Twenty-five years ago Governor Lilburn Boggs was shot at in his home, but the gunman was never found. Now Detective Calvin Pogue has been hired by the Boggs family to open the cold case. From one end of the country to the other Detective Pogue follows clues that lead him relentlessly to the legendary Mormon gunman Porter Rockwell – who still isn’t making things easy for anyone!

Rod Miller’s site.

Review #1 — by Julianne

Ever since taking a church history class in college, I’ve been curious about Governor Boggs and Porter Rockwell, two of the more imfamous characters from that time period.  How could Governor Boggs be so cold-hearted with his extermination order for the Mormons?  Why did he really hate them so much?  And what turned Porter Rockwell into the legendary outlaw he was reputed to be?  There had to be some good in him, if he supported and protected the prophets, right?

This book fit the bill in answering some of those questions, and to have it crafted in a fictional novel rather than a stuffy historical text made it that much more fun.  Historical novels make for tricky reading, however, because it can be difficult to decipher what’s based on factual events and what isn’t.   So although  I’m not sure I could turn around and a give a lecture on either Boggs’ or Rockwell’s life for fear I’d be embellishing reality a but, I can say I enjoyed the read and my means to learning more about them.

The story centers around a decective who’s been hired to investigate the assassination of Governor Boggs years after the actual event.  Pogue proves to be an intelligent, likable guide in his efforts to track down some solid evidence that Porter Rockwell  did indeed shoot Governor Boggs, as most people suspected.  The book alternates between Pogue’s third-person decective work and Rockwell’s first-hand personal history, something the author wisely doles out only a bit at a time.  The contrast of these two perspectives definitely builds suspense and sympathy throughout the book, although I found myself more interested in and engaged by Pogue than Rockwell by the time the two stories caught up to each other about half-way through the book.   Becoming so familiar and sympathetic toward Porter’s side of the story definitely had me expecting some kind of redemption for the exiled outlaw, an unrequited hope that left me a bit disappointed.  I also expected something a little more concrete to turn up in proving who the real assassin was, after all of Pogue’s travels, interviews, and tireless investigation.  Again, a little disappointing. 

Although the ending did not quite live up to my hopes–and the last four pages gave a startling shock I’m still trying to make sense of–everything before satisfied and fulfilled.  Miller writes with such a familiar, disarming style that I found myself quickly engaged in the story and the characters, compelled to find out what the next interview would reveal to Pogue about Boggs’ true killer.  As a member of the LDS church, I found the blending of church history and national/local history both interesting and informative, even if some of the early prophets and church leaders weren’t painted in the most flattering of lights.  I felt like I had a true sense of what that time was like, how those early saints probably had to fight back and use some extreme measures to deal with the injustice and cruelty they faced on a daily basis. 

I LOVED this photo shoot with Coco Rocha.  She is aMAYzing.  She looked different in every single shot.  That’s where this becomes an art and not just taking pretty photos.  Heaven knows I could use a little of that art in my photos.  Maybe I’ll try aggression next time.  Pretty scream into the camera.  That’s so funny to think about.  What would my husband do if I screamed at him through the camera?  Hilarious.  Or the photographer at Target during my family pic?  That would be a riot.

So happy Allison got a good photo.  She looked like a deer caught in the headlights the whole time.  And when she tried screaming?  Oh my gosh that was a crack up.  I just love her so much I hate to see her struggle with anything.  I WANT HER TO WIN!!!!!!  I love her quirkiness and unexpected beauty.  Go Allison!!

Dominique looked amazing in her photo shoot and at panel.  I think they’re right that she is really developing and coming into her own.  Stunning.

I’m still amazed at the ridiculously bad photos that are coming out of this season but I’m blown away by the good ones.

btw I couldn’t blog the last two weeks but can you believe how uppity Shannon got when Bianca had a real concern about her phone time being allotted correctly?  ”I’m a sensitive spirit and I don’t like conflict.”  I’m sorry but what conflict was Bianca throwing out?  She was speaking in a completely civilized tone using appropriate language.  And then Lisa.  Now you know I love Lisa because she is a drama queen but please.  Give me a break.  She went off on Bianca for no reason.  Now I know Bianca likes to tell it like it is and causes problems but this time I felt she was completely justified.  Stupid girls.

Phew.  It feels good to get that off my chest.  Can’t wait for next week.  This season is truly spectacular.

Where you surprised Bre went home last night?  I kind of was but that was a craptastic photo shoot.

ANTM is on next week (with Kathy Griffin.  squeeeel) on Wednesday at 8pm on The CW.

OK.  Now to happier news.  Anya.  I think I’m in love with her.  She is so amazing.  To make an incredible outfit out of $11.50 that wins the competition is pretty spectacular.  Did you see the detail work on the back of her muslin shirt?  Incredible.  If I thought my boobies would stay put I would totally wear that shirt.  I would wear either outfit.  She nailed it.  Out of the ballpark.  Home run.  (What’s going on with all the baseball analogies today?)  Now, in the preview for next week Victor makes a comment about her sewing skills so she may have a rough go of it.  Or Victor could just be being his negative, stodgy self and everything comes up roses in the end.  I can’t wait to see.

Two people are surprising me.  Victor because he seems to be getting meaner and meaner as the series progresses and Bert because every once in a while if the challenge is right his playful side comes out and it’s incredibly refreshing.  Maybe I’ll pin my comic relief hopes on Bert from now on since I’m so mad at Joshua for sticking around.  Bert is a dirty little devil and it’s cracking me up.  He’s so cantankerous all the time that when he lightens up it really brings a smile to my face.  Keep it up Bert.  Let your light shine.

I hear your girl power but I am not feeling Goldilocks.  Laura just doesn’t speak to me at all.  And what about this pact they made with each other and then promptly went running away with their tails tucked between their legs.  And guess what?  Kimberly did just fine.  She wasn’t in the top but she most certainly wasn’t in the bottom.  Have a little faith.  I like Kimberly and I think she has a smokin’ style.

I am still really mad.  I thought this would be some kind of therapy for me but it didn’t work.  I want Joshua to go home next week.  Then Bert.  Then Victor.  Then three girl finalists.  But if I had to be realistic I’d say Victor was going to the final.  Sorry but he’s pretty solid.

Is anyone as angry as me?  Or do you think the judges made the right choice?

Project Runway is on Thursdays at 8pm on Lifetime.  It’s available at myLifetime.com  the day after for those of us without cable.

And oh boy did she have nothing to worry about!  Top photo!  Yay Allison.  Did you see the sheer look of shock on her face when they called her?  She completely deserved it though.  I love how humble she is and at the same time really hope she gets more confidence so she can keep pulling off amazing photos.

I know I will show how truly out of touch I am but who the crap is Kristin Cavallari?  One of the girls said she was on The Hills which I don’t watch but at least I know what it is.  But why should I trust her fashion sense?  You probably know her and trust her but she is a big fat nobody to me.  But I bet all these girls have MTV and are thrilled that she’s there.  Have I just illustrated how out of touch I am?

Oh Lisa.  I love you and you are my second favorite this season but what were you doing during the interviews with Mario Lopez for Extra?  High fives.  ”Oh yeahs.” LIke you’re playing a football game.  The only thing we were missing is chest bumps.  ”You nailed that question, B!!  Oh yeah, bring it in.  Gooooooo Top Models.”  Now thankfully she didn’t take it that far but seriously?  I think it’s clear that she lost the challenge for her team by not taking it seriously enough.  Now we learned from Dominique that you can take it too seriously but come on now.  Class it up a little every once in a while.  Then again, she is following her brand so how can I criticize?

Winning team is safe from elimination and the 6 girls on the losing team will be the only ones judged at panel.  Scary.

How about that photo shoot.  One of my favs in Top Model history.  I couldn’t believe the girls going all out and falling over just to do something daring.  Almost all of the shots were amazing.  Allison and Lisa being my top picks.  I think that would have been so much fun to do.

I’m sad to see Isis go home.  I’m really intrigued by her and he transformation and change and I really would have liked to have seen what else she could have brought this season.  It’s sad to know that she didn’t have the worst picture of the night and only because the other girls had immunity is she going home.  Stupid Lisa.  I love her but I think she really blew this one for her team.

There were some really great shots this week. Which was your favorite?

ANTM is on Wednesday at 8pm on The CW.

ps  This was literally one of my fav photo shoots so I couldn’t just pick one photo.  So awesome.

I’m sorry but I don’t think they should have kicked Olivier out.  That kid is good tv.  He is so reclusive and caught up in his own head that he says the most bizarre, insensitive, hilarious things.  They should have kept him around for sheer comic relief.  Remember when he covered his ears when the band started playing?  And I mean how many times did he call Ewan big?  Honestly, if I wasn’t watching on the internet I would go back and get a 2 liter of Hawaiian Punch (sugar wise that’s the hard stuff) and play a drinking game with it.  One shot for the word big.  A double shot for the phrase plus size.  I’d be buzzed all afternoon.  I will dearly, dearly miss Olivier.

Oh man, how bad do you feel for Sam the drummer?  He got screwed over.  He never should have said Caftan.  He ruined both girls and his day by going there.  A baseball/bowling shirt from one and Pocahontas from the other.

And poor Ewan.  Maybe Bert’s outfit was well put together but can you really see Ewan wearing it?  Garbage from Olivier and a purple get up from Bert.  Not cool.  But in their defense he was bigger than the mannequin and we all know how hard it is to design for a plus size man (there’s three shots on me).

Now I see what you guys are talking about.  Anya’s sewing skills showed this week big time.  Her pants weren’t too bad. Right?  Except for the fact that they were splitting down the seams.  The design was there at least.  The top…she should have thrown it away and had him walk out bare chested.  That’s the only way to have saved that monstrosity.

Every week I am amazed at Victor.  He is super solid.

I know he’s super ridiculous and truth be told I don’t listen to his music but I love Adam Lambert.  He cracks me up.

Now the reason Olivier was my fav is because of his personality so I need a new fav and I think I’m going to have to pick Joshua who likes to bedazzle everything.  I think he’s the one to bring the comic relief now.  Anya for her style and Joshua for his sometimes diva like personality are my current favs.

I can’t wait for next week.  Anya uses only muslin?  This will be a true test.

Which was your favorite outfit this week?

Project Runway is on Thursdays at 8pm on Lifetime.  It’s available at myLifetime.com  the day after for those of us without cable.

The best makeover of the night was Nigel.  I honestly always wondered what he’d look like with hair and I can’t say I like it.  I am shocked that he had a full head though.  Who knew?

What do you think about these words the girls were given?  I love the idea of branding.  If I was half way serious about this blog I would think about branding and really focusing up but this is just for fun to soothe the tv junkie inside of me.  I will say Kayla (who they only turned back to red) had the hardest time with her word.  She wants to be the spokesmodel for LGBT but the guy said to her, “That’s so five years ago.”  Being a lesbian isn’t enough anymore.  Wow.  That is a bold statement but I guess what he’s saying is we already know you’re a lesbian and we’re totally ok with that.  Now what do you have to offer?  The branding he gave her was “free.”

Bianca was given “candid” and I think she let it get to her head.  Maybe that’s what they want though.  They want these girls to eat, sleep and breathe these words and then exemplify them in everything they do, say, wear, eat…  You know, I think I’d just like to be myself.  Which truth be told, Lisa can.  Right?  ”Daring.”  Yeah, I think she can do that.

I don’t know about you but I was a little grossed out by the photo shoot.  Those girls had hot dog fixing dripping all over their bodies.  Hot fudge.  Whip cream.  Yes.  Green chili’s and onions.  No.  Not working for me.  They got some cute shots of some of the girls but I am amazed at the level these girls are supposedly at that we’re not getting stunning photo after stunning photo.  I want every single photo from every single girl to be breathtaking.  These are mostly just blah.  Ho hum.  Boring.  I’m already waiting with bated breath until we whittle down the competition.  Get rid of half of these chicks and then we’ll see something fierce.

I’m not even going to touch the new Tyra-isms.  Get over yourself!  Ty-overs.  Please.

As you may have guessed I could care less that Sheena went home.  I really hope this gets better.  I had really high hopes because these girls are supposed to be professionals and so far I have been let down.  But the good stuffs to come right?

ANTM is on Wednesdays at 8pm on The CW.

That Sarah Michelle Gellar is just phenomenal.  She’s playing two sisters, one an addict the other a posh socialite.  Now truth be told by the end of the show they were both high brow women but she still has to play Bridgette uncomfortably playing a high brow woman who’s life is falling apart around her and then Siobahn who is in hiding from the disastrous life she has left behind.

This show is described as film noir and while I don’t have a ton of experience in that genre I’m loving what I’m seeing so far.  I guess a tiny glimpse into the mystery that is Siobahn and Bridgette will be revealed each week and the tangled web will begin to unravel for us.  I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next week.

Anyone else catch this and fall madly in love?  Anyone catch it and hate it?  I will be the first to admit that I have a partiality towards Gellar so I’m curious how you liked it.

If you did not catch the Pilot last week you can catch it tonight (9/19) at 8pm MT on The CW.

Ringer is on Tuesdays at 8pm MT on The CW.

I have to say I thought every designer did a great job.  All of the women were ecstatic with their looks.  They all felt like they got what they asked for.  Now, I agree that some of the dresses were hideous.  Just down right ugly, but again, the women were head over heels for them so to me, they all passed.

That being said, I agree with Michael Kors that the job of the designer is to push the client.  To stretch their limits and open their eyes to new things. There, we had some failure.  I’m mostly thinking the bottom three.  The designers didn’t inflect any fashion forward thinking into their designs.  You like pink?  Then I’ll make a pink dress.  You lost a dress?  Let me remake it for you without any thought to design or the fact that I’m in a competition.  Major design fail.

Do you know who I got a total kick out of watching?   Bert!  Who was he?  He was a completely different person this week.  Animated and smiling.  Joking around.  Just all around a happy guy.  I hope we see that again next week.  So refreshing.  Made me actually want to give his dress a chance.  Normally he’s such a curmudgeon that I completely dismiss him.

I am so in love with this show that I will put up with the hassle of watching it online.  I couldn’t get it to work at all on Friday and then of course I have family responsibilities over the weekend so this morning was my first shot at watching it.  Well worth the wait.  I am in love with Project Runway.

I don’t even feel like I have to ask if you’re happy with Bryce going home.  He’s been blah from the beginning so it was really only a matter of time.

I know you guys have said Anya has no sewing experience so she’s going to fall apart but I have complete faith in her.  She’s doing amazing things with amazing fabrics and she has me sold.  But you guys have seen more seasons than me so I trust you if you think she’s a weak link.  Then Olivier would be my fav after Anya.

How is this season stacking up compared to the past?  Exciting? Boring?  Not nearly as good as Season ___.

Project Runway is on Thursdays at 8pm on Lifetime.  I watch it at myLifetime.com  the day after (or as soon as I can get it to work).

I was bothered that all of the models seem to have the same bone structure except for Allison.  They all look exactly the same to me which isn’t how normal seasons go.  Normally I feel there are softer girls mixed in with the chiseled ones but they’re all chiseled this season.

Allison is my fav but after her I’m excited to see what Isis is going to do this season.

I see many, many cat fights in our future.  I see drama galore.  These girls know they’re the $#!%.  They all have modeling careers so they are out for blood and I can’t wait to see what they’re dishing out.  Photo shoots had better be off the hook this season since the talent has experience.  Last night was a little disappointing.

And please, Shannon.  If the bikini is smaller than the underwear, wear the underwear.  Hyprocrite.  I kind of understand where she’s coming from but I hope she looks back at this and realizes how ridiculous she sounds.  Girl, please!

What do you think?  Is this going to be the best season yet?

ANTM is on Wednesday at 8pm MT on The CW

Mon:

How I Met Your Mother, CBS, Sept 19, 7pm.  My second fav sitcom.  Really, I’m just in love with Neil Patrick Harris.

Tues:

The Biggest Loser, NBC, Sept 20, 7pm.  Don’t know if I’m really going to have two hours to devote to this especially now that Jillian is gone but we’ve watched it for so many years I thought I should list it.

Ringer, The CW, Sept 13, 8pm.  Sarah Michelle Gellar.  Do I need to say more?

New Girl, FOX, Sept 20 at 8pm.  More excited for this than any other new show.

Raising Hope, FOX, Sept 20 at 8:30pm.  New promo looks dumb but I think the show stands up to it.

Wed:

Survivor South Pacific, CBS, Sept 14, 7pm.  Special 90 min premiere.  Truth be told…how can this possibly be better than last season?  I mean Boston Rob taking the win.  That’s going to be really hard to top even with Coach and Ozzy back.

America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), The CW, Sept 14, 8pm.  All-star edition.  Fav’s from past seasons.

Modern Family, ABC, Sept 21, 8pm.  Can’t wait to see Cam again!  And Luke.  That kid is a crack up.

Up All Night, NBC, Sept 14, 9pm.  Really skeptical about this one.  But  Will Arnett and Christina Applegate?  They’re just awesome.

Thurs:

The Big Bang Theory, CBS, Sept 22, 7pm.  Amy Farah Fowler really steals this show for me.

Community, NBC, Sept 22, 7pm.  Abed carries this show to me.  Hopefully this season will be more exciting than last.  Show’s kind of taken a turn for the worst for me but past seasons have been so spectacular I just keep waiting for their return.

Parks and Recreation, NBC, Sept 22, 7:30.  This is li-terally one of my favorite shows.

Project Runway, Lifetime, Now, Thurs, 8pm.  I can only watch this online the day after but I am glued to my laptop Friday.  Best show ever! Watch online now.

The Secret Circle, The CW, Sept 15, 8pm.  A teenage witch drama.  But it looks like the adults are in on it too.

The Office, NBC, Sept 22, 8pm.  I keep watching and I don’t really know why other than out of loyalty.  Do you think this season will be as big a train wreck as I do?  How will they survive without Michael?

30 Rock.  Looks like it will be back in January. 

 Fri:

Chuck, NBC, Oct 21, 7pm.  New night!  I feel like this is another one I watch out of loyalty.  Once Chuck became a spy he wasn’t as cute and helpless anymore.  Though really, he still is just not in the same way.  Love the supporting cast.  They make the show.

Nikita, The CW, Sept 23, 7pm.  I’m a sucker for a kick your trash in girl.

Grimm, NBC, Oct 21, 8pm.  Cop drama, fairytale.  Also fairytale, see Once Upon A Time.

Sun:

The Amazing Race, CBS, Sept 25, 7pm.  Jenna and Ethan from Survivor will be making an appearance.  Remember when Boston Rob and Amber did this show?  It did not end well for them.

Once Upon a Time, ABC, Sept 23 at 7pm.  I don’t know about this one but it looks beautiful.  Also fairytale, see Grimm.

There were several other links I was going to give you but the Networks pulled the videos and the posts didn’t make much sense, or look pretty, without them.  In case you’re wondering, we have 3 DVRs.  I really don’t like to record three shows at once but I will, oh yes, I will.  And truth be told, by a few shows in I’ll probably have dropped some of these anyways.  I’m just like a kid in a candy store though each time Fall comes around.  I’m a sucker for TV.

I didn’t even touch on the Cable shows: Top Gear, Mythbusters, Pawn Stars to name a few.  But there are some good shows coming out.

What’s on your must see list this Fall?

Then last week I just woke up and watched it.  Just out of the blue and I am so head over heels in love with this show.  I’m a newbie so I’m sure I don’t get the importance of everything going on but I am a Project Runway believer.

Like last night (for me this morning) getting those students to paint for the designers and then having the designers interpret the painting into their outfits.  Absolutely amazing.  Some of them were stunning to me like Anya’s feather outfit and others I just shook my head at.

Anthony Ryan’s brush stroke dress was truly inspired.  I could see how Kenneth Cole felt it wasn’t finished very well but really thought the execution of the idea was flawless.

I don’t understand how Heidi Klum could have found anything redeeming in Bert’s suit.  I know retro comes in and out but that screamed 80s to me and not in a throwback, look how cute it is to wear this again, kind of way.  In a bad, completely out of touch with what’s happening in the real world around you kind a way.  I really disliked it.  One of them said it looked like a Teletubby would wear it and I completely agree.  And Michael Kohr’s said it looked like he was washing the floor and then just stuck the sponge on his suit.  Total fail for me.

Oh Joshua C.  I don’t even really know what to say.  I saw what he saw, with the open rib cage and the vulnerability, but I completely understand why none of the judges saw it.  It really did look like a cocktail waitress’ get up.  I think Joshua is so cute and sweet and wonderful but I don’t feel like he put forth his best work  in these two tries that he’s gotten.

OK.  Who is my fav?  Anya.  Hands down, every week.  I love her style and ambition and her cute accent doesn’t hurt either.  And according to myLifetime.com she’s ahead on the polls too.   This is my first time going through this show so I’m as giddy as a schoolgirl.  I cannot believe I waited so long to watch this.

I you haven’t watched it either you can check out episodes of this Season (S9) and catch up here.  I found episodes 2-6 really easily and I’m sure if you dug around you could find one.  But it’s reality TV.  If you miss an episode here and there they’ll recap it for you at the beginning of the next.

I feel like I could talk about this for days but I’m going to cut off here.  Who was your fav this week?

Project Runway is on Thurs at 8pm on Lifetime.

“Up All Night,” created by Emily Spivey (NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” and “Saturday Night Live”) and executive produced by Lorne Michaels (NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock”), is an irreverent look at modern parenthood.

Christina Applegate (“Samantha Who?”) stars as Reagan Brinkley: loving wife, successful career woman, life of the party and, most recently, mom. Determined not to compromise her career or cool reputation to the cliches of motherhood, Reagan adjusts to life with a baby and returns to work with the support of her stay-at-home husband, Chris (Will Arnett, “Arrested Development”). As Reagan and Chris figure out their new life, self-doubt, sleep deprivation and the pressure of today’s parenting protocols rattle their confidence. What’s more, the endless needs of Reagan’s boss, ambitious but vulnerable talk-show host Ava (Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live,” “Bridesmaids”), threaten to throw Reagan off balance.”

I have to be honest.  I think this show looks terrible but I am completely in love will Will Arnett and Christina Applegate so I have to give it a try. If for no other reason than to see them swear uncontrollably (bleeped out of course).

I am a huge Arrested Development fan and I thought Samantha Who? was so cute and funny and refreshing. Both of them cancelled way before they should have been. I’m not sure this is the show that’s going to stick for either of them but dealing with the struggles of a newborn in a comedy could come together. Even as I’m writing that I don’t believe it. Don’t believe it at all. I predict crash and burn, but I would love to be wrong. (Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, SNL influences.  I hope I’m just missing something here.) Please prove me wrong!

Loved this quote from jwicklun on YouTube: Oh, the guy in the $10,000 suit is going to change a diaper for a baby who doesn’t even make that in a year. C”MON.

Up All Night airs Wednesday, September 14 at 8pm MT.

Here’s a link to the preview on YouTube.

I will say though.  This looks terrifying.  I’m going to give it a shot but I have the fright level of a scaredy pants 6 year old girl.  That’s not to say I don’t like to be scared but unfortunately for me my level is low and I know there is no way, even if hell froze over, that I am going to get my husband to watch this with me.

As you saw this is kind of like a crime drama with fairy tale bad guys (And I’m sure a few good ones will pop up.  Can I hear a, “love interest” from anyone?)  I don’t like crime dramas because I don’t like fantasizing about real things that can happen to real people.  Though dramatized there always seems to be at least a small element of truth going on.  I don’t like truth when it happens to be scary or disgusting.  So I’m hesitant about this show.  I will definitely give it a look but I may not be staying.  Then again, if it turns out to be a modern Buffy I’ll watch it religiously.

Grimm premieres on NBC on Friday October 21st at 7pm MT.

To check out the very different fairy tale drama coming to ABC see Once Upon A Time.

Once Upon a Time premiers Sunday, October 23rd at 7pm MT on ABC.  (Long wait, I know.)

What else do I love about this show besides the fact that I laugh out loud constantly?  They race all the cars around different tracks and roads and there is nothing like seeing a car slide sideways around a turn to get me all giddy and giggly.  The hosts are sheer perfection.  (James May, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond) They all take the mick out of one another and nobody is off limits for a little razzing.

You can catch Top Gear UK either on YouTube or Netflix Streaming.  Definitely worth a look.

Now, the US has our own version of TopGear.  It took me a few shows to get into because, let’s face it, it’s different.  The structure of the show is exactly the same.  Get some cool cars, race them around.  Do some fun side competitions with random types of cars that the average American can actually afford and probably owns.  But it’s American humor this time which once I got used to it was hilarious, but it’s not the same.  Again, three really great hosts who are very different and like to poke fun at each other.  So same format, just Americanized. (Tanner Faust, Adam Ferrara, Rutledge Wood)

This show is currently airing on the History Channel Sunday nights at 11pm.

Now, I will say that I am a little embarrassed for the adult actors in this film because really?  You want Spy Kids on your IMDb?  They did a great job but I can’t help feeling like this wasn’t their first pick.  Definitely not Oscar material, you know?  But kids need parents and we need a bad guy to fight and apparently the voice of a dog?  Ricky Gervais is this really a good career move?  Brilliantly funny but a dog?  Anyway.

The kids loved it and I had no problem sitting through it so I would recommend this movie especially to young boys.  I swear it was made just for them.  Now I have never seen any of the other movies in the franchise so I probably missed some inside jokes but it’s not phasing me in the least.

Also, this movie is supposed to be 4D.  We saw it in 2 and that was enough D for us.  The 4thD is smell.  You’re supposed to get a card and when a number pops up on the screen you scratch and sniff the corresponding number on the card.  We did not get any cards so I can’t review that part of it but the numbers were kind of distracting and I really can’t see an adult movie asking you to stop looking at the million dollar picture on the screen and scratch a little card.  But you never know, I could be wrong.

Great family movie.  Go take the kids out to see it.

Spy Kids is in theaters now.

Well, now that that bit of childishness is out of me.  Jennifer nailed it last night.  Qail.  Risky business that.  But she did it.  Perfect scallops.  Ramsey couldn’t shut up about how well they were seared.

As long as Jennifer beat out Christian I honestly didn’t care who won.  Until Jennifer won and then I was so excited for her.  Her little nephew was there to cheer her on.  Not to beat a dead horse but Jennifer winning drives the nail in the coffin that she is better than Christian.  OK, so maybe a little more childishness.

I love Adrien and he definitely deserved to be in he finals.  I love his fresh twists on Mexican cooking.  I would have loved to try those taquitos.  According to Twitter, Ben Starr gave Adrien his new do.  Maybe he should have kept his “lucky” hair until it was over?

I could not be happier that they both bombed their desserts.  Then they were on even footing.  If one had gotten it right it would have pushed them farther ahead.

This is my first season of MasterChef and I completely and thoroughly enjoyed it.  My hats off to the three judges.  Until next season…

Is it possible to con your way out of hell? Fifty-two year old Daniel Cabrero thinks so and why wouldn’t he? After all, that’s how he spent his entire life. But Jonah his spirit guide has reasons of his own for making sure that Daniel pays for all the suffering and misery he’s caused others in the past. Still sometimes people can change, even in hell. And maybe Daniel can keep his son from following the same path that brought him here.

Deanne Blackhurst’s site.

The author is offering our readers the Ebook for $1.99.   The offer is good until August 31st.  Use this link:  Sleight of Hand and enter the code:  MX73D.

This is completely, with a capital C, different than what I usually read.  That doesn’t even sum up how different this book is from the norm.  I almost didn’t agree to read this I was so skeptical that I would even slightly enjoy it.  But the moment I opened the book and started reading I knew I would love it and it would give me some perspective that I’ve been wanting in my life.

One of the things that concerned me about a Christian book is how does a “goodie two shoes” Christian writer know anything about the life of a con man.  I was pleasantly surprised at the little details, pin-up calendars, drinking binges, etc, that really made me buy into Daniel as a sleazy, slimy, good for nothing, out only for himself, creep.

I don’t want to give anything away but his journey played out perfectly with some of my own ideas of the afterlife.  And it really got me thinking, what do I want waiting for me when my life is over?  How do I want my afterlife to play out?  Which I assume, is the whole point of the book.

I have a question that is near and dear to my heart that I want to ask Ms Blackhurst and it has to do with Catherine Bentley’s continued journey.  How does her story go?

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in an interesting and thought provoking read about our possible journey after this life.  And  it’s just plain and simply a fun read.   You’ll fall in love with the characters.  And remember, I never read books that make me think.

I’ll leave you with a quote from the book, “Freedom of choice isn’t the same thing as freedom from responsibility.”

Alisa

**************

From the moment I started reading, I was captivated. I was initially startled by the immediate death of the main character. But death is sudden, death is real, death is unavoidable, and all too often, it happens when we least expect it. And the real question for so many of us, and what the basis of this book is about, is “What happens after death?”.

Being someone who believes in an afterlife, I too, like Alisa, found myself agreeing with a lot of the perspective of this specific afterlife. And yet it was still completely thought-provoking. In reading a novel, I’ve never found myself more engaged in contemplating my life, my afterlife, and wanting to actually be a better person as I did with this one.

This was a very quick and easy read and I think is applicable to almost anyone! There were some juvenile moments near the end that, for lack of a better term, felt a little “cheesy.” But, otherwise, I would highly recommend reading it! If nothing else, it gives a great perspective of hope. Hope for a better future, hope for justice, hope in Eternal life.

Elaine

**************

Poor Suzy.  The “pastry girl” loses to a guy who has never made a lemon meringue pie before in his life.  The thing I love to hate about Suzy is she is so stinking positive about herself.  The judges can give her an awful critique but if they throw her a bone, the tiniest, most insignificant little bone she grabs onto it and holds it up as a light to guide her life by.  Something like, “They liked the duck so we’ve got this.”  When the judges bagged on everything else they did.  I honest to goodness whish I was that positive about my own life.  How much more fun and happy would I be if I only believed in myself a fraction of what Suzy does of herself.

Christian.  He’s a jerk.  I don’t know how he treats people in real life so I can’t say he’s a jerk to everyone but in this competition he’s a bonafide stuck up, big fat hairy jerk.  And I love him for it.  I pretty much always love the bad guy.  Again, don’t want him to win but I’ve gotten my wish and he’s made it to the finals.  I cannot wait for tomorrows show if he loses.  I can taste the bile in my mouth right now that he will feel when he gets sent packing.  It will be glorious.  Do you think he’ll throw a temper tantrum?  ”F@#$ this!!!!  They don’t F#@$ing know what they’re talking about.  This is F$%^ing stupid!!!!!”  I want someone to send me five bucks if I just quoted him verbatim.  I don’t think my tirade is long enough though.

So there is a huge chance Christian can win.  My money is on Adrien or Jennifer.  Adrien being my top pick but Jennifer has also won a ton of stuff and she does have that stunning smile that may sway the judges.  Whoever wins, this is going to be a tense, nail biting experience.  I can’t wait!

Who’s your pick to go home first?  And then, who’s your pick to win it all?

The MasterChef finale is on Tonight, Tuesday at 7pm on FOX.

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out that he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that’s wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

I have a love/hate relationship with this series.  My problem is I will read anything paranormal and probably love it just because it has super human aspects to it.  I remember reading the first book City of Bones and calling my friend Laura (another contributor here on BtDA) because she reviewed the book and hated it.  I was really enjoying the story but the incest was majorly creeping me out.  But like I said it had a paranormal aspect to it so I stuck it out and I don’t regret it.  Once the first book wrapped up I was hooked.

These books are major page turners to me.  Like Laura said each book is incomplete without the next one.  Which brings me to why I was left completely unsatisfied and wanting more at the end of Fallen Angels.  You see, I thought it was the last book in the series.  I thought this was it.  I couldn’t tell you where I heard that but boy was I wrong. (Two more books to come.)  More loose ends and a huge cliffhanger.   I still loved the book but I was expecting a tidy wrap up at the end and it wasn’t even close.

I love this series because of the variety of paranormal beings that are not necessarily main characters but very strong secondary characters.  You’ve got a werewolf pack, a vampire clan, a rogue werewolf, a rogue vampire that can walk in the daylight and the main characters the Shadowhunters (demon hunters).  And I love the demons.  There’s a variety of them and they are just plain fun spawns of Hell.

You see Laura and I have very different opinions about this series.  I will agree that it’s not literature by any means but for me it’s heart pounding fun.

I’m curious if any of you have read the series and who you agree with?