So, today being a rare fifth Tuesday in a month, 5 Minutes for Books encourages readers to share about a book they read and enjoyed after reading the review on the blog. They call this carnival I Read It! And it just so happens I finished one such book yesterday.
A Little Bit Wicked is the autobriography of Kristin Chenoweth. If you don't know her, she is best known for playing the part of Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, but she's done other Broadway shows, movies, and TV, including my canceled too soon Pushing Daisies.
This book is definitely written for her fans, and I count myself among them. As a result, I found the it quite fun reading. It's written in a very conversational style, which made it a fun read. I was definitely hooked and had a hard time putting the book down.
If you are a Broadway fan or a fan of Ms. Chenoweth, I highly recommend the book.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summer League Game 5
Kinda hard to believe we are on game 5 of summer league already, isn't it?
I got to the field a little late and paniced at first with how many red people there were. Turns out that the other game happening last night was men's league team red, so they didn't have quite as many subs as I thought. In fact, we had more than they did.
Turns out that the Red team has my buddy JV on it. I don't think we've ever played on the same team, even at pick up. But every time our teams face off, we guard each other. The nice thing is, we're a good match. (Sorry to insult you like that JV.) And he takes me seriously. It means I can stick with him most of the time on defense, but I have to be smart in my offense if I want to get open.
And I managed to get open several times in the first half. Dropped it once, but all the others were successful catch and throws. So maybe playing pick up on Saturday helped instead of hurt.
My favorite play of the game was the one where I threw it to score. We'd gotten a fast break, and I was one of four team members near the end zone with only two defenders. Ed threw it to me, trying to lead me into the end zone, but it wasn't quite far enough (despite the fact that I tried to jump it in). Ed started running into the end zone as soon as he realized we hadn't scored yet. It was a great cut, and if I had been a tad faster, I probably could have thrown it to him to score. However, one of the defenders took off after him, making it an iffy throw. However, that left David wide open, so I threw it to him for the score.
The first half was also when I got knocked down. We'd just pulled it, and I was trying to get down to JV who had the disc. Another of his team mates was between us. I tried to go around just as he did a quick switch, running to the person behind him. Got a bit of a grass burn (if that kind of thing is possible), but no real damage. The only bad part of that was that I lost my temper for a second and had to apologize later. Hey, those kind of accidents happen, and it was obvious that's what it was. (I just throught for a second he was mad at me when he was just upset to be tumbling to the ground, too.)
The second half of the game didn't hold much in the way of highlights for me. I was in several points, but never did get open again. I think my brain had shut down because I was making poor cuts. I did a fairly decent job on defense, so that made me happy.
The score was a blow out. We were up 8-2 at half and cruized to a 15-6 victory. Those kind of games are run at times because it means we aren't putting as much pressure on ourselves. But having been on the other side of the equation, I do feel kinda bad about it.
I got to the field a little late and paniced at first with how many red people there were. Turns out that the other game happening last night was men's league team red, so they didn't have quite as many subs as I thought. In fact, we had more than they did.
Turns out that the Red team has my buddy JV on it. I don't think we've ever played on the same team, even at pick up. But every time our teams face off, we guard each other. The nice thing is, we're a good match. (Sorry to insult you like that JV.) And he takes me seriously. It means I can stick with him most of the time on defense, but I have to be smart in my offense if I want to get open.
And I managed to get open several times in the first half. Dropped it once, but all the others were successful catch and throws. So maybe playing pick up on Saturday helped instead of hurt.
My favorite play of the game was the one where I threw it to score. We'd gotten a fast break, and I was one of four team members near the end zone with only two defenders. Ed threw it to me, trying to lead me into the end zone, but it wasn't quite far enough (despite the fact that I tried to jump it in). Ed started running into the end zone as soon as he realized we hadn't scored yet. It was a great cut, and if I had been a tad faster, I probably could have thrown it to him to score. However, one of the defenders took off after him, making it an iffy throw. However, that left David wide open, so I threw it to him for the score.
The first half was also when I got knocked down. We'd just pulled it, and I was trying to get down to JV who had the disc. Another of his team mates was between us. I tried to go around just as he did a quick switch, running to the person behind him. Got a bit of a grass burn (if that kind of thing is possible), but no real damage. The only bad part of that was that I lost my temper for a second and had to apologize later. Hey, those kind of accidents happen, and it was obvious that's what it was. (I just throught for a second he was mad at me when he was just upset to be tumbling to the ground, too.)
The second half of the game didn't hold much in the way of highlights for me. I was in several points, but never did get open again. I think my brain had shut down because I was making poor cuts. I did a fairly decent job on defense, so that made me happy.
The score was a blow out. We were up 8-2 at half and cruized to a 15-6 victory. Those kind of games are run at times because it means we aren't putting as much pressure on ourselves. But having been on the other side of the equation, I do feel kinda bad about it.
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Normal Weekend?
This was almost a normal weekend for me. Emphasis on the almost.
Friday night was Bible study. We had a small group and did praise and prayer time. Man, I really need to spend more time with my guitar. I am rustier than I thought. But it still went pretty well.
Saturday was a nice, relaxing day. About the only thing I did in the morning was buzz my head. Seriously, nothing too exciting.
In the afternoon, I headed down to play ultimate. Had to get last week's game out of my head. And I did a good job of that. I was happy with some of my grabs and throws. Hopefully, that gives me enough confidence to play well tonight but no over confidence to blow it.
But it was hot. 100 Degree weather hot. I took two things of water. Finished one before I got to the car and drank about half of the other on the way home.
That night, my roommate invited a mutual friend over. We had pizza, played Mario Kart, and hit the pool and hot tub for a while. Great times.
Sunday was church and another time in the church library. Have I mentioned that? I'm helping out in the library during the summer for their kid's reading program. Basically, they just need extra bodies because of the extra crunch of people checking books out and wanting credit for the books read. So far, it's been fun.
That afternoon, I wound up talking to my family.
Then, I was back at church that night for SummerFest again. Good message. My Bible study helped set up and tear down. I bailed a little early and Josh and Joe came over to my place for a couple of Babylon 5 episodes. So all in all a great weekend.
Can I do it again right now? Please?
Friday night was Bible study. We had a small group and did praise and prayer time. Man, I really need to spend more time with my guitar. I am rustier than I thought. But it still went pretty well.
Saturday was a nice, relaxing day. About the only thing I did in the morning was buzz my head. Seriously, nothing too exciting.
In the afternoon, I headed down to play ultimate. Had to get last week's game out of my head. And I did a good job of that. I was happy with some of my grabs and throws. Hopefully, that gives me enough confidence to play well tonight but no over confidence to blow it.
But it was hot. 100 Degree weather hot. I took two things of water. Finished one before I got to the car and drank about half of the other on the way home.
That night, my roommate invited a mutual friend over. We had pizza, played Mario Kart, and hit the pool and hot tub for a while. Great times.
Sunday was church and another time in the church library. Have I mentioned that? I'm helping out in the library during the summer for their kid's reading program. Basically, they just need extra bodies because of the extra crunch of people checking books out and wanting credit for the books read. So far, it's been fun.
That afternoon, I wound up talking to my family.
Then, I was back at church that night for SummerFest again. Good message. My Bible study helped set up and tear down. I bailed a little early and Josh and Joe came over to my place for a couple of Babylon 5 episodes. So all in all a great weekend.
Can I do it again right now? Please?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Camping
Here we are a week later and I'm finally talking about my overnight camping trip from last weekend.
The career group at my church went camping last weekend. Everyone was invited. And it turned out to just be my friend Joe and I.
We left about 4:30 on Friday and headed north up the Grapevine - our destination Mt. Pinos. The entire time, I'd been talking about wanting to see stars. When we left, it was hot here in town. It cooled off as we climbed (not a surprise), but it also got quite cloudy. I was beginning to think we wouldn't see any stars. Fortunately, the clouds moved on before the sun set.
The campground is very primative. We're talking outhouses and no running water. But it was also very quiet.
When we got there, we set up, then went for a walk around the campground. Neither of us had been there before, so we were exploring a little for future Career group camp outs. After that, we started a fire and roasted hot dogs for dinner. Dessert was smores (of course).
Honestly, we didn't do too much exciting. But it was a good chance to talk and build our friendship.
When the stars came out, we spent quite a while looking at them. I joked I would get a crink in my neck from looking up so much, but it didn't happen.
The next morning, we explored a walking path before we left. I so wish I had had my camera with me, because the view from the path and the fox across the valley was beautiful. We also decided that next time that top of that path would be a star observatory because it was away from other campers (and their light).
We got home early afternoon on Saturday to discover that it was very overcast again here in town. In fact, it was misting on my car driving home. It was colder but clear on the mountain. Go figure.
The career group at my church went camping last weekend. Everyone was invited. And it turned out to just be my friend Joe and I.
We left about 4:30 on Friday and headed north up the Grapevine - our destination Mt. Pinos. The entire time, I'd been talking about wanting to see stars. When we left, it was hot here in town. It cooled off as we climbed (not a surprise), but it also got quite cloudy. I was beginning to think we wouldn't see any stars. Fortunately, the clouds moved on before the sun set.
The campground is very primative. We're talking outhouses and no running water. But it was also very quiet.
When we got there, we set up, then went for a walk around the campground. Neither of us had been there before, so we were exploring a little for future Career group camp outs. After that, we started a fire and roasted hot dogs for dinner. Dessert was smores (of course).
Honestly, we didn't do too much exciting. But it was a good chance to talk and build our friendship.
When the stars came out, we spent quite a while looking at them. I joked I would get a crink in my neck from looking up so much, but it didn't happen.
The next morning, we explored a walking path before we left. I so wish I had had my camera with me, because the view from the path and the fox across the valley was beautiful. We also decided that next time that top of that path would be a star observatory because it was away from other campers (and their light).
We got home early afternoon on Saturday to discover that it was very overcast again here in town. In fact, it was misting on my car driving home. It was colder but clear on the mountain. Go figure.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stunned
I was going to post about my camping trip this weekend today, but I just can't now.
This morning came the news that Farrah Fawcett died. Yes, it was sad news, but not unexpected because of her on going fight with cancer. I must admit I'm only really familiar with her work on Charlie's Angels. Okay, so maybe not the best she did, but I enjoyed the show and her work on the first season.
But now comes news that Michael Jackson has died as well. I am at a complete loss as to what to say.
Maybe I should start by pointing out I have never been a fan. In fact, I don't know if I have heard any of his songs all the way through. I could name a couple songs, but that's about it.
But I grew up in the 80's. I may not know his songs (or know I know them), but my childhood was full of references to him. I followed his career with at least a passing interest as a result.
And I was always jealous of the Disney attractions he built at his house. On the other hand, I think Captain EO is the only attraction that was at Disneyland when I was going that I never actually saw.
Obviously the last few years haven't been good to him. Honestly, I've felt sorry for him, whether or not the charges were true. Either A) he needed serious help or B) people were trying to take advantage of him.
It's a funny feeling I always get when a celebrity dies. Whether I knew them or not, followed their career or not, I feel saddened. Michael Jackson especially bothers me because he has always been a huge presence in my life.
I know their families will be much more affected by all this than I am. And my thoughts and prayers go out to them.
But for me, now, this is still a sad day.
This morning came the news that Farrah Fawcett died. Yes, it was sad news, but not unexpected because of her on going fight with cancer. I must admit I'm only really familiar with her work on Charlie's Angels. Okay, so maybe not the best she did, but I enjoyed the show and her work on the first season.
But now comes news that Michael Jackson has died as well. I am at a complete loss as to what to say.
Maybe I should start by pointing out I have never been a fan. In fact, I don't know if I have heard any of his songs all the way through. I could name a couple songs, but that's about it.
But I grew up in the 80's. I may not know his songs (or know I know them), but my childhood was full of references to him. I followed his career with at least a passing interest as a result.
And I was always jealous of the Disney attractions he built at his house. On the other hand, I think Captain EO is the only attraction that was at Disneyland when I was going that I never actually saw.
Obviously the last few years haven't been good to him. Honestly, I've felt sorry for him, whether or not the charges were true. Either A) he needed serious help or B) people were trying to take advantage of him.
It's a funny feeling I always get when a celebrity dies. Whether I knew them or not, followed their career or not, I feel saddened. Michael Jackson especially bothers me because he has always been a huge presence in my life.
I know their families will be much more affected by all this than I am. And my thoughts and prayers go out to them.
But for me, now, this is still a sad day.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What's on My Nightstand - June 2009
We've hit the fourth Tuesday of the month, meaning it is time for 5 Minutes for Books' monthly What's on Your Nightstand carnival.
In my case, I am just about half way through Sue Ann Jaffarian's The Curse of the Holy Pail. This is the second book about plus size paralegal Odelia Grey. This time around, Odelia gets involved in murder when a client at her law firm dies and the crown jewel of his lunch box collection is stolen.
As I say, I'm only half way through. It is getting quite interesting and I had a hard time putting it down at lunch time and coming back to work. I'm hoping to find some time tonight to get another couple chapters under my belt.
Up next? A book I hope to have read in time to talk about for next week's I Read It! carnival. I'm sure I'll at least be part way through it.
In my case, I am just about half way through Sue Ann Jaffarian's The Curse of the Holy Pail. This is the second book about plus size paralegal Odelia Grey. This time around, Odelia gets involved in murder when a client at her law firm dies and the crown jewel of his lunch box collection is stolen.
As I say, I'm only half way through. It is getting quite interesting and I had a hard time putting it down at lunch time and coming back to work. I'm hoping to find some time tonight to get another couple chapters under my belt.
Up next? A book I hope to have read in time to talk about for next week's I Read It! carnival. I'm sure I'll at least be part way through it.
Summer League Game 4
Last night was my teams 4th game. It was our turn to play down at the park in Venice. Actually, I'm kinda glad to get it out of the way this early in the season since it's a bad park. Part of one end zone always winds up in a baseball infield. There are really only lights on one half of the field. The neighborhood isn't the best, but that doesn't bother me as much. Must be the oblivious to my surroundings thing.
This week we were playing Purple People Eaters.
We started out by getting three points in a row. Then we traded points to get the score to 4-2. We were on defense and had just gotten a turn over when...
The lights went out.
Now keep in mind it was about 8:50 and the lights were supposed to stay on until after 10. So our captain went to talk to them. They forgot we were supposed to be there, so they turned the lights on and agreed to leave them on until 10:30.
And we waited. It was 15 minutes before the lights came back on.
Once they did, we continued the point. Honestly, I don't remember how the score volley at this point; I just remember that the half ended with them up 8-7.
After a short half time, we went back on the field and pulled ahead, scoring several in a row. And we never gave up the lead again. It was 13-10 at one point. I went in, so we lost that point and it was 13-11.
They had just kicked off again, when the lights went out a second time. It was only 10:15. Since it took 15 minutes last time, we figured there was no point in arguing about it this time and just called the game. Yep, we won again.
I was mostly happy with my performance last night, too. We only had six guys show up, which meant I got plenty of play time. Honestly, I was disappointed when the lights went out. I was ready for more.
One of the guys on the other team is about my speed, so I was able to shut him down for the most part when I was guarding him on defense.
Yet I got open several times for completed plays.
Then there was the last time I was in. The guy guarding me was poaching behind me a little, and our handlers were breaking the mark quite easily. I got open a couple times on the break mark side and got the disc. The last time, I thought I saw an open player and threw it to her. As soon as I let go, I knew I shouldn't have done it. Sure enough, the other team actually got the disc. I am not a give and go thrower. I have never been. I need a couple seconds to truly asses the field and a good open thrower. When will I learn not to rush things?
I really wanted to go in for one more point. Even if I didn't touch the disc, I wouldn't have been left with that as my final moment in the game. Yep, I have a feeling I will be obsessing over that until I get to play again. Definitely going to have to go down and play on Saturday. Hoping to make it before then, however.
This week we were playing Purple People Eaters.
We started out by getting three points in a row. Then we traded points to get the score to 4-2. We were on defense and had just gotten a turn over when...
The lights went out.
Now keep in mind it was about 8:50 and the lights were supposed to stay on until after 10. So our captain went to talk to them. They forgot we were supposed to be there, so they turned the lights on and agreed to leave them on until 10:30.
And we waited. It was 15 minutes before the lights came back on.
Once they did, we continued the point. Honestly, I don't remember how the score volley at this point; I just remember that the half ended with them up 8-7.
After a short half time, we went back on the field and pulled ahead, scoring several in a row. And we never gave up the lead again. It was 13-10 at one point. I went in, so we lost that point and it was 13-11.
They had just kicked off again, when the lights went out a second time. It was only 10:15. Since it took 15 minutes last time, we figured there was no point in arguing about it this time and just called the game. Yep, we won again.
I was mostly happy with my performance last night, too. We only had six guys show up, which meant I got plenty of play time. Honestly, I was disappointed when the lights went out. I was ready for more.
One of the guys on the other team is about my speed, so I was able to shut him down for the most part when I was guarding him on defense.
Yet I got open several times for completed plays.
Then there was the last time I was in. The guy guarding me was poaching behind me a little, and our handlers were breaking the mark quite easily. I got open a couple times on the break mark side and got the disc. The last time, I thought I saw an open player and threw it to her. As soon as I let go, I knew I shouldn't have done it. Sure enough, the other team actually got the disc. I am not a give and go thrower. I have never been. I need a couple seconds to truly asses the field and a good open thrower. When will I learn not to rush things?
I really wanted to go in for one more point. Even if I didn't touch the disc, I wouldn't have been left with that as my final moment in the game. Yep, I have a feeling I will be obsessing over that until I get to play again. Definitely going to have to go down and play on Saturday. Hoping to make it before then, however.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Summer League Game 3
So, my last game was Wednesday and tonight I have another game. Books just took over last week, but they are gone for the time being.
Let's talk game three, shall we?
Frankly, the highlight of the game for me personally came the first point I played. I got a D! The thrower threw the disc right by the guy I was guarding, so it was easy for me to swat it down. Since I hardly ever get a good defense play, I was thrilled. That is, until we turned it over a minute later and my guy got away from me to score. :(
On offense, they threw it to me a couple of times, but it either was intercepted or it went behind me. So it wasn't the best game for me personally.
However, it was an awesome game.
We started out three points behind, and never caught up in the first half. The score at that point was 5-8. I must admit, I had written the game off at that point.
The first point of the second half was long and hard fought with it going back and forth and back and forth multiple times before we finally scored.
From there, I must admit I lost track of the score. I figured we were still behind, when suddenly both sides were saying it was tied 11-11. Never one to argue when both teams agree on the score, I started paying more attention.
We scored the next two points, meaing we just needed two more to win.
Naturally, we let them score the next two points, making it 13-13, game to 15 or win by two.
I guess that the scare we needed. We scored the next two in a row to win 15-13.
Overall record so far, 2-1.
Let's talk game three, shall we?
Frankly, the highlight of the game for me personally came the first point I played. I got a D! The thrower threw the disc right by the guy I was guarding, so it was easy for me to swat it down. Since I hardly ever get a good defense play, I was thrilled. That is, until we turned it over a minute later and my guy got away from me to score. :(
On offense, they threw it to me a couple of times, but it either was intercepted or it went behind me. So it wasn't the best game for me personally.
However, it was an awesome game.
We started out three points behind, and never caught up in the first half. The score at that point was 5-8. I must admit, I had written the game off at that point.
The first point of the second half was long and hard fought with it going back and forth and back and forth multiple times before we finally scored.
From there, I must admit I lost track of the score. I figured we were still behind, when suddenly both sides were saying it was tied 11-11. Never one to argue when both teams agree on the score, I started paying more attention.
We scored the next two points, meaing we just needed two more to win.
Naturally, we let them score the next two points, making it 13-13, game to 15 or win by two.
I guess that the scare we needed. We scored the next two in a row to win 15-13.
Overall record so far, 2-1.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Spring Reading Thing 2009 Wrap Up
Despite the cool temps (it's in the 60's again today), the calendar says that tomorrow is the first day of Summer. Which means it is time to do a wrap up of my 2009 Spring Reading Thing.
I started with 27 books and added one a couple weeks later (despite my desire to add several more I forgot.) Of those 28 books, I read 20 of them.
The books I got through are (links take you to my reviews at Epinions.com):
Kilt Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
The Ironwood Tree by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes by Marlane Kennedy
The Wrath of Mulgarath by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
Too Rich and Too Dead by Cynthia Baxter
In a Gilded Cage by Rhys Bowen
Murder in the Marais by Cara Black
Shark Island by Joan Druett
Killer Cruise by Laura Levine
Burn Notice: The End Game by Tod Goldberg
Murder in Grub Street by Bruce Alexander
3rd Degree by James Patterson
Resort to Murder by Carolyn Hart
A Talent for Murder by R. T. Jordan
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life so Far by Amy Grant
A Night at the Operation by Jeffrey Cohen
Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop by Lee Goldberg
Slay it with Flowers by Kate Collins
Mayhem in Miniature by Margaret Grace
Books on my list I didn't read:
Tenth Stone by Brock and Bodie Thoene
Sucker Punched by Sammi Carter
Docketful of Posey by Diana Killian
Exposure by Brandilyn Collins
A Date You Can't Refuse by Harley Jane Kozak
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett
Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
Thoughts:
Quite a few of these books were the latest in series I already enjoy, so I'm not sure I have any new ground to cover. The one or two new authors I did try probably won't be showing up in my to be read piles again.
I got through all three of the hold over books from previous challenges.
The 8 books left over and all books I am anxious to get to. I'm sure some will get read over the summer. And if not, expect to see them again in my fall reading challenge list.
Frankly, I still can't get over reading 20 books this spring. If my shoulder heals and I go back to working out on my lunch hour, I'm going to be highly disappointed with how much my reading productivity level drops.
I started with 27 books and added one a couple weeks later (despite my desire to add several more I forgot.) Of those 28 books, I read 20 of them.
The books I got through are (links take you to my reviews at Epinions.com):
Kilt Dead by Kaitlyn Dunnett
The Ironwood Tree by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes by Marlane Kennedy
The Wrath of Mulgarath by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
Too Rich and Too Dead by Cynthia Baxter
In a Gilded Cage by Rhys Bowen
Murder in the Marais by Cara Black
Shark Island by Joan Druett
Killer Cruise by Laura Levine
Burn Notice: The End Game by Tod Goldberg
Murder in Grub Street by Bruce Alexander
3rd Degree by James Patterson
Resort to Murder by Carolyn Hart
A Talent for Murder by R. T. Jordan
Mosaic: Pieces of My Life so Far by Amy Grant
A Night at the Operation by Jeffrey Cohen
Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop by Lee Goldberg
Slay it with Flowers by Kate Collins
Mayhem in Miniature by Margaret Grace
Books on my list I didn't read:
Tenth Stone by Brock and Bodie Thoene
Sucker Punched by Sammi Carter
Docketful of Posey by Diana Killian
Exposure by Brandilyn Collins
A Date You Can't Refuse by Harley Jane Kozak
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett
Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
Thoughts:
Quite a few of these books were the latest in series I already enjoy, so I'm not sure I have any new ground to cover. The one or two new authors I did try probably won't be showing up in my to be read piles again.
I got through all three of the hold over books from previous challenges.
The 8 books left over and all books I am anxious to get to. I'm sure some will get read over the summer. And if not, expect to see them again in my fall reading challenge list.
Frankly, I still can't get over reading 20 books this spring. If my shoulder heals and I go back to working out on my lunch hour, I'm going to be highly disappointed with how much my reading productivity level drops.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Mini Review: Mayhem in Miniature
My final mini review for Spring 2009. Can you believe we've made it?
We're finishing things off with Mayhem in Miniature by Margaret Grace.
This is the second book in the series and finds retired English teacher and crafter Gerry Porter investigating the going ons at a retirement home in her home town. She teaches a crafting class there one day a week, and one of her favorite students goes missing, only to show up covered in the blood of a murder victim. While she claims to be innocent, the police aren't buying that. So Gerry starts poking around for other clues.
I like this book more than the first in the series. For starters, Gerry's friend Linda is much easier to shallow. And, I've got to admit, I still love Gerry's granddaughter and nephew.
However, I the pacing of the plot was uneven. It started slowly and the ending didn't allow Gerry time to piece together all the clues she had. She could have solved the thing, but the killer just showed up to try to silence her. Mind you, the solution was logical, but it was still weaker than I normally like.
We're finishing things off with Mayhem in Miniature by Margaret Grace.
This is the second book in the series and finds retired English teacher and crafter Gerry Porter investigating the going ons at a retirement home in her home town. She teaches a crafting class there one day a week, and one of her favorite students goes missing, only to show up covered in the blood of a murder victim. While she claims to be innocent, the police aren't buying that. So Gerry starts poking around for other clues.
I like this book more than the first in the series. For starters, Gerry's friend Linda is much easier to shallow. And, I've got to admit, I still love Gerry's granddaughter and nephew.
However, I the pacing of the plot was uneven. It started slowly and the ending didn't allow Gerry time to piece together all the clues she had. She could have solved the thing, but the killer just showed up to try to silence her. Mind you, the solution was logical, but it was still weaker than I normally like.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mini Review: Slay it with Flowers
Today's mini review, Slay it with Flowers by Kate Collins, also marks the final of three books I carried over from previous challenges. Cool, isn't it?
This is the second Flowershop mystery and picks up exactly where the last one ended. Or maybe a day or two later.
This time around, Abby Knight is involved in her cousin Jillian's wedding. Not only is she a bridesmaid, but she is providing the flowers. It represents some nice income for her florist shop, so she wants the wedding to happen.
Naturally, that means she is going to get involved when one of the groomsmen goes missing. Where is he? And what does his disappearance mean?
These books are mostly enjoyable. The plot moves along well and the ending was a surprise. There are several funny scenes along the way that made me laugh out loud.
However, the characters seem flat. I like what I know about them, but there isn't that much to get to know.
But I've already bought the next and hope to get to it sooner rather than later.
This is the second Flowershop mystery and picks up exactly where the last one ended. Or maybe a day or two later.
This time around, Abby Knight is involved in her cousin Jillian's wedding. Not only is she a bridesmaid, but she is providing the flowers. It represents some nice income for her florist shop, so she wants the wedding to happen.
Naturally, that means she is going to get involved when one of the groomsmen goes missing. Where is he? And what does his disappearance mean?
These books are mostly enjoyable. The plot moves along well and the ending was a surprise. There are several funny scenes along the way that made me laugh out loud.
However, the characters seem flat. I like what I know about them, but there isn't that much to get to know.
But I've already bought the next and hope to get to it sooner rather than later.
Word Association for June 17th
How about a little lunch time word association?
- Nudity :: Shower
- Domestic :: Bliss
- Burp :: Baby (You can tell who has friends with babies)
- Baby :: LOL (didn't even see this when I did my last word)
- Dateline :: NBC
- Retract :: Roof
- Suppose :: Guess
- Surreal :: Strange
- Infidelity :: Sad
- Token :: Video game
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Moving Help Again
This week was my third move of 2009. Fortunately, it wasn't mine. In fact, none of them have been mine. (I'm not going to talk about how much I appreciate not having had to move in the last few years so I don't jinx anything.)
In this case, my friends Nick and Jenny were moving back to Santa Clarita from Pasadena. They are gone all summer, so they won't really be back until Fall, but I am so excited to have them in the same town as me again! Sunday, I met up with a bunch of their family in Pasadena to get their stuff into trucks. Then we had to unload it here in town. Between church and hanging out with Joe in the evening, I wasn't home all day. But it was fun. Well, as much fun as you can have when working hard. They hadn't quite finished when I left, but it was close.
Saturday was a very lazy day. I actually slept in. Then I got up and did pretty much nothing. Well, I did play catch up on the TV recorded on my DVR. I left to play ultimate down in Van Nuys. Then I came straight home, played some Mario Kart on the Wii and watched more TV. Really exciting stuff, right? You want to know the sad part? I felt like I could have taken a nap all day. Man, I was so tired. Actually, I was tired both days. It was scary how close to falling asleep I came driving back from Pasadena on Sunday.
So what did I do last night? I went to Magic Mountain, of course. I was taking pictures for Sue Ann Jaffarian's "How Odelia Spent Her Summer" photo contest. I have enough for a photo essay, so we'll see what I actually send in. Pretty much, I walked around the park taking pictures of various things. Nothing too exciting. I only rode a couple of the rides. That's the advantage of having a season pass, right?
And no, one of them wasn't Terminator: Salvation the Ride. Like almost all their rides now, you can't carry anything on the ride with you, so I would have had to pay to rent a locker. Plus it was a 45 minute to an hour wait, and I really wasn't up for that last night. But I will go back and ride it soonish.
In this case, my friends Nick and Jenny were moving back to Santa Clarita from Pasadena. They are gone all summer, so they won't really be back until Fall, but I am so excited to have them in the same town as me again! Sunday, I met up with a bunch of their family in Pasadena to get their stuff into trucks. Then we had to unload it here in town. Between church and hanging out with Joe in the evening, I wasn't home all day. But it was fun. Well, as much fun as you can have when working hard. They hadn't quite finished when I left, but it was close.
Saturday was a very lazy day. I actually slept in. Then I got up and did pretty much nothing. Well, I did play catch up on the TV recorded on my DVR. I left to play ultimate down in Van Nuys. Then I came straight home, played some Mario Kart on the Wii and watched more TV. Really exciting stuff, right? You want to know the sad part? I felt like I could have taken a nap all day. Man, I was so tired. Actually, I was tired both days. It was scary how close to falling asleep I came driving back from Pasadena on Sunday.
So what did I do last night? I went to Magic Mountain, of course. I was taking pictures for Sue Ann Jaffarian's "How Odelia Spent Her Summer" photo contest. I have enough for a photo essay, so we'll see what I actually send in. Pretty much, I walked around the park taking pictures of various things. Nothing too exciting. I only rode a couple of the rides. That's the advantage of having a season pass, right?
And no, one of them wasn't Terminator: Salvation the Ride. Like almost all their rides now, you can't carry anything on the ride with you, so I would have had to pay to rent a locker. Plus it was a 45 minute to an hour wait, and I really wasn't up for that last night. But I will go back and ride it soonish.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Mini Review: Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop
I'm hoping to have three mini reviews this week to finish up Spring. The first is on Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop by Lee Goldberg.
This book finds Monk the victim of budget cuts. Since the SFPD doesn't have the budget to keep him on as a consultant, he has to find a new way to make money. Natalie is thrilled when he gets hired by a private firm that pays them both very well. But a series of murders in San Francisco hit close to home. Will Monk be too distracted to solve them?
Once again, this book took its time getting through the set up. But every part of that was important to the mystery this go around. (And maybe I'm getting used to it as well). The plot was great overall, the characters were strong, and the laughs plentiful. I especially loved a sub-plot involving Natalie and how it was resolved.
This book finds Monk the victim of budget cuts. Since the SFPD doesn't have the budget to keep him on as a consultant, he has to find a new way to make money. Natalie is thrilled when he gets hired by a private firm that pays them both very well. But a series of murders in San Francisco hit close to home. Will Monk be too distracted to solve them?
Once again, this book took its time getting through the set up. But every part of that was important to the mystery this go around. (And maybe I'm getting used to it as well). The plot was great overall, the characters were strong, and the laughs plentiful. I especially loved a sub-plot involving Natalie and how it was resolved.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Summer League Game Two and Beyond!
If you'll remember from my last post, I had rolled my ankle playing beach ultimate on Sunday when I had a summer league game on Monday. I iced it before work on Monday and again as soon as I got home from work. That did the trick. It was feeling fine, and I was able to play.
That's a good thing, too. We had a total of 5 guys show up, one of whom got injured 3/4 of the way through the game. Since we play 4-3 or 3-4 men and women, I got lots of playing time, like just about half the points.
And it was a hard fought game. At one point in the first half, we were ahead by two points. Then the other team pulled ahead 8-7 at half. We came back with two in a row, but then they scored. We basically traded points until it was 12-12. At that point, two points had been the biggest lead of the night.
It was at that point that our player got injured. One of our better players, too. We were all tired. We fought hard, but we lost 12-15. Believe me, those last three points were all close.
They really poached off me quite a bit, staying back to try to keep the deep throws from happening (which we were doing way too much.) As a result, I played up near the front handling the disc quite a bit. I enjoyed that, although every time I tried to go for a quick throw I blew it. I've got to remember to take a deep breath and go for the easier throws. I can make the ones I am trying for, I just get too excited and wind up blowing them.
And then there was the time I was picked (think a screen in basketball. They are total illegal here.) And yet I stood there yelling "Poached" wondering why no one was stopping. Fortunately, the person with the disc realized what was going on (he saw the pick), and after a few seconds asked me what I meant. I was a bit embarrassed, but did find it rather funny.
Either way, it was a fun game. I feel good about how we played. But boy was I tired.
Tuesday, my roommate Brennon went over some stretching exercises with me to help strengthen my legs. And I've done them exactly once since then. (I hope he doesn't read this).
Wednesday, I ran some errands and then stopped by my friends Kurt and Kellie's house for about an hour or so. Probably would have been longer except Kellie wasn't feeling well at all.
Last night, I finally got some serious TV watching in. I have so much from this week yet to go. With all the stuff on my DVR, you'd forget it was summer. Got to love USA for giving me stuff to watch.
But tonight I won't get to any of it. It's Bible study time again.
Meanwhile, I can't get the thought of doing the Camp Pendleton Mud Run next summer out of my mind. It's scary since it's a 10K race, and I can't even run 5K. But it just sounds like so much fun. I think I may just sign up for it.
That's a good thing, too. We had a total of 5 guys show up, one of whom got injured 3/4 of the way through the game. Since we play 4-3 or 3-4 men and women, I got lots of playing time, like just about half the points.
And it was a hard fought game. At one point in the first half, we were ahead by two points. Then the other team pulled ahead 8-7 at half. We came back with two in a row, but then they scored. We basically traded points until it was 12-12. At that point, two points had been the biggest lead of the night.
It was at that point that our player got injured. One of our better players, too. We were all tired. We fought hard, but we lost 12-15. Believe me, those last three points were all close.
They really poached off me quite a bit, staying back to try to keep the deep throws from happening (which we were doing way too much.) As a result, I played up near the front handling the disc quite a bit. I enjoyed that, although every time I tried to go for a quick throw I blew it. I've got to remember to take a deep breath and go for the easier throws. I can make the ones I am trying for, I just get too excited and wind up blowing them.
And then there was the time I was picked (think a screen in basketball. They are total illegal here.) And yet I stood there yelling "Poached" wondering why no one was stopping. Fortunately, the person with the disc realized what was going on (he saw the pick), and after a few seconds asked me what I meant. I was a bit embarrassed, but did find it rather funny.
Either way, it was a fun game. I feel good about how we played. But boy was I tired.
Tuesday, my roommate Brennon went over some stretching exercises with me to help strengthen my legs. And I've done them exactly once since then. (I hope he doesn't read this).
Wednesday, I ran some errands and then stopped by my friends Kurt and Kellie's house for about an hour or so. Probably would have been longer except Kellie wasn't feeling well at all.
Last night, I finally got some serious TV watching in. I have so much from this week yet to go. With all the stuff on my DVR, you'd forget it was summer. Got to love USA for giving me stuff to watch.
But tonight I won't get to any of it. It's Bible study time again.
Meanwhile, I can't get the thought of doing the Camp Pendleton Mud Run next summer out of my mind. It's scary since it's a 10K race, and I can't even run 5K. But it just sounds like so much fun. I think I may just sign up for it.
Mini Review: A Night at the Operation
With spring drawing to a close, I've got to get these mini reviews finished up. Today, we'll be looking at A Night at the Operation by Jeffrey Cohen.
This comedic mystery series centers around Elliot Freed, the owner of the only all comedy all the time movie theater in New Jersey. In this book, his ex-wifes goes missing. Considering how close Elliot and Sharon still are, he becomes quite concerned. Even worse, one of her patients has died under mysterious circumstances, and the police want to question her about it. Where is she? What does she know about the death?
The plot grabbed me from the first chapter and keep me engaged until the end. And the humor was non-stop, keeping me laughing or at least grinning.
My only real complaint was the suspect characters. We spend so much time with the series regulars, I never got a good feel for the new characters brought in for this particular plot. But that's a minor complaint over all.
This comedic mystery series centers around Elliot Freed, the owner of the only all comedy all the time movie theater in New Jersey. In this book, his ex-wifes goes missing. Considering how close Elliot and Sharon still are, he becomes quite concerned. Even worse, one of her patients has died under mysterious circumstances, and the police want to question her about it. Where is she? What does she know about the death?
The plot grabbed me from the first chapter and keep me engaged until the end. And the humor was non-stop, keeping me laughing or at least grinning.
My only real complaint was the suspect characters. We spend so much time with the series regulars, I never got a good feel for the new characters brought in for this particular plot. But that's a minor complaint over all.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Meeting, Party, Party, Ultimate, Bab 5
Before I get to talking about my weekend, I do have an announcement to make. If you've been looking for my "Followers," I took it down. Seems that when viewing my blog through IE, the Followers program from Blogger would make the blog crash. And since I use IE, I couldn't view my blog. I use my blog as a bookmark holder as well as a blog (all those links on the right are for me as much as anyone else), so that just wouldn't do. Yes, I do intend to bring it back if the bug ever gets fixed.
Okay, so on to my weekend.
Saturday actually started very early. I had an 8AM meeting. The leadership group for my Friday Bible study met to talk about what would be involved. And I met with Nathan Monday for a follow up. I am nervous but excited to see where this leads.
Of course, I didn't get to sleep until after 1AM the night before. Not sure why. I was lying in bed. In fact, I don't seem to go to sleep until that time most nights. I'm not sure why my body has decided I need to little sleep. I'm not even sure I like it.
As long as I am complaining, what is up with our weather? I know about Jume gloom, but this is ridiculous. We're talking cloudy skies all day every day. Looks like rain, but it isn't actually raining. And we're lucky in the highs are in the low 70's. This is winter weather. Come on!
Anyway, I spent most of the morning at home, then left in the early afternoon to attend the launch party for Laura Levine's latest. Met up with Angelique. We got to chat with Joanne Fluke for a while and brouse the store. I was good and didn't buy anything. (I've made up for it since then).
I rushed from the party to another party. Saturday evening was a birthday party for my friend Kurt. We hung out, watched the babies, and ate for a while. The guys went down to the pool. I whimped out on playing watermellon rugby, but I did enjoy the spa.
Sunday morning start out with church. Then I came home and got ready for some ultimate Frisbee fun. Several weeks ago, I'd made plans to play on the beach in Santa Monica with both my roommates. They were jazzed to go. I wasn't because of the weather. Turns out it was a nice day down there. Windy, but it is the beach. I rolled my left ankle on the very first point, but I kept right on playing. Brennon and I jumped in the ocean when we were done. All in all, it was a great afternoon.
We came home and I jumped in the shower quickly before going to meet the guys for Babylon 5 night. And that's when I decided my ankle was more serious than I thought. I came home and iced it. But I was really worried since my summer league game was Monday night this week.
To be Continued....
Okay, so on to my weekend.
Saturday actually started very early. I had an 8AM meeting. The leadership group for my Friday Bible study met to talk about what would be involved. And I met with Nathan Monday for a follow up. I am nervous but excited to see where this leads.
Of course, I didn't get to sleep until after 1AM the night before. Not sure why. I was lying in bed. In fact, I don't seem to go to sleep until that time most nights. I'm not sure why my body has decided I need to little sleep. I'm not even sure I like it.
As long as I am complaining, what is up with our weather? I know about Jume gloom, but this is ridiculous. We're talking cloudy skies all day every day. Looks like rain, but it isn't actually raining. And we're lucky in the highs are in the low 70's. This is winter weather. Come on!
Anyway, I spent most of the morning at home, then left in the early afternoon to attend the launch party for Laura Levine's latest. Met up with Angelique. We got to chat with Joanne Fluke for a while and brouse the store. I was good and didn't buy anything. (I've made up for it since then).
I rushed from the party to another party. Saturday evening was a birthday party for my friend Kurt. We hung out, watched the babies, and ate for a while. The guys went down to the pool. I whimped out on playing watermellon rugby, but I did enjoy the spa.
Sunday morning start out with church. Then I came home and got ready for some ultimate Frisbee fun. Several weeks ago, I'd made plans to play on the beach in Santa Monica with both my roommates. They were jazzed to go. I wasn't because of the weather. Turns out it was a nice day down there. Windy, but it is the beach. I rolled my left ankle on the very first point, but I kept right on playing. Brennon and I jumped in the ocean when we were done. All in all, it was a great afternoon.
We came home and I jumped in the shower quickly before going to meet the guys for Babylon 5 night. And that's when I decided my ankle was more serious than I thought. I came home and iced it. But I was really worried since my summer league game was Monday night this week.
To be Continued....
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Mini Review: Mosaic Pieces of My Life
Today I finally get the mini review written on the other hold over from last Spring's reading challenge - Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant.
This book is not a true autobiography. Instead, Amy tells us stories from her life. They are organized more around themes of family, friends, and God rather than in chronological order. Each chapter is around three pages long with lyrics from her songs in between.
I knew going into the book I wasn't looking at a straight autobiography, and I think that helped me enjoy the book for what it was. I was really challenged to remember that people are much more important than most of what I persue in life, something that Amy comes back to time and time again.
And don't come looking to this book for gossip or details of her personal life. There are none. At times it seems awkward when she goes out of her way to exclude ex-husband Gary Chapman from the book (while including his father). But I do respect the fact that she didn't get into personal attacks or name calling. If she had to go to one extreme or the other, I would rather that she left him out instead of dragging him (and herself) through the mud.
This book is not a true autobiography. Instead, Amy tells us stories from her life. They are organized more around themes of family, friends, and God rather than in chronological order. Each chapter is around three pages long with lyrics from her songs in between.
I knew going into the book I wasn't looking at a straight autobiography, and I think that helped me enjoy the book for what it was. I was really challenged to remember that people are much more important than most of what I persue in life, something that Amy comes back to time and time again.
And don't come looking to this book for gossip or details of her personal life. There are none. At times it seems awkward when she goes out of her way to exclude ex-husband Gary Chapman from the book (while including his father). But I do respect the fact that she didn't get into personal attacks or name calling. If she had to go to one extreme or the other, I would rather that she left him out instead of dragging him (and herself) through the mud.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Word Association for June 9th
There are probably other things I should be blogging about right now, but I am brain dead. Must mean it is time for word association. (This ought to be interesting.)
- Hockey :: Ice
- Twirling :: Spinning
- Montreal :: Canada
- Better :: Sick
- New :: Old
- Rally :: Car
- Stanley :: Climbfall
- USB :: Port
- Scouted :: Ahead
- Cough :: Hack
Friday, June 05, 2009
Summer League Game 1
Tuesday night was my first ultimate Frisbee game of the 2009 summer league season.
I got there a little late as always. No good excuse. I was talking to my family in fact. Met my team, Aqualung (light blue) this year. My captain was on my St. Pat's Hat team. Seem like a good group of people. However, there are several men who are as old and out of shape as I am, which means when we face really athletic teams, we are going to have serious problems.
Then the game started. We started out in the hole. In fact, we were down two at one point, 3-5.
We actually started our comeback early (for a team of mine.) We rallied from 3-5 and got several in a row. We actually finished the half ahead 8-6.
And we scored right off the bat in the second half, increasing the lead to 9-6. We traded points for a while, then let them get two in a row. So things got a little more intense on our end as the scores were often a point apart. But we won in the end 15-13.
One of the points I was in, my defender swatted down the disc both times it was thrown to me. Even worse, one was in the end zone and a nice long floater I would have actually had for a change had he not been there. The other one was going into a crowded area. I could have gotten it had no one been around, but if I had tried, I would have gotten hurt.
But I did actually connect with the disc once. In the second half, it was thrown to me and I caught it. Then I was actually patient with it and threw it on to someone else. So I was happy with that.
I got there a little late as always. No good excuse. I was talking to my family in fact. Met my team, Aqualung (light blue) this year. My captain was on my St. Pat's Hat team. Seem like a good group of people. However, there are several men who are as old and out of shape as I am, which means when we face really athletic teams, we are going to have serious problems.
Then the game started. We started out in the hole. In fact, we were down two at one point, 3-5.
We actually started our comeback early (for a team of mine.) We rallied from 3-5 and got several in a row. We actually finished the half ahead 8-6.
And we scored right off the bat in the second half, increasing the lead to 9-6. We traded points for a while, then let them get two in a row. So things got a little more intense on our end as the scores were often a point apart. But we won in the end 15-13.
One of the points I was in, my defender swatted down the disc both times it was thrown to me. Even worse, one was in the end zone and a nice long floater I would have actually had for a change had he not been there. The other one was going into a crowded area. I could have gotten it had no one been around, but if I had tried, I would have gotten hurt.
But I did actually connect with the disc once. In the second half, it was thrown to me and I caught it. Then I was actually patient with it and threw it on to someone else. So I was happy with that.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Word Association on June 4th
Before the week completely gets away from me, let's do some word association.
- Nursery :: Baby
- Side effect :: Medicine
- Heart to heart :: Talk
- Try :: Harder
- Hog :: Tied
- Symptom :: Sick
- Collide :: Accident
- Fury :: Anger
- Incorporated :: Business
- Summer :: Fun, Relax, Swim (I can go on if you want)
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Titles are My Enemy
I just hate trying to come up with a good title, don't you?
So, last week, I came down with my roommate Brennon's cold. Starting feeling poorly on Thursday, really felt it Friday and Saturday. Didn't go play ultimate Saturday afternoon as a result. :(
But I didn't let that stop me from going to see Up. I went Saturday afternoon and again Monday night in 3D. As you may have guessed, I loved, loved, loved it. Lots of laughs but some good messages that are not preached at you.
And my new roommate has moved in. Daniel joined my friend Joe and I for the movie Monday night in fact. So far so good.
Yes, that's even though I had to rescue him from car trouble. His battery died a few blocks from home last night. By the time we got him a new battery (thank goodness for 24 hour Wal-Marts), it was after midnight. Between that and my ultimate game, I was much more stuffed up then I had been. I really do think I am beginning to get over my cold. I hope that's the case anyway.
My brother and sister-in-law are back from their trip to Israel. Sounds like they had a great time.
Finished rewatching the first season of Babylon 5 Sunday night over at my place with Josh. Can't wait to get into season 2 this coming Sunday.
So, last week, I came down with my roommate Brennon's cold. Starting feeling poorly on Thursday, really felt it Friday and Saturday. Didn't go play ultimate Saturday afternoon as a result. :(
But I didn't let that stop me from going to see Up. I went Saturday afternoon and again Monday night in 3D. As you may have guessed, I loved, loved, loved it. Lots of laughs but some good messages that are not preached at you.
And my new roommate has moved in. Daniel joined my friend Joe and I for the movie Monday night in fact. So far so good.
Yes, that's even though I had to rescue him from car trouble. His battery died a few blocks from home last night. By the time we got him a new battery (thank goodness for 24 hour Wal-Marts), it was after midnight. Between that and my ultimate game, I was much more stuffed up then I had been. I really do think I am beginning to get over my cold. I hope that's the case anyway.
My brother and sister-in-law are back from their trip to Israel. Sounds like they had a great time.
Finished rewatching the first season of Babylon 5 Sunday night over at my place with Josh. Can't wait to get into season 2 this coming Sunday.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Mini Review: A Talent for Murder
I feel a mini review coming on. Time to talk about A Talent for Murder by R. T. Jordan.
Living Legend Polly Pepper is always looking for a new job so she can afford to keep up her lavish lifestyle. That's why the former queen of variety TV agrees to take on the role of the nice judge on I'll Do Anything to Become Famous, the next not so great reality series. Things are off to a weak start rating wise until the mean judge, Brittish transplant Thane Cornwall is murdered in his house. With a panel of suspects, not to mention the contestants, Polly has her hands full.
This series is full out wacky fun. If you are expecting anything planted on earth, look elsewhere. It revels in being Hollywood. I love it for that. This is especially true of Polly, who is over the top as a character. Not that I find any of them especially realistic.
The plot was well developed here with some nice twists and red herrings.
My only real complaint was the timeline. It seemed like days and weeks vanished without acknowledgement. That's a big pet peeve of mine. I think sequentially, so it makes it hard for me to process if it isn't tracking.
Living Legend Polly Pepper is always looking for a new job so she can afford to keep up her lavish lifestyle. That's why the former queen of variety TV agrees to take on the role of the nice judge on I'll Do Anything to Become Famous, the next not so great reality series. Things are off to a weak start rating wise until the mean judge, Brittish transplant Thane Cornwall is murdered in his house. With a panel of suspects, not to mention the contestants, Polly has her hands full.
This series is full out wacky fun. If you are expecting anything planted on earth, look elsewhere. It revels in being Hollywood. I love it for that. This is especially true of Polly, who is over the top as a character. Not that I find any of them especially realistic.
The plot was well developed here with some nice twists and red herrings.
My only real complaint was the timeline. It seemed like days and weeks vanished without acknowledgement. That's a big pet peeve of mine. I think sequentially, so it makes it hard for me to process if it isn't tracking.
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