frankie Posted February 19, 2012 Author Posted February 19, 2012 Hi Frankie your adventure trying to get rid of some books in the secondhand shop was funny. I have to sometimes try! Hurrah! And hurrah for us both being back on the forum! Hurrah indeed! It feels like weeks have passed. I'm sorry that you had to endure it, but I'm still selfishly glad that I wasn't alone and you and I had a support group going on I am so computer- dumb I always thought a Firefox was a sort of Russian airplane. Well it might be that as well! But let's not google to possibly prove your thoughts wrong. Oh and James, thanks for the PM, I'll reply to it later, I'm now in the midst of packing and sorting out my reading lists, I'm off to visit my parents in a couple of hours. Which leads us to my next dilemma: Which books to pack with me! I'm going to be away for 3-4 days, and I won't have much else to do but read and spend time on the forum. So I need plenty of books. Problem is, I have too many choices. Quote
Karsa Orlong Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 I am so computer- dumb I always thought a Firefox was a sort of Russian airplane. Have you been watching Clint Eastwood films again, James? Quote
Janet Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 Hurrah indeed! It feels like weeks have passed. I'm sorry that you had to endure it, but I'm still selfishly glad that I wasn't alone and you and I had a support group going on Agreed - it would have been awful if it was just me! Quote
vodkafan Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 Have you been watching Clint Eastwood films again, James? Oh yeah!! That's where I know it from ! I had forgotten. Quote
chaliepud Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 It wasn't until a few years ago that I even learned about Tollers! There was a toller in my neighborhood, and I'd always thought they were just funny colored golden retrievers, but when I noticed the neighbors dog I did some investigating on the Internet and found out it's a whole other breed. It's Nova Scotia's Retriever in Finnish, but I kept seeing it referred to 'tolleri' as well and I always wondered where that came from. When I was writing that post above, I had to google the English name and there I found out about the tolling They are beautiful aren't they? The ones I've come across (not that many) have all seemed friendly, enthusiastic and like they need to have something intellectually stimulating to keep them happy My neighbor's dog was just such a delight to watch! Her owner had a terrible time trying to get her to walk right by her side on a leash, the dog was all over the place and giddy and excited and she couldn't get her to obey. But the owner's young daughter, who was maybe 8-9 years old had no problems. With her the toller was calm and never tried to drag her anywhere. It was so curious! She even went to the snow castle the little girl had built with a few friends in the neighborhood. She was a fearless doggy, she was! In and out she went. I was so sad to notice one day they'd moved away Edit: Oh sorry chaliepud, I got so carried away that I almost forgot to ask! Are you planning on getting a new pup in the near future? I think a toller would make a great addition to your already existing pack And remember, people demand pics if you are going to get a new doggy! Tollers are amazing dogs, I love the fact that they can work as a traditional gundog yet they have their own unique skills. They are a breed that lives to please it's owner and I have seen them succeed at high level in obedience, agility and working trials which would be great for me as I like to dabble in all three! This is the website of the kennels I visited some years ago - http://www.decoymans.worldonline.co.uk/ My parents have now moved to within 10 miles of there so I'll have to visit again soon... No puppies for me at the moment, I have 2 oldies at present, Honey (the brindle in my avatar) is now 14 and we probably only have a year maximum left with her as she is really showing her age now as has a couple of 'conditions' that are increasing in severity, she is still an amazingly happy and sweet girl but I wouldn't want to bring a puppy into the house now she is getting a bit doddery... My black boy, Dylan, is 13 and whilst still healthy is slowing down a lot and really just wants a quiet life so it would probably be unfair on him too. However if you want a cute puppy pic, here is one of my Cattle Dog, Obi, taken 8 years ago... Quote
frankie Posted February 20, 2012 Author Posted February 20, 2012 (edited) Tollers are amazing dogs, I love the fact that they can work as a traditional gundog yet they have their own unique skills. They are a breed that lives to please it's owner and I have seen them succeed at high level in obedience, agility and working trials which would be great for me as I like to dabble in all three! They are all the best qualities combined! I've never heard anything bad about them. No puppies for me at the moment, I have 2 oldies at present, Honey (the brindle in my avatar) is now 14 and we probably only have a year maximum left with her as she is really showing her age now as has a couple of 'conditions' that are increasing in severity, she is still an amazingly happy and sweet girl but I wouldn't want to bring a puppy into the house now she is getting a bit doddery... My black boy, Dylan, is 13 and whilst still healthy is slowing down a lot and really just wants a quiet life so it would probably be unfair on him too. However if you want a cute puppy pic, here is one of my Cattle Dog, Obi, taken 8 years ago... Ah, I fully understand. A puppy would seriously interrupt all the excellent naps the more mature ones might appreciate Is Dylan a Great Dane? All your dogs look really adorable. And the pic of Obi is just soooo cute! He has a funny sort of coloring, he looks like he was originally a rottweiler but then grew koala hair on top in some places Just adorable! Edited February 20, 2012 by frankie Quote
vodkafan Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 I know I am being partizan but I bet an Airedale can kick a Toller's ass any day of the week. They are the best dogs and they look like teddy bears when their hair grows out. Quote
chaliepud Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Ah, I fully understand. A puppy would seriously interrupt all the excellent naps the more mature ones might appreciate Is Dylan a Great Dane? All your dogs look really adorable. And the pic of Obi is just soooo cute! He has a funny sort of coloring, he looks like he was originally a rottweiler but then grew koala hair on top in some places Just adorable! Dylan is a Labrador/Collie/Gordon Setter cross but most people think he's a Lab, he really is a special boy, very laid back but he would protect me from anything or anyone...Obi is a blue Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler (they come in red too but I prefer the blue),the koala may not be too far off, he is Australian and descended from the Dingo! This pic of him is one of my favourites.... I know I am being partizan but I bet an Airedale can kick a Toller's ass any day of the week. They are the best dogs and they look like teddy bears when their hair grows out. After living, working and walking an Australian Cattle Dog for 8 years it would be nice to have a dog that could have it's ass kicked for a change!! Quote
Kylie Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 After living, working and walking an Australian Cattle Dog for 8 years it would be nice to have a dog that could have it's ass kicked for a change!! Go the Aussie Cattle Dog! Quote
chaliepud Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Go the Aussie Cattle Dog! They definitely 'go' Kylie!! I expect they are a common sight for you over there but they are very rare in the UK, people who meet Obi are either awestruck or terrified of him. Bless him, he is a teddy bear for us but he really isn't keen on strangers and can be rather rude in ignoring people, plus if you are a boy dog that still has his bits you'd better steer clear!! Quote
frankie Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 I know I am being partizan but I bet an Airedale can kick a Toller's ass any day of the week. They are the best dogs and they look like teddy bears when their hair grows out. Partizan Schmartizan, but you are wrong I googled 'Airedale' and they are not one of my favorite breeds, and I have many of those! Dylan is a Labrador/Collie/Gordon Setter cross but most people think he's a Lab, he really is a special boy, very laid back but he would protect me from anything or anyone... Oh yes we might've discussed his breed before. The avatar is so small that it's kind of hard to tell, that's my excuse for thinking he's a Great Dane! He sounds like a great doggy friends Obi is a blue Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler (they come in red too but I prefer the blue),the koala may not be too far off, he is Australian and descended from the Dingo! I don't think I came across any Cattle Dogs when I was in Australia, I did meet a few Kelpies though (they are most adorable!!). That's a very cool pic of Obi Bless him, he is a teddy bear for us but he really isn't keen on strangers and can be rather rude in ignoring people, plus if you are a boy dog that still has his bits you'd better steer clear!! I suppose Obi knows his own worth and shows it Quote
frankie Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 (edited) When I was image googling Cattle Dogs yesterday, it struck me how most of them were smiling in the pics and looked so happy and kind and friendly Here's a pic I found quite funny : Apparently Cattle Dogs like to play hard ball Edited February 21, 2012 by frankie Quote
vodkafan Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Hey I take it back. Anything that is related to a Dingo has to be respected!! What the ____ are they doing in that picture...? Quote
frankie Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 Hey I take it back. Anything that is related to a Dingo has to be respected!! What the ____ are they doing in that picture...? Dingos rock! I wonder if I could show you a video I recorded of two sweet dingos, it was hilarious... I'll have to see about that! Ooh and there's the video Kylie shot as well... Can't you see James, that they are playing ball The vertical doggy is trying to catch it, as is the horizontal doggy. You should be able to see the ball in the pic. Quote
chaliepud Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 VF, that looks like an Cattle Dog and a big ball, they make mega ball and frisbee dogs, in fact anything that involves jumping, catching etc... Obi loves to play with footballs, though my boys aren't always so happy about that! You don't want to be between Obi and something he is chasing, they can be very obsessive but uckily I can generally stop Obi with one command as an out of control Cattle Dog is no ones idea of fun. Sadly Obi was born with elbow dysplasia and needed a major operation at 6 months old to correct it, this has left him with osteoarthritis which has meant we have had to limit his activities, no agility or flyball for him. We were told we would be lucky for him to reach 8 years old but with medical advances and good care he is still doing amazingly well and loves his walks, so fingers crossed may that be the case for a few more years yet. The oldest dog in the Guiness Book of Records was a Cattle Dog called Bluey who reached 29 (I think) , so who knows!! Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 Awww, poor Obi, but he's a real bad ass fighter, he's already passed the expectations of the vets He's a tough cooky! Chaliepud, I hope you don't mind but I showed Obi's puppy pic to my ex (he loves dogs too and enjoys all doggy stories) and told him about Obi eating the mouse... and the de-eating it Hmph, I think I should make some feeble attempt at catching up with my book reviews today. :S Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 Sickened by Julie Gregory Adlibris: From early childhood, Julie Gregory was continually X-rayed, medicated, and operated on - in the vain pursuit of an illness that was created in her mother's mind. Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) is the world's most hidden and dangerous form of child abuse, but Julie Gregory not only survived, she escaped the powerful orbit of her mother's madness and rebuilt her identity as a vibrant, healthy young woman. Thoughts: It was years ago when this book was discussed on Dr Phil (yes, I’ve watched an episode or two…) or some other similar type of show and eventhough I knew about MBP at the time, I’d never read a book on it so I added the title on my wishlist. Just like one can imagine, it was pretty disturbing. The fact that a mother will insist on an open heart surgery on her child whom she knows to be fine, with her eyes gleaming at the prospect, is just … well, sickening! Julie Gregory did get out of it alive and has told her story, and it seemed that she was hopeful of her future and in good spirits by the end of the book, considering what she’d had to endure. The only downside (and what a big downside it was!) was that her mother had new foster kids or children to look after when Julie had moved out, or something like that, I can’t remember how she came about the children, but there it is. It must be horrible having been able to escape such heinous circumstances and then have to worry about other people possibly having to go through the same. Where does it all end. 2/5 Quote
Karsa Orlong Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 When I was image googling Cattle Dogs yesterday, it struck me how most of them were smiling in the pics and looked so happy and kind and friendly Here's a pic I found quite funny : Apparently Cattle Dogs like to play hard ball That looks like a superior version of The Matrix to me Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 That looks like a superior version of The Matrix to me I'd watch that!!! Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 Dead Simple by Peter James Adlibris: It was meant to be a harmless stag night prank. A few hours later, four of his best friends are dead and Michael Harrison has disappeared. With only three days to the wedding, Detective Superintendent Grace - a man haunted by the shadow of his own missing wife - is contacted by Michael's beautiful, distraught fiancee, Ashley Harper. Grace discovers that the one man who ought to know Michael Harrison's whereabouts is saying nothing. But then he has a lot to gain - more than anyone realizes. For one man's disaster is another man's fortune..."James has got the gift for turning mind-stretching subjects into novels that are irresistibly readable as well as utterly believable" - Robert Goddard. "A brilliant idea, superbly crafted. A terrific page-turner" - James Herbert. "A page-turner of a book with some terrifying twists...a very satisfying read" - George Baker, Inspector Wexford. Thoughts: Here’s how I discovered this book. I guess I’m really easy, I usually end up liking all the main detectives/police(wo)men in thrillers/detective novels and this was no exception. I liked Detective superintendent Grace, although his dating routine was a bit too predictable and it lacked imagination on the author’s part (in the latter part of the novel). The premise of the novel is definitely something that grips you and you can’t help but read on. And it was just as good as I wanted and hoped it to be, and even better. There were about 3 twists I didn’t see coming and that’s quite a few in my opinion. A fast paced page turner, good stuff all around. 5/5 Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 21 nästan sanna berättelser by Max Lundgren Thoughts: This was mandatory reading for a Swedish lit course I did in uni some years ago. It’s a book of 21 (almost true) short stories, but eventhough I liked it at the time, there were a few stories there that seemed longwinded and boring and I never read all of the stories. For years now I’ve thought to myself that one day I must read the whole effing book, having bought it and all and now I have, wohoo! The funny stories are really funny. Like the one where this farmer is having problems with a local counsel on account of not having gone about things the right way, that is, filling in the correct forms and applications in order to build a new shed or something like that. The farmer knows the local man, has known him for years, and they’ve discussed the new shed in person and the farmer thinks that’s it, but the counsel of course thinks the farmer still needs to have all the official documents. And then the farmer starts bombarding the counsel with these unofficial letters, saying, dog dang it what’s the matter with you, have we not discussed it? And the counsel replies in a businessman like manner, ‘you need to do this and that’ and the farmer doesn’t get it at all and they go back and forth. The farmer loses it big time Oh the bureaucracy of the world. Well done Lundgren. 4/5 Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 (edited) I'm the King of the Castle by Susan Hill susan-hill.com: EDMUND HOOPER lives with his father at Warings, a large house in the country, and he is not pleased with CHARLES KINGSHAW and his mother arrive – Mrs. Kingshaw is to be their housekeeper and hopes that the eleven year old boys will be great friends. They become enemies on sight and the novel is about the struggle between them. Kingshaw is uncertain, sensitive, pleasant, weak – and on strange ground. Hooper is sly, manipulative, mean and a bully and he makes Charles’s life hell. The tables are turned as their roles are briefly reversed when they get lost in Hang Wood but the overall winner of the conflict is never in doubt. Meanwhile, the adults have their own agenda. ‘Susan Hill’s exploration of a juvenile ghoul and his natural prey is a brilliant tour de force.’ The Guardian. Thoughts: I can see why this has been compared to Lord of the Flies, there’s the same kind of oppressive atmosphere. However, Lord of the Flies is highly unreadable in my opinion, whereas I’m the King of the Castle is highly readable. It is not an easy read though: it’s quite painful to witness what young Kingshaw goes through, and it’s incredibly frustrating to read how the parents have no clue about what’s going on and how they have no clue about how to be a real, decent parent. Good lord, I haven’t been so utterly frustrated by a fictional character (actually 2-3 in this book!) in a long while, I really felt like I could slap some characters silly if I could get my hands on them. 4/5 Edited February 22, 2012 by frankie Quote
frankie Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 The Neon Bible by John Kennedy Toole Amazon: Written by the late Toole at age 16, this novel on its surface has little in common with his Pulitzer Prize-winning A Confederacy of Dunces . Whereas Dunces is, in Walker Percy's words, "a great rumbling farce of Falstaffian dimensions" satirizing modern society via a cast of grotesque New Orleans characters, the early novel is a lyrical attempt at realism in which social criticism is implied but not stated. Growing up in a small town in rural Mississippi, David gradually learns the painful lessons of religious, racial, social and sexual bigotry, and comes to perceive the need to defend himself, a reluctant outsider, from people; in Dunces , Ignatius Reilly, who rallies around the cause of social isolation and misanthropy, has long practiced a vigorous campaign against the evils of society. One novel chronicles an awakening, the other an uproarious and bizarre plan of action. Though interesting to read as a naive effort by a writer who later far surpassed it, The Neon Bible is a compendium of authorial first steps and missteps, from awkwardly obvious moralizing to mawkishness and improbable melodrama. Also from Amazon: This youthful novel was the only substantial writing left by Toole, who won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1981 for his modern comic classic, A Confederacy of Dunces (he killed himself in 1969). Court action has finally cleared the way for publication of the present work, written when Toole was just 16 and left in pieces to his heirs. While far from the masterpiece Toole would write later in his life, this story of a poor boy growing up in a small, claustrophobic, closed-minded Southern town in the 1940s, is an astonishing accomplishment for an adolescent. Narrator David lives with his mother, who is never fully herself after his father dies in World War II, and his gaudy Aunt Mae, a bleached-blonde roadhouse singer in her 60s. The story is familiar and believable, a tantalizing reminder of the talent that has been lost. It deserves a wide audience. Thoughts: This is my second and last book by John Kennedy Toole. *sigh* It’s not the most amazing book in the world, but it is highly accomplished when one considers that Toole was only 16 when he wrote the novel. I’m impressed. I got sucked into the story very early on, and I felt there was something autobiographical, even Augusten Burroughs-y feel to the book when David described his earlier years, although in this book things and events weren’t considered amusing. It all felt kind of hopeless for David, there was really nothing going on for him. I feel blue even thinking about the book now. There’s nothing more but to order a biography on Toole now, for me anyways. 4/5 Quote
Karsa Orlong Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Crikey, you're a review machine today, Frankie Quote
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