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Books, Words, and Writing
- All Book Reviews Audiobook Reviews Fantasy and Science Fiction Audiobook Reviews Children's Books Picture Books Comics and Graphic Novel Reviews
  Fantasy and Science Fiction Audiobook Reviews
  The Sandman Audible Version May Bring New Readers to an Old Series
  August 26, 2020 0
  Audible recently released a voice-acted audio version of Neil Gaiman's popular and acclaimed graphic novel series The Sandman. Should you listen to it? Even if you've never read the graphic novels, if you like Neil Gaiman, "dark fantasy," or horror, you'll probably love it. If that doesn't describe you this audiobook, like the graphic novels, is probably not for you.
  Book Reviews
  David Mitchell’s New Book, Utopia Avenue is a Touching 1960s Pop Rock Romp
  July 24, 2020 0
  David Mitchell's latest book, Utopia Avenue, is a moving and sometimes-surreal romp with a late-1960s London pop/rock/folk band.
  Books
  Fantasy Novels with Older Female Adventurers
  Cheryl - June 8, 2020 2
  I hit a big birthday last year and went on a solo road trip. I love reading fantasy and wanted to indulge myself with novels with an older female protagonist. How many did I find? None, really.
  Book Reviews
  Rereading The Adventures of Augie March
  June 7, 2020 0
  As the first book in my TIME Magazine 100 best book reading challenge, I read The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow. Actually, I read it in 2014 and found this review in my files. I'm posting it here and moving on to the next book.
  Book Trivia Quizzes
  How Much Do You Know About TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Novels? A Trivia Quiz and a Reading Challenge
  Cheryl - May 28, 2020 0
  In 2005, Time Magazine published a list of what their critics considered to be the 100 best English-language novels since 1923. How much do you know about which books are on the list or about the books on the list? I'm going to challenge myself to read them all (eventually) but I know about most. Here's a quiz.
Book and Movie Reviews
- All Audiobook Reviews Fantasy and Science Fiction Audiobook Reviews Children's Books Picture Books Comics and Graphic Novel Reviews Fantasy Graphic Novel Reviews
  Fantasy and Science Fiction Audiobook Reviews
  The Sandman Audible Version May Bring New Readers to an Old Series
  August 26, 2020 0
  Audible recently released a voice-acted audio version of Neil Gaiman's popular and acclaimed graphic novel series The Sandman. Should you listen to it? Even if you've never read the graphic novels, if you like Neil Gaiman, "dark fantasy," or horror, you'll probably love it. If that doesn't describe you this audiobook, like the graphic novels, is probably not for you.
  Book Reviews
  David Mitchell’s New Book, Utopia Avenue is a Touching 1960s Pop Rock Romp
  July 24, 2020 0
  David Mitchell's latest book, Utopia Avenue, is a moving and sometimes-surreal romp with a late-1960s London pop/rock/folk band.
  Book Reviews
  Rereading The Adventures of Augie March
  June 7, 2020 0
  As the first book in my TIME Magazine 100 best book reading challenge, I read The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow. Actually, I read it in 2014 and found this review in my files. I'm posting it here and moving on to the next book.
  Books
  This is a Classic Childrens’ Book That Some Adults Should Read
  May 15, 2020 0
  Jo Ann Stover's book, If Everyone Did, is a funny kids book, but some of us adults may benefit by its message as well.
Education
- All Language Learning French Language Resources
  Language Learning
  How to Type Commonly Used Accents on Windows 10 International Keyboard (Including a Cheat Sheet for French Accents)
  Cheryl - June 21, 2020 0
  One thing that I found frustrating when learning French was having to type a bunch of accents on the keyboard. Using the international keyboard is really not too hard, and after a while you can easily commit the keys to memory. But at first, it was très difficile so I created a cheat sheet. Here it is, along with some advice about using the international keyboard and a refresher on French accents.
  Health
  Can Language Learning in Our Later Years Help Stave Off Dementia?
  Cheryl - June 15, 2020 0
  It's a likable notion that learning a foreign language might help stave off cognitive decline and dementia in our senior years. But is it true? Studies suggest positive benefits to bilingualism in old age but are generally small and inconclusive. Still, there are intrinsic benefits to learning a second language.
Entertainment
- All Movies Movie Reviews Movie Reviews: Animation and Anime Podcasts Podcast Reviews Television
  TV Series
  The Boys: Amazon Prime’s Series is an Extremely Bingeable Take on the Dysfunctional Superhero Trope
  August 31, 2020 0
  Amazon Prime's original series, "The Boys," follows (in part) a group of dysfunctional superheroes. Remind you of anything? The series returns for its second season on September 4. Here's more about the series and why we're eagerly awaiting its return.
  Animation and Anime
  Avatar: The Last Airbender: Do We Really Need Live-Action Remakes?
  Cheryl - July 28, 2020 0
  Avatar: The Last Airbender has had a recent surge in popularity lately with its rerelease on Netflix. A live-action series is in the making which can only be better than M. Night Shayamalan's flop. But do we really need live-action remakes of animated shows and movies that were already great?
  Entertainment
  I Have Some Trepidation About Star Trek: Lower Decks
  Cheryl - July 24, 2020 0
  Star Trek: Lower Decks is a new animated series that steams on CBS: All Access on August 6. Will it become a valued addition to the Star Trek Universe or will it be a cringe-inducing experience for the trekkie?
  Movie Reviews: Animation and Anime
  00:01:13
  Looking for Nemo? You won’t find him here! (Review of Padak: Swimming to Sea)
  June 2, 2020 0
  A Review of Padak: Swimming to Sea. The "fish in a tank" scenario might remind you of a particular Pixar film, and you might catch a glimpse of clownfish, but this bleak CGI-animated creation is not for kids, the faint of heart, or someone who wants uplift.
  Podcast Reviews
  The Zen Studies Podcast: A Friendly and Informative Zen Podcast Worth Listening To
  May 24, 2020 0
  One of my favorite podcasts on the subjects of Zen, Buddhism, or Meditation is The Zen Studies Podcast. Here's my review.
Food and Recipes
- All Recipes Baking Bread Beverages Smoothies Dessert
  Recipes
  Raspberry Chevre Green Salad With Toasted Pine Nuts
  Cheryl - July 21, 2020 0
  The combination of sweet raspberries, creamy chevre, and the smokiness of toasted pine nuts are amazing in this simple green salad that's perfect for Summer -- or anytime!
  Smoothies
  Mangopeño Smoothie
  Cheryl - July 1, 2020 0
  The combination of mango and jalapeño might seem odd but you just might like it! And smoothies may just be an ultimate concoction for the healthy non-foodie!
  Culture
  Making Mexican Sugar Skulls for Dia De Los Muertos
  Cheryl - June 30, 2020 0
  Here's a recipe for Mexican Sugar Skulls. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with these colorful skulls. They're not to eat but are fun to make and make great October decor.
  Dessert
  Clotted Cream
  Cheryl - June 26, 2020 0
  The word "clotted" sounds kind of...off. But if you really want to serve your tea English-style, you need this fattening, heavy stuff. Serve it with scones and some preserves or lemon curd and, of course, some tea.
  Food Quotes
  Humor…and Food…Keep Us Alive
  Cheryl - June 25, 2020 0
  Reflections on a Joss Whedon quote about food and laughter.
Home, Garden, and Crafts
- All Home Decor Home and DIY Projects Furniture Painting and Refinishing Household Tips Pest Control
  Home and DIY Projects
  My Faux “Antique” Library Room
  Cheryl - August 25, 2020 0
  Want a (relatively) cheap "vintage" front room/library room? Here's mine. We gave our daughter and her friend the go-ahead to decorate our front foom however they liked. This is the outcome.
  Furniture Painting and Refinishing
  Faux “French Country” Fireplace: A DIY Furniture Painting Project
  Cheryl - August 4, 2020 0
  Even if you're not an avid furniture painter, getting a secondhand electric fireplace and chalk painting it yourself to get a sort-of-French-country look isn't too difficult.
  Animals and Pets
  The Terrible Case of the Toaster-Mouse
  Cheryl - June 4, 2020 0
  Did you know that, though some people see getting a cat as a possible solution to a rodent problem, sometimes they can be the cause of the problem? When a mouse popped out of our toaster, we knew we had an issue. The culprit? Our cat!
Geek and Pop Culture
- All Animation and Anime Fandoms Avatar: The Last Airbender Sandman Star Trek The Boys
  TV Series
  The Boys: Amazon Prime’s Series is an Extremely Bingeable Take on the Dysfunctional Superhero Trope
  August 31, 2020 0
  Amazon Prime's original series, "The Boys," follows (in part) a group of dysfunctional superheroes. Remind you of anything? The series returns for its second season on September 4. Here's more about the series and why we're eagerly awaiting its return.
  Fantasy and Science Fiction Audiobook Reviews
  The Sandman Audible Version May Bring New Readers to an Old Series
  August 26, 2020 0
  Audible recently released a voice-acted audio version of Neil Gaiman's popular and acclaimed graphic novel series The Sandman. Should you listen to it? Even if you've never read the graphic novels, if you like Neil Gaiman, "dark fantasy," or horror, you'll probably love it. If that doesn't describe you this audiobook, like the graphic novels, is probably not for you.
  Animation and Anime
  Avatar: The Last Airbender: Do We Really Need Live-Action Remakes?
  Cheryl - July 28, 2020 0
  Avatar: The Last Airbender has had a recent surge in popularity lately with its rerelease on Netflix. A live-action series is in the making which can only be better than M. Night Shayamalan's flop. But do we really need live-action remakes of animated shows and movies that were already great?
  Entertainment
  I Have Some Trepidation About Star Trek: Lower Decks
  Cheryl - July 24, 2020 0
  Star Trek: Lower Decks is a new animated series that steams on CBS: All Access on August 6. Will it become a valued addition to the Star Trek Universe or will it be a cringe-inducing experience for the trekkie?
  Toys and Collectibles
  Plague Plushies
  Cheryl - July 14, 2020 0
  They may not prevent COVID, but perhaps they'll get you through the pandemic with their combination of morbid and cute!
Quotes
- All Author Quotes Food Quotes Humor Quotes Inspirational Quotes
  Food Quotes
  Humor…and Food…Keep Us Alive
  Cheryl - June 25, 2020 0
  Reflections on a Joss Whedon quote about food and laughter.
  Inspirational Quotes
  It’s Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been
  Cheryl - May 27, 2020 0
  Reflections on "It's Never too Late to Be What You Might Have Been," a quote attributed to Victorian-era novelist George Eliot.
Religion and Spirituality
- All Buddhism DukkhaGirl
  Buddhism
  On Climbing Back Out of Practice-Diverting Holes (And Avoiding Them in the First Place)
  Perplexity - July 9, 2020 0
  This is part of a post I wrote years ago that was saved to another website that I'm reclaiming and re-finishing. It's a little reflection on how we can be thrown off by various "holes" in our lives and how we can climb back out of them.
  Buddhism
  It’s OK to Feel What You Feel
  Perplexity - June 22, 2020 0
  We've all experienced loss recently, in one form or another. Even if you are among the more fortunate, making yourself feel guilty for feeling your feelings is, ultimately, unhelpful.
  Buddhism
  Zen is Not a Competitive Sport
  Perplexity - June 21, 2020 0
  This is a cartoon that I drew back in about 2011 or 2012, I think. Thank you WQ for saving it for me! Here's what inspired it.
  Arts and Crafts
  How To Make a Zafu
  Perplexity - June 7, 2020 0
  Zafus, or round meditation cushions, are easy to find commercially now. But if you like to sew and want to make your own, here's a pattern that I dredged up out of my archives. It's old, but it remains a good instruction sheet to sew your own.
  Podcast Reviews
  The Zen Studies Podcast: A Friendly and Informative Zen Podcast Worth Listening To
  May 24, 2020 0
  One of my favorite podcasts on the subjects of Zen, Buddhism, or Meditation is The Zen Studies Podcast. Here's my review.