Random Tuesday Thoughts.

Happy Random Tuesday! Link-up at Stacy's for some more Random fun!

1. Latest RTT ever. Fail. (Hey, at least it's here.)

2. I'm having a giveaway! All the details are here: GIVEAWAY! (Please follow the directions, thanks!)

3. Psych has been renewed for another season! This makes me happy. I have Lassiter love.

4. Does anyone watch Leverage? You really should. It's like Robin Hood meets the A-Team. So fun. The cast is amazing and the writers and awesome. Check out the pilot. It's free on iTunes this week. :)

5. Currently reading: A Clash of Kings Author: George R. R. Martin.

Review and Giveaway: Destination Truth Memoirs of a Monster Hunter

I received this book for Christmas (as it was a high priority on my Amazon Wish List). I finished it today.

I Loved it!

If you are not familiar with Destination Truth . . . Why not? It airs on the Syfy network and it's a great show.

The premise is this: A team of investigators/adventure seekers travel around the world searching for the stuff of myth and legend. Bigfoot? They looked for him (a few times). Lake Monsters? Yup, searched for those. Ghosts? Sure, they've investigated a few huntings. Chernobyl? Uh huh, they went there. Elves? Yes, elves. They have wandered through Iceland searching for elves.

While the investigations are interesting and sometimes turn up some very odd evidence, my favorite thing about this show is easily the cast. More specifically, the host, Josh Gates.

Josh is very witty and entertaining and the entire cast seem to work very well together. They make the hard stuff look easy.

Watch Destination Truth.

The book.

I loved this book. Well written with a lot of behind the scenes takes on the Destination Truth episodes that I love.

It was VERY hard while reading the book not to stop and read every other paragraph out loud to whomever was in the room. It was that fun and interesting. As a matter of fact, I often gave in and read large portions aloud. Once I even got out of bed to read a page to J. He was as equally shocked as I was by the information I was reading to him. (Chernobyl, anyone?)

At different times while reading I was entertained, amused, laughing out loud, cringing and down right terrified. (Not kidding. Chernobyl, anyone?)

This book will definitely make you want to get off your sofa and travel. Maybe not to Malaysia or Chernobyl but you will absolutely want to travel more. I was in awe as I read the descriptions of the places Josh has been and the things he has seen and experienced. In awe and a little jealous. (But, not of Chernobyl.)

I would definitely recommend this book. It helps if you're a fan of Destination Truth but I wouldn't say necessary. The tales recounted will keep you entertained either way.

How do I get a copy of this awesome book? you may be asking yourself. I have an answer for you! It's available on Amazon here Destination Truth Memoirs of a Monster Hunter in either hard copy or Kindle editions.

OR

You can enter my giveaway here. You see, I received two copies of this book for Christmas and I would like to give one to one lucky reader.

Entries are simple and there are Many ways to enter! Eight way to enter, to be exact!

YOU MUST LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY TO COUNT.


1. This one is Mandatory (Come on, I need at least ONE mandatory entry): Leave a comment here telling me if you watch or have ever watched Destination Truth and why or why not.


Non-mandatory Extra entries.


2. Follow my blog. (Leave a comment letting me know you have been following or are a new follower.)
3. Leave a comment with your favorite Destination Truth episode.
4. Leave a comment with a favorite quote from Destination Truth.
5. Follow me on Twitter: @Justaddjava (Leave a comment, with your twitter name.)
6. Follow Josh Gates on Twitter: @JoshuaGates (Leave a comment with your Twitter name.)
7. Tweet about the giveaway. Include the tag #DTBookGiveaway in your tweet. (Leave a comment, with your twitter name, letting me know you tweeted.)
8. If you have a blog and you want to share this giveaway there, be my guest! (Leave a comment with the link to your blog here.)

The giveaway will close on January 20th. That gives you Two weeks to get your entries in and spread the word! I'll announce the Winner on January 23rd. 

There you go! Eight ways to enter. Tell your friends!

Good luck!

P.S. My apologies but currently my giveaways are for US residents only. So sorry to anyone else. :(

(Fine print: I was not, in any way, compensated for this review. I simply Loved the book and since I received two copies I decided to share.)

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

It's the first Random Tuesday of 2012! I haven't done Random Tuesday since October! I hope it still works the same. :)

Link-up at Stacy's where she is STILL  rocking the rebellion!

1. I am sick.Ugh. Bleh. Just a cold but it's enough to make me feel ick.

2. Today is the first day back to school. Waking up? Nightmare. Ready to get back into my routine but the first couple days? Murder. 

3. I hate Max and Ruby. Max is such a bad, bad bunny and all the things he does wrong end up being praised in the end. What???

4. Did you Christmas wishes come true? J got me Josh Gates' book and I was thrilled. I also finally have a printer! Yay! (Now, I just need to find a place to put it . . . )

5. Kid found out on Sunday that Darth Vader is Luke's Dad! He nearly had a meltdown. "He has to destroy his Dad!?!?" He had problems working it out in his mind because "It's not nice for his Dad to be Darth Vader, Darth Vader is a mean guy!" Dad's are not supposed to be mean guys.

6. Why do all of the light bulbs in my house seem to blow out at the same time? Going to invest in LED lights if I can afford it. They're more expensive but last SO much longer.

7. Sugar Cookie Tea from Celestial Seasonings. Ew! It sounded SO GOOD in theory. In reality (in my opinion) it was way too weak. Maybe if I throw two bags in and try again? Maybe I should just stick to nice black English Breakfast Tea.

8. Haven't exercised this year yet because I feel like ick. This needs to stop.

9. Currently reading: Destination Truth Memoirs Of A Monster Hunter. Author: Josh Gates

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

It's been a while but that doesn't mean I have no Random Thoughts. Link-up and share your own Random!

1. I have 4,397 things running through my head but when I open blogger they all run away!

2. I had a nice long dream starring Julian McMahon last night. (Not THAT kind of dream!) We talked and joked and had a good time in general. Julian McMahon. *Sigh* If you don't know who he is, allow me to show you.

 

 Seriously, I've had worse dreams. 

3.  I watched The Lost Boys for the first time on Saturday. My thoughts are here: The Lost Boys.

4. Kid and I have a Busy Busy weekend this week.

5. Everyone ready for Trick-or-Treat? Kid will we going as Indiana Jones. I will be going as Indiana Jones' Mom. 

6. Currently reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children for book club. The Jazz Hands Book club on Twitter that is. (#jhbc All welcome!) Anyone read it? Thoughts?

7. I want this: Hooded Cardigan I think I may buy it today . . . Or tomorrow . . .

8. Speaking of Walmart. I think I'm going to take advantage of their Layaway as well. I just wish the "Rules" were a bit different. No movies/games? Fifteen dollar minimum on each item?

9. I discovered Life Unexpected on Netflix. I'm addicted and I'm sad that it only has two (SHORT) seasons. I'm about a third of the way into season two right now. I'm going to miss this show. I <3 Ryan.

10. Kid's school is having a Halloween party on Thursday. I offered to make and bring something but I don't know what to make. Kid's teacher doesn't want to hand out candy (And why WOULDN'T she want a room full of Kindergartener's on a candy high???) so I don't know what to make. Thoughts? Help?

11. I had SO many more things to random about but can't remember. Well, some of them just have to wait because I'm not always sure who reads this and I have secrets. ;)

Have a great day!

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

I have not been random (on this blog anyway) in far too long. Today, I shall be random once again. If you would like to be random as well you can click the box and link up over at Stacy's place.

1. September! I. Love. September!

2. Amazon has some free kindle books. This has resulted in my "To read" pile growing far too large.

3. Speaking of my "To read" pile, I've GOT to get my hands on A Clash of Kings. Must know what happens next!

4. Dear George Lucas, Cut. It. Out. It was PERFECT the way it was. STOP changing things!

5. Realized that Kid's birthday is a week away. This means his party is less than Two weeks away! I'm not panicking, not at all! Where's my towel!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

6. If you have any awesome suggestions for a Lego birthday party I'm all ears. (Well, all eyes I suppose.)

7. Ringer starts tonight. I'm sort of excited to have Sarah Michelle Gellar back on my TV.

8. Pinterest rocks! I found a website that suggested making pancakes in mini muffins cups, in the oven. Perfect. No turning, no flipping, just baking and eating. (Bonus if you add chocolate chips and pumpkin!)

9. What's your favorite creepy book to read for Halloween?

10. I love my New England Patriots. Yeah, Baby!

I may have more but I'll stop now. Hey, at least they were all short.

Random Tuesday Thoughts (Bring 'em back!)

Two weeks ago Keely, the creator of Random Tuesday Thoughts, decided to put RTT on hiatus for a bit. Last week I skipped my Random Tuesday Thoughts post . . . and went into withdrawl. Not again!

This week I'll link up over at Stacy's blog. We will gather there until Keely's break is over. (I'm not mad at Keely. She's been an awesome host, she deserves a break! I, on the other hand, can't quit!)

So, grab the box and link up at Stacy's place!

1.  Next Tuesday we get on a plane and head for Pennsylvania! I'm SO SUPER EXCITED!!! I'm also a bit nervous. I don't like airports. It's not the the air travel that bothers me, it's the airports. Airport security people are almost ALWAYS rude and unpleasant. Then there's the CROWDS! Bleh! The only thing that makes it all worth it is that I'll see my family!

2. I hate packing. Hate. I'm always worried I'll forget something important. Sure, I make lists. But, what if I forget to put something on the list?

3. I've been saying for Ages that my computer needs a name. I've already named my phone (Chloe) and my iPod (Rupert) and I'm not sure how my computer was left out. I've remedied this situation though. My computer now has her very own name! Sasha!

4. I was reading blogs the other day and read a post on Tia's blog about Instagram. I went right to the app store and downloaded it. I. Am. Hooked. Oh my word! I love it! So fun!

5. Currently reading: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for #jhbc (Jazz Hands Book Club). This book contains some of the strangest sentences I have ever read!! Ever!

6. Words With Friends? I'm ADDICTED! Play a game with me! (And when that one is over, play another one with me!) I'm Justaddjava! P.S. Play WwF with me to feel good about yourself because I'm no good! Haha.

7. I dreamed yesterday morning about a Really Hot guy! (Sorry J. I can't help my dreams.) I've seen him before. I think he's an actor but I have NO IDEA where I've seen him! I wish I knew! Driving me nuts!

I think that should do it for todays Random Thoughts! Thanks so much for stopping by!! :)

Six Word Saturday!

Happy Six Word Saturday! Want to know what it's all about? Click the box and be transported to Cate's blog! There, she will explain to you the wonder that is Six Word Saturday!

Finally got my #jhbc Book!! Yay!!

Have a great weekend!!

P.S. For anyone who may be wondering, #jhbc is a little book club (Jazz Hands Book Club) formed by a few peoples on Twitter. This will be my first reading of this book. Hoping for good things! I've heard positive reviews! :)

The First Book I Ever Read

Do you remember the first book you ever read? I'm not talking like a Dr. Suess kind of book. I mean the first big book with full chapters that you ever read?

I remember the first one I ever read was a Star Trek Voyager Book (I've told you before that I'm a geek). It was called The Escape. I was twelve years old.

I was at the mall with my Grandfather and there was (I think it's even still there . . . well, maybe) a little comic book shop that I used to love to go in. I was never a fan of comic books but they also had all the Star Trek stuff. You know, the figures and the phasers and the tricorders and all those fun things. Anyway I went in to look around and I saw the book just lying there on the shelf.

I picked it up and read the back and for reason I wanted it. I put it down and ran out to my Grandfather who was waiting for me on a bench outside the store. I remember asking him if he would buy me the book.

He was so sweet (and fond of spoiling). He gave me the money and I ran in and bought it. I showed it to him when I came out. He seemed suprised at the size and asked if I was actually going to read it. I assured him I would. And I did.

It was a very well written book. I can't remember the exact plot (after all I was twelve when I read it) but I can still remember scenes from it. I love when I read a book and I can see it all happening in my head like I'm watching a movie.

I still have the book. Maybe one day I'll have to dig it out and read it again just for old times sake.

Do you remember the first book you read?

Book Five - The Loch

I've just finished my fifth book of the year.

The Loch by Steve Alten

3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars

I was attracted to this book for a couple reasons. 1. It about Loch Ness and the "Monster" that inhabits it. That's always interesting. 2. One of the reviews at the beginning of the book said . . . "Michael Chicton meets Dan Brown beneat the waves of Loch Ness." (Dennis Palumbo, author)

If you know me at all you know I'm a big fan of Dan Brown. So, of course that phrase would cause greater appeal.

I enjoyed the book. I wouldn't call it Dan Brown meets Michael Crichton but I still liked it.

It included a lot of Scottish history and a lot of science and it was very entertaining. Lots of edge of your seat, heart stopping kind of stuff.

It also included a very interesting and I would imagine fairly possible explanation to the Loch Ness Monster.

I've always believed in the Loch Ness Monster. I don't know why it would be so hard to believe that a rarely seen species lives in the great depths of the Loch or any other lake or Sea for that matter.

Anyway, if you're interested in the Loch Ness Monster than you might as well give this a try. It will most likely entertain you.

Creature of the Night (Book Five)

I finished another book Monday night. Well, it was actually very early Tuesday morning. Either way, it's done.

I HATED it!

Creature of the Night
Kate Thompson

1 out of five stars . . . maybe .5 out of five stars.

This book is listed as youth fiction. Therefore the language and themes shocked me. Many uses of the "F word" which in a regular book wouldn't be anything special but in a youth book? Not too mention the many many references to and scenes of drug use and smoking by a Fourteen year old and his 18 year old buddies. I suppose I should also mention the physical and verbal abuse of a four year old that's all over here too.

This book made me sad.

While it's credited with being "Brilliantly written" and a "Gripping thriller" and the author is given many Kudos as to how "marvelous and magical" her writing is this book is no good.

It doesn't feel like the real heart of the story starts until about fifty pages from the end. What happens then? Does it get really gripping and you're totally into it? Nope, nothing happens. The book ends and you never find out what happened/happens to the characters.

Awful. Avoid this book.

Random Tuesday Thoughts!

It's Tuesday! Is anyone feeling Random? Well, if you are then you may click the little box below and pop on over to Keely's blog to read some more Random or participate with your own! Have fun!

1. Going to see When In Rome tonight "with" my friend in Maine. Well, we're both going at the same time but she's going in ME and I'm going here. Silly? Maybe. But still fun. I think I might even get some popcorn. (I never buy popcorn at the movies because the prices are like robbery.)

2. I'm so happy for Anna Kendrick! She's been nominated for an Oscar. For the rest of her life, (if she doesn't win) she'll be "Oscar Nominated Actress Anna Kendrick." (I have the overwhelming desire to write "Take that Kristen Stewart." but I'll try to refrain . . .)

3. Almond Joy Pieces are not near as good as I expected them to be. Still, they're not awful.

4. I want a donut.

5. There are a lot of birthday's in February!

6. Hubby's been going for physical therapy for his knee twice a week. It's an HOUR away! I hate that drive. I'm also running out of things to do while we're there. I think the Kiddo and I are going to check out their library either tomorrow or Friday.

7. Finished an Awful book last night. I'll probably review it tomorrow. I'm still waiting for the library to call me about the other book I have on hold . . .

8. I think I may have asked this before. Has anyone read any James Patterson. I think I may give some of his books a try. (Also is there anyone out there who likes Dan Brown? If so, what other authors would you recommend?)

Have a wonderful Random Tuesday!

Percy Jackson The Sea of Monsters (Book Three)

A while ago I mentioned that I'm reading the Percy Jackson books. Well, I've finished the second one.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Actually I finished it a while ago but I forgot to blog about it.

I would also give this one about 3.5 stars. It was an interesting read for a young adult book.

I do enjoy the way the author blends the mythical world with the real world. Gods that drink Diet Coke and Centaurs that party to rock and roll and wear Hawaiian shirts. It's just fun.

I'm, once again, on hold at the library for the next book. Popular series right now, I suppose.

So, while I'm waiting I'm working my way through another book that promised excitement and mysterious thrills and so far I'm still forcing my way through it. I'm really hoping it get's better. I'll let you know all about that one when I'm through with it.

(Has anyone read Witch and Wizard by James Patterson? I think I may try to get my hands on that one some time. I've never read any Patterson. Thoughts?)

Three down . . . Twenty-one to go.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

While I was waiting for the second book in the Percy Jackson Series I decided to pick up another small book to read.

Since I read The Harry Potter Series and really enjoyed it I had always wanted to read The Tales of Beedle the Bard that J.K. Rowling wrote. So I grabbed it.

It wasn't a novel kind of book. It was more a collection of short stories, fairy tales.

I enjoyed reading them. I guess I would give it 3 stars.

If you've read the Harry Potter Series you'll understand this. It was nice reading the story of the Three Brothers.

Anyway, I'm going to count this toward my books for the year. (I need all the help I can get.)

I'm sorry if this is all messed up and makes no sense. There are a bunch of people here and it's loud. Sorry.

First Book of the New Year - Percy Jackson

I said that when I finished my books this year I would try to blog about them. Well, I have finished my first book.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

I guess I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The reason I chose to read this book is because in February (on the 12th) the movie version comes out. It's not really a movie that I would normally rush out to see except that Sean Bean is in it. Therefore, I'll be rushing out to see it.

For some movies I like to read the books first. I like to see what the differences are, what was left out, what was kept in.

I did enjoy the book. It was no Harry Potter but it was fun. I don't know if I can pick a favorite character yet. Maybe Annabeth? We'll see when I move on to the second book.

Speaking of the second book, I'm currently waitng on the library to call me and tell me it's been returned. I hope they hurry.

Read a Book in 2010

I was just reading a blog that I had written on MySpace at this time last year. I had created a goal to read 25 books in 2009.

 I'm actually not sure if I managed to meet it or not. Somewhere I stopped keeping track.

This year I have the same goal. Read 25 books in 2010.

My problem with reading books is that unless I'm in the mood to read a particular book I can't usually dedicated enough time to it to get anything read.

So, on that note, any books that I read that may happen to be young adult books (I'm talking books like Twilight or Harry Potter not books like Curious George) will go towards my goal. I usually pick something like that up to fill time while I'm trying to find something else to read.

I'll probably blog about the books I read here. Maybe you'll see something you're interested in.

Right now I'm reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. My reason for reading this book is that I intend to see the movie and like to read the book first.

Yes, I plan to see the Percy Jackson movie. Sean Bean is in it. Sean Being playing a Greek god?!!?! How can I miss that???

Six Word Saturday

Want to have some fun? Click the box above and pop over to Cate's blog to play Six Word Saturday!!

What should I read this October?

Almost Fall

I was over at Keri's blog (Forever Folding Laundry) reading her Signs post and she absolutely made me want autumn to get here even more than I already did (And that’s an accomplishment)!

I just want to go light my Pumpkin Spice candles, bake a pumpkin pie, decorate with leaves, orange lights and pumpkins, check out Halloween costumes and get a good scary (preferably vampire sub-genre) book from the library.

Speaking of the book. Any suggestions? I want scary vampires not angsty, teenage vampires. Not that I didn’t enjoy the Twilight series, I did. I just want something like “Salem’s Lot” (one of my favorite books) or “Midnight Mass.” Something where a vampire can be a vampire.

Also, any suggestions for good pumpkiny fallish recipes? I’m always looking for a good recipe.

Happy (Almost) Fall!!!

The Ghost

I just finished this book called The Ghost by Robert Harris. I’m really not sure exactly how I would categorize it. Political thriller? Is that even a genre?

It’s about a man who is ghostwriting the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. Things go from confusing to really bad pretty quick and I really liked it.

Now, I must say under normal circumstances I would not have read the description for this book and thought “Oh that sounds like a must read!” No. On the contrary actually, I probably would have passed it up rather quickly.

The reason I sought this book out (and, yes, sought it out is a correct term. I had to have it shipped in from a library an hour away because ours didn’t carry it.) was because I was on http://www.imdb.com/ (love this site!) and I was looking at Ewan McGregor’s resume. I was checking out what he has coming up that I can look forward too. (Let’s face it, Ewan McGregor is MMmmm, MMmmm, good.) Anyway, I saw a movie called The Ghost and clicked on the link.

Once again, after reading a few lines I pretty much thought the only reason to see this movie was Ewan McGregor. Then I hopped on the message board and discovered that it was, in fact, a book. I decided that since I was going to watch the movie anyway I might as well read the book first (since books are usually better than the movies).

I’m really glad I read this book. It kept me interested (even when the subject matter wasn’t always something that would normally interest me) and the characters were very good. I grew especially fond of “The Ghost” (for he had no other name) during the reading and I must say the last paragraph came as a bit of a shock. In a good way? Sure, I guess. I felt a lot of emotions associated with that paragraph but in the end I decided I really liked it.

So, if you’re looking for a book to read I would recommend this one. Stick to it and DO NOT read the end before you actually get there!!!!

Reading (Angels and Demons)

Do we have any readers in the house?? Hehe. I love reading. I decided that this year I was going to read a certain number of books. This number I’m not going to mention because I’m embarrassingly behind.

However, I have read a few. The most recent being Angels and Demons. This is actually the second time I’ve read this book but it’s just so good that I had to read it again. (I enjoyed the movie very much too!)

This book is Robert Langdon’s first adventure. Before the DaVinci Code (Another Awesome book!!) It follows him to the Vatican in an effort to find an antimatter bomb that is threatening to destroy the city. Not too mention trying to stop a crazed killer from publicly executing four priests. All this time the election of the new Pope is happening inside the Vatican.

The characters are great, all of them. So well written. Dan Brown is a master Story teller and I’m eagerly counting down the days (79) until the release of his next book The Lost Symbol (also a Robert Langdon story)! I can’t wait!

I’ve read all of Dan Brown’s book actually and they are all excellent. Highly recommended. Other books that I’ve read recently include:

Tantalize - Cynthia Leitich Smith
Frozen Fire – Tim Bowler
Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare (*Sigh* I usually hate, very much, stories with sad endings but this book was just wonderful)
Twilight Series – Stephanie Meyer

Currently I’m reading The Ghost by Robert Harris. I can’t tell you much because I only recently started it. All I can say is that I haven’t lost interest yet.