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Not having invested in HBO, I recently purchased season two of the HBO series Rome. The series integrates historical figures with fictional characters to weave a version of history that both educates and entertains. Season one plays out under the arc of the story of Julius Caesar, starting with his rise, and ending with his assassination. One of the special features on the DVD is a set of educational subtitles that help explain some of the action, custom, sayings, etc. along the way.
Season two is about the complicated maneuvering of Octavian, Caesar's young nephew who is named as his son and heir. Not only does he have to work around his conniving mother, who is Mark Antony's lover, but also around Antony and Brutus, who are both interested in power for very different reasons. He plays the unexpected underdog, and uses his brains, rather than brawn or honorable politics. On the less powerful side of the coin, the friendship of fictional Verenas and Pullo is again at the center of this power struggle, and beautifully done.
As well as the series is played out--it's more carnal and brutal than the first season--it's only ten episodes long, too short for me. I understand that there are no plans for season three (wahhhh!) but there is a petition circulating to bring it back. The Cinecitta film studio, a historical stage where Rome is filmed, also recently experienced a fire that destroyed a portion of the set. The latest rumor is that another market might pick up production, so this fan can only hope.
From The Romance Studio (Thanks to Jerri for pointing it out!)
From the beginning, Ms. Marty Kindall had her 'work cut out for her.' Being the fourth in the series, the standards were so high that it would take an exceptional plot and characters to maintain the benchmark! I can assure you that Ms. Kindall was able to deliver the necessary criterion.
The characters are diversified and so believable that it is almost impossible to put this book down. The plot, while not completely new, is fresh and well written. The presentation of Aidan from a man headed for seminary to a man who bootlegs to have the necessary money to escape with Grace is awesomely portrayed!
Ms. Kindall has, indeed, maintained the high standards set by the previous authors of this series. When you read this, you will, as do I, anxiously await the next offering!
~ Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio
Full review HERE
I've been somewhat remiss in blogging...except there isn't really any news. It's a lot of sitting around and waiting for something to happen. Let's see...a laptop is winging its way to me from the West Coast (thanks Jerry). I shall be wireless! If I can manage to plug everything in correctly, which is ironic considering, well, wireless, right?
I also interviewed for a new position with my current employer. I'm excited about the opportunity, but a little blue because it will take me out of the classroom for at least a short period of time. However, a freelance opportunity has also come my way that might help fill that void.
On the writing front, I'm taking some advice and reading craft books. This was also a tough decision for me, not that I'm adverse to learning or honing. I'm a honer, believe me. A recent review of a WIP brough 'round the fact (again) that I don't write "romance" per se. So, the decision seems to be to either keep my current style and stay with smaller presses. Or, if I want to try the Big Houses, I'll have to...hone. I'll never know if I don't hone. A-honing I will go.
Now, that makes it sound like I've been superbusy, lol. One other interesting thing has happened--I've gotten reconnected with several people I'd lost track of over the years. So, Maria, I've tried to e-mail you, but they keep bouncing back as undeliverable. Leave me a comment here with some contact info because I'd love to talk. Hi to Holly and Johnny, too. Thanks for looking me up!
Has anyone read these books? Because I'm feeling the need!
I'm not a Matt Damon fan. Yes, he's better than Affleck any day, but the Bourne movies are really the only ones I've really loved him in. The third installment does not disappoint. Action from the get-go, a twisty plot with surprises along the way, and an opening at the end for yet another sequel.
What you get: all out action. The fight and chase scenes are spectacular. So much so that I'd go back just to see them. An interesting plot. There are some surprises with regard to who's working for whom, and why. All the questions are not answered, which leaves room for another movie. I'm interested in how they make him both a cold-blodded killer and a very sympathetic character.
What you don't get: well, all the questions answered. You get enough to feel satisfied with the ending, but happy that there's wiggle room and the possibility to see Bourne fight another day. I give it an A-.
And to that mother who brought her 8 year old son to such a violent flick? SHAME ON YOU!!!
Pardon my short absence while I lazed on the beach, becoming a golden-skinned sun goddess surrounded by cabana boys and fruity drinks. Every Diva needs a few days, and mine were in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.
Remember when I was looking for things to watch on TV? Well, here you go:
Mad Men (AMC Thursdays @ 10 p.m. EST)
Set on Madison Avenue in 1960, this tale showcases the employees of Sterling Cooper, a top-flight ad agency. It takes not-so-subtle jabs at the 'advances' we've made since then in the areas of women and minorities in the workplace. Great lines like, "What, do you think there's a magic machine that makes copies?" and "If my dry cleaning ends up on the floor, you're in a lot of trouble, young lady!"--when a child comes into view with a plastic dry-cleaning bag over her head. It's tongue-in-cheek gone wild, and makes you wonder...how much has really changed?
The Company (TNT - in 3 parts starting Sunday, August 5 @ 8 p.m. EST)
Starring Chris O'Donnell (with really bad hair), Michael Keaton, and Alfred Molina as Cold War spies serving in the new CIA. Covers events like the Bay of Pigs, and Gorbachav's initiatives to end the war. Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Littell.
And in the theatre...there are polar bears!
Golden Compass (release December 7, 2007)
Arctic Tale (now showing in limited release, full release August 17, 2007)