Into the Woods by Kim Harrison (story collection)

If you have not read The Hollows or also known as Rachel Morgan series, I would suggest that before reading this book. The first book is Dead Witch Walking. The stories about The Hollows, are more enjoyable and make more sense if you are already familiar with that world. But if, not, they wouldn't make a bad read and Harrison has introductions to all the tales, so you get the background information on the story. The tales focus on Rachel, Ivy, Jenks, and Trent.
     The other tales cover two versions of Dryads, or tree spirits, fairy's who are bit more bloodthirsty, and people who can gather and manipulate energy.
     This is one of the best short story anthology's I have read. Definitely worth checking out.
   

Ear Congestion Due to Allergy

I suffer from allergies, year around. I use the generic Allegera-D. I have had ear congestion issues off and on for a long time now. I have tried a variety of ways to relieve ear congestion. I discovered something I had missed in my previous searches on relieving ear congestion. I was skeptical at first, but it helps, a lot.

     A Neti Pot. Not just good for the nose, but after a few days or so of using it, I noticed that my ears were getting better, and continue use, once before bed, has helped keep them clearer. I have also notice, that I don't blow my nose as often in the morning as I used to. So the pot is working. Worth the time and money.

Man of Steel : Soars

     As a kid, I watched a lot of the Christopher Reeves Superman. I never read the comics. Watched some of Smallville, so when Superman Returns came along, I wanted to see it. What a disappointment. Then one day at the theater, I saw a movie poster for Man of Steel, and I was excited. Even more so when I found out Henry Cavill, who I first came to know in The Tudors, and I was more hopeful of a good film.

     I am glad to say that I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the way that they weaved the present and the past to tell the story. A good villain, portrayed well too. I nice upgrade to the Superman suit. A Lois Lane who can handle herself, and yet still need to be rescued from time to time. A Superman, who acts like Superman. Morals, gentleman, not like Superman Returns. Plus, a Superman who has that good looking but soft complexion and can pull off the slightly nerdy news geek look. About time someone did it right. The only issues I had issues with was lack of creative fight scenes, that were a tad too long. How many buildings and structures can one crash through? Plus, a wasted opportunity too relive a little tension in the big fight scene when Superman smacks into the Work Site Accident Sign, the two numbers could have fallen laving the zero on the sign when he stood up. I have a feeling that was edited out. When used right, humor can be a good thing, take Shakespeare for example. Still, I really enjoyed it. Well done, and the 3-D was a nice and well used plus. Worth seeing in the theater.

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

     This is the last book in The Sookie Stackhouse series. This is a series that is better if read from book one which is Dead Until Dark. The HBO True Blood is based on this series and is alright in my opinion. I liked it more when it followed the books a bit more closely.
     This installment started off a little slow. I understand that certain things from the last book had to be dealt with, which slowed the story down a bit. It did slowly start feeling more like the other books in the series and the end definitely was typical Sookie Stackhouse. I will miss this series.
     But for those who haven't read this series, and especially if your into True Blood, check it out. It's worth the time delving into Sookie's world.

Now You See Me

     When I first saw this movie trailer, I was intrigued, but it wasn't one of those that I really wanted to see in a theater. Though I did want to see it.
     I really enjoyed this film. The right amount of mystery, action, drama, intriguing characters. I love stories that have an interesting twist to them. The magic crime spree was a good hook, what is even better is a story that keeps you guessing till the end and then when all is revealed , you never saw that revelation coming.
     Looking for something that is worth your time and money, but isn't the typical summer blockbuster. This movie is it.