I've been having trouble commenting for a few days now. At first I thought it was just a problem commenting on others blogs, but a couple days ago I realized I can't reply to comments on here either. How fucking annoying. I don't get many comments anyway, so I like to reply when someone does. Now I just feel rude.
Is anyone else having this problem? Is there anyway I can fix it or is this all Bloggers fault? Help!
To show my gratitude, here's a pun.
Edit:
HA! SUCCESS! FUCK YOU NON-COOPERATIVE COMMENT FORM! I AM VICTORIOUS!
After much googling, I found it was a problem that has something to do with 3 parties with cookies! Go figure.
What Elaina Thinks
My name is Elaina. And this is what I think about stuff and things.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Print vs. Screen: World War Z
Killing two zombies with one bullet in this review. Get it? Like birds and a stone, except zombies? Cause 2-in-1 review.....about zombies? Get it? Zombies? Ha ha.....Yep....I'm killin' it.
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzQy2V9SaiY/Uia914zxvtI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/p5n_W7EP1aY/s400/World_War_Z_book_cover.jpg)
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-hI1UpiiGN0I/Uia91l-cqaI/AAAAAAAAAUM/a9YrXucx38A/s400/World+War+Z+movie+poster.jpg)
I know a few people who have read and loved World War Z and had added it to my ever growing to-read list. When I heard it was being made into a movie I was even more excited about it. The preview for the movie was thrilling. It looked like a very good story. And I noticed that the zombies in the movie were the worst kind (super fast) and knew that they would thoroughly freak me out, which is always fun. So this made me move the book closer to the top of my to-read list (not that it really matters cause I usually add things on top when I find another really good book) since I would rather read books before I see the tv or movie versions.
I should probably pause here and mention my slight paranoia when it comes to a zombie apocalypse (or any apocalypse, really). Every now and then I catch myself thinking, "But what if a zombie virus does spread? What will I do? Could I survive? Could I protect my kid?" And then I seriously think of a plan of action, just in case. This only lasts about 5-10 minutes and then I laugh at myself and go about my day because zombies aren't real. Right? Right? Do I have enough materials to board up all of our windows? It hasn't become a serious problemyet. I mean, I'm not an apocalypse prepper or survivalist. (Even though I have totally given that a good 5 minute thought a time or two.) But every now and then I look through our cabinets and guesstimate how long we could make it on the food that we have. My friends, of course, laugh at me and one bought me The Zombie Survival Guide, also by Max Brooks, as a joke for my birthday.
I don't really think that zombies would ever become a real life problem, but I also believe that most anything is possible. There are many weird viruses and shit that could possibly result in crazy, zombie-like characteristics, but I don't think it's probable. Still, it makes zombie movies, tv shows, and books very scary and exciting for me.
So I finally started reading World War Z about 2 weeks ago. And......it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It begins with the narrator telling us about the state of the world and why. Then he explains that the book is a collection of interviews he conducted as a UN Investigator during the Zombie War. Each chapter is an interview with a different person. There are few questions so as not interrupt each person's account too often.
My problem was losing focus on the story that it was telling. It felt like I was really reading an interview about a zombie apocalypse, which I'm sure a lot of people would like. It would make the entire thing seem more real. But for me, I kept visualizing the guy sitting and talking with each person. I had a hard time visualizing the story they were telling. And as I read a book I usually have a movie version in my head the whole time. I like being able to see it all.
So I kinda gave up on the book and read something else. I tried again a couple days ago, but still couldn't get into it. I'm not sure if I will ever finish it even though I really wanted to. Again, this is just my preference on writing style. I thought that the story itself (what I read of it) was really very interesting.
I knew from the preview that the movie had to have more action than the book. And I didn't think it would have as much sitting and talking either. I mean, it's a movie. They always add more excitement. So I wasn't too afraid that I would be bored to death with it. Mainly because of the crazy fast zombies.
So I finally watched World War Z yesterday. And it did not disappoint (other than Brad Pitt's tragic hair. Just. No.) It was very fast paced and the mannerisms of the zombies, even in their dormant state, were super creepy. I stayed tense and worried for everyone throughout the movie. I cared about the characters, even the smaller ones, and was relieved when people would reach safety.
In this version of a zombie apocalypse, the virus starts and spreads pretty quickly from one country to the next but not many people are taking it seriously because "Zombies? Really?". Gerry Lane (main character and former UN investigator) and his family are caught in a traffic jam and sudden outbreak in Philadelphia. They manage to barely escape and are, eventually, rescued and taken to an aircraft carrier where loads of other survivors have been evacuated to. The guy in chargeforces asks him to assist in finding the origin of the virus and a cure. So he goes with a small military team to find clues on where the virus originated. The movie follows him on this mission. You meet other people that play smaller roles but you find yourself hoping for their safety and being grateful for the part they played in helping Gerry.
The solution to the zombie virus is interesting as well. I don't think I've read a book or saw a movie with a similar solution. I'm not going to claim that it's completely original though. Seems like someone out there has had a similar idea. It wasn't immediately obvious to me but I found myself finding clues as Gerry did and putting it together.
So, when it comes to World War Z book versus the movie, I'd have to say the movie was better. The book is usually better or I like both equally for different reasons. This is a rare occasion for me. It comes down to my inability to focus because of the way the book was written. (It's not you, Max Brooks. It's me) That against the action and intensity of the movie it's really not much of a contest.
I will recommend both movie and book to everyone who is into zombie apocalypse stories. For those that don't have my problems with type of writing I'm sure you will find it entertaining. I'm still hoping to one day make it through the book.
Have you you read World War Z or seen the movie? Which one do you like better?
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzQy2V9SaiY/Uia914zxvtI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/p5n_W7EP1aY/s400/World_War_Z_book_cover.jpg)
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hI1UpiiGN0I/Uia91l-cqaI/AAAAAAAAAUM/a9YrXucx38A/s400/World+War+Z+movie+poster.jpg)
I know a few people who have read and loved World War Z and had added it to my ever growing to-read list. When I heard it was being made into a movie I was even more excited about it. The preview for the movie was thrilling. It looked like a very good story. And I noticed that the zombies in the movie were the worst kind (super fast) and knew that they would thoroughly freak me out, which is always fun. So this made me move the book closer to the top of my to-read list (not that it really matters cause I usually add things on top when I find another really good book) since I would rather read books before I see the tv or movie versions.
I should probably pause here and mention my slight paranoia when it comes to a zombie apocalypse (or any apocalypse, really). Every now and then I catch myself thinking, "But what if a zombie virus does spread? What will I do? Could I survive? Could I protect my kid?" And then I seriously think of a plan of action, just in case. This only lasts about 5-10 minutes and then I laugh at myself and go about my day because zombies aren't real. Right? Right? Do I have enough materials to board up all of our windows? It hasn't become a serious problem
I don't really think that zombies would ever become a real life problem, but I also believe that most anything is possible. There are many weird viruses and shit that could possibly result in crazy, zombie-like characteristics, but I don't think it's probable. Still, it makes zombie movies, tv shows, and books very scary and exciting for me.
So I finally started reading World War Z about 2 weeks ago. And......it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It begins with the narrator telling us about the state of the world and why. Then he explains that the book is a collection of interviews he conducted as a UN Investigator during the Zombie War. Each chapter is an interview with a different person. There are few questions so as not interrupt each person's account too often.
My problem was losing focus on the story that it was telling. It felt like I was really reading an interview about a zombie apocalypse, which I'm sure a lot of people would like. It would make the entire thing seem more real. But for me, I kept visualizing the guy sitting and talking with each person. I had a hard time visualizing the story they were telling. And as I read a book I usually have a movie version in my head the whole time. I like being able to see it all.
So I kinda gave up on the book and read something else. I tried again a couple days ago, but still couldn't get into it. I'm not sure if I will ever finish it even though I really wanted to. Again, this is just my preference on writing style. I thought that the story itself (what I read of it) was really very interesting.
I knew from the preview that the movie had to have more action than the book. And I didn't think it would have as much sitting and talking either. I mean, it's a movie. They always add more excitement. So I wasn't too afraid that I would be bored to death with it. Mainly because of the crazy fast zombies.
So I finally watched World War Z yesterday. And it did not disappoint (other than Brad Pitt's tragic hair. Just. No.) It was very fast paced and the mannerisms of the zombies, even in their dormant state, were super creepy. I stayed tense and worried for everyone throughout the movie. I cared about the characters, even the smaller ones, and was relieved when people would reach safety.
In this version of a zombie apocalypse, the virus starts and spreads pretty quickly from one country to the next but not many people are taking it seriously because "Zombies? Really?". Gerry Lane (main character and former UN investigator) and his family are caught in a traffic jam and sudden outbreak in Philadelphia. They manage to barely escape and are, eventually, rescued and taken to an aircraft carrier where loads of other survivors have been evacuated to. The guy in charge
The solution to the zombie virus is interesting as well. I don't think I've read a book or saw a movie with a similar solution. I'm not going to claim that it's completely original though. Seems like someone out there has had a similar idea. It wasn't immediately obvious to me but I found myself finding clues as Gerry did and putting it together.
So, when it comes to World War Z book versus the movie, I'd have to say the movie was better. The book is usually better or I like both equally for different reasons. This is a rare occasion for me. It comes down to my inability to focus because of the way the book was written. (It's not you, Max Brooks. It's me) That against the action and intensity of the movie it's really not much of a contest.
I will recommend both movie and book to everyone who is into zombie apocalypse stories. For those that don't have my problems with type of writing I'm sure you will find it entertaining. I'm still hoping to one day make it through the book.
Have you you read World War Z or seen the movie? Which one do you like better?
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Bout of Books 8.0 Progress Update
**This post will be updated daily throughout the read-a-thon. **
Monday
Monday
Number of pages read today: 42
Books: World War Z
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Books: World War Z
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: Lot of distractions today. Finally able to read and World War Z was not what I expected. Not bad, but not a fan of the writing style. Just personal preference. Gave up after a while.
Tuesday
Number of pages read today: 460
Books: Vampire Academy & Frostbite (Vampire Academy series #2)
Number of books completed: 2
Books: Vampire Academy & Frostbite (Vampire Academy series #2)
Number of books completed: 2
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: I made up for Monday's reading fail by reading 2 books, one of which was not even on my list. Lol
Wednesday
Number of pages read today: 295 + 346
Books: Shadow Kiss & Blood Promise (Vampire Academy series 3 & 4)
Number of books completed: 2
Number of reviews completed: 0
Books: Shadow Kiss & Blood Promise (Vampire Academy series 3 & 4)
Number of books completed: 2
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: My life This read-a-thon has been taken over by the Vampire Academy series.
Thursday
Number of pages read today: 83 + 103
Books: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy series 5) & Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Books: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy series 5) & Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: Realized I really needed to put down the Vampire Academy series if I wanted to reach my book goals. Review goal is still looking like a fail. Maybe tomorrow?
Friday
Number of pages read today: 237 + 196
Books: Spirit Bound & Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Books: Spirit Bound & Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: This is my only problem with book series. I can't put them down until I have read them all! Even though I knew I had to walk away from the series to have any hope of completing my reading goals, I picked Spirit Bound back up today. Maybe the series will let me go as long as I don't pick up the next one and start it. Give me strength! Glad I quit watching Under the Dome tv series. The beginning felt a little frustrating and slow because I already knew what was happening. But it's so different! Loving it so far.
Saturday
Number of pages read today: 419
Books: Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Books: Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: Not even going to attempt a review at this point. Just want to get the reading done. I might be able to finish Under the Dome, but I don't think I'll be able to read City of Bones at all. MUST. KEEP. READING.
Sunday
Number of pages read today: 123
Books: Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Books: Under the Dome
Number of books completed: 0
Number of reviews completed: 0
Thoughts: This book is so long. Good but long. Probably should have started the read-a-thon with this one.
Monday Wrap-up
Page total : 2304
Book total: 5
Review total: 0
Books read: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound (Not finished: World War Z, Under the Dome)
Book total: 5
Review total: 0
Books read: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound (Not finished: World War Z, Under the Dome)
Goals reached? Nope. lol
Thoughts: Everything would have gone according to plan if I hadn't been distracted by the Vampire Academy series. Lol. I didn't meet my goals, but I did read a lot. And that's the whole idea, right?
This was really fun. I'm glad I decided to join Bout of Books. Looking forward to the next one in January. I'll probably join other read-a-thons or book challenges in the future.
And I'll eventually finish these books and write reviews for them. :D
Thoughts: Everything would have gone according to plan if I hadn't been distracted by the Vampire Academy series. Lol. I didn't meet my goals, but I did read a lot. And that's the whole idea, right?
This was really fun. I'm glad I decided to join Bout of Books. Looking forward to the next one in January. I'll probably join other read-a-thons or book challenges in the future.
And I'll eventually finish these books and write reviews for them. :D
Friday, August 16, 2013
I'm joining Bout of Books 8.0!
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team
I've been planning to review a few books here, but I keep procrastinating. I read a lot, but I get distracted or make excuses why I can't review the books when I finish them. And I feel like I should review books immediately after I read them or I'll forget important details. (My memory is really shitty) So when I heard about The Bout of Books read-a-thon I thought it would be a good way to get into reviewing. Kinda force me into it.
For this read-a-thon I have to share my goals and track my progress. So Tuesday (I think) I will make another post to show my progress and update that post everyday during the read-a-thon. There are also challenges/giveaways hosted by a different blog each day. I will most likely not participate in all of them, but I'm hoping to participate in a couple, at least.
My Goals
Read and review each book on my list.
Books to Read
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
- World War Z by Max Brooks
- Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead*
- Under the Dome by Stephen King
I'm really excited about this! I read all the time but this is the first time I've joined a read-a-thon and I'm looking forward to sharing my progress and seeing others.
You can sign up for the Bout of Books 8.0 here. It starts on Monday, so you still have a few days. Leave me a link if you join so I can check out your goals and progress.
*Edit: Added to list
*Edit: Added to list
Monday, August 12, 2013
July 2013 Glossybox: Le Grande Bleu
**Oops! This post was written as soon as I received the box. I added the pics later that night but clicked on save instead of publish. I just realized this and am too lazy busy to edit it. So just keep in mind that this was written on August 1. Thanks!**
I got a surprise in the mail today. Apparently, Awesome Sanya was feeling generous again. I immediately sent her a text saying she was too good to me. Thank you, Sanya! Love you, dude!
I just received the July Glossybox (in case you missed the title of this post) and it's the first day of August. Hmm....I've heard that others have received their Glossyboxes late. I'm not putting the blame on Glossybox though. I don't know when my friend ordered it. Maybe she ordered it very recently and they shipped it as quickly as possible. The other boxes I received were never too late, but did show up in the last half of the month. Just something to keep in mind if you're planning to subscribe.
I got a surprise in the mail today. Apparently, Awesome Sanya was feeling generous again. I immediately sent her a text saying she was too good to me. Thank you, Sanya! Love you, dude!
I just received the July Glossybox (in case you missed the title of this post) and it's the first day of August. Hmm....I've heard that others have received their Glossyboxes late. I'm not putting the blame on Glossybox though. I don't know when my friend ordered it. Maybe she ordered it very recently and they shipped it as quickly as possible. The other boxes I received were never too late, but did show up in the last half of the month. Just something to keep in mind if you're planning to subscribe.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Influenster: Lifeway Kefir
I received a voucher in the mail from Influenster while I was on vacation. It was very different to get a voucher in the mail from Influenster and not a product to try. I had to go get the product myself. So there was an extra step (or four). *whine* Of course, I love the convenience of no extra steps for me, but I wasn't completely against it since I was still getting to try something for free. (For those that don't know Influenster is a company that sends you things to try for free and all you have to do is complete a survey and share your thoughts via social media. The more active you are the more they'll send you.)
Friday, July 19, 2013
Walmart & Ulta haul
I thought it would be a good idea to share what I bought at Walmart and Ulta. This way you could see things that I'm dying to try and also mention that I was going to be away on my family vacation. I meant to have the post written so I could just edit and post it the day I left. But that totally didn't happen. We left Tuesday to drive 10-ish hours to Kentucky. The drive (and the fact that I didn't sleep at all the night before) completely drained me. And I've been busy visiting family since we got here. So this is super late, but at least it will give you a few ideas of what I will be reviewing when I get back home.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Pintester Movement: Ombre Nails (aka Ombre Fails)
I decided to participate in this round of the Pintester Movement. The Pintester Movement was started by the Pintester, (hilarious and cool chick) Sonja Foust. I decided to re-test her attempt at Ombre Nails. You can find the original post on how to do this at The Nailasaurus.
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