Booknote: Pearls Blow Up

Stephan Pastis, Pearls Blows Up: a Pearls Before Swine Treasury. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2011. ISBN: 9781449401061.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: humor
Format: large paperback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

This is a Pearls Before Swine treasury with a bit over 200 pages. The daily strips are in black and white, and the Sunday strips are in color. The volume also includes a small collection of author photos from younger days.

This is a comic strip I do not see often. I may see it in the local newspaper once in a while, but that is about it. In reading this book, I found the humor can be inconsistent. The puns now and then are not that good, like Pastis may be trying too hard. Some of the cynical humor can be pretty good when it gets it right. Some highlights in the volume include:

• Rat decides to turn off the Internet.
• Rat gets a "no stupiding sign" (I can relate to this one).
• Rat as "corporate counsel." 
• Rat and Pig meet a tenured professor (I am sure a few professors have that strip cut out and stuck on their office doors). 

Rat and Pig are my favorite characters in the series. Rat embodies the cynicism and Pig an optimist sense of wonder.

In addition, Pastis includes text commentary on most of the strips in the volume. To be honest, the commentary often does not add much, and at times it drives jokes to the ground with unnecessary explanation. If you need to explain the joke, it is not that good nor funny.

Overall, despite parts of the volume being a bit slow and inconsistent, I still liked it. When it worked, the humor was good. However, when it did not, it was bad. I'd say, if you are a fan you'll probably enjoy this. For casual readers, this is  more optional, borrow it. '

3 out of 5 stars.

Qualifies for this 2020 Reading Challenge:

Booknote: Whiskey Women

Fred Minnick, Whiskey Women: the Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey. Dulles, VA: Potomac Books, 2013. ISBN: 9781612345642.

Genre: history
Subgenre: women's history, alcoholic spirits, whiskey, business
Format: hardcover
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

The book looks at the presence, role, and involvement of women in distilling spirits and making what eventually becomes known as whiskey. In the first two chapter, we get a look at early history before whiskey and the early days of distillation, and the big role women played in it, often confronted by sexism and prejudice. The remaining chapters focus on Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. Not all women were enthusiastic about whiskey, so the book also looks at women in temperance movements. We also get tales of bootlegging women all the way to modern times with women running distilleries and being whiskey entrepreneurs.

The book is a very interesting read. It's well written, fairly entertaining at times, and even inspirational in some stories. I found Bessie Williamson's story of her running Laphroaig Distillery very inspiring. We need more hard working, caring, compassionate bosses like her. In the end, we learn that women have always been part of making spirits and whiskey; it's just they've rarely been acknowledged. This book is a good way to rectify that oversight.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Granted the parts about temperance were not as enjoyable (I could not care less about self righteous abstaining people), but it was still a good book. It does maintain a good balance of topics and perspectives. Every chapter includes a series of notes to document sources; the notes are in the back of the book. The book also features a bibliography for folks wanting to read more. In the end, I really liked the book, and I recommend it. If you enjoy reading histories of spirits and whiskey, this is a good choice. It's also a nice choice if you want to read something a little different in women's history. This is overall a good selection for public libraries and for some academic libraries.

4 out of 5 stars.

* * * * * * * 

Additional reading notes:

The book giving credit to women:

"This book gives credit to the women who perfected the recipes we enjoy today and helped build iconic brands worth billions of dollars. They may not have a whiskey named after them, but the world owes them a debt of gratitude" (xiii). 

It started with women making beer:

"Long before industry perfected triple distillation or steam-powered engines, Sumerian women invented the first step to creating whiskey: they made beer" (1).

A small look at today:

"Today Diageo, the world's largest spirits company, owns Bushmills, and the Irish whiskey brand's master blender is Helen Mulholland. Bushmills is also one of the whiskies most widely enjoyed by women" (26). 

Yet another reason Prohibition was among the dumbest things the U.S. has done:

"Within six years of passing Prohibition, temperance supporters realized that drinking actually increased" (75). 

Women were very talented in bootlegging:

"For all the contributions women made behind the still, their Prohibition talents were in hiding from the law, sneaking liquor into the country, and doing whatever it took to make sure alcohol found the speakeasy" (75).

Women also talented in finding, creating, and marketing whiskey stories to sell whiskey:

"Whiskey enthusiasts relish these histories, and women have become absolutely crucial to finding stories and plastering them on packaging and advertisements to help sell whiskey brands" (138). 

Women often lead in tasting:

"Though no study indicates women can caste whiskey better than men, women are on nearly every whiskey tasting panel in the world" (155). 

And in running companies:

"Women are no longer novelties to the whiskey boardrooms. They run too many of these companies to be considered gimmicks" (143). 

Book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenge:

Booknote: The Tabasco Cookbook

Paul McIlhenny and Barbara Hunter, The Tabasco Cookbook: 125 Years of America's Favorite Pepper Sauce. New York: Gramercy Books, 2004. ISBN: 0-517-22334-1.

Genre: nonfiction
Subgenre: cookbooks, corporate books
Format: hardback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

This book is an entry in the genre of corporate cookbooks to advertise a product. This book offers ways to use and cook with Tabasco pepper sauce. We always have a bottle of Tabasco handy in the house, and visiting the place where they make it is on my bucket list (if I had a bucket list). So when I saw the book, I was curious and picked it up at the library.

The book is arranged as follows:

• Introduction
• Soups and starters
• Breakfast and brunch
• Entrees
• Vegetables and side dishes
• Condiments and sauces
• Mail order suppliers: so you can order by mail. Keep in mind this book came out in 2004, so I'd call or check online to verify the accuracy (plus these days they may have online ordering)
• Index

The book offers some interesting recipes that vary from simple (i.e. you can probably make them at home) to complex (serious trip to high end grocery store or find someone who already makes it in some fancy restaurant). In addition, the book features some nice black and white photography throughout. The book also features trivia and historical anecdotes about the brand. The cuisine featured is Southern (of course), and it comes with a subtle warning: "Many of our local specialties are neither low in fat nor quick and easy to prepare, but they are awfully good" (11).

Overall, I really liked this book. Makes me want to use Tabasco a bit more, plus I learned a thing or two.

4 out of 5 stars.

Booknote: Asterix Omnibus 1

René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Asterix Omnibus 1. London, UK: Orion Children's Books, 2016.  ISBN: 9781444004236.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: humor, children and young adult
Format: hardback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

This omnibus edition collects the first three volumes in the long running series. In Asterix the Gaul, we meet our protagonist and the rest of the village's cast. The Romans manage to place a spy in the village in the hopes of learning the secret of their superhuman strength. Hijinks ensue. In Asterix and the Golden Sickle, Druid Getafix breaks his golden sickle, which he needs to cut herbs for his superhuman strength potion. Asterix and Obelix go on a long journey to get a replacement. In Asterix and the Goths, it's time for the annual druids' convention. The Goths kidnap Druid Getafix hoping he will share his secrets with them. Instead, he tricks them as Asterix and Obelix work to rescue him.

Overall this is a nice collection with good humor, small historical references, and a pun here or there. I used to enjoy this series in  younger days, and I still do. It is definitely entertaining and worth reading. I really liked this one.

4 out of 5 stars.

Book qualifies for this 2020 Reading Challenge:

Booknote: Garfield Nutty as a Fruitcake: his 66th Book

Jim Davis, Garfield Nutty as a Fruitcake:his 66th book. New York: Ballantine, 2018. ISBN: 9780425285763.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: humor, all ages
Format: hardback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

Jim Davis keeps making strips and entertaining us. Among the highlights for me here are Garfield watching B-movies (I always find the movie concepts amusing), Jon seeing the true purpose of the Internet (cat videos), and Liz and Garfield count fireflies in a summer night (this is one of the sweeter strips in the series). Overall, this is another volume of amusing and light reading. Some of the strips are better than others but overall this is a good volume.

3 out of 5 stars.


Book qualifies for this 2020 Reading Challenge:

Booknote: Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire, Volume 1

Various authors, Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire, Volume 1. New York: Marvel, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-7851-9398-2.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: Star Wars, science fiction
Format: trade paperback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

I highly enjoyed this one. This series fall right after the events in Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. After the Clone Wars, Darth Vader is exterminating any remaining Jedi; he also has to do the Emperor's bidding. Whatever doubts Vader may have are buried as he fully embraces the Dark Side of the Force. For the surviving Jedi, these are times to decide if to hide and flee, die fighting, or bide their time for an opportunity to rebel. But for now, these are dark times.

Material in this volume is previously published. I've read some of it such as the story of Darth Vader and the Lost Command. The challenge was finding it all together instead of scattered in various issues. The value of this volume, and the series of volumes, is that it puts those scattered issues in one place for easy reading. It is good, easy reading that draws you right in. For libraries, this and other epic collection series would be a good buy as they contain full runs of stories, easier for collection development. Still for me the volume had enough material that was new to me, and I did also enjoy rereading what I had read before.

Overall, I really liked this one. Do note given this is a compilation that art style may vary, but overall it is good art with great storytelling (certainly better than the recent third trilogy of films).

4 out of 5 stars.

Booknote: Tarot Elements

Melissa Cynova, Tarot Elements: Five Readings to Reset your Life. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2019. ISBN: 9780738758404.

Genre: nonfiction
Subgenre: Tarot, divination, spirituality, self help
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

I enjoyed Cynova's previous book, Kitchen Table Tarot (link to my review). If you are expecting something similar to that, be warned this is very different. This is not a book to learn Tarot; nothing wrong with that. This is more a self help book that uses Tarot card readings  to provide the self help. If you enjoy self help books and books that claim to help you fix your life, or part of your life, somehow, then you'll probably like this book. If you are looking for either a book to learn about Tarot or a Tarot reference book, this is not it.

The book is arranged as follows:

• Introduction: "Can you fix my life?" The author introduces the book and briefly explains how she "designed a reading for each element based on its alchemical symbol" (5). 
• Chapter One: ""How element readings work." An overview of the author's elemental reading method. 
• Chapter Two: "How to read Tarot cards." Overview on card reading. This is fairly basic and superficial, but then again, this is not the book's core. 
• Chapters Three to Seven: The elemental readings. A chapter each for earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. 
• Chapter 8: "Additional Spreads for Clarity." These spreads are mainly to clarify the five readings. 
• Chapter 9: "Self-Care." Tips on self-care. Not much new here, it is basic but good general advice. 
• A conclusion, an appendix of Tarot card meanings, a recommended reading list. Not that none of the books on the list are related to Tarot. They are mainly a selection of self help books on topics like uncluttering, natural healing, and in one case "secrets of the heart." 

While I found the idea of using Tarot to address life issues intriguing, and also found intriguing using the elements to organize those readings (for example, earth reading to deal with material matters, money, career, so on), the book just does not totally focus. Each reading chapter features some personal stories from the author, the elemental spread, two sample readings, and an exercise to do with the readings. To be honest, a lot of the books feels a lot like self therapy. The initial story parts at times just read like meandering personal stories; I wondered at times if some or all of that personal drama of her ever had a point. Chapter 3 is a good example; it has close to six pages of just the author's personal drama before we get to the actual spread and reading. At that point I was wondering "yea, so what?" The rest of the book follows a similar pattern.

Overall, this is a book for a specific project of self-help or self-therapy. It just happens to use Tarot for the therapy. If you need or want that sort of self help, and you are already familiar with Tarot, this book could be for you. In that sense, this is like any other self-help book out there.

This is not a good book for learning Tarot or further developing your skills at it. For that, you can get the author's previous book or get any other good Tarot reference book. In the end, the book was just OK.

2 out of 5 stars.

Book qualifies for these 2020 Reading Challenges:

#ArcApocalypse

Booknote: Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Melissa Wagner and Max Dalton (artist), Everything I Need to Know I Learned From Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. New York: Clarkson Potter Publishers, 2019. ISBN: 978-1-9848-2644-2.

Genre: nonfiction
Subgenre: children and young adults, pop culture, television, life advice
Format: small hardcover
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

This book is a nice tribute to that gentle man who was everyone's neighbor and showed us the good in life: Mr Rogers. The book features "quotes and anecdotes taken directly from television visits with Mister Rogers, his neighbors, and the familiar faces of the residents of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe" (7). In addition, the book is illustrated in full color by Max Dalton. The simple yet colorful art will definitely take you back to your childhood.

Overall, Wagner has done a great job selecting material for the book. The book is arranged in ten sections featuring topics such as:

• You are special.
• Be a helper.
• Don't Forget the Fun.

You can read the book cover to cover, or you can browse when you just need a little inspiration or want to share a positive message with your child.

In the end, this is one to keep, share it with your children.

5 out of 5 stars. 

Booknote: Tarot Inspired Life

Jaymi Elford, Tarot Inspired Life: Use the Cards to Enhance Your Life. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Worldwide, 2019. ISBN: 9780738759944. 

Genre: nonfiction
Subgenre: Tarot and cartomancy
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

This book packs a lot of information and material in a bit over 300 pages. Elford takes readers from how to start reading and using Tarot cards all the way to suggestions and advice for going pro (if you so choose). In between, she provides a lot of ways, techniques, and tools to "use the cards to enhance your life." Naturally, you don't have to do everything in the book; a strength of the book is in the variety of activities Elford offers to readers. Tarot users will probably find something to learn or use no matter their skill level.

The book is arranged as follows:

• Author's notes and introduction.
• 3 Major Parts: 
• What Tarot Is. The first 3 chapters go over history, structure, meanings and spreads. 
• What You Can Do With Tarot. The next 5 chapters look at a variety of creative activities you can do with Tarot. These include writing practices, creative crafts, spiritual practices, invocations, and rituals. 
• Putting It All Together. This includes reading cards for others and networking with others in the Tarot community. 
•  A bibliography. 

In addition to the wealth of information, I found this book easy to read and very accessible. I've done Tarot and cartomancy for a few years now, but I consider myself very much a beginner. Elford's text  is welcoming, and her words are encouraging. Unlike other Tarot gurus I've read (that I will not name), she is not pretentious nor does she assume you come in with a lot of esoteric knowledge beforehand. She is like a teacher happy to see you, welcomes you with open arms, and strives to teach at various levels. Are you a complete beginner? Start at the beginning of the book and work your way through. You got a bit of knowledge and experience? It is OK to skip ahead to what you need.

Speaking of teaching, the book chapters are well organized pedagogically. Each chapter starts with a list of objectives. Chapters then include practical exercises, and they end with a list of books related to the topics discussed in a chapter so you can read further. I wish more Tarot and cartomancy books were this well organized.

One important detail I missed was some photographs, especially in the crafting sections. While the author provides fairly detailed instructions for craft projects, like making a Tarot deck bag, there are no photos in the book. For those of use who may need a bit more visual help a photo and/or diagram or two would have been very helpful in these sections.

I read the book cover to cover for this review. However, I am confident this is a good book that I would use in and out in my Tarot practice. Do an exercise here, make a spread there, so on. This is a book you can keep coming back to, and it is one I would add to my personal cartomancy shelf. If you want to give a beginner a book, this is certainly a good choice. Overall, this is one I would buy and keep handy.

For libraries, this is a good selection for public libraries. For academic libraries, if they collect pagan and similar materials, this can be a good option. I know our campus Pagan Coalition might appreciate this one, so I am likely to order a copy for my academic library.

5 out of 5 stars.

* * * * * *

Additional reading notes:

The author notes the book is still useful if you are familiar with the cards already:

"Already familiar with the cards? No problem. Tarot Inspired Life includes experiments and ideas to expand your knowledge. Use this book along with your favorite deck as a laboratory manual to explore new ways of using your favorite deck" (xix).

Author states you can use pretty much any deck with the book, though a fully illustrated deck is preferable (i.e. avoid pip only decks for now). 

Author believes anyone can learn:

"I believe anyone can learn to use the cards and harness their power with only the help of your mind, memories, and a paper and pen. If you have those, you are ready to experience the world of tarot and create your own tarot inspired life" (xx). 

Her interpretation of The Hierophant- V as a teacher. This is an interpretation I tend to favor as well. In fact, I tend to favor Tarot decks that have such depiction or better illustrate the Hierophant as a teacher. She writes,

"The Hierophant:  The teacher. Many people view the Hierophant as embodying the spirit of structured religion and dogmatic beliefs. Lately I've come to view the Hierophant as a teacher, one who guides us out of ignorance so we can navigate the world and life's challenges. He reveals patterns so we can understand what is best for our own mind, body, and spirit" (16). 

I found her interpretation of The Devil- XV intriguing and even a bit liberating. While I've often seen the Devil as a rebel, or a reminder to indulge in a bit of hedonism, this trickster view, for me, opens possibilities:

"The Devil. The Trickster. Tricksters are playful characters who live outside traditional behaviors and norms. They find themselves in seemingly impossible situations with no chance of escape and then, somehow, they miraculously escape with little exertion. The Devil as a trickster figure says being stuck is an illusion and the way out is usually easier than we think" (18-19). 

Tarot card meanings are not static, and you need to make them your own:

"Tarot card meanings aren't static. Each has a dynamic range of meanings from light to dark. Each book you read and each person you talk to will never give you the same exact answer. This is the art behind reading tarot. There are many ways to 'read' a tarot card as you shall see, and there is no single correct way to really read a card. Learning what the cards mean to you, their essences and range of applications, and being able to articulate how they relate to a situation is an important lesson of tarot" (40). 

Tarot card study and learning never stops, and reading for others can help the process too:

"Reading cards for others also helps you understand the cards better. Each questions brings out card nuances. Sometimes your clients will point out details on your cards you may never have seen before. They may also treat you with some new insights. Once you learn tarot, you will never stop uncovering new insights about the cards or techniques" (78). 

* * * * * * 

Book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenges:

 

 

 #ArcApocalypse

Deck Review: Panda Tarot

Severino Baraldi, Panda Tarot. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2017. ISBN: 9780738756493. (Published by Lo Scarabeo, but Llewellyn distributes in the U.S.).

Genre: divination, card decks
Subgenre: Tarot, pandas
Format: 78 card deck plus little white book
Source: I own this one. 


I got this deck mainly because it features cute pandas. I've found this is a pretty good deck for readings. If you use and/or are familiar with the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) Tarot system, you can use this deck as it draws on RWS.

The Hermit- IX

Let me start with the Little White Book (LWB). It's the usual little booklet in five languages that Lo Scarabeo provides with many of their decks. You get 11 small pages of content in English (out of 63 pages total in the booklet). The brief introduction in the LWB hints at a story:

"Try to imagine. In Shaanxi, a series of caves were found. From one such excavation, a pack of tarot cards were found. Depicting anthropomorphic pandas, this deck is believed to be a relic of a race of sentient pandas who lived in ancient times" (3). 

Nine of Wands

The LWB's introduction also talks a bit about pandas in nature. I wish the
author would have a created a full book with the story of those ancient sentient pandas. It would have been a nice enhancement to the deck. Still, you do not need the story or much of the LWB to use and enjoy this deck. The card meanings in the LWB are fairly basic. If you are a beginner, the meanings can give you a start, and then you can keep reading and researching further. Advanced Tarot users can likely skip the LWB. I usually read any materials that come with a deck, and I found the LWB useful enough to keep it handy, but I can use the deck without it.

The cards have a colorful, bright, and playful art style. Most of the pandas are dressed in traditional style Chinese garb. The images are basically RWS depictions, so you are familiar with that system, then the deck will be easy to use. The pandas are expressive in emotions and actions, which looks good and can help your intuition. As in other Lo Scarabeo decks, Major Arcana cards are identified by Roman numeral without names. Minor Arcana cards are identified by Arabic numeral and suit symbols; court cards have a court symbol and a suit symbol. Other than a small frame on top and bottom for card identifiers, the sides are borderless, which makes the art look better and more open. The cards measure about 4 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches. I find them fairly easy to shuffle. I do not usually riffle shuffle, but if you do, these cards should work well for that.

Ace of Cups

When I read for other people, I like to have a few decks on hand to give people some choices. I always try to have at least one "family friendly" decks, and this is definitely one that is friendly for all ages. Other than some pandas au naturel, there is no explicit imagery. As I mentioned, the art is bright, colorful and playful. In reading, I find it reads well and provides direct answers. I'd say this deck can make a good reliable workhorse deck. It may not be one for very deep readings, but it works for daily use and basic readings. It's a good deck to use when you want something light and positive with a small touch of humor. For me, it's a basic deck I can use when I want a bit of cheer and brightness, plus pandas are cute. I am happy to have it in my collection. I really like it.

4 out of 5 stars (mainly for the cards).


Note: photos are my own from my copy of the deck.

Booknote: Captain Ginger, Volume 1

Stuart Moore, et.al., Captain Ginger, Volume 1. Syracuse, NY: Ahoy Comics, 2019. ISBN: 978-0-9980442-1-7.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: science fiction, adventure
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

This is a comic about a starship run by anthropomorphic cats, with all the issues and troubles cats can face including excessive breeding and cleaning the litter boxes, all in space. The human race has died out, and cats inherited the Earth, or at least a starship. Now Captain Ginger has to herd cats, keep the crew unified somehow, and find their way in space. Al the while his second in command, Mittens, is also a source of conflict.

This is an interesting concept for a comic. The authors really worked to make sure the intelligent cats still behave like the cats we know. If you are a cat fancier, you'll appreciate the small details. However, you do not have to be a cat fancier to enjoy the book. While the story has some humor, this is not primarily a humor comic. It's more a science fiction adventure. I will note we get little in way of set up. Readers get dropped in the middle of the story, and they pick up bits and pieces along the way, much like the cats trying to figure things out.

Though it had some slow moments, I found the story and idea interesting overall. The art is pretty good as well, and the comic is in color. Note this is the first volume, so it ends in a cliffhanger. I am curious enough I may take a chance on the next installment. In the end, I liked it.

3 out of 5 stars.


This book qualifies for the following 2020 Reading Challenges:

#Arcapocalypse

Booknote: A Zits Guide to Living with Your Teenager

Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, A Zits Guide to Living With Your Teenager. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2010. ISBN: 9780740791680.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: humor, family, teenagers
Format: small hardback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library


This is a small, cute book of Zits comics with comics providing lessons for parents with teenagers.
The comics are amusing and in full color. The author and artist provide a comic strip that goes across two pages and then the lesson the comic strip illustrates. Some lessons include:

• Relish your new role as profound embarrassment to your teenager. 
• The teen years are a worry marathon. Pace yourself, and drink lots of water. 
• Love to love the sheer chutzpah. 

Overall, it is a cute little book that is amusing. If you have teenagers, you'll probably appreciate this. For parents entering into their children's teenage years, this book may make a good gift to help the parents be ready. I really liked this one.

4 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for these 2020 Reading Challenges:

Reading about the reading life: April 5, 2020 edition

Welcome to another edition of "Reading about the reading life" here at The Itinerant Librarian. This is where I collect stories about reading and the reading life. Basically, these are items related to reading, maybe writing and literacy, that I find interesting and think my four readers might find interesting as well with a little commentary. As with other features I do on this blog, I do it when I have time or feel like it. Comments are always welcome (within reason).

Here are a few items I've found here and there to give you a little something to read during these Hard Times.

• Tracy at Cornerfolds write about her travails attempting to order books from a used bookstore. I will say that the only time I attempted to order from a certain fairly big used bookstore online it did not go well either. Both times the items I ordered were not as advertised, and both times I had to return said items. That is a big reason why I do not take chances ordering used stuff online nor on third party sellers. Those kind of traders always have wide latitude in representing their wares ("wide latitude" here can range from stretching truth a bit to outright lying). It's caveat emptor out there.  
• A while back Book Riot took a look at the condition of book social media site GoodReads. In essence, the site pretty much has not updated much of anything since they started out. GR getting purchased by Amazon has meant little since Amazon has not done much of anything with the site either. The issues the article discusses are issues I can attest to as a long time user: a poor search function, groups that are not really that good in terms of usability (or usefulness), and to be honest, Amazon's purchase did them no favors. I just use the site to track what I read, and that is about it. Another issue, not really mentioned in the article, is that there are no real (at least free) alternatives (sure, there is Library Thing but that is not free) to GR. BookLikes seemed like a candidate for an alternative, but it has proven to be unreliable and has often gone offline without any follow ups or such.
• The Washington Post recently reviewed the book Author in Chief and looked at books that U.S. Presidents have written (or had ghost written by someone else). I will be looking for the book if the damn COVID-19 virus ever settles down enough to go find it from a library (or maybe I get lucky and the library has it as an e-book).
• The National (UAE) takes a look at emerging Asian and African science fiction, including afrofuturism as recently embodied in the film Black Panther. The essay also includes various book titles that may be of interest and worth looking for. 
• As the pandemic was about to take off so to speak, this bit of news caught my eye. In North Korea, where they swore they had no COVID-19 cases, their leader was more worried about ordering writers there to produce more literary works praising the leader's greatness. Via Literary Hub.
• Lapham's Quarterly looks at magazines at the turn of the 20th century, a time when they peddled things like college degrees and architectural plans to build houses. It was all part of the progressivism of the time. 
• National Review has an essay looking at marginalia in books. 
• Finally, if you have binged watch every movie and show you can get your hands on, well, there are always books. If you are in the mood for horror, iHorror has a list of five horror series you could binge read if you have some extra time.

Booknote: The Infiltrator

Robert Mazur, The Infiltrator: the True Story of One Man Against the Biggest Drug Cartel in History. New York: Back Bay Books, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-316-07752-1.

Genre: nonfiction
Subgenre: memoir, true crime, mobsters, organized crime
Format: paperback
Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

This is the story of Robert Mazur, a U.S. Customs undercover agent who spent years working to bring down some of the big bankers and money launderers of the big drug cartels. In his persona of Bob Musella, a wealthy mob connected investor, he befriended and worked his way up to do business with dirty bankers and high level business men who provided financial services for the Medellin Cartel and even at one point General Manuel Noriega.

Though the book's cover says "true story of one man against the biggest drug cartel in history," Mazur emphasizes this was truly a team effort. From his agent friend Emir to other agents to former criminals on his side, Mazur in his story shows this was a team effort. It was not easy as not everyone on the team was professional nor decent. When not risking his life doing undercover work, Mazur had to deal with bureaucrats and even other agents more interested in personal gain and fame than doing the right thing. At times I am amazed Mazur succeeded because, while the cartel was bad and dangerous, U.S. Government incompetence and greed for fame at times could be worse.

The book is a really interesting read. Mazur gives a lot of detail about how exactly undercover work happens. A lot of it really is about little details. It is also about who you know and learning from them such as Mazur learning how to look and act from an ex-mobster he befriended. Attention to detail is crucial. In addition, the book is a thrilling read, and I can see why it got made into a movie. It's one of those books you just keep on reading.

If you like works like Donnie Brasco,  you'll probably like this as well. It is definitely worth a look. I really liked it.

4 out of 5 stars.

Media Notes: Roundup for March 2020

This is a somewhat random selection of the movies and series on DVD and/or online I watched during March 2020.


Movies and films (links to IMDB.com for basic information unless noted otherwise). Some of these I watched via TubiTv.com or other online source. The DVDs come from the public library (unless noted otherwise). In addition, I will try to add other trivia notes, such as when a film is based on a book adding the information about the book (at least the WorldCat record if available):

• Violent Cop (1989. Drama. Crime. Action. Japan film). The brief plot description: "A violence prone police officer discovers that his colleague is trafficking drugs." Takeshi Kitano, who also directs, portrays Azuma, a veteran police officer who has a tendency to smack around suspects as needed in order to get justice. To be honest, yea, he is a bit violent but not as dramatic as the movie title makes it sound (and to be honest, one or two of those crooks did deserve to get smacked). Things do get serious when the mobster who runs the drug operation has Iwaki, the colleague killed, making it look like a suicide. Azuma takes things into his own hands, and once his sister is kidnapped and raped, all bets are off. This is a slow pot boiler that builds up to the dramatic confrontation and a violent ending with a twist. An interesting film overall. Via TubiTv.  
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014. Comics. Action. Adventure). The 2014 take on the comic book characters. This movie had potential, but to be honest it's fairly terrible. You barely get to see the turtles, and Megan Fox playing April O'Neill is pretty much insufferable.  The woman is pretty much in movies for the eye candy factor (and that is not saying much). The action really begins in the last forty minutes; it is an hour and forty minutes, so that means movie is almost over by the time anything really happens. The Turtles are portrayed well, and they look pretty good, but that is about it. What it does have is a couple of good appearances by Whoopi Goldberg (as April's boss), Johnny Knoxville does Leonardo's voice, and Tony Shalhoub doing Splinter's voice. That is about it on the talent in addition to the actors portraying the Turtles. This is a pretty forgettable movie that wasted its potential. I had seen it before, but I just got reminded how bad it is. I may watch the sequel down the road just for curiosity but keeping my expectations low. Via TubiTv. 
• Reichsfuhrer-SS (2015. Horror. War). The basic plot: "The Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler was Adolf Hitler's most loyal henchman and one of the most feared men of WWII. Surprisingly, he had only one problem... He had no stomach for murder! When the Reichsfuhrer-SS becomes physically ill during the execution of Russian POW's on the Eastern front in 1941. Ruthless, careerist SS General Hans Shellenberg rats Himmler out to the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. Hitler tests his loyal Heinrich forcing him to commit the murder of a Polish prisoner named Danuta with his own hands." The rest of the plot is that this event is seen as a flashback. Himmler is dead after committing suicide and goes to hell. The demon there forces him to relive it as part of his torture. Overall, the idea of Himmler, one of Hitler's worst henchmen, going to hell and getting what was coming to him sounds great; it had potential. This could have been seriously gruesome with some exploitation thrown in. Instead, this is a plodding, seriously slow, non-horrifying bit of bad tripe that is pretty much an embarrassment to film making. Be glad I saw it so you do not have to. You see this offered anywhere, skip it. It is horrible, slow, barely has any gore. Someone wasted a good amount of money to make this. If you are looking for horror, this is not it. Via TubiTv.  
• Gotti (1996. Crime. Drama. Biography). This is the HBO made for television movie. The movie is interesting, but the highlight is really in the casting and the performances. Armand Assante gives a pretty good portrayal of John Gotti. John Forsythe is Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, who as we know, eventually turns government witness. Gravano is the one who finally brings Gotti down. For me, the best performance, out of good performances overall, was Anthony Quinn portraying Neil Dellacrocce, who was underboss under Gambino and was Gotti's mentor. I really enjoyed Quinn's performance. Otherwise, the movie is a fairly straightforward telling of Gotti's life, a bit embellished making Gotti seemed a bit idealistic about preserving the honor of Cosa Nostra, which he basically sank with his flashy lifestyle. Still, compared to other movies about his life, this one is pretty good. Via YouTube, where I found it while looking for something else, so it was a bit of serendipity.
• Battle for Sevastopol (2015. War. Drama. Biography. Ukrainian film). The movie tells the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, the most successful female sniper in history. When World War II is going on, and the Soviet Union is invaded by Germany, Pavlichenko finds herself with a talent for marksmanship and goes on to become the most successful sniper of the Soviet Union and history. The story is told with a flashback frame where after she is evacuated from Sevastopol, she is sent to the U.S. on a tour to get the U.S. more actively involved. She develops a friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. From that point of view, the rest of Pavlichenko's story is told from her early days to her successes to her evacuation. This is a very well made movie, starts a bit slow but once it picks up the pace, it makes for a pretty good war drama. Naturally, talented woman that she was, she had to face all kinds of male chauvinism. The war scenes were good; it was well performed. The title may be a bit misleading since the battle itself does not come til the later part of the film. Film is mainly a look at Pavlichenko. Like many of these based on history films, some details are changed here or there, but overall film is pretty good. Fans of war films will likely find this one interesting. Via TubiTv. On a side note, Tubi offers the film in original language with subtitles in English, which may be the way to watch this. I understand there is a dubbed in English version that is pretty bad in the translation and dubbing. I'd say if you can, get this version with subtitles (then again, I have found most international films you are better off with the subtitles).

Television and other series (basic show information links via Wikipedia unless noted otherwise). Some of these come in DVD from the public library. Others may be via YouTube, which, as noted before, I keep finding all sorts of other old shows in it, often full episodes:

• George Carlin Live at Carnegie (1982. Stand up comedy). One of two stand up specials he did "on location" (the other was at USC) between 1979 and 1982. According to the episode description this was a bit of a comeback for him as he had a heart attack earlier in 1982. "The routines include: Rice Krispies, Newscast #3, Have a Nice Day, Ice-Box Man, Fussy Eater, Dogs & Cats #2 and Over 200 Filthy Words and Phrases." The episode includes an opening in New York City with him asking directions on how to get to Carnegie Hall which is amusing as well. This was still in the earlier days before he got more serious but his powers of observation are very sharp, and he is quite amusing. Also he is a bit more physical in his comedy. Good to watch. Carlin is always enjoyable, and for me a good comfort in these Hard Times. Via TubiTv. 
• Danny Greene: the Rise and Fall of the Irishman (2009. Mobsters. Crime. Biography. History. Documentary).  "The life and case of Danny Greene, an Irish American gangster who battled the Italian Mafia in Cleveland, Ohio before his death by car bomb at age 43" (TubiTv description). Documentary features photos and interviews law enforcement, family members, and former mafiosi to give a picture of the Cleveland Irish gangster. Via TubiTv.
• George Carlin at USC (1977. Stand up comedy). This is Carlin's first stand up special, and it was on HBO filmed on location at USC. We think of Carlin as a very famous philosopher comedian, but back then this special required a special introduction from HBO to warn people about Carlin and language and how Carlin recently won a lawsuit protecting his freedom of speech and HBO's commitment to provide content for all audiences. Then again, HBO was also kind of new back then. After the "warning"/explanation, Carlin talks a bit about his craft and use of language in the empty theater; he is being interviewed. The show then starts. Topics of this special include "monopoly, flying on planes, random thoughts, walking, and other things." Granted, some things are a bit dated, but overall, the life observations are pretty good and still amusing; I enjoyed the bit about cats for example. In addition to amusing, I found it interesting to see Carlin in his early days. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this is where Carlin started on cable. Via TubiTv.