Showcase of Older Work Started in July 2013

Herculean Strength

"Hercules" touches on the issue of being something larger than yourself. Hercules falls in love during his journey to attain growth in all areas of his life. The woman that he meets undergoes a complete emotional change after meeting him. There are various references to Greek mythology in this film, which is why it is a good family friendly movie.



Part of Charlie Wilson's Legacy

"Charlie Wilson's War" touches on the late U.S. Representative Charlie Wilson's efforts to successfully raise millions of dollars to help the Afghan mujahideen defeat military members of the former Soviet Union. The film portrays that Wilson's intentions were noble. However, the drawback is that some of those same men that were given weapons to defeat the Russians during the 1980's are now part of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Some of them are also now some of the same men that Western troops in Afghanistan have to contend with. There is controversy that Osama Bin Laden may have been one of the "freedom fighters" during the 1980's. Regardless of whether you feel that it was a good idea for a gifted U.S. politician to help arm the mujahideen, Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts do a good job in the roles of Charlie Wilson and the sophisticated and wealthy Joanne Herring.



Adam Lambert's Trespassing sampler

My first introduction to Adam Lambert's work was through the deluxe European import edition of "For Your entertainment" (which is an impressive music collection). I am somewhere between being a casual fan who looks forward to his next album, but not quite a Glambert. However, Adam Lambert is one of my top five favorite musicians. "Trespassing" (Remixes) by Adam Lambert showcases his strong vocals through a mini sampler of his songs featured on his 2012 album "Trespassing". There is the radio edit of "Trepassing" along with remixes for "Never Close Our Eyes", "Better Than I Know Myself", and "Pop That Lock." I enjoy the "Pop That Lock" remix featuring Johnny Labs the most. The one caveat is the fact that there could have been more songs included in these remixes. This is because "Trespassing" is a musical masterpiece that includes more songs that could have also made the remixes selection (such as Nirvana,Shady,Kickin In,Naked Love, Broken English, Chokehold etc.) Aside from that caveat,the "Trespassing" remixes are best for those who like both the "For Your Entertainment" and "Trespassing" collections.


Spiritual Jars of Clay
"Flood" by Jars of Clay is a great song about staying strong during adversity. The singer expresses a humble person who truly wants to be lifted up and move to an even happier place in life. "Flood" by Jars of Clay is good for those who like emotionally nourishing rock songs.



 An Anthem about A Crush

"Untouched" by The Veronicas is a steamy and sensual song that appears to symbolize wanting to get close to a romantic interest. The music video to this song shows two sisters who are both aware of a male who is highly attractive and appears to be a player. Nonetheless, "Untouched" is a satisfying song.



 Freestyle Party

"Yo No Se" by Pajama Party appears to be about someone who is trying to make sense of their intense feelings for another person. They are also admitting that they morph into a completely different and more uninhibited person around their romantic interest. "Yo No Se" is A very fun and catchy 80's freestyle song.



Making A Case To Be Someone's Lover

"Let Me Be The One" appears to be a passionate musical track regarding vying for another's romantic affections. The singing and music video are superb. The person singing the song also appears to communicate the message that they are really in love with whoever they are singing about.



Romantic Adventure Song

I first heard "Come Go With Me" when I was around seven years old. This song appears to symbolize a carefree and fun loving person telling their romantic interest to have a positive escape with them. The lyrics `I'll take you by the hand and we'll find another land" appear to communicate a person who wants to give their romantic interest a one of a kind experience (to say the least). "Come Go With Me" is good for those who like their songs both racy and romantic.



Lady Antebellum Country Love Song

"Get To Me" by Lady Antebellum contains lush vocals and carefully timed instruments to evoke a theme of summertime relationships. What I also like is that the band members in the video are truly expressing a sense of being content among each other.



Uplifting Air

"Up In The Air" by 30 Seconds To Mars is a fun tune with multiple innuendos. I enjoy the mashup of the rock, electronica, and music genres. Additionally, the lyrics are pretty daring with such words "I'll Wrap My Hands Around Your Neck So Tight With Love, Love." `Up In The Air" is good for those who enjoy innovative rock and electronica songs.



Ethereal Satellite
As with millions of others, I first heard "Sleeping Satellite" by Tasmin Archer during the 1990's. "Sleeping Satellite" is a heartfelt tone that has the singer artistically baring a part of her soul. Archer's vocals are superb in the song and the music fits together with the lyrics very smoothly. I actually wish that I understood the full meaning of the song, but "Sleeping Satellite" by Tasmin Archer is good for those who like indie rock songs with hints of chillout and folk music


Playful Gru's Evolution

"Despicable Me 2" returns with the life events of Gru and his daughters. This animated film does a good job with showing the happy emotional changes in Gru as a result of raising three girls. There is a funny scene in the movie where Gru shows his protective side. I also liked how the movie depicted the changes of Dr. Nefario and the zany exploits of Gru's minions. Gru also starts to become even more self-confident once he is partnered up with Lucy Wilde."Despicable Me 2" is definitely recommend for those who liked the first "Despicable Me" film and/or animated films safe for all age groups.



Kiplinger's Money Information
"Kiplinger's Personal Finance" magazine contains informative tips on such areas as retirement, investing, and home related costs. Technically, "Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine" is geared towards the upper middle class and higher. However, men and women from various socio-economic classes can also benefit from this magazine. For instance, the August 2013 issue features great articles on topics such as choosing your home turf (page 50), "5 New Rules on Student Loans" (page 56), "Great Places To Live All Over The Globe" (page 56), "A Cabin In the Woods" (page 64), and "Best Cars For Young Drivers" (page 68). Of course, there is other helpful information in here and "Kiplinger's Personal Finance" magazine is great for those who prefer finance information of a multi-dimensional nature.




Super Cool Chilled

I confess that my husband is the main reason why I even became aware of high quality chillout music. "Ultra Chilled 4" is a two disc set that he introduced me to back in 2005. I must plead the fifth on the events surrounding when I first heard this music to prevent supplying too much information. I have enjoyed this type of music ever since and highly recommend the following songs to listen to right away when obtaining Ultra Chilled 4:
"Jericho" by Weekend Players "Sunlight In The Rain" by Kelli Ali
"The Cure" by Miro "Hairy Tree" by Goldfrapp
"Provider" by Nerd (Zero 7 Mix) "Angels" by Wax Poetic feat. Norah Jones
"Beautiful" by Sarah Brightman "Rememberance" by Caia "So Damn Beautiful" by Poloroid
"Ultra Chilled 4" contains 12 tracks on each cd and is good for those who like ambient music that also good for listening to with a partner, spouse etc. and/or just for a calming and soothing music playlist to listen to solo and/or around others.



Covered Up Yearnings

"Undisclosed Desires" by Muse appears to be about a person wanting someone to put down their emotional guard a little to show their uninhibited side. I also like that the singer mentions about trying to show others that the person he is trying to get to be more of themselves is more than what they may appear to be on the external physical appearance side. "Undisclosed Desires" by Muse is good for those who like alternative rock songs on the happy side.



 Lone Ranger and Company

"The Lone Ranger" features a film centered around the characters of John Reid and Tonto (both Johnny Depp and Arnie Hammer gave natural performances in their roles). Both John Reid and Tonto end up tangling with various other men on both sides of the law. It is a campy western that sends the message of how people are not always who they seem to appear as on the outside. Helena Bonham Carter, Ruth Wilson, and Tom Wilkinson are among the multiple actors/actresses featured in "The Lone Ranger."



Multi-Faceted Woman

"More Than A Woman" by the late Aaliyah" is a cheerful song that seems to be about a female who intends to be the one who helps her relationship become even better by the day. The music video to "More Than A Woman" was well done and showcases Aaliyah's strong vocals. "More Than A Woman" by Aaliyah is good for those who like late 90's/early 2000's era pop/R&B music tracks.




Family Feud of Powerful and Mythological Proportions

"Thor" is a unique film involving the headstrong and powerful characters of Thor and his brother Loki (creatively played by Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston). Thor becomes instrumental in the goal to save nine worlds (including earth). The plot of the story starts to build when Thor gets sent to earth by his father. The following actors and actresses are among those of multiple characters who also play significant parts in the film: Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, and Stellan Skarsgard. "Thor" is definitely good for those who like fantasy films that are family friendly.



Calming and Good

"Stars" by Ulrich Schnauss contains ethereal music elements. "Stars" appears to be about finding the reasoning in a situation. "Stars" by Ulrich Schnauss is good for those who like any other music by Ulrich Schnauss and/or chillout music.




Imagine Dragons Aliveness

"Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons is a high energy rock song that appears to be about someone "waking up" so to speak in regards to life (with the obvious lyrics of I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones). The music video to this song is both shocking but good. "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons is great for those who enjoy songs with indie rock and/or electronica elements.



Romantic side of Zedd

"Spectrum" by Zedd is a beautiful love song that appears to be about a person who is determined to do everything possible to keep his or her relationship intact. The music is a harmonious convergence of electronica, dance, and chillout music elements. The summer 2012 music video to "Spectrum" is both action filled and touching. "Spectrum" by Zedd is best for those who like love songs from the electronica music spectrum.



Bright and Uplifting Love

"You're My Angel" by Styles & Breeze appears to be a musical track about a man or woman who brings happiness their significant other of a relationship. "You're My Angel" is also a fun mashup of dubstep, electronica, and trance music elements.



Mystery Man

"Magic Man" by Heart is a classic rock song that appears to center around woman singing about a man who has left a memorable and/or deep impact on her. I also like how the singer made the tune even more interesting by mentioning the time when her mother was trying to call her home. Nonetheless, "Magic Man" by Heart is good for those who like any other songs by Heart and/or classic rock music.



Bruno Mar's Latest Gem

"Treasure" by Bruno Mars seems like a tune about a man who is encouraging a woman to see her beautiful side and the amazing qualities within. "Treasure" is a good song to listen to for personal empowerment and self-confidence.



 Pursuit of Joy

"Pursuit of Happiness" by Weekend Players is a collection of songs that are both blissful and unique. I was introduced to this group through the song "Jericho" on Ultimate Chilled 4. Every song on "Pursuit of Happiness" is satisfying but I admit that both versions of "Walking Into The Sun" and "Pursuit of Happiness" are among my favorites in this compilation. I admit that this is partially influenced by the fact that I had heard "Walking Into The Sun" in one of my dreams (during my REM phase of sleep)within the past 88 hours. "Pursuit of Happiness" by the Weekend Players is good for those who enjoy chillout and/or electronica music.




Tinkerbell Transformed by Friendship

"Secret of the Wings" is a comedic and lighthearted movie that draws on the adventures of Tinkerbell when she ends up in Winterworld. She is well aware of the grave risks in going to such a place, but a part of her feels compelled to continue on after meeting her kindred spirit Periwinkle. One of the hidden messages symbolizes to be that of unity due to scenes showing various members from Winterworld and Tinker Bell's world working together in certain scenes. "Secret Of The Wings" is both a cheery and feel good type of animated movie safe for all ages.



Bold Expose

"Point Of No Return" by Expose is a music track that appears to be about a person who is self-confidently telling their lover what they want to do. The song is basically straightforward because the singer is mentioning how they are going to love their partner every night. "Point Of No Return" by Expose is best for those who like late 80's dance/pop songs.



 A Truthseeker's Music Anthem

I first heard of "Hungry" by Kosheen during the summer of 2003. Kosheen's confident vocals drew me in with relatable lyrics such as "They Don't Understand You No, Until It's Too Late" and singing about being hungry for more spiritually deep experiences in life. Both the music video for "Hungry" and the lush vocals of the singer are wonderful. "Hungry" by Kosheen is great for those who like music tunes that are a mashup of indie rock and electronica music genres.



Passenger's Musical Nature

"All the Little Lights" by Passenger showcase songs that are a clever blend of indie and folk rock. There is also a special bonus disc with acoustic versions. The popular "Let Her Go" symbolizes the impact that relationships can have on a person. "Things That Stop You Dreaming", "Keep On Walking", and "Patient Love" are also among some of the multiple songs that contain strong vocals and are calming. "All The Little Lights" by Passenger is good for those who collect indie rock music.


Complicated Situations

"Devious Maids" Season 1 pilot episode features scenes that help to tell a mini-story on each maid that helps the viewer understand each of the women better. There was strong acting to start off the series and I like the feature of the maids getting together to talk to each other. However, my only caveat to the story is that this episode left me feeling the most sympathy for mainly the Marisol Duarte character. Please understand that I am aware that the writer is probably only trying to come from generous intent when capturing characters who work for wealthy bosses and need days off like everyone else (including creating adequate cheerful plots to go along with the show's message). However, the series could be made stronger if it shows the woman truly thankful for their jobs, but just needing extra time off for legitimate circumstances that cannot just be rescheduled (such as graduations, acting and/or song rehearsals, court dates, funerals,surgeries, concerts as presents, vacations as gifts such as honeymoon packages, school field trips etc.). Aside from that caveat, the ending of the Devious Maids pilot episode draws a viewer in to watch the second episode of "Setting The Table."

"Devious Maids" Season 1 Episode 2 of "Setting The Table" starts out strong as the women continue on with their lives working for their employers. My only caveat with this episode is the portrayal of Judy Reyes as Zoila Diaz. I feel that Reyes gives a persuasive and superb portrayal, but I also feel as if she is being forced to portray an overprotective and overbearing mother. Yes, it is clear that Zoila wants the best for her daughter Valentina and may be trying to protect her from personal experience. When I mean experience, I am talking more about maybe there was a romantic relationship that broke Zoila's heart and she is only trying to shield her daughter from going through a similar experience. However, it would help if further reasons are mentioned on why the Zoila character is acting this way. I also enjoy the bumbling and lighthearted character of Genevieve Delatour (impressively portrayed by Susan Lucci).Aside from that caveat, "Devious Maids" Season 1 Episode 2 "Setting The Table" is amusing to watch.



Fearless Neon Neon

"Stainless Stye" by Neon Neon is a bold song collection that contains music touching on various aspects of seduction and relationships. "I Lust U","Yo Majesty-Sweat Shop", and "Fat Lip-Luxury Pool" are among some of the multiple songs featured that epitomize the daring music style of "Stainless Style" by Neon Neon.



Reluctant Heart

"Fallin For You" by Colbie Caillat is a moving song about a romantic who obviously has passionate feelings about someone else, but prefers to hide it out of concern of how the other person may feel. It is made obvious with the such lyrics as "I am trying not to tell you but I want to, I'm scared of what you'll say." Nonetheless, "Fallin For You" by Colbie Caillat is both an enlivening and bright music tune.



Stimulating Melody Trifecta
"Ministry of Sound One" is a three cd various artist collection that contains a superb mix of pop, dance, and electronica hits from the 80's, 90's, and 2000's era. There are 18 songs on each of the three cds (with all 54 being by a diverse range of artists). The following listing is a mini-sampler of the excellent songs contained on "Ministry of Sound One" compilation:
Disc 1
Hey Boy Hey Girl by The Chemical Brothers We Come 1 by Faithless
Rendezvu by Basement Jaxx Singin In The Rain by Mint Royale
Sing It Back by Moloko Satisfaction by Benny Benassi Presents The Biz
Disc 2
Lola's Theme by The Shapeshifters Love At First Sight by Kylie Minogue
Toca's Miracle by Fragma Call On Me Eric Prydz Don't Give Up by Chicane Feat. Bryan Adams Heaven by DJ Sammy Feat. Yanou & Do 9 PM Till I Come by ATB Now You're Gone by Basshunter
Disc 3
Rhythm Is A Dancer by Snap (91 version) Push The Feeling On (94 version) by The Nightcrawlers
Mr. Vain by Culture Beat Boom Boom Boom by The Outhere Brothers
Let Me Be Your Fantasy by Baby D Pump Up The Volume by M/A/R/R/S (87 version)
Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) by Soul II Soul feat. Caron Wheeler
Ministry Of Sound: One (three cd set) is a thrilling compilation to have for those who enjoy dance, pop, and/or electronica compilations by various artists.

Oasis Classics
"Oasis Greatest Hits" contains a varied music mix that showcases some of the band's best songs.  "Wonderwall", "Live Forever", "Little by Little", and "Don't Look Back In Anger" are some of the pleasing music tunes within this collection. "Oasis-Time Flies 1994-2009" is good for those who like indie rock/alternative rock collections.



Original and Satisfying Trance

Due to my strong interest in unique dance/trance music compilations, I first obtained Dream Dance-Lost Trance Classics" in February 2010. There are a solid mix of 42 songs within this compilation and the complete song listing is available on Amazon Germany. Currently, "Child Of The Universe" by Taucher and "Strange World" by Push are two of my favorite songs on this collection. Of course, there are many more fascinating musicians/music tracks on this cd, and "Dream Dance-Lost Trance Classics" is good for those who enjoy various artist collections from the trance music genre.



Scare College

"Monster's University" is an exalting animated film that follows the character of Mike and his comical journey of how he meets up with Sulley in college. They start out as rivals at the college, but eventually are forced to unite together when they recruit other fellow students into a team that they are building. "Monster's University is good for those who like quirky animated films.



Soldier Operating Procedure
"Standard Operating Procedure" follows the plight of what happened to some of the former soldiers from the Abu Gharaib Prison scandal. There is an implication that more highly trained and higher ranking officials were involved than just the men and women featured in the documentary. Charles Graner was one of the men who was involved, but not shown in the documentary. However, his wife Megan Graner recalls what happened. In my humble opinion, it was tragic all around in regards to both the scandal and what happened to the soldiers. However, I would have to say that Lynndie England really got the shaft in more ways than one. England is honest enough to admit that Graner influenced her to pose in those photos and that she did it for love. However, at the time of that interview, he still had little to do with their son. Additionally, she was still seeking employment years after the incident ( as per an NBC news article on her from March 19 2013). I actually hope that things get better for Lynndie England because she served her time for the incidents and her son's life also hangs in the balance. There is much more sensitive information than what I just mentioned and "Standard Operating Procedure" is good to watch for those who believe that there are always at least two sides to every story.



The Sorcerer's Dilemma
"The Sorcerer And The White Snake" is a supernatural and eccentric movie about a sorcerer named Abott Fahai who is doing his best to spiritually combat the demon problem plaguing his community. Fahai's job becomes even more complicated when a white snake named Susu uses her ability to shape shift into a beautiful human female and enchant Xu Xian. Xu Xian falls in love with Susu and Abbott Fahai naturally becomes concerned as to the spiritual balance that is going to play out among other men and women living nearby. Jet Li gives a strong effort in his role to help bring spiritual balance. Huang Shengyi, Raymond Lam, Wen Zhang, and Charlene Choi play significant parts to the plot as well. "The Sorcerer And The White Snake" is a good film for those who like fantasy movies with spiritual themes.


Pilot Suspense
`Homeland' (pilot episode) features the journey of character Carrie Mathison having to carefully find out if the character of Nicholas Brody, a former marine, is an undercover Al Qaeda operative. The characters of David Estes and Saul Berenson heavily factor into Carrie's professional life. The interesting part of this episode is that this must all be done without Brody knowing (due to legal redtape). "Homeland" (pilot episode) is good for those who like political thrillers set in the Washington D.C. area.

High Society Relationship Games
"The Rules of The Game" is both a dramatic and enticing film about men and women from high French society who become involved in shocking exploits of their time. There ends up being more than one romantic affair that starts up during the events and the ending unfolds completely different than what is let on during the middle part of the film.

Unconventional Exploration Among Friends
"A Good Old Fashioned Orgy" is a campy film that follows the summer events of close friends who get together for major parties. At least two of the men spearhead a plan that would involve a wild party during labor day weekend. The film ended up being slightly different from what I expected, but still good. The following listing includes some of the actors/actresses included in "A Good Old Fashioned Orgy": Jason Sudekis, Leslie Bibb, Lake Bell,Michelle Borth, Nick Kroll,Angela Sarafyan, Lindsay Sloane, Martin Starr, Lucy Punch, Will Forte, and Don Johnson.



 "Game of Flowery Emotions

"The Game Of Love" by Carlos Santana feat. Michelle Branch is an alluring song that seems to be about someone giving the singer jittery feelings of infatuation (akin to having a crush on someone). Michelle Branch's vocals and the music of the song fit perfectly together. The duet with Carlos Santana, and the romantic music video are both superb.



Desiring From Afar?

"I Wanna Be With You" by Mandy Moore strongly alludes to a song about the singer having romantic feelings about someone else. However, for some reason, it appears that she cannot bring herself to let the person know due to being unsure how they feel. The music video to the song is also very well done.



Neil Diamond Hits

"The Very Best of Neil Diamond" by Neil Diamond is a collection of 23 songs that feature music tunes such as "Forever In Blue Jeans", "Cherry Cherry", "Play Me","Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon" (from the Pulp Fiction film), and "Solitary Man" (plus more). "The Very Best of Neil Diamond" is a classic folk rock/soft rock collection.



Emotional Intensity Rising
"Firestarter" by Samantha Jade is an exciting song that seems to be about a person who invokes a sense of passion, happiness, and strong excitement. "Firestarter" by Samantha Jade contains the right blend of pop, dance, and trance elements. "Firestarter" by Samantha Jades makes for a good energetic playlist.



Mystical Crystal

I admit that I had only heard of `The Dark Crystal" because of my husband owning this dvd (which he has now done so for at least over ten years). "The Dark Crystal" is an uncommon film that involves a being named Jen who must simultaneously help to save his world from darkness. He is on a quest to find the crystal shard and must be careful to do it while evading the skekses. Jen ends up getting a little help on his journey when he meets Kira. Obviously, there is much more to this story and "The Dark Crystal" is great for those who enjoy fantasy movies.



Magical Happenings

"The Color of Magic" follows the zany and quirky adventures of a wizard and his reluctant assistant as they end up in one crazy incident after another. Events become even more interesting when the men meet a gifted but abrasive wizard who has little qualms about how he treats others in his quest for more power. The addition of the archetype of the Death character also adds a unique twist to the movie's plot. The following actors/actresses are among those featured in "The Color Of Magic": Sean Astin, Christopher Lee,David Jason, Jeremy Irons, Brian Cox, David Bradley, Janet Suzman,Tim Curry, Laura Haddock, Nigel Planner, Karen David, James Cosmo, Liz Brice, and Stephen Marcus.