Search
Search results
NSCA's Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning
Nsca -National Strength & Conditioning Association
Book
The physical demands of tactical professions such as military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue...
Darren (1599 KP) rated 6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain (2017) in Movies
Oct 2, 2019
Characters – Eric LeMarque had a future as one of the top ice hockey players, he threw this away with hiss reckless behaviour which has seen his career all but gone. With his addiction taking over his life, he finds himself hitting rock bottom and needing to find some hope. Heading for a snowboard away from the world he ends up lost in the harsh wilderness doing everything he can to survive in the conditions which will test his desire to get over his addictions and rebuild his life. Susan is his mother, she has always supported her son and will do anything to help him put his life back on track and is the first to notice he hasn’t been heard from for days. Sarah is one of the rescue team on the mountain, she leads the search once they learn that Eric is missing.
Performances – Josh Hartnett in the leading role does a good job, even if it feels slightly mis-cast because you get the feeling Eric was a lot younger than Hartnett. Mira Sorvino and Sarah Dumont are both solid in the supporting roles as we see them both needing to make difficult decisions.
Story – The story here follows the incredible survival story of Eric LeMarque as he faces days lost in the snow-covered mountain range without anyone searching for him for days, while also battling his own demons of addiction. The story itself is based on the real events that happened to the man who needed to rebuild his life. This does show us just how hard the survival was, though it just doesn’t become the truly engrossing story it could have been, because anything that happens is something we have seen before, be it wolves or injuries. Eric isn’t the most likely guy either because anyone that throws away a sporting career for drugs frustrates the audience. The rescue side of the film either needed to be a bigger involvement or not involved at all, we simply don’t get enough focus on what is happening on this side of the film.
Adventure/Biopic – The adventure side of the film shows us just what could go wrong for an ambitious rush can turn into a battle to survive. The biopic side of the film shows us the days which Eric is lost in the harsh snowy mountain conditions as he battles to survive and his own demons.
Settings – The film puts us in the mountain range covered in snow, showing us how easy it could be to become lost and how hard it would be to survive.
Scene of the Movie – The climb.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Hartnett feels too old for this role.
Final Thoughts – This is a by the book survival story, it does show an incredible fight to survive and does give us a form of redemption for a young man who was throwing his life away.
Overall: By the books survival film.
Rating
Performances – Josh Hartnett in the leading role does a good job, even if it feels slightly mis-cast because you get the feeling Eric was a lot younger than Hartnett. Mira Sorvino and Sarah Dumont are both solid in the supporting roles as we see them both needing to make difficult decisions.
Story – The story here follows the incredible survival story of Eric LeMarque as he faces days lost in the snow-covered mountain range without anyone searching for him for days, while also battling his own demons of addiction. The story itself is based on the real events that happened to the man who needed to rebuild his life. This does show us just how hard the survival was, though it just doesn’t become the truly engrossing story it could have been, because anything that happens is something we have seen before, be it wolves or injuries. Eric isn’t the most likely guy either because anyone that throws away a sporting career for drugs frustrates the audience. The rescue side of the film either needed to be a bigger involvement or not involved at all, we simply don’t get enough focus on what is happening on this side of the film.
Adventure/Biopic – The adventure side of the film shows us just what could go wrong for an ambitious rush can turn into a battle to survive. The biopic side of the film shows us the days which Eric is lost in the harsh snowy mountain conditions as he battles to survive and his own demons.
Settings – The film puts us in the mountain range covered in snow, showing us how easy it could be to become lost and how hard it would be to survive.
Scene of the Movie – The climb.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Hartnett feels too old for this role.
Final Thoughts – This is a by the book survival story, it does show an incredible fight to survive and does give us a form of redemption for a young man who was throwing his life away.
Overall: By the books survival film.
Rating
Kitten Sanctuary
Games
App
Rescue kittens from alien traps and keep them safe & happy in your kitten sanctuaries. Recommended...
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated Agatha Raisin and the Witches' Tree in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley for an unbiased opinion.
Agatha Raisin is at it again. Following a hanging from tree locally infamous as "The Witches' Tree" in a neighboring Cotswold village, Agatha is hired to solve the case.
To those who've been with the series from the beginning, I found this book to be the best in awhile. Over the past few books, I've felt strongly that the changing backstory of a few primary characters (Simon and Charles specifically) was starting to detract from my enjoyment over the series. This time, while both were very present, Beaton left out the details that bothered me.
Additionally, this case truly was solved by Agatha and her agency (she's often accused of bumbling along until she stumbles upon the answer, only to need police rescue for herself as well... definitely not the case in this book).
And one more reason this book got a 5 out of 5 rating from me: Agatha doesn't fall in infatuation in this book. She does date, she does acknowledge that she's happiest when she's in love, but there was no "strong woman becomes blithering idiot" subplot this time.
Characters I wish I'd seen more of: Bill and Alice. Through the last few books, Bill's clearly been distancing himself from Agatha. Hope soon his romance with Alice will grow more and he can resume a more steady role in the books as Agatha's friend.
Agatha Raisin is at it again. Following a hanging from tree locally infamous as "The Witches' Tree" in a neighboring Cotswold village, Agatha is hired to solve the case.
To those who've been with the series from the beginning, I found this book to be the best in awhile. Over the past few books, I've felt strongly that the changing backstory of a few primary characters (Simon and Charles specifically) was starting to detract from my enjoyment over the series. This time, while both were very present, Beaton left out the details that bothered me.
Additionally, this case truly was solved by Agatha and her agency (she's often accused of bumbling along until she stumbles upon the answer, only to need police rescue for herself as well... definitely not the case in this book).
And one more reason this book got a 5 out of 5 rating from me: Agatha doesn't fall in infatuation in this book. She does date, she does acknowledge that she's happiest when she's in love, but there was no "strong woman becomes blithering idiot" subplot this time.
Characters I wish I'd seen more of: Bill and Alice. Through the last few books, Bill's clearly been distancing himself from Agatha. Hope soon his romance with Alice will grow more and he can resume a more steady role in the books as Agatha's friend.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Clone Me a Lover (Interstellar Lovers #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2017
Clone Me a Lover (Interstellar Lovers #1) by Rosalie Redd
Clone Me a Lover was originally part of the Baby, It's Cold in Space anthology, and it stood out from the others due to Angelo Thirteen's gentle demeanour, his hopeful attitude, and his willingness to help. With Elle trying to do all she can to rescue her brother before he is sent to the mines, and Angelo Thirteen really not wanting to go back to earth, you could be forgiven for thinking that they just both fall into bed. Nothing could be further from the truth though, as these two learn about each other first. Angelo Thirteen respects Elle for being a Captain and all that comes with it, whilst Elle is blown away by the difference in attitude between Angelo and the men that she knew from her own planet.
This is a novella, so it is quick-paced, but the story is not lacking in any way. This is novella one in the series, and I can't wait to continue it. I can only imagine just where Rosalie Redd's imagination will take us next time. With no spelling or editorial mistakes to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this novella.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a novella, so it is quick-paced, but the story is not lacking in any way. This is novella one in the series, and I can't wait to continue it. I can only imagine just where Rosalie Redd's imagination will take us next time. With no spelling or editorial mistakes to disrupt my reading flow, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this novella.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated Tarzan's New York Adventure (1942) in Movies
Feb 19, 2019
This trend would continue into the final outing with MGM and the original cast as Johnny Weissmuller and John Sheffield (Boy) would continue on with RKO, but Maureen O’Sullivan, who had clearly grown tired of the role after ten years would depart. And good.
In the early films, especially the first two, Tarzan and Jane’s relationship was paramount. A romantic fairy-tale of sexual and social freedom as Jane would shed her clothes and with them, the shackles of modern civilization in order to live with Tarzan in his idyllic Eden like Jungle home. Hopping from tree to tree, diving into lakes and frolicking where they fell.
By now, they live in a Flintstones style western home with more western trappings than we have today, with Jane being nothing more than an obedient, devoted housewife whilst Tarzan is becoming more civilized and their adopted some has somehow developed and strong American accent!
Jane’s journey was a dead end, and here, as the pair travel to New York to rescue Boy from a circus, she might as well not return to her jungle tree-house at all.
But having said that, this is fun if not a silly adventure, with the fish out of water tropes played out to some comic effect. The scene with Tarzan in the shower is funny but Cheeta’s rampage through Janes suitcase is just annoying as is the fact that she needed so many make up products in the first place!
In the early films, especially the first two, Tarzan and Jane’s relationship was paramount. A romantic fairy-tale of sexual and social freedom as Jane would shed her clothes and with them, the shackles of modern civilization in order to live with Tarzan in his idyllic Eden like Jungle home. Hopping from tree to tree, diving into lakes and frolicking where they fell.
By now, they live in a Flintstones style western home with more western trappings than we have today, with Jane being nothing more than an obedient, devoted housewife whilst Tarzan is becoming more civilized and their adopted some has somehow developed and strong American accent!
Jane’s journey was a dead end, and here, as the pair travel to New York to rescue Boy from a circus, she might as well not return to her jungle tree-house at all.
But having said that, this is fun if not a silly adventure, with the fish out of water tropes played out to some comic effect. The scene with Tarzan in the shower is funny but Cheeta’s rampage through Janes suitcase is just annoying as is the fact that she needed so many make up products in the first place!
This book is part of a series by Blythe Camenson that explores different careers centered on a theme. This volume focuses on water related careers and covers the spectrum from aquatic scientists to the Navy, fishing, cruise staff, water safety and rescue, and water sports.
The book tackles each of these items in a series of chapters. Each chapter talks about what the job entails, training needed, salaries, and employment figures. It then concludes with an interview with someone who is currently employed in the field that touches on their background, their job, and what they do and don't like about it.
The book is interesting and covers a range of things that anyone considering a new career would find interesting. However, it does have its shortcomings. At 150 pages, including an appendix of professional associations, the book just barely wets your appetite for more. Each chapter only focuses on one or two jobs and basically lists the others. This means the book isn't one stop shopping, but it does give you a general idea whether you might want to look for further information on the jobs listed.
Additionally, the book was published in the last decade, so some of the information, like salaries, is already out of date. The book focuses on the US, so if you live elsewhere, you'll need to look into local standards, and all the addresses given won't do you any good.
The book tackles each of these items in a series of chapters. Each chapter talks about what the job entails, training needed, salaries, and employment figures. It then concludes with an interview with someone who is currently employed in the field that touches on their background, their job, and what they do and don't like about it.
The book is interesting and covers a range of things that anyone considering a new career would find interesting. However, it does have its shortcomings. At 150 pages, including an appendix of professional associations, the book just barely wets your appetite for more. Each chapter only focuses on one or two jobs and basically lists the others. This means the book isn't one stop shopping, but it does give you a general idea whether you might want to look for further information on the jobs listed.
Additionally, the book was published in the last decade, so some of the information, like salaries, is already out of date. The book focuses on the US, so if you live elsewhere, you'll need to look into local standards, and all the addresses given won't do you any good.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) in Movies
Mar 31, 2018
Enjoyable
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials is not quite as good as its predecessor, but still manages to serve up some good fun. Set moments after the first, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his crew end up at a rescue facility where Thomas suspects strange things are happening. What Thomas ultimately finds is far more than what he expected.
Acting: 9
Dylan O'Brien is a rising star in my book. His role requires a strong mix of emotions and he carries out each without flaw. He seems to work with what he's given, never trying to overdo it. I appreciate the intensity he brings to the screen. I also appreciated the solid efforts from the supporting cast as well.
Beginning: 9
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
The special effects throughout the film were superb. The "cranks" reminded me of the World War Z zombies, just terrifying once they got rolling. Their horde attacks made me grip my seat a few times. And that sewer scene. Oh man, the sewer...
Personal favorite scene: The tilted building scene. If you haven't seen the film yet, I won't ruin it by saying anything else other than very nicely done. Not only is it great to look at, but also very unique.
Conflict: 7
Genre: 10
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
Plot: 6
Resolution: 5
Overall: 78
Not a life changing movie by any means, but definitely worth a watch for some solid action.
Acting: 9
Dylan O'Brien is a rising star in my book. His role requires a strong mix of emotions and he carries out each without flaw. He seems to work with what he's given, never trying to overdo it. I appreciate the intensity he brings to the screen. I also appreciated the solid efforts from the supporting cast as well.
Beginning: 9
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
The special effects throughout the film were superb. The "cranks" reminded me of the World War Z zombies, just terrifying once they got rolling. Their horde attacks made me grip my seat a few times. And that sewer scene. Oh man, the sewer...
Personal favorite scene: The tilted building scene. If you haven't seen the film yet, I won't ruin it by saying anything else other than very nicely done. Not only is it great to look at, but also very unique.
Conflict: 7
Genre: 10
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
Plot: 6
Resolution: 5
Overall: 78
Not a life changing movie by any means, but definitely worth a watch for some solid action.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Cats Aloft (Anton and Cecil #3) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Anton and Cecil, Book 3, by Lisa Martin, and Valerie Martin is the third book in the Anton and Cecil historical fiction series. After traveling by ship and train in the first two books, they get an opportunity to travel in the air in this outing. Anton and Cecil hook up with a bloodhound, Ruby LaNez in Chicago, to try a solve the mystery of the stolen white puppies. After helping to capture a bank robber, they head off to the fair to track down half a dozen missing white puppies. When they think they know who the culprits are, Cecil accidentally ends up in a hot air balloon. After a disaster in the sky, he ends up at the circus where he locates the missing puppies. With the help of some of the circus animals and a group of overgrown rats, he comes up with a plan to free a Siberian tiger and rescue the puppies. Anton and Ruby follow their noses and also end up at the circus.
What an enjoyable adventure for a pair of adventurous cats. The illustrations are scattered throughout this early chapter book and add just enough visual appeal that children will enjoy. For readers who love animal adventurers this is a fun series. This is an early chapter book that would be great for those late primary, junior readers to enjoy.
I received an advanced copy this book via NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers. Thanks so much.
What an enjoyable adventure for a pair of adventurous cats. The illustrations are scattered throughout this early chapter book and add just enough visual appeal that children will enjoy. For readers who love animal adventurers this is a fun series. This is an early chapter book that would be great for those late primary, junior readers to enjoy.
I received an advanced copy this book via NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers. Thanks so much.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Fastest Things on Wings: Rescuing Hummingbirds in Hollywood in Books
May 29, 2018
Full disclosure: I don't like birds. They terrify me.
Hummingbirds being the exception, and even more so now that I've devoured this book.
(I've read it three times in the past year!)
Fastest Things on Wings is a rare glimpse into this hidden wonderland of the lives of hummingbirds, and a California woman's heroic efforts to rescue and rehabilitate them. The care, compassion and love Terry has for these almost mythical creatures is astounding, and my heart is ten times bigger after reading of some of these stories, including that of Garbriel, a male rescued in the middle of Rodeo Drive, and female hummingbird Pepper, who was injured on a movie set. You come to admire these tiny little birds stories of tenacity and strength, mixed in with dash of science, a whole lot of heart and honestly, a bit of magic.
It takes a lot of time, energy and strength to rehabilitate any animal. There are some very sad losses, but some delightful, and charming wins throughout this book and you relish in the fact that this type of job actually exists, and how quickly you are pulled in and charmed by it's tight knit community.
I learned so much about the migration, mating, and eating habits of these creatures, and it has me hungry to learn more about this splendid, beautiful bird that enamors so many.
5 Stars - without a doubt.
Hummingbirds being the exception, and even more so now that I've devoured this book.
(I've read it three times in the past year!)
Fastest Things on Wings is a rare glimpse into this hidden wonderland of the lives of hummingbirds, and a California woman's heroic efforts to rescue and rehabilitate them. The care, compassion and love Terry has for these almost mythical creatures is astounding, and my heart is ten times bigger after reading of some of these stories, including that of Garbriel, a male rescued in the middle of Rodeo Drive, and female hummingbird Pepper, who was injured on a movie set. You come to admire these tiny little birds stories of tenacity and strength, mixed in with dash of science, a whole lot of heart and honestly, a bit of magic.
It takes a lot of time, energy and strength to rehabilitate any animal. There are some very sad losses, but some delightful, and charming wins throughout this book and you relish in the fact that this type of job actually exists, and how quickly you are pulled in and charmed by it's tight knit community.
I learned so much about the migration, mating, and eating habits of these creatures, and it has me hungry to learn more about this splendid, beautiful bird that enamors so many.
5 Stars - without a doubt.