Blogcritics Author: Janica Unruh

Product Review: ToughDrive Camo USB2.0 Flash Drive

Janica Unruh — Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:58:19 EST

A flash drive that may not have reliable storage but can be lit on fire.
I don’t know if anyone else’s school did this, but every year when I took the ever dreaded grade school picture, I was given a free plastic comb. Usually in a variety of bold colors, these combs always had a little inscription that read “unbreakable.” But for a grade schooler, it wasn’t just an informative adjective....

Book Review: I, robot by Howard S. Smith

Janica Unruh — Thu, 1 Jan 2009 16:09:02 EST

A techno-thriller unlike Asimov's that delves into the military use of artificial intelligence.
I’ll admit it straight out. I haven’t read Isaac Asimov’s novel or seen the similar movie staring Will Smith. So I’ll tell you now that if you haven’t either, don’t worry. Although Howard S. Smith re-used the title (supposedly different because “robot” isn’t capitalized), his novel is not...

Music Review: Ken Block - Drift

Janica Unruh — Tue, 9 Dec 2008 10:30:09 EST

A fantastic album created by Sister Hazel's lead singer Ken Block.
Ken Block, lead singer of the band Sister Hazel, has been meaning to release a solo album for quite some time. As he says, he’s “a bit of a perfectionist trapped inside the body of a procrastinator.” But his fans have been waiting eagerly and patiently. Now finally, on December ninth, Rock Ridge Music will release Drift, a...

DVD Review: Dead Space - Downfall

Janica Unruh — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:55:48 EST

A thrilling sci-fi/horror and prequel to the Dead Space video game.
The only thing better than putting graphic horror in space is using the undead to create it. My first taste of space zombies came from the unfortunately short-lived series Firefly. The Reavers in this science fiction western were technically humans living on the edge of civilized space who had reverted to animalistic behavior. But the concept is...

Book Review: King of Nod - Some Things Never Die by Scott Fad

Janica Unruh — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:57:16 EST

A haunting tale by award winning Scott Fad that's impossible to put down or ever forget.
I’m sure every person alive grew up with some local folk ghost story. When I was little, my brother told me that a woman in white robes roamed in the cemetery not far from our home. He said he knew someone who saw her. But what if instead of hearsay, instead of “My best friend’s dad saw the creature,” you were the one seeing...

Music Review: Sister Hazel - Before the Amplifiers, Live Acoustic

Janica Unruh — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 09:21:51 EST

An acoustic compilation of newly recorded Sister Hazel�s hits and favorites.
My musical taste is stuck in the 80s and 90s. In fact I might be turning into the old lady down the street, yelling at the car blaring hip-hop/wrap/heavy metal, “Turn off that racket!" And muttering “Kids these days..." Really, we need more bands like Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthew’s Band, Weezer, R.E.M.,...

Book Review: Stop Clutter from Stealing Your Life: Discover Why You Clutter and How You Can Stop by Mike Nelson

Janica Unruh — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:21:50 EDT

If you're physically and emotionally overwhelmed with clutter, author Mike Nelson's practical book shows a way out.
I love going to garage sales, looking at people’s junk, sometimes even finding a treasure for myself to tote home with pride. But one garage sale this summer filled me with horror that I will never forget. It wasn’t the things on the lawn. This particular woman’s kids had grown up so it was mostly toys, clothes, and plastic...

DVD Review: Disney's Tinker Bell

Janica Unruh — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:44:28 EDT

Now, for the first time ever, a movie dedicated to the fairie we all know and love.
Lately our theaters have been thriving with the origin stories of famous heroes like Batman, James Bond, Spider-Man, and so on. I love it. I think someone really tapped a vein of curious people wanting to find out why these fictional characters are the way they are. And now another familiar face will fly onto the screen and into the hearts of...

Obama: Citizen of the World, Indeed!

Janica Unruh — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:04:58 EDT

Obama may be a citizen of the world, but is he a natural-born American citizen eligible to become president?
On August 21, 2008, Philip J. Berg, former Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, filed a lawsuit against presidential candidate Barack Obama. In the lawsuit Berg challenges Obama's claims to natural-born citizenship, raising questions about the authenticity of his birth certificate which has not been produced in original form and asking...

Mary Costa is Sleeping Beauty in the 50th Anniversary Edition

Janica Unruh — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 21:49:50 EDT

Mary Costa's beauty and grace forever captured in this Disney masterpiece.
No matter what age you are, I hope you’ve seen or your parents have shown you cartoons from the past when they used to portray the ultimate battle between good and evil. When I was little I didn’t watch Disney for the glossy finish of a red racing car. Disney, with each beautifully hand-drawn frame, used to make productions that gave me...