On Notice: Rolling Rock (or, an Ode to the Full Moon) [10/14/2008]

Rolling Rock's recent advertising campaign really got to me. Suggesting that you would deface the awe inspiring beauty of the full moon with your logo is deeply offensive.

I realize the claims were in jest, but, to me it isn't even acceptable to joke about doing something like that. There are many beautiful things in this life, but, most of them are fleeting. The full moon is one of the few constants throughout the ages.

Is nothing sacred? Seriously, is nothing sacred?

"That orbed maiden
with white fire layden,
whom mortals call
the moon."
- Shelley

Finished Taltos [10/10/2008]

I liked the main story of Morrolan and Vlad getting to know each other in the Paths of the Dead. It explained why Morrolan and Aliera are always ready to help Vlad without question. I had know idea how much he had helped them. I'm still not sure what made Vlad decide to help them in the first place. It was kind of weird throughout the book not knowing when or where the spell sequences were taking place. This book didn't really change my opinion about Sethra being strange.

Finished Teckla [10/06/2008]

I'm surprised I didn't like Teckla nearly as much as I would have expected. I typically like revolutionary themed books. I didn't like having Vlad so introspective and philosophical. And I really didn't like Cawti acting so emotional and irrational. I also have a difficult time believing that the Teckla and the Easterners would join forces, even if they share a common oppressor.

Finished Yendi [10/03/2008]

I didn't like this book as much as Dzur or Jhereg. I didn't get to know the Sorceress in Green well enough for it to make sense that she was as involved in any of it. I also didn't like the vibe that Sethra gave off in this book. It makes me less interested in her than I was before.

It was pretty funny to have Vlad so distrusting of Aliera and Morrolan compared to the almost complete trust he had towards them in Jhereg. I did enjoy learning about how Vlad and Cawti met and fell in love. That part at least seemed believable to me. I wonder if Cawti will continue to do "work" now that her partnership with Norathar is over.

my first car adornment [9/30/2008]

coolest exercise mat ever [9/30/2008]

Now my crunches are slightly less painful thanks to these awesome foam puzzle pieces Oran bought me. : )

Finished Jhereg [9/23/2008]

This book explained a lot about Dragearan society. I really liked getting to know Aliera. I hope one of Brust's books will tell the story of how she got Pathfinder. Now, I'm not surprised as to why the Demon helped him in Dzur, seems to me now that he would owe Vlad even more backup then he gave. The end scheme to trick Mellar shows Vlad's strength at recognizing his friends best abilities and using them all to create an unbeatable team. On to the second book - Yendi.

a victorian cthulhu? [9/19/2008]

unusual homes, sculptures, and gardens by eccentric builders [9/16/2008]

I made another google map:

It currently includes:
Gilroy Gardens - www.gilroygardens.org
Nitt Witt Ridge - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitt_Witt_Ridge
Rubel Castle - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubel_Castle
Forestiere Underground Gardens - www.forestiere-historicalcenter.com
Bottle Village - www.bottlevillage.com
Watts Towers - www.wattstowers.us
Forevertron - www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2239
House on the Rock - www.thehouseontherock.com
Mystery Castle - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Castle
Eliphante - www.eliphante.org
Cano's Castle - www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/8936
Bishop's Castle - www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2047
Garden of Eden - www.garden-of-eden-lucas-kansas.com
Pasaquan - www.pasaquan.com
Broken Angel - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_Angel_House
Las Pozas - www.eyeconart.net/mexico/pozas.htm
Casa da Flor - www.casadaflor.org.br
Junkerhaus - www.junkerhaus.de
Facteur Cheval's Perfect Palace - www.facteurcheval.com
Maison Sculptee - www.lamaisonsculptee.net
Robert Tatin's House - www.musee-robert-tatin.fr
Nek Chand's Rock Garden - www.nekchand.com
Owl House - www.owlhouse.co.za
Hermit House - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermit_House
Paper House - http://www.paperhouserockport.com
Les Rochers Sculptes - http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochers_sculpt%C3%A9s_de_Roth%C3%A9neuf
Maison Picassiette - http://www.art-insolite.com/pageinsolites/insopicassiette.htm
La Maison a Vaisselie Cassee - http://www.123musees.fr/La-Maison-de-la-Vaisselle-Cassee.html
Le Jardin du Coquillage - http://detour.webdatabases.net/artist_detail.html?ArtistID=12263&ArtID=12263
Le Jardin de Nous Deux - http://detour.webdatabases.net/artist_detail.html?ArtistID=12282&ArtID=12282
La Fabuloserie-Bourbonnais - http://www.fabuloserie.com
Totem Pole Park - http://www.legendsofamerica.com/OK-TotemPolePark.html
Tarot Garden - http://www.nikidesaintphalle.com
Wienrebenpark - http://www.bruno-weber.ch

Finished Dzur [9/04/2008]

This was my first Brust book. Maybe starting on number 10 in a series isn't the best idea.. I had quite a few questions that I'm sure were answered in the earlier novels. However, I think I understood most of it.

This was also my first fantasy book in a long time. I enjoyed the action and fast pace. I also really liked the main character Vlad. I'll definitely read more of the series as I am a true sucker for books involving dragon familiars. :)