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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Blood, Bones & Butter

A couple of weeks ago I walked into my local bookstore to pick up a book that was ordered.  As always I can't even think of going near that store without coming out with something new.  This time the book was staring at me from behind the counter.  A book about food and becoming a chef, "I'm in!"


I purchased Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef a memoir, by the owner and proprietor of Prune, Gabrielle Hamilton.  I devoured this book as I would a meal at her famous restaurant Prune.

Gabrielle Hamiltion maps out her life in three sections.  Blood gives the background of her troubled  childhood.  Her description of the family parties and her mother's pantry make you feel as if you were there stepping into the stream for a cold brew yourself.  This section also describes the abrupt dismantling of her home life as well.  You learn the basis of her love of all things food.

Bones, tell of how this young and restless youth supports herself and finds her calling in the process. Butter is the latest installment of her life, her own family.  Hamiliton has a successful restaurant and is wooed by an Italian professor.  Although her life is not the fairy-tale you would believe it would turn out to be.

Her prose is beautifully written.  You can see, hear, smell and taste all she describes.  If you love food read this book.  If you love a great read pick it up.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Road Music - Erasure

I just returned from a trip to Maine to see my close friend and fellow blogger Moriah.  This drive is 7 and a half hours for me.  That length of a trip can not only make your rear end numb but your brain as well.  My solution is to rock out and sing along to my favorite tunes.

I haven't been on that long of a road trip in a while but my tried and true go to's  still work.  I love techno but it tends to make me a speed demon, so let's choose something to sing along to.  Well that leads me to one of my all time favorite bands. . . Erasure.

They are an English synth pop band which started in 1985.  Needless to say I have been a fan for quite a long time.  Their music is all about love and the loss of it.  The beat keeps you bopping you head and wide awake for your drive.
They even released an acoustic album which has a more folk/country style with their own pop synth twist.
My addiction to this bad has led me to see them live during their last tour in the U.S.  Andy Bell the lead singer is such a showman with multiple costume changes per show that the new pop stars could take a lesson form him.  Vince Clarke the consummate songwriter keeps me coming back for more.  I can't say enough about this band that has been in my play list since my childhood.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Vampire for Hire Series

I stumbled upon this series while my flight was delayed at the airport.  I was using a kindle for the first time (the vote is still out on that one) and didn't want to read what was on it.  So I started a search and came upon Moon Dance - Vampire for Hire #1, by J.R. Rain.  At $0.99 how could you go wrong?

I know, I know another vampire novel.  Yes it is similar in many ways to other vampire books.  Lots of other supernatural beings and the usual vampire problems.  However, I just adore Samantha Moon the protagonist.  She was a soccer mom and a federal agent before one night changed everything.  Now she is living with an unusual "skin disease" and is a private investigator.

I think the reason I love this series is that she is still dealing with every day struggles as well as the struggles of being a vampire.  Kids, husband, family members and running your own business is hard enough for anyone, let alone someone who is allergic to the sun.

Needless to say this is a guilty pleasure.  All of the books in the Vampire for Hire series are currently only available digitally.  There are some editing mishaps along the way but in general they are fun reads.  

I am already waiting for the next book, Moon Child, in this beach read series which will be released in July. J.R. Rain has lots of e-books and many of the books are featured at the end of the Vampire for Hire books.  I am sure there is something for everyone there.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing for AIDS

My brother from another mother has teamed up with his  coach Yanni at Up Top Martial Arts Academy to support me in the San Francisco AIDS walk.  If you donate we are offering free Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing classes!!!!


Donate:
$25 - $49 and Receive 1 week unlimited Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing
$50 - $69 and Receive 2 weeks unlimited Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing
$70 and up Receive 1 ENTIRE MONTH!!! of unlimited Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing

See the schedule for details, this also includes the Friday MMA class and Sunday open mat)



87 Berdan Avenue
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-692-1991



info@uptopmartialarts.com

Donate to help fights AIDS and learn how to fight people!


If Jui Jitsu is not your style just donate directly to a great cause, here.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse Series #11)

I think I might have to give up on Sookie.  This book was extremely disappointing.  Once again the book took forever to get going and when it did there were inconsistencies with the plot.
I am afraid that Charlaine Harris did not have a clear story arc in mind.  Unfortunately, it seems she is grasping a straws to tie up all the loose supernatural ends to complete the series.  I was glad to see Alcide again, but really that was all that interested me.  

This could possibly be the end of a guilty pleasure.