Book: Profiles in Murder

Russell Vorpagel
True Crime
Da Capo Press / August, 1998
Mass Market / 304 Pages

A victim is stabbed nineteen times but left in a peaceful, resting position. Was her killer a raging psychotic, or as timid as she was?

In a charred house a partially clothed woman is found in her bed with a pornographic magazine and a mirror. Did she die in the fire — or at a sex killer's hands?

Before it was immortalized in The Silence of the Lambs, the FBI Behavioral Science Profiling Unit was pioneered by Russell Vorpagel. Now the legendary profiler takes you into the most intriguing cases of his career — actual cases of serial killings, sex crimes, celebrity murders, and hostage takings.

Showing how profiling turns the chaos and blood of a crime scene into a psychological snapshot of a suspect — his age, his personality, even the model car he drives — Vorpagel illuminates the twisted minds of the most vicious criminals of our time.

From the vampire murderer Richard Trenton Case — who consumed the blood of his victims — to Vorpagel's own duel with an assassin on the island of St. Croix, Profiles in Murder is the chilling real-life story of the human monsters who share our streets — and the men and women who hunt them down.

I picked this book up because I was being nosy. I was looking for the infamous book from Real Housewives New Jersey. Didn't find that one *pout* but did find this one on profilers.

What I liked the Most? This book was freaking cool. I enjoyed the case files & exercises.

What I liked the Least? Now it's the "present", now the "past", in class, in field - it jumped alot

Review: In this engrossing book Russell Vorpagel instructs a class in death investigation. He uses some well known (and some no-so-known) cases to teach the class about some of the intricacies of death investigation, including critical thinking as it relates to solving cases using profiling. One of the major strengths of this book is Vorpagel's use of a myriad of cases to demonstrate his points, while somewhat graphic and shocking it was not an in your face tale of blood and guts without a purpose. His instruction to his class followed by a case study demonstrates his points in full detail. This is one of the best profiling books I have read it focuses on actual case histories. I never got bored with this book.

Recommended to: Someone else interested in the why crimes happen.

Best Quote: "People who drink blood can't have a very good diet."

Challenges: 100+

Bento 78: Southern Yummy

Mom rocks - stuffed chicken breast, steamed cauliflower, fried squash (not so healthy but super yummy) and squash w/tomatoes.

Moving from Complaint to Solution

Complaint	Solution	Completion Date
Spousal Disrespect	Discuss the pain it causes take a break	Immediately
Being told to correct correct items	Take a Deep Breath Look at item to be corrected Send email to state it has been corrected Laugh at how stupid sender is	Immediately
Boring Daily Routine	Add Everyday ritual Add Yoga Add 10mins of puppy play time	By 8-25
Lack of Social Interaction	Add pagan meet & greets/classes Add actual Yoga Class Add gym time	By 8-25

Book: Kiss of Shadows

Laurell K Hamilton
Fantasy
Del Rey / 10/2000
Hardcover / 448 pages
The Meredith Gentry Series #1

A Kiss of Shadows introduces Merry Gentry, a.k.a. Meredith NicEssus, a faerie princess of the Unseelie Court, where politics is a blood sport. Merry, who's part sidhe, part brownie, and part human, never really fit in. She's short, not skilled in offensive magic, and mortal because of her human blood. These are real liabilities when your family, especially aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, is out to kill you. Merry has been in hiding for three years, living in Los Angeles and working for the Grey Detective Agency, which specializes in "supernatural problems, magical solutions." A new case sets her against a man who uses forbidden magic to seduce fey women and drain their power. A plan to trap him goes awry and Merry's cover is blown. Now Andais knows where she is. But things have changed in Andais's court, and Merry is changing too.

Despite the selkies, brownies, goblins, and ogres in this book, it's not for children. The fey are "creatures of the senses"--and in the Unseelie court, sex and pain go together. Merry is sexually adventurous and surrounded by gorgeous, powerful males, most of whom want her badly.

I picked this book up because I adore anything about the Sidhe and it's by LKH, what more could a girl ask for.

What I liked the Most? Darkness - wow. What a character.

What I liked the Least? It almost felt like you had to have too much background to enjoy any of the story. This is so&so his story is blank. For every new character. Not so bad in an established tale, but for every new character in a new series. Hmmm, little much.

My Review: I for one, love this book. Mrs Hamilton's writing style & prose comes together in a wonderful way with Merry Gentry hiding, living in LA (if there are any angels they are flying blind) working as a PI and she is doing pretty well. That is until one case reveals her as Princess Meredith NicEssus, the lost Princess of the Unseelie court. So she being brought back home, to the very place she has been running from for the past three years. The place where attempts on her life had been overlooked by the Queen, and even accepted by some of the nobles. It had been made very clear that she was wanted dead. But now there are other plans in motion, and the Raven's are dancing Merry's tune.

The imagination and thought that Laurell K. Hamilton put into this book is amazing. She created a world where humans and Faerie live and cooperate together. I love the plot and premise, and Laurell's writing style only adds to the story.

My Rant: Oh for petes sake, can these stupid whiney people stop crying about how Meredith was screwing every man in the book. It starts out with sex & it doesn't stop. Hmmm, I don't know what book you were reading, but the book I was reading started out with the girl at work, trying to convince herself & her boss not to take a magical murder case because it was bad news. And then she is raped by use of Aeval's Joy a magical aphrodisiac specifically designed to stimulate and make your body scream yes. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but this is still rape, right? Then she has sex with her boyfriend and the scene was more magical then sexual in description. So what if she has sex, she is clearly old enough to make up her own mind. If you don't want to read about sex, it's really simple - DON'T READ THIS BOOK OR ANY IN THE SERIES. I understand the beef about Anita Blake - she started out a prude and ended up catting around with everyone & their brother, but Merry is sexual from book one. Just don't read this series.

Recommended to: Adult!! Fairy Fiends

Best Quote: "I don't want your life, Doyle, just your body."

Challenges: 100+, Para999, Summer Reading

Everyday Ritual

Supplies you’ll need:
Offering of Food, Offering of Drink, A candle, matches or lighter

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Sit quietly.
Take a moment to contemplate all the blessings you have in your life.

On (say the date) I light this candle (light candle) in gratitude. I honor the Lord and Lady and thank them for the blessings and prosperity they have brought to me. Thank you.

Eat some of the food, drink some of the drink. (Be sure to save the last bits as a sacrifice)
Sit and meditate for a few moments.
Snuff the candle.
Pour the sacrifice outside or in a potted plant.

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As you go about your day, be sure to keep negative thoughts at bay and try to mentally tally all the wonderful things that have come into your life.

Bento 77: Pasta Bake

Pasta bake and a salad - gotta love my mom.

What Do You Hate?

I am tired of being disrepected in my own home by my own spouse.

I despise being constantly told to make corrections when something is already correct.

I am having major issues with being the reliable one in every aspect of life.

I can't stand having to do the work of three or more people because my co-workers call out or come in late all the time.

I despise not earning the additional $1500 a month that would make my life comfortable.

I am fed up with trying to do everything when I only get the tools and the time to do half of it.

I can't stand the smell of my work place, it needs to be aired out regularly.

The work politics and policies are a joke and should be the same for everyone.

I am fed up with my boring daily routine, but I don't know what changes to make.

I am tired of falling off my healthy life plan.

Book: Now What?

Laura Berman Fortgang
Self Help
Penguin Group / April 2005
Trade Paper / 288 pages

In Now What?, pioneering life coach Laura Berman Fortgang shares the process that she has used so successfully with hundreds of clients to help them make major changes in their lives. Whether it's moving on from a dead-end job, discovering an entirely new creative outlet, or answering the age-old question: "What am I meant to do with my life?"-this book shows how to identify what's missing in life, and how to set a clear course for realizing new dreams.

Readers will learn from the success stories of Berman Fortgang's clients, including:

• a woman who left her unfulfilling job to discover the rewards of doing motivational work with professional athletes
  
• a high-fashion show executive who found a more gratifying position helping adoption agencies around the world place children in need of homes; and
  
• a highly paid corporate consultant who became a minister

For anyone who feels drawn toward a life-changing move but is not sure what exactly they want to do or how to move forward, this book provides a concrete, practical, and time-bound process for finding and pursuing a new path for your life. Full of inspiring and empowering exercises and tools, Now What? guides readers-day by day and step by step-through a ninety-day process that will lead to true life satisfaction and fulfillment.

I picked this book up because Review book

What I liked the Most? Finding Myself

What I liked the Least? Finding Myself

Review: You know there has to be some sort of divine entity, call it God, Goddess, Bob, or Source, it doesn't matter. I am going through a lot in my personal life right now and I get this book in the mail and it just makes perfect sense.

This book arrived in the mail on Monday, I took the little quiz at the front of the book, I finished reading it by Tuesday night and I am blown away. I will be following the 90 Days to a New Life Direction & look forward to posting my progress here on the blog. I took the quiz at the beginning of the book

• My life is chaotic and out of control, True
  
• I have no time for the things I really want to do, True
  
• I have interpersonal conflicts in my workplace or at home, double True
  
• My home and/or office environment is cluttered and not conducive to good work, double True
  
• I am the sole provider or caretaker of my immediate and/or extended family, True x 4

So that means I need to start at chapter one (ironic ain't it) with "What you hate gives a name to what you want" Okay so now on to my first assignment. Homework, at my age, that sounds intimidating. After all, who wants even more work? But you know what, I am definitely worth it.

Recommended to: Anyone feeling stuck, definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for some real self-discovery.

Best Quote: "The goal, a happy life"

Challenges: 100+,

Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Directed by David Yates.

Michael Gambon
Daniel Radcliffe
Emma Watson
Rupert Grint
Helena Bonham Carter

MPAA rating: Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.

Running time: 153mins

Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry.

In the sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, and in both wizard and muggle worlds Lord Volemort and his henchmen are increasingly active. With vacancies to fill at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledor persuades Horace Slughorn, back from retirement to become the potions teacher, while Professor Snape receives long awaited news. Harry Potter, together with Dumbledore, must face treacherous tasks to defeat his evil nemesis.

I picked this movie because it is something that my sister, my father & I all agree on. We loved the books, so now were share the movies.

What I liked the Most? I'm on a girl power kick - Herminoe rocked this movie, but no one could have done bitch like Bellatrix Lestrange.

What I liked the Least? The fact that the movie revolved around the various romances

Review: Personally I wasn't very happy with this installment. I was expecting 5 alarm chili with the battle at Hogwarts & the gut wrenching pain at Dumbledore's death and instead was served creamy tomato soup with a side of crackers. Now I know that not every well written scene makes the cut when dealing with a movie, but WOW, this was shear butchery, it was all foreplay and no climax. It felt like the characters were running in place, just stalling for time before the final chapter(s). It was just plain bland.

Now don't get me wrong, I loved the story line as it was presented, it just didn't fill me with any great need to "rush" to the next movie. I love that the characters appear to be maturing and dealing well with the lemons that life has handed them, but snogging is not the end all be all of the story.

Recommended to: Fans of the series

Best Quote: "He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo!" - Hermione Granger

Movie: G-Force

Directed by Hoyt Yeatman.

Bill Nighy - Saber
Will Arnett - Kip Killian
Zach Galifianakis - Ben
Nicolas Cage - Speckles (voice)

MPAA rating: PG (for mild action, rude humor)

Running time: 1:29

Gadgets, Gizmos, Guinea Pigs. In 3-D.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer brings his first 3-D film to the big screen with "G-Force," a comedy adventure about the latest evolution of a covert government program to train animals to work in espionage. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws. Tapped for the G-Force are guinea pigs Darwin, the squad leader determined to succeed at all costs; Blaster, an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude and a love for all things extreme; and Juarez, a sexy martial arts pro; plus the literal fly-on-the-wall reconnaissance expert, Mooch, and a star-nosed mole, Speckles, the computer and information specialist. Along the way, the G-FORCE encounters myriad other members of the animal kingdom, including pet shop layabout Hurley and the rabidly territorial hamster Bucky.

I picked this movie because 4 words - poop in his hand (Okay so Lucas picked it out - same thing)

What I liked the Most? Lucas' Laugh/the stupid mice

What I liked the Least? Gross out moment with the roaches

Review: Personally, I found this movie to be an extremely funny take on the ever so tired "Spy Movie". It just happens to star a group of highly trained rodents (who are aiming to become FBI Special Agents) instead of a Bond or a Powers.

This movie was shooting for the goal of entertainment & it scored big time. The G-Force under take a mission to infiltrate a high profile, home electronics developer who may have a plot to take over the world. But the FBI doesn't care and the group find themselves on the run from the FBI - who now want them shut down and exterminated. With the help of some pet store refugees they must fight their way back into action and save the day.

I totally enjoyed myself & from the sounds of Lucas' laugh, he did too. And then mom said she enjoyed herself entirely too much just because of me & Lucas shouting tag lines at the screen & laughing like idiots. She said "You two make things like this good". LOL. I had fun mom, thanks for taking us.

Recommended to: Anyone wanting to laugh

Best Quote: "Poop in his hand" - the idiot mice

Book:The Lie

Fredrica Wagman
Chick Lit
Steerforth Press / April 2009
Quality Paperback / 224 Pages
Standalone

Ramona Smollens has a chance meeting on a park bench with an older man, Solomon Columbus. The two became lovers, and soon Ramona is leaving the home of her mother and recently deceased father for marriage and the trappings of adult life. She takes with her a dark family secret, the sort of secret one simply did not talk about, one that would stalk her as she matured into her role as wife and mother. Coming of age in 1950s America, Ramona gets her cues about a woman's role from the world around her, and about female sexuality from the silver screen. But when experience teaches her that Hollywood's ideal is in fact "the lie," truth and desire collide with a force that is deeply moving and unforgettable.

What I liked the Most? The haunting verbage & graphic imagery.

What I liked the Least? The format. I prefer classic writing styles.

Review: The first thing you notice about this book is the cover, bold - red, then you see the 1950s pinup "Rita Haywood" inspired picture. Simply stunning. Then the story grabs you by the throat and holds on tight.

A week after her father's death, Ramona meets Solomon. They spend the afternoon sitting on a bench chainsmoking & sharing their stories - continueing on during a tourental downpour. Ramona then takes this man she just met home to meet her lonely deranged mother, Trixie, who insists that Solomon leave while he insists he intends to marry her daughter, whom he met four hours ago and he does, less than a month later.

Presented entirely from Ramona's mindset, in an unique stream of conscious "thought train" that winds through the haunting, twisted journey. You see the tale unfold. You start to relate to her and you get sucked in. Ramona's past is revealed as her present unfolds and she struggles with her relationships with husband, mother, and even especially self. As I do not wish to reveal too many spoilers, the details will have to remain in this wonderfully written book.

To be completely honest, I must say it is not an "enjoyable" book to read - the subject matter makes that impossible - it is, however, a book that can not be put down. It is engaging and you will find yourself drawn to Ramona, wanting to know the next step in her evoloution.

Beware, this book hits you in the heart and forces you to think. It is a very emotionally charged book. Fredrica Wagman is a bold author who is not afraid to dive into the seamy underbelly of human emotions and she will pull under with her.

Recommended to: Other Women

Best Quote: "everything in your head is scrambled eggs...You've lost it" - Solomon (I thought he was talking to me)

Challenges: 100+

Challenge Updates

Considering that I just signed up for another challenge. I thought would take a moment & figure out where I am currently at on all my challenges.

How many can you read? 0/? - starts 8-1

2009/2010 Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge 17 months left 0/19

GLBT Challenge 2009 Due 12-31-09 3/6

Summer Reading Challenge Due 9-21-09 3/12

Take A Chance Challenge Due 11-30-09 5/10

100+ Reading Challenge Due 12-31-09 67/100

Paranormal 999 Challenge Due 9-9-09 50/81

Vampires 4/9
Magic 9/9
Weres 5/9
Fairies 5/9
Ghosts 5/9
Time Travel 5/9
Mythical Creatures 4/9
Physics/Paranormal Talent 7/9
Angels/Demons/Gods/Goddess 6/9

A-Z Reading Challenge Due 12-31-09 33/52

Titles 18/26
Authors 15/26

Hmmmm, looks like I may be falling behind. I knocked out 2 challenges super fast & now I seem to be stalled. Gotta get a move on it.

2009/2010 Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge

J.Kaye of J Kaye's Book Blog is hosting a new challenge.

Dates: July 23rd 2009 through December 31st of 2010.

Basic Guidelines: The goal is to get caught up on the Stephanie Plum series, so create a list of the books you haven't read yet. See all the details & sign up right here. Thanks J.Kaye for hosting another wonderful challenge.

Stephanie Plum Series

1. One for the Money (1994)
2. Two for the Dough (1995)
3. Three to Get Deadly (1997)
4. Four to Score (1998)
5. High Five (1999)
6. Hot Six (2000)
7. Seven Up (2001)
8. Hard Eight (2002)
9. To the Nines (2003)
10. Ten Big Ones (2004)
11. Eleven on Top (2005)
12. Twelve Sharp (2006)
13. Lean Mean Thirteen (2007)
14. Fearless Fourteen (2008)
15. Finger Lickin' Fifteen (2009)


Stephanie Plum Between-the-Numbers Novels

Visions of Sugar Plums (2002)
Plum Lovin' (2007)
Plum Lucky (2008)
Plum Spooky (2009)

I like the titles of the books already. Headed to the book store in the morning to see if I can pick up any.

Book: Benny & Shrimp

Katarina Mazetti
Chick Lit
Penguin Group / July 2009
Quality Paperback / 224 pages

Two middle-aged misfits and a love that should not be as complicated as it seems

It started in a cemetery, where they begrudgingly share a bench. "Shrimp," the childless young widow and librarian with a sharp intellect and a home so tidy that her jam jars are in alphabetical order, meets Benny, the gentle, overworked milk farmer who fears becoming the village's Old Bachelor. Both driven by an enormous longing and loudly ticking biological clocks, they can't escape the powerful attraction between them.

But how will she learn to accept that he falls asleep at the opera and has a house full of his mother's cross-stitch? And how could he ever feel at home in her minimalist apartment, bare as a dentist's waiting room?

What I liked the Most? The story flipping from one to the other. Plus I love how they found love in the cemetery.

What I liked the Least? Kinda odd, but the story flipping from one to the other.

It is what both made this book & made this book harder to read.

Review: Benny - recently orphaned 30 something (Swedish) country boy with out a clue living on the family farm with cows & sheep.

Shrimp - recently widowed 30 something beige mouse of a librarian living in a sterile environment & eating bland food.

Forced to share private moments on a bench in the cemetery where they are each visiting their respective loved ones, neither truly understanding just how lonely they are, until they share an unexpected smile and everything changes. Shy, but immensely attracted to each other, they soon find out that certain needs can be fulfilled with each other. The sexual euphoria quickly wears off and Benny realizes he would prefer "a farmer's wife" to go along with his simpler life, while Shrimp (modern day woman) loathes his dilapidated farm and all the references to the past.

Yet they choose to stay together, fearing the return of the loneliness and rationalizing that the sex is great; but is it enough? Their lifestyles are so different, but they are both intelligent & caring people. Can Benny learn to love city life? Can Shrimp learn to love the farm? What is it that makes two people fall in love? In essences this book is all about how even two people who are absolutely crazy about each other can have a hard time putting it all together and make it work. This book will touch your heart.

Katarina Mazetti has created an honest, down-to-earth look at love, full of humor & sadness.

Recommended to: ANYONE. This was a really good book.

Best Quote: "It's never a problem for you to do a bit of overtime" - they said.

Challenges: 100+

Bento 76 : Greek Veggie Wrap w/sides

Yummy light bento

Greek veggie wrap = 175 (wrap, lettuce, tomatoe, feta, dressing)
Carrots = 70
Celery = 10
Ranch Dressing = 50
Popcorn = 180
Cran-Pomgranate Juice = 150

Mailbox surprise

Just got this in today - so cant wait to get started.

Quote of the day

"Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself." Doris Lessing

Book/Movie:Confessions of a Shopaholic

Sophie Kinsella
Chick Lit
Dell Publishing / November 2003
Mass Market / 384pages
Shopaholic Series, #1

Becky has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it—not any of it.

Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from the bank—letters with large red sums she can't bear to read—and they're getting ever harder to ignore.

She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something....

Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life—and the lives of those around her—forever.

I picked this book up because TAC challenge requires a book/movie combo & I've been wanting to see the movie. (Technically Undomestic Goddess caught my eye first LOL)

What I liked the Most? The total kitsch of the whole book.

What I liked the Least? I'd have to say nothing. This was a very enjoyable read.

Review:The main character, Rebecca Bloomwood, is a recent college graduate and a financial writer for Successful Savings. You would think that she is a financial expert right? Not so, her love for shopping and her love for the finer things life has to offer seem to overpower everything else in her life - including common sense.

When she’s feeling down, she shops. When she’s happy, she shops. When she starts being frugal, she shops. When she goes home, she shops. The problem is that her income doesn’t quite cover her bills. In fact, it falls very short and this is causing her quite a bit of problems. So, how does the great financial expert handle her own money problems? She ignores them. She pretends they don’t exist. She pulls tricks like "forgetting to sign" the check or postdating the check. She ultimately stops even reading the letters that are being sent to her by the bank and the credit card companies. Instead, she throws them away unopened. She rationalizes that if she never received the bill or the nasty letter then she cannot be held accountable. In the end, she stops relying on winning the lottery or marrying for money as a legitimate means of solving her problems. Instead, she becomes accountable for her actions and faces her problems.

Becky is a very likable character and one with whom many people can relate.

Recommended to: Someone ready to laugh

Best Quote: "I wouldn't aim to win the jackpot of course --- that's completely unlikely. But one of those minor prizes. There seem to be heaps of those going around. Say L100,000. That would do. I could pay off all my debts, buy a car, buy a flat ... Actually better make it L200,000. Or a quarter of a million. Or, even better, one of those shared Jackpots. 'The five winners will each receive L1.3Million.' ... One point three million should see me straight?" - Rebecca


Challenges: 100+, TAC

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The Take a Chance Challenge required a Book/Movie Combo. So below this point is the movie review.

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Starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, and Krysten Ritter
with guest appearances from Joan Cusack to John Goodman to John Lithgow.

Directed by: P.J. Hogan

Advisory: Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.

Running time: 104 minutes

Struggling with her debilitating obsession with shopping and the sudden collapse of her income source, Rebecca Bloomwood unintentionally lands a job writing for a financial magazine after a drunken letter-mailing mix-up. Ironically writing about the very consumer caution of which she herself has not abided, Rebecca's innovative comparisons and unconventional metaphors for economics grants her critical acclaim, public success, and the admiration of her supportive boss Luke. But as she draws closer to her ultimate goal of writing for renowned fashion magazine Alette, she questions her true ambitions and must determine if overcoming her "shopaholic" condition will bring her real happiness.

I picked this movie because TAC challenge requires a book/movie combo & I've been wanting to see the movie.

What I liked the Most? The clothing.

What I liked the Least? The dynamics between Rebecca & Luke

Review:The main character, Rebecca Bloomwood, is a recent college graduate and a writer for a gardening magazine. Who finds out the hard way that credit cards are hell not heaven. It is a cute little human interest love story combo. Where the main character is using multiple credit cards to pay for a must have on sale scarf that ends up being both her scourge and salvation.

Oh Yeah - FYI - If you watch the DVD, check out the deleted scenes. The best book scene is there. The zebra print jeans.

Becky is still a very likable character and one with whom many people can relate.

Recommended to: Someone ready to laugh - my husband enjoyed it.

Best Quote: "I made a trade"

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Comparison Section

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I was not impressed. As two stand alongs okay maybe - but comparing the two side by side like I did. It sucked.

Some of the very basic ideas from the book were misrepresented from the very beginning.

*Rebecca was supposed to have been a writer for the financial magazine Successful Savings from the beginning - who got herself into a whole lot of trouble for not understanding finances, not a druken sot who wrote her way to the job.
*Suze is not supposed to know about the credit card debt, because Rebecca hides it from EVERYONE.
*And why did they have Luke Brandon go to that one conference with Rebecca - she should have met a random hack that poses all those questions.
*Mr Smeath was supposed to be proud of her comments on the talk show, not humilate her.
*Tarkie was so not Suze's boyfriend - he's supposed to be her cousin crushing on Rebecca
*Luke Brandon was supposed to already have Brandon Communications, this is the crux of the whole book. He is TOTALLY out of her league, not just semi out of her league cause he's the boss.
*The advice she gave was supposed to be to her parents neighbors & costs them BIG TIME!!! But that's what leads her to write a glorious article that basically saves herself, wins her the boy & the job & the ability to pay off her debt.

I could continue with this list, but what's the point.

I am very aware that they can not put EVERYTHING into a movie, but wow - this was shear butchery. And not in the good way like Practical Magic.

Bento 75: Yummy!

And this is another new box - love my latest bento order

Yummy!!! Mushroom rice & Garlic Chicken w/brocoli

Quote of the day:

"Why should I care what other people think of me? I am who I am. And who I want to be." Avril Lavigne

Some Info from My Friend Amy

Book Blogger Appreciation Week (from here on out to be known as BBAW) was started last year as an effort to appreciate the fabulous community of hard working bloggers (who love books as much as she does!) that she adores. It's really just a week to celebrate our very diverse and exciting community and get to know each other even better.

This year, BBAW has its own blog. This will hopefully make things easier to follow, no more mass emails from me! But, of course, if you want the behind the scenes scoop on how things are progressing, this is the place to be. ;) Please be patient with us as we get the blog fully functional as well.

*******The above was lifted straight from Amy's blog so that I got the wording right.

So head on over & register for the BBAW!

Book: The Iron Hunt

Marjorie M. Liu
Urban Fantasy
Penguin Group (USA) / June 2008
Mass Market / 320 pages
Hunter Kiss Series, #1

Silver smoke winds around my torso, peeling away from my ribs and back, stealing the dark mist covering my hands and lower extremities . . . tattoos dissolving into demon flesh, coalescing into small dark bodies. My boys. The only friends I have in this world. Demons.

I am a demon hunter. I am a demon. I am Hunter Kiss.

By day, her tattoos are her armor. By night, they unwind from her body to take on forms of their own. Demons of the flesh, turned into flesh. This is the only family demon hunter Maxine Kiss has ever known. The only way to live-and the very way she'll die. For one day, her demons will abandon her for her daughter to assure their own survival-leaving Maxine helpless against her enemies.

But such is the way of Earth's last protector-the only one standing between humanity and the demons breaking out from behind the prison veils. It is a life lacking in love, reveling in death, until one moment-and one man-changes everything . . .

I picked this book up because LOL. My husband picked it for a challenge & said damn she's hot.

What I liked the Most? Tattoos - her armor/her friends

What I liked the Least? The confusion.

Review: The writing style seemed to be way more complex than the story warranted. Mysteries were thrown out randomly just so they could be either explained within a few sentences or left completely unanswered. Okay - benefit of the doubt, there is to be another story, so you would expect some things to continue, but COME ON.

I, for one really enjoy a good intellectual story but this book required entirely too much wading. Through the writing style. Through the character developement (or lack there of). Through the unanswered BS. To even get close to the meat of the story and I had to keep rereading sections just to keep up with all the characters, many of whom are playing at being dark & mysterious, or are dark & mysterious, AND they refuse to answer any questions. It's too frustrating. Hell, personally I would have smacked the meddling man & walked away.

And with that said, I did like some of the characters. I'm just not certain that I like the characters enough to attempt a trip through the story line the next time.

Recommended to:Someone with more patience than I

Best Quote: Someone pushed. And a bus hit me.

Challenges: 100+, Para999, TAC

Bento 74: Take Out Left Overs

I had to go into work today for the system switch over - so I decided that a treat was in order and of course went to the bento box place!!!

And look it does actually have a name. LOL.

Got my usual - the bento box. Today was Miso soup, salad, tempura veggies, fried rice, chicken, and philly roll. Well I got full before I finished, so I packed it up to bring to work tonight!

My newest pretty little box

Gotta love the bento box left overs

The only thing missing - coffee. I need starbucks!

Quote of the day

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." Janis Joplin

Mailbox Surprise

The 2 books came from a BAMM order - the CD I won over at J.Kaye's Blog. She always has the greatest giveaways. Thank you again, J.Kaye!

How many can you read?

Hosted by Pizza's Book Discussion

The goal of this challenge is to see who can read the most books. Well it probably won't be me, but I can try. LOL, and I have a vacation week in the middle.

I'll be posting the books I read in August here. To sign up, click here.

1. Demon in My Vein - Amelia Atwater-Rhodes 8-1 Review
2. Wolf Moon - Charles DeLint 8-2 Review
3. A Caress of Twilight - Laurell K Hamilton 8-3 Review
4. The Summoning - Kelley Armstrong 8-4 Review
5. Gone With the Witch - Annette Blair 8-6 Review
6. Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews 8-8 Review
7. Kiss of a Demon King - Kresley Cole 8-10
8. Scent of Darkness - Christina Dodd 8-11
9. Touch of Darkness - Christina Dodd 8-16
10. Midnight's Daughter - Karen Chance 8-17
11. Magic Burns - Ilona Andrews 8-18 Review
12. You Are So Cursed - Naomi Nash 8-19
13. My Favorite Witch - Annette Blair 8-20 Review
14. Prey - Melinda Morel 8-21 Review
15. Seduced By Moon Light - Laurell K Hamilton 8-22
16. The Scott, The Witch, & The Wardrobe - Annette Blair 8-25
17. The Kitchen Witch - Annette Blair 8-26
18. Fangs 4 Freaks - Robar 8-27
19. Silent Thunder - Iris Johansen 8-27
20. Cindy Ella - Robin Palmer 8-28
21. Breath of Magic - Theresa Mediros 8-29

Book: Magic's Price

Mercedes Lackey
Fantasy
Penguin Group / July 1990
Mass Market / 352 pages
Last Herald-Mage Series, #3

Valdemar - the once-peaceful kingdom protected by the magic of its Herald-Mages - is now besieged on all fronts. The king lies near death, the neighboring land of Karse wages a relentless war against Valdemar, and the forces led by a master of dark forbidden magic are massing to strike the final devastating blow against the kingdom. And Vanyel, the most powerful Herald-Mage Valdemar has ever known, has become the primary target of the evil which is reaching to poison all the land. With all his fellow mages slain, Vanyel alone remains to defend his people against the dark master's army. Yet a dream vision has revealed to Vanyel the fate which awaits should he and his Companion Yfandes take up the dark master's challenge. And if either Vanyel or Yfandes falters, the dream will become a horrifying reality in which both Valdemar and its last Herald-Mage must pay the ultimate price.

I picked this book up because The end of a trilogy

What I liked the Most? That you can see the true growth of a character.

What I liked the Least? It's the final chapter with Vanyel

Review: I was blown away by this story. You have the younger but much more experienced person literally hunting the older/shyer one. Brilliant. And the story line - wow tears til the end. I must say that I LOVED this trilogy - even if this one wasn't my favorite.

Recommended to: Fans of the series; anyone looking for non-sexual GLBT reading.

Best Quote: 'Let's see if we can't think of a way to bring Uncle Van to bay' - Medren

Challenges: GLBT, Summer Reading, 100+

Book:Magic's Promise

Mercedes Lackey
Fantasy
Penguin Group / January 1990
Mass Market / 320 pages
Last Herald-Mage Series, #2

The Wild Magic is taking its toll on the land. Many Heralds and Herald-Mages have died fighting to preserve the peace. Even Vanyel, the most powerful of all the Herald-Mages, is almost at the end of his strength, in need of a respite from the dual threats of war and dark magic. But for Vanyel, there can be no rest. Not when his Companion, Yfandes, receives a summons which can't be ignored - a desperate cry for help which draws them both into the heart of a magical holocaust in the neighboring kingdom. Almost overwhelmed by the devastation they discover there, Herald-Mage and Companion must try to unravel this tragic mystery. Is the young Prince Tashir, a newly Chosen Herald who can't control his own magic, responsible for the destruction? Or is Tashir a pawn in a deeper, more deadly game - and, if so, will Vanyel be able to find and defeat the true destroyer before this master of dark powers can strike again?

I picked this book up because This happens ALOT - but it was the next book in a series.

What I liked the Most? The character development of the first book is something that really impressed me, and it continues here.

What I liked the Least? Tashir - what a little idiot.

Review:Vanyel, older but still a young man, has experienced a lot in his short life, but still has much to learn - about himself, about love and life. Unfortunately he has continued to isolate himself, and is often confused, angry, hurt. The plot can be a little tricky to follow at times but it's a matter of keep reading, things do become clear.

Recommended to: Fans of the series, emotional readers

Best Quote: "I choose to remember you in love, not tears" - Vanyel

Challenges: GLBT, Summer Reading, 100+, Para999

Book: Magic's Pawn

Mercedes Lackey
Fantasy
Penguin Group / June 1989
Mass Market / 352 pages
Last Herald-Mage Series, #1

Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things. Nor does he seek a warrior's path, wishing ins. tead to become a Bard. Yet such talent as his if left untrained may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered by his aunt, Savil, one of the famed Herald-Mages of Valdemar. But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil cannot master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land. And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin'a'in Adept, Vanyel's wild talent may already have grown beyond anyone's ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril.

I picked this book up because I was already reading some of her other books & wanted to try a Valdemar tale.

What I liked the Most? This was truly an emotional book. I usually get invested in the characters / settings, but this book went way beyond anything I usually feel. I cried, I laughed, I felt this story from beginning to end.

What I liked the Least? Nothing! This was a truly wonderful book.

Review: This is a wonderful story about love, friendship, revenge, pain, and all of the other wonderfully messy human emotions. It proves that love is a valuable thing that should not be taken for granted. That revenge is not always the answer and that true friendship can heal. It also shows that without the pain, some things may never have come about. And that just because something horrible happens, you should not give up.

This book truly shows us what Mercedes Lackey can do. Duplicate and show real human emotion. While this book is grim (depression suicide, abuse) it does not skimp on how a real person really would feel about those things if they had them do onto them. Normal people don't bounce back the next week about losing the one that they are in love with, and this is what the author believes and she shows it quite amazingly! While it can be a hard book to read at a couple of parts, it truly is genuine and will even have you look within yourself for similar feelings.

It is an exciting novel, that transports the reader to this wonderful land of Valdemar and let's them see into the minds of people who are different. This book keeps you turning pages all the way through and encourages you to read it more than once.

Recommended to: To any fantasy lover ready to really feel a book.

Best Quote: 'Now I'm a bully. And I don't like it' Vanyel

Challenges: GLBT, Summer Reading, 100+, Para999

Wawa's

This gas station rocks!!! I recently went on a road trip for work and I was truly amazed by this gas station.

Ice Cream Cooler

Chilled Bottles of Wine

Milkshake Machine

A bizillon types of coffee

And a center cooler with everything from fresh fruit, salads & wraps to bacon & eggs ready to cook.

Quote of the day

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton

Book: The Goddess Is in the Details

Deborah Blake
Witchcraft
Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD / May 2009
Quality Paper / 240 pages

Being a Witch isn't limited to casting a spell under the full moon or consecrating a ritual circle. Whether you're calling the Goddess or doing the dishes, your wonderfully witchy ways are woven into everything you do.

With her signature down-to-earth wisdom and warmth, Deborah Blake takes you into the heart of what it means to be a Witch all day, every day. Filled to the brim with practical suggestions, Pagan and Wicca spells, and helpful advice, this essential book brings to light all facets of a modern Witch's life: The seven core beliefs of Witches, mindful eating and health, creating sacred space at home, relationships with non-Pagans, sex and the single Witch, raising Pagan children, solitary and coven practice, Pagan ritual, and green living.

I picked this book up because I have a habit of flipping through non-fiction and seeing what I land on. This time it was a "spell" for a healthy relationship and anyone that know me in RL, knows that I need that.

What I liked the Most? The down to earth writing style & suggestions

What I liked the Least? At times it is a little simplistic

Review: This book asks and then answers, just about any question you could think to ask. It's kind of like a teacher in a book. The book is divided into six sections: The Everyday Witch, The Inner Witch, The Outer Witch, The Social Witch, The Practicing Witch, and The Natural Witch. Topics discussed range from “The Seven Beliefs” to “Mindful Eating” to “The Witch and Marriage”. And there are Something to Think About/Try zones at the end of every section - I love this.

Recommended to: Other pagans/open minded readers

Best Quote: "The Essence of being a witch"

Challenges:100+

Mailbox surprise

I'm so happy & sad all at the same time. I got my bento order in today & of course that makes me happy, but since it is probably the last order I will be getting from Ichiban Kan and this makes me sad.

And what a box full of goodies it was (Thank you again Daddy-O). Four new boxes (see two of the below), Two sets of decorative cutters, a package of two egg presses (bunny & bear), aset of picks and a whole bunch more!

This is Jim box!!

And this is my new box - Keep an eye out for the maiden voyage of all the new goodies!

Lunch!

Bento 73:Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad

Horoscope: July 1

Virgo
You might not believe what you're hearing, but be patient and give it a chance.

---

This is too funny we were scheduled to change our computer platform at work today. This daily scope was just what the dr ordered. Needless to say - we didn't switch today - I guess to many of us were impatient. LOL

Book:The Da Vinci Code

Dan Brown
Bantam Books / March 2003
Hard Back / 464 pages
Robert Langdon Series, #2
Date 6-29/7-1

While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call: the elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum. Near the body, police have found a baffling cipher. While working to solve the enigmatic riddle, Langdon is stunned to discover it leads to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci -- clues visible for all to see -- yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Langdon joins forces with a gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, and learns the late curator was involved in the Priory of Sion -- an actual secret society whose members included Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Da Vinci, among others.

In a breathless race through Paris, London, and beyond, Langdon and Neveu match wits with a faceless powerbroker who seems to anticipate their every move. Unless Langdon and Neveu can decipher the labyrinthine puzzle in time, the Priory's ancient secret -- and an explosive historical truth -- will be lost forever.

I picked this book up the first time, because I had read the first book & was very intrigued with the style of story telling.

What I liked the Most? Everything - this book blew my mind the first time I read it! And to this date, still leaves me wanting more.

What I liked the Least? Nothing.

Review:I was blown away by the amount of information & description in this book - but it never once felt to me like I was stupid for not knowing something, ya know? I loved the ebb and flow of the story, the gasps, shock & awe, and let's not forget the shear intrigue.

Recommended to: Any one

Best Quote:"I've got to get to a library... Fast!" - Robert

Challenges: Take a Chance, 100+

Book:Demon Mistress

Yasmine Galenorn
Paranormal Romance
Penguin Group June 2009
Mass Market/285 pages
Sisters of the Moon Series, #6

We're the D'Artigo Sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we're savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch whose magic is as unpredictable as the weather. My sister Delilah transforms into a tabby cat at the worst possible times. And me? I'm Menolly, acrobat-extraordinaire-turned-vampire. And if the nerds from hell don't get their act together, I'm going to turn their toga party into a bloodbath...

Life's getting stranger by the minute. First, Iris and I unearth a diary from one of the bartenders at the Wayfarer who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. And when I discover a ghoul in the woods near our home, we know there has to be a necromancer nearby--another sign that something's wrong. But the blood really hits the fang when we discover a secret society bent on winning Shadow Wing's favor. Now it's up to us to stop the chaos they've unleashed on the city, and to prevent the demon they summoned from devouring Delilah's soul...

I picked this book up because it is part of a series that I am reading.

What I liked the Most? Menolly is really coming back to herself.

What I liked the Least? Confusion

Review: During spring cleaning at the bar, Menolly finds some fascinating items in a room upstairs - a diary kept in a secret language & a locket - left behind by an elf bartender who possibly returned to Otherworld. While Menolly considers what to do, a new radically different demonic assault begins to absorb the life force out of the fae. There appears no counterattack to prevent this threat from succeeding and evidence mounts that a human group is now aiding the demon Lord Shadow Wing.

Recommended to: Fans of the series - confusion for non readers of the series.

Best Quote "Camille's not making anymore bargins" - Smokey.

Challenges Para 999, 100+