New Series I Wanna Watch Out For

Castle: Starring Nathan Fillion (Mal Reynolds from Firefly), this series looks to be quite awesome. A new age 'Murder She Wrote', Frank Castle is a murder mystery best seller who becomes involved with the police after someone start copying the murders in his books...even if I didn't think Nathan was hot, I'd jump on board for this series Airs March 9th at 10pm e/9pm c on ABC

Lie to Me: This series just looks like a very interesting one. What if you could tell just by someone's body language that they were lying? So is the job of deception artist Dr. Cal Lightman played by Tim Roth. His character is based on real life lie detector, Dr. Paul Ekman. Airs January 21 at 9pm e/8pm c on Fox

Dollhouse: From the creative mind of Joss Whedon (Firefly, Angel, Buffy) comes the new drama that has a facility turning girls into whatever clients would like them to be. Wiping their personalties, these women are then put back into action as, yet, another totally different person. This is definitely one to keep an eye out for. Airs Feb 13 at 9pm e/8pm c on Fox

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

When you hear the name Fiona McIntosh, you know you are in for one awesome ride and in Royal Exile (Book One in the Valisar Trilogy, she didn't disappoint. From the first line of the prologue to the promise of another book at the end, this new trilogy opens with a great battle that inspires hatred and sympathy. Like all good stories, we are weaved into the fabric of the lives of a lost king in search of his kingdom, his love interest, and a cast of other characters that you not only love to have, but also hate to love.
I am not a big epic fantasy reader, though I have read many of the big names in the genre including Jordan and Goodkind. The reason I recommend this book is that it has all the elements of an epic, without the enormous page length that a lot of those books tend to be. For me, with kids and life getting in the way, I love a good rich story that can be read and enjoyed within a few days. This is one of those wonderful books.
I would definitely recommend this book to epic fans and fantasy readers alike. It had good adventure, great action, and a twisting plot that left you salivating for the next. Royal Exile is a book great for a long winter's night spent indoors by a fire. So, step into the land of where a lost king sets out to find his kingdom and begins an adventure that will change his life and the world around him forever.

Miracles Still happen

Well, a small tornado hit our apartment complex and we didn't even get a warning. I thank God that it wasn't bigger. Scary as it was, my kids and hubby was upstairs and if it had been a big one, well, you don't need to be told as to what could have happened. Thankfully, we are all fine. We had some damage, a fence broken and a few holes in a couple buildings, but no one was hurt. For anyone not familiar with a tornado, it sounds like the washer on a spin cycle and you are in the middle of it.

On a sadder note, Monday was also the day my ball python, Angel died. He was twelve and I had had him for over eleven years. He will be missed.

With Christmas coming closer and closer, I figured I would do a few holiday book reviews to get people into the season. I love reading holiday books doing the month of December and one of my favs to read with my kids is the Legend of Holly Claus. It is a very cute story from the heart of a little boy who asks Santa what he wants for Christmas.

Born to the Clauses is their little girl, Holly, who becomes cursed with a heart surrounded by ice and forced to live her life very alone. With her friends a beautiful white wolf, a snowy owl, an Arctic fox and a cute little penguin, she begins a journey of love and excitement meant to warm the heart and ignite the soul.

My seven year old loves this book. It is well written with adorable and memorable characters that filled page after page with an enchanting princess story. Animal lovers will enjoy her companions as they travel along side, helping her and protecting her as the evil wizard tries hard to own her heart.

I recommend this to those who love Christmas and those with children who love to be read to. it is a nice size book with some beautiful pictures and easy to read dialogue. It is a welcome add to any one's collection.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!!!!!!

Wishing you and yours a warm and food filled holiday!

From your friend at rabid hotdog.....

Cast of Characters Review

If you have ever read anything by Max Lucado, you will already know the man can write. He puts those hard to understand Biblical Principles into easy bite able pieces. One of my favorites by him is No Wonder They Call Him Savior, which gives a whole new look into our Savior, Jesus Christ. In Cast of Characters, he shows just how Human the heroes of the Bible really were.

Those familiar with his books will recognize stories like Peter, who even after denying Christ was told at the tomb he had been forgiven or Thomas, the man who doubted, but was one of the greatest men of God to have lived.

There are also new stories such as Moses, a fugitive on the run for killing a man, but was good enough to lead God's people from captivity or Matthew, a tax collector (imagine being friends with an IRS man) who became one of Jesus' posse. Ordinary men, who God found extraordinary...

Ever since I read my first book by Max, I fell in love with his storyteller style and fun sense of humor. He relates to the family with stories of his two daughters and wonderful wife and to the every day human with stories of hope in a world that tends to give up on it. Whether Cast f Characters is your first or just another one to add to your list, it will definitely not be your last. Pick it up and begin an adventure into the real life stories of God's chosen few.

Wall-E on Blu Ray

Well, we just purchased Disney's Wall-E on Blu Ray and have already watched it. LOL! My two year old is a BIG fan. The basic storyline is about a little robot named Wall-E, who is the only thing left on planet Earth, besides his faithful pet. The little robot reminds me of Short Circuit and ET with his best friend being a little roach who loves Twinkies. LOL!! His primary function is to clean up the Earth, but has become slightly human collecting things that he sees as special. Among them is an old VHS tape pf Hello Dolly, this being where he finds out what love is.

One fateful day a spaceship lands bringing with it a probe, which turns out to be the little robot's love interest, Eve. Thus, begins a romance and feel good story that will span the generations.

For those who have not yet seen Wall-E, it is a cute movie that not only teaches us a thing about love, but also about our desire to keep Earth clean. Yes, it has that environmental message, but it is one we all need to hear. My biggest thing about the movie is both little ones and big ones can enjoy Wall-E and his friends antics.

If you purchase the three disc blu ray, you will get the Digital copy for your computer. I like that feature because then when my hubby is playing or watching something on TV, the kids can still watch Wall-E. I also have Nightmare Before Christmas. Also on the DVD, is another short (the one with the magician and his rabbit is on there too and if you have not yet seen it, it is sooo cute) about a little robot named Burn-E. He would be the one that is stuck outside when Eve and Wall-E come in from their dance out in space.

If you have kids, love Disney, and just need a great movie to go with your popcorn, rent, buy, or even borrow this too cute little robot's story. You will not regret it.

Gears of War Aspho Fields Review

Marcus Fenix...Dominc Santiago....if these names are unfamiliar to you, then you probably have not played Gears of War on the Xbox 360. If that be the case, this book will introduce you to some memorable characters as well as a world plagued by war against humans as well as the creatures they call the Horde.

I was introduced to this game from Epic by my gamer hubby and have fell in love with the characters as well as the story. Liken a lot to Halo, Gears brings out a story line that is rich without taking away and this book just adds to the drama. Marcus is a loner who has been ignored by his very rich parents and is befriended by the brothers Santiago, Dom and Carlos. Knowing that his father will be disappointed, Marcus enlists in the COGs, Coalition of Ordered Governments, recognized by the COG tags on their necks.

This book takes place during the war against the Horde, but flashed back to the Pendulum Wars in which the battle for Aspho Fields takes place. Marcus has kept a secret from Dom that effects what happen to his brother and as things get heated in battle, the truth begins to emerge. Can their friendship survive?

I am always apprehensive with books like this. Though the game is awesome, I have learned that the movies and books lack the luster. This is not the case here. This books stays true to the story as well as the thrill of playing the game. I could hear the sounds of Lancer fire and the sound of the King Ravens overhead. So in short, if you are a fan of the game or just getting started, this book is a great read even for those who have never heard of Gears.

Dragons.....be they reptiles with wings or intelligent creatures of myth and legend, good books about them are gems that should be treasured. Eragon is one of those masterfully written wonders.
Open up to a fight over an egg, dark blue and gorgeous sent by magic to be found by a peasant boy looking to feed his family. Mix in the stories of an old man, of dragons that lit up the sky with their glorious fire and keep evil at bay. Add the most beloved Saphira, sapphire dragon who becomes bounded to a young Eragon and thrown into an adventure that only dreams can contain....
Paolini has given us a masterpiece when it comes to a classic novel, spinning a tale that even Tolkein and Lewis would be proud of. Do not base this book on what you have seen in the movie. It is not a book for younger kids. Violent and sometimes a bit disturbing, either read it first or make sure your child is okay with images like that. If you have read Harry, then this is about as dark and scary.

Relic Review

Take one part Jurassic Park, then add a bit of the scientific fun of the Fly, and finally, throw in a killer cast of odd characters that will have you longing for just another slice of "edge of your step while holding on to the book for dear life" pie. Enter Relic, the novel who introduces us to a cast of characters that have carried us through several more novels and I hope will continue as the years go by. Many may recognize this title from a movie that came out a little after the book was written, but besides a few bits in the story line, that is all they have in common. Set in the beautiful New York Museum of History (the movie was set in Chicago), the novel begins with the opening of the Gala event where Margo Green, a graduate student and her professor, Dr. Frock are preparing samples and idols for the museum's superstitions gallery. All is suddenly put on hold when a dead body is found mutilated with no head and the police come in to figure out who done it. Among these officers is Lt. D'Agosta, a seasoned cop with a love for finding his man. The one character the movie left out that is sooo important to the books is FBI agent, Pendergast. He is as secretive and mysterious as the nature of the murders that begin happening around the museum. And yes, there is a creature. For those who love horror and just a really good keep you up all night novel, this one is for you. Watch out though, because it will get you hooked into a world that these two creative geniuses have spun. So open the door to the Museum...good luck getting back...

The Passing of A Great Writer

Michael Crichton passed away on Tuesday due to a battle with cancer. It is a sad day for anyone who enjoyed books such as Next and Prey, or movies from his books like Jurassic Park and Sphere. He also created the popular TV series ER. His writing and creativity will be sorely missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with the ones closest to him.....Michael Crichton lived from 1942-2008. He was a notable author, producer, director, and medical doctor.

Monster of Florence Review

I am not a true crime reader, but I love Douglas Preston so when I saw this on the shelf, I knew I just had to read it. Thus began an adventure that would rival that of Jack the Ripper. Liken to Jack, the Monster of Florence is the Italian legend who, instead of slaying prostitutes, would prey on young couples. With gun in hand, he would kill the man and woman before cutting into the woman's body. The description here is taken out because of the graphic nature of what the Monster did. It is something I would rather not explore in word. You must read the book to find out.

Preston handles this story as he does so much of his writing. He is very descriptive and thorough. He paints a picture of every scene and takes you there whether you want to or not. During his investigation, he also caught the attention of the local authorities of where he is still under the scope. Strangely, all of this started because he lives very close to the grove where one of the several double murders happened.

Again, I am not a true crime fan. I do read many of the books about Jack the ripper so I knew what to expect here. Monster of Florence is a great book for those who love gruesome history and a well written criminal investigation. I will not tell you whether they solved the Italian legend, but I will say it is definitely a page turning marvel.

The New KITT

Okay, I have been watching the New Knight Rider, since I was a BIG fan when the original was out. I loved the chemistry between Michael Knight and KITT and of course, I was only about five at the time, I just loved the whole talking car thing. What little kid wouldn't, so when the new one came out, I was ready for it.

First big difference is KITT is a mustang, which is not a real big deal. The Trans Am is not really made any more and he has to be a state of the art vehicle so allowances are made. Second, Val Kilmer is doing the voice. Now, I like Val, but to me, his voice lacks the emotion that William Daniels had, or to those who loved Boy Meets World, Mr. Finney. It was a killer blow for me picturing this tough car with the voice of a middle aged pincipal either. LOL!!

I will say on the plus side, the new Michael Knight played by JustinBruening is hot. Of course, back in the day, David Hasselhoff was the lady killer. Now, you watch and he's kind of a big permed baboon. I will say that he and Daniels though had the chemistry that Justin and Val lack.

I do like the new series. It has some very strong points and still has the appeal the old one did, I just miss the KITT of yore. He had that wit and charm the mustang lacks and the personality that brought us back for more. For anyone interested, Knight Rider is on NBC on Weds at 8pm est/7pm cst. The original can be purchased on DVD in seasons or dowloaded instantly on Netflix.

Knight Rider website on NBC...watch episodes now!!!

http://www.nbc.com/Knight_Rider/

For Young Men Only Review

I won this from a great blogger, which I will post at the bottom of this article, please please go visit her today. She is quite awesome. Anyway, on with this review...do you have an up and coming teenage boy in your life, who has no idea what women his age want and even his father is at a blank and you are in desperate need of guidance?! There is help and the answer lies in this book.

When I began to read FYMO, I could only nod my head at the wonderful insight these writers had. From everything to what a girl sees in a guy to the dreaded whether a girl wants to 'do it' is in this book and handled beautifully. Now, for even you older men, it can be an eye opener as well. My husband read it, mostly because I asked him, and even he couldn't believe some of the things he read. Even casting an eye to me and saying 'Is that Really how you all think?" and then"Wish this was out when I was younger."

I have a young boy who is all of two, but believe me, this will be waiting for him when he gets older. It will be a mandatory read before he begins dating and a reference when there are things he needs help understanding. If you are a young man and are in the dating scene or a mom with a son heading there, you NEED to read this book. And for all you others out there, the series has For Women Only, For Young women Only, and For Men Only. I am buying all of them to add to my shelf.

Connie Mishali's Weblog

http://seewhykinsman.wordpress.com/

Vampire Academy Review

So many people talk about Twilight and miss this super great book......

I liked Twilight, but I had a hard time dealing with Bella. I thought she was just too...girly for some having with vampires. I wanted someone that could stand with them in a fight and not cower behind....Enter Rose. She is the bodyguard to Lissa, a vampire princess that must attend school and keep out of the clutches of the dark side. Rose is aggressive and hard headed, sometimes risking Lissa while trying to prove she is strong, but all the while terrified to let anyone else in.

To make her stronger, her elders bring in the hot and ever so delicious Dimitri and with fists and kicks a flying, Rose's world gets a might more interesting.

This is one killer book for anyone who loves Vampires and is looking for a good young adult book. I strongly urge anyone, not just teens to pick it up because once you start it, you won't put it down or the second and third. LOL!!

So get past Edward and Bella, not that I don't love them, and sink your teeth into Rose and Lissa's often dangerous lives

Wicked Review

I am a Wizard of Oz fan and this book is definitely NOT your movie with the cute little munchkins running around singin about the lollipop guild. So be warned...

This is the story about the Wicked Witch of the West and how she became so 'misunderstood'. A big warning here..this book is very political in nature and if you are again the one who watched the movie because you thought Toto was cute and Oz was such a fairy tale land, DO NOT read this book.

Now on with the review.. Like I said before I am a really big fan of Oz and all that Frank Baum put into it, but what Maguire does is make you actually 'feel' for the Wicked Witch, whose name is actually Elphaba. She is born green skinned and completely misunderstood. While I read this, I couldn't help, but picture Wednesday Adams.

You continue on in her life of how her family never quite understand her and how her little sister is her mother's favorite. We meet a few of the more familar characters in the novel as well from Dorothy, who is the love interest of Elphie's son and of course, the cute littl Munchins, who are not really all the cute in the story.

I won't go into any further detail except to say, if you truly are a die hard Oz fan, you should really read this book and its sequel. I also know that the story of the Lion comes out soon. So, in closing, the Wizard might be wonderful, but this book truly is an Oz masterpiece.

The Way of Shadows Review

I love great books about assassins and this one is no exception. Book one of the Night Angel Trilogy,The Way of Shadows had wonderful characters, a great setting, and a storyline that kept me glued to my chair for the duration of the book.
Azoth(Kylar) is the main character, who goes from guild rat to assassin in this action packed novel. Trained as a master assassin by the best in the game, Durzo Blint, Azoth must give up everything to accomplish the unexpected.
The fight scenes are brilliantly handled and smooth, fitting in with the dialogue. Mr. Weeks does a wondeful job with the flow of the book, which in my opinion, is key to a good strong story. I really can't wait for the next one.

You can read the first chapter here.

http://www.orbitbooks.net/the-way-of-shadows/

It's defintely not me? At least I think it's not....

The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Want me Some 'Castle'

The cast....

Coming in 2009 is a new series on ABC called Castle. The premise behind it is a crime novelist that gets recruited by the police when people are being murdered in the same way as his novels. For us writers and those who love a good murder mystery, it sounds killer. For those who just want to stare at a hot guy, well, I can't think of many more sexy than Nathan Fillion. So stay tuned to ABC and here when I can find out more.....

Nathan as Rick Castle

http://castletv.net/ Here is the link to the web site.

http://www.duckydoestv.com/2008/10/06/preview-nathan-fillions-castle-abc-promo-video/ here is the link to the promo spot.

Check out both!!!

Growing Older, But Not Growin' Up

I am officially 31 on the 10th of October and I got to thinking. Growing older does not mean you have to grow up. I hate the phrase 'Act your age'...ok, so how does a 31 year old act and who determines how that age acts?! I am still a kid at heart. I love cartoons, I love playing games, and watching movies. I read and love kid's book and YA, so here is my question for you......are you just growing older or are you actually growing up as well?

Why We Don't Understand Men

I have now got an idea why women do not understand men. It is only a theory, but of all the others I have heard, it is the best yet.

We just plain don't have the time. As single women, we are constantly running, reading, fixing ourselves up for the male race, or just trying to get from one date to another alive. As married women, we are trying to keep our man satisfied with the housework, the work work, and of course, having somewhat of a sex life. Just as we begin to get an idea as to how they operate, boom...baby makes three or four and then there is no time at all. So, is it our fault that we do not understand them...I say no, because it is because of them that keeps us from ever finding out.

And really, girls, who doesn't like a good mystery ever now and again?!

And This is Why I Watch Firefly

Capt Malcolm Reynolds(Nathan Fillion)

Besides it being one helluva show. Though stupid Fox had to cancell it. Though there is a movie, Serenity.

Kind of the reasons why I also watch......

Harry Dresden(Paul Blackthorne)

The Dresden Files.....another cancel by Sc Fi Network, but I still read the books by Jim Butcher

Sephen Hart(James Murray)
Primeval on BBC America....another great show with lots of creatures.....

and let us definitely not forget.....

Dean Winchester (JensenAckles)

Supernatural on the WC....Ghosts and demons and two hot men....need I say more....

and last, but surely not least...we have....

Nick Stokes(George Eads)

CSI on CBS.....science and some hot male scientists in lab coats and sometimes not so much lab coat.....

TV.....my little black box full of hot men and hot shows....catch the ones still on, rent the ones that aren't....

Poetry Gone Crazy

I danced and danced 'till dawn
I danced with Ying and Yang and Yong
I danced until the sun was high
and now I'll dance until I die.

Storytime

The Adventures of Superstud and Evilguy

Episode #12: Power in a coke bottle

When we last left our hero, he was stranded up on the tallest skyscraper in Bigtroplis grasping an empty coke bottle like it was his last hope for victory. He stared at his nemesis, Evilguy with a glare that wouldn’t quite kill, but make you seriously uncomfortable.

“I have you in my grasp now, Evil. You will not get away this time.” He smiled and prepared to smash the bottle to the ground. “I know now that the source of all the evil you are is within the confines of this here bottle. I will now free it from its prison thus ending your reign of terror.” The bottle smashed to the concrete with a shatter, spilling glass everywhere. Superstud threw his head back and began to laugh….”that was far too easy.”

“You are right it was and stupid.” Evilguy decked our hero and sent him flying to the ground. “Did you really believe I’m that dumb? To put all the source of my badness into something as breakable as a bottle. Please.” He placed his foot on Stud’s throat.
“You always carry around that bottle.”

“Correction…I carry around a bottle. I enjoy a refreshing drink after my evil doings. It gives me energy to go about my evil chores. You wouldn’t believe how tiring robbing a bank or blowing up innocent people can be. I feel refreshed.”

“Oh, my mistake…”

“Besides, my powers are much to exceptional for a simple bottle. No, the real source of my power is the bottle cap.” Evilguy rammed his foot harder on to Superstud’s neck and cackled.
Will this be the last of our studly hero or will his brawn take up where his brain left off? Find out in the next adventure of…


The Adventures of Superguy and Evilstud…or is that the other way around…damn I need a new agent…this narrating business is for the birds…I bet Regis didn’t have to do this crap…an empty coke bottle…please…who writes this stuff…seen better on a cereal box…I really need a stiff drink…. CUT

Welcome!!

I have two minds and the insane one just happens to reside here so sit back and have a mind trip on me because this is my world. Bloody good luck getting back!!!