Read the full article at Explorer.UAH.edu
……..Bookswim.com is another renting site…… users have to pay monthly. The site runs much like Netflix, but for books. Users choose the plan that fits their finances and their membership is billed automatically every month. The cheapest plan is $9.95 a month for one book, and $3.99 shipping and handling. Some plans offer free shipping……..
Read the full article at RotorBlog.com
Today’s tough economy has consumers socking away cash instead of buying big-ticket items. But all hope is not lost. You can carry a new-to-you designer handbag each week, or get your hands on a jackhammer … as long as you don’t mind giving it back when you’re done. A handful of niche online companies are offering high-demand rentals at an affordable price…….
……4) Paper and water never mix, unless you’re taking a dip over at BookSwim, THE place to rent the hottest book titles. A lit-lover’s dream, BookSwim(mers) can browse around the clock for new reads or old favorites. BookSwim will even purchase a book you’re looking for if it’s not already in their inventory. Keep a book as long as you like, and never worry about late fines. And if you become smitten with a borrow, it’s yours to keep with the click of a button. At the highest subscription level, 11 reads can be borrowed at a time, with free shipping. Subscriptions start at $9.99 for one book a month…….
I recently stumbled upon a great website with a great purpose: BookDrum.com
To those who love data (also known as catalogers) I would describe BookDrum as a “360-degree book related metadata website who’s goal is to enhance the reading experience.”
I realize I may have lost a few on that one, so to better describe BookDrum, it’s a website that provides information about things within a novel. For example, it would explain, with words/pictures/videos, what people might dress like in the time period of a given book. Straight from their marketing person, I have this for you:
“Book Drum has pioneered an exciting new approach to reading. We’re bringing the books we love to life with images, music, maps, video, and all the other riches of the Internet.
We need writers and editors, and we’re running a Tournament to find them.
First prize is $1,500, and we’re offering job interviews to everyone who impresses. Closing date for the Tournament is 28th February.”
You can link up with them via Facebook or Twitter below:
Facebook link : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=189944095836
Twitter : http://twitter.com/bookdrum
Look forward to BookSwim and BookDrum making quite a splash with great harmony in the future!
-Nick
We’re taking a break from the Books Bulletin this week to examine something that’s responsible for widespread wails of despair here in the office: the bizarre book covers that publishing companies roll out for classic books, hoping to attract a new young audience.
Case 1 is the recently released book cover of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, now published by Del Rey using the same cover as the soon-to-be-released video game by Electronic Arts:
Imagine bringing this to your freshman English class.
Case 2 is what happens when Jane Austen meets Stephenie Meyer.
See how the button exclaiming this is ‘Edward & Bella’s Favorite Book!’ is bigger than Charlotte Bronte’s name? I’m surprised Harper Collins’ building hasn’t been picketed by angry literature professors.
Then again, are these covers any worse than the usual movie tie-ins? Do we really need to see airbrushed Hollywood teens on the cover of a novel, where we never see them?
Time for a scientific study. Which cover makes that little part of you die inside? Or, is there another that’s far worse?
Let us know!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 4 million people retired, effective Dec. 31. For many, retirement and age are life-altering events that require changes in the way things are done and the attitude to be willing to change and adapt.
Pre-boomers are now a vibrant part of the retirement community and those in the boomer community and those in the early boomer generation, after 1946, are retiring at the rate of 10, 000 per day for the next 20 years. A changed lifestyle and eventually some different needs has created new businesses, catering to a demographic with a technological past and an generation characterized by determination, entrepreneurship and comfort. It is not surprising that new businesses are now owned by these retirees or are simply others who now see a niche.
For example, while this generation did not grow up with the technology of renting video movies, once the technology became mainstream, it wasn’t long before a video rental store seemed to be located as frequently as fast food restaurants. And while books preceded everyone, now the concept of video rentals is being applied to book rentals, specially targeting a population who might need the convenience of home delivery at some point. www.Bookswim.com is a service that aspires to be the Netflix for books and while they promote the fact that they are inexpensive, a feature appreciated by many retirees with a reduced income, it also saves time and hassle of traffic and it helps the environment. One convenience not thought of is gift cards for retirees. Especially for those confined to an assisted living facility or who aren’t able to get out as much, a gift card could be great help to children and friends with gift problems…………
Read the full article at Examiner.com
Every man has gone through the anguish of finding the right gift. Many have also felt the pain of giving the wrong gift. While the biggest trick is to make sure that there is thought behind the gift, you need not stumble in the darkness trying to find meaning behind a thoughtful gift.
Throughout history, flowers have always been a wonderful gift and they certainly remain so. Keep in mind that presentation of the gift is a large part of the gift. Think about unwrapping a gift – the surprise is part of the present. Here is a guide to roses, recommendations for delivery methods, as well as other Valentine’s Day ideas. Keep in mind, beyond the cost of the flowers, most of these are relatively inexpensive — or even free (although may require some practice, learning and time).
The Rose Rules:
As with all things in romance, giving a rose is an art. With art, there are extremely powerful ways to break the rules, but, for the mainstream, following rules is the best way to achieve.
1) Never give an even amount of roses. If you get a dozen, give your partner 11 and the last one should be artfully delivered (see Uses for Roses below)
2) One perfect rose is worth one million wilting roses.
3) Thorns are natures protection, they have their time and place, be mindful of their presence in your delivery.
4) If you wish to deliver a colored rose, know its meaning. You never want to get caught in a lie, or, have nothing at all to say.
5) Never give a rose in the same way twice to the same girl. Romance is an art.
Uses of Roses:
The Story: Women are a wonderously imaginative creatures. Pick out an assortment of rose colors and slowly go through why you have picked them. A history of your relationship, the feelings you had while on a date, make your story as vivid as the color in the roses to achieve the greatest effect. Keep in mind the rose color meanings with your story. Also – if you do not have a photographic memory, feel free to use note-cards – it isn’t cheating.
The Infinite Softness of a Rose:
Beyond the beauty of a rose, there is one more often overlooked quality – they are amazingly soft. The smoothness of a fresh rose petal rivals that of high quality silk and is softer than the softest human skin. For this reason, it is highly erotic and pleasurable to be stroked with the petals of a rose. By placing a rose petal between your index/middle finger and pinky/ring finger, you make a perfect surface for exploring your lover. If you have bigger fingers, you can put a petal around each of your fingers. While in full daylight this looks awkward, in the dimness of night and during a passionate moment it will be greatly forgiven.
This softness can heighten a massage and create a pleasurable yet soft atmosphere. Looking for some quick romantic ideas that you can do for your partner? Life is filled with simple joys and moments where, if you seize them properly, you can spark great romance.
Five Gifts Guaranteed to Get Ger Going:
1. Flowers: It’s obvious but still powerful. Try to note which flowers are her favorite. Roses are a great fallback but if she loves daisies or sunflowers – go there first. 1800flowers.com has some great arrangements for those on a budget, or stay local and try Big Apple Florist.
2. Massage: While you may not be a trained masseuse, that doesn’t mean she can’t get a real massage! You can easily find reputable spas via Citysearch — or check out our favorite, Great Jones Spa which has an amazing water lounge, so she can enjoy herself post-treatment for as long as she’d like.
3. Dinner & Movie: While taking your woman out on Valentine’s Day is sweet, it can be costly and difficult to get reservations at a nice restaurant. Instead, you can get a reservation for the future, and pre-buy movie tickets and let her pick out the movie. It’s economical and still sweet. Try Fandango.com for advanced tickets, get some popcorn and sweets on the fly!
4. Books: Women like books as much as men like video games and sports. There’s a service – BookSwim.com which is the Netflix for books. Instead of trying to figure out what books she wants, let her choose!
5. Chocolate: Chocolate is one of women’s major food groups. Try to find out if she likes dark or milk chocolate and try not to get the cheap off-brand chocolate either, quality matters. Stay classy and give La Maison du Chocolat. Have a funky side? Opt for Chocolate Bar NYC.
My wife has taken a challenge to attempt to read 210 books in this upcoming year. She is an extremely avid reader and may actually accomplish that goal. As for myself, while I love to read, I am no speed reader and devote slightly less time to reading. Nonetheless, I wanted to challenge myself to read and most challenges seem somewhat arbitrary beyond having the goal of “reading more.” The challenge that I’m going to undertake will challenge me to read outside of my comfort zone and to expand my horizons. Anyone wishing to partake in this challenge with me, feel free!
Part 1: Read a book from every major genre.
Arts & Photography
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Investing
Children’s Books
Cooking, Food & Wine
History
Health, Mind, & Body
Literature & Fiction
Mystery & Thrillers
Parenting & Family
Religion & Spirituality
Romance
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Sports
Home & Garden
Nonfiction
Science
Entertainment
Comics & Graphic Novels
Outdoors & Nature
Gay & Lesbian
Note: If a book falls in two genres (ex: nonfiction/science) I will only be counting it for one genre.
Part 2: Read the Classics
I’ve chosen the following list of “top 100 books” of which I will read 3 that I have not previously read.
Part 3: Open the Mind
I will read 1 book written by an author whom I have differing political or ethical views.
Part 4: Tie Up Loose Ends
I will finish any books that I’ve started and not yet completed. Thankfully that is only 2-3 books, but its going on.
If you wish to participate in the same challenge and track your progress on your blog, let me know and I’ll link to it. If you have another challenge you’re participating in, share.
Happy New Years!
-Nick
Read the full article and watch the video at RaisingSmallSouls.com
If you’ve been around RaisingSmallSouls for even a short while, you’ll know that I love to read and highly encourage children to love reading.
Today, I am thrilled to tell you about my new best friend- BookSwim!
I was SO EXCITED when my first BookSwim package arrived this morning, that I took this video of myself opening it:
Rent books for children, for yourself, textbooks, and MORE!
Read the full article and watch the video at RaisingSmallSouls.com
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