War of the Worlds (2005)

What a day. While we did not get the crazy snow they were calling for, the road crews did very little in the early hours and I took the day off. Unfortunately, the daughters had a snow day as well; not fun. Next up on the review list, the 2005 blockbuster War of the Worlds. 

Plot/ As Earth is invaded by alien tripod fighting machines, one family fights for survival. 

Honestly, I had forgot this movie was done by Steven Spielberg. This H.G. Wells classic is definitely one of the most well known Sci-Fi stories of all time. Yet, this adaptation, while good, did not live up to everything it could have been. The acting is solid, there was some great effects and there is a solid atmosphere for most of the movie. Unfortunately, there was some disconnect between parts of the movie, almost feeling like there were two distinct parts or ideas going on throughout. In the end, this was an interesting watch, and much better the second time I have watched it. If you love Sci-Fi give this alien invasion flick av shot, especially if you are like me and did not truly enjoy it back in 2005.

Ender's Game (2013)

What a week. The weather continued its roller coaster ride and more importantly, I got to enjoy some amazing music. On Thursday, we went to see Old Crow Medicine Show and the Avett Brothers, and last night Flogging Molly. Yes, they are all different genres, but they were all amazing. Tonight, I am getting caught up on some of the movies I watched starting with Ender's Game. 

Plot/ Young Ender Wiggin is recruited by the International Military to lead the fight against the Formics, a genocidal alien race which nearly annihilated the human race in a previous invasion. 

Since I have never read the book this was based on, I had no idea what to expect. What I found when I finally watched it was better than I expected from the previews. That is not to say it is a perfect movie, but it was entertaining. The acting is solid, the visuals are amazing and the ending is all one could ask for. Yes, it does have some pacing issues, as it moves too fast and it has an overall lack of characterization, but it is still an interesting and thought provoking Sci-Fi flick. In the end, this was a movie with a message and one that should be seen, especially if you watch it with an open mind.

Searching the Abyss: A Beginners Guide to Cryptozoological Research

Have you ever heard of that unexplained animal sighting up the road? Or been interested in organizing a trip searching for your native legends? If so, this is the book for you. This handbook outlines the world of cryptozoology, everything from its humble beginnings to details on collecting evidence in the field. Complete with tips on researching, classifying and investigating cryptids, this book is easy to use and is everything you need to get your search started. Written for the beginner, Searching the Abyss offers both practical advice and personal experience in its quest to make you a better hunter.

Searching the Abyss is one of the best Cryptozoology books of 2006... - Cryptomundo. com

If anyone is interested in going into this field of study, I would recommend this book as not just educational reading, but as an on-hand field guide during such investigations. It is easy reading, simple, and to the point without all of the fancy words that requires a master's degree to understand. - Shawn McKenzie

Mark's book explains how to begin an investigation, how to conduct a field investigation and then form a hypothesis from your findings, all in a professional manner. Famous cryptozoological success stories, such as the coelacanth and the giant panda, are also discussed. It is a great book for getting you started in this field. - Stephen Wagner (About. com)

Is this a book for people heading out in search of Bigfoot? Yes. This book is also for anyone headed out to do any field research. It is a must read and is destined to be one of the key 'How To' books in cryptozoological research.  - Gene Lafferty (bsphi. com)

You can pick up an autographed copy from me for $15.00 (plus S/H), just drop me an email or comment on here and we will work out the details.

The Edward Ballister Project

After some time I finally picked up a copy of The Edward Ballister Project, a collaborative novel that I helped write a few years ago. While it had been some time since I visited the depths of this book, I was excited to finally discover the ending. As a collaborative project, I had only read up to my assigned chapter, and then left off at a point for the next writer to build upon. Let me say, this piece was darker than I imagined and I am honored to be a part of it. 

The Edward Ballister Project is now available at amazon.com.  Pick up a copy of this great novel today!

I wish that, as I was growing up, I had written down the memorable sweet evenings that passed in the night like a breeze through a downtown courtyard. But I did not. I wrote down nothing, only remembering the past through shoddy memories and the far-fetched recollections of others. As unimportant as that may seem to most, it is very important to me; I traded the sweet for the strange the day that I was introduced to Edward Ballister. -Excerpt of Chapter One by Jeff Ezell

Product Details


Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: Static Movement (March 29, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617061018
ISBN-13: 978-1617061011
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches

Dissecting the Creature - The Wendigo

With winter being in full force and creature features everywhere, I figured I would come up with a look into this world. If I may, let me take you on a venture into the dark forest for an encounter so terrifying, your entire visage may change. For now, the wind is howling and the chills of the clear winter’s night are setting in. Outside, surveying your every move in to the taboo is the vile Wendigo, waiting patiently for you to partake in the pleasures of the flesh. A giant, with a heart of ice; stands menacingly before you. This creature is a malevolent spirit, a cannibal and a shape-shifter, all parts of a deformed skeleton waiting to engulf your life force, craving an opportunity to possess your existence.

From Algonquin mythology, this legendary tyrant was a picture of gluttony, greed, and excess; unable to quench their appetite with one bite, or body. They were constantly on a quest for new sinners, new victims that indulge in overwhelming greed or cannibalism. All the while, growing larger with every bite, every feast. Dining upon the flesh of the greedy that prevented their starvation, at times, even changing an unexpected victim into one of their own.

Moderation in life is the key to their defeat and the key to salvation Remember this when you are curled up on the couch and the delicious aroma of popcorn tantalize your senses. Is one bite enough? A Wendigo may be lurking in a dark corner to answer that question for you.

A great and classic tale of The Wendigo is available for a free download from Project Gutenberg. The Wendigo, published in 1910 and written by Algernon Blackwood is a ghostly wilderness tale that slowly builds in suspense. At only 28 pages as an E-Book, this is a perfect entryway into this famed creature.

                                                                         vote it up!