Recycle Wednesday

Welcome to my new column, Recycle Wednesday, where every week I'll write about fun book and mystery related happenings. I'm kicking it off with the latest Murder on the Orient Express Trailer, since I'm currently listening to the new audio book narrated by Kenneth Branagh (more on that soon) and we're preparing for our Murder on the Orient Express Party. 

The movie hits theaters on November 10th and here's Kenneth Branagh talking about how he selected the perfect mustache for his Poirot. 

Murder on the Orient Express isn't the only Agatha Christie adaptation on the way. Sometime next year an adaptation of Crooked House will hit theaters. The movie stars Glenn Close, Max Irons, Christina Hendricks and Gillian Anderson. Here's the trailer...

The November/December issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine is out. If you love short stories, you won't want to miss this one. 

- Deborah Lacy

Recycle Wednesdays: Secret Passageways, Wolves and More Harry Potter

Over the past week there was some fun news - including more new on the expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando and Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin hanging out with wolves.

But let's start with this article over at Mental Floss which talks about secret hidden passageways built into houses. Having grown up reading Nancy Drew non-stop, I have to admit a certain fascination with this concept. Not all of these particular hidden passageways sound so great, especially the one in a place called, The Murder Castle, which served as the home and office for a serial killer. Still, at some point in my future I may still need to live somewhere that has secret passageways...

Next Tor.com gives us the details of George R.R. Martin on the streets of Santa Fe with a wolf and Ayra Stark (well, really Masie Williams, the actress who plays Arya, and does an excellent job too.) The stunt was to draw attention to a New Mexico-based charitable organization called Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary that helps rescue wolves that can't be returned to the wild. Head over to Tor.com to see the fabulous photos. 

Or if you're missing GOT, you can make yourself a glass of Daenerys Targaryen's Dragon Lemonade. 

Expansion Harry Potter land:

The New York Times reported this week that Universal will expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. The expansion opens this June and there will be two more rides and eight more shops. 

The shops will include Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment,  Quality Quidditch Supplies and Scribbulus.

The Times postulates that Universal may be overestimating Harry Potter's long-term appeal since no new movies and no new books are planned. I disagree. The wonderful thing about children's books is that every year a new crop of kids is reading it for the first time. On our visit there, I also experience non-Potter fans impressions and the detail without reference to the books. And we did wish there was more to do in the Wizarding World section. 

If you would like to see some fabulous photos of the Warner Bros Studios Making of Harry Potter exhibit, you can find "oh so many" here. 

Recycle Wednesday

It's recycle Wednesday, where I share fun posts that I've found elsewhere on the Internet. Read and enjoy. Feel free to leave a link to one of your favorite posts in the comments. 

From Mental Floss: 10 Secrets From Flight Attendants - Although some of this stuff I didn't want to know.

From Impatient Optimists: Dr. Seuss and the Seven Dwarves Fight Malaria 

From Gizmodo: Weird things people use to make alcohol with, they make it out of some strange stuff, including ketchup.

From Laura K. Curtis: Specific instructions on how any man can become a romance hero. Listen up guys.

From Criminal Element: Favorite Mysteries for Bibliophiles and Twin Peaks: Is Agent Cooper Coming Back?

Recycle Wednesday

Today is recycle Wednesday, where once a month we link to previous fun posts both here and elsewhere, because maximizing resources is important in every aspect of our lives. It's also nice to kick back every once in awhile.
Happy reading...

From FoodFixe:

Here's the recipe for Stilton Port Wine Cheesecake - It is so incredibly yummy and great for New Year's Eve parties.

Tried and True Fondue Recipes - Chocolate with Grand Marnier and classic cheese recipes. Also excellent for parties or special dinners.


From Criminal Element:

Crime Fiction's Top Ten Bromances - A bromance is a non-sexual relationship between two men the is unusually close and crime fiction is full of them. Be warned. One of the winners of the top ten is a dog.

Castle, Fritz or Booth: The Perfect Male Sidekick - they say that behind every strong woman you find a great guy, well at least in these three cases of detective greatness.

Everything You Could Possibly Want to Know About Homeland - This show is just great.



From Mystery Playground:

Before There Was Pooh Bear, There Was Murder - A fun take on mystery authors primarily known for something else.

A Tribute To Ray Bradbury - He's been one of my favorite authors since college.

Fun Book Inspired Handbags - I love books and I love handbags. Here's what happens when you mix the two together.