Manage when library ebook loans arrive using OverDrive & Libby

Ever get a notice the ebook you put on hold at the library is available, but the timing isn't ideal to start a new book for some reason? Or it's just a bad time to start that particular book? I used to run up against that digital wall all the time.

Maybe it was bad timing because I had another book (or two) in play already, or I wasn't in the mood for that book at that moment, or it was for a book club and I preferred to read it closer to the meeting date. The last one is a biggie echoed by several others I've been in book clubs with over the years. Many people (myself included) prefer to read the book within a couple weeks before their group's discussion so it's fresh in their minds.

20 romcoms that give a jolt of happiness

Sometimes I need a mood boost, something uncomplicated to make me happy and forget my woes or stress. It's not always easy to find. A good movie can give my spirits a lift, but it needs to be sweet and fun, with no sad ending or violence to bring me down.

That's where romcoms come in to save the day! But when I'm feeling like I need perking up, I can't always decide what will do the trick. That's why I made a list of go-to movies to provide a much needed pick-me-up, just to keep in my back pocket for a rainy day (rainy days being perfect, of course, for snuggling up on the couch under a plush throw to watch a lovely, happy, romantic comedy. Preferably with a glass of wine and chocolate). These are my favorite go-to romcoms; I know there are some hugely popular ones not on this list, but I'm just adding ones that ring my bell. Augment at will!

Summer Reading Guide 2019

As summer approaches and temperatures rise, the days stretch into evening and the bibliophile's heart turns to thoughts of what to read next. I've compiled a list of ten books I'm excited about this summer, and I think they'll be perfect whether your reading spot of choice is a sunny beach or a cozy couch.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

The Library Book by Susan Orlean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The library is a gathering pool of narratives and of the people who come to find them. It is where we can glimpse immortality; in the library, we can live forever.”

The Library Book practically sings with the music of gorgeously crafted sentences. It’s part history, part mystery, and all love letter to libraries – the books that fill them, the patrons that use them, and the staff that keeps them humming along.

It centers around a 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Public Library that destroyed 400,000 books and damaged 700,000 more. The Fire Department said it was arson; but if so, who was the culprit? You’ll have to read the book to see how that tale unfolds.

What's new on Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video & Hulu in June 2019

The shows and movies dropping into various streaming options this June include several exciting titles. I always make myself a list of what to watch for, so I'll share that with you, highlighting the ones I'm anticipating most and including links to full lists of new titles for each platform. Here we go!

New on Netflix in June 2019

Most anticipated: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on June 26. This megahit took the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and has been on my to-rent list ever since it dropped on digital (I love it when something I'd been meaning to rent lands on a service I already subscribe to). The trailer looks gorgeous! For an enthusiastic discussion to whet your appetite while you wait, check out the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast singing its praises.

Writers decades ago earned more, begging the question: WTF?

Freelance writers, wrap your head around this: "Hemingway signed a fresh contract with Collier’s in early 1944 that would pay him $3,000 per 2,500- to 3,500-word article." That's more than $43,000 today. 

The article about Hemingway focused on his filing a massive bill for expenses (it was $13,000 in WW2-era cash, or $187,000 when adjusted for inflation). The headline was about the expenses, but the part of the article that grabbed me highlighted how much more people used to be able to make freelancing for magazines and newspapers.

Just imagine making even the $3,000 today, never mind how much he got when adjusted for inflation. Most freelancers get nothing like that for a piece. Maybe if you're a recognizable name, but few get the David Sedaris rate (he's in a position to demand top dollar, and I hope he does).