Julia London's Blog, page 94

ALL BY MYSELF

 Last week my husband had to go out of town for a few days for business, which meant I was home alone.  He doesn't travel often, but when he does and I'm not able to go with him (like this time because I'm on deadline), I really miss him.  So I make the most of the time he's away and do things I wouldn't do if he was home–some of them fun, some of them…naughty.

For instance, on his first night away, for fun, I made myself linguini and clam sauce for dinner.  My DH *likes* clam sauce, but it's his not his favorite thing, whereas I could eat it every day.  So, whenever he travels, I buy a load of clams and indulge.  And that sauce was EPIC—if I may say so myself.

[image error]

I could eat clams every day--yum!

The next night, I did something naughty.  Wait for it…wait for it…okay, here it is.  I had cupcakes for dinner.

[image error]

Cupcakes--not just for dessert anymore!

Now, that may not sound very naughty to you–probably BAD is a better word.  A caloric catastrophe.  A dietary disaster.  I'm going to have to walk to California to work off the fat grams.  Oh, well.  That's what treadmills are for.

[image error]

Only 4,378 more miles to go!

Now this is not to say that my DH doesn't enjoy joining me on my non-traditional dining adventures–he does.  His favorite is when dinner is a picnic in front of the fireplace with just cheese, crackers, fruit and wine (that devil!).  But sometimes we're naughty (bad) together.  The first night our son was off to college, my DH knew I was feeling that "my baby is gone" tug.  He asked, "What do you want for dinner?"  When I answered, "Cupcakes and Doritos," he went to the store without question and brought them home.  That is not only a man to love, but a man to ADORE. 

[image error]

Doritos--a food group unto themselves.

So tell me—what do you enjoy doing when you have time all to yourself?  Have you ever had cupcakes for dinner?  What's your favorite dinner?  And most important–Doritos or potato chips?

In a Halloween State of Mind

[image error]Yes, I know it's only the first week of October (did I mention I have an October release? When Pleasure Rules? But I digress…)

Ahem. Yes, I know it's only the first week of October, but it's getting very Halloween-y around here. We now live on a culdesac (there's a horror title right there: Culdesac. Can't you just see it? Return of Culdesac. Night in the Culdesac), and in our new neighborhood (not just the culdesac), Halloween is a Big Deal. We're told one family had a petting zoo one year. Another is setting up a cemetery in their front yard (it's looking very cool). Yet another has an animatronic Jason standing beside their sidewalk. Since our last neighbors were an acre away on all sides and rarely home for Halloween (last year we had 1–count 'em–1 trick or treater), I'm expecting Big Fun this year. We shall duly stock up on the candy.

The kids beg for a Halloween thing every time we go out. So far, I'm indulging, because I love Halloween, too. Isabella's first pick was Spooky Cat, which she found at World Market, and looks much like the dead cat from Pet Semetery. Of course, she didn't want it as a decoration, but as a "lovey" (Spooky Cat now has a smaller version, too, a bit less bedraggled looking: Spooky Cat Baby). In addition to those non-decorations we also have a skeleton, a witch, and a magic witch's broomstick that sweeps by itself. More will be forthcoming….

In addition, we're planning our Halloween book club. Don and I host an "adaptations" book club every month (read the novel, watch the film adaptation) and this month, we're doing The Haunting. I haven't started the book yet, but Don's enjoying it. And, of course, he and I will watch a bunch of other Halloween movies. I just finished reading Clive Barker's The Hellbound Heart, which is the basis for the movie Hellraiser. It was a really excellent novella, which (though I liked the movie when I saw it years ago) wasn't what I would have thought about a book adapted to a movie featuring a guy with pins sticking into his face.

Also on the list of books I want to read, then watch: Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the Exorcist (a re-read), the Omen (also a re-read, and now out of print–can you believe it?????), the Shining (also a re-read), and Ghost Story (love the movie). (And while it's not a book, Scream is way, way fun on Halloween!)

What about y'all? Any particular Halloween movie favs? Any Halloween book favs?

Two videos and a contest

So I've been thinking a lot about Ellen Degeneres this week.  I absolutely think she is one of the funniest people alive.  She cracks me up on a regular basis.  Whether she's breaking into Broadway (her recent debut performance in Promises Promises) or strutting her stuff on So You Think You Can Dance — or just generally making me laugh on The Ellen Show.   Anyway, for today,  just wanted to share a couple of videos.  One–in which Ellen is not actually the funniest woman on screen–enter Gladys.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And the second a heartflelt Ellen talking about the recent death of Rutgers College student Tyler Clementi  and our responsibilities when it comes to protecting kids.  Sometimes it's not about being funny.  Her thoughts are important–please take a moment to listen.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And so as not to end this post on too much of a down note, I'm happy to announce this week's contest.   I'll be giving away an autographed copy of one of my favorite "Dee Davis" books.  Just Breathe:  the story of a woman who falls off a train onto a dead body.  Oh dear!  I'll be drawing the winner's name at random from all the people who comment this week andposting that winner on Saturday.  Good Luck!

Dangerous Desires

As the demolitions expert for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Tyler Hanson has two great loves: literature and explosives. She lives by the motto "duty first" and doesn't have time for personal attachments . . . until a steamy one-night stand turns into a professional partnership.

BURNED BY BETRAYAL

When Tyler meets Owen Wakefield, a handsome British operative, she seduces him with no intention of ever seeing him again. But then the sexy Brit is brought into A-Tac, and despite Tyler's efforts to keep her distance, she finds herself falling for him. Trusting him.

Owen seems too good to be true—and he is. He's hiding his true motives and identity, and no matter how he feels about Tyler, he can't keep her secrets. One of A-Tac's members has turned traitor and helped terrorists to hijack a shipment of nuclear weapons. As witnesses start dying and evidence starts disappearing, Owen and Tyler must race to find the mole—and prevent a final, cataclysmic act of destruction.

Winner Day!

The winner of this week's contest… chosen at random from all the commenters of the week…

Nissie!

Congratulations! I'll be emailing you about your prize, a $25 gift card to Amazon.com.

What could you get with your $25 at Amazon? Oh, just about anything they have, but I recommend you buy books from the Whine Sisters, of course. So many to choose… like, for instance, Jane Slayre (which is currently at an amazingly low price at Amazon, allowing you to pick up other books as well). Here's Jane slaying the competition at Borders in Chesterfield, MO:Notice who she is with? How to Speak Zombie. The Big Book of Duh. I Heart Ranch Dressing (that's a book! Seriously!). Oh yes, some highbrow literature. Speaking of literature, Jane Slayre is actually included in an Advanced Literature course coming this spring at Seton Hill University. (YES! I'm excited– Advanced Lit!) Also on the reading list at some high schools. Not to mention (now I'm bragging) it has been talked up in People Magazine, among other fine publications (USAToday, WSJ blog, Washington Post…). I'm not suggesting that you have to rush out and buy Jane Slayre. Just saying that when everyone else is talking about it, you don't want to be out of the loop. Right? (just nod along, humor me).

Check it out here at my website, where you can even see a fun animated video trailer. And Jane has her own website with games, wallpapers, and other fun stuff for you, too. See the sidebar for more great books from Whine Sisters, all available now. Happy Weekend, everybody!

It's BAAACK….New Fall Season

[image error]

Hawaii Five-O - my fav new show so far

As many of you know, I'm hopelessly into TV.  When I was younger I used to live for the TV Guide edition that announced the new fall season.   And even though online television info has edged out TV Guide for me (as well as their reformatting to tabloid size), I still love the new fall season and watching my favorites as well as a few newbies.    And thanks to my DVR, it's amazing how many shows I can actually cram into a week.  So here's my take so far on the new season.   I'll warn you I'm a fan of drama – no surprise there, so my shows—new and old—tend to skew that way.  

We'll start with Sunday night—which has always felt like the week's beginning to me.   While I once was quite into Sunday night television—at the moment there are only two entries (not counting football and baseball) that command my DVR's time.   First up a show I only discovered by accident on one of our many college tours.   UNDERCOVER BOSS.   The second season opened with the CEO from Comfort Hotels heading down to the trenches.  Entertaining and heartwarming all the same time.   My second Sunday show is the returning BROTHERS AND SISTERS.   I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about losing a major character, but suffice it to say that the writers handled it really well, and as usual, I cried through the opening episode.

[image error]

Jason Ritter. The Event.

Next up my most busy night of television with double entries every hour.   CHUCK, a series I loved when it first debuted, is struggling a bit this season with its premise, but by the end of the episode I was right there with him, rooting for his success, and wondering what next week would bring (hopefully more Linda Hamilton).  HOUSE on the other hand, which has always been a favorite of mine seems to have veered off of the case-solving structure into the drama of House and his co-workers lives.  Me, I liked it better before, and am hoping they get back to the real heart of the show.  The second episode hit closer to that mark..but stlll…Next up, I checked out the EVENT, which I am not all that enthused about, but intend to watch another episode, if for no other reason than because I love Jason Ritter.  And he was really good in the second episode.  Opposite that we watched TWO AND A HALF MEN – which is funny some of the time, silly a lot of the time, and hysterical oftenenough to make it worth watching.   Up next,  HAWAII FIVE-O  So far this is my favorite new show.  Just the right amount of action/adventure, banter and hot guys . Plus a still totally rocking theme song.    I'm primed for watching more, especially the new McGarrett.   And closing out the night—CASTLE—which I fell in love with last year and am totally enjoying again this year.  Who knew Joey from One Life to Live would grow up to be so "ruggedly handsome." 

[image error]

Skeet Ulrich, Law and Order LA. 'nuf said.

Tuesdays are less hectic, but still double booked.  The big highlight for the whole family is GLEE.  We glommed it this summer to catch up, and are totally on board for a new season.  Loved the intro of Bieste, Rachel's new hairdo and John Stamos as the dentist who has captured Emma's heart.  Opposite it, and debuting this week is ORDINARY FAMILY.   An interesting beginning.  But nothing that really made must see TV.  I predict a quick demise, despite Micheal Chiklis who is always good.   Up next is PARENTHOOD which started its sophmore season strongly – I find it less angsty than B&S but it still pulls my heartstrings.   And opposite that, another returning show THE GOOD WIFE—which is well written and interesting in that the main character is on a voyage toward accepting that nothing is truly black and white.   And torn between two men which is always fun to watch.  (Mr. Big anyone?)

Wednesdays are much less crowded for me.  Starting with the newly relocated SURVIVOR (go 'old' team and "snif"  goodby Jimmy Johnson) and then my favorite show of the week MODERN FAMILY. The writing is fabulous and the cast delicious.   If you don't already watch it.  DO!  At ten  the jury is still out on both DEFENDERS (with a strong performance by Jim Belushi) and LAW AND ORDER: LA – because how can I go through a week without Law and Order?  But at the same time…no Sam Waterston?  However Skeet Ulrich is a fav, so that may do it for me.

Thursday nights I'm totally girling out with GREY'S ANATOMY (Go Meredith and Derek!) and PRIVATE PRACTICE (Taye Diggs!!!).     It's a night of wine and hankies for me. 

[image error]

Donnie Wahlberg. Blue Bloods.

And Friday—well, tried BLUE BLOODS, but wasn't all that impressed, though I liked Donnie Wahlberg enough to maybe watch again.  

So that's it for my season opening week in TV.  How about you?  What new shows are you watching?  And which ones did you greet like old friends as they came back?  And don't forget that Sherri is giving away a gift certificate to one lucky commenter this week.  It's not too late to enter.  Just comment and you're in.   Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Whether Weather???

[image error]

I'm writing this on Wednesday night, and we're under a SEVERE WEATHER ALERT because of Tropical storm Nicole, which is apparently gusting through the entire eastern half of the US. As of this moment (8:30 pm on Wednesday night), there is no sign of rain, although the hourly forecast says 100% chance of rain at 6am on Thursday AM, which makes me wonder, exactly HOW can the weather service predict a 100% chance of rain? What if the earth explodes, or if the sun decides to totally mess with the meteorologists and comes out anyway, sort of an April Fool's in September?

Although they do seem fairly confident that this is going to be a big one. Estimates are two to five inches, with six to inches, possible. Now, I'm wondering if the weather service men ever date, and if they tell their date that, and if she starts cracking up (sorry, I'm in the middle Blaze editing, and as such, the mind wanders on those directions).

I do like the rain, especially when I don't have to be out in it. We've been keeping the house windows open during the day, and it's nice to hear the rain, and I like the way the grass turns all green when after a good soaking (hopefully not ten inches, though). Either way, I think I'm going to head to the grocery store because I need to figure out what's for dinner tomorrow night, unless of course, it's really raining all day tomorrow, in which case, we'll most likely order pizza and make the pizza delivery guy get out in the rain.

So, do you all like the rain? Anybody who has to get out in this mess (assuming the weather guys are right) has my sympathy, but I'm sort of looking forward to it (hopefully not ten inches, because our basement can flood when it gets bad, and that's a total pain). What's your favorite weather related activities? Also, everybody should comment because Sherri is giving away an Amazon gift certificate this week, and you know, a book might come in really handy during an extended rain storm….

Also, I'm leaving this little gem, which came from gawker.com. I don't watch WABC, but now I want to, because he seems like a funny guy.

My Great Ideas

I think I have pretty good ideas.  Usually, you see them in books, but you might be surprised to know that I have them for all phases of life, too.  For example, you know those politicians in that little California town who were giving themselves outrageous salaries–illegally–while everyone in their little town struggled to pay their outrageous taxes?  My great idea is that we trade them to Afghanistan for some girls who want to be educated.  Let them live over there under the rule of the Taliban, and we'll take girls who don't want to bilk their neighbors, they just want to learn.   What do you think?

[image error]

Another great idea I have is to go ahead and declare Fridays off for all of America.  No one really works much that day, anyway, and most seem to leave work early.  What's the point of pretending?  And we'd be saving ourselves a huge traffic jam at two.  Let's just declare Fridays a No Work day and be done with it.  [image error]

Another great idea I have is to put Lindsey Lohan on Intervention.  Bring some of those intervenors out and have everyone around her say, "Your addiction has affected my life in the following ways," and then haul her off.  I think A&E can do what the California courts can't seem to do.

[image error]

Here's one last great idea I have (I have tons more, but I don't want to bombard you with the really good ones all in one day).  Little book vending machines  next to Starbucks.  You put a tenner in, say, and our latest book slides right out.  That way, you never have to drive very far to find them–they would be on every street corner.  Yes, I know.  Brilliant.

[image error]

What are you great ideas?

So what do I download?

[image error]So, we've moved (FINALLY)–and in the doing of it, we made one of those Big Life Decisions. Yes, that's right. We decided NOT to get cable television. Only the broadband internet.

(If you're now looking askance at the screen and scratching your chin, you're much like the guy from the cable company when we told him this. I think we must be the first people he's ever done that for.) And, no, we're not giving up television. We just realized that we watch next to nothing live. In fact, other than football (and my husband doesn't watch that much, and I would watch negative football if it were possible) I think the last thing I watched live was the coverage of Hurricane Katrina. And I'm betting I could have gotten similar coverage on the Internet (or at least could do so now).

No, we did the math. We now pay $35/month for Internet only, where we were paying around $130 for a lot of channels we never really watched. We figure even if we subscribe to two shows/month on iTunes (about $25 each), we still pay less each month. And the fact is, there aren't twelve shows that we want to follow that we have to get through iTunes. Because, hey, there's also Netflix streaming (we have a Mac mini hooked up to the tv) and Hulu and iTunes and Netflix discs. And, yeah, we also figure that hanging out in the living room reading a book would be a good–and novel, haha!–thing.

Right now, and in no particular order, our show agenda consists of Mad Men, iCarly, Breaking Bad, Vampire Diaries, Entourage and maybe Flipping Out. Possibly Real Housewives of NYC when it starts up again, but I'm iffy on that one (D.C. really didn't do it for me, and I'm fearful that I'm over NYC. I'm definitely over OC).

So what other shows are we missing? I'm thinking of trying Smallville and Fringe and Supernatural. And we're already addicted to The Wire (going to watch a season over Christmas break). So give us a shout out and help us decide what to watch! I'm dying to hear your suggestions! And if you feel like taking bets on how long we can survive without cable…well, that's fair, too!

Hidden Treasures

The Monkey

Longtime Whine fans are familiar with my monkey. It first appeared way back in Whine history when we were discussing unusual gifts, of the "what am I supposed to do with THIS" variety. The monkey appears to be brass, but happens to be plastic, which was apparently a selling point for Grandma when she bought it for me as a Christmas gift. "So light! You can use it to hold a plant, or a candle, or flowers." Or stamps. I actually use it to store stamps. The monkey stays on my...