Slapdash Sunday Topic: News

CMash January 9, 2011 5 Comments

SUNDAY

This post was drafted before yesterday’s horrific news that came out of Arizona and now seems quite trivial in comparison. Please keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?
That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!
As some of you know, I have mentioned that I am a cable news junkie. My morning routine is to grab my coffee, boot up the computer and turn the TV on to a cable news station. The TV is on all day, the volume low, in case there is breaking news or something that may interest me, then I will stop and watch it. Ever since 9/11, I have been doing this.
The other night at supper, hubby and I were having a discussion, and I got to thinking that this might make for an interesting topic for Slapdash Sunday!!

Steve and I were discussing issues that really bother us, even though some of them trivial, this one really annoys me. And, in my opinion, you don’t have to be Einstein to figure this one out, in this day and age, when the economy is so bad, but this has been done for years by many Presidents.

When a sitting President signs a bill he uses umpteen pens to sign his name. I read somewhere that each one of those pens cost $100.+. Wouldn’t a BIC work just as well and cost the government just a few cents? When I see that on the news, I am so tuned into those pens that I have no clue what the bill is about, because I am so mad at the waste of taxpayer money!!!

So today my questions for you are: Is there a news item that irks you? Something where you say..”What are they thinking?” “Are they serious?” Something that just irritates you? Would love to hear your thoughts!!! Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday Topic: News

CMash January 9, 2011 5 Comments

SUNDAY

This post was drafted before yesterday’s horrific news that came out of Arizona and now seems quite trivial in comparison. Please keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?
That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!
As some of you know, I have mentioned that I am a cable news junkie. My morning routine is to grab my coffee, boot up the computer and turn the TV on to a cable news station. The TV is on all day, the volume low, in case there is breaking news or something that may interest me, then I will stop and watch it. Ever since 9/11, I have been doing this.
The other night at supper, hubby and I were having a discussion, and I got to thinking that this might make for an interesting topic for Slapdash Sunday!!

Steve and I were discussing issues that really bother us, even though some of them trivial, this one really annoys me. And, in my opinion, you don’t have to be Einstein to figure this one out, in this day and age, when the economy is so bad, but this has been done for years by many Presidents.

When a sitting President signs a bill he uses umpteen pens to sign his name. I read somewhere that each one of those pens cost $100.+. Wouldn’t a BIC work just as well and cost the government just a few cents? When I see that on the news, I am so tuned into those pens that I have no clue what the bill is about, because I am so mad at the waste of taxpayer money!!!

So today my questions for you are: Is there a news item that irks you? Something where you say..”What are they thinking?” “Are they serious?” Something that just irritates you? Would love to hear your thoughts!!! Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday Topic: Organization

CMash January 2, 2011 11 Comments

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?
That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!
The New Year is here and the Challenges have begun!!! And yes, I said I wasn’t going to sign up for many in 2011, but did I listen…..NO!!! Not only did I sign up for 15, one of those I am cohosting. So my question today is: how do you organize everything to do with your blog. Examples: Challenges, ARC’s, Giveaways, Memes, Visiting blogs, Cataloging books that are delivered from publishers, etc, etc,. I feel that I have so many spread sheets, calendars, post-its, notes, notes to find notes lol. I have tried different ways of trying to organize myself this past year but can’t seem to fine tune it.
So my question today is: How do you stay organized with all of the above? Are you like me, with so many duplicate lists? How do you keep track of future ARCs that are due, giveaways, Guest Authors, etc etc. Do you have a one stop organizational tool that you would like to share? Any suggestions of being organized when it comes to blogging?
Would love to hear your thoughts!!! Let’s have a Slapdash discussion!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday Topic: Organization

CMash January 2, 2011 11 Comments

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?
That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!
The New Year is here and the Challenges have begun!!! And yes, I said I wasn’t going to sign up for many in 2011, but did I listen…..NO!!! Not only did I sign up for 15, one of those I am cohosting. So my question today is: how do you organize everything to do with your blog. Examples: Challenges, ARC’s, Giveaways, Memes, Visiting blogs, Cataloging books that are delivered from publishers, etc, etc,. I feel that I have so many spread sheets, calendars, post-its, notes, notes to find notes lol. I have tried different ways of trying to organize myself this past year but can’t seem to fine tune it.
So my question today is: How do you stay organized with all of the above? Are you like me, with so many duplicate lists? How do you keep track of future ARCs that are due, giveaways, Guest Authors, etc etc. Do you have a one stop organizational tool that you would like to share? Any suggestions of being organized when it comes to blogging?
Would love to hear your thoughts!!! Let’s have a Slapdash discussion!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday (Part 2) Topics: Changes, EReader Questions

CMash December 26, 2010 7 Comments

SUNDAY

How is everyone today? Did Santa treat you well? Are you exhausted? Glad it’s over? I think it is kind of sad that we get stressed out, trying to get everything done, not having enough hours in the day and in a snap of your fingers, it is over. I hope that everyone got to spend a wonderful time with family and friends, shared memories, laughed a lot, ate too much, and of course, got a book related present. And now,as book bloggers, we have something else to look forward to…..our 2011 Challenges!!!!

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

Last week I mentioned that I have been doing a lot of reflecting over the past couple of weeks as I wrap up 2010, my first full year of blogging, and preparing for 2011. I have learned a lot and know there is much more to learn. They say “change is good” so am going to try some new blog related issues to see what works better. I am also going to make a big New Year’s resolution and may need your help with it lol. Also, my bloggy friend Gina from Hott Books has decided that I need to join Bloggiesta in January and has generously offered to help me with the computer issues. Because of this, there may be even more changes that I am not yet aware of.

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Here are a few changes that I am going to implement for 2011.

1. BIGGIE…being able to say NO to so many requests…..ROFLMAO (this is where I need help)

2. Have modified my “Review Policy” whereas I will guarantee 3-4 review requests per month for ARCs, agreed upon by author/agent and myself if I receive book 6-8 weeks before date. If not, I will review requests in the order of receiving as I have done in 2010.

3. In 2010 every book I read was in the order received, however, I signed up for the Just For Fun Challenge hosted by Lori from Dollycas’s Thoughts. So I will be taking the liberty of, whereas, that each month, I will select 1 book of my choosing, from either my tbr request pile (out of sequence) or my tbr personal bucket list pile to read.

4. I hope that the above 2 changes will not cause too much of an inconvenience to those that are on my TBR Request Reading Schedule

5. Set aside one day per week to draft 7+ future posts: daily memes, Guest Author and giveaways (hoping that this will cut down daily computer time to allow more reading time).

6. ?

Which brings me to today’s topic. Are you making any 2011 book blogging resolutions? Are you making any changes regarding your requests, reading, blogging issues? Do you have any suggestions that you think I need to or should make? Any items that you think I should continue or delete? Would love to hear your thoughts!!! Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

?? EReaders:

Last year hubby bought me a Sony EReader PRS600, which I feel have both pros and cons. One of the biggest negative was that it came with absolutely no operating instructions. Does anyone own one of these because I would love to know how to archive a book read and/or mark it as read. Since I suffer from “senior moments”, I have to keep another spread sheet (more work) to list what is in my library and what I have read.

Another question is, for those who do own EReaders, do you own more than one, different makes? I received GC to Amazon and am wondering if I should put it towards a Kindle, which there is a model now priced at $139.00?

I find that the majority of time, an Amazon GC is given, which the ebooks from Amazon are not compatible with my Sony EReader. Also another negative with the Sony is the battery life, which is only a few days before needing to be recharged whereas I just read that the above Kindle has a battery life of a month. Or do you own a Nook? Have you compared the different makes and models? What do you have or want? What are the pros and cons of your EReader? Would love to read your reviews of the EReader you own!!!

Let’s have a Slapdash Review!!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday (Part 2) Topics: Changes, EReader Questions

CMash December 26, 2010 7 Comments

SUNDAY

How is everyone today? Did Santa treat you well? Are you exhausted? Glad it’s over? I think it is kind of sad that we get stressed out, trying to get everything done, not having enough hours in the day and in a snap of your fingers, it is over. I hope that everyone got to spend a wonderful time with family and friends, shared memories, laughed a lot, ate too much, and of course, got a book related present. And now,as book bloggers, we have something else to look forward to…..our 2011 Challenges!!!!

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

Last week I mentioned that I have been doing a lot of reflecting over the past couple of weeks as I wrap up 2010, my first full year of blogging, and preparing for 2011. I have learned a lot and know there is much more to learn. They say “change is good” so am going to try some new blog related issues to see what works better. I am also going to make a big New Year’s resolution and may need your help with it lol. Also, my bloggy friend Gina from Hott Books has decided that I need to join Bloggiesta in January and has generously offered to help me with the computer issues. Because of this, there may be even more changes that I am not yet aware of.

Here are a few changes that I am going to implement for 2011.

1. BIGGIE…being able to say NO to so many requests…..ROFLMAO (this is where I need help)

2. Have modified my “Review Policy” whereas I will guarantee 3-4 review requests per month for ARCs, agreed upon by author/agent and myself if I receive book 6-8 weeks before date. If not, I will review requests in the order of receiving as I have done in 2010.

3. In 2010 every book I read was in the order received, however, I signed up for the Just For Fun Challenge hosted by Lori from Dollycas’s Thoughts. So I will be taking the liberty of, whereas, that each month, I will select 1 book of my choosing, from either my tbr request pile (out of sequence) or my tbr personal bucket list pile to read.

4. I hope that the above 2 changes will not cause too much of an inconvenience to those that are on my TBR Request Reading Schedule

5. Set aside one day per week to draft 7+ future posts: daily memes, Guest Author and giveaways (hoping that this will cut down daily computer time to allow more reading time).

6. ?

Which brings me to today’s topic. Are you making any 2011 book blogging resolutions? Are you making any changes regarding your requests, reading, blogging issues? Do you have any suggestions that you think I need to or should make? Any items that you think I should continue or delete? Would love to hear your thoughts!!! Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

?? EReaders:

Last year hubby bought me a Sony EReader PRS600, which I feel have both pros and cons. One of the biggest negative was that it came with absolutely no operating instructions. Does anyone own one of these because I would love to know how to archive a book read and/or mark it as read. Since I suffer from “senior moments”, I have to keep another spread sheet (more work) to list what is in my library and what I have read.

Another question is, for those who do own EReaders, do you own more than one, different makes? I received GC to Amazon and am wondering if I should put it towards a Kindle, which there is a model now priced at $139.00?

I find that the majority of time, an Amazon GC is given, which the ebooks from Amazon are not compatible with my Sony EReader. Also another negative with the Sony is the battery life, which is only a few days before needing to be recharged whereas I just read that the above Kindle has a battery life of a month. Or do you own a Nook? Have you compared the different makes and models? What do you have or want? What are the pros and cons of your EReader? Would love to read your reviews of the EReader you own!!!

Let’s have a Slapdash Review!!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday (Part 1) Topic: Reflections and Blogging Etiquette

CMash December 19, 2010 4 Comments

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

I have been reflecting a lot over the past couple of weeks as I wind down my first full year of book blogging and reviewing and gearing up for the new year. I have made so many new friends, which I am thankful for, have had so much fun visiting others and their blog’s, adding way too many tbr books to my personal bucket list because of every one’s reviews, learned a lot regarding the computer (that in itself is a miracle) and am totally amazed that people actually read my blog, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude. I have learned quite a bit and am anxious to learn more. I hope that I have conducted this blog with integrity, honesty, credibility, laughter (mainly at myself) and with proper etiquette. Which brings me to the Slapdash Sunday Discussions. Next week will be Part 2: Changes.

Today’s Topic:

I have enjoyed every minute of this new community that has accepted me. And I hope I have never offended anyone or that I did not follow proper etiquette. I tried to treat others as to how I would like to be treated. Which brings me back to Etiquette. I have had a couple of incidents this past year that have bothered me and wonder if you have ever had similar situations. One was seeing a phrase that I always use hijacked and used for someone’s creation. Now I know I don’t have a copyright on phrases, but was still taken aback. Another one, which really did a number on me, and honestly took the fun out of blogging for a few weeks and even caused a few tears. It came from another party, not a blogger, where my credibility, honesty and future intentions were questioned and had false accusations said about me, to the point of being X’d out, and bordering on slander. I know and understand that I can’t change anyone’s behavior except my own, so I want to make sure I never engage in poor blogging etiquette and to learn the how- tos of handling that type of conduct, if it occurs in the future.

So my questions are: Have you ever had similar situations? How do you handle being on the receiving end of poor etiquette? Do you have certain rules that you feel should be followed? What do you think is poor blogging etiquette? Would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!

Slapdash Sunday

Slapdash Sunday (Part 1) Topic: Reflections and Blogging Etiquette

CMash December 19, 2010 4 Comments

SUNDAY

Hosted by Kayla at The Eclectic Element

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week ‘leftovers.’ Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn’t worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

I have been reflecting a lot over the past couple of weeks as I wind down my first full year of book blogging and reviewing and gearing up for the new year. I have made so many new friends, which I am thankful for, have had so much fun visiting others and their blog’s, adding way too many tbr books to my personal bucket list because of every one’s reviews, learned a lot regarding the computer (that in itself is a miracle) and am totally amazed that people actually read my blog, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude. I have learned quite a bit and am anxious to learn more. I hope that I have conducted this blog with integrity, honesty, credibility, laughter (mainly at myself) and with proper etiquette. Which brings me to the Slapdash Sunday Discussions. Next week will be Part 2: Changes.

Today’s Topic:

I have enjoyed every minute of this new community that has accepted me. And I hope I have never offended anyone or that I did not follow proper etiquette. I tried to treat others as to how I would like to be treated. Which brings me back to Etiquette. I have had a couple of incidents this past year that have bothered me and wonder if you have ever had similar situations. One was seeing a phrase that I always use hijacked and used for someone’s creation. Now I know I don’t have a copyright on phrases, but was still taken aback. Another one, which really did a number on me, and honestly took the fun out of blogging for a few weeks and even caused a few tears. It came from another party, not a blogger, where my credibility, honesty and future intentions were questioned and had false accusations said about me, to the point of being X’d out, and bordering on slander. I know and understand that I can’t change anyone’s behavior except my own, so I want to make sure I never engage in poor blogging etiquette and to learn the how- tos of handling that type of conduct, if it occurs in the future.

So my questions are: Have you ever had similar situations? How do you handle being on the receiving end of poor etiquette? Do you have certain rules that you feel should be followed? What do you think is poor blogging etiquette? Would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Let’s have a Slapdash Discussion!!!