Friday, April 27, 2012

YOUTHFUL - 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.

YOUTHFUL

Nicki Elson
Nicki is an 80’s child. She revels in the music, the lifestyle, the fashion, the bad hair… (Maybe not the hair.) But with that mischievous smile of hers, you just know there is a youthful teenager inside, ready to break out in dance and song. Nicki always makes me feel young again. (And without having to go back and endure the horrors of school.)


Mary at Play off the Page
Mary’s youthfulness comes in a different way. She is spirited and determined. Her enthusiasm for plays, both attending and writing them, comes through loud and clear in her blog posts. And I think that is the secret to youth – enthusiasm. Mary, don’t ever lose yours!

Super 8
Coming out last summer, this movie focused on a group of pre-teens shooting a movie and a strange alien creature. My favorite film of 2011, this movie took me back to my own youth, as I was very close to the age of those kids in 1979. Evoking a style reminiscent of a young Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams perfectly captured the tone, look, and feel of the movies of my youth.

NINJA NEWS!

One of my best blogger buddies and a fellow Challenge Co-Host, Jeremy Hawkins of Retro Zombie’, had some exciting news – He’s officially been added to an independent record label called "Howlin' Wolf Records" to run their on-line magazine. Congratulations, Jeremy – you rock, dude!

Ciara Knight’s book, Rise From Darkness, is available for free on Amazon through today. So hurry!!!

Laura Bambrey’s 101 Blog Prompts is half off this weekend!


The Pirates
I went in wanting to love it, but just couldn’t. After watching Flushed Away last weekend, I was really expecting some humor. It’s cute, but not really funny. After so many Ardman Animations winners, I think this will go down as their first dud. Sad, because the claymation and effects are really good.



Following Nicki and Mary? What did you think of Super 8? Downloaded any books lately? Seen Pirates yet? Only one more day of the Challenge – are you ready? And who do you know is youthful? (Not me – I am really starting to feel my age…)

110 comments:

Cassie Mae said...

Of course I'm first the day after the contest ends.

Cassie Mae said...

Um, I swear I just left a comment and it disappeared. What's blogger trying to pull?

I'm ready for the challenge to be over so I can give blogger the silent treatment for a couple days. Darn thing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cassie, the following weekend, I'm taking abreah!

Chuck said...

Damn...I'm second

Chuck said...

Now I can comment...I loved Super 8. My wife was not quite sure but I thought it was great. I think I need a break right now...you probably needed one a couple weeks ago!

Cassie Mae said...

For realz! I'm going to go see Avengers a million times. There's my break for ya, lol.

TL Conway said...

Yeah, I'm looking forward to a break, but I'm also looking forward to getting back to more writing-related blogs. You'd think I've been making a list of great blog topics this past month. Alas, no.

And I really enjoyed Super 8. You summed it up perfectly with, "Evoking a style reminiscent of a young Steven Spielberg..." I totally agree.

Happy A-Z Home Stretch!

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

Aww, sad to hear the movie wasn't great. :(

Roland D. Yeomans said...

SUPER 8 was a happy surprise for me! Ellie Fanning would make a great Alice Wentworth (from seeing her in her zombie make-up)

I'm hoping THE AVENGERS will be the same kind of happy surprise! Of course, I am working that weekend. Aaarrrgh! Roland

Luanne G. Smith said...

I really enjoyed Super 8 on a nostalgic level as well. And Nicki's 80's blogfest was fun for the same reason too. :))

Rusty Carl said...

I loved Super 8... I picked up a copy of Ciara's book earlier as well.

I have nothing for my Y or Z posts... I'm totally out of gas. Sigh.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I saw Super 8 when you first recommended it, and I really liked it. I'll have to visit your "Youthful " friends! Julie

Unknown said...

I do follow Nicki and her lovely Disney World posts. I haven't seen Super 8...yet.

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your post again, especially the blog post about Donald Duck's shoes:)

Anonymous said...

Hey Alex, we all going unplugged after Monday, I think! No Blogger problems for me today, only Wordpress ones this time. SHEEEEEEsh!
Have a nice evening, MoonWynd :-)))

Denise Covey said...

Congrats to your mate Jeremy. Great news about Ciara's book.I'm off to download. Cheapskate!

Denise

Robyn Campbell said...

You're breaking my heart about The Pirates. I thought it was going to be rollicking. *rats*

I follow Mary! Will check out Nicki. Congrads to Jeremy.

Yay Ciara!

Happy weekend, Alex! :-)

M.J. Fifield said...

I liked Super 8 a lot, except for the ending. That disappointed me.

Going to download Ciara's book now...

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Super 8 was brilliant. I really enjoyed it.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Thank you, Alex. I will gladly accept my youthfulness award. I was at the Children's Theatre tonight for "Pippi Longstocking," and yep, I wore my longstocking and giggle through it just like the little girls sitting next to me. If we can all keep our inner child alive, we will be an unstoppable, creative force.
Go. Create. Inspire!

Unknown said...

Congrats to Jeremy!

I'm bummed you didn't think "The Pirates" was that good :-( As a big fan of Ardman stuff I've really been looking forward to it... But I guess I'll still go watch it.

Anonymous said...

I'm following both Nicki and Mary! Sorry to hear about Pirates. We were expecting something above average. We'll probably see it anyway.

Kyra Lennon said...

Majorly disappointed to hear about Pirates, I was looking forward to that! Those movies are usually awesome!

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen Super 8. It sounds interesting.

I'm all for feeling youthful.

michelle said...

I hooked up with Mary recently... she is definitely youthful... epitomizes playfulness (pun intended)... one more day left for the challenge - thank goodness! *sigh of relief*

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. most people are young! sadly!! However it's great to see enthusiasm and bubbling energy - from all of us in the A - Z challenge, especially you hosts and co-hosts ..

Cheers Hilary

Unknown said...

I have already grabbed a copy of Ciara's book but thanks for the heads up!
I am a already a follower of Nicki and Mary!
I have not seen Super 8, I will have to check it out, thanks Alex!

PK HREZO said...

I really loved the style of Super 8. I admit, I did want the alien to be better than the typical overgrown bug looking style. I was hoping for something fresher in that aspect, but I loved the cinematic art of the film and characters.

farawayeyes said...

Sheesh, don't you people ever sleep.

Loved 'Super 8'.

Love even more the fact that April and A to Z are coming to an end.

SharleneT said...

I loved Super 8. And, for those of us who stayed past the credits, we got to see the finished movie! It was delightful for both of us!! Hello, Fellow Challenger, from #398 - aka Rockin'Chair Reflections! It's winding down, and I made it. Great Challenge year, Alex. Thanks for the hard work and great posts.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I always enjoy your posts, will pop over to the links you gave,

Have a good week-end.

Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, I liked it more than my wife did as well. Just a couple more days.

TL, I have no idea what I'm blogging about after this.

Roland, she would make a good Alice.

Rusty, you can do it!

MoonWynd, Tuesday I am taking a break!

Robyn, I did as well.

Mary, you're welcome, and knew you were youthful!

Faraway, that's what I want to know - I don't think they sleep.

Sharlene, one more day!'

Heather M. Gardner said...

Well. Now I know we are approximately the same age. Makes sense. We have a lot of the same things in common.
Movies, some music, hot chicks. What? I can look!

I do follow Nicki and I've been saving all her Disney tips. We're going to see the Giant Rat for the first time this year. Ugh.

I haven't seen Super 8 yet but will. Too bad about the Pirate movie. The 6 yr old wanted to see it. Guess we'll have to survive on The Avengers!!

1 more letter!!!

Jaye Robin Brown said...

Great news for Jeremy! Sounds like a cool job.

Tracy Jo said...

Congrats to Jeremy! I just downloaded Karen's - Following the Whispers and looking forward to reading. One more letter and we made it. :-) Have a great weekend!

Brinda said...

I slept in today and there's already 35 comments. Sheesh. I'm behind schedule *grin*

The bloggers sound fun and I loved Super 8.

Savannah Chase said...

Never seen Super 8. I have not been to the sites you listed but will be sure to check them out.

Laura Eno said...

Haven't seen Super 8. Congrats Jeremy and Go Ciara!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Shame about The Pirates. Exciting about so many bloggers' accomplishments. As as non-participant this time, it's hard to believe the challenge is nearly over. My nephew's youthful. He's only 5 so he should be.

xoRobyn

Jaleh D said...

My husband and I just took our son to see The Pirates last night. We enjoyed it, and the kid loved it. He wanted to watch it again, despite the sad part in the middle. Sorry it didn't grab you as much as you'd hoped. We went because it's hard finding movies that look suitable for his age that he also finds appealing. He's big into pirates.

Jemi Fraser said...

It's hard to believe it's almost over! I've enjoyed it - but it's a big time consumer! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, good luck with visiting the giant rat.

Tracy Jo, Karen's book is excellent.

Robyn, and he keeps you young I'm sure.

Jaleh, and I'm sure he enjoyed it. It wasn't a bad movie, just a little blah.

Jemi, tell me about it!

RaShelle Workman said...

Hi Alex - I enjoyed Super 8. A lot of fun. Happy Y day!!! =D

mooderino said...

Shame about Pirates, I've heard it's lacking in the funny depatrment too.

mood

Bossy Betty said...

Hi Alex! I will definitely see Super 8! Thanks again for the shout out the other day!

Jay Noel said...

Never saw Super 8, and it sounds like something I would like.

Sucks about The Pirates. It does look cute. My kids asked about it - maybe it's more for the little ones this time (compared to Flushed Away).

DL Hammons said...

I follow both Nicki and Mary...and I own (therefore love) Super 8. Its the Goonies with Aliens. :)

Amy said...

Super 8 was such a wonderful movie! I could seriously watch it over and over. Thank you for sharing Alex - have a great weekend! :)

Unknown said...

I loved Super 8! I haven't seen it since it was out in theaters, but I definitely need to add it to my collection. One day left!

Rek Sesh said...

I do follow Nicki, had a great time with her co hosted 80's blogfest. Mary is a name I see in every other blog comment. Will pass by.
I wish to see Super 8 now, hardly see movies nowadays. Change, that what I need desperately.

Mina Burrows said...

One more day, Captain! Woot!

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate this challenge. Thanks for everything you did to put it together! :)

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm definitely ready to down my computer for a couple of days, and pick up my pen to write!

Martha said...

I can't believe we only have one more letter to go for this year's challenge. It flew by! Thank you for all your hard work Alex, it's been great! I'm off to check out your picks for today. Have a great weekend! :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Following Nicki and Mary, downloaded Ciara's book today, and I haven't seen Super 8 (sadly) or Pirates. Thanks for the review - now I know if we see it we'll wait for DVD. Youthful - my kids, definitely, but also my parents and my in-laws - very, very active in their 70s.

Nancy Thompson said...

Seems I always know at least half your friends. This time, it's Nicki. I'll go check out Mary. Still waiting to see Super 8. It looks good. And I just downloaded Ciara's book.

As for the Challenge, I am so done. So very done.

Cherie Reich said...

I still want to see Super 8. And I got Ciara's book yesterday. :)

Julie Dao said...

I'm going to go see that Pirates movie this week! Cute is okay. Too bad it wasn't funny!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Moody, there were moments and then they backed off.

Betty, you are welcome!

Jay, I think little kids will enjoy it.

Mina, we're glad you've enjoyed the Challenge.

Annalisa, so am I!

Martha, glad you've had fun.

Nancy, one more day!

Julie, you'll still enjoy it.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Aww Mary Mary Mary. She's adorable and so smart.

Haven't seen anything lately just Mirror Mirror a few weeks ago.

Morgan said...

I've never been a fan of animation... especially claymation, LOL. Nightmares from those old school Christmas ones they always show on tv... ;)

D.G. Hudson said...

Haven't seen Super 8, but I took a film course in 16mm film before digital and we had to do a short film on claymation. I've never had so much fun.

Maybe that's why they keep making these movies. The sense of control over these bits of clay...

Will check out the bloggers later today!

Tara Tyler said...

yahoo! pirates!
great batch of upcoming movies =)

Joy said...

Yay! I was waiting and waiting for you to mention my sister Mary. Thank you.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I follow Nicki and just love her 80's themed blog, and book! She's also a very nice person :)

Tracy Moore said...

I really need to see Super 8. It seems that every time I think of watching it, something comes up. It was filmed in my hometown area which makes it interesting to me. Not surprising that they chose this location because it is frozen in time and so rusted out and dead that it makes for a good spot for this sort of film.

Oh yes! The challenge is almost over and I too am ready to bid the computer a fond adieu for a few days afterward. *sigh*

Julie Musil said...

Shhhh, don't tell anyone you're feeling your age. Your blog SOUNDS young!!

I can't believe the challenge is almost over. And HUGE congratulations to Jeremy. That's awesome!

Gossip_Grl said...

Will check out the blog suggestions for today. I haven't seen Super 8. I think my grandkiddies went to see Pirates, so am sure I will hear all about it. Thats great news on Jeremey too!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Morgan, that's kind of funny.

DG, that sounds like fun!

Joy, she's your sister? She is a wonderful person!

Tracy, you really need to see it then.

Julie, I know, everyone was so surprised when I admitted I was in my late forties.

Christine Rains said...

I'm following and congratulations to Jeremy! I can't believe there's only one day left of the Challenge. It went by so quickly. I use to feel youthful, but after having a kid, all that got zapped out of me.

Arlee Bird said...

I see my kids and grandkids and it reminds me of when I was their age.


Lee
Almost at 100 followers—are you one yet?
A Few Words
An A to Z Co-host blog
My Main blog is Tossing It Out

Alexandra Heep said...

One more day ... yes, I am so ready.

This challenge has kicked my butt and I wrote most of my posts on the day of publishing. However, it was a lot of fun.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Yay. I'm glad that I've been able to complete the A to Z challenge. This was pretty hard! lol.

I loved Super 8 too. I think we are close to the same age. In 1980 I would have been nine.

And I'm definitely going to download Ciara's new book. She's so good.

Ciara said...

Thanks everyone!! I can't believe the support that all of you have given. Thank you so much for the shout out, Alex. I hit #179 when I woke up this morning. My goal was top #100. Maybe it could still happen. :)

I hope you are having a great weekend. Yes, I'm ready for the challenge to end, but I had a great time!

Leovi said...

Yes, I like the way to be Nicki Elson, justaría me be like her.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm definitely not feeling youthful today. Maybe I need what my mom calls an "old lady's nap." :D

Donna K. Weaver said...

I totally loved Super 8. I know a lot of people who thought the ending was cheesy, by it worked for me. And those kids did fabulous acting jobs.

Now I want to see it again.

Laura said...

Hi Alex - shame about 'The Pirates' - I know the guy who designed a lot of the characters (friend of a friend of a...) and he's really sweet. I was looking forward to another of their winners.

Thanks so much for the shout out! Have a fab weekend
Laura xxx

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Well, I liked super 8, but it wasn't as amazing as I expected it to be. LOVED the train crash sequence!

I loved Pirates quite a lot. Yes, it wasn't hysterically funny, but very enjoyable and beautiful to watch.

Tonja said...

I haven't seen Super 8 yet. Maybe tonight.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Christine, I know - and only one more day of your story!

Michael, you're still several years younger.

Ciara, hope a few more orders come in.

Donna, the kids were great.

Laura, it wasn't bad, just not that funny.

George, it was cool in 3D. Just nowhere near the level of Flushed Away.

Nicki Elson said...

Yay! I didn't expect to be one of your letters - and I certainly didn't expect such a cool adjective! :) I would've been here way sooner, but guess where I was...down at my old university where I spent the 80s!!

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know you see me this way. And leave it to you to see right through to the mischievous. ;)

Too bad about Pirates. I read the book and found it hilarious & was hoping to see the same in the movie.

Thanks for the feature, Alex! Hope you enjoy the day off tomorrow & I'll see ya for the big finale on Monday.

Ella said...

I loved Super 8! My daughter thought it was a great movie, so cool. She laughed a lot at the language! lol I look forward to visiting these youthful picks :D
Thanks Alex~

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I have a list of books to buy as soon as April gets over with. I'm going to do some serious reading.

J.C. Martin said...

New people to follow! Shame about The Pirates! I thought the trailer looked quite good.

J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger

S. L. Hennessy said...

You know, I was never sure I wanted to see Super 8. Looked a little like an ET remake. But now I want to see it on your recommendation. Thanks!

kjmckendry said...

I just got Ciara's book! Can't wait to read it!

I'm heading over to check out Nicki and Mary.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Oh no! Sad about The Pirates. Ah well, I've still got to take the kids; we're seeing it at the drive-in Thursday (no school Friday). Great blog choices, as always!

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

Laura Pauling said...

Total bummer b/c I thought the PIrates movie looked like a ton of fun. And I love pirates. :)

cleemckenzie said...

Too bad about the pirate movie. The image looks like it would be a great escape film. Oh well. Back to Johnny Depp and the Black Pearl.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicki, how can a rocking 80's chick like you not be youthful? Glad you liked your feature.

Susan, I'm going to do some serious writing!

SL, nothing like ET!!

Shannon, they will still enjoy it.

Miranda Hardy said...

It's too bad the pirate movie didn't live up to your expectation. Darn it!

Have a great weekend!

Marta Szemik said...

I'm following Nicki and Mary now:) Got my last post ready. Once the challenge is over, I have some catching up to do on my editing before I send a book to an editor.
I think my mother is the most youthful person I know. She never seems to tire and is full of energy. I swear I don't know how she does it.

Leslie S. Rose said...

I can't wait to buy the Blu-ray of Super 8 so I can watch it over and over. It gave me the same vibes that ET did all those years ago.

Jennifer Lane said...

That's a quality of Nicki's I never thought about before but is certainly present--her youthfulness! I'm now following Mary too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leslie, ou need to buy it!

Juliana Haygert said...

Bah, I wanted to take my daughter to see The Pirates ... but now, with you saying it's not that good, I'm not sure anymore.

Unknown said...

I definitely LOVED Super 8. Just watched it again not long ago. Youthful is a great choice for Y. the older I get, the more youthful I feel sometimes.

Angela Brown said...

Flushed Away is one of my daughter's fave movies. I hadn't heard of The Pirates. Kinda sad it didn't hit the sweet spot with its humor, or lack there of.

Suze said...

We heart Nicki Nick! Hers was one of the first blogs I started to follow. She is great fun!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana, it wasn't bad, it just wasn't funny.

Angela, Flushed Away and Pirates and very different movies.

Rick Daley said...

I enjoyed the story for Super 8, but all the blue-splotch lense flares were very distracting. I thought the projector in the theater I saw it in was broken, then I Googled it and found out JJ Abrams loves him some lense flare. I wish he did without it, it was incredibly distracting to me.

Cat Lavoie said...

I will definitely check out Nicki and Mary's blogs! Hope you're having a great weekend!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Nicki really is all about the 80's.

alexia said...

Super 8 was a great movie.

I bet you are now taking a much-deserved break after the A to Z!

Theresa Milstein said...

Too bad about The Pirates. It had potential.

Julie Flanders said...

I've heard others say the same about Pirates. I was hoping it would be a good one but I guess not. Hope you had a great weekend!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Alexia, this coming weekend!

Theresa, that's what was so disappointing about the movie.

M Pax said...

Sorry I've fallen behind ...

I adore Nicki and hope to get to know Mary better. she has an awesome name. Super 8 is a great movie.

PR said...

I finally got to see Super 8 the other week, it was absolutely amazing. So far the best film I've seen this year :)

Charles Gramlich said...

I enjoyed Super 8 myself.