tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60912637066744781042024-02-18T22:19:47.913-04:00Completely BookedZitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-67735601972802552272015-08-27T11:58:00.001-03:002015-08-27T11:58:49.860-03:00Visiting NessieOne cannot go to Scotland without stopping by Loch Ness for a quick chat with Nessie. She's very shy, however, and I was not quick enough with the shutter. Oh, well. Here is Urquhart Castle. She likes to hang out below the tower. :-)
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDs6Z73Mj24cyDJakWkmHyN4wPNtBxAXMkbDr_xLJZfR5FC4D7l26dKcDek18eFUn0_ErZ2dKYst9YPurYv2PEhtnqqa5bG8K6xAi5DNdg0fdKJBghnxZmpDcJF10e7thpaK_QRnm9ZwE/s1600/nessie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDs6Z73Mj24cyDJakWkmHyN4wPNtBxAXMkbDr_xLJZfR5FC4D7l26dKcDek18eFUn0_ErZ2dKYst9YPurYv2PEhtnqqa5bG8K6xAi5DNdg0fdKJBghnxZmpDcJF10e7thpaK_QRnm9ZwE/s320/nessie.jpg" /></a></div>Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-84750106196239150932014-11-17T12:44:00.000-04:002014-11-17T12:44:26.684-04:00Oh, the places I have been<a href="http://m.maploco.com/visited-states/mine.php?states=AZ-CA-CO-FL-ID-KS-MI-MN-MT-ND-NE-NJ-NM-NV-NY-OK-OR-SD-TX-UT-WA-WI-WY"><img src="http://cdn.funkyllama.net/visited-states/ml/AZ-CA-CO-FL-ID-KS-MI-MN-MT-ND-NE-NJ-NM-NV-NY-OK-OR-SD-TX-UT-WA-WI-WY.jpg" border=0><br>Create Your Own Visited States Map</a>Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-69397901958760429932014-10-01T20:07:00.001-03:002014-10-01T20:07:16.352-03:00Deadly Debut by the New York Tri-State Sisters in Crime<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22941860-deadly-debut" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Deadly Debut: A Mystery Anthology (Murder New York Style)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408552522m/22941860.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22941860-deadly-debut">Deadly Debut: A Mystery Anthology</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8538067.New_York_Tri_State_Sisters_in_Crime">New York Tri-State Sisters in Crime</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1069485153">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I had the honour of reading this anthology before its release, and am I glad I did! You've all heard the saying "The only good New Yorker is ... one who write murder mysteries." right? Since that's the case I now know 7 good New Yorkers.<p>
<p><br><br>
<ol><li><i>Death Will Clean Your Closet</i> by Elizabeth Zelvin is an intriguing tale about a recovering alcoholic and a disappearing body in his walk-in closet.</li>
<li><i>The Lie</i> by Anita Page starts with a scared child's white lie and the unexpected consequences that follow.</li>
<li><i>Murder in the Aladdin's Cave</i> by Lina Zeldovich details the murder of a belly dancer and how logical sleuthing brings the murderer to justice.</li>
<li><i>Family Matters</i> by Peggy Ehrhart finds a private investigator helping her musician father prove a fellow musician is innocent of his ex-wife's murder.</li>
<li><i>None of the Above</i> by Diedre Verne show how violent academia really is when a stolen test is used to set a road block on the tenure track of a fellow professor.</li>
<li><i>NYPD Daughter</i> by Triss Stein proves that a rookie cop will always be a little girl in her cop father's eyes. When she stumbles upon a protection racket it's daddy to the rescue!</li>
<li><i>Strike Zone</i> by Terrie Farley Moran takes us back to the year 1961 when Maris broke Babe Ruth's home run record and a young girl finds courage in the works of Edgar Allen Poe.</li>
</ol>
This is a collection well worth having and I highly recommend it.
Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-60351018917067665272013-12-30T17:51:00.000-04:002013-12-30T17:56:09.325-04:00Blind Justice by Anne Perry<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262143-blind-justice" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Blind Justice (William Monk, #19)" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367929743m/17262143.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262143-blind-justice">Blind Justice</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6331.Anne_Perry">Anne Perry</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/805200630">4 of 5 stars</a>
<p>
The Monk series is a favourite of mine, even more so than Anne Perry's Pitt series. While this story focused on Oliver Rathbone, it really advances William and Hester's story line as well. And I'm very much enjoying their growing relationship with Scuff. The series just keeps getting better and better. I can only hope that Ms. Perry is a vampire or some sort of immortal so that she never stops writing.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-16084026688526134682013-12-27T14:33:00.002-04:002013-12-27T14:33:25.640-04:00The Last Word by Lisa Lutz<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130105-the-last-word" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Last Word (The Spellmans, #6)" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355790745m/16130105.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130105-the-last-word">The Last Word</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/74189.Lisa_Lutz">Lisa Lutz</a><p>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/800585546">4 of 5 stars</a><p>
What a great read. The Spellmans are a unique bunch and I really enjoy my time spent with them. If you are familiar with the series, you will enjoy this one, too. If you are new to the series, go get the first one and read them all. It's really worth it.
Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-45205620283996568862013-08-19T21:43:00.000-03:002013-08-19T21:43:55.327-03:00MaryJanice Davidson's Undead and Unsure<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985377-undead-and-unsure" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Undead and Unsure (Undead, #12)" border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349229174m/15985377.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985377-undead-and-unsure">Undead and Unsure</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1429808.MaryJanice_Davidson">MaryJanice Davidson</a>
<p>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/699149519">4 of 5 stars</a>
<p>
Excellent, as always. Some questions were answered. Sinclair is back. The ending raised my eyebrows. I see a come-uppance on the way for a certain beautiful young blonde. And the house is now chock full of babies and puppies! I love this series. Thanks, MaryJanice. If you ever make it to Halifax, Nova Scotia, know that you will be very welcome to visit. Or stay. You could move here. It's really nice.
<br/><br/>
Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-22257226164802817582013-07-31T18:38:00.001-03:002013-07-31T18:38:58.600-03:00Random House's Sizzling Summer Readathon Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/13-535-Online-RetreatHeader-SummerPromo_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/13-535-Online-RetreatHeader-SummerPromo_v2.jpg" /></a></div>
For the month of July I accepted Random House's reading challenge to <blockquote><i>Join our <a href="http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/summerreadathon/">Sizzling Summer Readathon</a> and challenge yourself to read as much as you can this summer.</i></blockquote> This I have done, with very good results. At first I guestimated that I would read 3000 pages over the month of July. After the first week I realized that I was capable of much more, so I adjusted my number to 8000 pages. I am pleased to announce that I ended up with 9292 pages in total. Following are the books I read:
<ol>
<li>The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg: 295 pages</li>
<li>Hidden Prey by John Sandford: 233 pages</li>
<li>The Hit by David Baldacci: 390 pages</li>
<li>Affliction by Laurell K Hamilton: 527 pages</li>
<li>Broken Prey by John Sandford: 254 pages</li>
<li>Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts: 484 pages</li>
<li>Deck Z: Titanic by Chris Pauls: 202 pages</li>
<li>The Night is Watching by Heather Graham: 392 pages</li>
<li>Stolen by Allison Brennan: 360 pages</li>
<li>Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch: 390 pages</li>
<li>The Water Rat of Wanchai by Ian Hamilton: 400 pages</li>
<li>Invisible Prey by John Sandford: 249 pages</li>
<li>Phantom Prey by John Sandford: 228 pages</li>
<li>Deadly Forecast by Victoria Laurie: 294 pages</li>
<li>Bomb Shell by Catherine Coulter: 400 pages</li>
<li>Cold Copper by Devon Monk: 400 pages</li>
<li>The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag: 416 pages</li>
<li>The Bridgerton 2nd Epilogues by Julia Quinn: 384 pages</li>
<li>The Husband List by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly: 227 pages</li>
<li>The Storm by Clive Cussler and Graham Brown: 394 pages</li>
<li>Wicked Prey by John Sandford: 218 pages</li>
<li>Storm Prey by John Sandford: 216 pages</li>
<li>Buried Prey by John Sandford: 266 pages</li>
<li>The Last Word by Lisa Lutz: 329 pages</li>
<li>Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs: 318 pages</li>
<li>Stolen Prey by John Sandford: 409 pages</li>
<li>Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews: 327 pages</li>
<li>Silken Prey by John Sandford: 289 pages</li>
</ol>
This was a fun challenge and I enjoyed every single book I read. I'll let you know if I win any of the prizes.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-84360239684217268322013-07-24T09:52:00.000-03:002013-07-24T09:53:39.627-03:00Carniepunk is now in stores!<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130371-carniepunk" style="float: right; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Carniepunk" border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1355158246m/16130371.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16130371-carniepunk">Carniepunk</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15292.Rachel_Caine">Rachel Caine</a>
<p>
My copy is ordered, and while I wait for it to arrive I thought to let you know that you too can enjoy this wonderful anthology that includes stories by all these wonderful authors:<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.rachelcaine.com/">Rachel Caine</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.robthurman.net/">Rob Thurman</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kevinhearne.com/">Kevin Hearne</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.seananmcguire.com/">Seanan McGuire</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jenniferestep.com/">Jennifer Estep</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.heartofthedreaming.com/">Allison Pang</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kellygay.com/">Kelly Gay</a></li>
<li><a href="http://delilahpaints.blogspot.com/">Delilah S. Dawson</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kellymeding.com/">Kelly Meding</a></li></ul>
What's not to like?
<br/><br/>
You can purchase this in Canada from:<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Carniepunk-Rachel-Caine/dp/1476714150/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1374510061&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/search/?keywords=carniepunk">Chapters and Kobo</a></li></ul>
If you are in the US you can go to the <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Carniepunk/Rachel-Caine/9781476714158">Simon & Schuster Website</a> for all the usual links.
<p>
Happy reading!Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-374786344816428962013-05-15T16:41:00.001-03:002013-05-15T16:57:13.649-03:00Kelley Armstrong's Omens<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16142043-omens" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Omens: The Cainsville Series" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358756047m/16142043.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16142043-omens">Omens: The Cainsville Series</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7581.Kelley_Armstrong">Kelley Armstrong</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/616335285">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I had the privilege to read an advance copy of this book. I have long been a fan of Kelley's Otherworld series and I knew that I would enjoy her writing. It's always a leap of faith when an author asks you to forget established characters and meet brand new ones. Fortunately for me, Kelley's new world is as engaging and enjoyable as the Otherworld was. This one is a must-read for all Kelley Armstrong fans and for anyone who enjoys their mysteries with a twist.<br /><br />Well done, Kelley, and thank you once again for another great story!
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2088881-roswita">View all my reviews</a>
Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-35648463435742999222012-12-17T10:26:00.000-04:002012-12-17T10:26:35.991-04:00It's a Wonderful Life at the Lion's Den Theatre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NXeY8xX8UfbPgEr4OOch87OfyS-pptTgOD7DtCnQz2iYh7nlBmO6vfb2vy9VexXoYCZvrYLqTm01ImRnvq3EiCEXtckU-FZ6azOk2eZSPpLZq9vikdTJowCGJa1P6RbtQ_hYBihSszWw/s1600/DSCF1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NXeY8xX8UfbPgEr4OOch87OfyS-pptTgOD7DtCnQz2iYh7nlBmO6vfb2vy9VexXoYCZvrYLqTm01ImRnvq3EiCEXtckU-FZ6azOk2eZSPpLZq9vikdTJowCGJa1P6RbtQ_hYBihSszWw/s320/DSCF1045.JPG" /></a></div>
On Sunday I attended the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lionsdentheatre">Lion's Den Theatre</a> production of Frank Capra's <i>It's a Wonderful Life</i>. They put the play on like an old-time radio show and we were the live studio audience. It was fantastic. The actors all did a wonderful job. It was easy to sit back and follow along while His Honour, played by Eric Fitzpatrick (the gentleman on the left), explained to Clarence, Angel Second Class, how this might finally be his chance to earn his wings. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gsaLWBKactBwuaiwrf_W4wHWqnrbcxjci0UPCHG6D3V0xABy0saTjG6NY99GJaOWZhPj75orJOkjmfju0JpFKQl-nThAv2QGKElevUxhXKed0JZ8SkUyAbQadeGLabqgINQmDKxTKXTB/s1600/DSCF1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gsaLWBKactBwuaiwrf_W4wHWqnrbcxjci0UPCHG6D3V0xABy0saTjG6NY99GJaOWZhPj75orJOkjmfju0JpFKQl-nThAv2QGKElevUxhXKed0JZ8SkUyAbQadeGLabqgINQmDKxTKXTB/s320/DSCF1047.JPG" /></a></div>Bedford Falls came alive in our imaginations through the superb acting and excellent live sound effects by Shawn Maggio and Mark Penny. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GirlbandTrio">All-Female Trio: Girlband</a> leant their voices to the songs of the era and I've never heard better.
<p>
I'd give this production 5 thumbs up! Job well done.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-18602433111438096772012-08-16T17:16:00.000-03:002012-08-17T09:41:34.326-03:00Way hey and away we go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-imGmVZYKe9cCWtJ3i7hfOYD46SF33Aqgt7zC8Fl8wuhYKpCMbdRvX1j_1nc7MfDLpLT2E9V4vHmz7G58bne5170-pHSfs73dYWQTscwPe35GSP30rs101y0zuxWJp2vbF6eyZlMGTGhF/s1600/zitazombiewalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-imGmVZYKe9cCWtJ3i7hfOYD46SF33Aqgt7zC8Fl8wuhYKpCMbdRvX1j_1nc7MfDLpLT2E9V4vHmz7G58bne5170-pHSfs73dYWQTscwPe35GSP30rs101y0zuxWJp2vbF6eyZlMGTGhF/s320/zitazombiewalk.JPG" /></a></div>
<center>
<p>Way hey and away we go<br>
Zombie walking, zombie walking<br>
Way hey and away we go<br>
Walkin’ like a zombie.<br>
<p>
Was you ever in Halifax<br>
Chompin’ sailors on their necks?<br>
Waitin’ for some yummy brains<br>
Walkin’ like a zombie!</p>
</center><p>
<font size="-2">Blatantly appropriated from the lyrics of the traditional 19th century sea chanty and sung to the arrangement recorded by Great Big Sea. My sincerest apologies to anonymous and Great Big Sea! And thanks to the Zombie Bride for permission to post the picture.</font>
Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-49340175418060714502012-08-16T14:18:00.000-03:002012-08-16T14:18:19.631-03:00Kelly Gay's The Darkest Edge of Dawn<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7140462-the-darkest-edge-of-dawn" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Darkest Edge of Dawn (Charlie Madigan, #2)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266698685m/7140462.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7140462-the-darkest-edge-of-dawn">The Darkest Edge of Dawn</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2869203.Kelly_Gay">Kelly Gay</a><br />
<p>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/82166668">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<p>Charlie Madigan must now face the consequences of what she wrought in <em><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6318238-the-better-part-of-darkness">The Better Part of Darkness</a></em>. Her daughter has turned the hellhound into a pet. Her partner Hank's voice mod is fused to his throat restricting his siren power in a way that was never intended. And her ex-husband's deal with a revenant has just added another level of stress into her life. Because, not only has darkness fallen over the city (and everyone is blaming her for it), but her DNA is slowly being re-written, and no one has any idea what the end result will be (except Kelly Gay, hopefully!). Oh, and her sister Bryn is now involuntarily addicted to <em>ash</em>, the off-world drug of choice. Charlie certainly has her work cut out for her in this, the second book in the series.<br />
<p>Ms. Gay has done a fantastic job with this book. I zoomed through the story and can't wait to see where she will take the characters next. In this installment we learn a little more about <em>ash</em> and how it affects humans, as well as about the history of the Adonai and Charbydons, and—holy smokes!—if she continues Charlie's evolution in this direction...eek!<br />
<p>I loved this story. Way to go, Kelly!Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-35623215396866984142012-08-13T17:30:00.000-03:002012-08-14T09:14:38.769-03:00Walk Like a Zombie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBRgzHEcSpFSH21Zq6GXIDmfC_CfNzcweJf0Zr8LfY_PHvJTnXERIEctr9kW0ODVstsrNWX0IXSWJydHxjdOZNg3QNQ-VSnr4TSP5uGI6TlLYQlZBKDHFCLbxnZZLjz5wCzJskNf8M_F2/s1600/2012-zombie-walk-emma%252Bzita.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBRgzHEcSpFSH21Zq6GXIDmfC_CfNzcweJf0Zr8LfY_PHvJTnXERIEctr9kW0ODVstsrNWX0IXSWJydHxjdOZNg3QNQ-VSnr4TSP5uGI6TlLYQlZBKDHFCLbxnZZLjz5wCzJskNf8M_F2/s320/2012-zombie-walk-emma%252Bzita.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>
Yesterday a friend and co-worker looked at me and said "You look like death warmed over! Let's go walk like zombies." So there we were, strutting our stuff down the streets of Halifax with various and sundry other undead. It was a great event. Quite a few of us showed up (I'd guess over 200) and the costumes were excellent. Another pal brought her dog Lester, who totally got into the spirit of things.
<p>
You can go look at more pictures on the <a href="http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/334222/photo-gallery-halifax-zombie-walk/">Metro News site</a> where they have posted a lovely shot of Lester. You can also see me in the 6th picture (on the right side in the orange and black dress), which happens to be the shot they printed in today's paper. There goes my 15 minutes of fame!
Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-6200644130396563392012-08-03T08:48:00.000-03:002012-08-13T15:25:27.354-03:0012 Angry Men: a review<div class="separator" style="clear: both">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZbJpLraBbByFaHcCO4vjzIrvK5LePKWnQW3JQb5zHGeoX5UUhTIygWRBIw6nnd7I5KA6HAb-FOMSzRgQpCHX35Wl5Hh5RG4J9V2dbUdQNPj5Xko4zggejl7t-bpFoItOYa5JcP80X9qV/s1600/DSCF0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:center; float:center;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZbJpLraBbByFaHcCO4vjzIrvK5LePKWnQW3JQb5zHGeoX5UUhTIygWRBIw6nnd7I5KA6HAb-FOMSzRgQpCHX35Wl5Hh5RG4J9V2dbUdQNPj5Xko4zggejl7t-bpFoItOYa5JcP80X9qV/s320/DSCF0460.JPG" /></a></div>
<p>
I saw a most excellent live production of <i>12 Angry Men</i> at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/119544851523269/">Lion's Den Theatre</a> in Halifax last night. In the picture, the young man in the centre is Juror # 5, played by a family friend: Eric Fitzpatrick. He and his fellow actors did a superb job. The setting itself is quite simplistic: a table and 12 chairs. It takes place in the jury room and begins with the members of the jury being instructed by the judge to deliberate on a charge of murder in the first degree. The jurors come on stage, seat themselves, and immediately hold a vote: 11 guilty votes, 1 not guilty vote. The judge has instructed them that the vote must be unanimous as the death penalty will be applied if the defendant is found guilty. What follows are the arguments between the jurors as they try to decide if there is reasonable doubt in the case. In the end...well, you'll have to go see the play to find out. The production runs until August 5. I highly recommend you go.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-59542141083053498402012-07-18T13:06:00.000-03:002012-07-18T13:06:30.650-03:00Shawntelle Madison's Coveted<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12330365-coveted" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Coveted" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1318621117m/12330365.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12330365-coveted">Coveted</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5116661.Shawntelle_Madison">Shawntelle Madison</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/371417275">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of an OCD werewolf and her struggles to belong, both to her family and her pack. Ms. Madison has created an interesting and unique setting for her wolves and the other supernaturals who inhabit it. I actually gained a level of understanding about OCD that I didn't have before. What more can you ask from a book but that you learn something! I can't wait to find out what happens next!Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-74989145445114127482012-06-08T13:52:00.000-03:002012-06-22T14:07:01.663-03:00Photo of the Week winner!My photo of a pufferfish was chosen to be this week's photo of the week at the Canadian Geographic Photo Club web site. I'm so thrilled!
Go check it out <a href="http://photoclub.canadiangeographic.ca/photos/nautical/picture503419.aspx">http://photoclub.canadiangeographic.ca</a>Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-40463420131250617262012-03-09T18:40:00.000-04:002012-03-09T18:40:36.762-04:00Jana DeLeon's The Lost Girls of Johnson's Bayou<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13261449-the-lost-girls-of-johnson-s-bayou" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Lost Girls of Johnson's Bayou" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327942306m/13261449.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13261449-the-lost-girls-of-johnson-s-bayou">The Lost Girls of Johnson's Bayou</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/351201.Jana_Deleon">Jana Deleon</a><p>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/291518577">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<p>She was only six when she walked out of the swamp after the LeBlanc School for Girls caught on fire. Sixteen years after the terrifying night that stole her memory, a child's scream lures Ginny back into the woods…where a strong arm encircles her. The gun-wielding stranger is Paul Stanton, a cop-turned-P.I., who's come to Johnson's Bayou looking for answers of his own.<p>Paul has spent almost two decades searching for his missing sister and now, this Southern beauty could be the key to his quest. But someone would rather see Ginny dead than have her memories resurface. And although uncovering the dark secrets of the past could put them both at risk, it's a chance Paul's willing to take if it means finding his future…with Ginny.<p>I really enjoyed this story. The pacing is good, the characters are likable and believable, the suspense is...suspenseful (LOL) and the ending is very well done. Jana throws you a couple of red herrings to keep you on your toes, but in the end the girl gets the guy, which is what it's all about, am I right?</p>Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-46971157599458540132011-07-25T17:02:00.000-03:002011-07-25T17:02:30.028-03:00Jimpressions. Too amazing!<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j8PGBnNmPgk?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j8PGBnNmPgk?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="440" height="250"></object>Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-2587237646526074292011-05-28T09:45:00.000-03:002011-05-28T09:45:44.125-03:00Devon Monk's Dead Iron: The Age of Steam<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9645260-dead-iron" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Dead Iron (Age of Steam #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1291258235m/9645260.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9645260-dead-iron">Dead Iron</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1375697.Devon_Monk">Devon Monk</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/171701967">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<p>The old west during the age of steam. In this world people capable of creating both useful and decorative objects from gears, cogs, and wire are known as Devisers. In the east they are civilized and display their devices as the intricate works of art they are. In the west the rail is slowly creeping its way across the country, and the frontiersmen work and wait for the wonders of the east to arrive with the trains. This is a tale of true love and true evil. Of curses, murder, grief, and vengeance. Of greed, heroism, chaos, and hope. You will easily recognize many of the elements in Ms. Monk's story. The Rail Man, forging his way across the landscape, hurrying toward his ultimate goal, allowing no one to stand in his way. The Gunman, cursed to live alone and trying desperately to atone for his sins. The Beautiful Widow, thirsty for revenge following the death of her love. Devon has taken these iconic elements and re-imagined them into a wonderful steampunk saga filled with magic and curses, good and evil, horror and hope. If you like sweeping epic tales of struggle and triumph mixed with magic, mayhem, zombies, witches, and werewolves, you will definitely enjoy Devon Monk's highly imaginative "Dead Iron."Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-74534567023113024652011-05-24T15:33:00.000-03:002011-05-24T15:33:39.304-03:00Tracy Madison's By Magic Alone<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8907285-by-magic-alone" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="By Magic Alone (Magic, #4)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1282153034m/8907285.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8907285-by-magic-alone">By Magic Alone</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2759174.Tracy_Madison">Tracy Madison</a><p>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/150665328">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<p>Meet our heroine, Julia: owner of Introductions, a dating service. Julia’s two best friends are Kara and Leslie. And then there’s Verda, the owner of Magical Matchups, a rival dating service that is stealing Julia’s clients. What’s a savvy businesswoman to do? Send in spies, of course. BFF’s Kara and Leslie infiltrate Magical Matchups to see if they can figure out the secret of Verda’s success. Our story begins with the three friends meeting to discuss what the spies have uncovered. What they tell Julia sets off an inevitable series of events that will culminate into a very satisfactory ending and create a wonderful romance you will end up re-reading, I assure you. Toss in Verda’s handsome grandson Scott, and you really have something magical happening. Scott just happens to be Leslie’s ex-boyfriend – the One That Got Away. Leslie wants him back, but Verda is convinced that Julia and Scott are fated soul mates. Tension, misunderstandings, and mayhem ensues.<br />
<p>I really enjoyed this story. It’s the fourth book in Tracy Madison’s Magic series, but you really don’t have to have read the first three to enjoy this story. When you first meet Julia, she comes across as one of the most repressed characters you’ve ever read. And Scott! Well, he’s the quintessential jerk. I didn’t actually care for either of them at first, but the reasons behind their behaviour become clear quickly enough and you will warm up to (and start rooting for) both before long.<br />
<p>Of course, the most important character doesn’t show up until the middle of the book. One of Julia’s clients, Zita Hildebrandt, goes on a date set up by Julia. Her date is a pediatrician named Daryl. Daryl really likes Zita and thinks the date was fabulous, but Zita’s experience was quite different. However, being a lovely and fair-minded individual, Zita agrees to give Daryl another shot. On their second date, they each bring along a friend. As it turns out, Zita falls for Daryl’s friend Adam, and Daryl falls for Zita’s friend. So in the end, Zita gets her well-deserved Happy Ever After. How did I end up in this book, you ask? Well, I won a contest. But that certainly didn’t bias or prejudice me toward this book! Oh, no, not at all! This truly is an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-38219759262649523502011-04-25T16:55:00.000-03:002011-04-25T16:55:17.343-03:00Jennifer Estep's Tangled Threads<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8675994-tangled-threads" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, #4)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1280371182m/8675994.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8675994-tangled-threads">Tangled Threads</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/580315.Jennifer_Estep">Jennifer Estep</a><br />
<p>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/109211680">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<p>Fabulous! I have been loving this series, which has gotten progressively better with each new book. Gin has finally gotten over her feelings for Donovan and is focussing on her developing relationship with Owen. She keeps waiting for him to disapprove of her, and he doesn't, which she has a hard time believing. Meanwhile, her vendetta against Mab is heating up and Mab has called in a top level assassin called Elektra to squash the Spider for her. Elektra, as evidenced by her name, can kill using electricity. The creepy thing is, she really enjoys doing so, and takes great delight in frying her targets. It quickly becomes clear that the showdown between these two skilled assassins will be pretty spectacular. And you know there will have to be a showdown if Gin wants to protect her family and friends. <br />
<p>One issue Ms. Estep touches on in this book (and that I'm hoping will be a bigger part of future volumes) is that, as word of mouth spreads about the Spider fighting back against Mab and her minions, the general populace of Ashland is taking note. You can almost hear the rumblings in the background. Is there a revolution on the horizon? Is Bria set to be in the right place and time to clean out the corrupt police department? We already know that other criminal factions are circling in on Mab as the Spider exposes her weaknesses. Maybe the law-abiding citizens will rally now that they have a rallying point. And, if that does happen, will Donovan return? I can't wait for the next instalment and (maybe) find out! A mark of a good series, in my opinion, is that it makes me wonder and imagine what will happen next. That is something this series excels at. I highly recommend that you find out for yourself.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-43651328392810704342011-03-10T18:56:00.000-04:002011-03-10T18:56:20.917-04:00Michele Hauf's Forever Vampire<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9094324-forever-vampire" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Forever Vampire " border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1288390686m/9094324.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9094324-forever-vampire">Forever Vampire</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/117339.Michele_Hauf">Michele Hauf</a><br />
<p>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/153512413">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
<p>I loved this book! Michele Hauf always tells a great story, but she really outdid herself this time. I was actually inclined to dislike Vail when the story started. He was so relentlessly snobbish. But, I connected with Lyric right away, and was cheering for her from the get-go. While it was probably my own interpretation, I like to think that Lyric "humanized" Vail enough so that he became more and more likeable. By the end I was rooting for the couple, not just Lyric, and I wanted them to reach their goal. Happily, Michele believes in the HEA, and I was not disappointed at the end.<br />
<p>Well done, Michele! You've done it again. All I can say is: Keep Them Coming!Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-68147785179400729652011-01-26T15:50:00.000-04:002011-01-26T15:50:19.042-04:00Rex the Dog 'Bubblicious'This is a really well done stop-motion video.<br />
<br />
<object width="450" height="280"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/acay3S2PhSg&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/acay3S2PhSg&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="450" height="280"></embed></object>Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-88068197024014388072011-01-26T13:46:00.001-04:002011-01-26T14:11:45.641-04:00Dean Koontz's Frankenstein Dead and Alive (Book 3)<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6409700-dead-and-alive" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Dead and Alive (Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, #3)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255613180m/6409700.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6409700-dead-and-alive">Dead and Alive</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9355.Dean_Koontz">Dean Koontz</a><br />
<br />
My rating: 4 of 5 stars<br />
<p>In this instalment, Deucalion, Carson, and Madison are steadily moving toward stopping Victor and his bid to take over the world. Victor's problem is that his creations are all turning into Pinky to his Brain. He is so bound by his own arrogance that he is incapable of taking steps to correct the errors. His downfall is inevitable, because he just can't admit that he isn't perfect. With everything going wrong around him, he finds more and more creative reasons why none of this is his fault. <br />
<p>Erika Five (Victor's wife) has become a central figure in this story line. She stumbles upon a secret passage in the library that leads to a private study. In the study is a large, coffin-like glass box with "something" in it. Something that actually speaks to her. When she brings Jocko (Jonathan Harker's child from book 1) to see the secret room. Erika and Jocko have become friends and she wants his opinion about the mysterious box. Jocko is pretty sure that whatever is in the box is bad and they should just leave it alone.<br />
<p>Deucalion visits Victor's Angel of Mercy Hospital and discovers that Victor's creations are imploding much quicker than anticipated. He finds and speaks with Victor's computer operating system, and when he learns that the computer is partly organic he "frees" her from her prison by shutting the system down. The computer is grateful, but she follows her fail-safe instruction by starting the self-destruct count-down. Victor goes back to the Hospital that evening only to find that everything will be destroyed. He grabs his computer back-ups and heads out to his new race factory outside the city. Deucalion, Carson, and Madison are on their way to the factory as well, and the final confrontation will occur there.<br />
<p>I enjoyed this novel very much. I really liked the developing relationship between Carson and Madison, and the one between Jocko and Erika. Watching Victor's plans unravel and his utter confusion about it was fascinating. For me this was a satisfying read, and I recommend it. I'm really looking forward to Book 4: Lost Souls.Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091263706674478104.post-36347449098401696172010-12-22T20:22:00.000-04:002010-12-22T20:22:07.921-04:00Hippity Hopping Holidays, Batman!John Scalzi has posted another interview on his blog. This time he talks to...the Christmas Bunny?<br />
<p><p>Go to <a href="http://whatever.scalzi.com/2010/12/22/an-interview-with-the-christmas-bunny/" target="_blank">http://whatever.scalzi.com/2010/12/22/an-interview-with-the-christmas-bunny/</a><br />
<p><p>I love this guy :-)Zitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.com0