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Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Show Dogs (2018) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
Will Arnet stars as FBI agent Frank who takes up a partnership with a
Rottweiler named Max (voiced by Ludacris), To his chagrin, Frank is
assigned to crack a case with Max. Both are forced to go undercover in the
world’s most prestigious dog show competition to find out who is
responsible for kidnapping pandas and selling them for millions.
After finding out that the winner of the dog show would be kidnapped by
the same criminals involved in the panda trafficking, Max must do
everything possible to win 1st place and lead them to the same facility
housing the stolen pandas.
Director Raja Gosnell is no stranger to talking dog movies, with such
popular family favorite comedies under his belt like “Beverly Hills
Chihuahua,” and “Scooby-Doo.” He delivers a fun movie with just the right
amount of crude humor, human/dog antics, ghetto-esque quips, as well as
hilarious slapstick one liner moments. For those that enjoy dog-human
buddy cop movies, you’ll have a great time watching Show Dogs.
Rottweiler named Max (voiced by Ludacris), To his chagrin, Frank is
assigned to crack a case with Max. Both are forced to go undercover in the
world’s most prestigious dog show competition to find out who is
responsible for kidnapping pandas and selling them for millions.
After finding out that the winner of the dog show would be kidnapped by
the same criminals involved in the panda trafficking, Max must do
everything possible to win 1st place and lead them to the same facility
housing the stolen pandas.
Director Raja Gosnell is no stranger to talking dog movies, with such
popular family favorite comedies under his belt like “Beverly Hills
Chihuahua,” and “Scooby-Doo.” He delivers a fun movie with just the right
amount of crude humor, human/dog antics, ghetto-esque quips, as well as
hilarious slapstick one liner moments. For those that enjoy dog-human
buddy cop movies, you’ll have a great time watching Show Dogs.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Crossover (The Chosen One Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
What can I say? I loved this book! It is fast-paced and well-written with fantastic characters that jump off the page. Having 'cats' and 'dogs' on either side of the war is a stroke of genius but the general storyline itself is fresh and interesting. I loved how Hayden is not backwards in coming forwards and has no difficulty in showing Jasper that she is interested.
This series has a lot of potential for me as there was so much I thoroughly enjoyed about it. The shifters, the 'bond' between the guards and the Queen, Darian, Brice, Tara, Shay - it's all there. I can't wait to read more and follow this series through.
A romantic fantastical read that was absolutely brilliant to read. Witty, funny, focused, and mysterious are all words I would use to describe it. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 10, 2015
This series has a lot of potential for me as there was so much I thoroughly enjoyed about it. The shifters, the 'bond' between the guards and the Queen, Darian, Brice, Tara, Shay - it's all there. I can't wait to read more and follow this series through.
A romantic fantastical read that was absolutely brilliant to read. Witty, funny, focused, and mysterious are all words I would use to describe it. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 10, 2015
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Haunted (Hollow City Coven #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 8, 2023)
The story continues with Gillian and Shayne arriving in Tenebris. Things are never as they seem though, and Tenebris is waking up. This may seem like a good thing, but there is a price to be paid. Gillian and Shayne become closer still as they search for a portal to take them out of Tenebris, more convinced that this is one occasion when sleeping dogs should be left alone.
This is a fast-paced novella, which is as detailed as it is intense. You do have to read these in order for it to make any sense, but it is well worth it as the story will keep you gripped as you discover more about Gillian, Shayne and Tenebris as a whole. Their story is intertwined and only time will tell if there is a happy ending. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 30, 2015
This is a fast-paced novella, which is as detailed as it is intense. You do have to read these in order for it to make any sense, but it is well worth it as the story will keep you gripped as you discover more about Gillian, Shayne and Tenebris as a whole. Their story is intertwined and only time will tell if there is a happy ending. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 30, 2015
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Com-Pet-Ability in Tabletop Games
Apr 14, 2020
I have two dogs: a Yorkshire Terrier and a Powderpuff Chinese Crested. I love them dearly, but I just cannot see myself having any more 4-legged mammal pets. We promised our son a pet fish when we move (or a whole aquarium community if my wife will allow), but other than that, we will NOT be adding more pets to our household. So when I heard about a game that requires you to collect cards so that you have five pets to take home I immediate gave the deer-in-headlights look. No, I would not have a pet deer.
ComPetAbility is a card game with two play modes: a mode for players aged 7+ and one for younger gamers. We will be taking a look at the game for older gamers. In this game mode a player is attempting to amass five pets that will be accepting of each other and not cause heck in your house.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a copy of the game for the purposes of this review. I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rule book, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy from the publisher directly or from your FLGS. -T
To setup, shuffle the large deck of cards and deal five to each player. Put the rest of the cards in the middle of the table as a draw pile, flip one over for the “shed” pile. You are now setup and ready to go!
The goal of the game is to begin a turn with five compatible pets (com-pet-able). This is achieved by having five cards whose three icons are satisfied with each other. For instance, turtles are compatible with every other type of animal, so the three icons on turtle cards are all green – compatible with all dogs, cats, and birds. Some dogs are compatible with other dogs but not cats, and some cats are compatible with other cats or kittens but not birds.
So on a turn, a player will choose a card to draw from either the draw pile or the shed pile to add to their hand. A turn ends when that player sheds (discards) a card to the shed pile. Turns continue in this fashion until a player begins their turn with five compatible animals. Players will then add up the points in their hands (the numbers in the upper right corner of the cards) of compatible animals. The player that ended the game with a completed set of five animal pets will score a bonus 10 points to add to their total. Whomever scores the highest is the winner of ComPetAbility!
Components. This is a stack of cards in a tin can. Yep, a tin can with a plastic lid. It’s very novel and lovely, but heck for someone who cares about how the games look and fit on their shelves. The game cards are good quality, which is handy because the game mode aimed at smaller children have them handling the cards a lot too so they have to be able to withstand that abuse. The art is cute, and the layout is easy to understand – even for young ones. No issues with the components from us (aside from the can not being a box, wink wink).
So here’s the thing with this one. We liked it. It is a great idea and is executed well. I don’t think I will pull this one out with adult gamers anymore though. The children’s mode of this game is what I hold dear, as my three-year-old LOVES it and “wins” every time. I have just played this one too many times where a player can be dealt either a winning hand or four of the five cards right away. I’m no designer, so I don’t know how to mitigate that besides chalking it up to “luck of the draw.” But that’s a negative for me, and perhaps I shouldn’t let it detract from an otherwise enjoyable game, but it’s what comes to mind every time I see on the shelf as a possibility for Game Night. However, if you like the theme, the style, and ease of play between two different modes then check it out. It can be used as a light filler, a gateway game, or children’s game. So for the pure flexibility of this one, Purple Phoenix Games gives it a canned (hehe) 13 / 18. The turtles are really cute, but the hybrid animals are kinda weird-lookin’.
ComPetAbility is a card game with two play modes: a mode for players aged 7+ and one for younger gamers. We will be taking a look at the game for older gamers. In this game mode a player is attempting to amass five pets that will be accepting of each other and not cause heck in your house.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a copy of the game for the purposes of this review. I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rule book, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy from the publisher directly or from your FLGS. -T
To setup, shuffle the large deck of cards and deal five to each player. Put the rest of the cards in the middle of the table as a draw pile, flip one over for the “shed” pile. You are now setup and ready to go!
The goal of the game is to begin a turn with five compatible pets (com-pet-able). This is achieved by having five cards whose three icons are satisfied with each other. For instance, turtles are compatible with every other type of animal, so the three icons on turtle cards are all green – compatible with all dogs, cats, and birds. Some dogs are compatible with other dogs but not cats, and some cats are compatible with other cats or kittens but not birds.
So on a turn, a player will choose a card to draw from either the draw pile or the shed pile to add to their hand. A turn ends when that player sheds (discards) a card to the shed pile. Turns continue in this fashion until a player begins their turn with five compatible animals. Players will then add up the points in their hands (the numbers in the upper right corner of the cards) of compatible animals. The player that ended the game with a completed set of five animal pets will score a bonus 10 points to add to their total. Whomever scores the highest is the winner of ComPetAbility!
Components. This is a stack of cards in a tin can. Yep, a tin can with a plastic lid. It’s very novel and lovely, but heck for someone who cares about how the games look and fit on their shelves. The game cards are good quality, which is handy because the game mode aimed at smaller children have them handling the cards a lot too so they have to be able to withstand that abuse. The art is cute, and the layout is easy to understand – even for young ones. No issues with the components from us (aside from the can not being a box, wink wink).
So here’s the thing with this one. We liked it. It is a great idea and is executed well. I don’t think I will pull this one out with adult gamers anymore though. The children’s mode of this game is what I hold dear, as my three-year-old LOVES it and “wins” every time. I have just played this one too many times where a player can be dealt either a winning hand or four of the five cards right away. I’m no designer, so I don’t know how to mitigate that besides chalking it up to “luck of the draw.” But that’s a negative for me, and perhaps I shouldn’t let it detract from an otherwise enjoyable game, but it’s what comes to mind every time I see on the shelf as a possibility for Game Night. However, if you like the theme, the style, and ease of play between two different modes then check it out. It can be used as a light filler, a gateway game, or children’s game. So for the pure flexibility of this one, Purple Phoenix Games gives it a canned (hehe) 13 / 18. The turtles are really cute, but the hybrid animals are kinda weird-lookin’.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Follow the Dog Home: How a Simple Walk Unleashed an Incredible Family Journey in Books
Jan 15, 2018
If you are a dog lover (like me) this is a book you will enjoy reading! So many of the stories & family experiences that are written about in this book were things that mirrored my own life & that with the few dogs I've been blessed enough to have share my experiences. I laughed & cried at the tales & truly found myself drawn into the adventures & mishaps throughout.
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Struck By Lightning in Books
Sep 24, 2018
A good quick read
Carson Phillips is a high school senior with big dreams. He is an outcast who is disliked by most of his peers. This becomes a problem when he decides to create a literary magazine in hopes of getting accepted into the college of his dreams. To get the submissions he needs from other students he blackmails those around him.
Carson is a main character that you will either love or hate. The book is wrote as his diary entries, so the reader gets an inside look at his life. This makes it hard to dislike him despite his questionable moral choices. He is a sarcastic and funny character who often times critical about high school life. He does experience some personal growth throughout the book, and the reader can't help but cheer for his success.
The other characters make for an entertaining cast. Many of them depict stereotypes, but they all prove to be more complicated than they first appear. This book isn't super long so it's a good weekend read. If you like stories about high school under dogs chasing there dreams then you should definitely pick this up.
Carson is a main character that you will either love or hate. The book is wrote as his diary entries, so the reader gets an inside look at his life. This makes it hard to dislike him despite his questionable moral choices. He is a sarcastic and funny character who often times critical about high school life. He does experience some personal growth throughout the book, and the reader can't help but cheer for his success.
The other characters make for an entertaining cast. Many of them depict stereotypes, but they all prove to be more complicated than they first appear. This book isn't super long so it's a good weekend read. If you like stories about high school under dogs chasing there dreams then you should definitely pick this up.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Call Of The Wild (2020) in Movies
Feb 25, 2020
Rather too big-budget Jack London adaptation is long on CGI and short on grit, but remains engaging and dignified entertainment. Pampered house dog Buck is abducted from his California home and packed off to Alaska during the gold rush, slowly getting in touch with his wild side. Harrison Ford plays the main human part - there was something oddly familiar about seeing the star team up with a huge, hairy, almost totally non-verbal partner and then I remembered the Russian word for dog is sowbacca and it all made a bit more sense.
The harder edges of London's book have been sanded down considerably, and this does verge on the sentimental and cutesy in places - for one ghastly moment I thought the dogs were going to start talking to each other - and the fact it's made with a CGI dog (Terry Notary has been mo-capped) will probably put some people off. But it's solid, likeable stuff, lifted considerably by performances from Ford and Omar Sy. I still think it was madness to spend over $120 million on a film which will probably struggle to find an audience, but it has a definite charm to it.
The harder edges of London's book have been sanded down considerably, and this does verge on the sentimental and cutesy in places - for one ghastly moment I thought the dogs were going to start talking to each other - and the fact it's made with a CGI dog (Terry Notary has been mo-capped) will probably put some people off. But it's solid, likeable stuff, lifted considerably by performances from Ford and Omar Sy. I still think it was madness to spend over $120 million on a film which will probably struggle to find an audience, but it has a definite charm to it.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Mishaps Off the Mainland (Merriweather Island #5) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Dogs + Faith = An Inspiring book!
I have read all the books in the Independence Island series so far and have been enchanted by their realistic approaches to life and the way they each uniquely emphasize our need for a Savior. Tabitha Bouldin is a new to me author that I so glad to have found through this series. I LOVED the way she showed faith through her characters, the struggles of any small business, and her commitment to showing the realities of life. Melody and Zeke played so well off each other and were a great combination. Mishaps off the Mainland is one of my favorite stories so far in the Independence Island series and I am so looking forward to reading more books by Tabitha Bouldin (can you say going on a binge read?)
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the strong faith aspects, the relatable characters, and for leaving me thinking even after I am done with the book.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I have read all the books in the Independence Island series so far and have been enchanted by their realistic approaches to life and the way they each uniquely emphasize our need for a Savior. Tabitha Bouldin is a new to me author that I so glad to have found through this series. I LOVED the way she showed faith through her characters, the struggles of any small business, and her commitment to showing the realities of life. Melody and Zeke played so well off each other and were a great combination. Mishaps off the Mainland is one of my favorite stories so far in the Independence Island series and I am so looking forward to reading more books by Tabitha Bouldin (can you say going on a binge read?)
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the strong faith aspects, the relatable characters, and for leaving me thinking even after I am done with the book.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Darren Fisher (2447 KP) rated Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys in Music
Jan 4, 2021 (Updated Jan 15, 2021)
Beach Boys Perfection (or maybe that should read Brian Wilson Perfection)
One of the first cds I bought way back in 1990 (and I still have). Brian Wilson had given up on touring with the Beach Boys and pretty much composed everything on this album. The product and use of unusual instruments (ranging from an electronic Theremin, dogs barking and empty coke cans) make for a very unique album. It certainly has the Beach Boys stamp all over it but this was a massive departure from songs about sun, surfing, cars and girls. Here we had Brian maturing,and sadly beginning to struggle with his mental health, creating a very personal album . Each track is meticulously arranged making it a different listening experience each time (especially through a good set of headphones). There was a lot of in-group fighting as members weren't to keen on Brian new vision. It is often said that Pet Sounds is really a Brian Wilson solo album. Regardless, this is the Beach Boys at the top of their game. Essential listening for sure...
Album highlights:
God Only Knows
I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
Caroline, No
Album highlights:
God Only Knows
I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
Caroline, No
Darren Fisher (2447 KP) rated Profoundly Disturbing: Shocking Movies That Changed History! in Books
Dec 21, 2020
Profoundly Interesting
Joe Bob Brigg certainly knows his stuff. He delivers an intelligent and fascinating view on the films covered here. Especially interesting was the chapter concerning Kroger Babb, a name I wasn't familiar with until now. Joe covers the films Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1919), Mom And Dad (1947), Creature Front The Black Lagoon (1954), And God Created Woman (1956), Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Blood Feast (1963), The Wild Bunch (1969), Shaft (1971), Deep Throat (1972), The Exorcist (1973), Isla, She-Wolf of the SS (1974), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Drunken Master (1978), Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Crash (1996). Although it is a very good read my only gripes are that the essays on some films are way too short and the summary pages after each chapter "For Further Disturbance" are basically an edited rehash of the previous pages. Also no matter how I try to look at it, Shaft (as good a film as it is) really doesn't fall under the 'profoundly disturbing' category. Nevertheless it's a good read and has some nice double page poster art for each film. A nice book to have but nonetheless not that essential