June Book Selection

We are lightening things up as we head into summer! Julie has selected Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen. In an excerpt from a 2004 New York Times review, Janet Maslin praises Hiassen's work...

At this point in his career as a comic novelist, Carl Hiaasen did not need to get any better. He has long been writing smart, fizzy Floridian escapades that amount to pure reading pleasure. But "Skinny Dip", his latest, is something more: a screwball delight so full of bright, deft, beautifully honed humor that it places Mr. Hiaasen in the company of Preston Sturges, Woody Allen and S.J. Perelman. This book is dedicated to the late, priceless Warren Zevon, who provided a theme song for Mr. Hiaasen's previous "Basket Case" and whose quick, diabolical wit put him on that same list.

Almost every living organism in this book fares well as the story ends. Not even the story's snakes or tasty little dogs are made to suffer. But nobody winds up happier than the reader, unless it's Mr. Hiaasen for having hit his stride so unmistakably. "Skinny Dip" is a madcap trip through southern Florida, but Mr. Hiaasen's geography no longer matters. You'd follow him anywhere.

I for one, can't wait to dive into this book! Mark your calendar for our next book discussion on June 15.

April NTSBC Meeting - Change of Location

We are scheduled to meet tomorrow on Wednesday, May 18 from 9:00 to 11:00 am to discuss The 5 Love Languages.

As you know we were scheduled to meet at Cari's house but there's been a change in location. Cari's mom is in town and has extended her visit, thus, speaking in the language of Quality Time. Julie has spoken in the Acts of Service language, by graciously offering her home for our discussion. I know we all join Cari in offering our Words of Affirmation to Julie for hosting us at such a short notice. I guess the love languages are at work!!

Hope to see you at Julie's tomorrow morning at 9:00!

Remember to take the Quiz to see what love language you speak. We can all compare!

The Help Movie

Mark your calendar for August 12 for the release of The Help movie. Until then...take a look at the trailer. Can't wait!

Here is a fun behind the scenes clip of how they gave Jackson, Mississippi a makeover for the movie:

http://youtu.be/lsfuhjtxQ3Y

A Well Deserved Honor

Lt Michael Murphy, Navy Seal, honored with warship bearing his name

AP – This undated file photo released by the U.S. Navy shows Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue,

By DAVID SHARP, Associated Press – Thu May 5, 11:59 am ET

BATH, Maine – Engaged in a frenzied firefight and outnumbered by the Taliban, Navy Lt. Michael Murphy made a desperate decision as he and three fellow SEALs fought for their lives on a rocky mountainside in Afghanistan's Kunar Province in 2005.

In a last-ditch effort to save his team, Murphy pulled out his satellite phone, walked into a clearing to get reception and called for reinforcements as a fusillade of bullets ricocheted around him. One of the bullets hit him, but he finished the call and even signed off, "Thank you."

Then he continued the battle.

Dan Murphy, the sailor's father, said it didn't surprise him that his slain son nicknamed "The Protector" put himself in harm's way. Nor was he surprised that in the heat of combat his son was courteous.

"That was Michael. He was cool under fire. He had the ability to process information, even under the most difficult of circumstances. That's what made him such a good SEAL officer," Murphy said.

A warship bearing the name of the Medal of Honor recipient will be christened Saturday — on what would have been Murphy's 35th birthday — at Bath Iron Works, where the destroyer is being built.