12.22.2008

12.20.2008

Episode 65: The Secret Adversary, chapters 24-25

In which Julius takes action and Jane Finn is found.

EP 65: The Secret Adversary, chapters 24-25
Rating: G
This book is out of copyright in the United States and is in the public domain.

Podcast Highlight

More or Less: Behind the Stats
More or Less makes sense of the numbers that surround us and that rule our world. With wit, freshness and simplicity Tim Harford shows the genuine significance of statistics, productivity, performance indicators, measurements and quantification of every kind. We all use numbers in so many ways to argue about, understand, help make sense of the world around us. More or Less hopes to make that task easier, more entertaining, more surprising.

Episode 64: The Secret Adversary, chapters 21-23

In which Tommy and Julius part ways.

EP 64: The Secret Adversary, chapters 21-23
Rating: G
This book is out of copyright in the United States and is in the public domain.

News
Podcast Highlight
CBC Radio: Vinyl Cafe Stories
The stories and misadventures of Dave, the owner of the "Vinyl Cafe", the world's smallest record store, where the motto is "We may not be big, but we're small." The show also features Dave's wife, Morley, their two children, Sam and Stephanie and assorted friends and neighbours.

12.09.2008

Lagniappe 20: Serve the People


A little something extra from Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

12.03.2008

Episode 63: The Secret Adversary, chapters 18-20

In which Tommy and Julius meet up and the plot thickens!

EP 63: The Secret Adversary, chapters 18-20
Rating: G
This book is out of copyright in the United States and is in the public domain.

News
Podcast Highlight
CogKNITive with Dr. Gemma: a little knitting, a life strategy, something she likes, and blather about being a prison psychologist. Find her here:

11.13.2008

Episode 61: The Secret Adversary, chapters 13-15

In which we discover more about Mrs. Vandemeyer's collapse,
find out more about Jane Finn, and still wonder about Tommy's fate.


EP 61: The Secret Adversary, chapters 13-15
Rating: G
This book is out of copyright in the United States and is in the public domain.

Podcast Highlights
Christiana's Shallow Thoughts, a daily dose of serene surrealism.

11.06.2008

Episode 60: Mouth Wide Open 4

In which we look at fried rice and pasta with anchovies ... as only John Thorne can do it
EP 60: Mouth Wide Open, 4
Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of John Thorne

For information about Mr. Thorne or for permissions please see his website, Simple Cooking.

I am indebted to John Thorne for his gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
Quick and Dirty Tips: Nutrition Diva Other Links
Ken Hom at my cooking blog

10.29.2008

EP59: The Secret Adversary, chapters 10-12

In which Julius tells his story, Tuppence faces adventure, and they both set about tracking Tommy.

EP 59: The Secret Adversary, chapters 10-12
Rating: G
This book is not copyrighted in the United States and is in the public domain.

Podcasts Highlights

10.19.2008

Lagniappe 19: Good Omens


A little something extra from Good Omens which is quite a funny book about ... well ... Armageddon.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

10.15.2008

Episode 57: The Secret Adversary, chapters 4-6

In which we learn about Jane Finn and Tommy and Tuppence embark upon real adventure.

EP 57: The Secret Adversary, chapters 4-6
Rating: G
This book is not copyrighted in the United States and is in the public domain.

Podcast Highlight

10.09.2008

Episode 56: The Secret Adversary, ch. 1-3

In which Tommy meets Tuppence, they form a joint venture, and the adventure begins!

EP 56: The Secret Adversary, chapters 1-3
Rating: G
This book is not copyrighted in the United States and is in the public domain.

Podcast Highlight
PRI's The World in Words: The World in Words with Patrick Cox focuses on language. We decode diplospeak and lay bare nationalist rants. And as English extends its global reach, we track the blowback from the world's 6,000 other languages, in the form of hybrids like Chinglish, Hinglish, Singlish and Binglish. Binglish?

10.01.2008

Episode 55: Agatha Christie, Up Close and Personal



In which we take a look at Agatha Christie's life in her two nonfiction books

EP 55: Agatha Christie
Rating: G
These books are under copyright.
Buy them at the links under each book cover.

Podcast Highlight
Uvula Audio: delightfully narrated audio books for the young and old

9.13.2008

Episode 53: The Wonder Stick, chapters 22-24


In which the Umbaddu attack the beast men and Ru perfects the wonder stick.

EP 53: The Wonder Stick, chapters 22-24
Rating: G

Podcast Highlight
Cthulhu: H.P. Lovecraft and the 1920s

Book Highlight
Carbonel: the King of Cats by Barbara Sleigh

8.31.2008

8.13.2008

Episode 50: The Wonder Stick, chapters 18-19


In which the migration comes to an end and a possible new home is investigated ...
much more exciting than it sounds, I promise!

EP 50: The Wonder Stick, chapters 18-19
Rating: G

Podcast Highlight
Cue the Music

8.09.2008

Lagniappe 18: Riddle and Heyer


A little something extra from Steven Riddle. He writes about why Georgette Heyer is not what we think of as a "romance writer" and how her novels have much to recommend them to both men and women.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

8.06.2008

Episode 49: The Wonder Stick, chapter 17


In which Ru goes where no man has gone before in reaching out to another creature.

EP 49: The Wonder Stick, chapter 17
Rating: G

Podcast Highlight
None this week ... this is a bare bones edition.

7.26.2008

Episode 48: The Wonder Stick, ch 16


In which Ru encounters a stereotypical caveman conflict.

EP 48: The Wonder Stick, chapter 16
Rating: G

Podcast Highlight
  • Namaste Stories

  • Definition of "namaste" which I find is a Hindu greeting and leave-taking phrase. From Wikipedia, "The Joker" of information sources (since I have no "Batman" source such as a dictionary with that word) comes these other meanings which I believe embody Dave P's meaning in the name:
    "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." -- attributed to author Deepak Chopra
  • "I salute the God within you."

    "That which is of the Divine in me greets that which is of the Divine in you."

    "All that is best and highest in me greets/salutes all that is best and highest in you."
News:

7.23.2008

Lagniappe 17: Movies Have Meaning


A little something extra from Scott Nehring at Good News Film Reviews ... our first guest essay! Why movies matter in our lives and in our culture. Thank you Scott!

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

7.15.2008

7.11.2008

Lagniappe 16: Asparagus


A little something extra from How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table by Russ Parsons.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

7.08.2008

Lagniappe 15: Permanent Parisians


A little something extra from Permanent Parisians: An Illustrated Guide to the Cemeteries of Paris by Judi Culbertson, Tom Randall.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

7.01.2008

Lagniappe 14: Gimme a Moon Pie and an RC


A little something extra from A Love Affair with Southern Cooking: Recipes and Recollections by Jean Anderson.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

6.24.2008

Lagniappe 13: Socks


A little something extra from Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

6.17.2008

Lagniappe 12: On Writing


A little something extra from On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Steven King.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

6.12.2008

Episode 44: Mouth Wide Open 2

In which we delve into marrows and breakfasts.

EP 449: Mouth Wide Open, 2
Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of John Thorne

For information about Mr. Thorne or for permissions please see his website, Simple Cooking.

I am indebted to John Thorne for his gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
Pseudopod, the horror fiction podcast

Lagniappe 11: Death and Papers


A little something extra from Death at La Fenice: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

6.03.2008

Episode 43: Ross Thomas Sampler

In which we meet Ross Thomas, master author of the thriller, while sampling "Out on the Rim."

EP 43: Ross Thomas Sampler
Rating: R for explicit language

This book is under copyright.

Buy it here.

Author Links
News Links
Featured Podcast:

5.29.2008

Lagniappe 10: Harry and the Gruff


A little something extra from the latest Harry Dresden novel.

My apologies for not having a regular episode up. I have been running into scheduling problems. Hopefully these bits of lagniappe will entertain in the meantime.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

5.23.2008

Lagniappe 9: Fortune Cookie Chronicles


A little something from a journey to find the story of American Chinese food.

You can find my comments about this book as well as a link to an indepth review here.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

5.19.2008

Lagniappe 8: Carpe Jugulum


A little something from Terry Pratchett, featuring cultural conditioning vampire-style in Carpe Jugulum.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

5.16.2008

Episode 42: The Wonder Stick, Ch. 6-7


In which we see the aftermath of the storm and Ru's life takes a new turn.

EP 42: The Wonder Stick, chapters 6-7
Rating: G

WHOOPS!
A couple of revisions. Can you tell I shouldn't do intros on a Friday night? My apologies ...
  • The protagonist of Murder by Design is an architect not an accountant.
  • It is Billibub Baddings not Bilbo Baddings.
News Links
Podcast Highlights

5.09.2008

Episode 41: The Wonder Stick, Ch. 3-5


In which we meet Yonyo the Smiling-Eyed and the tribe begins the great migration.

EP 41: The Wonder Stick, chapters 3-5
Rating: G
News Links
Podcast Highlight: Stupendous Tales

5.03.2008

Episode 40: The Wonder Stick, Ch. 1-2


In which we learn about the Umbaddu and meet Grumgra the Growling Wolf and Ru the Sparrow-Hearted

EP 40: The Wonder Stick, chapters 1-2
Rating: G

Book Links
Podcast Highlight: Knit Spirit

4.30.2008

Lagniappe 7: The Thunderer


A little something from Phyllis McGinley ... poetry and St. Jerome.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

4.24.2008

Episode 39: Mouth Wide Open, Introduction

In which we learn about John Thorne's cooking philosophy.

EP 39: Mouth Wide Open, Introduction
Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of John Thorne

For information about Mr. Thorne or for permissions please see his website, Simple Cooking.

I am indebted to John Thorne for his gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Links
Cooking references:China Court Reviews:
Podcast Highlight
Baba the Storyteller: Timeless Tales Tastefully Told

4.10.2008

Episode 38: China Court, Matins and Finale



In which we see how Tracey and Peter begin their marriage.

EP 38: China Court, Matins
Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

News Links
Podcast Highlight
Katia and Kyliemac 's website:

4.02.2008

Episode 37: China Court, Compline 3


In which we get the low down about Ripsie, John Henry, and Borowis.

EP 37: China Court, Compline, Part 3
Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
Faith Podcasts I Listen to Regularly.


3.29.2008

Episode 36: China Court, Compline 2


In which we see the rest of Lady Patrick's and Jared's story,
and begin the rest of the tale of Ripsie, John Henry, and Borowis.

EP 36: China Court, Compline, Part 2
Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Announcement
I am very pleased to announce that John Thorne has graciously agreed to let me podcast his new book, Mouth Wide Open: A Cook and His Appetite. In my opinion, Thorne is a writer on the caliber of M.F.K. Fisher, though his writing is completely his own expression, of course. He writes not only about food, but about how we relate to it, history from many angles ... all relating to a particular recipe or ingredient usually ... and life in general. You are in for a real treat.

Podcast Highlight
Not so much a highlight as an announcement that beginning April 1, Escape Pod's offshoot fantasy story site, Podcastle, will begin episodes (website link is here.)


3.24.2008

Lagniappe 6: Chinese Cooks and Philosophy


A little something from The Paragraph Farmer who makes sure we don't think that Chinese chefs only know how to cook ... some ancient Chinese poetry and some Steinbeck in a fascinating combination.

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

3.16.2008

Episode 35: China Court, Compline, Part 1


In which we see Peter and Tracey go forward with plans and find out more about Eliza.

EP 35: China Court, Compline, Part 1

Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
Stoop Storytelling (website link is here.)


3.05.2008

Episode 34: China Court, Vespers, Part 3


The super-long Vespers finale, in which we see yet more about Eliza and find out how she is connected to current day China Court.

EP 34: China Court, Vespers 3

Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
Onthepodcast (website link is here.)


2.28.2008

Lagniappe 5: Culinaria Russia


A tidbit from the book that made me think Russian cooking could be interesting (found at Borders for $10: Culinaria Russia by Marian Trotter

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

2.24.2008

Episode 33: China Court, Vespers Part 2


In which we see more about Eliza, Damaris, and Lady Patrick and Jared.

EP 33: China Court, Vespers 2

Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Crusade-Related Link
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Podcast Highlight
How's the Family, which I mistakenly called Family Matters (website link is here.)


2.13.2008

Episode 32: China Court, Vespers 1


In which Tracey and Peter decide;
we see more of Ripsey, Borowis, and John Henry.

EP 32: China Court, Vespers 1

Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
Miette's Bedtime Story Podcast (website link is here.)


2.09.2008

Lagniappe 4: Odd Thomas, The Monks, and Some Baseball Bats


A tidbit from : Brother Odd (Odd Thomas Novels) by Dean Koontz

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

1.31.2008

Lagniappe 3: Liturgy of the Hours, Prayer


A tidbit from : The School of Prayer: An Introduction to the Divine Office for All Christians by John Brook

According to Webster
la·gniappe \ˈlan-ˌyap, lan-ˈ\
Function:
noun
Etymology: American French, from American Spanish la ñapa the lagniappe, from la + ñapa, yapa, from Quechua yapa something added
Date: 1844
: a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase;
broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

1.25.2008

Episode 30: China Court, None


In which Mrs. Quin's will is read!

EP 30: China Court, None

Rating: G

This Book is Under Copyright
Produced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, on behalf of the Rumer Godden Literary Trust. (c) 1960 Rumer Godden

For information about Ms. Godden or for permissions please see the Rumer Godden Literary Trust.

I am very grateful to Ms. Godden's daughter, Jane Murray Flutter, and to the Curtis Brown Group Ltd. for their gracious permission to podcast this novel.

Podcast Highlight
For kids: Storynory: Audio Stories for Kids (website link is here.)

Storynory's Alice in Wonderland iTunes feed is here.