A Different Kind of Book Review: Guest Reviewer: Owen - A Cat Lover Special!

Image by emildom75 via Flickr

Easton gave me a practiced celebrity-greeting
the-little-people smile. Unpack one of those
computers just for him? When pigs fly, I
thought.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a pig that suddenly
launched itself onto the conductor's head.
It was a cat.
My cat. Owen.
For a moment Owen perched on top of Easton's
head, tail twitching, like some sort of kitty
Davy Crockett hat. Before any of us could
move, he leaped over to the top of one of the
bookshelves, shook himself and gave us a
wide-eyed stare. What was he doing at the
library? How the heck had he gotten into my
bag without my noticing?
~~~

Curiosity Thrilled
   The Cat


A Magical Cats Mystery
First in Series
"Something Whiskered This Way Comes..."


By Sofie Kelly












Hello! My name is Owen and I'm one of the two main characters in this book! I'm the one that...disappears...


Actually, I think I was asked to tell the story about the murder because I set up the storyline, sort of... You see, I jumped and appeared on the head of Gregor Easton. No, it wasn't a head statue, it was the real guy, who just happened to be criticizing my Mom at the time! I had to do something, didn't I?


Mom had been hired to become the head librarian and oversee a major renovation to The Mayville Heights Free Public Library. It was almost done but the contractor seemed to be taking sooooo long. And that had caused Gregor Easton, a well-known composer and conductor who was guest artist for the Wild Rose Summer Music Festival, to be frustrated because no internet access, as promised in the new brochure, was yet available!


Although things became calm and Easton finally left, Mom was concerned enough to get up early the next day and go to find an independent contractor, Oren, to ask for his help in getting the computer tables put together and try to move the renovation along while the main contractor handled the power. She knew Oren worked mornings at the Stratton Theatre. But she couldn't find Oren right away and started looking. She found, instead, Gregor Easton...He was dead!


Worse, a note was later found that indicated that Mom had invited Gregor to meet her at the Library, where the police found other clues that revealed that he had probably been killed there!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/93665474@N00/361951388

Mom was in bigggg trouble, so Herc and I knew we had to help. We took turns guarding Mom because she decided she was going to try to find out what was really going on since she knew she was a suspect! But while we were doing it, Mom caught on to our secrets big-time! We were busted! But Hercules was to blame! Let her tell you...


"My knees started to shake. I sat down. Hard. Hercules had vanished. He hadn't darted past me. He hadn't run around the corner. He'd walked through a solid wooden door just as if it wasn't there. I could see it again in my head without closing my eyes. He'd vanished through that door and it was almost as though there was a faint pop as the end of his tail disappeared..." Hercules," I called. "C'mon, puss. Where are you?" There was silence and then a faint "Meow" from the other side of the closed door. He was in there. Somehow he was in there. I grabbed the doorknob. Locked. I twisted the knob in frustration. Of course it was locked. The room was part of a murder investigation..."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gattou/2235349193/

You all will see that both Herc and I found many clues--even though Mom didn't realize what they meant right away. Then she began to put things together until, wow, a killer came after her! Well, needless to say, we were right there to save her life. While Herc went for help, I took a flying leap--well, let Mom tell you, I get mad just thinking about it!

"Owen appeared in midair, teeth bared, ears flattened against his head. He landed, yowling on [the killer's] head and dug in his claws..." Mom took over once she was able and then help was coming!

I have to tell you, folks, that this was really a very complicated case. The police were trying, and we were gathering clues, but it was Mom who, after her own life had been saved, finally put together who had killed Easton. A truly great whodunit for all you readers!

Oh, Mom thinks that you might want to know a little more about me and Herc. Well, Mom came to visit an old abandoned mansion near to her new home when we were just kits. We recognized her love as soon as we saw her and followed her home! But she didn't know we could do tricks...and, frankly, I'll bet she wonders sometime if we are ghost cats, since that old mansion is supposed to be haunted...

I just know we'll be back at BRH in the future, cause the owner here loves cats too and even collects cat mystery books! How Cool is That! She said to add that this book is highly recommended as a great whodunit, especially for all of you who love cats too!

Meow!
Thanks for Inviting Me!
Owen

Paper Puzzle by Harvey Does More Than Entertain...

Bibb County Courthouse
~~~
Little did Robin Yette know that taking
on the red-haired stranger as a client would
lead to his first visit to Macon, Ga...
One minute he is arguing for the release
of his client and the next minute he is being
escorted into a car by federal marshals...
One moment a free fire-breating lawyer out
to protect the rights of the innocent, the
next unable to go to the bathroom
without permission...
Judge Owes commenced the hearing by
asking Robin Yette if an audiotape diary
existed...
Judge Owes ordered Robin Yette to turn
over the tape for inspection.
Yette responded by objecting...
Judge Owes would hear none of it...

Paper Puzzle

(Kindle Edition)

By Harold Michael Harvey

OMG, I just finished a great cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers...

But you know what? After the chills had left my body, I realized that even if Harold Michael Harvey does not write a followup novel, that I didn't mind...not knowing the final whodunit! The entire story was so satisfying that I could accept not knowing the final outcome. Readers are able to surmise that good indeed won over evil!

I want to early point out that, at least with the kindle edition, there are many problems with spacing and format of the book and there were editorial issues that should have been attended to. However, this fanatic proofreader had little trouble skirting them, just because the storyline was so compelling. The suspense is ongoing and seemingly unending until the climatic last page, so I must recommend that readers forego criticism of the editing and just sink into the story. You won't be sorry!

Beginning in 1985 and historically looking back to the 40s, we take a close look at Macon Georgia. My guess is that it was a typical southern town, although it did have a fortunate turn during the war in that the town had little damage done and most of the beautiful homes were still standing. In fact, only one mansion had been hit by a cannonball and had gained notoriety from that...I highlight this only to illustrate that the historical background against which this story is set is an important part of the book.

After all, the war had affected the south more than any other part of America and the people who lived there had been permanently affected by the laws that occurred thereafter.

Oh yes, the laws had changed, but by the time of this story, the real world of the south had changed little...racial issues and tension are very much a part of this story, but it is, for me, more a tale of good and evil. Evil does not recognize race, it uses anybody who is willing to succumb to the mightiest temptation of all...Power... African Americans had no power. That was tradition. They were there to serve but mostly they were there not to be seen, except, of course, when the white master of the plantations desired to use the women for their own pleasures...

Clay Moore, who now was managing editor of the Macon Tribune and Journal, was having nightmares. Worse, he would wake in the mornings and find bits of news clippings scattered across his bed. He was so upset that he broke off his relationship with his lover because he couldn't trust what was happening. But even after she returned her key, the clippings continued to appear each morning. He was rattled, not just because these pieces of paper were appearing, but because they were pieces of his own work--articles that he had written years ago about murders that had occurred but that had never been formally resolved.

Clay was a good man, a solid journalist and with his past being literally thrown in front of him nightly, he began to reconsider all that had occurred. One thing he knew was that much of what he had written about had never been published--those in power had prevented it. But now things were happening, bits and pieces were starting to unravel and now Clay was the one they were looking toward for information!

Clay had seen the Federal Judge, who had sent the Marshals after him and dragged him into court, in action before. He remembered that the same Judge had kidnapped the lawyer of the accused man and forced him to ignore lawyer-client privilege. How? He had arrested both the lawyer and his wife! Now this judge was after Clay...

But there was another journalist who was also watching the story and seeking the truth. If I followed his lineage correctly, he was a descendant of Obadiah Royal who ironically had killed a former owner of the Macon Tribune and Journal during the Civil War. Now, Jimmy Royal, editor of The Voice, a weekly Black newspaper, who had been turned down for a position at the MTJ, was in a position to publish what Clay had never been able to! He started by writing about Clay Moore's arrest!

There are enough clues along the way for mystery lovers to begin to piece together and start responding to the possibilities of what actually happened. Harvey throws many of them right at us, while others are hidden just as much as how those pieces of paper were being left for Clay! Just how did this paper puzzle fit together?

Other reviewers may dwell on the racial issues in Harvey's book. They are indeed powerfully presented and reflect problems that, for many, still exist in today's world! This information is an important historical complement to the book. However, for me, the power of the courts, of our judges, was newly presented and revealing... and, I must admit, that was what left me wondering... Just as I know there are still many racially tense issues to be addressed today, are there also still those power-hungered court officials alive and quietly living and ruling people's lives?

For many reasons, this book is a must-read! It is a wonderfully suspenseful novel that stands strong in the mystery genre. I look forward to seeing more of Harvey's work for this reason alone! For the social issues he raises, they are unnerving. I hope Jimmy Royal and Clay Moore reveal more in the future! It's way past time for the truth to rule!

GABixlerReviews

Lovin' Doo Wop...with Little Anthony and the Imperials

Image by Getty Images via @daylife





Doo Wop!









Perhaps every generation best loves the music that was popular during their teens and early 20s...at least it is true for me... Every once in awhile a Doo Wop program comes on WQED, Pittsburgh and I find it happening, while flipping through the channels... I rarely plan to watch certain programs since I don't like to "plan" too many things as I've gotten older.

I caught a little of the program publicizing the October 8th Benedum Center program in Pittsburgh, starring Little Anthony and the Imperials as well as several other acts, including The Coasters. Traveling these days, especially at night, is not something I consider much, due to my concern about driving at night in areas where I don't know where I'm going and have to consider night vision issues...

But I'm quite content watching and listening on Television! And I love watching the performers from my early life, still performing, either for special events, or, some of them, still giving ongoing performances. This group is still very active - Check out their web site!

Little Anthony is someone special, don't you think? I sat there being amazed at the breath control and the power of his voice--funny how I notice these things now that I'm older...LOL You might also notice that I included vids with them being the same age as me...like, right now... Quite Good Looking Guys!

Let's Listen! Hurt So Bad...In the TV program, Little Anthony indicated that this was his favorite song. I've listened to both a tape from when he was younger and this one...his mature voice is soooo much better! I find that this one song keeps playing through my mind...if Anthony has not been hurt in his personal life, then I am quite mistaken and he is even more of a wonderful performer than I've thought! We are able to see his feelings so intimate, so hurt...and when he says Go...we know that it is because he can no longer stand the pain...His favorite might very well also be his "signature" song because nobody can think of Anthony and the Imperials without thinking of Hurt So Bad...

...Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop...Such Fun!

Goin' Out of My Head..all from the TV performance... and you can find lots more online! I just had to share a few of the greatest here with you. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I!









This is a Wild Card!   Let me know what you think!

A Different Kind of Review - Guest Reviewer - Isis...A Cat Lover Special!

pImage by BlueRidgeKitties via FlickrThe Cat, The Lady


  and The Liar




By Leann Sweeney




Good Morning Everyone! My name is Isis... I'm the star of this book and I'm so happy to have the opportunity to tell you all about it! Thanks to Book Reader's Heaven for the invitation...I understand, so well, the phrase at the top of this blog: "Books-Cats--Life is Sweet!" and I just knew when I saw it that I would have a wonderful time visiting! And, of course, I'm so grateful to Leann Sweeney for her wonderful books!

You see, I had been catnapped! Me, the princess of my beautiful estate where my Mother, Ritaestelle Longworth was also having problems. I just knew that they wanted me out of there so they could continue to do their nasty deeds! Mother was not acting right--she acted like when I have a furball to throw up,  moving around strangely, staggering and looking quite pale. Of course you cannot see when I am pale, given my beautifully groomed and maintained black fur...


Fortunately, I had been found by a cat-lover! And ultimately I wound up the responsibility of Jillian Hart, who immediately tried to meet with my Mother. What she found when she visited our estate bothered her very much. Mother's assistant, Miss Preston was the only one she was allowed to see! But while there, a noise and voices from upstairs disrupted their discussion and Miss Preston ran to find out what was wrong. Fortunately for my Mother, Jillian followed...

Mother was on the floor, having fallen, with a number of people there trying to get her up. But Mother saw Jillian and although she didn't say it at the time, she recognized her!

Where was I? Well, I was at Mrs. Hart home, having my own crisis! Jillian had placed me in my own room in her basement, which was quite nice, but I didn't want to be alone, so I started to complain--loudly! Well, while Mrs. Hart was trying to talk to my mother, I saw my door slowly opening... I was free!

But, OMG, there were three strangers there, their eyes aglow and watching every move I made...and then they started to close in on me! Well, I had no choice--I ran! Ok, I later realized that Jillian had kids too and we finally got along, for the most part...at least, once Jillian had come home and found me in the hiding place I had used, and freed me...

Days later, my Mother came to get me! Even I was shocked to see her, because she had a robe on and a curler in her hair, like when we are ready for bed! But Jillian was very cordial and welcomed Mother into her home. Only trouble was that when she first came, I, ahhh, had got in a little trouble again and I was caught and couldn't get out!

Well, by the time that Jillian and my Mother had talked about why she was there--Ritaestelle told Jillian that she knew somebody was drugging her and she had slipped out dressed like that purely because she had seen a chance to escape! She had realized what was happening and had stopped drinking what had been given to her, so she was sounding like she used to (even if I couldn't get out and come to her!) Finally, when Mother asked to see me and Jillian came for me, she had to work about 5 minutes to cut me out of that old basket I had gotten stuck in!

In the meantime, Mother had gone outside and Jillian found all the other cats outside along with her! She quickly closed me in, got two more of her kids inside and ran down to help Ritaestelle who was calling her for help. When she arrived, she found Mother bloody and a body was in the water. Jillian quickly pulled her out, discovered it was Miss Prescott, and tried to save her--but she was already dead.

The best decision Mother made when the police came and everybody pointed to her as the killer, was to decide to stay with Jillian and not go back home! She then asked Jillian and her very handsome male friend to investigate on her behalf who was, what they called, gaslighting her, referring to some movie--people talk strangely sometimes! Of course, a lot of other things happened and lots of people were involved, but for the most part, I was happy helping Jillian's friends play tag with all the buttons that  had been delightfully overturned from Jillian's sewing room and with which we played tag with on the floor! But, after all, that activity was what solved the crime, as they say...so we were the real crime stoppers! You'll want to pay close attention to our button chases to learn more!

Who is we, well, of course, I have introduced myself, but Jillian said I didn't need to introduce her kids because Leann Sweeney had already been declared a must-read author here at BRH and her kids would be introduced at another time! So I'll just close by letting everybody know that Mother and I are once again home, where we belong! We are so happy that Jillian cared about us enough to take us into her home and help to have all the dangerous things that were happening come to light and clear my Mother's good name!

Mystery, suspense and finding out whodunit are not things I want to remember, but if you enjoy them and love characters such as me, Isis, with my diamond-studded collar, in the star role, (take a look at my other jewels below!) then surely you will agree with me that this particular book, as they say, is a must-read!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonelycoo
/4657056804/sizes/m/in/photostream/

By the way, one thing I learned about and immediately made mother buy was a cat-camera which Jillian used to keep track of all of us...how cool!

Now everybody at the estate can watch me and my star-like antics and nobody can ever catnap me again.....
while I cat...nap...ROFL!






Meow!
Princess Isis!

http://cat-id-tags.com/

What Happened to Proper Telephone Etiquette??? A Rant...

Image by Pete Prodoehl via FlickrI don't know about you, but when I was in school, and later in business, I was taught how to properly handle a business call...


Now with so many forms of electronic messaging, it is getting worse...but, the business call is still the one that puts me on the edge...


First, I admit...the frustration level  for Mindless Bureaucracy within business is extremely low for me...Why? Because I worked for over 40 years, faced job burnout during that period...and...well, that's enough of that for now...


Here's what normally happens these days:

Caller: Hello, may I speak to Glenda  - This normally comes from a woman, very friendly, like, I'm just calling to talk... yeah...

...sometimes Glenda Bixler or Mrs. Bixler (of course, no caller checks your marital status, that takes time and interest in the one you are calling...and, oh my, using Ms. just doesn't work for most men...

Immediately, I am on alert...I go into my own professional mode...

My Response: Who is Calling please?

This is Graham Smyth... Sometimes, but not always a company name is given...all of this very fast or mumbled and you know that the individual has not been properly trained...and too often not able to be understood, seemingly irritated that I dare ask who was calling???

If I do not understand, I ask for repetition until I definitely know who it is...If I'm not able to understand the caller...you got it, I hang up! 

My Response: Yes? (If I'm willing to accept the call)


Is this Glenda Bixler?


Seriously, folks, you've already wasted my time...if I was not the individual talking, I would have already said "Just a moment." Right? Why must I confirm that you are talking to me, especially since you would have never told me your name/company if I hadn't asked??? Am I right?


And this is just the opening interactions...most times thereafter it gets worse!


One key point for me: If you have called my home, it is YOUR responsibility to create the business connection. Most people answer home phones with "hello" so it is important that the business caller identify him/herself immediately!

~~~

Yes, I'm on that list of "Do Not Call" for solicitation!


Nowadays, this is what companies are doing to get around that... (after the same opening as above, of course)


I'm from Brand X Company or XYZ Charitable Organization...


Of course, I have an immediate response prepared, "I'm not interested."


Oh, we're not selling anything (or asking for money), we'd like to ask you some research questions!


You know, I recently had a bank officer tell me that in order to NOT receive his calls, I had to sign up for Privacy! Gee, I thought I already had privacy...especially in my home... But you should realize that if you are doing any form of business with a company, then they have TOTAL access to you...

...............................

Why doesn't this happen anymore?


Hello, this is Jane Smith, from America's Best Credit Card Services. I'd like to speak to Glenda Bixler...


My Response: Speaking


Ms. Bixler, I need to discuss a question with your account, do you have time to talk now?




------------------------

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Smartcard2.png

Ok, here's my rant: I just got a call from a credit card company. I had not activated the card that was sent to me. I told the individual calling that I had also not activated any previous cards (and in fact I had cancelled years ago - or maybe not, because - I might have expected action on the email I would have sent!

Sooooo, today, after explaining I had not activated any of the cards for years, I was told with irritation "Well, you still have an account!" My immediate reaction was, "Well cancel it!"

"I can't...you must call..." Later, as she was getting nasty... "I cannot transfer your call..."

I have given up stating when I've sent an email to their online customer service group... I use email to have a record of my own actions. I have, unfortunately, learned that customer service is, for the most part, nonexistent...It is so bad generally that you are pleasantly SURPRISED when somebody efficiently and courteously handles your contact...

What Mindless Bureaucracy! In large companies it is deplorably worse. What happened to customer service...or "the customer is always right"...?

Not These Days in the U.S.!

If the customer does not initiate every single action, then...hey, that is the customer's fault... Just because I was calling you regarding activating your card, that does not mean I should be able to ensure your account has really been cancelled...and we are such an important company that we don't want to take the time to transfer your call... it's better for you to call direct so if our lines are busy...then you have to keep calling back and I won't be bothered with dealing with somebody else's job...

~~~~~

http://www.flickr.com/photos/o5com/
5126345115/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Recently, I decided to purchase/start  a "diet program." optimistically thinking this would (1) save me shopping time since the food would be delivered... (2) save me money, since the huge cost (with promotional discount seemed to be about what I purchased monthly anyhow... and (3) it would save me daily time since food would be readily available and easily "nuked"...


Several things happened, I had signed up online, choosing email as my preferred contact mode (remember I like to have a record of my contact) and I optimistically signed up for auto-delivery...Reader Alert, be fearful of seemingly good deals...)


The product was to be delivered in two separate shipments because I had selected to have frozen entrees at a higher cost...so I decided to wait until I had the complete order before beginning. In the meantime I started reading the packet. One item was not in the box, so I immediately sent an email... (You guessed it, days later a return email told me to call...)


As I continued to read, I realized, contrary to what I thought it would be) that most of the entrees did not include vegetables...Nearly all vegetables and fruit had to be purchased in addition to what the program provided - so quick recalculation, I would be spending MORE per month for food...


Then I got the call that the frozen food was to be delivered. I decided to begin...and faithfully carried the little booklet  to complete as I sat down for breakfast of tea and a muffin...(you can do this online, which would be even more time-consuming!) That's when I realized that I was expected to eat 6 times a day! Had I not chose this program, thinking it would save prep time???


Now, I'm a single woman as you all know. Buying fruit and vegetables for one is very expensive--you rarely can consume what you purchase without it going bad first! So I had started to purchase Bistro salads...they are generally fresh, have a small size dressing measured out, a little chopped ham or egg, or other items...a very good choice, by the way...


Anyway, the book indicated your should eat this or that for one meal, versus the next, versus the next... So if I ate a salad as above, I really should have been eating the protein (meat) with breakfast, for instance...Beginning to get the picture? You got it...by the time that day was over I had spent that entire day trying to keep track and follow and divide food out into six slots of the day! Needless to say this program, which was preset and might work for many people...would NOT save me time and would drive me crazy (I do know myself!)...


At the end of the day when I opened the last (6th) selection, I chose popcorn...It was stale... Indeed 90% or more if you don't choose to pay for the frozen choices (which, by the way, you had no ability to choose) of the food is boxed or canned. Some is quite good; others not...


There was one other issue for me. Having a month's food was a lot more than I had planned for storage, or to say it better, I have very little storage space where I live and trying to find some place to stash a month's supply was difficult if I didn't want to just leave it in the box and shove it in a corner or sit on top of my dining table....


By the end of the first day...I knew this was not going to work for me...Not only did I not save money and time, I was forced into more time consumption than ever before...


Now...first...do you think I had, first, thought about going into a program such as this...and, do you think I had valid reasons for immediately deciding that the program would not work for me? I do, so if you don't, I'd like to hear and talk about it...


Because, you wouldn't believe what I had to go through to get OUT of the program! Want to know more?










Seriously folks...am I exaggerating? Do I expect too much in relation to how I am treated as a customer/consumer? Am I the one with the problem...or...






This is a "Wild Card" posting! Tell me what you think!

It's Entertainment! Presented by Celtic Thunder And... The Glee Project!

Now Running on PBS, WQED, Pittsburgh...

And recently I caught it! Admittedly, I was not prepared for the music to be what it was...I had seen the group before and most songs were more traditionally from their home land... After the shock, however, I was quite pleased with the songs!




After you listen to Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, you'll see choices for other selections: Standing on the Corner, a Surfer Medley, Just Like Jesse James, That's a Woman and Puppy Love...

Early in the program, I recognized one of the singers from another place! Damian McGinty



Here's the announcement on their home site

Celtic Thunder's, Damian McGinty has been selected as one of the top 12 finalists out of 40,000 contestants who competed for a coveted spot on "The Glee Project". The winner of the show will be cast in a seven-episode guest role in season three of hit show “Glee” on Fox. “The Glee Project”

Have you been watching this show? I have! It is on Sunday nights...and has only one or two shows left so the winner might have been named. by the time this is scheduled to run. Damian is now in the final four and has greatly matured during the time he's been working with the Glee Project. The selected individual will be placed on the television show, Glee--surely you've at least seen one of that show, right? Any show that includes singing normally gets at least checked out by me. As usual, I have mixed feelings about who might be selected, but I don't think they could lose if they pick Damian...

One other item on Celtic Thunder, WQED is now announcing an upcoming concert in Pittsburgh on November 1st, starring Paul Byrom who has such a fantastic voice!

This has been a Wild Card selection! Let me know what you think!