Voodoo Fest 2012

Here is the recently released line-up for the 2012 Voodoo Festival that is one of my favorite annual concert series in New Orleans. The list of artists couldn't be more eclectic with big names from every style and genre.  Be sure to check it out at the Voodoo Experience.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Just finished Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith and totally loved the book. The book combines elements of history with a paranormal world that creates an entirely alternate tale of the Civil War.  I loved the concept and cannot wait for the movie that is to be released this coming summer 2012.  Check out the book if you haven't already and see the movie trailer below.

 

Perilous Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Incredible sequel from a very promising Author! The book picks up a year after the last book and quickly dives in with plenty of adventure and romance. It is not long before they return to Energo for more adventures. Probably my favorite part is the further development of Kevin and Samantha. Also learning more about Calvin was very exciting. The story provides plenty of action, romance, and comedy. I can't wait to read the next and consider this book even better than the last!

Amazon

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer

    

     The Emperor of All Maladies is a magnificent, profoundly humane “biography” of cancer—from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence. I was thoroughly impressed and enjoyed the book from cover to cover.  A riveting read that will please both medical and non-medical related readers.  A book I will keep on the shelf to read again in the future.  Dr. Mukherjee undertook an enormous endeavor to capture the history of oncology as a mere fellow and is fully deserving of the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction.

The Art of Flight

This new snowboarding video is incredible.  It is reminds of planet of the earth footage on steriods.  The mastermind of Brain Farm and sponsored by Red Bull, probably the best snowboarding video out there.

Running Gear

Wanted to show off my new running shoes and gear. The Adidas adiZERO Boston Shoes have cut about a whole minute off my mile splits (although my old shoes were about 2-3 years old and my splits had much to be desired). I couldn't be happier in a pair of shoes and the bright color forces me to run faster. Also, my new winter running gloves are really helping in the cold winter morning runs.

Mutemath

I had to put this clip up.  I have listened to mutemath for several years, but recently discovered how incredible they are live while watching palladia on television. I spent almost 2 hours straight watching them the other day. They are originally from New Orleans and the drummer is probably one of my favorites.  Definitely a band to follow closely.

American Gods, by Neil Gaiman

After a few years in prison, Shadow is released to find that his wife tragically died along with his best friend.  Few remnants of his past life remain and he quickly meets Mr. Wednesday, a mysterious character that requests his services.  Their journey continues across America to meet many of his new boss's unusual colleagues and acquaintances.  Through a series of twists and turns, the novel unfolds into a great tale of intrigue and mystery culminating into a battle between the old and new Gods of this world.  The novel is the winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards in 2002.  I enjoyed the book, but unfortunately had very high expectations prior to reading that were not entirely met.  Neil Gaiman is a talented writer with a prolific career.  I would recommend the book and look forward to the HBO series adaptation that is planned to come in 2013.

Rating 4/5

Amazing Group

Lost in the Trees is an eclectic ensemble that can even impress theEclecticHobbyist with its breadth of originality.  Any group that includes a guitar, tuba, accordion, violin, and cello is already on the A-list.  The group founded the genre orchestral pop and infuse many classical elements with a more traditional singer-songwriter.  Ari Picker the songwriter and composer was formally trained at Berklee and shows his musical abilities in every song.  Lost in the Trees released their debut album (All alone in an Empty House) for the Anti-Records label on August 10, 2010.  Check out their title song below.                                   

Rating 5/5

http://www.lostinthetrees.com/

Resurrection of Liberty, by Michael Wentz

     This epic science fiction novel is a fantastic adventure full of endless action and mystery.  As three unsuspecting teenagers get pulled into space while driving an old car, they soon learn that more exists in space than just life on earth.  As they journey further into the great beyond, they discover that life on earth is threatened by an invasive race that has been causing destruction throughout the galaxy.  It is up to Dan and his friends, as well as a ragtag group of followers to save earth and ultimately the galaxy.  Although the characters lack some development, it is a fast paced book that is hard to put down.  I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys a great story.  Also, the book is currently free on Amazon!!

4/5 Stars

Buy on Amazon

Yuengling Lager

 Although not the greatest beer on earth, it is from America's first brewery and a great standard.  A cheap and enjoyable everyday beer from the keystone state.  My usual weekday beer classic.

3.5/5 Stars

Garmin Forerunner

This GPS device is great for calculating mileage and speed for runners/bikers.  It is not too bulky to be worn easily on the wrist and is generally as comfortable to wear as a wristwatch.  It’s a great running partner particularly on days when I run alone.  The only con, is that at times it can take awhile to obtain a signal, but once connected it never loses signal.  Although it is one of the cheaper GPS enabled wrist watches on the market, I have been very happy with the purchase.

5/5 Stars

Eden, by Keary Taylor

     Keary creates a great vivid dystopian world in this full length novel.  The underlying premise was both intriguing and seemingly plausible. The characters were three-dimensional. The book was filled with romance that unfortunately felt like an afterthought. I felt distracted by the love triangle at times, but yet I was still fully engaged by the plot. Overall, the book is a fun read and I would recommend it to others.

4/5 Stars

Destiny Binds, by Tammy Blackwell

Humor and paranormal romance are a great combination in this young adult novel by Tammy Blackwell.  I found myself laughing from the very first line and throughout the book.  Although paranormal romance is not my favorite genre and has been at times overdone, this book was very enjoyable and engaging.  Scout is a well developed character that you could easily picture walking down the halls of any high school.  I would recommend this book to anyone without reservation.  Well edited, good length, and without explicit sexual content.

5/5 Stars

Buy at Amazon

Rebirth Brass Band

The New Orleans based group, Rebirth Brass Band, is a great example of the street beat music that I fell in love with while living in NOLA.  Nothing else quite captures the essence and culture of New Orleans.  Below is a great example of their impromptu performance in the french quarter. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1VBCcA76E

My favorite album is by far their compilation album, Ultimate Rebirth Brass Band (see album cover below)

The album and group overall: 5/5 Stars

Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Beckoning Light is a great read with plenty of action, fantasy, and romance.  It is a first person, dual narrative of a brother and sister that find another world through an old gate.  Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, but with a YA twist.  Primarily written for young adult audience, but fun for all ages.  Great quality with near perfect editing and formating. 

Book Description:

As Charlotte steps through the gate, she has a strong feeling that nothing will ever be the same again.

Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she’s going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she’s completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.

Drawn through an old garden gate, Charlotte discovers a hidden world where she meets Calvin, a boy to whom she is inexplicably attracted. As Charlotte is pulled deeper into this hidden world, it’s up to her older brother Kevin to rescue her. No matter how hard Kevin tries, the rescue depends upon Charlotte fighting her intense feelings for Calvin while mastering a set of abilities that she has only just discovered she possesses. 

5/5 stars

Buy at Amazon

Check out her blog at AlyssaRoseIvy.com

 

Great New Movie

Awesome new movie that is reminiscent of the Goonies meets Cloverfield.  Great coming of age story set in 1979 that has plenty of action and special effects as well.  Fun for the whole family and worth the trip to the theater.  Sure to be a classic.            4/5 stars

Fun Summer Book Series

The Hunger Games Trilogy

These books are a great summer read that are full of action with a great overall story. Set in a grim dystopian world, the books are very exciting and entertaining reads.  They are likely to become extremely popular once the first movie comes out starting in 2012.

5/5 stars

Latest Musical Adventure

The tin whistle is a six-holed woodwind instrument that is frequently featured in Celtic music.  Seemingly simple at first, but becomes more complex the more you learn.  Great example of a low tin whistle with guitar accompaniment at the youtube link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG8TNiryNgY&feature=related

Fun Dive Site

Sheraton Caverns:

Kauai's signature dive. Has many lava tubes with awesome overhangs and archways.  Often several green sea turtles along the way.  Can also be reached by shore.

3/5 Stars