Category Archives: General

2021: January Review

Posted on February 3, 2021 by smellincoffee

Last year I began posting monthly ‘face the verdict’-type posts to keep track of my TBR. I’m going to try making that a more general month-in-review post that also takes care of un-reviewed works, and keeps track of my challenge … Continue reading →

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Then and now

Posted on February 2, 2021 by smellincoffee

“Know where this is?” someone asked, and showed me their phone. I had to stare in fasciantion. I knew that “AMERICAN” sign, all right. I’d driven by it enough times on my way to high school on those long morning … Continue reading →

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The first and probably last time I ever share a rap video: “Fake Woke”

Posted on February 1, 2021 by smellincoffee

[Verse 1]I think it’s crazy I’m the one who they labeled as controversialAnd Cardi B is the role model for 12-year-old girlsThere’s rappers pushing Xanax at the top of the BillboardBut if I mention race in a song, I’m scared … Continue reading →

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Backroads Alabama: Looking for Creeks, trains, and a dog named Fred

Posted on January 31, 2021 by smellincoffee

For the last several weekends I’ve been visiting various places throughout Alabama, ranging north and south, many with a connection to Alabama’s role in the Creek war. On the agenda were Fort Mims, Claiborne, and St. Stephens. I often read … Continue reading →

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Plague, Inc: The Cure

Posted on January 29, 2021 by smellincoffee

Back in August I made mention of a game I’d been playing during all my free quarantine-time, Plague, Inc. It’s a pandemic simulator in which the player’s goal is to actively destroy humanity with a disease; I’d heard of it … Continue reading →

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The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop

Posted on January 26, 2021 by smellincoffee

The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop© 2020 Fannie Flagg304 pages One of my favorite movies growing up was Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle-Stop Cafe: why on Earth this movie became a favorite in my very sheltered household, I cannot … Continue reading →

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Sunshine Blogging: Survey via Classics Considered

Posted on January 21, 2021 by smellincoffee

Marian over at Classics Considered just posted a survey, and I figured — why not? If you go back and read one book for the first time again, which would it be? Probably the first Wodehouse novel I read, just … Continue reading →

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Off-topic: RDR2 shots with snow

Posted on January 12, 2021 by smellincoffee

During the Christmas season, the world of RDR2 online got a wintry makeover — somehow making an already pretty game even more dazzling.

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Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Hopes for 2021

Posted on January 12, 2021 by smellincoffee

This week, the Artsy Reader Girl is taking a look at bookish hopes for 2021. A strong start to the Classics Club Strikes Back. By strong,  I’d like to have read at least 20 entries from my list by the … Continue reading →

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Permanent Record

Posted on January 7, 2021 by smellincoffee

Permanent Record© Edward Snowden352 pages Nearly a decade ago we bore witness to magnificent acts of rebellion and alarm-calling, as dissidents like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden began exposing DC’s global surveillance state and abuses of power. DC acted with … Continue reading →

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