Search
Search results
Spectacular New Perspective
One of the greatest failures of our education system is its inability to make history interesting enough that people want to learn it so that we can stop repeating it. Then, we have Erik Larson. His brilliant writing technique turns dull historical facts into a story that forces you to continue turning the pages. Truly spectacular perspective of Churchill and those closest to him during a truly dark time in history. Also, a great glimpse of the German leaders as well. I'm truly looking forward to the next book of his I've ordered... and others after that. I think this should be a guide on how to bring history to a level that people can connect with.
Kacey Dunbar (6 KP) rated Love Never Dies - Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway Musical (2010) in Movies
Dec 14, 2018
Music (3 more)
Acting
Voices
Scene Transitions
Amazing Sequel of Epic Proportions
*NO SPOILERS, I promise* This being my very first musical, suffice it to say I was floored by the quality of the show. The actors really managed to bring the emotion out in this compelling sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. It follows the story of Christine and Erik 10 years later after their first fateful encounter. Nothing about the performance disappointed me. Minus a single technical difficulty that was resolved in less than 10 minutes, there were no interruptions. The music was also amazing. If you're not interested yet you might as well stop reading. For those of you who are, I seriously recommend following the crew for info on their upcoming shows. It's so worth the money and time you spend on it.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated One Small Thing (One Thing, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
So Rue finds out he's going to be a dad after a one night drunken thing with a girl and he wants the baby. On sight he falls in love with baby Alice.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_m8r241MBHz1rdt98to1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_m8r241MBHz1rdt98to1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_m8r241MBHz1rdt98to1_5001.gif"/></a>
And she's treated like a Princess by her daddy and Uncle Dusty. It's so cute!
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_lxdoqoPwAA1qm6oc3o1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_lxdoqoPwAA1qm6oc3o1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_lxdoqoPwAA1qm6oc3o1_5001.gif"/></a>
There's only one problem. Rue needs to go back to school so he can have his dream job as hairdresser. After scouring day-cares and finding them lacking he posts an ad in his building looking for a baby-sitter.
In comes Erik, his neighbour. Erik is fairly shy, he doesn't like change and large crowds but after meeting Rue and his baby daughter he's drawn to them and offers his services.
It was such cute reading for the first 40% or so when they're interacting with Alice, the awkwardness but the love she receives from her daddy, uncle and Erik.
I don't want to go into too much detail in case it spoils it for you but over time feelings change and a sweet romance blossoms between the two main characters.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n56mn6JBsi1skkueko1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_n56mn6JBsi1skkueko1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_n56mn6JBsi1skkueko1_5001.gif"/></a>
Alice grows up some.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_m9b8cdhOtg1ryfwpio1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_m9b8cdhOtg1ryfwpio1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_m9b8cdhOtg1ryfwpio1_5001.gif"/></a>
As usual in books there was some conflict that our characters had to deal with and for that. I had many of these moments
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n3lyd3cmvm1r4vgdao1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_n3lyd3cmvm1r4vgdao1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_n3lyd3cmvm1r4vgdao1_5001.gif"/></a>
And then of course:
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n3204qyaHC1t1prrio1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_n3204qyaHC1t1prrio1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_n3204qyaHC1t1prrio1_5001.gif"/></a>
But all ends up good, so I'm one very happy person right now.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_mls5tuR5HK1qhuxpco1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_mls5tuR5HK1qhuxpco1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_mls5tuR5HK1qhuxpco1_5001.gif"/></a>
I'm interested in reading Dusty's story too, off to hunt it out on Scribd :D
So Rue finds out he's going to be a dad after a one night drunken thing with a girl and he wants the baby. On sight he falls in love with baby Alice.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_m8r241MBHz1rdt98to1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_m8r241MBHz1rdt98to1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_m8r241MBHz1rdt98to1_5001.gif"/></a>
And she's treated like a Princess by her daddy and Uncle Dusty. It's so cute!
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_lxdoqoPwAA1qm6oc3o1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_lxdoqoPwAA1qm6oc3o1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_lxdoqoPwAA1qm6oc3o1_5001.gif"/></a>
There's only one problem. Rue needs to go back to school so he can have his dream job as hairdresser. After scouring day-cares and finding them lacking he posts an ad in his building looking for a baby-sitter.
In comes Erik, his neighbour. Erik is fairly shy, he doesn't like change and large crowds but after meeting Rue and his baby daughter he's drawn to them and offers his services.
It was such cute reading for the first 40% or so when they're interacting with Alice, the awkwardness but the love she receives from her daddy, uncle and Erik.
I don't want to go into too much detail in case it spoils it for you but over time feelings change and a sweet romance blossoms between the two main characters.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n56mn6JBsi1skkueko1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_n56mn6JBsi1skkueko1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_n56mn6JBsi1skkueko1_5001.gif"/></a>
Alice grows up some.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_m9b8cdhOtg1ryfwpio1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_m9b8cdhOtg1ryfwpio1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_m9b8cdhOtg1ryfwpio1_5001.gif"/></a>
As usual in books there was some conflict that our characters had to deal with and for that. I had many of these moments
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n3lyd3cmvm1r4vgdao1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_n3lyd3cmvm1r4vgdao1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_n3lyd3cmvm1r4vgdao1_5001.gif"/></a>
And then of course:
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_n3204qyaHC1t1prrio1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_n3204qyaHC1t1prrio1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_n3204qyaHC1t1prrio1_5001.gif"/></a>
But all ends up good, so I'm one very happy person right now.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/tumblr_mls5tuR5HK1qhuxpco1_5001.gif.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/tumblr_mls5tuR5HK1qhuxpco1_5001.gif"; border="0" alt=" photo tumblr_mls5tuR5HK1qhuxpco1_5001.gif"/></a>
I'm interested in reading Dusty's story too, off to hunt it out on Scribd :D
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I stumbled on this book quite by accident while on one of my hours long "grocery shopping" treks through Target. I have had several Erik Larson books on my To Read list for awhile. It was just one of those, "I'll get to them one day," kind of things. I saw this on the shelf & bought it on a whim. I found it it be a truly engaging narrative, not just about the tragic torpedoing & sinking of the Lusitania, but about the passengers & crew too. The human side of the story is what really grabbed me. I will admit that it started off a bit slow for my taste, but I did get immersed in the day to day lives of those aboard the ship. The tales of survival are amazing along with all the political maneuvering that occurred in the wake of the sinking. This is a fascinating snapshot of world history told from a very personal perspective. Well word the read.
CHILLFILTR (46 KP) rated PHASES by Chase Atlantic in Music
Jun 5, 2019
In a triumphant return with sophomore full-length record Phases, Chase Atlantic drops HER, the first single, and visits with a waking dream that joins passion with opulence and the innocence of youth. In a stunning video directed by Erik Rojas and Clinton Cave, we run with the young, beautiful, and financially untouchable: through the posh shops, the cobblestone walkways, and deep pockets of Beverly Hills.
We explore the fantasies of attraction and infinite power, in the effortless fusion of genre and aesthetic between the alt-pop and hip-hop of Post Malone and the rock flavor of YUNGBLUD. HER, the latest from Australia’s Chase Atlantic, closes the circle between bad parenting, the corrosive influence of money, and the opportunity for a young man to have the night of his life, while showcasing the rare beauty of talented newcomer Raelynn Harper.
Oh, think her boyfriend might be Christian Dior
I’m getting feelings that I didn’t before
We explore the fantasies of attraction and infinite power, in the effortless fusion of genre and aesthetic between the alt-pop and hip-hop of Post Malone and the rock flavor of YUNGBLUD. HER, the latest from Australia’s Chase Atlantic, closes the circle between bad parenting, the corrosive influence of money, and the opportunity for a young man to have the night of his life, while showcasing the rare beauty of talented newcomer Raelynn Harper.
Oh, think her boyfriend might be Christian Dior
I’m getting feelings that I didn’t before
Glen Banyard (13 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Jun 9, 2019
Action scenes (1 more)
Story
Underwhelming end to the arc
So after X-Men First Class we got Days of Future Past, which led to Apocalypse, and now Dark Phoenix, While the first three were good entertaining movies, and even though Apocalypse wasn't the strongest it still entertained, and the came Darl Phoenix, which is sadly and wholly underwhelming 1 hour 54 minutes.
Sophie Turner should have shined in the film, the performance felt stilted and in place, painful to watch, the knock on effect from this, you feel no empathy for Jean Grey.
One scene is more laughable than tense when Jean/Dark Phoenix with with Erik/Magneto.
As the house of mouse now owns Fox I suspect a reboot may not be as far away with, on general, Disney / Marvel knowing how to do a great superhero movie.
The best bot about this film ? the badges you can get at Frankie and Benny's
Sophie Turner should have shined in the film, the performance felt stilted and in place, painful to watch, the knock on effect from this, you feel no empathy for Jean Grey.
One scene is more laughable than tense when Jean/Dark Phoenix with with Erik/Magneto.
As the house of mouse now owns Fox I suspect a reboot may not be as far away with, on general, Disney / Marvel knowing how to do a great superhero movie.
The best bot about this film ? the badges you can get at Frankie and Benny's
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Heart of Iron in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Honestly thought I would DNF this book in the beginning - but about 1/4-1/2 way through it really picked up the pace - I loved Di and his story, I didn't care for Ana and the story between Jax and Robb was amazing - I think i'd be down for a story of Jax and his life before he got where he was. And I'd really love a story about Di - but I don't think I'll continue the series after this. I really have words for Erik - I had words for some of the others too but he really got in my head. I must have misread some part of the book because I thought something horrible had happened and I wanted to throw the book a little, but alas - I kind of want to know about the end - like, did she really have what she says she does - it doesn't make sense to me - hmmmm - questions
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Saw II (2005) in Movies
Jan 8, 2020
Against The Clock
Saw II- continues off of the first one. More games, more victims and more torture. I like the story, I like donnie Walhburg, I like tobin Bell and I like Shawnee Smith. I like the twist and turns thoughout the movie. I like the psychological espect of the film. So much of the first film is in this film which is good.
The Plot: On the hunt for the twisted vigilante and serial killer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) and his team must apprehend the elusive murderer to rescue eight people trapped in an abandoned house, before they succumb to his torturous and murderous games. One twist to this task is that Matthews' own son, Daniel (Erik Knudsen), is among the eight people Jigsaw has chosen to test for their lack of morality. With nerve gas pumping through the house, every second counts.
A good sequel to a fantastic first film.
The Plot: On the hunt for the twisted vigilante and serial killer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) and his team must apprehend the elusive murderer to rescue eight people trapped in an abandoned house, before they succumb to his torturous and murderous games. One twist to this task is that Matthews' own son, Daniel (Erik Knudsen), is among the eight people Jigsaw has chosen to test for their lack of morality. With nerve gas pumping through the house, every second counts.
A good sequel to a fantastic first film.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Erik Larson has done it again. One of our time's finest writers of non-fiction has once more taken a page from our history and turned it into a most compulsively readable book. This time telling the tale of the sinking of the luxury liner Lusitania by the Germans during World War I, the narrative follows everyone from the passengers and crew of the ill-fated ship, to the men on the U-boat that fired the torpedo, to the British and American officials monitoring the situation and making the decisions about how to respond. Mr. Larson provides a stunning amount of detail, enough to make one feel as if they had actually spent time aboard the opulent liner with its travelers, but at no point does it seem as though the details are bogging things down. To the contrary, events move along at a brisk pace as they head towards their tragic end. It is a sad but fascinating tale, handled here with aplomb, in what is sure to wind up on many year-end best lists.
David McK (3219 KP) rated Marines (Crimson Worlds #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The first in [a:Jay Allan|1024374|Jay Allan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]'s 'Crimson Worlds' series, which - unfortunately - I struggled to really connect with.
I can see what the author was aiming for, with hints of a better, more compelling story peeking through every so often but I'm afraid, for me, this particular entry didn't really grip me all that much.
I don't know whether that's a result (probably) of the conscious decision to tell this entirely in the first person, meaning that there is, of necessity, a very tight focus on the central character or Erik Cain. If you do that, however, you have to make that character in and of themselves interesting and somebody you want to follow the trials and tribulation of: for me, Eric Cain just doesn't cut the mustard.
I may read the second entry (told, apparently, in the third person) to see if it gets any better, but - based on this - I'm afraid I'm not really holding out any high hopes.
I can see what the author was aiming for, with hints of a better, more compelling story peeking through every so often but I'm afraid, for me, this particular entry didn't really grip me all that much.
I don't know whether that's a result (probably) of the conscious decision to tell this entirely in the first person, meaning that there is, of necessity, a very tight focus on the central character or Erik Cain. If you do that, however, you have to make that character in and of themselves interesting and somebody you want to follow the trials and tribulation of: for me, Eric Cain just doesn't cut the mustard.
I may read the second entry (told, apparently, in the third person) to see if it gets any better, but - based on this - I'm afraid I'm not really holding out any high hopes.