http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/020938.html

(nurse with elderly lady on wheelchair comes against Asian American pregnant woman with baby in stroller)
Nurse: Oh my, I'm sorry! (pulls back to let woman and child pass)
Asian American pregnant woman: Oh, I'm sorry, I can...
Senile old lady: Get out of the way, chink!
(infant cries)
Asian American pregnant woman: Excuse me?
Nurse: Oh my god! I'm so sorry.
Senile old lady: Don't apologize!
(nurse backs up and lets mother and child through)

--Washington Square Village

Overheard by: zgoldberg

Hello again, DP!

I was doing a closet purge today, and I found my old engagement ring in the depths of a drawer. My ex specifically said previously that he didn't want it back, and I could use a bit of extra cash to help pay some medical bills.

It's a pretty modest ring, but it is made of quality materials. (i.e. real gold and small diamonds) Does anyone have a tip on where I might have the best luck with selling it for a fair price, besides the obvious pawn shop or Craigslist? Also, I know diamonds don't exactly hold their value well, so is this even worth the energy?

Thanks muchly!

I just wanted to thank anyone that took two seconds to try and help me out with my computer problems, I ended up getting rid of it, all it took was not being lazy. For those who said simply "get a mac" I have one and I dont see how that fixes my pc.

Bitter Angels (2009)
Written by: C. L. Anderson
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 438 (Mass Market Paperback)

The premise: from BN.com, which is also the backcover blurb: The Erasmus System is a sprawling realm of slavery, smugglers, spies—and constant, creeping decrepitude. Here everyone who is not part of the ruling Four Families is a slave of one kind or another. But the Guardians, a special-forces branch inside the United World Government for Earth, have deemed Erasmus a “hot spot.” Somehow, it is believed, this failing colony intends to launch a war upon the solar system.

Ex-Field Commander Terese Drajeske, now a mother of three, has been called back to active duty and sent to Erasmus, ostensibly to investigate the murder of her colleague—and friend—Bianca Fayette. At first blush, the death defies explanation: Bianca was immortal. But beneath that single murder lies a twisted foundation of deceptions. Suddenly Terese is plunged into a vortex of shattered lives, endemic deceit, and one dreadful secret. In this society without hope, someone has put into motion a plan that will cast humanity into chaos. And Terese, who has given up her family and her sanity to prevent war, may be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice….

My Rating

Give It Away: this is a hard book to rate, because in truth, the ending alone is what MADE this book and is what will make me seriously consider a sequel. Whether there will be a sequel or not, I don't know, but I definitely won't ignore future offerings from this author, and that's all based on the strength of the ending. That said, Anderson's complex plot is such that, while it leaves you guessing as to what's REALLY going on, it also keeps your head in a cloud, making it difficult for the reader to figure it out for herself. It's not an easy book to classify either: it's kind of military-SF, kind of space opera, and kind of . . . I'm not sure what. Yes, it's SF, but on one hand, while it reads like SF and will appeal to readers of both genders, on the other hand, there's something about it that doesn't read like SF at all, and not in a good way. I think it's the cloud I felt I was reading through, and hey, maybe that's just my problem. :) I will say that if you figure out what's REALLY going on before it's revealed, you should give yourself a pat on the back, because I sure couldn't connect the dots, not until I was supposed to. :)

Review style: we're dividing this sucker up. Likes and dislikes, because I think it'll help me wrap my head around the book. Spoilers? No. I don't think I could spoil this if I tried. :) So if you're interested in the FULL review, feel free to head to my LJ by clicking the link below. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: C.L. Anderson's BITTER ANGELS

Happy Reading!

DON'T FORGET: the November Book Club selection is Alaya Dawn Johnson's Racing the Dark. We'd love to have you! For details on how to participate in this and future challenges, just click here.

Bitter Angels (2009)
Written by: C. L. Anderson
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 438 (Mass Market Paperback)

I first heard of this book while browsing my friends' page on Facebook. Anne Harris put up a picture of the cover, and at first, I thought the cover belonged to a Kat Richardson novel, because the artist was the same and the design was similar, but when I clicked, I learned really quick it wasn't. It was an SF by a woman writer! So I plunked it on my wishlist and ordered it as soon as I was able. Because we all know I can't resist SF written by women. :)

The premise: from BN.com, which is also the backcover blurb: The Erasmus System is a sprawling realm of slavery, smugglers, spies—and constant, creeping decrepitude. Here everyone who is not part of the ruling Four Families is a slave of one kind or another. But the Guardians, a special-forces branch inside the United World Government for Earth, have deemed Erasmus a “hot spot.” Somehow, it is believed, this failing colony intends to launch a war upon the solar system.

Ex-Field Commander Terese Drajeske, now a mother of three, has been called back to active duty and sent to Erasmus, ostensibly to investigate the murder of her colleague—and friend—Bianca Fayette. At first blush, the death defies explanation: Bianca was immortal. But beneath that single murder lies a twisted foundation of deceptions. Suddenly Terese is plunged into a vortex of shattered lives, endemic deceit, and one dreadful secret. In this society without hope, someone has put into motion a plan that will cast humanity into chaos. And Terese, who has given up her family and her sanity to prevent war, may be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice….

Review style: we're dividing this sucker up. Likes and dislikes, because I think it'll help me wrap my head around the book. Spoilers? No. I don't think I could spoil this if I tried. :)

( BITTER ANGELS: no spoilers )

My Rating

Give It Away: this is a hard book to rate, because in truth, the ending alone is what MADE this book and is what will make me seriously consider a sequel. Whether there will be a sequel or not, I don't know, but I definitely won't ignore future offerings from this author, and that's all based on the strength of the ending. That said, Anderson's complex plot is such that, while it leaves you guessing as to what's REALLY going on, it also keeps your head in a cloud, making it difficult for the reader to figure it out for herself. It's not an easy book to classify either: it's kind of military-SF, kind of space opera, and kind of . . . I'm not sure what. Yes, it's SF, but on one hand, while it reads like SF and will appeal to readers of both genders, on the other hand, there's something about it that doesn't read like SF at all, and not in a good way. I think it's the cloud I felt I was reading through, and hey, maybe that's just my problem. :) I will say that if you figure out what's REALLY going on before it's revealed, you should give yourself a pat on the back, because I sure couldn't connect the dots, not until I was supposed to. :)

Cover Commentary: okay, the fact it was a Chris McGrath cover that is designed like the Kat Richardson books really caught my eye, but beyond that, it's not my favorite by this artist. I just can't picture Terese like she's depicted on the cover. That may be due in part to the fact that in the beginning, when Terese is describing her children, she reveals that one of them has died his skin while so he REALLY stands out in the family, which makes me think the family is not-white, which makes me think Terese is not-white. And Terese is never REALLY well described except to say at the beginning, she's let her body grow lumpy with age, and then to say that the surgery to get her back in fighting shape was hell. So yeah, not how I pictured Terese. But the cover's eye-catching, so that's good. :)

Next up: Stolen by Kelley Armstrong

Just went to the Portland Symphonic Choir: The Brahms Requiem then ran into Scott McCloud at my local bar. Weird.



these are photos scott and I took of each other across Ivan Brunetti back in 1994 (or so).

http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/020937.html

Mom: So Good Luck Chuck kind of sucked, huh?
Teenage daughter: Well, what did they expect? It's Dane Cook and Jessica Alba, for crying out loud! That's bad luck!

--Tomoe Sushi

Overheard by: Sromeo

Well Portland, you put on a good comic book convention. Sure I'd like to see more girls dressed up in super hero costumes, but you take what you can get right? Anyhow I enjoyed today's con and I appreciate that I only smelled a few people who didn't shower.

For the last few months I've been looking for comic book creators (artists, writers, inkers, colorists, editors, editors - whatevers) and I've even had some success! If anybody is interested in getting together with a bunch of creators on a somewhat (monthly?) regular basis please let me know - here or at dalewoodruff AT gmail dot com. (<--- does that really work?)

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ICanHasCheezburger/~3/FDZ1Ci1MCtg/

http://icanhascheezburger.com/?p=207469

I just read Pushing Ice, and it was one of those books that really unsettles you, makes you wonder.
It's about human space exploration, a hard sci-fi. Possibly spoilers....but I've never really minded spoilers, so just...be careful.
It opens with a sort of a prologue, set some five hundred or so years in the future (possibly the Revelation Space universe) and they are discussing a way to commemorate a lady who helped advance space technology: Bella Lind. Then the book flashes back to the past, around 2050 or so, and traces the path of Bella. She's the captain of a comet-mining space ship, and also commander of the only ship that can chase Janus, a moon that has suddenly deviated from its orbit. On the way while they are chasing the moon, one of the people under Bella--her friend, Svetlana--discovers that the corporation that pays them has lied and sent them on a suicide mission to gather data. It is too late, though, by the time that Bella decides to act, and then a mutiny ensues, dividing the five hundred crew members down the middle. Svetlana wins, but is forced to land on Janus.
The book then follows their ensuing struggles to live on an unhospitable, often hostile and vicious moon. As Janus is traveling--under its own power--at speeds close to light, time dilation occurs, Earth signals are no longer intercepted and the protagonists leap into the future.
There's more to that, but it would really get into spoilers then.
This is a book about friendships, too, and friendships turned sour; also about how sometimes the choices are incredibly hard to make but necessary all the same. It is about people and how they change (though a couple of them were too-good-to-be-true).
What was unsettling (for me) was just the time dilation--they have travelled eighteen million years into the future, in about 100 years.

But if you like sci-fi, and don't mind that length (about 400 pages, standard Alastair Reynolds) I highly recommend you read this book. Just have a newspaper next to you when you read it, just to confirm with yourself that it is still 2009. It's very engrossing.

With the help of Jennik and 52merk, this light has been identified as the Grand Island East Channel Light near Munising, MI. It was built, according to 52merk in 1868 and abandoned more than a 100 years ago. For more info check this link provided by 52merk.
http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/superior/eastchannel/index.htm

Hotel front desk!
We have a certain band staying at our hotel that is wholesome and patriotic but apparently rejected by society.
Anyway they are here with all of their roadies.
( Cut for language )

Hey, D-Peeps. My lovely significant other, sistermaryeris, is doing a food drive for three SE 122nd area elementary schools. We're looking for places to put food drop-boxes that are either in the vicinity of the 122nd/Division/Powell/Holgate area, or locations that are just likely to have nice people drop off non-perishable foods.

The schools, Mill Park, Menlo Park, and Gilbert Heights, all have around 80% of their kids qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. At Gilbert Heights, Sandi's after-school kids also get free dinners on some nights. During extended breaks, they're not able to access these resources, so we'd like to stock up their cupboards a bit.

We realize, of course, that for many of us it's hard enough just putting food on our own table. But if you can help by taking a food box, if you work somewhere that might want to donate food or dollars, or if you just want to help in some way, please let us know in comments.

The drive runs from now until December 4. Thanks!

Author: Charles Shaar Murray
Original Title: Crosstown Traffic: Jimi Hendrix and the Post-War Rock'N'Roll Revolution
Pages: 350 (French edition)
Rating: A

Synopsis: With his hippie trappings and revolutionary approach to the electric guitar, Hendrix was an anomaly on the American black music scene. Recognition of his talent did not occur until he performed in England. Shaar-Murray, an established British author, brings a fresh and insightful perspective on this fascinating artist to American readers. More than just another biography, the book is a broad-based study of African-American music--blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and soul--and how the music influenced, and was influenced by, Hendrix.(amazon)

( My little review right there )

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ICanHasCheezburger/~3/NWcqsww_8N0/

http://icanhascheezburger.com/?p=195729

I found a very cute, small Siamese kitty in my backyard a few months ago. I thought he was the neighbors but after talking with a few people on the block, it turns out he is an abandoned stray--probably abandoned by a certain person who lived in one of the houses that got foreclosed on here. So I have started feeding it, and the cat is very affectionate--let me pet him/her immediately, likes to sit in my lap, etc. This cat is very sweet and would make a great pet, but alas, cannot keep it because of my mean cat who would not be so nice to another kitty in the house.

First of all, where could I take this cat to see if it is neutered and to check for a microchip just in case I'm wrong about who the previous owner is? Is there anywhere that would do that for free? I actually would pay if I had to though.

And the inevitable question... does anyone want an awesome cat? If I could find the right home for this guy (I won't be charging a fee as that feels weird, but I would want to check up on the person and home it would go to) I will pay for it to be fixed if it isn't, and I'll get a vet visit taken care of as well. I can also give you a cat carrier. I would like to see the cat go to an indoor-only home.

I have a picture of the cat that can be sent through email.

Just posted Review: The Dresskeeper by Mary Naylus

http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/020936.html

4-year-old boy to father waiting in line to buy ice cream cone: I used to like chocolate, but not so much anymore. (pauses to consider) Now I think it's disgusting.
Father, shocked: That's pretty strong language!

--Bittersweet Cafe, DeKalb Ave

Overheard by: Hilariter

[snerk]

But Chavez is the one whose really got it going on.

ETA: As I said in my last post:
Now, we're polite and accommodating with our customers, but we are encouraged to NOT just blow over if they're being rude or abusive with us, that's right, I get to have a backbone, we're not subservient. Just thought I'd mention that so I don't get and "OMG BAD_SERVICE!" because I wasn't exactly being perky and happy towards the ends of these calls.



Harley dealership.

My dealership was having a "garage sale" on all the used bikes today, the ad on the radio also advertised discounts up to 60% off in Motorclothes and Parts.

Phone call:

Me: _______ Harley-Davidson, this is serindipitous, How can I help you?
Him: So, lemme get this straight, you're having a sale.
Me: Yes on all the used bikes.
Him: Well what's the percentage off?
Me: I don't know, actually, but-
Him: So you have an ad on the radio and you don't even know what the sale is?
Me: I'm in apparel, actually, I have nothing to do with bike deals, but I can get you in touch with sales.
Him: OH you're in apparel? And all you're stuff is 60% off?
Me: No, not all of our merchandise, SOME of our merchandise is up to 60% off.
Him: OOOOH Ohh I see. That's quite the fu**ing ploy, isn't it?
Me: Do you want me to put you in touch with sales or not?
Him: *CLICK*

Another phone call:
This was 30 minutes before open, but we were having an event so I picked up.

Him: Hi, do you know where Blackwater St. is?
Me: I'm actually not from the area and the only other person I have here is from Othertownfaraway, so I don't think I can help you, I'm sorry.
Him: Well do you have any numbers to the town offices? *it becomes clearer what's happening*
Me: This is a H-D dealership, I don't have any of those numbers, you can try going on the city website or calling 411.
Him:...Maybe you should just put me in touch with one of the (stressed) GUYS so that I can actually get the information I want.
Me: I'm sorry there are NO GUYS here right now, maybe you should try the other options I have suggested. Have a nice day.
*CLICK*

Seriously?! CALL 411! Just because I work in the town does not make me Mapquest or Information!

I have had a hell of a time with people calling for directions to the motel lately.

#1 - please, please please don't call in the middle of a fully booked night, tell me you need the address to put in your GPS, and then tell me to wait while you pull over and figure out how to put it in your stupid machine. You called me, remember? It'd be nice if, when I gave you the information you requested, you were actually ready to put it into that stupid thing. The crowd in the lobby was really not excited to watch me repeatedly tell you the address, the spelling, the address again because somehow you turned #1123 into #1569. How does it even sound alike? It doesn't. Truly.

#2 - I know Ohio is "right next to Pennsylvania," but I really can't give you directions to the motel from your house in Ohio to our motel. No, I really don't know where that highway you're on leads. Sorry, but I generally don't drive out to Ohio that often. I know my local roads, not yours. This is why there are things like Mapquest and GoogleMaps...why didn't you get some directions before you left for your trip? Oh, you thought it'd be cool to just call and ask me? Well, I'm not familiar with Cincinnati. Sorry, you're going to have to stop and ask for directions. Although I'm sure no gas station in your part of the state will know how to get you to my budget motel.

#3 - You need directions? You're coming from Nearby Town A? Ok, well you take Road X to Road Y, get off at Exit 1, make a left, another left onto Road Z - Oh, you need to know where DumbCompany is located because they told you they were located right next to my motel and you start a job there tomorrow? Are you staying here tonight?....No, you just figured I'd love to waste my time giving you directions? To someone who isn't even staying here? Have you heard of the internet or a map? Or better yet, why not ask your new job where it is located? Sorry, I don't know exactly which office building it is located in, because I am not here to give directions to DumbCompany. Thanks for wasting my time. Excuse me while I *headdesk* myself into oblivion.

#4 - I'm not sure where you got the impression that BudgetMotel offers Jacuzzi tubs, continental breakfasts, or plasma tvs, but no, I won't refund your $38.75 because the room was "unacceptable." It was clean, right? You were just disappointed it was a regular tub and tv? You probably should have spoken up before you spent the entire night then.

Seriously, no love today, guests. Other than my awesome couple of rooms from last night (including one group of women who left me a card at the desk thanking me for the directions/recommendations I gave them - they witnessed the first GPS guy conversation from the lobby) it has been like an episode of the Twilight Zone.

EDIT: And now I just got a crank call from Billy Mays. Awwwesome.

There are some authors/series that I just seem unable to get into despite popular or critical acclaim. The majority of my fiction reading tends towards science fiction/fantasy.

I can't get in Stephen King's Dark Tower series. I thought since print didn't work I'd try the CD version. Forget that my Cd player broke (my fault I dropped it) but by disc 3 I didn't really give a damn about the story. I usually really like George R.R. Martin's writing but I can't get into a Song of Fire and Ice.

The Dresden files are fund light reading. But, after Kim Harrison's first book I had no desire to try the next one. I've looked at them in bookstores, and frankly I feel like the characters have all followed predictable paths that I picked up on in the first book (I know a lot of people like Ms. Harrison I just don;t enjoy her characters as much as Butcher's). I'm going to try Laurel Hamilton again as I reserved the CD version of Guilty Pleasures.

Michael Moorcock, I love his concepts but not his writing. Roger Zelazny, Peter F. Hamilton-I feel like screaming that they need to move the story along, and in both cases I end up not caring about their characters.

Anyway, thanks for letting me say this. A caveat-I'm not knocking these writers in particular. I'm just wondering what it is that I'm missing in their books. Because my usual reaction is meh, or I have something else I'd rather move onto and read.

Hey DPers,

The last Thursday of this month happens to be Thanksgiving (Ah'doy), but is it also "Last Thursday" (Alberta artsy stuff) as well?

http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/archives/020935.html

Girl to loser boyfriend: You wonder why we have all these problems? It's like, no matter what I say, everything goes in one ear and out the other with you.
Loser boyfriend: Nah babe, I listen to everything you say.
Girl: No, you don't--it's like I'm speaking another language...
Loser boyfriend: What do you mean "another language"?
Girl, getting upset: Nothing fuckin registers in that head of yours. We have all this shit to deal with because you don't know what the fuck I say. You say you listen but you just don't register nothing. Like I'm speaking another language or some shit!
Loser boyfriend, looking at another girl: So... what are you sayin'?

--South Ferry

Has anyone found that SAD lights help their seasonal mood changes?