Reading Challenge : Mystery & Suspense 2012

So, this is a reading challenge in which I am participating in. I have never done this before. So, I don't know what I have to do or anything. It sounded fun, so I signed up. I can choose to read either 12 or 24 mystery or suspense books in 2012. I'm going with 24! We'll see what happens!

Hotel For Dogs

Hotel for Dogs is a 2009 American children's comedy film based on the 1971 Lois Duncannovel of the same name. The film, directed by Thor Freudenthal and adapted by Jeff Lowell, Bob Schooley, and Mark McCorkle, stars Johnny Simmons, Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, Kyla Pratt, and Don Cheadle. It tells the story of two orphans, Andi and Bruce (played by Roberts and Austin), who attempt to hide their dog at an abandoned hotel after their strict new guardians tell them that pets are forbidden at their home.

The film is Nickelodeon's second film to be produced by DreamWorks Pictures after Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and the first Nickelodeon film ever to not be produced by Paramount Pictures. Shooting began in November 2007 and filming took place entirely in the cities of Los Angeles and Universal City, California. The dogs in the film were trained for several months before shooting. Nearly 80 boys auditioned for the role of Bruce before Austin was ultimately selected.

The film was released in the United States on January 16, 2009, and grossed approximately $17 million in its opening weekend in 3,271 theaters. It eventually went on to gross $117 million worldwide. Reception to the film was mixed. Reviewers both criticized and praised the film's strong appeal to children and, in the opinion of some, its lack of appeal to older audiences. According to the film review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes, 46% of critics gave Hotel a positive review.

Courtesy : Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_for_Dogs_(film)

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So, hello once again!

It was just today that I watched the movie 'Hotel For Dogs'. As you can see, the direction, adaption and screenplay are all mentioned above. It also says that it was first a book. It took 38 years for the book of Lois Duncannovel to be adapted into a film. Taking nothing away from the movie, I would like to tell you that it is a wonderful movie and it will be very exciting for young children. To be frank, even I loved it! That might be because I just love dogs(although I haven't got one) and seeing so many (like a hundred) at once just captured my mind like nothing else. Or, it might be because I loved the story and the acting by Emma and Austin was just superb.

The director Thor Freudenthal has molded the story in such a brilliant manner (I don't know if the molding was already done by Lois) that, I'm sure, every young child would just love the movie, Bruce, Andi, Friday and all the others. The Hotel itself might lure the children into gazing open-mouthed at the screen, paying complete attention. And also, as the mean, villain-ish part of the film (for every good story needs both good and bad sides) we have Lisa Kudrow playing the major role. Seeing her in this role after seeing her over and over again in the type of role she had in 'Friends', it just changes my opinion of her(nothing much anyway).

Anyway, there are so many things that catch your interest along the way. There is the hotel, as I said before. Then there are the very creative contraptions that Bruce builds to feed the dogs. Then there's Friday himself, with the rather unusual name. He is so cute and funny to watch, acting in the movie, almost as the star! Then there is  the cheeky way in which the orphans always sneak out of their foster home. Then they get caught, and Bernie comes to save them. Then there's the rudeness of the foster parents. And you can't forget this : there's the Animal Control, who always get tricked by Bruce and Co.! There are many more fun things that you could use for a break.

So, on the whole, I'd say that this is a fantastic movie and you should watch it! During the period when you are watching this movie, you will be free from all stress, believe me. Anyway, I hope a second part gets released!

I hope you enjoyed the review of the movie 'Hotel For Dogs', and I hope that by reading it, you got a feeling to watch it. (And of course I hope you watch it!)

Good night, I've got to prepare myself for the last day of 2011!

Yeva!

PS: I think the beginning might have been boring, but I had to put it there, I couldn't type that much! Anyway, that gives you more detailed information. 

PPS: I'll bet you liked at least one picture!

At Bertram's Hotel by Agatha Christie

Hello people!

So, I read a book (I really borrowed it from a lending library about a month ago and I had just reached 200/320 pages. I had to do a review at school so I decided that I would complete and that I would complete it today itself.). Via the title, you understand that it's not an uncommon book. For those who know the genres of books I like, it will be easier to understand why I took it. First of all - It's the Queen of Crime; how can I resist? But you will note that I said "easier to understand". Why did I say that? The answer is purely my opinion and nothing else. I think that this is one of the rare books of Christie's that are "behind the veils". But, as always,   the suspense is awesome. And even though this is so boring in the beginning, (believe me, it is. Maybe that's why I took so long to read it.) all the tiny little components really contribute to the brilliant climax. Take my advise when you read this book : read everything with good attention. Otherwise, you'll have to read it all over again. I had to read a chapter once more...

Well, let's go on. This was my first Miss Marple book. As I said, it was damn boring in the beginning, which includes the first 100 or so pages. I just read each page without giving much importance. But I should have known! The first 100 pages of an Agatha Christie book that are unimportant? No, Siree... Again, as mentioned above, I had to read a chapter again. But it was worth it, I tell you! 

OK, the plot is this. There's an old clergyman who is [hell yeah] absent-minded. He often forgets his motives, whereabouts and things of the sort. He was to attend a conference on 'Dead Sea Scrolls', and, because of his trouble-making absent-mindedness (can't blame him), he misses the flight. That's because he goes to the air station on the wrong day. No-one can imagine the story behind the goings-on after that, until later. Chief Inspector Davy a.k.a Father (he is called that because of his seniority in the force) later comes along a hunch that there are way darker secrets behind Bertram's Hotel than just the disappearance of a harmless canon. Even Miss Marple cannot believe that such things can happen in the so old fashioned, calm, and quiet hotel that she was used to from childhood. 

Now let me stop. It won't be no good if I spill out everything here and now. I'm telling you, this is a book that you have to read. The suspense is terrific, majestic, splendid, and all other synonyms you can get out of a thesaurus for the word "brilliant". Anyway, the main reason for the crime is money, like most of the crimes in the world. Oops, have I said too much? Here are two quotes that yours truly made:

What people will do for money, might lead to the eschaton. - Karthik Thrikkadeeri

Why does one want a fortune of money, when one can live life in the best way with some money? - Karthik Thrikkadeeri 

And... here are some quotes by one of my favorites :

Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has, the more one wants. - Benjamin Franklin

He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money. - Benjamin Franklin

Saying bye with a quote from a legend :

 For I can raise no money by vile means. - William Shakespeare

Yeva! 

Christmas Letter

Dear Santa,


First of all, how are you? I hope it's not too cold for you at your place. And I have to say, nice outfit! Good color combination. But Santa, you really need a diet! What happened to your tummy? I hope you weren't stealing and eating from other kids' presents. And Santa, I want to tell you that I have been bad good this year. Although I have been bad sometimes, the majority would be good. And don't leave my list out, just because of teeny weeny bit. This is my first time that I have written a letter to you. My parents, well actually my mother, told me that you could read children's minds. So, even if I didn't send you a letter, you should have know all these years what I wanted. And you didn't even send me presents once. And because of all that, you are going to get a penalty. I am going to tell you everything I want. And you must  please send me them. Please? 


How are the elves doing? And what about Rudolf Rudolph? Please say hi to him from me. I like him very much. Tell him to give me an autograf autograph when you come - you will come, right??? If you don't come, I will tell my parents to come and beat you up. I will be very sad. I really want some gifts this year Santa. I'm so bored! There's no one to play. My mom won't let me watch T.V. the whole day. And worst of all, I have to go to school! 


Anyway,there are so many things that I want. So, I might forget something but as you can read my mind, I want you to send it too. Okay? 


List :

• No school (please,please,please)
• An elf(so that if the previous one is not received, it will do the homework for me)
• Rudolph's nose
• Rudolph's autograph
• Your beard
• Your clothes
• Your sleigh
• Non-stop supply of Doritos
• Non-stop supply of MilkyBar
• Non-stop supply of pizzas
• Non-stop supply of Boudoir
• Non-stop supply of Fanta
• Non-stop supply of junk food(other than the ones mentioned above)
• Non-stop shows of my favorite shows like WWE,Star World,etc.(at suitable timings and non-repeat ones)
• Sachin's retirement before he reaches 100 centuries
• Sehwag's more double centuries
• Kallis breaking Sachin's record(or any other person)
• John Cena defeating The Rock at WM 28
• All the stupids getting fired
• John Cena becoming the rapper once more
• Me reading more than 50 Christie books
• An air gun
• A pistol
• An AK-47
• A sniper
• A mobile phone
• A pen(because this one is almost over
• A fat-loss kit(for you so that when you send it to me, I can send it back to you)
• Friends who I can play with( not geeks)

Hey, Santa, when is the last date for submitting these letters? I can remember only these now. I will send a letter as soon as I remember. So,

• Last date for submission of letters

So, Santa, how many stamps will I need for this letter? Is there even a postage service there?I've stuck one but if you need more, tell my parents.


So, I hope you find this letter and send me the items. And are going to come down our chimney? Please reply.


With best hopes,
Yours afekshanately affectionately,
The Guile Hooligan

Tribute To Albert Einstein

These are some of the best Albert Einstein quotes. I came across them when I was reading some articles. There's no specific reason that I decided to put them.  I thought I should , as a tribute to the great man. 

1. "Two things are infinite : the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."

2. "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."

3. "I am convinced that He (God) does not play dice."

4. "I never think of the future. It comes soon enough."

5. "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

6. "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."

7. "Science without religion is lame.Religion without science is blind."

8. "Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them."


























These are eight of the best Bert Einstein quotes. There were actually 10 in the article, but the other two, I didn't understand. 
Albert Einstein is one of the world's geniuses and greatest contributors to science. 


I SALUTE YOU, MR. ALBERT EINSTEIN!!!

Destination Limited Euphoria

First of all, Yeva! I'm back! I'm finished with exams! Well, at least in 2011. Who knows what I'll go through in the next year. Speaking of next year, if the world ends in 2012, I've wasted my whole life in school! And ... if not ... well ... I've wasted about 10 months thinking that it will! Man, now I understand why people say life is unfair. Actually, I've got to correct myself : Now I understand how life is not fair. Life is the most tricky, wild, scary, fun and tricky roller coaster in the whole universe(Hey, guys, what's bigger than that?)!
And also,
IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE!!!

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
And what can I do, I have no clue, as to what I should do rather than play?!

Yeah!
Well, this is actually a problem. It's like this:

 You really want to go to a place. You were so busy to plan anything beforehand. So once you are done with all the busy-ness, you can't wait anymore so you at once jump into your beautiful little roadster and race along the road to your little 'Limited Euphoria' place. Then you come to know that the highway is blocked due to bad weather conditions. "Damn", you say. And just then you come back to the real world and realize that your dearest vehicle isn't the only way to reach a destination. Without wasting any time, you U-Turn your favorite Porsche and go to the railway station. You hurriedly take a ticket for 'Limited Euphoria' without thinking of anything else, like the little poodle who starts barking madly as soon as he sees you, or even the person who accidentally pours milkshake on you in the hurry. You are determined to reach there. You enter the train and decide that you will sleep through the journey, as there are many things you need to do once you reach your little place.

You reach your little cabin in 'Limited Euphoria' and at once make yourself a steaming hot tea. You sit down on your cozy little armchair and take a book from your dusty bookshelf. You spent some time reading and then go to your backyard to take in the breathtaking sight of the mist-covered mountain-tops. And sitting quietly like well-trained dogs, are all the other beautiful offspring of Mother Nature, sitting at the foot of their master. While you are in the middle of wandering away, from the world of reality to the world of nature and beauty, a shrill cry of a banshee shatters the bliss of being with nature. You sadly take your mobile phone and absentmindedly search the screen for anything appealing. You realize that it's the alarm which had been set for 7:25 a.m. You get confused : "Why in the world does this alarm..have to ring...at the one time.....that -"


Your mind switches back to reality and as soon as you open your eyes, you realize that you have just reached 'Limited Euphoria'. "Sigh. I should have known that that could happen only in dreams." You take your luggage(which is your suitcase from work) and get off the train. This is when reality really strikes. "Now that I'm here, what should I do?". You know that the cabin and the book and the armchair, and your patented view of nature is just too much ask, because you don't have a single one. You don't know what to do in this 'very-much-desired' place. You know that you wanted something so badly, but you don't know what it is. With no other option, you take a hotel room. You try to go on with the life you are used to, but that doesn't work. You try reading books, that's not it. You try doing everything you are interested in, but they don't satisfy you. You are not able to get the joy you thought you would have. You think and think about what you should do. You come up with only one thing : PLAN. You decide that you will plan what you want to do. You hope that planning will make everything better..........


The only reason I typed this is because this my hell damn situation! Although, the last part, I don't think so. Two days have already gone. There's so much to do. But my mind's a blur. And the WORST part of this is that you know the euphoria period is limited. You know that there is a limit of the time provided for happiness, and you want to take hold of the opportunity and do everything you wanted to do. But you do everything together(even though you didn't want that). And the result is 'No Fun'.

a+b+c+d+e/9 days * 5 = 0abcde/9 days (a+b+c+d+e = Chaos) [a+b+c+d+e/n = 0abcde/n; a=Fun-1, b=Fun-2,c=Fun-3,d=Fun-4,e=Fun-5]

Mathematicians should find a way of solving that and then making that an Identity(in Maths) with a patent for all children.

And I hope this vacation turns out a nice one, rather than a waste of holidays. I especially hate the teachers. Assignments during Christmas! That is a frickin' good way of making students not enjoy the holidays! I mean, if all that teachers want to do is give us assignments during X'Mas holidays, then why say that it's a vacation at all? The meaning of 'Vacation' or 'Holiday' is taking a break from whatever work you are doing, not 'having a break, but finding time to do some work in the middle of that'! Man, schools are getting pretty bad!!!

Anyway, I don't want to spoil your wonderful(I don't know if that's true) holidays. I think I'll be writing soon, before the damn school opens, but still :

 Advanced Happy New Year !!!!!!!.

  

Wiggy

Hey, hello everyone!
In the last rapem, I used 'Wiggy'. I'm sure that most of you don't know what that means. See, my classmates call me that name. It all started last year when my classmate, Anirudh, tried to pull my hair in a Maths period. He said he thought it was a wig. From then, they started calling me that. I had a mushroom cut,see? Even so, I don't see how he thought it was a wig.

Anyway, I finished One, Two, Buckle My Shoe. I have to read The Godfather. Now it's exams for me, so I have to read it in the X'Mas Holidays coming soon.

Wish me luck for the exams!

Yeva!