Nicholas Dane - book review

I'd like to think of this as a modern day tale from Dickens, but told in the street wise tone that nobody knows quite as well as Melvin Burgess from the streets of Manchester.

It starts out with a typical 14 year old bloke who is your typical "about a boy" nature. Living with his single Mom, who is doing her best to get him up to go to school. Nicholas needs his "Z"'s though. And that is how the story starts.

But once Nic gets out the door, everything starts to unravel. The story takes place in 1987. And I'm certain Burgess must have known an awful lot about the streets then. His narrative feeds into all the characters of the book as it progresses.

Unfortunately, Nic's life changes dramatically when his mother dies, and he is taken off to the boys home which is rather instutionalized. The place where criminals breed. Many of the characters are having a hard time in their own life. Like, Jenny, best friend to Nic's Mom, is hoping to be a drug counselor..only she has a bit of a drug problem herself. People at the institution have their troubles too. Like Mr. James and his depressed wife. Then there is the terrible Tony Creal. But Nic has found his fate. It isn't a nice one. Fighting among the boys, beatings from the prefects.

Then there is Oliver, truly, its like seeing a flashback of a Mark Lester pro-type. He's blond, pretty and well..one of Tony Creal's favorites. Unfortunately, the line "more please"..doesn't ring out..but instead a line that you will think on long after you've read the book.."I don't like it..I don't like.."  Creal is the nice deputy. Or is he?

The thing about Nic, being raised by a single mother, is that he is loyal. He needs his friends, and when you don't have any..what's a boy to do?

So its bad on the inside. Is it any better on the outside for a boy they've marked as a hoodlum? From the social worker to the police. He's not to be trusted. Never.  It doesn't help any to even have a rich relative he's never met, either. This story has so many selfish endeavors on so many levels.

This is a book that looks at abused lives and what becomes of them. Its very emotional and so real. Burgess has a way of taking a reader there and then sorting it out, as well. I found myself wanting more about Nicholas. As all good books I have read, I have a hard time finishing them...because I don't want them to end. I had already consumed Burgess' MY LIFE AS A BITCH and I know how that ended. Not very happily..yet rather real.

Burgess' has shown us.. he knows what a dark world the streets can be in such novels as JUNK and SMACK. He's also did the novelization of BILLY ELLIOT, as well. Of course, my favorite book of his is DOING IT.

Truly, this is a novel that hits you with such an emotional impact. It leaves you, perhaps with a heavy sigh. It lets you walk a little while in the victim's shoes.. to show the reader how they tick and what a little hope might give them.

What can I say, I love Nicholas Dane, but I'm not sure I'd be ready to take a walk on the wild side with him. But who doesn't like a misunderstood bad boy? He's best to be read.

NO CHILD BORN TO DIE . Melvin Burgess held a blogger's writing conference about it back in February.

MAD LOVE - TV review

The show is sandwiched between How I met your Mother and 2 1/2 Men repeats on CBS. Its cast favors more of How I met your mother gang.

You've got the sweet Jason Biggs (who I must admit I grew up wanting to find my very own Jason Biggs. Yes, anything that was slightly Jason Biggs in a smile and those curls ..well, he was a hottie to me). Also Sarah Chalke. The creator from Scrubbs is bring it New York style. And you've got the cute Kate and Ben. They are so cute, Jason and Sarah. But that's about it.

Then you have wonderful Judy Greer who I think should be the star of anything since watching her in ABC's short live Miss Guided. She is Kate's roommate, Connie. She's someone who would rather be alone type. She's stuck most of the show with Ben's law partner Larry (Tyler Labine) who I don't think I've liked in anything since REAPER and maybe INVASION.

So its a bit of a standard fare when it comes to sitcom.

More Martin Starr please!

The only sure winner here that you want more of is the neighbor next door, Martin Starr as Clyde. However, he's only been in two episodes. Honestly, I'd rather watch his quirky, indifferent, slight stalkerish character grow as well as Connie giving him..a chance from time to time..or maybe they talk through walls to each other, already.

Hopefully, they'll tighten the laugh track and cuteness in this one. It might be a winner if they just give us something we can really want to savor.

STORYLINE: Revolves around a quartet of single friends in New York City-- two who are falling in love and two who despise each other, at least initially.

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Deborah Puette Gets Raves IN THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE!!!

Deborah Puette just opened in the lead role of THE ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTINGALE at A Noise Within to rave reviews (see above).  She, also, continues to play in the smash-hit world premiere CAUGHT at the Zephyr Theater which is heading into its sixth month of performances.  Both plays run through May. 

Sucker Punch - Ellie's movie review

don't forget the fashion in the movie.

OK, Ivy has had me pumped for this movie since it was filming. Granted, I'm a huge fan of Emily Browning. And she definitely worked out for this movie. She was the tiniest girl of the group. And I'm sure she must be a waif of a girl to begin with.

First off, this movie starts like a very epic music video. And surprise, Emily is actually singing "Sweet Dreams". I didn't learn this until later. Its also a very sad story, about a helpless girl sent to the insane asylum. So it is a world where a vivid imagination can grow. Its a place one doesn't want to be. So why would your mind want to be there too? With the help with a few other girls, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung, Babydoll (Browning) makes a plan to escape.

This is a movie brought to you by Zach Snyder. If you've loved his other movies, 300, Watchmen and Dawn of the Dead, I'm sure this is on your list to watch. Although, some might say, what's the story here? Is there enough character development? Does there need to be?

This movie has many levels. As I heard one movie goer say to his son as they were leaving, "Some of it is real. Some of it just happened in her mind." He was discussing Babydoll.



So is it too complicated to enjoy? Well, that depends on the movie goer. Critics have not been a fan of this movie. Granted, Snyder is not going to spell everything out for you. The film is pumped, not only with glorious special effect, right out of a live video game, but it paints a picture with music as well, with songs like Sweet Dreams, and White Rabbit. Of course, I love the song in the trailer and wish it was included in movie, as well. But Bjork puts her signature spin on the movie too with Army of Me.

I wished the ending could be different. Its true. Its a very tragic story. Yet, it leaves us a hero, Babydoll. Only, I would have loved to seen their freedom in the real world. So many roads it could have taken, but didn't.

Anyway, the movie is quite a ride. Don't miss it.

STORYLINE: An action fantasy set in the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what's real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls -- the outspoken Rocket (Jena Malone), the street-smart Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), the fiercely loyal Amber (Jamie Chung) and the reluctant Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish) -- to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors, Blue (Oscar Isaac), Madam Gorski (Carla Gugino) and the High Roller (Jon Hamm). Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man (Scott Glenn), their unbelievable journey -- if they succeed -- will set them free.
ellie

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Yoav's A Fool proof Escape Plan - CD review

A couple of years a go, my friend saw him open for Tori Amos. Immediately, she bought his CD Charmed and Strange and gave us at work a listen to it. We were taken by his amazing rhythm and his worldly tribal nature in his songs making his music rather hypnotic.






Last September he came out with A Fool Proof Escape Plan. In this CD he used a bit more of a ballad in his song, but you'll notice in a few he gets back to the beat that he's know for in the sounds that he creates. Of course, you may have to listen to songs like 'Greed' which comes of more like a WORLD PARTY song which I'm sure very few will remember, but they were magical in the late 80's and 90's. My Mom's favorite alternative rock band. Yet he bites back with his own dose of what he's known for with 'Spidersong' and 'little black box'.






Yoav was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. He's of Israeli-Romanian descent, raised in South Africa.Yoav's music is purely based on his own vocals and acoustic guitar, which he uses to create electronica-style beats with his hands. If you haven't experienced his music, you just might fall in love with it.



In Sucker Punch he sings a song with Emily Browning. I'm glad some his talent made it in to this movie.

Pretty Little Liars Spring Season Finale

I have to admit, I hated for the show to take a break. Especially after Caleb left. I was so mad at Hannah's so called bestie, Mona (played by the wonderful Janel Parrish). How could a friend do that to Hannah. Tear up a letter from Caleb. Then to conveniently have Hannah's phone and tell Caleb to get lost.

Oh, and the big spoiler..to find out that the police officer friend that has been trailing the girls is having some fun with Jena, as well. Still I love to hate Jena even if she is blind. And the big suspense builds with Spencer, even if she did get some lovely quiet sunny moments with Toby. All I can say, I am so glad they are giving Keegan Allan a chance to act. I love Toby and Spencer together. And just like Spencer, I don't want to see any flashbacks of Jena and Tobey.

Other big surprise..besides the final epic thing with Ian..Is Lucas (Brendan Robinson) bringing back Caleb (Tyler Blackburn). My second favorite couple on the show Caleb and Hannah. Although, I do wonder just how they can get back together. I guess the writers have some fun ahead of them. I have to admit Pretty Little Liars is on the top of my list of favorite shows. I didn't think it would be, but the actors, the characters and the storylines always leave me wanting more. & really, is Ian even dead.

Which will it be for Hannah? Lucas or Caleb?

I have to admit I thought Lucas was A for awhile.

Still I have to wonder who was in the hoodie. Hopefully, we'll find out in June. So much revealed in the finale, yet..I still feel we are back to square one, too.

 

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MTV's SKINS FINALE

Well, Stan finally got the guts to express himself. And somebody was impressed. It was Caity who showed him the way, possibly. And then something natural happened. No drugs. Not even alcohol..spoiled the moment.

Eura played by Eleanor Zichy

In the finale, Stan sang SHOUT with some help from Caity. Of course, it was Tony's sister, silent Eura who got them together. Of course, it was Tea who might as well have hit Tony with a bus when she told him, "Sorry I did that to you.." After he said he loved her. Chris broke into the teacher's apartment while she went to North Dakota to live with her parents.

The show left you wanting more. It was great seeing these actors as well and characters evolved. I hope it'll be back for more. But a lot of people hated the idea of something like this on TV. It would just corrupt our youth. And some advertisers were leaving. Of course, these are things that don't bother MTV at all.

What's going on with Holly J

As usual, the Degrassi writers like to bring some sort of illness to light on the show from time to time. Over the years its been STDs, and aids.

Now there is a mystery about over-stressed Holly J who can be the number one rich bitch on the show. Unfortunately, her parents lost their money in stocks and what not. She has had to keep her student grades up, be the student body president and head cheerleader. Along the way, kept up with rich dude Declan just to finally have a sweet relationship with Sav. She is played by Canadian Charlotte Arnold. And fans have love to hate her and now would hate for anything to be wrong with her character.

There has been speculation that she is diabetic. Some think its meningitis. Or even Lupus. Hopefully, we'll know by this Friday's episode just what it is. We know she's not pregnant.

Symptoms at the moment- Has a bad cough, acts like her throat is in pain, thirsty, sleepy, and feeling faint.


Degrassi Tumblr thanks!

Sean Maguire And His LOVELIVES!!!

Sean Maguire has been added to the cast of the NBC comedy pilot LOVELIVES.  Stay tuned for further details!!

Laura Allen In REM!!!

Laura Allen has been added to the NBC hour long drama pilot REM.  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Mylinda Royer, STAT!

Mylinda Royer has booked a role in the CBS pilot THE DOCTOR directed by David Nutter.  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Alanna Ubach Has LITTLE IN COMMON!!

Alanna Ubach has been added to the pilot LITTLE IN COMMON for WBTV.  The show also stars Rob Corddry and Paula Marshall.  Stay tuned for further emails!!

Angelique Cabral In THE PERFECT FAMILY!!!

Angelique Cabral's film THE PERFECT FAMILY starring Kathleen Turner and Emily Deschanel will premiere at the TriBeca Film Festival this month!  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Jeff Witzke In PERFECT COUPLES!!!

Jeff Witzke just guest starred on the NBC sitcom PERFECT COUPLES!!!  PERFECT COUPLES airs on Thursday's at 8:30pm.

Nefetari Spencer Lives In A HYPTHETICAL WORLD!!!

Nefetari Spencer has booked a co-star in the upcoming sketch show pilot HYPOTHETICAL WORLD for Comedy Central.  Stay tuned for further details!!

Danny Strong Makes A GAME CHANGE!!!

Danny Strong has been cast and executive produces the new HBO movie GAME CHANGE starring Julianne Moore!  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Sean Maher Is A PLAYBOY!!!

Sean Maher has been added to the NBC pilot PLAYBOY set in the 1960's!  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Bret Ernst Is TAGGED!!!

Brett Ernst has been added to the Fox comedy pilot TAGGED.  Stay tuned for further details!!

Nick Thune In I HATE THAT I LOVE YOU!!!

Nick Thune has been added to the cast of the NBC comedy pilot I HATE THAT I LOVE YOU.  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Eric Andre Says DON'T TRUST THE BITCH IN APT. 23!!!

Eric Andre has been cast in the ABC single camera pilot DON'T TRUST THE BITCH IN APT. 23!!  Stay tuned for further details!!

Joe Komara In GIRL'S GUIDE TO DEPRAVITY!!!

Joe Komara has been cast in the HBO/Cinemax series GIRL'S GUIDE TO DEPRAVITY.  Stay tuned for further details!!!

Bree Turner Has An IDENTITY!!!

Bree Turner has been added to the cast of the ABC pilot IDENTITY alongside Angela Bassett and Orlando Jones!  Stay tuned for further details!!

Joe Brooks

Joe is just 23 and already quite the song-writer and singer in England. At 16, he was inspired by a Derrin Nauendorf performance. That was the beginning of a new life for him, teaching himself how to play the guitar. He soon started posting his songs on MY SPACE.

He attended Mountbatten Secondary School and Barton Peveril College. After graduation Brooks attended the University of Bath to study Sport before dropping out to work on his music. It was during this time that he wrote and recorded his most played song, "Superman", based on a girl he liked at school. He also released a self published CD title M a y b e  T o m o r r o w.

“If I could be your superman,
I’d fly you to the stars and back again.”
  - joe brooks

MY SPACE really boosted Brook's career. The Internet has really been the major factor in Joe's success. He has a devoted fan base of millions. Brooks follows in the tradition of Simon & Garfunkel, Damien Rice and James Blunt by melding confessional lyrics with heartfelt, melodic tracks. To me, his songs echo a bit of how John Mayer used to be, before his major success. Joe's thoughts put to music with such a sincere voice makes him very listenable. Hopefully, Joe's success will not ruin his song writing. I have to admit John Mayer's best songs were his early songs.

In 2010 Joe Brooks moved to Los Angeles. He signed on to Lava Records.

I'm really enjoying his debut CD. He's also simply adorable too.
Joe Brooks Constellation at Amazon.