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323 Public Reviews Given
373 Total Reviews Given
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Review of The Holy Temple  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Spiritual Dawning, this poem seeks to point the reader to the Lord in so many ways. It is consistent in this focus.

The A-A-B-B rhyme scheme is maintained throughout with verse two's B lines written in poetic license, which I am wont to do as well when it helps the thought.

The rhythms of each line are encased in tetrameter, using an interesting mix of iambic and anapestic feet.

The lone question mark caused me to stumble momentarily, regarding the meaning of the word order, but I agree, that the Lord is hard to express in human words.

To know the Lord, and even more incredible, for Him to know us is the greatest of all human states.

Poetry from the heart! WRITE ON!
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
It would be nice to know the number of words each winner got.
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Review of "A"  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Appealing alacrity allures all audacity. Animal anxiousness and arid aspirations avoid announcing allusions. Always.

However, I must say, “This is rather clever.” 😉
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Thank you, foxtale, for the privilege of reviewing this masterpiece work of patriotism. You had me on my feet with my hand over my heart, reciting The Pledge of Allegiance as I read the last line. I sensed some tears welling up, during the description of this flag retirement ceremony.

I can't find anything to correct, regarding spelling or grammar. The paragraphs are a welcome reminder of my high school English classes because they are clear and well-defined, not run-on as is sometimes the case in contemporary prose.

The sidebar and explanations of the meanings of the ceremony are definitely a nice touch.

May we always honor The Lord, Who gave us this great nation. May He continue to be merciful us in honor of the many, who have fought to preserve us free, like the men, who stormed Normandy 80 years ago this week, two days ago on June 6th, 2024.

Be truly blessed always. Thank you, again, for the gift of this great piece of writing, and the honor of being asked to review it. Jay (aka "Stan")
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for entry "Week 38 - StripesOpen in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Encouraging, AmyJo. Write on.
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Review of Are You…  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
You have my great respect. Both my father and grandfather served this country, faithfully, too.

Your words are so true.

Keep writing.
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
WOW! My neck now needs a massage. That was definitely a whiplash piece of writing. I hope you got to school without being too late. I'm wondering if your tummy was growling like mine would have been because I didn't hear anything about breakfast, and I need breakfast without fail.

"Middle Schooler," hmmm? I think this has to be a memory from the info in your Bio. I think middle school is a challenging time for every human being. I know my middle school years were.

Excellent writing! Here's a thought. You might want to consider paragraphs unless the run-on effect was a creative choice. If that's the case, then you nailed it!

Keep Writing!

Blessings Always!
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Review of Dead Ends  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Pensive. Moody. Intriguing. I have to think deeply about this one. I'm not sure I get the point, but that appears to be the point. This piece is a strong dead end, which is what we sometimes feel, that Life is when it's not panning out the way we wish it would.

Excellent thought-provoking piece of writing. You've accomplished your purpose. ONWARD & UPWARD.

Blessings Always, Emphire.
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Review of To live in fear  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Jayesandz, this is an excellent poem, filled with pathos and hope. I have found poetry to be a healing balm for the pains of childhood. It’s obvious, that you have found this ointment as well.

For the events you describe in this poem, I’m sorry. That The Lord met your need, I’m glad.

Consistent a-b-c-b rhyme scheme. Your quatrains are made of consistent couplets of four feet followed by three feet of mostly iambic meter, but sometimes anapestic meter thrown in for flavor.

You have handled your situation as well as anyone could ask. I’m glad The Lord has given you peace.

Truest blessings always. Please, join us at The Poet’s Place on WDC. Speak with Dave's trying to catch up Author Icon about joining.

Jay
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Review of Wishing Well  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Excellent poem, Spiritual Dawning.

You have a consistent A-A rhyme scheme for these couplet verses.

The message is true to the season. People, like me, who love Christmas tend to feel sad and misty when the day has recently passed. That's me "to a tea." However, you have displayed hope to help us pass through the sadness into a new year of possibilities.

"The wishing well" seems to contain the double meaning of "Sadness is now, but we are wishing you well in the future."

This is such an encouraging thought as an antidote for the feelings I am experiencing right now.

Blessings Always.

Jay
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Review of Gossamer  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This is an excellent poem, Sherasi. So compassionate. So understanding of the difficulty faced.

My Dad died young at 73, but one of the telling things he said to me in those last few years was, "Pray for me, Son. I'm concerned about my "thinkability." I think he was in the early stages when he died.

I'm part of a group on WDC, called "disABILITY WRITERS GROUP." Viv is a great leader. She's very encouraging.

I have learned something very important over the years. Everyone needs to be treated with respect. Dementia individuals, autistic people, and Asperger's souls, like me, need to be understood.

We need to be heard. Your poem is all about being heard. I hear the heart of this poem. Well done. Jay
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Good poem, Chariot. Nice insights. Perceptive. Very imaginative. Write on. 😃
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Happy Birthday, Angus!
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Nicely done, AmyJo. Authentic. You’re making progress. Excellent.

Life is tough, but pain is optional. I like that.

Hope for the future, peace for today. Well-written poem. Be encouraged. Onward and upward. Keep sharing from the heart. Be blessed always. 😃
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hey, AmyJo! Great activity. I hope I haven't cut off my attempts too quickly, but I don't want to run the risk of forgetting to enter these words in the attempt of finding more.

Blessings Always. Jay *Smile*

1. Awesome:
---awe
---some
---saw
---me
---so
---was
---seem
---a
---mesa
---same
---soma
---owes
---swam
---woes

2. Mathematician:
---math
---me
---thematic
---nice
---cite
---mate
---mama
---time
---him
---a
---name
---I
---match
---meat
---team
---mice
---main
---mine
---mane
---antic
---hem
---mace
---tat
---cat
---hema
---thin
---meant
---cent
---tent
---man
---he-man
---came
---Namath

3. Teacher:
---teach
---her
---here
---hear
---cheat
---ate
---eat
---reach
---each
---tear
---care
---a
---cheer
---tea
---arch
---race
---ache
---hate
---ear
---are
---the
---thee
---he
---heat
---hat
---rate
---rat

4. Amalgamation:
---amalgam
---a
---am
---lag
---mat
---gain
---glam
---tail
---no
---lion
---talon
---in
---on
---mail
---malt
---not
---tan
---nail
---gait
---gamma
---aim
---lit
---got
---nag
---tag
---lag
---I
---glint
---mit
---tin

5. Contraindication:
---train
---a
---I
---rain
---diction
---indication
---nation
---no
---on
---ton
---not
---ant
---din
---dint
---nadar
---ration
---tad
---dain
---ordain
---onto
---into
---cat
---dart
---contraction
---action
---inaction
---indict
---contract
---cant
---cartoon
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Review of Gentle Reminder  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Excellent. Great thoughts, AmyJo. We need to rest in The Lord Jesus, always. The good times. The bad times. They’re all His. Great encouragement. Keep writing like this, Sis. Blessings Always.


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
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Review of "Poppies"  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Nicely done, Sis. What an excellent homage to In Flanders Fields in emotion without actually rewriting the same.

Blessings Always to an excellent poet, and my Big Sis! *Smile*

Jay (aka Stan)


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
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Review of "Polka-Dot-Boots  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
SWEET. You’ve got personality, and writing skills as well, Sis. ONWARD & UPWARD. Stan 😃
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Review of "Songs of Angels"  Open in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Thanks, Teresa. This is a masterful poem. What a great tribute to our recent discussion about wind chimes.

I wouldn’t change a thing in this poem.

Blessings Always. 😃


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
LeJenD, there is such great pathos in this poem. You show just how much two hearts have become knit as one. How does one live without the love of one's life? It remains to be seen for both of us. I can't imagine the continuing of life without great effort on my part with support from God, Who has made me.

It almost feels disrespectful to express this many words because your poem speaks for itself. Thank you for the privilege of reading your heart-cry, while offering a few thoughts of my own. Jay
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Thank you for sharing this, Soma.

I think this piece is therapeutic for those, who have experienced the loss of love. They can realize, that they are not alone. Others feel as they do.

Love is such a close friendship, that it can experience betrayal quickly because there is no place for the heart to hide. This transparency leaves a person open to being manipulated by those, who are takers, and not givers.

This free-verse poem explores the vulnerabilities of love. Untrue people break hearts in the name of love. The truly loving individual receives as much love as is given because true love is an endless cycle of giving and receiving love.

Two lovers make both lovers stronger.

One lover, who misjudges an unlover, becomes weaker, until rescued out into a safe place, once again.

God gave us tools, two ears and two eyes to research all potential loves for twice as long, before opening the one mouth to express the love of one heart. In His Wisdom, He shows us that we must be doubly vigilant before we give that part of us, that is only one.

May you be strong.

May you know true love.

Jay
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Thank you, Soma, for sharing this piece. It is well-written and emotionally transparent.

Anger demonstrates a wound of the heart as surely as red, angry skin demonstrates a cut from a thorn.

The short lines show the rush with which life tends to be lived when anger is boiling over.

That last 4-8 lines give the transition to peace and joy. Growth has occurred. Hope is restored. Peace has come in the form of acceptance.

Please, continue your writing. You have a great deal to offer the world.

Much goodness and success to you.

Sincerely,

Jay
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
What a wonderful place, Sister! What a wonderful testimony you share with the world. Blessings Always. 😃
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Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with Space Blog Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
Marvilla, WOW did you ever pick a movie to review!

This will challenge me to stay objective, since this was a once-in-a-lifetime event, that I had to live through, and to work through, while I was at work on April 20th, 1999. I still deal with it when I think about that day. As I write this review of your essay/review I've placed my copy of the original printing of Rachel's Tears right next to me on the table. https://www.ebay.com/p/1730702. This is the printing, that I have. It is certainly worth the read.

I wept through the reading of this book. It's significant to note, that this book only took me a little over a month to read in the fall of 2000, which was only 18 months after the event. My reading ability is slow for a writer. I think this is because I am exacting over the content I read, wanting to digest every word. It may interest you to know, that on average a movie review for the Rising Stars Summer Camp costs me well over an hour, sometimes two because I pour over the reviewer's words. After I think I have completed my review of the writer's work. I usually reread my own review 2, 3, or 4 times, making sure, that I have edited my own words well, making them presentable to the movie reviewer.

I take reviewing very seriously like I take my Christian walk. We only travel this Terran sod, once, in these dying bodies, and I want my sojourn to have a major impact on Eternity.

Every time I do one of these reviews, I like to see what famous person added their influence to the picture. Sadie Robertson and Jaci Velasquez were both important in my mind.

Now, as to some of the "nuts & bolts" of this review, check your spelling of "Jaci Velasquez" in your piece as well as "Ben Davies."

Your first paragraph, Marvilla, is a good one. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person killed that day, but did you know that the last one of the victims killed was also a young Christian sister, Cassie Bernall, whose story was immortalized in a music video by Michael W. Smith. This is a book about her life, She Said Yes on an Amazon page full of great reads. https://www.amazon.com/She-Said-Yes-Unlikely-Marty...



Marvilla, I believe this sentence, "There is the plot between the two boys in trench coats who decided to do the shooting," could have been stronger by including the boys names, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. This video is so powerful about how we humans face the same problems in life, but some like Dylan and Eric turn to violence to solve their problems, while others like Rachel Joy and Cassie turn to Christ. The girls were rebellious with Cassie dabbling in satanism, but she allowed Jesus to save her just in time. The boys were into satanism and rebellion and just stayed there, being eternally lost.

There is so much to pity about the boys. Yes. We hate what they did, but they, too, were souls for whom Christ died. We think about the pain experienced by the families and friends of the victims, but do we realize how much pain is still to this day being experienced by the families of the shooters? Dylan's mother created this Ted Talk.



Finally, Marvilla, these sentences, "Rachel Scott draws a mysterious drawing in her journal before her death. This ends up representing the 13 students, including herself, that was were killed on April 20, 1999,"are powerful, but they could have been off-the-charts powerful if the photocopy of this drawing could have been transferred to your review in some way. (It's not just you. I have trouble trying to figure out how to put still photos in something I'm writing. For some reason, videos are easier for me to input.) How amazing would that have been to see the drawing, and to slow down, writing about all of the elements in this mysterious, but poignantly prophetic drawing?

This drawing as shown at the bottom of this webpage, https://tosavealife.com/faith/inspiration/rachel-s... shows 13 tears coming down from the two faceless eyes. Encircling the rose are 19 tears, which nearly equal the 20, who were wounded on that day.

I'm sorry for taking over to be the resource guy on your movie review, but it's like I said at the beginning of my review, it's a little hard to take me out of this subject. So, I don't know if I've been the best guy to do a rational, logical review of your work.

I care very much about this event in the HIStory of our nation as well as in the HIStory of our world.

You said it best in your last paragraph, "Rachel Joy Scott wanted to make a difference, and change the world to make it a better place. She willingly sacrificed her life for her belief in God. As a result, her life and death did have an impact on her world. Her story has touched thousands of lives."

I am one of those lives. I am one of those lives.

Excellent review, Sister. WRITE ON!

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Review of Rising Stars Blog  Open in new Window.
for entry "Movie Review: ClueOpen in new Window.
Review by Jay O'Toole Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with Space Blog Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
Thank you, Loren, for the privilege of reviewing your thoughts about the movie, Clue. This is quite a thorough recounting of the movie. My wife and I have watched this, in fact. We went into it expecting some humor to be sprinkled in with the presence of certain actors, like Tim Curry, who always seems to express sarcastic humor in the way he speaks, and in the way he moves his body; like Madeline Kahn with her facial expressions, and Christopher Lloyd with his over-the-top facial and voice expressions.

Sadly, it wasn't as funny as I was hoping, since these actors can actually "do serious," too.

Now, let's move along to your review. Loren, you have quite a memory for details, including the pronunciation guide of "body" for "Mr. Boddy." For some reason, I was pronouncing his name with a long "O," until you made that application. Good for you. You taught me something. *Smile*

Thank you for your first paragraph, which proves to be an excellent caveat emptor (aka "Let the buyer beware,") for families of smaller children. These impressionable minds will face enough as it is throughout a lifetime on Earth. I, too, agree with the philosophy, "Let the child be a child."

If I may, I would like to offer an observation and a mild correction in the four paragraphs of your summary. First of all, this presents more as a newspaper account of a current event than that of a movie review. That may simply be my own personal perspective, since the essence of the word, "review" is "to view, again." If we use this meaning of the word, then you have done masterful job of giving me a play-by-play of the movie from the front to the back (or from the beginning to the end.)

However, there is something I look for in a movie review, that may be distinctive to my personality, but for which I believe there is good rationale as an applied principle to writing as well as to life in general. This first thing I search for in a movie review is quite simply, "What did the reviewer learn by watching this movie?" Furthermore, "What did the reviewer learn about the interactions between the characters? How can this help the reviewer to better interact with friends and family as well as individuals he or she meets for the first time?" Another insight would be "What Life Lessons, if any, has the reviewer learned from watching this movie?"

To be sure murder mysteries are solved through the observation of facts, and your piece has facts by the truckloads, especially in your caution to parents at the beginning of your review. This is good. In addition, I would like to see what you have learned through doing this activity. We are trying to develop insights, and the ability to see more deeply into the events of life, rather than merely seeing the facts of what happened.

I believe movie reviews should be no more than equal parts of restating the actions of the movie, and expressing opinions about the movie (aka "lessons learned.") Frankly, I like to see more of the latter than the former.

For instance, if someone were to ask me, "What did you learn by watching the movie, Clue?" I would be able to tell that person, "If I'm ever invited to spend the weekend at a Biltmore-sized Bed & Breakfast, then I'm going to have a few questions for the person, who sent the invitation. 'What is your end game to my stay at your mansion?' 'Will I be able to drive home in my own car? Or will I be carried out in a long black sedan?' 'What kind of reviews do your patrons give as to the accommodations, and regarding their experiences at your place?' 'Does someone have the ability to write a review after checking in, and walking around the halls? Or do they have pronation of more than their feet?' *Wink*"

Furthermore, Danger is not my idea of a good vacation. Some may enjoy that, but not me. I like going to an island where I can sit on a bench, and watch the sun go down. That may be an age-related preference but in my defense, I have consistently liked peace and quiet throughout my lifetime.

Were someone to ask me for a Life Lesson I learned from watching the movie, Clue, I would quickly respond, "Choose wisely the people you associate with because that could be the last choice you ever make." This is where, even though Clue was not as funny as I had hoped, I can add in my own brand of humor in my life lessons.

I hope these thoughts have helped you. I hope they've given you a new perspective as well as tools for digging into what you read and watch.

It is my humble opinion, that the word, "insight" will help you to go far in life. Doing reviews is a good way to develop this skill.

I appreciate your time and attention in reading my thoughts about your review of the movie, Clue.

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