House of Dance Beth Kephart

House of Dance by Beth Kephart. The two books I had planned to read couldn't hold my interest. I was searching through a pile of books I had on the floor yesterday but nothing held my interest. I desperately searched that same pile today and discover a gem, House of Dance. 15 yr old Rosie Keith lives with her mother. Ever since Rosie's father left the two have been unconnected. Rosie had no set plans for the summer, but suddenly she is needed to help are dying grandfather. Rosie takes the job seriously sorting though her grandfather's many belongings with love. In between the sorting she learns her grandfather's story. He introduces Rosie to a few long lost friends including Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr. Rosie begins taking dance lessons at the House of Dance. She is determined to give her grandfather a party filled with dance, love, memories and color. House of Dance is simply beautiful. Kephart's telling is straight forward, and though you know there is a death coming the sadness is diminished thanks to all the color and joy of dance, music and life

"Annie Pearl in the end brought down the house with any flower that blooms in ruby red, because ruby red is the color of July , which is the color of passion, which is the color of life being lived"

America's Got Talent (way off topic)

Am I the only one who finds it funny/ironic that NBC's America's Got Talent show has two British Judges.

The Book is Blue

Another Unfortunate skit

Jason and Tamika, two Books are Beautiful employees are standing at customer service. Tamika senses a customer approaching and she quickly sizes them up. Her years of customer service tell her this will not be easy. Tamika quickly grabs some books to reshelve leaving Jason to fend for himself

Jason- Hi, How can I help you today?
Customer- I would like to buy a book I saw on that table a few weeks ago
Jason- Sure no problem, what's the title?
Customer- I don't know but it was on that table a few weeks ago
Jason- (remembers to breath and not roll eyes) What's the book about?
Customer- I don't remember, I saw someone reading on the train yesterday and it reminded me of the great book I saw few weeks ago at your wonderful establishment
Jason- (ponders over wonderful establishment) Do you remember any words in the title?
Customer- I think there was a number in the title but I know for sure it was blue and about this big
Jason- Unfortunately our computers do not allow us to search by color and size
Customer- Well I know its here somewhere
Jason (Says nothing)
Customer- It was on that table a few weeks ago
Jason- I understand that Sir but unfortunately I don't have enough information
to locate that book for you. Perhaps I can interest you in something
else?
Customer- No that's okay I am not much of a reader. There was just something about
that book. But thanks so much for your time I really appreciate it

A Not So Happy Returner

Another Unfortunate Skit

Customer removes two books from a ratty supermarket bag and slams them on the counter. Customer interrupts the Books are Beautiful employee

Employee- Hi ho
Customer- I want to return these
Employee- Do you have your receipt
Customer- No but I paid cash
Employee- Takes a closer look at the returns. Unfortunately these books are damaged we can not take them back
Customer- But I just got them last week and I paid cash. All I want is my cash back
Employee- (picks up one on the returns) Sir, this book cover is bent halfway back
Customer- (snatches the book back, begins smoothing down the cover) Just place it under a heavier book for an hour or so, and it'll be perfectly fine
Employee- (doesn't respond to that little piece of advice, simply moves on to the other book) Sir, I don't know whats wrong with this one but we didn't sell it in this condition
Customer- It got a little wet. Its fine, the pages are still readable see. Just place it near a window to get some sun and it will be as good as new
Employee- Unfortunately we can't take back damaged items
Customer- You keep on telling me what you can't do. That is not good customer service
Employee- Would you like me to call a manager
Customer - No I won't let you waste anymore of my time. Just let your manager know I was planning to spend 100 dollars cash today, but I will never shop in this anti the customer store again. I will tell my friends to do the same
Employee- Doesn't respond to the tirade. Simply holds his retail poker face like a professional
Customer - Storms off without the books or the ratty plastic bag
Employee- (returns to smiling mode calls next customer) Hi, How are you doing today? Thanks for choosing Books are Beautiful

Concealed Weapons on Marta

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2008/05/14/bills_0515.html So starting tomorrow it will be legal for licensed gun holders to carry concealed weapons on public transportation. This scares the sh*t out of me. I am not worried about the regular riders, but rather the tourist who are visiting Atlanta from small towns and have heard horror stories about the big city and public transportation. I am worried they will carry their guns and see a threat when there is none. It nice that they passed this bill right before a major holiday.