3:46 a.m.

3:46 a.m. by Nick Pirog
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another perfectly crazy Henry adventure! Can't wait to see what happens next! Loved every second!

Last…

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

More Christmas!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

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 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Jealous!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Letourneau

Really love my sister's ceramic tree! Offered her money for it, but she didn't bite. Will definitely be on the lookout for one this year.

The Last Anniversary

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While I enjoyed this book very much, I wasn't captivated, like with Ms. Moriarty's other tales. Still, very solid, and well worth the read.

Hilarious!

 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

My little guy loved playing in the snow, but didn't much enjoy the bath after. How pathetic does he look?!

Catching Snowballs!

Video Credit: Jill Rock

The Uncanny Valley: Tales From A Lost Town

The Uncanny Valley: Tales from a Lost Town by Gregory Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A fun, quirky little offering. At turns funny, sweet, sad, and scary. Uncanny Valley is a place I would like to definitely know more about.

One Rainy Night

One Rainy Night by Richard Laymon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Voodoo rain, crazy people, murder, rape, revenge, and redemption. This is one of those books that made me wonder what kind of crazy shit the author must have rolling around in his brain. I liked it, and the ending is suitably satisfying.

Snow Pup!

Video Credit: Jill Rock

So Pretty!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Dance Lessons!

Video Credit: Yasmin Nazario

Blood Magic: A Short Horror Story

Blood Magic by Domino Finn

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Lame and predictable. A complete waste of time.

The Pilo Traveling Show

The Pilo Traveling Show by Will Elliott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Not just scary, ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING! This sequel delivers in every way! I love it so much!

The Well

The Well by Catherine Chanter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Everything about this book is wonderful! Plain, and simple!

Quote Of The Moment…

"The quickest way to lose is to refuse to try."

-Sonny Corinthos

Renewed!

Days fans can officially let out their collective breath. NBC has renewed the series for a 51st season! The show will air through September 2017, with an option for an additional year pickup. This is such good news! I'm relatively new to Salem, and have had trouble getting emotionally invested in the characters, and stories. With this renewal, I may be able to relax a little.

Honestly, wondering whether or not Days would continue isn't my only problem. The show is way too dark. I honestly cannot think of one happy story going on right now. So sick of death! I've never seen a show kill off so many characters in such a short time. Even when soaps focus on serious issues, there's usually a bit of levity to balance the scales. Not so here! In addition to what seems like countless, unceasing murders, there are heart attacks, premonitions of evil, kidnappings, bullying, heart transplants, and a young adult cast who is devoid of acting ability to contend with on a daily basis. WOW! Looking at that list, it's no wonder I'm almost two weeks behind on episodes! Who would watch this garbage voluntarily? Why do I keep coming back?

The answer is a simple one. I love this genre, and will continue to hold out hope that it will live up to its endless potential. With this great news of a new lease on life, I hope this iconic show is looked at through a pair of fresh, creative eyes. Come on, Days! Make the best of the gift you've been given!

So Cool!

Found this the other day! It's one of the headers to my old website. Was devastated when I had to give it up so quickly, and thought I'd lost everything forever. Found a site where almost everything is archived, and got most of it back! Most of it will be posted by the time this is up. So awesome!

The Phantom Of The Opera

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I have tried, many times, to make it through this book, without success. Having finally done so, I can tell you, in no uncertain terms, that it was a monumental waste of time. None of the characters are likable in the least, and the story seems unsure of what it wants to be. Will never read it again!

PS: it baffles my mind that this story is the basis of the most successful show in Broadway history. Trust me when I tell you, Lloyd Webber and company took their fair share of liberties to transform this tale.

Something Like Thunder

Something Like Thunder by Jay Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Such a great book! The characters feel like friends! Love everything Jay writes!

I Hate Myselfie

I Hate My Selfie by Shane Dawson

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


It pain me to say this, as I love me some Shane, but this book is awful. Juvenile, mean-spirited humor, a disjointed narrative, and self pity rob it of any potential. Sad.

The Magician's Lie

The Magician's Lie by Greer Macallister

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Well drawn characters, and an entrancing plot make this one extremely hard to put down. Though I saw most of the ending coming, predictability is not always bad, and in this case is welcome. You'll love it!

Quote Of The Moment…

"Being boring is a greater sin than being ridiculous."

-Jamey Giddens

My Thoughts On What Would Help AMC

Added To Soap Opera Central's All My Children Message Board March 21, 2004

Hello, everyone! It's been quite a while since I've posted and I have quite a bit to get off my chest. Before we get to the meat and potatoes of this post however, I would like to take a moment to thank RavenBeauty. Your tireless efforts to bring the visitors of this board the latest spoilers and gossip are greatly appreciated. I sincerely thank you for all that you do to contribute to this Internet community. As always, I hope you keep up the good investigative work and bring us soap info as only you can.

Moving on to the main course, the first subject I would like to discuss is Babe. Whenever the opportunity has presented itself to me, I have made no bones about the fact that I love this character and her portrayer. Where that is concerned, nothing has changed. When I had originally given thought to ways that the character could change for the better, it occurred to me that involving her with another major player may help. Now, months later, that's been done successfully. Her new-found relationship with Bianca is welcome and refreshing. Although I am completely against the baby switch storyline, I am eager to see what I'm sure will be first class performances by all involved. Although I had originally tossed around the idea of discussing the impending baby switch fiasco in depth, I have decided against it only because it angers and upsets me beyond words. It feels awfully good to know that I am not the only one who thinks this.

Approaching the subject of Tad with caution, I would just like to say that I am glad he finally decided to go on hiatus. Watching three otherwise great women throw themselves at him on a constant basis for several months now has been positively nauseating. I would love to see him wind up with Liza when this goofy storyline comes to an end and would have them spend quite a while together before any other obstacles get in their way.

Closing now, I would like to address the rumor that a new head writer will soon be in place at All My Children. Although I believe I am again in the minority with my opinion, I think Megan McTavish is doing a good job and I'm not in that much of a hurry to see her go. Sure, there are definitely some things about the show that I would change and that I think would make it better. For example, I would do my best to steer clear of redundant storylines as much as possible. To be more specific, I'd stay away from the ones that have already been done during my previous tenure as head writer. Next, when introducing new characters, or bringing back ones we haven't seen in a while, make the process a slow but steady one. Having characters shoved down our throats is not the way to win us over. My biggest complaint lies in the new attitudes of some beloved PV residents. Characters had a definite sense of who they were such as Greenlee, Ryan, Edmund, Erica, and Adam have changed beyond recognition of late. Believe you me, I am all for the occasional departure from the norm but don't think it should be so drastic. All and all however, I think things are being handled relatively well and, as always, look forward to new developments and events.

Anybody agree with anything posted here? I would love to hear from you. Thanks again for reading and I will post again in the near future.

So Much To Say, So Little Time…

Added To Soap Opera Central's All My Children Message Board  December 31, 2003

The first issue I'm going to address is probably going to get me into hot water with other members of the board.  I absolutely love the characters of Babe and Krystal Carrie!  Although I don't particularly care for the current storyline with which they are involved, I predict great things for these two in the not too distant future.  There portrayers, Alexa Havins and Bobbie Eakes are amazing actresses and should be given the proper storylines to showcase their incredible talents!  Getting rid of Jacob Young and his incredibly obnoxious character of JR Chandler would be a wonderful start!

Moving on quickly before I say something I'm going to wind up regretting, Juan Pablo and Greenlee.  I sincerely think that the pairing of these two has great potential and that they could become AMCs next supercouple if handled with care.  Kendall and Ryan though... I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon.  If the Cambias murder mystery were to ever come to a close, they may have a chance.

Speaking of the Cambias murder mystery, I could care less how it turns out and can't wait for the day when it's nothing but a distant memory.  Going down a different path altogether, I miss Eva LaRue and really hope that the new year can breathe new life into her Maria character.

To close, I just completed signing a pension to keep Lena on AMC.  If it does its job and the actress playing Lena is resigned, I hope that The Powers That Be don't continue to blatantly misuse her.  Also, it is imperative that a distinct decision as to what to do with Lena be made immediately.

Once again, happy, healthy new year to everyone and I'll see you again soon!

Quote Of The Moment…

"Whatever hits the fan will be evenly distributed."

Believe

After years of disappointing album releases, Cher finally delivers the goods with Believe.  The album's title track shot to number one worldwide and introduced this legendary artist to a whole new generation of fans.  Every song on the album is rich and feverishly catchy.  It's obvious to any Cher fan that her heart and soul were truly poured into this project.  An achievement years in the making.

One small complaint about this album however.  While the hooks from the different songs are memorable, in some cases, they are repeated to often thus diminishing the quality of the song.  That being the only problem, this album is a must for anyone who enjoys dance music or is a music fan in general.  Years from now, music historians will be talking about this album with the highest regard.  Cher, and her unforgettable career are definitely here to stay.

Review Written On 12/14/2003

Daydream

Form the moment the opening vocals of this album are heard, until it's unforgettable closing notes, Daydream is a journey of self-discovery.  Before I have the readers of this review questioning my sanity for giving this album such an intense label, let me briefly explain my reasoning.  When first introduced to this work in the summer of 1998, it made an immediate and lasting impression on me.  Not only is every song on this nearly perfect masterpiece beautifully arranged and performed, I also credit it for helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life.

Why all the praise and an imperfect rating?  While they are well performed, the last two tracks of this album are entirely unneeded.  If you are able to overlook that minor problem, I would recommend the purchase of Daydream.  With timeless themes of love, heartbreak, and survival, this album is as unforgettable as the voice behind it.

Review Written On 10/6/2003

Bridge Over Troubled Water/This Is The Night

Clay Aiken's debut single is nothing short of phenomenal.  For readers who followed his rocket ride to fame by faithfully tuning into the second season of American Idol, this should come as no surprise.  I will now review each song separately as to give a more accurate opinion.

Bridge Over Troubled Water-A wonderful song anyway, Clay made it even better with passionate vocals and a unique spin.  Each time I am privileged enough to hear Clay sing it, his performance and presentation improves greatly.  My only complaint about this nearly perfect rendition is that the background singers and instruments sometimes overwhelm Aiken's voice.  Other than that though, my ears and I couldn't have been more pleased.

This Is The Night-This one will undoubtedly shoot straight to the top of the billboard charts and find a home there.  Although the lyrics are predictably pop and at times difficult to listen to,the strength and raw ability of Clay and his voice more than make up for it.  I'm predicting platinum!

For a debut, this is most definitely one of the best.  Mr. Aiken should be extremely proud of his accomplishments thus far.  I look forward to a long career as a devoted fan and wish Clay Aiken continued success in all future endeavors.

Review Written On 6/12/2003