Reviews by WhitechapelMaiden

WhitechapelMaiden says "This could be anyone's little angel" about My Lost Little Angel

WhitechapelMaiden — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:57:07 GMT

How does one even begin to approach this horrid, gruesome true story about the atrocities committed against Shanda Sharer? Moreover, how does an author write objectively, so all sides can be seen and the reader can draw his or her own conclusions about Shanda and the four girls who killed her?

Michael Quinlan manages to do this, not only objectively, but thoroughly.

The book has been out of print for quite some time now, but even read second-hand, with the pages nearly falling apart, you can't tear your eyes away from the pages. I started it last night and finished it this afternoon, hardly able to sleep.

Shanda Sharer was the new twelve year-old at school in a small town in Indiana. Always an outgoing girl, she quickly made friends, even with a girl she got into a fight with within her first week. This girl was Amanda Heavrin. Amanda, though already in a relationship with classmate Melinda Loveless, took a liking to Shanda and, over time, persuaded her into an intimate relationship.

While......

WhitechapelMaiden says "Absolutley AMAZING" about PLANET EARTH

WhitechapelMaiden — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:42:56 GMT

For a single sentence to review this series, I have this:

Planet Earth is one of the most visually astounding nature documentaries ever recorded.

The narration is top notch, provided by the documentary narrating staple, David Attenborough whose voice has graced countless nature documentaries in the past. The dialog is well written and clearly describes the scenes.

One thing people may not pay much attention to, though it plays a big role in the viewing experience, is the music. The music was written by George Fenton and performed by the BBC Orchestra. The pieces fit perfectly with the scene and never over power the imagery on screen nor the narration. The blend is perfect.

On the visual side, in SD (standard definition) the video was quite impressive; in HD the video is jaw dropping gorgeous! On the back of the packaging you are warned that there are scenes that were not filmed in HD. In these scenes there is some grain present, however one must remember that a properly upscaled image done......

WhitechapelMaiden says "Killer, Unborn Twin Demon" about The Unborn

WhitechapelMaiden — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:11:25 GMT

David Goyer has cranked out some great scripts, namely in the superhero genre. The 'Blade' series unofficially kicked off quality films from the Marvel Universe, while his collaborative efforts with Christopher Nolan on the new 'Batman' films resulted in two of the greatest comic book movies ever made. Goyer's directorial efforts? Eh, not so great, but he seems to be learning from his mistakes and though his latest 'The Unborn' doesn't do for horror what he did for the superhero genre, it's a step in the right direction and more than a cut above today's generic splatter flick.
Goyer has set his sights on the ghost story with 'Cloverfield' star Odette Yustman as the haunted victim, plagued by a sinister supernatural force. Already haunted by the suicide of her institutionalized mother (Carla Gugino) several years earlier, Yustman begins to suffer from visions of an adolescent boy reaching out from the realm of the dead. After a spooky physical altercation with the young boy she......

WhitechapelMaiden says "Simplicity is the key to Brilliance" about Jeet Kun Do

WhitechapelMaiden — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:55:59 GMT

This book is a collection of aphorisms, fighting know-how and philosophical insights that was compiled after Bruce Lee's untimely death in 1973, from work towards a book he was never to finish.

Considering the fact that it was not fully completed, it is remarkably coherent, and organized into sections covering literally every single area of combat. It is not specifically a book about Kung Fu - it contains grappling techniques from Judo and Ju-Jitsu, along with a great many techniques taken from western Boxing.

For the experienced martial artist, it will provide many dynamic and helpful points, and for the beginner, it will help to illustrate the enormous depth and fascination that the subject holds for so many people. For both beginner and expert alike, it will bring a clearer understanding of what Bruce Lee emphasized in his martial art, what he calls Jeet Kune Do: the fluid reality of physical violence. Because of this, it is a revolutionary book, and because of this, simply to read it...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Put a smile on Santa's Face with some imagination" about Cookie Stamps Sara Lee's Cookie Stamps

WhitechapelMaiden — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:48:23 GMT

This year in my holiday care package from my mom, I'm expecting to get a batch of her staple Christmas cookies. Free from fancy ingredients, these cookies have the potential to bore those with the taste for more exotic ingredients, but some of my fondest holiday memories are centered around the afternoons when we got to hang around the house in our pajamas and decorate sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles. Gadgets like this Christmas tree cookie kit allow for a new interpretation of this holiday standard.

The set isn't technologically complicated, but looking at it inspires thoughts that are something along the line of "why didn't I think of that?" It's a series of cookie cutters that gradually decrease in size. When these cookies are stacked on top of each other, starting with the largest, the result is a cookie tower that looks like a traditional Christmas tree.

If you're like me, then you'd be happy to make a tree out of cookies as a solo activity. Or, you could do it as a family...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Grim's Grimmest of all the Fairy Tales" about The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brother's Grim

WhitechapelMaiden — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:47:59 GMT

The brothers captured much about the German spirit in their collection of fairly tales, including those aspects of it that resonate with human nature in general. Most of the tales have German folk origins, some are remakes of French tales, and a few, well... may have been invented by the women who supplied the brothers with fairy tales. The Grimms were academics. Cultured and urban, they did not hang around the villages, pestering peasants for fairy tales. Rather they obtained their material from middle class and aristocratic women who visited their home and related the stories. The women themselves got their material from their mothers or nannies. Wilhelm and Jacob, however, produced an inspired collection of tales with their own distinctive character and flavor. Perhaps they were prodded by the erotic impulse to do that. The tales have certainly withstood the test of time.

There is a lot of good natured, blue-eyed German innocence in these tales; strange, dark, and grotesque imagery and...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Self-Destructive, Melancholic, and Usually Dressed in Black" about Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe

WhitechapelMaiden — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:35:18 GMT

I must admit, I am a Poe fanatic. I have read this book twice already. I do not know what it is about Poes' stories that just suck you in. I find Poes' mindset to be extremely fascinating. I do not think that anyone would be able to decipher what went about in that mans mentality.

Reading Poe is beyond a mere thriller. His stories are not only mysterious with intrigue and drama, they also make you think. You sit and ponder 'why?', why did the character do this or say that. Like in my favorite tale "Black Cat", you sit and wonder what made the character behave the way he did. Was it caused by drink or was it caused by 'bad luck'? Or with the ever famous "Cask of Amontidallo", what was the grave insult that Montresor suffered?

Such questions will never be directly answered, as all the conclusions will inevitably be suppositions made by people, such as you and I. All in all, reading Poes' stories is mesmerizing in itself, and this book is as complete as it gets. It is a pretty large paperback...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "The DERANGED mind of a Serial Killer" about Deranged

WhitechapelMaiden — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:47:19 GMT

On Investigation Discovery there is a fairly new show that comes on every Thursday Night at 10:00pm. It's called 'Deranged'

Deranged is a show about the world's most notorious serial killers. The show does a short Bio of the Serial Killer growing up and then goes into great detail about their crimes and how they were caught (if they were). So far the show has aired bio's on 1. Ted Bundy, 2. Charlie Manson, 3. Jim Jones (yes, he was a spree killer-alot of those people were executed, made to drink posion rather than volunterring--but that's another story)

4. Jeffery Dahlmer, 5. Son of Sam, 6. Zodiac Killer and a few others. It's an excellent show that separates facts from fictions and will help the true crime beginner get started in the right direction.

The one thing about the show I don't like is how many times it will air the same episode. Hopefully they will fix this soon.

However if you're home on Thursday night with not alot going on, I think you will find this a very interesting program....

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Best Case Made Yet" about Jack The Ripper--The Simple Truth

WhitechapelMaiden — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:09:16 GMT

A plausible answer to the world's most famous whodunnit. This highly readable book combines a fine knack for storytelling with the use of cutting-edge criminal investigation techniques. Bruce Paley breathes new life into the time-worn tale of Jack the Ripper, and succeeds in providing just enough background detail to be thorough, without going overboard and producing a coroner's report. Paley's book is based on the theory that the Ripper was one Joseph Barnett, a man questioned at the time but never charged. Barnett appears to be a perfect match for the sort of serial killer described in today's FBI profiles. The author has documented Barnett's life as much as possible, using contemporary newspapers and police reports as well as the tools of a genealogist: birth and death records, census reports, and more.

In my opinion Paley upholds his contention that Barnett was the Ripper to a much higher degree than advocates of other Ripper theories have upheld theirs. He shows that Barnett had both...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Be like BAM BAM and take your Vitamins" about Bayer Flintstones Complete Children's Vitamin 200ct

WhitechapelMaiden — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:27:09 GMT

When I was young I can remember taking my FLINTSTONE VITAMINS. My parents would make a game out of it every morning. Instead of them saying "Be like Pepples, she takes her vitamins" It was more like "Be like BAM BAM, he takes his vitamins!!" because I was a huge Tom Boy when I was little and BAM BAM was my hero. Weird I know. It worked though and I got the extra vitamins necessary to be a strong, healthy kid. The grape flavored were my favorite and sometimes I would get in trouble trying to eat more than the "recommended" dose.

So 20 err something years later I'm telling my son to be like BAM BAM and take his vitamins. It still works and the flavor has only improved. Its the one vitamin that kids love. And as a mom I know he's getting that extra kick in nutrients he needs. Flintstone Vitamins have been around forever, that should speak for itself. They are cost effective and they work, You can even use the opprotunity to play a game with your child as they take them.

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Throw the Metal to the Petal and ROCK OUT" about Bullet for my Valentine - The Poison

WhitechapelMaiden — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:41:12 GMT

Bullet for my Valentine - The Poison is one of the best CDs I've listened to in the car in a LOONG time. I'll admit I'm a speed demon but my car doesn't help either. I have a 2004 Mustang GT-the 40th Anniversary car and it's blood red. It's suppose to go FAST! Well when i put this CD in I immediately wanted to punch the gas pedal. 'Tears don't fall is probably one of the best songs ever' (especially with my sound system)

If you want to relieve some tension, jump in your car put this CD in and find a long straight away. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...GO

BAD ASS CD.

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Helps you breath as it heals" about Puffs Plus with the Scent of Vicks

WhitechapelMaiden — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:22:45 GMT

Recently, I've been fighting a seasonal cold. Usually I'm able to just grab some regular tissues, stuff them into my purse and it works out fine for me. This cold however seem to have a "BLACKBELT" in making me miserable.

After blowing my nose 1122334858589590 times I realized that if I touched it with toliet paper again I would scream. So I went to the store and purchsed Puffs Plus with Vicks Vapor. The tissues have a touch of lotion that soothes the end of your bloody, tender nose and it also has Vicks Vapor rub so after wiping your nose you get that surge of menthol air that's really refreshing.

They also have very decorative boxes that will match most decors if that's important to you.

If you have to suffer through a seasonal cold, don't fight it alone. Puffs Plus with Vicks Vapor is definetley worth purchasing.

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Sultry Eyes in 5 minutes" about MAC Eye Shadow

WhitechapelMaiden — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:29:15 GMT

I know I can't be the only woman out there who goes holiday shopping for others but accidentally buys a few things for herself. I suspect a primitive hunting/gathering mechanism kicks in when I see those deals exclaiming "Buy two and get the third one free!" for things like fleece pullovers. I end up buying stuff I'd never touch if it weren't on sale.

If you're going to accidentally buy yourself something this holiday season, then it might as well be something pretty and useful. Save yourself from the fleece sweater trap and wander over to your nearest MAC counter to get yourself the MAC Royal Assets Eyeshadow Palette in Warm Eyes. With six well-rounded shadows, the palette is my current go-to palette for work look.

Typically I don't go for palettes. Either I don't like all the colors, or you don't get a lot of eyeshadow in them, or something or another, but I could not resist the wonderful colors in this one!

It's easy to go from work to party with this palette, something I'm always looking...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "I still play with my Dolls...even though they're EVIL" about Neca Hellraiser Series 2 Action Figure Angelique

WhitechapelMaiden — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:31:58 GMT

If you're a collector of Dolls (preferably EVIL ones) then this is the doll for you! Neca Hellraiser Series 2 Action Figure Angelique That's right...straight from hell itself.

No seriously, I collect these things. And I will say the craftmanship of the doll and the detail are exceptional. Also these dolls are not as pricey as some of the other Hellraiser dolls that are out there. You can buy all the characters from Movie One until part 5 or 6 I believe. I think they have the skinless Frank Doll from part one still available.

Neca Hellraiser Series 2 Action Figure Angelique is after all the Queen of the Cynobites!!! =)

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WhitechapelMaiden says "One of my favorite bands by far" about Atreyu - Lead Sails Paper Anchor [PA] [Digipak]

WhitechapelMaiden — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:29:34 GMT

Some people may ask "Should I Buy This?",.... "What's so special about this band?",...."What Kind of music do they play!!!?"... "Is this worth spending hard earned cash on!!!?" I will try my best to answer these questions, but it all depends on your style of music.

Atreyu is part of a new genere called "Metalcore".... which is when you take elements of death metal, punk, and stylish screamo/emo and mix it all together to make a pretty enjoyable sound. Metalcore is similar to the generes Nu-Metal a working in phads and popularity; but both in different ways.

Nu-Metal is mainstream metal like: KoRn, Slipknot, Drowning Pool, Hatebreed, Defnotes, Helmet, and Disturbed, which is more of a mixture of altenative and/or rap in ways mainly aimed at MTV and mainstream, which isn't popular with Metalheads, but it can sometimes be enjoyable. No it isn't as heavy as regular metal, mostly based around popularity and money. Most of these bands at one point become sell outs,... and from where I come from...

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Let's Get On With it ALREADY" about The Strangers

WhitechapelMaiden — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:27:05 GMT

Ok, I'm all about delaying the demise of my characters in a horror movie but this was a little ridiculous. The idea of the movie was chilling. The director just didn't convince me once I started watching it though. Some of the scenes were prolonged way too long. And when most of the world faced with that situation would have figured out something a little better than screaming, (Just for self-preservation and all.) They were crouched behind a couch or in a closet somewhere.

Towards the end they did fight a bit but at that point I was ready for them to die and the credits to start rolling.

This movie had so much potential it's not even funny. I was disappointed in more ways than one.

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WhitechapelMaiden says "Your basic one page bio on serial killers" about The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers

WhitechapelMaiden — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:03:45 GMT

The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers ---If you love true crime and follow it on a consistent basis, then only purchase this book to be a part of your collection. OR to reference back to that one weird fact about a date you've forgotten. If you're new into criminology then this book is average amongst other Serial Killer Encyclopedias. It will get a brief bio about their early childhood, a few small details about their crimes and then the date they were executed. That's about it. You could get the small information for free on crimelibrary.com

Just remember if you buy one encyclopedia on serial killers, you've usually bought them all. With all of us trying to save money, it's just not a good spend.(Unless you're a Collector)

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WhitechapelMaiden says "A Good Read No Matter What Your AGE" about Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)

WhitechapelMaiden — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:21:52 GMT

I'll admit it. I'm stubborn. I heard a few mixed reviews about 'Twilight' and was still very curious. I saw the Posters all over Wamart advertising the new movie and thought it was for the kiddies. Typically I'm not very happy to be bored but because of my boredom I gave Twilight a try.

After about page 3 I was hooked and couldn't set the book down. You know one of those reads where you're trying to cook dinner and read the book at the same time? I was running into walls, stepping on my cats, and not sleeping. Thankfully the book is only around 500 pages long so I was able to devour it in just a few days (granted I'm sleep-deprived)

Although this book may have originally been written for the "teen" fans. I think there are probably thousands of women right this very second over the age of 25 totally in love with a vampire.

Well done Stephanie. Great series, very well written.

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WhitechapelMaiden says "A BULLDAWG GIRL FOR LIFE" about The University of Georgia

WhitechapelMaiden — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:42:47 GMT

Going to the University Of Georgia was one of the smartest decisions I think I ever made. Not only was I in a wonderful city (Athens, Georgia) surrounded by some of the nicest people I've ever met but the school itself was impressive. I can just mention that I received a degree from UGA and people seem to respect you just a little more. Between my surroundings, my friends, and the real-life experiences I took from there, UGA will ALWAYS hold a special PLACE IN MY HEART.

And i will alsway yell "GO DAWGS!" rather than Gators (even though I now live in FLA)

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WhitechapelMaiden says "This book would have made Saucy Jack's Eyes Bleed with Disbelief" about Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper - Case Closed

WhitechapelMaiden — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:29:22 GMT

Patricia Cornwell--Pportrait of a Killer-Case Closed

The case was closed after reading about 2 chapters of this book. She is an excellent writer (don't get me wrong) she just should have left the Whitechapel Murders alone.

Don't be fooled most Ripperologists will agree with me. This book is poorly written with little to no evidence to back up the theories. Out of all the theories and books I've read about JTR, this one was the worse. If you are a new Ripperologist then my suggestion would be to start with a read from Stewart or Sudgen (Phillip). There is also an excellent website out called jacktheripper.org that gives factual information and will sort through all the confussion and half-thought out theories.

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