Based on Kathleen’s recommendation, I just finished reading the new English translation of Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

It’s one of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read in years.  Getting into the swing of pronouncing all the Swedish names and places in my head (like Saltsjöbaden, Järnvägsgatan and Aftonbladet)  took a bit of an adjustment – but didn’t take long… and worth the effort. 

I don’t want to give anything away, because this a must read for anyone who loves a good Agatha Christie type murder mystery.  But I will say that Mr. Larsson wove two different stories together brilliantly.  A fascinating story that was hard to put down.  The characters are original and engaging, he offers lots of interesting twists – complexity without being confusing.  Has it’s dark moments, but doesn’t overdo it.  You can tell the author has passion about the issues in the book.

I’m looking forward to the publishing of the rest of the trilogy in English…  and also disappointed that the author died in 2004 – shortly after delivering the manuscripts for this and 2 subsequent novels.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Move over, Braeburn, there’s a new apple in town. 

For several years, my favorite type of apple has been the Braeburn.  Sweet and tart, nice and crisp they’re wonderful when in season.  And, living in the beautiful state of Washington, I get them fresh and crisp every year.   But they haven’t shown up in stores yet (harvest is a bit later than usual due to a colder than usual spring/early summer).

Last week I wanted/needed some apples, and I’ve learned to just ask the nearest grocery department employee “So, what apples are best right now.”  And on this occasion, I was directed to an apple I’d never heard of before. 

They were $3.98 a lb – twice as much as any of the other apples – but he swore they were worth it.  And I’ve learned to trust these guys, after buying apples on my own that turned out to be a bit mushy.  Blech.  So I bought several and took them home.

Behold my new apple love…. The Honey Crisp.

  
This sweet little guy has a crisp “to-die-for” texture.  Nothing worse than a mushy apple. (Ok, there are worse things, but that’s beside the point).  And from what I’ve experienced and read, no other apple matches its crispness.

I finished off my first round and just bought 6 more… still at $3.98 per lb.  Worth every penny. Yum. I haven’t tried with caramel, but I bet they’d be delicious.

Have you ever tried a Honey Crisp?  Whate did you think?  What are your favorite apples?

In the early 80s, Kristin and I were watching HBO and happened upon one of the most memorable films of our lives.  It was a brief, animated short film which had won the 1982 Student Academy Award. 

It was called “Guess Who’s For Dinner” and in it, a spinach monster attacks a child during dinner.  It was hysterical and after 25 years is still a clear image in my head. Kristin and I have both spent hours over the years, searching for this in any form… if you stumble upon it, let us know!   The talented animator, Kathy Zielinski has gone on to career with Disney and animated the memorable character Ursula (the witch) in the Little Mermaid, in addition to others.

And then, of course, there were the midnight short film festivals at the Villa theatre where I saw some memorable, and not so memorable animated shorts. Who could forget…

Bambi vs. Godzilla?

I’ve been a fan of short films ever since. So I was delighted to find I can get the academy award nominated shorts for 2004 – 2007.   I got 2006 first (because that’s the one I noticed first) and watched them last night.   What a delightful evening.   Some were better than others, of course – but I enjoyed all of them but one.

I think my favorite live action short was  “éramos pocos” (spain).   Mom has left her slob of a husband and grown son, who are helpless without her. They liberate Gran from a nursing home to cook and clean for them.  Fun, with a twist.

West Bank Story is a love story and rivalry between Israelis and Palestinians and their fast food joints.  Made by students at USC, it actually was a musical – and won the Oscar.  It was fun.

My favorite animated short was The Danish Poet” (Canada-Norway) – which did win the Academy Award.  Simple line drawings and a sweet story. You can actually see this one on YouTube.

I’m looking forward to the other years’ collections!   Do you like short films?  Have you seen any that were memorable or that you’d recommend? 

With a roadtrip planned to the Olympic Peninsula with Brandon (my son) and his family this past weekend, it seemed like the perfect time to finally start reading the Twilight Saga.  So I ordered the first two books from Amazon and they arrived the day before we left. 

My brief review:  I really enjoyed it.  I, like Michelle, wish it had been written as an adult novel rather than for teens – would have enjoyed more depth and less filler.  Neverthertheless, I think Stephanie Meyer has crafted an original and compelling story.  And reading it in the book’s setting made it come even more alive for me, so to speak. 

I finished up Twighlight while lying in bed at the Forks Motel on Sunday night, after a visit to the Hoh rain forest.  Started New Moon the next day and stayed up til 4:30am Tuesday night to finish it – just couldn’t put it down even though I was exhausted.  Ordered Eclipse and Breaking Dawn from Amazon today…

Of course I took my camera with me and captured a few images of this breathtaking country.  I created a special page for you to view them.  I think I live in the most beautiful state in the nation… 
 

then come back and share your thoughts.  Do you recognize any scenery described in the the book?  Can you spot any vampires?

*The page may take a few moments to load.

Anyone else watching the spectacular show China is putting on for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics? 

I have found myself getting emotional on more than one occasion as I watch the artistry, beauty, creativity and awesome precision of the performances.  

15,000 individual performers, the worlds biggest LED screen on the floor, fireworks as only China can do them – and moving, moving art/dance/song.   Probably the most original, inspired and amazing opening ceremonies ever.  What an incredible undertaking.   

Can you just imagine how excited and proud the Chinese people must be about this?  It makes me teary.  

The only sad part is that the athletes didn’t get to see it : (  

Did you have a favorite performance?

I have fond memories of summer kiddie matinees in the late 60s, at the old Villa Theatre in Salt Lake (now Adibs Rug Gallery).

Just a theatre full of kids and popcorn and movies.  I don’t recall my parents ever being there – could you even imagine that these days? Did you do this as a kid?

I can’t remember most of the movies we saw, but there was one that has always stood out in my mind.   Although I knew it had something to do with Captain Nemo, I couldn’t recall it’s name.  It never showed up as a late night tv movie, and if ever I described the movie and asked anyone if they’d seen it, I’d get blank stares.

Why was it so memorable?  It was an undersea adventure.  I remember vivid scenes of fish and coral – and people wearing beautiful blues and purples in an underwater city of gold.  And a sea monster and submarines. Something about it captivated my imagination as a youth and so over the years I’ve searched google using all sorts of name/word combinations trying to figure out what it was, to no avail.

Well, last night I happened to do a search again – and I FOUND IT! And, would you believe that it was also YESTERDAY that someone posted the entire movie on YouTube???   I couldn’t believe it….   and yes, I actually watched the whole thing – and it made me smile  (though I was not thrilled when Captain Nemo broke off a piece of coral, explaining how they used it for building/decorating the city…. Kristin will understand.) What a trip down memory lane.  I love YouTube.

I give to you, Captain Nemo and the Underwater City (1969 trailer)

When I first posted this, the entire movie was available to view (in segments) on YouTube. It has since been removed, so if you want to see it you’re going to have to buy it online at Amazon.

It’s not often that I regret taking time to read a book…  wishing that I’d never picked it up.  But such is the case with Augusten Burroughs’ memoir, Running with Scissors. 

I’m not even sure where I got this book (if you gave it to me, let me know and I’ll be happy to return it to you), but I noticed it sitting on my desk about the time I was looking for some holiday reading material.  I seemed to recall previews for the movie – a scene with Gwyneth Paltrow and some kid knocking a hole in the ceiling to let in more light, and the dad thinking nothing of it….  and I thought it sounded kind of quirky, and decided to read the book.

I was NOT prepared for what lay in the pages.  Well written, yes.  Funny, at times.  Engaging – well, I did finish the book….  and then when I put it down, wished I hadn’t.  In fact, wished I’d never picked it up.    It was extremely disurbing, disgusting, crass, depressing and downright bizarre.    These are characters you’d expect to see shouting obscenities at each other on the Jerry Springer show.  While I’m all for finding the humor in any situation, these stories of abuse and mental illness were a bit graphic and disturbing for me to be able to enjoy them.      That this is a memoir is truly sad….   though a testement to the human spirit’s ability to be able to survive the most horrifying of childhoods.  

I mentioned to Kathy that I reading it the other day, and she said “Oh – I started reading that and put it down half way through… and I rarely decide not to finish a book.  Just too disturbing.”   I wish I’d talked to her before I picked it up….

So that’s my review.  I give the book 1.5 stars out of 5. 

On the other hand – I highly recommend Eat, Pray, Love and believe I’ll read it again.

Have you read this book and have a differing view?  Did you feel the same as me?   What books have you read, then wish you hadn’t?

At various times I find I just can’t get enough of a certain food.  Sometimes it’s beef stew or grilled cheese sandwiches (usually in winter).  Others times it may be a particular candy bar.  In summers past, it has often been watermelon.  I LOVE watermelon but this year I’ve been very disappointed in the crop.  After one good melon, the rest have been tasteless or dry 🙁    

Happily, I stumbled upon a suitable replacement for my 2007 summer food addiction.  I present to you, Newman’s Own Virgin Limeade.    Refreshing and delicious.  And even better when on sale for 2 for $3.00 at Central Market.   The lemonade is good too, but I am partial to the limeade.  It’s actually as good as my home-made version, and a heck of a lot more convenient.   Try some today 🙂

What are your summer food addictions?