I Was Interviewed!

Crystal, over at Just Another Book Lovin' Girl, interviewed me! I am delighted. :) You can read the interview now (and learn some interesting things about me) by clicking HERE! See you over there!

Birthday: David Arnold

David Arnold

 

Birth: January 23, 1962

I’ve posted about him: http://austenitis.blogspot.com/search/label/David%20Arnold

It’s his 50th birthday!

You know him because – he’s the composer of the wonderful soundtrack for Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the 2010 movie.

The Last Holiday Concert

Author: Andrew Clements

Genre: Children

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 166

Time period: Present

My overall opinion: Very much like Clements’ other books. A fun good story, good for a short read.

Movie: Fireproof

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Genre: Inspiring

Primary actors: Ken Bevel, Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea

Length: About two hours

Time period: Present

Year it came out: 2008

My overall opinion: It was very good. I liked Courageous more (these movies were made by the same Christian producers), but this one was also pretty amazing. It’s a marriage story, but there are no sensual scenes. Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the producers, are very careful about that. It’s exciting, it’s sweet. Again, not a movie for little kids, but I’d say it’s fine for older ones. Check IMDB if you want more info. Great movie. Oh, btw, I really like Ken Bevel. :) He's an awesome actor and a wonderful character in this movie and the other.

Movie: Courageous

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Genre: Inspiring

Series or set: The notable thing is that it’s made by the Kendrick brothers, who have also come out with three other movies: Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. The notable thing about that is that they’re Christian. So there isn’t swearing, unmarried people don’t kiss (even if they’re technically married in the movie), and it’s very clean.

Primary actors: Alex Kendrick, Ken Bevel

Length: About two hours

Time period: Present

Quote(s): Honor begins at home.

Year it came out: 2011

My overall opinion: Wow. What a movie. I saw it just after reading the book (written by Randy Alcorn, and based on the screenplay for the movie). It was amazing, and I really liked it. The opening scene is potentially the most attention grabbing opening scene I’ve ever seen…not to mention that it’s really really sweet. It is rated PG-13, so I don’t recommend it for little kids, but older ones? Totally. A little violence, a police chase or two… *smile* I cried through the whole thing, starting with the first scene. Okay, not quite constantly, but quite a bit. Normally, I hate movies that make me cry. But for some reason, I still came out of it loving this one. It’s got a strong Christian message, and truly is inspiring. Highly recommended.

Birthday: Oliver Hardy

Oliver Hardy

 

Birth: January 18, 1892

Death: August 7, 1957

I've posted about him: http://austenitis.blogspot.com/search/label/Oliver%20Hardy

It’s his 120th birthday!

You know him because – he’s one of the title characters in the old comedies generally known as Laurel and Hardy. He’s delightful and very hilarious.

Birthday: Orlando Bloom!

I have decided to do short posts for the birthdays that I want to point out. Since I'm not using The Birthday Blog anymore, I figured here was the place to do it! The first two posts (both coming out today) are a bit late for the birthdays they're for, but from now on, they should be on time.

Orlando Bloom

 

Birth: January 13, 1977

It’s his 35th birthday!

I've posted about him: http://austenitis.blogspot.com/search/label/Orlando%20Bloom

You know him because – he’s a movie star. He may be most famous for starring in Pirates of the Caribbean, but I love him as Legolas in Lord of the Rings.

Searching for Guest Bloggers!

I am looking for guest bloggers! I haven’t had anyone here for literally months, which is rather sad. I would love to have you guest blog! Obviously, if you already have a blog, I’d need to check that out first. If you’re interested, you can leave a comment or email me (charityu.austenite[at]gmail[dot]com) and we can arrange it. You can post about almost anything (after I approve the idea). A few ideas I would mention --- you could do something related to Jane Austen or period dramas. Something related to Narnia or Lord of the Rings. You could do a post with your thoughts on the subject in general, a review of some book you’ve recently, or even a Spotlight post! I’m open to the idea or some people posting a short series of posts (up to three) or two people posting together. J So there’s all kinds of things you could do if you’re interested!

I am also open to guest post. In general, I like to do a movie spotlight on the blogs I guest post on. As you may recall, I did three guest posts on Jemimah’s blog, Beautiful Blank Pages, back a few months. I have a waiting list of movies that I can Spotlight on your blog if you’d like! If you’d like me to come by (whether or not you come by here), just leave a comment or email me.

Thanks so much!

Lord of the Rings Posters: Fellowship of the Ring

Another post just because I love Lord of the Rings. I meant to post this months ago, but obviously haven't really had time. I already did the Return of the King post, so if you enjoy this one, make sure you check that out! Without further ado...let's go!

That's all I can find at the moment! I think that Return of the King definitely has the most, and I'd guess Two Towers has the fewest, but I'm not sure.

*NOTE:* I had to go back through, deleting many and adding one because of problems with the links and pictures. Consequently, if the last time you saw this post, it looked better, that's why. My apologies!

Ashes of Remembrance

Author: Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

Genre: Life

Series: The Galway Chronicles

Number in series: 1st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 300

Time period: 1800’s (1843, to be exact)

My overall opinion: I’ve read others by the Thoenes that I’ve liked a lot better. This book I had trouble getting interested in, though when I picked it up and actually read it, I enjoyed it. So. I would read the rest of this series if I could access it (can’t, at present).

The Reluctant Spy

Author: John Kiriakou

Genre: Life (can you tell I put “life” when I’m not sure what to put?)

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Biography (auto-bio)

Number of pages: 192

Time period: Present

My overall opinion: Mostly, I enjoyed it. Learning about this guy’s life as a CIA agent was very interesting! Great book. However, there were some swear words throughout, not a ton, but some rather serious ones. So keep that in mind when you consider reading it.

CD: Michael Buble Christmas

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Singer: Michael Buble (obviously)

Type of music: Christmas, a lot of classic secular songs (about Santa Claus etc)

List of songs:

1.       It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2.       Santa Claus is Coming to Town

3.       Jingle Bells (with the Puppini Sisters)

4.       White Christmas (with Shania Twain)

5.       All I Want for Christmas Is You

6.       Holly Jolly Christmas

7.       Santa Baby

8.       Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

9.       Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)

10.   Silent Night

11.   Blue Christmas

12.   Cold December Night

13.   I’ll Be Home for Christmas

14.   Ave Maria

15.   Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad (with Thalia)

My overall opinion: *sigh* This was definitely one of my favorite Christmas CD’s this year. I should mention (before raving more) that some of the songs are a little bit rocky (as in, the rock type of music), so that may be a drawback. I think my favorites are #9 (which is the type that sticks in your head for hours) and #11 (in which the trumpeter has way too much fun). My siblings love #15 (which is also catchy). Ave Maria is beautiful. So is It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. The introduction for Jingle Bells is very 80’s, according to my parents…rather strange. You’d understand if you’ve heard it. He changed the words for Santa Baby, or so say the people who know the original. Since I don’t, I don’t know.  Altogether, I love the CD. Definitely worth your money, as long as the rock stuff doesn’t bother you much…it’s not too bad. P.S. #5 is another one that’ll stick in your head. Now you can’t say I didn’t warn you. ;)

Totally Awesome Giveaway!!!!!

This is the best day (IMHO) of Katy's blog birthday giveaways. :) It involves two books: one by an author I've read one book by (which I loved) and one by an author I've read a lot of positive reviews about. They are Lisa Bergren (who wrote Waterfall [read my review!]) and Jill Eileen Smith (who wrote a Wives of King David series, and is starting on a Wives of the Patriarch's series). The books:



Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith

OR

One of the above books by Lisa T. Bergren: Waterfall, Cascade, or Torrent. I'm hoping to win Cascade, if I win one of these, since that's the next one I need to read. :)

So go HERE to enter Katy's giveaway at "Legacy of a Writer" before it closes on Monday, January 16, sometime around noon! 

A Being So Gentle

Author: Patricia Brady

Genre: Life

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 7.5

Type: Biography

Number of pages: 250

Time period: Early 1800’s

My overall opinion: This book was pretty interesting! It’s “The Frontier Love Story of Rachel and Andrew Jackson.” Sounds cool? It is. I learned all kinds of stuff about them…and feel like I know them. They had a not-so-great start, but were still greatly in love in their forties, writing each other sweet letters. If you like biographies (which is kinda what this is) you might want to check this one out!

Song: Into Battle

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type of music: Soundtrack

Composer: David Arnold

From the movie: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Length: 11:04 (yes, it's one song)

My overall opinion: It's quite the song! Don't listen to at night...it may freak you out. Pretty awesome, though!

The Hobbit!!!

I should certainly hope that you all know I’m greatly anticipating seeing The Hobbit part one when it comes out this December! I can’t remember at the moment if it’s the 14^th or the 16^th, but whichever it is, I’m terribly excited. Looked it up...it's the 14th!!! Anyway, one reason this movie is cool, because as they’re filming and producing it, the director (Peter Jackson, who also directed all three Lord of the Rings films) is bringing out little video blogs which are posted on the movie web page. I just recently finally watched the fourth and fifth ones (which came out in November and January) and thought maybe a few of you haven’t seen them yet. Follow the link at the bottom of this post to go to movie home page and see them there! They’re definitely worth seeing. If you haven’t seen the first three yet, I’m sure they’re on there too. Enjoy! Oh, make sure you watch the trailer too!

http://the-hobbit-movie.com/

A Girl Named Faithful Plum

Author: Richard Bernstein

Genre: Life, growing up

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Biography

Number of pages: 270

Time period: Late 1900’s

My overall opinion: Wow, this was quite the book! It’s actually an inspiring story. A young Chinese dancer, who goes to a really selective ballet school! It was very interesting, aimed at middle-school age, I suppose. An adult would enjoy too though, methinks. Definitely check this one out if you can find it!

Book Giveaway!

Katy, over at Legacy of a Writer, is having a blog birthday party including many wonderful giveaways! I'm not entering any (though I'd like to) until this one, the fifth one, I think. It's for a book by Ronie Kendig, called Wolfsbane. According to Katy, it's an absolutely wonderful book...she loves it. :) So naturally, I really want to read it!

Go here to enter the giveaway! It's open through January 16...hurry to enter! One awesome giveaway. :) Thank for hosting, Katy!