I knew It!!

From the first time I ever heard his name and seeing his sharingan, I knew that Tobi-Madara, was a character that had been introduced previously. Well after reading today's new chapter scan, I can finally say with some greater confidence that HE is in fact Obito!! The eye connection is no coincidence, thats for sure. I wonder how this will effect the storyline once it is made public and I also wonder if the all-knowing Orochimaru knew this, and that it will be shared with Sasuke. I know only time will tell but it's always interesting trying to hypothesize the plot with only minor details and a mind full of facts haha. What I do know is that Naruto and Kurama are going to make a great team when it comes down to that final battle between them and Sasuke's Susanoo and other eye techniques. Not only is Naruto effin bad-ass, Bleach is also doing its thing with some major action and drama that just baffles me lol. These Quincies aren't playing any games lol. They killing everything they can get their lil Bankai-stealing hands around. Ichigo is for sure gonna have another major transformation, and just go on a murdering spree.. Ah, my excitement for this is at maximum lol!!

New Maximum Ride!!

Holy crap people!! The new Maximum Ride novel by James Patterson is coming out soon!! All I can say, besides holy crap, is IT'S ABOUT TIME!! What the heck is going to happen to these crazy kids!?! And Max and Fang BETTER get back together. I will be one p.o.'d fangirl if they don't!! They were meant to be together. Like peanut butter and jelly (time) and ham & cheese and all that other cheesy stuff!! It is meant to be!

Nevermore: The Final Maximum Ride Novel
By: James Patterson
Due Out: August 6, 2012

I don't know how I forgot about this coming out!! I hope it answers all the loose ends! Will there be a break off series? I can't wait!! What do you think is going to happen?

R

p.s. If you want to know how Max and Fang have been doing. They have their own blogs!! Fang's Blog Max's Blog

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Its been some time since the last time I contributed my knowledge of Naruto upon my fellow learners, but there has been good reason. I've been trying to understand how izanami worked before I had spread anymore word about it. The way it works is that, to begin the technique, the caster must voluntarily decide to act, while the Sharingan is used to memorise the bodily sensation of that instant like a photograph (represented as: A). The user must then replicate the same sensation intentionally while using the Sharingan to memorise that instant as well(represented as: A'). Izanami then overlaps the two identical bodily sensations (A and A'), creating a loop. The flow of time and events that occurs between the two memorised sensations will replay in an infinite loop. Despite being able to become consciously aware of their situation, the victim is unable to significantly alter or escape from the inevitable progression of these events, except by acknowledging the results of what they have done and stop trying to run away. Whilst under the effects of the technique, the target will stand motionlessly as the loop of events continually replays inside their mind. Because this technique was created as a counter to Izanagi, the victim is able to escape the infinite loop by simply accepting their fate. I know right, shocking! I want to be able to use this technique all the time! However, I dont want to lose sight in any of my eyes, but I don't think I will because my Sharingan is eternal hahaha. Overall, this further feeds my prediction that Sasuke is going to be calmed from his evil intentions and assisst Naruto in defeating the masked man that calls himself Madara. Well, looks like I'm going to be waiting another week so that I can see how Itachi is going to stop this Edo Tensei. I'm sure its going to just as epic as his Izanami, but I wonder if he will have to sacrafice another eye to do so? Read all about it on mangapanda.com. Jikan dake wa oshiete kuremasu....jaa, mata.

road trippin'

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour is a road trip book filled with moments of disenchantment,  mistakes, misunderstandings, first love, the freedom of becoming a young adult, and destiny discovering. Weaved throughout is a passion for art, music, and the importance of creativity.

This book has a hippie feel to it (doesn't the cover scream 1970s with that vintage rainbow shirt?), but actually takes place today. I recommend it for a bit deeper Summer read that adults will enjoy but it still has all the themes that young adults will connect with.

Hairs/Pelitos by Sandra Cisneros

Title: Hairs/Pelitos
Author: Sandra Cisneros
Illustrator: Terry Ybanez
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.
Published Date: 1994



     Hairs/Pelitos is about a young Mexican girl and her family. She compares the hair of all of her families members to different things, because each member has different hair. In the end she remembers her mother’s hair with great fondness. It smells like bread and reminds her of all the things her mother does for the family.

     I really liked the dual language that the books has. Having both the English and Spanish is pretty awesome. Children that read this book will be able to see the translation and get an understanding of how Spanish is different from English. It will help both Spanish speaking and English speaking kids. If more childrens books were like this, children would be able to have more than one language growing up. I think this is important in growing up. It doesn’t have to be Spanish or English, but any other non-native language will help kids understand other cultures.

     The illustrations are pretty basic, but do a great job of showing the audience what is going on with the storyline. I did have to reread a few parts to understand what some of the images were portraying. This isn’t bad, it was probably just me anyway. The colors are very bright and vibrant and remind me of the Mexican culture.

     I had fun reading this. I hope more people will look into it. It is from The House on Mango Street novel in verse from Sandra Cisneros.

Tschüß!
Rena

*reposted from my blog kawzmikworld.wordpress.com

Titanic-mania!

I just finished the BEST audiobook I have EVER listened to, EVER. And I have listened to a lot. I first started listening to audiobooks when I had a job behind the scenes in a library where I could listen to them while I worked. Then I got the job I have now where I commute to work and was able to translate my new found love from my iPod to my car cd player. It is the ONLY thing that keeps me sane on my drives.

Anyways, like I said before, I just finished an amazing audiobook. I was completely obsessed with it and it actually made me look forward to my drive. The book is titled, The Watch that Ends the Night, by Alan Wolf. This is a story about the Titanic disaster. I have always been interested in this topic. Yes, I know there are lots of books out there on the Titanic. Yes, the story has been told and retold. Yes, it is a sad story about a ship sinking. However, this book is unique in that it made me really comprehend the human side of this story. Over 1,400 souls perished in the sinking and I feel that I can more fully understand how tragic this event really was.

There are a couple reasons why this book is so moving and beautiful. First, it is written in different verse forms so it has a lyrical quality to it. Second, the narrators stole the show. The story is told from 24 different perspectives of people on board the ship. Examples are first class passengers like John Jacob Astor, third class passengers, the ship captain, the ship rat, and the iceberg. The story starts a few days before the Titanic left port so you get a feel for the personalities and perspectives of the different passengers. This enables you to get to know them intimately and understand that each lost soul on board was a person just like you and me.

Haunting, tragic, moving, and beautifully written, I recommend this book to all history lovers and audiobookers.

Such Suspense!!

Well I have read the new chapter about four or so times (just to make sure I catch everything) and I must say that I havent been this excited for the new chapter in some time. Itachi never ceases to amaze me, not even the slightest. In real life, his sharingan capabilities almost equal mine in some fashion haha. He continues to show off his abilities even after death! I wonder if he has known them since before he slaughtered his clan. Makes me wonder just how much he knows in the ninja world; jutsus and all other things. The Japanese mythology just flows all through Naruto as the new justsu Izanami is introduced in relation to the jutsu Danzou used when fighting Sasuke, Izanagi. Can't wait to see how it develops and how its used in battle. Ugh, that Kabuto is such a snake. How dare he try to coerce Sasuke to join his side while right in front of Itachi! When this all boils down though, it will be disastrous to the most cataclysmic of proportions hahahaha.

Always Something There to Remind Me- books from my elementary and middle school years

I was reading some YA blogs and came across the book, Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later, which came out in 2011 and gives an update of where Elizabeth and Jessica from the 80s and 90s hit series Sweet Valley are today. I was instantly brought back into my elementary and middle school years when I read basically every Sweet Valley Twins and Friends, Sweet Valley High, Babysitter's Club, Boxcar Children, and Goosebumps books available. I just loved the drama of the Sweet Valley series (I always wanted to be a twin), the comraderie of the girls in the Babysitter's Club (I tried to start my own), how the siblings looked out for eachother in the Boxcar children (I was an only child for the first 12 1/2 years of my life and always wanted a brother or sister), and the suspense in the Goosebumps series (I like thrills of all types except now I have a hard time watching scary movies without freaking myself out at night).
Anyways, I found this great list of YA books from the 80s and 90s and wanted to share it with all you 80s babies out there. What were some of your favorite books during your elementary and middle school years? Maybe you will find some of them on this goodreads list.
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4403.Young_Adult_Books_from_the_80s_90s#290400

Oh, and to go along with the theme, here are a couple music videos from the 80s:
Kids in America- Kim Wilde

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper

We Got the Beat- Go Go's (This was my mom's personal fav)

Music that makes me want to move!!

Hey there people!! Music is the one thing that has always gotten me through bad times in my life. I have a pretty eclectic taste in music. These newish songs make me happy. And not just that...they make me want to get up and move. OR if I'm driving makes me want to roll down the windows and blast it to everyone!

Neon Trees- Everybody Talks

Young the Giant- I Got

Foster the People- Houdini

Hope you enjoy!
Tschüß!
Rena

Are you ready??

The New Chapters!!



Just a few more hours until the release of the new chapters of Naruto and Bleach are released. For those who haven't been following the latest scantalations, Kabuto is now bad-ass, Sasuke and Itachi make the perfect tag-team, Naruto, Guy, and Kakashi are going to totally serve the masked Uchiha. In Bleach, an unknown group has declared war on the Soul Society and their leader can somehow enlist as many arrancars he wants to join his army. I'm waiting on Ichigo to go hollow form now that he has those newly upgraded powers after fighting with Ginjou. Oooo, I bet he's going to be a beast! He was already bad-ass beforehand so one can only imagine what the new form will look like. Well I guess patience is on my side so I shall just wait, but i'll be sure to keep you all informed....jaa, mata.



Sage Mode!!

Yea, if you're seeing this you're just as suprised as I am, but it's true. Kabuto has attained the status of Sage. Ahh, but you know how the writer of Naruto can be, soon there will be some character using some new power or jutsu; inconceivable in sorts to anything of the likes of others. It's nice to see Itachi and Sasuke remembering past training methods and putting them to use. Makes me wonder how things will turn out between the two once its all said and done. For some reason, I can't wait until the battle between Naruto and Sasuke. The last one was too epic for words so I know this one is for sure to be OTW crazy stupid awesome! You all should check it out!

The New British Boy Band Invasion

Whether you're a boy band fanatic (I will admit, they are my guilty pleasure listens) or not...whenever there is a craze you will hear their songs over and over. And sometimes so much, you can't help to know all of the lyrics...even when you despise the song! I may not be the best person (or maybe I am) because I do have my not-so-secret obsession (when I was 15 I waited outside all night for 'N Sync tickets...shhh don't tell my friends) with boy bands, but the latest two "boy bands" coming out of Britain are here and I think they are here to stay!

One Direction- Which consists of members Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. With the youngest member born in 1994 and the oldest in 1991, they will have the teeny boppers screaming and crying for their attention. It doesn't hurt that their first single, "What Makes You Beautiful" is a super sensation!

The Wanted- Members are Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes. Having members born in 1988, this boy band spans more into the early to mid 20's crowd. I have to add...have you see pictures of these guys? They look like models...for real look at this! Very nice...no? Their single "Glad You Came" is very catchy and listen-worthy.

If you like what you hear One Direction's album is already out. It dropped in mid March. For you The Wanted fans, you'll have to wait just a couple of weeks until April 24, 2012. Happy listening and don't drool too much!

Tschüß!
Rena

Romantic Comedy -book style!

Lola and the Boy Next Door is a quirky, funny, and sweet novel about teenagers finding (or in this case re-finding) their first love. The main character, Lola Nolan, is a confident and mature 17 year old who has a passion for costume design. This is evident in her personal style which consists of wearing costumes like a Mary Antoinette dress which she designs herself with the help of a certain boy and wears to her school dance.
At the beginning of the novel, Lola's romantic life is going well. She has a punk rock boyfriend named Max who she thinks she loves and dreams of running away with in order to pursue their dreams of being a rock star and a costume designer. But, her thoughts get turned upside down when her ex-boyfriend and his twin sister move back in to the house next door. Cricket Bell was the first boy with whom she ever felt a deep connection but a misunderstanding led to their relationship becoming strained and then almost non-existent. As soon as he enters back into Lola's life, old feelings and emotions start to come back. It's evident that his feelings never changed for her, but isn't she in love with rocker boy Max? Read this romantic comedy of a love story to see for yourself!
I listened to this on audio and fell in love with the quirkiness of Lola's character, the funny and realistic dialogue, the love triangle (who doesn't enjoy love triangles?), and the sweet story of finding true love.
I can't wait to pick up Anna and the French Kiss which is written by the same author. It isn't exactly a prequel to Lola and the Boy Next Door but Anna and her boyfriend were secondary characters in this novel.

It Blew My Mind!!

Two days ago, (I know, i'm late lol) I read the, then new, chapter of naruto and I was blown away by its contents. It was awesome to see the two brothers teaming up after all they've been through, to defeat a great enemy of the ninja world. I mean, two susano-os' in one fight is effin awesome! But what I learned in the chapter is that Kabuto had the chance to train at Ryūchi Cave, similar to Mount Myōboku, where Naruto once trained, in order to gain a power as a sage. Not only a sage, but a dragon sage!! I'm not sure how powerful he is, but it has to be somewhat very much so if he has to deal with two mangekyo sharingan users. He claims that he has surpassed Orochimaru in all aspects, so the difficulty of this fight will be great. I can't wait until they tune back in to where Kakashi, Guy, and Naruto are facing off against Madara and his army of tailed beasts. I'm eager to see on what scale Naruto has become since gaining the ability to transform into a form of Kurama himself! I'll be tuning in next week when the new chapter comes out to keep you informed on what's going on in the world of ninjas!

New Snow White Movies coming out

So, there are two new Snow White Movies coming out soon. I love faery tales...I, for one, am totally excited to see both of these movies. Lately there have been some awesome T.V. spots for Mirror, Mirror staring Julia Roberts as the evil queen, Lilly Collins as Snow and Armie Hammer as the Prince. I'm really wondering what kind of adaption they are going to be doing on this Snow White. From the trailer that I've seen it seems to be more comical than a traditional sense of the story.

Mirror Mirror Coming out March 30, 2012.

Snow White and the Huntsman is the other Snow White movie coming out soon. This one is what I'm really looking forward to! 1) I can't wait to see what they do with the story. 2) Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman is freaking hot and 3) I can't wait to see how Kristen Stewart portrays Snow. I really hope that she can be tough girl and not whiny girl. Crossing my fingers for this one. Ooooh and I forgot 4) Charlize Theron as the Queen is going to be super awesome!

Snow White and the Hunstman coming out June 1, 2012.

Look for my reviews of the movies coming up as soon as they come out!!

Tschüß!
Rena

Alchemy!!!

So I've recently decided (mostly due to boredom) that I will read the Full Metal Alchemist series. I used to watch the show quite faithfully back when I had cable but kind of lost the method over time. Oh well, its always better to read it anyway. I'm sure i'll enjoy...jaa, dewa mata.

The New Chapter Has Arrived

When I received the email this morning as I got ready to come to work, I couldnt help but get excited because I was so prepared to know what happened in the new scanlations released today over Naruto and Bleach. Unfortunately, Bleach didn't have one released yet so I just read the other. In my last post, I mentioned what it would possibly be like and guess what??...I was correct about them all!! Very interesting to see how they are keeping this story going ( good job Kishimoto-san) but the suspense is killing me!! These are the three fights that will establish some clarity among who will rule the ninja world once they're all over. Don't fret non-readers of the most awesome series ever produced, zuiji oshirase shimasu....

Please, read me, please!

Filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee teamed up with Coretta Scott King Award winner Kadir Nelson to create the delightful children’s books Please, Baby, Please and Please, Puppy, Please.  As a general rule, I’m not a huge fan of celebrity-written children’s books, but these two are a joy. Books both humorous and touching, kids and adults alike can personally relate to the everyday antics of an exuberant toddler and a high-energy pup.  The illustrations are colorful and full of movement and the repeatable text makes them great reads for either toddlers or beginning independent readers. In fact, the rhythmic text reads like a song and could be sung to a simple tune. I’ll definitely be using these books together during storytime in the library.  

Chotto, sono watashi o futatabi...

Just thought I'd check in with you to let you know about an interesting manga series I've just had the pleasure of reading. It's called Soul Eater and it has a very interesting story line, great characters, and some awesome illustrations. I recommend it as a good read so feel free to take my word hahaha. Jaa, mata...

A new and awesome type of graphic novel

I like to craft. I don't do it nearly as much as I would like due to time and money. But, I sure do enjoy scrapbooking and the re-living of memories that comes through doing it. I love the different textures, colors, and mediums that are used in scrapbooking. It reminds me a lot of collage which is my favorite type of art work. So, you can bet your Charleston swinging dancing self that I was super pumped to read the world's first scrapbook novel! I heard about it because it was one of the winners of the Alex Award which recognizes twelve adult novels with young adult apeal. Well, let me tell you that I fell in love at first glance of its adorable vintage cover! The book traces the main character, Frankie Pratt, through her senior year of high school into her young professional years. It takes place in the 1920s and is filled with vintage memorbilia from that time period and the font is straight out of Frankie's father's typewriter. The pictures, memorbilia, and short paragraphs tell a delightful and inspiring story of a young woman who wants to pursue her dreams in a time when women were just getting recognition in the workplace. The author, Caroline Preston, is a vintage scrapbook collector and her appreciation for the time period really shines through. Graphic novel fans and historical fiction fans will likely enjoy reading this novel, but I recommend it to all the scrapbookers out there as well!

Are You Ready?

Hey guys!! It's almost that time! What time is that? Hunger Games movie that is! I honestly can't wait for this book series to become a visual extravaganza of the eyes! Yeah, I just made that up, but no joke! I really can't wait to see this adapted and what changes/visuals turn up to be amazingly awesome. I, of course, have midnight premiere tickets. I am just that awesome. I will probably see it at least 2 times that weekend. March 22/midnight can not come fast enough!!

Look forward to many more posts. Hunger Games related or not. Grad School be damned!! I will make time to post! Haha

Tschüß!
Rena

Oh Yea!

As many of you may know, I am a manga/anime fanatic and my favorite that I've ever had the pleasure of reading is Naruto. I make sure to be tuned in every Wednesday to see what the new chapter is talking about lol. I do believe that since Sasuke has met up with his elder brother, Itachi, there will be some major throwdowns poppin' off since he has gone to stop the Edo Tensei that Kabuto has put into effect. Or, it can go back to the five kages as they are fighting Madara...OR, it can follow up on Naruto as he gains complete control over the nine tails, Kuruma!!!!!