Discussion Topic: The Real Reason Children Don't Play Outside Anymore!

It's been ages since we had a discussion topic!!!

There wasn't really a reason for stopping except for the fact that I hadn't heard of or thought of anything good lately, but judging by my top posts on my right hand side bar, the discussion topics are the HUGE hit, even after being stagnant of months! So, here we go, back to the good old days!

Discussion: The Real Reason Children Don't Play Outside Anymore!

There is an obvious trend going on in America where children seem to no longer play outside. Now, one of the obvious explanations is that the new generations are more and more technology driven. And with technology replacing simple entertainments and almost all social practices, who can really blame the children?

Nevertheless, my father has a different idea. His reasons for why children no play outside come down to three very specific kinds of creatures:

1. Zombies
2. Bigfoot
3. River Monsters

Yes, that's what I said!

Dad and I spent a rather leisurely day in the living room watching a marathon of The Walking Dead (excellent television for a Sunday afternoon!) when suddenly he popped up from his chair and said, "This is the reason children don't want to go outside! After watching shows like this, who would!? They're all afraid they're going to get eaten by zombies, Bigfoot, or river monsters every time they walk outside their back door!"

I laughed, but once the fit of giggles was over with, I calmly replied, "You may be on to something!"

With all these new tv shows about finding Bigfoot or Sasquatch, paranormal ghosts, zombies, river monsters, creatures of the deep, unsolved animal attacks, werewolves, vampires (even the cute ones), who knows what has gotten into our heads! We've got kids not wanting to sleep in their beds or with the closets open, teenagers biting each other or exchanging blood, the crazies coming out for the end of the world, and even a show called 1,000 Ways to Die. Can we get a little more morbid up in here?

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE me some romantic paranormal whatever! BUT, could this kind of entertainment be affecting us in one way or another?

What are you thoughts?
Why don't children play outside anymore?
Why the turn towards this monstrous (I mean this in the best way), paranormal, and dark (I also mean this in the best way) entertainment? It's not really anything new, but it is more prominent now than in the last decade.
Do you think it affects certain people? Children?

Shah: Another Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Winner!

Shah from Words in Sync

I've known Shah for a while now. We started out together on WEbook.com and she is really the person that got me into blogging in the first place so I was more than thrilled when I learned that she would be willing to enter my little challenge. She started in the first year (2011) and is now continuing into the 2012 challenge as well!

(NOTE: If you are a BMBC '11 Winner and you have not recieve the questionaire, please email me at redmatinee7007@aol.com and give me your email address. I was missing a few and plus my demon mailer shot some questionnaires back to me.)

Here's what Shah had to say in the Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Questionnaire!

Challenge Questions:

1.      Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011?

Because you hosted it and I like the idea of freeing those poor bookmarks :) Although I read mostly on Kindle now so... ?

2.      Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge?

Not really - I’d never recorded how many I read before so had no idea. Before 2010 I hadn’t been mentally at peace (bipolar disorder) enough to read much for years, so last year was the first year of actual reading throughout I have had in years. Love it.

3.      Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012?

I’m really busy this year so I’ll say around 50

4.      How did you learn to read so fast!?

I’m definately NOT a fast reader - Not compared to anyone I know except perhaps my younger sister who hardly reads at all. I read as slowly as I speak.

5.     What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, a certain genre, books for school?)

98% fiction - fantasy/horror mostly. Love vampires and spooks ;P

6.      How did your love for books begin?

I read a book called DOG when I ws very young and just adored it. I related very much with the isolation of the main character and felt a similar kind of connection to that of a kindred spirit. I read many books between then and much later, when I read a house-mate’s vampire novel. I adored it. That’s how I found my genre ;)

7.      What was your favorite book you read this year and why?

Dracula - Bram’s! I always wanted to read it and thought the archaic language and writing style would drive me nuts. It didn’t in the least. A really great book indeed.

8.      What was your least favorite book you read this year and why?

There have been a few actually - There were around ten I couldn’t finish and most of them were after around a few chapters. I read as a beta reader and for review so it can get awkward. I’d rather not mention them here :)

9.      Any books you are looking forward to in 2012?

The next Vampire Diaries. I’m going to try to read Hunger Games. I’ll see whats offered for review too. Every day brings another load of books - I love it. But my TBR pile never ends :I

10.   Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012?

Keep an accurate log of your reads and give AubrieAnne the link - I was remiss in this duty last year !

Random Questions:

1.      What do you love the most about yourself?

I hate this question - reminds me of job interviews! Guess I’d say my level of tolerance. I’ve always been the most tolerant person I ever met. It’s not at all difficult either, so it’s no real virtue. There’s no sacrifice involved. I just seem to be made this way, where I know most others struggle with it. Strange.

2.      What’s the most random thing that popped into your head today?

10cc’s song “I’m not n love.” :)

3.      What’s your blog and what’s it about?

I actually have THREE blogs now! It’s getting silly

Bookish BLOG: WordsinSync: http://wordsinSync.blogspot.com - About books, authors and reviews etc

Author BLOG: Shah Wharton Author Blog: http://shahwharton.blogspot.com/ - About my books, publishing experience etc

Picture Enhancer BLOG: I Beautify Your Pictures: http://beautifyingpictures.blogspot.com/ - About the retouching of pictues I do to make the very best of your digital pictures.

4.      Tell me and my readers 2 truths and 1 lie and we’ll try to guess the lie.

I’m 40 yrs old in April

I drive an old VW Beetle named Rusty.

I married the same man twice

5.      Tell me and my readers something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom.

Not religious, I believe that we should treat those we love like angels and those we don’t as friends. My hubs thinks I’m daft, gullible, naive. He’s correct on all counts, but I still believe it. :)

Thanks, Shah! Looking forward to a brand new year full of reading and writing, and hopefully getting a bit published!!! (On your end at least!)

REMEMBER!!! Absolutley anyone and everyone can join in on the Bookmark Break Challenge 2012. If you are intested, comment below or check out the official BMBC '12 page here.

Versatile Blogger Award! Thanks, Shah!

The Versatile Blogger Award!

A big thank you to Shah for choosing me!

Here are the rules:

· Thank and link to the blogger who bestowed the award
· Share seven random facts about yourself (see below)
· Spread the love by passing the award to five other

bloggers and to let them know

The seven random facts about me:

1. I really don't know what my natural hair color is. lol. I started as a redhead, but like some redheads, when I turned twelve the color began to fade, and with my mother being a hair stylist, we just started maintaining the red in it.

2. I have recently become obsessed with tea. I drink 2-4 cups a day. I like black tea the most, especially with black currants or something like that in it.

3. I love pets! but I've never really owned what you would call a "normal" pet, like a cat or a dog. I've had fish and a hampster before. Now, I have a bunny names Ori, and 11 chickens that we raise for eggs. I would love to have a kitty, but my dad's allergic. Maybe when I finally get my own place.

4. My dream job is to edit fiction for a major publishing company.

5. Currently, I edit furniture ads. Not quite there, but closer.

6. I just started my own Jewelry line on Etsy called Original Designs by Aubrie Anne and I am launching my own Freelance Editing page called Freelance Editor's Ink. I hope Freelance Editor's Ink will bring me another step closer to my dream job!

7. I thoroughly believe in that line from Lord of the Rings! The one that reads "Not all that wander are lost." To me it means, we may wander through so many aspects of this life, but that does not mean we are completely lost. We may get confused, frustrated, and hurt, but that doesn't stop us. :) 

The five (*cough* six *cough*) bloggers I wish to pass the award to are...

1. Donna @ Write Now, Write Later

2. Dawn @ Aurora's Page

3. Ruthie @ Live, Love, Laugh, Write

4. Susan @ Bloggin' 'Bout Books

5. Natalie @ The Adventures of Vereen-Davises

6. Sarah @ My Own Little Corner

Thanks again to Shah!

Susan: A Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 Winner!

Susan from Bloggin' 'Bout Books
Susan is another competitor from 2011 that is returning in 2012. Last year, she read the MOST books out of every competitor with a whopping 186 books! WOW! is all I could say to that!

 (NOTE: If you are a BMBC '11 Winner and you have not recieve the questionaire, please email me at redmatinee7007@aol.com and give me your email address. I was missing a few and plus my demon mailer shot some questionnaires back to me.)

Now, let's see what Susan had to say!

CHALLENGE:

1. Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011?

AubrieAnne left a comment on my blog suggesting that I join up because I read so many books. I guess I'm just a sucker for flattery :)
2. Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge?
Nope. I had already set a blog goal to read 200 books this year. I didn't make it, but I got close.
3. Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012?
Since I didn't make last year's goal of reading 200 books, I'm rolling it over for this year and trying again.
4. How did you learn to read so fast?
Um, I have no idea. It's just something I can do - kind of like a super power :)
5. What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (fiction, nonfiction, etc.)
I read mostly fiction. It was a mix of reading levels (middle grade, YA and adult) and genres (contemporary, dystopian, historical, etc.). My reading is always eclectic!
6. How did your love for books begin?
My parents both love to read and they instilled that love in me. I learned to read before I entered kindergarten and I just haven't stopped.
7. What was your favorite book you read this year and why?
It's hard for me to pick favorites, so I'm going to go with a series I discovered this year: Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. It's a fabulous swashbuckling series with a hilarious, lovable heroine. I can't get enough of these books!
8. What was your least favorite read this year and why?
Hm ... I can't think of one.
9. Any books you are looking forward to in 2011?
Tons: EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton, UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi, BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw Wolf, LONE WOLF by Jodi Picoult, PARTIALS by Dan Wells ... so many!
10. Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012?
Just read and have fun.

RANDOM:

1. What do you love most about yourself?

I'm a very calm, laidback person who takes things in stride. I think this is one of my best qualities. Also one of the worst, since it makes me an awful procrastinator.
2. What's the most random thing that popped into your head today?
How about the dream I had last night? It was a big pool party featuring a VERY random cast of family, friends and tv characters. Weak, I know. Sorry.
3. What's your blog and what's it about?
My blog is called Bloggin' 'bout Books. On it, I write long-winded reviews of a very eclectic assortment of books. It's so much fun, you really should stop by!
4. 2 truths and 1 lie:
Truths: I've bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon and I've eaten dog
Lie: I love the summer heat in Arizona
5. Something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom.
Gordon B. Hinckley, who was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) before he died, said, "Try a little harder to be a little better." It's a simple mantra, but one that keeps running through my mind. If we all did this every day, just think what a difference it would make!

Thank you, Susan, for the great answers and for letting us get to know you just a bit better! Looking forward to 2012. I KNOW you will be able to reach your goal of 200 books in year!

REMEMBER!!! Absolutley anyone and everyone can join in on the Bookmark Break Challenge 2012. If you are intested, comment below or check out the official BMBC '12 page here.

My New E-Mail!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I got a new email address just for my blog and will be switching everything over to it in the next few weeks.

It is...

WhosYourEditor@aol.com
Thanks!

Ruthie: One of our Bookmark Break Challenge 2011 WINNERS!

Ruthie from Live, Love, Laugh, Write!

I really wanted everyone to be able to get to know some of the fabulous people that have been participating in my Bookmark Break Challenges for the last year. So, as a reward for the winners, I decided to feature each of them on my blog. I sent each a list of both Challenge Questions and Random Questions. (NOTE: If you are a BMBC '11 Winner and you have not recieve the questionaire, please email me at redmatinee7007@aol.com and give me your email address. I was missing a few and plus my demon mailer shot some questionnaires back to me.)

Anyway, Ruthie started with the 2011 challenge and read a total of 170 books!!! Here's what she had to say!

Challenge Questions:

1.      Why did you join the Bookmark Break Challenge in 2011?
I love to read it and dovetailed well with my goal last year to find out how many books I actually do read in year.
2.      Did you set a goal for yourself in this challenge?
Just to stay consistent with recording the books I was reading.
3.      Do you have a goal for this challenge in 2012?
I would love to read 180 books this year. So about 15 books a month.
4.      How did you learn to read so fast!?
I have a lot of health problems so I’ve been reading since I was pretty young, and I’ve had lots of time to spend on it!
5.      What was the kind of thing you were reading the most? (Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, a certain genre, books for school?)
Fantasy and Dark Fantasy
6.      How did your love for books begin?
My Mom loves books and I’ll never forget her reading the Narnia books to us as kids!
7.      What was your favorite book you read this year and why?
I’ve read so many I don’t think I could pick just one! There were a lot of greats. “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline, anything but Patricia Briggs, Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Robin McKinley, and Mercedes Lackey. I think those were the authors who I read the most books by.
8.      What was your least favorite book you read this year and why?
I’m not going to give the names, but there were a couple of modern fantasy’s that really disappointed me because they were just formulaic and poorly written.
9.      Any books you are looking forward to in 2012?
Oh there’s a whole host of them! I have a to-read list that’s about 40 books long right now…
10.   Any advice for those entering the challenge in 2012?
If you like a book see what else that author has written.

Random Questions:

1.      What do you love the most about yourself?
I have a bit of a zany sense of humor.
2.      What’s the most random thing that popped into your head today?
“Have I had any random thoughts today? Ooo – gummy bears!” Um yeah, that’s how my mind works.
3.      What’s your blog and what’s it about?
www.ruthiestickney.blogspot.com “Live, Love, Laugh, Write.” My blog is all about my adventures in writing. I share updates about my progress working on the two books I’m writing, provide weekly writing prompts, give book reviews, and share bits and pieces of my written works.
4.      Tell me and my readers 2 truths and 1 lie and we’ll try to guess the lie.

• My best friend has broken both of her hands, the first while at a wedding.
• One time, after a bad car accident, the ambulance driver threatened to go through the drive through where I worked so my boss would know I couldn’t come in to work. 
• I’m such a clutz I own ankle, knee, and wrist braces and generally get use out of all them each year.

5.      Tell me and my readers something you hold true to your heart, some wisdom.
Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Sure, half the time they’ll treat like crap in response, but that’s not what matters, what matters is that you did your part and you can sleep at night.

Thank you, Ruthie! For the great answers and for rocking the 2011 challenge.

Ruthie will also be participating in 2012!

REMEMBER!!! Absolutley anyone and everyone can join in on the Bookmark Break Challenge 2012. If you are intested, comment below or check out the official BMBC '12 page here.

The *NEW* Bookmark Break Challenge 2012!

Last year, I made a resolution to myself to SAVE THE BOOKMARKS!!! I wanted to read and FINISH as many books as I possibly could in the year of 2011. Now, I want to do the same in 2012 and push myself to read more than I did last year!

I just know my poor bookmarks are suffocating! There are too many books on my shelf that have been left unread, a veritable prison, trapping my bookmarks! Don't they deserve a Holiday too?

And everyone can do the same! Just pull out all those books you have started or that are gathering dust on your shelf, brush them off, crack them open, and start reading. Keep a list of the books you complete on your blog! Every single book you FINISH in 2012 (January 1st-December 31st) will count!

Challenge Rules! (Please read on. It's not that bad!)

1. LEAVE A COMMENT that says you are entering the challenge so I know who is interested. (See? Easy!)
2. BEGIN A LIST on a new page of your blog or your blog sidebar entitled "Bookmark Break Book List 2012" and start cataloguing all the books you FINISH in 2012.
3. OPTIONAL: Please, help me try and promote this challenge. Either post about it on your own blog, keep updates on your blog, grab my lovely button, tweet and retweet about it, add it to facebook, or simply tell people about it. I would really appreciate it. Of course, this is not required of the competition.

Challenge Guidelines! (Again, not that bad!)

1. ANY book you finish in 2012 is eligible, meaning that you didn't have to have started the book in 2012. You may have a book that has one page left to read and if you finish reading that one page in 2012 it counts!
2. Books that you are rereading or reading for class count!
3. Poetry Books, Graphic Novels, Plays, Collections of Short Stories, Nonfiction Books, etc. also count!
4. Magazines and Comic Books DO NOT count!
5. The Book/Collection/ect MUST be 100 PAGES OR MORE to be eligible!
6. Post all books read in 2012 on your list so that I may keep track of your progress throughout the year! (NOTE: If you do not wish to post your list somewhere on your blog and prefer to keep track in a journal or on another website, please let me know so that we can work out the kinks.)
7. Complete your list by January 1st, 2013 at 12:00 am! I don't care if the world comes to an end! What is on your list at Midnight is your final count!

Now for the fun stuff! PRIZES!!! Anyone and Everyone that reads more books than I do in the year of 2013 will get their blog button posted on my sidebar for the ENTIRE year of 2013! Plus, regardless of winner or not, you will recieve a special participants or WINNER button, made by ME! AND...Well, you might just have to wait a bit to find out! (Meaning, I am torn between a couple different ideas, but I will figure it out! Just want to think of something extra special this year!)

<center><a href="http://whosyoureditor.blogspot.com/p/bookmark-break-challenge_18.html"><img border="0" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l497/redmatinee7007/bookmark3.jpg"/></a></center> This is the competitor's list thus far! If your name is not already on the list and you would like to participate for the year of 2012, please let me know in the comments below. EVERYONE and ANYONE is invited! Even if you did not participate in 2011, you are MORE than welcome to join in this year! NOW is the best time to join! Nevertheless, you can join ANY TIME this year, just get your booklist up and let me know!

Competitor's List:

• AubrieAnne
• PoeKitten
• Lesley
• Natalie
• Susan
• Shah
• Mrs. Facehead

PS. I now realize that I went a little BOLD crazy! Forgive me, but I am excited!

For the WINNERS and PARTICIPANTS!

Thank you for making the 2011 Bookmark Break Challenge so fun! I'm looking forward to 2012's Bookmark Break Challenge! Let me know if you want to join now! More details coming soon! Make sure to check out both the BMBC 2011 and BMBC 2012 pages located on the left hand sidebar. Also, find these buttons and more located at the bottom of this blog!

Bookmark Break Challenge WINNERS read more books than I did in the year of 2011! They saved more imprisoned bookmarks than I could! HOORAY!

<center><a href="http://whosyoureditor.blogspot.com/p/bookmark-break-challenge_18.html"><img border="0" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l497/redmatinee7007/Bookmark6.jpg"/></a></center> Bookmark Break Challenge Participants did not read more books than I did in the year of 2011, but gave a valiant effort and just enjoyed reading for the sake of saving their trapped bookmarks! <center><a href="http://whosyoureditor.blogspot.com/p/bookmark-break-challenge_18.html"><img border="0" src="http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l497/redmatinee7007/bookmark5.jpg"/></a></center>