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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Xbox One Revealed

Today was a big day for gamers, as Microsoft revealed their new gaming device, The Xbox One.  Sadly, I was not too excited.  In the past I wrote about how I am still a gamer in my (now late) 30's.  However, I worry I may no longer be a "gamer."  I rarely play my Xbox 360 and I even let my Xbox Live subscription lapse last month.  I will play games now and then on my phone and with my kids, but the nights of staying up until two in the morning playing Call of Duty just do not take place any more.

The truth is, I still love gaming.  After Easter I spent weeks playing Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon on my son's Nintendo 3DS (great game by the way).  I just have a hard time finding time to game anymore.  After working all day (sometimes two jobs), taking care of the house and the kids I did not find much time for gaming.  Lately, I would rather read, write or listen to music once I finally have some free time.

So, will I buy the new Xbox?  I am not sure.  I know I will not be camping out, like I did years ago for the Sony Play Station 2.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

May 2013 Read of the Month Update

Just a quick mid-month update.  I easily finished my May 2013 Read of the Month by Terry Foster and I loved the book.  I will be sharing a complete review later this month.  It was full of Tigers (and Detroit) History.  Of course, being a Geek I loved that stuff.  So what do I do with all my free time (my college classes are now finished)?  I pick up another book.

Since the movie is now here, I decided to re-read The Great Gatsby.  I will have no problem squeezing in my favorite book before the end of the month.  I just wanted to give it one more read before heading to the theater to see the movie.  Now I just need to find someone to join me for the movie.  My wife does not seem too interested. 

Has anyone seen the movie?  What did you think?  How about the soundtrack?  I can not wait to see this film!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

May 2013 Read Of The Month

I did not have a difficult time selecting my May 2013 Read of the Month title.  Detroit News Columnist and 97.1 The Ticket radio host Terry Foster announced a promotional tour for his new book 100 Things Tigers Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die earlier this spring.  When I heard he would be making his way Downriver to the wonderful Barnes and Nobel in Allen Park (on The Hill) for a book signing I knew I wanted to make a visit to pick up Foster's new book.

I wanted to pick up the book for a number of reasons.  First, like many in the area I am a Detroit Tiger's fan.  I am also a fan of history, especially local history, and this book is filled with Detroit history.  I am also a huge Terry Foster fan.  He is a great writer and radio host, but more importantly he is a great man and representative of the community.  He is extremely friendly and approachable.  He interacts with fans and students throughout the state.  Don't believe me, follow him on Twitter, it will not be long and he will be interacting with you and your tweets.  He often looks for recommendations for local bars and restaurants to visit.  Through some tweets, a few friends and I were able to persuade him to visit Joe's Prime Time Pub all the way down this way in Gibraltar.

My daughter Chloe, who loves to read and write, decided to join me when I went to Barnes and Noble to purchase two signed copies of 100 Things Tiger Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die (one for me and one for the Carlson Library).  I am so glad she came along.  She loves the book store and is always excited about interacting with authors.  She still talks about meeting an author at Hawaiian Island in Trenton. 

As soon as we approached Mr. Foster he was friendly and cordial.  He started off by talking to Chloe and asking her what she likes to read and about her rain boots.  He also spoke highly of his own children (which he does often on the radio) while speaking with Chloe.  We talked and I thanked him for making the trip down to Joe's and for his friendly interaction with the people from the Metro Detroit Area.  After talking for a few minutes he signed my copy and one for the students of Carlson High School.

Chloe with Terry Foster and his new Book.
Now, onto the book, I have just started and I am really enjoying Foster's work.  It would be a great Father's Day Gift for any "Dads" out there in your lives.  It is really a great book for any Detroit Tiger fan as well.  I am pretty sure you can still order a signed copy directly from Terry Foster.  The book is a quick read so far, because it is broken up into 100 mini stories about people, places and events related to The Detroit Tigers.  If you are a Tiger (or Detroit) fan give it a read!  I always think supporting local authors is a great choice!


Sunday, April 28, 2013

April 2013 Read of the Month Review

As expected, my April 2013 Read of the Month was a quick, easy read.  I try to read one graphic novel a year and decided to pick one this month.  When graphic novels are done well, they are really a joy to read.  Believe me when I say they are not just comic books.  The Walking Dead Volume 1, Days Gone By was done very well.  I decided to give this title a read after I finished watch the latest season of the hit television series on AMC.  This graphic novel did not let me down!  The art work is amazing and the storyline is wonderful (much like the television series).  I may have to pick up a few more of the volumes to keep me entertained as I wait for the next season of The Walking Dead to return in the fall.  If you enjoy the show you really should pick up some of graphic novels (where it all started).  If you are not into zombies/horror you may want to pass on this series, as it is a little graphic and violent.

I have already picked up my May 2013 Read of the Month and I can not wait to write about the experience of picking up the book.  I wish I did not have to work late tomorrow night, or I would write about it tomorrow.  It may have to wait until Tuesday!  I can not believe May is almost here; 2013 is flying by!  Happy Reading!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

The Great Gatsby (2013 Movie) is Nearly Here

It is no secret that The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favorite novels of all time.  I try to re-read the book once every twenty four months.  A new movie version of the classic American novel will be hitting the big screen within a month!  I have been writing about Warner Bros. new film version of the classic novel since May of 2012.  It was intended to be a Christmas Day 2012 release, but was pushed back to a spring/summer 2013 release.  Leonardo DiCaprio will portray the iconic Jay Gatsby in the movie set to hit theaters on May 10th, 2013.  Here is a new, recently released teaser:






As I have said before, I am not much of a movie guy, but I am really excited about heading to the theater to see Baz Luhrmann's (director) adaption of The Great Gatsby.  I am not sure if it will be a "summer blockbuster" (of course there is snow on my lawn as I type this, thanks Michigan,) but I think it will be a great film.  The visuals (from the previews) are amazing, and I think highly of the cast.  Anyone else excited to see this movie?  What are some films you are looking forward to this summer?