Monday, April 9, 2012

HERO - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

HERO

Heroes come in all forms. Today, I want to recognize some of my true heroes.

Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg
He may have been the inspiration behind the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, but writing is the last thing Rusty should feel insecure about. He knows how to draw one into a story and keep the pages turning at a rapid pace. The only bummer is in reaching the end, because I want more. He’s also a guitarist, and I’m sure a thousand times better than me. Rusty is my hero. Maybe one day my writing (and guitar playing) will rock half as good. Until that time, I will bow to the most talented person I know. Honored to call you my friend, Rusty!

Of course, when I also think of hero (after my Lord and Savior), I think of my guitar heroes:

John Petrucci
The guitarist for Dream Theater never ceases to amaze. A perfect example of technical wizardry married with musical brilliance.

Alex Leifson
The guitar hero of my youth from Rush. Alex has such great riffs and musicianship and has inspired my own playing. (Not that THIS Alex plays on any level near Leifson’s!)

Dave Mustane
The shred master and genius behind Megadeth. Just listen to the “Rust In Peace” disc and you’ll see that Dave is a shredding genius.

NINJA NEWS

The Hunger Games once again dominated the box office, and has now made over $362 million dollars worldwide.
However, this Friday there are two big releases: Lockout and The Cabin in the Woods. At the moment, Joss Whedon’s Cabin is as 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and the reviewers are saying it redefines the horror genre. Yes, I am very stoked!

The Challenge posts have been amazing and some feature really original themes. I’d like to point out one of my favorite so far at The Waiting is the Hardest Part. Heather has brought back Stormy the Gnome and is photographing his adventures throughout the month. Last week we had Indiana Gnome and a round of 'Find the Gnome.' For a good laugh from a wonderful blogger, check out Heather’s site.

And don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and person.

Are you following the talented Rusty? Any musicians who’ve influenced you or that you really admire? Have you contributed to The Hunger Games’ box office take? Following Heather and Stormy? And who is the hero in your life?


145 comments:

Cassie Mae said...

I wanna be first!

Cassie Mae said...

Okay, had to be quick in case someone else beat me to it! Lol. I haven't met Rusty. Rushing over to follow him as soon as I click publish this comment.

Playing guitar is like, the number one thing to get major hot points. (Hubs uses this as a weapon. Dang man.)

I've contributed three times to The Hunger Games box office. I'm not ashamed of that either, lol.

Sarah Tokeley said...

I love Rusty's drawings that he's doing for the A to Z. I'm a sucker for anyone that can draw :-)

Dawn Ius said...

LOVE Dave Mustane! LOVE.

vic caswell said...

i just started following rusty recently, and he's a fine fellow for sure.
super talented and kind to boot!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I envy Rusty's ability to draw. It is stick figures for me. LOL. I, too, want to see THE CABIN IN THE WOODS. Have a great week, Roland

Rek Sesh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rek Sesh said...

Hope you had a happy Easter with family and friends. I forgot to wish people in advance.
I have lurked on Rusty's blog a couple of times in another era. ;)
I admire those who can play musical instruments and love listening.
I read the first of Hunger Games, movies tend to stray of course - even HP towards the end of the series so this purist is still sitting on the fence.

Kela McClelland said...

I'm not following Rusty, but am going to go check him out.
And I haven't had a chance to go see The Hunger Games, but I want to.
I have a lot of heroes, too many to name them all.
Great choice for H. :)

Maxine Aux-Arc said...

Ha! Heroes is my "H" for the day, too. Mine are vastly different from yours, but I think Rusty just made the short list:-) He sure makes his words flow effortlessly (and therein lies the sweat).

Lemme guess, you like the git-ar. So does my husband, and I could listen to him play his handmade (one of the last) Breedlove all day long. When we first met and didn't know each other very well, he played me a song that was my life story, only he wrote it years before I came along. It was love by the first bridge.

We have yet to make our contribution to the Hunger Games ca-ching, but only because the movie theaters are few and far between around here, but we'll get there.

Great post. Can't wait to see what you've got cooking for "I"

Nancy Thompson said...

Oh yes! I follow both Rusty & Heather. As for musical
Influences, I have to say Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) & Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace) have both influenced my writing & stories. No on Hunger Games, though I do want to see it. I just want to read it first. And I have 3 heroes in my life: my husband, my son, & my best friend/CP/writing soulmate.

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

I've seen Hunger Games...thinking about going again tomorrow when my kids are at daycare, since I'm still on Spring Break.

Off to check out some new sites.

Theres just life said...

I have to check out Rusty. Jack being a professional musician and guitarist has a whole list of great musicians. Me, right now I can only think of one... Clapton.

Unfortunately, our limited budget doesn't allow for going to the movies much. But I think my sister and nieces have more than made up for me.

Pamela Jo

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I haven't seen the Hunger Games yet. I'll likely wait for the DVD release.

Old Kitty said...

I want Stormy the Gnome!! Want, want, want! LOL!! Awww how utterly adorable! Yay!!!

Am leaving Hunger Games to the young'uns and young at heart and am going to see Pirates! Band of Misfits instead - totally for the even younger 'uns and younger at hearts like moi!!

Oooh I did just watch a documentary on Bill Withers - "Still Bill" - wonderful!

Take care
x

AuthorAlden said...

My "H" topic is Hero, too. Great minds think alike!

J.W. Alden

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Heroes choices are awesome, two I know and one not so familiar with... Dream Theater is one I have a lot of music from, but not yet listen to enough. I think it is time to expand my horizons. Countdown to The Avengers...

Happy Monday!

ediFanoB said...

These are my guitar heroes:

Richie Blackmoore (Deep Purple)
Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
Ted Turner (Wishbone Ash)

It seems I belong to a minority when it comes to The Hunger Games.
I was neither interested in the books nor the movie.

J.C. Martin said...

Thanks for featuring Rusty. And I'm looking forward to Cabin in the Woods. Off to check out Stormy the Gnome!

J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger

PR said...

I'm loving those gnome posts, hilarious. Don't know the other blogger but will pop over. I love Jack White, wish I could play like that! :)
P.S: I can't keep calm about the hobbit movie, omg, jiggles! :)

Universal Gibberish

Jessica L. Celaya said...

I seen Hunger Games the opening night, so I did contribute to the numbers. I have lots of heroes. Mostly, my family and the awesome writers that I get to know and read their books.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I thought Hunger Games was a very good movie. Touching tribute to Rusty and I'll have to visit him. Your blogfest sounds fun! Julie

Denise Covey said...

Lots of questions Alex. Thanks for introducing us to Heather. Must check our her posts. I follow Rusty. No, haven't been to Hunger Games yet but must. I love Slash from Guns 'n Roses and my father is my hero.

Thanks for your regular visits Alex. Don't know how you do it but it's much appreciated.

Denise

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cassie, you were first! And playing a guitar is sexy? Maybe I need to post more pictures of me with my guitar...

Dawn, you have good taste!

Rek, you're not convinced, huh? And one of these days I'll record myself playing.

Maxine, handmade? Very impressive! I just play. Couldn't ever build one.

Nancy, those are excellent heroes. And Cantrell would be on my list as well.

Pamela, what does he play?

Kitty, he and Charlie would get a long well. And I want to see Pirates, so we are both young 'uns at heart.

Jeremy, you need to check out some Dream Theater then!

Edi, good choices. Not interested in the books but will see the movies someday.

Anna, and we still have eight months to wait!!!!

Julie, hope you're joining us.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Great musicians there Alex my hero dosen't play a musical instrument but boy he can sing.

Great H post.
Yvonne.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Popping over to Rusty now. I've been meaning to for a while, but his blog is at the top of the list and I'm working lower... that's a terrible excuse :-)

Laura Pauling said...

I can't watch horror movies - they totally creep me out! But have fun! (shudders)

Creepy Query Girl said...

I don't know if I am following rusty! I'm gonna go check him out! And my hero is definitely my husband. Don't know where I'd be without him.

Huntress said...

I heartily agree about Rusty. Super guy, great blog.

Emily White said...

I have not followed Rusty yet! I must do so now.

Also, Stormy the Gnome?? Must check that out too! LOL!

Robyn Campbell said...

Hunger Games is way better than I had it figured that it would be.

Alex, I loved Rush! Listened to them whenever I got the chance. (I'm a hippie)

I''l check out your pals. Journaling woman sounds wonderful.

My hero? My hubby because he is such a humble man. And he loves me and reads my first drafts. My son Christopher who was born with a rare brain disorder. I love him soo much and I look up to him. And Lenny too.

Brinda said...

Yes, I am following Rusty. :) I agree that he is talented and I didn't even know that he is a guitarist. He's the only one I know from your list of famous one. lol

Rusty Carl said...

Oh dude, I am so not going to cry. But I almost don't know what else I can do. You're the best, really. Crap' why are my cheeks wet?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Denise, that is wonderful your father is your hero! And trying to keep up with everyone. I've enjoyed your posts for the Challenge.

Yvonne, yes he can!

Katie, now I feel bad - I should've included my wife.

Emily, Stormy is great!

Robyn, those are wonderful heroes. And Rush is awesome!

Rusty, you're welcome, and don't let anyone see you.

Heather M. Gardner said...

What a great friend you are. Rusty is awesome. You have steered me towards some of my absolute favorite blogs. I can't thank you enough for the shout out. I really appreciate it. I'm so glad that Stormy is entertaining the nice people who come to visit! Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
My hero is my husband.
Hunger Games, I'll wait.
Cabin! YEAH, BABY!
Waiting, semi-patiently, for Avengers.
:)

Unknown said...

Yes, I follow Rusty and even drooled over his hamburger today! I love guitar music, my favorite instrument - remember Leo Kottke? I don't know Stormy so I'll check the site out...

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I follow two of those awesome bloggers.

You picked great guitarists!!

Teresa

Unknown said...

Rusty is one of the best. Thank you for introducing me to him all those months ago. He's been a big supporter ever since. :)

Awesome ax men. And heck yeah I cannot wait for Cabin!

farawayeyes said...

Gave my $$$ to The Hunger Games. I didn't like it any more than the book.

Follow Rusty, love Stormy.

Saw a preview for 'Cabin' - YIKES!

Matthew MacNish said...

I know Rusty. I'm pretty sure I met him through you. I especially like his artwork.

Kyra Lennon said...

I haven't seen Hunger Games yet, but I haven't read the books either!

Jemi Fraser said...

I have met Heather and Stormy - they're great!

I adore Joss Whedon's work - but I'm a total wimp when it comes to horror so I'll have to give that one a pass!

michelle said...

I think some of the coolest guitarists are Axl Rose, Eric Clapton, Brian May, Carlos Santana (I loooove the guy), Mark Knopfler and tons of others!

Elise Fallson said...

I really like your theme for the A-Z challenge. It can be overwhelming trying to navigate through the blogosphere as a new member of the writing community. Your highlights are a great way to meet new and interesting folks. Thanks!! (:

Larri said...

I have no desire to see The Hunger Games nor Cabin in the Woods. Simply do not appeal to me. ☺ I'll have to introduce my son to these guitarists. He'll be inspired. Off to check Stormy the Gnome. Thanks for the list! Happy Monday! ☺

Elise Fallson said...

...also, Danny Gatton.... (:

Nick Wilford said...

I started following Rusty recently. He does seem to be multitalented, which would make me feel inadequate if he wasn't so nice!

Ciara said...

I love seeing where Stormy the Gnome travels! :) I'm a follower of Rusty already, and love his blog. Oh, and yep, I'm signed up for First Loves Blogfes!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I'm shocked by the success of Hunger Games. Yes, it's a good movie, but not an amazing one. I hope it only gets better with each entry.

I'm SUPER EXCITED about the Cabin in the Woods. The tired horror genre needs to be shaken up, and I think this movie will do this successfully.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather you are welcome on all counts. Your Stormy posts are the best. And Cabin is going to be awesome.

Susan, I do remember Kottke.

Thanks, Teresa!

Melissa, he is a true friend.

Kyra, neither have I.

Michelle, some real classic guitarists there.

Thank you, Elise.

Nick, he is both nice and very humble.

Thanks, Ciara!

Jack Edwards Poetry said...

Great post, I'm a huge fan of Rush and Dream Theatre :)

http://jackedwardspoetry.blogspot.co.uk/

Charles Gramlich said...

Billy Gibbons might be my favorite guitar hero.

Laura Eno said...

Stormy the Gnome? I must see this!

Dani said...

Going to go follow Rusty now!

Ok. followed.

I'm more for drummers - Dave from Korn to be exact!

Jay Noel said...

Been following Rusty...in fact, I think I found your blog through him. Very talented indeed.

I did my part with helping to propel The Hunger Games to the top. Saw it twice. Took my oldest son to it on Friday.

Marta Szemik said...

Following Rusty now:)
I'm sad to say I haven't seen the Hunger Games yet, but I'm promised a baby sitter for next weekend, so maybe it will work out (crossing fingers).
My parents are the heroes in my life:)

K.D. Storm said...

Musical- Reba McEntire & Cher

I am too broke to jump into the Hunger Games thing yet but have a book on hold at library.

I follow Heather and the gnome.

My heroes are my mother who raised four children alone, My old boss Alice who survived the death of her child and reaches out to other people who have lost family to drugs, and my son Connor who brings out the best in me :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

Gotta get to the theater to see Hunger Games still. And I have not met the gnome yet. I loved the movie Amelie with the traveling gnome. So funny.

Unknown said...

Loved Hunger games and can not wait to see Cabin in the woods! Musicians....Gato Barbieri, Santana and Mark Knoffler among so many more. These were just the first to pop into my head :)

Bish Denham said...

Leifson, yes an incredible guitarist. There are so many. Hendrix, Clapton, Harrison, Page...

Tonja said...

Rusty and Stormy the Gnome are awesome. No Clapton with the guitar playing guys?

Suze said...

Alex Lifeson! And my husband is a fan of Dave Mustane.

M.J. Fifield said...

I do follow Rusty and Stormy the Gnome. Both awesome blogs.

I'm also pleased to report that I have heard of all your featured guitarists. Last Christmas, I even went on a hunt for a John Petrucci songbook. The folks at the music store were surprised because apparently, I don't look like someone who would know who John Petrucci is.

Anonymous said...

I hadn't seen any of Rusty's sketches, so I went and checked them out. Haven't seen The Hunger Games and don't think I will.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm a fan of Rusty's blog, which I originally found through you - so thanks! And I'm definitely a fan of Dream Theater. Could not be more excited about anything Whedon wrote, directed, influenced or touched. Can't wait for Cabin in the Woods.

Jenny said...

I wanna see Lockout. THG not so much.

Rick Daley said...

Electric bass is my primary instrument, so by law I am Rush fan. Few bands have ever had such a concentrated mix of talent.

My favorite bassist, though, is Victor Wooten. He takes bad-ass to a whole new level: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M152S0HirSM&feature=related

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates! Looking forward to Cabin in the Woods. And these are all awesome guitarists. I was a big Dave Mustane fan back in my head banging 80s days.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jack, good for you!

Laura, he's funny.

Jay, you've paid your dues then.

Marta, that is wonderful.

KD, those are good heroes.

Tonja, he'd be in there somewhere.

Suze, you are both super cool then.

MJ, you need to show them then! Not sure I'm ready to attempt his level of playing though.

Susanne, I probably won't make it either.

SL, Cabin is going to rock.

Rick, they do boast the best of the best when it comes to talent.

Hart Johnson said...

I KNEW Rush would make your guitar hero list... And I think Cabin in the Woods looks great, too.

Bossy Betty said...

Love dropping by and am always amazed at your energy and enthusiasm, Alex!

Jennifer Lane said...

Josh Whedon certainly attracts some rabid fans, doesn't he? I have met a Firefly FANATIC and she keeps pushing the show on me. ;) What exactly is the Insecure Writers Group? I've seen that Nicki Elson is part of that.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

1.) How could you put up three rockers with guitars and not put up one with you rockin' out to a guitar where the face was blacked out?

2.) I absolutely loved the Hunger Games movie. I saw it this weekend so I contributed to that amazing Box Office. I liked it way better than the book. *Ducks behind wall as people throw rocks at me. I stand by what I say though...Movie > book.

3.) Rusty is extremely talented.

Amy said...

I can't wait to go and see The Cabin in the Woods, hopefully this weekend maybe. I might have to check out the Blogfest, it sounds like a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing Alex! :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Haven't given any money to the Hunger Games and probably won't. I have been following Stormy though - very cute posts.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I want to see the Hunger Games but havin't yet. I think Lockout looks good.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I want to see the Hunger Games but havin't yet. I think Lockout looks good.

cleemckenzie said...

Loved the musical heroes you posted today. As to Hunger Games . . . no. I'm an early adopter in almost all things, but not movies. Somehow I need to wait until a film is no longer the topic of the day before I see it. Not sure why that is. Must be something that happened to me as a child. :-)

Unknown said...

I'm following Rusty now.

The musician who'se influenced me the most is Bono from U2. Yes, I think he's hot. Have to be honest, but I admire his political background and how he has his hand in good causes that are helping people who can't help themselves. :D

I saw The Hunger Games on opening night. The movie well represented the book. They did a fine job hitting all the points that were crucial to building the world and creating tensions. Would have liked to see a little more making out though between Katniss and Peeta. Haha

Stormy the Gnome--hilarious. Makes me want to take a trip through Travelocity. :)

My hero is... my dad. He has never stopped, always worked hard, and never passes up an opportunity to say "I love you."

Susan Fields said...

Yes, I've definitely contributed to the Hunger Games box office take and probably will do so a little more before it leaves theaters. Then there's always DVD, which I'll probably buy the day it's released. :)

Tracy Jo said...

My guitar hero is Billy McLaughlin. If you get a minute, check him out: http://www.billymclaughlin.com/ - he has the same disease I have but it affected his right hand, he fought through and learned how to play with his left. That is insane and so inspirational! I am off to check out Rusty...

Happy Monday!

Sarah Ahiers said...

I probably won't be able to See Cabin in theaters, which is too bad. But i did see HG twice, mostly because i told my sister i'd see it with when she visited

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen, good for you!

Hart, but of course.

Thank you, Betty.

Jennifer, there is a tab up above under my header that explains it.

Michael, because I'd be so far down on that list it would be depressing!

Amy, please join us.

CLee, that's why I usually hit the movies right away.

Julia, Bono is a good person. And your dad sounds like a wonderful person.

Tracy, I didn't know that!

Mina Burrows said...

Hero is a great H word. And what's even cooler is you've blogged about your guitar heroes.

I told my friend about IWSG and she laughed for a good 20 min. I think I'll blog about that for next month's post. I'm heading over to talk to Rusty next. :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

What a lovely tribute to your friend! I'll go visit.

Thanks,
Monti

Gossip_Grl said...

I too have been catching the daily adventures of Stormy they are very cute. I haven't seen Hunger Games will probably wait until it comes to Redbox now.

Savannah Chase said...

wow, someone who knows Dream Theater.
Great post by the way.

Unknown said...

Those were some great heroes. I love the gnome blog.

Budd said...

Rush rocks! cabin in the woods looks interesting.

Leigh Covington said...

Ooh! I thought about posting about the Hunger Games for H. Love the books and was very pleased with how they did on the movie. It was awesome! And, I'm totally laughing at Cassie's comments up top! lol. She's awesome!

Grammy said...

Hi, Alex!
No desire to see the Hunger Games. Such violence does not appeal to me. I think it must be more a really young person's movie. I get my movies on tevee or Netflix these days. I am doing my best to visit all the blogs this month and then will go back later (using the list) and choose those I wish to follow. I am up in the 400's right now. I feel almost like a little froggy, I am doing so much hopping. Ha ha ha.
Love to you, Ruby

Tara Tyler said...

rock on ninja!

M Pax said...

Rusty is great.

I'll see Hunger Games eventually. I'd like to read the book first though.

D.G. Hudson said...

Already following Rusty, since one of the last blogfests, I think.

I don't plan to see 'Hunger Games'. What I've read about it reminds me of 'Logan's Run', an older film. ( dystopia vs utopia)

Hero? aside from Hubby? Jack Kerouac, Jean-Paul Sartre, Isaac Asimov.

Anonymous said...

What a neat theme for the A - Z Challenge. I'm having trouble deciding which post to comment on, because the ones I've seen so far are all worth a comment or two. Suffice to say, you're doing a wonderful job with your theme and I'm glad I had the pleasure of stopping by:)

PK HREZO said...

94 comments and it's not even 1pm EST yet!! lol
I have not seen the gnome posts before... off to check it out. Already following Rusty. ;)

Erin M. Hartshorn said...

Heroes! That's what I should have used for H. It would've fit so perfectly with my theme.

Love your take on it.

Erin

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Thanks to you, Alex, I just became Rusty's 300th follower. And now I want a burger.

xoRobyn

Emily R. King said...

Guitar heroes, second only to Jesus Christ. Nice! :D

Anonymous said...

Oooh, can't wait to check out Stormy the Gnome's adventures.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex, the Ninja Hero, and I thought you were going to highlight Lee the A - Z challenge hero ..

But I'm your 101st comment ...

Have a great week .. cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mina, you should! How rude.

Savannah, they've been one of my favorites for over twenty years now.

Leigh, she was just so excited, wasn't she.

Ruby, you are a trooper. Thanks for stopping by!

DG, ironically Logan's Run comes out on DVD tomorrow!

Thank you, MJ!!

PK, scary, huh?

Thanks, Erin.

Good for you, Robyn! Thanks for following him.

Emily, of course. Be wrong otherwise.

Hilary, he is, but I'm not highlighting any of the hosts since we are already getting attention.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I'm looking forward to Hunger Games, Lockout and Cabin in the Woods! We got a babysitter and went to see Hunger Games, but it was sold out. Wrath of Titans was good, though. I'm thinking it was better than the first.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I've been following all the of the blogs you have featured the last two times. Maybe I'll achieve ninja status yet!

Cherie Reich said...

Rusty's awesome. :)

And yes, I did contribute to The Hunger Games' box office take. I wouldn't mind seeing it again either.

Sonia Lal said...

I don't have a theme. But I liked the hunger games movie!


Sonia Lal, A to Z challenge

Laura said...

Rusty is incredible, and so humble. I fell in love with his writing when I read his novelette - can't wait to read more of his work
Lx

LynnRush said...

Awesome H, Alex!!!! I've not contributed to The Hunger Games box office take. . . I started the book, but set it aside to read something else and do some writing. I MIGHT pick it back up. LOL!!!!!

The hero in my life besides Jesus is my sweet hubby. He's so supportive and encouraging I couldn't ask for a better person for a soul mate!

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

I have lots of heroes. Must of them writers. Great H post.
dreamweaver

Andrew Leon said...

Rusty deserves the props. I'm just hoping he never really understands how much, because his head might explode.

Sabrina A. Fish said...

I do not follow Rusty, but will check him out. I like all kinds of music, Aerosmith being my fave. I did go see HG and liked it. The books were better, of course. I do not know Heather and Stormy, but will check them out as well.

My hero? Brandon Sanderson. If I can write half as good a fantasy story as he does, I will be a happy author.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shannon, it couldn't be worse.

Karen, I do - really!

Go Tasha go!

Laura, I can't either.

Lynn, those are awesome heroes.

Andrew, doubt that will happen.

Sabrina, hope you become a very happy author then.

Mary Aalgaard said...

I finished read Hunger Games on Sun. afternoon. I can see why the kids can't put it down. Every chapter has a cliffhanger, a few twists, and a really smart female protagonist. Although, she's a bit dense in the love department. Poor Peeta.

Jennifer Hillier said...

RUSH! That was my brother's most favorite band.

I did go and see the Hunger Games, and I might just have to see it again. I really enjoyed it!

Christopher Hudson said...

Too many guitarists to mention, but the two who have had the biggest impact on moi: Steve Howe and Jimi Hendrix.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Great choice, Alex--John Petrucci. I'll have to listen again to Alex Leifson. His music doesn't stand out for me in memory. Jake, my son, says you're spot on with Dave Mustane.

As for me, remember my first love is Spanish music, and I played it for some years. My influences would be Andre Segovia, Ottmar Liebert, Liona Boyd, and, are you ready for this? Carlos Santana. He's an awesome guitar player.

Hunger games. Haven't seen it yet, but my son and his girlfriend did. She's read all the books. Her opinion, books are much better, although she feels the movie captured the essence of the books.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Jessica Salyer said...

I don't know Rusty, heading over to his blog next. I've seen Hunger Games once and that was when it first came out, so I'm not contributing. Damn, that's a lot of money. I wonder if the author gets a percentage of that or if they just get a flat amout to sell their rights?

Nicki Elson said...

Aww, such a sweet tribute to your hero Rusty. I've got to go see the Gnome right NOW.

Leovi said...

My first hero was guitarist Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple.

Jackie said...

I want to see The Cabin in the Woods, but no one I know wants to see it. And I'm too chicken to watch a scary movie alone. LOL

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, no one said love's perfect!

Jennifer, tell your brother he rocks.

Steve Howe was great, Christopher.

Sia, Santana does not surprise me. And tell Jake he is a cool rocker dude. Then again, you are a cool rocker dudette.

Jessica, I guess it depends on her contract.

Leovi, good choice!

Golden Eagle said...

Rusty is an awesome blogger!

Nope, haven't contributed to THG box office numbers . . . they're quite impressive.

Helena said...

You're stoked to see Cabin? Then you really do like horror, which I usually don't (too much blood and fear). But I hope to finally see The Hunger Games this weekend. I loved the series and I want to see how they brought that grim future world to life.

DL Hammons said...

Cabin in the Woods will be my daughters and I scare date this weekend. I forgot lockout was opening also, so my might have to make that a double-feature! :)

Morgan said...

You're my hero, Alex! *winks*

:D

Donna K. Weaver said...

Finally saw The Hunger Games today and thought they did a great job with it. While I found the jumpy camera work irritating I appreciate that it was used the most to cover the worst of the violence.

mooderino said...

I watched the trailer for Cabin, and it pretty much gives away the twist. So pointless.

mood

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Golden, neither have I!

Helena, yeah I like a good horror flick.

DL, go for it!

Morgan, you're going to make me blush.

Donna, thanks for the jumpy camera warning.

Moody, it's still being praised by the critics though. Must be more to it than that.

klahanie said...

Greetings Alex,
And no, I'm not going to start singing the words to that Tina Turner song, "We don't need another hero.."
Ah yes, Rusty Webb and the possible inspiration behind the '"Insecure Writer's Group". It seems to be a general theme amongst writer's that they have those niggling self doubts. Of course, I have never considered myself a writer as such. Just someone who uses his formulation of words as a therapeutic and cathartic resource.
I choose what may seem the easy route. I just let my fingers dance upon the keyboard and see what happens.
Ah yes, Rush and that fine guitarist from that legendary Canadian band. Perhaps you have heard of another Canadian band named "Mahogany Rush"? The lead guitarist, Frank Marino, is one of my guitar heroes and very underrated, in my opinion.
And now, with the tune from "Foreigner", "Jukebox Hero", I wish you a peaceful day and with that I shall check out the 'wee folks' in my garden. Rumour has it that they have turned down an exclusive photo shoot with 'Better Gnomes and Gardens'....

Cherie Colyer said...

I haven't seen Hunger Games, yet. I'm hoping to go soon. Can't play the guitar, but admire those who can.
I don't know Rusty. Off to check out Rusty, Heather and Stormy next.

Li said...

I saw Hunger Games and loved it. I know that there were a few things missing, but overall they stuck to the story and the casting was terrific!

Anonymous said...

Hero is a great "h" word! Thanks for sharing.

xoxo Lloralye @ Adorning Schemes A to Z

Julie Flanders said...

Wow, what a great tribute to your friend! I am definitely going to check out Rusty's blog.

I love Joss Whedon and can't wait to see the Cabin.

Chuck said...

Here I am at the bottom again...I have always been enamored of Jimmy Page. His creativity and talent seem one-of-a-kind. And it never goes out of style. I listen to Zeppelin with the same awe today as I did 40 years ago.

I hit the Hunger Games a couple weeks ago and thought it rocked. Not surprising it is doing this well.

Cindy said...

Rusty is a great guy. Also I'm a fan of Alex Leifson and Rush. He's one of the best.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gary, I do know Mahogany Rush. And you are a writer my friend - and a far better one than you realize.

Cherie, I try to play!

Julie, please do!

Chuck. you are never in the bottom in my book.

Cindy, that makes you awesome!

Susan Kane said...

We went twice to 'Hunger Games', yes we did. My hero (after Jesus Christ)? My husband--he is steadfast, loving, lovable, and makes me laugh.

Ella said...

It was an I day, but I won't use that for tomorrow! Internet issues on and off all day~ Anyway, didn't make it to the "Hunger Games" yet...
maybe tomorrow :D

My hero Doctors! They rebuilt me and
I'm waiting for the Bionic Woman tryouts, lol (Okay, the military for keeping us safe)

Off to check out your amazing friends~

kjmckendry said...

I'm now following Rusty. His burger made me hungry!

Hunger Games was great!

Unknown said...

I finally got to watch The Hunger Games last night! In South Africa it's officially releasing this coming Friday, so last night was a pre-release screening. And the cinema was half empty! Honestly, people in this country do not know about good dystopian fiction! (It's like the Twilight craze only hit this country after the first movie came out. It wasn't because of the books.)
Anyway, I really enjoyed the movie. Not as good as the book, of course, but I think they did a good job with it :-)

Miranda Hardy said...

I totally want to see "A cabin" now. Can't wait.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, excellent!

KMC, thanks!

Rachel, glad you finally got to see it.

Unknown said...

I love all the blogs you've featured.

Unknown said...

Ahh Dave Mustaine, how do you still have skin on your fingers? He is one of the undisputed shred lords of the universe, indeed.


Jamie
Fellow A-Z Bloggy Buddy
Mithril Wisdom

Christine Rains said...

I'm following Rusty and that gnome is hilarious!