Where to Go Online

When I visited my sister in Cape Cod two years ago, we went into Internet withdrawal. You say to yourself that it is really getting away from everything without email, but then you remember a couple things you want to check or a message you are waiting for. And you check the hours of the Osterville Library where there are computers. Then we realized that library provides wireless access so we occasionally drove over at night and checked our email on my laptop from the car. Other cars were doing the same thing: the faint glow of laptops slightly illuminated all the cars in the parking lot. The way the cars came, lurked, and departed made it seem as if drug deals were going on - but the drug of choice was online access.

I am not the only person who has noticed these furtive tourists!

Random Medical Advice

Instead of recommending hot compresses, my new ophthamologist (who looks barely old enough to be in college, let alone out of med school) told me seriously to fill a sock with uncooked rice, warm it in the microwave, and then apply it to my eyes ! Of course, no rice in the house, although I do have many socks that have lost their mates, so cannot try it out right away. . .

The Mummy Market

For years when I tried to remember man (Neil Armstrong) walking on the moon, all I could recall was being squeezed into the John Ward School library around a black and white television. Bored while waiting for the coverage to begin, I picked up The Mummy Market by Nancy Brelis, and became completely captivated. It's about the three Martin children who go in search of a new mother but have a hard time finding one that is perfect (at that time there were just three of us, so that may have struck a chord).

Eat Pray Revenge

It is too funny that the husband Elizabeth Gilbert disdains (for what appears to be no good reason) in Eat Pray Love now has a book contract of his own in which he be revenged on his ex!

The New York Times says Gilbert’s ex-husband, Michael Cooper, has just signed a deal to write a book chronicling his side of the story of their divorce and his own “search for purpose” on a trip through the Middle East and other parts of the developing world.

It must have been very annoying to see her become a millionaire in the process of finding herself!

To Be Read

I need to post about the Betsy-Tacy convention but in the meantime, here is a great review for the new Rennie Airth! I can't wait!

The Great White Whale

People in my book group also swear I would like Moby Dick if I gave it the chance but I am unconvinced...

Mike Mulligan

The Cape Ann Historical Association is hosting a celebration for the 100th birthday of the author of Mike Mulligan!

Virginia Lee Burton Birthday Party!Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Virginia Lee Burton, children's author/illustrator and Folly Cove Designer.
10:00 a.m. to 12 noon - Storytelling and art activities
Noon to 1:00 p.m. Birthday Cake 1:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Virginia Lee Burton, A Sense of Place A film by Christine Lundberg & Rawn Fulton
Reservations required. This program is free and open to the public.

When I think of Cape Ann, I remember the historical novels of Ruth Langland Holberg, which I used to read but only one of which I think I still own, At the Sign of the Golden Anchor (I remember the heroine had snapping dark eyes). The Historical Society is, in fact, in Gloucester. I have not been to Gloucester for many years but maybe the NewBetsys would like to join me!

Miss Manners

I find myself in similar situation all the time and one yearns to correct these people:

Dear Miss Manners:
As the communications director for a government agency, I respond to written constituent inquiries. In an effort to personalize my responses, I often excerpt from the original missive. For example, "You're agency stnks!"
Should I correct spelling and grammatical errors from the original correspondence or leave them as is? I hate to fudge a quote, but if I don't correct errors, I am concerned the constituent will think the mistakes are mine, putting my agency in a bad light.
Also, it seems rude to point out someone's errors when they have taken the time to share their concerns. My agency does not yet have a policy regarding this point of professional etiquette.

Response:
But if you correct the quotation, won't the letter writer think, "Stupid bureaucrats -- can't even quote accurately"?
Besides, surely it is a comfort to note that your critics are not, shall we say, discerning.
Miss Manners would consider it polite enough if you preceded the letter writer's words with "as you so colorfully put it . . ."