Gone Girl

Many people have raved to me about this book.  I finally got to read it this week. It was nice flight reading material. It took a little time to get into the story, but once it starts going…it does not stop. Holy page turner. This book truly blew my mind.

Mr. Nick Dunne is married to Ms. Amy Elliot Dunne. Amy is perfect, as described in her parents' children's book series, Amazing Amy. Nick and Amy are both writers too. They lived in New York City, but some hardships have sent them back to the good ole midwest. While living in Missouri, Amy goes missing... 

And who do the police believe was involved? The husband, of course.

When did Amy go missing? On their fifth anniversary. Nice timing, right? The media plays a large role in the investigation and sways the public in so many directions. Amy prepared her traditional "treasure hunt" for Nick's anniversary present. Each clue is an inside joke between the two of them, leading Nick to the next location where he will eventually find his present. These clues help unravel his wife's whereabouts and what might have happened to her.

I'm not going to elaborate or give anything away because thats what makes this book so good. However, I will say that its amazing how certain people's minds work. Intelligence can be used for good and evil. The story is separated into three sections and at each one, a switch is flipped and everything that you thought before is now thrown out the door. 

I will say that I was a little disappointed in the ending. I expected justice. And I will leave it at that. 

Enjoy!

To everyone that recommended this book to me, Thank you! Great read. 

Waiting to Be Heard

Although I have not been following Amanda Knox's story or trial from the beginning, I remember hearing about her on the news and her traumatic life events. I went into reading this book with an open mind. I also took into account that this was written by her, so there is going to be some sort of bias. As I continued to read, I realized that this was her experience and aside from it all, the facts are the facts.

If there is one thing I missed out on, it was studying abroad. Out of everything I did in college, that it one thing I regret. Amanda, however, was able to do that with the blessing of her family. All in all, she was a normal girl. Most of how she portrayed her life as a college student, I could relate to. I think any American could.

In November 2007, Amanda's room mate in Perugia, Italy was murdered. The way Amanda depicts her account seems reasonable. Whats amazing to me is how naive she was to confess (even under pressure and physical harm, even sleep deprevation) and point the finger at someone else. Maybe since I'm more aware of the law and how it works, I find this mind boggling. You never, by any means, confess to something you did not do. Because even if the truth comes out, you are not a credible witness. At that point, I would have asked for an attorney just so I wouldn't have to speak anymore. The police of Perugia pressured her and pressured her to make her "cooperate" with them and tell them what she knew... and then it got real and they started putting words in her mouth. All the while, she is a naive, foreigner wanting to help the police catch the person that murdered her room mate and friend.

I'm not sure where the red flags were finally seen, but in my opinion, plain common sense was not used on her part. The police put her in jail "for her safety." Give me a break. No witness is put in jail, unless they are a suspect. Amanda was put in jail and then she was charged. Red flag. Red flag. Red flag. Where is my attorney?

In this case, the police were out to get her. I tried to be optimistic, but there is no way an impartial juror or judge could convict someone based on a coerced confession (homeless, alcoholic man) and fabricated (not obtained by international protocol) evidence.

I thought this memoir was a great read. It gave me a real insight into the injustice justice system in Italy. It seems their media is taken as fact even more than in America. Except their media is apparently, used in the court room too. Very sad, truly. Justice is not making anyone pay for a crime, its about making the correct people pay for their crime. All after given the opportunity to prove that they are not guilty, in front of a jury of their unbiased peers. Seems fair. Unless  the media digs up skeletons in your closet, twists them into lies, and lays them out for the whole world to see. Not to mention, the jury that decides your fate. Oh and did I mention, the investigators and forensic scientists would forget about any international regulations and rules for obtaining evidence in your case, to make sure that it wasn't contaminated? Not very fair to me.

We all know that she is exonerated in the end, but I had to take a step back and remember that this isn't just a story... This was a real American girl, just like me. I can't imagine my family sticking by me through the emotional and financial burden. I would love to hear the other side of things too.

So, if you are looking to find out more about her story, pick up Waiting to Be Heard: Amanda Knox.

13 Nights of Halloween

ABC Family hosts 13 Nights of Halloween each year. They compile a line-up for 13 nights of movies leading up to all hallow's eve. I try to tune in each night to get in the spirit, but sometimes I have other flicks in mind. So, I decided to create my own list... These are movies that I love to watch during this Fall season, drinking some apple cider, carving jack-o-lanterns, and putting together my costume. Some are for everyone and some aren't for kids. These are movies that I watched growing up and still watch to this day during all hallow's eve.

I usually try to pick a couple of these up each year if I see them in the $5.00 bin or on sale, to have my own marathon of spooky films. If you don't own them, I urge you to rent them from Apple or some other online service because I guarantee that video stores will have empty shelves. 

Saturday, October 19th

BEETLEJUICE

Is it bad that whenever I see someone wearing black and white thick stripes, all I can think about is Beetlejuice? Learn about the life of the recently deceased and their struggle with the living. 

Whatever you do, do not say his name 3 times!

Sunday, October 20th

SCREAM TRILOGY

This journey with Sydney Prescott is one of my favorite trilogies (now with a 4th) of all time. As the series moves forward, the story of her mother continues to unravel to the truth. Unfortunately, with a ton of casualties. I think one of my favorite parts is the trilogy within the trilogy. Sydney deals with her story being told through the horror flick, Stab...which turns into its own trilogy. Who doesn't love a little blood and guts during Halloween?

Monday, October 21st

HALLOWEENTOWN

The Disney Channel has always put out awesome original movies. I loved this one growing up. The Disney Movie Club actually has a dual dvd with Halloweentown and Halloweentown II. Great purchase. 

Tuesday, October 22nd

THE RING

7 days... Who wasn't scared by this movie? I think Samara is easily one of the creepiest things I have ever seen. Nightmares for weeks, when it first came out. 

Wednesday, October 23rd

DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL & TROUBLE

When I went to my grandparents' house, this is the movie I would rent. I think all girls love Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Very cute and spooky movie for kids. 

Thursday, October 24th

THE CRAFT

Talk about scary. These four witches find their powers, but some use them for evil. This movie still terrifies me at times. 

Friday, October 25th

CASPER

The friendly ghost... Casper gives ghosts a good name with his caring and lovable personality.

Saturday, October 26th

THIRTEEN GHOSTS

First time I ever watched Thirteen Ghosts was after going to a haunted house, with a bunch of friends in 8th grade. The hole concept of 13 ghosts is intriguing. It reminds me of the 7 deadly sins, in a way. Prepare to be introduced to the life of a ghost hunter.

Sunday, October 27th

FRANKENWEENIE

Tim Burton always delivers... Mike got Frankenweenie for me and I'm so glad he did. I never saw it in theaters, but its so cute. Its all in black and white, with odd looking characters. Imagine bringing back to life your very own frankenstein... in dog form.

Monday, October 28th

SLEEPY HOLLOW

I've ways been drawn to this movie. Johnny Depp plays a great role.  Christina Ricci seems to love playing in scary movies.

Tuesday, October 29th

THE PUPPET MASTER

My dad introduced me to The Puppet Master at a young age. Watching it now, I wonder what he was thinking because these "puppets" are ruthless. Super scary little things. This flick is not to be confused with a children's movie. Very disturbing material.

Wednesday, October 30th

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

This is the first Tim Burton movie I ever saw and it is a classic, in my book. It has just the right amount of scary, creative, and cute. 

Thursday, October 31st

HOCUS POCUS

One of the all time greats, Hocus Pocus. I was obsessed with this movie growing up. I didn't have it on DVD, so I would make sure that I knew all the dates it would be on during the month of October. Very cute movie about the Salem Sanderson Sisters and one boy's brave (yet naive) light of a the black flame candle. "Its all just a little Hocus Pocus!"

These are my 13 Nights of Halloween. However, if you are looking to add some more for a marathon, check out The Skeleton Key, Saw (series), The Addams Family (Values), Ernest: Scared Stupid, and Tales from the Crypt. All great choices. Enjoy your spook-talcular nights!

On the Glass

One of the partners at the firm I work for has season tickets for the Carolina Hurricanes...oh, and they are ON THE GLASS, right next to the visitor's penalty box. Since the Hurricanes play the Chicago Blackhawks only once this season (at Carolina), I asked him if he was using them. He didn't hesitate and said that we could have them. So, here we are on this wonderful Tuesday night, watching the Hurricanes take on the Blackhawks. Unbelievable seats. We've sat in them before, but this was different. Its the Chicago Blackhawks, people! Mike was in his glory. I don't think he could have been more happy. 

To be honest, I think I saw more Blackhawks fans than Hurricanes. It was kind of sad to see for Carolina, but great to be surrounded by like-minded people. We were told by some season ticket holders that the crowd is usually split between fans. Why you ask? Because the tickets are half the price down here. Other teams' fans take buses down to Carolina because the tickets are so much cheaper. 

It was awesome to see all these guys up close during warm-ups. 

 Heres Mike, giddy as ever, with Hjalmarsson (a little blurry) in the background. 

 These were all taken with only my iPhone, so you can tell how close we were. 

 Round of applause for the three Blackhawks that went to the visitors penalty box last night. Our seats were literally right next to it. 

Exciting game for both teams. But, SHARPIE WITH THE WIN! It was cool to see him score his 200th career goal too! 

I'm so glad we were able to go to the game (since they only play once), let alone sit in these great seats. So much fun!

Go BLACKHAWKS!