I thought I was ready but I wasn't...I don't want to Face the Raven

This is a review/recap of Saturday's Doctor Who episode (Season 9, Episode 10).  It will contain SPOILERS so don't read further if you haven't watched Face the Raven yet.  I'm not kidding.  Don't get mad at mean because you didn't listen.

This season has been a "nail biter" as far as when & how is our lovable little Clara going to leave.  So every episode you are like "OMG is this it?  This is it!" and the Doc swoops in and saves the day, as usual.  This episode was no different.  What we are starting to see this season is someone CLEARLY wants to hurt The Doctor but who and why. 

We have The Doctor and Clara running off to save an old friend, Rigsy.  I don't really remember Rigsy but apparently he was "significant" in a previous episode.  He has, of all things, a new tattoo that is counting down to zero.  He has been memory wiped and is terrified for his family.

The adorable part...the Doctor with the "new human".  He seems to just melt around Rigsy's little girl.  It's kind of adorable in a Twelve kind of way.  So after some T.A.R.D.I.S testing and guessing they figure out that Rigsy stumbled into a "Trap Street" (pardon me...a what?!?).  Doc thinks its a "hidden" street.  Something in plain sight that we can't see because technology is telling our brains its not there.  We have the T.A.R.D.I.S flying over London with Clara dangling out of it like a nut looking for the street.  She is 100% an adrenaline junkie and I think it's starting (continuing) to frighten The Doctor.  She is more jeopardy friendly than ever and she is getting reckless.

So they find the street and we are immediately thrown into a darker version Diagon Alley.  It was quite creepy, especially once you realize everyone you see is camouflaged by a kind of perception filter.  They look human but they aren't.  Somehow Rigsy has committed murder but he doesn't remember why or how.  Ashildr (or Me) shows up as the leader....Mayor...whatever of this ragtag bunch.  She says Rigsy did it and is sentenced to death by Quantum Shade (WTF?!?).

There is some sleuthing and we see another member of this "society" freaking out.  He has stolen from the commune and shall "Face the Raven".  The clock strikes zero as his wife BEGS him to give it to her but he refuses.  The creepy caged Raven turns to smoke and dives into the "man", killing him.  The Raven comes out of his mouth as black smoke and I suddenly had flashbacks to Supernatural (its a Demon, right!??! Oh wait wrong show).  This gives Clara (who is under Ashildr's protection) the STUPID idea of taking the sentence from Rigsy because Ashildr wont kill her (see RECKLESS!) and it will give them more time to find out what really happened.

Stuff happens and then we find out Ashildr tricked them and just needed the Doc to show up so she could turn him over to someone else.  The lady wasn't murdered, Rigsy is innocent, so she goes to remove the tattoo...the problem is, it is on Clara now...Ashildr can't remove it.  Transferring the tattoo cancels the contract and Ashildr is removed as the authority.  Clara will die.

I was in denial.  I kept saying "this isn't it.  no.  this isn't how she dies.  WTF Doctor Who!?!?" Then it happens.  Clara gives the speech...The Doctor tears up...and I am now a sobbing mess on my couch.  “Don’t run. Stay with me.” That line right there broke me into a million pieces.  I might not have loved Clara last season with the Danny Pink BS but I loved her before and after.  She knows him so well and he knows her.  He's angry, she knows he will rip the universe apart to save her or destroy it to avenge her.  He can't lose his impossible girl.  So she helps him along...this is what sealed the deal for me.  This had me crying well after the credits rolled:

Clara: You. Now you listen to me. You're going to be alone now, and you're very bad at that. You're going to be furious and you're going to be sad, but listen to me. Don't let this change you. No, listen. Whatever happens next... wherever she is sending you, I know what you're capable of. You don't need to be a warrior. Promise me. Be a Doctor.
The Doctor: What's the point of being a Doctor if I can't cure you?
Clara: Heal yourself. You have to. You can't let this turn you into a monster. So... I'm not asking you for a promise. I'm giving you an order. You will not insult my memory. There will be no revenge. I will die, and no-one else, here or anywhere, will suffer.
The Doctor: What about me?
Clara: If there was something I could do about that, I would. I guess we're both just going to have to be brave.

(I'm fine I just have something in my eye, like a twig or a tree branch)

Then she runs into the street and the raven slams into her.  She dies.  She f**king dies!  And now the Doc will be transported to who knows where because Ashidr or Me or whatever her name has betrayed him to save her "people".

We flash to Rigsy (I remember him now, he was from Flatline...the graffiti dude) and he has decorated the now abandoned T.A.R.D.I.S. with a memorial to Clara.  And now I am sobbing again. 

Honestly the entire episode was just okay.  I mean it wasn't as bad as last week...murderous sleep boogers...really?!?!?!  But I wasn't overly involved in the story like I have been in the past.  It was an interesting murder mystery but it fell a little flat.  The redeeming feature of it was Clara's death which I hate that that is what "saved" this  episode.  Had she not had such an amazing, and by amazing I mean heart wrenching, send off I would have been almost bored and really annoyed with Me.  Actually I am really annoyed with Me....WTF you old bat!?!? Or maybe I realized this would be it for Clara so I didn't want to like it. 

Source

I'm fine, its fine, I'm fine *sniffle*

Who doesn't want luscious locks and stronger nails?!?

Well then you should consider Nature's Bounty® Optimal Solutions® Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies.  I wasn't a believer before I tried them but they do work.  They will NOT make your hair and nails grow faster.  That is NOT what they do.  What they do is make your hair and nails grow stronger and healthier.  Oh and supposedly make your skin brighter but I haven't noticed that.  

I've been using them for a few weeks and can see a difference.  My nails are noticeably stronger than before.  I find that they aren't breaking as easily and look healthier...whiter.  My hair is shinier and just all around looks nicer.  I have fine limp hair but I find although its still fine and limp it looks healthier.  It takes just a second to eat the gummies and I think it is worth it.  They seem to work and they taste great, win-win.  

Check them out.

Everything should be comfortbale, especially something like a tampon

I received these for free to try from Smiley 360.  I'll be honest at first I was not excited to try these.  I've always used tampons with applicators so this is something new to me. 

I will say I wasn't that comfortable putting them in while on my cycle, it seemed like it would be "messy".  But it wasn't.  It was easy actually.  And more comfortable to insert versus the plastic or cardboard applicators, so that is a plus.  I don't have a heavy flow but I was concerned about the absorbancy.  But they worked just fine.  I barely noticed it was there.  They worked just as well if not better as my regular tampons but with less waste.  Also, because they are so small without the applicators they are much easier to travel with.  I just put a few in my handy dandy carrying case and no one is the wiser as to what they are. 

Honestly, I liked them more than what I've been using.  I think everyone should try them...well every female who is having monthly cycles. 

Check them out.

Goodness knows, Goodnessknows snack squares are quite tasty

I received these for free to try from Smiley 360.  I think my favorite part about them is their design.  Each bar is broken into four little squares.  It makes it easier to just have bit if you aren't that hungry and to share.  They are available to purchase at CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid.

I received three flavors to try.  I am not a huge chocolate fan  especially in snack bars but the chocolate in these was complimentary to the other flavors so it was okay. 

• Cranberry, almond, dark chocolate - This one was by far my favorite.  The cranberry and almond paired perfectly with the dark chocolate. 

• Peach & cherry, almond, dark chocolate - This one was okay.  Something about the peach tasted weird to me so it wasn't my favorite.  To me the flavors didn't really go well together so I would not get this one again.

• Apple, almond & peanut, dark chocolate - This one I did enjoy, not as much as the first but more than the second.  I did enjoy it more because of the peanut butter.  I am more of an only peanut butter fan, versus a peanut butter and chocolate.
 
I would definitely get at least the cranberry ones again.  They make a great on the go snack before some of my runs.  I find them filling and enjoyable to eat. 

Check them out!

How did I miss this? How did my little geeky syfy loving heart not know this!?!?!?

I hate networks, I hate hate hate them!  Netflix save us.  Okay I might be being a bit dramatic but I somehow missed the cancellation notice for a few shows that I love!

1. Dominion - OMG are you kidding me!!?!?  It ended on an effing cliff hanger!  It ended eluding to Lucifer being the next big baddie.  How bad where the ratings?!?!  They couldn't have been that terrible!  Could they have been?  I don't think you understand Syfy, I want to know what happens!  I need more Chris Egan and Tom Wisdom and ya know what I need them all back on my screen!  Here's hoping Netflix does something.  I mean I had high hopes for Constantine but alas that didn't f**king happen.  (yes, I know this was NBC but I am still pissed).  I had no idea this was canceled.  I missed the announcement.  I only found out because I went to vote for something else as a Netflix series reboot and saw this one....soooooo sorry Forever I love you and all but this got my vote.  Ahhhhh, don't take this one too, dammit!

2.  Helix - Okay, yes last season wasn't the "best" but we are left with questions at the end of Season two.  I mean I am not as angry about this one as I am about #1 but I did enjoy this show and the characters.  And I kind of want to know more.   But I guess I can see they may be running out of stories.  I mean how far can you stretch this immortal blood virus strain thing. 

3. Defiance - I knew that season finale felt...well final.  Not sure if the writers had an inkling or not but at least we got some sort of closure.  I will still miss this show though.  I haven't been this excited about a Syfy original series since Eureka.  Defiance was a fantastical glance at a future where we are "invaded".  Where as a species we have to learn how to adapt if we want to survive.  It was different but relatable.  The characters were so complex and well written.  I can't tell you how many times this show not just tugged but RIPPED my heart out...yet I still wanted more.  I hate that we will never find out what happens to Nolan, Irisa, the Tarr's, etc.  I mean we get an idea of what might happen in their futures in the finale but I really wanted so much more.  Although I will miss this show, at least it got a better send off than some others...*cough* Forever *ahem*. Yes I know that was ABC but I am still angry about it. 

Fox don't let me down!  Don't you dare cancel Bones or Sleepy Hollow...please... or did I miss that announcement too???

Side note - How the f**k did all these great shows get canceled yet we still get Salem.  I mean I'm not complaining.  I like the show but I thought for sure it was getting axed. 

The Leftovers still keeps me coming back each week

Okay, like I've said before, I wont recap every episode and review it.  But last weeks (10/25/2015) episode really grabbed me.  I'm a week late watching it because the mother of all storms came through last week and wouldn't allow me to watch it without power surges and emergency update interruptions from my parish.  Being Halloween week, the week got away from me and now its 11/1 and I FINALLY finished watching it.

The episode itself was interesting.  Kevin goes back to where the girls disappeared and crazy dad finds him there.  But instead of freaking out he just cons him into going with him for a drive.  A drive where we end up at the "friends" temp home...you know the friend that cray cray dad burned his house down.  Well dad gets shot and Kevin is like f**k!  Kevin takes care of him, calling cray cray's wife (Doctor) and getting him help.  Once cray cray is all good he leaves, only to be attacked relentlessly by the hallucination of Patti.  He finally loses it and talks to her (thank God it is the middle of the night).  After finding out he did in fact try to kill himself, that he supposedly doesn't love his family...its just a band-aid because of all the BS that happened before, AND that those girls DID depart (well $hit!).   After the hallucination is satisfied she f**ked Kevin up enough, she walks away.  Then crazy guy in the tower says "whose your friend?".  What?!!?!?  He can see her too!?!?!?  Who is this guy?  Why is he in the tower?  Why does the town seem okay with that?  He is clearly significant!  Kevin finally makes his way back to a still freaked out Nora who isn't mad that he left...just that she woke up alone and thought he departed.  So what does she do...she handcuffs them together to sleep. Weird but a meaningful sentiment.  I don't care what not real Patti said...I think they do love each other!

Jill is going to get bored eventually.  She clearly loves her adoptive sister but a 17 year old needs more than babysitting and hanging out with the crazy adults all the time.  I do like that she seems really close with Nora.  I'm glad they didn't go the resentful "step daughter" route.  She seems to want to befriend boy twin from next door.  And honestly he seems to connect with her too.  I don't care if it isn't romantic, I like their chemistry.  I think they would be great friends at the very least. Poor boy twin is REALLY distraught about his missing sister.  He KNOWS they departed but no one wants to hear that but Jill doesn't seem to mind.  See they have a connection. 

That was basically the gist of the show.  What REALLY got me though was the final piece of music.  As Kevin is undressing and Nora is sadly watching him you hear "I've got chills they're multiplying....".  Holy $hit, I know that song!  I know it so well!  It's "You're the ones that I want"  from Grease.  But it isn't the version I know.  It is dark and haunting.  It is PERFECT.  The same lyrics sung a different way.  It gave me chills and fit absolutely perfectly with the ending of this episode.  Hear the whole song below.  I love it!

Doctor Who: The Drosten's Curse, by: A.L. Kennedy

I don't even know where to begin with this one.  I finished it over a day ago but I am torn on how to review it.  I enjoyed it because it is another Doctor Who story.  Made even better because it is another Doctor story that stars the Fourth Doctor, whom I kind of adore.  My only issue with it is it was weird to follow.  Not hard to follow, just weird.  It had a very Douglas Adams feel to the way the story was told.  Not a bad thing, I love The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy but something about this book's style of story telling rubbed me funny. With that said I still enjoyed it. I still got to go on a new adventure with my beloved Fourth Doctor. I give it 3 stars.

There are some spoilers in the below.  Just a warning. 


There are quite a few characters to follow and the point of view changes frequently.  My favorites were of course The Doctor and Bryony.  She is the "companion" in this story and she is very likable.  She is a beautiful strong woman who doesn't just accept her fate.  She wants to be in control of her life, understand the world around her...oh and go on an adventure.  Although at the moment she is stuck in a dead end job with a horrible boss.  The other "companion" is Putta.  He is a clumsy, awkward, red head who is absolutely in love with Bryony but too shy to say anything.  He also happens to be an alien but a good guy not the one trying to destroy the world.  The Bah-Sokar is the big baddie.  It can control minds, create things out of nothing, and is perpetually hungry.  It isn't in control of its wants/needs which makes it so dangerous.  

It actually was quite a fun adventure.  A mind controlling alien who sucks the life out of people, how very terrifying.  I felt terrible for Mrs. Fetch.  She was completely at the creature's mercy but having her alive showed the creature meant well, it had learned love and happiness.  It gave her an extended life, riches and grandchildren that she never had.  Unfortunately it also took many of her memories...the ones that made her sad along with killing many many people at her golf resort because it was "hungry".  The Doctor is his usual know it all alien self.  He is witty and sarcastic and sometimes a bit rude but that is why we love him.  He sees the potential in Bryony , even in Putta although he is a bit harder on him.  He was written quite well.  I could hear the fourth doctor speaking when I read his lines.

The grandchildren to me are one of the creepiest manifestations.  Yes the mind control is scary and the ground "eating" people isn't fun but creepy kids are the worst.  They seem like normal mischievous twin children but when the form out of walls, grow from the ground and attack people in water, I just feel like that is a nightmare waiting to happen.  But even they aren't the creepiest of this kids.  The one that gave me the worst chills was Paul Cluny Junior, aka Zandor.  He became the Jewel at the Heart of the Universe...he became the controller of the Bah-Sokar and he was 1000% evil.  His seething hatred for everyone, including his parents was unnerving.  He wanted to destroy everything and bend the world to his whims.  There was nothing good about him.  

Of course the Doctor succeeds and is able to defeat this horrible human.  With the Doctor's help, The Bah-Sokar realizes it prefers love over hatred and dethrones this bad egg.  And the creature being a good "egg" now, restores everyone.  It was a very Disney ending.  "Just this once, everybody lives."  Well except Paul...he didn't get a second chance.  Bryony and Putta get a happily ever after and the Doctor gains some new friends.  I did like how the Bah-Sokar has been spreading its eggs across the Earth.  They will lie in dormant until another Julia Fetch can awaken them.  So to prevent another disaster The Doctor gives his new friends the mission of collecting them all.  Talk about an adventure...even if it is bound to the Earth. 

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to give my honest review.