Friday, August 30, 2013

Book Blogger Hop - Aug. 30th - Sept. 5th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Kero,



Have you ever ended up reading a book with its last or last few pages missing? What book was it? And how did you managed to get to the end?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
No, I've never read a book with the last few pages missing. Though the last few pages of Petals on the Wind and If There Be Thorns by V.C. Andrews were missing. I already read the books from the library, but my late grandmother gave me her V.C. Andrews collection, which the two paperbacks were missing pages. I later replaced the books with paperbacks I bought at a thrift store, though I still kept the other two. 

Linky List:

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Audio Review - The Lieutenant Takes the Sky

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.



During the 1930s and 1940s pulp magazines covered the newsstands, which were filled with creative’s stories ranging from romance to adventure; all were written by unknowns and well-publicized authors, such as H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Elmore Leonard, Louis L'Amour, Max Brand, and Ray Bradbury. During those years, author L.Ron Hubbard published countless short stories and all of his stories are being released on paperback and audiobook from Galaxy Press under the Stories from the Golden Age series.

Today, I listened to an ARC of The Lieutenant Takes the Sky by L. Ron Hubbard which is a high-flying air adventure centering on the Irish-American pilot Mike Malloy, who happens to find himself thrown into a Moroccan military jail after he accidentally punched a Colonel, a Lieutenant-Colonel, and the General's aide; all of which may have deserved it. His punishment is five long years behind bar, which was actually a little lenient as anybody else would have received the death penalty for such actions.

Surprisingly, Mike is released from prison and assigned to a suicidal mission. He, along with another pilot, are to pilot a French politician, Mr. DeLonge, and an American woman, Lois Degann, to the Middle Atlas on an expedition to find the 800-year-old lost Arabian alchemist's book called the L'Aud, which is rumored to contain a recipe to make gold from base metal. It may sound easy at first, but the book is located in the middle of enemy territory. It’s either stay in a Moroccan jail for five years or risk his life for a mysterious book that may or may not exist. Of course Mike chooses the expedition.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

[DVD Review] - Power Rangers Megaforce: Ultimate Team Power



Believe it or not, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series premiered twenty years ago today, and the franchise is still going strong with the current series airing on Nickelodeon. On September 3, 2013, Lionsgate will release the first DVD volume of the new series, titled Power Rangers Megaforce: Ultimate Team Power, containing the first four episodes of the 20th season.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Review - Fiancé by Friday

FIANCE BY FRIDAY
The Weekday Bride Series, Book Three
By Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Pub. Date: August 13, 2013, First Edition
Buy Links: Amazon, B&N, BAM, Book Depository 

Review:

I was first introduced to author Catherine Bybee's works last year with Not Quite Dating and she has become one of my new favorite writers, so I was more than eager to review the third book in the The Weekday Bride Series titled Fiancé by Friday, which I received free of charge in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Gwen Harrison's life hasn't exactly been average as she is technically referred to as "Lady" since her father is an English duke! After her brother married, she took over her sister-in-law's business, a matchmaking firm called Alliance, where she helps the high-class find the perfect match. She has started to feel like a normal human being since moving to America, but then her brother sends her surprise - a bodyguard.

Neil McBain's years as a marine has helped me become the head of security for the Duke, but he has finally met his match, that is with the Duke's sister Gwen, who he is instantly attracted to. He is a man of few words and tries to do his best to ignore his feelings toward his new client. Strange happenings occur, dead birds suddenly appear, the security system goes wacky, and the neighbors seem to be a bit odd.

Is someone after Lady Harrison? Or is Neil's deadly past coming out of the shadows?

Disney Princesses: Costume Ideas

Disney Princesses: Costume Ideas



Every girl, young or old, loves to dress as a princess, especially on Halloween! Disney Princesses are some of the most iconic animated characters ever created for the big screen. They are famous worldwide and a very popular choice for girls at Halloween. Get inspired by the wide range of women and children’s princess costumes for halloween ideas at www.spirithalloween.com.

Princess Jasmine—Aladdin

Princess Jasmine is a beautiful, Arabian princess who longs to find her prince. After a long line of terrible suitors she finally meets by chance a street urchin Aladdin to wishes to his new-found genie to be made a prince to be with her. Her costume is a now iconic fitted blue crop top and wide legged baggy pants with long dark hair in bands. Create this look with large pieces of gold costume jewellery, a dark wig of long hair, and a blue outfit inspired by this costume.

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/jasmine-adult-womens-costume1/?w=disney%20princess&UTM_campaign=Search:SC:disney%20princess

Ariel—The Little Mermaid

Ariel the mermaid wants nothing more than to reach the surface of the ocean to see what is on land and who she might meet. She is warned against it by her father King Triton. She rescues her Prince Eric from a shipwreck. Mermaid inspired costumes are available in many designs, either as a full body fishtail style dress, or as a shell inspired corset top, or in aqua marine colours.

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/di-embellished-ariel-tutu-3-4t/?w=disney%20princess&UTM_campaign=Search:SC:disney%20princess

Belle—Beauty and the Beast

DVD Review - Regular Show: Fright Pack

Regular Show: Fright Pack
Voice Actors: J. G. Quintel, William Salyers, Sam Marin, Mark Hamill, Roger Craig Smith, Janie Haddad-Tompkins
Studio: Cartoon Network/ Warner Bros. Home Entertanment
Release Date: Sept. 3, 2013
ASIN: B00D7NRP8W
Retail: $19.82
Running Time: 176 minutes
Rating: TV-PG

Review:

The Emmy Award-winning animated comedy Regular Show is coming out with its fifth DVD titled Regular Show: Fright Pack containing 14 spine-tingling episodes on September 3, 2013 starting with the 2 two-part episodes, Terror Tales of the Park and Terror Tales of the Park II. The DVD is making its way into store just in time for Halloween, which is only two months away. There is a villain character guide as the special feature.

Since its premiere in 2010, the Regular Show has been a ratings hit for the Cartoon Network, bring in both young and adult viewers, who all like the show's the snappy dialogue and off-the-wall comedy. The series features best friends Mordecai (a six-foot-tall blue jay) and Rigby (a hyperactive raccoon), who both work as groundskeepers at a park, which is owned by Pops (he looks like a lollipop). The two best friends are bored to death at their job and they try to do anything to avoid doing their work, which doesn't go over too well their boss Benson (a gumball machine). The new episodes currently air on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network.

The episodes on the Fright Pack single-disc DVD are:

Grab Your Coffee and Hit the Books

Image from squirrelcircus.wordpress.com
Though it sounds overwhelming and perhaps even impossible, returning to college as your little ones mature is a growing trend among mothers. If you are seriously considering returning to school, earning a degree from South University, or entering any other bachelor’s or master’s program, then there are a few things you will need to know before your first day of class. So grab your cup of coffee because more than likely you will be drinking several thousand more cups between now and graduation.

Planning
Enrolling in school can sound frightening at first. There are course numbers and books and registration fees. But the first few days of class can prove some of the biggest shocks as you read through the syllabus and wonder how you will be able to finish all the reading in time.

But realizing that the transition back into a semester will be daunting and take time is key to keeping your cool. Take advantage of the fact that the syllabus is passed out on the first day and get to work right away. A planner or other daily calendar can help you to allot specific study times so that you will be able to visualize when the work can get completed in time before the due date.

Most likely, you will be learning many new skills as you return to the classroom. Whether you are attempting an online class or a traditional course, you will become familiar with online blackboards and file sharing for different classes. E-textbooks and interactive study programs are also popular. So allow yourself time to learn how to navigate these sites and adjust to the environment.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Monday Morning Madness #26: Possible Blog Redesign.


Ever since I switched to a domain and had the blog redesign, I have had many opportunities to work with many different companies and brands. That being said, my blog is becoming more than just a book blog, therefore I believe a few changes need to occur, but I need some input from my readers. A blog redesign won't happened until later in the year or in early 2014, so it wouldn't interfere with the 31 Days of Halloween & and the Holiday Gift Guide events.

I need your help readers:

Blu-ray Review - Now You See Me: Extended Edition




One of this year's biggest summer movies, Now You See Me, will be available for Digital Download on August 30th and it will be arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Digital HD UltraViolet), DVD + Digital UltraViolet, Video on Demand and Pay-Per-View on September 3, 2013. The film has a star-studded cast featuring Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland), Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers), Woody Harrelson (Zombieland), Isla Fisher (The Great Gatsby), Dave Franco (21 Jump Street), Michael Caine (Dark Knight Trilogy) and Morgan Freeman (Dark Knight Trilogy). The Extended Director's Cut with sixteen minutes of never-before-seen-footage and the original theatrical will be featured on the Blu-ray along with the special features, Audio Commentary by producer Bobby Cohen and director Louis Leterrier (theatrical version only), "Now You See Me Revealed" featurette, "A Brief History of Magic" featurette (Blu-ray only) and deleted scenes (Blu-ray only).

From left to right: Dave Franco ("Jack Wilder," left), Jesse Eisenberg ("J. Daniel Atlas," left center), Isla Fisher ("Henley Reeves," center) and Woody Harrelson ("Merritt McKinney," right) star in Summit Entertainment's, a LIONSGATE company, NOW YOU SEE ME.


Four magicians, J. Daniel Atlas (Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Fisher), and Jack Wilder (Franco) are mysteriously summoned to become a magic super-group called The Four Horsemen by the rich Arthur Tressler (Cain). During a magic show in Las Vegas, the four amazes the audiences by remotely robbing a bank in Paris, which quickly gets the attention of FBI Agent Dylan Rhoads (Ruffalo) and his Interpol detective Alma Dray (Laurent); though they have know proof how the magicians robbed the bank.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide 2013 Sign Up!


It may be August, but it won't be long before the department stores will start setting up their holiday decorations. If you are like me, it is getting harder and harder every year to come up with a great gifts for your family. This year Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer has decided to put together a Holiday Gift Guide, showcasing different brands, products and services.

Before filling out the contact form or emailing me, please read over the details on how to participate in the Holiday Gift Guide.

Holiday Gift Guide Details:

Review Only: 
  • Free with minimum product value of $50 
  • I'll considering products under $50. Please contact me on this matter.
  • Each review will contain pictures of the product.
  • Each review will contain a Buy Link where the product can be purchased
  • Each review will be posted on my Facebook Page and Twitter Account. 
  • A link on the Holiday Gift Guide 2013 schedule. 

Blu-ray Review - Return to Never Land: Special Edition


Disney opened up their vault this past Tuesday, August 20, 2013, and released the Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) of Return to Never Land, the 2002 sequel to the animation classic Peter Pan. This is the first time the charming sequel has been released to Blu-ray with digitally restored picture and high-definition sound with high-flying extras, Pixie previews (Just Desserts, Hide And Tink, Dust Up, Shooting Stars!, and Volley Bug), deleted scenes, and more.

Wendy Darling is now an adult, with her husband off at war (WWII), she is raising her daughter Jane and her son Danny by herself; telling bedtime stories about the adventures she had with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. Late one night, Captain Hook and his crew break into their house in the attempt of kidnapping Wendy, but they mistakenly take Jane instead, bringing her to Never Land to lure Peter Pan into a trap.

Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and Tinker Bell quickly save Jane, who Peter hopes will take the role of "mother" for the Lost Boys, similar to what her mother, Wendy, once did. Jane is not her mother and refuses to participate, becoming more of a Lost Girl than a mother. Peter, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys try to get Jane to play some games and have fun, but Hook isn't too far away.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: August 23rd - 29th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Kero,



Book blogging is more than just reading. Who helped you set up or run your blog? Or did you do it all yourself?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
Yes, book blogging is more than just reading a book and posting a review. It can take several hours a week to maintain your blog, especially if you have your own domain. I'm the only blogger for Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, except for the occasional guest post. Earlier this year, I put a wanted post for a co-blogger, but I didn't get any serious requests, so it is just me running the blog. My blog's template & graphics are created by Blogovation Design.

I'm still considering giving up a day or two for a co-blogger next year, if anybody is interested, just send me an email.

Linky List:

Review - Whispers on the Dock

Whispers on the Dock
Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn, book 3
By Evangeline Kelley
Publisher: Guidepost Books
Pub. Date August 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0824932596
Pages: 288
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/nXSVh
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/ekelley

Review:

To honor their late mother, the Marris sisters bought the Misty Harbor Inn on the Nantucket Island, despite the fact they are all in their 50's. The youngest sister, Sam Carter, is looking forward to entering her mother's blackberry cobbler recipe in the Summerfest baking fest, as winning the contest would be a great way to promote the Inn, but it is not going to be easy as the previous winner plans on keeping the title no matter what the costs.

Misty Harbor Inn has its own secrets, which the sisters have been trying to unravel to what happened to the original owner's young widow, Hannah Montague, who mysteriously disappeared in the year 1880. Now their most recent guest, an elderly woman, may be the only the person who can unravel the mystery for them. The woman shows them a photo album that will change their lives. It seems their mother had lived at the Inn as a child, something she had never mentioned to them when she was alive.

Why did their mother lie? What was she hiding?

Review - The Offical Red Book: A Guide Book Of United States Coins 2014

The Official Red Book
A Guide Book Of United States Coins 2014
67th Edition
By R.S. Yeoman
Senior Editor: Kenneth Bressett
Research Editor: Q. David Bowers
Valuations Editor: Jeff Garrett
Publisher: Whitman Publishing, LLC
Pub. Date: April 16, 2013
ISBN: 9780794841805
Retail: $14.95
Format: Spiral Bound
Pages 448
Buy Links: B&N, Amazon, Whitman

 

Review:

Many people collect coins as a hobby or even as an investment. The values on the coins change rapidly, but it depends on the current market. To help collectors to learn more about the value of their coins, Whitman Publishing, LLC has been releasing The Official Red Book: A Guide of the United States Coins since 1946, which was started by R.S. Yeoman, to help them. Their recent 2014 Red Book (67th Edition) was released back in April. Whiteman Publishing nicely sent me a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Official Red Book is a must for any new or advanced coin collector, which is available in a hardcover, hidden spiral, large, or a regular spiral (pictured above). It is the #1 best-selling price guide with over 24 million copies sold! There is no single author or collaborator for each edition as there are many people who bring this book to life, such as coin dealer, collectors, and readers.

The guide book gives a helpful introduction on how to use the book correctly and how to find the correct condition (grade) of your coins. Their is over twenty pages giving you a detailed history of the coins in the United States, starting with the Spanish Milled Dollar to sunken treasure coins. Due to the popularity of coin collecting, there have been many fake coins released on the market that look antique. The Red Book contains detailed colored photos of coins from a variety of years, all which are genuine, so you won't be fooled by an imitation.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Daily Rehash's Fall 2013 Movie Preview

There have been many big-budget box-office flops this summer and the few successful ones, like Man of Steel, weren't exactly a critical success. Hopefully, the movies being released this fall will do better. The big three films everyone is waiting for is Thor: The Dark World, Ender's Game, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The Daily Rehash gave their take on the fall movies in a recent episode, so I decided to give my own thoughts.

Ender's Game is based on the science fiction novel of the same name by Orson Scott Card and is directed by the same guy who brought us X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which gives us a major clue that the movie won't go by the book. Harrison Ford is also in the movie and he has already had two flops for 2013 (42 and Paranoia). Why not make it a third?

After the lackluster 2011's Thor and the overrated Avengers flick, Chris Hemsworth returns as the hammer carrying prince of Asgard in the sequel Thor: The Dark World. I thought the first film was a complete waste of time, but the sequel trailer looks like a major improvement. Let's cross our fingers and hope Loki finally bites the dust.

DVD Review - Heart of the Country

Heart of the Country
Directed by: John Ward
Starring: Jana Kramer, Randy Wayne, Shaun Sipos, Anne Hawthorne, Gerald McRaney
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Running Time: 89 minutes

Rating: PG

Review:

Arriving exclusively to Walmart stores is the movie Heart of the Country starring the 2012 Academy of Country Music Best New Female Vocalist Jana Kramer (One Tree Hill) as Faith Carraday, an aspiring singer, New York socialite, and the prodigal daughter, who is now returning to home to her Southern roots after her husband, Luke, is arrested for fraud.

Faith's father, Calvin (played by Gerald McRaney), welcomes her back home to the family farm, despite the fact she hasn't spoken to her family in four years. Calvin is a retired widower, who is now making it his duty to help guide his daughter back to grace. Her sister, Olivia, is not as welcoming as their father is about her return.

Music was once her passion, but she has lost that creative spark due to her troubling marriage, but after reuniting with an old friend, Lee, who is now a doctor, the old spark returns.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Elements of Beautiful Yard Landscaping

When you are doing yard landscaping, you can think of yourself as an artist. Your medium is all of the elements that you can use to create a beautiful landscape. The elements might be water features, soil, rocks, grass, trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, pathways, gazebos, furniture, wind features, and many other things. The elements you choose and the way they are used depends on the yard you are working with, your budget, and your imagination.

Water and Soil

Water features can be pools, ponds, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and fountains. These elements can be very small or very large. Most of them will require a pump to circulate the water to keep it from getting stagnant and smelly. Some water features include live fish and water plants that have to be monitored and kept healthy. A pool for swimming gets a little more complicated and will need to be maintained on a daily basis to keep it clean and healthy for swimmers. Soil is the foundation for most landscapes and should be conducive to growing healthy grass, trees, and plants. If the soil you are working with is lacking in the proper nutrients, you may have to add them into the soil before you begin putting things on top of or into it. A local nursery may have the ability to conduct soil tests, but it they don’t, contact another local entity that specializes in soil testing.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tips on Writing a Realistic Romantic Plot by Catherine Bybee


Before I go into tips on writing a realistic romantic plot, let me start by telling my readers… and fellow writers… that life is much more interesting than fiction. Realism in fiction is relative to the characters in the book.

If an author is writing a vampire novel, the readers go into the book with the knowledge that the vampire is going to have to drink blood to survive. Obviously, in ‘real’ life this isn’t realistic. Is drinking blood to survive a real event? No…but for a vampire character in fiction…it’s expected.

Now let’s jump to contemporary novels. If I tell my readers that a woman is willing to marry a man for a year for a couple of million dollars, my reader will ask ‘why?’ What happened to my heroine that makes her sell herself out like that? They might even ask if this happens in real life. Notice that the same reader will often take the blood-drinking vampire as ‘realistic’ without a bat of the eye.

In contemporary romance, the author has to work five times harder to convince the readers that the situation in the pages is possible. What some of my readers are very aware of, while other aren’t, I’m a retired ER RN. I have honestly seen things in life that I NEVER thought were possible. I often laugh when a reader will write me and tell me that the situation in my book isn’t possible. Ah, yeah…dear reader, it is…

DVD Review - The Border: The Complete First Season

The Border: The Complete First Season
Starring: James McGowan, Graham Abbey, Jonas Chernick, Mark Wilson
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: July 16, 2013
ASIN: B00CMDPT68
Retail: $14.98
Buy Link: Amazon.com
Running Time: 9 hours 43 minutes
Rating: TV-14

Review:

The Canadian drama The Border is finally available on DVD for the first time in the United States thanks to Mill Creek Entertainment releasing the complete first season on a three-disc set, which sent me a free copy of the DVD in exchange for my honest review.

The Border is a blend of NCIS and Law & Order, except the series focuses its attention on the fictional ICS (Immigration and Customs Security) agency as it protects the Canadian border from terrorist and smugglers. The agency is lead by Mike Kessler with Maggie Norton as his second-in-command, as they attempt to protect Canada from any threat.

The episodes are:

Monday, August 19, 2013

Review: Lilith by Ashely Jeffery

In this YA paranormal thriller, Pacey O'Brien's high school years haven't been easy thanks to her ex-friend, now enemy, Lexie Vega, aka the most popular girl in school, who also likes to get her hands on every new guy, including the new student, Dean Charleston. No matter what evil scheme Lexie has up her sleeves, Pacey can always rely on her Bad Girls Club lead by Rhiannon, which the club's main goal is take down the one and only Lexie Vega.

Pacey had no intention of getting herself a boyfriend, but it seems she is falling in love with Dean, who is finally getting over his ex-girlfriend. Life seemed to be going on the right path for her, and then strange things happen to her. Someone or something doesn't want Pacey to date Dean and whoever it is will kill to get them apart!

In a literary world over-ruled by Twilight, it is nice to see a young adult supernatural novel with an original plot; in this case it happens to be the mirror/body jumping demon Lilith. With a memorizing cover, I was eagerly looking forward to reading it. Maybe it is become I'm a male, but I couldn't connect with main character, Pacey, for the first half, which I felt was more in line with a Sweet Valley High novel than a supernatural one. I became interested in the plot when the strange things happen and when Pacey started to realize what was actually happening to her. The second half felt more like a 80s horror movie. A demon hopping around through mirrors has been done before, but the author uses it effectually to help enhance the fearfulness of Lilith. The second half felt more like a 80s horror movie; it even has a cliffhanger ending for a potential sequel, in which I hope the author switches the point-of-view to one of Pacey's friends or even her boyfriend, Dean.


Review - Winter in Full Bloom

Winter in Full Bloom
By Anita Higman
Publisher: River North Fiction (Moody Publishers)
Pub. Date: July 19, 2013
ISBN: 978-0802405807
Pages: 304
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/nIIcx
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/ahigman
 
Review:

Lily Winter returns home to visit her estranged mother in the attempt to get her mother to have some sort of relationship with her daughter, who's now in college. Lily's husband recently died of a heart-attack and to make matters worse she found evidence that he might have been cheating on her. With her daughter at college, she hopes reconnecting with her mother after a ten year estrangement would bring new joy in her life, but she isn't exactly welcomed by her mother, who happens to leaves her with a bombshell. Lily has a twin sister, Camilla, living in Australia!

Despite her fear of planes, Lily hops on a flight to Melbourne, Australia, in all hopes to meet the sister she never knew existed. Almost as soon as she arrives, she hits a brick wall, but her luck turn for the better as an Aussie, named Marcus, insists on helping her track down Camilla. Marcus use to be a bestselling author until a terrible accident shoved his life off course.

As Lily is finally reunited with her twin, sparks fly between Lily and Marcus, but their pasts may still haunt their future.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

A Sample of Funny Quotes by “Anonymous”

There's nothing like a quick bit of humor to brighten a dark day. Taking in a few funny quotes is a great way to get that daily dose of laughter. But good quotes can be hard to find; writing one is practically an art form. Famous comics and jokesters and wit-mongers have been thinking up pithy nuggets of quotable comedy for centuries. Not all of the best or funniest quotes, however, come from well-known figures. There are plenty of terrific quotes whose authors have been forgotten or maybe never really known. Here's a sample of some funny quotes that have come from anonymous minds.

Joking About Death

"When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did, in his sleep. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car." Jokes about aging and death are always easy to relate to. Death comes for everyone. There's not much to do but laugh about it. This joke has a funny and surprising turn at the end. The expectation is that the old grandfather was in bed when he died. But the unexpected pop of humor comes when it's revealed that he fell asleep at the wheel of his car and brought a few people down with him. Morbid? Yes. But that's life, and this anonymous author is trying to have a sense of humor about it.

Joking About the Sexes

"Men have only two emotions: hungry and horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich." The differences between the sexes have been puzzling humankind since the dawn of time. In this little joke, the author draws on the old stereotype of men being very simple creatures who lack emotional nuance. Even if it's tough to buy this stereotype, it's such a common one that it's easy to exploit it for a quick chuckle

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Review - A Summoner's Tale


A Summoner's Tale
Order of the Black Swan, Book 3
By Victoria Danann
Publisher: 7th House 
Pub. Date: February 12, 2013
ISBN: 978-1933320809
ASIN: B00BC1SYKE
Buy Links: Paperback, Kindle 

DESCRIPTION: 

A secret society, a witch, a psychic, vampires, modern day knights, heroes, elves, fae, assassins from another dimension, and fairytales come together where emotions intersect. Two souls, joined by a mystical bond, separated by distance, must simultaneously struggle through pain and darkness in an ultimate confrontation with character and an ultimate struggle for life proving that true love waits patiently through lifetimes and finds courage to survive. Even in the strangest places. Even when you're least expecting it. Even when you're far, far from home.

Review:

Due to family crises, personal issues, and falling behind on my reading, my review for the third book in the Order of the Black Swan series got delayed and delayed. I apologize to the author for the review's lateness.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: August 16th - 22nd

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Kero,



Were you a born bookworm or somebody got you into the habit of reading? 


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
I think I was more of a born bookworm, though my mother did read to me when I was little until I could officially read a book myself. My grandmother would have a new Berenstain Bears picture book every Sunday for me to read. I looked forward going to library (which was a fifteen minute drive to the next town) and checking out many books. When I started school, my mom bought lots of books from the Scholastic flyers, which I quickly read each one. My school's library was extremely small, so I quickly read every book there too.


Linky List:

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

DVD Review - National Velvet


National Velvet
Director: Clarence Brown
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisps, Ann Revere, Angela Lansbury, Jackie Jenkins, Arthur Treacher
Studio: Warner Home Video
ASIN: B00004RFHN
Release Date: July 11, 2000
Running Time: 124 minutes
Rating: G

National Velvet was released to theaters back on December 14, 1944 and is based on the novel of the same name by Helen Deutsch. The movie is mostly set in Sewels, Sussex, England and stars a young Elizabeth Taylor as Velvet Brown who dreams of owning her own horse. On her way home from school, she meets a young drifter named Mi Taylor (played by Mickey Rooney) who looking for Velvet’s mother. He had found Mrs. Brown's name and address in his late father's possessions.

The Browns hire Mi to help out around their farm and at their store. They also allow him to sleep in the barn. Velvet and Mi become friends despite the fact that Mi hates horses as he use to be a jockey.

A local farmer is raffling his horse "Pirate", because the horse is wild. The horse likes to get jump the fence and create chaos throughout the small village, practically putting the owner in debt. Despite the Browns rejections, Mi buys several raffles and gives them to Velvet and her siblings. To her luck, she wins the horse that she renames Pie.

Velvet has great faith in Pie and wants to enter him into the Grand National. She talks Mi into helping her train Pie for the great race and her mother gives her 100 pounds to enter into the race.

I've never really cared for watching horse racing movies, or horse moves in general, but National Velvet was under five dollars and has a great cast (It even has the dog Daisy from the Blondie movies as the Browns' family dog.), so I decided to give it a try. Considering the age of the movie, the film looks great on DVD! Elizabeth Taylor gives a great performance as Velvet, the girl who loves horses, but my favorite character was Mi Taylor played by Mickey Rooney, as he is a flawed character. Several times he has a great amount of money in his hands, but he cares for the Browns and he doesn't want to disappoint them. The running time is a little over two hours, but I was so into the movie that it felt less than that. I recommend everyone to watch National Velvet.



Walter White and the Moral Chemistry Behind Breaking Bad

The basis for the show Breaking Bad is hardly ubiquitous. But, really now. Who would have ever imagined that meth production in the southwest could provide fodder for a prime time television show -- much less, a show which has won seven Emmys and was also ranked #13 in the Writer’s Guild of America’s list of the 101 Best-Written TV Series of All Time? As a myriad of complex issues was introduced (i.e., cancer, patient’s rights, drug trafficking in and out of Mexico, polysubstance abuse...you name it) who could have expected the material to be handled with such a deft touch? Breaking Bad’s success is a testament to the brilliance of Bryan Cranston and others’ acting and, especially, the show’s writing.  Fans have eagerly tuned in for or 5 seasons, from the premiere of the series in 2008 to the much-anticipated series finale which aired earlier this week.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Promo Spot - Fiance' by Friday by Catherine Bybee



FIANCE BY FRIDAY
The Weekday Bride Series, Book Three
Montlake Romance, Contemporary
August 13, 2013, First Edition
Paperback & Kindle
Buy Links: Amazon, B&N, BAM, Book Depository

GWEN HARRISON:
The beautiful high-born daughter of an English duke came to America to take over her sister-in-law’s matchmaking business. But just because she’s the boss doesn’t mean she can’t fantasize about making her own perfect match with bodyguard Neil MacBain. Will the enigmatic man who haunts her dreams cost her more than she bargained for?

NEIL MACBAIN:
The retired Marine can’t deny the effect blue-blooded Gwen has on his troubled soul or his battle-hardened bodY. Bus as a client, Gwen is off-limits—until a threat from Neil’s past returns… and Gwen is caught in the crossfire. Now to keep her safe he will risk it all: his career, his life… and his heart.

PRAISE FOR FIANCE BY FRIDAY

“The hero and heroine come to life with each flip of the page
and will linger long after readers cross the finish line.
–RT BOOK REVIEWS, TOP PICK, 4 ½ STARS


“Bybee takes an elegant titled lady, a dark emotionally guarded hero, a menacing stalker, and a cast of distinctive characters mixing it all up into an unusual courtship tale full of danger an sexual tension.” –PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 

“The hottest love on mainstream paper… Ms. Bybee does not disappoint.” 
—TJ MACKAY, IND’TALE MAGAZINE, 5 STARS 

EXCERPT

Saturday, August 10, 2013

DVD Review - Duck Dynasty: Season 3


Duck Dynasty: Season 3
Starring: Jase Robertson, Kay Robertson, Phil Robertson, Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson
Studio: A&E Home Video; Lionsgate
Release Date: August 6, 2013
ASIN: B00CUDD0SO
Retail: $19.98
Run Time: 309 minutes
Buy Link: Amazon.com
Rating: Not Rated

Review:

A&E's Duck Dynasty has only been on television for a year and half, but it has become the most watched A&E series with the season three finale bringing in 9.6 million viewers. With the fourth season premier this Wednesday, A&E released the third season on a two-disc DVD set this past Tuesday.

Duck Dynasty stars the Robertson clan, where an episode typically centers on hunting, fishing, or duck call building, aka Duck Commander, which was founded by Phil Robertson. The third son, Willie, is the company's CEO and has turned the family business into a multimillion dollar company. Most of the employees are either family or friends, which can be a bit of a problem at times, especially during hunting season.

DVD Review - Benji: 4 Movie Collection

Benji: 4 Movie Collection
Director: Joe Camp
Starring: Patsy Garrett, Allen Fiuzat, Cynthia Smith, Peter Breck, Edgar Buchanan, Tom Lester
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: July 16, 2013
ASIN: B00CMDPTUY
Retail: $9.98
Buy Link: Amazon.com
Running Time: 4 hours 58 minutes
Rating: G

Review:

Before the chihuahuas went to Beverly Hills and before spot could run, there was a little mixed-breed dog named Benji, which has been played by four different dogs, Higgins, his daughter Benjean, and two other unnamed fluffy dogs. Mill Creek Entertainment recently released the two-disc Benji: 4 Movie Collection featuring the 1974 original Benji, the 1977 sequel For The Love of Benji, the 1978 special Benji's Very Own Christmas Story, and the 2004 sequel Benji Off the Leash!

In the original classic, Benji spends his day walking around a Texas town visiting his different human friends; all of them call him by a different name. His favorite house to visit belongs to Dr. Chapman, who happens to have two children, Paul and Cindy. The kids are the ones who named him Benji. They would love to keep him, but they are afraid their father wouldn't allow it. Benji befriends a female a dog, who is staying in an abandoned house, but a group of kidnappers arrive and Benji is the only one that can stop them.

A female dog, Benjean plays the title role in For The Love of Benji, which finds the loveable dog traveling with the Paul and Cindy Chapman and their nanny on a family vacation Greece. While in a pet carrier on the plane, a mysterious stranger leaves a tattoo on Benji's paw. Situations occur and Benji becomes lost in Athens, Greece as he tries to escape from a killer dog and outdo the spies.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: August 9th - 15th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Elizabeth.



If you don't like a book that you said you would review, do you graciously turn it down and explain why or do you struggle through it and hopefully come up with a half decent review?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
If my review is part of a book tour and either I didn't like the book or I couldn't finish the book, I would contact the book tour host and ask him/her how to proceed; maybe switch the review for a book spotlight. For any non book tour review, if I don't like the book, then I'm going to say so in my review. I won't attack a book because I didn't like it. If there are any good aspects to the book, I'll mention it, but I'll also give my honest opinion of what I thought of the characters and plot. I hate writing bad reviews, but I also hate reading bad books. It's always difficult to write a review on something you didn't like, but it happens from time to time. I recall reviewing a YA novel a few years ago and the book wasn't the greatest. I mentioned the book's plot problems in the review. I tried to be as kind as I could, but at the same time as honest as I could be. After the review was posted, the author sent me an email thanking for my honest review.

Linky List:

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Review - The Art of Steampunk, Revised Second Edition

The Art of Steampunk
Revised Second Edition
B Art Donovan
Forward by Dr. Jim Bennett
Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
Pub. Date: July 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-56523-785-8
Retail: $19.99
Pages: 168

Review:

The steampunk genre is becoming more and more popular every year thanks to recent books, television series, movies, and video games; all blending modern & futuristic technology with the 19th Century Victorian era or the American Wild West, creating steam power technology.

Artists have jumped into the steampunk genre by making original art pieces that look like they literally jumped off of the pages of a book and into reality. Author and artist Art Donovan has complied some of the most beautiful and unique pieces from authors such as Ann Pedro, Anna Dabrowska, Camryn Forrest, Evelyn Kriete, Filip Sawezuk, Jessica Joslin, Mikhail Smolyanov, Sam Van Olffen, Amanda Scrivener, Thomas Willeford, Cliff Overton, Daniel Proulx, Eric Freitas, Haruo Suekichi, Ian Crichton, James Richardson-Brown, Jesse Newhouse, Joey Marsocci, Jos De Vink, Kris Kuksi, Molly Friedrich, Richard Nagy, Stephane Halleux, Tom Banwell, and Vianney Halter.

Caravan Assault Apparatus, 2009, by Kris Kuksi

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Heart of the Country DVD & Book Giveaway!


Debuting on DVD August 20 

Based on the novel by Rene Gutteridge and John Ward, Heart of the Country is a love story starring country music singer Jana Kramer (“One Tree Hill”), Randy Wayne (“True Blood”), and Gerald McRaney (“Major Dad”). Faith (Kramer) and Luke (Wayne) have it all. Faith is a beautiful singer and Luke is an up-and- coming businessman. When their life together is shattered and she is forced to return home to the family she turned her back on years ago she must find the strength to love again. Watch Jana Kramer in her first leading movie role in the year's most inspirational and romantic movie event when it debuts on DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on August 20.  

 Top 5 Country Singing Actresses

Many of our favorite ladies in country music have shown the world that their beautiful singing voices are not the only talent they possess. Stars such as Dolly Parton and Jana Kramer have wowed the audience with their acting abilities. Here, we highlight our five favorite country-singing actresses. 

Jana Kramer
 
In her latest project, the beautiful Jana Kramer plays the role of Faith in the touching love story Heart of the Country. Her songs “Why Ya Wanna” and “Whiskey” have made her stand out as a country artist and led her to win the ACM Award for Top New Female Artist in 2013. However, this country girl got her start on the screen in 2002. She is most well-known for her role in One Tree Hill as Alex Dupree but has also played a part in Prom Night, Click, and 90210. Jana’s impressive ability to balance her singing and acting career places her at the top of our list. 

Writing a Romance Novel For Dummies Review & Giveaway

Writing a Romance Novel For Dummies
By Leslie Wainger
Publisher: For Dummies
Pub. Date: May 7, 2004
ISBN: 978-0764525544
Pages: 384
Buy Link: Paperback

Review:

Have you ever wanted to write a romance novel? I'm sure there are many aspiring writers and romance reader junkies that have dreamed about becoming a romance writer. Now you can learn about the romance publishing industry and how to write your own novel with Writing a Romance Novel For Dummies by Leslie Wainger, executive editor of Harlequin Books; with a forward by New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard.

Get in the inside scoop from Leslie Wainger, who has been editing romance for nearly thirty-five years. She teaches you about what reader are looking for in a good romance novel. You'll learn the difference between contemporary and mainstream genres; subgenres and niche markets; where to set up the perfect writing spot; creating alpha males and fiery females; adding the perfect conflict, climax, and resolution to a plot; setting a great romantic scene; outlining your novel; showing vs. telling; how to get into a character's mind; writing great dialogue; and writing a passionate love scene.

Barnie's CoffeeKitchen Pronto! French Roast Review


Anyone who knows me knows that I love my coffee. I can't function without it. Despite the fact the name of this blog is Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, I very seldom get to review actually coffee products, so I was more than excited to get to tryout Pronto! French Roast Liquid Coffee Brewsticks from Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, Florida's original coffee company for over 30 years.

Any coffee lover knows there are many brands releasing single instant coffee sticks, which I have problem tried them all. Barnie's CoffeeKitchen Pronto! is the first brand I have heard of that has actual liquid in the brewsticks!

The concentrated liquid coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans. Each box comes with 6 liquid coffee brewsticks. The directions are simple. Just add one brewstick to a 10 oz. of hot or cold water, stir, and enjoy the delicious taste of freshly brewed coffee.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Monday Morning Madness #25: Smurfs 2 Bombs (kinda) and Two Disney Classics Get The Diamond Treatment in 2014


Looks like The Smurfs 2 didn't do so well at the US box-office as it came in 3rd place with only $18.2 million ($27.8 million over the 5-day weekend), but it did well overseas with $52.5 million, meaning there will be a Smurfs 3 in the near future (July 24, 2015 to be exact), whether we like it or not. I grew up watching the blue Smurfs cartoon and as an adult I continue to collect each new DVD release. I have mix feelings for 2011's The Smurfs live/CGI film, which I have only watched once all the way through. The CGI looked spot on, but the script was horrible. It doesn't take a genius to create a decent plot as there are plenty of stories from the cartoon and the original Peyo comics to adapt into a screenplay, but it seems Hollywood (for the most part) is missing any creative thought.

I could be wrong; maybe The Smurfs 2 is good, but I highly doubt it. I'm sure it falls in the the horrible sequel category as Garfield 2 and the Alvin & the Chipmunks sequels.

At least Disney isn't remaking their classic animation movies, but instead they are releasing them onto their Blu-Ray Diamond Edition Collection series. In 2014, Disney will release Sleeping Beauty (October 2014) and The Jungle Book (February 2014) to this prestigious collection for a limited time. Both films have been hidden in the Disney vault, but are being released with high definition picture and sound clarity for whole new generation to enjoy. The Little Mermaid Blu-Ray Diamond Edition Collection is coming out this October.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

DVD Review - Liberty's Kids: The Complete Series

Liberty's Kids: The Complete Series
Voice Cast:  Kathleen Barr, Reo Jones, Chris Lundquist, Kevin Williams
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
ASIN: B00CMDPTTA
Release Date: July 16, 2013
Retail: $12.98
Running Time: 14 hours 26 minutes
Rating: TV-Y7

Review:

I consider myself a cartoon fan, but there have been many shows over the last fifteen years that have quietly went under my radar, including PBS's 2002-2004 series titled Liberty's Kids, which is set during the American Revolution. The series found its way onto DVD in 2008, but has been out-of-print for quite sometime. Mill Creek Entertainment recently released a 4-disc set of the Liberty's Kids featuring all 40 episodes.

Set in 1773, British teenage girl, Sarah Phillips, travels to the Thirteen Colonies to search for her missing father, Major Phillips, and stays as a guest at Benjamin Franklin's home. She takes a job as a reporter for Franklin's newspaper as she believes a viewpoint from a British girl is just want the newspaper needs. She befriends fourteen-year-old James Hiller, eight-year-old Henri Richard Maurice Dutoit LeFevbre, and Moses. At first Sarah is dedicated to her home country England, but towards the end of the series she clearly understands why the Thirteen Colonies wanted their freedom.

The episodes on the four-disc set are:

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Review - The Letters

The Letters
The Inn at Eagle Hill: Book One
By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Pub. Date: August 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0800720933
Pages: 320
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/nibGe
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/books/the-letters

Review:

In book one of The Inn of Eagle Hill series, widower Rose Schrock is turning the Amish community of Stoney Ridge upside down when she decides to open a bed and breakfast in her very own farmhouse. The church members and even her own mother-in-law disapprove of a woman running a business. A bed and breakfast may not be what she had dreamed of doing, but she doesn't have much of a choice as her late husband left her in debt.

Rose's only support is from her neighbor and horse trainer, Galen King, who helps her turn the farmhouse basement into a bed and breakfast. As she gets ready to take in her first guests, she prays that the Lord will look over each one. To her surprise, the Lord is looking out for her and may be sending her an unexpected love, Galen.

DVD Review - Breaking Bad: The Fifth Season



Breaking Bad: The Fifth Season
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 4, 2013
ASIN: B0060MYKYY
Retail: $55.99
Running Time: 375 minutes
Rating: Not Rated

Review: 

AMC's hit series Breaking Bad is coming to a close with the premiere of the final season on Sunday, August 11, 2013, which some people consider it as the second half of season five, while others are referring it as season six. I'm calling it the final season and I can't wait to watch it next Sunday as it has been nearly a year since the shocking cliffhanger. I've been a big fan ever since episode one of the series; I even got parents hooked into watching it. To prepare myself for the final eight episodes, I watched The Fifth Season on DVD this week.

The episodes on the three-disc set are:

Episode 1: Live Free or Die picks up shortly after Walter (Walt) White made his deadly move on his boss and meth dealer, Gus Fring, and he tries to destroy all the evidence pointing back to him, but the DEA (which his brother-in-law Hank is an agent) has already collected Gus's laptop. In a state of panic, Jesse Pinkman comes up with a plan to wipe the memory clean from the laptop, even though it is being stored in the DEA's evidence locker.

Episode 2: Madrigal - To make up the money his wife (Skyler) lost, Walt desperately wants to restart the meth-making business. With Jesse agreeing to assist him once again, they try to convince Gus's former cleaner, Mike Ehrmantraut, to join their new venture.

Episode 3: Hazard Pay - With Mike becoming a third partner, Walt and Jesse seek out their lawyer's, Saul Goodman, help in finding a new location for their business. Everything is in place and going fine, until Walt learns of some extra costs.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: August 2nd - 8th

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!


Grab the Button!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

This week's question submitted by Elizabeth.)



How do you turn down a review request?


2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

My Answer:
Typically, I would offer the author a book spotlight, a guest post, or an interview, if I'm not interested in reviewing their book. Lately, due to my lack of blogging time, I refer a fellow blogger about the review request.

Linky List: