Old Person I’m Obsessed With: Peter O’Toole

Yes, yes, I’ve already obsessed over Peter O’Toole. Just be happy you don’t know me in real life, because I talk about this dude all the time. (Sorry about that. Except not really at all.) This post has been brought to you by my random discovery on YouTube that Peter O’Toole was in a Pizza Hut commerical in the 90s. In which he recited Shakespeare. Backwards.

I’m pretty sure I should be sad that his talent has been wasted on commercials for crappy pizza, but I can’t stop playing this over and over again and then clapping my hands in delight and wonder. Shut up, this is the only place I can see him reciting Hamlet.

–YoSaffBridge

Old Person I’m Obsessed With: Richard Burton

Today would have been Richard Burton’s 84th birthday. He is one of my very favorite actors, and it’s a shame that his personal life has always overshadowed his talent. (Not that I’m not also fascinated with his personal life.) Perhaps Hamlet is not the most appropriate play for a birthday, but it’s the best showcase for Richard Burton’s talent as an actor.

–YoSaffBridge

Review: The Luxe

Title: The Luxe

Author: Anna Godbersen

My grade: C

Review: A Company of Swans

Title: A Company of Swans

Author: Eva Ibbotson

My grade: A-

Harry Potter always turns me back into a 12 year old

Presented without comment:

– carmhelga

Review: Blue Bloods

Title: Blue Bloods

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

My grade: B+

Review: Living Dead Girl

Title: Living Dead Girl

Author: Elizabeth Scott

My grade: A-

And now, a vaguely perplexing follow-up

So, looking at the previously mentioned “Smell of Books” website, I came across the “Warnings” page:

Please use in well ventilated area. May cause dizziness and hallucinations. May cause itching and runny nose. If symptoms persist for longer than eight weeks please consult your physician. Not for use on “real” books. Do not use while riding public transportation. Discard empty container with hazardous waste. Not for use as a room deodorizer. Not for use on burning books. Do not use on a Zune.

So, two things.  First of all, is that really how we had to phrase it?  “Not for use on burning books,” not “avoid open flames” or something?  Who brings a spray can of Book Smell to a book-burning?

Secondly, hallucinations?!?  So, what, I spray my Kindle with some Book Smell and then later that day, the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream pop out and start dancing around or something?  That’s a little disquieting

– carmhelga

Hey, isn’t “kindle” kind of a stupid name anyway? and other thoughts from a confirmed book lover.

Have you seen this?  [that comes via neatorama via jezebel]

Yes, that’s “The Smell of Books.”  Personally, my favorite is “Eau you have cats,” which promises it will make reading your digitized book on your Kindle or whatever just like borrowing a book from grandma’s!  First of all, my grandmother’s house did not smell like cat.  Secondly… nuh-uh!

The week that was: Living up to our name

As I deal with crippling baseball-related depression, I offer up some random stories and thoughts from the week… plus a cute fluffy animal.