We’ve all read great books that didn’t get the recognition they deserved. These closet classics are often hidden behind the promotional materials for the current popular selection, or gathering dust in the local library or bookstore.

This sad fate is not limited to today’s books and literature. What if such a treasure had to compete with the likes of Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Ernest Hemingway…? Today’s readers are missing out on some real gems that came out at the same time as the classics we know and love!

Fortunately for us, a site called The Neglected Books Page is dedicated to shedding the light on these hidden gems.

Here you’ll find lists of thousands of books that have been neglected,
overlooked, forgotten, or stranded by changing tides in critical or
popular taste.

And that’s what you DO find. Browse through the Featured Books page and you will find a list of books worth checking out. Many have an excerpt of the book, along with the site editor’s comments, contemporary comments, where to find out more about the book and suggestions on where to find a copy. (example: Sincerely, Willis Wayde, by John P. Marquand)

Even if you are not interested in reading any of these old books, just reading about them is a fascinating way to pass the time.

If you check out The Neglected Books Page, please be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

If you’ve read a book that you don’t think has gotten the recognition it deserves, please tell us about it below!

ALSO: Book reviews are welcome here at Densaville.com. Let us know what you’re reading!

Densafolk have proven time and time again how much they love history and mystery as well as fiction and fun. What more perfect genre for this group of people than Alternate History? Alternate histories are stories which take place in our world, but their fictional history is altered in some way from the actual history.

We already have an idea of WHAT happened, but WHAT IF something ELSE happened? That is: What would have happened if the colonies failed to win their independence from Britain? What if we have been having diplomatic relations with extraterrestrials since before the Roswell crash? Alternate history stories would be set in these “what if” scenarios.

Many of these kinds of books can be found on the science fiction/horror sections, as these themes are often explored in time travel/dimensional travel stories. However, there are several alternate history books found on the fiction and mystery shelves!

Unfortunately, such books aren’t usually labeled “alternate history” so you will have to do some reading of back flaps or book jackets. OR.. you can visit the UCHRONIA website!

Uchronia: The Alternate History List is owned by Robert B. Schmunk and is an extensive listing of books, short stories and essays involving alternate histories. The site offers summaries of the books, as well as links where you might find the book online and sometimes to the publisher’s or author’s website.

Have you ever read any alternate history books or stories? If so, please let us know in the comments! If you try out one for the first time after reading this article, please let us know your impression of the book and the genre in general.

~Witchy

CBS and NBC have episodes of their shows up on their websites so you can watch them.  There are even episodes of old shows (like the original Star Trek).  For all your TV viewing needs, there is also Hulu.  Okay, I’ll admit it.  I loved Alias Smith & Jones and Emergency when I was a kid.  Now, I can watch them again and swoon over Ben Murphy’s amazing blue eyes and Randolph Mantooth’s silky hair, um…I mean enjoy the shows of my youth.   Enjoy!

Densaville Native, Gzornzki, happened upon the video about adjusting to new technology in the Middle Ages and was reminded of the Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device. The details follow: (ENJOY!)

(more…)

Well, Halloween is almost here. The TV channels are really cranking out the horror flicks this week and AMC is no exception. Their MonsterFest lasts from now through Halloween and they are showing all the great horror movies of our youth… well, mine anyway.

If you don’t like sitting through a 90-minute gorefest, or just want a quick refresher on the movies they are showing, The Call of Cthulhu Gamer’s Club is hosting AMC’s MonsterFest as 1-Minute Horror Movies. All the movies of AMC’s MonsterFest are listed with 1 minute video summaries! Be sure to check them out and share them with your horror-movie-loving friends!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS of CourtTV’s writing contest.

In summary, submission date is October 1 - November 11. You post the first chapter where indicated and submit your full manuscript to a specific email address.

The Gather community and Gather editorial team will vote on the first chapters. The submissions will be cut down to 25 semi-finalists.

Those 25 semi-finalists will post their 2nd chapters and the next round of voting will begin. Those 25 will be cut down to 5 finalists.

The Grand Prize Judging Panel will review the complete manuscripts of those 5 finalists and select the winner, which will be announced on the last episode of “Murder by the Book” on CourtTV.

Grand Prize = $5000 and a book deal with Borders Books.

Get writing, Densafolk!

Isn’t this a great idea? Using a special balance pad that feels the shifts in your weight, the Nintendo Wii has created an exercise program which monitors your BMI, exercise routine and gives you an aerobic workout. There are various exercises which include step routines and balance training. Not only that, but also games that get your body moving! How wonderful to have something in your house that is good for you, but also something that you can enjoy with your kids or grandkids?Wii Fit comes out in 2008. However, Wii Sports is already out for the Wii and does not require the balance pad. Here at hour house, we get quite a good workout with the boxing game. You can play solo or box a family member.

Bowling is awesome fun, too.If you are looking for a game console that is perfect for the whole family, look no farther than the Wii. There is the Wii-fit and sports programs for us older folk. For the little ones (and us older folk who remember gaming back in the day), the Wii can hook up online and download all the old Nintendo games for free, which games are perfect for younger gamers. For the teens, there are adventure games available and more coming (Metroid Prime 3!). The best part is that we can all play together, making video gaming into family entertainment. YAY for Nintendo!

UPDATED with new link!

Densavillagers know that I am a fan of spooky stories. Well I found a spooky story in a surprising place, a Doctor Who episode! You do not have to be a fan of the show to appreciate the absolute creepiness of this story. Don’t BLINK!

CLICK HERE