Private Practice, Season Two

Private Practice is about the lives of five doctors and one staff member: Addison, the neonatal surgeon; Cooper, the pediatrician; Violet, the psychiatrist; Pete, the alterative-medical practitioner; Naomi the fertility specialist; Sam, the author and doctor (though I’ve yet to figure out what he actually specializes in, I believe it is general medicine); and Dell, the receptionist and mid-wife in training—all of whom are extremely dysfunctional.

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They are as wishy-washy about the rights and wrongs of their medical ethics as they are about their personal relationships. One minute they are preaching how wrong it is to this or that, and the next minute they are willing to bend the rules to fit their own personal agendas.

The show has had several incidents in which the staff has had to focus on medical ethics, such as whether or not to help a fellow doctor commit suicide after being diagnosed with an illness that would cause a slow and agonizing death, whether or not to fire one of the staff after a medical mishap places the wrong embryo in the wrong mother, whether or not to turn in a father who has kidnapped his own son after the authorities wouldn’t do anything about the abusive step-father, and whether or not to turn in a confused teacher who had sex with one of her teenage students. And though they knew clearly what the “right thing” to do was, they often leaned towards the “wrong thing” causing huge moral and ethical dilemmas.



To be honest, I’m not quite sure what to think of Private Practice. The show focuses more on the sexual relations of the doctors and their egos than on medicine or their practice, Oceanside Wellness Group. And for me, that gets old really fast!

If I had my way, the show would focus more on why the doctors started the practice than on their personal lives. Because the idea of a medical practice that wants to bring back the “small town doctor” and cares more about the patient’s well-being and less on money matters, more on caring for the “whole body” and less on simply trying to fix the “symptoms” is such a breathtaking idea—and one that I would hope would catch on in real life.

And yet, I watched every episode!



The cliffhanger…oh, the cliffhanger! It just blew me away. I was mortified when the pregnant psychiatrist, knowing her patient was unstable, would even consider opening the door without first checking to see who it was, and then stand so calmly discussing why she was there. And teary-eyed and freaked out when the patient commenced to “cut out” the baby! And it’s because of the cliffhanger, and the chemistry of the actors, that I will give Private Practice another chance to grow and find its groove.

Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

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Fame 2009 Review

After much anticipation I took my daughter to see the new fame and all I came away with was, "Eh, could've been better." My daughter, having never seen the original or the televised series, thought the show was good.

I, not comparing it to the previous versions, felt the movie fell flat. The storyline lacked substance. Sure we got an overall feel for the characters but they didn't draw us into their lives. We felt no emotion, one way or another--not even when one of the main characters told the story of how his little sister died, or when a young girl was taken advantage of by her older peer, or when one student nearly committed suicide when told he would never have a career as a ballet dancer.

Now, comparing it to the previous versions, again the film fell flat. We weren't drawn into the reason these children wanted to attend the school so badly, or how difficult it was to be a full time student and full time performing arts student, or how the teachers just didn't have charisma. There was no passion, no life.

Finally, I was so disappointed that the original FAME song didn't start, nor end the movie. And, I expected great choreography and song and dance numbers and what we got were okay numbers with limited showing.

And having been a remake, in a time when musical numbers are making a comeback, I expected it to be more of a musical and less of a drama. I expected a "wow" factor and sorry, it just didn't deliver.

If you want to see the movie, FAME, I encourage to stick to the 1980 version shown below:



Disclosure: I purchased the t.v. series and received free tickets in the packages to review this film. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

Grey’s Anatomy, Season Five

Review of Grey’s Anatomy, Season Five

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Since I don’t have cable anymore, refuse to upgrade a perfectly good television set to meet new broadcasting standards, and don’t find it necessary to purchase a converter just to watch basic television, I often miss out on shows like Grey’s Anatomy. Luckily, many more networks are turning to Internet broadcasts and offering last season’s episodes on DVD—as was the case with Grey’s Anatomy, season five.

When the series first arrived on my doorstep, my husband was reluctant to watch it with me. He remembered the last season I reviewed and thought it was more of a “chick flick” than a medical drama series. And for the most part, I concur.

However, not having regular television or cable has its advantages—for me anyway—as my husband opted to watch the series just to have something “new” to watch.

And guess what ladies…he got caught up in the drama! In fact, he got so caught up in the show that when he went to bed, he asked that I turn off the series and wait for him to get home from work the next day to continue watching it.

I think what caught his attention was the war story with medical doctor, Owen Hunt. Owen first came to the hospital when he stuck a pen in the neck of a stranger, in order to save his life. Then, during the same stay, he saves Christina’s life when a gigantic icicle lands in her abdomen. At first it looks like he just may stay around awhile, but then he announces a return to active duty because soldiers need good doctors, too. Unfortunately, the military discharges him when an ambush annihilates his entire crew so he takes up residency at Seattle Grace Hospital.

Honesty, it was nice to have a strong, leading male role that dealt with real “man” issues and less about sexual hang ups. Owen Hunt was a great addition to the cast and one that we both look forward to seeing more of.



Then there’s Izzy’s battle with cancer. We both agreed that it seemed to take “forever” for her to admit seeing dead people wasn’t normal and then again to both discover the cancer and tell her friends about the discovery. However, the writers did a great job of keeping us on the seat of our pants, wanting to know more, waiting for the next scene with Izzy.

And of course, there is the controversial lesbian romance. I know our world is trying desperately to embrace the gay rights thing but I, personally, am not too keen on watching two people of the same sex share romantic scenes on screen—nor do I want to deal with any of the baggage that goes along with that whole storyline. But then again, as my daughter pointed out, I don't much care to see any of that from the male/female relationships either. I'd much prefer it all stay behind closed doors.

As for Meredith and her beloved Derek, well…that story has sort of played itself out and seems to be taking a back seat to more lively storylines.

Oh the cliffhanger! That’s what got me all teary-eyed and freaked out! I cannot believe that they are killing George off. I had hoped that he would’ve been written back into the show as I really enjoyed his character—flaws and all.



If you’re a die-hard Grey’s Anatomy fan, you are going to love the bonus features on this disc set. There’s a behind-the-scenes look at the 100th episode taping, season five outtakes, unaired scenes, and even an extended episode for your viewing pleasure.

Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com


Book
Just Between You and Me

Author
Jenny B. Jones

The Review
Maggie Montgomery hasn’t been home to see her father and her troubled sister, Allison, in Ivy, Texas, in more than five years—and she has no intention of returning any time soon. But when her father guilts her into coming for a quick visit, she reluctantly agrees and finds herself smack dab in the middle of what she didn’t want to deal with: instant recognition and comparisons to her late mother, a woman who had some serious mental health issues that continue to haunt her and her family members to this day.

Understandably, Maggie wants nothing more than to flee back to her life in Chicago where she can surround herself with her work as a cinematographer for a travel show, a job she loves and which essentially makes up the basis of her life. And now she also has an interview scheduled with the National Geographic channel—the opportunity of a lifetime—as soon as she can get back.

Running to escape from the issues that began in her childhood worked before, and it can work again now, she reasons, and at least that’s one thing she’s good at—well, two actually, counting the cinematography. Anyway, Maggie wants out—out of town, out of dealing with her father, and out of handling things to cover for her sister’s selfish irresponsibility.

But Maggie isn’t counting on the reason her father needs her help so badly—the reason he didn’t tell her until she was already in Texas. And now, Maggie is torn between love, obligation, and her desire to keep running from her past.

When it comes to romance, Maggie likes to date, but she’s not interested in settling down with a man. Any time a significant other starts becoming too significant or thinking seriously about making a commitment, she makes up an excuse and ditches him faster than a thief can spend stolen cash. So when Maggie runs into Connor Blake, a guy she apparently went to high school with many years ago and really can’t recall at all—a guy who now happens to be drop dead gorgeous and a successful veterinarian in town—she’s a little surprised at how defensive she is when he clearly indicates she is a thorn in his side. What did I ever do to that guy? She wonders.

Between that wondering, her internal conflicts, and the revelation she discovers not long after she gets to Ivy, Maggie has her hands full. Just Between You and Me is a thoroughly enjoyable story rather odd but happy ending. And of course, I’m not going to give that away, so you’ll just have to read the book to find out. Along the way to that happy ending, Maggie has a lot of growing to do and must learn to lose her fear and trust in God. This is a lesson most of us would do well to remember, as well.

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Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

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Prisoner of Versailles by Golden Keyes Parsons

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com


Book
A Prisoner of Versailles

Author
Golden Keyes Parsons

The Review
Madeline Clavell is a beautiful, desirable young woman—and King Louis XIV of France is absolutely consumed with having her back in his palace at his beck and call and in his bed—the way things were years ago when they were younger. But many, many things have changed since Madeline was last in Versailles and Madeline knows she no longer belongs in the King’s palace. Still, that doesn’t stop the King’s obsession with having her—and he sends his musketeers out to find and pursue her, if they must, and to bring her back to him—by whatever means necessary.


As the story begins, Madeline is married to her beloved husband, Francois, who has just been freed from imprisonment in the King’s Bastille dungeons and reunited with her and her three children—Phillippe, Charles, and 6-year-old Evangeline (affectionately called Vangie)—with the help of courtier Pierre Bovee. But Francois is seriously ill and Pierre is certain to be suspect if he stays away from the court much longer. The family is staying with a pastor and his wife in Switzerland where they fled from France in search of freedom to practice their Huguenot religion and contemplating a very uncertain future. It’s not an ideal situation by any means.

But things are about to get much worse! In the space of just days, all of their lives will change dramatically as King Louis XIV is determined to have his way—and have Madeline back at his palace, along with her eldest son, whom he suspects is his love child. Then Pierre is suspected of treason against the King. And did I happen to mention that although Madeline loves Francois, she has fallen secretly in love with Pierre and he with her, though they do not act on this love in any lustful way?

A Prisoner of Versailles is a tale of kings and queens, mistresses, and ladies and gentlemen of the court and their elite social lifestyle. It is an interesting tale of court life in 17th century France and the vast disparities between the lives of royalty and the king’s subjects. And it is a story that partially documents the religious zeal of the time and the fight or flight many people who wish to practice a different religion must be prepared to embark on if they wish to follow their own faith.

If you like historical romances and action-packed adventures, you’ll enjoy this story. While A Prisoner of Versailles is the second in a series of novels in the Darkness to Light series, I have not yet read the first volume, In the Shadow of the Sun King. Nonetheless, this novel was able to stand on its own and I enjoyed the tale as well as the insights and historical references. A third and final novel to conclude this series is expected to be released in late 2010.

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Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles like this, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

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Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Can you believe that I have never seen Bedknobs and Broomsticks before? I've seen the commercials and I believe I saw a few excerpts on television once, but I never watched the entire show until this week.

To be honest, I thought it was going to be a bit more "Halloweeny" considering Angela Lansbury is playing an apprentice witch--but nothing could be further from the truth. It was a musical/cartoon/comedy with just the right amount of signing and dancing thrown in.

You can read my full review on the The Dabbling Mum website.

Fun Video Clips




Say No To The Bonus Section
Now, if you already own the DVD and were thinking of buying this DVD for the bonus features, don't. They are pretty horrible. The sodium screen feature was supposed to tell you all about how Disney put the animation together, before computers. But alas, the guy they interview is really horrible! He gives no real information, he's dull and boring, and we don't even get to see any of the special effects in action. I have to say that I was really looking forward to this segment. I love to watch how Walt Disney used what we had at the time to create special effects and was sorely disappointed. In fact, I wish they would've just left the whole bonus section out--as it's one of the worst Disney has put together.

Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com


Book
One Imperfect Christmas

Author
Myra Johnson

The Review
They say a mother is the heart of the home, and it’s true. But even when you don’t live at home with her any more, your mother is often the center of your universe—the sun in your sky—the axis around which everything revolves. You just may not realize it, until it’s too late.

Natalie Pearce never realized just how much her life depended on her mother—her just being there, an ever-present part of her life—until she came close to losing her. The day Natalie’s mother suffered a stroke changed every part of her life, dropping her into a pit of guilt and depression she just can’t seem to extricate herself from, no matter how much she tries or how compelling her reasons.

And heaven knows she has good reasons. She has a husband and a daughter of her own—a daughter whose own life has been thrown into a turmoil, not only by her grandmother’s stroke, but also by her mother’s inability to cope with it. A daughter who needs her now more than ever as she enters her uncertain teenage middle school years. And a husband who loves her and needs her, too.

But Natalie just can’t see it. And no matter how her husband, Daniel, and her daughter, Lissa, try to snap her out of it, they can’t make her. So instead of turning to the family she loves for the understanding she so desperately needs, Natalie throws herself into her work, cutting herself off almost entirely from everyone she loves.

Will she destroy her family and marriage in her own despair? Can she ever forgive herself enough to let love back into her life?

They say Christmas is a time for miracles, but sometimes miracles don’t come in the way we hope for. Sometimes God has His own plans—even when we don’t understand them.

I think the substance of this novel can really be summed up in this one passage from the book, and it is my favorite:

“’ ...I knew Jesus wouldn’t let us down.’...‘He never does, sweetie. We may not always understand his ways, but he never, ever lets us down.’”

That, in the end, is the message of this book—and the lesson in life. Myra Johnson did an excellent job of weaving a story that demonstrated this lesson in action, in a true-to-real life way I could relate to as a woman, a daughter, a mother, and a wife. I also love the way she interspersed the story with the common theme of a multi-generational love for—and talent for—painting and art. It really tied the story together and ultimately helped provide closure for Natalie and her family in an unusual way.

Order One Imperfect Christmas Today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles like this, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie

Plot
Roo and Lumpy, the Heffalump, set out to capture the Gobloon and save Halloween.

Starring
Jimmy Bennett, Peter Cullen, Jim Cummings, John Fiedler, Ken Sanson, and more.

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Review
I am a big fan of Halloween movies that are about suspense and mystery and yes, even a little fright—so long as it isn’t the blood and guts and murderous kind. So when I heard about Disney’s re-release of Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie, I just had to get a copy—although my kids are far too old these days to watch such films (teens you know).

Some argue that the scary parts are too scary for the age group this film was made, but I think it truly depends on the “maturity” of the child watching the film. As with anything in life, each child matures at different levels and while some five year old can handle a little scare, some ten year olds still cannot. That being said, I found the suspense delightful.

The film starts out with Roo introducing Lumpy to Halloween—for you see, he’s never experienced trick-or-treating, dressing up in costume, or spooky stories. So it’s no surprise that he takes Tigger’s story of the Gobloon to heart and fears for the worst.

Determined to help Lumpy overcome his fears, Roo tells the story of how Piglet overcame his fears one Halloween, long ago. (A flashback to an earlier Pooh movies, Boo To You, Too! is inserted here and feels a little odd.) During the story, Pooh manages to eat up all the Halloween candy, so Roo decides to take Lumpy on a quest to capture the Gobloon and wish for more Halloween candy. During their adventure, however, the two become separated and Roo realizes there’s a more important wish to make.

Accompanying this edition of the film is the cutest stuffed animal, Winnie The Pooh in a Tigger costume, though I must admit that Roo or Lumpy would’ve been a better choice since the film is based on those two characters.

The film also has some great bonus features: Halloween party planner, invitations, recipes, and games like “Trick or Re-Treat” and Pooh’s Bingo.

So I say, if your little ones keep begging you for a spooky Halloween film, you’ve just got to pick up a copy of Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie

Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

Eye of the God Review

Our book reviewer has a new review up.

When Abby Mitchell is put in charge of a fundraiser for the Smithsonian Institute, all focused around the beautiful and legendary Hope diamond, she has no idea what she's getting into or what will be at risk. This novel is a story of suspense, mystery, and intrigue you're going to love.

To read the rest of the review, Click here.

Disclosure: The reviewer was given a sample to review. This is "her opinion" of the product. She was not paid to give a positive review.