Book Review - With Caution

Attention: This book is a male-male love story and contains homoerotic sex acts that may be offensive to some readers.

With Caution by J.L. Langley

Once again J. L. Langley has brought her talent in creating fun and interesting characters in this latest installment of her highly addictive werewolf series (With / Without).

This time we follow the story of Jake and Remi where it picks up shortly after the conclusion of Without Reservations. 

If you haven’t read it, you should.  (Do it now!!  I’ll wait for you.). 

In Without Reservations, Remi was changed into a wolf after being viciously attacked by Keaton’s ex-lover outside Chay’s house.  It took both Remi and Jake Romero to change him and save his life.  Jake also realized that Remi is his mate.

Jake and the others decided not to tell Remi about Jake being his mate.  He had enough to deal with having been turned to a wolf.  Besides, Remi was somewhat homophobic and they did not know how he would react.  So, Jake decided to give him some time before revealing that little fact.  It turns out Remi becomes more than a little attracted to Jake.

We also meet Remi’s younger brother Sterling in this story and learn more about Remi’s past.  It seems his father, Dirk (the Sheriff on the reservation), had been abusive to him when he was younger and was still that way to his mom and Sterling.  Remi does everything he can to protect Sterling. Dirk also treats Remi like trash and will not allow him to be near Sterling or his mother (even though Sterling frequently sneaks over to Remi’s to see him).

Remi was haunted by an experience from his youth.  He and his best friend Billy were attacked when they were boys.  Billy was killed and Remi almost died from his injuries.  Everyone thought that some pervert had attacked them.   At least that’s what Dirk’s investigation found.  However, as the story progresses, we find that things are not what they appear.

When Dirk begins to threaten Sterling, Remi turns to Jake for help.  As private investigators, Jake and his partner, Rhys, start digging around in Dirk’s past to find some dirt on him.  Dirk finds out and threatens them all including Sterling.  During this time, Remi ‘s feelings toward Jakeincrease.  Jake finally reveals to him that they are mates.

Sterling calls Remi and tells him that Dirk got angry and started beating him and his mom.  He managed to get away, but was seriously injured.  Rhys finds him only to discover he is his mate.  Sterling is changed into a wolf to save his life.  Since he is under age, it is decided to keep the fact that Rhys is his mate a secret.

Now, Remi, Jake & Rhys must race against time to stop Dirk from hurting anyone else and to reveal the truth about Remi’s past, who Billy’s killer really was and why the boys were attacked.

I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.  It has to be about Rhys and Sterling.  I’m sure the author will give us a fun story dealing with their relationship and how they deal with the age difference.

Book Review - Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania and Other States That Never Made It

Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania and Other States That Never Made It by Michael J. Trinklein

This is another book that I won in a contest from GoodReads First Reads.  It’s actually one I might have picked up at the bookstore anyway because I’m always interested in offbeat historical information.

First off, the book was extremely entertaining.  If I hadn’t had so many interruptions, I probably would have read it in one sitting.  It’s really a fast read.  The stories are concise (1 page in length) and the maps give added context.  Add to that, the author throws in some humor to make it even more enjoyable.

Another neat thing about the book is that the cover unfolds into a map of the Lost States.  Great idea!

While reading it, I realized I had learned a few things about my own state that were never taught in Texas history class.  I knew Texas could slice itself up into four or five states if it wanted (that was a provision in the treaty with the U.S. when Texas joined), but I had never heard about any instances where it had been tried.  Although, knowing the knuckleheads in the Texas legislature, I’m surprised they haven’t tried doing it recently.

As with any book, there are some errors.  One was listing President Buchanan when it should have been President Polk (page 68) and there were a few typos.  All in all, it wasn’t any worse than some novels I’ve read lately.  Doesn’t anyone proofread anymore?

If you’re a historical trivia buff like I am, this is a book on the same par as Weird History 101.  It is a thoroughly enjoyable read and I would recommend it to all my friends.

Book Review - Doctor Who: Martha in the Middle

Doctor Who: Martha in the Mirror, by Justin Richards

This is the first of the modern-day Doctor Who novels I’ve had an opportunity to read.  I have to say that the author captured the characters of Tennant’s Doctor Who and Martha in the best way.

The Doctor and Martha arrive at Extremist where the Doctor informed Martha they would be attending the best theme park in the cosmos.  Unfortunately, it seems, they arrived a little earlier in time than planned.  The Doctor quickly meets Janna, a troubled young orphan girl who plays a major role in the story.

They become entangled in peace talks between the Zarugians and the Anthiums as well as murder, mystery and intrigue “Doctor style”.

The story is centered on the Mortal Mirror and its secrets which the Doctor and Martha discover.  Soon after their arrival, the Doctor discovers a diary made of glass in a hiding spot behind as stone that is being replaced by the maintenance robots, Bill and Bot.  He later learns how to read it and discovers some of the history behind the mirror.

After Martha gets trapped in the mirror and the Doctor rescues her, they get a better understanding of its purpose and what it holds.  Using that information, as well as what they learn from Janna and the Man in the Mirror, the Doctor is able to prevent war and put the treaty negotiations back on track.

All in all, a fun read.  I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.

Book Review - Without Reservations

Attention: This book is a male-male love story and contains homoerotic sex acts that may be offensive to some readers.

I discovered J.L Langley when I read her short story With Love in the anthology Hearts From the Ashes. This is the second story in her With/Without series.

Chayton Winston is a Native American who happens to be a wolf. He’s always dreamed of a fair-haired, fair-skinned mate. He’s always played straight and dated several women. Imagine his surprise when he finally discovers his mate and learns it’s a he.

Keaton Reynolds is a professor of Ancient Civilizations at NMSU and also a wolf. He has recently moved to the area to start a new life away from his family and ex-lover.

While hunting one evening, Keaton is shot (presumably by poachers). The local game warden finds him and takes him to Chayton who is the local veterinarian. It’s while Chay is treating Keaton, he discovers he is his mate.

Keaton wakes up to suddenly find himself with a mate. Of course, Chay isn’t sure what to do about the situation. Keaton suggests they just act as though they are not mates and get on with their lives. However, Chay is determined to make it work.

Together the two work to make their relationship stronger and battle the prejudices against homosexuals (as well as Chay’s mother’s hatred of white people). Eventually, the two fall into a comfortable life together and deal with other’s feelings toward them. They also must deal with some issues from Keyton’s past as someone is trying to kill him.

During the course of the story, we meet Chay’s parents. His father, Joe, realizes that Chay and Keayton are mates. His mother was not impressed with Keyton (she met him before finding out they are mates). In fact, she was downright rude to him. Joe shows them both that he has no problems with the relationship and welcomes Keyton as a part of the family. Eventually, Chay’s mother comes around and deals with it.

Jacob Romero is a local Private Investigator hired by Joe to watch over and protect Keyton. He is also a wolf and a part of their pack.

Remington Lassiter is one of Chay’s best friends, but he is a major jerk (and homophobic). He and Chay have a major falling out when Remi discovers Chay and Keyton having sex. Later in the story, Remi is attacked by the assailant who is after Keyton and almost killed. He is changed into a wolf by Chay and Jacob (who we discover is Remi’s mate, but Remi doesn’t know yet).

By the end of the story, Keyton is reunited with his family, the identity of the attacker is revealed and Chay and Keyton begin a new chapter of their lives together.

The author weaves a tale of paranormal / gay romance / erotica in a way that is fun to read and keeps you interested until the end. This is one of those books you find hard to put down.

Easter Greetings

                              Keep it hopping,

                                                        Keep it handy.

                                                        Grab and eat

                                                        Tons of candy.       

                                                                                                         

Really?

Ricky Martin is gay.

Is he the last one to know that?? I knew he was gay years ago like many others did.

So, he made the big announcement on his website. Here is the announcement in full:

A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life. From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And thisis something worth celebrating.
For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly and that's the stage. Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It's my vice. The music, the lights and the roar of the audience are elements that make me feel capable of anything. This rush of adrenaline is incredibly addictive. I don't ever want to stop feeling these emotions. But it is serenity that brings me to where I'm at right now. An amazing emotional place of comprehension, reflection and enlightenment. At this moment I'm feeling the same freedom I usually feel only on stage, without a doubt, I need to share.

Many people told me: "Ricky it's not important", "it's not worth it", "all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse", "many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature". Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.

If someone asked me today, "Ricky, what are you afraid of?" I would answer "the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war...child slavery, terrorism...the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith." But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word "happiness" takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.

RM

Rumor has it that his brave decision to admit that he's a "
fortunate homosexual man" wasn't something he was ready to do. The Miami Herald reports, "We hear rumblings that the reason Martin stopped living his (rather badly concealed) lie was that his boyfriend, a fellow Puerto Rican, was tired of living in hiding and threatened to expose his sexuality."

Honestly, I always had a crush on him. I'm glad he finally realized (whether forced by his boyfriend or not) that coming out of the closet and being honest with his fans was for the best.

Book Review - Diet for a Hot Planet

I recently received Diet for a Hot Planet as a contest prize from Good Reads First Reads. I’ve always been concerned with the issue of climate change. However, I wasn’t aware that food production contributed as much to it as it does. It’s common sense, actually, but most of us don’t think about it.

The author brings into focus the fact that industrialized food production makes a significant contribution to the greenhouse gases currently causing the problem of climate change; from the actual growth of genetically modified feed, to the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides through the raising of crops and livestock all the way to the store and eventually to your table.

Until I read this book, I did not know that only growing one crop in a field over and over using chemical fertilizers and pesticides caused the soil to erode and release carbon into the atmosphere. Ms. Lappe points out that by using sustainable farming methods (natural fertilizers as well as planting a variety of crops) would reduce carbon emissions and help to restore the topsoil.

I was also unaware that a huge amount of methane was being produced by livestock and their waste. Most of this is caused by feeding them food other than grass. Their waste is drained into “cesspits” that do not allow it to break down properly, so more methane is released. By allowing them to feed naturally and by recycling their waste as fertilizer, methane and carbon emissions could be reduced. Also, reducing the number of livestock being raised could reduce it further.

One of the things discussed is to “buy local”. I’ve always been a proponent of that. When you buy locally, you help to reduce emissions from transport vehicles. Why buy fruits and vegetables raised across the country when you can buy the same thing raised nearer your community?

Speaking to a number of experts and travelling to various places around the world, Ms. Lappe discovered that more people are returning to the time-tested methods of farming. They are thumbing their noses at the big agribusiness companies like Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland. Using sustainable methods, these people have brought land back to life and are producing more than enough food for their communities.

I have to say that this book was an eye-opener for me. I learned that industrialized food production is energy intensive (from creation of the fertilizers to the lighting of the barns to the creation of packaging) and is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. I also learned that there are ways to slow down and reduce the greenhouse gases from food production.

And, now, after reading this book, I may never look at (or eat) a Pop Tart the same way again.

Health Care Reform

I spent most of my day watching the House of Representatives on C-Span. Yes, I know, I'm a glutton for punishment.

For each resolution or bill brought up for discussion, the House Republicans automatically turned the subject to Health Care Reform (known as Government Take Over of Health Care by the Republicans).

For example, a resolution was brought before the house to honor an author whose name I can't remember because I only heard it mentioned once. The Democratic speaker would begin to speak of the matter at issue, and then the Republican would immediately change the subject to health care.

It was the same old talking points: "it will bankrupt the government", "it will cause a loss of jobs", "we should start over from scratch", "it's the biggest government take over of any part of the economy", "the sky is falling!" (OK...I added that last one in myself), yadda, yadda, yadda.

A few of them even complained about having to be there for a vote on Sunday (they want to hold the vote on Thursday of next week). My advice to them is, if you don't plan to vote for it anyway then don't be there on Sunday. See, problem solved. You can have your weekend and the rest of us can have decent healthcare.

It's been said by the Republicans that if the Democrats pass this legislation, it will come back to bite them in November during the mid-term elections. Many feel that if they don't pass it, it will come back to bite them in November.

The Democrats already know they are going to lose some seats in the mid-terms. Historically, the party in majority loses some seats in the mid-terms after a president of the same party is elected. They are expecting it.

I heard Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) once again say that he hasn't heard from a single American saying they want this legislation to pass. Who is he talking to?? It certainly isn't me! I think all who want reform should send him an email and let him know (I did).

Another thing, I heard today was about the 11 year old whose mother died after she lost her job and health care. He was invited to testify on capitol hill. Of course, the Republican talking-heads jumped right on this. Michelle Malkin wrote about it in a column and Glenn Beck made his usual out-of-this-world comments, but the most insensitive had to be from Rush Limbaugh.

On his radio show, he made the comment that she would have died anyway even under the new health care rules. Why is this buffoon still on the air?

And speaking of Glenn Beck, he went off on his radio show about how the vote for reform being taken on Sunday is an affront to God. Please! Glenn Beck is an affront to intelligence.

This may not be the best reform to our health care system (personally I think we should have gone to Medicare for all), but at least get the ball rolling. Fixes can be made after the main reform is passed. The Republicans had years to do something (but the wouldn't mess with their donors) and their proposals now are lame.

Like Larry the Cable Guy would say, "Let's git 'er done!"

Top O' the Mornin'

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Public Service Announcement

Many of you may have already received the 2010 Census Questionnaire in the mail today. If not, you will likely get it some time this week.

The census helps to determine the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. Congress as well as the congressional districts themselves. The amount of money from the federal government to your local area also depends on the answers given. The money is used for many local services such as roads and services for children.

Many people disregard the census. They think "it doesn't help me" or "it's not important". Well, it is for a number of reasons as mentioned above.

When you receive your questionnaire, please take a few minutes to fill it out and mail it back.

Thanks!

Book Review - Hearts from the Ashes

Hearts from the Ashes is an anthology of stories by three of the best gay romance/erotica authors this reviewer has had the pleasure of reading. I’m not usually one for the romance genre, but the stories enclosed have realistic, well-developed characters that are a pleasure to read about. The graphic sex, while hot, is not the main element of the stories. It comes naturally in the stories based on the characters personalities.

The stories stand alone, but each author entwined elements from the other’s stories. Each story is set in Asheville, NC. (I never knew so much gay action happened in Asheville. I may have to visit there some time to see for myself) Characters and locations from each story are mentioned (or inferred). The way the authors accomplished this is very interesting and shows creativity on their part.

Eros Rising – Scott has been with his boyfriend for too long as he discovers when they go to the town’s sex club Ganymede’s Grotto. Logan, Scott’s boyfriend, wants to have a threesome; Scott doesn't.

When Logan leaves to go to the bathroom, Scott sits and enjoys the strip show performed by Keegan. Scott instantly falls in love with him. Over the following weeks, Scott spends more time at the club getting to know Keegan. Eventually, their feelings for each other explode to the surface, but Scott can’t do anything until he leaves Logan.

Eventually, Scott and Keegan come together, but they still have to deal with the pain of Keegan’s past; a past of abuse both physical and mental.

Café Noctem – Willa Okati weaves a tale of Cherokee mythology into a story of love, loss and discovery. Grey, Jimmy and Nicholas were best friends for years. Grey and Jimmy became closer as lovers. Jimmy suddenly developed cancer that took his life in a matter of months. Grey was devastated.

Nicholas stood by Grey through his grief. He helped out in Café Noctem (which was owned by Grey and Jimmy) and did all he could to help Grey deal with Jimmy’s death. Eventually, Grey came to love Nicholas and they became partners. The only problem was the specter of Jimmy hung over them.

On the evening of a major celebration, Grey and Nicholas are visited by a mysterious young man in an odd looking mask. In the beginning, it seems he is trying to separate Grey and Nicholas. In the end, he helped to keep them together.

With Love – Devlin is a werewolf. He is moving to Asheville with his business partner from Texas. Soon after his arrival, he is called by Victor, the pack Alpha, to meet about joining the local pack. Devlin drives to the meeting place to find Victor and a few of his Betas abusing another member of the pack. Devlin flies into the middle of the group and easily defeats them all due to his size and strength. Once the assailants are gone, Devlin discovers by scent that the injured one is his mate.

Laine is the pack Omega. He doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut and is a major klutz. After being chased and beaten by Victor and his Betas, Laine wakes up next to Devlin and realizes Devlin is his mate. He fears for himself because of Victor. It seems Victor wants him, but Laine has no interest in him. Devlin vows he will protect Laine and do whatever he has to to protect him.

Victor decides to send a message by sending his Betas to mess up Laine’s flower shop. He even attacks Laine in the men’s room of a restaurant. When that doesn’t work, he kidnaps Laine’s grandmother. This pushes Devlin to the breaking point. With the help of his business partner, Cole, and the former pack leader, Devlin is able to defeat Victor and send him packing, thus becoming the new pack leader.

The secondary characters of the story: Cole, Caroline (Cole’s wife), Beth and Serena (Laine’s co-workers) and Grammy (Laine’s grandmother) add a wonder fully realistic dimension to the story. They are as fleshed-out and three-dimensional as the main characters with fun personalities.

I highly recommend this book to any who like gay romance/erotica. It is well written and a pleasure to read. The stories move quickly and capture your interest. I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading it in one evening.

A Message from Rowdydog

Happy New Year to everyone!

One of my resolutions for 2010 is to post more here, so keep an eye out.

Woof!

40 Years and Still Going

Happy 40th Anniversary to Monty Python's Flying Circus!!

Check out this clip from last night's Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Keep your penguin on the telly and watch out for the Spanish Inquisition!

Usenet Provider

I’ve been using newsgroups for years. You can find all kinds of good stuff in them and it’s much faster and more reliable than trying to download torrents.

I recently changed providers a few months ago to Power Usenet. I had read some pretty good reviews of them and they offered better service than the newsgroup provider I was using at the time. I signed up for their Secure Power User package and have not been disappointed.

Here are the services they offer:

Secure Power User:

Unlimited Download Speed
30 Connections
256-bit SSL Encryption
5 day / 10GB Free Trial

This package is only $19.99 / month. The first month of service is 50% off.

Power User:

Unlimited Download Speed
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5 day / 10GB Free Trial

This package is only $14.95 / month. The first month of service is 50% off.

They offer binary retention of 340+ days with a completion rate of 99%+ and uncensored access.

Click here to give them a try.

New Sci/Fi Releases

Here are some new releases you may be interested in if you are a Sci/Fi lover like me:

If There Really is a Heaven, Then This Must Be the Place

Today I had lunch at Rosa's Cafe. Every Tuesday they have their "Taco Tuesday" Special where you get 3 tacos, rice, beans and complementary tortillas for only $3.99.

In today's economy, that is a great deal. With a drink, I spent less than $6. At most restaurants, you couldn't get as much food as I did for that.
The portions are excellent as is the food itself.

They have several locations in the area, but I ate at the cafe on Overton Ridge near Hulen Mall. The people there are always friendly and smiling. I will warn you though, at peak times on Tuesdays(lunch & dinner) the place is packed and you will have to wait a short time to get in and eat, but it is definitely worth it.

Check them out. I definitely give them a solid 4 stars.

I've recently been catching up on some reading. Unfortunately, I sometimes tend to let books pile up and don't read them until they have been out for a few months to a few years.

I've been reading the continuation of Star Trek: The Next Generation in their series of novels. The novels continue on from the end of the movie '>Star Trek: Nemesis and have built up to a final confrontation with the Borg. Along the way, it has crossed over with Star Trek: Titan (the adventures of Captain Riker), Star Trek: Voyager and even Star Trek: Enterprise.

The culmination of the Borg storyline takes place in the following books:




With the help of Captain Erika Hernandez (Star Trek: Enterprise) we learn the origin of the Borg and we see the end of their threat to the galaxy.

In the following book, we see the aftermath of the Borg attack on the Alpha Quadrant and the devastation that was wrought. In the same style of "Articles of the Federation", we learn of a new threat to the Alpha Quadrant and what it will mean to the balance of power.



This leads into the next book in the series
which I'm about to start reading. I will give you an update soon.