Wk15: SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE

SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE by KURT VONNEGUT turned out to be an interesting read.  I don't think I knew what I was getting into.  I will have to reread it, but it is interesting enough to warrant.  The story is odd, but in an author-wants-it-to-be way.  I can see why so many people have read this book to study as the question topics are nearly limitless.  I wouldn't teach the book, but I'd recommend it. 

Wk15: Angels Game

The after-school program at Renee's Mom's elementary school went on a field trip the the L.A. Angels game and we got to go as chaperons.  There were several other schools from the district there and we all took up most of a section.  Everyone got a ticket, promo hat, and a hot dog and soda.  The adults also got the experience of playing banker for the kids and bathroom monitor.  All the students were well behaved and think they all really enjoyed the winning game.

Wk14: Big Brothers Big Sister

Donate to Big Brothers and Big Sisters
A good charity that helps provide role models for kids that need them.  'Nuf said. 

Wk14: Bar

Didn't happen.

WK14: John Dies at the End

John Dies at the End by David Wong is interesting, but I'm not sure how.  The book is written for a college-party audience and is out there enough to be appealing.  The story doesn't really pull you in and the story gets bogged down by the author being and author.  I didn't finish it on time, but I will finish it to see what happens at the end; the story is engrossing enough for that.

FINISHED: 5/6/11
John Dies at the End is very wordy.  While the author paints a very descriptive picture, the extra details become tedious and slow the story down.  I can visualize the scene,awesome; continue the story.  The novel is broken into three connected stories that move well on their own and are complementary in way that doesn't stop and restart between focuses.  The story line was initially a web-book back in-the-day so I think the extra illustration was to bring the reader back between postings.  Great for a short story, but unnecessary with a longer book.  This book stands on its own, though I think a sequel is in the works and I can see an easy connection into that.  I'll read the sequel to see what happens. 

Wk14: Moved In

I have my printer and we have moved into a new place.  I don't know if the former owner had some money to throw around or was a "artist" but the cross in the driveway can be seen from space and is etched into the cement.  On the plus side, it does make the house easy to find. 

Wk13: Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is one of those book I have always wanted to read, but never got around to it.  Unfortunately, I could not finish it in a week.  The story turned out to be me more than I had expected and I did not want to skim through it to just knock it out.  I also downloaded the Google Books version through Barnes & Nobles so that it would transfer to my Nook wirelessly.  Usually this method works well, but the scanning software Google used added characters and changed the formatting.  The story is still there, but it is more difficult to read.  Next time I will just use the Project Gutenberg version and transfer it to my Nook with the cable. 

Wk13: Simply Swordfish

I really like swordfish because it is sturdy enough to grill over an open flame.  The recipe is called "Simply Swordfish" [Allrecipes] and I think it is the best.  All you need is lemon juice, lemon pepper (or just pepper), and dried dill weed.  I like my fish to be the star of the dish and lemon, while it plays well, will overpower the fish if given the chance.  I marinated the steaks only as long as the grill took to heat up.  I liberally applied the dry seasoning while it cook, and it came out perfect.  We paired the fish with asparagus in dill sauce and a salad.  easy and tasty.