School Library Journal loves Me & Jack!

Last line bolded by my editor:

“Joshua Reed’s mother passed away a few years ago, and he and his dad are constantly moving because his father is an air force recruiter during the Vietnam War. It’s not the easiest of circumstances for a sixth grader.

In his newest home, in the steep hills of Pennsylvania, Joshua and his father decide to adopt a dog from the local pound. Jack spooks and scares most of the community because he’s so strange looking (he’s actually a Pharaoh hound). He is blamed for breaking into the chicken coop, knocking over garbage cans, and more. Joshua has to defend Jack and determine who or what is frightening the community, while simultaneously making a comfortable place for himself.

The constant presence of the Vietnam War plays an integral role in this novel. When attending church for the first time, Joshua and his father hear the pastor congratulate a local family on their son’s upcoming return and empathize with a family whose son is MIA. Me & Jack is well paced and keeps readers focused and concerned about the characters and their development.” – School Library Journal

Funny, Short Video for Adam Lambert Fans

Thank you, Travis Erwin, for your gracious words on Me & Jack

Thank you, Travis Erwin, for your gracious words on Me & Jack: Loved the book for its ability to entertain while also educate and shed light on a time and mindset that few kids today have thought about.

American Idol--Quit Your Belly Aching! THE SEQUEL

Actually, I wasn't done typing the previous post when I accidentally hit "publish." But as you know, there are no real accidents. I let it stand, and I begin again:

Last night, Pia was eliminated from the talent pool of American Idol.

THE HORROR!

The camera made a quick cut to Randy, who looked like he was saying something that began with an F. JLo was jello, trembling with upset. Even Steven declared America got it wrong.

Gimme a break.

With nine contestants left, anyone who leaves now is someone with talent, whether they're your favorite or not. If you want to know how this is going to play out, I refer you to my earlier post, Ryan Seacrest, Adam Lambert in which I theorize that the voting public does not elect the American Idol; the AI electoral college does. To refresh your memory, I submit that Ford, AT&T, and 19 Entertainment are not going to hand over their lucrative contracts to the person voted in by the fastest flying fingers of America's quickest texters.

So let's look at this objectively. AI lowered the audition age and is striving to reach a younger audience--the audience they started out with, the spending audience, not people like me who drive vans and compare prices on chicken. They want the new generation, the people who camp out at night for the latest smart phone, the people just starting out on their own and who might buy a Ford Fiesta.

Let's knock out the talent who are just too niche-y to appeal to the wide group the sponsors want to sell to: Casey--oh so talented, one of my faves, but can he sell to a wide audience? Sorry, no. Paul, no. Jacob--I love you, but no. Scott--you are country cool and I think you'll make it, just not on this show. In fact, I believe everyone I've just mentioned can and will make it, just not on AI. (Oh, Casey, so smokey!)

Whose face does Ford want to put on their product? Well, let's see. Seems people have already forgotten last year's winner (Lee DeWyze, just so you don't have to look it up). And Kris Allen, well, he's so nice and I do like his voice. Can you imagine Adam Lambert hawking Ford Fiestas? Hahahaha!HAHAHAHA! Oh, please! *wipes tears of hilarity from eyes*

An aside: Has anyone forgotten Adam Lambert? I DON'T THINK SO.

I conclude that Ford wants a clean, fresh-faced American who appeals to a wide audience, spanning age, gender, and race. And let's not forget the actual records! 19 Entertainment doesn't want our votes, they want our money! They want an idol who will is capable of sustaining a career, not just exploding as a 2011 supernova.

Here are my bets for American Idol 2011 top three:

Stefano: Stefano is so very passionate and so genuine. He's got a lovely voice, and I think he's humble. All the qualities the sponsors are looking for.

James: Good looking, exciting, rocks the house! AI, please do something else with his hair! James has Adam Lambert appeal, though lacks a maturity present in Adam. Forgivable. James is great. Has a good back story. I bet sponsors are looking hard at him.

Lauren: Oh my gosh, this girl is so cute! Cutesie-pie qualities are usually a turnoff to me, but Lauren is seriously cute. I wish I had her accent! I wish she'd sing more rocker songs like she did in the beginning of the season--she's got the rasp to do it. I can see her face selling Ford, AT&T, clothing, hair ribbons, and bracelets.

Who will win?

I don't know!

Who do you think will win? If you had to put money on one of the eight who remain, who would it be? My answer is in the comments.

American Idol--Quit Your Belly Aching!

Last night, Pia was eliminated from the talent pool of American Idol.

THE HORROR!

Lovely Review for Me & Jack on BiblioReads

Me & Jack has received a lovely review from Lisa Barker on BiblioReads.com. Check it out here!

Have a great day!

Casey's Home and is Fine

After spending the night at the emergency vet's and the next day at the local vet's, my little Casey is dashing around the house, chasing balls, and chewing the edge of the couch. With the exception of some minor gastric discomfort, she is doing great!

Casey's at the Emergency Vet's--Swallowed Ibuprofen

My husband dropped ibuprofen on the floor and missed one in picking them up. Casey, our dog is now at the emergency vet's.

IBUPROFEN AND DOGS (cut and pasted from valid animal health sites)
A typical tablet contains 200 milligrams, so only a fraction of that pill is safe for most dogs.

When your pet is in pain, it's common to want to administer a painkiller like Ibuprofen or aspirin. Dogs should not take human medications. Ask your vet about safe dog medicines. Despite the low cost, dogs rarely survive Ibuprofen overdose.

Never give a dog ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Even a child's dose can be fatal. These pain relievers can cause severe, even fatal, stomach ulcers and kidney damage in dogs.

Symptoms can take anywhere from 12 hours to several days to show. However, if you suspect your dog has ingested Ibuprofen take him to the vet immediately. Any tablets consumed must be flushed out of your dog's system as quickly as possible to improve his chances of a full recovery.

Symptoms of an Ibuprofen Overdose in Dogs

Unsafe dog drugs like Ibuprofen commonly cause renal failure. Symptoms include:

* Blood in the stool

* Dehydration

* Lack of appetite

* Stomach pain

* Vomiting

* Weakness

If symptoms appear, it is often too late to save the dog's life. Treatment for Ibuprofen poisoning in dogs must begin within two hours. Activated charcoal, stomach pumping and plenty of IV fluids are necessary.