Sunday, December 22, 2013

Book Review - Botchan



Botchan
By
Natsume Sōseki
Translated by J. Cohn
Publisher: Kodansha International
Pub. Date: 2005
First published in Japanese in 1906
ISBN: 978-4770030481
Pages:  172
Genre:
Literary fiction
Source:
public library
Goodreads
Reading Challenge
Buy Link

Review:
I finally decided to read a second book for my Japanese Literature Challenge. The biggest part of the challenge is to find something I would like to read that fits the challenge AND is available in my public library system. Not always easy.
I had very much enjoyed Kokoro, by the same author (I just wrote a couple of lines about it in my early days of book blogging), so I decided to try Botchan.
Botchan (meaning the kid) is a young kid doing all kinds of crazy things, like all kids. He is very much disliked by his parents and brother, who think nothing good could possibly come out of him, but he is admired by Kiyo, the family old servant. She keeps thinking he will eventually become someone important. He studies physical sciences and becomes a math teacher. This could have been good, but it ends up being a very tough and poisoning experience because of nasty students and crazy colleagues.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Book Blogger Hop: December 20th - 26th

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:

Holiday Edition: 
 What is your favorite book set around Christmastime?


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:

My favorite would be The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I bought a paperback at Barnes & Noble several years ago. Plus, it was the first book I purchased on my Kindle.

Linky List:

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Ozeri Instavac Green Earth Food Storage Set





Ozeri Instavac Green Earth Food Storage Set
by Ozeri
www.ozeri.com

Retail:
$59.95 (List Price)
$49.95 ($49.95)

Purchase Link:
Amazon

Product Description from Amazon.com:

Introducing the world's most effective vacuum-sealed food container set, the Ozeri INSTAVAC Green Earth Food Storage Container Set. Completely BPA-Fee, the 8-Piece Nesting Set with Vacuum Seal and Locking Lids is designed to SAVE FOOD -- simply press down on the lid to remove excess air that spoils food; SAVE MONEY -- pays for itself and more by keeping food fresher longer; SAVE SPACE -- each container nests for convenient, efficient storage; SAVE TIME -- each container is microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe for long-lasting use. Unlike other products, the Ozeri INSTAVAC Green Earth Food Storage Containers use a patented valve system that allows you to easily remove excess air, so growth of naturally occurring bacteria is greatly reduced, and food stays fresh longer. With the Ozeri INSTAVAC, instant vacuum freshness is created without pumps, motors or confusing parts. Simply press down on the center of the lid and air is forced out through the one-way valve. Creating a vacuum requires minimal effort. The patented valve system is also designed to automatically release air pressure when it builds up in the microwave, so you never have to worry about spills, splatters, and bursting. The BPA-free, stain-resistant, shatter-proof, Ozeri INSTAVAC Green Earth Food Storage Containers are as transparent as glass, and safe to use in microwaves, freezers and dishwashers. Each container features a handy date dial that allows you to record when food was first stored and monitor days kept in the refrigerator, so you'll never have to worry about remembering how long each container has been in the refrigerator. Each container is also made with a wave patterned bottom that keeps cut fruit and vegetables elevated from the deteriorating effects of water and juices which can collect at the bottom over time. Your satisfaction is guaranteed and backed by Ozeri's industry-praised, no-hassle warranty and customer service. 



Billy's Review:

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Blu-ray Review - Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
Director: Thor Freudenthal
Starring: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Nathan Fillion, Douglas Smith
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Retail: $39.99
ASIN: B008JFUNWS
Running Time: 106 minutes
Rating: PG

Review:

Coming out just in time for Christmas is this week's Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & DVD release of the fantasy family adventure Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters, featuring exciting extras, such as Tyson Motion Comic, Deconstructing a Demigod, Back to Camp Half-Blood and It's All in the Eye.

Based on the book of the same name by Rick Riordan is the exciting sequel to 2010's Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, which centers once again on Percy Jackson, the demigod son of Poseidon, and his two best friends, Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase, whom are all living at the Camp Half-Blood. The magical pine tree, Thalia, has been protecting the Camp Half-Blood for years by creating a shield over the camp, but suddenly the shield is weakened. A Colchis Bull runs into the camp, creating chaos and is eventually destroyed by Percy and friends.

Somehow, someone has poisoned Thalia and the tree is slowing dying. Percy, Grover, Annabeth and his newly found half-Cyclops-brother, Tyson, go a quest to find the Golden Fleece that could possible revive Thalia, but the journey will not be an easy one, as Luke Castellan, the demigod son of Hermes, has returned with a few other foes to find the Golden Fleece, too, as Luke wants to resurrect the evil Kronos!

Percy and his pals must take advice from the god of thieves himself Hermes to voyage through the Sea of Monsters to stop Luke from destroying the world.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Adventure Time: The Complete Second Season





Adventure Time
The Complete Second Season
Voice Cast: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Niki Yang, Tom Kenny, Olivia Olson, Martin Olson, Dee Bradley Baker, Pendleton Ward, Polly Lou Livingston, Jessica DiCicco, Maria Bamford
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: June 4, 2013
ASIN: B00BDD1UYI
Running Time: 286 minutes
Rating: TV-PG

Retail:
Blu-ray - $32.07
DVD - $26.95

Purchase Links:


Billy's Review:

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: The Moustache Coffee Club





 The Moustache Coffee Club


Subscriptions:

Duet
1-12oz. bag
Once a Week
$17.49 weekly

Solo Artist:
1-12oz. bag
Every Other Week
$17.99 weekly

Karaoke:
1 half bag (6oz.)
Every Other Week
 $10.99 weekly

Free Shipping!



Billy's Review:

Why a Cell Phone Case Can Do More than Protect

Whether you are looking for an iPhone5 case or the increasingly harder to find Samsung Galaxy S3 cover case due to the introduction of the S4, any Smartphone can benefit from the addition of a protective case. As these phones have become capable of performing more and more tasks, from making phone calls to accessing the Internet almost anywhere to seemingly managing your everyday life, they have taken on a greater importance. Even if you are capable of living without your mobile device, there is no question that they can be a costly purchase.

More than Protection

In their most basic form, a phone cover helps lessen the risk of your phone breaking into multiple pieces if dropped. But some cases are designed to go even further, some even strong enough to protect the phone if it happened to be ran over. Phone cases also allow you to personalize your phone, so even if you do have the same phone as everyone else, you can distinguish it from the next. Cases can be bright colors, blinged out with gems or designs, or sport cute animals or characters.

And cases can even provide you with additional functions. Certain companies may provide cases designed to resemble wallets, with multiple slots and pockets to hold cards, money, and more. Some cases may have stands to prop your phone for better viewing, or have a flippable front cover for screen protection while not in use. Others may allow you to wear your phone on an armband. While many cases are composed of hard plastic, others may have a rubber feel, a fun texture, or may even be studded.