The Bald Patch Weekly Link Round-Up

I'm the type of person who gets a computer and then uses it till it doesn't run anymore. I can't remember how long I'd had the one I just replaced. It certainly saw the birth of this blog in 2008-- and probably a lot more before that "momentous" event. 

This new one flies, and it has so much storage that I can't imagine being able to fill it all. But I hate breaking in a new computer. Regardless how careful you are, files go astray, and-- the worst-- the new operating system figures you're an imbecile so it insists on doing things its way no matter what you tell it to do. And then there's the different touch of a new keyboard. (Thank heavens they haven't gotten rid of the backspace key!) Hence the bald patch of my title. I've been refraining mightily from both throwing this new computer out the window and from ripping my hair out. There's a good reason why I'm no longer known for my patience.

A very very very bright spot this week was the contents of a package that was delivered. Author Jenn McKinlay (who's even more awesome in person than her books are to read) has dedicated her yet-to-be-released Good Buy Girls mystery, Marked Down for Murder, to three book bloggers. I'm one of the three (and am I ever in good company with Lesa Holstine and Dru Love!)-- and I've been gobsmacked over this incredible honor. Jenn sent me all kinds of goodies. The cool Library Lovers book bag as well as the "Murder, Mayhem, Mysteries" pen was taken with me to The Poisoned Pen Thursday night. It held a 8 x 11 notepad, pens, two Kindles, four paperbacks, and a small camera. I love it! You can also see a pile of autographed copies of Marked Down for Murder. I will be sharing the wealth sometime next month, so be on the lookout for a giveaway!

Here, linky, linky, linky! Now... where on earth did those links go? Ah-- I see 'em!

Books, Movies & Other Interesting Tidbits

• It's been a century since the first destruction of the University of Leuven Library. 
• Kate Atkinson's new book will be revisiting characters in Life After Life. (Which reminds me to get a move on and read that book!)
• Here's a fun list of the different words that the British and Americans use for various foods. I loved it-- but even my British husband had never heard of the usage of "bladdered"!
• Here's something  you don't see every day: W.H. Smith in the UK is stocking Thomas & Mercer (AKA Amazon) paperbacks.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder's unedited draft of her autobiography-- Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography-- will be giving a gritty view of prairie life.
• There's a controversy flapping over an adult cover for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
• If only I could win the lottery: the UK mainland's most remote bookshop is up for sale. (Yes, it's in the Highlands of Scotland.)
• Here's something to make you feel good: this mother asked for pictures of horses for her disabled daughter, but I don't think she was expecting what she received!
• J.K. Rowling has written a 500-word piece on a minor Harry Potter character.
• A couple in Tehran turned their taxi into a rolling library.
• The X-Files star Gillian Anderson has written a Sci-Fi novel.
• Going to Thailand? Don't take your copy of 1984.
• Are your kids ignoring your calls? There's an app for that.
• Can't remember where you parked? Google Now has an app for that.
• What the 'death of the library' means for the future of books.

Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones

• Bone chemistry is revealing the royal lifestyle of Richard III. 
• 200-year-old booze (that's still drinkable) has been found in a shipwreck.
• New research suggests that humans did not wipe out the Neanderthals.
• Ancient Maya cities have been found in the jungle. Speaking of finding things, I also found an article with more photos of the discoveries.

I  ♥  Lists

• 16 things little bookworms will ignore to finish a great read. 
• 30 authors talk about movie adaptations of their work.
• Here's an infographic about global second languages.
• 18 things only people who read to escape will understand.
• What do you know about the wives of famous authors?
• 14 stunning book illustrations brought to life.
• 10 awesome things inspired by Harry Potter.
• How well do you know classic literature?
• 10 great Scottish islands in pictures.

That's all for this week. I hope I managed to include an item or two that tickled your fancy. Don't forget to stop by next Friday when I'll have a freshly selected batch of links for your surfing pleasure. 

Have a great weekend!