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The Bachelorette 9 - Desiree

The Bachelorette Desiree Recap Including “Men Tell All” News & Brooks Forester Likes Em’ Old. Like Twice His Age.

They are definitely changing things up this season with the ABC schedule coming out last week stating the “Men Tell All” (which tapes next Monday), will now air after the hometown dates episode, and not after the overnight dates episode, when it normally does. Usually they tape it a couple days before the overnight date episode airs, the guy who gets eliminated on the overnight date episodes is at the taping, and the audience is shown that episode before the guys come out. Not this season. I’m assuming now with it being shown after hometowns on the July 22nd episode, that means that Brooks, Chris, and Drew won’t be in attendance, because they’ll all still be on the show.

It also means they will basically have a two-part finale with the overnight dates episode airing July 29th, and the finale airing August 5th. So it’s safe to say at the end of the July 29th episode, there will be some sort of cliffhanger leading into the finale the following week, something that the promos last week alluded to. Yes, there is something screwy that goes down in Antigua which could be a bit out of the ordinary for this show, and I’m not sure what it is. However, it does not change the bottom line, which is that Desiree ended up engaged to Brooks in Antigua and they are still engaged today. All the bells and whistles they will throw at the viewers the next few weeks will try to get you to believe that didn’t happen, or that she’s with one of the other two guys, or that she chose no one. None of it will be true. She’s engaged to Brooks and has been since May 8th.

So about 3 weeks ago (June 18th to be exact), I was sent an email by someone who told me that her and her family have gone down to Puerto Rico every New Year Eve for the last 11 years, and that back in late December of 2011 (so, 18 months ago), her mother had met a new “friend.” She proceeded to tell me that her mother had quite the time with her new “friend” that night and she had proof of it. Well, that “friend” was Brooks Forester, who was in Puerto Rico for New Year’s Eve that year with his best friend, Tyler Burton. You can see Tyler’s Twitter feed right here where he subtly, and not so subtly, likes talking about Brooks and posting Vine videos. So she passed the pictures along from that night taken at the El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. The last picture is his buddy Tyler with her.

It was when I received these pictures was when I tweeted the infamous “Oh Brooks, Brooks, Brooks…” line. Why? Ummmm, wouldn’t you after looking at that? Holy crap. That’s f***ing hilarious. How easy did Brooks make the rest of this season for me? I can never look at the guy the same after seeing those. Geez, show a little discretion Brooks. By the way, this woman whose face Brooks is sucking off was 51 years old at the time. Now as mentioned above to clear up any confusion, and for media outlets to run with the pictures without reading what I wrote, this did NOT happen since he’s been engaged to Des. This happened on New Year’s Eve of 2011 (heading in to 2012), so 18 months ago. But still, ummmm, is there a reason he’s tonguing down someone who could technically be his mother? I mean, I’ve never made out with a 51 year old, nor do I plan to. Well, I’m sure I will later in life. Like, when I’m 70. My friends haven’t made out with women almost twice their age either, as I’m guessing most self-respecting men haven’t. Oh yeah, and to make this story worse, at the time these pictures were taken, Brooks was dating this girl from Utah named Jennifer Hawkins.

These pictures with Jennifer were taken on their trip together to Costa Rica in April of 2012. I was told by friends of Jennifer’s that Brooks would no doubt deny (if he ever even acknowledges it- highly doubtful) that he and Jennifer weren’t exclusive at the time he went to Puerto Rico, but it’d be a lie. Jennifer absolutely thought they were exclusive and even though we are 18 months removed from New Year’s Eve in Puerto Rico and they have since broken up, I’m guessing she probably wouldn’t be too thrilled knowing that’s what Brooks was doing on his vacation with a woman almost twice his age while he and Jennifer were together. Not that I need to be Captain Obvious here Brooks, but Jennifer blows this woman away. I’d say Jennifer blows Des away too, but that’s just my opinion. Nice job buddy.

Now, I fully expect the Brooks crazies to dismiss this as a guy having fun, it’s New Year’s Eve, he was drunk, she was all over him, blah blah blah. No different than Jef and Arie lunatics that think neither of those guys can do anything wrong. I’d save your breath. If he was making out with a hot 25 year old, I wouldn’t bother posting the pictures because there’d be nothing interesting about that. Of course he’s made out with women before. At least I hope he had. But making out with women almost twice your age when you have a girlfriend back home is not normal behavior, I don’t care who you are. Please. You can spin it all you want and make excuses til the sun goes down, but there are facts that cannot be disputed:

-Brooks and his friend Tyler were in Puerto Rico for New Years Eve together
-Brooks made out with this 51 year old woman for God knows what reason
-Brooks was dating Jennifer at the time he took this trip

So I’ll let you decide what’s worse, that this guy decided to tongue down someone older than 50, or that he did it all while have a girlfriend back home. I mean, if we’re gonna give James sh** for admitting to cheating on his girlfriend years ago, shouldn’t Brooks be chided for doing this just 18 months ago? I guess if Brooks didn’t want these pictures getting out, he shouldn’t have done it in the first place. Sure, I’m guessing Brooks never thought at that time in a million years that he’d end up being a public figure 18 months down the road and these pictures would surface of him, but unfortunately, they did. Thought I’d share them, because frankly, they are flat out hilarious. When this girl told me she had pictures of that night, I thought for sure I’d just be getting some drunk pictures of them in a group or whatever. Certainly wasn’t expecting THAT. Go get you some, B!

Oh Brooks, Brooks, Brooks…

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  1. zelda

    July 9, 2013 at 6:59 PM

    The driveway is wet?!

    but seriously…RS typically shares information that is relevant and appreciated. I agree the Brooks NYE indiscretion was relevant; however, repeatedly harping on the woman’s age was not warranted or appreciated by a number of readers judging by the comments section.

    Food for thought… before you make assumptions and/or judgments about others based on age, keep in mind that what seems old now will change as you age… guaranteed. One day you may be that 50 year old who still feels like you are 20 or 30, regardless of your actual age or physical appearance.

    P.S. I am younger and date people my own age, but have grandparents who have a large age gap between them and are very happy. I guess it just comes down to this – the indiscretion is what matters, not the woman’s age…

  2. kjopo84

    July 9, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Yeah, my dad and stepmom started dating when he was 30 and she was 20. And my daughter’s paternal grandparents are also separated by 10 years, only Grandma is older in this case. Not a huge thing.

  3. ldlr9333

    July 9, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Dear RS,

    First time I write as I am compelled to because of your comments about a 51 year old woman. Grow up young man, 51 is not old. I am 55 and not ashamed of it. Too bad you feel I should be ashamed of my age and assume, (tongue and cheek right), that we all smell like mothballs and Metamucil. Were you showing your sophomoric side in this piece? Steve, Steve, Steve, grow up and get some experience, travel, kiss a good looking fifty year old, you will be surprised.

  4. kjopo84

    July 9, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    I’ve never seen so much anger toward RS for his columns before. He’s getting a beat down! And I actually thought a lot of what he said was funny, HOWEVER, it would’ve been much funnier if the woman had been like 70 or something. Because I agree, 51 really isn’t old in my opinion.

  5. akblondee

    July 9, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    As a 51+ year old women, I have to tell you that mothballs belong in old people’s house, of which I am not, ALSO there is not a single drop of Metamucil in my house. That being said, there’s not enough alcohol in the world to get me to suck face with a 26 year old while his friends take pictures…..I strive to not embarrass my 33 year old daughter! Brooks is too funny!

  6. kjopo84

    July 9, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    LOL akblondee!!

  7. chubbypants

    July 9, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I am a fortysomething male who recently dated a ‘hot’ twenty something female for 2+ years. I did not buy her things other than dinner. I am glad for the experience and don’t care to date another twenty something. Just cause they’re young and hot doesn’t mean they are a prize !!. As Dustin Hoffman recently said we place way too much emphasis on looks. My next g/f doesn’t need to be ‘hot’ nor young. I want a big smile and a great attitude attached to a woman with class and discretion. . Age matters to an extent but is not as relevant to me anymore. Give me a lady with class.

    July 9, 2013 at 7:32 PM

    Sooo . . . you are a bit of a chauvinist pig. Wow. I knew this already as I’ve been reading this column for awhile (also just for the gossip and spoilers) and mostly roll my eyes at Steve’s attempts to be funny and consider it basically harmless. About what you find online these days. But this column and the relentless bashing of an entire demographic was really gross. In our media and culture at large, there is a consistent lack of respect towards women (not only by men, women contribute to this problem), particularly older women. This is a serious issue in our culture, and one that only gets worse with crap like this being put out in the universe. Steve needs to be called out on this, glad to see I wasn’t the only one who is voicing how much of a pig he is. Grow up, Steve. Hopefully you spend more than two seconds contemplating why you might have offended people instead of assuming we are all stupid idiots who can’t take a joke.

  9. gigi1701

    July 9, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    I love Reality Steve’s site, but I HAVE to object to the posts about 50+ women! I am now mid-50, NOT menopausal, and while now happily married, before that my boyfriend was 20 years younger! And even after he was married, (this all about five or so years ago) he was sex-texting me for a hookup! Missed the old girl and her good workout routines (in the down south area that is!) Fifties are the new thirties and while RS is of generation where still guys can get girls that are their grand-daughters age, the sexes are catching up.

    Bad, bad, bad RS, I would spank you but for your pre-prejudice, but you would be tossing Geritol puns at me, hardly, I still get the young ones chasing after me, being a former bellydancer and the last time I told someone my age, they were in shock and said I had to be in my thirties.

    Otherwise, love this site and the spoilers!!! Just had to set the record straight.

  10. Athena

    July 9, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    kjopo84: In response to your suggestion that if Steve had only made his disgusting comments about a woman who was “70” instead of “50”, all you’re doing is moving the agism bar to another point. It’s still just as offensive. There are many healthy, active, vital people in their 70’s, and believe it or not, even in their 80’s and older. Slamming someone for their age alone is just plain insulting, nasty, and discriminatory, and if you do it in the workplace, liable to get you in very hot legal water because it’s not just offensive and wrong, it’s illegal.

  11. Athena

    July 9, 2013 at 7:48 PM

    And to Rob and whoever else said that there’s always some sort of “agenda” between the two people with a big age gap between them that is unrelated to their basic compatibility, communication, etc., that can certainly be the case, but it’s another generalization that simply isn’t always true. The absolutely BEST relationship I’ve ever known of began between my friend when she was in her mid twenties and her future husband who was 24 years older (just about the exact ages of Brooks and the woman Steve trashed). They have had a loving, respectful, passionate marriage for many years now that everyone who knows them agrees is the kind anyone would dream of and that few achieve.

  12. Athena

    July 9, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    All I can say in defense of Steve is thank goodness he’s given us something to get excited about this season!!! Thank you Steve, and I hope you made those comments with the intent of livening things up, and increasing your readership, and not because you really and truly believe what you wrote.

  13. freeasabird

    July 9, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    According to my Twitter feed realityshowreport dot com just picked up Steve’s story.

    To the person who mentioned the Silver Singles (?) ad on Steve’s site. He has no control over the ads. They are served up by an ad service. Probably Google Adsense and Adnexus among others. Steve does not pick the ads.

    Wish I could find the picture from a couple of seasons ago. It was on Chris H’s Twitter feed. He tweeted “Now you know why the driveway is wet.” There was a pic of him in his jeans and casual shirt hosing down the driveway in the late afternoon. Don’t know if HE actually helps with that but seems like it might be something to do to kill time.

  14. gigi1701

    July 9, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    I agree with the comment about 80 somethings, but really this is not a workplace and 50 is not really that old, these days. A twenty plus age difference between an older man and younger woman is common place, but god forbid the woman be older, now I know it isn’t always the best relationship if the couple were to have children (past a certain age that is), but I know several couples where the woman was significantly older and it works out just fine for them. And sometimes not, just doesn’t make it an automatic glass house to throw stones at is all I am saying.

  15. elizabeth82

    July 9, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    I think all the 50-something female readers posting here are taking what Steve said way too personally! Pretty sure Steve doesn’t think 50-something women are repulsive. He’s just ragging on the large age difference between Brooks and this lady.

  16. bnfan

    July 9, 2013 at 9:05 PM

    Steve, Brooks said he was at “jogging.” In that same conversation, Des said she was at “running.” Then in the conversation with Chris H, she said was at the finish line. So, Steve, you’re slipping — pun intended.

    Regarding Rob and other people’s comments on here that there’s always another motive behind marriages of people with large age differences, I take offense to that. I was 27 when I married my 48 year-old husband. I have no looks to speak of, so he certainly didn’t marry me for my looks. And he was poorer than I, so I most certainly didn’t marry him for his money. In fact, he didn’t know that I made a decent living — he thought I was poor and in debt after just graduating with from grad school. So, no, we really did marry for love. And we’ve been together now for 13 years.

  17. gigi1701

    July 9, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    Elisabeth82, I don’t know what your age is, but if your were in the 50 something range, Steve’s whole rant about women that age without even knowing them is a total pisser! How could you not see that as something potentially directed at yourself since it was directed at WOMEN of a particular age, not one woman specifically that he knows has to take Geritol and is menopausal?

    Rob22 is too young to know how the world works yet, come back in a few years with a new report.

    bnfan, that is a great story, many blessings on your relationship!

  18. junebug

    July 9, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    As a female in my 20s, let me say if I knew my boyfriend made out with and/or slept with a woman my mother’s age, I would think twice about him. It’s literally fetish material. No 50 is not old, but when compared to someone who wasn’t even born when you graduated college, it’s revolting. Sorry cougars.

    Anyways, I never liked Brooks. Nor Drew. And Chris, though sweet, makes me want to stab my ear drums out with his repetitive poetry. I suppose I’m rooting for Zak for next Bachelor.

  19. Susan

    July 9, 2013 at 9:23 PM

    Wow, really bashing the 50 something women. Are you as appalled by men who marry women 30+ years younger, i.e., Micheal Douglas to name just one. I am 50 years old. I have zero desire to hook up with a 20 something, but the fact that it is so repulsive to you that you have to keep bringing it up is insulting.

    I read your blog, I enjoy your columns, but not this one.

  20. kjopo84

    July 9, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Okay I am NOT ageist. I was only saying that a 25 year old making out with a woman twice his age is different than a 35 or 40 year old making out with a woman twice his age. Reverse the sexes and it would be the same. Really, no one here even blinks at Hugh Hefner dating a 20 something? There’s a LIMIT people. Once it gets past a certain point, it becomes strange, and yes you have to think there’s some agenda on both ends. So to reiterate, what Brooks did doesn’t even make me bat an eye. She’s an attractive 50 year old woman. But if she passed the point into ELDERLY and Brooks was like 35, that would be weird. That’s not ageism, it’s just NORMAL. And by the way, for all of you arguing the ageism thing: What about a 30 year old man or woman dating a 15 year old girl or boy? Suddenly age matters, right? It goes both ways, for the very young and quite old.

  21. kjopo84

    July 9, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Man people are MEAN on here tonight. I don’t give a crap if you’re 30 or 40 or 50 or 60 or who you date. But I can still give my opinion on June-December relationships. Thanks.

  22. kjopo84

    July 9, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    Also, to me it has less to do with numerical age and more to do with stage of life. For example, I’m 29 and I would date a man up to early 40s if they were single. But if it’s a 57 year old man with three grown kids my age, retired and has had 2 strokes, no thank you. (and I base THIS on an ACTUAL inadvertent date I went on with a man once. I thought he was just welcoming me to a social group, and by the time I learned otherwise, I had heard his whole life story. And a retired dad of 3 kids my age who has had two strokes is not what I was going for.

  23. windsurfer

    July 9, 2013 at 9:57 PM

    rob22 — One of the most intriguing issues pertaining to Harold and Maude is that there are numerous lessons to be learned from their love story — I chose one lesson to illustrate my point, and you chose another. As a 50+ woman partnered with a fellow my junior (and I can’t say after all this time if I even recall his age), as a woman for whom younger men have always been attracted (and it’s not for my beauty, I can assure you!), and as a woman enlightened enough to recognize the charm of fellows of all ages, it was simply a disappointment to have RS “dirtying his nest,” as a friend of mine commented today after reading his latest recap. By the responses I’ve read here, we are not alone.

    Having said all that, it’s awesome to live free and be able to comment with impunity, just as it’s RS’s right to unwittingly (or maybe not?) offend many of his readers.

  24. suzyq

    July 9, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    I’ve never commented, but feel compelled. I’m an over 50 female with 2 grown sons. Im not at all offended!!! RS is being funny! Humor, get it? It’s what he does! Yes, hooking up with the 51 year old is a bit mind boggling to me since he is 26, but its Brooks. The guy was likely looking for his mama., or daddy as the case may be. But anyway, RS was being funny, and the real point he was making was that its unlikely that Brooksie is serious about Dessie. Defensive much people?

  25. gigi1701

    July 9, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    For the record as a mid-fifties woman, I have no interest at all in 20 somethings. (besides being married, just saying if I was single) The offense was not so much about a younger guy with a cougar, but HOW women that are plus 50 were being talked about by Steve. It was sad to see such insults thrown an age group of women, just because Brooks is seen kissing and hugging one 51 year old woman doesn’t give him carte blanc to diss everyone in that age group with such nasty comments. Still love you Steve, but please, dial it down a notch, a lot of your readers are us 50+ year olds!

  26. 1tydjsw3

    July 9, 2013 at 11:59 PM

    It’s sad that you find 51 repulsive, I am not a Brooks crazies as you put it. It appears you you have you a high level of immaturity, you would date a 51 yr.old when you are 70. Are you kidding me. You sound like a sad whinny boy that has. No hope of growing up soon. There are a lot of people 50 + that did read and support your column. I sense a Paula Dean spirit in you. SO. SAD.

  27. jacjac

    July 10, 2013 at 4:29 AM

    Yikes. People need to calm down with their comments. If you’ve ever read RS site then you know that he is very sarcastic & rips on people for all kinds of things. He was specifically calling out Brooks for dating this lady. I don’t remember reading any line where he said “dating a 50+ person is the most vile, despicable & unthinkable act.” Yes, he joked about it a little incessantly but I don’t think he was really trying to attack an age group or anything of the sort.

  28. sunnyday25

    July 10, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    RS, it’s too bad that a guy as old as you is still single and apparently unable to attract the young women whom you lust after. It’s a shame that your only meaningful relationship is with your dog, and probably always will be, because you’re only going to get older, and the young women will be more revolted by the fact that you are old. After all, when a person ages, they become far less attractive and less desirable, especially to younger people. Also, as people get older, it gets harder to find a job, which is going to be a problem for you, RS, since reality shows are going to stop being popular and you have no other skills than being able to sit in front of a computer or a TV, and write about reality shows. Good luck, RS.

  29. Athena

    July 10, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Whoa sunnyday25 – pot meet kettle much?

  30. jsocial12

    July 10, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    I’d just like to point out that I am not a “Brooks fanatic.” I don’t get attached to reality TV stars, thank you. But your whole story about Brooks is super lame. Who cares if he made out with a 51 year woman on NYE? This is what the whole build up was about? Oh Steve, Steve, Steve.

  31. mainah

    July 10, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    I’ll bet most 51-year-old women could teach Brooks, RS and any other 20-something a few things about sex that would make their heads reel! And leave them wanting more!

  32. cheyenne70

    July 10, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    I think the article was funny. It reminded me of the film grown ups the Rob Schneider character. It a joke lighten up people really. I’m a 40 something yr old and can see the humor in it let it go.

  33. freeasabird

    July 10, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Yes, zelda, there is a wet driveway;)

    It’s been 22 hours since RS posted this column. I’m still laughing over it. I honestly don’t know which is funnier: the column or people’s ragging on Steve.

    Just remember folks this site says right at the top: “My slanted, sophomoric, and skewed view of the world of reality television.”

  34. strick432

    July 10, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    I never thought people would get this riled up – I certainly didin’t and I just turned 46. Although I am married almost 20 years, I am a cougar at heart. And I don’t see where it says that just because the photos show Brooks kissing on this woman that they went out and had hot and steamy sex. It’s just pictures. (And I like ’em even younger than 26 – and no I don’t cheat.)

  35. kjopo84

    July 10, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    Thank you freeasabird! Yes the humor was juvenile, but I still laughed too.

  36. kickme

    July 10, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    Funniest and most entertaining stuff you’ve written all season. Don’t listen to all the haters. They’re old. #oldhatersgonnahaaaaaate

  37. bethieb

    July 10, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Put Halle Barry on a shelf in 4 more years & Demi Moore better go stock up on Metamucil. You definitely wouldn’t touch them with a ten foot pole if you had the chance, right? What a hypocrite. If it was cheating it was wrong, but the woman was still attractive & looked like she had a fun personality. Maybe Brooks doesn’t always view everyone with ageist, sexist glasses. I may be 41 but I get hit on by younger men in my day to day life. Grow up & when you see that beauty can come in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages then maybe one day someone will see the beauty in you.

  38. str8outtacompton

    July 10, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    People really need to calm the F down. You think Steve has crossed some line? Don’t read his column. It’s called free will. We all have it. He does what he does, and people who appreciate what he does will keep reading. Those who like his style don’t wanted a watered-down version of Steve because he’s given into pressure to make sure he doesn’t offend someone. In today’s world seems like someone is always offended by something. If you’re offended, go somewhere else.

    Keep doing your thing Steve.

  39. Sunnyside422

    July 10, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Okay peeps…to lighten the mood and absolutely no references to ole ladies, please read Jan Frase’s blog about this episode! Totally a laugh.

    Comment: the 3 ladies visiting Des was a total snooze fest. Waste of minutes. Jackie is a pretty girl, Lesley ehh, and Catherine still remains in the giddy, kiddie zone. Just a silly little girl who needs some maturity.

    Zak’s eyes are down right freaky! They open wide at totally inappropriate times and with those teeth, for sure he comes in handy as a glow in the dark!

    Poor Drew….gonna bring his little sister out in front of cameras and he thinks this will get him a pitty vote.

    Chris…besides the poems (enough…but I am sure the producers encouraged and probably wrote everyone)…still feel when Brooks dumps Des, she should revisit him as he seems the most interested in at least pursuing a relationship with her.

    And I won’t address Brooks and the lady. Enough pro and con has been said on that topic. I did find a lot of Steve’s blog to be funny and some not so much.

  40. vessel

    July 10, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Comparing RS’s latest column to the Paula Deen thing? Ugh, really people? Way to be overly dramatic. I’m 46 and my husband is 36, not as big an age gap as the Brooks kiss thing, but I’ve taken some flak in the past when we started dating because I’m the woman, and yeah it’s a dumb double standard. But let’s not get quite so riled up over Steve making fun of something, anything, in what must be the most boring season of this show. Okay I admit I wished he didn’t slam the woman QUITE so much for her age, but it’s not THAT big of a deal. Anyway after reading some of these comments I think a lot of you are right-it was NY eve, probably drunk, in a bar, and people kiss randoms in those situations sometimes. I’m just surprised the girl didn’t sell those pics to a tabloid and make some $. Anyway maybe Steve inadvertently did a good thing here, better Desiree know all the information before she actually takes vows…not that it will ever come close to that!

  41. robrob

    July 10, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    Steve, hilarious, good stuff. Especially how Brook’s previous girlfriend was MUCH hotter than both Des and that FOSSIL.

    It’s also hilarious how offended people pretend to be. Who cares. Demi & Ashton was gross — what the hell was Ashton thinking?! Mila Kunis is a HUGE improvement.

    Sucking face with an old lady is just plain GROSS! If you’re a 50 year old lady, you should be looking for a 65 year old dude. Out.

  42. iheartvino

    July 10, 2013 at 10:47 AM

    Wow, never seen so many new screen names in one column’s comments before. Way to stir up the pot Steve! j/j But really, i wonder how many new Word Press accounts have been set up since this column was posted lol. Haven’t had time to read through every single comment, but from what I’ve seen I’m in agreement with those of you who are acknowledging that Steve puts a disclaimer at the top of his site that his view is slanted, sophomoric, and skewed. Some of you are treating him as if he’s running for office. Can you honestly tell me that in your entire life, you’ve never cracked a joke about an age group? You’ve never laughed when Steve’s compared some of the guys on the show to 20-something frat guys?

    I’m not surprised at all that he went off about this so much, given how boring this season has been. Personally, I don’t think what Brooks did deserved THAT much attention. I also don’t think it was worth the build up and anticipation, but in Steve’s defense, at one point he DID say that what he had for us on Brooks wasn’t earth shattering.

  43. blahlalalala

    July 10, 2013 at 11:01 AM

  44. blahlalalala

    July 10, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    oops. what’s funny about this whole conversation is that people don’t seem to have in mind what a slimy dude steve is. i’m just remembering back to when he was asking readers to donate to his legal defense, insisting that he had done nothing wrong, only to eventually admit that he had actually attempted to pay contestants to violate their contracts. so, what do you expect from this guy? there used to be someone named diane around here whose mission was to defend steve against any and all criticism. it was kind of hilarious, as, while he provides a bit of entertainment (tougher & tougher, as this show has become more & more intolerably boring) he is due a certain amount of criticism. but even his most ardent defender seems to have jumped ship. on the other hand, it’s refreshing to see an intelligent, socially conscious discussion on this page. who would have thought?

  45. blahlalalala

    July 10, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    oh, and the reality for many people these days is that 50 is the new 30, and 25 is the new 15…

  46. brady6

    July 10, 2013 at 1:04 PM

    Seriously … OLD PEOPLE are so defensive! ha ha ha get over it people – who cares if Steve thinks 50 is old? To some it is… to others not a big deal. In my opinion (20 something)…. 50 is OLD, very very old. peace out.

  47. rob22

    July 10, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    Thanks for your thoughts Mike Fleiss…. errrrr…. I mean @blahlalalala. Nobody but you cares how he gets his spoilers & nobody else cares if he pays your….. errr Mike Fleiss’….. employees to get them. It’s called the cost of doing business. YOU may not like it, but we couldn’t care less. We also don’t care if he creates a defense fund. We can contribute, or not, depending on how we feel about RS. My guess is that he didn’t raise a ton of money. Here’s an idea though Mike…. errrrr…..@blahlalalala, put together an interesting show that gets people interested in watching again. Start by banning the word “amazing” from being used ever again on the show….. and ixnay on the gay guys next time.

  48. oyoung1117

    July 10, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    I don’t think 51 is that old and I am in my twenties. “Old” for me is late sixties, however, there is nothing wrong with being old. In fact, it really just means you have survived this long! And there is nothing wrong with menopause, my gosh, I look forward to the day I don’t have a period. haha However, I do think a 25 year age gap is huge and disgusting either way. It just seems wrong. If you could be your significant other’s child, well, that’s really weird. Show maturity and stick with people in your own ten year age span.
    Looks like she was a good looking woman though and he was drunk, doesn’t necessarily mean that he is one of those guys that prefers women older than himself.
    However, shame on him for cheating on his ex. He is definitely not a great guy, run Des!

  49. jessica1

    July 10, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Mila Kunis? Have you seen her w/o makeup? She’s like all ‘famous’ people–in need of a ton of tricks of the trade.

  50. vessel

    July 10, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    I love how within an hour of Steve’s post Brooks’ ex girlfriend Jennifer made her Facebook pictures private. Some of the comments people made about Brooks on her page were interesting. In any case I feel sorry for Desiree, a little, because that girl is HOT. That he dated her would bug me way more than some drunken make out session with a 51 year old.

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The video that introduces Nissan’s IDS automated concept car resembles any other car commercial: vaguely propulsive background music, tracking footage shot from a helicopter sweeping over a city, a handsome man behind the wheel. Then, as the narrator promises that Nissan’s technology will make driving more “enjoyable” by allowing computers to take over during moments of heavy traffic, the car’s manual controls vanish beneath an elaborate folding-panel system. The driver role is replaced with the equally familiar role of passenger, gazing contemplatively at the passing scenery of the same conventional streets and bridges and office buildings that would be visible today.

But new technologies may ultimately evolve far beyond machines “automating” the recognizably human task of driving. Hypotheses about “driverless” cars still presume there will be such a thing as drivers and passengers, trapping us within the current incarnation of our transportation system. Frequently applied terms like “automated” and “driverless” are inadequate in that they continue to posit manually piloted vehicles as the norm from which the new technologies deviate. Rather than robot drivers piloting cars that humans might otherwise be driving, these new technologies may transport us in an entirely different way that dispenses with accommodating human capabilities.

While attempting to describe an upcoming future that we do not yet understand, predictions like those in Nissan’s IDS video remain burdened with obsolete concepts. It is telling that Nissan’s concept car and the vehicles imagined by Volvo and IDEO retain familiar characteristics of gasoline-powered cars. They have a hood and front grille as ornamentation, for instance, even after their electrical propulsion mechanisms have rendered them nonfunctional. The electric drivetrain of Tesla’s Model S makes the front hood vestigial; the company’s nickname for that anachronistic space where the engine once was — a “frunk,” or front trunk — embodies the awkwardness of adapting new designs to our current expectations.

Our future passenger experience might bear little resemblance to either driving or riding; we’ll inhabit a space that only coincidentally happens to be in motion

Once designers of automated vehicles are no longer bound by the outdated limitations of accommodating either internal combustion technology or human operators, they could move far beyond our present-day intuitions of what a car should look like. Replacing bulky gasoline engines and transmissions with multiple smaller electric motors and slim under-floor battery packs would enable radical new possibilities for the configuration of interior space. As early as 2002, GM’s Hy-Wire concept car separated an interchangeable passenger compartment from its fuel cell and electric motor powertrains, opening up space for an interior that more closely resembled a living room than conventional expectations of passenger-car seating. Where one would expect to see a hood and dashboard, the windshield extended to become a panoramic window framing the road ahead as a scenic view.

The Hy-Wire’s technology suggests that the focus of car design could turn inward, yielding a range of new possibilities for vehicle interiors. Our future passenger experience might bear little resemblance to either driving or riding within a vehicle; we’ll inhabit a space that only coincidentally happens to be in motion.

With a system of automated vehicles, transit passengers will no longer need to pay any attention while distances are being traversed. With the possibility of traffic collisions theoretically eliminated, safety requirements mandating fixed seats, air bags, and seat belts would become obsolete. Passengers who no longer needed to be restrained would be able to move around freely. After ease of handling becomes an irrelevant design consideration for new vehicles steered by computers, designers will be free to stretch wheelbases, raise ceiling heights, and specify softer suspensions to make that movement more natural and comfortable. And since the people inside wouldn’t necessarily need to see where they were going, a growing range of possible wall fixtures — storage cabinets, LCD screens, perhaps a kitchen sink — could substitute passenger convenience over views of the world outside. The elimination of the driver will mean the end of the car as a car.

The social impact could be broader than we expect. When we don’t have to look where we are going, we have to deliberately choose what we want to see. One of IDEO’s more radical visions of how automated vehicles could be used, the WorkOnWheels mobile office, is designed to allow employees to travel to new locations as they work. The pod contains office furniture and pull-down shades over the windows, letting workers choose which aspects of their surrounding environment they want to see, without having to visually process the travel in-between. Cityscapes become optional, consumable on demand rather than by necessity. Meanwhile, the mobile workplace’s controlled internal habitat would remain constant no matter where it was.

Such a vehicle would not have to travel any faster for us to perceive a dramatic reduction in travel time. The time once spent in vehicles inertly waiting to arrive could now be filled with the same sort of activities we’d be doing if we were already there — or had never left.

The time once spent in vehicles inertly waiting to arrive could now be filled with the same activities we’d be doing if we were already there — or had never left

The opportunity to multitask while traveling could make the journey into the destination. Given the expanded possibilities of what one could do inside a vehicle, our existing distinctions between vehicles and buildings, between transit and destination, between static and mobile spaces, may begin to blur. Imagine commuting while sleeping, or socializing at happy hour while the bar transports you home. Imagine if a garage was also the car. If commuting entails being in a space that is functionally equivalent to being at home, one might eventually skip returning home, and commute perpetually. The journey to work could commence as soon we fall asleep. The idea of having a destination becomes as obsolete as drivers and cars. Highways would host listless roaming bedrooms, meandering through the night.

Our understanding of a house as a stable locus of physical and emotional shelter could become diluted. There would be no reason for homes to not also be vehicles. A range of new options for customizing these vehicle-home hybrids would emerge: Homes could be made up of modular docking pods, and specific rooms could be shared, swapped, rented out, or sent away for cleaning or restocking. Modern conveniences that we currently take for granted — such as being able to use a bathroom without needing to arrange for its presence in advance — could become tomorrow’s luxuries. The homeless would be the only people not constantly in motion, the people closest to retaining a fixed physical location called home. Stasis would become homelessness.

If vehicular interiors can accommodate the activities possible at most destinations — if the vehicle becomes a destination in and of itself, and destinations become other vehicles — the mediating experience of a journey between places would be eliminated. There will be no signs to point us anywhere. There would be no need to know directions, and no sense of what being “on the way” to somewhere looks or feels like. There will be no need to know how to get anywhere once we forget the concept of having anywhere to go.

Driverless cars will not be the first transit technology to challenge our conceptions of time and space. The travel speeds of the first railroads were unprecedented, surpassing the contemporary ability to perceive the distance between destinations. Train routes became abstractions, navigated by means of timetables rather than maps. Eventually, transit system diagrams, like the iconic Vignelli New York City subway map, eliminated realistic representations of geography. Mass-market novels grew in popularity as a way for riders to pass the time while their capacity to comprehend or influence the direction of their journey was suspended.

Geographic proximity became less relevant than whether or not the destination was connected to the transportation network. Early transit-oriented developments, such as theme parks and department stores, were built by railroad interests to take advantage of the audiences captive within their systems. Growing suburban commuter towns expanded to the limit of convenient walking distance from a train station; areas beyond that boundary remained rural.

At the same time railroads were offering passengers prescribed choices between linear routes, other technologies were bringing a wider scope of self-directed travel to many consumers. The growing popularity of early bicycles was met with a moral panic over whether they would allow female riders the freedom to travel unsupervised and mingle with members of the opposite sex. While exploratory automotive road trips are now romanticized as integral to American culture, a continuing reminder of the bicycle’s early reception can be seen in Saudi Arabia’s laws prohibiting women from either driving cars or riding bikes.

The user interface for navigation would no longer be a map, but a clock or calendar. Place would be synonymous with occasion, and more closely resemble verbs than nouns

External rules can always be imposed to limit the freedoms that might seem innately afforded by transportation technologies. Driverless cars would seem to retain the automobile’s capability to allow passengers free individualized movement, but their software may introduce new avenues for regulatory control over those movements. Physical impediments like gates and cul-de-sacs would become less relevant compared with restrictions or service fees implemented at the level of code. People and buildings in different service networks might pass each other by without experiencing the slightest hint of one another. And a software error could make certain places impossible to access even as you go right through them. It may require special attention for passengers to know what choices they actually have over their journeys, what potential detours they might be missing. Passengers content to surrender responsibility over their journeys could find themselves back on de facto railroad tracks.

A “driverless car” could become conceptualized as a horizontal elevator. After an elevator’s initial acceleration, the difference in time between reaching higher and lower floors is minimal. Traveling between buildings could become closer to traveling between different floors in the same building, and with no greater awareness of the other numbered floors or buildings blinking past in between. Destinations become equally accessible entries in an arbitrary numeric index, with the differences in access time reminiscent of the slight delays in retrieving digital information from a mechanical hard drive.

It should be no surprise that Google, a technology company focused on information retrieval, has been the first to replace the analog interface of a steering wheel with the binary option of a single push button. Our wider urban environment could become randomly accessible in the same way that Amazon’s “Chaotic Storage” warehouses already organize their contents, independent of any traditional spatial categorization scheme.

Maps would no longer be relevant outside the internal processes of a vehicle’s guidance computer. If one sought, say, the nearest coffee shop, it would not have to be a question of geography. The desire for coffee wouldn’t be a matter of a destination or a journey. Behind the scenes, software would instruct a vehicle to take its passenger to a nearby coffee shop, or it could summon a mobile coffee shop toward the customer. There would be no trip to a fixed location, only trajectories calculated dynamically to unite the various moving parties to facilitate an exchange. The divergent aims and cross-purposes of individual drivers pursuing their goals would be subsumed by a swarm of vehicle-buildings coordinated across a shared network, moving collectively in fluid patterns. Extrapolate this principle, and one can see how dispersed low-rise communities of mobile buildings might replace fixed, vertically oriented cities.

Once physical locations are rendered as abstract coordinates in a user interface, they effectively become arbitrary, as interchangeable as the retail spaces of big-box stores. The experience of inhabiting any particular interior space might become decoupled from its existence within a specific place, free from the baggage of associated historical and geographic context. Real estate would no longer need to be valued according to its location, because proximity would always be subject to change. Travel to visit or inhabit buildings still standing in fixed physical locations might join horses and antique cars as nostalgic hobbies for the wealthy.

Our memories of the spatial processions encountered while traveling through urban architecture — approaching the public facade of a building, the transition between the street and lobby, the awareness of landmark reference points on a skyline, the interstices between buildings — might eventually begin to fade. The experience of passing from one destination to another could become akin to watching the progress bar of a software download. Traveling to a different location, or having that location travel to you, would be more akin to updating an app.

The user interface for navigating space would no longer be a map, but a clock or calendar. Distances once traced on a map would be transmuted into blocks of time plotted on one’s daily schedule. Place would be synonymous with occasion, with movement through time corresponding to automatic movements through space. Frequent destinations such as “home” and “work” might transform into abstract zones differentiated mainly by when rather than where they happen. Our motives and desires would be foregrounded over the experience of traveling, shifting our conception of destinations to more closely resemble verbs rather than nouns. Your workout routine might take place in a different gym than it did the morning before, but you wouldn’t know the difference; they would be identically convenient. As soon as our scheduled time within one destination expired, we would be able to walk through a docking port into the next, like a cinematic cut skipping the passage of mundane events that might otherwise have unfolded between selected scenes.

Driverless passenger cars and delivery vehicles will further accelerate our current move to on-demand services that let us bypass those inconvenient interstitial moments of everyday life — walking to a store, standing in line, cooking a meal, and so on. The logistics of scheduling automated vehicles will ensure that even more of our time becomes consciously programmed and structured, optimized for maximum productivity. With each advance, our surrounding environment will become increasingly hostile to serendipity and chance meetings, known sources of creative breakthroughs.

Contemporary urban-planning guidelines are based on assumptions that the rich pedestrian life of a street or a park emerges from adjacencies with surrounding businesses. Driverless cars posit a possible future without street life and without spaces for spontaneity. As with previous planning mistakes in developing automotive-oriented cities, carmakers and technology companies are moving forward with their ideas without reckoning with the full range of potential social impacts. These futures must be imagined before they can be embraced or resisted. Otherwise driverless cars may steer society into a blind cul-de-sac, and we will discover we have nowhere left to go.

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Aden Young and John Boyd West in Rectify Season 3

Rectify, “Hoorah” and “Thrill Ride” Reviews

Current summer television has diverse offerings from every genre of programming, and one of the best is nestled on a small cable channel, little-seen but well-loved. “Rectify” is this show, a character study on a small town shaken by a murder and all the people affected by it.

Our Favorite TV Shows in 2014

This year most of our contributors sent in a top ten list of their favorite TV shows of 2014. We got a wide array of programming, and due to the way the point system worked out, a show that someone picked as their number one favorite beat out several shows multiple people included further down […]


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ED attachment a 'crazy mix of falsehoods': P Chidambaram

ED attachment a 'crazy mix of falsehoods': P Chidambaram
Former finance minister P Chidambaram today called the ED action against his son and a firm as "a crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures"."I will not be intimidated," the senior Congress leader said in a statement issued after an ED order attaching assets of Karti and the firm under anti-money laundering laws.Chidambaram said that the Enforcement Directorate press note is "intended to intimidate me and to silence my voice.""The allegations in the press note are a crazy mixture of ...
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Blogger Spotlight; Todd Carpenter

I bet at least a few of you thought I was going to interview myself. I’m not that vain. However, Dustin Luther of Rain City interviewed me way back in December of 2005. I thought it would be fun to share as his questions as ther’re what gave me the idea for the interview series here.

One note. In a full circle sort of way, the answer to Dustin’s question, “What is the one tool or feature that you wish your site had?” came to fruition. Once I built that search engine, it inspired me to create REMBEX. REMBEX then lead to this blog.
Anyway, it’s kind of neat to look back.

0 thoughts on “Blogger Spotlight; Todd Carpenter

  1. Justin Shirley

    I couldn’t find your “contact” link, so I’m trying to touch base with you here..

    I just launched a blog site for Sarasota, Florida Real Estate, and would like to exchange links with you.. I think this could drive alot of Florida traffic to you guys, and get me a little activity as well.. Email me back at your earliest convenience..
    My site is:

    Thanks and looking forward to hearing back from you!

    Justin Shirley
    Shirley International Realty Inc.

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Sunday, January 15, 2017

Project BLACK MAMBA: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wikipedia-link.

Otherwise, 15 January would be the feast of Saint Paul of Thebes, Hermit (circa 227-342, A.K.A. the First Hermit, the Anchorite): Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:
Paul was reportedly born in Egypt, where he was orphaned by age fifteen. He was also a learned & devout young man. During the persecution of Decius in Egypt in the year 250, Paul was forced to hide in the home of a friend. Fearing a brother-in-law would betray him, he fled to a cave in the desert. His plan was to return once the persecution ended, but th sweetness of solitude & heavenly contemplation convinced him to stay. he went on to live in that cave for the next ninety years.
'Twould also be the feast of Blessed Peter of Castelnau, Religious & Martyr, O.Cist. (died 1208), martyred by the Cathar heretics (A.K.A. the Albigensians): Martyr-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twould also be the feast of Saint Arnold Janssen, Priest, S.V.D. (1837-1909), founder of the Society of the Divine Word, the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, & the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link S.V.D., Wikipedia-link S.Sp.S., & Wikipedia-link Pink.

Scripture of the Week
Mass Readings
The Book of Isaiah, chapter forty-nine, verses three, five, & six;
Psalm Forty, verses two, four, & seven thru ten;
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter one, verses one, two, & three;
The Gospel according to John, chapter one, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-four.

Mass Journal: Week 3
Reflection by Matthew Kelly, founder of the Dynamic Catholic Institute:
Two thousand years ago, a small groups of [persons] captured the attention & intrigued the imagination of the entire Western world. At first, these [persons] were thought to be of no consequence, the followers of a man most considered to be nothing more than an itinerant preacher. but when this man was put to death, a dozen of his followers rose up & began telling people about his life & teachings. They began telling the story of Jesus Christ. They were not the educated elite of their time, they had no political or social status, they were not wealthy, & they had no worldly authority, yet from the very beginning [persons] were joining this quiet revolutionary group one hundred at a time. This small group of [persons] were the first Christians. They were the original followers of Jesus of Nazareth & the first members of what we know today as the Catholic Church.
* * * * *

Saturday, 14 January was the feast of Blessed Odo of Novara, Priest, O.Cart. (circa 1105-1200): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Twas also the feast of Blessed Peter Donders, Priest, C.Ss.R. (1807-1887, A.K.A. Peerke): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter four, verses twelve thru sixteen;
Psalm Nineteen, verses eight, nine, ten, & fifteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter two, verses thirteen thru seventeen.

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Chinese Rice Porridge

Author: Daily revenue // Category:
For Porridge:
1/2 cup long-grain white rice (or equal amounts of long-grain and glutinous rice)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon peanut oil
4 cups water
4 cups chicken stock
For Topping:
1/4 pound good-quality tuna, striped bass or sea bass
1 1/2 teaspoons peeled and finely slivered fresh ginger
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
Big pinch of ground white pepper
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 tablespoon chopped green (spring) onion
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Chinese Rice Porridge Recipe at
FOR PORRIDGE: Rinse the rice with cold water until the rinse water runs clear. Drain. Put the rice in a large saucepan and stir in the salt and oil. Add the water and chicken stock. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir the rice to loosen the grains from the bottom of the pan. Set the cover ajar and boil gently for 5 minutes. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and is the consistency of porridge, about 1 1/2 hours. Keep warm.

FOR TOPPING: Wrap the fish in plastic wrap and place in the freezer to freeze partially, about 1 hour. Cut the fish into thin slivers and arrange on a serving plate. In a bowl, mix together the ginger, soy sauce, pepper and sesame oil; pour over the fish. Sprinkle the green onion and cilantro over the top.

TO SERVE: Ladle the hot porridge into warmed soup bowls. To eat, pick up a few slices of fish, onions and cilantro and set them on top of each serving of porridge. Serve hot.

Author: Daily revenue // Category:
2 cups dried cannellini beans
(see Bean Know How)
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup plus 5 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks (white parts only), chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks with leaves, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled, chopped
2 bunches kale, stemmed, leaves coarsely chopped
5 cups shredded savoy cabbage
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 large garlic cloves, minced
One 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
2 small russet potatoes, peeled, chopped

8 large pieces ciabatta or other country-style bread
1 large garlic clove, halved
Freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Ribollita Recipe at
Soak beans in a large bowl with enough cold water to cover by 3 inches, at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain.

Place 2 quarts water, beans and salt in large pot. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover partially and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a heavy large wide soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add leeks, onion, celery and carrots. Saute until onion is soft but not brown, about 12 minutes. Add kale, cabbage, parsley and minced garlic. Cover and cook over low heat until cabbage and kale are wilted, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Add beans with their broth, tomatoes with juices and potatoes. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. Cool soup. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Bring soup to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Preheat broiler. Broil bread until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Rub cut side of garlic clove over bread. Brush with 3 tablespoons oil.

Ladle soup into 8 bowls. Drizzle remaining oil equally over each. Place toasts atop soup. Serve soup, passing cheese separately.

Split Pea Soup with Bacon

Author: Daily revenue // Category:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups green split peas, rinsed
6 slices thick-cut bacon
7 cups (56 fl oz/1.75 l) water
1 bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Split Pea Soup with Bacon Recipe at
In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until softened, 3-5 minutes. Add the celery and carrots and sauté until the carrots are tender, 2-3 minutes longer. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute longer.

Add the split peas, bacon, water and bay leaf, raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching, until the peas are soft, about 1 hour.

Remove the bacon and the bay leaf. Discard the bay leaf. Cut the bacon into small squares; set aside.

Using a blender or a food processor fitted with the metal blade or a hand blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy. If a food processor or blender was used, return the purée to the pot.

Reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until very hot. Season to taste with the salt and pepper and stir in the reserved bacon. Ladle into warmed soup bowls; sprinkle the parsley over the tops. Serve immediately.

Grand Prize - Charcoal Smoked Sea Bass

Author: Daily revenue // Category:
For the Marinade:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fish:
2 pieces 7-8 ounce sea bass fillets
For the Pepper Sauce:
2 red bell peppers
2 yellow bell peppers
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Grand Prize - Charcoal Smoked Sea Bass Recipe at
I prefer a charcoal fire and if that's what you're using, start it now. Also, start a few wood chips soaking. Fruit woods like apple and cherry work better than hickory or mesquite and less is better than more.

Combine ingredients. This paste-type marinade can be made ahead of time and in larger batches. It's useful for grilled poultry, pork, and lamb, as well as most seafood.

NOTE: It's much better to do the chopping and mincing by hand rather than with a food processor or hand blender. As useful as those machines are, for this type of preparation, they puree the herbs and garlic too much and blend air into the oil, making the ingredients burn at a lower temperature.

Roast the peppers over the fire, turning as the skins blacken. Try not to break the skin or you'll lose the juices inside the peppers. When the skins are blackened and will peel easily, close the peppers in a plastic bag.

If necessary, skin and bone the fish. Coat with the marinade and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

While the fish is marinating, remove the peppers from the plastic bag. Here is where a hand blender or small food processor works great. Hold the peppers over a bowl and slit the bottom, draining the pepper juice. Split and seed the peppers and blend the two colors separately in the blender cup or food processor bowl, adding the olive oil and pepper juice equally to both color peppers. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Clean the grill thoroughly and oil it with a cloth dipped in cooking oil held with a pair of tongs. Lift the grill and sprinkle a few of the wood chips on the coals. If you're using a gas grill, put the chips on a double-folded piece of foil and lay them on the lava rocks. Remember that you are flavoring the fish, not curing it, so don't use too many chips.

Drain the excess oil from the fillets and lay them skin-side down on the grill. Close the cover immediately to avoid flames, which will cause soot to collect on the fish. Cooking time will vary depending on the heat of the fire and the thickness and type of fish, but four or five minutes should be plenty on the first side. Turn the fillets, move them off of the direct heat and close the lid again to finish cooking.

After only a few more minutes the fish should be done. Remove the fillets to serving plates and garnish with pools of the two pepper sauces.

EatingWell Fish Sticks

Author: Daily revenue // Category:
Canola oil cooking spray
1 cup whole-wheat dry breadcrumbs (see Shopping Tip) or 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
1 cup whole-grain cereal flakes
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large egg whites, beaten
1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into 1/2-by-3-inch strips

Shopping Tip: We like the Ian’s brand of whole-wheat dry breadcrumbs, labeled "Panko breadcrumbs," for their coarse and crunchy texture. Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets or substitute plain dry breadcrumbs (they’re finer so you need less).

EatingWell Fish Sticks Recipe at
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Set a wire rack on a baking sheet; coat with cooking spray.

Place breadcrumbs, cereal flakes, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika and salt in a food processor or blender and process until finely ground. Transfer to a shallow dish.

Place flour in a second shallow dish and egg whites in a third shallow dish. Dredge each strip of fish in the flour, dip it in the egg and then coat all sides with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the prepared rack. Coat both sides of the breaded fish with cooking spray.

Bake until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes.
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Pomegranate Ginger Tea

Pomegranate Ginger Tea

I am a coffee drinker, don’t get me wrong. In fact, our whole family enjoys coffee in the morning, especially since it gets freshly roasted each week by our very own. But when the afternoon rolls around I am not reaching for another cup-o-joe. Instead I want something hydrating and flavorful; something that will keep me warm as the cooler weather blows in. Tea is often that remedy, and this one is just delightful.

As a kid I remember struggling to open the pomegranate and tediously picking out the red seeds from the ever clinging pith. This process took longer than any kid ever wanted to spend on a project, but the end result was always satisfying: a bowl full of plump pomegranate seeds you could eat by the handful. An explosion of sweet juicy flavor finished by a nice crunchy seed. I have seemed to shy away from this mysterious fruit until trying it again recently, but not just as is, instead topped on sophisticated salads or made into drinks.

Pomegranate ginger tea is not just a warming beverage. It has a light flavor and fresh taste you don’t get from a dry tea bag. You taste the plant and can imagine it’s origin. This tea not only satisfies the palate, but gives your body so many benefits. One little cup packs in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thanks to the pomegranate and is a metabolism boosting, digestive aid from the ginger and lemon. It just so happens to be the perfect remedy when your body starts shutting down at 3 o’clock. It kicks you back into gear and gets you feeling light and refreshed, ready to finish your day off strong.

The below recipe will make only one cup, but feel free to make more and keep in the fridge as more of a flavored water alternative; similar to the infused water we made last year.

Tasty and refreshing, this vibrant tea may just be the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving day. Enjoy!

What You’ll Need

  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 lemon
  • nub of ginger, sliced
  • organic honey, optional
  • cup of boiling water

What to Do:

  1. De-seed a pomegranate and put aside about 1/4 cup of seeds.
  2. In a mug, combine pomegranate seeds, sliced ginger and the juice of 1/4 lemon. We don’t recommend adding the entire lemon unless it is organic or rinsed thoroughly since the skins can hold a ton of nasty pesticides.
  3. Bring a kettle of water to a boil, and fill your mug. Allow to steep for at least 3 minutes; the longer it sits, the tastier it is.
  4. Add honey if you’d like (though it is perfectly sweet from the juice of the seeds) and strain out the contents if it bothers you.

Makes 1 cup of tea

You may also enjoy:

Pine Needle Tea

Chai Tea


text:
Mung bean in Thai language

Mung bean is called in Thai “ถั่วเขียว” ( Thua Kheaw ). It literally means “green bean”. Be careful when communicate to Thai people.

Mung bean can be used to make transparent noodle “วุ้นเส้น” ( Woon Sen ).

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 Digimon re:CONNECT || Something wicked this way comes.

Age 21
Gender Male
Height 6'2"
Hair Brown
Eyes Brown
Birthday June 26th (Cancer)

Ian has been Peter's best friend since preschool. They elected to get a flat together instead of suffering through dorm rooms in college, and their friendship is solid enough that it's actually survived cohabitation for several years. He's very skeptical and incredibly prone to sarcastic comments, but he's able to roll with the punches pretty well because of his taking things as they come.
He's a philosophy major, and never, ever tires of playing up the pretentious douchebag persona that comes with it. He kind of likes to argue with people, which makes him kind of frustrating to deal with for people who don't know not to take him seriously. Generally, assume that at least half of what he says is completely tongue in cheek, and you'll do well.

-He's known about Banmon since he and Peter were six. He likes her and she likes him, but they tend to stay out of each other's ways.
-His least favorite song is Tom Jones' "What's New, Pussycat". There's a reason for this.
-He works front desk at a hotel and makes no secret of how much he hates his job and everyone he has to deal with.


text:
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Friday, December 31, 2010

YA Series Challenge

I've decided to take part in the YA Series Challenge hosted by Shannon of Stalking the Bookshelves and Farrah and Britney of I Eat Words. I already plan on catching up with reading lots of series that I haven't read yet (as seen in my Book Series Completion Challenge post) so this challenge seemed like a no brainer for me.

If you would like to read about the guidelines and prizes in this challenge, as well as where to sign up, please click here.

I will be entering at Level 4-Fully Committed 13-16 Books.

Like I mentioned earlier, I've already made an in depth post with book series that I want to read (not necessarily all in the year 2011 though), so I'm going to do my best to narrow my choices down for this challenge.

The Mortal Instruments Series
by Cassandra Clare
1. City of Bones
2. City of Ashes
3. City of Glass
I've already read these pre-2011 so they will not count towards this challenge.

4. City of Fallen Angels

The Caster Chronicles Series
by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
1. Beautiful Creatures
Already read and reviewed in 2010. Will not count.
2. Beautiful Darkness
3. 3rd book coming out 2011

Wicked Lovely Series
by Melissa Marr
1. Wicked Lovely
2. Ink Exchange
3. Fragile Eternity
4. Radiant Shadows
5. Darkest Mercy

The Darkest Powers Trilogy
by Kelley Armstrong
1. The Summoning
2. The Awakening
3. The Reckoning

Hush, Hush Trilogy
by Becca Fitzpatrick
1. Hush, Hush
2. Crescendo
3. 3rd Book coming out 2011

The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy
by Sarah Rees Brennan
1. The Demon's Lexicon
2. The Demon's Covenant
3. The Demon's Surrender (coming out 2011)

Edited to add: Two more levels have been added to this challenge, so I may add the following series to my list to read:

The Iron Fey Series
by Julie Kagawa:
1. The Iron King
2. The Iron Daughter
3. The Iron Queen (coming out 2011)
4. The Iron Knight (coming out 2011)

Chaos Walking Trilogy
by Patrick Ness:
1. The Knife of Never Letting Go
2. The Ask and the Answer
3. Monsters of Men

Percy Jackson and the Olympians
by Rick Riordan:
1. The Lightning Thief
2. The Sea of Monsters
3. The Titan's Curse
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth
5. The Last Olympian

by Scott Westerfeld:
1. Uglies
2. Pretties
3. Specials
4. Extras

Vampire Academy
by Richelle Mead:
1. Vampire Academy
2. Frostbite
3. Shadow Kiss
4. Blood Promise
5. Spirit Bound
6. Last Sacrifice

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Review: Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 1, 2009
Pages: 563
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - Super Crazy Awesome!
Description (from Goodreads): Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

In short: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a well written and intriguing novel with wonderful characters and a perfectly laid out setting.
I loved this book so much but I'm having a hard time putting into words exactly what it is that I liked about it. Why is it that it's easier for me to write at length about a book I didn't like as much but when it comes to the ones I truly loved, I find I'm at a loss for words? Does this happen to anyone else? Well, I'm going to do my best to explain, anyway.

It was very long and drawn out, but the plot never dragged or felt boring, only engaging and near the end, very fast paced.

It throws tons of questions at the reader in the beginning, but it never felt confusing or frustrating, only intriguing and fascinating.

It has a male protagonist written by female authors, but Ethan never seemed inauthentic. Instead he was very well fleshed out and genuine.

The writing was very well done. The setting was perfectly described and laid out. The characters, both main and side, were brilliant and distinct.

I just loved it! What more can I say?

Other Reviews:

Stalk The Authors (not for serious):

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine in which an upcoming, eagerly anticipated release is highlighted on the blog. This week Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky, coming out May 23, 2011 from Houghton Mifflin Books for Children:
DescriptionMaddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.
Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.
In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

Continuing on with my tradition of only ever posting about dystopians for my Waiting On Wednesday posts, I thought I would showcase Awaken because I love the premise. In fact, it hits pretty close to home for me and perhaps many other bloggers who spend what some people may argue is way too much time on the internet. I'll be interested to find out if this novel will have an effect on me and make me want to spend more time away from my digital life.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Muggle Monday (5)

It's time for Muggle Monday, in which I post a quote, a video, or a significant piece of news from the Harry Potter franchise. This is somewhat inspired by the Mundane Monday posts by The Mundie Moms.

But let's be real as to why I made up this meme: I just want the opportunity to post something about Harry Potter.

This week, Dumbledore's Speech from Cedric Diggory's funeral. I was really bummed they left this out of the movie. Dumbledore has some excellent quotes here:

    “Every guest in this Hall,” said Dumbledore, and his eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, “will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again – in the light of Lord Voldemort’s return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort’s gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.
    “It is my belief – and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken – that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from our midst.
    “Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory.”

-Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Sunday, December 26, 2010

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren (and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie) to showcase any books that I have received for review, bought, borrowed, or won to read.

I thought I would start this week with this super cute viral video in case you haven't seen it yet:

Aw. Hopefully he'll grow out of it. I'm sure anyone reading this will agree that getting a book for Christmas is one of the best presents to receive :)

by Lauren Oliver
Received for Review from NetGalley and HarperTeen

This is the first and only book I've ever requested for review from NetGalley. Basically, I signed up for an account, requested to read Delirium on a whim, never expecting I would actually get it, and then the next day I was accepted. Just like that! I was so surprised... I didn't think it would be that easy. I am very much looking forward to this one!

Description (from Goodreads): Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

by Cassandra Clare

I know, I know. I can't believe I only just bought this book either.

Description (from Goodreads): Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

by Markus Zusak

I am finally going to be able to read this book! Very much looking forward to it.

Description (from Goodreads): It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . .
Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.
This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

by Brian Sibley
Gifted for Christmas!

Yay! I'm super excited to read this, obviously.

Description (from Goodreads): Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series, and learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted," how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do. Written and designed in collation with the cast and crew that brought J. K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing film-making secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movies, this collectible volume offers a privileged look at the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.

Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange (Books #1 and #2 in the Wicked Lovely Series)
by Melissa Marr
Borrowed from Library

I won a Darkest Mercy ARC (Book #5) over a month ago and it's been basically just sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, waiting for me to read and review it. So I must read the first four books in this series and then this final book so that I can pass this book on to someone else to review before it is released in February!

Description of Wicked Lovely (from Goodreads): All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see? A debut fantasy romance for the ages; superlative summer read.

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the things I need to read so I doubt I'll be taking part in this meme next weekend, and maybe even the weekend after that. Then again, who knows... I might not be able to stop myself next time I pass a bookstore.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

I'm Back! With My First Giveaway!

Oi! Even though I've only been gone for two weeks and I've been doing my best to keep up with other people's posts in my absence, I still feel so out of the loop in the book blogging community! I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone.

Finals went okay... I'm just relieved they're over with. My trip to B.C. to visit my cousin where she works in Whistler was awesome. Vancouver was trendy and wet and gorgeous just as it always is. I got to see the Olympic Cauldron! Very cool. This was my first trip to Whistler. It was a wonderful, little tourist-y town. It snowed pretty much the entire time I was there. I have never seen so much snow in my life! It is simply too cold and too dry to get that amount of precipitation here in Alberta.

But enough about my trip. Let's talk about my first giveaway! (As if you haven't already scrolled through to the important bits already, lol)

For my first giveaway, I want to keep it very simple: just leave a comment and no extra entries are available.

I am giving away 13 To Life by Shannon Delany (Goodreads/My Review) and Wildwing by Emily Whitman (Goodreads/My Review). I liked both of these books but I just can't see myself ever rereading them so I'm giving them away instead. I won both of these books in contests so I thought it would be fitting if I passed both of them on in my own contest.

1. Leave a comment telling me how you spent your Christmas/Holidays.
2. I'm not going to lie, I would really love it if this prize went to someone who followed me. That said, for this giveaway, you do not need to be a follower to enter nor will you receive any extra entries for following.
3. Is it just me, or are a lot of my followers from the UK? Maybe it just seems that way. At any rate, I'm going to make this giveaway INTERNATIONAL because I don't want to exclude anybody.
4. This giveaway will end 2 weeks from today on January 9, 2011 at midnight EST.
5. The winner will be announced on the blog and will have 48 hours to send me an email. So if you choose not to follow, please make sure you have some other way of finding out if you win.

1. As I indicated earlier, these books are not new; I have read them already. I'm pretty anal about keeping my books in very good shape though, I promise.
2. If for whatever reason the person who wins only wants one of the two books, I will pick a second winner to receive the other book.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

MIA For Two Weeks

I'm going to be taking a hiatus from blogging over the next two weeks. First I have finals to study for, then right after that I'm going to visit my cousin in B.C., and then after that it'll be Christmas! So, I simply do not have time to keep posting during this time. However, I do plan on stopping in now and then, not so much on my own blog but other people's, whenever I have a break.

And when I return after Christmas, I'm planning on having my first ever giveaway! Exciting! See you then!

2011 Debut Author Challenge

So, I've decided to take part in the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren! I had my doubts initially because I have so many books already on my TBR from before 2011 that I want to get to. But I've decided that I'm just going to do it. Or try to do it anyway.

I tried to spread out my choices for the entire year but inevitably, I ended up with a cluster of books that will be released at the beginning of 2011. This is probably because these are the ones that are being reviewed already and being hyped about. I'm sure come the second half of the year, they'll be more debut author books that I want to read.

As you can see, most of them are dystopians. Fancy that. Looks like I'm not ready to let go of my dystopian obsession just quite yet. But there are also some angel books and post-apocalyptics thrown in there for good measure. Did any or all of these books make your list?

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher (January 1)
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (January 4)
XVI by Julia Carr (January 6)
Across the Universe by Beth Revis (January 11)
Angelfire by Courtney Moulton (February 15)
Wither by Lauren DeStefano (March 22)
Bumped by Megan McCafferty (April 26)
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (May 23)
Possession by Elana Johnson (June 7)
(not pictured) Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey (September)
(not pictured) Ashfall by Mike Mullin (October)
(not pictured) The Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts (November)

Friday, December 10, 2010

Review: 13 To Life by Shannon Delany

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: June 22, 2010
Pages: 308
Source: Won from YA Book Reads
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars - I Liked It
Description (from Goodreads): Everything about Jessie Gillmansen's life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she's about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accenthe's a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie's small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can't avoid...

In short: 13 To Life by Shannon Delany was lacking in action throughout much of the novel but still managed to be an entertaining read with fun characters and writing.

So, not a whole lot happens in this book. I was waiting for the action to kick in for the greater part of the novel. A big portion of the book was spent on the teen romance drama between the main character Jessie, her two love interests, new guy Pietr and old crush Derek, and best friend Sarah. The other portion was the mystery behind Pietr and his family. As is common in many of these types of paranormal stories, it is told in such a way that is so obvious to the reader that Pietr is a werewolf (I lost count of all the canine references) that it was frustrating that Jessie couldn't figure it out sooner, especially seeing as how she is supposed to be a crack reporter for her school. I should probably just learn to accept that this is going to be the case in most books of this genre that I read.

When the book starts out, Delany introduces the reader to seemingly every student at Junction High and it's a little hard to keep track of who is who. Or if it is even really important to remember the names of every single one of Jessie's class members. Turns out it's not. But I really did enjoy the characters of Jessie and Pietr and their friends. Jessie was easy to love (despite her daftness on Pietr's true identity). She loves YA vampire novels and is smart and feisty. Her inner dialogue was hilarious. Also, it seemed more real to how a teenager would speak and think than in many other YA novels where the characters seem to speak at a level too mature for their age. Pietr was cool and sensitive, a great male lead.

The writing was so fun and witty. Despite the lack of action, I still found myself being entertained by laugh-out-loud moments. Especially the self-referential excerpts. A taste:

"I was so stupid. As a writer, I know if I'd been a character in a novel a good editor would have scrawled TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) on the manuscript pages."

"Now I just wanted to read a book. A good, quick-to-read vampire book. Something that defied the very definition of proper literature. Something simply fun."

As a debut author, Delany has a lot to improve on. But I'm definitely interested in seeing her growth in the sequel, Secrets and Shadows. I've become invested in the characters and the book left off with quite a few questions and an annoying cliffhanger, so I'm committed to seeing it through.

Other Reviews:
Read Between The Lines
For What It's Worth
Lupines And Lunatics

Stalk The Author (not for serious):

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Into The Old World Reading Challenge

Into The Old World Reading Challenge

I've signed up to take part in the Into The Old World Reading Challenge hosted by Splash of Our Worlds and My Love Affair With Books! The books chosen for this 2011 Challenge just have to be ones that were published before 2009. In my mind, I'm going to refer to this challenge as the "I Can't Believe I Haven't Read This Yet, I Mean, Seriously" Challenge. Because, for real: Why haven't I? Where've I been? Living under a very dense rock, apparently. The following are the books that I hope to read next year. I could have included TONS more books from my TBR list that I've been meaning to read for years, but I'll start with these ones for right now.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)
Looking For Alaska by John Green (2005)
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1955)
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998)
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle (1962)
The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003)
The Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger (1951)
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (2005)