Mass Effect 3: Take Earth Back Cinematic Trailer!!!

My apologies if you received multiple posts from me. Blogger was torturing me :o

6.....more.....days!!!!!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am about the release of Mass Effect 3...

No really......HUGE excitement!!

Mass Effect 3 is an amazing action RPG developed by BioWare and published by EA. It is scheduled for a March 6, 2012 release, and will be available for PS3, 360 and PC. 

Have I mentioned multiplayer??? Yes indeed :D ME3 will have a multiplayer co-op mode called "Galaxy at War"...squeeeeeeee!!! To girly?? 

Oh well, back on topic...the multiplayer will offer a series of missions that will have an effect on the single player campaign. Completing these missions, will give you a better chance of attaining a...."perfect ending" (rays of sun beam down on you, breaking through the dark foreboding clouds) in the single player campaign.

The bad news...  You have to create your own character...can't use any from the spc, (single player campaign) Although I can't say I mind creating the perfect Krogan ;) You also have the option to go with asari, drell, salarians, and turians.

Mass Effect 3's music will be composed by Golden Globe-nominated composer Clint Mansell, Christopher Lennertz, Cris Velasco, BAFTA-nominated composer Sam Hulick and Sasha Dikicyan....you can't really go wrong with that combo.

Voices will include, Commander Shepard (male) Mark Meer, and (female) Jennifer Hale. Other members of the cast will be returning, including Yvonne Strahovski (Miranda), Tricia Helfer (EDI), Seth Green (Joker), Martin Sheen (The Illusive Man) and Keith David (Admiral David Anderson). And also some new members, such as  Jessica Chobot (Diana Allers) and Freddy Prinze Jr. (James Vega)

            

From what I've seen, it's going to be as incredibly life-like as its predecessors. For me at least, that's a really.....really good thing ;) ME2 has been one of my all time faves and I seriously doubt that this newest installment will disappoint :D 

It's Meme Time!

I was tagged by the lovely Pat over at Here, There, and Everywhere 2nd edition
 Haven't done a meme...or much of anything else...lol, in quite a while. (says the very guilty blogger) So here we go!

 Post the Rules : And the rules are!
1. Answer the eleven questions that were asked of you by the person who tagged you
2. Make up eleven new questions and tag eleven new people to do the meme!
3. Let them know you tagged them!


1. What are your most favorite books that you have read more than once. (name at least two)

I'll do two more recent, and two that I haven't read in a bit, but have been read to the extent of being worn out :)

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card

The Obsidian Trilogy by Mercedes Lackey, James Mallory 

1979 Golden Anniversary AKC The Complete Dog Book

A Horse Around The House" by Patricia Jacobson and Marcia Hayes

Oh, and I have to add Mad Maudlin by Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill, James P. Baen...much love to that one and Music to My Sorrow, also by the aforementioned <3

  

2. Who is your favorite male character from a book? 

Ahhh, just one? No can do. Must.....add......more! Kellen Tavadon, (The Obsidian Trilogy) Harry Dresden, (Dresden Files) Masterharper Robinton, (Pern!!) and I'm also lovin Kvothe , (The Name of the Wind)

3. Who is your favorite female character from a book? 

Unfortunately, there aren't as many but...Lessa, (Pern!!) and Karigan G'ladheon, (Green Rider series)

4. What is the last book that you read that is out of your comfort zone, and did you enjoy it? 

I'd have to say of Blood and Honey by Stina Leicht, I know, I know...not much of a stretch because it did have some fantasy elements to it, but it was mostly historical fiction and that's not really my thing. Especially since the actual events were pretty horrific :o Enjoy?....yes and no....But I did learn a lot from, and because of it :) and that I always enjoy.

5. If you could have gone on the movie sets of any movie and watched it being made, which movie would you choose, and why? 

The Lord of the Rings...Fellowship. Oh so many reasons...The shire, Rivendell, the actors, the horses!!!! What a dream <3

6. What food is your most guilty pleasure? 

Ok, guilty pleasure would have to infer high cal, high fat yes? So I would have to say, long-hots stuffed with Prosciutto and Gorgonzola. Add a big loaf of Italian bread and some extra virgin olive oil and I'm a very happy girl ;) And maybe definitely a nice Cabernet :D

7. If you could travel somewhere (money is no object) where would you go? 

Oooooo, this is a tough one because I am really....really...boring. Disney World, that's always my first pick, but I would soooo love to see the sequoias in California...seriously. I just can't imagine the enormity of them and how peaceful it would be there.

8. If you could change one thing in our world, what would it be? 

Wow, this is an incredibly difficult question. There are many things I would change point blank. I would definitely change the fact that not all people in this world have equal rights and freedoms. All people are entitled to an education, All people should be able to marry the person they love, All people should be able to own property, choose their religion, their clothing, their job, their lifestyle, and all people should be able to retire comfortably...not on poverty level.

9. What is something that you’d like to accomplish this year? 

I have two more businesses that I need to get up and running this year. If I can accomplish that, and my home projects...I will be ecstatic!

10. What are 3 things that are very important to you? 

My family, my pets and my friends...if I have all of them, nothing else matters.

11. If you could go back in time, where and when would you be?

I would never be able to live in another time, but to visit, hmmmmm...alright here's the geek in me coming out...i'm of a mind that if I were to go back to any point in time it would alter things...I know, I know, i'm over thinking it, but it's what I do...lol Gotta tell ya though, I wouldn't mind seeing Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire dance in the flesh :D

I do not know 11 people who have not been tagged already, but I'll try a few. Mind you if you've already been tagged just ignore mine ;)

Tracy over at Pen and Paper

Vivienne at Serendipity Reviews 

Novia at Polychrome Interest

Melissa at Books and Things

Carmen at Whoopidooings

Theresa at Fantasy & SciFi Lovin' News & Reviews

Chelle at Tempting Persephone

Laura at Scattered Figments

Ok, that's all I know that haven't already been tagged. However this is open to all, so feel free to participate whether you've bee tagged or not! I've kept my questions light...just fun :D

Here are your 11 questions.

1. If you could describe your life in a color, what would it be and why?

2. Do you have any pets? If so, what are they, their name/s and why do they fit your personality?

3. Where did you fit in in high school...jock, band geek, popular crowd...etc?

4.How do you react in an emergency...fight or flight, go get help, the calm one???

5. If they were making a movie of your life, who would you chose to play you... why?

6. Why is your best friend your best friend, what makes them so special?

7. If money was no object, and you were going to buy yourself soothing completely frivolous, what would it be, and why?

7. Three words that describe your personality?

8. Who was your favorite teacher and how did they influence you?

9. What do you consider true strength?

10. What is your favorite game? (video, board, card...any kind)

11.What season do you love the most, why?

Afro Samurai

Studio Gonzo  2007

 5-episodes

 Funimation Entertainment

Music score : RZA from the rap group Wu-Tang Clan

Creator: Takashi Okazaki

Voice:  Afro and  Ninja Ninja, Samuel L. Jackson

Justice,Ron Perlman


Based on the manga written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai was originally published in the self-funded Nou Nou Hau dōjinshi magazine. 


Afro's story: The tale centers around a set of numbered headbands. The person to hold the number one band is said to be the most skilled fighter and also to possess God like powers. As the story begins, Afro's father is that man. 

The only fighter who can challenge him, is the wielder of the number two head band, however the unfortunate number two can be confronted by any other fighter eager to prove his worth.

Initially we see a very young Afro walking with his father while holding his hand...enter the number two, a gun slinging, sword wielding samurai by the name of Justice. It suffices to say that Justice becomes number one, and that, that single instance puts Afro on a path of vengeance from which he can not escape, no matter the cost.

Accompanied by his ever so entertaining sidekick Ninja Ninja, he battles through both foe....and friend for the ultimate prize, finding and defeating the number one and avenging his father...

The way I see it: This is one of the most visually striking, artistically rendered anime series I have ever viewed, and believe me....I have seen A LOT of anime ;) The use of light and shadow and the effective minimal use of color is simply captivating. It literally takes on a life of it's own...have I gushed enough??

The young characters of Afro's memories are beautiful, innocent, light and pure... yet as the story returns to his present life they become ugly, tainted and dark. To the point of being disturbing, a reflection of what life has made of them.

                                                            Justice

The bad, the bad, and the ugly:I think they overdid it a bit on the T&A, although, in all honesty, I think it added to the whole degenerate, grungy vibe ;o 

Also, be warned, if you're offended by sex scenes this is not the anime for you...lol

Love it or Leave it: Love it! This series fits an entire storyline from beginning to end into five episodes and does it effortlessly, completely and satisfyingly. Even if you just watch it for it's artistic merit alone, I would highly recommend it :D

                                                         Ninja Ninja

Z.E.O. A Zombie's Guide to Getting A(Head) in Business

R.I.P VI Challenge  (R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge) Is hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings

Peril The First

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Scott Kenemore

Copyright: 2009

Publisher: Fall River Press

Hard Cover Pages: 254

Illustrated By: Adam Bozarth

Z.E.O. is a personal guide to getting a(head) in business...Zombie style ;) Upon seeing the cover at my favorite bookseller, I instantly thought it would R.I.P appropriate. The price was right, the time was right, so I picked it up. 

It's divided into two sections...Business Tactics of Zombies, and Your Quarterly Guide to Becoming a Z.E.O. in One Year, along with an introduction and the authors final thoughts. 

Chapters range in topic from Zombie Time Management, to Crisis Control, to Self Motivation and I must say...everything in between. Comprehensive, would be the word I'm looking for...and It's loaded with kick a$$ Zombie illustrations!!! ;)

Believe it or not, this book is also loaded with sound business advise. If you've ever read a "Getting Ahead in Business" book before, you'll certainly get a familiar vibe from Z.E.O., but presenting those ideas in a way that compares business tactics to a Zombie's technique for acquiring brains puts a whole new twist on it, don't you think?

The way I see it: Z.E.O. is a quintessential spoof on so many duuuuull, boooooring business books. It offers a feast for the brain (valuable information) aaaaand a feast for the eyes (lots of bloody zombie illustrations), who could ask for more?

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Unfortunately, (if you posses a sense of humor like mine) this is NOT a book to read in public places. My laughing out loud caused many a stare in the waiting room at the doctors office...be warned :o

Favorite Bits: 

"A zombie is a successful leader because it never looses sight of it's ultimate goal, and it never compromises (like by eating just part of a brain, or a monkeys brain if no humans are handy)"

Number 35 of the 48 "Laws of Power" Master the Art of Timing- "Knowing when to strike is key to being powerful and getting ahead. Zombies provide copious examples of exactly when and where to strike. You can sneak up and eat the brain of the dedicated cop anytime during his beat, but if it's on the night he just proposed to his girlfriend and found out he got into law school, then trust me, his brain is going to taste even sweeter." 

Sun Tzu's The Art of War, "Attack him where he is unprepared--appear where you are not expected." "Zombies are masters of popping up where people don't expect them and (more importantly) aren't equipped to deal with them. Zombies climb through holes in masonry and shuffle into houses where defenseless humans are waiting. They walk underwater (occasionally fighting sharks), and decimate weaponless tourists on tropical islands. Zombies take "business" to people, even if people aren't expecting it."

Love it or Leave it: I may not be quite right in the head, but I Looooved this book. It was delightful and incredibly funny. Be aware that I am partial to off color humor, but I have to say, I highly recommend this book :)

Ga-Rei -Zero- Anime Series Review

R.I.P VI Challenge  (R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge) Is hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings

Peril on the Screen:

This Peril was added last year and proved to be popular, and so it returns. This is for those of us that like to watch suitably scary, eerie, mysterious gothic fare during this time of year. It may be something on the small screen or large. It might be a television show, like Dark Shadows, or your favorite film. If you are so inclined, please post links to any R.I.P.-related viewing you do on to the book review site as well.

Will you kill someone you love, because of love?

Ga-Rei-Zero

Studio: Funimation Prod Inc

Creator: Hajime Segawa

This anime series serves as a Prequel to the manga, Ga-Rei by Hajime Segawa. It depicts the life of Yomi before....well lets just say, before she had been attacked....and her strong sisterly bond to Kagura.

After the death of Kagura Tsuchimiyas' mother, she's sent to live, and train with Yomi and her adopted father. Kagura is destined to be a guardian protector, and will be part of an organization that  exists to protect Japan from the demons that wish to terrorize, posses, and destroy it's people. She most grow strong enough to inherit and control the most powerful of spirit beasts. 

Yomi Isayama, also a guardian, is a bit of a prodigy. Her adopted father has decided that she will one day be head of the family, and has prearranged an advantageous marriage for her, as well as bequeathed to her his most valued spirit beast. 

As they train, she and Kagura become like sisters who would do anything for one another.....that is.....until things go terribly wrong. 

The way I see it: This series gives me the same vibe as The Black Chalice (previous review). It has that very dark, twisted feel about it. Having not previously read Ga Rei, I was totally taken off guard by how the events unfurled.

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Just a tiny bit of cheesiness...but certainly not enough to have a negative effect on the series.

Love it or Leave it: Oh so loved it. The characters were full of inner turmoil, It was visually feast worthy, and there's action to spare :) Ya just can't go wrong with that.

Malory's Knights of Albion-The Black Challice

R.I.P VI Challenge  (R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge) Is hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings

Peril The First

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Steven Savile

Copyright: 2011

Publisher:  Abaddon Books

Paperback Pages:  293

Malory’s Knights of Albion appears to be a series of stories found in an old church as it had been cleared for renovation. It is claimed to be the Second Book of King Arthur and His Noble Knights, with a different author translating each separate story. It comes complete with appendixes illustrating the story of how the second book was found, and also more about the adult life of the main character. It's very believable, and intended to honor Sir Thomas Malory.

This is the story of Alymere, a young boy on his way to Camelot to become a knight, and pledge his loyalty to King Arthur. Alymere is a beautiful innocent boy, but he is also very hurt...and very angry with his uncle whom he believes has usurped his fathers title and taken all that should have belonged to him. Alymere becomes a pawn in a game much greater than he comprehends, and the players are the very dark and scary kind. In the end he must decide between great evil, or ultimately... redemption.

The way I see it: This story revolves around choices, and the aftermath of those choices. When my daughter recommended it, I pictured cookie-cutter King Arthur and the Knights of the round table. I couldn't have been more mistaken. It's dark and manipulative, yet keeps you clinging to the chance there may still be hope....just a little bit of light still lingering. 

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: If I told you my idea of the BBU (bad bad ugly) It would be a terrible spoiler...so alas...I will not. Let's just say that the ending was not what I wanted to happen, but it' what had to happen.

Love it or Leave it: Despite myself I loved this story. I loved Alymere and all of his flaws. He was tragically beautiful. As far as the book goes, I have to say this is a very fast read...even for one so literarily challenged as I...lol Plus, the chapters are on the short side and many of them end in mini cliffhangers! But keep in mind...Alymere's story is very RIP appropriate ;) 

Oh, and I also learned a new term...pastiche, An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period.

Love it when that happens :D

Blood Lamp...Creeeeeepy

This doesn't really fit into any of the perils, but the creepy factor just screamed (no pun intended) R.I.P

R.I.P. Is a yearly event hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings...go check it out :D

       

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Peril The First

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Jim Butcher

Copyright: 2011

Publisher:  ROC

Paperback Pages:  477

Book one in Peril the first :D

"Life is hard. Dying's easy." That's how Harrys story begins this time around. You see he's dead...or is he? As with all good Dresden Files, things are not always what they appear to be. After waking up in a semifamiliar Chicago Harry soon realizes that he is not in the world of the living. After some debate, he is tasked with going back to the mortal world to track down his own "murderer". The only thing is, he doesn't have his wizarding abilities, aaand no one can see or hear him. Good stuff right?...I know ;)

The way I see it: Classic Dresden, and then some. All of my beloved characters...save one, were included in this newest installment, and Butcher was kind enough to give me an acceptable explanation as to why one of my faves wasn't in attendance....kinda necessary to the story unfortunately. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. I can't tell you the glory I felt when it all clicked into place, although I must say...Jim Butcher makes you work for it. I was a bloodhound hot on a scent, and every time I thought I had found the source....bam! a river washed it away, leaving me to start searching in yet another direction. 

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Ummm, I tried to drag it out as long as I could, but as always It wasn't long enough for me ;)

Love it or Leave it: Loooove it!!! I've read so many of these I probably wouldn't need a map to find my way around Chicago, but it's simply not a series I ever tire of. They're stories that kinda sneak up on you. They seem simplistic but are actually the complete opposite. 

I've always said these books are easy reads, so I thought it only proper to define what I mean by that. This is it in a nutshell... have you ever had to try to get yourself involved in a story or try to find ways to connect with a character.... Well I don't have to try at all with this series. It's effortless, It just flows and once I start, I'm immersed without even realizing it.  

Oh, one more thing about Ghost Story in particular, I believe I laughed out loud more often then with any of the series so far. The Star Wars and Star Trek references get me every time...read it, you'll understand ;)

Her...An Indonesian Short Story Review

      This will be my first time participating in Indonesian Short Story Month. It's hosted by Novia at Polychrome Interest and you can review your own short story through the month of August.

"Once you have finished reading any short stories by Indonesian writers, please kindly share what you think about the story either in the comment form or in your blog (leave the link in the comment form or pingback this post)."


Her, Is a story of woman whose husband decides he's not happy at home and remedy's this by marrying an additional woman ...simplistic right...wrong. The complexity of the emotions this "Perfect wife" goes through are so realistic, to be quite honest I wanted to give her husband a good wallop. 

Her own anger, the anger and embarrassment of their children, the realization, and then finally acceptance that no matter how exceptional a wife she is, her husband will never truly love or be devoted only to her, and the turmoil she feels in regard to "Her". These are things that anyone could relate to, regardless of culture.


This story had me putting myself in the main characters position time and time again, and wondering how I would react if it were me. Would I be as self sacrificing? I'm not sure I could. I've seen women...and men in my own country staying with their spouse for similar reasons. In the beginning of the story I thought I might not be able to respect the first wife, but I found that by the end I did. She was much stronger than I had anticipated and I was thankful for that. I myself would not be able to make the same choices, but I found that I was happy she had some closure and understanding at the end of this story.

I've added some snippits and a link to the intire story as well as author info

               Her...By Titis Basino 

"Just like that I let him leave. I listened to the steadily fading sound of his car as he drove away. The motor grew fainter and fainter until it was finally drowned out by the children’s voices. At moments like that I felt that he accepted the freedom I had given him with too obvious relief."

".On the nights when my husband was with me and talked about 

"her," I listened to him with an odd mixture of patience and dejection. Deep down I begged that he would become tired of "her," but he never did".

" I appreciated her where I had once feared her. Had I met her earlier I would have been impressed with her cunning at capturing a husband; now I was impressed with the graceful manner in which she protected her rival’s feelings."

Sending a big thank you to Novia. I really enjoyed this story and am grateful to have participated :D

Current Mosaic Progress

               

It's slow going, but I'm really enjoying it :D My mother swears once my daughter leaves for college on the 24th I'll have the entire house mosaic-ed...lol 

Avengers 2012

More please ;)

From: View Buzz
The Avengers is upcoming mega budget Hollywood movie which will be released in 2012. The Avenger Release date is 4 May 2012. This is an action/Sci-Fi movie directed by Joss Whedon who is experience person in film industry. The Avengers estimated budget is $150,000,000 and Robert Downey Jr. is playing leading role of Iron Man in this movie.Complete star cast of The Avengers includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Jermy Renner, Samuel Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Lou Ferrigno and Clark Gregg. Chris Evans is playing role of Capitan America in this movie. This movie is sequel of Captain America: The First Avenger.
Presence of Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans shows that this upcoming Hollywood movie has lot to offer and it will be one of the big movies of year 2012.

OMG!! I have died and gone to heaven. Lou Ferrigno voices the Hulk and there will be a cameo by Stan Lee!!

Movie Posters

MGoW - Artist Spotlight -Sarah Valsheim

This idea came from Chelle over at Persephone Reads. She does a feature aptly named I ♥ This Art which I thoroughly enjoy.

As a result I thought I would periodically spotlight a piece that calls to me...moves me...stirs my emotions in some way. A work that I believe needs to be shared :D

Todays Artist Spotlight Is...

Solitude

by~Sarah Valsheim

Ahhh, the bone structure...the cut of the jacket..the silvery grey hair...the hair, did I mention the hair! What can I say, I'm a sucker for grey haired men ;)

 I was actually torn between two pieces who turned out to be the same character, Gen. So I added "Away" below. It's full of detail, the poles and the wires..I especially love the area around Gens' feet :D

When I asked Ms. Valsheim If she'd like to add anything about herself in this post she replied, "Well.. what can i say? :D I'm a self taught artist, currently i live in Hungary with my fiancé until he finishes his studies. I plan to publish an ArtBook in the near future :) I think that's all >.< omg i can't write much about myself xD
Thank you very much for the feature <3"

So she's modest and gracious as well as being incredibly talented :D

Thank you Sarah, and I wish you all the luck in the world.

facebook: Sarah Valsheim

Twitter: @SarahValsheim
Deviant Art: http://sarah-valsheim.deviantart.com/
Portfolio: http://sarahvalsheim.daportfolio.com/