Source [Jotter Book]
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Check out the flickr set of 164 different covers of the novel Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.
The image above is my favorite, so subtle, yet shocking.
Source [The Rumpus]
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Synopsis:
Movie Trailer:
This looks interesting and fun, huh? Apparently this movie had difficulty finding a US distributor due to the "explicit gay sexual content" and the film was re-edited.
What do you think? Go to the movies or wait for cable?
Steven Russell is happily married to Debbie, and a member of the local police force when a car accident provokes a dramatic reassessment of his life. Steven realizes he's gay and decides to live life to the fullest - even if it means breaking the law. Steven's new, extravagant lifestyle involves cons and fraud and, eventually, a stay in the State Penitentiary where he meets sensitive, soft-spoken Phillip Morris. His devotion to freeing Phillip from jail and building the perfect life together prompts Steven to attempt and often succeed at one impossible con after another.
Movie Trailer:
This looks interesting and fun, huh? Apparently this movie had difficulty finding a US distributor due to the "explicit gay sexual content" and the film was re-edited.
What do you think? Go to the movies or wait for cable?
This is one of the oddest mash-up/spoof video's I've seen. I mean, what does Star Wars and Ke$ha's Tik Tok have in common? Nothing, but this video is entertaining.
Source [The Daily What]
Source [The Daily What]
Monday, March 29, 2010
I can’t get enough of the PS22 Chorus. Back in February I posted their version of New York, New York and here they are singing Lisztomania by Phoenix.
I’ve mentioned my joy of reading regency romance novels in previous posts. You see I enjoy history, adore most things British and I love to get lost in a steamy romance novel. I will admit I can’t stand “contemporary” romance novels because I don’t want “real life”, I want fantasy! I want to get lost in another time or world where I can… wait, wait, I digress, my explanation for loving romance can take place in another blog post.
A carriage dress, 1825
Anyway, I’ve decided to stop my fanfiction obsession and start reading “real” books. More importantly, I’ve decided to read ALL the unread books in my house. Yes, that means I can not purchase a new book or borrow books from the library until every single book in my house has a creased spine. And since I went on a regency romance book buying bender a couple months back, I have quite a few to read.
So today, I’ll write a quick review for Vice by Jane Feather.
What do you do when you accidentally kill your husband on your wedding night? If you are Juliana you run to London with no money, no contacts and hope you find a job. But suddenly you find yourself living in a bordello and “sold” to a Duke in a wild scheme that will actually make your life a lot better.
This novel was a quick and easy read and will hold your attention. The only problem is I started to immensely dislike the “heroine”. Her decision making process left a lot to be desired and it got to the point where I had to side with the duke who “purchased” her. I know many historical romance readers like “strong willed” female characters, but how can you like a character that is stubborn to the point they continue to make silly decisions which always ends in harm’s way?
As for the romance, I was a little disappointed the author did not take us on a “romantic journey”. Juliana and the Duke instantly lusted over each other, but love was barely mentioned, which I found odd. On the plus side, I did learn a lot about prostitution in Victorian London and the infamous red-light district of Covent Garden.
Warnings: This novel has sex scenes with a sensuality rating of "Hot" by All About Romance.
If you like Vice, you might also like:
A carriage dress, 1825So today, I’ll write a quick review for Vice by Jane Feather.
What do you do when you accidentally kill your husband on your wedding night? If you are Juliana you run to London with no money, no contacts and hope you find a job. But suddenly you find yourself living in a bordello and “sold” to a Duke in a wild scheme that will actually make your life a lot better.
This novel was a quick and easy read and will hold your attention. The only problem is I started to immensely dislike the “heroine”. Her decision making process left a lot to be desired and it got to the point where I had to side with the duke who “purchased” her. I know many historical romance readers like “strong willed” female characters, but how can you like a character that is stubborn to the point they continue to make silly decisions which always ends in harm’s way?
As for the romance, I was a little disappointed the author did not take us on a “romantic journey”. Juliana and the Duke instantly lusted over each other, but love was barely mentioned, which I found odd. On the plus side, I did learn a lot about prostitution in Victorian London and the infamous red-light district of Covent Garden.
Warnings: This novel has sex scenes with a sensuality rating of "Hot" by All About Romance.
If you like Vice, you might also like:
- Double Fantasy by Cheryl Holt
- Secret Fantasy by Cheryl Holt
- Beyond Seduction by Emma Holly
- The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
- Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies: Sex in the City in Georgian Britain (Revealing History) by Hallie Rubenhold
- Jane Feather’s biography
- Learn about the infamous red-light district of Covent Garden in London
- Learn more about Victorian London
- Prostitution in Victorian London
- Who knew there were white girls named, Ebony.
- I'm totally making these bookplates this weekend. wait, who am I kidding, no I'm not.
- 10 of the Best: Heroes from Children's Fiction - Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables is number 1 in my book!
- Free ebooks correlated with increased print-book sales - If only ALL publishers jumped aboard this train - that would be fantastic!
- 99 classic band names prefixed with ‘The’
- Top 10 Tips For Becoming Famous - Whatever you do, don’t kill a prostitute and try to shoot for #2 on the list, “Real Talent”.
- Ricky Gervais and Elmo have a strange relationship. First they had this encounter and now Ricky attempts to sing Elmo to sleep.
- Pingping the world's shortest man died.
- Commander General David Petraeus said "the time has come" to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell
- I can't figure out Karl Lagerfeld, he opposes gay marriage but I don't exactly understand his reason and other Karlisms.
- Nothing BUT Number One, but that's Commander William T. Riker to you.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
For some reason I've stumbled across many photos of an "English Breakfast".
I've been to London once, I had a long lay-over flight (about 8 hours), so I decided to take a quick tour of London Town. Sadly, it wasn't in the morning so I didn't get a chance to eat breakfast but I did have fish and chips (which were pretty good).
For some reason (I have no idea why) I've always been fascinated with British eating habits. It's something about that egg on toast with baked beans that intrigues me.
From what I can tell a full English breakfast usually consists of baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomato, eggs (usually sunny side up), bacon, sausage, hash browns (or some type of potato), and black pudding (the stuff that looks burnt).
One day I might actually cook me up an "English breakfast" (or actually spend an entire day in England) but until that day comes... I can stare at these photos.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Billie Jean by Coldplay
originally by Michael Jackson
Telephone by Pomplamoose
originally by Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce
Truly Madly Deeply by The PUMA Hardchorus
originally by Savage Garden
Pump Up The Jam by The Lost Fingers
originally by Technotronic
Whatever You Like by Anya Marina
originally by T.I.
Don’t Stop the Music by Jamie Cullum
originally by Rihanna
Wake Up by Paolo Nutini
originally by Arcade Fire
Light My Fire by Shirley Bassey
originally by The Doors
Time After Time by Boyz II Men
originally by Cyndi Lauper
Paper Planes by The Da Vincis
originally by M.I.A.
For more cool covers, check out Copy Cats
originally by Michael Jackson
Telephone by Pomplamoose
originally by Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce
Truly Madly Deeply by The PUMA Hardchorus
originally by Savage Garden
Pump Up The Jam by The Lost Fingers
originally by Technotronic
Whatever You Like by Anya Marina
originally by T.I.
Don’t Stop the Music by Jamie Cullum
originally by Rihanna
Wake Up by Paolo Nutini
originally by Arcade Fire
Light My Fire by Shirley Bassey
originally by The Doors
Time After Time by Boyz II Men
originally by Cyndi Lauper
Paper Planes by The Da Vincis
originally by M.I.A.
For more cool covers, check out Copy Cats
Friday, March 26, 2010
Warning: Leonard Nimoy spam below.
Image Source [Rolling in Blackouts of the Mind, The Bridge, on the edge of forever, A piece you will have]
Image Source [Rolling in Blackouts of the Mind, The Bridge, on the edge of forever, A piece you will have]
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I use to love “choose your own adventure books”. I hear they are making a come back.
Source [pretty as a picture]
UPDATED 2/28/2012: The original source for this comic is http://www.lukesurl.com/archives/1243/
Source [pretty as a picture]
UPDATED 2/28/2012: The original source for this comic is http://www.lukesurl.com/archives/1243/
I will never allow anyone to make me feel guilty about my love of bacon. And I'm not talking about Canadian bacon or Turkey bacon... I'm talkin' about regular ol' pig bacon. Nom nom nom...
Anyway, my love of bacon does have limits and apparently it starts at Tony's I-75 Restaurant in Michigan. The photo below was said to be taken at the restaurant and is aptly named Tony's BLT. It's one pound of fried bacon on toasted Italian bread with lettuce, tomato and mayo.
Yes, we can all say "gross" together.
Source [100 Notes]
Anyway, my love of bacon does have limits and apparently it starts at Tony's I-75 Restaurant in Michigan. The photo below was said to be taken at the restaurant and is aptly named Tony's BLT. It's one pound of fried bacon on toasted Italian bread with lettuce, tomato and mayo.
Yes, we can all say "gross" together.Source [100 Notes]
You HAVE to watch this video! Video blogger Jay Smooth breaks down the whole "you may think someone is a racist" dilemma. He explains the correct way to tell people they sound racist.
I would also recommend the following of his videos:
I would also recommend the following of his videos:
- Pop Life and Race Matters - where he refuses to discuss John Mayer
- The Republican Hater's Ball - 2008 Election related
- Barack Obama and Tolerance Fatigue - 2008 Election related
- Absolutely Shocking Obama/Clinton Scandal - 2008 Election related
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Star Trek meets Hipsters
click for larger
OMG this is soooooo wrong.
Star Trek hipsters?... blasphemy! But it does look kind of cool, I have to admit.
Source [deliciousnewyork]
click for largerOMG this is soooooo wrong.
Star Trek hipsters?... blasphemy! But it does look kind of cool, I have to admit.
Source [deliciousnewyork]
- The grass is always greener I guess; a rich guy realizes he's unhappy being rich, gives everything away.
- Top 10 Fictional Cheaters - My favorite cheater Sheba from Notes on a Scandal made the list (she was 41 and he was 15... so wrong... so very wrong).
- The 13 Worst Fictional Corporations To Work For - Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, Cyberdyne (they created SkyNet which eventually created the Terminator), Oscorp (Spider-Man), and the Ghostbusters made the list.
- Funny and interesting video about when it’s appropriate to pull the Emergency Brake on the New York City Subway.
- Hamlet would have ended MUCH differently if Ophelia had a Sassy Gay Friend!
- They didn't offer this at my college - Yale offers a course on reading the historical romance novels
- Utah Has Now Made Miscarriage A Criminal Offense - What’s next? Utah senate debates ovulation? Women are no longer allowed to waste their eggs, you must fertilize everyone or else it’s an abomination!
- From NASA we get the most detailed true-color image of the entire Earth to date
- The 50 Most Racist Movies You Didn't Think Were Racist - I think they're “stretching” on some of these movies… but with many things if you look for something hard enough it, you will eventually find it.
- The first step in How to Look Preppy is “Get the attitude”... for some reason this is hilarious to me.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
This kid gets to meet his first “husband and husband.”
I love when he says, “that means you love each other.” awwwww
Source [BuzzFeed]
I love when he says, “that means you love each other.” awwwww
Source [BuzzFeed]
You must be careful when shopping online in the UK. There are many titles you have to choose from (image below). Personally, I like The Baroness because it reminds me of G.I. Joe.
If the Baroness was taken, I'd like to be called a Viscountess because of my fondness of Regency romance novels.
Source [Swiss Miss]
If the Baroness was taken, I'd like to be called a Viscountess because of my fondness of Regency romance novels.
Source [Swiss Miss]
The novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith will be released March 23, 2010.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Remember the Nintendo game The Legend of Zelda (one of my personal favorites)? Then you must watch this for old times sake:
Seth Grahame-Smith is at it again. After the success of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Mr. Grahame-Smith released Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter on March 2, 2010.
The novel is a "biography" of President Lincoln and describes his life where vampires are real and he, (dramatic pause) hunts them!
I always say these types of novels are simply fanfiction in a legitimate form, but the idea sounds pretty intriguing. To promote the book, the following videos were released:
Now I don't think I'll read the novel but I would buy the ticket to the movie immediately! And apparently I might get that chance since I heard that Tim Burton is tapped to direct the film adaption.
The novel is a "biography" of President Lincoln and describes his life where vampires are real and he, (dramatic pause) hunts them!
I always say these types of novels are simply fanfiction in a legitimate form, but the idea sounds pretty intriguing. To promote the book, the following videos were released:
Now I don't think I'll read the novel but I would buy the ticket to the movie immediately! And apparently I might get that chance since I heard that Tim Burton is tapped to direct the film adaption.
Did you have HBO in the 80s? If you did, then I'm sure you will enjoy this short documentary on how they made the 80's version of the HBO introduction.
Source [I Watch Stuff]
Source [I Watch Stuff]
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Wikipedia has an entry for Punch buggy and apparently here are the official rules!
Source [Tayo in shorthand]
He wrote this poem after watching a woman in mourning (wearing a black dress) walk into a ballroom... enjoy!
She walks in Beauty
by Lord Byron
SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that 's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
by Lord Byron
SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that 's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
BURN! Nigel Farage taunts European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.
Those Brits sure know how to use the English language... he's so poetic.
Those Brits sure know how to use the English language... he's so poetic.
Simply, I love the movie Adventures in Babysitting.
If I stumble across this film in my channel surfing I am compelled to stop and watch. I can't remember how many times I've seen it, but I know at least a quarter of it by heart.
Of course the classic scene is the "No body leaves this place without singing the blues" which most people are familiar (below).
Another interesting Adventures in Babysitting tib-bit. But did you know Daryl from the film grew up to be the Rent hottie Anthony Rapp?
Anthony RappYou know me and my fear of ginger people, but Anthony gets a pass because he's just so adorable.
Check out the President and First Lady at the Governors Ball February 21, 2010.
As my Dad would say, "Michelle is looking really jazzy"
I love the President's facial expression in this photo
And here the Obama’s are dancing and snapping their fingers
You know how people have "man crushes" and "girl crushes"... well I think I have a "couple crush"
Source [White House Flickr]
As my Dad would say, "Michelle is looking really jazzy"I love the President's facial expression in this photoAnd here the Obama’s are dancing and snapping their fingersYou know how people have "man crushes" and "girl crushes"... well I think I have a "couple crush"
Source [White House Flickr]
Thursday, March 18, 2010
So I joined formspring.me a couple months back. I haven't been asked that many questions but I figured I'd share a couple here. Enjoy!
What 3 books do you recommend?
Ummm... without thinking and not knowing what you are looking for genre wise, I would say What Was She Thinking?: Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and I Capture of the Castle by Dodie Smith.
Why do black people, in general, have no problem talking about race relations, but white people, again in general, act like the subject will get them in trouble? Umm... that's a tough one, but I know what you're talking about. I won't claim to speak for ALL black people but from my experiences most people (black and white) get "up tight" when the topic of race is raised in mixed company.
No one wants to offend anyone and be seen as "racist" or "insensitive".
I don't think black people in general have "no problem" talking about race relations but because it effects black people's lives more, they may be more willing to discuss the topic.
How did you become a fan of Alexander Skarsgard?
I first fell in love with the character Eric Northman in The Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. So when HBO turned the novels into a television series, True Blood, I was very eager to see who will play my Viking boyfriend (in my head). And that's when it happened... I was introduced to Alexander Skarsgard... and well, the rest goes down in celebrity obsession history. What about you?
I love your blog, but the green letters against the white background are really hard to read. Would you hate me if I asked you to change that? Of course I don't hate you! I actually love for taking the time to ask me a question.
Thank you for telling me... I'm so use to it, the green doesn't bother me anymore. I will most certainly change that (or at least try to darken the green). All the help or advice I can get on the blog is greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
What is the hottest thing a lover can say to you during lovemaking?
Simple, "I Love You"... that's all I need... all I need.
If you could spontaneously speed up evolution in your own body, what genetically superior trait would you bestow upon yourself? I'm not sure if this counts, but I would really like to have an eidetic memory (a "total recall" type of memory). Yeah, that would really help me out in life... and oh yeah, so I can go on Jeopardy! and win!
Why are so many people on the Internet such whiny bitches?(and this is not about you, I'm interested in any theories you might have)
Because it's easy and you can get away with it. Remember when you were a kid and your parents said "no"... then you would say "wwwwhhhyyyy" complaining about it. Well, the Internet is like that... it allows us to be kids again... we get to do and say stupid stuff... mostly anonymously. But then again... I don't know.
What are your opinions on the Cleveland show?
I've only seen two episodes and I can remember laughing out loud at least once. Of course, I should mention I'm a Seth MacFarlane fan, so I'm a little biased (how can you not love a guy who can quote Star Trek at a drop of a dime).
Of course, if you are asking about the fact that it's a Black family/show (and things related to that), I'm cool with it even if I get a little annoyed with the occasional trite "Black joke"... overall it's a funny show.
If my assumption was wrong about the "black factor" of your question, sorry... I know what happens when we ass-u-me.
how tall are you? by 8thlight
I'm 5'10 on sunny days... on rainy days, I'm 5'9 and a quarter.
Want to ask me a question (you can do it anonymously)?
http://www.formspring.me/camillereads
You HAVE to watch the following video. Seriously. Law Professor James Duane gives a presentation why you should NEVER EVER (eva eva) speak with the cops. The presentation is pretty upbeat and packs in a lot of information.
Part II
Source [HTML Giant]
Part II
Source [HTML Giant]
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dylan ThomasThis poem was written Dylan Thomas for his dying father. The poem is untitled but is commonly called "Do not go gentle into that good night" because of its refrain.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on that sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Resource - BBC Wales - Arts
- This ain't right, but here are "Harry Potter's hoes"
- New 9/11 photos were released by the freedom of information act requested by ABC News
- Someone is complaining about First Lady Michelle Obama's eye brows
- Oh the Google - check out 15 Extremely Funny Google Suggest Screenshots
- Megan's Minute discusses the fabulous Meryl Streep
- Apparently I've been out of the loop, but film critic Roger Ebert had his lower jaw removed and can no longer speak
- Remember my John Mayer post, well it seems Oprah said no to John coming on her show to seek redemption
- How Sapphire's novel Push became the movie Precious
- You heard of Chick Lit right? Well welcome to Lay-off Lit.
- After 8 years, Vogue Paris features a solo black model
- This type of stuff never happened when I was in college
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
This is adorable.
They are basically sticky-note markers. You can purchase here.
Source [noquedanblogs]
The Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison - I don't have words to express the greatness of this novel. Ms. Morrison created a masterpiece with this book, you will come away with something new every time you read it.Lauren Leto (big fan of her blog by the way) asked the question "What Constitutes African-American Fiction and Why?"
This is the never ending question for me. I work at the public library and have engaged a couple librarians on the matter and I usually end up without an answer but everyone agrees its an odd predicament. You see the African American section (especially in Philadelphia with a large African American population) is very popular, and the debate isn't if an African American section should exist (for the record, we have many various ethnic sections). The question is what SHOULD go into the African American section.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - The autobiographical story of how Ms. Angelou finally found her voice.Usually (what I have noticed in the various branches of the public library) the African American section has three sub-sections: fiction, non-fiction and romance. Which is fine, I guess. I mean, you don't want any of the "white romance" novels to mix with the "black romance" novels and heaven forbid the "GLBT" romance novels! Some poor soul may pick up a book, start reading and have spasms once they realize they are reading a multicultural gay love story! You must keep romance separated, I mean, it's only proper (can you hear the sarcasm in my voice, I hope you can). Anyway, I digress.
Lauren uses the novel Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead as an example. She was in her local Borders and writes "Now, Whitehead is most definitely African-American. Sag Harbor is most definitely a fiction book. But why doesn’t he have a spot with the other fiction books?" Good question.
I'm not a librarian so I don't know the science behind cataloging and shelving books, so there may be a larger master plan I'm not privy to, but I can't help but get pissed off when I can only find Alice Walker, Toni Morrison or James Baldwin in the African American section. Shouldn't these great writers of fiction be placed in the general fiction section for all to browse and discover their wonders?
Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler - the story of a African American woman (she looks like a 10 year old) who has to adapt to her new life as a vampire hybrid.I assume (and of course, I might be wrong), but many non-African Americans might easily skip over the African American section for various reasons (I don't know, maybe they feel excluded from that section or uncomfortable browsing that area). And that makes me sad because there are some great African American books which everyone should discover! I even found a blog called White Readers Meet Black Authors which states "Your official invitation into the African American section of the bookstore!"
Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley - a semi-autobiographical family saga which starts in Africa with Kunta Kinte who was stolen into slavery and ends with the author Alex HaleySo the question is who determines which books get placed in "general fiction" or "literature"? (I can argue that 70% of Toni Morrison's novels are literature). It can’t simply be any book written by a black author automatically goes into the African-American section… can it?
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