The Library and Librarian Song Mix Tape Special

Well, I would have posted a book review, but it's not quite ready yet. So, instead I offer you The 10 Best Songs About Libraries and Librarians from Flavorwire.

You've got a bit of almost everything here from Green Day to the Beach Boys, from My Morning Jacket to rap by MC Poindexter & The Study Crew.

Beats the hell out of a half-baked review.

You're welcome.

Would You Buy a Book in a Cigarette Pack?

While authors and the publishing world are trying to come to grips with the whole e-book revolution, it turns out that new and innovative ways to sell print books are still being developed.


Take this, for instance--books sold in cigarette packs. You'll notice the choices are limited to the old classics. I don't think they're selling Dan Brown or Mitch Albom in cigarette packs yet. Nor are they likely to be, either.

It's a cute idea, the whole notion of having Franz Kafka or Ernest Hemingway tucked away in your pocket. (Though I'm still trying to picture squeezing Tolstoy into such a tiny space. I see WAR AND PEACE didn't make the cut. I guess not. Could you imagine the print? You'd probably need a microscope to read it.)

Having said that and knowing that you can find classic authors in the Kindle Store and buy numerous copies of their work for a buck a piece, the author-in-your-pocket idea seems like a cute gimmick. But that's it.

Valentine for a Liar, Singleton Hippie Art

Valentine For a Liar(c) Singleton 2010 , Words and Hippie ArtworkSOLDCherry filled wordslined up in cheap little boxes,beribbonedand glitteredand half price the morning after they're uttered....I couldn't be bothered to listen,but just so you know....This velvet valentine's for you...in all the cream filled colorsof yesterday's candy....11 x 15 Watercolor on Strathmore coldpress. Sometimes in the

Authors and Addiction

Numerous authors have been addicts. Alcoholics, speed freaks, cocaine addicts, etc. In Hunter S. Thompson's case, he'd try anything for a buzz.

Most people know this, but may be surprised at exactly which authors didn't say no to drugs.

According to Life's "Famous Literary Drunks & Addicts" (yes, that's the real title), Baudelaire once said, "Always be drunk ... Get drunk militantly. Just get drunk." Sounds like he was stoned, actually. In fact, it sounds a lot like that Bob Dylan line, "Everybody must get stoned." (Wonder if he got the idea from Baudelaire?)

And who knew Ayn Rand was a speed freak? I guess you'd have to be one, to write books as long and boring as ATLAS SHRUGGED.

Anyway, feast your eyes on the photos, quotes and trivia in this literary line-up. (via The Heavy Metal Librarian)

Love Now, Singleton Hippie Art

LOVE NOW(c) Singleton 2009SOLDBlack vinyl spinning,coffee table scuffed from Friday night shoes on fire...I'm an Accidental Go~Go Girlin knee high boots and love....Sand castles sky highand dripping,periwinkle roads winding in never ending eights,and I'm a Mermaid,old and washed up...and at sudden peace...Highways with dotted lines,burned out lights,and ditches deeper than the sea....Soft from

Dropping Like Flies

As I'm sure you've probably noticed (but I'll blog about anyway), some really good authors have died recently.

First, Robert Parker went--Sara Weinman's blog has a comprehensive round-up of retrospectives on him.

Then, J.D. Salinger bought it. So much for Holden Caulfield's creator. I'd wish him good luck in the next realm of existence (assuming there is one), if I could just stop thinking of how much Holden hated the phrase "good luck." As I recall, his thoughts were that if someone said "good luck," it was because the person assumed you'd need it.

Oh, yeah, and here's some more Salinger retrospectives: in The Times Online, Salon and the New York Times. Plus a brief round-up of reviews of Salinger's work.

Not only that, but Howard Zinn, the multi-talented author of A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES--well, he's shuffled off this mortal coil, too. As this man puts it, "Shit. Just . . . shit."


What more is there to say? Good night and good luck.

A Book About How We Decide

Even though I haven't read this book yet, this review of HOW WE DECIDE by Jonah Lehrer made it sound really interesting.

I've always found it tough to make decisions. Would understanding how I do make it any easier?

For instance, choosing the books I read. There are so many I want to read (more than a lifetime's worth), that it's hard to know how to pick sometimes.

According to the review, the book has "innumerable applications for everyday life," whether you're "a golfer, musician, business leader, or motorcyclist." I wonder how the reviewer picked those. I know--read the book, right?

On the other hand, I'm not sure I want to think too much about how I think. Seems like it could drive you nuts. (Though some would say I'm already there.)

Anyway, it gives us yet another book to choose.

Thanks. I think.

(Image from http://www.minneapoliselectrolysis.com)