Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Long Weekend News...

Lots of cool stuff happening! And Thanksgiving for my American friends. Food, family, and football – the essentials to a comatose day of overindulgence. 

All nominations for The 411 Movie Awards must be in by November 28! I’ve been nominated for Best Science Fiction Blog and Best Blog Post (for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest.) But, it’s only the top five nominated blogs who go on to the voting stage. No groveling, but I would be really thankful if you clicked over and nominated me. 


And don’t forget these awesome sites, also in the running for an award or two:  
Cinemarvellous! GOLD! Nominate George’s site for the Gold Award and Best Design

DL at Cruising Altitude, along with several co-hosts, are holding a Déjà vu Blogfest

“On December 16, re-post your favorite blog offering or one that never received the exposure it should have.” 

I already know which post I’ll select – do you? 

This is also the weekend for three family-friendly movie releases. I’m not ashamed to say I will be seeing the Muppet movie. It’s part of my childhood. A part I’m not letting go of just yet! No laughing – I’ll have to sic Animal on you. 

Arthur Christmas also intrigues just because it’s from Aardman Animations. (The people who created Flushed Away, Wallace and Gromit, and Chicken Run.) Ladies, you can swoon over James McAvoy’s voice – he’s Arthur! 

And since it’s Thanksgiving weekend, here’s my short list of things for which I am grateful: 
My wife 
My relationship with Jesus 
My job 
My home 
My friends, including all of you
The case of Hot Tamales I’ve requested from Santa for Christmas 
(And a new guitar would be cool as well!) 

Your turn – what are you grateful for? 
Don’t forget The 411 Movie Awards nominations. 
And the Déjà vu Blogfest. 
And Muppets! 
Don’t make this Ninja go all Animal on you…(Bet some of you would like that, wouldn't you?)

114 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I am thankful for the two of my children who do care for me also my lovely grandson:
Although I have had health isuues there are people worse off than me.

Thankful for all the friends on blogshepre who have supported me over the years.

Thankful I have enough food and heating to make me comfortable.
Last but not least I am still able to see Daniel in concert in April(God Willing) had to get him in somewhere Alex.

Have a good day.
Yvonne.

Bryan Russell said...

I'm like one of those two old grumpy guys on the balcony...

Rek Sesh said...

Have posted the all important nomination. :) Happy turkey carving.

Javid Suleymanli said...

I will nominate you Alex! And I will also nominate myself as best new comer. All the people who read this comment please nominate my blog too:

http://www.JavidSuleymanli.com/

Thanks :)

farawayeyes said...

"A bear in his natural habitat. A Studebaker." Ah, the Muppets.

I'll go vote as soon as I'm done.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Making the rounds to thank people for the kind comments on my 'naked' blog. Thank you very much, I do sincerely appreciate it.

Have a great Turkey Day.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Have fun with the Muppets, Alex! And thanks for bringing us the news and reminding us to be grateful!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, thanks for the support, and thanks in advance to all these great people, who have nominated me. :)

I can't wait to see The Muppets. I know it will be so much fun!

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Alex! A case of Hot Tamales? Yum yum (you do mean the candy right? because the real thing would also be delish)

DL Hammons said...

Thanks for the blogfest mention Alex! We're shooting for an event of EPIC proportions, so this helps alot!

Take care of you and your family, and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :)

LynnRush said...

LOVE THIS!!!
I'm thankful for
My sweet hubby
God's mercy
Family
Job
Having a house over my head and food to eat.
Friends
Health

I could go on as i know many of you could as well. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Jemi Fraser said...

I never could decide who was my favourite: Animal, Fozzie, Beaker... awesome! :)

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!!

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Chocolate and Fridays

Unknown said...

Congratulations. Nomination done. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving.

Matthew MacNish said...

I vote for you every time, because, let's face it: you're awesome.

Old Kitty said...

I'm grateful for Daniel Craig.

:-)
Take care
x

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, I knew Daniel would be on your list!

Bryan, you strike me as a Waldorf...

Thanks, Rek!

Thanks, Javid.

Faraway, you are a true Muppet fan!

George, you're welcome. The Muppet movie is perfect on Rotten Tomatoes right now. Look for my Tweet later today about it.

Karen, they are both good, aren't they?

You're welcome DL.

Lynn, those are wonderful.

Jemi, I'd definitely pick Animal.

Matthew, thank you very much.

Kitty, of course!

Rusty Carl said...

Tons to be thankful for. I eat, am loved, have a warm bed. Everything else is just fluff.

PK HREZO said...

Yay for the Muppets!! I force them on my kids whether they like it or not. lol
You have so much to be thankful. And I'm equally thankful to have an awesome bloggy friend like you.
Cheers to a happy turkey day!! All the best to you and your fam!!

LD Masterson said...

I love Cookie Monster.

I'm grateful that all my family are well this Thanksgiving and that I'll get to see most of them. That's about as good as it can get.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Hey, congrats on being nominated. I'll be heading over when I'm done commenting.

Have a wonderful Thanksgving!

A case of hot tamales? Like the Mexican food or the candy? I'm sure it's the candy now but when I first saw that I really did think the Mexican dish.

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm thankful for the Muppets! And much, much more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Jesus, Family, Job, Home, America, Small Community, AND MY AWESOME BLOGGER FRIENDS.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, it's always the basics.

PK, thanks, and forcing Muppets on your kids is funny.

Donna, candy first, but I'll eat anything spicy.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Tara Tyler said...

thanks for the news!
congrats, you will make it, i'm sure!
hope to see one of tjose cute movies too =)

thankful for all i have, family, home, etc. i'm very blessed and will try to get kids to see it by going down town this year & volunteering

Brinda said...

Congrats on your nominations! No groveling necessary- I'll go and vote right now.

Charles Gramlich said...

Have a happy thanksgiving, man.

Unknown said...

Who said we had to let go of our childhood? Not gonna happen. I'll have to borrow animal from you to sic anyone who says otherwise! :D

Yea for the holidays! I'm grateful that we have them so I can spend entire days with my husband and kids. The food's a great bonus, too.

Tonja said...

I'm thankful so many things. The top of the list today is the patience of my husband. He perfectly offsets my impatience.

Budd said...

thanks, we are thankful for you too.

mshatch said...

I'm thankful for this wonderful community of bloggers, my large and crazy family, and my job - even tho I don't much like it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tara, I hope so.

Brinda, just nominations at the moment, but still very important.

Nisa, then I'm not letting go of mine. Ever.

Nancy Thompson said...

I'll be popping over to vote for you, Alex. And I'm doing the Deja Vu blogfest, too. Can't wait to read yours.

As for what I'm thankful for, well the basics like family & health & a roof over my head, of course. But this year I'm so incredibly grateful for all the new friends I've made while writing & blogging. They've all helped me get through some tough times. Like many out there, I posted about this, as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Robyn Campbell said...

I can't wait to see Arthur Christmas. Yiipppeeeeee

I too am thankful for my Risen Savior, Alex. Without him, I would be in a huge amount of trouble.

My hubby and family and for the best job in the world!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm thankful to know you. (We could meet someday. I'm in NC.) Thankful for our blogging world and my CP'S. Especially Sharon Mayhew. And thankful for my pal, Lenny Lee!

I could go on and on and on. Happy Thanksgiving, Alex!

My team plays the Cowboys tomorrow. With a bag over her head she yells, "Go Dolphins!"

Sarah Ahiers said...

On my way to nominate you right now!

Leovi said...

I've sent the email giving my vote to you. I wish you luck.

Kristen Wixted said...

I am thankful for my 50 *cheers, jumps up and down* followers.

Well, also for my good life.

Donea Lee said...

Hi, Alex!! Thanks so much for stopping by my sadly unattended blog - I appreciate it!

I'm thankful for my family, too. They are pretty darned awesome! And life just isn't complete without good friends - the "real" and the "cyber" kind, which I count you as one.

And I totally just nominated you for best sci-fi blog. VERY happy to do it!! (And I want to see The Muppets, too.) :)

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!!

Nicki Elson said...

Well, I'm grateful I get to stay home in my jammies today and finally catch up w/ my blog buddies! Also grateful for the Muppet Movie!!! Just visited those guys at Disney World and am ready for more. :D

D.G. Hudson said...

I'm grateful that in Canada we've already had our Thanksgiving! Also, very grateful for family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to all those south of the 49th parallel. Good luck with the awards, Alex.

As for the Muppets - they're just too lovable. Thank you, Jim Henson.

Luanne G. Smith said...

I'm grateful I don't have to cook the turkey this year. And I'm sure everyone else at the table will be just as grateful. :P

Enjoy the long weekend. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thank you, Nancy!

Robyn, we'd both be a mess then! And I'll join you in that cheer because I root for just about anyone except the Cowboys.

Sarah and Leovi, thanks!

Donea, thank you! And you've been missed my friend. Big time!

Nicki, one can never have too much of the Muppets.

DG, and we miss Jim Henson, but glad we can still enjoy his creations.

LG, that's always a big plus!

Birgit said...

I also want to see the Muppet Movie. One of my dad's favourite TV shows was the Muppet Show. To see my 6'2" lumberman dad laugh at the Muppet show and say his favs were the hecklers and Fozzie just makes me smile now. That is one thing I am grateful for. I also love reading your blog even if I do not participate as mkuch since I do not consider myself a writer but if ever you ask for questions to be answered i shall post:), I am thankful to my hubby, our furry family, my card making, watching great old movies, Christmas and friends who have been there for me recently. Thanks!!

Jasmine Walt said...

I am thankful for my husband, my friends and family, and for the opportunity I have to go to college and get a good education. :)

My husband is dying to see the Muppets, and admittedly I am too! I hope it's as good as the trailers say!

And the Deja Vu blogfest sounds really cool.

Arlee Bird said...

I've got my post for Deja Vu ready to go. And I'm ready to go shopping for the last minute dinner ingredients for Thanksgiving.

Have a great weekend!

Tossing It Out
Lee

Christopher Hudson said...

Yes, a Strat with a maple neck would be nice.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm thankful for chocolate and all sorts of things I take for granted. My support system too, which includes blogland.

Happy Thanksgiving, Alex.
I'll go do some voting.
xoRobyn

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Oh yes! Thank you for the Deja vu blogfest reminder. I think I might also check out that Arthur movie!

Karen Lange said...

I am grateful for so many things, including great blogging friends like you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Helena said...

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy those Muppets! May you win the award.

Southpaw said...

Happy Thanksgiving!

M.J. Fifield said...

Congratulations on your nominations!

I too am looking forward to the Muppet movie.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

The Happy Whisk said...

Love the Muppets. As for your comment on my blog. A little over one a day. That's true. But I'm not a daily blogger. I am now though.

Bring me the head of 49.

Cheers and boogie boogie.

Andrew Leon said...

Make sure you stop by my blog for my list. Because you're in the list.

Anonymous said...

I concur on your list of being thankful! We'll see a movie tomorrow. Muppets maybe. Possibly Arthur Christmas. Happy Feet II and Hugo are possibilities. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Ian Anderson said...

I'm thankful for school breaks! Even though my family is sick, this long time off to recover is wonderful!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

I'm thankful for
-hubby
-jobs
-blogging buddies
-roof over my head
-salvation
and so much more! Happy Thanksgiving! I hope to see the Muppets this weekend also!

C D Meetens said...

I am so looking forward to the Muppet movie (February, over here) :)! Just saw them at the cinema in the UK in a special short for Orange mobile: http://youtu.be/EFyPna57QZo It was the highlight of my cinema trip.

Abby Minard said...

Hey Alex- just thinking of you today so I thought I'd stop by! Have a great Thanksgiving- and I am excited for the Muppets movie! I'm totally taking Little Monster to see it!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You want a new guitar? Do they make different sounds? Is there such a thing as having too many guitars? ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

LisaAnn said...

I am disproportionately excited about the Muppets. You will have to let us know what you think!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Aw, what a wonderful post! I love how you have your wife listed first. *sigh*

I'm grateful for Heavenly Father, my family, my friends, writing--and oh so much more! <3

Happy Thanksgiving!

♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Birgit, some days I don't feel like a writer and I'm sure some of my followers would be stunned to hear I was one!

Lee, you brave man!

Thanks, Robyn!

Whisk, you can do it!

Stephen - and everyone else who asked - Muppets is fun. Definitely for those of us who grew up with the show!

Lynda, they do make different sounds. And I think a dozen for someone who doesn't play in a band might be too many...

Cate Masters said...

The gratitude flows all year to my family and friends, who give meaning to life.
Ok, I'm a dweeb - how do I nominate you? In the comments?

Lisa said...

I am in constant Dejavu.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping us in the loop with all these cool happenin's! And thanks for sharing your attitude of gratitude. I've got a lot to thankful for, too -- primarily that despite being a private school teacher, God provides everything my wife and I need. And on the writing front, I'm grateful for all the editors this year who have given my work a chance. Onward and upward!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Best of luck with the awards! I'll head over there soon. Have fun with the Muppets, and Happy Thanksgiving! Julie

Heather M. Gardner said...

ANIMAL!
ANIMAL!
ANIMAL!

Happy turkey day, my friend. I am thankful!
Heather

julie fedderson said...

Just saw the Muppet movie with the kids. Sort of got me all nostalgic--loved the Muppet show. The movie was cute, would have liked to see more Muppet montage and less of the romantic plot. Gads, did I, romance novelist that I am, just say I wanted less romance? The world is ending :) Happy Thanksgiving!

Chuck said...

Alex, of course you'll get my nomination. I may participate in the DeJa Vu fest as well.

I am thankful for my loving wife, our two crazy dogs, my 30 year career in a recession-proof job, my turkey I am cooking tonight that is golden brown, and all my family and friends (internet and in the flesh).

Have a great Thanksgiving...oh yeah, and I am super-thankful the Packers are playing on TV tomorrow!

Unknown said...

Wow, so much stuff to be thankful for. I'm so happy that you were nominated and I hope you win.

Ella said...

I'm grateful for the Muppets! I'm grateful I know a Ninja like you
and blogging! Of course all the obvious stuff, I'm always grateful for that! :D (family, friends and God)not in any particular order~

Enid Wilson said...

The critics here said Arthur Xmas is very good. I may go and watch it. Enjoy your long weekend.

My Darcy Vibrates…

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for the shout out and nomination! You rock! And congrats on your nominations. Whoo Hoo, go Captain Alex!

I am grateful for my family, my amazing friends and supporters out there and my job. I'm also grateful to be standing upright and moving around.

Can't wait to see The Muppets! I loved the old show and even went as Gonzo one year for Halloween.

Suze said...

Are you going to tell us what you think of the Muppets?

(That was a nice list of things for which to be grateful.)

Mary Aalgaard said...

My kids, my faith community, and my gifts as a writer and musician.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hey Cate! You send them an email. It's listed in the nominations post on their site.

Milo, this has been your year to shine!

Heather, a little excited for Muppets are we?

Julie, it was meant for those of us that watched the show. A little slow in the beginning, but it had such a sweet spirit.

Chuck, and I'm sure you will be even more thankful when your Packers win big time. Thanks for the nomination.

Melissa, you will enjoy it!

Suze, it was good, not great, but for those of us who grew up with the Muppet Show, it was a trip down memory lane.

Anonymous said...

We don't get it over here. But hope you have an awesome thanksgiving. Xx

Talli Roland said...

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving, Captain Ninja Alex! :)

Patricia Stoltey said...

I am grateful for everything in my life, including blogger friends like you, Alex. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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

Alex,

I followed the instructions to nominate you and hope I did it right. Rather different to need to join the site, then send an e-mail.

Thanks for your support throughout the year!

Monti

Sangu Mandanna said...

I think it's so sweet that your wife makes it to the top of your list! Happy Thanksgiving Alex!

Leovi said...

I find it very difficult for me to choose a favorite blog, there are plenty of blogs with high quality.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Monti, thank you so much for going through all the trouble!

Sangu, of course!

Leovi, only a few movie blogs though.

Golden Eagle said...

Blogging is one thing I'm grateful for. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Li said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Alex!

Lindi said...

Happy day!! I'm thankful for so many thing. I need to remember to be thankful everyday. :) I hope you enjoy the muppet movie! I watched Tangled last night--very cute.
Enjoy your weekend.

baygirl32 said...

Happy American Thanksgiving Alex!

just signed up for the deja, should be fun

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lindi, Tangled was a sweet movie.

Baygirl, the blogfest should be fun!

Maurice Mitchell said...

My love for the muppet show goes back to my childhood. The movie is great. Great music. Great story and very positive. It is a real feel-good movie.

Leovi said...

The Muppet movie, interesting and fun, I'll go with my son.

Karen Kyle Ericson said...

I'm thankful for all the writer's like you Alex that share and encourage us.
My relationship with Jesus.
My husband.
My cats.
My home.
This years progress on my dreams, and all I've learned.
Singing.

Denise Covey said...

Well Alex so many are so grateful for so much. Happy Thanksgiving! I wrote my thankfulness on my blog post!

dolorah said...

Hi Alex :)

Just stopping by to wish you a non-productive weekend; and to thank you for consistently showing up at my blog.

Be happy and content with the day life this weekend :)

.......dhole

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Maurice, as only the Muppets can do!

Karen, those all wonderful things.

Thanks, Donna! I intend to be lazy this weekend.

cleemckenzie said...

Hi Alex,

I'm new to your site and will jump into your Insecure Writers' Wednesdays starting December.

I guess I'm grateful for a lot: my health, my family, my home surrounded by a forest to enjoy, my freedom in a world where I see that shrinking, my writer connections. So much more, but these are at the top of my list.

See you around the blogosphere.

Lizardmannnn said...

nice post and nice blog I will be following :) ALSO ANYONE INTERESTED IN A TECHNOLOGY BLOG i'm just getting started lol so please check it out :)

Leovi said...

I am grateful to be able to take pictures at home, comfortably.

Author A.O. Peart said...

You got my vote for sure, Captain Alex :-)

Congratulations on your nominations. You totally deserve them!

M Pax said...

Hope you had a great holiday, Alex!

I always liked the muppets. Sam the Eagle was my favorite. "This is not cultural!"

Christine Rains said...

Hope you're having a fantastic holiday weekend! I'm grateful for my wonderful husband and son.

Rachael Harrie said...

Best of luck with your nomination, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Arthur Christmas does sound like fun - we're tossing up taking the girls, though I think they're a bit young yet to get most of it tbh. Maybe we'll watch it on dvd with them when they're a bit older :)

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Hugs,

Rach

Donna Shields said...

I have so much to be thankful for:
health
my children
my grandchildren
my editor
my family and friends
my blog buddies :)

Lydia Kang said...

I still haven't picked my post for the Deja Vu blogfest...aaah! I'm such a bad host!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, glad you can join us for the IWSG!

Lizardman, I did.

Leovi, and you take such awesome photos.

Angela, thanks so much!!!

Mary, who doesn't dig Muppets?

Hey Rachael! Appreciate that.

Donna, that's a good list.

Lydia, that's funny!

Anonymous said...

I am thankful I can snatch a bit of time to post some blog comments. Fingers crossed that youn win those nominations Alex.
I like the sound of the Deja Vu blogfest.

Lizardmannnn said...

Ah the muppet I keep seeing that advertisement on TV over and over lol

Anonymous said...

You're not alone... I so want to watch the puppet movie too:)

Saumya said...

Grateful for blogging friends like you :) and meals with family and friends. The Hot Tamales case sounds incredible!!

Christa Desir said...

There are too many things to count in what I am grateful for...but the highlight of the weekend was The Muppets. So awesome.

Jennie Bailey said...

I sent my nomination in. You really are the perfect example of the Gold Award. Your dedication to your readers is amazing. Each of us feel special. And I joined the blogfest - you always find the best ones!! Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!

Amity said...

Like you Alex, I have a lot to thank God for...

A wonderful hubby and my three equally wonderful kids;

The countless blessings God had always bestowed upon us...and much more!

Leovi said...

Films ambiance de Noël ne sont pas mes préférés.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Madeline, thanks!

Saumya, wouldn't it be awesome? A case would last me at least a month.

Jennie, thank you so much! I appreciate that.

Amity, God is good all the time.

Reid Kemper said...

Congrats on the nomination! Also, since I you've done many great blogfests, I decided to give one a try. It's more of a blog swap blogfest if you're interested.