Guppyzine Blog

Archive for September, 2010

The omron pedometer is the best I have used. It is accurate and does not count every jiggle. This is the second one I have bought. The first one lasted for several years.
Brand New Axxess Ake

A novel relevant to teens today and one that will be relevant for years to come is The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Taking place in the 1950s, the novel follows the narrator, seventeen-year-old Holden Caulfield, as he fails out of yet another prep school during his struggle to find his place in this world of “phonies.” He is stuck between childhood and adulthood, unable to make the transition, and fearing that he too will become one of these “phonies.” Through Holden and his predicament, Salinger portrays the theme of the loss of childhood innocence and fear of growing up that many teens experience every day.
As Holden encounters difficulties with roommates, relatives, and relationships, teenage readers can connect to his problems and understand his feelings and desire to remain young. He shares the confusions of sex, love, and overall morality, unable to understand what is right. Although some argue that the language of the novel is too harsh, profane, and perhaps unnecessary; it is through this tone that young readers relate. This abrasive dialogue helps to show that Holden is not some perfect prep school kid but an everyday teen who makes mistakes and fears what the future may hold. At first he seems to have a tough and almost rebel-like exterior, but as readers learn of his close relationship to his little sister Phoebe and the pain he feels concerning the death of his brother, it becomes evident that underneath the façade is a caring and loving heart.
A truly timeless work of literature, Holden and his dilemmas are a model for many. Highly recommended, Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye tackles the quandary that all teens face as they transition into adulthood, encouraging them to be true to themselves and avoid becoming just another “phony” of today’s world.
Tiny Toes Things I

I used to have an older hoover but the hoses went on it. This one is not nearly as heavy as the old hoover carpet cleaner. However, it does a very good job cleaning the carpets. Definitely better than the older hoover I had. I can see the difference right after I did the job.
Casio General Ladies Watches

I bought this seat pretty much on the recommendation of others who reviewed it here on Amazon. Unfortunately for me, it did not work out.

The seat is not that wide (10 inches) compared to many other “comfort” saddles although the price is definitely right–about $30 cheaper than any other seat in the “comfort saddle” type category on the web.

I used this on an electric scooter and I could not tip the seat forward like so many can do on a regular bicycle. Because of that, the full support effect of the wide saddle was lost. It was more uncomfortable than the seat I had, so I went out and purchased another saddle.

I would say that if you can tip this saddle forward for your butt adjustment, you will be okay. But if you have a fixed seat post of some kind that makes forward/backward adjustment of the seat impossible, go with another wide saddle.
Schwinn No Pressure Bicycle

With the recent death of its author, J.D. Salinger, I felt that it was time to finally do something I have been intending to do for years, read his classic. I was disappointed. Maybe it was because I had high expectations after all the hype. Maybe it was because I kept expecting something to happen, you know, the classic building action, climax, resolution thing. This book is nothing like this.

Written about a couple of days in the life of a teen who was newly expelled from yet another private high school, the author explores the traditionally pessimistic, skeptic, somewhat depressing view that youth has about the world created by his predecessors. Written with plenty of voice, this book is an enjoyable read, as the reader waits for something to develop. I could almost hear the voice of this book’s contemporary, Jack Kerouac, in the pages. But nothing does happen. Maybe that was the author’s point. In any case, I found that disappointing.

Red Hat Linux Bible

The actual main character (Artemis Fowl) was despicable. I doubt I will read anymore of these “Foul” books. I gave this two stars only because I really liked the main fairy Holly and had to finish the book to find out if her and her compadres were okay. The book should center around them instead of an unlikable snotwad like Artemis Fowl.
Listeners Guide

I don’t have enough praise for this book. I did not want it to end. These characters will stay with me for a long time. Ms. Stockett did a fantastic job writing this novel. As I neared the ending I was afraid of a unrealistic ending (no consequences to the black women for what they had done). As a black women who grew up in that era and whose mother did domestic work I was skeptical of a white woman writing this story. Ms. Stockett did not disappoint. There is a movie in the works. I hope it does the book justice.
SHARPER IMAGE Ionic Breeze

My new Ipod is great. Shipping was fast and I got it on time. I just need more time to learn to use all the features.
3M Filtrete Air Cleaning

A Genuine, True Classic. Once you read it again, you realize what a profound effect it had on American literature at the time. What a tragedy that Salinger went into seclusion and deprived the world (except his family) of his talent. Hopefully a family member will publish his work soon. The Catcher in the Rye
Dimplex SOP 272 C

I really liked this book, and I’m not quite sure why. The Catcher in the Rye is a novel narrated from the point of view of an angst-ridden 16-year-old that doesn’t have that great a vocabulary, is almost always depressed, whines about seemingly trivial things, and hates nearly everybody he meets (Except nuns and children). And it’s not as annoying as it sounds. Salinger was an immensely talented writer, and it’s a shame that he didn’t publish more.
Truvativ AKA All Mountain