Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Book Review: "Imitation in Death" by J. D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts)

Once again I've read a Nora Roberts book and well I'm happy to say so...okay, sure it is her writing as J. D. Robb, and sure it's not her normal genre but wow she can weave a great sci-fi/mystery/thriller when she puts on the pseudonym cap.

The summer of 2059 is a scorcher and crime is on the rise but Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the New York Police and security department has a case that will soon make things hotter. The body of a prostitute is found in a back alley in Chinatown and the way she was killed is identical to Jack the Ripper's signature. On the toe of the victim is a letter addressed to Eve challenging her to try and catch him.

The only clue he left behind is the stationary addressed to Eve that is illegal in this country since it is not recycled. Only a few outlets in Europe sells them and Eve is able to get the names of the people who bought it who are now living in New York. All the suspects are rich and powerful so Eve has to tread carefully even when the perpetrator strikes two more times mimicking The Boston Strangler and Ted Bundy.
Her superior soon gets complaints and that just makes her job harder. Eve is in a race against time before the suspect kills again but she needs one more piece of evidence before she can take him down.

J.D. Robb (Nora) has written another exciting futuristic romantic mystery that will have fans of many genres jumping on the "...In Death" series bandwagon. I should say at this point, that yes Nora Roberts doesn't completely shrug off her romance writing when writing as J.D. Robb. The romance between Roarke and Dallas really makes the characters human and definitely makes the story more real.

"Imitation in Death" is yet another example of how the characters make the book and that help you get lost in a great story. Secondary characters including Peabody, Eve's assistant, who is preparing to take her detective's exam and move in with her lover, E.D.D. officer McNabb. The heroine solves this dark and bloody case with her usual panache and a little help from her busy billionaire husband Roarke, who along with helping out the police force also manages to find time to buy the Boston Celtics.

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posted by Gil T. @ 9:11 PM Comments: 0

George of the Jungle: A cartoon for the ages

I remember sitting back with my bowl of Freakies cereal on weekday afternoons as soon as I got home from school and watching a full day (okay yes it was just the afternoon but it seemed like all day as a kid) of great cartoons. One of my favorites was George of the Jungle. I mean c'mon who couldn't resist singing along: "George, George, George of the Jungle, watch out for that tree. Aaa Ahhh Aaagh!" I remember vaguely when it was on Saturday mornings, but in the 70s it was in syndication and I got to see it after school, and yes my afternoon snack was cereal.


George of the Jungle was one of the many great cartoons produced by Jay Ward, and Bill Scott, the same people responsible for Rocky & Bullwinkle, Tom Slick and Super Chicken. George was a brainless (but not short on heart) Tarzan parody that was always there to save his fellow jungle inhabitants. Okay it was usually Ape (the ape named Ape) that did the brain work, but it took George's face into several trees to finally save the day. I always laughed when George would call is girlfriend, Ursula, Fella.


Now jump to 2008 and some good things are going to happen.


First, the full series will be released on DVD. That's reason enough to celebrate, but wait there's more. Cartoon network is relaunching the cartoon. George of the Jungle, a brand new show is launching on Cartoon Network January 18 at 7:30pm (ET/PT). George of the Jungle is full of monkey business and features a fun, big-hearted hero you already know and love. Catch a new episode every Friday at 7:30p (E/P) on Cartoon Network. Also you can swing by the official www.georgeofthejungle.tv website where you can learn about the show, meet George's Jungle family, watch videos, get free downloads and play a game.



Of course, they are modernizing it a bit and the animation is different but c'mon, I can sit down with my son and we can imitate the Tookie Tookie bird together. Ooh ohh ah ah, tookie, tookie!!! Sorry honey, your boys are just watching George. I think Jay Ward and Bill Scott would be proud. Oh the theme song is similar but a bit of a rap beat thrown in. Check out the website for more info.





Check out this video for a sneak peak:


George Of The Jungle Tune In

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I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime let me know your George of the Jungle Memories. Any of you remember the movie starring Brendan Frasier?

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posted by Gil T. @ 3:00 AM Comments: 0