Sunday, September 21, 2008
Genealogy Searchology
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Updates
1st - Yellowstone Pictures - I loaded all of them onto Picasa
2nd - Book review - I recently read a book or two, my review is at Goodreads, I also updated this will all the books I have read.
3rd - Finding Billy: My genealogy is in full swing. I have caught a vision of what I wish genealogy websites were like. Check out my little sketch of what I think they should look like here. Also this will give you a look at Dipity, which is a really cool timeline maker.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer
The world has become a perfect place. There is no fighting, no war, no hatred. There is only sharing, kindness, and respect. There is only one catch, the humans had to get out of the way. The world has been overrun with an alien species which act as parasites, binding to a host and controlling its functions. Wanderer is just such a host, but the human body that she has combined to is not following normal protocol. The human consciousness, Melanie Stryder, refuses to fade away into the darkness. In a constant struggle for survival both find themselves being turned in new unexpected directions.
The science fiction novel does not involve over the top science fiction elements. The story is very human. Reading aloud the story seemed to jump out and force me to want to go just one more chapter. This led to a vicious cycle of always wanting just one more chapter. The book contained very realistic and interesting characters that gave good commentary on the human existence. Even Elisabeth, the disliker of all Stephenie Meyers’ previous books, thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Overall I give the book a grade of “A”.
Best Game since Monopoly?
The Varsity scouts are beginning to work on the personal management merit badge. To help them I have developed a nifty game that may be the best thing since Monopoly. The game is supposed to be a fast paced version of Monopoly with the stock exchange thrown in for good measure. If you are interested in trying out this modern day marvel of a game I have provided the following supplies for you:
· List of Rules: On my website.
· Game Board: A PDF copy can be downloaded on my website. (Note: There is a 11x17 Board and a 8-1/2 X 11 Board, obviously the bigger board makes a better game station).
· Monopoly Money: Can be downloaded here if you are low on the monopoly cash (or never had any to begin with).
· Random Number Generator: A one of a kind excel spreadsheet that I have created specifically for the game can be downloaded on my website.
If you want the original version of anything (so you can make your own version or change something) just let me know and I can e-mail you a copy.
Book Review: Fablehaven - Grip of the Shadow Plague
Within weeks of finishing the summer vacation Kendra and Seth find themselves once again thrown into the battle between good and evil. The fate of Fablehaven hangs in the balance as a mysterious shadow plague begins to spread through the magical preserve. The once plentiful supply of light creatures are being transformed into creatures of darkness with one purpose: swell the darkness and stop everyone else at all costs. Stakes are raised as Kendra and Seth do not know who is friend and who is foe in the battle to protect the supernatural preserve.