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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2381 KP) rated Right to Remain Silent in Books

May 2, 2021 (Updated May 2, 2021)  
Right to Remain Silent
Right to Remain Silent
Penny Warner | 1998 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I Won’t Remain Silent About This Book
Sparkle Bodie was declared dead, but then came back to life at the funeral home. She’s rushed to the hospital where she dies for real – smothered by a pillow. The sheriff thinks that Sparkle’s son, Caleb, is responsible for her murder – the son that is deaf and has had very little interaction with anyone else. Connor is asked by Sparkle’s other son to try to communicate with his brother and find out what really happened. That is proving to be a challenge even before someone lets Caleb out of jail. Can she prove he is innocent?

This is a strong third book in the series. Connor being deaf herself makes her a unique main character, but I love how she navigates life. The other characters, series regulars or suspects, are strong and help make the book compelling. The mystery contains enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I did feel the climax was a bit convoluted at first, but the more Connor explained things, the more it made sense. The paperback originally came out in the late 1990’s, so there are some dated elements in the book, and since that’s what I read, I don’t know if the ebook was updated. As long as you know that going in, you should be okay. There’s a smattering of foul language, but this is worth noting in passing. I’m glad I’m finally reading about Connor and am hoping I can continue the series soon.
  
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Gaz Coombes recommended New Values by Iggy Pop in Music (curated)

 
New Values by Iggy Pop
New Values by Iggy Pop
1979 | Punk
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"This was a great time for Iggy Pop. He'd been through a lot but this particular time period, things really seemed to work for him. And I like the exploration of early synths here as well. You've got a song like 'The Endless Sea' which has the over-loud synths. I'd have turned them down a little bit but it's great because it's really in-your-face and you can really hear the excitement of the guys getting hold of a Moog. There's an innocence here coupled with an early discovery of stuff. And this album is more about the songs. I don't know if it's a case of something being overplayed but I much prefer listening to this than say, 'The Passenger' or 'Lust For Life'. Maybe it's because those songs are always on and they're just overplayed - and they are brilliant and amazing songs - but there's a tightness about New Values, especially in the drum sound. They've obviously come back from Hansa and the open room, which is a sound that people have tried to emulate over the years, to do something different. Certainly when you look at albums like this, Horses and Marquee Moon, Supergrass were really trying to channel that '75-'79 period and that edgy punkiness but with elements of sophistication. I bought a Telecaster Deluxe guitar in the late 90s and I was really chuffed to get it because it was probably played by one of those musicians from that time period."

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Gaz Coombes recommended track Copenhagen by Scott Walker in Scott 3 by Scott Walker in Music (curated)

 
Scott 3 by Scott Walker
Scott 3 by Scott Walker
1969 | Pop, Singer-Songwriter
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

Copenhagen by Scott Walker

(0 Ratings)

Track

"I was playing Scott 3 quite a lot at Christmas and there’s something about this song that’s more Christmassy than Christmas songs. It’s just kind of magical, that’s how I’d describe ‘Copenhagen’, it’s magical. “I think this song is my highlight from Scott 3, there’s something about ‘Copenhagen’ for me. I think it’s the instrumentation and the orchestration on it, it’s utterly gorgeous, the sound of it is really, really beautiful and then there’s his voice over the top, the lyrics and his delivery. I guess it’s rooted in that crooner area but there’s a tenderness to it. ‘Copenhagen’ has a delicacy to it and I’ve always loved the vulnerability of it as well, like there’s crack in his voice. I’m just in love with this song. “I think a lot of people like Scott Walker songs because they touch on stylistic elements that could be seen as more commercial or just normal or standard in some way, but they’re not. When you hear how he delivers this there’s an off-kilter feel to it, an oddness to it. It’s got a beauty but it’s not really an obvious beauty and he manages to walk that line really well, between darkness and beauty. “That’s another thing that I love about the whole album Scott 3, it is quite dark, but it’s dark and beautiful and those two things are something that I’m really in tune with, a sort of dark beauty and that’s what Scott Walker does really well."

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X-23 (2018-) #2
X-23 (2018-) #2
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gabby: "Why are you party pooper?"
Laura: "It's arguably in my DNA."

That quote comes only a couple pages or so into Issue 3. It is probably the most fun dialogue in a story arc that is anything light in nature. And honestly, that is one of the aspects that really wowed by Ms. Tamaki's opening arc: she can balance the dark and the light, the humor and the not so humorous. I liked Tom Taylor's initial beginnings on ANW, but that so became imbalanced, as he chose to focus more on humor, rather gritty plot elements.

Through this issue, as well as the first one, it is clear that we will truly be "inside" Laura Kinney's head. Tamaki provides us with Laura's thoughts and reflections, further adding to the character's complex inner workings. It aids in defining a character who is often underutilized and written poorly (*cough* Bendis *cough* Hopeless *cough cough*).

As fantastic as the writing is on Laura's new book, I really want to stress how AWESOME Juann Cabal's art is to the series! Prior to witnessing his art, I found David Lopez's art (re: ANW) to be all aces! And while it is still quite good, Cabal just builds off of that and gives us so much more! I truly, truly hope that Marvel is smart enough to pay him well and keep him on board for the run of the series.

Overall, this was another great issue, and if you are a fan of Ms. Kinney, you will not be disappointed!
  
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
1984 | Action, Adventure
Comedy comes in many forms and is certainly subjective. Unfortunately, slapstick comedy which is plastered all over the second outing for Indiana Jones really holds the film back as a whole for me.
Where Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade are more straight shooting adventures, the comedic elements in them are placed fantastically, sparingly, and add to the overall experience. Temple of Doom is more of a gauntlet of jokes and over the top silliness, and most of it unfortunately doesn't land.
A lot of this comes from Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), who acts as (constant) comic relief and Indiana Jones' love interest. The character is written in a way that she ends up at worst not being remotely likable, and at best being hugely grating.

Thankfully, the final third of Temple of Doom redeems matters a fair bit. The whole last sequence is unrelenting in its series of events. The action is masterfully executed, and feels like Spielberg was just constantly trying to one up himself in what he was doing, and his efforts result in an extremely fun and thrilling final act.
Once again, a lot of practical effects on display that lends this blockbuster series a sense of magic in a pre CGI age, and an as-per-usual incredible score from John Williams can be considered huge positives.

Overall then, Temple of Doom is a mixed bag for me, and easily my least favourite of the initial trilogy, even if I do have some find childhood memories attached to it!
  
The Pawn (Endgame, #1)
The Pawn (Endgame, #1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Pawn, a book that reminded me of several other books, but was uniquely its own in so many ways. Mythical tales, love, loyalty, and betrayal are just some of the elements Skye has included in this story. From the very beginning, it's impossible not to root for Avery as she does what's necessary to take care of her ailing father. With a strength that should be admirable by everyone, she chooses to sell herself in order to keep her dad alive and pay, not only for his care, but for bills. When she's bought at an auction by Gabriel, as a reader, I didn't know whether to be relieved - I mean, isn't it safer to stay with the devil you know than the devil you don't? - or worried. Not only because Gabriel is buying her body and buying her virginity, but because her father had betrayed him. Does Gabriel want more than just her body? Does he plan to use her as a way to extract even more revenge from her father? Or does he want to humiliate Avery even more to prove he is a man not to be messed with? These uncertainties haunt each moment the two of them spend together. With each turn of the page, I learned more secrets, which only lead to more questions. By the end, the unforgivable sting of betrayal and the promise of revenge are what makes me desperate to read the sequel. I loved every moment of this book - Skye, a job well done!
  
Ghost - Single by TriOrca
Ghost - Single by TriOrca
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
TriOrca is a cross Atlantic band based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Ghost” single.

“Fallen leaves, it was me that I couldn’t see through the trees. But I been loving someone though and every time when someone goes. Every time I can’t give up the ghost ‘cause the cracks in the floor keep bleeding out.” – lyrics

‘Ghost’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who waits around for the telephone to ring. Apparently, she wants to receive a call from someone who she desires to be with romantically.

Later, she reveals that the above-mentioned individual might not be thinking about her, and that’s why the phone isn’t ringing. If that’s the case, then in return, she decides to give up his ghost.
‘Ghost’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with neo-soul and contemporary R&B elements.

TriOrca comprises of Phil Simmonds (multi-instrumentalist, producer), David Diaz (drummer, producer) and Whitney Meyer (writer, vocalist).

The bubbly trio is a unique ensemble of creatives who meet at the nexus of artistic intent and musicianship.

Simmonds has toured the world with Jessie J. Not too long ago, Meyer performed a duet with Sam Henshaw at an LA nightclub.

Diaz laid down live drums for Eryn Allen Kane’s forthcoming project while Simmonds played the bass, keys, and worked the boards. Also, while that was happening, Meyer was in another studio, laying down vocals for Empire of the Sun.
  
The Racer is an indie-band from New York’s Hudson Valley. Not too long ago, they released their “I’ll Find You in Dreams” single featuring singer Tiphanie Doucet.

“Head down can’t keep from falling over. Eyes blurred with grief, we’ve grown like the trees, now slowly older, and I’ll never be your island king. The city sings her song to me. The only soul alone on these tangled streets.” – lyrics

‘I’ll Find You in Dreams’ tells an emotional tale of an individual who yearns for something or someone who seems completely out of reach.

The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and emotional instrumentation flavored with great piano lines, evocative synths, and nostalgic elements.

The Racer consists of Pete Marotta (vocals, keys), Mike Esserman (guitar, keys), Eric Sosler (bass, keys, sax).

One day, while looking for artists in New Jersey to be on a show they were organizing, they came across Tiphanie Doucet’s music and loved it.

Shortly afterward, they performed live with Doucet at their show. Later, while hanging out, they asked her to sing on their “I’ll Find You in Dreams” single.

At the age of 15, Tiphanie Doucet starred in the film Le bébé d’Elsa, and later in the Glee-like TV series Chante!

Those exposures increased her popularity in France, where she grew up studying ballet and harp. After her career in TV ended, she made her way to America for a fresh start.

Since then, she’s been writing songs and testing them out on street corners, cruises, and cafés throughout New York and Jersey City.
  
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