Friday, September 04, 2015

A Building Anticipation Weekly Link Round-Up




We've actually been getting a bit of rain here and there, which is always nice. I've been becoming quietly excited because luggage is sitting on the bed in the guest room. We're trying to go for smaller suitcases this trip, and I need to do a trail run to see if it's possible. I think it is. Denis isn't so sure. (I wonder if I can talk him into a bet?) Another reason for my excitement is seeing gorgeous recent photos of the northern lights in Scotland. I'm hoping they'll hang on till we get there. Seeing the northern lights has been on my bucket list for years!

As you can see by the photo to the left, travel isn't the only thing I'm getting ready for. I've been working on Christmas things all year, and once it cools off more I'll start working on the big things for Christmas 2016. I'm so fortunate because all the folks I give gifts to truly appreciate handmade things. It didn't used to be this way, and I have to admit that if I still gave gifts to those people, they'd be getting gift cards!

Most of you know that I keep statistics on my reading throughout the year, and I was taking a closer look at it the other evening. (Instead of just crunching the new numbers.) I've been a member of Paperback Swap for several years now, and it certainly appears that I use my membership mainly to sample new authors that I'm not sure of-- almost all the books I've either not finished or rated as C's and D's I've gotten from there. Believe it or not, I can be frugal when it comes to books!

And now it's time to come to those links. Head 'em up! Move 'em out!
 

►Books, Movies & Other Interesting Tidbits◄
  • The science behind how bedtime stories help kids.
  • Dear Mom, Dad, and Teacher: This is why I read
  • This has happened here at Casa Kittling a couple of times: when you answer the phone and no one is there.
  • Some smart folks in Scotland have the right idea: all children should automatically become library members.
  • I'm lucky. If I'm reading an Australian novel and come across slang or acronyms that I don't understand, I have Aussie friends whom I can ask on the rare occasion that Google isn't my friend. Take a look at this short video on Youtube and not only will Aussie slang make a lot more sense, you just might start using it yourself!  
  • I've always got to check out the newest words in the Oxford English Dictionary!
  • There's a time or two I could've used this: There's a hidden conveyor belt under the Capitol that was just for moving books. (And from some of the "wisdom" our elected officials have been spouting, I think we should put it back in service for some mandatory reading. And there will be a quiz afterwards!) 
  • I put on my headphones and enjoyed listening to Val McDermid interview J.K. Rowling last year at Harrogate!
  • A true hero, World War II nurse Augusta Chiwy has died at the age of 94. Here's her obituary in The Washington Post and in The New York Times. "You either let her treat you or you die." Bravo, Dr. Prior. Bravo.
  • Anthony Horowitz (creator of the excellent Foyle's War) talks about his 007 debut Trigger Mortis.


►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄
  • Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient Greek palace near Sparta.
  • 13 pictures that capture the wonder and thrill of archaeology.
  • What was only a rumor last week has now become fact: a long-lost Nazi loot train has been found in Poland.
  • Viking coins found in Wales have been declared treasure.
  • Archaeologists have found a Pictish palace in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. 
  • Perhaps I should remodel my kitchen like this young couple did here in Phoenix....
  • Thanks to Yvette of in so many words for leading me straight to Where Five Valleys Meet. I really enjoyed a two-part post about a country house during World War II: the Upton House grounds, and Inside Upton House.
  • A Neanderthal cave discovered in Spain featured hot water and one bedroom. 
  • The Titanic's last lunch menu is going up for auction. It could bring up to $70,000. 
  • Not fond of ketchup? Do what the ancient Romans did-- use garum.


►Channeling My Inner Elly Mae Clampett◄
  • Just keep swimming...scientists have discovered a new reef that might be even bigger than the Great Barrier Reef.
  • 18 funny dogs that live for car rides. I know all of my dogs were completely bummed when they couldn't go for a ride.

►The Happy Wanderer◄
  • Scotland thinks it has an answer to the U.S.'s Route 66. It's called the NC500 route-- or North Coast 500-- and covers the northwest Highlands. Between the NC500 website, and articles, photos and videos in The Guardian and the Daily Mail, you can see why it's been called one of the top six coastal drives in the world. I've traveled both NC500 and Route 66. I love them both. But I would give the edge to one of them. Can you guess which one?
  • 10 new World Heritage sites that should be on your bucket list. 
  • Sherlock Holmes fan? Here's a little literary tourism for you!


►I ♥ Lists◄


►Book Candy◄



That's all for now! Don't forget to stop by next Friday when I'll be sharing a freshly selected batch of links for your surfing pleasure.


Have a wonderful weekend and read something fabulous!



8 comments:

  1. Oh, I"m sure you must be so excited, Cathy! I hope you'll have a wonderful trip! Meanwhile, I'm going to check out that Aussie language. Like you, I don't usually have a problem with it when I read, but the linguist in me can't resist...

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    Replies
    1. I must have a linguist gene because I can't resist them either!

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  2. As always I enjoyed your Friday round-up. We're just home from England, hope you enjoy your trip to Scotland.

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    Replies
    1. The only downer on a trip to Scotland for me is TSA. Too many of their employees have let power go to their heads. *sigh*

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  3. Hope you have a great trip and look forward to your stories and photos.

    And, hmmm, some fascinating links. Must finish last week's first.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for the appreciation of our NovelTea Tins, Cathy! I should mention that you can buy just the tins too. Without the tea inside. :) Check out our KS again; we reached our @21K kickstarter, which means we get to make Pippi Oolongstocking!

    http://bit.ly/Teas_JS

    Many, many thanks,
    Jorgen & the NovelTea Tins!


    ReplyDelete

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