Feel Good Friday: The Pirates Crew Dancing (Step Up 3)

It's a little late but it's still Friday. What's everyone feeling good about? I've always loved this scene in Step Up 3 of everyone in The Pirates dancing and having fun. I love all the Step Up movies but I think this third movie is probably my absolute favorite out of the franchise. I don't know why but I just love this movie.

Music: Fancy Footwork by Chromeo

Characters Reading: Raven (Teen Titans Go!)

Apparently, on Teen Titans Go! the bathroom is just another place to hang out and relax in. Which hasn't gone unnoticed by Robin in the episode Serious Business who thinks the team is wasting too much time in the bathroom. To fix this, Robin said the Titans had five minutes to do whatever they needed to do every time they went to the bathroom. It also didn't help that when the timer went off the bathroom exploded.

Some of the ways Raven wasted time in the bathroom is by dancing and reading books. While in one of her relaxing bathroom moments, Raven was reading Tale of Flame and Snow, I wonder if it's a play on the title The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, Elio M. García Jr, Linda Antonsson. Anyway, she just seemed so happy to be reading that is until her allotted five minute were up and the bathroom exploded.

(Teen Titans Go! season 2 episode 18: Serious Business)

Holocaust Remembrance Day!

History is uncomfortable but we are supposed to learn from it and not repeat the hate and intolerance of the past. We can't stop caring and become desensitized to all the terrible things that have and continue to happen. The Holocaust was a travesty that never should have happened but it did and we have to fight to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again. Especially with the way hate has continued to increase around the world, we can't give up on trying to make the world a better place.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is to honor the 6 million Jewish lives that were lost and to remember so many others who also suffered and died.

Johnny Cage (Mortal Kombat 2) Fancast: Chris Hemsworth and Oliver Stark

The Mortal Kombat movie is getting a sequel and there's a strong chance that the character Johnny Cage will be in it. I was wondering who you would cast to play the character? I would cast either Chris Hemsworth or Oliver Stark for the role.

I think either one can play over the top characters and both are used to the physicality of action scenes. And not to mention both look like they live in the gym, so they already have the perfect muscular physique for the role. I know there is little chance of either actor being cast as Johnny but I think either one would be great for the role. Well, I guess that's what fancasting is for. 

Fashion: Aureus + Argent Rose Cut Stone Drop Earrings

I love wearing jewelry, a little or a lot, I like having fun creating different looks. Lately, I've been into wearing crystal or gemstone earrings and a pair that I really like and maybe thinking of getting are the ones below. I think they're so pretty and would go with just about any outfit.

Aureus + Argent Rose Cut Stone Drop Earrings in Labradorite                        $69.50                      Banana Republic (bananarepublic.gap.com)

Art of the Day: Captain America and Black Bolt

Artwork: Black Bolt #9 cover by Christian Ward

Storytime: Connie Britton reading "The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister"

It's been quite a while since I've posted a Storytime video especially since there are so many online. Well, here is a very recent one with actress Connie Britton reading the children's book The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister by Linda Ravin Lodding with illustrations by Suzanne Beaky. I also posted the book and the description below.

Why do you think Carlos and T.K. broke up on 9-1-1: Lone Star?

Before a new episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star airs tonight, I was wondering if you had any thoughts as to why Carlos Reyes and T.K. Strand broke up? The first episode of this third season, The Big Chill revealed that the fan favorite couple had broken up. I'm sure at some point, viewers will find out why but until then I wanted to know what you thought about it.

I have three theories, the first is Carlos proposed and for some reason T.K. turned him down and then broke up with him. Although, T.K. loves Carlos, he's not sure he ever wants to get married and broke up with Carlos because he didn't want him to have to settle for a relationship where he won't get everything he wants out of it.

My second theory is that the trauma from the house fire might have caused them to distance themselves from each other instead of talking to each other. More so from T.K. than from Carlos. Although they both nearly died in that fire and they lost everything they owned as well. I feel like the fire coupled with the 126 fire station being shutdown might have been a bigger distance inducing factor for T.K. causing him to get scared about the future making him want to end things with Carlos because he felt like he couldn't deal with everything including being in a relationship.

My third theory is that after Fire Captain Owen Strand knocked out Billy Tyson after he announced that the 126 fire station was being shut down that when Billy came to he wanted Owen arrested and charged. And since Carlos although off duty was on the scene, he unfortunately had to arrest Owen and that caused an issue between Carlos and T.K. resulting in them breaking up.

Well these are just my theories, what are yours?

How was everyone's weekend?

Happy Monday, how was everyone's weekend? Did you find any time to read over the weekend? If so, what book are you reading?

My weekend was good. I was able to get in some really good reading time because I'm trying to make sure I read all my Book Club books before the month is over. I'm currently reading The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan and so far it's pretty good. I know I'm cutting it close with this being the last full week of January but I know I'll get all my books read for Book Club. Although I was reading daily, it took me a little longer to read The Kill Order by James Dashner than I planned on.

I guess I didn't realize how my reading had changed after last year. And by change I mean, starting the month by not being able to read as fast I used to nor for longer periods of time. However, the more I've read this month the better my reading has become and I feel like my old reading skills are returning. I'm happy to say that my reading is already better than it was compared to last year around this same time.

So while I was enjoying my quiet weekend reading, I didn't get a chance to watch any of the movies and shows that I wanted to. Which ones have you guys been watching or plan to watch? I haven't watched The CW series Naomi yet but I'm going to watch the first two episodes today. It looks like an interesting series and it's based on a DC Comics'' comic book series of the same name.

Anyway, I just wanted to see how everyone's weekend was.

Take care everyone!

New Book Purchase: B&N Presents Fierce Reads Essential Library

I'm so happy to show you my new books. A few days ago, I posted about this great deal I had found for this boxset for $10.00 which of course I ordered. The other day my order arrived in the mail and looking it over I really think it's a pretty cool set of books that contains the first book of four different series.

These are all books that I've wanted to read and I'm glad I found them all in a boxset.

Book: B&N Presents Fierce Reads Essential Library

Description:

This stunning paperback boxed set includes the first books of four New York Times-bestselling series from acclaimed YA fantasy authors Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer, Taran Matharu, and Mary E. Pearson.

Discover four New York Times-bestselling series from acclaimed YA fantasy authors Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer, Taran Matharu, and Mary E. Pearson, beginning with the first book in each series.

The collection includes paperback editions of Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy), Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles), The Novice (The Summoner Trilogy), and The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles).

The perfect introduction to YA fantasy or addition to any fan's collection.

Fandom Friday: Random Fandom Thoughts #17: Maddie and Chim, The Mob, Cyberchase and The Batman

It's Friday, what fandom thoughts are on your mind?

- 9-1-1 fans are really happy right now with the announcement that the fan favorite characters Maddie Buckley and Howard "Chimney" Han are returning to the remainder of the fifth season of the show. Maddie had been dealing with Postpartum Depression and she had left Los Angeles because she didn't think her daughter Jee-Yun was safe with her. Chimney along with their daughter Jee-Yun left town to try to find her and the last time Chim was shown was in the seventh episode Ghost Stories where he was in Boston and ran into an old friend, Eli Cobb.

Jennifer Love Hewitt who plays Maddie had been on maternity leave but the actress has now returned and is currently already back to filming. The return of Hewitt also mean Kenneth Choi will finally be making his return back to the series. I'm surprised the show's marketing and promotion teams aren't trying to take advantage of all this fan excitement by releasing a promotion of the return of Chimney and Maddie.

(Chimney and Maddie       9-1-1 season 4 episode 3: Future Tense)

Trailer: Wu Assassins TV Series and Fistful of Vengeance (Wu Assassins) Movie

There are so many TV shows out there that it's impossible not to have missed hearing about something. I just now found out the Wu Assassins TV series, it premiered on Netflix in 2019 and only aired for one season (so far). I say so far because there has been no reports of the show being cancelled. However, the show is getting a movie, Fistful of Vengeance which will premiere on Thursday, February 17th on Netflix. So that gives me time to watch the show before the movie airs.


Wu Assassins

Starring: Iko Uwais, Byron Mann, Li Jun Li, Lawrence Kao, Katheryn Winnick, JuJu Chan Szeto, Lewis Tan, Celia Au, Tommy Flanagan, Tzi Ma and more

Description:

A warrior chosen as the latest and last Wu Assassin must search for the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Fashion Meets Fandom: Emily Anderson inspired outfits (Step Up 4)

In Step Up 4: Revolution, Emily Anderson may have been the daughter of a wealthy real estate developer but despite her father's disapproval, she aspired to be a professional dancer. Emily had a lot going on in her life. Between studying dancing at the Winwood Dance Academy Company, she joined The Mob dance crew. She would later convince them to fight against her father's company, which was planning to gentrify a Miami neighborhood and she also fell in love with The Mob's co-leader Sean Asa.

Even with all of that going on Emily wore some really cute clothes throughout the movie. From casual day and cover up dresses to sophisticated and detailed cocktail and evening dresses. To practice her dancing, she wore a combination of t-shirts, tank tops, leotard or bodysuit, shorts and even a cover up dress over a swim suit while she was practicing in the water on the beach. She even wore the occasional pair of pants but not as often as the other pieces. Since this movie was set in Miami and with the hot weather, I like that the movie's stylist picked pieces that were more flowy and lightweight.

Video: Mom creates mobile bookstore to share the magic of reading for residents living in the Bronx

I found this interesting story and had to share it. I think it's so cool that Latanya Devaughn created Bronx Bound Books, a mobile bookstore to make it easier for people in the Bronx to get books. Because the sad thing is not every city or area in the world has access to libraries or bookstores. And businesses and services like Bronx Bound Books is something so wonderful and truly needed because it brings the love of books and reading to those who don't access to them.

Should 9-1-1 have another spinoff? If so, what would you like to see?

It's being reported in Deadline that FOX is considering another 9-1-1 spinoff, and as a big fan of the franchise I'm not sure that's a good idea, at least for now. Especially with they way the showrunners and writers have done such a terrible job with the first half of the fifth season of 9-1-1. I think they need to focus on fixing the original series before trying to add yet another spinoff to the franchise. Even the promotion for the first half of the fifth season was bad especially compared to how good the promotion was for the third season of 9-1-1: Lone Star. It's as if the original show has become an afterthought to the network, so I'm not sure how adding a new series would be a good idea.

However, if by chance the 9-1-1 showrunners and writers can pull off an impressive and spectacular second half of the fifth season and 9-1-1: Lone Star's third season continues to stay as good as it is now then maybe another series should be added. I was thinking about what spinoffs I would be interested in watching and there are three that come to mind.

Trailer: Moon Knight TV Series

Okay, Moon Knight looks amazing! It's definitely a must watch for me, too bad we have to wait until March. The series will premiere Wednesday March 30 on Disney Plus. Moon Knight doesn't look like any of the Marvel superhero shows on Disney+, the conflict doesn't necessarily seem like it's centered around saving the world more like Marc trying to navigate his life with his disorder and somehow gaining powers and becoming a hero.


Moon Knight (Disney+)

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke, Gaspard Ulliel, May Calamawy and more

Description:

A former U.S. marine, struggling with dissociative identity disorder, is granted the powers of an Egyptian moon god. But he soon finds out that these newfound powers can be both a blessing and a curse to his troubled life.

Book Review: The Kill Order

Book: The Kill Order (The Maze Runner book #4) by James Dashner

Cover Art by Philip Straub
Typography by Joel Tippie

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth, killing most of the population.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened. They survived. But now a virus is spreading. A virus that fills humans with murderous rage.

They're convinced that there's a way to save those who are left—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some you're worth more dead than alive.

Art of the Day: Derek Hale and Stiles Stilinski

Artwork: Derek and Stiles by crypto

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who taught us to fight for what is right, to be kind and know that change is possible against injustice. How will you be of service to others and not just today?

A productive and happy life is not something you find, it is something you make.

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

If Laughing is Good for Us, Then Why Don't Adults Laugh more?

When was the last time you had a really good laugh or just laughed in general? I love to laugh but I feel like so many people are stressed out and taking everything so seriously that they've forgotten how to laugh. Studies have been shown that laughing is a good stress relief but as adults we don't laugh enough especially when compared to children. There's one study that states that children may laugh as much as 400 times per day, but adults mostly laugh around 15 times per day. Wow, that's a really low number and it really shows that adults really don't laugh enough.

Why as adult do we lose a sense of humor? Why do we stop laughing? I know as adults our lives aren't as carefree as they used to be when we were kids but we should still find moments of laughter. For anyone who would like to laugh more here are tips that can help:

- Watch more comedy shows and movies. Whether it's something silly and unexpected or warm and gentle, there's bound to be something that will have you laughing out loud.

- Read something funny. From articles and stories to collections of comic strips to funny memoirs or joke books find something that will make you laugh.

- Allow yourself to laugh. Being an adult doesn't mean you have to be serious all the time. Let yourself laugh when something is funny.

What are six of your current fandoms?

Let's see, I have a lot of fandoms but these six are probably at the moment my current ones: 

1. 9-1-1/9-1-1: Lone Star

2. Power Rangers

3. Step Up/Dance Movies

4. Grimm TV Series

5. DC Comics/Marvel Comics

6. Jem and the Holograms

Art of the Day: Spider-Man (Miles Morales)

Artwork: Avengers #53 variant cover by Sway Art

Book Deal: B&N Presents Fierce Reads Essential Library

Whenever I find a good book deal, I like to post it. I was searching on the Barnes and Noble website looking for the first book in the Shadow and Bone book series by Leigh Bardugo when I found the B&N Presents Fierce Reads Essential Library.

It's a paperback variety boxset that includes the first book from four different series (Shadow and Bone, Lunar Chronicles, Summoner and The Remnant Chronicles). I've been planning to read each of these series but I've been hesitant to buy the books just in case I didn't like them. But since this boxset was $10.00, I couldn't pass on such a good deal. I ordered it and now I'm just waiting for it show up in the mail. I'll post it as soon as it arrives.

If you see any good book deals, please feel free to share them with your fellow bookworms.

Book: B&N Presents Fierce Reads Essential Library

Description:

This stunning paperback boxed set includes the first books of four New York Times-bestselling series from acclaimed YA fantasy authors Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer, Taran Matharu, and Mary E. Pearson.

Discover four New York Times-bestselling series from acclaimed YA fantasy authors Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer, Taran Matharu, and Mary E. Pearson, beginning with the first book in each series.

The collection includes paperback editions of Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy), Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles), The Novice (The Summoner Trilogy), and The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles).

The perfect introduction to YA fantasy or addition to any fan's collection.

Four Ways to Have Fun During Winter

When it's too cold and snowy to go out unless you have to, wintertime doesn't have to leave us feeling cooped up and sluggish. Just because it's cold and we're staying in more, I think we should still have fun during the winter season. Here are four ways to keep from feeling the wintertime blues:

Have a TV Show or Movie Marathon

From DVDs to various streaming services, there is no shortage of shows and movies to watch. Whether it's new, new to you or something you've seen several times having a marathon watching a bunch of shows or movies is a good way to enjoy the cold winter days. Just don't forget the snacks.


Have a Beauty Night

Being indoors on cold snowy nights is the perfect time to pamper yourself with beauty treatments. Whether it's a mani/pedi, body scrub, face mask, etc. why not use this time to deal with any of your neglected beauty issues (i.e. dry skin and hair). And if you don't have any beauty issues to take care of why not use the time to have fun trying out different make-up or hairstyles to create different looks.


Have a Reading Night

Grab a blanket and get comfy on the sofa or in a chair and curl up with a book. As you're reading, let your imagination bring the book to life. From dating disasters to thrilling mysteries, imagine everything that's happening to the characters in the story. Really allow yourself to become immersed into the story.


Have a Dance Party

Who needs to bundle up to go out into the cold to go to a nightclub when you could put on some of your favorite music and have a good time dancing at home. It doesn't matter if you're a good or bad dancer, let loose and have fun losing yourself in the music.

Entertainment News #6: Cancelled, New and Reboot Shows, Lewis Tan

- It's been reported that the Amazon Prime TV series I Know What You Did Last Summer has been cancelled after one season. The show has received mixed reviews from viewers with a lot of them leaning towards the negative. I did notice that in some of the positive reviews many stated how they liked the new take on the story. However, I don't think a lot of the viewers enjoyed how the story unfolded which is probably why the show was cancelled. I do wonder if viewers are starting to get tired of reboots?

As for this show, I can't give my opinion on it because despite being a fan of the I Know What You Did Last Summer book and the first two movies, I haven't gotten around to watch the show yet. Even though it's cancelled, I'm still going to watch it to see if it's good or bad.

Art of the Day: Black Widow

Artwork: Black Widow by Vylla

Here are Some Things that Have Been Bringing Me Joy Lately

Do ever feel like your life is so busy that you barely have time to enjoy it? Well, something I'm trying to do this year is slowing down so that I can enjoy my life. And one of the things I’m trying to do more of is to enjoy things that brings me joy, that interest and amuse me. And what better time to start doing this is by noticing some of the things have been bringing me joy lately:

- Finding more time to read.

- Finding books 50% off at bookstores.

- Putting on music and dancing.

- Wearing some of my favorite t-shirts that I've forgotten about.

- Uninterrupted time to polish my nails.

- Calling friends and catching up.

- Enjoying a warm mug of tea or hot chocolate.

- Hearing the birds sing in the morning or when out for a walk seeing something interesting out in nature.

Trailer: Wolf Like Me

There are a lot of new shows that have been premiering: Grand Crew (NBC), Abbott Elementary (ABC), The Cleaning Lady (FOX), Pivoting (FOX) and so far I've really enjoyed watching these shows. And another one that I'm interested in seeing is Wolf Like Me which is premiering this Thursday on Peacock. From looking at the trailer, I get the feeling that Mary might be a werewolf  (hence the title) or she has a condition where she believes she is. Either way, it should be interesting find out.


Wolf Like Me (Peacock)

Starring: Isla Fisher, Josh Gad, Emma Lung, Ariel Joy Donoghue and more

Description:

Everyone brings their own set of baggage to a new relationship.

Gary (Josh Gad) and Mary (Isla Fisher) are no different. Gary is an emotional wreck and struggles to provide for his daughter since the death of his wife. Mary has a secret she can’t bring herself to share with anyone.

The universe brought these two together for a reason, they just need to keep following the signs.

What's something you would like to learn or try this year?

I was thinking about when I used to be able to read a book in one sitting which made it easy to read 300-400+ books a year. Aside from reading a comic book or a children's book, I can't remember the last time I read a book in one sitting or read over a hundred books a year.

Somewhere along the way, I lost that skill to read a book in one sitting but I'm sure I can get it back. It doesn't seem like a difficult skill to relearn. I wouldn't want to read every book in one sitting, I really just want the skill to be able to do that again. So, maybe if I'm reading a book that's 200 or 300 pages, it would be nice to be able to read it in one go again.

Short Film: Attorneys At Love

Good Morning, Happy Sunday! Or should I start calling it Short Film Sundays. I'm thinking of posting some of the short films I find interesting on Sundays.

I remember watching this short film Attorneys At Love sometime last year and I really liked it. It's a cute and weird romantic comedy. I think it's interesting that in this film there's an organization that gives you a glimpse into your romantic future and lets you decide if it's something you want. However, you won't remember anything about it once you accept the decision.

Total side note, I love that this short film features some of the actors from 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star (Mark Elias was on both shows playing two different characters). There's also another short film, She Said Yes, that includes two more actors (Oliver Stark and Debra Christofferson) from 9-1-1. It's really funny and if you haven't already seen it, you should give it a watch too. I hope there will be another short film made with more 9-1-1 actors because I'd love to see Ryan Guzman, Aisha Hinds, Anirudh Pisharody and Jennifer Love Hewitt in a film together.


Attorneys At Love

Cast and Crew: (for the full list click here)

Director: Daniel Findlay
Writer: Jake Palas
Starring: Peter Krause, Kenneth Choi, Megan West, Mark Elias and Angela Bassett (as Narrator)
Cinematography: Adam Goral
Editing: Andy Young

Description:

Two young lovers are given a glimpse into their future relationship and must decide if they want to continue their life together.

Trailer: Step Up 6: Year of the Dance

How come no one told me there was a sixth Step Up movie? Especially since I just finished a rewatch of movies 1-5. For anyone such as myself who didn't know the movie is titled Step Up 6: Year of the Dance and apparently it was released June 26, 2019. And I don't recall hearing anything about it, until now. From the trailer, the movie is set in China and has a whole new cast, I think it will be cool to see a new dance team battle it out.

I don't know if this was originally released in theatres or video on demand but it's not on DVD/Blu-ray but you can buy or rent it video on demand. I also found it on the STARZ channel, which I'll be watching it on. I either plan on watching it tonight or some time tomorrow.

Step Up 6: Year of the Dance

Description:

Youth from different social classes in Beijing come together to form China's best dance crew and learn what it really means to be family.

Art of the Day: Jannah

Artwork: Jannah by Katie Arts (katiearts)

Rewatch Review: Step Up 5: All In

I finished my Step Up rewatch on Monday with Step Up 5: All In and I have to say, I still really enjoy watching this movie. It has an interesting story that centers around many of the characters struggling to follow their dreams of being professional dancers. I think Sean Asa finding The Vortex dance competition was just the thing he needed to keep his dream going because the winner will receive a three-year paid contract to perform in Las Vegas. Sean was truly struggling, with The Mob having a difficult time finding dance jobs, it was becoming abundantly clear that it was not working out for them in Los Angeles. Sean didn't want to go back to Miami and truly in need of help, he ended up getting a job doing maintenance at Moose's grandparents' dance studio and did I fail to mention that his only option for room and board was sleeping in the storage closet at the studio.

If it wasn't for Moose, I don't know what Sean would have done. He barely had any money and even if he wanted to go back to Miami, I doubt he had enough money to do that. Which is why this competition was something he needed to do because it not only gave him a chance to regroup but the other dancers (Moose, Andie, Jenny, the Santiago twins, Vladd "The Robot", etc.) as well and they created a new team to go after their dreams. I loved seeing the characters grow into a strong team and a romance slowly developing between Andie and Sean. While Moose and Camille's relationship was strong and steady despite a little hiccup that came up. As with any Step Up movie, the dances were amazing especially LMNTRIX's final dance that included The Mob.

Despite all of this, Step Up 5: All In isn't considered a fan favorite and I'm not sure why fans were disappointed. I do wonder if it had anything to do with seeing so many of the characters struggling. I think it can be hard sometimes to see your favorite characters having setbacks. This made me think of how some of the Gilmore Girls fans reacted to Rory's journey in the Gilmore Girls revival A Year in the Life. They were disappointed with how Rory was shown in the revival because her life (professional and personal) seemed to be in a downward spiral and nothing seemed be working out for her. She was truly undergoing a major setback in her life but what I like is that by the end of the revival, Rory had found that old spark and was writing again and despite the big bombshell at the end I think Rory was on her way to living the life she wanted.

Which is how I saw Step Up 5, these dancers were not where they wanted to be career and life wise but The Vortex dance competition was a good way back into the dance world that they loved so much and they were willing to take a chance on entering the competition. What I like about this movie is that the dancers never gave up on their dreams, it's very inspiring. I love all five of the Step Up movies and I think Step Up 5 is still a good movie that perfectly closed out the franchise.

How many books are you hoping to read this year?

This year, I hope to read 100 books which is the same goal I had last year. However, last year, I had the worst case of reader's block that I've ever had. It was nearly ongoing and I ended up only reading six books. There were other books that I started but I didn't finish them. However, I don't consider them as a Did Not Finish (DNF) because my reader's block was the cause of me not finishing. I do hope at some point to go back to reading them. So for now, I'm going to focus on this year's reading goal of 100 books and leave last year's in the past.

Beauty: Lea Michele's New Hairstyle

It's a new year, a new month and a new hairstyle for actress and singer Lea Michele. I know I've said it before but the bob is one of my favorite hairstyles. It's an effortless look that I love. I think this is a fantastic cut that Lea has, all at once, it's sophisticated and elegant yet still very playful.

What do you think of her hairstyle?

(Photo credit: Lea Michele    Instagram: leamichele)

Fandom: Have Fans Stopped Enjoying Things?

Lately, I feel like fans have lost the art of enjoying things. Fandom has gotten to a point where people just don't know how to have fun anymore. It seems like fans just seem to dislike almost everything they're watching, reading, etc., when did fans stop enjoying things? I think to enjoy something, it has to be something you're interested in and not watch or read something because it's popular or the current trend.

There are a lot of fans who say they don't like or hate a show but yet they still continue to watch it. I'm not talking about for instance if you're favorite show is having an off season or a few bad episodes and you're continuing to watch it (i.e. 9-1-1's fifth season), I'm talking about fans who hate watch shows. For instance, there are fans who say they hate the show Emily in Paris yet they continue to watch it. I don't understand that, it makes no sense. If you don't enjoy it, why watch it? I'm starting to think that the only thing some fans are enjoying is not liking stuff.

I feel like you don't have to watch or read something just because it seems like everyone else is. There are so many books, movies and shows you can choose from that you could be enjoying, why waste your time making yourself miserable watching or reading something you don't like? This is just my opinion but I don't see the point in watching something you don't like especially if you're not enjoying it.

What documentary or special do you want to watch?

At the moment there aren't any documentaries that I'm interested in seeing. However, I want to watch all of the reunion specials on HBO Max: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends and Harry Potter. I need to find time to sit back, relax with a cup of tea and some snacks and watch all these specials. This makes me want to do a best of mini marathon of both shows and movies before watching these specials.

What's the First Book You're Reading for the New Year?

Happy New Year! My plan is to start this new year by reading more and the first book I'm starting with is The Kill Order by James Dashner. It's the first prequel of The Maze Runner series, I had planned to read it last year but throughout most of the year I was dealing with ongoing reader's block. Thankfully, I am not dealing with that issue and I'm just looking forward to reading this today.

What book are you starting the new year with?

Book: The Kill Order (The Maze Runner book #4) by James Dashner

Description:

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth, killing most of the population.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened. They survived. But now a virus is spreading. A virus that fills humans with murderous rage.

They're convinced that there's a way to save those who are left—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some you're worth more dead than alive.

Fashion Meets Fandom: Yoda T-Shirt

I love Yoda, he's one of my favorite characters. He was 900 years old before he died, can you just imagine all the years of wisdom and experience the Jedi Master must have had? I'd like to think that some of his knowledge held an understanding of yoga (or a Star Wars universe equivalent of it). Which is probably why as soon as I saw this shirt of Yoda doing yoga, I thought that's something the wise old Jedi Master probably would have done.

This is a cute shirt, I'm trying to decide if I should get it or not. I probably don't need another Star Wars t-shirt but I do really like it.

Star Wars "Yoga With Yoda" T-Shirt                   $20.23 (sale, regular price $28.90)                        Her Universe (heruniverse.com)

Book Club Picks for January: The Sword of Summer, Mera: Tidebreaker and Star Wars: The Old Republic: Deceived

Happy New Year!

It felt like we just said goodbye to 2020 and now it's 2022. Well, I guess time really does go by fast. With that said, it's a new year, new experiences and new books. I'm happy to say that Book club is back! After taking a rather long break, I'm restarting my three book clubs: The Book Girl's Book Club, Comic Book Club and Star Wars Book Club.

For The Book Girl's Book Club we will be reading The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan. I figure it's been a while since I've read any of the mythology based books by the author and thought the first book in the Magnus Chase series would be an interesting read. As for the Comic Book Club, I picked Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige and Stephen Byrne which has a different take on Mera, her life and how she met Arthur Curry (aka Aquaman). Last is the Star Wars Book Club and we will be reading The Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp. It's the second book set during the Old Republic.

I can't wait to start reading for the new year and as always, if there's a book you think we should read for book club let me know.


The Book Girl's Book Club

Book: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard book #1) by Rick Riordan

Description:

Magnus Chase has seen his share of trouble. Ever since that terrible night two years ago when his mother told him to run, he has lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, staying one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, Magnus learns that someone else is trying to track him down—his uncle Randolph, a man his mother had always warned him about. When Magnus tries to outmaneuver his uncle, he falls right into his clutches. Randolph starts rambling about Norse history and Magnus's birthright: a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

The more Randolph talks, the more puzzle pieces fall into place. Stories about the gods of Asgard, wolves, and Doomsday bubble up from Magnus's memory. But he doesn't have time to consider it all before a fire giant attacks the city, forcing him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents. . . .

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die.