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Hi all,

I know it's been awhile sense I last posted, but I've been reading about 5 books at the same time. It is a little known fact that Sith Lords are ravenous readers!!!!!!



As you can see, we are very competitive!!!!!!



The first thing I need to do is remind everyone that Jay Piscopo of "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli" will be here visiting the PLCMC System on Monday and Tuesday of next week (April 6 and 7)!!!!!!!!!!!














What: Jay Piscopo , author and illustrator of “The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli,” will be visiting various PLCMC locations in April presenting Drawing Workshops, discussing his Graphic Novel Series and answering any questions you have about Comics and Graphic Novels. If you have any questions about these events please call the participating libraries. Reservations for kids 7 - 12 years old is encouraged.

When & Where:

Monday, April 6:

ImaginOn 11:30 AM
704-973-2720

North County 2:30 PM
704-416-6000

ImaginOn 6:30 PM
704-973-2720

Tuesday, April 7:

Mountain Island 11:30 AM
704-416-5630

Morrison 3:00 PM
704-416-5421

Matthews 7:00 PM
704-416-5000

On another topic which just happens to concern Mr. Piscopo, I have to say I am very excited about the writers (and in one case an illustrator also) in the Final Two of our Boys Rule Boys Read Tournament. Obviously as you can tell I am a big fan of Jay's work, but I am also a big fan of Neil Gaimen (The Graveyard Book, Interworld, Coraline and so much more). However wins I will be very happy for, but it makes voting very hard as they are both awesome!!!!!!!

Hello all in the land of Blog!!!! I know it's been a whole week sinse I posted, but it seems like The Carlman and some of you guys out there have been pretty busy posting stuff!!!! I'm really bummed that I missed Mrs. Hemphill's visit yesterday, but I was busy speaking to the local Sith Association of Charlotte (was not sick Carl, don't know why he is always telling people this kinda stuff). See our logo below:




Now I bet you're wondering were the title for this Blog Entry comes from? Well I'm a big Beatles fan from way back and they have this really cool tune "Ticket to Ride." Truth be told, I just wanted an excuse to get them on the blog. Check it out:




The Beatles Performing "Ticket to Ride"


And now for something completly different; Book Reviews by Darth Bill!!!!!


Pirates of The Caribbean, Legends of the Brethren Court: The Caribbean by Rob Kidd -
Well if you are a fan of Captain Jack Sparrow, you will love this new series. This series has some familiar characters serving our beloved Captain: Jack's First Mate Hector Barbossa (I love Barbossa almost as much as Jack), Billy Turner (future father of Will Turner) and Jean Magliore (from the previous and also excellent Jack Sparrow Series). Some new additions to the crew include Alex (a zombie) and Catastrophe Shane (possibly the worst pirate ever) among others. In this series Jack and his fellow Pirate Lords of the Brethren Court are not only battling each other, but a new deadly enemy known only as the Shadow Lord. The Shadow Lord wants to rid the seven seas of all pirates and rule them himself. His army consists of inanimate objects he brings to life that serve as his army. How can you kill or stop an enemy army that is not alive? In this introductory story of the series Jack is looking for the answer to this question along with trying to stay two steps ahead of the Spanish Pirate Lord Vilanueva who is also after him. This book is filled with action and lots of laughs. A really fun read!!!!!!!!



Bone Vol. 9: Crown of Horns by Jeff Smith - Well this is the Graphic Novel (GN) I had been waiting for for such a long time. The final volume of the "Bone" Series where all reader's lingering questions are answered and the final battles fought. I read this last volume with a mix of excitement amid sorrow. Excited because I had another installment to read; saddened because I knew this would be the last one (but hey, I could always reread the series again). In this final installment The Lord of the Locust is bringing the battle to everyone in the form of the Dragons' Queen, the very first of all dragons, Mim. Also Briar, Gran'ma Ben's sister and loyal servant of The Lord of the Locust, makes full-fledged war on all with the rat creatures, an evil army of men, Rock Jaw and Kingdok. Also find out how our heroes end up: Thorn, Gran'ma Ben, Fone Bone, Smiley Bone, Phoney Bone, The Red Dragon, Ted the Bug, Lucius and Bartleby. This book will make you laugh at times, cry or sniffle at some points and make your heart race at the thrilling adventure. This is a great GN that brings to a close a great series. Bone Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Well all, that's all I gots this time. Until next time remember "No Matter Where You Go, There You Are!!!!!"

Peace,

Bill

Hello all,

It is with a heavy heart that I must post this exclusive interview I found on the news this mourning. I must warn you all it is very shocking, so be sure to be sitting when you watch!!!! You should also be warned that the video is a little shaky as the heroic interviewer did this interview during a full scale earthquake!!!!!



Shocking Exclusive News From "The Boys Rule Boys Read" Blog Investigative Team

Now I know this may come as a shock to you all that "Jedi Master Zack" is actually an evil Sith Lord. As for myself, I always had my suspicions. Now Darth Bill's perspective on baby animals is that they are need and should be taken care of and even loved. I guess this Sith just has a soft spot in his heart for puppies and kittens - plus they are potential sith in the making. Well we tells it like it is here. Shame on you Jedi Master Zack for your views on small animals and your unprovoked attacks on me):

Sad and Shaken,


Darth Bill



P.S. I want everyone out there in the land of Blog to know that I am taking the high road in not telling everyone that in some quarters "Jedi Master Zack" is also known as "Jedi Sweetie Zack." Oh I just told everyone didn't I. Tell you what, forget you ever heard me say it.


P.S.S. Yeah for Mr. Gaimen!!!!! Your books rock!!!!!

Hello all,


It is with some shock and a bit of sadness I have to ask Jedi Master Zack to stop his petty personal attacks. If you go back and look at my earlier post you will see it was something I dug up prior to the Boys Rule Boys Read Blog. He reports that I have been demoted, which could not be further from the truth, and even altered the ancient Sith Reading Club poster I found. It is with great pride that I now reveal my Sith Master who taught me all I know. The Great and Noble Darth Daffy:

So Jedi Master Zack since we have found agreement in the most excellent "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli," I will forgive you of this slander on this occurrence. Just don't disrespect the Duck.

Peace all,

Darth Bill

Hello all, it is I again Darth Bill. I see that I have been publicly bashed by the so called Jedi "Master" Zack!!!! I just want to point out that I am taking the high road in regards to his comments about myself and my fellow Sith. I could say something like - Jedi rarely read any book that has multiple syllable words in them or Jedi only like to read really long books with lots of arguing and lots of camping or even Jedi are just plain stinky. But I am above doing such, so I will not (classy of moi, no?). Sigh, why does "Master" Jedi Zack feel the need to attack me publicly. I guess he is just jealous that I am better looking, but as I said I won't go there for it is below my Sith Honor. One last note about Sith's love of reading. I bet many of you have at times wondered where we got the name for this blog. Well just look at the poster I recently found that was around before we even started this blog:

Amazing isn't it!!!!!!!!!

Okay enough of the Jedi slamming (it's just too easy), here are some really cool books and Graphic Novels I have read lately:


The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli: The Mystery of the Sargasso Sea (Volume 2) by Joe Piscopo - Man with this volume the Capt'n Eli Graphic Novel Series hits another gear and really takes off!!!!! As it was left off in the previous volume Capt'n Eli is still with Commander X aboard his super high tech submarine "Sub Zero." They reach the underwater city of Aquaria only to find it under attack by a race of underwater denizens known as the Outcast. It seems Aquira and it's people are now ruled by Commander X's former World War II partner, known then as The Sea Raider. We also find out that Commander X is Aqurian's sworn Lord Protector and it is his duty to protect them from all threats and enemies. Let's see what else happens in this story, we learn the history of Aquaria and its relationship to Atlantis, we learn the secret origin of the ruler of the Aquarians known by many names such as - Rex Noble, The Sea Raider and The Sea Ghost among others, Lord Hydro is back with all his evilness and Hydrons and much. much more!!!!!!!!!! I promise you if you pick up this Graphic Novel you will be unable to put it down until you have finished reading it and then you will still be wanting more. Look for it in the PLCMC System soon!!!!!!!!!

Also check out these cool video about the Capt'n Eli Graphic Novel Series:

Hulk: The Incredible Guide (Updated Edition) by Tom DeFalco and Mattew Manning - This book is just too cool!!!!! It has the answers to everything you may have wondered about the Incredible Hulk and more stuff you probably did not even have a clue about. This book covers everything Hulk from his creation in the 60s to present day. Along with all the facts about the Hulk, his friends, his enemies, his history, etc., it is loaded with incredible artwork by the various artist that have told his tale from his first appearance to his latest. This really is a must read for true fans of old Greenskin (and other colors to as you will find out if you check this great book of knowledge out).

Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four: Monsters, Moles, Cowboys & Coupons written by Steve Niles, Daniel Way, Kristen Sinclair and Joe Lansdale; art by Leonard Kirk, Steve Scott, David Hahn & Ronan Cliquet - Wow!!!!!!! I really think this is my favorite Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four so far. This volume has it all!!! From a good old slug feast with the Incredible Hulk, to a rough and tough western staring the Ever-Loving-Blue Eyed Thing, along with a comedic shopping story and a soul searching story that asks why does the FF do what they do. Highly recommended!!!!!!!

Well until next time True Believers,

Bill

Hi all it is I again Darth Bill reporting from beyond the Outer Rim where I have been participating in your basic planetary assaults and takeovers. Yes as my dear Papa would say: "No one ever said that being a Dark Lord of the Sith would be a walk in the park." However, I get immense job satisfaction in my chosen profession and the benefits are great (you really out to see how sorry the Jedi treat their people)!!!!!! Now I feel I must speak about a portion of the Army of the Republic that gets no recognition or applause. Though I am forced to fight them, they have my highest respect. Who are these people you ask? They are no other than the Clone Army and all the proud individuals who serve. These men have one mission in life and that is the defense of the Republic. I am now reading a book about some very special Clones who serve in special operations. They are known as Republic Commandos. The particular squad I am reading about is known as Delta Squad and are made up of 4 very special individuals. They are made up of Sev, Boss, Fixer and Scorch. The following pictures and video are my salute to these brave men.


Republic Commandos - Delta Squad

Scorch - Demolitions Expert

Sev - Sniper and Combat Specialist

A Video Tribute to Delta Squad - Hard Rock for a Hard Team!!!!

Well I guess I'll talk about some Graphic Novels I've read a late and maybe convince ye their worth a look at:

Salt Water Taffy: The Adventures of Jack and Benny - The Legend of Old Salty by Matthew Loux - This Graphic Novel is about two brothers Jack and Benny whose parents have decided to take the whole family away from the city and to spend the summer in the state of Maine at the weird and mysterious Chowder Bay. The two brothers, Jack and Benny, make fast friends with one of the locals known around those parts as Fisherman Angus O'Neil. One evening the boys see something huge and monstrous on the beach, but can't quite make it out. After talking to Angus they discover that Chowder Bay has a mysterious resident in the waters known as Old Salty. This leads to strange robberies by lobsters, very strange behavior by seagulls and an epic battle between Old Salty and Angus. Does any of this make sense? If not read this excellent Graphic Novel and it all will. I really loved this book and look forward to the next in the series.

Marvel Adventures Hulk, Volume 3: "Strongest One There Is" by Paul Benjamin & Steve Scott - In this latest installment of Hulk adventures the title pretty much sums up what is contained in this Graphic Novel. The Hulk in four bombastic stories takes on both super strong villains and friends. The Hulk just seems to get himself in bad situations wherever he ends up. In the first story the Hulk takes on one of Bruce Banner's friends in Doc Sampson, both brain and muscle, as he to has been exposed to gamma radiation (but not to the extent that Banner was) and retains his considerable Psychiatrist I.Q. In the second story our mean green smashing machine takes on one of the X-Men's most dangerous enemies the unstoppable Juggernaut. In the third story, through a series of misunderstandings, the Hulk goes up against the ever loving blue eyed Thing. As if that was not enough, in the last story the Hulk, Doc Sampson, the Thing and the Juggernaut all go up against an enemy strong enough to challenge them all!!!!! If you like the Incredible Hulk, you will love these stories that cover issues 9 - 12 of the comic. A definite two thumbs up!!!!!

Hello all, it is I once again. The Sith who is a legend in his own mind: Darth Bill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Yikes, I think I just scared myself) I hope most of you out there in the Land of Blog have not forgotten about our recently completed Boys Rule Boys Read Book Series Tournament, because the story I have to tell will curdle your blood I tell ya! As you may or may not recall, the person who came in first of our little competition was the The Mysterious Anonymous (Zonks, I scared myself again. Must be the bold type face.). Well the Mysterious Anonymous turned out to be no other than, drum roll please, the one, the only, Jedi Master Yoda!!!!!!


Jedi Master Yoda, up to no good I'm sure, coming to claim his prize.

Although defeated most thoroughly and made to give Master Yoda his Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures Graphic Novel, I still got to make fun of him when he was not looking behind his back (oops, you don't suppose he will read this blog, eh????? Better develop a quick exit strategy from library in case he does, but I want to make it clear I'm not scared or nothing. Yea that's the ticket, gulp!).

Why does Carl keep telling people I'm sick when he knows that sometimes my Sith work sometimes causes unavoidable delays!!!!!!!! What happened this time you ask(please ask)? Well I was working late Wednesday when all of a sudden I was surprised by an unannounced guest.


Me sensing through the force the presence of danger!! Notice how cool I react (well, sorta, um kinda?).

The Harry Potter Series defeats The Chronicles of Narnia with the final score being 11 to 5!!!!!!

The Winner:

The Harry Potter Series!!!!!!

and The Runner Up:

The Chronicles of Narnia

Wow, that was an exciting contest with Narnia and Harry fighting there way to the final round!!! But as the saying from the Highlander movie goes: "There can only be one." (Although all the books in the competition are great and should be given a look at to see if you like them.) The one this go round is The Harry Potter Series; who knows about next year???????

Now for the Final Leader Board Results (those with 12 points or more with the top three winning prizes as promised; although I want to remind everyone out there that if you read you are a winner anyway and always):

1) Coming from way back in the pack to score 34 points (with 3 upset points and shooting eight 3 pointers in the last round!!!!!) to finish in first place on the Leader Board: The Mysterious Anonymous!!!!!!

2) Just being hedged out from the first place position to finish second with 29 points (with 3 upset points and shooting five 3 pointers in the last round) the Mighty Cyber Kid!!!!!!!

3) Finishing in third with a strong showing of 25 points (with 18 upset points and shooting four 3 pointers in the last round) is the Crafty Carl M!!!!!!!

4) Finishing in fourth with a very respectable showing of 17 points (with 11 upset points and shooting two 3 pointers in the last round) is the Quotable Melanie!!!!!!

5) Coming in fifth with a very nice showing of 14 points (with 0 upset points and shooting one 3 pointer in the final round) is the No-Nonsense Mona!!!!!

6) Finishing just behind Mona with a great showing of 13 points (with 16 upset points and shooting one 3 pointer in the final round) is the Savage Stephen!!!!!!!


Now it is time for 2 very special announcements!!!!!!!!!

1) In addition to the prizes to be given to the top three finishers, all those who finished in the top six will also receive special prizes.

2) For everyone who shot a 3 pointer we will give prizes to also.

Now for all to claim their prizes:

If you cannot get by ImaginOn, please give us your address so we can send you your prize. That's it!!!!!! Hope you all had fun, I know I did, and remember anyone who reads and tries their best, is a Winner in our book!!!!!!

Peace all,

Bill & Carl

Can you guide Mr. Basketball threw the Sith Basketball Backboard of Terror? Probably, I'm pretty sure (I think I did, or maybe I cheated) you might.
Yes it is I once again, the man of many names. Captain/Darth/007/Ninja/No More Mr. Nice Guy Bill welcomes and thanks you for visiting the blog (Aaaarrrrrrhhhhhhh!!!!!!!). Well the voting for the Boys Rule Boys Read Book Series Tournament has been fast and furious. If you have not voted, as a reminder, you have until April 7th, Monday at 9:00 p.m. to get your votes in. Also keep shooting those 3 pointers. I have a feeling they may have a serious impact on who comes in the top three places of our little contest. I can feel it in me bones, I tell ya!!!!!

Just got the following vote cast by Mace Windu (those darn Jedi):

Harry Potter
Narnia

Har, Har, Har, it will be interesting indeed to see who are the two last books standing to compete for the Championship.

One other contest I would like to mention on this blog is the StoryTubes competition that is going on nationwide.




Rather than me just blab away about the contest, check out the following press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public libraries partner in national online video contest:
StoryTubes encourages kids to talk up their favorite books on YouTube

April 3, 2008 (Charlotte, N.C.) – From New York to California to North Carolina, kids in grades 1-6 are talking up their favorite books in an online video contest that supports public libraries, including the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC). The contest, which runs through April 20, 2008, is called StoryTubes, and your children can join in the fun, too!

Along with your parent or guardian, kids can follow these simple steps to participate:
1. Make a 2-minute or shorter video about your favorite book;
2. Upload the video to www.youtube.com; and
3. Click on www.storytubes.info and send in the link to your uploaded YouTube video using the online contest entry form.

There are four video categories: Hair-Raising Tales; From or For the Heart; Of Heroes and Heroines; and Facts, Fads and Phenoms. When entering, please don’t use your last name in the video. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, content and performance. Parents are encouraged to read the complete contest rules and regulations at www.storytubes.info/rules.

The video becomes part of a national contest!

The deadlines for entries is April 20, 2008. Voting mania will happen each week in May. At the end of each week, one lucky contestant will win $500 in books. The sponsoring organization they choose (school, library or designated organization for home-schooled youth) will receive $1,000 in books.

Bill Corder, a children’s librarian at PLCMC’s ImaginOn is excited about the project. “It’s so much fun to see kids having a blast creating these videos. They get to talk about their favorite books and have their 15 minutes of fame on YouTube. And they have a chance to win a prize. It’s really cool!”

Want help creating your video?
Kids and parents can come to ImaginOn’s Spangler Library on the following dates and times. Library staff will be on hand with all the equipment needed to help create your video.
- Monday, April 7 from 11 - 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 8, from 11 - 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 9 from 2 - 4 p.m.
- Friday, April 18 from 7- 9 p.m. (during the “Red Read Party” at ImaginOn)
For questions about the video sessions at ImaginOn, call 704-973-2720.

Everybody wins when kids get excited about stories!

Sponsoring publishers are: Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Eaglemont Press, DK Publishing, Charlesbridge Publishing and Shenanigan Books.

The StoryTubes partner libraries are: Northeast: Middle Country Public Library of Centereach; NY; Southeast: The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County/ImaginOn, Charlotte, NC; Midwest: Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL; Northwest: King County Library System, Issaquah, WA; and Southwest: Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, CA.

Sounds pretty cool to me. You get to be a star on YouTube and could win $500 worth of books!!!! Man I wish I could compete, but alas I'm not quite in the age range (I'm in the 7th grade; okay not really I'm in the 8th(; ). So guys (and maybe some girls) look into this and remember we will be videoing people here at ImaginOn!!!!

Lastly I would like to talk about some really cool books I have read recently:

Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four – All 4 One, 4 For All by Zeb Wells and Kano – The Fantastic Four are back and better than ever!!!!! This graphic novel includes four stories that concentrate on each of our heroes. The first story focuses on everyone’s favorite rock guy The Thing. The Thing and a new friend learn the hard way that true beauty lays beyond one’s outside appearance while battling The Absorbing Man. The second story takes a look at The Invisible Woman. Susan Storm is beginning to feel that she is taken for granted by her teammates. So when Nick Fury approaches her about being a spy for the Government, she faces a dilemma in whether to stay with the FF or leave. The third story puts Mister Fantastic in the cross-hairs of Arcade and along with trying to stay alive; he learns that life is about more than numbers and calculations. The last story pits The Human Torch against Iceman (of the X-Men) as they are co-judges in the Miss Teeny Teen Pageant. Things go from bad to funny as these two guys try to one up the other (funny stuff). This is a fun read, so check it out!!!!!

The Midnight Library: I Can See You by Damien Graves – If you like scary stories, and I mean scary stories, this series is just wicked!!!!! The first story in this book is about Michael who along with his parents has relocated from the city to the country. Michael has trouble making friends, but finally seems to have made some in Stephanie and Jack. They tell him about the house he has moved in which once belonged to old Farmer Axby whose wife and children left him. Farmer Axby eventually went mad and the last time he was seen alive he was out in the fields with an old lantern looking for his children. The whole time screaming: “I can see you!” Well, he must have fallen sometime in the night because there was a massive fire and the only remains of Farmer Axby that were found were his broken lantern and the remains of his burnt coat. Ever since that night the kids in the area play a game on the anniversary of the fire called I Can See You. Stephanie and Jack invite Michael to play this year and he agrees. Maybe that was not the wisest of decisions? This is some super spooky stuff and if you like this story you will love the other two in the book. A word of warning however, these stories do not always have happy endings and, perhaps, could cause nightmares. If you like real scary stories this series and book are for you.

Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams – This book rocked and I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel. The main character of the book is 14-year-old Will Burrows who along
with his archaeologist father, Dr. Burrows, shares a passion for digging tunnels into the earth in search of buried historical items. Will’s family is extremely “different” and to say the least dysfunctional. His father is always involved with his work and little else, his mother watches TV non-stop, and his younger sister runs the families finances. Will is an extremely pale boy and picked on non-stop at school. That is until he befriends another outcast by the name of Chester, who is a rather large intimidating boy, and
gets him interested in digging. Life is going pretty good for Will between digging with his father and digging independently with his new friend Chester. That is until Dr. Burrows goes missing and Will finds that right in their basement is a tunnel that leads to a subterranean world populated with people time left behind. This book is full of twist and turns and just when you think you know what’s going on, the book kicks into another gear to throw you for a loop. I would classify this book as a mystery/action book. Whatever you want to classify it as is up to you, just make sure you don’t miss one of the truly great books of 2008!!!!!

One last note, I want to say it is so good to see so many Sith posting lately! It really warms my black little heart so much.

Well take it easy all you out there in Blogland (and remember to get your votes in along with 3 pointers). Peace,

Bill

I was recently interviewed by Geraldine Jensen, editor of Families Online Magazine.com.

We talked about my favorite topics - kids and books! Here is the link if you would like to check it out.

http://blogtalkradio.com/families/blog/2007/07/27/beyond-harry-potter-with-barbara-bietz


Happy Listening!