From heather at burningvoid.com Thu Jan 6 15:39:22 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Thu Jan 6 15:40:24 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] First site update! Message-ID: <0C3CA1BF-6023-11D9-AA1C-000A958E5B9C@burningvoid.com> Good morning, and welcome to Burning Void's official announcement and update list. Here's your first update of what's been going on at the site; it's rather longer than most such updates should be. New review posted, of "The 50 Best Cheesecakes in the World:" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/50bestcheesecakesinworld.php New review posted of "Empowering Teens to Build Self-Esteem:" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2004/empoweringteensselfesteem.php I've gotten myself put on some publishers' reviewer mailing lists, so I should be able to bring you more timely reviews of new and interesting books! Anyone interested in having us review their product or book should first check out our guidelines on the main review page: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/ I finished converting all of the old reviews to the new format. Then I discovered that there were quite a few reviews and essays at Epinions that I'd never linked to from the site for one reason or another. In some cases because I forgot; in others because I didn't have a relevant site section to link from. So, here are links to those reviews and articles, which have now been integrated into the site: In the writing section, "Typing, Writing and Repetitive Strain Injury" http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/tendonitis.php "Music to Write By" http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/musictowriteby.php Book and magazine reviews: Alice Orr's "No More Rejections: 50 Secrets to Writing a Manuscript that Sells" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2004/nomorerejections.php Datlow and Windling's "Silver Birch, Blood Moon" fairy tale anthology http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2003/silverbirchbloodmoon.php Gregory Stock's "The Book of Questions," a wonderful tool for writers and roleplayers alike http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/thebookofquestions.php the "Atlas of World History" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/atlasofworldhistory.php "Simply Christmas: Renew the Spirit. 201 Easy Crafts, Food and Decorating Ideas" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/simplychristmasrenew.php "Rex Cats: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/rexcatscomplete.php Consumer Reports' "Complete Drug Reference 2001" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/completedrugreference2001.php Gonick & Wheeler's "Cartoon Guide to Genetics" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/cartoonguidegenetics.php New Scientist Magazine http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/newscientistmagazine.php Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/kitchenconfidential.php Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/iknowwhycagedbirdsings.php Gaiman and Pratchett's "Good Omens" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/goodomens.php National Geographic Magazine http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/nationalgeographicmagazine.php Owl Goingback's "Darker than Night" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/darkerthannightgoingback.php A new kitchen gadget section, including reviews of a handful of Oxo items: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/cogadgets.php A couple of extra games: Trivial Pursuit, Star Wars Classic Trilogy Edition http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/trivialpursuitclassicstarwars.php Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/electronicyahtzee.php Heroes of Might and Magic 3 for Linux http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/heroesmightmagic3linux.php Civilization: Call to Power for Linux http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/civcalltopower.php A bunch of how-to cookbooks and reference books for cooks: Alton Brown's "I'm Just Here for the Food" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/imjusthereforthefoodbrown.php Shirley O. Corriher's "Cookwise" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/cookwisecorriher.php Peg Bracken's "The Compleat I Hate to Cook Book" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/compleatihatetocook.php Bear and Zeryck's "How to Repair Food" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/howtorepairfood.php Epstein and Klein's "Substituting Ingredients" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/substitutingingredients.php "The Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Companion" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/ williamssonomakitchencompanion.php Jack Piccolo's "Timing is Everything" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/timingiseverythingpiccolo.php Some web stores and services we've used: Adagio Teas http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/adagiotea.php Da Vinci Gourmet Flavor Syrups http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/davincigourmet.php Gardens Alive! http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2004/gardensalive.php Gevalia http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2003/gevalia.php King Arthur Flour Company's Baker's Catalogue http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/kafbakerscatalogue.php Spices, Etc. http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/spicesetc.php Weight Watchers at Home Program http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/weightwatchersathome.php Some household things: The Eureka Enviro Steam Cleaner for Floors http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/eurekaenvirosteamer.php The Eureka Hot Shot Hand-Held Steamer http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/eurekahotshotsteamer.php The Maytag Neptune Washing Machine http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2002/maytagneptunewashingmachine.php The Maytag Neptune Gas Dryer http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2003/maytagneptunedryer.php The Mr. Clean Magic Reach Starter Kit http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2004/mrcleanmagicreachstarter.php A Panasonic Air Conditioner http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/panasonicairconditioner.php A couple of movies: "Antitrust" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/antitrust.php "Grosse Pointe Blank" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/grossepointeblank.php "Pitch Black" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/pitchblack.php "Princess Mononoke" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/princessmononoke.php And one or two completely random things: The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2001/sheratonneworleans.php The palmOne Vx Handheld http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2000/palmonevxhandheld.php Thank you for joining us, and have a great day! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a blank email with "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the subject line, to burningvoid-announce-request [at] seven.pairlist.net Remember that you must confirm your subscription within 3 days' time! Follow the instructions in the email you receive. From heather at burningvoid.com Mon Jan 10 08:02:15 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Mon Jan 10 08:04:01 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] More new reviews--and an article! Message-ID: I've integrated more of the Twilight Time archived issues into the site, through the first half of 2002. And, finally, here's that article on one-on-one gaming: http://www.burningvoid.com/rpg/2005/oneonone.php As well as a new Twilight Time zine article on Instant Plot Hooks-by-Genre: http://seven.pairlist.net/pipermail/twilighttime/2005/000038.html I'm also working with a couple more publishers to get review copies, so there will be plenty of reviews in the site's future. For now, we have: A review of the Apple G4 17" Widescreen PowerBook Computer: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/g4powerbookhg.php A review of the computer game "Big Money" from PopCap games, for Mac OS X: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/bigmoneypopcap.php A review of the Microplane zester/grater: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/microplanezester.php A review of Gregory Stock's "The Book of Questions: Love and Sex:" http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/bookofquestionsloveandsex.php A review of the computer game "Bejeweled" from PopCap games, for Mac OS X: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/bejeweledpopcap.php A review of the Melting Pot Restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/meltingpotrestaurant.php Have a great week! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ Join our announcement list to hear about new articles and reviews! http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/burningvoid-announce From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Jan 14 03:13:20 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Jan 14 03:15:10 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #3 Message-ID: <27035BB6-6604-11D9-BC26-000A958E5B9C@burningvoid.com> We reviewed another edition of the "Book of Questions," this time the one on "Business, Politics and Ethics": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/boqbusinessethics.php You might find Lou Willett Stanek's "Story Starters" useful whether you're a writer or a roleplayer: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/storystarters.php We also reviewed the PopCap game "Alchemy" for Mac OS X: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/alchemypopcap.php If you use Mac OS X, "Formation" is a very handy little piece of organizational software that I swear by: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/formationmekanica.php The rest of the cooking resources are finally ported over to the new format (that white chocolate cheesecake recipe is proving quite popular...), and I added 2004's Thanksgiving menu: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/menu/thanksgiving2004.php I also arranged to receive some kitchenware for review, so I'll be able to post more of that sort of material in the future. In addition, the Twilight Time issues through 2003 have been worked into the RPG resources! Have a great weekend, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ Join our announcement list to hear about new articles and reviews! http://seven.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/burningvoid-announce From heather at burningvoid.com Tue Jan 18 07:29:21 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Tue Jan 18 07:32:29 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site Update 4--kitchenware reviews, Twilight Time archives, blog Message-ID: <94ADCF34-694C-11D9-BB6A-000A958E5B9C@burningvoid.com> Twilight Time back issues through 2004 have been integrated into the RPG resources: http://www.burningvoid.com/rpg/ My next review will probably be of a writers' book (Noah Lukeman's "The First Five Pages"), followed by a "Stargate SG-1" rpg sourcebook. We have reviews of a handful of kitchen gadgets and pieces of kitchenware, including: The Metrokane ice crusher: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/metrokaneicecrusher.php Cuisipro's tea infuser, which I swear looks like an alien listening device: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisiproteainfuser.php Cuisipro's dish rack with drain tray and cutlery holder: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisiprodishrack.php Cuisipro stainless steel mixing bowls, set of four: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisipromixingbowls.php Cuisipro silicone spatulas: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisiprosiliconespatulas.php Also, I must be completely insane because I started a blog as a place to ramble: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/ That and the announcement list together will replace the what's new/recent events page as the means to keep up with the site. I hope everyone had a great weekend, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net From heather at burningvoid.com Mon Jan 24 03:42:07 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Mon Jan 24 03:44:24 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update 5 Message-ID: Oops... last time I forgot to mention a cookbook review that went up, of Sheila Lukins' "Celebrate! 43 Celebrations--350 Recipes": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/celebratelukins.php There's a new exercise for the writers' section of the site, on using a tarot deck to inspire writing warm-ups: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/exer19.php And there's a new article for writers and roleplayers, on using tarot to create characters: http://www.burningvoid.com/rpg/2005/tarotpc.php A review of Noah Lukeman's "The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/firstfivepageslukeman.php Hope Warshaw's "Eat Out, Eat Right," for those of you who'd like to make your restaurant dining experiences a bit healthier: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/eatouteatrightwarshaw.php Have a great week, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Jan 28 06:11:45 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Jan 28 06:18:58 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #6--articles and many reviews Message-ID: <65536136-711D-11D9-B000-000A958E5B9C@burningvoid.com> I got inspired to write articles this last week. First came one on How to Review Cookbooks: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/reviewingcookbooks.php Then an article of recommended Writers' Books for Beginners: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/booksforbeginners.php And one on recommended Writers' Books for Inspiration: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/booksforinspiration.php I also sent out the second Twilight Time issue of the year, on using writers' prompts to inspire roleplaying material: http://seven.pairlist.net/pipermail/twilighttime/2005/000039.html There's a review of the wonderful "positive psychology" book "Authentic Happiness," by Martin E.P. Seligman Ph.D.: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/authentichappiness.php There's a handful of reviews of OXO kitchen gadgets: OXO Jar opener: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oxojaropener.php OXO Can opener: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oxocanopener.php OXO Winged corkscrew: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oxowingedcorkscrew.php OXO Pastry blender: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oxopastryblender.php OXO Bottle and can opener: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oxobottlecanopener.php And a review of the Doctor's Choice burn and abrasion pads: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/doctorschoiceburnpads.php I'm working on making enough recipes to be able to review a handful of cookbook review copies, and I received a couple of writing books from the "complete idiot's guide" series that I'll be reading and reviewing soon. I hope your weekend is relaxing and fun, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Feb 4 09:12:03 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Feb 4 09:14:33 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #7--reviews of writers' books and cookbooks; notes Message-ID: <7cc8eeecb2dd8520a5f5a5107adff3b3@burningvoid.com> A little less went up on the site this week; at least in part you can blame World of Warcraft. I didn't spend quite as much after-hours time working on web site stuff as usual since instead I was off playing the game. ;) However, there's a review of the amazing "1,001 Low-Fat Recipes" from Sue Spitler and Surrey Books: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/1001lowfatrecipesspitler.php There's also a review of "1,001 More Low-Fat Recipes," which was almost as good as the first book: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/1001morelowfatrecipes.php There's a review of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles" from Alpha Books, which I highly recommend: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cigpubmagazinearticles.php And "Some Writers Deserve to Starve! 31 Brutal Truths about the Publishing Industry" by Elaura Niles, an absolutely hilarious and scathingly helpful book: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/somewritersdeservetostarve.php I received a nice bunch of books from F&W Publications/Writer's Digest Books, so there's a great set of reviews of writers' books coming up. A company that makes sauces and seasoned salt sent me their cookbook to play with, someone else sent me a rather unusual-sounding novel, Adams Media sent me a couple of psych books and a couple of cookbooks, and, in general, I'm getting all the review material I can handle! I've been working slowly on adding "other books by this author" or "other books on this subject" or "other books in this series" sections to the ends of the reviews. I know when I become interested in an author's work it's often nice to be able to find out what else they've done. Similarly I've been adding "related reviews" links; for example, in the review of a Christmas cookbook I might link to our other Christmas cookbook reviews, or I might link to reviews of other books by the same author. It turned out that there were a few odd bits of font weirdness here and there on the site caused by improperly closed header tags; until I upgraded my OS to Panther this weekend it looked normal to me when I looked at the web pages so I had no idea this was the case. If you spot anything like this on our site, please do let me know what the URL is so I can fix it; thank you! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Mon Feb 14 07:36:12 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Mon Feb 14 07:40:40 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #8: More reviews, an article... Message-ID: <3a6e56b9b19243ef913227d81bb9028b@burningvoid.com> A review of Brandon Royal's "The Little Red Writing Book: 20 Powerful Principles of Structure, Style & Readability": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/littleredwritingbook.php A review of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Technical Writing," Krista Van Laan and Catherine Julian: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cigtechwriting.php An article on "How to Cook Well and save Money, Too!" http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/tip/savemoneycooking.php We're making the final round of recipes from three Williams-Sonoma cookbooks this week; the first of those reviews (the seafood cookbook) is up, "Fruit Desserts" should go up in a few days, and "Christmas" should go up... well, sometime this week: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/seafoodwilliamssonoma.php I also decided to formally write up our review philosophy for anyone who's interested: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/index.php#philosophy I still have a handful of writing books as well, more cookbooks, and a few books on various topics. There are some online stores I want to review if I get the chance (I'm planning to review Shari's Berries later today), and another cookware company is sending a couple of items. I'm waiting to talk to any others until I make my way through more of the stack of things I have on my plate already! I'm also hoping to do another Twilight Time issue sometime soon. I hope everyone had a great weekend, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Feb 18 13:14:45 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Feb 18 13:16:44 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #9: Cookbook review, cookware, web services Message-ID: <0c3572a95ef2851c19c2adfa62370468@burningvoid.com> First off, the cookware: A review of the All-Clad Master Chef 2 Brushed Aluminum 5-Quart Casserole: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/allclad5qtcasserole.php The Cook's Essentials 4-piece casserole set: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cooksessentials500casserole.php The Cook's Essentials 3-quart saucepan: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cooksessentials3qtsaucepan.php The Braun Multiquick hand blender, 430 HC: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/braunmultiquick430hc.php A couple of web services: A review of the wonderful web-store Shari's Berries, purveyor of the best chocolate-dipped strawberries I've ever had the joy of tasting: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/sharisberries.php A review of the iPrint.com online store, which prints business cards and related items: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/iprintdotcom.php Our cookbook review for the week: From the Williams-Sonoma cookbook collection, a Christmas cookbook (great for any holiday, really!): http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/christmaswilliamssonoma.php We just have one more recipe to make from the fruit desserts cookbook of the same collection before we review it. And, for our two sentences of fame, check out this article on cooking with slow cookers in the Baltimore Sun: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bal- fo.slowcooker16feb16,1,2540159.story I hope you all have a great weekend, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Mar 4 10:36:12 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Mar 4 10:38:06 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #10--a small handful of reviews Message-ID: I'm sorry things have been so slow lately; anyone who has kept up with the blog knows we've had a bout of illness here that's kept us from getting much done. I'm finally getting back in the swing of things, though, so hopefully soon I'll have a couple of articles as well as reviews. In the meantime, here's the stuff that's new since the last update: A review of the Maxam Chef's Secret Stainless Steel Round Griddle: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/maxamgriddle.php A review of "The Original Country Bob's Cookbook": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/countrybobs.php A review of the Williams-Sonoma Collection "Fruit Dessert" cookbook: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/fruitdessertwilliamssonoma.php And, a review of "Overcoming Anger," by Carol D. Jones, Ph.D., M.F.T.: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/overcomingangerjones.php That's it for now. Have a great weekend! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Thu Mar 10 16:39:03 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Thu Mar 10 16:41:02 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Update #11: more kitchen stuff, World of Warcraft, and a book Message-ID: <2c54227f3d017202c20bbde78294835c@burningvoid.com> Please forgive any typos--the cats are using me as a jungle gym right now! New since last time, a review of "The Dictionary of Disagreeable English," by Robert Hartwell Fiske. It's a scathing and hilarious look at the wild and crazy ways in which people mangle the English language: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/dictionarydisagreeableenglish.php A review of "World of Warcraft" for Mac OS X, from the point of view of a newbie to the MMORPG craze: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/worldofwarcraft.php A review of the Maxam Stainless Steel Multi-Baker & Roaster: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/maxamktroast3.php A review of three nutmeg graters, including the classic steel kitchen grater, an acrylic grinder, and the Microplane grate-n-shake: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oldstylenutmeggrater.php http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/acrylicnutmeggrinder.php http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/microplanegratenshake.php I'm currently reading through a creativity book and a book on creating web pages. We've also been trying out a church potluck supper cookbook, and lately I've started including writing exercises in the blog (why? No clue--just seemed like fun!): http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/ I hope your week has been going well, and that you have an even better weekend! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Mon Mar 21 08:41:47 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Mon Mar 21 08:44:26 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Update #12--zine issue, article, cookbook review Message-ID: <0d3485fe7e9cd85ad4a30f47fb7850b2@burningvoid.com> Hi! Since last time a zine issue has gone out on the step-by-step development of RPG characters throughout the course of a game, for those times when you have to start out with something skeletal: http://seven.pairlist.net/pipermail/twilighttime/2005/000040.html I also posted an article on how to be a professional reviewer, since some people have been asking: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/beaproreviewer.php I reviewed a church potluck supper cookbook by Elaine Robinson: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/churchpotlucksupper.php And keeping up with the daily writing exercises for the blog: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/ I just finished a creativity book and hope to review it this afternoon. I'm sorry things have been a little slow on the site; after being sick for more than two weeks straight I seem to be coming down sick again, or still, or something like that, so I haven't been getting as much done as usual. I hope everyone's having a good time; it's finally starting to look like spring here, and we discovered this weekend that the last owner of this house planted purple crocuses out front! Best wishes, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Wed Apr 6 10:42:10 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Wed Apr 6 10:44:54 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #13 Message-ID: Good morning! Since last time I've put up a review of "Fanning the Creative Spirit: Two Toy Inventors Simplify Creativity," by Maria and Charlie Girsch: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/fanningcreativespirit.php There's a list of "World of Warcraft top 10 Pet Peeves" in the blog, just for the fun of it: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/03/world-of-warcraft-top-10-pet- peeve.html I reviewed Heather Sellers' "Page after Page: Discover the confidence & passion you need to start writing & keep writing (no matter what!)": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/pageafterpage.php And of course, I've continued adding writing exercises and bits of other stuff to the blog: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/ I'm working on reviewing a cookbook that involves prosciutto, pancetta, salame, and so forth. I'm also reviewing some more cookware, including a skillet from Swiss Diamond International and two pieces from Lodge's new enameled cast iron line. I look forward to telling you all about it! I hope you're having a great week! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Wed Apr 20 13:10:05 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Wed Apr 20 13:14:28 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #14--zine issue, cookbooks, and more Message-ID: The review of that "Prosciutto, Pancetta, Salame" cookbook went up recently: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/prosciuttojohns.php As did a review of an 11-inch Swiss Diamond Fry Pan, which I highly recommend: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/swissdiamond11frypan.php I sent out April's Twilight time issue this morning, on the "Thou Shalt Not's" of roleplaying a character: http://seven.pairlist.net/pipermail/twilighttime/2005/000041.html Our review of the "Fearless Chef" cookbook is unusually exciting for a cookbook review: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/fearlesschef.php The blog (burningvoid.blogspot.com) has included a handful of things lately. There's the usual complement of writing exercises, of course. I put up a story called "Misdemeanor Grouping with Fools" based on some World of Warcraft experiences: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/04/misdemeanor-grouping-with- fools-wow.html I also finally added a computer RPG category to the links; if you want to submit your site, see the relevant blog post for a few notes: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/04/okay-i-give-up-burning-void.html I think that's it for now. Have a great day! Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Apr 29 10:35:35 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Apr 29 10:38:29 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #15--book reviews, Dutch oven, and random stuff Message-ID: <73bff1d6660d1f8f1d1e73886d34b99a@burningvoid.com> Good morning! We have a handful of new things that have come out since the last site update, so here you are: First off, today's review of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Web Page & Blog," by Paul McFedries, which I found to be a very good book, particularly with respect to blogging: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cigwebpageandblog.php If you haven't seen the new trailer for Joss Whedon's movie "Serenity" yet, here's the blog entry linking to it. It's AMAZING, so go look at it. Now I'm positively desperate for September to get here! http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/04/serenity-aaaaaaaaah.html I had a chance to review Francine Silverman's "Book Marketing from A-Z," which I thought was quite useful (and, dare I say, fascinating): http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/bookmarketingatoz.php it even inspired a follow-on article on "Advice on Marketing Your Books from the Perspective of a Reviewer and Website Maintainer": http://www.burningvoid.com/write/2005/marketingadvice.php I also did a blog entry recently on "An MMORPG Economy," about the stability of MMORPG economies and how to get the most out of them, at least in World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/04/mmorpg-economy-wow.html And, finally, I reviewed Lodge's enamel-coated cast iron apple-shaped Dutch oven. It isn't out yet, but it's worth waiting for: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/lodgeenamelredapple.php I also have a casserole dish of theirs that I'm hoping to review after this weekend. I hope everyone has a great weekend! I finally picked up a disposable camera, so someday we might just have some pictures of the cats as adults. Uh, that is, depending on how they come out--I seem to recall that I'm not a very good photographer. *grin* Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Mon May 23 10:11:31 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Mon May 23 10:16:26 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #16: kitchenware, book, recipes, blog entries Message-ID: Hello! Here's the latest update from the Burning Void. We've posted reviews of some kitchenware, including the Kenmore 12 cup coffee maker (KBC12BLK): http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/kenmorecoffeekbc12blk.php A Lodge enamel-coated cast iron two-quart casserole: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/lodge2qtcasserole.php Hefty Serve 'n Store Tableware: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/heftyservenstore.php I've also posted two recipes, one for biscuits/shortcakes: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/recipe/biscuits.php One for berry shortcakes: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/recipe/berryshortcake.php And another for strawberry buttermilk cooler: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/recipe/strawberrycooler.php There's a review of a book called "Speaking Up: What to say to your boss and everyone else who gets on your case," by Mark Ruskin, and I highly recommend this one: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/speakingupruskin.php The blog contains the usual almost-daily writing exercises: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/ I've also posted a handful of blog entries on playing World of Warcraft: Why I'm addicted to World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/05/why-im-addicted-to-world-of- warcraft.html My favorite World of Warcraft details: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/04/my-favorite-warcraft-details- wow.html My rules for MMORPG pick-up groups: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/05/my-rules-for-mmorpg-pick-up- groups-wow.html Solo play in World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/05/solo-play-in-world-of-warcraft- wow.html Player attitude: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/05/player-attitude-wow.html Which class is best?: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/05/which-class-is-best-wow.html I'm close to being able to review another cookbook and another writing book, and soon I'll be posting some photos on the web site (we filled a couple of disposable cameras with pictures of our cats and pictures we took at the Smithsonian national zoo, mostly of the cheetahs--and some of them even came out well :). In the meantime, things are a little slow because of one of our cats. For those who haven't been keeping up with the blog entries, she has asthma. We've been totally unable to medicate her despite trying every single thing our vets could come up with, so we're taking her in for a steroid shot today. While we were in for her chest x-rays they took a little digital photo of her face, and it shows up on our receipt. I think she's the only cat I've seen who can look that adorable and that *cranky* at the same time. I hope everyone's week is starting off well. Once I'm done with my coffee I'm sure I'll be up and at 'em... really... Best wishes, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Wed Jun 8 15:36:07 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Wed Jun 8 15:39:19 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site update #17--Writing exercises, cookbook, writers' book, cat stuff Message-ID: <69e8641a276710ed4cd7e55fe9c530e1@burningvoid.com> Good afternoon and I hope you're all having a good week! I've put an easy-to-access listing of the almost-daily blog writers' exercises on the writers' exercises page. There hasn't been an exercise yet this week because some stormy weather and the bad heat & humidity have caused me a temporary tendonitis flareup: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/exer.php The blog contains a listing of tips for new players for World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/05/newbie-player-tips-wow.html I've reviewed James Scott Bell's "Plot & Structure" from the "Writing Great Fiction" series from Writer's Digest Books: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/plotandstructurebell.php As well as Rachael Ray's "Cooking 'Round the Clock: 30-Minute Meals": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/rachaelrayroundtheclock.php I've also posted a review of the Clevercat Top-Entry Litterbox: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/clevercatlitterbox.php And of Michelle Bernard's "Raising Cats Naturally" book: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/raisingcatsnaturally.php In particular Bell's book is a real find for fiction writers; I was very impressed with the flavors and simplicity of the recipes in Rachael Ray's book; and Michelle Bernard's book contains some of the best information on cat nutrition I've ever seen. I highly recommend all three books! Best wishes, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password. From heather at burningvoid.com Tue Nov 29 06:35:46 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Tue Nov 29 06:39:56 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Site Update #18--yes, we're back! Message-ID: Hi folks--I know it's been a long time since one of these updates and I apologize for that. Various things kept me from getting much done with the site this summer. However, I'm finally bringing you the next update of what's been going on at the Burning Void. Reviews: Lodge Logic and Pro-Logic 10-inch Cast Iron Skillets: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/lodgecastironskillet.php Microplane "The Better" Box Grater: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/microplanebetterbox.php Jim Fobel's Old-Fashioned Baking Book: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/oldfashionedbakingfobel.php "By the Light of the Moon," Dean Koontz: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/lightofmoonkoontz.php Writing: "365 Character Questions for Writers and Roleplayers" is a *free* pdf download (5.5M) under the "downloads" section on the following page: http://www.burningvoid.com/write/exer.php Cooking: How to Bring Flavor to Healthy Cooking--Cooking for the Holidays: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/tip/healthyflavor.php Our insane Thanksgiving 2005 menu: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/menu/thanksgiving2005.php Roleplaying: There's been a Twilight Time article since the last update, on what I call "The Bell Method of Campaign Plotting": http://seven.pairlist.net/pipermail/twilighttime/2005/000044.html World of Warcraft blog entries: Fishing in the World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/06/fishing-in-world-of-warcraft- wow.html A Guide to Getting Ganked in the World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/07/guide-to-getting-ganked- wow.html Guilds in World of Warcraft: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/07/guilds-in-world-of-warcraft- wow.html World of Warcraft Hand-Savers: http://burningvoid.blogspot.com/2005/09/world-of-warcraft-hand- savers.html Coming Soon: Reviews of several cookbooks and a handful of pieces of kitchenware. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! Best, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with the password you signed up with. From heather at burningvoid.com Fri Dec 9 10:11:40 2005 From: heather at burningvoid.com (Heather Grove) Date: Fri Dec 9 10:15:25 2005 Subject: [Burningvoid-announce] Update #19: Kitchenware and More Kitchenware! Message-ID: <19ada9e20779a35f47b77a7067293118@burningvoid.com> This week we have a ton of kitchenware reviews, as well as a cookbook review you won't want to miss. Wrapping it up is my 2005 "What to buy your favorite cook for the holidays" buying guide: http://www.burningvoid.com/cook/tip/2005guide.php And here are the reviews: Michael Turback's "Hot Chocolate" cookbook (wow!): http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/hotchocolateturback.php Cuisipro Silicone Paddle Whisk: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisipropaddlewhisk.php Emile Henry Flame Top Stew Pot, 1.9 qt: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/emilehenryflametop.php Toddy Cafe Cold Brew Coffee System: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/toddycafe.php The Foodloop: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/foodloop.php Kaiser La Forme Springform Pans, 9" and 10": http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/kaiserspringform.php Rosle Julienne Slicer with Box Attachment: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/roslejulienneslicer.php Cuisipro Roast & Serve: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisiproroastandserve.php SiliconeZone Muffin Cups: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/siliconemuffincups.php Cuisipro Silicone Pastry Brush: http://www.burningvoid.com/review/2005/cuisipropastrybrush.php And that's it for now. I hope everyone's having a wonderful holiday season! Best, Heather Heather Grove heather@burningvoid.com http://www.burningvoid.com/ We value your privacy and will never give your information to anyone, barring a legal requirement to do so. This list is opt-in only! In order to unsubscribe from this mailing list, send a blank email with a subject of "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) to burningvoid-announce-request at seven.pairlist.net or visit the listinfo page and log in with your password.