Notes From Nancy's Noodle: Fun Stuff

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As the economy forces people to use money in a manner more wise, one way is to find books from a local library or an inexpensive store. Goodwill, for example. The person who enjoys the written word can get several paperbacks for the price of an individual copy. With the holidays coming up, bibliophiles are looking for anything which enhances the reading experience to give as a gift.

Periscope Bookklight in a Bookcover for Paperbacks does a nice job of filling the bill. Just like the name implies, a light is tucked inside the portion where the spine lies. Note - this DOES require 3 AA batteries to work. They aren't included, but you can pick up a package at the grocery store or Walgreen's if needed. Make sure to put them in with the knobby end pointing out. Smooth end hits the spring, in other words.

Batteries aside, there are several other features which make the Periscope booklight a very useful gadget to have. For example, the LED's which give off the light are two times as bright as the standard version. No more straining one's eyes to see what is written on the page. The range of illumination goes completely from top to bottom. It can stay in the same spot while reading and pages are read without a fumble.

Turing on the light is an easy task. Simply pull the booklight out of its cubbyhole in the cover and it automatically starts glowing. When retracted, the light pops off so there is not wasted energy use. Ridges on the top of the light give your hands a natural place to grab.

A special cover helps to protect your book from the elements. It also takes privacy into account, so others do not have to see what you are perusing. Inside the cover is room for flat items such as a plane ticket or a hand held magnifying glass. A smaller pocket can hold a pen and highlighter for taking notes. There is even a built in bookmark to keep your place for the next time you read.

More is available should one so desire. Hardback books have their own bookcover and booklight if you prefer a heftier size of literary material. Both cover sets come in a variety of colors and finishes. These suit any taste and fancy. An AC adapter can be purchased for those times spent in a hotel room.

With all of these amenities, the cost is well worth it. The basic variety is only about thirty dollars plus tax. However, the price is only a starting point since there are other items one can purchase in addition. I suspect the hardcover version is more since the book contained within is bigger. Versions of this are the Kindle edition and one made for the executive. More information can be found at the Periscope website.

Review previously published on Blogcritics.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

TV Review: White Collar - "Pilot" - Video - Blogcritics

TV Review: White Collar - "Pilot" - Video - Blogcritics

Previously published as TV Review: White Collar - "Pilot" - Video - Blogcritics

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

TV Review Castle "Deep in Death"

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He's back! For the second year in a row, Nathan Fillion returns with all new episodes of his hit television show Castle. The premise is simple enough. Fillion is Richard Castle, a bestselling author whose work is strikingly similar to crimes committed outside the written page. Once the police figure out they most likely have a copycat killer on their hands, the author is teamed with a female detective, Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) so his expertise can be used as a way to close the book, as it were, to many more crimes. The chemistry between Fillion and Katic cannot be stressed enough. it's almost Moonlighting, only with more wit.

When we last left these two. Castle had something to tell Beckett. This was not just any random piffle, but it concerned her deceased mother. ("A Death in the Family") Hard enough under regular circumstances. However, Castle knew Beckett told him to stay away from the case, since it was clear homicide. If he chose to ignore her, their partnership would be over.

Whoever hired these two actors made a smart move indeed. Watching Fillion try and redeem himself while Kantic seethes in a steady rage makes me want to see much more. There is a touching vulnerability of each person having to confront feelings long thought buried. I look forward to seeing more of this storyline. A serial killer might be involved. Why maybe? A major metropolitan city has things go on each day where more than one person gets hurt or dies. I'm not willing to connect the dots just yet.

A man dies and his body is found in a tree. Welcome to New York. Somehow, this seems perfectly natural. The ride to the morgue brings a twist which I'll let you watch for yourselves. The rumble almost gives everything away, but the medical examiner (Tamala Jones) and Castle are surprised anyhow. Go take a look.

Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly make guest appearances in this episode. They play themselves, in a nice clip which discusses motive. Poker playing is only a prelude to the undercover gambling in Chinatown with the Russian mafia. Speaking of, Beckett speaks Russian! She explains by mentioning a semester in Kiev to her astonished colleagues. Considering how unusual Katic's name is, I think she is probably part Russian herself.

Part of the reason this show works so well is the glimpses of Castle's home life. Daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn) and mother Martha (Susan Sullivan) provide a good balance to offset the grittiness of police work. Each is strong in her own right which helps when being thrust into the spotlight upon Dad's success.

Could Beckett's dad show up sometime later? Perhaps. The actor would have to be old enough to have fathered a woman now in her 30's. Kevin Tighe of Emergency fame? Sixty's or mid to late fifties would work. I get the impression Castle no longer has a living father.

Now that the first season has gotten its kinks out, it is time for some of Fillion's former castmates to show up. Firefly has some nice ideas, but it could be a bit tricky prying a few away from other series. Adam Baldwin is a prime example. Chuck takes up most of his time, and he's critical to the plots each week. Sean Maher makes sense, as does Alan Tudyk. Of course, Tudyk ahas Dollhouse and V on his plate already. Morena Baccarin is a series regular on V, so she's out. Jewel Staite? It could work. Gina Torres was supposedly in this episode. I don't recall seeing her, so let me know in the comments if you did. Once Summer Glau finishes with Dollhouse, she could be available for Castle.

Here's another idea. Somebody could come from Desperate Housewives, except Dana Delany. She is far too involved right now to appear anywhere else. My best guess is a dead person. Easy enough to retrieve one.

Sullivan is known for her work as Maggie on Falcon Crest. Robert Foxworth would be a great guest star! Lorenzo Lamas is getting his own reality show, but Ana Alicia is an option.

Tune in Mondays at 10pm for all new episodes of Castle!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Music Review SIX PACK by Straight No Chaser

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Straight No Chaser might just be the best group you've never heard of. Why? They are not exactly the same type of regular music people typically found on the radio. In fact, they hit their biggest stride last year with the release of The 12 Days of Christmas. The song, not an album.

A bit of a background is in order. Fall 1996 at Indiana University. Ten guys form a group dedicated to singing a cappella. In other words, no accompaniment to speak of. Which is as difficult as the image implies. One goof, and the audience instantly knows it. A couple of guitars and a keyboard would at least cover up part of the bad singing, but this form of vocal performance relies solely on what comes out of someone's mouth. Perhaps the best way to describe a cappella is to imagine auditions on American Idol where the contestants which viewers get to vote on are chosen. Everyone simply sings, whether or not they should be.

Dan Ponce, who founded the group, has two requirements for those who wish to become members. First, they need solid vocal chops. The bigger issue, of course, is the ability to blend well with everyone else. Second, personality is absolutely critical. If they are going to perform in front of other people, it helps if the audience likes them. Did it work? This is an understatement. Lou Rawls has had this group for an opening act. Footage of their efforts can be seen on YouTube where they are singing in front of crowds at Wrigley field. Chicagoans appreciate them. Even Carnegie Hall is not an obstacle. The National Championship of Collegiate A Cappella bestowed first prize on these guys. With the release of their third album, 50 000 copies were sold.

The only thing which stands in their way is graduation. After all, this is a college group. No worries, those who are leaving make sure to handpick the next set. This helps the dream continue. About those YouTube videos - Indiana University decided a 2006 reunion was in order for the original team. Randy Stine, a member, produces a DVD and posts clips for the guys to enjoy. Needless to say, "The 12 Days of Christmas" got more watchers. Try to get seven million in 2007 alone around your mind. Craig Kallman, CEO and Chairman of Atlantic Records, saw them too. The rest, as they say, is history.

Six Pack is an EP of six selections which are not in the holiday genre. Both popular and classic songs make up the collection, which just might help increase sales. While the success of Holiday Spirit might not be duplicated, proceeds should not be too shabby.

"Rehab" kicks off things. Originally by Amy Winehouse, it's a good choice. Opening notes pop with a kicky beat, entrancing and fun. Jerome Collins, the soloist, sings the actual song, but everyone has a part to play. Several can be heard in the background contributing an "Ah". They make a pleasant harmony. Some split off into a fresh group, which is also delightful. Clapping helps keep a strong rhythm going.

"I'm Yours" mixed with "Over the Rainbow" hit a few snags. What is first heard is a caribbean type beat. From what I could tell, this just might be an original arrangement. Where did it go wrong? The mix. I expect to hear a song which someone else covers with a version matching the familiar. As in, Judy Garland sings The Wizard of Oz. The bits Straight No Chaser threw in clashed with what they started out with.

"Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" is my favorite song. Not only does it sound like the Motown hit, the fun is contagious. Jerome Collins solos again, and I almost thought he was a carbon copy of Stevie Wonder. From the opening to its end, this is flawless. One small item- "I was Made to Love Her" is listed on the cover as the other half of the group. Not only it not on the CD listing itself (when it gets played, a list comes up with titles to show where the listener is exactly), it never played! Whoops.

"You Send Me" has Ryan Ahlwardt as the soloist this time. A much slower tune, it works with Ahlwardt's tenor voice. There is a crooning which makes for a nice earful. Some noises akin to bullfrog croaks are a bit offputting, but this is a personal thing. Another may like what I am not keen on. The ooohs and ahs are a sweet touch.

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" should also be something of a ballad. The pop version which these guys come out with sounds a bit off. I have to wonder if perhaps the issue is having all ten performers singing this. What I keep hearing is a crying baby and a train passing by. The words are lost in the background of those.

For the most part, I like this CD. There is no question of anyone's singing ability. Yes, some stuff could use a bit more refinement. It could simply be due to the songs chosen for a cappella versions. What works for words, lyrics, and a band is different than vocals only.

Also on Blogcritics.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Music Review 9 to 5 The Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton

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The world of Broadway Musicals has always been filled with adaptations of television shows along with films. In a way, this makes things a lot easier. Why? Theatre is a lot more freeing. While productions do not anywhere near the big budgets of say, a Steven Spielberg flick, actors are not confined to standing in certain places for the camera. Plus, the interaction with a live audience can be a thrilling experience.

One of the more recent shows to appear on the Great White Way is 9 to 5 the Musical, based on the film with Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. Dabney Coleman is also known for his role, although he was never intended to be in a starring part.

Dolly Parton writes the score for the stage version, which basically means she put the music together. Since she is also part of the film, her job is pretty much taken care of. However, her contribution of one or two more songs is not a bad idea.

Dolly Records put together the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 9 to 5: The Musical. If the producers of this show wanted to get actors who are reminiscent of the movie actors in the same roles, they succeeded. The only problem is having the actors sing in full character. Now, presumably, anyone who is cast in a Broadway show has decent vocal chops. I just think sometimes the songs do not reflect their true abilities.

"9 to 5" is the show opener, and the one song most people recognize. The entire cast sings. Stephanie J.Block, who plays Judy (think Jane Fonda), is the standout voice. Judy shares her personal life with the audience in an attitude of determination and perserverance. After hearing her, you like her that much more.

Whoever cast Marc Kudisch as the Dabney Coleman role of Frankin Hart did a great job! The first time he solos is on "Here for You". Talk about a solid baritone voice. It says not to ignore this guy. The vocal strength alone is enough to put him in Tony consideration.

Kathy Fitzgerald first can be heard in "Around Here", where Judy is getting her introduction to the office. Fitzgerald handles the role of officious Roz, Hart's assistant, with the right notes of nitpicky and alpha female.

However, Fitzgerald shines best in "Heart to Hart " where she envisions herself as the only woman Hart ever needs. The song is campy, but audiences are going to smile at Roz and her efforts.

Megan Hilty, who is Doralee, could not be anybody but the person Dolly Parton played in the movie. She has the hardest role vocally. Trying to pull off Broadway lyrics and music isn't easy. The gentle pleading in "Backwoods Barbie" does much to reinforce the idea of there being more to her than meets the eye.

Allison Janney is perhaps the most well known actress in the entire production. Formerly of the television show The West Wing, this is Janney's first adventure in song. As Violet, the part played by Lily Tomlin in the film, Janney does not quite carry off the part vocally too well. It might have something to do with the way the songs are set up. However, "One of the Boys" works for her voice decently enough.

This CD with its selection of tunes gives anyone who listens a clear insight as to how the show is performed. There are stronger productions out on Broadway, but this grouping is not too bad for what it has. Solid acting more than likely helps draw in a crowd night after night.

Published on Blogcritics.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Book Review Small Dog Big Life by Dennis Fried

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Small Dog Big Life: Memoirs of a Furry Genius by Dennis Fried, is an unusual book. It is the story of Genevieve, a Papillon, who has placed her memoirs down on paper for the world to read. What is a Papillon, you ask? A dog who walks low to the ground and has ears which reminds anyone who sees them of a butterfly. In fact, the word "Papillion" is French for butterfly.

Genevieve is quite the clever canine! She knows she has a story to get out but knows she cannot do the job on her own. Enter Dennis Fried, to whom Genevieve barktates the story of her life along with a few tips on living life to the utmost. Why wait until death to introduce others to just how great she really is?

The logical place is to begin at the beginning. Born to Chloe, Genevieve is one of many in a litter. December 19, 1997, to be exact. A couple of her siblings were actually half relations, but they are all raised together until ready for adoption elsewhere. To make this a true menagerie, a cat is added into the mix. I have to appreciate the biting wit as this strange creature is distinguished from the dogs by being too ugly for membership in the canine variety.

Some background is also provided as to the background of Dennis and Katrina, Genevieve's new family. While each grows up with a dog, their histories could not be any more different. Dennis gets his heart broken by a significant loss and vows never to repeat the experience. Katrina, on the other hand, has always had a dog around. She quite reasonably expects this to continue upon her marriage to Dennis. It will not surprise anyone that there is a brewing clash ahead. Suffice it to say the resolution of the conflict is well worth the read.

While this has twenty chapters, this book is an easy read. A few of the chapters are laugh-out-loud funny. For example, "Dog and Driver" is a step-by-step lesson on the proper way for a dog to assist the human in maneuvering the vehicle. Waiting on the blinker to come on is a helpful signal for steerage. Put hind paws on the lap of human and front on the wheel itself. By shuffling one's paws, just the right amount of pressure is applied. Voila, task accomplished!

"Weather (or Not)" describes life in Florida as one rainstorm away from disaster. The best place to be is, obviously, the bathtub. Our doggie heroine hates rain with everything she's got. Therefore, she is far more likely to stay in the washing receptacle than somewhere else.

"Party Animal" is a celebration of Genevieve's first birthday. She would be completely oblivious to the significance except for one thing. Dennis and Katrina plan a surprise party for her at a store catering to dogs. Between the members of Genevieve's dog family and the humans, people abound. Leave it to a dog to appreciate a cake with liver in the icing. After cake and presents, games are then required. I have to wonder how in the world someone would think bobbing for cookies is enjoyable. After all, does anybody like soggy cookies? Musical chairs rounds out playtime.

"Paw Park Etiquette" is a cute chapter. The physical language of dogs takes on a new dimension as they interact with each other. After one confrontation, a local park creates a section just for smaller dogs. SUC's (sports utility canines) have to converse among themselves. Do you ever wonder if your dog has a personality of its own? Go to a dog park and see. Watch how they interact among others, if at all. Some are natural mixers; others stay aloof, far away from dogs and people.

For the most part, this is an entertaining read. The terms cute and quirky certainly fit. More than likely, though, there will be some who are not going to read this. They may not like small dogs and so picking up the autobiography is pointless. Others could be cat people. Fair enough. I suspect the numbers will be be decent with dog lovers.

Also published on Blogcritics.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Book Review Oishinbo A la Carte Fish Sushi & Sashimi by Tetsu Kariya

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Oishinbo A la Carte Fish Sushi & Sashimi is another manga story collection by Tetsu Kariya with Art by Akira Hanasaki. It continues the story of the hunt for the Ultimate Menu. Yamaoka Shiro may not be the hardest worker at the Tozai News, but he has an impeccable palate when it comes to food. Thus, he is given the assignment of finding the best in Japanese culture to be part of a celebration for the paper's 100th anniversary.

Easy enough, right? Well, no. A rival newspaper is in competition to serve up its own version called the Supreme Menu. Kaibara Yuzan, Shiro's father, is leading the other search. Since father and son don't get along anyway, the constant contact with one another does not exactly help matters. Yuzan does not appreciate just how fine a taste his son has. Worse, he has nothing but what seems like contempt for his offspring.

There is, perhaps, one small silver lining to the conflict. As much as Shiro might resent the condescension, he is generally pushed to greater heights. Most of the time. After reading this, I think readers will understand why Shiro is angry on a regular basis. He has people who are too quick to state out loud just how worthless they believe he is. Very rarely is there a word of praise.

Fish is the theme this time. For example, which flounder makes the best sashimi? There has been a long standing school of thought to favor the left handed flounder. Whether it not it holds up will be for the reader to discover. Salmon turns out to be a serious topic of discussion when both sides have to prepare it in an official contest. Shinko Kohada proves problematic as Shiro is challenged to prepare it in a way other than sushi.

Relationships are more closely explored in this volume. Shiro and Kurita Yuko, the other Tozai News employee assigned to the Ultimate Menu preparations, would hookup just fine if left to their own devices. One of their coworkers uses a flower illustration in an attempt to make them more of a couple. It backfires. This won't surprise any regular fan of this series.

Despite the intended focus to be Shiro and his Menu hunt, a stronger portrait is painted this time of women. I found them particularly disturbing. Why would it matter what a guy does in his spare time if he is not actively dating someone? I get the impression these aggressive females have never heard the term stalking. Even worse is the fight between Shiro and Yuko after a misunderstanding.Two people working on the same assignment should be able to go on separate tasks once in a while without the other person getting upset.

A lesson on how to prepare grilled salmon skin is also included.

Previously published on Blogcritics.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Book Review Retirement Can be Murder by Susan Santangelo

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Retirement Can Be Murder A Carol and Jim Andrews Baby Boomer Mystery, by Susan Santangelo, is the first book in a new series which talks about life changes as seen through a woman's perspective. Carol Andrews has known for a while about the unhappiness her husband, Jim, experiences as part of his work environment. Even though he's younger than the typical age when most hang up their career hats, he is nevertheless surprised to deal with a bigger problem.

A man who specializes in post retirement planning is found dead in his office one day. This wouldn't be an issue if Jim hadn't been the one to discover the corpse. Whoops! Hijinks ensue as Carol races to prove the police wrong and show Jim is not the culprit they seek.

For a first time author, Santangelo does not do too badly with this selection. She captures well the anxiety of a wife who must face the reality of her life turning upside down. Good thing she has her friends to help.

These three characters are perhaps the best part of the book. Mary Alice, Nancy, and Claire are as different as they can be. However, the bond is a long one forged over time. They have gone through all parts of life - sicknesses, widowhood, seeing children grow up to finally leave home for good. As long as they have one another, though, they have the strength to continue on no matter what comes up.

In Carol's case, she has the additional snag in seeing her daughter come home from California. The boyfriend did not work out, but Jenny finds out for herself just how rotten her guy is. Readers with offspring will understand the dilemma - does a parent stay out of the way and let the child learn or try and stop disaster before it strikes? It's not an easy choice, but it must be made anyway.

I also like the character of Mark Anderson, whose cop career is at odds with his liking of a family who has known him for many years. They have watched him grow up, too. Does he ignore evidence to let a criminal get away with homicide? Since there is not exactly another suspect around, the task is a daunting one.

Santangelo, in additional to being a professional writer, is a breast cancer survivor of ten years. she helped found the Breast Cancer Survival Center in Connecticut. This facility gives support as well as education about cancer to those who have had treatment. A portion from each book sold goes to this group.

On Blogcritics.