Ok, I know I promised new reviews, but I lied. I just can't find the energy. I have added new books to my reading list this week including, Manhunt, Team of Rivals and a book by the lady who wrote what looks like crazy on an ordinary day. I'll review them soon.

Anyway, what I do want to write about is Julie Andrews. I love Julie Andrews. First, because of the reason every kid loves Julie Andrews -- we all wish she was our nanny, Mary Poppins. Second, because my parents named me Julie after her.

So, when I had the opportunity to go and see her in Naperville, IL, well, I didn't pass it up. My niece, Caitlen, (who is 13) came along for the ride.

Dame Julie (the Queen has bestowed on her the title, but since I don't know that much about the Brits, I don't know what that all entails) starts the evening by showing a movie about her career. Clips from her movies, TV specials and even a clip of 13 year old Julie singing in a Royal Command performance for the King of England. And, it included a clip of the funniest scene she ever did with Carol Burnett -- who could imagine those two being friends! Anyway, after the little movie, out comes Julie Andrews. She reads a prepared speech and then opens herself up to questions from the floor. One tiny tot asked, "Why is Julie Andrews Edwards famous?" To which the lady herself answered, "Beats me."

The great disappointment of the whole evening is this no picture rule. I mean, how often will common boring folk like us get a chance to see a star of Julie Andrews' caliper up close -- not very often. At least let us take one picture. But, it was not to be.

The evening ended and we all received autographed copies of her new book, "The Great Mousical" and headed for home, except...

Well, just call me a stalker. I drove around until I found her limo and we (my neice and I, along with ten or so more stalker fans) waited for her to come out. Still, no pictures were allowed, but she graciously stood -- in the dark -- and signed anything us fans tossed in front of her. She said some very kind words to everyone of us, before getting in the limo and leaving.

How cool is that?

Just when you think old Hollywood is dead and gone, you see someone like Julie Andrews to prove you wrong.

Happy Readings!

First, let me say sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Been busy with homework and work work and haven't had a chance. I have two books that I want to put up here to review, but I want to tell my sweet readers about bookstores...

I collect books. I've called all over the country trying to get copies of signed editions for favorite authors or actors who have become authors. I have a very small collection that includes Dean & Me by Jerry Lewis -- who doesn't personalize and only signs his books Jerry; My Life So Far by Jane Fonda -- who I got to meet and I thought was a nice person -- I have a cool Jane Fonda story, but let's save that for another time; and, one of my pride possessions is my signed copy of Lillian Gish's An Actors Life for Me.

Anyway, in gathering these books, I've talked to a lot of bookstores. Small ones, large ones, etc. Let me tell you the best way to get a signed copy of a book, if you can't appear at the signing. Call a small bookstore -- STAY AWAY FROM THE CHAINS (BARNES & NOBLE AND BORDERS). You can NEVER get a Barnes & Noble or a Borders to get a signed copy of a book for you. What they tell you is that they aren't set up for that.

Well, they should be. They're the big boys, the ones who are driving the small, quaint Mom and Pop bookstores out of business. But, their customer service leaves much to be desired. I think it is easier to get an ice cube in Hell than it is to get a signed book out of these two places.

So, this is my SHAME ON YOU blog. When you're looking for a signed book, stick with the small shops and, actually, try not to shop in the big stores anyway. I'd hate for all the good bookstores to go out of business so I'm left with the two stores who are pretty much useless to a collector.

When I have time, I'll write about some of the small shops with whom I've done business, so we can spread the word about the good stores.

If you've have a good experience with a bookstore, feel free to post it here.

Happy Readings!