Book Review: Comediennes

Comediennes is a book about female comedians. The cover shows charactures of many, and the next page in is a guide for who is who incase thre are any that you can’t figre out! (For me there was many.)

It has not always been accepted that women are funny. But I think the comediennes mentioned in this book show that statement could not be less true.  The book biographies many, many comidiennes and it is broken down sort of by the era in which they made it big.

Some biographies are bigger than others – I think Mary Tyler Moore’s came in as the longest.  Each bio also points out if they were the “first woman to..” which I liked.  I am always all for women excelling in fields that are deemed to be “just for men”!

The end of the book also has a Q&A with some of the women mentioned which was pretty humorous (though we’d have a problem if it wasn’t!)

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in order to write this review. All opinions are mine and I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

It wasn’t until the 10th century that women were allowed to perform, and then only rarely. Like many art forms, female comedy got its start in the church and expanded to stage, radio, film, and television. For the longest time, it has been believed that women aren’t funny. The stories within these pages will not only debunk that myth but will make you wonder how it ever got started in the first place. Women of all races have not only taken center stage in comedy, but in many cases, have dominated it.

This book thoroughly explores the genre. Comediennes: Laugh Be a Lady chronicles the evolution of the humor through the research of Darryl and Tuezdae Littleton and the scores of interviews they conducted with veteran female performers from all mediums, as well as Tuezdae’s own experiences as a comedienne. Startling facts are revealed and tributes are paid to the icons of yesteryear by the titans of today in their own words and sentiments.

Women have always made us laugh, from their outrageous characters, pratfall humor, cutting barbs, clever wit and unforgettable side-splitting moments. Their “herstory” has only just begun.

 

It wasn’t until the 10th century that women were allowed to perform, and then only rarely. Like many art forms, female comedy got its start in the church and expanded to stage, radio, film, and television. For the longest time, it has been believed that women aren’t funny. The stories within these pages will not only debunk that myth but will make you wonder how it ever got started in the first place. Women of all races have not only taken center stage in comedy, but in many cases, have dominated it.

This book thoroughly explores the genre. Comediennes: Laugh Be a Lady chronicles the evolution of the humor through the research of Darryl and Tuezdae Littleton and the scores of interviews they conducted with veteran female performers from all mediums, as well as Tuezdae’s own experiences as a comedienne. Startling facts are revealed and tributes are paid to the icons of yesteryear by the titans of today in their own words and sentiments.

Women have always made us laugh, from their outrageous characters, pratfall humor, cutting barbs, clever wit and unforgettable side-splitting moments. Their “herstory” has only just begun.

Book Review: The Biographical Dictionary of Popular Music

The Biographical Dictionary of Popular Music is jam packed with information on tons and tons of artists, songs, etc.  It is just over 900 pages and I guess now I can brag that I’ve read the dictionary 😉  While there is a variety of topics mentioned, these are all ones that have inspired the author. It makes me think that maybe I should start my own dictionary – a lot of the bands that I love (ok, I think all) were not mentioned in this book.  Even with those omissions, the book is incredibly thorough with decent chunks of text about everything that is included in the book. It covers many genres and decades even if it just skims the surface of the number of performers there really are out there!

The book is great to be used either as a reference – to look up specific things when you are interested in finding out more of them – like a true dictionary – or you can just read through it all.  I opted to read through it all, a letter a day for a few weeks.  There was no storyline that I needed to follow so I could easily pick the book up whenever I wanted, even if I was in the middle of reading something else at the time.

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.

About the Book

The Biographical Dictionary of Popular Music is an incredible and opinionated collection of celebrated cultural critic Dylan Jones’s thoughts on more than 350 of the most important artists around the world—alive and dead, big and small, at length and in brief. This A to Z reference is the true musical heir to David Thomson’s seminal The New Biographical Dictionary of Popular Film. Jones writes entertainingly about bands that have inspired, bedeviled, and fascinated him over the years.

Kris Allen at Stage One

Friday night Kris Allen FINALLY returned to Connecticut for a headlining show! (He had been here a few times for radio promo and on tour with Keith Urban and Lifehouse – but never headlining since he got sick on the Idol tour in Bridgeport and couldn’t perform)

 

I ended up upgrading my tickets to VIP which meant we got to meet Kris before the show and he also did a song for us called “Should I” we were asked not to take video but Kris said that it is out there on YouTube.

At the M&G he asked if I spell my name with an I-E and when I said yes he said that I spell it right. I told him that some people don’t think I do because I have a Y in Kathryn so it should be katy but that’s not how I do it. He seemed surprised I had a Y in Kathryn and he said he had never seen that before and seemed to think it was a bit strange haha  (For those of you that don’t know – his wife is named Katy and I believe it is short for Katherine!)  Then he asked my mom if her name had a Y in it (it does!) and I was going to tease that we really like Y’s in my family but didn’t. ha. (My mom was so happy he asked though because she didn’t think to spell it for him but don’t like when people spell it wrong!)

The M&G was from 6:30-7 and by 7 doors were open so we went to our seats and waiting until 8pm for when Kris would take the stage (there was no opener!)

He is so adorable and such a great performer. I love seeing him!  I also like how he interacts with the crowd. There was a kid in the front row dancing around and he asked for Kris’ hat. Kris said no because then we’d see his hair and then was saying how he loved how kids just don’t care and that if he left the stage the kid would get up there and finish the show for him.  Cale teased that he was Justin Bieber and then Kris said something like.. Justin Bieber is for girls! But then whispered that he liked Justin Bieber but don’t tell anyone. (Oops!)
He also had mentioned that Connecticut was a pretty state and that he didn’t think he had been here since the Idol tour.  At that point I turned to my mom and said “but he didn’t sing!” and a couple other people yelled that out to him and then he went :-O  (Think the face he made when he won idol) and that he had forgotten and then said he was sorry from the bottom of his heart and he apologized and he had never canceled a show before that or since but when he tried to talk nothing was coming out.  Then he mentioned a couple other times that this was to make up for Bridgeport.

He sang a new song that he said will be on iTunes soon… of course – the song doesn’t yet have a name so that wasn’t very good for my setlist. I’ll have to keep a gap in my setlist book for when it does end up getting a name. He also had said that new christmas music is coming soon too! I can not wait!

Hanson at EPCOT day 2

For day #2 at Epcot, I went by myself and I went in the afternoon so I wouldn’t be at the park all day trying to find things to keep myself entertained with.  I got there about 2pm and hit up The Seas and The Land and then went “around the world”.  About 3:45 I was going to make another loop around the World Showcase, but there was a drawbridge that was up (that I had no idea even existed) and so since I was stuck waiting for the globe to pass through, I decided to just go and get in line for the Hanson show.  It was about an hour wait and I ended up right up front in the spot I had for Show #3 the night before.

For Show #2 I decided to stay in the back after going to get dinner (Mickey ice cream, of course!) and then after a few songs I went and got back in line.  I could still kind of see the show from the line and I could hear it loud and clear.  This was the only set that they did a cover at – Oh Darlin – one of my favorites!

For Show #3 I was back at my up close front spot (which I ended up having for 3/6 shows!) but this time there were people in front of me that stood (the other 2 shows didn’t have that) so I did have to move around a bit more in order to be able to see – but it was still a great way to end the night.

For there being some repeat songs in each of the sets, I think they did a great job mixing up the other songs and we got a great variety of songs.  It was definitely a ton of fun and I am seriously considering going back again next year should Hanson perform again. (Provided I still have vacation left in October, considering they are doing a world tour and I will also be seeing them in Jamaica in January!)

Show 1 :

Waiting For This
Where’s The Love
Been There Before
Thinking Bout Somethin
Can’t Stop
Crazy Beautiful
MMMBop
Give a Little

Show 2:

And I Waited
Minute Without You
Thinking of You
Thinking Bout Somethin
Penny and Me
Oh Darlin
MMMBop
This Time Around

Show 3:

Where’s The Love
And I Waited
Get Up and Go
Penny and Me
Give a Little
MMMBop
Hey
In The City

The Voice

And the battle rounds continue! The only good thing about being away is that I’m not watching “live” so I can get through the shows much quicker than usual! (And go back if the speed rounds are too much for me!)  It took me about 40 minutes to get through the first 1 hour episode (but I was multi tasking and catching up on other bloggy things so I had to pause and go back a couple of times)  I made it through the second episode in about 20 minutes paying full attention and now I’m kind of thinking I should not watch it live any more and just catch up later!

All teams are now full – plus 2 steals each and we’ll be moving on to the knock out round! This is a new round… and teams will be cut in half again – from 10 to 5 with 5 moving on to the live rounds.  This should be interesting!

Team CeeLo
Daniel vs Alexis
“Whatya Want From Me”
My Pick: Alexis
Cee Lo’s Pick: Daniel

Team Adam
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Brandon vs Nicole
My Pick: Brandon
Adam’s Pick:  Nicole

Team Adam
“Need You Now”
Brian vs Lauren
My Pick: Brian
Adam’s Pick: Lauren

Team Blake
“Not Over You”
Ryan vs Cassadee
My Pick: Cassadee
Blake’s Pick: Cassadee

Team Adam
“Get What You Give”
Joe vs Samuel
My Pick: Joe
Adam’s Pick: Joe

Team Christina
“Free Your Mind”
Devyn vs Marissann
My Pick: Marissann
Christina’s Pick:  Devyn

(Blake steals Marissann!!!)

Team Christina
“Hot and Cold”
Adrianna vs Jordan
My Pick: Adrianna
Christina’s Pick: Adrianna

Team Blake
“Hate Myself for Loving You”
Kelly vs Michaela
My Pick: Michaela
Blake’s Pick: Michaela

Team CeeLo
“Titanium”
Avery vs Chevonne
My Pick: Avery
CeeLo’s Pick: Avery
(Chevonne gets stolen by Christina!)

Book Review: The Aftermath of Rock N Roll

Obviously the title of “The Aftermath of Rock N Roll” was what grabbed my attention, but this is not your typical book about Rock N Roll.  This is a nonfiction biography/autobiography, except that the names are changed.

The author, Noelle, married a “Rock Star”, Adrian, shortly after they met.  (Through a millionaire matchmaker site) He had her deceived and he was very, very good at twisting the truth.  He quickly began using her money to buy things, sometimes promising to pay her back, but never coming through with it.

After 16 months, Noelle finally came to her senses and realized that she had married a psychopath and had to get the heck away from him asap.  Unfortunately, Adrian seemed to even have his lawyers fooled for a while and the divorce settlement and proceedings took a really long time.  I liked that the lawyers mentioned in the book were “Dewey” “Cheatham” and “Howe”, which I think is from an old Stooges sketch. (Though my memory might be a bit foggy on that – but either way it gave me a laugh.)

The fact  that this is a true story is all the more startling – this poor woman was losing money in spousal support and lawyer fees hand over fist and her health was fading as well.

Noelle also offers support for other women who may have been in similar situations and hopes that her story will help other women find the strength they need to get out of these situations.

I received a free e-copy of this book fro the publisher in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

Hanson at EPCOT day 1

This week Hanson was down at EPCOT for the Food and Wine festival for the 3rd year in a row. I hadn’t gone in the past, but this year I decided to make the trip.  Each night they play 3 sets and they were playing 2 nights, so I could easily add 6 shows to my count.

Day 1 we did a split of Animal Kingdom (I had never been) and EPCOT.  We started out near the back for show #1, closer to the front for show #2 and had a great spot for show #3 up front! Each set was short, 7-8 songs and you had to leave the theater and line up again if you wanted to go to each of the shows.

A few songs were repeated each set (obviously MMMBop was one of them) and they didn’t do any covers. It was also Zac’s birthday so at the end of the 3rd show we all sang happy birthday to him. Also worth noting is during the last show of the night, a girl got so excited she ran up on stage and hugged Taylor.  Then she went back to her seat.  The Disney castmembers kind of scrambled with what to do, but as far as I know didn’t kick the girl out (if I remember correctly it was the last show of the set) they did put the rope in front of the stairs coming down from the stage again, but really that wouldn’t have stopped anyone from a copycat performance!

After the show we stayed for the Illuminations fireworks show which was really really awesome.

I’ll post more about day #2 at epcot and the rest of my FL trip a little later :)

Show 1:

Wheres The Love
Waiting For This
Minute Without You
Penny and Me
Thinking Bout Somethin
MMMBop
Give a Little

Show 2:

And I Waited
Thinking Of You
Waiting For This
This Time Around
Thinking Bout Somethin
MMMBop
Lost Without Eachother

Show 3:

Waiting For This
Minute Without You
Thinking Bout Somethin
Penny and Me
Crazy Beautiful
MMMBop
Hey
If Only

Product Review: Parnevu Hair Care

Recently I got the chance to try out a few items from Parnevu’s Hair Care line.  The first I tried was the T-Tree Shampoo.  The Shampoo is therapeutic and is supposed to help lock in moisture, help stop itching and help prevent flaking.  I do sometimes struggle with flakes and I have to say that since I started using this shampoo I have noticed that I have had no problems with any flaking.  When I used just the shampoo, it made my hair feel natural – as in, not weighed down with a lot of junk like some other shampoos do.  This is good.  On the other hand though, it also made my hair very frizzy – the natural state of my hair.  Below you can see me with 1/2 of A Rocket To The Moon – which was taken a couple of days after I started using the T-Tree shampoo.

 

 

Parnevu organic T-Tree Shampoo is a unique blend of botanicals designed to cleanse the hair and scalp of impurities. Its ultra rich formula penetrates the hair to replace and lock in vital moisture lost to chemical damage and everyday styling. It leaves hair soft and manageable. Specifically formulated with Australian Tea Tree oil to help eliminate itching and flaking when used on a regular basis.

After using just the shampoo for a bit, I moved on to using the T-Tree Shampoo with the Hair Mayonnaise as a conditioner.  The Mayonnaise is a treatment for Weak, Damaged Hair enriched with Olive Oil, Egg Protein and African Herbs. For deep conditioning it is recommended after shampooing to towel dry hair and massage a generous amount into hair and leave it in your hair for 10 minutes.  I think I might have gone a bit too generous with it, but it just smells so good I couldn’t resist.  It also made my scalp feel tingly – in a good way!

Intense rejuvenating therapy specially formulated for weak, damaged or over processed hair. Enriched with olive oil, egg protein and organic herbs to promote healthy hair and scalp. Parnevu Hair Mayonnaise works from within the hair shaft to help strengthen fragile roots, mend split ends and moisturize dry brittle hair. Conditioning formula combines rich botanicals and herbs for intense healing, olive oil for moisture and the strengthening power of egg protein to help bring hair fibers back into balance. Non-greasy formula leaves hair healthy and silky with added body and shine. Excellent for daily moisturizing treatment or for intense healing in severely damaged or weak hair.

 

Here’s some pics of my bed head after using the shampoo / mayonnaise and how it looked after I brushed it. Sorry I blurred my face out – it was a bit too early for me to be photogenic ;)  But it definitely gave my hair a lot of curly and wave to it  and a ton of volume – which I think is what was missing when I used just the shampoo!

 

I received free items to try from Parnevu in return for my honest opinions in this review. All thoughts and opinions re 100% mine and I was not otherwise compensated.

Book Review: Don’t Know Much About® the American Presidents

I had to smile when I saw the title “Don’t Know Much About The American Presidents” because I really don’t.  History and Geography have always been my weaknesses in school and since graduating I’ve tried to avoid them both at all costs. (Though I have to say I am hands on and actually traveling is making Geography make a bit more sense to me. Not sure what I can do to help out with my lack of knowledge on History though.)

This book is quite long, clocking in at over 700 pages.  But considering that we have had 44 Presidents and each one has a profile in this book, it makes sense!  Part I is “The Making of the President – 1787″, Part II is the Presidential Profiles “The Life and Times of America’s Chief Executives from George Washington to Barack Obama”, Part III is “What Should We Do with the President” and then of course the book ends with a bunch of appendices.

Each profile varies in length, some are 30 pages, others are only 9 pages.  I like books like this because I can easily read just one profile or a handful of profiles depending on how much time I have.  I also can read it in between reading other books (provided the other books aren’t presidential!) without getting confused.  I don’t think I would ever try to tackle such a large book in one setting.  (Maybe if I was a history buff!)

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

In his New York Times bestselling Don’t Know Much About® series, Kenneth C. Davis has made subjects from history to geography to the Bible accessible and entertaining to buffs and amateurs alike.

Now, he’s taking on the American presidents. From the brutes to the intellectuals, from Washington Obama, Davis uses his same entertaining question-and-answer style to debunk the myths about of America’s leaders and tell the real story, which—when told by Davis—is far more fascinating than the version you learned in school.

Book Review: Zuto

Zuto: The Adventures of a Computer Virus is a really interesting book.  It takes place in a computer over one minute and describes what happens inside a computer in a more “cutesy” way geared so kids can understand it.  There are several technical terms used throughout the book with a dictionary of all the terms in the end of the book to help you learn once you have read everything.

The book is under 100 pages and seems to be a bit long considering the action really only takes place over one minute.  But it also shows you just how quickly things can happen inside of your computer when you get a virus.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review.

About the Book

Zuto: The Adventures of a Computer Virus takes place inside a strange, little-known world: a personal computer, the perfect setting for a fast-paced, funny, one-minute-long story. Zuto, a smart, sneaky computer virus, leads a happy life in his secret hiding place: the Recycle Bin. There, among heaps of junk full of surprising treasures, he plans his tricks. Everything changes when a far more malicious program invades the computer . . . and threatens to end all life in it. Together with his Recycle Bin friends—outdated, buggy programs—Zuto sets off to save his world. Readers curious about the truth behind this rollicking adventure story will find it in the Zutopedia appendix, which explains concepts such as computer viruses, IP addresses, and binary numbers. Zuto was first published in Israel, where it was recommended by the Israeli Ministry of Education and voted in the top ten favorite books by children in grades 4-6 nationwide.

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