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Rachel King (13 KP) rated Finding the Light of Jesus in Books
Feb 11, 2019
When I first started to read this book, I realized very quickly how simply written this book is. The first ten chapters read as if I were sitting in a therapy session with the author and she were talking to me. They are written without much emphasis on detail, and seemed to focus largely on how a person feels in regards to stress and depression. Though the author writes extensively on the light of Jesus, she does not quote a single Bible verse, though she attempts to paraphrase a few - without citations. The beginning and end of each of these ten chapters also contain a poem she wrote and calls prayers, though the poetry is badly written and has little resemblance to an actual prayer, in my opinion. Also scattered through the chapters are activities that the author recommends for the reader, such as journaling and answering questions.
The final chapter is actually a collection of prayers and reflections that the reader is supposed to follow over the course of seven days. This is followed by a section of "Conversations With Jesus" that focus on different topics such as anger, jealousy, being overwhelmed, and fear. This is followed by five pages in which she quotes a scripture from the New American Bible, and leaves a blank space for the reader to journal the answers to her questions about the scripture verse. This is followed by more of her prayers and a further 30 days of prayer and reflection.
Overall, the author presents a Jesus that is only concerned about a person's feelings, whom the author seems to believe that everyone has inside of him or her from birth. She further indicates that everyone goes to heaven, and Jesus' strongest quality is being a "light." No mention is made of the basic precepts of Bible-based Christianity, such as sin, salvation, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead she writes things that seem to contradict parts of scripture, such as stating that Jesus does not judge us and that we are the "light," as well as what I previously mentioned about everyone going to heaven. In the context of that paragraph, I almost expected the author to write that we are all Jesus. I also noticed while reading that nowhere does she ever refer to Him as Jesus Christ either. The entire book has a vague New Age feel, as many of the things Tuttle writes mimic the doctrine of a New Age Jesus.
The author, Cindy Tuttle, has a background of working in the mental health industry for more than twenty-five years. Based on what I have read in this book, I have no doubt that she is good at her job and finds great success with her patients, but I do not find this book of the same calibur.
The final chapter is actually a collection of prayers and reflections that the reader is supposed to follow over the course of seven days. This is followed by a section of "Conversations With Jesus" that focus on different topics such as anger, jealousy, being overwhelmed, and fear. This is followed by five pages in which she quotes a scripture from the New American Bible, and leaves a blank space for the reader to journal the answers to her questions about the scripture verse. This is followed by more of her prayers and a further 30 days of prayer and reflection.
Overall, the author presents a Jesus that is only concerned about a person's feelings, whom the author seems to believe that everyone has inside of him or her from birth. She further indicates that everyone goes to heaven, and Jesus' strongest quality is being a "light." No mention is made of the basic precepts of Bible-based Christianity, such as sin, salvation, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead she writes things that seem to contradict parts of scripture, such as stating that Jesus does not judge us and that we are the "light," as well as what I previously mentioned about everyone going to heaven. In the context of that paragraph, I almost expected the author to write that we are all Jesus. I also noticed while reading that nowhere does she ever refer to Him as Jesus Christ either. The entire book has a vague New Age feel, as many of the things Tuttle writes mimic the doctrine of a New Age Jesus.
The author, Cindy Tuttle, has a background of working in the mental health industry for more than twenty-five years. Based on what I have read in this book, I have no doubt that she is good at her job and finds great success with her patients, but I do not find this book of the same calibur.
Lee (2222 KP) rated A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) in Movies
Nov 5, 2017
A disappointing sequel
I always start my reviews of movie comedies by complaining how most of them just aren't that funny. Usually having a raucous trailer which combines every single one of the movies mildly funny moments into two or three minutes of high energy in an attempt to con you into buying a ticket. And I usually make a comparison to Bad Moms when I'm complaining about them too, probably the funniest comedy I've seen in a couple of years now. My enjoyment of Bad Moms was probably helped by the fact that I was watching it while say next to a busy, overworked mom in the shape of my wife, but it was still very enjoyable all the same. A lot of other people must have thought so too, as they managed to quickly rush out this inferior sequel in order to cash in.
Bad Moms Christmas kicks off on Christmas day, with Amy (Mila Kunis) sitting on the stairs of her home, Christmas tree toppled over, and other Christmas mess all around her. She looks beat, and a real life camel calmly walks past her. This must have been some big crazy party that we're going to rewind and watch unfold in full horrific detail. Spoiler: we do get to see the party, and it's definitely not crazy.
We do go back a few days though and the movie starts counting down each day in the run up to Christmas. All the original cast are back, but this time, in an attempt to double up on the number of Bad Moms (it's a sequel after all), all the moms of our three leads show up to make their lives that much worse. With another upcoming sequel, Daddys Home 2, set to do exactly the same thing, this must just be the thing these days.
With the older moms looking to dictate and ruin the holiday season, their daughters vow to take back Christmas. Unfortunately though, this just involves a bit of drunken bad behaviour in a shopping mall and some grinding/gyrating around an elderly Santa Claus. All a bit disappointing really.
While it's heart is in the right place and everyone is friends again by the time the end of the movie and Christmas day dinner rolls round, overall this is a much less enjoyable movie than the first. While there are some funny moments, the laugh rate is way, way down on the last movie too and a rethink of further 'holiday moms' planned movies is seriously needed.
Bad Moms Christmas kicks off on Christmas day, with Amy (Mila Kunis) sitting on the stairs of her home, Christmas tree toppled over, and other Christmas mess all around her. She looks beat, and a real life camel calmly walks past her. This must have been some big crazy party that we're going to rewind and watch unfold in full horrific detail. Spoiler: we do get to see the party, and it's definitely not crazy.
We do go back a few days though and the movie starts counting down each day in the run up to Christmas. All the original cast are back, but this time, in an attempt to double up on the number of Bad Moms (it's a sequel after all), all the moms of our three leads show up to make their lives that much worse. With another upcoming sequel, Daddys Home 2, set to do exactly the same thing, this must just be the thing these days.
With the older moms looking to dictate and ruin the holiday season, their daughters vow to take back Christmas. Unfortunately though, this just involves a bit of drunken bad behaviour in a shopping mall and some grinding/gyrating around an elderly Santa Claus. All a bit disappointing really.
While it's heart is in the right place and everyone is friends again by the time the end of the movie and Christmas day dinner rolls round, overall this is a much less enjoyable movie than the first. While there are some funny moments, the laugh rate is way, way down on the last movie too and a rethink of further 'holiday moms' planned movies is seriously needed.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Fates and Furies in Books
Feb 13, 2018
This novel details the story of Lotto and Mathilde, who meet as their college days are ending and marry shortly thereafter. Lotto and Mathilde appear to all as a glamorous and lovely couple-- adored by all their friends. However, their marriage and relationship may not be all it appears - even to each other.
Groff starts off the book from Lotto's point of view and then halfway through, we get Mathilde's side. (Therefore, everyone must compare it to "Gone Girl," which is driving me crazy. Can we just stop using "Gone Girl" as the marker to which to compare every book written since?! Thank you.) It's an interesting and well-done plot device, in Groff's deft hands, and you find yourself amazed at how the relationship differs between the two perspectives.
There's a lot of discussion of Lotto and Mathilde's parties (a bit much for me) and a backstory to Lotto's childhood (and eventually Mathilde's). Groff does an excellent job of showing how Lotto and Mathilde's childhood formed the people they became as adults -- and how they acted as spouses. I won't lie - I enjoyed Mathilde's section a bit more, even if I didn't perhaps like her as much as Lotto as a person - she's an interesting character. The end is a little much, but the novel is still well-done. I'd rate it as 3.5 stars - some of it dragged a bit for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Groff starts off the book from Lotto's point of view and then halfway through, we get Mathilde's side. (Therefore, everyone must compare it to "Gone Girl," which is driving me crazy. Can we just stop using "Gone Girl" as the marker to which to compare every book written since?! Thank you.) It's an interesting and well-done plot device, in Groff's deft hands, and you find yourself amazed at how the relationship differs between the two perspectives.
There's a lot of discussion of Lotto and Mathilde's parties (a bit much for me) and a backstory to Lotto's childhood (and eventually Mathilde's). Groff does an excellent job of showing how Lotto and Mathilde's childhood formed the people they became as adults -- and how they acted as spouses. I won't lie - I enjoyed Mathilde's section a bit more, even if I didn't perhaps like her as much as Lotto as a person - she's an interesting character. The end is a little much, but the novel is still well-done. I'd rate it as 3.5 stars - some of it dragged a bit for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
At The Races - Horse Racing
Sports
8.0
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The ultimate app for horse racing fans from the market-leading website for UK & Irish racing. Voted...
After breaking her arm in a circus accident, Ophelia Flax finds herself in a fancy hospital in Switzerland. Another patient there, Imogen Melchor, has been asleep for 8 days. Her parents claim it is related to the Sleeping Beauty legend, which is strong in the area. Meanwhile, Professor Gabriel Penrose is in the area, officially to track down local legends, but really in hopes of finding Ophelia again. Will he succeed? What happened to Imogen?
This is a novella written specifically to wrap up loose ends after the series was canceled. As a result, it will appeal most to series fans. With only 100 pages to work with, the story is fast paces with something always happening to move it forward. The new characters are a bit short changed, but Ophelia and Gabriel are strong, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-sleeping-beauty-borrowed.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a novella written specifically to wrap up loose ends after the series was canceled. As a result, it will appeal most to series fans. With only 100 pages to work with, the story is fast paces with something always happening to move it forward. The new characters are a bit short changed, but Ophelia and Gabriel are strong, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-sleeping-beauty-borrowed.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Chrissie-ann (78 KP) rated 13 Reasons Why - Season 1 in TV
Jun 18, 2018
So many mixed reviews
I surround myself with mental health communities as I suffer myself and have seen so many mixed reviews for this show. But having had depression throughout my school years I think this was a raw and real problem with school kids these days. I think so much more awareness has come from this programme and it shows that things that could seem so small to others can have a huge impact on the people around us. I don't think it glorifies suicide as a lot of people have mentioned, it shows how real and how easily something can hurt somebody without anyone else knowing. The end episode, for me, was a huge trigger and I think a warning should have been put on that. I know that has changed for season 2 though.
I enjoyed watching this, it was hard to watch, raw and I went through so many emotions.
I enjoyed watching this, it was hard to watch, raw and I went through so many emotions.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Google Maps - GPS Navigation in Apps
Aug 25, 2018
I don't know where I'd be without my Google Maps app - literally, I'd probably still be driving round Wigan trying to get home from soft play 3 days ago haha! It's invaluable, when trying to find a specific address, or an ATM in an unfamiliar place.
Recommendations for places to go when you're in a new place can be so helpful. Similarly, the time estimates for arrival at the destination are excellent; far more accurate than previous GPS/Sat Nav type apps and devices I've used, as are the information on incidents and accidents on the route.
I only wish it could be easier to try to get a detour; sometimes you can end up stuck in a loop trying to get around a temporary road closure, meaning you need to pull over and amend the route manually. Of course, there will always be limits to what technology can do, and this really is an outstanding app.
Recommendations for places to go when you're in a new place can be so helpful. Similarly, the time estimates for arrival at the destination are excellent; far more accurate than previous GPS/Sat Nav type apps and devices I've used, as are the information on incidents and accidents on the route.
I only wish it could be easier to try to get a detour; sometimes you can end up stuck in a loop trying to get around a temporary road closure, meaning you need to pull over and amend the route manually. Of course, there will always be limits to what technology can do, and this really is an outstanding app.
Last One at the Party
10.0
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THE END OF EVERYTHING WAS HER BEGINNING It's December 2023 and the world as we know it has ended....
Post-apocalyptic Pandemic UK
JT (287 KP) rated Moon (2009) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
The first few shots of Moon feel like any normal run of the mill sci-fi. There’s shots of the space station with the earth off in the distance, shots of computers and consoles and of course shots of a lone astronaut.
Shot in just 33 days Moon is one of the more eye opening sci-fi films for 2009. It has a Space Odyssey feel about it as the camera pans its way through white crisp interiors and what are seemingly chunky and dated equipment.
Even though this is set in 2024 you’d be forgiven it might have been set years earlier.
Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet’s power problems.
What starts out as seemingly inauspicious hallucinations, after Sam is involved in a crash in his rover turn into something much more. As we don’t ask ourselves what might be wrong with Sam but who the hell he is?
The script is tight and seeing as Sam is really the only major star alongside talking computer GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey) director Duncan Jones does well to build dramatic, emotional and thought provoking moments.
If a 33 day shoot seems small then it has a budget too match as it only cost around $5 million to make, and when you see the shots of the space rover trundling over the Moon’s rough surface you can see exactly what that money might have been used for.
It might not have been up there with many of the biggest blockbusters in 2009 but one thing is for sure, Moon is an enjoyable trip into the unknown.
Shot in just 33 days Moon is one of the more eye opening sci-fi films for 2009. It has a Space Odyssey feel about it as the camera pans its way through white crisp interiors and what are seemingly chunky and dated equipment.
Even though this is set in 2024 you’d be forgiven it might have been set years earlier.
Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet’s power problems.
What starts out as seemingly inauspicious hallucinations, after Sam is involved in a crash in his rover turn into something much more. As we don’t ask ourselves what might be wrong with Sam but who the hell he is?
The script is tight and seeing as Sam is really the only major star alongside talking computer GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey) director Duncan Jones does well to build dramatic, emotional and thought provoking moments.
If a 33 day shoot seems small then it has a budget too match as it only cost around $5 million to make, and when you see the shots of the space rover trundling over the Moon’s rough surface you can see exactly what that money might have been used for.
It might not have been up there with many of the biggest blockbusters in 2009 but one thing is for sure, Moon is an enjoyable trip into the unknown.
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