R.A.W.

Petite Soleil

2011-02-20T19:36:00.001-05:00

Fog

2011-02-16T19:40:00.002-05:00

Scenery - Longing for Warmth

2011-02-13T20:28:00.002-05:00

Brick by Brick, THE EAGLE

2011-02-12T23:45:00.001-05:00

I realize that I have shared this picture before, but it makes me long for Summer and sun and flowers, and it pleases me to share it again.

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch THE EAGLE starring Channing Tatum. Going in with low expectations, I was not disappointed; in fact, it was better than I gave it credit for. Admittedly, it did have some slow segments, but the acting was fair and the plot was moderately engaging. If you enjoy gladiator type films, then you may enjoy this one as well.

Infected

2011-02-10T13:44:00.002-05:00

Glass and Snow

2011-02-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Stamen and Sepal Revisited

2011-02-07T21:43:00.005-05:00

Infected

2010-08-02T20:47:00.002-04:00

Stamen and Sepal

2010-08-01T08:43:00.001-04:00

Polk Berries

2010-07-31T23:28:00.000-04:00

Just wait until they ripen.

Crazy Worm

2010-07-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

I found this crazy looking worm in my yard. Isn't he awesome?

Brick

2010-07-28T16:18:00.002-04:00

Alas, it has been a while!

I have some photographs that I'm anxious to share, so I'll start with this one:

I have not edited it in any way.

May

2010-06-04T16:26:00.005-04:00

Thom and I are settled in our first house, which is exciting and well worth the wait and effort!

I never stop taking photos, however, so here are a few pretty or wild ones:

Owl No Longer in Residence

2010-05-03T21:08:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken the day before the two little (or big) guys flew the coop.

Aren't they so cool?

THE WISE MAN'S FEAR

2010-04-28T07:43:00.001-04:00

Will be released March 1, 2011!

So nice to have a date!

Per Patfuss' Blog

TAotPaMW and Reading

2010-04-17T13:46:00.007-04:00

Patrick Rothfuss just commented yesterday on his blog that his project, The Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Wiffle, is going to be released in very limited quantity. He suggested pre-ordering if you want a copy, and that's what I just did.

He is emphasizing that this book is most certainly not for children.

I'm quite excited.

Also, I ordered a copy of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES, to make up enough money for free shipping.

Additionally, there is going to be an ECLIPSE novella, titled THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER. You can read about it on Meyer's website. I'm not worried about pre-ordering it because I have no fears of it being released in short supply.

I have been reading, actually, just not writing about it. I need to get back in it.

I have read NEW SPRING, the prequel novel in the Wheel of Time series (I am just now working on EYE OF THE WORLD, book 1) and also read all four of the Harper Connelly novels by Charlaine Harris, author of Sookie/True Blood. Also, before that, I read DRAGON KEEPER, the new Robin Hobb novel in the Fitz world.

I need to get some reviews written and up on here.

Image from: http://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/

The Knot Tree

2010-04-11T20:27:00.001-04:00

A tree that has always held my interest, affectionately called The Knot Tree

Apple Blossom, Dandelion

2010-04-10T21:37:00.003-04:00

Taken today.

I'm particularly fond of Dandelion with Arbor and Bird Bath. It has not been edited or retouched in any way.

Owl in Residence

2010-04-08T12:25:00.004-04:00

My fathers farm has a nest of owls, two of them, growing rapidly. They are so fascinating, and I have never photographed much wildlife, so that was a particular treat. They are up very high, however, so the photos at max zoom on 10M are not quite sufficient. So, I sacrifice quality on the latter photos for a better image of the birds.

Last week:
This week:

One of them seems to be more shy than the other. You can barely see him/her in the first photograph, and not at all in the second.

They have been a joy to watch and photograph. If only they weren't so terribly far away!

Spring Photographs: Two

2010-04-07T23:47:00.004-04:00

Spring Photographs

2010-04-06T15:12:00.008-04:00

Some of my first pictures of the year. Glad to be able to get back out there. Down with cold!

Exciting News, Wolfman

2010-03-09T21:02:00.004-05:00

I know I'm way behind the times, but there you have it.

The Wolfman: I didn't love it, though I have never seen the original. The story was blah and there was some heavy gore/unnecessary violence for the sake of violence. Thom liked it. Take that as you will.

Exciting news part 1: I've been accepted to the Integrated Biomedical Science PhD program!

Exciting news part 2: I'm going to be having my second blog giveaway soon. Look for and unopened copy of the DVD SEVEN for sure and perhaps GRAVE SURPRISE by Charlaine Harris.

Exciting news part 3: Patrick Rothfuss is coming to a town near me! I just want to squeal with excitement. You can see his newest schedule here. I've never been to a signing or reading or anything and absolutely can not wait!

The Book of Eli

2010-01-30T15:40:00.001-05:00

I'd say that most anyone who is going to see this movie in theaters probably already has, but I'll comment on it anyway. In all, I would have to say wait until you can rent it, but it's a close one.

Put it this way: The theater experience didn't really offer anything that a home viewing wouldn't.

The plot was fine, but a little cookie cutter. Nothing exceptional. There was no redeeming, awe-inspiring moment, though plainly there was supposed to be. The acting was okay.

Summary: I wasn't too impressed.

I apologize for the brevity.

Brief Movie Comments

2010-01-17T13:46:00.002-05:00

I'm still here.

School is back in. I'm writing again, starting a new project after my winter "vacation" from the keyboard. Everything is back to semi-normal.

Avatar: If you haven't seen it in theater, you should go before you miss your chance. Just go, already.

Sherlock Holmes: It was good. Having never read any of the stories, I can't say anything about its accuracy, but the movie was exciting and entertaining. It was not great, however. It lacked a certain punch, was missing a little dazzle, I can't pinpoint my disappointment.

Worth watching. In theater? Yeah, it was worth going to the theater to see. I think it would lose something on a television, if you never watched it on the big screen.

Daybreakers: It sucked. Normally I wouldn't be so blunt, but it's the truth. Yahoo! users and critics both gave it a B.

Wow. No way it earned a B. I don't know what was wrong with those people when they gave it a B, but at best, I'd give it a F+. The story was mediocre, the CGI was abysmal, the acting was average. I can think of nothing good to say about it at this particular moment.

Don't waste your money.

Youth in Revolt: It was fine. I liked the acting, I liked the funny "cartoons" (for lack of a better word) that they used a couple of times. There was some good music. All in all, entertaining. The story, however, left me with any eyebrow raised in skepticism.

My advice: wait until it's out on DVD and rent it. The theater experience left something to be desired.

On my list to watch: The Book of Eli. We'll see what all the hype's about.

Avatar

2009-12-28T16:36:00.004-05:00

One word: Beautiful.

Cameron's Avatar has been publicized wildly, no doubt about that. The hype surrounding it has been tumultuous. It claimed to do things that no other movie has done, and offered things that no other movie has offered. It cost an unimaginable amount of money to make.

It was worth every penny. It lived up to every claim.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to watch the film in 2-D on Saturday. Thom and I both loved it. We watched it again on Sunday, and loved it again.

Having no place local to view 3-D movies, we had to wait until we were visiting his father in a significantly larger city to take advantage of that optical treat. As I just returned from watching it, I can say that it was most definitely a treat.

First, the 2-D version: Stunning. The story is so beautiful, so touching. It has echoes of human past often forgotten, failures of humanity presented from the side of the victim. The heart mourns the losses and soars with the successes of the people. It truly feels as if a tragic violin tune is being strung across the soul, important and yet fantastical.

The colors were fabulous, the creatures outstanding. Every moment of the cinematography is beautiful and unique. There is no way for the eye to take in all that there is to see, no matter how quick or determined.

As for the 3-D, I had never had this particular experience before. Having no other 3-D with which to compare this one, I will only say that it is awesome. It doesn't seem that there are appropriate words to properly define the difference between basic cinema and the 3-D, but it is so cool.

For me, the best parts of the 3-D were the little floating things, flakes of ash, leaves falling, little bugs buzzing. They most definitely made the appearance unique.

The depth is truly noticeable, the dimension screaming that this is how movies should look. I don't have much to say other than to rave about how great a movie experience it was. I was truly impressed.

On thing to the negative on the 3-D: the colors seemed somehow diminished, less vibrant. Perhaps it was the glasses, I don't know. Additionally, the viewer must focus on what subject is meant to be the focus. Sometimes, if you don't accept the focus on the main subject, it can be disorienting.

To say any more would to be raving. Perhaps I already have been, but I'll stop now.

Image from: http://goremasternews.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/james-camerons-16-minute-avatar-trailer-premieres-in-theaters-on-august-21/

Upcoming: Sherlock Holmes

December

2009-12-28T11:21:00.002-05:00

December has been an exciting month, though busy.

My birthday was the 16th, and Thom gave me the camera of which I had been dreaming. It is a Sony Cybershot 10 megapixel, that takes great snaps and spectacular macro/micro photos. If I was at home on my main computer, then I would post some of the photographs I have been taking. As it is, it will be a few days until we return home, but now that the holidays are over, I intend to get back on schedule.

My mother and father gave me a diamond necklace to match my earrings, and I adore it.

For Christmas, we received another dream gift, a stand mixer for the kitchen. Thom and I both had been wanting one, and are so glad to have it. Additionally, and I realize that this sounds lame, his mother gave us a Black & Decker dust buster/hand vacuum (whichever you prefer to call it), which we also wanted very much.

Not to mention, we were given some cash, which is always put to excellent use.

In all, the holidays have been good to us both. Our families are always too generous, and we appreciate them more than we can describe.

On a completely unrelated note, if you haven't seen Avatar, go see it. Go, go, go. I'll write up a review later today after I've seen it in 3-D (I've seen it twice in 2-D, and am on the way to see it the way it was meant to be seen, or so I hope.)

Upcoming: Avatar, Sherlock Holmes

Chilled Berries

2009-12-15T10:10:00.006-05:00

I'm very aware of my absence. Holidays - ack!

And I thought that I would have more free time, not less. Always make that mistake.

Anyway, a few lovely photographs for you today, something wintery. I took these about two weeks ago. The weather has been incredibly mild.

Absence, Pat Rothfuss Giveaway/Fundraiser

2009-12-04T08:02:00.003-05:00

I do realize that I have been absent for several days. This is the last week of class, and I have finals on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but after that, I'm free for a whole month!

Patrick Rothfuss is having the biggest raffle that I have ever imagined existing. Tickets are $10, and he's giving away hundreds of items.

Prizes range from signed books of all sorts (literally hundreds), ARCs and other rare items, often signed, and his grand prize that he's putting forward is a favor from him.

I know, awesome, right? And the money all goes to a good cause.

Thistles: The Aftermath

2009-11-27T18:59:00.007-05:00

As mentioned previously, dried thistles.

I particularly like this first one because you can see the prior year's growth in the background. Something about the emergence of the new life, foreground to the old speaks volumes.

The last three are all from May. The first one was taken in June.

You can do a cute craft project (not for kids! These buggers are sharp!) by taking one of the heads, wrapping a cloth around the back end like a dress, and gluing eyes on the front - it's a mouse! If I can find the one I made ages ago, I'll photograph it so you can get the idea, but I have a feeling that it is lost to the nether.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

Have a great and safe holiday!

Thistles: Fascination or Obsession?

2009-11-24T19:48:00.008-05:00

And these are only the fresh ones. I have more of these fresh, and I have more of them after they've dried and browned.

Something about them is so unique, so beautifully strange, I adore them.

It was only this year that I truly began to appreciate the purple bloom of them. I can't say that I even knew that they bloomed such a perfect lavender color before this summer.

Daily Dose of Darwin

2009-11-23T20:08:00.003-05:00

This is going to be short and sweet.

Artificial Selection is well known. You know about it, whether or not you think you do.

For example, take Thoroughbred horses. Breeders are constantly imposing Artificial Selection on their horses. If you want the fastest horse, you breed the fastest male and the fastest female you can find.

If you want cows that produce tons of milk, then aggressively breed your cows that are producing well.

If you want dogs that look like Lassie, you only breed the dogs that have the Lassie-like traits.

There are plenty.

It has even begun to border the edge of speciation. The toy dogs most certainly could not breed successfully with the giant dogs. You can't interbreed, you have trouble belonging to the same species. No, that is not the precise definition, but here it will do for my purpose.

Are we in agreement?

Natural Selection is exactly the same thing, only without deliberate human influence. Say you have these finches that eat berries. Well, the finches that have small-ish beaks tend to cluster together on the plants that grow smaller berries. The finches that have larger beaks, well, they do the same thing with the large-berry plants.

The finches on the small-berry plant breed, because hey, we're here, we're ready, and our naught-bits fit nicely.

Same goes for the large-berry eating birds.

Eventually, small-beaked birds and large-beaked birds naughty-bits might no longer fit together. Oops. Speciation!

Simplistic, realistic, practical. It doesn't get better than that.

New Moon

2009-11-22T14:52:00.004-05:00

The universe was working very diligently to prevent me from seeing this movie, but Thom took me last night.

I was quite pleased. I won't go into details - it would turn into a mindless rant.

I will say a couple of things to the negative:

-Seriously didn't like the plastic-y looking contacts/digital imaging that they did on the vampires eyes. For some reason it really detracted for me.

-Taking a ride on a stranger's motorcycle? Really?

And...that's all I've got. Admittedly, it was not the most exciting movie, but it was true to the book, hence the minimal excitement factor. I really appreciated some of the things that the held true to, such as the huge honest-to-goodness wolves (as opposed to attempting some failure of a man-wolf form. I was afraid they would, for some reason, but glad that they stuck with the legit wolf look).

The Volturi scenes were good - I want more. I'm also glad that they amped-up the action sequences - good choice.

In other news, Thanksgiving dinner last night with Thom's mothers' family, one already today with my family, and then Thursday out of town with his dad's family. Hectic week, not even considering my Calculus exam.

Image from: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/new-moon-movie/images/4909367/title/new-moon

Camera?

2009-11-19T21:28:00.003-05:00

I've been toying with the idea of getting a new camera.

Currently, I'm using a Sony Cybershot. I don't know the model, but it looks like the one shown. It's only 8 megapixels, but I've had good results, even on micro. It's good, you've all seen the photographs, but it's not great.

What I want is a camera that is of a manageable size, easy to transport with me, will take quickie snapshots at family events with no fuss, and will also take spectacular close-up micro photos of my subjects in nature.

Additionally, I want to start taking real photographs, like portraits. You know, artsy, pretty, that-can't-really-be-me-in-that-photo photos.

Surely all of this is not too much to ask in one camera?

What do you use? Any suggestions for me?

If I had the funds, I would settle for a sleek, hot, purse-sized Sony Cybershot for my snapshots, and also purchase a big, chunky, serious, all-business camera for my real art. Too bad my dream cameras would total up to an unreasonable amount of money.

Image from: http://digitalcameras.techfresh.net/the-new-sony-cybershot-dsc-h7-camera/

Photographs, Musings

2009-11-18T17:15:00.006-05:00

Photographs are such wonderful capturings of the fascinating world around us. Nature is so fabulously strange and wondrous, if only we would take time to note it's spectacular offerings. I try to document some of its more unique qualities, when I find them.

This immature trumpet vine of some sort is so odd looking that I find myself simply staring at it. Even the ants are fascinated with it, and that makes it all the more fabulous. Here is a mature one for comparison's sake:

Even the mature one is freakish!

Similarly, some thoughts on writing.

Sometimes I find myself so conflicted that the only way I know how to release the tension is through some free-writing, usually for me ending up in the form of a poem. That is not too often, but some of my best poems come from this tension, and it is not necessarily always bad.

For instance, when I watched blossoms from an apple tree swirling about my husband, it was so mundane, and yet so stunningly amazing, and I had no words for my feelings. Those blossoms, flying about - I still can't explain it, but I wrote a block of text, not really a poem, but it is still refreshing to read, and it brings back those same intense...stirrings.

Anyway, I'm no poet, I'm a novelist. That is an entirely different can of worms. Mostly, it's a similar tension, but only from the fact that I have so very many stories to tell, I figure I can't waste a minute of my life of I'll never get them all out. Even then, I know it won't happen.

On an entirely different note:

I have two pumpkin pies in the oven, made my own crust from scratch, prepped the filling. 'Tis the season! When I perfect my crust recipe, I'll share it here if anyone cares to see it.

Superior Scribbler!

2009-11-17T15:59:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been christened a Superior Scribbler!

Thanks so much to Always a Mom !

Now, I must approach the ever difficult task of passing this award onward!

Superior Scribbler Rules :

*Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass the Award to 5 most deserving Bloggy friends.

*Each Superior Scribbler must link to the Author & name of the blog from whom he/she received the Award.

*Each Superior Scribbler must display the Award on his/her blog and link to this post which explains the award.

*Each blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler award must visit this post.

And now, at long last, my nominees:

Lisa

Tina

WRITEWHEREUR

Bendigo

John

Congratulations!

And thanks again, Always A Mom!

BIG BAD WOLF

2009-11-17T15:54:00.001-05:00

The two copies of BIG BAD WOLF are in the mail. I just returned from the post office. You should receive them in a couple of days!

Let me know when you get them. I didn't get a receipt for their delivery.

I hope you enjoy!

Stories Without Borders

2009-11-15T22:18:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine with whom I graduated from high school is working on a documentary project. I just wanted to do what little I can to share the word about Stories Without Borders.

They are in the preliminary stages of fund-raising in order to prepare their expedition. You can check out their website, or follow their blog for updates. Any person who donates more than $25 will be noted in the final credits of the project.

Thanks!

* * *

In other news, just finished Anita Blake book 11 CERULEAN SINS, my break from ANKH: INTO THE OTHERWORLD is officially over tomorrow and work will resume, and only 10 days of class left before finals week!

Not to mention, Thanksgiving is next week. Who's not happy about that?

Image from: http://sites.google.com/site/storieswithoutborders/

Bright Blossom

2009-11-14T19:21:00.001-05:00

The color and the shadows please me. I realize that it's out of focus on the flower, but the greenery is in focus - sometimes imperfection leaves neat results.

Paranormal Activity

2009-11-13T22:20:00.007-05:00

So, I don't really like scary
movies. It's important that I start off saying that, because it's the truth. But it wasn't bloody, gory, or torture for the sake of inflicting pain, so it's not on my black list. Therefore, Thom wanted to watch it, and watch it we did.

The most important thing to note here is that if you want an edge-of-your-seat, afraid-to-look-because-I'm-going-to-jump-when-that-thing-pops-out, thriller movie, then this is your ticket.

I spent the whole time doing this thing that I'm sure most of us do, looking at the seat in front of me while halfway keeping the screen in line of sight, to try and stave off the jumpies. Yes, the whole time.

But it was quite thrilling, all in all. It was obviously cheap to make, which is always fun to see. The viewer doesn't get bored at any point.

Negatives: Scary? But that's a duh. That's all I've got.

Positives: Scary? Yeah, I thought it was, Thom thought it was. But not like, "I'm going to pee my pants," or, "I'm going to have nightmares." It was just a nice, grab-your-date suspense movie.

Image from: http://www.behindthehype.com/movie-reviews/horror-review/paranormal-activity/

Stars so far from Outer Space

2009-11-11T22:41:00.004-05:00

I just find myself fascinated with these things. They're actually the remnants from wild rose blooms, after the petals have all fallen off.

The pictures aren't great, but the subjects are just so cool, I think.

Peony

2009-11-10T20:37:00.000-05:00

Writing

2009-11-09T21:52:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to say that I met my self-imposed deadline ahead of time. I have a complete first draft of ANKH, about which I am very excited. It is 88,000 words length at present, which is a number that I am happy with.

If I had known about NaNoWriMo, I might have started a new manuscript at the beginning of the month just to see what happened. (That's National Novel Writer's Month if anyone is as out of the loop as I was until last week. The goal is to write a 50,000 word manuscript in a month, just for practice/expressive purposes)

Anyway, I know I said I wanted to have the copies of BIG BAD WOLF out Friday, but they're not in the mail yet. They're coming though.

Anyone doing the NaNoWriMo thing?

A Little Sunless Sunshine

2009-11-07T20:31:00.007-05:00

This is one of those photographs that seem so pristine that it hardly feels real. I like it.

Normally, I only share one at a time, but what the heck - I feel like going crazy.

Enjoy!

Edit:

Check it out. This is from the third photograph, zoomed in. Quality is a little low at such a high crop ratio, but awesome, huh?

On Stripping a Table

2009-11-06T19:47:00.003-05:00

Thom and I have a coffee table and a side table, matching pair, that were given to us. They are nice, heavy pieces, but the finish has always been terrible and not our taste in color. So, we decided to experiment with refinishing them.

Like we do everything, we decided to wing it and see how it goes. Heck, if we screw it up, it's not like we're out anything.

Besides, I love to learn by experience, not by reading instructions.

So we started with the side table, since it has significantly less surface area and is easier to move about.

Do we use a chemical stripper? Well, shoot, we'll put some on the top and none on the rest, and see what works out better. Trial and error, find our preferences.

The chemical stripper alone did not appear to do much to the surface. It was slightly lighter, more worn appearing, but that was it. We let it dry well for a few days and returned to it today.

I borrowed a nice electric sander, which was definitely a necessity. I went at the table, coarse grain paper, and spent a significant amount of time working it over.

The moral of the story? Use chemical stripper.

The top surface looks flawless. The wood looks fresh and raw, as if it has never been stained. The other surfaces are still obviously stained, not sanding off nice and neat, and will not restain as nicely, I have no doubt.

I will photograph it, if everything goes according to plan. If I had been thinking clearly, I would have done a before photo, but its too late for that now. There is still more work to be done on it before applying the stain, but I'm anxious to give it a go and see if we like the color we chose.

If not, heck, we can start fresh again.

Image from: http://www.backgarage.com/2009/10/help-why-cant-i-strip-this-table/

Musings on Autumn

2009-11-05T20:02:00.004-05:00

So many people love Autumn. I hear so many rants and raves about how Autumn is a favorite season, how the colors are so beautiful, the weather so perfect. Countless people have told me this year, "The foliage is so spectacular!"

Bologna.

I know, bologna is not poetic or powerful, but it is honestly how I feel about Autumn. In fact, bologna is a perfect word for Autumn. Reprocessed, minced, decaying flesh in unnatural shapes and consistencies and colors. Poetic perfection.

Autumn is the season of giving up. The trees feel the cold and throw in their towels for the winter, shedding their will to function on a day to day basis. "Enough of this! Forget the cold weather, struggling to fix carbon with these temperatures hindering me. I quit!"

Autumn is the season of dismissal. Trees are discarding months of hard work. Spring brings new life, the trees say, "Yeah, this is nice, I'll give growth another go." In Autumn, the trees are so discouraged and downtrodden that they are willing to shed their healthy, lush, chlorophyllous leaves. The green fades, leaving colors of anger and failure in its wake.

Autumn is the season of omen. When the leaves fall, nothing good is in the future. Only cold, monochromatism, and treachery. Snow may be attractive to gaze upon, but for no more than a few minutes. The trees are now silent, colorless sentinels, slaves to the season. Their sharp, angular limbs reach ever skyward, begging for release from their internal tomb.

Regardless of my negative feelings toward Autumn and Winter, there is a place in my heart to accept the good things of the cold seasons. The way that sunlight sparkles off of snow is otherwordly, the inversion of space, so bright and stunning. Snow-cream is fun, occasionally. I really, thoroughly enjoy skiing.

But give me Summer, any day.

Image from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Autumn_leaf.jpg

Contest Closed! Attention Entrants.

2009-11-04T20:04:00.004-05:00

The contest has been closed for more than one hour now.

The entrants have a very high chance of winning. I'm sorry that there weren't more participants, but it's good odds for those who did enter!

Such good odds, in fact, that I will be giving away two prizes!

Both of my entrants will be receiving a hardcover copy of BIG BAD WOLF.

Congratulations TheSinner and K!

Email me your address at zuzu0007@gmail.com. I plan on having them in the mail on Friday, if I have the information by then.

CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED

2009-11-03T21:08:00.005-05:00

Thom didn't appreciate Pomegranate, my poem from yesterday. I actually am quite fond of it, after I slept on it and read it over a few times. He's not one to appreciate poetry for what it is, and that's cool.

Anyway, I finally have the gumption to write about the third Anita Blake novel. I'm reading the ninth one at present - OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY - and haven't even written about the third yet, so it is time.

CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED is a very good one, but so far they're all good. I liked CotD largely because of the twists and turns and the huge amount of action packed into a relatively small amount of book.

Again, I feel that it's necessary to comment on the fact that Laurell styles her books so that each one could theoretically stand alone, which is great - in my opinion. If you started with book nine, that I'm reading now, you could get right into the story and follow it. No, you would not know all of the back-story, which she sometimes references, but you would have no difficulty with the plot and action.

Stand-alone-ness is something that I will strive for in my series work. That way, the back-story is available if you want it, but not necessary for comprehension.

When I was in high school, one of my English teachers had a bunch of paperback books that she gave to me - she no longer wanted them, and I was already firmly grounded in my fascination with books. So, they became mine. I still have them. One of the great things that came out of this was my introduction to Robin Hobb with ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE being among the mix of paperbacks. Another was THE BURNING STONE, Crown of Stars book 3, which was not such a great thing for me.

Regardless, and boy am I off topic, the Crown of Stars novel was unreadable - there was too much unknown, far too much necessary history, to start with it. It's just a good thing that ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE was book 1 of the trilogy - good stuff.

So, all in all, Anita Blake book 3: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED was very good. Hey, I'm on book nine, so they must have something to offer, right?

Don't forget about the giveaway!

Image from: http://www.coverbrowser.com/covers/bestselling-sci-fi-fantasy-2006/10

Pomegranate Ponderings

2009-11-02T19:43:00.003-05:00

I tried my first pomegranate today. I had a little pamphlet that came with it about how to open it and manage the arils, as they are supposedly called. So I freed all of the little flesh covered seeds and realized that they only have one little burst of flavor - which is delicious - and then you either have to chew up the seed (?) or spit it out (?).

I have yet to look it up, merely because, either way, I will probably never buy another pomegranate. It was rather interesting, the way the arils reminded me of corn kernels, if the kernels were on the inside. I was intrigued by the burst of flavor, not really sweet, but most definitely not sour - I can't describe it properly.

So I found that I had a desire to explore the experience with words, which I will share.

Red Shield, Royal Crown
What Treasure Defend You?
Pierced, You Bleed
Bright, Voluminous. Blood.
Past Your Defenses
White Armor, White Bone
Free Your Captives
They Flee
Only To Meet A Lonely
Solitary
Miserable End

Well, anyway, don't forget about the giveaway. It's a free book, don't be shy!

Image from: http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/pomegranate-helps-prevent-alzheimer%E2%80%99s/485/

November Giveaway

2009-11-01T18:17:00.005-05:00

Can it truly be November already? I don't really believe that it can. Yet it is.

Regardless, it's time for a first giveaway!

I'll be giving away a hardcover copy of Patterson's BIG BAD WOLF.

Since I couldn't decide how to make it more exciting, I'm going to look for replies here, put the names in a (figurative) hat and draw.

If you're already a follower and reply, you get a bonus entry. If you become a follower, you get a bonus entry. Just make note of the fact in the comment.

If you want another bonus name-in-hat, share the giveaway with a friend and have them mention your name in his or her reply to this post. Both your name and the friends' name will go in the pot. If you mention it on your blog, think of all the times your name will show up.

The winner and I will communicate through email for shipping.

The last time to enter will be Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00pm EST. The winner will be announced Thursday.

Rules:
Reply to this post to enter.
Share for a bonus entr(y)(ies).
Must be continental US shipping address.

Who doesn't like free a book?

Tzatziki

2009-10-31T16:02:00.005-04:00

Thom and I both love to cook. Not as much as we love to eat, but almost.

Not to brag, but we're good at it. It comes easy for both of us, and we love working in the kitchen together. I can pretty much wing a recipe and it turns out better than the by-the-book method.

From simple things like burgers and fajitas to more exotic options like spanakopita and lasagna, it is all something we enjoy creating.

One of our favorite things is Greek food. Tzatziki, souvlakis, spanakopita, baklava...Yeah, I'd say those are the top four, and tzatziki is just a condiment. By the way, my spanakopita and baklava simply and utterly rock.

So I thought it would be fun to share some recipes, as best as I can quantify them. If you don't like cooking with a little room for personal judgment, then this will all be useless to you. (If you're interested in the recipe that I used the first time I made tzatiki, you can check it out here. It is very detailed and step by step with photographs. Bah! Too much work.)

For today, since I just this very moment finished making it, I thought that tzatziki would be a good place to start.

Ingredients:
Yogurt - Plain (Greek or Regular. Size - how much you want. I used 2 large containers)
Cucumber (I used 2 large)
Garlic (I used 2.5 cloves)
Dill (Dry or fresh. Fresh is better. Grocery didn't have any, so I used about 1.5tbsp dry)
Lemon Juice (Fresh preferably. About 1.5 tbsp)
Salt

Procedure:
Set up a straining station with a colander and 2 coffee filters suspended over a bowl. Put the yogurt on the filters and strain to desired thickness. I like mine thick. If you buy Greek yogurt, this wont take more than 30 minutes, but regular yogurt could take two hours to reach my personal desired consistency.

In the mean time, peel the cucumbers, slice in half, remove seeds. Chop. I use a submersion blender to really beat my cukes up, but if you like them in larger chunks, go for it. Salt the cukes generously - I don't know how much, just enough to get some on them. These need to be strained as well, in the same method as above, so that most of the free liquid can leave.

If you have fresh dill, chop it up very, very fine. If you were to use the amounts that I'm using, I would personally use the whole bundle or package or however you purchased it. As I had to use dry, I just eyeballed the amount for mine, but I'd recommend 1.5tbsp and adjust to taste.

Dice the garlic very, very fine. Again, this is taste - use less or more for your preference.

When the yogurt is the desired consistency, put it in a bowl. Add the cucumber, dill, garlic, and about 1.5tbsp lemon juice (I just guessed, again - go to taste). Combine. Refrigerate at least a few hours, preferably overnight.

Taste. If it needs salt, add some. Mine didn't.

Piece of cake, and delicious.

Tzatziki is awesome on souvlakis, first and foremost. If anyone is unaware, souvlakis are real simplistic - pita, chicken, onion, tomato, tzatziki. But boy oh boy, the chicken is marinated and grilled, the basic fresh onion and tomato is simple perfection, and the tzatziki makes it all spectacular.

But, tzatziki would also be a great vegetable dip. Or it goes on gyros, or probably anything you wanted to put it on.

If there's any interest in my recipes, I'll share more. Otherwise, this will be a rare, rare occurrence.

Some of my favorites: Lasagna/spaghetti sauce, souvlaki chicken marinade, Parmesan chicken breading, baklava, spanakopita.

Image from: http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/07/worlds-best-tzatziki-sauce-recipe-greek.html

Writing, Busy

2009-10-26T21:41:00.004-04:00

Giveaway. I've tied the string around my finger. Maybe I'll just put my followers names in a box and draw. That'd be easiest. But I kind of wanted to do something fun.

Writing. I've been spending most of my free time writing. I have set a self-imposed deadline for a relatively polished first draft of working title paranormal mystery romance ANKH for November 20. I think I can make it. Then I will read it, Thom will read it, I will revise again and work up my query.

School. Just like always. Histology is long and covers an exhaustive amount of material. Ecology is pleasant but not my cup of tea. Nice feeling to know I only need one class next semester to graduate.

Anita Blake. Still been reading along like a choo-choo. They're exciting and enjoyable, and I'm still wanting more. LKH has some a good post over at her blog about writing for new writers. It's called But It's A Nice Chair... I like her blog a lot.

New Moon. Have you seen the new television preview teaser? Rockin' awesome. Can't wait.

Bluest Bird

2009-10-23T14:59:00.004-04:00

Reminder of greener days. I realize that the quality is not good on this one, but he's so pretty.

The real world is crazy hectic, sorry for the lack of posts and lack of progress on the giveaway.

Oh yeah, if you want a name of your choice (with Mr. Rothfuss' approval) in book 2 of The Kingkiller Chronicle - THE WISE MAN'S FEAR then hop on over to his blog to enter the raffle. It's for charity, and sort of cool besides.

You can read my quasi-sorta-review of book 1, THE NAME OF THE WIND, here. To sum it up - the book is awesome. Absolutely can't wait for book 2.

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN

2009-10-18T21:50:00.005-04:00

First of all, I didn't get to see the movie until this evening. Friday turned out to be terrible and the universe screwed up my plans. But at least I got to see it, finally.

The reviews on Yahoo! Movies were interesting. The critics hate it, the people seem to love it. I find myself falling somewhere in between.

Importantly, it was full of Gerard, but he was barely shirtless at all. What a disappointment.

Seriously, now. It was definitely action-packed. There were explosions and shoot-ups and some thrown punches. There was plenty of death and vengeance and violence. But the violence, as set up by the story, was justified.

Justified violence is an interesting topic. Not what I'll go in to here, but it is notably intriguing. If you've seen the reviews, then you know the basic story-line, and the movie follows what the previews offer. You just don't realize how far he takes it. It is extreme and hugely orchestrated.

The story-line gets a thumbs up. Revenge is a thing that many believe is ignorant, but boy it feels so good. No one ever wants to be in a situation that deserves revenge, though, so it is better to avoid the circumstances all together.

The ending gets a thumbs down. No, I can't think of a better resolution, but there should have been something more. More twist-y, more intriguing, more satisfying, more something.

In summary, pretty good. Worth seeing if you like action, revenge, and Gerard. Not too graphic, no deeply disturbing images, but a deep concept action movie.

If you don't care for the aforementioned things, then give it a pass.

P.S. I haven't forgot about the contest/give-away. Just haven't decided how to do it or even what to do.

Image from: http://www.mainplacecinema.com/showtimes/poster/law_abiding_citizen_poster.jpg

Upcoming: Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

Quickies

2009-10-15T21:55:00.002-04:00

Busy busy! Hopefully things settle down after... well, sometime.

The Vampire Diaries: Good stuff. Looking forward to each new episode.

Anita Blake: Still reading, they're getting better with each one.

Law Abiding Citizen: Going to watch it tomorrow. Very excited.

New Moon: Midnight tickets on sale at the local theater today, going to have to pick them up.

Upcoming: Law Abiding Citizen, CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, THE LUNATIC CAFE

Rich Apple Blossom

2009-10-13T20:45:00.003-04:00

A quicky photograph.

Made good progress on my writing today. Wrote a fun scene, and it feels good.

Upcoming: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, THE LUNATIC CAFE

Contests!

2009-10-12T18:44:00.002-04:00

Nathan Bransford, a literary agent, has a contest going on over at his blog. It is very exciting - submit any first paragraph for review and he will choose a winner. The winner gets a critique from him, as well as some other neat stuff. The runners up get a critique, too.

This is my submission:

It was the fourth day of June, and my living room was covered in blood yet again. The last time, it had taken more than six weeks for the cleaning crew to announce it satisfactory, and the emotional damage lasted much longer than that. Now, my boyfriend’s blood was all over the rug, the furniture, even the walls. He was dead for about four hours, bleeding all over the place the whole time. Don’t worry – he’s fine now. But my brand new couch sure isn’t.

Hope I have a chance. He said spread the word, and spreading it I am. At this point, there are over 450 submissions, which is a scary big number. Submissions are open until Thursday.

Also, and much, much less exciting, I am going to be hosting my First Book Giveaway. It will be a hardback copy, slightly used but in good condition, of THE BIG BAD WOLF by James Patterson. I haven't worked out the details yet, but look for it later this week.

Upcoming: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, THE LUNATIC CAFE, Pawpaw Fruit

The Vampire Diaries

2009-10-10T22:51:00.004-04:00

It has been a crazy week. Class was average, but other than that, not much was normal. Spending too much money, blah. Took the GRE Friday and am pretty pleased with my score. Haven't felt like I've had much downtime.

Anyway, I've been keeping up with The Vampire Diaries on the CW and enjoying it quite a lot. Like I said previously, it has action, drama, intrigue, and vampires. Fun show, I'm really looking forward to this Thursday's episode.

Well, with the show entertaining me so much, I thought I would buy the book and give it a shot. So I paid $9.99 plus tax for the single binding THE AWAKENING and THE STRUGGLE.

It was a mistake.

I'm not even going to warrant this one with a real review. Let me say that it was poorly written, first of all. It took me half of no-time to read it, and not in a good quick-read way. The characters are unbelievable and one-dimensional. The emotions are flat and unsubstantiated. The plot is miserable and, if you remove Damon, then the conflict is childish and absurd. If Elena was real, she would be a terrible person that no one likes.

The only good thing going for it? For some troubling reason, the very last three pages piqued my interest just barely enough that I am mildly curious as to what happens in the future installments.

Curious enough to pay another ten bucks for the next set? No way.

If you're watching the television show and enjoying it, then steer clear of this book. I sure wish I had.

Image from: http://jennifermorrill.wordpress.com/2009/09/18/the-vampire-diaries-book-one-and-episode-two/

Upcoming: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, Pawpaw Fruit

Zombieland

2009-10-06T19:05:00.004-04:00

The histology test was terrible, but watching Zombieland afterward made my day considerably better.

If you've seen the previews, then you know what to expect. They give a very good look into what the viewer is getting his or herself in to.

And if you laughed at the previews, then you'll really laugh at this movie.

The best way to describe it would be 'goofy-dramatic,' if I was to label it. It is utterly outrageous and absurd, but also has a few heartfelt moments tucked away inside. Nah, it was mostly goofy.

There is a large quantity of gore, but everything about the movie is so silly that the gore is not offensive, really. The actors did a great job and it was well assembled.

I can not really describe the plot without giving too much away, but I will note that I loved the digitally produced "Rule # 2: X". If you have yet to see it, I do not know a good way to explain it. But its funny and a nice touch.

In all, very funny. Negatives: utterly ridiculous? But that's not necessarily a negative. Like I said, if you chuckled at the preview, you'll really enjoy the movie. If you thought it looked entirely worthless, then you'll find the movie to be worthless too.

Image from: http://www.impawards.com/2009/zombieland.html

Upcoming: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, Pawpaw Fruit

Blazing Orange, Nothings

2009-10-05T18:30:00.006-04:00

A little photograph. I'm fond of orange, and thought the white of the Queen Ann's Lace really set the orange blazing. Can you spot the three ants?

Some nothings to share:

Have a histology exam tomorrow. The last one was 13 pages, all short answer to short essay in length. Not a single multiple choice, but that's how this professor is - same way in cell biology last semester. This one will undoubtedly be longer.

Big Bang Theory tonight, something to look forward to.

Anxiously awaiting more Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter novels to come in the mail. Hopefully they come soon. In the meantime, reading INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice. Enjoying it so far.

Planning on seeing Zombieland on Wednesday. Looking forward to that, too.

Upcoming: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, Pawpaw Fruit

Capitalism: A Love Story

2009-10-04T22:21:00.005-04:00

Michael Moore has delivered several social commentaries (at least that's what I'll call them) over the past years, arguably the most notable being Sicko.

He always manages to present his take on serious issues in an amusing, moderately entertaining form. Sicko will hold your interest from start to finish, taking the viewer around the world to explore public health care and around the country to explore the failures of the American health care system.

But Sicko is old news, (though in light of the current health care push, it is worth visiting if you have not - bearing in mind that it is *cough* biased, which is very obvious.)

The story today is Capitalism: A Love Story. It is about exactly what you think it is about. Thom enjoyed it quite well, but he mostly commented that it, "made him sad." Honestly, I found myself bored about halfway in. Yes, it was educational, but again with the bias... He's a one-sided story teller.

There is really not much to say unless I go into a big opinionated rant about capitalism, free-market, and the 'American Dream.' I see no need to do that.

Worth watching? Definitely, but my suggestion - wait until it comes out on DVD.

Image from: http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEx9uFCz49ebAy

Upcoming: CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, Pawpaw Fruit

Burr, Not Shiver

2009-10-04T00:26:00.002-04:00

Photograph for today.

Been scrapbooking all afternoon, just got back in. It was nice to do something creative with a tangible result.

Some good posts coming up in the next few days. Looking forward to writing them!

Upcoming: Capitalism: A Love Story, CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, Pawpaw Fruit

THE LAUGHING CORPSE

2009-10-01T17:15:00.007-04:00

Laurell K. Hamilton has had a huge stint with her Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter novels, and she's still writing them. As I've said before, I usually don't recall as to how I came across this novel or that novel, but I ended up buying GUILTY PLEASURES a few weeks back, and am glad that I did.

(Side note: LKH updates her blog quite frequently, and I enjoy reading what she has to say. Sometimes its personal, sometimes it's about writing, sometimes its just random.)

I finished THE LAUGHING CORPSE the night before last. I will finish book three, CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, tonight (if everything goes according to plan). Then I will have to anxiously await my Amazon order and read something else to tide me over until it arrives.

The Review.

The most striking thing about book two of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter novels is that they are designed to be stand-alone works. If the reader had never read GUILTY PLEASURES, then he or she could still read THE LAUGHING CORPSE and follow it without fail. Yes, back-story that occurred in book one is mentioned, but if it needs explaining, it is explained.

Anita finds herself in a variety of sticky situations in this installment. Voodoo priestesses, rich old cripples, police detectives, and master vampires all find their selves after Ms. Blake's considerable talents - for one reason or another. It is all that she can do to keep up with their considerable demands.

THE LAUGHING CORPSE is full of action, danger, violence, and intrigue. The writing style is as blunt as the first novel in the series, if not more so. Hamilton often uses repetitive words for emphasis, as well as standard vernacular. She presents the story in the most blunt way possible, and yet it is interesting and full of detail.

On the downside, Anita's persistent, consistent rejection of a certain male character has quickly grown tiresome. It seems to be an ever-present theme that will continue far past this second book, and yet it seems as if some resolution needs to be met soon. Only continued reading will offer any insight into the course which this part of the story shall take.

Image from:http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Laughing-Corpse/Laurell-K-Hamilton/e/9780515134445

Upcoming: Photograph, Capitalism: A Love Story, CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED, Pawpaw Fruit

Miscellany: Anita Blake, Genre Jumping, Writing

2009-09-29T22:22:00.008-04:00

I finished Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter book 2: THE LAUGHING CORPSE this evening. Going to let it simmer until tomorrow before I review it.

Let me say, LKH has me hooked. At this point, I'm ready to run out and buy every single one, but I'm trying not to act rashly.

Thom has started GUILTY PLEASURES (my review here), so we'll see what he thinks. He's read the TWILIGHTs, about seven of the Stephanie Plums, but couldn't even finish the first of the Sookie Stackhouses (True Blood)...

I've come to a realization that I'm a genre jumper. Whether its in reading or writing, I have not yet found one niche where I am entirely happy. As it stands, I have a first draft of a YAF novel, a good amount of work put into a paranormal fiction, two in-depth outlines of high fantasies, and one in-depth outline of a true sci-fi. Not to mention countless other concepts.

Boy, and my reading list is way more convoluted.

Should a writer stick to a genre or niche? Is it necessary to stick to one thing, to truly develop one focused style and stay with it? For that matter, when branching out, should an author always use a pseudonym to keep their works separate? I don't know the answers. As it stands, writing anything each day is an good thing for me, no matter what it is.

Anyway, enough senseless ranting.

Image from: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/laurell-k-hamilton/club-vampyre.htm

Upcoming: THE LAUGHING CORPSE

Flower Photograph, Books

2009-09-28T17:28:00.005-04:00

I don't know why I didn't think to mention it when I found out last week, but THE HOST is going to be taken to the big screen! You can read an announcement about it here. I'm quite excited to hear this good news, and it should be interesting to see how it fares.

I succumbed to my unconscious, internal reluctance about DRAGONFLY IN AMBER and will be putting it on a back burner. I bought a paperback copy of THE LAUGHING CORPSE by LKH today - so discouraged that it is out of print in hardcover and Amazon's cheapest copy from its used vendors is $45.

Anyway, I've started THE LAUGHING CORPSE and can tell that there was just something about DRAGONFLY holding me back. So, Anita Blake it is! I'm about two chapters in, and so far, so good.

Enjoy a vibrant purple weed for today. I think that the background is neat, too, if you notice it.

Upcoming: TBA

The Vampire Diaries

2009-09-27T15:42:00.005-04:00

About a year ago, a friend asked me if I'd like to borrow her copy of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES book one. I read the inside cover and politely declined. I was not intrigued enough to front the time to read it.

About a week ago, a different friend asked me if I was following The Vampire Diaries, a fresh new show on the CW. This friend is a fellow vampire lover, fantasizing about the vamps with the best of them, and said that it was quite entertaining, worth the time to watch.

About two days ago, I watched the first two episodes, and watched the third one today. Yeah, its worth the time to watch.

The show features Elena, a high school cheerleader who has lost her cheer and her parents, who becomes interested in the new guy at school: attractive, mysterious Stefan.

All is well and good until Stefan's brother Damon shows up, set on ruining Stefan's good-intentioned exploits at the local high school.

If I hadn't read some back-story, then that's about all I would know. The show has yet to reveal the vampire brothers back-stories or histories. We don't know why they came to town, why they're so interested in Elena, or why they lost their mysterious love Katherine.

Stefan is the 'good' vampire who abstains from human blood, sufficing on animals, which weakens him compared to his brother. Damon, conversely, loves his fleshy feasts and revels in the attack.

In all, quite entertaining so far. I will be watching Thursday night for the next episode, especially in lieu of my True Blood fix.

If you like vampires or high-school dramas, then it's worth your time to check it out. Flashy, exciting, and full of that teen-tv flick feeling - with vampires thrown in for garnish.

Guess I'm going to have to go buy the book(s)...

Image from: http://dvrlife.wordpress.com/category/teen-soaps/

Upcoming: Photography

Surrogates

2009-09-26T20:38:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting, reformatted the PC and been busy besides. After a miserable rainy day, Thom and I took the evening to go see Surrogates.

This tech-y future-concept thriller, starring Bruce Willis, features a world where people never leave their homes, sending out their robotic surrogates instead.

In a world where everyone is a human-controlled robot, there is virtually no crime, and if there is, the human 'operator' is not injured in any way. They simply must have their surrogate refurbished and go back at it.

There are salons for having your surrogate spiffed up, like a hair salon. There are quick charging stations spread throughout the world for when your surrogate's batteries run low. You can look like anything you want, be who you want, live how you want.

And there is no fear of injury or death.

Well, a system that seems so perfect can simply not last. There are dissenters who insist on living in machine-free reservations. In fact, they call for the ceasing of this entire system.

Bruce Willis' character is a cop who uses a surrogate, but gets caught up in the situation far more deeply than he intended. The movie follows his adventure and the upheaval of the world as they know it.

In all, pretty entertaining. As I've said, I like future-concepts. Bruce Willis did a fine job (boy, he's looking pretty old though) and brought something special to the screen. He made the movie what it is.

Worth seeing? Yeah - if you like Willis, future-concepts, robots and/or action. Nice twists that bring the story 'round.

Complaints? Pretty short air time, a little slow at a few points. Predictable. Not much negative.

Image from: http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2009/07/bruce_willis_being_bruce_willi.php

Upcoming: The Vampire Diaries . . . DRAGONFLY IN AMBER

Crisp Buds

2009-09-23T19:54:00.002-04:00

Long day. Weather was pretty nice, class was tiring, exam tomorrow stressing me out.

So, that being said, enjoy a photograph of a unique flower! Its worth clicking on to see the detail of the cobwebs on it, quite fascinating.

Upcoming: . . . DRAGONFLY IN AMBER

Jennifer's Body

2009-09-22T20:11:00.005-04:00

I think this movie is supposed to be funny.

I went in to Jennifer's Body with an open mind. I had seen the theatrical trailer, sure, and thought mostly 'meh.' But Thom and the guys wanted to go see it this afternoon, and so we did. At least it gives me a good topic to discuss.

The movie opens with the girl who is not Megan Fox (Amanda Seyfried) in an asylum. From there, it goes on a wild ride, switching from past to present and back and forth several times. Jennifer (Megan Fox) is not a nice person.

{Major Spoiler Alert. Do not read on if you don't want to be spoiled.}. This band - Low Shoulder - is hoping to make it big, but not by hard work and persistence. They sacrifice Jennifer as a gift to Satan so that he will grant them fame and fortune. They thought that they were offering a virgin sacrifice, but she wasn't - so a demon possessed her body in the process.

So, to satisfy the demon, Jennifer kills and eats the local boys. Long story short, she kills Needy's boyfriend and Needy kills her in return. For dispatching the demon, Needy gets tossed in an asylum. Oh, and she gets some of the demon's powers from being bitten by Jennifer. She kills Low Shoulder in retribution.

{End Spoilers.} Like I said at the beginning, I think it is supposed to be funny. It is so outrageous and ridiculous and preposterous that they can't have meant it to be a serious horror film. If they did intend to make a serious horror movie, then they failed seriously, seriously badly.

In all, it was pretty amusing. We all got some giggles out of it. It wasn't scary. There were some gross parts, with blood and some sort of crude oil vomit. The gore was mostly silly, though.

I wouldn't recommend spending the money for it. If you want a fix of Megan Fox hotness, go re-watch the Transformers movies instead. Otherwise, I can't honestly suggest it to anyone.

Image From: http://alltopmovies.com/jennifers-body/

Upcoming: . . . DRAGONFLY IN AMBER

Clover and Striking

2009-09-21T17:53:00.005-04:00

I have completed a full work-up outline (tangible paper and pen copy) of a novel concept. Feels good to be doing something productive toward my writing. I want to hit it hard now that fall is coming and outside will be less appealing.

Lighthearted and optimistic this evening.

So, I'll share a lighthearted photograph today.

Butterflies make my troubles weightless and instill me with a feeling of beauty. Its sad that their lives are so brief and inconsequential.

Going to work on trudging through DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, but it's hard going for some reason. At this point, I don't think I'll be buying number three. At least not right away. The problem is, I already own number six, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, and it seems like a shame to not own the whole series. Oh, and number seven comes out very soon...

Upcoming: TBA ... DRAGONFLY IN AMBER

Emmy Awards, The Informant

2009-09-20T23:05:00.006-04:00

The Emmy's were given out tonight. I did not watch much of the show, but something struck me in flipping through the channels.

Early on in the ceremonies, they played a clip of Family Guy - I do not know if it was a clip from an actual episode, or put together specifically for the Emmy's. *edit - Thom says it is from an episode.

I don't like Family Guy in general. Almost all of my friends love it and think it is hilarious, but I have never personally cared for it. Well, this clip was just downright disturbing and disconcerting and not funny in any way, shape, or form.

The dog (Brian?) character gets out of the bath tub and meets the baby Stewie. Stewie asks something about "who are you voting for for the such-and-such award?" The dog says something that does not suit the baby. Well, Stewie proceeds to violenly beat the dog, first breaking a glass jar over his head - leaving glass shards in his head and eyes, blood streaming out everywhere - then punch, kick, and otherwise beat the dog into a pulp.

I felt extremely troubled and bothered by this cartoon segment.

***

The Informant.

Brief review here. Matt Damon was entertaining and did a good job presenting his character, a dopey businessman, fairly high-up in a biotech firm. It was supposed to be funny, I think, but it was not anything all that amusing.

Mostly, as the movie progresses, the viewer is left thinking, "How much worse can Damon's character screw up next?"

In all, pretty boring. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're already really bored and desperate for something to do to kill some time.

Definitely not a fun, entertaining, interest-holding, based-on-a-true-story flick like Catch me if you Can.

Image from: http://andrewsidea.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/posters-the-informant/

Upcoming: TBA

THE LOST SYMBOL

2009-09-18T23:30:00.002-04:00

Dan Brown had a huge dance with success upon publishing THE DA VINCI CODE. Controversy abound, resulting in countless debates and rebuttal publications. His fame soared, first resulting in the production of a film version of his most famous novel, then the subsequent release of a cinematic sequel to The Da Vinci Code, the film Angels and Demons.

On September 15, 2009, the third, long awaited Robert Langdon novel was released.

THE LOST SYMBOL, like its precursors, is action packed and full of exciting twists and turns. Similarly, it spans a time period less than a day, matching with the brevity of the other Langdon novels. There is a dark, disturbed enemy figure who earns chapters from his point of view, in concordance with Brown's tradition.

There comes a point when the reader finishes one certain, vital sentence, and pauses to re-read it carefully before continuing.

Langdon receives a call in the early hours of the morning requesting that he deliver a talk to fill in for a last minute cancellation. The person from whom the request originates is his mentor and friend, so of course, he accepts.

What a terrible decision on the part of Robert Langdon, symbologist extraordinaire.

A complicated series of events unfolds over the course of the day, sending Langdon running all over Washington, D.C. and finding himself in more than one desperate situation. There is an unending stream of clues and unearthed mysteries to keep any reader enthralled.

Needless to say, there is nary a dull moment. The reader finds his or her self unable to resist turning the page. As is typical of Brown's work, there is a satisfactory ending and high standard of quality that is upheld flawlessly.

Complaints on this one are few. In fact, I find nothing worth mentioning.

There is a certain angle from which controversy could be derived, which is something that many readers will expect. No doubt it will be stretched as far as possible.

If you enjoyed his other Langdon novels, then this one will not disappoint you. If you enjoyed his non-Langdon novels, as I did, then you will be pleased to find that this one gives a feeling somewhat similar to that of DECEPTION POINT or DIGITAL FORTRESS. I am not certain as to the source of that feeling, yet it is there.

Image from: http://larryfire.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/

Upcoming: The Informant

Black and White

2009-09-17T20:24:00.001-04:00

This is my first attempt at a graphic image creation. I wanted to share it, despite my knowledge that it is low quality and unprofessional. It's more of an artistic thought than a utilitarian one.

Finished THE LOST SYMBOL, going to let it simmer until tomorrow for good measure.

Hope your day is going wonderfully!

Upcoming: THE LOST SYMBOL

Curly-Q

2009-09-16T20:27:00.004-04:00

Quick picture for today. Thought that these wild grape vine curly-q's were so cute.

Obtained THE LOST SYMBOL today, 200 pages to go.

Upcoming: THE LOST SYMBOL

MTV VMA's

2009-09-15T20:51:00.012-04:00

MTV is something that I do not care for. I never have, and probably never will. The VMA's are something that are irrelevant to me - the music that I listen to is whatever Thom puts on a CD for me or whatever happens to be on the radio. I like music, but do not care to follow it or keep up with who's who and what's popular.

So why in the world was I watching the VMA's past Sunday night? The answer is quite straightforward and clean cut. Oh, and it's embarrassing. And juvenile. The reason?

I wanted to watch the third New Moon trailer.

Yes, I had already watched it before-hand on the internet. Twice. But I was determined to see it as it was meant to premier: prefaced by the stars, broadcasted live and fresh. Admitting my addiction is difficult, and my anticipation makes me disgusted with myself. But there it is.

(Besides, this way, Thom had to watch it with me. Insert evil villain laugh.)

Therefore, I ended up watching most of the VMA's in all of their glory.

The highlights, from where I was sitting, are as follows:

(Note: This will be very informal and entirely opinionated with little research put forth)

Madonna. Madonna gave a serious, kind speech about Michael Jackson to open the ceremony.

Lady Gaga. The only song by Lady Gaga that I had heard prior to the VMA's was Poker Face. Initially, she was wearing this masquerade ball mask with a giant feather, looking silly. Then she did her performance, after which she put on this red mesh get-up that covered her entire body from head to knee, face included, with giant spikes on top. I couldn't get past her strangeness.

However, she performed a song (Paparazzi?) live on stage, and I was seriously impressed, in a strange way. First of all, her live voice was much more impressive than many other big stars' voices are live. She really sounded lovely. Second, her performance was strikingly deep and thought-provoking. It was passionate and painful to watch, in an intriguing way. At the same time, it was disturbing. I liked it quite a lot.

Green Day. I don't like their new CD except 21 Gun Salute. Not at all. Their live performance was mediocre at best.

Taylor Swift. Meh. I liked how she was on the subway, but her voice was terrible, and she sang the only one of her songs that I've heard - does this mean that it's her best work?

Beyoncé. Nice on the eyes, fair singer, jackass husband/boyfriend/whatever he is.

Of course, I have to mention the New Moon trailer. I will only say that I wanted to squeal with excitement. Thom commented that they gave away the entire movie. I answered that anyone who would care about that has 99.9% likely to have already read the book, so it's a moot point.

Otherwise, I did not like the host that they chose. I did not like the stage band that entertained the live crowd during commercial breaks. And it was way too easy to forget that they were even giving out awards with all of the other stuff going on. I can't tell you who won a single award, nor even what the awards categories were. Strange, for an awards show...

Images from: http://www.heatworld.com/Article/12169/Lady-GaGa/Lady-GaGa-wore-some-VERY-strange-outfits-at-the-VMAs..., http://www.dailyfill.com/Twilight-Trio-Introduce-New-Moon-Extended-Trailer-At-The-VMAs-35013/

Upcoming: Photography

THE GIVER

2009-09-13T16:20:00.004-04:00

Last week, I was struck with an itch to re-read THE GIVER by Lois Lowry. I read it first in the fifth or sixth grade, and thought it was striking at that age. It was an influence in my style when I won the State Future Problem Solving Creative Writing competition and thus got invited to Nationals. Big deal, I know - but when I was in fifth grade, it was a huge accomplishment.

(Also, I realize I keep insisting that I'm going to hit DRAGONFLY IN AMBER with vigor, and I still stand by it. I did read some on it yesterday and the day before. But it won't help that THE LOST SYMBOL is coming out Tuesday...)

Anyway, I went in to THE GIVER with the full realization that it is a short novel written for children. It took me half of no-time to read it, which is to be expected, but I am glad that I decided to revisit it.

The novel is set in a future that, while perfectly peaceful and by all appearances perfect, is actually a terrifying concept. Without saying much about the plot, it is difficult to describe what that could possibly mean. There is no individuality and no variety, which are two of the most moderate things that go toward creating this future's "sameness."

In all, it is a concept that does not seem like it should be geared for young people, but at the same time, it makes sense. Lowry is obviously making a statement about a possible path upon which society may tread. If you want to warn someone about a future that should be avoided, then it only makes sense to warn the children of the age.

Perhaps I am looking too much into it. Perhaps it is only supposed to be a story, from which no warning is meant to be gleaned.

Now, I must say that this time around, I was highly disappointed in the ending. It is one of those endings that ends absolutely nothing, offering no closure or resolution whatsoever. Vaguely, I remember loving the ending when I was small, but now it only annoys me.

In all, it is certainly a better novel if you are ten or so years old. Would I recommend it to an adult if he or she had never read it? Sure - like I said, it is a very brief read and does offer some food for thought.

Image from: http://elizabethcarroll.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/the-giver/

Upcoming: VMAs

Vibrant Orange

2009-09-12T14:54:00.002-04:00

I thought the flower in contrast to the butterfly was stunning. Hope it can brighten someones day like it does mine.

Upcoming: THE GIVER

Photograph - "Shyly Blushing"

2009-09-10T19:46:00.004-04:00

This evening, I spent some time outside enjoying the evening and taking some photographs. It was very pleasant, but I came to the realization that I have literally hundreds of photos that I feel are good enough to share.

I also think that it would be nice to learn how to use Photoshop or some program to make collages and assemblies of photos, but the one time I attempted to Photoshop it was a disaster. I could not do anything past making the program import a photograph.

Anyway, tests are over for this week, not another until next Thursday so hopefully I can find some time to read. DRAGONFLY IN AMBER has been sitting on my nightstand, looking lonely.

Upcoming: THE GIVER

On Blood, Gore, and the State of Society

2009-09-09T19:44:00.004-04:00

I have never had many of those moments of clarity when I was suddenly struck with conviction and emotion. It is not something that is common for me to make a life decision with those sudden flashes of pain in the back of the throat, that pain you get when trying so very hard not to cry.

In fact, the only notable time that I have felt such a thing and made an instantaneous decision was a few years back, in a dark movie theater, before the first minute of Saw III had aired on the screen.

Before that day, I had watched Hostel in theater and seen Saw II on DVD. That was about the extent of my experience with these torture films, films full of slaughter and senseless, extreme violence. Something changed between the time we walked into the theater and the time that Thom graciously left with me before the title screen for Saw III was even displayed.

Was I disturbed by the images on the screen? Not more than any other average viewer. Did I gag to see the images? No, not in the slightest. Would I say that I acted irrationally? Not for a second has the thought crossed my mind.

The irrationality is in the state of a society that goes to this sort of movie for entertainment.

What sort of people can we call ourselves if we enjoy watching people being tortured for fun? How is it that people can find enjoyment from watching other human beings be cut up, burned, shot, strangled, killed? Why can so many people watch with indifference as the victims scream and cry and plead and beg and are mercilessly destroyed?

And it is not a few, select people who enjoy these movies. This is a huge phenomenon, with many people greatly anticipating the next release of the next film. The box office numbers are huge.

We should be disturbed by the state of our entertainment industry. We should be disgusted that our society revels in the blood and gore presented in these senseless films.

It troubles me greatly that this is what our society enjoys for the sake of entertainment. It should trouble more people than it does.

So, that day in the theater, I walked out before the movie had even really started. My gracious husband went with me without a backward glance. I have not watched a movie in this horrendous genre since that day. I have no intention of ever watching one again.

It is disturbing that so many people enjoy watching torture, pain, killing - so much senseless violence. Do I think that I am too sensitive? No, I'm not a sensitive person in the slightest when it comes to extra-personal influences.

Again, I must ask - what does it say about the state of society as a whole when so many people enjoy - nay, love - this sort of film, nothing but an expose on blood, gore, and the worst sort of violence?

Upcoming: Photography

Gamer

2009-09-08T16:21:00.004-04:00

Future-concept stories are something that I enjoy, be they in the form of movies, books, or even music. A great deal of thought could go into a. coming up with future-concepts and b. contemplating other writers future-concepts.

While alternate-reality stories are similar to future-concepts, there is one key difference for the reader/viewer/listener - in my opinion - that makes the future-concept story much more riveting and potentially impacting: it could happen.

If it couldn't happen, then it would not be a proper future-concept. But then again, who's to say what could or could not come to pass in the future? No one, that's who.

It is a convoluted and complicated thing to think about, if you care to really think about it.

Anyway, Gamer.

Gamer starts quiet theatrically, simply by showing several shots of giant billboards and various other advertisement paraphernalia all featuring a game called Slayers and a man called Kable. The viewer quickly learns who Kable is and why he is so famous. In fact, he is basically revered around the entire world.

The movie catches your attention fast and keeps it. It is full of action and emotion. It is a manly movie that manages to force the viewer to maintain a sense of sympathy and empathy as he or she watches the film.

If you do not like gun-fights, you'll find Gamer to go against your grain. If you don't care for long action sequences, you won't find much non-action scenes in this movie. But really, there is not too much to fault.

The guy who plays Dexter was absolutely awesome. He did a spectacular job.

Gerard...who can complain about him right now? First he wowed us with his abs in 300, then he wowed us with his versatility in The Ugly Truth, and now he's taken a place at the top of the manly-movie industry no-holds-barred.

He's definitely my actor of interest right now. Whew. Besides that, none of my male friends can deny having a man-crush on him. Go Gerard. Can't wait for Law Abiding Citizen!

Image from http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2009/05/16/gamer-movie-trailer-and-poster.htm

Upcoming: {Under Deliberation}

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

2009-09-07T17:31:00.003-04:00

When I was small, I never had any G.I. Joe experience. I never watched the television show, never played any games with little plastic army men, never had the big military doll.

Therefore, I went into G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra with absolutely zero expectations.

That being the case, I enjoyed the movie. It was action-packed: full to the brim, overstuffed and overflowing action-packed. I like action. I like futuristic military action.

There were lots of neat future-weapons and vehicles. The super-suit type getup that the Joe's wore was awesome. Most of the plot focused around these nanomite technology warheads, which was a concept that I found intriguing. It said that they were originally developed to target and destroy cancer cells - what a cool idea. Too bad we don't have the tools small enough to make anything close to the size of these mites.

I also liked that the characters, good and bad, had back-stories. It made them feel more three-dimensional, which is always something difficult to achieve in round-about two hours. It also made the conflict more complex.

Without a doubt, the movie was set up as a first-in-a-series. The ending left so much open for a second movie that it screamed "make a sequel."

Now, I don't want to talk it up too much: it was good, but it was nothing amazing. The acting was mediocre bordering on good. The effects were fine. The plot was interesting, but too dependent on setting up for a second movie. I suppose the title should even give that much away to the prospective viewer.

Worth watching? If you like action movies, military movies, or G.I. Joe, then definitely yes. If you do not like those things, then don't bother.

Image from: http://cisnky.com/?p=997

Upcoming: Gamer

THE HOST

2009-09-06T11:53:00.004-04:00

Boy, I sure do wish that Stephenie Meyer would update her webpage more. I know she, like all authors, is very busy. I know she, like all authors, would rather be putting time toward working on her next novel as opposed to updating her webpage. But I can still wish, right?

Even without an active webpage, there are plenty of websites from which to get my TWILIGHT fix. I am so excited about New Moon the movie that I can hardly contain myself. The trailers only make my anticipation worse.

But that leads me to a point I want to make: the extreme fanfare of the TWILIGHT enterprise has overshadowed Meyer's other work, THE HOST. And, in my opinion, this fact is a shame.

THE HOST (again, in my-perhaps unpopular-opinion) is a higher quality story that any of the TWILIGHT books.

How can I say such a thing?

First of all, the language is of a higher caliber. Meyer has targeted the writing style and choice of vocabulary to a more mature reader. There is no doubt that it is aimed at an adult audience, though that is not to say that a young reader would not enjoy it. As opposed to the TWILIGHT novels, it uses more precision of language and more refined style.

Second, the subject matter - while miles away from explicit - is much more adult than the TWILIGHT saga. As opposed to beautiful, kind-hearted, magical, fantastical vampires that make the world a better place, you have instead a world that has been invaded and conquered. This is not a pretty place to live. There is nothing magical or fairy-tale about the scenario.

Third, it is much deeper. It is more complex and complicated than any of the TWILIGHT books. Things are not cut-and-dried. There are more difficult emotions and situations than anything presented in the vampire novels. The violence is more real. While it is far from realistic, it is much more imaginiable and perhaps more feasible than the existence of vampires.

In conclusion, it is definitely a shame that THE HOST has received very little recognition, being overshadowed by the craze of the TWILIGHT industry. It is a worthwhile read - do not refuse to read it either because you are scared of the popularity of TWILIGHT nor because you think it will disappoint you in lieu of the magical vampire fantasy world.

If I sound harsh, it is not intentional. I love TWILIGHT as much as anyone, and obsess about it more than alot of people do. But give THE HOST a chance.

Image from: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/thehost.html

Upcoming: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

The Inheritance Cycle

2009-09-04T13:41:00.009-04:00

The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini was originally meant the be The Inheritance Trilogy. Upon finishing book two, ELDEST, the author decided that he had no hope of finishing his story in a mere three books. I happen to appreciate his choice.

Book one of the cycle, ERAGON, was recommended to me by a friend. Needless to say, based on who the friend is, I was at first skeptical about the novel. I had never heard of it until she introduced it to me, so far as I remember.

Well, I will say, I enjoyed it very much. Eragon is a young boy when the story begins; he finds a strange oval stone in the forest, and it changes his entire world forever.

Yes, the series is targeted toward YA readers - perhaps even pre-teen. But the story is enjoyable and reads easily. The reader finds him or herself attached to the characters and interested to find out where there story takes them. It is a fun fantasy read, even though the style and vocabulary are both straightforward.

Despite being geared toward a young crowd, it is not at all a feel-good saga. There is loss heavily spread throughout the first three books - ERAGON, ELDEST, and BRISINGR. Without giving anything away, I will say that the end of BRISINGR is particularly saddening.

I won't hesitate to admit that I have read both ERAGON and ELDEST multiple times, as I sometimes do with quick, easy reads. I have only ready BRISINGR once, however, and I can not exactly tell you why. Something about it left me somewhat disheartened.

In conclusion, if you want to enjoy a quick and easy YA fantasy with a fun story that is not all hearts-and-rainbows, you'll find The Inheritance Cycle worthwhile.

A NOTE: Eragon the movie was a travesty. Don't watch it. Don't let anyone you know watch it. It was nothing like the book in any notable way, and they didn't even turn it into an entertaining story. Somebody seriously dropped the ball here.

Images from: http://hubpages.com/hub/Eragon_Book, http://www.sodahead.com/question/225463/what-book-are-you-currently-reading-or-just-finished/?link=ibaf, http://longbrakeliving.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/book-review-eldest/

Upcoming: THE HOST

Photograph, Writing

2009-09-03T19:26:00.008-04:00

This photo is not what I normally do - you've probably seen that I stick to close-up shots. I struggle to take a good distance photograph, but I think that these are nice. Good color, good focus, good subject. I wanted to show all three distances and angles, three separate shots.

I've been wanting to get back into my writing but can't seem to find the time. Thom says I really must work on draft number two of my YA novel, and I do want to get back on it. Besides that, I have a huge start on a paranormal fiction/romance that deserves some time devoted to it.

I am considering devoting one hour a day to writing something, regardless of other circumstances. Perhaps from 6pm to 7pm every day. I am still debating on how to handle it. I've even considered adding an hour to my morning and working then...but I'm not good at getting up early.

I've heard that the biggest hurdle that some aspiring authors never clear is actually writing something. And it is massively difficult, no question. Real life is such a hindrance to creativity and productivity.

Besides all that, I have an Ecology exam on Wednesday and another exam in Histology on Thursday.

I have stalled on DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, but intend to get back into it this weekend. So many things I want to read and consequently write about here. One day at a time, I suppose, is all that any of us can manage.

Upcoming: The Inheritance Cycle

Snippets

2009-08-31T15:47:00.002-04:00

A few miscellaneous thoughts for today.

Sharpie Brand has excellent marketing people and an excellent product. Their television commercials always make me feel like I should run out and buy permanent markers. I have been using a Sharpie Pen daily to take notes in class, and I love it. The ink looks like it has come from an inkjet printer when compared to handwritten notes that have been photocopied.

True Blood is fabulous. I am about to watch last nights episode of and am very excited about it.

I bought several books yesterday: the first three Anne Rice Vampire novels, MAKING MONEY by Pratchett, the new Terry Goodkind, and ODD HOURS by Koontz.
Image from: http://www.dickblick.com/products/sharpie-pens/ Upcoming: The Inheritance Cycle

THE DA VINCI CODE

2009-08-30T21:35:00.003-04:00

A few posts back, I commented on the fact that THE LOST SYMBOL, Dan Brown's new novel (coming September 15th), was and still is today number one on Amazon.com's top 100 bestsellers. To date, it has been in the top 100 for 133 days. Pretty impressive for a book yet to be released.

Why all the hype? ANGELS AND DEMONS was not a show-stealer when it was published. And yet, THE DA VINCI CODE has stirred up so much fuss and pizazz that its successor is anxiously awaited well before its release date.

I truly will be surprised if THE LOST SYMBOL has the same amount of widespread impact as its predecessor had and has. We can only hope, I suppose, that it grows into its vast reputation when it is available.

Anyway, I suppose it is useless to discuss it before it is even released. My point is that, upon mentioning THE LOST SYMBOL a few days ago, I realized that I have never commented on THE DA VINCI CODE.

I have an illustrated hardback copy of the novel. My first copy was a standard hardback, but after loaning it out to an irresponsible borrower, it had to be replaced - so why not trade up in the process? It is quite nice to have the photographs of the artwork right there juxtaposed with the text references.

I actually see little need to go into a plot summary in this case, what with the massive celebrity of the book. If you haven't read it, you might as well. It actually reads smoothly and easily and keeps the readers interest throughout.

My problem is that people seem to forget that it is a work of fiction. F.i.c.t.i.o.n. Enjoy it for what it is and don't get your hackles up over what it definitely is not.

Image from: http://terrychay.com/blog/article/the-da-vinci-code.shtml

Upcoming: The Inheritance Cycle

Intrigue

2009-08-29T18:39:00.005-04:00

Quick photo again today. Being back in class has me frazzled. So much homework already?

Summer! Where did you go? I miss you. I want your heat and your infectious sunshine and class-free days. Not to mention pool time, yard lounging, and wonderful summer-induced sweat. Don't go, summer. If only you could grant me my request.

Upcoming: THE DA VINCI CODE, The Inheritance Cycle

Good News, Robin Hobb's Work

2009-08-28T21:38:00.006-04:00

My husband Thom just found out this evening that he has an interview at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine on September 15! I never had any doubt that he would get an interview, but it is still so exciting that I just want to squeal!

I decided that it would be easier to review Robin Hobb's works as a cluster instead of doing individual articles. At this point, I have so much to talk about that writing about all twelve of her books individually seems too daunting - and I think I'd grow bored of it quickly.

First of all, let me say that I really enjoy visiting my favorite authors websites - and specifically their blogs. Robin Hobb's website, however, I do not enjoy visiting. It is difficult to navigate and I have never been able to glean any useful information from it save the FAQ page. However, on aforementioned FAQ page, she says that she likes her webpage and enjoys messing around with html. Alas, I must say, "Go Robin," for her desire to manage it herself - and to have fun with it in the process.

Robin Hobb has twelve books published to date in the U.S. (under the name Robin Hobb. She also goes by Megan Lindholm.) They are all divided into four trilogies - The Farseer trilogy, The Tawny Man trilogy, The Liveship Traders trilogy, and The Soldier Son trilogy.

The first three trilogies are all set in the same world, and essentially go toward telling one large story. The Farseer trilogy and The Tawny Man trilogy all tell the story of FitzChivalry Farseer, from his point of view. Together, the stories span a great many years. There are ups and downs, successes and failures, loves and losses. Without question, I enjoyed every single installment, all six of the books.

The Liveship Traders trilogy is much different from the Fitz trilogies. First of all, it follows many characters points of view as opposed to a single character. Liveships are just what the name suggests - a ship with a mind of its own. They are bound to the families that gave them life. There is oh so much more to the ships than we are initially led to believe, but I dare not go into that. I will say that the very material from which they are made is significant. Sometimes, like this moment, I believe that I enjoyed this trilogy more than the Fitz books. Hard to say, for I love Fitz's stories.

On a completely different note, in a completely different world, Hobb published The Soldier Son trilogy. The Soldier Son stories focus on a young man named Nevare, who was born as his father's second son - which means, by his birth, that he is meant to enter military service. There is a decreed position for every male child born, and it is simply accepted. Nevare starts out with every intention of being a good second son and living up to his fathers high standards, but circumstances beyond his control certainly change the course of his life.

The Soldier Son trilogy contains my least favorite of Hobb's work. Having read them last of all twelve of her novels, they left me feeling as if she didn't meet her previously set standards. Yes, they were all well written. Other than that, I feel nothing but a hollow feeling when I think of Nevare. His situation is so...unfulfilling...I don't know how to describe it properly.

Compared to my adoration for the Fitz stories and my total enjoyment of the Liveship stories, The Soldier Son trilogy simply didn't meet my expectations.

I feel obliged to note that these twelve novels are the only works of Robin Hobb's that I have read - and read them all I have.

Images from: http://www.coverbrowser.com/covers/bestselling-sci-fi-fantasy-2006/24 and http://www.meganlindholm.com/

Upcoming: THE DA VINCI CODE, The Inheritance Cycle

Smugness

2009-08-27T17:14:00.002-04:00

This little guy was in the backyard, looking so smug and proud that I had to shoot him. He was actually a very good subject - must have been too hot to care.

Something about moss intrigues me, too. It is so plush yet resilient. The color is always vibrant but mosaic.

Apologies for the brief post - it's been a long week.

Upcoming: Robin Hobb, THE DA VINCI CODE, The Inheritance Cycle

The Farseer Trilogy: ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE

2009-08-26T19:14:00.004-04:00

ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE by Robin Hobb is the premier book in a trilogy that turned into a series. Besides the first three books of the original trilogy, there are also an additional three books centering around the main character - FitzChivalry Farseer - and another three books that, while set far away from Fitz's story, are still an interweaved and integral part of the saga.

The story is designed as a recollection by the main character, Fitz. He is penning a history of the Six Duchies, the Kingdom in which his story is set. Then the story shifts to his personal history, starting from when he is six - the earliest age at which he has any recollectable memories.

Each chapter is prefaced by a segment of Six Duchies history, which is an interesting choice on Hobb's part. It makes the story feel even more thought-out and well planned than it would have if she had chosen not to include these history lessons. Besides adding a thread of continuity throughout the entire series, this backstory also gives key insight about the world in which the reader is now living.

And that is another good point - Hobb truly does enrapture the reader, drawing him or her into the world that she has crafted, making it possible to be truly immersed in the story.

Fitz is the bastard child of Chivalry Farseer, who was to be King of the Six Duchies after his father, King Shrewd. However, Chivalry finds himself so overrun with disgust for his actions - those actions leading to Fitz's birth - that he abdicates his right to the throne and leaves the castle.

This leaves Fitz behind to fare best he can in the throes of castle life, first finding a place as stable boy, then later as apprentice to his great-uncle Chade (who, coincidentally, is also a royal bastard).

Besides being a royal bastard - thus inheriting the Skill (a quasi-magical ability that the royal family has, which includes telepathy among the users of the Skill) - Fitz is also blessed and cursed with the Wit. The Wit is considered dirty and uncouth by many, and Fitz' first mentor insists that he quash it from his mind and never let anyone know that he is tainted with it. Of course, like any pre-adolescent, he fails to take his elders' advice.

The first book alone covers so much ground that a summary could take much time to read, and it is much better to find out the details from the actual novel. Leaving summary behind, it is only left to be said that this book - and this trilogy - and series - is a marvelous work of fantasy fiction that should unquestionably be read by any fan of the genre, and should be given a chance by even the most devout fantasy-hater.

ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE truly has the ability to surpass genre, for it is such a well crafted, heartfelt, and enrapturing story that it can not be ignored.

Image from: http://sci-fi.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Fantasy_Pictures

Upcoming: The Farseer Trilogy, THE DA VINCI CODE, The Inheritance Cycle

True Blood, Novel 'Truity'

2009-08-25T17:00:00.005-04:00

Alas, only two episodes left in season 2!

First of all, I feel obliged to start by saying that some die-hards are no doubt highly disappointed in this season. Why is that? Because it has absolutely no resemblance to the books in any way!

Okay, fine, a large amount of the characters are indeed named after characters in the books. But besides that, I find myself hard-pressed to find very many similarities at all.

Personally, I find this season significantly more exciting and enjoyable than the first. While the first season did hold very true to the first book, it did not have such a large amount of wow factor. Season two keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat, unquestionably, every episode. There are times that shock, awe, and enrapture the viewer.

Every episode leaves a feeling of 'No! That can't be the end! I can't wait until next Sunday!'

I won't go deep into detail concerning episode 10, but let me say that the ending left me intrigued, curious, and waiting with bated breath for episode 11. Will Bon Temps ever be back to normal? Will the entire state be changed forever?

Is anyone else watching? Has anyone else read the books?

I can't help but wonder how Charlaine feels about what they've done with her novels. I feel like the show is quite popular, but is being true to the original creation more important than entertainment value? To HBO, the answer is indefinitely no. But what about the author?

Is novel 'truity' (novel truity : faithfulness to original work - yes, I made it up) being forgotten for no good reason? A great example would have to be The Inheritance Cycle book 1: Eragon. The book is a great, easy read. Sure, it's geared toward a younger crowd, but I've enjoyed them and know plenty of other people who have as well. The movie, however, was an abomination of the worst sort.

Image from: http://goupstate.us/index.php/2008/11/10/true-blood?blog=9

Upcoming: The Farseer Trilogy, THE DA VINCI CODE, The Inheritance Cycle

Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

2009-08-24T18:28:00.005-04:00

I never recall how I came about a book or series of books that I found myself interested in. At least, if I do recall some of the details, it is far from a complete story. To the best of my recollection, I suppose I came across the novels starring Anita Blake on Amazon.com's Top 100 Bestsellers page. I surf this page very often, for some reason, even when I am not shopping to buy.

The trends are quite interesting to follow - at one point last year, the four TWILIGHT novels were all in the top 10. Now, I notice that (at this moment) Dan Brown's yet-to-be-released follow-up to THE DA VINCI CODE, THE LOST SYMBOL, is number one. Perhaps it is quite, well, lame that I find this simple listing of books so intriguing. Anyway, you might find it interesting, as well - there's always a chance.

I'm sure, besides seeing Anita Blake on Amazon, I found her popping up in lots of places once I took notice of this heroine's name. Though, I don't know if I agree with titling her heroine.

Book one of the Anita Blake phenomenon is GUILTY PLEASURES. Guilty Pleasures is the name of a vampire-operated strip club where Anita finds herself at a bachelorette party.

But I should digress. Anita is an Animator by profession, which means that she raises the dead in order to sort out questions about their death, be it concerning their Final Will or who-killed-you? or any other untied end that the individuals death left to be dealt with by the living.

At Guilty Pleasures, Anita finds herself forced into taking a job that she'd rather not have taken. I won't say too much more about plot for fear of wandering into the realm of spoilers, but I find it somewhat...convoluted, for want of a better word.

What I mean is - I have trouble feeling comfortable with the novel as a whole. Yes, the story makes sense. There are no irregularities or flaws within the construction of the plot nor any parts that left me saying 'What just happened?' And yet I do not feel that it is complete. I truly can not describe it with any success.

Despite my misgivings, I do intend to continue reading the Anita Blake novels (as soon as the funds make themselves available to purchase more books). I feel confident that they must continually get better, for author Laurell K. Hamilton is about to put out something like number 16 in the series.

I will comment on LKH's writing style - I found it more casual than perhaps anything else I have read. She does things that I find myself doing in my writing that I always correct for fear it would be misconstrued as an error, such as a deliberately fragmented sentence. She is adept at making the conversation between her characters extremely concise and minimalist without leaving a feeling of stiffness or incompleteness.

In all, a good vampire story in a very different world from our own. LKH says on her website that she was doing the vampire thing before it was cool, and I'm sure she'll endure long past the decline of their overwhelming popularity at present.

Images from: http://heatherkay.vox.com/library/book/6a01101679f9e8860d011015fa57f9860b.html and http://www.readersread.com/blog/707091

Upcoming: True Blood, The Farseer Trilogy, THE DA VINCI CODE

Inglourious Basterds

2009-08-23T15:25:00.002-04:00

Inglourious Basterds, the new film by Quentin Tarantino, was absolutely spectacular.

Normally, I do not care for 1. war movies or 2. Quentin Tarantino, but this movie must be the exception to all rules. Set in Nazi-occupied France, the story centers around two separate plots that run together in the end with a big bang. Brad Pitt plays a southern-American good ol' boy who runs a squad of Jewish Americans with one job and one job only - killing Nazis.

The other story follows a young woman who owns a cinema that becomes the location for the premier of a notable Nazi propaganda film. Coincidentally, the woman's family was massacred by Nazis some years prior.

The characters are all outstandingly written and portrayed. Yes, the movie did have a large amount of violence, but somehow - to me, at least - it was perfectly justified. A few scenes left enough warning to look away before the worst of the shock-factor executions were carried out. Again, while excessive violence normally lowers my opinion of any movie, it did not in this one.

I won't say any more for fear of giving away key plot points, A.K.A. Spoilers. I hope everyone enjoys this movie as much as I did. I can't rave enough about it. Thom was surprised that I liked it so well.

As a side note - I started DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, which will take me a while to read. So far it is good, if slightly confusing to me. More later.

Upcoming: Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

OUTLANDER

2009-08-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of sticking with my Upcoming: I have decided to force out a post about OUTLANDER despite the fact that I would much rather write about Inglourious Basterds. So, in good faith, OUTLANDER is here.

OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon is a large novel. I came about purchasing it because I had the sixth one in the series, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, on my bookshelf and didn't realize what it's origins were. I recall vaguely purchasing it some few years ago on a highschool trip to Joseph Beth booksellers.

OUTLANDER is different than what I normally read. It is a historical fantasy romance, I suppose, if I was in charge of labeling its genre. I found it in a bookstore under the Fiction section, if that tells you anything.

The story centers around Claire who starts out as a post World War II nurse turned botanist. She is married and content with her life in Scotland. She visits a miniature Stonehenge and falls through time, back 200 years.

So, her exploits are followed as she stumbles around in a foreign culture in the same country from which she came. She falls in love with Jamie, a big northern Scot, and decides that she likes life better with him than her other husband. There are large coincidences that she meets her first husbands six-times-great-grandfather, who is cruel and vicious and violent and screwed up in the head. Perhaps the large similarity in appearance between her husband and his predecessor skews her decision to stay with Jamie.

All in all, a good read - took up some considerable time, which is saying something for me. Lots of pages with small font. I was glad that I didn't finish it in a day or two, like most books. I have DRAGONFLY IN AMBER in my possession, and will start it this evening, if all goes as planned. Therefore, it must have enough good going for it to hold my interest enough to spend $18 on the second one.

Cons - story meandered, no strict straight plot-line.

Upcoming: Inglourious Basterds, Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter

District 9

2009-08-15T16:40:00.002-04:00

Thursday night at 11:55 pm I found myself settling in for the midnight premier of District 9. The previews, sure, were quite enthralling - but I honestly had no idea what to expect from this film. I'm not one to go an do outside research in preparation for a movie premier (With one big exception, that being New Moon).

So, from the previews, we know that there are aliens living in a slum outside of Johannesburg and that they want nothing except to go home. Then - my impression from the previews - was that the slum was suddenly disturbed by humans for some reason.

IF YOU'RE ANTI-SPOILERS, DO NOT READ ON.

We learn quickly that the aliens are being evicted and moved farther away from the human populous because tensions are high and there is much anti-alien feeling with the general public. Wickus - pronounced with a 'v', not sure on spelling - is the main human in charge of serving the eviction notices. We see that the humans have no regard for the alien inhabitants at all, and will brutalize or kill them with little provocation.

Well, long story short, super spoiler coming up - Wickus gets injured and infected with a substance that is obviously important to the aliens. He starts transforming into one of them. They find out that he can fire the alien weapons, which no humans can do. His father in law, his boss, tells the scientists in charge of his study to have at him for parts. He escapes. One of the aliens makes it back to the mothership and leaves the planet to get help and save his people.

Oh, I almost forgot - the movie is set up like a documentary in the beginning and end, which is pretty cool. There are people - coworkers, family members, scientists - who give 'testimony' which preludes the actual action and story. Neat set-up.

In all, a good movie, action packed, thought provoking, heartwrenching, and perfect setup for a sequel. Check it out.

Upcoming: Outlander

Funny People, Anniversary

2009-08-08T22:52:00.002-04:00

Today marks the first year of my marriage with Thom! We're indefinitely happier than we were a year ago, and things are only looking up from here. I can't say enough about what it means to be married to my very best friend. We spend a massive majority of our time with each other, whether just the two of us or us plus some. We like the same things, in general - movies, food, books, television shows, styles of clothing, people (types of people). Anyway, I could do a whole commentary on us and my opinion on good relationships...maybe another day.

So we went out this evening to watch Funny People. We ate giant pretzel pieces with nacho cheese and nachos with nacho cheese. The tickets were expensive, the food was expensive, the calorie cost was massive. It was fabulous - the food, and expense, I mean. Oh - an addendum - Thom bought me a beautiful Fossil watch, and I gave him a Fossil wallet for our anniversary.

Anyway, at long last - Funny People. It was good. I'll start by saying that it is worth going to see. In all, it was a little to long. But the actors were all good, indeed it was chock full of funny people. There were some good jokes given in the light of being stand-up comedy in the storyline. Additionally, there were some just plain funny parts.

However, on the downside, it was slightly drawn out in the late-middle-to-early-end section. Some of the misery was overdone.

There were plenty of laughs and a lot to think about. Like - don't be bitter, vicious and hateful.

Brief Update

2009-08-07T10:51:00.003-04:00

Thom and I will be away from home for the duration of the weekend, and as I'm heading out the door this moment I don't have time to say much.

I now have OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon in my possession and am on page 113. So far, so good. More to come later.

I hope to watch a movie or two sometime soon, but we'll have to see what happens.

Anyway, enjoy a photo for today and I'll return next week.

Defensive

2009-08-06T16:31:00.000-04:00

Track in the Mud

2009-08-02T15:30:00.001-04:00

Mealtime!

2009-08-01T20:20:00.000-04:00