Commas Save Lives!

There is nothing much to punctuating a sentence really, beyond a little comma sense. Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking--what's a misplaced, or forgotten comma or two? Like I said, commas can save lives!

You don't believe it? Take a look.

Jessica claimed Frankenstein planned the murder.
Without comma, the angry villagers charge up the hill, torches blazing. But add a pair of commas, and Jessica becomes the suspect.

Cora, claimed Frankenstein, planned the murder.
Here's another example (remember your are at the Zombie Nite Cafe):

Let's eat Grandpa!
Let's eat, Grandpa!

In the first sentence, the Zombies are planning to eat Grandpa; the second, inviting him to dine with them.

Don't take commas for granted. Commas can save lives, or at the very least, avoid a misunderstanding.

Men are from Google, Women from Pinterest

Social Media by Gender

Back in Feb. Huffington Post and TIME
declared that Pinterest was "Tumblr for Ladiez". Stats prove this is true. 72% of Pinterest users are female.

"Information is Beautiful" tracked social network sites used by gender. Some results are unsurprising. For instance, men account for nearly 3/4 of users of Reddit a site known for it's less-than-female friendly content.

Some interesting findings include: 62% of Twitters users are female. Facebook has less of a gender gap where women are 58%. Men and women are using Google + equally. Despite a declining user base, men and women use MySpace equally. Men make up the majority on music based sites.

Only three social sites have gender parity: Scribd, orkiet,and foursquare.

Apps for You

1,000 Places to See Before You Die
The best-selling book by Patricia Schultz is now a free app, giving armchair travelers a high-tech tool to explore great destinations on every continent. You can tag places you've visited, or want to visit, then share that list on Facebook. Gorgeous photos and maps illustrate such bucket list contenders as Morocco's Atlas Mountains, and the Mekong River by sail. Among the features that improve on the print edition: You can filter by region or by interest (Active Travel, Vineyards, Sacred Places).

Available for iPad at the iApp Store.

Flat Screen TVs May Catch Fire!

Sony flat screen T.V.s can catch fire.  The recall applies to purchases made 2007 to the current time.  www.sony.com is reported to provide more information.

There is also a class action lawsuit which includes my Kenmore Elite refrigerator. Fortunately this isn't preformace related (thank goodness!  how may possible fires/explosions can one household brace for?), but a over rated claim concerning energy costs and yearly savings.

I also purchased a patio door recently--ummm. . .I wonder. . .

Dracula in Covina, CA?

What a great way to Boo-in October--Covina Center for Performing Arts is showcasing an adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel!  Steven Dietz's adaptation chronicles the Transylvania count's journey to England, his stalking of a young woman, and his pursuit and eventual defeat by the heroine's suitor.  covinacenter.com for additional info.

National Coffee Day!

It's National Coffee Day!  Over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year.  I know I consume, and enjoy, more than my share.

No freebees or coupons for me today, 'cos I was hard at work.  I plan on brewing my cup of joe in a few minutes...ummmm, flavored non-fat cream--such decadence :-)

Are You A Romance Reader?

A romantic at heart?

Romance novels are made up of two core elements: the story must have a happily-ever-after ending, and the love story must be central to the development of the novel. If you are reading a book with those components, you are reading a romance novel.

Romance novels are not all the same.  Many romance novels (including my own) do not shy away from real problems: alcoholism, emotional and/or physical abandonment, domestic violence. They not all full of sex and stupid women; nor men, who grunt poor dialogue, not all have unrealistic outcomes.

Stereotypes?

Romance novels are not all read by middle-aged housewives with nothing better to do. In fact, 9.5 percent of romance readers are men!

Take a walk on the Romantic Side!   There's nothing wrong with indulging in a little happly-ever-after....Stop into your local bookstore, or log-on and download a good romance.

You might be surprised--and hooked.  As everyone knows, happily-ever-afters, can be wonderfully addicting!