Link of the Day: Spring Babies

Via: MNN.com

Mother Nature Network:  Rite of Spring – Cute Animal Babies

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As of yesterday, it is officially Spring, though it may not necessarily feel like it.  But whether it is snowing, raining, or shining, with Spring comes new life – flowers bloom, the leaves return to the trees, and baby animals are born.

Everyone loves babies, and there really is nothing cuter than a newborn monkey, lion, or bear.  So, whether you need a little cheering up, or would just like to add a smile to your face, check out the link above for some adorable new additions to mother nature!

Happy Thursday All!

Link of the Day: Challenge Your Writing Style

The Huffington Post:  5 Ways To Try A New Writing Style

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When I first started writing back in my teen years, first person was my go-to tense.  It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started experimenting in 3rd person, and realized that it not only offered a different flavor to my overall work, but also pushed me to write even better.  As writers, we have to constantly challenge ourselves to be better.  Whether that includes writing a genre we’re unfamiliar with, or writing in a different tense, changing things up is extremely important.

Experimenting is often key when writing, and today’s link of the day shows five ways that you can change up your writing style and tackle the unknown, and maybe even become a better writer in the process.  So, check out the link above and challenge your creativity today!

And, let us know in the comment section below how you have changed up your own writing, and how it has benefited you as a writer.

Happy Wednesday All and Keep On Writing!

Link of the Day: A New Day for Pit Bulls

Via: National Geographic

National Geographic: The Truth About Pit Bulls

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Pit Bulls have gotten bad rap due to the way they are used.  On account of their natural brute and strength, humans use this breed as attacking dog guards and fighting killers, and because of this Pit Bulls are subjected to breed discrimination on a daily basis.  However, it is not their breed that is harmful, it is the way they are raised and trained.

Yes, certain dogs are aggressive, and sometimes those dogs may be of the Pit Bull breed, however just because one dog of a certain breed is threatening, does not make the breed itself dangerous.  The majority of Pit Bull dogs are loyal and friendly animal companions, and even those who have been subjected to terrible abuse by humans may also be able to be rehabilitated.  It is not the dog that we should fear, but the human owner.

Click on the link above and read the truth about Pit Bulls.  And even though it is necessary to take certain precautions when around dogs you do not know – this goes for all breeds – make sure to keep an open mind and do not discriminate against any certain breed.

Happy Tuesday All!

Link of the Day: Read and Wander

Flavorwire:  The Flâneur in Fiction – Great Books About Wandering the City

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After reading a post by one of my favorite blog authors, TBM, and her lovely stroll around London, I just knew this article had to be my Link of the Day!

I love to travel, and there honestly is nothing better than wandering, sometimes aimlessly, around a new city.  There really is no need to necessarily visit the “tourist destinations” of a new place, because it’s the sights, sounds, and people you discover while exploring that makes you really connect with your surroundings.

So, to coincide with TBM’s post today (and I do suggest you check out her blog), check out the link above to see some interesting books that focus on exploring and wandering.

Happy Friday All!

Link of the Day: US vs. UK – You Decide

Via: Flavorwire.com

Flavorwire:  Judging 2012 Book Covers – US vs. UK

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I admit that I find book covers absolutely intriguing; with different designs and different texts, book covers really do tell a lot about the words lingering inside.  And the greatest thing about book covers: that every book has a few different cover versions.

At Flavorwire.com, they put together 36 different 2012 books, and compared the US book cover versions with the UK ones.  So, which do you prefer?  Flavorwire gave their answers, and now it’s time to give yours!

Let us know in the comment section below which covers you prefer!

Happy Thursday All!

Link of the Day: ‘Porno’, the Sequel to ‘Trainspotting’, May be in the Works

The Huffington Post:  ‘Trainspotting’ Sequel: ‘Porno’ Coming In 2016, Says Danny Boyle 

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When I first saw ‘Trainspotting’ a few years back (yes, I was late in the game to see this movie), I instantly fell in love with it.  Now, I couldn’t be more pleased to hear that a sequel is planned to come out in 2016.

‘Trainspotting’, adapted from the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh, was directed by Danny Boyle, and Boyle will be adapting Welsh’s follow-up novel, ‘Porno’, into the sequel of ‘Trainspotting’.  Boyle also noted that the screenwriter for ‘Trainspotting’ is writing the screenplay for ‘Porno’, and that hopefully the original cast, which included Ewan McGregor, will join the project as well.

Below is the trailer for ‘Trainspotting’.  If you haven’t seen this movie, I definitely recommend it.

Have you seen ‘Trainspotting’?  What do you think of a sequel?  Let us know in the comment section below!

Happy Monday All!

Link of the Day: The Best Redesigned Book Covers

Via: Flavorwire.com

Flavorwire:  10 Redesigned Book Covers That Are Actually Better Than the Iconic Versions

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The design of book covers are important.  It is what a reader initially sees, and many readers (myself included) have been known to buy a book based solely off its cover.

These 10 redesigns of some classic literature covers have been described as being even better than the original cover designs.  And there’s no doubting that the redesigned book cover above of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 45  is pretty kick-ass.

So, check out the link above and see some more creative redesigns of famous books, and let us know in the comment section below which is your favorite!  My personal vote goes to Fahrenheit 45!

Happy Wednesday All!

Link of the Day: I Do!

Via: Flavorwire.com

Flavorwire:  Geeky Ways to Propose – 15 Creative Pop Culture-Themed Rings and Boxes

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As someone who is in a serious, long-term relationship, and just waiting for my boyfriend to pop the question, this post caught my eye.  From Star Wars to Harry Potter, but my favorite being Wall-E, these are some unique wedding/engagement rings and boxes.

Check out the link above, and get some creative ideas of how to ask your honey to be yours!

Happy Tuesday All!

Link of the Day: Happy National Grammar Day!

Via: Huffington Post

The Huffington Post:  National Grammar Day – 11 Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes

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One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing the terrible grammar and spelling that floods the internet.  Whether it is using “your” instead of “you’re”, or misspelling a word to the point that it becomes unreadable, people on Facebook, Twitter, and even blogs give their past (or present) English teachers a bad name.

I don’t know if people are too lazy, or honestly don’t realize their mistakes, but today, for National Grammar Day, we are allowed to make fun of those who can’t spell or use correct punctuation marks.

So, check out the link above and see some terribly embarrassing grammar mistakes.  And remember, when in doubt, SPELL CHECK!

Happy Monday & National Grammar Day All!

Link of the Day: March Must-Reads

Via: Flavorwire.com

Flavorwire:  10 New Must-Reads for March

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Novels, poems, and works of non-fiction, Flavorwire’s must-reads for the month of March sound promising.  From Anne Carson to Vladimir Nabokov, these are some new books by some of the best authors.

Check out the link above for some recommendations, and let us know which are going on your TBR list, or which you have already read and personally recommend!

Happy Saturday All!