Thursday, April 11, 2013

A to Z Challenge – Jurassic Park and Journey on the Waves of Time, Plus Ninja News and Another Blog Reader - Bloglovin'

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Jurassic Park

One of the best action films ever. Spielberg did an amazing job capturing the book and bringing it to life. The special effects still hold up, even after twenty years. The performances are so good they invest you completely in the story.

Dr. Ian Malcolm is Mr. Logic. He sees the holes in any plan and isn’t afraid to poke more holes. Armed with a wicked sense of humor and a sharp tongue, he’s very unique.

Who is Ian Malcolm?

Andrew Leon at Strange Pegs!

He’s very analytical and known as the Grammar Nazi for a reason. Andrew sees more than most of us and can never be accused of going with the flow. That’s the very thing that keeps conversations with him refreshing and memorable. You want an intelligent discussion? Go see Andrew! (Dry humor included.)

Andrew is the author of The House on the Corner, The Shadow Spinner series, and others.

To you I dedicate Journey on the Waves of Time by Ayreon. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

Because you are like the Universal Migrator, looking for truth. “Give me the answers to questions, Reveal to me secrets of life…”

Trivia and Facts:

Ayreon founder, Arjen Lucassen, has started and controlled many projects and bands over the years. After the success of the debut album Embrace the Storm, he let the members of this band continue on their own, and they now have several albums – name this Dutch progressive metal band.

I’s trivia answer – when Tina mentions “The Engineer,” she is referring to her husband.


Ninja News

Chuck at Apocalypse Now had an awesome post for I – Imagination – and he named four authors, most of whom you all know, as those he felt had the most imagination. To my surprise, I was one of them!! Thanks, Chuck – you the man!

He was the blogger featured for A, but you may have missed some of Al Diaz’s amazing creations. Look at this dragon:

He was also at Julie Luek’s yesterday and revealed a piñata that won him third place in a contest hosted by Museum of Popular Art:

You can see more details by watching the YouTube Video.

Al, you have an amazing talent!

I also discovered a new reader to replace Google Reader - Bloglovin’ At the moment, I like it even better than Feedly. You can transfer your Google Reader files directly, but if you follow even half as many people as I do, it will take a few minutes. You have been warned…

Dig Jurassic Park? Following Andrew? Ever heard of Ayreon? Know the trivia answer? Think Al’s artwork is amazing? And anyone else tried Bloglovin’?

150 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow. I can't believe I'm the first commentor. Never thought that would happen. haha

And I love Al's dragons. Too cool. Did you know that Jurassic Park 3-D is out in the theaters right now. Seems like it would be a really cool movie to see in 3-D.

And Andrew's is one of the sites that I used to follow but hadn't visited yet from the new site. thanks for the reminder!

And, just so you know, I think what you're doing for the challenge is extremely cool!

The Angry Lurker said...

I do follow him and will try Bloglovin out, thanks for that one!

Ray Rousell said...

Not one of my favourite films but great CGI.

Cynthia said...

I love dragons. Thanks for posting those pics.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Al truly is amazing :)
Yay for Jurassic Park!!!!!!! Love your enthusiasm for such a great movie!!!

L.G. Keltner said...

Jurassic Park is a classic, and now it's ignited in my children the same love of dinosaurs that this movie inspired in me when I first saw it. I remember going to see it in the theater with my parents when I was 7 years old. I couldn't look away from the screen!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I joined Bloglovin and transferred all my google reader stuff. Thanks for the advice Alex and it's great that you were posted as an authour with imagination. Jurassic Park is a classic and Al's a true talent.

Unknown said...

Jurassic Park is one of those movies that I should have watched, but haven't yet. I feel behind...

Unknown said...

I love all the new people I'm meeting thanks to you! I love Jurassic Park as long as I don't have to visit.

Mark Means said...

I loved the original Jurassic Park...what a great concept :)

Al is awesome, no doubt about it!

I'll give Bloglovin' a closer look and see how I like it :)

Sean McLachlan said...

Whoa! Freaky technicolor dragons!

Empty Nest Insider said...

I also follow Andrew and Al. Al's artwork is incredible. Thanks for the great Bloglovin' tip Alex, and you do have a wonderful imagination!

Julie

Tonja Drecker said...

Al has some fantastic dragons!
The original Jurassic Park was great - Malcolm was probably my favorite character.

RaveAir said...

Jurassic Park is a good ol' classic. :)

Nancy Thompson said...

Yay Andrew!! I haven't watched JP in long time. I just saw us featured over at Chuck's Wow! I was so shocked. At least that I was there, not you, though. And WHOA! Those pinatas are amazing!!! I want!

Elise Fallson said...

Bloggers in the writing community are so creative and full of talent! I saw Al's awesome dragon post, but need to head over to Julie's, that piñata looks amazing.

Anonymous said...

I am enjoying your mix and match theme, Also Jurassic Park, saw the film on Tv some time ago.
Where I live on the south coast of the UK it is known as the Jurassic coastline as many fossils are found here,

Great post.
Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

I'll look into the readers the next time I have time off. Right now I'm commenting back, but I don't want to lose touch of everyone I'm following.

Al's art is fantastic.

I loved Jurassic Park.

Rhonda Albom said...

Finally, A movie I also loved and a blogger I know, all in the same post. Great choices for J :)

Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
Visiting from AtoZ #41

Michael Abayomi said...

LOL. Well, what do you know, we both ended up picking Jurassic Park for letter J:

http://www.michaelabayomi.com/2013/04/jurassic-park.html

Unknown said...

Yeah, I decided on Blog Lovin too!

Old Kitty said...

I never knew there were such things as Dutch progressive rock bands! LOL!!

Yay! take care
x

Cassie Mae said...

Andrew is awesome, and his posts are really entertaining this year.

I went and saw Jurassic Park in the theater (I was six) and I made it through the first scene and begged my sisters to take me home. I then had nightmares for weeks and my brother would add to it by making these creepy noises on the bottom bunk.

Oh, and I'll have to check out Bloglovin' just cuz I like the name. though Feedly is fun to say too.

mooderino said...

The first time I saw Jurassic Park was a pretty amazing experience. Not even in 3D.

Thanks for the heads up about the reader, will check it out.

mood
Moody Writing

Suzanne Furness said...

Jurassic Park I like! All those dinosaurs creeping about the woods.

Popped over to Tina's yesterday and became a new follower there. Already follow, Andrew. Caught up with Al over at Julie's yesterday, those dragons are amazing! Lots going on as usual :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Wow! Al's creations are amazing. And I've heard of Blogovin. If GFC as a way to follow goes away, I'll probably add it as a way to follow our blog.

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I'm blown away by Al's creations. Wow! I also love the shout out to Andrew!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Karen and Tamera, I did know it was out in 3D. And thank you very much!

Fran, it seems more user-friendly.

Lynda, was that your pick today?

Imogen, you have to watch that one.

Thanks, Julie!

Nancy, no shock to me that you were there!

Yvonne, I didn't know that.

Rhonda, score!!!

Michael, great minds...

Kitty, now you do.

Cassie, you and LG are making me feel old...

Suzanne, thanks for following my blogger buddies.

Natalie, it goes away in June I believe.

J.L. Murphey said...

Jurassic Park the original broke new ground in dinosaur movies. The story wasn't halfway bad either.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

not that i am original or anything... i always used to say... you bet jurrasic... something, something. lame i am sure.

the film was shot on film, not digital so they have to convert it to digital then add the 3d effects... i cannot see it...

it didn't work for the re-release of star wars, that is why they stopped and it was lucas' first star wars failure... that is why he sold the franchise to disney. he had told himself when it became a flop, he would stop...

Rick Daley said...

I've never heard of Ayreon but they are playing through my laptop speakers right now...

Anonymous said...

Jurassic Park is one amazing piece of art full of creativity!! My all time favorite!

Kriti

Donna K. Weaver said...

Ian is one of the reasons I kinda like the movie tester than the book since Crichton killed him off. Hubby and I saw it in 3D this week. The 3D wasn't anything to write home about but I would have paid to see it on the big screen anyway.

Unknown said...

Can't help but LOVE Jurassic Park, feeds my need for dinos and action all in one...

Laura Clipson said...

I love Jurassic Park, such an awesome film :)

Yolanda Renée said...

One of my favorite movies and characters!

And who doesn't love Al, and dragons too!

I'm taking a break from writing, actually waiting for a washing machine repairman -- new machine and already calling in a repairman. Can you say 'lemon'!

Have a great day, I plan to!

Laura Eno said...

I don't really know Andrew. Must change that!
Al has the most awesome artistic talent. He's amazing!
Twenty years? Jurassic Park is that old? Where did the time go?
I've seen Bloglovin' start to pop up but haven't looked into it. I think I will.

Bob/Sally said...

Gotta love Jurassic Park - movies and books. I actually took my son and his girlfriend to see the late show over the weekend. While the conversion to 3-D was a complete waste of time (the credits were the only thing with depth to them), it was still nice to look up at a T-Rex and feel the theatre shake with its roar.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, yeah adding the 3D effects afterwards never look as good. And too bad Lucas didn't sell to Disney sooner...

Rick, do you like it? Had a hard time selecting the song. That album has several amazing tunes.

Donna, I figured it wasn't anything really special.

Yolanda, sorry about your washer.

Bob, that's why I didn't bother. I have a big screen TV and can make my living room shake instead.

Unknown said...

I think I saw somewhere that Jurassic Park is coming back out on the IMAX. That would be a good thing to show your kids to ensure a 3am wake up call.

Miranda Hardy said...

One of the best movies ever made! Loved Malcolm!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for the shoutouts. I've got some blog-hopping to do, and I love that little dragon. Has mini-Alex met him yet? They'd make a great duo.

xoRobyn

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I remember seeing Jurassic Park in the theater when it first came out - it terrified me (the kids trapped in the car in the beginning!) and blew me away with all the effects. Still love it. :)

And Al's artwork is amazing!

baygirl32 said...

Jurassic park, love it

Unknown said...

I visited Chuck and was surprised to find myself in the mix. What an awesome surprise, huh?

Ciara said...

Andrew would be my dream critique partner. :) LOVE those dragon creatures. I'm amazed at all the creative posts during this A to Z challenge.

Nickie said...

My husband is a HUGE Jarassic Park fan. I remembered watching it as a kid, but never got really into it until after we got married, because he watches it so often! It gets better with a rewatch, and we quote it pretty often (especially when driving -- 'Hold on to your butts!')

Jo said...

Long time since I saw Jurassic Park, frightening idea, especially as they know how to do that kind of thing these days. Visiited the area in the Dominican that was used in the JP film.

Always enjoy Andrew Leon's blogs, been following him for a long time. Also love Father Dragon and his models.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

Rachna Chhabria said...

I am a huge Jurassic Park fan. Loved the colourful dragons. And Andrew is a sweetie :)

Juliana Haygert said...

Jurassic Park - a classic. Great choice ;)

Andrew Leon said...

And, see, dinosaurs!
Thanks, Alex! You completely caught me off guard.
And thanks to everyone else, too, for the kind words.

Al Diaz said...

Despite the warning, this surprise surprised me so much that my heart beats off time and I'm close to having one of Pancholin's attacks, hahaha. Not used to be under the spotlight so often. You speak so good of me that I just hope people don't get disappointed. I do appreciate each and every word you've said, though. I value them and they bring warm to my heart and instill me with new energy to go on with my own battle. That's something I cannot repay but with my endless gratitude. Thank you, my friend.

Shell Flower said...

Sounds like Dr. Malcolm would be a good guy to have read your novel and look for plot holes :) Al's art is amazing. Going to visit Andrew's blog, too. Bloglovin' is pretty cool for more than just the reader. I actually get a lot of traffic (for my tiny blog) through bloglovin'.

Cherie Colyer said...

I agree, Jurassic Park is an awesome movie. And the dragon is amazing. Love it!

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm so excited they re-released Jurassic Park into theaters. In 3D no less. Can't wait for them to make the potential 4th movie.

Julie Flanders said...

It's amazing how well Jurassic Park holds up. I love it as much now as I did 20 years ago.

Al's art is totally amazing!

Bish Denham said...

I can see why Chuck won first place! Beautiful. And Jurassic Park, I don't think you'd find many people who didn't enjoy the ride.

Tyrean Martinson said...

That is a perfect fit - Mr. Logic and Andrew!!! Great post as always Alex!

Al rocks!!!! His artwork is amazing! He is one talented and big-hearted father dragon.

And I'll check out Bloglovin' today - I have kind of put off changing over.

jaybird said...

I follow Andrew and I think the Dragon (Al) is an amazing artist.

I will never forget the first time I saw that scene in Jurassic when the water started to move in the glass on the dashboard; so suspenseful and totally rad!!

A Beer for the Shower said...

I loved Jurassic Park, but I don't know if I'm in any rush to see it in theaters just because it's in 3D now. All of these 3D re-releases of old movies just feels like an excuse to generate more money.

Also, Andrew is one of our favorite blogger friends, Grammar Nazi or not!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe Jurassic Park is 20 years old. I plan on seeing the 3D version soon. I'm not a fan of 3D but this one I don't mind because of dinosaurs! =D

<a href="http://www.patricialynne.com/blog.html'>Patricia Lynne</a>

Jackie said...

I love Jurassic Park and can't wait to take my sons to see it in 3D!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Love Jurassic Park, the book. Love Ian Malcolm.
I did love Jurassic Park the movie, and I know they couldn't fit the whole book into the movie, but I missed some really key elements that I think would have made the movie even better.

You know me, never happy. :)

Going to see Al & Andrew!

HMG

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, not yet?

Clarissa, surprise!

Jo, very cool.

Andrew, bet you didn't see it coming.

Al, you are very welcome friend.

She'll, he would! And good to know.

SL, where the dinosaurs eat you?

Brandon and Bryan, I think you're right...

mshatch said...

Loved Jurassic Park - both the book and the movie :)

Would it be Opeth? I'm not sure if they're classified as Progrock or even if they're Dutch but they came to mind.

Suze said...

I love the way Goldblum played Malcolm. Congrats to Andrew for being pegged (get it? pegged) as such a cool character.

Jennie Bennett said...

I LOVE Jurassic Park. Never met Andrew, but he's sounds like someone I need to follow, stat :)

Ella said...

OOOH, I am scared of the Grammar Nazi...yikes! Great pick by the way :D

Al is amazing! I want to collab with him... :D
Wow....I love the detail of his art!

Having camera issues-so I will double up tomorrow and do J and K!

Happy Thursday Captain...hope you n' Mrs. AC are staying cool~

Patsy said...

I did enjoy Jurassic Park.

Powdered Toast Man said...

I just want Jurassic Park 4 to be made already. They keep pushing it back then canceling then bringing it back. Stop teasing me!!

cleemckenzie said...

Oh yes! I loved Jurassic. Did you know they combined different animal sounds to make those Raptors sound the way they did? Turtles and geese, believe it or not. Baby elephant made some of the T-Rex chilling sounds.

I'm not sure if I've been over to meet Andrew. Will check

As to those beautiful Diaz sculptures, I loved them.

ilima said...

I love Ian from Jurassic Park, even more so in the book. His cynical humor is awesome.

Anonymous said...

I am absolutely amazed by your dedication and delightful posts in this year's challenge, Alex. Movie choices aside, your promotion of fellow bloggers is to be admired! I'm glad you highlighted Al's work today. He's quite the artist and blogger. As for Jurassic Park - classic...need I say more? :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Al's work is stunning. Jurassic Park even had Samuel L. Jackson, though the raptors not only chewed up the scenery but him in it!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Al's work is stunning. Jurassic Park even had Samuel L. Jackson, though the raptors not only chewed up the scenery but him in it!

SK Anthony said...

Al's creation are frigging awesome! Oh, and Jurassic Park is a fantastic movie ;)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Seeing you talk about Jurassic Park here really makes me mourn the passing of Michael Crichton. I enjoyed every book of his that I ever read from Congo (the movie adaptation was absolutely terrible) to Sphere to the Andromeda Strain and yes, to Jurassic Park (which is so brilliant I wish I would have thought of it). Spielberg definitely branded the movie as his own. I think I might have enjoyed a more faithful interpretation to the book, but that rarely happens these days. For the record, I have not enjoyed any of the Jurassic Park sequels.

Mina Burrows said...

LOVE Jurassic Park! I may pull it up this weekend to watch with my son.

Intangible Hearts said...

Yes, Jurassic Park was stellar! I agree with Michael that Crichton was amazing.

Huntress said...

In Jurassic Park, the scene when the raptor leaps up toward its victim (and the camera!)caused a grown man to jump up and scream in the theater I was attending. *still laughing*

Strange Pegs sounds great! My next stop, I think.

I am trying Bloglovin' also as well as Feedly. I sincerely think Google is wrong headed about their decision to kill Reader. Fools!

CD Coffelt ponders at Spirit Called
And critiques at UnicornBell

Golden Eagle said...

Those are amazing works of art!

Yup, I'm following Andrew. He always has interesting posts.

I tried Bloglovin' and get email updates for some posts; once Google Reader shuts down for good I think I'll stick with Feedly, though. I like the fact it works as a browser app.

Andrew Leon said...

Okay, now that I'm home from dropping off the kids at the sweatshop for the day, I finally had a chance to listen to the song. Pretty good. Harder than I usually listen to, but, still, a good sound. I'm gonna have to look up the lyrics.

Which reminds me: I've been to check and see if you've heard this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGxYzK27TKo
I just kept forgetting to ask.

Again, thanks for the shout out. I can certainly live with being compared to Malcolm.

I'll give you one guess for "N."

Mark said...

Jurassic Park was so cool when it came out, and Malcolm's character is definitely the best:)

Tami Von Zalez said...

I tried Feedly and hated it. I opted for the RSS feed through Microsoft Outlook.

thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

AL, is an AMAZING talent and so incredibly sensitive and sweet for a dragon. LOL.

Wonderful creations. I always enjoy multi-talented writers. So many of us need more than one outlet for our talent and it makes it that much more exciting to discover it in others!!!!

Happy Friday!

ONLY SEVEN MORE INTOS! YAY!!!!! I hope to write two to three more today and the rest tomorrow and Saturday.

How awesome would it be to start the third week with ALL posts scheduled. I may even get to visit lots of new bloggers.... I WANT TO SOOOOO BADLY!!!!!

Tina said...

Loved Jurassic Park! The Engineer and I went to see if for our first anniversary and were just blown away by what leaps they'd made in CGI. And that work still holds up today! Will go visit Andrew, Al's work is amazing, and maybe I'll try that new reader...I just usually use my sidebar...

Tina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

Alexandra Heep said...

I actually found Ayreon/Arjen a few years ago through a Uriah Heep connection. Trivia for you: Can you name the Heep connection?

LOL,just kidding. You have enough going on. I am just thrilled that for once I know what you are talking about, as I don't do movies and am the only person in the world who has never seen Jurassic Park.

PK HREZO said...

Wow Al's dragons rock!! And I recently met Andrew thru A-Z. He's great! And Jurassic Park was prolly the best movie I ever saw on the big screen. Pure awesome!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, like the compy dance in the cave?

MsHatch, that is a good guess! Not Opeth.

Suze - good one.

Ella, you and Al could create something amazing.

Lee, I did know that!

Thank you, MJ.

Huntress, that's funny.

Andrew, that's one of their milder songs. Was a challenge to find one that fit. Will go check out the clip and I'm guessing N will be Ninja.

Michael, that's why I'm thankful I have music. And you can do it!! Then you can relax for the rest of the Challenge.

Alexandra, very cool! Did one of the members of Uriah Heep play on one of Arjen's albums? He always pulled in a wide range of musicians.

Sherry Ellis said...

Jurassic Park is a great movie!

I'm using Bloglovin. It works well.

Andrew Leon said...

Let me know what you think of the song. Evidently, it was one of the significant Christian songs of 2012.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Al is so very talented...not to mention uplifting and a wonderful man, ahem, dragon to know.

Mary Aalgaard said...

I liked Jurassic Park. The dragons look really cool. I think I'll look into Bloglovin. I can't figure out how to transport my reader stuff to feedly.

Play off the Page

Nicki Elson said...

Oh my gosh - I just love that you're casting bloggers. This is totally fun. Have you seen JP in 3D IMAX yet? It's faaantastic!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

When Jurassic Park came out in the summer of 1993, I saw it FOUR times in the theater (don't judge). I loved it. Loved the book too. The sequels were not so good but oh well. I want to go see the re-release in 3D this weekend.

Rusty Carl said...

Great choice with Andew, he loves dinosaurs. I wanted to see Jurassic Park last weekend but decided to try out the new blue ray release instead - but they didn't have it in 3D. So we got Wreck-it-Ralph instead.

S.P. Bowers said...

Loved Jurasic Park and it was classic for the era.

Anonymous said...

Loved Jurassic Park!

Al Diaz said...

Hahaha, was trying to steal the 100 but Higher Powers thought that's cheating.

Luanne G. Smith said...

I love sparring with Andrew. He is one of the deep thinking bloggers out there. A favorite for sure. :)

And am I the only one who can't figure out feedly? Perhaps I'll give bloglovin' a try. Sigh. Why does Google hate us so to put us through these changes?

Sharon Himsl said...

Hi Alex. Second time visitor here (was waiting for something to say :) I still remember that loud thud when Jurassic Park debuted in the family's TV room. It was a new age for us! Several speaker setups later, we have transitioned to an official "theater room." Just gets better all the time (except I'm not allowed to decorate this room!).

Robin said...

I am on a roll with the Trivia answers. The Engineer was the Husband. Hahahaha.

Congrats to Andrew.

Being a new follower of Al's blog, I saw the unveiling of the dragons when he posted them. They are FANTASTIC!!!

Alexandra Heep said...

Yes, Ken Hensley played keyboards on Loser. He gets around anyway. I can tie Heep to a bunch of bands because of him, even Cinderella.

Unknown said...

Wow! Has it really been 20 years since Jurassic Park was released. That makes me feel really old, you do know that right? I went and saw it when it opened in the theater. Sheesh, time flies. And of course, I want to watch it now. I wonder if my roomie owns a copy of it. haha

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sherry, I really like it so far.

Andrew, as soon as I get through fifty more blogs today, I'll let you know.

Nicki, no I didn't.

Optimistic, I think I saw it at least twice.

Rusty, fun choice.

Al, nice try!

LG, I just can't figure out how to delete feeds in Feedly!

Hey, Sharon! I bet the theater is the man-cave, isn't it?

Leovi said...

I like the choice of Chuck for writers with imagination.

Charles Gramlich said...

Yes, I have much love for Jurassic Park. And Malcolm is a great character. "You think they'll have that on the tour?"

Carol Kilgore said...

I love Al's work :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I liked the first two Jurassic Park movies.

Al's dragon and eagle are amazing.

M Pax said...

I'll have to check out bloglovin. Reader has already disappeared from my google menu. Has it from yours?

Jurassic Park is one of my all-time favorites, and I love Al's artwork. It's so joyful and spirited.

Brinda said...

I loved Jurassic Park--the movie and the book.

Tony Laplume said...

Jurassic Park has a fun cast!

Christine Rains said...

Great tribute to Andrew today. Al's art is amazing! I need to find myself a new reader, but I haven't had the time yet.

David T List said...

How have I never heard of Ayreon??
Prog Metal is right up my alley! They remind me of Symphony X. Good stuff!

Stephen Tremp said...

I'll check out Bloglovin. Thanks for the link.

And Al is one talented guy. Does Al get to break open his award winning pinata in celebration of third place? Now I need to get something sweet to eat.

Anonymous said...

The last time I watched Jurassic Park, I actually listened to his Chaos Theory, and it blew my mind. He was explaining what was about to go down the rest of the movie! :D

I knew "The Engineer" was her husband, but I wasn't sure because I didn't read her blog. *blush*

Steven said...

Jurassic Park the movie was okay. I enjoyed the book much, much more!

Mel Chesley said...

That pinata is awesome! And I will check out Bloglovin'. :D

Patricia Stoltey said...

Thanks for the heads up about Bloglovin' -- and yes, I have a very big list to transfer.

Samantha May said...

I have the entire Jurassic Park soundtrack on my Itunes :) It's one of my favorites! I didn't realize that I was the same age as the movie though.

LynNerdKelley said...

What an awesome A to Z post, Alex. I love how you've combined your theme into three categories and are featuring special bloggers. Way to pay it forward.

Al's artwork is cool! Unique.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Charles, he had all the snarky lines.

Mary, no it's still there. But there are a few blogs that don't show up right away when there are new posts.

David, Symphony X is one of my favorites.

Debra, good guess!

Samantha, you just made me feel very old...

Lynn, thanks!

SpacerGuy said...

I'm checking out Bloglovin and stopped over at Andrews. Arlee Bird's written a fascinating post on juggling.

Anonymous said...

I am currently on Bloglovin- will have to add you! Love Jurassic Park- it is a classic for sure :)

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

Love Jurassic Park and Andrew Leon is the perfect Dr. Ian. Malcolm. Cheers to Andrew!

And wow- Al's Dragons are amazing. What talent :)

DL Hammons said...

Are you going to see the 3D version?

Jeff Hargett said...

I firmly believe that Al's talent is boundless.

John Wiswell said...

Man, how are you constantly dialing into the movies I want to watch while this lung infection labors on? Jurassic Park sounds so good right now.

Jen said...

Jurassic Park is one of my favorite movies and I'm excited to see it return to the big screen!

Jen

farawayeyes said...

Ha, am I last?

Love Al's dragon and that pinata is really something.

It's been a long day.

Sherry Ellis said...

If you want to announce that I got an agent, that would be great! I'll be represented by the L & C Literary Agency for my book, Big Hole to China (and the rest of the series). There are actually two agents working on this: Anne Charles in the United States and Owen Burnham in the UK. Is that cool, or what?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

DL, probably not.

John, I'm sorry!

Sherry, that is cool! Already have you in my post tomorrow.

Carrie-Anne said...

As an Eighties kid, Al's dragon reminded me of a creature from the show Zoobilee Zoo. It must've taken ages to make that, and the piñata.

Jemi Fraser said...

Love those dragons!! I've always had a soft spot for them since reading McCaffrey's Pern series :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Al is very talented and I love Jurassic Park.

Chuck said...

Alex, thanks for the thanks of the thanks!!! And you are the one who turned me on to Arjen...his music is impressive.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, you are the man. And cool you like Arjen.

Andrew Leon said...

Did you listen to that song, yet? Email me and let me know what you thought.

DMS said...

I loved Jurassic Park! I read the book and saw the movie and although they were different- they were both great! Thanks for sharing Diaz's work- how cool!
~Jess

Carrie Butler said...

Oh man. The dinosaur that fans out and hisses scared the crap out of me when I was younger!

Kristen said...

I love the original Jurassic Park, I love dry humor, and Al Diaz rules! :)

#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

Jocelyn Rish said...

Jurassic Park always holds an odd place in my heart. I was looking forward to seeing it when it came out and had planned to go with my cousin and siblings. Then just a few minutes before we were going to leave, the boy I was super crushing on stopped by and wanted to hang out. And like the IDIOT I am, I told him I couldn't because I already had plans. He never asked again. Now Jurassic Park was a great movie, but twenty years later I still wonder, "What if?"

Helena said...

I was so glad the sound was on loud at the theater showing Jurassic Park because I was screaming during the scene with the velociraptors in the kitchen. If I go to see it in 3D I'll scream again.

kjmckendry said...

Jurassic Park is one of my favorites and I love Ian's character! Congrats to Andrew and Al!

klahanie said...

Human friend, Alex,

I've backtracked to this post. My poor paws can barely keep up.

My human thought that there was a "Thesaurus" in "Jurassic Park". I explained to him what it was.

Andrew Leon, hello!
Al Diaz, this comment wont um dragon.

As far as "Bloglovin'", we also note that entering our email address on those who have that application on their sites, comes in mighty handy or 'pawsy'.

Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Jurassic Park 1 was amazing, but 2&3 were garbage. I tried Bloglovin, but it doesn't have folders so it doesn't work for me. Glad it works for you Alex!

Jai Joshi said...

Such great dragons! Thanks for letting me know about this artist!

Jai

randi lee said...

Jurassic Park scared the pants off of me as a kid! Once I grew up a little bit, realized there were no velociraptors in my closet like my big bruv convinced me there were, I watched it again and found it to be a great, great ride!

Unknown said...

Andrew is just awesome. I'm sorry I am so so late, but better late than never. Thanks for always being there at The Imaginarium, you are a terrific friend.

Al's creations are amazing.

Unknown said...

I'm still using Feedly at the moment, though I'm slowly looking at Bloglovin more and more. It's hard to choose between the two

Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom