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March 31, 2009
And the Winner Is. . .
Drawings for winners in the BBM household are very scientific. We either draw out of a fish bowl, or I simply throw a bunch of numbers at Lil C and tell her to pick one.
She picked #1 and the corresponding comment comes from Karl. Congratulations to Karl for winning an autographed The Birth of Cornelius CD!
Thanks to everyone who entered!
Make sure you add The BBM Review to your subscriptions so you don't miss future giveaways!!!
March 24, 2009
In the Dojo, by Dave Lowry
I have over 15 post it notes sticking out of In the Dojo, reminding me of important things I need to reread.
That's a hint about how I feel about this book.
Dave Lowry is easily one of the most accomplished martial arts writers of our time, and he adds another highly valuable text to his resume with In the Dojo. Focusing on rituals and etiquette surrounding Japanese martial arts, Lowry touches upon points that could very easily fade away into the ether as martial arts become more about business rather than culture.
Many students of modern arts don't realize it, but etiquette (or reishiki) surround every aspect of classical martial training. From concepts as varying as dojo design to proper bowing, reishiki embodies what it means to be a classical warrior. Lowry tries to grant us a peak into the different methods of manner that he has discovered over his years of koryu training.
As jonesed as I am about In the Dojo, I have one important caveat – it's not for everyone. Lowry really digs into the minutiae of etiquette and does not dole out a lot of training advice. People looking for Samurai Secrets or Ninja Techniques have definitely come to the wrong place.
This book is more suited for those unfortunate individuals who find themselves captivated by the arts and all the history, culture, and quirks behind it. For these budo nerds, In the Dojo is a playground of 'did you know?' and 'ahh ha' moments.
A young Dave Lowry
In the Dojo is separated by concept as opposed to having a story arc like Autumn Lightning or Persimmon Wind. Should the reader be so inclined, he/she could jump around to different topics, including: proper behavior for a teacher, proper behavior for a student, the origins of the hakama, the involvement of Shinto in martial arts, and more.
As tends to happen with Mr. Lowry's books, if you buy In the Dojo, have a highlighter and post it notes nearby. There is about 10 pounds of information here crammed into a 5 pound bag and you'll need to come back from time to time to refresh.
Overall, Ikigai108 gives this book:
Would you like to give this book a shot? Buy it from the bbm store.
March 22, 2009
The Birth of Cornelius CD
This review features a great giveaway. Continue reading to the end for details!!!
Oh, how I love to find a new musical artist. There is nothing like finding a new voice, new music that soothes you and renews your love of music. Corneille's debut album "The Birth of Cornelius" may be an instant love for some, but for me, it was was a little different. When your favorite song is "Whatever You Like" by T.I., a slowed down more soulful CD takes a bit of getting used to. After listening to the CD twice in my car however, I found myself singing along, and even humming the songs when the music wasn't even playing. Plus sometimes the DVD headphones slide off the kid and under the seat and you just have to switch to DVD mode and give up your musical "me" time. It happens.
With a soulful voice that reminds you of hanging out in a swanky lounge with some good friends and a nice glass of wine, Corneille hits the spot if you're looking for a bit of a retro sound, infused with John Legend-like goodness. When I first listened to the CD, I said that Corneille is the male Sade, but with more up tempo songs. Upon further examination though, I think he has Brian McKnight like qualities, mixed with a strong dose of Seal, and conbined with the soul of Sade and John Legend. He's definitely a throwback artist, but there's nothing old-fashioned or Amy Winehouse about him.
His songs aren't all about love though. Corneille has an interesting story and a traumatic background that has strongly influnenced his music. The only surviving family member to make it out of Rwanda, Corneille's songs are infused with a passion that you just don't hear from other artists. Plus, he's total eye candy. I mean, come on. . .
Already a star throughout the world, Corneille has just recently made his debut in the US market. His album was released March 10th. My personal favorites are "Murder" (which is actually a love song), "Too Much of Everything," and "Home is by You" which I find myself singing all the time now. It's the kind of CD to put on your IPOD and take with you to the jacuzzi tub, or to relax to with a good book or good friends.
If you like any of the above mentioned artists, and/or are a fan of R&B and soul music, then you'll definitely want to check out Corneille.
One lucky reader who leaves a comment will win a free autographed Corneille CD! To be entered to win, simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite artist and why you should win. The lucky winner will be chosen in one week!
If you're not the lucky winner, you can still buy the CD here for a reasonable price from "The BBM Review" store.
BBM gives "The Birth of Cornelius". . .
March 20, 2009
Neosporin
When I first moved out of my parents' house to my first apartment, I did the necessary shopping for "needed items." You know, things mom always has that you take for granted like medicine, tissues, extra toothpaste, etc. Included in that list for me was Neosporin.
Neosporin has always been a staple in our medicine cabinet. Burns, scraped knees, minor cuts-dab a little of Neosporin on and your protecting against infection and keeping scarring at a minimum. But have you ever stopped to look at the expiration date on your tube of Neosporin? 40% of homes have expired topical antibiotics sitting in their medicine cabinet. I just checked-I'm one of them.
Let's face it…you use very little each time you apply things like Neosporin. You would have to have a very clumsy family to use up an entire package! Neosporin wants to get the word out for you to check your medicine cabinet. Pitch the expired products and run out and buy some new ones before Spring is in full swing. My new favorite is the Neosporin To Go!-it's specially designed for easy, one-handed use, resists crushing and goes anywhere with you. It's already packed in my handbag for trips to the park and the inevitable scraped knee.
Thanks to MomCentral and Johnson's for asking me to talk about this great product! TKDDaughter gives this a
March 17, 2009
Spa Break Basket Winners Announced
This was a very difficult decision to make. If I could give all of you a basket, I would definitely do so, but there can only be three winners, at least this time.
So, in no particular order. . .
Lydia for mad originality.
Kris because her husband definitely deserves a break.
TSM_Oregon for her optimism despite her daily reality.
Thanks to everyone who left a comment and entered the contest! We'll have more giveaways coming up soon, including an autographed CD from a new recording artist! Check back again soon!!!
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