Mixed Drinks Inspired by Literary Types

For those of you who enjoy imbibing the occasional mixed drink or simply like to know trivia about mixed drinks inspired by literary types, here's an article that lists 25 Brilliant & Literary-Inspired Mixed Drinks. To quote the article:

Plenty of authors throughout history have drawn inspiration (or consolation, as it may be) from a bottle, and as such, there is no shortage of cocktails, concoctions, and libations that can be related to great books and their authors. Whether you're hosting a literary-themed party or just want to drink like your favorite author while you read one of his or her works, you certainly won't thirst for options (pun very much intended) when you read through this list of literary-inspired mixed-drinks. You'll find an assortment of titular puns, tributes to authors, and even a few favorites drawn from the lives of famous authors themselves to help you find the perfect bibliophile beverage.

Well, I'm not much of a drinker, but after this weekend, I might be convinced to try at least one of these. :)

A Quick Trip to the Bookstore

This morning, I rose earlier than usual. I'm glad I did, because I had plenty of time to eat breakfast, take a shower, get dressed and go through my email. These are all time-consuming chores for someone with a crappy movement disorder that has no fucking cure and can't be adequately treated for shit.

So, as I was eating breakfast, we were watching a war movie. And I remembered this is Memorial Day weekend. Right. Writers don't get holidays.

Now, I can think of at least two blog posts, in which I've referred to wars and being in the shit. This one and this one.

And I had come to the realization that all entrepreneurs, whether they be authors, bookstores or publishers, must be willing to adapt with changing times.

Which is why I posted this on my author blog.

Anyhow, when I was done with all the boring crap, I rushed clumped on my gimpy foot hurriedly to my car and took off. Just to go to a damn bookstore, in order to prove to myself that I could still drive my own car.

And, as I drove, I listened to the radio and I swear this song came on:



Weird, huh?

Now, honestly, I have no problem with technology. But let's not forget about our humanity in the process. Everytime I blog, I give my real opinion. I try to be respectful of others online. We should all be respectful of others in business and personal relationships. In any case, it's my opinion that bookstores do serve a function. And other authors share this view. I've seen it expressed online.

For some reason, they have it in for B&N, but love indies. I guess because indies have been nice enough to work with us indie authors, by placing our books on consignment.

Here's the thing. There isn't a single freaking indie bookstore worth a damn convenient to where I live, okay?

Plus, if I may ask, what about that whole returning books to the publisher and getting a 100% refund thing? Seriously, how are publishers going to compete effectively against a huge fucking technology company/publisher/retailer that can give authors whatever they want, including the author you chose to make this video:



The amazing Ann Patchett, owner of Parnassus Books (though she had "no interest in opening a bookstore") and author of THE GETAWAY CAR.

My most convenient bookstore is a BAM, which is located where the dead Borders used to be. And I dragged my gimpy ass all the way to an Annapolis B&N to see Jenny Lawson.

Two New York Times bestselling authors in green shirts

Just to be clear, Jenny Lawson writes about zombies. I don't. Nor am I one. Furthermore, I do actually eat real food and brush my hair, now and then. And I'm not a junkie.

PS: I went to the bookstore to find Rick Steves travel guides for my trip to the UK. Because I love to travel, damn it. While I was there, I looked for a Robert Crais book, (Robert Crais is my hero, because he's a blue collar writer) and would you believe, they didn't have one stinking title? I nearly got so mad, I could've knocked down the shelf, except I was too tired and gimpy, and I figured, oh, fuck it. So, while trudging toward the checkout counter, I passed a book display. And one of the books was THE THINGS THEY CARRIED by Tim O' Brien. And I thought, I'm with you, brother.

And why does that sound so familiar? :)

PPS: I had no interest in being a gimp, but no one gave me a choice about that. So, I choose to be a happy fool.

'Blue Suburban Skies' by Richard Peabody

Just to be clear, this isn't a review. If you read this blog, you'd know that I support independent bookstores and online booksellers that compete with the great big huge online bookseller that's trying to take over the Internet. (I'll leave names out of it.)

And, just so you know, Richard Peabody has published this book, and it's available for pre-release order at a discounted price online, but not through the great big huge online bookseller, etc., etc.

FYI, I've previously blogged here about Richard Peabody.

And he's a DC-area author who cares about literature, and he loves French Toast.

I rest my case. :)

PS: Waterstones doesn't mind having its stores used as showrooms for the great big huge online retailer/publisher, etc., etc. Apparently.

Review of 'The Post-College Guide to Happiness'

REVIEW: THE POST-COLLEGE GUIDE TO HAPPINESS
AUTHOR: Bryan Cohen

Just so you know, this isn't a typical review. In fact, this book was extremely useful to me, which is why I recommend it.

I thought I'd explain why I found it so useful.

This book is a guide. As such, you'll find advice, tools and exercises that can aid you in becoming a happier person.

Here's how it worked for me. I was suffering from depression. I also have a tendency to dismiss "easy" self-help solutions. However, after a talk with my doctor and reading this book, I realized I could choose to be happy, no matter what.

Which is why I wrote this endorsement for the book: "If troubles seem insurmountable or overwhelming, The Post-College Guide to Happiness provides a straightforward guide on how to find happiness by making better choices. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a better life."

PS: I just wanted to add the happy news that Peg Brantley's first novel RED TIDE got an awesome review! :D I'm still reading it and loving it, so far.

PPS: Did you know that "bonzer" is Australian slang that means "awesome"? :)

Mystery Scene Review of 'Beastly Things'

Here's my Mystery Scene Magazine review of BEASTLY THINGS by Donna Leon. In an interesting coincidence of sorts, I've not only been to Venice, but I suffer a rare disorder that deforms, but doesn't kill people, and I've published a mystery involving the poultry industry, as I blogged about here.

Mystery Scene Review of 'Ice Fire'

Here's my Mystery Scene Magazine review of ICE FIRE, a thriller I found particularly awesome for reasons that should become obvious when you read the review and consider that I'm a lawyer, who's interested in sustainability issues.

Thanks, David Lyons, for writing such a great book! :)

Mystery Scene Review of 'Strindberg's Star'

For those of you looking for a thriller with a lot more than the usual, here's my Mystery Scene Magazine review of STRINDBERG'S STAR by Jan Wallentin.

Jan ... get a website ... seriously ... :)

PS: RIP Maurice Sendak. :(