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Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Upper West Side Story in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Upper West Side Story by Susan Pashman Have you ever read a book about justice that going on in your world that important to all. You thought it was dealt with in a movement that happens 50 years.
You see it still going on today. Well, a book called "Upper West Side Story", bring it to light and questions if our race is still an uphill battle among us. I got this feeling while I was reading the story. We meet a mother who will do anything to protect her son. This story really turns out to be a well written about a boy who is white and a friend with a black boy. We learn about friendships. Matt and Curtis are best friends. Everything changes after a freak accident.
The real issues come out during this time. It affects the whole family but mostly Matt. Viola losses everything but does the community realize that Matt is a child of Viola as well as Curtis is to Bettina. It happens during a time when they were fooling around or goofing around. Racial issues and political issues arise will they overcome or will the charges damaged all including the boy and his family.
You see it still going on today. Well, a book called "Upper West Side Story", bring it to light and questions if our race is still an uphill battle among us. I got this feeling while I was reading the story. We meet a mother who will do anything to protect her son. This story really turns out to be a well written about a boy who is white and a friend with a black boy. We learn about friendships. Matt and Curtis are best friends. Everything changes after a freak accident.
The real issues come out during this time. It affects the whole family but mostly Matt. Viola losses everything but does the community realize that Matt is a child of Viola as well as Curtis is to Bettina. It happens during a time when they were fooling around or goofing around. Racial issues and political issues arise will they overcome or will the charges damaged all including the boy and his family.
Jcadden76 (64 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Grand Theft Auto V in Video Games
Jun 11, 2018
Trevor (3 more)
The story mode
Vehicle selection and vehicle physics
Size and diversity of the map
Let me cut the radio off as default in the cars (2 more)
Building skills in side quests - ehh...
Storyline economy
Trevor makes the game for me.
This is my favorite GTA game so far. I know that sounds ridiculous, of course it is, but I LOVE the story line in this one. There is something about the ease of moving between the main characters, their skill sets, and of course the way they interact, kept me wanting to move the story along and having to remember that I needed to do side quests for money and other things.
In particular, Trevor made the game for me. Steven Ogg is a tremendous actor and his voice being lent to the character of Trevor Phillips was perfect casting. I want a pre-GTA5 game where I get to play as Trevor for the whole game.
The multiplayer is my stumbling block. I like it, I get the attraction, but it has not hooked me. I have played a little in it, I enjoy the race series but that is about all.
I am looking forward to the next GTA game already.
In particular, Trevor made the game for me. Steven Ogg is a tremendous actor and his voice being lent to the character of Trevor Phillips was perfect casting. I want a pre-GTA5 game where I get to play as Trevor for the whole game.
The multiplayer is my stumbling block. I like it, I get the attraction, but it has not hooked me. I have played a little in it, I enjoy the race series but that is about all.
I am looking forward to the next GTA game already.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Defining Pearl...a precious difference in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Other than recognizing the name Mugabe, I will admit to a severe ignorance of anything regarding Zimbabwe, and I feel a great portion of the world could echo that confession. Because of this, I was very excited to read this memoir, not only to learn about what has happened (and is still happening) over there, but also to learn of what this one brave woman endured to keep her family safe while also trying to help her fellow citizens and improve her nation.
Pearl Matibe is a role model for everyone, no matter their sex, race, social status, etc. She looked around at all she had, yet still she and her husband wanted to do more for those around them. Because of their generosity and selflessness, they were forced from their home, lost everything they'd worked so hard for, and she ultimately had to flee the country to which they'd given so much.
I am so blessed to have been given the chance to read this book, and I urge everyone to take the time to read it, as well, It will definitely open your eyes and make you truly grateful for all you have.
5 stars
Other than recognizing the name Mugabe, I will admit to a severe ignorance of anything regarding Zimbabwe, and I feel a great portion of the world could echo that confession. Because of this, I was very excited to read this memoir, not only to learn about what has happened (and is still happening) over there, but also to learn of what this one brave woman endured to keep her family safe while also trying to help her fellow citizens and improve her nation.
Pearl Matibe is a role model for everyone, no matter their sex, race, social status, etc. She looked around at all she had, yet still she and her husband wanted to do more for those around them. Because of their generosity and selflessness, they were forced from their home, lost everything they'd worked so hard for, and she ultimately had to flee the country to which they'd given so much.
I am so blessed to have been given the chance to read this book, and I urge everyone to take the time to read it, as well, It will definitely open your eyes and make you truly grateful for all you have.
5 stars
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Ascension (Phobos #1) in Books
Jul 6, 2018
A great concept
Six boys and six girls are chosen to be the first people to colonise Mars in a speed-dating show like no other. We follow Leonor mainly, as she navigates her life and 'dates' on board the Cupido. It's a bit 'cheesy' in places, and you do get a sense of the fact that it has been translated from French: it gives the language a more lyrical feel (in my opinion). The story though, is great!
I'm not a fan at all of reality TV. I'll turn the channel over every time. This novel shows the whole ridiculousness of the concept: a few 6 minute dates before you choose your life partner?! Madness!
This novel also shows how corrupt big business and government can be in the race to make more and more money. Lots to think about whilst you're reading - the ideas have to come from somewhere!
I liked where the story cut away from the space ship to the organisers of the TV show and two other characters, Andrew and Harmony. I think they may be quite important in the following books in this trilogy. And yes, I have preordered book 2, which incidentally, releases in October!
Thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
I'm not a fan at all of reality TV. I'll turn the channel over every time. This novel shows the whole ridiculousness of the concept: a few 6 minute dates before you choose your life partner?! Madness!
This novel also shows how corrupt big business and government can be in the race to make more and more money. Lots to think about whilst you're reading - the ideas have to come from somewhere!
I liked where the story cut away from the space ship to the organisers of the TV show and two other characters, Andrew and Harmony. I think they may be quite important in the following books in this trilogy. And yes, I have preordered book 2, which incidentally, releases in October!
Thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book.
TacomaSquall (3 KP) rated Mass Effect: Andromeda in Video Games
Aug 11, 2018
A flawed launch...
When I started playing this fourth installment in the Mass Effect franchise, I was struck by some of the daring departures from the original trilogy's gameplay. The ability to choose your hero(ine)'s role based on situation. The hub system for worlds that was more reminiscent of Dragon Age: Inquisition than ME. The departure from the truly galactic scale of Commander Shepard's battle against the Reapers to focus on a seemingly weaker adversary.
I was fortunate to avoid most of the initial bugs in the animation, but was disappointed in the limited exploration available. While I liked the Angara, they couldn't get me to care about them as much as the original games caused me to care about the Quarians and Krogan.
I was tickled by the interactions between the members of the cast, which were dynamic and as detailed as the crew of the Normandy's had been. In the end, it was the team supporting the Pathfinder that sold me on the game, and kept me going to the madcap pell-mell race to the ending.
Yes, it was rushed. Yes, it felt incomplete. But a mediocre installment in the Mass Effect universe still is better than the majority of RPGs out there.
I was fortunate to avoid most of the initial bugs in the animation, but was disappointed in the limited exploration available. While I liked the Angara, they couldn't get me to care about them as much as the original games caused me to care about the Quarians and Krogan.
I was tickled by the interactions between the members of the cast, which were dynamic and as detailed as the crew of the Normandy's had been. In the end, it was the team supporting the Pathfinder that sold me on the game, and kept me going to the madcap pell-mell race to the ending.
Yes, it was rushed. Yes, it felt incomplete. But a mediocre installment in the Mass Effect universe still is better than the majority of RPGs out there.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Following up “Escape Plan”; Lionsgate and Sylvester Stallone have teamed up for “Escape Plan 2: Hades”. This time around Dave Bautista is teamed with Stallone as security expert Ray Breslin (Stallone), is trying to find a locale known as “HADES” where one of his top operatives Shu Ren (Xiaoming Huang), has become an inmate.
Life in the high-tech Hades is harsh as inmates are matches up to fight one another and the place appears to be escape proof.
In a race against time, Breslin must find out all he can about HADES and find a way into the prison in order to break out with his man before it is too late.
The film has good production values for a home video release. It may not have the grand scope of the previous film but it does have enough elements to entertain. I would have liked a bit more screen time for Bautista and Stallone but with a third film already reportedly shot, it would be great to see where the series goes next.
For now, the film despite some flaws is entertaining enough for fans of the original and does make for some decent viewing at home as long as you set reasonable expectations.
http://sknr.net/2018/07/05/escape-plan-2-hades/
Life in the high-tech Hades is harsh as inmates are matches up to fight one another and the place appears to be escape proof.
In a race against time, Breslin must find out all he can about HADES and find a way into the prison in order to break out with his man before it is too late.
The film has good production values for a home video release. It may not have the grand scope of the previous film but it does have enough elements to entertain. I would have liked a bit more screen time for Bautista and Stallone but with a third film already reportedly shot, it would be great to see where the series goes next.
For now, the film despite some flaws is entertaining enough for fans of the original and does make for some decent viewing at home as long as you set reasonable expectations.
http://sknr.net/2018/07/05/escape-plan-2-hades/
David McK (3562 KP) rated Star Wars: Vader Down in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The first cross-over event since Marvel took over the Star Wars franchise, this ties together both the 'core' Star Wars comics, alongside the seperate Vader side-issues, and sees Vader being froced to crash land on a nearby planet when he comes out of hyperspace into the middle of a rebel fleet while searchign for Luke Skywalker (who, remember, does not yet know his relation to Vader as this is set between 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strike Back').
A fleet that he proceeds to decimate single-handedly, until Skywalker deliberately crashes his X-Wing into Vader's own TIE.
After crash-landing, the rebels on that planet - led by Princess Leia - then throw everything they have at the Dark Lord of the Sith: once again, and in some dramatic art, Vader is again easily able to defeat everything they send against him.
Meanwhile, Han Solo and Chewie are also on the search for the crashed Luke, in a race both against time and against Dr Aphra, who wants to capture Luke herself for Vader so she can prove she didn't lead him into a trap.
I found this a quick and rather-enjoyable read which (finally) goes to show just why Vader was feared so much by the Rebel Alliance!
A fleet that he proceeds to decimate single-handedly, until Skywalker deliberately crashes his X-Wing into Vader's own TIE.
After crash-landing, the rebels on that planet - led by Princess Leia - then throw everything they have at the Dark Lord of the Sith: once again, and in some dramatic art, Vader is again easily able to defeat everything they send against him.
Meanwhile, Han Solo and Chewie are also on the search for the crashed Luke, in a race both against time and against Dr Aphra, who wants to capture Luke herself for Vader so she can prove she didn't lead him into a trap.
I found this a quick and rather-enjoyable read which (finally) goes to show just why Vader was feared so much by the Rebel Alliance!
David McK (3562 KP) rated Ender's Game in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Originally starting life as a short story that was later expanded into a full-length novel, this was one of those 'classic' sci-fi stories that I was marginally aware of, but never really had any inclination to read.
When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).
Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).
The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...
How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!
When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).
Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).
The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...
How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated 1917 (2020) in Movies
Jan 20, 2020
The visuals (1 more)
The representation of the war
The War Within The War
1917- is a excellent, phenomenal, epic, fantastic visuals, a remarkable/extraordinary journey that is sad to watch, because it takes place within the war, so people get wounded/injured, people get killed, people go through hell in war just to live to see the next day. People get hungry, tired, dont get to see their family, their have to survive, survival is the only key. And 1917 shows that, 1917 shows the representation of the war, 1917 shows all of that and more. Sam Mendes shows the representation, the struggle, the journey, no man's land and so much more of the war. As to appear as one continuous shot. Which was excellent/phemomenal.
The Plot: During World War I, two British soldiers -- Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake -- receive seemingly impossible orders. In a race against time, they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades -- including Blake's own brother.
A must, a very must watch film. If you havent seen 1917 than go out and see it. Cause this movie will win best picture.
The Plot: During World War I, two British soldiers -- Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake -- receive seemingly impossible orders. In a race against time, they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades -- including Blake's own brother.
A must, a very must watch film. If you havent seen 1917 than go out and see it. Cause this movie will win best picture.
Jumping Horses Champions 2
Games
App
◆◆◆◆◆ This is a New Brand Version of Jumping Horses Champions. A game that mixes the...