NYC_ 064_A, originally uploaded by artcase.

During my NYC trip I had the opportunity to take shots around Manhattan. One of the best experiences was being able to take pictures of the local talent. This gentleman was drumming on pots and pans and plastic buckets.

As I lined up my shot, he held up his drum stick, blocking his face. “Pictures $5.” he said. Then he peeked over the stick and said, “Pretty lady, picture $3, video $5.” It was so funny and rehearsed, but sooo New York. I loved it.

I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for people putting themselves out there, selling flowers, cans of soda, drumming, dancing, etc. At least they are providing services rather than just panhandling for cash like so many do down at the inner harbor. Unfortunately, those not-so-likeable ones soliciting for cash are usually the first to turn down free food or McDonalds coupons.

…for this talented guy, I paid my $3 willingly and got some great shots and made a couple of new street friends. It was an experience I’m thankful for.

NYC_ 017_AAA, originally uploaded by artcase.

Hungry?

New York sidewalk staple: Pretzels…

NYC_ 084_a, originally uploaded by artcase.

I was in just the right position at the right time to catch the sunset filtering off the building next to this statue. It sits outside the McGraw Hill building in New York City.

flower3_27_10 037, originally uploaded by artcase.

Another shot taken on my walkabout last weekend.

sunset3_27_10 042, originally uploaded by artcase.

One of a few shots I took with my Canon. I had the telephoto lens on for this walkabout.

by: Rachel Caine

Number of pages: 320

Unknown (Outcast Season Book Two)
I love this book and love the series. My only “complaint” is the non-stop pace. I simply can’t catch my breath as I read these books.

A continuation or offshoot from the Weather Wardens series, the “un” books star ex-djinn, Cassiel, who was stripped of her almost god-like djinn powers to be a mere mortal. Well, that’s not completely correct. She has some powers, but they are dependent on the life energy gifted to her by a warden.

Not all wardens would be so gracious to give her power, but Luis Rocha does.

He also is helping her track down his missing niece, and uncovering the mysterious abductions of several children. All of these children are linked by one or both parents being a Weather Warden. The special powers they have from their parents’ is being used against the djinn, the humans, and the planet.

Non-stop mayhem, a slowly evolving mystery, a really complicated baddie, and potential romance makes this book a must read for weather warden-lovers.

Overall book rating: 8.75

by: Mario Acevedo

Number of pages: 368

This was another new author challenge book.

Usually modern vampire stories are written by women, but Acevedo brings a unique twist to the standard. Ex-Operation Freedom vet, now vampire, Felix Gomez has turned to “normal” life as a detective.

His vamp powers add a twist and provide an edge to the standard detective. He’s called to Rocky Flats, Colorado, by an old friend to investigate the cause of an outbreak of nymphomania.

Really, nymphomania… that’s a problem, right?

Before you think this is an erotic romance, think again…it is a detective story with an edge and a lovely one at that.

Gomez bumbles almost as badly as Columbo, but, like Columbo, has a method and it works.

What works better is Acevedo’s writing. It is brutally honest, direct, and poetic. Where else can you get a line like this:

No mistress of the dark, she looked more like a matron of the refrigerator.

I LOVED it! Thanks to Jackie from LE for turning me on to this author.

Overall book rating: 9.75

by: Shana Abe

Number of pages: 335

This rich story, although not the first of a series, is an amazing gem.

Told partly in fairy tale, and in the tale’s period of mid-1700’s Europe, the fantasy revolves around the legend of the Drakon.

These lost people have legendary powers, but have hidden from the world due to the greed and ambition of man. Amalia Langford is the daughter of a Drakon alpha, and she can hear the future. The foil to her power, Zane, is a master thief who knows about the Drakon secrets, and how to destroy them. An unlikely pair, fate has conspired to pull them together to find a mystical blue diamond with the power to enslave Lia’s people.

The building story, along with the pair’s obvious growing infatuation, contrasts with the genuine hopelessness of the situation. Lia doesn’t know if the man she’s fallen for is going to enslave her and use her to destroy, or if he truly loves her. As the story is revealed, the reader roots for the seemingly impossible happy ending.

Delicately written and wonderful, this is a story not to be missed. I loved it.

Overall book rating: 9

by: Angie Fox
Number of pages: 308

The wild and wacky life of Lizzie the Demon Slayer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Las Vegas to keep her Fairy God Uncle from marrying a succubus.

Intrigued? You should be. This paranormal universe is unlike any other on the market. The character is more Kindergarten teacher (her former profession) than Vampire Slayer, and the loony trail of Biker Witches that help her are unlike any other leather-clad sidekick. But the true side-kick award goes to little Pirate, who’s plucky-dog-sense gets him a bit of demon pant leg and a whole lotta trouble.

But before you despair completely, there is a shiny-bad-boy griffin (he looks like a greek yum yum model so it’s bonus time!) who rides along side Lizzie, giving her the support and lovin’ every Demon Slayer needs.

Overall book rating: 8

by: Cherry Adair

Number of pages: 310

I liked the flawed characters of this book. Despite unbelievable scenarios, the pair of T-FLAC operators discover almost as much about themselves as they do each other. This makes for a wonderful pairing.

Fireworks and bombs, and ancient Egyptian digs combine with a fiery red-headed heroine, and her stoic, but sooo manly hero.

I’m not poking fun, the pair is wonderful despite the potential cliché.

Great book for action romance lovers.

Overall book rating: 7.75