Penciled Margins

Arts - Creation, Care, and Appreciation

2011-12-04T08:23:00.001-05:00

Arts - Creating, caring for, and appreciating, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This collection illustrates a few of our available books for beginning artists, art curators, and art aficionados. Keep in mind, this is only part of the Arts selection at Bonnett's Book Store. Some of these items may appear a little world weary, but that just means they've led interesting lives! ;-) As they say, Don't judge a book by it's cover. The best stuff is on the pages inside!

DVDs for Mom & Dad, Older Kids, & Teens at Bonnett's Books

2011-11-28T22:38:00.001-05:00

Adventure, Humor, and Excitement get bumped up a notch in this selection of DVDs. I discovered a few new things while putting this list together. Maybe you will, too. Some of these can be hard to find. Stop in before someone else beats you to it!

PG-rated & Similar Content
Airport-Terminal Pack - 4 film boxed set! So many stars they can't fit in the Hubble telescope!
     ~Airport - 10 Oscar nominations! The original and inspiration for the Airplane parodies!
     ~Airport 1975 - Mid-air collision, no pilot, what else could go wrong?
     ~Airport '77 - Don't just crash and survive under the sea, crash in the Bermuda Triangle!
     ~Airport '79-The Concorde - Attacked by arms smugglers at twice the speed of sound!
All of Me - Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin star in this weird and wonderful Carl Reiner film.
An Affair to Remember - Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr 20th Century Fox Studio Classics series.
The Cannonball Run - Did you know Jackie Chan was in this camp classic?
Ghostbusters II - My son keeps suggesting I dress as Vigo for Halloween. Should I be insulted?
Grease - Everyone loves this movie. Stop lying to yourself. Set your inner T-Birds & Pink Ladies free!
Hallelujah - King Vidor's 1929 1st talkie is a classic. It's got history, but more... It's a good movie!
Imitation of Life - Together in one set, the Claudette Colbert 1934 & Lana Turner 1959 versions!
Invincible - Inspired by a true story-Mark Wahlberg as Vince Papale with the Philadephia Eagles.
Junior Bonner - Steve McQueen goes from a Mustang with wheels in Bullitt to the 4-legged variety.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding - the Rom-Com with the Grecian flair!
Octopussy - Roger Moore as 007 James Bond avenges fellow agent and saves the world, again!
The Outlaw Josey Wales - You had me at Clint Eastwood!
Radio - Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris bring heart to another inspired-by-a-story football movie.
Rio Bravo - John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, Walter Brennan. Classic.
Rocky Balboa - I'll have to see it to believe it, but I hear this is actually a darn good chapter of Rocky.
Romancing the Stone - The most fun you can have running in fear for your life from jewel thieves!
Rudy - A great inspired-by-true football movie! Apparently, Football and Fiction don't mix.
Star! - From the life of Gertrude Lawrence-featuring Julie Andrews-directed by Robert Wise.
Summer Rental - Dir. Carl Reiner, stars John Candy, Richard Crenna, Rip Torn, Karen Austin.
Thérèse - The true story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Uncle Buck - John Candy again, under the director's horn of John Hughes!
The Wackiest Ship in teh Army - Jack Lemmon and Ricky Nelson in a military mash-up of laughs.
The Way We Were - Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford at their peaks in a Romance for the Ages.

For Kids & Tweens
Nancy Drew-Curse of Blackmoor Manor - DVD game playable on your TV! (for ages 10 and up).
The Ant Bully - Voices of Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Bruce Campbell, Lily Tomlin
Are We There Yet? - Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan, Jay Mohr.
Bionicle-The Movie-Mask of Light - Animated action-packed LEGO adventure!
Corpse Bride - A personal favorite of mine.
Dennis the Menace - Walter Matthau at his grumpiest!
Fantastic 4-Rise of the Silver Surfer - Confusing, to see Capt. America 'Flame On!' and fly. ;-)
G.I.Joe-A Real American Hero-Spy Troops-The Movie - Computer animated espionage!
Girls Just Want to Have Fun - '80s high school Helen Hunt, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shannen Doherty
Happy Feet - You'll believe a penguin can dance!
Home on the Range - The first of the 'Last' traditionally-animated Disney films.
The Last Airbender - Based on the TV anime series Avatar-The Last Airbender
The Lizzie McGuire Movie - Rome is where the heart is. A variation on The Prince and the Pauper
Nacho Libre - A good bit of silly fun with a message.
Napoleon Dynamite - Like, the Best Special Edition Ever! with lenticular 3-D slipcase!
New York Minute - Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen romp in the Big Apple.
Over the Hedge - You'll laugh, you'll cry-laughing. Steve Carell voices the funniest squirrel EVER!
Race to Witch Mountain - Is it a remake, a re-boot, a sequel? I don't know, but it's got The Rock.
The Road to El Dorado - Haven't seen it. Reminds me of my 2nd car. That's a plus.
The Sandlot-Heading Home - For when a Bad News Bears marathon just isn't enough!
Secondhand Lions - A must see for all ages!
Shark Tale - Dreamworks' answer to Disney's Finding Nemo. It's good, but be sure to also find Nemo.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow - I can't help it. I love this movie. h-11-od

Books into Movies!
Alice-Through the Looking Glass - Live-action film with Kate Beckinsale and Ian Holm.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Johnny Depp as Tim Burton's version of Willy Wonka!
The Chronicles of Narnia-Voyage of the Dawn Treader - The C.S. Lewis adventure continues!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Welcome to Hogwart's, Mr. Potter.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Year 3, the most important of the series? Don't miss it!
Howl's Moving Castle - Strange and amazing fun!
The Nativity Story - A timely tale for the Holiday season.
Night at the Museum-Battle of the Smithsonian - Sequel to movie based on story by Milan Trenc.
Shrek 2 - Hilarious sequel to the movie based on the book by William Steig.
The Spiderwick Chronicles - Fantasy & adventure from books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Zathura - based on a story by Jumanji author Chris Van Allsburg. Sam Raimi should do his 3rd book.

DVDs for the Younger Set at Bonnett's Book Store

2011-11-28T22:00:00.001-05:00

Bonnett's Bookstore and Movies aren't normally in the same thought. I'm here to try and change that.

At Bonnett's we have a small, but growing - and ever changing, selection of mainstream DVDs (with a few Blu-Rays and the occasional VHS tape in the mix). Please contact us with any questions or stop in to see them for yourself! Tonight, I'll focus on our selections suitable for younger viewers.

G-rated / Young Kids DVDs (for kids of All Ages!)
Arctic Tale - Polar bears, from the folks who brought out March of the Penguins
Curious George - the movie with Will Ferrell as the voice of the Man in the Yellow Hat
Curious George 2-Follow That Monkey - sequel to Curious George
Escape to Witch Mountain - a live-action Disney favorite
Ferngully-The Last Rainforest
Gym Teacher-The Movie
High School Musical-Encore Edition - includes original and Sing Along version of songs)
High School Musical for Bella Dancerella - learn the moves to 3 favorite HSM songs!
The Incredible Mr. Limpet - the Don Knotts classic mixing live-action with animation!
March of the Penguins - the amazing study of Penguins, narrated by Morgan Freeman.
The Muppets Take Manhattan - perfect for fans of this season's The Muppet Movie.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - watch the classic TV special any time!
The Velveteen Rabbit - a narrated storybook on DVD!
Where the Wild Things Are (and other Maurice Sendak Stories)
Where the Wild Things Are - for Fisher Price Read with Me DVD.

Holiday Cooking, Baking, Entertaining, & Gifts

2011-11-24T05:14:00.001-05:00

Holiday Cooking, Baking, Entertaining, & Gifts, a set on Flickr.

Entertaining family and friends this holiday season? Sometimes the kitchen is the best place to make gifts for the Holidays! Save money and maybe even save the holidays by gifting yourself with knowledge from our inexpensive used books!
Via Flickr:
Tomes full of ideas for cooking, entertaining, parties, baking, food gifts and other eating/dining concerns with a focus on the Holidays available now at Bonnett's Book Store

Indoor Gardening Used Books

2011-11-22T06:31:00.001-05:00

Indoor Gardening Used Books, a set on Flickr.

The next few months are the perfect time to start growing your own! Keeping indoor live plants has been shown to improve overall health and well-being. Many herbs and spices can be easily cultivated indoors year-round and take up very little space. And Bonsai trees can bring benefits beyond that which can be measured or consumed. These books available now at Bonnett's Books!

Used Holiday & Gift Books

2011-11-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

Used Holiday & Gift Books, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A sample of Holiday Decorating, Gift Making, and acitivity books available at Bonnett's Books for the 2011 Holiday Season. There are more items in our Holiday 2011 Collection than appear here. Most are singular items and will be unavailable once sold. Hurry to Bonnett's Books at 502 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402-2914 Monday - Saturday, Noon - 8 pm, bonnettsbookstore@gmail.com (937)228-1222

KANE HODDER - UNMASKED at BONNETT'S BOOKS on 10/25, 6-8pm

2011-10-20T21:27:00.003-04:00

Author Mike Aloisi brings Kane Hodder to Bonnett's Book Store on October 25th, 2001 from 6 - 8 PM

"Unmasked - The True Life Story of the World's Most Prolific Cinematic Killer, Kane Hodder" will be available in our store, along with 'The Killer and I', a journal of the creation of 'Unmasked'. Don't miss this rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the man who has been Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger's hand, Leatherface, Ed Gein, and stars as Victor Crowley in 'Hatchet' & 'Hatchet II'!

There's much more to this horror icon than meets the eye. Kane has been a stuntman since 1977 and has been Stunt Coordinator on too many projects to list here (look up his Wikipedia page).

All will be revealed in 'Unmasked' & 'The Killer & I'.

Don't miss this opportunity to meet the man in more blockbuster horror franchises than anyone else! 'Friday the 13th', 'Hatchet', 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre', and 'Nightmare on Elm Street" have all felt the chill of Kane Hodder.

Meet Kane Hodder and his biographer Mike Aloisi at Bonnett's Book Store on October 25th from 6 - 8 PM. There couldn't be a better way to kick-start your Halloween. Hope to see you there!

Visit our Facebook event page, here:
Kane Hodder "Unmasked" Book Signing

Visit the Official 'Unmasked' book site, here:
http://kanehodderkills.com

Find Kane, Mike, Unmasked, and Bonnett's Books on Facebook & Twitter
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kane-Hodder
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMike
http://www.facebook.com/BonnettsBooks
@KaneHodderKills http://twitter.com/#!/KaneHodderKills
@AuthorMike http://twitter.com/#!/AuthorMike
@BonnettsBooks http://twitter.com/#!/BonnettsBooks

PulpFest 2011, July 29 - 31, Columbus, OH + A Beginner's Guide to Pulps!

2011-07-21T09:00:00.470-04:00

[Scroll down for a casual Beginner's Guide / Introduction to / History of the Pulps]

In the not-so-distant past, an event known as PulpCon was hosted right here in Dayton, Ohio. It's reign lasted just shy of four decades. The final PulpCon was #37, held in 2008.

PulpFest is a new convention that has filled the void since 2009! PulpFest, naturally, features authentic pulp-paper magazines for collectors, but also includes affordable reprints and even NEW Pulp creations. Art lovers can check out and pick up original vintage art as well as works by current artists featuring the themes and styles of old, and more pieces with a modern take on the classics! Fans of old time radio will also find folks trading in classic radio shows and their modern digital counterparts!

However, the thing that inspired this post is:

The night before PulpFest officially begins there will be a presentation called "Edmond Hamilton: From Ohio to the Stars" in the Thompson Library at the Ohio State University campus, 1858 Neil Avenue.

I've been shelving Edmond Hamilton's science fiction in our stacks for decades. I knew he was in the pulps and I knew he was somewhat popular. Being a science fiction fan, I always figured I'd get around to reading some of his work. Based on his reputation, I've recommended him to customers seeking "older sci-fi". What I didn't know is that he was an Ohioan! Also, he was married to another big name in science fiction, Leigh Brackett, who worked on the screenplay of what is widely recognized as the best of the six Star Wars films, "The Empire Strikes Back"! These little tidbits bump Hamilton's work up a good bit on my reading to-do list. :-)

Also, PulpFest's announcement of the forum, on 7/20, coincided with the anniversary of the first moon walk by fellow Ohioan, Neil Armstrong! I wonder if the street where the forum will be held, Neil Avenue, was named for the Astronaut? I'm sure such real-life scientific endeavor held special meaning for early writers of the science fiction genre. [As I edit this blog entry, "Atlantis" has made it's final landing, ending the 30 year saga of NASA's Space Shuttle program, and slapping a nostalgic counterpoint onto this paragraph.]

As a side note, our Bonnett Family lore includes a mention that our Great-Grandmother, Ruby Bonnette* - mother of our store's founder, Harold "Hal" Murray Bonnett (also an Ohioan, and a writer of detective pulp stories) - babysat Neil Armstrong. [*Grandpa Harold dropped the terminal "e" from the family name as a means to end frequent mispronunciations - "Bonnett-ee".]

It will be a shame to miss the Edmond Hamilton forum, especially in light of his Ohio heritage.

Thanks to PulpFest for the bit of enlightenment! :-)

==== PULP FRIENDS ====

We miss our old friends from PulpCon, but we can't visit PulpFest as we're only two people and must keep our shop open for our regular customers, many of whom haven't a clue what we mean when we mention "pulps". Also, we no longer have much in the way of the actual pulp magazines. BUT, we've still got a great selection of other vintage magazines, books, and comics. We hope some of our friends from the old Con might stop in to say "Hi" on their way to/from the Fest.

And now....

==== A BRIEF BEGINNER'S GUIDE FOR ====

==== A CURSORY INTRODUCTION TO ====

==== AND A CASUAL SHORT HISTORY OF ====

PULP FICTION MAGAZINES

Through the 1920s, '30s, and '40s pulp magazines (so-called for the inexpensive paper on which they were printed) were, along with radio, a primary form of mass entertainment. The term "pulp fiction" is now popularly associated with any story in a "retro" setting, featuring scurrilous characters in seedy situations, because so many of the pulp magazines contained stories of man's inhumanity to man.

The venerable PulpCon kept alive the adventures of heroes like "The Shadow" and "Doc Savage", and honored the fragile paper realm that introduced us to enduring characters like "Conan the Barbarian" and Solomon Kane (Robert E. Howard), Tarzan and John Carter of Mars (Edgar Rice Burroughs), and the otherworldly horrors of H.P. Lovecraft. The books, comics, and movies starring these characters, and others, are still in public eye, even now.

There were Pulps for nearly every taste; Westerns, Science Fiction, Romance, Sports, Adventure, Mystery, War, Spicy or Breezy (euphemisms for Steamy/Sexy - honestly, not-so-sexy by today's standards), and even Hero pulps, which inspired much of today's comic book content. These days Batman and Captain America retain the most similarity to the classic pulp-style of heroes. Many other pulp-ish characters exist all over the place, but aren't as well-known, such as Blackhawks in DC comics, my personal favorite character- The Rocketeer, and the movie "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow".

TV shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits" were designed to tell the kinds of tales that originally appeared in Pulp as shorts. The 1980s TV series "Amazing Stories" was directly named for a sci-fi pulp that began in 1926 and was still in publication, through many owners and formats, until May 2005. And there was one particular episode of "LOST" called "Exposé". It was a stand-alone episode that had so much pulp on it one might've imagined smelling oranges! I *HIGHLY* recommend this single episode, and you don't need to know anything about LOST to enjoy it's pulpy goodness!

Two major cinema classics (which happen to be two of my very favorite movies of all time) were both originally short stories in pulp magazines. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) was loosely based on "Farewell to the Master" which appeared in the October 1940 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction", still in publication, but now known as Analog Science Fiction and Fact, making it the longest running science fiction magazine of all time. The other is the Cornell Woolrich story "It Had to be Murder" (Dime Detective Magazine, February 1942) which became Alfred Hitchcock's excellent suspense movie "Rear Window" (1954) starring the charming Jimmy Stewart, the stunning Grace Kelly, and the menacing Raymond Burr.

The types of stories that populated pulp magazines have been around for nearly as long as people have been telling tales, but it was the era of Pulp Magazines that dropped them soundly into the spotlight of modern entertainment. The Pulp examples of heroism in the face of ultimate evil, and our thirst for escape from the daily hum-drum into lands of romance, adventure, and excitement mean these wondrous tales will be around for a very long time. The associated fun and mystery born of pulp reaches into nearly every form of our entertainment. Pulp is stealthy. It's sensibility is one of the Dirty Little Secrets of all our favorite entertainments! Remember, doing the Time Warp once in a while can be a lot fun! Take a look back once in a while. You may find that hot, new show isn't really so new after all.

Bonnett's Book Store in the Chicago Sun-Times

2011-06-14T00:36:00.001-04:00

Dave Hoekstra is a staff writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. During a working baseball-themed trip to Ohio he happened upon our humble store. Mr. Hoekstra was intrigued enough to remember and mention us in his Ohio baseball story.

After his visit here I checked out the Sun-Times site looking for his work. It's good, interesting stuff, no matter where you're from. He travels a lot a writes about the places he's been. You can find his bio, the baseball story mentioning Bonnett's Bookstore and other stories here. He might even inspire your next vacation!

I once had a layover at O'Hare (ca.1997). During the wait I explored the airport, encountered my first Starbucks ever, and found a doorway outside where I could see a line of cabs and all the people waiting for them. That's when it hit me that I was in a Big city; The Second City, The Windy City, Chi-town, The City of the Big Shoulders... it's mere nicknames known worldwide! I've wanted to go back ever since.

We admit being a bit giddy at having impressed a Chicagoan, as I'm sure you've already noticed. It's another thing showing that Dayton, Ohio, The Gem City, is, as it's own nickname implies, still a treasure! When's the last time you found a completely random meeting of a Tricab, Power Bocks (the spring-loaded stilts), a bagpipe player, and a folding bike all in one place?

Open letter to Hamvention 2011

2011-05-19T21:21:00.001-04:00

Radio has always been an interest of mine, but mostly from the broadcasting side of things. Learning the story behind Orson Welles' Columbia Radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds" was the beginning of that interest. I spent many late nights listening to the "CBS Radio Mystery Theater" in the '70s and I still listen to audio shows when I find them, both over-the-air and as podcasts.

For a time I had a multi-band receiver that occupied many evenings. Part of the fun was the simple act of searching for something to hear, and, when found, it was often something so random it couldn't help but be interesting, at least for a little while. Then on to find something else being beamed and bounced around the ether...

In the early '90s I thought seriously about getting into two-way amateur radio. I was haunting the local Radio Shack to try and get a handle on technology and terminology, and I read newsstand magazines about HAM radio. At the same time there were many magazines about computers and many of the HAM articles also talked about the use of computers. My interest was shared in both arenas.

I didn't have the money for a good radio and antenna any more than I had money for a decent computer, but one January day in 1994 I found an old PC really cheap at a Goodwill and the die was cast. I followed the computer path, and I can't say I regret it - the entire world followed computers and the Internet. I haven't become bored with it, yet, but radio hasn't gone away, and neither has my interest in it.

Any true fan of the Cincinnati Reds knows that you listen to radio coverage, even as you may be watching the game on TV. Maybe it's like that for other teams as well, I don't know. But I do know Radio isn't skulking around in dark corners. Radio lives!

There's an essential purity to radio that the internet can't ever match. The simplicity of powering on your equipment and working a few dials, never quite sure what you might find. Even a planned radio conversation might be sidelined by bad weather, or sunspots, or who knows what. HAM radio still holds sense of wonder and wide open spaces, of exploration and discovery!

If I have my facts straight, it was HAM radio that gave birth to the most common communication in use today, our wireless phones! Wireless = Radio. HAM Radio operators were sending files and images to one another long before most of had heard of the Internet and cell-phones. HAM operators used data compression and packet data to accomplish these things. Today, the phone in your pocket, purse, or on your belt, IS a radio doing all the things HAM operators did 30+ years ago without all the plans and subscriptions that are the major complaints of wireless phone users today. As a matter of fact, I originally began this blog post on my BlackBerry, where it would have been radioed to the nearest tower, radioed to another tower, perhaps many more, maybe even a satellite or two, until it found it's destination - a line to Google's Blogger servers, and, finally, posted to this blog. All the while being sorted and kept separate from all the other traffic on the wireless network and the Internet. And I'm pretty sure all of that sorting and compression technology began with Amateur Radio.

So, thank you HAMvention and all the Amateur Radio Operators there have ever been for laying the foundations that keep today's world connected, and for often being a last line of communication in disaster zones, helping to assess the situation and coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Radio remains the single most important form of communication on Earth, and that's no exaggeration.

HAMvention! Welcome, once again, to Dayton, Ohio's Hara Arena. We know you've got a busy weekend ahead, but, if you happen to find yourselves in downtown Dayton, we hope you'll have time to stop in at Bonnett's Book Store and say "Hi". You'll be among friends.

Thank you,
Kevin Bonnett

Bonnett's Book Store
502 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-228-1222
Noon - 8 PM, Mon - Saturday, closed Sunday

Royalty Books

2011-04-21T22:22:00.001-04:00

With the recent passing of Elizabeth Taylor and the pending Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton I was reminded that there are many types of royalty in the world today. From fast food chains to the Camelots of both the Kennedy family and King Arthur, Hollywood royalty, and of course genuine Royals.
At Bonnett's Bookstore we have out-of-print and hard-to-find books on royalty of every sort and the lands in which they live. In the video I've included a sampling of items that happened to readily available, but there's much more. Stop in and take a look around!

What's Inside Bonnett's Books?

2011-02-23T19:47:00.000-05:00

Bonnett's Book Store is a treasure trove of thrilling, fantastic, and amazing stuff. Find genuine vintage magazines featuring stories and images from days gone by, as well as popular modern works of pulp fiction and current events. Explore the classics or have an adventure into the mysteries of history. Science fiction tales, DIY books, Western stories, there's a little bit of something for everyone. Stop in to see what you've been missing!

TRON Rolling Stone cover 1982

2011-01-12T21:23:00.001-05:00

Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine #376 dated August 19th, 1982 "The Secrets of TRON"

GREEN HORNET Fights Crime #34 June 1947

2011-01-11T20:28:00.002-05:00

"Hurry Kato! Get Black Beauty ready! We're going to break a murder case wide open!"
AND HERE'S WHAT ELSE YOU'LL GET:
Spirit of '76 stars in the second story.
"The 216" is the cover story, text only.
1-page funny, Roddie feat. a baby in blackface.
Blonde Bomber is the 2nd feature.
The Mighty Midgets funny short.
The Man In Black haunts the 3rd adventure.
Flossie wraps things up with fun.
Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!

2011-01-01T18:41:00.000-05:00

The year 2011 is putting me in mind of many symbolic things...

One is the loneliest number, but we've two ones, side-by-side. This should be a good year for couples, pairs, and friends. In fact, our first visitors of 2011 had never been in before, so we've made some new friends already. :-)

If you're reading this, you've probably been to Bonnett's at least once. Many people, sadly, have never visited our shop, and more don't even know it's here. We don't have an advertising budget, so most of my blogging, Tweeting, and other online endeavors are an attempt to make up for that. You can help us by introducing Bonnett's Book Store to your friends who've never been in before.

Even folks who don't read often can find something here. We have an ever-growing selection of DVDs (now featuring 2 blu-ray movies), comic books for young and old, short stories or joke books to read in the porcelain lounge, books on making repairs, gardening, history, picture books and stories for the kids (in all of us), and, of course, plenty of current and classic novels and/or non-fiction for more serious readers.

'11, as two ones, also makes me think of 2-for-1 which is the basis of our trade-in policy. Bring in your old books, DVDs, comics, and magazines, and trade them in to save money on your next purchase; Or trade in 2-for-1 of the same price and type of book, comic, or DVD.

Pair up now and enjoy the whole year with friends at Bonnett's Book Store!

Just don't get yourself in trouble, like our old friend Archie Andrews. ;-)

A few movies with snow

2010-12-18T18:47:00.003-05:00

Not tired of winter yet? Here are a few movies featuring a good bit of snow.

Another Holiday Book Treat

2010-12-16T22:01:00.001-05:00

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, illustrated by H.M. Brock, from Dodd, Mead & Company 1935
Hardcover, No dustjacket, one illustration page is loose.

Happy Holidays! :-)

A Few Holiday Selections from Bonnett's Books

2010-12-03T10:00:00.044-05:00

It occurred to me that a lot of folks may not be aware that we accept credit cards and debit cards, too. Now you know.

Here are a few items to help you and yours get into the Holiday spirit. And, when you're looking for special gifts, you can find something on our shelves for just about everyone on your list. Our discount comic books make great stocking stuffers for the kids (or a good cheap way to keep them occupied while you put lights on the tree). Stop in and take a look around. And remember, if you don't see what you're looking for, just ask and we'll point you in the right direction.

Foursquare users, during the Holiday Season, check-in and tell your friends you're at Bonnett's Book Store for a 20% discount!

Open Mon-Sat, Noon-8pm, sometimes later.
To learn more and keep in touch, subscribe to the Penciled Margins blog feed, or Follow @BonnettsBooks on Twitter, Like Bonnett's Book Store's page on Facebook, Friend =[BONNETT'S]= on MySpace, and see the sidebar to Follow us with Google Friend Connect.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The Children of Dickens (1933)

Holiday Recipes & Chocolate Ecstasy

A Christmas Treasury of Yuletide Stories & Poems

The Snowman Who Wanted to Stay

Elf - (DVD)

It Happened of 5th Avenue - (DVD)

Holiday Season in Dayton, Ohio (Hours & Events)

2010-11-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

BONNETT'S BOOK STORE will be closed on Thanksgiving but right back at it on Friday, as usual, from Noon-8p (or later, call if you're nearby 937-228-1222). We'll be closing at 5p on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and return to our regular hours of Mon-Sat, Noon-8p on other days during and after the Holidays.

Naturally, I can't know EVERYTHING that's going on, but here's a heads-up on the things that have recently piqued my interest, including special holiday hours and events around downtown and in the Oregon District.

DERAILED HAIR SALON is taking appointments on Wednesday 11/24, so you can get your last minute 'do done in time to show off your hotness at your Thanksgiving gatherings. 937-222-3910 for appointments and more info.

WILEY'S COMEDY CLUB - Wednesday 11/24 @ 8p "Comics Come Home" show features 10 national performers home for the holiday, all for the low low price of $5.00! You do the math. What a DEAL! Check with them for New Year's Eve Party info.

THE DUBLIN PUB features Spungeworthy on Wednesday night and will open at 6p on Thanksgiving with live acoustic music in the evening from Nick Mitchell.

BLIND BOB'S will open at 8p on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Closed Christmas Eve. Check with them if you want to know more about their New Year's Eve plans.

Happy Birthday BOULEVARD HAUS! Open Christmas Eve until 8p. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days.

GRANDE ILLUMINATION & CHILDREN'S PARADE take place Friday 11/26 4-9p Musical acts will perform on the main stage on Courthouse Square and Dayton's tree goes live at 7:45p. Be there by 7:30p to get your "magic glasses" to enhance the tree lighting ceremony. The Children's Parade takes place immediately following the tree lighting.

LAS AMERICAS, a Puerto Rican/South American eatery near the Trolley Stop has extended it's hours. Check them out to add some spice to your holiday dining. Tue-Fri 11a-8p; Sat 8a-8p, Sun 9a-1p

FIRST FRIDAY is Dec 3, 5-10p at creative venues all around downtown Dayton. Check out some truly special and unique gift selections, and be inspired by the creativity of a wide variety of new art and artists.
5th Street Clayworx will be taking non-perishable food donations for the Food Bank during First Friday.

SANTA PUB CRAWL Benefiting USMC TOYS FOR TOTS is Sat, Dec 11, 6p-2a as follows:
Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Tumbleweed Connection, 454 E. Fifth St.: 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St.: 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Bar Tiki, 261 Wayne Ave.: 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Newcom’s, 418 E. Fifth St.: 12:30 a.m. to closing

LET THE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES BEGIN!

Hauntfest 2010 info

2010-10-28T22:55:00.001-04:00

A lot of folks still refer to the annual Oregon District Halloween Party in Dayton, Ohio by it's older (and more fun) name, Boo-N-Brew or Boo and Brew. For a few years now it has officially been called Hauntfest. Now that's out of the way. Here's the skinny -

Hauntfest is on Saturday, October 30th (or 30st*) and is an all-ages event. Minors must be accompanied by adults. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase drink tickets and consume alcohol.

5 PM - E 5th St between Patterson Blvd & Wayne Ave, including the 5th & Wayne intersection will be closed to traffic so Hauntfest set-up may commence.
7 PM - Hauntfest Opens! Admission is $5.00 until 10 PM.
7 PM-1 AM - Be immortalized! Strike a pose and smile and/or snarl for the cameras.
10 PM - Admission to Hauntfest increases to $10.00
12 AM Midnight - Beer ticket sales end. Stock up on tickets early!
12:30 AM - Beer trucks close. It's a party! Share any extra tickets with your friends!
1 AM - Hauntfest officially ends. Get thee home, or to thy favorite tavern. And don't forget your Designated Driver!

Enjoy!

*In troubled economic times, money saving efforts are always a good idea. A little was saved this year by re-using last year's street banners. The date on the banners was corrected by painting a zero over the number 1 to make 31 become 30. Unfortunately, the suffix on the dates wasn't corrected to go along with the numbers, so at least some of the banners read "Oct 30st" instead of "Oct 30th". Just one insignificant and slightly humorous way that too much cost-cutting can go wrong. Which reminds me... Please, vote YES on Issue 9 to renew existing Montgomery County Human Services funding. Voting No will only serve to increase hardships on those with special needs (mental and physical help, employment services, etc) of all ages - the loss of such help and services will have a ripple effect throughout the Miami Valley. Vote Yes on Issue 9. If you think things are tough now, wait until this existing help comes to a screeching halt. Vote YES on Issue 9, the Montgomery County Human Services Levy Renewal.

Grandpa Harold's dog, Bix, a FREE movie and good jazz

2010-10-28T05:28:00.001-04:00

Bonnett's Bookstore's founder, Harold Bonnett, was a fan of Jazz music and Dixieland Jazz in particular. Bix Beiderbecke was one of his favorite perfomers; so much so that he named one of his dogs after him.

Grandpa had many dogs through the years, but Bix was his "shop dog". They would walk together to and from work every day.

Bix was small and well-behaved enough to not be in the way at the store (back then the shop wasn't quite as crowded as it has become). I don't know if Bix was a mix or not, but Grandpa never worried over pedigree. Like a dog, Grandpa was a good judge of character and took in his pets based on their good attitudes, rather than their Papers.

If you've ever seen the cartoon "The Ren & Stimpy Show", you may have noticed that Ren spoke in a voice reminiscent of actor Peter Lorre. Lorre and Chihuahuas share the facial characteristic of slightly bulging eyes, and many of Lorre's best known roles (Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon) were played in a twitchy, nervous, Chihuahua-like fashion. Bix was nervous in the same way. A lot of people compulsively wanted to pet him, but if Bix didn't want to be bothered he'd just walk away; no snipping or yapping. He was a good-natured dog.

Because of a little black and brown dog we were introduced to the work of a very talented musician.

Wednesday 2010/11/03, 7:00 pm, The NEON Movies presents "BIX", a 1991 documentary about Bix Beiderbecke, FREE!

Friday 2010/11/12, 8:30 pm, Gilly's Jazz Club presents Dave Greer's Classic Jazz Stompers' Tribute to Bix Beiderbecke featuring Special Guest Andy Schumm $12.00

Digital Comic Museum

2010-09-14T02:49:00.000-04:00

Digital Comic Museum
Found this thanks to Cory Doctorow/BoingBoing on Twitter.
One of the greatest things on the Internet since IMDb, the Digital Comic Museum.

@boingboing or http://www.boingboing.net
@doctorow or http://www.craphound.com
@twitter or http://www.twitter.com
@IMDb or http://www.imdb.com

Bonnett's Bookstore Trivia: Books & their Movies (1939)

2010-08-12T22:34:00.002-04:00

As this Google Doodle so gracefully reminds us...

Today (8/12/2010) marks the 71st anniversary of the release of The Wizard of Oz (1939). I'm sure many of you share our sentiment that Oz is indeed one of the most wonderful worlds ever translated from the bookshelf to the big screen. The many forms Oz has been given over the years are a clear statement of the enduring connection this film has made with so many of us, all over the world. And, the fact that the tale can exist successfully in so many variations speaks volumes about it's impact on everyone who's seen it.

Oz trivia abounds! There's no way to cover it all in a single post. If you want to know more, watch the bonus features on your movies, search the internets, and be sure to have a lot of time set aside for doing so. ;-)

BONNETT'S Short List of Recommended OZes:

The Wiz starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson
Tin Man with Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming, and Neal McDonough
Wicked: The Musical, based on the remarkable "untold story" of the witches of OZ and based on the remarkable book by Gregory Maguire.

And now for the Bonnett's Trivia part of the post...

Bonnett's Book Store was also "released" in 1939. The year was full of good company! Our exciting, graceful, and timeless compadres of 1939 include Batman - then known as the Bat-Man, and the film versions of Gone with the Wind, Wuthering Heights, and the first of the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone, and a whole lot more.

The truly amazing thing about all this is that these great and beloved works all began as books! What's that you say? Batman isn't a book? Well... OK. I could be snide and tell you, "They're called comic BOOKS, aren't they?" But you deserve better, so here it is... Bonus Trivia!

The look of Bob Kane's Batman is said to have been inspired by another movie - based on a book!
The Bat Whispers movie was based on The Bat, a book and play by Mary Roberts Rinehart & Avery Hopwood. The Bat wore a costume and mask with a cape, and climbed around on ropes, but... he was a criminal! In the opening titles of the movies there's a great silhouette shot of The Bat disappearing quickly up a rope just like our beloved hero. And now you know.

I hope you've enjoyed these bits of book-land trivia. I love this kind of stuff and could go on and on, but I want to post this while it's still the 71st Anniversary of Oz in my time zone. If you've been kind or interested enough to bear with me through the whole post there's one last thing I'd like to share... a blog "easter egg", if you will, like those sometimes found on DVD's and in films (Did you see R2-D2 in the 2009 Star Trek movie? You'll have to find that one on your own), and I hope you will heartily enjoy... this. :-)

Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine & convention

2010-07-01T21:47:00.002-04:00

Remember those creepy ghouls that stared at you from the newsstand and gave you nightmares when you were a kid? Just like a good monster in a bad sequel, or the undead from the grave, FAMOUS MONSTERS of FILMLAND RETURNS!!!

To celebrate the resurrection of the monstrous minions of mayhem, a convention hath been wrought from the primal forces binding together the very elements of the universe, for the dark edification of we poor mortal souls, that we may bear witness and spread word on trembling tongues of it's impending, gruesome re-birth.

PREPARE YOURSELVES or MEET YOUR DOOM!

You've been warned...

New Links added to Underlined Passages in the sidebar

2010-05-26T21:11:00.001-04:00

Two new links have been added to the sidebar. Most readers of this blog will already be familiar with the first:

DaytonMostMetro.com is an excellent source of information about most all aspects of life in downtown Dayton and the region as a whole. You'll find news and information about upcoming events of all kinds and you can throw in your two-cents worth by joining in on the discussions there.
I've been meaning to include it's link here many times for a long while and something has always interrupted my workflow at those moments. Now, it is done! Partake, enjoy, and tell your friends about DaytonMostMetro.com.

The next link isn't as well known, yet, but I find myself tripping over it more and more often as I wander the Internet. With a name like Delectable Dayton you'd think this was a food site, but it's focus is neighborhood improvement projects.
Most of the articles that have caught my attention so far are proposals or reports on projects/ideas in their earliest stages. Because of that fact there is little or nothing yet to be seen, so, many articles are accompanied by photos of other places which have done similar things, helping to illustrate the possibilities.

Finally, added to the Links List, there's Food vs. Face! FvF features recipes for many tasty dishes and the best reviews of the local restaurants few others are likely to review.
I love to eat cheap, enjoy what I eat, and have fun doing it! If you agree with that statement Food vs. Face will help you explore cuisine in the Dayton area.

Bon Apetit!

Enjoy the new links!

New York Burlesque returns to Dayton!

2010-05-19T03:44:00.001-04:00

Check out my other blog, BonK! for info, video links, and more!

"Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go!"

Thursday, May 20 at 8 PM at Gilly's Jazz Night Club

just $10.00!

A Variation on Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky" by Duante Beddingfield

2010-04-27T22:13:00.000-04:00

A friend of the shop shared this on Facebook a while back. I found the work delightful in it's humor and, thanks to the author's fine craftsmanship, the rhythm remains intact. There are many variations of "Jabberwocky" across the Internets, but few are as accessible and entertaining as this one. At the bottom is a link to one gentleman's collection of other "Jabberwocky" variations, but I hope this one puts the same smile upon you, dear reader, that it did for me.

A Rhyme of the Salad Bar
by Duante Beddingfield
Based on Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll

'Twas lunchtime, and the forky prongs
did stab and stammer 'gainst the plate;
all bendy were the saladtongs,
and the Jello cubes ornate.

"Beware the Saladbar, my son!
The hams that cube, the beeves that roast!
Beware the Gravy skin and shun
the mouldy Raisintoast!"

He took the sticky spoon in hand:
In hunger threebean soup he prayed--
But leaned his hand on the Softserve stand,
And thought himself afraid.

And as he thought in hunger hard,
The Saladbar, with flamin' yawn
Came roaring through the sneezy guard,
With burblings of flan!

He faced it through! and on a chew
An artichoke snapped cricker-crack!
He ate its heart, and with a fart
He went a-slogging back.

"And hast thou braved the Saladbar?
Come hither thee, my wellfed chap!
O braise, o baste! Not want! Not waste!"
He thundered with a clap.

'Twas lunchtime, and the forky prongs
Did stab and stammer 'gainst the plate;
All bendy were the saladtongs,
And the Jello cubes ornate.

For more variations on the classic "Jabberwocky" look here:
http://www76.pair.com/keithlim/jabberwocky/parodies/index.html

Two FREE movie passes!!!

2010-04-26T19:28:00.000-04:00

See "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" for FREE at The NEON Movies!
We have 2 Passes for Two to give away. Each pass is valid for Monday through Thursday showings for the duration of this run of the film at The NEON. The passes are good beginning Monday 5/3/10.

Just stop in at Bonnett's (Noon - 8pm) Mon-Sat, and tell us where you found out about the tickets. Did you find out through Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or FourSquare? First come, first served! Only 2 passes available. Hurry!

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" opens Friday, April 30 at The NEON Movies in Dayton, Ohio!

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" at The NEON Movies begins 4/30/10

2010-04-21T19:43:00.001-04:00

Steig Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is coming to The NEON Movies on April 30th.

In the next few days we'll be giving away two free passes, good for two admissions each, during any of the Monday through Thursday showings of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" at NEON through the film's run at that location. Stay tuned for more information on how to win free tickets to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"!

Here's how to stay up-to-date with Bonnett's Book Store:

Google Friend Connect with the official blog of Bonnett's Book Store, "Penciled Margins"
Join us on Google Buzz
Check-in at FourSquare - Bonnett's Book Store
Follow us on Twitter - BonnettsBooks
Add us as a Friend or Like our Page on Facebook
Friend us with MySpace - =[BONNETT'S]=

Iceland volcano good for business

2010-04-21T05:01:00.000-04:00

A pair of very nice gentlemen from the United Kingdom came to Dayton for an Anniversary Reunion of the Doolittle Raiders and the fly-in of more than a dozen Mitchell B-25 aircraft of the type used in the Doolittle Raid. I am ashamed to say I missed the event. I will likely never have another opportunity to witness such a display of these aircraft. I regret it more and more, the more I think about it, and I completely understand that aviation buffs from the U.K. would come here for the occasion.

Unfortunately, these two visitors from across the pond are unable to return home as scheduled because of the volcanic ash cloud that's been making a mess of things throughout Europe, and then some. On the bright side, the men are Aviation buffs. For that reason alone, they probably couldn't get stuck in a better town than the "Birthplace of Aviation".

Finding a lot of free time on their hands they began to explore Dayton and found their way into Bonnett's. Each found a nice aviation tome to take home when that time arrives. We wish them a pleasant stay and a safe journey home.

So, thank you, you unpronounceable Icelandic volcano. You provided us with two new customers, and helped us spread the good word of Bonnett's Books and Dayton, Ohio to the rest of the world.

From mental_floss "The Quick 10: The Scrumdidlyumptious Roald Dahl"

2010-04-21T04:32:00.000-04:00

I love Roald Dahl's stories. Only a few days ago I was strongly recommending them to some parents for their own child. But something about Dahl's fantastic creatures and the connections to food made me giggle a bit at the idea of the linked article's publication on 4/20.

I've only ever read "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator", and "James and the Giant Peach". The Charlie books were the first time I learned of sequels; and the Vermicious Knids, allegedly mentioned in all three of these books (and at least one other of Dahl's works) were the first fictional characters for which I felt dread. They altered my perception in many ways that I can barely recall and couldn't begin to explain, because I was too young to comprehend what had happened.

All are works of great imagination and fantasy, yet each maintained enough real-world touch-stones that I could easily relate to each one. They were as well, perhaps, something of a bridge to my youthful love of science fiction. I remember dwelling on the workings of the Elevator and the interactions of the 'alien' species working together in the Giant Peach, even when I was away from the books.

As much as I love those three books, oddly, I never went on to read other works by Dahl. Stranger still, as a book dealer, I have yet to cross paths with "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" and had never heard of it until it became the latest movie from Wes Anderson. "Matilda", "The Witches", and "The BFG" turn up often enough... why not Fox? I can't answer that, but, the only reason I posted this is because, as I said at the top, I love Roald Dahl's stories. Great for kids, young and old alike. I'm glad someone at mental_floss took the time to remind us of his wonderful tales, even if it came on a somewhat humorous date.

Comics into movies: "The Losers"

2010-04-01T02:03:00.112-04:00

I remember "The Losers" as a WWII comic from DC. That is, it was an early `70's publication set in WWII. I was never a big fan of war comics, but when I heard about "The Losers" movie I wanted to dig a little deeper.

Wikipedia helped set my mental record straight. "The Losers" I remember were each from different branches of the military, assembled as a crack team of commandos to take on the worst jobs of WWII. Each team member had lost personnel under their command, so they dubbed themselves "The Losers". These stories were written by Robert Kanigher and drawn by Russ Heath.

Later, DC transferred the title to their Vertigo line. Vertigo was created in the `90's to showcase edgier stories than normal DC fare, including adult situations and concepts. For Vertigo "The Losers" were modernized by making them each members of a more covert-ops/special forces sort of squad.

"The Losers" movie is based on the Vertigo version of the comics and, after viewing the trailer and reviewing the Wiki about the comics, it seems to borrow fairly heavily from the premise of "The A-Team", in that the main characters have somehow become outcasts from and/or enemies of the organizations to which they'd originally pledged their lives.

I suspect "The A-Team" will probably be the better movie, with the star-power to make their plans come together.

If you're a fan of these, you will probably also enjoy "The Expendables", and have probably already seen "Inglourious Basterds". In all, it looks like a great summer for good old action flicks.

For more action and adventure between these exciting films there are plenty of similar books at Bonnett's Books to help you pass the time. Stop by to check out our huge selection of action/adventure books, military fiction, military history, war stories, and pulp fiction, including "The Destroyer", "The Executioner", "Able Team", "Stony Man", "Doc Savage", miscellaneous war comics, and action movies on DVD.

Learn more about "The Losers" here:
The Losers (comics) on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losers_%28comics%29
The Losers on don Markstein's Toonopedia - http://www.toonopedia.com/losers.htm
The Losers (DC WWII version by Jack Kirby) - http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=10915
The Losers (Vertigo/movie inspiration) - http://www.dccomics.com/vertigo/graphic_novels/?gn=13870
The Losers movie listing on IMDb - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480255/
The Losers movie official site (movie trailer) - http://www.the-losers.com/

Harry Potter "Steamer Trunk" Book Set

2010-02-04T19:26:00.007-05:00

A mysterious package has arrived at Bonnett's. It's markings indicate it belonged to Harry Potter, but the delivery label on top seems to indicate the trunk was intended for someone else. I wonder who?

The latch doesn't appear to be locked, but we wouldn't want to pry into Harry's business, would we? There might be a booby-trap or some protection of wizardry.

I do not wish to pry, but I should take a better look at this box. I'll just pick it up by it's sturdy rope handles and move it to a more well-lit spot.

Much better. But wait... the delivery label has a Hogwart's mark! This was sent from the school, but to whom?

How would a muggle like me return a package to Hogwart's? I don't know any owls to carry it back there; I haven't a Phoenix to fly it home; I don't know what to do...

I'll have to risk opening the crate. Maybe there will be a clue inside.

I'll carefully, very carefully, turn the latch... there. Now to raise the lid. Harry wouldn't mail anything dangerous to others, right? And, I'd very much like to figure out where this trunk belongs.

A-ha! It's a complete set of Harry Potter's stories! I feel silly for worrying so much. And what's this? A sheet of stickers for the case featuring many destinations in the Harry Potter adventures. Harry must have intended us to share his wonderous and magical tales with our customers.

All the Harry Potter books in one sturdy place! It's certainly a fine collector's item for any Harry Potter fan, young or old. I hope you'll visit us to learn more.

One such item available in-store for only $125.00 (originally priced at $195.00). The set is unread, sticker set complete/unused, and in as-new condition on the whole.

Bonnett's Book Store - 502 E 5th St, Dayton, OH - Mon-Sat, Noon-8pm - 937.228.1222

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-01-27T19:23:00.004-05:00

Today is Walter Bonnett's 75th birthday. He found his way out of the material world just 11 months ago. Dad was responsible for helping us, and those around him, learn to appreciate literature, music, movies, art and other cultural aspects of life.

One of his favorite films was "The Wizard of Oz" and one of his favorite songs was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". He shared his gracious appreciation of wonder with all those around him, all through his life, and throughout ours.

On the day of, and within the hour following his memorial service, while family gathered quietly, there was a small storm which produced a Rainbow. It was, in fact, a double rainbow for a time.

So, thanks, Dad. Thanks for All the Rainbows. And Happy Birthday. You are missed.

Something I didn't tell you...

2010-01-21T03:30:00.001-05:00

Tuesday I wrote about popular things around the shop of late.

I mentioned a book seen in the movie "Apocalypse Now" that is said to have inspired T.S. Eliot to write "The Wasteland". The book in the movie was "From Ritual to Romance" and what I didn't tell you is that it's a study of Arthurian legend and religion. Today, in completely unrelated endeavors, I tripped over this article discussing some of the literary and historical aspects of one of the better known stories from the realm of King Arthur's Camelot, "Sir Gawain and The Green Knight."

IMPORTANT IDEAS AND CONCEPTS IN SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT
from the Masterworks of British Literature blog.

I was amazed to find this the day after making that other post. I couldn't help but share.

While I'm at it, I may as well mention that we've got a great selection of classic books about King Arthur, Merlin, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table, including expansions to those tales, and some wonderful re-imaginings. I'm not sure, but we might even have a movie or two... but, at the moment, not "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," so, I hope you'll enjoy this clip of the LEGO version. Good day.

Daytonology: Daytonology Two Year Anniversary

2010-01-20T02:29:00.000-05:00

Daytonology: Daytonology Two Year Anniversary

Don't let the name fool you! Daytonology is about the region, not just the city. And don't waste time checking it out. The author, Jefferey, says he's gonna delete it. Not sure why it has to be deleted, but you best get over there and get yer knowledge on while you still can.

It's been one of my favorite sites during it's short life. I don't know why I haven't mentioned it here before now. Go. NOW! Before it's too late.

Popular items lately

2010-01-19T17:46:00.012-05:00

Golden Globe Awards, NFL Playoffs, Winter Olympics and Academy Awards on deck. With all this competition in the air I'm in the mood to give out some awards of my own. No nominees, no runner-up, just callin' 'em like I see 'em.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

'Gatsby' is on someone's assigned reading list, so, if you know someone who needs it, send them our way. There are plenty available. And remember, you can trade them in when you've finished! "The Great Gatsby" is our "Most Requested Title" book lately and our most requested title so far in 2010. Leave it to the classics to start the list.

"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold

I knew it was popular, but I didn't know it had been made into a movie. I hear about it at home because my wife plans to read it, and I see it here at the store every day. Now the movie trailers are all over TV. Good thing though. I didn't know what the book was about until I saw the trailer. Looks like an interesting read. I love wordplay so the award for "Saturation Awareness" goes to "The Lovely Bones."

T.S. Eliot gets the honor of "Most Requested Writer".

It all began with a request for a book seen behind Marlon Brando's character of Kurtz in "Apocalypse Now." We didn't know the title, but we knew it contained the word "Romance." After some searching we learned the book was "From Ritual to Romance" by Jessie L. Weston, and there, on IMDb, this book was said to have inspired T.S. Eliot to write "The Wasteland." Interesting. Shortly thereafter, and again today, customers came in looking specifically for T.S. Eliot.

Perhaps it's all this attention to T.S. Eliot that subliminally inspired me to pose Mr. T with our currently available copies of "The Great Gatsby." For what it's worth, there's a trailer out for a movie based on "The A-Team" which, even though I was never a huge fan of the show, looks like it's going to be really good. So, Honorable Mention goes to "The A-Team Move Trailer."

So many books become movies. So many TV shows spawn book series. I've touched on the subject in this blog before. Movies from comics and comics into books, and anime and manga. It's all connected and there's something of it all to be found at Bonnett's. Come take a look around and maybe you'll help give rise to the next set of "Bonnett's Awards." ;-)

MERRRRY CHRRRISTMAAAS! (Holiday Hours)

2009-12-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

Closing early on Christmas Eve, at 5pm ET (Thursday)
Closed Christmas Day (Friday)
Back to regular hours on Saturday, Dec. 26 (Noon - 8pm, Mon-Sat)

Also, closing early New Year's Eve, at 5pm ET (Thursday)
Closed New Year's Day (Friday)
Back to normal on Saturday, Jan 2, 2010!

3-D Ocean Life (Really cool!)*

2009-12-18T22:17:00.004-05:00

I grew up with ViewMasters and with them enjoyed discovering the wonders of 3-D imagery. I haven't seen "Avatar" yet, but the 3-D used in last year's "Monsters vs. Aliens" worked so well that it's not longer necessary to worry whether or not movie 3-D works.

This book presents 3-D using a mirror. I hadn't encountered this style before now, and it works GREAT!

It doesn't hurt that the photos inside are awesome in 3-D.

Available now at Bonnett's

*This post was pulled from my "draft" folder. I began the post with the images on 12/18/09, but just found it and added the text today (01/19/10), which is why this seemingly "old" post mentions the movie Avatar as past tense.

Calling all Santa Clauses, Elves, Reindeer, etc...

2009-11-27T22:14:00.004-05:00

SANTA PUB CRAWL
and COSTUME CONTEST
Saturday 12/12/09, 6:00p-2:00a
WEAR A COSTUME for NO COVER CHARGE at the bars!

Benefiting the United States Marine Corp "Toys for Tots" program
and Montgomery County Children's Services

Bring a $10.00+ new toy (no wrapped gifts please) OR make a $10.00+ donation at Dublin Pub (6:00p-7:30p) or the The Trolley Stop (7:30p-8:30p) to join in. If you've dressed in the Holiday Spirit you can take part in the Costume Contest at Blind Bob's (8:30p-10:00p)

BTW, I'll have my camera handy if anyone wants to stop in at Bonnett's and have a picture taken on their way to the costume contest.

More info below this 2009 Santa Pub Crawl Preview courtesy of Dayton Access Television (DATV)

[I've found that the website shown in the video is not valid. More links below.]

[I've found that the website shown in the video is not valid. More links below.]

If you're up to it, after the costume contest, your next stop is The Tumbleweed Connection [aka Tumbleweed or The 'Weed] (10:0p-11:00p). After that it's The Oregon Express (11:00p-Midnight) and for the die-hard it's on to George Newcom's Tavern [aka Newcom's] or Ned Pepper's Bar & Grill [aka Ned's] (Midnight-2:00a)

It doesn't matter if you're a Grinch, a Who from Whoville, Ebenezer Scrooge, a Christmas Spirit, Jack Skellington, Santa Claus, Oogie Boogie, Frosty the Snowman, Snow Miser, Heat Miser, Rudolf the Red-Nosed or any of dozens of Reindeer and Elves, this is gonna be a good time for all!

For more information on this and other Dayton events visit these official sites:
The Oregon Arts District website
The Downtown Dayton Partnership

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T20:30:00.003-05:00

We'll be closed for the holiday, but back to normal on Friday, that is; Monday-Saturday, Noon-8pm, closed Sundays.

If you have time on Friday, be sure to partake of the Dayton Holiday Festival from 4-9pm on Courthouse Square. The tree is set to light up at 7:45pm. It's a great opportunity for holiday fun photos! Stop and say hello on your way down.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend! :-)

A collection of Hauntfest 2009 photos now online

2009-11-07T20:48:00.002-05:00

From 2009 Hauntfest

http://picasaweb.google.com/khbonnett/2009Hauntfest?feat=directlink

Hauntfest on 5th 2009 (formerly Boo-N-Brew) in the historic Oregon District of Dayton, OH

2009-10-29T20:47:00.003-04:00

Is this Bettie Page?

2009-10-07T23:55:00.004-04:00

Found this image, uncredited and uncaptioned, in a magazine from 1955. I'm pretty sure it's Bettie Page. The dimple at the corner of her mouth, the arching eyebrows, and the haircut - of course.

Perhaps there's a foot fan out there who can ID her ankles or toes or something? Comment or email if you have any info. Comments are moderated so I'll get email either way, and if you don't want me to post your comment just say so.

I think this is a Bettie Page photo... I'll be looking into it a bit more on my own, but I'm glad for any help. Thanks in advance.

The Wright Brothers | Military Use of the Airplane

2009-09-17T19:03:00.001-04:00

From the website of the National Air & Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institute
Found via Twitter.com/airandspace

The Wright Brothers | Military Use of the Airplane:
"First fatality On September 17, 1908, with Army observer Lt. Thomas O. Selfridge on board, the airplane experienced a mechanical malfunction involving one of the propellers and crashed. Orville was severely injured and Selfridge died, the first fatality in a powered airplane. Orville would resume the flight trials after his recovery."

Dayton Broadcasters Hall of Fame

2009-09-16T21:23:00.008-04:00

On September 12th, 2009 a fresh batch of local on-air talent from Dayton, Ohio's radio and TV history were inducted into the Dayton Area Broadcaster's Hall of Fame. Among them was the late Gene "By Golly" Barry. I'd had the opportunity to meet him on a couple of occasions because he and our grandfather, Harold Bonnett had been friends for years. They shared a love of good music and I've been told they would occasionally get together to enjoy some jazz cuts. When you're done taking a look at these, take a look at the Dayton Broadcast Hall of Fame for a trip through a little bit of Dayton's broadcast past.

This is Gene on the air during a remote from... ? Clearly it's not in the station, unless the station serves Schlitz. That's Grandpa Harold over Gene's right shoulder. Naturally, Gene's the one with the mic and cans.

Here's Grandpa Harold and Gene in Gene's record shop, right off N. Main St., across the street from Forest Park Plaza, a stone's throw from where Peaches Records used to be. I can't remember the name of Gene's shop, but it was a nice place to pick good stuff.

And, as Gene would close his shows, "Bye bye. Buy bonds."

First Friday Full Moon - keep your pants on

2009-08-31T21:18:00.004-04:00

This is a link to my personal blog.

First Friday (9-4-09) is a Full Moon. I'm fond of Lunar photography and I thought it might be fun to try and photograph busy urban scenes including the full moon. Come on down and give it a try. Feel free to stop in here at Bonnett's and say Hi. I'll probably be trapped inside all night, but I'd love to see what you come up with.

I've created a flickr group for anyone who wants to share their work afterwards.

Keep Your Pants On! First Friday Full Moon, Dayton, OH
http://www.flickr.com/groups/kypo/

Have fun!

John Wranovics - "Chaplin and Agee"

2009-08-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

John Wranovics recently visited Bonnett's Books with some friends of the store. "Thank You" to the folks who brought him in for the short but pleasant visit which provided the opportunity for me to learn about his book, "Chaplin and Agee", of which I would otherwise remain ignorant.

John told me a little bit about his book with the lengthy title, "Chaplin and Agee: The Untold Story of the Tramp, The Writer, and the Lost Screenplay"*, and it sounds fascinating. I thought I'd pass word of it along to anyone who might also be interested in such things.

Now, I'm no Robert Osborne, but I do have the blood of a writer(1), actor(2), and culture/movie buffs(1,2) running in my veins, so this sparked my interest. Who doesn't like Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" character, if they've had the fortune to cross his path? I've included a YouTube clip at the bottom of this post, so more recent generations might become acquaited with Chaplin. And James Agee's work is well respected and he's a familiar name to many of us, even if we've** avoided reading any of it, as of this writing. Mr. Wranovics' book is a slice of cultural-history pie, with a dollop of movie-buff topping... but, you won't get that info from Amazon unless you click the "Look Inside" prompt for a closer inspection, and frankly, there's little there likely to cause anyone to do so.

The gist is that Chaplin and Agee became friends at some point and Agee wrote a piece starring "The Little Tramp" as the sole survivor of an atomic bomb drop on New York City. Keep in mind, Agee's writing of this story occurred circa 1947, a mere two years after the release of our A-bombs over Japan. As you might expect, the show would have been the darkest sort of dark comedies dealing with what little was known about the aftermath of nuclear explosions at that time. The post-war world was still in a strange state and such explorations may have proven therapeutic to some, much in the same way many creatives have explored terrorism since 9/11. Alas, the movie never came to pass, for many reasons (gossip mongers, the Red Scare, etc.), all described in Mr. Wranovics' book. BONUS! Agee's screenplay is included in the tale of "Chaplin and Agee", allowing us the focus of 20/20 hindsight. The question I have now is, "Why haven't I heard any of this before?" I doubt the answer to that is within "Chaplin and Agee", but it certainly seems worth a look.

I'm sorry to report that we don't have "Chaplin and Agee" available at Bonnett's, but, last time I checked, it was available at Amazon.com. I expect I'll be ordering myself a copy.

*©2005, published by PALGRAVE MACMILLAN.
**By we, I mean "me".
(1) Hal Murray Bonnett - Pulp detective fiction writer of Crusher O'Shea stories, and more.
(2) Walter Bonnett - locally acclaimed stage actor and the man who taught us to love movies.
(1,2) Grandpa & Dad, in that order. See also: "Satan in High Heels" on IMDb.

Choose Your Own Adventure – Most Likely You’ll Die | FlowingData

2009-08-20T20:54:00.004-04:00

We love the Choose Your Own Adventure books, but I typically found them a bit frustrating. There is a flow-chart at the link which tracks the odds of making it through CYOA #2 to one of two fortuitous endings.

I remember reading similar things from decades earlier that tended to be a bit more forgiving, as they were written for small children, so, when I was in my teens, becoming interested in role-playing games and related adventures, I picked up Choose Your Own Adventure books quickly.

As you might expect, we have a selection of such things. There were other series, besides specifically "Choose Your Own Adventure". Some required the use of dice and pencils to track your health and progress through the book. The latter versions are hard to find un-marked, but well worth tracking down for fans of such adventures and not nearly as complicated as full-blown Dungeons & Dragons. We recommend using a separate sheet of paper to track your progress, rather than writing in the book itself.

Choose Your Own Adventure – Most Likely You’ll Die | FlowingData

8 Ways to Use Books to Flirt

2009-08-20T19:49:00.008-04:00

Now this is the kind of stuff we like to see...

There is an innate sexiness to books and reading that is often overlooked. Reading is partially a tactile, sensual experience, and, like all the stages of romance, reading takes place primarily in the mind and can engage the senses and emotions.

We offer a wide variety of sexy book selections, from love-making classics like "The Kama Sutra" and "The Joy of Sex" to erotic fiction, like "The Story of O" and Anne Rice's (writing as A.N. Roquelaire) "Sleeping Beauty" trilogy.

The blog at the link is from May, but the topic is timeless. Enjoy!

From the Marie Claire website / Sex & Relationships section / "A Year of Living Flirtatiously" blog - Post by Maura Kelly - 8 Ways to Use Books to Flirt (Even if You Don't Read Much)

FIRST FRIDAY Tomorrow Night 5p-10p

2009-08-06T20:17:00.004-04:00

With all the Scrabble excitement I nearly forgot about First Friday. Come downtown and enjoy what promises to be a beautiful evening in the Oregon District. :-)

Bonnett's Directory of Dayton's "Oregon District"

2009-07-31T16:29:00.006-04:00

The other day I posted a list of places to go and things to do on East Fifth Street. I mistakenly left out a few of our friends on Wayne Ave. (coming from the Convention Center, turn right at Fifth & Wayne):

Easterling Portrait Studios - (you need a Team portrait to commemorate the Championship)
Kendall Printing - (Wayne & Van Buren - need to make copies of your awards for friends and family?)
Coco's Bistro - (a great place to eat and relax)

Also, one BIG update! Our friends at Derailed Hair Salon are mentioned in the August 2009 issue of ELLE for their participation in the magazine's "Best Hair in America" poll, in which ELLE sought out the most requested celebrity hair styles across the U.S. of A. Stop by and say "Hi".

Finally, here's a (renamed) link back to the original post with the majority of East Fifth Street attractions:

=[BONNETT'S]= Quickie Tour of Dayton, Ohio's Oregon Historic & Arts District

Enjoy your stay in Dayton!

Oh, one more thing... The Oregon District is Dayton's oldest neighborhood and features a lot of excellent photo ops.

Not your average dictionary

2009-07-30T18:49:00.003-04:00

If you're a word junkie you've already got the standard reference books, and we do, too. Here are a few titles you might not have stumbled upon - available now at Bonnett's, just a few blocks walk East of the Dayton Convention Center (we're across the street from a Goodwill store):

10 Minute Guide to Building Your Vocabulary
Dictionary of Geological Terms (3rd Ed.) prepared by the American Geological Institute
Dictionary of Word Origins
Getting Your Words' Worth - Discovering and Enjoying Phantonyms, Gramograms, Anagrams and Other Fascinating Word Phenomena
The Joy of Vocabulary - An Advanced Guide to Mastering New Words
Names & Nicknames of Places & Things - An A-t0-Z compendium of culture
Phonetics [because sometimes it helps to sound out a word]
Super Word Power - More entertaining ways to enrich your laguage skills.
Tuttle Dictionary of New Words Since 1960 (1991 edition)
Webster's New Explorer Medical Dictionary
and, of course, much, much more...

Bonnett's Books & The Oregon Historic & Arts District

2009-07-29T04:13:00.010-04:00

SCRABBLE® is a word game.
Bonnett's is a book store.
We'd make a great team!

We'll be open extra hours during the National Championship, including special Sunday hours, but it will depend somewhat on the flow of business. Call us before you make a special trip down, just in case.

Bonnett's is just a short walk from the Dayton Convention Center. When you leave the Convention Center main entrance just turn right and head down Fifth Street. On the way you'll find some Dayton legends:

[We hope you'll enjoy your time in Dayton for the National SCRABBLE Championship. To help you find your way around we've got a list here with links of places to go and things to do during your down time. As always, call ahead to help avoid any disappointments.]

The Neon Movies (would you like a cold beer with your popcorn?)
Smokin' Bar-B-Que (gooood stuff - I go for the pulled pork sandwich)
Gem City Records (music, DVDs - check out the USED bins)

If you cut through Gem City Records' parking lot you'll find

Jay's Seafood on Sixth Street (fine seafood and more at great prices) and
Thai 9 on Brown Street (excellent Thai food, sushi, and 9 levels of spicy, I stick to a 4 or 5)

or stay on Fifth to visit

The Oregon Express at 5th & Brown (free pizza Friday happy hour, live music)

turn right on Brown Street to find

Thai 9's front entrance
Color of Energy Art Gallery (white walls, great energy, unique art)
(turn right again for the front of Jay's Seafood and Powers Photography & Framing)

Pacchia Cafe & Restaurant (nice meals or a cuppa and a danish, good stuff)
CHASE ATM

across Fifth Street

Cafe Boulevard & Le Monde (fine dining & cocktail bar, respectively)

meanwhile, back on this side...

5th St. Wine& Deli (sandwiches, snacks, beer, wine, cigarettes, etc.)
Newcom's Tavern (a night club named for Dayton's first tavern)
Blind Bob's Tavern (burgers & beers? stop in here! oh yeah, LIVE BAND Karaoke!!!)
Jazzy Java (for coffee and a jam session, even poetry)
Oregon Smoke Shop (simple and extravagant smoking implements and accessories)
Feathers Vintage (for all the things you don't yet know you want)
Exotic Fantasies (how many points for FREAKY? get yours on! Adults Only)

look across the street to find

Ned Pepper's & The Hole in the Wall (party bar, billiards, darts, simple & sweet)

and back over here

Glenn Scott's Tattoo Team (did you win your match, wanna remember it always?)
Tumbleweed Connection (New Bar Smell, reborn like a phoenix from a February fire!)

again, look to the other side of Fifth

The Annex (more for Adults Only)

and back over here...

464 on Fifth (Adults Only, catering to same-sex couples)

and over there...

Goodwill (forgot to bring a belt, tie, shoes, or little black dress for the awards ceremony?)

and back again...

BONNETT'S BOOK STORE (502 E 5th - You've finally made it! Stop and look around)
Practice Yoga on Fifth (504 E 5th - in case the tournament is totally stressing you out)
Derailed Hair (506-½ E 5th - spruce up for the awards ceremony)
Gallery 510 on Fifth (508 & 510 E 5th - (ever changing art gallery and classes too!)
Sterling Studio - (511 E 5th - specialty, handcrafted jewelry, knick-knacks, stones)

across the street you'll find

Link Gallery (from blown glass to sketches, items for all tastes)
Goloka Gallery (always something new and interesting)
Ohio Budokan Karate, Sensei Jim Rodriguez (to balance mind, body, and spirit)

and back again (are you getting dizzy yet?)

The Trolley Stop (a great place to chill-out with a brew, friends, food, plus live music)

which way to turn, where to go? venture down the side of the Trolley Stop on Clay Street to find

Urban Krag Indoor Climbing Center (125 Clay St - just what it says, inside an old church, cool!)

back to the Trolley Stop and across Fifth Street again

Sloopy's (dancing, party bar/night club, if you can squeeze in the door)

and the adventure continues across Wayne Avenue

The Dublin Pub (Perfect Pints of Guinness and great food too)
China Buffet (it's a buffet, full of Chinese food, plus soft-serve ice cream cones)
Franco's Ristorante Italiano (wine, great food, an excellent wind-down meal)

Now turn around and do it all again on the way back! ;-)

The possibilities are nearly endless! Have a great time and good luck in the Championship!

Need Pulps, Pin-Ups, & Dictionaries? Give us a call!

2009-07-28T17:05:00.008-04:00

Since there's no PulpCon in Dayton this year we'll miss seeing the familiar faces and enjoying the eccentric discussions we've had in the past. It's always been an exciting and interesting experience. We hope some of you will stop by on your way to or from PulpFest.

Pulp, Comic, & Pin-Up fans, if you've never been to Bonnett's you should plan to visit while you're nearby.

We're considering extending our hours this weekend for the National SCRABBLE Championship here and for any PulpFest folks who might pass by, but we haven't finalized details yet.

If you have any questions about what you can find at Bonnett's or you would like to plan a visit, call us at 937-228-1222

Regular hours: Mon - Sat, Noon - 8:00 PM (please call during these hours for more info)

Julia Child finds & more

2009-07-27T15:42:00.009-04:00

We've always got a great selection of cookbooks featuring styles and recipes from all over the world. Since the new movie "Julie & Julia" is coming out soon I thought I'd mention a few of the related items you can find on our shelves right now.

"In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs" by Julia Child

[from the cover] "She invites 26 great cooks from across the country into her own kitchen, cooks with them, and unearths their secrets. And for the home cook she details 150 superb recipes, full of the exciting new flavors of American cooking today."

"Julia's Kitchen Wisdom" by Julia Child

[from the cover] "Essential techniques and recipes from a lifetime of cooking."

"La Cuisine de France" by Mapie, the Countess de Toulouse-Lautrec

(translated by Charlotte Turgeon) [from the cover] "The MODERN French Cookbook"

And, for those just getting started, or those who would like a refresher course, we have "The Beginner's Cookbook" with chapters on Nutrition, Preparation, Methods, Utensils, Pantry supplies, Herbs & Spices, and a wide range of recipes on which to try out your skills.

We've got a great selection of books about grilling, tailgating, picnics, and other outdoor eating fun. And don't forget parties! There are cocktails, appetizers, salads, soups, international foods, vegetarian dishes, and desserts to consider.

This list covers a lot of ground, but if you come take a look you'll find a lot of great cooking ideas for which I haven't room to mention in one blog post. Come on down and look around.

Mon - Sat, Noon - 8 PM

Green Lama 6 - old Bonnett's store stamp

2009-07-14T18:17:00.003-04:00

Elf boots - 1
Nazis - 0

And the winner is... Green Lama

New Bar Smell? The Tumbleweed is OPEN

2009-07-13T21:44:00.004-04:00

The Tumbleweed Connection bar re-opened it's doors today after a terrible fire in mid-February.
Stop in and welcome them back!

I stopped in for a PBR with my son. Crappy phonecam pic available here.

We the People...

2009-07-04T18:14:00.006-04:00

The remastered version of the original Star Trek series episode, "The Omega Glory," airs locally tonight on NBC around 1:00 am, following a rerun of Saturday Night Live.

In this (mostly ridiculous) episode "E Pleb Neesta" is a bastardization of "We the People" and the name by which the pictured character, Cloud William, and his people, the Yangs, refer to their inexplicably obtained copy of the Constitution of the United States of America (and US Flag, and...).

Again, I must stress that this is one of the worst episodes of Star Trek ever, but... William Shatner's stilted performance* (which has become iconic by the reckoning of today's comedians), for a few moments has an authenticity that will give you goose bumps of national pride.

Surely you're wondering why I'm writing about Star Trek on Independence Day. If you wash away all the bad elements of this teleplay there's still something of worth underneath. I am completely baffled as to how so much contrivance and confusion could have made it into one tale, past editors, and to the screen.** But again, there's the tiniest of gems hidden inside, completely appropriate to Independence Day in the United States of America.

As bad as this episode is, it is probably more timely now than it ever was. It features a people, the Yangs, who worship documents they don't understand at all. They do have a small sense of what these things mean, but the Yangs have lost the language skills to actually read and comprehend the words, making the original purpose of those words meaningless.

Please visit and comprehend the founding of our country by reading "The Constitution of the United States of America" and related information found here:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

Have a SAFE and Happy Independence Day weekend! :-)

*This is the episode that best illustrates the over-dramatic and pause-y style so often attributed to William Shatner.
**A subject I may explore another time on my personal blog, BonK!

Fearsome First Friday

2009-07-03T23:29:00.003-04:00

It was a big night for Horror, Thrillers, Hard-boiled fiction, and similar DVDs. But now, it's time to wrap up and head for home. We'll be open again tomorrow (July 4th, 2009) from Noon until 5pm... maybe later if there are enough people around.

Have a happy and SAFE Independence Day.

"Play" by BJSR (Another Bonnett's sighting!)

2009-07-01T04:26:00.002-04:00

The YouTube title of this video is "Music Video Shot on iPhone". It looks great. I'm impressed with the tech.

Better still, it's well done. Good concept and editing to go along with a very nice tune. I like it! :-)

Beyond that, it's local! Scenes shot on Fifth Street include many of the fine shops in the Oregon District, including our favorite used book store, BONNETT'S.

But wait... there's more!

The word game Scrabble is featured throughout the video.

Did you know the North American Scrabble Players Association (NASPA) will be holding their tournament and championship at the Dayton Convention Center. August 1 - 5
http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/

Kudos to BJSR for a job well done!

My only question is... could the iPhone actually make and receive calls from all the locations seen in the video? ;-)

Grantbridge Street & other misadventures: Jack Kirby Masterworks.

2009-06-20T16:04:00.004-04:00

Kirby's unique style and extreme lines look like so much camp to the uninitiated, but this is exactly what super-hero comics were meant to be. There's little wonder he's now known as Jack "King" Kirby. Click below for more.

Grantbridge Street & other misadventures: Jack Kirby Masterworks.: "Selected pages from the Privateer Press celebration."

Smell of Books

2009-06-11T21:31:00.000-04:00

Is today world hilarity day, or is this some ripple left over from April Fools Day? Whatever it is, there's some very funny stuff on the interwebs today. Not quite pants-wettingly funny, but almost.

One of the most frequent statements heard here at Bonnett's is, "I love the smell of book stores." Check this out and click through to the originating website. Make a point of clicking the AROMAS pull-down.

Smell of Books: "Does your Kindle leave you feeling like there’s something missing from your reading experience?

Have you been avoiding e-books because they just don’t smell right?"

New Terminator Movie Brings J.D. Salinger Out Of Hiding | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

2009-06-11T21:18:00.000-04:00

The Onion, again, brings tears to my eyes... Tears of laughter, natch.

New Terminator Movie Brings J.D. Salinger Out Of Hiding | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "Salinger's decision to come out of seclusion has allowed scholars access to his massive archive of unpublished work for the first time. So far, critics have examined three never-before-seen novels, eight novellas, and more than two dozen short stories—all of which appear to be Terminator fan fiction."

The dead walk the streets of Dayton

2009-06-07T01:05:00.012-04:00

As I promised earlier, here are a few photos of the zombie walk that took place on 5th Street. I don't know if anyone did a head count but there were certainly hundreds of the 'undead' shuffling, lurching, and staggering through the Oregon District late Friday night.
I'm not the biggest fan of horror films. I've seen my share of zombie flicks, including a showing of "Night of the Living Dead" for high school English credit in a Film Criticism class. My favorites are the lighter fare, "Return of the Living Dead", the "Evil Dead" films, and "Shaun of the Dead".

Sometime in 2008 Forbes magazine declared Dayton, Ohio to be among the nations fastest dying cities. I'm not sure if there was an underlying purpose to this parade of corpses, but if Forbes was correct there certainly couldn't have been a better place for it to happen. Dayton's history is rife with innovation and invention. No one here believes Dayton to be 'terminal', so, perhaps this corpse-capade is one way to express the down-but-not-out situation at this point in time. It's worth noting that event planners called for and included fighters of the undead, heroes of the living.
The zombies stopped traffic, tormented drivers, followed buses, drooled the blood of recent victims, dropped body parts, and even spat green zombie venom... whatever that is, leaving telltale signs of their passing all along the way. It was a fun sight to see but if such an event takes place again it would be worth a few minutes of the organizers time to ask participants to recall a bit of the decorum one hopes they had while among the living. The wedding guests of the "Corpse Bride" or the ghostly couple from "Beetle Juice" would make a fair example of the polite undead.

As I said before, this was fun to watch, and, as a haunted house veteran*, I'm even inclined to participate, but as an Oregon District businessman I must say, let's not 'bloody up' the ATMs, sidewalks, doors, windows, and walls. Out-of-town visitors (of which we have more than you might expect), who don't know what's up, might not know fake blood from the real thing when it's left to dry in public spaces overnight. That kind of image isn't at all helpful to a 'dying city'.

*Northmont Jaycees for a large part of the 1980s.

Wow! Another Bonnett's sighting, so soon...

2009-06-06T18:55:00.000-04:00

When zombies attack it's good to have something to defend yourself with, a good heavy book will do, in a pinch.

ActiveDayton | Photo Galleries

I thought I'd be on my way home by the time the zombies arrived so I wasn't really ready for them. I've posted a couple of pictures on Facebook, but I'll dress them up a bit and parade them here for good measure... coming soon (probably late-late-later tonight).

Oops... I was fooled by poor web layout (retraction)

2009-06-03T18:12:00.000-04:00

My previous post was NOT an image of the Bellagio. The website placed that image RIGHT NEXT TO the #1 Ceiling description. In my excitement and haste I mistakenly believed the image was the Bellagio when it's actually a department store in Paris, France. My apologies to our readers.

World’s top 10 greatest ceilings - Destinations- msnbc.com:
"Paris' elegant Galeries Lafayette department store, with its elaborate glass-domed ceiling feature, attracts as many tourists as shoppers."

World’s top 10 greatest ceilings - Destinations- msnbc.com

2009-06-03T18:03:00.000-04:00

I don't get to travel much and I'm not a gambler. After years of half-jokingly suggesting that our own Dayton Arcade would make a great casino (if such things were to come to Ohio), imagine my shock at seeing this photo of the Bellagio interior.

World’s top 10 greatest ceilings - Destinations- msnbc.com

A Bonnett's Sighting

2009-05-26T22:39:00.002-04:00

Lori Pritchard's "Heart & Light Photography" blog has recently featured some images from an Engagement photo session and our storefront is trying to remain unobtrusive in the background of this very nice photo. It's a nice coincidence that I should find such a photo the day after my own wedding anniversary.

Thank you to Lori (for not cropping too much). ;-)

And Congratulations to Laura & Erik. May all your years ahead be happy.

Dayton and Xenia Ohio Child Photographer Lori Pritchard» Blog Archive » E-Session with Erik and Laura:

Urban Nights Photos (May 15, 2009)

2009-05-20T01:18:00.005-04:00

The latest of the Urban Nights featured another good time in the Oregon District. This short slideshow features some of the photos I was able to take. Naturally, I had to stick pretty close to the shop. These images feature the Nick Kizirnis Band and various views around the Ware Block. Check the list of links below the slideshow and be sure to look for their blogs and popular social networks. Links to our Picasa photo gallery, Facebook, and MySpace are located in the sidebar.

Downtown Dayton Partnership - URBAN NIGHTS

Loretta Puncer's GALLERY 510 on Fifth

DERAILED HAIR SALON on MySpace

PRACTICE YOGA on Fifth

DOLCESSA GELATO, PANINI, ESPRESSO on Facebook

NICK KIZIRNIS BAND / NICKY KAY

URBAN NIGHTS - Come on out, there's no rain in sight!

2009-05-15T17:17:00.006-04:00

The weather's great, the time is right, come downtown for Urban Nights!

OK, it's a little cloudy out, but that would've ruined my rhyme, and it's not raining yet. I think it'll hold off.

Bonus! The Dolcessa Gelato cart has returned for the event. You have to try this stuff! It's outside the Ware Block Building near Bonnett's Books, Practice Yoga, Derailed Salon, and Gallery 510 Fine Art.

Art Galleries, Great Food, Live Performances, City Life Statues, Light Up Dayton Photo-contest Winners, and yes... there's even a Dayton Dragons game tonight! And of course, don't forget to stop in Bonnett's to see the latest arrivals!

Welcome HAMVENTION; Check this out!

2009-05-14T17:09:00.006-04:00

For a good time after Hamvention hours check out Fifth Street in Dayton's Oregon Arts/Historic District (aka the Oregon District) for food and fun that is uniquely Dayton.

Friday is Urban Nights in downtown Dayton. We'll be open until 10 PM for this event. Urban Nights is a celebration of downtown offerings. Some of our favorite destinations are on Fifth Street, park once and it's walking distance to all these Dayton originals (in no particular order):

(Search for these businesses on Google, Facebook, MySpace, etc., for up-to-date information & hours.)

Oregon Express; FREE PIZZA (with purchase) for Friday Happy hour, live music later.
The Trolley Stop Bar; good food, live music, and a rotating selection of quality drafts.
Blind Bob's Tavern; the new place on 5th, for a juicy burger selection and more.
Smokin' BBQ; try the pulled pork sandwich, or perhaps fried bologna is your mood.
The Dublin Pub; excellent Irish stew, 'Perfect Pints' of Guinness, and Irish pub charm.
Thai 9; Nine levels of 'hot' for your meal, excellent menu
5th Street Wine & Deli; great sandwiches, snacks, candy, plus carry-out beer & wine.
Pacchia; fine dining with drinks, jazz, and a coffee shop.
Café Boulevard/Le Monde; fine dining/bar.
Jay's Seafood & Steaks; not on Fifth, but right next door. Excellent fare.
Franco's Italian Ristorante; Italian fine-dining.
Shaneak's; a quality food cart for burgers and more.
China Buffet; a Chinese buffet.
Newcom's Tavern; bar/night club.
Ned Pepper's/The Hole in the Wall; bar/night club.
Sloopy's; dance club/bar.
VEX; dance club/bar.
Feathers Vintage; clothing, knick-knacks, electronics, a great place for unusual gifts.
Gem City Records; batteries, accessories, plus new & used CDs, DVDs, and LPs.
The Neon Movies; independent/art house theater (2 screens).
Jimmy Modern; vintage modern furniture, art, and more.
Exotic Fantasies; batteries, adult novelties, and much more.
and, of course, Bonnett's Used Book Store, vintage comic & magazines, recent novels, collectible & rare books, classic erotica, & more.

Also check out "A World A'Fair" at the Dayton Convention Center all weekend long. It's a celebration of cultural diversity featuring live performances, food, and arts & crafts from around the world.

We hope to see you this weekend.

Bonnett's Hours:
Friday: Noon - 10 PM for Urban Nights (normally Noon-8 PM)
Saturday: Noon - 8 PM
Sunday: Closed

Obligatory Star Trek post

2009-05-13T20:58:00.004-04:00

Q: Are the Bonnett boys fans of "Star Trek"?
A: Yes. We grew up with it and have enjoyed the original series over and over again, in a wide range of situations, and with groups of friends in varying states of sobriety.

Q: Have you seen the new "Star Trek" movie from J.J. Abrams?
A: Yes. The new movie is a joyride of non-stop action and adventure, with a good dose of classic Trek references for we old-school types.

Q: How much Trek stuff do you have available in your store?
A: We've got a fair selection of paperbacks and a small batch of the (suprisingly interesting) Gold Key comic books. Then there are the ever popular (and official) Compendium, Concordance, Chronology, and Technical Manual. We've also got some older fan-published technical books with information about little-known starships and equipment that are great references for gamers.

Q: So, what's this photo about?
A: We enjoyed the movie, a lot, but there are some things about it that are hard for classic fans to swallow. Don't get me wrong... The new movie is still a filet mignon of a movie, but it's got a bit too much seasoning. The photo is an oblique editorial. It has mulitple interpretations in my own mind, but I'll keep them to myself. Enjoy the film. Enjoy the classics that brought us here. And, most of all, keep on Trekkin'!

MONSTERS of BURLESQUE at GILLY'S in DAYTON

2009-04-26T02:51:00.006-04:00

Dear friends and neighbors,

It is our distinct pleasure to announce the MONSTERS of BURLESQUE Tour!

Wednesday, April 29th: Dayton, Ohio!
Gilly's - MySpace
132 S. Jefferson Street
show at 8:00 pm, just 10 bucks!

New York City has enjoyed the talents of The Monsters of Burlesque for some time via the many productions of Pinchbottom Burlesque. I recommend the handy links that follow for a little bit of background information and a peek (wink) of what's in store for us at Gilly's this Wednesday night! I'll see you there!
- BonK!*

The

Monsters of Burlesque - MySpace

are

Clams Casino - MySpace - YouTube
Creamy Stevens - MySpace
Jonny Porkpie - MySpace - YouTube
Nasty Canasta - MySpace
Neil O'Fortune - MySpace

When in the Big Apple
be sure to see our friends above
and many more of their associates at

PinchBottom Burlesque - MySpace

*aka BonKH (depending on the forum) - Blogger, MySpace, YouTube

Off-season TV, before the Internet

2009-04-04T19:30:00.004-04:00

The digital age is here, but there was a time when you couldn't see your favorite shows on demand. What was a loyal fan to do between seasons? The answer was ages old... the answer was PAPER!

Here are a few recent finds in our collection:

Dark Shadows "Barnabas, Quentin & the Magic Potion"
"Land of the Giants" & "Unknown Danger" by Murray Leinster
"Man from Atlantis 1" starred everyone's favorite resurrected prime-time soapster (Bobby Ewing in "Dallas"), Patrick Duffy.
"The Night Gallery 2" from Twilight Zone's Rod Serling was a darker tinted version of his unique visions. The paintings at the beginning of each show scared me silly as a little kid.
The Partridge Family toured in print in "The Haunted Hall", "Terror by Night", and "Marked for Terror" and more. Who knew they're lives could be worse than having to put up with Danny and Ruben Kincaid?
When an atomic explosion sends Earth's moon out of orbit on a rogue trajectory through the galaxy the inhabitants of Moon Base Alpha survive as best they can, finding help and horrors as they encounter alien beings along the way, in "Space: 1999". "Breakaway", "Moon Odyssey", "The Space Guardians", "Collision Course", "Lunar Attack", and "Alien Seed" chronicle a few of their adventures.
The original "Battlestar Galactica" always had it's pros and cons but there never would have been a new BSG without it. Read how it all began in "Battlestar Galactica", "The Cylon Death Machine", "The Young Warriors", and a recent flashback book "Saga of a Star World".
"Knight Rider", like BSG, was created by Glen A. Larson. The Knight 2000 was the first true super car of the computer age, spawning a remake as well as one-offs like "Viper".
"Cyborg" was the in-print title of Martin Caidin's adventures of "The Six-Million Dollar Man". Colonel Steve Austin is a name that still holds some measure of respect in the world of past TV heroes. Other shows have become targets of ridicule but there remains something intriguing about TVs first real cyborg.
And let's not forget Jaime Summers, "The Bionic Woman"!
David Carradine's portrayal of Kwai Chang Caine in "Kung Fu" remains a zenith of American television. "The Way of the Tiger, The Sign of the Dragon" brought young Grasshopper into the paperback world.
Known as "Danger Man" in the U.K. and "Secret Agent" in the U.S., Patrick McGoohan brought world-class spying to our living rooms. In "Storm Over Rockall" John Drake must infiltrate a group trying to sabotage a scientific project of National importance. You might also remember Patrick McGoohan as Number Six from the British mini-series "The Prisoner", an astounding programme that has achieved cult status and been re-run many times since, most notably on PBS, A&E, and BBC America. Look for a an updated take on "The Prisoner" starring Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellan on AMC, in production now.
Finally, my favorite, "Star Trek". A show that has inspired and originated far too much to address in this post. The original still holds up despite it's flaws and the voyage continues today. Look for the new movie, re-inventing the universe with the earliest adventure of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Uhura, Sulu, Scotty, and... Chekov(?) coming out May 8th!

Today, most of us turn to a wide array of internet sites to check out old TV and recent episodes of shows we may have missed. Just four years ago the big thing was 'TV on DVD' because broadband access was not so widespread. But still, there is TV in Print.

Coming soon, selections of TV in Print from the dial-up era of computing.

Monsters of Burlesque

2009-03-30T21:52:00.001-04:00

A bit of Burly-Q is on the way to Gilly's. Click the link to visit the "Monsters of Burlesque" web site where you'll find a link to their MySpace page.

Monsters of Burlesque
Home: "Wednesday, April 29th: Dayton
Gilly's, 132. S Jefferson Street, show at 8:00"

The World Needs more Snoopy

2009-03-23T21:06:00.003-04:00

Be careful what you wish for.
These are great, but not exactly what I had in mind. Click away!

http://nosmokingintheskullcave.blogspot.com/2009/03/geek-carnival-12.html

http://ninjaink.deviantart.com/art/Watterson-and-Peanuts-116263437
http://ninjaink.deviantart.com/art/Peanuts-Z-63679492

Must Read: The Twenty Science Fiction Novels that Will Change Your Life

2009-03-18T04:53:00.001-04:00

I've been going through our sci-fi section lately and realized that, being a sci-fi fan, I've yet to read a LOT of history's best science fiction. I've only read one of the books on the list at the following link. I should have read no less than five of them by now. The others... well, maybe, maybe not. But it's a decent list. Check it out at io9.com:

Must Read: The Twenty Science Fiction Novels that Will Change Your Life

Appalachian History: In a small community like this you helped other people

2009-03-13T21:38:00.003-04:00

The following link (and the quotation after the link) is from a blog post associated with "The Appalachian History Podcast". It struck a chord. More from me after the clip...

Appalachian History: In a small community like this you helped other people:

". . . we worked around here and worked for other people and, you know, in a small community like this, you . . . you helped other people and they helped you. And there was no money exchanged. You was a helping somebody, and then when you got ready to house tobacco they would help you, and . . . and that's the way you worked it. It's not like it is now. You know, you got a transaction of money anytime that somebody helps you, where back then you didn't have."

The reminiscence you've just read is of the 1940's. Bonnett's Book Store opened in 1939 standing on a very similar foundation of community spirit*. Our history, strongly influenced by 'The Great Depression' and the idea of 'waste not, want not', was based on a philosophy of helping others and the concept of trading for goods and services during a time when everyone was short on cash, similar to what's described above.

We don't sell food, but the stuff found in books, fiction or non-, might be considered the dressing that adds a little something to the supper of life. Information and entertainment add some extra 'zip' to your day. If you've got some spare 'zip' in the spice rack that is your book shelf or nightstand, trade it in at Bonnett's Book Store. You'll save yourself some money and we'll keep the books safe until someone else needs to add something special to their plate.

Bonnett's Book Store - 70 years of making life more interesting.
Used books, comics, magazines, and DVDs for sale and trade.
Ask about a free mini-poster taken right here in 1941!

*We extend special thoughts and sincere thanks to our family and friends throughout the Dayton, Ohio area and in the historic Oregon District, aka, the Oregon Arts District, who have been supportive and helpful in recent weeks. It's good to be here and to have all of you around. This is one fine community and we wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Extra special thanks to The Trolley Stop, Feathers Vintage, and Gem City Records.

Bookride: Carnival Strippers by Susan Meiselas.

2009-03-06T21:39:00.001-05:00

[Mild NSFW] Bookride: Carnival Strippers by Susan Meiselas [Mild NSFW]

Bookride isn't a regular stop for me, but this entry reminded me of the beginning of a movie we Bonnett's know rather well... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138075/

I didn't know there were ever actual real live strippers at carnivals. I thought the sideshow was just for bearded ladies, human pretzels, and the like.

"Guess what Charlton was publishing in 1967?"

2009-03-06T20:57:00.001-05:00

Diversions of the Groovy Kind: Watchmen Weekend Begins with The Question and Peacemaker

Diversion of the Groovy Kind is a blog I like to watch. I've suspected for a long time that there was an uncanny resemblance, and not just visually, between The Question & Rorschach. Check this blog out for the full scoop, a little comics history lesson...

Tumbleweed Connection final update

2009-02-19T20:54:00.009-05:00

During the fire, smoke filled the building. Water is everywhere. The roof at the rear of the building is gone.

I didn't learn if the front roof is damaged. Some smoke damage is visible above the balcony in the top and middle photos. A fire truck extension can be seen in the middle photo, behind the building.

The bottom photo was taken from a nearby roof behind the Tumbleweed and shows a couple of DFD vehicles including the extension.

In case you didn't know, the Tumbleweed had been serving really good breakfasts and lunches for some time. Our father, Walter, had been breakfast/lunch regular there for a long time.

Our friends and family celebrated my son, Ian's, 21st birthday at the Tumbleweed.

I don't get out much, but I've had a decent list of memorable times at the Weed with my friends and family.

We don't know the full extent of the damages or how things will go from here but, we all hope for the best and look forward to the possibility of many more good times at The Tumbleweed Connection in the future.

Tumbleweed Fire update

2009-02-19T19:47:00.003-05:00

The smoke is beginning to die down and I managed to get this shot a few minutes ago. I hope all of this is confined to the upper floor. If so, it could allow the business to re-open quickly.

Fire at the Tumbleweed Connection

2009-02-19T19:18:00.003-05:00

Friends of the Oregon District and, specifically, The Tumbleweed Connection (a.k.a. The 'Weed) should be aware of a fire currently in progress at that location. I'm with customers and can't get complete details.

Word from the street says the fire began in the office of the Tumbleweed. There is an awful lot of smoke and the smell has just gone from wood to rubber, which is not a good sign. I know many of the buildings here have rubber roofing.

As yet, there's no telling how this will turn out but, we wish the Weed our best and will be there to help out if we can. More details as they become available.

Did you know ... ?

2009-02-12T21:34:00.003-05:00

A lot of people don't know that we've got a great selection of recent used books. Avid readers who haven't stopped in lately (or ever!) are cordially invited visit.

Bonnett's Book Store
502 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 228-1222
Noon - 8pm, Mon-Sat

Here's a short list of popular books we have available right now (and a lot more!):

Jeffrey Archer - A Prisoner of Birth
David Baldacci - The Whole Truth
Steve Berry - The Venetian Betrayal
Suzanne Brockman - Into the Fire
Alafair Burke - Angel's Tip
Lee Child - Nothing to Lose
Mary Higgins Clark - Where Are You Now?
Andrew Davidson - The Gargoyle
Robert Ellis - City of Fire
David Ebershoff - The 19th Wife
Barry Eisler - Requiem for an Assassin
Janet Evanovich - Fearless Fourteen
Janet Evanovich - Lean Mean Thirteen
Linda Fairstein - Killer Heat
Vince Flynn - Protect and Defend
James Frey - Bright Shiny Morning
W. E. B. Griffin - Black Ops
John Grisham - Playing for Pizza
Jack Higgins - A Darker Place
Khaled Hosseini - The Kite Runner
Linda Howard - Death Angel
Don & Hal Iggulden - The Dangerous Book for Boys
J. A. Jance - Cruel Intent
Jerry Jenkins - Riven
Faye Kellerman - The Mercedes Coffin
Stephen King - Blaze (Richard Bachman)
Eric Van Lustbader - Robert Ludlum's "The Bourne Betrayal"
George R. R. Martin - Inside Straight (Wild Cards)
David Michaelis - Schulz and Peanuts (Charles Schulz, Snoopy)
James Patterson - Cross Country
James Patterson - Double Cross
James Patterson - Sail
James Patterson - The Quickie
James Patterson - You've Been Warned
Ridley Pearson - Killer View
Lisa A. Phillips - Public Radio: Behind the Voices
J. D. Robb - Salvation in Death
Joel C. Rosenberg - Dead Heat
Charles M. Schulz - It's a Dog's Life, Snoopy
Lisa Scottoline - Lady Killer
Daniel Silva - Moscow Rules
O. J. Simpson - If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer (Goldman Family)
Karin Slaughter - Fractured
Stephen White - Dry Ice

Banana peel on ice

2009-02-03T17:58:00.001-05:00

After a week or so of stumbling around on slippery and uneven ground, I found the idea of taking this photo a-peel-ing. Feel free to add your thoughts, perhaps a silly or insightful caption. Have fun, be smart, and be alert for banana peels on ice.

Writers, poets: Enter the DDN's contest

2009-01-24T16:37:00.000-05:00

Sharpen your quills! The deadline is March 20, 2009. Click the link for details...

Writers, poets: Enter the DDN's contest

R.I.P. Donald E. Westlake

2009-01-02T01:25:00.003-05:00

Official Website: http://www.donaldwestlake.com/wks_bkex5.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_E._Westlake

Donald Westlake has died of an apparent heart attack while en route to a New Year's Eve party while vacationing in Mexico.

He had many pseudonyms. It is said he used pseudonyms because publishers didn't believe he could write so much so quickly. Also, it was uncommon for houses to publish more than one book a year from any given author. Not to mention some racy titles published by Monarch books.
See his Wikipedia page for a list of pseudonyms.

See the bibliography section of his website for a list of his works, also available on the Wiki.

Many of his stories were made into movies (IMDb).

The Hardcase Crime series has published a Richard Stark novel, "Lemons Never Lie" and two Donald Westlake novels "Somebody Owes Me Money" and "361".

Awards:
Earned the Mystery Writers of America "Grand Master" title in 1993, has won three Edgar Awards, and received an Academy Award nomination for "The Grifters" in 1991.

Random House published Westlake's first novel, "The Mercenaries", in 1960.

Trivia:
Wrote more than 90 books, most of them on a typewriter.
Photos of typewriter keys are used to spell out his name in his web page banner.

This is a link to some Science Fiction short stories, at least the first of which was published in Playboy magazine:
http://www.donaldwestlake.com/wks_ss6_intro.html

Donald E. Westlake on Amazon.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T18:51:00.001-05:00

That's all, really. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Rest in peace Miss Bettie Page

2008-12-12T16:28:00.006-05:00

From modeling to missionary work, Bettie Page changed the world in many ways.
Her unique and unmatched ability to convey a wide range of personalities for the camera lens have inspired countless other models and photographers to try and follow suit. Many come close but, so far, none have gotten the Bettie Page mystique just right. She was truly one of those rarities, a one-of-a-kind.

Thanks, Bettie. We'll always remember you well.

Bettie Page: April 22, 1923 - December 11, 2008

The Legend of the Christmas Frog

2008-11-28T17:33:00.000-05:00

An article from the Xenia Gazette/Greene County Dailies told me about "The Legend of the Christmas Frog" by Nancy Mellon, an artist from Yellow Springs. It seems quite a charming tale (which is saying a lot after my Pixar infused Thanksgiving) and I'll be keeping my eyes open for it. In fact, Nancy's story would likely make an excellent big-screen cousin to "Ratatouille". Nancy, get a lawyer, an agent, and give Pixar a call!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T18:53:00.005-05:00

We'll be closed on Thanksgiving Day but will be back to our normal schedule on Friday. [Mon-Sat, Noon-8:00 pm]

We've got a great selection of used books for gift giving and holiday planning (dinners, decorating, entertaining). Our cooking section has older books that probably can't be found elsewhere around town, holding the secrets to fondly remembered holiday treats that no one seems to make anymore. Come take a look this weekend.

I recently found some Spanish language funny comics including this unusual item. Fortunately, the only turkey monster we'll be dealing with is the urge to take a nap after dinner.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

This weekend there's a lot of Holiday and Seasonal goings-on in Downtown Dayton:

FRIDAY COURTHOUSE SQUARE 4:00 pm-10:00 pm?

4:00 pm - The Dayton Holiday Festival kicks off on Courthouse Square with choirs, crafts, and games leading up to...
8:00 pm - The Grande Illumination! The lighting of Dayton's 60' tree and other decorations at Courthouse Square, when...
8:0? pm - The Dayton Children's Parade will make the rounds right after the lighting of the tree! That's right, a night-time parade with lighted floats and the arrival of Santa Claus himself!

SATURDAY RIVERSCAPE 11am-10pm

11:00 am-6:30 pm - Skate the 'Scape! Ice skating returns to RiverScape. $5.00 rink admission includes skate rental. Hot cocoa and other food and refreshments available at the "Flying Dog" food pavillion. And if you don't skate it costs nothing to sit, watch, and enjoy the atmosphere.
6:55 pm & 8:30 pm - Music & Laser shows!
7:00 pm-10:00 pm - Starlight Skate for romantics and night owls.

Gobble Gobble!

BonK!

2008-11-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

BonK!: "Name the Holiday Characters Quiz"

There's a little fun to be had over on my personal blog. Test your wits (or your Google & Wikipedia skills).

LIFE Magazine Photo Archive Now Hosted by Google

2008-11-18T20:08:00.005-05:00

We've always enjoyed LIFE magazines. Unfortunately, the issues people always seem to want (WWII era, Kennedy, Monroe, NASA) are not readily available. With that said, I'm pleased to announce that LIFE's vast and amazing photo archive is now just a few clicks away and easily searchable, thanks to Google. LIFE stopped publishing monthly issues in April, 2007.

Search for Dayton, OH to find plenty of images from Wright Patterson AFB and more. My favorites, from 1969 featuring "Blood St rip", are of an intersection that was once home to a traffic light, said to be the only one in a 180-mile stretch of highway between Louisville and Detroit. I don't know exactly where "Blood Strip" was located, but I remember a traffic light at I-75 and Little York Road when I was little. I also remember that our mother strongly disliked that intersection. These photos do not appear, to me, to be that intersection.

This site is going to be my favorite time-waster for some time to come. I'd love to hear about the images you find interesting. Please comment and send links! :-)

The color shot is my photo from Courthouse Square (7/8/07) of artist J. Seward Johnson's depiction of Alfred Eisenstaedt's famous kiss on VJ Day (8/14/45) in Times Square.

The Buddha Den: WWSU Puts Out Call for Locals

2008-11-14T18:21:00.005-05:00

WWSU 106.9 FM, Wright State University's radio station is looking for submissions from local musicians.

We're big fans of 2WSU from way back in the early 80's. They played great stuff that couldn't be heard on the air anywhere else in Dayton at that time. Ahh, the good old days.*

Back to the point...

If you're a local musician who would like a little airtime and exposure (aside from MySpace, or whatever), check out the link below, or just drop your stuff off at Gem City Records.

The Buddha Den: WWSU Puts Out Call for Locals:
"Would you like more people to know how awesome your band is? Here's a start..."

*My Geezer alarm just told me I've reached my 'fogey' quotient for the day.

File 770 » Blog Archive » Now How Will We Know It’s the Future?

2008-11-08T18:10:00.000-05:00

Some writers are going to have to work just a little bit harder now.

» Now How Will We Know It’s the Future?

A look at 1988 from November 1938

2008-11-01T20:55:00.005-04:00

I was going through some of my old-magazine scans and this caught my eye... It's the back cover of the Nov. 1938 issue of Amazing Stories. After a bit, I realized that it is now November, 2008. "Amazing Stories" was looking ahead 50 years, and here we are 20 years beyond their prediction. Seventy years ago the future of flight looked like this:

It just so happens that 2009 will be the 70th Anniversary of Bonnett's Book Store. A lot has changed since 1939, a lot has stayed the same, while some things have gone around and come back again. All that history is too much to cover here and now but I'm sure bits and pieces will find their way into the blog eventually. Stay tuned! :-)

Big Changes for Halloween Party!

2008-10-14T19:49:00.008-04:00

The official name for the Oregon District's annual Halloween party, formerly known as "Boo-N-Brew", is now "Hauntfest on 5th" and has been so for a little while. Here's the scoop...

DATE/TIME: 2008 October 25, 7pm-1am
This year's event takes place, as always, on the last Saturday of the month of October with two live stages, Costume contests with CA$H prizes, street performances, all free with your paid admission!

The big changes this year are all about saving money $!

TWO-for-ONE Admission Coupons available FREE at Bonnett's Book Store and other locations in and around the Oregon District . Get 'em while they're hot! That's right, this year you get TWO Admissions for just $10.00! Bring your dates, bring your friends, bring dates for your friends, etc.

Most of the bars and restaurants will have NO COVER CHARGE this year. Check with your favorite establisment to see what they've got going on.

Safe and easy $3.00 parking at the Convention Center parking garage, also known as the Transportation Center, above Greyhound & the Neon Movies, and right across from Smokin' BBQ.

Roam the streets, or shamble your zombie feet to meet friends at your favorite watering hole and don't forget to see what's new on Fifth Street in the Oregon District.

Visit "Spooky Oregon" on OregonArtsDistrict.com for all the details!

The scariest thing this Halloween season might be the economy, so save some dough with a $10.00 2-for-1 Admission coupon, NO COVER CHARGE at most of the O.D.'s bars and restaurants, and car-pool with your friends to the Transportation Center!

Pick up your coupons at Bonnett's Book Store and other Oregon District businesses.

Natural. Candid. Real. Beautiful. { The Blog. }: { She's got it all }

2008-10-14T19:15:00.003-04:00

Found on Christi Traster's Snickerdoodles Photography blog...

Natural. Candid. Real. Beautiful. { The Blog. }: { She's got it all }: "We went to a used bookstore called Bonnett's Bookstore - where I took the below shot:" [click to see the shots]

Thank you Christi and Lauren.

Downtown Dayton on a hot, sunny Sunday afternoon

2008-09-27T20:05:00.003-04:00