Friday, April 1, 2011

A to Z Challenge - A

Time to kick off the A to Z Challenge! During April I am featuring some awesome bloggers, many of whom are participating in the Challenge. These individuals offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and assisted my blogger journey. Of course I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...

A No. 2 Pencil, Stat!
It’s official – RaShelle rocks! She’s a positive, uplifting cheerleader. I can always count on Rashelle for a genuine word and a smile. And her book, Distorted, will be out soon! RaShelle’s a smart, sassy, and beautiful lady, so hop over to her site and tell her “You rock!”

Apocalypse Now
Is the world ending soon? Are we enduring the final days? Well, let’s just enjoy a good laugh on our way to the apocalypse! Chuck runs a fun site that deserves ten times the followers for the weekend graphs alone. He’s cool, so go tell Chuck that he’s The Dude!

Today is April Fool's Day and the release of Source Code and Hop in theaters. Still not sure about a bunny that craps Easter eggs though. And it's only 24% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Source Code is at 93%! Seeing that one for sure.

144 comments:

Barbara said...

Awesome, I'm off to pay a visit now :) I like your descriptions, they're so much fun! :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. that's a generous way to do the A - Z .. there's so much support here .. and I'll be over to RaShelle and Chuck when their posts are up.

A - Z is starting well at this end of the world .. cheers Hilary

Francine Howarth said...

Hi,

Rock it to'em baby. This is such a fun Jamboree! ;)

best
F

M.J. Fifield said...

I'm not sure about a bunny that craps candy either. But Source Code looks like it could be good.

Siv Maria said...

All I have to say is that maybe Chicken Little was right :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Well Alex the day is here, thanks for the visit, lots of good advice which I must say was heeded.
Hope all goes well with your personal challenge.

Yvonne.

Ellie Garratt said...

The madness begins!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Bz!

Yes it is, Hilary!

MJ, I'll find out tonight.

Yvonne, hoping for more excellent friends like you.

Ellie, bring it on!

Jan Morrison said...

Hi Alex - great way to do the alphabet! I'll check out those sites, as soon as I've done today's A-Z round...
Jan Morrison - clickable signature

Bluestocking Mum said...

I'm in! Good to make your aquaintance. Found you thro' Talli.

warm wishes

Lisa said...

I'm joining in for some of the fun. And excitement;)

Thank you for hosting this massive blogfest. I am truly impressed.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Ah, this "A to Z Challenge" is crazy :) Not sure if I can handle with it - it's MASSIVE!

"Hop" looks kinda cute, but "Source Code" will be the real deal ;)

Li said...

Can't wait for Source Code. and, pretty clever, figuring out ways to promote bloggers using the alphabet. Obviously, A is for Alex who rocks!

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Knew I could count on you for a clever theme.
Such a sweet way to go.

Unknown said...

I'm on it, Alex - scared stiff, but I'm on it.

Liz P said...

Great post! I'm already a follower of RaShelle and just started following Apocalypse Now (the graphs are hilarious!). Great blogs to feature, thanks! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Jan!

Thanks for the follow, Bluestocking.

Ocean Girl, it's beyond our wildest expectations!

Nebular, I'll include a review of Source Code with my post tomorrow.

Thanks, li!

Glad you're following them, Liz.

Joyce said...

Hopping over from the A to Z challenge today...thanks for co-hosting. Belated congratulations on your book release!

Misha Gerrick said...

It's awesome that you're linking to bloggers.

I'll definitely coming back to follow links once the dust settles, but for now, I have thirty eight blogs to visit today.

Ciao ciao.

;-)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's a really sweet theme!

mooderino said...

Source Code feelsliek a very familiar premise, look forwrd to your review on it.

Jennifer Shirk said...

LOL! I know! Everytime I see the previews for Hop, I'm a little disgusted. :-)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

A great start, Alex. Happy (April) Fool's Day.

Jules said...

I'm more interested in the fat chicken :) Great blog choices and away we go :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Joyce!

Misha - I know!!!

Mooderino, I'll post it tomorrow.

Jennifer - good, it's not just me!

Jules, as in for dinner?

Emily White said...

Well how did you think the Easter eggs came out?? :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Thanks for hosting the challenge. I'm number 814. Isnt' that amazing! One of my boys started reading your book this week. I think he likes it!!

Ella said...

And we're off... Great way to begin!
Off to check out the amazing A's you mentioned. Hop sounds demented, but there is an audience for it(yikes).
See ya later, Captain~

L.A. Colvin said...

Will check out their blogs. Source Code is on my list of go-sees.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Emily, I try not to think about it...

Mary, wow! Thanks so much.

Ella, hope you tune in for E!

Vicki Rocho said...

It's fun to see how many different interpretations there are for this A-Z challenge.

Summer Ross said...

I want to see Hop- I think I'll take my girls to it.

Anonymous said...

This is such a generous way to do your A2Z, Alex! Thanks for hosting this, I'm having way too much fun :). It rocks to have twice as many visitors as I usually do, a 100 times as many comments...I'm loving it. Thanks to you and all the organizers!

Mara Nash said...

Thanks for co-hosting this challenge. It should be a, well, challenge. But super fun, too.

I've been so busy I haven't paid attention to movies coming out, other than Harry Potter. But once I'm past May, I'm sure I'll start looking forward to summer flicks!

baygirl32 said...

I already follow Chuck, I'm off to 'meet' RaShelle now.

Anonymous said...

I agree, RaShelle sdoes rock! ANd I'll stop by Chuck's site and say hi. I am so looking forward to seeing Source Code too! Hop, the kids want to go so I'll be hitting them both.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

great start, i am happy you all have the energy for this blog-a-thon. i am going to read my heart out.

a is for awesome.

jeremy

Matt Conlon said...

I'm hoping (hopping?!) to take my kid to see hop, I think it looks cute at least. :)

Jaydee Morgan said...

It's like Christmas. Not only are there many new blogs to check out but love getting links to new ones all the time. Enjoy your movie!!

Unknown said...

the bunny craps jelly beans Alex....!!!lol I do want to see source code... though... happy to be visiting..

Dafeenah said...

What a great way to use the challenge! Off to visit now!

Grammy said...

Hey, Alex! Thanks so much for the support you constantly give to me! You are absolutely adorable...I didn't know that Hops was about a rabbit that poopies Easter Eggs. How gross is that!!!
Looking forward to reading lots of good posts, and thanks for helping to host.
Love,
Ruby

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Vicki, it is!

damyantiwrites, glad you're enjoy it.

Stephen, good luck. Think I'll avoid Hop.

RaShelle Workman said...

Ah, Alex- You are the one who rocks! Thanks for the sweet comments. This challenge is going to be a blast! Can't wait to meet everyone. =D

Unknown said...

Great way to start it off! Can't wait for those interviews.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Apocalypse - is the world ending? I think it is here. All our snow was gone, and now we're having a blizzard. Really????? Mother Nature has a sense of humor.

Unknown said...

Ok well I hate to be a buzz kill on movies but I saw Source Code at the premiere at SXSW and it left quite a bit to be desired and I am not a very harsh movie critic.

Hop I have heard will be very good and it is funny. I heard this from some of my friends that worked on the film.

I am going to go and take a look at the two you suggested. Hooray for new blogs, and pop culture ;)

Teresa
http://icecoldpenguin.blogspot.com

Heather M. Gardner said...

I think the bunny poops jelly beans! I have to go see it, we made it an incentive for my kid to do well in school this week!

The Letter A seems to be going very well.

Old Kitty said...

Awwwwwww so sweet!! RaShelle is amazing and super sexy and Apocalypse Now is not only a fab film but a new blogger I've not met!! hooooorahhh!!!!

:-) Take care
x

Brianna said...

Thanks for the blog recs!

I'm not keen on a bunny pooping jelly beans either!

Stephanie Lorée said...

I've followed Rashelle for awhile now. She's the best!

Chuck is new to me, but I'm checking him out today.

Huh, that really didn't come out right. Don't tell my old man! :P

Matthew MacNish said...

What a brilliant idea, Alex! I love it that you're using each letter to point us to new bloggers.

Trevor Peck said...

"Still not sure about a bunny that craps Easter eggs though."

That one sentence is going to keep me laughing all day!

Great idea for posts as well!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

RaShelle, you rock!

Salarsen, I'd take snow!

Teresa, since it looks like a rehash of other movies, I won't go in with high expectations.

Brianna, that's just disgusting, isn't it?

Stephanie, I won't say a word...

Matthew, it was the least I could do to give back.

Trevor, I am here for your amusement!

Paul Joseph said...

Love your theme, Alex! Great idea!!!

Jessica Bell said...

Well, the world better not end before this challenge is over! ;o) good luck with the daunting challenge of being a co-host!

Jessica @ The Alliterative Allomporph

Sarah Ahiers said...

Source Code looks awesome (mmm Jake Gyllenhaal...)

Also, the rabbit poops jelly beans, not easter eggs. And i don't know what the deal is with that movie...

Carol Kilgore said...

Have a great April Challenge!

Nicki Elson said...

Aw, that's so sweet you're featuring members of your army throughout the month. Looking forward to seeing what you think of Hop.

Anonymous said...

I think we're definitely in Apocalypse mode. But while the race may be difficult at times, it can also be fun. A to Z isn't an earth-shattering thing, but it's fun. At least so far (oops, we're only on A). Well, the race isn't just to the swift. The important thing is getting to the finish line!

And that's no April Fool.

Great post, Alex.

Tamara McRill said...

There's something off-putting about EB in the "Hop" trailers. The only reason I can think of to see it is to listen to Russel Brand.

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see Source Code!! My grandkids will love the Easter Bunny poops eggs...heck anything that poops is funny to them.#easilyentertained

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Great start, Alex.
Happy April fools and weekend.
xoRobyn

TS Hendrik said...

I love Chuck, he's great. I will check out the other one you've featured.

Talli Roland said...

Fantastic A - I heart RaShelle's blog!

Nate Wilson said...

I was familiar with RaShelle, but thanks for the introduction to Chuck's apocalyptic posts. And the reminder about Source Code... can't wait!

Kris said...

My Google Reader is full of A's.

Alex Ong said...

Alex from Breakfast Every Hour was here.

Marjorie said...

My kids want to see that silly Hop movie. There aren't very kid friendly movies to choose from in the theaters right now. I may have to endure it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jessica, thanks!

Sarah, it's still odd...

Ann, at least it's off to a good start.

Pam, that's kids for you!

TS, won't Chuck be surprised when he logs in and sees all his new followers!

Kris, it was hard to choose!

Marjorie, I'm sorry!

Ricky said...

Source Code this weekend for me !!

Corinne O said...

Source Code might be on the menu this weekend! Not sure about Hop either... lol

See you on the tour! I am #183 on the gigantic list! :)

Tea said...

Have fun on April Fools Day!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

The alphabet has taken over at least 1000 blogs this month. Is it the end of blogdom as we know it? ;)

♥.•*¨ Elizabeth Mueller ¨*•.♥

Tracy said...

Nah, the world is not coming to an end, but hey sin't it fun to hear the various conversations surrounding the thought?
well, I tink it's fun anyway...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ricky, we'll compare reviews then!

Elizabeth, it's just the beginning - next year we take over the internet!

Petra said...

Good to meet you! Only 25 more to go, woot!

Penned Pebbles

Anonymous said...

I just joined the challenge, (I was 964 on the list), and I'm happy to have discovered your blog in this way.
Best of luck to all challenge participants.

Tiger85 said...

Fun post today. I'll definately check those two out thanks. I don't know if I'll be able to look at jelly beans the same way ever agian. LOL My son wants to see it pretty bad though. =)

http://tigeronmybookshelf.blogspot.com/

Natalie Decker said...

Wow what an Awesome way to do the A-Z blog. Creative, and Clever. Thumbs up to you. Great post

Jennifer Hoffine said...

Alphabetical bloggers. What a great idea! Will check them out and this blog often!

RosieC said...

Wow, really high ratings for Source Code. I'll have to check it out.

Rosie
East for Green Eyes

Myne said...

This challenge is turning out a lot of fun! I intend to see Source code too. Instead of Hop,, I'll wait for RIO.

Unknown said...

I'm going to the drive-in this evening. $5 for two new movies, on the list HOP and Limitless. Not sure I'll like either of them but for $5 I'll risk it!

Southpaw said...

Alex, bunnies only decorate eggs, silly you.

Arlee Bird said...

No movie theaters for me--just a DVD tonight as I break from blogging.
I like how you'll be featuring bloggers on your site--give them recognition!
This is crazy today and I love it. Having some computer problems this morning, but I've been compensating. Kind of set me behind though.
Have a great weekend!

Lee
Tossing It Out
Twitter hashtag: #atozchallenge

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rachel, glad you joined in time!

Tiger, good luck enduring the movie!

Thanks, Roza.

Thank you, Jennifer!

Myne, Rio is on my list as well.

Jen, you're lucky you still have a drive-in!

Michael Di Gesu said...

It took me days to get to the bottom... LOL!

HEY Alex,

You all did an AWESOME job pulling this event together!

I thought I'd let you know!

Golden Eagle said...

Can I get 100" screen? There are so many comments on this post!

I was just over at RaShelle's. :)

Julie Flanders said...

Hey Alex! Thanks for co-hosting this event, it's fantastic already. Great post to start, and I am anxious to see Source Code too! :)

Bossy Betty said...

What a great idea!!

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

Thanks for checking out my blog, Alex. Now I'm on my way to check out the blogs of RaShelle and Chuck.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, the theater will be my break! And this is nuts.

Thanks, Michael! Glad you found the end of the comments...

Julie, glad you're having fun!

Angela said...

I love it. Apocalypse Now. Not to be confused with Apostrophe now. Awesome!

Hannah said...

woot woot!! Here we go!! I'm so exhausted already and I've only read 15 today!! Too much real work to do.

Debra Gray-Elliott said...

Stopping by from the A-Z blog challenge. Great blog!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, will check out the other posts, as well. We were just wondering about seeing a movie this weekend.

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

Can't believe you have more than 1000 signed up! Amazing!

Monti
MaryMontagueSikes

KatheeJantzi said...

Sweet - up and running for A to Z! I'm excited for Source Code (Jake?!?!) - thanks for all the support with this great challenge!

Amber T. Smith said...

Wow, the A-Z is HUGE this year!! Congrats! And a brilliant theme you've got going there, I only hope I get around to at least halfof the blogs you recommend, not to mention the challenge bloggers....

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Angela, great play on words!

Hannah, I've read 120...

Arthurs, I will keep you updated on all things cool moviewise!

Monti - I know!]

Kathee, thanks for participating.

Lynnette Labelle said...

I think your mouse is faster than mine! ;)

Lynnette Labelle
www.lynnettelabelle.com

nutschell said...

Love being a Ninja! I get links to so many awesome blogs. :P

Dani said...

Another April Fool drops by!

Blog Book Tours Blog

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynnette, it's the Ninja skills!

Having fun, Dani?

J. D. Brown said...

Hey Alex. I don't have any desire to see Hop, really. Source Code does look cool. Happy April Fool's.

K.C. Woolf said...

Three cheers for ninjas - those who can write!

Jonathon Arntson said...

Source Code does look awesome, and I agree about the bunny movie...

Thanks for hosting this A-Z shindig!

Lindsay said...

Yay to the challenge. I even signed up for the fun too!

I really want to see Source Code -- it looks fab :)

Toby Neal said...

Popping in to say HI to the host!
Cool blog and I like your encouraging style.
Aloha
Toby
http://www.tobyneal.net/

Unknown said...

I caught The Eagle today. Now I feel bad: I'm sure I watched it for all the wrong reasons ;)

Snakesmom said...

I am looking forward to seeing both Hop & The Source Code. What a great start to the A-Z challenge by featuring other bloggers, very nice. Looking forward to B-Z! :)

jkraus8464 said...

Love your blog. By the way, April Fool's Day is no fun in an elementary school! I am following your blog now.

The Happy Whisk said...

Very nice blog post, Alex. Happy A to Z Month.

Amy Wood said...

I'll definitely check out the blogs you recommend. Looking forward to who you'll have tomorrow!

Suzie F. said...

Wow! 116 comments (117 now). What a day your having. Have fun with the A to Z!

Denise Covey said...

Not that you need the comments Ninja Alex. Just thought I'd pop over to see what the Grand Master was posting for numero uno and I saw Apocolypse Now, one of my all-time fave movies so it was worth the long journey.

Enjoy April. Wow! Over 1000+. I guess everyone thought if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Denise<3

L'Aussie Travel Blog A - Z Challenge

Laura Howard said...

Hey Ninja
What's weird about pooping jellybeans? I think that's an amazing skill, if only I could master it...

Charmaine Clancy said...

Thanks for the links - everyone is off and running!

Love the blog background, reminded my daughter of a certain robot's nightmare :-)

KC Kendricks said...

Save me a seat at Source Code :)
Just dropping by on my way to meet a few other A to Z Bloggers. So nice to meet you, Alex! And really - save me seat!

Unknown said...

Great post. A good start to the challenge. I really want to see Source Code, now that looks interesting.

Alison Miller said...

Great post! I will more than likely be seeing Hop with my two children. And I will definitely stop by to check out the featured bloggers.

Unknown said...

I thought Hop looked cool.

I'm glad Source Code is doing so well, really gotta see that one.

See you in the challenge.
PS: I don't think the world is going done, but we might.
Nahno

Leovi said...

Apocalypse Now is a great movie, but I think we see the end of the world.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

JD, you have good taste!

KC, Ninjas are just awesome that way...

Jonathon, you are welcome.

Lindsay, good for you!

Thanks, Toby.

Snakesmom, I just wanted to give back.

Jeanne, thanks, and I bet not!

Suzie, might break my record yet...

Denise, thanks - I appreciate that!

Laura, you'd be the life of the party!

Charmaine, I liked the science fiction feel...

KC - I just got back! Where were you?

Chuck said...

Alex, thanks so much for the shout out early in the Challenge...it means a lot. I think the month is going to be an eye-opening experience and I look forward to making some new friends and reading a lot of great bogs. Thanks again Alex!

Ciara said...

Alex, you have to see my 'A' post. It's the best post I've ever written. Really. :) You'll have to look to see why. Loving the A-Z challenge. I'm so glad I found it on your blog. Good luck!

Laura Eno said...

Great way to showcase other blogs!

Anonymous said...

I'm enjoying reading everyone's entries so far. Thanks for pointing me to two great blogs!!

The Words Crafter said...

I've met some neat bloggers already!

This thing has grown to 1108 so far, can you believe it?

Gonna go check out the two bloggers you've been so sweet to feature...ttyl!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Fantastic theme for the challenge!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, you are welcome! Hope get gain a ton of followers - you deserve it.

Ciara - uh-oh!!

Words, featuring others was the least I could do.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Source Code is looking pretty good. Of course, I have to see Hobo With a Shotgun, first.

A Piece of My Mind

KjM said...

Great start to the A-Z challenge - and a good pointer to blogs I haven't seen before.

Have a great April.

Jemi Fraser said...

RaShelle is wonderful - I haven't met Chuck yet - I'll have to fix that! :)

Anonymous said...

I'm following the apocalypse blog now; thanks for the suggestion. Source Code is on my list.

Cheeseboy said...

Well, I decided not to do A to Z. Love the idea, but I'd miss the freedom of blogging about whatever I want. I'll still love reading and commenting on yours and others though.

Really want to see Source Code too.

Heather Henry said...

Dear Alex,
I almost feel bad commenting, one more thing you have to read. I imagine you've probably been busy reading all day! I am hopeful that your internet is faster than mine, otherwise it could take years.
I love your approach to this Challenge and I am grateful for it. I am looking forward to each new letter this month.
Have a truly splendid month and don't forget to exercise your eyeballs.
Ciao for now!
Heather of littleredhenry.blogspot.com

Nicole/MadlabPost said...

Yeah, Apocalypse Now is just a budding according to some people I know and it's becoming rather aggravating to be around people telling me that the world is coming to an end.

I tell them "Why do you have to tell me that? Keep this information to yourself", because I mean really, why would someone want to mess up another person's last few days with that kind of sad news?

On another note:

Source Code is THE movie to check out this weekend.

I had a chance to check it out in advance within the last few weeks but missed out on that due to work.

Hop looks cute but I hope Source Code tops the box office this weekend, when the ticket sales are tallied up on Monday.

Unknown said...

Alex, congrats on the publication of your first novel! How exciting! I am also a sci-fi writer. My first YA sci-fi novel will be released in July. I'm going to check out Cassastar. Love the title!

~Melissa
Reflections on Writing

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cheeseboy, we'll just have to pressure you harder next year!

Heather, I read and appreciate each comment!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such sweet words.

Nicole, Source Code was awesome, and Chuck's site is all fun and games.

Melissa, thank you!!!

Jamie Gibbs said...

Yay for RaShelle! She is indeed uber awesome :D Haven't really looked at Apocalypse Now though, I'll head over there right now :D

Pat Tillett said...

Source Code it is then! (this week).
I like your idea of posting links!

Jim said...

144 comments already. Wow. I gotta lot of excuses though.
http://holesinmysoles.blogspot.com/2011/04/e-is-for-excuses-a-z-challenge.html