Dad of Divas' Reviews: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Canadian Club Sherry Cask Review

I was asked recently to try out the Canadian Club Sherry Cask. As I had not tried this in the past, I decided to give it a go and see what the hype on Mad Men was all about. Before I received this though I had to do a little research to find out what exactly a Sherry Cask was! What I found out was that a Sherry Cask is a whiskey that is blended and aged for at least 8 years in Spanish Sherry Casks (Pretty cool, eh). Wikipedia further informed me that eight years is a starting point and that some blended spirits like this can be aged for longer than 8 years to even 12 years or more.

In opening up the bottle, I was first impressed by the traditional classic bottle with wood and cork top. I noticed some quality statements listed on the front of the bottle, that first, each bottle was 82.6-proof and it is labeled with the individual cask that the whiskey came from so you can track it back to its origin (kind of like whiskey genealogy).

The color is a deep amber and you end up getting sweet aromas of that remind you of caramel, maple syrup, leather and even some dried fruits. Once you taste this the flavor is quite sweet as well and reminded me a bit of roasted nuts.

There is definitely a smooth aftertaste that was nice as well. I tried it straight, but found that for me it was a bit strong, so then I tried it with a splash of water and it helped quite a bit. I also tried it as a whiskey sour and it provided a nice flavor to this as well, so as you can see this sherry cask is a great addition to any household.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Game Review - Solitaire Chess

About the Game
You don't have to know chess to be a master of this addictive sequential logic game! The rules in Solitaire Chess are simple - first set up the chess pieces on the board according to one of the 60 challenge cards, then proceed to capture and eliminate all but one piece using only moves allowed in traditional chess. You must capture a piece with every move, so this game is fast-paced and always exciting!

Features:
* 4 levels of play, Beginner to Expert
* Game board features a storage drawer for easy cleanup
* Hints and step-by-step solutions

Try it out yourself!

My Take on the Game
My family loves games! I used to be big into chess as well when I was younger so I was excited to get the opportunity to try out this game with my eldest. The game says it for ages eight and up, but my eldest is 6.5 and I thought it would be fun for her to try it out as well.

What was great about this game was the fact that it definitely makes you think as much of the game itself is logic based. It was fun to see that you could play this for as long or as short as the time that you had available. Thus even if I only had a few minutes I could still have fun with this game and have some enjoyment from the challenge!

This game is now on one of my favorite games list (for the ones that I have in my home). My daughter struggled at first but after a few times she started to get the hang of it as well and she enjoyed being challenged by the game, and by me.

If you love logic puzzles and games that will stretch your mind, this is the game for you!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Tips on How to Budget for an Affordable Family Vacation

Summer is the time for vacations, whether it’s visiting family or just getting away for a weekend. The only problem: vacations can be expensive, from gas for the car to flights, hotels, and every meal at a restaurant.

Chicago Healers Practitioner Julie Casserly, MBA urges vacationers to “Position yourself to be lucky to spend the amount of money you actually have for a vacation, instead of going into debt and later on having to pay for past choices. No one likes having what I call a ‘spending hangover;’ it takes all the fun out of going on vacation in the first place.”

Last Minute Deals – In a world where there are so many things to do, most of the travel websites will have last minute trips at a deep discount, particularly in economic environment. Decide a budget and search online for an all-inclusive trip for the long weekend that falls into that number. The exciting part is that you are leaving yourself open to trying a new adventure or a new place.
Look At The End, First - Decide priorities for a vacation and what amount to spend, and then build a plan out from there.
Choose the Day – Choose to travel on cheaper air fare days, say Tuesday – Saturday
Name Your Price – Rent a car, hotel, or airfare through priceline.com where customers can name a price. Sometimes it can be 30% less expensive.
Pack the Snacks – If a road trip in the works, pack a cooler!!! No need to spend extra money on those high cost, high calorie snacks and fast food meals.
One Stop Shopping – Buy in bulk; get airfare, hotel, and car from one vendor.
Locals Know Best – Interact with the locals to learn the best restaurants and tours, where the prices won’t be spiked just for tourists.
Set the Plan and Open an Account – Plan for future trips: set financial intentions by opening up a separate savings account that is ONLY to be used for vacations. Set a plan for how much to spend each year on vacations and be sure to put aside an appropriate amount per paycheck that will allow for this later in the year.

Casserly explains further saying “It’s all about what free cash you have to be able to afford a vacation and about what is right for you and your family, there is no right or wrong, it’s about what you have chosen as your financial priorities and making sure that you create a positive energy flow from your spending (spending on a cash basis) and not a negative energy flow (spending with debt).”

About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (www.ChicagoHealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Book Review - Fortune Favors the Bold

About the Book
What is fear? Is it self-induced or brought on by the environment around us? The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “fear” as “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.” There are situations, however, where fear is an essential ingredient in keeping the individual safe. For example, if fear did not exist, we would walk senselessly into dangerous situations. Fear is the stimulus within us that tells us to run when danger lurks. At the same time, constant fear is unhealthy, and can become a paralyzing obsession.

In his new release, Fortune Favors the Bold, Franco Arda, the founder of SmarterComics—a comic-based guide on being successful and guiding life in a positive direction—reveals that the fear of failure is an epidemic that prevents many people from using their talents to the maximum potential. Clearly, success is predicated on marketable talents; fear represses these talents and handicaps the individual. The opposite of fear is boldness, which is one of the main discussion points in Fortune Favors the Bold. Through the use of unique quotations, Franco Arda easily conveys the principles of boldness and fear—in the context of achieving one’s dreams. One simple yet intriguing blurb attributed to Tom Hopkins reads, “If you don’t control your fear, fear controls you.” Such quotes fairly resonate with truth.

The bottom line is that fearlessness can translate into recklessness. While Franco Arda advises the necessity of having some element of fear prior to making an important decision, there needs also to be a balance between fear and boldness, so that once the decision has been made, one should “charge forward,” using reason and sound judgment.

Readers will find in Fortune Favors the Bold that they should practice boldness, which essentially acknowledges and accepts the fear accompanying the action, but also provides the individual with the courage to tackle it head on. A must read for anyone who desires to reach further and climb higher in life.

My Take on the Book

As a fan of comics, this comic does more than just entertain, it educates. What was amazing in this comic was that it takes many principles that I have seen in huge, lengthy texts written for the business world and condenses it down to a comic format and only 50 pages. I also loved the fact that the comic references many other great books that will aid you on your journey and provides this as a reference in the back of the book. The quiz at the end of the book and reference to the website that accompanies the learning series is also a nice addition and one that I would recommend all to check out - http://smartercomics.com/quiz

Overall, this was a great book, and one that I would highly recommend to any person in business trying to take that next step into the unknown!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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DVD Review - Louie - Season 1

About the DVD
Everyone’s favorite cynic Louis C.K brings his hilarious take on life in the complete first season of FX’s original comedy series, “LOUIE,” arriving on Blu-ray and DVD June 21. Be a stand-up member of the comedy community as you follow Louis’ adventures, and enjoy his unique perspective as he attempts to date, raise two daughters and live in the ever-bustling city of New York.

Already renewed for a second season, “LOUIE” is a comedy filtered through the observational humor of Emmy® Award-winner Louis C.K. Each episode spotlights Louis’ hectic life as a successful stand-up comedian and newly single father raising his two young daughters.

The single-camera comedy is a unique mix of Louis C.K.’s stand-up comedy and scripted stories. Louis C.K. serves as executive producer, writer and director and Dave Becky and 3 Arts Entertainment are executive producers.

“LOUIE” Season 1 features all 13 episodes and bonus footage including deleted scenes, unaired and unrated comedy sketches and commentary as well as exciting guest appearances from comedians Ricky Gervais, Pamela Adlon, Nick DiPaolo, Todd Barry and Mathew Broderick.

My Take on the DVD

I had never had the chance to see this show during its first season so when I was offered a chance to review this DVD, I thought it would be a great time to check it out to see what I thought. In watching the DVD, I have to say that Louie C.K., is hilarious. His cynicism as well as his stand up acts stand out as being a character that will stand the test of time.

I found myself laughing continuously in some areas, and I found it interesting to watch his and realize that you could tell that the show was not a big budget production, however, you do get big budget results (if you know what I mean).

There were parts of the series where the comedy was a bit dark for myself and my family, but all-in-all, the show was definitely a keeper. Though I do not get HBO at home, I hope that a series 2 set like this will come out so that I can make sure to be able to catch up on what happens next season!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Book Review - Joining Up

About the Book

2011, marking the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, has been a time for many Americans to reflect on the war and the history of our country. Jack McGuire did just this in Joining Up, memorializing Brooklyn’s famous red-legged devils of the Fourteenth regiment through fiction. Through his compelling tale, readers are reminded of the fearless and noble nature of the abolitionist regiment that became a favorite of Abraham Lincoln and of all Americans.

McGuire evokes the powerful words of William Burleigh; “The gallant Fourteenth forget them not: our gallant boys who, for the nation’s life, stood amid the battle grime and noise and were baptized in its flames and blood,” setting the tone for the novel, which depicts the gallantry, bravery, and commitment to justice of the Fourteenth. Joining Up chronicles the tale of two young boys, Will and Bobby, who run away from Saint John’s home in Brooklyn, inspired by the image of Will’s brother, Andrew, in uniform. The boys are inspired by the dauntless spirit of the Fourteenth, driven by the desire to become a part of their noble cause. McGuire addresses the mystique of their “red legs” as Will recounts a story that he had been told to his friend, Bobby; “The way I heard the story is they fought one battle in Union blue and got whipped good. They been wearing red ever since.”

Through his accounts of battle and Andrew’s life in the army, readers are given insight into the bravery and daring of the Fourteenth, depicting such scenes as the “fierce assault” that drove the disorganized Rebel infantry into the railroad cut. Through his fictional account, McGuire captures the spirit of the Fourteenth, to whom our nation owes a great deal. In writing Joining Up, Jack McGuire ensures that the gallant Fourteenth will be not be forgotten.

My Take on the Book

Get ready to be transported back in time. This book deftly allows the reader to relive the experiences of the Fourteenth regiment. While you may not know much about this group of soldiers, in reading this book you can see the bravery and valor that they show within the Civil War.

The author an amazing job of portraying the soldiers and you can tell that he has put much time and effort into sharing this with his readers. While the book is still a novel, there is much fact intertwined, and many times it becomes had to distinguish what is fact and what is fiction. This is not a bad thing as it allows the author to make the world come alive in the mind of his reader and allows the reader to go and determine for him/herself what was fact and what was fiction.

The author shares well developed characters and an engaging pliot as well throughout the story. I know that for me, the harsh realities of this day and age are ones that today I do not know if I could have endured (though I probably would have had to, if I was living in the era).

The author shares this harsh reality in a clear manner, and allows the reader to live vicariously through the characters. This was a great story that anyone interested in the Civil War or anyone interested in a book that touches the human heart and soul will enjoy!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - A Rat's Tale: Pemba is Innocent!

About the Book
As she grew and grew, the other rats and town grew more and more worried as Pemba began eating their homes, their fences, and everything in their gardens! She was not so little anymore but had become a giant rat, rumored to be of royal bloodline, and therefore she was sent away! Meanwhile, in a land far away, young Prince Alden, another giant rat, set out on his journey to find his magical moment. Will Pemba find her place in the world? Will Prince Alden realize his magical moment? Come journey with author Heidi Jackson through a colorful land of adventure and discovery in A Rats Tale, Pemba is Innocent!

My Take on the Book

This was a story of love and second chances in many aspects. The book itself was one that shows readers that you don't have to look or rely on what others say to reach your potential. The book is short and you can leave wanting more and guess what, you can get it, as there is a second book in this series as well - A Rat's Tale II. I shared this book with my eldest daughter and she really enjoyed it. She thought it was a lot like some of the other fairy takes that she enjoys (just with Rats and other animals placed in the human roles). The book is full of great messages and makes you think about your own pre-conceptions. Well written and engaging, this is a great story for the whole family!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review - A Rat’s Tale II: Escape from Rattovia

About the Book
Heidi Jackson’s A Rat’s Tale II: Escape from Rattovia, the sequel to A Rat’s Tale: Pemba is Innocent, continues the story of Pemba as she becomes Princess Pemba of Rattovia and must help defend herself, her family, and her kingdom from the attack of the Shady Greys, who seek to take control of Ratley Castle, Greater Rattovia, and the treasure of Greater Rattovia.

It offers an important message for children in the forging of unlikely friendships and alliances, teaching them not to judge someone by their appearance or differences, as these people may turn out to be their greatest friend and ally. In A Rat’s Tale II, some of the rats’ greatest allies come from unlikely sources, including Elfian, who is a silver dragon, Lord Cleary, who is a ghost, and Roban, a rat who appears to be one of the Shady Greys by living in their midst, but defects and warns them of the dastardly plans for attack.

When an unexpected visitor named Roban arrives, he informs them that he has traveled very far to get to Rattovia to inform them of bad news; “There are some very bad rats out there. They call themselves the Shady Grey race of Haldor.” Roban informs them of the plan hatched by the Shady Greys to overtake Rattovia and the dangers of their quest to conquer Rattovia and its treasure; “if they can lay their dirty paws on it, they may just be able to reign over the entire rat world.”

After this unlikely encounter, another ally steps forward to offer his help, a silver dragon named Elfian, whose first eggs were stolen by the Shady Greys. His appearance is daunting, but overcoming preconceived notions the rats have about the dangers of dragons, he becomes their greatest aid. With the help of Elfian, the fastest and most powerful of the silver dragons, they gather all of The Giant Rats, who are hiding in caves to escape the Shady Greys, “most of them very afraid.” The giant “Mountain Rats” “happily left their temporary mountain homes so they could go back to their real home, where they belonged. They simply could not wait to reclaim their homes in the kingdom of Greater Rattovia.”

The most curious of all alliances is forged when King Alden is visited by a ghostly apparition, who informs him of his desire to help his cause; “A long time ago your father showed me a great kindness when I was in distress, and I want very much to repay this kindness by offering whatever help I can give you within my ghostly limit… We, the ghosts will help you all to win this battle.” King Alden is shaken by the encounter, uncertain as to whether he should trust the vision; however, Queen Pemba expresses her pleasure that “so many past and present rats would be there to help them,” not judging their allies, but showing gratitude towards them.

Although children are often taught about the ills of judging by appearances and holding prejudices, this is particularly important in a time when bullying is rampant and fear of differences is bred and fed by the news media. While children in the past were often warned not to judge color and disabilities, today religion has come to the forefront as a source of prejudice among all Americans.

While children are taught by the media to be distrustful of Muslims, it is important to realize that, like Roban, not all of a certain group believe in and support a cause. A Rat’s Tale II teaches children at any early age that friendship and allies can come from many sources and many forms, and we must judge each person as an individual.

My Take on the Book
This story is a new classic. You will be drawn into a new world that in many cases reminds me of The Secret of Nimh. The book though was fun and allowed my imagination to soar. I shared the book with my daughter and she just loved it. She actually was very excited to read this after reading the first book in the series. The characters in this book were fun and you really get a little bit of everything within the book itself, from a love story to action, mystery and intrigue, you get it all!

This is a great, short book, that all families will enjoy

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Book Review - The Immortal Lost

About the Book

In H.R. Phillips’ The Immortal Lost, Alessar Belmonte, a warrior, is entrusted with the protection of the main character, Dylan Black. In an evil show of force, the Favored are back. Their mission: to destroy the human race and to control the Lost Ones. Follow Dylan and her rare powers as she collects images from people’s thoughts. Her special powers leave the enemy completely defenseless.

Alessar Belmonte must work with Gelmir in reaching the Immortal ancestors. Together they will teach them how to use their powers for noble purposes. Alessar warns, “If the darkness and its followers ever found an Immortal before Gelmir and I were to sequester them, they could be lost to us and bonded with evil.”

Alessar faces a fascinating dilemma, for it seems that he belongs to the family of Guardians that must protect the bible of the Prime Immortals. The dilemma is that he knows he must also protect Dylan Black and keep her hidden from Abaddon, who is the leader of the dark forces. Golda must never find out that Alessar is guarding Dylan.

From the very first moment that Alessar sets eyes on Dylan, he knows that his heart has been captured. Alessar describes how “it was taking every effort I had not to go over and wrap my arms around her and kiss the silly little pout from her dreaming lips.” Alessar finds it hard to focus on his mission to protect Dylan—especially when he discovers that she has feelings for him, too. He must resist—for the fate of so many lies with him.

Can Alessar stand strong when his heart aches to be with Dylan? Will the sparks between Alessar and Dylan blow their cover? Will the dark Immortals become suspicious?

Read The Immortal Lost to find out if good ultimately wins over evil. Follow Alessar as he works to reach the Immortal ancestors—he will not stop as long as he must protect Dylan—and all that is precious to him.

My Take on the Book

I love science fiction and this book definitely falls into this genre. The book itself is jam-packed with action and was a very quick and engaging read. The characters were well developed, though Allesar's character was probably my favorite within the book. Though a fairly short book(232 pages) the book does pull you in and makes you want to know more. The book itself is a part of a new series, so if you read this, be ready to get hooked and ready to read more in the future!

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Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review - Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury

About the Book
Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury, Clive Endive Ogive IV's eagerly awaited follow-up to his extremely successful and hugely influential Private Clubs in America and around the World, is another VERY clever and perceptive look into the special world of private clubs. In Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury, President Clive and waitress-extraordinaire Esther team up to solve a gruesome murder at one of the world's truly great private clubs: the Old Bunbury Golf Links & Reading Club. Along the way Clive and Esther reacquaint you with many wacky old friends and introduce you to some even zanier new ones.

Private clubs are inextricably woven into the very fabric of America's history, traditions and culture-and for that matter, those histories, traditions and cultures of ALL free societies around the world-and members, employees and guests alike (well, maybe not guests) will enjoy the author's penetrating insights, off-beat humor, blatant irreverence and sarcastic wit. EVERYONE with a sense of humor (club member or not) will laugh his socks off at this latest Clive tale.

Clive Endive Ogive IV belongs to at least eighteen very exclusive private clubs-certainly all the ones that matter. The fact that he has a Roman numeral four after his name and is exclusive heir to a trust fund whose annual interest is sufficient to pay all his annual club dues in perpetuity-and also somehow manages to write all this money off on his taxes as "legitimate business deductions"-is more than enough to qualify him to author multiple groundbreaking and awe-inspiring books about the wonderful world of private clubs. For more information-and to order additional copies for your friends, enemies, fellow club members and fellow club employees-please visit Clive's website at www.CliveEndiveOgiveIV.com.

My Take on the Book
This book provides readers with a fun look at private clubs and at the same time gives you the opportunity to engage with fun characters that stick with you from start to finish and beyond. Throughout the book you are given the chance to laugh many times and even say to yourself, did they just say that. Seeing that I have never been a member of a private club, from the outside looking in, you think that everything is glitter and lace, and though there is some of that in this book, I loved how the author pokes fun at this establishment and on top of this he throws in a murder just to make it more interesting.

The book will keep you guessing (and don't ask me who did it, as I will not tell!). There were so many great characters that could have done it, as the author provides almost everyone a motive, the object is sigting through the clues to see who actually murdered Alfie Johnson.

This was a great, but short book. If you like humor and mystery, this book was a quick read that was entertaining through and through!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Book Review - A Bullet For Two

About the Book

Many images come to mind when confronted with the Wild, Wild West. In most cases, it’s anything from saloons and gold rush towns to the western-style duels with showdowns full of spectacular gunfire. Though the fight is glorified, the end result is often the same: death. In Robert Strzalko’s A Bullet For Two, the complex landscape of the Wild, Wild West, following the Civil War, is full of lawlessness and chaos.

A Bullet For Two is the perfect book for American History and western buffs. In fact, the audience will encounter scenes ranging from public hangings and bounty hunters to vengeance-laden goose chases and colossal shootouts shifting from the mountains to the desert under starry, moonlit skies.
Whether you’re reading about a bar fight spawning from a fit of drunken rage, or a public hanging, Robert Strazalko puts you right into the scene with his powerful descriptions and action sequences. Conjure the image of a public hanging that turns into a celebration, even a family day. The narrator states that for many civilians “it was the most exciting thing they would ever witness.”
In the spirit of a good western drama, the author presents Jeb, the male protagonist, and half-breed, fourteen-year-old Sara, as characters with which to sympathize—even though the good guys in this story are labeled the “outlaws.” With a hefty reward for their heads, dead or alive, they are on the run, as for much of the book, they are one stop ahead of their pursuers. As with any classic western novel, however, there comes a time when both sides pull their pistols out of their holsters and declare, “It’s showtime.”
In a western, the good guy doesn’t always win. The man that doesn’t take the bullet is the winner. Can Jeb and Sara maneuver and escape to Mexico, where freedom awaits, or will their pursuers catch them? What starts out as an honest rescue effort, with Jeb shooting three rapists—the town sheriff and mayor—quickly evolves into a widespread search-and-kill mission.
The bullet speaks and the bullet silences in America’s Wild, Wild West. Whose name will be on the bullets that fly freely in A Bullet for Two? This relenting adventure is a must-read for all American history and Western buffs!

My Take on the BookI had not read anything from this author before, and hearding about this novel I was intrigued to read and find out more. In researching the author a bit more I came to find that in the past he wrote much poetry. This book, takes poetry to the next level and he turns his words into a novel that he should be proud of.

In this book the author does a superb job at developing the plot and characters and as a reader you are able to easily see early in the story that this will be a tale of good versus evil. The author deftly allows the reader to see and identify the innate evil that can exist in every human and the innate good that is also there, it all comes down to human nature and what the person does with his/her nature that separates them from others.

The book also does a great job at tying in history of the civil war and west into the novel. Though the book is quite short, the context and plot within is thick and laden with great dialogue and intrigue.

So let this book take you back in time, to read and reflect and find ways in which you can identify your true human nature along with the characters!

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Book Review - Cosmic Conspiracy

About the Book

Patricia McLaine’s Cosmic Conspiracy explores the common humanity that we all share as members of the Universe or Multiverse, which intricately connects us all. It is a result of the intense emotion generated within the “Mass Mind” that psychics, “regardless of the level of awareness or education” are far more in tune with—picking up negative patterns then positive ones—in predicting future world events.

When asked by journalist Hal Jacques to make world predictions for The Star in January of 1977, McLaine made startlingly acute predictions: (1) The wife of King Hussein of Jordan was going to die in a plane crash; (2) Two jumbo jets were going to collide at an airport with disastrous results and tremendous loss of life.” Jacques did not work for The Star and McLaine was not paid for her predictions; however, they stand as a testament to the acute power of McLaine to make world predictions, which she continues to do on her website to this day, all startlingly accurate and in tune with the universe. While these predictions were never published, they highlight the efficacy of “purposeful intention combined with focused attention” and the ability to tap into the Mass Mind to which every member of the human race is connected.

McLaine illuminates that the Mass Mind is the collective thought process of humanity, of which all of us are a part: “We are all part of one organic whole, regardless of color, race, gender, economic standard, educational attainment, political preference, or religious persuasion.” She offers an important lesson in explaining the Multiverse and Mass Mind: “Everyone on this planet is a member of the human race, emotionally connected to the vital soul of the planet.”

Although her chapter revealing the predictions that she has made through tuning into the Multiverse is certainly compelling and a true testimony to her talent, the underlying message it offers is of paramount importance. McLaine’s assertion that we are all members of the human race and are emotionally connected to the vital soul of the planet, offers readers an evocative message. Cosmic Conspiracy provides us with both the uniquely riveting story of Patricia McLaine’s life and deep and powerful lessons and messages about the universe and humanity.

My Take on the Book

In this book you are taken into the mind and experiences of a well known psychic. What was interesting within this book was that the author was able to hobnob as well as work with many of the important people in the movie business back in her day. Each day and experience shared drew me deeper into the lives of these people and made me want to be a fly on the wall in many of her experiences. From being a bouncer for calls to being on television shows about her readings, this book had it all.

The book was engaging and was a very easy read. I really enjoyed the light tone and it was like I was sitting in the room with the author as I read through her experiences. You truly get to live the experiences that she had through the rich description and narrative that she shares. This was a book that will open your eyes and your mind to the possibilities that exist. The book will make you think, but also laugh in many places. Overall though this was a great book and one that I would recommend!

Book Review - Topgun Days

About the Book

Bio (The author) was one of 451 young men to become a Navy Flight Officer in 1980 and the only one that year to become a much-feared-and-respected Topgun instructor; an honor awarded only to the “best of the best.” So when Hollywood green-lighted an obscure script for a movie about the elite Naval Fighter Weapons School (aka Topgun), they knocked on Bio’s door, and the rest is history. Top Gun the movie quickly became an out-of-nowhere, runaway blockbuster that earned $353 million worldwide, catapulted Tom Cruise into superstardom, and made American fighter pilots a cultural icon.

In his memoir TopGun Days, Bio not only takes the reader into the cockpit during the breathtaking aerial moves that made the movie great, he gives an inside view of people that make Topgun the best fighter training school in the world. Bio recalls the experience of being (what he terms) a “regular guy” who was thrown into the whirlwind of Hollywood, from gala premiers and celebrity sightings, to world renown and screaming teens. More than just a movie homage, Bio’s story offers:

A Story of Perseverance -- how he overcame airsickness during dynamic maneuvering in flight training.
First Person Faceoffs in the air at 700 MPH!

A Cold War Perspective - aerial missions to neutralize Soviet bomber threats.
Life-or-death adventure -- how he survived a split-second ejection from a crashing F-14.
Tidbits - How Topgun students receive their call-signs -- “Bio” is short for bionic, which rhymes with Baranek, Dave’s last name.
The first takes of Top Gun—which had to be redone because they were inaccurate or improbable—to wrapping day.
Bio’s first time being spotted by giggling teenage girls during the making of the movie.
Dozens of full-color photos of Bio’s planes, flights in action, Tom Cruise on set, and Hollywood parties, including a picture of Tom Cruise kissing Bio’s wife!
A glossary of flight terms and important Topgun information.

Written in a style that can only be rendered by a dangerous pilot and a top expert in the field, TopGun Days is not just a fast, fun read, but an experience. Strap yourself into a Navy fighter jet and feel the rush caused by roaring afterburners, supersonic shockwaves, intense G-Forces, and Hollywood glamour. From beginning to end, TopGun Days is quite a ride!!!

The launch of TopGun Days in ebook format coincides with a special discount through the next several weeks; you can consider it a Top Gun 25^th Anniversary special (It’s 4.99, down from 24.95—yup, that’s a real discount :) So check out the ebook as well! links to your review when you post? Thanks:

About the Author:

Dave "Bio" Baranek enjoyed a successful and satisfying twenty-year career in the United States Navy, starting with assignments to F-14 Tomcat squadrons and later assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Baranek retired from the Navy in 1999 and now works as a defense contractor in the Washington, D.C., area. He lives in Burke, Virginia. Learn more about Baranek at www.topgunbio.com.

My Take on the Book

I am not a pilot, nor will I be, but in this book the author takes you on a ride you will never forget! In reading this book you simply are taken behind the veiled curtain and into the inner sanctum of Top Gun. As a fan of the original movie, it was very cool to read accounts of the school, and the movie all in one.

The book was written in such a way that anyone can understand, without technical jargon. Instead the author has written a true-to-life account of Miramar and what it took to be a part of the elite Top Gun program, as well as what it took to be a part of the making of the hit Hollywood movie.

There were so many moments that were heart stopping in the book, but one that stands out was the moment by moment accounting of the author's ejection from an F-14 into the Indian Ocean. Never before have I read something that was so blunt, honest and true.

This was a great read and one that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in flying or anyone interested in an action packed tale - it will keep you on the edge of your seat!

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