Category Archives: Diversions

The stuff that didn’t fit elsewhere.

Screen time, Social Media

Friday links! Making me laugh and cry

  • Have you seen the Rickroll thing? It never fails to make me laugh. And when it “evolved” into the BarackRoll? Priceless. Oh, but it gets better! Click over to watch as John McCain gets BarackRoll’d.
  • On a more serious note, Mary at Owlhaven has pledged to spend only $200 at the grocery store this month. That might not sound all that difficult. Until you learn that Mary has 10 kids. I’m going to stay tuned in over there to find out just how she does it.
  • Rockford pointed out a story this week at MSNBC, and I’m not sure if it’s terrifying or hilarious. I think it may be a little of both. Here’s a little taste of what I’m talking about:

    … the real headline-grabber is the claim that the world’s most powerful particle-smasher could create microscopic black holes that some fear would gobble up the planet.

    Read more at Boon or doom? Collider stirs debate.

  • Here’s a little life-skills test for you: Dog or Wizard.
  • The Tomato Nation posts about the author’s 9/11 “disaster buddy” always make me cry. This year’s post, Angels in America was no exception.
  • Also making me cry this week: My friends’ baby is celebrating his first birthday today. Just so the sun don’t hurt you when you cry made me a little teary-eyed because I haven’t gotten to hug the little guy yet. I’m sure he gives great hugs. Happy birthday, Z!
    • Reading

    Gore takes on love and politics in "Sammy's Hill"

    In her first novel, Kristin Gore sticks to the “write what you know” maxim. She’s the daughter of Al Gore, and the title character of her book “Sammy’s Hill” works for a bright young senator in Washington DC. And yes, a Southern governor with his eye on the presidency enters the picture by the book’s end.

    “Sammy’s Hill” isn’t terribly strong on plot, but Sammy is likable despite her chronic poor decision making and a laundry list of neuroses. It’s a fun, breezy read, although the story’s resolution seemed rushed, particularly on the romantic front. The “love connection” wasn’t very convincing, even though there’s practically a neon sign reading “Love Interest Here” every time her eventual paramour makes an appearance. I’m hoping the match seems more natural in Gore’s next novel, “Sammy’s House.” It’s already on my library hold list.