The Way Back on Wednesday: A Few Historical Characters I Miss

By |2021-07-13T13:40:39-04:00July 14th, 2021|Categories: Characters, Historicals, Interviews, Sandy AAR, Way Back on Wednesday|Tags: , , , , |

originally published on March 23, 2009

One of the perennial favorite topics around AAR is the lack of historical accuracy in today’s historical romances.

Still, there is what AAR readers want and then what the rest of the reading world wants – at least according to some publishers. I’m hearing from certain writer friends who are, in turn, hearing it from their publishers that readers these days don’t especially care about historical accuracy – not to mention, of course, the belief that readers only want books set in 19th century England. […]

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Because It's Been Really Stressful Lately

By |2017-06-23T08:31:59-04:00January 22nd, 2010|Categories: AAR afterhours blog, pets, Sandy AAR|

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ-jv8g1YVI&feature=player_embedded#

I’m going to treat us all to one of my favorite cat videos.  And, since cruising for cute cats on YouTube is one of my favorite things to do when…er, I’m wasting time on the Internets, that is saying something.  Because, hey, the truth is that I am one major league, certified, and accredited Cat Video Expert.

I like this one because he is so intense and serious about his ride. Because, as those of us who love them know, cats aren’t exactly known for having a sharp sense of humor.  Or any sense of humor.  At all.

But, you’ve got to admit, it does look fun.

I have a Roomba.  I have a cat.  Plans are underway.

– Sandy AAR

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The Interwebs: We're All So Cute and Peppy!

By |2017-06-23T08:32:01-04:00January 15th, 2010|Categories: AAR afterhours blog, Real Life, Sandy AAR|Tags: , |

RolandhedleyMan, the Interwebs certainly has changed our lives since Al Gore got the idea all those years ago.

Now with Twitter and FaceBook, people know where you are.  Every day.  All the time.

They know what you’re doing, what you’re not doing, and what you should be doing.  And, unless you’re fabricating a w-a-a-a-a-y more interesting life than you really have (and it happens right here in Romanceland, I believe) they know when you’re not exercising, not working, not sleeping, and not getting any.

We all make cute quips, witty observations, and seriously profound profundities.  All in 140 characters or less.

[…]

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Another Adorable Cat Video

By |2017-06-23T08:32:03-04:00December 9th, 2009|Categories: AAR afterhours blog, Sandy AAR|Tags: |

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtDjM6QqULU

As a companion to the precious video Jane posted below, here’s another in the classic Maru the Cat oeuvre on YouTube.  He is the star of many videos, but this one is my favorite.  Just goes to show you don’t have to be young and cute to be adorable.

-Sandy AAR

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Spinal Tap: This One Goes to 11

By |2017-06-23T08:32:03-04:00December 5th, 2009|Categories: AAR afterhours blog, Movies, Sandy AAR|

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbVKWCpNFhY

Jean’s post about her discovery of Christopher Guest has had me fondly remembering my favorite bits from movie pasts.  Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, it’s easy.

This is Spinal Tap was when most of us were introduced to the incredible talents of Mr. Guest – AKA, 5th Baron Haden-Guest.  Coming up with my favorite scene was a challenge.  The glories of Stonehenge aside, it finally came down to two — Lick My Love Pump (which, sadly, I couldn’t find online) and the amp that goes to 11.  I settled on 11.

-Sandy AAR

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True Blood: Season Two Out with a Whimper

By |2017-06-23T08:32:07-04:00September 15th, 2009|Categories: AAR afterhours blog, Sandy AAR, Television|Tags: , , |

truebloodfinale_1_gallery_primaryOnce they wrapped up the Fellowship of the Sun storyline, the season meandered pretty dramatically for me.

Crazy ass psycho bitch Sarah Newlin (acted to perky perfection) and dim bulb Jason just clicked and I loved the wry tone of the storyline.

The maenad, not so much.  Generally speaking, nice people acting mean isn’t a favorite plot device of mine (I always hated the vampire Willow episodes of Buffy) and there was just too much of it.  And, let’s face it, not enough Eric in the final episodes of the season.

[…]

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Sunday Night TV Wankdom: The Sandy Version

By |2017-06-23T08:32:08-04:00September 1st, 2009|Categories: AAR afterhours blog, Sandy AAR, Television|Tags: , |

don-draper-promo-picOn Sunday night I fell asleep during Mad Men.

This unprecedented occurrence is due to the fact that showrunner Matt Weiner seems to have permanently inserted his head up his ass.

In other words, I think he is putting a bit too much credence in his own press.

Do I hope that somehow, someway he will unwedge himself?  You bet I do.  But with meandering plots; strange, ham-handedly “meaningful” shots of nothing (what was up with Don’s hand at the May Day celebration); and a determined lack of focus on anything resembling a forward-moving plot, I’m becoming less and less optimistic.

Right now, the emperor has no clothes.   None.  (If things change after watching Sunday’s third episode, I will eat appropriate amounts of crow.)  Mad Men has always come dangerously close to being in the red on the precious meter, but this season it is beyond pretentious.  And I want my Don […]

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