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Vision of Love (Cold Case Psychic Book 0)
10.0
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Carson Craig, the West Side Psychic, has just had a vision. This shouldn’t be a strange occurrence...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2229 KP) rated Under Lock and Skeleton Key in Books
Oct 3, 2022 (Updated Oct 3, 2022)
The Body in the Sealed Off Room
After her career as a magician in Las Vegas ended in a near fatal accident, Tempest Raj has returned home to her family. That includes time with her father’s construction business, which creates hidden rooms, secret staircases, etc., for his clients. Tempest is on hand at his newest job site when they discover a room that appears to have been sealed for decades. However, when they open it, a body falls out, and Tempest recognizes the victim. So, how did the victim get there? And who killed her?
This series is going to focus on locked-room mysteries, and it starts out with a good one. I enjoyed the dual puzzles of who did it and how the body got into the locked room. The beginning of the book was a little rough. While we don’t get a complete data dump with back story, there is a lot of material here, and the constant teasing of it was almost as bad. Still, as the book progressed, it got better, and the parts that aren’t completely resolved here will make great fodder for future books. Tempest is a great main character, and I quickly grew to love her family and friends, including a character imported from another of this author’s series. The magic and hidden room aspect gave this book a bit of a middle grade mystery vibe, which I completely loved. I will definitely be back to find out what happens to Tempest next.
This series is going to focus on locked-room mysteries, and it starts out with a good one. I enjoyed the dual puzzles of who did it and how the body got into the locked room. The beginning of the book was a little rough. While we don’t get a complete data dump with back story, there is a lot of material here, and the constant teasing of it was almost as bad. Still, as the book progressed, it got better, and the parts that aren’t completely resolved here will make great fodder for future books. Tempest is a great main character, and I quickly grew to love her family and friends, including a character imported from another of this author’s series. The magic and hidden room aspect gave this book a bit of a middle grade mystery vibe, which I completely loved. I will definitely be back to find out what happens to Tempest next.
Smart Cities: A Spatialised Intelligence - AD Primer
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As cities compete globally, the Smart City has been touted as the important new strategic driver for...
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Knowing (2009) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
John Koestler (Nicolas Cage) is a man who lives in a world of facts. As a professor at M.I.T. he is more concerned about things that can be proven through hard science than with things that cannot be proven. With the recent loss of his wife leaving him a single father, John is not willing to accept the notion of a grand plan or the notion of heaven easily.
John’s son Caleb (Chandler Cantebury), morns the loss of his mother and looks to pick up his life with his father unaware of the dramatic turn that fate has in store for them both in the new film “Knowing” by Director Alex Proyas.
When a 50 year old time capsule is unearthed at Caleb’s school he and his fellow classmates eagerly await the envelopes contained within as each student is eager to see what the students from the past have placed in the envelopes as their predictions of the future. Caleb’s envelope contains not a picture but a series of numbers which he quickly dismisses.
One evening at home, John accidently notices the series of numbers and notices the date of 9/11/01 is included followed by a number. Intrigued, John looks up the 9/11 terror attacks online and is surprised that the numbers on the paper that follow the date are the exact death count from the attack. An all night study of the paper indicates to John that the exact date and death count of tragedies from the last fifty years are contained on the paper with some other numbers John cannot account for. What John does know is that there are three dates left on the paper, all of which are in the near future.
Further complicating matters is that the paper contains the data for the accident the killed John’s wife which leads him to believe that he can alter the outcome of the tragedies that are yet to happen and that he has been chosen to save those destined for a tragic death.
When mysterious individuals start to appear near Caleb, John finds himself in a race against time to get to the bottom of the mystery. His efforts lead him to Diana Wayland (Rose Byrne), the daughter of the girl who wrote the numbers on the sheet. While at first reluctant to become involved Diana and her daughter join John and Caleb in a frantic race against time with the very fate of the world hanging in the balance.
“Knowing” is a very compelling drama that mixes action and suspense with expert pacing to produce a first rate and entertaining thriller. Proyas keeps the film moving at a brisk pace but is not afraid to let the film slow down to allow the tension to build. The FX in the film are first rate and while spectacular are not the main attraction to this character driven drama. Though a bit monotone and restrained for my taste, Cage does solid work as the Skeptical John who realizes that there are forces in the universe that cannot be explained and who comes across as a likeable everyman in an extraordinary situation.
The strong script and direction is well balanced by the supporting cast. The ending of the film might be a bit to Hollywood for some, and for me, did detract slightly from the first ¾ of the film.
That being said, “Knowing” was a very enjoyable film and reminded me of the type of films that M. Night Shyamalan used to make, and probably wishes he had done.
John’s son Caleb (Chandler Cantebury), morns the loss of his mother and looks to pick up his life with his father unaware of the dramatic turn that fate has in store for them both in the new film “Knowing” by Director Alex Proyas.
When a 50 year old time capsule is unearthed at Caleb’s school he and his fellow classmates eagerly await the envelopes contained within as each student is eager to see what the students from the past have placed in the envelopes as their predictions of the future. Caleb’s envelope contains not a picture but a series of numbers which he quickly dismisses.
One evening at home, John accidently notices the series of numbers and notices the date of 9/11/01 is included followed by a number. Intrigued, John looks up the 9/11 terror attacks online and is surprised that the numbers on the paper that follow the date are the exact death count from the attack. An all night study of the paper indicates to John that the exact date and death count of tragedies from the last fifty years are contained on the paper with some other numbers John cannot account for. What John does know is that there are three dates left on the paper, all of which are in the near future.
Further complicating matters is that the paper contains the data for the accident the killed John’s wife which leads him to believe that he can alter the outcome of the tragedies that are yet to happen and that he has been chosen to save those destined for a tragic death.
When mysterious individuals start to appear near Caleb, John finds himself in a race against time to get to the bottom of the mystery. His efforts lead him to Diana Wayland (Rose Byrne), the daughter of the girl who wrote the numbers on the sheet. While at first reluctant to become involved Diana and her daughter join John and Caleb in a frantic race against time with the very fate of the world hanging in the balance.
“Knowing” is a very compelling drama that mixes action and suspense with expert pacing to produce a first rate and entertaining thriller. Proyas keeps the film moving at a brisk pace but is not afraid to let the film slow down to allow the tension to build. The FX in the film are first rate and while spectacular are not the main attraction to this character driven drama. Though a bit monotone and restrained for my taste, Cage does solid work as the Skeptical John who realizes that there are forces in the universe that cannot be explained and who comes across as a likeable everyman in an extraordinary situation.
The strong script and direction is well balanced by the supporting cast. The ending of the film might be a bit to Hollywood for some, and for me, did detract slightly from the first ¾ of the film.
That being said, “Knowing” was a very enjoyable film and reminded me of the type of films that M. Night Shyamalan used to make, and probably wishes he had done.
Interludes Box Set
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Temporary Home Sometimes past demons need to be faced before one can embrace what the future...
Contemporary Erotic Romance Men in Uniform MultiCultural
eWeather HD - Weather, Alerts and Satellite Radar
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The World's only iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad weather app specifically designed to provide all the...
The CyberHippy (15 KP) rated Reel Steel (2011) in Movies
Jul 15, 2017
Can a robot fight as well as a person?
Contains spoilers, click to show
Set in the near future Real Steel is the comeback story of a washed-up boxer, who's only inspiration is is estranged son.
Former boxer Charlie Kenton has had to move with the times as traditional boxing has been replaced by the mega-sport of Robot Boxing and Charlie isn't very good at moving with the times. But when his ex-wife dies and he gains custody of his estranged son, Max, who he's never met, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
Charlie must juggle is meager on-the-road, always look for a new robot and a new fight lifestyle, with looking after an 11-year-old child. But when a freak accident leads Charlie and Max to an old sparring bot, Max is determined to get it running again. Once fixed up the pair find that the bot, named Atom, they discover it has a very rare feature, a mode that will literally let it copy the moves of a user in real time.
Starting in the underground fighting leagues, Atom rapidly rises through the ranks until it is noticed by the Robot Fighting League and offered an official fight. Whilst fighting and winning in the official league, Max sets his sights for Atom on an undefeated mega-robot, much to Charlie's distress.
This is the story of a boy reconnecting with the father he never knew though the one thing they have in common, Robot Boxing. Through the destruction and crashing metal come some heart-wrenching emotional scenes.
Look out for some interesting product placement and a very unusual statue outside the final arena.
10/10
Former boxer Charlie Kenton has had to move with the times as traditional boxing has been replaced by the mega-sport of Robot Boxing and Charlie isn't very good at moving with the times. But when his ex-wife dies and he gains custody of his estranged son, Max, who he's never met, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
Charlie must juggle is meager on-the-road, always look for a new robot and a new fight lifestyle, with looking after an 11-year-old child. But when a freak accident leads Charlie and Max to an old sparring bot, Max is determined to get it running again. Once fixed up the pair find that the bot, named Atom, they discover it has a very rare feature, a mode that will literally let it copy the moves of a user in real time.
Starting in the underground fighting leagues, Atom rapidly rises through the ranks until it is noticed by the Robot Fighting League and offered an official fight. Whilst fighting and winning in the official league, Max sets his sights for Atom on an undefeated mega-robot, much to Charlie's distress.
This is the story of a boy reconnecting with the father he never knew though the one thing they have in common, Robot Boxing. Through the destruction and crashing metal come some heart-wrenching emotional scenes.
Look out for some interesting product placement and a very unusual statue outside the final arena.
10/10
Crystal (148 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Jun 4, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2018)
Gaming references (3 more)
80s Easter eggs
Immersive
Not your typical dystopia
Don't judge a book by its movie
I still have not seen the movie and I have heard mixed reviews. However, I very much enjoyed this book. If you are into young adult dystopia then this book is for you. Ready Player One is one of the few books I've read multiple times. It is one of those books where you can really catch on to little details you may have missed the first time around. This book is chock full of 80s pop culture references.
I say this book is a bit of a slow starter and that is because of the world building. We get to know the main character and his in real life daily issues and also the craftsmanship of the fully immersive VR world that is the Oasis. I felt like I was plugging in along with the other players.
Synopsis: The story takes place in the very near future. Sky rocketing gas prices have forced people to give up driving. Most people now actually work in a VR office rather than commuting. The economy has fallen apart and people depend on the Oasis for everything. The big baddie is a mega corporation that wants to control the Oasis, and in turn control the country/world. Regular kids raised by the Oasis take on this corporation simply by trying to win an Easter egg hunt set up by the games founder. The stakes are high. What starts off as a contest quickly becomes a matter of life and death as our heroes get closer to solving the quest and winning it all.
I say this book is a bit of a slow starter and that is because of the world building. We get to know the main character and his in real life daily issues and also the craftsmanship of the fully immersive VR world that is the Oasis. I felt like I was plugging in along with the other players.
Synopsis: The story takes place in the very near future. Sky rocketing gas prices have forced people to give up driving. Most people now actually work in a VR office rather than commuting. The economy has fallen apart and people depend on the Oasis for everything. The big baddie is a mega corporation that wants to control the Oasis, and in turn control the country/world. Regular kids raised by the Oasis take on this corporation simply by trying to win an Easter egg hunt set up by the games founder. The stakes are high. What starts off as a contest quickly becomes a matter of life and death as our heroes get closer to solving the quest and winning it all.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Autómata (2014) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
In the near future following an ecological disaster, humanity lives behind a wall to protect itself from the radioactive and barren wastelands as well as the scavengers outside. This is the setting of the new film “Autómata” by Director Gabe Ibanez.
Antonio Banderas stars as Jacq Vaucan, an insurance agent who is tasked with representing ROC Robotics as their units have become standard for all tasks menial and otherwise in society.
With Acid Rain and pollution a threat to those in the walk, Jacq is happy to have a good job and has a baby on the way that he and his wife look forward to. Jacq becomes involved in a mystery when a robot is found repairing itself in violation of the basic programming for the machines.
The investigation takes a turn for the worse when violence erupts and Jacq is forced to flee into the radioactive areas with a small band of robots watching over him. Despite his bad condition, Jacq learns the truth behind the investigation and those who will stop at nothing to keep it a secret.
The film is very good for budget Science Fiction as the FX work is first rate. This is a take with humanity at its core, and Banderas does solid work in the role. The film also takes some jabs at society and human nature without being over the top or heavy handed and the pacing worked well for the film.
I must say this is one of the more interesting films of the year especially since it came out without the hype and fanfare of bigger studio films.
http://sknr.net/2014/10/10/automata/
Antonio Banderas stars as Jacq Vaucan, an insurance agent who is tasked with representing ROC Robotics as their units have become standard for all tasks menial and otherwise in society.
With Acid Rain and pollution a threat to those in the walk, Jacq is happy to have a good job and has a baby on the way that he and his wife look forward to. Jacq becomes involved in a mystery when a robot is found repairing itself in violation of the basic programming for the machines.
The investigation takes a turn for the worse when violence erupts and Jacq is forced to flee into the radioactive areas with a small band of robots watching over him. Despite his bad condition, Jacq learns the truth behind the investigation and those who will stop at nothing to keep it a secret.
The film is very good for budget Science Fiction as the FX work is first rate. This is a take with humanity at its core, and Banderas does solid work in the role. The film also takes some jabs at society and human nature without being over the top or heavy handed and the pacing worked well for the film.
I must say this is one of the more interesting films of the year especially since it came out without the hype and fanfare of bigger studio films.
http://sknr.net/2014/10/10/automata/
JT (287 KP) rated Robot & Frank (2012) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Frank (Frank Langella) is slowing drifting into dementia, although his stiff upper lip and stubbornness refuse him to believe that there is anything wrong. His children fight to offer help despite an ongoing sense of resentment that they have to. When his son Hunter presents Frank with a robot butler designed to look after him he finds another more profitable use for it.
The portrayal of old age in any film can be depressing. We’re all going to end up that way at some point in our lives whether we like it or not. The only control we have is do we go quietly or kicking and screaming. The robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) is not given a name but his calming presence and dry underlying humour make him a perfect compliment for Frank’s brash and rather direct old timer.
Frank’s hidden past was as a jewel thief, spending most of his early life inside made it clear that he was not a good father to either of his children, and he’s been divorced from his wife for some time. It’s a beautifully written script set near enough in the future that it still is in keeping with present day surroundings – uniquely different mobile phones and voice activated Skype chat seem to be the more futuristic of the technologies, robots aside.
As their relationship develops the bond between them becomes closer. It feels very much like a real life Wall-E, Frank relaxes to become dependant on the Robot. It’s a solid film with great central performances with controlled and light hearted direction. The plot is wayward at times but it holds well for the duration.
The portrayal of old age in any film can be depressing. We’re all going to end up that way at some point in our lives whether we like it or not. The only control we have is do we go quietly or kicking and screaming. The robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) is not given a name but his calming presence and dry underlying humour make him a perfect compliment for Frank’s brash and rather direct old timer.
Frank’s hidden past was as a jewel thief, spending most of his early life inside made it clear that he was not a good father to either of his children, and he’s been divorced from his wife for some time. It’s a beautifully written script set near enough in the future that it still is in keeping with present day surroundings – uniquely different mobile phones and voice activated Skype chat seem to be the more futuristic of the technologies, robots aside.
As their relationship develops the bond between them becomes closer. It feels very much like a real life Wall-E, Frank relaxes to become dependant on the Robot. It’s a solid film with great central performances with controlled and light hearted direction. The plot is wayward at times but it holds well for the duration.