Trumpet Blaring News and Helpful links

I’m going to start today’s blog with a just a little piece blowing my own trumpet.

Yesterday my book “Across the Pond” reached the BIG 100 reviews status on Amazon

I am so pleased that that many people have taken time not only to read my book, but to review it as well.



Any way I said I would try and help people out with free software, useful links etc. There are plenty around these are just a few that I can recommend.

ALL IN ONE

All your favorite links and downloads on one page, well worth checking out (allmyfaves.com)

ANTI- VIRUS

While people pay out for various anti-virus software when of the best available on the market is actually free

AVG (free.avg.com) is a popular anti-virus/spyware program with a free and pay version. The free version is very good with automatic updates etc.

SPYWARE

Spybot Search and Destroy (safer-networking.org) is a good antispyware program which is free for noncommercial use

FIREWALL

ZoneAlarm (zonealarm.com) a free firewall for individual users

HTML CREATION

FirstPage 2006 (evrsoft.com) a good WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) html editor with various templates and add on.

JAVA SCRIPTS

Snazz up your web pages with free java scripts (raindrops, reflections, rollover etc) from Anyflash (anfyflash.com)

INTERNET

Instead of using Internet Explorer more and more people are using FIREFOX (mozilla.com) it tends to be faster than IE

OFFICE SUITE

While Microsoft are talking about adding a “free light” version of programs such as Word and XL, for now if you do not want to pay for the Microsoft there is Open Office (openoffice.org) is free software that includes word-processor, spreadsheet, drawing program, and presentation program (sound familiar)

Also there is WordWeb (wordweb.info) a writing utility combining thesaurus, dictionary etc.

V- BLOG INFO AND HELP

Thinking of creating V-Blogs check out FREEVLOG (freevlog.org)

CREATE YOUR OWN MOVIE POSTER

Turn your book or any other picture into a movie poster (bighugelabs.com/poster.php)

GOOGLE RANK CHECKER

Check Page Rank of any web site pages instantly (prchecker.info/check_page_rank.php)

VISITOR MAP

Create a map of where all the visitors to your Web site/blog come from Clustermaps (clustrmaps.com)

SHORT NAME URL

Twittering or just want to shorten a URL address try TinyURL (tinyurl.com)

LARGE FILE SHARING

Want a location for your large v-logs or book video’s zSHARE (zshare.net)

I hope some of these were of use to people

Barry (Storyheart)



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

An Interview with Anjie (Anjie's World and The Frugal Freelancer)

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'Sham Wow' of Teen/YA literature", soaking up everything they can read.

To this end on Friday at 7pm, I have as a guest on A BOOK AND A CHAT one of the top YA Bloggers THE STORY SIREN

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Today's blog interview is something slightly different. While I met her when she she kindly reviewed by book "Across the Pond" on her blog site, she is also known as a savings specialist and webqueen of Freelancebyu.com

Name: Anjie Henley
Blog spot name: Anjie’s World and The Frugal Freelancer
Blog address: www.anjiesworld.blogspot.com
and
www.thefrugalfreelancer.com


How long have you been blogging?

Since 1998 (before they even had the name BLOG it was “online diary” then!)

What books do you read?:

I enjoy many genres and authors. I even read cookbooks! (true, there is a story in each one of them!)

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

Joyce Carol Oates

How many books do you have in your library?

Oh my, too many to count, hundreds if not thousands, I think it is time to scale back a bit.

How many books do you read a week?

It normally takes me longer than a week to read a book, just not enough time in the day for all that I want to do. I am able to complete a book every few weeks.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

I love Pioneer Woman, she has it all! http://thepioneerwoman.com/

When is your favorite time/location to read?

I prefer to read in my bed, but also snag time in the car riding when my husband is driving on the highways!

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

Alice in Wonderland ……. So many wonderful experiences and she gets her “moves” from C.S. Lewis whose quotes I adore! Write me in!

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Yes, I have three books in mind, one autobiographical, one “how to” / handbook and a cookbook. I have started two of them……….. I have a long way to go.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

I would go on OPRAH, instant success! I love how she is able to help out individuals that have a purpose and goals, she definitely “gives back” and I would do the same if I were in her shoes!

If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

I would interview Kate Chopin, she was so ahead of her time and wrote about such controversial subjects while living in the deep south (very brave woman). She has lived in both of the towns in Louisiana that I have lived in. (Natchitoches and NOLA) we would have tons to talk about, it would be an interview opportunity of a lifetime!

If you had a chance what period of history would you live in.

Probably the roaring 20’s!

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

I would love to go back to school to get a degree in Creative Arts Therapy. I currently have a BSW (Social Work) but the CAT degree is not offered in my state, nor online that I am aware of. I am patiently waiting!

What would you like to change about you if you could?

I would change my location. I would like to move but am still unsure of where I want to replant my roots! I love so many places but have yet to make up my mind as to where “home” should be.

Have you ever heard of a “Tree Kangaroo?”

Yes they are so cute!

Glad the word is getting around :)

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

Via email: byuwebqueen@gmail.com


Thank you for being my guest Anjie, good luck with your blogs, writing and continue to help people save money.


Don't forget I am always looking for guest for my Monday blogger interviews



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Latest Across the Pond and Storyheart News

Across the Pond a book for the young and young at heart. YA, teen, romance what ever you like to call it.


With the book now being available in book stores I have started to receive some new reviews from the book launch, including this one which is my first at AMAZON UK.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Across-Pond-Storyheart/dp/1436371767/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248385667&sr=1-1

I also have been asked and produced a guest interview at another blog

http://mariah-readingadventure.blogspot.com/2009/07/here-is-interview-with-storyheart-what.html

And the third and final good news for today is that my blog has received the :Humane Award"



According to this award's description, it is to honor certain bloggers who I feel are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a regular basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendships through the blog world.





Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

An Interview with Lexi from "Another page is used" blog spot

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

blog spot name: another page is used...

blog address: http://anotherpageisused.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging for about a year now.

What books do you read?

I read any kind of book. I'm interested in a lot of different things so I have to read many different kinds of book. But my favorite would probably have to be Young Adult. It's what I read the most.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

Uhm, my favorite book of 2009, that I've read so far, would have to be Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. She's one of my favorite authors.


What is your favorite author/book of all time?

My favorite book of all time would have to be The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold.

How many books do you have in your library?

I have over 150.

How many books do you read a week?

It usually depends for me. Sometimes its 1 or 2, other times it's up to 6.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

My favorite blog to follow would have to be.. Books Make Great Lovers. Ashley runs a very nice blog and we read different kinds of books, so sometimes when I need a certain kind of book to read, I go to her(:

(That's Ashely at booksaremylove.blogspot.com)

When is your favorite time/location to read?

I don't really have either. I'll read wherever, whenever(:

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

Oh, this is a hard one. I would probably have to choose, Tally Youngblood from The Uglies series. I think that it would just be really fun to live her life, also my friends say that I seem a lot like her, so it would be fun to see if that really is true(:

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Yes, I have thought about it. I'm currently working on one right now. I've started a couple before and one of them actually came very close to being completed.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

I'm not really sure. There are so many different was and I don't know which way would be the best for a blog. But I'd probably have to say, having a well known author talk about you and/or your blog(: something like that.


If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

For me, it would be a hard choice choosing between Ellen Hopkins and Jodi Picoult. I would absolutely love to interview both of them. But if I was really forced to choose one, I think I would have to choose Jodi Picoult because she is my favorite author so it would be amazing to have that chance.

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

Readers might not know that I'm really good at listening and giving advice. I make friends really easily and people always seem to trust me. I'll help anyone with anything.

(That is a good thing!)

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

The best way to contact me, for anything, would be my email, am.ernsberger@hotmail.com

Thank you so much for being my guest Lexi, keep up the great work and good luck with your blog, we'll be watching for that first book to be completed.



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

STORYHEART SUNDAY UK BLOG - From CHARIOTS to NASCAR

In the week when Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronalda agreed to transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid for eighty million pounds ($131,215,730). The World Twenty20 crickets tournament is going on. in rugby the British and Irish Lions are touring South Africa heading for the first test match, France beat New Zealand, and lesser teams such as the USA, Canada, Russia etc are playing. And the Penguins finally pick up the Stanley Cup in the seventh and final play off game, more or less without the help of Sydney Crosby. I'd though for my Sunday blog I'd go into a sporting event, which unlike most of what I've listed above American's actually follow and "almost" understand. The sport of NASCAR... okay so I use the term sport loosely.


When NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) was formed in 1948, there was a definite shortage of new cars in the post-war era. The feeling was that race fans wouldn't stand for new cars being beat up on a race track while they were driving a rattletrap pre-war automobile, so "Modified" cars were the early staple of NASCAR racing. In some instances during the early days, rental cars were actually used as race cars by point-chasing drivers who had no locked-in "ride" for an event. Cars were typically either driven to the track or "flat-towed" behind pick-ups and family sedans. From those early days NASCAR now sanctions over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 39 states, Canada, and Mexico. NASCAR has presented exhibition races in Suzuka City, Japan, Motegi City, Japan, and Melbourne, Australia.

NASCAR is one of the most viewed professional sports in terms of television ratings in the United States. Internationally, NASCAR races are broadcast in over 150 countries. NASCAR holds 17 of the top 20 attended single-day sporting events in the U.S., and claims 75 million fans who purchase over $3 billion in annual licensed product sales. Many marketers consider NASCAR fans the most brand-loyal in all of sports and as a result, Fortune 500 companies sponsor NASCAR more than any other Motor Sport.

SO WHY NASCAR?

Okay so NASCAR is popular, and in the southern states perhaps even a religion, but where did the idea come from.

Just think... highly sponsored teams, vehicles with tremendous horse power, cheered on by thousands, going round and round in a circle, with spectators dressed up in the colors of their favorites, and spectacular crashes that add to the mix.

Basically NASCAR is a modern version of Chariot racing.



The most famous arena was the Circus Maximus, which was 600 meter's long and 200 meter's wide. It could hold up to 250,000 people (25% of the population of Rome). Seats ran in tiers around the arena Chariots were pulled by two or four horses, and were driven seven times around the ring at extremely fast speeds. Great skill was needed and sometimes accidents happened, drivers were also trampled to death on a regular basis. Big crowds turned out to watch the races. The racers were divided into teams, red, white, blue and green, and their fans wore these colours. Huge bets were placed on the races.

At one end of the track, there were boxes where the chariots waited. The judges sat above them and started the race by dropping a white handkerchief. A fence ran down the middle, called a Spine, and the chariots went around this. Chariots were pulled by two or four horses, and were driven seven times around the ring at extremely fast speeds. Great skill was needed and sometimes accidents happened, drivers were also trampled to death on a regular basis. Big crowds turned out to watch the races. The racers were divided into teams, red, white, blue and green, and their fans wore these colours. Huge bets were placed on the races.

At one end of the track, there were boxes where the chariots waited. The judges sat above them and started the race by dropping a white handkerchief (flag?).

Even today, these arenas would be spectacular. Seating 250,000 people, it would be the biggest stadium in the world. Today the largest stadium can hold 120,000 people, so this shows how far advanced the Romans were two thousand years ago.

So the next time, you see a NASCAR event, just think.

"Are you really watching modern day chariot racing?"




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS
GOBSMACKED, BOBBIES AND AN ARM AND A LEG
BIG BEN... OR IS IT?
THE USA NEEDS A CITIZENS CHARTER

Views, Reviews and Weird News

With having to change my radio show from Wednesday to a Tuesday, my Views, Reviews and Weird News blog has moved to a Wednesday. A blog about radio show guests, some of the interviews, book reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

VIEWS:

I've had another fun couple of weeks with my blog radio show. Saturday I had young blogger Ashely as guest talking about her blog, books, reading and everything else, then today I have author Wendy Wax to be on the show to chat about her book "The Accidental Bestseller"


I have also just signed an option that will now allow my POD books to be sold with "bye back" which means they can now be available in "normal book stores" not just online. I'll tell you morer about this over the nextr few weeks.

REVIEWS:

The number of reviews fir my book continues to increase almsot daily, I am now up to 81. Here are the last five reviews...


4.0 out of 5 stars A good easy reading coming of age story, June 9, 2009
By Roger Yocom (Madison Alabama)
Across the Pond by Storyheart is a good easy reading coming of age story. It deals with a boy having to go on vacation to a place he has never been and staying with people he has never met. While there he deals with some of the many conflicts and problems faced by teenagers everywhere. He has the usual confusion about girls, what they think, and how to react to them. Running into bullies and having to stand up to them. He falls in love and has to deal with understanding the girl, her parents, and her friends. Along the way there are fun explorations, educational experiences, conflicts, and tribulations. In the end evil is vanquished, good reigns supreme and boy and girl are set to live, laugh, and be happy at least until the next chapter of their lives. So all in all it is a fun book with many good positive themes. I would recommend this to any teenager (or young at heart) looking for something light and fun to read this summer.

5.0 out of 5 stars A lively and entertaining storyline!, June 8, 2009
By Tatiana (Grand Rapids, MI USA)
Brit has a secret.... Something she is afraid to share with even her very best friend. But when Fred comes from England for a visit with her family, she finds a new friend, a true confidant, her first love and her English Knight. As we learn the secret that Brit has kept hidden, Fred discovers the differences in life "Across the Pond" and his school project book fills up. Fred learns about love, baseball, bullies and what lifelong friendships are all about. Filled with humor, great character development and a wonderful storyline, this young adult book will definitely keep readers interested chapter after chapter. I wouldn't be surprised if we see more of Fred and Brit, and readers of this book, including myself, will want to learn what happens next!

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read for both young and old, June 2, 2009
By Nichel B. (New York, NY)
Across the Pond is a book that is easy to read, but still has a interesting story for anyone to enjoy. It is a story about relationships, family, and love. These are subjects that we can all relate to and appreciate.


3.0 out of 5 stars First Experiences, June 1, 2009
By Lai "Austin Lover" (CA, USA)

"Across the Pond" is an easy reading novel particularly for the younger teens of both sexes. It provides a humorous and interesting cultural exchange of vocabulary/terminology for all ages. Its simple plot renders it good reading material for anyone who wants to stay away from the TV for a couple of hours on a lazy weekend.

The story carries out many firsts experiences - it's refreshing to walk the journey of a young teen boy's first love, first experience of an American baseball game, first fight over a girl, and many other firsts. It does reflect on a happy family with strong relationships between parents and a teenager.

Everyone loves a knight in shining armor story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ah! To Be Young Again!, May 29, 2009
By rejw2004 "Raina Johnson" (Chicago, IL USA)
Across The Pond is a wonderful example of young love and all that it brings with it. I felt like a kid again while reading this book. It brought back so many wonderful memories of what it was like to first experience True Young Love. The characters, Fred and Brit, are a true reflection of what most teenagers are like. This book brings to light the good and the not-so-good experiences some teenagers face. I think this book would be an excellent choice for anyone with teenagers. I'm far from a teenager and found it impossible to put down. This book is full of morals, values and wonderful examples of try human spirit. And let's not forget, Love.

WEIRD NEWS:

US fisherman hooks live missile
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8092123.stm


Twitter hype punctured by study

Twitter is being used as a broadcast medium, the study says

Micro-blogging service Twitter remains the preserve of a few, despite the hype surrounding it, according to research.

Just 10% of Twitter users generate more than 90% of the content, a Harvard study of 300,000 users found.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8089508.stm


Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

An Interview with Jenn from Jenn's Bookshelf

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".


blog spot name Jenn’s Bookshelf
blog address: http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com


How long have you been blogging?

Since March of 2008

What books do you read?

I read all types of books: mainstream fiction, young adult, thriller, horror, chick lit.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

So far, Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

I can’t pick just one book. My favorite authors are Stephen King, John Steinbeck, James Patterson, Suzanne Collins…I could go on and on!

How many books do you have in your library? 400-500

(WOW!!)

How many books do you read a week?

3-4

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

No More Grumpy Bookseller (http://nomoregrumpybookseller.blogspot.com/)

When is your favorite time/location to read?

Early in the morning, sitting in my reading chair, drinking a cup of coffee

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

I’d love to be a character in a Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte novel. The female characters are generally very strong, independent women.

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Perhaps when I was young, but no, not recently

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

Word of mouth! I think that’s the best way to advertise.

If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

Stephen King or James Patterson. I think they are both tremendously talented writers.

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

I have a ten year old son with ADD who is a reluctant reader. It’s been my goal to introduce him to the amazing world of reading. He’s recently discovered a few series that he’s enjoyed, and it warms my heart to see him read for pleasure!

(That's fantastic!)

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

I have both a contact me and review request form on my blog. Please fill out this information to submit a review request.

Thank you so much for being my guest Jenn, keep up the great work and good luck with your blog and your son reading more.



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Storyhearts Sunday UK Blog - Big Ben... or is it?

Big Ben: London's Clock Tower

The 320 foot high Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is one of London's most popular monuments for any tourist or visitor. The nickname "BIG BEN" is often used to refer to the clock and the clock tower clock itself.

The name though actually relates to the main bell, officially known as the Great Bell, is the largest bell in the tower is better known by the nickname "Big Ben". The bell weighs over 13 tons, and was cast in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London. To this day one of the largest bells they have ever cast. Big Ben was the largest bell in the British Isles until "Great Paul", a 17 tonne bell currently hung in St. Paul's Cathedral, was cast in 1881.

The original clock tower was built at Westminster in 1288. The present tower was raised as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new palace, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on the night of 22 October 1834. Just two months later, Big Ben cracked. A lighter hammer was fitted and the bell rotated to present an undamaged section to the hammer.

The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated.
• Each dial is 23 feet square (2.13 square metres)
• Big Ben's minute hands are 14 feet long (4.26 metres)
• The figures on the face of Big Ben are two feet high (0.6 metres)

A special light above the clock faces is also illuminated, letting the public know when parliament is in session.

During the Second World War, the Palace of Westminster was hit by German bombing, on 10 May 1941, a bombing raid damaged two of the clockfaces and sections of the tower's stepped roof and destroyed the House of Commons chamber. Despite the heavy bombing the clock ran accurately and chimed throughout the Blitz.

The idiom of putting a penny on, with the meaning of slowing down, sprang from the method of fine-tuning the clock's pendulum.[11] On top of the pendulum is a small stack of old penny coins; these are to adjust the time of the clock. Adding or subtracting coins has the effect of minutely altering the position of the pendulum's center of mass, the effective length of the pendulum rod and hence the rate at which the pendulum swings. Adding or removing a penny will change the clock's speed by 0.4 second per day.

The chimes of Big Ben are known throughout the world, were first broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues to this day.





Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS
GOBSMACKED, BOBBIES AND AN ARM AND A LEG

An Interview with LIV from LIV'S BOOK REVIEWS

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

Today my special guest is Liv from Liv's Book Reviews

Hi Liz, welcome to my Across the Pond tell me about yourself.

Name I write under - Liv

Blog spot name - Liv's Book Reviews

Blog address - http://livsbookreviews.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

Let's see here...I think it's been since February 2008 which seems like SO long ago. When I started, I never imagined that I'd keep it going this long. In that time, I've done over 300 posts and written over 100 reviews. What's funny is that at first I exclusively posted reviews. No memes, no random posts, no features, no nothing. Now, I don't post as many reviews as I should. I post waaay too many posts about nothing. Haha. I guess that's the way it goes.

What books do you read?

I mainly read young adult fiction and within that, contemporary and urban fiction. It's the stuff I relate to most. But lately, I've been adding more and more "adult" books to my pile. I've requested a bunch of Jodi Picoult's books from Bookmooch as well as James Frey's A Million Little Pieces and Seabiscuit. I've been branching out more.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

If I had to pick just one, I'd say Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers. That book was just so real and emotional and precise. As it was her debut novel, I'm excited to see what she has coming out next. This year I also read Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld which was released a while back but it has definitely become a favorite of mine. Those two books outshine every other book I've read so far this year, I think.

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Hands down. I give the same answer every time. That book is phenomenal. It's just got so much to offer to everyone. It can't be classified as a "girl book" or a "boy book" or even a young adult book. I had my dad read it and he loved it. And that's saying something because my dad normally sticks to his murder mystery books. I'm really excited to see what Catching Fire has in store for Peeta and Katniss.

How many books do you have in your library?

Maybe 120? I don't buy a ton of books because they're super expensive but I do make good use of Bookmooch. It's kind of funny though because I'm super particular about how my books are shelved and organized. I have them all in alphabetical order by the author's last name and I only shelve the books I've read and liked. If I haven't read them they go under the bed in a pile. If I don't like them, they go to Bookmooch.

How many books do you read a week?

About two, which is not enough in my opinion. I used to be able to read a lot more but now that I'm in high school, my education and my studies are my priorities, which doesn't leave a whole lot of time for reading. I do try to sit down and read for a little bit each night though. It's a nice little ritual. And it helps me to slowly and steadily get through my books.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

Oh gosh. I don't think I can pick just one but I'll name a few...I love Reviewer X because Steph's amazingly blunt and tells it like it is. Plus she gets tons of great ARCs so it's nice to get an early opinion. I also really like Pop Culture Junkie because she posts about all sorts of book-related stuff, not only reviews. As for non-book-related blogs, I like Color Me Katie and Little Brown Pen.

When is your favorite time/location to read?

Late,late,late at night, laying on my bed. It makes me feel rebellious. Haha.

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

Maybe Diana Holland from the Luxe series. Which might sound strange because so far Diana's been pretty unfortunate. I like her because she's sassy and spunky. Plus, it would be fun to be a part of that whole drama-filled world. So either her or Katniss. Because Katniss is just bad-a**. And she gets Peeta.

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Actually, no. I don't think I'm that great of a writer. I've tried to write some short fiction pieces for school before and it was a disaster. All of my ideas are just ridiculous. I'm better at opinion writing. And I like that more too because it's personal and direct. I have thought about going into the publishing industry in some other form though. Like as an editor or publicist or...something else. Writing's just not for me.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

Oh dear. I have a horror story about this. So last year, my cousin mentioned that I had a blog to the school librarian. Bad. Because the librarian told all of the teachers. So a bunch of the teachers that had had me as a student over the years were now aware of the fact that I was publishing my thoughts/opinions on the internet and that I was actually getting a little bit of attention for it. A few comments here and there. And then the principal caught wind of it and he thought it would be a great idea to give me some sort of honor in front of the whole school. I swear, I bawled for an hour. And, I know, I know, the internet is a public thing and it's out there for everyone to read, but the odds are that none of those teachers would have ever known what I was doing. Which is the way I wanted it. For me, my blog's a private thing that I've only told a few people about. It's like an escape. So. If I was able to advertise my blog I don't know if I would. I kind of like it the way it is. Although it would be quite cool to have an excerpt of a review of mine published in a book or two or something like that. I have a little blurb in John Green's Paper Towns which makes me sooo happy.

If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

John Green. But not just interview over the internet. I'd want to go sit at a coffee shop and video tape it all. Because while John Green is an awesome author, he's also an awesome person, and to be able to sit and talk with him would be beyond cool.

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

Ummm. I have no idea! Maybe my age? People are always surprised to learn that I'm just in my early teens. I'm no college student.

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

email. livsbookreviews@gmail.com I try to respond to all of the emails that I get.

Have you ever seen a tree kangaroo? (that is just for me, one of my fave weird animals)

No! But I'm going to google them right now. :)

Thank you so much for being my guest Liv, good luck with your blog and keep up the great work



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

STORYHEARTS SUNDAY UK BLOG – SWEET FANNY ADAMS

SWEET FANNY ADAMS


The expression "Sweet Fanny Adams" refers to her and has come, through British naval slang "nothing at all". Though the expression started to be used around 1867, it was not until 1919 in a book of WW1 soldier clang that we come across the first recorded the link between F.A. (meaning 'f*** all') and Fanny Adams.

So where did the term originate in the first place?

The term actually comes from a quite horrific murder of 8 year old Fanny Adams on 24th August 1867.

THE CRIME:

On 24 August 1867 at about 1.30 pm, Fanny's mother, Harriet Adams, let Fanny and her friend Millie Warner (both 8 years old) and Fanny's sister Lizzie (aged 7) go up Tanhouse Lane towards Flood Meadow. In the lane they met Frederick Baker, a 24-year-old solicitor's clerk. Baker offered Millie and Lizzie three halfpence to go and spend and offered Fanny a halfpenny to accompany him towards Shalden, a couple of miles north of Alton. She took the coin but refused to go. He carried her into a hop field, out of sight of the other girls.

At about 5 pm, Millie and Lizzie returned home. Neighbor, Mrs Gardiner asked them where Fanny was, and they told her what had happened. Mrs Gardiner told Mrs Adams, and they went up the lane, where they came upon Baker coming back. They questioned him and he said he had given the girls money for sweets, but that was all. His respectability meant the women let him go on his way.

At about 7 pm Fanny was still missing, and neighbors went searching. They found Fanny's body in the hop field, horribly butchered. Her head and legs had been severed and her eyes put out. Her torso had been emptied and her organs scattered. Her remains were taken to a nearby doctor's surgery, where over several days the body was put back together. (The surgery is now a pub called the "Ye Olde Leathern Bottle" and is believed to be haunted by the little girl.)

Mrs Adams ran to tell her husband, what had happened. He went and got his shotgun from home and set off to find the perpetrator, but neighbors stopped him.
That Baker was arrested at his place of work (a solicitors). He was led through an angry mob to the police station. There was blood on his shirt and trousers, which he could not explain, but he protested his innocence. He was searched and found to have two small blood-stained knives on him.

Witnesses put Baker in the area, returning to his office at about 3 pm, then going out again. Baker's workmate, fellow clerk Maurice Biddle, reported that, when drinking in the Swan that evening, Baker had said he might leave town. When Biddle replied that he might have trouble getting another job, Baker said, chillingly with hindsight, "I could go as a butcher".

On 26 August, the police found Baker's diary in his office. It contained a damning entry:

24th August, Saturday — killed a young girl. It was fine and hot.

At his trial on 5 December, the defense contested Millie Warner's identification of Baker and claimed the knives found were too small for the crime anyway. They also argued insanity: Baker's father had been violent, a cousin had been in asylums, his sister had died of a brain fever and he himself had attempted suicide after a love affair.

The judge invited the jury to consider a verdict of not responsible by reason of insanity, but they returned a guilty verdict after just fifteen minutes.

On Christmas Eve, Baker was hanged outside Winchester Jail. The crime had become notorious and a crowd of 5,000 attended the execution.

THE PHRASE:

So how does this link to the current usage of the term?

In 1869 new rations of tinned mutton were introduced for British seamen. They were unimpressed by it, and decided it must be the butchered remains of Fanny Adams. The way her body had been strewn over a wide area presumably encouraged speculation that parts of her had been found at the Navy victualling yard in Deptford.

With typical grisly humor, they sailors came to use the expression “Sweet Fanny Adams” to refer to these unpleasant meat rations, meaning worthless, which changed to mean “nothing at all”



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com



OTHER BLOGS ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN:


THE GRAND NATIONAL

WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT

MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND

ABOUT THE UNION JACK

ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL

WHAT IS BOXING DAY

BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS

WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?

BOBS YOUR UNCLE

NEW- Wednesday Night Version of "A BOOK AND CHAT"

Is "A Book and a Chat" popular? I guess so...

I have had so many writers, agents, publicists and blogger's asking to appear on my Saturday show "A BOOK AND A CHAT" I am full until mid July and even have bookings as far ahead as September.

So there was only one thing for it... Start a second show on a Wednesday Night!

So starting this Wednesday April 22nd I will now also be hosting "A BOOK AND A CHAT" at 6:30pm EST.

My first guest is Cherie Burbach, who is currently doing a virtual tour with her book "Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza"

Cherie used her personnel experience with meeting her husband online to pen "At the Coffee Shop", a humorous look at the world of Internet dating. Cherie went on over 60 coffee dates in just six months. She met lots of great people and one of those turned out to be the guy she would marry just one year later. Now she has produced this new book.

Having met my own wife and an X-wife on the internet I can't wait to chat to her about internet dating.

So check on tomorrow Wednesday 6:30pm (EST) for "A BOOK AND CHAT" with Cherie Burbach:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Storyheart
http://across-t-pond.com
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com