tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208347542024-03-13T06:36:37.603-04:00Penciled MarginsThe Official Blog of Bonnett's Book StoreBonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-48523049241457269202023-03-28T08:44:00.007-04:002023-04-21T23:57:23.583-04:00Brand New Mastodonhttps://mastodonbooks.net/@BonnettsBooks
https://linktr.ee/bonnettsbooks/
I've finally opened an account on Mastodon.
Find it at the top link of this post. The content there will be essentially the same as on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook. Mastodon may eventually replace our Twitter. If you're on Mastodon, please give us a follow. It, and our other social sites can be found on our LinkTree. ✌️
BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-2147943025852220262022-09-29T07:09:00.000-04:002022-09-29T07:09:10.563-04:00Social Media Killed the Blogging StarApologies to The Buggles for the title of this post.
I'd still love to blog, but haven't the time I once enjoyed. In lieu of longform posts, please allow me to direct you to our LinkTree, where you can find our most recent online activity.
<a href="https://linktr.ee/bonnettsbooks/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">linktr.ee/bonnettsbooks</a>
Bonnett's Bookstore is known as @BonnettsBooks on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Twitter is my personal preference. I won't be TikTok-ing much, so it's best to follow our Twitter or Instagram.
Thanks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsQF8r-p2sEwN61VonoeXaIimpv3Aiwg6EdRzyM-tGjUAFv8tArcA_utTUUjVmOqSQzw63B-qMrUiQLnKYMWFR_nx9txx8n_byFWLlrcToQm_mtVVPjbo33QVRyS6zMwTSZTv4O77obRjv49gqGaXWYn5BIi-MIkWPVnNxPUDmDCnDZuVtA0/s6000/IMG_0001.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsQF8r-p2sEwN61VonoeXaIimpv3Aiwg6EdRzyM-tGjUAFv8tArcA_utTUUjVmOqSQzw63B-qMrUiQLnKYMWFR_nx9txx8n_byFWLlrcToQm_mtVVPjbo33QVRyS6zMwTSZTv4O77obRjv49gqGaXWYn5BIi-MIkWPVnNxPUDmDCnDZuVtA0/s400/IMG_0001.JPG"/></a></div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-36468049890732458672018-05-12T23:52:00.001-04:002018-05-12T23:52:05.197-04:00Happy Birthday, Grandpa!<p dir="ltr"><u>Grandpa</u>, Harold "Hal" Murray Bonnett, wrote pulp detective fiction before opening Bonnett's Back-Issue Magazines in 1939. He would've turned 105 today.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As the era of pulp mags gave way to the paperback age, he shifted gears, writing under pseudonyms. One story, "Satan in High Heels", published under the name "Noel Candler", found it's way to the silver screen in 1962, at which time his real name was credited for the story.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've often posted about this in the past, so I'll leave out the links to mainstream websites for the film and it's excellent score by Mundell Lowe; who passed away just a few months ago. The B-film was also adapted for an off-Broadway comedy musical a few years back! </p>
<p dir="ltr">I can't help enjoying Grandpa's film. It was released 2 years before I was born, almost to the day, plus, Dad, Walter Bonnett, had a small role in it! However, for this birthday post I'm going to link to a couple of blogs to give an idea of what others have thought of "Satan in High Heels". Enjoy!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://https://cinemaknifefight.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/bills-bizarre-bijou-satan-in-high-heels-1962/">Cinema Knife Fight</a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://http://shebloggedbynight.com/2012/camp-cult-blogathon-satan-in-high-heels-1962/">She Blogged by Night</a></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0sBUQb5xKw/Wve2ZDMIsuI/AAAAAAAAW9I/7r270v0xRrY8C00ECH4SUXxiUqOJnfxiQCHMYCw/s1600/20180126_032101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0sBUQb5xKw/Wve2ZDMIsuI/AAAAAAAAW9I/7r270v0xRrY8C00ECH4SUXxiUqOJnfxiQCHMYCw/s640/20180126_032101.jpg"> </a> </div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-73993067008131517972018-03-13T23:37:00.001-04:002018-03-13T23:40:20.631-04:00LitMuse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ryQo_uPlzqA/WqiLMXF0PZI/AAAAAAAAGg4/x7QzLwI9PMUoAGPQpB6RWQ4TOztWMZ4bACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180313_223730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="925" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ryQo_uPlzqA/WqiLMXF0PZI/AAAAAAAAGg4/x7QzLwI9PMUoAGPQpB6RWQ4TOztWMZ4bACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180313_223730.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
Going through a stack of recent arrivals, I found "To the Finland Station" by Edmund Wilson, and I thought the title seemed familiar... from a song lyric. A short search later, a Wikipedia page for "West End Girls" by Pet Shop Boys was open; "from Lake Geneva to the Finland Station," is the lyric I recalled. As it happens, that line, consciously or not, likely refers to the title of this book, "a study of the writing and acting of history", which refers to Lenin's WWI train route as he was returned to Russia near the start of their revolution, in 1917.<br />
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I'll leave you, dear reader, to research the above, if you wish; but, as a dealer in books, comics, magazines, and movies, I took note of the connection to pop-culture. It has been a fairly common thing for print stories to become radio shows, movies, and TV programs, moreso now than ever. The forthcoming film "Ready Player One" borrows from so much that one could barely trace all the references. My own first experience with a specifically musical referencing of the written word was Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On", sometime in the early 1970s, when I realized some lyrics were about "The Lord of the Rings".<br />
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So, I learned there was an earlier version of 1985's "West End Girls", in 1984. A bit longer, not as slick, also by Pet Shop Boys, and that the '85 re-recorded version had been named Song of the Decade ('85-'94) by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters! Naturally, I had to hear the original, so I turned to YouTube. The version you've likely already heard is easily the better version, but the original has some charm of it's own, reminding me of other '80s synth & sampler work, like Art of Noise (a personal fave). And all of this is just so I can share the original... Ready? Click!<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/vXRqGfF64zQvxrqgff64zq">https://youtu.be/vXRqGfF64zQvxrqgff64zq</a>BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-43509947714156217212017-11-30T14:37:00.001-05:002017-11-30T14:43:03.049-05:00Just One Magazine<p dir="ltr">Browsing an old magazine is truly like stepping into a time machine for a look around at the world gone by. Few magazines capture this wonder and nostalgia so effectively as LIFE.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Searching the internet for individual items of specific interest; be they photos, articles, ads, or what have you, cannot duplicate the experience of sitting down with a single old magazine and allowing yourself to enter that time-slice of an age gone by; with a cornucopia of hints toward the whole world from which it spawned.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Here's a peek, from a famous issue. This long list of interesting items is both astounding and incomplete. Yet, herein you'll find the grieving of a nation, folly, holiday celebration, assembly of and hope for the World's Fair, faith, science, and even some fun. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Experiences of this sort should be priceless, but are occasionally no more expensive than a fancy coffee, artisanal soap, or local craft beer. Find them here @BonnettsBooks!</p>
<p dir="ltr">LIFE magazine; December 6, 1963: JFK Funeral - Jackie, Caroline, & John, jr. cover and coverage. <u>Also</u>: Ritz cracker ad/Squibb Broxodent corded electric toothbrush Christmas ad/Budweiser & turkey dinner Christmas ad/Rexall Christmas ad with aluminum tree/Norelco Beauty Sachet groomer-massager ad/Singer sewing machine Christmas ad/Dow Metalized Saran icicles ad/Max Factor Christmas line/Penney's Chemstrand nylon satin Gaymode® Christmas ad/Parker pen ad/Columbia records ad/Fruit of the Loom ad/Carnation Friskies canned dog food ad/Dial-A-Car rental ad/Vat 69 scotch Christmas ad/Richman Bros. suit ad/Capitol records Christmas ad/Bulova watch USPS  ad/Maytag Halo of Heat dryer ad/Trifari philanderer ad/Du Barry cosmetics Christmas ad/'64 Studebaker Daytona & Avanti ad/Lucky Strike Christmas ad/Weller Dual Heat soldering gun kit ad/Campbell's bean with bacon soup ad/Seagram's 7 Crown ad/Hunt's Tomato Catsup ad/Zippo lighter Christmas ad/Miller High-Life ad/'64 Chevrolet Chevy Chevelle Malibu SS ad/Tareyton Dual Filter black eye woman ad/Edison Electric Ohio Family ad/Rath Black Hawk sliced hickory bacon ad/Bathrobes - Mink-lined, low-cut pullover/Mayflower Movers ad/Heublin Smirnoff vodka ad with pull-out party tips & cocktail recipe book/GMC commercial trucks ad/'64 World's Fair fiberglass dinosaurs exhibit/Hot Dr. Pepper ad/Chef Boy-Ar-Dee lasagna ad/Gilbey's gin "international holidays" globe Christmas ad (World Fair tie-in?)/Heart surgeon's dream theater operating room/Champion sparkplugs Bobby Unser Pike's Peak challenge record ad/Black & Decker U-100 ¼" drill ad/General Electric appliances ad feat. Mobile Maid dishwasher with lift-top rack & 3-level washing/'64 Ford Lincoln Continental ad/Noxema's NEW Cover Girl medicated makeup feat. Cosmopolitan magazine cover & covergirl Lois Heyl/Toledo, Ohio's ELTRA Corp. Prestolite car battery ad/Corby's Whiskey makes a terrible martini ad/Honda scooter Christmas Santa ad/Beaunit nylon tricot chemise slip ad/Wembley neckties ad, as seen in "Who's Minding the Store?" feat. Jerry Lewis/Ossy Davis & Ruby Dee article/Heinz 57 Worcestershire sauce ad/Medici filter pipes ad/Schick Crown Jewel ladies' electric shaver Christmas ad/article on World respect of President Kennedy's death/Benrus watch ads/Allied Van Lines movers ad/Polaroid Color Pack camera ad/Mrs. Filbert's margarine ad/Travelers Insurance Company toy truck on steps ad, "Even your best friend might sue you." Travelers umbrella/Jones Dairy Farm Little Sausages, Wisconsin/National Oil Girl Institute, oil heat ad/Florida Citrus Commission ad/Sharp Electronics Corp. Japanese Santa Claus ad/Caravelle watch ad/Dayton, Ohio's Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors Corporation, Honeycomb® "Magic Touch" ice-cube trays ad/Menley & James Laboratories Contact ad/GM "Body by Fisher" ad/Revere-Wollensack Division of 3M Company's self-changing stereo tape cartridge system Christmas ad/Carter's Marks-A-Lot felt-tip permanent marker ad/Chrysler Simca 1000 economy car ad/Testor's Spray Pla enamel paint ad/Snow Crop Orange Samoa quick-frozen concentrate of orange plus tropical fruit juices for orange punch ad/GM Frigidaire Imperial Nineteen refrigerator-freezer ad/ballet cat/LIFE daily Christmas shopping guide calendar/"Love's Warm Instant: the Embrace" photo-essay about hugs/Kitchen-Aid dishwasher ad/back cover missing. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O2qv0rau1I0/WiBfRWxrriI/AAAAAAAAW24/N4O8fDvKOhwEH2J30DWfqNXPRZdkxwlIQCHMYCw/s1600/20171130_000347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O2qv0rau1I0/WiBfRWxrriI/AAAAAAAAW24/N4O8fDvKOhwEH2J30DWfqNXPRZdkxwlIQCHMYCw/s640/20171130_000347.jpg"> </a> </div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-146391617989319502016-11-30T14:13:00.001-05:002016-11-30T14:13:46.363-05:00Holiday Deals, Hours, Updates<p dir="ltr">The 2016 Holiday Season brings some Sale Pricing to Bonnett's!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>10% off</b> nearly everything we offer through Christmas Eve!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Dec. 2nd First Friday!</b> Find an item in any of our social media streams, show it at check out, and get an extra 15% off!</p>
<p dir="ltr">As always, quality Trade-Ins are welcome, but sale pricing does not apply to trades.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Hours!</b> Some of you may know our 2-man operation has been halved due to a health issue. I open the shop daily, Mon-Sat as always, but am unable to arrive until mid-late afternoon. The time fluctuates, but I update my arrival time via our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BonnettsBooks/">Facebook page</a> & <u>Twitter</u> (@BonnettsBooks).</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Updates!</b> For now, look for our featured items, latest arrivals, & special selections by following @BonnettsBooks on Instagram, Twitter, Swarm, Flickr, & Pinterest.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We can be found on other sites & apps, too, but updates are infrequent, if they happen at all. Just search for Bonnett's Books or Bonnett's Book Store. <br></p>
<p dir="ltr">That about covers things for now. Stay tuned, Happy Holidays, and I hope to see you soon!<br>
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BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-66105970371460770972016-11-03T01:49:00.001-04:002016-11-03T01:49:38.387-04:002016 World Series-inspired Thoughts<p dir="ltr">These anecdotes of family history and the shop have come to mind thanks to my son, Ian, who recently saved a bunch of paternal family letters and photos from doom, including my grandparents' marriage certificate; followed with a surprise visit to the store by some of Grandma's kin. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Grandpa, Harold "Hal" Murray Bonnett, married Grandma, Ruth Adella Guy, on October 7th, 1930, during the World Series match-up between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Athletics. Their honeymoon was spent the next night watching the Athletics win the series in game six on a manually updated scoreboard mounted to the side of the Dayton Daily News building. Plays were <i>called in via phone(?)</i> and the board updated for the crowd of local baseball fans in the street below. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The last time the Cleveland Indians won the World Series was 1948 and "Bonnett's Back-Issue Magazines" was 9 years into our, now, 77 years at 502 East Fifth Street. Better luck next year, fellas!</p>
<p dir="ltr">The letters Ian found were mostly notes to home from an ancestor with Great Grandma Ruby's maiden name, Murray, who was serving in Europe during the World War (that's WWI to us today). I have yet to dive into them, but one letter, an outlier, was postmarked 1902; six years before the Chicago Cubs <u>last</u> World Series Championship. It's a shame our old friend, long-time customer, and die-hard Cubs fan, Bob Yaple, is no longer here for us to share the Cubs' victory with. We didn't give him an easy time of his fandom, this being "Reds Country" and <u>all</u>. </p>
<p dir="ltr">After 108 years, what's a little rain delay? A sign from above, perhaps; signifying the end of professional baseball's longest drought?</p>
<p dir="ltr">It was a well-earned win and I'm glad to have been around to see it! Congratulations Cubbies! Major League Baseball's World Series Champions for 2016!</p>
BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-53391799622940785042016-03-09T14:00:00.001-05:002016-03-09T14:00:17.296-05:00Excerpts from: Saving the Self in the Age of the Selfie<p dir="ltr">This is a long article, worth the effort. Turn off notifications before reading... Maybe you'll leave them off afterwards.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://theamericanscholar.org/saving-the-self-in-the-age-of-the-selfie">Saving the Self in the Age of the Selfie</a><br>
The American Scholar, Cover story, Spring 2016 James McWilliams, February 29, 2016</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Even as digital distraction promises to alleviate boredom, it removes from the existential equation the founding prerequisite for identity development—the individual, alone, facing nothing." </p>
<p dir="ltr">"When the smartphone transports our consciousness elsewhere, which it does every time we pick it up to avoid the stress of isolation, our most private choices suddenly hew not to the undiscovered ambitions of a curious mind, but to the commercial designs of a data-driven cloud."</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Saving the self in the age of the selfie may require nothing more or less complicated than recovering the lost art of serious reading."</p>
BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-77192856273188421222015-11-04T07:24:00.001-05:002015-11-04T07:30:38.263-05:00My photos from the 30th Hauntfest on 5th (2015)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My old camera died at the start of Hauntfest 2014, so I'm very pleased to present my images from #HauntfestOn5th 2015! Click the link in the title of this post to see the full photos, or just enjoy this small slideshow here. Have a boo-tiful day!<br />
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<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://photos.gstatic.com/media/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F111482812603752990511%2Falbumid%2F6213247396468296433%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-35274197991744931172015-06-27T07:35:00.001-04:002015-06-27T07:35:52.574-04:00From the Hood to the Good - Sherry Styleshttp://bonnettsbooks.tumblr.com/post/122573410655/here-june-27-2015-3pm-meetngreet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RIqjNKgYO_k/VY6Kljv2WHI/AAAAAAAAT9o/OTcZRcoAMis/s1600/IMG_20150627_024004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RIqjNKgYO_k/VY6Kljv2WHI/AAAAAAAAT9o/OTcZRcoAMis/s640/IMG_20150627_024004.jpg"> </a> </div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-41647033888016455662015-04-29T02:01:00.000-04:002015-04-29T02:01:26.333-04:00Dayton in Pulp History & Bonnett's in 3-D!Get your red/blue glasses and check out this wonderful depiction of our shop in 3-D! It really works!!!<br />
Thanks to William Lampkin of the Yellowed Perils blog at <a href="http://www.thepulp.net/" target="_blank">ThePulp.net</a> for this great, one-of-a-kind image!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lajzexqH2g4/VUBVDOG7NLI/AAAAAAAAGOw/VzaBrgpA9PQ/s1600/Bill%2BLampkin%27s%2BPulpdotnet%2Bphoto%2Bof%2BBonnett%27s%2Bin%2Bred-green%2B3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lajzexqH2g4/VUBVDOG7NLI/AAAAAAAAGOw/VzaBrgpA9PQ/s1600/Bill%2BLampkin's%2BPulpdotnet%2Bphoto%2Bof%2BBonnett's%2Bin%2Bred-green%2B3D.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bill also posted an article about on us, "<a href="http://www.thepulp.net/yellowedperils/2015/04/21/going-back-to-bonnetts/" target="_blank">Going Back to Bonnett's</a>", on his <a href="http://www.thepulp.net/yellowedperils/" target="_blank">Yellowed Perils</a> blog. It's a great place to find links, info, and history about the pulp magazines which gave birth to all which is now commonly known as pulp fiction. We're quite partial to pulps, not only as inventory, but for the fact that Grandpa Harold wrote detective fiction which was published in many well-known pulps of that variety. It's my suspicion that his writing helped him earn enough to open the store with Grandma Ruth.<br />
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Also on Yellowed Perils is Bill's tribute to another downtown Dayton icon, <a href="http://www.thepulp.net/yellowedperils/2015/03/29/richard-e-clear-1943-2015/" target="_blank">Richard E. Clear, Sr.</a> (R.I.P.), who opened the legendary Dragon's Lair a few blocks west of us in 1973. I bought the bulk of my own new comics collection and RPGs there into the late '80s.<br />
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I had learned of Clear's passing the day before I found Bill's article about it. David T. Alexander of <a href="http://www.dtacollectibles.com/" target="_blank">DTACollectibles.com</a> shared the sad news when he stopped here on the way home from the <a href="http://windycitypulpandpaper.com/home/" target="_blank">Windy City Pulp and Paper Convention</a>. David and Richard co-authored "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Old-Magazines-Identification-Value-Guide/dp/1574323296/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430281084&sr=1-2&keywords=Old+Magazines%3A+Identification+%26+Value+Guide" target="_blank">Old Magazines: Identification & Value Guide</a>" in 2003; a book which has proven incredibly useful to us over the years.<br />
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Another astounding tome is from nearby Fairborn, OH. The <a href="http://www.bookeryfantasy.com/" target="_blank">Bookery Fantasy</a> "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bookery-Fantasys-ultimate-magazines-1896-1959/dp/B0006E8TMG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430283421&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Ultimate+Guide+to+Pulps" target="_blank">Ultimate Guide to Pulps</a>" by Tim Cottrill is a must-have for any pulp magazine collector. And while I'm mentioning reference works, I should mention the annual Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. We get our copies from Pete Bell of <a href="http://www.bellbookandcomic.com/" target="_blank">Bell Book & Comic</a>. Pete got started in the comics biz at the aforementioned Dragon's Lair!<br />
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Pulp fans owe a great deal to Mr. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusty_Hevelin" target="_blank">Rusty Hevelin</a>. Rusty was the driving force behind the nearly 4-decade run of Dayton's own Pulpcon, which was, for a time, the premiere destination for pulp collectors worldwide. Rusty's devotion to pulp was so great that there is now an award named after him. The Rusty Hevelin Service Award (aka "The Rusty") is awarded each year at <a href="http://www.pulpfest.com/" target="_blank">PulpFest</a> in Columbus, OH to that person who is deemed to have shown the greatest dedication to the betterment of the pulp-collecting community.<br />
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Sadly, the bulk of our pulp inventory has dwindled, but our love for it continues. We still occasionally turn up a box or two, or a stray here and there. In the past I've scanned a number of pulp covers and have them in collections on our Google+ profile (formerly Picasa albums) - <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/112654240374964465388/albums/5076093379723572417" target="_blank">here's a link to one such collection</a>. Look around our albums to find more. Also, check out ThePulp.net's great collection of <a href="http://www.thepulp.net/pulp-info/pulp-history/pulp-photos/" target="_blank">pulp-era newsstand photos</a> for an interesting glimpse into a world when radio and reading ruled the home-entertainment universe.<br />
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Enjoy!BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-56623448948136294462015-03-20T01:30:00.002-04:002015-03-20T01:35:07.402-04:00Just Another Day(?)April 3rd, 2015 is the 4th First Friday Art Hop of 2015 in Dayton, OH. Many folks use the hashtag #FirstFriday, but these events take place all over the country! I like #1stFriDayton to help set us apart from all the others.<br />
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First Friday is an art-centric event, and we always try to highlight our selection of art-related books of all sorts. What many people forget is that writing, too, is an art; alongside painting, sculpture, carving, dancing, music, etc. Some believe in a philosophy that every aspect of life can be conducted artfully. With these ideas in mind, I present, as an example, a number of April 3rd anniversaries, most of which can be explored in greater detail in the multitudes of books on our shelves.<br />
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Stop in, and don't be decieved by the playful decor of our shop.<br />
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We've got comics, sure; but the business-minded will find goods here, too. Religion, Politics, Economics, Philosophy, and History are all well-represented on our shelves. Explore the unknown with our metaphysical selections. Or just pick up some comics, classics, or novels for less serious reading. We have Children's books, Sports books, DIY books, and just about any other topic you can imagine. In fact, we have books you can't find in any other shop in the Dayton region.<br />
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Now, glance over the following list and maybe you'll find inspiration to explore something more. April 3rd is just another day. One of 365 each year, but each of those days hold the potential to begin a whole new journey.<br />
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Enjoy, and thank you,<br />
~ Kevin Bonnett <br />
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<u><b>April 3rd in History</b></u> (gleaned from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_3" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)<br />
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Literary History<br />
1783 - Birth of Washington Irving, author of "Sleepy Hollow."<br />
1885 - Birth of cartoonist Bud Fisher, creator of "Mutt & Jeff."<br />
1895 - Oscar Wilde brings libel case, resulting in his own imprisonment on charges of homosexuality.<br />
1912 - Birth of author Dorothy Eden.<br />
1955 - ACLU announces plans to defend Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" against obscenity charges.<br />
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Local History<br />
1974 - I was 10, playing outside. Mom, in a panic, called for us to come in because of storms. This confused me, because nothing seemed unusual where we were, a few miles south of Vandalia, OH, except the state Mom was in. This was the date of "Super Outbreak of 1974" which spawned 148 confirmed tornadoes across 13 states in the South & Midwest, and in Ontario Canada, including the infamous Xenia Tornado, which nearly wiped the entire town off the map.<br />
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Aviation History<br />
1933 - Marquis of Clydesdale is first to fly over Mt. Everest.<br />
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American History<br />
1860 - The first successful Pony Express run begins in St. Joseph, MO.<br />
1865 - Union forces take the Confederate Capital of Richmond, VA.<br />
1882 - Jesse James is killed by Robert Ford.<br />
1936 - Bruno Richard Hauptmann executed in the Lindbergh Baby case.<br />
1948 - President Truman signs the Marshall Plan for U.S. aid abroad.<br />
1968 - MLK delivers "Mountaintop" speech<br />
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Automotive History<br />
1885 - Gottlieb Daimler recieves a patent for his engine design.<br />
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Entertainment History<br />
1924 - Birth of actor Marlon Brando.<br />
1958 - Birth of actor Alec Baldwin.<br />
1959 - Birth of actor David Hyde Pierce.<br />
1961 - Birth of comedian & actor Eddie Murphy.<br />
1982 - Birth of actress Cobie Smulders.<br />
1986 - Birth of actress Amanda Bynes.<br />
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Miscellaneous History<br />
1975 - Chess Master Bobby Fischer refuses to play Anatoly Karpov, giving Karpov the World Chess Championship.<br />
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Music History<br />
1936 - Birth of organist Jimmy McGriff.<br />
1941 - Birth of Jan Berry of musical act "Jan & Dean."<br />
1942 - Birth of singer Wayne Newton.<br />
1944 - Birth of Tony Orlando of musical act "Tony Orlando & Dawn."<br />
1946 - Birth of Dee Murray of muscial acts "Procol Harum" & "The Spencer Davis Group."<br />
1949 - Birth of Richard Thompson of "Fairport Convention."<br />
1968 - Birth of singer Sebastian Bach of musical act "Skid Row."<br />
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Science History<br />
1934 - Birth of primatologist Jane Goodall.<br />
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Space History<br />
1926 - Birth of astronaut Gus Grissom.<br />
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Sports History<br />
1949 - Birth of American football player Lyle Alzado.<br />
1971 - Birth of Olympic skier Picabo Street.<br />
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Technology History<br />
1973 - Motorola & Bell Labs collaboration makes 1st mobile phone call.<br />
1981 - At the size of a sewing machine, the Osborne 1 is announced as the first portable computer.<br />
2000 - U.S. vs. Microsoft antitrust case rules against Microsoft.<br />
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True Crime History<br />
1888 - The first murder attributed to Jack the Ripper is committed.<br />
1996 - "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski is captured.<br />
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World History<br />
1922 - Joseph Stalin becomes the "George Washington" of Communism.<br />
1946 - Japanese Lt. Gen'l Homma executed for leading Bataan Death March.<br />
2004 - Perpetrators of Madrid Train bombings are trapped by police and kill themselves.BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-56342659534075265292014-10-30T14:59:00.001-04:002014-10-30T15:02:56.233-04:00Walking in the Shadow of (Bored) GiantsInvention and innovation are words often heard in, and when conversing about Dayton, Ohio. Our local history is full of well-documented discoveries, primarily the Wright Brothers creation of the first powered and manned aircraft. Learning about Dayton's history can feel like walking in the shadow of giants.<br>
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<br>Here at Bonnett's Bookstore we often discuss various aspects of Dayton's history with visitors looking for related esoterica and ephemera. Such discussions have given me many excuses to ponder Dayton's discoveries, and the how and why of our past's intellectual motherload.<br>
<br>Another thing often overheard or expressed locally are statements of boredom: "There's nothing to do in Dayton." A local tavern has even made bumper stickers proclaiming, "DAYTON'S ALRIGHT - if you've never been anywhere else." Frankly, I'm a believer in the lyric from the Harvey Danger song "Flagpole Sitta", which says, "If you're bored, then you're boring." There's plenty to do around here, and interesting influences from all over the world.<br>
<br>Dayton sits just south of what has been called "The Crossroads of America." It's a sure bet that other locales have embraced that moniker as well, but the fact of Dayton being a crossroads is clear; Interstates 70 & 75 meet just north of Dayton, providing easy access to everything mainland America has to offer, agriculturally, industrially, educationally, scientifically, commercially, politically, and culturally speaking - and it has always been so. We're at a confluence of rivers, trails, canals, roads, rails, and highways which handily connect us to everywhere else. Even the earliest explorers of Ohio followed routes established long before by the Native American nations, which became the National Road and the Dixie Highway, and are now I-70 and I-75.<br>
<br>Based on the elements above I eventually concluded that Boredom might be Dayton's best natural resource, which I've stated here in the shop on many occasions. I usually say it in a joking manner to avoid putting folks off, but it's an idea that I now find may have some traction. Peace and quiet may seem like boredom to some, or an opportunity for meditation, pondering, and reflection to others. This idea was backed up by Isaac Asimov in 1959! Asimov's essay can be found on MIT Technology Review and is linked at the bottom of this post.<br><br><div>Dayton may be a quiet, peaceful, or as some say "boring" place to be, but during the Industrial Age in which we saw the bulk of our local invention and ideas, travelers from everywhere found themselves in contact with Dayton, bringing their knowledge and news along with them, and leaving innovative Daytonians to put the pieces together, inventing technologies which have changed the course of history for the entire world.<br></div><div><br>
<a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/531911/isaac-asimov-asks-how-do-people-get-new-ideas/#.VFHZpA3INxY.blogger">Published for the First Time: a 1959 Essay by Isaac Asimov on Creativity | MIT Technology Review</a><br>
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<br></div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-45517437054878034352014-09-29T23:44:00.000-04:002014-09-29T23:44:28.618-04:00Wrap-up:Banned Books/Freedom to Read WeekTo clarify, Banned Books Week is a celebration of our <a href="http://www.ftrf.org/?page=About" target="_blank">Freedom to Read</a>. You may have realized that the majority of books you find on "Banned Books" lists are readily available just about everywhere you shop for books. So what's with this BANNED business? Simply put, some people, sometimes, don't like what some other people have to say in their books, and so, a charge of inappropriateness might be leveled against those books. It's rare that such a "challenge" succeeds in an actual ban, but it may lead to regional restrictions about who should read what. For sensitive issues we often fall back on generic rules of thumb, such as a person's age. In any event, there are currently no books officially "banned" by the United States. See the <a href="http://www.ala.org/bbooks/" target="_blank">American Library Association</a> for more information.<br />
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Here's a list of books currently available at Bonnett's (in no particular order) which have been Challenged by attempts to Ban them, or which may be Banned in other countries, or may have been Banned in other times. We hope you'll have time to enjoy them all, and many more!:<br />
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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn<br />The Scarlet Letter<br />The Red Badge of Courage<br />Native Son<br />The Jungle<br />Leaves of Grass<br />Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison<br />In Cold Blood<br />Howl<br />The Grapes of Wrath<br />The Great Gatsby<br />Gone With the Wind<br />For Whom the Bell Tolls<br />Fahrenheit 451<br />The Call of the Wild<br />Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee<br />The Autobiography of Malcolm X<br />The Color Purple<br />Beloved<br />Brave New World<br />One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest<br />Captain Underpants (series) #s 3 & 5<br />The Bluest Eye<br />Fifty Shade of Grey (series) #s 1 & 2<br />The Hunger Games (series) #s 1 & 2<br />BONE by Jeff Smith (graphic novels) #3<br />Harry Potter (series) all<br />Of Mice and Men<br />His Dark Materials (series) all<br />Forever<br />Gossip Girl (series) #s 5,6,8, & 9<br />Killing Mr. Griffen<br />Goosebumps (series) a whole bunch<br />The Lord of the Flies<br />The Lord of the Rings (series) all<br />The Satanic Verses<br />Sons and Lovers<br />Sophie's Choice<br />Cat's Cradle<br />A Seperate Peace<br />Brideshead Revisited<br />Women in Love<br />The Naked and the Dead<br />Tropic of Cancer<br />Nickel and Dimed<br />Twilight (series) all<br />My Sister's Keeper<br />Beloved<br />Bridge to Terabithia<br />Kaffir Boy<br />The Outsiders<br />James and the Giant Peach<br />American Psycho<br />Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice all<br />The Adventures of Tom Sawyer<br />Song of Solomon<br />Pillars of the Earth<br />Cujo<br />That Was Then, This is Now<br />The Things They Carried<br />The Lovely Bones<br />Grendel<br />Alice's Adventures in Wonderland<br />The Pentagon Papers<br />The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank<br />All Quiet on the Western FrontBonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0502 East 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402, USA39.756874 -84.1834939.755348000000005 -84.1860115 39.7584 -84.1809685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-64579486910597917682014-09-11T06:44:00.001-04:002014-09-11T07:04:11.968-04:00Never Forget?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Never Forget" has always seemed a bit flaccid to me. Never forget what? </div>
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Never forget that all of us, everywhere, people around the world, lost a cultural touchstone, a dream, an icon. The massive number of victims make it likely that every American is within the proverbial six-degrees of separation from someone directly associated with the Pentagon, World Trade Center, or the passengers aboard the 4 planes abused by evil men on this day 13 years ago. </div>
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As a society, it was very much like watching our own home sent to ruin; such was the cultural impression made by the Twin Towers. It's clear that these buildings gave a similar impression to others around the globe, which is part of the reason they were chosen as targets. </div>
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New York might be the most storied city in human history. It's a place of dreams, failures, history, fable, and romance and those twin towers were as representative of all those things to the United States as the Eiffel Tower is for France, or the Sydney Opera House in Australia.</div>
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Never forget? Never forget what? Never forget anything; because even those of us who've never been to NYC felt as if we lost everything on 9/11. I'm here to tell you that the feeling of loss still exists, even with the new building, One WTC, standing there now. Never forget the day that changed everything.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">This Spider-Man movie teaser was released prior to 9/11 for the Summer 2002 film</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/9-r7qymfa0Q">http://youtu.be/9-r7qymfa0Q</a></div>
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BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-39201030686773322402014-06-27T04:33:00.000-04:002014-06-27T04:33:16.999-04:00Jodorowsky's "Dune"<h2>
<a href="http://jodorowskysdune.com/index.html" target="_blank"><u><i>JODOROWSKY'S DUNE</i></u></a></h2>
<ul>
<li>Science-fiction fans know DUNE as one of the greatest and most popular works in the history of the genre.</li>
<li>Book lovers know DUNE as a book they might want to read some day, even if they aren't into science-fiction.</li>
<li>Film addicts know DUNE as that fascinatingly wierd "mainstream" movie by David Lynch, starring Kyle MacLachlan, with Sting, and a pre-'Star Trek: The Next Generation' appearance by Patrick Stewart.</li>
<li>Cable TV & streaming aficianados might know DUNE from it's SyFy channel miniseries (when it was still the Sci-Fi Channel). </li>
<li>Media nerds know all of the above, and perhaps thousands of associated connections, including- loosely -the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon rule (via 'X-Men: First Class')</li>
<li>But the true Alpha Geek knows about Alejandro Jodorowsky's attempt to make DUNE, before the <b>seeds of modern popular culture</b> had been sown, and now you can, too! It's alleged to be one of the greatest films never made. </li>
</ul>
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How's this for a convolution? A never-made movie, based on a science-fiction novel, introduces young creatives who's contributions are included a production-book which changes cultural history and, later, becomes a documentary about the crucial cultural impact of the attempt and it's participants.<br />
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On the face, JODOROWSKY'S DUNE is a documentary about one man's failed attempt to make an epic motion picture in the mid-1970s; based on an epic novel. It sounds like something that might be mistaken as a tragic tale of heartache and loss, but it is not. It's the tale of a passionate journey.<br />
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It's the story of a Jodorowsky's romance with the idea of filming the book DUNE; the 'love-making' of assembling his team, the 'copulation' of creative talents, and the 'birth' of another book; the pre-production template for Jodorowsky's vision. This pre-production template was a rather hefty tome, and seems to have become the aforementioned <b>seeds of modern popular culture</b>, for film at least.<br />
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I can't share much more without spoiling the unfolding of a fascinating story. Let me just say that if you enjoy wallowing through movie "bonus features", as I do, you'll love this documentary. It's the greatest "making of" feature you'll ever see, for a film that never existed. It's all true, and pleasantly devoid of promotional puffery found so often in bonus features, because, this time, there's no film to promote. It's all reflection on a failure; perhaps the most culturally relevant failure in cinema history.<br />
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<b>Catch it this week at <a href="http://neonmovies.com/" target="_blank">The Neon Movies</a> in Dayton, Ohio:</b></div>
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<b>JODOROWSKY'S DUNE</b></div>
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<b>Friday (June 27, '14) -- 5:15p, 9:45p</b></div>
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<b>Saturday (June 28, '14) -- 5:15p</b></div>
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<b>Sunday (June 29, '14) -- 5:15p, 9:45p</b></div>
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<b>Monday - Thursday (June 30-July 3, '14) -- 5:15p</b></div>
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Want to know more about what's up at BONNETT'S?</div>
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Follow BonnettsBooks on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonnettsbooks/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>, <a href="http://bonnettsbooks.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bonnettsbooks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/BonnettsBooks" target="_blank">Twitter</a> & <a href="http://instagram.com/bonnettsbooks" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
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Friend Bonnett's Book Store on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bonnetts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> & <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12723072-bonnett-s-book-store" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/BonnettsBooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Like Bonnett's Book Store</a> on Facebook</div>
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BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-40577061250436006072014-06-07T02:44:00.000-04:002014-06-07T02:44:32.509-04:00Bonnett's Mention on a Personal BlogBooks, books, books... We love books in general. It's a broad spectrum. There are books we favor above others and books we disdain. Books are not "like our children", so we DO find ourselves playing favorites. And every once in a while we encounter books or book-centric endeavors that require further investigation.<br />
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Quite a few years ago (2006 or so) I stumbled upon a blog called Babes With Books. I've mentioned it here before. It no longer exists, having disappeared unceremoniously a few years later. It was simply a collection of "beautiful women reading books" - not porn, not nude, but perhaps not quite safe for work. The collection was gathered from all over the web, and - I suspect, used without permission. I strongly suspect that it was the lack of permission factor behind it's disappearance. The blog was even written about in WIRED magazine at one point. Something reminded me of that blog tonight, and it's pseudonymous proprietor "Hardley Surton", so I plugged it into the search bar and found... very little.<br />
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Thanks to the WIRED article, the widespread interest in books, and the overall fascination with "pretty girls" it's clear I wasn't the only one who had some appreciation for the collection. I was curious to see if anyone else had taken up the banner of Babes with Books, but found only articles lamenting it's loss, or just mentioning it as a notable curiosity of the interwebs, like the World's Biggest Ball of String. One man's blog actually found and quoted a comment I'd left on <a href="http://www.theworldsbestever.com/2008/01/09/hardley-surton-soft-porn-impressario/" target="_blank">WorldsBestEver.com</a> regarding the Hardley Surton phenomenon.<br />
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So, really, this wordy post is just a nod to <a href="http://www.wyrmis.com/blots/2011/34/blot41824.html" target="_blank">Doug Bolden</a> as a fellow book lover and internet oddity aficionado. Thank you, Doug, for mentioning our blog and best wishes along your path.BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-64049418633550610932014-05-09T14:09:00.001-04:002014-05-09T14:09:27.409-04:00Bonnett's Spring '14 Urban Nights <p dir="ltr">We don't have an exact date for the opening of Bonnett's, but we'll celebrate when we can. Spring '14 <a href="http:// http://www.downtowndayton.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113">Urban Nights</a> (May 9, 5-10p) is one such opportunity. </p>
<p dir="ltr">You may already know that we carry nearly all kinds of popular Books, Comics, Magazines, and Movies at many different pricing levels, from dog-eared reading copies to like-new collector's items. Many nice books require no special pricing or research. These "regularly unmarked" books will be 75% off our normal discounted price during Spring '14 Urban Nights!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hope to see you then!<br>
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BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-79836639410775061432014-04-05T22:09:00.001-04:002014-04-05T22:09:34.576-04:00Baseball Scouting Reports & More<p dir="ltr">Misc. years from 1956 to '99. First 2 stacks arrived today, 3rd stack has been here a while. They need a new home! Last chance, 1 wk only - 4/7 to 4/12.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stats & charts for your fave players!<br>
One million and one uses!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Don Schiffer 1956 Baseball Almanac<br>
Tom Seaver's 1989 Scouting Notebook<br>
Bill James Player Ratings Book 1995<br>
Sporting News Official Baseball Register 1996 Edition<br>
The Whole Baseball Catalogue<br>
Bill James STATS Major League Handbook 1990, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999<br>
The STATS Baseball Scoreboard<br>
The Scouting Report 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994<br>
The Scouting Notebook 1995, 1986, 1997, 1998, 1999<br>
The 1992 Elias Baseball Analyst<br>
The 1989 Baseball Encyclopedia Update<br>
The Sporting News Baseball Guide - 1990<br>
USA Today Baseball Weekly 1997 Almanac<br>
1992 Baseball <u>Almanac</u></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gc2BmpcFZQs/U0C3EAlyFsI/AAAAAAAATF8/AQvT1iM9HME/s1600/20140405_213029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gc2BmpcFZQs/U0C3EAlyFsI/AAAAAAAATF8/AQvT1iM9HME/s640/20140405_213029.jpg"> </a> </div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-64795298057639772552014-03-20T02:53:00.001-04:002014-03-20T02:53:29.906-04:00Spring Break at Bonnett's BooksWhether you're buying a Mark Twain classic as a surprise gift, researching sensitive information (like a medical condition, or controversial subjects) or picking up a bit of sexy entertainment, no one has to know what you buy from Bonnett's! Your secrets are safe with us. We've held the trust of our customers for 75 years, dealing in used books, comics, magazines, photo sets, movies, and more.<br /><br />Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick's Day, and Spring Break have recently reminded me of Girls Gone Wild (don't visit their old websites, they now redirect your browser to other sites). It was just a few short years ago when it seemed like GGW was everywhere, even here in Dayton, Ohio!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Girls Gone Wild bus parked at VEX on 4th & St. Clair - Jan. 9, 2010 © Kevin H. Bonnett</span> </div>
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This Spring Break, if you can't hit the beach, hit Bonnett's! We've just discovered a stash of Girls Gone Wild DVDs to add to our sexy selections.<br /><br /> "<u>GIRLS GONE WILD! - Real! Raw! Uncut!</u>"</div>
<ul>
<li>GGW: America Uncovered - with Doug Stanhope</li>
<li>GGW: Beach Babes & Forbidden Spring Break, 2 Vol. Set - on 1 disc</li>
<li>GGW: Doggy Style - Hosted by Snoop Dogg</li>
<li>GGW: Endless Spring Break - 15 vols., sold separately</li>
<li>GGW: Girl Power - 5 vols., sold separately</li>
<li>GGW: Road Trip - 2 vols., sold separately</li>
<li>GGW: Sex Starved College Girls, Vol. 2</li>
<li>GGW: Ultimate Spring Break - 2 vols., sold separately</li>
</ul>
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Of course, there's a LOT more here than Girls Gone Wild - which only came to mind due to recent events.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Local and World History (and Dayton's role in it all) - Arts and Crafts (from Renaissance Art to Puppetry) - DIY Home & Auto Repair - Landscaping & Gardening - Food Prep (from growing or catching to cooking, nutrition & entertaining) - Sports (local, college, & pro) - Outdoor Activities (Cycling, Sailing, Climbing, etc.) - Fitness, Exercise, Nutrition, Health & Wellness - Humor, Jokes, & Satire - Mysteries, Thrillers, Westerns, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Pulp fiction - Straight, Fetish, & LGBT topics & erotica - Archaeology, Photography, Poetry, Essays, Travel, Plays, Drama, Thrillers, Suspense, Religion, UFOs, Occult Studies, Psychology, Biographies, True Crime, Civil War, World War II, Aviation, Railroads, Children's & Young Adult books, plus all manner of comics, magazines, & DVDs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are literally thousands of reasons to "Like" Bonnett's Book Store. Please do! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BonnettsBooks" rel="" target="_blank">Bonnett's Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We're also on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/107361856672934990056/about" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/BonnettsBooks" target="_blank">Twitter</a> (@BonnettsBooks), <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bonnettsbooks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12723072-bonnett-s-book-store" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, <a href="http://bonnettsbooks.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/bonnettsbooks#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonnettsbooks/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>, & <a href="http://foursquare.com/bonnettsbooks" target="_blank">Foursquare</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Shopping in BONNETT'S you'll have</u>: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>NO</b></span> browser history, cookies, or temp files to worry about.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">NO</span></b> social media sites serving ads based on your searches & telling everyone what you 'Like'.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">NO</span></b> product recommendations related to things you've bought online.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;">NO</span></b> 'Big Brother' looking at your data.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>YES!</b></span> Have the freedom to buy what you want without judgement.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">YES!</span></b> Pay with your credit or debit cards without an item description on your bill.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>YES!</b></span> Surprise someone with a perfect book or movie gift, even if they find the receipt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>YES!</b></span> Save the planet and your money! Buying used is recycling and inexpensive.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>YES!</b></span> Trade in your quality Used Books, Comics, Magazines, & Movies for extra savings</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>YES!</b></span> Support a Local, Small Business that's been serving the Dayton, Ohio area for 75 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you've been here before, we look forward to seeing you again. If you've never been here before, bring a friend and come explore! Bonnett's Book Store is part of a complete date night - wait for showtime at The Neon, or for your table to open, or browse while your dinner settles, or come down just to visit Bonnett's!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We hope to see you soon! :-)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-25204053110234992002014-01-21T15:37:00.001-05:002014-01-21T15:37:04.656-05:00Romeo & Juliet - Many Editions<p dir="ltr">With Saint Valentine's Day around the corner I can't help but think of Romance, and the holiday's namesake massacre brings Tragedy to mind. There's no greater romantic tragedy than "Romeo and Juliet". Here are some of the many versions available now at Bonnett's Books!</p>
<p dir="ltr">● Dell Lit <b>Romeo and Juliet</b> & <b>West Side Story</b> [In one book! How cool is that? "Very!", if you ask me.]<br>
● Cambridge Oxford Updated Edition<br>
● Oxford Press<br>
● Penguin Pelican Shakespeare<br>
● Signet Classics<br>
● Storti Story of Romeo & Juliet (English Edition) [just the tale, not the play]<br>
● Washington Square Press (WSP) Folger Shakespeare Library (Includes Detailed Explanatory Notes)</p>
<p dir="ltr">▶ <i>MORE of The Bard</i>:<br>
Marchette Chute's <b>Stories from Shakespeare</b>, Richard Armour's <b>Twisted Tales from Shakespeare </b>- <i>illustrated by Cambell Grant</i>, and Michael Maerone's <b>Timeless Wisdom of Shakespeare</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">▶ <i>AND STILL MORE:</i> <br>
Hamlet, Othello, the gang's all here... Honestly, far too many plays and playwright's to list now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">★ <b><i>Alternative:</i></b><br>
Romance not your thing? Try our Adult, True Crime, Role Playing Games, History, Biography, Arts, DIY, Westerns, War, Humor, Crafts, Hobbies, Sports, and more, including Comics and DVDs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To take a peek at the possibilities look us up and check out our feed in your favorite website or app. If you can't find us orvwant to know more just let us know!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4UIML0WknnY/Ut7abv9WApI/AAAAAAAATFM/4GAFVfu72m8/s1600/20140120_222844-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4UIML0WknnY/Ut7abv9WApI/AAAAAAAATFM/4GAFVfu72m8/s640/20140120_222844-1.jpg"> </a> </div>BonK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06551198617178412935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-38410953456979665812013-10-09T01:29:00.000-04:002013-10-09T01:29:33.801-04:00OCTOBER? Already?Tonight I had time to notice that I haven't updated the blog since April. That April post included a (then) up-to-date visitors guide to <a href="http://daytoncvb.com/" target="_blank">Dayton, Ohio</a>'s <a href="http://oregondistrict.org/" target="_blank">Historic Oregon District</a>. In these few short months that guide has changed quite a bit. With <a href="http://www.downtowndayton.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42" target="_blank">HAUNTFEST on FIFTH</a> drawing near, and Holiday shopping around the corner, I figure I'd better set things right.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Oregon Shop Guide Update</u></b>: <br />
16 Brown Street remains home to <a href="http://www.colorofenergygallery.com/" target="_blank">Color of Energy Gallery</a>, but is now shared with 2 brand new businesses: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheBeardedBarber" target="_blank">Hicks' The Bearded Barber</a> & <a href="http://foursquare.com/v/spice-paradise-dayton/524b3da211d2e7e0e2eabc28" target="_blank">Spice Paradise</a>. But what of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/therecordgallery" target="_blank">The Record Gallery</a> and <a href="http://www.sewdayton.com/" target="_blank">Sew Dayton</a>?<br />
<br />
Never Fear! <a href="http://www.sewdayton.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sew Dayton</b></a> moved a couple of blocks and around a corner to 261 Wayne Avenue, near <a href="http://www.pressdayton.com/" target="_blank">PRESS Coffee Bar</a>; and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/therecordgallery" target="_blank"><b>The Record Gallery</b></a> joined forces with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/recreatestore" target="_blank">ReCreate Music Shop</a> next to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FeathersVintage" target="_blank">Feathers Vintage</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>New to the scene</b> are <a href="http://lilysbistro.com/" target="_blank">Lily's Bistro</a>, <a href="http://salarrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Salar</a>, and <a href="http://www.wheatpennydayton.com/" target="_blank">Wheat Penny</a> restaurants, and <a href="http://toxicbrewcompany.com/" target="_blank">Toxic Brew Company</a> brewery.<br />
<br />
Also, I've just noticed that our friends at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClashConsignments" target="_blank">Clash Consignment</a> were neglected in the April guide, as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Found-Treasures-4-You/502620506439251" target="_blank">Found Treasures 4 You</a>. Corrected.<br />
<br />
AND, as the April guide was aimed at a younger crowd, I intentionally left off <a href="http://www.livethefantasy.com/exoticoregon.html" target="_blank">Exotic Fantasies</a>, <a href="http://www.daytontattooshop.com/" target="_blank">Gem City Tattoo Club</a>, and <a href="http://daytontattooteam.com/oregon-district-team/" target="_blank">Glenn Scott's Oregon Tattoo Team</a>, as well as the local bars known more for party-fun than dining: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pulsedayton" target="_blank">Pulse Nite Club</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/clubvex?rf=205029306192699" target="_blank">Club Vex</a>, <a href="http://www.georgenewcomstavern.com/" target="_blank">Newcom's Tavern</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nedpeppersbar" target="_blank">Ned Pepper's</a>!BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-44228648572284901282013-04-10T21:50:00.002-04:002013-04-10T22:00:43.679-04:00Winter Guard International World Championships in Dayton<a href="http://www.wgi.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Winter Guard International</a> (WGI) World Championships return April 11-20, 2013!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Info for Daytonians:</b></u><br />
What is Winter Guard? Winter Guard Championships are really two separate competitions. Flag Corps and Drum Corps. I lived near a hotel as a kid and used to enjoy watching teams practice in the parking lot. If you really want to know about Winter Guard they'll explain it best themselves. Just visit <a href="http://www.wgi.org/">http://www.wgi.org</a>!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Info for Visitors:</b></u></span><br />
There are plenty of great things to see and do in the Dayton, OH area. Too many to list them all! Here are some highlights in the immediate vicinity of our shop, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bonnetts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonnett's Book Store</a> (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">our</span> Facebook</span> profile -we're also active on <a href="https://twitter.com/BonnettsBooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://foursquare.com/bonnettsbooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foursquare</a> (check-in here for a discount)!<br />
<br />
Our neighborhood is known as the Oregon District, the O.D. for short, the Oregon Historic District, and/or the Oregon Arts District. We're Historic for being Dayton's First neighborhood, and we're Arts for being home to a concentration of Galleries, Craft, Vintage, and Thrift shopping. Add to that numerous one-of-a-kind Taverns and Restaurants only found in Dayton, and it all adds up to one great way to exercise free time and grab a bite to eat!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>What's here?</b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>In order by geography, West to East - entirely walkable in good weather.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">All parking is FREE in lots and streetside, but be careful not to park in a private lot.</span><b> </b><br />
<b>Bold listings</b> may be of special interest to WGI visitors.<br />
<i>Italic listings</i> represent places to eat.<br />
<br />
<br />
130 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.neonmovies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Neon Movies</a>
- An independent cinema; the place to see quality films you won't find
at the multiplex. I like to enjoy a beer with my popcorn!<br />
<br />
<b>120 S Patterson Blvd</b> - <b><a href="http://www.hauermusic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hauer Music</a></b> - New and Used Drums, sheet music, and just about any musical instrument you might want. Brass, strings, keys, you name it!<br />
<br />
<i>200 E Fifth St -</i> <i><a href="http://www.smokinbarbque.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smokin' BBQ</a></i> - If you like barbecue you've gotta give this a try. Homemade sides and sauces! My favorite is the pulled pork sandwich.<br />
<br />
<i>225 E Sixth St -</i> <i><a href="http://www.jays.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jay's Seafood</a></i> - Fine dining, steaks, and Always Fresh Fish!<br />
<br />
318 E Fifth St - <a href="http://omegamusicdayton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Omega Music</a> - A huge selection of New & Used music on vinyl and more!<br />
<br />
<i>336 E Fifth St -</i> <i><a href="http://www.oregonexpressdayton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Oregon Express</a></i>
- By Day, a great place to take the family for the O.D.'s best pizza.
By Night, a fine music destination. In warm weather, visit the deck for a
nice view of downtown Dayton.<br />
<br />
<i>11 Brown St -</i> <a href="http://www.thai9restaurant.com/Main.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Thai 9</i></a> - Excellent Sushi and Thai food. 9 levels of spicy hotness. Pad Thai is my favorite, and level 4 is hot enough for me.<br />
<br />
16 Brown St (shared space) - <a href="http://www.colorofenergygallery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Color of Energy Gallery</a> - A Mike Elsass Art Gallery<br />
<br />
16 Brown St (shared space) - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therecordgallery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Record Gallery</a> - Collectible Vinyl, CDs, Posters, Memorabilia, and more!<br />
<br />
<b>16 Brown St (shared space) - <a href="http://www.sewdayton.com/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sew Dayton</a></b> - Fabrics, Classes, Accessories, Alterations, Repairs, and vintage flair!<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>416 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.5thstreetwineanddeli.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5th Street Wine and Deli</a></i> - Fabulous sandwiches, a great selection of soft drinks, carry-out craft beer and wine, candy, gum, chips and more!<br />
<br />
101 Pine St - <a href="http://www.wileyscomedyclub.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wiley's Comedy Niteclub</a> - Dayton's First and Ohio's Oldest Comedy Club!<br />
<br />
<i>430 E Fifth St - <a href="http://blindbobs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blind Bob's</a></i>
- Excellent specialty hamburgers, waffle fries, and more. Great place
to have lunch or dinner during the day, and a fun place for drinks with
friends at night!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>438 E Fifth St - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/recreatestore" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ReCreate Music Shop</a></b> - Used Musical Equipment, Service and Repair of Instruments, Amps, and Electronics.<br />
<br />
440 E Fifth St - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FeathersVintage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Feathers Vintage</a> - Clothing, knick-knacks, memorabilia, toys, records, and more!<br />
<br />
464 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.brimonfifth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brim</a> - Awesome hat shop! No ball caps found here.<br />
<br />
501 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodwill</a> - Need something cheap in a hurry? Belts, blouses, ties, shirts, and much more! I mean, everyone knows about Goodwill, right?<br />
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<b>502 E Fifth St - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BonnettsBooks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonnett's Books</a></b> (our <span style="font-size: x-small;">Facebook</span> page) - Discount used books, YA, manga, box sets, music books, DVDs, classics, comics, vintage magazines, and more!<br />
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504 E Fifth St - <a href="http://practiceyogadayton.com/web/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Practice Yoga</a> - See their site for schedule and pricing. Drop-in beginner classes available!<br />
<br />
506 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derailed/160894597274647" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Derailed Salon</a> - Need a haircut while you're in Dayton? Mindy and Austin can help you out.<br />
<br />
508 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.lorettapuncer.com/gallery.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gallery 510</a> & <a href="http://www.peaceonfifth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peace on Fifth</a> - Art, hand-made gifts, cards, accessories.<br />
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510 E Fifth St - <a href="http://eclectic-essentials.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eclectic Essentials</a> - Decor and more!<br />
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511 E Fifth St - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sterling-Studio/165509683521772" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sterling Studio</a> - Jewelry, gifts, originals, custom work!<br />
<br />
<i>520 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.luckystaproom.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lucky's Taproom and Eatery</a></i> - Great food, beer battered fish - you choose the brew!<br />
<br />
<i>524 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.roostdayton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roost Modern Italian Restaurant</a></i> - The most recent addition to the Oregon District's culinary extravaganza! <br />
<br />
<i>530 E Fifth St - <a href="http://trolleystopdayton.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Trolley Stop</a></i> - Pitas, burgers, quesadillas, tacos, soups, and vegan menu, and a great patio dining area!<br />
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601 E Fifth St - <a href="http://www.ohiobudokan.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ohio Budokan</a> - Martial Arts and Japanese Culture Center - one free class for visitors!<br />
<br />
605 E Fifth St - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Modern/141113885961287" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jimmy Modern / Vintage</a> - Great selection of mid-century modern decor, furniture and more!<br />
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<i>300 Wayne Ave - <a href="http://dubpub.com/home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dublin Pub</a></i> - Last on the list, but definitely not least, outstanding food and great atmosphere!<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Three blocks of awesome!</b></span> And this is only a partial list! We hope you enjoy your visit to Dayton. Good luck to all WGI competitors from <a href="https://plus.google.com/107361856672934990056/posts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonnett's Book Store</a>!</span>BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-47934998867830774822013-03-16T00:56:00.002-04:002013-03-16T00:56:37.251-04:00Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction<i>Via <a href="http://goodreads.com/">Goodreads.com</a> we recently received an invitation to join a small group-discussion board concerning Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction. I've read some of each, but I lean toward the Science Fiction genre, or works becoming known as Speculative Fiction. The invitation to that group inspired some thought on the subject, as follows</i>:<br />
<br />
Many now classic works have been labeled with a genre which were composed prior to the existence of that genre. Clearly, without a genre for which to write Frankenstein is a literary work by default - not horror or sci-fi, just Lit. <br />
<br />
Perhaps I'm jaded, but these days it seems difficult to find Genre fiction written with Literary intent. I don't blame authors. Few authors would spend the vast amounts of time and effort required for
publication if they didn't have a strong desire to write, or an idea
they simply couldn't contain. I'm sure responsibility falls primarily on the shoulders of publishers, who buy what they think will sell. Author's, then - to make a living, must write what publishers buy, becoming 'jobbers' rather than 'artisans' out of necessity.<br />
<br />
The most prominent examples of Literary Genre fiction which come to my mind are hardly current: <a href="http://www.spaceagecity.com/bradbury/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ray Bradbury</a>'s <i>Fahrenheit 451</i>, <a href="http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George Orwell</a>'s <i>1984</i>, <a href="http://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/3994/the-art-of-fiction-no-48-anthony-burgess" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anthony Burgess</a>' <i>A Clockwork Orange</i>, <a href="http://www.thomaspynchon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thomas Pynchon</a>'s <i>Gravity's Rainbow</i>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/MargaretAtwood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Margaret Atwood</a>'s <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i> are good examples. Of this group, only Bradbury might be branded a genre writer.<br />
<br />
In my opinion one of the most well-known spec-fic writers, <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/philip-k-dick-sci-fi-philosopher-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philip K. Dick</a>, was not a very good writer, but neither was he a sell-out. His concepts and ideas are the stuff of legend, in print and on the big screen, but he doesn't seem, to me, to have been an artisan. He was more a philosopher than a writer, driven to share his ideas and concepts. Rather than explore the craft, he needed to expel demons. So, rather than Lit or Genre, it's Fascinating Ideas which have sold his works.<br />
<br />
Two fellows whose skill I admire greatly today are <a href="http://michaelchabon.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Chabon</a> - a true literary artisan, and <a href="http://www.wired.com/underwire/2012/09/interview-with-william-gibson/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Gibson</a>, also a craftsman - though perhaps not as widely recognized as such.<br />
<br />
Gibson is almost single-handedly responsible for inventing the now-fading sub-genre of <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CyberPunk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cyberpunk Sci-Fi</a> in his novel Neuromancer. He and Bruce Sterling co-wrote The Difference Engine, which was crucial to the rise of modern <a href="http://steampunkworldsfair.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Steampunk</a>. Furthermore, Gibson's literary contributions since have helped lead to the current trend of re-designating much of what had been known as science fiction with the term I used above, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speculative_fiction" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Speculative Fiction</a>. Gibson puts the writing first, to better convey his ideas, and seems to have only been grafted with the sci-fi moniker as a side effect of the success of his early works, which were indeed sci-fi.<br />
<br />
He's since become far less a science fiction author than he is the teller of well-written and interesting stories. His latest books likely wouldn't be considered science fiction at all to those unaware of his earliest works, though I'm not sure what tag I would apply.<br />
<br />
My point in all of the above is really just to say that the writing of Lit and/or Genre begin with the intentions of the writer. One must choose to be Literary first. Applying a Genre to one's work is simply the vehicle used on a great Literary road-trip. Whether or not it will sell is anyone's guess.BonnettsBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15011755811756501627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20834754.post-73947695331410851832013-02-26T01:15:00.001-05:002013-03-06T21:04:31.941-05:00The Modern Age of Super-Hero Cinema<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've mentioned before, we can't help but love movies. So many <a href="http://www.mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/based-book" target="_blank">Books serve as inspiration for Films</a> that it's a near impossibility not to enjoy both, sometimes.<br />
<br />
My brother and I grew up in the age of pre-super-hero cinema. I count Tim Burton's <i>Batman</i> as the birth of the super-hero age of film. Certainly, others would disagree, calling out <a href="http://www.christopherreeve.org/" target="_blank">Christopher Reeve</a> era Superman, but there's a distinct difference between that <a href="http://youtu.be/q-v1RyLNWU8" target="_blank">Superman (1978)</a> and <a href="http://youtu.be/5Jgz-g9g4VE" target="_blank">Batman (1989)</a>, aside from the decade-plus span between them.<br />
<br />
Superman was a wonderful movie in it's time, but it was a film made of Hollywood rather than of Comics. I'll try to explain...<br />
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Film, being a visual medium, has lent itself, since it's silent-film beginnings, to offering up spectacular new worlds. <a href="http://archive.org/details/LeVoyageDansLaLune_218" target="_blank">A Trip to the Moon (1902)</a> by <a href="http://www.melies.eu/English.html" target="_blank">Georges Méliès</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000485/maindetails" target="_blank">Fritz Lang</a>'s <a href="http://archive.org/details/MetropolisFritzLang1927Remastered" target="_blank">Metropolis (1927)</a> are two prime examples of the earliest silent-film spectacles, and prime examples of movie-making as well! <i>A Trip to the Moon</i> was a present-day (at it's time) <a href="http://blog.room34.com/archives/4927" target="_blank">frolic of fun, fantasy and frivolity,</a> while <i>Metropolis</i> delves into societal woes and political commentary in a stunning future world... To help bridge the rather distant topical gap between those two movies, let me include <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._W._Murnau" target="_blank">F.W. Murnau</a>'s <a href="http://youtu.be/a7y3pHesceU" target="_blank">Nosferatu (1922)</a> - a horror fantasy both thoughtful and fun, in the way that scary movies are fun. Each of those were visual spectacles.<br />
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There's no denying the hundreds of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102713/" target="_blank">great films which have lacked high-levels of Spectacle</a>, but they're not often easily recalled. Even the <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1003707-casablanca/" target="_blank">great real-world dramas</a> in film history have been spectacular in some way or another. <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/alfred_hitchcock.html" target="_blank">Alfred Hitchcock</a> had a remarkable ability to spectacularize the mundane. His movie <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1017289-rear_window/" target="_blank">Rear Window (1954)</a> is one of my very favorite movies, and it's entire story takes place from the viewpoint of one room in an unremarkable apartment building, featuring characters who were just regular people that any of us might know; yet, it was spectacular in its filmic ingenuity.<br />
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The point of all this is that Spectacle is not a bad thing. It's what makes us want to go to the movies, even when a movie is billed as "<a href="http://www.afi.com/100years/passions.aspx" target="_blank">The Greatest Love Story of ALL Time!</a>" A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Walk_in_the_Clouds" target="_blank">great romance</a>, then, IS the <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gone_with_the_wind/" target="_blank">spectacle</a>.<br />
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Now, getting back to the Christopher Reeve Superman... the tagline for that movie was "<a href="http://aftimes.com/2013/01/radio-control-superman-youll-believe-a-man-can-fly/" target="_blank">You'll Believe a Man Can Fly!</a>" The spectacle was the thing selling it. Cinema had reached a turning point in visual innovation. Maybe it was technology, maybe it was studio greed, maybe it was an audience clamoring for MORE! Probably all of the above. The years leading up to Superman included big hairy fistfuls of effects heavy classics. From <a href="http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/04/10/video-demonstrates-restoration-of-jaws-added-jaws-trivia/" target="_blank">Jaws</a> and the first remake of <a href="http://www.pulpanddagger.com/canuck/Kong_skull.html" target="_blank">King Kong</a> - for robotic special effects, to the <a href="http://planetoftheapes.wikia.com/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes_Wiki" target="_blank">Planet of the Apes movies</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074812/mediaindex" target="_blank">Logan's Run</a> - for unusual sets and make-up effects, to <a href="http://youtu.be/nM58dJ5l9B8" target="_blank">Star Wars</a>, <a href="http://youtu.be/hAL2Dm-Bcv0" target="_blank">Close Encounters</a>, and <a href="http://youtu.be/Fdjf4lMmiiI" target="_blank">Indiana Jones</a> for new uses of miniatures, mattes, and some more make-up and physical effects. Superman came out at a time when Hollywood needed the most spectacular spectacle available, a being from another planet "who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men!" The risk in making Superman was the same risk as in the making of any other big-budget picture, but thesubject was no risk at all, having been mostly popular since his inception nearly 4 decades earlier. And so, the big-red "S" smashed it's way into our hearts all over again.<br />
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And, then what? Three sub-par sequels... Meanwhile, Star Wars rose to <a href="http://collider.com/star-wars-map/" target="_blank">galactic</a> popularity, and multitudes of copycats followed. Science Fiction films blossomed beyond their previous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_science-fiction_films_of_the_1950s" target="_blank">pinnacle in the 1950s</a>. Alien crept from the ductwork, Jason, Freddy, and Michael Myers slashed at us, and Indiana Jones dug into ever more treacherous tombs. All of this Flash Gordon-y pulp horror and adventure caused some older viewers to reflect on things they'd grown up with... Reflection led to nostalgia, leading to more reflection, then rediscovery, and finally a realization that some of the most memorable stories ever sold had come from movie serials and 10-cent comic books. Indiana Jones, archaeologist and tomb raider, helped us rediscover our own entertainment history.<br />
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Coincidentally, during this same period of time, comics were going through some growing pains of their own. Year after year of declining sales wasn't helped by rising competition from TV toy-cartoons, and the birth of video games. Also, a budding industry of Indie Comic publishers had been whittling away at the major publisher's market share by releasing grittier, bloodier, and sexier comics, many of which also had intriguing stories with more mature elements than the major publishers could print - thanks to the Comics Code Authority (CCA).<br />
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The CCA was established in the 1950's after a big stink rose from the bowels of one Dr. Frederic Wertham. His book, "Seduction of the Innocent" made claims that violence in comics was corrupting the youth. He included in the book the results of interviews with problem youth, whom he claimed had pointed the finger at comics, TV, and movies as their inspiration for doing bad things. It has recently been discovered that Wertham intentionally skewed some of this information in the effort to prove his misguided point.<br />
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Major comic book publishers voluntarily submitted their works for CCA approval for about 45 years, until the indie publishers started to gain popularity. At this time, in the 1980s, Marvel and DC began experimenting with edgier stories, re-packaging older stories into large volumes of collected works, and so, the Graphic Novel was born.<br />
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Many of the newer edgy stories were new works with all-new casts of characters. But some stories featured our favorite heroes in times and places previously unknown. The first of the Great Graphic Novels in this new age of comic publishing was "The Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller. Frank Miller had been working in comics to great acclaim in Marvel's "Daredevil" series and had built up enough klout to get a chance at a darkly futuristic Batman story with "The Dark Knight Returns." In DKR crime is rampant throughout Gotham City following the retirement of the Batman. Able to stand it no more, old man Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl once more. Along the way he picks up a new Robin - a girl Robin! - and crosses paths with multiple gang armies, and Superman even makes an appearance. The Dark Knight Returns is beginning to feel a little dated, but is unquestionably one of the greatest works in comic-book history, not just for it's great story, but for introducing new ways of presenting a story in comics form. I re-read it often, and I recommend it, highly.<br />
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The astonishing success of The Dark Knight Returns is the root of modern super-hero cinema. If not for Frank Miller and DKR we never would've had the Tim Burton "Batman" which borrowed a number of story-telling elements directly from Frank Miller's DKR. Burton made this "Batman" his own, but this movie existed, not as a Hollywood showcase, but because it had become clear through DKR that comics could have compelling stories and boatloads of spectacle at the same time. And that's why Batman begins the modern super-hero movie era, instead of Superman.<br />
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Following on the heels of Batman came a flurry of other pulp and comic-book-inspired movies: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Mask, The Rocketeer, The Shadow, and more; through more Frank Miller creations like "300" and "Sin City", all the way to our most-modern and greatest super-hero movie yet, "The Avengers."<br />
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I'll add some interesting and fun links to this later, but I thought you should know, this piece was inspired by the Oscar win of Jennifer Lawrence for "Silver Linings Playbook." Jennifer Lawrence played the young Raven Darkholme (aka Mystique) in "X-Men: First Class" which reminded me that Halle Berry, who played Ororo Munroe (aka Storm) in X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men III: The Last Stand... which in turn reminded me that Ellen Page, who played Rogue throughout X-Men I-III had also won*. Considering their male co-stars - Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Hugh Jackman - one is almost forced to wonder "<a href="http://youtu.be/zspPTBT-ad4" target="_blank">What's up with that?</a>" <br />
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*Corrections/additional info (via <a href="http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/">http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org</a>): <br />
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<li><b>Ellen Page</b> did NOT win, but was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for <i>Juno</i>. </li>
<li><b>Ian McKellen</b> has had two nominations, 1st for Actor in a Leading Role for <i>Gods and Monsters</i>, 2nd for Actor in a Supporting Role for <i>Fellowship of the Ring</i>.</li>
<li><b>Halle Berry</b> won Best Actress in a Leading Role for <i>Gods and Monsters</i> and is the only Oscar winner to have portrayed multple 'supers' - Storm in <i>X-Men</i> 1-3 and <i>Catwoman</i>.</li>
<li><b>Jennifer Lawrence</b> has been nominated twice for Best Actress in a Leading Role, 1st for <i>Winter's Bone</i> and receiving the statuette for for <i>Silver Linings Playbook</i>.</li>
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The intent was to illustrate that only female X-Men have won Oscars for Leading Roles, albeit in other films.<br />
Many other Oscar notables have appeared in super-hero films (non-acting awards have not been included here):<br />
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<b>Jack Nicholson</b> and <b>Kim Basinger</b> appeared together in Tim Burton's <i>Batman</i> and have each won Oscars - Basinger as Actress in a Supporting Role for <i>L.A. Confidential</i> and Nicholson as Best Actor for <i>Cuckoo's Nest</i>, Supporting Role in <i>Terms of Endearment</i>, and Leading Role in <i>As Good as it Gets</i>.<br />
<b>Michelle Pfeiffer</b> - Catwoman in <i>Batman Returns</i> has 3 nominations, 2 of which were for Leading Role.<br />
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<b>Tommy Lee Jones</b> - Two-Face in <i>Batman Forever</i> - has had 3 Supporting Role noms, winning for <i>The Fugitive</i>, and one Leading Role nomination.<br />
<b>Uma Thurman</b> - Poison Ivy in <i>Batman & Robin</i> - was nominated for Supporting Role in <i>Pulp Fiction</i>.<br />
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There are many more items like these, but too many to include here. I'll leave it to you to look up your favorites. ;-)<br />
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