David M. Brown's Blog, page 10
April 6, 2015
Book Review: Tiny Confessions – Christopher Rozzi
Ever wonder what your dachshund, bulldog, great dane, or tabby cat are *really* thinking? Wonder no more, because artist and comedian Christopher Rozzi has channeled the innermost thoughts of canines and felines (along with the occasional rabbit or robot) and painted their portraits with great affection and humor.Garnering attention and raves from Flavorwire, Laughing Squid, Fab.com, and elsewhere, Tiny Confessions has attracted a growing fan base among pet lovers, art lovers, and anyone with a good sense of humor.
In this endearing and very funny collection of color portraits, candid pets will reveal insights including:
“What you see as dancing is just me desperately scrambling to earn ham.”
“That mess I made is my way of thanking you for my awesome name.”
“I forgot where I buried that thing that you loved.”
Goodreads Website Amazon UK Amazon US
Review: Tiny Confessions
As much as I have tried to convince Mr B that the cats aren’t out to get him, can’t really be humanised or just aren’t as Machiavellian as he imagines, I am thwarted at every turn. Ever since he read the fabulous How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You he seems to live in a state of fear. Now this new volume of cat insights from Christopher Rozzi is only going to heighten his worries about what the cats may or may not be thinking, but it’s a glorious volume and well worth every minute of angst this might bring Mr B. (Sorry Mr B, but it’s true!)
Tiny Confessions is a beautifully illustrated volume of dog and cat confessions/thoughts, with the odd random confession thrown in from an unexpected character (such as Frankenstein’s monster). Part pet-shaming, part true confessions, it’s funny and sweet and touching and I can’t imagine any pet lover will be able to resist its charms.
I sent a Tweet to Christopher Rozzi to ask if I could share a couple of pics with my review and he very kindly agreed. As a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll let these delightful images do the talking.
This is a book carefully crafted from a talented illustrator who clearly sees straight into the hearts, souls and minds of our beloved pets. Christopher Rozzi is exceptionally skilled at bringing our favourite companions to life, at the same time as inspiring joy, compassion and even a little incredulity.
I cannot recommended this delightful little book enough for any pet lover. It’s superb.
Verdict: 5/5
Source: Reviewer’s own copy
The post Book Review: Tiny Confessions – Christopher Rozzi appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
The Diary of Mr Kain: Week #27
Monday
Beard Face was watching a documentary this afternoon about healthy eating. It emphasised the importance of eating lots of fruit and veg to ensure a better diet and state of living. Beard Face duly followed the advice. In the evening he tucked into his usual seventeen pizzas but also on the plate were five pieces of paper with images of fruit and vegetables on them. The old boy insisted this more than covered his obligatory five a day and that he could now look forward to a better and healthier future. Interesting.
Tuesday
Blimey it was windy last night and today as well. Before anyone jumps to conclusions, this had nothing to do with Razz and his infamous bowel movements. I was talking about Mother Nature’s bottom breaths that are much noisier and strong. Despite the impediment of this wind and the onset of rain throughout the day I chose to head out into the great unknown which is our neighbourhood. I know it well actually but it sounds more dramatic if you add the sense of mystery. Quiet in the area today though. Kitty It, the Bearded cat from no.2 was grooming himself hopelessly in the downpour, while Fetcher McFetcher, the dog that likes to fetch things, was busy fetching discarded plastic bottles for his owner. He even tried to fetch me at one point but I soon put a stop to that.
Mother Nature in all her glory. Her one error? Allowing a creation as pointless and repulsive as Beard Face.
Wednesday
Beard Face has been busy preparing for yet another job interview tomorrow. He’s been practising using a variety of methods including yoga, Morris dancing and potato peeling. What these tasks have to do with being ready for an interview is beyond me but moments like this it is best to not question Beard Face. He may give a perfectly reasonable answer to such a question but I can’t really be bothered to converse with him not when I have more important things to do like clean my arse.
Thursday
Beard Face’s interview at the hospital was interesting from what he’s told us. Instead of sitting for the interview he called on his love of House and asked the panel to follow him down a corridor. Beard Face had a walking stick, hobbled along and proceeded to diagnose every single patient in every ward. How did he do? Not great. No matter what the ailment he continued to claim the answer was lupus. I’m not convinced that he’ll be getting a call accepting him for the post any time soon.
Friday
Beard Face has been invited to interview for teacher training. It’s horrifying, scandalous, disgraceful and that’s just three ways of describing the old boy, I haven’t even got on to the teaching part yet. He has a couple of weeks to prepare for the interview so that should be interesting. His specialist subject? It’s going to be English. That should be even more interesting.
Saturday
Not a nice day for Beard Face or Frizzy Hair. The Frizz was down with cold and has a bad back so was sent back to bed by her dimwit of a husband. Beardy was crying his eyes out this afternoon after Barnsley’s 2-0 defeat against local rivals Sheffield Utd. This left him feeling very down for the remainder of the day and he made out that his plight was far worse than poor Frizzy Hair who was sneezing and exclaiming “Oh, you f***king cold, go away!” between each outburst. Suffice to say, it was an intimidating afternoon for our neighbours.
Sunday
Beard Face is actually being awesome for a change. He’s been watching David Attenborough’s wonderful The Life of Mammals and is actually starting to learn something. Not much I should add. The beard has been grumbling about the lack of focus on himself in these documentaries. Sadly, Beard Face, David Attenborough has made many wonderful programmes but he has yet to tackle The Life of Rancid Turds. Maybe that will be the next show he works on but somehow I doubt it.
The post The Diary of Mr Kain: Week #27 appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
April 5, 2015
A-Z of Cats: E is for Enigmatic (#AtoZChallenge)
For this year’s Blogging from A-Z Challenge (#atozchallenge), David and I have decided to focus on cat ownership. We present our very tongue-in-check guide, inspired by life with six cats!
E is for Enigmatic
The full A-Z will also be shared on Pinterest:
Follow Donna Brown’s board Blogging from A-Z Challenge on Pinterest.
Rest of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge
Click here to view the rest of the Blogging from A-Z participants!
The post A-Z of Cats: E is for Enigmatic (#AtoZChallenge) appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
April 4, 2015
Review: Brainwavz S1 In Ear Noise Isolating Headphones
Wide frequency response, with good bass and vocals.
All metal housing in a over the ear design.
Made with high grade aluminium, durable and rugged, perfect for on the go.
Flat cable for less tangle and easy to wear.
The cables are made with high purity OFC copper wiring at its core.
Comply foam tips included.
The best premium foam ear tips that can be found, provides for perfect seals and enhanced bass response.
Other included accessories: 6 pairs of silicone tips, 1 pair of Bi and 1 pair Tri-flange tips, hard carrying case to protect your earphones
Website Amazon US Amazon UK
Review: Brainwavz S1 In Ear Noise Isolating Headphones
Audio plays a big part in our lives – we’re both music lovers and, since I converted Mr B to audiobooks last year, he’s been about as hooked as I am. Sound quality is important, as is comfort, and we’ve both had our fair share of headphones that haven’t lived up to our expectations. I asked Mr B to trial the Brainwavz S1 In Ear Noise Isolating Headphones and share his thoughts.
Mr B says:
The Brainwavz earphones came in a pocket size case with additional compartments providing enough room for both the earphones and accessories, including a selection of ear buds of different sizes, an instruction manual and a plug.
The earphones themselves produced great sound quality, ideal for my phone when listening to music or audio books. The cable was also a good length which made listening to content on my phone much easier, especially when I’m on the move, and especially when out running.
All in all, Brainwavz earphones are excellent in both quality and application.
For myself, I was very impressed by the design of both the headphones and the packaging. The case in particular is a nice addition to keep everything neat and avoid the headphones ending up in a tangled heap in the bottom of your bag. (You can probably guess this has happened to me. Often.)
I was very happy with these in terms of both price and functionality. I had heard of Brainwavz previously, though hadn’t purchased a Brainwavz product, but they would definitely be high on my list in future if I was buying a similar product from myself or as a gift.
Verdict: 5/5
Source: Reviewer received a set in exchange for a fair and honest review
The post Review: Brainwavz S1 In Ear Noise Isolating Headphones appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
April 3, 2015
A-Z of Cats: D is for Dog (#AtoZChallenge)
For this year’s Blogging from A-Z Challenge (#atozchallenge), David and I have decided to focus on cat ownership. We present our very tongue-in-check guide, inspired by life with six cats!
D is for Dog
The full A-Z will also be shared on Pinterest:
Follow Donna Brown’s board Blogging from A-Z Challenge on Pinterest.
Rest of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge
Click here to view the rest of the Blogging from A-Z participants!
The post A-Z of Cats: D is for Dog (#AtoZChallenge) appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
Book Excerpt: Initiated to Kill – Sharlene Almond
Please enjoy this excerpt from Initiated to Kill by Sharlene Almond.
Excerpt: Initiated to Kill
Chapter 8
7 August, 1888
George Yard, Whitechapel
The dark suffocating smog enveloped the man as he strolled down the grimy streets. The smell from the raw sewage drifted in the night air, flowing through the gutters and into the Thames River. Dressed in a navy uniform, with a white band around his cap, a fake mustache pasted on his face, his thoughts traveling to the scene before him.
He was disgusted with this place. The onslaught of Irish and Jewish immigrants had caused this place to fall to the hands of street vendors, pick-pockets, drunks, beggars and prostitutes. Wrinkling his nose as a soft moan came from the deep recesses of a darkened street. A prostitute at her trade. He desperately wanted to be back in his studio, paint all he had seen; away from the disparity and disgust. But he was on a mission. He was not going to falter, regardless of the smell that greeted him at every corner.
A loud shuffling brought his attention to a woman staggering out of the shadows. Resting against the hard, cold building, he observed her as she tripped and righted herself before continuing on her way.
She was an ugly woman. Quite overweight, short, and her bloated face spoke of her abuse with alcohol. She continued to fiddle with her dark green skirt and black jacket, completely ignoring him as she walked past.
Clenching his jaw, that sickly smell of an unwashed body filled his nostrils, coupled with the vigorous act of sexual intercourse sickened him.
He silently stalked her steps as she turned from Whitechapel High Street, entering into the narrow, dimly lit courtyard of George Yard.
Suddenly, she spun around and glared at him.
“You’ve been a followin’ me,” she slurred.
He stopped in his tracks, surprised that she would have noticed. For a minute he didn’t say anything, just stared at this grotesque creature.
“I know what ya want. Well, ya can’t have it. I’ve had enough soldiers for one night,” she cackled, “besides, ya look like ya could use something more down there before tryin’ anythang with me.”
Letting free a belch, continuing to approach the stairs.
Narrowing his eyes, an intense rage filled him. How dare that whore speak to me like that. Instead of backing down, his anger pushed him on. Slowly he followed her as she began to climb the stairs. Cursing under her breath, tripping on the hem of her skirt, knees thudding to the hard cement steps.
He didn’t hesitate. Adrenaline poured through his veins. He relished the feel of the strong, sharp dagger, swiftly straddling her from behind. He didn’t give her a chance to protest, yanking her head up by the hair, slicing the dagger straight across her throat. Blood oozed over his fingers, fighting the urge to vomit. The thought of what that whore might have repulsed him, but he couldn’t stop now. His anger propelled him, his need for vengeance like an addict in need of a drink.
Pushing her over onto her back, the deep gash oozing crimson liquid, pale eyes staring at him, as if accusing him, mocking him. In the darkened shadows of the landing, he continued to drive the dagger into her throat, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, stomach and genitals.
Ignoring the stickiness that dripped off his clothes. The gaping wounds revealing his unique masterpiece. He continued thirty-nine times to make sure he sent a message to those that would view the events, viciously tearing her clothes as he did this.
Standing, he stared at her one last time. His anger had subsided, he regretted losing control, he must do better next time. Dropping a small piece of leather apron, he slid into the shadows, anticipating the one that was next to come.
* * * *
At 4:45, John S. Reeves headed out of the building. He frowned. A woman lay on the landing, a dark liquid surrounding her body, clothes disarrayed. The smell that emitted from the unmoving body caused him to run as fast as he could to locate P.C. Barrett.
Later, she was identified by Pearly Polly as Martha Tabram.
About Initiated to Kill
Two men from different generations, both initiated into a powerful organisation that throughout history has sought control and uses their power for destruction. They leave behind a wake of murder, manipulation and ancient secrets.
The first man stalks women of the night in the Whitechapel district of London, England in the 19th century. While the other stalks his victims in the cosmopolitan city of Seville, Spain in the 21st century; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers – Jack the Ripper.
Annabella Cordova quickly becomes embroiled in the conspiracy involving the university she studies at. When her roommate goes missing, it becomes very personal. Her past gradually unveils, as she is closer to this than she could have possibly imagined.
A childhood accident causing permanent deafness enables Annabella to use her other senses to read facial and body language; detecting lies in people, including suspects.
Andres Valero, the troubled detective, returns from forced leave, only to be faced with horrific crimes that brings his memories to the surface.
The novel continuously takes the reader back in time to the 19th century; creating a psychological profile of the man that wanders the London streets, his paintings depicting crimes only seen by a killer’s eyes. And a boy that’s continuously tormented by his own sadistic tendencies.
With Annabella and Andres combined, they must stop this person at any cost, and reveal a conspiracy hidden for centuries.
About Sharlene Almond
I live in Auckland, New Zealand with my two dogs. Although I have had training in Beauty and Spa therapy, editing, journalism, animal behavior and photography, criminology and counselling; my main interest lies in writing novels which allows me to explore and learn about other eras and countries, creating characters that have deep rooted flaws, but uses those to achieve the end goal.
As an author of historical/present day international thrillers, my books can challenge readers, as well as taking the reader on a journey throughout Europe and abroad.
Having studied in Criminology and Neuro Linguistic programming, in addition to doing a diploma course in body language, enables me to give an authentic feel to my characters, and the crimes committed. Because I’ve always been fascinated with human psychology, especially criminal psychology, I always include that element in every book I write.
My books don’t just cover the crimes committed, but what drove that person to commit those crimes? Examining their history, their weaknesses, childhood; all building up to why some of the most infamous crimes were perpetrated.
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
The post Book Excerpt: Initiated to Kill – Sharlene Almond appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
April 2, 2015
A-Z of Cats: C is for Cat (#AtoZChallenge)
For this year’s Blogging from A-Z Challenge (#atozchallenge), David and I have decided to focus on cat ownership. We present our very tongue-in-check guide, inspired by life with six cats!
C is for Cat
The full A-Z will also be shared on Pinterest:
Follow Donna Brown’s board Blogging from A-Z Challenge on Pinterest.
Rest of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge
Click here to view the rest of the Blogging from A-Z participants!
The post A-Z of Cats: C is for Cat (#AtoZChallenge) appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
Goodreads Challenge and SavvyReaders #50BookPledge: Books 21-40
I’ve done the Goodreads reading challenge several times now – see my 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 challenges here – but this year I’m combining the Goodreads challenge and the SavvyReaders 50 Book Pledge.
Here are my books 21-40 of the challenges so far. Each book links through to Goodreads in case you’d like to know more.
21-40 Challenge Books [see the SlideDeck] Are you doing any challenges? Which have been your favourite reads of 2015 so far?
The post Goodreads Challenge and SavvyReaders #50BookPledge: Books 21-40 appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
April 1, 2015
A-Z of Cats: B is for Bed (#AtoZChallenge)
For this year’s Blogging from A-Z Challenge (#atozchallenge), David and I have decided to focus on cat ownership. We present our very tongue-in-check guide, inspired by life with six cats!
B is for Beds
The full A-Z will also be shared on Pinterest:
Follow Donna Brown’s board Blogging from A-Z Challenge on Pinterest.
Rest of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge
Click here to view the rest of the Blogging from A-Z participants!
The post A-Z of Cats: B is for Bed (#AtoZChallenge) appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
Book Review: The Worrier’s Guide to Life – Gemma Correll
If you’re floundering in life, striking out in love, struggling to pay the rent, and worried about it all — you’re in luck! World Champion Worrier and Expert Insomniac Gemma Correll is here to assure you that it could be much, much worse.In her hugely popular comic drawings, Gemma Correll dispenses dubious advice and unreliable information on life as she sees it, including The Dystopian Zodiac, Reward Stickers for Grown-Ups, Palm Reading for Millennials, and a Map of the Introvert’s Heart. For all you fellow agonizers, fretters, and nervous wrecks, this book is for you. Read it and weep…with laughter.
Goodreads Amazon UK Amazon US
Review: The Worrier’s Guide to Life
Okay, first let me say: THIS BOOK SCARES ME! I started off thinking it was pretty amusing but then I hit page 10 and began to get seriously freaked. This was like an illustrated autobiography. I can only conclude that little people have found their way into my head and are faxing out memos of every neurotic, crazy thought I have. Those are regular and consistent so I’m guessing there’s a lot of faxing going on.
From the thoughts you might have while meditating (which of course culminate in ‘Mmm… pizza’) to the safer versions of board games (‘Monotony’ anyone?) to the modern day plagues (‘May there always be an unexpected item in your bagging area’), The Worrier’s Guide to Life is a hilarious look at all potential sources of stress, anxiety and worry for the modern day neurotic. Think you are alone in your sleepless night thinking? Check out the Wheel of Insomnia and feel instantly reassured (though remember, you won’t be sleeping tonight).
As someone who has suffered with anxiety, I feel like there’s an underlying seriousness to this book. It isn’t hard to feel overwhelmed by life and there’s more and more to engage, stimulate or petrify us every day. The Worrier’s Guide to Life is very funny, brilliantly illustrated and will strike a chord with every worrier across the world.
I’m so glad I found this book. I haven’t felt so in touch with something since I read Hyperbole and a Half.
Verdict: 5/5
Source: Netgalley
The post Book Review: The Worrier’s Guide to Life – Gemma Correll appeared first on B-Lines and Felines.
