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Bry (11 KP) rated Facebook in Apps

Jul 12, 2018  
Facebook
Facebook
Communication, Entertainment, Events, Social Networking
6
7.6 (436 Ratings)
App Rating
Almost everyone I know uses it. (2 more)
Reconnect with people I thought I'd lost forever.
Stuff I wouldn't generally see elsewhere.
Security/privacy is HORRIBLE! (2 more)
Facebook is biased against minorities.
Facebook enforces the rules when & if they choose.
If Only There Was A Better Alternative
If I could convince all my Facebook friends to move to another site, I'd jump ship in a heartbeat! Yes, there's fun stuff & great info that I wouldn't normally come across any where else. But it comes at a price. With all the info Facebook has gathered on me, sometimes I feel like they know more about me then I do. I've been the victim of (& witnessed others be victims of) bullying numerous times. 99% of the time, Facebook does nothing about it. I report the problem, & the typical response is that "it doesn't violate Facebook's community standards". I've been hacked on their Messenger app. People can be downright cruel in the comment section of any article. There are bugs that keep getting worse instead of better. For example, I'm reading an article or watching a video I've clicked on. When I'm finished, instead of taking me back to where I was in my news feed, I'm sent back to the beginning. Once is frustrating. After that it's painfully irritating! There's so much more! I'll just sum it up by saying "Facebook has become a cesspool of negativity." I would leave the app, but I'd either lose people completely that can't or won't use other apps, or I'd have to use a boatload of apps, because of course people won't agree on the same alternative.
  
Are We There Yet?
Are We There Yet?
Kathleen West | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A heartfelt look at parenting and growing up
Alice Sullivan is an interior designer and mom whose nearly perfect life goes off the rails when her son Teddy gets in trouble bullying at school. The same day she learns her daughter Adrian is having trouble keeping up in second grade. Soon Alice learns Teddy is caught up in a social media battle with another kid and she's rapidly being subjected to the judgement of the other moms. This includes her good friend, Meredith, whose daughter Sadie may be more involved than Meredith realizes. Then, Alice finds herself reeling further when her mom, Evelyn, reveals a long-held secret. Alice needs to stop caring what other people think--and starting focusing on her family. Fast.

This book was one of those happy surprises, where it was even better than I expected. It was real and captivating, highlighting how difficult it is to be both a parent and kid in the digital age. The story is expertly told from a variety of perspectives--Alice, Meredith, Teddy, Evelyn, and Sadie.

West does such a great job of portraying the interconnected people, both kids and parents, in her tale. All are mostly trying their best but often failing while some are judging others. Yet it seems like their world falls apart anyway. Everyone's story was told in such a unique voice, and I could not help but feel so sorry for these kids trying to survive in a digital age, and their parents attempting to maintain some type of control.

Overall, this is excellent book--very timely, realistic, and both heartbreaking and hopeful. 4.25 stars.
  
The Story of Our Times (2018)
The Story of Our Times (2018)
2018 | Comedy, Musical
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Trevor Moore is one of the most underrated comedic forces on the planet and this is singlehandedly elevated in its weaker bits solely on his presence as an entertainer alone. That is to say - while this still does paint a pretty sound picture of 2018 America - a lot of (but not all) targets in the middle portion (the Kardashians, "I identify as [insert weird thing here]" people, social media influencers) are low-hanging fruits to say the least. But his songs about them are supremely catchy, ripe with Moore's winning personality, and routinely hilarious (e.g. bronies? old news. making them a target in a pro-bullying ballad? gold). This still pretty much feels very warmly nostalgic like an extended episode of WKUK but I still wish this was more in vein of that outlandish and lovingly juvenile content he excels so much at a la the first two songs here - which rank among some of the best comedy album material of all time - rather than the old man/neckbeard-esque complaining it eventually becomes. Though even then, it still seems relatively self-aware ("It must be tough for a white male having to deal with all this stuff." "No, it's not that... okay maybe it is.") much moreso than some Joe Rogan type shit which has also tackled material like this; and it saves itself in the bottom of the 9th with that uproarious final song. Plus this looks amazing and also gets bonus points for featuring one of the most accurate cinematic DMT trips, penis 9/11 in Minecraft, *and* the funniest DaddyOFive joke
  
One Cut of the Dead (Kamera o Tomeru na!) (2017)
One Cut of the Dead (Kamera o Tomeru na!) (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Horror
A cut above
#onecutofthedead is an extremely #fun and stressful look into the #art of #lowbudget #filmmaking. #Zombie films have literally been done to #death now so when i got the chance to catch this one i was sceptical but still the zombie #fan in me decided it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. I have to say one cut is possibly the most refreshing and unique take on the genre ive seen in quite some time. Essentially 2 films the first half is an impressive little low budget zombie movie creatively shot in one long take while the second half is a look into the film making process itself. Its essentially one big love letter to the art of film making (especially on a low budget) full of #nostalgia and nods to films we all grew up enjoying. We are shown all the passion, team work, #stress, mistakes, cost cutting, disasters, preparation, energy and #emotional investment and above all fun that goes into the making a movie which is extremely refreshing to see. Acting is full of life especially since most of the cast are unknowns and each of them manage to bring great #comedy, realisum and likability to the characters. Themes of #bullying and social awkwardness are touched on here too and the film touches on how a directors can sometimes go to far ending up pushing actors over the brink not only physicall but mentally. Fancy something #gory, #funny, different and quirky? one cut is a film about inspiration, passion, motivation and comitment that pleasantly surprised me and has successfully reanimated the art of zombie movie making. #gore #horror #friyay #scary #silly #movie #filmbuff #filmcritic #beautiful #oldschool #classic #georgeromero #dawnofthedead #throwback #walkingdead
  
Book Title: Blessed are the Peacemakers
Author: Mike Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pub Date: 9/2/14
Series: The Berenstain Bears
Discliamer: I recieved this book from BookLook Blogger for an honesty review.
Discribe: A new addition to the bestselling Berenstain Bears' Living Lights series that teaches simple Christian truths to children.

In the newest Berenstain Bears Living Lights book, The Berenstain Bears Blessed are the Peacemakers, Brother and Sister have a wide circle of friends at school and get along with pretty much everyone. But not all their friends get along with each other! As their friends clash during the school play, Brother and Sister have to decide whether they should "mind their own business" or get involved as peacemakers to try and calm the troubled waters.

The bestselling Berenstain Bears brand and Living Lights series continue its proven tradition of teaching children valuable lessons in a fun and creative way. Perfect for early readers and parents looking for engaging picture books that promote positive values, the Berenstain Bear family has become dear to the hearts of countless children and adults.

 
My Thoughts: This book is great for childern. They can learn about bullying an becoming peacemakers. Children learn how to deal with fighting. Though I hope they would go to a teacher or adult for help. Though they can try and be friends and make peace with them.
 
This book goes on about helping to pull two groups together rather then fight. Though you made see how it still is hard to do it. When adult start to fight it time to see if you can calm them down by saying from the bible.
 
This is a good book for children learning to read as well. Though that are just started learning to read.
  
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>

This is the first book of the children’s series <i>The Land of Dragor</i> by Julia Suzuki. Dragor is the land inhabited by dragons, hidden from the rest of the world, away from the evil humans, with the smoke produced by the The Fire Which Must Never Go Out. Dragor is where it is safe. The dragons are forbidden to leave. However, it may not be as perfect as it seems.

The story begins with the birth, or hatching, of a dragon named Yoshiko. Unlike all other dragon births, Yoshiko’s egg was a variety of different colours, which led to speculation as to whether this young dragon was cursed. Other than being a late developer, Yoshiko is physically well and attends school like all the other youngsters where, unfortunately, he experiences bullying from one of the other dragon clans – something the reader may be able to relate to through their own school experiences. Each clan is a different colour, but one day Yoshiko realises he has the ability to change the shade of his scales. Horrified by his discovery, he seeks help from an old, but wise, outcast, who, whilst supporting Yoshiko as he learns to control the colours, helps him discover his destiny.

The initial two thirds of the book felt like a really long introduction with the final third being a hastily written climax. Despite this it was an enjoyable read and would be particularly entertaining for children. Some of the language though may be a little too advance for the younger readers. Despite the introduction/climax issue, the story contains enough information to understand the way the dragon’s small world works and ends by setting the theme of the next installment. It will be exciting to find out what happens next!
  
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After-all-this-time? (11 KP) rated 13 Reasons Why - Season 1 in TV

Dec 30, 2018 (Updated Dec 30, 2018)  
13 Reasons Why  - Season 1
13 Reasons Why - Season 1
2017 | Drama
Very gripping (3 more)
Thought provoking
Emotional
Relatable cast
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was gripped from episode 1 of 13 Reasons. The cast of young actors and actresses are brilliant, and they made it a really gripping show.

The show not only touches upon, but runs head long into some very serious, hard hitting subjects, including sexual assault and rape, bullying, sexuality, drink driving, peer pressure and, of course, mental health and suicide. So, definitely not one for the easily upset. It portrays all of them in a very honest, very graphic way. It can definitely be upsetting, but is very thought provoking and helps you see things from several different perspectives. It was great seeing mental health finally being spoken about and highlighted in such a mainstream way, without it being belittled.

The storyline follows Clay, a teenage boy, who has recently suffered a bereavement in the form if the suicide of his friend and love interest, Hannah. Some time after Hannah's death, a package containing several tapes is delivered to Clay's house, with instructions for him to listen to them. Every side of each tape describes how each of the 13 people the tapes are intended for contributed to Hannah feeling as she did. Not only does she explain her feelings and why she committed suicide, but also how their actions have had repercussions for other people. They reveal, deep, dark and dangerous secrets about a large number of peoole at their High School, and the revelation of the tapes to the public has the potential to destroy multiple lives, and sees multiple people getting hurt, physically and emotionally.


How far will Clay listen? Can he change things to make things right for others? Can he get restitution for Hannah? And what dark secrets is he going to reveal along the way? Hit play, and find out! You won't regret it.
  
The Demon in the Wood
The Demon in the Wood
Leigh Bardugo | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL THIS WAS GOOD!!
“Fear is a powerful ally, but feed it too often, make it too strong, and it will turn on you.”

TRIGGER WARNINGS: bullying, death, murder

Review:
This novella is a bit shorter than most novellas I’ve read, but that doesn’t take anything away from this wonderfully executed novella! It delves deep into the past of the Darkling, allowing the reader to glimpse a semi-sweet boy that was turned dark because of how people wanted to use him for the rare powers he possessed.

Holy mother of pearl! I really truly enjoyed looking into where the Darkling came from and what his past contained before the Shadow and Bone Trilogy. At first, I was a bit confused but it eventually picked up. I do wish there was a way to pronounce all of the names as I’m clueless on how they are correctly said loll.

This story of the Darklings past, was not only heartbreaking but also soul crushing. You get to see the multi layers of the Darkling forming and he begins to become the complex character he is in Shadow and Bone. The yearning for a place to live, the loneliness he felt of not being able to get close with anyone, and the suffering created a beautifully written and executed novella. The writing had a captivating presence and I was left with wanting more of who the Darkling was. Which I got a bit in devouring Shadow and Bone, but I wish this novella was longer!

“The Grisha lived as shadows did, passing over the surface of the world, touching nothing, forced to change their shapes and hide in corners, driven by fear as shadows were driven by the sun. No safe place. No haven. There will be… I will make one.”
  
The Foster Child
The Foster Child
Jenny Blackhurst | 2020 | Contemporary, Horror, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This story is told from multiple perspectives, but mainly, Imogen and Ellie are the ones sharing their feelings and thoughts. I liked Imogen as a character, but sometimes her actions and decisions were silly and not very thought through. Ellie was a mystery from the beginning till the end, and I kind of liked that the author left this mystical aura surrounding Ellie until the last sentence of the book. All the characters in this book were quite disturbed, carrying some baggage from their pasts.

The narrative of this novel was quite tense, there always were little incidents related to Ellie, that made this book very absorbing. I liked the topics this book discussed, such as pregnancy, parental love, bullying, fighting your fears, child’s behaviour problems, attachment, and many more. I enjoyed all the little twists and turns the author threw in this in this book, it made this book a true page-turner.

The writing style of this novel was easy to read, but quite confusing. Till the last page, I could not understand what was going on with Ellie. In some places, it seems that she was supernatural, and in other places, it was brushed off as fabrication, so this thing did leave me baffled. The chapters had a very decent length and they didn’t leave me bored. The ending of the book was quite surprising but it rounded the story very nicely and left me satisfied with the outcome.

So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, it has very complex and disturbed characters, as well as the plot that is always trying to confuse the reader, and filled with turns, twists and very important topics.
  
Beast (Six Stories, #4)
Beast (Six Stories, #4)
Matt Wesolowski | 2019 | Paranormal, Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I find it hard to determine, who was the protagonist of this story. Scott King is interviewing people, who knew Youtube Vlogger Elizabeth or her killers, and trying to find out why and who locked Elizabeth in the Vampire Tower, where she was found dead. The characters in this novel are absolutely brilliant. They are diverse, complex, incredibly absorbing and mysterious. I really liked the way Scott King was choosing the people he interviewed, it showed different opinions and views, that kept me immensely intrigued.

The narrative was told from multiple sources, I should say. We are able to read what Elizabeth was saying to her followers, while she is doing an online challenge, as well as to read what Scott King uncovers during his interviews. I loved everything about this narrative, the way vampires were incorporated, giving this book a dark and ghostly feeling, the kind of Q&A writing style, and all the twists and discoveries that unravel as we read along. The topics discussed in this book were very dark, troublesome but at the same time very modern and realistic. Such as need of validation, the power of manipulation, abuse and bullying, social exclusion, social degradation and many, many more.

I really loved the setting of this book as well. It is set in Ergarth, a miserable town, that feels forgotten by the world, where unemployment and homelessness thrive, where the trouble is always next to you, and it is haunted by the Vampire Tower. LOVED IT! The whole book is divided into six chapters, and they are quite long, but the story absorbed me so much, that the pages just flew by. (And that comes from a person who despises long chapters