Dingo by Charles de Lint

This has many of the elements that I love the most from de Lint’s writing: shape shifters, cousins – both corbae and canid, travel between worlds, new relationships, and open minds. The dingo sisters remind me a bit of the Crow Girls, my favorite Newford characters, but they seem a little closer to human on the human/cousin spectrum. The Aussie connection to de Lint’s Dreamworld mythology is a really nice touch which keeps the story fresh. If you’re a de Lint fan, step through the baobab tree and enjoy.

Jeff is an amazing ventriloquist, and he’s really funny, too. I love Peanut! He’s not exactly politically correct. Hmmm. Maybe that’s partially why I like him! When Peanut and Jose Jalapeño on a Stick started arguing, I just snorted with laughter. Watch this DVD when you need a good belly laugh.

You can preview Jeff’s work on YouTube. I’ll be watching for his new show on Comedy Central.

I ran across this brew in a little pub in Williamsburg this summer. I drank many pints while at a conference and was so surprised to find it regularly on the shelf at my local Publix. This is a good all around beer that has nudged my prior every-day beer, Blue Moon, into second place. The price is right and the taste is great. It goes well with popcorn, fish, steak, heck…I like it with almost everything!!

Tip a cold Leinie back and enjoy the day.

I really enjoy reading Robert Crais books, and I generally enjoy audiobooks, but this series is unevenly enjoyable. The best of the three is Voodoo River. The other two are OK, but nothing to write home about. I’m not sure that I would have re-read these books, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a second consumption (even in audio) wasn’t a great experience.