my journal

Okay this goes with my last post. It cut off the game we came up with.

It's pretty simple, we had everyone come up with names for their knights. Then each person came up to the front of the class room and roll one six sided dice. And write down the number along with the knight's name. This was the hit points. Next the teacher would call up tow people, and they would roll a six sided dice at the same time. If a person hit point number was rolled they were out of the game. (same if it was over the number.) If it was under, that person marked off that from their hit points, but had a chance at advancing to the next round. (See? easy.)
I lasted one round, I rolled a 3. (meh)Ashley rolled a five and lasted 3 rounds. The class played until there was just one person left. :)
We got extra credit and everyone had fun. It's a simple game anyone can play, and we came up with something else you can add. Lets say you rolled under the person's hit points. We came up with rolling a four sided dice then to see what happens and where the lance hit. A 1 it missed the person, two it hit the shield, 3 it broke the lance, and 4 it hit that chest and the person was knocked off.

Pretty cool huh? See? this geeky stuff can work in the real world too! hehe

Darcy

Hi Guys,
Wanted to post something different this time around. Today I won't post a book review or a movie review. Nope, this time I am taking all you guys to school. So sharpen your pencils, it's time for history class. hehe.

I love my school, the teachers make it fun. Math is still, well math. But I love the rest of my classes. And I love to learn new things. I like going in and not just sitting around reading. Teachers at my school don't allow you to get away with that, they want you up and involved. Be it acting out a scene in a play, mixing chemicals in science class to see if it will blow up, (so far no, but I am getting close I bet.) But history class is the most fun. My teacher is a geek, he loves movies as much as I do. This month we are studying Jousting Tournaments, where they came from, what the rules were and different types. Yeps, there is more than one type to Jousting.

First there is: "Joust a plaisance".
Now this is the one we all know and is seen in the movies. It is where there is a series of games where armored knights compete, knock each other off their horses until there is one winner left.

The second one is called: "Pas d'armes or passage of arms Jousting event."
This one seems more romantic to me. This was where a knight would send out a letter or a messenger all over, taking on all other knights to a duel. This is probably where we get all the legends from.

The word Jousting comes from 'juxtare', which means "to meet together. (makes sense huh?)

Little more trivia:

Jousting Rules
Jousting Rules were circulated prior a jousting tournament or pas d’armes. The jousting Rules and terms included the following:

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When and where the tournament would be held
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Who was sponsoring the tournament
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The specific styles of combat which were expected to be fought
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The weapons allowed

Jousting Tournaments - The Ceremony observed at Jousting Tournaments
Jousting tournaments were great events and tournament ceremonies was observed:

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Sending of challenges from one noble to another
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Vespers Tourney: A tournament held on the eve of a larger event, where the younger knights bachelor and squires had an opportunity to demonstrate their prowess before the experienced knights and assembled gallery
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Opening day processions where judges and contestants rode in formal procession. The ceremony used to start a tournament or pas d’armes was called the Invocation
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Tree of Shields: The place where several colored shields were hung for a pas d’armes. Challenging knights could choose the combat they required by hitting the shield
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The Second day ceremony included the display of the helms of knights who had fought in tournaments
o

The ladies inspected the helms and denounced acts of un-chivalrous behavior
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The third day ceremony was when the 'Chevalier d'honneur' was chosen who performed the rule of an umpire
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On the last day of the tournament the ceremony for awarding the tournament prizes was conducted
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The tourney being ended, the combatants met in the centre of the lists, and embraced each other in the true companionship of chivalry
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Every day of the Jousting Tournament ended with feasting, music and dancing.


Okay enough history, time to let you in on the fun. I got the chance to teach a bit. Well.....sorta. See a lot of people aren't like me at my school, some are bored easily, some just don't care. (Which means Mcdonnels will have a lot of employees.) So my teacher said if we came up with a way to get people involved, Ashley and I could get extra credit! easy breezy, just use my geek girl skills hehe. So Ashley and I came up with a cool game everyone could play about jousting.

Hi Guys,
Thought I'd do another movie review for you guys, a new one this time. And I thought I would add something dad told me to do when I watch movies. It has helped me, so maybe it will you too. :)

The Tooth Fairy - A movie review by Darcy Low

"Derek Thompson is 'The Tooth Fairy,' a hard-charging minor league hockey player whose nickname comes from his habit of separating opposing players from their bicuspids. When Derek discourages a youngster's hopes, he's sentenced to one week's hard labor as a real tooth fairy, complete with the requisite tutu, wings and magic wand. At first, Derek "can't handle the tooth" – bumbling and stumbling as he tries to furtively wing his way through strangers' homes…doing what tooth fairies do. But as Derek slowly adapts to his new position, he begins to rediscover his own forgotten dreams"

Okay let me ask you, if you had the chance to see Dwayne Johnson in a pink Tutu; wouldn't you rush to go see it??? Yeah you sound like my Dad. Hehe. Yep, this movie is VERY silly. But it's a lot of fun too, and surprise; it has a message to it.

Derek Thompson is a Hockey player who has seen his better days. He still plays, but because of a injury he is in a rut and has left his dreams of something better behind him. But he doesn't mind a bit, in fact he is enjoying himself. For the time being.

Now I don't know a thing about hockey, all i ever watched has been baseball and college football. So sorry if i get anything wrong here.

Derek is a blocker, they send him in when the guy with the hockey puck needs to be defended. He goes in like Mike Tyson, when he checks a guy they usually lose a tooth. That was how he got the nick name The Tooth Fairy. But when a younger player comes along with a even bigger ego than his, he starts thinking about how he isn't as young as he used to be and he becomes bitter.

He is in love with a woman that has two young kids, one boy that is about my age and one little girl. The boy is a very good guitar player, and dreams of becoming as famous as Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has great talent and big dreams. The little girl is maybe six or seven, and is losing a tooth. (See it coming don't ya?)

When the boy asks Derek if he thinks he will ever be a famous rocker, Derek uses his own bitter experience and tells him no, there will most likely be someone much younger that will come along and will have even more talent. (Thus killing the boys dream.) When the little girl's tooth finally comes out, he is there and takes the tooth. Telling the mom he will put it under her pillow later. He puts it in his pocket and of course forgets about it. (Strike two) When the girl gets up there is of course no tooth and no money under the pillow. So our hero once again explains how dumb it is to have dreams. (Thus killing her belief in magic.) Oooooo, strike three. You're otta there!

Having forgotten all about everything, Derek wakes up in the middle of the night and finds a glowing note under his own pillow. He has been summoned before the head tooth fairy herself, and is told that for naming himself the tooth fairy and killing peoples dreams; he is sentenced to spend a week as a tooth fairy himself. (Wings, Magic Dust and Wand, the whole works.) He has to obey the rules and do the job right, or more time is added on.

And that is where the fun begins.

This is a classic fish out of water tale that has been done time and time again. Nothing really new here, but the movie was really okay for all of that. What sets it off are two things, the cast of stars. The head Tooth Fairy is Julie Andrews, (Doing the Princess Diaries thing where she is nice but doesn't take any guff.) A WICKED funny appearance by Billy Crystal as the magic supply officer. (Think of his character in Princess Bride and add in M from James Bond.) The bit with the magic dust that makes the person forget whatever happened three seconds before is too funny! "What's that?" "magic dust, it makes the person forgot anything that just happened." Poof! "What's that?" "magic dust, it makes the person forgot anything that just happened." Poof! "What's that?" "magic dust, it makes the person forgot anything that just happened." Poof!
Hehe! it had Ashley and me rolling!

Finally is Derek's Fairy Trainer, (Played by a actor from the show the office. I never watch that show but he is pretty funny in this movie. Forgot the name, sorry.) He is very tall and skinny, and he is a fairy who was born with no wings. (Some are born with and without.) He knows all the ins and out of how to be a tooth fairy, but because he has no wings he can not become one. Yet he longs for them anyway.

The training of Derek is wicked funny, and all the gags will have you laughing. Each time he has to get a tooth is a riot, and remember now he still has to live in the real world as a hockey player and he is still in love with that woman. And he has to win over her kids.

Like I said it has been done before in movies but this wasn't bad. Here is the second reason why for me.

In the end, you come away with a life lesson. You have to follow your dreams, and if they don't work out, don't destroy someone else's dreams. That is what he has to learn for himself, how dreams are important and how magical they really are. And how we should never dash anyone's dream. Because who knows, it could be the next person to cure cancer, or write the next great song. You have to believe in your self and help others to do the same.

So did he in the end? Was it a happy ending for everyone? Well you will just have to see for yourself huh?

So if you need a giggle, and we all do I think. Go see this, you will come away with a little more than you thought you would have. I did.


:)

Darcy

Hi Guys,
As some of you already know, I no longer have a Facebook page. It wasn't them, it was something Dad and Jenny decided was best for me. So i wanted to talk about that and parents in general. Because I think it's important and maybe help my younger followers.
First off, let me say Facebook was cool and fun. But there were things going on I didn't know about until later. See, once you put yourself out on the internet, and you're young like us. It's going attract bad people and creeps. I was totally locked down, only people I added was people we know. And dad says I still got like six or seven people trying to follow me that he said looked very scary. (That was weekly.)
So when they disabled it, it was because they were doing a random age check, to see how old I am and asking a lot of questions. They were super nice, but the more information they wanted, the more dad and Jenny was like this is not a good idea.(She never liked me to have one, now I understand more why.) So they sat me down and explained things to me and why they felt it was a good idea for me to not have one any longer. At first I admit, I wanted to fight back and say I want to keep it. I mean I gave up the forums, now this?

But I am always thinking of you guys, so I agreed it was best I just have Twitter and my journal. People still try to follow me on twitter, but only been two so far.

Susie called me a role model. I still don't feel like I am, I am always just me and do what I feel is good and right and what dad and Jenny say of course. But I can't just think of myself if I am a role model, I have to think of others. I want you guys to have fun, but I want you guys to be safe too.

So I hope I can give you some tips on the internet and also talk about not getting everything you might want and why that's a good thing.

First off, our parents have the hardest job ever. I mean think about it for a second. No one knows how to raise us kids, I mean there is just no manual, no one person that has all the answers, no web site to go to. When Dad first adopted me he sat me down and said, I have no idea what I am doing. I never raised a kid before, so you are going to have to help me out here. Don't be afraid to come to me with anything and never be afraid to tell me anything. Together we can make this work. And know what? We have been doing that ever since. Now Jenny is the same way, she never had kids before. All she ever had was a sister. So she has a different approach with me. We are like sister's sorta, but she can punish me and yell if needed so she's still the mom.
So I guess parenting is really a lot of guess work. That's what Grandpa tells me, you fall back on how you were raised by your parents, and you try things to see what works.

So we have to help them out by obeying them and trying to be good. Not always easy, but that's growing up. Everyone makes mistakes, they did; so we will too. And surprise, parents know that. Sometimes they even tell you they made the same mistakes.

Okay getting back to the facebook thing. I love the internet, I use it a lot for research on books and movies and in school. I love to look stuff up. I also like to play games on popcap, play Champions on Line and send emails. The internet is huge and fun. But because it is huge, it comes with a lot of danger as well. As you already read above. And I got a email from a adult that said they got people trying to follow them that scares them as well.

So bottom line? Even if your friends at school has it, or your best friends? I'd say stay away from it. Just because something looks cool and shiny, doesn't make it so. Just too many weirdos out there. I don't want to scare you guys, but maybe I do a bit too. I want to be honest most of all.

If you get on the internet, ALWAYS have a adult or parent around. And if anything makes you feel bad or uncomfortable let them know! RIGHT THEN.

And listen, if you have friends you just GOT to talk to; call them up or go visit. If they live somewhere else, email. (I email a lot!)

Our parents have a hard job, and they might tell us no or make us do stuff we don't like. But they do it all because they love us and want us safe.

Love you guys, I'll do my best to be a good role model for ya.


Darcy

Hey Guys,
This review is going to long, but I think you will like it. I did some homework on it.
With everything that has been going on, I figured we all need something funny. Kind of time to step back from everything that is going on for a bit. For me, there is one guy that always helps, one guy that no matter how much stress and sadness in the world can still get me smiling. (besides Dad I mean.) :)

Who you ask? Simple, my hommie.

Jackie Chan.

I have been a huge fan of him since I moved in here, Dad has everything of his that's out on dvd i think. hehe. The first kung fu movie we watched together was Legend of Drunken Master. (yeah I know, some parents going say that's not a kid's movie. But it was SO MUCH FUN!) Since then I was hooked. So when I saw this movie coming out, I just had to see it. And I think you guys are going to like it as well.

The spy next door - A movie review by Darcy Low

"Spying is easy, babysitting is hard. Former CIA spy Bob Ho (Chan) takes on his toughest assignment to date: looking after his girlfriend's three kids, who haven't exactly warmed to their mom's beau. And when one of the youngsters accidentally downloads a top-secret formula, Bob's longtime nemesis, a Russian terrorist, pays a visit to the family."

Okay first off let me say, this is a movie that has been done before. Everyone from Hulk Hogan to the Rock. A fish out of water story about some tough guy who meets his match when he has to babysit a group of kids. Well, forget those movies. While they were funny in part, they don't hold a candle to this one.

Jackie plays a spy who is ready to quit the force and settle down. He is great at his job, but after falling in love with his next door neighbor; he has decided it's time to put away all the cool gadgets, stop all the globe trotting, and finally get married. He goes on one last job, stopping a Russian bad guy and putting him away. (When the movie starts, with one of the coolest songs EVER; we are treated to scenes from his movies back when he was younger, which really helps to flesh out his character and gives us backstory on Bob. Props to the writer on that one!) the only trouble for our hero's wishes his one slight fact. His neighbor's kids, yeah; they are less than impressed with him. In being a spy, he has to blend into the background. So he pretty much plays a dork. Just a average guy, sweat suits, dark horn rim glasses, his job is selling pens. Oh he is nice enough, but to kids he is just not dad material. For the mother though, this is just what she is looking for, someone stable and reliable. Someone to come home to and who will always be there, not "Someone who will run off, with not explanation." She has been hurt before, as has her kids but a father who left.
The kids themselves are great, each one is completely different with their own sets of problems. (I want to touch on that later, I think it's important.) The oldest, Farren; is a thirteen year old girl. She is still waiting for her dad to come back, and feels Bob is a threat to that. If he marries her mom and her dad does come back, what then? Next is Carl, is a geek, loves computers and music; and is very smart for his age. He likes girls but can't figure out how to talk to them, and getting bullied by two school bullies that tend to throw him in the trash on a daily basis, doesn't help. He just doesn't trust Bob. The youngest, Nora is the baby of the family. She starts out the movie by liking Bob and even sticks up for him. But when her older brother tells her Bob is really a cyborg, she starts to have her doubts.
After Bob gets the Russian, he decides it is time to win over the kids. And when his girl friend's father takes ill and she has to leave to go to him, (hey it's a Disney film, what can you say?)he sees this as the perfect moment. He tells her to go and he will watch the kids for the week she is gone. He sees this as a bounding moment, the kid's see this as heck week for Bob. Things are going smoothly, until the Russian escapes with the help of his gang. It seems he has had helped from someone within the group Bob used to work for. The Russian has developed a formula that eats oil, but when that formula gets downloaded accidentally; the race is on.

Now Bob has been called back into action, he not only has to spot the Russian yet again, he has to win over three kids, make sure that they are safe, make certain his future wife does not learn the truth about what he really does, and he has to find a Halloween costume at the last minute.

Can he do it? Will he stop the Russian in time, can the world be saved yet again? And all in time to get the kids up for school the next day?

Like I said, been done before; but this time it all works. I think that is in part on the actors in the film, I mean Billie Ray Cryus as a spy? George Lopez getting knocked out four times? (Once by a turtle?) We are talking win here people! But the real glue that pulls this together has to be Jackie Chan himself. His rubber face reactions, his comic timing, and just his personality; makes anything you watch with him enjoyable. And this is just plain fun to watch.

A little bit about Jackie Chan:
Jackie Chan, (His real name is Chang Kong Sang) was born on April 7th, 1954 in Hong Kong. He is not only a actor, but a singer as well. Even has albums out and does something called Cantopop and Mandopop. He was trained in the Chinese opera theater at a early age and is probably where the acting bug bit him. His nickname is Pao Pao, which means "Cannonball" because he weighted 12 pounds as a baby! WOW. His father worked as head cook for the American embassy, and Jackie is the only person I ever heard of who flunked out of first year of primary school. (hey finger painting is tough.) He trained for a decade in the Peking Opera and became part of the Seven Little Fortune acting group.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peking_Opera_School#The_Seven_Little_Fortunes

At the age of just eight years old he stared in his first film, Big and Little Wong Tin Bar; along with another well known actor Sammo Hung. he continued acting in small roles in films and even did one where there was no martial arts at all, All in the Family. That is the only one so far that he hasn't done some kind of stunt work in.

Jackie Chan also has stated that he considers one of my old time favorite actors, Harold Loyd as one of his influences, and you can really see that in his films. oh one last bit of trivia for you. In 1976, his went to Dickson College and worked as a construction worker, where he gained the nick name "little Jack". So that was where Jackie Chan was truly born I guess.

If you guys want to know more about him, and the good work his does for kids and charities, head over to:

http://www.jackiechan.com/

I go there a lot, he is just a cool person.


Okay, I wanted to talk about the kid's character in the film a bit; as I mentioned above. As I said they were all different from each other, all had different ideas, different needs, ect. But yet if you were to take all of that, and mixed it all up; you know what you'd get? You'd have a teenager. Seriously, everything addressed in there three kids, that is what makes up your kids. Which is why I think certain people in Hollywood and certain Vampire writers, just don't get it. What we teens get is always stereotypes. What they need to do is, do more research, do your homework like grown ups always tell us. Want to know about kids? then don't hire a lot of talking heads who have not been kids for years, as us. We will tell you. Just my two cents.

Anyway guys, check out this movie. It was a lot of fun and really good. I know when it comes out we will be buying it.


Have a great one!

Darcy

Well I am sick with a flu......again,
It;s like third one I go this winter. Grrrrr. And winter hasn't been bad at all. Can tell I am related to dad huh?
To cheer me up we have decided to watch one of my favorite new movies, Julie and Julia. Which is my review here. :)


Julie and Julia - A dvd review by Darcy Low

" A culinary legend provides a frustrated office worker with a new recipe for her life in Julie and Julia, the true stories of how Julia Child's (Played perfectly by Meryl Streep) life and cookbook inspired fledgling writer Julie Powell (Played by Amy Adams) to whip up 524 recipes in 365 days and introduce a new generation to the magic of French cooking. Stanley Tucci (From Devil wears Prada.) co stars in director Nora Ephron's delicious comedy about joy, obsession and butter. Bon appetit!"

Okay, I want put a idea out there, with asking a question of you guys. Why do people love cooking so much? I mean some people? I have a idea, it's going to sound crazy; but think about this. I think it all goes back to when we were little and we played in the mud and did finger painting. I mean think about it, remember when you did that when you were little and how much fun it was? Okay now look at cooking, what are you doing? You got your hands in there, kneading bread dough, mixing ingredients, basically just getting messy. The only difference is, you can't eat mud pies. hehe.

The movie is just great guys, it is told by showing the contrast in both character's lives. For Julia Child, you see her going to France for the first time and you can see her love of cooking and the love between her and her husband. You can just see how much fun she is having getting into cooking classes, and working on bringing French cooking to America by writing a book about it. The cooking classes are a riot, she goes into the "men only class". Wait until you see the chopping of onions part. Too funny. It is great seeing her love of cooking and her relationship with her husband. Just great.

The other part of the movie is about Julie, she's a office worker who just moved into a small apartment with her husband over a pizza restaurant. She is a lot like Julia in that she has a love for cooking, and watches the old black and white cooking shows on tv. She is unhappy with her job, and wants to do something different. She wants to write, but has no idea what about. When her husband suggests cooking, she comes up with a wild idea; as you can see from above. 524 recipes from Julia's cookbook in a year's time.

What is cool about this movie is you can see both contrast and singularities in both women. The struggles of getting a book published, and the day to day struggles of them both. Lives so different from each other, just with the one thing in common. Cooking.

This a fun movie with a lot of laughs and a lot of good drama as well. This is one I would also recommend to the new writers in the second life group as well. Because a lot of what they talk about, are things Mr Stackpole has mentioned a lot of time about publishing. I really thought that was cool.

Kids may or may not like this, I am not sure. Might get them into cooking though, never know.

On a personal note:
I have been baking and cooking for as long as I can remember. It was something my mom loved, and she taught me a lot. I still love it, and when I go to a bookstore, I always get something on cooking. Even if it's just cards in a box. Even when we had little money, mom and me would make a day out of doing something in the kitchen. I still cook, in fact that's my main job here at home. Dad cooks as well, but I will be the first to try new things.

Which is why I loved this movie so much, because all of the love these women have for cooking I feel myself. It's fun, it's relaxing and it is a great why to remember mom.

You will like this one too guys, even if you don't cook. It's still two great stories. So seek it out, pop some popcorn and enjoy!

And as they say Bon Appetit!


Darcy

Hey guys,
Got another book review for you, and I think you will really like this one a lot. It is an action packed fantasy adventure, written by the son of someone I am sure you all know. It is full of Magic, Pirates, Demons, a boy with a secret and a story within a story. Sound good? Let's get started.

The Stowaway - A book review by Darcy Low

"Barely a teen and already guarding a secret that could jeopardize his young life, Maimun is marked for death. With the help of a mysterious stranger, the boy escapes his village and flees out to sea, stowing away on the pirate hunting ship, Sea Sprite, where he comes across a most unlikely ally: the dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden. With a half-demon determined to destroy him, and a crew of sailors resentful of the trouble he's caused, Maimun must find the courage to prove his worth, both to his friends and to himself."

The Stowaway is very different from any other book I have read before, it starts in the middle. Yep, you heard me right. When the story opens, our main character, Maimun; has been taken captive after a ship to ship battle out at sea. We find him chained aboard a pirate ship, and being questioned. The pirate not only wants to know his story, but how he came into procession of a very powerful magically stone. A stone that is sought after by two waring gods, and could destroy the entire world. Our story then becomes Maimun's story, as he buys for time and tries to think of a way to escape.
This is one story I didn't mind the back story so much, in fact the whole book is written in the first person. Which really helps. We learn that Maimun is just a normal boy growing up in a small village, all he knows of the world outside are stories he has heard from people traveling though. When his village is attacked and destroyed, he is entrusted with the safe keeping of a magical stone. One so powerful, gods both good and evil want it and will do anything to get it. His family killed in front of him, young Maimun is rescued by Perrault, a fighter/magic user himself. Together they run from a demon, Asbeel. Who wants the stone for his evil master.

When I first started this book, I almost stopped reading. Thinking I must be read the second or third book of a series. But after looking, i realized what the writer was doing. Different, but really cool! the whole book is action packed, with the characters being just one step a head of the demon. But it is the character of Maimun that makes you want to keep reading. You see everything though his eyes, seeing the world of Forgotten Realms that he only heard about in stories, seeing magic for the first time, learning how to defend himself and when to run. You get into his character and want to see what happens next to him.

I don't want to tell how he winds up getting captured by pirates, that is what the whole story is about. The back story of how he got there. You will just have to read to find that out.

I waited until now to tell you who the writer was of the book, I am sure you caught the name Drizzt there. Well he is in the story, but only VERY briefly. This isn't his story, in fact if you think this book was written by R A Salvatore; you are partly wrong there.

This is the first book of a series written by father and son, R A Salvatore and his son Geno. Pretty cool huh? Geno does a great job of bringing the Realms to life in his pages, as well as showing a lot of the fantasy world to readers and video gamers that have read books or played games set in those dangerous lands. I enjoyed Maimun’s character and am really pulling for him to get out of the trouble he’s in. In Geno’s hands, Maimun is both capable and inexperienced, a dangerous combination given what he has to do to deal with. He’s obviously powerful enough, for some reason unknown to us so far, that others fear him, but not skilled enough to take care of himself.

Seek this one out guys, you will really love it. I am looking forward to reading more, and seeing how things turn out. It leaves you wanting more.

Darcy

By now I am sure everyone has seen the Mark Mcguire interview with Mr Costa. Where he talked, finally about taking drugs to help him hit home runs. I watched the whole thing and well....thought i would talk about it. Seeing how that is all the news here in the St Louis area.

I remember back when they had that whole Homerun battle, everyone was so excited. All you saw was Big Mac this, Big Mac that. They even named a street after him. Was pretty cool. I used to watch with my Grandma Mary. That's dad's mom, shes gone now; but I never will forget her love of the Cardinals and baseball in general. She used to say that the game was so simple and most of the guys were people that helped get kids into it. (She really love Ozzie Smith, got a picture of her with him in my room, it says to my favorite fan. hehe. Pretty cool, you should see her smile, it's a mile wide.
The Cardinals were always her boys, just ask Dad sometimes. She used to take the phone off the hook when we watched, hehe. When Mark Mcguire was big she couldnt get enough of the games, just like everyone else she was so caught up into it. When he won and had his young son on his shoulder, well it was just the coolest thing ever. A young single father and his son, looked like someone we could all get behind and look up to.

What happened?

When the drugging thing came out, it really broke Grnadma's heart. She said it's the Black Soxs all over again Darcy, when will people ever learn? And when Mr Mcguire got up time and time again saying no he was clean, we all believed and trusted him, we stood behind him all the way. Now, years later this all comes out. Now i don't judge people, not my job. I am a fan, and love sports, but i don't know people or their lives. I have no idea of anyone's home life, any issues that they got, or whatever. I am just like Grandma Mary, I just love the game.

Let's do a little look back.

The whole home run thing was one of the biggest thing to hit St Louis. It was literally everywhere, you could not get away from it. It was one the tv, news, magazines, billboards ect. Heck, Mr Mcguire even did a milk mustache ad. The race went on the whole baseball season. Then the drug scandol broke, a lot of things got brought out into the light of day, names were dropped, people both guilty and innocent had their names plastered all over the place; including Mr Mcguire. Well we all know what happened.

So know years later we see the tears, the shaking lip, the break down and confession. Makes you wonder why now, after all this time. Why tell the truth now? Why not own up to it, and do the right then back then? Simple, he had everything he could ever want and more then. And now he is needing something yet again, so time to clear the name and get the fans that left him back. Sound like I am prejudging and harsh there. hmmm maybe, but there are things that have come to light that makes me say that.

The job offer.

Tony Larosa, the coach of the cards is pretty straight forward and when he talks to the press, even in jest, there is a grain of truth to what he says. The Cards have been hurting, last season was just terrible; so Tony is looking to get the team back into shape. So he makes the off comment, I might bring back Mcguire as a batting coach. He said it in jest. But the walls have ears it seems. Now we have Mr Mcguire coming out and telling the whole truth of what actually went on and for how long. Seems as fishy as week old tuna to me there, just saying. My guess is he is trying to clear the air, and his name. Get those fans back and try to get a well paying job back.

What's my beef?

Simple. Why else now? I mean seriously. If you are wanting to do the right thing Mr Mcguire, you do it back then when it would have made a difference. You have any idea of how many fans, not to mention kids that looked up to you, got into softball and baseball for the first time; all because of you only to be let down? You keep quite, didnt say a word, then lied like a rug over and over again, we all trusted and stood behind you. No way, Mcguire is the golden boy, he says he's clean; he's clean. Wow, did I hear that a lot. Grandama Mary even believed in you and supported you, sttod up for you when people voiced their doubts. Seems we were all wrong now. Seems we were all more than a little let down by you sir. And to be honest, a few tears and lip trembling on a talk show years later? Seriously? Sorry, doesnt cut it.

Yeah I am disapointed and saddened. I don't want to judge, really I don't but why is it everyone never takes responiblity when it would do the most good? It's a trend in our society that is running all over that place now. From the white house all the way down to kids in schools. "Oh no dude, wasn't me. It was that other guy." People think that ill come out and tell the truth later, when people are more likely to have forgotten the whole thing. then they will forgive me.

As a Christian, the bible tells me I should never judge; less I be judge myself. The whole splitter in my neighbor's eye and log on mine thing you know. Okay I get that. And let me say, for the record, I am far from perfect. Even at fourteen, I am smart enough and mature enough to tell the truth on that. I make some really stoopid mistakes.

So I know I should forgive when asked. But I tell you guys, it is getting harder and harder.

Mr Mcguire, I don't know you, don't know your life other than what I see and read. Don't know your issuses. But sir, you have let me down. And broke my grandma's heart I am sure. You could have been a real hero and made a difference if you did the right thing back then, now? Sorry sir, this is just a fail.


This has all been my own thoughts and feelings here guys, feel free to comment and give your own thoughts. Let me know where I am wrong and let me know if I was too harsh. I still love baseball and sports, just hate losing one more person that I looked up to. Maybe I should stop that.


Shrugs.


Darcy

Hey Guys,
As I said earlier, Jenny and I watch a lot of you tube. I wanted to share something really cool I found. We was flipping though stuff and we found this.

http://www.youtube.com/v/jEjUAnPc2VA

It's a animated movie called Pigeon Impossible, and it's really funny. It's real short, like a few minutes, so can't say too much without spoiling it. Let's just say this is one spy who is having a really bad day. hehe. And one greedy pigeon.

:)

Hope you guys like it.

Darcy

Hi guys,

Still in that holiday mood? I sure am, we just got dumped on with snow finally. woots! So i can use my bobsled!! (yeah i actually have a old wooden one.) That is if school is called off tomorrow. I just love the holidays don't you? The snow, the trees, the food. hehe. And the Christmas specials. Now I love the old school stuff, Rudolph, Santa Klaus is coming to town and of course Charlie Brown. Just something about those shows that make you feel all warm inside. Well this year a new Christmas Special was added. So I thought I would do a review, and good news too! If you happened to miss it, you can still catch it on ABC.com. I'll put the link up after my review. :)

Prep and Landing - A very Special review by Darcy Low

Since I couldn't find much about the plot to this on line, I will have to tell you myself. I will try hard not to spoil anything. :)

Have you ever wondered how Santa got everything done so neatly and on time Christmas Eve? Well you know he has helpers in the elves up at the North Pole, everyone knows that. But How about each and every house he goes to? With burglar alarms, dogs, and other things we have now, Santa needs to know the coast is clear before he gets there. (Just the thought of coming down the chimney and there being a roaring fire, could cause health issues you know.) That's where the characters of Prep and Landing come in. Wayne, who has done this type of job for over 227 years, is up for a promotion. He is so happy, but when he learns that he didn't get it, but the partner that he trained did. He gets very upset. When Christmas comes he finds himself in his same job, but this time he is saddled with a new rookie partner, Lanny. Lanny is very excited about getting his new job, but when they get to the first house' Wayne is less than happy about it. And goofs off while Lanny does all the work. Even raiding the ice box and watching tv. The trouble begins when the little boy that lives there wakes up and comes downstairs, and you can guess what happens. So now what will Wayne and Lanny do? After all, Santa won't come to houses where kids are awake.

Can Wayne and Lanny somehow let Santa know that there's been a terrible mistake? Can Wayne save Christmas for the little boy and will he regain the real spirit of Christmas?

This was a cute show guys, it was made by the folks at Disney too. Which I think is maybe their first? Not sure on that. The character's are funny, and the elves's workshop reminds you of monsters ink. You will love all the high tech gadgets, and what they are hidden in. Like I said if you missed this one, you can still catch it at http://abc.go.com/shows/prep-and-landing?cid=showsitelinks_search

Also they have a web site with games and a cute short movie:

http://disney.go.com/partners/prepandlanding/


It's a good one guys, I know you'll love it.

Darcy

Walk into a bar. Oh wait, i am doing a dvd review, not jokes. hehe.

Ladyhawke - a dvd review by Darcy Low

"Ladyhawke is the enchanting story of a beauty (Michelle Pfieffer, a knight (Ruther Hauer), and a pickpocket known as the mouse (Matthew Broderick.) Once the knight and lady were lovers. Now the curse of an evil bishop (John Wood, keeps them "Always together, eternally apart." By day she is a hawk, by night he is a wolf. To end the evil spell, the knight vows to break into the evil bishop's stronghold. With the help of the mouse. Directed by Richard Donner and photographed by three time Academy Award winner Vittorio Storaro, Ladyhawke "Is the most congenial spot for happy ever aftering since Camelot."

That was written by a reporter for the Washington Post. (Rita Kemply.) Now I never seen Camelot, but i really loved this movie. The story is one of the best, I never seen or read curses handled like this before or this well told.

As the story starts out, we find our young thief, "the mouse"; having been caught and thrown into jail. Not sure how long he has been there, but he is tunneling his way out. When the guards come to give him his food, they find; "The mouse? He's left his house. No food today, he's run away." hehe. this movie has some of the best lines in it. So the chase is on, and the take out after him on horse back though the town. He must have done something very bad, with all the knight they send out. After being cornered, he is rescued by the once captain of the city guards, Etienne Navarre. After being cursed, you get the feeling stories were said about him. And of course he would have to leave, turning into a wolf and all. But some seem to remember him as he was.
Isabeau d'Anjou, is the lady of our store. She is so pretty, and you feel so sorry for her. I mean she's really a victim in this whole thing. But she becomes a strong woman later on, once she sees there might be hope of break the curse.

The curse itself all started when the evil Bishop, falls for Isabeau. (Which, hello. Is very creepy.) Both she and Etienne make plans to run away together and get far away from the bishop. but they are betrayed by a old priest who they trust.

Now the curse is, like it was said above; she is a hawk during the day light hours, but once the sun goes down she changes back into a human again. He on the other hand, is a human during the day, and turns into a large wolf at night. What is sooooo sad it right at sunset, they see each other as they truely are. Just for a brief second. They both later learn, though the mouse that if they both stand before the Bishop on a certain day when day become as night, the curse will be broken. But seeing as how the source of this knowledge is the same priest that betrayed them long ago, can he be trusted? and can it even be true? The knight will need a way to get inside, he can only fight some many people, and the way is bound to be locked. Good thing they have a thief huh?

This movie was great guys, i think you'd really like it a lot. It is full of romance, betrayal, there are great laughs and great lines, a chance for redemption, and just a really great story. The music kinda gets on your nerves after a while, but that's a small thing.

Go out and get this one guys. It came out in 1985, so should be easy to find and very cheap. :)


You'll love it,

Darcy

OH! here's the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NW_tsc_PbU&feature=related

Hi guys!
Yeps reviews are coming, I just wanted to start us off with something I know everyone watches everyday, but you might be aware a a few things on you tube. So I am here to help, hehe. At our house, Dad has set up the flat panel tv with a computer, so we are able to watch things on line, (Like Dr Horrible, the Guild, ect.) Or tv programs on Hulu, we also use it as a backup tivo. :)

But the one thing Jenny and I love to do is snuggle up on the sofa, (yeps I still love to snuggle, you never out grow tnat.) And we will read book and watch/listen to music on you tube.

Now you would think that with me being 14 and Jenny being......
Well our musical taste would be way different, and it is in someways. I like Avril, Pink, Taylor Swift, and she likes Jazz. The Rippingtons, Bella Flex, Lee Ritenor,ect. (Don't be too impressed, I and sitting next to the shelf with her collection on it. hehe) But we have found one thing in common, we LOVE pretty music.

The following links are the best videos we have found over the holidays, don't worry its not holiday music. (I like that, but only so much.) Nopes, these are links to people you probably never heard of, but are simply WAY WAY wicked cool. SO here you go enjoy. I will only add one thing, the kid in the video;I dont think I want to play rock band with, heheh. Enjoy guys.

And your welcome. :)

Oh parents, be aware it's you tube. Some some dumb peeps like to cuss in their responses. Sorry, I don't like it either. But nothing I can do about it.

Let;s start with one Dad found, hope you guys love blues as much as he does. This is pretty funny and cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix4TNJvVk8M&feature=related

You think that's good, check this guy out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix4TNJvVk8M&feature=related


And another, one of Jenny's favorites. (Ms Anderson should like this one!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DctCyO-E3s&feature=related


Think we are done? Nopes, the hit keep coming on Darcy Radio. hehe.

This next guy we both stumbled on by finding a side link. You're going like him, he REALY gets into it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYDDxDzERIE&feature=related

Okay like that? Here is not only the same guy, but Dad's favorite song EVER. You do Not want him hearing it, he will sing every time. and trust me...not a good singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TyPG3EZrP4&feature=related

Next up, a little something for our Ninjas out there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyY4LNkxOW0&feature=related

Like that one huh? Okay how about something for the season?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XREOi11-8dQ&feature=related

More? hehe okay. Here is one I really like, kinda Christmasy too. (Yeah I know not a word.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpE3M-GdYtA&feature=related

Can you imagine walking into a Best Buy and smelling smoke, only to find these guys burning up Rock Band?? hehe. Okay here is one Jenny found. We really like him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4&NR=1&feature=fvwp

I still got more, saving the best for last. :) How about a little extreme beatbox? get them heads shakin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNS8vBq5bWE&feature=related


hehe, same guy. this time on a guitar. The graphics are cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUSh0qKqSxQ&feature=related


okay lastly, this is Jenny and my favorite. Make sure you check out the kid playing next to him, i mean WOW, just Wow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IQYpopq6jA&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_fresh+div-1r-2-HM

So there you go, that should help all you crabby peeps. hehe, just kidding. Please let me know what you guys think, and which yo like. I'd like to know what my friends are into too.


Darcy

I mean, NEW YEAR!!!!

I am same old girl, still adorable as ever. :P
Dad had to work until 10 on new years eve, but he was lucky. why you ask? he got to see fireworks at six pm! Close by his work too! Said he saw it from the window. We watched old movies, and worked on ted em bears. Got to drop them off and do some shopping, Jenny and I. I got taller! New jeans don't quite fit, so we are getting next size longer. :) I know to some of you don't mean a thing, but I been a shorty forever. Now grandpa will start calling me q tip like Uncle Dave. I am skinny.
Ashley still has a bad cold, coughing like crazy. Really sucks, but that's how it goes in winter here. Always rain, changing to ice, changing to snow, then repeat. Over and over, people are sick here a lot.
Dad has this skin rash thing. Has to take a needle treatment twice a week. Took his first today, from what he and Jenny says it hurts bad. But Jenny says he is the biggest baby, still; it's a needle! So no duh. I hate same thing he does.

Okay, since Christmas vacation, I have seen eight old movies, read one book, seen four movies at the show, and read one new graphic novel. So you are getting a flood starting tomorrow when i get home guys, that's a promise. And I am going to take you waaaaaaaaaaaaay back. yeps, we are talking old school here. Also, I am going review the new sherlock holmes and compare it with the others, maybe find ya some trivia. Going to talk about battle of terra, the great anime no one saw, talk about UP and pixar and what I found out about what I think they are doing in their films. :)

So busy girl here, but I have not forgotten you guys. OH! and I will be sharing some you tube for you guys, stuff that will surprise you. There is more on there than funny dogs and cats. you will see. I'll share why Jenny and I watch it a lot. :)

Okay theres a short up date. Be back in a few hours!

Darcy

One thing about Darcy's Journal, I am able to use it to share this with any who I missed in sending out emails. My holiday wishes for you all.

Humorist Erma Bombeck wrote: “There is nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.” The older I get, the more that rings true! A few days ago we were watching the classic movie “A Christmas Story”, Darcy having never seen it. It is the adventures of eight year old Ralphie whose Christmas would not be complete unless Santa delivered his dream gift. “An official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 shot Range Model Air Rifle.” The movie is narrated by the adult Ralphie who recounts every detail of that “best ever” Christmas with astonishing clarity. It occurred to me that I don’t have detailed memories of any one childhood Christmas, nor any one specific gift. There are, rather; hundreds of wonderful snapshots like images that come to mind…..decorating the tree, Mom stretching colored lights along the roof, her showing my sister and myself how to baste a turkey, (in the days before cooking bags.) and no the cooking never took with me and my sister lives off of take outs, huge family dinners, snow angels, piles of colorful packages. Childhood Christmases were pure joy, wonder and magic. Once we are adults, we assume the mission to create joy, wonder and magic for our own children. As Ms. Bombeck noted, there is sadness in that. Christmas becomes task oriented for us. We try to sustain some sparkle for ourselves and sometimes we are so busy that we forget not only the joy and wonder, but also the reason for the celebration in the first place. I read somewhere, a charming description of Christmas morning attributed to a seven year old child. “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and just listen.” Love is, after all; what Christmas is all about, and the true gift of Christmas for adults is that it is time for remembering the past, cherishing the present, and hoping for the future. This year, with all of our lives busier than usual; perhaps we should focus on those intangible gifts of the season. Love, remembering, cherishing, and hoping – those things are truly priceless.

This pass year has had it’s up and downs for us. We lost five wonderful relatives, gained three new babies, saw four young nephews off to the war, saw Darcy get her first crush and heart break, saw me take my dream job, with Tim starting a new one soon. We have seen friends and neighbors move due to losing their houses, helped out a cousin with her tough times, and had our own problems with insurance problems. But we have come though it all.

In this pass year, I have seen first hand the friendship, kindness, and joy of this extended family that Darcy and Tim have told me so much about before I married Tim. I have enjoyed every second of my time in Second Life, cutting up with Kat, listening to the young writers, and listening to Mike’s wisdom and also his humor. I have to constantly stop myself and say, this is award winning author I am mercilessly ribbing. But it is all in good fun and I value everyone’s friendship in there. I get a kick out of Brian Brown and Tim playing their online game, both are playing superheros. Thankfully it is just a game, if it was real life we would be doomed for certain. Also thankful for the gifted Mary Brown, who makes some of the prettiest jewelry, and puts up with Brian. And Mike and Lori, I can’t thank you all enough. You may not know it Mike, but your podcasts have helped Darcy not only with her writing and school work, but allowing her reviews to be posted has given her cause to speak up and out a lot more, we have finally gotten past the shyness and this pass year she has really grown, matured, and become a very strong willed person. Now if you all could come up with a “Clean your room regularly” podcast we will be all set.
And Susie, thanks so much for everything. Both Tim and myself are so new to parenting it is scary. We lucked out with her of course, but still your podcast is a blessing. And everyone else, you are all great friends and we feel a part of the family.

So as I sit here in the living room, with the warm glow of the fire, and the blinking Christmas tree. I am reminded of Christmas past, and look forward to sharing many more Christmases with you all. I know I do not write much to you all, working on a computer everyday, it is usually the last thing I want to see when I have time off. Just know you are all always in my thoughts, and I am grateful for every single one of you.

So here is hoping everyone gets everything that they want out of the season, and I wish you all good health, great memories, and best wishes.

I would stay away from the B B Gun. You’ll put your eye out.

Love,

Jenny.

Hey guys,
If you remember, a while ago I did a report for school on Harold Lloyd. The silent film star. Well this time around I thought I would just do a report for you guys on another silent film star. Buster Keaton, and one of his best movies. Mr Keaton was born right here in the midwest, in Piqua, Kansas. (which I have been though a couple times.) He was born, Joseph Frank Keaton VI and was later given the name "Buster", when at the age of six months he tumbled down some stairs and was unharmed. (Talk about a omen of things to come huh?) Buster, his father and mother all were in Vaudeville, and often shared the stage with such people as Harry Houdini, W C Fields, Mr. Bojangles himself, (Bill Robinson, Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson. They had one of the most dangerous acts ever put on stage, all around pranks Buster would perform and his parents would have to save him from. At the age of twenty one, Buster's father became a alcoholic and they had to stop doing the act.
Buster saw his first movie studio in march of 1917 and by april he made his debut film The Butcher Boy. He stayed making films for the same studio even after returning from the war. In 1928 he sighed on with MGM Studios, they treated him very badly, not letting him make films his way, being very strict on everything he did for them. Which led him to be very said and he got into drinking himself. After a big fight, he was finally fired from the studio, but by this time he was long pass caring. Later he was checked into a mental hospital, having gotten as bad as his father years before. Someone at MGM felt sorry for him and rehired him again in 1937 to be their "gag" man. But they didn't feel too sorry for him, because they only paid him 100.00 a week, and he was making ten time that before.
All that is very sad I know, sorry for that guys, but here is the happy part. Buster Keaton was one of the only silent films stars to survive the time when movies jumped over in the talkies we know today. In fact you can see him in his later years cutting it up in old Beach Blanket movies, still wearing his signature straw hat. He also got into brand new media, television and had his own show at one point. I don't know of any other silent film star to do that, maybe Charlie Chaplin? I have yet to get into him. Oh! They were in a movie together called Limelight, I'll have to look for that one.

Buster Keaton's comedies were a lot like the stage act he performed with his parents as a child, he was always getting knocked around, having to perform incredible stunts, ect. In one of his movies he is caught in a giant wind storm and at one point has a house dropped right on him. He is okay though, because he is standing right where there is a opened window. Simple incredible. And you have to remember, he did his own stunts back in a day when there was no blue screens and no CGI. Everything you see him doing is real.

It wasn't until 1959 that he finally won a Oscar for his life work, something he should have gotten a long time before then.

If you want to see some of his best stunts, including the one I mentioned above; go here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2K9ZeBe-HA&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Now on to my review. :)

The General -

"Rejected by the Confederate army as unfit and taken for a coward by his beloved Annabelle Lee (Marian Mac), young Johnie Gray (Keaton) sets out to single handedly win the war with the help of his cherished locomotive. What follows is, without exaggeration, probably the most cleverly choreographed comedy ever recorded. Johnie wages war against hijackers, an errant cannon and the unpredictable hand of fate while roaring along the iron rails, exploiting the the comedic potential of Keaton's favorite props, the train. Insisting on accuracy in ever detail, Keaton created a remarkably authentic historical epic, replete with hundreds of costumed extras, full scale sets and the breath taking plunge of an actual locomotive from burning bridge into a river. "

Buster Keaton always said this was by far his favorite movie, and I can see why. He put so much of himself into it. Building sets that were to scale, not minatures, spending money and getting not one but two real trains, and hiring 500 national guardsmen from Oregon to play both armies. He did all of his own stunts as well, just like always.
The movie itself is based on a true story! In April 1862, Union agent James J. Andrews led a squad of 21 soldiers on a daring secret raid. Dressed in civilian clothes, Andrews and his men traveled by rail into the Southern states. Their mission was to sabotage rail lines and disrupt the Confederate army's supply chain. At the town of Little Shanty, GA, the raiders stole a locomotive known as "The General." They headed north, tearing up track, burning covered bridges and cutting telegraph lines along the way. Just like what happens in the movie. Johnnie sees this and gets in another train, and the race is on. He has to get a head of them and warn the troops as to what has happened, and to prove his bravery to his one true love.

This was a great movie, full is stunts,laughs and some of the funniest sight gags I have seen in a old movie. There is one scene where Annabelle and Johnnie are on the train trying to getaway from the bad guys, Johnnie asks her to help him shovel in more coal. She sits on the floor and hands him pieces of coal one at a time, picking out "the pretty ones" and throwing away the ugly ones. hehehe , too funny. The whole movie is a little over a hour long, but it will have you on the edge of your seats in places and your jaw will drop at some of the stunts. This is really a great movie to watch with the whole family.

So if you are looking for a good family movie to watch, why not go back old school and check this one out. It is considered by a lot of people to be one of the greatest movies ever made. To me it is just a great movie to watch and enjoy.

You can find it on Amazon, or on Turner Classic Movies web site. Seek this one out guys, I know you will really like it a lot.


Darcy

Best part about having Jenny for a mom,

She can find anything here at the house. hehe. Here is a picture of dad WAAAAAAAAAY back when he was a kid. LOOK AT THAT BIG GRIN!! hehehe! Grandpa said that was a genuine G.I Joe Remote control tank. Was almost as big as he was. Ever notice how you never see dad and Dick Chenney in a picture together? hmmmmmm. hehehe.




Darcy

Merry Christmas guys!
Hope everyone is having the best holiday ever. We actually got a little snow this morning, woots! I have been up since 5am. (who can sleep on christmas eve anyway?)
Now every year we always exchange gifts with family on thanksgiving, with everyone scattered all over, it is the only time everyone is more or less in one place. So i figured that was going to be it. Oh we still had boxes under the tree here, but he has fooled me once before with that. So I figured they were just for looks and empty like last year. Well....I was half right. The boxes were empty, stuffed with tissue. except for one small box. Inside was a note, "go check the garage." hehe, all my gifts were in the trunk of the car! Uncle dave was in on the joke yet again. And Jenny kept me busy last night while dad got my new/used bike all set up. yeps i got a new bike! I out grew my other one. This one is white and silver and sooo pretty. We are going to give Ashley my old one. :)

And I got books. OH WOW did i get books! Grandpa got me all of the Alex Rider books, ALL of them! glee! I also got eight other books from Dad and Jenny, From Nina Kimberly to a book on the man who created Calvin and Hobbes. (can't wait to read that one.) I also got a pair of fuzzy killer bunny slippers from uncle dave. (Bunny from monty python, white with big point teeths!hehe.) Jenny got me some tommy girl and a huge warm white robe with big sleeves and a hood. (I look like a druid in it, hehe.)

And dad got me something I never expected. We are going to build me a desktop computer!! yeps, got the case, (pink) got the hard drive, mother board, video card, a cd play and a dvd player that plays blu ray disk!!! MEGA WOOTS!

Best christmas ever?? oh yea.

Ad all that to a cool origami kit i got from my farvorite aunt and uncle, and the pretty pink braclet I got from my other favorite aunt and uncle and I scored big time!

Hope you guys got all you wanted too. Funny thing is I never asked for anything this year...maybe I am on to something here. hmmmmm.


Darcy

Hi guys,
As promised I am back again with another review, but this time it is going to be something completely different. Yep, this time you are not going to get one review, but three! Read on and you will see.

The Tales of the Rad Panda - The Crime Cabal.
A book review by Darcy Low.

From the back of the book: "Even the united remnants of Toronto's defeated underworld couldn't resist the city's masked protectors. But when they join with the murderous might of some of the masked man's deadliest foes, can even the Red Panda match the strength of the Crime Cabal?"

I love a good story, does not matter what it is, if it takes me into it, makes me a part of it and leaves me wanting still more; I will follow it forever. That is why I am so excited to share this with you guys, this time it is really something special. I listen to a lot of podcasts, sometimes alone and sometimes with Dad and Jenny,and sometimes I will share with my Grandpa. The Red Panda is one for everyone. So when I saw they were coming out with a book, I just had to get it.

The Red Panda is a Canadian crime fighter from the thirties, during the time of mobsters, racketeers, ect. He is a crime fighter much like The Shadow or Batman, In that he is a multi millionaire, who uses the powers of his mind and gadgets he comes up with. But unlike both of those crime fighters, he has more of a heart I think. More personable maybe? He has gone beyond the law in many cases, doing what they could not do and this has made him more than a few enemies on both sides of the law. Some see him as a agent of good, others see him as a mobster trying to rub out competitors in order to set things up for himself. Of course we know the truth. :)
When his true identity is learned by his female chauffeur, he takes her in and trains her to fight by his side. Calling herself the Flying Squirrel, (because of her cool outfit and the ability to float with wings that are sewn into it, she learns martial arts and hides his identity from the public.

The Panda also has various people around the city that keeps him informed as to what is going on. A network of sorts, made up of citizens, reporters, cops, ect. I thought this was very well done myself. None knows his true identity and no one knows of anyone else in the network.

Now in the book, the Panda and Flying squirrel have been fighting crime for a while, and have just put away one of the last remaining big gangs. All that is left are various members that are in hiding and have gone underground. But old habits are hard to break I guess, because there are a few that see this as a great time to band together and form their own gang, to rub out the Panda once and for all and gain control of the city. One such gangster is Malcolm Reynolds, he was once the right hand man of one of the most powerful gangs in the city. Now in the ruins of a club, he has called together all the remaining mobs and asked them to join with him and take over the city in a wave of crime never seen before. There are more than a few people who do not like this idea at all of course, until he introduce two people. Kid Chaos and a Mysterious woman who calls herself Professor Zombie. Kid Chaos is a mad bomber who just loves to blow things up. And the Professor? Well she wants to build a army.

When things get out of Malcolm's hands and he loses control of these two, things really heat up. Both the Panda and the Flying Squirrel are pushed to their limits as they have to fight a army of goons who will not stop no matter how many bullets you put into them, and what is the Panda to do when his mind tricks do not work? Zombies can't be fooled my mind tricks you know.

The book is really, really good. It reads just like a pulp comic from way back when. Also just like the podacast radioshow. (don't worry I'll get to that in a bit.)

The banter between The Panda and the Flying Squirrel is both funny and romantic, Although both have yet to tell each other how they feel. You as a reader can tell. What makes it so funny is, here you have a Batman type crime fighter who is tough as can be and who can karate chop his way out of trouble. But when a pretty girl flirts with him, he is a shy little schoolboy. Often all he can say is "Kit Baskter, behave yourself." Kit is the Squirrel's real name. The book gives them both more depth than what you get in the radioshow, but it also gives us more insight into how they get around town so fast, introduces some of the minor characters of the Panda's network, and also brings out the character of Chief O'mally. O'mally is a good cop, but he has a deep hate for the Red Panda and will stop at nothing at either bringing him in or unmasking who he really is.

The book is full of action and cliffhangers, and really makes you want to turn the page to see what happens next. It is something if you are an adult and like old radio shows, film nior, or stuff like would love. And this is okay for kids as well, I did not see anything that parents would object to here. (is a lot of shoot outs, but then again there are gangsters and bad guys, so it is to be expected.

Overall, this is a great first book by Mr. Gregg Taylor. Who is one of the main actors over on Decorder Ring theather.

www.decorderringtheatre.com

if you go there, you can order this book right from the web site, like we did.

But while you are there, I want you guys to check out the podcasts they have. They are all done like they did back in the old days. In fact my grandpa thinks this is some of the best ones he has heard. And they are all clean, each show ends, they don't leave you hanging until the next chapter. Each is it's own story. Make sure to check out Black Jack Justice. It is about a detective and he girl detective partner, it is also very good. Both the Red Panda and Black Jack feature strong female characters who not only fight along side of the men, but aren't afraid to put them in their places if need be. I love that, something you don't see too much of anywhere.

So there you go guys, one book review and two podcast reviews. All in one posting. :)

I do hope you guys check it all out. It is some really great stuff, and we should support new authors every chance we get. I am hoping they can get Mr Taylor on Dragon Page soon.

Take care guys, more stuff coming soon. I am on a roll. :)


Darcy

Hi Guys,
Getting back to my reviews. This time around I got a great book that tells a old story, (or one that has been told before.) But in a very different way. I think you are going to like it. Many thanks to Summer for pointing my towards this series and the writer. :)

Worldweavers- Gift of the unmage.

From the back of the book.
"As the seventh child of two powerful seventh children, Galathea Winthrop was expected to grow into magical abilities beyond anything previously imagined. Instead, she has spent the last 17 years trying desperately to achieve something, anything, in her Ars Magica class at school. Thea has learned to live with her older brothers' jokes about her lack of abilities, but what she cannot face is the look in her father's eyes each time she tries to do magic and fails.

After one last failed magical attempt, Thea overhears her parents talking about sending her to the Wandless Academy, the only school in the country for those who cannot perform magic (otherwise known as the Last Ditch school for the Incurably Incompetent at least to Thea). Thea's final chance to awaken her dormant gift is a mysterious trip back in time to meet with an even more mysterious tutor a member of a now-extinct people known as the Anasazi. In the Anasazi's ancient world, Thea learns that she is not incapable of performing magic, but rather that her spiritual self chose not to let her, at least in her world. Now, she must figure out why, before those from whom she was protecting herself discover that she has found her powers. "

This is the first book of the series, and it will remind a lot of people of the Harry Potter series. Which I guess is bound to happen to a lot of teen books about magic. But here it is a bit unfair. thea does have the talent for magic, incredible magic at that; but something is holding her back from preforming anything. And being born under such a lucky sign, and with her older brothers and family's abilities; there is a lot expected of her. But try as she might she just continues to fail, and whine about it being so unfair. (She whines a lot.) After going to this "Last ditch school", she is helped by Chevyo, who helps her to discover her hidden talent. This not only helps her to do her magic, but comes at just the right time. Because her and the other students at the school, who everyone had given up on, are called upon to save the world.

There is a bit of Hogwarts feel to the school, but there is also a bit of another book called "Winkle in time" there as well. The writer really does a great job of making us feel for Thea, her story must be what it is like to have older brothers or sisters that did well at school. And then you come along and everyone judges you on what they did in the past. It is unfair. Although I am a only child I could still relate to Thea a bit. Starting a new school and all, but also finding that hidden talent that you thought you didn't have. It made me think about a lot of things, and that is the mark of a good book.

Anyone that knows me for very long, knows I can't stop asking questions. Why I love to do research on anything so much. Like Thea, I ask why a lot. Sometimes I find my answers, sometimes it is just the way things are. Thea is still learning that. While she is looking for answers on her own at the school, she stumbles upon a plot there to take over the world. So it is up to the kids that the society has more or less abandoned to come to the rescue.

Don't get the idea that this is a simple teen book, it's not. There is a lot of depth here. There is a lot of things going on, some of it is a bit weird, but that just adds to the story.

I only had a couple nit picks with the books, I just wanted to point out. Because I think it might hang some people up and make them put the book down and walk away. You shouldn't, this is a great book and the writer is very good. But as it is the first book in the series, there is bound to be a few things.after all she is setting the stage for something more to come.

First off, the writer uses descriptions a great, great deal, in some cases that helps out a lot. And I thank her for it, but there were places that it could have been cut back a bit. You don't have to tell us everything, let our imagination fill in the gaps if there are any. I love to do that myself, makes me feel more of a part of the story.

Second, there are characters and things we are told about for a few pages that the writer never gets back to. I am hoping she is setting us up for seeing them in later books. But that is a little disappointing, at least to me it was.

But only two sore spots, not at all bad for a first book in a series and something I was able to look past. I loved also how the writer brought a lot of things together, things you would not think of in a story about magic.

Thea's roommate Magpie, has a fondness for hurt animals and is always hiding one and bringing it into the dorm room. Ben is a tall red haired boy who sneezes when he "Smells" magic, (reminds you of Ron from Harry Potter.) And lastly Terry, who is a computer genius who can't speak a word that deals with magic because he has a allerigic reaction to it and his sister Tess who can't eat anything that has been prepared by magic for the same reason. There was not a lot more written about these characters, so I am hoping in the next book she will flesh them out more. I would love to learn more about them and why they are the way they are.

The boy who is a genius at computers was a bit different and I was not expecting him at all, seeing how this was dealing with magic and a fantasy type world, but the writer managed to pull it off well I think, and it did not pull me out of the story at all.

Overall, I thought this was a great first book in a series. There is three in all so far, not sure if it is just a trilogy or not, did not have time to check with the holiday and everything. But I really liked this book a lot, and can't wait to dive into the others. I think it is going to be fun.

So there you go guys, if you are looking for something new to read over the holidays while you are snowed in, you might want to check this series out. I think it is a great one for kids and fans of Harry potter type books.

Take care, and have fun reading!

Darcy

Hey guys!
Okay it's time for me to get back to writing you up some reviews. Sorry I had to take some time off for the holidays and getting gifts for people. Hope you all had a great thanksgiving and a even better christmas. My first review here is of a dvd I got from my Uncle Dave. He knows how much I love a good story and a great movie. This one fills the bill on both counts, you're going like this one. :)

The Empress and the Warriors - A dvd review by Darcy Low

From the back of the dvd. " In the tradition of Seven Swords comes the action saga of a kingdom locked in a desperate battle survival. Martial arts superstar Donnie Yen (Seven Swords)and Hong Kong film award winners Kelly Chen (Infernal Affairs) and Leon Lai (Seven Swords) team up as sword welding heros on a quest to united a divided nation and wage a massive war against an invading horde. Created by the celebrated action choreographer and cinematographer behind Jet Li's Hero and House of the Flying Daggers, An Empress and the Warriors takes epic action to new heights."

Ummmmm, well that's all nice and stuff; but really dosen't tell you the story huh? Guess that's my job.

When the movie starts out, orphan turned uber General Muyong (Donnie Yen) is leading the charge into battle alongside the King of Yan, while Princess Feier (Kelly Chen) stays behind to tend to the wounded. After the king is wounded, and then later assassinated by his ne’er-do-well nephew Wu Ba (Xiadong Guo), a power vacuum must be filled. The King tells his daughter that Muyong should take up his sword and become king after his death. He feels that his knowledge of war and his kindness for people well help to unite everyone. But after the king dies, Muyong tells the elders it was the king's wishes that his daughter should become empress, thus throwing her into a mess of things. Muyon promises to train Feier as a warrior, so that she may rule the kingdom. things don’t quite work out as Muyong had planned. Wu Ba is none too pleased about having his power grab ruined by a chick, and being the conniving power hungry jackal that he is, sets assassins upon Feier during her training in the woods. She is wounded but manages to escape with the help of a medicine man, who takes her in and shows her a different way of life. He is like a peasant and lives a simple life, but he is also a dreamer and teaches her a lot about how in order to have a dream come true, it needs someone to dream. (they say it better in the movie, sorry.)There is also a lot more to him than we first learn, but to say more would spoil things. The two fall deeply in love, but the Empress knows she still has to return to her kingdom, the war is still going on and she has to do something. But a lot has happened since she has been gone.
Wu Ba has returned and has taken control of the empire, forcing Muyong into hiding. Can the princess arrive in time to united the remaining people and help regain the throne? How can one girl hope to stand against a trained warrior and his army?

The movie was fantastic, with a lot of sword fighting, intrigue and even a very good love story. I loved when she was in the forest and was healing up, you could tell they were both falling for each other. And At first she acted like a spoiled brat, but her walls came down over time and you could see they truely fell in love.

Muyong was a great character as well, as a orphin growing up, he and the princess became very close and were like brother and sister. I like how they played off each other in the film. But also, as a orhin he had a lot to prove to the elders after the kings death. I think he really did a great job of holding things together as best he could.

I don't want to spoil anything here, but I will say you will need some tissues. Some parts were very sad.

Over all, if you liked films like Crouching Tiger or House of the Flying Daggers, then you will really like this as well. The acting is very good and so is the plot.

For Parents, there are war scenes so there is some blood, but nothing too bad. There is a love scene as well, but it is done very romantically and nothing is showing. Bare arms and shoulders is all. (And really isn't that how it should be?) So this movie would be okay to watch and not be worried.

the movie trailer is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_H2mCqMuo4

Check it out guys, I think you will like it a lot.

Darcy