Random Buzz

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Archives for Dec 2008

• Random Hour #25: The Journey, Not the Destination

  Dec 31, 2008

  I don’t know about all of you, but 2008 has definitely been a crazy, dramatic, rollercoaster of a year for me. I experienced heartbreak & loss and faced challenges that I thought I could never overcome. As I reflect on the past year, I realize that at the time, what may have seemed like the end was just the beginning. I liken it to an adventure, where I was at the bottom of the mountain and had to climb up to the top to get to the other end. Had I foreseen all of the cracks and stumbles I would have encountered along the way, I may never have started off on the journey in the first place. But I realize now, that had I not come across those stumbling blocks, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten to the other side. The great thing about a New Year is that it gives us the chance to look back on our experiences of the past year, to take the good, remember the lessons learned, and leave behind all of the rest.
  There have been so many great books featured on Random Buzzers this past year that have taught us about life lessons!  We learned about heartbreak in 30 Days to Getting over the Dork You Used to Call Your Boyfriend, and how sometimes on our journey to get over someone, we somehow find ourselves along the way. In Cycler, as we followed Jill’s trials and tribulations to self-revelation, we learned that through coming to terms with our self-identity, we find happiness in who we really are, flaws and all. We got to follow Cybele to far away adventures in Cybele’s Secret, and realized that through her search for a missing artifact, she ended up finding things she wasn’t even looking for. The most important lesson we can take from these all of these books is that sometimes the things we find along the way, end up being more valuable than the things we were looking for in the first place.
  Life isn’t always going to turn out exactly how you thought it would, but I think that is the beauty of it. You will experience moments of joy, and also moments of sadness.  You are going to make some mistakes along the way, and you may even slip and fall, but that is how we learn lessons and grow stronger, and have the scars to remind us.  Looking back on my personal journey from the bottom of the mountain to the other side, I now see that if the bad things didn’t happen this year, I never would have taken off on the journey in the first place and I would have missed out on all of the cool experiences I had, and all the great new people I met along the way!
  So as you get ready to say goodbye to 2008 and look forward to new beginnings in 2009, what lessons have the past year taught you?  Which books have you read this year that related to something you were going through in your own life?

  by Buzzgirl | 8 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• Random Hour #24: Holiday Wishlist

  Dec 24, 2008

  I enjoyed reading about all of your exciting holiday plans! It sounds like everyone is looking forward to having a break, spending time with family and friends, and maybe even finding some time to sit down with a great book!

  With just 3 days left to submit your Holiday Wishlists I wanted to know what books you’re hoping to receive this holiday season!

  I could definitely use some great suggestions to add to my own Wishlist! So what books are on your Holiday Wishlist?

  by Buzzgirl | 16 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• Random Hour #23: Holiday Plans

  Dec 17, 2008

  With the holiday season just around the corner it seems everyone is so busy running around buying last minute gifts, making plans, attending holiday parties and getting ready for vacations.  Everywhere I turn someone is asking me what I have planned for the holidays and for New Years Eve. Is it just me or did the holidays just creep up on us out of nowhere?

  Although it can definitely be a little stressful, the holiday season has always been one my favorite times of year.  I love the idea of taking a much needed break from our chaotic lives, the excitement of wondering what the New Year will bring, and the feeling of everyone being in the holiday spirit. Whether your plans include jetting off to a fabulous vacation, hanging out with friends and family, or just staying home and relaxing, there is always a sense of magic to the holiday season and you never know what can happen.

  What do you have planned for the holidays this year? I would love to hear!!

  by Buzzgirl | 26 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• Random Buzzers Extends Its Doors Through 2009 & Mystery Book Giveaway!

  Dec 12, 2008

  I told you that we had some very exciting news announcements a few days ago and I'm very happy to let all you wonderful and dedicated readers know that Random Buzzers is extended for 2009! That's right! We're staying here and not going anywhere and I hope you'll stay with us as well. We're gearing up for an even bigger, better and more exciting year ahead of us so make sure to keep checking back and see what fun activities, events, giveaways and buzz we have going on for you!

  2008 has been such a fun year with you and it can only get better from here. We're going to kick start the celebrations by earning an easy 500 buzz bucks! Let us know ONE of your favorite things that you've done or have been a part of this year on Random Buzzers in THIS activity!

  Wait, I think even more celebratory fun is needed here! Want to win a mystery book from Random Buzzers? We're giving them out each and every single day from now until the New Year! How can you be a part of this giveaway fun?

  All you have to do is login and participate:

  • Take a fun poll
  • Test your wits in a quiz
  • chat on the forums
  • Participate in one of the many activities and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for a Mystery Book from Random House!
  • Enter THIS activity to let us know what you've done!
    

  Already thinking about what books you'd love to receive for the holidays? Let us know what's on your lists and share them with us below!

  Are you excited for the New Year?

  Check back daily to see if you make it to the winner's list:

  Date	Mystery Book Winner
  Friday December 12th	SSwanson
  Monday December 15th	blacksnake
  Tuesday December 16th	darkqueen
  Wednesday December 17th	xtraliciousssx
  Thursday December 18th	kath
  Friday December 19th	LibraryHermit
  Monday December 22nd	cosmicdustbella
  Tuesday December 23rd	PinkDaisy
  Wednesday December 24th	BETHAFAUNA64
  Monday December 29th	Lyon
  Tuesday December 30th	Whiskers
  Wednesday December 31st	Tammy
  Thursday January 1st	BETHAFAUNA64
  Friday January 2nd	Hallia

  by HeadBuzzer | 24 comments |
  Filed under: Mystery book giveaway random buzzers extension

• 3 Willows Sisterhood Giveaway & More

  Dec 9, 2008

  Hi Buzzers,
  
  Wow do we have exciting news for you! The Holiday Book Giveaway is on a temporary hiatus (it will return later this week) because of some exciting breaking news. Random House has a few more copies of 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares, to share with you, just in time for the holidays!
  
  To snag your advance copy of 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows, all you have to do is head on over here and tell us which character from the original Sisterhood that you think Polly is most like and why? The first 50 fans who respond will get an advance copy of 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows!
  
  Its that easy!
  
  Fear not if you already entered the Holiday Book Giveaway - your entry still counts! Stay tuned later this week for news on that and Random Buzzers in 2009.
  
  PS- Make sure you check out the new Sisterhood website featuring 3 Willows and tell me what you think in the comments below.

  PPS- Don't forget to snag your ARC!

  by HeadBuzzer | 26 comments |
  Filed under: 3 Willows Ann Brashares Sisterhood Central

• Random Hour # 22 : Books vs. Movies

  Dec 3, 2008

  So there has been a lot of hype lately around the movie Twilight. Some people have loved it, while others have said it is not as nearly as good as the books. The same thing happened with Harry Potter as well. It got me thinking about other books that have been made into movies and how it changes the meaning or the way the stories are perceived.

  
  I personally usually tend to prefer the book over the movie. I find that books give you a lot more detail and you are able to get lost in the world of the characters and story. With a movie you are more instructed because you have so many visual aspects.  I also try and read the books first before I see the movie so that I am able to compare the two and have different experiences.

  
  What are your thoughts on the book vs. movie dilemma?  Do you have a favorite book that you thought was accurately portrayed in a movie? Or maybe you have a favorite that you think would make a great movie?

  by buzzinteen | 60 comments |

• Brand New Month, Brand New Vibes

  Dec 1, 2008

  Happy December, Random Buzzers! It's a brand new month and a very busy and exciting one for many I'm sure! If you're in school, project and paper deadlines are coming up before you're officially on holiday break. It's also a time for busy-bees who will be throwing/planning/attending holiday parties. So much do to in so little time!

  I personally love December even if people seem really stressed running around trying to get everything together and properly planned out and various projects in on time. It was always a mix of calm and excitement for me when I'd be sipping on hot chocolate finishing up essays and papers while also thinking about family and friends gathering. There is something about the comforting lighting and decorations that pop up on window sills, porches and doors and yummy aromas of fresh baked goods that never fail to make me warm and happy.

  I'd love to know what projects, plans and any other things you may be working on (and quite possibly be stressing about) this month and if you love this busy-fun month as much as I do! If you'd like to add more fun things on your list of things to complete, check out the lastest Random Buzzers activity and share your cheer with us and earn some Buzz Bucks while you're at it!

  by HeadBuzzer | 18 comments |