Book Review - The French Quarter Drinking Companion

About the Book
Pull up a stool and join the Tipplers, three long-time friends and writers, as they sip their way through the best drinking neighborhood in America, New Orleans' French Quarter. Hot spots and cool cocktails fill the pages of this essential guide to 100 Vieux Carre bars. From sophisticated saloons to dilapidated dives, The French Quarter Drinking Companion is your accomplice to swizzling and strolling through the country's most eclectic neighborhood.

With wisdom born from years of enthusiastic imbibing, this guide (un)covers what you're wearing, hearing, spending, and--of course--ordering. Go-cup in hand, follow the Tipplers as they gather at the most known and iconic bars, such as Pat O'Brien's, Napoleon House, and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, through Bourbon Street music clubs to LGBT taprooms, highbrow establishments and hipster hangouts.

Each pub is profiled like you've never seen before, with in-the-moment anecdotes that move beyond ordinary guides to capture the flavor of each establishment and its colorful patrons, revealing why drinking remains an essential part of the French Quarter's identity.




My Take on the Book
I am taking a trip to New Orleans in 2014 so I thought this book would give me some great insight into some of the local establishments that I will find on my trip and I was not disappointed. This was a very complete book that gives you so much to consider about all of the local drinking establishments in the area. No matter whether you are looking for iconic or subtle, you will find everything in this book. I loved how each bio was set up and provided so you really could set the places side by side and find the ones that really meet your needs and interests. The guide is also small and portable which makes it something you can easily take on the fly. All-in-all this was a great guide that has definitely opened my eyes to places that I should be seeing and I have already started my list!


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Book Review - The Templeton Twins Make a Scene

About the Book
With its kid-perfect humor and dynamic illustrations, Book 1 of the hilarious Templeton Twins series left young readers clamoring for more. This time, Abigail and John Templeton find themselves at TAPAS (the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences) where their father, the illustrious Professor Templeton, has been hired to invent a groundbreaking theatrical device. Once again, there is drama (of course!), silliness, and suspense, as the twins (and their ridiculous dog) must thwart the dastardly Dean brothers in order to save the invention as well as their father (and the dog). Oh yes, there is sure to be another recipe. This time for guacamole. Or is it coleslaw?



My Take on the Book
This is a great second book in the Templeton Twins series. While the book is geared toward upper elementary school readers, as an adult I was entranced and loved both the action, humor and characters. As someone who studied theater myself, I could relate to what was being shared too which made it that much more enjoyable. The book was a fast read and kept me engaged from beginning to end! All-in-all, this is a book that I would highly recommend to all. Even though it is a second in a series, it stands on its own and you really do not have to read the first book if you do not wish to (though you should as it is great too).


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Book Review - Beautiful Lego

About the Book
Some artists build with stone. Some create with canvas and paint. But a growing number are creating breathtaking works of art using an unexpected medium: plastic LEGO bricks. And the results are impressive as demonstrated in a new, full-color, coffee table book, Beautiful LEGO by Mike Doyle (No Starch Press, $29.95, 280 pp., October 2013, ISBN 9781593275082). The book's cover draws in readers with a stunning photo of Doyle's city of Odan: a 6 foot tall model that took over 600 hours to build and uses over 200,000 LEGO bricks. Inside, readers will find the work of 77 artists and nearly 400 LEGO models. Creations span the full range of LEGO artistry, from the silly to the sublime, from portraiture to sculpture to architecture. There are pop culture portraits like Freddie Mercury and Monty Python, models of dissected frogs, a dilapidated Victorian house, monsters and aliens, cube shaped people, famous and fantastical buildings, and complex mosaics. According to an early review in Publishers Weekly, readers "will be mesmerized by this astonishing collection."

"When I first discovered the kinds of LEGO artwork that people were creating, I was amazed," said Doyle. "I had no idea that a little toy could go so far. And it keeps getting better as builders share their creations and techniques online, which inspires others and pushes them to do even more incredible things with LEGO. I hope this book inspires readers to new levels of creativity."

About the Author
Internationally acclaimed LEGO artist Mike Doyle is known for his stunningly realistic, grand-scale designs. Contact, the majestic fantasy cityscape featured on this book's cover, uses more than 200,000 bricks. His award-winning Abandoned House series has been showcased at Gallery1988 in LA and now has a home in Boston's Museum of Realist Art. When not constructing unique LEGO art, Doyle works as a graphic designer. He lives with his wife and two children in New Jersey.



My Take on the Book
An amazing array of beautiful lego creations. This book is more that just a collection of legos, it is a work of artistic genius. You look through the images in this book and have to simply be amazed that what you are seeing are actually legos. I know I for one caught myself saying, "no way" numerous times, but as you look closer, you can see the legos that are definitely there. If you love LEGO as a company and either used them in the past or present, this is a book that you will want to have out at your own home to share with others, while giving you ideas for your next amazing creation!


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DVD Review - New Girl Season Two

About the Book
The romantic tension between Jess (Emmy® Nominee Zooey Deschanel) and Nick (JakeJohnson) escalates in the hilarious, quirky second season of “New Girl” — but will they ever hook up? Meanwhile, Schmidt fails to be hip, Winston isn’t “prepared” for a hot date, and Nick faces a death in his dysfunctional family. While Jess does her best to replace Cece on a modeling job and a drunk Elvis impersonator at a funeral, Schmidt and Winston hope to rearrange Cece’s arranged marriage. Relive all 25 outrageous episodes featuring guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Reiner and Dennis Farina, and enjoy fun bonus material — including the extended version of the hugely popular “Virgins” episode — only available on the DVD.

Special Features

• Deleted Scenes
• Commentary on “Cooler”
• Full of Schmidt
• Gag Reel
• Extended Version of “Virgins” episode

My Take on the Book
I started watching this series late last season, so I missed a lot, so it was nice to be able to watch all 25 of the episodes from season 2 and get caught up (I had already watched season one from the library). This is a well written, witty series and if you have not watched it, you should as it is one that will make you want to come back for more. Not only is the writing strong, but they did a great job at casting the series, and all do a tremendous job making their characters real. I felt that the series is not forced, and moves at a pace that you would expect, and overall, it is a series that I hope continues for some time to come.  One final comment on the DVD itself... there were some great extended version of the Virgins episodes which was great and the deleted scenes are always ones that I enjoy watching!


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DVD Review - How I Met Your Mother: Season 8

About the Book
In the uproarious Eighth Season of “How I Met Your Mother ,” the arrival of baby Marvin reminds Marshall and Lily of things they need, like sleep, better jobs and sex! Meanwhile Barney uses his playbook to win over Robin, but not her scary dad. Marshall tries to right a wrong in court in hopes of becoming a judge, and Robin’s past is judged. Ted designs an amazing building, and also has designs on Barney’s half-sister! But does he meet his future wife? Check out all 23 hilarious, legend – wait for it – dary 23 Season 8 episodes, featuring guest stars like Paul Shaffer, Ralph Macchio and Kyle MacLachlan!

Special Features:

• Deleted Scenes
• Commentary on “Farhampton”
• The Making of “P.S. I Love You”
• “P.S. I Love You” Music Video
• Commentary on “The Final Page”
• Where We Make Your Mother: Set Tour with Josh Radnor
• Gag Reel

My Take on the Book
This was a great season and one that I will not forget. I loved the build up in Season 8 to the final season. The DVD was well put together and had some great special features. In particular, I loved watching both the The Making of “P.S. I Love You” video and the video itself as this was a great addition (IMHO) to the season, among many others. As you can see I am a big fan and I am going to be sad to see the last season end! If you missed any of Season eight or if you are just a huge fan of the series, this is a great addition to any DVD collection!


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Have a Booty-ful and Healthier Halloween With Pirate’s Booty

About the Product
Parents can swap sugar-laden candy treats for Pirate’s Booty, a deliciously baked, all-natural snack that kids love and moms can feel good about adding to the Halloween treat bowl! Pirate’s Booty has less fat and fewer calories than traditional Halloween candy and zero grams of sugar. Also, Pirate’s Booty is gluten, peanut and tree-nut free, so it’s safe for trick-or-treaters or classmates with these common food allergies. Pirate’s Booty is made without trans-fats and ingredients you can’t pronounce. Plus, the Pirate is already dressed for the occasion!

This year, it will be easier than ever to pass out Pirate’s Booty, as Target and Super Target stores across the county will be offering special Halloween 20-packs of half-ounce, 65-calorie bags of Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar. The Halloween 20-packs of Pirate’s Booty will be available from mid-September through October.

My Take on the Product
This is a great tasting snack, whether you offer it as a healthy treat for trick-or-treaters, or if you simply give it to your kids in their lunches (or even for yourself too). I loved the cheddar flavored treats and being that they are both crunchy and tasty you cannot ask for more. But wait, for me there is one other great benefit, which is that they are MUCH healthier than other snack foods that my kids eat - thus, even better in the long run! All-in-all, I highly recommend this to all!


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Book Review - The Noticer Returns

About the Book
Perspective is a powerful thing.

Andy Andrews has spent the past five years doing a double take at every white-haired old man he sees, hoping to have just one more conversation with the person to whom he owes his life.

Through a chance encounter at a local bookstore, Andy is reunited with the man who changed everything for him – Jones, also known as “The Noticer.”

As the story unfolds, Jones uses his unique talent of noticing little things that make a big difference. And these “little things” grant the people of Fairhope, Alabama, a life-changing gift - perspective. Along the way, families will be united, financial opportunities will be created, and readers will be left with powerfully simple solutions to the everyday problems we all face.

Through the lens of a parenting class at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, Jones guides a seemingly random group to ask specific questions inspired by his curious advice that “You can’t believe everything you think.” Those questions lead to answers for which people have been searching for centuries:

• How do we begin to change the culture in which we live?
• What is the key to creating a life of success and value?
• What if what we think is the end…is only the beginning?
• What starts as a story of one person's everyday reality unfolds into the extraordinary principles available to anyone looking to create the life for which they were intended.

My Take on the Book
This is the type of book that will change the way you look at the world around you! I received this book a few days ago and jumped right in, as I love books that help people become better. This book does just that! It provides the reader with a template to implement within their own lives that will not only help you clarify so much within your own life, but also help you make some needed adjustments and helping to place things in better perspective. All of this comes in a down to earth, easy to understand book that once you start reading you will not want to put it down. For me, as I was reading it, I recognized traits in some of the people that others in my own life had held. The book made me reflect personally on who provided me with the guidance and life perspective that helped form who I was and I think this is one of the messages within the book (among many others). This is a book that I highly recommend to all!


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INTO THE WOODS - First Look

Meryl Streep ventures “Into the Woods” as the Witch who wishes to reverse a curse so that her beauty may be restored. The humorous and heartfelt musical, a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, explores the consequences of the quests of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, and the witch who cast a spell on them. In theaters Dec. 25, 2014.

Like INTO THE WOODS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyIntoTheWoods

INTO THE WOODS opens in theaters December 25th 2014!


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Game Review - Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure

About the Game
Scribblenauts Unmasked - A DC Comics Adventure is a new game that melds the boundless creativity of the award-winning video game franchise with thousands of DC Comics characters and objects across DC Comics worlds - all drawn in the classic Scribblenauts art style.

The game features a story where players embark as protagonist Maxwell on an imaginative and comical quest, taking them through Gotham City, Metropolis, Atlantis and other iconic locales from the DC Comics universe. Fueled by the player’s imagination, Maxwell must use his magic notebook to put a stop to the villains' evil schemes and save the day! Scribblenauts Unmasked - A DC Comics Adventure will be available on Sept. 24, 2013 for Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and PC.

• Summon thousands of DC Comics characters and objects - all drawn in the unique Scribblenauts art style!
• Dynamically created puzzles called Heroic Feats increase the game's replayability by continuously generating original scenarios requiring different solutions with each visit.
• Players wanting help can reference The Batcomputer, an in-game encyclopedia that lists the names and descriptions of objects from the DC Comics Universe.

My Take on the Game
This was a great game that really makes you think! I have not thought about adjectives for a while and this one really makes you think about them (even though it gives you some great clues too). In this game there are so many ways the game could go depending on the words and objects that you decide to draw to you and the characters in the game. I am not too far in yet, but so far I have had a blast in this and if you are a scribblenauts and a super hero fan, this is definitely the game for you!


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Bing Rewards - Get Rewarded

Get rewarded for searching with Bing. Sign up for Bing Rewards and start earning toward rewards including gift cards, Microsoft Points for Xbox, movie nights from Redbox, donations to charities and more. Sign up for free with your Facebook Microsoft Live account or connect with your Facebook. How does it work? Earn credits towards rewards by searching with Bing and taking advantage of daily offers which help you discover about the many ways in which Bing helps you get things done. Then visit the redemption center whenever you're ready to redeem your credits for a selection of great rewards. What kind of rewards? Just search, earn credits, and redeem for great rewards like these: Xbox LIVE and Hulu Plus subscriptions, Redbox movie rentals, a variety of gift cards, and even donations to charities you choose.

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Game Review - New Super Mario Bros. 2 - Nintendo 3DS

About the Game
New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a side-scrolling Platformer video game for Nintendo 3DS. A sequel to the 2006 Nintendo DS release, New Super Mario Bros., this new game version challenges players to rescue Princess Peach from the latest kidnapping by Bowser, and to collect as masses of Nintendo gold coins while doing so. Of all Mario titles released to date, New Super Mario Bros. 2 contains the the greatest emphasis on gold collection, with over a million coins available throughout the game's 80+ stages. Additional game features include: wireless co-op multiplayer support, new and returning power-ups and hidden items, and SpotPass automatic download functionality for the wireless sharing of information with friends.

Mario Hits the Mushroom Kingdom Jackpot
Bowser has once again kidnapped Princess Peach, but besides rescuing his lady love, this time Mario has another objective. The Mushroom Kingdom is bursting with more gold coins than ever before. Each level is littered with gold as coins rain down from overhead pipes, trails of coins are left behind special gold enemies and gold pipes transport Mario into coin-filled caverns. It's up to players to collect as many coins as possible throughout their adventure.

Enjoy the Platforming Fun With a Friend
New Super Mario Bros. 2 allows players to share the fast-paced fun with a friend over a local wireless network. The game's 2-player co-op mode requires both players to have a Nintendo 3DS system and a copy of the game. Together players can play through the entire game, collect double the coins, team up to unleash devastating double Ground Pound attacks on enemies, and more. An extra player can even help when continuing from your solo play save file.

Collect, Literally a Million Coins
Coin collection is important in every adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom, but New Super Mario Bros. 2 takes this to new heights. The game is filled with more coins and gold-related features than any Mario game before, and includes the frenzied Coin Rush mode in which you play three levels back to back trying to earn as many coins as possible. In fact, the game literally holds more than a million possible coins, and keeps track of each for you as you proceed from beginning to end. SpotPass functionality built into the 3DS allows you to share your running total with friends. If you reach a million coins, you'll get something special.

Key Game Features

• New Super Mario Bros. 2 is an all-new side-scrolling adventure game featuring Mario and Luigi. Two players who each own the game will have the option to play the entire game in two-player multiplayer mode using local wireless.
• The game records all the coins players collect throughout the game, so completing a level is only part of the fun. Every level is filled with golden opportunities, such as gold rings that turn enemies into valuable gold versions and a Gold Flower that gives Mario the ability to turn almost anything in his path into coins.
• Coin Rush Mode allows players to collect as many coins as possible across three levels and challenge friends to beat their record via StreetPass.
• The return of Raccoon Mario gives Mario the ability to fly and access hidden areas.
• Utilize a wide range of new and returning power-ups and items spread throughout the game world.

My Take on the Game
I have been a big fan of Super Mario Bros. for years and have tried most of the games for the differing game systems as well because of my love for the characters and game play so you can bet that I was excited to try this new game as well! While many of the games are similar, I have to say that at the forefront I was impressed with the overall game play of this game. It has some of the aspects from the original Super Mario Bros. which any fan will love with new twists around every corner.

There were a few places where I got stuck initially, but by being persistent, I was able to get through the sections and overcome the levels!

My youngest, who is five loves all things Super Mario, and if we let her, I think she would play 24-7, but alas that will never be the case. I was impressed though as she was able to pick up this game and just jump right in and have a blast. There were some places that I even had a challenge with that I had to help her through, but all-in-all, she could maneuver herself through the game with ease which was something that I was not initially expecting.

All-in-all I have to give this a very high ranking, as it gives any player hours of Super Mario fun that are sure to please!

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Book Review - The Heart of Leadership

About the Book
Are you the type of leader people want to follow? You can be—but first, you’ve got to understand what sets great leaders apart from all the rest.

Certainly, leaders need people skills, execution skills, a deep knowledge of industry trends, the ability to articulate a vision, and more—they must be competent—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s below the waterline? What’s deep inside the best leaders that makes them different?

Mark Miller contends it is their leadership character. In his latest enlightening and entertaining business fable, he describes the five unique character traits exhibited by exceptional leaders and how to cultivate them.

The Heart of Leadership begins with young and ambitious Blake Brown being passed over for a desperately wanted promotion, despite an outstanding individual performance. Confused and frustrated, he turns to his former mentor, Debbie Brewster. Rather than attempting to solve Blake’s problem for him, she sends him on a quest to meet with five of his late father’s colleagues, each of whom holds a piece of the puzzle he’s trying to solve.

As Blake puts the pieces together, he discovers that in the final analysis, a lack of skills isn’t what holds most leaders back; skills are too easy to learn. Without demonstrated leadership character, however, a skill set will never be enough. Most often, when leaders fail to reach their full potential, it is an issue of the heart. This is Blake’s ultimate revelation.

This book shows us that leadership needn't be the purview of the few—it is within reach for millions around the world. The Heart of Leadership is a road map for every person who desires to make a difference in the lives of others and become a leader people want to follow.

About the Author
Mark Miller began writing about a decade ago when he teamed up with Ken Blanchard on The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do. Since then, his books have sold almost 600,000 copies worldwide. Miller encourages leaders through his posts on GreatLeadersServe.org. It’s rated as one of the top leadership blogs in the world and has garnered almost 2 million page views since its inception less than two years ago.

Miller also sells chicken. He started his Chick-fil-A career working as an hourly team member back in 1977. He joined the corporate staff in 1978, working in the warehouse and mailroom. Today he serves as the vice president for organizational effectiveness.



My Take on the Book
I am the type of person that loves reading about and implementing leadership strategies at work. On top of this I teach leadership strategies to the students that I work with on a daily basis too, so you can bet that I am always on the lookout for more resources. This book provides practical tip and tools for anyone that wants to be a stronger leader. What was great was that the author is a proven leader with a company that has thrived and continued to grow (which bodes well for his recipe for leadership). The book also shows you that you have to more than lead the people around you, you have to genuinely care about the people. Lee Bolman talks about Leading with Soul, but Mark Miller talks about leading with heart. While they may seem similar there are differences, but in the end it comes down to the idea that to be a leader you cannot just lead to get ahead, instead you have to use more of yourself to connect with others to get ahead and bring yourself and your organization to a brand new place!


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FROZEN - New Trailer Now Available!

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), who also wrote the screenplay. It is produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring original songs from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Winnie the Pooh”), and an original score by Christophe Beck (“The Muppets,” Oscar®-winning short “Paperman”), “Frozen” hits theaters in 3D on Nov. 27, 2013.

In “Frozen,” fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad)in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.


“Like” FROZEN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFrozen

Follow FROZEN on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyAnimation

Visit the official website: http://www.disney.com/frozen


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