The Xtension Chords

I'll be honest with you.  My sister and I get along with each other most of the time, but our tastes are vastly different.  Not exactly surprising since she's older than me.  We grew up with different influences, but one thing we can agree on is good music.  We love to sing along in the car with the radio.  We enjoy watching Glee.  We have a mutual appreciation for acoustic and A Cappella.

One group we love are the Xtension Chords.  They're an all male A Cappella group from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  I had to share them with her.  She was hesitant as usual; she never knows what I'm going to show her.  Granted she never went to any of their performances like I did, but there a quite a few videos of them up on YouTube.  So, she is able to watch them and grow to love them as much as I do.  They are not just talented singers, but quite funny.  Their performances go the extra mile so you will end up with a smile on your face.    

We found ourselves watching them the other night.  I ran into the room hauling my computer and had to share this video with her:

If you skip to 8:00, then you can hear our newest favorite song.  :)  They sing "Country Girl Shake it For Me".  It's not just good singing but delightful dancing as well.  I chose this version because it was the one with the dancing included.  They also sing "Just the Girl", and "Open Arms" in this video.  

This is their entire set for the ICCA competition.  They took second place at their quarterfinal.  For good reason, as you can see from the video above.  They took first place at their quarterfinal last year.  

We were trying to find a video of the group that beat them this year, but we couldn't.  Highly disappointing as we wondered who could be better than them.  ;) 

If you like what you see, then you can find more videos posted on YouTube.  I highly recommend  you watch "What We're Thinking While We're Singing", although you may have trouble hearing some of them as the audience's laughter is loud.  There are many of those and they are guaranteed to make you chuckle heartily.  

I hope that you enjoy them as much as we do.  (Even my Mom likes them and she doesn't really like to hear music because it's too "loud").  You can search for their music on iTunes or visit their website: xtensionchords.com  Even though the members will continue to change the quality of their performances stay the same.  

Death's Crooked Shadow By Gordon N. McIntosh

Not your typical murder mystery.  This is a mystery that bears more complexity than most.  The plot is centered on uncovering the details of a found body which alters the course of Danny Delaney’s life.

Even in fiction, most characters don’t have to deal with their parent’s actions.  I was drawn in by the unconventional plot.  I found it relaxing to read a novel that isn’t completely filled with outrageous drama.  If I’m honest, most mysteries are filled with it.  Most suspects presented are filled with hatred and an unhealthy mental state, but not every crime committed is one deranged person wanting only to harm other people.  

This does not follow that path and we get a better narrative because of it.  The crime and investigation are logical.  The circumstances are completely believable which always results in a better story. 

McIntosh provides us with real world details that create an entirely plausible mystery.  His characters are truly human.  Our lead character doesn’t just go off to solve a murder leaving everything else in his life behind.  He is still a parent and our other characters are equally grounded.  It’s refreshing to be presented with characters that proceed as I or anyone else would. 

When you compact the story, Danny Delaney just wants to know what happened to his father.  His body has turned up in unusual circumstances.  He decides to solve the mystery so he can understand how his father died and the events that led to it.  In the end, the outcome will not leave the reader in a state of unease or unsatisfied.  Obviously, the mystery is bound to be solved as it's the main plot but this one left me feeling less jaded. 

Political corruption does exist in the world and Chicago is a prime example.  Around here, people say that the dead still come out to vote.  Only this was a good reminder that not every person involved in politics is corrupt or out to make money. 

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a more subtle and sophisticated mystery.

Author's Bio: Gordon N. McIntosh began writing mysteries and thrillers after a master's degree from the University of Chicago and a successful real estate career. After an early retirement he and his wife traveled and lived extensively in Mexico, South America, Australia and Europe. Now they split their time between their homes in Chicago and Key West, Florida. When he's not writing, he enjoys running, scuba diving, tennis, and world travel. This is his second mystery/thriller novel.

For more information visit: gordonmcintosh.com or deathscrookedshadow.com

All opinions and thoughts are my own.  I received this copy from the author from review.  Other than that I was not compensated for this review.

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Zevia and Rendezvous Rock Giveaway Winners!!

We have two winners to announce tonight on Rosie Discovers!!

 

Crystal, you've won a free 6 pack coupon for Zevia.  Be on the look out for an email from rosiedickens@hotmail.com.

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Dutch Apple Pie Bars

I found this gorgeous looking apple crumble bar recipe on pinterest.  But when I made it, the crust was wrong and there was too much butter in it.  So I tinkered with it swapping out the crust for one from another bar.  Cut out a third of the butter in the recipe.  The bars now have a crispy crust and a lot less of it.  They also stay crisp after cooling.  Definite improvement.

Dutch Apple Pie Bars

Crust
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces & chilled
1 tablespoon whole milk

Filling
5-6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and coarsely diced
5 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup apricot fruit preserves

Topping
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line an 8 inch square pan with a foil sling.  Spray foil.
2. Crust: Process flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in food processor until just combined.  Add butter and milk and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal (about 10 pulses).  Transfer mixture to pan and press into an even layer.  Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 16-20 minutes.  Place on rack to cool.  Spread preserves evenly over crust while still warm.
3. Filling: In a large skillet, combine the apples, sugar and cinnamon.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until apples are tender, but still firm.  In a small cup, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice.  Add to apple mixture and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until juices are thickened.  Removed from heat and let cool a few minutes.  Top preserve covered crust with apple mixture.  Spreading evenly over top.  
4. Topping:  Process all ingredients in the food processor until all ingredients are coarsely mixed.  Sprinkle over the apple layer.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. 

Source: Adapted from Annie's Eats and Cooks Country June/July 2011.

These bars are just delicious.  They taste just like a dutch apple pie.  But much easier to make and a smaller amount too.  :)