Apparently the BBC reckons most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here.
Instructions:
1) Look at the list and put an ‘x’ after those you have read.
2) Add a ‘+’ to the ones you LOVE.
3) Star (*) those you plan on reading.
4) Tally your total at the bottom.

1 Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien x
3 Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series – JK Rowling x
5 To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee X
6 The Bible x+
7 Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four – George Orwell X
9 His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations – Charles Dickens X
11 Little Women – Louisa M Alcott X
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 – Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien X+
17 Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch – George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House – Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy X++++
26 Brideshead Revisited – Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck X
29 Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll X
30 The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame X
31 Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield – Charles Dickens X
33 Chronicles of Narnia – CS Lewis X+
34 Emma – Jane Austen
35 Persuasion – Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – CS Lewis X+
37 The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini *
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh – AA Milne x
41 Animal Farm – George Orwell X
42 The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown X
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney – John Irving
45 The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables – LM Montgomery X
47 Far From The Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies – William Golding
50 Atonement – Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi – Yann Martel
52 Dune – Frank Herbert X+
53 Cold Comfort Farm – Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities – Charles Dickens X
58 Brave New World – Aldous Huxley X
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
62 Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History – Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas X
66 On The Road – Jack Kerouac X
67 Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick – Herman Melville X
71 Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
72 Dracula – Bram Stoker X
73 The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett X
74 Notes From A Small Island – Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses – James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal – Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair – William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession – AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens X
82 Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple – Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web – EB White X
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle X+
90 The Faraway Tree Collection – Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad X
92 The Little Prince – Antoine De Saint-Exupery X
93 The Wasp Factory – Iain Banks
94 Watership Down – Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas X
98 Hamlet – William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl X+
100 Les Miserables – Victor Hugo

TOTALS
Read: 34
Loved: 8
On my list: 1

I guess the kids are all doing the 25 random post things, so it’s either this or watch The Biggest Loser…  and by that I mean look in a mirror.

1. I’ve never had to knock on wood, but I know someone who has.
2. I hope you dance…
3. I’m bringing sexy back.
4. I am Iron Man
5. All I wanna do is (bam bam bam bam) and I (ch-ching ding) then I take your money.
6. I am… Sasha Fierce
7. I love Rock and Roll
8. I like the way you move
9. I will survive
10. I can’t git no… satisfaction
11. Ooops, I did it again
12. I ran(so far away)
13. I’m never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down.
14. I want candy
15. I’m already there
16. I kissed a girl… and I liked it
17. I like to move it, move it
18. I fought the law, and the law won
19. I love the nightlife, I love to boogie
20. I heard it through the grape vine
21. I will always love you
22. I want you to want me
23. I think we’re alone now
24. I shot the sherrif
25. I’m the man in black

Last night we rented The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.  I avoided this one in the theater because I had already a) read the book, b) seen the BBC Teleplay, and c) suffered through the first CoN movie.  Clocking in at 2hrs, I was worried about what I was getting myself into.  Instead, I kinda enjoyed it.

First off, CG badgers are much more endearing than little peaple in furry costumes.  Not that there was a lack of little people, the dwarves were in full effect, and kicked almost as much ass as the mice.  Oh yeah, the mice kicked some ass.  There was more violence than the BBC version, but most of the blood occured off-screen.

Prince Caspian was protrayed as a more adult character, unlike the 12yr old from the British version, and the swordplay was impressive.  And while the BBC version was more of a siege story, the 2008 film was equal parts Guns of Navaronne and The Three Musketeers.  Storming the castle, commando invasions, and the big dumb guy holding the gate open so the heroes can retreat, ultimately catching multiple shots before collapsing in heroic sacrifice.

The actors were as annoying as last time, but acceptable.  And the voice talent was impressive, if odd.  Reepicheap the mouse was voiced by Eddie Izzard, and there was a bear with 2 lines of dialog played by David Walliams from Little Britain.  Odd, but funny.  My favorite part was that Warwick Davis was in both film versions of this story, first as the mouse Reepacheap for the BBC, and currently as the evil dwarf Reacharound, or Piknmix, something like that.

Ultimately, this has a lower Homeschooler approval rating than the first, mostly due to the fact that Caspian and Susan Pevensie share a kiss, and some furtive glances.  Whatevs, I say.  It was much more likely to have happened than the BBC film portrayed, although it’s hard to countenance the term “likely” when dealing with talking bears and gryphons and werewolves and dwarves and centaurs and giant walking trees etc.

Point of contention, who first came up with the anthropomorphic tidal wave: C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien?  Both of their latest movie adaptations feature this as a dramatic device, but I can’t recall reading it in either books.

All in all, I give it 3 out of 4 dryads.

How’s this for a triumphant return to blogging? A restaurant review!

Today, working at my new office in St Paul proper, I found myself in a unique situation: hungry, with no idea where to eat.  I checked online for restaurants in the immediate area, and one that came up interested me.  Key’s Cafe has been on my radar due to their incessant marketing efforts on the local talk station, and I’d always wondered what the deal was, and so I decided that today was the day to find out.

Located on a side street right off University, I entered the hole-in-the-wall cafe to find a crowded and lively lunch spot.  With a rumbly tummy only slightly to blame on a cold, I hunkered down at the counter and had my order placed within 2 minutes.  The menu had what you would expect for a St Paul institution, but the prices were rediculously high.  For a beef hash breakfast, I could get a steak at Denny’s.  But I wouldn’t.

I ordered Breakfast #4, 2 eggs and Italian(surely pronounced Eye-talien) Sausage.  The food came in 5 minutes, which was great considering that every table was full, and so was half the counter.  The eggs were cooked to perfection, and instead of a phallic pork-product, I had a hamburger sized zesty treat.  The consistency of a breakfast sausage patty, but with the sweet-spiciness of it’s namesake, the meat did the trick.  I was in, dined, and out in 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a whole lot to lead me back there again, unless I’m in the throes of full-hangover grease deficiency.  THe parking was a 30 minute maximum, and cost 75 cents.  As I like to loiter and enjoy my full lunch break, I can’t reccomend Key’s as a good lunch alternative.  But at the same time, the food was great, the service was prompt and friendly, and I can’t say much of anything negative about the shop either.

So in summation, meh.

Since I have no extra cash right now, I figure the best thing to do is think about all the stuff I’d like.

So here is my current “wishlist” and why, in an effort to entertain you, dear gentle reader.

Want: iPhone
Why: Duh, because everyone else has/wants/needs this too.  I’m just a part of the great unwashed masses like you guys!
How Much: $400 or so

Want: a better upright bass
Why: Well, obviously having one makes me good enough to need the top of the line instrument available.  I mean, just finding one on Craigslist for a ridiculously low price isn’t enough, right?
How Much: $1,600

Want: a house
Why: I think the better question is, why not?  They seemed to be giving ‘em away to anyone with six bucks and the willingness to sign a piece of paper, and I just missed the bandwagon.  Now you need to have good credit, and enough regular income to conceivably be able to make your payments every month. Whatever!

How Much: $210,000 or so

Want: New Walking Shoes
Why: Mine are falling apart, and I walk to work, so that makes sense.
How Much: $14.98 if I get a pair of Starbury’s

Want: A new car
Why: I don’t currently have a car
How Much: more than a pair of Starbury’s

The plan is, get done with class around 9:30pm, get picked up by my traveling companion Jake, and head for KC.  We should arrive some time around 4am, if all goes well.  I’d assume a trip to the local Wal-Mart to procure neccesities and amenitites, and then nap by the gate until we fly around 11am.  At some point, we will make contact with the third member of our party, Ben(but not PartyBen).  Then its off to gorgeous Miami via stifling Texas.  Then we sit around for a few days, interspersed with a Rehearsal and Wedding to attend.  I’ll let you know how it goes, but I’m assuming my seratonin will be shot by the end of the week.

For day 3, refer to the end of the last post.

By day 4, the Murray’s should be all gone from your hair, leaving it a lot softer and more pliable.  But what if you’re like Hugh Laurie, and need the extra hold? That’s where the Royal Crown comes in handy. The idea is to use the product that leaves the least amount of residue, because you can’t add more Murray’s until your hair is completely clean.

OK, you can add Murray’s, but it won’t have the same affect.  And a good way to get the look without the extra leftovers is a hair product so good, bands fight over who gets to the keep the homage in their name.  By now, you should be familiar with the Fonzie move, so get some goop on your hands go at it.  This washes out much better than Blue Magic, leaving you free to pile the hair ridiculously high tomorrow!  If you’re ok with the Mike Ness look, another alternative is Vitalis, available at drug stores and your grandpa’s medicine cabinet everywhere.  Squirt some into your hands, and run them through wet or damp hair and slick it back.

Now, you’ve got way more information and resources than you thought you’d need.  But hopefully this will help all the little greasers out there, and it sure killed the dead space before my lunch break!

So now you’ve taken your hair out for a spin, to a car show or concert, or maybe to the local watering hole in search of a lady. It’s now the morning after, you get out of the shower to find that your hair is still thoroughly encased in Murray’s. How now, brown cow?

Depending on how much you put in your hair yesterday, you might be able to get by with just repeating the last few steps from day 1. Just put the hot, wet rag on your head, remove, then style.

If you were a little more conservative with the Murray’s yesterday, you’ll find that your hair stays in place, but lacks that je ne sais quoi to be truly pompalicious. No worries, that’s where the Blue Magic comes in.

It may look like some kind of axle grease or joint compound, and in a pinch it is very helpful in getting small gaskets and O-rings in place. But it’s also the secret weapon in the slick-hair arsenal.
Simply step out of a hot shower, or use the hot rag trick, and then comb your hair into the closest approximation of the style you desire. Take a small amount of the Blue Magic, rub it into your palms, do the Fonzie Motion until you have a light and even coverage in your hair. Now style the finishing touches, and your hair might even look better than with Murray’s alone.

This will actually take you through two days, as there will be a small amount of the Murray’s left on day 3, and an equal amount of the Blue Magic. If you’re not given to showering daily, you probably smell funny. Or if you don’t, just do the hot rag trick on day 3, and you’ll have a serviceable, if not truly spectacular, pomp. You can also add a little dab of the Blue Magic to get the extra hold you need. Next up, Day 4: Royal Crown

Because I’m bored, and because Back to the Fifties is next weekend, I figured I’d post a little how-to on having a great looking pompadour.  Also, I don’t anticipate having enough hair to pull one of these off within the next couple of years, so there’s no time like the present.

I use Murray’s Original Pomade, because it’s sold at Target, Wal-Mart, and pretty much anywhere else.  I can’t vouch for the Lucky 13/Murray’s product, and I ain’t payin no $8 for stuff for my hair.  Murray’s comes in two strengths, original and Super-Light.  As in most other things, stick with the Original.

If your hair naturally grows in any direction other than straight back, start with either soaking wet hair, or straight from the shower and towel dried.  Comb it back from your forehead, and if need be you can use a hairdryer to dry it in place.  Don’t worry if it doesn’t look right, this is just the first step.  Otherwise, let your product-free hair dry in place.

Next, just like you would as if you were putting shoe polish on a rag, rub your fingers around the top of the Murray’s until you have a good-sized glob on your fingers.  Now insert it into your palm, and vigorously rub your hands together until you have it evenly spread onto both palms, and slightly melty feeling.

• Note, Murrays is a waxy but petroleum based product, and heat will cause it to go from solid to liquid.  You can use friction or a blow dryer on the hot setting to cause it to melt.

Quickly run your freshly melted Murray’s across your hair in the direction you want your pomp to go.  This is an almost Fonzie like move, but it’s worth it.  Repeat the last two steps until your hair is coated on the outside.  Again, this will not necessarily resemble the finished product, but it’s a step in the right direction.  Your hair may clump, or look like it’s been coated in plastic, but that’s fine.

To “cure” your hair, take a rag and run it under hot water until it’s thoroughly soaked and almost too hot to stand.  Wring some of the water out, so it doesn’t constantly drip, and drape it over your hair.  You’ll want to make sure the top and sides of your head are covered, as the heat and steam from the towel will help the Murray’s become one with your follicles.  As you feel the rag start to cool, usually 30-50 seconds after you put it on, remove the rag and quickly come your hair back from your forehead.

It is at this point that you can style your pomp to your particular desire.  Some will want a pronounced peak at the front, which gradually sinks back to the scalp at the back of the head.  Others will go for a more boxy look, like Mutt Williams’ hair in Indiana Jones 4.If you don’t get it right the first time, fear not.  Simply repeat the hot rag trick, and you can always take another crack at it.  Once it’s good,  you can ride down the highway in a convertible doing 90 and your hair will stay mint.

Tomorrow, day two: Murrays and Blue Magic.

This post will start nerdy, and then proceed to intensify at an exponential rate.  This is my promise to you, dear reader.

Someone took the time to recreate some iconic photographs with Lego people.  Check out his photostream, as it’s quite amazing.  This is exactly the kind of thing I originally wanted to do for my 4-H project in 8th grade.  But we ended up shooting off model rockets instead.  I think I did a better job at rockets than I would have with the cheap automatic camera and limited amount of Lego’s.

Now on to nerdness-squared.  Following a link from one of the resources used by the Lego Photographer, I found these guys.  They make custom and aftermarket Lego weapons and people.  Seriously, check it out and tell you wouldn’t have mowed lawns all summer long just to get your 7th grade hands on some of these weapons packs.  I would, and I for damn sure wish I still had the time and toys to make it worth dropping $25 for a the complete set of guns.