Half Review: Never For Nothing

I started this review, but never really finished it.  Since I haven't posted in a while, I thought I'd just go ahead and post what I have.  I just changed it a little bit. Enjoy! :)


Does anybody else think it’s really annoying how Mr. Whittaker presses an issue until somebody does what he wants?  Let me clarify.  For example, in this episode, Whit nearly forces Matthew to go to the half-way house with him.  I mean, really, what is Matthew supposed to say?  He needs to say: “NO!  I DON’T WANT TO GO TO THE HALF-WAY HOUSE OR THE ORPHANAGE OR THE POOR VILLAGE SO WE CAN PASS OUT PRESENTS OR THE DRUG REHAB CENTER OR ANYWHERE ELSE!  NOW PLEASE STOP ASKING!!!  HAS IT EVER OCCURRED TO YOU THAT THERE ARE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO DO TOO??!!!” in a nicer more respectful way.  :)  Everybody just listens to Whit and follows him around, doing whatever he wants.  It’s really annoying.

Anyway, ignoring that aspect, a few corny jokes, and several obnoxious characters (such as Olivia and her Grandma) this story was pretty good.  The Spanish characters were awesome and funny.  Especially Juan and Esperanza’s cousin.  And they had cool accents too. :)

Another thing I noticed is that the episode seemed more mature than usual, with Esperanza dying.  Of course, with what kids watch on TV and in the movies today, an accidental death in an audio drama is pretty mild.

Move That Bus and Let's Have a Concert! - A Review of "Wooton Knows Best"

All in all "Wooton Knows Best" is a great episode.  It's very funny and teaches a good lesson.  Wooton brings the humor of course.  I loved how he was telling his story to Whit but trying to do it in a way that would be non-scary.

Since I like music, I thought it was cool that they included Melissa Ciphers in the story although I'm sure she doesn't sing the kind of music I listen to.  It was pretty stupid how they had her at the end singing just for Olivia.  Pleease, a dose of realism.  Do you think that they would have brought Joe Ciphers if Olivia won the contest?

Of course Olivia was obnoxious (as usual) but it didn't ruin the story.  Especially since Matthew got to go to camp.  That made me happy.  :)  I love it when the boys win.  It shows that the world hasn't gone completely crazy.  (No offense girls)  ;)

Humor: Excellent
Plot: Very Good
"Stupid" Content: Little
Character Selection: Pretty Good
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Reviews Coming Soon

Just to let everybody know, I am planning on doing reviews of the new episodes.  I've started on a couple, but it might be a little while before I release the first one.  I'll just say that #54 has some good episodes!

Nothing in Particular

I thought I'd do a post since I haven't done one in a while.  But I don't really have anything exciting to say, so...

Anyway, #54 is out.  Can't wait to hear it, it should be getting here in a week or so, right in time for my brother's birthday.  I don't like the idea of him owning the new Odyssey's.  But they're too expensive, and I'm really into Southern Gospel music more right now.  As long as I get to hear it I suppose it doesn't matter.

The new cover repacks are really cool, and there's some awesome information out for upcoming albums.  There's a writer's contest which is neat too.  Go to Odyssey Scoop.  They have more info on all this stuff.  Anyway for now, goodbye amigos.  (I don't know the Spanish word for "goodbye."  Isn't that sad?)

Listen to New Half-Episode!

You can listen to half of the episode "Wooton Knows Best" from the upcoming album #54.  I'm listening to it now, so I can't write a review at this point... ;)  Listen now!

Sticks and Stones/Career Moves/BTV: Grace - Listen NOW!

This promotion has ended.

"BTV: Grace" was banned because Focus thought it might be offensive to the Amish.  Not sure how the Amish even listen to Odyssey without electricity... ;)   "Sticks and Stones" was banned because Focus didn't want kids to have a new arsenal of mean words to call people.

Tell your friends how they can listen to these episodes.  And hurry!  They're only available for a limited time!  Please comment if you enjoyed them.  You can use your Google and Yahoo! to comment.  You can also type in a nickname or go anonymous!

My AIO Dollar

Whew!  It's been a long time since I posted anything here!  It's been kind of hard to post about news without internet access at home, plus I got kind of tired of it. ;)  I'll try to update more, escpecially if we get internet come school season.

I thought I'd post the pictures of my dollar from the AIO Dollar Contest that was hosted a while back.


Front:

Back:

Tell me what you think!

The Doppleganger

The Doppleganger Chronicles: The Secret of Indigo Moon

Sadly, this graphic novel turned out to be like most of it's compatriots.  The comic book genre is filled with weak storys, bad characters, and even worse "humor."  This book, as I already implied, was of such quality.

The main characters (which I suppose would be two girls named Sadie and Saskia and a boy named Erik Morrisey) were mainly obnoxious (especially the females).   Speaking on the story part I would have to say, that it was just stupid.  "Three kids run away from their school, to track down people and criminals thinking that their head mistress was a criminal herself.  They get kidnapped multiple times, and put on unrealistic inventions, that will take them (or in one case) hurl them to their death.  Then, of course, they somehow, manage to get off the object of torture and escape their captors."

This is not a book you will want to waste your money on (even if you usually do spend your money on juvenile graphic novels), but of course I didn't know that.  Fortunately, I didn't spend any money on the book, but obtained it as a free review copy from Tyndale.com, where you can go to sign up to get free products to review.  (Don't worry, everything else I've gotten from them I enjoyed much more, such as Odyssey #52 and a Jerry B. Jenkins book)

Anyway, great art (wish they had the art the whole way through.  That would have boosted my rating a bit), stupid story, undesirable characters, and such nonsense.  1/5 star (assuming that "1" is the lowest rating I can give)

"Schmoozing Elegantly"

Greetings and Felicitations, my moniker (to borrow the dated vernacular) is Eugenius Meltsner.  My profession is an engineer at a popular ninety-nine shop, and the originator of the charitable non-profit "Mono Sarsum."  My leisure pursuits include the following: schmoozing elegantly, the study of cybernetics, and a variety of other interests.  I am a scholar at what we pupil's like to call the "four C's," that is the Campbell County Community College.  In fact, numerous diurnal's ago, I heard a story of a learned professor who was working near twilight, or so, when some very naughty youth's determined to carry out a very callous lark on this gentleman, when...loudly exclaimer euphenisms escape me!!  It is ten past the o'clock!  My spouse will be quite peeved (to borrow the colloqlialism)  I will have to relate this tale to you at some later period.  But let me tell you, the periodic table of the elements genuinely abetted the professor that night!  Bon voyage, or as some English populace that I am aquainted with like to voice "Cheerio!"

I was feeling in a "Eugene" mood.  25 ToO dollars to anyone who can tell me what he's saying without using a dictionary. :D

Hurrah!!!

Wow, we got some new cover art that's quite...interesting.

It's quite cool!  Dr. Blackguard looks a bit fake or something.  It looks kind of like fan art.  Hmmm...I think it's cool, and it looks like we'll have some video here too.

Also, the final art for #54 has been released.  You can see that below.  That one's really neat too.  I like the red border.

EDITED: The Green Ring Conspiracy- REVIEW

I got a copy of the Green Ring Conspiracy for my birthday.  I've heard the whole thing, and I love it!  First, I'll say that Jay, is now one of my favorite characters!  He is hilarious!  Buck Oliver was OK, I really liked Mr. Skint (until the end where he be...well, I'll let you hear it for yourself)  Great storyline, awesome characters (ooh, I forgot to mention Monty, yeah, he's cool.)  And I'm glad that they brought back Katrina, Monty, and, *someone else*.  I love hearing from old characters.  It makes it seem more like the old Odyssey or something.  I still don't like Whit as much, but I think I'm getting used to him.

And...I mean someone's back.  I don't know if you'd appreciate me telling you who, so I won't say.  I can't believe who he turned out to be!  Wow, I didn't think of this before, but we had a place crash and a...well...another kind of crash. :)

Seriously though, I loved it.  Five stars for this album.  What are your thoughts?

EDIT: Sorry if I spoiled it for anyone by the spoilers I had before. :(

Happy Birthday To Me!

Yes, this is no joke, my b-day is April 1.  :) 

Anyway, I know you've all seen the new album cover, but I thought I'd give my thoughts:  Really cool.  I'm assuming that's Jay.  He looks like Rusty Gordon (at least how I think of Rusty)  And Priscilla?  Hmmm...Interesting.  The border looks kind of neat, although It's not final.  What do you think? 

StrongNChrist

Strongnchrist (on the ToO) has passed away in a car accident.  I know many of you didn't know her (I didn't very well.  I've debated with her before.)  But please pray for the family.  If you want more information, please visit the ToO.com or comment.

Audio Problem?

It's come to my attention that the Audio page is disabled.  Has anybody had a problem with this?  Please comment so I can fix it correctly.  Thanks ;)

Contest Winner

Hey everybody, I know I should have done this a long time ago, but I kept forgetting, so I guess better late than never. :)  We didn't get very many contest entry's, but we did get a few.  Congratulations to the winner, Jessa M.!  I'll send out your certificate as soon as possible, Jessa.  For those of you who didn't win, we'll be having more, hopefully one with #53!  So keep watching!

Giants, Rats, and Billy Graham

I decided to do a post on movies.  Here's a list of movies that I like:  (The links take you to the Plugged In reviews)

Tangled (Disney)

I absolutely love this film!  Saw it for the first time, Tuesday night.  Hilarious. Pixar did a great job (as usual) on the animation.

Time Changer (Rich Christiano)

This is very good, and makes some very good points.  The only objectionable thing is one use of the word "gosh" (which stands for God)   

Ratatouille (Disney)

We love this movie!  Great animation, very funny.

Other Good Movies:

Facing the Giants

Flywheel

Narnia 1

Narnia 3

Billy: The Early Years

What are your thoughts on these movies?  Comment and tell me your favorites.

Surprise Revealed!

I've decided to release the surprise I mentioned a while back.  So here it is:  (Be sure to watch the middle and the end especially!)

Please keep in mind that this is the first video I've done like this, and it's designed to just be silly.  If a lot of people like it, I'll consider doing more, and taking more time to make them, so I really need you to comment and tell me what you think!  Thanks. :)

New Website

Check out AIOFIA (Adventures in Odyssey Information For Anyone.)  It's a cool Odyssey website with links, contest page, blog, and more.  Click on the link and comment on the blog, so the webmaster knows you've found the site.  If I can figure the RSS stuff out, I'll put it in the blog list so you can see when he does a new post..

BTW, if you haven't listened to the first ep. of #53 go to CBD and download it for free.  It's awesome!  And the last character you would expect to be in it is, but I won't tell you who unless you comment and tell me you want to know who, which you probably don't and won't. :)  That's all for now.

Surprise Coming Soon?

I'm working on a project that I might or might not decide to release.  I should have it ready in a 1-2 weeks if everything goes well.  I will let you see a picture that is part of my project, but you will never guess in a million years what I'm working on. :)

You can try to guess in the comments if you'd like, but I won't confirm anything.






If you haven't entered our contest yet, you still have time, but you'd better hurry!  Just click the link at the top of the page for more info.

Please comment!  I'd like to hear your speculations. :)

EDIT:  In case you didn't know, you can download the first episode of #53 for free here!  Make sure you buy just the first episode or else you'll pay $17.49.  :)

Review: The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood
Jerry B. Jenkins

Summary:
Boone Drake has it made.  He’s a young cop rising rapidly through the ranks of the Chicago Police Department.  He has a beautiful wife and son, a nice starter house, a great partner, and a career plan that should land him in the Organized Crime division within five years.

Everything is going right…until everything goes horribly wrong.

His personal life destroyed and his career and future in jeopardy, Boone buries himself in guilt and bitterness as his life spirals out of control.  But when he comes face to face with the most vicious gang leader Chicago has seen in decades, he begins to realize that God is a God of second chances and can change the hardest heart…and forgive the worst of crimes.

Review:
Jerry Jenkins is one of my favorite authors, and he’s written some really great books.  If you’re a fan of his books, then The Brotherhood will be a great addition to add to your collection.  On the upside, it teaches us that God is not the author of death, but does allow people to die to bring glory to himself.  Also, there’s some great action scenes if you like those types of books.  On the downside, there are a number of references to mature themes that some parents may not want their younger children to see.  There’s nothing explicit though.  And if you don’t like reading sad things, you may not want to buy it.  (SPOILER: Boone’s son in killed in a tragic fire and his wife dies later from severe burns.  Boone struggles with their death and resorts to wine to help him sleep, but after a while he resolves to stay away from it.)  Out of five stars, I’ll give this book 3½.  You can order it from Tyndale, or you can enter our contest to win a free copy! (See details below)

About the Author:

Jerry B. Jenkins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author.  His books include The Last Operative, Riven, Shadowed, and many more.  He also wrote the Left Behind series (with Tim LaHaye), the Red Rock Mysteries series (with Chris Fabry) and the Wormling series. (with Chris Fabry)  His writing has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Guideposts, Parade, and dozens of other periodicals.  He is the writer of the comic strip, Gil Thorp and his biographies include books with Bill Gaither, Hank Aaron, Billy Graham, and many others.  His books appear regularly on the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly best-seller lists.





Contest Details:
Use our contact page or email us directly at: theodysseytimes@yahoo.com and provide us with your name, email, and mailing address.  We will draw a random name, and the winner will receive a certificate that they can redeem at their local Christian book store.  Winner will be contacted as soon as possible after the contest ends.  Contest ends 2/20/11.

I’d like to thank the Tyndale Blog Network for providing me with a free review copy of The Brotherhood, and the certificate for the contest.

Free Download!

Hey everybody, Focus on the Family is giving away a free copy of the introductory album Welcome to Odyssey.  This album contains nine classic episodes, and a bonus episode called Discovering Odyssey, that will introduce new fans to the show.  Also you can download the episode Promises, Promises as well.

You still have some time to enter our contest, so hurry before the deadline!

I've noticed that I haven't had a lot of feedback lately. :(  So please let me know if the comments feature is broken or anything, or if you're mad at me for any reason.  :)  You can email me at theodysseytimes@yahoo.com.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.  I thought I'd do a post in honor of the day.  You can visit the SOHLS website here or you can visit Family Christian Stores and by a Bible that will be given to a mother who has decided against abortion.  This song by the Inspirations talks about this important topic.  It's called "Cry For the Children."  Listen here.

Contest: The Brotherhood

EDIT: I would like to make it clear that the winner will receive a certificate that they can redeem at their local Christian Book Store for a free copy of The Brotherhood.

I can now say for certain that we will be able to host a contest here on the blog.  So starting today you can sign up to win a free copy of Jerry B. Jenkins new book entitled: The Brotherhood.  Our review of the book will be posted on February 6th, the date assigned to us in the Tyndale Blog Network blog tour.

Sign Up:
Email us atmailto:theodysseytimes@yahoo.com and provide us with your name, email, and home address.  We will then enter your name into a random drawing.  The contest ends February 12, so you have quite a bit of time to sign up.

Contest?

If you used to visit the Odyssey Times website you know that we once had a contest where you could win a copy of #51.  Well now we have an idea for a new contest, but we're not sure if it will work out yet.  The prize won't be an Odyssey product, though I would like to do more of those kinds in the future.  Keep watching the blog, and we will try to announce this officially soon.

Bored

Hey everybody, I thought I'd do a post since I haven't done one in a while, but I don't have anything to say much, so I'll just talk about all the AIO news.

• Here's the cover for #53, which I might make some wallpaper out of:

• And here's the mysterious photo that AIO posted on Facebook that people are supposed to be guessing what it is:

• Besides that, you can now vote in the Avery Awards, listen to the Odyssey ScoopCast even if you don't have iTunes (which I was able to do before), and we are hoping (at least I am) that Jason will return in #53, and one of my friends (who just happens to be an Odyssey blogger) told me that he thought Richard Maxwell might return, which would be awesome.

We have a surprise coming up soon, so keep watching!

Grooveshark

I thought I'd do a totally AIO-unrelated post, so here it is.  If you're a music lover, then you'll love Grooveshark. You can play any song (that they have) any time.  I haven't hit a monthly limit yet (I think maybe 40 hours), and it's absolutely free.  You can upload your own music, and it's legal.  You can also embed music as you can see below.

#53 Cover!

Here's the artwork for #53 The Green Ring Conspiracy!  This one is better quality, too, than the one that was released yesterday.  In my opinion, this is probably the best album art in the new "era."