Top 3 - NEW things you want to do in 2016

Top 3 NEW things you want to do in 2016

Melody

The first thing that I would like to try this year is to keep up with a bullet journal. I have always wanted to keep a tradition journal where I keep my daily routine recorded. But that process has never really worked for me. I always end up dropping it after a while, not really felling that motivated for the project. However, this new system that I have discover may be just right for me. I love making list. I also love crossing out items from those list once I have accomplish them. It always keeps me motivated. I have random notebooks and papers all around with list. That is why I think the bullet journal is perfect for me. Because it's practically the same thing but organize. So here is hoping that I keep this journal this year.

image source

Second thing I would like to accomplish this year (starting in February) is to create a weekly graphic. I would like to get back into creating things I enjoy. I have always love making illustrations and I am hoping that this task will allow me to get back into a routine into creating something that I love. 

Example of one of the illustrations I have done

Lastly I would like to finish a novel I started during NaNoWriMo. It doesn't have to be perfect it just has to be complete. That is one of my goals to have a complete novel. That would be a new thing that I would try out. To have a complete book.

Em

(sadly, I have no pretty pictures) 

So, my top thing I want to do this year, I want to go back to work after I am done from my recovery. It's not on this list cause I have worked for many, many years. So, it can't be defined as a NEW thing, and the topic of this post. 

Now to the Top Three things I want to do:

#3 - Learn to Knit in the Round

For non knitters, that is learning to knit things like hats, and socks.  I own the double pointed needles, and circular needles, so I just need to DO and PRACTICE. Two things that are soooo boring. 

#2 - Walking 

Okay, this isn't all new. I use do fun walk/runs for charity a lot. (See when I worked and had money to do things like this) BUT I have a goal this time, I want to work on my distance and stamina.  I would love to do Bay to Breakers by 2017 again.  And when you are going from nothing, you need to work yourself up. 

#1 - Start an Esty Store 

I have been making crafts for a long time, and now I want to put some ideas to use.  I am working on idea and product demos now, so I can chose what I want to toss up on the store.  I do back and forth on geeky things I like, and the more hipster or country things that more people might buy.  

Or I could just do it all! What do you think, or what are some things you want to do this year? 

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Darkness Brutal by Rachel A. Marks

Darkness Brutal 

by Rachel A. Marks
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication Date: July 1, 2015
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback
Amazon Buy Link: HERE 
Goodreads Link: HERE 
Em's Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Book Blurb: Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer. In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. In their company, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But when he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, he awakens powers he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness. With the fate of humanity in his hands, can Aidan keep the Darkness at bay and accept his brilliant, terrifying destiny?

 Reading the synopsis of this book, I was afraid I was going to read another “person founds out they had powers they didn’t know and was more important to the world” blah blah plot that I have read a dozen times over. What I feel that this book got right (and much to my happiness) is that our main character, Aidan, knows from a young age he is different. He can read langues long dead, and understand any spoken word. He can see demons and other otherworldly beings, and he can see your soul and the marks left behind on it, Violence, murder, sex - things that leave an impression deep into your core. I think I wanted to point it out, because one of the only negative comments on this book, was Aidan being able to see the “handprints of your partners”, which they called slut shaming. But, the author never had Aidan shame them, only know what happened in there past. If fact, Kara, the “broken girl” is a victim of sexual abuse and rape, (also she is far from “broken” in this story) and Aidan has a strong connection to her.

 There was many times that you had a tropes in this book like sex will “awaken” your powers, and then spun it to mean something else. Pointing out time and again connections to people are more important than sex. Other a mother dying when they were young - and other things I don’t want to spoil you about. It was like Rachel Marks wanted to set up part so you will feel, “oh I know where this is go...wait that didn’t happen?”

 This book was also 400 pages of no down time. You are carried through Aidan’s journey without times of random cleaning, or shopping trips, or any other random filler, but plot and character. I enjoyed most of the background characters, the main love interest was not a damsel waiting for her man, even if she was set up to feel like that was the trope the author was going for.

I will have to warn you, this urban fantasy is heavy with religious symbolism. This is not your “main character can shoot fire from his eyes,” demon hunter, (which he kind of turns into) but a lot falls back on that power of understanding ancient languages.  There is also talk about rape and basically a backstory of a child sold for sex, so if that is a trigger this might not be the story for you.

 I thoroughly enjoyable read, and I can’t wait to finish the next book. Which, I am already 30% into it, says my e-reader.

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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0| Comic Review

Writer: Kyle Higgins,Steve Orlando, and Mairghread Scott
Artist: Hendry Prasetya, Corin Howell, And Daniel Bayliss
Comic Company:Boom! Studios
Title: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0
Release: January 13, 2016)
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 24
Format: Single Issue
Where to find it:
Series: Yes
Summary:What’s to Love: Saban’s Power Rangers is a multi-generational, globally-recognized franchise. With its epic Ranger suits, giant Zords and Megazords, and—at its core—a story of super powered teens who defend the world from evil, the Power Rangers series is a pop-culture phenomenon that has continued to resonate with fans for more than 22 years. We, as huge Power Rangers fans ourselves, are excited to produce a modern Power Rangers comic featuring the iconic characters from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series. What It Is: It’s Morphin Time! Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers make their BOOM! Studios comic debut in this kick-off #0 issue, which sets the stage for the rest of the series. After escaping Rita Repulsa’s mind control, Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, joins up with the rest of the Power Rangers to combat her never-ending evil plans. Any semblance of a normal life is gone for Tommy now, but with his newfound family there lies hope for a brighter path. Includes the short story from the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics! (goodreads)

Thoughts: If you were a kids in the 90's you knew about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. A group of teenagers fighting weekly to save the world from the evil Rita Repulsa. I  remember watching it every weekend seeing what the Rangers would do against the villain. Although a lot has change since it first air. A lot of kids from the 90's always will go back to the originals being their favorites. I am very excited for this comic book series from Boom! Studios. This series will focus on the original Rangers (Jason, Trini, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Tommy).

I really liked this issue. It gave us a taste of what is to come in March. It felt as if it will be giving us an insight on the Rangers lives. Which is something that a lot of us wonder. What did they do, other that fight villains, and being in the youth center.

Another thing that I enjoyed of this issue was that it felt like a contemporary story. Yes, they fight and have the ability to fight villains with enormous "zords", but it still had a vibe of normal teenagers with normal issues. This is something that I will be looking forward to reading more and if you were a fan of the show it wouldn't hurt to give this a try.

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Mel's Weekly Goals 1/18-1/24

This week. I hope to accomplish reading more of my single issue comics. I have come to realize that I had let too many of them piled up. With the total of 51 single issues currently in my pile (yup that many). I had let it grow out of control.


Last week I didn't do much reading at all. I didn't complete a book but I did complete reading 10 of my single issue comics. Making it fine by my book.


At the moment I don't really know what I feel like reading. So I am hoping to pick up something soon. Even though I haven't been reading any novels lately (I blame it at my recent addiction of watching Chicago PD, Chicago Med, and Law and Order: SUV). Not really giving my self a challenge this week in a book. Since last week I challenge my self a book that I didn't pick up.


One thing I did complete from my list last week was Wayward. Which I am really enjoying. So here is for hoping to complete more this this.

Want to get to this week:

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Top 3 TBR

This week we are going to try to do the impossible feat of narrowing our TBR lists to the top 3 books we want to read in 2016.  Because this is a hard list, do not be shocked if we fudge and group a few under a series or author.  This is hard you-all! 

EM

In 2016 I have quiet a list I want to get through.  A list that keeps getting longer every time I hit our library bookstore.  (Just wait for my monthly book haul post later this month) So, with that said - 

Finish the Maze Runner Books - I started this book before Comic Con last year, and even though it is not my favorite book of 2015, I want to finish the books.  And more so before the rest of the movies.  BOOKS BEFORE MOVIES KIDS!

Finish the How To Train Your Dragon Series  (of books to date)  -  I'm already 4 books into this series and I am loving them.  Funny quick reads, and if you have kids (or still act like one) pick them up and read them!  (also there are 8 books I still need to read, so you get a pick of this box set that is on my Amazon wishlist) 

Oh boy, this last one is HARD cause I really can't think how to pick one out of these piles here.  I think I am going with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. - I have, shockingly never read these books, and always wanted to, so better start now(ish).  There IS 14 books total, but I am going to start with the first and see how that goes.  

Mel

There is so many I would love to get to this year, but there is just not enough time in my schedule to actually complete all these books. So here are the top 3 books I would like to get to this year.

First thing I hope to accomplish reading this year is to finish the books I own by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. She was one of the first authors I truly love reading. Owning 13 of her books and have read 8 of them. I am hoping to finish reading the rest of her books that I own before continuing in reading more of her books.  

    

 

Second group of books by an author that I wish to finish this year is to finally complete reading all of the Brandon Sanderson books that I currently own. (This doesn't include the new releases coming out this year. Which I am also hope to completing this year. I came to love Sanderson's writing last year and wasn't able to complete reading the books I own of his. I am hoping to complete that this year.

  

Lastly, I wish to read complete (or get close to completing) all of the Laurell K. Hamilton books I own in the Anita Black series. Now this one is going to be more of a challenge. With 25 books in the series so far, the latest one coming out this year. It's one of the longest series I have started. I currently stand in reading book 8th in the series. However, I own up to book 17 of the series. I am hoping to read up to that book in the series. Seeing if I would wish to continue in the series. With these books it brings my total of 18 books. Hope I can accomplish this challenge.

  

Starting with book 8th (Blue Moon) and ending with book 17 (Skin Trade).

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Keep (Men of the ESRB #2)

Keep (Men of the ESRB #2)

by Hollis Shiloh

Publisher: Spare Words Press

• Publication Date: December 18, 2015

Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance

Format: Ebook or Paperback

Amazon Buy Link: HERE

Goodreads Link: HERE

Em's Rating: ★ ★

Book Blurb:

Pete might always know when people are lying, but that doesn't make him a good judge of character. Will he ever find a man who wants to keep him?

Pete's the kind of guy who gets on people's nerves. He can't sit still. He talks too much. He doesn't know when to shut up. And he always knows when people are lying.

While his talent wasn't strong enough to get an empath rating from the ESRB, he now has a second chance with the new testing system they're using. If he makes it, he'll have some well-paying job offers from people who actually appreciate his gifts.

Maybe this time things will work out. Maybe his life will finally take a turn for the better. With some hot guys in it, too.

Okay, I really, really wanted to like this book.  A world where people like empaths and clairvoyants are a thing, and when I found out the main character with a P.I.. YES! Paranormal, suspense and some romance to ice my cake!  - sadly this cake is made of cardboard and paste that just looks good in the window.  

I almost don’t know where to start.  We met Peter has he is picking up a friend to help him on a case.  Which turns into a double round of sex and a glossed over part of the aftermath of the case. We then go to this ESRB headquarters for Peter to be tested.  Okay then, we are going to focus on him learning how to use these six sense for the good! Nope, we get him meeting ANOTHER guy and falling in love, yet doubting everything about the relationship.  And then we just move to place to place, focusing on relationships and nothing on the paranormal of this book.   

Which brings me to my next problem.  This author suffers from “tell you not show you.”  Don’t know what that is?  Take a look at this book, and we are told everything Peter is feeling, without a lot of body language. We are told that working for the police as an empath is hard on him mentally, yet there is no downfall or timeframe.  It is bad “I have a problem” or a toss out line that he is thinking about ending it.  Sure the story is from his point-of-view but the author could have done her world and the book a whole lot of favors and made this book 100 pages longer with STORY CONTENT. There seems to be a lot of interesting things around Peter, who only wants to tell me two things, his gay and he talks a lot people can’t stand him.  For a book that as a main character “talking a lot” and what sounds like he’s hyperactive, this story as shockingly little dialog.  And, only once did a side character point it out anything that was fidgety and it was in the first chapter.  Every time after that I was told.  Have banter. Have odd habits. Have ANYTHING to flesh out your character more.  

Then, (as I move to another paragraph, because I feel like it needs it’s own rant) there is the constraint pointing out, to us, that he is gay.  Or gay and hot, or any other gay and blank you want to add.  Like, I would forget 60% into the book, the man is gay.  Now maybe I have an issue with this, because I do not think every 10 mins, I’m Bi or I’m pagan or I’m add blank blank here.  But that is what we got.  Not more on him learning to control his gift. Not him helping people with his gift.  Nope those are taken care of in toss away chapters to give me that much more “I’m gay”ness filler.  It reminds me of something I read on tumblr once, about how it would be nice to have gay characters and them being gay is not the whole focal point of their story-lines.  

Okay, so I know there are going to be a lot of people that want a cute, fluffy romance with some angst to bind it all together.  If you do, here is a story for you.  But, if you are like me and want more than bed hopping and a toss away story this is not your book.   

Ugh!  I wanted to like this SOOOOO BAD!

*I got a copy of this book for an honest review at Netgalley*

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Em's Weekly Goals 1/18-24/2016

    This week the forecast calls for rain, and a sick Em.  Looks like I will be reading!  Also, lots and lots of writing.  I am SO far behind.

For reading I have ... a lot of Scifi in my books!

Writing - I have at least 8 reviews I need to type out, and THEN I have some of my own to do. Oh Boy! Crafting I have bookmarks to knit. And a sewing machine to earn it's keep!

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Image Comics Review | Week 1/3-1/9

Title of the run: Saga
Author:Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Issue #: 32
Release: December 23, 2015
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 28
Format: Single Issue
Where to find it: MidtownComics.com
Summary: When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. From bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan, Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.

Thoughts: I really can't say much about this issue because it will spoiled to story line for people that haven't read this ahead in the story. But I just have to say that I completely love this series. What Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have create is just incredible. It just makes you wonder what else they could create together.

From the amazing story line to the breath taking art this book has everything. I love that what this story capture is what a family is willing to do to stay together. To keep the hope alive that they will be together no matter what.

If you are not reading this yet. Please pick it up. But do keep in mind that this does have adult themes and graphical images so it may not be for everyone if your not comfortable in those certain themes.

Title of the run: Paper Girls

Author:Brian K. Vaughan

Artist: Cliff Chiang

Color Artist: Matt Wilson

Issue #: 4

Release: January 6th, 2016

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pages: 30

Format: Single Issue

Where to find it: MidtownComics.com

Summary: In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.

Thoughts: What can I say about Paper Girls other than I am loving this series so far. I think that by this point Brian K. Vaughan can't do any wrong in my book. I have been devouring anything that I can get my hands on by him. His story telling in comics is so different and outside of the box.

I can't wait to get my hand on every issue in this series so far. I am always thinking and theorizing what will come next and when I get the issue is something completely different than what I expected. I like that you really don't know what is going on and in every issue you discover something new. I also love that it's set in 1988 (year I was born), another thing to love about it.

The art and the coloring in this book is just beautiful. It's a perfect balance. I am always so excited to see the colors that are use in this book. They are not drown in your face and it's just perfect for the story.

If you are not picking up this book yet. Please do because it's just amazing. And if you are waiting for the trade it will be coming out April 5th (amazon). I completely recommend to pick up. It's something you will not be expecting at all.


  

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Mel's Weekely Goals | 1/11-1/17 (weekly wrap-up 1/4-1/10)

Already falling behind. How fun is that. It's just the second week of the year. So last week I did ended up accomplishing a lot of things. I ended up finish up "The Raven Boys". Which I really loved. A review is hopefully coming soon. Working on it.

Didn't really participated in any of the readathons during the week. Ended up just reading on my own pace. Which was fun. I just need to learn to accept that it's okay not to read a lot during the week. Hopefully I can accept that. There is time for other stuff also. I also accomplish in reading comic books last week. Will be doing a lot of reviews this week (hopefully). Also accomplish in hearing one audiobook. Which I really loved. Hoping to continue reading the Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy soon.

This week I am planning on taking it slow also. I am hoping to try and get half-way through The Dream Thief if not I may pick up another book. Depending how I feel.

Books I want to read:

  

Hopefully some other comic books.

Post posted last week:

Carrie by Stephen King

Side-Kicked By Russell Brettholtz and Miguel Mendonca
Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Top 3 Podcast
Recommendation | Bookoutlet #1 - The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
 

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The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 5: Spiral by Gerry Conway

Writer: Gerry Conway
Artist: Multiple Artist
Comic Company: Marvel Comics
Title: The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 5: Spiral
Release: October 13, 2015 (own these in single issues)
Rating: ★ ★
Pages: 112
Format: Volumes
Where to find it: Amazon | BookDepository
Series: Yes
Summary:The underworld is in a constant flux and has been since the Kingpin got taken out at SHADOWLAND. That war is heating up and Spidey's going to do something about it. But he's not the only one-- Police Captain Yuri Watanabe is trying to curtail the madnessboth in her day job as a police officer and asthe vigilante THE WRAITH! Do she and Spideyplay by the same rules?
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider -Man 16.1-20.1 (goodreads)

Thoughts: I was very confuse by this story. This was a side story that was written within the run of The Amazing Spider-Man before Secret Wars event and I was really confuse with the direction of the story.

I felt that it was just a random story that they wanted to place within the universe. It felt like it didn't have any purpose in the whole picture of the story. I recently started reading Spider-Man again and really wanted to read the current run of it and was really disappointed by this side story. Specially since I was picking them up in single issues.

We basically follow another character in the Spider-man world and have Spider-man as a side character.

I don't recommend to pick this trade up unless you are really into the Spider-man world and would like to read up on everything that is written about him. You don't have to pick this up to understand the main story of  this run. You could skip this volume.

It did have some interesting qualities in it. Like see how a person will lose their way and how justice is really not given to those who did wrong in a world that is corrupted.

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Recommendation | Bookoutlet #1 - The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

I would like to start this post by stating that I am not sponsor by BookOutlet at all. This is something that would be fun to do. I wanted to do this because I am always wondering what books are good to read on the site. Specially when there is such good prices in the site. But we all have the habit of getting books that we know nothing about and that we don't even enjoy. Or sometimes there is books on the sited that we didn't even realize where on the the site that we really wish we knew sooner about them.

I am hoping that each week (if possible and if the book I own is still on the site) I can review a book that you guys would be interested in reading that is in the site.

Author: Lauren Beukes
Title: The Shining Girls
Release: June 4th 2013
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 375
Format: Hardcover
Where to find it: Amazon | Bookdepository | Bookoutlet
Series: No
Summary:The Girl Who Wouldn't Die Hunts the Killer Who Shouldn't Exist The future is not as loud as war, but it is relentless. It has a terrible fury all its own. Harper Curtis is a killer who stepped out of the past. Kirby Mazrachi is the girl who was never meant to have a future. Kirby is the last shining girl, one of the bright young women, burning with potential, whose lives Harper is destined to snuff out after he stumbles on a House in Depression-era Chicago that opens on to other times. At the urging of the House, Harper inserts himself into the lives of the shining girls, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He's the ultimate hunter, vanishing into another time after each murder, untraceable-until one of his victims survives. Determined to bring her would-be killer to justice, Kirby joins the Chicago Sun-Times to work with the ex-homicide reporter, Dan Velasquez, who covered her case. Soon Kirby finds herself closing in on the impossible truth . . . The Shining Girls is a masterful twist on the serial killer tale: a violent quantum leap featuring a memorable and appealing heroine in pursuit of a deadly criminal.  (goodreads)

Thoughts:
I had heard about the author through a interview from the show The Pull from the Geek and Sundry Twitch network. They where interviewing her about her new comic book series call 'Survivors Club' that she is currently working with her husband. The comic book series is a horror base comic about a group of individuals that survive horror set tragedies. For example one of them survived an exorcist attack. I was interested in the series and picked up the comics which I have really enjoyed.

I ended up searching this author on bookoutlet and was happy to found her book on the site. At the moment they only had The Shining Girls and later they also had Broken Monsters (which I am excited to read soon).

I started this books without expecting much not really knowing much about the books all I knew going into it was that there was time travel. I really enjoyed this book. It was something that I had never read before and I really enjoyed it. The story gave me a feel of Jack the Ripper if he had a Tardis, which it's a scary thing if you really think about it.

I really don't want to go into to much into details of the book because I think it will ruin the mystery behind the story. But I really did enjoyed how the author played with the idea about a serial killer through time.

It did have some slow moments in some part but overall I enjoyed the ride. It was interesting how we saw one of the characters trying to solve the mystery behind this serial killer.

You can find the authors books here at BookOutlet

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Top 3 Podcast

Because next week is national podcast week, this week's top 3 we will be discussing what are our favorite podcast. Chime in and let us know what podcasts we should be checking out.

Melody

Rooster Teeth Podcast: Listen for free on: Youtube | iTunes
If you like people just talk about random things and at the same time understand the things you like than I think that you should check out this podcast. I love this podcast because they talk about mostly everything that is going on, current events, movies, book, show, life in general. I do have to warn you that they do talk about adult content sometimes. They are mostly known for their comedy in here and talking about their personal lives and applying it to topics they are discussing. I do love it because they are so random. You never feel that you are going to get bored and some of the topics are interesting and they do make you think. But sometimes is just awesome to listen for just laughs. Rooster Teeth Podcast was made from the company of the same name Rooster Teeth. Which is a company that was created base on an online show base on the Halo video game. Which is pretty funny also if you are a gamer.

I also love it because we get to know the company employees and the projects they are working on. It's pretty much a random podcast. That I love to listen and have come to love the hearing and watching the people involve in it.

Nerdiest: Listen for free on: Nerdist.com | iTunes
I love interview base podcast and I think this may be one of the best ones out there. Run by Chris Hardwick, this may be my to go podcast if I would like to find interviews on actors, directors, writers, comedians, pretty much anyone that is in the entertainment industry. I love the fact that the interview just starts. It doesn't start in a format of a traditional interview. Chris has this way of just talking to his guess as if they were just old friends catching up and that is what I love about them. You are getting to know these people that you admire for so long. You are getting to know a little how they think and things they believe.

I also love that it's pretty much uncensored. The pretty much talk about what ever they want in the podcast. I really recommend for you to check out some of the interviews in the site. Really enjoyed them and you will be surprise about who you may find on there.

Movie Fights:   Listen for free on:  Itunes  |  YouTube  |  Paid extended shows ScreenJunkies.com
This is one of the geekiest podcast that I know and I love it. Nerds getting together to discuss what they love from movies and which are the best. This is so geeky and I love it. What I loved more is that Em knew about this podcast already when we meet (More things to geek about).

This podcast is basically how the title states. Movie fights. Three people in the show discuss which of of their picked movie in a certain topic is better the the others and one person judges which of the three made better points. This is a great source to actually find new movies to watch and hear what other people thing about past movies or futures movies that may come. I usually watch it on youtube because I just like watching as the guess in the show interact. Also they have the geekiest topics on the show,  from who will win in a battle between Star Wars vs Star Trek, which franchise is better, who will be best to direct the next Marvel movie, the topics are just endless and I just love it so much. I really recommend if you are a movie fan because the picks are free range to any movie. And you may even be surprise and discover a new favorite movie in the mix.

Em

Welcome to Night Vale:  Listen for free on:  Itunes  | Podbay 
If you have not heard about Welcome to Night Vale, you must have had a nice nap Rip Van Winkle.
Let me catch you up from when you where sleeping.  A few years ago, a podcast hit Itunes that reformed the "radio show" in ways we have not seen since Gunsmoke was on your great grandpa's am radio. (Yes, Gunsmoke was a radio show, before a TV show, making it the oldest western show in history.  But, history lessons for later) Bring a serial series back to popularity.

If you haven't listened (and why not?) or still have no clue what I am talking about, I'll give you a brief background. The whole podcast is from the point of view of you listening to a show on Night Vale public radio, in a town where anything and everything is the norm.  A five headed dragon, that is also running for manor?  Got it. A over-lording government that has black helicopters watching you? Check.  Angels? Black Holes?  Bloody street cleaning?  Yes, yes, and yes.  But the best part is, for the people in Night Vale, they know no different, and it makes for a great scifi/fantasy comedy.  The podcast runs about bi weekly, and has spun off to live shows, an online store, and a book!  (Yes, I got the book at Comic Con, when I went to their lunch)



Movie Fights:   Listen for free on:  Itunes  |  YouTube  |  Paid extended shows ScreenJunkies.com
This is one podcast that Mel and where both listening to, before we met.  Just another thing to squeal over for us.

Movie fights brings those conversations that you have with your friends (you know the nerdy movie ones) puts it on a platform with a judge and the contestants just fight for their opinion.  They have an ever chancing line up, that has even included Elijah Wood (you know Frodo from LotRs) and  Kevin Smith (Slight Bob/Director) and MANY movie reviewers etc.

But, it's just FUN!  Some questions are just wacky (Iron Man vs Darth Vader) to some of the more fought about questions in movie fan history (Which Star Wars movie was the best).  The facts fly fast, and the jokes even faster.  It's one of my Sunday podcast line up.

If you REALLY get hooked and want more, they have a paid subscription with more movie fights, TV fights and other content. I do not get any kick back if you join, so this little tidbit is from the bottom of my golden heart.


Marvel Movie News:  Listen for free on:  Itunes  | YouTube

I know, I brought up this show in our last Top 3, but I just had to add it here.  I have learned more about what's happening with Marvel movies and shows (by any studio or TV station) than a day of goggle fu and a few quad shot mochas would get me. And, wouldn't you rather have someone else do the work?

The cast and their guests just feel like you can sit all day with a coffee, and talk all Marvel shop. From how you love the casting of such and such, or hate an outfit or that one person, to how your dream movie would be. (Spoiler, mine would never, ever get made)

 I also have a list of comics I want to pick up from listening to their recommendations. Thanks guys, like I needed a bigger shopping list.

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Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Author: Bryan Lee O'Malley
Title: Seconds
Release: July 15th 2014
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 323
Format: Hardcover
Where to find it: Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: No
Summary:Katie’s got it pretty good. She’s a talented young chef, she runs a successful restaurant, and she has big plans to open an even better one. Then, all at once, progress on the new location bogs down, her charming ex-boyfriend pops up, her fling with another chef goes sour, and her best waitress gets badly hurt. And just like that, Katie’s life goes from pretty good to not so much. What she needs is a second chance. Everybody deserves one, after all—but they don’t come easy. Luckily for Katie, a mysterious girl appears in the middle of the night with simple instructions for a do-it-yourself do-over… (goodreads)

Thoughts:

I received this book as a gift from Lindsey and I am so grateful. This graphic novel was just so amazing. I picked it up and finished it in one day. I just couldn't put it down. I was pulled into the story from the beginning till the end.



I really enjoy seeing how Katie developed as a character. Seeing how in the end she was willing to make the sacrifice of her dreams form the person that she loved.  The friendship that was develop with one of her waitress was amazing also. I love the way how the novel showed how much she actually cared for her. The friendship develop after an accident that occur in the kitchen was so cute.


It was comical at times which I also love. It was great seeing humor. But it was also great seeing a lot of emotions. The writer balances the emotions of the novel very well. I think that is sometimes hard to balance in stories.


The art in the novel is also amazing. I really liked how the characters where drawn and how the coloring of the book was. It really added to the novel. Art is a very important part of the story as it allows the readers to feel more emotion and the expressions in the characters faces allow me to feel what they were feeling in certain scenes of the story.  


I wish there was a little more to the story. So we could see more of their lives develop. I really recommend this story. I feel that this story express the idea that if you try and try to make things work for yourself only without caring about the outcome or others nothing will ever be resolve.

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Side-Kicked By Russell Brettholtz and Miguel Mendonca

Title: Side-Kicked
Author: Russell Brettholtz (Author), Miguel Mendonca (Author, Illustrator)
Release:Oct 29, 2015
Rating:★ ★ ★ 1/2
Pages: 96
Format: Graphic Novel
Where to find it: Amazon
Series: No

Summary: It should come as no surprise to learn that within the superhero "community," egos run rampant. But how does all that free-flowing narcissism impact those just outside the spotlight? Chicago finds out when five of the city's most loyal Sidekicks finally grow tired of being disrespected by both the prima donnas they work with and the citizenry they strive to protect. And it's not like the Windy City needs yet another labor upheaval ...

Side-Kicked is a refreshing new take on a superhero comic, where a city full of super heroes have let their fame and power go to their heads.  To the point their sidekicks  feel like unappreciated minimum wage fast food employees.  I correlation used in the story, in facts.  It all comes to a head when one day the sidekicks decided to strike back! As in strike!  

When a story like this, I was afraid I would find a lot of corny, campy things in this book.  What I found was a story that had fun teaching your lessons on the importance of respecting the people you work with/ help you, and to stand up for yourself.  All mixed in a fun comic book package.

Sure there is the side-eye to Superman, Batman, and Flash type heroes (along with others like Jameson from Spider Man) but that didn’t over shadow the story or the main characters - the sidekicks!

The are work was colorful and one of the better ones I have seen in an independent comic. The story was at a perfect pacing, another thing I sometimes have trouble with in independent comics.

However, as much as I liked this, Netgalley (who gave me a copy for an honest review), rated this as a “children's” comic, and I disagree.  First , for the parts with a suicide trigger.  No one kills themselves in this book, but right from the first page, there is a scene that might not be right for younger people.   Also, there are some social issues I just don’t think children would get. I also, would I liked to see more women in this story.  For sidekicks (the man focus of the story) they were in the background, not even in a named roll. 

Over all this is a good comic, and a quick read I would suggest you try.  

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Carrie by Stephen King

Title: Carrie
Author: Stephen King
Release:April 5th, 1974
Rating:★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Pages: 375
Format: Audiobook
Where to find it: Amazon | Bookdepository
Series: No
Summary: Carrie knew she should not use the terrifying power she possessed... But one night at her senior prom, Carrie was scorned and humiliated just one time too many, and in a fit of uncontrollable fury she turned her clandestine game into a weapon of horror and destruction...  (goodreads)

Thoughts: I have to start by saying that I love the format of how this book was written. The feel of the story of being a case study was really fascinating to me. I still can't stop thinking about this book even now.

What draws me into the story is the fact that this girl went through so much at school and no one ever came in and interfere with what was happening to her. No teachers, adults, students, no one helped her. I felt that they could have done something. But I also kept in mine in what time this book took place and I started thinking. People actually did go through these things in that time. People would get extremely bullied and that fact alone was scary.

What Stephen King capture in this book was not the horror that happen. It was the horror of what people do to another person.

As we follow Carrie we read that she just wants to be normal person and just wishes to be accepted. But the sad thing is she is not and wee see what that did to her through the novel and why she end up doing what she does in the end.

As an audiobook I really enjoyed it and like the narrator it was never to slow in pace and the voice pulled me into the story line.

I understand why this book is still one of Stephen King's best works and what is so amazing it was his first publish novel.

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Em's Weekly Goals 1/4-1/10

This week I have reading and crafting on my plate!

In reading, I am going to start with finishing:

Then I am going to move onto:

In crafting, I am finishing a Dr. Who blanket, pictures and post will come. Start a Teen Wolf cross stitch based off of a friends art.  She gave me the A-okay to blog about it, as long as I make it so she can re-blog/pass it along.  Also have two Harry Potter bookmark house scarves to knit. Looks like I have something to do when I watch the Martian and Con Man. 

This week I am working on posts for:

In a Dark Wood

Starfall

Five Dates

Full Exposure

The Martian Book V Movie 

Oh boy I have a lot of writing to do!  

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Weekly Goals | 1/4 - 1/10

There is only so many thing a person can plan in a week. Here is my take on what I hope to accomplish this week. This week I also hope to read as much as again for #tbrtakedown and #aboutofbooks even though I didn't sign up for abouthofbooks I am hoping to read as much as I can for the challenge. Not making a tbr for the challenge just going to try and read as much as possible for it. Good luck to everyone participating.

Books I want to finish:

 

Other than The Raven Boys I really don't know what to start after. I don't know if I am going to pick up The Dream Thieve or another books after. I will have to wait and see what I will be in the mood to read. I also hope to read some comic book single issues that I own. Hopefully that can be accomplish.

Audiobook:

 

Since I am able to hear audio-books at work I hope I can finish The Thrawn Trilogy on audio-book this week. I have been in a real Star Wars kick since I saw the movie. I know that the book universe isn't cannon anymore because of the movies. But I would like to see what I think about this universe that is no longer cannon. I have heard that this trilogy is the best series out there in the book universe of Star Wars. I am looking forward to finally getting to experience it for my self.

If anyone is a Star Wars book universe fan which books do you guys recommend for me to pick up?

What are your guys plans this week?

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