Memories with Living Books

Greetings. Alonso here.

Here I am to tell you about the best CD-Rom software I enjoyed as a kid.

*Cue drumroll*

Ah, yes. My childhood isn't complete without a collection of stories exclusively on CD Rom. I first discovered Living Books when I was 5 years old.

Here's a list of the best LB titles I loved to play.

1. Green Eggs and Ham

When I first saw this game at a store, I wanted to have it. That wish was granted in Christmas of 1996. I loved the things Sam did when you click on him on the first page. I also loved the green bird that appears before going to the next page and the rhyming game before everyone falls on the boat. The Color Food Matching game was the icing on the cake. Overall, Green Eggs and Ham remains one of the three best Dr. Seuss stories part of Living Books.

2. Dr. Seuss's ABC

This is the first title I've had on my LB collection. I loved clicking on the words that start with any letter of the alphabet. I also liked looking for the Zed before going to the next letter. The cameo of The Cat in the Hat in "C" was the icing on the cake. I cherish this title along with Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat.

3. The Cat in the Hat

This is, without a doubt, one of the best Dr. Seuss stories to become a CD Rom game. My favorite parts include clicking on the Cat's Hat which dances and clicking on the items to put them away. I love Living Books for making not one, not two, but three Dr. Seuss stories playable in their collection.

4. Arthur's Birthday

I first discovered this title before my family had a computer. I absolutely loved the part where the party noises came from out of nowhere in each page. The part where a kid tries to climb up the monkey bars but fell back down cracked me up. I can't express how good it felt to make this part of my LB Collection.

5. The Berenstain Bears Get in a Fight

I'll never forget the first time I played this game. I loved the first page where the mockingbird offends the other birds by singing like an opera singer. I also liked the part where the bee buzzes around looking for his "honey". A clip which tells about the late Stanley and Janice's work as authors for the Berenstain Bears makes it even better. I even got it along with Harry and the Haunted House and The Tortoise and the Hare in a pack.

6. Harry and the Haunted House

How could I forget playing this game? The parts I love about this game include the spider who appears at every page, the "no body" joke, and Harry, Earl, and Stinky's thoughts about the monsters., and the hat changes in the second page. It's perfect around Halloween time. I'll always cherish this story for years.

7. The Tortoise and the Hare

I absolutely loved this one a lot. My favorite parts include the dragonfly appearing in every page, a song in the second page, a kid bear cheering loudly and Simon being crowded by chickens in the fourth page, the themes for the Tortoise and the Hare, and the Hare looking through his mailbox. I got this in a pack which also included The Berenstain Bears and Harry and the Haunted House.

Well, there you have it. Fond memories with me and Living Books.

My Christmas

Hello. Alonso here.

Today, I thought I'd talk about everyone's favorite holiday that is Christmas.

From what I know, this day marks the memorable commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ who was born on December 25th.

But let me tell you about my favorite things about Christmas.

Specials

Watching Christmas specials on TV or online has always been one of the best things I've ever done. Here are the specials I love the most.

A Garfield Christmas
Ever since I've seen this on YouTube, I thought it was worth it. I was a fan of Garfield since I watched Garfield and Friends. In this special, Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to the farm where Jon was born. They meet his father, mother, grandmother, and Doc Boy (who hates being called that). After a dinner, everyone goes to the living room to decorate the Christmas tree. Secretly, Odie plans to make a gift of his own which is revealed to be a back-scratcher. My favorite part was Garfield saying "Nice touch." after the lights of the tree have been lit.

Sonic Christmas Blast
The one time I do remember seeing this was on Toon Disney (before it became Disney XD). I'm sure everyone's been wanting to see a holiday special starring Sega's true blue mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog and that wish has been granted. In this special, Dr. Eggman, originally called Dr. Robotnik poses as Robotnik Claus and wants presents for himself. Out to stop Sonic and bring him to Robotnik Claus are his henchbots/badniks, Scratch and Grounder (from AoStH) but as usual, Sonic gets the better of them. When Santa is rescued, he shows Sonic a pictograph which is like the one in his ring. It represents "super speed". After going through three challenges, Sonic proves he can save Christmas by running to Robotnik's castle and taking away the presents he stole. At the end, he becomes "Sonic Claus". My favorite part was when he shredded snow Scratch and Grounder while snowboarding.

Food
During November, candies and goodies are all getting that Holiday makeover. Thought I'd tell you about the ones I'm very fond of.

I always loved M&M's whether they're original, peanut butter, or pretzel. The M&M's seen here are red and green for Christmas. M&M's cookies make a great dessert for after Christmas dinner.

I first knew about Chips Ahoy! Holiday in 2011 but never found it. This year, I was lucky when I found it at ShopRite. The cookies have red, white, and green color coated candy pieces for Christmas.

New York

One of the best traditions for my family at Christmas time. The best thing I love about the annual trips to New York are window displays, shopping and exploring all but one of the stores like Nintendo World. I also love seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center.

Presents
Now I know presents aren't the most important part about Christmas but I thought I'd tell you about the ones I think are the best.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 was definitely the best Christmas gift in my life. I first heard about this game last year when I saw the ad. My favorite part was Mario getting the Gold Fire Flower and becoming Gold Mario. I had the 3DS since my birthday. This is one of my favorite 3DS titles I could own.

I've been hearing about Sega Genesis from seeing the commercials as a kid. The best titles among the ones I own are Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. When the one I had was missing, we had to buy another. Despite that, I still enjoyed it.

Before I finish, I want to wish you a happy and healthy holiday.

My Thanksgiving

Alonso here. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Yes, there's no other occasion of the month to be thankful for than November.

I'll be more than happy to tell you  the things I like most about Thanksgiving.

Food:

Turkey

No Thanksgiving has ever been complete without turkey being the main course. My favorite part of the turkey is always the drumstick. Inside every turkey is a wishbone that can b used to make a wish.

Mashed Potatoes

I've eaten potatoes when they're sliced into chips or cut to make french fries, but I also like mashed potatoes. Always goes great with gravy on top.

Cranberry Jell-O

Jell-O has always been one of my favorite desserts. The best flavors I had are strawberry, orange, and berry blue. There's better flavor of Jell-O to have after Thanksgiving dinner than cranberry Jell-O. I first discovered this last year when I went to Cafasso's. Since then, I always loved to include Cranberry Jell-O for every Thanksgiving meal.

TV specials:

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

I will not lie. I always loved watching the parade at 9 on NBC. It has it all: Musical performances, guest appearances, parade floats, and best of all, balloon floats. I'll tell you my favorite balloon floats.

Pillsbury Doughboy

The cute and lovable character is the mascot of all Pillsbury baking products. He's too adorable to hate. I love how every time his tummy is poked, he giggles. I've seen every commercial with the Doughboy and I enjoy them. Seeing a balloon float of him is even better.

Garfield

I always loved Garfield ever since I read the comic strips and watched Garfield and Friends. It was Thanksgiving of 2003 that a balloon float of Garfield has been made in honor of his 25th birthday. When I first found out about it, I was very excited. I thought Garfield was a great addition to the parade. There was an older version of the Garfield balloon float but I wasn't around to see that.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Ah, yes. My all-time (video game) hero manages to join the the MTDP. There was an old Sonic balloon float that was supposed to be on the parade 20 years ago but bad winds made this balloon float along with the other ones popped. When I found out Sonic would make a comeback in the parade in honor of the Big 2-0, I was very happy. It's become part of the parade ever since.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Peanuts gang than tuning in to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? The highlights of this awesome special are "Snoopy VS the chair", Snoopy and Woodstock as pilgrims, and the meal at the end. This special used to air on CBS and now airs on ABC. Both my father and I love to watch this TV Special.

Happy Thanksgiving. This is Alonso signing off.

Gym Time

Hello. Alonso here.

Today, I thought I'd tell you about the best things I've done and enjoyed ever since: Gym.

What better way to get exercise than to go to Snap Fitness. It all started in 2011 when my parents decided my physique needed work.

All that was required in order for me to go to the gym was paper work. After the papers were complete, I finally got a chance to get in. If there's anything I know, it's that a key card is always necessary.

What made me like the gym the most were nice people like Kyle and Chandran.

Kyle was one of the employees for Snap. On my way to the gym, I often see him walking by and would say "See you at the gym.". Yesterday, he was nice enough to give me a ride to Snap since it was cold.

Another nice person I know and trust is my coach, Chandran. While doing my exercises, I take the time to speak with him. He's always been good to me and I'd do anything to show my appreciation. Sometimes, he'd tell me when he can't always be at the gym, such as when he goes on vacation.

My exercises include chest press, back row or lat pull, foot press, leg extension, leg curl, bicep extension, triceps extension, shoulder press, back row, abs, and stretching out. Sometimes, I'd have to switch them around.

My brother, Rodrigo also goes to the gym to work. Last year, he and I walked together. We never argued then.

Also, I thought going to the gym with my uncle and my mother were the best times of my life.

Now for my favorite and least favorite things about gym:

Favorite things

Treadmills

Before starting my exercises, I'd work my legs off in a treadmill. Adjusting the speed is a must. Not too fast, not too slow.

Chest press

Always the best way to start my exercise routine. Recently, I set the weight to 75 pounds. If necessary, I'll set it to 80 or 100.

Abs

I did this exercise with a machine but I felt using a ball seemed like a better idea.

Least favorite things

Foot press

I don't really hate it but it kinda hurts my big toes.

Leg curl

Not that I hate it, but the pain get to my thighs. But hey, no pain, no gain.

Overall, going to Snap Fitness has been the best thing I've ever done. I owe it all to my father, Kyle, and Chandran for making it all possible.

Dr. Seuss's Birthday

Hello there, bloggers. I'm here to say
March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's Birthday.

Born on March 2nd, 1904, this author known as Theodor Geisel has made 46 children's books which were enjoyed by millions from The Cat in the Hat to Green Eggs and Ham.

The Cat in The Hat

This is the book that started it all. It starts on a rainy day where two kids who are bored at first but then meet The Cat in the Hat. Among his ways of having fun with them include opening a box revealing Thing One and Thing Two. At first, it looks like Sally, her brother (who narrates the story), and the fish are in trouble because of a mess but then, the Cat shows up to help. If you love cats, this is for you. Your mother will not mind at all if you do.

Green Eggs and Ham

Who could forget this phrase?

"I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am."

At first, the grouchy guy refuses to have what Sam-I-Am offers him, leading to a series of objects that rhyme such as "house" and "mouse". But then, when he tastes the green eggs and ham, he says "I do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-Am!"

This teaches readers about trying new things.

Overall, the best way to celebrate the late Dr. Seuss is to enjoy his books you own.

This is PeruAlonso1 signing off.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Greetings, bloggers.

PeruAlonso1 here on this beautiful February 14th.

Today is Valentine's Day.

I'll show you the things I enjoy about it the most.

M&M's

These candies have been a favorite for chocolate lovers including myself. During occasions like Valentine's Day, M&M's are in colors to match the holiday. This image here shows M&M's in red, white, and pink.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

Ah, yes. Who can forget Valentine's Day specials like this one? Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown is without a doubt a delight for fans of the Peanuts gang. This special is about how Linus gets a Valentine for a substitute teacher while Charlie Brown tries to get a Valentine for a red-haired girl. The best scenes are a puppet theater and Charlie Brown and Snoopy showing Sally how to make a Valentine. Overall, I consider this one of the best Peanuts TV specials of all time.

But what makes Valentine's Day an important occasion is showing and telling others how much you care about them.

And so, I say to everybody "Happy Valentine's Day".

This is PeruAlonso1 signing off.

My Favorite Voice Actors/Actresses Part 2

Good evening.

Today, I'll list 5, count 'em, 5 of my favorite voice actresses.

1. Tara Strong

She's tops with voice acting.

Her best roles include: Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls, Dil from Rugrats and All Grown Up!, Melody in The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea, Ingrid Third in Fillmore!, Raven in Teen Titans, Queen in Justice League's Wild Cards, and last but not least, Young Ben Tennyson in Ben 10.

One day, I would love to meet Tara in person and hear her Young Ben Tennyson voice.

2. Hynden Walch

Even she has it going on.

Her best roles: Starfire, Blackfire, and Madame Rouge in Teen Titans, Ace in Justice League's Wild Cards, Harley Quinn in The Batman, and Platinum and Carbon Dioxide in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

3. Russi Taylor

Who better for the late Wayne Allwine to get married to?

Taylor's best roles: Minnie Mouse, Webby, Huey, Dewey, and Louie in DuckTales, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella 2 and 3, Penelope Pitstop in Yogi's Treasure Hunt's Snow White and the 7 Treasure Hunters, and Baby Gonzo in Muppet Babies.

4. Jennifer Hale

I love her voice a lot.

Hale's best roles: Ms. Keane, Princess Morbucks, and Sedusa in The Powerpuff Girls, Sam and Mandy in Totally Spies!, Zatanna, Giganta, and Killer Frost in Justice League Unlimited, Mallory in Mighty Ducks, Cinderella from Cinderella Parts 2 and 3, and Black Knight in Generator Rex.

5. Grey DeLisle

She's great at singing and voice acting.

DeLisle's best roles: Mandy in The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Major Dr. Ghastly in Evil Con Carne, Daphne Blake in the Scooby-Doo franchise (since Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase), Emily Elizabeth in Clifford the Big Red Dog and Clifford's Puppy Days, Greenly in The Legend of Tarzan, and Dr. Holiday in Generator Rex.


Well, that's about it for a list of my favorite voice actors and actresses. Have your own? Feel free to share your thoughts on my blog anytime.