Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Six Stage Plot Structure

Photo Credit

This should pretty much be tacked on my bulletin board as a soft reminder. Lolz.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Snow White and the Huntsman movie

E-mail reminder to me
I was going to pass up Snow White  and the Huntsman  but after reading this, I changed my mind. I'm curious how Evan Daugherty re-imagined Snow White. I wonder how much was changed from the time it was submitted for the competition to the time it was being filmed. I think I'll start checking some behind-the-scenes clips about the movie.

Photo Credit
Speaking about re-imagined fairy tales, has anyone been watching "Once Upon a Time" series? I can't get enough about the show! The production level was almost like what you expect in a movie franchise. The costumes were so beautifully made. The props were great! I thought great cast too! Man, Robert Carlisle as the Rumpelstiltskin (whew) or Mr. Gold in Storybrooke (hint)! Wow, I hope this show stays on longer than Chaos.

TV Episode Review: Once Upon a Time

Once Upon A Time 
A new show offering being aired here at StarWorld Channel every Wednesday night at 9: 55 PM with repeats the next day at 12:45PM and 5:00 PM

Episode one (Pilot)
Once Upon A Time 
I don't know where to start raving about this show. The production looked like a lot of  thought went through the development and the efforts made by the crew were tangible or noticeable enough through the props and the fabulous costumes used. You can feel that it was serious business in re-imaging the tale of Snow White. The SFX wasn't scrimped too.

I thought the casting  was great for their portrayal. Prince Charming was certainly delish. Hahaha There are several familiar faces such as Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer MorrisonRaphael Sbarge and Robert Carlisle. Jared Gilmore was perfect as Henry.

Once Upon a Time
Some people might get lost with the way the show was presented. The events taken place in Snow White and Prince Charming's world would run along side our reality until both stories reach one common ground which is Emma. I can't say much else for spoilers but I thought that made it an inventive way of writing the story. I was half expecting to see a subtitle: In a distant world much like our own where magic rules and evil queens are real...  instead it wasn't the case. It was straightforward and fast-paced. Editor Geoffrey Hildrew did a great job in keeping the momentum going between scenes. Cinematography brought by Stephen Jackson delivered an enchanting touch for both worlds. I can't wait for more.... :)

I give it 5 storybooks.


Monday, November 28, 2011

Thank you, Kimberly!

I like to use this space to say my thanks to Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer for making me an awesome button!  Happy dance :D




Wow! I have my very own button. Thank you again! Do visit her site and check out what's on her shelf and past reviews she has posted. 

Part Three Installment "Destiny Beckons"

Catch up: 

Back from a very loooo-oong Commercial Break

The creature's antennae twitched again and soon energy beams came out from it. The beams hit the three rangers while they tumbled out of the way, uninjured. With the creature,  Indigo Vela remained unconscious.

The rangers were full-on battle mode and rhythmically struck the creature with their stylized staffs. The staves carried by the rangers bore individual alien hieroglyphs and scripts running the slender length of their staves, pulsing each time when a rangers delivered blows to the creature that refused to back down.

Adria lowered her camera and selected the close-up shots of the staff welded by Orion who was closer to her position than the rest of the rangers. The alien hieroglyphs weren't anything she'd seen. She was about to start taking pictures again when she saw the man named Pacen Eldo carrying what looked like portable rocket launcher. The device appeared like it was already on its last legs. 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Nocturnal book reviews/Блог Полуночников: 300 Followers International Giveaway!

Nocturnal book reviews/Блог Полуночников: 300 Followers International Giveaway!: Hey, folks! Because of your pure awesomeness this blog reached 300 followers, so let's celebrate, shall we? *grinning* You probably alre...

Hop to her site and check her books lined up for the giveaway! :D


Photobucket

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Photo Theme: Handwritten





Today's Photo theme is Two
Hop to the site for more fun theme expression of the day!

There were a couple of the questions I prepared for the live tweet chat hosted by ManofAction, at #HeroesUnited during the Ben10 and Generation Rex crossover. Two of my questions got through!

Sunday Scribblings: Investigate

Sunday Scribblings

The bell rang its urgent call to classes. First day of the week always held the certain rush among the students and teachers. The frenzied energy floating in the air as everyone seemed out of sync after the weekends. Students jockeyed each other hoping to get to their respectively classes minus any reprimands. It's Monday.

Adria ducked immediately into the office headquarters of the school's paper "Q" just as Rick Lineheart glanced toward her direction. The way she'd been avoiding the guy was obvious she knew and she had done it twice earlier in the day. Why did she and Lineheart always meet on corridors this day? It didn't happen before.

She stood in the middle of the room lost in thought when Lisha strode out from the ante-room. "I thought you said you were heading back to the quarry to investigate?"

"Oh, yeah. Right." Adria appeared embarrassed to have forgotten and left quickly. She did intend to visit the quarry today before her next class started.

The loose gravel crunched under her boots as she swiveled around. No soul in sight. What a perfect way to get lost or do a body dump. She strode toward the scene of last Friday's battle or encounter. She made her way careful to the spot and slowly studied the ground for telltale evidence. She took several close-up shots, hoping her camera lens were more sensitive than her eyes to see what she may not be able to see in plain light. The mid-day sun was bright but it was turning the quarry a low-level sauna. Adria concluded her investigation and headed back to the school for her afternoon classes.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Justin's Book Blog: Huge Holiday Giveaway (Intl)

Justin's Book Blog: Huge Holiday Giveaway: I've been planning this giveaway for awhile now, but I have finally figured out how I want to do it. And I wanted to make it a really great ...

CURIOUS?

I know you are so what are you waiting for and visit 



A Giveway from In the Bookcase











Christmas is a month away and these two words signs can be definite great gifts for people taking up the pen or typing a page away for their novel while the second one for those enjoying the written word. '☺ Hop to In the Bookcase and join her giveaway raffle. You have almost less than a week left to cast your entries!


Good Luck!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Merlin Season 4 Official Trailer BBC

                         

I can't wait! I couldn't share the one sent by Diva Universal Asia channel which can be only viewed from their site. December 12! Yay!


From the trailers, it seems we'll get to see the elder Merlin again. I remember that spell to hasten age took a lot out of Merlin in Season 3 and almost didn't reverse the spell. It looks like Morgana's nastier this time around and I wonder what other knight we'll meet. I hope Gawain returns. Eoin Macken

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A Book Vacation giveway!

Book Vacation
Searching for a book? Why not check out A Book Vacation  today or any time this week?  A book you like to get might just be there. Hop to the site where a giveaway is ongoing. Browse further through pages too for other giveaway offers and reviews. Good luck!

Review: Deadly Night #1 Flynn Brother Trilogy By Heather Graham

Summary from Goodreads:
The Flynn brothers have inherited more than a New Orleans plantation. They've inherited a ghostly presence… and a long-kept secret.
Aidan Flynn, a private investigator and eldest of the Flynn brothers, scoffs at the haunted-house rumors—especially since Kendall Montgomery, a tarot card reader who has been living in the mansion, is the one to tell him the tale of a woman in white. But when he finds a human bone on the grounds and another by the river, Aidan delves into the dark history of the Flynn plantation.
Forced together to uncover the truth, Aidan and Kendall realize that a serial killer whose victims seem to vanish into thin air has long been at work…and that their own fates are about to be sealed forever unless they believe in the unbelievable.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Teaser Tuesday


Hosted by MizB should be Reading is a weekly bookish meme. Anyone can play along. Just do the following.

  • Grab your current read 
  • Open to a RANDOM page 
  • Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away. You don't want to ruin the books for others. 
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser




The walls of the pit had imploded then heaped with more concrete and twisted steel, burying the area under tons of new debris.
As the dust cleared, there was nothing to see.

About the book

Now, I have to check who has a copy of Book 1 "Tuesday's Child" :D

Monday, November 21, 2011

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Story Siren which is about book (s) received/bought this week.


Last Monday, November 14 (talk about timing), I got a surprising e-mail from Laurie Thoughts and Reviews...



Monday Squee: Westlife - Beautiful World (Audio)

                           

Their latest song offering included in their Greatest Hits album to be released this November 21st.

Lyrics
Here we go, lost in the lessons
Sometimes I mess up my intentions
I get lost, the cost was losing everything I’ve known
Laying here, staring at the ceiling
Sometimes still dealing with the feelings
Where I’ve been, what I’ve done
I’m so far out there on my own
so quick to point the finger
To find the one to blame
So hard to realize, I kept getting in my own way

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Wet/Rain

Ripples obliterating the reflection

Today's Photo theme is Two
Hop to the site for more fun theme expression of the day!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

300 Giveaway from Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog



Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog

Visit Zoey's Uncreatively Titled Blog to win some more books if you don't have them already. Christmas is coming up and winning a book is a great pressie too. :D Goodluck!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Two U-F-Os in the garden

Intruder Alert!
Today's Photo theme is Two
Hop to the site for more fun theme expression of the day!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Follow Friday (9)

Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkie.com and Alison of Alison Can Read  If you want to join in the fun just head over the blogs mentioned above and start checking out the various answer for today's question:


Q: In the light of 11.11.11 and Veteran's Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fiction or real life.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

TBR Thursdays (9)The Death Catchers

To be Read Thursday meme is hosted by Drea which was inspired by Waiting on Wednesday by Breaking the Spine

TBR Thursday highlights all those book that are already about (whether you own them or not) that you're dying to ready but haven't had the chance yet. This can some old books, some new books, and some that are in between but they have to be books that you want/hope to read and review!



I was doing my reading rounds and landed at Confessions of Bookaholic by Jessica where the names like Morgan le Fay and Arthur caught my attention. '☺ I knew I couldn't pass this up even if I still have to continue Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising Series, which also has an Arthurian feel meshed into her stories. I think that series will  qualify in Xpresso Reads Dusty Reads section.   






From Goodreads:
On her fourteenth Halloween, Lizzy Mortimer sees her first death-specter.

Confused at first, Lizzy soon learns from her grandmother Bizzy that as Death Catchers, they must prevent fate from taking its course when an unjust death is planned-a mission that has been passed down from their ancestor, Morgan le Fay. Only, Lizzy doesn't expect one of her first cases to land her in the middle of a feud older than time between Morgan le Fay and her sister Vivienne le Mort. Vivienne hopes to hasten the end of the world by preventing Lizzy from saving King Arthur's last descendant-humanity's greatest hope for survival. It's up to Lizzy, as Morgan's earthly advocate, to outwit fate before it's too late.

With its unique spin on Arthurian legend, this fresh, smartly written story will stand out in the paranormal genre.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


I've been curious about lost civilizations and this book was set in the Machu Picchu plus a mystery came falling (literally) when Lily Moore (the lead character) witnessed a girl plummeting to her death from the base of the temple! Eeeek. I hope to get the first book though since this one was set three months after. 


Release Date: Feb 14, 2012 by Forge Books 


Summary from Goodreads:

Travel writer Lily Moore has been persuaded by her closest friend to visit Peru. He's convinced the trip will lure Lily out of her dark mood and downward spiral, but Lily is haunted by betrayal and loss. At Machu Picchu, the famous Lost City of the Incas, they discover a woman clinging to life at the bottom of an ancient stone staircase. Just before the woman dies, she tells Lily the name of the man who wanted her dead.
When the local police investigate, the forensic evidence they find doesn’t match up with what Lily knows. Unable to accept the official ruling of accidental death, Lily hunts down the wealthy man who was the dead woman’s traveling companion and discovers a pattern of dead and missing women in his wake.
Obsessed with getting justice for these women, Lily sets in motion a violent chain of events with devastating consequences.

Mysterious Circle of Stones - Tinere Desert, Niger

Mysterious Circle of Stones - Tinere Desert, Niger by Adrar Madet
Makes one one wonder if this was one of the inspirations that gave us the movie Stargate then later developed for TV  Stargate SG-1 ☺

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

Hosted by MizB should be Reading is a weekly bookish meme. Anyone can play along. Just do the following.

  • Grab your current read 
  • Open to a RANDOM page 
  • Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away. You don't want to ruin the books for others. 
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser

"I hope that doesn't upset your system. It's hard cooking for someone whose diet consists of solely bagels and sugared cereals."

More about the book.

Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary by Martha Wells


Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary (SGA, #2)Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this years back after the TV show ended its run. I wasn't disappointed at all with the book. Few authors can capture the voices of TV characters and Martha Wells did an awesome job here. I felt like I was watching another episode of the show in fact, it made me wish this was turned into an episode. :D Great exploration piece, enjoyed another peak into Sheppard's ATA gene difference which made me also wish the show's writers have expanded more into that mythos they've put forth. I thought it would delicious background to play around while the team where in the Pegasus Galaxy.

Oh, seeing Joe Flanigan in all the challenges Wells put the character through would make all Sheppard fans want more. Rodney and Sheppard's camaraderie (which sometimes mean trading barbs with the scientist)was executed very nicely and we see a briefly that he cares for the major in his own huffing way. :) Teyla fighting against the drug etc.

View all my reviews

Monday, November 7, 2011

In My Mailbox (3)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Story Siren which is about book (s) received/bought this week.  


Since I've mentioned one  book in my last post, I'll include it for this month latest books finds:






From Goodreads: 
Book 2
Squire Terence and Sir Gawain are off questing again, but this time their journey is overshadowed by their ultimate destination: Gawain is to meet up with the Green Knight in a contest that could easily lead to Gawain's death. Along the way the two have a slew of hair-raising adventures and encounter the usual odd assortment of characters, including the plucky Lady Eileen. Sparks instantly fly between Terence and Eileen as she joins the squire and his knight on their travels. As they weave their way between the world of men and the Other World, Gawain and Terence discover much about themselves. The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady is the sequel to Gerald Morris's debut book, The Squire's Tale, about which the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books raved, "This Arthurian road trip will have readers wondering why there aren't more books like this one and hoping that Morris will do it again." And so he has.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Hobbit:The Unexpected Journey (3D)

It looks like the strategy room huh? Director PJ and his team

My excitement was up as I watched the latest vblog from Peter Jackson's Facebook page. There he talked about filming the Hobbit in 3D. Woah, I think Smaug will literally jump out of the screens now.

John Howe and Alan Lee
I could just happily watch them lend their their magic on paper. To view the video in it's entirety visit here.


ROOTS IN MYTH: A MILLION SUNS by Beth Revis Giveaway

Solstice, author PJ Hoover  is gearing for a giveway. Visit her site ROOTS IN MYTH: A MILLION SUNS by Beth Revis Giveaway: "Hope you all are doing awesomely! I'm thrilled to be giving away an ARC of the sequel to Beth Revis' amazing ACROSS THE UNIVERSE! A MILLION..."


Good luck! While you're at her site, check out her book "Emerald Tablet"   now released in e-book format.

Summary from her site:
Benjamin and his best friend Andy love being different from the other kids. They like being able to read each other's minds and use their telekinesis to play tricks. In fact, they are getting set to spend their entire summer doing just that when Benjamin's mirror starts talking. Suddenly, Benjamin looking at eight weeks of summer school someplace which can only be reached by a teleporter inside the ugly picture in his hallway. 


And that's the most normal thing he does all summer. 


Intriguing, isn't it and in celebration of the release, Solstice is only for $0.99 but for limited time only so  get a  copy from the links provided at her site!  


Friday, November 4, 2011

Follow Friday (8)



Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel of Parajunkie.com and Alison of Alison Can Read  If you want to join in the fun just head over the blogs mentioned above and start checking out the various answer for today's question well, new activity... is something new, an activity. We want to see what you look like! Take a pic of with you and your current read. Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share. 

Check out "Much Loved Books"

Much Loved Books

Much Loved Books by Michelle is gearing for a Birthday Bonanza as November rolled in. Why not check her site and the giveaways she has in store for this month! Good luck!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Arrietty Trailer-{JUNE 2011}

                       

I was taking this rare time to visit blogs and I came upon ABackwardStory's site  mentioning about "The Secret World of Arriety"  which will be released in English on February 17, 2012. A Ghibli studio movie offering that previously gave us "Sprited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle". So add "The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey" and "The Hobbit: There and Back Again"  in there, yeah pretty TBW list growing too. lolz.

Enjoy the trailer. I can't wait for it too! '☺

TBR Thursday (8) The Square Root of Murders

To be Read Thursday meme is hosted by Drea which was inspired by Waiting on Wednesday by Breaking the Spine

TBR Thursday highlights all those book that are already about (whether you own them or not) that you're dying to ready but haven't had the chance yet. This can some old books, some new books, and some that are in between but they have to be books that you want/hope to read and review!



The title was catchy that it reminded me of my laborious efforts to get a passing grade in radicals, square roots divisions etc back in high school. Efforts that turned me white as sheet from pushing my brain cells to the limits. lolz  One should really try loving numerals. 


I found this book from Petra at HazelTheWitch. Thanks! 


From Goodreads:


Dr. Sophie Knowles teaches math at Henley College in Massachusetts, but when a colleague turns up dead, it's up to her to find the killer before someone else gets subtracted.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

A Ripple in Time - Angel of the Titanic (Celtic Cousins' Adventure) By Juliet Hughes

by Juliet Hughes 
I was visiting The Caffeinated Book Review by Kimba and one of her previous reviews caught my attention. A Ripple in Time - definitely a time-traveling tale and I'm drawn to those kinds of stories plus there was mention of Exalibur, Stonehenge  - yeah, pretty much caught me there already. haha

After reading her review, I  went searching more about the book and stumbled upon Hey! Tara's site where she was giving away two ebooks! Too bad the contest was over. I missed by two days. lolz. Hopefully, I can borrow someone's copy. '☺



Captain Power DVD

The soon to be released dvd boxset

So two weeks ago, a member of captainpower yahoo group  posted this pix of the DVD due on December 6. I  hardly think  the boxset will reach these shores and on the shelves here though. According to another post found from the Captain Power Facebook announcements that it will contain 6 hours bonus features. *cross fingers*

I've seen some behind the photos posted on their Facebook,  3 of  6 (original members) invited for the DVD commentaries.  It was great to see them together. I hope the rest of the cast will get a chance to visit   the designated CP offices and there will be a group picture!

Reboot question: For me, it's okay and with the level of technology now, the production can go a little more. I'm hoping to see the original cast members come in as recurring character role players. They could be rebel cell leaders, Passages leaders or some other underground facility members, helping out the Power team. The newer version of Power team  (my dream cast) will have their own stories to tell or they could reference one or two stories from the '80s show. 

Well, that's my two cents. '☺

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Kimba's "150 follower Thank you Giveaway

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Visit Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer where a lucky follower will get a $10.00 GC to Amazon or B&N so hop to her site for more details. '☺

Kimba's 150 Follower Thank You Giveway
You have 26 days left to enter! '☺

Good luck!

Teaser Tuesdays: "Bobby Singer's Guide to Hunting" By David Reed


Hosted by MizB should be Reading is a weekly bookish meme. Anyone can play along. Just do the following.



  • Grab your current read 
  • Open to a RANDOM page 
  • Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away. You don't want to ruin the books for others. 
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser.


Here's the rub - I don't know what happened to me. I don't know if I can fix it.


Check out the book here



Carry On Tuesday: Love One Another



For more today's prompt visit Carry On Tuesday.

"What a beautiful sunny day" by Sandra Mora


Troubled Heart
by Raine (passagesofthepen)

Your smile belied the pains 
Your laughter hid the cries 
Your cheer mocked the abyss
Of a troubled heart

Another day came 
There was no change
You pray for peace
For your troubled heart