tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81444363307183935632024-02-07T19:19:59.679-08:00 E B Taylor: A Scribe's ReviewsThis is my new site for all my reviews, be they books, movies, TV, or whatever else I feel like talking about!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-71982938126903131352013-01-02T16:56:00.001-08:002013-01-02T16:59:33.404-08:00My Take on Gangnam Style <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">OK, I swore something to myself a long time
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swore that I would not watch
Gangnam Style under any circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For a long time I kept that promise, but when I heard it crossed a
billion views on YouTube I thought, “Ok, it can’t be that bad,” I have now
watched it and you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It IS that
bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit the song is catchy,
like the flu, but I do not understand any of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> No, I am not referring to the foreign language thing, that doesn’t
bother me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I don’t understand is
the entire concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is dance that
looks like you are humping a horse so damn popular?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing I notice is, in the first 9
seconds PSY looks like he’s having a bad acid trip, from their it goes straight
down hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The visuals are totally
random, which makes this confusing mess even more confusing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point I swear Marilyn Manson makes an
appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t believe me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look below, this is at about 1:45, look at
this and tell me you don’t see Manson!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWw7pUcuRKSOvQXeWzP2_zNxszek_YkRru-1Gofduz3AVIuPboepNIjgL-q4LQDnSZTPbLvU9Mn8InS8ZFrH-sJExmciUHkHVVsjfwJI-mK9qLCb3gJwtuAgvZOpHjp-qCYA0GZjEyA1U/s400/manson.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Just a few seconds later at about 1:59 it got even
more bizarre, would someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are these escapees from some sort of army lab
where they test psychotropic drugs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
is he pointing there?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX-95nKdzf3cC3clplJ0IqXf4eOsnxPH9MGtrTWetz94NzV7qF7352yWH0XbyxhNOeSWxEtznUvCahyYTe1JCZkJ_JsdRuTuAM-BWgBmiCVYrmKfIm34AxXUlXWk04cWGZ3Kdo-r28kU/s1600/gangnam159.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX-95nKdzf3cC3clplJ0IqXf4eOsnxPH9MGtrTWetz94NzV7qF7352yWH0XbyxhNOeSWxEtznUvCahyYTe1JCZkJ_JsdRuTuAM-BWgBmiCVYrmKfIm34AxXUlXWk04cWGZ3Kdo-r28kU/s400/gangnam159.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">My
personal favorite comes near the end of the video at about 3:10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe this is my inner geek coming out, but I
swear he looks just like Morpheus!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_f3FEfnKrs_ZMV5AeXyBYoX58UVmEbTUBUwdoZGMFPofP2ePVpIGE7dL19kPETAI2CXBLcUlMngy7DhK9GYFWjXHWeqUyq-XaAKH2Qh5ILbMgDhibVksnZrYWyRpeb3vRkyR8sh9WZg/s1600/morpheus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_f3FEfnKrs_ZMV5AeXyBYoX58UVmEbTUBUwdoZGMFPofP2ePVpIGE7dL19kPETAI2CXBLcUlMngy7DhK9GYFWjXHWeqUyq-XaAKH2Qh5ILbMgDhibVksnZrYWyRpeb3vRkyR8sh9WZg/s400/morpheus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Now, I know there is even more silliness, like why are they dancing in a rodeo ring, and why is PSY singing while he is apparently taking a dump? What is he trying to do, make that hip too? These are just my personal favorites.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> To
be fair it isn’t the worst pop song I have ever heard (anything by Justin
Beiber).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I the only one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure hope not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I am, then I will pray for my fellow
humans!</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-39395155957727196212012-12-10T17:57:00.000-08:002012-12-10T17:57:02.484-08:00Shameless Plug<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUbhyJAjkErCKNMGiwZFF4k-IceeU6jXkeHSYbg9CzduPAoNP03mBUK3NWufZRor8h8hluyq2WRpiClGLYekqzneDllxZfXCr6RNzAm_kz3DoCdTiTx5FOckZIocXMNNeszva51a6hpo/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUbhyJAjkErCKNMGiwZFF4k-IceeU6jXkeHSYbg9CzduPAoNP03mBUK3NWufZRor8h8hluyq2WRpiClGLYekqzneDllxZfXCr6RNzAm_kz3DoCdTiTx5FOckZIocXMNNeszva51a6hpo/s400/IMG_0050.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a little late to be posting this, but it made me smile,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-60671696031436476352012-12-01T15:25:00.005-08:002012-12-01T15:25:49.891-08:00Top Ten All Time Favorite Songs
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the last entry for
this review, and to end it I will make it short and sweet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will name off my top ten favorite songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not going to go into a big explanation
into why I love these, I've already done that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all know I'm right, so there is no need to prove it any further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have enjoyed giving you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a glimpse into my inner workings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once it's done please leave. My head is
crowded enough without all of you in it!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#10 Where Were You By
Alan Jackson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#9 Bother by Stone Sour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#8 When You're Gone by
Avril Lavigne</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#7 Please Remember by
Leann Rimes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#6 One the Road Again by
BuckCherry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#5 Blurry by Puddle of
Mudd</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#4 Tangled Up In You by
Staind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#3 Here's to the Night by
Eve 6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#2 Zoe Jane by Staind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
#1 My Little Girl by Time
McGraw</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This
series is now over, I will start on my next review Idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It going to break away from this, it's going
to go into a different realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you
enjoyed reading these, and I encourage you to listen to any of these
songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, get out of my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voices inside are complaining about it
being too crowded.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-27038383608142420982012-10-01T18:17:00.000-07:002012-10-01T18:17:00.637-07:00Top Five Songs Part 5: Country
We've all heard the jokes
about what you get if you play a country music song backwards, your truck, your
house, you dog and your wife, but in truth many of them are truly great songs
that deserve our attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as
before here are my top five country songs.<br />
<br />
#5 Where Were You by Alan
Jackson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people probably consider
this a song of opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It garnered
him a lot of exposure on the backdrop of a national tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the reason why I included it is every
year I remember the attacks, and I truly do remember exactly where I was when
it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember it like it was
yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel I owe it to those who
died to remember it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, those
who forget the past are damned to repeat it (yes I know that isn't how the
quote goes, but I fell my version is more accurate).<br />
<br />
#4 Whiskey Lullaby By
Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
song could not be any more depressing, but since that's my thing, I love
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes what sadness can do to you
to the extreme, and then does the same thing with guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song inspired many of my early works,
when I first started dabbling in writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a way is set the tone for a lot of what came after.<br />
<br />
#3 Country Boy Aaron
Lewis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a fairly new song, but
it's awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message of this is
clear, be yourself, and stand up for what you believe in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't trade who you are to make yourself more
marketable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live by that, and if we
all did the world would be a better place!<br />
<br />
#2 There Goes My Life by
Kenny Chesney<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song does not apply
to me per sea, but what it does do is remind us how our children can sneak into
our lives, take them over, and we could not be happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can honestly say I did not give up any
dream to have children, but I am going to do everything I can to make sure my
daughter's dreams come true!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is now
my life, and what an epic life it is.<br />
<br />
#1 My Little Girl by Tim
McGraw<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, do I really need to
explain this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In just a few short
minutes this song captures everything I feel about my own little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may sound like I'm beating a dead horse
again, but for those of you who have kids you will understand, and for those
that don't, well I hope someday you do.<br />
<br />
Well there you go, I didn't
lose a single house, wife, dog in any of these songs, a truck was lost, but we
will ignore that (not really, I don't have one) .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's unfortunate that country and pop are
becoming so intertwined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish it would
stop, because if it doesn't I fear we will lose great songs like these, to the
cookie-cutter empire!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Just one more list to go,
and it's an easy one!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-25226666854412450962012-09-19T16:36:00.000-07:002012-09-19T16:36:15.753-07:00Top Five Songs Part 4: Pop<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
Ok, I have a question, can someone tell me what the hell a true "pop" song is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've seen everything from Metal, to rock to country on "pop" song lists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me it simply means cookie-cutter songs, that have a broad appeal and little depth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are usually forgotten quickly and replaced by more drivel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about "Call Me Maybe".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, there are a few songs that appeared in this "genre" that have actually appealed to me for longer than a few seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here is my top five Pop songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#5 The Space Between by Dave Matthews Band:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to honest, I do not understand this song at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made the list for one reason only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beat calms me down and helps me to visualize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a writer that is of utmost importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just don't ask me to explain it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#4 What It's Like by Everlast:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song is very easy to understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It conjures images of hard times, and harder situations, and asks a very easy question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message in this song applies to us all, from the richest CEO to the poorest rural farmer and everyone in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite it's melancholy overtones, it reminds me of what I have, what I've earned and what I can stand to lose, either through my own fault or no fault of my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a vivid enough imagination it could scare the hell out of you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#3 When You're Gone by Avril Lavigne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not a big Avril fan, so I only found this song recently, but I immediately loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message about loss, anguish and love's triumph is powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who as ever lost someone could easily relate to this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like What It's Like this song reminds me of all the blessings I have, and at the same time forces me to think about what would happen if they were suddenly taken away from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, another song to scare the hell out of you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#2 Time of Your Life Green Day: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am well aware that this song has been beat to death in so many montages that it borders on absurd, but that doesn't change the fact that I still really do love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a good song to just sit and reminisce about the great times of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end this song can put a huge smile on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older I get the more great memories I have and therefore have more to look back on with fondness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#1 Here's to the Night by Eve 6:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this song had been out when I was in high school, I would have bribed people to make it our class song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the ultimate song to look back with especially if you are younger, about to graduate from high school or college, or getting married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds you of where you have been, but for it also reminds me of where I am going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one chapter of life ends, another begins.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Those are it, it was hard for me to come up with this list, and to be honest I think I could have done better, but most Pop songs that held any special meaning for me have long been lost to me and I have unfortunately forgotten them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no doubt there are others that hold a stronger meaning for me, maybe one day I will do an updated list for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now though, let's move on to Country.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-62951023617486428072012-09-11T16:11:00.001-07:002012-09-11T16:11:59.732-07:00Top Five Songs Part 3: Love Songs<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
Ok, I'm going admit something right now, just to get it out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like love songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, I said it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always had a soft spot in my heart for love songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As pessimistic as I am, it's true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it's because deep down I want someone to love, and to love me in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn't want someone they can call theirs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I must admit the potion of love has often been a poison to me, but thankfully that has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously these kinds of feelings have a powerful effect on me, and they have been responsible for a lot of my work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of it will never be seen, but there is one example of it in my first anthology book, but I do put my own dark spin on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shall we dive into the mush, make sure you have wading boots.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#5 We Danced by Brad Paisley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way it begins sounds like something that can be so real that it just makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's probably the one reason why I love it, because it is believable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There's nothing like just holding your loved one close and just getting lost in the music and this is the perfect song for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#4 Please Remember by Leann Rimes This song is a great way to make your heart to sit up and take notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can almost say to yourself "Hey stupid, look at what you had!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether your relationship ended badly or simply because of reasons nether of you can control this song is a great way to look back and grab those memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even of you are married, it can still make you think about what you have and be thankful for it all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that regard it can save you from a fate of having this song apply to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#3 Little Moments by Brad Paisley<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really tried to avoid putting one artist on the same list more than once, but I can't help it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song is exactly what it means to love someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big moments are important, but let's face it the little ones are way more common, and whether they are good or bad they define your relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song is a great way to see those little moments often all in a great light and it drives home the point that they make the best memories.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#2 Faithfully by Journey<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK this song really does apply to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not a musician on the road or anything like that, but I do work a lot, and I'm not as home as much as I'd like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite that no one has ever turned my head, or even made me consider leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song is almost like a trophy to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can honestly say I have always been faithful and I really believe without a doubt I always will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can be better for love than that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
#1 Tangled Up In You by Staind<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I'm beating the Staind horse (wow that could be taken out of context to easily) to death, but for some reason this band puts out songs that match my thoughts so close it's almost creepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song could not sum up my relationship any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just listen to it and you will understand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
That's not the end of the mush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I wanted I could probably make up a top fifty list, but I'm not going to do that, I think you would hate me by the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mush does help me though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I listen to these songs I can lift my mind to an almost utopia, though I still tend to see the shadows lurking in the corners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can forget about all the B.S. in my life and focus on why I put up with all the B.S..<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Next up, pop, don't groan there will be no LMFAO or Ke$ha on the list.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-38137174051188889492012-09-05T19:58:00.000-07:002012-09-05T19:58:53.977-07:00Top Five Songs Part 2: Depressed Rock
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
So, let's get a little
more serious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it's very true that
Metal gives me energy and puts me in a good mood, my writing usually comes the
easiest to me when I am somewhere between depressed and thoughtful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to completely tap into that state of
mind I listen to what I like to call Depressed Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the types of songs I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones with a Rock beat, but the lyrics and
tone make you want go see a psychiatrist so you don't slit your own wrists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's good stuff.</div>
5. Blurry by Puddle of
Mudd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song isn't so much depressing
as it is thought provoking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't get me
wrong it has its depression element, but to me it's more about a father wanting
to simply be with his child and protect him, which I must admit is kind of sad,
not that he wants to be a father, but that he is in a position where it has
been made difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He obviously cares
for his child, but he isn't around much so he wonders about his child and what
he is doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me think, and when
I think I write, a lot.<br />
<br />
4. Jeremy by Pearl
Jam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I really need to explain this
song?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good, it could not be any more
self-explanatory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say one thing
about the protagonist/antagonist I can relate to him on some levels not the
mass murder level, but some other ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think in a way many people could relate to a tormented boy, who just
wants to fit in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just don't go on a
shooting spree, talk about solving absolutely nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer to just hide within my words; there
I can do whatever what want, including shooting everyone. <br />
<br />
3. Nothing Else Matters
by Metallica<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song was on the last
album Metallica put out that could be considered Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, the lyrics and the tone of the song
often take me to a place in my mind where I find some of the more depressed
ideas I get for writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
starting to see a theme develop here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
be honest I'm not totally sure I even get the song on a conscious level, but it
hits my sub-conscious like a Mack truck.<br />
<br />
2. Bother by Stone
Sour<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is another I don't really need
to explain, it is just dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tone is
dark, the imagery of the lyrics is dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The video, oh man, the video is the shadow of darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't listen to this song much, for obvious
reasons, but it still ranks high on my list because it is so dark and that's just
how I roll.<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
1. Epiphany by
Staind<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song is the closest I have
to what I really feel when my mood crashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It simply is the way the I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's a powerful song with a tone that speaks to me on a level I cannot
even begin to describe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope one day
that I can verbalize these feelings, when I can I believe I will have a best
seller on my hands.</div>
So this is how it
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depressed Rock is how I tap into the
region of my mind where my creative juices (I hate that expression) flow
from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I wonder if it is good
that so much of what I write ends up with so many dark tones, or comes from
dark places, but it is simply the way things are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I embrace who I am and who I am is, read my
work and you be the judge.<br />
<br />
For my next list I'm
going to get a little mushy, sorry.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-37854264612131118182012-07-09T11:41:00.000-07:002012-07-09T11:41:00.775-07:00Top Five Songs Metal Here is the first list of
songs that hold a special place for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like all songs these have a unique effect on my psyche and my mood, so let's
started with my top five favorite songs from the loudest and most in your face
of genres: Metal.<br />
<br />
To me Metal is not about
being shocking, or political or evil, it's all about one thing...energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, the greatest allure of Metal is its
sheer energy and force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets my blood
pumping and makes me feel alive. These songs, and others like them, are the
ones I call upon when I need to blow off steam, or get myself in happier mood,
yes they put me in a happier mood, go figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These songs have done little to inspire a short story or piece of flash,
though Voodoo from Godsmack did once(don't ask),but they have helped me clear
my head so I could write, and let's face it, a clear mind is of tantamount
importance to a writer.<br />
<br />
#5 I Stand Alone by
Godsmack- I just love the in your face attitude, of this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I hear it, truly believe I can take on anyone
or anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The movie that goes with it
pretty silly, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it, maybe I'll do a
review of it someday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#4 Falling Away From Me
by Korn- This isn't exactly a happy song, what Korn song is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does it for me is the hard, in your face
beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could listen to it without the
lyrics and be perfectly content, though it would lose a lot without the lyrics.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#3 Click Click Boom by
Saliva- This song just blows my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love the powerful lyrics of this song and the fast beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gotten my foot caught in the engine
many times because of this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one
line that stands out the most is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"On
those Saturdays, When kids go out and play, Yo I was up in my room I let the
stereo blaze, Wasn't faded, Not Jaded, Just a kid with pad and pen and a big
imagination."</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How perfect! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
#2 Dragula by Rob Zombie-
What can I say about this? Rob Zombie is a freaking genius, and so is this
song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've raced people (hope no cops
read this) with this song blaring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mean come on, even in the video is Zombie crashing down the street in a car
straight out of Henry Ford's worst nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Totally awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#1 On the Road Again by
Buck Cherry- Yes, you read that right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found this re-make on a NASCAR compilation CD years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as I know the song is word for word
with the original by Willie Nelson, but I'm not sure because I have not heard
it in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'd love to get a
copy of this again, I lost that CD. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine Buck Cherry doing this song, and no,
it is no way acoustical, it is in the typical Buck Cherry fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost got killed once behind the wheel
when I had this song going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see a
trend here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the point though,
no not go fast and kill myself, but to blow off steam and unwind, which is a
great gift for any song to bestow upon anyone.</div>
<br />
There you have it, my top
five favorite Metal songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, they
are loud, yeah they may be obnoxious, but damn it, I love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to listen to them in the car all the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even devoted three compilation
CD's to these types of songs. They were: Haul Ass, Hall Ass Re-visited and Haul
Ass Version 2.0, and no I'm not lying, that is how they were labeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speed used to be my crack...umm high physical
speeds, not umm, actual speed, such as crack.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Next
time we will get into something a little more serious.</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-70369303657329581932012-05-21T13:20:00.000-07:002012-05-21T13:20:31.041-07:00Final Fantasy II (SNES) Great Memories!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIXczAY4qdw1EYVZYnIcRQnVKP9Ko9vJxf4UaTPNGI9taFXmVu8Q3qwi80ZHB9NTs3gYSfm_kGsVyCik03L1AcBLhFdmj-HgOdsfB-ozcU1AGdLiaVaVV6oM5WhWlJ9X3MZptTF06WRQ/s1600/FFIIboxart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIXczAY4qdw1EYVZYnIcRQnVKP9Ko9vJxf4UaTPNGI9taFXmVu8Q3qwi80ZHB9NTs3gYSfm_kGsVyCik03L1AcBLhFdmj-HgOdsfB-ozcU1AGdLiaVaVV6oM5WhWlJ9X3MZptTF06WRQ/s320/FFIIboxart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This will be my first video game review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don't worry, I'm not going AVGN on you or
anything like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is going to be
more about a couple of memories I have while playing it, than the game
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to take few
moments to talk about one of the biggest surprises I ever had while playing
video games.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> On the weekends I would often go to the video store and rent
video games, like many people did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
one evening <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found, to my dismay, there
was nothing left that really held any interest for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I scanned the shelves for the about the hundredth
time I see a game called Final Fantasy II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought "Okay I'll give it a shot."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never really played an RPG before, so
this was going to be a first.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got it home and popped it into my Super Nintendo, not
expecting too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opening scene
scrolled through giving me the story and I started playing as Cecil and
Kain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I figured out the controls,
which, was a new thing to me, I started to progress in the story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I went through the village mist, then to Prince Edward's
kingdom, then Fabul, then Mysidia and finally to Mt Ordeals where I met the
first elemental fiend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now I had
played for hours and had no idea how much time had really passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day I was not able to play it as
much, but I did make it a little bit further, before I had to take the game
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> From that day on I was hooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to get my own copy, not really seeing
the point, afterall I thought I was probably almost done with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was I ever wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went on for much longer than I would have
ever thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The game's excellent graphics, for the time, great game play
and the immersive world, were accompanied by a great story-line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though it did get cheesy in places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> When I finally got to Zeromus at the end, I thought it was
the baddest thing I had ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, the thing kicked my butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't
give up though, I pressed on. I leveled up, which was by far the most tedious
thing with the game, but I have found that most RPG's are like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I finally beat the game I was so
excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only thing that was left was to unlock all the secrets,
which I did, and run my characters up to level 99, which I also did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This brings me to one of my favorite memories about the
game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night, me and a friend of mine
decided to go after the most elusive item in the game, the pink tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what we understood, it was only dropped
by one enemy in one room in the entire game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even then the odds were bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was only a one in sixty chance to encounter the enemy, the Pink Puff,
and then there was only a one in sixty chance of it actually dropping the pink
tail.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We literally stayed up all night, doped up on mountain dew,
which my kidneys now hate me for, trying to get this thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fought many pink puffs, but never got the
pink tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, finally we decided screw
it, and gave up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, what really
happened is the mountain dew ran out, and we feel asleep.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why were we going through all this for the pink tail you
ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, you gave the pink tail to a
little person inthe mine outside Silvara, and he gives you ore. You take the
ore to the blacksmith in the underground section, the same place you get Excalibur,
and he will make you a suit of armor .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's
it, the whole reason.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Several years later when they released the game on game boy
advance I bought it, and fought through it, just as I did before, and just as I
did before I tried to get the pink tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just as before I played for hours, looking at the stupid tiny
screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike before I actually got the
thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed to get a hold of the most elusive
item in FFII.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have supreme bragging
rights!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The game is very dated by today's standards, but for me it
has high replay value and I would play it anytime, if you get a chance to play
it, jump on it!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-6403676587299005002012-05-07T14:49:00.001-07:002012-05-07T14:51:07.609-07:00A Scribe's Review: Dragonlance Chronicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSInzl2eTnM3y-mw1Zgp-JrD_UD0XB86KzJFhu4bwqGKDQHjTTw1c_Ts4UmUFCOkX5EtKWXL3as1yMs2NSxhvQGcE67EN0xKGTH3jPFzOGQAfFYvEdhhe7ZQ4gaSz_0SRJ60aYLqc6hVo3/s1600/dragonance+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSInzl2eTnM3y-mw1Zgp-JrD_UD0XB86KzJFhu4bwqGKDQHjTTw1c_Ts4UmUFCOkX5EtKWXL3as1yMs2NSxhvQGcE67EN0xKGTH3jPFzOGQAfFYvEdhhe7ZQ4gaSz_0SRJ60aYLqc6hVo3/s1600/dragonance+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas></v:stroke></v:shapetype>I'm going to review a set of three books that are responsible for setting me on the road to being a fantasy geek, The Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read these books as a teenager, and since then I have read them so often that I consider myself an expert on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These is my own personal thoughts on a trilogy that I still love and read today.</div>
The series centers around a group of adventurers called the Companions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tanis Half-Elven, a bastard half elf, the grumpy yet kind dwarf, Flint Fireforge, the fleet fingered and childlike kender, Tasslehoff Burrfoot, the Plainsmen Goldmoon and Riverwind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Knight of Solamnia named Sturm Brightblade and the twins Caramon and Raistlin Majere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later on they are joined by the elven princess Laurana and a fiery barmaid Tika Waylan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group forms an unlikely force for good, during a period of evil called the War of the Lance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
To tell the entire plot would take way longer than this post should be, but summarize Takhasis, a god and the Queen of Darkness returns to a land that had been ravaged by the Cataclysm hundreds of years before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people of the land are scattered and fractured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course Takhisis wants to dominate the world and all the souls on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is opposed by Paladine the god of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence it is a celestial battle that comes to the mortal world of Krynn.<br />
<br />
Along the way the Companions must battle all manner of evil things in their quest; they must also fight distrust and dissention among themselves, the power of evil magic and clerics, and of course dragons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end two of the group will perish and another will betray them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all leads to an epic battle that of course leads to the defeat of the evil goddess.<br />
<br />
That description really does not do the book justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm leaving out huge parts, like the three kingdoms of elves the mountain fortress of the dwarves and the power of magic, and the magnificent return of the dragons of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is simply too much to describe here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could really write an entire novel about these three books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's ok though, I just wanted to give you a glimpse into the trilogy and a look at my own feelings about the series.<br />
<br />
I do see a lot of similarities with the Lord of the Rings trilogy in these books, but that's all they are, is similarities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These three book are completely different and are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a work of art all themselves, but if you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings then I suggest these books, they will blow your mind.<br />
<br />
Later on they released a fourth book to end the original trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While not technically a part of the first three books;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is spectacular in own right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read the fourth book cover to cover in about three days, which at the time, was a record for me. <br />
<br />
These books eventually led to a second trilogy, Legends, which focused on the twins Caramon and Raistin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then more and more books followed from full novels to anthologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many dealt with the original cast of characters, and many created their own new ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some expanded on the world that Chronicles created, while others delved into the history of Krynn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This series took on a life of its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't know how many books there are total, but I have personally read around forty or so and I have barely scratched the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish a feature length film would be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the same care that was shown for The Lord of the Rings was given to this trilogy, it would be a treat to watch.<br />
<br />
There it is, my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This set remains one of my favorites of all time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend them to anyone who loves a good epic fantasy novel.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-89778825763303579212012-05-07T14:48:00.001-07:002012-05-07T14:52:17.262-07:00A Scribes Review, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt0lXjxdYbjMA9cntHHyr-jRKvqNUUPZ-58oqBdwIbnVdl2Hl1eBoWRB7CBILEA0alRGvjWK6sX8pBxPEN2_qTuNYJwnHo9Yu1CLJ9Yc3Pf0c8hho1orgzJnIf6xevcQX5Zl5yfjbCipI/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt0lXjxdYbjMA9cntHHyr-jRKvqNUUPZ-58oqBdwIbnVdl2Hl1eBoWRB7CBILEA0alRGvjWK6sX8pBxPEN2_qTuNYJwnHo9Yu1CLJ9Yc3Pf0c8hho1orgzJnIf6xevcQX5Zl5yfjbCipI/s320/untitled.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
I must admit, I had little to no expectations going into this book. The only reason I read it was because a friend of mine suggested it, and we have similar tastes. I must admit the concept was awesome. I mean seriously, the 16th President of the United States, a man that arguably saved the nation from imploding, was a vampire hunter? The first thing that I thought of was, where did he find the time? How did he not get caught in his endeavor? As well as various other things I tried to nit-pick.<br />
<br />
When I began the book it was about twelve-thirty in the morning or so, and I was just expecting to read for maybe a half an hour. I put it down around three hours later, and only then because I had to work the next day. To put it simply, I was amazed. It may have had something to do with the fact I thought it would be adequate at best, after all I got my hopes up about A Game of Thrones, and I was disappointed (insert your gasp here), so it had no where to go but up. The more I read the more I realized, that I simply loved this book! So here is my honest opinion on the book. I will do my best to divulge as little as possible, because I do not want to ruin it for you.<br />
<br />
In a nut shell, the story begins with Abraham's childhood. He was already gifted at telling stories and the like. When he discovers that his mother was killed by vampires he resolves to kill very single vampire he can. His first attempt proved quite successful, and it leads you to believe that he is like Blade and some sort of natural vampire killing machine. However, his second mission goes very badly and he is nearly killed himself. He is saved by the Yoda type character, Henry. He takes the young Abraham under his wing and teaches him the right way to hunt vampires. <br />
<br />
After several years of killing the foul beasts, he is introduced to a plot by the vampires to actually seize control of the United States, and make humans no more than cattle. I must apologize for the next few sentences, it will give a little away. Henry and a group of like minded people who called themselves the Union aid Lincoln in getting elected to President and in fighting the civil war.<br />
<br />
He obviously wins the war, and the Union is preserved, this book just adds a lot more behind the scenes action than recorded history. In truth if it were not about vampires it could almost be believed! <br />
<br />
How Lincoln dies is obvious. The book does not deviate from major historic accounts about our sixteenth president's life, it just adds a few extra unoffical entries to the official record. I gave the book the four stars. Why not five? As much as I prased it, that should be a given right? The answer is simple, the ending. Call it my nit-picking, but I cannot overlook it. Don't get me wrong the ending is sheer genius, I love it, but it leaves a question open, that begs to be answered. There are answers to this question, good answers, but I'm not able to accept them. I guess I'm too logical. It probably also doesn't help that the book is so well written that it actually sounds like a true historical account. So in a sense you do not have suspend your sense of logic to accept what is written, but if you do, it's much more enjoyable.<br />
<br />
Obviously I will not go into the ending, it would ruin a huge treat if you decide to read it. Suffice it to say I highly recommend this book, if for no other reason than sheer curiosity (you can't tell me you're not). It would be well worth your time. I just hope the movie adaptation will be half as good, but I must admit I have more faith in authors, than in Hollywood.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8144436330718393563.post-20250399774052591152012-05-07T14:46:00.002-07:002012-05-07T14:53:22.290-07:00A Scribe's Review: Osric's Wand: The Wand-Maker's Debate<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sPCw-6TH2VbdHKbifJ3m8YSMuo9vciwot2XwvEsKibm0KotfgH78HnWJbDQzIu1baoMYU0gwM6pkYwvlXnrWLNtiRI3fy_v3uaatdFKOh5LHyivwiCFsaCQ71LveYRa_8WyrcmKNEBg1/s1600/Osriccover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sPCw-6TH2VbdHKbifJ3m8YSMuo9vciwot2XwvEsKibm0KotfgH78HnWJbDQzIu1baoMYU0gwM6pkYwvlXnrWLNtiRI3fy_v3uaatdFKOh5LHyivwiCFsaCQ71LveYRa_8WyrcmKNEBg1/s1600/Osriccover.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So this post will be a little different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to do a review on a book by a couple of authors named Jack D. Albrecht and Ashley Delay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name of their book is Osric’s Wand: The Wand-Maker’s Debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I went into reading this with no expectations; I was going to give it an honest look with no preconceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to talk about the overall setting first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I’m not sure what expectations the authors had for the setting in this book, but let me put it simply; the world they created for this book was spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way that magic was approached was really intriguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ways that the various races of people interacted was great, and there are a lot of races of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">people</i>, more than I expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world itself, was vibrant and full of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was easy for me to picture, in my head, the places that were described, and let me tell you, I’ve got a crowded head!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The characters I like a lot, especially a prairie dog named Gus and a dwarf named Machai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These characters’ sarcasm made me smile, which I suppose gives a little away about my personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the characters were equally interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I genuinely cared about the characters for the most part.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The plot revolves around Osric, and his efforts to stop a war that may break out after an attack on a treaty signing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way he is accompanied by Gus, and prairie dog wand-maker, his son Pebble, whose innocence I loved, Bridgett, a young woman who spent years living among unicorns, Kenneth, Osric’s right-hand-man and a grumpy dwarf (big surprise) Machai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, things get a lot more difficult for Osric very quickly, when he discovers an old plot concerning the dragons, he must deal with also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to say any more about the plot, I don’t want to give it away, but trust me, it’s good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The story line was excellent and it was easy to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story flowed well for me and there was very little if any, “down time” as I call it, in the plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way that the different subplots blended in together was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hope there are more of these books coming, or maybe they are out there and I’m not smart enough to find them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to follow these character’s more, and see where their adventure takes them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> To put it simply, I loved this book. It was easy to read and quite enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself caring about the characters, especially Gus and Machai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always interested to see what was going to happen next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short if you like a good novel, give this one a look, you will not be disappointed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I do feel I should say one more thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my first book review, so if seems kind of choppy and amateurish, well that’s because I am an amateur, but this is my honest opinion!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08270309006193128918noreply@blogger.com0