Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween

Okay, so this past weekend we went to see the Boulevard Boo! Parade. It was a lot of fun and we got to see a variety of costumes. Unfortunately We didn't catch the whole parade on camera. But we took some photo's and video footage for you all.  Just click on the words video footage to be able to view some of the clips that we captured with our camera.^_^

We hope you have a Safe and Happy Halloween.







Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A Darker Side to Charming

There's a lot of different kinds of books that have been written of late that have to do with fairy tales. There's so many versions and ways that people that present characters for people to enjoy. Cinderella is one of those stories that have been told over and over. But sometimes there's a nice fresh take on the story that helps to add a bit more depth and a few darker points to the happy ending.

Image from Amazon.com
Charming : A Cinderella Prequel
L.R. Briggs & S.E. Steinbrenner
369 Pages

Charming isn't the name of any of the characters in this story. The main character is a boy named Jode, who is in all ways, forgettable and un-noticable. We get to see him evolve through various states of self consciousness.

The story revolves around the idea that in order to become great there are trials and tribulations that one must go through. This is an idea that isn't unknown to most readers. But the extent to which we see this idea used is rather intriguing. It helps to pull you into the story, giving you reason to wonder what's going to happen. And to be honest this one isn't predictable.

But it is a good read. While the cover kind of points a female reader in the direction of this book, I believe it is written in a style that a male audience could find appealing. While it has some adult content, it's not gruesome or erotic, so teens can read it safely. All in all it's a well done book in my opinion. It leaves some things unanswered but not in a manner that leaves the piece unfinished. So if you're looking for a nice fantasy read I think you should check it out.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Music Monday 15

It's October and there's all kinds of things that have been associated with the fall holidays that we celebrate. One of the most important things in my opinion is monsters. So this weeks music choices showcase a variety of monsters for your enjoyment. Have a good week and hope you're getting ready for Halloween!

Shoggoth on the Roof : Tentacles

Alice Cooper : Feed My Frankenstein

The Ramones : Pet Sematary

The Ghastly Ones : Werewolves on Wheels

 Wednesday 13 : Skeletons

Friday, October 11, 2013

What's on TV?

How many times have we been asked that question? Probably more times than we want to admit, but the answers have always varied. Over the years the shows the people I've been around have varied. There was the years of Walker Texas Ranger, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Paranormal. Sometimes they were funny, sometimes dramatic or scary. But there was always something that was common ground to talk about.

Every season there's something different and new that is brought on. I'm not a fan of the reality tv  genre. And am not really all that certain how I feel about some of the drama's. But now that there's cable I've been introduced to a variety of new shows. Not all of them are as enjoyable as others. But there's no harm in finding some to watch.

One of the first ones that came up this fall was Sleepy Hollow. The commercials for it caught my eye, as it's a twist on a story most of us know well. The way they have it set up makes it fresh and appealing to a wide audience. It has the appeal of the crime shows, as well as the ones who enjoy the paranormal mysteries. It hasn't been predictable so far, and offers some interesting glimpses into possibilities of demons and the apocalypse.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is another show that we're enjoying. It crosses some of the comic moments of Bones with the comedy of friends. There are some amazing moments where things are unexpected and I find that appealing. It isn't the kind of thing I was expecting, and with one of the main characters being openly gay and working to prove something I wonder how it will be taken as a whole over time. I find it a charming point, but it's almost like they're trying too hard.

The Blacklist was a surprise. I didn't know what to expect when we sat down to watch it, I hadn't seen any commercials for it. It had me on the edge of my seat, and not in a scared way. The entire episode I saw seemed to be a whirl of possibilities. The idea that there would be someone with that much information and those kind of contacts is fascinating. I had been expecting a horror show when they started describing to me what it was set up as, but it's more of an action or drama. Very nicely done I must admit.

American Horror Story Coven started recently. The first two seasons were amazing, and from the premiere episode I have to say this one is going to be amazing as well. Each one has been a stand alone series, though am guessing there will be some point where things will overlap in the future. For the momentary gore dished out occasionally will only be met by the audience without a wince for so long. We don't want an audience so detached from the human existence that they don't pause to help others. But the premiere implies that it will be interesting in the long run. Am unsure how I feel about how they're showing witches, but at least it's not all glitter and broomsticks.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is on my to view list yet. I haven't made my decision on how I feel about it yet. But once I make up my mind on how I feel about Alice I will let you know. I haven't watched the previous series of Once Upon a Time, so this is a new thing to me. But I look forward to giving it a chance.

In any case, that's a little side note about what's on TV here where I am. It's not like we watch a LOT of TV. But it's nice to have something to view that is entertaining. I'm sure you all have shows that you're enjoying. What do you think we should give a shot to? What are you enjoying? Let me know, we've got open minds around here.


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Less is More

http://zenpencils.com/comic/69-buddha-less-is-more/ 

This comic strip is amazing, and it makes sense. Sometimes things would be so easy to just do it. But it's not always so simple. But wouldn't it be nice to have that ability? I'm sure we each could, But it's a matter of learning how to take that step back and that breath to say, ok am happy. Happiness isn't so hard if we think we have it already.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Music Monday 14

Mmm, it's October. In the east and north, the trees are turning orange and the cool rains are making the ground muddy. Here in the southwest the days are getting to be a more bearable temperature. And the Halloween decorations are coming out of hiding. YAY! So here's the songs for the week, have a good one!

Creature Feature : The Greatest Show Unearthed

Escape the Fates : No Sympathy For The Dead

Where Do You Keep Your Brains?

Army of Lovers : Walking With A Zombie

 The Quakes : Paint It Black