Wednesday, December 9, 2009
If you find yourself on Homemade Hilarity...
My Apologies!
If you so happen to find yourself the unwilling inspiration for any of my fabulously hilarious and brilliantly witty postings, and yet don't find it so funny, then I'll be happy to take your picture down no problem. Just email me at JuliaDDrake@gmail.com. If, on the other hand, you don't mind a bit of good-natured ribbing, just send me your website info and I'll be happy to link to you. Honestly, I tend not to automatically link to the URLs where I find pictures because, frankly, I'd rather make fun of people behind their backs. As long as I know that you're cool with it, though, I'll quite happily plug your site.click [here] for a q&a about the novel...
or [here] or [here] for a couple of interviews...
click [here] to see The New York Times explain things...
and there is also this, from the inside flap...
When Jack Lang impulsively buys a second house directly across the street from his own, his wife Beth has finally had enough. She leaves him—and their six-year-old autistic son, Hendrick—to move in with Jack’s best friend, Terry Canavan. Jack tries to tell everyone in his life that he’s okay, but no one believes him: Not his employees at Patriot Mulch & Tree in suburban North Carolina, not Beth herself, and not Canavan’s estranged girlfriend, Rena, who arrives on Jack’s doorstep to see how, and whether, he’s bearing up.
The morning Hendrick, who rarely talks to anyone at all, suddenly starts speaking fluent Spanish, Jack knows they’re in uncharted territory. But as he lets Rena further into his life, even while he wonders whether Beth is ever coming home, he begins to suspect that the world is far more complicated than he’d ever believed.
Jack’s attempt to navigate this new landscape—one of defunct putt-putt courses and karaoke bars, parenthood and infidelity—is the subject of this wise, witty, and large-hearted debut novel. As the adults change houses, partners and perceptions, Hendrick emerges from his shell in ever more unexpected and delightful ways to become, at times, the story’s center of gravity. Perry’s fresh and funny insights into marriage, autism, suburban ennui, and life’s occasional miracles are certain to captivate readers.
click [here] for a q&a about the novel...
or [here] or [here] for a couple of interviews...
click [here] to see The New York Times explain things...
and there is also this, from the inside flap...
When Jack Lang impulsively buys a second house directly across the street from his own, his wife Beth has finally had enough. She leaves him—and their six-year-old autistic son, Hendrick—to move in with Jack’s best friend, Terry Canavan. Jack tries to tell everyone in his life that he’s okay, but no one believes him: Not his employees at Patriot Mulch & Tree in suburban North Carolina, not Beth herself, and not Canavan’s estranged girlfriend, Rena, who arrives on Jack’s doorstep to see how, and whether, he’s bearing up.
The morning Hendrick, who rarely talks to anyone at all, suddenly starts speaking fluent Spanish, Jack knows they’re in uncharted territory. But as he lets Rena further into his life, even while he wonders whether Beth is ever coming home, he begins to suspect that the world is far more complicated than he’d ever believed.
Jack’s attempt to navigate this new landscape—one of defunct putt-putt courses and karaoke bars, parenthood and infidelity—is the subject of this wise, witty, and large-hearted debut novel. As the adults change houses, partners and perceptions, Hendrick emerges from his shell in ever more unexpected and delightful ways to become, at times, the story’s center of gravity. Perry’s fresh and funny insights into marriage, autism, suburban ennui, and life’s occasional miracles are certain to captivate readers.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Samichlaus
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th. In Switzerland, he's called "Samichlaus" or "Santiklaus", depending on where you're from. On that day St. Nicholas comes to your house to visit. If you've been good, then you receive gifts. If you've been bad, then he threatens to stuff you in a sack and take you to the Black Forest to peel carrots for a year.
On various occasions, my Grandfather Louis E. Ringger would tell us a story about St. Nikolaus Day from his youth:
As a young boy, Grandpa (Louis) was in fact stuffed in the bag by St. Nicholas. As he was being hauled down the stairs, he squirmed and managed to retrieve his pocket-knife. He sliced a hole in the bag and tumbled out, while St. Nicholas crashed down the stairway. Louis scrambled back up the stairs into his apartment and slammed and locked the door. The next morning, he noticed his dad limping around the house.
My (second) cousin says this story would make a great Swiss children's book. Anyone want to help? Simeen?
On various occasions, my Grandfather Louis E. Ringger would tell us a story about St. Nikolaus Day from his youth:
As a young boy, Grandpa (Louis) was in fact stuffed in the bag by St. Nicholas. As he was being hauled down the stairs, he squirmed and managed to retrieve his pocket-knife. He sliced a hole in the bag and tumbled out, while St. Nicholas crashed down the stairway. Louis scrambled back up the stairs into his apartment and slammed and locked the door. The next morning, he noticed his dad limping around the house.
My (second) cousin says this story would make a great Swiss children's book. Anyone want to help? Simeen?
Samichlaus
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th. In Switzerland, he's called "Samichlaus" or "Santiklaus", depending on where you're from. On that day St. Nicholas comes to your house to visit. If you've been good, then you receive gifts. If you've been bad, then he threatens to stuff you in a sack and take you to the Black Forest to peel carrots for a year.
On various occasions, my Grandfather Louis E. Ringger would tell us a story about St. Nikolaus Day from his youth:
As a young boy, Grandpa (Louis) was in fact stuffed in the bag by St. Nicholas. As he was being hauled down the stairs, he squirmed and managed to retrieve his pocket-knife. He sliced a hole in the bag and tumbled out, while St. Nicholas crashed down the stairway. Louis scrambled back up the stairs into his apartment and slammed and locked the door. The next morning, he noticed his dad limping around the house.
My (second) cousin says this story would make a great Swiss children's book. Anyone want to help? Simeen?
On various occasions, my Grandfather Louis E. Ringger would tell us a story about St. Nikolaus Day from his youth:
As a young boy, Grandpa (Louis) was in fact stuffed in the bag by St. Nicholas. As he was being hauled down the stairs, he squirmed and managed to retrieve his pocket-knife. He sliced a hole in the bag and tumbled out, while St. Nicholas crashed down the stairway. Louis scrambled back up the stairs into his apartment and slammed and locked the door. The next morning, he noticed his dad limping around the house.
My (second) cousin says this story would make a great Swiss children's book. Anyone want to help? Simeen?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Credit Cards For High School Students
Students in high school that are looking to start building their credit early can get high school student credit cards. These credits cards can help teach high school students responsibility, and how to manage their credit at an early age. These types of credit cards are issued to high school students, with a parent or guardian co-signing with the student. Students who have these credit cards also have a sense of responsibility as well.
Before applying for a high school student credit card, both students and co-signers should always look at their available options. There are a lot of banks and credit card companies to choose from, which makes it in your best interest to look around. Some cards will come with high APR and a high annual fee, while some are more reasonable. With high school students not having any credit, some banks and companies will try to charge unreasonable rates - which is reason enough to do your research and know the best deal.
Co-signers can normally help students to make the best decision. The co-signer will be going on the application with the student, and will be the individual that the bank or company will come to when the student is unable to pay the bill. Parents and co-signers will know the best deals for credit cards, which is students should always ask them for help when picking out the ideal credit card.
For some students, prepaid credit cards can be an ideal investment. These cards hold absolutely no risk for students, while they help to teach financial management as well. With these high school student credit cards, the prepaid amount you have put on the card is your spending limit. To ensure that the application for is filled out correctly, students should always have a parent or guardian assist them with filling the information out.
When a student gets their credit card, they should be instructed on how to properly use the credit card. Although some students will be tempted to run up their high school student credit card, they should save it for emergency situations. At the end of the month, they should try to pay their whole bill, to avoid getting into debt. If a student can pay the bill - it will also help boost their credit.
If you are interested in a high school student credit card, you can always apply for one online. The applications are processed in a timely manner, normally giving you a response in a matter of minutes. Although credit cards are great to have, prepaid credit cards are sometimes the way to go with students. If you are unsure - make sure you look into all options available to you and compare what you find out.
Before applying for a high school student credit card, both students and co-signers should always look at their available options. There are a lot of banks and credit card companies to choose from, which makes it in your best interest to look around. Some cards will come with high APR and a high annual fee, while some are more reasonable. With high school students not having any credit, some banks and companies will try to charge unreasonable rates - which is reason enough to do your research and know the best deal.
Co-signers can normally help students to make the best decision. The co-signer will be going on the application with the student, and will be the individual that the bank or company will come to when the student is unable to pay the bill. Parents and co-signers will know the best deals for credit cards, which is students should always ask them for help when picking out the ideal credit card.
For some students, prepaid credit cards can be an ideal investment. These cards hold absolutely no risk for students, while they help to teach financial management as well. With these high school student credit cards, the prepaid amount you have put on the card is your spending limit. To ensure that the application for is filled out correctly, students should always have a parent or guardian assist them with filling the information out.
When a student gets their credit card, they should be instructed on how to properly use the credit card. Although some students will be tempted to run up their high school student credit card, they should save it for emergency situations. At the end of the month, they should try to pay their whole bill, to avoid getting into debt. If a student can pay the bill - it will also help boost their credit.
If you are interested in a high school student credit card, you can always apply for one online. The applications are processed in a timely manner, normally giving you a response in a matter of minutes. Although credit cards are great to have, prepaid credit cards are sometimes the way to go with students. If you are unsure - make sure you look into all options available to you and compare what you find out.
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