Frankenstein, Book One: Prodigal Son
By Dean Koontz
I am a huge Dean Koontz fan and this book only solidifies my confidence in him as a writer. As I’m not a huge Frankenstein fan I picked up this book at the library thinking it wouldn’t be one of his better works but would probably be okay. I was totally blown away by it! I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up until dawn to finish it.
This book is based on a 60 minute TV pilot that Koontz wrote which was picked up by USA network. However, when USA took the script and reworked much of it, Koontz withdrew from the project instead choosing to put it into book form.
Frankenstein is a remake of the Mary Shelly works, the Frankenstein Monster, called Deucalion, has survived and is living a quiet life in a Tibetan Monastery away from the rest of the world. However, Deucalion learns that his creator Victor Helios, whom he thought was dead, is alive and well, living in New Orleans, and still creating his creatures. So Deucalion comes back to the states and with the help of a police officer, he plans to stop Victor.
The characters are fascinating and it’s interesting to see how each characters story line develops and comes together to meet with another.
Although the ending is abrupt, that’s what you expect from a series. Prodigal Son was so fantastic that I bought a copy of the book as well as the second book City Of Night 
Review Written by Melody Spier of Ballyhoo Virtual Services – Virtual Office Assistant specializing in online business marketing. mel@ballyhoova.com
Home Management 101: A Guide for Busy Parents
By Debbie Williams
I purchased this book in hopes that I could once again take control of my clutter. I used to be very organized but as life became hectic and more demanding I lost control of the clutter. With two teens and two dogs living at home I could clean and an hour later my home looked like a typhoon had hit. I own and operate a home-based business and I homeschool my children so I needed to find a way to reorganize my home and life so I could complete my daily tasks and still have a little free time.
Debbie Williams offers simple, easy to do basic ideas to help gain control of our clutter, manage our time more effectively and to set priorities. She offers ways to conquer everyday clutter from paper, toys, and even clothes. She shows us how to organize the different rooms in our home including our kitchen and bathroom.
Compared to Mom Management, where Tracy Lyn Moland teaches about managing our personal goals and taking “Mom Time”, Home Management 101 helps us organize our homes and keep it that way.
The author did a great job offering tips and ideas for people who have never been organized and don’t know where to start. I found that since I used to be organized, I already knew many of the tips she offered although there were a few that had a new spin on them. I think what I needed was something more motivational as opposed to this “how to” book. So if you have the basics of organization down this may not be the book for you.
Review Written by Melody Spier of Ballyhoo Virtual Services – Virtual Office Assistant specializing in online business marketing. mel@ballyhoova.com
How to Buy a Dog From a Breeder
The first thing to decide before buying a dog is what type and size you want. Many factors are important when buying, but be sure to consider what breed is suitable for you and your family. Remember also, that different breeds may have genetic health issues to watch out for…
Larger dog breeds can be susceptible to hip-dysplasia. This is a degenerative disease that effects the hipjoint. When a dog with hip-dysplasia matures, the hipjoint and socket loose their ability to bear the animals’s bodyweight. They will have a hard time running, walking or even standing. The only cure for this condition is surgery.
Smaller breed’s of dogs can have genetic concerns of their own. Dogs that are in the “Toy” breed category, like the Pug, the Pekinese, the Lhasa Apso are susceptible to breathing problems. These dogs have a short muzzle (or nose), which does not leave much room for sinus and nasal development. This is a condition that is often times not evident in early development.
So… the question is, what do you look for when buying a dog? INFORMATION is the key word! After you decide what type of dog you want, seek out people who already own this type of dog. Maybe somebody you know already owns one? Get the word out that you are looking to buy a dog. Talk to people and gather as much information about the breed as you can. If you go to a pet store, talk with people. Pet owners love to talk about their pets.
Research the internet about your dog breed and print out whatever information you can find. Buy books
Finally, when you talk with dog breeders, ask any questions that come to mind. Honest dog breeders will be more than happy to talk with you and answer every question.
Note the condition of dogs environment:
- Are the dog pens clean?
-Are the puppies well cared for?
-Can you see the mother and father? -What type of puppy food are they being feed?
-Have the puppies had their shots?
Reputable breeders love their animals and go to great lengths to provide a proper “home like” environment. Puppies are products of their surroundings. A good, clean environment will surely be reflected in a dog’s playfulness.
Beware of breeders who are interested only in making money. They generally don’t pay much attention to their dogs emotional needs and health concerns. Also, they may in-breed their dogs and this can trigger severe health issues. AVOID THESE BREEDERS!
Some breeders may offer a 72 hour guarantee. This allows time to take your puppy to a vet for inspection. If any health issues are identified, contact the breeder and get your questions answered.
Good, honest breeders care for their dogs and it shows in their surroundings. There are no guarantees that you will always have a normal, perfect puppy, but you greatly increase the odds when you do your homework first!
