Sunday, 11 March 2012

Reconciled to God Daily Lenten Devotions - Amy Welborn

Reconciled to God
Daily Lenten Devotions
Amy Welborn
Creative Communications for the Parish
AISN B005EHRZNY
ISBN 2940013104877

This is one of two books I am reading during the Lent season in 2012. It is an amazing little book. It is available in booklet format from the publisher or in eBook from various vendors for just $0.99. It is only the second week of Lent and already this book has moved me deeply. I find when I wake up each morning I am eager to get to my morning devotions to get to what Amy has written and reflected upon for that day. Some of they are so insightful I find myself going back and rereading them a few times throughout the day. This is a wonderful Lenten reader and I highly recommend it!



Books by Amy Welborn:
Reconciled to God Daily Lenten Devotions
Wish You Were Here: Travels Through Loss and Hope
A Catholic Woman's Book of Days
de-Coding Da Vinci: The Facts Behind the Fiction of the Da Vinci Code
Loyola Kids Book of Saints
Loyola Kids Book of Heroes: Stories of Catholic Heroes and Saints throughout History
Here. Now. a Catholic Guide to the Good Life
The Words We Pray
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries
Decoding Mary Magdalene: Truth, Legend, and Lies
Come Meet Jesus: An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI
Be Saints! An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI

Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion
Mary and the Christian Life: Scriptural Reflections on the First Disciple
Adventures in Assisi: On the Path with St. Francis: On the Path with St. Francis
Prepare Him Room: Advent Family Devotions
Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter 
Parables: Stories of the Kingdom
The Absence of War
Relatable and Authentic, Transparent, So Real
All Will Be Well
Nothing Else Occurs To Me
A Reason for Everything
...


Saturday, 10 March 2012

Workout Programs Fall 2011

After posting my winter 2012 program I got a number of questions about my fall programs that I mentioned. So here are the 4 and 5 day splits that I used in fall 20 2011.

Four Day Split
Monday
Chest & Triceps

Bench Press
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Overhead Tricept Press
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Chess Fly
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Skull Crusher
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Narrow Pushups
3 Sets work to 20+ reps per set

Tuesday
Back & Biceps

Double Arm Reverse Fly
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Bicep Curl
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Single Arm Row
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Bicep Hammer Curl
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Chin Ups (Bands)
3 Sets Mac Reps
Thursday
Shoulders

Shoulder Press
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Lateral Raise
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Front Raise
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Upright Row
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Shrugs
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Friday
Legs & Core

Weighted Squat
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Stiff Leg Deadlift
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Weighted Lunge
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps

Weighted Hip Raise
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - max 15 reps


Plank
3 Sets hold as long as possible

Five Day Split

Monday
Shoulders & Core

Lateral to Front Raise
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps


Front to Lateral Raise
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Side Laying Extension Rotations
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps


Hang to Clean
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Plank Scapular Squeeze
3 Sets hold as long as possible

Tuesday
Triceps & Biceps

Negative Biceps Curl
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Skull Crushers - Palm In
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Hammer Curl
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Tricep Extension Inverted Grip
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Wrist Sandwich
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps


Wednesday
Legs

Single Leg Dead Lift
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Curtsy Lunge
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Calf Raises
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Side Lying Leg Lifts - with Bands
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Wide Leg Weighted Squats
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps


Thursday
Chest & Core

Side Plank
3 Sets hold as long as possible

Dumbell Pull Overs
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Stability Ball Bench
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Medicine Ball Push Ups
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Plank with Knee Lifts
3 Sets hold as long as possible

Friday
Back

Single Arm Back Fly
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Barbell Row
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Lat Roll Outs
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Stability Ball Leg Lifts
Set 1 - 4-6 reps
Set 2 - 6-8 reps
Set 3 - 8-12
Set 4 - max 15 reps

Stability Ball Supermans
3 Sets work to 20+ reps per set

Other Fitness Articles:
Fall 2011 Programs
Workout program March 2012
My Gear February 2012
Fitness My Retrospective

TRX Articles:
TRX an Introduction
TRX Force

TRX Force Tactical
TRX Essential Flexibility

My P90X Series:
Phase I, Phase II, Gear, Phase III, Fitness Options, P90X at 120 Days Out

Health & Fitness Book Reviews:
The Primal Blueprint 21 Day Total Body Transformation - Mark Sisson
The Ten Commandments Of Lifting Weights - Jared Zimmerer

Toadally Primal Smoothies - Todd Dosenberry
Caveman Resurection - Jeff Pickett
40 Days to Optimal Health - Dr. Scott Morris
Eat Stop Eat - Brad Pilon
The Primal Blueprint - Mark Sisson
The New Rules of Lifting - Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove
Bench Press by: Sven Lindqvist
Sly Moves by: Sylvester Stallone
Fit for Eternal Life: A Christian Approach to Working Out, Eating Right, and Building the Virtues of Fitness in Your Soul by: Dr. Kevin Vost
Body for Life 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strenght by: Bill Phillips
Lose Fat Not Faith by Jeremy R. Likeness
Living The Good Life: Your Guide to Health and Success by: David Patchell-Evans
Dump your Trainer by: Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen


Friday, 9 March 2012

Darth Vader A 3-D Reconstruction Log - Daniel Wallace, Christ Trevas and Chris Reiff

Darth Vader
A 3-D Reconstruction Log
Star Wars
Daniel Wallace (Author)
Christ Trevas and Chris Reiff (Illustrators)
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545312158

The Star Wars books that Scholastic has released over the last few years are amazing. Either like this one, just a Star Wars book, or the Lego Star Wars books, they are introducing a new generation to stories that have been shaping people for over 30 years.

This book was amazing. Done in an overlay board book style with transparent films, it goes through the enhancements, technology and injuries that have gone into turning Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. In 22 pages, this book had a wealth of information about the technology in Darth Vader. Children will love pouring over the book again and again. It is another great addition to the Star Wars Library for young readers.

Other Scholastic Books:
Star Wars Books:
Star Wars The Complete Saga
Star Wars Millennium Falcon YT-1300: A 3-D Owners Guide

Star Wars Darth Vader A 3-D Reconstruction Log
Star Wars Folded Flyers
Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D
Star Wars The Complete Saga

Lego Star Wars Books:
Save The Galaxy!
Anakin: Space Pilot 3D
Darth Maul's Mission
The Padawan Menace

Lego City Adventure Books:
Fire Truck To The Rescue
Help Is On the Way!
Calling All Cars
All Aboard!
Ready For Take Off
Build This City
City Adventures Sticker Book

Work This Farm
Fight This Fire!
Lego City Heroes!
Trucks Around The City
Escape From Lego City
3, 2, 1 Liftoff
All Hands On Deck
Fire In The Forest!
Catch That Crook!

Lego Ninjago:
Collector's Sticker Book

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Judy Moody Goes to College - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds - Book 8

Judy Moody Goes to College
Judy Moody Book 8
Megan McDonald (Author)

Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Candlewick

ISBN 9780763648558
eISBN 9780763652074

This was the third book in the Judy Moody series and the eighth book with Stink and Judy Moody in it that I have read. I love the characters. The writing is wonderful. The illustrations are amazing. Together Megan and Peter have created some wonderful books to be shared by the whole family. One of the greatest strengths of these books is that even though there are now 23 books between the Judy Moody books, the Stink Moody books and the two cross-over books, they can be read in almost any order. Some of the books make reference to events in earlier books but never to the extent that they need to be read in order. You can pick up any of the books and will have a great read in your hands.

In this book Mr. Todd has gone away to Italy for a teachers' convention. Judy does not get along with the new teacher and soon she is in need of tutoring in Math. So her parents make arrangements for her to get some help at the local college. So Judy Moody goes to College, specifically Cononial College, where she meets her tutor Chloe Canfield or c Squared! The chapters in this volume are:

Who's Who

Math-i-tude
Mom-and Dad-i-tude
A New Attitude
Brat-i-tude
Not-So-Bad-i-tude
Art-i-tude
Cat-i-tude

Flunk-i-tude
Grat-i-tude
Glad-i-tude
Judy Moody's Not-Webster's New World College Dictionary, First Edition


While hanging out at College, Judy develops some new lingo, a new fashion sense and soon she is starting to annoy most of the people in her life with her 'at college' statements. But things might turn around. You will need to read to find out what type of mood Judy Moody ends the story with. This was one of my favorite books so far in these series. It was a great read and I highly recommend it.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths


Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1:
Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2
Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Hero-Type - Barry Lyga

Hero-Type
Barry Lyga
Houghton Mifflin Company
eISBN 9780547076638
ISBN 9780547248776

Kevin Ross is a hero, in his high school, his town of Brookdale, his state and even the nation, for he is a young man who single-handedly stopped a serial killer. He jumped on his back and put him in a strangle hold while a girl from his school who was about to become the next victim called 911. But what nobody knows is why Kevin was there in the first place and what he was doing. But Kevin does and it is tearing him to pieces. But just as quickly as he was placed upon the pedestal, he is torn down, as it gets reported that he takes 'Support Our Troops' magnets from the car the Mayor got him a deal on, and puts them in the trash. Soon he is being threatened, attacked and in a worse place than when people just ignored him. But no one stops to ask why he took them off. Soon Kevin is in a heated debate and battle with the school jock about flag-burning, the pledge of allegiance and what does it mean to support the troops.
This was the third of the books set in Brookdale that I have read. I find it interesting how Lyga can create so many different and yet all intense stories set in the same small town, with minor overlaps in characters. It's funny, but I think I would have liked going to this school and would have loved being in the Council of Fools. They are great stories for teens to read to show them different sides of hard situations, but also for adults to read to be reminded of what teens go through. This story was very interesting to read because of all the political drama and tensions. But it all comes down to what is a hero really, and what should we do with a platform once it has been given to us. It was another great read by an incredible storyteller!


Books by Barry Lyga:
I Hunt Killers:
I Hunt Killers (2012)
Game - I Hunt Killers #2 (2013)

Blood of My Blood - I Hunt Killers # 3 (2014)
…

I Hunt Killers Short Stories:
Down Time (2018)
Lucky Day (2014)
Career Day (2012)
Neutral Mask (2013)
Blood Boy (2014)
…
Before the Hunt (2025)
…

Brookdale High:
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (2006)
Boy Toy (2007)
Hero Type (2008)
Goth Girl Rising (2009)

Bang (2017)
...

Archvillian:
Archvillain #1 (2010)
The Mad Mask - Archvillian #2 (2011)
Yesterday Again - Archvillian #3 (2013)
...

The Flash Series:
Hocus Pocus (2017)
Johnny Quick (2018)
Tornado Twins (2018)
…

Crossover Crisis Series:
Green Arrow's Perfect Shot (2019)
Supergirl's Sacrifice (2020)
The Legends of Forever (2021)
…

Other Books By Barry Lyga:
Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A definitive Guide (with Alison A.W. Lyga - 2004)
Wolverine: Worst Day Ever (2009)
MangaMan (with Colleen Dorren 2011)

Unsoul'd (2013)
After The Red Rain (2015)
The Secret Sea (2016)
Thanos Titan Consumed (2018)
The Hive (2019)

...

Short Story Project 2017
The Ghosts at 95
Loving The University
The Ideas of March
Four Minutes
Pulse vs. the Killing Fiend
Her Decade
The Life Cycle of Stars (Ignition)
Bobby
Trading Worlds
When I Die
The Autopsying of Michael Edward Morgan
Meet Me Tonight
...

Contributed to:
Geektastic (2009)
Who Done It? (2013)

Author Profile and Interview with Barry Lyga

Author Profile and Interview with Randall Banner

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk
Stink Moody Book 7

Megan McDonald (Author)

Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763656928

For a few years now I have intended to read one of the Judy Moody novels by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds. It is definitely my loss that I have not made the time to do so yet. Stink is Judy's little brother and each has their own series and a few carry-over novels. If the Judy Moody or the other Stink books are as good as this one, I am in for a lot of good reading.

This book was really fun to read, and young readers will get a kick out of the story and comedy in it. Stink and his friends are desperately awaiting the release of Nightmare on Zombie Street Book 5, Creature with the Cootie Brain, a book in the Zombie series they have been reading. Their school is trying to get to a million minutes read and maybe they even get a little scared. The chapters are:

Vomitocius
The Smellatorium
What about B.O.B.?
Curse of the Zombie Baloney
Zombie Lunch Lady
Nightmare on Croaker Street
Cruella De Zombie
The (Ten O'Clock) Midnight Zombie Walk

In 153 pages of text and illustrations, Reynolds and McDonald tell a hilarious tale. This book was a great read and has hooked me so much I am planning on reading both series soon. Check them out; great book for young readers or to read with young readers.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1:
Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt


Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography


Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer

10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths


Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2
Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:

The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Monday, 5 March 2012

Into The Gauntlet- 39 Clues Book 10 - Margaret Peterson Haddix

Into The Gauntlet
The 39 Clues - Book 10
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545060509

The Clue Hunt is drawing to a close. Amy and Dan have been given a bigger picture of what the Clue Hunt is really all about. They believe they have an impossible mission to try to reunite the families. But to do so, forgiveness and leaving the past behind will need to happen. Not just for the others, but Dan and Amy must also find forgiveness for the families responsible for their parents' death. That's a lot of pressure on two youngsters, especially as the number of unclaimed clues dwindles. This story amazes.

I was leery of reading this book as I always hate when a series ends. But then they announced the extension of this series and the spin-off series. The original concept of 10 books by 8 authors with one continuous story line was intriguing, but the execution of the series was amazing. And even though the second series is now almost half done, I can only say I hope that there are many more stories yet to come in the 39 Clues world.



The 39 Clues:
The Maze of Bones - Book 1 - Rick Riordan
One False Note - Book 2 - Gordon Korman
The Sword Thief - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
Beyond the Grave - Book 4 - Jude Watson
The Black Circle - Book 5 - Patrick Carman
In Too Deep - Book 6 - Jude Watson
 
The Viper's Nest - Book 7 - Peter Lerangis
The Emperor's Code - Book 8 - Gordon Korman

Storm Warning - Book 9 - Linda Sue Park

 Into the Gauntlet - Book 10 - Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Black Book of Buried Secrets - Rick Riordan
Vespers Rising - Book 11 - Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, and Jude Watson
Midnight Ride - Clifford Riley
…

Card Pack #1 - Books 1-3
Card Pack #2 - Books 4-6
Card Pack #3 - Books 7-9
Rare Card Pack
...

The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers
The Medusa Plot - Book 1 - Gordon Korman
A King's Ransom - Book 2 - Jude Watson
The Dead of Night - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
Shatterproof - Book 4 - Roland Smith
Trust No One - Book 5 - Linda Sue Park
Day of Doom - Book 6 - David Baldacci
…
 
The 39 Clues Unstoppable Series:
Nowhere to Run - Jude Watson      
Breakaway – Jeff Hirsch
Countdown – Nattalie Standiford
Flashpoint - Gordon Korman
…     
  
The 39 Clues Doublecross Series:
Mission Titanic - Jude Watson  
Mission Hindenburg - Jenny Goebel
Mission Hurricane - Alexander London
Mission Atomic – Sarwat Chadda
…

The 39 Clues Rapid Fire:
Legacy - Book 1 - Clifford Riley
Ignition - Book 2 - Clifford Riley
Hunted - Book 3 - Clifford Riley
Crushed - Book 4 - Clifford Riley
Turbulence - Book 5 - Clifford Riley
Invasion - Book 6 - Clifford Riley
Fireworks - Book 7 - Clifford Riley
…
 
The 39 Clues The Cahill Files:
Operation Trinity - Clifford Riley 
The Submarine Job - Clifford Riley
The Redcoat Chase - Clifford Riley
The Houdini Escape - Clifford Riley
Silent Night - Clifford Riley
Spymasters - Clifford Riley
…
 
The 39 Clues Super Special Books:
Outbreak – C. Alexander London
…