Wednesday, September 30, 2015

DVD Review: Love & Mercy



Love & Mercy
Director: Bill Pohlad
Cast: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti
Studio: LionsGate
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Retail: $19.98
ASIN: B01127XNEE
Running Time: 122 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:
 
Now available to own on DVD from LionsGate is the musical biopic Love & Mercy. Directed by Bill Pohlad, the film stars John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti. Special Features include deleted scenes, A California Story: Creating the Look of Love & Mercy Featurette, A-Side/B-Side: Portraying the Life of Brian Wilson Featurette and an audio commentary.

Based on the real-life story of Brian Wilson (the co-founder of The Beach Boys), the film stars John Cusack as a middle-aged Brian Wilson. After his father died during the 70s, he became deeply depressed and spent two years isolating himself from the world, overeating, drinking too much alcohol and taking drug. In October 1975, Brian's family hired a therapist Dr. Eugene Landy to help him.

From left to right: Brett Davern ("Carl Wilson," left), Paul Dano ("Brian Past," center) and Kenny Wormald ("Dennis Wilson," right) star in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's LOVE & MERCY.

The film opens up in the 1980s, where Brian meets his future wife, Cadillac saleswoman Melinda Ledbetter (played by Elizabeth Banks) while looking for a new car. The two have an instant chemistry and Brian leaves his phone number for her, just before the controlling Landy (played by Paul Giamatti) intervenes. Brian attempts to have a relationship with Melinda, but Landy thinks she's a problem. However, Melinda is determined to save Brian.

John Cusack ("Brian Future") and Elizabeth Banks ("Melinda Ledbetter") star in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's LOVE & MERCY.

Throughout the two-hour running time, the movie flashes back to the 1960s when a younger Brian Wilson (played by Paul Dano) is trying to change The Beach Boys sound by writing and composing their eleventh album, Pet Sounds. Despite his band members', including his brother Carl, objections to the new sound, Brian was confident in his music.


I recall seeing the film advertise on television during the summer, but I had no idea that it was about Brian Wilson. I'm not the biggest fan of music biographies, but this film has an unique feel to it, mostly thanks for the filmmakers deciding to flashback to the early days of The Beach Boys. Both John Cusack and Paul Dano give great performances as Brian Wilson. Overall, Love & Mercy is surprisingly entertaining film.



*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Review - The Official Red Book: A Guide Of United States Coins 69th Edition



One of the most popular (and oldest) hobby is coin collecting. People of all ages, including kids, love collecting coins from around the world. It's also a great investment, as some older coins are worth a lot money.

The best places to find older coins is at antique stores, coin collecting shops and the internet, but please be advised on what the correct price of a coin is as you don't want to over pay.

The only way to find the current correct prices for coins is to look in The Official Red Book: A Guide Of United States Coins, which is published by Whitman. The 2016 (69th edition) is now available to buy in book stores, coin shops, hobby shops or online at www.whitman.com/store.

A few months back, I was sent The Official Red Book: A Guide Of United States Coins 69th Edition hardcover ($16.95 retail). This year's book is edited by Kenneth Bressett (Senior Editor), Q. David Bowers (Research Editor) and Jeff Garrett (Valuations Editor).


The book gives you a quick introduction the world of coins in "Welcome To Numismatics." Then it jumps right into the coin values, which are divided into the following sections:

Pre-Federal Issues - Colonial and Post-Colonial Issues.

Monday, September 28, 2015

DVD Review: William Castle Horror Collection


 

William Castle Horror Collection
Director: William Castle
Cast: Rosemary DeCamp, Glenn Corbett, Tom Poston
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Retail: $14.98
ASIN: B00ZGIOL42
Running Time: 7 hours 18 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Just in time for the Halloween Season is the two-disc DVD release from Mill Creek Entertainment, titled William Castle Horror Collection, featuring five films from the director William Castle. The films are 13 Ghosts, 13 Frightened Girls!, Mr. Sardonicus, Homicidal and The Old Dark House.

While the 2001 remake was full of gore, the 1960's 13 Ghosts is more of a family-friendly ghost story about a family that inherits a mansion from a rich uncle, Dr. Plato Zorba. They quickly realize that the house is haunted by 12 terrifying ghosts - a lion with it's headless tamer, an executioner with a severed head, a wailing lady, a pair of clutching hands, a floating head, a skeleton,an chef that keeps murdering his wife and her lover in the kitchen and Dr. Zorba.


The 1963 flick 13 Frightened Girls! is less horror and more of a teenage movie in the vein of Gidget. Set in a Swiss boarding school for girls, the films centers on a sixteen-year-old that develops a crush on an intelligence agent, which leads her to uncovering the mystery behind the death of a Russian diplomat.


William Castle once stated that the 1961 Mr. Sardonicus was one of his favorites that he had produced. The plot centers on a greedy man that digs up his father's corpse just so he can get the winning lottery ticket that was in the coffin, but recovering the lottery ticket comes with a frightening cost - his face is now permanently fozen into a hideous grin.

Fall Reads: The Memory Weaver



The Memory Weaver
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Publisher: Revell
Pub. Date: September 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-0800722326
Pages: 352
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

While I've read many books by Christian authors, I only recently started reading Jane Kirkpatrick titles, though my grandmother has been reading her novels for years. Now anytime I learn that one the author's books is available for review, I eagerly signed up.

The Memory Weaver centers on Eliza Spalding Warren. When she was just a ten-year-old, she was kidnapped by the Cayuse Indians during a massacure that occured in 1847, where she was forced to be an interpreter. Though she's now married with two children, she is still haunted by her childhood.

Now her husband wants them to pack up their belongings and head off for the territory that she had spent in captivity. To deal with the ordeal, Eliza turns to late mother's journal to learn how she had dealt the trama that took place in 1847 and hopefully find a way to find piece with her own past.


Friday, September 25, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: September 25th - October 1st

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

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 is submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews!

Do you belong to Shelfari, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and other similar sites? If so, can you list all of the book sites you belong to so others can take a look at them?

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'm a member of all three sites!
Linky List:

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Poker Tournament Champions Heading to Punta Cana in November!



While I don't share too many gambling related posts on here, I thought I let everyone know about the upcoming CPT Punta Cana Main Event, a cool poker tournament that will be held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in November. It'll feature six online poker tournament champions, whom will all compete for a piece of a $500,000+ prize pool.

So far, four of the five players have won their spot to Punta Cana. The sixth player will come from the final tournament game on October 2nd.

The five known players are:


Daniel Montagnolli (30 years old from Austria) - He won  a $2700 prize from an online satellite tournament Final in June. As of September 1st, is now a full-time poker player.

Derek Scallon (32 year old from Chicago) - He's s a professional poker player that produced a poker documentary film, Bet Raise Fold, a few years ago.

Neal Slade, Hampshire (44 year old from Hampshire, UK) - He's a builder and a father of two, who in his spare time plays online poker games. He has won seats at WSOP, WPT, UKIPT and GPS events.

Steven Lovey - There's not much known about this player, except for he's an entrepreneur in the toy industry.

Phil (?) (29 year old) - He just won his way to the CPT Punta Cana earlier this month.

DVD Review: 60th Anniversary Series: Creature With The Atom Brain



Creature With The Atom Brain
60th Anniversary Series
Director: Edward L. Cahn
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Retail: $9.98
ASIN: B011PS50W8
Running Time: 70 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

During the 1950s throughout the 1960s, a slew of B-horror films were released to theaters, which were popular with the younger crowd. I recall watching a few of these films when I was a kid in the early 90s on AMC (way before they had commercials on the channel). These movies are rarely seen on television these days, but luckily for us fans many of these films are being released to DVD or Blu-ray. Mill Creek Entertainment has released the 1955 classic Creature With The Atom Brain as part of their 60 Anniversary Series DVD releases.

Directed by Edward L. Cahn and written by Curtis Siodmak (The Wolf Man), the film stars Michael Granger, Gregory Gaye and Richard Denning (Creature From The Black Lagoon). Originally released by Columbia Pictures, it was part of the double-feature with It Came from Beneath the Sea.

Creature With The Atom Brain centers on criminal Frank Buchanan (played by Michael Granger) teaming up in an ex-Nazi scientist Wilhelm Steigg (played by Gregory Gaye) to help him get revenge on the people that were involved in his deportation. Steigg re-animates all of Buchanan's dead henchmen and orders them to kill specific individuals. The only person in their way is police doctor Dr. Chet Walker (played by Richard Denning), who must unravel the mystery before the zombies kill again.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

The First Sanjay and Craig Graphic Novel!


The hit Nickelodeon animated series Sanjay and Craig has now a graphic novel from Papercutz, titled Sanyjay and Craig: Fight The Future With Flavor!

The 52-page graphic novel is the the debut of a brand-new collection of graphic novels from Nickelodeon and Papercutz. Sanyjay and Craig: Fight The Future With Flavor! centers on Sanjay and his pet snake Craig as they hangout with friends, watch cheesy movies and eat hot wings.

It's available in paperback and hardcover on now, in stores, online and in libraries.


Blu-ray Review: Sleepy Hollow: The Complete Second Season


 
Sleepy Hollow: The Complete Second Season
Cast: Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Retail: $49.99
ASIN: B00O4CTSD0
Running Time: 789 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Now available to own fromm 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on Blu-ray is Sleepy Hollow: The Complete Second Season. Special Features on the four-disc set are Mysteries & Mythology: The Secrets of Season Two, Monsters & Mayhem: The Creatures of Season Two, Hollow History, A Salute of Sleepyheads, deleted scenes, gag reel and commentary on select episodes.

Based on the classic short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow debuted on Fox in September 2013 and won over both critics. It centered on Ichabod Crane (played by Tom Mison) being put under a sleeping spell for 230 years and he awakens in the year 2013. The Headless Horseman (one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse) has also returned and once again swings his ax in the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod quickly befriends Police Lt. Abbie Mills (played by Nicole Beharie), who witnessed the beheading of Sheriff August Corbin by the Headless Horseman. The two work together to stop the upcoming apocalypse.

Season two had a longer season with a total of 18 episodes, but somehow got off course with critics and fans. The first episode, This Is War, picks up exactly where the season one finale left off, with Ichabod buried alive while his wife Katrina (played by Katia Winter) has been kidnapped by the Headless Horseman and Abbie is stuck in purgatory. Of course Ichabod quickly escapes his doom and eventually saves Abbie by the end of the episode. Unfortunately, Katrina is in the hands of the Headless Horseman and her evil son (played by John Noble) for most of the season. All this leads to a final confrontation in the year 1781.

The episodes include:

This Is War
The Kindred
Root Of All Evil
Go Where I Send Thee...
The Weeping Lady
And the Abyss Gazes Back
Deliverance
Heartless
Mama
Magnum Opus
The Akeda
Paradise Lost
Pittura Infamante
Kali Yuga
Spellcaster
What Lies Beneath
Awakening
Tempus Fugit

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Blu-ray Review: Cinderella


Cinderella
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger, Helena Bonham Carter
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Retail: $36.99
ASIN: B00UI5CTE2
Running Time: 105 minutes
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Now available to own on Btu-ray, DVD and Digital HD is Walt Disney's Cinderella. No, I 'm not talking about the classic 1950 animation film, but I'm referring to this year's live-action version. Directed by Kenneth Branagh (Thor), the film stars Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger and Helena Bonham Carter. Bonus Features includes Frozen Fever Theatrical Short, A Fairy True Comes to Life - Filmmakers and stars reflect on Cinderella's enduring power; Staging The Ball - Experience the making of the lavish Palace Ball Sequence; Alternative Opening: Ella's Childhood - View added moments from Ella's Childhood; Ella's Furry Friends - See how the animal stars honed their memorable performances; and Costume Test Fun - See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.

Based on the Charles Perrault fairy tales as well as the 1950 animated classic, Cinderella centers on a Ella (played by Lily James) who was raised by her father Ben Chaplin after her mother (played by Hayley Atwell) suddenly passed away. It was just her father and her until he announced that he had fallen in love on one of his business trip with a widow mother, Lady Tremaine (played by Cate Blanchett), and plans on marrying her.

Despite being shocked about the news, Ella becomes excited about the idea of having a step-mother and two step-sisters, Drisella (played by Sophie McShera) and Anastasia (played by Holliday Grainger), and lovingly accepts them into her home. Unfortunately, she figures out quickly that things aren't going to be fun when she is tricked into giving away her bedroom to her step-sisters in exchange for the dusty attic. Sadly, Ella's father had fallen ill and died on one of his business trips, leaving Ella alone with her evil step-mother and step-sisters, whom force her to become the maid (well, more like a slave) of the household.

Out of the blue, words gets out that the Prince (played by Richard Madden) is throwing a huge ball at his families kingdom and that he's searching for his princess that he briefly met in the woods, which just happens to be Ella.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Review - A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn'


 

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn
Amish Brides of Pinecraft, book 3
by Shelly Shepard Gray
Publisher: Avon Inspire
Pub. Date: September 15, 2015
ISBN: 978-0062337740
Pages: 288
Buy Link: http://bit.ly/1USUEQM
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

Review:

It seems that almost every time I'm at Walmart, I see people either reading the back covers of Amish fiction titles or putting them into their carts. It seems the genre is extremely popular with other readers, besides from just me. One of my favorite writers from the genre is Shelly Shepard Gray, whom just recently published the third book in the Amish Brides od Pinecraft series, titled A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn'.

It centers on a widow named named Emma Kein who is left alone to raise her three young daughters. While it's been difficult to move on with her life, especially since her family wants her to remain a widow, she gets a second chance at love when she meets Jay Hilty, whom happens to be a widower himself with three young sons.

Review - Gather Around the Amish Table


Gather Around the Amish Table
by Lucy Reid
Publisher: Herald Press
Pub. Date: September 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-0836199109
Pages: 272
Buy Link: http://bit.ly/1NfOVUi
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/lleid

Review:

I'm sure many of blog readers know that I enjoy reading Amish fiction and that I do know my way around a kitchen, so that should answer any questions to why I would want to review Gather Around the Amish Table by Lucy Reid. I have had a few other Amish themed cookbook, but none of the authors were actual Amish or Mennonite.

However, this books is written (compiled) by Lucy Leid, who lives in the Mennonite community of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lucy placed an add in the Ivverich und Ender ("what's left over, the ends") section of the Die Botschaft, asking for people to send her "tried-and-true" recipes and stories that go with them. In this cookbook, she shares her favorite recipes from Amish & Mennonite kitchens, heartwarming stories from Amish and Mennonite contributors, helpful tips from Lucy's kitchen and beautiful food photography and peaceful scenes from the Amish life.

Like all other cookbooks, this one is split into different sections - Breakfast; Breads & Spreads; Soups, Sandwiches & Pizza; Salads & Pickles; Vegetables & Side Dishes; Meats & Main Dishes; Cakes & Pies; Cookies; Desserts & Candy; and Snacks, Beverages & Extras.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: September 18th - 24th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

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 is submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews!

Where do you keep your passwords for all of your different sites?

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 bought an address book at a dollar store and I keep my passwords in it.
Linky List:

DVD Review - Power Rangers: Trickster Treat



Power Rangers: Trickster Treat
Studio: LionsGate / Saban Brands
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Retail: $14.98
ASIN: B01127XNFI
Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Yep, it's already that time of year when a slew of Halloween themed DVDs will be released. LionsGate released the single-disc Power Rangers: Trickster Treat DVD this week, featuring 4 monstrous episodes - Raising Spirits (Megaforce), Trickster Treat (Super Samurai), Zedd's Monster Mash (Mighty Morphin) and It Came from Angle Grove (Zeo).

Raising Spirits is the Halloween Special from the first Megaforce season. While Emma (Pink Ranger  - played by Christina Masterson) tries to make Halloween goodies at Ernie's, the rest of the rangers visit a medium, who shows them their past battles through a crystal ball. When the medium reveals himself as the creature Glytcher, the rangers must once again save Angel Grove.


Trickster Treat is the Halloween Special for the Super Samurai season and centers on Master Xandred's hatred for the holiday. He sends his newest Nighlok monster Trickster to Earth to trap the Ranger in a nightmare world where Trickster is in control of everything. The Rangers must band together to escape the nightmare and defeat Trickster.


Zedd's Monster Mash aired during the second season of the Mighty Morphin series and centered on Zedd sending his Putties to Earth to interfere with the Youth Center Halloween Party. While Tommy (White Ranger played by Jason David Frank) is taking children trick-or-treating, Goldar kidnaps and takes him to an isolated place to fight the monster Doomstone.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Blu-ray Review: Pitch Perfect 2



Pitch Perfect 2
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow
Studio: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Retail: $34.98
ASIN: B00NYC3SG4
Running Time: 115 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday September 22, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is this summer's blockbuster hit Pitch Perfect 2. Directed by Elizabeth Blanks (who also co-stars), the film stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, Katey Sagal, Anna Camp and John Michael Higgins.

Blu-ray Excluives include Never-Before-Seen Treblemaker Performance, DAs Sound Machine Finale Breakdown, Line-Aca-Rama, Green Bay Rap, Snoop Dog in the House, An Aca-Love Story: Bumper and Fat Amy, Elizabeth Banks’ Directorial Debut, Legacy: Hailee Steinfeld, Aca-Camp and Residual Heat Internship. Additional Features include Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes, Gag Reel, Extended Musical Performance, Feature Commentary with Filmmakers and The Bellas Are Back.

Set three years after the events first film, the Barden Bellas, led by Beca Mitchell (played Anna Kendrick), are performing for the President Obama's birthday. While the performance starts out great, it ends in disaster when Fat Amy's (played by Rebel Wilson) pants rip on stage. The incident ends up with the Bellas being banned from all cappella events. However, they make a deal to be reinstated if they win the Worlds a cappella tournament, which no United States team has ever won.


While the Bellas accepts a Freshman legacy, Emily Junk (played by Hailee Steinfeld), into the group, Beca begins an internship at a recording studio without telling anyone except for her boyfriend Jesse Swanson (played by Skylar Astin).

As the Bellas prepare for the Worlds, they come across their revivals, the German powerhouse Das Sound Machine (DSM), which whom they lose to in a riff off. Feeling out of tune, the group seeks the help from their former leader Aubrey Posen (played by Anna Camp), who now runs a retreat, in the attempt to find regain their harmony.

Veep Season 4 Digital HD Review



It seems that scripted television is no longer ruled by the networks anymore as mostly streaming, cable or premium series were nominated for Emmys this year, including HBO's Veep starring the talented Julia Louis- Dreyfus (Seinfeld).

Shortly after fourth season concluded this summer, it was made available to download on Digital HD on the platforms iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Xbox Video, Best Buy CinemaNow, Nook and PlayStation Video.

Veep centered on Vice President Selina Meyer (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her idiotic staff - Amy Brookheimer (played by Anna Chlumsky), Gary Walsh (played by Tony Hale), Jonah Ryan (Timothy Simons) and Kent Davison (played by Gary Cole).

At the end of the 3rd season, Selina took over as President of the United States. The fourth season centers on the craziness of her White House reign. From Selina's first speech to freeing a detained American reporter in Iran, she has her work cut out for her, especially with the reelection just around the corner.

The episodes in the fourth season are:

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Last Man On Earth: The Complete First Season DVD Giveaway


Arriving on DVD on Tuesday September 22, 2015 is the hit Fox series The Last Man On Earth: The Complete First Season!

Nominated for four PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS, the series is set in the year 2020, shortly after a deadly virus has swept the planet, only one man is left on earth: Phil Miller (played Will Forte). He used to be just an average guy who loved his family and hated his job. Now, in his RV, Phil searches the country for other survivors. He has traveled to every city, every town and every outpost in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and has found no one. As he returns to his hometown of Tucson, Phil comes to the painful realization that he is almost certainly the last living being on the face of the earth. All he wants is for someone – anyone – to find him in Tucson – preferably a woman.


Special Features include:

Deleted Scenes

Commentary on “The Elephant in the Room”

“The Last Man on Earth” Q&A Panel

Survival of the Funniest: Creating “The Last Man on Earth”

Commentary on "Screw the Moon"

Gag Reel


Giveaway Details:

Review - Garden of Life's RAW MEAL: Marley Coffee



It's no secret that I like making protein shakes as well as drinking my daily doses of coffee. When you combine the two together, I'm in heaven!

Over the summer, Garden of Life sent me a 2.4lbs container of RAW MEAL: Marley Coffee to test out and review. It's an organic snack and meal replacement.

There are 34g of protein, 9g of fiber and 20 VITAMIN Codes in every serving. It's free of gluten, dairy and soy. It's also USDA Organic and NON GMO Project Verified!

 The ingredients are:

Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitmain K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Nacin, Vitamin B, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Mangese, Chromium and Molybdenum.

Organic RAW Sprouted Protein Blend: Organic Sprouted Protein Blend (Organic Sprouted Brown Rice, Organic Amaranth Sprout, Organic Quinoa Sprout, Organic Millet Sprout, Organic Buckwheat Sprout, Organic Garbanzo Bean Sprout, Organic Lentil Sprout, Organic Adzuki Bean Sprout, Organic Flax Seed Sprout, Orgnaic Sunflower Seed Sprout, Organic Pumpkin Seed Sprout, Organic Chia Seed Sprout, Organic Sesame Seed Sprout), RAW Organic Coffee Flavor, RAW Organic Vanilla Flavor and RAW Organic Stevia (Leaf).

Organic RAW Fiber Blend: Organic Flax Meal, Organic Chia Seed and Organic Coconut Flour.

Organic Whole Trade Blend: Organic Whole Trade Marley Coffee and Organic Whole Trade Bacbab Fruit.

Organic RAW Antioxidant Blend: Organic Amia Berry, Organic Beet, Organic Carrot, Orgnaic Spinach, Organic Broccoli, Organic Tomato, Organic Kale, Organic Red Cabbage, Oranic Parsley, Organic Brussels Sprout, Organic Green Bell Pepper, Organic Cucumber, Organic Celery, Organic Garlic, Organic Ginger, Organic Green Onion, Organic Cauliflower, Organic Asparagus, Organic Starwberry, Organic Cherry, Organic Blackberry, Organic Bluebrry and Organic Raspberry.

RAW Probiotic & Enzyme Blend


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Box Up Some Love: College Care Package Ideas for Your Student



Between dealing with classes and adjusting to their newfound independence, it's easy for college students to feel homesick and overwhelmed. Receiving a care package from a parent or relative reminds the student she's still part of the family even though she's far away. Plus, it's a great distraction -- who doesn't love getting a box of goodies in the mail? With a little imagination, you can go beyond the basics and put together care packages that will make the student in your life the envy of her dorm mates. Read on for some ideas to get you started.



Stock the Pantry

Home-baked cookies are the gold standard for care packages, and varieties like chocolate chip travel well. In addition to homemade treats, think about foods that are easy to store and eat. Granola or protein bars are quick to grab and gobble on a rushed morning, while single-serve breakfast cereals are fun snacks, especially if you include a few of your student's childhood favorites. Instant soup, tea and microwave popcorn are winners as well -- if your student can't prepare them in her dorm, most campus cafeterias provide microwaves and hot water. You'll know your student's stomach is full, and she'll have treats to enjoy and share with friends.

Deliver the Drugstore

The cost of basics such as shampoo and toothpaste can shock young people who are still learning to budget. These things add up! Stock up on favorite brands when they're on sale and surprise your student with a box of basics -- toothbrushes, razors, batteries, deodorant and body wash might not make for the most exciting care package, but they'll be more than welcome when the student is running low. When winter approaches, add some cold medicine, pain relievers and a box of tissues so your student doesn't need to run to the store when the sniffles strike.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Fall Reads: The Little Paris Bookshop



The Little Paris Bookshop
by Nina George
Publisher: Crown
Pub. Date: June 23, 2015
ISBN: 978-0553418774
Pages: 400
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Being a huge book lover, any novel that I run across that has the word "book" in the title gets my immediate attention. During the summer, I signed up to review The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George, which I read right away, but I'm just now getting around to writing the review for it.

Set in France, the novel centers on Monsieur Perdu, a man who owns a floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine. He has a niche for picking out the perfect book for each and every customer, which somehow ends up healing the customers' life. While Perdu is fond of his books, both his heart and soul are broke.

After gathering enough courage to read an unopened letter from a past love, Perdu pulls up his anchor and travels to south of France to find some closure and begin a new chapter in his life.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Fall Reads: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities


   
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities
Publisher: Ripley Publishing; Annual Edition - Book 12
Pub. Date: September 8, 2015
Retail: $28.95
ISBN: 978-1609911362
Pages: 256
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Ripley's Believe It or Not! was founded by the late Robert Ripley. The Believe It Or Not! first appeared as a cartoon feature in the New York Globe in 1919. It was later featured in the New York Evening Post and the New York American. The first book, Believe it or not! by Ripley The Big Little Book, was published in 1931.

The Eye-Popping Oddities begins with a two-page biography of Robert Ripley along with a never-before-seen photo of him. The book has 10 different chapters/sections:

Believe It! - This chapter features some of the weirdest things, such as a cat with thumbs and ceramic inflatables.

World - Showcases oddities found around the world, such as cups made from skulls, a hotel in a cave, an upside-down house and a tornado fire.

Animals - Here you get a cath with long whiskers, a frog with extra legs, a mother cat feeding a baby hedgehog, a snake massage, 40-inch long dinosaur poop, a monster earthworm and much more.


Body - From weird tattoos, to the Twins form Yucatan, to a cheek hole, etc., you won't believe it until you see these amazing photos.


Pop Culture - People take their love for movies and television a little too far with cardboard movie scenes, A Simpsons tattoo, a Game of Thrones wedding, pop plates, etc..

Transport - Yep, there are a lot of odd automobiles in the world, including a car made from human hair, a bone truck, a sheepdog car and a beetle robot.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Book Blogger Hop: September 11th - 17th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

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 is submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews!

What is most rewarding about being a book blogger?

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: 


   Getting the chance to read & review new titles weeks before they are available in bookstores.
Linky List:

Review: Daniel X: Lights Out




In recent years, bestselling author James Patterson has ventured into the young adult genre with his mega-hit Maximum Ride series as well as s the science-fiction series Daniel X, which the final (?) book in the series was released over the summer, titled - Daniel X: Lights Out.

The series focuses on a teenager named Daniel, who witness the death of his parents by the alien criminal known as The Prayer. His parent's were actually alien-bounty hunters and after their deaths, he takes over where they left off by tracking the most wanted aliens. Actually, he's always one step ahead of the criminals because he has the power to create anything he can think of.

Unfortunately for Daniel, this time he is the hunted as The Prayer (a giant cockroach) has come to Earth to finish the game once in for all. Daniel has nobody to turn to help him, not even his best friends that he creates with his power can save him from his destiny.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Super Plant Protein Dutch Chocolate Review



This year I've been trying to eat healthier by eating more vegetables and fruit, but if you're exercising on a daily basis, then you're going to need to add more protein to your meals. This doesn't mean you need to eat a bunch of fatty meats as there are are plenty of protein mixes and shakes on the market that can give you that extra boost.

Recently, I was sent a few individual sample packages of Super Plant Protein Dutch Chocolate by Summit Nutritions to test out and review.

This is organic protein mix that has 3-6.-9 Omega-3s, 9 antioxidants super fruits, 5 essential enzymes, 11 essential minerals plus iron, 13 daily-valued multivitamins, 21g protein, 2.0g BCCAs, 2.0g glutamines, 4.0g fiber and 5b probiotics. Each serving/packet has 110 calories with 18g of protein. It's free of lactose, gluten, soy and BSE/TSE. It's NON-GMO and is Kosher Certified.

The ingredients include:

Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin  E, Vitamin K-1 Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Biotin , Pantothenic Acid, Calcium,  Iron, Phosporus, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Seienium, Copper, Manganeese, Chromium, BCCA Blend (L-Luecine, L-Isoluecine, L-Valine), Molybdenum, Inulin, L-Glutamine and Omega 3-6-9.

Super Plant Protein Blend with Super Amino Acids: Organic Brown Rice Protein Concentrate, Organic Sprouted Quinoa, Pea Protein Isolate, Hemp Protein, BCCA Blend, Glutamin and Glycine.

Super Fruits Anti Oxidant Blend: Raspberry Fruit Powder, Cherry Fruit Powder, Banana Fruit Powder, Blueberry Fruit Powder, Cranberry Fruit Powder, Strawberry Fruit Powder, Pomegranate Fruit Powder, Cabbage Plam (Acia) Fruit Powder and Mangosteen Fruit Powder.

Super Probiotics Blend Complex: Lactobacillus Acidophillus, Lactobacillus Plantrum, Lactobacillus Rhamnsus, Bifidobacterium Breve, Bifodobacerium Lactis and Lactobacillus Reuteri.

Super Enzyme Blend: Protease, Bromelain, Alpha Galactosidase, Beta Galactosidase and Maltodextrin.

Natural Flavoring: Natural Cocoa Powder, Natural Flavors, Xantham Gum and Stevia.


The Best Buy For Any Man Cave!



With the MLB Playoffs and World Series games just around the corner, as well as the start of the 2015 NFL season, there's no better time than now to get the best electronics and gadgets for your Man Cave.

Best Buy is way ahead of the game by sharing their own 6 Tech Ideas for the Ultimate Man Cave, where they give creative tips on what are the best devices to have in your Man Cave. From a PC gaming center to your own golfing putting green, there are plenty of ideas to help you make the perfect room.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas from the Man Cave list:

1. Yep, we all still have an inner child in all of us, so we would all get a kick out playing with a few robotic toys, such as the MIP Robot (retails at $99.99).  With GestureSense technology, the robot is powered by your Android cell phone and can give you hours entertainment, especially if there's a rain delay. Besides from having a robot fight club, the little robot can carry a can of soda and bring it to you.


2. If you're into video games (like the like The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited), then having the best gaming setup is a must have for any gamer. Best Buy has a variety of different desktops, monitors, keyboards, mouses and headphone sets to help you build am amazing battle-station. You can also add the Philips hue Light Strip to give you a cool back-light around your desk.


3. Of course every man cave needs the newest 4K Ultra HD Television, so you can watch all those MLB playoff games and NFL games in style. Along with a sound bar, it'll be the perfect setup for any sports fan. You'll no longer need a huge space to fit in a big TV, especially with the curved ones. There are plenty of styles and models to choose from at Best Buy. To top it all off, you can put in an Xbox One and a Logitech Harmony Remote to give you the ultimate home entertainment experience.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Blu-ray Review: True Story


True Story
Director: Rupert Goold
Cast: Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Retail: $27.97
ASIN: B00YTSKF9U
Running Time: 99 minutes
Rating: R
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Now available to own on Blu-ray is real-life crime story True Story. Directed by Rupert Goold, the film stars Jonah Hill, James Franco and Felicity Jones. Special Features include an alternate ending, deleted scenes, The Truth Behind True Story, The Making of True Story, Who Is Christian Longo?, Mike Finkel Featurette, Director's Audio Commentary and a gallery.

Based on true events, True Story centers on journalist Michael Finkel (played by Jonah Hill), who was recently fired from The New York Times for embellishing a story. After feeling like a failure, he returns home to Montana where his wife Jill (played by Felicity Jones) lives. He attempts to bounce back into journalism, but no newspaper or magazine wants to hire him.

Out of nowhere, he learns that the recently imprisoned murderer Christian Longo was claiming to be Michael when he was caught. Thinking that it would make a great story and possibly save his career, Michael begins to visit Longon in prison. On murder charges for killing his wife and kids, Longo claims that he is innocent and asks Michael to help him tell his story to the world.


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

DVD Review: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical


Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical
Director: Donovan Cook
Voice Cast: Bret Iwan, Russi Taylor, Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo and Tress MacNeille
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Retail: $19.99
ASIN: B00ZCOFBEE
Running Time: 115 minutes
Rating: TV-Y
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Now available to own on DVD from Walt Disney Home Entertainment is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Monster Musical. Directed by Donovan Cook (Return to Never Land), it features the voice-cast of  Bret Iwan, Russi Taylor, Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo and Tress MacNeill. The single-disc also features the episodes - Mickey's Pirate Adventure and Mickey's Farm Fun-Fair. It also features Minnie's Bow-Toons: Tricky Treats. As an added bonus the DVD comes with a Trick-or-Treat Reusable Mini Tote!

Mickey's Monster Musical is a double-length episode that centers on Mickey Mouse taking Minnie along with Pluto on a picnic in the country, but their plans change when it begins to rain and the car's tire's blow out. They end taking shelter at a castle owned by Count Mickula, who is more than happy to fix the flat tires.

Count Mickula has been hearing strange noises within the castle and he believes that it's haunted. Mickey, Minnie and Pluto agree to help him figure out who or what is behind the noise with the help of the Monster Mouseketools.


Mickey's Pirate Adventure is another double-length episode. While the Mickey and gang are having a fun day at the beach, Peg Leg Pete delivers a tuba for Goofy. The tuba had been found at seas and has a message from Goofy's grandpappy Captain Goof-Beard (voiced by Dick Van Dyke) stating that he had found a treasure.

Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Minnie, Pluto and Pet Leg Pete agree to help Goofy travel to Harmony-Chord Island and locate the treasure before the island sinks.

Review - The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible For Little Ones


The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible For Little Ones
by Jan & Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pub. Date: August 4, 2015
ISBN: 978-0310749417
Pages: 30
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

If you don't know already know by now, I've been a fan of The Berenstain Bears since I was a little kid, which is one of the reasons why I've reviewed several of the recent titles from the series. Since 2008 and prior to death of Jan Berenstain, the new books were published by Zondervan, with one little change - all the stories now have a Christian theme. Back in 2013, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible was released. Now a smaller version for younger readers has been released, titled The Berenstain Bears' Storybook Bible For Little Ones.

While Papa, Brother, Sister and Honey Bear are featured on the cover, they don't have anything to do with the book. Instead the authors retold the biblical stories of The Creation (Genesis 1), David Meets Goliath (1 Samuel 17), Daniel in the Lion's Den (Daniel 6), The Birth of Jesus (Luke 1), The Good Neighbor (Luke 10), Jesus in Jerusalem (Matthew 20) and He is Risen! (Matthew 28) with words and illustrations in the style of The Berenstain Bears' world.

Review - The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival



The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival
by Mike Bernestain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pub. Date: August 4, 2015
ISBN: 978-0310748656
Pages: 24
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Wow! I recall having a huge collection of The Berenstain Bears' books when I was a kid that is until I let some cousins borrow them and I never saw the books again. Over the years, I have picked up some of the old titles at thrift stores, so I can restart my collection.

After the deaths of the original authors Stan & Jan Berenstain, their son Mike has taken over the franchise. The newest entries have been written with Christian themes. The newest installment The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival was released last month.

The story starts out with the Papa and Mama Bear and their cubs (Brother, Sister and Honey) raking leaves from the yeard and picking late flowers from the garden. This is when Papa and Mama decide to attend the Harvest Festival that their neighbor Farmer Ben is hosting. On their way to the event, the cubs learn that harvest time is more than just eating pumpkin pies and hayrides. They learn that they should appreciate harvest as it is a gift from God.


Why Celebrity News Is So Popular


We sometimes hear that we live in an age of obsession with celebrity, but the truth is people have been interested in the lives of prominent people for as long as there have been people who were prominent. Even in the Middle Ages, gossip about the activities of the nobility and their court was of widespread interest. However, our modern age has made it easier to enjoy celebrity watching and here's why:




Better Technology

For most of history, following celebrities was mostly a verbal activity in which people in a position to know would share their celebrity news by word of mouth. Now, many more mediums exist for covering celebrities such as newspapers, magazines and video. No longer is celebrity news limited to a grapevine of insiders, today everyone can be a regular consumer of celebrity news through a wide variety of news outlets.

Better Distribution

Once a news outlet has provided something newsworthy about a celebrity, the means now exists for spreading that news faster and further than ever before. The main engine of this news distribution is social media, which allows people to post a celebrity based story before all their social media contacts. The result is a celebrity news echo chamber that brings celebrity news directly to people