tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14313066799862608802024-03-19T08:42:50.053+00:00John "The Captain" RyanWhere a Wexford geek gathers his thoughts!John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-17337243848807218422020-07-27T12:36:00.005+01:002020-11-17T12:56:04.940+00:00Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski (book review)<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">A fantastic debut novel with beautiful intimite writing that will completely envelop you ... </span></h3>
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<a href="https://debutiful.net/2020/04/29/tomasz-jedrowski-shines-a-light-on-queer-romance-in-poland-in-swimming-in-the-dark/">source</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Tomasz Jedrowski takes an interesting approach in his debut novel “Swimming in the Dark” which depicts two young men over the course of the summer of 1980 in Soviet-governed Poland. Prior to starting university they meet at an agricultural camp while serving their compulsory labour requirement for the country and embark on a passionate affair while reading James Baldwin's “Giovanni's Room”. It's described in highly romantic terms where the pair are able to form a world of their own: “we lay facing each other, the tip of your nose on the bridge of mine. Nothing else mattered in the dark.” They discover their own paradise in a beautiful, remote rural location. But, at the same time, the threat of Party politics and the punishment dealt for homosexual acts creates an atmosphere of suspense. Their story could go either way. <a href="http://lonesomereader.com/blog/2020/6/29/swimming-in-the-dark-by-tomasz-jedrowski">(source)</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Written in the second person ... rather like a series of letters to the authors past lover ... the style works perfectly in portraying a personal & intimite coming-of-age story in communist Poland during the 1980's. What makes this story even more poignant is what's happening in Poland at the moment with whole towns decrying LGBT people and declaring LBGT freezones.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP2I69dK9HPgGEnvrPONpOgS7YAKYuFuEfFkGdCvSFFkAmv5iU2Hq5nuc6AjYYLw16tHFuy2mQdCkwhk2kA5hSY-0XegPWITjdbULhwDWTW49OjqBL_TbtrWLQMZLMNRWaQnonv_lqxUd/s1600/free.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://www.politico.eu/article/lgbt-rights-polish-paper-dismisses-court-ruling-on-lgbt-free-zone-stickers/" border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="714" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP2I69dK9HPgGEnvrPONpOgS7YAKYuFuEfFkGdCvSFFkAmv5iU2Hq5nuc6AjYYLw16tHFuy2mQdCkwhk2kA5hSY-0XegPWITjdbULhwDWTW49OjqBL_TbtrWLQMZLMNRWaQnonv_lqxUd/s320/free.jpg" title="LGBT free zones in Poland ruled ok" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/lgbt-rights-polish-paper-dismisses-court-ruling-on-lgbt-free-zone-stickers/">source</a></td></tr>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">The recent election of Andrzej Duda as President and his continuing rethoric & hate towards the LGBT community fuels an already volitile situation. Read more <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53039864">HERE</a> & <a href="https://gcn.ie/polish-president-introduce-constitutional-ban-lgbt-couples-adopting-children/">HERE</a>. We can expect to see an increase in LGBT people seeking asylum in Ireland in the near future and hopefully we will welcome them. (Don't even get me started on why the hell Europe keeps pouring funds into Poland)</span></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">When reading this book it hit me in many ways. It was poignant and melonchonic as you know the story isn't going to end well, but, yet it's such a page turner ... you want to get to the end but you don't. (you know what I mean). The book took many years to write and hone and you can tell as it's really well polished. However, the danger of writing a book for years means it can get overworked & sometimes there are too many metaphors but they for the most part are beautiful & lyrical so you don't really notice their ubiqitnious. My favourites were: </span></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“But like stones thrown into the sky with all one’s might, pieces of that night – the boys and the men who wanted them, the flirtation, the codes of seduction I could only guess at – returned to me with even greater intensity than I had lived. The law of gravity applies to memories too.”</i></span></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“I was paralysed by possibility, caught between the vertigo of fulfillment and the abyss of uncertainty.”</i></span></span> <br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Somewhat autobiographical, Jedrowski intertwines the reality of living in somewhere like Poland (under communist rule homosexuality is illegal), crushes, infatuation, coming-out, corrupt politics and people. Yet he still manages to ask interesting questions: </span></span><br />
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<i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">“How does one bond with another child, as a child? Maybe it’s simply through common interest. Or maybe it’s something that lies deeper, for which everything you say and do is an unwitting code.”</span></span></i><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">The only negative I would say about this book is that I would have liked to learn more about living in Poland under communist rule ... I'd like more about the oppressive rule and enforced poverty of the general public & the lives of LGBT people. Although that's only a personal preference, I imagine Jedrowski cannot delve too deeply into those topics as it may alienate some of the readership.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will keep it on my shelf amongst some of my other favourite LGBT reads by Adam Silvera, Shaun David Hutchinson & Benjamin Alire Saénz. I will most certainly be rereading it & give this amazing debult novel a nine out of ten planets. The pressure is on Jedrowski now to write his next novel! </span></span><br />
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John The Captain Ryan <br />
<br />John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-57939894798702014102020-06-29T16:36:00.000+01:002020-11-17T12:55:09.683+00:00The Gravity of us by Phil Stamper (book review)<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">My next book review is on this fantastic debut novel by Phil Stamper - The Gravity of Us.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.thenerddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Phil-Stamper-Author-Interview-The-Gravity-of-Us.jpg?fit=770%2C571&ssl=1">(source)</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But first, to put this review into a little bit of context (who knows for how long this blog will be read), at the moment there is a huge amount of Worldwide press and interest on Civil Rights and the Black Lives Matter movement. So as this book is based on Nasa's current mission to Mars I wanted to point you towards the awesome book and movie titled Hidden Figures. This is a book and movie charting the lives of a group of awesome black women - <i><b>Dorothy Vaughan, Mary
Jackson, and Katherine Johnson</b> - </i>who were Nasa's human calculators without whom the mission to the moon probably wouldn't have happened. I previously did a blog review here: <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/02/hidden-figures-movie-review.html">Hidden Figures, movie review.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And to neatly go full circle, as most of you know we are heading into the last few days of Pride which of course didn't really happen because of our Covid19 lockdown - or as some like to call it a Queerantine - this will probably be the last LGBT title I'll get to review for Pride month. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In this book we follow the life of Calvin, or Cal for short as his dad is also called Calvin. He has his whole life planned out, college, journalism studies, an internship with Buzzfeed and has been building his social media profile and polishing his journalism skills. He currently has 500,000 followers and does a weekly walk through of New York and what's happening. In the past he has covered local and national stories, politics and elections. He even broadcasts about the hugely popular Orpheus Project - NASA's mission to Mars. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But then overnight his life is uprooted. His dad is chosen to be the 20th and last member of the Orpheus project and they have to pack up and move immediately. He has to abondon his plans, friends and worst of all his journalism ambitions as StarWatch the company that owns the rights to interviews and publicity for the Orpheus project has a gagging order in place. After a three day drive to their new home they land in the town that has been bought-up for the Astro-families the name given to the families of the Astronauts. Cal, in a moment of last defiance figuring his dad has only arrived and hasn't yet signed the papers and gagging order makes a final broadcast to his fans breaking the news who the final 20th member of the Orpheus Project is. All hell breaks loose as the press & StarWatch descend even before they have unpacked their car. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shortly after this mess Cal finds out everything isn't as cosy as StarWatch likes to portray, the other Astrofamiles and Astrokids are not perfect and StarWatch experiencing dropping ratings tries to create drama and excitement - they have full access to the houses of the Astrofamalies and with Cal's exposé they aren't very happy. Cal also meets Leon, one of the only other teen Astorkids in the area and they hit it off. What ensues is a sweet teen romance with enough intrigue and drama to keep you turning the pages.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before I like to cover the pro's of a book I like to mention the negatives, but, honestly in this debut novel I found none. There is no mature content - the most that happens is two teens kissing so nothing unsuitable for a mature chilld or 12+ reader. One person does loose their life, so I suppose that is a trigger warning but there is not too much detail and the family affected leaves the story very quickly. The only one negative I have is the premise of the book is based on the lives of the family members of the astronauts so I would have liked to learn a little more about them, but that's really it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The book is really well written and paced. The language is perfectly aimed at a teen market but also an adult that likes NASA, geeky, LGBT stories will also enjoy. It delves into the World of a teenager and their interaction with Social Media and the press. Cal's dad doesnt understand what Cal is messing about with online - it's not a proper thing/job is it? ... the mechanics of social media, online press, modern journalism and followers, I imagine this reflects exactly how today's parents think and misunderstand about the digital World today. As mentioned before the book has enough tension and drama that makes you want to continue reading. It's a throughly enjoyable read. There are two moments I love in the book;</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cal considers himself a fixer of broken things (part of his obsession with planning) but he is reminded that he cannot fix ever broken thing but he can makes things a little better.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also in the early stages of Cal and Leon's relationship Leon is starting to talk a little about his depression and he realises that Cal wants to kiss him. He asks Cal not to kiss him to make him feel better but to instead kiss him showing affection at a later stage. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I really enjoyed this book and give it a solid 9 out of 10 stars. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-11237442431122739852020-06-26T14:59:00.002+01:002020-11-17T12:43:02.631+00:00Pride Month book review - Wayward Son by Rainbow RowellHi everyone,<br />
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As Pride month draws to a close I'll be posting a couple more LGBT book reviews, my latest is ...<br />
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Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell.<br />
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Pop on over to my Youtube channal and hear what I have to say ...<br />
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I give this book a 7 out of 10 planets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtkQRDQHi6ZNciPmTjLrjxNv02m663h9RZ5uAfVF6X8nKn0awG_TbpqmiD4DkuxM6uKjekHqKCIKMUgYc_F5FVLKjX1ZkTyPAp4UP6pgpRm9nePscDDy9ZPPRHHD7aDpCfwIeTAUZrOi5/s1600/7Planets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="1600" height="21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtkQRDQHi6ZNciPmTjLrjxNv02m663h9RZ5uAfVF6X8nKn0awG_TbpqmiD4DkuxM6uKjekHqKCIKMUgYc_F5FVLKjX1ZkTyPAp4UP6pgpRm9nePscDDy9ZPPRHHD7aDpCfwIeTAUZrOi5/s320/7Planets.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy it also. Don't forget to check out the first book in the Simon Snow Series - Carry On, my review can be found here:<br />
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Toodles<br />
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John The Captin RyanJohn Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-72981182852800582302020-04-28T12:12:00.000+01:002020-04-28T12:12:01.552+01:00We are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson (book review)<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hi all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whilst stuck at home during the lockdown of Covid-19 I've taken the opportunity to catch up on some reading. Check out my latest review, my fave book so far this year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I give this amazing book a rating of ten out of ten. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnJmDhocV-DgDiwT9QEYD0MDWX1GVHlYeicV81tRuPjmJ8qh2uwqQZdh9i9oIly_xeGItBSh0nBTX2ch579TuITJUBfKBEbd8CRfLXq5X6bB2ewB1R6LdggZZBxbpfKR0Bv2Z6cWBqdCP/s1600/10Planets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="1600" height="21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnJmDhocV-DgDiwT9QEYD0MDWX1GVHlYeicV81tRuPjmJ8qh2uwqQZdh9i9oIly_xeGItBSh0nBTX2ch579TuITJUBfKBEbd8CRfLXq5X6bB2ewB1R6LdggZZBxbpfKR0Bv2Z6cWBqdCP/s320/10Planets.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">John The Captain Ryan</span></span>John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-4063550686608435162020-04-27T13:21:00.000+01:002020-04-27T13:21:49.684+01:00The Stand by Stephen King (book review)<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hope
you are all doing okay during the great Covid-19 lockdown of 2020. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Four weeks ago I started learning about creating and editing videos ...
here's my second, a book review of an old favourite of mine The Stand by Stephen King</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I give this book a rare 10 out of 10 planets.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnJmDhocV-DgDiwT9QEYD0MDWX1GVHlYeicV81tRuPjmJ8qh2uwqQZdh9i9oIly_xeGItBSh0nBTX2ch579TuITJUBfKBEbd8CRfLXq5X6bB2ewB1R6LdggZZBxbpfKR0Bv2Z6cWBqdCP/s1600/10Planets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="1600" height="21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnJmDhocV-DgDiwT9QEYD0MDWX1GVHlYeicV81tRuPjmJ8qh2uwqQZdh9i9oIly_xeGItBSh0nBTX2ch579TuITJUBfKBEbd8CRfLXq5X6bB2ewB1R6LdggZZBxbpfKR0Bv2Z6cWBqdCP/s320/10Planets.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-9877308101463857072020-04-23T11:52:00.001+01:002020-04-23T11:53:26.322+01:00Alas Babylon (Book review)<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hope you are all doing okay during the great Covid-19 lockdown of 2020. Three weeks ago I started learning about creating and editing videos ... here's my first attempt, a book review of an old favourite of mine Alas Babylon by Pat Frank written in 1959.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I give this book 9 out of 10 planets.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFXVipYDczESDL-hBGLUnARdriN-Kzan-NMLtwsG4RU1voWu18UOCrGniJt6z3mBUWOaQG2yDBT_UPk9ak0nYTcShOPDe7Hhwa4549mx3nCYXQwL1v-UV-oXB7D0Rog8xAifDeWKDwy_Z/s1600/9Planets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="1600" height="21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFXVipYDczESDL-hBGLUnARdriN-Kzan-NMLtwsG4RU1voWu18UOCrGniJt6z3mBUWOaQG2yDBT_UPk9ak0nYTcShOPDe7Hhwa4549mx3nCYXQwL1v-UV-oXB7D0Rog8xAifDeWKDwy_Z/s320/9Planets.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John Cunningham-Ryan</span></span>John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-28869685016095319282020-04-22T12:10:00.000+01:002020-04-22T12:10:56.110+01:00The Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (Book review)<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm back !!! but with a little change up, I've been learning how to make video reviews and here's my latest attempt.</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JhyCVlMf4Ek/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JhyCVlMf4Ek?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is an awesome book and I hope you agree. I gave it a rating of 8 out of 10 planets.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYML9JOGespyO6ffgfO-kwudFlaUFPradlo7V3eDW9fZDBmduXLg-o010P7-3xYsGqCDxqLvxpvr92z8-SU2l4Rqk0v1IKOyOJW0LxrMgwEKRcoyv60yNJoC9zgJHaxIJC2ieyocIXOXm/s1600/8Planets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="1600" height="21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYML9JOGespyO6ffgfO-kwudFlaUFPradlo7V3eDW9fZDBmduXLg-o010P7-3xYsGqCDxqLvxpvr92z8-SU2l4Rqk0v1IKOyOJW0LxrMgwEKRcoyv60yNJoC9zgJHaxIJC2ieyocIXOXm/s320/8Planets.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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John Cunningham-RyanJohn Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-30309086697940403722019-09-06T01:38:00.000+01:002019-09-06T01:43:19.299+01:00IT, Chapter 2. (movie review)<h3 style="text-align: center;">
After a 2 year wait we finally get to see what happens to the LOSERS.</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm7lyGSgs5YWAdMYjr9Mhoi0y_S6lSZmkOWDklX6CVEyF0J1KYdJJSgEkrI3JwEq_dDAg-W4ds-WqIyopWw5QlHCfotBpLb7thKXPg7nZywyl4FFtzc2dLqFjCnAF4qFMA9CuL6t4WnsM/s1600/It+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="IT, Chapter 2." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm7lyGSgs5YWAdMYjr9Mhoi0y_S6lSZmkOWDklX6CVEyF0J1KYdJJSgEkrI3JwEq_dDAg-W4ds-WqIyopWw5QlHCfotBpLb7thKXPg7nZywyl4FFtzc2dLqFjCnAF4qFMA9CuL6t4WnsM/s400/It+2.jpg" title="IT, Chapter 2." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(source <a href="https://fortniteinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Fortnite-X-IT-Chapter-2.jpg">fortniteinsider</a> ) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">IT's been a long time coming, pun intended ... come on ... give me this one, I did a review of <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2017/09/i-love-remakes.html">CHAPTER 1</a> and gave it a ten out of ten. Read on to see how Chapter two does.</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So for those who haven't read the book or seen the movie made in 1990 (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099864/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2">HERE):</a></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Chapter 1 covers the story of 7 young teens battling IT/Pennywise, a malevolent force that feeds off the fears of people, it has the power to appear as anyone or anything that person might fear. Cue ... the Worlds fear of clowns and or spiders. I bet Stephen King is responsible for at least half the cases of people that suffer from </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Coulrophobia.</span></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"> </span></span></span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOIYGj3XCkZCyDXk1KXWIfTZx31vPXST0-uM3NeHMxZlGaHblQKuQVsAcEtESLszxRDxoAaxsbcSLeW-VzJrSPZtwTUaiZTrIa5nA6WArfkTWlbqTaCN-FuiqWyQ1kM_H69SIqJcSlCei/s1600/clowns.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1244" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOIYGj3XCkZCyDXk1KXWIfTZx31vPXST0-uM3NeHMxZlGaHblQKuQVsAcEtESLszxRDxoAaxsbcSLeW-VzJrSPZtwTUaiZTrIa5nA6WArfkTWlbqTaCN-FuiqWyQ1kM_H69SIqJcSlCei/s400/clowns.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/terrifier-vhs-2.png">(source - Bloody Disgusting)</a></td></tr>
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<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the end of Chapter 1 the seven friends make a pact to return if IT/Pennywise comes back, perfectly setting up Chapter 2. Only one of the seven friends stay in Derry and he studies and remembers everything, the rest of the friends scatter around the country and persue their careers - forgetting all about that summers activities. But Mike calls them all back to deal with Pennywise once and for all. They all have to go on a quest, to find a personal talisman that helps them to remember what happened.</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What follows is a rather long drawn out hour of each character as an adult finding their talisman and facing/remembering something horrific that previously happened that they all feared (and fed Pennywise with). Whilst many will see this as an overindulgence I understand these long sequences. A lot of Stephen King movies have been butchered, either by</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Too much material in his books that is difficult to translate to the screen</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. The movie producer/adaptation limiting the movie by their lack of imagination or ability to translate the imagery the mind can manage but the movie budget cannot or</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. An over excitable editor cutting out huge chunks of King's work to conform to a specific movie length.</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I can forgive these sections. What is stunning is the special effects and transitions from reality to the mindfuckery that Pennywise creates. These transitions could never have been created in 1990 and this is why I love seeing remakes. We finally have an opportunity to see more of King's amazing vision (and twisted dark soul). It's been many years since I read IT but it will be getting pulled off the shelf in a few weeks. From what I remember this movie adaptation is certainly a lot closer to the book but I can't say that </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">definitively.</span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw"> </span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">I have only one negative to say about the movie. All horror movies need a small bit of comic relief but this had too much. There was a quip or funny piece after nearly every big scary scene. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand the need to lighten the mood every now and again but this is a horror movie people, not a comedy. Richie and Eddie had too many one-liners. Of course as the movie progresses we understand why Richie (in both chapters) relied on comedy to lighten the mood. He has been hiding a huge-ass secret. </span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw"> </span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">SPOILER ALERT</span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">.</span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">.</span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">The start of Chapter 2 has a horrific murder of a gay character, he was beaten and thrown over a bridge (and Pennywise finished him off). AND don't even get me started about this lazy-ass movie trope, but, as chapter 2 progresses we learn that Richie is gay and is in fact in love with his best friend Eddie (who he never tells of course). It's Richie's biggest fear that the World finds out. There is a nice touching moment and the end where he acknowledges his love. </span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">As a lover of Stephen King I have to say I love this movie adaptation. The casting was perfect. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Skarsg%C3%A5rd">Bill Skarsgard</a> is a fantastic Pennywise - yes I still love <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Curry">Tim Curry's</a> version but that's like comparing single malt whiskey and triple distilled vodka. The special effects and transitions from reality to the crazy/fear World were amazing. AND the ending was one million times better than the 1990 movie (although that wouldn't be difficult). I even like the couple of comments during the movie about people not liking the endings of Bill's stories (he was a successful writer) - I like to think this is a reference to the poor ending of <a href="https://stephenking.fandom.com/wiki/Under_the_Dome">Under The Dome</a> (IMHO of course). Anyway, the final verdict. I give IT, Chapter 2 a solid 9 out of 10. (overall that's a 9.5 out of 10 for both parts)</span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span data-dobid="hdw">John The Captain Ryan</span></span></span></span></h4>
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-86682367128100329612019-09-06T00:30:00.000+01:002019-09-06T01:39:11.429+01:00IT - I Love Remakes.<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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We all float down
here.</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbYlBd_i59tOjQ3hTND-qQiUCxE3FVveFDp4r15thigRrVoB9mJxclWbjzWEXaMjH_Ihn9dWdTjxkS0GZO-TMnZcvnUM8T9OXDmjrsSX6hHKIbd5ZKIFeoylddEvuiVQJXjUqZFnbhzui/s1600/It+collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Remake of Stephen King's IT" border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="775" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbYlBd_i59tOjQ3hTND-qQiUCxE3FVveFDp4r15thigRrVoB9mJxclWbjzWEXaMjH_Ihn9dWdTjxkS0GZO-TMnZcvnUM8T9OXDmjrsSX6hHKIbd5ZKIFeoylddEvuiVQJXjUqZFnbhzui/s400/It+collage.png" title="Movie Remakes" width="400" /></a></div>
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Firstly, let’s get rid of the notion that movies & TV
series shouldn’t be remade, rebooted or re-imagined. That’s just rubbish. Since the dawning of man (and woman) over
200,000 years ago in the Middle Paleolithic period we have told and retold
stories. You know, sitting around the
campfire, char grilling bison and “storytelling” about how you speared that
bison to death and how you hoped to be chosen by the good looking woman in the
next door cave. </div>
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Drag your humanoid body along to more recent times of around
1600 and there was a famous Bill (not Clinton) writing poems and plays. Somewhat impenetrable for the reader today
without a dictionary and abridged notes (Just read the notes I say) William Shakespeare’s
works have been reprinted, re-imagined and made into numerous movies and
plays. Every year there are hundreds of
stage productions all across the globe. </div>
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Then drag your sorry cantankerous (The original is the best
and everything else is rubbish) ass to the middle of the 20<sup>th</sup>
century. Everyone has heard of Rogers
& Hammerstein. They were
responsible for writing over a dozen musicals, over 300 songs, that spawned
numerous movies and many stage productions (go on start humming “How do you
solve a problem like Maria”). To date
there are over 480 Broadway musicals and this list is growing all the time.</div>
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So you see, remakes are not a modern phenomenon. We hear or read a story. We then retell, embellish,
add-to & sometimes take away. Go
back to old Willy Shakes (that’s his contemporary name for his new Rudai23 blog),
he wrote fantastic stories but some would agree with me that they are bloody
hard to read. Now, if they were
rewritten in today’s English I think that would make them more accessible and
open them up to a whole new audience. Throw
in a 140 character description to tweet and you’re on to a winner. You wouldn’t take away from the original, it
would actually give the reader the motivation to check out the original work. Ebooks have done something similar. With a lot of old material readily available
to download for free, it has opened up a whole new genre of books to
people. If you read Oscar Wilde’s <i>The Picture of Dorian Gray</i> for the first
time on your kindle I can bet you will download some more of his work. </div>
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Stephen King’s IT is the perfect example, published in 1986
with a mini TV series in 1990, the remaking of the film has generated interest
all over again. Stephen King, The Master
of Horror is responsible for many sleepless nights but some of the most amazing
and unforgettable books (and subsequent movies). And those are the titles and famous lines you
associate with King... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwVy-rH2kDzHn1eBl5-bXoKTLQDpDjHoTY92p7BRz6HMpPaxC7SFDH9Bd-gcsnONr4zOmFFFLVNVfwbr3hzKOQLJlqHSejehrU7bldECNz_42uL8PLn9r1f6XLmtZHRUkVe9LvjfZU50G/s1600/IT1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Memorable moments in Stephen King movies" border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="1204" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwVy-rH2kDzHn1eBl5-bXoKTLQDpDjHoTY92p7BRz6HMpPaxC7SFDH9Bd-gcsnONr4zOmFFFLVNVfwbr3hzKOQLJlqHSejehrU7bldECNz_42uL8PLn9r1f6XLmtZHRUkVe9LvjfZU50G/s640/IT1.png" title="Amazing Stephen King icons" width="640" /></a></div>
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IT The Shining Misery</div>
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And then think about the stuff you don’t associate with
Stephen King. Shawshank Redemption (<i>Get busy living, or get busy dying), </i>Stand
by Me (movie with River Pheonix), The Green Mile, The Running Man (Arnold
Washyknickers), Under the Dome (yes, it was before the Simpsons). </div>
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From a librarians point of view and picking up on a previous
point about interest getting regenerated for an original book. On 14th September
2017, 6 days after the release of IT across the Irish Public Libraries there
were about 100 copies of IT available and more than 130 holds. There were
10 new copies ordered to help meet the demand. This from a genre that was once
viewed (and sometimes still is viewed) as “not proper literature” for a
library. </div>
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But let’s get back to the remake of IT and a little about
movie adaptations. So, you should now agree with me that we should
embrace and welcome remakes. If the recent version is great, brilliant,
something new to watch. If it’s crap, don’t worry because it will
regenerate interest in the original. Everyone wins and of course most
importantly the author wins again with more royalties. As to the remake
of IT, go see it for yourself. It's the best horror film for
years breaking all previous box office records for a horror movie and the next
chapter is already confirmed. Whilst I loved Tim Curry in the original
movie, Bill Skarsgard is amazing although unrecognisable in this remake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FXL4mQEZiXv758Ba1_AOfRuH4J3VudcUNpjKnwgd5bJpfXnw4WVzlC2xvMbfbo-LzR-vt5Cwoeis13iqjDm0rf8VYXQfC3_6_VTxFDeKqLZNbaiOOP5XRVIoNY3odtLtT5QxTtJOAkyW/s1600/Skarsgard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pennywise 2017" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FXL4mQEZiXv758Ba1_AOfRuH4J3VudcUNpjKnwgd5bJpfXnw4WVzlC2xvMbfbo-LzR-vt5Cwoeis13iqjDm0rf8VYXQfC3_6_VTxFDeKqLZNbaiOOP5XRVIoNY3odtLtT5QxTtJOAkyW/s320/Skarsgard.jpg" title="Bill Skarsgard" width="210" /></a></div>
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The new movie is scarier and flows much better. The
previous version is told through a series of flashbacks which were quite
jarring and just didn't work. The newer version is the first half of the
story, told through the kids with no flashbacks, altogether a much easier to
follow premise. King's work has for decades translated very badly into movies
due to the complex layering of the storyline, intertwining plots and memorable
& monumental characters. Unfortunately, both movies fall down in one
area of the adaptation, Pennywise is the manifestation of fear and therefore should be different for everyone. The character of the clown is developed too much
in both movies rather than trying to show each person's fear. However,
this is the only negative I have for IT, it's not enough to lose a planet.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Final Verdict: <o:p></o:p>A
massive success that will instill a fear of clowns for generations to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Movie Review by The Captain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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(Rating - 10 out of 10 planets)</div>
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#wexworlds #weallfloatdownhere #rudai23 #remakes #IT</div>
John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-3516284902262534602019-07-16T09:59:00.004+01:002019-07-17T09:42:23.437+01:00The Inexplicable Logic of my Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Book Review)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hi all, I haven’t been blogging for a few months – life has a tendency to get mad at times but I haven’t stopped reading books or binging on Netflix so over the next few weeks I hope to get back on track and catch up on some book reviews.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Inexplicable Logic of my Life is an amazing book written by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4841310.Benjamin_Alire_S_enz">Benjamin Alire Sáenz</a> who also brought us <a href="https://www.easons.com/aristotle-and-dante-discover-the-secrets-of-the-universe-benjamin-alire-saenz-9781442408937">Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe</a> which I will be blogged about later in the month. This is Book 5 in my 52-weeks, 52-books challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Plot Summary:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seventeen-year-old Sal
(Salvatore) lives in El Paso, Texas, with his adoptive father, a gay
Mexican-American art professor named Vicente Silva. Vicente assumed
responsibility for Sal after his mother died, when Sal was just three years
old. (The connections between Sal’s mother and Vicente don’t become clear
until late in the book, when Sal finally opens a letter his dying mother wrote
and left in Vicente’s care.) Although Sal is white, the adoption secures his
place in the heart of a loving Mexican-American family, which is headed by the
matriarch Sal comes to know as Mima. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As his adoptive grandmother, Mima refers
to Sal as her “hijito de mi vida,” and the adoration is mutual. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The warmth of the Silva family magnetically
pulls in two other teen characters. Sal’s best friend, Sam (Samantha), is
locked in raging conflict with her mom. Another friend, Fito, suffers the
effects of a drug-addicted mother and an absentee dad. In order to
survive, Fito must hold down two after-school jobs. (more <a href="https://latinosinkidlit.com/2017/04/20/book-review-the-inexplicable-logic-of-my-life-by-benjamin-alire-saenz/">here</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH-U6qdXk75lEP-LlIQa4Nx-v4nVcP4lw08Gx92ZekxVJl45BcYCNzZZTI2oSKsOS0YX6pdGGjb6cFJEq0yIhT4_8rz4zxQsvf1WO4tKrVBK4mdr99zz3-06Lu3A5GYe_cKHGtG3Fe2lg/s1600/Inexplicable1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="922" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH-U6qdXk75lEP-LlIQa4Nx-v4nVcP4lw08Gx92ZekxVJl45BcYCNzZZTI2oSKsOS0YX6pdGGjb6cFJEq0yIhT4_8rz4zxQsvf1WO4tKrVBK4mdr99zz3-06Lu3A5GYe_cKHGtG3Fe2lg/s400/Inexplicable1.jpg" title="Alernative Book Covers from Goodreads" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Alternative Book Covers from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23447923-the-inexplicable-logic-of-my-life">Goodreads</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>My tuppence:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a huge amount
going on and Sal’s best friend Samantha keeps him grounded, their constant
communications by text keeping them in contact – they sometimes even text each other
when they are in the same room. Sal is dealing with homophobia, losing his
grandmother, growing up and all the other stuff that adolescents go through and
he’s not doing very well. He is throwing punches and questioning everything. When
Samantha’s mother dies in a car accident she goes to live with Sal and Vicente and
then the edition of Fito to the mix is fantastic and reinforces to Sal how
lucky he is to have a loving and supportive family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The book deals amazingly
with the exploration of self and identity and it’s something we all go through.
During the story the love of Vicente’s life –Marco - makes a reappearance. Vicente,
once gave up on the relationship with a man he loved when that man said
he didn’t want to be a stepfather. At first Sal isn’t in favour of Marco’s
return as he knows how hurt his father was but it enables Sal to see how lonely
his father is. Sal realises that as he will be leaving for college his father
shouldn’t be alone and deserves another chance at love. But central to the
story is how we deal with loss, how Samantha comes to terms with the loss of
her mother – even though their relationship was always rocky and how Sal deals
with losing his Mima when she is diagnosed with late stage cancer – their relationship
couldn’t be more different than Sam and her mothers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some great quotes in this book (find a selection of them <a href="https://bongbongbooks.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/my-thoughts-the-inexplicable-logic-of-my-life-by-benjamin-alire-saenz-book-review-132/">here</a>) and this is my fave:</span><br />
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(<a href="https://bongbongbooks.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/my-thoughts-the-inexplicable-logic-of-my-life-by-benjamin-alire-saenz-book-review-132/">source Bongbong book blog</a>)</div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whilst slow moving the
book is well worth a read, the way Sáenz deals with the topic of loss and grief
is brilliant and heart wrenching. It just keeps you turning the pages. However,
this slow pacing style will turn people off and in comparison to other young adult
novels it is certainly aimed at the more experience reader.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; line-height: 115%;">Benjamin Alire Sáenz (born 16
August 1954) is an award-winning American poet, novelist and writer of
children's books.</span> You can read more about him <a href="https://www.benjaminsaenz.com/">here </a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Here is another great blog review about <a href="https://objectionnetwork.com/2017/03/07/book-review-the-inexplicable-logic-of-my-life-by-benjamin-saenz/">The Inexplicable Logic of my Life</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The verdict, a great read for either adults or advanced young adult readers, I give this book an 8 out of 10 planets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpIo7agHd1BN7l5LHRvnwy31-u29Q5qnJMrb0VQw4znQ9IjKpPO182w9gKzj48u61XuL2jAzJBauYC5gm34YPFvtQU3uyZ83puhyFdLj4jv66x2kylEkK4iG3dvLHVYvMbyhoBFxt7o6f/s1600/8Planets.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="1600" height="21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpIo7agHd1BN7l5LHRvnwy31-u29Q5qnJMrb0VQw4znQ9IjKpPO182w9gKzj48u61XuL2jAzJBauYC5gm34YPFvtQU3uyZ83puhyFdLj4jv66x2kylEkK4iG3dvLHVYvMbyhoBFxt7o6f/s320/8Planets.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">John The Captain Ryan</span></div>
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<br />John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-72548270503517819022019-02-20T17:38:00.000+00:002019-02-20T17:38:41.133+00:00My Top LGBT reads<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read on to find out my top LGBT reads ...</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU59x_MgKyv2YELDhqWFhztEmXrlJdjql8utE9D2lqWNq1HjlnIyiY7vJeXNTFOSfwPSRoAKLwanuMA3imQGDZn2DyDSSYJCpujRWj9Qb2gcC6BzndorQEv7iGuVE_MQDCpJQzj_LO2-p4/s1600/Top..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="642" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU59x_MgKyv2YELDhqWFhztEmXrlJdjql8utE9D2lqWNq1HjlnIyiY7vJeXNTFOSfwPSRoAKLwanuMA3imQGDZn2DyDSSYJCpujRWj9Qb2gcC6BzndorQEv7iGuVE_MQDCpJQzj_LO2-p4/s320/Top..png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2019/02/ill-give-you-sun-by-jandy-nelson-book.html">I'll give you the Sun</a> by Jandy Nelson</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5Lptp7bdqit17y0Z5rWDW5S2kSUn-RXmFPJq-HSY53k0Donbx4o5tPDneAvfOoGFwLIkjsWx8_weYHg4HoL8ckSwwTuOwQ32ilJZHAG-WsPKoIyJtGksW6fzTkQX3-w_1fC25iKS0akW/s1600/I%2527ll+Give.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1018" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5Lptp7bdqit17y0Z5rWDW5S2kSUn-RXmFPJq-HSY53k0Donbx4o5tPDneAvfOoGFwLIkjsWx8_weYHg4HoL8ckSwwTuOwQ32ilJZHAG-WsPKoIyJtGksW6fzTkQX3-w_1fC25iKS0akW/s400/I%2527ll+Give.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“A story of two twins, Jude & Noah both of whom narrate their
intertwined story of love, life and bad decisions in a realistic heart-breaking
way”</span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-gentlemans-guide-to-vice-and-virtue.html">The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue</a> by MacKenzi Lee</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2Byjd8e8YZAvY2cj2N0UyDtYrsZ92zR2vG2GjBSRQ4QLOVrMVV9lrT_8OkA7plPqPEzt7Z5iuHB_yM-FgjRLVkNYSHmj3gdYIXHkn3Xd3X1SdkjEpExSv_k6F-JTOOIR5NXcXXkQ3x6f/s1600/Gentle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="672" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2Byjd8e8YZAvY2cj2N0UyDtYrsZ92zR2vG2GjBSRQ4QLOVrMVV9lrT_8OkA7plPqPEzt7Z5iuHB_yM-FgjRLVkNYSHmj3gdYIXHkn3Xd3X1SdkjEpExSv_k6F-JTOOIR5NXcXXkQ3x6f/s320/Gentle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“A fantastic tale of a spoiled bisexual British Lord romping around
Europe – a great story where the aristocracy of the 18th-century meets Simon vs
the Homo Sapiens Agenda”</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaMbRzfTh8L679v3hk7U5xo9VvsIdGUs3T4zDx_AsnnGj44_GzCVd-Olrv6DP742FGTTUwLe3ETamS4G-v_aWXl-n6qNY4nrrr_CAPWym3jMSBqrodwGZDLDzo9MLVL01WVkfF4of3rSm/s1600/Whatif.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="979" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaMbRzfTh8L679v3hk7U5xo9VvsIdGUs3T4zDx_AsnnGj44_GzCVd-Olrv6DP742FGTTUwLe3ETamS4G-v_aWXl-n6qNY4nrrr_CAPWym3jMSBqrodwGZDLDzo9MLVL01WVkfF4of3rSm/s400/Whatif.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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a doomed romance, or is it. Maybe, just maybe this is </i>the one<i>" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2017/12/simon-vs-homo-sapiens-agenda-book-review.html">Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda</a> by Becki Albertalli</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbawzPYrH58qXC8QHuWswWsawXAq46gbRRhnD9AjxAC6OwaHn1WSr5PnMlVV4iVxZO6KL3ByKLP5X8HNh8eX16C_VZcyM-tk-tqinngLpDgm3xy-DOawMnCK3TD4pcG-yLnRKB5NbIAX5d/s1600/Simon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="979" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbawzPYrH58qXC8QHuWswWsawXAq46gbRRhnD9AjxAC6OwaHn1WSr5PnMlVV4iVxZO6KL3ByKLP5X8HNh8eX16C_VZcyM-tk-tqinngLpDgm3xy-DOawMnCK3TD4pcG-yLnRKB5NbIAX5d/s400/Simon.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Albertalli's 2nd book on my list)</span></div>
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World of today's teens with the constant struggle for identity and self”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/02/noah-cant-even-by-simon-james-green.html">Noah Can't Even</a> by Simon James Green</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the funniest books I've ever read. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/04/boy-meets-boy-by-david-levithan-book.html">Boy meets Boy</a> by David Levithan</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmRRtD16aG_8gfQI6meZufoUVpatWvW5dx__uiFWRI5a42cR6l-RNmKl7tB2urCi_RGJzPF0owfqSJtjiVnbzS6UJ63cMx1MbLV8PQw4c_ZEjIt5q6SEDnvUT3AbQpuqLigBdlb941ji-/s1600/Boymeets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="700" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmRRtD16aG_8gfQI6meZufoUVpatWvW5dx__uiFWRI5a42cR6l-RNmKl7tB2urCi_RGJzPF0owfqSJtjiVnbzS6UJ63cMx1MbLV8PQw4c_ZEjIt5q6SEDnvUT3AbQpuqLigBdlb941ji-/s400/Boymeets.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">"The book takes us on the usual journey for
teens; that of love, lost love and love found again only of course this time
it’s two boys"</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/03/queens-of-geek-by-jen-wilde-book-review.html">Queens of Geek</a> by Jen Wilde</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelhpS1DVrs5U0WUlMXcMQQENg8Ykbrcg-2XDwAz2tCf1XkZriZciaLApi08DRiQy6Z8ULHMCZuqQ68YJh8qBWDjbZ8R4TAGjhf6lZi80zizJaDcQDj2FZeR643g5tKapjHL7462Zq3v5n/s1600/Queens.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="565" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelhpS1DVrs5U0WUlMXcMQQENg8Ykbrcg-2XDwAz2tCf1XkZriZciaLApi08DRiQy6Z8ULHMCZuqQ68YJh8qBWDjbZ8R4TAGjhf6lZi80zizJaDcQDj2FZeR643g5tKapjHL7462Zq3v5n/s320/Queens.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“You can’t pick and choose whose equality you
support. That’s not equality” <o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/02/when-everything-feels-like-movies-by.html">When Everything Feels Like the Movies</a> by Raziel Reid</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SVRHw7hcBR9GDIZj4y25xJff61UjmwVO5P_3FWvdULhlPFH5Brooc6HAGIYaaCZ3NaZFrEC6UJkn9IiSYv-cRun6uLruggikU_XjIyNqnUt7qIr4PR-9FjK_X8Ed4xrcS8UicWp8tORy/s1600/When.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="852" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SVRHw7hcBR9GDIZj4y25xJff61UjmwVO5P_3FWvdULhlPFH5Brooc6HAGIYaaCZ3NaZFrEC6UJkn9IiSYv-cRun6uLruggikU_XjIyNqnUt7qIr4PR-9FjK_X8Ed4xrcS8UicWp8tORy/s400/When.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">“Raunchy, riotous and real”<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/08/history-is-all-you-left-me-by-adam.html">History is all you left me </a>by Adam Silvera</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31WjboSBCESHJOhu4DiPsnDt5GTviH1S33iqOwY4erjvNhlv8PQEeAJQ3gcVVaoGtGsAk6PBu4rZoeFqrXeXirCIretrBHFtIl60ILwwWjg6CCG0ZPsOMAwfsBzAcpuX6HarJfjARZ71T/s1600/History.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="882" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31WjboSBCESHJOhu4DiPsnDt5GTviH1S33iqOwY4erjvNhlv8PQEeAJQ3gcVVaoGtGsAk6PBu4rZoeFqrXeXirCIretrBHFtIl60ILwwWjg6CCG0ZPsOMAwfsBzAcpuX6HarJfjARZ71T/s400/History.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Silvera's 2nd appearance on my list)</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">“A beautifully written book, heartfelt, touching and
simply amazing”<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/05/willful-machines-by-tim-floreen-book.html">Willful Machines</a> by Tim Floreen</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xJhXeWbYD8sfcHzvPUyIMEWWDLvfbNRWEOXZXdMn9aT70hkZ2y_ud2-d0kzroALE-g1Ia9l7rMJpvtSPvIgKkButbmFhXnYoo37SMUuXvH00cpa2QPnLGAbhhdY9_wMChbyosmF1u1wJ/s1600/Will.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="837" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xJhXeWbYD8sfcHzvPUyIMEWWDLvfbNRWEOXZXdMn9aT70hkZ2y_ud2-d0kzroALE-g1Ia9l7rMJpvtSPvIgKkButbmFhXnYoo37SMUuXvH00cpa2QPnLGAbhhdY9_wMChbyosmF1u1wJ/s400/Will.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">“A fantastic book with great characters and a central
theme about life and freedom”<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/07/release-by-patrick-ness-book-review.html">Release </a>by Patrick Ness</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1NWfJgbduTO1mFRf7DRDT_32tyj1gfX5Gn9vwASRRXSUtYlUQME-niTbhCPm3JcY7xH1qusAR-f-ZBOVT3JTk3diWeYzp8NEhQWPCrJTSLVD_Kl3auICt2QL1sTj6gjNTau_8UdqoqBz/s1600/Release.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="738" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1NWfJgbduTO1mFRf7DRDT_32tyj1gfX5Gn9vwASRRXSUtYlUQME-niTbhCPm3JcY7xH1qusAR-f-ZBOVT3JTk3diWeYzp8NEhQWPCrJTSLVD_Kl3auICt2QL1sTj6gjNTau_8UdqoqBz/s400/Release.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">“A poignant story of loss and rebirth”<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's me done, hope you enjoy these books like I did, comment and let me know what you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></i></div>
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-30671597890362836322019-02-19T12:22:00.000+00:002019-02-19T12:22:42.775+00:00I’ll give you the sun by Jandy Nelson (Book Review)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A story of two twins, Jude & Noah both of whom narrate
their intertwined story of love, life and bad decisions in a realistic heart-breaking
way. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is Book 4 in my 52-weeks, 52-books
challenge.</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CZIRuapPyDqyBGZEY0RvjRvxxo-UeOEuszONlVplKyjV3Vd8VpAwPjqBGZIfGpA3_Wx_YHZbc_XEeHJX-4laEgzzKzdu4cwOdcOqMbzk0t3b_bzFYhK8yTVrLJA38eyNsAy1qvpBbF08/s1600/Challenge4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CZIRuapPyDqyBGZEY0RvjRvxxo-UeOEuszONlVplKyjV3Vd8VpAwPjqBGZIfGpA3_Wx_YHZbc_XEeHJX-4laEgzzKzdu4cwOdcOqMbzk0t3b_bzFYhK8yTVrLJA38eyNsAy1qvpBbF08/s400/Challenge4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Check out the official website of Jandy Nelson <a href="http://jandynelson.com/">here.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rather than get straight into the story, just a quick
comment about the artistic page scrawlings. Throughout the
book some of the important lines are scrawled across the pages (at least in my
version; the one with the yellow cover). I really like these, what I call … moments.
Like a painting or photo with a shaft of bright light or surprising bright
colour, to me, they are an attempt to enhance the story of the twins who are also
artists. Another interesting tool the author uses is how Noah files away ideas
for future paintings; the author perfectly captures how the mind of some artist’s
work. I particularly like this and it reinforces the idea that artists and
writers should always carry a notebook with them to jot down ideas and
observations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUYd2066-n6MbJJLdMOUljjsoB9fIQFLRc8ppEJzelPUYFL4hg-o2K9HiCRBi04Ij6HVhYSgGgS3E-zNfiRIXQ9I5Jms244RLGru-0OFedKuE6xRA68kYeq7r3bY8iEtp17B3Tp_UCyw1/s1600/I%2527ll+give+you+the+sun2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="532" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUYd2066-n6MbJJLdMOUljjsoB9fIQFLRc8ppEJzelPUYFL4hg-o2K9HiCRBi04Ij6HVhYSgGgS3E-zNfiRIXQ9I5Jms244RLGru-0OFedKuE6xRA68kYeq7r3bY8iEtp17B3Tp_UCyw1/s400/I%2527ll+give+you+the+sun2.png" width="221" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_q3Zv_-zgGDi9-EM9IAMZ3QqBnsxp-beK4fl3MMtv2rfoDSRNmEIfvBkGBSHjhnpEAxOQj2lL6_fhePxnsZL3UUFsQhJrrRmb9A6AU_B_Hs1sqKtR0Ln5tqbRUlwIxXmQT77x5wcSlhIc/s1600/I%2527ll+give+you+the+sun3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_q3Zv_-zgGDi9-EM9IAMZ3QqBnsxp-beK4fl3MMtv2rfoDSRNmEIfvBkGBSHjhnpEAxOQj2lL6_fhePxnsZL3UUFsQhJrrRmb9A6AU_B_Hs1sqKtR0Ln5tqbRUlwIxXmQT77x5wcSlhIc/s400/I%2527ll+give+you+the+sun3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, the plot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>"At first, Jude and her twin brother Noah, are
inseparable. Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic
boy next door, while daredevil Jude wears red-red lipstick, cliff-dives, and
does all the talking for both of them. Years later, they are barely speaking.
Something has happened to change the twins in different yet equally devastating
ways . . . but then Jude meets an intriguing, irresistible boy and a mysterious
new mentor. The early years are Noah's to tell; the later years are Jude's. But
they each have only half the story, and if they can only find their way back to
one another, they'll have a chance to remake their world".</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> (source </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20820994-i-ll-give-you-the-sun" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The intriguing thing about the book is how the author tells
the story of both main characters, she gives them separate identities and styles
but writing Jude’s story at age 16 and Noah’s story at age 13 doesn’t work for
me. Some might think it’s a clever tool to tell the story but I didn’t like it
at all. Now, I understand it’s difficult to come up with a way to tell a story
without relying on the old fashioned flashbacks but in this case, I think the
old fashioned method would have worked better. I also much prefer when two
authors work together when writing a story focusing on two main characters like
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6567017-will-grayson-will-grayson?ac=1&from_search=true">Will Grayson, Will Grayson</a> by David Levithan and John Green or <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2019/01/what-if-its-us-by-becky-albertalli-adam.html">What if it’s us</a>
by Becki Albertalli and Adam Silvera. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though telling both stories at different ages is not a game changer it’s still annoying.
Like when you notice a plot gap or continuity error in a movie or TV series, to
some it might seem like a small inconsequential thing but to others it causes a
distraction that keeps gnawing like a dripping tap. But, this is the only
negative thing I can say about the book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s an interesting story told in a refreshing way and
you keep turning the page to get to the juicy bits; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* What’s the story with Jude’s premonitions?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* How did Noah not get into art college when Jude did? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* AND FOR GAWD SAKE when would they speak to each other
and sort things out? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not going to spill the beans, you’re going to have
to read the book yourself to find out which (if any) of these plots will be resolved. All of the characters are relatable and real, the author does a
fantastic job of allowing the reader to empathise with each of them, whilst the
twins do horrible things to each other at the end of the day they’d still give
up so much to make the other happy and eventually forgive each other. It’s also
a great story following the lives of two artists, Noah confident in his
abilities and Jude not so much but the way their individual struggles are
captured is artistic and real. For me Jandy Nelson perfectly captures the inner
thoughts and worries most artists (and writers) experience at some stage. The book
covers all the usual topics; love (hetro and homo), heart break, death, loss,
life struggles and forgiveness. All of these stories are well told and avoid cliché
except for the homo relationship of Noah but the artists can’t get everything
right. The book has won numerous awards and been shortlisted on several
occasions. The highest accolade being the <a href="http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/i%E2%80%99ll-give-you-sun">The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence</a> in Young Adult Literature, awarded in 2015 by the ALA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a book I will definitely be rereading to see
can I get over <u>MY</u> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flashback
issue, now that I know the ending I should be able to concentrate more on the
style and content. The fact I’m willing to reread a book is probably incomprehensible
to some people but to me it’s a high accolade, I read so much but there are few
books I will reread. For now I’m giving this book a solid 8 out of 10 planets.
After a reread it may climb to the lofty heights of 9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John The Captain Ryan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-50978738952032800992019-02-13T10:27:00.001+00:002019-02-13T10:27:08.914+00:00As Brexit looms, let’s look at WHEN the BBC banned Star Trek The Next Generation<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes, you read that correctly … I used the word WHEN … not
if or maybe … It already happened.</span></span></h3>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Space,
the final frontier, these are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise, <span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Its continuing mission: to
explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilisations. To
boldly go where no one has gone before<span style="color: #222222;">!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S6R3MiAv9ac/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S6R3MiAv9ac?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">EXCEPT the BBC weren’t willing to boldly go with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Episodes of the Original Series had been banned (those
with torture or difficult story-lines involving children - remember it was the 1960's) but this was the first
time an episode of The Next Generation was banned...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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(source - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708799/">IMDB</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Stardate 43510.7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(Season 3, Episode 12 – <b><u>On High Ground</u></b> – original airing should have been in 1992)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This episode see the Enterprise at Rutia IV and getting heavily involved
with a violent civil war. Lieutenant Commander Data notes that the Irish Unification
of 2024 was an event that
resulted in the creation of a single unified nation-state controlling
the entire geographical island of Ireland. This unification came about due to
the use of terrorism rather
than peaceful acts to bring about political change.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">We need to look at this in context. The "Troubles" were still ongoing and since 19th October 1988, when the Home Secretary, Douglas Hurd, issued a notice under clause 13(4) of the BBC Licence and Agreement to the BBC and under section 29(3) of the Broadcasting Act 1981 </span><span style="background-color: white;">to the Independent Broadcasting Authority</span><span style="background-color: white;"> prohibiting the broadcast of direct statements by representatives or supporters of eleven Irish political and military organisations.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPQ7MI_Z2u0F2Fp_5ZuvgcsHWX4XhcMJhYWzauVeCHAug_CXqJSp_QD5KoGWYuRLE8S0C0lsEMHQpFbfBQ_eWUeKufFtGJ0JQOcMfrpM8F_DcPVakLd24_Yamp3rvzWxg1hQ3SUIXuS4W/s1600/troubles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPQ7MI_Z2u0F2Fp_5ZuvgcsHWX4XhcMJhYWzauVeCHAug_CXqJSp_QD5KoGWYuRLE8S0C0lsEMHQpFbfBQ_eWUeKufFtGJ0JQOcMfrpM8F_DcPVakLd24_Yamp3rvzWxg1hQ3SUIXuS4W/s400/troubles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(source - <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/world/europe/northern-ireland-troubles.html">NY Times</a>)</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The BBC were not alone, such a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland#The_Troubles:_RT%C3%89_and_Section_31_of_the_Broadcasting_Act">ban also existed in Ireland</a> from 1981 - 1994. The logic was to not give those groups a voice on the airwaves to defend the use of violence. Both the BBC & RTE got around this on the news by having a voice over segment if someone like Gerry Adams was on, but many interviews and documentaries could not be aired (or in some cases not even made). Born in 1976 one of my abiding memories is the 9 o' clock news reporting on yet another bombing, revenge attack, punishment beating or killing by both sides. We all knew the names of the different groups, the areas and streets where the action was happening but couldn't really comprehend what was going on. When you're ten you don't really understand what's happening and unfortunately you even become immune to the daily announcements. More than 3,500 lost their lives, 52% of them were civilians. Whichever side of the conflict you lie on, I think we can all agree it is a dreadful part of our history. Some families are still waiting for the remains of their loved ones to be found.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But this doesn't answer why the episode was banned, it didn't fall under the censorship ban of not giving terrorists a voice on the national airwaves so I wonder what the BBC was afraid of, the idea of a
unified Ireland or the fact it (fictionally) came about due to the use of terrorism. And now the old adage the more things change the more they stay the same.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are under 20 years of age and you see a picture like this, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking it was a photo from Russia or Israel. But you'd be wrong. Are we going to see British army on duty like this on the island of Ireland again - hopefully not.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_XGbx_VMQeTbrPNcji833reh2wXTycPlUdrNCoKcT0akcUx5XcnrgSBT1EaDBoniLwx0HueHzdzQrfGzoacH6DD0NMO0-IuM6aESog5TYJ2WN9dtlVW7SHStbJuKkufO1GryrKYSvgQy/s1600/Border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_XGbx_VMQeTbrPNcji833reh2wXTycPlUdrNCoKcT0akcUx5XcnrgSBT1EaDBoniLwx0HueHzdzQrfGzoacH6DD0NMO0-IuM6aESog5TYJ2WN9dtlVW7SHStbJuKkufO1GryrKYSvgQy/s400/Border.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But to get back to the topic and let's give some props to journalists and the job they do. It most cases they want to tell the important stories and those involved with television programming and planning want to bring us the viewer a wide variety of ideas and shows. It doesn't matter if some of us don't like it, you can always switch st</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ation. BBC staff at the time staged a one-day strike </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">in protest that the BBC's independence was being undermined</span> and we still see today where the press is being curtailed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJY9V2TPp0bXB1weZae1aZD7ztPsWqk_RRAziarQjAfnMyixniMwdGMReW49qONBYw5u_cwAw_L_dhZVVLCmVrxAp-TywnBLVOZyYmn7QRb4_CkZ8JHDxOkZoInGbUnDCWHN9JwNq6Wdg/s1600/Brexit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJY9V2TPp0bXB1weZae1aZD7ztPsWqk_RRAziarQjAfnMyixniMwdGMReW49qONBYw5u_cwAw_L_dhZVVLCmVrxAp-TywnBLVOZyYmn7QRb4_CkZ8JHDxOkZoInGbUnDCWHN9JwNq6Wdg/s400/Brexit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(source <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/GerardelaFistiniere">Gerardela Fistiniere</a>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I wonder if a disastrous Brexit happens, coupled with the growing force of right-wing politics across Europe what other freedoms will be curtailed. At least with the advent of technology and the internet we can see what we want even if the established broadcasting companies refuse to air controversial shows. It's still a sad state of affairs when a geek's daily fix of Star Trek is limited due to some stupid small minded ideas. In the same way that schools across America are refusing to teach LGBT history, will schools in the UK stop teaching children about the different European cultures and faiths? Will the right-wing conservative xenophobic agitators win or will the UK figure a way out of this mess before they start down a path of cutting themselves off from the rest of the World, because if they get far enough down that path they may not be able to backtrack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In conclusion, it's a mess and if it leads to the British Army enforcing a border that nobody wants on the island of Ireland ... well all bets are off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan.</span><br />
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<br />John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-45634048487867544522019-02-08T10:54:00.001+00:002019-02-08T10:55:12.874+00:00The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (Book Review)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A fantastic tale
of a spoiled bisexual British Lord romping around Europe – a great story where
the aristocracy of the 18th-century meets Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda. This
is Book 3 in my 52-weeks, 52-books challenge.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29283884-the-gentleman-s-guide-to-vice-and-virtue">In The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue</a> by <a href="http://www.mackenzilee.com/">Mackenzi Lee</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we follow the adventure of </span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Henry “Monty” Montague who was born and bred to
be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools
in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb
any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a
bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a
life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only
does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return,
but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling
companion, Percy.</span> His sister Felicity is along for the ride – she is
also one to buck convention, always has her head stuck in a book and wants to
become a scientist or doctor when society expects her to be a “lady”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We embark on a
break-neck speed journey around Europe detailing a “Grand Tour”; the aristocracies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>18<sup>th</sup> century version of
finding who you were, “one” got drunk, slept around and had fun. "One" spent the
time schmoozing with other well-to-does around Europe, nurturing family ties
and basically having a ball. But for Monty this goes spectacularly wrong – he gets
drunk and rips the bodice from the wrong lady, he has to escape naked across a
well manicured lawn but not before he steals a memento, something small that
won’t be noticed – except it proves to be very valuable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What follows is a marvellous
chase death-defying chase; they are attacked by highwaymen, lose their chaperone, get
jailed, drugged and then kidnapped (kind-of) by pirates. Then to Venice, a
sinking island and finally … hang on there … you’ll have to read it yourself.
Along the way in this historical accurate story we learn about class &
racism in a unique and interesting way. We feel Monty’s heart breaking when he
learns about his best friend – Percy – who has epilepsy and when their tour
ends will be locked up in an insane asylum. They’ve never slept together but
have loved each other for many years; their life and awkward love for each other is intelligently intertwined within this
story – will they, won’t they – will it ruin their
friendship – and will Monty find a cure or stop Percy being locked up for the
rest of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This book for me
straddles the YA book World really well, for an experienced reader; it’s over
500 pages long, it’s historically accurate and the plot meanders a little but
it’s still a fantastic, perfect for an avid reader that isn’t quite
ready for the massive epics like Stephen King’s <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/television/international-shows/story/stephen-king-s-the-stand-to-be-adapted-into-a-tv-series-1443429-2019-01-31">The Stand</a>, or fantasy epics by <a href="http://www.brentweeks.com/">Brent Weeks</a> or <a href="https://brandonsanderson.com/">Brandon Sanderson</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25wA57vhmRO3f7I3EO1WqULruiYfpHjumjEWyk8Wcv2Nse4T6m1FYpEWHhlIptoUhHUOeqYvp1Nu4E_iYQu5WkrFUNtyOWMZuvR4MNBxVcJ9j8CrIlhiFvqWxDei4Sf2SgvmqEnnV6lyw/s1600/Epics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1038" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25wA57vhmRO3f7I3EO1WqULruiYfpHjumjEWyk8Wcv2Nse4T6m1FYpEWHhlIptoUhHUOeqYvp1Nu4E_iYQu5WkrFUNtyOWMZuvR4MNBxVcJ9j8CrIlhiFvqWxDei4Sf2SgvmqEnnV6lyw/s400/Epics.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s an exciting read with
a vivid picture of 18<sup>th</sup> century Europe, a forbidden romance and
pirates, frankly what else do you need. It’s definitely the case that the three
main characters were born in the wrong century and this book if read in the
classroom would generate lots of interesting debates and discussion.It is very well researched and written. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The verdict, a great
read for either adults or advanced young adult readers, I give this book an 8
out of 10 planets. For me there was a little too much history and not enough
attention given to the plot, but, then again, I always hated history in school.
It’s still a great read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John The Captain Ryan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-48210951659549263042019-01-30T10:08:00.000+00:002019-01-30T10:23:05.232+00:00Snow Storm in Castlebridge, Wexford. (2nd March 2018)<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Beast from the East and Storm Emma causing havoc in Wexford.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, I was out and about in Castlebridge on Friday 2nd March 2018 and took these photos during our trek. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4u-jcCXYD5RGOsGOX4bWP5lekibE9J1hIgvFDQ-wBJGrrxMJwXu7Wg9EkZjmQpEt9CodbC0UJTRlR8p1iQNcbW9jWA04iIMm78lLYRAjUQfc6sf6pbxtxV71vUXjwA3YA_BQAdf9YV19/s1600/Reading+Rooms%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Reading Rooms, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="797" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4u-jcCXYD5RGOsGOX4bWP5lekibE9J1hIgvFDQ-wBJGrrxMJwXu7Wg9EkZjmQpEt9CodbC0UJTRlR8p1iQNcbW9jWA04iIMm78lLYRAjUQfc6sf6pbxtxV71vUXjwA3YA_BQAdf9YV19/s640/Reading+Rooms%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" title="(Reading Rooms, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Reading Rooms, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhi4TlFtyxYbel6NaHpWFNp8MgVloqUEv7lYi5ZLnF5RHoGAJO8UadTO9auSLdVymdOTJIL_XRx2CpoSGTxMdr5P01Mi8_5VmP9KAH8Wln_IVCIo_lK0dB3OWgzEyMz9xutVz5NUylKTE/s1600/R741+towards+Gorey+from+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(R741 towards Gorey from Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="797" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhi4TlFtyxYbel6NaHpWFNp8MgVloqUEv7lYi5ZLnF5RHoGAJO8UadTO9auSLdVymdOTJIL_XRx2CpoSGTxMdr5P01Mi8_5VmP9KAH8Wln_IVCIo_lK0dB3OWgzEyMz9xutVz5NUylKTE/s640/R741+towards+Gorey+from+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" title="(R741 towards Gorey from Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(R741 towards Gorey from Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyb7wV2YJM5mb5bODqNVZklPF4Lo84s3fPCN9m3P1OIy4zZa5AtSrX7QYztX1FyoECDsFwTEziz79yaqJFESFvOK-_dW9rU-ADi_kJfcMD9PlRAEfqLv0U5YusyDfTrOg9GM4ORUQ4Omu/s1600/Porter+House%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Porter House, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="797" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyb7wV2YJM5mb5bODqNVZklPF4Lo84s3fPCN9m3P1OIy4zZa5AtSrX7QYztX1FyoECDsFwTEziz79yaqJFESFvOK-_dW9rU-ADi_kJfcMD9PlRAEfqLv0U5YusyDfTrOg9GM4ORUQ4Omu/s640/Porter+House%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" title="(Porter House, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Porter House, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA9Xr5TfR_UIYK7SNJTXkap0EStoQZ7eHUkMGLOE-iyNKD9sAserfmjFtWL2lnXjUf8SHQSmvPVQv-EaXeSC7jbj5cewRSxIDIn1Z8OFvqhcufISmCvVEy-hC6h3E3Zvk57fwm1VP034I/s1600/Michael+Sinnott+Drive%252C+looking+towards+Glasganny+Road%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Michael Sinnott Drive, looking towards Glasganny Road,Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="797" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA9Xr5TfR_UIYK7SNJTXkap0EStoQZ7eHUkMGLOE-iyNKD9sAserfmjFtWL2lnXjUf8SHQSmvPVQv-EaXeSC7jbj5cewRSxIDIn1Z8OFvqhcufISmCvVEy-hC6h3E3Zvk57fwm1VP034I/s640/Michael+Sinnott+Drive%252C+looking+towards+Glasganny+Road%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" title="(Michael Sinnott Drive, looking towards Glasganny Road,Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Michael Sinnott Drive, looking towards Glasganny Road,Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWzNeHT2YEiky50BYGrxkK_7x0JGTY-AlFHplMj1a6-vHwBlowwxopZgB7gcpC-7bUUM9Zbl3K3EqGuJMW8kTRckcChFAwkJ__Uhe5rYoFG78B6I5HT4TGpKXeaXqExf0I5kUKTJkiVrx/s1600/Garden+of+Remembrance%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Garden of Remembrance, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="797" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWzNeHT2YEiky50BYGrxkK_7x0JGTY-AlFHplMj1a6-vHwBlowwxopZgB7gcpC-7bUUM9Zbl3K3EqGuJMW8kTRckcChFAwkJ__Uhe5rYoFG78B6I5HT4TGpKXeaXqExf0I5kUKTJkiVrx/s640/Garden+of+Remembrance%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" title="(Garden of Remembrance, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Garden of Remembrance, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-_frncdynpyekWIHGdUHcz_u36rBMGyygjCKhTPgAHXEcvk2eJM214VXy3tn0eCxK5rplcZcONJ0yV50mx3oq_J4OwigA__DTNkgcf4HwEsdaB0snfQZbl0qFyEXkTebQXcT6d06EYvz/s1600/Freddies+Post+Office%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Freddies Post Office, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="789" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-_frncdynpyekWIHGdUHcz_u36rBMGyygjCKhTPgAHXEcvk2eJM214VXy3tn0eCxK5rplcZcONJ0yV50mx3oq_J4OwigA__DTNkgcf4HwEsdaB0snfQZbl0qFyEXkTebQXcT6d06EYvz/s640/Freddies+Post+Office%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" title="(Freddies Post Office, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Freddies Post Office, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5zBI8HGXrJ-7TBuW300le-QDnxg0K8IimqCw7zJQyNVcWkzZbsalFWl7CQkO9V55sMOjXLrEcBH9b1wpCimZOMqQE54Ab0bHGpSJ7lSE-HlgPOgUYimCfKZ2095Jyehq9WilbdXRTORr/s1600/Cottage%252C+Glasganny%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Cottage, Glasganny Road, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="797" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5zBI8HGXrJ-7TBuW300le-QDnxg0K8IimqCw7zJQyNVcWkzZbsalFWl7CQkO9V55sMOjXLrEcBH9b1wpCimZOMqQE54Ab0bHGpSJ7lSE-HlgPOgUYimCfKZ2095Jyehq9WilbdXRTORr/s640/Cottage%252C+Glasganny%252C+Castlebridge%252C+Wexford.+Small.jpg" title="(Cottage, Glasganny Road, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Cottage, Glasganny Road, Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ni5ofsi0eaTknvQeatqYCWcttEl0uzuXQwdpEjQEITNcpWjc7DtNzs8HfOtuMdW3Ote_yRCJmSJ6oVr75aSzNBCShAcga4gv3BuHnmvj2dtw0VQGHFZ6yHD-tIh6FJ6d4WHQZ9uA4NI/s1600/Castlebridge+Village%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="(Trekking into Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="498" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ni5ofsi0eaTknvQeatqYCWcttEl0uzuXQwdpEjQEITNcpWjc7DtNzs8HfOtuMdW3Ote_yRCJmSJ6oVr75aSzNBCShAcga4gv3BuHnmvj2dtw0VQGHFZ6yHD-tIh6FJ6d4WHQZ9uA4NI/s640/Castlebridge+Village%252C+Wexford+Small.jpg" title="(Trekking into Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Trekking into Castlebridge, Wexford. Photo copyright (c) John Ryan)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(If you like the photos, please don't be stealing them. Contact me by email for terms of use and high-res versions.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John the Captain Ryan</span></div>
John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0Castlebridge, Co. Wexford, Ireland52.3824281 -6.45028720000004826.8603936 -47.758881200000047 77.9044626 34.858306799999951tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-40630491281015475542019-01-21T11:34:00.002+00:002019-01-21T11:34:18.706+00:00Ender's Game, War of Gifts (book review)<h3>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is a graphic novel based on the Ender series of novels by Orson Scott Card. This is Book 2 in my 52-weeks, 52-books challenge.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have already written a review of <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2017/11/ender-in-exile-by-orson-scott-card-book.html">Ender in Exile</a> and there was also a movie based on <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731141/">Ender's Game</a> made in 2013 staring heavyweights <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000148/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm">Harrison Ford</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001426/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5">Ben Kingsley</a>. I enjoyed the movie but it was received poorly by the public, yet it grossed over €110 million in the box office so there seems to be some discrepancy there!. The books are very enjoyable even though the author - IMHO - is an ass and a homophobe. Much has been written about him and there was an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/09/enders-game-boycott-card-anti-gay-views">organised boycott</a> of the movie by many LGBT groups (who happen to be fans of science-fiction) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I'll blog more about that later. To concentrate on this novel, I'm sorry to say it is a very pale comparison to either the movie or any of the popular books written about Ender Wiggins. This publication includes 4 stories (previously published in separate comics) based on events in the books;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Recruiting Valentine</u> - a short ditty about how Peter, Enders brother recruited their sister Valentine to manipulate people. This is a poor story that doesn't even come close to explaining the complex relationship between all three siblings and/or how dangerous the oldest brother Peter actually is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>War of Gifts</u> - This story is a lot more interesting, following how a recruit - Zeck - gets to battle school and his struggle with his faith (beaten into him by his zealous father). In Battle school nobody is allowed to practice their faith in a public manner. This story is a lot more interesting, I don't remember it in any of the books (but there has been quite a few) but dips it's toe into the World of today - celebrating Christmas without any secular references, a challenge in schools all the time. In this story there is an interesting social question being asked - a recurring theme in all of Orson Scott Card's work - and it sits well in the middle of this novel. It reminds us of the struggle that people with strong faith have in the World of today and also the evil side of the zealots. Even though Zeck isn't a perfect student, in fact he is dreadful as his vow to never hurt anyone goes against everything the school is drilling into the students, Graff the head of the school refuses to send him home to be beaten by his father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Mazer in Prison</u> - this tells us of how Admiral Mazer Rackam was sent on a very long space journey - in real time it takes decades but due to space-time-travel is only five years for him. This allowed the International Fleet to keep him on-ice as an asset to fight against the Formics in the future. Hyrum Graff (a lieutenant with many masters) had been tasked with the responsibility of finding a fleet commander with the same traits as Mazer. Mazer was eventually coerced into helping but managed to convince the I.F. to allow Graff full autonomy at the school to find a proper replacement for him. This story is really good and helps summarise the relationship and work that Graff and Mazer are doing (and why). This part if the story is interspersed throughout so it's good to see it all together, one advantage of a comic is to extract a part of the story and make it more coherent and understandable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>League War </u>- tells the story at the end of Ender's Game just after the genocide of the Formics by Ender (and his army). We get a further look into the psyche of Enders siblings and how manipulative his older brother Peter is. It explores how the graduates of command school will now return to an Earth that is on the brink of World-Civil-War. All the graduates including Ender will be in huge demand to lead the nations of Earth to final victory. With the use of the newsnets Peter (aka Locke) and Valentine (aka Demosthenes) publish several essays to first start war and then create a tentative peace. Peter manipulates Valentine into taking part, he enjoys the politiking, Valentine hates it but can't complain about the eventual outcome. But, it's a small window into Peter's World and the best story in this anthology. It could have gone a little further to bait the readers interest into reading the novels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over all, this graphic novel is poor. Without prior knowledge and understanding of the Ender universe these 4 separate stories would mean nothing. These comics could have done a really good job of introducing new (and younger) readers to the Ender universe but fail. Whilst I've been a huge fan of Marvel for years these comics are a pale comparison to the novels, they bring nothing exciting and the art work is poor. The best page of artwork is the cover of Mazer in Prison, the rest is forgettable. In this case just stick with the books and avoid any of the comics. This graphic novel only earns a rating of 4 out of 10 planets, one of the worst reviews I've ever given.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan</span></div>
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-48683002282088202232019-01-11T11:47:00.005+00:002019-01-11T11:47:41.618+00:00What if it's us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera (Book Review)<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A fun story of Ben and Arthur, will they, won't they? A classic story of a doomed romance, or is it. Maybe, just maybe this is "the one". The first book in my 52 weeks, 52 books challenge of 2019.</span></h3>
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What if it's us charts the adventure of two young men, Arthur who is only in New York for the summer but believes in Broadway miracles and dreams of playing the leading roll in his own fantastical musical in a magical universe of romance. He is a die-hard romantic that believes in "the one". An exciting new universe awaits him.</div>
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Ben, a NY native has just broken up with his boyfriend and thinks that very same universe can mind it's own business. Whilst visiting the post office to send a box of stuff back to his ex both he and Ben meet.</div>
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They don't exchange address, phone numbers, emails or even names but both want to meet the other again, so, the chase begins. How to connect ... and then after several do-overs can they even make this work. </div>
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What if it's us is written by two fantastic authors, heavyweights in the LGBT young adult fiction genre; </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/beckyalbertalli/">Becky Albertalli</a> the amazing mind behind <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2017/12/simon-vs-homo-sapiens-agenda-book-review.html">Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda</a> and sequel <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062643803/leah-on-the-offbeat/">Leah on the Off Beat</a> with the massive successful movie <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/03/love-simon-movie-review.html">Love, Simon</a> being released in 2018. </div>
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And <a href="http://www.adamsilvera.com/">Adam Silvera</a>, author of They Both Die at the End, <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/08/history-is-all-you-left-me-by-adam.html">History is all you Left me</a>, (which got a 10 out of 10 planets review from me) and <a href="http://www.adamsilvera.com/more-happy-than-not-1/">More Happy than not</a>.</div>
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I can imagine it's exciting but difficult to write a book with another person, but these two worked really well together, I presume that each author had a main character each and this works really well, giving a different feel and language to each one. Rather like the other huge success I read a couple of years ago <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6567017-will-grayson-will-grayson?ac=1&from_search=true">Will Grayson, Will Grayson</a> written by John Green & David Levithan (two other heavyweights in the genre).</div>
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The chase is really fun and gives an opportunity to delve into the lives of both characters, we meet their friends and families; their respective friends helping them to connect with each other and support their new found ... perhaps doomed ... relationship. I really liked <b>Ben's story</b>, rocked from a messy break-up with a good friend (never date a friend) their mutual friends are caught in the middle, to make matters worse Ben and his ex are attending summer school together, so they can't get away from each other. Worse still, Ben doesn't tell Arthur he sees his ex every day so this is hanging over his head all the time. Ben's story is very realistic and charts the stormy path one must travel getting over a break-up with a good friend; navigating and defining a new relationship with that friend and other mutual friends. It's a real mess in a real World. </div>
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The other main character <b>Arthur</b> is also interesting, working as a gopher in his mothers law firm for the summer so his future is very uncertain. He won't be staying in New York, so is there any point in even trying to meet someone and build a romance. Most would think it's doomed to fail but not Arthur, he believes in a magical universe of love and romance and the Broadway musical so he is going to create his own musical with himself, of course, being one of the main characters. Whilst a little cliched ... wow the gay boy loves musicals ... it does allow the reader to enter the mindset of Arthur and hope that maybe there will be a happy ending, just like in Broadway.</div>
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As they grow closer, have several do-over first dates after 3 nightmare attempts where everything went wrong both boys start questioning will it work, are they both in the same place, are they even compatible. Ben struggles with school work and Arthur sails through. Ben has no solid plans for university (he probably won't get in anyway) and Arthur has his Ivy League education planned. Ben hasn't got over his break-up and wants to make amends with his friends, Arthur is leaving New York after the summer (which they refuse to discuss) so will all these things making it impossible for Ben and Arthur to have a meaningful romance ... you'll have to read it to find out !!!</div>
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With great news that What if it's us will be made into a movie - <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/what-if-its-us-by-becky-albertalli-adam-silvera-is-becoming-a-movie-it-could-be-the-next-big-rom-com-12083982">Read more here</a> - this is bound to be another huge success, although may not reach the heights of Love, Simon which grossed over <a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=untitledgregberlantifilm.htm">€40 million</a>. I really liked the book, it's well written by two artists who really understand the lives of young LGBT people and help us struggle with them through their fledgling romance. Neither is the book leaning on common tropes of homophobia, coming-out or a story of young LGBT people not being loved and supported by their family and friends and for this reason alone I love the book. Instead we have a normal teenage rom-com, the only difference being the two characters are gay, otherwise it's normal, well, because it is.</div>
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The only negative I can say about the book is the nagging <i>suspicion</i> as you are reading it that there will be a silly superfluous Disney-esque solution to the ending and this clouded my enjoyment of the story. Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil the ending, that's all I'm saying. it's still a good read and I'll give it an 8 out of 10 planets.</div>
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John The Captain Ryan.</div>
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-5114397616965571252018-12-29T00:17:00.002+00:002018-12-29T00:25:34.354+00:00Bird Box (movie review)<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/ie/title/80196789">Netflix</a> scores yet another huge success with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_Box_(film)">Bird Box</a>, with 45 million viewers streaming in the first week from it's release on 14th December 2018. (no spoilers)</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n_Ha2BFxXy2jXW5oO9mS7n8u2xCvELTm1QPPKoQbx8LIzaqXckPTLZNCtZlmnSgEmd86qzpOzK-D5ShNjflS0xIsCSUcSBlrdL6AxZcIoX94gUR5O8GlgziU6NJ3vF_qGDxMvSFyvrQX/s1600/birdbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n_Ha2BFxXy2jXW5oO9mS7n8u2xCvELTm1QPPKoQbx8LIzaqXckPTLZNCtZlmnSgEmd86qzpOzK-D5ShNjflS0xIsCSUcSBlrdL6AxZcIoX94gUR5O8GlgziU6NJ3vF_qGDxMvSFyvrQX/s400/birdbox1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://irnpost.com/2018/12/bird-box-review-spoilers/">picture source</a>) </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Basics:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bird Box is a 2018 American post apocalyptic thriller directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0081540/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Susanne Bier</a>. The movie is based on a book of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_Box">same name</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Malerman">Josh Malerman</a> which I've just bought in my local INDEPENDENT book store (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebookcentrewexford/">Wexford Book Centre</a>)</span></span>.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Check out this great interview from the author <a href="https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/89020834.html">here</a>. </span></span></span></span></div>
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(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Box-Novel-Josh-Malerman/dp/0062259652">picture source</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The film follows a woman, played by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Bullock" title="Sandra Bullock">Sandra Bullock</a>,
who, along with a pair of children, dubbed Boy and Girl, must make it
through a forest and river blindfolded to avoid supernatural entities
that take the appearance of their victims' worst fears & regrets that cause them to die by suicide. The only people who do not succumb to these affects are people who are insane. Bird Box starts out like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0796117/">M. Night Shyamalan's</a> 2008 movie <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Happening_(2008_film)">The Happening</a> - an unseen entity drives people to take their own lives, plunging society and the World into chaos but the similarities end there. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ql2LuAzdEpDprNTsFgxFNawOhnZq-qUF7eBqr5HUCOuwpPhXUUp0AULfQIPPYt-1j7tYaE_efSVevO-fFOt8HLTubHIaP253haeQBDvChiVdZQOyJrONbuwBvPLd6ZfoQPsMNkWIa_dO/s1600/the+happening..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ql2LuAzdEpDprNTsFgxFNawOhnZq-qUF7eBqr5HUCOuwpPhXUUp0AULfQIPPYt-1j7tYaE_efSVevO-fFOt8HLTubHIaP253haeQBDvChiVdZQOyJrONbuwBvPLd6ZfoQPsMNkWIa_dO/s320/the+happening..jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0949731/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_10">picture source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are immediately introduced to Mallory (Sandra Bullock), frankly being a bit of a bitch, she is really mean and stern towards her two children and explaining they will be taking a long, dangerous journey and they must do exactly what she tells them. With half the movie being flashbacks (which get a little jumpy at times) we learn how the World and Bullock got to where it is, that is, a World of cruelness and little love. For me as soon as I learnt: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. This was a post apocalyptic story and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. My all time fave author <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing">Stephen King</a> was a huge fan; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I knew I'd be watching it fairly quickly and it didn't disappoint.The hubby also loved it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (source - Stephen King's <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing">Twitter</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the story barrels along with a frightening river raft journey you can't help being reminded of the amazing Meryl Streep movie <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/09/the-river-wild-twenty-years-later-uncovering-gails-rafting-journal/380962/">The River Wild</a>, although it's not quite as manic, making the journey blind folded is still heart stopping at times. Sandra Bullock is brilliant and diverse, just looking at her filmography you immediately are drawn to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_(2013_film)">Gravity</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heat_(film)">The Heat</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Side_(film)">The Blindside</a> to mention a few of her recent successes. She is also fantastic in this movie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me the rest of the actors are people I do not know except for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BD_Wong">B.D. Wong</a> (most would recognise him from his role as Dr. Huang in Law and Order SVU and from Mr. Robot). Wong plays the token gay character in the movie, that, of course, dies quickly; (as we know it's a much abused <a href="https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BuryYourGays">lazy homophobic movie trope)</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyway, not to give too much away, for lovers of thrillers, a little bit of horror (but not gory and disgusting), a great story that pulls you and the characters on a great journey (actual and metaphorically speaking), well directed and great acting this is a must see. The ending is great (much better than the Happening) and if you're a fan of indie productions and/or Sandra Bullock you won't be disappointed either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I give the movie an 8 out of 10 planets (it looses a planet for excessive use of flashbacks and the other for the killing of the gay character in a lazy hollywood trope) but this is my personal opinion and overall shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the movie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan. </span></div>
John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-81315049315920256242018-12-14T09:52:00.000+00:002018-12-14T09:52:14.880+00:00Best Horror Books Ever...<h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">FACT!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, to identify the best horror books of all time, I've looked at a selection of websites that have lists of books and done up my own list. This year I'm going to read (or in some cases re-read) these titles and write a review. (For those who are interested I've listed the websites I used at the end of this blog). The top 13 horror books of all time are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>13 - The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. </u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Need I say anything other than:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Well Clarice, have the lambs stopped screaming?" and...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I ate his <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I remember reading this book some years ago and whilst it is was scary, the movie is better. Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecter with such brilliant that will never be surpassed, you cannot read the book without imagining him in the role.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u>12 - 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King.</u></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the Master of Horror's first entry on the list, an awesome book that I read well over 20 years ago. Looking forward to reading it again.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">11 - The Turn of the Screw by Henry James</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've never read this book so looking forward to it.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">10 - Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know absolutely nothing about this book so will have to read it and find out what all the bru-ha-ha is all about.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9 - Books of Blood Volumes 1-3 by Clive Barker</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've watched a lot of films based on Clive Barker's work but never read any of his books. This will be interesting.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8 - House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yet another book I haven't read but going by other reviews I'm looking forward to reading this also.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7 - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I couldn't believe I haven't read this book, but, yet it appears on so many best horror lists. I wonder is it because it's one of the first in the genre or if it's actually any good. Only reading it for myself will tell me. Crazy to think this was written over 200 years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>6 - The Shining by Stephen King</u>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">King's 2nd entry on the list, one of my all time favourite books and movies. The book is awesome and the movie never delves much into Danny Torrence's special abilities which are truly scary, but them again the movie is so iconic with Nicholson screaming through the door "HERE's JOHNNY" you forget about Danny.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5 - Pet Sematary by Stephen King</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And yet another entry by the King of Horror. I haven't read this for probably 25 years so can't remember it. Another book I'm looking forward to.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 - Dracula by Bram Stoker</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another ground breaking, genre creating title that I haven't read. What a shame. Again, like Frankenstein, I wonder is it on so many lists because of it's genre creating credentials or is it actually any good. Written in 1897, it has spawned such awesomeness like Buffy and Queen of the Damned but also such crud like the Twilight Saga. Oh dear gawd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3 - It by Stephen King.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hey Georgie want your boat back. A truly horrifying book and movie. I did a review of the new movie <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.ie/2017/09/i-love-remakes.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Just love the book and movies. Will be strange reading this book again also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 - The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another book on the list I've never read, but I did love the movies and the new <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Exorcist_(TV_series)" target="_blank">series</a> is fantastic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, before I unveil the top horror book of all time, here is a summary of all the books so far, how many times they appeared on the top lists used and how many points they accrued:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Title<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Appearances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Points<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas
Harris<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Salem’s Lot by Stephen King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Turn of the Screw by Henry
James<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Books of Blood Volumes 1-3 by
Clive Barker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">45<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Frankenstein by Mary Shelley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">46<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Shining by Stephen King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">60<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pet Sematary by Stephen King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dracula by Bram Stoker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It by Stephen King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">66<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">72<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So...final drum roll please...</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The best horror book of all time, FACT! is...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 - The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another I haven't read so this is going to the top of the pile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Toodles for now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">John The Captain Ryan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All the book cover images were sources from Amazon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The different websites used were:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-horror-books-of-all-time"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-horror-books-of-all-time</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/135.Best_Horror_Novels"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/135.Best_Horror_Novels</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://io9.gizmodo.com/5954916/10-novels-that-are-scarier-than-most-horror-movies"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://io9.gizmodo.com/5954916/10-novels-that-are-scarier-than-most-horror-movies</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/tip-sheet/article/65367-the-10-best-horror-books-you-ve-never-read.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/tip-sheet/article/65367-the-10-best-horror-books-you-ve-never-read.html</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/the-all-time-bestselling-horror-novels-4098953"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.thoughtco.com/the-all-time-bestselling-horror-novels-4098953</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://scarestreet.com/13-best-horror-books/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://scarestreet.com/13-best-horror-books/</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.listchallenges.com/top-45-horror-novels"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.listchallenges.com/top-45-horror-novels</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/21-scary-books-that-are-more-terrifying-than-any-horror-movie-2365135"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.bustle.com/p/21-scary-books-that-are-more-terrifying-than-any-horror-movie-2365135</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-cutter/11-books-that-will-defini_b_4854984.html"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-cutter/11-books-that-will-defini_b_4854984.html</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://horrornovelreviews.com/2014/10/02/the-100-scariest-horror-novels-of-all-time/9/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://horrornovelreviews.com/2014/10/02/the-100-scariest-horror-novels-of-all-time/9/</span></a></div>
John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-77352815013611260442018-12-12T10:40:00.000+00:002018-12-12T10:41:18.992+00:00A dog is for Life but so is ScrabbleYes, we've heard the slogan a million times but it's so true, a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.<br />
<br />
If you are thinking of getting a puppy for Christmas, think really hard - yes they are lovely and cute when they jump out of the box but it's a lifelong committment, you need to treat your new puppy as a member of the family, if you can't well don't get one.<br />
<br />
If you are thinking of rescuing a dog wait until the new year and go to your local pound or SPCA. The contact details in Wexford are as follows:<br />
<br />
Wexford County Council (Dog Warden & Dog Pound) - <a href="https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/environment/animal-control/dog-warden-and-stray-dog-shelter" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
WSPCA - <a href="http://www.ispca.ie/member_societies/detail/wexford_spca" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />
<u>And on Facebook</u><br />
North Wexford SPCA - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWspca-North-Wexford-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-101823289895979/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
WSPCA - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wspca-wexford-society-prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-116750591708738/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />
If the new puppy is happening and if you haven't chosen a Vet yet, I couldn't speak highly enough of O'Shea & Bramley Veterinary Hospital in Distillery Road (just past Tesco's). They also do a huge amount of work for the WSPCA. You can find there website - <a href="http://veterinaryhospitalwexford.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and of course they are also on Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OSheaBramleyveterinaryhospitalwexford/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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So, I've combined my love of Scrabble and Dogs and compiled the following list of allowed words in Scrabble. You are free to print it out and share it. Get the message out...<br />
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Live Long and Prosper</div>
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John the Captain Ryan</div>
John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-34440770872940975742018-12-10T15:32:00.003+00:002018-12-10T15:40:20.386+00:00Happy Death Day, The First Purge and Doomsday (movie reviews)<h3>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How do Happy Death Day (2017), Doomsday (2008) and The First Purge (2018) measure up in the jam-packed horror genre?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The horror genre of today covers a vast array of movies,
from the silly teen comedies of scantily clad females running UP the stairs
instead of out of the house, to the psychological horrors like The Babadook
(review <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/search/label/Horror">here</a>),
the killer clowns (see Terrifier in previous link also) to the hack and slash
horrors like (Jig) <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/search?q=showman">Saw</a> and gothic horror like <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/03/exclusive-irish-premier-of-lodgers.html">The Lodgers</a> - filmed in Wexford of course. Gone are the days of the classic Hitchcock horror, suggesting more than it shows with the likes of The Birds or Psycho. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyway, to get to the reviews, let’s start with <b>Happy Death
Day</b>.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The plot is simple and un-original, basically it’s a teen
comedy-horror based on the Groundhog Day classic. It follows a college student
– played by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Rothe">Jessica Rothe</a> who is murdered on her birthday and begins reliving the day over and
over again, at which point she sets out to find the killer and stop her death.
It had huge success in movie theatres, so much so a sequel has been announced
for February 2019 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Death_Day_2U">Happy Death Day 2U</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whilst unoriginal, it’s still a great premise and the lunacy
of trying to avoid the same mistakes brings a laugh each time. The
imaginative ways in which Theresa "Tree" Gelbman is killed each time
is sometimes gruesome but always entertaining. It’s a well written screenplay
that keeps you guessing all the way through. On several occasions we think she
has solved the situation to be hurtled back into the scenario again. Eventually
she solves who is trying to murder her – or does she???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The comedy is very good making the movie a hit with teens –
similar to the style used in the Scream movies, starting all the way back in
1996 – and lightens the mood. An old Shakespearean trick that still works
today. The sound track by Bear McCreary is also really good and makes the movie
for me. McCreary stated that he wanted "a schizophrenic, dual personality,
with light-hearted comedic scoring on one end, and genuinely terrifying
soundscapes on the other" and it definitely works. Bear is also the
creator of the soundtracks for the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica and the
Walking Dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In summary, it’s a fun horror movie, not too gruesome (e.g.
Saw) written well with a good soundtrack. I give Happy Death Day an 8 out of 10
planets.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The First Purge.</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve always loved the premise of The Purge movies, a small
glimpse into a World without law and order. What would the great U … S … of A
be like without civilisation and rule of law? It’s a stark picture we are
presented with and from an anthropological point of view an interesting one.
There have been many conversations about the premise on line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, the plot. In previous movies <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_purge/">The Purge</a> (2013), <a href="https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-purge-anarchy">The Purge Anarchy</a> (2014) & <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Purge:_Election_Year">The Purge Election Year</a> (2016) we follow a 12 hour period where all law is suspended and crime up to and
including murder is allowed. A huge business has sprung up around Purge Day
with, of course, the wealthy being able to afford to barricade their homes and
by any means necessary keep their families safe. This has the knock on effect
that the poorer neighbourhoods suffer the most, with the most crime, damage to
property and horrible acts of violence being experienced by the people in these
areas. It’s a different concept of the rich get richer and the poor get poorer
except it’s a social experiment of the rich living and the poorer dying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, let’s get into the First Purge. We get to see the
genesis of this great social experiment. America's third political party, the
New Founding Fathers of America, comes to power and conducts an experiment: no
laws for 12 hours on Staten Island. No one has to stay on the island, but
$5,000 is given to anyone who does. So, straight away we see this is aimed at
the poorest in society. Help us with our experiment (you might die, be raped,
mutilated etc) and we will pay you. The participants are fitted out with
cameras and GPS locators.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Different groups band together to help each other. The local
drug dealers stay also, some to Purge the competition and others end up helping
some of their friends and family in the community. NFFA members Arlo Sabian and
Dr. May Updale are heading up the project. Half way through the experiment, the
statistics and viewing isn’t going as planned so Sabian orders trained
mercenaries (very well equipped) to start killing. Dr. May realises what’s
happening and seals her own demise. (thus laying the foundation for the
government’s heavy handed involvement in future movies). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The nitty-gritty! My favourite part about this movie
(strangely enough) is the story - how the Purge came into existence so most
viewers don’t really care about that. It relies on lots of killing by people
wearing masks. Nothing original there. It also employs the cheap tactic of
characters jumping out of nowhere but it’s done well enough to keep you on the
edge of your seat. The soundtrack is completely forgettable. The stand out character is Skeletor – a drug
crazed lunatic who is interviewed at the start of the experiment and plans on
“Purging” his demons. He pays a pivotal role in the story. If you liked the
other Purge movies you will like it but I give it a lack lustre 6 out of 10
planets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Finally, my favourite of all three – an oldie but a goodie –
Doomsday (2008) </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Anytime there is a British production of a horror /
post-apocalypse / dystopian theme this is enough to get me interested. Think of
<a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/children-of-men-2007">Children of Men</a> or ITV’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Train_(TV_series)">The Last Train</a> (1999) or BBC’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivors_(2008_TV_series">Survivors</a> (2008) and you know what I’m talking about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Take note - this movie is rated R and it well deserves this label. It’s
violent, bloody and gruesome with bad language, torture, cannibalism and sexual
content, so it runs the whole gauntlet. Don’t watch it if you’re not into it.
Be Warned !!!.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The plot - The film takes place in the future in Scotland,
which has been quarantined because of a deadly virus. When the virus is found,
27 years later in London, political leaders send a team led by
Major Eden Sinclair (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhona_Mitra">Rhona Mitra</a>) to Scotland to find a possible cure. This is a great creation both
written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0551076/">Neil Marshall</a>,who has had a massive career directing other great movies like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0280609/?ref_=nm_knf_i1">Dog Soldiers</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/?ref_=nm_knf_i2">The Descent</a> and to top it all he is also an episodic director for Game of Thrones. Watching
Doomsday you get a similar feeling you do watching 28 Days Later – an eeriness in
recognising the locations and the feel of a British production but this is no
Coronation Street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The team, instead of finding a cure find a huge gang of
cannibals with awesome fighting skills, and a viciousness to match the zombies
in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5700672/">Train to Busan</a>.
Most of the team are killed with the couple remaining being tortured for information
to help the cannibals break the quarantine. The movie then segways into Sol –
the leader of the cannibals, played by Craig Conway who was also the main
crawler in <i>The Descent</i>, is an extremely violent and hardcore
character – changing tack from his information gathering torture to
attending a party/BBQ where one of the captured team is the main course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This
part of the movie is not for that feint-hearted but the music, special effects
and visceral displays are fantastic. A much better example of what happens when
the rule of law is suspended (Purge take note). The costumes are amazing, the
make-up is brilliant and the staging is huge. This isn’t a pretty movie and is
unapologetic in it’s mish-mash of genre’s but if you can get over that I think
you will enjoy it. “It’s a wild, bloody ride at its core and it’s incredibly
easy to enjoy the film” (<a href="https://reelrundown.com/movies/Doomsday-2008-Review">source</a>).<span style="color: #4b4949; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The acting is solid (Rhona Mitra, <a href="https://www.moviestillsdb.com/people/craig-conway-i8749">Craig Conway</a> & Andy McDowell take a bow) all the way through and the special
effects and especially the car chase at the end is brilliant. As the movie is a
little predictable and it’s a bit of a mish-mash, I still give Doomsday a solid 8
out of 10 planets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Fini For Now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">John The Captain Ryan</span>John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-51308844154117329942018-11-16T10:17:00.003+00:002018-11-16T10:17:50.077+00:00Spyro the Dragon, Reignited Trilogy (Game Review)<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the most anticipated games this years burns up the competition.</span></h3>
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(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spyro/">source</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following the awesomeness of <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-za/games/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-ps4/">Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy</a> the bar has been set really high so it didn't come as a surprise when Activision <a href="https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/17/17715602/spyro-reignited-trilogy-delay-release-date">delayed</a> the release of the tiny fire breathing dragon we all love.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whatever about the delay the game is fantastic. It's one of the first games I had on my PS1 released all the way back in 1998 when I was 22. The main thing I loved about the game was the play-ability, compared to modern games, the controls were simple. Walk, charge, fly and blow things up. That's it. AND thankfully this hasn't changed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Although I have fond memories of banging the combination of square, square, circle, x, triangle triangle etc in Soul Calibre.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plot is simple ... go around to loads of different levels, collect jewels, find the dragons and release them. Fight baddies and eat fairies on the way. Throw in a bit of flying and that's it. It doesn't have to be anymore complicated than that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This come to my next favourite thing about the game. Nothing has changed in this either. The story hasn't changed and so far the levels are the same. I've a bit of OCD - whilst it's great fun to get to as many new Worlds as quickly as possible - I love going back, finding all the jewels and catching the little FUXXXer that has stolen the eggs and keeps laughing until you catch him. It's lovely when you reach the 100% complete. But that laugh ... aaaarrggghhhhhh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(<a href="https://www.deviantart.com/blaria95/art/Young-Spyro-Poem-Stop-taunting-me-theif-724415334">source</a> by <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/blaria95">Blaria</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Reignited Trilogy includes remakes of Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Revenge, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, the only one annoying this is you have to download the last two games; unlike with Crash, all three games were on the disc but this isn't enough to lose sleep or rating points over. The graphics are amazing, whilst I recently played the first Spyro on my trusty PS2 a couple of weeks ago the graphics looked sooooo bad on the big screen. There are no problems with this newest version. I especially loved the way the burnt grass regenerates and it never gets old killing chickens and sheep. Lamb kebab anyone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favourite things is the puzzle solving element of trying to fly/glide to the hard to reach spots to find hidden gems and am constantly awed at the vibrant 3d graphics, particularly when you get to a high vantage point and are looking around to find those hard-to-reach treasures. Always look behind the pillar and to the left or right of a doorway you just charged through. Apparently the whole game had to be rebuilt from the ground up as Activision lost the original coding, which even though sounds a bit mad, the complete rebuild is just awesome. The nuances of the grass interacting as you run around (although a little bit annoying when it hides gems - this didn't happen in the original version), the sounds effects are cool and if you stand around too long Spyro gives out. I love the flying stages and can't wait to reach 100% complete in them, these were always the challenging levels and now have fab graphics.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This game has so much going for it. It suits all ages and I love the idea of Dad's finally being able to best their kids in a game. As you are flying around you suddenly remember - "hang on there's a hidden corner there with some gems" and you can surprise the yung-uns with your superior knowledge. Of course, if you can't remember where those spots are there are of course multiple walk-throughs available already. Gone are the days of buying those magazines to find the solution you spent three long nights trying to figure out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simply put ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Newbies to Spyro will love it, the simplicity is it's charm and adds to the addictability, some modern games are heavy and serious. This is a fun game for all the family.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old codgers like me will love this remake and the nostalgia factor is massive, just hearing those old sound effects transports you back to playing the games 20 years ago.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is of course a 10 out of 10 planets for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan</span></span></div>
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-34004772672435240062018-11-13T15:16:00.002+00:002018-11-13T16:27:34.218+00:00Stand-Up against bullying. #StandUp18<h2 style="text-align: center;">
This week, 12th - 16th November is National Stand-Up against homophobic bullying week.</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpuC3P0grX7ZFE1Ryt0T_4Z-meAY8n5xC2FnFaRkZxmhTFoyMZgIc3ZOEX6YcYnWObsmqLSOhbScZyYUcIrI3u1ELV1x_WJj9HrrW5RnP3osDVLO3LNh8j7N23eEXiGjl4XFkV0_QL1XY/s1600/belongtp.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1139" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpuC3P0grX7ZFE1Ryt0T_4Z-meAY8n5xC2FnFaRkZxmhTFoyMZgIc3ZOEX6YcYnWObsmqLSOhbScZyYUcIrI3u1ELV1x_WJj9HrrW5RnP3osDVLO3LNh8j7N23eEXiGjl4XFkV0_QL1XY/s320/belongtp.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">90% of LGBT youth experience mental health issues with 70% feeling unsafe in school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check out this heartfelt video by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JamesMitchellTV">James Mitchell TV</a>; he <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">talks about the relief and support he felt after opening up to his friend Steph as part of the </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/betteroutthanin?source=feed_text&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBW9DSVzFpDtU4JKeOYDLwgDtmftW0sGLBmf4s9iySj_6LZHUBdRz_2k4wcx2vltiPJSoiAMXZF3NjRphWHEVUU_BAeeoEgODrvWXzdVkTWqFcXLbXttiiwGnCCNgbTFjqtnLzO2jw-QT0F-XxTS-HDQ9ELDoiWy3IhfDOtCymu79_uOoCxsoJKCVXcCtxeTidIQRkeZwnloMqZhL5e5-Zo4-8l_jrpyd9yGlCmeI82WMZ5s6Ig05Pe3wroP8ZUw4GRSEthHWeiVutEM7i53AEN_Q9VVSOyl4toS__OxwJ901Guqu_Yew94v5slB4i4jvh1k4OEyAjEC79qtOl0K62QrA&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">BetterOutThanIn</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> campaign for LGBT youth. Taking the brave step of opening up to someone you trust is worth it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are struggling to start your conversation with a family member or friend, stick one of these on the DVD player and start watching it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've watched them all and love them for different reasons but Love, Simon is my fave. I've blogged a review of the book <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2017/12/simon-vs-homo-sapiens-agenda-book-review.html">HERE</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the movie <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/03/love-simon-movie-review.html">HERE</a> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWevkHVt2R8LHVuMdmA2j2MNTYmy34Q4t8Ay_XAOao86CjW8v71LGQ0fAU5tJf9t8mr7f-iReW_luBZ24mDdeUd4KQlOpB8NpH2ME4S7SSQqhcTcz0Ur3EfPeb_lZodomh5u7bnp0XKwVt/s1600/LoveSimon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWevkHVt2R8LHVuMdmA2j2MNTYmy34Q4t8Ay_XAOao86CjW8v71LGQ0fAU5tJf9t8mr7f-iReW_luBZ24mDdeUd4KQlOpB8NpH2ME4S7SSQqhcTcz0Ur3EfPeb_lZodomh5u7bnp0XKwVt/s1600/LoveSimon.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyway, that's me done for today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Live Long and Prosper and talk to someone today...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan</span><br />
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<a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lgbt?src=hash" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: #009999; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#lgbt</a><span style="background-color: #f5f8fa; color: #14171a; font-family: "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lgbtireland?src=hash" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: #009999; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#lgbtireland</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lgbtyouth?src=hash" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: #009999; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#lgbtyouth</a> <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandUp18?src=hash" style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); color: #009999; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #009999; font-family: "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: rgb(245, 248, 250); font-size: 14px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; white-space: pre-wrap;">#</span></span><span style="background: rgb(245 , 248 , 250); color: #009999; font-family: "segoe ui" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">StandUp18</span></a>John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-80457859972042966502018-11-03T01:07:00.000+00:002018-11-03T01:09:19.043+00:00The unholy trinity of Peter Casey, Bigotry and the protest vote.<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, last week's Presidential debate has brought home to roost some worrying trends in Ireland today.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One week after the election I just wanted to string together some thoughts. </span>Traditionally there has always been a protest vote, that is our right as an electorate and is a valid way of public protest. Of course the best way to do this is to write an interesting message on your ballot paper - for example - "I wouldn't vote for any of these candidates if my life depended on it" - or one could write some naughty words! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember seeing some of the messages on the ballot papers during the Marriage Equality Referendum, let's just say that people were very emotional. And that's fine. But this time around people registered their "protest" by voting for the lowest common denominator, the candidate that said some home truths, showing that he was willing to be a bigot and whilst people wouldn't agree with what he said (in public), during a secret ballot they were more than happy to vote for him. He latched onto the politics of hatred and fear just like Trump and Brexit and won a large percentage of the vote. Thankfully a larger percentage of the population didn't agree with him but it is still worrying result. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are of a left wing train of thought you have plenty of people to vote for, <a href="https://www.labour.ie/">Labour</a>, <a href="http://www.sinnfein.ie/?no-splash=true">Sinn Fein</a>, <a href="https://www.solidarity.ie/">Solidarity</a> (aka Anti-Austerity Alliance), <a href="http://www.pbp.ie/">People before Profit</a>, <a href="http://workersparty.ie/">Workers Party</a> and several independants. So, if you wanted to register a left wing protest vote, against the establishment you have a lot of choice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The right wing is more limited however, if you don't want to vote for the established parties of <a href="https://www.finegael.ie/">Fianna Fail</a> or Fine Gael (can't link) you are stuck with either <a href="https://www.renuaireland.com/">Renua</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/humandignityallianceIRL/">Human Dignity Alliance</a>. These 2 protest options are frankly sucky so you then choose a candidate that politically lies to the right and says what others are afraid to say in public. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Role in from stage left - Peter Casey. 8 weeks ago we didn't even know who the man is and now as the national airwaves are still giving him screen time (as I'm typing he is on the Late Late Show) all we can think about is whether we are a welfare state and if <a href="https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/presidential-election/listen-presidential-candidate-peter-casey-sparks-outrage-with-his-racist-remarks-on-travellers-37428508.html">Travellers</a> should be considered as Irish, nothing more or nothing less rather than a seperate ethnic group. Casey refuses to recognise them as an ethnic group. But hang on; this is a them and us arguement of hatred and NIMBYism. And we all know where this has led both the US and Britain - yes down the road of exclusion, fear and bigotry.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whilst the Travelling community made clear their <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/travellers-protest-over-visit-of-peter-casey-to-unoccupied-homes-in-tipperary-1.3668244">disapproval of Peter Casey;</a> 342,727 of the electorate agreed with what he was peddling.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(source - <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/travellers-protest-over-visit-of-peter-casey-to-unoccupied-homes-in-tipperary-1.3668244">Irish Times</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This vote for now is only attacking a small group of people living in Ireland but where does it end. It brings to mind this ...</span></span><br />
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(<a href="https://www.poemhunter.com/i/poem_images/548/first-they-came-for-the-jews.jpg">Source</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's funny in a country that has made two huge left wing liberal changes in the last 3 years - Marriage Equality and Divorce - that we support the politics of exclusion and hate. And then in contrast we vote to repeal the blasphemy laws which is another liberal thought - free speech and all that. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's really hard to know where we will go from here, the right wing and those who sell their opinion of exculsion and bigotry are now free to say horrible things about those of a different faith than them, so, will the next group of people to be attacked be those of a Muslim faith (all hale the great U. S of A - wow; see where I'm going with this) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One thing is very clear, the political landscape of Ireland is changing. We can certainly take the following from the results:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a. The protest vote is becoming more dangerous and those in the traditional parties need to pay more attention to what's being said. The far left has harnessed this vote in the past, now, it's the turn of the right wing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">b. The calibre of the discussion and debate during the election was very poor leaving a vacuum that was going to be filled with horse shit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">c. Whilst on one hand we are becoming a more experienced and learned electorate, on the other hand we can be influenced by outside interests via social media and the value of the doorstep campaign is losing traction.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">d. The General Election (whenever it comes) and the Local Election next May will be very interesting, maybe ... MAYBE ... we can use this as an opportunity to mobilise the youth of ireland, just like the Marriage Referendum and help make ireland a more welcoming home for all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan </span></span><br />
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John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431306679986260880.post-26573554881524749782018-10-28T16:46:00.001+00:002018-10-28T16:47:43.801+00:00Another wander around Wexford at Festival time.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Join me on another exploration at Wexford Festival Opera time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(source - <a href="https://www.wexfordchamber.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Fireworks.jpg">Wexford Chamber</a>) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I blogged last week about my fave exhibitions between the Bullring and Selskar, check it out <a href="https://johnthecaptainryan.blogspot.com/2018/10/wandering-around-wexford-at-festival.html">here.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This blog I'm going to trace my walk between the Talbot Hotel and Rowe Street but first I want to cover an amazing exhibition in the County Hall. (That's the big glass box in Carricklawn pass the hospital).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (photo source <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WexfordCountyCouncilPhotographers/">Wexford County Council Photographers)</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is by any measurement the most stunning exhibition this year. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">War Changes Its Address: The Aleppo Paintings' is an
exhibition that will run in Wexford County Council buildings from 29th
October – 3rd December 2018. The exhibition features work by
artist Brian Maguire, bringing together a selection of recent works
resulting from a visit to Syria in 2017. This exhibition grew from Maguire’s own experience
of the aftermath in Aleppo and developed in response to the refugee
crises which has arisen because of this conflict.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The scale of the work is amazing and couldn't have been showcased in a better venue, the grey quarry like appearance of the civic space is the perfect canvas for such an exhibition. The paintings are vast, meters wide and high in some cases and cannot be done justice with photos, you really have to see them for yourself. The destruction of Syria can be felt by the fact one can walk straight into the work. Simply put, an amazing exhibition that everyone should see.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> You can read more about the artist <a href="http://www.imma.ie/en/page_237281.htm">Brian Maguire</a> and more on this exhibition <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/770097613383209/">here.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This exhibition gets a 10 out of 10 planets.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walkabout Map 2 (original source <a href="http://www.wexfordfringe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/FRINGE-GUIDE-web-2015-MAP-.jpg">Wexford Fringe</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Starting at the Talbot Hotel (green circle on map), there is a huge amount on offer but most, in my opinion whilst very good, fine art, was a bit traditional and boring. A lot of artists have been exhibiting in the Talbot for years and most of the work has a "same-ie" kind of feel. The one exception was some striking work by <a href="https://www.tonyoakeyart.com/">Tony Oakey</a>. It'd hard to decribe his work, but I like what I saw. (From his own website ...)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"My
"style" has sometimes been described as surreal but I'm not mad enough
to be considered a surrealist. Slightly mad and a bit "different",
maybe"</span></span></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think that sums it up, I didn't get a chance to speak with the artist but hope to over the next few days. With framed prints there's something to suit everyone's pocket, here are some of my faves:</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The second place I visited was the Friends Meeting Hall (blue circle on map) in Patrick's Square to check out Wexford Camera Club's exhibition. My dad and I are former members so like to keep an eye on what they have been doing. You can find more information about them on their <a href="http://wexfordcameraclub.com/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/410561025687368/?ref=br_rs">facebook</a>. There is a lovely variety of work covering themes of people, landscapes, flora, fauna and abstract so again something to suit everyones tastes. They have a fantastic raffle where you can win a choice of prints. Check it out!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To choose one photographer to showcase is difficult, depending on your personal taste but for me Vladimir Morozov continues to create amazing work, what he does with a camera clearly transcends just simple taking a photo, he is creating true pieces of art work. You can find him on the <a href="http://www.vladimirphotography.ie/">WWW</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.morozov.73">Facebook</a>. BTW, he is also a lovely guy and very generous with his time and knowledge. His most recent series of landscapes are ridic!</span></span></div>
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(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vladimir.morozov.73">source</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And the dude is even photogenic himself ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And finally, last but certainly not least is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Denis-Collins-Gallery-250185861695503/">Denis Collins</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/padraig.grant">Padraig Grant</a> Gallery at the bottom of Rowe Street (opposite Cappachinos, red circle on map).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Again, there is a wide variety of work and different price points so something to suit everyones tastes and pocket. Padraig has on display a great collection of his work over many years, some showing his wide travels around the World and also some of his favourite works from around Wexford. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJn_NurRjGhNIWSeF5s3fQpfdMJXF1T7P72BRpQDqUQM8weMTCsSA9dhYuG2aRqEFMjBAG0XQPKQpuC0bmvldk7CX5uXJV55153UhenkyUTv4q-Ds4vLlqkYOYi9DSNGWZdguS3glOcEY/s1600/PGrant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJn_NurRjGhNIWSeF5s3fQpfdMJXF1T7P72BRpQDqUQM8weMTCsSA9dhYuG2aRqEFMjBAG0XQPKQpuC0bmvldk7CX5uXJV55153UhenkyUTv4q-Ds4vLlqkYOYi9DSNGWZdguS3glOcEY/s640/PGrant1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (source - Padraig Grant's Facebook page linked above)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is an eclectic mix of art on the other side of the gallery, here are some of my choices:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fascinating felt work by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MaireadFeltPaintings123/">Mairead Ryan</a> (no relation). I especially loved Denis' explanation of how the work is created.</span></span><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The abstract landscapes by <a href="https://www.saatchiart.com/eoincassidy">Eoin Cassidy</a> are striking and I wouldn't mind having one on my wall ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> And a beautiful collection of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009523316559">Carmel Fenlon's</a> work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And finally, a photo of Denis "Outstanding in his field" (aka window) </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlwIe0AsM1nHrl8VKGZ__s1gwhqUmDYTcQL1lwWdP-hIUhBdGJSroz-VPf9wj6o8co309fcDhEMclPVnEX5FkfU1yExZatfixMVm5vJK_RaGKTYQaqacqt8YYjpQyUESj-o_qV426kNKH/s1600/Denis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="497" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlwIe0AsM1nHrl8VKGZ__s1gwhqUmDYTcQL1lwWdP-hIUhBdGJSroz-VPf9wj6o8co309fcDhEMclPVnEX5FkfU1yExZatfixMVm5vJK_RaGKTYQaqacqt8YYjpQyUESj-o_qV426kNKH/s640/Denis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And thats me done. The best of both walkabouts is the exhibition in Wexford County Council but I have to say again; we are so lucky to be immersed in art and craft all year around in Wexford, I'd urge you all to get out, find something you like, speak to the artists and if you have a few spare yoyos support a local artist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please share my blog and comment as to what you've liked this year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Toodles</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">John The Captain Ryan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>John Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12754189495107715427noreply@blogger.com0Wexford, Ireland52.336916 -6.463338099999987252.2981045 -6.5440190999999874 52.3757275 -6.382657099999987