I Recommend Another Super Book

Over the weekend I usually read several paperback novels. Most are ho-hum and I forget them as soon as I finish the final page. Not so with one I just concluded called Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer.

Here's a great summer read if you're looking for something with lively action, sparkling characters and dialog that crackles. The story follows Riley Spartz, an up and coming television news reporter in Minneapolis who stumbles onto the trail of a serial killer who murders women named Susan.

This book fulfills all of my five qualities of a good thriller that I discussed in a recent post. The heroine is female. The plot involves more investigation that chasing or violence (although there is some of that, obviously). Although there is no real medical or science fiction aspect, the main character does rely extensively on computer research and I always like that. Also, most of the action takes place indoors--not out in the boonies, which is another Rockwell requirement.

In addition to meeting my basic novel needs, Stalking Susan also has a few other fine qualities. The author (and thus the characters) has a great sense of humor and it reverberates in all the lines. I found myself laughing out loud in many spots.

The ambiance of the world of television news is captured incredibly well too. I have read other books where the protagonist was a television news reporter, but I have never felt so immersed in the TV world as I do in this book. This author really knows broadcasting. Read it and you will have a new understanding of and, I bet, respect for local reporters.

One other thing, there are a few animal characters in the story, because there is an animal sub-plot. Boy, can Ms. Kramer write good animal characters! I am still madly in love with Shep the German Shepherd and I think you will love him too.

Stalking Susan won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Mystery and was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Read it and you will see why.

Celebrities and Fans

Michael Jackson died. If you haven't heard about it, I thought I'd better tell you.

Actually, it's difficult to find news about anything other than Michael Jackson (including the other two celebrities--Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon--who also died recently). Certainly, I haven't heard much about the economic bill that the House passed late last night. I haven't heard much about the turmoil in Iran or whether North Korea has launched that promised missile at Hawaii or--gee--anything.

We Americans certainly love our celebrities. I'm sure if I met Michael Jackson I would be just as awestruck as most people--I mean, he is (was) the King of Pop. Truthfully, I've never met a celebrity. My Dad met lots of celebrities. He was the executive director of a large sports/entertainment complex in Omaha called Ak-Sar-Ben for many years. Entertainers, athletes, and politicians of renown visited or performed there. My Dad's office walls were covered with photographs of him with various famous people. Here's one I happen to have of my Dad with Roy Rogers (that's my son Alex, when he was about five years old, standing on the chair).

Actually, my favorite celebrities are probably authors. I'd be much more excited to meet Dean Koontz or Sue Grafton than any rock star. So, you can imagine my thrill yesterday after I posted about a favorite new author Scott Sigler, when I received an actual comment to my post from Mr. Sigler himself! (Check out yesterday's comments.) Wow! I'm floating! That's my kind of celebrity. I'm such a fan!

What about you? What kind of fan are you? What celebrity would you like to meet? What do you think about the hype over Michael Jackson's death?

(photos by chande legion and Designer of Doom @ www.flickr.com)

What Makes a Perfect Thriller?

I just finished Contagious, the second in a series of thrillers from Scott Sigler. After I read his first, Infected, I was hooked. These novels combine everything I love in a good mystery. A poor, over-the-hill football player gets what he thinks is a bug bite at the start of Infected and by the end of Contagious, the entire city of Detroit is wiped out. Throughout both books, a host of likable characters work hard to identify and defeat an alien plague that threatens to take over the world.

It's obvious to me that Sigler's books have all (well, most) of the ingredients I long for in a good thriller. But, just what are those ingredients? I decided to try to list the qualities that make an exciting mystery. I've been working on this list for a while now--adding, subtracting, and refining. Here is the result of my efforts:

The perfect thriller for me must:

1. Have a female protagonist. (Okay, the main character in Sigler's two books is male, but a major secondary character is female. I guess it's natural that I like female main characters, seeing as how I am female. That's probably why I like novelists Sue Grafton, Diana Mott Davidson, and, of course, Agatha Christie.)

2. Be focused more on detecting rather than protecting. (That is, I enjoy a story in which the characters spend more time trying to figure things out rather than trying to save themselves. Thus, I don't really care for lots of gun battles, chase scenes, or any egregious violence.)

3. Be connected to medicine, computers, or science. (I love Robin Cook's medical thrillers and Patricia Cornwell's wonderful forensic pathology murder mysteries. Of course, Michael Crichton's science-oriented novels are great too. Any detective who solves a murder using a computer will have me hooked.)

4. Not take place totally in the outdoors. (I really can't get into stories that occur in the woods, desert, or ocean--particularly if the entire book takes place in that location. I really want most of my detecting to occur indoors--preferably at a desk. I'm weird that way.)

5. Have a hint of science fiction. (By "science fiction" I mean a bit of strangeness. I am not fond of standard science fiction--and here I use "standard" to mean spaceships, aliens, travel to other planets, etc. However, I adore just a bit of science fiction a la Dean Koontz, my favorite author, and my new discovery Robert J. Sawyer, recommended by my blogger friend Flit. This type of science fiction is great--even for those of us who typically don't like science fiction.)

So, there you have five qualities that, to me, make for a perfect thriller (besides excellent writing, a great plot, and fascinating characters, of course).

What qualities do you look for in your perfect novel?

Four Backsides and a Photo

As I mentioned on my other blog Communication Exchange yesterday, I haven't blogged for a few days as I've been down and out with one of my Level 10 migraines. I'm better today (somewhat), so this post will be a hodgepodge of what-nots and leftovers so I can catch up (if that makes any sense; If it doesn't, blame it on massive amounts of painkiller).

First, in response to Lola at Lola's Diner, who knows how much I love these tags and blog awards, here is the tenth photo from my first photo file. You can see why I haven't posted this photo before as it's a sterling view of four people's backsides. They are from left to right--my brother Ken, my son Alex, my husband Milt, and my brother-in-law Pete. They are setting up the television in the large white desk unit in our guest bedroom. Exciting stuff, right?

Speaking of my brother Ken, please go check out his new blog post at kenabeck's korner. He will regale you with tales of woe about his golfing experiences--similar to those experienced by golfers at the U. S. Open this weekend (or was it this entire week?). I thought that tournament would never end. My husband Milt was glued to the TV throughout. Poor Tiger Woods! He came in sixth! Woe is me!

Anyway, back to Lola and her tag. As I have posted my exciting tenth photo from my first file, I expect the following bloggers to do the same (or else!):

1. Lynne at Life After Work

2. Deb at Deb Down Under

3. Cher at Ask Cherlock

4. 30 at 30 And Then Some

5. Tiffany at Breakfast at Tiffany's

Doorbell Dilemma

Bells! Bells! Bells! If it's a telephone bell, I have no trouble answering, deciphering the more than likely sales call, and saying an abrupt "no!" However, if the doorbell rings, that's another story. I'm a coward when it comes to doorbells.

Generally, when the doorbell rings, it's probably the postman or FedEx delivering a package and they just ring to let you know they've dropped off the package and then they leave; they don't expect you to answer the door--really they don't.

It might be a salesperson. Less likely, but possible. Even worse, it might be a CHILD salesperson. They are impossible to resist. Especially if it's a little girl selling Girl Scout cookies. I usually buy multiple boxes of cookies--yummy cookies. I inevitably end up buying far more cookies than I need (I don't NEED any). Oh, well. I was a girl scout in my youth and I feel a duty to support the cause.

It might be a religious proselytizer. You can't get away from them very easily and I tend to be more polite to sales people in person than on the phone. I avoided one yesterday who left a flyer for his church's "End of the World Pot Luck Dinner." Now, that sounds like an event I don't want to miss. Wouldn't a barbecue be more appropriate?

Or, as I mentioned in a recent post, when the doorbell rings, it just might be my husband who has locked himself out. I suppose I have to answer the door for him.

Do you answer your door when the doorbell rings?

I Like Men in Bermuda Shorts!

Here it is summer and you'd think my husband Milt would be anxious to don a nice pair of Bermuda shorts and some nifty sandals, but no! He refuses to wear short pants. He says men past the age of puberty should never be seen in short pants (or sandals).

Now, you might think that my hubby's negative view of short pants must stem from some embarrassment regarding his own legs and feet (I know for a fact that my aversion to bikinis is not just an issue of general aesthetics). Actually, he has lovely legs and fabulous feet. His calves are firm and slim. His toenails are trimmed and his arch is high. He should be proud of his lower appendages. He should expose them for the world to see (not just me).

When we went to Mexico several years ago, he wore long pants and sneakers! It was the tropics! We were sweating. Every other man there had on shorts and sandals. And believe me, most of them didn't have my husband's great legs.

I've tried to encourage him in every way I know to try on a nice pair of manly-looking walking shorts and some he-man style sandals, but I've had no luck. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I might entice my rather staid husband to become more stylish and put on some Bermuda shorts and sandals?

(photo by Jackie Weisberg @ www.flickr.com)

I Answered the Door Naked!

Well, not totally naked--I was wearing a towel. I'd just gotten out of the shower and the doorbell was going crazy! Someone was playing the 1812 Overture on it! What the blazes?

Milt? Where are you, hubby? Someone's at the door and I'm naked! Oh, he must be in the basement and he doesn't hear the noise! Okay, okay! I'm coming! Hold your horses! Must be an emergency! Maybe there's a gas leak! Maybe it's the cops and there's a terrorist in the neighborhood!

So, I rushed downstairs and carefully but quickly opened the front door. Who was there? It was my husband Milt, looking very sheepish. He'd locked himself out when he stepped out to get the newspaper and had been ringing the doorbell the entire time I'd been in the shower.

Aren't I lucky our neighbor whose front door is right next to ours in our townhouse complex didn't open his door at just this moment to see me standing there in my towel?

Woo! Enough excitement for one day! Have you had any excitement today?

Teaching My Mom New Tricks

Never in a million years did I ever think I'd have to teach my mother how to put on a brassiere. I mean, she got me my first bra and showed me the ropes (and the straps) so to speak. Now she's 88 and everything is getting more and more difficult for her.

The other day when I visited her, she informed me that it's simply too hard to put on her bra anymore. She told me it took her over 15 minutes to do it that morning and she was exhausted afterwards! So, began my how-to-put-on-a-bra lesson.

First question, Mom, front hook or back hook? She tells me back hook. She actually owns some front hookers (which I think would be much easier for her to manipulate), but she says they are uncomfortable to wear, so she's sticking with the back hooks. And she's right. I've seen some of the front hook bras she has in her drawer and they look like plated armor.

Second question, loading position? Sitting or standing? Of course, sitting, she says. If she tried it standing up, she'd pass out. But Mom, I argue, it's much easier if you're standing as you can lean over, corral the girls into their proper cup, and you won't have any seepage. I demonstrate. Can't do, says Mom. Okay, try sitting down, but lean over. No, she says, she still gets light-headed if she leans over.

Third question, hooking technique? Bra hooks are so hard to find because they're so little and close to the strap and you can't see what you're doing. When you're 88 and have very arthritic hands it's even worse. I suggest we have a nurse's aid come in to help her dress in the morning, but she hates that idea. She wants to be independent.

Today, I visited her and she was dressed and apparently wearing her regular bra. How's it going with her bra skills, I ask. Fine, she says. And guess what? She won $3.00 playing bingo!

Have you ever taught your parents anything? Do you have any tricks for putting on bras? Are bras not the most ridiculous piece of clothing ever? What could they do to improve bras?

(photo by perfect.xposure @ www.flickr.com)

Toenail Tune-up

Went in this morning for my yearly pedicure. I go every year whether my toes need it or not (just like my annual physical). Actually, I'd probably go more frequently as pedicures are, in my opinion, the ultimate in luxury. However, they're fairly expensive and you can do without them if you don't spend your time at the beach or wear flip-flops everywhere (and I don't).

Also, if you're reasonably flexible,you can do your own pedicure although it does require some unusual bending and twisting if you're used to painting in an up and down manner. And, truth be told, I'm just not very good at painting anything (as my very artistic daughter will quickly tell you). I tend to get a lot of streaky lines and blobs all over the place.

So, at least once a year my feet look pretty good. Here's a photograph of the results. Take a good look because probably by tomorrow they'll be a mess.

What do you think of pedicures? Waste of time or necessity? Do you do your own nails or get them done? Do you want to photograph your nails and compare them with mine in a toenail showdown?

Go To Sleep Little Doggie!

It was a dark and stormy night last night. My Pomeranian Coquette doesn't like dark and stormy nights. Must be all that lightning and thunder. She can't sleep (unlike Ripley the Dog here). She gets very agitated and then she starts barking and whining, and somebody--meaning me--has to do something about it.

So, just as I did when my two children were infants and couldn't sleep, I took my little fluffy critter to the guest bedroom and rocked her and cuddled her and petted her throughout the entire thunderstorm. By the way, the storm lasted all night.

Right now, I'm exhausted and am heading off for what I consider a well-deserved nap. Coquette seems none the worse for wear.

Do you treat your pets like children? If your dog barked all night, who would comfort her? Would you call mine a mommy blog today or do you get that honor only when you discuss real children?

(photo by RipleytheDog @ www.flickr.com)

Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets!

My blogger pal Lola at Lola's Diner has bestowed upon me the Kreativ Blogger Award (all right, I give, why the K instead of a C? Why no final e? I guess it's creative spelling). Lola says I have to tell you seven things I love, and then bestow the award on seven other creative bloggers. Well, because Lola's the cook, I will obey her! After all, I want to be able to eat when I visit her diner! :)

So, seven things I love. Hmmm. There are so many--some frivolous, some serious. Which direction should I go? The rules say "things" not "people," so I'm not going to list friends or family members as they're not things. Or my dog--she's not a "thing," she's a little person, sort of.

So, here are the seven things I love:

1. My Minka-aire gyro ceiling fan (cools the whole house and looks great while doing it!).

2. My Brita water filter (I can't stand drinking water from the tap and I would never spend money on bottled water!)

3. My iRobot Roomba (actually I can hear Rosie doing her vacuuming best in my bedroom right now!)

4. My baby monitor (which I use to communicate with my husband when he's in the basement)

5. My pill chopper (as one who is ultra-sensitive to medicines, I always start new prescriptions by taking an eighth of a pill. For one prescription I've had for years, I never take more than a fourth of a pill, and my pill chopper cuts my pill exactly right.)

6. My Sleep Number mattress (I no longer have the debilitating morning back pain that I used to get now that I have this wonderful mattress).

7. My Aerolatte milk foamer (which makes the BEST foam for lattes in the world!)

I'll pass this award on to these seven creative bloggers who I have recently discovered. I hope you will find them to be as creative as I do!

1. Escape Hatch

2. 30 and Then Some

3. The Bee

4. Ask Cherlock

5. My Meme Mania

6. Answers Without, Answers Within

7. Grampy and You

Have a great weekend, friends!

p.s. Sorry about the title, Lola. I couldn't resist.

How Scribd Can Help You

I have been a member of Scribd since before I began blogging. Scribd is a website devoted to the collection, storing, and sharing of documents. Years ago, I was looking for a way to store some of my academic documents--other than on my computer. I am ashamed to admit this, but typically after one of my scholarly articles was published, I often "lost track" of the original document on my computer. I guess I figured if it was in print somewhere I didn't need to worry about it. I had a print copy of every article I had published in my closet and I figured that was enough. After I retired, this slipshod behavior of mine increased rather than diminished.

In the old days (like five years ago), when colleagues and students requested copies of my articles (very common practice in academia), I would make a photocopy of my original article, stick it in an envelope and mail it to the person requesting the article. This eventually got to be too expensive as I discovered that a large number of fellow sarcasm researchers were based in Israel (now, why would Israelis be interested in sarcasm?). After I retired, it got worse because I had to pay for postage myself.

One day, I discovered Scribd and uploaded one of my research articles that I had on my hard drive. Easy! Simple! Free! The next time someone contacted me wanting that article, I just directed them to my Scribd URL.

When I started blogging, Scribd became even more valuable. For example, when I wanted to reference some research I had conducted on my other blog Communication Exchange, but DIDN'T want to post the entire article, I just linked to it on Scribd and readers could read it if they desired. As time went by, I noticed that people were actually reading these dry academic treatises of mine on Scribd. Wow!

Scribd is quite different from Associated Content and other writing sites such as Helium, both of which I am a member. AC and Helium writers submit articles which must first be approved by an editorial board before being published. Scribd has no such requirement. You can upload any document you want. Scribd functions more like Flickr or Photobucket does for photographers. You can use Scribd just to store your documents or you can use it share your documents with others. With each upload, Scribd asks if you wish your document to be private or public. If you choose public, then anyone can read it; if you choose private, then only individuals to whom you give the document's URL can read it. I have used both functions. Recently, I used the private function to allow my blog followers to read a chapter of my novel-in-progress The Sound of Murder.

Recently Scribd has added a purchase function to their uploads. You can now choose to sell your documents if you desire. This is not so much like Associated Content or Helium as it is like self-publishing because the author retains all the rights. The document's author decides the price and Scribd collects 20% of any revenues. As an experiment I listed an article I wrote on improving conversational skills called The Talk Diet for sale. Scribd suggested a selling price of $5.00 but I thought that was far too high for a 17-page pamphlet, so I listed it at $2.00. So far, no action, but I will watch and will probably adjust the price downward as time goes by. I am interested to see how writing articles for sale on Scribd differs from doing the same for AC and Helium.

Do any of you have experience with Scribd? What about my fellow writers? Do you see any benefits for the Scribd system over AC or Helium?

Look Who Dropped By In May

Some really great folks dropped by Subjective Soup during the month of May. Here are some of my most frequent visitors. Please stop by their blogs and I'm sure they'll become a regular visitor for you too.

Jean sQuared
Symphony of Love
Yummy-as-can-be
Animal Crossing Wild World Cheats
A Simple Life
Mommy's Little Corner
Life's sweets and spices
The Modern Mom
The Way I See It
Darnuth Keep

Also, while you're out and about, you might want to drop my brother's blog Kenabeck's Korner and wish Ken a happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Bro!

(photo by Geoff the Clownfish @ www.flickr.com)