Book Review #19 - A World Without Heroes

A World Without Heroes
Brandon Mull

When I first started this book I was expecting something along the lines of a Piers Anthony fantasy/humor style. But it goes beyond that.
  What starts with light-hearted humor such as a human-swallowing hippo and a botched rescue attempt end up with something more dark and compelling.

  The story is about a boy who falls into another world by accident and is only trying to find a way home. Along the way he accidentally stumbles on to a rather large problem, everyone assumes he is a chosen one who will say a secret, magic word that will defeat Maldor, the evil king. Even Maldor believes it and starts hunting him immediately.
  As the story progresses we meet several interesting characters, locations, puzzles, and traps to test our hero. Although it does have an Anthony feel to it (without the puns), the book does manage to stand out and be different. A good read for book lovers into fantasy.

4/5

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Book Review #18 - World Religions

World Religions
Robert Pollock

This one you can judge by the cover. This book is a basic guide to most major religions, philosophies, and beliefs still active around the world. You will not find ancient mythology such as Greek, Roman, or Egyptian myths. Neither will you find individual details about Native American, African, or Pacific Island beliefs.
If you are just looking for a bare bones guide to active religions, you've come to the right place. I would not recommend this book for study on any one particular religion, although it does mention good source material to get more information, including holy books, scripture, and other religious material.

4/5

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Advice #6

Advice #6 - How to Make the "Poor Man Sandwich"

Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Saltine Crackers

Step 1: Using a butter knife, spread the peanut butter onto a cracker.

Step 2: Place second cracker on top of peanut butter

Step 3: Enjoy!

Makes as many servings as you have crackers and peanut butter. Great as a snack or an appetizer at parties!

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Achievement Unlocked: THE IN-CROWD, FAN, ITS A START

DANIEL CHISHOLM - LEVEL 1
POINT TOTAL: 35
LAST ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: THE IN-CROWD, FAN, ITS A START

• Post a blog - Achievement: "BEGINNER" Give yourself a pat on the back. 5 points.
• Post On Blog For 10 Days - Achievement: "TWEETER" Link to Facebook. 5 points.
• Post On Blog For 30 Days - Achievement: "THE IN-CROWD" Write a blog about myself. 10 points.
• Post On Blog For 60 Days - Achievement: "JOURNAL" Buy a video game. 15 points
• Post On Blog For 6 Months - Achievement: "BLOGGER" Buy and spend 40 Wii points. 25 points.
• Post On Blog For 1 Year - Achievement: "BLOG MASTER" Buy a book, DVD, and game. 50 points.
• Save $100 - Achievement: "PIGGY-BANK" Spend $10 on books. 5 points.
• Save $500 - Achievement: "PENNY PINCHER" Spend $50 on yourself. 10 points.
• Save $1000 - Achievement: "SAVER" Spend $100 on yourself. 25 points.
• Save $5000 - Achievement: "INVESTOR" Spend $500 on yourself. 50 points.
• Read 1 Book - Achievement: "DR. SEUSS" Smile, you read a book. 5 points.
• Read 10 Books - Achievement: "HARRY POTTER" Buy 5 more books. 10 points.
• Read 25 Books - Achievement: "WHEEL OF TIME" Buy 10 more books. 25 points.
• Read 50 Books - Achievement: "STEPHEN KING" Buy 25 more books. 50 points.
• Write 1 New Review - Achievement: "FAN" Post review on blog. 5 points.
• Write 10 New Reviews - Achievement: "SCHOOL EDITORIAL" Buy a notebook. 10 points.
• Write 25 New Reviews - Achievement: "TOWN PAPER" Buy a book on writing. 25 points.
• Write 50 New Reviews - Achievement: "CRITIC" Buy 5 books. 50 points.
•  Write A Short Story - Achievement: "NOVICE WRITER" Buy a book of short stories. 25 points.
•  Write A Novel - Achievement: "WRITER" Buy 10 books by at least 5 different new authors. 100 points.
•  Run A Mile Without Stopping - Achievement: "TRACK" Buy $25 in clothes. 10 points.
•  Bike 10 Miles In One Session - Achievement: "TRAINING WHEELS" Buy a bike light. 10 points.
•  Bike 25 Miles In One Session - Achievement: "HUFFY" Write about your travels. 15 points.
•  Bike 50 Miles In One Day - Achievement: "LANCE ARMSTRONG" Go out to dinner. 25 points.
•  Own A Car - Achievement: "LEMON"  Drive to Vegas and par-tay! 100 points!
•  Get My License - Achievement: "DRIVER'S ED" Go out to dinner, drink and celebrate! 50 points.
•  Own An MP3 Player - Achievement: "IPOD" Spend the day loading music onto it. 15 points.
•  Work Full-Time - Achievement: "9-5" Go out to dinner. 20 points.
•  Get Promoted - Achievement: "MONKEY SUIT" Go out to dinner. 20 points.
•  Get A Raise - Achievement: "CHA-CHING" Spend $50 on yourself from next paycheck. 20 points.
• Live On My Own - Achievement: "INDEPENDENT" Throw a party. 25 points.
• Live In A Two-Bedroom - Achievement: "SPACE" Buy 2 bookcases. 30 points.
• Brush My Teeth For A Week - Achievement: "ITS A START" Smile. 5 points.
• Brush My Teeth For A Month - Achievement: "FRESH BREATH" Buy a new brush. 10 points.
• Brush My Teeth For 6 Months - Achievement: "SQUEAKY CLEAN" Take more pictures. 20 points.
• Brush My Teeth For A Year - Achievement: "SHINY" Buy a new camera. 40 points. 
• Do 50 Push-Ups in 5 Minutes - Achievement: "SCRAWNY" Join a gym. 10 points.
• Do 50 Push-Ups in 2 Minutes - Achievement: "BOOT CAMP" Buy a game and book. 20 points.
• Do 100 Push-Ups in 5 Minutes - Achievement: "MUSCLE MAN" Buy new clothes and take more pics. 40 points.
• Survive The Buffalo Wild Wings "Blazin' Challange" - Achievement: "BLAZIN'" Blog about event. 15 points.
• Clean Every Weekend For A Month - Achievement: "MAID" Buy a decoration for the bedroom. 5 points.
• Clean Every Weekend For 6 Months - Achievement: "JANITOR" Take pictures of the clean place. 25 points.
• Clean Every Weekend For A Year- Achievement: "MR. CLEAN" Buy another bookcase and 20 more books. 40 points.

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Book Review #17 - The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures

Colin Dempsey

You know, for being "the ultimate encyclopedia" it would have a lot more information. There are around a hundred different mythical creatures, most of which are already well known, and with only a page or two on each. I've gotten more information from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings (which are both mentioned in this book.) It barely mentioned Eastern, Native American, and Eastern European mythological creatures. I feel like I was cheated out of my money. Definitely NOT worth buying or even using for research.

2/5

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Book Review #16 - Uncle John's Endlessly Engrossing Bathroom Reader

 

Uncle John's Endlessly Engrossing Bathroom Reader

Bathroom Reader's Institute

Another BR book I got for Christmas. So far, my favorite of the one's I've read.  Like all the other BR books, it is nothing but anecdotes, stories, history, and random facts to keep the reader entertained. I learned a lot reading it, and it definitely passed the time (if you know what I mean ;) )

4/5

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Book list finished!

After several grueling nights, I have finished compiling my book list. Total count - 393 books. I'm disappointed. Even tough that is more than I started with last year, its not over the 400 I was shooting for. In fact, at one point I had around 470 books, but gave some away and sold quite a few at a series of garage sales. Add that to the fact I was unemployed for two months and am still only working part-time I guess its a wonder I have as many as I do. Here's shooting for 600 books this year!


http://www.librarything.com/catalog/dchish23

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