5/3/2021 Rhys Bowen's Crowned and Dangerous (#10) and On Her Majesty's Frightfully secret SErvice (#11)Read NowI've managed to stain my bathtub red and I think I'm going to have to bleach it to death to get it off. It was a bath bomb that did me in. I normally keep up with the tub better but I didn't really deep clean it after this bath because I was getting a migraine. And now it's set in a bit. Oh well. I was just talking to a girl on bumble bff, we were discussing how nice it would be to have a month extra a year where we could just get stuff clean and all these extra chores done. Riveting stuff to be sure. There's just a backlog that doesn't seem to end. Well, lets get on to the books. As we left the last one on a cliffhanger, it luckily resolves quite quickly. While both books begin in England, they move off to other areas. Both feature reoccurring characters and I quite enjoyed them.
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For all its simplicity, the origin of the Bee's Knees cocktail is murky. It was created some time during Prohibition and appeared in print after the repeal of the eighteenth amendment in 1933. Because of the secretive nature of drinking during Prohibition (in the States at least) it's not likely to pin down a date or creator. I've read that it was created in Paris at the Ritz by Frank Meier, or it was created by the Unsinkable Molly Brown of Titanic infamy, or came to be in an American speakeasy. Prohibition was ratified as the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1919, it outlawed the manufacturing, sale, import, and export of liquor for drinking purposes in the United States. People could get medicinal alcohol through their physicians, but otherwise they would have to enter a Speakeasy and drink illegally. Prohibition was repelled with the 21st Amendment in 1933. OriginsThe first known use of 'The Bee's Knees' was in 1921 as an idiom meaning someone or something excellent, perhaps from the idea that bee's carried honey in sacs on their legs. The actual cocktail is though to have been created in the middle of Prohibition but the first record of it comes from the 1934 Boothby anthology. Bill Boothby wrote a cocktail compendium (that can still be purchased) titled World Drinks and How to Mix Them. There is a thought from some historians/mixologists that the saccharine aspect to the drink was to hide inferior gin (or "bathtub" spirits). Prohibition meant that any alcohol created had to be industrial (which is used for perfume, inks, fuel, etc.). To deter bootleggers and adventurous dipsomaniacs, the Volstead Act was implemented, this was the impetus to allow enforcement of the 19th Amendment. Deterrents (denaturants) were added to industrial alcohol to make it undrinkable. These initiatives barely slowed bootleggers but it did cause a rise in tainted-alcohol induced death, as at least one third of all industrial alcohol created during Prohibition was thought to have been diverted for personal drink. A 1927 report from New York noted that of the half million gallons confiscated that year contained various forms of toxic additives. I'm reading a book about the way the New York Coroner's Office detected poisonings, and there is an entire chapter about wood alcohol (and other prohibition era related alcohol deaths). it's called The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum. PBS did a documentary on it as well. It's truly excellent. November's box was quite snuggly themed, with the overarching theme being "Sweater Weather." Very comfy. It had some different types of products and I really liked them. I've used most of the items so I can talk about them! I managed to get my kitchen mostly clean, it's still very dated in decor/looks but it's on the list for a renovation. I know some people managed to gut their house during Covid but I have not had the time to get that going. Also, I can't quite figure out what I want. Part of me wants a really basic white-neutral kitchen while the other part wants striking colored cabinets. Like black, green, or blue. Not yellow, orange, or red. Decisions!
Continuing on with this series. I've officially read all the books published in it so far (a new one is coming out...and I've put in a purchase for a pre-order). So one of these books takes place mostly in America and the other takes place back in London. They're both quite fun but I have to admit really enjoying the Queen of Hearts mostly for the Hollywood tie in. Malice at the Palace was also interesting, it has more of a true historical bent (far more royal as well). I redesigned the website. Well, I changed themes/templates. I was going to learn how to do all the stuff and build from scratch but I was down so much from migraines that I did the normal thing instead. I quite like this one, it's more compact but brighter. I was going to make everything dark because that's my normal mode but I do like the color scheme. Anyways. Listening:I've downloaded quite a few new podcasts. I've given two a whirl. I'm still on Spotify and they've changed things up again. I can't get rid of the episodes (it's on "all episodes" instead of "un-played") which is quite annoying. The one I finished was older and already famous. It's called Cold; the first season is about a missing woman named Susan Powell. It's a really horrible and sad murder case. In short, Susan marries a man named Josh Powell and their marriage falls apart. It's a truly unhappy marriage and while the podcast covers how Josh abuses Susan (especially financially) it also covers the insanely creepy actions of her father-in-law. Susan begins the process of divorce and then one day disappears. She's never been found, and is assumed to have been murdered (by Josh). Josh had a legal fight for the two boys that he and Susan had (her parents requested full custody), and while on visitation he locked the social worker lady out of his house and killed his children and himself. The father-in-law was unknown to me until I watched a Dateline episode (and it's covered in the podcast). He has delusions that Susan was in love with him (she was not) and he was very creepy towards her, eventually telling her that he loved her. There are a lot of video tapes from Josh and his father, and a few from Susan. The podcast spares no detail and is disturbing. As they've never found Susan, her family and friends are channeling their resources into domestic abuse causes, which is a lovely thing for them to do. The second podcast is more unusual for me. It's called Wind of Change. So it begins with the introduction of a German band called the Scorpions (I know them from "Rock You Like A Hurricane") and their song "Winds of Change." That song was really popular in many European countries at a certain time (like when the Soviet Union collapsed and when the Berlin Wall came down). Patrick Radden Keefe, a writer for the New Yorker, is the host and investigative reporter for the podcast. He hears from a friend (who is connected to people who may or may not be CIA operatives) that the famed song was written by the CIA, as part of a psy-ops mission. Keefe explores several subtopics as he tries to find out if there is any truth to this rumor, so I learned quite a lot (including where the phrase "We can neither confirm nor deny" originated from). Keefe talks to people from the USA to Russia, from CIA operatives to the band itself. It's honestly fun but I'm a cynical person so I don't think the CIA wrote it. Did the CIA pay songwriters in Europe/America/Asia as a soft power play? They could have! My guess is they throw money at a lot of things. My Chronicle Book Box is a subscription from the UK, that I fell in love with. I willingly pay for the international shipping, that's my level of love. The "extra" goodies are better quality (and less) which I appreciate. I don't need any more junk.
I also like that most of the books included are British or European focused. As I'm across the pond, I don't always have access to them (or get the media, so I might miss the roll out). This is a seasonal box, with three books (sometimes signed). it's a mix of hardcover and paperback. The options are mystery or science fiction/fantasy. I think. I get the mystery box so I don't always pay attention to the other box. They also have an online shop, so if you miss a book in another box, it's available (sometimes) for purchase. There are always letters from the authors (or author Q&As), plus a letter from Louise, who is the CEO of the box. I've started a new podcast that seems to have promise (or might be the weirdest thing I've ever listened to). This week is already starting oddly. I started the past weekend with a migraine, but was able to figure out my "trigger" for it fairly fast. Since I caused the migraine, it was pretty bad and my sleep schedule is still pretty messed up.
The cause of my migraine was carpet cleaner! Apparently this is known but I didn't know because I've just not been around when the carpets were cleaned. I bought a little Bissell machine because my old one died after more than a decade and I had spilled foundation on my white carpet. So, I guess it was worth it. Anyways, lets get back to the books! I know, I know. So late. I feel like it's a reoccurring theme of my life being in chaos (or at least, my office) so I'm behind. It's really because I can't decide on a layout or organizational method that works for me.
I finally have my TBR pile slightly under control. It doesn't look like it because it's so large, but I'm making huge amounts of progress. I'm in the middle of a project though, so everything else is just piled in a thematic way whilst I plow through it. Right, the box then. This was such a fun box (and I've used most of it). Since it was October, the theme matched the fun season. It was "witchcraft and wizardry." The card featured a cauldron, broomstick, witch's hat, potions and all sorts of books. Super cute. I actually don't know who designs these cards but they do such a lovely job. I don't know if I've mentioned this, but Lavish is changing up their model and going quarterly. Mostly because every box I like does this to me (ok, ok, that's not the reason). I've signed up for the new quarterly model but I don't know how they're going to play it as they haven't shipped anything my way yet. I have seen some sneak peaks and it looked good. I'm excited! I've given the other Rhys Bowen series a try but I can't get into them as much (I think they're more "cozy" in genre than this one?). These are from her "Her Royal Spyness" Series, which is so amusing for me as I'm not a monarchist and they are cozy. Cozy mysteries are not my jam. I get so utterly frustrated with them for silly reasons. During Covid, I gave some of the cozy books in my TBR pile a go and it seemed to work out better (well, I only hated most of them).
This was a poor introduction, but anyways. The next two books in the series don't take place in the UK as much. Instead, they take place on the European continent. Many of our favorite characters make appearances. This is also the first appearance of Rhys Bowen taking themes from classic literature. I enjoy retellings or hints to the classics for the most part, so I enjoyed it thoroughly. I'm going to try and give them both good reviews (as in, me writing the review well) as I have a migraine starting and it's rudely not getting better even though I took medicine. This weather is going to be the death of me. I haven't done one of these wrap-ups in awhile. I'm going to keep this short though. Mostly because I've had to move around my schedule. I've picked up working on Sundays and for Tuesdays I'm working on some medical issues. That sounds dramatic! I'm trying some green light therapy and mid-week break to see if that works with my stupid brain. Gotta try something! reading (articles):One of the things I'm working on is my use of personal words. I abuse "um..." and "you know." I hear it and I hate it so much. The worst thing was when I was living in Scotland (they say "erm" instead of "um" and I found myself codeswitching. Like, girl--you've got to quit! Not change it up! Anyways, this is an older article because I'm clearing out older stuff. Trying to digitally de-hoard myself. It's from Entrepreneur and about how to get rid of filler words. I'm trying to slow it down and pause gracefully. It's not going so hot.
Both of these are for goal setting-both saved at different times. I think the best information for me personally were 52/7 or Interval training (similar if not the same as the Pomodoro Technique). I have an hour glass that I use. It's bright pink so it's hard to miss. I do an 60 minutes on and then ten minutes off. That gives me time to stretch and walk around. I've also stopped multi-tasking for the most part (podcasts are the only thing I "multi-task" and sometimes I have to listen to the same episode again because I tune it out. Oh my god...so behind! This was the second box (I haven't edited the other pictures. I don't mess with the saturation too much but I'm way too careless about setting the angle. So I have to straighten and crop quite a bit. No one needs to see my messy office!
I subscribed to Causebox after Popsugar. I loved PopSugar for the luxe items and the fun items, Causebox is different of course with a focus on sustainability and more earthy items. I'm a little crunchy but only in the "trying to be better" category. I'm otherwise not really loving the trends that are so crunchy-minimalist. Like, I'd like to whittle down and be a minimalist but with color and fun. Also, I kill plants so that's a no go. Anyways, this is the first full box after my introduction box. I paid for an annual membership so I was able to pick out some of my choices. I also ordered some items from the open market for this go round (Christmas gifts and personal fun items for me). I think if the items in Causebox are of interest, it's a great little subscription. I would note that their shipping schedule is slower and in batches (so if you order the Winter box for Christmas or New Years gifts, that would be a mistake). It's something to realize. I've been trying more podcasts. I stumbled upon a design and arts one but I'm not too sure I can get with it. A lot of the guests are more woo-woo (design wise and medically) than I'm comfortable with. I think I avoid the woo because when you get sick, people push nonsense on you all the time and it's so annoying and unhelpful. No, your MLM shakes/oils/weight bands are not going to cure me.
I always know when Dr. Oz is on TV peddling bullshit, because someone calls me to tell me about some silly "cure" that works wonders and encourages me to try it. I lost my patience with my Aunt when she suggested I snort pepper (for real!). I asked if she even liked me! Who wants to willingly snort pepper when my actual, real doctor has prescribed real medicine that works?! Peppers! That was a bit of a tangent wasn't it. Whoops. Okay, this series! I have some of Rhys Bowen's other series. I couldn't really get into her Evans mysteries, set in Wales. I also am not totally sure on her Molly Malone series but I have a few more books to give a whirl on that so I might change my mind. There's just a form of a love triangle, which I don't adore. It's not a trope I give a lot of time too. I have finished this series, well, all the books that have been written so far. I still think its really fun and I hope to continue it in the future. This is from November 2020, which is not remotely on time on my end but I've had a full day of doctor's appointments and I just can't get much out this week. I feel like I'm full of excuses but I've got a new computer on the way so maybe things will be easier when I'm not precariously balancing my laptop on a pile of paper on my desk. I obviously have to clean.
I accidentally downloaded a podcast based in Limerick, Ireland. Since I'm home all day with this pandemic, I've been playing it and I know the most random things about Limerick now. It's a news podcast I guess from one of their stations. Apparently there was a massive street party that might have involved students from University of Limerick (or Limerick University?) plus younger kids. It's been the leading story for the past three episodes. The only reason I mention it, it's like a local (for Limerick) version of Talk of the Nation, which was one of my favorite NPR shows. It was canceled and replaced with Here and Now on my local NPR. Which like, it's fine...but I still miss Talk of the Nation. Anyways. This is the November 2020 beauty box from Macy's. The theme was "Post Workout Wonders" and featured minimalist type touch ups and skin fixes. So, I have a new photo editor. I'm not really loving it so far, but to be fair to it, I'm still getting used to it all. I don't think my photos are turning out well in editing as it gets too bright or not bright enough. I've gone for less bright just because I don't want to wash everything out. I'll figure it out eventually.
Shadow Dance is from one of my favorite authors, Anne Stuart. I'm impressed how she manages to jump around the romance sphere. This book is set around the year 1815, in Devon (UK). It totally has that 1990s cover (the Fabio-esque covers). It cracks me up but whatever works. Let's get to the recap/review thing then. Today is starting late because I spent all morning taking the older relatives at my house to get the vaccine. So, yay on that! Hopefully, this plague will end soon. Let's get right into it. I have some letters to write and an office to clean. So, rambling needs to be at a minimum. Lavish's September box had a theme of "Fall Y'all." I always find it amusing that y'all is becoming more normal outside the Southern part of the United States. It's been awhile since someone mocked me for using it (outside of the South). So that's nice. It also just makes sense as a contraction: "you all" = y'all. Yup. Luckily, I have used some of these products, so it won't be so embarassing on my end when I "review" the product. The Book Drop has multiple options for book genres, and I have the "Books for Bubbly" which is the romance and friendship books. It's been a nice choice during a pandemic since they're usually happy and have lovely resolutions.
You can now upgrade the subscription and get additional products. I haven't done that as of yet because I've got too much stuff. If you like book store gifts (I mean, I do) this seems like a good thing to have. Lavish Bath Box is one of my longer subscriptions and one that I truly enjoy (I love bubble baths and reading in the bath). They've decided to change things up (I think in 2021 is when it starts) and instead of monthly, we'll be getting quarterly boxes. This is fine with me as I was having some overload on products. I still have a few months left to review...I was hoping to catch up on the products so I could talk about them but eh.
August 2020's theme was "Create and Celebrate." It was a school themed box. Ah, a bit late on my end. I'm having a day. Spotify won't load, so I think I'm going to have to move my podcasts to another app. Oh well. I could probably spend some time and figure it out but I really don't want to bother today.
I signed up for some more subscription boxes, but one wouldn't let me pay. Which is strange. It was the same card I've used on every purchase with them before but apparently now it was an issue. I went to their social media (after sending an email) and there are a lot of comments from people having similar issues (or not receiving products) so Covid is really messing with them. They eventually wrote back and told me that they didn't take my card (ummm..ok?). So, I don't know. Macy's took a small break in the summer with their beauty box. I've had a few issues with orders from them...usually in my favor. I ordered pillows recently (standard size, cheapest option) only to receive King size, most expensive option. Look, this is NOT a complaint and Macy's told me to keep them. They're nice pillows and now I'm in love. I played myself. I'm behind on subscription boxes, so I might do a few a week to catch up. Or intersperse while I clean my office and catch up on work. It's a mess right now. I was one of the lucky group who received October (or the Jo Malone takeover) box. I also received an email telling me that my box this go round would arrive delayed (verses canceled outright). I understand there are some issues at the warehouse/packaging. I'd rather have a slower roll out and safer workers (what I hope is happening). So I'm fine with it all (well, I've been in the good group, so that was rude of me to say). Alright, I'm going to intersperse these with other books, but I'll probably do two at a time. More or less. The first book is a novella and the second book is actually the first official book.
So Bumble BFF is going...semi okay. At first, I swiped right (or "yes") on anyone breathing. I didn't get a lot of responses right away...except from the people who had filled out their profiles. So then I decided to just swipe right on potential gal pals who had filled in their profiles. Except if their entire profile was 420 themed. Like, that's fine, you do you...but I'm going to want to talk about if Armie Hammer is a cannibal...not your favorite strand of weed. I'm not being a straight laced person here...everything was weed related. I have a friend who thinks these are dealer profiles. That would make sense, because it was a very specific type of call out. Today, one of the not-filled out profile gals matched with me, so I checked out her profile. The only thing listed was her job and that she wanted to meet people. So I wrote to ask how she was doing and what her job was like. She wrote back that it was an odd question and then "fine." No further comments. Am I supposed to continue this conversation(?) and how was that an odd question? It was all I had to go on! Like, I have stuff to do and there's nothing on my list saying "bully someone into talking to me." Obviously, filled out profiles are the way to go. Everyone else wants to talk about if Armie's weird ass tendencies with me. Let's just move on. Otherwise, I'll write a whole blog post about weird men with money and their odd requests in bed (yes, I'm still talking about Armie). I bought this book as it fits some of my checklist for this subgenre I'm quite interested in. It's set in the time period of 1900-1940 (this one is set in 1919) and is a mystery that's not too cozy. I've been having quite a few misses in this category so I had middling hopes for this book, but I think it's much better than I was expecting.
Gosh, I'm glad I don't sell books. I did not give this one a good introduction. This was a pretty good book with shades of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None (we're not doing any title but that one). It was a fairly intricate mystery with an absolute twist ending. |
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