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UPDATES!

As many of you can see, I've been a pretty terrible blogger lately! What can I say...Life.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Final Days of Movies!

19. Who's your favorite actor?

I have lots and lots, but for the longest time Pual Walker was my favorite actor just because he is so pretty. But perhaps Anthony Hopkins is my favorite actor to watch because of his talent. I think he has some very entertaining personalities that he pulls out. I also like that he can play the bad guy, the good guy, someone somewhere inbetween, the mentor, etc.

20. Who's your favorite actress?

Right now, it's Emma Stone. I think she's unbelievable talented and gorgeous! Plus, she also has a diverse range from comedy, to drama, etc.

21. What's the most overrated movie?

Recently? Avatar! Doesn't mean I didn't enjoy seeing it,. I thought it was beautifully executed. Just with all the hype going on around it, I really expected something different. Also, probably any of the new Star Wars movies. I can't believe that all have to be re-released in 3D. That's a bit overkill for me.

22. What's the most underrated movie?

Again, recently? The Three Musketeers! It was torn to shreds by the critics, which I really think hurt the movie in theaters! But it was FABULOUS! The costuming was gorgeous, the acting was fun and entertaining, the choreography was refreshing! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT!!!

23. Who's your favorite character from any movie?

That's a tough one. After Hunger Games is released, I have a feeling it will be Katniss Everdeen, but I also really love Sherlock Holmes played by Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes, Mal played by Nathan Fillion in Serenity, and Captain Jack Sparrow played by Johnny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

24. What's your favorite documentry?

The sad thing is that I don't think I have ever watched a documentry in my entire life, unless you count short ones or part of ones you watch in history classes or the extended behind the scenes features on movies. :(. I suppose I would love some of the ones that Disney has put out. Like the one about the family of polar bears. I like animals.

25. What's a movie that no one would expect you to love?

Ummmm. I think everyone knows I weird enough to love some really stupid movies. But maybe, The Tourist. It was a little out of my comfort zone to see it. A bit artsier that I tend to go. I wouldn't say I loved it, but I was surprised by it and enjoyed it very much.

26. What movie is your guilty pleasure?

I've watch Prince of Persia a few too many times. Probably more than is healthy! lol. But I love the scenery, the music, and the casting. Van Helsing is another one of those crazy movies that I just love and have watched at least 100 times.

27. What's your favorite classic movie?

This is probably the easiest question I have had to answer. It would definitely be Singing in the Rain! I love both Debbie Reynolds, still do, and Gene Kelly! The dancing and singing combined was just amazing! This movie was actually on tv the other day and I got to see the part where Donald O'Connor sings and dances to the "Make them Laugh" bit.

28. Which movie has the best soundtrack?

Oooooh! I am a soundtrack fool! I love the soundtrack to movies like Braveheart, The Last of the Mohicans, and Dances with Wolves. More recently I like a few songs from Pride and Prejudice, The Holiday, and The Island. Also, I love the music from Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Tron.

29. Which movie changed your opinion about something?

I'm sure the people who wrote up these questions were probably looking for something terribly profound to go here, but I'm young, and my opinions are constantly changing. Center Stage made me want to try ballet, Princess Bride made me want to be a princess for Halloween, and Into the Blue made me want to search for buried treasure in the ocean. Other than whims of wanting to try new things, I don't think movies have made much more of an impact.

30. What's your least favorite movie?

Whay end on such a sour note? I don't know. I'm a bit of a movie addict and tend to find the good in even the worst movies. I didn't like Skyline or The Hills have Eyes. Those two were definitely a waste of money.

Well, that concludes what was supposed to be 15 days of movies, but turned more into 3 1/2 days of movies. lol. I hope you enjoyed it though. It was fun to answer all the questions and talk about one of my favorite things! Be ready for March 1st! When I do the next update for The Bookmark Break Challenge!!!
You can do this too! I choose to do mine in 15 days, but here is the list to try in 30 days:

Day 1- Your Favorite Movie
Day 2 - The last movie you watched
Day 3 - Your favorite action/adventure movie
Day 4 - Your favorite horror movie
Day 5 - Your favorite drama movie
Day 6 - Your favorite comedy movie
Day 7 - A movie that makes you happy
Day 8 - A movie that makes you sad
Day 9 - A movie that you know practically the whole script of
Day 10 - Your favorite director
Day 11 - Your favorite movie from your childhood
Day 12 - Your favorite animated movie
Day 13 - A movie that you used to love but now hate
Day 14 - Your favorite quote from any movie
Day 15 - The first movie you saw in theaters
Day 16 - The last movie you saw in theaters
Day 17 - The best movie you saw during the last year
Day 18 - A movie that disappointed you the most
Day 19 - Your favorite actor
Day 20 - Your favorite actress
Day 21 - The most overrated movie
Day 22 - The most underrated movie
Day 23 - Your favorite character from any movie
Day 24 - Favorite documentary
Day 25 - A movie that no one would expect you to love
Day 26 - A movie that is a guilty pleasure
Day 27 - Favorite classic movie
Day 28 - Movie with the best soundtrack
Day 29 - A movie that changed your opinion about something
Day 30 - Your least favorite movie

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Many Days of Movies! I'm getting caught up!

Ok, major catch up!!!

5. What's you favorite drama movie?

Pride and Prejudice! I loved the book and I think the movie was beautiful!

6. What's your favorite comedy movie?

A few Years ago, I would have said How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days! Now, I would probably say Easy A!

7. What movie makes you happy?

The Rocker!!! My previous roommate and I sat down to watch it, loved it, and watched it again. From then on we always put it on when we had a hard day. It's a nice one to fall asleep to also because it has lots of music.

8. What movie makes you sad?

Lots of movies! I cry a lot at certain movies. Dear John probably being the latest. I waited a long time to see it because I knew I would bawl through the whole thing, which I did!
Also, movies that suck, when they could have been so much better, make me sad. For example...Cowboys and Aliens, Underworld 4, and Immortal.

9. What movie do you practically know the whole script of?

The Goonies! I've been watching since I was a little kid and I still love to watch it at night before I go to bed or un a Sunday afternoon when it's kind of crappy out.

10. Who is you favorite director?

Uh, does anyone have to ask me that really? JOSS WHEDON!!! After him, Ridley Scott. Then, perhaps Peter Jackson (really only for Lord of the Rings, though).

11. What's your favorite movie from childhood?

I would say The Goonies, but I just used it for the script questions. So, how about The Mighty Ducks! I loved the entire trilogy and used to make my cousins watch it with me all the time because they owned all the movies and I didn't have any of them until I bought them all when I was 21 years old.

12. What's your favorite animated movie?

I LOVE lots of Disney movies! Especially Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid, Mulan, and Hercules. Now I would have to say one of hayao Miyazaki's movies, like Howl's Moving Castle or Princess Mononoke.

13. What's a movie that you used to love, but now hate?

Hates a pretty strong word. I wouldn't say I "hate" any of them, just they're too young. Like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Also, perhaps The Notebook. It was nice to see it the first time, but now it's so corny!!!

14. What's your favorite quote from a movie?

That's a hard one! I did quote Zombieland for a long time after it came out. Especially anything that had to do with Woddy Harrelson trying to find his Twinkies. But, I also love some lines Joss Whedon wrote for Serenity, like "Half of writing history is hiding the truth." or "Way I remember it, albatross was a ship's good luck, 'til some idiot killed it." I like his writing because there are always references to other things, like the albatross from Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."

15. What's the first movie you saw in theaters?

Beauty and the Beast! I went with my mom and some of my cousins!

16. What's the Last movie you saw in theaters?

I think it was The Grey? Maybe? The last week that I went to the theaters, I ended up seeing 3 movies in about 4 days. So, it could have been One for the Money or Underworld 4.

17. What's the best movie you saw during the last year?

The Three Musketeers! The critics killed it, but I think that was a load of crock! I LOVED it! So entertaining!

18. What is a movie that disappointed you?

There have been a few sadly. Mostly horror movies. For example...The Hills Have Eyes and Skyline!

More to come!



You can do this too! I choose to do mine in 15 days, but here is the list to try in 30 days:

Day 1- Your Favorite Movie
Day 2 - The last movie you watched
Day 3 - Your favorite action/adventure movie
Day 4 - Your favorite horror movie
Day 5 - Your favorite drama movie
Day 6 - Your favorite comedy movie
Day 7 - A movie that makes you happy
Day 8 - A movie that makes you sad
Day 9 - A movie that you know practically the whole script of
Day 10 - Your favorite director
Day 11 - Your favorite movie from your childhood
Day 12 - Your favorite animated movie
Day 13 - A movie that you used to love but now hate
Day 14 - Your favorite quote from any movie
Day 15 - The first movie you saw in theaters
Day 16 - The last movie you saw in theaters
Day 17 - The best movie you saw during the last year
Day 18 - A movie that disappointed you the most
Day 19 - Your favorite actor
Day 20 - Your favorite actress
Day 21 - The most overrated movie
Day 22 - The most underrated movie
Day 23 - Your favorite character from any movie
Day 24 - Favorite documentary
Day 25 - A movie that no one would expect you to love
Day 26 - A movie that is a guilty pleasure
Day 27 - Favorite classic movie
Day 28 - Movie with the best soundtrack
Day 29 - A movie that changed your opinion about something
Day 30 - Your least favorite movie

Monday, February 20, 2012

Not Dropping of the Face of the Planet!!

Hey guys! I've been so good at making posts just about every day and then I had this cool 15 days of movies going on and then I lost my free time!

Just wanted to let you know I'm not disappearing.

Here's some stuff that's going on:

The local WOWfest and Winterfest were going on this past weekend.

My 90 day review for my job is coming up so I'm preping for that while also planning on doing some copy writing for another company in town.

I'm trying to find an apartment/condo in town right now so I'm researching all the fun stuff like cable/internet, good locations, calling realtors, seeing places, filling out applications, and what not.

Also, my cousins from Chicago are up until Wednesday so I am spending almost every waking minute with them that I am not at work!

So, lots of stuff, and mostly fun! :)

See you all soon!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

15 Days of Movies! Day 2!

3. What's your favorite action/adventure movie?

Now, this one is difficult!!! Considering action/adventure is probably my favorite genre. I want to say King Arthur, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Resident Evil 3, etc., but I think I am going to say Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time!!!

Here's a synopsis...

A young fugitive prince and princess must stop a villain who unknowingly threatens to destroy the world with a special dagger that enables the magic sand inside to reverse time.

I know some people and critics really trashed this movie, but I LOVED it!!! I thought the cinematography was excellent, the costumes were gorgeous, the action was funny. It was comical and serious, told almost in an epic odyssey kind of way.

4. What's your favorite horror movie?

Ha! I kind of laugh at this question because my favorite horror movies are not classics, are usually not anyone else's favorites, really could be more of a spoof than anything else, but I just liked them for really no apparent reason whatsoever. My favorites are a close call between Wrong Turn and Stay Alive. I could probably argue for Resident Evil 1 as well. But I choose Stay Alive as my #1.

Here's a synopsis...

For a group of teens, the answer to the mysterious death of their old friend lies within the world of an online video game based on the true story of an ancient noblewoman known as the Blood Countess.

I enjoyed the plot of this movie. It's simple: You die in the game, you die in real life! EXCELLENT!!! Who would have thought a plot could be so straight forward! Plus, it takes into account the ever-continuing fight about violence in video games and learning the difference between reality and the game.

Like before, I would love to hear your answers as well. Please share! or do your own posts!

You can do this too! I choose to do mine in 15 days, but here is the list to try in 30 days:
Day 1- Your Favorite Movie
Day 2 - The last movie you watched
Day 3 - Your favorite action/adventure movie
Day 4 - Your favorite horror movie
Day 5 - Your favorite drama movie
Day 6 - Your favorite comedy movie
Day 7 - A movie that makes you happy
Day 8 - A movie that makes you sad
Day 9 - A movie that you know practically the whole script of
Day 10 - Your favorite director
Day 11 - Your favorite movie from your childhood
Day 12 - Your favorite animated movie
Day 13 - A movie that you used to love but now hate
Day 14 - Your favorite quote from any movie
Day 15 - The first movie you saw in theaters
Day 16 - The last movie you saw in theaters
Day 17 - The best movie you saw during the last year
Day 18 - A movie that disappointed you the most
Day 19 - Your favorite actor
Day 20 - Your favorite actress
Day 21 - The most overrated movie
Day 22 - The most underrated movie
Day 23 - Your favorite character from any movie
Day 24 - Favorite documentary
Day 25 - A movie that no one would expect you to love
Day 26 - A movie that is a guilty pleasure
Day 27 - Favorite classic movie
Day 28 - Movie with the best soundtrack
Day 29 - A movie that changed your opinion about something
Day 30 - Your least favorite movie

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

15 Days of Movies!!! Day 1!

1. What is your favorite movie?

This used to be a hard one, but lately I think I have had it down. I have a long list of favorite movies, like The Goonies, Pride and Prejudice, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, etc., but my very favorite is Serenity!

Here's a synopsis...

In the future, a spaceship called Serenity is harboring a passenger with a deadly secret. Six rebels on the run. An assassin in pursuit. When the renegade crew of Serenity agrees to hide a fugitive on their ship, they find themselves in an awesome action-packed battle between the relentless military might of a totalitarian regime who will destroy anything - or anyone - to get the girl back and the bloodthirsty creatures who roam the uncharted areas of space. But, the greatest danger of all may be on their ship.

This movie comes from the mind of its fabulous creator and director, Joss Whedon, who is the only man that can successfully create a cult classic movie from a cancelled tv show!!!

2. What's the last movie you watched?

I watched The Rite with Anothony Hopkins who I love as an actor.

Here's a synopsis...

Seminary student Michael Kovak is sent to study exorcism at the Vatican in spite of his own doubts about the controversial practice and even his own faith. Wearing his deep skepticism like armor, Michael challenges his superiors to look to psychiatry, rather than demons, in treating the possessed. Only when he's sent to apprentice with the unorthodox Father Lucas -- a legendary priest who has performed thousands of exorcisms -- does Michael's armor begin to fall. As he is drawn into a troubling case that seems to transcend even Father Lucas's skill, he begins to glimpse a phenomenon science can't explain or control... and an evil so violent and terrifying that it forces him to question everything he believes.

The trailors looked super scary so I waited until it came out on DVD and just bought it, at a reasonable price. My parents and I wtched it together. It was not nearly as scary as I thought it would be, but I enjoyed the story, and the thought that the Vatican actually trained exorcists, maybe even still do, is fascinating!!!
In the comments, I would love it if you guys gave me your own answers to these questions, or you can try doing this yourself as well!!! See below for the whole list!

You can do this too! I choose to do mine in 15 days, but here is the list to try in 30 days:
Day 1- Your Favorite Movie
Day 2 - The last movie you watched
Day 3 - Your favorite action/adventure movie
Day 4 - Your favorite horror movie
Day 5 - Your favorite drama movie
Day 6 - Your favorite comedy movie
Day 7 - A movie that makes you happy
Day 8 - A movie that makes you sad
Day 9 - A movie that you know practically the whole script of
Day 10 - Your favorite director
Day 11 - Your favorite movie from your childhood
Day 12 - Your favorite animated movie
Day 13 - A movie that you used to love but now hate
Day 14 - Your favorite quote from any movie
Day 15 - The first movie you saw in theaters
Day 16 - The last movie you saw in theaters
Day 17 - The best movie you saw during the last year
Day 18 - A movie that disappointed you the most
Day 19 - Your favorite actor
Day 20 - Your favorite actress
Day 21 - The most overrated movie
Day 22 - The most underrated movie
Day 23 - Your favorite character from any movie
Day 24 - Favorite documentary
Day 25 - A movie that no one would expect you to love
Day 26 - A movie that is a guilty pleasure
Day 27 - Favorite classic movie
Day 28 - Movie with the best soundtrack
Day 29 - A movie that changed your opinion about something
Day 30 - Your least favorite movie

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Getting your Teaching Degree?

Hello all you wonderful people out there, especially those that either have their teaching degree, are getting it, or even looking to get it.

For a long time now, many people have mentioned to me that they thought I would make a great teacher. I never really disagreed with them, I just didn't know if that was what I wanted to do.

Now, I am thinking that it might be something I would like to go back to school for at some point. I love the idea of teaching older students, especially at a college level, or even high school.

I love the idea of teaching a composition course, even though most students hate it, even I didn't love it, but I would love the chance to turn that around.

I would also love the chance to fight the many diseases that are eating away at the English language these days! I feel that I only just escaped the damages of texting! Or perhaps I care a bit more not to allow it to affect my writing.

I have to make an appointment with the University Center to see what it would take for me to go back to school with a full time job, but I'm curious how many of you out there atre teachers or trying to be teachers, or simply in the same place as I me.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Sunday, February 12, 2012

"One for the Money" Movie Review

I saw the trailer for One for the Money a few weeks back and expressed to one of my best friends that I thought I would like to see it. She then went on to tell me how it was based off of all the books she had been reading for months now. Let me just say, that Janet Evanovich needs better covers for her books! Ones that actually reveal something about the plot of her books. I kept looking at what my friend was reading, thinking what the he** is she reading. It looks old, outdated and tells you nothing about the book. Once I saw the trailer, and learned a bit more, I actually wanted to read the book, and so I did.

Just a few weeks later, the movie came out and talked everyone into going on opening night. I don't see things often on opening day because I know it will be crowded, but I knew nothing about the movie until a few weeks before it was coming out, and I figured, how bad can it be? Turns out, IT WAS TWILIGHT BAD! So many women, EVERYWHERE! lol. Nevertheless, besides being a bit claustrophobic, I enjoyed the movie immensely! I think the movie caught all the big scenes and the ones that they had to condense worked well. The only thing that disappointed me was that the movie was not nearly as scary as parts of the book were. When Stephanie is being taunted by Ramirez, I was freaked in the book. In the movie, his taunting was diluted to one message left on her answering machine! Ramirez was barely a part of the movie, when I would have counted him as the fourth or fifth biggest character in the book! Other than that, I was thoroughly entertained.

My friend would probably add that she thought Ranger talked too much in the movie lol. She said that he should have been more of the sexy silent type. She's a major Ranger fan, though.

Well, what did you think? Of the book? The Movie?

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Book Review #11: "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich! Movie Review Coming Tomorrow!

Title: One for the Money
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Edition: Movie Tie-In Edition: November 22, 2011
Summary:
ONE FINE MESS
Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average Joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department store). Stephanie needs cash—fast—but times are tough, and soon she’s forced to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate: family...

ONE FALSE MOVE
Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie’s bail bonding company. She’s got no experience. But that doesn’t matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. From the time he first looked up her dress to the time he first got into her pants, to the time Steph hit him with her father’s Buick, M-o-r-e-l-l-i has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in hot water—wanted for murder...

ONE FOR THE MONEY
Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained in the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Benito Ramirez isn’t. Still, if Stephanie can nab Morelli in a week, she’ll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter overnight—and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man.

*******

By the time I got my hands on this book, one of my best friend's had already read ALL 18 of the Stephanie Plum novels and a movie based on the novel was about to come out! But I got it, read it, and then was able to see the movie the very next week!
High Notes: As many of you must already know, I am not the type of person to pick a piece of contemporary fiction. I just think reading about every day life can be a bit boring or depressing. I enjoy the escape from it so I usually turn towards historical fiction or sci-fi/fantasy. However, One for the Money was so very, very funny! And, at the same time, very serious! A great mix. I enjoyed the main character's, Stephanie Plumb's, sardonic reasoning. "Well, I was fired and am going to lose my car and my apartment so I might as well become a bounty hunter so I can bring in that hotty that I had a one-night-stand with in high school and ran over a few years back because he never called!" LOVE IT! Completely ridiculous, but Evanovich just sweeps you away with her fast-paced dramedy.

But it's not all guns and roses. The novel tackles some serious issues like rape and abuse. Stephanie is constantly just getting away from trouble with the help of the quiet, but buff, fellow bounty hunter, Ranger, and the guy she's trying to bring in, Morelli. She is a strong personality that doesn't stop until she achieves her goals and puts the real bad guys behind bars.
Low Notes: This is a tough one for me. I tend to like just about everything I read, because if I don't like it, I won't read it! So, most of the times, you guys only get the good reviews. :). But, I will say, for some of you, the book could be a bit offensive. There is quite a bit of swearing, including the F-word. None of the violence or sex is really described, but it is talked about and implied. And shooting people is taken pretty lightly, but just because most of the people in the book accept is as "life" in certain parts of town.
I'd suggest that you be at least 16 years-old to read the book.
*****
As a final note, ladies, I must ask! Morelli or Ranger? I'm personally leaning towards Morelli!
Ratings:
Character Development: 5/5
Dialogue: 5/5
Prose: 5/5
Believability: 4/5
Style and Grammar: 4/5 At times there are accents built into the dialogue. Not, necessarily a bad thing, but I know some people find that hard to read.
Entertainment Value: 5/5 This book is pure entertainment!
Overall Rating: 93% A quick and entertaining read!

Look for my "One for the Money" movie review coming tomorrow!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Work AND Work Out!

Yeah, I actually looked this up! But, did you know that sitting too much can decrease your life span! More so in women than men. I didn't find too many ideas online except for stuff like running in place for 30 seconds at a time or doing jumping jacks.

One thing that seemed interesting was peddles you can stick under your desk so it's like you are riding a bike while working. Has anyone tried this?

Also, lifting your feet at all times while sitting in your chair. It's harder than you think!

Can anyone suggest anything else?

I obviously don't want to be running around the place like a maniac or doing lunges in the hallway. I mean, we can all be a bit crazy, but in general it's pretty quiet around here.

There is one guy in the basement that has a really tall desk that he placed his treadmill in front off. Awesome, but a bit extreme for my situation.

There was this whole study done online about filling your whole day with extra movement. I can't remember what it is called, but it had some ridiculous name. But it made sense. Something as simple as swinging your legs while sitting, tapping your feet while waiting, pacing when you have room, etc just burns more calories.

Well, any ideas for me?

Thursday, February 9, 2012

"Mission Impossible (4): Ghost Protocol" Movie Review

Entertainment Weekly is calling it the best action movie of 2011! It's hard to recall all the action movies from 2011 at this time, but I wouldn't hesitate for very long to put it in the top 5 of my list for 2011.

Mission Impossible and I have had a pretty solid love hate relationship. I've seen the first one multiply times, but really can't tell you anything about it because it was that forgettable. I LOVED the second one and can tell you almost everything that happened in order! Number 3 was just another repeat experience of the first movie. I've only seen it once and had the common sense not to re-watch it. Now, onto 4, it rivals the 2nd one for sure!

In this edition to the franchise, Ethan Hunt's (Cruise) team is blamed for the bombing of the Russian Kremlin. The entire division is disavowed, and it is up to Hunt and his other agents to prove their innocence by finding the real bomber, all while playing in the dark with no way of contacting any of their inside connections

This film was full of impressive stunts that leave you hanging half off your seat and holding your breath, from scaling the tallest building in the world, to a high speed chase in the midst of a sand storm.

I will also note that this film was funnier than the others, a pleasant change in the franchise.

Go on and check out one of the best, if not the best, action films of 2011 and let me know what you think!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Must Reads #5: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Edition: 1st edition Hardcover: September 14, 2008
Back Cover Summary: Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Katniss' sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.

*******

When I finished reading Twilight, I was really starved for another book that would capture my interest. I had a long summer ahead on me, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I like to fill it with lots of reading! Harry Potter had ended, I was waiting for Breaking Dawn, I had finally finished The Host, and none of my other favorite authors seemed to be producing anything. So, when Stephanie Meyer suggested The Hunger Games, saying she couldn't even put it down, I jumped. I wanted the book in my hands now!
High Notes: Absolutely, one of the most interesting and well thought out dystopian novels I have ever read. Believable too! I loved all the characters. Everyone from Katnis, to Gale and Peeta, to Prim and Rue, to Haymitch, and all the funky people from the capitol. I loved the creation of this new world that had new rules, yet was dealing with the same timeless ordeals that any human must face, like love, sacrifice, pain, survival, etc.

The book truly dived into what you have to do when you feel helpless, when your entire family is depending on you, when you are forced to do things you don't want to do, and finding a way to stay true to yourself, to act both selfishly and selflessly at the same time.

Also, a major contributing factor to the novel's, and it's 2 sequels', success is its appeal to a wide audience. After discovering the book for myself and wanting to discuss the book with others, I found people as young as 12 or 13 reading it, and people as old as 60 reading it. I not only could chat with my friends, but my cousins, aunt, uncle, grandma, etc. It was very exciting.

Low Notes: The only low note for me was that I did not get to see enough of Gale!! Luckily, he is a continuing character that you get to see much more of, especially in Mockingjay, the 3rd installment.

Now, before this is over, for all of those who have read it and are girls! Peeta or Gale? I'm obviously partial to Gale. lol.
Ratings:
Character Development: 5/5
Dialogue: 5/5
Prose: 5/5
Believability: 5/5
Style and Grammar: 5/5
Entertainment Value: 5/5
Overall Rating: 100% Yes, that's right! 100%


You can find the next two installments of The Hunger Games just about anywhere! In stores and online! Go and get them!













  



 And don't forget about the movie that comes to theaters in March!!!
Who else is excited for that!??!

 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

More Books to add to the Dusty Shelf!

More, more, more, and more books! My favorite thing on the planet and the one thing I really don't need right now. Alas, I can't stop myself from thumbing through the bookstore! I know every time I walk in, it's impossible to just walk out! But does that mean I will stop going? Of course NOT!!!

Author_____ Title
Maria V. Snyder- Touch of Power
Eva Ebbotson- A Coutness Below Stairs
Bram Stoker- Dracula
Janet Evanovich- Two for the Dough

Speaking of new books, Maria V. Snyder's book is relatively new. It only cam out last November and it already has 3 covers!!! I have the cover at the top left. Can anyone explain to me why so many covers so soon? I suppose if she were trying to appeal to many different audiences. The bottom left reads YA to me all the way, and the right makes me think more sophisticated, perhaps even for someone that does not usually pick up a fantasy novel, and the top left that I got reads pure fantasy all the way. Let me know what you think!

Now, it is also your time to share! What books have you bought recently to add to the shelves? Read any of the books I got? What do you think? Remember to try and not spoil anythign for me. I have yet to read any of the above!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Let's All Have Some Fun With SPAM!!

So, I got this brilliant idea in my head about posting my Freelance Editing Information on Cr****list! (I won't even give it the satisfaction of advertising for them on my blog!) And so I went with it. What would it hurt? Well, apparantly it's just a feeding trough for spammers! wanting everything from nannies, babysitters, and housekeepers, to secret shoppers, personal assistants, and travelling salesmen. And, it even goes as far as people asking for your bank account so they can wire you money, in which you keep a certain amount of the sum and wire the rest to another bank account! (Never ever do this by the way! It's ILLEGAL!) RIDICULOUS!!!

Suffice to say, everything has gone to the spam box, but not before I had a bit of fun!

Here's some of the replies I gave.

Two spammers said I won a free iphone and ipad. I promptly responded, Thank you, but I'm not interested. I don't like Apple products, and below it read, Sent from my iphone because I had replied through my phone. Then, on another one, I said, No thank you. I don't like products that have been named after fruit. It freaks me out.

Another spamer asked me to travel around and sell ads about a drink called X Angrey. I replied, Sorry, but I do not believe in drinking anything but water.

A spammer also asked me to watch his children for 2 months out of the year while him and his wife were on business in Europe. I said, Thank you for the offer, but taking care of other peoples' children goes against my religious beliefs.

Often, spammers won't offer you a lot of money to work for them either. Maybe $400 to $300 a week. I like to reply to those that I am very rich and I do not need your money.

Finally, my personal favorite, most spammers cannot spell worth a dang. So, I offer my services as a Freelance Editor!

So, next time you are spammed, have some fun with it. Can't hurt!
Note, some do reply, but mostly they're like "Happy to hear back from you so soon! Here's more about my offer!" Just spam them again!

:)

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Freelance Editor's Ink!

Some of you may have already noticed, but I recently built a new page for my blog called Freelance Editor's Ink! That is actually my new freelance editing business that I am running on the side of everything else!

I've been thinking about doing this for a really long time and now is my best chance! So, if you know anyone that needs a great editor or proofreader for both fiction and nonfiction, send them my way! My business cards are in the mail!!!

Here's the deal...

Freelance Editor:

Aubrie Parth

About Me:

I am a Freelance Editor and a Production Assistant/Proofreader for Knorr Marketing in Traverse City, Michigan. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in English with concentrated studies in both creative writing and grammar and two minors in art and history. I enjoy writing myself, but I truly love helping other writer’s words look their best.

For years, I have been a writer/editor for online writing communities, volunteering my efforts for young aspiring novelist and poets. I have also turned toward aiding student published works, such as the 1098 fiction collective magazine at Central Michigan University.

Now, I am currently aiding in editing for Malcolm J. Croan, an independent publisher and writer of Right Hand Up To God. The current piece will be Malcolm’s second novel, and it is children’s literature. I have also done ghost writing and proofreading for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and currently proofread for Knorr Marketing.

I enjoy working from home, all while contributing to maintaining the English language and molding better writers!

Services:*

* I suggest changes using “Track Changes” in Microsoft Word.

· Proofreading:

o Your document is reviewed for spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and typographical errors.

· Copy Editing:

o Your document is reviewed for spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and typographical errors. It is edited for style and structure, which includes suggestions for word choice, verb tense, sentence and paragraph structure, and sentence clarity.

Rates:

· Fiction: (Novels/ Books/ Short stories/ Poetry/ Et Cetera)

o Proofreading

§ 100 words or less- $5

§ Every additional word (after 100 words) is an extra .01 cent

o Editing

§ 100 words or less- $7

§ Every additional word (after 100 words) is an extra .015 cent

· Non-Fiction: (Magazine Articles/ Newspaper Articles/ Textbooks/ Memoirs/ Biographies/ Autobiographies/ Research papers/ School papers/ Et Cetera)

o Proofreading

§ 100 words or less- $7

§ Every additional word (after 100 words) is an extra .01 cent

o Editing

§ 100 words or less- $10

§ Every additional word (after 100 words) is an extra .015 cent

Contacting Me:



Submission Guidelines:

Manuscript MUST meet the following guidelines!

· Typed

· Saved as a Word .docx file

· Emailed as an attachment


Others:

By using Freelance Editor’s Ink’s services, you (the customer) are agreeing that you understand and are bound to the following terms of service:

The customer is responsible for the content of any submitted document. Freelance Editor’s Ink is not liable for copyright infringements or the intellectual property rights of any document submitted by the customer.

The customer is responsible for either accepting or rejecting the suggested changes to the document, and making those changes in his or her original document. The customer is also responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the proofread or edited document. Freelance Editor’s Ink does not include fact-checking.
Freelance Editor’s Ink does not guarantee the results of any proofread or edited document. The customer agrees to refrain from any legal action against Freelance Editor’s Ink due to any loss or damages, financial or otherwise, resulting from the customer’s use of Freelance Editor’s Ink.
Freelance Editor’s Ink is not obligated to refund the price of any service performed. If the customer is not satisfied upon receipt of the proofread or copy edited document, he or she must let Freelance Editor’s Ink know within seven (7) days, and every effort will be made to correct the situation. If Freelance Editor’s Ink does not receive notice of such dissatisfaction within this period of time, the project will be considered completed in a manner acceptable to the customer.
The customer is responsible for adding the Freelance Editor’s Ink email address to his or her address book. Proofread and copy edited documents are returned to the customer via email, and the customer is responsible for checking his or her email for correspondence concerning an order. Freelance Editor’s Ink is not responsible for any difficulties due to disruption of the Internet or email services.

Freelance Editor’s Ink reserves the right to refuse service at its discretion and/or terminate services at any time.

These terms of service may be amended at any time without notice.

Privacy Policy: Protecting your privacy is very important, and Freelance Editor’s Ink will make every effort to ensure that your work remains completely private and confidential.*
*Similar policies have been used by other reputable editing services.
I'm really looking forward to getting started with this!
See ya!