Yellowstone Prequel Watch: Why 1923 Had Me Completely Hooked

Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers from the Yellowstone universe, especially 1883 and 1923. If you haven't watched and want to go in blind, I suggest stopping here, because I can't help but talk about what I just saw!

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A Quick Look Back: The Yellowstone Timeline

If you're like me, and you started with Kevin Costner in modern-day Yellowstone (the original series), then you might have been surprised to learn there's a full backstory behind the Dutton family, spanning generations. It starts with 1883, then moves to 1923, and finally lands in the present-day ranching saga we all know from the original show.

• 1883 tells the brutal, emotional journey of how the Dutton family made it west.

• 1923 picks up 40 years later, focusing on the next generation trying to hold onto what was built.

• Yellowstone brings us to modern day, with John Dutton III (Costner) doing everything he can to protect the family's legacy.

The Lineage: Connecting 1883 to 1923

Let's sort this out, because the family tree can be a little tangled! Although I've seen both 1883 and 1923, I had to do some research to tie a few characters together.

In 1883, James Dutton (played by Tim McGraw) and his wife Margaret (Faith Hill) lose their daughter Elsa during the journey west. Elsa is also the narrator for both 1883 and 1923.

The Duttons settle in Montana after the events of 1883, but by the time we get to 1923, things have shifted. James and Margaret Dutton (from 1883) have passed away, and their two sons—John Jr. and Spencer—are being raised by James's brother, Jacob Dutton (played by Harrison Ford), and his wife, Cara (played by Helen Mirren). 

Jacob has stepped in as the family patriarch, and together, he and Cara are doing everything they can to protect the land, the legacy, and the next generation of Duttons.

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The Acting: What Makes 1923 So Gripping

The acting in this series is outstanding. Every character feels real, weathered by life, love, grief, and duty. 

Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren absolutely carry the show with grit and grace. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the quiet strength they bring to the Dutton legacy just pulls you in.

But it's not just them. The entire cast delivers. Every scene feels lived-in, and honestly, the show would not hit the same way without such powerful performances across the board.

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The Storyline: Drama on the Ranch... and in Africa?

You read that right—Africa! One of the biggest surprises for me in 1923 was the side storyline involving Spencer Dutton, who is Jacob's nephew (and James Dutton's son). He's off in Africa dealing with wild animals, personal demons, and eventually, the long journey home to help save the family.

Meanwhile, back in Montana, everything is unraveling. The Duttons are facing massive challenges—economic hardship, land disputes, and brutal violence. 

And then there's Teonna, a Native American girl in a Catholic boarding school who's facing her own horrifying challenges. Her storyline is raw, powerful, and deeply emotional. This part of the story is gripping and quite upsetting.

There's never a dull moment. Every episode left me thinking, "I need to know what happens next!"

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The Ending: Are You Kidding Me?!

Let me just say—I was NOT ready for the way Season One ended. 

No resolution, no bow tied neatly at the top. Just a big, emotional cliffhanger that left me staring at the screen, whispering "That's it?!" I immediately looked it up, and thank goodness, 1923 has been renewed for a second season. 

Streaming Update: What I Learned

• 🕵️‍♀️ After reading Sam's comment below, I went down the streaming rabbit hole to figure out where and when the Yellowstone series—including 1923—is available.

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1923 – Season 1

• ✅ I was able to watch Season 1 of 1923 on Netflix in Canada with my regular subscription. Unfortunately Season 1 of 1923 is only available via a Paramount Subscription, which you can get through Amazon Prime.

• ❌ Unfortunately, 1923 is not available on Netflix in the USA at the time of writing this. Again, you need a Paramount subscription.

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1923 – Season 2

• 📅 Season 2 of 1923 was released in February 2025.

• 💳 It’s available through a paid Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.

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What's Next

• 🚫 There will be no Season 3 of 1923.

• 🔜 Instead, the Yellowstone Universe is continuing with a new series titled 1944.

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🔍 Want to Know Where to Watch?

📌 To see where you can stream Yellowstone in Canada, the USA, and internationally, scroll down to the section near the bottom for a full breakdown.

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What About Kevin Costner's Character's (John Dutton III) Direct Lineage in Current Day Yellowstone?

One thing I kept wondering while watching 1923 is how exactly this all connects to John Dutton III in Yellowstone. Who's his direct ancestor? Is it Spencer? One of the other brothers? 

They haven't made it totally clear yet, and I think they're saving that for Season Two—especially once a few babies arrive (which seems to be where things are heading).

There are tons of theories online, and trust me, I've read more than a few. But for now, we're still piecing it all together.

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Final Thoughts

1923 is one of those shows that sticks with you.

It's not just a Western—it's a family saga, a love story, a survival tale, and a sweeping look at a brutal and beautiful time in American history. If you're already a fan of the Yellowstone universe, I'd say 1923 is a must-watch.

Just be warned—you're probably going to fall in love with it like I did. And then you'll be counting the days until Season 2, just like the rest of us.

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Let me know in the comments—have you watched 1923? What did you think? Are you Team Spencer? Team Cara? Or just in awe of how good the writing and acting are?

Oh, and so far, my fave character is the son, Spencer!

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Here's the trailer:

How to Stream the Yellowstone Series: Canada, USA, and International:

1. Canada / International

As mentioned above, I went down the rabbit hole trying to figure out where the Yellowstone universe is available internationally, and it’s surprisingly complicated.

As of July 9, 2025, season 1 of 1923 is available on Netflix in Canada and many other international countries with a regular Netflix subscription. That’s where I watched it.

In Canada, the original Yellowstone series starring Kevin Costner (seasons 1 through 4) is also available on Netflix, along with part of season 5. The final half of season 5 requires a Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.

For viewers in Australia, the original Yellowstone series is available on Stan.

That said, streaming rights vary widely by region, so it’s always best to check your local services for the most up-to-date information.

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2. USA

In the United States, the Yellowstone universe is split across different platforms:

• Yellowstone (original series) – Available only on Peacock

• 1923 and 1883 prequels – Available only on Paramount+ via Amazon Prime Video

1923 is not available on Netflix USA, even though it is in many other countries.

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Final Tip

Streaming availability changes frequently and can vary by country. Be sure to check your own country’s streaming platforms directly to see what’s currently offered where you live.

You can watch 1923 via Amazon Prime where available.

**As per my opinion, viewer discretion is advised: The show includes significant violence and some distressing scenes.

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Continuum: A Must-Watch Series About the Future and Time Travel with a Twist

The Plot Line of the Series Continuum

Continuum is an exciting Canadian sci-fi series with four enjoyable seasons and a gripping storyline centered around time travel, corporate greed, and the fight for justice.

The series begins in 2077 when corporations have become governments, controlling society with an iron fist. A group of rebels known as Liber8 is determined to overthrow this corporate-dominated world. 

During their escape from captivity, they activate a time travel device and inadvertently bring Kiera Cameron, a police officer from the future, back to the year 2012 with them.

For example, in the 21st century, a rebel group uses this method to evade capture and carry out their mission to change the future. This ingenious approach to time travel creates ethical dilemmas, as the travelers must grapple with the lives they inherit and the consequences of their actions in reshaping history.

Stuck in the past, Kiera must navigate a familiar and strange world while trying to stop Liber8 from altering history in a way that could prevent her own future from ever existing. The show balances action-packed moments, moral dilemmas, and complex character arcs, creating a futuristic and relatable world.

The Top Cast Members

The cast of Continuum is fantastic, bringing depth and emotion to their roles:

• Rachel Nichols as Kiera Cameron: The protagonist is a law enforcement officer from 2077 who is fiercely loyal to her future but conflicted by the events unfolding in the past.
• Victor Webster as Carlos Fonnegra: A detective in 2012 who becomes Kiera’s partner and friend, unaware of her true origins.
• Erik Knudsen as Alec Sadler: A young tech genius in 2012 who becomes Kiera’s ally. Alec’s future self plays a pivotal role in the world Kiera comes from, adding an intriguing layer to the story.
• Tony Amendola as Edouard Kagame: The leader of Liber8, a revolutionary group with a vision for a different future, though their methods are extreme.
• Stephen Lobo as Matthew Kellog: A cunning and opportunistic member of Liber8 who often plays both sides to his advantage.

Each actor delivers compelling performances, making their characters feel authentic and multidimensional.

Why I Love This Series

What draws me to Continuum is its fascinating exploration of time travel (my favorite movie topic). The series blends futuristic technology with the challenges of living in a less advanced world, which is thrilling and thought-provoking. 

One of the most compelling aspects of the show is watching Kiera use her knowledge of the future to navigate the past while grappling with ethical dilemmas.

The themes of corporate control versus public interest are also incredibly relatable. The struggle between those in power and those fighting for justice mirrors many real-world issues, making the series feel relevant even though it’s rooted in sci-fi. It’s not just about action; it’s about asking big questions—what kind of world do we want to live in, and how do our choices shape the future?

Ultimately, Continuum is more than just a time travel story. It’s an innovative, engaging series that challenges viewers to think about society, morality, and the ripple effects of our decisions. If you’re looking for a show that’s as entertaining as it is creative, I highly recommend trying this one. I loved it.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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A Supernatural But Not Too Scary Time Shifting Ghost Movie - Five Star Review

The Storyline

From Time to Time is an intriguing blend of mystery, history, and the supernatural.

The movie follows a young boy named Tolly, who, during World War II, goes to live with his grandmother in a grand old English manor. 

Soon, he discovers that the house holds secrets from the past, and through a unique connection, he can slip between the present and the early 19th century. 

The story's clever and captivating weaving of two different timelines is a delight. As Tolly uncovers the mysteries surrounding his ancestors, he finds himself solving the puzzles of the past and coming to terms with his own family's history. 

The intricate plot keeps you guessing, while the historical details add depth and texture to the narrative.

The Cast

The film boasts a fantastic cast, bringing the story to life. 

Maggie Smith, as always, is a joy to watch. She portrays Tolly's grandmother with warmth and a hint of mystery, adding a sense of gravitas to the film and making her character both endearing and intriguing. 

Alex Etel plays Tolly, and he does a wonderful job conveying the curiosity and bravery of a boy caught between two worlds. 

The supporting cast, including Timothy Spall and Pauline Collins, adds depth and richness to the film, making it a truly engaging experience. Each actor brings something unique to their role, contributing to the movie's captivating ghost story.

Why I Enjoyed This Movie

From Time to Time captured my imagination with its time-shifting storyline and ghostly elements. 

I've always been fascinated by movies that play with time, and this one did it in a captivating and intriguing way. The transitions between the present and the past were seamless, adding a layer of curiosity that kept me hooked from start to finish. 

What I especially loved was that the movie wasn't overtly scary. While it is a ghost story, it's more mysterious than frightening, making the film feel like a period-piece adventure with twists and turns rather than a heart-jumping scary tale. 

It's a movie that perfectly balances drama, mystery, and the supernatural all wrapped up in one.

5 Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check Out The Trailer:

You can watch "From Time to Time" on Prime, where available

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The Inspiring Journey of Jose Hernandez in 'A Million Miles Away' - Five Star Movie Review

Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the extraordinary true story of NASA flight engineer Jose Hernandez, vividly portrayed in the movie "A Million Miles Away." 

If you're looking for a good movie, you'll want to relax and enjoy this one. This movie has earned a five-star review from me.

This cinematic journey takes us from the fields of California to the stars above, showcasing the resilience, determination, and dreams of an individual who defied the odds to reach new heights.

Jose Hernandez's Journey Depicted In A Million Miles Away: 

The movie chronicles the life of Jose Hernandez, a determined young man with a dream of reaching the stars. Born to migrant farmworker parents, Jose faced numerous challenges in pursuing his goal. The film navigates through his childhood, education, and the pivotal moments that ultimately led him to become a NASA flight engineer.

The Cast and Characters: 

The film features a stellar cast, delivering a compelling performance as Jose Hernandez. The ensemble cast brings to life the people who played significant roles in Jose's journey, providing a rich and immersive viewing experience.

NASA's Challenges and Triumphs: 

"A Million Miles Away" doesn't just focus on Jose's personal journey but also sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals pursuing careers in the aerospace industry. From educational barriers to cultural diversity, the film tackles important issues while celebrating the triumphs of those who dared to dream big.

Educational and Inspirational Themes: 

This biographical drama isn't just a tale of one man's achievements but serves as an educational tool, inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions. 

The movie encourages viewers to reach for the stars, reminding us that seemingly impossible dreams can become a reality with determination and hard work. I was completely inspired after viewing this movie.

As you immerse yourself in this cinematic portrayal of real-life triumphs, be prepared to be moved, motivated, and reminded that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with a dream.

★★★★★ Five Stars!

You can find this movie here on Amazon Prime.

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Movie Review: Land

“Why am I here?” she asks her sister. Edee is a woman who is suddenly without her family after a traumatic event. So traumatic that she cannot discuss it. The movie opens with a woman in an upscale therapist office silently watching the grains of sand in the hourglass fall.

Movie Review: Land 

Therapist: Edee, why did you decide to come here?

Edee: Emma, my sister, said you were magic.

The session continues. Slowly and with pauses. We learn that Edee is in the session at her sister’s request.

Therapist: How are you feeling, right now, in general, what are you feeling?

Edee: I’m feeling, um, that it’s really difficult to be around people. Because they just want me to be better

We do not know how Edee lost her loved ones (until the last few minutes of the movie). She has flashback memories of her son and husband so we are aware they are dead. Her grief is overwhelming and numbing. She tells the therapist that in the beginning she shared her feelings with others. But she stopped. 

Edee: Why would I want anyone to share in that? They can’t anyway.

Therapist: But that means you are alone with your pain.

And that seems to be all that Edee can manage. Being alone with her pain.

Edee is a “city” woman who packs up and moves to a remote cabin in the wilderness. Edee cuts off all human contact. She tosses her phone into the trash, which severs all ties with the world including with her loving sister. It is unknown to me if her goal was to heal herself or to “not be here” – which she almost succeeded at on more than one occasion (warning: some of the scenes are uncomfortable - a potential trigger for some.)

She clearly should not have survived her self-imposed “cure”. She was clearly ill-prepared to wander off into the wilderness and exacerbated the risk by having her rental car picked up. From the flashbacks we know that she has been fishing and has that skill. And she seems to intend to provide food for herself from the land in addition to the very small amount of canned goods she brought along. From a drawing in crayon, we know that in the past there was someone who wanted to go fishing and live in the mountains. Perhaps this is why she chose to move to this off-grid cabin.

Edee (Robin Wright) is found by Miguel (Demian Bichir) nearly frozen and starved to death. Miguel and Alawa (a nurse from the nearby small town) nurse Edee back to health.

Edee continues to exclude people from her life, but allows Miguel just enough contact during infrequent visits to teach her how to trap food and to hunt game. After all, Miguel said that he would respect her wishes. He would teach her to trap and to hunt in the fall. Then he would leave her alone. Miguel is a man of his word. The seasons go by: planting, foraging, harvest, hunting, and a return to snow. The years go by. Two years.

My Thoughts About This Amazon Prime Movie.

I rented this movie on Amazon for far too much money. I regret having spent that much for an Amazon Prime rental. However, as odd as it sounds, if/when it is released in an inexpensive blu-ray or CD version I will buy it and watch it again. 

The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. The cabin scenes were filmed in Alberta, Canada atop Moose Mountain.

I found it to be well-acted and I think the messages related to grief and trauma are supremely important reminders to us all. Each person handles depression, trauma, and grief differently. Not every mainstream treatment is effective. And most of all, depression, trauma, and grief are very painful. It is not easy for people to just “be better.” 

Some reviewers complain that Land was “slow”. And that the character was “egotistical” and “selfish”. Some reviewers complained about the choppy flashbacks. I found all of those things to be a realistic part of the experience of many people with debilitating depression. Severe depression does not allow the person to think of others. It impacts the person’s thoughts and their 5 senses. Memories can be intrusive – sometimes welcomed, sometimes not.

I think the “slowness” of the movie was perfect. Yes, it was slow-paced. I don’t believe the movie was meant to be an action/adventure movie. True depression and hopelessness is like swimming through neck-deep mud. It is restricting. People are busy trying to survive each moment of every day.  I felt the pace of movie portrayed this feeling perfectly.

I only wish that the movie had been longer. That we would have been spectators of more details of the journey, the landscape, and of each season. And of the lessons taught by Miguel.

I hope the message of the movie is, and is understood as; depression, grief, and trauma are difficult things to get through. But they are survivable. And while every person has an individual response and recovery, it is better when it is not done alone. Each person who gets through it has the ability to be meaningful to the next person who is struggling.

Related Link:

This movie reminded me a bit of Wild with Reese Witherspoon. The movie was based on the written memoir of Cheryl Strayed and was another story of how a woman left civilization after experiencing severe grief and loss and ending up finding herself.  You can read my review of Wild here.

The effects of loss and trauma on a human are not pretty. And yet many people not only survive, but thrive after they get through it. These two stories are examples of surviving the nitty-gritty and finding the reasons to live. 

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Flippy Tablet, Kindle, Phone, and Book Stand Lap Pillow Review

Today, I'm sharing my product review of the innovative Flippy lap pillow stand, which is one of my favorite recent purchases, With just a flip of the wrist, you can change from the viewing angle of this versatile, multi-function media holder that can alternate duties as a tablet stand, Kindle or other e-reader stand, mobile phone stand, and book stand.

My spiffy Flippy tablet stand pillow can hold my Fire HD 10 tablet, Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, iPhone, or printed books at three different viewing angles, in portrait or landscape orientation.

During this year's special two-day Amazon Prime Day event, my husband and scored some terrific products at significant discounts. Our two splurges were a 2020 model Toshiba 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV edition to replace the ancient, bulky, and very heavy cathode-ray-tube (CRT) set in our bedroom, and a new 10-inch Amazon Fire HD tablet to replace my entry-level 2013 Apple iPad Mini tablet (whose iOS operating system, browsers, and apps can't be updated with currently supported software versions). Even my husband, who got himself an 8-inch Fire HD tablet during last year's Prime Day event, was extremely impressed with how much better the picture quality was and how much larger the display area was compared to his Fire HD 8 tablet. 

Tip: Prime Day deals are just one of many valuable perks for Amazon Prime members only. If you haven't yet joined the program, you can sign up for the generous free 30-day Amazon Prime trial membership offer to experience the many exclusive, members-only contents, deals, and other benefits, so you can determine if they're worth more to you than the annual membership fee.

Meet Flippy, the Multi-Viewing-Angle Pillow Stand for Tablets, eReaders, Smartphone, Books and Magazines

As soon as I ordered my new 9th generation Fire HD 10 tablet, I started searching for an attractive and well-made tablet cover that was designed specifically for that model, and that had an auto sleep/wake feature and a built-in stand that offered multiple viewing angles and worked in both portrait and landscape orientations. I purchased one of the few that met all those criteria, the Grifobes Fire HD 10 tablet cover, even after reading reviews about the limited range of viewing angles. The only real downside was the lack of a 45- to 50-degree viewing angle option One of the reviewers recommended getting a pillow stand, which I had never heard of, as a workaround. That led me to do an Amazon search for pillow tablet stands. That's how I discovered the Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, Magazines. 

The Flippy was unlike anything I had seen before. It appeared to be an elongated, triangular pillow whose sides met at three different angles, with each apex curving down over the adjacent side, like a cresting wave. Even after reading the product title twice and looking at the photo in the search results, I still had no idea how a "multi angle soft pillow lap stand" was used or how to change the viewing angle. 

To change the viewing angle of your Flippy pillow stand,
just flip it so one of the other two long sides is facing you.

Still, I was intrigued by the unusual shape, soft materials and cushioned construction that made the Flippy so different from any of the other tablet or smartphone stand models I had seen. The impressive average 4.7-star customer rating from nearly 6,000 Amazon reviewers made me even more curious about the advantages of this lap pillow style, multi-angle tablet, Kindle, and smartphone stand over more traditional mobile device stands or tablet covers with built-in stands and multiple viewing angles. I also noticed that other companies were selling knock-offs of the original Flippy multi-angle tablet stand lap pillow, further strengthened my sense that there was something special about it that made it worthy of a closer look. 

Three Sides of Different Heights Provide Three Distinctly Different Viewing Angles

By flipping this triangular pillow lap stand on its horizontal axis to change which side of the Flippy is facing toward you allows you to move through the following three options, in order, and choose the one that best suits your position and viewing angle preference:

• 8.5” tall, 49° viewing angle
• 6.6” tall, 61° viewing angle 
• 7.9” tall, 70° viewing angle

Comparison of Viewing Angle Choices

Each side of the Flippy lap pillow table stand provides a different choice of viewing angle

If you want your tablet, your ebook reader, or mobile phone screen to be at the 49° viewing angle, which I prefer when I have the stand sitting in my lap (or resting on my outstretched legs while I'm sitting up in bed), browsing my Amazon Prime Video watchlist in portrait orientation or watching a movie, TV show or YouTube video in landscape view. 

Checking out my Amazon Prime Video watchlist in portrait orientation on my new 
Kindle Fire HD 10. You can tell that the tablet is set to a 49° viewing angle
because the embroidered Flippy logo is level and reads from left to right.

Watching a YouTube video on my Fire HD 10 tablet hands-free. The viewing angle
hasn't changed (the logo isn't visible in this reverse-angle shot, but this time 
the Flippy is sitting comfortably in my lap (or, in this case, closer to my knees).

When I'm making a recipe from a digital cookbook, I prefer to view it at the more vertical, 70° angle, so the Flippy sits on my kitchen counter with the embroidered logo on the right and perpendicular to the work surface.

When the logo is at right angles to the surface it's resting on,
the tablet, Kindle, or phone screen will be at the 71° viewing angle.

When you want to view your screen at 60° angle, just turn your pillow stand so that the embroidered Flippy logo is upside-down and on the diagonal, with the "F" toward the bottom.

When he's sitting up in bed and playing a game or checking email
on his Samsung Galaxy phone, my husband prefers the 60° viewing angle. 

The Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand Would Make a Great Gift for Anyone (Including Yourself!)

• It works with a wide range of mobile devices from nearly every technology brand. 
• It can help reduce (or, with luck, prevent) painful "text neck," an increasingly common health challenge as people spend more and more time looking down at their screens. Unlike the vast majority of other phone, Kindle, or tablet stands, the Flippy pillow was specifically designs to balance it easily and comfortably on a person's lap or thighs, when they're sitting up, reclining, or stretched out on a coach or in bed. 
• It can support their smartphone, Kindle or tablet while keeping the screen at their choice of three viewing angles (49°, 60°, or 71°), and switch between viewing angles in less than a second, just by flipping triangular pillow stand to one of the two sides. 
• This durable foam pillow lap stand is covered in a yummy, soft, faux suede fabric that won't scratch your favorite geek's beloved tech toys valuable mobile devices.
• Even low-tech family member, friends, and colleagues might enjoy using this lap pillow stand when they're reading a paperback book, magazine, or letter, reviewing (and, perhaps, grading) homework assignments, or perusing a mail-order catalog (especially during the holiday shopping season). 
• At the time this review was published, the Original Flippy pillow stand was being offered on Amazon.com in 18 color and pattern choices to appeal to a wide variety of styles. So, finding at least one of them that will suit someone's individual preferences and taste shouldn't be a problem. 
• This well designed, attractive, high quality multi-angle mobile device stand is a gift that will quickly earn a valued place in recipients will likely use and appreciate every day, throughout the day, This is the type of product that the people you give it to might not even have known about, or is something that interests them but they wouldn't have bought for themselves, but one they receive it as a gift turns out to be one of their constant companions.
• The Original Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for iPads, Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books and Magazines one of the best affordable gifts under $30. As of this writing, you can buy it on Amazon.com for $29.98, with free shipping!.
• There are also a model with a slightly higher price tag that has a hidden storage compartment, as well as a smaller model designed for kids called the Flippy Jr.

Comparing the Three Flippy Pillow Stand Styles 

The Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, Magazines is the model I purchased for myself last month, primarily to use with my new Kindle Fire HD 10 tablet. This original Flippy pillow stand design, which has been the primary focus of this review, is also the foundation of the brand's entire product line, which now includes two other variations. 

the focus of this product review. It's also the original Flippy design, and the one on which the two other variations are based. I decided to order mine in a bright, true red shade called Super Red. 

A word to the wise: There can sometimes be a disconnect between the color name and the actual color. The color names can sometimes be misleading, so make sure to click the thumbnail for For some reason, a few of the color names seem to bear little resemblance to the colors displayed in the corresponding product photos. As an example, I recently clicked on one of thumbnail images to see the full-size photo of the product to I recently clicked the thumbnail I clicked on the thumbnail of one of the color choices to view the product phot at full size , when I clicked on a thumbnail of one of the colors I liked a lot to view the photo of that color choice product photo in that shade. the color of cover fabric shown in the to view image to view the product photo full size in a color I liked, even though the color in the photo was a cross between Emerald Green and Bright Jade Green. (As always, of course, the color of any digital image will always appear slightly different on different devices with differently calibrated displays.

The Flippy with New Storage Cubby Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for iPads, Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, Magazines has the same dimensions, viewing angles, and soft, plush fabric exterior as the original version. The main difference is that it offers buyers the option to spend $5 more for a Flippy lap stand with a hollow section inside the center of the foam pillow, that has been lined with mesh fabric and opens and closes with a drawstring, secured with a cord lock toggle closure. The company calls this interior storage compartment its "New Storage Cubby," and says it's a place where you can "Keep your reading glasses, tissues, ear phones, snacks and anything else you like handy."

The Flippy Jr, Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for Mini iPads, Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, as it name suggests, is narrower that either of the two previous models. It's also geared more toward kids, teens, and college students (which is why this version includes small stash pocket for headphones and a built-in carabiner for clipping the Flippy Jr. onto a backpack or suitcase). The other differences between the Flippy Jr. and its older siblings are much more noteworthy.

• The smaller Flippy Jr. cannot be purchased individually; it is sold only in sets of two.
• The choice of colors and patterns is extremely limited, compared to the range of options for the Original Flippy and Flippy with the New Storage Cubby. And as far as I know, they don't offer the option to choose your own color or pattern combos in each set of two Flippy Jr. pillow lap stands. 
• Many adults find that the Flippy Jr. works fine for their needs, and it's a much better value.
• You can buy a set of two Flippy Jr. mini-tablet stands for the same price as a single Original Flippy.   

Give Yourself or Someone Else You Love the Gift of Self-Care

I'll bet there are several people on your birthday and holiday gift list who would love to receive a Flippy.

If you spent more than 30 minutes a day total on your mobile devices, I also encourage you to order yourself to one of these high quality, practical, and extremely affordable Original Flippy multi-angle pillow stands, in your favorite color or pattern. This versatile, low-tech, high-touch, $30 pillow stand can help reduce the daily, repetitive strain on your eyes, wrists, and hands by holding your device at the most comfortable viewing angle, leaving your hands free to knit, crochet, or simply relax in your lap. It's a small price to pay for the gift of daily self-care!

Another option to consider is to spend that $30 on a set of two Flippy Jr., stands, so you can keep one for yourself and share the other with a family member, friend, or colleague.
 

Flippy Tablet, Kindle, Phone, and Book Stand Lap Pillow Review by Margaret Schindel

Looking for even more great gift ideas and inspiration? Check out our extensive collection of helpful reviews at ReviewThisGifts.com.

You'll also find many other unbiased product reviews from our Contributors at ReviewThisProductReviews.com.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Right Behind You by Rachel Abbott

 The idea behind this book is just horrifying for any parent, let me paint you a picture .....

Purchase Right Behind You by Rachel Abbott on Amazon - photo by Lou16

Imagine you have a young child and one day the police come to your door to arrest your partner for child endangerment, at the same time a social worker and another police officer inform you that your daughter has to go with them and you can't accompany her because you may influence what she says.

Wouldn't you go out of your mind with worry about your child as well as wondering if you knew your partner as well as you thought and going over every little detail that you could think of?

Now let's say you wait and you don't hear anything so finally you decide you're going to call the police station because, seriously, your daughter must be worried not being with her mum for so long.   The next thing you discover is the police have no record of your partner's arrest and certainly don't have your daughter.   It was an elaborate ruse to kidnap your child and now you have to work out why - will there be a ransom, was your partner involved?

This book was a real page-turner and if you enjoy suspenseful fiction then you will absolutely love this.   I did work out who was behind it before the book revealed which I found very frustrating, but that's something I'm known for with both movies and books!

This book gets a big thumbs up from me, although I am very glad my daughter is an adult now, the author's idea is truly terrifying to any parent and I'm not sure I would've wanted to read it had my own daughter been a pre-schooler.   That's how good it was.

I have never come across Rachel Abbott before but I will certainly be looking out for some of her books in the future.   I actually got the kindle version of this book for free as I have an Amazon Prime account.   I love having a Prime membership because I can try different authors and even different genres of books for free before purchasing more books.

Rachel Abbott has several other books available in book form, in Kindle form as well as audiobooks, in fact, a couple of them are available for free if you decide to trial audible (I don't have this yet, but a number of people have been telling me to try it).

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Review of Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector

 I have to say that I loved the Denzel Washington & Angelina Jolie movie, The Bone Collector that was based on the book by Jeffrey Deaver so when I heard that they'd made a television series I just had to watch it!

Hunt for the Bone Collector Publicity Photo from NBC.com

Lincoln Rhyme was Denzel's character in the movie and in the television series he is played by Russell Hornsby.   We see in the first episode how he became a quadriplegic and we also meet Amelia, the NYPD officer who is to become his eyes and ears.   Like the character in the movie played by Angelina Jolie, Amelia (played by Arielle Kebbel) stops a train to save the evidence.

The storyline isn't exactly the same as the movie which means that both the fans of The Bone Collector and people who have never seen it before can enjoy this series.

As well as hunting for the serial killer known as The Bone Collector, the team headed by Lincoln also delves into other cases such as the kidnapping of a politician's daughter and another serial killer who has perfected the perfect murder ..... until he came into Lincoln's orbit that is.

If you love the thrill of vicariously trying to catch a serial killer while solving other crimes and being on the edge of your seat as members of 'your team' are put in danger then you will love this series.

There's only one problem with this series, they decided to cancel it after one season so my tip is to stop watching it about five minutes before the end of the final episode.   Otherwise, you'll be like me and forever be asking a question that was left as a cliffhanger.

Not only do I 100% recommend watching this series if you haven't seen the movie yet - check it out!  My husband and I are thinking of re-watching it since we've finished this series (which we did over two days - it's definitely binge-worthy!).

We watched the series on one of the free to air channels here in Australia, but I was thrilled to find that it's also available to watch on Amazon Prime.   I really do enjoy having Amazon Prime, we get to watch great shows and I also get to read some great books and that's just two of the perks!

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Movie Review: Painted Horses

Watching Painted Horses was just what I needed the other night. A sweet, soothing movie to end the tough day.

Ms. Hoog is a high school teacher in transition. She has left her home and her job to live with her Aunt in a very small town. She is a young, suddenly single mother who is focused on securing insurance and income so that her young son can have the surgery he needs. Ms. Hoog is a young teacher who is nearly driven to quit on her first day. Despite warnings during her interview for the position, she accepts the job.

"These particular kids have a knack for chewing teachers up and spitting them out."

Her classroom is a small group of mis-matched high school kids who do not work well together. Sorry, that was a gross understatement. They fight each other and demean each other. When they do join forces it is to join against the new teacher. The group of students includes the usual subsets of groups: the goody-two-shoes, the angry guy with the knife, the boy scout, the nerds, the rich girl, and the creepy silent kid. Immediately, some of the kids plan to have Ms. Hoog fired.

The thing is... Ms Hoog LOVES history and she has been hired to teach it. And she will do nearly anything so she can schedule her son's surgery. The question is whether or not she's be able to spark the students' imaginations and become their teacher rather than their target. Perhaps her stories of Tennessee's buried and lost treasures can engage these students. 

In addition to the students giving the new teacher a hard time, some of the town leaders are suspicious of the new resident. 

Painted Horses is Breakfast Club meets Freedom Writers and reminded me of Disney on Sunday nights. Wow!  I am giving away my age for sure! I wonder how many people will know what I am referring to. 

This movie is without nudity, profanity, blood and gore. A knife is brandished on a couple of occasions but there is no graphic fight scene. The theme is about teaching, learning, and being in control of the trajectory of your life. I chose the movie because I thought it was focused on horses however horses only made a brief appearance. But I'm still glad I chose to watch. A few negative reviews of the movie cite poor acting and small errors. I agree that this is clearly not a movie with a huge budget or the top handful of celebrities. Honestly, I found it refreshing to watch new (new-to-me) faces.

I have to mention that Aunt Nora was played by Deana Carter. At times, I laughed out loud. Aunt Nora is a perfect example of a bossy, nosy, and supportive aunt. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders Mini-Series

Yes, that's a grown up Ron Weasley
playing a Scotland Yard dectective

I have to put my hand up and say I'm an Agatha Christie fan from decades back and one of the books that I liked was the ABC Murders, I loved the twist in this novel.

Adapting a book to a mini-series always presents challenges in keeping true to the author for their fans while also ensuring it works well for today's audiences.   I feel that when they adapted And Then There Were None they really captured that well.   In this case I feel conflicted.

As I said I enjoyed this book immensely, but having finished the three part mini-series I'm not sure if I liked it or not!   I was intrigued with the casting of John Malkovich in the role of Hercule Poirot and I think he makes a surprisingly refreshing change to David Suchet or Peter Ustinov.

The problem for me was that key elements of the story was changed, one of the key players wasn't in the mini-series and two of the other players had totally different roles, in fact I was very surprised by a certain death that occurred.

While watching it the thing that I really didn't find added anything to the mini-series was flashbacks that Poirot was having to his time before arriving in the UK and at the end you see what role he supposedly had before leaving Belgium which is completely at odds with the character Dame Christie created.

If I wasn't as familiar with Hercule Poirot I might not have minded the liberties taken and it may have added something, but I'm not sure.   It has left me feeling very conflicted about whether or not to recommend this series.

When it comes to one of the main characters lodgings in London, the series certainly makes them a lot seedier than my imagination created in my mind as I read the book.

I was grateful that they didn't change who the killer was because at one point I thought they were going to make it a different person which would've been insane (in my opinion).   I did like the reveal after the murderer was revealed.   Instead of the almost iconic Poirot gathering of the characters for his big reveal they went with the power of television to give flashbacks of key scenes.

Do I recommend this series?   I really am conflicted so I will just say if you are an Agatha Christie purist absolutely not.   If you haven't read the book then I think you might enjoy this.   I would be intrigued to know your thoughts if you do decide to check this miniseries out.

If you've not heard of the ABC Murders before then it basically starts with Hercule Poirot getting letters from someone who signs himself ABC ..... and then the murders begin. 

The first is Alice Asher in Andover, the second is Betty Barnard in Bexhill, you get the idea.   Next to each murder victim a copy of London's ABC (the famous railway guide) is left opened at the appropriate letter.   Each destination is one that has a connection with Poirot and the letters are addressed to him almost taunting him to participate in the murderer's 'game'.

The story is set in 1930s London and the backdrop shows the rising fascist movement and anti-immigrants movement which adds to the bleakness that accompanies Poirot's traumatic flashbacks.

Click here to get the ABC Murders on Prime Video

 
Now I watched this on the ABC channel in Australia (which I thought was kind of ironic!), but I could've watched it on Amazon Prime.   I do love Amazon Prime and have enjoyed watching shows such as Jack Ryan and Good Omens on there.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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How NOT to Binge Watch a Series - The Three Rules of Survival

How NOT to Binge Watch a Series!

Save Yourself Before It's too Late

Tongue in cheek. Well, sort of. I kind-of mean every single word.

In the scope of life problems, this doesn't even rate. But that's why I'm writing about it. Since there's too much going on in the world, mindless drivel is temporarily appealing, almost necessary.

So, you probably guessed by now that I'm the recent victim of binge-watching a series. I can feel the professional binge-watchers rolling their eyes. Still, the pros need to remember, they were newbie-bingers once.

Let's Review the Three Rules:

1. Don't Pick a Series With Only One Season

For gawd-sakes, before you even scroll through Amazon Prime or Netflix, decide that any series with only one season is off-limits.

Want to know why?

Because when you're finished watching Season 1, you'll be googling to find out when Season 2 is coming out.

Then you'll toss your perrier in the fireplace when you find out it hasn't been renewed for a second season. Or if it has been renewed, that filming doesn't start until March of 2020, which means the fall of 2020 before you get to watch it again - one darn episode at a time!

Yes, I binge-watched 'Another Life' on Netflix last night and yep, one season only, and season two doesn't start filming until March 2020. I have this uncontrollable urge to see if they'll hire me on the crew so I can get a heads-up on the story. I need help.

Since I mentioned the series 'Another Life,' are you wondering if I recommend it? Well, if you like Sci-Fi with a connection to Earth as we currently know it, then I hate to say this, but you're going to love it.

Warning, resist it because you'll only want more. Or go ahead and keep me company for a year until season two starts. I'm already looking forward to Fall 2020, how sick is that?

2. Don't Start Binge-Watching at Midnight

Yah. I did that too.

So there I was, scrolling Netflix for a movie. You know, one that's maybe ... like ... 2 hours at the most. I had noticed 'Another Life' before, and that it was a 'series,' and avoided it for that reason.

Last night, I was powerless. I gave in to my 'no series' rule and couldn't fight the urge to not click 'watch next episode' all.night.long.

I figure if you start watching around 7pm and decide to binge, then there's a good chance you'll be heading to bed before 4am. Plus, there's also the chance that life intrusions will prevent you from watching every episode at once! At midnight, there's no one awake to rag on you.

Ok. I did have some discipline, I only watched eight episodes and viewed the final two this afternoon. I can't get this show out of my head, can you tell? I'm so curious about the next season. Grrrr.

3. Don't Be Afraid to Use the Pause Button

It seems logical, right? When you need to take a break, hit the Pause button, and go do your thing. I mean, we're not Gremlins that can't be fed after midnight, are we? But come to think of it, I was more like Stripe last night.

Apparently, that's too much common sense for me, and I held it way too long. Sheesh, I wasn't even stuck in a vehicle.

So, pause your series for snack and pee breaks. When you're really into your show, you'll resist stepping away, and all I can say is resist the resistance -  'taint good for the bladder.

Here's the trailer for Another Life, to lead you into temptation :)

Is There a Series with More Than One Season that I Recommend?

Omg, that's a screaming YES!!

My all-time favorite program in the history of programs is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon! I know I'm screaming again. It's based on the books, and it.is.absolutely.fantastic. The fans, me included, are chomping at the bit to watch Season 5, which starts in February of 2020!

So guess what, if you binge-watch all 4 seasons of Outlander, you'll be able to start watching Season 5 right away with the rest of us crazies.

I'm so obsessed with this show that I follow it on Twitter and Instagram? I need an intervention.

Oh, here's a heads-up warning:

When you get to the episode called 'The Wedding,' umm, watch it without kids in the room. The wedding night is very, very very and very physical with a lot of nudity. If that's not your thing you can skip it, but I must say, it's pertinent to fully appreciate Jamie and Claire's connection.

I'm leading you into temptation one more time with the Trailer for Outlander Season 1, but this show has 4 seasons to consume your life - a much better way to get lost in space.

I'll close by saying that I don't watch a lot of TV. Don't laugh, it's true. However, when I do watch, I apparently go all in?

So let's summarize the three rules:

1. A show with more than one season
2. Don't start binge-watching at midnight
3. Take breaks

Or ignore them, and watch what you want, when you want :)

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Movie Review: Charged - The Eduardo Garcia Story

"Being alive with a few handicaps is much better than being dead ... that's for damn sure" - Eduardo Garcia. 

A story of life and healing.

Charged: The Eduardo Garcia Story is a movie that chronicles a man's recovery after an electrocution accident that should have left him dead in the back country of Montana. Not only did he survive, he thrives. 

As an adult, Eduardo returns to Montana. While on an outing in a glorious wilderness setting, he finds a bear carcass in a old steel tube. Curious, and with no warning that the old tube was an electrical station, he touched the bear and was electrocuted with 2,400 volts. When he regained consciousness, he somehow walked back down the trail and found help. He was life-flighted from Montana to Salt Lake City Burn Trauma ICU. 

It is mysterious to me that life is both fragile and strong beyond understanding. An accident can kill us in the blink of an eye. Or we can continue living through that which should have killed us. With no explanation to the how and why we survived. This is the case for Eduardo. It is beyond our ability to understand how he survived. 

The electrical shock blew off part of his side, head, and hand/fingers. It left him without a large portion of muscle. The film shows his treatment and wounds - including scenes that are not for the squeamish. I am not squeamish and I had to look away from the screen several times. The burnt skin and holes in his body looked like movie special effects but the damage filmed was real.

This documentary is not about a perfect hero. No. Eduardo has his flaws and difficulties in relationships. His ex/best friend/business partner, Jennifer, remains at his side during his recovery. Eduardo recognizes that caregivers are the forgotten victims of such trauma. He family members, including his previously absent father, are shown throughout the process of physical and emotional healing. 

Eduardo, a chef prior to the accident, resumes cooking when he returns home. He jokes that at least with the prosthetic arm he no longer has to worry about cutting his fingers while chopping. He resumes outdoor activities; running, hiking, surfing, and hunting. 

We all have pain and trauma - our individual crosses to bear. What makes us different is how we choose to live our lives while facing difficulties. Frankly, I'm not so good at it. I see others who seem to be optimistically facing much more hardship than I am, yet I continue to struggle to get out of bed many days. But I'm working at finding ways to stay upbeat and productive. Eduardo inspires me to keep working at it and to appreciate every single day. We are not promised tomorrow.

Eduardo Garcia reflects about his need to take a full appraisal of himself. His strength and tenacity is displayed from the moment he walks out of the wilderness to find help to the end of the movie while he's continuing to address relationships and living. But his realization of the need to take a good look at all aspects of himself I think is what requires the most bravery. No one wants to take an honest look at our own character flaws.

I saw this movie for free with my Amazon Prime account. It is also available on Blu-ray. If you are looking for a motivational movie to help you keep on, keeping on... this might be it. 

Related Link:

MontanaMex.com is Chef Garcia's website with original spice blends and sauces for sale. He also lists many recipes. 

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My Christmas Confession! Heart Warming Stories Make Me Happy!

Yes, I have a confession to make.  

Since my husband and I decided to get into Amazon Prime, my Television watching has increased by 100%.  I thought I'd take a moment and review why my TV habits have changed.

For years now, our television set was just a big black screen that we would show our family pictures on.  Neither myself nor my other half were interested in anything that was being shown for entertainment purposes, on most cable channels.  So our TV became our picture show instead.  Our cable was cancelled and the only thing he missed was his hockey games.  I did not miss anything about the TV.  I did start reading a lot more and that was not a bad thing either.  Then............

That all changed when he signed up for Prime!  Initially he signed up so that our items would ship for free and quickly.  He's the impatient one in our family.  What he did not fully realize when he signed up, was all the added bonuses that came along with his membership in the Amazon Prime community.

Because we have Prime, we are now able to watch many varied and wonderful shows that cable companies don't offer.  I haven't even scratched the surface of what's available on Amazon Prime.  

So here's part of the confession:  I go to Prime Movies and look for fun and new Christmas Specials.  After all, it is that time of year.  There are so many movies that I have never heard of before.  There is a category called Family and Kids Movies!  That is exactly what they offer!    I know when I pick something from this category, that I won't need to worry about the content being for "adult audiences".  

Family Movies is full of wonderful films that are good for all ages.  There are animated movies and movies from all over the world.

I just happened to come across a movie called the Christmas Story.  I expected the usual Santa Claus story and while it was along that line, it was a whole new story to me.  This one had a twist in it that made it a real heart tugging movie.  Filmed in Finland and Lapland, the scenery is breathtaking and the actors are pretty good too.  There is no one in the movie whose name I recognized, but, there is talent out there in the world too.

Prime not only offers you TV that you will enjoy watching, but books (with membership you get 3 free books a month), and music.  So these have all been added bonuses for us.  My other half just wanted to save money on shipping and time.  What he got was a whole lot more!  

All together I would say that getting Prime for your family would be a gift that will keep on giving long after Christmas is over.  Those are the kind of gifts I like and would really enjoy!  I'm sure there is someone out there that feels the same way and has not yet taken the plunge into the world of Prime.

I had given up watching Television for over 4 years and now that we have Prime available to us, I know that when the itch to watch something hits, I can get a show that I  know I will enjoy.

If you don't have Prime yet, consider it for your family.  I'm sure that you won't regret it.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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