and thought he put on some show. Do ya think that liking him and reading

romance books really puts me in your doghouse?


Speaking of which did anybody see the Seinfeld episode last night called The

Book Store. I taped it but Bruce said that the store they used was

Brentano's and not B&N. Score a ten for Jerry and the writers of this show

for their choice.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:19 AM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041013202701.JAA07947@ladder01.news.aol.com>


How about the Ramona series. Has anybody read the Ruppert series - Trouble

for Ruppert, Double Trouble for Ruppert?


I just found out I am a genius. I took the following iq test. So if I'm so

smart, why ain't I rich? edg@iqtest.com






Subject: Sue Barton, Student Nurse

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:42 AM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998041013423801.JAA13197@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I never read the Cherry Ames series. In my local library, it was Sue Barton

(on a bottom shelf, and I read every one). I think along with Nancy Drew and

the Bobbsey Twins, that's where I got my start reading a whole series of

books, or all the books by one author. And some days, I just wonder whatever

happened to Hannah Gruen. <g> Anyone remember her?


Shannon






Subject: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:12 AM EDT

From: CATZERS

Message-id: <1998041014122801.KAA14088@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Many memories of favorite radio and TV shows and a few movies...


Young Dr. Malone

Just Plain Bill

I Remember Mama (always a few tears with this one)

Playhouse 90

I Led Three Lives

Highway Patrol

The Lone Ranger

The Red Skelton Show (Clem Kadiddlehopper and Freddy The Freeloader)

I Married Joan

Mildred Pierce

The Farmer's Daughter

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

The Glenn Miller Story (an all-time fave)

Little Women (the original movie with June Allyson--I thought it was so

'daring' to mimic her saying "Christopher Columbus"!)


I'm probably think of more soon as I sign off.


CATZERS






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:58 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041014583600.KAA22967@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Before the June Allyson Little Women, there was the Katherine Hepburn Little

Women, with Joan Bennet as Amy. Katherine's ringing "Christopher Columbus!!!"

is a classic.

Doesn't anyone here remember Inner Sanctum, with the squeaking door?

And Big John and Sparky with No School Today??


Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:07 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041015070301.LAA24101@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Don't remember the title of this but I also remember the one where Gertrude

Berg ( A Majority of One) would lean out of the window and say, "Yoo hoo,

Mrs. Goldberg." Also adding The US Steel Hour and the Howdy Doody show.


Anybody remember Winky Dink which required a special plastic sheet one put on

the tv and then children used crayons to add to the story. it was taken off

the air when children began drawing only on the screen.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Geezer Days

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 01:02 PM EDT

From: Avidca6

Message-id: <1998041017023501.NAA07468@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Winky Dink!! Nancy, I have not thought of that show for years!! I had the

special screen, too.


I used to listen to a Saturday morning radio show sponsored by Buster Brown

shoes -- and my dog Tide! At one point the announcer would ask if we had

made our beds, and my mom said I would scurry in to my room to make sure the

bed was made.


Once she came home from a meeting to find me lying in bed afraid to go to

sleep. My dad had listened to "the squeeking door" with me, and I was scared

stiff. What a great feeling.


My dad was a great lover of the old west. Actually, he wasn't too far

removed from it. anyway, besides reading my mother's Agatha Christies, I

also read his Zane Greys. I remember trying to understand the setting

because I had never seen buttes or prairies.


Thanks for this strand. It brings back great memories.



Melinda in California's Central Valley - reading Chasing Cezanne


The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.

- Emily Dickinson






Subject: Re: Sue Barton, Student Nurse

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:00 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041018004801.OAA15825@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shannon--Of course I remember Hannah Gruen. She raised Nancy since N's

mother died when Nancy was a tot. And how about the father, Carson Drew,

lawyer extraordinnaire? Every time Nancy would get pulled over by a cop for

speeding in her "roadster" to the scene of some crime, she would hand over

her license and the cop would say, "Drew? Are you the daughter of Carson

Drew, the lawyer?!" and then let her off. I think we need to investigate

Carson's dealings with the police dept. in their town. Did the town have a

name? Ned Nickerson was the boyfriend (but Nancy wore the pants) and I

wonder if George was just meant to be a tomboy type or if she was a lesbian.

That would have been pretty chancy to imply that way back then, especially in

books for children.


I always wondered how nancy was lucky enough to solve one mystery and

immediately be confronted by anouther. I used to yearn to encounter just one

puny mystery and would sit around and "spy" on people who were usually doing

nothing much more furtive than throwing our their trash or walking to the bus

stop.


Some people have all the luck.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:05 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041018052101.OAA19237@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Catzers--thanks for reminding me of all those shows. Does anyone remember

(drumroll) "Captain VIDEO"! For years I was convinced that the archvillain,

Dr. Pauly, hung out under my bed. I could never walk up to my bed and get

in. I always had to take a flying leap so he wouldn't grab an ankle and pull

me under. If we didn't have a waterbed, I'd probably still be doing it!

They'd always have his

face fill the screen as he leered in some pseudo-Eastern European accent, "I

em Doctair Pauly!"


Frisson time, even now. LOL.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:06 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041018064800.OAA16694@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Big John and Sparky! Yes, Cheef! Saturday mornings. Loved the theme song,

"The Teddy Bears' Picnic."

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:09 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041018092700.OAA19869@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Sure, Nancy--I think it was called "The Goldbergs." Pretty chancy in those

McCarthy days, no? But the show was on for years. I can still hum the theme

song. Da, dahdahdahdah dahdahdahdah dahdahdah. See? You recognized it right

away, didn't you?

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:09 PM EDT

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998041018094801.OAA17168@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Happy Easter and Happy Passover.


Sure do remember Inner Sanctum. My mother and sister and I would gather in

the den and listen. Don't think I would have listened alone. Also listened

to Don Winslow of the Navy when I got home from school. I AM old. It used to

give me nightmares about octopuses or is it octopusi. LOL


MariLu: Murphy's Law LOL


Jan: Really loved the Richard Halliburton books but when we cleaned out the

family house they were not to be found. Would still like to own them.

A book I just loved about India was Crane's Morning by Indrani

Aikath-Gyalthen. It's probably out of print and I understand that she has

since died aothough quite young.It's one I would like to own but couldn't

find it


Welcome back Warren: Good luck with aol. I have 3.0 and they still deleted

all my mail. It would be nice if they would forwarn you if they were

cleaning house. Last night I couldn't even get the sign-on screen to come

on. Grrrr!!!


Just finished Cold Mountain--wonderful but now what. Seeing as several are

reading Alias Grace maybe that will be next.


Pat






Subject: Re: Geezer Days

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 02:11 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041018113600.OAA20170@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK, conjugate with me the verb "to be old":


I be old.

You be old.

We all be old.

Some of us be older than others.

Methuselah and I went to different schools together.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 03:01 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041019015801.PAA24660@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Played by none other than Gilhooley Mahoney and his Leprechaun Marching Band.

How about "Ming the Merciless?"

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 03:09 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041019093800.PAA25750@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Remember ---


The Merry Mailman

Terrytoon (?) Circus

The Sandy Becker Show

The Liberace tv show

The Naked City - I was afraid of this show for some reason. I think it was

the music.

The Lorretta Young Show






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 03:46 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041019462900.PAA04089@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Or Captain Midnight (with a stupid sidekick) and a marvelous decoder, show

sponsored by Ovaltine

The Buster Brown Show with the dog Ty who lived in the shoe too and Midnight

the cat.. plus Froggie punching his magic twanger! LOL...sponsored by ,

guess who? Why, Buster Brown Shoes, of course


Edward R. Murrow- was it, You are There?


This is Your Life


Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca?


Wild Bill H. and Jingles ( My DH still has his Marshal's badge)


Art Linkletter and Arthur Godfrey


Queen for a Day, Beat the Clock, Name That Tune


Omnibus


Charlie McArthy and Edgar Bergen, sponsored by those girls wearing Pall Mall

or Chesterfield costumes, dancing around in cigarette boxes.


And Howdy Doody was sponsored by Kelloggs. I ordered a Snap, Crackle or Pop

Ring which made the little rubber face contort when you turned the dial. (

It never arrived)



This is a great game. Thanks All.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 03:56 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041019565601.PAA05603@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Attempting to catch up appears futile, but my plan is to dig into about

twenty percent of the backlog every time Good Friday and the first evening of


Passover coincide.


My first twenty percent involved reading three hundred posts about

right and wrong, good and evil, up and down, left and right, good and plenty

and gun control plus a few assorted party snacks. Mama mia- leave you

people alone for five minutes!!


Well, I'll get back to all that, but first some housecleaning:


1) I am glad to be semi-back, and hope to slowly evolve into fully-back. I

thank ALL for their kind words and concerns. My health is pretty dang good.

My gullet is just about healed up, and the hip is the hip. And, no I am not

now, nor have I ever been, a member of the Communist Party or really

planning to go to Germany for a hip replacement. As I asked Fair Judi, would

you to go Germany for a hip replacement? Well, assuming you needed a hip

job. Of course not. This leads me to the world of publishing.


2) Meine deutsche Frau, ever since the Bertelsmann Anschluss with Random

House has been floating around unser Haus musing aloud -- "Today Random

House, tomorrow …….." Just when it was getting really funny-wacky in the

publishing world again, now it is getting scary too. I have suggested the

building of a Maginot Line around Warner Books because - heck - it worked

so well for the French. Actually, I am hoping, as obviously were my

Newhouse family friends, that someone, anyone, would come and cart the

book -- you should forgive me -- business away.


You know God does work in mysterious ways. My being

incapacitated, and otherwise tied-up, is the only thing that saved this Board


from about fifty-thousand words on book publishing, and another ten-

thousand on asteroids. If I could just get an asteroid to hit the book

business I

could achieve two life dreams in one big bang. OK -- I will contain myself.

Have to move on. Life is short just like Mickey Rooney, but --- I have to

say

one thing about this book stuff.


I know of no topic which attracts more pure gibberish press reporting

and commentary than book publishing, and man that is saying something.

There is a universally-expressed fear that the continued concentration of the


book publishing business into the hands of a few ever-growing media giants,

the Time Warner aggregation of saints being one, is a peril to authors,

publishing diversity and the very living-soul of the book world. Phooey!


In the last five years, trade book sales in the United States have

steadily dropped. Retail book shelf space and books printed have increased

over the same period a couple hundred percent. Let's add this up. Take a

business that at the start of a five-year period is, at best, marginally

profitable, and with a return on investment that would not meet many

companys' hurdle rates for a new investment. Now throw in five years with

decreasing sales and the simultaneous enormity of compounding double-digit

book printing growth. Book sales down -- book production way up --- hey, I

wonder what's happening to book returns and profits? Did he say profits?


The good news, to date, for authors everywhere is that big stupid book

publishers are owned by bigger, stupider media companies, of which the

bright, saintly Time Warner aggregation of huge craniums with halos is - of

course - a notable exception, which can afford to lose tens of millions of

dollars continually without being motivated to fix or dispose of the problem.


If big book publishing in the US were still dominated largely by privately-

owned companies, today's situation could never have developed because

these companies, without access to a rich parent's resources, would have

gone belly-up years ago. I love books. I love authors. However, as a business


matter there are too many books being published, way too many being

printed, and too many, big non-refundable advances being made to

authors. If reporters and authors would lay their self-interests aside while

they

think this through they will see the real growing peril. Why would the

Newhouse family dispose of America's premier book publisher, in a taxable

transaction no less -- UHG!, for a not very impressive price? It isn't all

that

hard to figure out. I'll give you a hint. It has nothing to do with estate

planning. I'll give you another hint - what do you do on a sinking ship?

**************

2) Quick note on RuthAlice's Executive Director -- (RuthAlice -- you

Svenska Flicka softy you.) Let's see --- Executive Director --Really lovely

lady

who several times a week goes on out-of-control, hour-long

tirades in which she lambastes colleagues and staff up one side and down

the other. OK -- now I just have to figure out which of my files to store

this

tidbit in: a) Jack the Ripper had occasional lapses in judgment,

2) Stalin was one damn, good ballroom dancer, or 3) How bad biorhythms

finally got to Ted Bundy.

***********************


3) Absolute right and wrong -- Tired or not, as always, it was, and is a

pleasure to read through posts on this Board on such topics. Opinions,

experiences and beliefs are diverse, but two continuing threads always tie

the

posts together: civility and solid thought. I know I am late to the game, and

I have

already worn out my welcome with my uncontrolled publishing thing-a-mijig,

but I would like to say a few things about this issue of absolute right and

wrong.


I think that when people talk about absolute right and wrong they

generally are referring to one of two concepts. Just for discussion let me

call

these the: 1) black and white, and 2) transcendent issues. If I followed the

posts correctly, I gather that the discussion here had its origin in John

Gilstrap's post. I am not sure what exactly John meant by absolute right;

however, it is clear that most people took his meaning to be of the black and


white variety. Or at least that is what most of the subsequent posts were

about.


The black and white ("B+W") question, if not the answer, is clear.

Given any set of circumstances is x always wrong, and y always right? Is

lying always wrong? Is stealing always wrong? RuthAlice gives some

Gedanken that Jennie would have liked that state a view I share. In fact,

once

you slow up and think about it and create a dozen or so gedanken, it is a

view

hard not to share. That is to say, for example, can lying be wrong if telling

the

truth to evil interrogators will see innocent people slaughtered? Don't we

really mean that lying, and stealing, etc. are generally in most normal

situations wrong? I think so. Black and white is not an adult world. The

complexity of situations and our ability to discern and evaluate conflicting

"rights" and overlapping "wrongs" is the adult world.


Unfortunately, the child's world is black and white. Is taking a handful

of vitamin pills wrong? No. Is the same act in front of your small children

wrong? Perhaps, if in their world without abstractions and subtle

distinctions

that act puts them in greater peril of thinking that taking pills, taking

medications, taking drugs is OK. "My Mom, my Dad are always popping

pills." Yes, you know the pills are vitamins and there is a world of

difference.

What do they know? Are you sure? Adults have freedoms, rights that they

frequently curtail or self-abridge not to send mixed messages to their

children.

And, quite often, adults inadvertently give their children the type of mixed

messages that Judi and others pointed out.


Interestingly, or uninterestingly, enough the black and white question

of "right" is what led me to select Semi-Stable Anarchy as the official form

of

Fredonian Government and Law. It's a fact. Check the Ruth archives. Just in

the event I ever opened up a real country, I thought through years ago how I

would establish laws. I finally settled on a theory of law following the

principal of balance beam, teeter-totter anarchy. It's very simple.


Total anarchy should reign. There should be no restriction on anyone's

right to do whatever the heck he or she wanted. However, this produces a

logical problem. While I like the mutually-exclusive in science it can not

exist

in the daily operation of rights. That is to say you can not have an

unabridged

right to live if I have an unfettered right to kill you. This is a problem. I

put

right to live and right to murder on the teeter-totter, and I have to tilt

this thing

one way or the other. I find myself unable to establish anarchy without

establishing minimal laws to resolve rights in conflict. And so the founding

principal behind Semi-stable Anarchy is that we endure laws as a necessary

logical imperative only to the extent necessary to prioritize rights in

conflict.

Someone has to decide if your right to live is superior or inferior to my

right

to kill you. That one is easy. Your right to live must reign, ergo murder is


reluctantly outlawed. This get harder as you go through a hundred or so

rights, and real hard when you make the issues complex and multi-layered.

Since this is my imaginary country, one thing I decided under the principal

of

cuius regio eius religio - he who rules gets to pick the religion -- is that

the

passive inertial right always reigns. You do not have to do anything to be

alive. I have to do something to kill you. You win. You started with clean

air

and water. I have to do something to foul it up. You win. (That reminds me,

as a total aside, I almost crashed yesterday when on the radio sports report

Warner Wolf said --"If you took Pharaoh and nine plagues -- you lost!!)

Anyhow, know you know why Fredonia has Semi-Stable Anarchy for its form

of government, and you even have a vague idea of what that means. You still

have no idea what ever motivated me to spend a lot of time, once upon a

time, thinking this throw for no apparent useful purpose. Actually it was the


lack of it having any useful purpose that motivated me most.


On to, I think, the most important part of this whole thing. Absolute

right - the transcendent question. RuthAlice talked about Kohlberg's theory

of

moral development, which in many ways is a good, and thought-provoking

way at looking how the content and meaning of right and wrong changes, on

average, for people as they grow. However, the Kohlberg explication also

made me grin, as it reminded me, once again, that only social scientists

talking about moral development or Bill Moyers doing a PBS show about the

hymn Amazing Grace could perform these feats without mentioning God, any

God. It ain't easy. Try it.


Is it always wrong to lie? What I have neatly avoided to this point,

what most of the posts skirted, is much more fundamental than the black and

white issue of absolute right. The B+W inquiry asks is lying always wrong?

The transcendent inquiry into absolute right asks what does it mean to be

right or wrong. My theory of laws, Semi-stable anarchy, most of the board

postings on right and wrong are all based on one form or another of social

contract. The King or the Legislature of the public or the commune or the

household or whatever decide, explicitly or tacitly, what serves the

interests

of the particular commonweal that interests them -- and that becomes right.

For some the point of interest only extends a milligram beyond their own

nose, for some the commonweal of interest is as spherical as the globe or as

expansive as the universe.


But there is a problem here. Assume the world is inhabited by one

million people. Two have brown eyes, the rest green. The green eyes decide

to a man and woman that the two deviants have to depart this earthly realm.

There is no debate, not a scintilla of doubt anywhere. Well except for the

two

brown-eyes guys who have their doubts about the coming hanging at dawn.

This earth is it. There ain't no life anywhere else, at least none that we

know

about. So killing the two brownies must be right. You think no? We have to

protect the minority or something? Who says so? OK. I'll make it harder.

Everyone, including the two brown-eye deviants are green-eye religious

fanatics. Everyone on the planet thinks the brownies must die, and the

brownies are shouting -- "amen". This has got to be right. No?


Well a lot of people have talked about this type of moral problem, but,

in my view, no one said it better or simpler than C.S. Lewis. If you say NO

it

is wrong, then I tell you are making an appeal to some transcendent sense of

right and wrong written on the wind. What do you mean it is wrong? If there

is no transcendent law, no transcendent law giver of some sort, than the most


you can tell me about the hanging of the brownies is that it displeases you.

That you do not like it. If you insist on telling me it is WRONG, then I will


insist on your telling me just what the heck you think that means. C.S.

Lewis,

among others, contended, and I whole heartedly agree, that as a matter of

logic if there is no transcendent right and wrong given from without than the


most you can say about any action is the it is illegal or displeases you

greatly.

C.S. Lewis further proclaimed that our constant universal appeals to things

being

right or wrong, good and evil stood as a proof for "a God", maybe not your

type of

God but some God. Hitler's actions, the holocaust, was a monstrous evil.

Why? Because most of us think so? Suppose it was quite OK with most of us.

How about all of us except you? If every last person person in the universe

thought the holocaust was ookey-doakey you would still be screaming to the

heavens about this monstrous evil. So would I - thank goodness.

And the heavens would be the proper place to scream such a proclamation

because, if we are it - folks, I am afraid right and wrong, good and evil are

mere

social contracts, and they are contracts were we describe clauses that we do

not like as evil or wrong. And that is all evil and wrong would mean.


Sometimes when someone says they believe in absolute right they are

proclaiming a belief that some things are right or wrong because they just

ARE,

not because we think them to be. That view of absolute right says that good

and evil are not, in the final analysis, determined by popularity contests,

public referendums or even unanimous consent. The rules to determine them

may not be black and white. They may be complex, but beyond the mist stands

some transcendent absolute truth. Obviously, I hold firmly to this view of

absolute right, and find a world without such a transcendent sense of right

and wrong, written on the wind and residing in the human heart, a very scary

place indeed.


One last thought. A number of people talked about the roles of parents

and teachers, the examples we give, and the heartache at times from the

results

or lack of results that we see. A common thread however was the need to

teach and give examples. Some posters perhaps are surer than others in the

outcome

good training will produce. None seem to question the need. Good.


I love Rodgers and Hammerstein. South Pacific is one of my favorites. But,

despite

its constant acclaim as a song painting a great moral picture, "You have to

be

carefully taught" is dead wrong. That song proclaims the view that children,

we, people, start out with some pristine, moral slate, and then parents, and

friends,

and society teach us prejudice and fill us with wrong and evil thinking. We

start out pure as the driven snow and soot falls on us. The role of parents

and

teachers is, I guess, to put an umbrella over us, and keep the pitch from

blemishing our souls. Perhaps this is a nice fanciful view. I'm not sure

about

that. I am sure that it is wrong. No one teaches a child to lie. "Did you

take

that candy?" No one teaches a child to lie and deceive their way out of

trouble or into gain. Folks, it ain't pretty, but we come forth from the womb


with the lying, stealing, me-first apparati in full-bloom. Yes, children need

to

be carefully taught -- to tell the truth, to share and not to hog, to care

about others,

and on an on. These are the things that do not come naturally to us. We learn


them. We are taught them by people who believe it is just needed learning to

participate in the adult world's intricate social contracts, and we are

taught

them by people who believe that and also believe that God is on the throne.

But we are taught to do good -- whatever that is. We do not need to be

taught, carefully or otherwise, to do wrong.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


OK -- I'll go quietly now. There were a few more things that I wanted to

get

into, like gun control, but enough's enough. What the heck -- gun control --

all

for it. However, I think at best it is a sliver of the problem. As RuthAlice

pointed out no gun control legislation ever imagined could, would, or should

impact the type of hunting rifles used in Jonesboro. Secondly, I am for gun

control and I am for drug control. We have drug control and simultaneously a

country flooded with drugs. In NYC we have gun control, and the last

estimate that I saw from the NYPD and other sources put the number of

illegal handguns in the city at between two to three MILLION. I kid you not.

So passing laws that say they can't have em won't mean they can't get 'em. I

am for strict gun control on the "it can't hurt" theory, but, as it relates

to

juvenile violence, I think we need to be realistic as well as to how much

such

legislation would achieve.


And that's it. Honest. Good holidays to all. ……….. Warren


Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 04:30 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041020304801.QAA10719@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh My,


How could I forget The Groucho Marx Show with that plucked chicken-bird

falling from the sky whenever anyone said the secret word? I remember when

Candice Bergen was an adolescent guest on the show. Murphy Brown had not

quite fully evolved at that time. <G>


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Cracking-up Time

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 04:38 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041020381100.QAA11805@ladder03.news.aol.com>


You're so well organized, Judi - what a great wedding it's going to be. I

love the idea of a lobster bake for the rehearsal dinner.


I took the test, Merc, and I'm not a genius - sigh.


Melinda - Zane Gray - now that brings back memories. Riders of the Purple

Plain. I wonder how it holds up now? He started a long time interest in the

old west for me and for years I read everything I could find - The Civil War,

The James Brothers, Billy the Kid, The Younger Brothers - the Lincoln County

Range wars. Once we were driving across New Mexico I think - a little sign

pointed the way to Billy the Kid's grave and I forced (I'm not the

boss for nothing) the whole family to take this 5 mile detour down a little

road all alone out in the middle of the desert. When we got there, it was

closed - looked like it was closed forever - but we all climbed the wall and

went in. There was a wooden cross (I think - CRS) that said "William Bonney"

"Billy the Kid" "21 years 21 men" - Not so romantic in our day and age. The

family loved it.


Must get busy on Easter dinner - it would be fun to be Queen for a Day,

wouldn't it?

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Genius

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 04:40 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041020403000.QAA12153@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Merc - they sent me a message from the test - I'm a genius, too!!! Bet

everyone here is.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain






Subject: Why I thought there would be lots of 5s in Book Nook

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 04:53 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998041020532301.QAA14117@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I thought I would share this quote from Personality Types by Don Richard Riso

and Russ Hudson



......way into the five explanation.....


Fives are typically bookish. They haunt bookstores, libraries and

coffeehouses catering to intellectuals who discuss politics fillms and

literature far into the night......and though they will spend money to obtain

whatever tools they need to pursue their intellectual interests

[books]...fives are usually loath to spend money ont hemselves or their own

comfort becuase they identify with their minds and their imaginations.....


and it goes on.....fives predilection for collecting can comvine with their

desire to specialize i surprising ways....collecting all Beethoven symphonies

played by different orchestras, all the books of one author, etc. etc.

having books they haven't had time to read....


So there I am picturing our collecting TBR mountain range that rivals the

himalayas...and thinking we are all fives...............


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 05:58 PM EDT

From: Bonadie

Message-id: <1998041021582000.RAA21501@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I wish I had gotten in on this thread earlier, but does anyone remember the

Trixie Belden series? I read those along with Nancy Drew, but Trixie was my

favorite. I can remember begging my parents to buy the newest ones when we

visited the only place that carried them, Garwood Mills (AKA "Garbage's") in

the Atlantic City area. I loved curly-haired Trixie and her rich best friend

(would that we all had one of *those*) and Trixie's boyfriend,

the best friend's adopted brother, older and hunky Jim, (would that we all

had one of those too!!!).

I LOL'd at the poster who wrote about "spying" on everyday people. I

didn't quite go that far but I can relate!!!!

--Carol

Carol






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 06:02 PM EDT

From: Bonadie

Message-id: <1998041022020400.SAA22118@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Merc,

You mentioned TV show music that scared you (Naked City). To this DAY, I

cannot listen to the intro to Perry Mason or Alfred Hitchcock. Especially if

I happen on them late at night. They send chills right through me.

--Carol

Carol






Subject: Programs and Types

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 06:14 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998041022145300.SAA24077@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Here's a program that no one has mentioned--Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B

Riders--or was that a Southern thing? And Superman--especially the program

where the mummy came after Superman--he went very slowly--PLOM--PLOM--PLOM.

He went slowly, but he never stopped. That meant that he was still going

while I was sleeping. Had many nights I had trouble going to sleep.


Well, it appears that I, too, am a bossy 8--I am sure that is no surprise to

those near and dear to me. I am also an ENFP, but Roe, I have changed from a

feeler to a thinker over the years, so you are not the only one on that cusp.

I'm pretty sure that I do not like all that they have to say about being an

8, but I am afraid it fits. And RuthAlice, we would all appreciate it if you

would not wallow so much in being a refined book-loving esthete

while us'n eights go to war over who is the most powerful--I think mud

wrasslin' might be appropriate! Now that I have found out what a power

broker I am, I am afraid to take the IQ test to find out why I CRS all the

time.


Judi, I am anxious to hear your story after the wedding of the year, and I

want to tell you that I will be disappointed if you DO NOT dance on the

table. I can guarantee it is a new experience doing it sober. And do not

forget to do the dirty bop!


I am headed to the beach for a week on Monday and was thinking of taking DD's

portable computer with me. How do I know if it will work, all you Computer

geniuses?

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 06:44 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041022440800.SAA01330@ladder03.news.aol.com>


... to those thrilling days of yesterday, when out of the past come the

thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver... and YES, Cheef, I remember

Inner Sanctum... had forgotten that one!


And Catzers... Don Winslow... of course... what fun this is. And how about

Let's Pretend? And has anyone mentioned Grand Central Station?


The Bobbsey Twins stories conjur memories of... frustration! I used to

stretch out on the couch with my grandmother who, at 80-something, would fall

asleep and SNORE in the middle of the BT story she was reading to me! LOL


Warren -- speaking of book publishing... but in the "control" of a German

firm... something like 23 percent! Should we be concerned?


Gotta run. More later.


Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring to everyone.

Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 07:38 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998041023383501.TAA09827@ladder03.news.aol.com>


And did any of the others of you read Honey Bunch books? I stayed home from

school in the second grade to read a new one of these and by the end of the

day was rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. That'll show

me.


I loved the way Loretta Young always wore that wonderful dress and moved so

gracefully through the door as the show began. I practiced that for days.

And do you remember the comic character Brenda Starr--I loved the star in her

eyes and the way she separated her long fingers so that the two middle

fingers were together and the pointer and the baby finger were apart. I

thought it was so glamorous and that it made my stubby fingers look longer.

I

used to prance through school with my hands like that--I bet I looked like a

dork!


I also remember Mary Jane and Sniffles---"Magic words of Poof, poof,

piffles--Make me just as small as Sniffles."


Have you mentioned the Eve Arden Show?


Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 07:46 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041023461301.TAA11013@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Warren --It's so good to see you back on your manic pole! Thank you for

returning in all your glory and making up for lost time! You have guaranteed

that I, the consumate insomniac, will sleep tonight, because I felt obligated

as a friend and admirer to read

every------last---------word--------you-------wrote, and I am exhausted! I

never knew morality could

be so complex, or that I was a member of a Semi-Stable Anarchical government.

I truly am grateful you let me know where brown-eyed me stands in this whole

morass. Thank you, thank you, I kowtow to your supreme wisdom! I'll never

feel the same again about teaching. Now I'll go sleep to regain my energy

for another day! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Wrong Words/Gina/Luigi

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:10 PM EDT

From: Ludsmith

Message-id: <1998041100103401.UAA11942@ladder01.news.aol.com>


One of my friends was leaving the testing center at BYU, very happy to have

finished her finals. She screamed, "I'm so ejaculated!" Even though it has

been almost 20 years, we'll never let her forget that little faux pas.


Another roommate was trying to deny she was anything like her air-headed

sister. "We're as different as night and dark!" she declared.


Gina--Good news. It's hard to be down in bed and watch the other kids run

around. Take care!


Warren--I'm glad you're with us again and I'm glad you warned us about AOL

4.0. I almost loaded it on DH's computer today, but thought I should ask him

first (my computer crashed a few weeks ago and I didn't want to take any

chances).


Shauna from Salt Lake who is about halfway through "The Hobbit"






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:15 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998041100163901.UAA15596@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Honey Bunch.......oh yes, had forgotten those......my grandmother bought be

those for b-days and christmas..........great memories here.........and I

must say I remember almost all of those mentioned..........not

OLD........just OLDER :)


Happy Easter, Peaceful Passover to one and all.........and most of all HAPPY

SPRING!!!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: Geezer Days

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:19 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041100192401.UAA13270@ladder01.news.aol.com>


JUDI--

<<I be old.

You be old.

We all be old.

Some of us be older than others.

Methuselah and I went to different schools together.>>


Speak for yourself! Between you and Warren, I'm falling down laughing. How

can I ever tell students to take adults seriously again? Oh dear, oh dear,

oh dear!


Who remembers The Whistler? And Jack Armstrong, All-American Boy? The Phil

Harris Show? Amos and Andy? The Metropolitan Opera of the Air? Sam Spade?

Flash Gordon? Stella Dallas? And who could ever forget Playhouse 90 on TV?


ROE---It's so nice to have you here to bring us all back to reality! I love

your multi-faceted personality!


AND I MAY BE AN 8, BUT I LIKE TO COLLECT BOOKS! SO THERE! Does that make me

a 5/8?

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:30 PM EDT

From: GILJOHN

Message-id: <1998041100303300.UAA17775@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Know what really ticks me off? I've composed and deleted at least a

half-dozen posts attempting to clarify what I meant by Absolute Right and

Wrong, but I found myself re-stating the same thoughts the same way,

essentially unable to get my arms around the larger issue I was trying to

address. Now, after all that, I realize that I only needed to write, "What

Warren said."


Except on gun control. I'm not a gun nut; not by any stretch of the

imagination. I don't hunt, and I only kill in fiction. Still, I am haunted

by that amendment to the Constitution (Is it the second?) which guarantees my

"right to keep and to bear arms." Okay, there's that conditional clause at

the beginning, but for every activist I find to tell me that it means that

only soldiers in a militia have the right to arms, I find another who will

argue the insanity of allowing ONLY soldiers and governments to arm

themselves. Frankly, I think I could argue either side pretty well, from a

strictly logical standpoint. At the end of the argument, though, we're stuck

with the words of the Constitution. When in doubt, it's incumbent upon us as

citizens to err on the side of less government interference. History tells

us that government is inherently evil -- necessary, yes, but evil if it's

allowed to run amok. What's the old saying? Absolute power corrupts

absolutely?


Fortunately, the very Constitution which creates this debate provides a very

specific mechanism by which to resolve it: We can amend the document yet

again to express exactly what we'd like it to say. But from what I can tell,

none of the anit-gun activists want to go that route because they sense that

it would fail miserably. Why? Because they fear that the majority of

Americans would refuse to surrender their ill-defined right. In a democracy,

majority rules, right?


As the world becomes more complex and confusing, we seem as a society to be

losing sight of the most basic tenet of democracy: That we are all born with

absolute freedom; that laws and governments are no more than necessary evils.

We need to be ever vigilant not to give up those rights without careful

thought not only to the common good, but to the unalienable rights of

individuals to do as they please.


Bringing this full-circle, then, we've got to be careful not to confuse the

concept of legality with the concept of Right and Wrong. Laws are the stuff

of politicians and governments, specifically designed to balance the rights

of one person or group against the rights of another (see Warren's post).

Thus, it is entirely possible that I am Right to steal to feed my family, or

even to kill the person who molests my child; but that doesn't mean that

I will not (or should not) be punished by the law for my actions.


Wow, this high-level thinking can be really exhausting...


-- John Gilstrap, author of Nathan's Run (now in paperback), and At All Costs

(due in June of '98 from Warner Books)






Subject: The Enneagram

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:55 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041100561001.UAA19042@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I may never know what my score is on this test. I have taken it three times,

twice in trying to get the results I am told "it failed to load" and once AOL

bumped me off. I am going to know all 180 questions by heart at this rate.



Carol






Subject: Old radio

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 08:58 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041100583200.UAA22207@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'll bet no one remembers this one: It was on Saturday mornings, a zillion

years ago, and was put on by French's bird seed!! There was soft music

playing and a bunch of canaries singing their little hearts out. It went on

for a half hour but sure was pretty and soothing.



Carol






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:03 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041101030001.VAA20107@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I think Buster Brown's dog name was Tige.







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:03 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041101030501.VAA22895@ladder03.news.aol.com>


HooBoy, Warren--I don't think I'll have the energy to lift the fork toting

gefilte fish to my mouth tonight. More's the pity.


You always make me think. As usual, it's the God part that throws me, but I

ponder your words and cannot say that you are wrong (either absolutely or

tangentially). I am worried, though. As a bluie, what does that world leave

me? Two brownies and the rest greenies. I think I'll file a class action

suit. I know a

good lawyer.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:08 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041101082100.VAA20923@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol -


I was also scared of Alfred Hitchcock music - and also the Twilight Zone.







Subject: Re: The Enneagram

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:14 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041101143800.VAA24718@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm taking the test again. I can't believe that I am an "8". I don't

consider myself courageous, confrontational or a crusader.


Either the test is wrong or I don't know myself as much I thought I did.







Subject: Misc

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:17 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998041101175400.VAA25249@ladder03.news.aol.com>


First, I feel very young now . . . I'm clueless about all these radio shows

you folks are talking about. It's a nice change, though . . . at work

lately, I've been feeling old, surrounded by too many just-out-of-school

people. I did read Nancy Drew when I was younger, but loved Trixie Belden a

lot more. In fact, the Trixie Belden books are still readable, whereas I

don't think Nancy Drew holds up so well. (Although, having gone to Drew

University, I suppose I'm partial to her name, at any rate!). How about the

Black Stallion series?


Second, we just got back from seeing "City of Angels." What can I tell you?

Maybe, oh . . . two stars. For a movie about angels, I thought it distinctly

lacked optimism. The angels almost never smiled during their good deeds,

they all walked silently around wearing black coats, and showed no joy in

their work. What does that say about God, that the angels look so solemn? I

prefer to think of God as a joyful Creator--and I believe it follows

that His angels would be, if not joyful themselves, at least happy! And,

gee, Nicholas Cage has such a great smile, he should have used it more. He

solemly watches Meg Ryan (with whom he's falling in love) as she goes about

her daily life--one of the reviews I read this morning said he was like a

stalker. And, I have to agree--he didn't seem to take any joy in being in

the same place as her, just stood there and watched. And, as anyone

who's seen the commercials knows, he (small spoiler here, just in case you

HAVEN't seen the ads) gives up his immortality to be mortal with her. Now,

if an angel and I were in love and he gave up Heaven to spend time on earth

here with me, I'd be surely happy to see him and grateful . . . but I'd feel

at least a wee twinge of guilt that maybe I wasn't worth that kind of

sacrifice. Meg Ryan's character just took it in stride--happy, glad to be

with

him, but no second thoughts. No qualms, however minor. It was a

beautifully-filmed movie, but it tried so hard to be touching and ethereal,

it went over the edge--the musical score, in particular was more melodramatic

than supportive. It sounded lovely, but it overwhelmed some of the delicacy

the plot had. All in all, this movie wasn't a complete waste of two hours,

but . . .


Have a very happy Easter/Passover/Spring, all! Enjoy!



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Re: Sue Barton, Student Nurse

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:39 PM EDT

From: MJZ 216

Message-id: <1998041101394701.VAA28935@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Re: "Every time Nancy would get pulled over by a cop for speeding in her

"roadster" to the scene of some crime, she would hand over her license and

the cop would say, "Drew? Are you the daughter of Carson Drew, the lawyer?!"

and then let her off." Do you think this would happen today with the attitude

of the police and the public toward the police?<BG>

JoZ

mjz216







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 09:58 PM EDT

From: MJZ 216

Message-id: <1998041101583401.VAA29310@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My mother insisted on reading a chapter from the Bobbsey Twin each night

before bedtime. I hated those kids and wished the circus(They were always

running off with the circus) or the gypsies would take them and get them out

of my life. My dad took over the reading and I got Hound of the Baskervilles,

which scared me to death, but I did stay in bed and not make a sound until

sleep finally came. He also read a book that I would like to find again

about Archie the Cockroach and Mehitabel the Cat. They live in the cityroom

of a newspaper and Archie would come out at night and type messages by

jumping on the typewriter keys. His favorite line was "What the hell,

Mehitabel." and Mehitabel's was "Toujour gai, toujour gai" When I pulled

those lines on my grandmother, I was sentenced to the Bobbsey Twins again.

JoZ

mjz216






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:07 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041102075001.WAA03855@ladder03.news.aol.com>


One warm fall day, back when we did the star panel in the auditorium, we had

sold out and miked the panel discussion to the crowd outside. Suddenly, we

were taken back to the days of radio, when the great Clayton Moore, who

played the Lone Ranger, broke into, "Hi Yo, Silver, awaaaaay!!!! It sent a

chill right down the backbone.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:08 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041102084000.WAA01235@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Anyone here remember Katy Keene?

Lil Itch?

Beebleberries????

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:11 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041102113000.WAA04472@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Merc wins the cigar. Buster Brown's dog was Tige, the cat was Midnight, the

mouse was Squeaky, and Froggy "plonked" the magic twanger.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:23 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998041102233600.WAA03820@ladder01.news.aol.com>


OK Carol, I can't take it anymore!!!!!

I never got my bio to Nancy, so you missed my birthday in Feb. and I missed

out on one of your marvelous birthday poems!!!!

I challenge you to create a belated verse or two!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet







Subject: Re: Birthdays

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:27 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998041102275000.WAA07313@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've been offline due to a shoulder injury. So........

Happy Birthday to:

Mary Coral

Deb

Cheef.

I'm 150 posts behind, so if there are any birthdays between Cheef's and April

10th, I'll catch up to you in a day or two!!!

Many Happy returns of the days!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet







Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:37 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998041102370600.WAA06139@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Both my sister and i loved Trixie. At christmas we each bought each other a

gift, I still remember the Christmas we each bought the other the same Trixie

book. Great minds and all that.


Becky in Texas






Subject: Re: Programs and Types

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:39 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998041102394500.WAA06576@ladder01.news.aol.com>


how about Spin and Marty. And that other disney club show with the haunted

house Help?


Becky in texas







Subject: Question?

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:41 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041102411101.WAA06811@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Tonight on Jeopardy it was said that until 1997, garbage disposals were

illegal in NYC. Can someone tell me why?

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes







Subject: Remember when...?

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:43 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041102435000.WAA10004@ladder03.news.aol.com>


First and foremost, Happy Passover, Happy Easter, or whatever it is you

celebrate. If any of you want to read a short, funny article written about

seders, go to : Fran Lebowitz Gives Her Slant on Seders in today's NYTimes.


Down Memory Lane-While I did enjoy Nancy Drew and Sue Barton, I especially

remember loving The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew as well as The

Bobbsey Twins.


Judi-Duz does it! Of course! How about the commercials for Ovaltine on Little

Orphan Annie? I remember a lot of those old commercials. I always went home

for lunch, and listened along with my mom to the old soap operas. Helen

Trent, Ma Perkins, Our Gal Sunday. How about Tom Armstrong, The All-American

Boy, Let's Pretend

and Uncle Don (Hippety-hip hopscotch, rainbow-ree, Subbonya, skippety, I

love thee....) ??? Now remembering those makes me o-o-ooooolder than dirt.

I'm so old that TV and Captain Video weren't invented yet. At least I didn't

have to rely on a crystal set to get those old radio shows. Nancy, the one

you remember is The Goldbergs.

Of course, when I got older, I loved being scared by Inner Sanctum and Arch

Obler's Lights OUt which I could only listen to huddling smack in the middle

of the bed so the monsters underneath it couldn't reach me!!


Melinda-I do believe Buster Brown's dog was Tige (short for Tiger).


Shauna-Oh, how lucky you are to be reading The Hobbit. Tolkeing was a

wonderful writer.


Hey, Leah, Our Queen of Spam. Have a good vacation and enjoy your rest.


Warren-Wow. Bottle you up for a few weeks and then open the flood gates.

Whew! I hope AOL doesn't charge by the word. It's wonderful having you back,

front and center again.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Wrong Words/Gina/Luigi

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 10:47 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998041102482900.WAA10818@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shauna,

I too came this clos to downloading the preview, Glad i didn't. Have now

warned whole family


PS I loved the hobbit


Bcky in Texas






Subject: Re: Geezer Days

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:10 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041103100400.XAA14539@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Okay Smartie


Conjugate the verb "To Be Old"


ROTFLMAO You are toooo much!!!!


Your oldest Fan!


Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:12 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041103125500.XAA15027@ladder03.news.aol.com>


No John: As much as I respect you as a writer, and as much as I enjoyed

Nathan's Run, and as much as I think you are a very nice man, I must say that

the tenets of democracy do not say this: <<the most basic tenet of

democracy: That we are all born with absolute freedom; that laws and

governments are no more than necessary evils. >>


If we were all born with absolute freedom, each of us would have the right

to do to any other one of us whatever we chose to do whenever we chose to do

it, if we chose to do it. In other words, democracy would be synonymous with

anarchy, which it is not. Oliver Wendell Holmes once reminded us that

freedom of speech does not include the right to cry out "Fire!" in a crowded

theater, unless there is, in fact, a fire.


My right to carry a ladder ends with the point at which my ladder connects

with your face, or head, or body, if I determine to so connect it. I do not

have absolute freedom, any more than you or anyone else does, to hit anyone

with a ladder, or anything else. Or to steal from them or to harm them in

any way. The Freemen would disagree with me, of course, but no society can

exist long without laws.


Laws are not "evils." They are limiting, of course, but they are also

protecting. What limits me from hitting you in the nose with my ladder, also

protects you from being hit in the nose by me, or by providing you with

recompense if I so choose to hit you anyhow.


Our democracy means government of the people, by the people and for the

people. In a pure democracy all of the people would negotiate and agree in

person with each other as to what was acceptable behavior and what was not,

and as to how to enforce that behavior. It is impossible for a nation as

large as ours to have each and every person participate in each decision.

Also, a democracy allows for the fact that some people choose not to be

involved

or to not participate. So we elect officials to make many of those decisions

for us which we are unable logistically or by inclination to make. Sometimes

we like the decisions our officials make, and sometimes we don't.


But we do not have absolute freedom. Never have. Never will. Nor should

we. No one, even Americans, have the inalienable right to do as we please.

No where in the Constitution, which I revere, have I ever read that we have

<<the unalienable rights of individuals to do as they (we) please.>>

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Old radio

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:15 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041103152001.XAA15421@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Are you kidding? I sure do remember this one - but all the birdies sang on

SUNDAY in Canada! It drove us nuts! (that explains it all)

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Plonkin' & Pickin'

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:16 PM EDT

From: CATZERS

Message-id: <1998041103164801.XAA12950@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef says: <<and Froggy "plonked" the magic twanger.>>


I loved hearing Andy Devine's gravel voice coax Froggy into 'plonking' his

magic twanger...boiiiiiiing! However, I have spent years trying to explain

this to DH who claims he doesn't remember it. Now, I'm only 39 days older

than DH and we seem to have watched all the same kiddy shows when we were

little and he even remembers this show but swears he doesn't remember the

'twanger' part. I'm showing him your post, Cheef, but

knowing him he'll probably say "oh, you just put her up to posting

that".....gee willikers, he can be as stubborn as a Missouri mule when he

wants to be!


Early TV could be a real hoot. We only got 5 or 6 channels in northern VA

and the one that had the best kid shows was WTTG originating out of

Washington, D.C. I used to love a show that came on that channel called "The

Pick Temple Show". He was a really hokey cowboy who used to sit little kids

up on a horse (can't remember now if it was a real horse or a wooden horse)

and they would say hi to the folks back home. Pick Temple was a dry wit, man

of

few words, and always kind of reminded me that his boots were killing him.

He usually wore an expression that was a cross between pain and exasperation.

One day (live TV, remember) he sat this bratty little kid up on the horse and

the kid just would not shut up....."hi Mom, hi Dad, hi Sally, hi Linda, hi

Miss Brown, hi Aunt Matilda (Pick interrupting saying "okay, let's give

someone else a chance, Pardner"), hi Cousin George, hi Uncle

Ralph (Pick again "time to get off the horse, son, and let another person

have a turn"), hi Spot, hi Alice, hi Mrs. Feeney, hi Charlie (Pick, getting

more nervous by the minute, "time to get off now, young man"), hi Freddie, hi

Ann, hi Rebecca, hiiiiiiiiiii---at which point Pick Temple forgets himself

and shouts "That's it, kid, get off the &#*!%#$ horse RIGHT NOW!" <*Poof *>,

cut to commercial and when they came back ol' Pick was gone!!!


CATZERS







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:18 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041103183601.XAA13237@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Archie & Mehitabel books are still in print - I got some for a friend of mine

last year. In fact, I think the Common Reader Catalog shows them often

(1-800-832-7323) They are adorable

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:24 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998041103243201.XAA14290@ladder01.news.aol.com>


All I can say is, the ones of you that profess to have CRS are the very ones

remembering all these old shows. You must be better off than you realize. I

was scared to death of Froggy on the Buster Brown Show, but have no idea why.

And I loved my winky-dink plastic screen.


Last time I took the Keirsey test, I was a ENTP, almost a EXTP. This new one

said I was a ESTP, so I guess I'm fairly consistent. WIll take the other

later. I already know I'm bossy.


Thanks to all who asked about the tornados here. It is truly scary to see

what damage can be done in only seconds. We were closer than I originally

thought, maybe 3-5 miles SE of the path of the storm, but our power never

even flickered. We were very, very lucky. So now, we've had killer tornados

here in Alabama on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, & now Ash Wednesday in the last

couple of years ( I'm a little unclear on the exact range of time here)

I am wondering if this has any hidden meaning....


Finished "These Is My Words" at 2 am this morning & I really loved it.I will

keep this one & not return it to the bookstore. Loved the voice of Sarah

Prine.


A happy weekend to all,

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Date: Fri, 10 April 1998 11:28 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041103284800.XAA17727@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Suzie, Suzie, Suzie Q

We missed your birthday -

Oh, boo hoo


When asked to make it up to you

We'll try real hard -

Will this do?


Hap hap happy belated day,

Aged good wishes come your way -

Writing this one off the cuff

Isn't really all that tough!


So now come clean & tell me true -

What's that day we owe to you?

When it was I do not know

Or a hearty hand we'd show.


We'll be ready for next year -

Bringing loads of food & cheer,

Now our waists are rather tight -

Writing after Seder night!


Hope you see that we're devoted

Took a poll, & we all voted -

Here's the birthday that you missed -

Here's the year we booed & hissed -


You got younger than the rest,

Just for missing 'birthday fest'.

We'll get even, never fear -

We will send you TWO next year!


HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY FROM ALL OF US


Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Old TV and reading

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 12:56 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041104563400.AAA28981@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I've been reading about everyone's memories of their favorite books and

they're all favorites of mine, Cherry Ames, (wipe that rouge off your cheeks,

young woman!) Nancy D, the Hardy Boys, Trixie Beldon, the Bobbsey Twins, etc.

The memories brought a book to mind that touched me deeply years ago but I

can't remember what it was or even very much about it. Maybe someone here

will know it. It was about a young girl, maybe involved with a circus,

who experiences a huge fire, on a train, I think. Anyone have a clue?

My memories of early tv are somehat limited because we didn't get

television here until I was 13 or so and then it was very limited but has

noone mentioned Jackie Gleason and the June Taylor Dancers? My DH and I are

the same age but we have a real culture gap when it comes to tv, no, I don't

remember Clarabelle or Howdy Doody and without American Bandstand I never

learned to dance very well which is one of the things that keeps me off the

tables

at wild parties, Mary Coral!

One thing we did with no television was to listen to the Bozo records. You

could follow along with the books and these were much loved. For years I

looked in "collectable" shops for them but never found one. Bozo Under the

Sea was my favorite!

I've always been glad that television came to us late even though I thought

my cousins in far away cities were so sophisticated because they had it. We

spent our childhood doing simple things like snowshoeing around the town park

and at the halfway point warming chicken noodle soup over our portable camp

stove made of a coffee can and tin of sterno.

Happiness of the season to you all!!!

Sue in Mi







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:53 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041107532001.DAA18987@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've been thinking of this one all evening while our normal life has gone on

in it's silly way. DH visited his father today with DS & DD - he came home

so sad because his Dad is hardly there any more. The whole thing has, as

death often does, made us think a little about how we live our own lives. I

don't think we'll change - change is the hardest thing in the world, I think.

Not that we're

bad but like most people we feel we could be better - and the silly part of

our lives I'll leave out because, honestly, I don't think anyone would

understand how we live here.


Like all of us, I've been interested in the questions of life - right and

wrong, why are we here, do I care? Do I have a choice ... about anything.

Am I predestined or am I in charge? Well, I'm really old and I can't answer

those questions. Probably I'm not going to think about them anymore because,

to me, they are unanswerable.


I was an existentialist when I was younger and, on the whole, I agree with

GilJohn. We are completely free and rules are only societal things we agree

to (or don't agree to). For me, the ones I don't agree with I don't obey. I

am a thinking human being, totally free, in the only life I'm certain of. I

don't intend to limit it to what has only already been discovered and

customized to suit some society that I may or may not want to belong to. I

have a strong moral code but can only attribute it to my nature - the world

is obviously full of people functioning perfectly without my moral code. I

don't like to hurt other people because I know what it feels like - there's

nothing I want badly enough that it would require hurting another person to

get it.


I once had an experience that I don't know if it was valid or not. We were

in Vegas and I was pretty wrapped up in gambling. Actually we needed money,

and I was greedy for a windfall. Greed was all I felt and greed was all I

saw around me. We were in our room and it was like, I broke through some

wall to a place inside of me that was like a fountain of joy. That's the

only way I can describe it - a fountain. And I knew that that joy existed

whether I was greedy or not, whether I cried or not, no matter what went on

in my life, that center was joyous - joyous just to be alive experiencing it

all. I haven't taken life very seriously since then. But I know everyone

has that fountain inside of them - buddha nature, I expect. I wonder if it

survives death.


hasta manana -



Mary Ann

Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 04:31 AM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041108312901.EAA18196@ladder01.news.aol.com>


If you'd like some reminders of what those old time radio shows were like (or

you've never heard them and are curious), I've found some hyperlinks with

sound bytes from them that you might enjoy visiting:

AIC SoundBytes (This one has Our Miss Brooks, Burns and Allen, The Whistler,

and more)

Sound of Radio Broadcasting (Amos & Andy, Archie, Buster Brown, The Lone

Ranger, etc.)

More Famous Weekly Old Time Radio Shows (Fibber McGee & Molly, etc.)

The TV shows were all in black and white, and there was no such thing as

remote control. Remember all the TV family sitcoms? There were The Nelsons,

The Andersons, the Cleavers and the Reeds, all too impossibly goody-goody to

be true. But the Kramdens on the Honeymooners and the Ricardos in I Love

Lucy were a lot funnier. Nobody's mentioned The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.

I used to love that. Dobie was always contemplating life under the

statue of The Thinker.


Some of my favorite shows from the 50s were Alfred Hitchcock Presents,

Playhouse 90, and The Twilight Zone.....


You unlock this door with the key of imagination

Beyond it is another dimension

A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind

You are moving into a land of both shadow and substance

You have just crossed over - into the Twilight Zone




Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over and The Shipping News)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: Spmfans/Personalities/Happy......

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 04:57 AM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041108572201.EAA19303@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leah, Congratulations to you and Steve on your 22nd wedding anniversary and

on completing "Critical Mass." Sounds like you both deserve a nice vacation!

Looking forward to hearing more from you when you get back!


»§«:*´`»{@}« ´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«


Re: Personalities: The tests sound intriguing, but I haven't taken them yet.

It sounds like too big a time investment, considering the discouraging

reports of people answering all 180? questions and having it "fail to load."

Geez!


»§«:*´`»{@}« ´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«*´`»{@}«´`*:»§«


HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY PASSOVER, HAPPY SPRING


.. ^ ^ ^ ^

.. `\ \ | \ / | / /

.. \ \^^^^| | | |^^^/ /

.. \ \ / /

.. | ø ø ø ø |

.. \ »`o'») ( »'o«` /

.. / i><i ) /^^^^^^^\

.. \ \ \ §§ §§§§

.. / \ \ \ \ / / / / \

.. | V V V V \

.. ,,,,,| \ \ §§§§§§§§§§§§§,,

.. (;.,`;| | | | | |';.,`;)

.. """" \ /___ /___ ___\ ___\ /""""

.. (_______)))___)))(((__(((______)

..^^^^^^^^^^¥¥¥^^^^^^^¥¥^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^¥¥¥¥^^^^





Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over and The Shipping News)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 06:24 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041110244201.GAA22116@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy -- Oh yes! Do I ever remember my Winky Dink. I don't think we had so

many toys as children. Mine would never have enjoyed anything like WD. We

must be the same age, old lady!


Loved "Queen for a Day", even watched that when I was first married and

dreamed of being a contestant. I only wanted to win a washer/dryer so I

didn't have to trudge down to the laundromat every day with a diaper pail.


As children, we liked the commercials almost as much as the shows.

Especially fond of the Ajax characters scrubbing out the tub. Talk about

hard up for entertainment!


Finally, finished the personality-disorder test. I had to take it so many

times that I knew all the questions by heart. It took forever to score it,

but finally I am an "8". But I beg to disagree!


Cissie, off to try to catch up







Subject: Re: Right and wrong

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 08:45 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041112451401.IAA03052@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann, what an intriguing post! A whole new facet of your already

interesting character emerges.

Sue in Mi







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 08:56 AM EDT

From: GILJOHN

Message-id: <1998041112562601.IAA04183@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu,


Clearly, I once again fumbled the point that I was trying to make. I am not

a proponent of anarchy -- I like an orderly world of orderly people. Laws

are essential to our mutual safety. When we inflict a law upon ourselves,

however, I think we need to take a serious look at all that we are agreeing

to give up. Too often, we as a society justify a new law -- which by

definition is a restriction of someones ability to do something legally -- by

saying, "I don't see any harm in that law," when in reality we should all be

convinced that the law is NECESSARY to the greater good. Political

expedience does not equate to necessity.


You hear it in the way people talk in politics and in the media. They talk,

for example, in terms of how are we going to PAY for a tax CUT, assuming

without critical thought that all government programs are sacrosanct and that

taxpayers must somehow justify keeping the money they earn. Those of us who

believe in the safety of seatbelts and motorcycle helmets shrug at seatbelt

and helmet laws because they make sense to us, without ever considering

the long-term implications of allowing the government to decide how we should

conduct our private lives.


Recent legislation on "hate crimes" is another example. Now, I'm not a

proponent of hate anymore than anyone else, but I do get a little goosey when

the government judges the severity of a felony on the basis of what the felon

was THINKING at the time he committed his crime. Yes, ending hate is a noble

goal, but allowing powerful people to judge our thoughts is not the way to do

it.


It's hard to write these things without sounding paranoid as hell, but small

doses of paranoia are healthy, I think. Certainly, the Founding Fathers were

paranoid, but then they'd endured a form of tyranny that had perfected itself

over centuries of oppression. Our entire form of government exists solely

for the purpose of limiting the power of government over the lives of its

citizens. I just think we should remember that.


Now, a quick story about yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater. I was a

firefighter for many years, and early in my career, I found myself fighting a

house fire, struggling to hump a charged hoseline up a flight of stairs that

was jammed with other firefighters who, quite frankly, didn't have much to do

beyond watching, because I had the water supply. Well, in the midst of

shouldering my way through the crowded stairway, someone started yelling,

"Movie! Movie!" I thought that was funny.


-- John Gilstrap, author of Nathan's Run (now in paperback), and At All Costs

(due in June of '98 from Warner Books)






Subject: Freddie?

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:10 AM EDT

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998041113102701.JAA05576@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Reading all these posts about old time radio and TV, I just can't resist

posting a memory of my own here. Anyone here remember the Freddie Freihoffer

show? It was sponsored by the Freihoffer Baking company here in Upstate NY

(and by the way, they STILL make the best chocolate chip cookies!), and will

probably only be known by people who grew up here. Always had a live

audience of children, and the best part was the "Squiggles", where

kids from the audience came up and just scribbled on a piece of paper and

then --

was it "Uncle Bob"? -- would create like magic and real picture from the

squiggle. Was the dream of every kid to celebrate their birthday by going on

the Freddie Freihoffer Show.


"Freddie, we love you,

We think you're swell.

Freddie, we love the stories you tell.

We love your cookies, your bread and your cakes,

We love all the things Freddie Freihoffer bakes!"


In those days, another fun memory was seeing the Freihoffer baking truck pull

in your driiveway twice a week, offering wonderful goodies.. I remember being

dissapointed that Freddie wasn't driving the truck.. Whatever happened to

home delivery? Remember the Jewel Company?

Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Evening Class, by Maeve Binchy."

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...







Subject: Re: Memories Cont'd...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:21 AM EDT

From: SilvlocMom

Message-id: <1998041113210301.JAA03806@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I too had a Winky Dink screen.. glad to hear I wasn't the only one out there.


I loved Meet Millie with Elena Verdugo.. her name shows up in crossword

puzzles a lot now.

Superman & the Mole Men scared me right out of the movie theatre.

Here in the NJ area was a program called Junior Frolics, there was an

audience of kids in the studio to watch cartoons (Farmer Brown).. I went with

a group of friends and they gave us orange juice and cookies. What a thrill.

I think I remember the Buster Brown shoe jingle.. "Hi, I'm Buster Brown, I

live in a shoe, Here's my dog Tige, He lives there too." !!!

Katy Keene, I loved her.

How about L'il Abner and the Dogpatch gang..


Joan in NJ







Subject: Re: The Enneagram

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:23 AM EDT

From: DCDLSD

Message-id: <1998041113230601.JAA06846@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I tired the test three times yesterday and had similar problems. My First

Aid monitor shows oo% memory remaining--and I have no other programs running.

Oh well, I did print out the types and will read to see what I think I am.


Lynne, in Houston

reading Biblioholism by Tom Raabe







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:33 AM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998041113331901.JAA07924@ladder03.news.aol.com>


John,


That "Movie, movie!" crack certainly sounds like firefighter humor! (My DH

was a NYC fireman until he had to retire with an injury.) A different breed,

and thank God that we have them for that job.


Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Memory Lane

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:39 AM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998041113395601.JAA05905@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I do remember Bobby Benson and the BRB Riders! I loved all the old cowboy

shows when I was a kid...Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, the Lone

Ranger, Wild Bill Hickok, Lash Larue, and I'm sure there were more. Oh, the

Cisco Kid. And later on it was only natural to enjoy Maverick, Cheyenne,

Have Gun Will Travel, etc. It was nice when there was a definite good guy

and bad guy. Life really was simpler then.


Carolyn on LI







Subject: Easter

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:51 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041113513100.JAA10064@ladder03.news.aol.com>



HAPPY EASTER


AND


HAPPY PASSOVER


TO


ALL MY BOOK NOOK FRIENDS


"THOSE WHO BRING SUNSHINE TO THE

LIVES OF OTHERS CANNOT KEEP IT

FROM THEMSELVES."

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:06 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041114064401.KAA11982@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi-Yes it was the Goldbergs- I don't remember much about it other than it

took place on the Lower East side and Mollie was the quintessential yenta.

In my memoribilia album I do have an authographed picture of the young womna

who played one of the children in I Remember Mama. I think our kids have

been somewhat gypped, thinking more about this. We had some wonderful shows

when tv was in its infancy and while young people today have

many more choices, its pretty much all drech-otherwise known as garbage.


Merc - I remembered some of the ones you mentioned- do you remember Edge of

Night? I remember it was on at 3 and I think for only 15 minutes. How about

The Perry Como Show or The Jackie Gleason Show?


Roe- you bring back such wonderful memories. Recall watching Omnibus with my

dad although I hardly understood it. Yes, Edward R. Murrow's show as called

You Are There - I can still remember when he interviewed Castor and Nat King

Cole. If only Barbara Walters was as good as he was. And also Imogene Coca

and Sid Cesar's show was called Your Show of Shows. Do you also remember the

GE College Bowl on Sunday afternoons. And another

fave---Bullwinkle.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Holidays

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:23 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041114230201.KAA11201@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, we survived the first Seder although it was a smaller number than

usual. We began with 6 increased by two (cousin is an accountant so both he

and his wife were detained at work) and then were 7 after soup (cousins had a

bad cold and left) and than we were 6 again right before dinner. Cousin was

returning to work. Other cousin mentioned that God should realize that these

two major holidays didn't come at the right time for those

who have to meet the IRS deadline. In any event, it was fun although Mich at

22 and the youngest keeps asking if somebody else couldn't ask the Four

Questions.


Warren - glad to hear you're up and about. Sure hope you can meet up with us

during our April reunion. It wouldn't be the same without you.


Judi - feel so for you and Jonathan's future in laws. But I bet the wedding

will be wonderful - just remember all plans hit snags although it must be

tough beiong so far away.


More remmebering- The Millionaire, Dr. Kildare, Ben Casey- maybe these are

too recent, huh?


Bonadie - Trixie Belden and Nacy Drew are what actually began this

conversation. Jump right in! Speaking of Alfred Hitchcock- my parents were

always out on Monday nights when this show was on. I would invite a neighbor

from the building to watch this show with me otherwise I would be scared to

death. But I had to entice my friend and the only thing she really loved was

spaghetti. So every Monday at 9:45 I would make spaghetti and wait for

Maxine's

arrival and then turn on the tv. Also remember those wonderful Twilight

Episodes.


Funny that we've been discussing old books and tv shows while at the table

last night we were dicussing outr favorite Seinfeld epsiodes. Then the

conversation turned to how we would end the series. I offered my idea of

bringing together all of the memorasble other characters we remember -Babu,

Poppy, Mr. Pitt, Putty, Newman, George's parenst, Jerry's aunt, Susan and her

father who was in love with John Cheever, etc. and my cousin asked what I

would

do with them and Bruce said NOTHING!

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time








Subject: Re: Birthdays

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:33 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041114331901.KAA12562@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Suzanne-


I'm no poet but I wanted to wish you a


HAPPY BELATED

BIRTHDAY!!!!



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time








Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:34 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041114341600.KAA15491@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Now I just remembered The Ann Sothern Show where Don Porter was her boss. I

would play secretary and use a shoebox as my intercom system. Oh and just

now it came back to me- My Little Margie with ZaSu Pitts.


Does anybody else remember those smutty magazines like True Confessions. I

only found them when I was at camp - some more mature girl was able to sneak

them into her trunk. I guess tody we have newspapers which report the same

kinds of goings on tv shows like Jery Srpinger or Sally Jesse Raphael.


Deb - from the review I read in the Times, you would have been better off

seeing the movie Wings of Desire which is what City of Angels was based on.

Wings has become one of those cult films.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Remember when...?

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:36 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041114364000.KAA12962@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Upon our arrival at my cousin's house yesterday, she shoved the Fran

Leibowitz article into my face and said, "Read it our loud." I had already

read it but in the company of family when they heard it too we really did

howl.


Wasn't it Dostoevsky who said "all families are the same....."

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:49 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041114495800.KAA14732@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Nancy -- Oh yes! Do I ever remember my Winky Dink. I don't think we had

so many toys as children. Mine would never have enjoyed anything like WD.

We must be the same age, old lady!>>


We are pretty much the same age- I celebrated my BFH last year in May. I

remember having board games and jacks and spalding balls. I also remember

card games like 50 ways to play solitaire and double solitaire and a real

favorite--canasta. I wasn't real good at games - since I was an only I

seldom had friends to play with and my parents weren't into games. And for

some reason the same holds true for our DD. I also remember handball along

the sides

of the bulidings and King and bikes and rollerskating between the poles of

the canopies which led from the street to our apartment house. But when the

training wheels came off, I never got another bike and I could never did

learn to ride one. I also remember playing tennis along the East River

Drive, horse back riding in Central Park, Hebrew School and piano lessons.

Life in the city for me was programmed with all sorts of cultural outings

with

less emphasis placed on athletic events. BVut always, always they were there

- my best friends, my books.


My best memory of reading as a young child was sitting on the window box of

my room high above the street and reading to the moonlight with the Empire

Stste Buliding as the backdrop. I felt so safe and secreu with my parenst in

the next room.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Remember when...?

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:01 AM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998041115014701.LAA16293@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jan, your mention of Five Little Peppers reminded me of one of my favorite

trips, to Concord, MA, where I was delighted to see that both Louisa May

Alcott and the author of Peppers were buried in the same cemetery.


We didn't get a TV til I was 8, but apart from the ritual Saturday night

popcorn and the Jackie Gleason show, I don't have too many memories of other

shows at all.


I'd rather read a book than watch TV any time <g>


enneagram enneagram explanation


posting these again for those who are having trouble getting the other one to

load.


Shannon






Subject: Groan!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:06 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041115061101.LAA19706@ladder03.news.aol.com>



> A man was blissfully driving along the highway, when he saw the Easter


> Bunny


> hopping across the middle of the road. He swerved to avoid hitting the


> Bunny, but


> unfortunately the rabbit jumped in front of his car and was hit.


>


> The basket of eggs went flying all over the place. Candy, too.


>


> The driver, being a sensitive man as well as an animal lover, pulled


over to


> the


> side of the road, and got out to see what had become of the Bunny


carrying


> the


> basket.


> Much to his dismay, the colorful Bunny was dead.


>


> The driver felt guilty and began to cry.


>


> A woman driving down the same highway saw the man crying on the side


> of the road and pulled over.


>


> She stepped out of her car and asked the man what was wrong.


>


> "I feel terrible," he explained, "I accidentally hit the Easter Bunny


and


> killed it.


> There may not be an Easter because me. What should I do? "


>


> The woman told the man not to worry. She knew exactly what to do.


> She went to her car trunk, and pulled out a spray can. She walked


> over to the limp, dead Bunny, and sprayed the entire contents of the


can


> onto the little furry animal.


>


> Miraculously the Easter Bunny came back to life, jumped up, picked up


> the spilled eggs and candy, waved its paw at the two humans and


> hopped on down the road.


>


> 50 yards away the Easter Bunny stopped, turned around, waved and


> hopped on down the road another 50 yards, turned, waved hopped another


> 50 yards and waved again!!!!


>


> The man was astonished. He couldn't figure out what could possibly be


in


> that


> woman's spray can!!


>


> He said to the woman, "What in heaven's name is in your spray can?


> What was it that you sprayed on the Easter Bunny?"


> The woman turned the can around so that the man could read the label.


>


> It said: "Hair spray. Restores life to dead hair. Adds permanent


wave."




On that note - do not overdose on the chocolate eggs.



Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Cracking-up Time

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:20 AM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041115204400.LAA18875@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hey, Judi,


I think you finally got an opportunity to behave and solve problems like

Nancy Drew, without spying on the neighbors. I sure know what it is like,

trying to arrange crucial matters long distance, as we helped with my middle

son's wedding festivities in Naples, Florida last June. Thanks to my son's

Mother-in-Law for everything she did and arranged. It sounds as if you are

definitely NOT cracking up, just stretching thin.......


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Garbage Disposals

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:24 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041115243800.LAA22253@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Marilu: Garbage disposals illegal in NYC until 1997? As a disgusted native

New Yorker I can only guess that people were supposed to throw it in the

streets. {BEG}

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:33 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041115331300.LAA20666@ladder01.news.aol.com>


MARY ANN--<<I am a thinking human being, totally free, in the only life I'm

certain of.>> You're absolutely correct, of course. We do have the absolute

freedom to think as we wish, and we do have the absolute right to choose our

own attitudes toward what life hands us, as Victor Frankl so eloquently

reminded

us in MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING.


In my post of last night, I was referring to behavior. No society has the

right, or even the ability, to make us think or believe in any way other than

what we wish or choose to think or believe. But society and its laws do

serve the purpose of regulating behavior. The term I was objecting to was

the term "absolute freedom."




Absolute freedom, when applied to behavior, would confer the right to

do whatever we want to do, and we do not have that right. The natural world

does not give us absolute freedom to do what we wish. I would dearly love to

fly by flapping my arms, just like a bird, but I am limited by the laws of

nature. Sometimes I would love to fly down the freeway at 100 mph and insist

that everyone else get out of my way, but I am limited, thank God,

by the laws of the state of California.


GILJOHN--Thank you so much for clarifying what you meant! You are very

eloquent, and I applaud what you have said. One thing I like about this

board so much is we feel free to exercise our right to speak our minds, and

we have people on the board who think about the truly important aspects of

life and who are not afraid to say what they believe. I, for

one, would lay down my life literally for the rights and freedoms we have as

a people under our wonderful Constitution. (I'd be in dire straits living in

a country without freedom of speech, I can tell you!) There is good reason

our Constitution is the oldest "living" one in the world and is the model for

other constitutions everywhere.


But not even the Constitution can give us the right to think and to choose.

That IS an inalienable right.

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes







Subject: Ranting/AOL 4.0/Joy

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 12:26 PM EDT

From: KarenLLS

Message-id: <1998041116263601.MAA28257@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I have apologized to Warren for sending such an explosive

e-mail---apparently it was the large amounts of confetti contained. What a

SHOW. What would Pam/NitneeLin think!!


By the way, I am now using 4.0 and like it. As yet nothing has happened.

Apparently Case is toying with me. ; )


I love the dialogue we are having re: guns & freedom and laws. I once posted

I had learned to shoot a gun and was surprised that I did okay. My father

was a hunter but always kept his guns & ammo locked up, and was very

controlled with it. I never even touched one without him in the room. Smart

man. I still hate guns, though, and even though as a woman I found some

confidence in going to the shooting range, I would have to be in a very

intensesituation to pick one up. I'd rather learn other defense methods.


Most men do not understand how vulnerable women can feel when they realize

that the average mugger is much stronger than they are. I do not consider

myself a fearful person, as I lived alone for over 10 years and had very few

scary moments, even after a break-in. Training with a gun helped me to at

least understand my limits, my nervousness level, and the terrible potential

that a weapon can have in the wrong hands---even just shaky hands.


On another subject, Mary Ann said, "We were in our room and it was like I

broke through some wall to a place inside of me that was like a fountain of

joy. That's the only way I can describe it - a fountain. And I knew that

that joy existed whether I was greedy or not, whether I cried or not, no

matter what went on in my life, that center was joyous - joyous just to be

alive experiencing itall. I haven't taken life very seriously since then.

But I know everyone has that fountain inside of them - buddha nature, I

expect. I wonder if it survives death."


Mary Ann, what a wonderful moment! I do believe this Joy survives apart from

our consciousness. To me, God is Joy, and I believe that some of the issues

we agonize over are not a big deal to Him, although I do think we are

responsible for our actions. The joyful essence of His nature cannot be

overidden; it's always percolating somehow, somewhere. I remember very

clearly one moment when I was 19 or 20, working in an office andhaving a

mediocre day. Not a serious thought in my head. I suddenly remember I'd

forgotten an item in the next room, jumped up to fetch it, and ran smack into

a Presence I would give everything to be immersed in again, even for a

nanosecond. For a minuscule point in time I was Home.


It's hard to explain--our finite minds cannot handle the Big Picture, much

less the largesse of God's nature. I disdain quarreling over beliefs and

creeds these days, although I do have my own opinions. It just isn't worth

the time. There isn't much of it anyway, is there?


Karen







Subject: Re: Remember when...?

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 12:40 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041116402500.MAA00300@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<<<Wasn't it Dostoevsky who said "all families are the same.....">>>>


Nope, it was Tolstoy, in the opening of Anna Karenina.

Cheef

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 01:26 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041117264201.NAA09519@ladder03.news.aol.com>


One of my earliest and fondest memories is sitting in a box, in front of the

tv, and watching my idole, Miss Frances, ring the bell to start another

session of Ding Dong School. I have some old McCalls needleworks, with Ding

Dong Bell smocks pictured in them!


I also remember one (actually two sort of ) of my biggest disappointments. I

loved Mary Martin in Peter Pan, and when I found out he was a she, I actually

cried. Many years later, tv actually found a lost copy of Peter Pan, and

they were going to show it for something like the first time in sixteen

years. I couldn't wait------------and then found out that it was being shown

on the night for my final wedding dress fitting! This, of course, was

before the days of VCR's.


Toby






Subject: Okra--revisited

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:17 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041118172801.OAA16672@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I found this information about okra that is interesting. Seems everyone

loves it or hates it--but you may be eating it without realizing it--if I'm

reading the following correctly:


Okra

(Abelmoschus esculentus)


Okra, related to the hibiscus and a member of the mallow family, is native to

tropical Africa or Asia--and was cultivated by the Egyptians in the 12

century AD. It slowly traveled south into the central lands of Africa; north

and west to Mediterranean lands and ultimately to the Balkans; and east to

the subcontinent of India.


It arrived in the United States in the 18th century with the slave trade, on

a ship filled with Bantu tribes people.


It still grows wild in Ethiopia and Sudan, just as it did in prehistoric

times. Its plants, related to cotton, were carried to India and Egypt where

they are still used in cooking oil and as a coffee substitute.


Today okra is used commercially as a hidden ingredient: it is the mucilage in

catsup that makes it so hard to get out of the bottle.


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:21 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041118210301.OAA17156@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Giljohn--I read your first post right after it hit the board and was tempted

to reply immediately (why is no one surprised?). However, I was rushed to

get to Passover and also wanted to organize my thoughts, no easy task.


I, too, objected to your idea of "absolute freedom." There is no such animal

in a world that contains more than one person. Fortunately for all on this

board, the more articulate and more reasoned Mari Lu said what I would have

answered. I can only concur with her. Taken at face value, the words in

your first post would have us living in an world of anarchy because many,

perhaps most, people do not

possess the moral standards we would like to assume they have. I encourage

you to read my tag line. As a writer, you know what power a word carries. If

we are not precise, then we easily mislead others into thinking something

other than what we really meant to say. I know; I've been there.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Question?

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:30 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041118305500.OAA15819@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu--Your ignorance appalls me. Obviously, the reason garbage diposals

were not legal in NYC until fairly recently was that city officials (you

know, government) were afraid that with all those people fishing alligators

out of their toilets (the ones that people brought back from Florida

vacations, flushed and allowed to grow in the sewer system--but some of them

managed to find their way back up the pipes and into people's toilets) that

the garbage disposals just wouldn't be able to hold up to the task of

grinding up those thick, scaly hides.


Always look before you sit in the bathroom of your NY hotel when you get

there. This is a warning to a friend.



Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Okra--revisited

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:33 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041118332700.OAA16191@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie wrote:


it is the mucilage in catsup


Aw, Jackie, did you have to tell us that? A little knowledge is a dangerous

thing for my healthy appetite. LOL And some of you might remember my stand on

Okra is not that of some other Southerners whom I know and love. Mucous,

Mucus, Mucilage, Mucky, Ptooey, Bleh! IMOOO! ( In My Own Okra Opinion)


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:47 PM EDT

From: Spmfans

Message-id: <1998041118475701.OAA18208@ladder01.news.aol.com>


John -


Here's one to add to your paranoia. The Washington Post reported last week

(two weeks ago?) that there is a plan being hatched to have the FBI, Justice

Department and CIA overseen by the Secret Service. Now, in my woefully

limited understanding of the Executive Branch, isn't the sole purpose of the

Secret Service to protect the POTUS? And isn't the SS - I meant Secret

Service - responsible only to the POTUS?


My total lack of regard and respect for the current POTUS aside, I can't

think of any one person in which I want to have that much power resting. Does

this scare anybody else?


Leah






Subject: Re: Question?

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:48 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041118484100.OAA18306@ladder01.news.aol.com>


WELL JUDI!--<<Mari Lu--Your ignorance appalls me.>>

I guess I've been told!


It never occurred to me that not using garbage disposals were to prevent

people from feeding alligators, or feeding them to the sewers!


And I promise to think of you every time I sit on the pot! Just for my own

protection.

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 02:49 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041118494500.OAA21140@ladder03.news.aol.com>


JOHN--Did you really mean this? <<I found myself fighting a house fire,

struggling to hump a charged hoseline up a flight of stairs>> You know, just

because Gina's gone for a while doesn't mean we have to get graphic!

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:01 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041119013001.PAA22753@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara--You are without a doubt the Queen of the Hyperlinks! If we name it,

you've got it. The ones you posted should be fun.


I loved "Dobie Gillis." Zelda (real name Sheila Kuehn) is now a California

legislator and extremely popular with members of both parties because of her

good nature. She's very firm in her views but manages to be so without

antagonizing others.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Catherwood

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:03 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041119035001.PAA20361@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Pre- holiday excitement insomnia was a bit of a problem last night, and I

just did not feel like opening my current novel, Father and Son by Larry

Brown, due to its heavy nature. A tiny little novel, Catherwood, by Marly

Youmans called softly to me from the back of the shelf. I'm so glad to have

followed the beckoning invisible fingers.


Wonderful, all 165 pages of it. Copied right off the back cover:


" Lyrical and breathtaking, Marly Youman's Catherwood is a remarkable story

of courage and loss that brilliantly evokes America when it was truly the new

world.

It tells of Catherwood Lyte, a young wife newly arrived from England, who

along with her one-year-old daughter Elisabeth, loses her way in the Spring

of 1678 in the dense woodlands outside Albany, New York. It is a harrowing

yet transcendent adventure of survival in a cruel and majestic wilderness; a

powerful exploration...; a deeply moving portrait of the ties that bind

Mother and Child. And with it, award winning short story writer and poet

Youmans further establishes herself as an exceptional prose stylist..."


And from Fred Chappell,


" Entrancing reading...a tale that offers suspense, happiness, and tragedy,

and Youmans tells it in a style that compliments it as handsomely as musical

accompaniment".


I loved this little wonder. For some reason the protagonist was just so

worthy, and although sadness disrupts very painfully, the book is triumphant.

It is quick and easy to read, yet the language is worth savoring. It feels

historically accurate, celebrates love, and dignifies perseverance.

Catherwood is uplifting.


Three hours later, but hating for Catherwood to end, I took a very satisfied

nap.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:10 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041119101700.PAA21299@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Does anybody remember a show that used to pick someone out of the audience

and send them out to do something considered outrageous in those days (the

early 1880s, wasn't it?) and they'd have to come back in half an hour and

report what happened?


On TV I also used to love "Beat the Clock" with Bud Collier. In NYC and in

Beverly Hills are the two branches of the Museum of Radio and Television

(something like that)--52nd St. (maybe 51st.?) in NYC and Beverly Drive at

Little Santa Monica Blvd. in BH. You can go there and sit with headphones,

happily watching or listening to anything you want. It's all there. I could

easily spend a day there. In NY once I watched award-winning

commercials from around the world; they were wonderful.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:15 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041119153801.PAA22047@ladder01.news.aol.com>


"Ten from 'Your Show of Shows' " is on video and will make you cry from

laughing.


Wasn't Edward R. Murrow's show called "See It Now"? "You are There"--why am

I thinking Cronkite or John Cameron Swayze. Yea, I think it was Swayze. You

remember him: he was in "Dirty Dancing." This is starting to sound like the

Kevin Bacon game.


Nancy said "dreck" means garbage. She's being polite.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:20 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041119203900.PAA25437@ladder03.news.aol.com>


"My Friend Irma" with a buxom blonde who is now dead.


I also used to lie in bed (my mother was a member of the SS when it came to

my bedtime; I think I was going to bed at 8 when I was in 8th grade) and

listen to operettas like "The Chocolate Soldier" and "Naughty Marietta." I

think they were on every Saturday night. Because it was music, the Sleep

Nazi let me listen to them, but of course I had to be in bed. Couldn'tlisten

in the living room, God forbid. I did love them, though.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Queen For a Day

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 03:30 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041119300901.PAA24023@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Memory Trigger:


Bess Meyerson certainly did look better in that full length mink coat than

the eventual recipient, and were not the sad stories of why the contestants

deserved to be Queen for a Day harbingers or foreshadowing of The Jerry

Springer Show or at least Sally Jesse or Ricki Lake (without the violence or

gender confusion, of course)?


Whoever had the saddest, most pitiful, luckless, tragedy-filled life..with

the hungriest children who had nothing to wear to school and the father was a

"Shut-in"... Or the house burned...The most outrageous of the down and

out... Won the title by audience clapping, the sound being measured by some

primitive decibel meter. Ah, Uh, then why did everyone want to be Queen for

a Day?


Roe

Eor




It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Ennegram one more time

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 05:30 PM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998041121302701.RAA11258@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral was kind enough to let me know that the links I posted weren't

working... I hadn't visited in a while and it looks like they've moved, so

here is a more current one.


Enneagram Educator


Enneagram Central


And it was PATRICK Swayze in "Dirty Dancing"! John C. Swayze did those Timex

commercials...


Shannon






Subject: Re: Catherwood

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 06:07 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998041122073301.SAA16481@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I read "Catherwood" sometime last summer, over lunch breaks at work and I

though it was charming. I was a little worried there because of what

happened to her daughter, but it was a sweet and touching book. Boy,

somebody should have given that woman a compass . . . (grin)



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 06:11 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041122112300.SAA19720@ladder03.news.aol.com>


While we are on the Nancy Drew/memories thread... at the bookstore where I

work, I learned today that I am woefully behind the times... that ND is read

by much younger girls. I seem to remember reading them at about age 11 ...

but today, I'm told, girls are much more "sophisticated" and "mature" at that

age, so these stories become... boring... that age 9 is more typical for the

ND reader. ::::::::::another sigh::::::::

Thoughts anyone?


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Suzanne

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 06:26 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041122260001.SAA21921@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Suzanne,



Here's wishing you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope it was a good one.



Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 06:52 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041122523101.SAA25884@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi, Since you loved Dobie Gillis too, you're gonna love this hyperlink

"The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" It'll bring back lots of memories and it's

got links to the cast members too. I didn't remember Warren Beatty being a

cast member, but he was on the show for one season as the rich kid, Milton

Armitage. Zelda's

real name is actually Sheila James Kuehl. She still looks almost exactly the

same as she did on the show (except for being a little older like all of us),

same grin with the crinkled up nose. She's done a lot of good, especially in

laws that protect the lives and health of children. You can see her home page

at California State Assemblymember Sheila James ... and link to some

interesting press releases from there. (I LOVE hyperlinks)



Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over and The Shipping News)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 07:13 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041123130801.TAA28888@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Started reading Nancy, Dana Girls and Trixie Belden in the second grade,

stopped reading them before end of the fifth grade, so the ages seem about

right. From sixth to eighth grade, I read non series books in the children's

room, but there weren't many preteen, teen, and ya titles to choose from back

then, so spent time reading "easy" classics like Tom Sawyer, Little Women,

etc .






Subject: Re: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 07:22 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041123220301.TAA27581@ladder01.news.aol.com>


SALLY IN NJ--<<that age 9 is more typical for the ND reader.

::::::::::another sigh::::::::Thoughts anyone?>> Alas, it's true. My

granddaughters at 8 and 9 love them.


I'm now reading THE ALL-TRUE TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES OF LIDIE NEWTON, Jane

Smiley's new book, and I love it!


JUDI--So you can refresh your memory on the old time radio newsmen, here's a

link for you."Radio Days - News"


Marie Wilson was the buxom blond who played My Friend Irma. Just thought I'd

throw that it for whoever mentioned the show.


I thought it was time for me to find a new tag line, so I went quotation

hopping, and I couldn't make up my mind. These ones in particular grabbed

me.


"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. "

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)


"I am not young enough to know everything. "

- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)


"The covers of this book are too far apart. "

- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)


"Everywhere I go I'm asked if I think the university stifles writers. My

opinion is that they don't stifle enough of them. "

- Flannery O'Connor (1925-1964)


"Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest

people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work. "

- Robert Orben


"Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. "

- Mark Twain (1835-1910)


"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.

" - Tom Clancy


"The President has kept all of the promises he intended to keep. "

- Clinton aide George Stephanopolous speaking on Larry King Live


"Half this game is ninety percent mental. "

- Yogi Berra


"There's many a bestseller that could have been prevented by a good

teacher. "

- Flannery O'Connor (1925-1964)


"Wagner's music is better than it sounds."

- Mark Twain (1835-1910)


"We are not retreating - we are advancing in another Direction."

- General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964)


"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who

cannot read them. "

- Mark Twain (1835-1910)


"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is

a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. "

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes







Subject: Re: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 07:49 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041123491701.TAA04355@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Marilu,


"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. "

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)


"I am not young enough to know everything. "

- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)


"The covers of this book are too far apart. "

- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)



I vote for "all of the above" quotations, plus all the others you mentioned

in your post. Decisions, Decisions. My goodness, you are a plethora of

information, erudite knowledge, and good will. But if I had to narrow the

quotations down, I would be poising on the brink of indecision, adding yet

another consummate concern to life, and adding new verbage and coinage to

my life. How about:



"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."


Smiling with you.


Roe


Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 08:10 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041200101801.UAA04836@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Played by Gail Storm, I believe.

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:03 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998041201035700.VAA12866@ladder01.news.aol.com>


sure was....Gail Storm...........yet another memory comes to the

forefront.........love this.......

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight







Subject: Trivial trivia

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 09:30 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041201303901.VAA16975@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol, That GROAN takes the Easter cake!!! I'm sure it has to be the first

Shaggy Bunny story ever. Thanks for the chuckle.


Judi-That buxom blonde on My Friend Irma was Marie Wilson, right? The

quintessential ditzy blonde.


Marilu-I love the quote by Clancy . "The difference between fiction and

reality? Fiction has to make sense."


Sue in Mi-I just learned today that the first Academy Award ever won by a man

was won by Charles Farrell who later became My Little Margie's boss. The

first woman Academy Award winner was Luise Reiner for her role 7th Heaven.

(FYI: I was not even born then, I swear.)

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Re: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:00 PM EDT

From: Leavesie

Message-id: <1998041202001201.WAA21765@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Miss Sally in NJ:

I sat alpabetically in 6th grade. Having a last name that began with W I was

in the last seat by the bookcase. There sat about 20 Nancy Drews. I was in

heaven. Have not stopped reading since. I still get a little bit of heaven

every time I do!


RENEE in Nj...still reading.







Subject: Re: Trivial trivia

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 10:47 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041202470501.WAA29304@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<l who later became My Little Margie's boss. The first woman Academy Award

winner was Luise Reiner for her role 7th Heaven. (FYI: I was not even born

then, I swear.)>>



I wasn't around then either, but Janet Gaynor was in Seventh Heaven. Luise

Reiner won back to back oscars in the thirties for The Good Earth and The

Great Ziegfield. She was O-lan in the Good Earth, and Ziegfield's first

wife, Anna Held, in Ziegfield. She was wonderful in both roles. I

understand she appeared at this years oscar showing, and darn it, I missed

it.


Toby, who is so glad she gets both AMC and TCM






Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:00 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041203004301.XAA01681@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Didn't Gale Storm sing? "Put another nickel in, in the nickelodeom, all I

want is loving you and music, music, music -"


Spent all night at the hospital watching DH's Dad die - but he didn't yet.

Cancelled Easter - back again tomorrow. Sigh. This isn't a happy household

tonight.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sat, 11 April 1998 11:13 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041203130701.XAA03688@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy -

I remember the Jackie Gleason Show but I don't remember the Perry Como show.

Do you remember the character Freddie something or other on the Gleason show?

He had a very unique laugh.


I remember the Edge of Night. I also remember the Secret Storm because when

I was little when the music came, on the babysitter used to ship us off to

bed to take a nap.


Mercedes






Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 12:33 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041204333500.AAA18409@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, Mary Ann, my sympathy and prayers are with you and yours.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Question?

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 12:55 AM EDT

From: Goodreader

Message-id: <1998041204551801.AAA18588@ladder01.news.aol.com>


The story regarding alligators coming up through the sewer system in NYC

reminded me of something that happened when I lived in Florida.


My DH has taking a shower. I was in the kitchen preparing supper when I

heard him give a horrific yell. I ran to the bathroom and threw the door

open. He was standing outside of the tub, dripping water on the bathmat, and

yelling for me to fetch a shovel....quickly! I asked why, and he said

because a snake had just slithered up through the bathtub drain and into the

shower with him!!! Needless to say, we installed a metal grate in the tub

drain after that, but I was still very nervous whenever I took a shower! LOL


~ Jo Anne in San Jose

"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love

breathing." - Harper Lee







Subject: Re: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 01:52 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041205524801.BAA25505@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I think I was about eight when Nancy Drew hooked me. By nine I had moved on

to Huckleberry Finn and I remember when I told my third grade teacher that I

had just read it, she and the art teacher exchanged a significant glance.

Apparently, they didn't realize that I was reading it very superficially,

just for the story line. When I read it in high school I didn't get much

more out of it, but in college English I learned about--

ta-dah-- symbolism! Was that an awakening for me. Turned me into an English

major.


Mari Lu--Thanks for the Marie Wilson info. The Radio Days link looks like a

hoot, as does Barbara's Dobie Gillis link. Imagine Warren Beatty on that

show!


Wedding update: Kim's parents have found a beautiful 3-story Victorian right

on the beach. It has 7 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 kitchens, a passel o' fireplaces

and a wraparound porch with rockers. The grass goes right down to the beach.

We're having the yard tented and have a caterer to do both the wedding and

the post-coital lobster bake. The kids also want a bonfire on the beach. I

guess that's a Maine tradition. The invitations will be done this

Friday (now that we have an address!) and things are rolling. I think it

will be nicer than if it had been at Ye Olde Screwuppe Inn. And we're

renting the house for a week so we can stay there with immediate family and

J&K's closest friends. Other friends are renting the houses on either side,

so this should be a week-long revelry. We're all much relieved--kind of

nerveracking to be looking for a place just two months before the wedding.

Kim's

father offered them $500 bucks and a ladder, but they didn't bite.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 01:55 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041205555900.BAA28476@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann--So sorry to hear about your FIL. It must be so difficult for all

of you.



"Put Another Nickle In" was sung by Teresa Brewer, no?

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:11 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041215112601.LAA04508@ladder03.news.aol.com>


"Put Another Nickle In" was sung by Teresa Brewer, no?

Judi


Yes


For those of you with young children, grandchildren, or inquiring hearts,

here is a wonderful site I found on ancienct Greece, Rome, Egypt and the

Mideast. It has history, mythology, etc.Odyssey Online

Mari Lu

Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

life is a broken-winged bird

that cannot fly


Hold fast to dreams

for when dreams go

life is a barren field

frozen with snow


Langston Hughes







Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:21 AM EDT

From: LPennin104

Message-id: <1998041215215801.LAA05785@ladder03.news.aol.com>


The lady who sang, "Put another nickel in, etc." was Teresa Brewer. She sang

on that show called Name That Tune. But I think Gail Storm did sing, too.







Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:25 AM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998041215255600.LAA06234@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann, my prayers are for you and your family at this difficult time.


Judi, it sounds like you've made lemonade from lemons! This party should be

better than the original plans!


Wasn't Charles Farrell My Little Margie's dad rather than her boss?


Speaking of old singers such as Theresa Brewer, remember Georgia Gibbs, Joni

James (on the comeback trail), and Patti Page, who had many hits and has

probably always been working? I remember the Perry Como show--he was a

favorite of my mother's. And Eddie Fisher had a fifteen-minute show in the

evening, as well as Dinah Shore (See the USA in your Chevrolet!).


Carolyn on Long Island, reading Doris Kearns Goodwin's WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR






Subject: Is it just me.....

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 12:12 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041216124200.MAA09533@ladder01.news.aol.com>


...or is there a problem getting on any internet site? Yesterday I was

surfing away, then last night I kept getting this message:


<<Navigation Canceled + More information


Internet Explorer was unable to connect to the Web page you requested because

navigation was canceled. There are several reasons why this might happen:



You clicked the Stop button before the page finished loading.



You have chosen not to view secure content, or have enabled ratings.



The page might not be available at this time.



Your modem is not connected, and Internet Explorer did not find any offline

content to display. For more information about browsing offline, click Unable

to retrieve Web page in Offline mode. >>


The only one I can think would fit not being able to access ANY website is

<<The page might not be available at this time. >>


Please tell me I'm not the only one.....!




Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets








Subject: mystery readers website

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 12:24 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998041216244700.MAA13786@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Some of you might enjoy this webpage I just located: HomeArts: Mystery Shelf


Happy holidays everyone!

Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Oops. TDWTWD Alert

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 01:57 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041217574100.NAA26141@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I see in the paper today that the date/day of this movie is between Sunday

night (tonight) and Monday. It will be on at same time 12:15 AM -ABC

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Tidbits

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 02:50 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041218503001.OAA00706@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann-Sorry your household is so sad. Nothing will help until you FIL is

at peace. Then the rest of you can also find peace.


Toby, You're right. I told you I wasn't born that long ago, so for give me

error. It was Janet Gaynor. Luise Reiner was in Good Earth, right?????


Judi-The wedding sounds like it's going to be fantabulous Can I come? Huh,

please, I'll be good (maybe).

Jan

Reading Cloud Chamber (Dorris) and loving it.


.

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Sannon/tape gripes

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 03:32 PM EDT

From: KRiverbend

Message-id: <1998041219325201.PAA08984@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I know exactly what you are saying---and cannot resist telling you the

following:


Mortimer Adler, very well known at the University of Chicago and for the

Great Books course, wrote a book "How to Read Book" which was well received,

except for one wag who was reviewing and couldn't resist saying: "Now that

Mortimer Adler has written a book on how to read a book, he should read a

book on how to write a book."


Lois K.






Subject: Million Dollar Movie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 05:22 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041221224001.RAA21124@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Vox Mom,


Of course you're forgiven.......:) I love movies, but much prefer older,

classic types. When I was a kid, there was a show on channel 9 in NYC called

Million Dollar Movie, and it's theme was Tara's Theme. Anyway, they would

show the same movie everynight for a week, and I believe they would show it

twice on weekend. I don't know how many times I watched classics like Yankee

Doodle Dandy and Public Enemy. Of course I watched things like Abbott

and Costello meet Frankenstein a million times as well.


Toby, who does have a hankering to watch an A&C movie right now.







Subject: Enneagram

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 05:43 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041221432200.RAA26542@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I give up and will never know where I rank on that blankety-blank Enneagram

test. I have now taken in FOUR times and have yet to obtain a score. I can

load the test just fine, take the dang thing, press "Score Test", and then

get the message that it has failed to load.


I am tired of taking it and feel I know the darn thing by heart now.


Oh well, maybe I would not have liked the results anyway. LOL



Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Behave Yourself?

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 06:10 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041222103601.SAA27900@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jan--If you promise to behave yourself I'm never going to invite you. I want

you to be the real Janice, the unterhitzer. Now that would be fun!


Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Enneagram

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 06:11 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998041222110901.SAA27980@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol, knowing where you are on the enneagram is not all that great. I

wanted to known as the most loving, beneficent, caring person ever put on

this universe, and now I find out what a bossy B---- I am . I am tired of all

these tests not seeing me as I see myself. And I guess I am tired of seeing

myself as I really am. So not loading can be a good thing.


I am headed for the beach for a week by myself so that I can contemplate in

silence my true nature. I am taking along DD's computer and hope that I can

figure out how to communicate with all of you. For the rest of you 8's, was

your placement a surprise? And have you figured out anything good about it?



Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall






Subject: Re: Is it just me.....

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 06:47 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041222472801.SAA03470@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie 8-) in Utah--I don't know the answer to your Internet problem, but

maybe you can tell me the answer to mine. This is only mildly irritating,

but it happens constantly when I'm checking out web sites. I get a message

at the top of my screen that my browser was unable to connect with the site I

was looking for, while at the same time the site comes up. Exact same URL,

etc. I've just been

clicking it off in the little box at the top left and go one checking it out,

but sometimes it happens several times when I'm on a site with a lot of links

on it. I'm sure it must be a software problem, but I'll be darned if I can

figure out what. Could this have anything to do with the fact that I

installed Netscape in addition to what I had already? It didn't used to

happen.


CAROLYN--When I was a little girl living in Tulsa Patti Page lived across the

railroad tracks from me. She attended the high school I would have attended

if we had stayed there, and when she was still in high school she had a radio

program everyday. We always listened to her, and you can imagine how excited

I was when she had her first hit record.


JUDI--Me too! Me too! I wanna come! And I won't be good, I promise!


MARY ANN--My heart goes out to you. I've been there, and I know how hard it

is. But this, too, will pass. Just pray and hope he's comfortable and feels

your love around him.


In 1927-28 Janet Gaynor win the first Oscar for her role in Seventh Heaven.

Go to this site for all the winners.Academy Awards by year


ROE--You come up a winner every time! You left me no choice but to go with

your suggestion. Now all the newcomers to book nook can be profoundly

perplexed!

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Jane Smiley's newest

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 06:56 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041222562800.SAA07377@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I am very happily reading Jane Smiley's newest, THE ALL-TRUE TRAVELS AND

ADVENTURES OF LIDIE NEWTON, and I love it. The setting is 1850's Kansas, a

time which came in history to be called "bleeding Kansas," because of all the

turmoil and tribulations stemming from the conflict between those against

slavery and those for it. Lidie, aged twenty, who has always been more

interested in reading, shooting, hunting, and riding than in following the

traditional ladies' pursuits of the time,and she moves there as a young bride

from Illinois with her abolitionist husband, Thomas. The writing is

wonderful, the story compelling, and the characters well-drawn and

sympathetic. I'm about halfway through, and I'll let you know how it goes.

So far, it's one of my favorite books during the past year. It's up there

with Memoirs of a Geisha.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Is it just me.....

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 07:04 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041223043600.TAA06057@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu you say: don't know the answer to your Internet problem, but maybe

you can tell me the answer to mine.


Well, my problem with the web seems to have solved itself. Don't know what

it was, but I powered down completely and when I came back up--Voila! I was

able to access whatever I wanted.


Now, about your problem--I don't know. I've never had that happen before.

But I do have only one web browser on my system. That would be

irritating--like all the accept or not cookies messages I get since I set my

preferences to warn me of cookies. You would not believe how many cookies

some sites try to send you. I only accept ones from sites where I order

online (like amazon) so that my information gets saved--my shopping basket,

that is <g>


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 07:40 PM EDT

From: BetsyQue

Message-id: <1998041223403901.TAA11501@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Does anyone else remember '"Dark Shadows", the soap with a gothic twist? I

remember the Collins family of Collinsport who lived in Collinswood. The

plot moved back and forth between the 18th century and present day (I guess I

should the 1960's). Quentin Collins, played by David Selby was the

heartthrob werewolf, and Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid was the

vampire. Kate Jackson was also a regular player.


Dark Shadows has been shown again on PBS and watching it today, I laugh at

how hoaky it looks, but at the time, I was enthralled (and scared!!)


Betsy currently reading Mortal Fear by Greg Iles.

Betsy in KS



Finite to fail,

but inifinite to venture.

-Emily Dickinson








Subject: Sunday Thoughts

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 07:49 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041223492000.TAA15493@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann -- my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now and in

the days ahead as you are faced with the loss of your FIL.


Mari Lu -- I especially like your quote: "There are only two ways to live

your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though

everything is a miracle. "- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)


Jo Anne in San Jose -- a snake? eeeeeekkkkk


Judi -- so glad the wedding plans are settling in. It sounds like a lovely

site. If I bring my own place setting, may I come too???


Sally, finishing THE BETRAYAL by Sabin Willett... a thriller (readers copy)

that keeps me turning those pages.

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Sunday Walk Thru

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 08:39 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041300400101.UAA21110@ladder01.news.aol.com>


MARILU: I get the same response on occasion when I am on the net - just as

it tells me I can't get there, I am there. I think it is more to do with the

search engine or browser you are using at that time - some of them do not

have clearance for certain sites, I was told. Also, some of the sites are

old & have ceased to function.

I was skipping around through some of the medical places yesterday & this

happened a lot. I don't think it's you - it may be Netscape - but I doubt

it. It is more likely to be the site itself.


JUDI: Oh oh - you mean ----- we all weren't invited? Oh dear -


MARYANN: Best wishes that your life resumes a normal pace soon - good

thoughts & prayers your way as your family faces this loss.



Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: Re: Speaking of Nancy Drew...

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 10:01 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998041302013500.WAA05602@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My daughter 10 just boubht her first Nancy Drew with gugt certificate easter

bunny left in basket. so far she loves it. My older daughter 15 who also

enjoyed Nancy really encouraged her to get it telling laura she like it. Of

course anything suzanne liked is good enough for laura







Subject: Re: Catherwood

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 10:28 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041302284000.WAA13000@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe -- Can't wait to meet you. I ADORED Catherwood! You and me and two

other people in the universe! I was so sure that it would be a bestseller.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Queen For a Day

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 10:30 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041302302900.WAA13322@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe -- I didn't want all the angst that came before being "Queen". I just

wanted the prizes! Mainly, the washer and dryer.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Sannon/tape gripes

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 10:37 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041302374800.WAA12138@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Lois -- LOL over your Adler comment. My DH always insists on taking Adler to

the beach. I have tried to tell him that this is not appropriate beach

reading. Wonder why he falls asleep after about 5 minutes and I can read all

night??

Cissie







Subject: Mary Ann

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 10:42 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041302422200.WAA12950@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thinking about you and your family. For me, the best way to think about what

you're going through is that "death is turning out the light, for morning has

come." May it be so for your family.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:06 PM EDT

From: VKRN

Message-id: <1998041303061201.XAA17228@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Betsy - I definitely remember Dark Shadows and the vampire Barnabas. I had to

hurry home from school every day do I wouldn't miss it!!! Remember the music

box that played?

Venda in Illinois

Carpe Diem









Subject: Enneagram, etc.

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:13 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041303135600.XAA21188@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Well, I took the test and if any of you need a mediator let me know. I came

out a 9, and of the descriptions at the end, I chose the one marked

Well-balanced 9, rather than one of the less stable 9s. Why not? Who needs to

know one is a pest? I think, K-K-Carol, if you can't get a score, it might

be the test is confused by your multiple sparkling personalities. I'll bet if

Warren tried to take it, the computer would TILT.


Judi, I'll even put on a clown outfit or, better yet, my burlesque queen

tassels if you're really looking for that kind of enteretainment.(Just ask

Carol, the Marco Maniac aobut my beautiful fuschia sequined pasties.)


Marilu-I too get that confusing double message when I try to get to the web;

first it says I can't be connected and then there I am, connected. What the

hey? I've been lied to before so not to worry.


Ciao, Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Happy Easter/Happy Passover

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:19 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998041303192501.XAA22097@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm slowly trying to get caught up with all the posts here, but I still can't

keep up. If everyone would stop writing so much, I'd be able to read all the

posts. <g> Anyway, I hope all my Book Nook friends are doing well, and I

want to wish you all a Happy Easter or Happy Passover.


My mother prepared a Passover seder for us tonight. I know it's a little

late, but today was the only day we could get most of the family together.

Today is also my parents' 34th anniversary.


Timothy was on Spring Break this past week, but he went to Las Vegas with his

mother. They were visiting a friend of hers who lives there, and she has a

son who is only 5 weeks older than Timothy. They arrived back on Thursday,

and Timothy said he had a great time. We spent Friday and Saturday together,

but today he was with his mother for Easter. Timothy returns to school on

Monday, and the baseball season resumes Monday night. Timothy's team is

0-2-1 so far, but their two losses came against the two best teams in the

league.


I don't know if anyone mentioned the tornadoes in Alabama or Georgia, but

they indirectly affected me. I'm fine as the first tornado touched down 5

miles south of my apartment. However, as the tornadoes headed eastward, they

destroyed the car dealership where I bought my car and wreaked havoc in

suburbs 20 miles away. Some of my customers have tornado damage, and my

assistant manager's two sisters both had severe damage to their homes.


In some of the posts that I've read, many of you are mentioning a personality

test. Can someone please e-mail me the url of the test? Thanks.


Finally, here's a joke for everyone celebrating Passover:


A British Jew is waiting on line to be knighted by the Queen. He is to kneel

in front of her and recite a sentence in Latin when she taps him on the

shoulders with her sword. However, when his turn comes, he panics in the

excitement and forgets the Latin.


Then, thinking, fast, he recites the only other sentence he knows in a

foreign language, which he remembers from the Passover seder: "Ma nishtana ha

layla hazeh mi kohl ha laylot."


Puzzled, Her Majesty turns to her advisor and whispers, "Why is this knight

different from all other knights?"


I'm going to try and catch up this week! :-)



Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm







Subject: Re: Million Dollar Movie

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:21 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041303210800.XAA19867@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I remember Million Dollar Movie, I don't remember how many times I have seen

King Kong, Mighty Joe Young or The Boy with the Green Hair (anybody remember

that movie)? I thought Tara's Theme was from Million Dollar Movie. I was

surprised to hear it in Gone with the Wind years later.


Anybody remember The Late Show and The Late, Late Show?


Mercedes







Subject: Two new reviews

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:21 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998041303212700.XAA22435@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Here are reviews of two audiobooks I listened to recently:


THE STREET LAWYER



Although John Grisham's The Street Lawyer is not as thrilling as his other

legal thrillers, it's better than most of his recent books. The story starts

with a bang when a homeless man takes a group of attorney hostage. After the

lawyers are rescued when the homeless man is shot, Drake & Sweeney associate

Michael Brock wants to know what led the man over the edge. Michael discovers

that Drake & Sweeney illegally evicted a number of homeless people, and in

his efforts to get at the truth, he steals a file. Now an advocate for the

homeless, Michael must fight to save his legal career while he also tries to

right his old firm's wrongs.


The only action in the book takes place in the first few chapters while

Michael and his fellow attorneys are being held hostage, but Grisham is able

to maintain our interest by telling a good story. We root for Michael and

feel for his new clients and are educated abouth the plight of the homeless.

Although Grisham gets a bit too preachy and political, it doesn't distract

from the story. The difference may be that the issues are expressed in the

characters' voices instead of Grisham's. I wouldn't classify The Street

Lawyer as a true legal thriller, but I hope Grisham continues to write more

novels that entertain and make us think.


The audio version is 12 tapes, unabridged, published by BDD, and read by the

incomparable Frank Muller. (There is also an abridged version available). In

his own unique style, Muller expresses all the emotions Grisham wants to

convey. He becomes each character and makes Michael's conversion from a

self-absorbed attorney to a lawyer with a conscience more believable.

Muller's presence takes Grisham's writing to a higher level and makes The

Street

Lawyer a must-listen.


DUST



As the millenium draws to a close, the number of end-of-the-world novels

seems to be growing, and Charles Pellegrino's Dust is another book with this

theme. Insect life is disappearing, crops are failing, bats are seeking out

new prey and spreading a disease they didn't use to carry, a mite infestation

literally devours a Long Island town, and fighting is breaking out in

countries

all over the world. These random events are actually the start of a

biological chain reaction that could cause the mass extinction of most of the

world's species, including humans. Paleobiologist Richard Sinclair leads the

group of scientists who are first to become aware of the crisis and who hope

to come up with a solution that might enable humankind to survive.


Dust is not an uplifting story, and Pellegrino's main purpose seems to be

using this fictional scenario to warn and educate us that we're not immune to

the forces of nature and that the extinction of one species can have drastic

effects on other species. While this scientific thriller is very suspenseful,

it's also very depressing. The science is fascinating and makes the book a

scary thriller, but it also makes us ponder what the

future might bring. Although the story is a bit uneven, fans of speculative

fiction might want to give it a try.


The audio is 4 tapes, abridged, published by Simon & Schuster, and

masterfully read by Jay O. Sanders. He describes the plagues and terrors in a

matter-of-fact manner that will leave listeners shivering. Sanders portrays a

number of characters, and his reading brings them to life. Unfortunately, the

audio suffers from a too choppy abridgement that sometimes makes the story

difficult to follow.



Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm







Subject: Re: My web site is finished!!

Date: Sun, 12 April 1998 11:22 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998041303224500.XAA22687@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thank you everyone who has checked out my new web site, and thanks for your

comments and encouragement.



Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm







Subject: Thanks

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 12:06 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041304065901.AAA29825@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Thanks for all your kind thoughts this weekend. Pop died quite peacefully

today. DH and DD were with him until about an hour before he died - they

called us from the hospital. Then we all went to tell his mother which was

hard. She understood though and cried and cried. Oh, dear.


Exhausted tonight but thanks again. I'm glad it was quick for him and

without much suffering. Night all - I'm going to bed to read.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain








Subject: Quentin's Theme?

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 12:24 AM EDT

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998041304245801.AAA29918@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Wasn't it Quentin's Theme --- the musicbox music from Dark Shadows? I

LOVED watching that every afternoon!


Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Evening Class, by Maeve Binchy."

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...







Subject: Finally Caught Up!

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 12:35 AM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998041304350200.AAA01450@ladder01.news.aol.com>


It's taken me more than two hours to read the 159 posts you all have written

since Thursday, the last time I was here in Book Nook! I shudder to think of

how far I'll get behind next week when we're gone for five days!!


Judi: Nancy Drew et al lived in Riverheights. And I have another kiddy

quote for your FDIL's book. This might go in the chapter: Charming Tales

We've Told Our Chidren. Nicky, 6 1/2, asked to borrow my binoculars the

other day when we had a beautiful rainbow in the sky. A few minutes later he

came back in, and crossly told me, "Mom, I looked at both ends of that

rainbow and

didn't see ANY lephrechans and not ONE piece of gold!"


MercG: I loved The Lorretta Young Show, too! Now that would be a great one

for Nick at Nite to show, except that Miss Young owns the rights to it and

refuses to let it be shown out of vanity. She didn't want to be seen in out

of style clothing! Anyway, she occasionally portrayed an oriental on the

show. One episode had her Japanese character working for a Christian family

at

Christmas time. They had a Nativity set under their tree that the character

didn't understand until the lady of the house explained it to her. She then

spoke to the figure of the baby Jesus and said something like, "You not know

me..." My Grandmother was watching it with my sister and me way back in the

early 60s and said in response, "You not know me. I not know you. We not

know each other." My sister and I were ROTF, we laughed so hard!


Betsy: I loved Dark Shadows, too! It was remade in the early 90s with a

well known cast, including Jean Simons, but it didn't do well and was

cancelled.


Mari Lu: Love all of your new quotes!


JoAnn (Goodreader): A lot of the Judy Boltons were written in the 30s. This

series differed from Nancy Drew in that the books were written in sequence

and the characters aged and changed. They are dated, of course, but still

interesting to read today.


Suzanne: And any other Nookers who didn't send bios to either Nancy or

Jackie. If you'd like to add your birthdays to the list, please post them so

we may add them to the calendars. The actual year is unnecessary!


~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633






Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 10:00 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041314003100.KAA09106@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leslie:


With all the tornadoes in your area I was praying very hard for you and your

family. Thank God your okay.


Come back to Fredonia Chat we miss you. Its on Wednesday and Saturdays at

9:00 pm.


Fond Regards,

Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Body Beautiful

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 10:08 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041314092601.KAA12506@ladder03.news.aol.com>


No, this isn't a suggestion of a book to allow you to return to yoru former

bodies but a thought and suggestion as the nice weather returns.


In my attempts to look better I have gone on a massive do over period of my

life. Besides visiting a nutritionist once a week and reading all labels for

calorie and fat content, I have also started an earnest plan of exercise. In

addition to indoor exercises and with a lovely park and track nearby I am now

also walking upwards of a half an hour a day. At first, I listened to music

but while at the library the other day I investigated their audio

library. I am currently listening to My Antonia by Willa Cather. Sure, I

read this a long time ago but thought a rehearing was in order. I'm still

not convinced that I will ever LOVE listening to tapes but it sure makes my

walks pleasant and today I stretched my walk another 20 minutes so I could

get to the end of the tape.


So to all book nookers get out there, stretch those legs and most of all,

stretch those minds.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Two Weeks!

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 10:23 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041314233401.KAA14029@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Sorry to do this here, but it is more efficient at this time. All future

dealings will be conducted through e mail.


Our NYC reunion is only two weeks away- Monday, April 27th. With that in

mind I want to be absolutely sure I know who will be joining with us then.


I have the following people coming:


Mari Lu - Marilu3123

Celeste

Judi - Write Judi

Carol - GRADGLASS

Nina - NVLehman

Suzanne - Skill40

Jayne- Yankee Nana

Sally- Aymster54

Nancy - HRDCOVERS

Jan- VoxMom

Joan- SlivlocMom

Barb - Magpiefly

Warren-Sandquist

Nancy - NRK18


If you are planning on coming and yoru name doesn't appear, please let me

know. I understand that at the last minute things will happen or change

(let's hope not) and the resevation I made and will reconfrim isn't set in

stone but it is better to know who will show etc....In a private e mail I

will include my phone number for last minute changes and suggest that you

send me yours or where you can be reached too just in case.


Thanks and looking forward to meeting and greeting!!!

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 10:32 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041314325001.KAA12585@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Judi:


Finally getting caught up on Post. The SS and the Sleep Nazi your soooooo

funny. I can picture your Mom with the bull whip. Oh, what kids think!!! I

loved One Man's Family (the Barbour family) on Sunday nights. I would beg to

stay up that late. I did not have my radio until my 13th birthday.

Remember listening to the Celtic's Basketball games with static from Boston

so bad had to keep turning the radio around to hear Johnny Most.


We did not have television in Main until I was 19 years old. First time I

saw a tv was at my Aunt's home in Marblehead Mass. It was a screen very

small screen in a big big cabinet. I could not believe we would be able to

see people moving around and it facinated me beyond words.


Have a happy Monday! See you in NYC doesn't that sound great!!!!


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.








Subject: Re: Is it just me.....

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 10:57 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041314575900.KAA15563@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie 8-) in Utah--I downloaded Netscape, because I wanted to access a

program for composing crossword puzzles, (the old Crossword Magic I had for

older Macs no longer works, and I didn't want to go out and spend good money

for another one I might use only three or four times), and I was told I

couldn't access it, because I needed JAVA and didn't have it.


I downloaded the free version of Netscape to get JAVA (it took an hour and

twenty minutes to download!), but I still can't get the program I wanted,

because now it says it takes Netscape Applets, which the free downloaded

version apparently doesn't have. It seems they want you to pay for

everything, so they want $34.95 to get Applets. It's not worth it to me, so

I'm not going to pay for it. There are very few things I want on the

Internet which I

can't get for free, so why pay for it?


I guess that sounds as though I'm a cheapskate, but why should I pay for

something I seldom use when I can get so much for nothing?


SOOOOOOOOO--That brings up my original problem: Does anyone know where I can

get a free program on line that makes crossword puzzles from a list of

vocabulary words? It took me hours to make up one from scratch yesterday.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Million Dollar Movie

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 11:18 AM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041315185201.LAA18053@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mercedes.........


I was too young towatch the Late Show, but would watch The Early Show. You

may have been surprised that Tara's Theme was from GWTW. I was surprised to

find out that The Syncopated Clock was a real song, and not the theme for a

movie show!!!


Toby, who digs Leroy Anderson.







Subject: Silicon Snake Oil

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 01:10 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998041317105801.NAA05207@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Recently, I had a lot of fun listening to Clifford Stoll, a computer

security analyst for NASA and author of Silicon Snake Oil. I was at a

professional conference in a huge auditorium full of suits when this wiry man

with a shock of white hair like Einstein's jumped onto the stage and peered

at us from crouched behind the podium. He sported baggy khakis and a denim

shirt and drank from a carton of chocolate milk. He literally

bounced all over the stage and into the audience while he spoke. Too funny.


His book, Silicon Snake Oil, details some of his skepticism regarding the

Information Age, computers, and the Internet. He's not so sure that the

Information Age is the wave of the future, that people without computer

skills will not have jobs a century from now, and that the Internet is the

greatest thing since sliced bread. I'll summarize some of his thoughts.


"What jobs will exist 100 years from now?" he asked us. "Well," he

explained, "there will probably be doctors. And there will be gardeners and

plumbers and taxicab (or spacecraft) drivers. Sadly, there will also be

lawyers and politicians. How many of these professions are inextricably

linked with hi-tech computer skills?"


"Do I care if my dentist has a webpage? NO! I care that my dentist knows

how to drill my tooth to make it feel better. And I DON'T want my dentist

learning how to drill my tooth from a computer program. What else do I want

my dentist to be able to do? I want him/her to be able to put his/her hand

on my shoulder and tell me my tooth is going to get better after the

drilling. I want my dentist to be able to inspire my trust. Is my dentist

going

to learn how to do that by surfing the web? By participating in chat rooms?

I don't think so."


"We talk so much about virtual reality. What does that mean? I go to the

auto shop and the mechanic tells me that my car is 'virtually' done. To me

'virtually' means it's NOT done. So 'virtual' reality is NOT reality! And

we're touting how much this is going to play in training and education.

Hmmm..."


"The thing that concerns me the most about the Internet is how people are

claiming it will replace paper. Who wants to read Huckleberry Finn on the

computer? My finger starts itching to click the mouse after three minutes.

I want to hold a book in my hands, just like everyone else. Many decades

ago, Thomas Edison claimed that educational film would completely replace

textbooks and teachers. Do me a favor - name three educational films you

watched in school that affected you. Now name three teachers who affected

you; it's a lot easier. Films and the Internet are not going to replace

books, and it just cheeses me off that libraries are getting higher budgets

for multimedia and computers and less money for books and librarians'

salaries."


"I asked 12 people in my neighborhood what they wanted in a library. Six of

them told me they weren't going to give me any money and shut the door in my

face. The other six said they wanted a wide variety of books, including new

releases, a helpful librarian, storybook hour for children, and new

magazines. Interestingly, no one said they wanted a html authoring program

or books on CD-ROM."


Stoll was quite a character who forced us training and performance

professionals to think hard about our careers and the next century. He

challenged us to prove him wrong because he stands to make a lot of money if

his skepticism is unfounded. Basically, he advised us all to proceed with

caution.


I recommend his book - it's funny and relevant. Proceed with caution.


Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

who just finished A Year in Provence and loved it.






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 02:48 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041318482101.OAA18365@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Sally"


I mentioned Grand Central Station last week. And think the train would go

right through the Station.


Looking forward to seeing on the 27th.


Diane called yesterday to wish me a Happy Easter. We talked for over an

hour. Golly, I miss her!!!


Regards,

Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.








Subject: Re: Two Weeks!

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 04:28 PM EDT

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998041320285500.QAA00618@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am soooo jealous of your meeting in NYC---would love to come---what a cast

of characters!!

I have a friend coming from New Orleans to Cincy for the annual flower show

leaving on that Sunday and my parents from Houston will be here on May 1st

that Friday---would consider

but gotta cook, clean and plan for my visitors.

We are going to Cleveland on Wed. to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--my kids

begged us--

I would love to go up to Niagara Falls--but think it a bit far for the amt.

of time we have.

Happy Spring!!!

sv

currently reading Object Lessons--have not been reading much lately we have

been on a movie rental kick---all great movies--Breakfast at Tiffany's,

Cocoon, Pink Panther--my

kids had not seen any of them--we tied them to the couch and made them

watch--they

though Pink Panther was corny--sorta agree--at the time it came out I thought

it was

sooooo funny.







Subject: February & March Books

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 05:15 PM EDT

From: LauraD915

Message-id: <1998041321155401.RAA08035@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hello, Book Nookers. Belated Happy Easter and Blessed Passover to those who

celebrate those holidays. Despite the fact that I haven't posted in at least

two months, I've missed this place and all of you. Schoolwork swallered me

up like the whale that ate Jonah. One month to go for this semester, two

weeks off, and then summer session begins. I hope to catch up messages to

find out what

everyone's reading, and what's going on in your lives.......it'll probably

take a while, so I thought I'd post a "hello" message, and my book lists from

February and March.


February (in order of preference)

Ellen Foster - Kaye Gibbons

Crooked Little Heart - Anne Lamott

Evening Class - Maeve Binchy

The Forgetting Room - Nick Bantock

Ladder of Years - Anne Tyler

Life Support - Tess Gerritsen

Up Island - Anne Rivers Siddons


March (in order of preference)

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster - Jon

Krakauer

A Gracious Plenty - Sheri Reynolds

Joy School - Elizabeth Berg

Chasing Cezanne - Peter Mayle

Murder at the MLA - DJH Jones

A Virtuous Woman - Kaye Gibbons

Homecoming - Belva Plain

'F' is for Fugitive - Sue Grafton

The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks


Laura (in upstate NY) - currently reading Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns

Goodwin







Subject: Best April Book

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 05:30 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041321304700.RAA10392@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Just finished "The Short History of a Prince" by Jane Hamilton. This is my

favorite of hers -- and I've loved them all. She hits all the big themes --

love, passion, rejection, isolation, sexuality, family tensions, death. Her

writing is beautiful and the characters are all so rich and full, even the

minor ones. I'll not forget this book or these characters for a long, long

time.


My son is home for spring break and I'm already about to lose it over the

inertia. How he can sit there all day (well, not all day. He sleeps for the

first half.)and channel surf is beyond me. Ooooh. Patience, patience.

Cissie







Subject: Kaye Gibbons Reading 4/23/98 - Albany, NY

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 05:46 PM EDT

From: LauraD915

Message-id: <1998041321462301.RAA12943@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Kaye Gibbons will be giving a reading at the SUNY Albany downtown campus at

8:00 p.m. on April 23rd. Feel free to e-mail me for

directions..........(make sure the e-mail address says only "LauraD915" -- if

the @aol.com part is there it will get bounced, as I have the mail controls

set.)



Laura (in upstate NY) - currently reading Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns

Goodwin







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 06:52 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041322523200.SAA24030@ladder01.news.aol.com>


In reading over my last post, while once again catching up, I see I made a

few errors. Ok Judi- I think it was John Cameron Swayze - the Timex guy -

who had the show You Are There and Murrow's show was See It Now. I do know

the difference between the Swayzes even if I can't type. LOL


I also used to love Beat the Clock and even reember a baord game that

challenged you to do weird things against an egg timer.


Do you also remember Pinky Lee?


The musuem you mentioned moved recently and has odd hours. We never check

ahead and always seems to be closed when we get there.


Cheef - what can I say - read one Russian author , read them all. besides

which hwo do we know that Tolstoy and Dosteosvsky aren't the same person.

ROTFL


Mari Lu -


"Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest

people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work. "

- Robert Orben


This quote reminds me of how my mom used to answer me when I asked a

particular question.

I would ask my mom in the evenings, "What are you going to do tomorrow." She

would then say, "If I wake up in the morning and am sure I'm alive, I'll

decide." As good as my sense of humor is, my mom's was the best.



Sally - today young women read the Sweet Valley High sdries by francine

poascal - at least I think they do. Also lots of RL Stine. i read his adult

book and would never suggest any of his works to anyone but thats me.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Going any place?

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 06:54 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041322545300.SAA24393@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I just found this terrific site. It will give you an almost instant map for

any street address in the US! There's another which will also do that, but I

think this one is clearer.Maps On Us: A Map, Route and Yellow Pages ServiÉ


CISSIE--I agree with your assessment of THE SHORT HISTORY OF A PRINCE, by

Jane Hamilton. I found it slow to get into, but well worth it once I did.

I'm also finding Jane Smiley's new one my favorite of hers. My copy of

GHOSTS FROM THE NURSERY, TRACING THE ROOTS OF VIOLENCE arrived today. It's

next on my list.


*****Nancy in NJ*****I'm getting so excited! BTW it's Celesta, with an "a"

on the end. Isn't that a pretty name? Sounds heavenly! And MY ANTONIA is

one of my all-time favorites.


MIKE--I'm so glad you and yours were spared in the tornadoes. A lot of

people like to razz Californians about our earthquakes, but I've been through

both them and tornadoes, and I'll take the earthquakes any day! They don't

happen as often. I glad you're safe. Boy! five miles! That's close!


SALLY--<<I especially like your quote: "There are only two ways to live your

life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though

everything is a miracle. "- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)>> That's the one I

was going to use until Roe combined several into an unreadable conglomeration

which I couldn't

resist. I'll probably come back to this one after a couple days though!

It's the story of my life!

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Trivial trivia

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 06:55 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041322550000.SAA26993@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I think Luise Rainier also won a Oscar for The Good Earth and then never made

another movie. There seems to be a curse about winning an Oscar with your

first movie and then fading away.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 06:58 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041322590001.SAA27700@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Merc - you don't remember Perry Como - he used to sing "Letters, we get

letters, we get lots and lots of letters." Then he woudl read fan mail and

sing. He was so soothing - wish he was around now - I was only 9 then and

already stressed out except in those days we didn't knwo what to call it.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 07:00 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041323003700.TAA27950@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Another trip down memory lane. Anybody else remember Peggy Lee singing, How

Much is the Doggie in the Window. " I had a stuffed anumal and when you

wound it up, this si what you heard.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 07:01 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041323015400.TAA25642@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Uh oh - I did it again- I think Patti Page sang about the dog but I remember

Peggy Lee now - she sang that fiery song Fever.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Million Dollar Movie

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 07:05 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041323051400.TAA28749@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I remember the Million Dollar Movie and the movie which was on at 5 everyday

before the news was on at that hour. The theme of the Early Show was The

Syncopated Clock. In those days it was such a treat to watch a movie in

one's home but now ....we just got a bootlegged copy of Titanic which is

selling on the streets of Manhattan and DD is insisting we buy a huge tv for

proper viewing. The tape was only $10 so....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Sunday Thoughts

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 07:16 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041323162901.TAA00857@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Include MercG for the NY reunion.


Mary Ann- sorry to hear about yoru FIL. My thoughts and prayers are with all

of you at this time.


Judi - wedding sounds super. You and Kim's parents can plan our parties

anytime.


Mike - glad to hear that you're ok - I was wondering if anybody on the boards

was affected by this weekends weather.


Mercedes- you can always tell a New Yorker - of course I remember The Late

Show and The Late, Late Show. You must also remember Teh Early Show too.


Toby - now I see you already mentioned The Syncopated Clock - I could hum

this in my sleep.


Funny how one associates music from films and tv only. While listening to

Zarazustra, DD said sometime ago,"Oh you're listening to movie themes - thats

the one from 2001:Space Odyssey."

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Two new reviews

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 08:30 PM EDT

From: MKinkel948

Message-id: <1998041400302600.UAA11616@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mike, did you review T. Jefferson Parker's "WHERE SERPENTS LIE?" Maybe I

missed the review, I sure would like to see what you think of it.


Thank you, Marlene


PS I liked the "STREET LAWYER." I enjoy all Grisham's books, but they do

not keep me on the edge like Parkers...

Marlene in So Calif

Let your day be a garden of pleasure and your year blossom with every dream

that is close to your heart.






Subject: Re: February & March Books

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 08:35 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998041400353900.UAA12595@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Laura: What a wonderful two months of books! No wonder you didn't have time

to post. Two of my recent faves were on your list...Crooked Little Heart and

Into Thin Air. I am currently on a major Anne Lamott tear, having devoured

and loved every word of Operating Instructions. As for Into Thin Air...it was

number one in 1997 for me. This past weekend I saw the Everest IMAX

movie...what an experience! Although I don't think it overly dwelled

on the danger or the physiological effects, it did give one a sense of the

enormity and the plunging depths. Some beautiful camera work!!!


Cissie: I'm about 2/3 through A Short History of a Prince and I'm enjoying it

as well. Jane Hamilton is a gifted writer. But, looking at her body of work,

I would have to say that I found Map of the World to be the most complex and

compelling. And as for your son...since mine is 2 and pretty much perpetual

motion, I'm finding it hard to imagine inertia! Maybe you should look at it

as his time to rest up from how busy he was at 2!!!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading A Short History of a Prince







Subject: Virtual Reference Desk

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 08:47 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041400473700.UAA14842@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Here is a site with lots of words--for all you word-lovers out there:


My Virtual Reference Desk - A One-Stop Site for All Things Internet



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Monday night

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 11:15 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998041403154101.XAA12880@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Marlene - I haven't read "Where Serpents Lie," but I've heard that it's

pretty good. In fact, I've never read T. Jefferson Parker, but he is one of

the authors I would like to try.


Mari Lu - 5 miles is nothing. In my nearly 22 years in Atlanta, two or three

times tornadoes have struck closer to where I lived. Several years ago, a

tornado destroyed a gas station across the street from the apartment complex

that Shae and I lived in a few years earlier. And in 1993, a killer tornado

went through Jasper, GA (about 50 miles north of Atlanta) where Shae and I

had some land. We had already separated at the time and had never

built on the land, but Shae told me that the lot was completely destroyed

with fallen trees. A newly built house across the street was destroyed.

However, I've been lucky to never have experienced a tornado first-hand.


Jackie & Nance - Thanks for sending me links to the personality tests sites.

I haven't checked them out yet, but will let you know what number I am when I

do.


Last night I added a guest book to my web site. Please feel free to sign and

view it.


Timothy's baseball team almost won tonight. They came from behind to take an

8-6 lead, and Timothy got the hit that scored the 7th and 8th runs. He was

very excited as this was only his second hit of the season. They went into

the bottom of the last inning leading 10-7, but couldn't hold the lead and

lost 11-10. But the team is playing much better. Next game is Saturday.


Have a good evening!



Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm






Subject: Old timers

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 11:26 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998041403264400.XAA14915@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My DH has a CD with Peggy Lee's hits that includes FEVER. He plays it all the

time.

He also watches the Honeymooners almost every night at 9:30 on WGN out of

Chicago & is ROTFLHAO everytime it's on. These are a few of the *old* things

he refuses to give up!

What about The Hit Parade? I still love the Banana Boat

song....day...day-ay-ay oh...daylight come & me wanna go home... (be glad

you can't hear me sing it.)

I remember the first time I saw the NBC peacock in LIVING COLOR. To this day,

no colors compare to the brilliance of seeing those for the first time.


As to reading...I finished & LOVED .These Is My Words. Started Holding Out &

will probably finish, but started Nora Robert's Homeport before I did. So

far, it is not my favorite one of hers, but will give it more time. I also

brought home one called One-Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by

Jim Fergus. It is based on an actual historical event about a woman who

travels west in 1875 &

marries the chief of the Cheyenne nation. Those of you who enjoy stuff about

Indians (is that PC?) or peeking into other's lives like I do should like

this one. If it's half as good as These Is MY Words, it will be a keeper.


I tested out as a 7 on the enneagram, with the next highest score in the 8

category. Need to go back & see what that means. I think it means I like to

have fun but I am also bossy? My DH would agree with that.


We are gathering up stuff at my DH's furniture store to take to the tornado

victims. He is also sending out some furniture & mattresses. If I get to go

with them I will report back to y'all. It really is terrible out there. So

many are without ANYTHING.


Night everybody. Hope to get back to Fredonia this Wed.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman







Subject: Re: Silicon Snake Oil

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 11:38 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041403383300.XAA17059@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Cathy - basically I couldn't agree more. I think the Internet offers one

service that I love, besides this form of communication which I haven't

experienced before but I like - but then again, this is words and

correspondence, isn't it? So it's not that different from what I have always

liked. Besides that, I do like the library aspects of it. For instance, at

work I have a whole law

library at my finger tips which makes my research much easier - other than

that, I don't see the Internet offering me much. I certainly don't intend to

watch movies, read books or crochet bedspreads on it.


Back to normal life today, in a way. DH & I went out to dinner and talked

about his father. The main character aspect we thought stood out about him

was that he had a really good mind. I'm very angry at my second son, who,

because he's in a fight with his brother and sister, wasn't here for his

father this weekend. I'm shocked that he doesn't realize that his duty to

his father comes before any petty thing like that. I hope I get over it

because

I love him very much but the degree of his selfishness stuns me sometimes.

It's not like he's ever changed - he's always been this way. 30 years - I

should be used to it by now.


Wrote a good Petition today and asked for $32,00 in fees for us. I've never

done that before - let's see if I get away with it or not. We won our client

at least $700,000, plus all medical for life, plus we'll be working for her

forever without pay - the insurance company has already begun giving her a

hard time by not paying her YMCA bill for the water therapy she needs and has

been getting for two years. They just haven't gotten around to

paying it, so she's been without therapy for 6 weeks now. It always happens

with lifetime medical - so I thought I'd go for it. The court only awarded

us $16,000 (Work Comp - not a high paying job!).


All my boys, DH, DS #1 AND DS #1's roommate are watching "Her Majesty's

Secret Service" - they turn it off before the end. I'm glad to see new Diana

Rigg fans amongst the young. (Sort of young).


night all -

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain








Subject: Re: Old timers

Date: Mon, 13 April 1998 11:44 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041403444000.XAA18141@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<I tested out as a 7 on the enneagram, with the next highest score in the 8

category. Need to go back & see what that means. I think it means I like to

have fun but I am also bossy?>> LOL, Leslie! Finally another 7-Epicure! I

am a pretty solid 7 (90%) my next highest was a 9--Mediator. I think this

must mean I am a happy peace-maker! What do you think?


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: February & March Books

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 12:56 AM EDT

From: Gymeni2

Message-id: <1998041404563201.AAA29964@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hello, I am new to this board. Could someoone inform me as to what this

board is about. Thanks


Carolyn's Secretarial Service


Life is nothing if you are not happy.








Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:12 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041405120301.BAA04708@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've been lurking, lurking and enjoying all the posts.


Perry Como - I had a crush on him at the age of 2. Family legend has it that

I would beg to stay up and watch him...and they let me!


I saw the June Taylor Dancers and Jackie Gleason, which I loved. How did

they make those designs while they danced? But, has anyone mentioned

Lawrence Welk? I remember snuggling up on my Grandfather's lap, watching The

Lawrence Welk Show. (Totally wierd today, but that was then.) We discussed

the Lennon Sisters at length...his favorite was the dark-haired while I liked

the youngest.


And Miss Nancy...I was on it at 5! Anyone else?


Good news on my mom. Her monthly x-ray came back with the report that the

tumors are shrinking. I feel GREAT about that!!!! Thank you all for your

thoughts and prayers.



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner and listening to Downtown by Anne

Rivers Siddons. (And loving both!)







Subject: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:14 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041405141501.BAA02572@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Why, Carol--OF COURSE the entire Book Nook is invited! Whatever made you

think otherwise? By now my DH and I have attained what we call the "What the

F***" mentality: after clothes, airfare, all the wedding costs, the

"lobstah" bake the next night and the honeymoon, what difference would

another 200 or so people make? Of course there are a few stipulations:

• You have to write the entire service in rhyming couplets.

• Jan has to wear her fuschia pasties and dance on the tables.

• Mary Coral can wear whatever she chooses, but she is the lead table

dancer.

• RuthAlice will develop a website and Barbara will create the hyperlink.

• Seating will be divided not by bride's/groom's family and friends but by

individual stances on gun control. People who are Absolutely Right will

sit on

the left, while people who are Absolutely Wrong will sit in their cars

and listen to a Red Sox game.

• Karen will make all the confetti by hand and give it to Pam to throw.

• Mari Lu will tie up pretty little packets of vitamins to put at each

place.

• Lita will personally inspect each lobster to make sure it's not traife.

• Jayne-from-Maine will stand at the door and give each guest a genuine Down

East welcome, involving stuffing guests' pockets with steamers and

lobster bibs.

• Linda will hurl M&Ms at the happy couple.

• Roe will write a thoughtful and erudite column about the affair and

publish it Portland's newspaper.

• I am assisting the caterer by making what will look like stuffed grape

leaves

but will actually be dolmas filling in--what else?--imported (from

California) kelp.

• The caterer will be The Warrens. They will also be the entire 8-piece

band,

photographer, florist, officiant and ring bearer, shoving my grandson

out of the way while shouting, "Just passing by."

• If you were not personally assigned a task, do not be insulted. You are

all

invited and will be given many last-minute, important tasks and will

receive full credit in Roe's column and on the website.


Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Finally Caught Up!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:25 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041405251301.BAA06365@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cheri--Thanks to you (and Nicky!) for his great quote--it went right into the

book folder. Love it: "I looked through both ends of the binoculars...."

:- ) Tomorrow I'm calling the publisher I sent the proposal to about 10 days

ago. Of course, these people are always "in a meeting" but I'm an 8 and

nothing if not persistent.


Thanks again.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Wedding Redux

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:44 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041405440501.BAA06023@ladder01.news.aol.com>


How could I possibly have forgotten to give Nancy a job for the wedding?!

She is the obvious organizer, menu planner, seating coordinator, wine

selector and ombudswoman. Who else could do what it takes quickly and

efficiently? I should have had her go to Maine to find a house and yell at

the screw-up manager of the inn.


BTW, the owner called Jonathan today and is sending him what he asked for in

damages for having to find another place with so little time and that will

also be more expensive. It was very generous and she is a very nice person.

She just needs a new g.m.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:45 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041405450301.BAA08601@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I think it was Patti Page wanted to know how much the mutt in the window was.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: My Little Margie

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:47 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041405473701.BAA08890@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy in NJ....it was Pattie Page who sang "How Much Is That Doggie In The

Window?" My husband and I had the rare pleasure of seeing Peggy Lee sing,

several years ago, and she was wonderful.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Being An 8

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:54 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041405540900.BAA09567@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I have no problem with being an 8. Teachers who are not bossy do not survive.

We just learn to temper it as we live and learn. I just saw Primary Colors

tonight, and my family agrees that I have quite a bit in common with the

Kathy Bates' character. Including a red Chevy truck. Kind of scary, huh? In

the words of Popeye: "I yam what I yam and it's all what I yam."

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: I'm oooooooooooooold

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:54 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041405544101.BAA07158@ladder01.news.aol.com>


The first popular song I remember was "I'm a Lonely Little Petunia in an

Onion Patch" and I was convinced that whoever was singing it was inside the

radio. Genius. I think I was 4 or 5. I also remember listening to the top

10 every Saturday morning when I was about 10 or 11 and realizing that every

song was about "LOVE." I couldn't quite understand why.


I loved "Your Hit Parade"! Snooky Lansen and a blonde woman with buck teeth.

Dorothy somebody?

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Greetings from Sunny? California

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 02:35 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998041406351201.CAA10803@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi everyone,


I just sat down for a few minutes to check in and realized that it would take

far more than a FEW to read everything! I'm going to be awfully busy when I

get home trying to catch up with you all. The wedding was lovely but I am so

glad it's over. The honeymooners are blissfully playing at Disney World and

Mom and I spent the day returning tuxes and cake plates and various rented

items... fun. I get to drive because I've got the Suburban and she

has to deal with shopkeepers.


The weather is just lovely... cold pelting rain interspersed with periods of

soggy sunshine. I feel like I never left Seattle! So much for the tan I was

planning to get on my expanding waist.


I'm rambling! Off to bed.... remember, if you need me put my name in the

subject line of your message or send me an e-mail because those are the only

things I'm reading (well almost the only things) I'll check in now and

again. I hope all of you are well.


Gina

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: February & March Books

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 02:52 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041406523001.CAA12162@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Carolyn - you already belong with that great tag line.


Just pitch right in with your life story, your views on every controversial

subject you can think of and your reading list - which will improve immensely

after a few months here. I'm enjoying reading again for the first time in

years and reading better books than I was.


Welcome -

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Plagues & Escrow

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 04:44 AM EDT

From: MizBiz129

Message-id: <1998041408442801.EAA17784@ladder01.news.aol.com>


GRADGLASS - We should close escrow on the same day that your sale completes,

4/15. We were feeling sorry for ourselves and our problems with our sale

until I read your March 20 post, from which fury rose in fiery clouds. I

ran a copy of your post and have shared it with everyone involved in our own

transaction: RE agent, family, concerned neighbors. You seem to be feeling

better and escrow is completing -- congratulations!


Miz






Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:11 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041412113700.IAA29295@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hah - a little nothing! Consider it done right now -

I've packed my little suitcase, I'm ready to take a bow.

My tickets are in order, my dress is brilliant blue -

I'm on my way up North now, & can't wait to see you.


OK guys - let's call her on this one!! LITA - do a good job!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:17 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041412170501.IAA27275@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Judi:


Judi:


Its about time you invited us to the wedding! I had thought of crashing but

now that I will be the official Maine greeter you make me feel soooo

important!. Do I have to teach all the California guests how to properly eat

a lobster and dunk steam clams into broth and then butter and not the other

way around.


I shall staaart practising my Maine accent again. Like would you like a beer

or is it beaaah.


I am getting very excited about NYC the 27th.!!!! Wish you could come to the

sleep over Book Nook Night Shirt party this Saturday in Albany!!!!


Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.




Jayne in Connecticut


No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Getting crossed -

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:23 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041412244101.IAA00447@ladder03.news.aol.com>


As blast off day approaches, I am all crossed - fingers, toes, eyes, knees -

you name it! Our lawyer sent the necessary documents last Wednesday by

overnight delivery - try this - nothing Thursday - & of course, Friday &

Monday were holidays in Canada (Good Friday & Easter Monday - NOTHING is

open, not even the lawyer's office!) By yesterday morning we were borderline

frantic, wondering if this closing can take place by fax. We were afraid

to leave here, in case we missed a courier. I went to tennis at 8:30 &

returned at 10:35 - Alex left at 9:25 - that's when Airborne Express dropped

it off & there it was on the doorstep when I got home. Was that the end?

Nope!! The other lawyer spelled the surname of the purchasers - his clients

- incorrectly so all the documents are incorrect. We signed them anyway,

faxed our lawyer of the problems & wished him luck! Tomorrow is the day & I

swear if I have to hand deliver the stuff, I will!! Those of you who know

the power of a box of Matzoh will nod your heads wisely in agreement!


Am reading a very odd book called MT. MISERY - Misery is a psychiatric

hospital (after reading my last paragraph you will, no doubt, sagely nod &

say "no wonder") The doctors seem more in need of help that a lot of the

patients - it is 'sort of' humorous but I'm not sure if this will sustain me

through a few hundred pages of the doctor-hero's questioning why he is there

as an intern in training. It makes the Cuckoo's Nest look like a picnic.


Off to a tennis match


The Maniac of Marco, looking forward to NY in a BIG way

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Wedding Redux

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:51 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041412512500.IAA02828@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Lit a- great news about your mom.


Judi, Judi, Judi- I never even noticed that you forgot to mention moi. But

now I must go back and read the stipulations for my attending. Oh my, I just

remembered Martha (as in Martha Stewart) is coming over that day to grout my

bethroom. SOOOORRRY!!!!


Wanna know how to begin a bad day- wake up to the radio telling you that

Martha has made so much money for K- Mart in daddition to all of her other

money making vetnures. Now I ask you folks, what has she got that I don't?


Ok - I read my job and accept but I'm suer long distance you and Jim are

better at selecting a house. Ours now has that shabby chic look they're

talking about or as I refer to it - early shack.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Mt. Misery

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:54 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041412545100.IAA03143@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol- Samuel Shem who wrote Mt. Misery, if I'm thinking of the right book,

also wrote Hosue of God which was the basis for the St. Eslehwere tv series.


GREAT NEWS about the house. Another Carol residence I can visit in my mind.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Perry Como

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 09:05 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041413050601.JAA04095@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks for reminding me of yet another favorite. However, my grandmother and

her sister quit watching this - and suggested we do the same - when they

found out that Perry Como was Catholic!!! Talk about being raised around

some narrow-minded people.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Dark Shadows

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:25 AM EDT

From: LinSpivey

Message-id: <1998041414253801.KAA12921@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I was a fervant watcher of Dark Shadows as well. I can remember one

storyline of Barnabas raising out of his coffin. The coffin inched open

every day for weeks. The anticipation as well as the bit of fear at what I

would see when the vampire finally appeared was spellbinding.

Watched this show every day for years.


Linda in GA

reading Alias Grace






Subject: Krazy Wedding

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:15 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041415151200.LAA18959@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi-I accept, but I must make sure not to use Krazy Glue when I put on my

fuschia pasties. When we met Gradglass and her SmartAlec, I got so

'fatootsed' that I did make that serious mistake. Something about those

Marco Maniacs causes Kraziness all around (ouch).

Now, I'm so glad you gave our own NRKNancy an assignment, but I'm also glad

that you didn't ask her to proofread the menus or Roe's report. For a

practical matter, do you have to tip all the Warrens, or will one pourboire

suffice?


Lita-Wonderful news about mom. Now you can concentrate on the lobsters. Does

Rokeach make Lobster De-traifer?


Marco-ella: Your lawyer and ours went to the same school. The contracts on

the property we are selling also came with errors. Hmmmmm! Is Nancy now

working as a legal secretary. (Nancy, I love you and hope you don't take

offense, but your psots are priceless).


Gina-Glad the wedding was a success, but you do sound tired. Take it easy.


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: I'm oooooooooooooold

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:30 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041415303201.LAA18491@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi--<<I loved "Your Hit Parade"! Snooky Lansen and a blonde woman with

buck teeth. Dorothy somebody?>>

I think it was Dorothy Landon--that's pretty close, anyway.


I can't wait to come to your wedding!

Tomorrow I plan to be heading

on Delta to Maine

to be greeted by Jayne,

And goodwill I'll be happily spreading.


So much fun by us all will be had!

Great festivity we'll poetically add

To your son's wedding day,

And he'll say, "What the hey?

Those old broads are not really so bad!"


See! You didn't know I was a poet, too, did you? Well, at least a

doggerelette, as Warren might put it.





"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:35 AM EDT

From: CKoucky

Message-id: <1998041415350901.LAA19090@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Lita: so glad about your Mom--what good news.


Leslie: Let me know if you like 1,000 White Women. I liked the Unredeemed

Captive alot. NF


Query: How do you pronounce Antonia as in My Antonia. With the accent on

"ni" An-to-NI-a? Have heard it both ways. Thought I'd ask the experts.


Still reading on tape Call it Sleep--The reader seems excellent but I am in

the section where David is being tutored by a rabbi and there is alot of

Hebrew which I think the reader does well but how would I know. Has anyone

else read it on tape?

The reader is George Guidall.

Mike: Thanks for the review of The Street Lawyer. Think I'll have to read

it on tape. Frank Muller is wonderful. Only trouble is that when I read

another mystery with him reading I didn't remember goin throught several

small towns on the way home.


MariLu: Interested in your review of Smiley's new book as the reviews have

been mixed. Let us know how it goes.


MariLu: Loved your dreams poem tag but also like the new ideas.


Time for a walk.

Pat






Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:54 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041415551001.LAA21709@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi-Sounds like a great wedding to me...count me in. But oy...traife

lobstah?...you're asking the poor little not-quite Yiddisha-keppie who

thought Canadian bacon was the proper Bar Mitzvah fare?


#8 and more - How did you all get a numbers? I can't even get to the site!

All I get is...it won't connect!


Nancy/NRK - You mentioned Samuel Shem. I noticed his books recently....any

comments?


Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 01:26 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998041417265601.NAA05982@ladder03.news.aol.com>


ery: How do you pronounce Antonia as in My Antonia. With the accent on "ni"

An-to-NI-a?


Yes, you accent the NI -- the version I have of My Antonia made a big point

of that. As did the people in my face group.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Weddings

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 02:02 PM EDT

From: Ronrev2

Message-id: <1998041418022000.OAA10687@ladder03.news.aol.com>


June may be the month of weddings but this must be the season of weddings for

Book Nooker kin. We just returned from our son's wedding in Salt Lake City

last Saturday. Beautiful wedding, beautiful bride, and beautiful weather

until we started home on Sunday.........windy in SLC then it started raining

when we got to Provo, turned to sleet, then to snow. It was Easter Sunday

and the end of spring break creating bumper to bumper traffic all

the way from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. My advice to all contemplating

marriage: Look at the calendar when setting the date and don't choose a

holiday weekend.

Dottie in SO CA







Subject: Re: Let the ranting begin!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 02:04 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041418042401.OAA10977@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Marilu...


I just read your response to Absolute Freedom and appreciate your putting so

eloquently what I believe to be true about freedom. Thank you.



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)








Subject: TV and Antonia

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 02:08 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041418084801.OAA09201@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am beginning to like this catching-up, topic-by-topic. Having

finished

rights, wrongs, freedom, and gun control, I am rearin' to move right into TV

Shows. (Unfortunately, I also took a peek at Cathy's Silicon Valley Snake Oil


post, and, boy, as a natural-born contrarian, I REALLY want to talk about

this topic. Just not right now. Not gunna do it. I got TV shows to do, my

baseball Roto League Draft, got to catch up on my tax scams -- tough.

(What's tough? Life. What's LIFE? A magazine. How much does it cost? Ten

cents. Only got a nickel. That's tough. What's tough. Life.) --- OK the next

six

issues of LIFE free, which is what I pay for them, to the first person who

comes up with the movie that had that LIFE magazine bit, as part of a

conversation on a train. (So Cheef, where do you want me to send the

magazines?)


Before TV, a little more housekeeping --


1) My Antonia --- Ann' toe nee ah. Strong accent on the first syllable, Ann,

and

a falling, sliding legato lilt to the next three. It is not Ann toe' nee ah

-- that's for

darn sure. Karen -- I need a confirming, expert Moravian -- Slavic opinion on

this.


2) NYC Nook meet -- Nancy, you have Sandquist listed as an expected

attendee. I do not think that he will be able to attend because he has been

helping Niko Tesla with his lukewarm fusion experiments. I know that I,

LuigiAlva, and Tock will be able to make the meeting, but, at the moment, it

is not clear if any of the rest of us will.


2) AOL 4.0. So far, I have not had any problems with 4.0 on machines off the

network. For some reason the prelim 4.0, at least that I download, causes

real

havoc when you try to get on with any TCP/IP connection. The AOL folk do

not understand that either because all of their tech people, and apparently a


lot of the beta testers, are on TCP/IP hook-ups.


3) TV -- So many posts. I think I lost the thread of who said what, and I am


sure that I missed some of the input, and back-and-forth questions and

answers. So forgive any duplicative information in the following.


OLD BUSINESS --


a) Dobie Gillis -- Zelda -- Maybe I missed it, but I do not recall anyone

mentioning one of my favorite shows as a kid, the Stu Erwin Show. Sheila

James Kuehl played Stu's younger daughter, Jackie, on that show, which ran

on ABC from 1950 to 1955.


b) Edward R. Murrow -- He did a number of TV shows, in addition to

regular news reports. However, the two shows, I think, that most remember

best were Person-to-Person, and See It Now. Carol Heiss was one of

Murrow's Person-to-Person Interviews, as was Gertrude Berg of Molly

Goldberg fame - discussed below. Young Bruce Heiss got a chance to tell the

world that he wanted to be a brain surgeon, because there "are only a half-

dozen or so good ones in the country." I think Bruce got this startling piece

of

information from a Double-Bubble or Bazooka gum wrapper. We NEVER let

Bruce forget this comment. Never. Bruce was a great kid, but he was no (fill

in the blank.) However, I think Bruce may have been the inspiration for Ben


Casey, who, as the seventh good neurosurgeon, got his own TV series a year

or two later.

c) You Are There --- This was hosted by Walter Cronkite.


d) John Cameron Swayze -- (The Timex man.) He was a regular news

reporter on ABC, and was on a regular on a number of shows including Steve

Allen. However, the show for which I think he is best remembered, and the

one in which his whole family appeared is Watch the World.


c) Molly Goldberg and Edward Murrow --- anyone know the connection

beyond the fact that Gertrude Berg was on Person-to-Person? Well Murrow

and Fred Friendly were the first network (CBS) TV news biggies to take on

Joe McCarthy. The Goldberg's, long a successful radio show, ran on CBS TV

from 1949 to 1951. Molly Goldberg was played by Gertrude Berg, who

created the radio and TV show -- (and the famous out-the-window call "Yoo

- hoo, Mrs. Bloom), and her husband, Jake, was played, until the end of the

1951 season by Philip Loeb. Loeb got blacklisted for allegedly having

Communist sympathies, an unsubstantiated allegation that Loeb vehemently

and repeatedly denied. Gertrude Berg fought with CBS and General Foods

for Loeb, but to no avail. The sponsor dropped the show. The

Goldbergs reappeared in 1952 on NBC with a new sponsor, but without

Loeb, who backed out to allow Berg to get the show on the air. No network

or sponsor would touch him even though no charges against him were ever

supported, much less proved. Loeb's career and livelihood fell apart, and he

became embittered and despondent. In 1955, Philip Loeb committed suicide

by ingesting an overdose of sleeping pills.

d) My Little Margie -- Charles Farrell, as Vern Albright, was Margie's

father.

Vern's boss was Mr. Honeywell, of Honeywell and Todd, played by

Clarence Kolb. The most famous member of the cast, at the time, was

probably Hillary Brooks, one of Basil Rathbone's Sherlock favorites, who

played Vern's girlfriend, Roberta Townsend. Gale Storm was a singer of sorts,


although she for sure was no Teresa Brewer. I think that she had a couple of

chart songs, but the only one that comes to mind is Dark Moon.


e) Judi -- I think the show you remember -- where they sent people out on

crazy stunts which they did while the show was on, or sometimes between

weeks of the show -- was the early prime-time, network run of Truth or

Consequences. This show was very much different from the later daytime

version hosted by Bob Barker for three-thousand years. The original TV

show was first aired in the very early fifties, and was hosted by Ralph

Edwards

of This is Your Life fame.


f) Captain Video -- Al Hodges, my man! I couldn't figure out who I loved

more, Gil Hodges or Al Hodges. My Dad somehow got Al Hodges to send

me a birthday card, and I went nuts. An even bigger highlight was when my

Dad took me to the Dumont studio to see the show broadcast live, and I got

to meet Captain Video and the Ranger. In addition to the Captain and the

Ranger, and Dr. Pauli, and the Commissioner - do you remember the robot?

The first robot made was stamped ROBOT I, but they did it backwards. So,

the sometimes good, and sometimes evil robot, became I TOBOR.


g) Buster Brown -- the dog's name. Are we sure about this? Could be, but I

must remember the jingle wrong. "I'm Buster Brown. I live in a shoe. This is

my dog, Tide, he lives in there, too." Maybe it was Tigh or Tye, but I

thought it was Tide or Tyde.


NEW BUSINESS --


a) Hey! Hey! So none of you watched Life with Luigi? Jan -- c'mon, or are

you still upset that the Italian lead went to J. Carrol Naish, an

Irish-American

actor.


b) My favorite of the Fifites was a tie between Phil Silvers, alternatively

the

Phil Silvers Show and You'll Never Get Rich, and Sid Ceaser in Your Show

of Shows, and Ceaser's Hour. A lot of great comedic skit and improv players

come to mind: Robin Williams, Billy Crytal, Jonathon Winters, etc. Sid

Ceaser was the best of the lot. He could tell a story or a joke with just

facial-

takes better than most comedians could with their whole arsenal.


c) other favorites -- Mama, Our Miss Brooks, I Married Joan, December

Bride (I remember listening to the radio version of this on Dad's old

Atwater-

Kent. I was two-months old at the time. Nah -- Network radio broadcasts of

such shows went into the fifties), Maverick, The Danny Thomas Show -

Make Room for Daddy, Topper, Stu Irwin Show, Burns & Allen, Father

Knows Best, Ozzie and Harriet. (You know - it just hit me why I turned out

to be such a goody-two-shoes. What a collection of TV shows.)


back to the Tax Code ----- Luigi




1) NYC Nook meet -- Nancy, you have Sandquist listed as an expected

attendee. I do not think that he will be able to attend because he has been

helping Niko Tesla with his lukewarm fusion experiments. I know that I,

LuigiAlva, and Tock will be able to make the meeting, but, at the moment, it

is not clear if any of the rest of us will.


2) AOL 4.0. So far, I have not had any problems with 4.0 on machines off the

network. For some reason the prelim 4.0, at least that I download, causes

real

havoc when you try to get on with any TCP/IP connection. The AOL folk do

not understand that either because all of their tech people, and apparently a


lot of the beta testers, are on TCP/IP hook-ups.


3) TV -- So many posts. I think I lost the thread of who said what, and I am


sure that I missed some of the input, and back-and-forth questions and

answers. So forgive any duplicative information in the following.


OLD BUSINESS --


a) Dobie Gillis -- Zelda -- Maybe I missed it, but I do not recall anyone

mentioning one of my favorite shows as a kid, the Stu Erwin Show. Sheila

James Kuehl played Stu's younger daughter, Jackie, on that show, which ran

on ABC from 1950 to 1955.


b) Edward R. Murrow -- He did a number of TV shows, in addition to

regular news reports. However, the two shows, I think, that most remember

best was Person-to-Person, and See It Now. Carol Heiss was one of

Murrow's Person-to-Person Interviews, as was Gertrude Berg of Molly

Goldberg fame - discussed below. Young Bruce Heiss got a chance to tell the

world that he wanted to be a brain surgeon, because there "are only a half-

dozen or so good ones in the country." I think Bruce got this startling piece

of

information from a Double-Bubble or Bazooka gum wrapper. We NEVER let

Bruce forget this comment. Never. Bruce was a great kid, but he was no (fill

in the blank.) However, I think Bruce may have been the inspiration for Ben


Casey, who, as the seventh good neurosurgeon, got his own TV series a year

or two later.

c) You Are There --- This was hosted by Walter Cronkite.


d) John Cameron Swayze -- (The Timex man.) He was a regular news

reporter on ABC, and was on a regular on a number of shows including Steve

Allen. However, the show for which I think he is best remembered, and the

one in which his whole family appeared is Watch the World.


c) Molly Goldberg and Edward Murrow --- anyone know the connection

beyond the fact that Gertrude Berg was on Person-to-Person. Well Murrow

and Fred Friendly were the first network (CBS) TV news biggies to take on

Joe McCarthy. The Goldberg's, long a successful radio show, ran on CBS TV

from 1949 to 1951. Molly Goldberg was played by Gertrude Berg, who

created the radio and TV show -- (and the famous out-the-window call "Yoo

- hoo, Mrs. Bloom), and her husband, Jake, was played, until the end of the

1951 season by Philip Loeb. Loeb got blacklisted for allegedly having

Communist sympathies, an unsubstantiated allegation that Loeb vehemently

and repeatedly denied. Gertrude Berg fought with CBS and General Foods

for Loeb, but to no avail. The sponsor dropped the show. When The

Goldbergs reappeared in 1952 on NBC with a new sponsor, but without

Loeb, who backed out to allow Berg to get the show on the air. No network

or sponsor would touch him even though no charges against him were ever

supported, much less proved. Loeb's career and livelihood fell apart, and he

became embittered and despondent. In 1955, Philip Loeb committed suicide

by ingesting an overdose of sleeping pills.

d) My Little Margie -- Charles Farrell, as Vern Albright, was Margie's

father.

Vern's boss was Mr. Honeywell, of Honeywell and Todd, played by

Clarence Kolb. The most famous member of the cast, at the time, was

probably Hillary Brooks, one of Basil Rathbone's Sherlock favorites, who

played Vern's girlfriend, Roberta Townsend. Gale Storm was singer of sorts,

although she for sure was no Teresa Brewer. I think that she had a couple of

chart songs, but the only one that comes to mind is Dark Moon.


e) Judi -- I think the show you remember -- where they sent people out on

crazy stunts which they did while the show was on, or sometimes between

weeks of the show -- was the early prime-time, network run of Truth or

Consequences. This show was very much different from the later daytime

version hosted by Bob Barker for three-thousand years. The original TV

show was first air in the very early fifties, and was hosted by Ralph Edwards


of This is Your Life fame.


f) Captain Video -- Al Hodges, my man. I couldn't figure out who I loved

more, Gil Hodges or Al Hodges. My Dad somehow got Al Hodges to send

me a birthday card, and I went nuts. An even bigger highlight was when my

Dad took me to the Dumont studio to see the show broadcast live, and I got

to meet Captain Video and the Ranger. In addition to the Captain and the

Ranger, and Dr. Pauli, and the Commissioner - do you remember the robot?

The first robot made was stamped ROBOT I, but they did it backwards. So,

the sometimes good, and sometimes evil robot, became I TOBOR.


g) Buster Brown -- the dog's name. Are we sure about this? Could be, but I

must remember the jingle wrong. "I'm Buster Brown. I live in a shoe. This is

my dog, Tide, he lives with me there, too." Maybe it was Tigh or Tye, but I

thought it was Tide or Tyde.


NEW BUSINESS --


a) Hey! Hey! So none of you watched Life with Luigi? Jan -- c'mon, or are

you still upset that the Italian lead went to J. Carrol Naish, an

Irish-American

actor.


b) My favorite of the Fifites was a tie between Phil Silvers, alternatively

the

Phil Silvers Show and You'll Never Get Rich, and Sid Ceaser in Your Show

of Shows, and Ceaser's Hour. A lot of great comedic skit and improv players

come to mind: Robin Williams, Billy Crytal, Jonathon Winters, etc. Sid

Ceaser was the best of the lot. He could tell a story or a joke with just

facial-

takes better than most comedians could with their whole arsenal.


c) other favorites -- Mama, Our Miss Brooks, I Married Joan, December

Bride (I remember listening to the radio version of this on Dad's old

Atwater-

Kent. I was two-months old at the time. Nah -- Network radio broadcasts of

such shows went into the fifties), Maverick, The Danny Thomas Show -

Make Room for Daddy, Topper, Stu Irwin Show, Burns & Allen, Father

Knows Best, Ozzie and Harriet. (You know - it just hit me why I turned out

to be such a goody-two-shoes. What a collection of TV shows.)


back to the Tax Code ----- Luigi



Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Krazy Wedding

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 02:29 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041418294501.OAA14602@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jan - Now I'm definitely going to be at the wedding. I want you to see you

crazy glued and totally fatootsied with your pasties. How do you

accessorize?

By the way, I've spoken to Rokeach (you know I'm in the food business so I'm

acting fast on this one)...they say there is a definite market for lobster

de-traifer and are sending some for us to test-market at the "veddin"!


I'm reading Lady Chatterly's Lover for a group I was invited to join. I

think I read this book in college and don't remember much. But on this read,

I cannot imagine that I understood it well. Life's lessons bring a lot of

understanding to the character of Connie and her plight....I'm only about

halfway through but so far, I'd recommend it to all. More later....


I didn't post for days and now I'm a posting fool!



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)








Subject: Re: Old TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 03:11 PM EDT

From: JanetDL

Message-id: <1998041419112801.PAA18056@ladder01.news.aol.com>



I've been forced out of lurker mode to post this!




YOUR HIT PARADE


Dorothy Collins, Snookie Lanson, Giselle MacKenzie, and Russel Arms


And...who can forget the sign-off?


So long to your Hit Parade

and the tunes that you picked to be played

So loooong!

GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!!


(nice waving from all as the camera moves back)



~Janet~






Subject: A day early!!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 03:24 PM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998041419245801.PAA22476@ladder03.news.aol.com>


As we are leaving tonight for five days with our families in KY, I want to

sing this before I go:


Happy birthday to youuuu,

Happy birthday to youuuu,

Happy birthday, RuthAliccee,

Happy birthday to youuuu!!


~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 03:26 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041419261301.PAA20163@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Pat you wrote:<<Still reading on tape Call it Sleep--The reader seems

excellent but I am in the section where David is being tutored by a rabbi and

there is alot of Hebrew which I think the reader does well but how would I

know. Has anyone else read it on tape? <<


Although I read this book and haven't listned to it on tape, I'm wondering if

this is Hebrew or Yiddush. Is the Rabbi tutoring him for his Bar Mitzvah?

This would be Hebrew then but as I recall Daivid was raised in an Orhodox

home. At that time and place the Rabbis would only speak in Yiddush. Hebrew

among the Orthodox was reseved solely for prayer.


When our daughter was named in Shul (Temple) she was given a Jewish name and

not Hebrew. My father was Orthodx and I knew he would have wanted his

namesake to be named this way. But today in our Reform Temple, young

children are named in Hebrew only. As we say - times change.


Funny that you mentioned this topic. I recently bought an album of Mandy

Patinkins called Mamloshen (mother tongue) which is filled with songs only

sung in Yiddush. I couldn't help marveling at Mr. Patinkin's authentic

pronunciation of Yiddush which is almost a dying langauge these days. Then I

read the information which accompanied this album and realized that Mandy

only studied Yiddush for the past few months to do this album. He is one

very

accomplished individual. You should hear him sing Supercalifragilistic this

way. What fun. But for me the traditional songs like Almonds and Raisins

really left me grieving for the world which I once knew but is now sadly

gone. No more grandparents, parents or aunts and uncles who would speak this

language so the kinderloch (children ) couldn't understand. As the youngest

of 10 cousins, I leraned even before speaking English certain ket phrases.

Naturally the older ones caught on pretty quickly and many of us now even

remember the Russian which was occassionally spoken.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 03:31 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041419315801.PAA23491@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Lobster - treyf??? Rokeach - non treyf???? Oi Vey!!!


Jan- for about the first year when I posted many of the aol posters (me

included ) really roared over my typos. We even had a tee shirt made from

one group with my better errors plastered in the front. Now I guess people

either have just gotten used to me or else they don't read so good or don't

see that well. The way I figure it is like this- If I was good enough to

teach typing for the Board of Ed for the City of NY (along with sex

education),

then I'm good enought to post here. LOL

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: TV and Antonia

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 03:34 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041419345701.PAA21466@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Luigi, Tock, Topo Gigio, Senor Wences, Judge Crater or Mr. Cropsey- just tell

me in plain English------are you coming or are you not?


BTW - the bad grammar is fully intended!


ROTFL

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: TV and Antonia

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 03:38 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041419385100.PAA24447@ladder03.news.aol.com>


One more Luigi - How do you know or remember so much? When I read your

messages I think my brain has been pithed.


You better come to Ny or we're all gonna take the train out your way. So

there!!!

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Nancy

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 04:04 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041420043501.QAA25762@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy,


You asked -- "One more, Luigi - How do you know or remember so much?"


Easy, every month I have RuthAlice send to me her brain's overflow. It's

enough to feed the planet.


The Quister


PS -- Of course, I will be, deo volente, at the NY Nook Meeting, as will

Tock, Luigi, and Fred. I wish I could tell you more about the plans of the

others, but, except for Sandquist and NikoTesla - who clearly will still be

cleaning up the mess that lukewarm fusion thing made, at the moment the rest

of the schedules are in flux. We like to marinate them in flux for about

forty-eight hours before deep frying. I know. I know. Deep-frying is not a

very healthy way to cook. But, if you ever had flux-marinated schedules

deep-fried in Crisco - hhmmmm. Delicious is the Name (of) That Tune, hosted

by Geroge DeWitt for most of its primetime, network run.


PPS -- The information that I don't get from RuthAlice's brain overflow -- I

look up. I ain't so smart. Just cute. :)


The Quister

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Books for Sale

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 04:20 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041420210401.QAA00914@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Just found out about this website and had to pass it along to all of you.

They have Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen for only $9.20 and advertise that

their books are 60% off. Don't know much else as to availability or

reliability so....


Shopping.com

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 04:25 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041420252201.QAA28995@ladder01.news.aol.com>


See - you did it again what does this mean---deo volente.


If its Latin, the Rabbis never taught it to this little lower east side

Jewess. LOL.


And we always said you were charming and bright but cute????


Book nookers say ye yea or nay?


See you on the 27th. BTW - did you get the feather boa I mailed to you? Its

meant to be worn for allbook nook parties.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 04:52 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041420523701.QAA06012@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Nancy -- <<See you on the 27th. BTW - did you get the feather boa I mailed

to you? Its meant to be worn for allbook nook parties.>>


No, but I got a real boa that you sent, I assume by

accident. And talking about accidents, your boa swallowed my pet pig.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Nancy -- <<See - you did it again what does this mean---deo volente.>>


Actually, as I check the sky for lightning or asteroids, it

is an unfortunate typo. It

should be Deo volente, and it means simply God Willing. It is the

pharmacists' equivalent of

alevai, except -- for those who did not grow up in NYC or know any lower-east

rabbi's and do not know that Hester Street was once the most-populated place

on the place of the earth --

alevai (sometimes spelled halavai) carries a bit more of the sense -- "from

my lips to God's ears." Eg. I will be the Nook meeting -- Deo volente (God

Willing) or Deo favente (with God's favor) or Alevai ( I hope - from my lips

to God's ears.)


+++++++++++++++++++++++++


Nancy --- <<And we always said you were charming and bright but cute????>>


Hey, Hey, Hey --- I don't know about the rest of that, but

Dorothea says I am a real cutie, and she would not lie to me about such

things.


Fred


Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 05:09 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041421104701.RAA08961@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<<<<deo volente.>>>>> God willing or, "If the good Lord's willing and the

creek don't dry."

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Lobstah what?

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 05:11 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041421111401.RAA06496@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Would someone be so kind as to explain what the heck is meant by traife in

reference to lobster?



Carol in Oceanside, CA







Subject: Re: TV and Antonia

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 05:13 PM EDT

From: CATZERS

Message-id: <1998041421132800.RAA06916@ladder01.news.aol.com>


LuigiAlva writes: <<Maybe I missed it, but I do not recall anyone

mentioning one of my favorite shows as a kid, the Stu Erwin Show.>>


Not only do I remember this show but I used to "talk" to him through the TV

screen. He drove me nuts.....always blathering and procrastinating!


Here's someone I don't think has been mentioned yet--Ernie Kovacks. Remember

the Nairobi Trio? Wasn't he married to Edie Adams or am I completely out in

left field here? Though I didn't know what 'sex appeal' meant at the tender

age when they used to be on TV, I remember thinking she was soooo gorgeous

when she'd do that commercial for cigars (Dutch Masters?) to the tune that

went something like....."The minute he walked in the door, I could tell

he was a man of distinction...a real big spender."


Speaking of Edward R. Murrow, if any of you get the History Channel on cable

they periodically show a series called "The Fifties", I think, and one of

the segments is a documentary on Murrow. It was fascinating.


Luigi, you mentioned among your 'other favorites' Father Knows Best. This is

my all-time favorite TV show. For years, I have tried to find a source for

tapes of FKB. I am putting out a call in this post that IF YOU HAVE-- OR

KNOW WHERE I CAN OBTAIN--TAPES OF FATHER KNOWS BEST, I WILL GLADLY PAY FOR

SAID TAPES AND

POSTAGE TO SHIP TO ME.


That's All Folks~


CATZERS







Subject: Birthday

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 05:15 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041421151401.RAA07187@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I will be gone all day tomorrow (a bus trip to see the new Getty Center

Museum) so want to get in an early greeting:



HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO YOU RUTHALICE. ENJOY YOUR DAY TO THE UTMOST.


Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Books for Sale

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 05:32 PM EDT

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998041421321500.RAA12501@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Their prices seem to be unbelievably cheap---do you think there is a "catch".

Would like to hear from someone who has used this website---anybody out

there???

SV






Subject: Re: Weddings

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 06:06 PM EDT

From: Ludsmith

Message-id: <1998041422063200.SAA16016@ladder01.news.aol.com>


DOTTIE: You were in Salt Lake and you didn't meet Jackie and I at "The

Library" for lunch? Hopefully we can meet you the next time you're in Utah.



Shauna who is almost finished with "The Hobbit" and who has been having

contractions since yesterday morning.






Subject: The real meaning...

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 06:12 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041422123900.SAA19634@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Pat-I also cast my vote for My AN-toe-knee-uh. Anything read by Frank Muller

or George Guidall is usually very well-done. I can't vouch for his

pronunciation, but being a pro I'm sure he researched it.


Dottie-Glad the wedding was great but sorry the trip home wasn't.


Nancy-You're good enough to do anything you want. I love your errors and want

you to promise never to use Spell Check!!

Also, don't pay any attention to those who think they know the meaning of

Deo Volente. Actually it was the name of J. Carroll Naish's bookie on Life

with Luigi.


HOORAY-The Mongolian Hordes (aka: Sandquist) must be feeling better. Whadda

tribe he is!

Jan-Currently reading and loving Cloud Chamber (Dorris), listening at home to

Son of the Circus (John Irving) and in the car I'm listening to Angela's

Ashes read by the Frank McCourt himself. Although I read the latter when it

first came out, I am enjoying hearing it through McCourt's soft

Irish pronunciation, (and he's got me laughing through my tears.)




Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire







Subject: color TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 06:20 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041422212901.SAA18686@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Color TV -- I couldn't resist sharing this with you'all. When my former

husband and I were married (1961), a business partner of his (G. David

Schine... anyone remember him? A gold star to the Nooker who does!) attended

our wedding and gave us a COLOR TV as a wedding gift! Wow, were we excited!

We plugged it in, turned it on, and voila! Colored static. (no antenna hooked

up at that time) We were so in awe of this modern miracle that we actually

sat and watch colored static for a few minutes! Duh and VBG


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Re: More TV shows..

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 06:53 PM EDT

From: SilvlocMom

Message-id: <1998041422535600.SAA24540@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Anyone remember a show called The Paul ------ Show... can't remember his last

name. But the teen age daughter was played by none other then Natalie Wood.


How about I Remember Mama...

or Topper, I howled over that show. It wasn't easy either, we didn't

have a tv !!!


Joan in NJ






Subject: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 07:12 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041423122201.TAA27918@ladder01.news.aol.com>


NANCY put me in the mood by mentioning Martha Stewart - her unauthorized

biography has been sitting here for a month - I guess I should read it before

my friend thinks I am keeping it forever. Can someone please coax me?

And you are right, as usual - MT. MISERY is written by Samuel Shem. I am

liking it a tad better now.

And don't forget to tell Warren, that Halevai is that sweet, sweet (tahine)

paste from the Middle East -:) that comes in vanilla, chocolate, & marble

blocks.


LITA: Wonderful news about your Mom - prayers & good vibes continuing.


JAN: thank God it wasn't OUR lawyer who spelled the names wrong - the

purchaser's lawyer spelled HIS name wrong. Will it ever end?


TRAIFE - my dears who are scratching their pretty heads - is anything that

isn't kosher - simply put (oink, shellfish, etc)


Off to read MT. MISERY to take my mind off everything else

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Old TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 07:53 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041423534100.TAA08127@ladder03.news.aol.com>


~Janet~ --You're right! It was Dorothy Collins! Where did I get Landon?

Guess it was because I was just a baby then!


Yes--My Antonia is pronounced an-to-NEE-a.


PAT--<<MariLu: Interested in your review of Smiley's new book as the reviews

have been mixed. Let us know how it goes.>> I really love this book. I

like it much better than A THOUSAND ACRES. The main character, Lidie Newton,

is really a great character, many sides to her personality, gutsy broad. In

some ways, it's a traditional story in a new setting.

I don't want to say too much about the plot, because a lot of it takes place

after a significant event, which I don't want to give away. Anyhow, I think

I'm going to get to see Smiley this weekend at the Monterey Book Festival and

get my books of hers signed. I can hardly wait!


JUDI--I, unlike Jan, will not be wearing pasties to your son's wedding! I

would dearly love to do so, but I lost my tassels, and they just don't make

them like they used to, and I can't find new ones I like. What are pasties

without tassels, right? Anyhow, you'll just have to take me as I am--the

mystery woman. I may wear my bell-bottomed hip-huggers,

though and midrift (Is that spelled correctly? It looks wrong) top,

platform shoes, and black lace mantilla. I refuse to wear kelp.


LITA--I'm so happy to hear about your mom!


Gymeni2--<<Hello, I am new to this board. Could someoone inform me as to

what this board is about. Thanks>> I'll be darned if I know! Does anyone

know what this board is about? It's supposed to be about books, but who

knows. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't.


I don't think anyone has mentioned one of my favorite of all-time tv shows,

the Ed Sullivan Show. I wish we had shows like that now. I loved the old

variety shows with music and dancing and corny comedians.


BTW--For those of you who are Jane Hamilton fans, when I saw her last week,

she said A MAP OF THE WORLD is scheduled to begin shooting this summer with

Frances McDormand. I can't remember the name of the screen writer, who wrote

Who's Afraid of Gilbert Grape, but he's the one who did the screen play, and

she likes it.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:09 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041500090100.UAA08425@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef - I think it's "If the good Lord's will and the creeks don't rise."

But, then again, the Southerners on the board probably know for sure. No

creeks in my neighborhood.


Yea, Shauna - The Hobbit's a nice imaginative book to read to an almost ready

child.


Lita - I'm happy for your Mom (and for you) - sometimes things aren't as bad

as we fear they'll be, thank God.


Hi Gina - glad the wedding went well although you had the same weather we had

the weekend before. Next weekend, the 80's - hurrah!


Glad Warren's up and running again - had me worried for a minute there.


I loved everything you all did, except I missed Ernie Kovaks and Sid Ceasar.

Several years when I was between 18 - 25 when I didn't watch any TV, so I

missed a great chunk. I think Bewitched is my favorite TV show of all time -

Was Stu Erwin in the Seven Year Itch? Tom Erwin?



Mary Ann

Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: falling leaves

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:24 PM EDT

From: Carroms

Message-id: <1998041500240700.UAA13759@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I wanted to share this book with you. It is 'falling leaves'-an

autobiography written about Adeline Yah Wen' s life as an unwanted Chinese

daughter during the 40's-50's. It creates vivid pictures about Chinese

culture, and some historical events, as she grows up in a family ruled by a

horrible stepmother and absent father. Very remarkable and courageous. I

highly recommend it.


Karen






Subject: Southernism

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 08:38 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998041500383000.UAA13838@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann said:

<<Cheef - I think it's "If the good Lord's will and the creeks don't rise."

But, then again, the Southerners on the board probably know for sure. No

creeks in my neighborhood.>


Down here we would probably say "If the good Lord's willing & the creek don't

rise".

A subtle, but important, variation. No *s* on creek if you want to sound like

the real thang .


from a Dixie darlin' ...



Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re:

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 09:50 PM EDT

From: LPennin104

Message-id: <1998041501504800.VAA27934@ladder01.news.aol.com>


If you liked The Ed Sullivan Show be sure to see, if it comes to your area,

Forever Plaid. It's a great little musical that I saw off Broadway several

years ago and it was done locally here in Austin for the last few months.

Also saw it playing in Las Vegas. Anyway, they do a hysterical 5 minute

sketch of Ed Sullivan Show with spinning plates, Lady of Spain by accordian,

S'alright puppet-the one inside the box, etc. Really a fun

musical.






Subject: Re: Weddings

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:08 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041502081700.WAA01634@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dottie--shame on you! You came all the way to Salt Lake and didn't let

Shauna and I know? We would have enjoyed taking you to THE LIBRARY for lunch

or dinner--and then off to Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore. You dont' know what

you missed ;) Next time let us know. We can show you a good time--right

Jayne?



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Another

Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: David Schine

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:10 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041502102401.WAA02063@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sally-Wasn't Schine one of those McCarthy lawyers? You mentioned a gold

star. May I pick it out at Tiffany's?


Talking about first TV sets, when we were newly married in '52 we were given

our first one by Steve's aunt and uncle who had won it at a church fair. It

was a 'portable' meaning it weighed two and a half tons but was in the shape

of a smallsuitcase.. It had a 6" round screen and a built in rabbit ear

antenna. The only way we could get a picture was to bend the antenna down to

touch the metal front of this modern marvel. This meant we had to sit on

the floor, and take turns holding the antenna against the front of the TV

with our feet. Let me tell you, that was the original 'painful' tv watching.

We didn't wait too long before investing in our console (another huge

monstrosity) which filled up the living room as we didn't have any other

furniture. (First things first, right?) That first set was our pride and joy.

It was a Zenith with a hi-fi turn table (for 78s) and well-built into a

blonde

wood cabinet. If we had only kept it, that (and the small useless portable)

would be worth plenty now. It seems the only remains that we still own from

those early days are our own worn out bodies-but they just aren't worth

anything on the antique market.


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Re: Weddings

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:10 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041502104800.WAA02144@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<DOTTIE: You were in Salt Lake and you didn't meet Jackie and I at "The

Library" for lunch? Hopefully we can meet you the next time you're in Utah.

>> LOL, Shauna--GMTA!


<<Shauna who is almost finished with "The Hobbit" and who has been having

contractions since yesterday morning.>> SHAUNA! you didn't tell me! I'm so

excited! When can I bring my camera over? ;) <VBG>




Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Another

Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: Weddings

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:12 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041502120701.WAA05026@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shauna:


Contractions! Should I start boiling the water!!! ?? Where is the pot, damn

it!!! Am I nervous Oh nooooooo!!!! Well don't wait too long before you get

to the hospital this is number 3 and can be fast!!!!


Talk to you soon lady!!!!!


Love, Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:13 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041502133500.WAA02716@ladder01.news.aol.com>


HOO BOY! If Nancy taught sex education as well as she types, we now

understand a lot about the social/sexual problems in NYC! Nnacy, yur a

srceam.


Juid

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: TV and Antonia

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:24 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041502244201.WAA07563@ladder03.news.aol.com>


The Warrens: Thank God someone remembers "Captain Video" and his nemesis,

Doctair Paulllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. I would be six feet

tall now except my fear of Dr. P stunted my growth.


And JanetDL, thanks so much for remembering Dorothy's last name: Collins.

It was driving me nuts. Funny, I don't remember Russell Arms from the show,

but when I took ballet as an adult, he was married to my teacher and used to

drop into the studio very often, usually carrying groceries.


Jan, watch those pasties, please. The dress I'm wearing as the MOG is quite

revealing and I thought I had tried on every bra in L.A. (Warrens, please go

fiddle with your bar-b-que baseball for a moment) and would have to resort to

those cuppy things you actually glue one. They come with a bottle of what

really looks like Krazy Glue. My fears were that either

(1) one of the little shelves would drop off as I was walking down the aisle

or (2) that they would be stuck on for good and Jim would have to resort to

chiseling them off. So my options were to go without, except for two

strategically placed Bandaids (I swear, this dress shows everything) so as

not to shock the Maine natives when the night turns chilly or to keep looking

or have one made. Today at Nordstrom I found the one bra in this city that I

hadn't tried on that is strapless and backless and doesn't show under the

dress. Ta DAH. Can't believe I wrote about this. I really am sick.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Lobstah what?

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:28 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041502284201.WAA08362@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol--Traife means not kosher--and lobstah, by virtue and I do think it's a

virtue of being shellfish, is by definition traife. You're coming aren't

you?

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Update on Mom

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:03 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041502033900.WAA03305@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Prayers have been answered. Yesterday Mom had her appointment with her

oncologist. He is AMAZED at her progress. The masses have reduced (not

gone, but better than he anticipated). She has lost NO hair at all so far.

Her hairdresser said there is no more hair in the sink after her wash than

someone who doesn't even have cancer--let alone on chemo. Mom said she

expressed surprise to her hairdresser, and the reply was: "Of course

you haven't lost any hair. I've said prayers over your head everytime you

come in." My Mom was LOL at that.


Mom sang in the Easter Cantata at church yesterday, and sang a solo at church

last night. She said she was tired, but it was worth it. As long as she can

keep singing, she will be living, she says.


My mother has shown me a lot about living gracefully these past few weeks.

She says no matter how she feels physically, she looks for SOMETHING every

day that is beautiful, joyous--or just plain good. I think I can take

lessons from her!


Thank you all for your prayers. I know they had a effect. Please continue

to pray for her. As she says, "I'm not out of the woods yet."


I appreciate all of you marvelous people! You are a powerful group!



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Another

Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: color TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:36 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041502364200.WAA07358@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Miss Sally--I get the prize and I just know that the Warrens will, too. And

RuthAlice. do we have to split it? G. David Schine was at your wedding???

Was Joe McCarthy there, too? Say it isn't true, Gal Sal. That was quite a

wedding present, though. Hell, he could afford it. Yuck. The

Smarmy-Army-McCarthy hearings were a sad time for this country.

But the bright part was Joseph Welsh (Welch?).

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: McCarthy hearings

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:37 PM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998041502370300.WAA07429@ladder01.news.aol.com>


One of my "treasures" is a cassette tape with my father and uncle playing at

"McCarthy hearings." They go on and on with this dialogue about "Are you

John Smith of New York City? the same John Smith who has a subscription to

__________?" The first time I heard the tape, I thought someone had simply

taped some part of the hearings, but Noooooooooo. Two men having a very

funny time.


The tape is a "treasure" because it has that bit on it as well as a party my

parents had and my dad talking to me, telling me I could win a hog-calling

contest in Iowa with my scream (and then there's me screaming in the

background). My father died of cancer shortly before my first birthday and

that tape is one of the few personal things I have of him.


Shannon

who is on vacation and writing this week







Subject: Re: Old TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:39 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041502392400.WAA10521@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu--Your outfit sounds too, too divoon. I may swoon. It's only a

midrift if your middle is drifting somewhat. Otherwise, it's a midriff. You

know, a riff in your middle parts.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Southernism

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:41 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041502410600.WAA08246@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leslie--Is it the creek or crick that don't rise? Inquiring minds want to

know.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 10:54 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041502542900.WAA10892@ladder01.news.aol.com>


You'll recognize me by my white gloves -- and my hat. No self-respecting

Southern lady would attend a wedding without them.


And I'll be bring the OKRA.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Perry Como

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:00 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041503002800.XAA12065@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I remember Perry Como - I just don't remember his tv show. I used to sing a

song of his when I was about 7 or so. Remember "Catch A Falling Star and put

it in your pocket, save for a rainy day?


Mercedes







Subject: Re: The real meaning...

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:01 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041503012000.XAA14835@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My Antonia -- favorite book of all times. I've studied it in various

classes, all with different professors. In all cases, the strongest accent

has been on the third syllable. Where would go for the definitive word on

this?

Cissie







Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:04 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041503041600.XAA12820@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol -- I don't think you'll find the Martha Stewart biography worth your

time. It's very mean-spirited. And I'm not a MS fan, so that should tell

you something. Plus, it's not written with any spirit or tone at all.

Skip it.

cissie







Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:08 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041503081400.XAA16210@ladder03.news.aol.com>


"If the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise". This is a Southern

phrase referring to the chances of a certain event taking place. For

example, "I'll be at your place Sat'dy, if the good Lord's willing and the

creek don't rise." Cause sometimes our creeks rise over the banks and you

can't go nowhere!


Take it from one who's lived in the rural South all her life,

Cissie







Subject: Re: Old TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:10 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041503101800.XAA13989@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Anybody remember That Was The Week That Was also known as TW3? I was pretty

young when this was on but I know it was a satiric show about the news of the

day.


Mercedes






Subject: Re: Update on Mom

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:11 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041503121500.XAA16960@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jackie -- You mom is inspirational. So glad you have shared her here.


BTW, your book is in the mail!!!

Cissie, yeling "Go Heels' for the last time







Subject: Re: More TV shows..

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:13 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998041503133400.XAA17212@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Silvlocmom -


Was it the Paul Lynde Show?







Subject: Re: Old TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:32 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041503320101.XAA20763@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Yes, indeed. It was always referred to as TW3.

Where have all the good shows gone?

Cissie







Subject: Re: Old TV

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:46 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041503472101.XAA20894@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Where have all the good shows gone?>>


Why, Cissie, they have gone to Nickalodean ... how the $^%$#^ do you spell

it? You know where I mean!


And I will repost some old TV sites I posted once before. They are loads of

fun to visit!


TV Party Tonight!


Television History


The Mayberry Zone


Academy of Television Arts & Sciences


Nick at Nite & TV Land


Mr. Showbiz


The [OFFICIAL] Gilligan's Island Web Site


Have fun with these!!



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Another

Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Seven Year Itch

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:57 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998041503573101.XAA25236@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Tom Ewell was the star, I believe.


I remember the English instructor I had pronouncing the title MY

AN-TO-NEE-A, so that's how I've always pronounced it to myself.


Another oldie: I Married Joan. (Starred the rich guy on Gilligan's Island, I

think), can't recall his name (but it was Brad on the show). What things we

remember!


Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Natalie Wood // Schine // Antonia

Date: Tue, 14 April 1998 11:58 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041503584200.XAA22880@ladder01.news.aol.com>



1) The show with Natalie Wood as the daughter lasted for about eight

minutes in the early fifities. It was called Pride of the Family. The show

"starred' Paul Hartman as the father. He later played Emmet on the Andy

Griffith show and Mayberry RFD.


2) G.D. Schine was the discoverer of the laws of physics governing the

fabric alteration to men's trousers caused by excessive rubbing against hard

chairs. (Hey, the prize is long gone. So I'm gunna waste the real answer

here? No way.)


3) Ann toe nee' ah would be an acceptable alternative pronounciation to

me for this name. I don't even care if that is right. Anything to keep the

accent off the second syllable, which is the way we would have pronounced it

in Queens.


Buffalo Bob

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 12:21 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041504215400.AAA29450@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm sitting here laughing very out loud at Judi's wedding seating chart!!!!

And thinking of a way to answer the question of the visitor who asks what's

this board about anyway? Good qustion. This board is about life and all

that it contains including books.

For instance: Hooray for both Jackie and Lita's moms!!! And waiting

anxiously to hear more from Shauna, I need to know when to start pacing!

Someone mentioned Forever Plaid which I also enjoyed seeing Off Broadway a

few years ago. At the time I remember thinking this is so light that I'll

probably forget it but in the meantime I'm sitting here grinning like a mad

fool. Wrong, I remember it still, it was a treat!

My favorite Off Broadway production was Steel Magnolias which I saw long

before it was made into a film and I went into it kind of blind, not having a

clue as to what it was about. If anyone ever has a chance to see this on the

stage, do so! So much better than the fairly insipid (IMHO) movie. I could

never understand the part of the mother of Julia Roberts played by Sally

Fields.


Sue in Mi







Subject: Wedding

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 12:42 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041504422700.AAA29995@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Yes, Judi, of course I plan on coming - wouldn't miss it for the world. I am

thinking of bringing a casserole of kelp and okra Nothing traife about that

- see how quickly I learn? Now I need to think of a sauce that will

compliment both of them.



Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Seven Year Itch

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 03:22 AM EDT

From: JaneE2059

Message-id: <1998041507221201.DAA16843@ladder01.news.aol.com>



<<<<<Another oldie: I Married Joan. (Starred the rich guy on Gilligan's

Island, I think), can't recall his name (but it was Brad on the show). What

things we remember!


Carolyn on Long Island>>>


Carolyn--Thurston Howell III was played by Jim Backus(who was also the voice

of Mr. Magoo).



JaneE2059

Proud Member of Clan Outlandish


"Texas '98 or Bust!"







Subject: Up and Out

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 09:09 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041513092601.JAA05094@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Haven't read all of the messages this morning but I did do my daily walk.

The funny thing is that once I do it, I feel great. But its just that

feeling of "five more minutes in bed" thats the hard part.


Jan - I must agree with you that the website shopping.com looks like a

winner. I haven't had the time (nor money ) to fully explore everything but

I noticed a wonderful area for calendars, planners and journals. Wonder if

they also well pens. But keep in mind, I haven't used them yet so I'm not

sure if they're as reliable as amazon.com. Nwo I['m wondering how they can

offer Quindlen's book for $9.20.


Warren and Cheef - thanks for explaining the phrase. In Yiddush we say

"Gilebsa Got." I wouldn't even attempt to translate thsi as it loses so much

of its meaning. When I was little and would cry bored, my mom would say the

equivalent of "Go talk to a china cup." See what I mean?


Off to the used bookstores- I feel my natural high coming on.


Speaking of which - did anybody else watch the Divas in Concert last night on

VH1. Its really something to see Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Gloria

Estefan, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey and Carol King sing Natural Woman all

together on the stage of the beacon Theater. As Rita Coolidge sang, "This

lifted me higher and higher."

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:07 AM EDT

From: LadyBiblio

Message-id: <1998041514073301.KAA13999@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi Carol,


I read the Martha Stewart book and, though ashamed to admit it, I DID enjoy

all the tidbits I picked up about her! I also was very interested in where

she came from; what her family was like etc. This book answers all of those

questions. Many friends and ex-friends are interviewed. Some of them have

some not so nice things to day.


While I don't usually read books like this (ala Kitty Kelly comes to mind...)

for some reason, I was drawn to Just Desserts and felt that I wanted to know

more about the elusive and ever present Martha Stewart. She is a fixture on

tv now and the news stands are filled with her Martha Stewart Living and the

bookshops have all of her books, from 1983 or so on. Information about her

REAL life is not available otherwise. That intrigued me. I was at a

concert a few years ago and went backstage with friends and Martha Stewart

was there.

She is very regal. Tall and flawless skin. But reserved and stand offish.

Sooooo...I read this book. It's a hoot. Go ahead and read it for a lark.

Enjoy!


(LadyBiblio aka Momdini)

Maria






Subject: Re. Schine

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:07 AM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041514074200.KAA14019@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jan -- you wrote <<Sally-Wasn't Schine one of those McCarthy lawyers? You

mentioned a gold star. May I pick it out at Tiffany's?>> VERY close, but no

cigar! You may be thinking of Roy Cohn. RE. the gold star, you can pick it

out... as for PAYING for it... hmmmm... not me! <VBG>


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Gold Star still up for grabs!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:24 AM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041514245700.KAA16325@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi -- you get the prize IF you tell us who G. David was, and his role... ah

ha! Am I avoiding spending my hard-earned moolah on this gold star or WHAT!


Yes, he was at our wedding and reception, and was the ONLY photographer who

got COLOR portraits of my new husband and I, the two of us sans wedding

party... the "paid" photographer really let us down in that respect. G. David

was a real charmer, and we were guests of his in Miami Beach... but that's

another story. (You notice I'm avoiding comments on his ethics, business and

otherwise...)


Warren aka Buffalo Bob -- you wrote <<So I'm gunna waste the real answer

here? No way>> The gold star is still available so... Go ahead, waste away...

if you can that is! I dare yah, I dare yah...


Jackie -- what good news about your Mother! I'll continue to keep her in my

thoughts and prayers, though.


Sally


Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Sally -- again??!!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 01:15 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041517153100.NAA00613@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Sally,


1) What? You issue another challenge to me without confessing guilt in

the great LA Confidential -- Dean Martin faux pas?? Shocking. OK -- once last

chance even though you have not come Smile-Smile-Smile clean and even though

Judi and Jan were both more than close enough on Schine to get the star.


G. David Schine was, in many ways, the absolute start of McCarthy's

downfall. The Kefauer hearings in 1951 made Estes into a prominent national

figure, but did nothing to derail McCarthy, who was still riding high after

Eisenhower's election. In 1953 the "Schine incident" started his spiral to

oblivion. Schine had been a young investigative assistant to Roy Cohn, a

lawyer working for McCarthy, the Chairman of the new "permanent" Senate

Sub-Commitee on Investigations, in the latter's never-ending search for

communists. Schine and Cohn had just returned from a long trip through Europe

digging out Commie affiliations in various governmental institutions,

including the Army. Shine. Then Schine, in his mid-twenties at the time, got

drafted into the Army, and McCarthy screamed that the Commie-loaded Army was

trying to derail his really nifty witchhunt. This made the Army mad -

violating

my axiom of never getting someone with nuclear weapons mad -- and caused them

to exclaim publicly that McCarthy and Cohn had pulled all sorts of strings to

get favorable treatment for young Schine. This embroglio was the proximal

impetus for the Army Hearings of 1953 that turned Army Counsel, Republican

(easy to forget that) Joseph N. Welch into a superstar and turned McCarthy

into an idiot. Of course, Welch himself was not above hinting about the

rumors concerning Roy Cohn being homosexual, and there were some hints

dropped about Cohn's relationship and European trip with young Schine. So

McCarthy got out-McCarthyed -- these things happen. Anyhow, Welch went on to

play the Judge in Anatomy of a Murder, and Schine, who started out with a

family fortune from hotels and inns, went on to a mixed-bag career in the

media, and is best remembered, after the McCarthy thing, for being the

executive

procucer of The French Connection.


2) By the way, Judi, the opening theme for The Goldbergs on radio and

televsion is Toselli's Serenade.


Otto Preminger

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Nancy

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 01:52 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041517522700.NAA10361@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I don't know the correct one, but in my neck of the woods, it was always, "If

the good Lord's willing and the creek don't dry." One of my mother's

favorites was, "He doesn't have sense enough to pound sand down a rathole."

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: David Schine

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 03:02 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041519020800.PAA19873@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Yes David Schine was one of the McCarthy lawyers.


Oh, Jan I have set here and laughed my head off about your first two

televisons. I am still laughing. That beautiful blond furniture. Did you

have the Bookcase bed too? ( is that to, too, two and who the hell cares )


I remember our friends had television and we had a beach. We all were broke

living once a month pay checks. No money by the 10th of the month. Do you

remember? We sure do. Soooo I would make pop corn and take it up to their

house an watch tv. They would come to my house and swim on the ocean. We

lived in a garage apartment (World War 2 vintage) What memories. I giggle

now.


Take care and see you in NYC>


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 03:07 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041519080100.PAA20712@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi:


I can't believe you stated something about Nancy's typing !!!! Its

horrendous!!!! I have laughed so many times about it. I am glad you said

something and its all in fun. So don't sweat what you say. Promise.

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Weddings

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 03:04 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041519040000.PAA20157@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie:


I got the same e-mail this am. I am boiling water like crazy here!!!!!! Just

might have a cyberspace baby tonight. No word yet!!!!!!!!


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.








Subject: Re: Up and Out

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 03:22 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041519220300.PAA22798@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<When I was little and would cry bored, my mom would say the equivalent of

"Go talk to a china cup." See what I mean?>>


Nancy--My mother would say, "Geh schlug kopf on der vont" (well, it sounded

like that) and meant go hit your head against the wall. My DS is convinced

that Yiddish is used only for curses and put-downs. Mebbe.


Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Sally -- again??!!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 03:25 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041519255100.PAA12347@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Geez, Warren--Anybody could have reeled off all that information about G.

David Schine--but "Toselli's Serenade"? That's a toughie. Pretty melody;

what's if from? And what does the G before David stand for?

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Squint

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 04:03 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041520032300.QAA16415@ladder03.news.aol.com>


That's me - Squint - I got back from an eye exam 4 hours ago & it takes ages

for the drops to wear off - only 44 message to read - wow - don't know if I

can do this! My pupils take up my entire eyeball & I am very light sensitive

- wore two pair of sunglasses to get home. Not too sure of what I am typing

- Nancy - will you proof read this for me?


CISSIE & MARIA: I take everyone's advice - so I will read Martha Stewart's

book - I feel I owe it to my friend who also said it isn't a great book, but

interesting to see how she got where she is. I saw a TV special on her one

day - part of it - she had no makeup on at that moment & looked very

bedraggled & tired out.


If you don't have a heck of a lot of respect for the psychiatric branch of

medicine already, DON'T read MT. MISERY.


Tomorrow my in-face group does LITTLE ALTARS & YAYA - can't wait to hear what

they all think.


The Marco Maniac - off to do something that doesn't require reading




Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: Booknook South

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 04:15 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041520151400.QAA00907@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Wow,


Did I ever have a fine encounter with a fellow Booknooker today. There was a

wee problem; kept looking for this 50 year old celebrate all week birthday

girl, and twice walked right past this lithe, trim, blithe spirit with liquid

brown eyes. I knew that the appointed hour and location were correct, and

since no one else remotely fit the description, nor was anyone bouncing a

Carolina blue and white basketball, I smiled and said, "Cissie?".

Yep, that was SHE.

We had a lovely visit over coffee and salad, discussed the joys and trials

of young adult children and the pleasures of the Booknook Folders, but then

she twisted my arm and made me purchase The Short History of a Prince by Jane

Hamilton. We have several common reading interests, and with her prodding,

along with Marilu's recommendation, I knew I was a goner.

Cissie (LizTom) is a delightful human being; knowledgeable, witty, and

beautiful! What a treat to meet another North Carolinian from the NOOK. The

highlight of this week.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Sally -- again??!!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 04:30 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041520300700.QAA19230@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi,


1) The G stands for Gerard.


2) Other than seeing Toselli's name pop-up as an answer to a trivia

question, I never heard of him or his Serenade; so, I have no idea what the

serenade was from. Maybe that's the whole work. Toselli probably should have

been an advertising executive. The two of us, that's you and me Judi not me

and the Tosellimeister, are in group of a few million people who instantly

hear this theme whenever someone mentions Molly Goldberg. What a jingle

writer this guy could have been. Remember Goldberg's Peanut Chews. I wonder

if they still make them. I oughta find out. "Goldberg's peanut chews, They

are so yummy, Goldberg's peanut chews........." Yup -- we may have something

here.


I.M. Mallow

from Mars

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Up and Out

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 04:41 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041520414900.QAA20560@ladder03.news.aol.com>


When my sons said they were bored, our babysitters reply was always, "Well,

then, stand on your head and stack B.B.s."

Our sons learned early not to express boredom, because we were only too happy

to find things to keep them busier than they wanted to be.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Booknook South

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 04:42 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041520424900.QAA05373@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe,


Excuse me. I am still trying to catch up on the a lot of the posts. I

must have missed something that I certainly would like to go back and read.

Did I understand you to say that you were looking for a fifty-year old,

celebate-all-week birthday girl named Cissie, who turns out to be LizTom from

North Carolina!! Holy TarHeels! That can only mean she is my old buddy the

Wellonsette, and I had wondered what happened to her -- the woman herself who

introduced me to DoubleTake, a magazine that I will keep getting until I

figure out what the heck it it is all about. Great photos. Roe -- you have

solved for me the EW dissappearnce. I don't want to overdo this infusion of

knowledge; so, whatever her week-long celibacy was all about -- none of my

business. Some type of North Carolinian religious rite I assume, but hey --

whatever.



Art Heyman

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes








Subject: Re: Booknook South

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:12 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041521121400.RAA24006@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Art Heyman,


I much prefer Deo juvante (adjuvante) to Deo Volente, but I have only one

thing to say regarding your return to the folders:


Deo gratis for Warren/Luigi


HUMPF, celebate indeed! Just one little typo replaces all known fossil

fuels. Although in some anti-iconoclastic monastery realms which I inhabit,

that is not such a bad idea. Sure saves the back.


Priscilla the Hun

Eor




It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Catching Up

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:16 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041521160701.RAA10840@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Having missed Sunday's, Monday's and Tuesday's worth of posts, I am reminded

how far one can get behind in a few days, but it was fun to read all the

posts. One never catches up, although the moments and opportunities posted

are just as much fun in retrospect.

Our Easter Celebration was lovely and filled with family, the weather was

beautiful, but I think I poisoned my family. Hope to heck it was an

intestinal virus that descended like an evil miasma in the wee hours of

Tuesday AM. Two sons and my DH were struck down, flat down with the CRUD.

Will one of you knowledgeable people who know the difference (and time

intervals) between Food poisoning and Intestinal Flu let me know your

thoughts?

meanwhile, everything in the refrigerator is now in the garbage, and

gingerale and soda crackers are on the menu.


Judi,

I would be honored to write the Society Page commentary on the wedding, with

your full understanding that I am not erudite-That adjective fits Marilu,

Warren, RuthAlice, and many others. Long-winded, capable of making sweeping

generalizations, employing gut reactions, painful honesty and profuse

apologies with verbosity-That's me. I've already begun. let's see..


"The Mother of the Groom , stunned by toxic adhesive in her bandaids( WHOOPS,

scratch that). The Mother of the Groom, stunning in her Designer original

... was seen dancing with her smashed husband ( NOPE, scratch that too) was

seen arm in arm with her smashing, debonair husband . The couple,

aroused....( Gotta edit that out too) The couple aroused looks of envy from

all at the Gala, the Nuptial Event of the year"


Well, you get the picture. It's going to take a lot of work and revision.

Your post including the booknookers and their respective responsibilities had

me rolling on the floor !


Roe

Eor




It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: HAPPY, HAPPY

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:20 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521200900.RAA24953@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear RuthAlice-


From one lover of Fredonia to another -----


The very best of Birthdays and many

more!!!



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Lobstah what?

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:23 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521230100.RAA12064@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol- treyf in reference to lobster or pork or bacon means this is unclean

food and cannot be eaten accoring to the laws of Kashruth. Among Jews who

keep a Kosher home, meat and dairy are never served together and both

utensils and plates are separated on thse occassions. In some homes they may

even have two separate refrigerators. Kosher for Passover is entirely

different and when one buys matzo for Passover it must say Kosher for

Passover or its not to be eaten at this time.


Pork or shellfish products are not allowed at anytime because they come from

an unclean part of the body.


So some Jews don't eat lobster or shrimp or pork or bacon etc.


Me, today I eat everything - not so in my mom's house but that was then and

this is now.


CATZERS- Yes, Edie Adams was married to Ernie Kovacs at the time of his

death. Too bad I can't watch these wonderful actors now - I don't think I

really apprecated them then.


Shauna - something tells me you better finish up that book and get thee to

the hospital. Very best wishes to you and your family.


Jan - I was also wondering abotu the pronunciation of the name Antonia - as

I'm listening to it the way you wrote it is what I'm listening to. My

AN-toe-knee-uh I know Michelle had a friend from Italy who pronounced it the

other way.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Shopping.com

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:24 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521243500.RAA12331@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Please understand that I have never used this website and only came across it

from the Oprah book club folder where members were discussing the fact that

once again Oprah chose a hardcover. I most likely will try this once and

then make a judgement call for the future.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Wedding--Y'all Come!

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:36 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521361600.RAA14252@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi<< If Nancy taught sex education as well as she types, we now understand

a lot about the social/sexual problems in NYC! >>


Funny that you mentioned this--- I remember clearly when I began discussing

the birth process that a student asked if I had any children. I explained

that I was newly married. The student then shook her head and said, "You

don't have to be married to have children." The next day I was trying real

hard to sound as though I knew what I was talking about during the labor

process when the same student told me to sit down and she would continue the

lesson since had been through this twice before. I imagine thats why the

following semester I was asked instead to teach English as Second Langauage

and believe me I have equally funny stories to tell from these students.


But you know what ---perhaps I should look for another board to post to.

Like Nixon I'm tired of being pushed around by all of you journalist types.


ROTFLWTSDMF - now thats a new one!!! Its rolling on the floor laughing with

tears streaming down my face

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Lobstah what?

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:38 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521381300.RAA14568@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh Judi - I can't spell but you can freely and openly talk about your you

know whats and your MOG dress and your strapless and backless bra!!!



Shhh- you think Warren is still playing with the bar-b-que baseball?

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Update on Mom

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:39 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521392800.RAA14767@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie and Carol - what wonderful news about your mom. Keeping my toes and

fingers crossed and even my eyes.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: TV AND BOOKS

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:50 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041521501800.RAA16639@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I remember That Was the Week That was and its host David Frost. Do you also

remember Dick Cavett. Now he was an interesting interviewer.


Surprise, surprise. I've been meaning to mention this all week. DH and I

ventured to the bookstore on Monday evening and he immediately said he'd meet

me at the magazines when I was finished. Personally I think he's trying to

figure out how to help Judi with her dress and bra cause I think I saw him

holding a Playboy but....I wandered away thinking "If I was a Rich Woman" as

I saw so many books I wanted. The hI spotted him, my very own DH

slithering to the checkout counter carrying two books. He was actually

hiding from me cause he knew once he whipped out his credit card, I woudl

find something to ad to his purchases. So what did he buy- the new Tracy

Ullman book for Mich cause she loves Tracy and imitates her all the time and

the new Joseph Heller book cause Bruce loves Nathan's hot dogs and thinks if

he smells the book, he'll actually taste the ones from Brooklyn in his mouth.


Is he going to also read this book - that remains to be seen.


BTW - Judi - after mounds of research Bruce said to go with the band - aids

if al lelse fails and he'll also be joining me for the festivities..

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Kosher Lobster

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 05:59 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041521593900.RAA18234@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy-A friend from Italy would pronounce Antonia as an-TOE-nya but Willa

Cather didn't come from any paese that I'm aware of. If she had, her book

would be Antonia Mia which could also be sung to the tune of O Sole Mio.


Nancy and Judi-I heard from Lita that she has found the perfect Lobster

Newburgh recipe that can be adapted for a kosher meal. It's called Lobster a

la Molly Goldberg. Oy, I'm getting crazy from hanging around with you.


Sally-You're not going to weasel out of giving me the gold star I earned.

Schine may have had a different life after Roy Cohn and McCarthy, but I knew

him when...!


Jayne, another '50s bride, wrote, <<Oh, Jan I have set here and laughed my

head off about your first two televisons. I am still laughing. That

beautiful blond furniture. Did you have the Bookcase bed too? >>


I answered her about our 1952 purchases << Of course we had the bookcase

bed. In fact, my son refinished it and still uses it as his master bed, along

with the two night tables. The other two pieces (bureau and double

dresser-remember that term??) my dear Steve refinished in a fruit wood finish

and we use it in the spare room. Still lovely. It's solid mahogany. I guess

you can't buy stuff like that anymore.

My mom took my original sofa, had it refinished and she's still using that.

The original bookcases we had are in my son's house. Our original

kitchen/dining set was made by a company called Heywood Wakefield. That too

was solid maple (blond finish: also refinished by Steve ) and have since

become a collector's items. The chairs alone are worth over $1000 each. The

table and chairs are being stored at my son's house for my daughter but she

does have the small matching credenza in her apartment filled with her CDs.

As you can see we bought good stuff and never get rid of anything, which is

a good thing because that's why Steve still keeps me-even if I am more

rickety than I'd like to be.

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Pulitzer Prizes

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:12 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041522121100.SAA20505@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, the Pulitzer announcements have been made and I'm not surprised that

Philip Roth won for American Pastoral. I did write a review about this book a

while back and recommended it highly. My daughter and I also saw the play

How I Learned to Drive and we both thought it was marvelous. Michiko

Kakutani won for her literary criticism in the NYTimes which is

well-deserved. I always seek out and enjoy her criticism. I haven't

read Katharine Graham's biography, Personal History, as yet but it is on my

list. All in all, I heartily applaud the choices of the committee this year.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire




Subject: Otto and Schine

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:20 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041522204500.SAA22000@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Otto,


Bravo!! You are herewith and forthwith to be presented with your very own

Gold Star for your excellent, erudite and exemplary G. David Schine

Presentation. The Star will be conferred at a Grand Ceremony to be held on

April 27, place TBA. (Consider yourself forewarned!)


Very truly yours,

Smiling Sal

p.s. Note that I am ignoring any requests for True Confessions re. the

Powder-Your-Face-With-Sunshine Incident even though I'm aware that some

elephants have longer memories than others.....

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: RuthAlice

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:29 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998041522291800.SAA23515@ladder01.news.aol.com>



A

very

Happy

Birthday

to you.


May all your troubles, be small ones!


........and a wonderful year to come!!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight





Subject: Re: Kosher Lobster

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:31 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041522310900.SAA03626@ladder03.news.aol.com>


1) Why is a lobster not kosher? I know it is because it is a shellfish,

but, I mean, suppose it weren't? Let me put it this way -- if Niko and I

gene-splice ourselves up a new breed of lobster without shells -- could it be

kosher? Or is the problem with shellfish that they reside on the bottom muck

of the water, and that shell or no-shell if my new lobster breed insisted on

dwelling on the bottom of the water -- no good? What qualities

do I have to engineer into a lobster (don't worry Judi - Niko and I will

protect the taste and texture at all costs) to enable it to be kosher?


2) Antonia -- Jan in Ozone Park in the fifties Antonia and Antonio were

common Italian names. They were always pronounced as you indicated, the girls

alternatively in three or four syllable versions -- Ann TOE' nee ya or Ann

TOE' nya, and the boys always four syllables -

Ann TOE' nee o. I guess I just wanted the Bohemian version to sound

different, and frankly assumed that it did. Besides My Antonia, even in the

title, has this neat little accent mark over the initial A. So I always

stressed, for no good reason, the first syllable.


Anyhow I got lucky. I just opened my copy, which incidently I

bought last Fall at the Strand Nook Fest and which I LOVED. At the bottom of

the first page of Chapter one is the following footnote -


"The Bohemian name Antonia is strongly accented on the first syllable,

like the English name Anthony, and the i is, of course, given the sound of

long e. The name is pronounced -

An' -- ton -- ee -- ah." QED


Sven Finney


Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: More Gold Stars

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:32 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041522324000.SAA03832@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK, OK!


Jan and Judi... and is there anyone ELSE! Geesh... OK, so I will also pin

Gold Stars on you both at the Ceremony on the 27th. Are you

reeeaaaaddddyyyy..... <g>


(I still think that Otto deserves the BIGGEST Star though...)


Smiling Sal



Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Re: Booknook South

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:44 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041522443600.SAA05315@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe and Cissie:


I am jealous I wish I could have been there. Just have to have a Booknook

South get together.


Talk to you both later. Fredonia tonight at 9:00 PM.



Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.





Subject: Re: Pulitzer Prizes

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 06:44 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041522444700.SAA26262@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Booknook South! What fun to meet another booknooker. Did Roe mention that

we met at a grocery store? It's a Southern thing! Right next to the okra

bin. Seriously, Roe is a delight -- wonderfully poised. That poise in

another always turns me into a blithering, babbling idiot! We had such fun

talking about children, books, children, booknook, children, cigarettes, etc.

I think that our sons were twins, separated at

birth. We'll have to get to the bottom of this. It may well be that Roe

should take mine. JK. It was hard to make myself leave, but at least I

forced her to buy a book. Once we established that "Father and Son" was a

mutual favorite book a couple of years ago, I had no trouble convincing her

that she would like "Short History".


Warren -- What a memory you have! And you're still subscribing to

Doubletake? I get it for my daughter, a budding photographer. I have

another Southern publication for you, but first you have to write another

book and send me a copy!! Back to the disappearing Wellons act! You got

sick or something a couple of years ago, was it the back??, and my e-mail to

you telling of my new identity kept bouncing. So . . . there you have it!


Jan -- I have American Pastoral on Mt. TBR, based primarily on your glowing

review. Maybe I'll get to it soon.


I'm devouring carrots. They taste nothing like cigarettes. I hate this.

Cissie






Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTHALICE

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 07:03 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041523033600.TAA07716@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice your wisdom

Is known far & wide

To us you're a treasure

To keep -


And so on your birthday

We'll wine you & dine you

And see that you don't get

Much sleep.


The van will pull up at your door

Very soon, with folks

From all over the place,

They'll bring piles of books

From their own little nooks

And give you a snuggly

Embrace.


A birthday is special,

No matter its size

It should bring you joy & good health -

And if we were greedy, instead of just needy,

We'd wish you a lot of great wealth.


We sense there's a truth, to you dear Ruth

Alice a message is there -

The quality's high

With dreams you can fly

Very well and with goodness you fare.


And so on this day

We all meet to say

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one lady fine -

Good wishes are here to last the

Whole year,

And here is your special sign:



HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO YOU, RUTHALICE

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Birthday Girl

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 07:20 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041523202300.TAA09767@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice,


I guess you get two poems tonight! Forgive me Carol........You are the poet,

but I just had to honor our Girl with a poem as well. Posts to die for and

food for thought. RuthAlice is such a complement to our boards here, and a

voice of distinction.


Happy Birthday!

You have added so much to our lives. How?

Turned the mundane into the important,

Found the meaning of a tragic day,

Lightened the load of a questioning heart, and

Chosen the perfect words to say.


My birthday wish for you is to continue thwarting the Impossibilities.

May you continue:

To gather grapes from thistles,

Fetch water in a sieve,

Catch wind in a cabbage net and,

Show us how to live.

Flay eels by the tail,

Make cheese of chalk,

Square all of the circles, and

Engage us with your talk.

Turn base metal into gold,

Make a silk purse from sow's ear,

And most of all , RuthAlice,

Teach us how to really hear.

Roe/Eor

Eor




It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Birthday Girl

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 07:40 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041523400500.TAA12249@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice -- What a memorable day for a birthday!! I hope that you've had

the sort of day you deserve, filled with loving, caring friends. You have

many here on this board who all wish you the happiest birthday ever.

Cissie







Subject: Re: RuthAlice

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 07:55 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041523555000.TAA09012@ladder01.news.aol.com>


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH AAAAAALIIIIICE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

(AND MANY MOOOOOORRRREEEE!!!!!)

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Quicksilver Country

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 08:05 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041600052000.UAA15615@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I have a small favor to ask, especially of Northern California Booknookers.

Years ago, my husband and I were the school teachers in a mining camp in San

Benito County, New Idria. It was a wonderful experience, and probably the

only reason we left is that it was a cinnabar mine, where mercury was

processed and environmental concerns closed it down in the early 70's. A

friend who lives in King City called us today and told us of a book he had

just read titled Quicksilver Country by Peter Fruscetta (sp?) and there is a

chapter in there about my husband and I. Of course, it was probably one of

those locally produced historical tomes and it was written about 20 years

ago, but I would be overjoyed if it were remotely possible to get hold of a

copy. There are two in the Monterey library, but I can hardly slink in there

and steal one. If anyone knows of this book, please let me know. We were

young returned Peace Corps volunteers who took our baby and hied ourselves to

a mining camp in the San Benito Mountains, and it was a wonderful chapter of

our lives. And, yes, Warren, it is possible for a young man from Huntington

to find happiness in a remote mining camp in the West.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: TV and Antonia

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 08:42 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041600425700.UAA20260@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Catzers:

Two people that could find links for those kinds of tapes would be

jackie/J5577 or MARILU3123.


They know more links than anyone.


Love seeing you Post again.


Take care. Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.








Subject: Re: Pulitzer Prizes

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 08:57 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041600572900.UAA22055@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie:


Just keep crunching on those carrotts!!! I know they don't taste like

cigarettes but what does!!! Your doing fine. One day at a time. or One Hour

at a time.


regards,

Jayne



Jayne in Connecticut


No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.






Subject: Re: RuthAlice

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 09:28 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041601290001.VAA25722@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Happy Birthday, RuthAlice!


``__D``___D``__D

________________



PS Not one, not two, but THREE blends to choose from---or have them all and

stay up all night and PARTY!



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Another

Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: RuthAlice and Cheef

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 09:46 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041601465800.VAA29170@ladder01.news.aol.com>



What are the odds! RuthAlice knits herself a bullet-proof vest out of

some herb that none of the rest of us have ever heard of ---- "if you tightly

weave the roots and stems of the wild golden kevlar it makes a vest quite

adequate for random small caliber incursions" -- (take that Martha Stewart

you ninny!) --- and makes it to another ---


Happy Birthday ------


and then I find out about Cheef's remarkable trek wherein she kidnapped

some poor Huntington, Long Island local, out from under my neighbors' noses,

and dragged the poor love-blinded innocent into some mining camp in the

western wilderness claiming the whole escapade was part of the Peace Corps'

service to the globe.


Mama mia what a joyous days of statistical freaks this is.

...........



Oscar Hammerstein Lind

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: TV

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 09:49 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041601492101.VAA29682@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Catzers...Ernie Kovacs. You found him good looking? So did my mother. But

she never could convince me. I was 7 and was in bed for 3 months (!) with

scarlet fever. It was Halloween and, since I couldn't go out, my mom wheeled

the television into my room. On the screen was a "princess" knitting in a

large room walled by glass. Ernie Kovacs was peering in. I started

screaming, my mom turned off the tv and from then on, had to check

the windows and closets before I went to sleep. I don't think she has

convinced me yet that he was a handsome comedian. Maybe now. And yes, he

was married to Edie Adams!

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)






Subject: Sizes

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 09:56 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041601562900.VAA01223@ladder01.news.aol.com>


This came to me today via e-mail...thought it was pretty amusing.


Marilyn Monroe wore a size 12.

The average American woman weighs 144 lbs. and wears between a size 12 and

14.

If shop mannequins were real women THEY'D BE TOO THIN TO MENSTRUATE.

There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and ONLY 8 WHO

DO.

One out of every 4 college aged women has an eating disorder.

The models in the magazines are airbrushes...THEY'RE NOT PERFECT.

A psychological study in 1995 found that 3 minutes spent looking at models

in a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty and

shameful.

Models who twenty years ago weighted 8% less than the average woman, today

weigh 23% less.

If Barbie were a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her

proportions.



Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)







Subject: NY Nookerama

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 09:59 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041601595400.VAA01880@ladder01.news.aol.com>


There has been a series of informative, entertaining, and quite

likely illegal emails circulating betwixt and between the expected attendees

at the NY Nook meeting. Much recent conversation has centered on late tips

from Nancy concerning attire in which she made highly suggestive, although

possibly useful, tips about all the reasons one should wear a fanny pack to

the Strand. MariLu was informed, for example, that she could stick her

mascarain her fanny pack. Judi wondered if that is the same as sticking it

where the sun don't shine. Meanwhile, I wonder what the heck they are talking

about. Anyone in the broader Nook world care to help out here? As I

explained to the NY contingent I will hold room in both my wardrobe and

medicine cabinet for this fanny pack thing while I try to determine where it

would most suitably be housed. Is this like a mini-bustle that holds things?

Is there alot of call for that?


Fanny Packs-em-in

Brice

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Catching Up

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:00 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041602003600.WAA02018@ladder01.news.aol.com>


EOR--Talk about rolling on the floor! It's a wonder I can reach the keyboard

from down here. You are a natural-born society editor. Let 'er rip! Must

show your post to my smashed DH!

Love from

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: HAPPY, HAPPY

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:02 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041602024800.WAA01187@ladder03.news.aol.com>


From just a little south of where you are, RuthAlice--

The happiest of happy birthdays to our font of wisdom, knowledge and ethics.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Pulitzer Prizes

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:15 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041602152200.WAA04877@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Reading this morning that Roth won the Pullet Surprise for American Pastoral

and remembering Jan's enthusiastic review of it, I was in Costco this

afternoon, saw it in paperback and snapped it up. Can't wait to get started.


I resisted the following items but they sure would have been fun to listen to

with a lot of you who are older than 40ish. They had three big cassette

collections from the Golden Age of Radio--one was the mystery and suspense

shows, the second was the comedy shows and the last was a mix. They were $30

each. So if any of you just have to hear "The Shadow," he's at Costco.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: More Gold Stars

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:19 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041602192200.WAA03519@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Sally, I'm getting nervous. This isn't going to be like those Marine Corps

pinnings I've read about, is it? Um, I hereby give my smaller but still

quite lovely star to Sven Finney, the big macher. Long may he Schine.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Sizes

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:42 PM EDT

From: Sandquist

Message-id: <1998041602423300.WAA06878@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Some helpful annotation to Lita's post:


<<Marilyn Monroe wore a size 12.>> Not too often.


<<The average American woman weighs 144 lbs. and wears between a size 12 and

14>> Is size 13.2 easy to find in the stores?


<<If shop mannequins were real women THEY'D BE TOO THIN TO MENSTRUATE.>>

And too stiff to be much fun on a date.


<<There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and ONLY 8 WHO

DO.>> And then there's Cory Everson.


<<One out of every 4 college aged women has an eating disorder.>> I've got

nothing

funny to say about this ever-growing, tragic statistic.


"The models in the magazines are airbrushes" Is that anything like an

air-head.


""A psychological study in 1995 found that 3 minutes spent looking at models

in a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty and

shameful." A few people have shared stories with me about their mothers who,

if the stories be legit,

could beat that time by eighty seconds.


<<Models who twenty years ago weighted 8% less than the average woman, today

weigh 23% less.>> The same ones?


<<If Barbie were a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her

proportions.>> Not is she used McPherson struts.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


And in closing, let me just say, as someone officially sanctioned and

authorized to speak on behalf of the entire sane male gender ( that's

fifty-three people) in such matters as feminine attractiveness ---


1) Beautiful women come in all sizes and shapes and ages. ALL.

I do not know twenty men who favor stick-shape women. I do

know a number who favor Barbie-shaped women, but that herd

is a steadily-decreasing minority.


2) The single most important beauty element for women of all ages --

by far -- is an expressively-engaging, vibrant facial demeanor topped off,

like whip cream

on an ice cream sundae, with a friendly, welcoming smile.


3) Next in importance are bright, shining, inquiring eyes that sparkle

with intellect, life, interest and warmth.


The biggest beauty problem for women who do not look like the

media's silly models is that

they often let the psychological impact of that media illusion steal from

their faces the real beauty that was

always there. If you are beautiful inside -- please let your face know about

it. And that's what everyone else

will see.


Enough. I go now. ---------- Luigi


Warren -----

"Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only

he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck

blackberries." --

Elizabeth Barrett Browning






Subject: John Gilstrap is coming to Atlanta

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 10:48 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998041602484800.WAA07765@ladder03.news.aol.com>


With all of these Book Nook reunions going on around the country, it's time

for one in Atlanta. I propose Sunday, July 19, as that's the day that John

Gilstrap will be coming to MY bookstore to sign his new book, AT ALL COSTS. I

was updating the Chapter 11 web site's list of upcoming author signings and

discovered this pleasant surprise. John now joins fellow BN authors Steve

Martini and Tess

Gerritsen who have visited my store. So when will the rest of you BN authors

come visit? <g>


Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm






Subject: Antonia

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 11:29 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998041603294501.XAA19211@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thus, the Bohemian pronunciation of My Fredonia must be --


My FRED - oh - nee- ah


Spumony2 / Cathy






Subject: Re: RuthAlice and Cheef

Date: Wed, 15 April 1998 11:30 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041603305400.XAA19418@ladder01.news.aol.com>


What can I say??? He was a Dartmouth boy and ready for adventure.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Words

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:20 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041604205100.AAA19871@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK, all you word-lovers out there. Here is a site you have to visit:


Cliche Finder


URL: http://www.westegg.com/cliche/


This one is so much fun! It gives you a cliche for any word you enter. Hope

you enjoy it as much as I have!


An example: Search Result: words


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

eat your words

eat your own words

actions speak louder than words

a man of few words

mark my words

a picture is worth a thousand words

a play on words

you took the words right out of my mouth

weasel words



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Book

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:27 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041604274001.AAA29173@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I had to do one more search for this group:


Search Result: book



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Can't judge a book by its cover

don't judge a book by its cover

in my black book

by the book

he's an open book

read him like an open book

take a leaf out of your book

take a page out of your book

throw the book at



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


So I lied--two:


Search Result: read



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


when all else fails read the directions

read between the lines

read him like an open book

read something into it

read the riot act

read the tea leaves



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


See how fun this is?


Your turn!


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Thanks

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:30 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998041604300000.AAA20869@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thank you all for the birthday greetings and poems. I was touched and have

saved them for posterity.


I had a great birthday WEEKEND, going to the coast Friday night and coming

back Monday afternoon. We rented an oceanfront cabin right on Rockaway Beach

and it was wonderful----Rockaway Beach standsout as one of those with no

leash law. Dukka and Agnes were in their glory and here it is, Wednesday

night and they are still tired. We had no plans and I brought a lot of books

and sat on the deck (as much as possible in the weather) and read or sat

inside by the fire and read. The weather was off and on pleasantly sunny and

warm and downright pouring, making both the fire and sitting outside

wonderful. I even (I think) saw a whale from the deck. It was so fast that I

can't be sure, but whale season is still on, though almost over, and the name

of the cabin was the whale watcher, so it's possible.


Today, on the other hand, was hectic as all get out---and getting home and

reading Book Nook messages was the highlight. You all really made my day.


Thank you all,



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Addenda

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:55 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041604555300.AAA23509@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice-I hope your day was as special as you make BookNook, and I imagine

every place you happen to be. Happy, happy day, and many more to come.


Lita-Ooh, scarlet fever. I too spent a long quarantined time in bed with that

now out-moded disease. I remember spending days playing with the Gone With

The Wind Paper Dolls. I guess we each had it in different centuries.

And thank you for that wonderful piece on women's sizes. It was

amusing....but so sad.


Cheef-I want to read that book too. What is the title? Tell us if you find

it.


Can it be that Mr. Information (which is better than being Miss Information)

is at a loss for info on fanny packs? That's okay, anyone who has such an

elegant eye for real women will be forgiven this time.

FYI: Fanny packs were invented by women who got tired of toting in their

purses whatever didn't fit in hubby's pockets.


Spumony-Brilliant ! My FRED-oh-nee-ah, indeed

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Emotional RollerCoaster

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 01:03 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998041605032200.BAA24180@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Today was an eventful day.


While I was chatting in Fredonia, a friend of mine called and announced that

she is going to have a baby (due Sept 1) and I am thrilled. They will be

wonderful parents and are such happy and healthy people with so much love and

exuberance that I think their little boy will be very blessed. I am almost

giddlily happy about this.


However, no sooner did she hang up than another friend called, seeking some

reassurance because this new symptom she is suffering (trigeminal something)

is most likely caused by a brain tumor or (she hopes) ms (she has so many

chronic diseases I am amazed she is alive -- diabetes, crohn's disease,

glaucoma, fused discs in her back, neuropathy (not diabetic neuropathy),

hypertension, and an aneurysm). She goes for tests on monday, but they cannot

do

an mri as she has this aneurysm that was stapled years ago and if the mri

could upset it.


She cannot work. The last job she had, on her third day she lost control of

her bladder while talking to a national president of one of their allies and

peed all over his shoes. She was fired because she lacked credibility. Every

job she has had she has lost because of chronic absenteeism as she spends a

cumulative 2-3 months a year int he hospital and is bedridden for more than

that while fasting for the crohn's (can you imagine a diabetic fasting

for 2 weeks at a time). However, Social Security Disability only approves 11%

of all claims and it's a crapshoot who will be approved. She was not and is

in the 3 year long appeal wait until she can get her case heard by a judge.

What's amazing is that she was denied even though Social Security's own

doctors wrote in their filings that she was disabled and should receive

disability.


To top it off, her marriage is under terrific financial pressure because she

is not working and because of her medical bills. Now her husband, a truly

kind man 99% of the time, who is under unbearable pressure, has told her she

must find a job or he will file for divorce because he cannot stand the

financial pressure any more. He is working two shifts per day right now and

they are falling further and further behind. Personally, I also think that it

just is too painful for him to watch her getting sicker and sicker, but

always with something chronic and debilitating...neverending. This is awful

to say, but if it were terminal, I think he would have the strength, but

instead it's more like water on a stone. This additional stress is the last

thing she needs, but they have not been married long (5 years) and he has

become her caretaker more than her husband.


I don't think my mood has swung from that height to that depth so quickly in

my life. My friend who is ill is a wonderful woman...though I admit I

sometimes dread her calls because so often there is a crisis and so often she

is sick and needs help or cheering up and she calls me because I am so

unsympathetic. Not that she only calls when something bad happens, but that

something bad happens so often that she has few opportunities to make

cheerful

calls. I make it a rule to never be sympathetic because then she gets

depressed and starts to cry and it's not cathartic for her--she just cries

and cries. So I say, "well at least it's not x, y , or z. " However, I am

running out of things for it to at least not be. She must like my lack of

sympathy, because she calls me more than anyone and always calls me first. Of

course, a lot of people have run into compassion fatigue. Mutual friends have

asked after her, interested and hoping she is doing well, but ducking calls

sometimes because she is exhausting.


She can be exhausting, but she is also a little inspiring. She keeps her

humor and laughs about her problems, even when she is seeking reinforcement,

and she is still interested in other people. Her illnesses compounded have

made her slightly self-absorbed, but she is not a Munchausen's egocentric.

For example, when another friend was dying and needed around the clock care,

she got on the phone and organized shifts of volunteers to be there so his

wife and family did not face it alone. She couldn't do it herself, but she

found the people to do it and she managed (even in the hospital herself) to

keep someone there with him 12 hours a day as relief for his wife for over 11

months without a missed shift, scheduling replacements when others were sick

or out of town and encouraging and pressuring people who were thinking their

commitment would not last so long -- he lingered a long time.


I have named her Kathy AWE (Alien Woman Extraterrestrial) because, as I told

her, if she were merely human she would be dead by now. She made stationery

on her home computer that says Kathy _____, A.W.E. and no one knows what

that means and some assume it's a degree.


Oh well, at least it's not bubonic plague.



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Antonia

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 07:33 AM EDT

From: Amdal

Message-id: <1998041611334401.HAA24242@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, I have seen my name in the subject line so frequently I have gotten

past being startled.

Just for the record the pronunciation of my name as we use it(Portuguese) is

An- TAW -nya.................................







Subject: Happy Happy

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 08:44 AM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041612442500.IAA10622@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ruth Alice,




HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!




I hope your birthday is (was?) a very happy one.



Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Re: Birthday

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 08:54 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041612543000.IAA01112@ladder01.news.aol.com>


A late but well meaning birthday greeting to you, RuthAlice! When someone

says many happy "returns" of the day to you, does it have a double meaning?

I have a friend visiting the Oregon coast right now and her e-mails are

glowing. She's a travel agent and has been everywhere but she admits to

being more enthusiastic about the coast of Oregon than she's been about

anywhere in a long time. Lucky you! And Happy Birthday!

Sue

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Emotional RollerCoaster

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 09:21 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041613214900.JAA03871@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Ruth:


It was good you related some of this story last night in Chat but what a

story! It has to be one of a kind. I know what you mean about not being

sympathetic. Most people with health problems to any real extent do not need

sympathy just a kind word, understanding or a joke.


Your a gem and thank you for sharing.


Regards,

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Sizes

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 09:38 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041613385900.JAA14266@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks for those words, Lita. I'm passing them along to my 18 year old. As

a mother of young women, I am frightened by the sad self-images I detect in

that age group. The media certains bears much of the blame here. However,

having spent the better part of my life on some sort of diet, I probably

haven't helped much. Tell me, are eating disorders a relatively new problem

or are they just more prevalent now? I don't

remember ever hearing about them in the 60's, but now have friends who have

daughters literally starving themselves to death.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Kosher Lobster

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 09:43 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041613432801.JAA06222@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jan - I don't know how to tell you but you might have been crazy before you

were hanging around with us. You know that expression "birds of a feather."


And to be honest with you, with so many more Kosher products on the shelves

these days who knows we may yet see kosher lobster.


You know what really bugs me, a pet peeve, when the waiter says order this it

takes just like lobster(ahlf the cost ) or Bruce will say the new so and so

looks like a Mercedes (for a quartrer of the price. Iis it lobster? Is it a

Mercedes? SO......why settle for anything else. (lack of money). This from

a preson who eats tunafish and drives a yugo.


BTW - has anybody seen the new Vokswagenb beetle. We saw one the other day

and were so excited - beeping the diver and waving our arms. We had a red

one we named Mr. Bug in 1972 - which was stolen on the streets of Queens.

Ahh memoriues.


Just realized that one of the Ephron sisiters write a book called Crazy

Salald and I'm writing Word Salad today


Now I'm typing without my glasses - thats what you call Chutzpah. Ok any of

you out there who are familiar with this and explain that one.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Emotional RollerCoaster

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 09:49 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041613495301.JAA06925@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Your poor friend. It all sounds rather hopeless, doesn't it? Well, at least

she has friends who will listen and perhaps keep her from wallowing in

self-pity. I like the term "compassion fatigue". Sad but true sometimes.

However, that doesn't appear to be a disorder that affects you.


Happy day after!

Cissie






Subject: Words of Wisdom

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 10:00 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041614003600.KAA15814@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I received this in my e-mail this morning and wanted to share these words

with all of you:



Try not to become a man of success but

rather try to become a man of value.


Einstein (1879-1955)


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: Sizes

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 11:13 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041615131200.LAA21391@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I must have been in my sleep when I wrote "amusing"...more likely talking to

someone and typing at the same time. (A bad habit of mine.) Nancy has her

typos..me..."wordo's" (a new word for our dictionary! But I did find many of

Warren's additions amusing. Ok, off to the phones!

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)






Subject: Re: Addenda

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 11:34 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998041615341900.LAA23101@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jan - Oh, scarlet fever had paper dolls too. And many, many books. Three

months' worth. There was television (with 4 stations, mind you) and my

mother and I always watched the afternoon movie, which was most often "Little

Women". (Thus, I am expert on all versions.) When DD got scarlet fever,

she took antibiotics for 10 days and was back at school in 5. A much better

scenario!


Ruth Alice - HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am really sorry about your friend but remember the good news as well.


Cissie - I, too, am the mother of 2 girls...one just entering adolesence.

She's a little chubby, along with extremely pretty but I know the chubby part

gets in her way. I am scared to death of eating disorders...she's a

perfectionist, the perfect profile...we talk about it a lot and I hope that's

enough. Neither of my girls will ever be close to willowy and, though we

understand it intellectually, its difficult to accept. I did have one friend

with anorexia but it was relatively unknown and considered pretty strange at

the time.


Nancy - I saw a red VW yesterday, two of them in fact. I thought they were

strange looking. I got a 1972 red beetle for my 21st birthday and I LOVED

that car...gave it up in 1983 and still look for it.


Chutzpah? That's an easy one...a lotta noive.

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)






Subject: Words of Wisdom

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 11:47 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041615474401.LAA20742@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I got this today and want to share it.


>I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent

>Night." Age 6

>

>I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Age

>7

>

>I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they

>are doing and wave back. Age 9

>

>I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me

>clean it up. Age 13

>

>I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering

>someone else up. Age 14

>

>I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my

>parents

>are strict with me. Age 15

>

>I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.

>Age 24

>

>I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.

>Age 26

>

>I've learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers have followed me

>there.

>Age 29

>

>I've learned...that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live

so

>that no one will believe it. Age 39

>

>I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know

>how

>to show it. Age 41

>

>I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a

little

>card. Age 44

>

>I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his

need

>to cast blame on others. Age 46

>

>I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47

>

>I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. Age

>49

>

>I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the

>phone.

>Age 50

>

>I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these

>three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

>Age 52

>

>I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet

full

>of pills. Age 52

>

>I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you

miss

>them terribly after they die. Age 53

>

>I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

Age

>58

>

>I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children,

try

>to improve your marriage. Age 61

>

>I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62

>

>I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both

>hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64

>

>I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you

>focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people,

and doing

>the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65

>

>I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make

>the right decision. Age 66

>

>I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72

>

>I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth,

I've

>seen several. Age 73

>

>I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. Age 82

>

>I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People

>love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on

>the back. Age 85

>

>I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92


"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Rockaway

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:40 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041616402400.MAA28664@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice - Your post about your birthday sure brought back memories of my

childhood. We spent summer vacations at Rockaway (or Neskowin) and it was

always such fun. The water was so cold but we still managed to go in it and

once we were numb we could enjoy it! I always remember a Boxer dog I had

after I moved to California. She loved the ocean and spent a lot of time in

it. We took her on a trip to the Oregon coast one time. She went bounding

across the sand and into the water. She got about hip deep and stopped dead

still with the most astonished and horrified.look on her face. She had sure

never been in water that cold in California.


The Oregon Coast is a place of beauty and everyone should have a chance to

see it sometime. We sure don't have anything to compare here. What a perfect

place to spend your special day.




Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Addenda

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:43 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041616434200.MAA28952@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I once saw a definition of chutzpah that said it was a man who could kill

both parents and then throw himself on the mercy of the court because he is

an orphan.


For those that are interested, I went onto the internet for a New Idria

search to see if I could find the book in which we are mentioned, found the

historical society of San Benito county, sent an inquery and received the

following this morning.


Good Morning,

I have the book right here in front of me. The title is;

Quicksilver Country -- California's New Idria Mining District

written by Peter C. Frusetta

In the back of the book it says; "If you would like to order extra copies

of the following books, send your check or money order to:

Peter Frusetta P.O. Box 246 Tres Pinos, CA 95075

1) Beyond the Pinnacles, The History and Folklore of Southern San

Benito County....$17.95 **( I LOVE this book )**


2) Quicksilver Country, California's New Idria Mining District....$17.95


3) Hollister, Hay Capital of the World....(In progress as of 2/1/91)....

please inquire.


So, of course, we are going to be sending a check.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Rockaway

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 12:49 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041616495300.MAA29472@ladder03.news.aol.com>


While I heartily endorse the beauty of the Oregon coast and love to drive up

that way, I would say that the Mendocino Coast of CA compares in beauty and

DANG!!!! that water is cold.


RuthAlice,

It sounds as if you may have had the perfect birthday. Good for you for

taking care of you.


Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Aol 4.0

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 01:58 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041617585900.NAA05757@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Quick note --- we discovered the problem with Aol 4.0 on our network

machines.

It has nothing directly to do with the TCP/IP connection. However, our

network machines are the only ones that I have equipped with the Microsoft

Internet Explorer 4.0. AOL forgot to tell us silly downloaders that their

preliminary version of AOL 4.0 will not work -- they mean by that it will

destroy your machine under certain conditions -- if your machine is using the

4.0 Explorer. I think AOL has now added a warning label before the download

about

this little problem. Gotta go. I'm helping Tock who is in the backyard trying

to figure out how to dig half a hole. So far we have come close, but no

cigar. I think we'll try smaller fractions and work our way up to half a

hole.


Niko Tesla coiled

for hole-digging action

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Aol 4.0/Tock

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 02:37 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041618375100.OAA09210@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Warren,


I would like to know if Tock can figure out how much dirt is in a hole 4ft

wide, 6ft long, and 3ft deep. This would certainly make him a candidate for

Canine Mensa, even if he is never able to master that half a hole business.


Juried Show

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Words of Wisdom

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 02:40 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998041618405000.OAA09920@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Marilu


Your Words of Wisdom are sooooo articulate and true! A few really hit the

heart. Like no matter what the relationship with your parents you miss them

when they die!! Oh, yes!


See you in NYC doesn't that sound great!


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Aol 4.0/Tock

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 03:06 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041619064000.PAA12160@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe,


Tock tells me that whenever he digs a hole 4ft wide, by 6ft long,

and 3ft deep there is no, zero, nada dirt in it. Tock, as you know, is a very

neat dog, and never leaves dirt where he puts a hole of any size. That's why

he is having such a hard time with this half a hole thing. Holes of every

which size never seem to have dirt in them, and every hole Tock digs of any

conceivable size, our smallest has been a one-thousandth of an inch hole,

is always a whole hole. This hole thing is very depressing.


Niko


Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Nominations

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 04:45 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041620454100.QAA21977@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Haven't read any of the messages today (my thoughts and answers will just

have to wait)but wanted to let one and all know that we will begin nominating

TWO books tomorrow for our book club. All nominations should appear only in

the Readers and Reading group folder found at the top of the first menu.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Aol 4.0/Tock

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 05:00 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041621002700.RAA23595@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Tock,


A holistic perfect score is issued to you for your answer to the volume of

dirt in a whole hole. You have hit pay dirt! As such, you have earned and

retain the title of official hole watchdog. I cannot pick a hole in your

argument that insists any hole is a whole hole, and thus is wholly empty, and

as any one with half a brain knows, if you know a better hole than the one

you're in, half or whole, you can go find it, while putting yourself wholly

in jeopardy. After all, the study of holism maintains the theory that the

universe is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes, not interacting

halves.


Tock, by your astute answer, you are certainly not in a hole and will not

have to eat dirt. Holy Cow! You are one smart dog.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: belated birthday

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 06:20 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998041622201600.SAA02786@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice,

So sorry to have missed your birthday. Sounds like it was a happy one. I

do wish you many more of them too.

Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Re: Addenda

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 07:45 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041623450100.TAA13738@ladder03.news.aol.com>


ROE AND WARREN--I don't know about you two! All this hole business just

sounds a little strange, if you ask me, which you didn't. I am one of those

people who see the doughnut instead of the hole, and I always thought that to

do otherwise was nothing short of pessimistic, but then I've always been a

square peg, anyhow!


Cheef--When DH and I were a-courtin' one of our favorite places to hike,

besides the beach, was Pinnacles National Park. Part of it is, I think,

still closed after damage from the winter rains. But our very favorite place

to park the RV and sit a while is on the coast in Oregon. We have a spot

where we can park with a 180 degree view of the most pristine beach on the

coast. We can

watch the little fishing boats, and occasionally we even see a whale spout.

It's absolutely gorgeous. We'll be going back there the end of May.


Re BEETLES--My first teaching job I was hired for was to replace a young man

named Gordon Buford who had written a little book called The Love Bug.

Disney paid him something like $2000 for it and went on to make tons of money

from the movie.


CISSIE--I knew two girls who had anorexia when I was in my teens, and I'm a

long way from my teens now. One I went to high school with. She died age

fourteen from it. We watched her starve herself to death. It was horrible.

I attended her funeral. The other girl was a college student, but I don't

know what happened to her. It's been around for a

while.


LUIGI--Despite your sometimes silliness, you are a true romantic! Your brief

treatise on women and their insides vs their outsides was wonderful!

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 07:51 PM EDT

From: LPainter

Message-id: <1998041623513100.TAA14573@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Good heavens, Cissie. Don't you do anything except read???Astounding number

of books to have been read. I AM impressed.

Louise






Subject: Re: Addenda

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 08:09 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041700090000.UAA17613@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Marilu,


Perhaps you did this intentionally, or perhaps it was a fortuitous accident

of fate that you happened to mention the doughnut, for in referencing the

doughnut hole, you have solved the hole conundrum. Yes, you can have half a

hole, if you eat one half of a doughnut hole which is so popular nowadays,

you have half a hole left; you just can't dig one.


And Warren,


Not that we believe everything you say, but your concluding statement on

Sizes is about the best advice anyone can receive:


<<If you are beautiful inside -- please let your face know about it. And

that's what everyone else will see. >>


Thanks to you both.


Roe


Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re; feeling smug

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 09:55 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041701550400.VAA00307@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm at the computer after a full day of work and with two grandbabies in the

house with me, dinner and bath over, I have put them both to sleep in their

sweet little jammies. Humming gently to myself, " bring home the bacon, fry

it in a pan, she'a woman" or something like that.

Our family eats together at least twice a week, spends many evening

together and generally enjoy one another's company but now it looks like

we're going to go on overload as eldest ds and wife have purchased a "new"

old home and sold their present one. One snag...two months between vacating

one and moving into the other. Home again, home again, to grandmother's

house we go with a one year old and two hyper Visula dogs! I'm hoping it

warms up

enough for dh and I to leave them to it and go to our cottage for awhile!

The snow has been falling all day but it won't last.

Lita's rememberences of her Scarlet Fever brought back thoughts I've had

before. How when we were sick, we'd stay in bed, have meals on trays and

doctor visits to the home, of course. Are kids less sick now or are we less

strict about their behavior while sick? A little of each, I imagine....and

antibiotics help. We had antibiotics when I was a girl but my mother's

memories of how to care for a sick child preceded the medicines.

Sue, who has finished Riven Rock and will start something new tonight....or

start the small commissioned watercolor I have due or pace the floor awaiting

the arrival of the first Booknook baby!






Subject: Re: Addenda

Date: Thu, 16 April 1998 10:34 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998041702342200.WAA05714@ladder03.news.aol.com>


So if you eat the donut did you eat the hole thing?

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Dar Williams

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:20 AM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041705201200.BAA24348@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Last night, my DH and I went to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano to

hear one of my very favorite folk singers, Dar Williams. I had never heard

of her until I went online, but I'm a big fan now. I have all three of her

CD's. Her first one is still my favorite. It's called The Honesty Room. I

don't know if any of you have heard of her, but she's an extremely talented

folk singer/songwriter, and she's also very funny and articulate

and puts on a great show! Last night was the first night of her tour.

She'll be going all over the U.S., and if you like folk singers at all,

you'll love her! You can check out her concert tour schedule at Musi-Cal

Search: Dar Williams to see when she'll be in your neck of the woods. She

has a web page at Dar Williams - Welcome to DarWeb!

Barbara (reading A Big Storm Knocked it Over and The Shipping News)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Emotional RollerCoaster

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:20 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041705204300.BAA25238@ladder01.news.aol.com>



RuthAlice - I don't know if you remember but my son and his roommate moved in

with us recently - they came to us and said they wanted to save money, so,

since we'd found this nice big house on the water, maybe they could move in.

We said alright, although I don't know exactly why. Now I see that my son,

who has lived with his roommate for 5 years now, is tired. Glenn has

everything wrong with him and Ed's been carrying it alone for years now.

It's easier with three of us. Even now Glenn is out of work because of bad

health - we only anticipate that for him in the future because his strength

is so limited. He's had two kidney transplants, his back is bad, his

allergies are terrible, his eyesight is bad, his hearing is bad (and his

mother was murdered when he was 8 with body parts spread all over Simi

Valley) AND

he's a gay Croatian. I don't know what he's supposed to do with such a fate.

Nor anyone. I would hate to think of burdening a husband with such a fate.

But who is to take care of people who can't take care of themselves and will

never be able to take care of themselves? It's a question I'm thinking about

- I have no problem supporting him. He comes from a good family but they are

in denial - they expect him to be normal. His father is always

saying well, I made it on my own and I expect you to, too. Sure. When Ed

found him, he was living alone in a crummy room, sick, but trying to work.

He's so amazingly cheerful. I think I've got the better end of the deal

because I can actually do something about this - not about everyone in the

world but about this I can. You're good to listen to your friend but I know

it's hard.


I have a sister who is beyond help and I don't listen to her anymore because

I can't help her. But I listened for 57 years before I made that decision.


MariLu - I agree with the woman about healing silence. What I love most

about my husband is that he is silent - that's the best. And of course

Warren reminds me of my DH who once told me that he had never met an ugly

woman.


Leslie - lol!


I wrote a great Answer to a Petition today, which began, "Defendants are

fighting a desparate battle to apportion at least 1% of applicant's

stipulated 100% industrial injury to non industrial causes." I love that.

The moment I got that line, the whole Answer fell into place, just like a

good college paper. Off to court tomorrow and we'll see if we win or not.

It's always hard for me to believe I can spout that stuff like a pro.


I'm almost done with Isle of Joy, which I'm enjoying on one level - the

unbelieveable level. It's a smirky book without much character depth (or, if

these are real people, I've simply never had the pleasure of their company).

I'm enjoying the inventiveness of it but I can't recommend it for character

analysis.


Got to go now - DS needs to check his email -


Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Belated Happy B'Day, RuthAlice

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:27 AM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041705271000.BAA24900@ladder03.news.aol.com>


. _

------ _

. A Belated . .

` ` .

. ßir†hday ßalloon . / HaÞÞy \

. ßouque†...... : ßir†hday

:.

. :

RuthAlice # :

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# /

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. / HaÞÞy \ : Year | _ ------ _ |\ (

. | HaÞÞy | : . ` .. ` .

)

. : HaÞÞy : \ - .. # / HaÞÞy.. \

. \ Ðay # / . ` . _ -.. _ .| ßir†hday |


. ` . _ -.. _ . ` ` )_( ` : #

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. `) \ . ` , ` ., ` )_( `

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. ````````````` `\¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ß£v`¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥/` ``````````````````````

. `` `` `` `\¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥/` ```` `` ``

. ` ~--^---^---^---^---^--~ ` ```

. ßirthday ßalloon ßouquet--



*\/**\/**\/**\/**\/**\/**\/*

Barbara (reading The Shipping News and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Book signings

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:49 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041705493200.BAA27269@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I used to have a website in My Fav. Places where one could read about authors

and also could see a schedule of where and when they would be doing book

signings. I

lost MVP when my computer crashed and I cannot remember where it was. Does

anyone have this? I would sure appreciate having it again. I think it was a

website and not an AOL thing - but I could be wrong. <g>

Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: More Women's Quotes -

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 03:09 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998041707091700.DAA00816@ladder03.news.aol.com>


WOMEN'S QUOTES:


"Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get appointed as an

assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly

promoted as a male schlemiel." - Bella Abzug


"I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and

a career." - Gloria Steinem


"Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry."- Gloria Steinem


"I think; therefore, I'm single." - Lizz Winstead


"When women are depressed, they either eat or go shopping. Men invade

another country." - Elayne Boosler


"I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes, because I know I'm not

dumb...and I also know that I'm not blonde." - Dolly Parton


"You see a lot of smart guys with dumb women, but you hardly ever see a

smart woman with a dumb guy." - Erica Jong


"I want to have children, but my friends scare me. One of my friends

told me she was in labor for 36 hours. I don't even want to do anything

that feels GOOD for 36 hours." - Rita Rudner


"I figure that if the children are alive when I get home, I've done my

job." - Roseanne


"My husband and I are either going to buy a dog, or have a child. We

can't decide to ruin our carpet, or ruin our lives." - Rita Rudner


"I was on a date recently, and the guy took me horseback riding. That

was kind of fun, until we ran out of quarters." - Susie Loucks


"This guy says, "I'm perfect for you, 'cause I'm a cross between a macho

man and a sensitive man." I said, "Oh, a gay trucker?"" - Judy Tenuta


"I've been on so many blind dates, I should get a free dog." - Wendy Liebman


"Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth." - Erma Bombeck


"I'm not going to vacuum, 'til Sears makes one you can ride on."- Roseanne


"I would love to speak a foreign language, but I can't. So I grew hair

under my arms instead." - Sue Kolinsky


"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." - Gilda Radner


"Behind every successful man is a surprised woman." - Maryon Pearson


"Sometimes, I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps

they should live next door, and just visit now and then." - Katharine

Hepburn


Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Trips down memory lane

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 06:22 AM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998041710223700.GAA05911@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cheef--I remember Cherry Ames, student nurse,etc. A friend lent me her whole

very own series. It wasn't until years later that I recalled these books and

wondered

if they had any influence on my profession,RN.

There's no such thing as a bad

day. They're all good. Some are a little better than others but they're

all good. Armin V, Eilts


Ruth






Subject: Re: Birthday Logic

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 08:38 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998041712380000.IAA11329@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Louise -- All that is going to change soon as my attention will turn to

gardening books, gardening, and my gardening journal. That is, if this weird

weather improves.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Nominations

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 08:54 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041712544400.IAA13225@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hope nobody minds that I'm posting this here - maybe it will encourage soem

of you to join with us for the Book Nook Book Group.


Below is the schedule for the next nomination period which begins today:


Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April18 - the titles of TWO books may be

nominated and submitted to the Readers and Reading Group folder.


Sunday, April 19 through Tuesday April 21st - the ballot for all nominated

books will appear in this folder. You may begin voting for two titles to be

read for the next period, from Sunday morning through April 21st, Tuesday

evening.


Wedensday, April 22nd- the two titles for our next reading period will be

announced in the Readers and Reading Group folder.


Please submit your nominations only to the Readers and Reading Group folder

and be sure and use a separate message for the titles. Also be sure and

place the word Nominations in the subject line.


Thanks-

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Books for Sale

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 09:27 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041713271500.JAA14391@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just did a little more investigating of the website which is selling books

at an unbelievably low price. No, I don't think this is a gimmick. I think

its a large group of many retailers who are signing up this way to maximize

shopping by the internet. The website link I left brings you directly to the

book sale aera but there are many, many more opportunities to buy if you

begin at the beginning.


This morning they're advertising Cold Mountain for $9.60. It seems as though

the best sellers aer 60% off and all other boosk are 35% off. For a real

comparison I chose to look up the book Resisitance by Anita Shreve from both

Amazon and shopping.com. This paperback book book from Amazon is selling for

$10.36 there plus $3.95 for shipping and delivery. At shopping.com the same

book is only $8.42 plus $3.50 for shipping and handling. There is

some saving - Amazon charges 95 cents more for each book and shopping only 90

censt which really isn't any big deal. I think the most appreciable

difference is over new hot books. I think, though, like the book clubs, they

may only get some of the big books and not all. I also tried finding some

very new books like the one from Anita Shreve, The Pilot's Wife, and while

Amazon has it listed, Shopping.com doesn't.


I most likely will try the new site once to see how realible they are and

then decide in the future which source to use. Or maybe I'll just stop

buying books!!! But for me that would be like not eating which I'm already

doing so....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Sizes

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 09:59 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041713590600.JAA17666@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Lita- I must say that your message was most informative. As the mother of a

social x-ray and wife to one too, what can I say. But in their cases, they

never watch what they eat and neither did I. So how come I ballooned and

they didn't?


LOL



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time








Subject: Re: Dar Williams

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 11:00 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041715000900.LAA22459@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara - Ohhh - you're so lucky to have seen and listened to Dar Williams in

person. I first became acquainted with this singer when I heard her do a

duet with Joan Baez on Baez's album Ring em Bells. At the moment I can'r

remember the title of the song - I can only hum it. I also have all of her

CD's - really love the song about the babysitter and growing old. I think

the latter if the one she did with Baez. Williams recently gave a

concert locally but we had theater tickets for that night. This is another

one of my pet peeves- everything I want to do is always scheduled for the

same night. Now Loretta Mckennitt will be at Radio City at the bginning of

May but that night we have a testimonial dinner for a dear friend so....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time





Subject: More Dar

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 11:44 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041715440800.LAA25130@ladder03.news.aol.com>


All because of you Barbara, I just had to pull out my Dar Williams CDs to

find out the name of that song - Your Aging Well is the one I referred to

with Joan Baez. Thanks for the websites- they're now in my fave places. How

do you find these places? I sometimes feel like a voyeur - I read them from

you and others and then hang out at these sites. As if I need any more

places to spend time online reading. I sometimes feel as though I

need to take off one day a week and just sit here to keep up.


Nwo I see I only have two of Williams' albums - whats the name fo the third.


Off to lunch and then the library.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Book signings

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 11:44 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041715445000.LAA25185@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I will look for the link - I think it's Book Wire but I'm not quite sure if

it's in my AOL favorite places or book marked on Netscape - will try to

remember to send it to you!


Carol in Marco

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Shakespeare

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 12:21 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041716213800.MAA29309@ladder01.news.aol.com>


For those of you who are interested in Shakespeare or who teach English, I

just found this great site. It has a tremendous amount of information,

including clothing, medicine, laws, etc. and differences between locations.

It's the most comprehensive one I've seen. Enjoy! Virtual Renaissance


"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Oh dear -

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 12:36 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041716364700.MAA00661@ladder01.news.aol.com>


What can the matter be - I did a real cleanup of my cache last night, & don't

seem to be able to access the Internet at all from AOL today, while trying to

get that Book Wire address for Carol


Is it me? Or???? I get a browser alert that says: The attempt to load

'http://www.randomhouse.com/' failed.

I get this with every Internet address I try. Any ideas from the computer

gurus out there? Using Big Mac & Aol 3.0


Help appreciated!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Southernism

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:04 PM EDT

From: Hernandies

Message-id: <1998041717043600.NAA02964@ladder01.news.aol.com>


All my kinfolk back several generations are from Texas. I learned it this

way:


"Lord willin' and the crick don't rise" (I must have come from illiterate

stock!)

Stephanie

"The universe is not only queerer than we imagine, but queerer than we can

imagine." J.B.S. Haldane

Reading Stalking the Angel by Robert Crais







Subject: Re:

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:06 PM EDT

From: Hernandies

Message-id: <1998041717063700.NAA02129@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My DH and I saw "Forever Plaid" in San Diego last July (Maybe still playing

in Old Town). The Ed Sullivan bit was my favorite part! I really enjoyed the

whole show.

Stephanie

"The universe is not only queerer than we imagine, but queerer than we can

imagine." J.B.S. Haldane

Reading Stalking the Angel by Robert Crais







Subject: Re: Oh dear -

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:21 PM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998041717214600.NAA03390@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol,


I got through on the first try, but I'd been getting failed messages all

morning. I think it's AOL, if you ask me!


Shannon







Subject: Re: Book signings

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:22 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041717220200.NAA04408@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Is this the site you are looking for? Authors on the Highway


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: Dar Williams

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 01:55 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041717554800.NAA07357@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy, I'll always remember the description someone on AOL gave me when I

asked her what Dar's voice sounded like. She said if Joan Baez and Joni

Mitchell had a love child, she'd sound like Dar! <VBG> Well, I don't know,

but she has a wonderful voice and writes songs that are poetic and tell

stories and I love to listen to her, so it was a big thrill for me to see

her in person. We got to sit very close to the stage. She did the song you

mention that night, You're Aging Well. It's one of my faves too. She ended

the set with another favorite of mine, When I Was a Boy. I like The

Babysitter too, but she didn't do it. Here's the lyrics to the one about

growing old:


You're Aging Well


Why is it that as we grow older and stronger

The road signs point us adrift and make us afraid

Saying "You never can win," "Watch your back," "Where's your husband?"

Oh I don't like the signs that the signmakers made.

So I'm going to steal out with my paint and my brushes

I'll change the directions, I'll hit every street

It's the Tinseltown scandal, the Robin Hood vandal

She goes out and steals the King's English

And in the morning you wake up and the signs point to you

they say "I'm so glad that you finally made it here,"

"You thought nobody cared, but I did, and I could tell,"

And "This is your year," and "It always starts here,"

And oh, "You're aging well."


Well I know a woman with a collection of sticks


She could fight back the hundreds of voices she heard

And she could poke at the greed, she could fend off her need

And with anger she found she could pound every word

But one voice got through, caught her up by surprise

It said, "Don't hold us back, we're the story you tell,"

And no sooner than spoken, a spell had been broken

And the voices before her were trumpets and tympani

Violins, basses and woodwinds and cellos, singing

"We're so glad that you finally made it here

You thought no one cared, but we did, we could tell

And now you'll dance through the days while the orchestra plays

And oh, you're aging well."


Now when I was fifteen, oh I knew it was over

The road to enchantment was not mine to take

Cause lower calf, upper arm should be half what they are

I was breaking the laws that the signmakers made.

And all I could eat was the poisonous apple

And that's not a story I was meant to survive

I was all out of choices, but the woman of voices

She turned round the corner with music around her,

She gave me the language that keeps me alive, she said:

"I'm so glad that you finally made it here

With the things you know now, that only time could tell

Looking back, seeing far, landing right where we are

And oh, you're aging, oh, I'm aging, oh, aren't we aging well?"

Barbara (reading The Shipping News and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: More Dar

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 02:15 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041718152700.OAA08171@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy, You asked how I find the web places. The fastest way is to use a

search engine (I used to use Alta Vista), but Inference Find! is the very

speediest one. It will come up with a list of links for anything you ask for

in 7 seconds or less! Then, when I click on a link, there are usually other

paths

(links) that look interesting to explore, and so on.....


The name of Dar's third CD is End of the Summer. It's quite a departure from

the first two which are fok music. This one has a few folk songs, but most

of them really rock out. My DH likes it best, but I prefer The Honesty Room

and Mortal City.


I really like Shawn Colvin too, and she was at the Coach House for the four

nights before Dar was there. I would have loved to have seen her too, but I

knew I wouldn't be able to drag my DH out for concerts twice in a week! As

it happens, we already have tix for Riverdance on Sunday anyway!


Since you like Baez, here's another site for you The Joan Baez Web Pages


Barbara (reading The Shipping News and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: boomers

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 04:27 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041720274800.QAA22190@ladder01.news.aol.com>


this may be old news to some, but if you plug in keyword boomer, you go to a

baby boomer site that is a blast from the past. better still, I have found a

whole bunch of people I grew up with in Jersey City, but lost track of. You

will also probably find old friends there and relive the good old days. I

also learned that you can get videos of ding dong school!



Toby, dreaming of hot summer nights playing russia and hit the stick






Subject: Re: Wrong Words/Gina/Luigi

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 05:17 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998041721171300.RAA27448@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna--Please let me know how you liked The Hobbit. Have it sitting here and

have never wanted

to read it. Just picked it up since my eldest adult son loves the whole

series. He noticed

that I had it right away and keeps trying to urge me to read it. Ruth

There's no such thing as a bad

day. They're all good. Some are a little better than others but they're

all good. Armin V, Eilts


Ruth







Subject: Re: Book signings

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 05:20 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041721205300.RAA27836@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thank you Carol and Jackie. You are both right, Authors on the Highway is

Bookwire. I sure appreciate having it again. I would hate to miss a signing

nearby of an author I enjoy. I emailed GILJOHN hoping he would be coming out

our way but he tells me, at least at this time, he will be staying east of

the Mississippi.

Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 05:28 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041721285100.RAA28649@ladder01.news.aol.com>


There's also an area Toby from aol - you can access it through the Interest

or Lifestyles icon from the screen behind the welcome sign when aol signs on.

All sorts of other intersting folders about our age group. I remember

finding an old camp mate this way too.


One of my oldest cousins just signed onto aol and is busy writing to me every

minute. Sure beats long distance phone calls to Manahattan. In the meantime

he is arranging a reunion of his old navy buddies through aol and the web.


I remember hit the stick but what was russia?

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Oh dear -

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 05:42 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041721425100.RAA28916@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol--I had that problem for a little while yesterday on my other screen

name. I kept getting this message that I had to be signed on, and I WAS

signed on. I knew the sites I was trying to get on were okay, because I had

used them earlier. I tried doing what the messages told me--sign off then

back on again, then I restarted--to no avail. Finally I deleted a BCC'd email

message I had gotten, then tried again and voila! I was back on

again. Sometimes I think these things just like to play tricks on us. I

don't know whether it's a software thing, or what.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 06:12 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041722121800.SAA03587@ladder01.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice and Booknookers:


Feel free to SKIP this long post. I became intrigued with the literary

characters' temperaments and thought perhaps some of you might like to see

the pairings!


If you are interested in playing around with the

Keirsey Temperament Sorter again,(or already know your type) it is

entertaining to then go to


Mirror of Fiction and find out about some of your favorite characters'

personality types. You might be intrigued or not surprised at all. At the

bottom of this post, I have copied The Idealists and the Rationals (and their

partners) in literature.


Another sublink to famous people and their types right on top of the sorter (

just for interest sake, of course) is The Four Temperaments.



Idealists (NF)


The Tutors


Alyosha Karamazov (INFP), Lize Khokhlakov (ENFJ) in Brothers Karamazov,

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Miriam Leivers (INFP), Paul Morel (ENFJ) in Sons and Lovers, by D. H.

Lawrence

Connie Chatterly (INFP), Oliver Mellors (ISFP) in Lady Chatterly's Lover

, D.H. Lawrence


The Advocates


Archer Newland (ENFP) , May Welland (ISFJ) in The Age of Innocence, by

Edith Wharton

Marya Alexandrovna (ENFP), Sergey Mikhaylych (INTJ) in Family Happiness,

Leo Tolstoy

Nora Helmer (ENFP), Torvald Helmer (ESTJ) in A Doll House, by Hendrik

Ibsen


The Counselors


Konstantin Levin (INFJ), Kitty Scherbatsky (ESFJ) in Anna Karenina, by

Leo Tolstoy

Jane Eyre(INFJ), Edward Rochester (ENTJ) in Jane Eyre, by Charotte

Bronte


The Teachers


Angel Clare(ENFJ), Tess Durbeyfield (ISFJ) in Tess of d'Ubervilles, by

Thomas Hardy

Paul Morel (ENFJ), Miriam Leivers (INFP), in Sons and Lovers, by D. H.

Lawrence

Margaret Schlegel (ENFJ), Henry Wilcox (ISTJ) in Howard's End, by E.M.

Forster

Lize Khokhlakov (ENFJ), Alyosha Karamazov (INFP) in Brothers Karamazov,

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Guardians (SJ)


The Protectors


Tony Last (ISFJ), Brenda Last (ESFP) in A Handful of Dust, by Evelyn

Waugh

George Tesman (ISFJ), Hedda Gabler (ISTP) in Hedda Gabler, by Henrik

Ibsen

Tess Durbeyfield (ISFJ), Alec d'Uberville (ESTP) in Tess of d'Ubervilles

, by Thomas Hardy

Tess Durbeyfield (ISFJ), Angel Clare(ENFJ) in Tess of d'Ubervilles, by

Thomas Hardy

May Welland (ISFJ), Archer Newland (ENFP) in The Age of Innocence, by

Edith Wharton

The Providers


George Babbitt (ESFJ), Myra Babbitt(ESFJ) in Babbitt, by Sinclair Lewis

Mrs. Bennet (ESFJ), Mr. Bennet (INTP) in Pride and Prejudice by Jane

Austen

Myra Babbitt(ESFJ), George Babbitt (ESFJ) in Babbitt, by Sinclair Lewis

Kitty Scherbatsky (ESFJ), Konstantin Levin (INFJ) in Anna Karenina, by

Leo Tolstoy


The Inspectors


Sir Peter Teazle (ISTJ), Lady Teazle (ESFP) in The School for Scandal,

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Rose Sayer (ISTJ), Charlie Allnut (ISTP) in The African Queen, by C.S.

Forester

Gertude Morel (ISTJ), Walter Morel (ESFP) in Sons and Lovers, by D.H.

Lawrence


The Supervisors


Torvald Helmer (ESTJ), Nora Helmer (ENFP) in A Doll House, by Hendrik

Ibsen

Sarah (ESTJ), Reg (ISTP) in The Norman Conquests, by Alan Ayckbourn

Artisans (SP)


The Composers


Nick Adams (ISFP), Majorie (ISFJ) in In Our Time, by Ernest Hemingway

Meursault (ISFP), Marie (ESFJ) in The Stranger, by Albert Camus

Oliver Mellors (ISFP), Connie Chatterly (INFP) in Lady Chatterly's Lover

, D.H. Lawrence

Norman Dewars (ISFP), Ruth Dewars (ENTJ) in The Norman Conquests, by

Alan Ayckbourn


The Promoters


Jay Gatsby (ESTP), Daisy Fay (ESFP) in The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott

Fitzgerald

Alec d'Uberville (ESTP), Tess Durbeyfield (ISFJ) in Tess of d'Ubervilles

, by Thomas Hardy

Becky Sharp (ESTP), Rawdon Crawley (ESFP) in Vanity Fair, by William

Thackeray


The Operators


Gulley Jimson (ISTP), Sara Monday (ESFP) in The Horse's Mouth, by Joyce

Cary

Charlie Allnut (ISTP), Rose Sayer (ISTJ) in The African Queen, by C.S.

Forester

Reg (ISTP), Sarah (ESTJ) in The Norman Conquests, by Alan Ayckbourn

Hedda Gabler (ISTP), George Tesman (ISFJ) in Hedda Gabler, by Henrik

Ibsen

The Performers


Walter Morel (ESFP), Gertude Morel (ISTJ) in Sons and Lovers, by D.H.

Lawrence

Rawdon Crawley (ESFP), Becky Sharp (ESTP) in Vanity Fair, by William

Thackeray

Sally Bowles (ESFP) in Berlin Stories, by Christopher Isherwood

Brett Ashley (ESFP) in The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway

Sara Monday (ESFP), Gulley Jimson (ISTP) in The Horse's Mouth, by Joyce

Cary

Brenda Last (ESFP), Tony Last (ISFJ) in A Handful of Dust, by Evelyn

Waugh

Daisy Fay (ESFP), Jay Gatsby (ESTP) in The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott

Fitzgerald


The Rationals (NT)



The Designers


Mr. Bennet (INTP), Mrs. Bennet (ESFJ) in Pride and Prejudice by Jane

Austen


The Masterminds


Henry Higgins (INTJ), Eliza Doolittle (ESFJ), in Pygmalion, by George

Bernard Shaw

Sergey Mikhaylych (INTJ), Marya Alexandrovna (ENFP), in Family Happiness

, by Leo Tolstoy

The Mobilizers


Edward Rochester (ENTJ), Jane Eyre(INFJ) in Jane Eyre, by Charotte

Bronte

Ruth Dewars (ENTJ), Norman Dewars (ISFP) in The Norman Conquests, by

Alan Ayckbourn





Eor

It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.







Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 06:50 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041722502100.SAA07864@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy,


In my lifetime, only heard of girls from Jersey City playing Russia, boys

never played it all, it was a girl game. Usually two or three girls would

play. The only equipment needed was a pink rubber ball, or a high bouncer, a

wall and a street. The game had around twelve steps to it. On number one,

you threw the ball in the air and caught it. Twosies, you threw it, let it

drop, and then caught it. You did that twice. Threesies, bounce it off a

wall and catch it, three times of course. As the numbers grew higher, the

tricks grew more difficult, with some of them being so hard, that you had to

take several trys. When ever you'd miss, it would be someone elses turn.

When you reached twelvsies, you worked backwards. I have no idea why it was

called Russia, but sixies went like this. Take the ball, and paddle it

between your hands, like ping pong, but no bouncies. As you do this, you

shout R U S S I A spells then you threw the ball up, spun around,

caught the ball befored it dropped, and on the catch you shout Russia. This

seems like a simple game, but kept us occupied on those long summer days and

nights. Of course we also loved dodge ball, which we could play with guys.

This was long ago, when the safe parts of Jersey City where affordable, and

you could play in the street, while adults would sit on stoops or look out

windows, and watch the kids goofing off.


Did anyone else play a game similar to Russia, and have I made anyone

nostalgic for the time when summer lasted forever?


Toby, who thinks if she closes her eyes for just a minute, might open them

and find herself in her yellow bedroom, with her blue princess phone, and she

might hear the sounds of someone shouting.......Toby, come on out, time to

play Russia.






Subject: Re: Personalities

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 07:43 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041723433400.TAA12588@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Eor--Several of the characters for the different personality types were from

Alan Ayckbourne's three-part play, "The Norman Conquests." Are any of you

familiar with this? It is HYSTERICAL. It was on PBS many years ago (Tom

Conti played Norman brilliantly) and was rerun a few years ago. We taped it

and watch it occasionally, stilling ROTF at the same parts. Many of the

lines have crept into our

secret vocabulary. You can watch (or read) any one of the plays

independently but they fit together as a complex puzzle. The three parts are

called "Round and Round the Garden," "The Dining Room" and another whose

name escapes me but it's set in the living room. The action in all three

places takes place simultaneously so that by the third play you know what is

going on at that time in the other two locations.

There are only six actors, Norman and his wife, Ruth; Annie an her rather

dim, veterenarian boyfriend, Tom; and Reg and his wife, Sarah. Norman,

Annie and Reg are siblings. Annie has been taking care of "Mother," who

never appears but is a presence upstairs. Norman and Reg and spouses come

down for the weekend to let Annie get away. Madness ensues. I love this

play! Love it! Adore it! Wait, let me tell you how I really feel....

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Odyssey Online

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 07:53 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998041723531400.TAA14960@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu--Thanks for the interlink. I put it in my Favorite Places. So much

there that

I will have to return for more. Ruth






Subject: Re: More Dar

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 07:55 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041723555000.TAA13968@ladder03.news.aol.com>


BARBARAK--You said <<The fastest way is to use a search engine (I used to use

Alta Vista), but Inference Find! is the very speediest one.>>I also like

this one best most of the time. One thing I like about it is it categorizes

the answers, eg., commercial, educational

sites, etc. It makes it easier. I seldom use Yahoo any more, because it's

such a jumble. BTW I love the poetry of the lyrics you shared.


ROE--You used one of my favorite words, "conundrum." Every time I hear it I

remember a foggy, drizzly morning in northern England in a town named Buxton.

It's a lovely little town with an Edwardian opera house, a huge orangery, and

a hotel with "baths" where Mary, Queen of Scots sometimes stayed. That

morning I was walking through the lovely little park

watching the ducks swimming in formation across the lake when I met an old

gentleman looking as though he came out of the pages of an old novel or movie

with a tweed jacket and hat and a cane, in the middle of a small bridge near

a weir. He doffed his hat to me, and said good morning. I said good

morning. He said, "Would you like to hear a conundrum?" I said yes, please.

He said, "How old do you think I am?" I thought probably eighty, but I

said 75. He smiled and said proudly, "I am 84 years old!" Until this point,

I had said almost nothing, but when I congratulated him on looking so well at

such an advanced age, he said, "Oh! You aren't from around here." I said

no. "Where do you live?" California. "Well, isn't that nice?" he said.

He was such a pleasant old gentleman, and I asked whether I could take his

picture. "Why, yes. I would like that," he said, so I took it. It was

just one of those little things that aren't extraordinary in any way, but

which you remember forever. In a different way from the Chief Yeoman Warder

in the Tower of London after the Ceremony of the Keys when my friends had

taken me. We were in the yeoman warders' pub on the tower grounds and when I

was introduced to him, he said and where are you from? I replied California.

"Well, you can't help that!" he said.


But conundrum--I was so happy I knew what the word meant, or I might never

have had such a pleasant conversation with a wonderful old gentleman.


I'm reading GHOSTS FROM THE NURSERY, TRACING THE ROOTS OF VIOLENCE. Very

good. It says the things those of us who have worked with problem kids have

known for a long time, and says it well. I hope a lot of people read this

book and realize that babies are not the little tabula rasas they've been

assumed to be. It's really chilling to know that by the time a child reaches

kindergarten, it may be too late to change anything in his social

makeup. Food for thought.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 08:26 PM EDT

From: CATZERS

Message-id: <1998041800264100.UAA17431@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<Did anyone else play a game similar to Russia, and have I made anyone

nostalgic for the time when summer lasted forever?


Toby, who thinks if she closes her eyes for just a minute, might open them

and find herself in her yellow bedroom, with her blue princess phone, and she

might hear the sounds of someone shouting.......Toby, come on out, time to

play Russia.>>


In a very small town in northern VA in the 50's we played a similar game

called "Spanish Seven". As you recalled, you just needed a good, smallish

rubber ball (color up for grabs), a wall and some dexterity. It was played

in steps of increasing difficulty in which you threw, bounced or tossed the

ball to achieve the "round".


Other very popular games from my childhood were jacks, marbles, pick-up

sticks, Chinese checkers, Carrom, tag ("chase around the block" was our

favorite version and I recall one hilarious session when a neighborhood kid

accidentally fell into an open outhouse pit!), one-two-three redlight,

duck-duck-goose, jump rope (never could do double dutch, dangit), squirrel in

a cage, dodge ball and red rover.


A favorite pastime of mine, living right across the street from the firehall,

was watching and listening to the town band which practiced in the bays when

weather was bad and marched up and down the back street in front of the

firehall in good weather. My ex-FIL always called them the "Thump and

Stumble Corps"--a rather appropriate description as they would kind of remind

you of a better version of the Mayberry town band, if you've ever seen that

episode where they want to go to the state convention and the mayor won't let

them 'cause they're so awful!


Oh, how I wish I could go back for just one day to that little town and be a

kid again. I didn't know what I had till it was gone.


CATZERS (my apologies, Toby...), who thinks if she closes her eyes for just a

minute, might open them and find herself at the antebellum home of her

childhood, perhaps in the kitchen with her wonderful Grandmother who would be

fixin' dinner on the coal stove. There's plenty, y'all, so help yourself to

cube steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade applesauce, green beans,

Parkerhouse rolls, coconut cake and good, hot coffee!






Subject: Memories

Date: Fri, 17 April 1998 11:02 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041803020100.XAA07696@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi-The Norman Conquests was one of my all time favorite shows ever. The

concept of the play was brilliant, having the viewer privy to three separate

conversations/settings all happening on a single weekend. What convoluted

twists and turns, and the acting was wonderful. Of course, Tom Conti helped

make it even more special. When in London, we saw the play Whose Life Is It

Anyway? starring Conti, a most versatile actor who

could perform comedy and tragedy with equal ease. When he came to the US his

roles seemed to fizzle for he wasn't given anything impressive to suit his

talents. In The Conquests, I also loved the woman who played the unmarried

sister who was being pursued by Norman. By the way, did you ever see

Glittering Prizes , another PBS-BBC series which had Conti in a starring

role as one of a group of literary types in Oxford or Cambridge.


Ruth-I know you asked Shauna's opinion about The Hobbit, but I'll add my

couple of cents anyway. Listen to your son. Read it! It was recommended to me

by one of my favorite 5th grade students, and I became hooked. I also read

the whole Lord of the Ring series and became a Tolkein groupie.



Another wonderful hyperlink-For any newbies who aren't aware of our own

RuthAlice's web site, The Useful Page Directory which has helped me many

times to locate the right search engine. If this isn't in your Fav. Place, do

put it there and check it out. Knowing RuthAlice, you should have an idea of

how thorough it is.


Toby-Well, we never called the game Russia, but in the Bronx, way back in the

forties we also played that game. I have no idea what it was called, but play

it we did. We also played Potsie (hopscotch to most of you non-Bronxites),

Ringelevio (com'on Warren you must have played that), stoop ball (which

required a set of steps or stoop on which to bounce the Spalding . I also

played Hide and Go seek when I was in the second grade and, one quiet

summer evening, collected my very first kiss from Arthur,an older man (in

third grade) as we hid in the bushes. I also recall one Monopoly summer when

I was in 7th or 8th grade. We played so much Monopoly every day that summer

that I used to dream about it at night. Ah, yes, I remember it well!


Jan


Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Memories

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 12:15 AM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041804155200.AAA13223@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Toby,


We called that game (Russia) Seven-up and only had to complete seven rounds

of incremental difficulty, but the winner earned the privilege of changing

the rules for the next game. As twilight continued forever, we would then

play Swing the Statue. Whoever was "It" swung the other kids around and

around, and the person being hurled around was let go and had to stay in the

position in which he or she landed. Whoever stayed in the most accurate

uncomfortable position gained the swinger position of the next game. Red

Rover Red Rover was another favorite. Our favorite game was King on the

Mountain, rather violent really. We found a mound of dirt somewhere and

pushed and shoved off challengers who tried to climb on our mountain. Of

course we loved that game. We disemboweled fireflies and bedecked ourselves

with their lights for elegant jewelry, rings and bracelets. When everyone

was

exhausted, my Dad would have us all pile into the 1949 Pontiac and take us to

Guilford Dairy where five or six of us would order double dip ice cream

cones, and he would have enough change left over from a dollar to sneak an

ice cream soda made with chocolate ice cream home to our Mother, who had made

sure there were clean starched sheets on the beds and all the windows were

open, to let in the faintest breeze. After evening baths, we would lie down

and try not to sleep yet, looking through the windows at the unmaimed

fireflies and listening to the cicadas and crickets, and those wondrous other

noisy inhabitors of the night.


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Memories

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 12:53 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998041804530500.AAA17088@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hide and Go Seek, with a huge number of neighborhood children, Kick the Can,

Mother May I and my favorite, Sardines, where the person who is it goes and

hides and the others join him in the hiding spot when they find him.

Sue in Mi






Subject: What a Place

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 01:30 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041805302400.BAA19124@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I am so excited about this wonderful place I found on the internet. I just

KNOW this group will LOVE it! AlphaSearch - Gateway to the "Academic" Web

It's a specific type of search engine (academic) You can browse by

discipline or serach in a couple of ways. I've had so much fun with it! And

found some wonderful websites I had not visited before. An example:

American Authors on the Web This one goes way back in time. You can find

most anyone whose classic works you love here. There is a Maek Twain site,

for instance, that has numerous links to Mark Twain related sites.


I guarantee you can spend HOURS here (so do like I do and set your timer to

control yourself <VBG>).



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Childhood games

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 08:23 AM EDT

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998041812231400.IAA06274@ladder01.news.aol.com>


dodge ball!!!!!

Can't post more now.Going to meet Jayne and Dixie! Yay!!!!!

Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Evening Class, by Maeve Binchy."

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...







Subject: Re: Childhood games

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 09:30 AM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041813305900.JAA10408@ladder01.news.aol.com>


There was another cherished game, but darned if I can remember the name of

it. We drew what looked like a hopscotch grid, but the squares didn't have

numbers in them. Instead, there were phrases, like girls names, fruits,

vegetables, etc. You rolled a ball into a square, and you had to go in

order, which meant you ran and stopped the ball. In the first square you'd

have to do one things, with the numbers going up, so by square 16,

which might be the last, you'd have to say 16 states. To make it difficult,

there was a line up the middle of the grid, eight squares on one side, eight

on the other, so you'd have to roll the ball in a long curve to go to right

side, very, very hard. Anyone else play this, and is anyone else feeling

sentimental. Also, sure you've noticed that no one plays these games

anymore. :(






Subject: This and That

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 09:36 AM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998041813365900.JAA10807@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy-- Yes, Yiddish is known for its marvelous curses and putdowns but also

for tender and loving lullabies.


Well, I MAY be out of my reading rut. Read Memoirs of a Geisha in 2 days and

loved it. Maybe ai just dfesperately needed to be transported to a different

time and place this one being too crowded with head lice and tax forms.

Slept well last night for the first time in a couple of weeks.


Reading The Alleluia Files by Sharon Shinn, just started.


Picked a place for Jonathan's Bar Mitzvah, and am feeling very relieved to

have found a place that my DH is happy with.


Happy Birthday to all the recent celebrants.


Looking forward to seeing everyone in NY on the 27th. Have a good day, Nina






Subject: Life Before Air-Conditioning

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 10:09 AM EDT

From: KarenLLS

Message-id: <1998041814091400.KAA11998@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I was born in 1953 and like most folks in my little town, we didn't have A-C.

Though I don't miss the discomfort, I do miss the connection between

neighbors that A-C has erased. During the evenings it was often cooler

outside than inside with the fan in your face, so many people would sit on

their porches with their kids playing under the streetlights. The adults

would

visit each others' porches and we kids would play many of those games

mentioned. A grocery store, owned by one family, was across the street and

we would buy things there almost everyday. Everyone knew everyone else's

names & family info.


It's hard to find this same sense of community, esp. with the AC factor. I

think that's why I've always avoided subdivisions and went for the old

neighborhoods. When I moved downtown here in 1989 it was because I missed

the neighborhood community feel. Even though I was a single female & a

renter to boot, within weeks I knew several of my neighbors & their families,

could walk to a gas station/convenience store (one year awarded

the"friendliest gas station in the U.S." by Rand McNally, I think), and could

bike to the grocery store and the bank. When I married in 1996, my husband

had bought a house down the street so today I know many of the neighbors,

their kids, their dogs & cats. We swap extra plants, neighborhood watch

info, etc. Every year we have our annual street party.


Not saying that subdivisions don't have their good points! Many are very

friendly and community-minded, and are insulated from some unpleasant

elements we sometimes encounter. Our area has some transitional

neighborhoods nearby and often the disturbing elements (gunshots) can filter

over here. And we do have some unusual characters wander through, all

harmless, but very different. And the boomboxes----don't get me started!

But Iwouldn't trade it for anything. I can hear church bells, train

whistles, fog horns, children playing & laughing, the sounds of parents

calling their children home for dinner. It reminds me so much of my

childhood it is worth it. During the summer I just need to remind myself to

poke my head out of my air-conditioned house to check on my neighbors or take

a walk.


Karen, coming out of lurkdom for a moment

In the essentials, unity. In the non-essentials, liberty. In all things,

charity. Old Moravian quote






Subject: Re: More Dar

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 10:15 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041814150800.KAA12461@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu- you wrote <<But conundrum--I was so happy I knew what the word

meant, or I might never have had such a pleasant conversation with a

wonderful old gentleman.>>


If I remember correctly this was also the title of a book by Jan Morris who

was once John Morris.


Toby and Catzers - I don't remember Russia but I do remember playing King

against the city buildings - it was sort of an elongated game of handball


Sue - remember that great Twilight Zone episode called Kick the Can among the

residents of the Sunnybrook Nursing Home. I think that was the name of it.


How about duck, duck goose? The kids in school always ask to play Seven Up

but its different than the description here. Seven students are selected and

the others close their eys at their desks - then these seven tap somebody and

the seated students have to figure out who it was. I have never seen why

they enjoy playing this game. Also one teacher plays silent ball where you

can't make a peep but throw the ball from student to another.


Nina- mazel tov on removing the headlice, finishing the taxes, getting out of

the reading rut and selelctin a place for Jonathan's Bar Mitzvah. What are

you planning on doing this week? Can't wait to see you and all the others.

Would you believe we're now up to 15.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: gee thanks, Toby

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 11:11 AM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998041815110400.LAA18584@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Great Toby. This is all I need. I had never been to that Boomer site. I

just briefly peeked. Well, there goes about another hour a day. There are

over a thousand posts in one teeny slot called "Far Rockaway in the fifties."

The non-RuthAlice Rockaways, near and Far, are in Queens, NYC. Fortunately

Niko Tesla, who has long theorized that there is a hidden, unused day between

Weds. and Thurs., which he alternatively

calls Dittelstag and TeslaDay, has finally figured out how to get the whole

collective into that unused time and, thus, another free 24 hours every week

for each of us. Great job, Niko - so the lukewarm fusion didn't work out. It

happens.


Toby - Russia. The girls played this a lot in Queens in the

mid-fifities. It was not called Russia, but I do not remember what it was

called. The game we occassionally called Russia was ususally called I Declare

War. That also used a chalked circle with pizza pie sections. This game,

unlike the one you mention, was not played exclusively by the girls --

although a typical game had three girls for every guy. I did not much care

for the slow,repetitive activity of this game, but somehow decided that this

was actually a pretty good game to play anyhow. You would write the name of a

country in each section, and bounce the ball off some country. "I declare war

on ......." -- whoever. The person whose country got hit with the ball had to

catch it.


Jan, you bet we played Ringelevio - a lot -- as well as a local game

derived from it called One Foot Off.

Monopoly was also a big favorite inside or outside. The biggest street games

were ringelevio, hide n seek, johnny-on-the-pony (called Buck, Buck elsewhere

in NYC) stoop ball, box ball, punch ball, slap ball, stick ball, (yes, my

corner of the world loved games with spaldeens and pensie pinkies) and hop

scotch, jump rope - which only the girls played. Late in the fifities, around

when I had lost most interest in the street games, the kids invented agame

that took over a good part of Queens for several years - Scully or Skully.

You chalked a rectangle with all sort of zones within it, and would use

bottle caps filled with candle wax like hockey pucks that you would shoot by

flipping your index finger. It was like a combination of marbles and

shuffleboard. Not a bad game, but I have no idea why it got so popular or why

it totally dissappeared.


As for closing your eyes and getting back to those days, yes - it sure

is easy probably for most of us.

However, it is not a totally satisfying experience which is why Niko -- you

listening Tesla? forget that fusion junk -- has high on his to--do list (we

hope) a more enjoyable and real way to do this. We have had some preliminary

discussions with American Express about forming a joint venture called

American Express -- Time Travel Tours with Niko. The concept is terrific, but

we cannot go much further with this until Niko stops daydreaming andfooling

around and gets down to some serious technical work figuring out a way to do

this cost-efficiently. No, Niko, we are very happy and apprecitive for

Dittelstag, excuse me - TeslaDay. You did a great job there - very useful.

But now it is time to move on -- to move back in time.



Would be a nice vacation. :) H.G.Wells


Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: gee thanks, Toby

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 11:30 AM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041815304600.LAA20322@ladder01.news.aol.com>


lolololol you wouldn't believe how my online time has grown this week,

but believe me, it's worth it. Discovering part of your past is definitely

one of the joys of having a past to look back at. (that's either a really

profound statement, or mindless, depending on your point of view!)







Subject: My new philosophy

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 01:08 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041817085700.NAA29203@ladder01.news.aol.com>



I can please only one person per day. Today is not your day.

Tomorrow isn't looking good either.

I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

Young at Heart. Slightly Older in Other Places.

We have strange and wonderful relationship. You're strange and I'm

wonderful.

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid doing altogether.

My heart's in the right place. I know, 'cuz I hid it there. Carrie

Fisher

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted. -- Mae West

If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

Am I getting smart with you? ....How would you know?

Everyone has a right to be stupid. Some just abuse the privilege.

All I ask is that you treat me no differently than you would the

Queen.

Q: How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?

A: How many can you afford?

On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key.

You're slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter.

I don't suffer from insanity. I'm a carrier.

Motherhood: Another reason why we need God's constant help.

Never moon a werewolf.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

Honk if you love peace and quiet.

Eat one live toad the first thing in the morning and nothing worse

will happen to you the rest of the day.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Book Stuff

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 03:54 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998041819544300.PAA14241@ladder03.news.aol.com>


The Short History of a Prince by Jane Hamilton: I got on the list at the

library before this book was even in circulation and got it immediately. Jane

Hamilton has batted 1000 in my opinion with each of her books holding my

fascination for different reasons. I don't think you can pigeon-hole either

her style or her subject matter.


What I found interesting about this story was the degree to which I connected

with the gay male protagonist. His angst is not particularly about being gay.

I mean, I guess that's a part of it, but his angst is really what all of our

angst is about...family relationships, finding a connection with someone, job

satisfaction, feeling alienated as a teenager. The bouncing back and forth in

time did not bother me. The side stories about other lesser

characters were nicely woven in with the main stories. As usual, Jane

Hamilton writes with an easy-to-read, graceful, honest style that keeps you

with her from beginning to end.


The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks: This has been on my TBR list for a

while based on BN recommendations but I hesitated because I utterly hated,

actually detested, The Rule of the Bone also by Banks and also recommended

herein. But then there was a lot of good press for the movie and I figured I

would want to see that on video, so I got on the list at the library. I was

very happy that I read it. Couldn't have possibly been more different

from the Rule of the Bone.


The story is told from the perspective of various people who are involved in

one capacity or another with the horrifying crash of a school bus that kills

a number of children from a small town in Northern NY...a fictional town

close to Lake Placid. Having lived in Utica, Canton and Lake George, NY, I'm

pretty familiar with this area. Banks wrote about the beauty of this area,

but also the isolation and the dismal prospects for many of the people who

inhabit the area. Although the subject is unthinkable, and as a parent it

makes me dizzy just to think about it, Banks tells the story in such a way as

to make the reader look at every aspect of the tragedy...without being

incredibly maudlin.


It makes me want to seek out some other Banks books...although, not willing

to give the Rule of the Bone another try...to see some other ways that he

uses his talent.


What to start next? Here are my choices:


Hard Laughter by Anne Lamott

The Cider House Rules by John Irving

The Perfect Story (can't remember the author)


Cast your votes now! I'll be checking in and choosing a book later this

evening!


Also, rented Chasing Amy last night. Ben Affleck is pretty cute...and also

pretty talented. Matt Damon has a small role...I wouldn't have noticed it was

him except I noticed him on the credits and rewound to see him. The story is

not for the feint of heart in terms of sexuality...pretty frank discussions

of various types of sexuality. The premise is that Holden (Affleck) falls in

love with Alyssa who is a lesbian. (I know...you're saying who

is Amy? it is revealed in the movie). The plot that ensues explores issues of

sexuality, relationships, love, friendship and our judgments of others.


Diane in S. Florida

Reading (INSERT TITLE HERE)






Subject: Re: Book Stuff

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 04:30 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998041820305500.QAA17733@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Diane- both Mich and I really enjoyed Chasing Amy although Bruce left the

room after half an hour. I also found it very interesting and will be

curious to see what Afleeck does in the future.


While at the drugstore today, I picked up one of those advertising brochures

which mentioned new books that will be published in the next few months. Get

set we all have plenty of reading chocie to look forward to like:


THE MOST WANTED BY JACQUELYN MITCHARD - MAY HARDCOVER


Fourteen year old Arly Mowbray secretly marries Dillon Legrande, an outlaw.

What happens to them is legendary. Dillon breaks out of prison, but is it to

claim his wife and their baby daughter to destroy them? His love will put

them into nearly unthinkable danger - danger Arley will find too compelling

to ignore and too seductive to flee.


Doesn't this one sound like a real uplifting story? We'll just have to find

out, won't we?



LOW COUNTRY BY ANNE RIVERS SIDDONS - JUNE/JULY

Caroline Aubrey Gentry has everything her Southern heritage promised. When

she learns that her wealthy husband plans to build a resort that will require

the devestation of of a band of wild ponies, Caroline must confront the life

she has been leading and reach deep within herself to save this special place

out of her past, and ultimately, make a meaningful life.


Do I hear Horse Whisperer meets the Caped Crusader?


ON THE OCCASION OF MY LAST AFTERNOON BT KAYE GIBBONS

Emma Garnett loved the Old South but hated the way it reduced people to

chattel. After the Civil War, Emma attempts to reconcile herself to its

trali of death and devestation by moving North, where, she believes her

answers lie. It takes twenty year, but near the end of her life she finds

peace. The miracle of her story is in her her heart's transformation.


Sounds awfully good.


Also a new title by Steve Martini, Danielle Steel, Patricia Cornwall and

Frank McCourt's brother Malachy McCourt titled A Monk Swimming.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: What a Place

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 04:50 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998041820505900.QAA20900@ladder01.news.aol.com>


JACKIE--Thanks for the search engine. I checked out the English resources,

which is what I am most interested in, and while I have quite a few of them,

there were others I didn't have. The Native American Authors site is

excellent.


Here's a new one for you, too, which I found in my travels on the net today.

I haven't had time to thoroughly check it out, but it had resources other

sites didn't have. I was trying to find an obscure Russian author, and it

was the only site which had anything at all. Thunderstone Home Page


ROE--Would you believe I got a concussion playing Red Rover when I was in my

teens--much too old to be playing such a thing, but you know how teenagers

are! The girl whose hand I was holding when someone came at us and I did not

let go when the opponent burst through, we were flung hard to the ground, and

in one of those freak accidents crashed heads

together. The other girls were not hurt, but I was out like a light for a

couple minutes. That was the end of Red Rover for me! <G> And don't you

love the sound of cicadas? It's like a lullaby.


Did anyone play Alley over?


Well, it's off for me to Santa Cruz. My two little step-granddaughters are

being baptized tonight in the newly restored mission church. I'll spend the

night, then go down to Monterey for the book festival there, see Jane Smiley

and Andrew Vachss.

have a great weekend, everyone!

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: childhood games

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 05:17 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998041821175700.RAA22331@ladder03.news.aol.com>


How about capture the flag, darebase, and peggity (this game is very

similar to cricket, though I didn't know that 'til recently when I learned

what cricket was all about)? Fun . . .

Carolyn K. (reading None to Accompany Me by Nadine Gordimer)

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 05:32 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041821324800.RAA23822@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welllllll - our game involved an India rubber ball (a status thing, you know

- had to be INDIA rubber & white) - you threw it up against the side of a

brick building (your own house if you didn't want the neighbours breathing

heavily) - & called out steps - Ordinary - just catch the ball; Moving - not

allowed to move feet; Laughing - not allowed to laugh while everyone tried to

crack you up; Talking - no talking; One hand - catch with one ;

The other hand - catch with other; One foot - stand on one; The other foot -

stand on other - & oin it went for abotu 10 other moves until you got to

American Jump & away she goes - which meant you had to throw the ball up &

turn around before catching it off the wall.


Ahhh - nostalgia - Spring, the first day you took off your coat (not where

your Mother saw you, however) - the smell of freshly cut grass, mud, & the

signs of maple keys & buds all over the place - the flowering almond &

forsythia popping, along with mock orange blossoms, tulips, daffydills,

crocus - must be Canada!

After all, it was 90º here today!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: News from Shauna?

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 05:39 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998041821394200.RAA25680@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Last Wed. night in Fredonia chat, it was reported that Shauna was having

contractions. Has anybody heard anything? Have I missed something?

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re: childhood games

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 05:42 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041821425400.RAA24763@ladder03.news.aol.com>


One we have a hard time recalling, was called Chinese Wrestling - or

something like that. The object was to fold your arms across you chest, &

hop on one foot - & try to knock your opponent off balance. You could only

contact him/her across your folded arms. I remember many silly recesses in

the schoolyard doing this.


All these others - Ringolevio, Easy Over, Red Rover, statues - that's how old

I must be - I did 'em all! Now I'm tired.

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Saturday Nooze

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 05:53 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041821531300.RAA27003@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Only 90º here today - don't bother to pity us, it is absolutely gorgeous.


I finished reading PERSIAN PICKLE CLUB by Sandra Dallas. For most of it, I

wondered if I were simply too jaded to get what all the excitement was over

this book - & THEN! I won't spoil it for anyone who has not read it - what a

perfectly delightful reading experience! If you haven't yet - read it!


I took out Dorothy Allison's CAVEDWELLER from the library yesterday - I had

already read the first chapter online, & took it out against my intuition

which said "don't bother". Maybe I'm wrong? We shall see - has anyone

finished it yet?


I am in my "what shall I pack for NY" mode. I never know whether to bring a

carry on or a steamer trunk - & have to remind myself constantly that I am

staying within this continent, I can drink the water, & if I run out of

anything, they DO have a few stores in NY. LOL However, laundry does not

fit into my agenda that week.


Before I go anywhere for a week, I work backwards - knowing the day before is

devoted to packing, cooking a chicken and a roast for the stay-at-home

husband who assures me I will have LOTS to do when I get back. He usually

can't run to greet me at the door because he is stuck to the kitchen floor.

The last time, one of the neighbours, in horror, showed him how to run the

dishwasher. Neither one of them thought to rinse the dishes off first - I

had

dried stuck on rice up the wazoo & back. And I was supposed to smile & say,

"How considerate of you, Honey!" OK - give me an Oscar.


Tomorrow is devoted to shoveling out my office (& hiding it all), doing a

massive load of ironing (& then watching it collect again all week), & seeing

if my "up-North" clothes fit. ha


Off to work,

The Maniac

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: News from Shauna?

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 06:16 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041822164400.SAA28171@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Not that I know of, Leslie! Her husband will call when the baby is born.

She is due next week. Shauna--are you out there? Let us here form you....



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: Book Stuff

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 07:11 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998041823110500.TAA04037@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Diane,


Cast my vote for The Cider House Rules, which I loved so much that I read it

twice. I liked it as much as (maybe even more than) A Prayer for Owen Meany.


I'll send you my project, which was not written, but it is going to be

website, when it's published. Thanks again for your help.



Spumony2 / Cathy







Subject: Re: News from Shauna?

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 07:11 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041823115900.TAA05368@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks Jackie, ( Shauna, are you listening?)


I was a wee bit concerned too, Leslie, and then I remembered the part of the

anatomy where my third son chose to lodge and gyrate before he graced us with

his presence, and the two times we went to the hospital with false

contractions during icestorms, and now, whenever I see that dancing baby on

television commercials or Ally MacBeal, I remember what a sense of humor a

third child has in utero. As

a few of you may remember, we can all be grateful that Shauna did not chose

to deliver during the Basketball tournament, for we all had volunteered

services, and like Butterfly McQueen as Prissy in Gone With the Wind admitted

eventually, even though she had volunteered to help Scarlett O'Hara, " I

don't know nothing about birthin' no babies, Miss Shauna", I've just

delivered them into the hands of a competent physician. <G> I cannot wait

to be a

CyberAuntie!


Judi,


Dang! You and Jan know everything I want to know, daggone it! The Norman

Conquests on PBS. I wanna see it! I wanna see it now! I cast a little

pearl out there and you guys already have the appraisal and are intimate with

the cast.

*!#@!*


Marilu,


I loved your elderly Englishman conundrum story( especially the contrast to

the chief Yeoman Warder Dude). What a charming old elegant gent he must have

been. No telling how significant you made his day! I'll just bet he too

told the story, in a very different way. Smiling.


Karen,


Your "life before air conditioning and current commitment to replicate what

is worthwhile" story was so enjoyable to read. Nostalgia is hindsight of

the very best kind, don't you think? There are ways we can preserve what was

so very, very, good from the past, and I think, without out a doubt, the

method is by extending self and caring. Our neighborhood is wonderful, and

although it is a subdivision with codes and lawn services and an

architectural committee ( Blech), the people range in age from 24 to 85, and

everyone is too busy and too genuine to be a Mrs. Crabbits. Not quite a

microcosm, but we look out for each other and socialize over lemonade and

beer and pizza once in a while. Fifty Lots, fifty houses filled with the

same essential family dynamic and urgent concerns of forty years ago, even if

the trappings are a bit different. What nice folks. We are fortunate too.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.





Subject: Re: Book Stuff

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 08:07 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998041900074400.UAA09988@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cathy (Spumony2): Cider House Rules will have to wait. Joann (Quappelle)

invited me to read Hard Laughter with her. I will get to Cider House Rules.

My friend in Vermont who knows John Irving socially is reading her SIGNED

copy of his newest which isn't even in bookstores yet! She says it has her

laughing out loud.


Diane in S. Florida

Reading Hard Laughter






Subject: birthday

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 08:16 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998041900163300.UAA10881@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice---a little behind but Best Wishes for a Happy Belated Birthday.

Glad you

had a good weekend.


Jackie & Carol--Good to hear that your mother is doing better than they

expected.

She sounds like she makes the most of what life offers. Glad prayers are

working.

Thoughts and prayers continue your way.


Just finished--Indigo Slam(audiobook)


Ruth






Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 08:25 PM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041900250200.UAA13052@ladder01.news.aol.com>


a white india rubber ball, huh? thought they only came in black. You must

have lived in a very ritzy neighborhood, lol.






Subject: Re: Emotional RollerCoaster

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 08:25 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998041900252800.UAA11873@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice--It sure doesn't take more than a letter about your friend Kathy

to

make me feel grateful and happy in my own life. I am sure she cherishes you

as

a friend who is a good listener.


Ruth

There's no such thing as a bad

day. They're all good. Some are a little better than others but they're

all good. Armin V, Eilts


Ruth







Subject: I survived the Albany Book Nook meeting!!!!!

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 10:09 PM EDT

From: LauraD915

Message-id: <1998041902093400.WAA23357@ladder03.news.aol.com>


You'll all be relieved to hear that no weaponry of any kind was in evidence

today at the first meeting of the Albany, NY area Book Nookers. No axes, no

wood chippers. The only sharp objects wielded were forks (upon food), and

wits (upon topics of conversation). The only shots taken were with cameras.

In attendance were Jayne (YankeeNana), Carole (E1 Boz) and her daughter

Wendy, Carole

(Dixie80), Carol (Yiyi.....don't recall exact screen name - sorry, Carol!),

and I (LauraD915). We met for lunch and proceeded to take over a table for

about 2 and a half hours; we had a wonderful waitress, who thought it was

pretty neat that we were all meeting for the first time. Barnes and Noble

being conveniently located across the street, we descended en masse to do

some damage there. I went home as the rest of the crew headed for Borders

and

then dinner. Who knows what's going on at that hotel as type

this.............


Laura (in upstate NY) - currently reading Pull of the Moon and/or Angela's

Ashes







Subject: Community/newbie??

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 10:17 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998041902173000.WAA25529@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Karen, lovely memories of community and friendliness in your home town. In a

way, our little BookNook is like sitting on the porch on a warm night, and

sharing ideas and thoughts with folks we like. Maybe that's why you feel

comfortable here. (By the way, in what state do you live?)


Shauna-Hope you're doing well. This baby has many, many folks awaiting it's

appearance. and wishing its mama well. It's almost Newbie time!!!!!


Grannie Jan



Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Re: Conundrum

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 11:20 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041903203600.XAA03468@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu--Your California/England story reminded me of a similar event. We

were in the Yorkshire Dales, in Thirsk to be exact (James Herriot's town) and

were having dinner at a Chinese restaurant. The Chinese waiter asked where

we were from. I answered, "Los Angeles." Blank stare. Then I tried

California. Nothing. Finally, I said, "Hollywood." His face lit up as he

crowed, "Oh!

Hollywood!"

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Behind, what's new!

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 11:21 PM EDT

From: WRKGRK

Message-id: <1998041903212000.XAA02285@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I am so far behind, like over 500 posts, but want to wish belated Happy

Birthday wishes to Mary Coral, Deb & RuthAlice.


Gina...Glad to hear about the good news with the baby. Take it

easy,,,please.


Magpiefly...Just finished Plum Island & enjoyed it. What did you think?


Pickled okra is terrific in a Bloody Mary...especially if it's spicy!


Diane/Dineer...Good luck with your new venture!


I know I've missed alot & will someday catch up...you all are in my daily

prayers...this board is just so prolific...what can I say...what happened to

multiples?


Recently read & finished Plum Island/DeMille & The Wedding/Dorothy West. We

did the latter for a group discussion. The ending was just too quick. Some

who had seen the TV movie said different emphasis was placed on different

things.


I am now reading Isolated Incident/S. Sloan. It's a good story if the author

would just get to it. Too much fluff added. Anyone else have an opinion? I

want to get her other, Guilt by Association.


Glad to see our Emperor posting. He must be feeling better. I wanted to

send a get well e-mail to him but his mail was blocked.


Take care everyone, I am lurker until I catch up....



Gretchen

I'll pretend I can handle things until I can handle things...Patty Jane's

House of Curl







Subject: Who am I?

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 11:51 PM EDT

From: GBayer5725

Message-id: <1998041903514100.XAA05831@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm not Nicky Teflon, or Sooquist, or Flubber. I'll never tell, can you?






Subject: Re: Eor/Nostalgia

Date: Sat, 18 April 1998 11:51 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998041903514500.XAA05839@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Eor--You CAN see "The Norman Conquests"! It's in the video stores in the TV

section (probably). Call around.


Jan--I haven't seen any other Ackybourne plays except "How the Other Half

Loves." Clever and fun but not the tour de force that "Norman" is. BTW, I

think I may have said that Norman, Annie and Reg were the siblings. Right on

the last two. The third one was Ruth, the near-sighted sister who was too

vain to wear her glasses. Reg was played by Richard Briers, one of the eight

British actors getting roles.

Seems like it, doesn't it? Annie was played by Felicity Kendal and Sarah

the martyr was Penelope Keith.


Nostalgia--My parents never knew it but they sent me to camp for two months

so that I could play jacks all summer. It was a pretty loosely structured

camp in the Berkshires so we didn't have to be doing certain things at

specific times except for swimming. This gave us much free time to perfect

our skills and we were good! Rule #1 was that you never played with that

dinky little ball that came

with the jacks; it had to be a pink Spaulding. We would go from onesies up

through tensies and then do the "fancies." I can't remember the names of any

of them but each one of us in my bunk was so good that we could go up and

back without missing. It was so disappointing to come home and find no one

who was as jacks-obsessed as I was. Then the next summer it would start all

over again. Our counselor must have loved all the free time we gave her.

She always knew we'd be sitting on the wood floor calling out the next fancy

we were attempting.


Kelp Update--DH and I went to the beach this afternoon, a gorgeous day. As

we walked there I spied a clump of kelp and strolled on by. Once was enough

for me and one time too many for him.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 12:15 AM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998041904154500.AAA08565@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm really having a hard time today. My DH and I had to take our little

white dog, Sunny, to the vet this morning for the last time. We made the

difficult decision to have him put to sleep. He was only a year old.


Sunny had been sick ever since we brought him home at the age of ten weeks.

At the time, we thought he just had diarrhea and would get over it with

Kaopectate. Then the vet visits began. We took him to three different ones,

tried all kinds of things from special diets and bottled water to all kinds

of pills and diagnostic tests. They couldn't figure out what was wrong until

last August when he had exploratory surgery at the age of six months.

Nothing could be surgically corrected. There was a thickening of the upper

and lower bowel, enlarged lymph nodes, very enlarged gall bladder, etc. They

did multiple biopsies and diagnosed him with a rare disease. The vet put

Sunny on Prednisone to block inflammation and allergic response and said the

prognosis was "guarded."


For a while we thought he was getting better. He had to have a complete

blood count every few weeks, and in January his white blood cells had almost

got down to the normal range. The last one he had showed a WBC as high as it

had been before the surgery. For the last month, he got progressively worse,

vomiting daily. It was so hard to see him go through that every day. It

looked like he had an earthquake in his tummy. He was only twenty pounds,

but of course he thought he was much bigger.


For the past month, he was taking up to six different medications. None of

them seemed to be helping. I know we did what needed doing for his sake, but

it's been awfully lonely today without him. We've been crying off and on all

day. I'll see the empty spot next to my bed where his crate used to be or

the toys he loved and the tears come back. I thought it would help to take

my other dog, Lacey, for a walk but everything reminded me of Sunny. I

think Lacey's been looking for him too, wondering where her best bud is.


Even sitting here at the computer, I keep expecting Sunny to run in and put

his front paws on my lap, wagging his tail, telling me he has to go outside

or needs a cookie or some petting. He could never get enough petting, no

matter how much we gave him, or enough cookies. We took him for his last

walk this morning, and I gave him extra cookies at the vet's while we waited.

I held him until he closed his eyes, but he wouldn't look at me. He had

always looked right into my eyes before. Maybe he knew. I hope not. He

trusted us so much. Who knew twenty pounds of white fluff could leave such

an empty spot in our hearts. He was a fighter. He wanted to make it, but in

the end he just couldn't.


Afterwards, we did some of our favorite things that usually cheer us up. We

drove to the beach and looked at the ocean. We went to the library. We went

to Rogers' Gardens and bought flowers and a little dwarf orange tree to plant

tomorrow in the spot where Sunny ate up the jasmine when we first brought him

home. None of it really worked. Maybe tomorrow it won't hurt quite as much.


Barbara (reading The Shipping News and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 12:35 AM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998041904355400.AAA11810@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara,


I am so very sad! Geez, what a terrible shock. The unexpected and

have-to-do is not an option, but never the less, so painful. I am so sorry.


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 02:11 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998041906113300.CAA18178@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara, what a sad story. I know how you feel as I have had to do the same

thing more than once but never with a pet so young. You and your DH sure did

everything for Sunny and then some. Even though one knows it is the best, and

really, the only thing to do, it is still so very sad. The vacancy they leave

points out how much these little critters worm their way into our hearts and

lives.


You will be in my thoughts as you go through this hard time.


Carol in Oceanside, CA







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:30 AM EDT

From: WayCool TR

Message-id: <1998041912301000.IAA01172@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara,


Tears were rolling down my face as I read your letter. Pets are so

wonderful, that when they leave the void is enormous. I don't know what else

to say.






Subject: Crossing to Safety

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 10:43 AM EDT

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998041914431900.KAA10202@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Finished Object Lessons yesterday---an ok read in my opinion--sure thought

One True

Thing was a finer novel--Object Lessons, I think was Quinlan's (sp??) first

book--so

practice makes perfect--IMO.

Started Crossing to Safety---can tell I am going to love this book---had only

heard of it

through BN---thanks, guys.

off to the library to help my daughter research Babe Zaharius (sp??) and her

impact on

female atheletics---

SV






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 10:48 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998041914483200.KAA11906@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara,

I am so sorry.


Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Memories

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 11:17 AM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998041915173700.LAA14607@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I lived for a few years in Farmington New Mexcio ages 6-10. It was an oil

boom town back then and every house on our street had atleast 2 kids all in

the same age range, Thoses summer nights were great! Hide andseek, kick the

can, red rover, swing the statue, tag, and games made up as we went along ahh

the good old days!



Becky in Texas






Subject: Re: Life Before Air-Conditioning

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 11:27 AM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998041915270400.LAA14249@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I agree. When we lived in St.Louis we lived in an older neighborhood where

all the houses had stoops(85-87) and even though we all had AC everyone sat

outside durning the summer and walked up and down the street visiting while

the kids played. We also had a block party every summer .


Becky







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 12:04 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998041916041900.MAA19430@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Barbara,


I'm so sorry about your loss of Sunny. With tears in my eyes, I think that

you gave him the best year he could have had, and now he is at peace. You

will be too, eventually, as the pain goes away. God bless.


Carolyn on Long Island






Subject: Re: Life Before Air-Conditioning

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 12:38 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041916382100.MAA23020@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Karen--DH and I still live life without AC. Here in Utah, the temperature

drops dramatically when the sun goes down. I love those summer nights

outside with my dog watching the stars (well, I gaze on the stars while

Shadow sniffs the ground).


But I remember when I was a kid living in Mississippi--hardly anyone had AC

then. We would take trips in the car. I remember waking up on the road with

my face pasted to the plastic car seat, sweat poring off me. Then after I

would sit up, the wind through the open window felt so good!


I still have no AC in my vehicle. My AC is roll the windows down and drive

as fast as I can for as long as I can. My dad calls this "440" (four windows

down and drive at least 40 MPH to stir the air).



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: What a Place

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 12:40 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998041916402700.MAA22023@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu--Thank you so much for the new search engine. I have placed it in my

Favorite Places!


I love searching the Net, don't you?


Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Sunday Alone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 01:10 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998041917101500.NAA26405@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, Mom and Dad left for their cruise yesterday and I've got the house and

Jill all to myself! (evil chuckle) Of course, I think Jill's mad at me,

right now. I brought some data entry work home to key from here, and she

seems to feel that, if I'm sitting in one place anyway, I should certainly

let her sit in my lap. Except, it's impossible to concentrate with her

sniffing at the keyboard, fidgeting, standing on the wrist rest . . .

I promised her that as soon as I was done, I'd be all hers for a while.


Well, at least until my friend Cindy gets here--whenever my parents are away,

she comes for dinner, which is fine by me. I like to cook but have a hard

time cooking for just one appetite--I tend to overeat when I'm on my own. I

cook twice as much as I need and then feel obliged to eat as much as

possible! We're going to make (well I'll make, she'll watch) my favorite

German cabbage soup (and no, Jayne, I haven't forgotten I promised you the

recipe). It's cabbage soup with some bacon, tomatoes, and little tiny

meatballs, cooked in beef broth. Yummy. I can't' make it with Mom home

because she's allergic to bacon, so I only ever make it when the parents are

gone--but I can't eat a whole pot by myself (and, frankly, by the fourth day,

I get kind of tired of it!)


Okay. After having done about 5-hours worth of computer data entry for work

this weekend, I'm sick of sitting here . . . so I'm gonna go make up with

Jill. I'll bribe her with a little food . . . she'll forgive any amount of

neglect on a full stomach!


Have a good weekend, everyone!



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 02:00 PM EDT

From: KarenLLS

Message-id: <1998041918004700.OAA02260@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Barbara,


A pet's total acceptance never ceases to amaze me. It doesn't matter what I

look like, in what mood I'm in, or what I've done, my dog never notices. She

just thinks I'm terrific. How can you not love any life form that thinks so

well of you?


Barbara, you sound as if you were speaking of my dog. They both have many of

the same qualities & habits, and I am so sorry. What a strange world we

live in---in the course of a few hours or minutes it can deliver such ecstasy

and, before we can drink it in, proportionate pain.


Karen

In the essentials, unity. In the non-essentials, liberty. In all things,

charity. Old Moravian quote






Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 03:35 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998041919354200.PAA12865@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Au contraire, ma cherie - strictly blue collar!!! But maybe white India

rubber was all they sent to Canada???

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Wow!!!

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 04:37 PM EDT

From: Ripplins

Message-id: <1998041920372200.QAA19889@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi everyone,


I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to keep up with all of the

posts. I think I've made it into April but just barely. I've got almost

1000 post to catch up on.


Warren: I hope you are feeling better


Gina: I hope all is well with you and the baby.


Happy belated Birthday to everyone whose had a B-Day in the past while.


Since the middle of March I've been on the go. I had friends in from Canada

for a week and a half, then I took it upon myself to do one heck of a Spring

Cleaning. It took me about a week to do everything. Then I spent a couple

of days with my Grandmother to help her prepare for a big family dinner on

Palm Sunday. Then I helped my mother-in-law prepare for Passover. Between

the two of us it took about 3 days. Then spent the 2 nights of Passoverwith

DH's family and then Easter with my aunt and cousins. This past week I've

been trying to catch up on the posts and actually get some reading done.


March books: The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken which I thoroughly

enjoyed and Snow Falling On Cedars which I also enjoyed.


So far the month I've read Dark Debts by Karen Hall (very good) and this

morning I started to re-read To Kill A Mockingbird. This month I've also

been trying to catch up with the Book Review sections from Newsday and The

New York Times and some of the magazines that I get.


I think I'm starting to go through withdrawl because I can't remember the

last time I was in a book store.


I hope everyone is well. Back to catching up!



Bye for now,

Beth on Long Island







Subject: Re: Behind, what's new!

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 06:21 PM EDT

From: Magpiefly

Message-id: <1998041922213800.SAA01146@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara K...It broke my heart to read your message...It is so so sad...Feel

better soon.


Gretchen.. Sorry but I wasn't too thrilled with Plum Island.. I loved all the

Long Island references since I live there.. Did you read THe Gold Coast by

Demille ? I thought that was

a fabulous book. If I didn't know I wouldn't even guess that the same author

wrote both of those books.


Just started reading THE 10th JUSTICE by Brad Meltzer.



Barb from Lk. Ronkonkoma //(º_º)\\

"I was dreaming I was awake,but then I woke up and found meself asleep"


...said Stan Laurel to Oliver Hardy




Subject: Finally Home

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 06:45 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998041922451900.SAA04136@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi Everyone,


I'm finally home and trying to adjust. I have a terrible cold and my husband

is on a business trip until tuesday. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself.


480 messages to catch up on! Wow... I'm looking forward to making myself a

steaming pot of tea and reading them all tonight after the kids are asleep.



Gina

Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 07:20 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998041923200200.TAA09569@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara--Thoughts are with you in the loss of your Sunny. It sure sounds as

if you

did all you could for the poor little dog. I am sure he felt your love. What

a shame

that it was such a short time that you had with him. Take care. Ruth






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 07:21 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998041923213600.TAA08496@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh Barbara, my heart aches for you and DH at the loss of your beloved Sunny.

(I know if we were to lose our lab Amy, our hearts would want to break too.)

Sunny was lucky to have such loving "parents" for his too-brief life. Please

know that you are in my thoughts and I will pray that your sadness will ease

somewhat in the days to come.


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Re: gee thanks, Toby

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:20 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042000203900.UAA15736@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Warren -- we also played Scully, though not in Queens but in Brooklyn. The

best bottle caps to use were those with cork inside -- especially from

Mission sodas. Johnny on the Pony was also a big game and nothing was bigger

than punch ball. How good you were depended upon how may sewers you could

punch; meaning how far you could punch the ball based on sewer cap lengths.



Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...







Subject: Norman Conquests

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:23 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042000234900.UAA17370@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I checked at a video store today but they did not have Norman Conquests.

There was one listed in the book of things on video and there was a Norman

Conquest but it was listed for Adventure/Action so I assume it was the real

one. Anyway they didn't have that one in stock so I could not read the box

but I know from all you have said it sure didn't belong in that category.


I will check another video store one of these days.

Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Explaining Death

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:26 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042000261700.UAA17712@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I had the unpleasant task today of telling my daughter (age 4) that my

husband's best friend (her "Uncle Peter" age 33) had died of cancer. This led

to an incredible number of questions, each answer inevitably leading to

another question that I didn't feel qualified to answer.


I explained that there would be a ceremony, a funeral. She said, "Like when

Princess Diana died." (she had been pretty fascinated by the events around

Princess Diana's death) and I said, yes, something like that. She asked if

she could go and I said that I didn't think so. So she said, "Well, then can

I watch it on t.v.?"


Oh children...they make you laugh even at the saddest times in life.


Diane in S. Florida






Subject: March books and trying to catch up.

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:32 PM EDT

From: Gina125

Message-id: <1998042000325500.UAA17334@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Sorry I'm so late posting my books read for March but, the past 5 weeks have

been very very busy. Actually, I will only be posting thru the 21st as after

that I was too busy to write them down.

In order read: MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL by John Berendt-- A

PRAYING FOR SLEEP by Jeffrey Deaver-- B. Did not like this as well as I

did THE BONE COLLECTOR

INTENSIVE CARE by Francis Roe, MD. C.

WHITE CROSSES by Larry Watson--B.

WALKING ACROSS EGYPT by Clyde Edgerton--A.

NIGHT OF THE ICE STORM by David Stout--B.

SPEAK, ANGEL by Mary Elsie Robertson--B-.


It has taken me forever to catch up with all the posts. I was offline for 2

weeks because of my vacation and when I returned I had family visiting for a

week so was unable to get online more than 10 minutes at a time, just time to

check e-mails, since I had to return to work also. Oh, what a run-on sentence

that was.

I want to thank all of you who gave me suggestions of things to do and

places to see in San Diego. I printed all the info. and took it with me and

it really came in handy.

My vacation was wonderful!!! It was filled with family and friends.

My mother, my DH and I flew from Houston to Las Vegas where we met friends

and spent a couple of nights at the Sahara Hotel there. Of course, we spent

some time with the slot machines, but we also toured the city since it was my

first time there. As everyone says, it is a lively and remarkable place.

Then, we rented a car and drove thru the desert and mountains to San

Diego. This was on April 1st and the Mojave desert was covered with

snow--unbelievable.

Can you believe that was the first snow I had seen in years? So, of course,

we had to get out and take pictures in it.

San Diego---I have fallen in love with it. Although we spent about a

week there I didn't get to see as much as I wanted to because most of the

time was spent on the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Well, after all, that is

why we went in the first place-- to see my son graduate from boot camp. I

did enjoy all the activities on the base, especially the graduation ceremony.

Of course, ( she said modestly), my DS looked so handsome in his uniform.

In SD, we were joined by DS's girlfriend and 2 of his buddies from

Houston. Also, my DBIL and his wife and thier grandson. So, the day after

graduation, we all went to the zoo-- a trip that everyone enjoyed. We also

wnet to Old Town and ate at a very good Mexican rest. --Guadalajaras(sp). We

also went to Seaport Village and I visited The bookstore there--Upstart Crow

and Company. Had delicious coffee and cheesecake to die for. I only

was able to buy 1 book before they pulled me away. I bought MIRACLE CURE by

Michael Palmer. Couldn't resist since I liked his others so much. We did a

lot of fun things but, I won't bore you anymore. My DS is back in SD now and

will be there for a month. He doesn't know where he goes from there.

However, if he is able to stay there he can expect to have his mom visiting

as soon as possible.

Belated birthday wishes to Ruth Alice and all who celebrated birthdays

in April.

Gotta go now before I am bumped off again.



Gina in Houston


The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even

touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:35 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042000355700.UAA17724@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara -- I'm so sad about Sunny; especially the part where he wouldn't

look in your eyes. What pain to lose a pet. My thoughts are with you. Glad

though that Sunny had you and your husband to take care of him for the year

of his life.


Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: Re: Life Before Air-Conditioning

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:40 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042000403800.UAA19580@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Becky -- We also had stoops where we grew up. Other than sitting outside on

the hot summer nights, they were also great for a game called Off the Point

when you threw the Spalding against the stoop and got 10 points if it hit the

step and 5 points if it hit between the steps. You also had to be able to

catch it on a fly when it came back to you or else no points.


Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: Re: Finally Home

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:45 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042000452200.UAA20245@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Gina -- How do you know how many posts you have to catch up with. What do

you hit to tell you how many posts there are. I've often wondered about this

but don't know how to do it.


Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: McCarthy

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 08:49 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042000493800.UAA19571@ladder03.news.aol.com>


(Posted in Favorite Fiction...)


Hi all - it's Sunday nite and I'm in Charlotte, NC, until tomorrow evening,

(visiting DS and family), but wanted to check in and say HI. DDIL and I went

to a Mall this afternoon and I headed straight for Walden books. I picked up

Cormac McCarthy's ALL THE PRETTY HORSES, then found THE CROSSING for $2.98,

his 2nd in the Border Trilogy. I seem to remember someone here posting about

McCarthy's wonderful writing... has anyone read either of these? The

subject matter doesn't seem to be my cup o' tea, but I'm OD-ing on thrillers

and mysteries and need a change of pace!


Currently finishing Mary Willis Walker's ZERO AT THE BONE. It is very good!


Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 09:59 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042001592200.VAA28521@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol.

You are terrific. I knew I could count on you!

It was february 21.

Thanks Alot!!!!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Dark Shadows

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 10:14 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042002150000.WAA00858@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I was one of those kids whose mom wouldn't let her watch Dark Shadows.

poo

Ian has a friend who is not allowed to watch Rugrats. Am I missing something?

I watch it with the kids all the time, I don't see anything objectionable

about it. Any views from parents of little ones?

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Words of Wisdom

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 10:42 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042002422100.WAA05891@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks, MariLu for these wonderful words of wisdom!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Dark Shadows

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 10:51 PM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998042002514900.WAA07111@ladder01.news.aol.com>


suzanne

my daughter 10 loves rugrats. Have watched with her lots see nothing to

object too


Becky






Subject: Dogs and horses

Date: Sun, 19 April 1998 11:35 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042003351900.XAA12477@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie-So your dog is also named Shadow. We had a little black cocker spaniel

who was always underfoot, hence the name. What kind of dog is your Shadow?


Barbara-What a heartbreaking post about your little Sunny. The hole that

furry creature left will be around for a long time, but will eventually fill

itself with lovely memories. How lucky that little dog was to have folks who

loved him enough to help stop his pain, even though it meant terrible pain

for them.


Sally-Luigi is a great fan of McCarthy's and I'm sure you'll find that he

loved those books.


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 12:26 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042004262000.AAA17847@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh, Barbara--I'm crying for you and for Bruce and for Sunny--and for Lacey,

too. I remember you showing me Sunny's picture the first time you and I met.

He was such a sweetie and God knows you did everything you could have for

him. You know you did what was best for him but that doesn't ever remove

that hole in your heart. People who haven't had a pet can't know what a loss

it is. I'm so, so

sorry.


Big hugs from your bud,

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 12:53 AM EDT

From: JaneE2059

Message-id: <1998042004534900.AAA20246@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara--You wrote:


<<I'm really having a hard time today. My DH and I had to take our little

white dog, Sunny, to the vet this morning for the last time. We made the

difficult decision to have him put to sleep. He was only a year old.>>>


{{{Barbara}}} I am SO sorry to hear about your poor puppy, Sunny. What an

unfair thing

to happen! Best Wishes to you and your DH.


JaneE2059







Subject: No. of Posts

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 12:55 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042004553500.AAA20381@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy in PA - To see how many posts you have not read, click on List Unread.

When that group of posts comes up open the first one and then look at the top

of the page. It will say "1 of xxx" (or some such wording). When you click on

the second post it will say "2 of xxx' and so on. Thus, you know how many

there are yet to read.


Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 12:57 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042004572300.AAA20534@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara...


Just signed on and scanned through the messages. I echo what Judi said. I

remember meeting Sunny when we went to LA to meet the group. I am so, so,

sorry for you and Bruce. What a tough year and what a tough decision. Take

the kind words you have shared with so many others to heart.


Lita

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)






Subject: Re: Dogs and horses

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 12:59 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998042004592200.AAA19458@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<What kind of dog is your Shadow?>> Jan, my Sahdow is part German Shepherd

and part Border Collie. He has the coloring of the Border Collie, so his

name fits him two ways--the black color and he is always behind me or beside

me or in front of me--like a shadow! <VBG>



Currently reading First We Quit Our Jobs by Marilyn J Abraham and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 03:39 AM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998042007391700.DAA28037@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, Barbara --

I'm crying with you. Sunny was so fortunate to have had you to love

and care for him and to make that very difficult decision you had to make.

And it sounds like you were fortunate to have had Sunny, though for such a

pitifully short time. Am so very, very sorry. You, your DH, and Lacey are

in my heart.

Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Monday - again -

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 08:06 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042012062600.IAA06788@ladder01.news.aol.com>


BARBARA: so sad to lose a friend like Sunny. I am sure the reason he didn't

look at you, was to make it easier for you. Although I am not a pet owner, I

have often participated in the unconditional love a dog shows his best

friend. A little time heals --


GINA: sounds as if you had a great time. Now drink lots of tea & lemon &

cure that cold.


Sad to hear of the death of John Lennon's wife Linda today - she always

seemed to be such a 'steady' person.


Tonight our computer group is having a flea market, where we take all our old

parts & software & sell them - proceeds either to yourself or the club. It

has turned out to be quite a money maker on the past. It is possible to get

old computers for$100 - modems for $2 - 5 - things that are too slow but may

be good for a kid or a senior just starting out with this addiction.


Off to tennis drill -


The Marco Maniac - starting LIGHT OF FALLING STARS

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Monday - again -

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 09:14 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042013140100.JAA09225@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I wrote a brillant post yestrerday and then , in a blond moment, clicked the

wrong thing and deleted it all!

Barabara, sorry about Sonny, knowing you did the right thing for him doesn't

remove the ache.

I grew up in a neighborhood of porches and kids playing Hide And Go Seek

every night "until the street lights come on" an now live just a block or two

from the same neighborhood and yes, we sit on the porch when it's warm and

chat with neighbors and watch the world. I've been here 20 years and have

seen the kids on the street go from the noisy Hot Wheel stage, to the game

playing age, to the proms and now to weddings and babies. It's a good

thing. :-)

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:19 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042014195400.KAA13466@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Boy, go out of town for 3 days and look at how behind you get! I'll never

catch up.


But quickly, Barbara -- So sad for you about your dog. Hope you pain will

ease soon.

Cissie, trying to catch up







Subject: Mac Question

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 12:25 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042016255800.MAA23862@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Do any of you Mac gurus know what I can do about this problem? Every time I

boot up I get a "Stop Alert" message which says "This is an Apple Guide file

and must be used with the Apple Guide application". I don't know where this

came from, or why, but most importantly I don't know how to get rid of it.

Anyone know?


I called Apple Tech support and they now charge $35 per question for what

used to be free. I wouldn't mind $5 or $10 but $35 is outrageous.


Maybe some of you very bright Apple folks will know what I can do.


Thanks.


Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: What a Place

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 01:03 PM EDT

From: Gymeni2

Message-id: <1998042017030200.NAA25459@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hello, everyone I am new to this board.


I am currently reading "A Wrinkle in Time"


Carolyn's Secretarial Service


Life is nothing if you are not happy.







Subject: Re: Return With Us Now...

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 01:14 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042017140200.NAA27559@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara -- Regarding The Twilight Zone -- I was reading your post about the

words spoken at the beginning of the show and I had remembered them

differently. There wasn't a week that went by that we didn't watch it and to

this day my brothers and I always make reference to these words. I'm

wondering if at some point in time they were changed or if in different parts

of the country, the show started differently. Here's what I remember:


You are entering into another dimension

A dimension not only of sight but of sound

A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of your imagination

Next stop, Twilight Zone



Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...







Subject: Re: What a Place

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 01:16 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042017160700.NAA26508@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Carolyn:


Welcome to Book Nook People. We are a group that discusses life, books,

animals, friendships, get to -gathers and anything else we might think of on

the spur of a moment.


If you wish to discuss only books go to Favorite Fiction above this subject.

If you wish to get acquainted in our private chat hyperlink to Fredonia Chat

here is the hyperlink: FREDONIA CHAT part 1 (because I have the Word

Fredonia in three places have to call them Part 1,2,3,. But this link will

get your there. We have Wednesday nights 9:00 pm Eastern to whenever and

Saturday night 9:00 Eastern to

whenever. We would love to get to know you. Post often and come chat with

us.


Regards,

Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.






Subject: Thank You/Dog Heaven

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 02:34 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042018345700.OAA03609@ladder03.news.aol.com>


A very heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you who posted and and/or sent me a

sympathetic note about Sunny. I really appreciate all your kindness and

support. What a great group of friends you all are. Although it was with

tears that I read them, there were a couple of things that were so beautiful

that I just have to share them.


Karen (Carroms) wrote me an e-mail that said in part "Be assurred that Sunny

knew that he was going and he did not want to disappoint you. Animals are

heroes and do not want to let their owners down, and Sunny had a rough go of

it, wanting to please you." Those words meant a lot to me. I was so afraid

that he thought I was betraying his trust by delivering him to his

executioner.

Thank you so much, Karen, for giving me a better understanding for why he

would not look at my eyes at the end.


I just now went to see who was at my door, and it was someone delivering

flowers. They were with a sympathy card from my vet, Dr. Cohen, and his

staff. He is a very dedicated doctor and compassionate man. Sunny was lucky

that I found him, even though he didn't find a cure. With all his

considerable knowledge and talent, he tried.


My sister sent me a story from a picture book she found after her dog,

Jamaica, died. I cry every time I read it, but I love the images it puts in

my head. I will keep it. I hope it's all true. I love the idea of Sunny

being petted and told what a good dog he is all day long by some little angel

child and finally getting all the biscuits he wants.

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant


When dogs go to Heaven,

they don't need wings

because God knows that dogs love running best.


He gives them fields.

Fields and fields and fields.


When a dog first arrives in Heaven,

he just runs.


Dog Heaven has clear, wide lakes

filled with geese who honk and flap

and tease. The dogs love this.


They run beside the water and bark

and bark and God watches them

from behind a tree and smiles.


There are children, of course.

Angel children.


God knows that dogs love children more than

anything else in the world, so He fills Dog

Heaven with them. There are children

on bikes and children on sleds. There are

children throwing red rubber balls and children

pulling kites through the clouds. The dogs

are there, and the children love them dearly.


And, oh,

the dog biscuits.

Biscuits and biscuits

as far as the eye can see.


God has a sense of humor, so He makes His

biscuits in funny shapes for His dogs. There

are kitty-cat biscuits and squirrel biscuits.

Ice-cream biscuits and ham-sandwich biscuits.


Every angel who passes by

has a biscuit for a dog.


And, of course, all God's dogs

sit when the angels say "sit."


Every dog becomes a good

dog in Dog Heaven.


God turns clouds inside out to make

fluffy beds for the dogs in Dog Heaven,

and when they are tired from running and

barking and eating ham-sandwich biscuits,

the dogs each find a cloud bed for sleeping.


They turn around and around in the cloud...

... until it feels just right,

and then they curl up

and they sleep.


God watches over each one of them

and there are no bad dreams.


Dogs in Dog Heaven

have almost always belonged to somebody

on Earth and, of course,

the dogs rememeber this.

Heaven is full of memories.


So sometimes an angel will walk a dog

back to Earth for a llittle visit and quietly,

invisibly, the dog will sniff about his old

backyard, will investigate the cat next door,

will follow the child to school,

will sit on the front porch and wait for the mail.


When he is satisfied that all is well, the dog

will return to Heaven with the angel.


It is where dogs belong,

near God who made them.


The dogs in Dog Heaven who

had no real homes on Earth

are given one in Heaven.


The homes have yards and porches and there are

couches to lie on and tables to sit under

while angels eat their dinners.

There are special bowls

with the dogs' names on them.

And each dog is petted and reminded

how good he is, all day long.


Dogs in Dog Heaven may stay as long as

they like and this can mean forever.

They will be there when old friends show up.

They will be there at the door.


Angel dogs.


P.S. We went to see Riverdance last night. All that joyous stomping around!

What energy! It was good to get out for awhile and be distracted.



Barbara (reading The Shipping News and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: Finally Home

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 03:02 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042019020700.PAA07368@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<How do you know how many posts you have to catch up with. What do you hit

to tell you how many posts there are. I've often wondered about this but

don't know how to do it.>>


When you open a post you will see at the top a line that says message 1 of

(however many there are)



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Dark Shadows

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 03:06 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042019060100.PAA07735@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Ian has a friend who is not allowed to watch Rugrats. Am I missing

something? I watch it with the kids all the time, I don't see anything

objectionable about it. Any views from parents of little ones?>>


I haven't found anything to object to in Rugrats! I hate a few other

Nickelodeon shows but that one is fine.

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Thank You/Dog Heaven

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 04:01 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998042020010700.QAA13238@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara--Thank you for sharing Dog Heaven with us! What a beautiful

description! I have printed it off for my files. I shall read it often.


Thank you!


Currently reading The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Persian Pickle Club

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 04:11 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998042020111000.QAA13188@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I went to the eye doctor this morning and began this wonderful book--and put

aside Alias Grace because the print is fo small I can't make out the words

too well.


I'm really enjoying The Persian Pickle Club! Thanks to all who recommended

it. I took a week off from work to have some "down time" this week. Today

is sunny and bright (OK to look at through the curtains right now until my

eyes get back to normal--what DO they put in those drops and when will this

dilation end?)


This week I plan to putter around the house. I can't believe how attractive

house work looks to me right now! Tomorrow I FINALLY will take advantage of

the Christmas gift my DH gave me--a one hour massage! Since the roads are so

torn up in down in Salt Lake right now, I haven't gotten down there to take

advantage of this most excellent gift. But I figured with a week off I can

go in the early afternoon and come home leisurely before the traffic

mess starts! I have three more to use before June. Perhaps I will use them

all this week ;)


This screen still looks funny to me, so I think I will retire to my new

reading.



Currently reading The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: What a Place

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:01 PM EDT

From: Gymeni2

Message-id: <1998042021014900.RAA19200@ladder03.news.aol.com>


In article <1998041820505900.QAA20900@ladder01.news.aol.com>,

marilu3123@aol.com (MARILU3123) writes:


>Well, it's off for me to Santa Cruz.


Mari Lu, do you live in Santa Cruz, CA, if so, I also reside here, too.


Carolyn's Secretarial Service


Life is nothing if you are not happy.







Subject: Re: Death & Games??/

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:05 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042021054900.RAA19710@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Diane...When my daughters were 4 and 8, my cousin's husband died of alcohol

"poisoning". He left a wife and 2 young children. Questions...why? How?

How could he? And then about alcohol. Three years later and they are still

being asked. When I tried to describe that the body no longer housed him as

we knew him, that his spirit remained in many ways, my daughter asked, "So

does the body go flat". Makes sense...if everything that

makes up this person goes...they are flat!


Judi - Jacks! Now you got my attention. I found anyone and everyone who

could/would play with me, including my brother. My kids...no way...that's a

stupid game. And I was so good at it! Also loved jump rope (which I can

still do through the alphabet twice), Chinese jump rope, tetherball,

dodgeball and kickball. But all these exotic games didn't make it to the

west coast!


Time to go pick up the girls!


Lita






Subject: Re: McCarthy

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:15 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042021152100.RAA22079@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sally -- All the Pretty Horses is one of my all-time favorites. I must warn

you, though, that I've recommended it to several people and not all have

shared my enthusiasm. It's a wonderful, painful coming of age story and

McCarthy is a beautiul writer. I didn't care for the Crossing, though. Hope

you like it.

Cissie






Subject: Re: Book List for Feb.

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:23 PM EDT

From: TOBYART

Message-id: <1998042021231600.RAA21863@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Beth

Belated Congratulations on the birth of your nephew...

Benjamin Vincent......

Love the name...of course it couldn"t possibly have anything to do with the

fact that my youngest grandson is Benjamin David....now could it?????

Enjoy your little nephew....

Paula (aka Tobyart)

It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it

and remove all doubt. (author unknown)






Subject: Re: Death & Games??/

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:43 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042021432200.RAA25502@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Also loved jump rope (which I can still do through the alphabet twice),

Chinese jump rope, tetherball, dodgeball and kickball. But all these exotic

games didn't make it to the west coast!>>


Oh Lita, I disagree! We played all of these games in Arizona and Northern

California... Maybe LA was just too cool for them. :)

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Ragtime

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:51 PM EDT

From: TOBYART

Message-id: <1998042021513400.RAA26557@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<<<<Ragtime-Today I saw the most wonderful musical I've seen in years. Could

my last favorite musical really have been Chorus Line? >>>>>>>

Jan....so happy to hear that you enjoyed Ragtime....my girlfriend's daughter

is in the cast....unfortunately, I haven't been able to get to the city to

see it yet but I will certainly pass on your praise for the show. My

girlfriend lent me a tape of a tv show about Ragtime that I had missed when

it was on and I have to agree with you that it seems to have both story and

music going for it. (Not to mention the

talented cast....of course).


Paula - Currently reading THE PARTNER by John Grisham and enjoying it in

spite of the lousy reviews........

Paula (aka Tobyart)

It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it

and remove all doubt. (author unknown)







Subject: Re: Death & Games??/

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:52 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042021521300.RAA26643@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Gina...I reread my message and realize maybe I didn't say what I meant to?

Maybe my brains are a little jumbled. We did play jacks, jumprope, etc...but

not Russia and a variety of other games described on the board. Maybe LA was

too cool but I was "born and reared" in San Francisco! 8-)))


Lita






Subject: Re: McCarthy

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 05:53 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042021530200.RAA26746@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Miss Sally,


I absolutely loved The Crossing and posted on it back in December. It is a

dark, haunting and terrible story. It is a beautifully written quest. It

is a no holds barred journey through misery and exhaltation of the human

spirit. It is as simple and as complex as the human spirit.


I just looked up my post and here it is. It must have been a memorable novel

for me, for rarely do I remember diddly squat, even though CRS has been

graciously replaced with the words "fugitive information" (Thanks, someone

,for that term). <G>:



Subject: **The Crossing**

Date: Wed, Dec 31, 1997 10:27 PM

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <19980101022700.VAA21947@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Once in a while a book haunts you, hunts you down, and turns you into a

quivering mass of protoplasm. If my middle son had not given me The

Crossing, by Cormac Macarthy, I would certainly have never read it. After

all, it has a bunch of old bones and skulls on the cover; I thought it was an

ordinary Western. My son is very wise. When one receives a gift from a

Beloved, we use it, regardless of our predilictions and ordinary tastes. He

knew

I would do his gift justice. There are no quotation marks ( warning to all

those who find this absence irritating), there is no levity or humor at all

to break up the intensity, none, there is not a happy ending, and had I not

two years of imperfect Spanish behind me in the very ancient past, I would

have been tempted to put this book down half a dozen times. Instead, I am

absolutely amazed by this novel ( and depressed and sickened), entrapped

by character, time and place. Never have I lost myself so completely in a

foreign world, gasped and cried so hard while reading, and listened so

intently to the characters who say very little. Inference is all. This is

not a review. My legacy from the Christmas Virus from hell is some serious

bronchitis which prohibits my lying down and trying to sleep. I stayed up

night before last in a rigid kitchen chair, appropriate because the material

is so

uncomfortable, reading this novel. I cannot get it out of my mind. It is

Billy's story, but it also belongs to Boyd, the younger brother. If I were

Jan or Marilu, I could adequately relate enough of the tale to appease the

curiosity of inquiring minds, but alas, all I can say is that I was

transported to a timeless and irreverent realm in Mexico, where soot in the

food, generosity, and tragedy are interposed with calculated cruelty,

wonderful

description, and painfully graphic scenes. This is a dark story, but one

which has left its mark on me forever. I will continue to dream about this

book. It is not for everyone, but it was a perfect way to see the old year

out, for me.

Eor



Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: I survived the Albany Book Nook meeting!!!!!

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 06:00 PM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998042022004200.SAA26512@ladder03.news.aol.com>


LOL Laura...but you didn't see all the weaponry at the hotel <VBG>. Well the

weekend was GRAND!! I am so happy to have met Jayne, Carole #1 and her

lovely daughter, Carole #3 and Laura. Here it is Monday and I don't think

I'll have to eat for the rest of the week after all the eating I did. I came

home with a few treasures. Now to find time to read them all. If any of you

get a chance to meet people from here GO FOR IT!! It is a

wonderful experience where you can meet and become life long friends.


Now if I could only catch up with all these post. <g>



Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward







Subject: Re: McCarthy

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 06:25 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042022251600.SAA01005@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am sick and tired of our North Carolinian Nookers fighting constantly

over the merits of The Crossing. I say enough is enough, which is easy for me

because I minored in tautology, but gave it up when I became an adult earlier

this year. Anyhow, Cormac -- the man Shelby Foote, some relative of Leslie

by hanky-panky, says single-handedly saved the American novel from extinction

-- the man I say, mainly just to get to Jan mad, is the

finest Carolinian writer, North or South, extant--- the man who gave up

writing apparently to make those funny dishes -- the man --- does anyone

remember where sentence started or where it was going? Me, neither. In

conclusion, I loved both All the Pretty Horses and The Crossing, and I am not

in the broad contingent of Nookers - current but msinly missing Nookers --

that consider Cormac's later works to be greatly inferior to his early works.

In

fact, All the Pretty Horses is my favorite McCarthy book, and I particularly

liked the pictures.


Charles Frazier

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 06:26 PM EDT

From: DGArmstron

Message-id: <1998042022262700.SAA01162@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I'm so sorry about Sunny, Barbara. I really, really commend you for being

WITH him as he went to his final sleep......our good 4 legged friends deserve

that loving attention at the end---they do not need to be alone at that time.

How wonderful of you to do it that way. I know how sad you are and how awful

this time is.....just know you gave him so much love in his short life.....


I've been lurking a LOT recently as my computer was on the blink...finally

bit the bullet and called Apple and for 35$ they walked my through a repair.

Not bad. Now I'm so far behind in posts.......I will catch up tho.....Happy

reading all!

Diane in NJ

"...like friends, books have gone into the making of whatever and whoever I

am."

Kevin Starr






Subject: Life Magazine Failure

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 06:54 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042022544200.SAA04987@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Luigi, Warren, et al


I tried so hard to find the Life Magazine bit on a train to no avail, but i

did find an X-rated joke from Chinatown, 1974, which discussed the way a

Chinaman (words from the movie, not at all PC, I acknowledge) performs his

filial "duty". Jake Gibbes is the character who relates the joke, and

instead of reading Confuscius,

he pauses from his " physical art" to go read Life Magazine, resumes his

intensity, and yet his wife has the last funny word, and she is quite the

consummate winner of the word play. Does this earn the second banana "tried

to peel it but couldn't" honorable mention for sheer tenacity? Reading the

reviews of this movie and the quotations left me in adolescent stitches.

Now, what is the movie you had in mind? Inquiring minds want to know.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: McCarthy

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 07:11 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042023114700.TAA06093@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shades of Fate or the Ugly Fate Sisters from Greek Mythology ( singing from

not The Devil and Miz Jones but Phantom of the Opera), we've done dab slam

did it again. What are the odds that "The Crossing" would remind me of a

Life Magazine post query from a McCarthy fan, an oblique reference or synapse

suggestion at best, and that "He" might just post on the subject while I was

posting on him?


I quit. Too blamed scary.


Roe

Eor


It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: McCarthy

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 07:31 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042023310500.TAA09977@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Warren -- <<All the Pretty Horses is my favorite McCarthy book.>> Mine, too,

Luigi! I really did like that one, but so-so on The Crossing, and despite my

son's telling me repeatedly how great BLOOD MERIDIAN is, I have not been able

to get into it at all.


CAVEDWELLER--This book grabbed me right away!


Paula--Thanks for another rave of Ragtime! We have tickets next week when in

NYC--Hooray!!


Gymeni2--I live in San Jose now, but I was born in Santa Cruz, four of my

five children were born there, and daughter Gina lives there now. I once

lived on Chanticleer Avenue. I began my teaching career at Del Mar Middle

School in the Live Oak District! It's a small world!


Carol in Oceanside, CA--I have Mac, and I've never had this problem. Can't

you just click it off?


"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Wrong Words/Gina/Luigi

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 08:02 PM EDT

From: Ludsmith

Message-id: <1998042100024900.UAA14523@ladder01.news.aol.com>


RUTH: I enjoyed rereading "The Hobbit." I read the entire series about 17

years ago right after I was married. I remember reading on every break at

work. It was hard to tear myself away to go back to work. About half of the

women in my book club hadn't ever read it, but they all loved it. Their kids

and husbands had been trying to get them to read Tolkien for years but said

it took recommendations from other women to get them

motivated! My kids have loved watching "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings"

videos too. I ordered an illustrated copy of "The Hobbit" (Michael Hague)

from Nancy's new online book store--shopping.com--for my 9 year-old to read.

I usually don't read fantasy or science fiction, but this is a fun series.

My daughter is rereading C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" series. I've

never read them, but would like to read them with her.


13 hours to baby!!!!! The hospital said I'm first on the list to be induced

tomorrow. I'm very anxious. I cleaned out at least 40 books from my TBR

stacks by my bed this morning and returned the books to bookshelves for a

later time. I only kept borrowed books and ones I'm reading for my book

clubs. I'll let you know how things go with the baby.


Shauna






Subject: Jackie - First We Quit Our Jobs - ?

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:39 PM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042102392900.WAA06851@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jackie - I noticed that you mentioned a new book today with your signature.

Does that mean you have finished First We Quit Our Jobs? Can you tell us

something about the book? I have been intrigued by the title and have been

watching to see what you would have to say about it. I am probably especially

interested since I went back to work today after a week off, a rude

awakening!


I'm also looking forward to Jan's comments on Cloud Chambers, a book that I

thought was outstanding.


Erika, just finished Alias Grace (will comment soon in the intended folder),

started What the Deaf Mute Heard, so far very enjoyable)







Subject: Rugrats, etc.

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:42 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042102420500.WAA08428@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Suzanne: I'm with you on Rugrats. I think it's innocuous. Most of it goes

over my kids' (ages 4 and 2) heads, but they are taken with the funny looking

cartoons. I would say they might watch it once a week or so...most nights I

try to be getting them ready for bed and reading books by 7:30 when it is on.

I thought the Rugrats passover special was pretty funny!


Carol: You are always one step (or probably more) ahead of me on reading. I

have had Light of the Falling Stars on my list for ages! Will look forward to

your comments!


Gymeni2: Welcome to this place...you might also want to try Favorite Fiction

for discussion that is limited (well, mostly) to books. Also, the Readers and

Reading Book Club is fun because we all read the same book and "discuss" it

on the group.


Jackie: Your week of "downtime" sounds wonderful! Especially the massage! I

know that when I am not working I find it a pleasure to do some things around

the house that normally would be pure drudgery! Also, I loved The Persian

Pickle Club. Looking forward to your thoughts on Alias Grace. Will you be

posting in the Readers and Reading Book Club? There have been some

interesting discussions so far.


Lita: Thanks for sharing your story...kids sure give you perspective on our

feelings on death. I remember when my mother-in-law passed away, my niece was

about 3. She kept saying that Gramma Rita went to be with the Indians...she

got confused when her dad told her she went to be with the angels. We

patiently explained that Gramma Rita would definitely go to California, not

Cleveland :) (Apologies to Cheefwil)


Diane in S. Florida

Reading Hard Laughter by Anne Lamott






Subject: Re: Jackie - First We Quit Our Jobs - ?

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:44 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042102445500.WAA07656@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Erika:


I read that book, in fact I am putting it in the mail for Marilu. Its about

traveling. RV etc. Let Jackie review it for you.


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.






Subject: Shauna/MariLu/reunion

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:48 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998042102483400.WAA09444@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna...I have been wondering about you...after hearing last Wed night you

were having contractions...and then no word, well, I'm glad to hear things

are on GO for the morning. Best of luck to you & the babe.


MariLu...I can't believe this. You were born in Santa Cruz & ended up in

B'ham for a revival? Your father must have been a big-time preacher to travel

that far. For some reason, I thought you were from the South (Miss?) & ended

up in CA. What an interesting life!


Just to let all you NooYawkers to know that you are not the ONLY ones meeting

new friends this weekend, Judy5914 from Pensacola is coming to B'ham this

weekend. We are having a big Art Show in the park downtown, & she is showing

her jewelry. I think she does more OnlineBookGroup than BN, but has posted on

both. I tried to meet up with her last year, but it was rained out. It has

rained so much here lately, that I don't see how there could be

any left in the sky. But never say never around here! I am working at the

Festival, helping run the *Corks & Chefs* tent, where we are having a wine &

food tasting deal. It will be fun, I hope, if the weather cooperates. Damn,

we are due some good weather down here.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re: McCarthy

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:56 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042102563200.WAA10645@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Pictures?? Warren, you are too funny. The reason that we ended up with a

first edition hardback of All the Pretty Horses is that my then adolescent

daughter thought it would be a book (pictures, too) about horses. She tried

it, hated it, and passed it on to her mother to sample. The rest is history.

However, now that I know how Roe felt about The Crossing, I'm going to try it

again. Sometimes, it takes a false

start or two to get where you want to go! Roe and I have loved too many of

the same books for me not to feel I missed something in "the Crossing".

Cissie






Subject: Re: Wrong Words/Gina/Luigi

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 10:59 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042102591100.WAA11010@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna -- All three of mine were induced. It's the only way to fly. Fast

and furious! Good luck. I envy you the experience, and that's no joke.

Cissie







Subject: NALL

Date: Mon, 20 April 1998 11:33 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998042103330500.XAA16210@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Those of you that remember our discussions about the artist known as NALL?

He is going to be here in B'ham Tues (tomorrow) night for a new show he's

done & to celebrate his 50th birthday! Can't wait! I'm going with bells on my

toes, altho they are expecting a mob.He is having a band from the

"Flora-Bama" Lounge in Gulf Shores, AL, play for the party. I'm sure Karen &

Mary Coral know of

this infamous bar.....it should be a wild night...I will give you all a first

hand account.


Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman







Subject: Re: NALL

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 12:15 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042104152900.AAA21513@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I do remember the discussion about the artist NALL, Leslie, I'll be waiting

for a report!

Good luck, Shauna!! We'll all be waiting for news and I will be pacing the

floor.

Sue in Mi







Subject: Click on Mac

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 01:27 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042105272400.BAA28210@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Yes, Marilu I can click it off but the next time I boot up there it is again.

It is annoying and I would like to find a way to get rid of it permanently.

Can't figure out where it came from or why.



Carol in Oceanside, CA







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 01:57 AM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042105574700.BAA29128@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara,


Reading your post made me think of the beloved pets I've lost also, so I

know your pain at the loss of your little puppy. But rest assured, someday

you won't hurt so much as you relate stories of Sunny that make you and

others laugh and smile.


Take care,

Spumony2 / Cathy






Subject: Cloud Chamber

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 02:06 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042106065100.CAA29691@ladder03.news.aol.com>


If any of you have read or are planning to read Yellow Raft On Blue Water

and/or Cloud Chamber, I posted a review in Favorite Fiction . I hope it

involves you enough to want to read these books by Dorris. By the way, Cloud

Chamber has been described as a prequel but it's also a sequel as it starts 5

generations before and ends after the close of Yellow Raft.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: This and That

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 07:40 AM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998042111404100.HAA12158@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna-- Good luck I was induced in 2 of my 3 pregnancies.


Lita-- I was a great afficianado of jacks, too. Played everywhere with super

bouncy balls.


Have a good day, Nina







Subject: Re: Monday - again -

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 08:00 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042112000700.IAA11791@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I must have been VERY bleary eyed when I wrote John Lennon - & meant Paul McC

- then I could not get back on line to correct it. Oh well - YOU knew who I

meant!! (blush, blush)

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: Re: Mac Question

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 08:02 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042112024900.IAA13123@ladder01.news.aol.com>


When in doubt:


#1 - rebuild your dekstop.


#2 - Run disk doctor, Norton utilities, or disk first aid if you have it.


#3 - backup as much as you can - & do a clean install of your System.


It sounds as if there is NOTHING wrong but you are getting some kind of

conflict & this might end it.

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 08:20 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042112204300.IAA12870@ladder03.news.aol.com>


LESLIE: If you are going to "look" at Judy's Jools, be sure to take your

cheque book with you! Her work is fabulous & every time I see it there is

some piece I can't resist. Fortunately she lives far enough away or I would

be broke! So far I own a ring, earrings, two bracelets, a hairpin, a book

mark - in fact, I wear her bird's nest bracelet almost every day.


SHAUNA: Oooh - she MUST be a new Mom by now!


I think we were caught between some kind of weird storm center yesterday - I

got online in the early a.m., but that was the end of it. I was not able to

sign on after that.


BTW - for those of you who commented by email - "my" problem with getting to

the Internet last week was AOL's problem - I am so happy it wasn't my

computer. I had just done a careful emptying of the cache & was looking

forward to faster response time - here I was worrying - did I throw out the

software??? In the future - blame AOL first - LOL.



Our Mac User's Group had a flea market yesterday - I cannot believe it - $500

later, we were like alchemists - turning other people's junk to money! We

sold off old computers, parts, cables, software - One guy bought an old Apple

& a printer for under $200. Most of us just donated the stuff to the Club &

did not take anything from the sales. It's a good way, once a year, to get

rid of old books & anything else I don't need. I always come home &

say: "Now, why didn't I take--------oh well, next year!"


Still reading LIGHT FROM FALLING STARS


TTFN from Marco Island, FL

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Jackie - First We Quit Our Jobs - ?

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 09:20 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998042113200400.JAA16492@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<Does that mean you have finished First We Quit Our Jobs?>> Alas it

doesn't, Erika! I'm attempting to keep up with the book group and have

dropped everything for Alias Grace so i can catch up. I've been doing this

book group thing all wrong. I have been planning to finish about the time we

all planned to be finished (in this case April 30)--and I am so far behind

everyone else! I'm gonna miss out on the discussion.


First We Quit Our Jobs is a good story (true) about a couple who worked

high-power jobs in New York. They decided they had had enough and quit their

jobs, bought an RV and traveled across the continent. The book tells about

their adventures in traveling from New York to Alaska--via Canada (as far as

I've gotten so far) then down the Alaskan coast to Washington, over to

Montana, down to New Mexico and across the Southland before heading back

up to New York City.


I may pick it up on my next trip in May to Seattle. That way I should be

reading about the part of their trip to Seattle about the time I am visiting

there. That will work for me.

Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (a long book with tiny

print. I'm hanging in on this one


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: Rugrats, etc.

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 09:24 AM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998042113241800.JAA17969@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Looking forward to your thoughts on Alias Grace. Will you be posting in the

Readers and Reading Book Club? There have been some interesting discussions

so far.>> Yes, Diane, I will as soon as I finish it. I am only about a

third of the way through. It is a good story--but doesn't hold my interest

as some other books do. It is not one I can hardly wait to pick up each day.

I read short stories and other books in between a lot. I

think part of my problem is the teeny tiny print---gives me headaches. And

this gets in the way of the story sometimes.



Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (a long book with tiny

print. I'm hanging in on this one


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets






Subject: Re: Wrong Words/Gina/Luigi

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 10:53 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042114535400.KAA23029@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear All:


SHauna wrote this yesterday in her Post:( 13 hours to baby!!!!! The hospital

said I'm first on the list to be induced tomorrow. I'm very anxious. )



ACCORDING TO MY WATCH


IT IS 8:00 SOMETHING IN UTAH


SHE IS FIRST ON THE LIST!!!!


SO WE MIGHT HAVE A BABY TODAY!!!!


OUR FIRST CYBERSPACE BABY!!!!


IF AN WHEN I HEAR WILL ANNOUNCE.


HEAVENS, SHE MIGHT HAVE DH'S LAP TOP


BY HER BED AND ANNOUNCE IT HERSELF!!!!


LETS ALL PRAY AND BE WITH OUR SHAUNA

TODAY FOR A SAFE DELIVERY AND GORGEOUS BABY!!!!


JAYNE WHO IS BOILING WATER NOW!!!!!!

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Dogs/McCarthy

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 11:21 AM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042115214500.LAA25263@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I finished reading Mary Willis Walker's ZERO AT THE BONE on the plane-ride

home from visiting DS and family in N.C. The book is an excellent mystery,

and I would highly recommend it to Walker/mystery fans. In the book, I came

across the following quotation that I thought Book Nook dog/pet lovers would

enjoy: "(animals) are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other

nations, caught with ourselves in the net of

life and time, fellow prisoners of splendor and travail of the earth..."

Isn't that lovely?


I have many posts to read, but thanks to all who have posted on McCarthy's

THE CROSSING so far. I'm only about 25 pages into the book, and his writing

takes some getting used to -- the lack of punctuation, quotation marks,

apostrophes, etc -- but he certainly uses the language in a creative and

beautiful way.


Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Re: Mac Question

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 11:32 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042115322700.LAA27294@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks Carol but I have already done all of those things but it didn't help.

I have a question in to Mac@Home on the web. Incidentally, that is a great

monthly publication by Cobb - lots of great information in a

easy-to-understand format. They have a website at www.cobb.com/mac.


Thanks for trying to help.



Carol in Oceanside, CA







Subject: Re: Dogs/McCarthy

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 12:06 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042116061700.MAA28756@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Sally- I read the second book by Mary Willis Walker Under the Bettle's Cellar

for the Thriller Book Group awhile ago. I remember enjoying it very much for

that type of book. I think she either has another new one out or coming out

shortly.


Have just returned from the basement from hell. Why oh why do we save all

these "things." Our town is having their annual clean up and this is the

year I said, "Clean up, clean out or LEAVE!!!!." Now I'm wondering why I even

thought of this let alone announced it here and there. Now everyone expects

to visit our house and give the basement the clean glove test. Complicating

the whole issue is that I have four generations worth of memorabilia in

the basement. My grandparents things, parents, ours and DD's who believes in

saving every notebook, paper, theater ticket stub and birthday card. Also,

for me, as usual , it is a very emotional trip through the cartons as I come

across pictures, invitations etc. I remember once hearing that if you don't

wear or use something in a year, it should be tossed. How abotu 50 odd years

I figure. You know when one has a basement they tend to fill up and

its sort of an out of sight, out of mind kind of thing.


I am shamefully once again way behind on the message boards and trying hard

to keep my mouth shut. It is becoming increasingly difficult as we enter

what I call our social season. Last Sunday we had a wonderful engagement

party for my cousin and next week its the Book Nook reunion, then weddings

graduation parties etc. So what's a girl suppose to do. I'm thinking of

purchasing some duct tape for the mouth. I find that in the last number of

years

my key obsession - book buying has begun to take over other areas of my life

as well.

Am I finally knee deep in middle age or am I slowly inchiung towards the next

passage?


Well, I did about 15 minutes of sighing in the basment (I really only move

the cartons from one area to another) so I think its time to head off to B&N

and the library for a little levity today.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Induction & Mystery

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 12:06 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042116063700.MAA29978@ladder01.news.aol.com>


1) I hope all is well with Shauna. It has been interesting to hear the

female commentary on induced pregnancies. For example, I noted that Cissie

said all her children were induced, and Nina said that two out of three of

her pregnancies were induced. Interesting. As some of you may know, Dorothea

and I were married for seventeen years before Becky was born. Becky was also

induced. In the sixteenth year of our marriage I decided to try flowers,

soft music and really-good Bordeaux, and that worked like a charm. Wish I had

thought of it sooner.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


2) Perhaps some of you could help me with a bit of mystery I am trying to

solve. I assume this has something to do with my backlog of Nook posts, but I

am not sure.


In my life I have had numerous cats and dogs as members of my family.

Quite a number of them have passed on to pet heaven. I miss them, of couse,

but we try to stay in touch, and I communicate with all of them regularly.

Mickey, the little dog who took me through those difficult teenage years, was

always the most talkative, and -- not at all to play pet favorites -- he gave

the most sage counsel. Small-bodied dog, but big brain and heart.

Anyhow, Mickey keeps talking about thanking someone for some cute, new,

cuddly ball of white fluff that is making every day in heaven even a bit more

Sunny for everybody.


I don't have a lot of clues as to what this is all about. I can say

this much: dog heaven apparently had to send out for several extra shipments

of cookies, and a couple of jasmine trees. Mickey, I'm sure, would have given

me more detail, but he said he had to go because all the dogs were lining up

to get their chance to play with the little guy, rub his tummy and pet him,

and Mickey did not want to miss his turn. Apparently, whoever this

fluff ball is, he just can't get enough petting. Wish I knew more, but ---

oh, yeah -- one other thing. Mickey did say that his new friend in heaven

wished he could somehow let his family know that no dog on earth ever had a

better home or better parents, but that, as much as he missed them, dog

heaven was a really neat place to be. So many friends. So much playing.

Soooooooo many cookies. And best of all -- there were no sick or hurting dogs

in the

whole wonderful place. Not even one.


If I learn more about this whole thing, I will let you know.


Luigi






Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 12:08 PM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998042116081600.MAA00212@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Returned from London on Saturday after an absolutely exhausting 9 day

whirlwind with dear sons sans husband! Had a fantastic time despite the

freezing weather (it actually snowed heavily for one whole day!) and the

constant fighting of said sons.


The book I grabbed and threw into my suitcase at the last minute was White

Crosses. Not exactly cheery, uplifting, holiday reading BUT I did enjoy it

and found it well written.


You people obviously decided not to promise NOT to post while I was gone and

I came home to over 500 posts...just finished...phewwww!


Marilu, thanks for the Academy Award website. My 10 year old son is an

absolutely movie fanatic and literally inhales anything related. One the

trip home from London, he kept asking me who was nominated for this, who won

for that. Your hyperlink was a god send!!! He and I thank you.


Betsy, I was alternatively scared out of my wits and fascinated by Dark

Shadows. I remember sleeping with the covers pulled up around my neck

(sometimes in over 100 degree weather, I might add) lest a vampire stray too

close to our house and want to take a bite of my prepubescent neck!!


Lita, We were NOT too cool for such games as kickball, dodgeball and the

like!!! AND I happened to be the 4th grade tetherball queen to boot! Now, I

lived in the SF Valley so maybe we weren't too cool for these games.


Barbara, so sorry to hear about Sunny.


Mary Ann, my condolences on the loss of your DFIL.


Shaunna, you are probably having your baby as I write this; hope it is a

fast and relatively pain free experience. We are thinking of you!



Terri, who is VERY happy to be sleeping in her own bed and basking in the 80

degree weather.






Subject: Re: Mac Question

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 12:12 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042116122800.MAA00561@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol--You might want to try this link, too. I posted about a Mac problem

(that's an oxymoron, isn't it?) there and had several answers in no time,

both on that board and by e-mail. Members Helping Members

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Mac Question

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 01:26 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998042117261700.NAA06238@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Since it opens up when you start your computer, could it be something in your

startup file (an alias of some tutorial or assistant). It sounds as though

you have the Apple Guide Extension turned off so this thing can't get going.)

I would open up the startup file and see if there is anything in it with the

Appleguide logo and simply take that out and save it somewhere else. the

other option is turning on the Apple Guide extenstion with your

extension manager and letting it open so you know what it is.




RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: The Meadowlands

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 02:21 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998042118210400.OAA10884@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Although I have not yuet read this book, and am a ways down on the waiting

list at the library, I wanted to let all you NY and NJ folks know about it.

After hearing the author interviewed on OPB, I am eager to read the book

since it sounds absolutely fascinating. Here is a hyperlink to a review

Willamette Week - Book Review: The Meadowlands É or for those without AOL 3.0

http://www.wweek.com/html/unnaturalist.html


Robert Sullivan is fascinated by the Meadowlands and wrote what promises to

be a fascinating book. Check it out soon, though as they will probably move

the page tomorrow or the next day as this week's issue comes out on wed.


RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: meadowlands- take two

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 02:24 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998042118242100.OAA11176@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I decided to copy the article and delete all the stuff on the side.


The Unnaturalist

In his paean to a toxified industrial marshland, Portlander Robert

Sullivan pioneers a new breed of environmental writing.

BY SUSAN WICKSTROM

243-2122 EXT. 328


Robert Sullivan lives in Portland, one of the most beautiful places in

this country, yet he is obsessed with a maligned swamp on the other side

of the continent. Towns that are the butts of national jokes--Newark,

Teaneck, Bayonne, Jersey City--lie nestled in a marshland that is home

to garbage dumps, gangster graves, monster mosquitoes and Superfund

toxic-waste sites, as well as the New York Giants football team, fashion

leaders Donna Karan and Liz Claiborne, and the biggest collection of

foreign translations of Gone With the Wind. The Meadowlands are an

enigma wrapped in a riddle dipped in a very funky smell.


Sullivan's fascination with New Jersey's Meadowlands began in the 1970s

when he was a local teen-ager, crossing the vast, spoiled wetlands to

attend rock concerts and sporting events in New York City. After he

moved to New York, he continued to experience the area through casual

visits, newspaper reports and the view from a car, bus or train. It

wasn't until he moved to Portland a few years ago that he began to truly

miss the "world's greatest industrial swamp." Sullivan surrendered to

his obsession and began flying cross-country to dive as deeply into the

marshland as anyone has since Jimmy Hoffa went to sleep there with the

hideously deformed fishes. The result of his quest is a book, The

Meadowlands: Wilderness Adventures at the Edge of a City, which proves

there actually is a there there.


Books that explore the nature of a place are often too much like

homework, or they're excruciatingly pretentious. Sullivan's is neither.

The Meadowlands is everything a creative non-fiction book should be:

carefully researched, chock full of fascinating details and historical

facts, and rife with life's ironies. It captures the surreality of a

place where the worst and best that humankind can spew battle the power

of the natural world.


Sullivan's research process is every bit as interesting as the

information he uncovers. He is intrepid in searching the swamp for yet

another facet of its sorry personality. He enlists the help of Dave, his

best friend from high school. They compare themselves to a modern-day

Lewis & Clark when they attempt to cross the swamp in a canoe: "Having

never canoed in the Hackensack before, we were a little surprised that

the canoe even floated; Dave imagined that the water would somehow eat

away the bottom of the canoe, that it would dissolve the oars like acid.

Nothing like that happened, though."


Sullivan carries his explorer persona even further when it comes to the

people he meets. Anyone he encounters may reveal a steaming heap of rich

facts about the Meadowlands. "Sometimes when I'm out in the

Meadowlands," he writes, "I feel as if I'm in a National Geographic

special and I'm visiting little tribes of people unknown to everyone

else, the traditions of whom are unfamiliar to me." He is thrilled to

meet the swamp people of New Jersey: mosquito men, garbage men, mud

walkers and gumshoes. All of these Meadowlands denizens convey a unique

appreciation for their home that Sullivan captures. He also includes the

ghosts of swamp-dwellers past, who each had a hand in making the area

what it is today, for better or worse.


In one of his more whimsical passages, Sullivan wishes "by magic or with

the assistance of angels or with the help of a grant awarded through the

Federal Enterprise Zone program, I could turn the bottom of the

Meadowlands to the top and restore what was thrown into the muck back to

its pristine predumped condition, the place would be instantly

de-wasteland-ized." He imagines sitting at the top of Snake Hill and

watching a marvelous restoration, complete with hovering barrels of

toxic waste and demolished buildings miraculously rebuilt. His favorite

part of the fantasy involves the plethora of illegally dumped bodies.

"Among the most enthusiastic of reanimated items from down under the

Meadowlands would be the small bands of executionees, roaming

together--their hands patting their chests, pinching their cheeks in

wonderment--through the thick fields of wildflowers, each clumsy step

rousing a pheasant or a wild turkey."


But Sullivan is at his best when he's simply talking trash, a commodity

of which the Meadowlands is a bottomless pit. He spent every one of his

travels expecting (hoping?) to see something blow up. When explosions

eluded him, he found contentment gazing at wild birds swimming among the

disgusting pieces of refuse floating in the brackish, sometimes

Technicolored water: kingfishers, Styrofoam peanuts, herons, plastic

bottles, cormorants, condoms, Muscovy duck, refrigerators. Adept at the

poetry of garbage, he puts the fun in Superfund.


Sullivan's enthusiasm and devotion is infectious. Yet he is not immune

to some swamp snobbery when it comes to his precious Meadowlands. He

refuses to venture any farther south than Point-No-Point because the

chaos of the overconcentrated Meadowlands makes him feel too gloomy. It

scares him.


Portland is lucky to have a writer of Sullivan's caliber. Perhaps

someday he'll fall in love with one of our local eyesores and persuade

us to find some beauty in what is commonly known as ugly.


Originally published: Willamette Week - April 15, 1998



Read it:

The Meadowlands: Wilderness Adventures at the Edge of a City by Robert

Sullivan

Scribner, 220 pages, $23, ISBN 0.684.83285.2


Context:

Sullivan will present The Meadowlands at Broadway Books (1714 NE

Broadway, 284-1726), 7 pm Tuesday, April 21.


Sullivan became obsessed with the world's greatest industrial swamp as a

teen-ager.

Sullivan is a contributing editor for Vogue and has written for such

publications as The New Yorker, The New Republic, The New York Times

Magazine and Rolling Stone.


"For a long time, the Meadowlands was the largest garbage dump in the

world. In the 1970s, eleven thousand tons of garbage were dumped there

every day--an amount that would just about fill Giants Stadium."


--The Meadowlands



RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: Re:Sunny

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 02:25 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998042118253500.OAA10094@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, Warren, you've got me crying again over a dog I've never met. I can only

imagine your post's impact on Barbara. What a sweet, happy, and even joyful

picture you've painted. Barbara, I can feel my own hands rubbing that warm,

soft tummy. I envy the angels (and angel dogs!) who are doing that very

thing at this very moment. Am thinking of you.

Carolyn K.

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Re:Sunny

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 03:36 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042119360300.PAA16422@ladder03.news.aol.com>


And I'm so pleased that the little children have dogs to cuddle with, sorry,

with whom to cuddle.

Sue in Mi






Subject: ooops

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 04:39 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042120393200.QAA23212@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I meant that I was reading ALL THE PRETTY HORSES, not THE CROSSING



Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Re: Mac Question

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 04:47 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042120471900.QAA24068@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi - I have used Members Helping Members in the past but I thought it was

just for AOL problems. Anyway, I appreciate the advice and will use them in

the future for other computer problems. RuthAlice solved it for me though by

telling me to look at the startup items (why didn't I think of that?) and

sure enough, there was Tutorial Part 2. How it ever got there will remain a

mystery but it is gone from there now and so is my problem.


You are SO right, that a Mac problem sounds like an oxymoron.




Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Mac Question

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 04:50 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042120502300.QAA25598@ladder01.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice - once again you have come to the rescue! Dumb me, I never thought

to look in the startup items. Anyway, there sat Tutorial Part 2. How it ever

got there is a real mystery but it is now gone and my problem is solved.


Thank you, thank you, thank you



Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Induction & Mystery

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 04:58 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042120585100.QAA26541@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh, Warren, you made me cry and Sunny wasn't even my beloved dog. Babara

must be in floods of tears if I'm crying in sympathy.


Welcome home, Terri, and thanks for the condolances. (Is that spelled right

(or is it rightly)?)


RuthAlice - I learned more about the Meadowlands from the review than I ever

knew before. For instance, I didn't even know the Meadowlands existed.

Sounds great - although for some reason I kept seeing a scene from The Great

Gatsby (you know the billboard ride?) while I was reading it.


I went to Dodd's Bookstore here on Second Street last night - I was in the

moood for a mystery, in particular an Agatha Raisin mystery - I picked up

$1.00 Dover editions of Metamorphsis by Kafka because DH and I were talking

about it this weekend. I'm sure I already own it but my books are in boxes

in the garage. Also a $1.00 edition of The Inspector General by Gogol

because he's probably the only Russian I've never read - these little books

aregreat. Also got the new (to me anyway) Diane Johnson one which I can't

remember the title of (and it's upstairs) but looks good and Agatha Raisin

and the Murderous Marriage. Naturally, I started that one first and, for

what it is, it's great.


When we got in the car, I reread the first paragraph of Metamorphsis to DH,

who thought a moment and then said, "That man was on drugs." Not knowing a

thing about Kafka personally, we didn't know the answer to that. However,

that image of the "pitifully thin" legs waving in the air is pretty vivid.

Haven't read this one in years and years.


It is soooooo gorgeous here today, I think I'll take the dogs for a walk by

the canal.


hasta later - when we will probably have a baby on board!


Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Re: What a Place

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 04:58 PM EDT

From: Gymeni2

Message-id: <1998042120585500.QAA26544@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thank you, Jayne for the welcome. Would you mind emailing me that link to

the chat rooms, I download my boards to read offline and the link doesn't

download.


Thks.


I live in Santa Cruz, CA. It has been so beautiful here the past 4 days. I

believe that spring has finally sprung.


Carolyn's Secretarial Service


Life is nothing if you are not happy.






Subject: Cabbage Soup

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 05:21 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998042121214900.RAA27983@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I promised Jayne this soup recipe back in March--I just made it on Sunday (so

it's finally out of the recipe box), so before I put it back, I thought I'd

post it for all of you:


Weisskohl-Eintopf (a German cabbage soup


1 green cabbage

4 strips bacon

4 med tomatoes (or 14 oz can of peeled tomatoes)

2 cubes beef boullion

1/2 tsp marjoram

salt & pepper to taste

1 lb ground beef

bread crumbs

1 egg

1 onion

2 T butter


Cut cabbage into strips. Dice the bacon. In a large pot, cook bacon and

then add the cabbage and cook until it's transparent. Let simmer. Meanwhile

peel the tomatoes by soaking in hot water to soften skin (or, just open the

can!)--cut tomatoes into quarters and add to cabbage. Add boullion and 2

cups water and the seasonings. Cover; simmer.


Meanwhile, mix meat, bread crumbs, onion and egg and make small meatballs

(about the size of a nickel). Fry until brown in the butter, and add to

soup, and simmer up to 30 minutes.


IF YOU LIKE:

Klutshen (Potato dumplings)


Mash together 5 or 6 waxy, boiled potatoes, 2 T flour, 1 egg, dash of salt

and nutmeg. Cook by tablespoonful in hot boiling water, then add to soup

just before serving (or serve alongside bowl).


Enjoy!! Believe me, this is wonderful stuff!


-Deb

Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Nostalgia

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 05:52 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042121522500.RAA02964@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi you wrote<<Nostalgia--My parents never knew it but they sent me to camp

for two months so that I could play jacks all summer. It was a pretty

loosely structured camp in the Berkshires so we didn't have to be doing

certain things at specific times except for swimming.>>


I too spent over 11 summers at an all girls camp in the Berkshires. I became

extremely proficient at Jacks but little else. I'll never forget playing

with Mich when she could hardly hold the pink spalding ball. Can you tell I

was also prepareing her for sleep away camp? But that was a little like

cheating with the big ball- at camp we often tried to play with the tiny

rubber ball they sold with the jacks - that was almost impossible to use. I

love

when you got to do the fancies - espcially the sweep the parlor one. Now I

wonder if I could even sit cross legges on the floor to do this anymore.

LOL.


And with a sigh I must announce that our first computer came downloaded with

a Jacks game - so sad to do this alone.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 05:53 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042121534800.RAA01917@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara - I wrote this morning by e mail about Sunny but wanted to let you

know as I'm reading the messages, that I am very sorry for your loss and

pain. Hopefully time will help you and your family.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Jacks and Birmingham

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 07:07 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042123070500.TAA10883@ladder03.news.aol.com>


JACKS--I, too, loved jacks. Our ball of choice was a golf ball, because it

made such a lovely cracking sound when it bounced on the cement, and it

bounced so high. During WWII our love of golf balls was almost our undoing

as jack players however. The war effort ended the manufacture of metal

jacks, and the only ones we could buy

were of old brittle plastic. When the golf ball landed on a plastic jack, it

splattered all over the place. You can imagine the popularity of a girl who

possessed some old prewar metal jacks! I was very good at it, BTW, because I

had long fingers and could pick up twelvsies easily.


LESLIE--<<You were born in Santa Cruz & ended up in B'ham for a revival? Your

father must have been a big-time preacher to travel that far. >> My dad was

the pastor of a church in Santa Cruz when he and my mother met and married.

He had done some evangelizing before taking that church and loved it, and

soon after their marriage, he and

my mother went back on the revival circuit. They returned to Santa Cruz for

my birth, then when I was six weeks old, they headed back south. I spent

five of my first seven years performing in revivals, one of which was for two

weeks in a theater in Birmingham. Dad backed the small house trailer we

towed onto the back stage of the theater, and we lived in the theater for two

weeks. We spent our first Thanksgiving not in someone else's house in

that theater, and my dad went out onto the streets of the city and brought

back a young serviceman to share it with us. I had a very unusual childhood.

My dad was very popular as the "Outlaw Evangelist," and we went from one town

to another. It ended with the advent of WWII and gas rationing, when we had

to stop. We settled for the next six years in Tulsa, where my dad had

family.

"Since I am not young enough to know everything, and the covers of this book

are too far apart, I demur: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very

persistent one."

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 07:33 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042123331600.TAA14193@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Terri: re: your 10 year old son the movie fanatic. I would be interested to

hear how you decide what movies it is OK for him to see. There has been quite

a bit of debate on Titanic. I know someone who took her 6 year old to see it

and I felt that it would be inappropriate for a younger child. I feel the

same way about a lot of movies. So I'm very interested in getting ideas from

other parents on how to "screen" (pun intended) their kids'

movies. P.S. If you've missed my earlier posts, take my word for it, don't

let the little guy watch Chasing Amy! It was a little strong for my

sensibilities and I'm 35!



Diane in S. Florida

Reading Hard Laughter







Subject: Members helping members

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 07:35 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042123351500.TAA15634@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Wow, what better place to go than the BookNook! Ask and ye shall receive.

Don't even ask, and you'll probably receive good thoughts anyway.


A tip of the cyberhat to RuthAlice, our resident Wonderwoman who came to the

rescue again, Mac and otherwise. Be careful, RuthAlice, you're making a

habit of this.


Another tip of the cyberhat to Luigi, our resident Dearheart who came to our

emotional rescue by providing a beautiful picture to help Barbara and the

rest of us think of Sunny cavortine among the clouds.


A third tip of the cyberhat to Shauna, Wondermom for adding another reader to

our BN ranks. (We're all thinking of you and the newbie, hoping all went

well.)


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: Dark Shadows

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 07:57 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042123573800.TAA17327@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I don't know any parents around here who don't allow Rugrats...except for

those with no televisions. But that is another topic. Despite Angelica, it

seems pretty harmless to me. IMHO.


Lita






Subject: Inspiration

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 09:15 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042201154300.VAA27961@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Subject: Song of Peace



>Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother


>took her boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the


>mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to


>greet her.


>Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the


>little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked


>"NO ADMITTANCE." When the houselights dimmed and the concert was about


>to


>begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was


>


>missing.


>Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive


>Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little


>boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle


>Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance,


>


>quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in he boy's ear, "Don't quit.


>Keep playing."


>Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began


>filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other


>side of the child and he added a running obligato. Together, the old


>master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a


>wonderfully creative experience. And the audience was mesmerized.


>Whatever our situation in life and history--however outrageous,however


>desperate, whatever dry spell of the spirit,


>whatever dark night of the soul-- God is whispering deep within our


>beings, "Don't quit. Keep playing. You are not alone, Together we will


>transform the broken patterns into a masterwork of my creative art.


>Together, we will mesmerize the world with our song of peace."


>

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 09:23 PM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998042201232800.VAA00282@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Diane: The 'screening' of movies in our house is a big deal. While I am

much more strict, DH is more permissive and we occasionally do battle on the

subject. Most of my boys' (10 1/2 and almost 13) friends are allowed to see

movies that I think are inappropriate. They talk about them at school (ad

nauseum), they see ads for them, trailers at the movies, etc. I

have to admit that I have loosened up somewhat and let them see most PG-13

movies (the younger one, provided I've seen it first) and a very occasional R

(VERY!) About Titanic, DS#@ has seen it 4 times. BUT, he has a friend who

just turned 11 and is not allowed to see it (definitely the rarity---and I do

applaud the parents(although I'm told by Andrew that when Brian goes to see

his Dad, that his Dad will let him see it---geeesssh!) Anyway, IMHO,

I think that I wouldn't let a child younger the 8 or 9 see Titanic. It is

very intense and there is the nudity, of course (although the nudity is very

innocent, I think) Good luck!!! I consider the whole subject a mine field

at best!!! (BTW, I walked out of Chasing Amy and I'm no prude----Andrew will

most definitely NOT be seeing it anytime soon!!!)

Terri--reading The Zone and Wait Till Next Year






Subject: Re: boomers

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 09:47 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042201471000.VAA02410@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh Catzers:


So many memories you brought back. Thank you for such a wonderful Post.

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.





Subject: Nostalgia

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 10:50 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042202502600.WAA12672@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I grew up, from the age of 8, in a small Mendocino Coast town. Spent most of

my childhood up in trees and singing to the ocean. We rode our bikes for

miles, up and down the coast and out to the lighthouse, where we would climb

the stairs to the observation tower and spit over the side. We would go to

the beach and tease the sea anemones at low tide, and we had a huge field

with trees and hazelnut bushes and a deserted house to play in. BUT,

during the summer, we always played Hide and Go Tag in the Seymour's backyard

in the evenings, and therein lies a story. The night before school started,

in the summer of 1957, was also the night before I started High School. It

was the last night our group played Hide and Go Tag in the Seymour's

backyard, and we all knew it was going to be the last night. The game was

intense. You see, in old Mendocino Coast houses, there is usually an old

water

tower in the backyard, a relic of the days when water for the houses needed

to be stored. In this backyard, there was a yard light fixed to the water

tower illuminated a part of the yard near the water tower, all else was in

gloom. The object of Hide and Go Tag was to beat "IT" to the lighted area and

slap the post and then you got to hide again. If "IT" caught you, you became

"IT." We had played this for years on summer evenings, and had all sorts

of hiding places, including on top of the hedge of cypresses, where, over the

years, we had beaten a highway, using boards to bridge the gaps. The game had

been going on awhile, when "IT" found me. Away I ran, as fast as I could.

"IT" was a boy a year older than I and not quite as fast. But he almost

caught up to me and as we entered the brightly lit "Home" area, he reached

for the back of my old flannel shirt to stop me. Now, here in 1998, it is

hard to realize how shy and embarassed we were about bras. But we were. And,

when he grabbed the back of my shirt, it stopped, and *I* didn't, and there I

stood, in the glare of the yard light. In my bra. Paralyzed. Fortunately, one

of the other boys had the presence of mind to tear off his sweatshirt and

throw it to me. I can still hear the silence in that yard as I raced off

home. When I came into the kitchen, my mother was reading and looked up,

as I announced, "We have to move." Well, of course, we didn't, and I went off

to my first day of high school, where most of the people who had been in the

backyard that last night also attended school. And it is only as an adult

looking back that I realize the compassion of that group of kids. I could

have become a laughing stock, but it was never mentioned again. But we never

played Hide and Go Tag again.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Tue, 21 April 1998 11:12 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042203122300.XAA14530@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Terri: Thanks for your insights on movies. My kids are just 4 and 2. I don't

tend to take them to movies...life is entertainment enough. But they have

some videos and my mom will take the 4 year old to a Disney movie on

occasion. I am very concerned about violence in movies...I don't much care

for it and I remember being scared by Daktari on t.v. as a little kid! What

must kids think of the graphic violence that's on the screen now? It

must be really hard because there is "peer pressure" of what the other kids'

parents allow them to do. I'd like to think that I am going to let the movie

ratings and the EW parent guide to the movies serve as guides. I mean, does a

13 year old NEED to see an R rated movie? The ratings people don't think so

and unless I see it and deem it appropriate, I'd like to think that I'll

limit that.


But I must amend that a little. I was a very advanced and precocious reader.

And as a child of about 13, my mother saw me reading a book and thought it

was good that I was reading about that poor woman who became a paraplegic in

a skiing accident (The Other Side of the Mountain). She was horrified to find

that I was reading Sidney Sheldon's The Other Side of Midnight. Am I any the

worse for this? I think not...I guess I'll assess my teenager at the

time.


I just find it interesting how many parents limit their teens from seeing

sexually oriented movies, but have no problem sending a 7 or 8 year old to

see Terminator, Die Hard, Robocop type violent movies! What's the message

here? Violence is OK, Sex isn't?


BTW, I loved Wait Til Next Year...took me back to the glory days of

baseball...as I'm mourning the sale of the World Champion Marlins. Also, good

luck if you try The Zone...one of my buddies from the gym did it and boy did

she transform her body!


Also, glad you had a wonderful time in London. We have good friends who are

there because the husband is temporarily assigned and we have an open

invitation...we really should take advantage!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading Hard Laughter.






Subject: Re: My new philosophy

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 01:15 AM EDT

From: Gymeni2

Message-id: <1998042205154000.BAA29377@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu, this is funny.


Carolyn's Secretarial Service


Life is nothing if you are not happy.







Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 04:53 AM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998042208534401.EAA08741@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I applaud parents who screen their children's viewing. I think as a whole we

allow children too much too soon and our children pay a price for that in a

shortened childhood and rushed maturity.


My parents never prevented me from reading anything I was interested

in--however reading and watching a movie are different in that reading,

simply due to the fact that adult subject matter books are written at a

different reading level than children's books, have an element of

self-selection that a movie does not.


I also know from personal experience how traumatic seeing something that is

not age-appropriate can be. My sister was baby-sitting me when I was 4 years

old and although forbidden to go herself, she disobeyed and took me with her

to see Psycho. It has been 35 years since I have seen the movie yet I can

remember the plot almost entirely. I can close my eyes and picture entire

scenes from the movie. The shower scene, interestingly enough, did not

horrify me nearly so much as the car sinking into the swamp--the most

frequent sequence from the movie to show up in my night mares--that and the

attack shown in shadows on the stairwell. I have only to hear the music on

some tv show or advertisement and I know I will be in for a nightmare-filled

night. Usually, after more than 35 years of nightmares about that movie, if I

hear the music I don't even try to sleep that night.


I avoid horror movies and have never seen any of them from the halloween

movies to the Exorcist. The closest I have come to "horror" movies was the

Planet of the Apes. The few that I have seen glimpses of have also brought

back Psycho nightmares. I saw about 10 minutes of Night of the Living Dead

and had nightmares about Psycho for weeks.


In college, I thought I would "cure" myself by going to see the movie. After

all, I was a grownup and should get over this silly phobia. I went to a

showing at a Hitchcock revival and no sooner had the movie begun than I

started to cry--loudly. I didn't last 3 minutes. Not only was I incredibly

embarassed, but I had another long bout of Psycho night mares.


Now I do watch murder mysteries....even Hitchcock mysteries like Rear Window

and the Man Who Knew Too Much....but Psycho looms very large in my mind and I

would have to be dragged to see something like The Silence of the Lambs.


Whatever, the one thing I know is that my sister's action in taking me to

see that movie when I was 4 has had a long-lasting traumatic effect on my

life that has never gone away. It's been 35 years and that movie still gives

me nightmares.


I know this is an extreme example and that there is a vast difference between

4 and 11, but I think the visual power of film enhances its ability to affect

a child. Also, I think something can be even more frightening if you don't

understand it...making what may seem like an ordinary movie more terrifying

than it would be if it were seen with more adult eyes.




RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: This and That

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 07:42 AM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998042211421600.HAA13644@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Terri-- I agree we would not let our 8 year old see Titanic either not

because of the nudity but because I thought that she, this particular child,

would be terribly upset seeing those bodies being washed away, seeing the

terror of the passengers and by the refusal of those in the lifeboats to go

back and pull people out of the water. In general though we are quite

flexible about what movies we let our children see and

my husband who sees just about everything tends not to go by the ratings but

makes his own independent judgment. Bad language is not an issue for us and

neither is a certain amount of sex or bang-bang violence. We don't allow any

of our children, The 11 and 1/2, 8 or 5 year old, to see things that are

high-tension, or where there is violence to children or where there is sexual

violence or adult emotional themes that they will be troubled by. I

find that the ratings are often not helpful. Jonathan (11) saw all the

Oscar-nominated movies except L.A. Confidential and The Full Monty the 8 and

the 11 saw Amistad.


Have a good day, Nina






Subject: IT'S A GIRL!!!!

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 08:10 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042212101201.IAA14967@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi All:


Up a few minutes ago and Shauna's DH sent the following E-Mail.




IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!



jayne and wayne:


shauna gave birth to a perfect little girl today! the baby was 7 lbs, 6 oz.

(smaller than dillon or bailey) and has dark hair and beautiful little

face...she looks just like bailey did. she is very healthy and shauna had

the best and shortest delivery yet...she is feeling great. she will be home

on thursday am and will chat with you then.


I am sooooo excited. So happy everything was perfect.!! Don't have to boil

water all day today.


Fond Regards,

Jayne (The Happy Cyberspace Grandma)

Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 08:18 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042212183200.IAA14184@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice's mention of Rear Windows reminds me that I heard it was going to

be made into a new film starring Christopher Reeve.

As far as the nudity in Titanic, I have no problem with anyone of any age

seeing that innocent bit, but would hate to have young ones exposed to all

the frozen dead bodies floating at the end. Reading forward, I see that Nina

agrees with me. There is something very peculiar and American about

protecting our children from nudity and sex but allowing them violence.

We're a weird lot.


Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Tuesday Tidbits

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 09:51 AM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998042213515200.JAA20004@ladder03.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice: Your "Psycho" experience reminded my of my own bad horror movie

experience. When I was in 4th grade, I spent the night at a friend's house

and her aunt took us to see "Curse of the Living Corpse." There is one scene

in that delightful movie that has one of the characters presenting a silver

tray with a cover over it to some people and when they lift the

cover, there is a severed head! WELL! that night, I am sleeping on the top

bunk of my friend's room and I awaken with a start and look over to her

dresser on the other side of the room...and there is a severed head. Of

course, in the morning, I discovered that it was not a severed head at all

but a 3 ft. doll behind the dresser with only its head sticking out. I have

never forgotten that and to this day I will not see a horror movie of any

kind.

When DH and I went to Scream with another couple, I gave it 10 minutes then

left to see something else by myself!! Those early experiences really do

leave an impression.

Terri--reading The Zone and Wait Till Next Year






Subject: Children and movies

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 10:08 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042214084900.KAA21227@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I agree with RuthAlice (what a surprise!). When children self-select their

own reading materials, they bring who they are and what they know to the

material and, therefore, their minds can absorb whatever is appropriate for

them. The movies are visual, and horrors are forced into their minds through

their eyes and ears, making frightening screen experiences all the more real.

In addition, many children have problems discriminating what is

real or not when it is presented on larger-than-life screens or by real

people who live outside of the children's imaginations.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Re: Inspiration

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 10:23 AM EDT

From: BRULE31415

Message-id: <1998042214235200.KAA23511@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef,

Very nice thank you. Just what i needed today.


Becky in Texas






Subject: Our new baby

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:24 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042215243100.LAA26965@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shauna and family--Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! Babies are

miracles.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Scary movies

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:30 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042215303700.LAA28639@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My mother took me to see "The Wizard of Oz" when I was six and the flying

monkeys stunted my growth. They also took me to see some inappropriate

movies that they wanted to see: I remember being very frightened by "The

Champion" with Kirk Douglas and by "Diabolique" with Simone Signoret.


We never cared about our children seeing nudity; it's the violence we

censored. They laugh at me today, remembering that I didn't let them watch

Bugs Bunny very often because I thought it was too violent. I happen to

think "The Simpsons" is hilarious and very sophisticated, but I hate the

Itchy and Scratchy cartoons contained in it.


Something that bothers me about nudity is that there is such a double

standard. Women frequently will be shown in full frontal nudity, but it's

rare that men do anything more than flash their buns.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Inspiration

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 12:17 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042216170100.MAA02288@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Whatever our situation in life and history--however outrageous,however


>desperate, whatever dry spell of the spirit,


>whatever dark night of the soul-- God is whispering deep within our


>beings, "Don't quit. Keep playing. You are not alone, Together we will


>transform the broken patterns into a masterwork of my creative art.>>


Cheef, Thank you.... I needed that.



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Things to learn

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 12:44 PM EDT

From: J5577

Message-id: <1998042216441500.MAA03146@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I ran across these places today and thought you might be interested.


MathSearch -- search a collection of mathematical Web material I know, I

know, some of you don't enjoy Math, but this site is fun!


Information Please Home Page This place is a wealth of information. As my

stats professor told us, "you don't need to remember everything, you just

need to know where to go to find information you want." This is one of those

places.


50+ Great Sites These are sites for kids and parents. Those with children

may want to bookmark this one!


Happy surfing on a Wednesday!



Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (a long book with tiny

print. I'm plodding thru it)


Jackie 8-) in Utah <---home of the JAZZ

The world is covered with words, and I go about reading them. ~~Sven Birkets







Subject: Re: Things to learn

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 12:53 PM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998042216530000.MAA03834@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Diane and Lita,


I have found the following websites helpful in determining which movies are

appropriate for my children. Believe me, as they get older it becomes more

difficult to decide. Good luck!


Critics Inc. Cover Page


SCREEN IT! ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS FOR PARENTS


Kids-In-Mind


Terri

Terri--reading The Zone and Wait Till Next Year







Subject: Re:Nostalgia

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 05:12 PM EDT

From: DCDLSD

Message-id: <1998042221124900.RAA28041@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My Hide and Seek story can't top yours,Cheef, but I remember the last time we

played. That particular evening we had "company", friends of my parents and

their children. Our Dads were on maneuvers,(I was an Army brat) and three

wives and their children were at our house for a barbecue. Of course as soon

as it was dark we started the game. Some of us were hiding in the back yard

and someone tried to make it difficult for anyone to run around the

corner of the house and find us easily by sticking a shovel straight out from

the edge of the house. One poor short boy ran right into it in the dark and

really gashed his forehead. That was my first experience with lots of blood

and first aid. I was the oldest and had to take the heat for letting the

others do such a stupid thing. I also learned that evening that my Mother

was calm in a crisis.


Marilu we used a golf ball too for jacks.


We also had a summer long Monopoly tournament going on . A friend of mine

(Barbara France where are you?) had a set that had belonged to her Dad when

the game first came out, I think. The money was smaller. Anyway, we

combined two or three sets and had elaborate rules. That was fun. Later

that summer she shaved her legs for the first time and' became a woman'. The

next summer had an entirely different focus!



Lynne from Houston






Subject: Horror movies/Nall/link

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 06:02 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998042222022500.SAA03997@ladder03.news.aol.com>


The scariest movie I ever saw was "The Horrors of the Black Museum". I've

never felt the same about binoculors or canopy beds. And I have never been a

fan of horror movies; like RuthAlice, I just don't "do" them.


Our store manager just made a web page for the book store where I work. Here

is the link if any of you are interested. I have to confess I "stole"

Carolyn's tag line (Miss Sally, please don't get me!) to put in the little

article they did about me. When I had to come up with a quote that related to

books on the spot, it was all that came to this CRS-laden mind. Jonathan

Benton Bookseller Home Page


Last night I went to the artist known as Nall's 50th birthday party & new art

show. I was thrilled that he recognized me after 25 years & actually called

me by name. But of course I have not changed one iota. Older? Nah, not me.

His paintings were priced from $2500 to about $18,000. A little steep for me,

but a woman I know vaguely plunked down a cool $16,000 for one. I know this

because the friend I was there with sidled up the the dot

covering the price, & with me helping block her covert actions, scraped it

off enough for us to see the price. Intrigue in high art circles.

I told Nall all I could afford of his was the deck of cards I bought 25 yrs

ago for about 25 bucks, & he told me one of these had sold at auction in

Paris last month for $800. What a savvy art investor I am! LOL

He looked fairly normal to me, was dressed nicely, but full of outrageous

remarks. He wore a pin on his lapel that said "I am so happy I could S...."

(Sorry, Gina. Let's let this one slide.) The place was mobbed, but I did

manage to get a picture taken of my friend & me within the warm embrace of

Nall's arms. He asked for our addresses "in case" he needed to get in touch

(for what I can't imagine) & also told us to drop by his art -studio -

complex

in Vence, France, next time we were in the area. A real charmer.

Tomorrow night I am going to the Literacy Council 's 3rd fund raiser of the

year & they are having Delta Burke as the featured author. A far cry from the

night when they featured

Rick Bragg! I guess I'll have to get another picture made. This constant

rubbing of elbows with the rich & famous is flat out wearing me out. LOL


With DH out of town, I am going to get in the bed & read all night long. I've

just started John Irving's new one, "A Widow for a Year". The 1st chapter

started off with a bang (literally!).

Later,

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Re: Leslie's store

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 06:29 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042222294300.SAA07265@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Leslie -- I checked out the home page for your bookstore (of course... I need

to check out the "competition" <g>) and was mightily impressed! Very classy,

m'dear. Seriously, the page is well done with lots of info for the interested

customer and potential customer. I didn't realize that your store had a

coffee shop as part of it. How nice! Wish we could do the same... And I

especially enjoyed reading your review of BLACK AND BLUE and seeing

your "shining countenance" in living color. Thanks for sharing the page with

us.


Sally

Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Trauma & Movies

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 06:47 PM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042222473800.SAA10655@ladder01.news.aol.com>


RuthAlice...Some of those traumas stay with us for a lifetime...I wonder

sometimes if I've done anything to traumatize my children. Hopefully not.

Your sister probably just wanted to see the movie and didn'[t realize what it

did to you...though I cannot imagine taking a 4-year old! I don't want to

see it today! When I was about 2-1/2, my 15 year old male cousin had

me lay in a toybox and then sat on it. I still remember the feeling I had

inside that box and have a terrible case of claustrophobia. I hate

elevators, never would go into a closet during hide and go seek, hate

airplanes...anything that closes me in. And my cousin, who is really a

lovely person, feels terrible about it to this day!


Diane...Regarding letting kids see violence...I do not, as much as possible.

Of course, I have girls who have no desire to see Terminator and RoboCop. I

did let them watch the movie with Harrison Ford as president being hijacked

on the airplane...but we all have an aversion to guns and killing and they

have no more desire to see it than I have to let them. Overdoing behavior

of any kind isn't good for kids...whether it be sex or violence or

greed....it is difficult to be careful, and moreso with your second child

than your first. The first happily goes to Disney films, but the second

wants to see what her older sister (or brother) is seeing and it is no longer

Disney. I read the ratings and then the explanation as to why they are

rated. (The LA Times provides this, as I assume others do as well.) And then

a lot of

talking about what is right and what isn't. I mentioned to you in an e-mail

that I let the girls see "Romy & Michelle's HS Reunion" (their only R-rated

movie so far.) In fact, someone on the board told me that except for the

terrible language, the movie was fine. So we had a long talk about language

and its use and then saw the movie, which actually had a pretty nice message.

Its a case by case, try it as you go and hope for the best!


By the way, Nina...I read your message...we solved the Titanic issue by

leaving once the ship hit the iceberg. Rebecca had no desire to see it once

the "good part" (i.e., happy romance) was over.


Judi...You wouldn't let you kids see Bugs Bunny? I draw the line at Bambi,

which is too UPSETTING! They won't watch Lion King for the same reason.


Sorry to have ranted on.....


I'm almost finished with Lady Chatterly's Lover and I find it much more

interesting and involving than I did when I read it at 19. I also understand

the character much better, though I do NOT understand Lawrence's ongoing

negative comments about Jews. (DH says it was typical of the English at that

time.) IAnyone on the board like to talk about it?


OK...signing off...finally!


Lita






Subject: Link

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 07:38 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042223381100.TAA15998@ladder03.news.aol.com>


LESLIE--Good homepage! Thanks!


Judi--<<it's rare that men do anything more than flash their buns.>>Yeah!

I've always wondered why that was! It's really not very fair to us, is it?

I wouldn't mind a little frontal nudity once in a while. Just to keep the

old juices flowing!


SHAUNA--congratulations!


SUE IN MI--<<There is something very peculiar and American about protecting

our children from nudity and sex but allowing them violence. We're a weird

lot.>> Amen to that!


Cheef--What a lovely story! I love the picture of the old master, arms

around the child, helping him to play a masterpiece!


I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the

length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well. -Diane Ackerman

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: Things to learn

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 09:19 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042301195300.VAA00654@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Terri: Thanks for the links to the parent movie screening sites! I put them

in my favorite places for future reference.


Leslie: Loved the web site! It's a great picture of you and a very nice place

to visit...I wish I could visit the store sometime! I've never been to

Alabama!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading Hard Laughter






Subject: Baby Girl

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 09:21 PM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998042301210100.VAA29457@ladder03.news.aol.com>


CONGRATS SHAUNA!!


I'm so happy for you and your family!! Enjoy all that cuddling you'll be

doing. I envy you in that respect. I miss mine being small.




Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward







Subject: SHAUNA

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 09:22 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998042301223500.VAA29668@ladder03.news.aol.com>


and family..........



Congratulations


Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 09:25 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042301254000.VAA01454@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Lita,

When Simon was 8, Poltergeist came out and was advertised as a scary movie

that kids could attend. Simon had been flirting with the idea of seeing a

scary movie. Well, 20 min. into the movie, Simon tugged my sleeve and

announced, "If you don't get me out of here now, I am going to have a nervous

breakdown." So I told Chris and Matt that I would be that I would be back to

get them and took Simon to his grandparents. All the way there he raved. "I'm

8

and I can't handle that movie!!! There are LITTLE kids in there!!! What is

going to happen to them?" Oh, he was indignant. (Upon reflection, raising

Simon was sort of like having Owen Meany in the house.) Once he became a teen

ager, he loved scary movies and is still a fan. 8 was just too early. But

then what did we expect of a child who said of Raiders Of The Lost Ark, "Any

movie where a man's face melts does not DESERVE a PG rating!"

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Baby Girl

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 10:17 PM EDT

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998042302175000.WAA07378@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shauna---how exciting---my baby girl is 17 and I would love to do it all over

again---I have 2 boys also but a girl--with all the clothes (smocked of

course) and ribbons---now I have a lanky, cross-country runner who towers

over me ----CONGRATS

SV

still plugging along with Crossing to Safety

I tried the "new" book site that Nancy told BN about---"Shopping" will let

you know how

they pan out.







Subject: Re: Horror movies/Nall/link

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:12 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042303125300.XAA16317@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Leslie, I went to the Benton website and saw all four pages. Maybe I

haven't paid my aol bill lately, but I didn't see your picture, or your

quote. What am I doing wrong? I couldn't find you under any of the four

links (More About Us, Daily Cup, Book LInks or Who We are). Is it not

working because I'm a Damn Yankee??

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: April/May thrillers

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:19 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998042303194500.XAA17229@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Here are some of the thrillers to be released in April and May. For a

complete list of new releases, check out my web page - Mike Sussman's

Thrillers & Audiobooks . Happy Reading!


Hardcover thrillers:


ADRENALINE - Bill Eidson

ALL THE DEAD LIE DOWN - Mary Willis Walker

THE ARK OF MARINDOR - Barry Targan

BAD MEDICINE - Ron Querry

THE BALLAD OF FRANKIE SILVER - Sharyn McCrumb

THE BOY - Naeem Murr

CHAIN OF CUSTODY - Harry Levy

CHINA BRIDE - Henry Luk

THE CINCINNATI RED STALKINGS - Troy Soos

DAY OF WRATH - Larry Bond

DEAD EVEN - Brad Meltzer

THE DOOMSDAY KISS - Dr. Robert Davis

DOUBLE EXPOSURE - Stephen Collins

DOUBLE IMAGE - David Morrell

FADE TO BLACK - Wendy Corsi Staub

FAULT LINES - Anna Salter

FLIGHT OF EAGLES - Jack Higgins

FORTUNES OF WAR - Stephen Coonts

THE GRAVITY OF SHADOWS - David Ramus

THE LAST INAUGURATION - Charles Lichtman

LIAR - Jan Burke

A LIKENESS IN STONE - J. Wallis Martin

MASKED DANCERS - Jean Hager

N IS FOR NOOSE - Sue Grafton

NIGHT WHISPERS - Emmett Clifford

NO IMMUNITY - Susan Dunlap

PULSE - Edna Buchanan

SECRET PREY - John Sandford

THE SILENT CRADLE - Margaret Cuthbert

THE SPRING CLEANING MURDERS - Dorothy Cannell

SPRINTER - Bruce Jones

STANDING IN THE SHADOWS - Michelle Spring

THE TARGET - Catherine Coulter

THE UNDERTAKER'S WIDOW - Phillip Margolin

WHITE CHOCOLATE - Elizabeth Atkins Bowman

YOU BELONG TO ME - Mary Higgins Clark


Paperback thrillers:


THE AX - Donald E. Westlake

BRANDENBURG - Glenn Meade

A CAT ON A BEACH BLANKET - Lydia Adamson

COLD CALLER - Jason Starr

CRASH COURSE - Kathy Hogan Trocheck

DAY OF THE DOVE - Rainer Rey

DOWNTICK - Regan C. Ashbaugh

DUST TO DUST - C.N. Bean

FIRE CRACKER - Shirley Kennett

FLESH AND BONES - Paul Levine

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN - Dorothy Cannell

HEART OF WAR - Lucian K. Truscott IV

HUNTING A DETROIT TIGER - Troy Soos

KILLING FLOOR - Lee Child

MAN OF DESTINY - Martin L. Gross

MARGIN OF ERROR - Edna Buchanan

McNALLY'S GAMBLE - Lawrence Sanders

NAZARETH HILL - Ramsey Campbell

NEVER STREET - Loren D. Estleman

ORDEAL - Deanie Francis Mills

PLUM ISLAND - Nelson DeMille

PRETEND YOU DON'T SEE HER - Mary Higgins Clark

THE PROJECT - Zev Chafets

PULSE - Echo Heron

RETRIBUTION - Elizabeth Forrest

THE SECOND SALADIN - Stephen Hunter

THE SENATOR'S DAUGHTER - Victoria Gotti

SERPENT'S TOOTH - Faye Kellerman

SHINY WATER - Anna Salter

SLICKY BOYS - Martin Limon

TOM CLANCY'S OP-CENTER: BALANCE OF POWER - Tom Clancy & Steve Pieczenik

UNDER THE KNIFE - Francis Roe

THE WALLS OF JERICHO - Jon Land

THE WRONG KIND OF MONEY - Stephen Birmingham

THE X-FILES: ANTIBODIES - Kevin J. Anderson


Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm






Subject: April/May fiction releases

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:26 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998042303262500.XAA18061@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Here are some of the fiction titles to be released in April and May. For a

complete list of new releases, check out my web site - Mike Sussman's

Thrillers & Audiobooks . Happy Reading!


New Fiction


Hardcover:


ABOUT A BOY - Nick Hornby

BELLADONA - Karen Moline

DAMASCUS GATE - Robert Stone

THE FALLEN LEGACY - Robert Jordan, Writing as Reagan O'Neal

FREEDOM'S CHALLENGE - Anne McCaffrey

HEMINGWAY'S CHAIR - Michael Palin

LEGACY OF SILENCE - Belva Plain

THE LONG ROAD HOME - Danielle Steel

THE MERMAIDS SINGING - Lisa Carey

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - Nicholas Sparks

THE MOST WANTED - Jacquelyn Mitchard

THE PACT - Jodi Picoult

A PATCHWORK PLANET - Anne Tyler

THE PILOT'S WIFE - Anita Shreve

THE PREDATORS - Harold Robbins

ROXANNA SLADE - Reynolds Price

STAR TREK: SPECTRE - William Shatner

SWITCHEROO - Olivia Goldsmith

WHAT WE KEEP - Elizabeth Berg

A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR - John Irving


Paperback:


THE ACTUAL - Saul Bellow

CHASING CEZANNE - Peter Mayle

THE DEAN'S LIST - Jon Hassler

DECEIVED - Bertrice Small

DESTINY'S ROAD - Larry Niven

THE GAMBLE - Joan Wolf

INVENTING MEMORY - Erica Jong

LONDON - Edward Rutherford

LORD OF MIDNIGHT - Jo Beverly

THE MEMOIRS OF CLEOPATRA - Margaret George

NOBODY'S DARLING - Teresa Medeiros

ORCHID - Jayne Castle

THE PASSION DREAM BOOK - Whitney Otto

PURPLE AMERICA - Rick Moody

ROMANCE OF THE ROSES - Julie Beard

SANCTUARY - Nora Roberts

SECRECY - Belva Plain

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH - Elizabeth Lowell


Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm





Subject: April/May non-fiction releases

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:28 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998042303283700.XAA17137@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Here are some of the non-fiction titles to be released in April and May. For

a complete list of new releases, check out my web site - Mike Sussman's

Thrillers & Audiobooks . Happy Reading!


New Non-Fiction


Hardcover:


THE $100,000 CLUB: HOW TO MAKE A SIX-FIGURE INCOME - D.A. Benton

AFTER THE FALL - Suzanne Somers

BUNTS - George F. Will

CONFIRMATION - Whitley Streiber

DONNA'S DAY: IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS - Donna Erickson

EVERYDAY ENLIGHTENMENT - Dan Millman

GOOD NEWS FOR BAD DAYS - Father Paul Keenan

HEALING ANXIETY WITH HERBS - Harold Bloomfield, M.D.

THE HEART'S CODE - Paul Pearsall, Ph.D.

HOW SWEET THE SOUND - Cissy Houston & Jonathan Singer

IN THE KENNEDY STYLE - Letitia Baldridge

ME AND MY SHADOWS - Lorna Luft

MORE LETTERS FROM A NUT - Ted L. Nancy

THE MOTHER DANCE - Harriet Lerner, Ph.D.

PASSAGES FOR MEN - Gail Sheehy

READING PEOPLE - Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, Ph.D. with Mark Mazzarella

REAL BOYS - William Pollack

THE REAL McKAY - Jim McKay

RELAX - YOU MAY HAVE ONLY A FEW MINUTES LEFT - Loretta LaRoche

REPRESENTATIVE MOM - Susan Molinari with Elinor Burkett

STILL ME - Christopher Reeve

STOP AND SELL THE ROSES - Jim McCann with Peter Kaminsky

STRONG WOMEN STAY SLIM - Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D. with Sarah Wernick,

Ph.D.

SUGAR BUSTERS! - H. Leighton Steward et al

THERE'S A HAIR IN MY DIRT! - Gary Larson

THINKING FOR A LIVING - Joey Reiman

TITAN: THE LIFE OF JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, SR. - Ron Chernow

THE UNFINISHED PRESIDENCY: JIMMY CARTER'S JOURNEY BEYOND THE WHITE HOUSE -

Douglas Brinkley

WE ARE OUR MOTHERS' DAUGHTERS - Cokie Roberts

WHEN YOU EAT AT THE REFRIGERATOR, PULL UP A CHAIR - Geneen Roth


Paperback:


A 5TH PORTION OF CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL - Jack Canfield & Mark Victor

Hansen

BRAIN DROPPINGS - George Carlin

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE PET'S SOUL - Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen,

Martin Becker, D.V.M., & Carol Kline

CHOCOLATE FOR A WOMAN'S HEART - Kay Allenbaugh

DR. SUSAN LOVE'S HORMONE BOOK - Susan M. Love, M.D. with Karen Lindsey

THE GOOD BOOK - Peter J. Gomes

JUST DESSERTS: THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY OF MARTHA STEWART - Jerry

Oppenheimer

NICKEL DREAMS - Tanya Tucker with Patsy Bale Cox

OUR BODIES, OURSELVES FOR THE NEW CENTURY - The Boston Women's Health

Book Collective

SEINFELD: THE TOTALLY UNAUTHORIZED TRIBUTE - David Wild

SINBAD'S GUIDE TO LIFE - Sinbad

TRAINING A TIGER - Earl Woods with Pete McDaniel

WITHOUT A DOUBT - Marcia Clark

WOMEN! FEMALE VOICES RISING - Susan Powter


Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm







Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Wed, 22 April 1998 11:56 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042303564400.XAA20655@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<Upon reflection, raising Simon was sort of like having Owen Meany in the

house.>>


LOL, Cheef! That's what I was thinking when you were quoting his

indignation: "What is going to happen to those children?!" The world needs

more Owen Meanys.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: a few short responses

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 12:15 AM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998042304152900.AAA23995@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie and Jan - When I was a teenager, I had a dog named Shadow. She was a

black lab mix and was a very affectionate and intelligent dog. She died

about 6 years ago at age 13.


Barbara - I'm so sorry to hear about Sonny.


Gina - Timothy loves Rugrats. I have no problem with the cartoon.


Sally and Nancy - Mary Willis Walker's new book came out about 2 weeks ago.

It's called All the Dead Lie Down, and it's another Molly Cates novel.


Shauna - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!


Leslie - Great web site!


Does anyone live near Boston? (I know Nance lives in Massachussetts, but I

don't know where). I made my summer vacation plans this week, and Timothy and

I will be visiting my cousin in Boston in June. I've never been to Boston and

am looking forward to the trip.


My roommate is doing well and improving. She thinks she might be able to

come back to our apartment in 3 or 4 weeks. She is able to walk a little bit,

but not across a room yet. She' s using a walker and is no longer confined to

the wheelchair. The casts on her ankles she be coming off soon, but I don't

know about the cast on her wrist. She's never been much of a reader, but

she's read 5 Danielle Steel books since her accident.


It's been almost 2 weeks since Timothy had a baseball game. His game was

rained out last Saturday, and most of his practices the last 2 weeks have

been rained out. The weatherman says it should be sunny this weekend so

hopefully he'll get to play.


Gotta run. Talk to y'all later!




Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm






Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 12:19 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042304191800.AAA23258@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Another Simon story. We took a trip to Kauai that summer. It was, of course,

a five hour flight and then a little time to rent a car in Lihue. As we drove

from the airport, Mr. Indignation was heard from indeed. We passed a Sears

and a Ben Franklins and finally he burst forth. "You made me sit in a plane

for FIVE hours for THIS????!!!! I could have gone to Bishop and seen

THIS!!!!!" The next day we drove to Hanalei, through lush tropical

growth. And from the back seat we heard, "Now, THIS is Hawaii!!! This was

worth the trip." Like Owen, he always has an opinion, and never fears to

express it. Of course, I love him dearly.


Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Re: SHAUNA

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 12:21 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042304213800.AAA24742@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna, and family,

Blessings to you and to the little newbie.

"And what are little girls made of, made of???

Sugar and spice and everything nice.

And that's what little girls are made of."

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Worst movie

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 01:23 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042305232300.BAA00584@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I just sat through (on video) the worst movie ever made, IMHO. It had Peter

Strauss in it so I thought it would be quite good as I have always liked him.

WELL, it was horrible. I don't know what was the worst; the writing, the

directing or the acting. Why in the world Peter Strauss, whose part was very

small, ever agreed to be in such an absolute disaster is beyond me.


Be forewarned all of you video rental folk. Don't rent, buy or even watch

for free "Keys to Tulsa". I know this could never have been in a theater so

most likely was a movie made for video only (far too much nudity, violence

and foul language for TV, even TV does have some limits!).


Guess I will have something to eat to get rid of the bad taste.




Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 01:29 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042305291100.BAA29727@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cheef,


Simon sounds an awful lot like my Ian.... He's a tough kid to live with but

what wonderful stories we will have to tell when he's grown! (although I

have to admit that I worry a lot about what he will grow up to be)



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Worst movie

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 01:43 AM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042305431400.BAA02096@ladder01.news.aol.com>


We saw City of Angels last weekend, and it was the worst movie I've seen in

years. I like Nicholas Cage, I like Meg Ryan, and I went intrigued by the

story line. But it just didn't come together -- at all.


Horror movies - I can't watch them at all. I was haunted by the Psycho shower

scene for years. And I never even saw the movie, just heard a little bit

about the scene!


Cheef - Do you "see" your son's declarations in CAPITAL LETTERS?



Erika, looking forward to supper with Mari Lu tomorrow night







Subject: Re: Baby Girl

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 06:34 AM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998042310342501.GAA11738@ladder01.news.aol.com>


almost mentioned in my original post, but didn't............that MY baby

girl, just turned 20............best thing that ever happened in my

life........well other than her Dad, that is.:)

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: Nostalgia

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 07:19 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042311192200.HAA12058@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Cheef:


What a lovely story of nostalgia. Thank you for sharing. Climbing trees and

playing "Kick The Can" a dusk was our game. Since I could run faster than

most girls I became quite well like among the boys because I became a

challenge in all races.


I grew up in a small town in Maine. Everyone knew everyone else. I think

the most joyous time of growing up was playing baseball, yes football too,

and riding my bike to the library to get new books to read and helping Miss

Whiteworth straighten up the shelves. She always made me feel sooooo

important. Her lovely way of introducing me to so many wonderful books.


Jayne in Connecticut



No one ever injured their

eyesight by looking on

the bright side of things.







Subject: This and That

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:26 AM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998042312263600.IAA15212@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Shauna-- Congrats


EACurran-- My family (I didn't see it) agrees with you about City of Angels

they thought it was slow, bad and had an unsatisfying ending.


Looking forward to Monday, reading The Sakiad.


Have a good day, Nina






Subject: Lurker's Rules?

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:30 AM EDT

From: MizBiz129

Message-id: <1998042312301700.IAA16642@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Gina - I lurk a lot. When I have a few minutes, I dip into the posted

messages just to see what is going on in the lives of the BN crew. I don't

always want to start in the earliest-dated messages, although I will get

around to them later; I want to see what might be happening currently.


AOL has devised a method of stopping me in my tracks while I am still in the

archives. No matter what date or number of days I specify when entering the

board, I am plunked into the midst of March. I can Fast Forward but can get

no further than a couple of weeks' worth of messages with that method. Any

attempt to use "Find" brings up a message that "THERE ARE NO POSTED SUBJECTS

ON THIS BOARD"


Is there a rulebook that I am not following?






Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:54 AM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042312543400.IAA18060@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh Cheef...I love your description of your son's response to Poltergeist and

your likening him to Owen Meany!!! I can relate because I remember in 1981

taking two kids I babysat (ages 4 and 5) for to see Raiders and walking out

after the first sequence where he's running out of the cave. I just thought

it was too intense for little kids.


Mike: I don't live in Boston, but it is likely that my kids and I will be

spending some time up there this summer on a combination of business and

pleasure. So let me know your plans and if our timeframes cross, maybe we can

meet up! Also, my best friend Amy (ASL4162...occasionally posts here), lives

there. She has three children and would probably be happy to give you some

ideas on things to do, sights to see, etc. I know that our summer trip will

likely include a trip to the Children's Museum, the Science Museum and the

Swan Boats.


re: Shauna...did I miss something? What's that baby girl's name?


Diane in S. Florida

Reading A Perfect Storm






Subject: Hard Laughter

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:59 AM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042312593600.IAA17154@ladder03.news.aol.com>


As you all know, I have become a huge fan of Anne Lamott over the past few

months so I am trying to get my hands on everything she's ever written. I

just finished Hard Laughter (reading it along with Joann). It was her first

novel and her youth definitely shows. It's about a kinky-haired, intensely

self-reflective young woman who is a writer. She and her family and friends

are dealing with her father's struggle with being diagnosed and

treated for a brain tumor. It's pretty autobiographical, so knowing what I

know about Anne Lamott and her life from reading Operating Instructions, Bird

by Bird and her articles in Salon, it's hard to differentiate her from

Jennifer, the protagonist. But then again...who cares?


There are some things about the book that don't come through clearly. She has

a 10 year old friend who sometimes stays overnight at her house. It never

explains where this little girl came from, why she has such incredibly adult

insight as a 10 year old, etc. Joann really got me thinking about this...plus

Joann catches these teeny tiny little inconsistencies that go right over my

head.


It's not Anne Lamott's best work, but it's interesting to read in the context

of her whole body of work to see her evolution as a person and as a writer.


Diane in S. Florida

Now reading A Perfect Storm






Subject: Re: Lurker's Rules?

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 11:43 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042315431800.LAA29891@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Miz,


<<Is there a rulebook that I am not following? >>


No, and I have never heard of this problem before.... How strange. I'm

guessing here so please forgive me if my suggestions don't work but here are

a few things to try.


1) Use the Preferences button on the bottom of the screen and change your

"sort order" to "newest first". This will give you the most current messages

first when you list all unread messages.


Or you can try...


2) Mark all messages read... and then go back and see if you can access them.

My thinking is that you may have a large backlog of unread messages and

somehow that is messing up your ability to access new messages.


If it's still not working you can try asking the tech support people More

Ways to Get Help--Live Technical Support and possibly they will know

something I don't. I hope this helps... Please let me know if you are still

having problems.


Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: New Name

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 12:03 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042316040000.MAA01577@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi all! The nooker formerly known as J5577 here!


I finally found a screen name with "Jackie" that is not being used. I am

using this new screen name (JackieML7) for the Book Nook and other reading

sites. This has become such a large part of my life that I choose to give

one full screen name to it.


I know it's a pain, but can you all change my screen name in your address

books? J5577 is still my main screen name, so if you use it, I will receive

e-mail and such. But now I am using that screen name mainly for business and

receipt of newsletters.


I also have a screen name that is used only for sports--well, basketball.

Now I can choose my subject by screen name. Don't worry--it won't take you

long to get used to the "New Me"! LOL!

Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown






Subject: Thursday Rambling Through

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 12:57 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042316570900.MAA05697@ladder01.news.aol.com>


SHAUNA: CONGRATULATIONS & THANK HEAVENS FOR LITTLE GIRLS!!


SCARIEST MOVIE: STRAW DOGS made me so upset, I decided that I would never

again plunk down real money in order to do that to myself.


LITA: IMO, Lawrence's anti-Jewish sentiments are not typical of the English

at that time - but they are typical of the so-called intelligentsia attached

to the Bloomsbury Group - Lyttion Strachey, Virginia Wolfe (even though her

husband was Jewish), Lawrence's wife Frieda. I spent a lot of time on

Lawrence's works with a very erudite prof in the 60s - & these be his words

too.


CITY OF ANGELS: I usually like a good tear jerker - but after i saw the ads

for this one, I simply could not tolerate the gooey, sappy looks in the eyes

of the stars - I pass on this one! All that sugar should attract ants!


Finished HUMAN CROQUET by Kate Atkinson, & in spite of all the writing

problems evident in the book, I liked it anyway. Not a top 10, but different

& interesting to read.


Started reading ISOLATED INCIDENT by Susan Sloan - thanks all you Sloan fans

for pointing her out to me. Having trouble putting it down & doing my

'work'.


Beautifully cool weather here for April - great for golf today - our team

came 3rd. My friendly golf pro buddy went north to his place in Maine

yesterday, as golf season opens there on Monday. Boo hoo - I will have to

take lessons over the phone!


The Marco Maniac, going to the dogs (literally)



Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Artist's Way - New Maillist

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 12:57 PM EDT

From: RetroTrish

Message-id: <1998042316573100.MAA04513@ladder03.news.aol.com>


You are welcome to join a new Artist's Way community online. The Artist's Way

is a creativity program based on the book by Julia Cameron. It is a 12 week

program for getting in touch with your creativity. Each week's activities

include morning pages (3 pages of freewriting every morning), weekly tasks

(listed in the book and posted on the list), and an Artist's Date (a fun

creativity activity on your own). This is a *FUN*, supportive, friendly,

flame-free group. We will begin with Week 1 on Sunday, May 3. People who are

not starting the program at that time (or who come into the discussion late),

are also very welcome. Join us to explore and expand your creativity, whether

you are a writer, an artist, a musician, or someone who wants to live a more

creative life. To join the discussions you will need Julia Cameron's book

_The Artist's Way_, a notebook, and your imagination!


To subscribe to the maillist:

http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/artistsway


Hope you'll join us!


Trish



RetroTrish@aol.com


To join RetroTown (1950's - '70's retro pop culture maillist), just click on

the highlighted text below:

RetroTown - Subscribe Here!







Subject: Simon says...

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 02:24 PM EDT

From: Rickie122

Message-id: <1998042318241800.OAA11698@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cheef -- regarding the Hide and Go Tag bra incident, I laughed but also

shuddered in sympathy. I'm sure young women today could not appreciate the

"nakedness of just a bra" that we felt back then. I used to have dreams that

I was in class and looked down to discover that I had no blouse on -- SO

embarrassing. (By the way, LOL re your story about Simon and the scary

movie!) (Addendum -- just read about Simon and Hawaii -- that kid

cracks me up!)


Diane (Dineer) & Sue -- I'm with you on the violence vs. sex issue -- I'd

rather my kids/grandkids saw some love between people than seeing people blow

each other up, etc.,etc.


Shauna -- CONGATULATIONS on darling baby daughter! Glad everything went well

for you.


Judi -- agree on the double standard for full frontal nudity. I lobbied for

male models in my life drawing classes, for fairness's sake -- even though I

enjoy drawing women so much more! (Familiarity,don'tcha know -- I am one :-)

)


Leslie -- I went to your bookseller's homepage and could not find your

review. What did I do wrong? (I'm a Yankee, too>)


Erika -- I just saw City of Angels and while I didn't think it was the worst,

it was disappointing. Also it made me mad. However, any movie with Dennis

Franz AND Andre Braugher (who I think is a MAJOR talent) in it is worth

seeing...


Rickie in MI, currently reading Straight Man, by Richard Russo and liking it

very much.

Woman's virtue is man's greatest invention.

- Cornelia Otis Skinner







Subject: Still Catching Up!

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 04:11 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042320110200.QAA21833@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Remember when I said that these messages reminded me of the laundry- while

I'm washing and drying in the laundry room (or shall I say the machines aer

doing this and I'm merely supervising), the laundry is multiplying upstairs?

Well, the more messages I read, the more there are to read.


Congragulations to Shauna and her family. Hooray for Girls!!!! and Boys!!!!!


Sally- after I read yoru message and found msyelf at arnes & Noble, I

realized that I didn't give you exactly the right information abotu Mary

Willis Walker's books. The first one is ZERO TO THE BONE, the next one is

RED SCREAM, then UNDER THE BEETLE'S CELLAR and her brand new one is ALL THE

DEAD LIE DOWN.


Jan- just returned from Leslie's boostores website. If you go to more About

Us - on the bottom of the page is a link to meet our Staff and Reviews -or

something like that. And how pretty our Leslie is!!!


Not finished reading the messages yet but Bruce has returned and you know -HE

NEEDS THE PHONE!!!

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: April/May non-fiction releases

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 04:23 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042320233400.QAA24276@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mike- once again thanks for posting the bookslist here. Makes it so easy for

me to copy down the names of new books by fave authors. Good to see Margolin

has a new one and also some others I've enjoyed in the past.


Hope all is well. I'll be thinking of you and your son when I go to see the

Yankees Saturday at Yankee Stadium, if its still there.


BTW - really think Warren or you would enjoy this more but my friend said she

wouldn't go without me and I didn't want her husband pouting during dinner

so....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Meow!

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 05:05 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042321053300.RAA29101@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I notice on Mike's list that Susan Molinari has a book out now. Maybe it's

just me, but I listened to her give that speech at the Republican convention,

and I thought what a drip! She reminded me of a junior high school

cheerleader. I don't think I'll buy her book.


Cheef--I love your little Owen Meany. Yes, he does sound like him! What a

hoot!


LITA--<<my 15 year old male cousin had me lay in a toybox and then sat on it.

I still remember the feeling I had inside that box and have a terrible case

of claustrophobia.>> I am exactly the same way about being in a closed-in

space. I just read the part in CAVEDWELLER where Cissy goes down into the

cave and the lights are turned

off. She thought it was wonderful, but I about died just reading it! The

very idea of doing such a thing makes my heart palpitate and my hands sweat.

It gives me chills. I could no more do that than I could jump off a cliff.

It's my idea of Hell.



Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu







Subject: Shauna

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 05:18 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042321183400.RAA00824@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Shauna,



CONGRATULATIONS

and

a BIG WELCOME

to your new baby girl!




Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Re: the computer age

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 05:25 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042321252100.RAA01671@ladder01.news.aol.com>



REMEMBER WHEN....

A COMPUTER WAS SOMETHING ON TV FROM A SCIENCE FICTION SHOW

A WINDOW WAS SOMETHING YOU HATED TO CLEAN....

AND RAM WAS THE COUSIN OF A GOAT.....

MEG WAS THE NAME OF MY GIRLFRIEND

AND GIG WAS YOUR MIDDLE FINGER UPRIGHT

NOW THEY ALL MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS

AND THAT REALLY MEGA BYTES

AN APPLICATION WAS FOR EMPLOYMENT

A PROGRAM WAS A TV SHOW

A CURSOR USED PROFANITY

A KEYBOARD WAS A PIANO

MEMORY WAS SOMETHING THAT YOU LOST WITH AGE

A CD WAS A BANK ACCOUNT

AND IF YOU HAD A 3 1/2' FLOPPY

YOU HOPED NOBODY FOUND OUT

COMPRESS WAS SOMETHING YOU DID TO THE GARBAGE

NOT SOMETHING YOU DID TO A FILE

AND IF YOU UNZIPPED ANYTHING IN PUBLIC

YOU'D BE IN JAIL FOR A WHILE

LOG ON WAS ADDING WOOD TO THE FIRE

HARD DRIVE WAS A LONG TRIP ON THE ROAD

A MOUSE PAD WAS WHERE A MOUSE LIVED

AND A BACKUP HAPPENED TO YOUR COMMODE

CUT YOU DID WITH A POCKET KNIFE

PASTE YOU DID WITH GLUE

A WEB WAS A SPIDER'S HOME

AND A VIRUS WAS THE FLU

I GUESS I'LL STICK TO MY PAD AND PAPER

AND THE MEMORY IN MY HEAD

I HEAR NOBODY'S BEEN KILLED IN A COMPUTER CRASH

BUT WHEN IT HAPPENS THEY WISH THEY WERE DEAD

Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu






Subject: Albany Gathering

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 05:49 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042321492700.RAA04405@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Okay Book Nookers if you ever have an opportunity to meet face to face its an

experience of a life time.



THE ALBANY TRIP



Last January a gathering was planned for some BookNookers in Albany, New

York. Due to circumstances beyond our control, God decided to make it

impossible with a good solid Ice Storm. My DH refused to take me to the bus

depot, outside the condo it was glare ice maybe that was the reason. Ha.!

After our disappointment we as a group decided to pick another date and April

18,1998 was set in stone!!


Finally the big day arrived. Sunny warm and perfect to journey to Albany to

meet these people you have shared your life with for the last year. Six of

us were to meet at Applebees for lunch at 12:30 PM. I host chartered bus

trips for the Booster Club at UCONN for Women's basketball. This adventure

with a Greyhound Bus was slightly different. Looking back I have not taken a

bus in 35 years or so!!! Wayne dropped me off and as I started into the

terminal this rather odd lady comes up to me and says: "Lady I need a dollar

bill to go to NYC." Then the lady in the foyer said "Got some change for my

trip?" Acting very grown up and slightly nervous kinda checked out for Axe

handles but kept right on moving. Maybe there is a wood chipper in that tote

bag? I did not bother to stick around. Got my ticket, a cup of coffee and I

went to the gate. Bus left on time arrived one hour and forty-five

mins. later I was then SAFELY in Albany.


As I entered the terminal I gazed around the room Over to the side stood

three ladies two in Book Nook T-shirts and the lady in the middle just gave

me the once over. I think she was checking me out to see if I was okay for

her Mother. I must have passed because I grinned, we hugged and easy hi

Carole and Carole duh., hard to remember those two names. Ha. The odd one, no

tee shirt, was Wendy and she was a sweetie. She not only carried my LLBean

Tote Bag with my life inside but was our designated driver for the entire

sleep over.


We headed to the motel to check in before going to Applebees. Now triple AAA

gives stars for okay, better and more better. Well, we had adjoining rooms

but I think that was all this place had that you could call great!!! So I

graded it about a -3 on a scale of 1 through 5. Bathrooms clean. Bed made.

We unloaded Carole #1's car. She had brought enough food for all of the

motel. Cooler. Beer, wine, Kulua, milk, ice, diet Coke and snacks.!! After

we checked out everything like towels, soap, toilet paper, the essential they

were all there we left for Applebees.


At the entrance of Applebees there stood a very attractive young lady. She

was wearing a book nook T-shirt so we just knew she was one of us. It was

none other than Laura915. She is a delight. Working very hard these days

going to school full time to get her Masters degree in Library Science. We

decided to go in and in not too long a time Carole #3/YiYi125 arrived. It

took this group of six women to get acquainted in about 7 mins. Our waitress

was soooo nice and really thought it rather neat we all were meeting for the

first time face to face. ( I had brought flash cards with topics of

conversation listed just in case we all were going to sit an stare at each

other) Not to worry never happened.


Shortly, into the lunch we checked menus, Carole #1/Our Coupon Lady for the

weekend began to explain our options on cheap, cheaper and more cheap. (Is

that how you do it you English Majors and Teachers) Well, two coupons bought

me and an other the brunch menu, two more got other things cheaper. So we

threw all the coupons into the middle of the table got the bill with all

discounts an divided by 6. Time went all too fast and after three hours of

eating, laughing, and enjoying ourselves immensely we left our sweet waitress

a big tip. She certainly deserved it.


The next thing on the agenda was: three guesses and the first two do not

count. Your right!!! Bookstores. Please do not pass Go and collect $200

dollars. There was a huge Barnes and Noble across the way. After a couple

of hours we decided to show Dixie/Carole #2 Borders. What a great excuse to

look more!!! She had never seen Borders. (I guess up there in Lake Placid

area they shovel out the highways and only go to the liberry (library)

where she works!)


We said our goodbyes to Laura who had to leave. Off to Borders. By this

time I had convinced Carole #3/YiYi125 that just had to go out to dinner with

us. Fun in Borders and could not leave the store until I bought something!

Carole #3 and I purchased a CD by Dar Williams. (Recommended by

Barbara/BKarvelas an love it!)


We decided it was getting quite late so Carole called the restaurant and

changed our reservation to 8:00 PM. Carole #3 called her DH and said she was

going out to dinner with us. I think he thought we had kidnapped her but she

convinced him she was very safe.


Our hostess Carole #1 led us to the Cranberry Bog Restaurant not too far from

Borders. A lovely atmosphere. Great food. and of course the best in

company. Maybe we looked like we were having the best time of anyone! Ms

Coupon Lady got her coupons all out and we all got the specials with Coupon

for a very reasonable price. Waiter very nice and he too was quite impressed

we all were meeting for the first time. (Hard to explain to people that we

already know each other just don't know what we look like in real life warts

and all.)


Carole #2/ Jackie's sister is tall. Attractive and such a very nice lady.

Funny at times an great sense of humor. Carole #1 has red hair/only her

hairdresser knows the real color and very pretty lady. You know a

grandmother but no wrinkles that show and clear skin. Gorgeous.! Her

daughter Wendy, dark complexion and like her Mom funny, cute and sweet.

Carole #3 lovely and like Carole older children but no wrinkles. Great

personality and just

sweet. I would say not one of this group was shy except moi.


It was getting late so we said our goodbyes to Carole #3 and off to the

motel. Being quite late we never did open snacks. Got comfy in our night

shirts, sweats or whatever and talked until whatever time. I know I did

politely ask at least three times is anyone tired??? They kept right on and I

went to bed, finally.


Our reservation for Brunch at the Cranberry Bog was 10:30. We all slept

until 9:00 or so. Miss Lady with the camera attempted to take a picture of

me at that ungodly hour but hid. We had a few laughs. Dixie ran around

cleaning the room for the maid and she even made her bed!!!! People do look

strange without their faces on, but I will never tell who is who when.


The Brunch was wonderful. We all ate as if we were not going to eat again.

So many choices. I was told the Cheese Cake was non-calories and no fat. Ms.

Coupon can you believe had two more for the Brunch. Sooooo we got like a

$12.00 discount on the bill. She is a wonder.


Carole #1 had to be at work at 12:30 PM. Carole #2 had to drive to Lake

Placid and was leaving. Ms. Wendy had instructions from her mother to get me

to the Greyhound Terminal and stay with me until I got on the bus. Wendy was

great and she never let me out of her sight. Big crowd for Boston and bus

was late. However, made up time on the turnpike only 20 mins. late.


Did we have fun? Did we laugh alot? Did we get serious on occasions? Yep and

what a wonderful time. This entire group of BookNookers all over our country

make this such a wonderful part of our lives. Each and every day we

experience a glow of warmth, caring and support no matter what turns up in

that day of living life. We manage to form friendships than can last a

lifetime. We share the good the bad and yes the beautiful. It will not

end in one day or one weekend but maybe each one of us out there will find

one of two forever friends.


To Carole #1, Carole #2, Carole #3, Laura and Wendy thank you for such a

joyful time. In spite of the wood chipper you carried around Carol and the

small hand axe you took to bed Dixie. We did have such a marvelous adventure.



Know what! They all have an accents except me!


Fondest Regards,

Jayne in Connecticut



Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.






Subject: Re: a few short responses

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 06:08 PM EDT

From: Bonadie

Message-id: <1998042322085000.SAA06669@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Did someone ask about Boston?

Mike, I live in Arlington and work in Cambridge, both Boston suburbs, and

have lived in the area for 28 years (yikes!). I'd be happy to tell you

whatever I can about my fair city. Feel free to respond on this board or

e-mail me directly.

Carol

Carol






Subject: BABY!

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 06:30 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042322300900.SAA08083@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Shauna,

*+**A BABY GIRL **+*

We are so proud of you

and your wonderful family!

CONGRATULATIONS

on the world's best possible event

Roe

Eor




It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.







Subject: Re: New Name

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 06:57 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042322574200.SAA12888@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I don't know, Jackie, a new name, and you weren't wearing your glasses. How

do we know it's really you?

It was interesting to hear of several people's opinions regarding male

frontal nudity since I had just had a discussion in the store about the same

thing. Can we only assume that the men in suits are making these decisions

and not of them want comparisons made. Hey, guys, we've had to deal with

this all our lives!


Sue in Mi







Subject: (Queen of) Spam Alert!

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 07:25 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042323254800.TAA16468@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Coming out in May (or earlier...) is The SPAM Cookbook: Menus from Main

Street. Oh Leah, or Queen of Spam, doest thou' knowest this?

Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: Pshaw

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:03 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042400032700.UAA21390@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef-Your Simon certainly is a character. From your posts, I gather in your

house the game SImon Says has a whole new meaning. Regarding taking family

trips with Simon and his pronouncements, many moons ago we took the kids to

the west and drove for what seemed like forever to the Grand Canyon. Our then

14 year old Steven, got out of the car, looked over the rim, and said, "Oh, a

hole in the ground. Now let's go." To this day, he has no idea

how close he came to being pushed into that very hole by his loving mom.


Male frontal nudity-Talk about embarrassing situations! When my 87 year old

mom was visiting, we were watching TV. There was nothing on of interest and

then I saw there was a movie I had never heard of starring Dennis Hopper ( I

think he's an excellent actor). Anyway we tuned in and were enjoying a good

story when all of a sudden there was Dennis Hopper, all of him, as frontal as

you could get. I am not prude, nudity doesn't bother me, I've taken

life drawing classes (women nude, men jockstrapped), but I didn't know how to

react with my mom there. It would have been silly to change the channel, and

it seemed silly not to. We just sat silently, and thankfully, the scene

changed soon enough. I don't think it was the nudity as much as it was the

shock of seeing as much of Dennis as we did when not expecting it. Of

course, with more male frontal nudity, it wouldn't be so shocking, just as

female

nudity has become so common that it's so much less startling than it used to

be.


Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Red Oprah Face

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:09 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042400095700.UAA21038@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK, you darling people, I messed up again, which is not unusual. <G> I put

this post in the Favorite Fiction folder and certainly meant to post it here

instead. Flay me with bananna peels and kind words. My Son Michael's

estranged Mother of his child's Mother will be on TV tomorrow. She is a

wonderful human being, we commiserate weekly on the phone and have

significant interaction and baby-pass-off

encounters. She is not at all subject to appearing on TV shows, quite the

contrary, usually. It should be interesting.


Subject: Oprah Friday

Date: Thu, Apr 23, 1998 6:41 PM

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042322412300.SAA10713@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Will my only remote claim to fame be that the "other" Grandmother of my

darling Grandson Michael will be having a make-over on Oprah's show tomorrow?

She and the classroom teacher with whom she works, along with their class at

St. Timothy's school here in Raleigh wrote a ransom note to the Oprah show

and were accepted. The kids had some very specific ideas for "optimal"

results. I would never have known except for the local 5:00 news. It

really was a cute idea.


Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.







Subject: Re: New Name

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:13 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042400140000.UAA22719@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<I don't know, Jackie, a new name, and you weren't wearing your glasses.

How do we know it's really you?>>


Look below, Sue--is that better?

Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Albany Gathering

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:23 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042400230900.UAA23839@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jayne, Dear Lady, I enjoyed your essay about the Albany meeting. Didn't I

tell you my sister is the greatest? Now do you believe me? <VBG>


There are a couple of things I need you ask you about, though, Lady Jayne:



1) << I would say not one of this group was shy except moi.>> What do

you mean except moi? Are you the Lady Jayne I met in Salt Lake City? <eg>


2) <<Know what! They all have an accents except me!>> Jayne, Jayne,

Jayne--will we never convince you that YOU are the one with the lovely

accent? ;)


I'm glad you all had a good time---I knew you would!!!




Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Name Change

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:44 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042400442000.UAA25290@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jackie,


Something is wrong with my vision. I have always "seen" Jackie imbedded in

your address anyway, dear and interesting one, so this changeover merely

simplifies your essence, which is quite positive and valuable.

Unfortunately, my alter egos would subsume more baggage heft than the weight

limit allows, and I would be thrown out of the plane, so I am jealous of your

plan to remain intact and separate in the different arenas of on-line

interest. Are

you the most organized person, or what? A wonderful idea.


Greenly,

Roe

Eor



It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Albany Gathering

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:48 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042400481800.UAA27024@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear What's Her Name:

It took me six months to memorize your screen name now you have changed it.

Oh well, I must confess I like it.


Second of all I will confess I am shy I just work on being extraverted. <g>


And Third of all : Okay if you insist I will try to believe I have an accent.

But not very much. Only on cold beaa or suwa or car, harvard square. Okay

you win!!!!<VBG>


Glad you enjoyed the story. Your little sister is really a wonderful lady

like her sister.


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.








Subject: Albany

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:52 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042400524700.UAA27585@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jayne,


Your writing is better and ultimately more interesting than any Tabloid

reading at the grocery store check-out. It really means so much to the rest

of us to hear blow-by-blow descriptions of what must have been such a nice

time among friends. You left out nothing ( except, of course, when that

handsome lover of femaleness at Borders tried to take all four of you back to

his place), and we are enriched and enlightened by your wonderful encounter.

Thank you for sharing the event. We all should meet more often; you are

right. Friendship has many facets, and each one shines brightly.


Roe

Eor




It is most true, stilus virum arguit _ our style betrays us.

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Book Browsing

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 08:53 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042400531900.UAA26483@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Doe anybody agree that at certain times of the year it seems like so many

favorite authors have new books gracing the bookshelves. And now after

reading Mikes new releases message, I really think its true. But what about

new authors? Do you find yourself always going for the tried and

true?Consider the following.


While at B&N, the other day I was wondering around and found myeslf pouring

over their brochure DISCOVER GREAT NEW WRITERS. What most likely attracted

me was the announcement that J. Robert Lennon, author of Light of the Falling

Stars (which is one of our book group's next selelctions) had been named the

5th Annual Discover Great New Writers Awards for the above mentioned book.

This was accompanied by a blurb which I will most likely post to

the Reader's and Reading group folder later next month. But inside were the

titles of some other new books that B&N found impressive. I want to say that

these are first time authors but am not exactly sure so... Among the books

noted are:


AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST by IAIN PEARS

FALLING LEAVES by ADELINE YEN MAH

ROSE'S GARDEN by CARRIE BROWN

AN UNDERACHIEVER'S DIARY by BENJAMIN ANASTAS

ONCE IN A HOUSE ON FIRE by ANDREA ASHWORTH

OUTSIDE PASSAGE: A MEMOIR OF AN ALASKAN CHILDHOOD by JULIA SCULLY


One in particular really leaped out to me as I read this over my water at the

Cafe since I had just borrowed it from the library. The title is THE

MERMAIDS SINGING by LISA CAREY. Although I generally look at the dust cover

of all of the new books at least once, this one reached out and grabbed me

from the start (reminded me a little of the movie THE ROAN INISH which is

also based on a book) with its beautiful cover. And within two

lines, as the female character said in Jerry Maguire, "You had me at hello-

this book captivated me screaming "Take me home, you won't be sorry."


Here is a little of the blurb from the B&N brochure. But I'm not writing all

of it cause it might spoil some of the book for you.


THE MERMAID'S SINGING by LISA CAREY


Lisa Carey's parkling new debut novel is reminiscent of the much loved novels

of Maeve Binchy. In the voices of three generations of women descended from

a magical island off the west coast of Ireland, The Mermaids Singing engages

the reader with the warm promise of love's redemptive powers.


I'm planning on reading this title shortly and will let you know what I think

when I finish it.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: April/May non-fiction releases

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 09:31 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042401315300.VAA01582@ladder03.news.aol.com>


NRK -- Can't believe you're going to Yankee Stadium on Saturday. I'm

jealous. We're true blue Yankee fans having lived in New York most of my

life. Even though DS Michael was 2 when we moved to PA, he is an avid Yankee

fan. This year the baseball team he was drafted on is called The Yankees so

it is a dream come true for him to wear those colors. His uniform number is

7 for "The Mick" of course. Coincidentally, that's the name my DH calls him.


It should be quite a season.


Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: The Strand

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 09:36 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042401364500.VAA02195@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I have been doing everything in my power this week to avoid buying any books

so that I can get what I want at the Strand -- This is not easy. I think

I'll just follow Nancy around and buy whatever she buys. LOL


Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: Delta Burke

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 10:05 PM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998042402054200.WAA05942@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hey, everyone,

Just returned from meeting Delta Burke at a book signing/fund raiser held by

the Literacy Council here. They have 4 authors a year, picked by their

sponsor, Books A Million, which is a bookstore I try not to go in,

but...anyway.

She actually has written a book, called Delta Style . We were each given a

copy & she signed them for us. She was a very open, down to earth, nice

looking person, (except her hair was shoe-polish black). She talked about

accepting your weight, her concerns about eating disorders, etc. She told us

she weighs 170 but I will say she didn't look it. She has developed diabetes,

so I think this must have caused a recent weight loss. She even

did a few lines from Designing Women for us at our request--she screamed

*Anthony* & *Consuela *. She doesn't have a Southern accent in real life, &

I told her that I thought DW was one of the few shows that did a decent job

with the accents. They even had more than 1 So accent, which I liked.


The head of the Literacy Council told me, when I asked about their choice of

authors, that they have better turnouts when they have *Celebrity* authors

rather than *real* authors. I think that is a crying shame. Rick Bragg (#1)

was the best, I didn't even go to The Last Valentine author one, & the last

one is going to be the Chicken Soup guy. Not my cup of soup, er tea. :) But

I did get my picture taken with Delta for my *wall

of shame* in my house.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Congrats

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 10:09 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042402092700.WAA06476@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Congratulations Shauna -- what wonderful news.

Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: Angela's Ashes

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 10:10 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042402103500.WAA06613@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just bought the audio for Angela's Ashes based on everyone's

recommendations. Since I absolutely loved the book, I can't wait to hear it

read by the author.


Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...







Subject: Re: Worst movie

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 10:13 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998042402130400.WAA08153@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Ericka -


I agree with you on City of Angels. It was a very bad flick. I like Meg Ryan

and Nick Cage also. I thought the movie would never end.


Mercedes






Subject: Re: Albany

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 11:01 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042403011700.XAA14338@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe:


Love your comments. I think the grocery store tabloids are something else.

Ha!!! I really thought that guy would sweep us off our feet but he must have

known we were not interested. Ha.


Thank you glad you enjoyed it. Your humor is so wonderful!!!


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.







Subject: Re: Angela's Ashes

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 11:08 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042403085700.XAA15257@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Got an e-mail from Powells today--no more used copies of Angela's Ashes 8(

But they did have everything else I ordered 8) Guess I'll have to wait

awhile. As if I don't have enough on Mt TBR (it's taking over my

house--yikes!)



Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Delta Burke

Date: Thu, 23 April 1998 11:12 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042403123700.XAA15685@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leslie,

If the Chicken Soup guy is Jack Canfield, do yourself a favor and go. I have

never attended one of his presentations or workshops that I didn't have a

great time. Including the one where he told us that he and Mark Victor Hansen

were going to be doing the first Chicken Soup book.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 12:21 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042404210300.AAA23864@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy--The Mermaids Singing is a reference to "The Lovesong of J. Alfred

Prufrock" (TS Eliot, you knew that :- ) ); rereading the poem might give

more meaning to the book. Sounds interesting.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: A great listen

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 01:23 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042405230000.BAA28124@ladder03.news.aol.com>



I have just finished listening to Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh. The book

is a riot and I found myelf laughing out loud, all by myself. The book is

funny but the reader is unbelievable. I have heard some terrific readers but

never anyone who threw himself into the characters like this one did. His

name is Michael Maloney and the book was taped in England by Sterling Audio

Books. I got it at the library and sure will look for more.


I guess I never thought of Waugh as a humorous writer but his characters in

this book are wonderfully funny and the reader embellishes the writing with

his marvelous characterizations.


Carol in Oceanside, CA





Subject: Re: Meow!

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 01:49 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042405493900.BAA29936@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol - Thanks so much for the info on DH Lawrence. I guess he never came up

in my HS or college English courses. DH (mine) is a political scientist so

gave me that perspective but I definitely appreciated yours...and yourEnglish

teacher.


Marilu - CAVES! Yikes! I've been in those caves in Oregon (not by my

choice) and, my advice...don't try it. Almost as bad as being stuck in the

middle of a huge crowd! I'm with you on Susan Molinari...UGH! (Nearly as bad

as the caves.)


G'night to all...Lita







Subject: Thursday night

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 02:39 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042406393400.CAA03977@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi fellow Nookers - it's been a busy couple of days, but I've caught up on

the posts. I'm surprised at the bad reviews of City of Angels - I loved the

movie Wings of Desire that it was based upon. (upon which it was based!!!)

One of my all time favorites.


After work tonight, we went to dinner to celebrate our roommate, Glenn's,

31st birthday - it was a silly dinner. We took him to Tiny Naylor's one of

our local favorites where we know every waiter, waitress and bus boy by name,

not to mention Fidel, the manager. Our waiter, Juan Jose, (or JJ as he likes

to be called) has a limited command of the English language, so our dinners

are often a surprise. One night DS#1 ordered a spinach omelette and gota

Spanish omelette instead. Tonight we ordered nachos but somehow just got

chips and salsa - never mind. They made Glenn his own cake, homemade, with

Happy Birthday Glenn written on it - too nice. Then we took him for a

gondola ride through the canals here on our little island. Our gondoleer was

Italian and sang a beautiful song for us under one of the bridges where the

tones were wonderful. The lights were on the water and couples

strollingalong the sides waved at us. Magical.


It was good for Glenn because his own family only called yesterday to invite

him out to celebrate on Sunday, then called today and told him they couldn't

see him this weekend, as they planned, because they'd forgotten they had a

golf tournament - so they'll call him next week to reschedule.


I loved the writeup of the Albany meeting - I look forward to one of my own

very soon - maybe May 21st?


I watched a good first part of a mystery on PBS tonight and then a

documentary on concentration camps - Czechs (sp?) who had kept diaries during

that period when they were children. Now I'll go finish Agatha Raisin, a

"good read" as we sometimes say -


Night all -



Mary Ann

Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: N Is For Noose

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 10:32 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042414321100.KAA21860@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am about a quarter of the way through Sue Grafton's new book, N Is For

Noose, and really enjoying it, not least because it takes place in Inyo

County. Nota Lake is a thinly disguised Bishop, and in her acknowledgements,

Grafton thanks Donna Milovich, of Spellbinder Books, which is my closest

bookstore, except for Amazon.

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Angela's Ashes/City of Angels

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 11:22 AM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998042415224300.LAA23928@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Just an offer as I'm trying to lessen the clutter in my house and car! I

have the audio version of Angela's Ashes if someone would like to borrow and

then pass on. Email if you're interested.


I saw "City of Angels" last week and graded it about a C except for some

wonderful scenes of angels on buildings and billboards. It gave a whole new

meaning to "men in black." And someone, please, give Meg Ryan a comb!


Shannon

reading? what am I reading these days?? Breakfast at the Victory






Subject: Re: Dinner with Erika

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 11:37 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042415373301.LAA24892@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Erika and I met for chicken caesar salads late yesterday afternoon, and as

always, had a great visit. Then we went to our favorite book store, Kepler's

in Menlo Park, which has the very best author events, where I proceeded to

load up with books. Honestly, I hadn't intended doing that, what with Monday

at the Strand, but you know how it is with us bookworms. Even Erika, who

usually exercises an unbelievable amount of self-restraint in the

book-spending department, walked out with books! I got Colum McCann's new

one, THE SIDE OF BRIGHTNESS, Bebe Moore Campbell's SINGING IN THE COMEBACK

CHOIR, and Elizabeth Berg's WHAT WE KEEP, all of them signed! And finally I

bought KALIMANTAAN, a new first novel by C. S. Godshalk which has to have the

most beautiful cover and dust jacket I've seen in a long time. The cover

looks like a very exotic, tightly woven fabric with a finely-detailed

design in rose with pale buff and dark blue. The front has a gold diamond

laid sidewise across the front with KALIMANTAAN A Novel written in it in

black. The dust jacket has a lovely jungle scene in muted blues and a border

top and botton to match the cover. A diamond-shaped cut-out opens over the

gold diamond of the cover, allowing the title and the gold to show through.

Absolutely gorgeous! The sales people in the store say the book is

wonderful, twenty years in the writing. The inside dust jacket blurb says

this:


<<There are some stories so strange and yet full of heart that they are told

and retold in the bars and backwaters of the world. This is one of that rare

breed--a story of bizarre achievement and singular love.

One hundred and sixty years ago, a young Englishman founded a private

raj on the coast of Borneo. The world that resulted, boasting stone quays,

elegant gardens, churches, and musical levees, eventually encompassed a

territory the size of England, its expansion campaigns paid for in human

heads. In this world, a version of colonial Victorian society impacted with

one of the most violent cultures on earth. The results were often

startling--pockets of tenderness and extreme brutality appearing in odd

corners. A small tribe of fugitives, adventurers, criminals, and saints--the

madly talented and the simply mad--peopled this world. This is their story.

The deeper story resides in the realm of the heart. It is about love in

absurd conditions, the tenacity of it as well as our ability to miss it

repeatedly and with perverse genius.>>


The prose is said to be exquisite, and when I return from NYC, this will be

the first book I pick up.



Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu







Subject: Re: Dorothy Allison

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 11:48 AM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042415482300.LAA25616@ladder03.news.aol.com>


At Kepler's last night I heard Dorothy Allison read from her new book, which

I have almost finished--CAVEDWELLER. She has a marvelous ability to read, is

very dramatic and stresses the southernness of her speech, and along with

Chitra Divakaruni, is probably one of the two best I've heard reading their

own works. She talked about CAVEDWELLER being a book of redemption. She was

born and raised a Southern Baptist and says now she is a Zen

Baptist. She has done some caving, and said she wanted to explore the idea

of a girl being unable to find peace except deep underground totally cut off

from everything and how she was able to find forgiveness and redemption in

doing so. She also wanted to explore again, as she did in BASTARD OUT OF

CAROLINA, the way in which women make again and again difficult choices which

affect not only their lives, but those of others, especially their

children. She also talked of how now having a child, her son Wolf (yes,

that's his name!), has opened up a whole new part of her brain, a whole new

set of experiences. Wolf was with her, and her partner Alex. He is a very

bright, happy child who stuck his tongue out at the audience when she held

him up to the microphone, and AnnRumsey--he was wearing a Davis-Kidd hat!


I got my book signed, of course!

Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: A great listen

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 01:58 PM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042417585100.NAA04574@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol--Have you ever read The Loved One? It, too, is hilarious. Whispering

Pines is Waugh's not-so-subtle parody of Forest Lawn, a place my son calls

the "Disneyland of Death."

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 02:12 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042418123900.OAA05590@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy and Judi-Yentabusta,


Okay, now you've done it. I must go buy The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey.

"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is MY FAVORITE POEM, and the line Judi

is referring to is MY FAVORITE LINE (even though it is sad). Forgive any

mistakes because I'm going to try to do this from memory.


Shall I part my hair behind?

Do I dare to eat a peach?

I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.

I do not think they sing to me.


You know how a poem or song or book speaks directly to your heart at certain

times in your life? Well, this verse did it for me, along with the line, "I

have measured out my life with coffeespoons." Love T. S. Eliot - named my

cat after him. `,)


*Clutching my heart and sighing* (BTW, go see the movie City of Angels; it

made me do the same thing.)


Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda






Subject: Re: Albany Gathering

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 02:15 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998042418150300.OAA05770@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jayne--loved hearing about your Albany trip. What fun to meet face to face

with a

group that you already feel you know from the Nook. I had the pleasure of

meeting

someone from the Nook last summer,Larkann. I don't think she follows this

forum

anymore. But we had hit it off and kept in touch. I will have to admit that

when she

was in my town visiting her sister and we met for lunch, I was totally very

nervous.

We did have a lovely lunch, though and still keep in touch. Hope other

Nookers that

get together will tell their stories. Maybe I will be lucky enough to be in

the right

place sometime and can join a lunch bunch.


Cheef--enjoyed the story about the little boy and the piano and story about

your

son.


Reading(just finished)Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz

There's no such thing as a bad

day. They're all good. Some are a little better than others but they're

all good. Armin V, Eilts


Ruth






Subject: Re: Angela's Ashes/City of Angels

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 03:14 PM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042419141000.PAA11734@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shannon - My thought exactly! I kept wishing Meg Ryan would pick up a comb or

brush the whole movie! Also, I did like the scenes in the library (when they

are all gathered and leaning over), on the beach when they gathered, and how

they would be about the city. There just weren't enough of those moments.


Please include me in the loop of receiving and passing on the Angeles Ashes

audio tape. I enjoyed the book, and it sounds from all the comments like it

would be fun to hear the story in his voice.


Erika






Subject: hmmm - vedy interesting

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 03:32 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042419325100.PAA12118@ladder03.news.aol.com>


( re. singing mermaids)


" I do not think that they will sing to me,


I have seen them riding seaward on the waves,

Combing the white hair of the waves blown back,

When the wind blows the water white and black.


We have lingered in the chambers of the sea,

By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown,

Till human voices wake us, and we drown."




Subject: Please welcome Jude 16333!!!

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 04:12 PM EDT

From: E1 BOZ

Message-id: <1998042420123200.QAA16907@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Nookers,


Met another reader in another online chat room this morning and I sent her

directions to get here and told her she would find this to be a great place.

So Judy/Jude 16333, if you are out there, WELCOME to the Book Nook.. Hang out

a while and read the posts, and soon you will find that you have made a whole

bunch of new friends and also you will find all kinds of reading suggestions

and book reviews and information on life in general and OURS in

particular. All of my fellow Book Nook People, let's make Judy feel welcome.




Carole #1 In Upstate NY, currently reading "Evening Class, by Maeve Binchy."

"If you are not afraid to face the music, you may one day lead the band"...







Subject: Re: Please welcome Jude 16333!!!

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 04:22 PM EDT

From: Jude 16333

Message-id: <1998042420224200.QAA16629@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol, thank you so much for the welcome and introduction to Book Nook am

sure I will enjoy it. Hey !!!!, all you Book People !!!!






Subject: Re: April/May non-fiction releases

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:06 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042421064200.RAA21972@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy- you wrote<<NRK -- Can't believe you're going to Yankee Stadium on

Saturday. I'm jealous. We're true blue Yankee fans having lived in New York

most of my life.>>


Not only are we going to Yankee Stadium tomorrow (when I really planned on

spending the day in the basement) but they are celebrating the 50th

anniversary of the stadium also. Well, I also enjoy a happening and it sure

beats the basement. I never really got much into loving either the Yankeees

or Dogers but when I was 9 I saw the Boradway show of Damn Yankees and from

that time on, I would tell everybody I adored the Yanks. Imagine my face

when DH

and I were in the same elevator as Mickey Mantle. I was dating Bruce at the

time and it is one of our more memorable sightings during that time of our

lives.


Come to think of it there must be something about elevators and our family.

The other day our DD was in one on her way to her office when she mentioned

out loud how she thought more elevators were needed in this building. The

man next to her smiled as he was laughing. When DD reached her floor and

exited the elevator, her co-worker who had witnessed this, asked Mich if she

knew who he was----SPIKE LEE!!! Talk about being oblivious.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: The Strand

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:10 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042421100500.RAA21060@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy and others who will be at The Strand- one of the true pleasures of

being there with other readers I know is that strangers don't look at me

cockeyed when I'm ohhing and ahhing. You have no idea how many times I also

try to strike up a conversation with a person in a bookstore or library as

they're looking over a book and they react as if I was NUTS!!!!


BTW - I am also trying very hard NOT to buy any books till Monday but I am

feeling so deprived.


Can't wait to see what treasures will be found on Monday. Wish you all could

also be along with us.


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Induction & Mystery

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:10 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042421100600.RAA22289@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Warren (aka Luigi): Now that I can reread your post without quite so many

tears streaming down my face like they did when I first read it, I can say

THANK YOU! It brought me a big smile and made me laugh even as I was crying!

Please tell Mickey in your next chat to tell

Sunny I miss him, but that I'm so glad that all the little angel dogs love

him and that he's so happy there with all that playing and petting and

cookies! << And best of all -- there were no sick or hurting dogs in the

whole wonderful place. Not even one. >> That's the best part! You know,

it's funny, my very first dog (from my pre-school days) was named Mickey. I

remember all of them, and Sammy, my big black cat that we had all the years

my kids

were growing up. I guess they're all up there together now. It must be one

big happy place!

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Judi and Roe

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:15 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042421153600.RAA22750@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi - is J. Prufrock the one with the lines "comings and goings?" I often

use this when so many students want to leave the room for whatever.


In the meantime I was puttering around upstairs at 4 and decided to turn on

Oprah. Sure enough, like some of Roe's messages, I was crying. Not only

that I actually sat down and watched till the "other grandmother" was made

over. OH my- you have never seen such a transformation. This woman emerged

looking so stylish and much younger. Know what - SIGN ME UP. Actually my

dream is to be selelcted for one fo Oprah's book club meetings.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Shauna's Baby

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:20 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042421203300.RAA22019@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welcome to the world, Shauna's new baby girl!

Here's a little teddy bear to welcom her!


>W<

. ( Õ )^^^^^( Õ )

. .^ ```` ^.

. ( @.....@ )

. ..~ (_o_) ~..

. (_Ö ) / U \ ( Ö_)

. ( { } )

. ^ . \ / .^

. (_ Ö ) ^^^^^^( Ö_)



Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:27 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042421271100.RAA22667@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Beautiful poem you mentioned, Judi. For those who would like to read the

whole poem, you can find it at The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, by T.

S....


The last section of it reads:


I grow old . . . I grow old . . .

I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.


Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?

I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.

I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.


I do not think that they will sing to me.


I have seen them riding seaward on the waves

Combing the white hair of the waves blown back

When the wind blows the water white and black.


We have lingered in the chambers of the sea

By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown

Till human voices wake us, and we drown.

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Resolutions

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:35 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042421351700.RAA24612@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Remember when I resolved around the end of December to only read my OWN

books, not visit the library everyday and never reserve anything??? For

awhiel I was doing well. Of the 33 books I've read so far this year, at least

half were mine and only two were reserves. But today I really blew it,

folks.


Brought home the following titles:


Crystal Clear by Jane Heller

Heller is one very funny author. Reminds me of Susan Isaacs. If you want to

LOL, read her first book Cha Cha Cha.


The All-True Travels and Adventures of Liddie Newton by Jane Smiley

I think that quite a few have already mentioned reading or reserving this

one. For those who enjoyed These is My Words and Beween Earth and Sky, this

may be another for our westward ho readings.


The Rich Man's Table by Scott Spencer

This book is by the author of Endless Love (the movie starred Brooke Shields)

and Waking the Dead, both titles I rally enjoyed. The cover is also quite

intriguing- a half coverd face of Bob Dylan who figures porminently into the

book.


The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve

Many of you already know that I love most of Shreve's books. Really looking

forward to this one.


The Student Body by Jane Harvard

This is probably going to be one of those beach books- not sure if I'll

actually read it. It is written by 4 graduates of Harvard and the plot is

loosely based on a prostitution ring which was uncoveed at Brown University

in 1986.


And as if that wasn't enough, I RESERVED the following:


The Short History of a Prince by Jane Hamilton

The Archivist by Martha Cooley

The Ballad of Frankie Silver by Sharyn McCrumb

A Legacy of Silence by Belva Plain

You Belong to Me by Mary Higgins Clark

Storng for Potatoes by Cynthia Thayer ( she has been compared to Dorothy

Allison and Barbara Kingsolver)


BTW - the Plain and Clark's new books are read for sentimental reasons.


So what am I doing here - must read, read, read - these are all two week

books!



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: Please welcome Jude 16333!!!

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:37 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042421371200.RAA23581@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judy/Jude 16333, Welcome to Book Nook People. Join us in our chat. You can

even have some fresh cookies (::) (::) (::) (::) (::) (::) and a cup of

coffee `__D with us if you like.



Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Judi and Roe

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:44 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042421444800.RAA24314@ladder03.news.aol.com>


"In the rooms, the women come and go

Talking of Michelangelo..."


This is fun -- I feel like I'm in high school literature class again!


Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda







Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:44 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042421445400.RAA25532@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef, I love your Simon stories. It must have been fun having a little Owen

Meany character around! I WANT MORE SIMON STORIES! It reminded me a

little of something my son, Scott, said when he was small. We were looking

for a parking place at the mall and someone darted out in front of me when he

says "I GUESS HE DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TO LIVE

FOR!"

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Judi and Roe

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:47 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042421470600.RAA25771@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<Judi - is J. Prufrock the one with the lines "comings and goings?" I often

use this when so many students want to leave the room for whatever.>>


Oh, I just remembered that that saying is in one of the psalms too, something

like, "May the Lord bless your comings and goings..." Can anyone help here?


Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda






Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:49 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042421494400.RAA26008@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks, Barbara! I couldn't find my copy of the poem .


Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda







Subject: Re: Trauma and Movies

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 05:55 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042421553200.RAA25419@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I lurk for months, and now I can't shut up! Two movies traumatized me as a

child: Tommy, the rock opera by The Who and The Island of Dr. Moreau with

Michael York. I saw both when I was about eight or nine because my father

wanted to see them. Oof, the nightmares. When the remake of The Island of

Dr. Moreau came out a few years ago, I told my movie-loving DH and friends

that they would have to see it without me. Funny

what stays with you.


I'm so looking forward to MariLu, Judi, and Lita, and other SoCal Nookers

getting together next month. Shall we do chocolate again, ladies?


Have a fun weekend, everyone.



Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda







Subject: Finally posting.

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 06:03 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998042422035300.SAA26254@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Aol is acting up again. I almost finished this post and they bumped me off.


I hav not given up on all of you. I could not get the laptop to connect to

AOL in Pensacola, and when I got home all hell broke loose with the

construction. I will save the boring details, but I will tell you that I

have not even had time to read.


To catch up:


I want you to know that I take Judi's request around her son's wedding very

seriously.

I want all of you who are planning to go to arrive early for practice.

Dancing dirty on a tabletop sober is not an easy thing to do, and I have

enlisted my friend Leslie to help me with all of you who have never indulged

in this particular bit of foolishness. We deep Southern girls are well known

for our bad behavior, so this comes naturally to loose women like Leslie and

me. But the rest of you, do not worry. We will beat you into shape.

Remember this is for Judi!


First, all of you must get your navels pierced for a navel ring. They are

such the thing these days, and do not complain---I could have suggested a

nose or tongue ring. You also must remember that there will be no drinking

before our dancing. Humiliation is so much easier that way.


I am also counting on the rest of you Southern girls to help me with these

resistant girls from the NAWTH. Roe, that especially means you. And Cissy,

you, too. Roe, I know that you have promised to write this up, but you can

see so much more from the table. And Cissy, if you agree, we will let it be

your birthday.


If you cannot arrive early for practice, then please contact Leslie or me

ahead of time so that we can send you a detailed group of instructions to

practice. Remember as you worry about embarrassing yourself, this is for

Judi! I would not ask this of you for just any occasion. The Maniac has

promised to help me keep you all in line.


( Warren, if you can get that hip moving, your leadership in this matter

would help a lot. We do have a few people in this group who say they are

shy, like Jayne, and I need you to egg her on.)


Further matters--


Shauna, we are all thrilled about the birth of your daughter. Jealous,

really. You get to hold that sweet-smelling bundle and play with that

darling girl. Get all the sleep you can!


Judy, welcome to Booknook. We are really not this crazy all of the time,

just most of the time. I know you will like it here.


Nancy, one of my dreams is to go to Oprah, too. Why don't we write her and

tell her about Booknook? Or would we ruin it? You decide.

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: Re: Red Oprah Face

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 06:05 PM EDT

From: DCDLSD

Message-id: <1998042422050200.SAA27578@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe,


You may have your grandson to yourself. He may not recognize his other

Granny.


She looked great!


Lynne in Houston

currently reading SORT OF RICH







Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 06:37 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042422374500.SAA29675@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Two of my favorite passages from literature:

I should have been a pair of ragged claws,

Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

Prufrock


And:

O lost, and by the wind grieved, Ghost, come back again.

Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Re: Trauma & Movies

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 06:41 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042422412900.SAA01421@ladder01.news.aol.com>


We have a neighbor who loves electronic toys. He had the first VCR I ever

saw. A Sony Betamax. Every Saturday night, he would record Saturday Night

Live and on Sunday, we would go to their house for dinner, watch SNL and then

The Hardy Boys. One night, as we were enjoying SNL (back in the Dan

Ackroyd-John Belushi days), Simon nudged me, gave me a knowing look and said,

"Wouldn't it be funny if Saturday Night Live was on Saturday?"



Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck






Subject: Prufrock/Mary Coral

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 06:48 PM EDT

From: KarenLLS

Message-id: <1998042422484200.SAA00938@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, I love Prufock also! This is such fun. I've had times in my life where

I could not go to sleep without a nip of Frost or a swig of Eliot. I've

posted by response in the poetry folder, however, since it is lengthy. I

just can't rhapsodize compactly, and non-poetry lovers will be snoring four

words into it. : )


--------


Welcome back, Mary Coral! Glad you're back, and in a table-dancing mood.

Shall I supply the Seven Veils for those women who don't like heights?


Karen in Alabama, who just finished Ellen Gilchrist's Anabasis, and may

start Oliver Sacks' An Anthropologist on Mars. Or should I just switch to

comic books for fun?







Subject: Re: Chocolate

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 07:18 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042423184300.TAA03874@ladder03.news.aol.com>


CATHY-SPUMONI--<<Shall we do chocolate again, ladies?>>SOB, SOB! I can't eat

chocolate!!!! I'm allergic to it! Can I have butterscotch or strawberry,

caramel, or blueberry cheesecake, and just watch you guys eat chocolate,

smell it, and eat my heart out?


Cheef--I WANT MORE SIMON STORIES! Me too!


Hey, Jude! Welcome!


JUDI--I loved THE LOVED ONE in college. What fun! I oughta go back and read

that again. I think of it whenever I hear Whoopi Goldberg talk about putting

makeup on corpses for a living before she made it in comedy. (Remember the

makeup artist?) She said it was a good job, because her customers stayed

still and never complained.


SUE IN MI--LOL--touche!

Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu







Subject: not exercising self-restraint

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 07:39 PM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042423390800.TAA05376@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mari Lu was right, I did not have my usual self restraint yesterday. I set

out to buy Irving's and Tyler's new books, neither available yet at the book

store where I usually shop. Instead, in the morning I bought:


AMERICAN PASTORAL, Philip Roth (for our reading group)

THE LIGHT OF FALLING STARS, J Robert Lennon (also for our reading group)

THE PERSIAN PICKLE CLUB, Sandra Dallas (I had looked with this several times

before)

THE SIZE OF THOUGHTS, Nicholson Baker (essays, on the bargain table, made me

think about Jackie's "dessert books." Cute cover - a hat with lines measuring

along the side and bottom)


Now that right there should have been enough, but as soon as I walked into

the used book store where Mari Lu and I were meeting, I spotted and had to

buy:


"TAYLORS GUIDE TO SHADE GARDENING" (it has great pictures)


Then, Mari Lu walked in and brought me a copy of:


LOVE MEDICINE, Louise Erdrich (my first one of her's)


That again should have been quite enough. But when we walked into Kepler's I

spotted and ALSO had to buy:


WHAT WE KEEP, Elizabeth Berg (signed, and another one of my favorite authors)


I picked it up and carried it as I continued looking around. Within minutes

Mari Lu walked up to me holding a book, saying, "Look what I found." It was

Berg's book, of course. We both bought it.


Also bought yesterday (for those of you still reading!):


- outdoor furniture


- a CD set found in the book store - "Classical Music for Readers, Specially

selected triumphs in Classical Music appealing specifically to the decidated

reader," and


- mint, that I will plant in the yard this weekend to use in the ice tea I

will drink while sitting in the new chaise reading and listening to the

reader's music


Now I just have to figure out how to take an extended absence from my job!


Erika, inviting any and all who want to come and sit in the shade with me and

read (but the outdoor end tables will be just a bit too small for dancing on,

I'm afraid)







Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 08:27 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042500274600.UAA09876@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef - lovely quotes. Prufrock gets more and more relevant the older I get.

I wrote a great paper on it in college where I interpreted the last verse as

symbolizing the evolution of humans from the sea (until human voices waked us

and we drowned) - after reading it again in Warren's post, I still think it

holds up - blew my teacher away.


A line of a poem that's stayed with me forever -


Love's boat has smashed against existence

And we are quits with life.


And, all my life, Oh, Western Wind, when wilt thou blow,

That the small rain down can rain.

Christ, that my love were in my arms

And I in my bed again.


I assume everyone knows that one. Anonymous - maybe one of the first

anonymous?


Time for dinner - the big question of every day - what and where?







Subject: Re: Love One

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:14 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042501141800.VAA13861@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Wrong Carol answers - I always found this a hoot! Kind of black humor - but

still a hoot

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: RE: New Baby Girl

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:27 PM EDT

From: MOGMNY

Message-id: <1998042501271300.VAA15215@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna, congrats on the newest arrival..... what have you named her? I'm so

glad she is finally here.... Im sure you feel the same way.

Love, MO in SB







Subject: Friday's Visit

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:29 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042501290500.VAA15397@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Enjoying the visit with T S Eliot & crew - give me the Waste Land any day! I

once found a wonderful book in a pile of remainders- printed to look like a

scrapbook - contains Eliot's scribbles & plans for the above work - felt like

reading someone else's mail. I love leafing through it.


Just finished reading SNOW IN AUGUST - a little too much baseball in it for

me - but I loved the mix of reality & magic. Slightly reminiscent of

another great book - A BOY'S LIFE by Robt. McCammon - I recommended this for

years & finally a few people listened - & loved it. Anyone here try it yet?

SNOW certainly knows how to pile on the nasty happenings to the point where

it really demands a magic Golem to save the world.


Hope to be all ready for the big trip by today - ha ha - but knew I wouldn't.

Spent the time taking Alex to an eye doctor & doing everyone else's chores -

oh well - there's always tomorrow. Since I leave here around 5:30 Sunday

morning, tomorrow is all there is. (after golf, that is)


Guess I better get my voluminous book list in order - priority one!


The Maniac of Marco

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:30 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042501303300.VAA15560@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara - thanks for this link to the poem by TS Eliot.


My what an interesting discussion ensued over my mentioning a book titled The

Mermaids Singing. Now if we only stuck to book, look at what we would have

missed. Not that discussing books only is bad, except that as somebody once

said our reading experiences encompasses much more than our books. We also

bring to a book our own lives and take away from books somebody else's as

well. Or something like that.


Mary Coral- if you write the letter I'll definitely sit next to you on the

Oprah show. I'm afraid if I wrote anything to Oprah I would embarrass all of

you with my typos. Here you people are accustomed to my oops errors but her

people might not be able to figure out my lingo.


Erika- your message reminded me of a friend I used to shop with. We aways

had a pact- the one who spent the most paid for lunch. The way we figured it

was, if you spent so much money, you wouldn't mind spending a little more.

So, I'm dreaming of lunch on you.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: entering the Twilight Zone?

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:33 PM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042501331800.VAA14626@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Did any one else see posts here this morning from Schmerguls and Cheef about

Dickens' books? I swear I saw some, but now can't find them anywhere. I

emailed Cheef, who recalls some posts a long time ago. I didn't notice the

dates on the posts this morning, assuming they were current. I went back to

find them because I wanted to respond. Did I fall into a time warp? Warren? I

wasn't reading anywhere except Readers and Reading.


I'll respond anyway! Schmerguls was asking about Dickens' books, listed as he

usually does dates he finished which books, and asked about which books

others might recommend. Cheef responded. I wanted to tell about the

following: My daugher is a college freshman in Tacoma, Washington (Shannon

country) and one of her grandmothers (my DMIL) lives in Florida. The two

decided by phone to choose the same book and read it "together." When both

were here for

Easter they went out on a book hunting trip and brought home Dicken's Great

Expectations!


Erika, feeling like Cathy, also lurking for a long time and now can't keep

quiet






Subject: This and that, here and now

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:34 PM EDT

From: Gina125

Message-id: <1998042501345300.VAA16044@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Shauna: Congratulations on the new arrival I know you and your

family are really enjoying her. And, I know she is beautiful. Hope to

see her picture soon in Fredonia art gallery.


f We have some new babies at our house too. My DS's dog, Sugar, just had

puppies yesterday morning--five of them. They are adorable but, of course, I

haven't really

gotten to see them much yet. She is such a good mother, so protective.!


My DS announced his engagement while he was home on leave. He has been

going with this girl for the past 3 years. He was hesitant to let us know,

however, because he

didn't know how we would take it since he had just started his marine

enlistment. We are very happy for both of them and for us. She is such a

lovely girl and we already love her.

Anyway, they have no definite plans for when it will be. But, she called me

yesterday and said she had chosen her wedding dress and bought a pattern for

her mother to make.


Jackie, would you like to make a little wager on the basketball series

between the

Rockets and the Jazz? As you know, the Rockets are the underdogs but, the

game

last n ight was good with them winning 103 to 90. Of course, the rockets

have really had a bad season so that might be the only one they win. Whaddya

think?


Book talk: I just finished reading BOOKED TO DIE by Dunning and I gave

it an A+.

Can't wait to read BOOKMAN'S WAKE. And to think, I had it in my hot little

hands when I was at the library a couple of days ago but since I was trying

to reform and not bring so many books home each time I left it. So, I'm

reading RABBIT, RUN by John Updike now.

My sister has been trying to get me to read the RABBIT books for years so I

decided to start. Right now, I am undecided about this one.

Hope all of you have a good weekend.


Gina in Houston


The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even

touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller







Subject: Cheef found them

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 09:39 PM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042501392300.VAA16539@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cheef just emailed me -- she found the posts! They are down below, in reading

literature, from last fall! Guess I guess I just got lost this morning. Not

sure how I did that. Thanks, Cheef!


Erika






Subject: Re: Welcome

Date: Fri, 24 April 1998 10:18 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042502183200.WAA19544@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welcome to Judy, any friend of Carole's is a friend to us all! You'll learn

to love it here, you'll learn to cry with us, laugh with us and read with us.

It's the best little cyber world!

I saw the "other grandmother" on Oprah. My daughter couldn't believe it

when I asked her to remind me when Oprah was on today. I told her a friend

of a friend was going to be on. The makeover was terrific, Roe, tell her I

love the new hair color!

I have often thought that Booknook would be an interesting subject for an

Oprah show. Many of us could meet on the show! But we couldn't tell the

world where our little spot is, people have to find us thru whatever means

available, not thru publicity on TV! It would be good to show the world that

there are lovely things on-line besides XXX pictures of real girls.

Nancy, I have a hard time, too, not talking to people about the books

they're picking up in bookstores. And an even harder time if they're looking

at a book by one of our own authors. I saw a man in an airport recently

reading Nathan's Run and I just had to interrupt him and ask if he was

enjoying it. He was loving it, John, and told me just where he was in the

story.

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: T.S. Eliot

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:30 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042505302700.BAA08976@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy--The women coming and going and talking of Michaelangelo are in "The

Wasteland." I love Eliot's poetry. I cried when he died--and he was such an

"anti-Semite besstid," as Mel Brooks would have called him.


BTW, Nancy--this prostitution ring that was, ahem, uncovered at Brown in

1986?? This is true? My daughter graduated from Brown in 1986. Hmmmmm.

Either she told me and I forgot (I go to sleep, perchance to dream, and I

forget everything) or else I never knew. More likely the former. CRS.


In a few hours I have to wake up to go to the airport to go to Yu Nawk! So

if I have to wake up soon, it might be a good idea to go to sleep first. I

CRS, but damn! I'm logical.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain







Subject: Re: Please welcome Jude 16333!!!

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:33 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042505331700.BAA10410@ladder01.news.aol.com>


A big BN hello and welcome to Jude16333. You have found a wonderful place so

stick around and enjoy.



Carol in Oceanside, CA







Subject: Re: Finally posting.

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:38 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042505384600.BAA10811@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Coral--I hope all the others take you seriously because I most assuredly

do. This is not a frivolous matter. I know none of you would want to ruin

my DS's wedding day, so the practice time you put in will be well worth it.

We have rented a beautiful Victorian mansion right on the beach and will have

it for a week so there will be ample time for the Suthin'

hootchy-kootchy dancers to arrive early and leap upon the tables with gay yet

sober abandon. You all have your jobs to do. You know what they are. Please

do not let me down. I am counting on every one of you. (And if you think I

wouldn't adore having you all there, you've got me figured all wrong. It

could be an all BN reunion before Michigan in August. Just think how good

your dancing would be by then!)

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Red Oprah Face

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:40 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042505402000.BAA09674@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, Lynne! You're reading Sort of Rich. I loved, loved, loved that book!

Talk about people acting and talking at cross purposes. I think it's

Wilcox's best. Tell me what you think!

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: A great listen

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:42 AM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042505421700.BAA11043@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Judi - Yes indeed I had read The Loved Ones many years ago but had forgotten

about it. It too was a real hoot. Thanks for reminding me of it.



Carol in Oceanside, CA







Subject: Re: Prufrock/Mary Coral

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:46 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042505460100.BAA11260@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Karen--Hold off on the comic books and read An Anthropologist on Mars.

Wonderful book. Every chapter is fascinating, but I found the chapter on

Temple Grandin, the austistic college professor (am I remembering this

correctly?) particularly affecting--the way she built a hugging machine

because she needed to be hugged but couldn't stand to be hugged by people.


Sacks is a mensch. I wrote to him about 10 years ago when I lost my senses

of taste and smell and nothing had restored them. He wrote back to me on his

typewriter that looked as if it had been in hard use since 1857 and suggested

several people for me to contact, both here and in Europe, about an article I

had written about my problem. He wrote me several times and could not have

been more compassionate. A really decent human being.

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: Book Browsing

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:52 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042505520800.BAA10405@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Oh, Nancy, you are in BIG trouble!! If the one who spends the most pays for

the lunch, 14 of us will be your honored guests on Monday. That was some

book list you posted tonight. I think they take all credit cards at Silver

Palace. Or else you can make dim sum for a week and work it off. Thanks for

your generosity! Whatta pal!

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: This and that, here and now

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 01:58 AM EDT

From: WriteJudi

Message-id: <1998042505582600.BAA12015@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Gina in Houston--Congratulations on your DS's engagement. What a happy time!

And just think--you will have live and very professional table dancers at his

wedding if you just sound the call. The Southern contingent is starting to

shimmy. I picture them like the men in the unemployment line in "The Full

Monty."


The four Rabbit books were/are on my all-time favorite list. Parts very sad,

other parts LOL funny, all very genuine. Such a vivid picture of a man's

life. After each book I knew another would be coming along, but after Rabbit

at Rest I was so let down because unless there is a Rabbit Resurrected,

that's all he wrote. :- (

Judi


A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those

intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical

as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

--Mark Twain






Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 07:56 AM EDT

From: Brownis23

Message-id: <1998042511562900.HAA23858@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I have been silently lurking here trying to read all 1400+ posts and get to

know you all by your words. You are all delightful. I wish I had done it

sooner so I could have gone to Albany to meet some of you. I live in Central

New York so it's just a hop, skip and a jump for me. If you ever get together

again, I'll be there. I love this board. You are all so supportive of each

other and obviously love each other. I think I have found a

home. May I?

Maureen "What goes around, comes around"






Subject: Re: T.S. Eliot

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 08:19 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042512194200.IAA23676@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi- Thanks again for the info on The Wasteland- sort of describes some of

those students who always interrupt my lessons and have to leave the room.

Oh now Nancy if you continue to talk like that yoy'll never nmake it onto

Oprah as a makeover beloved teacher.

About Brown- the authors said it was loosely based on the story at Brown

although they did acknowledge that it really did happen there. And these

days when I post anywhere I try to be oh so very PC. Ha Ha - LOL - ROTFL -

as if me with my big mouth could ever worry or care about being PC. You

know, some of us just either tell it like it is or how we see it. Can you

tell that at 8:12 in the morning my hormones are raging and I need to walk to

alleviate this aggression. LOL


Yes, one by one they will be heading for NY- from Ca. comes Mari Lu, Judi and

Celesta? From Florida comes Carol. From Pa. comes Nancy and Suzanne, from

New Jersey comes, Sally and Joann, from the city comes Nina, Warren and

Mercedes, from Westchester comes Jan and last but surely not least from Long

Island comes Barb. And me I'm stopping over from the 4th rock from the

Hudosn. Rememeber that song They're Coming to America sung by Neil Diamond

in

the remake of The Jazz Singer - hum the tune and we'll add in our own words-

They're Coming to New York.....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: T.S. Eliot

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 08:55 AM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042512553301.IAA25063@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My advisor in college got her PhD at the University of Chicago. At one point

during her tenure there, T.S. Eliot visited the school. There was a grand

dinner party given by the English department and she found herself seated not

too far from him. She was so excited!!! Wisdom at the feet of the master!!!

She said his dinner conversation was a boring debate as to the proper

components of a salad dressing. So much for genius.







Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 09:15 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042513155300.JAA25946@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Maureen,

Post just once and you become an instant family member. Welcome to you! I

think it was last year when a group met for the first time in NYC and one

person was a lurker who had never posted and she was welcomed with open arms.


Some of us are meeting for a Bookstock 98' session in Michigan during

August. It's a long way from NY but plan a mini vacation and join us in

Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior.







Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 10:01 AM EDT

From: KarenLLS

Message-id: <1998042514014400.KAA29780@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi Maureen!


Sure, come on board! I just read your profile and you might like the

gardening and music folders, too, although the music folder has been invaded

by aliens in Nookers bodies. Heck they're still fun, so we let them post.


There are only 1400 messages for you to read? Gosh darn, you're way ahead

of me. I just found out the Shauna was pregnant : )


Karen in Alabama, out of lurk mode like Spumony & Erika.....






Subject: Albany Meet

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 10:05 AM EDT

From: YiYi125

Message-id: <1998042514050700.KAA29989@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I don't post often but I was at the Albany meeting with the Carole's, Laura

and 'shy' Jayne. It was a wonderful time and I enjoyed meeting everyone.

Once I convinced DH I had not been kidnapped by a group of crazies from

inside my computer, we went to dinner and more conversation (no typing

necessary). It was a great experience.

We have a new 'addition' to this empty nest. We have acquire a new puppy.

It is a miniature pinscher-looks like a doberman but is only 4 lbs and won't

get any bigger than 8-10 lbs. Her name is Pandora. We have already had some

problems. We had her about 4 weeks when she broke her right front paw

chasing the cat up the stairs. This required micro-surgery by a board

certified ortho Vet. (in other words $$$$$)

She had the surgery and was recuperating at home nicely when she attempted to

jump on DH's favorite chair. Yes-she then broke her left front paw-same

break, same surgery. So now, she is in a padded crate, only gets out to walk

on a lead in the yard. She is not too happy with her situation she wants to

run and jump but the vet says she will become more sturdy with age (she is

only 4 mos old) but I think she may outlive me (worse that a baby!!)..

So much for my tale of woe, good news is our son got engaged on Easter

Sunday. We like her a lot, she is going to school to continued her

education. She will have her RN when she finishes.

Started golf lessons last week and having a great time. Now I only have to

practice, practice, practice.

Shy Jayne, who has accent? I only met one person at the Albany meet with an

accent-can you guess who?

Boy I am winded-I said a lot. Am now reading BOOKED TO DIE by Dunning and

enjoying it-one of my 'finds' from the Albany meet.

Carole #3 aka Yiyi125

Carole #3 AKA YiYi125






Subject: Re: Please welcome Jude 16333!!!

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 10:12 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042514123700.KAA00619@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Judy:


Looking forward to seeing you here on the book nook People Board. Its a fun

place. Also all the other folders.


Here is the hyperlink to explore all the folders about Book Nook

Happenings: READERS AND READING


On Wednesday nights at 9:00 Eastern until whenever and

On Saturday nights at 9:00 Eastern until whenever we have FREDONIA CHAT .

Please peek in even though your a Newbie and meet some of us.


Bye the way I had the pleasure of meeting Carole Face to Fact in Albany last

weekend. She is a very nice lady. ( I am forced to say that since everyone

is reading this on Book Nook People. LOL )


Please join us at 9:00 this evening. It is fun. I am the honorary hostess

so I shall be there with my usual Book Nook Bells.


Welcome Judy.


Regards,

Jayne


Jayne in Connecticut


Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.







Subject: Re: Angela's Ashes/City of Angels

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 11:54 AM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042515541400.LAA08765@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Shannon:


I would love to share your Audio of Angela's Ashes. You have my address but

if you lost it e-mail and I will send it again. If someone already has

requested it, please let them know I would love to have it next.


Have them e-mail me and I will send my address.


Thanks,

Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.







Subject: Politically Correct Teenagers

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 12:02 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042516022600.MAA09436@ladder01.news.aol.com>


FOR ALL YOU TEACHERS, here's one to warm your heart and make you chuckle by

one of AAC's gifted teachers, AACMrMaze.



POLITICAL CORRECTNESS FOR TEENAGERS

No one fails a class anymore, he's merely "passing impaired."

You don't have detention, you're just one of the"exit delayed."

Your bedroom isn't cluttered, it's just "passage restrictive."

These days, a student isn't lazy. He's "energetically declined."

Your locker isn't overflowing with junk, it's just "closure prohibitive."

Kids don't get grounded anymore. They merely hit "social speed bumps."

Your homework isn't missing, its just having an "out-of-notebook experience."

You're not sleeping in class, you're "rationing consciousness."

You're not late, you just have a "rescheduled arrival time."

You're not having a bad hair day, you're suffering from "rebellious follicle

syndrome."

You don't have smelly gym socks, you have "odor-retentive athletic footwear."

No one's tall anymore. He's "vertically enhanced."

You're not shy. You're "conversationally selective."

You don't talk a lot. You're just "abundantly verbal."

You weren't passing notes in class. You were "participating in the discreet

exchange of penned meditations."

You're not being sent to the principals office, You're

"going on a mandatory field trip to the administrative building."

It's not called gossip anymore. It's "the speedy transmission of near-factual

information."

The food at the school cafeteria isn't awful. It's "digestively challenged."



And one final word of wisdom from a former US President:


"I strongly support the feeding of children" - Gerald Ford




Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu






Subject: Re: new to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 12:03 PM EDT

From: Brownis23

Message-id: <1998042516033100.MAA08274@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thank you all for your warm welcome. You will be *seeing* me around here. You

all seem so nice...sending audios back and forth and all. I feel right at

home. I'll make chocolate chip cookies for the Fredonia chat tonight. see ya

all there

Maureen "What goes around, comes around"







Subject: Re: T.S. Eliot

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 12:15 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042516154400.MAA10525@ladder01.news.aol.com>


That's okay Nancy I don't mind that you left me out. Its Jayne from

Connecticut remember!!!! I am so thrilled you will buy lunch for us all as

Judi says you will spend the most money. Ha. Ha. I think you should have

said:


"Last but not Least" Jayne from Connecticut.


But left out or not I will be there!!!!

Jayne in Connecticut



Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.








Subject: Re: new to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 12:22 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042516224300.MAA09893@ladder03.news.aol.com>


While I eagerly join in the welcome to Judy and Maureen, frankly, with

regard to this latter newcomer, I am confused and concerned. If I understand

"Maureen" correctly, she resides in central New York - within the easy reach

of Albany -- and her name is not Carole???!!! Just who does think she is

fooling? Alright, or even all right whichever H.L.Mencken would prefer, I

understand the LauraD problem. But Laura is

still a young student, maybe even an Albany transient for all I know, but, if

she stays in those fine New York environs, I know Laura will eventually

change her name to Carole something. If she does it quickly, for a limited

time only, Carole4 is still avilable. But I am concerned about Maureen, and I

ask YankeeNana (Jayne) to please perform the required minimum inquires at the

Fredonia chat before we all rush off foolishly and just accept this

nom-de-nonCarole.


For Tock, Fred and all the gang at the Castle

--- a concerned Fredonia citizen

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 12:54 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042516540900.MAA12461@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welcome Jude and Maureen! The more the merrier!!!

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 02:32 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998042518324800.OAA21874@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Maureen, if you have read all the recent posts and still want to be a part of

this group, I say, "Come on down!" We are glad to have you.


Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: Re: new to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 02:42 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042518424700.OAA21496@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I've been trying for two days now to catch up with the posts. What a

prolific group! AOL's PMS has not helped either, as I have been bumped

several times. So . . . since I can't get ahead, would you please stop

posting til further notice? Thank you.


Welcome, Maureen and Judy. Also, congratulations to Shauna on her beautiful

baby girl. Hope we get to see pictures soon.


Off to catch up,

Cissie, reading American Pastoral (I give it a 12 on a 10 point scale!)






Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 02:45 PM EDT

From: TDanks777

Message-id: <1998042518454200.OAA21731@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Maureen: Yes, you may!!


Gina: Yes, read the Rabbit serious, by all means!!! I loved the whole

series and I think that 2 of them even won Pulitzer prizes (Judi?) Updike is

a genius who explores the inner workings of 'Rabbit' so thoroughly that by

the end of the book/series, you ARE him. Enjoy!



Terri--reading Snow In August and scouring the bookstores frantically for

American Pastoral so that I may finally contribute to our online book group







Subject: MariLu/Welcomes/Congrats

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 03:00 PM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042519002700.PAA24241@ladder01.news.aol.com>


MariLu wrote: <<SOB, SOB! I can't eat chocolate!!!! I'm allergic to it!

Can I have butterscotch or strawberry, caramel, or blueberry cheesecake, and

just watch you guys eat chocolate, smell it, and eat my heart out?>> How

about white chocolate, MariLu? Oh, I'm starting to salivate just thinking

about white chocolate cheesecake with a hot white mocha...yummm... We don't

want you to eat your heart

out!!!


A big warm welcome to Judy and Maureen and a note of caution - you'll never

leave this place again!


Congratulations to Shauna and her new baby girl!!! What's her name?


Have a wonderful weekend all,




Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda







Subject: Re: Boy's Life

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 03:52 PM EDT

From: RKCK SYST

Message-id: <1998042519521300.PAA28783@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol,

Yes, have read this wonderful book. I absolutely loved it and would

recommend it highly to anyone desiring just a dose of magic to go with their

story. (Was so taken with the fun and unforgettable characters that my

husband and I still call anything big -- like our male cat -- or VERY small

-- such as a chihuahua and we're being facetious: "Big 'Un Blaylock).

Anyway, hadn't thought Snow in August sounded very good judging from most of

the

comments made here; however, now that I know these two books resemble one

another, I'll surely read it ASAP. Thanks for the perspective.

Carolyn K. (reading Gone But Not Forgotten by Philip Margolin)

"Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of

it." P.J. O'Rourke






Subject: Welcomes

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 04:36 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042520363800.QAA01790@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Maureen -- yes indeedy, you may! Welcome! Isn't this a lovely, slightly wacky

group!


And Jude 16333/Judy, a hearty Welcome to you too!


Carole #3... glad to see posting. I read BOOKED TO DIE and THE BOOKMAN'S WAKE

not very long ago and really enjoyed them.


I'm currently reading HIGH CRIMES by Jos. Finder and ALL THE PRETTY HORSES by

Cormac McCarthy. (I think I've given up on GUILT BY ASSOCIATION; just not my

cuppa tea...)


I'm SO looking forward to Monday in NYC!


Sally (AKA Miss Sally in NJ)

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)







Subject: poetry?/welcome

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 04:37 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042520371000.QAA01835@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judy and Maureen,

A warm welcome to Readers and Reading. We are most happy to see you. I must

say the nicest aspect of these folders (other than the wonderful and warm

people who inhabit them) is that they are addictive without causing too much

physiological damage.


Nancy in NJ,


Speaking of addictive, here's a thought of a possible gimmick for you to try

to get on the Oprah Show, " I can't stop buying books". You know how Oprah

maintains all addictions are manifestations of other problems and issues?

Perhaps we could convince her she was responsible, epidemiologically

speaking, of course, since she has placed such an emphasis on reading (We

would not have to disclose to her the pre-existing conditions). I wonder

what she

would think of the obsessive-compulsive nature of buying books when the TBR

piles are Mount Everest-like in size? When the "unreads" are not even out

of the bag? When one has more books in one's possession than can be read in a

decade? When the drive to secure, procure, or purchase just a few more is

number #1 on Maslov's hierarchy? Just a silly thought, but affecting more

and more of us as evidenced by a chronic, driven behavioral pattern. LOL



Mary Coral:

As the choreographer of the table dance, you must know that most successful

table dancing is performed without much practice, for if one is to actually

train and rehearse for an activity of this sort, even in private, someone is

sure to come into the room and mock the dancer, pointing and uttering

sarcastic comments, while laughing hysterically, thus mortifying or

discouraging the performer. For this

reason, might I suggest that all table dancing be completely spontaneous the

day of the event, with only the use of a small cattle prod to encourage the

dancers?



eecummings:


Since you mentioned one initialized poet, the discussion triggered by

Mermaids, I just had to mention another in honor of WriteJudi....eecummings,

who frankly, I never understood yesterday and am not quite sure I do today (

unless I omit all the adverbial and adjective clauses and phrases and am left

with a few nouns and verbs only, and even then meaning is debatable, and

what's left to read? OK, ok, I can rearrange the syntax and find more

meaning,

but then it isn't the poetry anymore. <G> I'm not quite sure of the title

of this poem, but it is probably the first line: <<to many things and which

die>>>" There are a couple of lines which follow which remind me of Judi as

per the gardening folder



...frankly

admitting i have been true

only to the noise of worms

in the eligible day

under the unaccountable sun)

Distinct Lady

swiftly take

my fragile certain song

that we may watch together

how behind the doomed

exact smile of life's

placid obscure palpable

carnival where to a normal

melody of probable violins dance

the square virtues with the oblong sins

perfectly

gesticulate the accurate

strenuous lips of incorruptible

Nothing under the ample

sun, under the insufficient

day under the noise of worms>> ROTF


Booknook Meeting:

Hope all of you getting together in NY have a most delightful time.

Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Albany Meet

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 04:55 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042520552900.QAA03504@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi Carole #3 - some friends of ours have a miniature dobie called Sadie - she

is the sweetest, most intelligent and aware little dog - the best pet because

she's the size of a cat and loves to cuddle. We have a puppy, too, a basset

hound that we rescued who is about 8 months named Buttercup. She hasn't hurt

herself yet (although she had kennel cough when we got her, so that

required some monetary outlay) but she may win the prize for the worst puppy

we've ever had, a record held until now by a Westie we had. She is extremely

loving and has a nice even temperament but destructive!


MariLu - I always wonder what Betty Ford saw in Gerald. Of course, he's

probably an "easy" husband, which could be a blessing. Love PC language as

it gets funnier and funnier.


Welcome to Maureen and Judi - I look forward to your posts. I don't believe

you have to change your name, Maureen - Not unless you really like Carole.



Belated congratulations to Shauna on the birth of your healthy baby girl -

when you have a

free moment :), we look forward to hearing all about her.



Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Monday meeting

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 06:31 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998042522313100.SAA13350@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I just wanted to be sure to tell all of you meeting in New York on Monday to

have a good time, and take care of my Mom for me while I'm stuck in the

office!


She and Dad just got home from their cruise today and are still running on

adrenalin--I expect the travel-fatigue will catch up to them at any time now.

I was a good daughter, though--I made sure the kitchen is stocked with

breakfast and lunch things, and made a lasagne so that Mom won't even have to

think about cooking tomorrow. (With all the vacation laundry, that's a good

thing, no?) I even did my own laundry today (instead of Sunday as usual)

so that she can have the laundry room all to herself.


I've got to say, though, it took Mom longer than I thought to notice the new

plates on my car. My new, vanity license plates (which Mom paid for, I might

add) came on Thursday--so on Friday, I put them on, returned the old ones to

DMV, and sat back to wait for Mom to notice--she walked past the car three

times before noticing! Even Dad noticed right away (and boy, is that a

switch!)--I would have thought that, with plates like "MV MASS" my Martha's

Vineyard-fanatic mother would have instinctively sniffed them out from up the

block! Ah well . . . at least I don't have to keep them a secret anymore!


Have a good one, everyone!



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Martha's Vineyard, Nevada Barr

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 06:36 PM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998042522364400.SAA13827@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Hi everyone!


Many here have expressed a love for Martha's Vineyard. Have you seen this

website? Martha's Vineyard Online (tm) Maybe you can find something you

like here.


Shauna and Family: Congratulations on the birth of your new baby daughter!

Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful time in your life.


Welcome Maureen! Welcome, Judy! The more, the merrier!


Have been enjoying all the new links showing up here recently. It can be a

lot of fun checking them out, and consequently discovering new websites.

Have just ordered (and quickly received!) some pasta and sauces from this

link: Flying Noodle - gourmet food, pastas and sauc... Shall be trying it

soon, looks delicious!


Hope you all have a great time in NYC on Monday, and those of you traveling

long distances, Bon Voyage!


Carolyn on Long Island, reading my first Nevada Barr novel







Subject: Re: White chocolate

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 07:22 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042523223700.TAA16682@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Spumony2 / Cathy --<<How about white chocolate, MariLu?>> No! I made the

mistake once of thinking white chocolate was vanilla, so it would be safe.

Not so! I ate two pieces and ended up sick with a monster migraine for two

days. It turns out, there's cocoa butter in white chocolate. I already knew

I was allergic to that, because cocoa butter lotion will break my hands out,

but I had no idea it was in white chocolate. Poor me! You're mean!!!

Sitting there in front of me eating that, letting the smell reach my poor

tortured nostrils and olfactory nerve, longing, wanting it so much.

OOOOH!!!!!


HI MAUREEN! WELCOME! And don't let Luigi badger you into changing your

name. He just wants everyone to be like him, so no one knews who anyone is.

Only become Carole 4 if you really, truly want to do so. This is an equal

opportunity message board!


SHANNON--I, too, would love to share the audio of Angela's Ashes. Please put

me on your list.


TOMORROW I'LL BE ON MY WAY!!!!!!!!

Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu






Subject: Thanks...prayers worked!

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 07:27 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042523272200.TAA17112@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I just want to thank everyone for the prayers and support when my sister was

told that she might have MS a month or so ago. She has had a brain MRI's and

a couple other MRI's plus a spinal tap that made her so sick that she was in

the hospital for 4 days...but when the results came back, it was completely

negative! No indication that she has MS...still no explanation of the

"lesion" on her spine or the numbness that she experienced, but

good news just the same!


The power of this group's positive thoughts is overwhelming!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading Cider House Rules...and trying to catch up on my Entertainment

Weekly's before this week's issue arrives.






Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 07:43 PM EDT

From: Ruth59

Message-id: <1998042523430100.TAA19716@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Of course you may, Maureen. Any you to Jude....welcome to BookNook.


I should give you fair warning though, before you get too far into it, Book

Nook is addictive. In fact, some specualte it is an AOL plot to keep folks

with the service despite the bumps, disconnects, and the host of other AOL

problems.


My friends insist it is a cult and that may be as we have official uniforms,

book bags, and an emperor.


For a thorough introduction to all things Fredonian (a subset of booknook)

please check out the Fredonian web page at the hyperlink below.




RuthAlice


The Useful Page

http://members.aol.com/ruth59/index.html

Fredonia

http://members.aol.com/fredonian/index.html







Subject: coming and going

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 07:59 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042523590500.TAA21141@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Cathy,


You asked yesterday about a reference in the Psalms to the LORD

blessing our comings and goings.

I am pretty sure that the verse you have in mind is Psalm 121, verse 8. I am

not aware of, nor could I quickly find, any other verse with similar

language.


Ps.121.8 is usually rendered, depending on the translation, in one of

these fashions--


"The LORD will guard (or keep or preserve or protect) your going

out and your coming in from this time forth and forever more. "


The NIV says ...."The LORD will watch over your coming and going

.......".


And while I do not have any translation that uses exactly the

language you mentioned --


"The LORD will bless your comings and your goings -------"


that is clearly the meaning of the other versions, and so it

wouldn't surprise me if some modern translation version has exactly that

language.


for King

James ------ Emperor Fred

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes







Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 09:27 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998042601270200.VAA29872@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Now, RuthAlice, just because I am sitting here in my BookNook t-shirt,

drinking coffee out of my BookNook cup and checking these boards

compulsively, you can't accuse me of belonging to a cult. (Can you???)

Cheef

It is inherently easier to develop a negative argument than to advance a

constructive one.

John Steinbeck







Subject: Dog Story

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 10:03 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042602031600.WAA02483@ladder03.news.aol.com>


TO ALL:


Well, I just had to go spend a Barnes and Noble gift certificate today.

Perhaps the story of the gift certificate is much more interesting than the

book purchase. From my darling friend for taking care of her dogs. A very

generous gift certificate. I earned it.


Having already started American Pastoral and loving The Short History of a

Prince, I purchased: Joy School by Elizabeth Berg (What We Keep will be out

in two weeks),The Light of Falling Stars by J. Robert Lennon, Duplicate Keys

by Jane Smiley (Thanks Nancy), and The Pilot's Wife, Anita Shreve


A Darling Dear Very Young friend of mine lost her Grandfather right before

spring break and had to be out of town for five days. We are teachers

together and friends, and live only 3 miles apart. She has six Labrador

Retrievers. Three adults and three puppies. Need I tell you more than it

was raining the first two days of Spring Break? Sliding down the hill on my

butt and unlandscaping the yard as I went a half a dozen times is not the

gist of

it all. Being accosted by hyper dogs, really crazy dogs, ready to play, is a

third. Another third is shoveling wet crappola out of the kennels twice a

day, trying not to wretch and managing to subdue nausea as the puppies rolled

with unabated glee in defecation. The final third is just one dog: Abbie.

Buck and Sadie are pre programmed with electronic collars and pretty much

have the run of the yard and license with visitors. They go

berserk, want to play and chase and retrieve, but they have perimeters. The

puppies had a pen of their own, which I learned to climb over on Thursday,

lest they escape again (as they did on the first day) and we have another

oiled pig race, and although they tore my jeans and ate my arms, leaving

puncture wounds reminiscent of copperheads, it was manageable.


But Abbie, ten months old and a maniac, was my Easter Dog from hell. She

had her own special pen, from which I released her twice a day. A Chocolate

Lab, unchanneled, unperterbed, yet untrained, and unmanageable, she jumped on

me with full frontal 60 pound force, smack dab into the middle of the chest (

I swear it felt like 110 and she had such glee and pride for knocking me down

dozens of times), and thus, me on the ground, again, and again,

right where I had shoveled the dog manure out. Back into the muck and mire

again. I really began to smell and look like a literal muckraker. Twice a

day for five days I endured Labs without their owners, and even though my DH

and I had planned to take a day or two away, the first time in a year, taking

care of a friend's dogs while she and her husband were under duress, was much

more important, and enlightening, and fulfilling, than I had ever

imagined. I planted a gold star on my forehead. And when the dog owners

came home, I felt really bad for mentally denigrating their dogs. How

wonderful that we can help a friend out, and what an introspective revelation

of personal fortitude keeps us going for a bit, making us feel contributory

and important. People ask , "What can I do?" in a time of need, and I really

felt useful.


We have had two Yellow labs at one time, Luke and Sam, both energetic and

high strung, but calm and single-minded when signalled to settle down. They

were both house dogs and ball freaks and swimming fools, but they always sat

down and smiled at me when I asked them to. They would leave me alone in the

bathroom and get off the bed if pressed to do the honorable thing, and they

never, ever, rolled me through dog crap, even though they personally

wallowed in every bad or dead smell imaginable. I like dogs who cavort on

their own, merely looking up with a gleem in their eyes to make sure you are

watching and applauding. I miss my Labs, but I do not miss my surrogate

Easter Charges from Hell.


Roe<---who is loving her dog from Alaska, Miss Kailie, part Aussie and part

Setter/Retriever of some kind, who tells me when to turn the coffee pot off

and nudges me to let me know the the cats need to come in so she can nurture

them and groom them... Plus, they might be hungry. What a Girl!


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: T.S. Elliot

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 10:33 PM EDT

From: MOGMNY

Message-id: <1998042602332900.WAA06689@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Actually, the quote about the women speaking of Michealangelo is from the

Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Elliot is the greatest in my opinion.

MO in SB







Subject: Re: Sunny's Gone

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 11:05 PM EDT

From: MOGMNY

Message-id: <1998042603052000.XAA10017@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Barbara, Im so sorry about losing Sunny. I am a dog lover for life. My

special companions mean everything to me and my husband. I feel that the

love we experience from these marvelous creatures is so pure and unselfish.

People how love us can be difficult. If they have a bad day sometimes they

take it out on one another. A dog greets its master with exhuberence and joy

no matter what kind of day they are having. They are sensitive to the

minor changes in our moods and react accordingly. People who know how to

appreciate the love of an animal are lucky. They can teach us so much.......

sadly the down side is that when they leave us there is a huge gap in our

lives. There is a beautiful poem about this called "The Rainbow Bridge", if

you haven't read it email me and I will send it to you. It is

so in touch with the relationships we form with our "special friends" that

one cannot be helped but be comforted by it. My thoughts are with you. I

know how hard this experience is.


MO in SB







Subject: Re: coming and going

Date: Sat, 25 April 1998 11:22 PM EDT

From: MARILU3123

Message-id: <1998042603220300.XAA11751@ladder01.news.aol.com>


LUIGI AND CATHY--May I add Psalm 121 from the Jerusalem Bible?


I lift my eyes to the mountains

where is help to come from?

Help comes to me from Yahweh

who made heaven and earth.


No letting our footsteps slip!

This guard of yours, he does not doze!

The guardian of Israel

does not doze or sleep.


Yahweh guards you, shades you.

With Yahweh at your right hand

sun cannot strike you down by day,

nor moon at night.


Yahweh guards you from harm,

he guards your lives,

he guards you leaving, coming back,

now and for always.


And from me,

May the good Lord bless and keep you!

And me too, as I go to meet you all in the morning!

Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides

us from truth. -Kahlil Gibran

Mari Lu







Subject: Re: coming and going

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 12:42 AM EDT

From: Spumony2

Message-id: <1998042604424200.AAA17851@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks, Fred -- The psalm version I was thinking of was, "The Lord will

preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever

more." Although I prefer the word 'guard' for obvious reasons... I knew

you'd come through for me!


Just saw the movie "Primary Colors" and was surprised at how good it was.

Kathy Bates plays the voice of morality, and she is simply stupendous. There

were some outstanding scenes that touched me and others that made me shake my

head at the game of politics. But ultimately, I think the message was a

positive one. I recommend it for you fellow movie lovers out there.


Wow, I'm lovin' this posting spree! Lita, are you keeping up with me?


Spumony2 / Cathy `,)

Laughter is the language of the soul.

Pablo Neruda







Subject: ATTENTION SOUTHERN CALIFORNIANS!!!!

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 01:08 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042605083700.BAA21051@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Since the wonderful (and soon to be lost to us West Coasters) Cathy/Spumony

brought it up, our meeting on honor of Marilu is planned for Thursday, May 21

in the late afternoon/early evening (4 or 5 "ish) at an Italian restaurant

in the Naples/Belmont Shore area of Long Beach. (Thanks to Buny/MaryAnn for

searching out a good location.) There is an independent bookstore closeby

(believe it!) -- Dodd's -- and yes, Cathy, I'm sure there are

chocolates in close proximity! And coffee too!


Not too many of you hae responded...please e-mail me, let me know if this

works for you....we had a GREAT TIME at the last 2 meetings and the 3rd is

not to be missed!!!


Looking forward to seeing everyone...

Lita

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading These is My Words by Nancy Turner, Lady Chatterly's Lover (for my

book group) and listening to Downtown by Anne Rivers Siddons. (And loving

all!)







Subject: Telling Oprah

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 01:20 AM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998042605200200.BAA20595@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I have to confess...I posted on Oprah's message boards months ago telling her

about our on-line book chat/group, new friendships, fXf meetings, etc, & I

never heard a word. I have always wanted to be on TV & I had visions of my

interview seen by all my friends coast to coast...& them thinking how YOUNG &

wonderful I looked....I worried about what to wear, & started research on

where to

eat in Chicago. Hmmmm..somehow I just don't think she gave big you know

what.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman







Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 01:23 AM EDT

From: CloudLA

Message-id: <1998042605232000.BAA20841@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Maureen, YES you may! Glad to have you here, stick around.

Leslie

How did I get to be a 100 years old? Well, when I moves, I moves slow. When I

sits, I sets loose. And when I worries, I goes to sleep.

-An old Appalachian woman






Subject: Strand,Oprah,Welcome...

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 01:23 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042605234200.BAA20876@ladder03.news.aol.com>


OK, Nancy, I was already jealous of Monday's meeting and now you've made it

worse! Visiting The Strand with all those other BNers. The only time I have

been to that haven was with my then-18 month old child. Imagine all the

books I got to look at while chasing her through the store! I have the same

habit...oohing and aahing and wanting to discuss my treasure with

other people in the library or store and they just think I'm NUTS!


Mary Coral - GREAT IDEA! I think one or all of us should write Oprah and

tell her about this wondrous place (without divulging the exact location).

Maybe we could score a meeting, paid for by Oprah, in Chicago. Stranger

things have happened. (Just watch Jerry Springer if you don't believe me.)


Judy - Welcome to our ongoing coffee klatsch. We have a lot of fun here,

great friendships and even book discussions. And yes.....warning....it is

addictive but very good for your health.


Marilu - We'll do butterscotch and otehr goodies in your honor. But (now

this is a secret)...Judi cannot live without her chocolate.

Ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh.


Ok, I'll try to quiet down now...

Lita






Subject: Re: Cyber Baby

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 01:40 AM EDT

From: Ludsmith

Message-id: <1998042605403900.BAA22034@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks everyone for your kind congratulations! This Book Nook baby has been

quite the process. When I mentioned 9 months ago that DH and I liked the

name Scout for a baby, I was unaware at the time that I was pregnant. As you

know, we had a beautiful little girl on Tuesday. It took two days to

finalize her name (she just didn't look like a Morgan, our favorite girl's

name before her birth) and here it is:


HANNAH SCOUT SMITH.


Yes, the Scout is from "To Kill a Mockingbird." She's a mellow baby, but may

turn into a spunky Scout later on.


I'll get photos to RuthAlice for the Fredonia photo collection.


Shauna







Subject: NW gathering?

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 09:10 AM EDT

From: ShanOD

Message-id: <1998042613104800.JAA08917@ladder01.news.aol.com>


A few months ago, there was some rumbling about a NW gathering. I thought I

remembered Jackie from Utah was headed this way. Anything in the works or

have I just been oblivious??


Shannon






Subject: Wonderful Day

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 09:26 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042613264601.JAA09828@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Head on the heels of the Book Nook reunion tomorrow in the City, I'm pretty

much sticking clseo to home today to do odds and ends.


But first apologies to a name that was left off the BN reunion list - Jayne

from Conn. and an incorredct name - its Joan from NJ. What can I say I was

in a hurry yesterday as we were flying out the door for the Yankee game.


Next welcome to Judy and Maureen. Think you will find a wonderful group here

but watch out. I am perenially poor trying to keep up with buying all of the

books that are mentioned here.


Finally, for now, yesterday was the most amazing day. Nto because I, a

native New Yorker born in the Bronx, finally got to see Yankee Stadium for

the first time, not because we sat first row behind the Yankees dugout and I

coudl reach out and touch Derek Jeter (boy is he good looking), not because

Robert merrill sand or it was the 75th anniversary cleebration of the Stadium

and not bcecause we had a great dinner in Little Italy and wonderful evening

with friends but because my dear friend Arlene can finally HEAR and

participate in our conversations. To explain furthur- 24 years ago we were

young and without our DD. We moved to a townhouse development in Staten

Isalnd where we met many other young couples with similar backgrounds to us.

Arlene and her husband had both been raised in the city, attended Music and

Art High School and City College. She had been a wonderful pianist and the

daughter of two music teachers. Her father was one of Jose Feliciano's

teachers in high school. When I first met Arlene at the pool, 8 months

pergnant with her first of two children, I was struck by her almost rude

behavior. I tried talking to her for almost 15 minutes, asking her questions

with very little response and thought she didn't even know me so why was she

ignoring me.. Eventually she left and some other people I knew well (we had

worked together and moved to this community together) sat down. When I

mentioned what happened to another friend, she answered that Arlene didn't

hear well. So, bearing this in mind, I appraoched her very differently the

next time and there after by speaking directly to her and allowing her to try

and read my lips. Over the next number of years we became very good friends.

We were on the same bowling league when our children were infants and when

they attneded school, we played on the same tennis league - she alwys came in

first place. Our kids played together and we cheered when they were bar and

bat mitzvahed, confirmed graduated first from high school then from college

and moved on. But the years were not kind to Arlene. You see she was born

hearing and began to lose this first in college and it became progressivley

worse. Often when she would allow herself to feel blue she would liken

her position to being a widow- remembering how things used to be and how

different they were now. After almost 10 years of living together we both

moved to separate communitites in NJ. I returned to working but Arlene felt

that any job would produce too much stress in her life. But work she did in

a myriad of ways. She became a doll collector and antique collector

eventaully becoming a dealer of old and rare Madame Alexander dolls. She

wrote and

continues to write her Temple's news bulletin and she raised two very fine

children. She became an advocate for the hearing imparired serving on major

committees in NJ and has many awards for this from the Governor etc. And

most recently she has attacked the performing arts community insisiting that

they establish both infra-red sysytems and closed captioning to allow hearing

imparired people an opportunity to attend live pefromances. As a matter

of fact on Thurday night she and her husband attended the first performance

at the Vivian Beaumont theater with the closed captioning sysytem finally in

place. But despite all of Arlene's accomplishment, her hearing became worse

and isolated her more and more. She couldn't speak on the phone and the

relay system was diffcult for everybody to use. To a large degree, she came

to rely solely on e mail. Spending a day with her was exhausting for both

her and the other person. One never realizes when they hear how you must

consciously face the person and really enunciate your words so that the other

person has some opportunity to partcipate. Admittedly Arlene said she

manipulated the conversation by initiating topics so she could anticipate the

words that would be used. But large crowds left her in tears and with a

husband who entetains for buisness, she spent much time really being

depressed

and angry. She also had been all over the country trying various theories to

see if any of her hearing could be restored. And yesterday for the very

first time Arlene heard us!!! How? Svevral weeks ago she underwent surgery

for a colechal implant perfromed on one of her ears which now allows her to

hear. The finer points of this I don't quite understand - a chip is inserted

into her head near the ear and a piece is when healed anothe peice placed

over this which is hooked to a box - simialar to a walkman and the impulses

are fed through to the ear. While this is a very revolutionary procedure,

unfortunatelyt not everyone is in a postion to have this operation done. One

must have a certain level of deafness and since Arlene has learned to

compensate and mask her deafness, she literally had to fail the preliminary

tests. Then one has to be able to make the transitions from the sounds to

words etc. I was somewhat surpirsed to lean that audio books along with hand

held books are part of this therapy (Arlene said while she has no interest in

fiction, she LOVES non-fiction and asked for a list of books) once the

surgery has been completed. And as Arlene said those who have heard before

do best after the surgery. As Arlene spoke yesterday, and we had previously

spoken a great deal about her disability my eyeys kept filling up - she is

so happy and as Bruce said her whoel personality and outlook has changed. I

only wish that all of you could meet Arlene and see the benefits of modern

medicine and a lot of hard work on the part of my friend. If anybody would

like more informatin abotu this, let me know and I will send you the website

where the procedure is described.


As we finished lunch, Arlene's husband Ira wa seager to get to our esats.

Btu I was having so much fun talking to Arlene that I suggested we stay a bit

longer. Then Arlene piped up with, "Oh no I wantto hear the Star Spangled

Banner- you know I've never heard it before.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Dog Story

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:10 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042614101100.KAA12767@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe -- You didn't say how generous the gift certificate was. From your

horrendous report, I hope it was in the thousands! What a good friend you

are. As the owner of 2 large, rambunctious labs, I fully understand what a

labor of love your "dog sitting" was.


I'm still not caught up so I'll get back to the posts. Perhaps with so many

heading to NY things will quiet down a bit for those of us who are hopelessly

behind.

Cissie






Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:18 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042614180700.KAA12120@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy -- Arlene's story made my day brighter. Hope she knows how inspiring

she is.

Cissie







Subject: Re: Telling Oprah

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:19 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042614190400.KAA13402@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Leslie -- Do you think that Oprah has peeked on this board and knows that she

is "dissed" sometimes?

Cissie






Subject: Re: Welcomes

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:59 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042614593100.KAA16673@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sally- I thought of you the other night while watching one of thsoe weekly

entertainment shows. I should say I was cleaning out a closet and Bruce was

watching this while reading the paper so....


Seems as though Leonardo DiCaprio, fresh from Titanic mania, was offered the

main character's role from All the Pretty. But his asking price of 12

million dollars was a little too steep so Mark Damon (Good Will Hunting star

and screenwriter) is going to play the role for 5 million.


Also, on this show were clips from The Horse Whisperer with some comments

from Robert Redford on what it was like to be both a star of the movie and

the director. Much as I think the book missed something somewhere, I am

looking forward to seeing this movie.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: poetry?/welcome

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 11:02 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042615023100.LAA16952@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe - I think your idea of how I can get onto the Oprah show is a good one.

Will write an e mail to Oprah and see what she thinks. But lets think more

about this. What could this addiction be covering up??? The desire to be

pleased, conversant with others or the ability to meet with people like you.

Nothing so TERRIBLE. Do any of you??? LOL

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: NW gathering?

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 11:15 AM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042615155800.LAA18045@ladder01.news.aol.com>


<<A few months ago, there was some rumbling about a NW gathering. I thought

I remembered Jackie from Utah was headed this way. Anything in the works or

have I just been oblivious??>>


Shannon--you are correct. It is me who has been slow to coordinating this

thing. I shall send e-mails today---promise!



Currently reading The Persial Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 12:41 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042616411800.MAA24639@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Nancy:


What a beautiful story.! My heart was so full of joy and tears. I am

hearing impaired but certainly not to the extend of your dear friend.

However, I would be delighted for you to send me the web site.


I denied for a long time my hearing problem. Reading lips and getting half a

story or becoming so frustrated I lost most conversations. My phone has a

good hearing impaired device which helps me a great deal. Lucky me has great

improvement with a hearing aide. One good advantage is when your not tooo

thrilled to talk to DH you can turn the hearing aide off and smile alot as

you nod your head once in a while. LOL

We have in our Book Nook People world a interpreter in Holly/Mrs J11 who I

met last fall on the cross country trip. Her husband has been hearing

impaired all his life. She is a professional signer. I have such admiration

and respect to this lovely couple


Nancy thank you for your story. See you tomorrow in NYC. Doesn't that sound

wonderful.


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut



Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.








Subject: Re: This and that, here and now

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 12:43 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042616432100.MAA24853@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Gina in Houston: you ask: <<Jackie, would you like to make a little wager on

the basketball series between the Rockets and the Jazz? >>


I say Yes! I'm game!


Currently reading The Persial Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas and Alias Grace

by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Welcomes

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 01:34 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042617340900.NAA29884@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jude & Maureen Plan on spending alot of time at your computer. Now that

you've found BookNook, you may never have time for your family or to clean

you house. ...Not that there's anything wrong with that!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet







Subject: Yuchy Day

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 03:00 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042619002100.PAA08878@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Yesterday was a wonderful day but today its raining and sooo very nasty.

Just returned from attempting to see a movie- second time at our town's newly

renovated theater that something went wrong. Thought I left with plenty of

time to spare to see a 2:30 film - The Spanish Prisoner directed by David

Mamet. Unfortunately, the projectionist needs to learn how to tell time

cause when I arrived, the film was already on for 15 minutes. And

if you know anything about seeing a Mamet film or play its best to be there

at the very beginning. So now it seems as though I have a little more time

to spend in the basement or to READ. Guess what I'm going to do?


*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: NYC meeting

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 03:17 PM EDT

From: YiYi125

Message-id: <1998042619170100.PAA10571@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Just a note wishing all the folks meeting tomorrow a great day!!! I am

wishing I was independently wealthy so that I could join all the meetings

taking place here and on the west coast. But alas, I must go to work

tomorrow and earn money for food - and vet bills.


Welcome to the new friends - Judy and Maureen.


LOL with the Eor's dog story. After having large dogs for most of my life, I

know what you are talking about. I just had never had that many at one time.

Big dogs are a lot of care. That's why we decided to get a little one this

time - thinking it would be a piece of cake. Little did we know we would be

sending the vet and his family on a wonderful vacation. Oh well, Pandora is

adorable and very lovable.


Again, Have a great time at the NYC meeting

Carole #3 AKA YiYi125







Subject: The Cat Years

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 03:36 PM EDT

From: Goodreader

Message-id: <1998042619365200.PAA13798@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Here is an article from the San Francisco Chronicle that a friend sent to me

recently.

~ Jo Anne in San Jose

Currently reading Book Nook posts and trying desperately to catch up!



"The Cat Years," by Adair Lara, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, MARCH 28,1996


I just realized that while children are dogs -- loyal and

affectionate -- teen-agers are cats. It's so easy to be a dog owner.

You feed it, train it, boss it around. It puts its head on your knee

and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting. It bounds

indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.


Then, around age 13, your adoring little puppy turns into a big

old cat. When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if

wondering who died and made you emperor. Instead of dogging your

foot-steps, it disappears. You won't see it again until it gets hungry

-- then it pauses on its sprint through the kitchen long enough to

turn its nose up at whatever you're serving. When you reach out to ruffle

its head, in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you,

then gives you a blank stare as if trying to remember where it has

seen you before.


You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something

must be desperately wrong with it. It seems so antisocial, so distant,

sort of depressed. It won't go on family outings.


Since you're the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay

and sit on command, you assume that you did something wrong. Flooded

with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave.


Only now you're dealing with a cat, so everything that worked

before now produces the opposite of the desired result. Call it, and

it runs away. Tell it to sit, and it jumps on the counter. The more

you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away.


Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to

behave like a cat owner. Put a dish of food near the door, and let it

come to you. But remember that a cat needs your help and your

affection too. Sit still, and it will come, seeking that warm,

comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten. Be there to open the

door for it.


One day, your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you

a big kiss and say, "You've been on your feet all day. Let me get

those dishes for you." Then you'll realize your cat is a dog again.


The past is history, the future a mystery and today is a gift. That's

why it's called the present.






Subject: Re: Welcomes

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 04:35 PM EDT

From: Brownis23

Message-id: <1998042620351800.QAA19681@ladder01.news.aol.com>


don't clean the house anyway. It gets in the way of my reading. LOL


Maureen "What goes around, comes around"






Subject: Re: The Cat Years

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 04:39 PM EDT

From: Brownis23

Message-id: <1998042620395100.QAA18893@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Loved the Cat Years!! I have a soon to be 16 year old son who is definitely

showing all the signs of changing from the puppy to the grown up cat. He does

however require a big old dish of food. That boy just won't stop growing.

Maureen "What goes around, comes around"






Subject: Nancy-Arlene-Leo/Matt

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 05:06 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042621061900.RAA21558@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy -- your story about Arlene was very touching. Thanks for sharing it

with us. What a miracle!


Re. All the Pretty Horses -- I'm GLAD that Leo didn't get it. I think Matt is

perfect for the part!


See you soon!

p.s. my fanny pack is HUGE! I'll get a back-ache for sure...those Gold Stars

DO weigh quite a bit.... BTW, didn't you say there were lockers at The

Strand?

Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Where is everyone?

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 05:13 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042621133300.RAA22349@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Just kidding - up at 5, drove to airport, took first leg to Orlando where I

had a two-hour layover & breakfast - then on to rainy Newark airport & NY -

where I am all hooked up, as you can see.


I was greeted by an old friend from another cyber book club with her new baby

- now THAT was terrific. We plunked the darling baby on the bed while I ran

out to buy lunch, & had a great chat for a few hours.


No sign of MariLu or Celesta - yet.


It's mild but rainy & I sure hope it clears up tomorrow. Rain or shine, I am

looking forward to a great day.


My travel book of choice - excellent so far - THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce

Courtenay - I read his POTATO FACTORY on my last air trip & thought it might

be a good one. I know there ARE A FEW OF YOU OUT THERE WHO HAVE READ THIS.


I will apologize in advance for lousy typing & errors while using this laptop

- different keyboard.


The Marco Maniac, preeening & grooming the white feather boa - miles from

home

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT







Subject: Re: Where is everyone?

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 05:24 PM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998042621245700.RAA23545@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol - Good that you have your laptop along! This way you and Warren can

send messages from both the men's AND the ladie's rooms, and we'll have even

fuller coverage of the event.


I hope you all have a wonderful time in New York. I don't think Mari Lu is

getting in until later this evening. I am off to the grocery store and will

pick up, among the usual things, some sesame seeds to make GRADGLASS/Carol's

"Low Everything Dressing" to try on pasta tonight.


Erika, who has now officially reached the point of procrasting on posting on

Alias Grace






Subject: Re: Martha's Vineyard, Nevada Barr

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 05:38 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042621380200.RAA24908@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carolyn -- Would be interested in hearing how you like the food you ordered

from Flying Noodle. I'm always looking for the easy way out. Sorry Maniac,

I don't like to cook.



Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...






Subject: Re: NYC meeting

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 06:18 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998042622185700.SAA00491@ladder01.news.aol.com>


May I add my bit here, too?........jealous of you all attending the NYC

meeting tomorrow.......maybe someday I might make it to one.......probably

not, the way things are going, but that is neither here nor there........all

attendees, have a wonderful time

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: NYC meeting

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 07:32 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042623324900.TAA08918@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Although I will be checking my e mail in the morning before I leave for the

city. Until then, be good and I will return tomorrow evening with plenty of

stories, I'm sure.


For now all I can say is wish everyone reading this was going to be with us

tomorrow.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: NYC meeting

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 08:17 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042700175400.UAA13821@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks, Nancy,



...And don't you know? WE ARE, in a way, ever and with You All.

Have a most marvelous time.

roe




Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Responses to this & that

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 08:35 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042700351000.UAA14441@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Maureen, Welcome to your new home!


Carole #3, Congratulations on your DS's engagement! Sorry about your poor

Pandora's two broken paws. That's got to be a rough for a puppy, and not

much fun for you either. I loved Booked to Die.


Diane in S. Florida, I'm so glad to hear the good news about your sister's

test results! That must be such a relief to know she doesn't have MS.


Roe, What a good friend you were to take care of those big, unruly dogs. I

think all dogs should be given some kind of basic obedience training. With

powerful, energetic ones like those six Labs, it would seem mandatory for

self-preservation! I'm sure you really appreciate your Miss Kailie after

that experience!


MO, Thank you. You are so right. No matter how sick Sunny was, he always

showed me how happy he was to see me when I got home. I always felt so

loved. All I had to do was look at him for him to start wagging his tail.

Dogs teach us the true meaning of devotion and unconditional love. Luckily,

I still have my other dog, Lacey, who is a real sweetheart, and my two cats.


Lita, You know I wouldn't miss a SoCal reunion. I had a great time at the

first two, and I have this one written on my calendar. I thought it was

going to be for lunch, but just let me know the whereabouts of the restaurant

and I'll be there. Sorry if I forgot to e-mail my response. I'm definitely

planning on going. Besides getting to see the rest of you again, I'm looking

forward to meeting Mari Lu.


Shauna, I love the name, Scout, TKAM being one of my all-time favorites. Are

you going to call her Hannah or Scout? Does anyone ever hear of our Scout

that used to post in the old Book Nook?


Re: NYC Meeting: I wish I was going to be there too. I've still never made

it to New York, but when and if I do, I hope to meet all you East Coasters!

Have a great time tomorrow!



Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Love and Death on Long Island/The Apostle

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 09:37 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042701373500.VAA21173@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My DH and I went to a double feature last night and were really surprised

that the one I'd been wanting to see for such a long time, The Apostle, was

not nearly as entertaining as the other one which I'd heard relatively little

about. In fact, aside from the powerful acting by Robert Duvall, we both

thought The Apostle was too long and predictable.


On the other hand, we were very pleasantly surprised with Love and Death on

Long Island. It's a comedy about an aloof and stodgy British author named

Giles De'Ath (John Hurt) who is a widower and quite a recluse. He's never

watched television and seems to know nothing about modern technology. One

day he is locked out and goes to a movie. He thinks he's going to an E. M.

Forster film, but winds up in the wrong theater and finds himself

fascinated with an American teen idol named Ronnie Bostock (Jason Priestley).

He becomes totally obsessed with finding out everything about him and

develops a full-fledged crush on Ronnie. The first part of the movie takes

place in London, and the second part in Long Island. (BTW, I thought L.I.

looked like a beautiful place to live. I had no idea! Reminded me a bit of

Cape Cod.) In what is probably the first spontaneous act of his

life, Giles travels to L.I. to meet Ronnie. I won't tell what happens, but

it's very funny and sweet and John Hurt is incredible in this role! DH

enjoyed it too!

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: The Potato Factory, NY

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 09:46 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042701465100.VAA22146@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol, I was one of the posters who loved The Power Of One, such elegant

writing! I've not read the Potato Factory though. Is it wonderful? I asked

at our library but they didn't have it, can anyone give me a clue as to when

it was published? Might it be too new for our library or should I try the

interlibrary loan?

Envying you all in Ny tomorrow!!

Good news, Diane!!!

And Nancy, thanks for sharing the story of Arlene.

Everyone here on the boards will be expecting full and unbiased reports

from NY tomorrow. Each of you will have a different view point so let's hear

them all! Please share with those of us who can't be there.

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: New to this board

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:35 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042702350500.WAA28664@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Maureen: Where are you from in Central NY? I'm originally from New Hartford.


Now in South Florida...and if you are from Central NY, you know why!!!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading The Cider House Rules!






Subject: Re: new to this board

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:39 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042702393200.WAA27919@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Luigi:


Re: Maureen...I don't know for sure...but speaking only for myself...I left

upstate NY at age 22 and left with my name intact. Notice I am still not

Carole. So maybe it's an age thing...maybe if you stay there past 25 or

something they make you change it to Carole.


Carol in S. Florida

Oooooppps....maybe it came South!






Subject: Re: new to this board

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 10:55 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042702550600.WAA29514@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Cissie: I'm so excited about the library copy of American Pastoral by my bed

now that you have given it your rave review! We always seem to like the same

books. But I am determined not to let the library wield its 10 cents a day

threat over my head and make me stop reading The Cider House Rules in favor

of my shiny library tomes.


Shauna: Congrats!!! Hannah was on my list for a girl's name when my daughter

Haley was born. We were doing H's (after DH's dear departed father Harold)

and R's (after DH's dear departed mother Rita) so she became Haley Rae...but

Hanna was probably choice #2! It's such a powerful name...and palindromic as

well!!!


Carol in Marco: I really didn't realize that you were such a softie when it

comes to babies...I thought you were just being nice looking at my kid

pictures. Our next meeting, I'm going to subject you to the delights of Haley

and Rory. Lately we have been going to Borders (the one you and I first met

at) on Saturdays at 11 for whatever story thing they have going on. Last week

it was Angelina Ballerina and this week it was Shana Banana. The funny

thing was that when I looked more closely at the Borders flyer, I saw that

Saturday 4/25 at 11 a.m. was Shana Banana and at 8 p.m was Shana...acoustic

folk music! I guess she's all things to all generations! Anyway...if you ever

need a "kid hit"...mine are just 90 minutes away!


Also, my last day at my job is 4/30. I'm taking 5/1 for me and 5/2-3 for me

and DH with friends in the Keys. Then on 5/4 I'm on my own! I've decided to

call my company People Dynamics. I'll be focusing on Team Building, but am

doing other projects as well. Wish me luck!!!


Maureen and other newbies: If you think you are having fun now, wait until

May 1 when everyone posts and ranks what they read in April. Watch that TBR

grow!!!


Diane in S. Florida

Reading The Cider House Rules.







Subject: Re: Wonderful Day

Date: Sun, 26 April 1998 11:53 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042703535000.XAA06993@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jayne - I love living with my hearing impaired husband because we have such

unexpected conversations. I never know what response I'm going to get to a

perfectly ordinary remark. We're been discussing what he should call me, for

instance, instead of just Mary Ann which is what he does call me. We've been

through everything from honey to Bunny to dreamboat -One night I was thinking

of my parents and remembered that my Dad always called my Mom Tootsie after

that WWII song - so I said to DH, "What do you think about calling me

Tootsie?" And in one of his totally normal reactions, he turned to me in

disbelief and said, "Tongue Lee! Why would I call you Tongue Lee?" Needless

to say that's been his favorite ever since.


I know everyone will have a wonderful time in NYC tomorrow. It must be

spring, we're all moving again. We're going to watch Merlin tonight if we

can stay awake for it -


hasta manana -

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Finally Caught Up!!

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 12:59 AM EDT

From: CLKMcG

Message-id: <1998042704594200.AAA11379@ladder03.news.aol.com>


After being gone most of Easter week and just lurking this past week trying

to read all the posts, I feel like I've been gone forever and a day! Where

shall I start?


Barbara: I am so sorry about Sunny. I hope all the happy memories will help

heal your aching heart.


Diana: Hurrah for the good news about your sister! And the best of luck

with People Dynamics!!


Shauna & DH: Congratulations on the arrival of Hannah Scout Smith!!!


Nancy: What a wonderful story about Arlene!


Welcome to our newbies, Jude & Maureen. This is a terrific place filled with

caring, interesting, wonderful people!!


I hope all the Nookers going to the NY gathering will have a great time and

be back to tell us ALL about it!! Currently reading McNALLY'S TRIAL by

Lawerence Sanders.


~Cheri~

"Woe be to him that reads but one book."

.....George Herbert 1593--1633







Subject: North-South-East-West

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:03 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042712031100.IAA25550@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Good Morning America! Here is your very own, personal & unabridged report

from NY City! I am established here (all spread out) at the Chemists' Club

with morning coffee. I met with MariLu & Celesta for a mere 3 hours over a

posh dinner-in-a-diner, nothing could have been finer last night. We only

quit because we wilted en masse - nothing like a 5 am rising & a day in the

air to deflate one's stamina. Again, I was in heaven being allowed to

share grand-baby photos of gorgeous blonde children. Since the three of us

have absolutely nothing else in common, it was kind of MariLu to show the

photos to break the monotony. Just picture the three of us sitting in this

empty room of a deli in NY, in total silence. The TV monito just kept

circling us in wonder, trying to figure out why we were there on a rainy

evening & if & when we were going to pull a heist on the fried rice.


We meet at 9:20, to taxi to the Strand.


You all said is best, when you said every one of you is here either in body

or in spirit - so aren't WE ALL having fun!!


DIANE: Great news about your sister. Your new company name is "powerful" -

go for it!


NANCY: Your Arlene story is more than a tear jerker - it is downright

positive & wonderful. Can't wait to give you a feathery hug today - the

phone calll yesterday was close, but no feather.


JUDY5914: Glad you connected with Leslie - hope your show was a smash - you

deserve it! I am wearing your bird's nest bracelet & have already shown it

to all.


SUE/GAZEBO: POTATO FACTORY is a big, fat paperback I picked up when I was in

Canada in Nov. I loved it so much, I sent it to my Mom. I am going to see

her in Mid-May & if you haven't got it by then, I will gladly send it on to

you - just remind me PLEASE. I just read the part about the enormously fat

woman HATTIE who gets stuck in the railway car - odd, but he has a similar

character in FACTORY who also eats & looks like a Mac Truck. Does

Courtenay have a 'thing' for freakishly large women? Who knows - but he

tells a wonderful story, IMHO - you just have to sit back & let it happen -

just the right amount of description to let your imagination take flight with

the pictures. It's what I call a "graphic tongue" - or pen, in this case.


Anxious to meet the rest of the crew - today is going to be wonderful, I can

feel it. The sun is out, it is cool but terrific walking weather.


Your roving reporter will keep you informed, with all the News from the

Ladies' Room - & then some. I have been known to enter forbidden regions in

order to bring the truth.


The Mild Mannered Marco Maniac - still preening & grooming those damn unruly

feathers!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: new to this board

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:04 AM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998042712041600.IAA25597@ladder03.news.aol.com>


ROFLMAO Carol (dineer). Actually I changed the spelling of my name when I

was in High School because there was a Carol insert maiden name also in the

school and I got in trouble because of her. And I went to High School in

Arkansas. So when you say >>>>>So maybe it's an age thing...maybe if you

stay there past 25 or something they make you change it to Carole.<<<< nah

just the special ones that get stuck in upstate NY that need to

feel different <g>.


Thank you for the laugh this morning!! I needed it this morning after having

3 sick kids in 4 days.



Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward







Subject: Re: ny

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:33 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042712332800.IAA28187@ladder01.news.aol.com>


What fun to have Carole able to post on the happenings in NYC on her laptop!

The immediacy of it shines through. Will she take it to lunch do you suppose

and let her fingers fly over the keyboard as she chats. I watched the Today

Show this morning with hopes of sightings but no luck, hey ladies, get up

early tomorrow, put on those tee-shirts and let us all see you! I think 6:30

am gives you a ringside spot. I did it once, thinking I would just

stay for 20 minutes or so and found myself there for the whole show.

Sue in Mi






Subject: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:50 AM EDT

From: Tenisgirl1

Message-id: <1998042713500400.JAA02559@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Good morning!'


I am another lurker coming out of the recesses of the board! Been reading the

posts and enjoying them. You all sound like such a nice group. Some of you I

know from another book group (online) I still belong to! Anyway, I live in

Mass., am an RN who currently works parttime, have one daughter, three pets(

cat, Lab, bird), been married forever (Ha! 25 years--), and love reading

(#1), art, theatre, tennis, animals, needlepoint, cooking, and writing.

Currently, I am reading Loving Chloe, by Jo-ann Mapson, a sequel to Hank and

Chloe. Mostly, I love current fiction. MY favorite authors include: Michael

Dorris, Louise Erdrich, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Joyce Carol Oates, Amy

Tan, Ann Patchett, and Ursula Hegi.


Looking forward to getting to know all of you better! Hope you all have a

great time in New York!!


Carol in Mass.






Subject: Re: Dog Story

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 01:36 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042717360900.NAA15910@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe,


You are definitly a freind above and beyond! I also have a bit of experience

with untrained labs and wouldn't willingly be left in charge of one.. much

less six! I'll stick to my calm golden retriever who, when excited, visibly

restrains herself from jumping on people and talks as loud and as long as we

will let her.. she doesn't bark.. she talks.


Gina






Subject: Re: newbie, quiet board

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 03:52 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042719525100.PAA26674@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welcome to Tenisgirl1, we need another Carol! I love all your favorite

authors so I'll be looking to you for recommendations.

With Judi, Nancy and Marilu and others in NY, it's a quiet place here, should

give some people time to catch up!


Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: The Cat Years

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 04:10 PM EDT

From: Leavesie

Message-id: <1998042720100800.QAA29695@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Loved this and sent it on to three buddies online. Thanks.






Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 04:32 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042720323800.QAA02081@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Welcome Carol! I think we are going to have to name April the Official

Coming out of Lurking month!


Gina






Subject: This and THAT

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 04:35 PM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998042720353400.QAA02340@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, I probably the first one back from the fabulous NYC get-together(had to

pick up my girls from school at 3PM)...


They actually told us not to make so much noise at the Strand where Judi,

Joan, Jan, Jayne, Nancy, Nancy, Suzanne, Carol, Barbara, Sally, Mari Lu and I

(oops I'm leaving someone out, sorry) Many of us bought up a storm. Then off

to Chinatown for luch where we were joined by Warren and Mercedes. It was

great to put faces with the names and we were all glad that Steve was well

enough for Jan to make and the Jayne did not let a train/bus schedulesnafu

keep her away.


My haul:

STRANGE TRAFFIC- Irene Dische

PRIDE & PREDATOR- Sally S. Wright

THE STORY OF THE JEWS- Stan Mack--a 4000-year cartoon history

STAR TREK: SPECTRE -- William Shatner (for my DH)

HULLABALOO IN THE GUAVA ORCHARD--Kiran Desai

FATHERS PLAYING CATCH WITH SONS--Donald Hall

ENEMY OF GOD-- Bernard Cornwall

DAUGHTER OF TROY-- Sarah B. Franklin

FREEDOM'S LANDING-- Anne McCaffrey

THE SEASONS OF BEENTO BLACKBIRD-- Akosua Busia

THE SPARROW--Mary Doria Russell

WALKING ON WALNUTS-- Nancy Ring

RUE ORDENER, RUE LABAT-- Sarah Kofman


and for children/young adults:

ISRAEL:THE MAKING OF A MODERN NATION-- Maida Silverman

FLORIZELLA AND THE WOLVES-- Philippa Gregory

JOSIE SMITH AT SCHOOL-- Magdalen Nabb

THE WAY TO SATTIN SHORE-- Philippa Pearce

HOPE'S CROSSING-- Joan Elizabeth Goodman


And I schlepped them all to lunch. Well I'm off to the supermaket, Nina






Subject: This and That

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 04:41 PM EDT

From: NVLehman

Message-id: <1998042720410200.QAA02874@ladder01.news.aol.com>


OOPS, it was Celesta who also met at the Strand.


Welcome Maureen.


Sue ----Jayne delivered a hug from you thanks.Any luck with that Munro

catalogue?






Subject: Re: T.S. Eliot

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 05:34 PM EDT

From: LauraD915

Message-id: <1998042721345200.RAA07176@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Believe it or not, the clue for 36 Across in today's NYT crossward puzzle is:

"________ dare to eat a peach?": Eliot. I love little coincidences like

that. :-)


Laura (in upstate NY) - Just finished All We Know of Heaven; currently

reading Angela's Ashes and Into the Wild

Go Yankees!!!!!!!!!!







Subject: Re: T.S. Eliot

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 05:38 PM EDT

From: LauraD915

Message-id: <1998042721380300.RAA07493@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I meant "crossword". My apologies for the extra post.


Laura (in upstate NY) - Just finished All We Know of Heaven; currently

reading Angela's Ashes and Into the Wild

Go Yankees!!!!!!!!!!







Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 06:15 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998042722153600.SAA11426@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welcome, to yet another Carol..........agree with Gina.......April should be

'coming out of lurking month'........Glad you feel comfortable enough to come

out of lurking mode and join this warm, caring and sometimes crazy group:)


Where 'bouts is MA are you?

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 07:04 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998042723044100.TAA18220@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Welcome Carol. We can always use another Carol. Soon we can address

everyone as Carol and not have to remember any other names. And The Maniac

can always use a namsake to discuss tennis with. I also love your choice of

authors. We are glad to have you.

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: Big Apple Report - HAREM MEETS

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 07:12 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042723124700.TAA17840@ladder03.news.aol.com>


My toenails ache, & my eyelashes as well. What a day! The Meeting of the

Loyal Harem of Luigi met at the Strand today in New York City - but where oh

where was Luigi? In tears, his loyal followers wandered the aisles, stuffing

themselves with pages & covers - anything to fill the gap left by his

absence. Books, books, & more books -but as any good psychologist will tell

you, second best just won't satisfy. By the time most of the loyal

members had all congregated in one place - & other patrons were staring &

shushing us (some nerve!!) - MariLu, Celesta (honorary member), Carol (a

real one), Nancy NRK, Nancy HC, Suzanne, Jan, Jayne (finally), Sally, Nina,

Judi, Barb(Magpiefly), & Joan - & their pockets were somewhat relieved of

cash - an executive decision was made to follow the Trail of the Grumbling

Tummy to the Silver Palace, wherein an Emperor worthy of such a harem might

reside temporarily. What a relief when the Lord & Master finally arrived -

he had arranged, wisely, to have Mercedes in charge of the rear guard (his,

you know...) & when the coast was clear she was allowed to come in & join us

as well. Luigi outdid himself in the kitchen - what a busy morning he must

have had cooking for all of us - & what a good job he did rolling up all

those wee packages of food. At least no one here complained about our rowdy

enthusiasm as we exchanged photos, took new ones, collected autographs &

gossiped about ALL those not present - believe me - not a Nooker was left

unturned!

We had a few tearful TTFN's here, but the majority started THE LONG WALK.

Some went by taxi, some went by ground, & maybe even a few by air - but we

ended up at KATE'S to take our mortgages & examine & buy in some cases, the

wares. Another short stroll took us to Dean & DeLuca's for coffee & more

talk - without the Harem Master this time. You could see the evidence - the

survival of the fittest - Barb, Nancy & I just wouldn't say "UNCLE" until the

very end. I hopped a taxi, & the last time I saw them around 5:30, they

were headed for a subway.

I took a taxi to the corner of the street - but of course by then I thought I

was good as new - so I got out & walked some more. Up the street, Fifth

"Avenue, to B&N - at 48th Street. Walked around there, casing the joint -

but it just was not the same. I picked up some essentials (fruit, yogurt) &

responsibly headed back to make my report to you all.


Your Roving Big Apple Maniac, hoping your day was as good as mine

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: HELP! and T.S. Eliot

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 07:20 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042723203500.TAA18723@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Laura,


Confession time. I go berserk in happy hysteria when crossword puzzles or

Jeopardy contain a recently discussed item in the classroom, a reference to a

topic of conversation on-line, or an oblique mention of anything occurring

concomitantly with something else in our lives. When my AG class read The

Adventures of Ulysses ( an abridged and adapted version of The Odyessy), they

too were inspired by finding other literary and everyday allusions to the

wonderful creatures and gods and goddesses, as well as demis and monsters,

who inhabit this world. What a kick!


I must say that anyone who completes a NYT crossword (without cheating) is

high on my list of folks to be revered ( I cheat and still have holes), and

thank you for sharing this daily pearl today about TS Elliot. The wonder of

it all. I like those ten minute feel-good versions in daily papers, which

one can complete in a minimum/ modicum of time and then experience a quick

rush. If I work one of those big puzzles, a whole day is lost before

coming up for air. Kudos for you.

<G>


Jackie, Barbara, and Ruth Alice or any of you experienced WEB surfers!


I want to find where this site has gone. This was my message when attempting

to visit, and I have included the defunct hyperlink. The entire Rubiyat was

there, and I am bereft:


FAILED TO PARSE HTTP


tehran.stanford.edu/Literature/Poetry/Omar_Khayyam.html

What should I do and where do I start to find this marvelous document on

line? You All know tricks about which I only dream while pulling scarves and

rabbits out of sweat-stained Stetson hats. HELP! Thank you.


ANIMALS:

Also, just gotta tell all of you. Kailie is perturbed that Solomon ( my

Siamese) is wet and disheveled, so Kailie (80 pounds) has both paws over his

body, licking and doing that tiny little teeth biting manuever to restore

Solomon to his usual glory. Need a video, especially when Solomon reaches

his paws up, claws sheathed of course, to beg Kailie to continue. Now they

are merely nestled together watching TV, in

comraderie. Sometimes the sweetness of it all is just what the Doctor

ordered.


Roe<---parsing(or this that pursing) her lips in consternation and joy of

simple things



Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Welcome

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 07:24 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042723240800.TAA19121@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ha ha - it should not surprise you that Tennis/Carol & I are already

acquainted. I am delighted to see her here & I cannot take the credit for

that - she is acquainted with a few of us already. I will warn you, however,

that you will enjoy her posts, her wit, her perception & the fact that she is

a much better tennis player than I am. She also has a dog - need I say more?

OK - SO HER NAME IS CAROL - only a bonus - one less to remember -

right? Frankly I am finding the total number of Carols very exciting, & know

it will be only a matter of moments before we simply take over this board.

(If you take this seriously - lie down until the feeling goes away, please.)


And just so that you know you heard it from me first, let me say up front,

that in order to keep Nancy honest, the Maniac made her 'usual' appearance in

feathered boa today - even though it was New York, & the damn thing was HOT

to wear! No one else turned a hair - but there were a few twitched of the

nose, a sneeze or two, & I swear I saw an eyebrow go up.


Maniacally yours,

Just call me "Another Carol"

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Big Apple Report - HAREM MEETS

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 07:38 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042723381600.TAA20706@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Carol in Marco,


You are a friend indeed. Am laughing and loving the reports all of the way

from my provincial (but beloved) town to there: NYC


Your thoughtfulness and humor are so appreciated. Not everyone would be so

reliable and resourceful to include us shut-ins! I just want to ask one

thing: Who spent the most money? Maybe two things: Who gossiped? All of

you? Shame, shame, shame! Perhaps three things: Who told you how much it

might mean to the rest of us to bring your laptop along and share delights

with us still sitting here behind a computer? Thank you, Dear One. We

appreciate the vicarious experience. So much. I will not tell you what a

sweet extension of dynamic self that involves. Shoot, I might get maudlin

and sentimental, and sloppy tears on the keyboard short-circuit further

communication.


Thank you again.


Roe


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Anne Tyler

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:01 PM EDT

From: Rickie122

Message-id: <1998042800011500.UAA23422@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann -- Tongue Lee --- I totally cracked up!!

Shauna -- am crazy about the name Hannah Scout.

Nancy -- the story about Arlene was wonderful.

Barb -- really sorry about Sunny

Welcome, Jude and Maureen.

Also welcome to Tenisgirl (Carol in Mass) you will love it here and beware,

it's addictive.


Sue -- I was wondering why it was so quiet - Thanks for reminding me that

some of our most prolific posters are in NYC --actually I've been thinking

about them and envying them. Oh well, we have Bookstock'98 to look forward

to. I can hardly wait.


I bought Anne Tyler's Patchwork Planet over a week ago and am deliberately

putting off starting it -- anticipation makes it sweeter. I have loved everry

book she's ever written, even though I know some are better than others.

Still reading Richard Russo' s Straight Man and really liking it.


Rickie in MI, who is full of enthusiasm today.

Woman's virtue is man's greatest invention.

- Cornelia Otis Skinner







Subject: Marco maniac sighting..

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:04 PM EDT

From: Tenisgirl1

Message-id: <1998042800045900.UAA23852@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi,


Yes, as Carol (Marco Island one) mentioned earlier, we do know each other

from another on-line sight. And yes, we both play tennis..although she plays

far more often than I do! And , I even bet SHE is the better player! By the

way, Carol, my tennis partner is now on Marco Island! I told her to be on the

lookout for you....boa, and tennis racquet in hand! Then, I remembered you

would be in NY!


Nance: I am about 15 miles north of Boston. Where are you?


Thank you all for your warm welcomes. Oh, and yeah, I do own a dog. A crazy,

bouncy, eating-maniac black Lab. Oh- that's right---aren't ALL Labs like

that?!


Carol in






Subject: Re: HELP! and T.S. Eliot

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:06 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042800065200.UAA24079@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe, I don't know what happened to your hyperlink. Sometimes they just don't

seem to work anymore. I got the same message you did. However, I did find a

new hyperlink for you at

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam that should do the trick.

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: The Cat Years

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:07 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998042800074000.UAA25551@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Scary . . . do you know, this almost exactly describes Jill these days?

She's 14 and we've all been saying that she's definitely a teenager.

Selective hearing, talking back, doing her own thing. I never realized that

was because she'd turned into a cat! Puts a whole new perspective on things

. . .


Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Misc

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:17 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998042800172100.UAA25386@ladder03.news.aol.com>


New York: Mom is home, but far too tired to even think about getting online

tonight (or so she claims). She says, however, that she had a wonderful

time. I can't believe the people at the Strand were hushing you all . . .

last time we were there, they took photos for us!! What a switch.


It sounds like it was a great day, though. Mom tells me that everyone was

nice and funny (even if she kept getting confused between real names/screen

names), and that it was great seeing old booknook friends and making new

ones. (sigh) And I was stuck at work.


(And when I say stuck, I mean it. I missed Friday so my desk was swamped

this morning--it took me three hours before I could even think about doing

Monday's work, and then that was unusually plentiful, too. I'm amazed I only

needed to stay an extra half hour until I could leave tonight. There is no

way on earth I could have made it to NY today!)


Anyway, Mom tells me that you all didn't talk about me too much, so I guess

it's okay, and I'm glad you all had a good time.


Have fun!!



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:25 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042800254400.UAA27725@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Welcome to yet another Carol! This is probably the quietest day to come out

of lurking and announce yourself since so many are away at the NY gathering.

Good taste in authors and an animal and theater lover too! I think you've

come to just the right place, and you'll fit right in with this wonderful

group!

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Cyber Baby

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:32 PM EDT

From: MOGMNY

Message-id: <1998042800321700.UAA28510@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna, I love that name, Scout has always been on of my favorite characters

from To Kill A Mockingbird. I think Demi Moore and Bruce Willis have a

daughter named Scout too. Congratulations and bravo on the choice of names.

Mo in SB







Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:36 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042800362300.UAA29005@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Carol (in Mass) Welcome to our friendy nook. Judging by your bio, I see you

will fit right in. Post often!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: A NYC Nooker Reporting In...

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:43 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042800434300.UAA28542@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Another NYC Reunion Nooker Reporting In... Yes, you ALL were with us in

Spirit today! We conducted a group chant, after the conferring of Schining

Gold Stars at lunch, naming each and every one of you! In alphabetical order,

by state, name and social security number. <g>


And now for my report: Joan/SilvLocMom and I had an uneventful ride into

Manhattan on the train. She regaled me with stories of the interesting and

amusing people she met on her wonderful cruise. (Hey Deb, next time we hope

you can join us, OK?) We met Nancy/NRK, the Great BookNook Reunion Organizer

Extraordinaire, at Penn Station... well actually SHE found US... we country

bumpkins (sorry Joan, I should speak for myself) were

wandering around looking lost. After a harrowing cab ride downtown, Nancy did

her best to encourage (euphemism) us to buy, buy, BUY at The Strand. Then

there's The Carol Maniac, who did indeed look resplendent in her white

feathered boa, I kid you not. Her table dance, however, was most restrained.

Seriously, what a delight she is to talk to. It was pure joy to meet Mari Lu

at last on her official NYC de-virgining trip. (sorry Gina, is

that a no-no?). She is a VERY talented writer and woman of wit and charm. Her

friend Celesta became an instant member of our group, fitting in famously.

Judi/WriteJudi wreaked shoppers' havoc in Kate's Paperie... disappearing for

long periods of time, only to emerge again with rolls upon rolls of paper

treasures. I was most disappointed that she brought NO kelp with her,

however. Jayne's/YankeeNana early a.m. train didn't show

up, but she didn't miss a beat and made it, finally, unswayed from her

determination to contribute to the day's fun. And what a fun lady she is; her

eyes positively sparkle with mischief. (She also managed to get THE biggest

hug from Warren!) When Jan appeared at The Strand there were many tearful

hugs all round; everyone was SO glad she could make it! What a gal, and a

lovely, smart one at that. Nina, I didn't get much chance to

talk to you, or even SEE you! Was that YOU I saw on bended knee in the

stacks? Were you searching for your next purchase? :) Nancy in PA and

Suzanne/Skill40 arrived together, driving in and finding a parking spot right

across the street! And here I thought they were unsure about getting around

the city! Way to go women! Merc, I'm so glad you could join us for lunch!

Wish we could have had more time to talk. And last but not

least, our very own Warren AKA Luigi AKA Sandquist et al. He presided over

our repast with his usual savoir faire, wearing his Schining Star with style.

What a guy! When he left us, he SAID he was hailing a cab to go back to

work... HA! I suspect he just wanted The STrand all to himself so he could

shop without his Harem observing his purchases...


OK... sorry this was so long folks. But we DID have a wonderful day and

missed every one of you. Signing off for now to rest my weary bod, watch Ally

McBeal and The PRactice.


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Strand Purchases

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:46 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042800464600.UAA00327@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Today's "damage" at The Strand:


- AMERICAN PASTORAL, a first edition thanks to Mari Lu!

- REMAINS OF THE DAY (thanks Judi for the suggestion)

- DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR FAMILIES

- STONES FROM THE RIVER

- GRIFFIN AND SABINE (which I have read but wanted to own)

- THE NAME OF THE ROSE

- a book about de-cluttering your life, can't remember the title


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: What I've Learned in Life

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:49 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042800491000.UAA29173@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I got this in my e-mail from Cheryl (Celh1220) who hasn't been posting for a

long time, but I'm sure most of you will remember. I liked it so much that

I'm going to share it with all of you:


>>What I've Learned in Life

>>

>>I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be

>>someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care

>>back.

>>

>>I've learned that it takes years to build trust and only seconds to

>>destroy it.

>>

>>I've learned that it's not what you have in your life but who you have

>>in your life that counts.

>>

>>I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.

>>After that, you'd better know something.

>>

>>I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can

>>do but to the best you can do.

>>

>>I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important, it's

>>what they do about it.

>>

>>I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you

>>heartaches for life.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two

>>sides.

>>

>>I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want

>>to be.

>>

>>I've learned that it's a lot easier to react then it is to think.

>>

>>I've learned that you should always leave loving ones with loving words.

>>It may be the last time you see them.

>>

>>I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

>>

>>I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we

>>feel.

>>

>>I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

>>

>>I've learned that heroes are people who do what has to be done when it

>>has to be done, regardless of the consequences.

>>

>>I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.

>>I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't

>>know how to show it.

>>

>>I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

>>

>>I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing at all

>>and still have the best time.

>>

>>I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you

>>are down will be the ones to help you back up.

>>

>>I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,

>>but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

>>

>>I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over a long

>>distance. The same goes for Love.

>>

>>I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want

>>them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

>>

>>I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences

>>you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with the

>>number of birthdays you celebrated.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt

>>you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

>>

>>I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.

>>Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world

>>doesn't stop for your grief.

>>

>>I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced

>>who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

>>

>>I've learned that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose

>>sides even when I don't want to.

>>

>>I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they

>>don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't

>>mean that they do.

>>

>>I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of

>>their actions.

>>

>>I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that

>>friends change.

>>

>>I've learned that you shouldn't be eager to find out a secret. It could

>>change your life forever.

>>

>>I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see

>>something totally different.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children they

>>will get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

>>

>>I've learned that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with

>>themselves get farther in life.

>>

>>I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by

>>people who don't even know you.

>>

>>I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give when a

>>friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

>>

>>I've learned that writing as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.

>>

>>I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make a decent human

>>being.

>>

>>I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from

>>you too soon.

>>

>>I've learned that although the word "Love" can have many different

>>meanings. It loses value when overly used.

>>

>>I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between

>>being nice and not hurting peoples feelings and standing up for what you

>>believe.

>>

>>I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their

>>pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.

>>

>>

>>Author Unknown


Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: A NYC Nooker Reporting In...

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 08:51 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042800512500.UAA00947@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Thank You,

MISS SALLY!

roe


You told us so much neat stuff!

translated: you told us so much neat stuff


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Funny Stuff

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:04 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042801044100.VAA01188@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I seem to be making up for the absence of some of our prolific posters today

all by myself, but when I read this other e-mail (also from Cheryl), I

thought you'd enjoy the funny stuff too:


> - Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

> - How do I set my laser printer on stun?

> - How is it possible to have a civil war?

> - If all the world is a stage, where is the audience sitting?

> - If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

> - If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?

> - If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?

> - If work is so terrific, how come they have to pay you to do it?

> - If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

> - Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?

> - If the black box flight recorder is never damaged during a plane

crash,

>why isn't the whole airplane made out of the stuff?

> - Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

> - I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help

>section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

> - Should crematoriums give discounts for burn victims?

> - If a mute swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap?

> And,

> - Whose cruel idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have a "S" in it?


Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Re: What I've Learned in Life

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:07 PM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998042801071801.VAA02870@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks, Barbara, for passing those on to us. And please say hi to Cheryl for

me and tell her she's missed.

I'm loving each and every report from NY. More, more!


Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: HELP! and T.S. Eliot

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:07 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042801072300.VAA02885@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thank you Barbara,


But I got the first 60 verses, most of them about wine. The link was then to

Iran, quite intrestesting. I will continue looking for the whole blamed

thing. Perhaps the flea market on Saturday will do the trick. You are

really nice to go searching for me, and may I return the favor in any way?

Smiling.


Roe



And, strange to tell, among that Earthen Lot

Some could articulate, while others not:

And suddenly one more impatient cried---

"Who *is* the Potter, pray, and who the Pot?"


***** Thanks again, Barbara!


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.







Subject: Re: HELP! and T.S. Eliot

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:28 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042801284600.VAA04054@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Roe, Sorry about that, but I think I found your original hyperlink this time.

Try this one Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam The URL for this one is

http://tehran.stanford.edu/Literature/Poetry/Omar_Khayyam.html


I forgot to mention it earlier but I LOVED your story about Kailie and

Solomon. The mental video it gave me was almost as delightful as seeing it

in person! Thank you!


. ¸ ¸..- -..¸ ¸¸

. ¸·´ ƒ …­… `‚ `·¸ ·­¸–.¸

. / / ¸‚‚¸¨¯·¸‚‚¸ ; ;¯:ˆ ˆ ··­ ‚¸ `·¸ `·¸

. ; '‚ {Q}; {Q} ; ; `·) ;

. ·.¸¸./ ·.·{@ ·.· \¸ ¸.` ¸·

. ¸( `·.,_.·'·._,.·´ ;

. ¸)) (_( \ ¸· ¸·

. (((¸.­···­ ƒ\~~ƒ\ ; ¸·

. `( {>ªYª<} ¸ i¸ /

. \ )_`~­~´ \\ |­… | /

. \ / / \ Í Í Ì Ì | ¸Î | Í ~Ðå®*

. ̸͸θ ̸̸θ(¯(¯( (¯(¯(¯)

. ßes† Oƒ Friends......

.


Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: The NY experience.

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:37 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042801374700.VAA06469@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Warning: This is the unabridged version.

To order copies on audio send 9.95 in Strand Gift Certificates to Skill40!


Yes, it's true. Carol was wearing a feather boa all through lunch. There will

be pictures to prove it!

What a wonderful group of people.

My morning started in the parking lot of Borders in Bridgewater NJ where I

met up with Nancy in Pa. HRDCOVERS. I got into her car like it was an

everyday occurance. It was as if we'd known eachother a lifetime. There was

never even the slightest lul in conversation.

We arrived at the Strand to find Miss Sally and Joan at the entrance. I

figure Nancy assigned them the official greeters. Nancy was already

navigating the stacks. But where was Jayne?????? Train schedule problems kept

her from getting there at her original ETA. Next I met Nina and Celesta.

Celesta? but where is MariLu? She was also back there somewhere. Finally,

there's Nancy. New hairstyle...she looks great! Well...let's shop, we're

bound to meet

more nookers.

A salesgirl at the Strand thought we were librarians and offered us a tour.

No thanks...we have Nancy! Besides, would you be telling a group of

librarians to shushh? In his defense, he was trying to talk on the phone.

Downstairs at the table where I found all 8 of the 2 books that I was

limiting myself to, I met The Marco Maniac and Judi. Everything I would have

expected them to be had I had any expectations! Back upstairs with my arms

fully loaded and there are Jan and Barbara. Jan was another of those people

that you feel you know. Well, I guess cause I do know her pretty well from

the nook. Barbara.....something about her reminds me of my sister Barbara.

Naturally, I took a liking to her. I was very suprised when she told her age.

I won't tell. Just trust me, she doesn't look it!

So here we are..all loaded down with books, when what to my wandering ears do

I hear? The familiar New England accent of a Yankee! Finally, my good friend,

Jayne made it!!!!

Nothing was going to stop her from making this trip. I heard she hitch hiked

a ride in the back of an ElCamino to get there! After working up a healthy

appetite shopping, Nancy did the the teacher thing and rounded us all up for

the next stop on our field trip. We all taxied ( not like an airplane) to 50

Bowery.

How come no one so far has mentioned that we crossed the picketline of angry

Chinese people shouting "Shame on You!",and carrying plackards that were

written in Chinese? I think they were afraid we were going into Carvel in

Chinatown. That would be shameful! oops...didn't a couple of you go to Carvel

after lunch? You should be ashamed of yourselves!.

Anyway.....lunch? Lots of food, conversation, laughter, photos, not much book

talk.

On our way back from the ladies room, a couple of us got an interesting

glimpse of_________!

The Emperor and Mercedes joined us for lunch and the group was complete. We

all took turns feeding and fanning the Emperor. I think Carol even massaged

his feet! suffice it to say, he was a happy camper surrounded by his adoring

subjects.

Next stop...Kate's Paperie. Since Ms. Nancy forgot the rope for this walk, we

all had to hold hands so no one would get lost. We had a lovely walk in the

sun and found ourselves in paper heaven where we spread like ants throughout

the store. I think Judi had to buy that piece of handmade paper that she

drooled on. Had I been nearby, I would have gladly given her a tissue! Jayne

was kind enough to babysit my Strand bag while I shopped. Don't worry, I

counted them later, they were still all there! After saying our goodbyes

Nancy and I headed for home. Sorry NancyNRK, I missed you. You were still at

the other book store

( yes folks, you read that right, other book store) when we left and I

didn't get to thank you for orchestrating an awesome field trip. Did you mark

my Delaney card present for today?

Back at Borders' parking lot, Nancy and I couln't help going inside. Hey, we

might have missed something! Nah! I never took my wallet out at Borders. Why

would I? it was empty anyway!

So that's it folks..my unabridged version of the NY Field Trip.

Here's my list of today's books:


Reader's Block by David Markson---- Don't ask...it spoke to me.

Emerald City by Jennifer Egan I loved her Invisible Circus

A Fortunate Man: The Story of a Country Doctor

and Photocopies---both by John Berger.....I loved his To The Wedding

The Beloved

and The Vision---both by Kahlil Gibran----- these two would not let me

out of their grip!

Antarctic Navigation by Elizabeth Arthur----Judi foud this for me.

RuthAlice...Since you rated this with the same fervor as

Wonder Book and Giovanni, I knew I had to finally pick it up. I always

resisted it because of it's size. But now that I have to do these exercises

for my shoulder, the weight of it will come in handy. Besides, I thought it

was written by Bea Arthur!!!!! That thought didn't thrill me!

A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris-----Jan made me buy it!!!!

My bill at the strand? Not the highest.....a mere $52.00

That's it for me! Nite all!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 09:40 PM EDT

From: VKRN

Message-id: <1998042801405400.VAA05469@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Welcome Carol


I am in the lurking mode because of school. (have returned to pursue

Master's). I am also an RN and reading is my passion, but currently have no

time to read so I "listen" to books on tape.


Congratulations Shauna! Lovely name: Hannah Scout.


A quick Hi to Jayne and Sue in Mi. I miss talking to you both. Just

sooooooo busy!


Current "reading" Pretent You Don't See Her

Venda in Illinois

Carpe Diem







Subject: Quotes

Date: Mon, 27 April 1998 10:25 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042802255100.WAA10840@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I received this WONDERFUL site in my e-mail today and thought you word-lovers

would enjoy it: HeartQuote Archive URL is

http://www.webcom.com/hrtmath/IHM/Library/Quotes/archive.html


There are quotes on so many subjects on this site! If you are looking for a

quote to put in your signature--perhaps this is the place for you. you can

also subscribe (free) to receive quotes in your e-mail. I plan to do

that--what a fun kind of e-mail to receive!


ENJOY!!

Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: BooHoo

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 12:57 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042804572200.AAA27883@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I could scream, cry, tear out my hair.

Today was so wonderful in NY with our Virtual Reality Cyberpals in the

latest BookNookFest. I came home glowing and wrote a brilliant (ahem!) report

of this perfect day. It was long, all inclusive and gave glowing reports of

these terrific folk. Some were NYBookfest Veterans {NRK, WriteJudi,

SilvrlocMom, NVLehman,

Yankee-'I don't have an accent'-Nana, Miss Sally aka Aymster, MercG and, to

balance the bevy of females, our Luigi, who represented a host of heroes and

raffish villains}

Others were NYBookfest Virgins {Maggiepiefly. Hrdcovers, Skill 40, Marilu,

her pal Celesta, and, last but not least, our boa-ed BookNookManiac,

Gradglass}.


I then got bounced off and lost my post.


Then, being so enthusiastic about every second of this lovely day, I decided

to take the time to re-write my reflections. Again, I wrote and wrote!


Arggghhhhh! It happened again. I lost everything.


Well, they do say, "Trick me once, it's AOL's fault; trick me twice and it's

mine." Of course I should have written off line, especially the second time,

but I didn't. I couldn't believe when my post disappeared twice but what

could I do except stamp my feet and howl?

To give you a mini-version of the day, here goes: Smile, hug, grin, laugh,

:-), guffaw, hug, titter, talk books, giggle, buy books, enrich The Strand's

coffers, grin, taxi, laugh, eat, giggle, :-) sneeze at feathers, laugh,

walk, bargain with street merchants, enrich Kate's Paperie, chat, talk,

laugh, walk, pose in front of a huge female fertility statue for Fredonia's

gallery of photos, then smile, hug, and sadly :-( say goodbye.

*******************************************

Barbara-Steve and I loved the film To Live and Die on Long Island. Are you

aware that it is a modernized remake of Thomas Mann's Death in Venice. John

Hurt was wonderful, as usual, but I can see that this film might not have a

mass appeal.


Welcome to our newbies, Maureen and Jude, to Shauna's tenderest newbie,

little Miss Hannah Scout. Hi to an old friend TenisGirl. I do believe we soon

shall all be a-Caroling on BookNook. Not only do we have our fair share of

Carols and Caroles but MCMala, isn't Coral just a typo of Carol?


Now to get this posted before it too disappears into the ether.


Jan, a happy NYBookFest participant.

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire





Subject: Re: The NY experience.

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 02:09 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042806092900.CAA02467@ladder01.news.aol.com>


OK...I've read what sounds like a wonderful day in New York and I admit to

being a little green. But, have I missed something? I cannot imagine a day

with Judi without chocolate. How did she get by???


Lita - a little jealous in SoCal!






Subject: Re: Funny Stuff

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 06:16 AM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998042810163800.GAA08987@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks Barbara........loved them....



Nance in MA






Subject: Tuesday

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 07:26 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042811265300.HAA11201@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I am up early, recovered, & anxious to go again.


OOPS: I want you to know, that JUDI SHOOK POWDERED COCOA/CHOCOLATE ALL OVER

THE TOP OF HER COFFEE!!! Now, do you feel better folks? Now you know it was

the REAL Judi & not an impostor.


Alex seems to be missing me just the right amount, & after a stint in the

Jewelry Exchange today, to renew old times as a gemmologist, I am off to meet

my friend Karen from Marco Island (where else - at the Strand?) to see if she

had any luck in getting us tickets for Broadway tonight. I think it's going

to be sneaker day today!


Hope your day is as good as mine is planned to be - I loved reading

everyone's posts about what we did yesterday. Just like reading a book -

everyone gets something different out of it - & it all bears telling.


The Maniac prepares to bite the Apple again ----

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Wonderful, Wonderful

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 07:35 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042811351500.HAA10169@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I SURVIVED THE NY BOOK REUNION!!!


Returned home last night at 7 elated at meeting with book nookers - new and

old faces, satiated from good food and poorer from my book purchases.


Today the real world is here - off to work and home to laundries etc.


My list of book purchases will be noted when they arrive- for now I only

remember buying American Pastoral for the book group.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Re: NYC....

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 08:45 AM EDT

From: SilvlocMom

Message-id: <1998042812451400.IAA13385@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Another perfect day in NYC.. it must be the special magic of the BookNookers

that ensures us such great weather when we meet there.


It was great to see everyone again and meet some new faces.. although I was

having a hard time remembering everyone.. must be that my brain turned to

mush while on vacation.


I thought the attitude of the people at the Strand was terribly less then

friendly, we were after all in a store, not a church or a library. Geez,

really. I think Nancy told them a thing or two though... way to go Nancy.


I loved walking through the city with our field trip group, we stayed

together very nicely too.. not too much wandering off. Tried haggling with a

merchant over a $6 pen and he just turned and walked away from me !! Somehow

I just don't seem to have the knack!!


Got back into Denville around 6:30 and met up with DH and Deb at Charlie

Browns for a bite to eat. I was fading very fast, couldn't wait to get home

and sleep in front of the TV. I'm not used to so much activity as I've had

the past 10 days.. seems to be catching up with me.


I'm glad I went to NY it was great as usual. The BookNook is full of such

wonderful people.


Joan in NJ






Subject: Re: Another newbie

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 08:59 AM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042812593400.IAA15491@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Welcome to our board tenis girl -- I absolutely can't believe we have another

Carol.

Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...







Subject: Ooops

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 09:17 AM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042813175200.JAA16522@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Dear Barbara from Lk. Ronkonkama/Magpiefly... can you EVER forgive me!

People, she was with us at our BookNook Gathering yesterday and I left this

lovely lady out of my abbreviated (?) narrative. I'm so sorry, Barb. She is a

classy, literate woman, people, I kid you not, and MUCH too modest about

herself!


Sally

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Omar

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 09:21 AM EDT

From: C234D

Message-id: <1998042813214200.JAA16740@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Eor--I went to the first part of your URL and proceeded to what you may have

been looking for (follow that?)-- Poetry Home Page. I hope this hyperlink

works for you. If not, just write in the address through Literature, and the

poetry page comes up. There was a message about making some changes

somewhere, which probably caused your problem.


Welcome, Carol/Tenisgirl1! Join the party!


Roe-loved the story about your pets! Our golden retriever is so preoccupied

with my daughter's new kitten, she gets no peace!


Barbara K--Enjoyed your posts from Cheryl. Hope she's doing well.


Glad the weather was so cooperative for the NYC meeting! Sounds like you all

had a ball.


Ally McBeal fans--Apparently the Vonda Shepard CD of the TV show soundtrack

is available now. WPLJ in NYC has been featuring it in the AM--they're Vonda

fans. She was on the show the other morning but I missed it.


Carolyn on Long Island, reading WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR and TRACK OF THE CAT by

Nevada Barr







Subject: Re: Horror movies/Nall/link

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 11:03 AM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042815031900.LAA21831@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Leslie -- I must be doing something wrong, too. How do I get the article

about you from this web site? "Inquiring minds want to know".

cissie







Subject: Help wanted!!!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 03:37 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042819372201.PAA11787@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I'm brainlessly sitting here trying to think of party games for the baby

shower we're having for DD and DSIL on Sunday - 60 people and what do I do

with them? It seems like too big a group to play with. I thought about

having everyone or one from each couple get up and introduce themselves and

tell how they knew the happy couple because lots of people won't know anyone

else, but

the kids screamed when I suggested it. I have a couple of ideas, but if

anyone has any suggestions I would be thrilled to hear them. I'd like to be

a little creative (not to mention organized!)


Thanks -


Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain








Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 04:46 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042820462800.QAA18126@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann, Wow! 60 people sounds like a huge baby shower! I don't know how

long you are planning for everyone to stay, but better leave plenty of time

for the

opening of the gifts so the guests of honor aren't rushed. Assign someone to

keep

a record of who gives what and give people some time just to socialize.


Something we did at the last baby shower I attended was fun and different.

Everyone

brought a baby picture of themself. The hostess passed around each photo with

a

number on the back. The person who guessed the most correct won. You need

to

mention it ahead of time though, so it might be too late for that.


There's a LOT of clever ideas for baby shower games at Free Baby Shower

Games/Gift Ideas from Baby N... Good luck on Sunday!

Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)







Subject: Re: Anne Tyler

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 05:00 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998042821005600.RAA20784@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna -- Wonderful name! Now, what are you going to call her? Of course,

we Southerners don't have to pick -- we just use both!


The only way to catch up is to take a day at a time and work backwards. So

far, I've read a bit about the reunion and it sounds like a blast. Not too

quiet, though! Imagine being called down in a bookstore. Horrors!


Cissie, off to read April 27







Subject: Re: BooHoo

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 05:12 PM EDT

From: BKarvelas

Message-id: <1998042821125400.RAA22022@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jan, I know how you felt. That has happened to me so many times, but thanks

for persisting and writing something again. I enjoyed your abbreviated

version anyway. I

usually give up in disgust after it happens twice!


I'm glad you and Steve enjoyed Love and Death on Long Island too! I guess

you have to have our particular kind of sense of humor to really appreciate

it. I never saw or read the more serious Death in Venice. This movie was

actually based on a novel by Gilbert Adair that was a satire of Death in

Venice. In an interview, director Kwietniowski said:


It's impossible in 1997 to write a completely original story. There's only so

many

stories in the world. So that was quite important to the concept of the book.

This

was, if you like, a sort of rock n' roll "Death in Venice", as somebody

described it.

To me it was less important because I was once removed from that because it

was

based on the book. And I wanted to make a film that somebody who'd never ever


heard of the novel or the film "Death in Venice" would appreciate.



Barbara (reading The Book of Ruth and Black and Blue)

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

--Albert Schweitzer (who forgot the third refuge....books)






Subject: Such NYC fun!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 05:19 PM EDT

From: DGArmstron

Message-id: <1998042821195700.RAA21442@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Boy oh boy am I ever sorrrrrrry I missed this NYC get together!!! Sounds like

so much fun...I'm so glad you all got there and many thanks to all who posted

about it.....it's so much fun reading your takes on the day!! I promise when

school is out, I'll make the next one.... miss all of you.


Welcome to all the new BN'ers....especially to Hannah Scout. Take care of

yourself, Shauna, and get some rest (if you can!)


Thanks, also, to all who have posted URL's.....I've used several for my

health classes at school and really appreciate this sharing we do!


Enjoy spring everyone.....it's great to be alive!

Diane in NJ

"...like friends, books have gone into the making of whatever and whoever I

am."

Kevin Starr






Subject: Party ideas

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 05:29 PM EDT

From: Silverloc2

Message-id: <1998042821292200.RAA22401@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I don't know about baby shower ideas, but my sister came up with the best

idea for my niece's 9th birthday next month. Instead of a sleep-over, she's

having a Breakfast Party. All of Tiffany's friends are invited to come over

at 10:00, still in the nightgowns/pajamas, and have breakfast! Patty's

making waffles and having cereal and muffins and breakfast stuff. The

birthday cake is going to be decorated like a cereal box--only instead

of "Special K" it'll say "Special T". For a crafty-thing, they were going to

paint pillowcases, except she doesn't have enough table space for 9

pillowcases, so they're painting socks instead. (Hey, it fits the theme--you

put on socks when you get dressed in the morning!) I think this is one of

the best ideas for a kid's birthday party I've heard in a long time, and just

had to mention it. Isn't my sister clever?



Deb in NJ


"I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study

mathematics and philosophy, geography, ... and agriculture, in order to give

their

sons a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, ...and

porcelain."

--John Adams







Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 06:06 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042822060300.SAA26270@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann,


( No Martha Stewart here) One idea I just thought of, which means it is

untried and possibly disastrous, is to hold a lottery of sorts. If a due

date has been ordained, someone can circulate with a legal pad or slips of

paper and have all the guests guess a due date, time, hour, second -the

blessed event will occur. An easy ice-breaker, the associated conversation

might just produce some anecdotal tales without putting the couple on the

spot.

Have a real monetary prize or gift established (perpetuating communication),

and the interest engendered will definitely enliven the group, even if they

do not know each other. Competitive games, or gambling, piques the interest

of everyone, and this idea would certainly help to dissuade the formal nature

of most showers. Too many "oohs" and "ahs" turn a shower into Sunday Circle

Meeting. Just a thought.


Roe<-----who loses the pool of whatever every year


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Reunion

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 06:26 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042822264700.SAA28510@ladder03.news.aol.com>


<<With Judi, Nancy and Marilu and others in NY, it's a quiet place here,

should give some people time to catch up!>>


Sue - are you trying to tell me I am a big mouth writer. Should have seen me

bargaining yesterday over a fanny pack for a certain man in our midst.


Wonderful, wonderful reunion. I really can't do justice to the day but will

rely on all of the other more eruidite members of our group.


Suffice it to say that finally meeting Nancy (HRDCOVERS) Mari Lu, Barb

(Magpiefly) and Celesta for the first time was a great treat and greeting all

of the other people I've met before was also super. Funny but now when I

meet with some who I have seen fairly frequently since July, its like being

with old friends. Would you beleive that this is the Fourth Year that Carol

(GRADGLASS) and I have met for an online book group reunion? The long and

short is that if you ever have an opportunity to meet with someone either in

yoru own hometown or elsewhere do it.


BTW - YankeeNana receives my award for being the best traveler yesterday.

She left her house before 6:30 and at 7:15 phoned to say the train never

arrived and she would be taking a bus which would arrive at 11:30. She made

it to The Strand and hurriedly bought two books as we were almost leaving for

lunch. And she didn't retrun home much till after 9;30. I'd travel with her

anyday. She also showed pictures from her odyssey and everyone looked

great. Its so much fun to see faces of those people who we've been writing

to for sometime.


And also we were all so happy to see Jan and to hear that Steve is doing

better. I think thats because Jan takes such good care of him.


OK Ok - now I'm planning to travel to Book Fest 98 so I hope to see many new

faces there as well.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: HELP! and T.S. Eliot

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 06:33 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998042822331200.SAA29182@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Barbara,


You are too much. Thank you for your legwork. I feel like a Diva receiving

roses without performing, smug and satisfied (not really, just grateful and

appreciative), although now, because of you and a few others, I am attempting

to experiment a little more with the adjunct links. Isn't it strange how we

can look a gift horse in the mouth on line, without acknowledgement of what

it is, with trepidation and awe, but course right through real life

obstacles? I am learning fast. Again I thank you, and express appreciation

to Jackie and Marilu and All Ya'll who provide these wonderful links without

urls. Is that kinda like no kinks in my curls? Laughing and smiling, I

remain ever the learner.


Roe<---who thinks you Folks are the Greatest


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: The NY experience.

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 06:39 PM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042822391700.SAA01329@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Skill - I realized last night as I drifted off that I indeed forget to say

good-bye to you. So sorry.


BTW - you reminded me of those pesky little cards which I used to keep

attendance on when I taught high school. For those that don't know delany

cards are minsucle cards where the entire school year by month is on the back

and you cross off a students absence. Believe it or not, I still have both

the book and all of the cards just in case....

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: The NY experience.

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 07:07 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998042823073700.TAA03233@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi everybody -


I got to the Silver Palace last and was a bit taken aback by the picket line.

I felt like a scab venturing toward the escalator to the restaurant. Ah!

The sacrifices one makes to be with fellow book nookers! I have to confess,

I don't remember all the New York newbies' names. But I remember Judy, who

sat next to me and also, a lady with a feather boa wrapped around her neck

giving out bookmarks. I wish I could have gotten to the restaurant

earlier so that I could have truly got to know everybody.



If you click this site, you might be able to relax for a minute or two. Try

it.

A Relaxation Moment From Online Psych


Mercedes







Subject: whew!!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 07:28 PM EDT

From: Sandquist

Message-id: <1998042823283700.TAA05684@ladder03.news.aol.com>



Well I finally got rid of MariLu. Nice lady, but she tried to steal my

Pop Warner autographed football. I don't blame her in a way. Footballs signed

by Knute Rockne, John Irving, Frank Gifford, Pop Warner, Cathy Tobias, and

Thomas Jefferson are not easy to come by anymore, and my Nerf model would

bring a tidy sum at any auction attended by rich imbeciles. Well, eventually

MariLu signed the ball, left the ball, left a great book - Pomo Dawn of

Song, and left a really nice leather bag of some sort, which I think she

said Nancy, Sally, and Judi had acquired for me in a

bargained-downtown-purchase with the hope that I would put it where the sun

don't schine, David or otherwise. And, while I am at it and already the butt

of online jokes, I may as well admit that I have emailed a concession speech

to Miss Sally about some possible holes in my expanded Schine info. of

yesterday. OK sue me, I

don't think well in Chinese restaurants, what with the MSG and all. So I

forgot a few of the unimportant details about Schine's wife. I remembered the

vital stuff: that she was a Miss Universe and that she was Swedish. Compared

to that the fact, which I mentally misplaced, that she died with him in a

plane crash is merely a factual gloss, a trivial annotation. Miss Universe!

Swedish! How important is dead?


Far more important, as already reported we had a great NYC gathering

with an almost bare minimum of Carols -- nice feather boa -- and a bunch of

other strange people who refused to tell us who they were or why an angry mob

was picketing outside the eatery yelling something about slave labor. And,

let me add right here -- RuthAlice I told all these no-good hard-hearted

rightwingers that we should not cross these picket lines. I tried. I tried,

but they would not listen to me. I fear that the Nook may now be blacklisted

at Hop Sinhgs, but not nearly as much as I fear trying to figure out how the

heck one might spell Hop Singh. This was my first try at it, and I am sure I

will get better over time, or at least over time get over it, whichever comes

first.


And in conclusion let me just say that NYC had plenty of crazies here

before Book Nook started shipping them in carloads from all over the country.

Is this really called for? And if so, who called for it? Is this Crazy Rudy

the nutty mayor again? Anything for a laugh with Rudy. But now it is time to

put pens down, no back-tracking to see if anything made sense or is even

semi-coherent because it is now Game TIme. Knicks to unravel the bad, bad

boys from Miami. I thank thee, and bid thee adieu, but if that is not high

enough I am willing to make a final counteroffer, and then one last one

under the counter.


Patrick Ewing

Warren -----

"Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only

he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck

blackberries." --

Elizabeth Barrett Browning






Subject: Re: The NY experience.

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 07:33 PM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998042823333500.TAA06243@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks, Mercedes for the relaxation moment!

I will visit often.

I saved it in favorite places and plan to e-mail it to Steve. He needs to

relax!

It was nice meeting you yesterday. Wished there was more opportunity to talk

& get to know oneanother.

Hopefully next time.

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: The NY experience.

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 08:04 PM EDT

From: NZilch

Message-id: <1998042900040800.UAA11212@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Neat' relaxation moment...........in my favorite

places...........YES!!!!!!!!!!

Nance in MA


You can always tell a Yankee, but you can't tell him much.


Eric Knight






Subject: A Day in New York

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 08:35 PM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042900354300.UAA13461@ladder03.news.aol.com>



OVERWHELMING!!!!!



This is the only word I can think of to describe the book nook meeting in New

York yesterday. My day began with meeting Suzanne (Skill 40) at the

Bridgewater Mall. She and I had made arrangements to drive in together.

CRAZY!!! is what my husband and son said I was. "How could you drive into

New York to meet people you don't know,

with someone in your car that you don't know. People get killed by on line

people was what they said." What do they know. I took my chances and drove

in with the most delightful person. There was never a lack for conversation

even though Suzanne actually liked the character Harrison Durrance from the

Wonder Book. I forgive you for that. Suzanne has a wonderful background

having worked for B&N and having led their book discussions. Needless to

say, I enjoyed the ride in. So far, I'm having fun.


We arrived at the Strand and parked right next door. This is working out all

right I said. We walked in and immediately met fellow booknookers. There was

Nina with her head in a pile of books. She raised it for a minute before

going back to ponder her purchases. We then met Sally and found out why she

calls herself Miss Sally. It's funny but I pictured Sally to be very short

and she's wonderfully tall. Then there was Joan just back from her

cruise. And lo and behold, I heard a voice in the background. It was

someone giving instructions and telling everyone what books were good. Guess

who? Yes it was our beloved Nancy. Exactly as I had pictured her and even

better. Downstairs she led us into the dungeons of the Strand. I, who was

wearing black, was very dusty by the time I was done. There was quite a

racket going on while we met additional nookers. I then met the feathered

one

sans boa at that time. Carol, the maniac was talking a mile a minute. She

talks faster than she types. What a delightful person. Then there was

wonderful Judi, and Marilu all the way in from the West Coast and enjoying

every bit of Manhattan. Her friend Celesta fit right in. I thought she was

one of the posters. Jan, of course, looked as good as her pictures in

Fredonia and I immediately liked Barbara, Magpie, probably because she's from

Long

Island (my origin after Brooklyn that is). But where, oh where, was our

Yankee Nana. Delayed I was told. So I searched up and down the aisles and

made a trip to the checkout counter to send my books because they were

getting too heavy to carry and back to the basement I went to finish

shopping. What is that noise I'm hearing in the other aisle? Could it be

that the Yankee has arrived? Sure enough, there she was in living color. I

felt that I

had known her my whole life. I do hope I'm not leaving anyone out at this

point. This was truly a wonderful experience meeting everyone.


On to the Silver Palace we went. Nina's face went white as we crossed a

picket line to get inside. Unfortunately, we could not all fit at one table

so I was unable to converse at length with the other table but I truly

enjoyed the company at ours. Nancy, Suzanne, Carol, Barb and Nina. Then the

boa was revealed. You are one crazy lady Carol. Mercedes arrived but I

didn't have the opportunity to speak to her and a man named Warren arrived

and

that completed our two tables.


Afterwards a few of us went down to Carvel for an ice cream while the others

walked to Kate's. While in Carvel I really had some time to chat with Marilu

who told us all about her RV with hard wood floors and all. Nina was very

enjoyable and every bit the New Yorker as she hailed cabs for us all over

town. Kate's was terrific and terribly expensive. It was getting late so

Suzanne and I said our goodbyes and trekked through Manhattan, by car of

course, in search of the Holland Tunnel. When we looked up and saw the World

Trade Center, we knew we had gone too far downtown. So back uptown we went

in search of our way under the river. This little excursion took in excess

of 1 hour during which time I picked Suzanne's brain about all the books she

likes.


WHAT CAN I SAY --- I LOVED IT. THANK YOU NANCY FOR ORGANIZING IT. YOU ARE

AN INCREDIBLY GIVING PERSON AND I THANK YOU FOR FINDING ME AND LEADING ME

INTO YOUR WONDERFUL GROUP.



Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...







Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 08:51 PM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998042900511600.UAA16691@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Barbara - thanks for the link - I plan to use it. I love the baby picture

idea but it probably is too late for that. Although there may be some

variation I can play.


and Roe - I do think a lottery is a good idea even though no one will knows

who wins until June 25th or so.


And Deb - I love the idea of a breakfast birthday party - get all that work

done while everyone's got energy! Maybe if I'd had our guests come in their

pajamas I wouldn't have to worry about entertaining them! They'd be too

amused at each other. My DD's so conservative though - she's into that "I

want to be like everyone else mode," which I remember clearly from her age

group. Took me years to realize I wasn't going to make it.


Thanks for the moment of relaxation, Merc - I needed that today.


Started Memoirs of a Geisha - what an original book. I have no idea what's

going to happen next. If I had written this book, I think I'd quit writing

now. Perfect is perfect.


NYC sounds like fun - darn.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Baby Shower

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 09:51 PM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998042901512900.VAA22709@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Mary Anne-I don't know about games, but a terrific gift that my DD gave my

DDIL was a clothes line with little baby size clothes pins holding all sorts

of small baby things. (bibs, rattles, wee undershirts, socks, soft toys,etc.)

The whole thing is wrapped in a big box, and then when opened, two folks take

different ends and stretch it across the room. It's a delightful shower gift

that is enjoyed by all.

With that many folks, I don't think you need to worry about entertaining

them. The gifts alone will take ages to open.

My DDIL asked the children who attended to be her helpers-and they loved

their importance. Everyone enjoys watching kids, as long as they're kept

busy.

I love Roe's suggestion about a lottery. Of course, they'll have to wait

for the date, but you could promise a small gift from the new baby when it

arrives.


Have fun. Babies are the pure joy of life.

Jan

Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: A win . . . finally!

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 11:00 PM EDT

From: TheSussMan

Message-id: <1998042903001000.XAA02575@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Timothy's Little League team finally won a game yesterday, 11-6. Everybody

played well and played as a team, and they did great. Timothy struck out

twice and grounded out once, but he made a good throw to second base after

backing up first base. (He failed to back up first base in the previous game,

allowing several runs to score, but I explained the importance of doing this,

and he remembered to

do it!). Timothy was very excited because he had played about 15 games

without a win (his fall team went winless). The White Sox are now 1-4-1 and

have hopefully gained some confidence that will help them through the rest of

the season. Next game is Saturday morning.


I recently finished Michael Palmer's latest medical thriller, "Miracle Cure"

and enjoyed it. It started slowly, but as the story progressed, the suspense

built, and the story improved. I was able to guess one of the twists at the

end, but I still enjoyed the book. I'll post a review in a few days. Next up

is Phillip Margolin's latest legal thriller, "The Undertaker's Widow." I've

enjoyed most of his books, but he still hasn't topped "Gone, But Not

Forgotten."


GOOD NEWS!! - My roommate is coming home. She had the cast removed from her

right ankle today. (Her left ankle isn't really broken, but a bone is chipped

and she's been wearing an air cast). The cast on her wrist comes off in 10

days. Karen is able to walk enough to get around the house and now must

practice going up and down stairs. If she can do that, she'll be back in our

apartment on Friday. I promised to take her to see "Grease" when she

was able to get around so I guess we'll have to do that this weekend.


See y'all later!


Mike

Mike Sussman's Thrillers & Audiobooks

http://members.aol.com/thesussman/home.htm






Subject: Re: NYC meeting

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 11:00 PM EDT

From: Magpiefly

Message-id: <1998042903002300.XAA02596@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Roe<---who thinks you Folks are the Greatest


You said it Roe !!!!!! I wish every BookNooker could have the opportunity

to come to a meeting. Marilu, Celesta, Judi, Nina,Jayne,Jan,Joan,

Warren,Mercedes.Nancy and Nancy, Sally ,Suzanne and Carol I am sending you

all a big cyber hug for making me feel like one of the group instantly. What

a group of warm and loving people you are..


Nancy - NRK18...you did a wonderful job and deserve a star.


OOPS...Not to worry Sally .I'm glad you remembered since you promised to send

me some tips about travel in England. Thank you.


Suzanne and Nancy..We didn't get a chance to say goodbye.. I wish you had

come for coffee with us..We had a good gab fest and learned more about each

other.


Jan-VoxMom...How did I let us you leave without taking a picture in front of

that wonderfully endowed Madonna. That would have been a good one for

Fredonia.


Judi..I'm going to miss your wonderful wedding by one day. Remember I will be

in Ogonquit on June 13th. I hope we'll be able to see some pics. I also

can't wait to see what new art work you create with all that paper you

bought.


Thanks to Gradglass and YankeeNana for the beautiful bookmarks.You are both

the life of the party.


Joan- SilverlocMom Thanks for the good advise about posting...


And I was so tired when I got home I did not have a problem falling asleep.

Also QuAppelle

suggested Tylenol PM which works most of the time. So....now I have to find a

new quote.


Just finished reading THE 10th JUSTICE by Brad Meltzer.



Barb from Lk. Ronkonkoma //(º_º)\\

"I was dreaming I was awake,but then I woke up and found meself asleep"

...said Stan Laurel to Oliver Hardy




Subject: Re: Party ideas

Date: Tue, 28 April 1998 11:15 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998042903151400.XAA03046@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I must recommend a book to those planning children's parties.


The Penny Whistle Party Planner


This book is full of reasonably priced, creative parties that you can do at

home. I am so sick of the Chuck E. Cheese, Discovery Zone brand of party.

They are ridiculously expensive and everyone is always trying to outdo

everyone else!!!


Diane in S. Florida

Bah Humbug to children's birthday parties :(






Subject: Tuesday is For Tootsies

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 12:00 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042904000900.AAA08072@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I had so much fun meeting everyone yesterday - wish I had more time with each

one. All day little incidents & comments are coming back - what a wonderful

warm group of people here - & thanks Nancy for putting it together & seeing

that everyone was acquainted & happy.


I am glad that Luigi is enjoying his fanny (pack) - a gift from ALL of his

devoted women. Nancy did an exceptional job of "hondling" for it - so

exceptional that the rest of us walked away & pretended we didn't know her

-:) -:) -:) I walked by the same store today - crossed the street &

averted my face. Chicken feathers.


MERCEDES: that was no lady wearing the boa - LOL


When I return & read all these posts - it's like coming home at night.


There's something about walking on the streets of New York that makes you

feel as if you have walked barefoot on a bed of nails. The last time I was

here, I deep-sixed a pair of Reebok's that took leave of their soles.


Today I enjoyed coffee at Starbuck's as fuel for my engine, before hitting

the streets for real. Next stop was the Jewelry

Exchange, & then a taxi down to the World Trade Center to meet my friend

Karen, who was already standing in line at 10:30 when I got there. Good

company & conversation helped pass the time & we were lucky enough to get 1/2

price tickets for THE LIFE, which was our first choice. The advantage to

getting the tickets there, in case anyone is interested, is that in this

location you can also buy tickets for matinees a day ahead of time. I

practised

restraint. We then walked from there to the Strand - a pretty lengthy

stroll. We stopped for a nice lunch a few blocks before we reached there,

which made a nice break & rested our bodies for the onslaught.


Karen was suitably blown away by the Strand - I can't believe that there was

a completely different selection of books after just one day. That place is

unbelievable & it's a very good thing I don't live here. We parted at about

3 pm, & I walked all the way back here. I would say I had my share of

exercise today - I am not too sure how many blocks or miles it is from the

World Trade Center, but I know it's over 33 blocks to the Strand. I know I

power walk at the rate of 5 miles in 55 minutes - & this was no power walk -

but I got back here before 4 pm, & stopped for a cold drink around 37th

Street. I probably didn't walk more than 5 miles, excluding my mileage at the

Strand - but on NY pavement it feels like 25.


I put my feet up & read until Karen & her daughter Ingrid met me here, & we

went out for dinner. The theater is just a 10 minute walk - ouch - but we

made it. All of us enjoyed THE LIFE tremendously - it is a very lively

musical about the life on the street- the hookers & pimps of 42nd St. in the

60s, before it was cleaned up. The exaggerated characters were hilarious -

there were a couple of overly endowed chicks who were spilling out of their

clothes like 10 lbs of sausage in a 5 lb casing. Although the songs weren't

memorable, the voices were excellent & it was wonderful to watch & hear - our

1/2 price seats were 4 rows from the front, on the aisle. Now I am spoiled,

when I think of how much I have paid for mediocre seats in the past.


I have no definite plans for tomorrow, but I think that whatever I do I will

walk on my hands, for very short distances. That may mean a quick visit to

my favourite department store, Lord & Taylor - about 10 minutes from here.

They don't sell books.


The Marco Maniac, truly reporting. 'Night everybody

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT





Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 12:35 AM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042904355500.AAA12865@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann,


I remember attending a baby shower a long time ago which was given for one of

the church ladies. There was a large group attending. One thing we did was

everyone brought a picture of themselves as a baby. The pictures were put

into a display after everyone had arrived (by the hostesses who didn't play

the game).


The object was to guess who was who in the baby photos--the one who had the

most right at the end of the evening won a prize. It was a lot of fun--and

great for conversation. we had women attending from teenagers up to

seventies. Some you could guess because of the type of photo or the paper it

was printed on--whether it was Black and white or color or colored over B&W

(I know some of you out they will understand this).


Anyway, this was definitely the MOST fun I ever had at any kind of baby

shower!



Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown






Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 12:54 AM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998042904543600.AAA14404@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well, I just learned a lesson-----read all the other posts before you hit the

SEND button. But, you know Barbara---GMTA!



Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 01:25 AM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998042905251700.BAA16732@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mary Ann,


A "game" we always have at baby showers is the name tag game... you make

nametags that look like diapers (simply take a triangle of paper and fold in

the corners and bottom) and pin with a tiny gold pin. One of the diapers

should have a surprise of Grey Poupon inside... at the end of the shower have

everyone open their diapers and give a doorprize to the person with the

Poupony diaper.



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re: Help wanted!!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 01:52 AM EDT

From: Lrob965

Message-id: <1998042905522100.BAA18422@ladder01.news.aol.com>


MaryAnn - I see you already have lots of great ideas for the shower but here

are a few from me. One of the best ice breakers we've played is to tape the

names of a famous person on each guest's back. I think we did "famous

children" at a baby shower. Then its like a backwards 20 Questions. Each

person asks other partygoers questions about what's on their

back...obviously they have to guess who it is.


Another, though you may not have enough time, is to have each guest write a

poem/limerick to the couple or the child. Then they read them to the group.

It's pretty funny.


Mercedes - Thanks for the relaxation moment. It came at the right moment...I

NEEDED THAT!!!


I finally finished Lady Chatterly's Lover, which I kept putting aside in

favor of my stack of New Yorkers....it was good but not compelling. (Even

with those incredibly hot scenes!) I was reading the first pages of Yellow

Raft on Blue Water today (which the book group I've joing is reading in May)

when I got a call from the library. Yes...Memoirs of a Geisha was in and,

though I've only read 25 pages, I'm hooked. So....off to

bed to read it. Hope I can stay awake....I've only made it through 10 pages

of anything the last few days.

Lita in So.Cal. -

Reading Memories of a Geisha!







Subject: Re: whew!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 07:47 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042911472100.HAA27598@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Yes, I know that Nina and a few others were quite upset bny the picket lines

and believe it or not I only realized what was happening once we were on the

escalator. As a former member of the teacher's unoin and with roots which

have always supported unions, it also grieved me. If we were a smaller group

and not expecting others to arrive, I might have ventured elsewhere. I do

apologize to you and any others who were bothered by crossing

the picket line. Next time I will choose a less controversial place although

in Manhattan thats sometimes difficult.



*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: A Day in New York

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 07:54 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998042911542900.HAA27989@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Nancy - so enjoyed reading yours and others reports of the day. Its like

reliving the experience. I can just imagine your husband and son's

consternation over your plans. Imagine when I told my husband that I was

being picked up in Washington D.C. by a person I never met and going to

Alexandrai Virginia to hear an author we both met online. Well, that was my

first face to face meeting and after almost 10 of them, I say nanny nanny poo

poo to my husband and suggest he meet some online friends too.


And the reason I led you here is cause I knew you would be a great asset!!!

So glad you're here and that whoever was with us on Monday were able to join

with us too.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time





Subject: AOL

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 09:48 AM EDT

From: HRDCOVERS

Message-id: <1998042913484800.JAA06234@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I have been having a major problem both yesterday and today getting online.

Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing these difficulties or if it is

a regional thing.

Nancy in PA

Just finished and absolutely loved Angela's Ashes; currently reading

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein.

Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes...





Subject: Nancy -- whew!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 12:00 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042916004900.MAA14431@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Yo Nancy ---

Re. Picket line --- I am going to start holding you responsible for

surprise picket lines popping up upside restaurants that you pick about the

same time that I start blaming you for volcanic eruptions in the Philippines

and brush fires in Indonesia -- both of which I think you are causing but I

do not yet have the proof in hand. In the interim, the restaurant was fine;

once there and waiting for a gathering group you had no choice, and --

most important NANCY -- you did your usual terrific job for which we are all

appreciative and say ----



Thank you, Nancy ---


now about those cataclysms you are causing in the Pacific -- cut it out!



Fred

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes






Subject: whew footnote

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 12:07 PM EDT

From: LuigiAlva

Message-id: <1998042916074700.MAA16214@ladder01.news.aol.com>



By the way, just in the event that any silly soul takes me seriously in

my earlier comment about "finally getting rid of MariLu" --- now the truth.

MariLu graciously accepted my invitation to have lunch while she was

touristing in town. She showed up at my office at 12.30, and I wouldn't let

her leave. She finally got rid of me, and fought her way out of the building

and our non-stop conversation at around 5.00pm. Not my fault, she is a very

interesting, articulate and entertaining lady. I either kept talking to her

or had to go talk to some accountant or lawyer about taxes. What would you

have done?


Boris Bitker

Warren --

"People do not quit playing because they grow old. They grow old because they

quit playing." Oliver Wendell Holmes






Subject: Shauna

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 12:55 PM EDT

From: Ripplins

Message-id: <1998042916551200.MAA19694@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Shauna,


CONGRATULATIONS!


on the birth of Hannah Scout! Enjoy!


As it happens...I was reading To Kill A Mockingbird the day Hannah was born!


Currently reading Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg


Bye for now,

Beth on Long Island






Subject: Re: whew!!

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 02:17 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998042918171600.OAA25679@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Nancy -


There is no need to apologize. Picket lines and signs are just a part of New

York life. I truly enjoyed myself at lunch. Once I sat down and had a

spoonful of won ton soup, I was totally over being traumatized of being

shouted at in Chinese.





Subject: Slow Me Down Lord

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 02:23 PM EDT

From: MercG

Message-id: <1998042918230100.OAA26107@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I got the following prose from an Ann Landers letter. I thought it was very

moving and inspirational.


Mercedes



Slow Me Down Lord


Slow me down, Lord!

Ease the pounding of my heart

By the quieting of my mind.

Steady my harried pace

With a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me,

Amidst the confusions of my day,

The calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves

With the soothing music of the sighing streams

That live in my memory.

Help me to know

The magical restoring power of sleep.

Teach me the art

Of taking minute vacations of slowing down to look at a flower.

To chat with an old friend or to make a new one;

To pat a stray dog;

To watch a spider build a web;

To smile at a child;

Or to read a few lines from a good book,

Remind me each day

That the race is not always to the swift;

That there is more to life than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward

Into the branches of the towering oak

And know that it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord,

And inspire me to send my roots deep

Into the soil of life's enduring values

That I may grow toward the stars

Of my greater destiny.







Subject: AFTERNOON BREAK

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 04:04 PM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998042920045600.QAA05513@ladder01.news.aol.com>


That's what I did today - just to rest & finish THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce

Courtenay - definitely a Top Ten book. This man can tell a good, long story

very well.


LUIGI - BORIS - FRED - et al: I have it on good authority that MariLu is

anxious to get back to the safety of her computer so that she can impart the

whole truth & nothing but, about her visit with you. My lips are sealed as

promised - but her version in no way resembled what you wrote the first time

LOL - & I am SO relieved to see that you changed it 'slightly' - guess we

will have to wait to see what she says. Rashomon, oh Rashomon. Kind of

like a kid's version of "Pass the Word", isn't it? Do we get to vote on the

version 'most likely' after?


Now to decide - which book to read next! I hardly know where to begin.


The Marco Maniac, fondly fondling some new acquisitions & dreaming about

those on their way to Florida via UPS

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: This and That

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 04:36 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042920363500.QAA07527@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Hi - I have survived the NYC meeting!!!. First want to Post and comment on

other things.


EOR/Roe _ One of my favorites in the whole world -eecummings ---The Dog Story

had me ROTFLMAO. Glad you bought the books with the Gift Certificate.


Welcome Maureen and Judy. Keep Posting we really are a fun group.


Diane/DiNeer526 -The great news of your sister. Yes, prayers are powerful!!!

Bless you and her!


MaryAnn/Buny32132 - I howled over the "Tongue Lee" story. LOL. We run into

that problem quite often.


Carol in Mass/Tenisgirl 1- welcome from a another fellow New Englander. Do

you say 'Haaarrvaard Squaraaaa" Just checking my accent does not show very

much. Let me know how you liked Loving Chloe and Hank and Chloe, thanks.


BKarvelas/Barbara - thank you for sharing Celh/Cheryl's What I've Learned in

Life. Great! I sure do miss her not being around.


VKRN/Venda - Hi to you too. I miss you lady.


DGA/Diane - Glad to see you posting. I missed you muchly at the NYC

gathering. We shall do the next one together a must!!! Told Joan and Sally

to give you a hug for me.


Went out for lunch with my roomate today: Tough to have fresh seafood.

Lobster bisque, steam clams, and a Wednesday special of Fish and Chips @

$1.99 a plate.


My weekly jaunt to the library (liberry) Brought home Jane Smiley's newest

"The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton. Another brand new one

"No Good Deed" by Lynn S. Hightower.


After spending a little while at the book store and scribbling authors and

titles I moved right to the library and put the following on reserve:


N is for Noose - Grafton

The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel

Cavedweller - Dorothy Allison

Amazing Grace -Kathleen Norris

Message In A Bottle-Nicholas Sparks

No Time to Die (NF) - Liz Tilberis

Greentown - Timothy Dumas (Story of a murder 25 years ago in Greenwich CT

Me and My Shadow- Autobiography by Lorna Luft

last but not least --The Grilling Season by Diane Mott Davidson.


I guarantee with my luck they will all come in at once. Ha.!!!


Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut


Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.







Subject: Books and such

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 05:11 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042921115600.RAA11335@ladder03.news.aol.com>


What a surprise! Today the UPS arrived with my BOOKS FROM THE STRAND!

Already... wow. And now I need to find some more hours for reading...


American Pastoral -- I had forgotten until I saw it again, but the cover

photo on the dust jacket is of the post office in Brookside, NJ, about 2

miles from where I live now, and where I used to pick up my mail EVERY day

when I lived in that town for 10 years. (whew, is that a run-on sentence or

what?!)


Sally, currently reading ALL THE PRETTY HORSES by Cormac McCarthy & THE ANGEL

SHARE by Robt. Irvine. Hey, you Utah folks should love this Moroni Traveler

series, n'est pas?

Miss Sally in NJ

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. (Chinese Proverb)






Subject: Links

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 05:15 PM EDT

From: KIHEIKAROL

Message-id: <1998042921153200.RAA13084@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Could someone please tell me how to create links to other web sites? I think

someone posted it at one time but I sure don't remember how to do it. Will

write it down next time.


Thanks.


Carol in Oceanside, CA






Subject: Re: Slow Me Down Lord

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 05:16 PM EDT

From: Aymster54

Message-id: <1998042921164900.RAA13210@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Merc,


I just LOVE that poem. Thanks for sharing it with us. I have a copy somewhere

that I come across every once in a while, usually when I NEED to read it!

It's lovely.


Sally






Subject: NYC

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 05:49 PM EDT

From: YankeeNana

Message-id: <1998042921495200.RAA16910@ladder01.news.aol.com>


After everyone wrote such marvelous reports of the Day just maybe I can do a

interpretation of my day. It was different!!! Let me begin: "Threw rain,

sleet, and snow" wrong story.


I did not have an uneventful ride into the Big Apple. Maybe others did but

mine was rather hectic, ridiculous and Amtrack screwed me up again!!. So I

chose "Leave the Driving to Us" via Greyhound. By the time I arrived, just

knew the Strand had been moved to at least New Jersey. Thought I would never

get there.


You all know by now I arrived just 15 mins before everyone was leaving for

lunch. Met Joan and Sally in the cellar and then a lovely blond came around

the corner of the stacks none other than our very own Marilu. Have no idea

how she recognized my accent???. She is a blond people. Then upstairs I ran

into Jan, who is my old buddy, so relieved she did make it. Judi just stood

in front of me and begged me to guess

who. No problem she is just as much fun in real life as on a Post. (Don't

tell anyone think she wears a size 3, I did too, once in Kindergarten) Then

down the line: Barbara from Long Island, Nina, a wonderful moth already had

bought the store out but did save us a few choices. Celeste who came as a

visitor but will just have to join us regularly. Nancy from PA who I shall

see when I visit my daughter, she lives in the

next town. Suzanne, my dear friend, we share a very special bond, a few

tears in the eyes when we met for the first time. Nancy, our own

professional organizer, a great job. and our Carol, the marco maniac came

around another side of the store to greet me. My list of books became two

(DH was thrilled we can eat another meal instead of owning a new book!)

Back into a cab to Chinatown. Across the picket line at the restaurant and

swearing in Chinese I do not understand so tried not to look obvious that I

was not a native New Yorker. I am soooo tiny they hardly saw me. (Believe

that you will believe anything)


We had two tables of book nookers. Shortly after arriving Warren, himself

arrived. Did he feel awkward with 14 women. No! He was his usual charming

self. Mercedes/MercG finally was able to join us,too. Great seeing her

again. Lunch was a continuous array of every kind of food you could imagine.

If it looked okay I ate it, if it didn't I just smiled and past it on to the

next person. Warren inspected my plate and explained all the

stuff I had but had no idea what it was or would become!!!! Oh, well, you

know Luigi.


After stuffing ourselves. Carol/GradGlass gave us very pretty booksmarks,

thank you. I passed out a few bookmarks from my stamping friend who

customizes them for me.


Everyone decided they would walk to some Papier Store. I believe it was

about 6 blocks. Not sure I gave up Girl Scout hiking a long time ago. Soooo

to keep me company: Marilu, Nancy from Pennsylvania and I shared a cab.

Prior to this we stopped in Carvel's and enjoyed a ice cream cone with Nina.

A nice time to chat with each other. Nina had to go pick up her children so

she hailed us a cab and we joined the others. This store had dollar

signs on the floor I swear. I picked up one card, gorgious, and only $14.95.

Well, felt I would sit and rest and watch people rather than shop.


Later we went across the street, one block down and had great Coffee in a

lovely place Nancy had picked out. By this time I was rather tired. (Have

no idea why) I only rode all over the United States before noon.! LOL. It

became that time all too quickly that we would all head in several directions

to our homes. Fond memories of the day we all can share for a long time.

The laughter, meeting face to face, sharing our love of books and just a

grand time.


Sally, Joan and I took a cab to Penn Station. Their train left a good hour

before mine. I watched people, as shy as I am I sat beside a lovely couple

from Australia touring the US. Now they had an accent!!! Two months in the

states. My train assignment was only three flights of stairs down to the

train. Piece of cake!!! I did think if I rolled down would have been easier

than trying to walk!!! Safely on my train and set with a very

nice lady.

For some reason I got very brave from my terrible shyness and struck up a

conversation. She is a full Professor at Smith College in Northampton. Big

reader. By the time I arrived at my station we had exchanged e-mail

addresses. She would like me to come some day to Smith for lunch and will

give me the tour. I gave her my extra book nook lists. She was delighted.


DH was waiting for me on my arrival. Having not had dinner I was hungary but

too tired to stop somewhere. I arrived home at 9:45 and at 10:00 we had good

old "Hungry Jack Pancakes" in the microwave with warm Maple Syrup. Yummy.


Thank you all for such a wonderful day. Helping me get from one place to the

other and up stairs and down. Your all very special people. Thought of you

all out in Book Nook Land, too. It was one more experience I can chalk up in

my large volume of memories.


Shalom,

Jayne

Jayne in Connecticut


Few things are more satisfying

than seeing your children have

teenagers of their own.







Subject: Re: Baby Shower

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 06:20 PM EDT

From: Dixie80

Message-id: <1998042922204900.SAA19117@ladder03.news.aol.com>


well with 60 people in might be hard to do, but at a shower I went to they

had a diaper race. Which means people put diapers on dolls and see who can do

it the fastest..and I don't mean disposables but cloth. <g>


My favorite gift to give at a baby shower is a basket with baby stuff on one

side and mom stuff on the other. Baby stuff includes cornstarch powder,

lotion, baby bath, a couple of baby washclothes, a onesie or two, and baby

shampoo. Mom stuff includes bubble bath, bath beads, scented soap and if a

close personal friend then a book or a silky nighty <g>. Moms can't ever

have to much of any of that.


I know it's a little early but I know I won't have any books to add to my

list so here is my list for April:


Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons--I liked it, a fast read but not a favorite.

To Dance with a White Dog by Terry Kay--What a book. I laughed and cried,

enough said

Imperfect Strangers by Stuart Woods-- a book from Carole #1's bag..I love

Stuart Wood books..fast reads and oh so interesting and fast paced.

Propeller One-Way Night Coach by John Travolta--a gift from Carole #1, I love

John Travolta and have for 20 years. A nice book.

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas--I loved this book!! So many things

going on. A lot of stories in one.

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous--a reread, I read when I was 12 or 13 for the first

time and I reread it before I give it to my daughter to read.


Had some new books I ordered come into the library today but even though I

had my name on the reserve for most of them (a perk) I let them all go out

<g> I had 3 Stuart Woods books and Paul Reiser's Babyhood come in that I

ordered through the Interlibrary loan. So I will be busy this month!!


Carole #2 in the Adirondacks

"If you can imagine it,

You can achieve it.

If you can dream it,

You can become it."

-William Arthur Ward






Subject: Re: AOL

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 07:43 PM EDT

From: Aqua Girlx

Message-id: <1998042923430100.TAA00740@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I haven't had problems getting on AOL, but I've been getting constantly

bumped off. I think that maybe AOL is having a problem trying to keep

everyone connected around the world. They probably have too many users

again. I guess that it is sort of like last year when AOL had signed up all

these new people knowing that they couldn't handle them all. Then like for

some time nobody could get on AOL because it had crashed. They had bitten

off more than they could chew. They may have done it again.



Aqua Girlx

Teenagers are not weird, just different







Subject: Re: NYC

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 08:01 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998043000013800.UAA03117@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Well Jayne,


Since I started off by thanking everyone individually for their NYC reports,

never dreaming that they would eventually be so many and so varied, just as

witnesses observing a ten or more car collision have a variety of absolutely

true and disparate viewpoints, it would seem logical that we would continue

to thank you, you, you, you, and of course, you too. This *here* posting is

a Blanket Thank You to All Ya'll for enhancing our mental imagery and

providing us with vicarious enjoyment for days to come. OK? Jayne, I must

say, you give the lowdown as well as anyone. I love the dirt. I mean, all

right, we already know about the beautiful brains and souls, the staggering

intellect, and the history. I was so happy to notice you gave the dress

sizes, "Does she or doesn't She Clairol report", and Lunch table hierarchy.

No need to check out the tabloids in the Supermarket line

today. ( Jayne, what a delightful post!)


And Warren, how you managed to kidnap one of my favorite Booknookers and what

you subjected MariLu to for five hours is beyond my capacity to fathom.

Green, green, green, she said Kermitly.


Once again, Thanks all. And a little birdie told me that there have been

other sightings of Booknookers meeting in other locations without full report

and accountability. Is that somewhat like sin of omission? You betcha!

Tell all, folks, or you'll find out that Lawrence Sanders and James Patterson

look better than the Eor on the Warpath. The Seventeenth Deadly Sin defies

description when considering the revenge it exacts!.



You folks are wonderful.


Roe

Eor

"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: AOL

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 08:09 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998043000090700.UAA02670@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ashley,


You certainly have AOL by the tail. I too, agree that the discomfort ( and

thus the comfort) of customers is far more important than their (AOL's)

technological glitches. Spend time on a post and watch the words dissolve

before your very eyes. Bumped, dispossessed, or thwarted, it is all the

same. Blamed inconvenient!


Mrs. Wiles


Eor

"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Simon on the Subway

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 08:31 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998043000314400.UAA05462@ladder03.news.aol.com>


For Christmas, 1977, we went to Manhattan for a week. Spent the week doing

wonderful things. 5th Avenue at Christmas time is incredible. We turned Matt

and Simon loose in FAO Schwarz and told them they could each spend $100. It

was a great week. Simon was 4 and Matt was 9. At one point, we were in a

subway, and I noticed that Simon kept looking around as if he expected

someone or something and he wasn't pleased about it. When we pulled to a

stop, I leaned down and he asked me, "Is it any King Kongs around here???"

That is when I learned that he had seen his first scary movie that summer.

This was the week we also took them to their first Broadway play. Frank

Langella's Dracula. There were lots of reasons. The sets had been done by

Edward Gorey, whose work I collect, and Matt and Chris really wanted to see

it. Simon was sitting on our friend Perry's lap and it was the final scene of

the play. They were driving the stake through Dracula's heart and it was VERY

convincing. The house was absolutely silent, when, in his loudest, most

piercing, Owenish voice, Simon shrieked, "WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO HIM

NOW?????" The audience roared with laughter, totally destroying the mood. I

have always told him that he may never meet Frank Langella, but Frank

Langella will never forget him.

By the time he was 6, he was much more sophisticated about theatre, but when

he saw Evita, he was totally shocked at the number in which she dismisses a

string of lovers, each more important than the last. She flipped off the

first one and I could her a string of distressed whispers at my elbow. "DID

YOU SEE WHAT SHE DID?? IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY?" But our favorite Evita moment

was when he leaned back in his father's lap, and asked, "Daddy, what's an

Argentina?"

Cheef

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.

Mary Chapin Carpenter






Subject: new members/bookstock/congrats/catch up

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 08:51 PM EDT

From: RJER16

Message-id: <1998043000512700.UAA09402@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Trying to catch up--decided to read 50, then 75 and finally stopped today at

90

letters. Will almost be caught up!


Judy(Jude16333)- Welcome to Book Nook People. We grow on you. It becomes

addictive.


Cheef--Was it you that had the experience when you were young with your shirt

being torn off during a game of tag? Book Nook friends have become like

old friends, so much so that when something happens I find myself wanting to

tell my friends about it and often relate things that happen to something

that I

heard on the Nook. We were at my grandson's 12th birthday party Saturday

night

and besides the 12 sixth grader friends who were spending the night tenting

in the

backyard, there was quite a bunch of cousins and friends in the neighborhood.

My

petite 8 year old granddaughter was in the yard playing and the kids were all

fooling around and her cousin(birthday boy) somehow tackeled her and her

pants

came down(not underwear, luckily). She immediately cried and that brought the

attention to her and she ran away crying. I think the kids immediately forgot

about the incident, but she was in my arms crying her heart out and told me

that

she would probably remember this the rest of her life(maybe) and she would

probably be crying for the whole rest of her life,too(unlikely). I thought of

Cheef's

incident right away. She finally felt better and when one of the adults asked

her

why she was crying, she just said she had been embarrassed and they did not

press her for details. I think she will be ok. By the way, we had

torrential rains

that night and 11 boys ran into the house by midnight except for birthday boy

who could not wake up the 12th boy so he slept in that tent with him. Bet he

was

wishing for a June or July birthday.


Gina in Houston-Congratulations on DS's engagement. How nice that you have

welcomed the intended DIL so warmly. Sounds like she is getting a good deal

in the MIL family. What kind of puppies are Sugars?


Maureen-Hi to you,too, and welcome.


Suzanne(Gazebo) How far from Ohio is it to the August Bookstock?


Carole-Congratulations to you, too on your son's engagement. Glad you like

your

future DDIL. I am blessed with 2 wonderful DIL's also. The next best thing to

having

a daughter.


Diane-Glad to hear that you did not mention any new symptoms that your sister

is

having so that is good news also.


Nancy--Thanks for sharing the Arlene story. We take so much for granted and

how

isolating it must be to lose your hearing or sight. It is nice to hear a

happy ending. No

pun intended.


Reading--The Return Journey by Maeve Binchy and listening to Ghost by

Danielle

Steel (not simultaneously)



There's no such thing as a bad

day. They're all good. Some are a little better than others but they're

all good. Armin V, Eilts


Ruth






Subject: Something for the heart

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 09:41 PM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998043001410200.VAA15781@ladder01.news.aol.com>


I got this in my e-mail and want to share it with all you wonderful people.

You all mean so much to me!


A True Story To Live By

by Ann Wells (Los Angeles Times)


My brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of my sister's bureau and

lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This

is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was

exquisite; silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag

with an astronomical figure on it was still attached.


"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9

years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion.

Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from me and put it

on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His

hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the

drawer shut and turned to me. "Don't ever save anything for a special

occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion."


I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed

when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an

unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to

California from the Midwestern town where my sister's family lives. I

thought about all the things that she hadn't seen or heard or done. I

thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they

were special.


I'm still thinking about his words, and they've changed my life. I'm

reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting on the deck and admiring the

view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time

with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Whenever

possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure.

I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.


I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every

special event-such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the

first camellia blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market if I feel like

it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one

small bag of groceries without wincing. I'm not saving my good perfume for

special parties; clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses

that function as well as my party-going friends'.


"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.

If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do

it now. I'm not sure what my sister would have done had she known that she

wouldn't be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she

would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have

called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past

squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner,

her favorite food. I'm guessing-I'll never know.


It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew

that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good Friends

whom I was going to get in touch with-someday. Angry because I hadn't

written certain letters that I intended to write-one of these days. Angry

and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and daughter often enough how much

I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save

anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.


And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.


Every day, every minute, every breath truly is...a gift from God.


If you've received this it is because someone cares for you and it means

there is probably at least someone for whom you care. If you're too busy

to take the few minutes that it would take right now to forward this to

ten people, would it be the first time you didn't do that little thing

that would make a difference in your relationships? I can tell you it

certainly won't be the last. I don't have to make up silly stories about

people being hit by buses or crushed by falling disco balls for not

sending this letter on. You've seen the result of this neglect in your own

relationships that you have allowed to fade, dissolve, and fall into

disrepair. Take this opportunity to set a new trend.


Take a few minutes to send this to a few people you care about, just to

let them know that you're thinking of them. It's even better if they're

not the people you already correspond with every week. The more people

that you send this to, the better you'll get and reaching out to those you

care about.


Here's the deal: Forward this letter to at least 10 different people;

within 1 hour of receiving it. Do it, and reap what you sow: luck in love,

people who care for you, and that warm glowy feeling that comes from

loving others. Don't do it, and suffer the consequences of being alone,

wrapped up in your own affairs, and being too busy to do the things you

actually care about.


May love litter your life with blessings!


"You've got to dance like nobody's watching, and love like it's never =

going to hurt."



Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re:anthropologist on mars

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 11:11 PM EDT

From: Hernandies

Message-id: <1998043003111000.XAA26791@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Judi, I thought this book was fascinating, too. I liked one of his previous

books, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat even more. I have Island of

the Colorblind on my gargantuan TBR. I have sort of been in awe of him for a

while and I can't believe you actually had a correspondence with him. Now,

catch me up, what caused your loss of taste and smell? I assume since you

went on the chocolate hunt with us that it has

returned!

Stephanie

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the

length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." Diane Ackerman

Reading Stalking the Angel by Robert Crais






Subject: Re: new members/bookstock/congrats/catch up

Date: Wed, 29 April 1998 11:20 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998043003204100.XAA29467@ladder01.news.aol.com>


It was me who lost my shirt in the backyard. Your granddaughter will someday

be an old lady of 55, telling how she got "pantsed" one night in the backyard

and wanted to die. It is amazing how the tragedy of youth can become the

humor of old age. But it sure hurts when it happens.

Cheef

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.

Mary Chapin Carpenter






Subject: Thinking out loud

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 12:00 AM EDT

From: VoxMom

Message-id: <1998043004000200.AAA04070@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Mike -Congratulate Timothy on his team win. That must be a grand and glorious

feeling for him. Also, be careful taking Karen to see Grease. She'll be

tempted to get up and dance in the aisles, air boot and all.


Barb-Never fear. I did get a picture of a few of the Nookers in front of that

well-endowed outrageous statue. If I ever get the photos developed, I will

send them to you to scan to RuthAlice for Fredonia.


Lita-Lucky you having Memoirs of a Geisha as well as Yellow Raft to look

forward to . YROBW is a favorite and if you get a chance, do get Dorris'

Cloud Chamber as well which, as I mentioned in a recent review, is both a

prequel and a sequel of YR.


Merc-Amen-How did you know I needed a bit of serenity and a gentle reminder

of what is important in life? Thanks.


Marilu-I want the full scoop from you. How many of Warren's alter egos did

you actually meet in that five hours. There must have been a cast of

hundreds in all that time.


Ciao nao,

Jan



Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to

the world. -Voltaire






Subject: Thanks

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 01:33 AM EDT

From: Buny32132

Message-id: <1998043005334500.BAA11046@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks for all the input - I think I've got it in order now. Definitely the

diaper pin game because it's easy even in a large group, maybe the celebrity

picture one because it would be fun and a conversation starter for everyone,

then I think we'll just get a few prizes and stick numbers on everyone and

draw one out of the hat every 45 minutes or so and give away a prize - that

should do it for entertainment besides food, drink, conversation and opening

the gifts. I'M ALMOST ORGANIZED!!! Now let's just hope it doesn't rain.


Bed time - tomorrow's a busy day -thanks so much again.

Mary Ann


Sacred cows make the best hamburgers - Mark Twain







Subject: Re: This and That

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 07:48 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998043011481500.HAA22228@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jayne- glad to see you finally surfaced - I was wondering if you were having

such a good time in Penn Station that you forgot your train. Looked for you

by the seats near the information booth and even checked out the bathroom but

where oh where were you hiding.

So glad you joined us and as I mentioned you are one terrif lady to shave

traveled so far. And I bet the big bad city wasn't all that bad, HUH?


POSSILBle SPOILER

Looking over your list I spotted one book that you don't have to bother

reading - Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks. Well, maybe I shouldn't be

saying this out loud and I know that many enjoyed - actually loved The

Notebook - but for this dyed in the wool romance reader Notebook to me, I

thought it was ho hum. In Message its worse than ho hum, its boring, trivial

and there are too few reasons for the story of love.


BTW - I have Danielle Steel's new book in my library bag. But after a real

fluff month of reading, I'm hoping that May is a little more meaty. But only

after I read Steel. I sometimes say I read her for sentimental reasons but

I'm not ashamed to say that at times I find her books relaxing.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: This and That

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 07:50 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998043011501600.HAA22305@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Jayne- the book Greentown, I think is the true account of the murder in Conn.

which Dominick Dunne fictionalized in his novel A Serason in Purgatory. It

is also the cas Mark Fuhrman was hired to solve by the murdered woman's

mother.


The alleged killer is Ethel Kennedy's nephew and supposedly there was a big

cover- up.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time






Subject: Re: Books and such

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 07:53 AM EDT

From: NRK18

Message-id: <1998043011532300.HAA23719@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sally - guess what - my books arrived yesterday also. And of course DH was

standing at the door when I arrived home. Unfortunately this was the second

carton in two days so he's really been scratching his head over how many

books I can buy.


And SHHHH, don't tell him I found a woman in Australia who's sending me five

more books by the author Di Morrissey. Morrissey has only one published book

in the US and this woman was able to find them all.


I know that Nina told us we were better off with The Strand counting volumes

instead of weight but I paid triple what I did last time and only bought

paperbacks this go around.

*****Nancy in NJ*****

So Many Books, So Little Time







Subject: Last Tango in Manhattan

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 08:03 AM EDT

From: GRADGLASS

Message-id: <1998043012034101.IAA24125@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Before I am taken hostage to NJ, I thought I better write this post. If

there is anything worse than a Marco Maniac, I leave you to fill in the

blanks!


I am madly trying to pack & organize myself for the trip overland today - I

hope I have the right clothes & wonder if I should pack some food, just in

case. Actually, I am pleased to report that since I arrived here my jeans

have put on a lot of mileage, being pulled up a lot. This reminds me - a

Marco pal just sent me this joke - hope no one is offended:


An old Jewish man was once on the subway and he sat down next to a younger

man. He noticed that the young man had a strange kind of shirt collar.

Having never seen a priest before, he asked the man, "Excuse me sir, but why

do you have your shirt collar on backwards?" The priest became a bit

flustered but politely answered, "I wear this collar because I am a Father."

The Jewish man thought a second and

responded, "Sir I am also a Father but I wear my collar front-ways. Why do

you wear your collar so differently?" The Priest thought for a minute and

said "Sir, I am the Father for many." The Jewish man quickly answered, "I am

the Father of many, too. I have four sons, four daughters and more

grandchildren than I can count. Still, I wear my collar just like everybody

else. Why do you wear it your way? The priest who was beginning to get

exasperated thought and then blurted out, "Sir, I am the Father to hundreds

of people." The Jewish man was taken aback and was silent for a long time.

As he got up to leave the subway train, he leaned over to the priest and

said, "Mitrip to NY - I have been using you book mark - thank you - it works

great!


Must run & see if I can find another pair of feet - I am sure mine are

broken.


Regards to all - HOPE you hear from me again - I am usually locked in a

closet in NJ & refused food & water until I hand over my book list. The last

time I barely escaped - send bagels, please!

Carol in Marco Island, "You will find poetry nowhere, unless you bring some

of it with you."

JOUBERT






Subject: Re: Bookstock 98'

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 08:17 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998043012173001.IAA23475@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Morning, Ruth!

Marquette is pretty far north, on the southern shores of Lake Superior, quite

a way from Ohio, but I'm not sure how far. We're about 480 miles from

Detroit if that helps at all. But don't let the distance overwhelm you, just

come!

Where in Ohio are you? If time is an issue it would make sense to fly if

your budget can handle it.

Sue, hoping!

Sue in Mi






Subject: Re: Bookstock 98'

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 08:33 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998043012332600.IAA25505@ladder01.news.aol.com>



My computer is memory impaired due to it's age so as a rule I'm unable to get

on the web, but with my visiting family and my ds's laptop I was able to find

a few sites on the web for those of you coming or thinking about coming to

Bookstock in August. The 6th thru the 9th for those that are also memory

impaired.

The hotel in which I have reserved rooms can be found at:

www.thelandmarkinn.com/

others which have a few pictures of our area are;

www.Michigan.org/mi/greatnorad

www.marquettecountry.org/

Sue in Mi






Subject: Life's Lessons

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 09:03 AM EDT

From: JackieML7

Message-id: <1998043013035200.JAA27171@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Life's Lessons

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


Money doesn't bring you happiness,

but it enables you to look for it in more places.


Your conscience may not keep you from doing wrong,

but it sure keeps you from enjoying it.


Middle age is when broadness of the mind

and narrowness of the waist change places.


Misers aren't much fun to live with,

but they make great ancestors.


Be careful what rut you choose.

You may be in it the rest of your life.


The trouble with bucket seats is that

not everybody has the same size bucket.


When you see the handwriting on the wall,

you can bet you're in a public restroom.


Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.


The real reason you can't take it with you

is that it goes before you do.


A person who can smile when things go wrong

has found someone to blame it on.


A modern pioneer is a person who can get through a rainy

Saturday when the television's on the blink.


The world is full of willing people:

some willing to work and some willing to let them.


Money isn't everything....

there's credit cards, money orders, and travelers checks.


Some people are like blisters.

They don't show up until the work is done.


A true friend is one that lets his grass grow

as tall as his neighbor's.


A baby-sitter is a teenager acting like an adult

while the adults are out acting like teenagers.


If you don't know where you're going, you're never lost.


Experience is a wonderful thing.

It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Currently reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood


Jackie 8-) in Utah <----Home of the JAZZ

Live your life as an exclamation...not an explanation.

~~~Author Unknown







Subject: Re: Something for the heart

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 09:35 AM EDT

From: Skill 40

Message-id: <1998043013355800.JAA29191@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thank you, Jackie.

No one knows better than I do how true that story is.

A tragedy such as the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one really does

change your life. It puts everything in a different light, and one of the

good things that does come out of it is that you do find yourself improving

your life. Honestly, it can make you a better person. You stop taking things

(and people) for granted, and you(at least I did) find yourself striving to

be a better person in honor of the memory of the one you lost. Going

through such a devastating experience is one of the many variables in your

life that create the person you eventually become. None of us are who we will

end up being, we are never complete because every event that happens in our

lives shapes us in a different way. We won't be done til God sets the glaze

and takes us out of the kiln!

Thank you, Jackie for the reminder!

Love Suzanne

p.s. I've already taken the time to e-mail a few copies!

Suzanne

....and let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the

spirit...

....for what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek

him always with hours to live.

-- Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet






Subject: Re: Reading Binge

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 10:24 AM EDT

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998043014244100.KAA01272@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Ruth Ann: Reading binge indeed! I always read your posts with pen in hand to

write down all the wondeful recs!

My computer was down again for three weeks. Oh my, 1074 posts to catch up

on... I will start tomorrow. I have missed you all so much! That finance

course I'm taking would be unbearable without the balance of all the

wonderful books recommended here. Ta for now

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

Larry's Party by Carol Shields

A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket - Chinese proverb






Subject: Re: Reading Binge

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 10:25 AM EDT

From: Andie1040

Message-id: <1998043014252700.KAA02620@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Ruth Ann? I mean Ruth Alice!!! I HAVE been away too long!

~Andrea in Illinois ....currently reading

Larry's Party by Carol Shields

A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket - Chinese proverb






Subject: cats and birds?

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 11:34 AM EDT

From: EACurran

Message-id: <1998043015341300.LAA07466@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Thanks to all who wrote about their New York visit. I have enjoyed reading

each and every one of the posts. Now I'm looking forward to seeing Mari Lu's

pictures and hearing her tales.


Cats and birds. We have two doves building a nest in a trellis by our front

door. They are lovely birds and are doing very careful work. Problem? We have

two cats, one who has been known to enjoy birds in a very cat like way. She

looks like she is watching this nest building in a curious rather than

predatory way, and I would like to think she might somehow "adopt" these

visitors rather than see them as there for sport. The birds have noticed the

cat, and they and the cat have watched each other from a distance. DH says if

given the opportunity, she'll do what cat's do. Am I setting a death trap by

letting the birds go about their building? Should I let nature take it's

course? Can my cat see these birds as "special"? Am I dreaming? Suggestions

welcome!


Books - I have finished What the Deaf Mute Heard. Fascinating story, and the

author told it well - just the right mix of history and suspence. I wish more

attention had been given to the main character's skills in interacting

(besides at the middle of house in the next town over, which was beautifully

written!) and a bit less to the business details. Have now started Elizabeth

Berg's new book, beautifully written so far (as I had expected). The

beginning story, about two young sisters, fits right in with all the recent

posts about remembered childhood games and events.


Erika






Subject: Erika and bells

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 12:28 PM EDT

From: Sandquist

Message-id: <1998043016284500.MAA10118@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Dear Erika,


While I am more frequently asked the question about

protecting nesting

pterodactyls from pet alligators, concern for the safety of small birds

around pet cats is also well-justified. I know that many people have tied a

small bell to their cat to prevent the cat from sneaking up on

worm-preoccupied birds. I do not much care for this approach. First, most

cats do not like wearing bells. Some do, but these are often unfairly treated

and scorned by the majority of bell-a-phobic cats. I think attaching a bell

to your cat to

protect the visiting birds is to curse your own pet in a well-intended, but

foolish, attempt to protect the little flying critters.


The stupidest approach to this problem is one that I encounter not

infrequently among the Audubon contingent who try to teach self-defense, sort

of a midgeted-down form of martial arts, to the birds. This is ridiculous.

You could spend a decade trying. Believe me not even Chuck Norris could teach

the average bird to dent a butterfly with a roundhouse kick much less stop a

cat in full-pursuit of being a cat. Unless I am missing the whole

concept here, and the Auduboners think the sight of a Bruce Lee bird will

make most cats fall down in convulsive laughter -- if not that, I just don't

get it.


For me, there is only one sensible approach to the cat and birds

problem. It is the bell. But, not for heaven's sake, a bell on your cat. Go

buy a giant bag of small bells. They are not that expensive, and, nowadays

not all that hard to find. Don't try to do the whole neighborhood of birds in

one day or even one week. But get into the enjoyable habit of routinely

belling a few birds a week. I have been doing this in the Huntington area for

years, and not only are the birds safe from cats - who will not even think of

eating something that sounds like a xylophone -- but the belling has made it

unnecessary for anyone in our area to invest in a set of wind chimes.


Remember the sage counsel of that wonderful women outside St.Paul's --


"Bell the birds, tupence a bag,

tupence, tupence, tupence a bag.

bell the birds, tupence a bag,

tupence, tupence, tupence a bag."


Hope that helps, Erika. Keep me posted.


Bob Barker

Warren -----

"Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only

he who sees takes off his shoes; The rest sit round it and pluck

blackberries." --

Elizabeth Barrett Browning







Subject: Re: Simon on the Subway

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 12:39 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998043016390400.MAA12215@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Oh Cheef I am really loving your Simon stories!


Gina

Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery






Subject: Re:NYC trip

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 12:39 PM EDT

From: Jibs Kid

Message-id: <1998043016394300.MAA10953@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Thanks all for sharing your adventures with us stay-at-homes--would have

loved to been there. My company came and left had a wonderful time---went to

the Cincinnati flower show

which if in the area I highly recommend.

STill plodding through Crossing to Safety--enjoying it just not having the

time to read much in

one sitting.

Got my order yesterday from Shopping. Com---very impressive service and those

prices are

great.

Also ordered from Flying Noodle--got the box this am---recipes attached to

each product.

My parents are coming from Houston tomorrow am--need to go cook and clean

(yikes!!)--

Judi---re: Bookstock what is the closest airport to your locale?? Still

thinking about taking

the plunge. Will there be another NYC in the near future??

Gotta go

SV

The family--that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape nor,

in our inmost

hearts, ever quite wish to.







Subject: Re: Erika and bells

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 12:48 PM EDT

From: Ginaagain

Message-id: <1998043016481600.MAA11565@ladder03.news.aol.com>


LOL! Warren you are a nut! Thanks for cheering up my morning.



Gina


Hope against hope, and ask till ye receive.

James Montgomery







Subject: Re: whew!!

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 02:58 PM EDT

From: Gina125

Message-id: <1998043018581700.OAA22919@ladder01.news.aol.com>



Nancy: I've been reading about the picket lines in some of the posts from the

NYC reunion.

Maybe I missed it, but who was doing the picketing?


Sounds like everyone had a wonderful time anyway. It's really been fun

reading all the different accounts.

Gina in Houston


The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even

touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller





Subject: Re: Party ideas

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 03:46 PM EDT

From: LizTom

Message-id: <1998043019460200.PAA27362@ladder01.news.aol.com>


What a clever birthday party! I've done the breakfast routines before, but

never with such imagination. I'll file the plan away somewhere -- I might

need it someday.


Cissie, convinced that she will never catch up! Only about 240 more posts to

go.






Subject: Re: Something for the heart

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 05:32 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998043021322400.RAA08947@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Jackie,


The Ann Wells article you shared has touched me deeply. The sock-in-the-gut

absolute truth takes my breath away and offers us all alternative choices to

the status quo or at least helps us think about self imposed limitations or

reticence. Without being saccharin sweet, the advice is profound, and if we

listen, really listen, it certainly hits home. Although a wake-up call to

"smell the roses" can be a cliche', it can also be a blessing and an

opportunity to exercise expanded horizons now. What are we waiting for?

There is no formal invitation issued ever, just gentle reminders which drift

by, often unnoticed. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to pointedly accost us,

and then, after time, we may forget again. Here's to remembering and keeping

in touch with that which is truly important.


"Don't ever save anything for a special

occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion."


Whenever

possible, life should be a pattern of experience to savor, not endure.

I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.


"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.

If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do

it now.


Thanks Jackie. I do not think these words need further editorializing. They

hit home hard. At least, they mean a bunch to me, and the story within which

the advice was imbedded was powerful.


Roe


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: cats and birds?

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 06:32 PM EDT

From: EOR WILES

Message-id: <1998043022323300.SAA14536@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Erika,


My cats, and there have been a multitude of them over the years, can tolerate

a Crow or Mourning Dove inhabiting the same space, or even seventy-eleven

various and sundry birds, without pouncing or killing. They have been

attacked by Blue Jays and screamed at by Cardinals, twittered at by our Dear

Jenny and Jake Wren, with no problem. What my cats can neither resist nor

leave alone is a nest within climbing range. Either eggs being there or

babies

emitting pitiful or hungry chirps are too much of a temptation. My cats can

only exercise so much restraint. They are fiends and primeval carnivores who

seek out the helpless and destroy, much as Arnold in the Terminator, and show

no mercy. They have been known to climb the electrical box or vault over tin

pan obstacles to destroy a nest. The Bluebird population was diminished one

year because of them (boxes too close to the ground). So, I would

say, if the nest is out of range, encourage the birds, but if the nest is

within the waiting abilities and claws of the cats, who look at baby birds as

prey in the joy of life, encourage them (the birdies) to build elsewhere. I

have become physically sick while being presented proud evidence from Gypsy,

a six pound well-fed wonder who looks just like Sheba on the can. Very high

nests are easily protected by the parental, frontal attacks.


On the other hand, a nest on the trellis, unless you know how to safeguard,

is an invitation to disaster, even if the cats tolerate the adults.


Sorry. Cats is cats!


Roe


Roe


Eor


"Again the sun!

anew each day; and new and new and new,

that comes into and steadies my soul."


From The Pangolin, by Marianne Moore, 1936

A fabis abstinete_ eat no beans.






Subject: Re: Simon on the Subway

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 06:42 PM EDT

From: CheefWil

Message-id: <1998043022420500.SAA15712@ladder03.news.aol.com>


I may be short changing my other lovely son, Matthew. He is five years older

than Simon and quite different from him. He is my gregarious crowd pleaser

with the big heart. Case in point, he now teaches First grade and LOVES it.

But he has brought so many special things into our lives as well.

A typical Matt story? While he was at Stanford, he heard that Dick Francis

would be visiting and signing his new book; The Edge. He bought a first

edition and stood in line forever to get it signed for me. (I have always

been a MAJOR Dick Francis fan.) They were told that Mr. Francis would not be

personalizing his autographs. But Matt IS a charmer, and one of my precious

possessions is a first edition copy of The Edge, which is autographed, "Dear

Sandy, Happy Birthday! Dick Francis."

AND we now have a beautiful Daughter-in-law, so Life is good. We are

fortunate in our children.

Cheef

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.

Mary Chapin Carpenter






Subject: it's almost Friday

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 07:08 PM EDT

From: MCMala

Message-id: <1998043023083900.TAA20300@ladder01.news.aol.com>


Sorry that I have been absent from this group, but this construction around

here has taken a lot of my usual pep. However, I hope to get it back over

the weekend. We are leaving tomorrow for a 4-day weeknd in Puerto Rico,

compliments of DH's brokerage firm. While the young Turks are out trying to

one-up each other with golf, tennis, volleyball, etc., I plan to tour San

Juan and read on the beach.


Went to B&N the other day to return a book and walked out with American

Pastoral, The Light of Falling Stars ( for obvious reasons), These Is My

Words, The Short History of a Prince, Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks ( after 40

it's patch, patch, patch, and I'm over 50 so it's overhaul, overhaul,

overhaul) and an interesting book called Quarantine by Jim Crace, a book that

won the Whitbread award and was a finalist for the Booker. It is based on

the 40 days

Jesus was in the wilderness and has gotten a good review in the NYTimes Book

Review. Has anyone read it?


I am not reading The Magic Circle after finishing Skull Session and have left

to read from the liberary Isle of Joy, The Antelope Wife and Cloud Chamber.

I went to pick up The Last Instance of the Fingerpost today on reserve (last

day they would hold it) and hit the jackpot--they also had The All-True

Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton by Jane Smiley, Where River Turns to

Sky by Greg Kleiner, Father and Son by Larry Brown, and The Pilot'sWife by

Anita Shreve. Now if I just had a few uninterrupted moments.....


Loved hearing about the NY trip. Could picture it all, but could have done

it better if I could put more names with faces. You did take pictures,

didn't you? You will put them in Fredonia, won't you?


Another Matter--who is going to Michigan in August? Don't be shy--let me

know. And and Sue, I have lost the info about the agent to call for the

reservations. With the construction, I have lost just about everything. Now

I remember why those dingy walls looked so good to me for so many years. It

has to look positively awful before I am willing to do this.


Reading the Magic Circle

Mary Coral from Bama where stars really do fall







Subject: April Books

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 11:32 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998050103324600.XAA22297@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Well folks...it has been a slow month. Can you believe this? But it was

capped off by today which was my last day of work...as of this moment, I am

self-employed! I have my 4-year old daughter coached that if someone asks

what her Mommy does, she responds, "She has her own business." If they ask

what the business is, she says, "Corporate Team Building." I'm pretty

excited...it has been pretty consuming this month which is why my book

volume is way down...but the quality was excellent! I don't know if this is

an omen, but I went to my first official networking function for my new

business the other night and I won TWO door prizes!!!


So here's April:


Atwood, Margaret Alias Grace 9

Hamilton, Jane The Short History of a Prince 7

Banks, Russell The Sweet Hereafter 7

Lamott, Anne Hard Laughter 5


Diane in S. Florida

Thinking about starting American Pastoral







Subject: Re: it's almost Friday

Date: Thu, 30 April 1998 11:39 PM EDT

From: DiNeer526

Message-id: <1998050103393200.XAA23095@ladder03.news.aol.com>


Was reading about your 4-day weekend in Puerto Rico with your DH's brokerage

firm...and in the name of shameless self-promotion and the cookbook I sent

you, wanted to see if you could get a plug in for my Corporate Team Building

business! Companies who do these kinds of trips are often looking for fun,

experiential, team-building activities to incorporate into their other

business activities. And I've got 'em!!!


So, if there's a contact person that I could send my information to, I'd

certainly appreciate the referral!!!


Diane in S. Florida





Subject: Re: Bookstock 98'

Date: Fri, 01 May 1998 12:11 AM EDT

From: Gazebo316

Message-id: <1998050104114100.AAA28094@ladder01.news.aol.com>


My agent's number for bookstock travel plans is 1-800-537-2840, ask for Laura

and tell her Gazebo Sue sent you. She can't do the hotel part, write me for

that.


Sue in Mi



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