What has my attention this week?
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Book: The Broken Eye by Brent Weeks
Brent Weeks has got to be my favorite living author. His fantasies are incredibly realized, epically epic, and peopled with dynamic, realistic, charismatic characters. I’ve been looking forward to this third installment in his Lightbringer series. I thought this was to be the last in the trilogy, but it turned into a four-book series. No complaints here. I’m only a handful of chapters in, but I’m enjoying every page. Weeks is brilliant with his ability to create deeply flawed, deeply magnetic characters — who have to pay the consequences for all their larger-than-life actions.
Movie: Pan directed by Joe Wright
On the other end of the spectrum, this was a story I was really looking forward to — but which ended up sadly disappointing me. I love director Joe Wright’s gorgeous and complicated visual style, and I love Peter Pan (I think I saw the 2003 adaptation about six times in the theater–and twice in one day). As soon as I saw the trailer for this one (with a piratical Hugh Jackman!), I was on board. Sadly, it’s a misfire from start to finish. It’s a bad prequel in every way a prequel can be bad. Jackman is engaging, but doesn’t get enough of a role. And don’t even get me started on whatever it was Garrett Hedlund thought he was doing with Hook…
Music: No. 1 Cowboy by Marty Robbins
Classic country singer Marty Robbins’s Old West ballads were the soundtrack of my childhood. Now that I’m thinking about it, I reckon it’s fair to say his music has probably influenced all of my writing, one way or another. This compilation album — with such gems as “Big Iron” and “The Cowboy in the Continental Suit” — is one of my favorites.
Food: Bene Dried Jackfruit
Gadget: Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Cute Animal I Want This Week
Photo taken by Kevin Lafferty
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If you like Jackfruit, try Durian. It a real love or hate smell and taste. My family LOVE it, my mother thought something was wrong with the drains!!! You can even buy durian cake. I can mail some to you for a try.
Check out its popularity http://www.yearofthedurian.com/2014/07/the-most-expensive-durian-in-world-8.html
Is that the one that’s supposed to smell like rotten fruit? :p
Hello all,
It’s a new day?! I’m gonna have to check out this Brent weeks, sounds like he’s the real deal. I’ve never heard of Marty Robbins, but dude is wearing a sweet jacket? I wouldn’t wear it but it looks good on him. I’m sure the coffee warmer is a lifesaver. Bottoms up! ☕️☕️The panda is too cute. I just bought one actually. They’re fairly cheap at Toys R Us. ????
Thx
I’m a big fan of Po from Kung Fu Panda. My sister got me a stuffed one for Christmas, and he keeps Snoopy company atop my computer.
Oh my word, Marty Robbins. That’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. Pretty sure my Dad played him and Michael Martin Murphy over and over again…they’re also the soundtrack to my childhood!
Hah. You do know I’m hearing you say that in Obi-Wan’s voice. 😉
I’ll blame that on Aaron DeMott…we were recording a podcast the other night on Star Wars and he got it in my head. :p
You’re making me think he has Force abilities. 😉
I used to love gummy bears before I cared about the cancer-causing dyes and the equally awful HFCS. I’ll have to look for the dried jackfruit.
Sometimes you can find really good health-food alternatives to mainstream gummies.
Yep, that’s the one. However, the Durian cake does NOT smell. To me it’s just a very, very sweet smell, To aficionados it’s more like a botanical pheromone
I’d definitely like to try that someday. A little hard to find in western Nebraska!
I’m just finding out about tanukis, aka “raccoon dogs.” They look just like raccoons but are actually canids. Who knew? And apparently they make good pets? Why can’t I have ALL the animals?
Now this I’m going to have to check out! I’ve always wanted a raccoon.