The Fireside

This weekend is Game of Thrones ; according to HBO. As mentioned before, it is one of my favorite shows on TV. The second season, based on Book Two of Ice and Fire (titled Clash of Kings ) premieres this Sunday at 9 on HBO.  So there's lots of time still to (re)watch Season One. I've been watching the first season myself in anticipation. Coincidentally, I've unintentionally timed watching the last three episodes with three days to go before Episode One of Season Two. Today I watched Episode Nine, tomorrow will be Episode Ten, then Sunday will be Season Two. I've worked on my novel a bit, too. Didn't too much writing (I'd say no less than two sentences, no more than six to give an idea of how much has been added); more editing and going over what I had already done than anything. To get my head back in. (I'll do a full-scale, entire edit and proof job once I'm done the first book, these are just minor touch ups along the way....like indenting....

There are now only five regular season games left for the Ottawa Senators. They've been fighting really well, and we'll make the playoffs provided the Sens use their heads and don't goof up. Overall the team's had a great year, especially with the fact that we weren't predicted to do that well, Alfie was (and is) the heart and soul of the team. The glue that binds it all together. Or in this case, the hockey tape on the blade of a stick to prevent it from splintering. If this is his last season, he'll make a great exit. Then there's the All Star Games.  Of course with Ottawa coming close, so too are other teams. With Toronto losing to Carolina tonight, they're basically out. Ottawa seems set to play against Buffalo, Washington or Pittsburg...but we'll see exactly who. Either way, great seaosn for the Sens, but let's see how well we are after five games, and after first round of the playoffs....

The end is coming up. After tonight's match vs stinky Armpittsburg, (minus my homeboy from Nova Scotia, of course...no disrespect, but it's fun to haze on the opposing team) there are six regular season Sens games left....then it's off to the big leagues, aka playoffs, where it's killed or be killed. Once the teams are announced who made the cut, I'll be sure to make a post about who I like and want to move on, as around-by-round basis. In the meantime, Go Sens Go, and don't stop believen'....your army of red, gold, black, red and white are behind you.

I imagine many of you will be setting out to see The Hunger Games film at some point. Some before you’ve read the book, some after. I first heard of the series upon launch of the final book in the series, Mockingjay . I had never heard of the series nor the author before that point, so the fact that it was the finale to something I hadn’t heard of put me off slightly from checking it out at that time.I know they say not to judge a book by the cover, but Mockingjay has a sweet cover. (ed note: I love it when good books that covers that look nice too. Not that it matters, really, it's all about the text..but who wants to hold something ugly?) I’ll be honest and say that it’s because of Harry Potter that led to my interest for The Hunger Games Trilogy . I’d heard of its quality through Potter fans on message boards etc. And with Deathly Hallows: Part 2 coming out, Harry’s end was in sight. No more Potter novels (though I wouldn’t be surprised if we get more ...

I hate zombies. I was never a fan of the whole shambling corpse thing. Oh sure they're dangerous in numbers or if they get the surprise on you. Was just never really a fan of the whole thing. And still aren't, really. Only the odd book, show or movie here and there. Until recently.

There are some things I’d like to see happen, or have control of with my books (I haven’t completed the first one yet, but I have some ideas on where a book can end and another begin, should this become a series). This is all hypothetical, if I have tons of control, and if my books go wide, like being being available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Chapters... I’m a fan of continuity with the design and layout of a book. Let’s take for example some series like The Inheritance Cycle , The Hunger Games Trilogy , or even Twilight – all the books have an identical cover design and style, etc. I would like my books to have that. One cover artist, illustrator or designer working on all books would be ideal. Even type, any maps etc..  As much as I love George R.R. Martin’s Ice and Fire series (my favorite, actually) the style of the books has changed over the years; which can make things a tad…irksome for those who would like to have everything in a series to match. This i...

First of all, wanted to let you know that I'm ok. I'm fine. I just need to get something off my chest. I'm frustrated. I talk to & message people, and set up events in advance (so that they can make them), and I get rewarded with them being busy, no answer, or my favorite "Yeah I'll go!" Then 2-3 days later "oops can't make it." I should also mention that when they say they're busy, they have time enough to go out and have a good time, and have pictures taken. Um...hello? What am I, chopped liver? I don't mean to come off as selfish or rude, but all I ask for is respect & people willing to make it to the events that I establish in advance, in hopes of others being able to attend.  So from now on, no more. I'm ending it. No more disappointments, nada. If you want to see me, ask me. You have my cel number. I'm tired of making an effort and getting treated like shit for it. My 'alone spare time' will now consi...

...for NHL playoffs!!

Yesterday, season 1 of Game of Thrones came out to buy on DVD and blu-ray. If you're a fan, or you don't have HBO, or if you like: Gladiator or The Tudors, give it a shot. Please don't let HBO end it like they ended Rome and Deadwood. Oh, and that is of course if you're not participating in Black March. If you are, Black Friday & Boxing Day sales near the end of the year should be awesome. As for me, I'm going to wait for the series to end to get the massive complete series box set.

Jennifer's final facebook display The last time I saw Jennifer was at a dinner party some friends of mine were hosting. They live in LA, and were visiting during the summer, and got some people together for an evening while in town. I thought it’d be a great opportunity to catch up, and meet new people. Among them was Jennifer, whom I’d met a few times previously. We weren’t close, her and I, but we knew each other by face and name. That was the last time I’d seen her. I’m glad that she was having fun, laughing, and making jokes. Above all, smiling. I first met her at a BBQ about 3-4 years ago. I'm not sure whose house the BBQ was hosted, but I remember Cheryl was demonstrating her BBQ skills. It was a fun night: food, drinks, company, and even a couple of rounds of guitar hero. (ed note: that may have been the first time I met Andre!). When I had received word of her death, I was shocked. Completely, and utterly stunned. It wasn't like she was ill in t...

Just a very quick post today.... Can you do it? I'm doing it, and will wait till April to buy / download anything they mention. I welcome all to try. Makes March a cheap month eh?