ranger1's blog

At the request of many parents, Tome is changing the day and time of its Storytime (ages 3-6.

Beginning Friday, January 4, Storytime will begin at 3:30pm every Friday. We hope you'll join us for an hour of stories, crafts, activities and just plain fun!

Explorer's Club has been discontinued due to lack of participation.

Folks have been asking us to recommend e-readers. We realize that this is a decision based on personal preference and circumstances. So, here are some links to help you make a rational decision!

http://www.pcworld.com/products/tablets/ereaders.html

http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://www.laptopmag.com/l/ereaders.aspx

http://www.consumersearch.com/ebook-readers?gclid=CL6Ktv3d0q4CFQ-ChwodTC9D_g&ef_id=cT5OB3qafQkAAM9U:20120306165252:s

http://books.google.com/help/ebooks/ereader.html

Book lovers who purchase their e-books from independent booksellers online now have their own device-based reading application – The IndieBound Reader™. The launch of the IndieBound Reader for Android was announced today by the American Booksellers Association and the app’s developer, Bluefire Productions, an independent software company in Seattle, Washington.

IndieBound Reader, which was introduced to ABA IndieCommerce stores last month, is currently available for devices using the Android operating system, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Droid smartphones by Motorola, and will soon be available for iOS devices.

Micah Bowers, CEO of Bluefire Productions, commented, “The new IndieBound Reader completes the e-book experience for independent booksellers by making it easy for readers to extend their relationship with their neighborhood bookstore from print to e-book. Bluefire Productions is delighted to have helped the ABA give readers the ability to continue their longstanding relationships with their trusted, local bookstores.”

The app is available for download from the Android Market or from IndieBound.org.

For all you unpublished (or even published) writers out there, here's a new service from Penguin.

http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ar/theshelf/2011-11-16/penguin_launches_self-publishing_service.html

Some insight into the future of bookselling.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-end-of-borders-and-the-future-of-books-11102011_page_4.html

This has been circulating on the net.  Here it is in case you haven't seen.  Perhaps an idea whose time has come?... As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.
This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets...  Christmas is now about caring about U.S., encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Fans of George Martin and avid cooks will want to check out this link to medieval fare that sounds delish. It's especially appealing at this time of year when hearty meals are required to stave off the castle's chill!  The Pigeon Pie sounds great. If anyone gives any of these recipes a try, let us know.

http://innatthecrossroads.com/

Here's a link to one list that is sure to inspire conversation if not controversy.  If you want to be one of the most well-read and literate beings on the planet, start at the top and keep going.  Good luck!

If you're looking to immerse yourself in a series, look no more.  If you're tired of waiting for the new Kevin Kerney adventure, stop waiting. Instead, get on board the Sheriff Walt Longmire series by Craig Johnson.  Johnson is a Wyoming author whose prose is far superior to genre writing.  You'll love the plot twists, fabulous descriptions, and a cast of characters you'll come to love.  He's an engaging writer (and quite a character himself!) who leaves you wanting more. These are mysteries with a literary bent, so you'll be reading for more than plot alone!  BTW, A&E just finished filming the pilot for a cable series based on these books.  They're flying out of Tome.