50 Quintessentially American Novels

Once again, I have a list of novels to share. In this case, the list is of 50 novels that one person thinks is highly representative of American literature.

As the article points out, the list is quite diverse. In addition, the novels chosen are based solely upon one person's opinion. Thus, the choices made are highly subjective. These books examine themes that are universal. Thus, a foreigner could have authored them. However, the article posits that the books "couldn't have been written anywhere else." (Other than the U.S., that is. Got it? :))

Take a gander and see what you think.

For my own part, regarding the ones I know, I'm inclined to agree.

Librarians Stick it to HarperCollins Big Time

As you may recall from my previous post, HarperCollins has imposed an arbitrary rule limiting circulation of any of its ebook titles to 26 times. Why 26? Who knows? It's arbitrary.

I stated the complete disbelief I had for the publisher's position that this was to look out for their authors' best interests. I mean, why start now? lol Oops, sorry. Wrong blog. Ha!

Anyhow, I also contended that ebooks didn't suffer wear and tear. However, I was wrong, actually. Yes! Listen! Read! In this article, librarians make a compelling case that ebooks do, in fact, undergo a technological wear and tear of a sort. But certainly not after only 26 times 'round the block. Such wear and tear relates more to advances in technology. Like VHS to DVD and CDs to DVDs then MP3s and so on and so forth, etc.

Plus check out this awesome video. Says it all, really.



BTW, have you noticed what a polite headline the article has compared to my post? lol Librarians are so polite. They really are. Awesome!

Shroom for one More, Singleton Hippie Art

Shroom for One More(c) Singleton Hippie Art"Two tattered tents,one Bayou Blue,two painted ladies,one pup,and threeColeman specialstossed like confetti on the river banks....Our little Tent City...Hippie Kingdom on the hill...And when he said..."Can I come, too?"I whisperedto his back,to his shadow..."Scooch in closerto the circle,we've got shroom for one more"Watercolors and markers scribbled

Acoustic Wall Panels Idea

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Acoustic Wall Panels

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For the enthusiast, the perfect acoustic chamber for sound of a can, no noise, good sound absorption, to ensure that the sound does not escape the room. Whether you are building a place where you can have a good karaoke OK, where you can create your own music or DJ or mix of these three factors are important and should be kept in mind.

Acoustic Panels

Acoustic Wall Panels

Excellent sound wall will spell disaster, room acoustics and the difference between. Without these special panels, sound insulation to be you're just a waste of time, the end of a room because you just can not effectively absorb the sound and contain it. However, with the right equipment and materials architectural acoustics room, is not difficult.

Acoustic Wall Panels

Acoustic Wall Panels

For the enthusiast, the perfect acoustic chamber for sound of a can, no noise, good sound absorption, to ensure that the sound does not escape the room. Whether you are building a place where you can have a good karaoke OK, where you can create your own music or DJ or mix of these three factors are important and should be kept in mind.

Acoustic Wall Panels

Acoustic Wall Panels

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Bamboo Wall Sticker

Bamboo Wall Sticker

Bamboo Wall Sticker

Bamboo Wall Sticker

Bamboo Wall Sticker

Publisher Seeks Limits on Library Ebook Lending

As reported earlier this year, digital book distributor Overdrive released an app allowing readers to download ebooks from libraries on loan to their phones. Got that? :)

This didn't sit well with at least one publisher. Apparently. HarperCollins, specifically. According to Library Journal, this publisher has specified that it will only allow ebooks licensed to libraries to be loaned a maximum of 26 times, at which time said license will go kaput.

The following is a quote from the article:

The publisher also issued a short statement: "HarperCollins is committed to the library channel. We believe this change balances the value libraries get from our titles with the need to protect our authors and ensure a presence in public libraries and the communities they serve for years to come."

Hmm ... really? Are you sure this isn't about protecting your bottom line, HarperCollins? Particularly at a time when the publishing business is struggling to stay afloat. And even more particularly in view of the fact that the midlist authors upon which you've relied to offset your more-than-healthy costs (e.g., huge advances to A-list authors, major marketing and promo to A-list authors, etc.) are abandoning you in favor of self-publishing ... oh, I'm sorry, have I touched upon a sore subject? Next!

Another quote from the article: 

Josh Marwell, President, Sales for HarperCollins, told LJ that the 26 circulation limit was arrived at after considering a number of factors, including the average lifespan of a print book, and wear and tear on circulating copies.

Er, maybe you haven't noticed this, but ebooks don't suffer wear and tear. If you ask me, this sounds like a total crock of sh*t.

BTW, check out the comments in the Library Journal article. I'm not the only one who thinks so.