Saturday, January 23, 2016

Sunday Post



The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

A quiet week, it's been cold but the snow has stopped for the most part. I did a bit of reading and caught up on a few shows, and started a few others. It looks like winter around here, it's bleak and cold and snowy. I am looking forward to spring and sunshine and longer days. Winter has its own beauty of course, a kind of melancholy allure that I'm sometimes in the mood for. And then other times not so much! 

There's been a stray cat around, I noticed him sleeping up against the house. I put out some food and water and hoped to lure him close so I can see if he belongs to someone, but he's keeping his distance. He's eating the food though. :)  

As I mentioned last week I finished up S2 of Black Sails, and S3 starts this weekend. Since I don't have Starz I'm going to miss it, and will have to catch up later via Prime. It's too bad because the end went out on a high note and I'm excited to see where they go next. The S3 premiere of The 100 was this week as well, and I was a little disappointed actually. Not much happened, although the crew did sing along to a Violent Femmes song- so that was a highlight. 

Last week I reviewed Need and had a discussion post on the story elements of Star Wars The Force Awakens, where I speculated on what they could have done with the story. Feel free to stop by and share your thoughts. 


BLOGOSPHERE: 

Melissa Lee's Many Reads talks about synopsis and how you use them in your reviews.

Of Dragons and Hearts inaugurates her new feature Gone to the Movies with a review of Romancing the Stone.   

The Scribbling Sprite has a neat feature called Title Tangents, where they take a list of book titles and create a paragraph from those titles. Fun! 

The Hardcover Lover shares her playlist for The Spectacular Now.  

79 comments:

  1. Poor cat! Hopefully you're able to get close to him soon and figure out is story. I'm so excited about the new Julie Mulhern book! I loved Guaranteed to Bleed and I'm curious to see where the series goes next. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was to see that cover too- it's only a few month away. The cat is still coming around, but pretty shy- whenever I go out he takes off. He eats the food tho. :)

      Delete
  2. Violent Femmes, now there is a blast from the past! I do love a bleak winter, ours seems to have gone again, the weather is freaky at the minute and far too warm for this time of year.

    Have a good week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, right? I was pretty geeked to hear The VF on 100...

      Delete
  3. Poor kitty, out in the cold! I'm glad you're keeping an eye on him, especially with the snow. And, yeah, spring needs to hurry up and get here! Congrats on your Kate Parker win. I read the first book in that series, and of course, I'm behind with the rest. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, I wish I could get close to him but he's pretty skittish. At least it's warmed up some here... I love those Kate PArker books, and am looking forward to diving into this one!

      Delete
  4. Oh, Clouds in My Coffee is going on my list! I can't wait.

    The Conspiring Woman looks good, too. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog. I'm still bingeing on Netflix (Wentworth).

    Enjoy your week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you're liking Wentworth! I haven't tried it, but I'm doing Orphan Black now. It's pretty good!

      Delete
  5. Doesn't EVERYBODY know the words to "Add it Up" by heart??? We had the song on a playlist during a road trip and we forgot about the swear word... oops! Luckily my hubs caught it before the 9 year old noticed :)

    I hope the cat is staying warm - good for you for feeding it. It's probably a stray that is using your house to stay warm during these cold nights we've been having. You're a good person, Charlie Brown :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's funny- good save! :) Hearing that reminded me of Blister in the Sun from Grosse Pointe Blank...

      I think the cat is getting comfortable but I haven't been able to get close.

      Delete
  6. I hope your patience pays off and you're able to bring kitty in from the cold! Have a great week :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope the cat will decide that you're trustworthy, and come inside rather than stay outside in the cold, Greg!
    I had to laugh at your comment about the 100 season opening... the cast's sing-along was a highlight? oh, well, hopefully the next episodes will be more exciting than that!
    I need to check out your NEED review, I read that a while back, and enjoyed it.
    Have a fantastic week ahead and happy reading.
    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! I liked NEED, was a good read. And yes the 100 will hopefully get better... :)

      Delete
  8. Awww, kitty. There are a whole bunch of stray cats where I live because the woman downstairs feeds them, but only one of them really likes me and will actually come sit with me when I'm outside. But anyway, that's nice that you're looking out for the cat :-)

    I've always liked those kind of bleak days, dunno why, (but not the cold, never the cold lol) but too much of that does get old. I can definitely see why you're ready for some sunshine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like stray cats, it can be a challenge to get near em but I just like how they have freedom to roam and who knows where all they go? :)

      Bleak days can have their one beauty, that's for sure. Not like a sunny day, but still. :) There's something about a metallic gray sky, rolling clouds. they have their moments.

      Delete
  9. I needed your advice today Greg as I was at my local video library trying to find a TV series to borrow. They had Black Sails but (I think) only s2 - which doesn't make sense. I binged on s4 of Falling Skies yesterday and decided I'd start either Justified or Vikings but s1 of neither were available!

    Grrrr... Did I see that s3 of The 100 has started?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes S3 of The 100 started, although I didn't the episode was good. It was okay... Black Sails is good although it took me a bit to get into it. It can be hard to decide, can't it? there are so many shows now...

      Delete
  10. Violent Femmes, that brings memories up ! It's funny you're mentioning Black Sails, I just borrowed the DVDs from season 1 at my library, I'm hoping for a good time. And I need to catch up on The 100. Fingers crossed for the cat ;) Have a great sunday !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doesn't it though? I hope you like Black Sails, it took me an episode or two to be sure i liked it, but if you stick with it I think you'll like it. Or you might like it right off the bat! S2 of The 100 is awesome, although I was disappointed with the beginning of S3 the other night.

      Delete
  11. Poor kitty, it's far too cold to be homeless at this time of year. I hope he starts to trust you soon, at least he is getting fed in the meantime.
    The Conspiring Woman sounds good, I love that it seems to be set in a Victorian bookshop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, I'd like to warm him up! The Conspiring woman does look good, it's the end and does revolve around a bookstore.

      Delete
  12. I had expected so much from The 100 S3 EP1, but all they did was set up for the next episodes. I don't mind some set up, and basically we get a recap of where everyone is at, but still, I hoped for a little more than that.

    Majanka @ I Heart Reading

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was really disappointed with it! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but more than we got. The whole Clark thing was kinda weird, where's she's just living off the land...oh well we'll see where they go.

      Delete
  13. It is good the snow pretty much stopped. Our big storm is over now here but it did it's damage. I officially over winter :) I am glad at least the cat is eating! I love the cover fr Clouds in my Coffee. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that cover too. And glad you survived the snow dump- it looks pretty bad on TV! I'm over winter too- bring on spring!

      Delete
  14. early this morning (5:00 am) I was so inspired by a beautiful full moon over all the sea of white! I HATE winter (lol) but that was something! I tried watching Black Sails but gave up after only 20 min :(
    I was glad to see Life as we Knew it in your cover characteristics! I LOVE that book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I saw the full moon last night too, beautiful! Moonlight on snow is a very cool thing. Sorry you didn't like Black sails. TBH it took me a few episodes to be sure i liked it, and I can totally see why the beginning might turn someone off. If I remember it was one big battle or something, and I was a few episodes in before I decided I liked the characters (for the most part). LOL.

      Have a super week!

      Delete
  15. I'm so with you. I would love to see some sunshine again.. It feels like ages ago!!
    I hope the cat will come closer soon.. It's way to cold outside.
    'The Conspiring Woman' looks great! Have a great week ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's pretty elusive, but he does come to get the food. :) And yes- sunshine please! :)

      Delete
  16. I've never seen the Cover Characteristics meme before but it looks fun! Have a could week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a fun meme! there is so much variety in the covers and everyone seems to come up with something different- it's a lot of fun.

      Delete
  17. Poor little cat to be out in that nasty weather! At least he is getting some food. :) Hope you are staying warm and I am so glad I don't live up that way I don't think I could take it as I am a wimp...lol.

    Happy reading,
    Stormi

    Week in Review

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, poor guy! It is cold here, but its moderated - unlike the east coasters who are buried in snow! It passed south of us so we got spared. Stay warm and have a good week!

      Delete
  18. We don't have that much snow where I live. It melted pretty quickly but winter is still a pretty bleak time and it was very cold this past week. It is supposed to warm up and tomorrow may even be 40 (heat wave!). That is really nice of you to feed that cat and hopefully it will find its way home soon.

    I may have to check out Black Sails on DVD sometime. I don't have cable either. I did want to mention that if you have Prime, you can get Starz at a cheaper rate as an add on and you can try it free. I'm not sure how long the free trial is but maybe then you can watch a few episodes of Black Sails anyway.

    Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have a bit but it's from last week. Black Sails is good it comes to a crescendo at the end of S2, and I had to get a few episodes in before I was sure I was going to continue. Now I'm glad I did, immersed in the story and looking forward to S3.

      Delete
  19. Oooh, love the cover of Julie Mulhern's latest!! I'll have to keep an eye out for it on NetGalley... really looking forward to it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that too. Nice cover and I'm sure it will be good, if the first two were any indication!

      Delete
  20. thanks for noticing my post-apocalyptic, steampunk graphics! :) I spend a LOT of time finding them :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome, I liked them! I have a thing for airships, and while I don't read a ton of steampunk I love the imagery.

      Delete
  21. My husband just signed up for Amazon Prime so I may start a binging of Outlander and Black Sails (I believe they are both on there!). I caught a little bit of Black Sails the other day when skimming through channels and it seems interesting! Hope you have a great week.

    Here is my Sunday Post!
    Molly @ Molly's Book Nook

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I need to get Prime, I had it and let it lapse a while back. I go there and buy episodes of stuff at amazon though, that's how I watched Black Sails. I highly recommend Black Sails, but for me at least I had to get a few episodes in before I was sold. the first few were just okay, the show takes a while to find its sea legs (ha ha). At least for me. But by the end of S2 I was like totally into it.

      Delete
  22. What a great selection of books, and it's more ice than snow here in NC. Glad you got a chance to get some reading in. That's always fun. If you visit "www.x8movies.co", you may be able to catch up. Movies, tv programs, etc. are available, and they're all FREE! Hugs...and Happy Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Been a pretty quiet week for me, too. Must be a January thing. :) I hope the cat lets you get closer soon. Did you know you can get one of those styrofoam coolers and make a temporary shelter for strays? Lots of pics if you Google, but be sure to use straw not hay, packing peanuts or anything plastic that a cat might eat. Scrap blankets or towels could work for the short term but over time they could retain moisture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, I've been thinking of putting something together for him (or her, or it- whatever). We've warmed up some but I'd still like to get him a little shelter... although he goes under the fence and into the neighbors' yard so he may have a lair somewhere, don't know. :)

      Delete
  24. I love Black Sails! I didn't watch last night's premiere, because I'll watch it today. I'm so glad it's back. As for The 100, I was kind of confused. There was a time jump it seems, and I kept feeling like I've missed something. Maybe I should have rematched last season... Hope you stay warm with all the cold weather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I probably will have to wait a while to see S3, and it's driving me nuts! I don't have Starz and I'm not sure if amazon will have the new episodes right away (I've been buying S1 and S2 there). So... I'm having Black Sails withdrawal, especially the way S2 ended. Hope you enjoy!

      S2 of The 100 was great but I wasn't super impressed with the S3 premiere the other night. It was just... off.

      Delete
  25. Poor cat! I hope he either comes closer or finds his way home. I've been watching the news and seeing all that snow is crazy. But it's good you have your books and shows to keep you busy in doors. I hope you have a good week =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We got lucky and the storm passed us by, south and east. I feel for all the people on the east coast though. I'm keeping an eye out for the cat but he's pretty elusive, he even took the food cup I was using for him and took it somewhere!

      Delete
  26. I've been looking forward to spring as well although if it is going to be this cold I would rather there be snow on the ground. My kids are ready for spring though- that is for sure!! Have a great week and happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You too, and I know what you mean. We got a lot of snow last week, then it finally tapered off. Nothing of course like what's hitting the east coast. Spring can come any time! :)

      Delete
  27. Country Club Murders and Victorian Book Shop are two series that I've seen around and look like great fun. Thanks for the reminder.
    I never heard of Black Sails, but I have Prime, if it is on there. We saw and enjoyed the new Star Wars-- different than others but good.
    Have a good, safe, warm week and hope you are able to bring that cat to a shelter sometime. He won't survive long in the winter outside and if he was someone's pet I think he would approach you more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought he might be the neighbors' cat since they lost one, but I haven't been able to get close to him and they're not around. He's pretty skittish and I think he would be more friendly if he was a missing pet too. I'll keep trying...

      Black Sails is on Prime, I bought the episodes at Amazon was the only place I could find em. They're good, if occasionally raw (more nudity/ sex than violence, really) and it took me a while to be sure I liked it, but after watching two seasons I have to say I'm hooked. :)

      Country Club and Victorian are two good cozy choices. :)

      Delete
  28. Poor Cat! You should see if you have a box or something and maybe put some blankets in it and leave the food and water. Maybe then it will come closer to you.

    I am pretty much done with the snow! I want to watch Black Sails but just don't have anyplace that has it available and I don't want to buy them since the first two episodes I saw wasn't great and I am not sure I will like them.

    I hope you have a great week, Greg! Happy Reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good idea, I'll see what I can come up with. I'm with you on the snow, even though we didn't get the blizzard (hope you guys aren't buried too bad). Black Sails is good, but I had to get through a couple episodes to be sure, I almost gave up on it. It gets better as it goes, and S2 is way better. But it's hard to watch- I had to buy all the eps cause I couldn't find em anywhere else. Grr.

      Take care this week and stay warm!

      Delete
  29. Clouds in my Coffee looks good. I love this series. The 100 was good, but not the best episode. I'm hoping they will be able to keep this going. I'm looking forward to The X-Files tonight. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the Violent Femmes! I usually make it until February before I get sick of winter, but the past two winters were so long and deathly cold that I think I am still traumatized. Lol. I still haven't gone to see Star Wars, and my son has seen it twice already. I would feel more like going if it would warm up. Have a wonderful week. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Awww poor kitty. I hope he warms up to you.

    I saw that post on Romancing the Stone. I have fond memories of that movie. :D

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like the beauty of winter, but like you said it's not always what you're in the mood for. I liked seeing all the snow pictures of the USA peeps, but at the same time I am glad I can watch it froma far instead of being there.

    That poor cat! I am glad he did drink and eat the food and water you gave him.

    I like the cover for Clouds in my Coffee, I own the first book in that series, but haven't read it yet. I hope you'll have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Winter weather is great in small doses, isn't it? Where I live, we don't get snow in winter except on very rare occasions. But that dull, cold, grey weather get really wearing after the first few days. Snow definitely sounds like more fun in pictures than in real life!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I hope the cat will be okay in this cold you have been having. Poor little one. It's so nice of you to try and care for him. There a couple of stray cats who live around my office building, but we've been told not to feed them or provide them any comforts. It's believed if we ignore them they will go away. I think we all have snuck food to them at some point or another. Someone even brought a big carrier so they can sleep in that is hidden away behind bushes.

    I hope you have a great week, Greg!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I hope you and the kitty are staying warm enough. We had to take the new floor up in our bathroom remodeling because our curious cat went under the floor and the guys didn't realize it.
    I still like the looks of The Conspiring Woman. Happy Reading!

    ReplyDelete
  36. My parents love to feed stray cats...that's how we got our first cat. The Conspiring Woman looks really good. It's cold here too. Can't wait for Spring but that's a long way off since winter came late this year.

    ReplyDelete
  37. A Victorian bookshop mystery? I need to look into this!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I think winter has its own beauty too, actually I quite enjoy cozy days inside. Today we've had a hot summer day and I am on very tired legs and happy to sit for awhile and visit blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks for The 100 reminder. I'm debating on whether to wait until a few episodes come out first though. Ahhh love that song. And poor kitty.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thank goodness our white stuff is the sandy kind, for the most part. Did come out to the car yesterday morning and saw ice on my windshield. Was out of town so my car was exposed to the elements. Shoo...go away!
    sherry @ fundinmental My Sunday Memes

    ReplyDelete
  41. Poor kitty! I am glad you are feeding it, poor thing. I hate when I see animals out in the cold. We had a cat on our porch a few weeks ago for a few nights in a row - I haven't seen it for a while so hopefully that means good things and not bad.

    The Violent Femmes and Nirvana were the music of my misspent youth! I love them still! Lol.

    The Victorian Bookshop Mystery looks good - I am so in the mood for cozy mysteries these days. Maybe it is this cold and snow and my lack of interest in going outside. Lol.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I always seem to come away with either a book rec or show rec from you - and I don't need anymore show recs! Well, book recs either, but you can keep them coming :-P

    Reading With Jade

    ReplyDelete
  43. I know what you mean about winter. I am so done with it at this point, and I haven't had to endure snow just inches and inches of rain. I am really done with the gray skies. Yeah for you taking care of the stray!

    ReplyDelete
  44. It was nice to see the sun for the last couple of days. It helps with the winter doldrums. I recorded the 100 and need to get to it before this week's show! I hope the kitty does have a home. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi Greg; thanks for stopping by and reading my tween's post. I'm blessed to have two, avid readers and their dad and I love seeing their noses buried in books. That's super nice of you to leave out food and water for the stray especially since you have snow in your area. Our neighbor here has three outdoor cats who roam around and chase the squirrels. There have been strays coming around that we spot sometimes. I don't know if they come around b/c they know the neighbor's cats are fed time to time.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Winter is perfect for reading and watching lots of t.v. If we have to stay inside for weeks at a time, I'm glad we have great things to do!

    Have a great week, Greg!

    ReplyDelete
  47. We watched the first episode of Black Sails and liked it but haven't found it on any of our subscription services. I'm too cheap to pay extra for it! Are you watching this season of Agent Carter? Enjoy your week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did watch Agent Carter the premiere. I liked it, it was a lot of setup but I kinda like the move to sunny CA and her and Jarvis are fun as always. I think Madame Masque (Whitney Frost) will be a good villainess... miss the waitress though, I liked her!

      Black Sails I did buy on Prime, but I hate doing that too. It's kind of frustrating because neither Netflix or Hulu have it, so there's not a lot of choice unless you have cable. I think it's a good show but they don.t make it easy to find! Glad you liked it, it took me a while to be sure but now I love it. S2 is great.

      Delete
  48. Greg thank you so much for mentioning my synopsis discussion! Very much appreciated.

    I hope that you have a wonderful week and happy reading to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome! Hope you have a great week too! :)

      Delete
  49. I was a bit disappointed with the season 3 kick off for Black Sails, oh well I'm sure it will improve again ... Up next for us will be either Jessica Jones or The 100, what do you reckon? Don't forget to check if you can get The Last Kingdom, it really was fantastic! Have a great week and happy reading :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Were you? Okay maybe I don't feel so bad about missing it then. :) I may have to wait a while to see it, as I don't have Starz and may have to wait til Amazon Prime has it.

      Jessica Jones or The 100? That's a toughie. I personally like The 100 more, but I think you have to get through the first few episodes. S2 is great. Jessica Jones is more urban, less action, darker themes like PTSD. They're both good, although for me it's The 100. I think you're good either way, though.

      Delete
  50. Winter is definitely not my season!

    ReplyDelete