Carol's Notebook – Page 540

A couple of movies

January 30, 2011January 31, 2011 by Carol9 Comments

We've seen a couple of movies recently, in the comfort of our own basement. Alpha and Omega (2010) Amber (11) has been wanting to see this one since the first preview we saw. If it has wolves, it has to be good. There's a girl alpha wolf and a boy omega wolf who get transported to a new park. They have to work together to get home, and of course fall in love along the way. Amber said she liked, I though it was so-so. Even Amber commented that she wished they didn't act so much like people. I did like that the girl was strong and a leader. And the whole opposites attract thing has been done over and over, but it's always pretty cute. The American (2010) David and I watched this and I think it officially lost me the next three movie picks. George Clooney, assassin in love with a prostitute, I though David would like it. I was wrong. He...

Game Night – Wishlist

January 29, 2011January 28, 2011 by Carol3 Comments

I know, usually I talk about a game that we've played, either one owned by us or a friend, and I've got a few that I want to talk about soon, but today I'm featuring a game I want instead. Mystery Express Designers: Serge Laget, Antoine Bauza Manufacturer: Days of Wonder Year: 2010 Players: 3 - 5 Time: 60 - 90 minutes Ages: 12 and up Seeking a well-deserved break from your latest misadventures, you decide to splurge, treating yourself to the extravagant luxury of the most talked about train of our time - the legendary Orient Express. Most unexpectedly, and rather unfortunately, the holiday turns out to be short-lived. The train has barely left Paris when word spreads that someone has just been murdered, and in the most hideous manner... The rest of the trip - through Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest and their final destination of Istanbul - is consumed with determining the ...

Friday’s Tale: Bearskin by The Brothers Grimm

January 28, 2011March 4, 2011 by Carol15 Comments

"Bearskin" by The Brothers Grimm A pact with the Devil always seems like a bad idea, but people still do it time and again. The main character in this story is a former soldier who now can find no job and has been abandoned by his family. While he is sitting in a circle of trees feeling sorry for himself , he is approached by the Devil, dressed in a green coat. The Devil proposed a deal. He will give the man possessions and wealth, as much as he wants, but of course there's a condition. "I see quite well," said the stranger, "that thou art not wanting in courage, but there is still another condition which thou wilt have to fulfil." "If it does not endanger my salvation," ...

On a desert island

January 27, 2011 by Carol11 Comments

Today's question is, "If you were stranded on a desert island alone, and could only bring one book with you, which would it be?" Can't I bring my kindle? And a solar-powered charger? I could load it up with all kinds of books, mysteries, romances, classics. Imagine all the places I could visit, all the people I could meet if I had nothing to do but read? (And find food, and build a shelter, and tend a fire, but you get my point.) Okay, I guess that's not really a fair answer. If I could only bring one book, I'd have to choose the Bible. I wish I could say it was for some deep spiritual reason, nourishing my soul, developing a deeper relationship with my Father, and those are wonderful reasons, but not my primary ones. First of all, it's long, and with hours and hours to read that's important. Second, it's so chock full of drama, wars, romance, betrayal, murder,...

The Paris Secret by Angela Henry

January 27, 2011 by Carol5 Comments

The Paris Secret by Angela Henry Paris, romance, and murder are an intoxicating mix. Maya Sinclair is in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, on her own after breaking up with her boyfriend. A series of events ends up with her as the prime suspect in a murder and a target of the real killer. When she is attacked in the garden of Versailles, sexy French journalist, Simon Girard, rescues her. Simon is investigating the death of his brother, an art forger with connection to the woman Maya is accused of killing. Their search leads them to a secret society, a missing crucifix and a centuries-old book, the Arum Liber, that holds the secret to eternal life. Together they follow the trail across Paris, barely one step ahead of the killer who has an agenda all her own. Setting: Paris - I want to go. The book was like a tour of Paris, the food, the sights, the atmosphere. Mystery: There was...

Funny Authors

January 26, 2011 by Carol24 Comments

I really don't read many funny books, so coming up with three authors I truly consider funny was harder than I thought it would be. Christopher Moore I'm pretty sure the first Christopher Moore book I read was the Island of the Sequined Love Nun, which I loved. Hilarious! I made my husband read it and he enjoyed it too. And I found out today that he was actually born and raised in Ohio. Nifty, huh? Douglas Adams He's a must-read author as far as I'm concerned. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series is classic. It's a shame that I've never listened to any of the radio series, might be a good idea for the next long car trip. I have to admit that I'm also a fan of his Dirk Gently series. Brian M. Wiprud I fell in love with his writing when I first read Pipsqueak. It's a smart, funny, quirky mystery and I adored it. I've since read all of his books...