Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

by Carol4 Comments
Around the World in 80 Days was pretty much what I expected. Phileas Fogg makes a bet with his friends that he can travel around the world in 80 days and sets off with his newly-hired servant, Passepartout. Fogg is a calm, organized, rich man, and nothing throws him. It's basically his money that lets him accomplish his aim. Passepartout has most of the adventures. It's really more about the race against the clock than experiencing the countries they were travelling through. The story was first published in 1872 and it's attitudes toward native cultures are definitely dated. It was interesting to see the view of the America West at that time, though. The blurb makes it sound a bit more exciting than it is. Fogg is a bit too reserved, while Passepartout worries about everything that comes up, we know Fogg will make it work. He is too unflappable. In all honesty, Passepartout is my favorite character. He's the one out in...
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Readers’ Workouts – 6/6

by Carol6 Comments
I don't quite understand my steps. If I averaged over 8,000 steps a day shouldn't I have made my goal?   FitBit was running a 30-day spring challenge that I finished. For the burpees, I just did a stand up at the end, as described in the challenge, not a jump. I modifyed the push-ups by keeping my knees on the floor. FitBit May Challenge Day 1: Done (7687) Day 2: Done Day 3: Done Day 4: Done (10849) Day 5: Done Day 6 Done Day 7: Rest Day 8: Done (7763) Day 9: Done Day 10: Done Day 11: Failed (6887) Day 12: Done Day 13: Done Day 14: Rest Day 15: Done (8797) Day 16: Done (but on Day 17 because I forgot) Day 17: Done Day 18: Done (12454) Day 19: Done Day 20: Done Day 21: Rest Day 22: Done (9386) Day 23: Done Day 24: Done Day 25: Done (11375) Day 26: Done Day 27: Done Day 28: Rest Day 29: Failed (9574) Day 30: Done (on June 1) This week: Tuesday - Walk with the dog Thursday - Pilates, Run at the park Sunday - Pilates Monday - Walk with the dog Meal...
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The Freedom Broker by K. J. Howe

by Carol3 Comments
I have to admit, I really enjoyed this action adventure/mystery novel. Thea's job is get back people who have been kidnapped, whether through negotiation or rescue operations, and she's good at it. So when her father is kidnapped she can't trust anyone but her team to get him back. Of course, it's not simple. We've got arms dealers and African politicians and oil magnates all vying for power, with her father smack dab in the middle of it. And we've got a love interest for Thea. It's got a lot going on, but exciting and fast-paced. Thea's a great character, smart, tough, and skilled. She's also a bit blinded by her feelings toward her family. This is one of those instances where the reader knows a lot more about what's going on than the protagonist, but even at that there are a few surprising twists. The author has clearly done her research into kidnappings and hostage situations. I also appreciated that Thea is...
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Planning Events in Atlantic City, NJ

by Carol1 Comment
  Planning Corporate Events If you are the one in your company in charge of planning corporate events Atlantic City, NJ, rest easy that there are multiple opportunities to fulfill that requirement. You want the attendees to be educated in the subject of the get-together or new product launch and also be entertained when they are in that city for several days. You want to accomplish the business goals and also captivate the guests. There are an extensive number of hotels that specialize in providing all the elements necessary for a successful event from allocated space to the highest-quality cuisine to entertainment. When you know your budget limits and other specifications, you can seek out the hotels that are in that category and see online or in brochures what they offer and what special deals they are promoting. The hotels pride themselves on their professional staff of event planners who will work with you on personalizing every detail to smoothly help you create unique...
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Spotlight: Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins

by Carol1 Comment
Read an excerpt: “There you are, my dear,” said the Earl of Forsyth with a beaming smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Maitland saw at once that Daphne favored him. Her green eyes were the same shade as his, though there were lines of dissipation bracketing the earl’s. And though his expertly cropped blond hair was shot through with silver, what remained of its original color was the same shade as hers. But whereas Daphne’s gaze was focused off to the left of whomever she conversed with, like a bird hovering just over a branch, Forsyth’s speared one with cold calculation. As he did to Daphne now. “You are looking well, Daphne,” the earl continued, stepping forward to embrace his daughter, who looked as uncomfortable with the contact as Maitland had ever seen her. “The sea air agrees with you. As I knew it would.” “The sea is very beautiful,” Daphne replied woodenly. “Why are you here, Father?” “Is that any way to greet...
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Thursday’s Tale: Aurora Borealis

by Carol3 Comments
Today starts the Sci-Fi Summer Readathon. It's not surprising that there aren't many sci-fi-ish folk tales or fairy tales out there, so instead I found a spacey tale. This story comes from the Walter J. Hoffman's book, The Menomini Indians, circa 1888. I found it at Windows to the Universe.org. The Menomini are a federally recognized nation of Native Americans, with a reservation in Wisconsin. Historically, the tribe occupied a territory in upper Michigan and Wisconsin.  Their explanation of the aurora borealis is simple, but I like it. In the direction of the north wind live the manabai'wok (giants), of whom we have heard our old people tell. The manabai'wok are our friends, but we do not see them anymore. They are great hunters and fishermen, and whenever they are out with their torches to spear fish we know it, because then the sky is bright over the place where they are. I've never seen the northern lights. I'm told there are times when...
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