Rayna's Blog

Vacation

2011-07-09T07:55:00.001-07:00

On our way do dispose of my kids at my mothers. It will be great to study without having to breakup World War 3

The Rantings & Ravings of Jeanne St. James, Erotic Romance Writer

2009-10-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Rantings & Ravings of Jeanne St. James, Erotic Romance Writer

Politics Even in the Girl Scouts

2009-10-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what to do about the Girl scouts @ my daughters school. It seems that if you want to do something you have to do it yourself. IIts just a horrible concept. They sign you up and then let you flail like a dying fish. And for three years I have paid my dues and bought the damn cookies and got my daughter her uniforms and did we ever DO anything NO!!. This year they are again at a loss. I am not made to be a co-leader to people who have never really done anything other than possible bake sales. I want to take these girls camping. I want to enrich their lives and I am just pissed off that these people don't have that kind of drive. I thought the deal with the Girl Scouts was to show them that they don't have to be a slave to how and where they grew up they are good people and to show them the possibilities are endless. I hate to say it, but GS is not for the working mom. Too much attention is needed to just do it one freaking hour a week or some crap like that. Sorry to rant but I am so tired of political crap.
It makes me feel if I am not their that I have to obviously not care. That lady that emailed me to "inform" me obviously never took email ethics and ettiquette.

Sorry I havent gotten in touch, I've been really busy-definitely volunterr too much!! LOL (Names deleted to protect the appearingly inoccent) does the brownie troop but apparently already has a co-leader (HMM THERE WASN'T ONE WHEN I APPLIED) so we were thinking for you, (RED FLAG) that you could pair up with (NAME DELETED) and be the co leader (YEAH FOR SOMEONE I DONT KNOW OR TRUST WHO NEVER HAD A TROOP BEFORE, NOT) for the Junior troop and we'll combine 4-5th graders. That way there will be enough girls for a real troop since there were only 2 5th graders so far and not sure how many 4th graders.(TRANSLATION: WE DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THE OTHER KIDS AND WE DON'T CARE. WE GOT WHAT WE WANT) And your daughter is a 4th grader correct?(NAME DELETED) email is:(EMAIL DELETED) and I dont have her number handy at the moment but if you'd get in touch with her and try to work out a time to start your meetings, that would be great. I will also email her. I am going to try and get some more interest forms to send out to the girls and see if we get more back this time.. I know they put my wrong phone number on it last time. Call me if you have any questions, I know this is all so vague, sorry. (DELETED NUMBER).
I'll try to keep in touch better this time :)
(NAME DELETED)

She is the school recruiter for GS not just her own troop. So it bogs my mind why in the heck is she even bothering me with asking and not just taking over like she seems to be doing now. Here is my reply:

There are a few things wrong with your assumptions. I don’t have the training for juniors. I have all brownie materials that I had bought for my troop of brownies. If you don’t need me than that is fine. I am a little disappointed the lack of organization. I have been bugging and bugging (name deleted) on this troop issue and I feel like it’s not really going anywhere.
“so we were thinking for you”

I don’t really like it when someone decides things for me. I am a grown adult and I would appreciate someone asking me. It’s also a sign of respect for people, not to discount their feelings on the matter. I had also thought I had made my intentions rather clear when we met for the initial meeting. I don’t want to be a junior leader, I have a brownie troop and had rather worked with that age group. I will be one if it’s the only way for my daughter to do anything with the GS. Again. But as it stands right now there aren't enough interested girls for a troop. And to tell you the truth after two years of getting the shovel from the GSA I am not willing to compromise anymore.

I also feel someone dropped the ball already and we are only two months in to the school year. We have missed the fall fundraiser. And we are nowhere near prepared for any cookie sales. Let alone having a bank account per troop and meetings with two adults and at least 5 girls. I don’t think that this has been taken as seriously as I had hope from the school or some parents. If you are doing a lot of volunteer projects then this may not be a good idea for someone so busy. I would hate to disappoint children because people’s priorities are not very beneficial to the troop. I am seriously reconsidering me and my daughters part in all this.

Now was that very wrong. It was vastly different than the other email I had written out. (you should never email people when your mad wait a day) I waited untill this morning to send it. ReVamped but sent. If I wrong then I will be fine with it. But under no circumstances will I be dictated to. Here is her reply:

I am sorry that you are so upset. I started last year in March and did everything myself, put my troop together without anyones help. I apologize that I havent gotten in touch with you sooner and have no idea what paid staff at GS have going on that they have not gotten more involved. I am a parent just like you and have a full time job as well and am just a volunteer and I am doing as much as I can. I am sorry that you feel offended by our suggestion as it was just a suggestion, ( you did not make a suggestion if it was a suggestion you would have talked more about the situation and asked) didnt realize it would be such an issue to change to a junior troop, really I was thinking you'd prefer that because of your daughter( Dont assume) but I'm sorry I assumed wrong. The reason there isnt more interest in the girls is because we havent had a leader yet (you told me I was a co-leader , ie assistant to a leader, That tells me there is a leader and she is not doing her job. But I thought you were the recruiter) and so there has only been limited outreach. We sent home interest forms and I'm not even sure that I received one for your daughter (I may be wrong) ( I had paid for her dues and mine at the same time, WE even went to you recruiting meeting and signed the paperwork there. Also the support agent has sent you a list of girls that are signed up for the school.Again I was supposed to get the list from you already. it seems to me you have too much on your plate) so I'm sure that there are others that are interested and just havent got the word. The other problem is that there is no troop, no time set for meetings and all of that and parents find it easier to show interest if there are questions being answered. We will still combine 4th-5th graders and (name deleted) will be the leader. If you are not interested in working with that troop, I will get involved with (name deleted) and see if there is more interest with brownies and you could create another troop if you'd prefer. I talk to (name deleted) (a 2nd grade teacher) and she says there is a lot of interest, so that is another option.

I am sorry that you ( I recall saying we, the Royal WE) are missing the fall fundraiser but we got through our meetings last year just on dues and parent contributions alone so it can be done. (That was last year before the fall of the economy, don't you read the papers) Plus there are many other options for raising funds, right now if need be. We (you are new) are all new at Imagine and things are disorganized at times but we are trying to work together for the girls so they can have a good time. I am the only troop even trying fundraiser right now as the other troop is new too. You are also welcome if you havent been told before to attend the council meetings on the first monday evening of every month and gather information, I'm suprised you did not get emails from GS about this previously. (As a matter of fact I don't get emails fro GS about anything unless I bugg the hell out of them, way to go. But i cant attend the night meetings because I have night school. If you had remembered that when I told you the you would not have dared make that comment) Did you go to the meetings last year? Not sure if I saw you there, they are very informative. (really nice snide remark)

As far as all of your last comments. I do what I do for my girls and I have a huge troop and they are very happy. The other girls at the school are looking forward to troops starting as well and I am doing my best, for as you may not realize the past year I am the only one really doing anything at all. If you feel that you could do a better job you may have my recruitor position as I only volunteered because there was no one else. And frankly I am rather offended at your criticism and negativety. I am doing my best and I'm sorry you dont feel it is enough. Girl Scouts would love your help, as the organization is mainly volunteer run I guess I always just assummed we do the best we can and work out the kinks along the way. It is your choice what you would like to do. You really dont need me to do anything I'm just hear to help. And to appoint your friends as leaders. Yeah I know how clicks work. It seems the GS is not immune to having them.

If you would like to run a brownie troop by all means go to the school send out flyers you make, get more girls, talk to the teachers do whatever, thats what I did last year and believe me it wont be stepping on anyones toes. A recruitor is merely to get more girls involved in scouts. (then do your JOB) So once leaders are gathered then you can help build your troops. I apologize that you have such a negative outlook on the entire situation. I hope that in the future you will be able to change that and have a good view of what girls scouting is all about. If you have any questions feel free to contact me anytime.. Thank you again for your help.
( I doubt it. I really do)

(Name deleted)

So I think that I will not allow my daughter in the GS this year or ever. She doesn't need these peole and they seem rather superficial and self-important. WTFE.

I am done with this drama. I don't need it. I want to that everyone who bothered to read my rant and in no way is this indicative of all the GS organizations. Just the one I live near.

How to get authors to notice your review blog.

2009-08-07T16:52:00.001-07:00

I really don't have a clue except one: Be yourself and believe that because you are another outlet to readers that they won't dismiss you. You may get a few that really don't have the time to set aside to have a chat with you. and that is okay. If you can make an appointment. Or better yet, have an arranged phone conversation where you just write down the answers. Or if your a people person who hates typing, and its easier for you to have a personal conversation then to email back and forth. I find it easier to have a IM conversation with them, or if they are really busy. Email then with a list of questions and ask them to have them back to you with at least 10 questions answered. (Remember to send a list of at least 20 so they have a pick of what they want to answer.)It's really as simple as that. And also dont forget to mail thank you notes to them. I know snail mail. But some times is nice to get a letter in the mail instead of bills and junk mail. I know I like it better so why not them too. So I am off to email ever author I know to get an interview for the rest of the year. AT this point in our new review blog we need to get traffic flowing there. Come and visit us at www.naughtyeditions.com you may like what you see. And please leave a comment, even if its is how to improve the site.

Thanks,

Rayna

CA MIlson

2009-07-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

C.A. MIlson can kiss my assets. For an author to have a God complex this man must have one. I would not read his books if you gave em to me. But alas it is my job to help the public understand and make a good reading choice. So then I must sacrifice and make myself read the horrible dredge out there to find the good stuff.

Today I am loaded down

2009-05-26T10:20:00.001-07:00

Well I am still the only girl scout leader that has to learn to be a girl
scout too.

I have 200 books on my desk that I will read before June 1st. And review
too. LOL right. But I am going to try.

My cat caught a bat in the house a couple of nights ago. WTF!! How is got
in I don't know. I think JOJO found in another part of the house and brought
it to my door. I heard it crying outside my bedroom door and thought it was
Percy our finch. I started to freak out. Then when I actually became more
awake I nearly pushed Jake out the bed and said go get that and kill it!
(lots of bad words in the censored for sensitive eyes)

My mother has informed me of my brothers nuptials that no one was invited
to.
Oh and the coming baby also.

My kids got a sunburn playing outside they look so cute. Even little Lily.

My cat has killed like four birds in the back yard. I think he is pissed in
some way because we got a finch, Percy, and he can't get to him.

Old West End festival is coming again. I am near a street that is
presenting some houses so hopefully with the lure of free stuff I can get
people to the yard sale at my house, half of which will be going to help out
the 5 girls in my troop.

I signed my husband up to be a volunteer for the GS. He just loved that
idea. LOL right. And I am trying to get out the RT care packages off to
people that asked for them. I GOT A BUNCH OF STUFF PEOPLE SO EMAIL me.

That's all from me today. I gotta get started on these books.

Rayna

Renee Bernard, Historical Erotic Romance Writer

2009-05-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got an email from Renee Bernard, and historical erotic romance author.

In it she said this “…the new book coming out in March has been titled "Revenge Wears Rubies" with the next book in July "Seduction Wears Sapphires".... so the Jaded are on their wicked way!”, yay for Renee.

I met Renee last year at the RT 2008 convention when my then crazy roommate stumbled into her room about to make herself at home. (The drinking had not even started yet.)
Come Visit us on her FaceBook fan page. Thanks!
Renee currently has four books out:

A Lady's Pleasure

Seeking revenge on a nobleman who had slighted her, Merriam Everett sets out to seduce her victim, but her plans go badly awry when she targets the wrong man, Drake Sotherton, Duke of Sussex, who, convinced that the mysterious beauty is a pawn of his late wife's murderer, comes up with his own scheme of revenge.

The School for Heiresses

At the elite School for Heiresses, headmistress Charlotte Harris takes pride in teaching her wealthy students how to find true love while avoiding fortune hunters and other undesirable spouses, in a quartet of Regency stories by four popular romance authors--Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle, Julia London, and Renee Bernard.

Madame's Deception

Believing that her mother's couture business had financed her boarding school education in Europe, virginal bookworm Jocelyn Tolliver is stunned to discover that her dying mother is the infamous Madame of London's elite Crimson Belle bordello and that she has inherited the establishment and its ladies.

A Rogue's Game (Mistress Trilogy)

Refusing to undertake the inevitable marriage of convenience after losing his family fortune to gambling debts, Julian Clay, the Earl of Westleigh, becomes infatuated with Eve Reynolds, the beautiful niece of a scheming con man, to whom he is first drawn because of her remarkable skill at cards.

Damn baby boomers need to retire already!!!

2009-05-21T10:01:00.001-07:00

I just got a job offer more north than I want to go. The one I really really wanted was in Texas. But to my shame they wanted someone less opinionated. HA! Bitches don’t know what they missed out on. Anyways, I digress. I am a ex Navy Nuke and I have been out of the industry of Nuclear power intentionally for about three years. ( had babies and stuff) I put my resume out and its like well all the “young people” get to go to the southern plants and the older ones are stuffed up north and out of the way. I have notice the trend when I was following some of the job forums. I have to say, Isn’t that illegal or something. Yes the economy sucks but why am I at such a geographic handicap. Plus I am not old enough to really know anything and now young enough to be really molded into what they want. What the hell is up with that? I would think that if you really want the job and the career you will have the tenacity to do the work and know your stuff. I don’t know I am a little depressed today. I may write a absolute horrible review for a book I am still trying to read and blame it on the baby boomers. Blah! *sigh*

The 10 worst Movies EVER!!!!

2009-05-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went to the movies over weekend and saw Star Trek and Wolverine. We then rented Punisher: War Zone and the Kingdom. We has a discussion about how bad the movies are becoming and what the worst movies we thought were. ( not including kids movies)

Jacob take on the worst movies that he has personally seen:

Battlefield earth
League of extraordinary gentleman
Van Helsing
Minority report
All the Mummy franchise movies
Ice age and its sequals
Freddy got fingered

Rayna's List of the worst WTF Movies EVER!!!

10. Battlefield Earth
9. Waterworld
8. Howard the Duck (WTF were they thinking, a duck can not get with a hot chick)
7. Any Tom Green movie
6. Ghost Rider
5. Punisher: Warzone
4. Ecks VS Sever
3. the Blair Witch Project and its sequal ( really should have never been release, I got sea sick watching the movie)
2. The Hunted (really anthing with Christopher Lambert)
1. The Last Action Hero (OMG!! I demanded my money back during that movie)

Here are some pictures from RT

2009-04-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well Ladies and Gents,
Here are some pictures of a few of the events at the Romantic Times Conventnion in Orlando Florida.

Michele Bardsley.

Barry Eisler, Dakota's Arch Enemy.

Mark Henry,I will never look at Marie Osmand Dolls the same way again. DAMN YOU!!!

Dakota and I at the Erotic Panel

Day One at RT (Romantic Times Convention)

2009-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Wel I made it here. My plane ride was fine. I get here and find the WYNDHAM IS HUGE!!!. This place has its own damn zip code. So far today I have met and talked to Renee Bernard, Taige Crenshaw, met a few new readers. I am staying at the Comfort INN across the street and the convention is in walking distance. Though if you were any good at Frogger then you may be able to cross International Drive. Otherwise DON'T. So tonight I am going to go to the Ellors's cave Party. And not much else. I have not see MIchele Bardley or Dakota Cassidy anywhere yet. I am still on the Hunt.

Naughty Horoscopes

2009-04-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

(As posted on Face book)

Naughty Horoscopes for all you Naughty people out there Which 1 is your sign!?

Aries (21 March-20 April)
Taurus (21 April-21 May)
Gemini (22 May-22 June)
Cancer (23 June-23 July)
Leo (24 July-23 August)
Virgo (24 August-23 September)
Libra (24 September-23 October)
Scorpio (24 October-22 November)
Sagittarius (23 November-22 December)
Capricorn (23 December-19 January)
Aquarius (20 January-19 February)
Pisces (20 February-20 March

.:ARIES:. The Liar
Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to #### with. Erotic. Funny. Take you on trips to the moon in bed. Excellent kisser EXTREMELY sexy. Loves being in long relationships.=) Addictive. Loud. best in bed.

.:TAURUS:. The Tramp (ME)
Aggressive. Freak in bed. Rare to find! Loves being in long relationships.=] Likes to give a good fight for what they want. Extremely outgoing. Sexy as ........ Loves to help people in times of need. Outstanding kisser. Very funny. Awesome personality. Stubborn. Sexual as ......... Most caring person you will ever meet! One of a kind. Not one to #### with. Are the most sexiest people on earth!

.:GEMINI:. Does Twosomes
Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners Very Good in bed. Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you the #### out. Trustworthy. Always happy. Loud. Talkative. Outgoing VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. ULTRA SEXY. THE MOST IRRESISTABLE.

.:CANCER:. The Cutie
MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high #### appeal. Great in bed!!! Love is one of a kind. Very romantic. Most caring person you will ever meet! Entirely creative. Extremely random and proud of it. Freak in bed. Spontaneous. Great tellin stories. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to.

.:LEO:. The Lion in bed
Great talker. Sexy and passionate. Laid back. Knows how to have fun. Is really good at. Great kisser. Unpredictable. Outgoing. Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one to mess with. Rare to find. Good when found.

.:VIRGO:. The Virgin
Dominant in relationships. Sexy. someone loves them right now. Freak in bed. Always wants the last word. Caring. Smart. Intellectual. Attractive. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Hard to forget Love at first sight. Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. The one and only. Ultimate sexiness.

.:LIBRA:. The lame lover
Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone They meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique sexiness. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing n Bed..!!! Did I say Amazing in Bed? not the kind of person you wanna #### with... u might end up crying... the most irresistible.

.:SCORPIO:. The sex addict
Can be mean. EXTREMELY sexy. Intelligent. Energetic. Predict future. Most erotic. (Freak in bed.) (GREAT kisser.) Always get what they want. Sexy. Attractive. Easy going. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. The sexiest ever....Romantic. Caring.

.:SAGITTARIUS:. The Sexy one
Spontaneous. Horny. Freak in Bed. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found. Loves being in long relationships. The one. So much love to give. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone They meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique sexiness. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in Bed..!!! Did I say Amazing in Bed? Not the kind of person you wanna with you might end up crying.

.:CAPRICORN:. The passionate Lover
Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Predict future. Irrestible, awesome kisser. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. BY FAR the BEST in BED. Very sexy. Coolest. Loves to own Gemini's in sports. Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Loves to be your first. So you'll never forget. Smart.

.:AQUARIUS:. Does it in the water
Trustworthy. Sexy. Great kisser. One of a kind. Loves being in long-term relationships. Extremely energetic. Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a Fighter, But will Knock your lights out. Amazing in bed, THE BEST LOVERS BETTER THAN EVERYONE!

.:PISCES:. The Piece of ass
Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. Too Sexy, DAMN IT. Very high ### appeal. Has the last word. The best to find, hardest to keep. Fun to be around. Freak in the sheets. Extremely weird but in a good way. Super good in bed. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. A partner for life. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet.

Reviewing Books is a Second Job

2009-02-24T05:14:00.001-08:00

Some questions I have decided need to be answered when reading a book. I have found that reviewing is serious business. Recently it has been ask upon me to read some eBooks for Literary Escapism. Of course I would do it. Reading is a favorite pastime of mine. I also realized that I would come across books that I don’t necessarily like or would ever read. I had have charged myself to read and review all the books with a definite opinion. I may be harsh or over the top but its truth. And it’s also my opinion. Sometimes bad reviews can give an author her fifteen minutes of fame she or he would otherwise not get.

Let’s take the author that used a reviewer to take out her anger on by killing her in a very gruesome way in one of her books. Then it got as bad that this person even saying nasty things about the reviewer’s family. Now to me Family is off limits. This is business not personal. You strike a low blow when you bring family into it. And then the gloves come off and the lawsuits start flying or we can just find every review of your book and make some back tracks about the author, since we now find them very unethical.

But alas, I won’t do that. I don’t think it would come to that. I can’t in honesty say that about any book I have ever read because if you have a published book then you have done something I have not and that alone grants some amount of respect. But it doesn’t grant the right to treat others like crap.

Okay I am off my box now.

So I have search far and wide on the internet to determine what other have come to discover the questions you should ask yourself when reviewing a book. This is a mix of the questions that I have come across and some I have added or changed to suit myself. Feel free to use these in your reviews and tailor them to suit your style.

1. What is the book about? What is the scope?

2. Is the title accurate? This is usually worth noting only if the title is for some reason not a good match for the text -- for instance, if it seriously under- or overstates the book's content.

3. What level of experience is needed to well use the information in the book? Who will find it most useful?

4. Is the book readable?

5. Is the book illustrated or give a family tree or a map of the land they are telling the story about?

6. What's missing from the book?

7. Did you like previous works from the same author, publisher, or series?

8. Did someone recommend the book to you?

9. closure?

10. or is it a cliffhanger?

11. Where and when does the story take place? Does it cover an alternate universe, the present day, a span of thousands of years, a single day?

12. Is this book part of a series or otherwise tied to an existing fictional universe?

13. Is there an identifiable central conflict, or a complex of conflicts?

14. What is the tone and style of the narrative? Is it frightening? Clinical? Amusing? Scattered?

15. Do you like the characters? What about them makes them believable or phony, dynamic or static?

16. From whose viewpoint is the story told, and how does that affect the narrative?

17. Is the pace satisfying? Did you have to slog through any portion of the story?

18. Does the book remind you (or remind you too much) of others by the same author, or in the same genre?

19. Do any twists particularly inspire? Are there major gaps in the plot or storyline? How satisfying is the ending? (Don't give away too much, of course.)

ARRC09

2009-01-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

The official ARRC09 website contains all details about the convention, including authors & speakers participating at ARRC, draft program, competitions and more!

Check it out! www.australiaromancereaders.com.au
********
080403
The inaugural convention of the Australian Romance Readers Association Inc, Australian Romance Readers Convention (ARRC09), will be held at the beautiful Jasper Hotel in Melbourne, Australia from February 20 - 22, 2009.

The Jasper is a beautiful award winning boutique hotel in the heart of the Melbourne CBD and it is owned and operated by the YWCA Victoria as a not for profit organisation. All profits are channelled into funding their young women’s services and advocacy, providing assistance to many disadvantaged, young women. You can find out more at their website: http://www.jasperhotel.com.au/

SNOW!!!

2009-01-13T09:33:00.001-08:00

Well I hate to say it but I hate living in the Midwest. Near a lake. I also hate digging myself out of my own driveway every two hours. I hate that I have to heat a 4000sqft 112 year old home with one 120k btu boiler. I hate that the Toledo mayor is an idiot and overspent so now we can't afford to plow all the streets only the major ones. Oh and get this we can't afford to salt them this winter either. That man needs to get shot in the center of town. So now I have to figure out if I want to go shovel the remainder of the 14 inches of snow or should I wait till the rest of it finishes falling. HMM! Its so cold here my icicles have icicles. I want to go back to San Diego.

How to Maintain your sanity

2008-12-14T10:53:00.002-08:00

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity
(gotten from a group posting i thought was funny)

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write ' For Marijuana.
6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.
7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.
9. Sing Along At The Opera.
10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.
11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'
12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'
13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.' And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity
14. PICK UP A BOX OF CONDOMS AT THE PHARMACY, GO TO THE COUNTER AND ASK WERE THE FITTING ROOM IS.

My weekend trip to Roadrage city

2008-12-14T10:53:00.001-08:00

Okay the trip started of kinds bad. I woke up late. 3 hours late!! Got on the road and hit rain. Mind you I am driving all by myself with a neighbor friend who doesn’t drive. Then all the damn trucks show up on the turn pike. So about Youngstown I am starting to get a nervous twitch. I looked over to the sleeping passenger and resigned myself to listening to me mutter about the evils of slow drivers. I then get a trucker who wants to block me in. followed by another stupid driver who wants to drive 5 miles under the speed limit.

At this point I am screaming at the infernal drivers to get the hell out of my way. (lots of really really bad words that I will not repeat, EVER!)

Unbeknownst to me we miss the interchange from 80/90/ to 76/70.

So now I am on my way to Maryland, not Dubois. So about mile marker 91 on I-76/70. I look at the ticket and check for Dubois, Its not there> OMG! OMGF! I am so dead. I was supposed to meet my mom at 130pm and its now 330pm she has to be worried. I called my husband talked to him he tried to give me some encouraging directions to an exit and a possible state road. So then I try to call my mom. NO BARS in BFE. Not only that no bars for an hour, in the wrong direction. When I finally get off the interstate I find a little town called Donegal on a little two lane state road we’ll call Bob’s road. Little is right, no damn bars here either. I HATE T-MOBILE!!!!. Verizon here I come.

I finally look down because I had a horrible feeling that since my trip is off so will me gas mileage. I only brought enough for a return trip AND the tolls. But since we have just gone out of our way…..Holy Shit Batman!!!

So I stopped at a gas station and called my mom by accosting a poor unsuspecting generous soul. Nice man. I must have looked like I was going to cry he just handed me the phone and said to take as long as I needed, and he would be in the restaurant next door. (God will bless him!!) I called my hubby after that.

So I found my mom, got my stuff, she left and them started heading home. About two hours coming back some idiots started riding my butt. Now I drive a minivan like it’s a mini cooper, and road rage was already in full swing just for being on the turnpike. So I slowed down and got over. The then got in front of me. And slammed on their brakes. OH NO THEY DIDN’T!! So I hugged his butt for about ten miles till he got off the turnpike then I followed and reported him as a crazy driver. It was two teenagers thinking it was all fun and games. They got a picture of the license plate and were going to send and officer to talk to them. I need a bumper sticker that says “Slow down save a life or speed up and save your own”.

Now I am home and not driving anywhere for a long time.

Rayna

Top 25 of the Cheapest Things people do.

2008-12-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

1. Sharing food at a buffet with your non-paying friend
2. Downloading unregistered software
3. Hiding CDs behind the display in a store so that you can come back by on SuperSale Monday and buy them at half-price
4. Re-using your cup at Taco Bell by refilling with soda again and again on different trips
5. Joining a CD club with a fake name for the twelve CDs for a penny
6. Switching the item numbers in the bulk foods aisle to get items for less
7. Re-using old/discarded city bus transfers.
8. Sabotaging a piece of hair after your salon perm/hair color to get a refund, then going back and fixing the piece you wrecked with a box perm or color from K-Mart.
9. Buying a computer, then opening it up and taking the ram out. You take it back, and claim that there was no ram in the computer, and insist that they give you the proper amount.
10. Filling your water cup with soda at Carl's Jr.
11. Telling people at work PCs or printers are broken so they tell you it's okay to take them home.
12. Saying it is your friend's birthday to get a free dessert.
13. Using some other company's FED-EX account number.
14. Falsely claiming you found a hair/bug/it was cold/ to get a free meal
15. Ripping buttons off of clothing to get discounts
16. Buying a coat at Marshall's or Ross and returning it to Nordstrom for cash or credit
17. Saving a webpage from an online store to disk, editing the sale value, then printing and price-matching the product at a real store
18. Making counterfeit stamps for your buy-ten-get-one-free coffee/video/carwash card
19. Sabotaging your hard drive to take advantage of your extended warrantee before it expires
20. UPC/price tag peeling or replacement
21. Starting nuisance lawsuit for settlement money
22. Calling for credit for long distance calls to numbers you aren't going to call again
23. The night before you move out of your apartment, tell the pizza delivery person that the order is very late and that the shift manager told you not to pay. Tip $3.00.
24. Writing the wrong room number on the hotel bar tab
25. Returning your digital camera to the store after removing the extra stick of memory

Ten reasons why ebay sucks

2008-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

1) Scammers & Sabotage
======================
There are people who deliberately target sellers to defraud them. You must cautious and aware of whom you are dealing with. This however takes time and experience to distinguish the difference between legitimate offers and fraudulent offers. Your competitors might also knock you out from eBay market place since you are threatening their good business. These people might pretend to be buyers and they bid your items, and then file a claim with eBay or PayPal by saying you were selling imitation, counterfeit, unauthorized copies until your account got suspended. In short eBay market place is dirty and full of vengeance among sellers who sell the similar items.

2) High Selling/Merchant Fees
=============================
Sellers have to pay higher fees each year. To make situation worse, most of the fees are charged before anything is even sold. Selling on eBay or accepting payment through PayPal (eBay’s subsidiary company) involves many fees and commission rates that are deducted automatically from the closing price or through your seller account. Therefore, if you list that $2000.00 LV bag for $200.00, you will be charged at least $10.00 to list it. For an item that valuable and expensive, you will not want to take the risk of listing it too low. If you do list it low and add a reserve price, to ensure a minimum target price, you will be charged extra for that. This is how eBay makes ton of money from the sellers!

3) Time is Money
================
Finding, comparing, analyzing and listing items on eBay can be extremely time-wasting that require at least more than 1 hour per transaction. Because it involves so many processes such as testing, photographs, listing, questions, etc. Often the profit made the item equivalent to slave labor if you calculate the time spent vs. the money made.

4) Over Saturation Market
==========================
Many formal sellers might tell you that there was just too much intense competition for the items they sell on eBay. Even when you can find an original item on eBay that sells very well but it will just be a matter of time before others jump on your bandwagon. There is no exclusive right for you to sell an item on eBay, and anyone can emulate your business strategy such as type of item, item price, listing duration, shipping cost and etc.

5) Returns & Charge-backs
==========================
According to study that an average of 5% of eBay buyers returning the merchandise. It may not be what they expected. It may not fit. They may be fickle. They may even be trying to defraud you. Failure to accept a return can cause a negative hit on your feedback and even jeopardize your future sales. If you accept payment via Credit Cards or PayPal, buyers can simply get their money back sometimes with little hassle simply by opening a dispute with their credit card company or PayPal. In most credit card or PayPal disputes, the company rules in favor of the buyer 9 out of 10 times regardless of the circumstances. When charge-backs are processed, the money is automatically withdrawn from your account.

6) Fraudulent /Invalid Payments
================================
Buyers may send you an unidentified and unqualified payment from an invalid or fraudulent source, (especially through PayPal) and then you ship the item only to find out days later the payment is reversed and taken out of your account automatically, without warning.

7) Non-Paying Bidders
=====================
Unfortunately sellers are faced with non-paying bidders, people who bid on and win and auction, but never follow through and send payment. Non-paying bidders not only cause you to re-list the item again to find a qualified winning bidder, but you also waste time and money in the process. Sometimes these non-paying bidders were sent by your competitors in order to make your life tough. Sadly to say that sellers are not protected by non-paying bidders and this is one of the big flaws on eBay market place!

8) Buyer Dispute Claims
========================
Sometimes buyers have unreasonable and unrealistic expectations in mind when purchasing new or used items. If a buyer feels they received a product other than described, buyers can easily file a claim with eBay or PayPal, and in many cases receive a full refund, while the money is instantly taken out of your account without warning (even if there was nothing wrong with the product). Sites like eBay and PayPal are often skewed in favoring buyers over sellers (for obvious reasons), and unfortunately many buyers take advantage of this.

9) Lost/Stolen Packages
========================
If the parcel/package you ship to the buyer is stolen or missing in transit, sellers are actually held responsible for the package and liable to refund the money of the lost or stolen goods to the buyer (UPS, FedEx, etc. are NOT held liable to refund your buyer, even if the package is insured). Sometimes bad buyers will take advantage by claiming they did not receive the parcel but in actual fact they have received them. End up you have to resend them or worst still you refund them with full amount.

10) Bid Shilling
================
A vast portion of transactions on eBay involve some form of fraudulent bid activity that is often disadvantageous to sellers. Bid shilling occurs when fraudulent bidders by assuming a different identity or by using associates to bid up the price of your auction only to cancel out at the last minute or fail to follow through and pay for the auction. These people are not more than sabotaging the sellers and discourage them to give up on eBay eventually.

***brought to you by http://www.xomba.com/10_reasons_selling_on_ebay_sucks******
I preferr amazon anyway. My experience with Ebay is not a good one.

Geography

2008-12-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa, half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally
beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe, well developed and open to trade, especially for
someone with cash.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain, very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece, gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to
visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain, with a glorious and all conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel, has been through war and doesn't make the same
mistakes twice, takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada, self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet, wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the
ages...only those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge visit there.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN

Between 1 and 70, a man is like Iran,

Ruled by Nuts.

Ten Commandments for Readers

2008-12-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Ten Commandments For Readers by Denise Dietz

1] Thou shalt not skip to the end of the book, unless thou do not plan to
read the middle.

2] Thou shalt not skip the Prologue (some author worked dang hard on it,
even if it turns out to be superfluous).

3] Thou shalt not slap thy forehead with the heel of thy hand when thou
cometh across the umpteenth "that" for "who." And throwing the book at the
wall is psychologically satisfying but physically damaging, especially to
the wall.

4] Thou shalt not send thy favourite author a chastisement email, saying
that Tony Curtis was born in the Bronx, not Brooklyn. I knoweth he was born
in the Bronx, okay? It was a goof, okay? And a throw-away line ("He looked
like Brooklyn's own Tony Curtis"). Deal with it, okay?

5] Thou shalt not apologize for using the library, rather than buying
STRANGLE A LOAF OF OTALIAN BREAD. Repeat after me: "Libraries are good.
Librarians are fun people. Libraries *buy* books. Authors get royalties on
those books."

6] Thou shalt talk about books, especially on 4MA, in a thoughtful, *honest*
manner. Negative reviews might momentarily hurt, but they are very helpful
to an author (as long as the negativism doesn't include Tony Curtis's birth
borough).

7] Thou shalt try not to cringe too loudly when thou recommendeth a book to
a co-worker and he says, "I don't have time to read," then discusses the
latest episode of "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" around the water
cooler.

8] Thou shalt not let thy dinner burn while engrossed in THE RABBIT FACTORY
by Marshall Karp or BABY SHARK by Robert Fate. However, it's okay to let
dust bunnies play soccer in your living room whilst thinking: No animals
were hurt in the writing (and reading) of this book.

9] Thou shalt not scream "Noooooo!" in a crowded movie theatre when "they"
(producer? director? scriptwriter? Clint Eastwood?) change your favourite
book into something that is not only dumbed down but makes no sense
whatsoever.

10] Finally, keep reading. Please! Without thou, I would undoubtedly have to
go back to waiting tables.

[In case thou couldn't tell, the above was written for thy amusement.]
****I stole this from John Sumner from my readers group, who stole it from someone else. I thought this was funny*******

My New Bio

2008-12-03T07:13:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful queen who lived in a glorious castle in the forest of Raynaland. Her name was Queen Rayna. She had servants and subjects all around her to do her bidding. She dreamed that one day all this would be passed down to her own children…

Then I woke up from that nice and serene dream to this nightmare of a circus life I have today. Hi, my name is Rayna. I am married with 3 horrific children and two neurotic cats. Now everyone else will say my children are "wonderful" and a "delight to watch" or "little angels". I know otherwise and no amount of sugar and bribery will make me say otherwise. Now my husband, Mr. Romance 2002, is not good in social situations. He also thinks he can fix just about anything real cheap; so I let him and "fix it" when he leaves for work the next day. One thing I learned from my mom is to humor and even placate your men, they mean well.

Over all I cant complain. I have had a "normal", life as normal goes. My mom raised me and my three brothers and baby sister. My father was never around and I learned to distrust people at an early age. I was the oldest and had to set an example for my siblings because I didn't want them to become a statistic. So I studied hard, obeyed my mother and took care of my family by getting a job and helping with the bills.

After high school I really wanted to go to college, I even enrolled. But mostly, I spend my time hanging out and away from home. Then when I turned 22 I realized I had not done anything to better myself and I had no direction in life, I was just floating. With nothing better to do, I joined the US Navy as a nuclear mechanical technician. I stayed in there for 4.5 years (two of which was for schooling). I met and married my current husband. My family through this time was not doing so well so I ended up adopting my two youngest siblings. My mother had a nervous break down of sorts so I tried to help anyway I could. My family ended up doing well for themselves: My brother Stephen became bomb builder, Kevin (the middle child) became a demo expert; Jason, the second youngest, is an expert marksman in the Army and the youngest, Jocelyn, well she is a graphic artist. I think they did well and now I have plenty of nieces and nephews to spoil.

Well since leaving the military I have found the loves I had once lost, reading and computer. I have loved reading since my first book call the Dollhouse Murders. I can't remember who is was by but it started me on the literary track that I am on now. I can read about 300 pages a day if I really wanted to. But I usually do about 100 pages for books I want to savor. My favorite authors right now all deal in paranormal romance and horror. As for computer they are my newest crazy or addiction. But I am not too addicted that I can't spend some time with my children. I don't want to alienate them for the computer like some parents have done. Neglect is not the way of a happy home.

I have lived a very full life so far, I think. Compared to the average Jane, I have visited numerous countries and seen things that will never be seen by civilian eyes. I have met people that have enriched my life. I have done things that I regret but were fun at the time. I have made plenty of mistakes and most likely will make some more. I only hope to raise my children to believe there are a few things in this world still worth doing.

Cheap Person # 10

2008-11-29T14:08:00.001-08:00

I found that there are people out there, whose sole purpose in life is to get over on eveybody else. For example, I had this customer we will call him Bill Turner. Bill bought and item from me that I was not sure worked. I told Bill that. Then Bill wanted item shipped faster than said standard free shipping. I said fine if i can. ( my bad for not charging him, i thought i was being nice). Bill then started a disputre because the item was " not as described" and it was broke. DUH!!!. If I was not sure the item would work and you bought it anyway. Who do you think should be ass out? Well now Chad..I mean Bill wants his money back. So I charged him the extra shipping I had to send because of his whining about Parcel Post is so slow. Then he said they still wanted the games 5 games for $10. I dont think so. NOT on this planet. I was not born yesterday. Asshole. What kind of jackass would offer such a lowball price. Ebay has not only made people Cheap. But turned all of us in to selfish people. I once thought people were inherantly good. But now I think everyone is out for them selves. Hate is was Ebay brings to the table. It makes us distrust and expect a certain outcome and when we don't get what we want we cry. Like little children.

So like a bitch he open a dispute without so much as a email. Arent you suppose to communicate first, shoot second. Anyways, through some heated debate and almost name calling, I just settled . I was offering a partial refund of what he paid but not only did he eas the money he also wanted the merchanidse too. You can't have it all. Greedy Bastard!! And now I hope him and his family rot in hell. Merry Fucking Christmas!!!!

How do you not let the problems of the world overtake you?

2008-10-24T06:50:00.001-07:00

Most admirable person

2008-10-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Well in class last week I was told to do an assignment that had me writing a 3 page paper on "my most admirable person". Well to say the least I don't have one. There are things I like about certain people but not all in ONE person. So I have decided to deviate from the assignment a bit an make it a satire. I believe my most admirable person to be Osama Bin Laden. I will list all the negative attributes as if they were good things to behold and then end the essay with "If I was a terrorist ths person my be my hero."

OR

I could just make up a person no one has ever heard of. Make her or him my idea person. Then explain why this person does not exist.

Yes its rather sad to say I don't admire any one. I envy lots of people I just don't admire them.

I think that I will go with the second idea its seems more PC (politically correct)
I have been told today I am callus, unfeeling and insensative to others feelings. You know, if I had to weigh everyone's feelings in everything I do, I wouldn't be able to do anything. Especially if I do hurt their feelings and they sit and stew in it for a few months and not tell me. IF they are my friends I would hope they would feel ok in telling me what I had done. But I guess you don't know who your friends are untill something like this happens. It hurts to know I was thought of like that because I am not that kind of person. I know my indescretion my have hurt them but not telling me, I feel made a worse problem. But yet it is all my fault. I feel that its like the friend that is wearing the really ugly dress that no one wants to tell her is hideous.

Anyways, this persons feeling were hurt and mine in turn were hurt. Can I get over it? Probrably not. Its a trust issue with me. If I can't trust you to tell me the truth, I proprably shouldn't even associate with you. Because it was obvious now that we weren't friends if you couldn't tell me or at least have someone else say something. How am I supposed to even consider showing my face anywhere around you, knowing that everyone else knew I was making an ass of myself. But yet ....

Nevermind that conversation, its like beating a dead horse it ain't getting up. And its all wrong to begin with. I feel wronged today. I feel betrayed today and I feel worthless today. Should you have to be responsible for anothers happiness? I dont think so. But evidiently I am wrong on that too. So my feelings aren't going to matter today either? I don't want to be callus, or insensative. I would rather cut off my left arm, but it seems that I am. I can't change one or a handful of peoples view or perception of me all I can do is start over somewhere else and HOPE I find someone strong enough to tell me the truth always.

So as I go and fortify my waning strength with some Jack Daniels and his friend Jim Beam, I will write that paper on the imaginery person I admire and hope that it is enough, I will post it when I am done with it.

This I believe to be true

2008-10-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

I believe that some people are evil or at least choose to not be good. I know that is a very sad outlook on life, but it’s the truth as I see it. If you expect people to act one way and they do, 90% of the time, is it a stereotype or a fact? I am not racist. I am not prejudice. I just believe the worst of people, most of the time.

When you believe the worst of someone its hard to get dissapointed. Therefore your perception of them can only get better. Though they cant do much worse than absolute evil.

How did I get so bitter and such a young cynic? Well one beautiful day sun shining day, I lost my innocence about the good intentions people. In fact, as it turned out It was the worst day of my life. That was the day my father said he didn’t want to see me any more and that his other family mattered to him more. That was the my mother, four brothers and sister lost our home. That was the day no one from my mothers family would take us in because they didn’t want someone else with their children in their home.

I have never forgiven my aunts and uncles for their callus disregard of my family. I have never made peace with my father, even when I had to serve in the miltary under him. I now harbor anger toward my own mother for allowing this to happen to me and my siblings. We had to leave everything behind which I later found out was just thrown out with the trash, just like we were. It became the basis of how I treat them and anyone else that I give one chance to prove themselves a reliable, good person.

Since that time I have learned time and time again people will let you down if you allow them to. So I don’t allow it to happen.

Jack Schitt Family Tree

2008-09-29T11:18:00.001-07:00

IT SURE TOOK SOMEONE A LOT OF TIME TO THINK THIS ONE UP. LOL

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs --jolted by every pebble in the road.
Henry Ward Beecher

Subject: Geneaology of "The Schitts' Family

WHO IS JACK SCHITT

For some time many of us have wondered just who is Jack Schitt?

We find ourselves at a loss when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt'!
Well, thanks to my genealogy efforts, you can now respond in an intellectual way.

Jack Schitt is the only son of Awe Schitt. Awe Schitt, the fertilizer magnate, who married O. Schitt, the owner of Needeep N. Schitt, Inc.
They had one son, Jack.

In turn, Jack Schitt married Noe Schitt. The deeply religious couple produced six children: Holie Schitt, Giva Schitt, Fulla Schitt, Bull Schitt, and the twins Deep Schitt and Dip Schitt.

Against her parents' objections, Deep Schitt married Dumb Schitt, a high school dropout. After being married 15 years, Jack and Noe Schitt divorced. Noe Schitt later married Ted Sherlock, and because her kids were living with them, she wanted to keep her previous name. She was then known as Noe Schitt Sherlock.

Meanwhile, Dip Schitt married Loda Schitt, and they produced a son with a rather nervous disposition named Chicken Schitt. Two of the other six children, Fulla Schitt and Giva Schitt, were inseparable throughout childhood and subsequently married the Happens brothers in a dual ceremony. The wedding announcement in the newspaper announced the Schitt-Happens nuptials. The Schitt-Happens children were Dawg, Byrd, and Horse.

Bull Schitt, the prodigal son, left home to tour the world. He recently returned from Italy with his new Italian bride, Pisa Schitt.

Now, when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt', you can correct them.
Sincerely,
Crock O. Schitt

Review on the Movie the Wiz

2008-09-25T08:12:00.001-07:00

The Wiz

Sidney Lumet’s The Wiz, places an urban twist on The Wizard of Oz. Diana Ross, played Dorothy, a shy kindergarten teacher who's "never been below 125th Street". During a large family dinner, her dog Toto escapes into a blizzard. Dorothy chases him, and is swept up by a cyclone to the Land of Oz--which looks a lot like many parts of New York. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East, Evermeane, Dorothy is greeted by the Munchkins and the Good Witch Miss One. They tell her the only way she can get home is to see the powerful Wiz (Richard Pryor). They also give her Evermeane's magical silver slippers. Dorothy eases on down the road with a Scarecrow (Michael Jackson) who sometimes quotes from the magazine pages he's stuffed with; a TinMan (Nipsey Russell) who was once a carnie in an old amusement park; and a Lion (Ted Ross) who poses as a statue outside a library. The foursome have a lot to contend with before finally meeting the Wiz, including running into a poppy parking lot, a subway station that comes to life, and wrath of the Wicked Witch of the West, Evilene.
It is the most infamous and critically acclaimed fairytale-goes-soul crossover in movie history to date. It is widely known as "the black Wizard of Oz," but that seems unfair, as it's a lot more than that. It's a complete re-imagining of the classic, and it's a lot more fun in ways. It's a visual feast with some truly great performances and music.
Creative make-up and costumes, the costumes’ designer had to have enlisted the help of high fashion designers the looked he obtained was exotic fresh and colorful. The film's visual special effects are mundane by today’s standards but supreme for the 1970’s. The use of bold colors, like green, gold and metallic, they grab the eyes of the viewer and draw them in to the story.
The cast delivers some great vocal performances. With supporting musicians such as, Lena Horne, Mabel King, and Theresa Merritt it’s a wonder that the movie was not given high marks. Though it was good seeing Michael Jackson here, back when he still made good use of his admirable talent-the Scarecrow role really let him show off his dance moves.
The great songwriter and musician Quincy Jones wrote many of the films musical score. The songs are a mixed bag, but most of them are very good, though a few are instantly forgettable. There are some cool dance numbers, as well; especially the one following the Wicked Witch's death, but it was annoying to see the green/red/yellow song. It went on for way too long.
The only part that seemed a little out of place was the stretch between the Lion and the Emerald City was a bit dull, but that's only a small fraction of the movie, and the rest was very entertaining. Unfortunately, upon its original theatrical release, The Wiz was a commercial failure, and marked the end of the revival of African-American films in the 1970’s.

What books I have been reading lately

2008-09-25T08:11:00.001-07:00

Lilith Saintcrow's new series all two of them, Hunter's prayer and Night Shift
Those are some good reads, I can't wait for the others to come out. I have already tried to order some of her next books.

Gena Showalter's series those books are really good. I am a sucker for struggles between good and evil. I also like the fact her heroines are not lame and weak. Very Very good reads.

I found one of Karen Marie Moning's books a few weeks ago. I bought and read every last one. I really love her writing style and the imagery she uses. Plus its a very good story with a heck of a lot of plot twist throughout her entire world. All her books are tied together. Its great you never know who will show up in them.

I also read Dark Curse, good read, the plot is thickening. Though I have to admit I am getting a little tired of reading just a little bit her and there about the real purpose and plan for the Carpathians. But hey that is what makes it a good series. Stuff keeps us droling for more.

Read Brenda Joyces Masters of Times Series. Very good. Alot of heartbreak in them but i believe its a good thing. She starts a new series from one of the books.

And last but not least is Sherrilyn Kenyon's Acheron. I have mixed feelings about this book. I figure you have to take it like a transition book. or like Star Wars: Empire Strickes Back. Alot of people didnt like all the information and added plot twist and the semi finality of some thing. But you know she opened up more posibilities and firmly shut down some favorite fan discussions.

Sex in the City just got a new face

2008-09-17T18:37:00.001-07:00

Lori Hnderland's new book Any Given Doomsday is a eciting and thrilling read. A wild rollercoaster ride that will keep readers hooked. I love the way she gives life to her charaters, they make you feel it could happen to anyone.

CrispyGamer.com

2008-09-13T21:47:00.001-07:00

I ran across this a few months ago and was hooked on the little funnies strip called Ding. Its about a horde playing Warlock in the game World of Warcraft.
Ding!

Kindergarchy

2008-09-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Kindergarchy n. Rule or domination by children; the belief that children's needs and preferences take precedence over those of their parents or other adults. (Word Spy)

Well I have to say that many people today their children are in-charge. Well I can understand when you have really small children (0-3 years old) that you are kinda in their mercy.

Spousal Obilgations

2008-09-03T06:14:00.001-07:00

Okay a few weekends ago my husband had a class reunion. Class of 1998. Well let me explain something first. My spouse grew up on LaPorte IN. population like 5000 or some thing. Not one minority lived there. He didn't meet black people until going into the Navy. The town has some known racism and some very subtle, I doubt if they even know they are doing it. Here is a great example, when I go to visit his family I try not to go to a store alone, I get followed like I am going to steal something. *sigh*

Now back to the class reunion. We get there, I already know I will be the ONLY person of ANY color there, and I am right. We get to the doors and go in, the girl there is stunned, quickly recovers and starts blathering something that I am not paying attention to.

I smile get my bagde with Jacob's old high school photo on it and turn away. Then we get our picture taken together like its prom or somthing. *urgh* I am already having that kill me know sensation. But I hold it together pretty well. I am here to support my husband, not like this place. I can fake liking people with the best of them. I am a woman, of course I can.

So we walk toward the conversations and food smells coming from the Dinning Hall. Once we stepped through the doorway, all went quiet and almost all heads turned toward us, me. Oh yeah this is going to be one HELL of a party. I resisted the urge to put one hand on my hips and wave, saying "HEY YA'LL!".
So we met up with his HS best friend and his wife who thought the whole thing is just hilarious. The night went on Jacob met with people he knew and some that he didn't. The best thing about this party was the OPEN BAR.
The night wore on and things became apparent that I was now the designated driver.

Oh yay!

Then at the end of the night this "lady" we'll call her Hobeast. Grabs my husband on our way out the door to take picture with. I follow back to find him with her in his arms touching and feeling in places she is not supposed to. And him not doing a damn thing but go along with it.

*(at this time I am pretty tired and have to drive back in an unknown town with OnStar and a bad map)*

I saw RED! I actually stopped looked at her and said "Bitch, no you didn't! What the F@#K are you doing with my husband?" The room when rather quite, people started to stare and back away from Hobeast. Her friends looked rather scared. I was at my limit with these backwater stump-jumpng wanna be trash talking farm town hicks. "Jacob let's go NOW, before I kill the bitch."
( he actually looked like "what i didn't do anything", I was beyond upset. To deal with his drunk ass. My feelings were hurt and I felt disrespected in the worse possible way.)

"What were you thinking? Didn't you tell me she never gave you a chance in hell of talking to her? Didn't you also say that she was a evil person? Well I see it all now. Just don't talk to me about coming back here for anydamnthing. EVER!" I ranted on our way out the parking lot.

I got beer on the way to the hotel and continued to unload on him. It may not have been the best way to deal with it but damn it I was still pissed. I still am today.

So that was the second weekend of August.

Tomorrow I will tell you about the family reunion last weekend.

Victoria Laurie a smart marketing or just a bad person?

2008-08-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well the many times I see people behaving badly its been by someone with no regard for other people. And most times for people in the limelight its really bad. AKA Mel Gibson. Or most recently take Victoria Laurie. She evidently can't take criticism well and has to be juvenile about it. Or did she? I believe it's a careful plot to raise her sales and get a bigger or different kind of fan base. Laurell K Hamilton did it. And she is still turning out books that people will stand in line for hours upon hours to get. I am not going to go all into how evil she is or how not to act like a pompous bitch, but i will say with becoming a celebrity (kinda) there comes a responsibility.

As a customer I know that I will never buy any of her books I don't care if someone As a bookseller even if someone pays me three times the cost of the book, I will not order or have it in my store because of her and her behavior.

For a good back ground on this incident (if you care) go to Dear Author she had all the scoop.

Then come visit me at Naughty Editons

I found some old photos of my house

2008-08-07T17:22:00.001-07:00

I found some old photos of my house before we bought it. I also found the Old West End Guide Article about my house. I scanned it and it was so COOL!!. The previous owners were bent on creating a very unique home. (Since its purple and blue and a nasty sea green) They actually contracted people to get the color schemes of the house. I also found where in 1911 a new garage was added and it cost $35.00. I was floored, can't get that kind of a deal anywhere now. So hope you enjoy what artifacts that I unearthed.

Gues what...

2008-07-31T10:56:00.001-07:00

Soon the online bookstore will be up and running. I plan to have all the new books available as soon as I can. I like to just say this. I love getting my favorites early its great to finally have the wondering off my chest. And since we sell worldwide, I ship alittle before release date so they can get theirs too. I was talking to a fellow book seller and she said she really never paid to much attention so release dates. There are so many authors out there that everyone's TBR Pile/List is way outa wack.

We got our logo the other day. I will be looking for a few more additives to go to it. But soon there will be post cards going out to people who sign up for my mailing list or newletter on my ebay page. These postcards will have a 20% off a single new item coupon on them.

What makes us different than anyother bookstore out there? Well for one we don't charge for standard shipping in the US. So basically you are only paying for books like in the larger chains except you don't have to spend money on gas going to the store. I personally would have loved to find good books at great prices online without having to pay for shipping. Good for the month of August to celebrate out online Grand Opening. Naughty Editions.com

There will be more to come on the developments of the store soon. We hope to have some listing up and running by tomorrow. Wish us Luck.

The books I read in June

2008-07-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

ALl the Kresley Cole Immortals After Dark Series... All I have to say is Oh my gosh these are so HOT!!!.

Brenda Joyce The Masters of Time Series: Dark Seduction. The best time travel romance novel I have Ever Ever read.

Lori Handeland's Werewolf series. I found one book at a garage sale and decided to give it a try. That night I had to order every book she wrote. I really like her style of writing and story telling. It doesnt over load and it leaves enough to my imagination so that I can let my mind savor it.

NJ Walters's DAlakis Embrace. It was a highly charged erotic expresso shot and I want more.

Gena Showalter's the Darkest night is a hot beginning to a great series. I just finished this book tonight and I already ordered more.

I have read alot of other books this week but I have to say that not a lot has stood out for me.

To all I want to thank for letting me read and blog about your books. I have enjoyed then very much.

Old West End Festival Slideshow

2008-06-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Festival Time....Finally it's over

2008-06-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

WEll the festival was nearly a bust this weekend thanks to a tornado the night before. Thousands of people are still without power. At least me and mine are ok. I will pray for the others.
That's me on the porch Saturday morning.

He and the kids went walking around and looked at all the vendors and artist that we peddling their wares. There was some nice stuff there. To bad I was running out of money.

I also met a man who owned a few stores in and around the area. I believe he said the name of the store was Pulp Something I forgot and damn it. I started getting olditis this weekend too.

It was SO DAMN HOTTT! I wanted to kill someone. We had a few lookie loo's and then some who just wanted to come inside for some cool air. I didnt blame them.
We, well my husband, go to meet a few neighbors and they invited us to a "Hola Party". I was so excited, I hadn't really gotten out of the house since RT 2008, so I was going come hell or high water.
They had a live band, which the neighbor was playing in. My husband is a drummer and was itching to get up there and play something. But unfortunately do to alcohol consumption, that would have been a tragedy for him, hilarious for me and everyone else.

Next year I am going all out and getting a tent and balloons and face painting and all sorts of stuff just to get all my stuff sold I think. Take a look at the photo slideshow of the houses they are nice.

Old West End Festival

2008-05-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Its that time of year here in the OLD WEST END TOLEDO OHIO. We have a nice antique festival every year. And this year we are having the largest rummage sale ever. I am getting rid of almost everything that is not nailed down. I want to furbish this new house with authentic stuff so out with the old and in with SHOPPING!!!!! Anyway, I am also selling some books here too. I have a little mini "promo alley set up for people who wish to visit in the house I am not going to charge them to see the downstairs of my house. So far I got Shiloh Walker sending some stuff to me for the event. I also have a Gift Basket I am going to auction off to people who come on by you dont have to be present to win it. In the basket I will have some Bath and Body Works stuff; 2 autographed books Dark Prince by Christine Feehan and something else not sure what; and of course some to die for CHOCOLATE, that I cant eat.

New Resume with Objectives from Michele Bardsley

2008-05-22T10:34:00.001-07:00

Objectives
For the love of God, HIRE me. I'm stuck in my house day after freaking day with my children, who are driving me to the brink of despair. I don't want to start my mornings with vodka and Valium anymore. I'll do anything, ANYTHING, you need. Nothing can be worse than eight straight hours of "Mom! Mom! Mom!" interspersed with cooking and cleaning and shopping. YOU, kind sir, can save a life today. Just give me the job.

Skills
Motivated, enthusiastic, productive, inquisitive, and resourceful team member with good communication skills.
Computer knowledge includes hardware/software, Microsoft Operating Systems, Office, Internet, E-Mail and AutoCAD.

Experience
Northrop Grumman-Newport News Shipbuilding Co.
April 2004 to September 2005
Steam Plant Engineering Technician and Work Control Analyst
• Familiar with operation, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and tag out/lockout of power plant equipment.
• Utilizing and analyzing schematics, drawings, wiring diagrams, ladder, diagrams, and vendor equipment/technical manuals for all plant operations, troubleshooting, and training.
• Held confidential security clearance

United States Navy
February 2000 – November2002
Nuclear Power Plant Mechanical Operator and
Maintenance Support Staff
USS Truman - Engineering Department
• Operated main engines, turbine generators, and related systems
• Maintained and repaired propulsion machinery
• Perpetual training on reactor safety and plant operations
• Coordinated crew maintenance operations with repair parts procurement
• Validated database of maintenance significant parts for ship's stores
• Operated ship's technical manual library
• Held confidential security clearance

Education

07/2006-Present Henry Ford Community
College/ CIS AAS IN PROGRESS DEARBORN MI
12/2000 - 1/2001 UNITED STATES NAVY. VALVE MAINTENANCE / REPAIR. Certification
NEWPORT NEWS - V.A. - US

10/1998 - 2/2000 UNITED STATES NAVY. NUCLEAR POWER PLANT OPERATOR / MECHANIC Certification
USS TRUMAN CVN-75 / CHARLESTON . - V.A. / S.C. - US

Awards
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle "E" Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon

OMG WHY DID I HAVE KIDS?

2008-05-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Really can some one answer that for me?

Anti-Americanism at it's best...

2008-05-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well I was surfing the net again and came across this post. It is a reaction to a very anti-American post that had nothing what so ever to do with the item it was posted under. It was written by fumunshu on the tpb.org group download site:

The funny thing is despite American culture being almost universally despised by the Europeans, It is by far the most influential- to the point of draining any other nation of its own independent personality. I mean take music for example- Almost any band that comes out of Europe is grossly influenced by American music in one way shape or form. Most European bands don't even use their own language, they sing in English in hopes to gain what? American audiences. Look at hip-hop and how it has shaped youth culture all over the world (also American made)

Fashion is another thing in Europe that is almost always derived from America. I'm sure angwy_jap and lucanoss are wearing jeans and t-shirts or some other form of American style while posting their anti-American rants and "social experiments" (which by the way is ridiculous, Racist comments will always provoke angry backlash. The fact that he is choosing that as a college dissertation only proves his own ethnocentrism and ignorance. The suggestion that racism or nationalism provokes more racism or nationalism is elementary and not a topic needing further investigation in any arena of higher education.) they're certainly not wearing lederhosen or tunics

Then they say our greed is destroying the world....ha.

The global economy depends on American spending to stay afloat. All Americans die and the world goes broke.

America's democratic structure is also emulated in every free country, even to the point where it is bought by special interests and lobbyists.

Imagine that, Europe even imitates our corruption.

Europe, despite the dissent, you need America financially, socially and politically. That's reality ......sorry.

So before you disrespect Americans, why don't you download another American made movie, or an mp3 made or influenced by and American band. I'm willing to bet most of the content on this European site is pirated from American made media.Fucking idiots.....

After reading this I was like "ouch" the person this post had referred to did not really make a comment except that to say your all stupid. I might also add that it was in broken English. The whole comment post under this item was just for lack of a better word juvenile.

NaughtyEditions.com

2008-05-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

Well...I had hoped to have my store up and running by now. I am having some technical issues that my friend and I are working thru. Right now I dont have much in the way of books on the site and basically, am not really sure which ones to put up there. If you have some suggestions email me or post a comment let me know. I try to satisfy the customer as much as I can.

http://www.naughtyeditions.com/ Come take a look at what we have so far.

Moogie's Book

2008-05-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is Moogie. Moogie has been in our family now for 4 years. He is my sons best friend and "son". Moogie has had many names bu the one my son has decided to give him lately is Kevin. Kevin go to the store with us and the dentist and the doctor sometimes. How you ask? Well Mommy, me, had to aquisition the baby doll car seat from my daughter, its a perfect fit for Moogie.

Now, I love my son, but sometimes he is a little weird. For example, last month Colin, my 4 year old son, asked my to write him a story book for Moogie. Why, I asked. Here's a little background: I was looking at the kids baby books and tried to tell them its like a story of there lives so far. Anyways, that's why Moogie needs his own storybook. So I have been taking pictures of the little monkey in the house. And then the thought hit me, why don't a make a little childrens book for my son to have when he gets older. Then he can share Moogie too.

So today I am writing about Moogie and his best friend Colin and their adventures in Pre-school.

A secret Life

2008-05-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

I have a secret life.

I watch SCI-FI. I am addicted to Battlestar Galactic and Firefly. I REALLY REALLY love those shows. Yes if i could i would sell my soul to be on one of those shows as a really cool ass-kicking character that got to carry a gun or a really big knife.

*Sigh* like that is ever gonna happen. I can only hope that someone who knows some people will get me to actually meet them one day.

Birthday Books

2008-05-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

WELL DAMN. I am one year younger again...Yes younger last year I turned 27 and this year I turned 26. I dont know why God insists upon aging this ageless beauty of mine. LOL I know that is a little much but hey, untill midnight tonight I can do and say all I want. So far I got to have a good day and now (if my husband is reading this) have a great night.
Well I got a card and flowers from my kids, with daddy's help. And I got a Gift Card to Borders from my hubby. I am always in that store. I just love books.

Speaking of books, I read a few this last couple of days. Lets see I read Michele Bardsley's new one "Because Your Vampire Said So", I was action packed and sizzling hot. Gave it 5 Stars.

I also read "Unbridled" by Raven Willow-Wood, it has all the sweat packed-going-going-to-pass-out-any-moment sex you could want, but it lacked a clear plot and a villian. I didnt understand the point to the story. Just because its Romantic fiction doesn't mean it should not have a plot. It was too weird for me. I had to give it 3 stars.

Well the evening is drawing to a close. And I want to thank everyone for their "Happy Birthday's" and "Best Wishes", I just have one question. Where are my presents?

LOL Just kidding but if you really want to send me some stuff please feel free. I always would take books of your hands. I also give great advice, Okay maybe not but I will always take books and money for books, and more books.

NiGhT aLl!!

To think I almost forgot my birthday.

2008-05-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

This morning when I logged on to my computer, I realized something. I had inputed my own birthday to my calender. I must have been a genius and knew that I prolly would not remember it. Yes I know that is sad. But when you have 3 kids, husband, school, online business and a neurotic cat to take care of, well some things tend to fall to the wayside. So HAPPY BiRtHdAy To Me!!! Which is actuallly not til the 8th but hey. I might forget.

Morning People. here is my family.

Lookie what I got

2008-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ok this is one of the guys from the Ellora's cavemen thingy. And he was nice but the hair has to go. I know he is trying to find himself but Please.

I found my lost RT Pictures.

Me and JR Ward.

Darkest Kiss by Keri Arthur

2008-05-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say the two killers are a new twist and the fact that Riley is kinda celibate is also. It was kinda predictable though. I felt that it was a formula that was used before on me from a previous book. But again I am not sure, I just have a nagging sense in the back of my head. Then again I have read prolly over a thousand books in the three years so hmm it could be a mix of other books to. But all in all I love Riley and I love Keri. What ever she writes I will buy it. I am an addict can't be helped.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Dark Master By Tawny Taylor

2008-05-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

I read this on last night. I was fixated on the fact the heroine was strong all the way through the book and didn't give in to much at the end. She kept a level head all the way thru and played the man till the end. Well almost the end. I also see she didnt keep the main character monogomous. I like her idea of punishment. Maybe Tawny needs give up her sources of information to someone who wants to try him out too. Just kidding, my hubby would kill me.
4 out of f5 Stars. I like it. The scenes were realistic and the dialog seemed real enough. The story was outrageous but great grabs the imagination.

Eden Bradley's Dark Side of Pleasure

2008-05-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, Very interesting book. And I thought I was the only one that had a thing for collars, these days. She Hits the nail on the head with the content and the feeling behind the submissives. It has all the makings if a good story and it is. I wish there was more to though. I feel like a lot was left out. But I give it a 3 out of 5 stars, because the stories were too short for me. I need a little more filling shorties.

Review of Taige Crenshaw's Rareities Corparation

2008-05-02T20:18:00.001-07:00

OMG I like it alot. Taige if you are reading this, I wanna know what happens after Laila gets back to work. And what is going on with Sonya and Rhonan. What happens to Thane since he is now human. Oh never mind you wont tell me. I hate Authors that don't give a girl a hint. LOL just kidding, I LOVE you really.
I give her book 5 Stars.

WOOHOOO.

Dirty Little Secrets

2008-05-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have many dirty secrets and I am sure you do. If you share one with me I will share with you. I have found I really don"t have many people to talk to here are home. I love my husband but sometimes I can't get the words out to say things to him. So I write a email or a letter and never mail it. It makes me feel better after a while. But the nagging sensation is still there and what ever I have done or what I wanted to talk to him about I can't say.
I don't have any girlfriends but I do have a male friend I talk to alot. I hope one day to actually sit down and empty everything I have been holding up inside, but untill them I think I will just keep my dirty little secrets to my self and you . How about that?

Damn Internet

2008-04-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I was going good today. You ever feel like the day has already gone bad and you have yet to get out of the bed yet. Well that happened to me this morning.
First, I wake up at 3:28 am to a screaming baby girl. The man, my partner and supposedly friend, rolls over and snores even louder. Then I hear from my seven year old daughter, Jasmine, "MOM! Lily is crying." Damn why can't she hold out a little longer before brodcasting to the entire 3700 square-foot house, that the baby is awake. With a long sigh, I get out of bed.
After eight ounces of fun, kisses and a nasty diaper change, she goes back to sleep. Then right as I get back into bed and close my eyes, my darling husbands alarm goes off. I can say that at this time my thoughts were not nice.
Finally, I get back to sleep then my alarm goes off. I hit the snooz button, twice. Then my 4 year old son, Colin, wakes up and jumps in to bed shouting to the world, "I'm hungry!". Why can't kids have a built in volume adjuster. Just once I would like to have him talk to me with out yelling or screeching. *sigh*
After this mornings events, I got into my email. 110 messages and most of it spam. I hate spam.
Then I had some issues with my site. And was told that it was sloppy. That really made me feel bad. Its like all my hard work was for nothing and it could have been a kindergarden. Anyways, I think this person needs to get a little people skills because of all the years.

To be read lists...

2008-04-28T19:03:00.001-07:00

You know every time I see some one has added a book on there to be read list, it just makes me feel like a freak. I read like 100 pages an hour or some crap like that. Its not that I speed read to get thru it. Its just that I like to read. And when I get a book its usually read that night or the day after. Especially if I have been waiting for this book forever. When I had talked to a few people at the convention, I asked who was the last person they read. Most told me its been months since they read any thing not their own work. And they had a large pile of books to read. That is a shame all those books going to waste on their bookshelves.

Damn.

The fact it takes my husband like a month to read a book that takes me a couple of days or less is either a curse or a gift. I am not sure which one. When I run out of books I am bored so bored I complain about everything wrong with the book I just read. If I find its taking me more than 48 hours to finish a book, then its a bad book. And I dare myself to finish it and again I feel even worst for spending the money on it.

So now that I have gotten a bunch of relatively unknown authors you can bet your computer I will be blogging on there books. I give and honest opinion and its not sugar coated. And yes I can be bought, with ARC's or caffine, to give a pretty decent review or an outright lie depending on the quality of the disaster I am reading. LOL.

So I have decided to give real book review on every book that I read or have read. I have to warn you these will prolly have spoilers in them. I will try to label them spoilers if I can remember.

Romantic Times Convention

2008-04-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

OMG!! That was so much fun.
Besides my roomie wanting to have 3am discussions I had loads of fun. I got to meet almost all my favorite authors and some new faves too. Got to know a few of them ok. MaryJanice Davidson is a little on the kooky side. Dakota Cassidy is a nice lady, very outgoing and a striking beauty too. Michele Bardsley is cool also, coicidentally was the first person I really wanted to meet there anyway. The second person was JR Ward. She is so darn skinny. It makes me want to hate skinny women. LOL. But really, she is a character. She kinda reminded me of a shark. NO really, she had to walk around all the time. Its like if she stopped she would die.

I also met a new author, her name is Taige Crenshaw. She writes for the Ellora's Cave group. She is an awesome lady and very friendly. (Really Really KEWL!!) Her and her friend hung out with me it was great.

Well I took lots of pictures and forgot to take some of me all dolled up. But of course I got some of the CAvemen. And I got a few here and there of others, like the guy with the long, REALLY LONG blonde hair. I never got his name but a photo of him ended up in my bag that said "A gift to you from Jar". I was like WHAT!@@#$ who the hell is this guy to think I want his picture.

But I digress, I won a couple of gift baskets and got loads of swag and books. I think that next time I go I will need to rent a van to take stuff back home. NO MORE SHIPPING!!! FEDEX was like $200.00 for shipping. I could save that on gas driving and renting a hybrid or something.

Oh well.

Next time...