Wednesday, December 31, 2008
When In Rome & Smoothie Song
While I have only been able to find Nickel Creek's self titled album, they are still one of my favorite groups to listen to. The three members of Nickel Creek are an extremely talented group of musicians. Nickel Creek's music sounds just as great, if not better when it's just them picking (no singing).
Nickel Creek is currently taking a break from touring as a group, as (some) members of the group either work on solo albums or something.
Their songs range from sad ballads to upbeat songs that has you tapping your fingers along to the music.
The two songs that I picked showcase their versatility as musicians.
(Smoothie Song)
(When in Rome)
My musical tastes tend to range from mainstream, classic, and bluegrass (in country music) all the way to a little bit of classic rock (AC/DC and The Rolling Stones). I even find myself drawn to classical music these days. Mainly Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture", which I now have on my i-pod (yay).
Dame Orchid
Monday, December 29, 2008
Johnny Cash
The video for "God's Gonna Cut You Down" has a star studded cast of celebrities like, Johnny Depp and Chris Rock.
If you're daring enough to watch the video I would love to hear your thoughts on this song.
If you liked this song, some other great songs by Johnny Cash are "A Boy Named Sue" and "Sunday Morning Coming Down".
Dame Orchid
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Something Rotten
Something Rotten is the first of the Horatio Wilkes Mystery series by Alan Gratz.
Before I had even read the book I already knew how it would end, having already read Hamlet. Horatio was one of those characters that just makes you laugh with his witty sarcasm. My favorite line in the book was when Horatio said, "Personally, I'm a little tired of every author putting a modern spin on a "classic". I also enjoyed the play on names used by Alan Gratz (i.e. Ford N. Branff for Fortinbras).
Ally Carter, one of my all time favorite authors, is hosting a live chat that will cover Something Rotten on December 30th (Something Rotten is Ally's pick for her book club). For more information on the live chat visit Ally Diary.

"Denmark, Tennessee, stinks. The smell hits Horatio Wilkes the moment he pulls into town to visit his best friend, Hamilton Prince. And it's not just the paper plant and the polluted river that's stinking up Denmark: Hamilton's father has been poisoned and the killer is still at large. Why? Because nobody believes that Rex Prince was murdered. Nobody except Horatio and Hamilton. Now they need to find the killer, but it won't be easy. It seems like everyone in Denmark is a suspect. Motive, means, opportunity- they all have them. But who among them has committed murder most foul?"
I give this book 4 out of 5 cameo pendents.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
What Are You President of?
To take this quiz click the picture, then let me know "What Are You President Of?"
I can't wait to see if anyone else is the president of a secret organization.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Dame Orchid
Monday, December 22, 2008
Evil Little Shoes
they can cause foot pain
they can create foot deformities, including hammertoes and bunions
they can cause an unsteady gait
they can shorten the wearer's stride
they can render the wearer unable to run
altered forces at the knee caused by walking in high-heels may predispose to degenerative changes in the knee joint
Women who wear high heels frequently have a higher incidence of degenerative joint disease of the knees. This is because they cause a decrease in the normal rotation of the foot which puts more rotation stress on the knee
Podiatrists often comment that 75 percent of their business is caused by females wearing tall high heeled shoes.
they change the angle of the foot with respect to the lower leg, which accentuates the appearance of calves
they change the wearer's posture, requiring a more upright carriage and altering the gait in what is considered a seductive fashion
they make the wearer appear taller
they make the legs appear longer
they make the foot appear smaller
they make the lower leg muscles more defined while wearing tight pants
they make the wearer look flexibly strong."
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wolverine The Beginning
I recommend watching The Prestige. It has both Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale (or Wolverine and Batman).
"Set roughly twenty years before X-Men, the film will focus on Wolverine's violent past, and his early encounters with William Stryker (Danny Huston). The Weapon X program and his interactions with other mutants will be explored, including his complex relationship with Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber)."
X-men Origins: Wolverine hits theaters on May 1, 2009.
Dame Orchid
P.S.
In the next day or so I will post my review on Something Rotten by Alan Gratz.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wolverine and the X-men
Which means I am really looking forward to the latest X-men cartoon. My only hope is that it is better then the original X-men show that now occasionally shows on Toon Disney.
The latest X-men show will be called Wolverine and the X-men and will be playing on Nicktoons Network, with it's premiere in January of 2009.
I'll leave you with the synopsis of the show plus the trailer.
"After the mansion explodes, apparently due to an attack targeted at telepaths, Professor Charles Xavier and Jean Grey are missing. The X-Men disband and Cyclops begins to suffer from depression. One year later, the MRD (Mutant Response Division) is starting to detain mutants causing Wolverine and Beast to get the X-Men back together. Iceman, Shadowcat and Forge rejoin the team. Rogue joins up with the Brotherhood. The X-Mansion is rebuilt with Angel's wealth. Emma Frost is able to locate a comatose Charles on Genosha in the care of Magneto. On hearing this, Cyclops returns to the team and X-Men go to Genosha to find Professor X. After a short battle with Magneto, they are allowed to take Professor X back with them to the X-Mansion. Professor X contacts the X-Men telepathically from twenty years into the future and informs Wolverine that he is to lead the X-Men if they wish to successfully save the world from The Sentinel Project and prevent the Brotherhood of Mutants and the Acolytes from taking over the world before the future ends up being dominated by Sentinels."
Dame Orchid
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Not the V Word
Orchid
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wonder Woman Movie Trailer
It's for those of you who didn't check out the link, when I first posted about the movie.
Hope everyone enjoys it.
Dame Orchid
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Reaper News
I was disappointed at first when I realized that I would have to wait a little over three months for the second season to start.
Until my friends were kind enough to point out to me, that at least it will be returning.

Dame Orchid
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Plastic Wars Part 2
I would also like to thank everyone who posted their thoughts on this subject.
While everyone brought up excellent points, I do disagree with one thing. I never thought that Bratz hair or clothes were 'cool' or better looking than Barbie's. Even though I can see how they could be more appealing to the younger generation, since they are shorter and more 'child' like, I guess.
"On December 3, 2008, U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson banned MGA from selling Bratz. He allowed the company to continue selling the dolls until the winter holiday season ended. The ruling will be in effect on February 11, 2009 at the earliest, and Mattel and MGA will meet in court on that date. According to the terms of the court order, after the end of the holiday season, MGA must remove, at its own cost, all the Bratz dolls from store shelves, including the reimbursement of the cost of the dolls and all shipping costs to its vendors and distributors. The court gave exceptions for some toys if they are packaged separately from infringing toys. MGA announced that it would be appealing against the court's ruling."
I swear, this is the last you will hear about this from me.Dame Orchid
Friday, December 5, 2008
Plastic Wars
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Take Me To Your Leader...

Haha, no, it's not that kind of alien book.
I finally read "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" after putting off reading it for a couple of months, and I must say it has turned into one of my favorite books. The story is extremely fast paced, with an excellent cast of characters (I finished it in two hours).
Daniel's right, he definitely has the coolest power. You will be hard pressed to find a better book then "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" (even if it is about aliens, it is well worth the time it takes to read it). I would totally tell you more about the book, but I am afraid that I might give something important away.
In my opinion James Patterson (author of Maximum Ride) has struck gold yet again with his latest series.
For another sparkling review of "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" Check out Dahlia's Eclectic Mind .
"The greatest superpower of all isn't to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells -- the greatest power is the power to create.
Daniel has that power.
Daniel's secret abilities -- like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to recreate himself in any shape he chooses -- have helped him survive. But Daniel doesn't have a normal life. He is the protector of the earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond what anyone could imagine.
From the day that his parents were brutally murdered in front of his very eyes, Daniel has used his unique gifts to hunt down their assassin. Finally, with the help of The List bequeathed to him in his parents' dying breath, he has located the killer.
Now, on his own, he vows to take on his father's mission--and to have vengeance in the process."
Dame Orchid
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Batman R.I.P.
I seriously need to know did they kill Bruce Wayne/Batman? Who was behind everything (like the whole black glove thing)? And was the ending left as wide open as I have heard (I heard the end stunk, like M. Night Shyamalan's endings)? Any and all answers would be great. I really need to know, since Batman is like my favorite comic book character of all time (followed closely by Raven from T.T.)
If Batman is gone, I think Robin (Tim Drake) will be the next Batman, while my friend Dahlia disagrees. Who do you think will be the next Batman.
The following are links to a couple of articles on the ending of Batman R.I.P. news.bbc.co.uk http://geeksofdoom.com/2008/05/20/comic-review-batman-676-batman-rip-1/ http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=9371
Dame Orchid
p.s. I think Batman will be back, maybe not in 2009. But he will be back. DC Comics would have to be completely INSANE if they left him DEAD dead (yes I know I wrote that twice).
Monday, December 1, 2008
The First Book

Sunday, November 30, 2008
W.W. Movie Update
Dame Orchid
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wonder Woman Animated Movie

"On the mystical island of Themyscria, a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons have raised a daughter of untold beauty, grace and strength – Princess Diana. When an army fighter pilot, Steve Trevor crash-lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the god of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazonians and has decided to exact his revenge using the mystical “Hand of Rage,” an ancient artifact with the power to raise armies from the dead and infuse them with a thirst for blood. Ares intends to start a world war that will not only last for centuries – but will wipe out every living being on the planet, starting with the Amazons! It is up to Princess Diana to save her people and the world – by using her gifts and becoming the ultimate Wonder Woman!"
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
.png)
Being a cooking holiday, Thanksgiving is stressful. With all of the work that goes into making the turkey, pies, rolls, and various other things (depending on your families tradition). Here is what my day is going to look like.
1. My family will drag me out of bed at some disgusting hour (I am so not a morning person) to watch the Macy's Day Parade.
2. I'll clean up the kitchen
3.Then we start cooking (I hate to cook)
4. I will clean the kitchen again
5. Next we check on the turkey (and try to figure out when to start the sides)
6. Make sure the counters are clean and the dishes are done (are we sensing a theme here?)
7. Start putting the side dishes together.
8. Set the table.
9. Eat (finally)
10. And last but not least, Clean the kitchen (I hope everything fits into one load!)
Oh, how I love the chaos of the holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Dame Orchid
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
X Marks the Spot
I am so excited about the upcoming release of "Forever Princess" in January (I wish it would be out in time for Christmas), even though Mia makes me so mad sometimes (OK, most of the time), because she is so self obsorbed (I won't say any more, just in case you didn't read "Princess Mia"). And don't even get me started on Lily her (ex) best friend, who (is extremly jealous of Mia) hates that Mia's a princess (she started Ihatemiathermopolis.com, but could there a reason behind Lily's madness?).
I wonder, does anyone else (sometimes) prefer sidekick, bestfriend, non main characters, over the star of the book?

Monday, November 24, 2008
Reaper, Will You Ever Return?
So for those unfortunate souls who have never seen Reaper, here is a synopsis on the show.

"Sam Oliver lives at home with his parents and brother in the Seattle area. He has always wondered why his mom and dad were so easy on him, whether it was sports, school, or career choices, and so hard on his younger brother. Sam dropped out of college ("It made him sleepy", Sock explains) and takes a dead-end job at the Work Bench, a home-repair superstore similar to Home Depot. He spends the rest of his time hanging out, playing video games, and pining for his co-worker, Andi.
On Sam's 21st birthday, his parents are behaving very strangely, and Sam himself is seeing hellish visions and experiencing odd events. His father eventually explains that many years ago, he was very sick, and in return for restoring his health, he and his wife promised their firstborn child to the Devil. Although the couple intended to cheat the Devil by having no children, this plan went awry when Satan convinced their doctor to lie and tell the couple that they could not conceive in exchange for wiping his gambling debts clean. Sam is born shortly thereafter.
After informing him of his fate, the Devil explains to Sam that he must serve as his bounty hunter (or "Reaper"), tracking down souls that have escaped from Hell and sending them back using his new powers (which have included telekinesis and electrical powers) and vessels, varied objects said to have been hand-made in the bowels of perdition by the iniquitous and the vile. Vessels appear inside a long wooden box sent for Sam to open (with the Italian inscription "Lasciate ogni speranza, voi ch'entrate" ("Abandon hope, all ye who enter here"), as was written on the entrance to Hell in Dante's Inferno, and are specially designed for each job. Examples throughout the series have included a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner, a Taser gun, and a cigarette lighter.
Although Sam initially balks, Satan tells him that should he refuse, then Sam's mother's soul is forfeit. Unwilling to sacrifice his mother, and convinced that he is doing good in the world by tracking down evil souls, Sam accepts his fate. With the help of his slacker friends Sock and Ben, he begins his new life tracking down the corrupted souls trying to escape their own eternal rewards."
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wanted!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tea and Mysteries!!!
For those who are interested, but would like to read the series from the beginning, the first book is called "Death By Darjeeling" (I saw this one at the book store, but I didn't know it was the first one, so instead I got "Dragonwell Dead".) The Tea Shop Mystery's follow Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop (Theo's dog is named Earl Grey, isn't that the cutest name for a dog?)


Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Music Challenge
Monday, November 17, 2008
HALO 2
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Most Wanted Book List
"Skinned" by Robin Wasserman

Forced to the fringes of society, Lia joins others like her. But they are looked at as freaks. They are hated...and feared. They are everything but human, and according to most people, this is the ultimate crime -- for which they must pay the ultimate price.
VOYA"
I love books where the main characters world is turned upside down.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Musings of a Non Twilighter

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Rogue Angel
"Rogue Angel" was created by Randall Toy, an executive of Harlequin. After falling in love with the history of Joan of Arc, he decided to create a modern day Joan of Arc.
The first eight books in the series are written by Victor Milan, and Mel Odom. After the ninth book, new writers have joined their predecessors to work on this series.
Each of the books follows Annja Creed, Archaeologist, TV personality, and most importantly current wielder of Joan of arcs sword. Annja Creed's adventures never fail to entertain as she traverses the world, looking for ancient relics, myths, legends. Oh yeah, and saving the world.
So far there are fourteen books (with plenty more in the works) in the series.
In chronological order "Rogue Angel" consists of:
"Destiny"
"Soloman's Jar"
"The Spider Stone"
"The Chosen"
"Forbidden City"
"The Lost Scrolls"
"God of Thunder"
"Secret of the Slaves"
"Warrior Spirit"
"Serpent's Kiss"
"Provenance"
"The Soul Stealer"
"Gabriel's Horn"
"The Golden Elephant"
With "Swordsman's Legacy" now available at your locale bookseller. "Polar Quest" out January 13, 2009, and "Eternal Journey" March 10, 2009.

Lady A
Sunday, November 9, 2008
CMA Awards
Saturday, November 8, 2008
We Have A Winner!!!
And the score stands at,
Dame Orchid 0, readers 1.
(No one will guess the next one, mwhahahahah cough hahahahaha.)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Trivial Pursuit
An Acquired Taste

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Books I Will Most Likely NEVER Get to Finish!

"CHERUB" will have twelve books in all. But only "The Recruit", "The Dealer", "Maximum Security", "The Killing", "Divine Madness", and "Man vs. Beast" are available in the U.S. The rest of the series can only be bought overseas. There will also be a prequel series called "Henderson's Boys" Feel free to visit Robert Muchamore's website by clicking here
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Series that I Will Most Likely NEVER Get to Finish!! Part 2
The first series consists of "Mission One", Chaos Rising", "The Serpent Scenario", "Paranoia Plot", "Blood Relations", and "The Annihilation Agenda".

The sixth book in the first series was Never published in the United States, neither was the second series.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Series That I Will Most Likely NEVER Get to Finish!!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008
Number One, of My Top 5

Friday, October 31, 2008
Poll results!!
P.S. The last of my top 5 Agatha Christie books will be out tomorrow. Sorry for the delay.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Artist of the decade

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Top 5 cont
It all begins with an invitation to Gull's Point, the seaside home of Lady Tressilian, a humourless old woman, who is confined to her bed. However, her tiresome, yet handsome nephew tennis star Neville Strange, incurs her wrath when he re-introduces his new wife Kay, to his ex-wife Audrey, which causes no end of romantic misunderstandings. But events soon take a dark turn, when Lady Tressilian is killed where she sleeps. Superintendent Battle is supposed to be taking a much needed vacation at his nephew's home, when he is called in to assist Inspector James Leach in the case of the murder of Lady Tressilian.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Top 5 cont, Part 3

Monday, October 27, 2008
Halloween
1. Since it's first publication in 1897, "Dracula" has had its readers addicted to its rich cast of characters, and the ultimate face off between good, and evil. Bram Stokers "Dracula" is a must read for those who truly enjoy a great vampire novel.
2. "Underworld" Vampires VS Lycans ( or werewolves) what more can anyone ask for? The world of the night belongs entirely to those that are no longer completely human. As they struggle to find out who is the superior species. With its spectacular fight scenes, and the complexity of the characters as they try to find there own way.
3. If you're going to watch "Psycho" the best version is the original. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. To think all the trouble begins, with the theft of $10,000, a case of paranoia, and the unfortunate luck of stopping at Bate's Motel. I absolutely loved this movie.

If you think any of your favorite Halloween movies have been unjustly left out, feel free to let me know by stopping by and commenting.
- "The Haunting"
- "Interview with the Vampire" the book, or movie.
- "Demon in My View" by Amelia Atwater Rhodes.
- "Disturbia"
- "The Exorcism of Emily Rose"
- "The Jewel of Seven Stars" by Bram Stoker.
- "Van Helsing"
- "Dreadful Sorry" by Kathryn Reiss
- "Supernatural" season 1, 2, 3
- "Reaper" season 1
- "Sleepy Hollow"
Happy All Hallows' Eve,
Dame Orchid
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Top 5 cont.

Saturday, October 25, 2008
Top 5
Today's book will center around the feisty octogenarian, Miss Marple.
5. "A Caribbean Mystery" Takes place as Miss Marple is recovering from a case of pneumonia, in the warm sun of the West Indies, with it's beautiful scenery, where everyday seems the same as the one before. Until one of the guests of the hotel dies unexpectedly, thrusting Miss Marple into a fast paced investigation.

Friday, October 24, 2008
Death on the Nile

"Death on the Nile"
Linnet Doyle is young, beautiful, and rich. She's the girl who has everything--including the man her best friend loves. When Linnet and her new husband take a cruise on the Nile, they meet brilliant detective Hercule Poirot. It should be an idyllic trip, yet Poirot feels that something is amiss.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
X-rays emitted from ordinary Scotch tape - Innovation- msnbc.com

It turns out that if you peel the popular adhesive tape off its roll in a vacuum chamber, it emits X-rays. The researchers even made an X-ray image of one of their fingers.
Who knew? Actually, more than 50 years ago, some Russian scientists reported evidence of X-rays from peeling sticky tape off glass. But the new work demonstrates that you can get a lot of X-rays, a study co-author says.
Story continues below ↓
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Welcome!!!
http://dahliaseclecticmind.blogspot.com/