kathi

Something I’m really liking about my Sony Reader

November 5, 2010 by kathi

When I first got it, I didn’t realize how much I’d be using my Sony Reader to read library books.

I absolutely love being able to borrow books online from the Chicago Public Library. Since I don’t have as much time to read as I’d really like, it hasn’t been too much of an inconvenience to deal with the waiting lists.

In the past, I’ve been guilty of spending way too much money on books that don’t have a great shelf life. I like reading mysteries, and honestly, once you know who did it, the writing really has to be over-the-top excellent to be worth a second reading. I also like checking out best-sellers, and some (well, more than some) just don’t live up to the hype. Being able to borrow books that might not be keepers has definitely freed up some dollars for other, more lasting, enjoyments.

The other nice thing is that they return themselves. You can return them before they are due, but if you don’t, they just magically become inaccessible on their due date. No fines, no trouble. The only real downside for me has been that annoying glitch which prevents borrowed PDF and borrowed EPUB books from co-existing on the Reader at the same time. And even that can be worked around with some planning.

I have bought books for the Reader, as well as a few paper books. But I am really happy with the online library thing!

(NaBloPoMo | November ’10: 5 of 30)

The Price – Neil Gaiman’s story, Christopher Salmon’s dream

November 4, 2010 by kathi

These days, I spend less time reading fiction and more time reading about the art of dog training and the science of software. Or should that be the science of dog training and the art of software? Anyway. Science fiction, fantasy, and horror remain my favorite fiction genres, and I have a special fondness for my favorite authors’ short story collections.

One of these is Neil Gaiman’s Smoke and Mirrors* and one of my favorite stories in that collection is “The Price.” If you have ever had a special animal (especially a homeless stray) seek you out, especially at a time when it was least expected yet most needed, you’ll understand why I love this story, and why I totally understand Christopher Salmon’s quest to make it into a CG film.

This is special in another way, too. This is a labor of love by a fan, who has the full support of the author (who is not taking anything for himself), and hopefully will come to the life with the help of other fans. Like me. And you? Click on the link below the video to go to Christopher’s Kickstarter page. Help out if you can, and think good thoughts whether you can or not. I so want to see this made!

*If you are wondering about the other short story collections I like, in no particular order, they are Stephen King’s Night Shift, Roger Zelazny’s The Last Defender of Camelot, Ray Bradbury’s The October Country, and William Gibson’s Burning Chrome.

(NaBloPoMo | November ’10: 4 of 30)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

November 3, 2010 by kathi

Outbound on I-90 West: Even in the midst of an aggravating everyday commute, the sunset can still be beautiful.

(NaBloPoMo | November ’10: 3 of 30)

One voice heard from

November 2, 2010 by kathi

My husband was probably one of the first people at our polling place this morning, needing to get his vote in at oh-dark-thirty before heading off to the firehouse. And I was among the last, getting there around 6:30pm after a very busy day at work and making sure the dogs got at least a little time to play outside before I headed off to vote.

As residents of Chicago, more often than not we find ourselves choosing between bad and worse, or the lesser of two evils, come election time. This year’s race for governor of Illinois has been particularly ugly. Still, I would not skip the responsibility and privilege of voting.

Something much worse than having to sort through a less-than-ideal crop of candidates would be to not have a voice at all.

(NaBloPoMo | November ’10: 2 of 30)