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NMJ #14: The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug

Title: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Year Released/Rating: 2013 PG-13

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Written By: J.R.R. Tolkien, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro

Genre: Fantasy, Action

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Server

Trivia:

  • The insult Thorin screams in Dwarvish at Thranduil in Khuzdul basically translates as "I dump my feces on your head."
  • The only time Legolas blinks is when he realizes he has been wounded. This is in keeping with the character, as the only time Legolas blinks in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is when he is strongly surprised.
  • Orlando Bloom is two years older than Lee Pace who plays his father, King Thranduil.
  • Thranduil's sudden scars reflect a little-emphasized facet of J.R.R. Tolkien's lore: elves' "Fëa" (a metaphysical concept analogous translatable as "soul") occasionally influences the "Hröa" (the fleshly, physical body), particularly under moments of extreme stress. This can manifest as extreme physical changes that reflect the mind's state, in this case deep war scars.
  • Bilbo steals the keys to the prison from an Elf addressed as Elros. Elros is also the name of Elrond's brother. The two brothers had both human and Elvish ancestry on both their mother's and father's side, and as such were perfectly half-Elf and half-Man. While Elrond chose to be an immortal Elf, Elros chose to become a mortal man. He thus became the progenitor of the Numenorian race, and an ancestor of Aragorn.
  • A pair of Megaloceros giganteus (Irish elk) antlers flanks the Elf king's throne.
  • This film is features the first occurrence of seeing the character Legolas bleed on screen.

Summary:

 The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.

Review:

Yes I realize that I am super behind in watching this one. I finally got around to it. And boy was it good. I really love the interaction between Bilbo and Smaug. The last 30 minutes is really the best part of the film. I can't wait to see how it ends.

Best Bits: 

  • Legolas: [Looking at two pictures in a locket that he has confiscated from Gloin. The picture on the left has a long thick beard] Who is this? Your brother? Gloin: That is my wife! Legolas: [Looking at the infant in the other picture] And who is this horrid creature? A goblin mutant? Gloin: That is my wee lad, Gimli!
  • Kili: Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers. Tauriel: Or nothing.
  • [Smaug is smothered with a deluge of molten gold]mSmaug: [rises up] Revenge? REVENGE? I will show you revenge! [takes flight towards Lake Town] I am fire! I am... death!
  • [observes a carving of the Arkenstone] Bilbo Baggins: What's that? Balin: That is the Arkenstone. Bilbo Baggins: And what is it? Thorin Oakenshield: That, Master Burglar, is why you are here.
tags: 5 stars, action, fantasy, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Thursday 01.15.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Arthur: 15 Months

Arthur's officially a toddler! Full of new skills, discoveries, and even tantrums. It's been a crazy month. We started the month in Indiana and ended it back in California, but we had some fun along the way.

 
 

Likes: All the food, being independent, friends, dogs

 
 

Dislikes: The cold, waiting for anything, green beans

 

Sleeping: While in Indiana, Arthur often slept with me. Of course I didn't want that to continue once back in California. We've had a few rough nights, but we seem to be getting back onto a more normal schedule.

 
 

Eating: All the things!  Well, almost all the things. He's not huge on green beans and most meat. Overall he seems to eat almost everything and I am very grateful for that. We can go and eat almost anywhere.

 
 
 
 

Playing: I love watching Arthur interact with all his friends. It's amazing to see their development. They don't always share and sometimes get a bit handsy, but they are so cute to watch.

 
 
 
 

Schedule:We're still figuring out our weekly schedule back in California. It's an ongoing issue.

 

Out and About: While in Indiana we rarely went anywhere. It was just too damn cold. Since being back, we've already hit the Children's Museum and Shoreline. Plus we hosted preschool at our new house.  And we have explored part of our new area including two different Targets, Michaels, and a new park. We will definitely be doing some more exploring of our area. I'm sure we will be back to that park soon.

 
 
 
tags: Arthur, growth update
categories: Kids
Thursday 01.15.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #12-13: Cat 8

Title: Cat 8

Year Released/Rating: 2013

Starring: Matthew Modine, Maxim Roy, Ted Whittall

Directed By: Kevin Fair

Written By: Donald Martin

Genre: Action

Star Rating:  3/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: A research program abandoned by the best solar physicist when the Pentagon wanted to put it to military use has been resumed by his former deputy. Her incompetence and the Defense secretary's haste cause it to be tested too soon, stirring unprecedented solar flares, ultimately a plasma causing disasters on all continents. Only the genius can think of a way out, only to be victimized by the secretary, who needs to cover up. Even when it turns out the earth's core has stopped spinning, spelling an unimaginable seismic apocalypse, the genius must still evade special forces to stay free and save the world again.

Review:

Interesting idea, but not great tv movie at all.  But I do love my disaster porn. So I guess it was a good two afternoons watching...

tags: 3 stars, action, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Thursday 01.15.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #11: I, Frankenstein

Title: I, Frankenstein

Year Released/Rating: 2014 PG-13

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto

Directed By: Stuart Beattie

Written By: Stuart Beattie, Kevin Grevioux

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Star Rating:  2/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

  • This film acknowledges Frankenstein's Monster as "Adam" making it one of the very few screen adaptations to call him this name.
  • There are three instances of "Adam" in the novel, all by the creation, all in third-party reference: "Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel..." (Chapter 10) "Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence..." (Chapter 15) "I remembered Adam's supplication to his Creator. But where was mine?" (Chapter 15)

Summary: Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

Review: 

This popped up on Netflix. I thought it might be fun to watch while sorting craft supplies. I was wrong. This was bad. Confusing plot, cardboard characters, and ridiculous action. Even Bill Nighy couldn't save this one...

Best Bits: 

  • Adam: I am like no other.
tags: 2 stars, action, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Wednesday 01.14.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Quote Wednesday -- Bethune

Invest in a human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough. -- Mary McLeod Bethune

categories: Quote Wednesday
Wednesday 01.14.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Bout of Books 12 Finish Line

Bout of Books

Pages Read Today: 368 (The Killer Angels) + 152 (A Hundred Pieces of Me)

Pages Read Total: 894

Life got a little crazy and my reading time decreased over the week. I'm still happy about reading two complete books over this week. Love the low-key approach to this readathon.

Here are my goals for this week:

  • Read 3 books -- Failed... I read two books and started my third, but didn't finish it
  • Review all books read -- I did review both of the books that I finished.
  • Read 1000 pages -- Close but not quite
  • Participate in at least two challenges -- failed... life got in the way

TBR Pile:

  • Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist √
  • The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara √
  • The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
  • A Hundred Pieces of Me by Lucy Dillon (in progress)

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 11th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 12 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

tags: Bout of Books Readathon
categories: Readathon
Monday 01.12.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Title: The Killer Angels

Author: Michael Shaara

Publisher: McKay 1974

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - K; New Author

In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fought for two conflicting dreams. One dreamed of freedom, the other of a way of life. Far more than rifles and bullets were carried into battle. There were memories. There were promises. There was love. And far more than men fell on those Pennsylvania fields. Bright futures, untested innocence, and pristine beauty were also the casualties of war. Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece is unique, sweeping, unforgettable—the dramatic story of the battleground for America’s destiny.

Our book club selection for January. How have I never actually read this book? I love history, I especially love U.S. History, and I love historical fiction. At any rate, This was a fascinating account of the battle of Gettysburg. I loved being able to get into the heads of the various generals and soldiers. Somehow a fictional account of the battle makes it more real. I came out of the book with a better understanding of the battle progression and decisions made by various people. A recommendation for history lovers.

tags: 4 stars, a to z, Civil War, historical fiction, Michael Shaara, mount tbr, New Author, TBR Reduction
categories: Book Reviews
Monday 01.12.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Music Monday -- Ella Henderson "Ghost"

I am currently obsessed with this song.  Already preordered her album on iTunes. I can't wait to hear everything else! 

tags: Ella Henderson
categories: Music
Monday 01.12.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Monthly Life Goals January 2015

 

Before I get to this month’s goals, let’s check in on December’s goals and my progress.

  • 30 Day Challenge: December Daily -- Success!  I have a few final pieces to complete but that had to wait until I got home.  Now I've finished up my album and ready to dive into 2015.
  • Prep and finish all my year end blogging posts before the 31st -- Success! I took some time each day to knock out a post or two.  I love having a bit of a blogging break to work behind the scenes.
  • Create our Christmas break bucket list for the twins -- Success! I got stuff organized in time to actually do some things this Holiday Season.
  • Prep my 2015 TBR list -- Success! I have a short list (compared to previous years), but a good list of books I know I want to read this year.
 

This month's goals:

  • 30 Day Challenge: New Movies -- All my other 30 day challenges seemed difficult to do while still in Indiana for the first week of the month.  This one I can complete anywhere...
  • Organize my book shelves -- We moved in, J put my books on the shelves, but they are in no way organized. This is one of my first priorities of the new year. I like to have organized book shelves.
  • List our home projects (short and long term) -- A new house always comes with a list of projects.  I want to have a running list to work from.
  • Finishing planning the mom retreat -- It's scheduled for Feb 19-22. I want to get everything planned and prepped by the end of the month.
  • Meal planning -- I want to get back into the habit of meal planning.  First task: take an inventory of the pantry. Second task: start pulling recipes. Third task: schedule them out. Fourth task: Grocery shopping.
tags: Monthly Life Goals
categories: Life
Sunday 01.11.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #10: Knights of Badassdom

Title: Knights of Badassdom

Year Released/Rating: 2013 R

Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage

Directed By: Joe Lynch

Written By: Kevin Dreyfuss, Matt Wall

Genre: Horror, comedy

Star Rating:  4/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trivia:

  • The main cast went through Live Action Role Playing sessions before filming and Peter Dinklage was declared the most successful out of everyone.
  • Disowned by director Joe Lynch after the film was delayed and re-edited by IndieVest.
  • "The Battle of Evermore" is also the name of a popular Led Zepplin song.

Summary: Live-action role players conjure up a demon from Hell by mistake and they must deal with the consequences.

Review:

On my to watch list since it came out, but I never seemed to get around to it. The first half of the movie is a silly comedy. And then it changes to a serious horror film. The change is a bit abrupt, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Peter Dinklage makes this movie better than mediocre. Plus the effects are surprisingly decent.

Best Bits: 

  • Eric: And Guinevere the fearless, who's plus-three ass of perfection should keep the memory of she who should not be mentioned at bay. Gwen: Plus-three? Clearly you underestimate my endowments.
  • Ronnie Kwok: [in distress] You just summoned a succubus from Hell! Eric: [pauses] Sorry.
tags: 4 stars, comedy, horror, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Saturday 01.10.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

One Little Word 2015

After failing at last year's OLW: Explore (let's just not review that), I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to do this year.  And then it hit me:

 

The perfect word for 2015. Here's why:

  • We moved into a new house in November, but I haven't been there to enjoy it yet.
  • We moved to East Bay where I don't know anyone or anything.
  • We now have a comfortable family of 5, but we don't always feel like home.
  • I crave comfort and stability.
 

This year will be all about creating a home out of the dwelling we live in. They are a few things that I want to focus on:

  • Completing home improvement/decor projects
  • Cultivating family traditions
  • Taking family photos (not just pics of Arthur)
  • Documenting family outings
  • Creating a family bucket list
  • Carving out personalized spaces for each family member

Look for monthly OLW updates in the future!

tags: One Little Word
categories: Life
Saturday 01.10.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

New 101 in 1001

Last time, I really lost steam about 2/3 of the way through.  I'm going to try and do it again, but be a bit more realistic with my goals.

Start: January 1st, 2015 End: September 28, 2017

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks/goals/challenges in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and represent "stretching."

Ideas:

  1. Friends, Family, and Love - Send out homemade holiday cards in December
  2. Build a snowman
  3. Complete 52 once a week photos of Arthur
  4. Spend a day at the beach
  5. Date nights x 20
  6. Complete a Jar of Life
  7. Host a tea party
  8. Choose and document One Little Word 2015 and 2016
  9. Write a personal manifesto
  10. Take a picture of myself every first day of the month
  11. Give 5 Just Because gifts
  12. Give Arthur 25 pictures books in 25 days for December 2015
  13. Pass 500 books for Arthur's 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
  14. Throw a Favorite Things party
  15. Host a Pinterest party/crafting day/crop
  16. Take Arthur and twins to go see Santa
  17. Crafting and Culture - Attend an opera or musical
  18. Reread the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit
  19. Create and order my own personalized stamp
  20. Finish one of my Perpetual Reading Challenges
  21. Make 10 non-greeting card crafts on my Pinterest boards
  22. Ask 20 friends to suggest one book, and read them all
  23. Watch a meteor shower
  24. Attend 5 concerts
  25. Complete 10 Day in the Life posts
  26. Read 50 of my owned unread books
  27. Tour a factory
  28. Read 100,000 pages toward 1,000,000 page goal
  29. Finish 2015 and 2016 Project Life book (family and Arthur)
  30. Finish 2015 and 2015 December Daily
  31. Catch up the twins scrapbook albums
  32. Watch 100  different TED Talks and do a short review/analysis on the blog (new series)
  33. Watch/rewatch every Academy Awards Best Picture since the year I was born (1982)
  34. Make 250 different greeting cards
  35. See a drive-in movie
  36. Listen to every song by The Beatles
  37. Finish watching every Star Trek television episode and movie
  38. Have a Pixar movie month
  39. Complete The Artist's Way
  40. Complete a year of no book buying
  41. Learn Ruby on rails
  42. Participate in 30 Days of Lists 2x
  43. Go to 5 tourist things in San Francisco
  44. Food and Drink - Take a cooking class
  45. Make 50 new recipes
  46. Open a cookbook to a random page and make what ever is one it
  47. Give up dining out for one month
  48. Try Whole30
  49. Make a pie on PI day
  50. Meal plan for an entire month
  51. Make fresh pasta
  52. Learn to make a good martini
  53. Do a brewery tour
  54. Try 25 new restaurants
  55. Try 5 new to me foods
  56. No pop for a month
  57. Health and Fitness - Lose 2 pants sizes
  58. Walk a 5K
  59. Get a massage
  60. Take a yoga class
  61. Get three pedicures
  62. Do a spa day
  63. Meditate daily for a month
  64. Complete a 30 miles in 30 days challenge
  65. Get lasik
  66. Get CPR certified again
  67. Travel - Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
  68. Go on a vacation with Josh
  69. Visit the Redwoods (any park)
  70. Travel to a new state
  71. Philanthropic - Give a 100% tip
  72. Donate something extra at each MVPA social x 10
  73. Pay it forward at Starbucks/coffeeshop
  74. Donate to a Kickstarter campaign I love
  75. Financial - Two week money fast (starting with full gas tanks and a full pantry)
  76. Open an Etsy shop
  77. Cash in my piggy bank for something special and frivolous
  78. Invest in blog business cards
  79. Miscellaneous - Get Arthur's tattoo
  80. Get a passport
  81. Get rid of 100 things
  82. Learn how to use our DSLR
  83. Take one free online class
  84. Make a chalk mural on the balcony/driveway
  85. Finish a Soduku puzzle
  86. Grow something from a seed
  87. Complete a coloring book
  88. Buy the perfect LBD
  89. Take an IQ test
  90. Play Bingo in a bingo hall
  91. Go horseback riding or hiking
  92. Participate in 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge
  93. Unplug completely for 24 hours
  94. Officially close my Hotmail account
  95. Go to a convention (blogging, SU, etc)
  96. Dye my hair purple
  97. Revamp my wardrobe
  98. Take real photos of me for my blogs
  99. Post a vlog
  100. Go apple/berry/etc picking
  101. Find and buy a signature piece of jewelry
tags: 101 in 1001
categories: Day Zero Project, Life
Saturday 01.10.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #9: Half the Sky

Title: Half the Sky (Part 1)

Year Released/Rating: 2012

Starring: Nicholas Kristof

Directed By: Marco Chermayeff

Written By: Michelle Ferrari

Genre: Documentary

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Netflix

Summary: HALF THE SKY is a passionate call-to-arms, urging us not only to bear witness to the plight of the world's women, but to help to transform their oppression into opportunity. Our future is in the hands of women everywhere.

Review: 

Very emotional look at the issues women face around the globe. I was conflicted as to the style of the documentary. Having the celebrities as connections for the audience felt very forced to me. I just couldn't get behind that part. The stories from actual survivors were harrowing and yet inspiring. I couldn't look away from those... Very moving.

tags: 5 stars, documentary, New Movie Month
categories: Movies
Friday 01.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 TBR Reduction Extreme Reading Challenge

TBRreduction2015

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finish it (i.e. Song of Ice and Fire) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors.

From All About Books:

The goal of the challenge:

The goal of this challenge is to reduce your TBR (= books you own but have not read yet) by as many books as possible. To achieve this you set yourself a monthly goal = by how many books your want to reduce your TBR each month. We are going to give you a mini-challenge each month that is going to help you to achieve that goal. Or you can participate in a TBR battle.

Your TBR reduction is calculated by the books you read minus the books you got (everything counts, no matter how you got it, even presents).

IMPORTANT: Once you chose a goal, you can’t change it!

Collect points:

During the challenge you will be able to collect points which you can use to enter our giveaway at the end of the challenge. You can collect up to 3 points each month:

  • You get 2 points if you reached your TBR reduction goal
  • You can get another point with one of the following two ways
    • Pass the mini-challenge of the month
    • Win that month in the TBR battle

When you register for the challenge you have to choose one way to gain the extra point, but you will always be able to switch between the two after a month. You will only get the extra point though IF you reached your TBR reduction goal.

The TBR battle:

In the TBR battle you are going to compete against another participant. You are going to choose who you want to battle with. If you want to participate in the battle but haven’t found a partner yet, we’ll try to help you find someone! (You should choose someone who reads about as many books as you and has roughly the same goal)

The person who reduced their TBR by more books during a month wins the battle and gets the extra point.

We’ll provide you with a google doc that you can use to keep track of the books read and got and to see who is winning.

If you or your partner looses interest in the battle and you want to participate in the mini-challenges instead, you can switch at the beginning of a new month.

The procedure:

The challenge takes place from January 1st 2015 until December 31st. You can register until January 1st.

Partners and google docs for the TBR battle will be send out until January 4th.

A new mini-challenge and a link to submit your monthly values will be available in THIS document every 1st day of a month.

This sounds like a great way to motivate me to read from my own shelves instead of buying or even going to the library.  I've decided to challenge myself to 4 books from my TBR shelves a month.  That's only 48 books over the course of a year!  I think I can do that.  And I decided to participate in the mini challenges instead of the battle.

tags: TBR Reduction
categories: Reading Challenges
Friday 01.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 New Author and OLW 2015 Reading Challenges

NAC.2015

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finish it (i.e. Song of Ice and Fire) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors.

From Literary Escapism:

Welcome back to the New Authors reading challenge! I’m hoping everyone is still enjoying this reading challenge as we head into our seventh year.

For those new to the New Author Challenge, the whole idea started when I first started reviewing and I didn’t know that many authors in my favored genre. So I went looking. I gave myself a goal of finding 50 new authors and ended up reading 56 that first year. I loved finding these new characters, worlds and cultures, so I want to help others find new ones as well. Since 2006, I’ve tried over 150 different authors I may not have tried otherwise and I have found some really great authors.

The idea behind this is to find new authors that you’ve never tried before, not necessarily ones that are debuting. They can be in your genre of choice or be brave and try something new. You never know what you’re going to like until you try it. If you’re looking for some suggestions, you can check out the Author page here at Literary Escapism or the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and2014 Challenge pages. With over 1000 reviews posted, I’m sure there will be something there for everyone.

Here are the guidelines:

  1. The challenge will run from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
  2. Since this is an author challenge, there is no restriction on choosing your novels. They can definitely be from other challenges. However, the authors must be new to you and, preferably from novels. Anthologies are a great way to try someone new, but only a third of your new authors can be from short stories/novellas or anthologies.
  3. I want this to be an easy challenge, so you can pick to do either 15, 25 or 50 new authors. It all depends on how fast you read and how adventurous you want to be.  If you reach your goal halfway through the year, don’t stop. Any new author you try can be added to Mr. Linky. We all want to know about your new experience.
  4. After reading your new author, write your review and then come back here and add your link to Mr. Linky. Make sure you include your name and the author, but adding the title is completely up to you.
  5. Bloggers or Non-Bloggers alike are welcome. You don’t have to have a site to participate. You can link up via Facebook, GoodReads or even Amazon if you’d like.

Once you reach your goal, you don’t have to stop. Any new author you try, go ahead and head back here and add it to the list. Introduce us all to whoever you find. Afterall, there’s no reason to stop trying new authors, right?

I'm joining again this year.  I've decided to go for 15 new fiction authors this year.

OLW 2015: Home

I've joined Ali Edwards for One Little Word 2015.  As part of the class, someone on the message board mentioned the idea of reading books associated with their word.  What a great idea! I decided that I wanted to add this reading challenge onto my others.  My word is HOME, so I've been scouring Amazon for book ideas associated with HOME.  I have a few ideas, but I'm sure I'll find more and more as the year goes on.  I'm aiming for 10 HOME related books this year.

tags: New Author, One Little Word
categories: Reading Challenges
Friday 01.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 Banned Books and Classics Reading Challenge

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finish it (i.e. Song of Ice and Fire) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors.

From Buckling Bookshelves:

This is a very low pressure challenge -- the whole idea is to have fun and read some books that censors have tried to keep off the shelves. I feel there is tremendous value in reading even one banned book, so I'm starting the levels low to encourage more people to give it a try -- but if you're feeling daring, try for one of the higher levels!

DATES: January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015

RULES: Any book that has been banned or challenged counts. Books can be any format, any length, and can overlap with other challenges. Graphic novels, children's books, picture books are all fine -- any book that has been banned or challenged works for this challenge.

WHERE CAN I FIND BOOK SUGGESTIONS? There isn't one specific list to work from, but there are many different resources you can check out for ideas:

  • The ALA's lists of frequently challenged books. There are multiple lists split up by author, year, decade, and a separate list for classics, so there are a lot of options from all different genres.
  • GoodReads has several listopia lists on the subject -- this is particularly helpful for identifying books you already have on your shelves if you are a user of the site.
  • The Banned Books Week Facebook Page is great about reporting current information on bans and challenges.
  • I wrote posts last year about three Banned Book Victories as well as Additional Banned Books Resources including some information on challenged graphic novels.
  • If you learn about a book getting challenged in the news, on a book blog, around the web, or wherever else you get your bookish news, it's fair game. One book that made headlines last year was The Miseducation of Cameron Post -- it doesn't need to make any of the big lists to count. And if you learn about a new incident, I'd love to hear about it!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Write a post identifying which level you are aiming to complete, linking to this sign-up post. If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment below stating what level you are trying for. Listing the books you'd like to read for the year is optional. If you do make a list, you are welcome to change it at any time.

For each book you read for the challenge, you can link-up your reviews here, so we can read them! Reviews can be as short or long as you like, even a one-liner is fine. If you don't have a blog, but post reviews on GoodReads or other similar site, you can link directly to your reviews there. If you don't post reviews, you can leave a comment on the Review Link-Up page telling us which books you completed.A year-end wrap-up post is optional and you may link yours up in the review linky if you choose to write one.
LEVELS: Below are the levels you can choose from. Changing your mind is OK -- you can go up or down in level at any time. I said low-pressure, remember? I'm not the book police, I promise.Making Waves: 1-2 Challenged Books Trouble-Maker: 3-5 Challenged Books Rabble-Rouser: 6-9 Challenged Books Rebel: 10-14 Challenged Books Leader of a Revolution: 15+ Challenged Books

I'm always up for reading banned books. I think I'll shoot for the Trouble-Maker level of 5 books.

 

From Books and Chocolate:

It's back!!  Once again, I'm hosting the Back to the Classics Challenge.  I'm hoping to encourage bloggers to read more classics.  By reading and posting about a minimum of six classic books, one lucky winner will receive a $30 gift from Amazon.com or The Book Depository!

This year I've made two changes to the format.  First of all, there are no required categories.  That's right!!  If there is a category you don't like (or more than one), you can just skip it, and still qualify for the drawing! Secondly, I've increased the categories from eleven to twelve.  I had so much fun choosing categories, I couldn't decide, and so this year I've decided to make it an even dozen.  This results in a slight change to the way I'll calculate entries into the drawing.  Here's how it's going to work:

  • Complete six categories and you get one entry.
  • Complete nine categories, and you get two entries.
  • Complete all twelve categories, and your name is entered into the drawing three times!

So without further ado, here are the categories for the Back to the Classics Challenge 2015:

1.  A 19th Century Classic -- any book published between 1800 and 1899.
2.  A 20th Century Classic -- any book published between 1900 and 1965.  Just like last year, all books must have been published at least 50 years ago to qualify as a classic.  The only exception is books that were published posthumously but written at least 50 years ago.)3.  A Classic by a Woman Author.

 

4.  A Classic in Translation. As in last year's category, this can be any classic book originally written or a published in a language that is not your first language.  Feel free to read it in its original form if you are comfortable reading in another language.  
5.  A Very Long Classic Novel -- a single work of 500 pages or longer.  This does not include omnibus editions combined into one book, or short story collections.  
6.  A Classic Novella -- any work shorter than 250 pages.  For a list of suggestions, check out this list of World's Greatest Novellas from Goodreads.
7.  A Classic with a Person's Name in the Title.  First name, last name, or both, it doesn't matter, but it must have the name of a character.  David Copperfield, The Brothers Karamazov, Don Quixote -- something like that. It's amazing how many books are named after people!
8.  A Humorous or Satirical Classic.  Humor is very subjective, so this one is open to interpretation.  Just tell us in the review why you think it's funny or satirical.   For example, if you think that Crime and Punishment and funny, go ahead and use it, but please justify your choice in your post. 
9.  A Forgotten Classic.  This could be a lesser-known work by a famous author, or a classic that nobody reads any more.  If you look on Goodreads, this book will most likely have less than 1000 reviews.  This is your chance to read one of those obscure books from the Modern Library 100 Best Novels or 1001 Books to Read Before You Die.  Books published by Virago Modern Classics,Persephone, and NYRB Classics often fall into this category.  
10.  A Nonfiction Classic.  A memoir, biography, essays, travel, this can be any nonfiction work that's considered a classic, or a nonfiction work by a classic author.  You'd be surprised how many classic authors dabbled in nonfiction writing -- I have nonfiction books by Dickens, Trollope, Twain, and Steinbeck on my shelves. 
11.  A Classic Children's Book.  A book for your inner child!  Pick a children's classic that you never got around to reading.  
12.  A Classic Play.  Your choice, any classic play, as long as it was published or performed before 1965.And now for the rest of the rules:  

 

  • All books must be read in 2015.  Books started prior to January 1, 2015, are not eligible.  Reviews must be linked by December 31, 2015. 
  • All books must have been published at least 50 years ago; therefore, 1965 is the cutoff date.  The only exception is books published posthumously, but written before 1965.
  • E-books and audiobooks are eligible!  Books may also count for other challenges you may be working on.  
  • Books may NOT cross over categories within this challenge.  You may NOT count the same book twice for different categories in this challenge.  One book per category -- otherwise, they won't count.  
  • If you do not have a blog, you may link your review from Goodreads or other publicy accessible online format.  
  • Please sign up for the challenge using the linky below BEFORE MARCH 31, 2015.  If possible, please link to your sign-up announcement post, if possible or applicable.
  • You do NOT have to list your books prior to starting the challenge, but it's more fun if you do!  You can always change your list at any time.  Books may be read in any order.
  • Please identify the categories you've read in your wrap-up post so that I can easily add up your entries for the prize drawing!  Adding links within the post would be greatly appreciated. 
  • The prize will be awarded the first week of January, 2016.  All qualifying participants will receive one or more entries, based on the categories completed, and will receive a $30 (US) gift card from Amazon.com or The Book Depository, as long as they live in a country that can receive shipment.  See here for list of countries.

I'm aiming for 6 categories after a poor showing last year. I know that I want to read Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, but other than that, the rest is TBD.

tags: Back to the Classics, Banned Books
categories: Reading Challenges
Friday 01.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 Dewey Decimal Reading Challenge

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finish it (i.e. Song of Ice and Fire) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors. I'm making my own RC this year (informal).  My goal is to read at least one book from each of the 100s of the Dewey Decimal system.  I usually stick to the 300s and 900s, but would love to branch out again and hit them all.

Tentative TBR:

  • 0
  • 100s
  • 200s
  • 300s
  • 400s
  • 500s
  • 600s
  • 700s -- The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
  • 800s
  • 900s -- Live in Ruins by Marilyn Johnson
tags: Dewey Decimal
categories: Reading Challenges
Friday 01.09.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

NMJ #8: Guardians of the Galaxy

Title: Guardians of the Galaxy

Year Released/Rating: 2014 PG-13

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper

Directed By: James Gunn

Written By: James Gunn. Nicole Perlman

Genre: Scifi Action

Star Rating:  5/5 stars

Where I Got It: Amazon rental

Trivia:

  • When Dave Bautista found out he got the role of Drax the Destroyer, he broke down in tears, overjoyed at getting a Marvel comic-book role. He immediately signed up for extra acting classes in order to prepare for the role
  • Zoe Saldana nearly broke Chris Pratt's ribs while filming a fight sequence. During training, Pratt and Saldana would wear protective gear so that they could actually hit each other. However, when the day came to film the actual scene, Pratt forgot to wear his protective gear and did not tell Saldana because he thought she would hold back if she knew. Saldana (under the impression that he was wearing the gear like he usually did) kicked him square in the ribs, which made Pratt fall to the ground. According to him, he had a bruise for the remainder of filming.
  • According to James Gunn, Star-Lord's obscene gesture was an improvisation by Chris Pratt.
  • Benicio Del Toro's uncredited cameo as The Collector in "Thor: The Dark World (2013)" was written to set the stage for the film. Benicio Del Toro described the Collector as "Liberace in outer space."
  • Stan Lee's cameo was originally going to feature him as one of the Collector's boxed trophies, giving Groot the middle finger. Disney executives didn't like this and had James Gunn change it to Stan Lee being an alien Casanova.
  • Josh Brolin is uncredited and in fact was the last person cast. He was offered the role while filming Everest (2015). He based the characterization of Thanos primarily on Marlon Brando's role of Kurtz in Apocalypse Now (1979).
  • James Gunn's brother Sean Gunn was an acting double for Rocket Raccoon during filming.
  • The Collector's residence is riddled with various species: a Chitari and Dark Elf (from previous Marvel space films) can be seen, a cocoon holding Adam Warlock, a cosmic being who became a member of the Guardians (the cocoon is seen empty in the post-credits scene), a dog in an astronaut in a CCCP's uniform (former USSR) who snarls at Rocket. This is Cosmo, a Russian dog who became a member of the Guardians (and is constantly on bad terms with Rocket), Howard the Duck makes an appearance in a case, and slime creatures from James Gunn's previous film Slither (2006).

Summary: A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.

Review:

Finally! Mom, the twins, and I finally sat down and watched this. I'm so glad I finally saw it. This was a great movie. Full of action, comedy, and great characters. I loved the subtle references to the other Marvel movies and characters. But the references weren't essential to understanding the film. Thank goodness! Starlord was amazing, but my favorite character by far was Rocket. My favorite scene was when he was drunk at the bar. That scene showed so much vulnerability and humanity from a CGI character. So great. I can't wait to see the second one.

Best Bits: 

  • Groot: I am Groot. Peter Quill: Well that's just as fascinating as the first 89 times. What is wrong with Giving Tree here? Rocket Raccoon: Well he don't know talkin' good like me and you, so his vocabulistics is limited to "I" and "am" and "Groot," exclusively in that order. Peter Quill: Well I tell you what, that's gonna wear real thin, real fast, bud.
  • Korath the Pursuer: Star-Lord! Peter Quill: Finally!
  • Drax the Destroyer: I can barely see. [Groot releases glowing spores from his body to light up the way ahead] Drax the Destroyer: Where did you learn to do that? Peter Quill: I'm pretty sure the answer is: "I am Groot".
  • Rocket Raccoon: [about Drax] Metaphors go over his head. Drax the Destroyer: NOTHING goes over my head!... My reflexes are too fast, I would catch it.
  • Rocket Raccoon: That's for if things get really hardcore. Or if you wanna blow up moons. Gamora: No one's blowing up moons.Rocket Raccoon: You just wanna suck the joy out of everything.
  • Gamora: And Quill... Your ship is filthy. Peter Quill: She has no idea. If I had a blacklight, this place would look like a Jackson Pollock painting
  • [Quill has just retrieved the prosthetic leg Rocket asked for in order to break out of prison] Rocket Raccoon: You actually got it? I was just kidding about the leg, I just thought it'd be funny!
tags: 5 stars, action, New Movie Month, science fiction
categories: Movies
Thursday 01.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 Fairy Tales and Outlander Reading Challenges

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finish it (i.e. Song of Ice and Fire) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors.

The Daily Prophecy

From The Daily Prophecy:

Yes, this is happening! I contacted Debz Bookshelf (who hosted this challenge for three years) if it was okay to take it over. I’ve never hosted a reading challenge before, so it’s all new for me and I will try to make it as fun as possible! Here are the details:

The challenge runs from January 1st – December 31st 2015.

The goal is to read fairytale retellings, but if you want you can also pick other retellings. It’s up to you what you count as a fairytale. Here are a couple of books you can pick from:my bookshelf with fairytale retellings and Fairytale lists on Listopia. You can read Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult books for this challenge. Obviously, the book doesn't have to be published in 2015.

There are 6 different levels you can aim for:-Prince Charming: 1 – 4 books.-Magic mirror: 5 - 9 books.-Big bad wolf: 10 – 15 books.-The wise princess: 16 – 20 books.-Wicked fairy Godmother: 21 – 25 books.-Bluebeard: you are killing it! 26+ books.

Every beginning of the month I will make a link-up post where you put all your reviews in and they will have fun/informative introductions.

It’s not a promise, but there might be challenges.

Most important thing: HAVE FUN and spread the word :)

I want to get back into reading some fairy tale adaptations. This sounds perfect.  I decided to got with the Big Bad Wolf level of 10-15 books. Realistically, it will probably be 10 books, but maybe more.

From It's a Book Life:

Why am I hosting this challenge? A while ago I read the first book in this series and never got around to reading the rest. Then I watched the television show this past year and realized that I wanted to read this series now more than ever. Therefore, I decided to challenge myself to finally read all eight Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, and I didn't want to do it alone. I really couldn't find any other challenges out there this specific so I decided to create one. (I know this is kind of like a read-a-long but these books are so big I feel like it is more of a challenge.) **This is my first time hosting a challenge so hang in there.

Who can join? Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the challenge. It doesn't matter if you have read the books before and just want to re-read them or if this is your first time digging in.

How long does this challenge last? The challenge runs from Feb. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2015. Why those months? Those months seem to be the least hectic for everyone. Also, I wanted to aim for reading a book a month.

The Reading Schedule (The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon in Order)February - Outlander March - Dragonfly in Ember April - Voyager May - Drums of Autumn June -The Fiery Cross July - A Breathe of Snow and Ashes August - An Echo in the Bone September - Written in My Own Hearts Blood ** If you get behind or ahead in the reading schedule that is totally fine. The goal is just to read all eight books by the end of September.

Bonus Reads The Exile - A Graphic Novel Lord John Grey Series - Lord John and the Private Matter - Lord John and the Hand of Devils - Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade - Scottish Prisoner

Will there be a giveaway? If at least 10 lovely people sign up for this challenge I will host a giveaway at the end as a reward for all of those who participated, whether you read one or all eight books. There will be a chance for extra entries if you read any of the bonus books on this list.

How do you keep track and share what you have read? Head on over to the review link up post (COMING SOON!) to share your reviews on the books! If you don't have a blog you can always just post a link to your review on goodreads or simply share in the comments what book you finished reading and what you thought.

How do you join? Sign up below with the linky anytime! All you have to do is share the link to the blog post, twitter, goodreads shelf, or whatever way you want, stating that you are going to participate in the challenge. Please link back to this page so others can join the challenge as well and see what it is all about. Feel free to use the challenge banner below in your post.

I am determined to finally read this series in 2015!

tags: fairy tales, Outlander
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

2015 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge

For this year's reading challenges, I decided to do something very different and drastic.  I am going to read women authors.  I feel like I've been neglecting all those wonderful female authors sitting on my shelves.  I will be tailoring my challenge participation to account for this overall goal.  I do have a few exceptions.  I may read a male author if 1) I've already started the series and desperately want to finished it (i.e. Song of Fire and Ice) 2) It is a book club selection (out of my hands) or 3) If it is a male author writing nonfiction specifically about a women subject (e.g. a biography of Kate Chopin).  Other than those three exceptions, I want to discover some wonderful women authors.

2015 READ 52 BOOKS IN 52 WEEKS

Are you ready for another round of Reading 52 books in 52 Weeks? Whether you are just joining in or continuing on for another round, the rules are very simple. The goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks. Make the year easy and casual or kick it up by exploring new to you authors and genres. Challenge yourself to read at least some classics or delve into that chunkster (more than 500 pages) you always wanted to tackle. Do you have books gathering dust on the shelves just waiting to be read? Then now is the time. The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.
I have included several mini challenges to amp up the fun -
A to Z Challenge:  Challenge yourself to read books alphabetically by Title and/or by Author.  Have fun searching out those difficult letters.
Dusty Mini challenge: Limit buying new books for 1 - 4 months and/or read 4 to 12 or more books gathering dust on your shelves prior to 2015.

Chunky Mini Challenge -books more than 500 pages.

Read Around the World:  Read books set in and/or written by an author of a different country each week.  Hang out in one country, exploring their history and culture or strike out across the world, mixing and mingling.  It's entirely up to you how fast and how far and how many books you want to read.  Have fun exploring!
Well Educated Mind:  Continuing exploring the classics in 5 categories: Fiction, Autobiography, History/Politics, Drama and Poetry.

We have Monthly Themes to keep it exciting from January Junkets reading translated books to cunning and conniving Machiavellian May to Ominious October'sspooktaculars.

Plus we'll be doing a readalong of Susan Wise Bauer's History of the Medieval World.

The mini, weekly and monthly challenges are optional, Mix it up anyway you like.

  1. The challenge will run from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
  2. Our book weeks begin on Sunday.
  3. Participants may join at any time.
  4. All books are acceptable except children books.
  5. All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
  6. Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2015.
  7. Books may overlap other challenges.
  8. Create an entry post linking to this blog.
  9. Sign up with Mr. Linky in the "I'm participating post" below this post.
  10. You don't need a blog to participate. Post your weekly book in the comments section of each weekly post.
  11. Mr. Linky will be added to the bottom of the weekly post to link to reviews of your most current reads.

My third year participating... I am going to get to 52 books in 52 weeks again this year.

tags: 52 books in 52 weeks
categories: Reading Challenges
Thursday 01.08.15
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
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