Cover Reveal: 'The Kingdom' By Emily Walker

Today, we've got a rather timely book related post as this Cover Reveal is for 'The Kingdom', a horror novel written by Emily Walker...

But, it's also a horror novel with a an environmental twist as it looks like Mother Nature is fighting back in this story. Wow!

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

5 Halloween Lighting Ideas

Lighting is a great way of creating ambiance to your party and it is really important part of a successful décor. Creating the right ambiance is especially important when it comes to Halloween parties and here are five ideas that you can use at your party this autumn.

Marcia Wallace, Voice Of 'The Simpsons' Mrs Krabappel, Dies

'Simpsons' voice actress of 'Mrs Krabappel' dies (via AFP)

Marcia Wallace, the voice of Edna Krabappel -- Bart Simpson's jaded, chain-smoking schoolteacher on the animated show "The Simpsons" -- has died, the show producers said Saturday. She was 70. Wallace died in Los Angeles of complications from pneumonia…

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Avoid These Self-Tanning Mistakes

'When self-tanning goes wrong...' 

Before 1960’s the only way to get a tan is to stay outdoors and bathe under the harmful rays of the sun. Self tanning products were introduced due to the scientific studies that link skin cancer with sun exposure. Products that mimic the effects of traditional tan were discovered and developed in order to get tan without exposing the skin to the harmful rays of the sun. So today, getting a tan is that easy. All you have to do is apply self tanning products and viola - instant tan! And what’s really great about these products is that you can apply it to your body in the comfort of your home. 

The Private Mission To Save Planet Earth (From Asteroids)

The Private Mission To Save Planet Earth (From Asteroids) (via Planetsave)

Our Solar system is a potentially world-altering place when it comes to asteroid impacts; planetary scientists continue to find plentiful evidence of multiple and massive asteroid impacts on other planets and the various moons that orbit them…And,…

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Release Day Party: ' When Dreamers Wake' By J.E. And M. Keep [Giveaway Included]

We’re very happy to celebrate the release day party for When Dreamers Wake today, a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel. 

Enjoy the release day party, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Halloween: Pumpkin Carving Has Now Reached New Depths [Video Included]

I know carving pumpkins for Halloween can be a tad boring, but was it really necessary to go as far as carving them underwater? Those Florida divers in today's video seem to think so...

Hmmm... I might think about it for next year (I have to travel to Florida first, though.. I'm not diving into the sea here in Southend. No way! It's too freaking cold!). Watch this space!

Enjoy the video!

Loup Dargent

Top 5 Best MMORPG Games For 2013

There's no denying that the MMORPG genre has been in a sort of renaissance as of late. Not only are many of the best older MMOs going free to play, there are also many new MMOs being released. Despite this, there are many games that manage to set themselves apart from the others.

Power Tools in Horror Movies [Infographic]

Cover of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre [Blu-ray]

Every year around this time, avid horror movies fans come out of the closet and indulge in their favorite pastime - getting scared out of their mind and shocked by freakish gore.We couldn’t help but notice the creativity of some of the most iconic villains in these scary films. In particular we noticed the unique uses of common items, especially power tools. Horror fan or not, you've got to admit, these villans get pretty crazy with their tools.

In this infographic, you will find some awesome facts and information regarding the most iconic and terrifying power tools in the history of horror films. Some of these are classics you've heard of, such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but there are a few on here that might not immediately come to mind. Read on to discover them all, and learn a thing or two about the psychology of horror films.

Book Claims JFK's Brain Was Stolen by His Brother Robert Kennedy [Video Included]

As Agent Fox Mulder repeatedly said "The truth is out there"... But, when it comes to John F Kennedy, there are loads of "truths" out there, with many of them sounding like conspiracy theories.

This recent one is alleging that Robert Kennedy stole his brother's brain to cover up illnesses or drug use by the President. Either it's true or not, this claim has already been grabbed by conspiracy theorists saying that the brain was stolen to hide the fact that JFK was shot from the front and not from the official version that he was gunned down by Lee Harvey Oswald.

Watch the video clip from NewsLook included in today's post for more details...

Enjoy!

Loup Dargent

Security Tight After Banksy Graffiti Woes

Security tight after Banksy graffiti woes (via AFP)

Guards were on close watch Saturday as British street artist Banksy brought his in-your-face creations to New York City, where some unhappy property owners defaced his work. The Briton, whose identity is a secret, has sent hipsters and art fans scrambling…

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Malala Yousafzai Reunited With Pakistan Attack School Friends

Malala reunited with Pakistan attack schoolfriends (via AFP)

Campaigning Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai was reunited on Saturday with two friends who were injured in the Taliban attempt to kill her. Kainat Riaz and Shazia Ramzan met Malala during an event at Edinburgh University in Scotland, the first…

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Book Tour: 'The Muse' By Kenya Wright

"Everything seems magical and perfect. Until more dead bodies are discovered."
A normal day in the office for Elle? (Well, okay, it's not exactly in an office... but, hey, this is my blog and I can make the jokes I want, you know) Find out in today's multicultural romantic suspense novel we're hosting the Book Tour for.

Enjoy!
Loup Dargent

The Beauty of Music: Top 5 Most Popular Music Genres

'Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm and gaiety to life and to everything' – Plato. Through the course of time, music has always believed to be the only art, literally appreciated by everyone. We all love listening to music! It helps us relax; it improves our self-acceptance and shows us how to enjoy life. Music is able to give us a shelter to hide and freedom to dream. This is the universal language of mankind, a fascinating mixture of inspiration, energy and magic. And the best part is that it gives us liberty to choose among a variety of genres. So here are five of the most popular music genres, which have touched millions of people during the years.

To Protect and To Serve Or Militant Force? [Infographic]

The police officers of America are bound by their duty to protect and serve the public. They are an essential part of keeping the peace. However, questions arise when it comes to unannounced SWAT raids. Officers are completely outfitted in military-style gear, in essence becoming an armed force. With their body armor, submachine guns, night vision gear, sniper rifles, armored transportation, and grenades meant to stun, they are a true force to be reckoned with. When SWAT teams take suspects unawares, they can truly bowl over everything in their paths. Often, civilians become victims during skirmishes between authorities and criminals. Of greater concern are the many instances when raids take place without sufficient evidence and the suspects prove to be innocent. It's a troubling trend in law enforcement and makes one question what path justice will continue to follow.

"No Knocks" Raids Have Increased at an Alarming Rate
In 1970, a "no knock" law was put in place to wage war on drugs. By 1974, it was repealed. Law or no law, at least 80,000 surprise raids are held by law enforcement on an annual basis. That's shocking jump from only 3,000 in the 1980's. The police argue that they have had to step up their efforts because the amount of weaponry and force used by the criminal element has escalated. However, take a closer look at statistics, and over half of all individuals apprehended in raids had no weapons whatsover. 12% were captured with guns of some sort, while 10% carried knives. In contrast, SWAT teams of today are equipped for major combat. One can only wonder how often the authorities actually cause more of a problem when they arrive at the door, hammering their way in with undue force.

While law enforcement officers claim the ends justify the means, unannounced, "no knock" raids are a violation of basic rights and an invasion of privacy. If the current trend continues, the question remains: What line will the police cross next if their power is unchecked. How many innocent victims will be injured as a result? It's time to think about the consequences of militarized police.

380 Arrested In Moscow Race Riot

380 arrested in Moscow race riot (via AFP)

Moscow police arrested more than 380 people Sunday during a race riot in which nationalists outraged by a murder blamed on a migrant smashed shop windows and assaulted security guards. The crowd chanted "Russia for Russians!" and other neo-Nazi slogans…

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Book Tour: 'The Howling Heart' By April Bostic [Giveaway Included]

Today's Book Tour is for "The Howling Heart" by April Bostic. It's a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods... All the good stuff, really. 

Enjoy!
Loup Dargent

PS: Don't forget to enter the Giveaway! 

Malala Yousafzai Calls On World To Make Education Top Priority

Malala calls on world to make education top priority (via AFP)

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl activist who has become a world champion of girls' rights, called Friday for the World Bank to make education its top priority. Seated on a stage with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim in a one-on-one presentation…

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Nine Long-Lost 'Doctor Who' Episodes Found... In Nigeria

Doctor Who - Patrick Troughton as The Doctor

Nine missing episodes of the cult BBC science-fiction drama "Doctor Who" have been found in a television station storeroom in Nigeria, nearly half a century after they were last seen, the broadcaster said Friday.

Among the recovered 1960s footages are most of the classic story "The Web of Fear," a black and white adventure in which the Time Lord, then played by Patrick Troughton, battles a robot yeti in London's underground train system.

The tapes were found gathering dust in a television station in the turbulent Nigerian city of Jos, a flashpoint of Islamist violence.

The trove, described by the BBC as the "largest haul of missing episodes recovered in the last 3 decades," also includes the 6-part story, "The Enemy of the World."

"It's thrilling," said Mark Gatiss, author of recent "Doctor Who" episodes.

"Every single avenue seemed to have been exhausted, every now and then something turns up -- but to have two virtually complete stories out of the blue is absolutely incredible."

The BBC destroyed many of the drama's original tapes in the 1960s and 1970s but some were copied for sale to foreign broadcasters.

⏩ Despite the find, 97 episodes remain lost

The episodes were uncovered by Phillip Morris, director of Television International Enterprises Archive.

"The tapes had been left gathering dust in a storeroom at a television relay station in Nigeria," he told the BBC, adding that they were "just sitting on the shelf."

"I remember wiping the dust off the masking tape on the canisters and my heart missed a beat as I saw the words, 'Doctor Who.' When I read the story code, I realized I'd found something pretty special," Morris said.

The tapes originally went from Britain to Hong Kong and then on to a series of television stations in Nigeria as part of the distribution systems that operated at the time.

Morris said he had been "lucky" to find the tapes intact given the high temperatures in Nigeria.

"Fortunately in this case they had been kept in the optimum condition," said Morris.

Morris added that it was "probably the largest haul of missing episodes recovered in the last 25, 30 years."

The new programmes will be available on iTunes from today and will be released on DVD later.

Fiona Eastwood, director of consumer products, BBC Worldwide, said: "We are thrilled with the recent discovery of The Web Of Fear and The Enemy Of The World and we're very happy to be launching re-mastered versions of these treasured episodes to fans as we celebrate the 50th year of Doctor Who."

The adventures of Doctor Who -- a time travelling, humanoid alien who traverses the universe in Tardis spacecraft -- have maintained a loyal following since they were first aired in 1963.

⏩ Scottish actor Peter Capaldi, best known as the abusive spin doctor in the political satire "The Thick of It", was named in August as the 12th actor to play the role.

SOURCE: Agence France-Presse

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4 Most Iconic Shoes in Cinema History

Generally, shoes are no more than a part of a costume or a prop in cinemas. However, sometimes certain shoes become an iconic image for the movie and gain massive popularity with fans. Here are 4 of the most iconic shoes in cinema history.

Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai Wins EU's Sakharov Rights Prize

Pakistan's Malala wins EU's Sakharov rights prize (via AFP)

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage activist nominated for Friday's Nobel Peace Prize, was awarded the prestigious Sakharov human rights prize by the European Parliament on Thursday. To thunderous applause announcing the prize, the parliament's…

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The Three TV Shows Most Likely To Spawn This Year's Popular Halloween Costumes

TV has always provided plenty of fodder for costume ideas for Halloween, and given most pop culture experts say we are now living in a golden age of TV with more choices than ever before when it comes to great drama, it is highly likely that a lot of party goers this year will be going to the likes of Showtime, HBO and AMC for inspiration. While some shows have always been pretty obvious sources of Halloween costume ideas (such as The Walking Dead – after all, anyone can throw together a zombie costume out of stuff they have at home so it is a great short notice solution), three shows that have dominated the TV and entertainment headlines this year are sure to feature more than most:

Mongolia's 'Eco-Nazis' Target Foreign Miners

Mongolia's 'eco-Nazis' target foreign miners (via AFP)

A silver swastika hanging around his neck, Boldbaatar Gombodorj points out his targets on a map of Mongolia like a World War II commander: little flags representing foreign mining firms that he and fellow "eco-Nazis" accuse of destroying their country…

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Tommy Robinson, Leader Of Far-Right EDL, Quits Over 'Extremism'

Apparently, Tommy Robinson has eventually seen the light... 
I felt like tweeting him "We told you so!" regarding the extremists in the EDL, but, hey, better late than never and all that jazz! 

Welcome to the Real World, Tommy! 
Loup Dargent

PS: By the way, will you and Kev unblock me on Twitter now that we're officially not "enemies" anymore?

Leader of far-right EDL quits over 'extremism' (via AFP)

The leader of Britain's far-right, anti-Islamic English Defence League quit on Tuesday, saying he felt he could no longer keep "extremist elements" in the group at bay. In a surprise move, EDL leader Tommy Robinson announced his resignation -- along…

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4 Fabulous TV Apartments That Make For A Perfect Home

Many people prefer living in an apartment instead of a house. Obviously, the reasons for doing so in a big city are pretty obvious. However, in general, living in apartments has some serious advantages over owning a house. It is not surprising then that many fictional TV characters have their own apartments to call home. Here are 4 of the most fabulous apartments featured in TV shows.

Pakistani Taliban Vow To Attack Malala Yousafzai Again!

Pakistani Taliban vow to attack Malala again (via AFP)

The Pakistani Taliban on Monday said schoolgirl campaigner Malala Yousafzai had "no courage" and vowed to attack her again if they got the chance. Gunmen sent by the Taliban tried to kill Malala on her school bus on October 9 last year. She amazingly…

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Malala Yousafzai Relives Horror Of Taliban Shooting In Autobiography

Malala relives horror of Taliban shooting in autobiography (via AFP)

Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai tells of the moment she was shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education in her new autobiography out Tuesday, amid speculation that she may be about to become the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace…

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Malala Yousafzai Invited To Buckingham Palace To Meet The Queen

Malala invited to Buckingham Palace to meet queen (via AFP)

Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, shot last year by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' schooling, has been invited to a Buckingham Palace reception to meet Queen Elizabeth II, officials said Sunday. The queen and her husband Prince Philip will…

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The Three Greatest TV Programs Of All Time - What Will You Be Watching?

TV has certainly made a huge difference to most of our lives and over the years people become addicted to certain TV shows and simply can’t go a week without seeing their favorite program. There have indeed been some absolutely fabulous programs to hit the small screen, many of which have created iconic characters, which will live on in our hearts and minds for many years to come. What follows are possibly the three greatest TV programs of all time – this isn’t personal opinion, but has been put to the vote, therefore the results are what the great viewing public love watching.

Malala Yousafzai Picks Up Another Award As Nobel Beckons

Malala picks up another award as Nobel beckons (via AFP)

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' schooling, added another award to a growing list on Friday. She was given the RAW in WAR Anna Politkovskaya Award, named after the Russian investigative journalist who…

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13 Members Of Anonymous Indicted On US Hacking Charges

13 members of Anonymous indicted on US hacking charges (via AFP)

Thirteen alleged members of the loosely organized hacker collective known as Anonymous were indicted Thursday in connection with a series of online attacks on US companies and trade groups. The indictment unsealed in Alexandria, Virginia, charged the…

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My Favorite 3 Comic Book Super Villains

Fantastic Four #5 (July 1962), Doctor Doom's first appearance. (Wikipedia)

In our world of crime and villainy, it is good to be able to enter a world where the villains are evil but acceptable because of their evil. Comic book writers have created some brilliant superheroes over the years, and they have also created some brilliant super villains. These villains are truly evil, and we know it, but how many of them would you want to be locked away in a prison or killed? Probably none of them, they are as much a part of the enjoyment as the heroes themselves. Totally over the top, they are loved as much as Batman and Superman. 

Below are a few of my favorite human villains from comics over the years.