Ted and Team get 5 Stars!
920118
This is the 5th in the Ted Darling series, and it deserves 5 stars.  It is so well plotted and written that you skim along and are finished reading before you expect it to be over. Detective Inspector Ted Darling is a 5-Star character. His personality and sleuthing skills are exemplary, but he can show an angry side when it is called for. He is a memorable character and very likeable. He makes you wish more constabulary were as fair and as smart as he is. not only in figuring out criminals' motives but also in the way he treats his subordinates.

Ted and the Team are back, and it's so good to catch up and read about the latest murders they must solve. I always find myself trying to guess the reasons, if not the culprits, but I seldom can keep up with the way this bright author's mind works while writing her books. This is a great stand-alone book, but I really recommend reading the first four in the series, to grasp a better understanding of these interesting, complex characters. I love starting a new book and settling in to feel like I'm home, visiting with old friends with familiar quirks and personalities. Ted has added some new detectives and sergeants to his team this time because he has been promoted and has responsibility to investigate crimes for a larger area. Each member of his team has some interesting traits that grab your attention and make you eager to find out what they will be doing in the latest book.

Then there's Ted's lover and partner, Trevor, who is loyal, handsome and very intelligent, and speaks several languages.  Their relationship is one of true love and mutual admiration and respect.  Not too sappy, though, they come across just right, or just the way one would wish.

I highly recommend this book, as well as all written by this author.  She never fails to entertain.
2471125
Ted didn't want to think about how he was perceived in the media. He didn't want to know what hashtag of him was trending.

If page one hadnt hooked me, this line alone would have gotten me to read a YA paranormal with the kind of title I normally avoid: Ted Saves the World.

What is it about guys named Ted that they're so ubiquitous in books and movies? Im even more perplexed that the old save the world premise is still going strong. Id be content with saving the old train depot from being demolished for a parking lot. Saving the whole world thats just an unnecessarily ambitious, if not impossible, ambition.

But Im a glutton for coming of age novels and nerds who overcome their nerdiness, upstage the bullies, befriend the downtrodden, and what the heck, get the girl. Having failed to repress all memories of my teenage years, I know that save the world is silly ambition, but get Mark Alexander was more laughably out of reach than be the first woman on Mars.

The authors name (is he related to the Cohen brothers?) and profile photo also piqued my interest. Bryan Cohen looks too young to have relinquished that idealistic notion of doing great things. Does he even have children? Thats a sure way to lower ones global imperatives. Get the kid to eat something or pick up after herself or stop whining consumes all available resources. Save the Children degenerates into Resist infanticide.

But I digress.

Ted isn't the reason I invested time in this book. Erica the cheerleader, the girl too foolish to live long enough to contribute to the gene pool, also isn't the hook. Its the girl who died 300 years ago, after killing her own fianc&eacute;, and keeps getting reincarnated (so to speak) that interests me, along with Natalie, the athlete, whos too tough and too cool to be bullied. Oh, and theres Sandra, the waitress. Jennifer, the sheriffs daughter. This novel is packed with strong female protagonists.

Dont forget the Indian, as Dhiraj, the teen entrepreneur, would remind me. What a great character! Techno-savvy, networking, promoting (he does nothing to discourage the dreaded #Ted hashtags), and earning all his college tuition while in high school. Hes the best comic relief Ive seen in forever, in YA fiction.

From the first page, this novel is full of great lines as well as epic characters. The clearing in the woods. The hand rising from the shallow grave. Its morbid, creepy and disturbing, but compelling. Then the dead girl rises but with another girl animating her no-longer-30-days-decayed body.
It was tough keeping the various lives separate in her head when they all ended the same way, with a completed mission and another painful death, the new Erica thinks. Along comes the sheriff while Erica the slain cheerleader is brushing off dirt and debris and trying to conceal the bullet- and blood-marked cheerleader uniform. She dreaded the first encounter after she crossed over, wondering what it was she was supposed to say. She used to be dead, but now she was all better?

The novel skips from one point of view to another, one flashback to another, in ways that are a little jarring. Cohen makes good use of Deep Point of View, but descriptive details or the power to stir a readers emotions are oddly lacking. The #1 reason Id rate the novel four stars versus five, though (and its a tough call) is that fight scenes always remind me of Power Rangers. Isaac Hookes The Forever Gate rated four stars from me for the same reason. YA readers, though, might love these scenes as much as my son once loved those Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (somehow, he spared me Ninja Turtles).

In all, this is a fun, lighthearted read, with some deeper issues that invite further exploration. I want to know more about William, and whatever connection to him Ted may have. I wonder if Natalie will prevail in matters of the heart the way she prevails in physical battle. Above all, I wonder if Cohen can keep spinning iconic lines like this:

"What the hell are you?" Carter asked.
"I'm Ted," the boy replied.
1458106
I was fortunate enough to have received an advance copy of this new Beastie Boys DVD release.  All I can say is "WOW!  CRITERION'S DONE IT  AGAIN!".  Although I'm not a big fan of their music, this 2-disc set  is packed with so much unusual and fun DVD technology that it makes the  music quite bearable and wholly entertaining, even to this non-rap fan!  I  must admit that the Boys are among the most influential video groups of the  last two decades, and this DVD release clearly shows why.
This 2-disc  anthology fully showcases the potential of DVD technology, with most of the  18 videos containing alternate visual angles (a fun and interesting feature  that's almost never used on standard DVDs) and multiple audio tracks.  There are hundreds of possible image and sound combinations, including new  surround mixes, a cappella versions, and more than 40 remixes by famous DJs  and remixers, including many new ones created exclusively for this release.  Loaded with never-before-seen footage and unreleased music tracks, this  special edition also contains a truckload of rare still photos and  exclusive audio commentary by and interview with the band and the video  directors.  And there's also the world-premiere director's cut of  Nathanial Hornblower's "Intergalactic" spin-off "The Robot  vs. the Octopus Monster Saga."
According to the DVD case, there are  over 100 video angles and audio tracks switchable at any time during  playback, for hours of possible image and sound combinations.  I know that  I've had the DVD set for one week now and I've barely scratched the surface  of everything that's available on this.
One final nice touch:  they've  even included English subtitles for old guys like me (I'm 35) who  absolutely cannot make out what they're rapping about!
An unbelievable  release!  Definitely worthy of the Criterion label.
2450124
As a tweener, I was addicted to the boys' short-lived TV show and used to have a hard time finding their albums even back in the day.  If you want to talk about kids with real talent, John and Tom Keane definitely had it.  Their sound used to have very strong classic Elton John influences (God, check out their tribute to Amy Carter, "Amy," and tell me you don't hear it!), and Tom had one hell of a wailing voice as well as being gifted on the piano.  Brother John was a pretty good drummer even in their early days, and the fact that these two are still around writing hit songs for so many other artists is a very convincing reason to seek out their earliest stuff.  One of Tom's best known songs is "Through the Fire," which became a veritable hit for Chaka Khan, as well as songs for Chicago, and a host of many others.  As kids, they played live to a live backing band, and that's more than you can say for today's group of kiddies like the irritating Justin Bieber.  Check these guys out, and also their later stuff.  The song "Judy" from their later works sounds very Toto like, but has more edge.  Underrated doesn't even begin to discribe the Keane brothers; you owe it to yourself and them to check out as much of their catalog as you can get a hold of!
2726631
Amazing book.  Ted's story-telling is just touching.  You feel as if you are right there and can actually hear his dog's speak.  The research he has done on everything from shelters, to spay/neuter alternatives, to toxic dog toys is second to none and if everyone with a dog would read his books, we'd have much happier dogs.  Thanks Ted and thanks to Merle and Pukka!!!
3055519
Ted Nulty does a great job of Character introduction in a concise way that enables the story to continue to flow. And flow this book does!
i have to read in chunks when I can find time and I was able to move through this book at a rapid pace, mainly because I had a hard time putting it down.  The story moves quickly and keeps your attention from chapter to chapter in a way that makes you want to continue reading even when time doesn't allow for it.
For Ted's first novel, very well written and I hope that he will continue the trend with future projects.
Semper Fi Brother! Keep them coming!
1461792
The story is action packed and very entertaining for a wide variety of ages.  My 4 year old loves it as much as my 9 year old and asked me if we could get more Teddy books because he wants to know what happens to him tomorrow!  The illustrations are colorful and very creative.  It's a fun story to add to our book collection!
4783643
A great story about Rick, Tina, and Opus. Actually, it's about Opus, with Rick and Tina thrown in to give it some human interest. Thoroughly enjoyable! Read it. You'll thank me.
1118818
If you are a fan of these guys, I am confident that you will absolutely love this CD!  You might have to invest a little bit of time in to it but after a few listens you should agree that it's destined to be a classic.  They've had so much great music over the years but I now actually view this as my all time favorite Sixer's CD.  It is truly one great song after another.  When I go to the gym now,  I am having a bit of a problem because I can't get myself to play any other music on my IPOD.  I work out three times a week and I find that after a day or two  I can't resist listening to and singing all of these songs all over again.
My only caution/heads-up is that I kind of question the decision to make the song "The Bear" the first track.  The song is quite different than most SK6ers music and I do know that a few of my immediate family members initially weren't enamored with the CD based on a quick listen to this song.  They have since thanked me profusely for continuing to encourage them to give the CD a chance and it is now on their  frequent playlists also.  And, as to the song - The Bear -  we now all appreciate the genius of it. Sorry for being so windy on this; but these truly are great guys and this CD should rightfully enhance their status and following significantly.

PS. Want to have some bonus fun with the CD?  Put your headphones on and listen closely to the great song named DO.  As the band really gets jamming (1.24 in to the song) you will here someone in the crowd yell WOW!  He's got that right.
4406526
Ive noticed an interesting trend with the Love and Skate series (At least #2 and 3 thus far), is that while the book focuses on setting up a couple and telling their story. The juiciest bits and most satisfying of parts seem to wrap up things from the previous book before it. You really get a sense of it being one cohesive story. Or more like a big bowl of Sylvias pasta passed around the table from one person to the next. And with Down N Derby this is no exception.

ROAD TRIP! Sorry, but thats one of the things (along with toga parties) that need to be announced with a shout. Maddox and his cousin Nixon set off on a cross-country road trip to try and find Maddoxs biological father and maybe even himself. Along the way he runs into Storey, and introduces a few Black family values into Southern California.

We also get much more Falcon and Reed, and this is Falcons time to soar. (Nellie made me use that pun I swear!) We get to really meet the guy everyone swoons over and were treated to the turbulent and touching next chapter in their story.

Another great addition to the series!

Now, where can I get a Honey Bee Pizza?!
2729459
Monty McClaines book for children, Touch Screen Ted, is one of the most interesting, entertaining books in its genre ever to come out in the past several months. I have often bought books for children, and read them myself, so I know when I encounter something of a keepera book that pushes all the right buttons and even inspires kids to ask intelligent questions. And Touch Screen Ted is that rarity.

Touch Screen Ted is about Ted, a construction worker, who one morning on his way to work encounters an astonishing thing: shooting stars. The said shooting stars turn out to be a mysterious rectangular object which modern readers recognize as a touch-screen tablet. But in the context of this story, the said tablet is a Neurocyte, an extra-terrestrial device that has strayed from where it is supposed to be. Ted, unable to figure out the artefact, merely calls it Shinyand from then on treats it as if it were his best friend. And its only the beginningmuch of the storys emotional gravitas, its heart, is unravelled after Shiny arrives. Let me suffice it to say that author Monty McClaine has written something very clever here, crafting a story that engages readers of all ages, while staying true to the books target audience.

The authors life-long background in the IT industry obviously informs the storyit reads like a mix of cyberpunk-fantasy-science fiction, resulting in a tale that is as enjoyable to read as it is fascinating. Perhaps it is safe to say that this is only the beginning of Touch Screen Teds adventures, so if the author can maintain or even exceed the excitement in writing the sequels,  I believe we have a series of childrens books worth waiting for. Highly recommended to children aged from 9 to 11 years, Touch Screen Ted deserves a place on that shelf in the family library. Five stars for this one.
3356086
Agree with Ted or not, it is compelling and full of fantastic nuggets of information!!
74933
After a very long dry spell, Ted erupts with a spectacular body of work in "Sturgeon Is Alive And Well". For those of us who were fortunate enough to know the man, it was a triumph of Man vs. Typewriter with Ted being the clear winner. Sturgeon was one of God's great gifts to the world, and he shows in this collection his awesome mastery of the written word: he will dismiss in a sentence or opening paragraph storytelling that lesser authors would take entire chapters to reveal. In person, Ted was even more amazing than his work suggests, which is tough to believe but very true. This is an excellent showcase of some of his later writing, and one of my favorite of all he ever produced. Here's to "Teddy The Fish", whose work and words will live forever!
3378801
...I bought my copy of Father Ted Vol. 3 from Amazon.com, and I've watched it almost everyday since it arrived in the post.  I've collected all three of the Father Ted DVD sets, and I must say that this is the best.  The discs contain 9 episodes of Father Ted and happily two are my very favorite of the entire series, "Are You Right There,  Father Ted?" and "Speed 3".  I watch these episodes all the time and I laugh just as hard everytime!  In "Are You There, Father Ted?", Father Ted accidently offends the Chinese community on Craggy Island, and everytime he attempts to apologize, something happens to make matters worse!  Of course, that's what's expected in the life of Father Ted.  And in "Speed 3", Father Ted discovers that the local milkman, has been having improper relations with the women on Craggy Island and has him fired.  The vengful milkman attaches a bomb to the bottom of the milkcar that Father Dougal has taken upon himself to takeover.  The bomb is activated when the milkcar goes over 4 mph, and it's up to Father Ted to save Father Dougal.  Yes, it is as silly as it sounds which makes it so funny!
The picture of the DVD is crystal clear and the sound is perfect.  Also, there are tons of Special Features offered on the second DVD that will keep you laughing for ages.  The only disappointment is know that there will be no more Father Ted since the sudden passing of Dermot Morgan, who played Father Ted Crilly. However, thankfully we fans have him forever or these wonderful DVD's to keep us laughing for years to come and remember the joy and laughter he brought to us.
2882483
Not at all disappointed. I do not get how the other reviewers think this book is sub par. Oh well i guess to each his/her own. Anyway, this book has a heart. It made me laugh, cry, and fall in love. Ofcourse the book did not start out with the Ted and Meg as best friends or instant lovers, i liked how it developed in the book. I love how Ted searched and searched for Meg when she ran away. Makes you feel good. Good Job SEP.
851427
Teds introduction does not begin to describe or hint at the greatness of his writing. His detailed descriptions of the Connollys dysfunctions are beyond impressive, magnificent gets close and monumental is a decent adjective. I usually have problems with a book written in Omniscient Narrator, I tend to get confused as we jump from one characters thoughts to another. Ted solved that problem so well, I was able to follow every last little bit.
O those little bits and pieces, Ted has examined and enlarged the thoughts, interactions and psychiatric strategies of all the characters. These people are real and very three dimensional, their thoughts, hopes and dreams are laid bare for us and at times it is wonderful and sometimes very painful, even distasteful.
This is one family you will not soon forget.
I found a handful of spelling errors, so 4.9 of 5 stars!
2361023
This album is one of the best techno albums i've heard in a while. My friend had the song "Twilight Zone" going in his car and it reminded me why I never bought the cd back in 95'. This cd really dose make you want to get up and dance! With Anita's melodic voice and Ray's firey raps you can't go wrong! But if your like me and belive that the music compositions are what make the group so great then you'll truly appreciate this album. Other groups to recomend are Cultue Beat, AB Logic(If you manage to find a copy) and Black Box.