Ice Queen Breaks Personal Fashion Barrier
You know the tune…
I've never seen you looking as shiny as you do today
I've never seen you dressed this way
I've never seen so many men ask you why you’re wearing pants
I know they kill the romance, but give ‘em half a chance
I have never seen those pants you're wearing
How the highlights from the vinyl catch your eyes, I have been blind
The lady in pleather is working with me, just down the street
There’re not even black, you’re wearing brown (looks good with the crown)
But I hardly know the Ice Queen by my side
I'll never forget, the way you look tonight
Friday, October 29, 2004
Report from the Schoolyard
Last school day before Hallowe’en, and on Ice Prince’s calendar, in big letters, it says “Wear Your Costume Today!”
Naturally, it took 15 minutes of negotiations to get him to put his winter coat on over his outfit. We started walking to school. No costumes on any of the kids. “Oh no, “ I thought, “Did I get the day wrong? Will IP be humiliated by being the only one wearing a costume and be scarred for life”? Then I see a kid with some face paint.
Go into the schoolyard. No costumes, turn the corner to the kindergarten doors and suddenly they’re all wearing costumes! What a relief!
You’ve all seen IP’s costume (see below). ALL of the girls were dressed as princesses except one who, god love her, was dressed as Superman. Or supergirl. I was so pleased! Half the boys were dressed as ninjas. What the - ?! Are ninjas popular with the under 3ft crowd? There must be some cartoon that IP doesn’t watch.
IP’s teacher was a fortune teller and another teacher was Betty Boop (looked great!)
I never wore a princess outfit. My first outfit of my own choice was a Red Mouse. (Mom made the costume.) Others have included:
Miss Piggy
Edith Prickley (Fresh was Napoleon – he’s 6 foot 1 – ha!)
Keith Richards (Fresh was Al Yankovic. I MUST find the picture for you.)
Madonna with cone bra
Ginger Spice (that was the year we went to Buddies in Bad Time’s party.)
What have been some of YOUR costume triumphs?
Last school day before Hallowe’en, and on Ice Prince’s calendar, in big letters, it says “Wear Your Costume Today!”
Naturally, it took 15 minutes of negotiations to get him to put his winter coat on over his outfit. We started walking to school. No costumes on any of the kids. “Oh no, “ I thought, “Did I get the day wrong? Will IP be humiliated by being the only one wearing a costume and be scarred for life”? Then I see a kid with some face paint.
Go into the schoolyard. No costumes, turn the corner to the kindergarten doors and suddenly they’re all wearing costumes! What a relief!
You’ve all seen IP’s costume (see below). ALL of the girls were dressed as princesses except one who, god love her, was dressed as Superman. Or supergirl. I was so pleased! Half the boys were dressed as ninjas. What the - ?! Are ninjas popular with the under 3ft crowd? There must be some cartoon that IP doesn’t watch.
IP’s teacher was a fortune teller and another teacher was Betty Boop (looked great!)
I never wore a princess outfit. My first outfit of my own choice was a Red Mouse. (Mom made the costume.) Others have included:
Miss Piggy
Edith Prickley (Fresh was Napoleon – he’s 6 foot 1 – ha!)
Keith Richards (Fresh was Al Yankovic. I MUST find the picture for you.)
Madonna with cone bra
Ginger Spice (that was the year we went to Buddies in Bad Time’s party.)
What have been some of YOUR costume triumphs?
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
My Civic Duty as an Ice Queen
I can't leave you without homework. I just can't.
If they were to make a movie out of my novel, who would play you (e.g. Mikevil = Rutger Hauer) and who would play the other bloggers?
There. Go forth and be creative.
P.S. In the novel I am now Stacey's best friend and Lisa is now the owner of a Cooking School/Restaurant with a soft spot for cats.
I can't leave you without homework. I just can't.
If they were to make a movie out of my novel, who would play you (e.g. Mikevil = Rutger Hauer) and who would play the other bloggers?
There. Go forth and be creative.
P.S. In the novel I am now Stacey's best friend and Lisa is now the owner of a Cooking School/Restaurant with a soft spot for cats.
Do Not Adjust Your Set
Rough times here in the Icicle Fief. I'll post when I can, but I'm not feeling full of the old bon homie these days.
This is a test of the Emergency Broadcasting System. (That used to scare the HELL out of me when I was a kid and I just rememebred it. That would've been early 70s. Do they not do that anymore? Why not? Because it scares the hell of of four year olds?)
Browse the archives, if you like. Lots of good stuff, such as poems about IKEA, Simpsons discussions and songs galore!
Rough times here in the Icicle Fief. I'll post when I can, but I'm not feeling full of the old bon homie these days.
This is a test of the Emergency Broadcasting System. (That used to scare the HELL out of me when I was a kid and I just rememebred it. That would've been early 70s. Do they not do that anymore? Why not? Because it scares the hell of of four year olds?)
Browse the archives, if you like. Lots of good stuff, such as poems about IKEA, Simpsons discussions and songs galore!
Monday, October 25, 2004
Tea. A Civilized Way to Spend an Afternoon.
So, my Aunt Susan took me for Edwardian Tea at Spadina House yesterday. It was lovely. The lace curtains, the antiques, the delicate tea cups, the wee sandwiches, the sweets made from traditional recipes, the table full of vicars, the yelling, the screaming…
Errrr…yes. I thought perhaps we were on Candid Camera. At the beginning, the lady welcoming us had to tell a very loud table to pipe down so she could talk. It was very noisy. Aunt Susan had some raunchy conversation about a video going on behind her and then a woman at the table next to us started yelling: “You’ve got some f’ing nerve! Who the hell do you think you are?” And so on, for quite a bit. I thought perhaps she was telling a story, quoting someone, but I turned and saw that she was red faced, half out of her seat yelling at her tea companion. It was ever so lovely.
More tea?
So, my Aunt Susan took me for Edwardian Tea at Spadina House yesterday. It was lovely. The lace curtains, the antiques, the delicate tea cups, the wee sandwiches, the sweets made from traditional recipes, the table full of vicars, the yelling, the screaming…
Errrr…yes. I thought perhaps we were on Candid Camera. At the beginning, the lady welcoming us had to tell a very loud table to pipe down so she could talk. It was very noisy. Aunt Susan had some raunchy conversation about a video going on behind her and then a woman at the table next to us started yelling: “You’ve got some f’ing nerve! Who the hell do you think you are?” And so on, for quite a bit. I thought perhaps she was telling a story, quoting someone, but I turned and saw that she was red faced, half out of her seat yelling at her tea companion. It was ever so lovely.
More tea?
Friday, October 22, 2004
What I’m doing on my days off: A Photo Essay
(Click to enlarge photos)
Well first of all, I walked to the subway. Here’s a picture of a wall I often pass (Bay/Bloor area) that always makes me feel good.
Then my parents came to visit. Ice Prince has to try on his Tiger costume for them and demonstrate proper roaring technique.
Next day (Thursday) I spent with my Dad. First we had breakfast at The Tulip, a Queen Street tradition. Regular readers note that it’s across from the critter place and porno palace where Markus was so rudely accosted. That’s my Dad and what’s left of his breakfast.
Then we went to Value Village. Then we went to St Lawrence Market where Dad got lunch but couldn’t finish it because breakfast was so big. Can you see him at the counter?
St. Lawrence Market is great. The meat is great quality. The spelling? Not so much.
Then we drove out to Etobicoke to pick up my Mom who was visiting Aunt Susan. We ran into a Simpsons fan on our way (not literally.) Up and at them!
Then I remember being at the Old Mill one time and seeing the fish trying to jump the dam to go upstream to spawn. Here’s a pic with two fish circled.
Can’t see? How about now?
It’s really shallow there and you can actually see the fishs’ backs breaking the water as they swim to the dam.
And last night, I was showing Fresh how the camera works. Here he is with our cat Leo:
Thanks, Boomer, I’m having great fun with the camera!
(Click to enlarge photos)
Well first of all, I walked to the subway. Here’s a picture of a wall I often pass (Bay/Bloor area) that always makes me feel good.
Then my parents came to visit. Ice Prince has to try on his Tiger costume for them and demonstrate proper roaring technique.
Next day (Thursday) I spent with my Dad. First we had breakfast at The Tulip, a Queen Street tradition. Regular readers note that it’s across from the critter place and porno palace where Markus was so rudely accosted. That’s my Dad and what’s left of his breakfast.
Then we went to Value Village. Then we went to St Lawrence Market where Dad got lunch but couldn’t finish it because breakfast was so big. Can you see him at the counter?
St. Lawrence Market is great. The meat is great quality. The spelling? Not so much.
Then we drove out to Etobicoke to pick up my Mom who was visiting Aunt Susan. We ran into a Simpsons fan on our way (not literally.) Up and at them!
Then I remember being at the Old Mill one time and seeing the fish trying to jump the dam to go upstream to spawn. Here’s a pic with two fish circled.
Can’t see? How about now?
It’s really shallow there and you can actually see the fishs’ backs breaking the water as they swim to the dam.
And last night, I was showing Fresh how the camera works. Here he is with our cat Leo:
Thanks, Boomer, I’m having great fun with the camera!
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
There is currently a severe poncho backlash going down on My Second Shelf Life and Fruit Coctail, to name a couple of blogs. No, I won't link. You know where they are.
Anyhow, my mom's made me a poncho and she's bringing it down tomorrow. Hereby requesting persmission from Boomer to keep the digital camera a couple of days more so as to display my poncho-y goodness. If I can't make a poncho look good, no one can.
There is currently a severe poncho backlash going down on My Second Shelf Life and Fruit Coctail, to name a couple of blogs. No, I won't link. You know where they are.
Anyhow, my mom's made me a poncho and she's bringing it down tomorrow. Hereby requesting persmission from Boomer to keep the digital camera a couple of days more so as to display my poncho-y goodness. If I can't make a poncho look good, no one can.
Are you there God? It’s me, Ice Queen.
Wish me luck, girls. Lots going on, but if all goes well, a fantastic four day weekend including a date at a great restaurant with Fresh and he’s buying.
Send karma. Send gifts. Send mojo. Whatever you’ve got, send it on over.
Started reading the Pope’s Crossing the Threshold of Hope (borrowed from Crabby) last night and was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying it. Me! A lapsed generic protestant! Answers such questions as “Is there a God?” and “Why doesn’t God show himself rather than expect us to believe blindly?” A little biased, of course….
(In other news: Hootchie Mama continues to elude me.)
Wish me luck, girls. Lots going on, but if all goes well, a fantastic four day weekend including a date at a great restaurant with Fresh and he’s buying.
Send karma. Send gifts. Send mojo. Whatever you’ve got, send it on over.
Started reading the Pope’s Crossing the Threshold of Hope (borrowed from Crabby) last night and was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying it. Me! A lapsed generic protestant! Answers such questions as “Is there a God?” and “Why doesn’t God show himself rather than expect us to believe blindly?” A little biased, of course….
(In other news: Hootchie Mama continues to elude me.)
Monday, October 18, 2004
A Day in The Life of The Ice Queen
Boomer just dropped by with his digital camera to loan me, so I am going to put together a photo essay for your amusement and edification. this may take a day or two. I'll try to get Hootchie Mama, but she's been wearing pants lately and looking much less blatantly slut-ty.
Stay tuned!
Boomer just dropped by with his digital camera to loan me, so I am going to put together a photo essay for your amusement and edification. this may take a day or two. I'll try to get Hootchie Mama, but she's been wearing pants lately and looking much less blatantly slut-ty.
Stay tuned!
It’s raining leaves, hallelujah!
On Saturday, Fresh and I took Ice Prince to Riverdale Farm – a small working farm in the middle of Toronto. They have barns with horses and cows and goats and pigs and chickens. And a donkey. IP: “Hey donkey, I like your house! Mommy, the donkey’s not talking to me!” It’s free, so it’s a great thing to do with a kid.
We usually walk just past the duck pond to the meeting house. On Saturday, we went down a set of steps behind the meeting house and down a steep set of wooden stairs. Then we went under a stone bridge and suddenly there as a gorgeous hidden waterfall clattering down a cliff face. Another turn, and there was a smaller waterfall. Ahead, we found a silent and still pond iced with green algae and saw wood ducks with red heads perched on the wet black logs, further ahead – a tiny stone bridge and another pond, with a turtle sitting on a log and a muskat. It was so quiet and beautiful and such a surprise.
On the way home, we were walking through Cabbagetown past the Victorian townhouses. The day was grey with bits of sun streaming through the clouds. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew up and an enormous amount of fat yellow leaves rained down on us like confetti. It was one of the most magical things that’s happened to me in a long time.
On Saturday, Fresh and I took Ice Prince to Riverdale Farm – a small working farm in the middle of Toronto. They have barns with horses and cows and goats and pigs and chickens. And a donkey. IP: “Hey donkey, I like your house! Mommy, the donkey’s not talking to me!” It’s free, so it’s a great thing to do with a kid.
We usually walk just past the duck pond to the meeting house. On Saturday, we went down a set of steps behind the meeting house and down a steep set of wooden stairs. Then we went under a stone bridge and suddenly there as a gorgeous hidden waterfall clattering down a cliff face. Another turn, and there was a smaller waterfall. Ahead, we found a silent and still pond iced with green algae and saw wood ducks with red heads perched on the wet black logs, further ahead – a tiny stone bridge and another pond, with a turtle sitting on a log and a muskat. It was so quiet and beautiful and such a surprise.
On the way home, we were walking through Cabbagetown past the Victorian townhouses. The day was grey with bits of sun streaming through the clouds. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew up and an enormous amount of fat yellow leaves rained down on us like confetti. It was one of the most magical things that’s happened to me in a long time.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Blogging on a Friday Night With the Girls
Stacey is crticizing my typing, so I am handinding (sic) over my bog (sic) to her.
Oh great ... I have the power ... hee hee hee ...
Apparently I'm supposed to write something deep and profound, but I don't think I've had quite enough Merlot, so somewhat shallow will have to do. Okay, so we just watched 13 Going on 30 - that's Icy, Crabby and I - and we're trying to decide who would play us at 13. I say the chick who played Blossom on that TV series would be best suited to play me at that age - mouthy with a big nose (and not much has changed). Icy says she'd be played by the little girl in the movie Ponette but I haven't a bloody clue who the hell she's talking about, though she says she'd be played by Mare Winningham if it was the 80's. Crabby wants to be played by Christopher Reeve's wife (let us all bow our heads in rememberance for dear Mr. Reeve). So, who would be you at 13? Please share.
Penises. Let us talk of penises. To circumsise or not circumsise - that is the question. Yeah or nay - what do you feel (or not feel as the case may be). Apparently I am being nagged to start a blog page again, but alas, I haven't. I've meant to, honestly I have. Somewhere this has lead again to my bellydancing, but I'm not quite as sure how we got there. They're talking about it and I'm just sitting here tipping and typing away, not speaking of my belly at all.
Can you drown in the shower? Icy seems to think not. I beg to differ. I mean, if the drain is badly clogged and you fall over face down, I mean, it's possible, right? Time for music ... just a sec ... okay, we have tunes! Crabby wore the wrong undies today. Icy says if you wear control top pantyhose you don't need panties 'cause they have the control top (riiiigggghhhtt ...). Sometimes Icy carries hers or the IPs panties in her purse, but never Fresh's. Though she does wear Fresh's boxers to bed, ones with tigers (oh my!). Fields of Gold is Icy's fave Sting song. Reminds her of Newfoundland.
Crabby is blowing her finger up. Is that rude? Icy says it sounds like her furnace. Crabby says Mr. Crab made a mistake (?!). Apparently we're onto poetry humour. This is novel to me - I hadn't realized there was humour in most poetry (unless it's a limmerick). Somehow this leads to Educating Rita. Never saw it myself, but Icy says it's good,like Bridge on the River Kwai but I haven't seen that one either.
Assonance - the sound made by the gas man (you had to be there).
"I've got Runnymede in my Spadina."
Cultural Naughtiness with Penises (okay, again, you have to totally have been there).
Now they're sniffing Jo's Boy's. Yeah, I know how that sounds, but really, I'm talking about a book, I swear!
IQ: (Sister Stacey has gone downstairs with Crabby to smoke a cigarillo and go home. Wuss! WUSS! Sorry. I mean, we love you dear Sister Staceypatrick and we wil miss you when you go. God Speed!)
Stacey is crticizing my typing, so I am handinding (sic) over my bog (sic) to her.
Oh great ... I have the power ... hee hee hee ...
Apparently I'm supposed to write something deep and profound, but I don't think I've had quite enough Merlot, so somewhat shallow will have to do. Okay, so we just watched 13 Going on 30 - that's Icy, Crabby and I - and we're trying to decide who would play us at 13. I say the chick who played Blossom on that TV series would be best suited to play me at that age - mouthy with a big nose (and not much has changed). Icy says she'd be played by the little girl in the movie Ponette but I haven't a bloody clue who the hell she's talking about, though she says she'd be played by Mare Winningham if it was the 80's. Crabby wants to be played by Christopher Reeve's wife (let us all bow our heads in rememberance for dear Mr. Reeve). So, who would be you at 13? Please share.
Penises. Let us talk of penises. To circumsise or not circumsise - that is the question. Yeah or nay - what do you feel (or not feel as the case may be). Apparently I am being nagged to start a blog page again, but alas, I haven't. I've meant to, honestly I have. Somewhere this has lead again to my bellydancing, but I'm not quite as sure how we got there. They're talking about it and I'm just sitting here tipping and typing away, not speaking of my belly at all.
Can you drown in the shower? Icy seems to think not. I beg to differ. I mean, if the drain is badly clogged and you fall over face down, I mean, it's possible, right? Time for music ... just a sec ... okay, we have tunes! Crabby wore the wrong undies today. Icy says if you wear control top pantyhose you don't need panties 'cause they have the control top (riiiigggghhhtt ...). Sometimes Icy carries hers or the IPs panties in her purse, but never Fresh's. Though she does wear Fresh's boxers to bed, ones with tigers (oh my!). Fields of Gold is Icy's fave Sting song. Reminds her of Newfoundland.
Crabby is blowing her finger up. Is that rude? Icy says it sounds like her furnace. Crabby says Mr. Crab made a mistake (?!). Apparently we're onto poetry humour. This is novel to me - I hadn't realized there was humour in most poetry (unless it's a limmerick). Somehow this leads to Educating Rita. Never saw it myself, but Icy says it's good,like Bridge on the River Kwai but I haven't seen that one either.
Assonance - the sound made by the gas man (you had to be there).
"I've got Runnymede in my Spadina."
Cultural Naughtiness with Penises (okay, again, you have to totally have been there).
Now they're sniffing Jo's Boy's. Yeah, I know how that sounds, but really, I'm talking about a book, I swear!
IQ: (Sister Stacey has gone downstairs with Crabby to smoke a cigarillo and go home. Wuss! WUSS! Sorry. I mean, we love you dear Sister Staceypatrick and we wil miss you when you go. God Speed!)
Fresh Makes a Funny
Fresh works for the government. The Sex Workers Association was suppposed to drop by yesterday for a protest at his office (wanting to decriminalize prostitution). They never showed. Fresh said it was anticlimactic.
The Hot or Not List
Hot-Not
Pumpkin-Okra
Camel-Beige
Rats-Roaches
Soup-Lunchables
Coffee-Tea (total switch from last fall)
Hats, mitts and scarves-Being cold
Uvulas-Coccyxs
Suck it up-Pay it forward
Colcannon-Mashed Potatoes
Printing-Cursive (sure I know cursive: damn!)
Real Names-Blog Names
Tights-Legwarmers
Books-TV
Being outside-Being a couch potato
Red-Pink
Suede-Velour
Leather-Lace (“Give to me your leather, take from me my lace”)
Stevie Nicks-Julie Andrews
Napkins-Serviettes
Hot/Not suggestions for the Ice Queen's approval welcome.
Fresh works for the government. The Sex Workers Association was suppposed to drop by yesterday for a protest at his office (wanting to decriminalize prostitution). They never showed. Fresh said it was anticlimactic.
The Hot or Not List
Hot-Not
Pumpkin-Okra
Camel-Beige
Rats-Roaches
Soup-Lunchables
Coffee-Tea (total switch from last fall)
Hats, mitts and scarves-Being cold
Uvulas-Coccyxs
Suck it up-Pay it forward
Colcannon-Mashed Potatoes
Printing-Cursive (sure I know cursive: damn!)
Real Names-Blog Names
Tights-Legwarmers
Books-TV
Being outside-Being a couch potato
Red-Pink
Suede-Velour
Leather-Lace (“Give to me your leather, take from me my lace”)
Stevie Nicks-Julie Andrews
Napkins-Serviettes
Hot/Not suggestions for the Ice Queen's approval welcome.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Back By Popular Demand
Once again I’m getting lots of hits from google and yahoo looking for an Ice Queen costume (more than 50 hots so far). So here’s how to look like The Ice Queen:
Black nylons
Heels
Black Dress (add suit jacket for 'day' look)
Hoop earrings
Hair any colour but your own
Tiara (silver preferred)
Props: Bottle of wine and a baguette
Voilà ! You're a Queen!*
* Yes, some of my readers are already queens. But not Queens.
Once again I’m getting lots of hits from google and yahoo looking for an Ice Queen costume (more than 50 hots so far). So here’s how to look like The Ice Queen:
Black nylons
Heels
Black Dress (add suit jacket for 'day' look)
Hoop earrings
Hair any colour but your own
Tiara (silver preferred)
Props: Bottle of wine and a baguette
Voilà ! You're a Queen!*
* Yes, some of my readers are already queens. But not Queens.
Move Over Conrad, It's Ice Queen: The Publishing Mogul!
Announcing the new site for Harlequeen Romances! Romances that ignore the boundaries of gender and good taste. (We will also accept manuscripts from other writers. Maybe I can start a publishing empire!)
I'm still working on the cast of characters. The Lisa character is sounding more like me, so we may have to give Lisa a new character. Terry insisted I change his and Stephanie/Lola seems to be channeling Hootchie Mama.
Such fun! When November rolls around, I'll be posting my daily writing on the Hrlequeen site (thanks to Terry for the name.)
Announcing the new site for Harlequeen Romances! Romances that ignore the boundaries of gender and good taste. (We will also accept manuscripts from other writers. Maybe I can start a publishing empire!)
I'm still working on the cast of characters. The Lisa character is sounding more like me, so we may have to give Lisa a new character. Terry insisted I change his and Stephanie/Lola seems to be channeling Hootchie Mama.
Such fun! When November rolls around, I'll be posting my daily writing on the Hrlequeen site (thanks to Terry for the name.)
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
It's Like Looking In A Mirror
You are Liver Pate en Masque!! You are very, very
scary. Yet, somehow... erotic? No, just
scary.
What Weight Watchers recipe card from 1974 are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are Liver Pate en Masque!! You are very, very
scary. Yet, somehow... erotic? No, just
scary.
What Weight Watchers recipe card from 1974 are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Ice Queen's Novel, starring....YOU!
Because the whole theme of NaNoWriMo is “Quantity, Not Quality”, I have decided to write a Harlequin Romance.
They have writing guidelines and exercises and everything online. And they have all sorts of different series you can write for.
NaNoWriMo allows you to plan, but not write, before November 1st, so I’m working on my main character.
She’s a graphic designer who gets a job designing wine labels for a small family-run vineyard. She also ends up freelancing for a large mega-corp winery when something drastic happens. Naturally, both wineries are run by hunks who are bitter rivals. The mega-corp wants to shut down the family-run vineyard.
I have decided to name all of my characters after bloggers!
Stacey: the Heroine (because she was there for the original time we tried writing Harlequins in 1992.)
Lisa: the sharp-tongued best friend (because there always has to be one)
Mikael: the evil Danish mega-corp hunk (sort of Rutger Hauer-esque)
Markus: the kind Scottish hunk who runs the family vineyard
Sheryl: Markus’ mother. Doesn’t like Stacey, but may warm up when Stacey performs a feat of derring do
Terry: the colourful old-timer and caretaker who takes Stacey under his wing
Neil: the local journalist looking for dirt to advance his career
Eva: the cool Dutch beauty determined to steal Markus away
Outlaw: Mikael’s faithful and over-protective German Shepherd
Nathaniel: Wine critic.
Radmila: Wine critic
Wanda: Blowzy broad who runs the boarding house where Stacey is staying until she finds permanent accommodation.
Benjamin: Markus’ little brother. Usually causing trouble attributed to Stacey.
Lily: Marketing Head of Mega-Corp Winery
Brad Lamp: Stacey’s former design teacher. Cruel task-master or ally?
I see it as a cross between So I Married an Axe Murderer, Dynasty and Bridget Jones.
What do you think?
Because the whole theme of NaNoWriMo is “Quantity, Not Quality”, I have decided to write a Harlequin Romance.
They have writing guidelines and exercises and everything online. And they have all sorts of different series you can write for.
NaNoWriMo allows you to plan, but not write, before November 1st, so I’m working on my main character.
She’s a graphic designer who gets a job designing wine labels for a small family-run vineyard. She also ends up freelancing for a large mega-corp winery when something drastic happens. Naturally, both wineries are run by hunks who are bitter rivals. The mega-corp wants to shut down the family-run vineyard.
I have decided to name all of my characters after bloggers!
Stacey: the Heroine (because she was there for the original time we tried writing Harlequins in 1992.)
Lisa: the sharp-tongued best friend (because there always has to be one)
Mikael: the evil Danish mega-corp hunk (sort of Rutger Hauer-esque)
Markus: the kind Scottish hunk who runs the family vineyard
Sheryl: Markus’ mother. Doesn’t like Stacey, but may warm up when Stacey performs a feat of derring do
Terry: the colourful old-timer and caretaker who takes Stacey under his wing
Neil: the local journalist looking for dirt to advance his career
Eva: the cool Dutch beauty determined to steal Markus away
Outlaw: Mikael’s faithful and over-protective German Shepherd
Nathaniel: Wine critic.
Radmila: Wine critic
Wanda: Blowzy broad who runs the boarding house where Stacey is staying until she finds permanent accommodation.
Benjamin: Markus’ little brother. Usually causing trouble attributed to Stacey.
Lily: Marketing Head of Mega-Corp Winery
Brad Lamp: Stacey’s former design teacher. Cruel task-master or ally?
I see it as a cross between So I Married an Axe Murderer, Dynasty and Bridget Jones.
What do you think?
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
All the Cool Kids Are Doing It
Okay, I’m doing it. I probably won’t finish, but what the hell, eh? I’m going to write a novel in November. (I love the squirrel in the Acorn Viking Hat icon. That’s probably the main reason I decided to do it.)
I have a plan. An excellent plan for publication (Sister Staceypatrick may guess of what I speak). More on this tomorrow!
Okay, I’m doing it. I probably won’t finish, but what the hell, eh? I’m going to write a novel in November. (I love the squirrel in the Acorn Viking Hat icon. That’s probably the main reason I decided to do it.)
I have a plan. An excellent plan for publication (Sister Staceypatrick may guess of what I speak). More on this tomorrow!
Sometimes You Have to Stop And Smell the Oatmeal and Give A Cuddle.
Instead of running this morning, I got up, did a load of laundry, hung it on the line outside. Unloaded the dishwasher, loaded the dishwasher and washed all the wine glasses and pots. See mood stamp to left.
Gwyneth Paltrow is, according to the news, hiring a nanny to care for her 4 month old daughter because “I love her, but I’m no superhero!” Yeah, and I bet she doesn’t have to clean the house or cook or spend an hour trying to find a pair of nylons without runs whilst the oatmeally little urchin clings to her yelling “I JUST WANT TO CUDDLE!”
Sorry, did I say that out loud? Needless to say, I’m not wearing nylons this morning.
We Geniuses Are So Misunderstood
How was dinner, you may ask? Sigh. I cooked for three days. Everything was perfect. Perfect, I tell you. Everyone ate it. No particular raves. Sigh. My colcannon ROCKED! (that’s mashed potatoes, cabbage, bacon and butter) My curried pumpkin soup was ALMOST as good as Crabby’s – but it’s always better when someone else makes it.
This about sums up the evening:
Mother in law: What’s this black stuff?
Me: Portobello mushroom stuffing with walnuts and sage.
MIL: Oh. Okay. (eats it.)
Thank goodness my Aunt Susan was there to appreciate it.
My Son, Mr. Spock
As I mentioned, my cousin Kate got married over in Ireland. Aunt Susan, after dinner, went up to Ice Prince:
Aunt S: Do you want to go to Ireland with me?
IP: No.
Aunt S: Why not?
IP: It’s dark outside.
Aunt S: There are lots of nice animals like sheep and goats…
IP: But if we go now, we’d wake them up. They’re sleeping!
WWMCD? (What Would Mr. Crabby Do?)
Yesterday we took Ice Prince to a playground (The Beach for you Toronto people). It’s a HUGE fenced playground. HUGE, I tell you. Anyhow, one kid is sitting on a ride ‘em toy crying. For no particular reason. IP is standing there trying to figure out what the problem is and talking to him. (“Is he hurt, mommy? Are you hurt, little boy?) Finally, his mom (who is a cell phone) comes and gets him after about 5 minutes.
Half an hour later, I go for a coffee for Fresh and I and come back. Fresh says: “That kid there has no shoes, and doesn’t seem to have a parent watching.” I pointed out that his mom was the one on the cell phone. With the kid’s shoes at her feet. I got a look at her eyes, and she looked drugged out. Maybe she was phoning around for a fix. I kept half an eye on the kid and they eventually left. I still feel I should have done more – but what? Mr. Crabby would’ve given her what for.
Instead of running this morning, I got up, did a load of laundry, hung it on the line outside. Unloaded the dishwasher, loaded the dishwasher and washed all the wine glasses and pots. See mood stamp to left.
Gwyneth Paltrow is, according to the news, hiring a nanny to care for her 4 month old daughter because “I love her, but I’m no superhero!” Yeah, and I bet she doesn’t have to clean the house or cook or spend an hour trying to find a pair of nylons without runs whilst the oatmeally little urchin clings to her yelling “I JUST WANT TO CUDDLE!”
Sorry, did I say that out loud? Needless to say, I’m not wearing nylons this morning.
We Geniuses Are So Misunderstood
How was dinner, you may ask? Sigh. I cooked for three days. Everything was perfect. Perfect, I tell you. Everyone ate it. No particular raves. Sigh. My colcannon ROCKED! (that’s mashed potatoes, cabbage, bacon and butter) My curried pumpkin soup was ALMOST as good as Crabby’s – but it’s always better when someone else makes it.
This about sums up the evening:
Mother in law: What’s this black stuff?
Me: Portobello mushroom stuffing with walnuts and sage.
MIL: Oh. Okay. (eats it.)
Thank goodness my Aunt Susan was there to appreciate it.
My Son, Mr. Spock
As I mentioned, my cousin Kate got married over in Ireland. Aunt Susan, after dinner, went up to Ice Prince:
Aunt S: Do you want to go to Ireland with me?
IP: No.
Aunt S: Why not?
IP: It’s dark outside.
Aunt S: There are lots of nice animals like sheep and goats…
IP: But if we go now, we’d wake them up. They’re sleeping!
WWMCD? (What Would Mr. Crabby Do?)
Yesterday we took Ice Prince to a playground (The Beach for you Toronto people). It’s a HUGE fenced playground. HUGE, I tell you. Anyhow, one kid is sitting on a ride ‘em toy crying. For no particular reason. IP is standing there trying to figure out what the problem is and talking to him. (“Is he hurt, mommy? Are you hurt, little boy?) Finally, his mom (who is a cell phone) comes and gets him after about 5 minutes.
Half an hour later, I go for a coffee for Fresh and I and come back. Fresh says: “That kid there has no shoes, and doesn’t seem to have a parent watching.” I pointed out that his mom was the one on the cell phone. With the kid’s shoes at her feet. I got a look at her eyes, and she looked drugged out. Maybe she was phoning around for a fix. I kept half an eye on the kid and they eventually left. I still feel I should have done more – but what? Mr. Crabby would’ve given her what for.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
You should see the size of my breast!
Yesterday at the St. Lawrence Market I bought a 9 pound boneless turkey breast. It's huge! It was pricey, but I always find it annoying and wasteful to have to carve around the bones, so this is pretty wicked cool.
I've got 12 or so people coming for Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday. Here's the menu:
Curried pumpkin soup
Maple glazed turkey breast
Mushroom walnut sage dressing
Parsnip and carrots matchstick with honey and cumin
Sesame green beans
Colcannon
Herbed cornbread
Pumpkin spice cake
Apple crisp
Pumpkin Ice Cream
If anybody has no plans and is in the neighbourhood, you're welcome to come.
Yesterday at the St. Lawrence Market I bought a 9 pound boneless turkey breast. It's huge! It was pricey, but I always find it annoying and wasteful to have to carve around the bones, so this is pretty wicked cool.
I've got 12 or so people coming for Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday. Here's the menu:
Curried pumpkin soup
Maple glazed turkey breast
Mushroom walnut sage dressing
Parsnip and carrots matchstick with honey and cumin
Sesame green beans
Colcannon
Herbed cornbread
Pumpkin spice cake
Apple crisp
Pumpkin Ice Cream
If anybody has no plans and is in the neighbourhood, you're welcome to come.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
Some food and drink quotes for your enjoyment. I’m taking Boomer and going to scout out pubs for our department Christmas party. On a sunny long weekend Friday. Sometimes, this job really is sweet.
"Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian,; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good." ~ Alice May Brock
"The most amazing thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found" ~ Calvin Trillin.
"He who drinks beer sleeps well. He who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not sin goes to heaven. Amen" ~ German Monk
"Remember, beer has food value but food has no beer value." - Benjamin Franklin
"My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people." -- Orson Welles
"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch." --Orson Welles
"Thought: Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage." -- Woody Allen
"Hey Man, I'm drinking wine, eating cheese and catching some rays." --Donald Sutherland as Oddball, in "Kelly's Heros"
(I'd been planning to ask you all what you're thankful for, but let's face it: I'm just not that deep. Ooooo...look! Something shiny!)
Some food and drink quotes for your enjoyment. I’m taking Boomer and going to scout out pubs for our department Christmas party. On a sunny long weekend Friday. Sometimes, this job really is sweet.
"Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian,; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good." ~ Alice May Brock
"The most amazing thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found" ~ Calvin Trillin.
"He who drinks beer sleeps well. He who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not sin goes to heaven. Amen" ~ German Monk
"Remember, beer has food value but food has no beer value." - Benjamin Franklin
"My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people." -- Orson Welles
"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch." --Orson Welles
"Thought: Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage." -- Woody Allen
"Hey Man, I'm drinking wine, eating cheese and catching some rays." --Donald Sutherland as Oddball, in "Kelly's Heros"
(I'd been planning to ask you all what you're thankful for, but let's face it: I'm just not that deep. Ooooo...look! Something shiny!)
I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty!
(during a discussion of what family members are coming for Thanksgiving)
IP: Lisa is your mommy.
Me: Huh? Why is Lisa my mommy?
IP: ‘Cause she’s the prettiest!
Me: Are you saying I’m not the prettiest?
IP: Lisa’s the prettiest ‘cause she has a necklace.
ME: Would I be pretty if I put on a necklace?
IP: No, but Lisa could give hers to you on Saturday and you could be pretty, but the dogs might need to lick it first, that’s why you can’t have it until Saturday. But Lisa is still the prettiest.
Me: What about Nana?
IP: Nana’s cute.
Me: When are you taking Lisa for fries?
IP: Soon. Can Paul drive us?
(during a discussion of what family members are coming for Thanksgiving)
IP: Lisa is your mommy.
Me: Huh? Why is Lisa my mommy?
IP: ‘Cause she’s the prettiest!
Me: Are you saying I’m not the prettiest?
IP: Lisa’s the prettiest ‘cause she has a necklace.
ME: Would I be pretty if I put on a necklace?
IP: No, but Lisa could give hers to you on Saturday and you could be pretty, but the dogs might need to lick it first, that’s why you can’t have it until Saturday. But Lisa is still the prettiest.
Me: What about Nana?
IP: Nana’s cute.
Me: When are you taking Lisa for fries?
IP: Soon. Can Paul drive us?
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Ice Prince Speaks
What’s a good Hallowe’en costume for an adult?
IP: An elephant. Or a scary monster.
What’s your favourite song?
IP: O Canada. (Sings it)
“God keep our land, obvious and free…”
What’s your favourite instrument?
IP: A drum!
What does mommy do while you’re at school?
IP: She goes to work.
What does she do there?
IP: She works!
What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever seen mommy do?
IP: Dance!
What’s a good present for a one-year old boy?
IP: Bubblegum and candy.
Who’s your best friend at school?
IP: Nobody.
What’s the best thing about school?
IP: Gym.
What’s the worst thing about school?
IP: Nothing.
What do you want to be when you’re big?
IP: A firefighter!
When are you taking Crabby out for fries?
(answer very long and unintelligible, punctuated by jumping up and down.)
Can I have a bite of your Rice Krispy Square?
IP: No, you gave me this as my treat. If you wanted one, you should have got one for yourself.
What’s a good Hallowe’en costume for an adult?
IP: An elephant. Or a scary monster.
What’s your favourite song?
IP: O Canada. (Sings it)
“God keep our land, obvious and free…”
What’s your favourite instrument?
IP: A drum!
What does mommy do while you’re at school?
IP: She goes to work.
What does she do there?
IP: She works!
What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever seen mommy do?
IP: Dance!
What’s a good present for a one-year old boy?
IP: Bubblegum and candy.
Who’s your best friend at school?
IP: Nobody.
What’s the best thing about school?
IP: Gym.
What’s the worst thing about school?
IP: Nothing.
What do you want to be when you’re big?
IP: A firefighter!
When are you taking Crabby out for fries?
(answer very long and unintelligible, punctuated by jumping up and down.)
Can I have a bite of your Rice Krispy Square?
IP: No, you gave me this as my treat. If you wanted one, you should have got one for yourself.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Cheap Date
There has been some talk of what Ice Prince is wearing for Hallowe’en. Here’s a picture of it. I got it at Value Village for $6. Hurrah! It’s much cuter in person.
Unfortunately, the cat likes it too. We found him, errr…., humping the costume last night.
Paying My Respects to Rodney Dangerfield
“With girls, I don't think right. I had a date with one girl, she had mirrors all over her bedroom. She told me to come over and bring a bottle. I got Windex.”
”I'm trying a new diet now. The diet is Viagra and prune juice. I tell ya, I don't know if I'm coming or going.”
“Wanna make 14 dollars the hard way?”
“Now I know why tigers eat their young.”
“Oh, this is the worst-looking hat I ever saw. What, when you buy a hat like this I bet you get a free bowl of soup, huh? Oh, it looks good on you though.”
“Hey, doll. Could you scare up another round for our table over here? And tell the cook this is low grade dogfood. I've had better food at the ballgame, you know? This steak still has marks from where the jockey was hitting it.”
There has been some talk of what Ice Prince is wearing for Hallowe’en. Here’s a picture of it. I got it at Value Village for $6. Hurrah! It’s much cuter in person.
Unfortunately, the cat likes it too. We found him, errr…., humping the costume last night.
Paying My Respects to Rodney Dangerfield
“With girls, I don't think right. I had a date with one girl, she had mirrors all over her bedroom. She told me to come over and bring a bottle. I got Windex.”
”I'm trying a new diet now. The diet is Viagra and prune juice. I tell ya, I don't know if I'm coming or going.”
“Wanna make 14 dollars the hard way?”
“Now I know why tigers eat their young.”
“Oh, this is the worst-looking hat I ever saw. What, when you buy a hat like this I bet you get a free bowl of soup, huh? Oh, it looks good on you though.”
“Hey, doll. Could you scare up another round for our table over here? And tell the cook this is low grade dogfood. I've had better food at the ballgame, you know? This steak still has marks from where the jockey was hitting it.”
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Never Say Never Again
Over on the blamblog, the topic came up of “I never blog about dating.”
Naturally, that doesn’t apply to me. But what don’t I blog about?
My job details. I don’t need to get fired.
Politics, usually. BO-RING!
Things Fresh does that annoy me. I usually forget very quickly anyway.
Boring Ice Prince Details. Well, I try. You do get the cutest stuff.
Personal stuff about my parents or friends. I really don’t need strangers asking my loved ones if they “still have that not-so-fresh feeling.”
Mushy, sentimental stuff. I try to keep it to a minimum. Besides, that’s just not me.
So what’s left?
Soup
What’s in fashion for fall
Funny stuff I see on the way to work
Weird plans I hatch in my head
Interactive stuff like having readers write poems or songs
The Hootchie Mama Report
The Wit and Wisdom of Ice Prince
In other news, I think it’s time for another episode of Ask The Ice Prince. Anyone have a question for him?
Tomorrow I think it’s time for the Ice Queen’s seasonal What’s Hot What’s Not List. Watch for it!
Over on the blamblog, the topic came up of “I never blog about dating.”
Naturally, that doesn’t apply to me. But what don’t I blog about?
My job details. I don’t need to get fired.
Politics, usually. BO-RING!
Things Fresh does that annoy me. I usually forget very quickly anyway.
Boring Ice Prince Details. Well, I try. You do get the cutest stuff.
Personal stuff about my parents or friends. I really don’t need strangers asking my loved ones if they “still have that not-so-fresh feeling.”
Mushy, sentimental stuff. I try to keep it to a minimum. Besides, that’s just not me.
So what’s left?
Soup
What’s in fashion for fall
Funny stuff I see on the way to work
Weird plans I hatch in my head
Interactive stuff like having readers write poems or songs
The Hootchie Mama Report
The Wit and Wisdom of Ice Prince
In other news, I think it’s time for another episode of Ask The Ice Prince. Anyone have a question for him?
Tomorrow I think it’s time for the Ice Queen’s seasonal What’s Hot What’s Not List. Watch for it!
Win/Win, Either Way.
So remember my theory of first book as personality indicator?
Well, Ice Prince brought home his first school library book last night. It was:
Captain Bob Takes Flight
It's about a little boy who pretends he's a pilot while he's cleaning his room.
My boy's going to be a pilot!
Or he's going to clean his room!
So remember my theory of first book as personality indicator?
Well, Ice Prince brought home his first school library book last night. It was:
Captain Bob Takes Flight
It's about a little boy who pretends he's a pilot while he's cleaning his room.
My boy's going to be a pilot!
Or he's going to clean his room!
Read A Book Today!
Did you know it was Banned Books Week last week? Here's the list of 100 books which have been banned from various schools and libraries. I’ve highlighted the ones I’ve read. The starred ones I read as part of a high school course. Some big surprises on this list. Which ones have YOU read? Let’s each choose a banned book and read it!
Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling (some)
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman (read in the store)
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
A Day No Pigs Would Dieby Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee*
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton*
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Native Son by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford (in the store)
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Note: I chose Anarchist Cookbook to read and guess what? It’s unavailable for order from Indigo. Let me go check the library.
Note 2: The library doesn’t have it either. Hmmmm….now I’m really curious.
Note 3: Found it on Amazon.ca with the following note from the author:
“During the years that followed its publication, I went to university, married, became a father and a teacher of adolescents. These developments had a profound moral and spiritual effect on me. I found that I no longer agreed with what I had written earlier and I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the ideas that I had put my name to. In 1976 I became a confirmed Anglican Christian and shortly thereafter I wrote to Lyle Stuart Inc. explaining that I no longer held the views that were expressed in the book and requested that The Anarchist Cookbook be taken out of print. The response from the publisher was that the copyright was in his name and therefore such a decision was his to make \226 not the author's. In the early 1980's, the rights for the book were sold to another publisher. I have had no contact with that publisher (other than to request that the book be taken out of print) and I receive no royalties.
Unfortunately, the book continues to be in print and with the advent of the Internet several websites dealing with it have emerged. I want to state categorically that I am not in agreement with the contents of The Anarchist Cookbook and I would be very pleased (and relieved) to see its publication discontinued. I consider it to be a misguided and potentially dangerous publication which should be taken out of print.
William Powell “
WHOA! Hot stuff! Gee, I had just been hoping it had some recipes in it.
Note 4:
And here is the voice of reason. This is why we shouldn’t ban books. A 12 year old has the best perspective:
"Er?, July 10, 2004
Reviewer: A 12-year old reader
Well, I read this book out of sheer curiousity and hype, after watching Bowling for Columbine. Needless to say... the book is quite odd. It's informative and I guess if I was crazy enough, I could attempt to make a bomb or something then kill myself in the process. But, this was good for laughs..
I read the revised version, that the author had no part in, but I'd imagine they're related, only the revised has means and methods accepted by today's standards.
Only buy this book if you're curious; the book's practical (or impractical) uses are limited to people that know their chemicals and what not, and even if you understood it all, who would risk their lives in making a novelty?"
Did you know it was Banned Books Week last week? Here's the list of 100 books which have been banned from various schools and libraries. I’ve highlighted the ones I’ve read. The starred ones I read as part of a high school course. Some big surprises on this list. Which ones have YOU read? Let’s each choose a banned book and read it!
Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling (some)
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman (read in the store)
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
A Day No Pigs Would Dieby Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee*
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton*
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Native Son by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford (in the store)
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Note: I chose Anarchist Cookbook to read and guess what? It’s unavailable for order from Indigo. Let me go check the library.
Note 2: The library doesn’t have it either. Hmmmm….now I’m really curious.
Note 3: Found it on Amazon.ca with the following note from the author:
“During the years that followed its publication, I went to university, married, became a father and a teacher of adolescents. These developments had a profound moral and spiritual effect on me. I found that I no longer agreed with what I had written earlier and I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the ideas that I had put my name to. In 1976 I became a confirmed Anglican Christian and shortly thereafter I wrote to Lyle Stuart Inc. explaining that I no longer held the views that were expressed in the book and requested that The Anarchist Cookbook be taken out of print. The response from the publisher was that the copyright was in his name and therefore such a decision was his to make \226 not the author's. In the early 1980's, the rights for the book were sold to another publisher. I have had no contact with that publisher (other than to request that the book be taken out of print) and I receive no royalties.
Unfortunately, the book continues to be in print and with the advent of the Internet several websites dealing with it have emerged. I want to state categorically that I am not in agreement with the contents of The Anarchist Cookbook and I would be very pleased (and relieved) to see its publication discontinued. I consider it to be a misguided and potentially dangerous publication which should be taken out of print.
William Powell “
WHOA! Hot stuff! Gee, I had just been hoping it had some recipes in it.
Note 4:
And here is the voice of reason. This is why we shouldn’t ban books. A 12 year old has the best perspective:
"Er?, July 10, 2004
Reviewer: A 12-year old reader
Well, I read this book out of sheer curiousity and hype, after watching Bowling for Columbine. Needless to say... the book is quite odd. It's informative and I guess if I was crazy enough, I could attempt to make a bomb or something then kill myself in the process. But, this was good for laughs..
I read the revised version, that the author had no part in, but I'd imagine they're related, only the revised has means and methods accepted by today's standards.
Only buy this book if you're curious; the book's practical (or impractical) uses are limited to people that know their chemicals and what not, and even if you understood it all, who would risk their lives in making a novelty?"
Monday, October 04, 2004
Kiss Me Kate
So my cousin Kate got married on the weekend. In Ireland. A total surprise. Well, not total. We figured she’d just call up one day to tell us.
I’m not sure I could have gotten married without my family and friends around. Heck, if it weren’t for wedding presents, I wouldn’t have my coffee maker, my toaster and my food processor.
I am SO not mailing a food processor to Ireland.
Pumpkins. They’re Not Just For Breakfast Anymore!
The Crabbies came over on Friday night and brought curried pumpkin soup and the world’s most amazing pumpkin ice cream. My belly is chock full of pumpkiny goodness.
So my cousin Kate got married on the weekend. In Ireland. A total surprise. Well, not total. We figured she’d just call up one day to tell us.
I’m not sure I could have gotten married without my family and friends around. Heck, if it weren’t for wedding presents, I wouldn’t have my coffee maker, my toaster and my food processor.
I am SO not mailing a food processor to Ireland.
Pumpkins. They’re Not Just For Breakfast Anymore!
The Crabbies came over on Friday night and brought curried pumpkin soup and the world’s most amazing pumpkin ice cream. My belly is chock full of pumpkiny goodness.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Happy, happy, joy, joy!
In a grand mood today!
1. Got my ass-kicking boots on. Need your ass kicked? You’ve come to the right place!
2. Boss is taking us for Dim Sum today. And then she’s away for two weeks.
3. Have company coming for dinner tonight! We get to drink the Special Wine Fresh reserves for company only.
4. Hair is both bouncing AND behaving.
5. Applying for job that pays $80,000. In US DOLLARS. And I’m actually totally qualified.
6. It’s nylon weather again! And fall fashions! I look so good in fall fashions.
All About Ice Prince
Today Ice Prince had to take a biography bag to school. He had to choose 5 things to represent himself. He chose:
• His snail’s house (we let Gary go in the garden a couple of months ago.)
• Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
• A picture of us at the cottage during his GP’s birthday party
• A Piggy Bank
• Sunglasses
Now, if you didn’t know him, what would these items tell you about him? He likes nature, reading, and his family. His mom works at a bank and he’s one cool little dude.
In a grand mood today!
1. Got my ass-kicking boots on. Need your ass kicked? You’ve come to the right place!
2. Boss is taking us for Dim Sum today. And then she’s away for two weeks.
3. Have company coming for dinner tonight! We get to drink the Special Wine Fresh reserves for company only.
4. Hair is both bouncing AND behaving.
5. Applying for job that pays $80,000. In US DOLLARS. And I’m actually totally qualified.
6. It’s nylon weather again! And fall fashions! I look so good in fall fashions.
All About Ice Prince
Today Ice Prince had to take a biography bag to school. He had to choose 5 things to represent himself. He chose:
• His snail’s house (we let Gary go in the garden a couple of months ago.)
• Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
• A picture of us at the cottage during his GP’s birthday party
• A Piggy Bank
• Sunglasses
Now, if you didn’t know him, what would these items tell you about him? He likes nature, reading, and his family. His mom works at a bank and he’s one cool little dude.
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