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Very rarely do I find a musical I haven't grown up with that I immediately love. This was one of those rare times. Newsies was a movie I never expected to like. Now, I love it!

Newsies
PG

When a rabble of newsboys get their already pathetic salary lowered, they can only think of one solution. STRIKE. Not only do they have to fight their cause without being beat down, but their seemingly carefree leader, Jack, has got some dark secrets of his own. Put to upbeat, swinging songs that make you want to click your heels together, it's completely worth it! It's funny, wholehearted, and makes you feel like you're the "King of New york". It has a encouraging storyline, catchy tunes, and great choreography. Want a good time? Newsies delivers.

Inkmovie

Last night we rented the movie Inkheart. Before I start raving on about how brilliantly awesome it is, let me just add that this is one movie where you don't have to have read the book to understand.

Inkheart
PG
(fantasy action, scary moments, & brief language)

When Mo Folchart accidentally reads some potentially menacing villains and a bitter fire-eater out of a book, he has to protect his daughter at all costs. Twelve years later, they find him, and threaten to hurt those he loves unless he reads out the worst villain of all-The Shadow. Filled with love of the written word, magic, and an awesome character named Dustfinger, the movie grabs you in from the beginning. It begins with a secret...and who doesn't love those? (Personally, Dustfinger's my favorite. I just love characters with sad histories and a little fault.)

Edit: However, I forgot to mention that while Paul Bettany was an perfect Dustfinger, the movie was a bit more of a magic kiddie show than the Fantasy Epic that the book is.

Raven Quest

Books have a way of taking us to completely different worlds. This one takes you inside the world of ravens on a rip-roaring quest through obstacles you could never dream of.

Raven Quest
Sharon Stewart

Tok, a raven, is a Nameless, an outcast. His Mother and her wicked new mate are of no consolation-she's too scared to oppose the status quo, and he's the one who forces it. But that doesn't stop Tok from being an excellent Flyer.

Until what happens next.

Framed and accused of murder, he leaves (with a blood-thirsty mob on his tail) and can never return. If he does, they kill. Simple. To reclaim the honor stripped of his dead father, he determinedly undertakes the perilous journey to find the ancient Grey Lords. Either way, he has a chance to die. A compelling story that will leave you captivated, Raven Quest is a fresh fantasy take on the mysterious realm of the animals.

The road less traveled

This is a book that will make anyone fall in love with history, map making, and the written word.

The Road to There: Mapmakers and Their Stories

Val Ross

From Cassini to Mercrator, Captain Cook to Cheng Ho, this book follows the lives of some of the most extraordinary mapmakers of all time. Set in story form, it is often thought-provoking, lighthearted, and even occasionally humorous. Through the ancient to modern-day times, man has ever quested to know what laid beyond the horizon. As is shown in this beautiful contribution to honor them.

Objectionable content: One mention of chasing women. 

Chaos is closer than you think

Travel's not my only interest. I am an avid reader, and I always have been.

But it seems to me a good book is hard to find nowadays. For those of you out there who prefer a good reading, here are some books I think you'd enjoy.

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
R.L. LaFevers

A unique book with a main character to die for. Set in the heart of old London, Theodosia Thockmorton lives with her somewhat clueless father in the museum he works at. Her mother is an Egyptologist who keeps sending fascinating Egyptian artifacts to grace the museum's exhibits.

The drawback?

Every artifact is dreadfully cursed. Only the spunky, strong headed and witty girl seems to be able to tell they're even there! While she's got her hands full removing centuries-old curses right under her parents' noses, one of the most deadliest artifacts arrives at the museum. Theodosia now has to rely on a pickpocket, her nosy brother, and a secret society to battle Germans, curses, and her nasty grandmother. The book erupts with mystery, laughter, and ancient magic.

Wonderworld

Natural wonders. Apparently, they're called "wonders" for a reason. Here are five of my favorites:

Northern lights, Finland

Fingal's Cave, Scotland

Durdle Door, England

Giant's Causeway, Ireland

Lake Konigsee, Germany

Natural wonders are nature's way of reminding us how lucky we are.

Don Quixquote

Just got the new issue of The Reader's Digest. And (oh, this is just too perfect) this month's quotes were about TRAVEL. Here are but a few.

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. -James Michener

Not all those who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. -Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad

I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list. -Susan Sontag

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. -Henry Boye

World-Wide Web

My use of the computer is very limited. Except when it comes to travel websites. So, which ones do I enjoy most? Let me tell you:

For videoes from real-life travelers, go to http://www.travelistic.com/

Like photography? For travel photos from around the world, go to http://www.trekearth.com/

And, of course, who could forget National Geographic? http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/

I enjoy reading travel guides. And for me, the travel guide that tops them all is http://www.fodors.com/

Russian Randomness (and alliteration)

Please forgive me if a start almost every blog with "Did you know..."
Now, just a heads up, but most of the travel facts I distribute will 99.9% have to do with Europe.
Hey. What can I say?Europe's interesting.
Right now I am reading Lord of the Rings (again), Watership Down, and 1001 Natural Wonders You Must See Before You Die. (cheerful title, ain't it?)
On Sunday I was flipping through a travel book I got for Christmas when I came upon a fascinating fact.
The St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia, can be seen from the Gulf of Finland!!!
(-200 Greatest Destinations by Marco Cattaneo & Jasmina Trifoni)
Now, consider the distance between St. Petersburg and the Gulf of Finland! Okay, to some it may not be much, but I think it's amazing.
For a really mind blowing example of Russian design, google "gold room terem palace". You should get a photo of a beautiful gold and red room. If you can't find it, check out 200 Greatest Destinations.