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.
THOUGHTFUL/TENACIOUS
Mark at Aloha! Mark Koopmans says hi from HI
At first glance, Mark appears just a little crazy. He’s Mr. Super Irish Guy. He’s a stay at home dad with three boys. (Now that would make me crazy!) But once you get to know Mark, you realize he is incredibly thoughtful. He has that genuine spirit of love that makes anyone around him feel blessed. Mark, may your green luck never run out!
Michael at In Time
I’ve know Michael for almost two years now. The man does not give up. He is tenacious times ten when it comes to his writing. Michael might have moments of despair, but those set backs only seem to make him more determined to succeed. And if you’ve ever read any of his Earthly Angels posts or received an email from Michael, then you know he is as thoughtful and considerate as they come. Michael, don’t ever give up on that writing dream – you rock, dude!
Zombieland
Without a doubt one of the best zombie movies ever (and certainly the funniest) this film features four people trying to survive the zombie apocalypse. While their determination to remain human is strong, it is redneck, gun-toting tough guy Tallahassee’s Twinkie quest that burns stronger. He is tenacious in his pursuit of the creamy Hostess desert. (Fortunately for him, Twinkies would survive any disaster.)
NINJA NEWS!
Real Steel - Movie review
It was formula and predictable but really enjoyable. The relationships were touching and pulled on the heartstrings. (My wife cried near the end, but not sure if that was due to the story or the Hugh Jackman. I didn’t ask!)
Elizabeth Craig and Hart Johnson are celebrating the joint release of their books with the Crazy Cozy Blogfest Congratulations, ladies!
And a special thanks to EJ for his post on Saturday. I really appreciated your kind words!
NINJA CONTEST!
To celebrate 1500 followers (something I never thought I’d hit – thank you everyone) I’m holding a giveaway – a copy of CassaStar and CassaFire! This will be a little different though. The books will be donated to the winner’s choice of public or high school library, along with a selection of bookmarks, in his or her name. (The winner also gets bookmarks.)
How to enter (must be a follower):
Comment on my posts (just once) U-X (Tuesday through Friday) – one point
Ten extra points for the first comment (please don’t melt my blog)
Ten extra points if you blog about this contest (leave a link so I know)
Winner will be announced Monday during the Z post!
Following Mark and Michael? Seen Zombieland or Real Steel? Participating in Elizabeth and Hart’s blogfest? Want to win the contest? 1500 followers – does this mean I need a ranking other than Captain? And who do you know who is thoughtful or tenacious?
132 comments:
Wow, two blogs that I already follow. what are the odds?!
I must be more tired than I want to let on. Wanted to say that I love ZOMBIELAND, and was sad when they removed it from the Netflix Instant queue. Haven't seen REAL STEEL yet, but I did see a REAL STEEL action figure at Target Friday when I was buying a 5 year old a birthday present. Sadly, the toy was in the clearance section for $4.99.
zombieland was awesome! loved the bill murray cameo and still can't believe w harrelson was the cheeky, shy kid on cheers lol
i agree that real steel was formulaic but enjoyable.... need to get hugh jackman and harrleson in a movie together!
I loved Real Steel! Yes, it was predictable, but I enjoyed it. I laughed, I cheered, I cried ;) I want more of those movies.
And congrats on hitting 1500 followers! What a huge milestone!
Loved Reel Steel and haven't seen Hugh Jackman in anything bad yet! As far as tenacity goes- all three of my kids. Non-stop and I so hope that carries over into self motivation when they get older. It's not something that can be taught, it's just inside.
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between
I want to see Real Steel soon. And now I suppose I have to put the Twinkie quest movie on the list too. How can I pass that up?
I really enjoyed Zombieland, and I'm not a Zombie movie person. Mark is awesome, too. :D
Zombieland was an instant classic. I do follow Michael, although I don't visit as often as I should.
And 1500! Dude, that's like, a dangerous number. Do you have to register with the govt or something when you have that many followers?
How can I be missing an Irish blog? That is a deficiency I must remedy. Cool contest especially when the books get out there to the kids.
I recently met Mark through the IWSG. Really heartfelt writing/guy.
Congrats on all your followers. You earned them!
Play off the Page
I haven't seen Real Steel but I have visited the wonderful bloggers you mentioned. Almost done A-Z!
Know the bloggers you mentioned. (Michael is awesome as they come. He's the Real Deal!) And I have not seen Real Steel. (But I wanna.
I think the captain rank has to go. You are the General??
The contest sounds awesome. I will enter. You know I will. :-)
Yay EJ! Congrads to Elizabeth and Hart.
I meant to mention what a super nice guy Mark is too. What a sweet Irishman. We Irish are like that. :-)
You're absolutely right about Mark and Michael. They're great guys who definitely deserve the recognition.
Haven't seen Zombieland yet. It's been sitting in my Netflix queue for a while now. I'm such a chicken when it comes to watching zombie movies.
Mark is one of my bestest best friends eva! He's totally thoughtful, I can't pick a better word to describe him.
Zombieland rocks, however, I almost stopped watching after that guy got eaten on the toilet. That made my potty fear like ten times worse!
Alex, what a great way to celebrate. It's so generous of you. Sure, I want to win.
I don't think I'm following Mark or Michael so I'm hopping over now.
Be well.
xoRobyn
Congrats on your milestone!
Mark and Michael, two excellent bloggers that I'm proud to know. Meeting them in person would be icing on the proverbial cake. :)
Mark is someone I met recently at Rach's Challenge, cool guy and glad he considers me a buddy. And his email replies are little treasures.
You must be chuckling for sure, if I were to say, I passed by Michael's blog too in the past.
I stay away from Zombies, movies or books.
The captain needs to get promoted, just general?...na...something air force oriented, given your books like GAF.
Congrats on the numbers.The giveaway is tempting, but the school scene in the town I live in is unfamiliar to me.
I don't know Michael yet, but I adore Mark. He's super special to me. And what an awesome dad! I haven't seen Zombieland & probably never will. It's not my kind of flick. But anything with Hugh Jackman is right up my alley. Congrats on your 1500! I can't even imagine what that feels like. I know too many thoughtful people to list, & most of my writer friends are as tenacious as I am. I think you have to be if you're a writer.
Mark and Michael are both definitely inspirational people!
Congrats, Alex. You are going from strength to strength. 1503 followers is super awesome. And you have also introduced us to loads of new bloggers. You are a super writing pal.
I once saw this fellow, Mark, in the mirror, and let me tell you, he *seems* like a nice lad, but be careful, he does talk with a wee bit of a funny Oirish accent:)
Congrats on over 1500 followers! Your contest is a terrific idea! I haven't met Mark yet, so I'm heading on over! Julie
"OK, OK, OK," he said in a Joe Pesci accent. "I'm back and serious this time."
Alex, I am humbly in your debt for highlighting me in your awesome blog. I appreciate you - much.
I'm not good with receiving "attaboys," so let me say to God be the glory.
PS... Thanks *also* to all the very awesome comments left by everyone. It's truly an honor to read all these nice things.
What a *great* way to start the week.... (walks away whistling and humming.)
PPS: Congrats on 1,500+. How about Admiral Alex ? :)
Congrats in your gazillion followers!!
And I totally agree on your thoughts on Zombieland and Real Steel.
Wow! 1503 in your Ninja army and still growing...That is something to celebrate! Congratulations :) Michael is wonderful, he has become my cyber brother. You are right, he is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Mark I will have to visit. Looking forward to seeing real steel, Zombieland is a great one.
Congrats for the 1500 followers! It's a great milestone!
I must admit I don't like the zombie-films, but I love Zombieland. Suprisingly I didn't expect a zombie movie can be good and funny as this.
1,500 followers! Awesome! Congratulations! And what a great idea for a giveaway!
J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger
Great words for your T post.
Two more blogs to have a look at.
Will do so asap.
Again congrats on your 1503 followers ........we all can't be wrong.
Yvonne.
Michael is one of the best!
Congrats on hitting 1500 followers. Try not to use them for evil.
mood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
The Funnily Enough
Joshua, I can't see the Real Steel toys as being high sellers.
Jeremy, they haven't been in a film together yet, have they?
Tracy, hope your kids keep it then.
LG, Zombieland is laugh out loud funny - you'll like it.
Rusty, crap I hope not! I don't even have a permit.
Mary, let's hear it for the IWSG!!
Robyn, are you Irish as well? And Ninja General - I could get used to that.
MJ, it's more of a comedy than anything.
Cassie, that was one of your big fears, wasn't it? Sorry.
David, I at least have a chance of meeting Michael.
Rekha, general might work.
Nancy, it feels - overwhelming!
Mark, you are welcome! And Admiral sounds even better.
RaveAir, it was hilarious.
Thanks, everyone!
Yay, new blogs to follower. Wow, 1500 followers. That's amazing!! Congratulations to Hart. I'm off to congratulate her.
Emperor Capn Ninja!!! Yay!!
Hoorah for most NAKED Hart and Elizabeth and fabulous tenacious thoughtful bloggie friends! And Zombies! Zombies have feelings too!
Take care
x
The bloggers sound great and I'll check both out. No, I haven't seen Zombieland. congrats on your new milestone!
I'll have to put Zombieland on my Netflix queue. Thanks for the rec!
What a fun way to celebrate 1500 followers.
This is the best giveaway I have seen, my friend. You are awesome!
I LOVE Zombieland, it is one of my favorites. Real Steel was pretty cool as well.
Will check out both blogs ASAP.
Yes, following both, Mark and Michael. I thought Zombieland was pretty funny too. My 9 yr watched it accidentally when "daddy" fell asleep and now likes to brag about the fact that he watched an "R" rated movie.
Congratulations on 1500!
There could be a few epic battles to be the first commenter! It's gonna be fun to watch :)
Moody, I would never use my Army for evil.
Kitty, Emperor sounds scary.
Thanks, Melissa.
Marta, too funny.
Will check out the blog suggestions. The blog fest sounds like fun and it is on mystery writing my favorite. Loved the movie Zombieland. Over 1500 is a ranking of Colonel Ninja now.
Captain of the ship is a title regardless of rank and Captain Ninja just fits. Old Kitty's Emperor has a nice ring though. :)
Michael is totally awesome. So right!
I've never seen Zombieland. Hmmm....
Glad both you and your wife enjoyed Real Steel. I thought it was as moving as it was entertaining. The robo fights rocked!
I met Mark and Michael while participating in Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Campaign. Both really nice guys. Mark has an interesting sense of humour.
Zombieland was a great movie!
I haven't seen Zombieland--should I?
What a great give-away to the libraries. I'll make sure I enter and link. :)
Zombieland gave me a new respect for twinkies
Zombieland is definitely one of my favorite zombie movies! :)
I am sending you a cake in a box with one lit candle that represents one for each your followers... that box is going to be hot.
I have to say this, but Zombieland doesn't hold my interest. I have seen it twice and I am just like okay... when does this get interesting or even funny?
Congrats on the followers, it's great to know you are here...
Jeremy
Ps. Gotcha on the Zombieland!
Well, that's a good mix of STUFF, I'm of to look at the two blogs you recommend. Thank you!
http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com
Awesome! And yep, Michael is good peeps thru and thru!
Michael is really nice. So is your contest.
Michael is SO awesome.
I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen Zombieland yet. I will, I just haven't. Hard w/ a six year old to watch all the evil and violence that I happen to like.
I'm glad to hear you liked Real Steel. I'll have to check it out now.
Nice follower contest! I would love to give those to my library! I'll have to watch you more closely what time you post w/ the schedule thing broken.
Did you notice that you Huge instead of Hugh for Mr. Jackman? Hmmm. Should I read into that?
Zombieland was great, especially the Bill Murray cameo.
Gossip Girl, I like Colonel as well.
Laura, I'll probably just keep the Captain.
Lindi, it's really funny!
Jeremy, you had me going there! And I'm looking forward to the hot cake.
Heather - crap! Will fix now. Probably came from what my wife calls him.
Digging Mark.
I have to see Zombieland after everyone raved about it. I'm so bad at catching movies!
Mark is a one off and very genuine. I've seen Michael around but not following yet, I'll head over.
How about a Ninja Rear Admiral? :)
Never been to Mark and Michael's sites. Will have to check it out.
I need to see Real Steel. Love robots, love fight scenes!
Great idea to donate to high school libraries. And congratulations on 1500 followers. Pretty soon you're going to need to clone yourself to keep up. Or find some unpaid interns.
Amazing, man.
Hugh Jackman. Yep, much better than Kate.
I loved Real Steel! And Mark is super awesome.
Zombieland... not so much. I know, I know. I'm in the minority with that, and my hubby doesn't understand why. Don't get me wrong. I love zombies, but the movie was just eh for me.
Can we still be blog friends? :/
Congrats Elizabeth and Hart! And congrats on 1500 followers! Amazing!
Just to keep up with all your blog recommendations, I'm planning to revisit all your posts and follow the links then - pressure averted!
Thanks so much for the mention, Alex! And congrats on your followers..wow!
I actually *did* watch Zombieland, which is a real anomaly for me since I've gotten to be a really timid moviegoer. I enjoyed it. :) I think that's because the narration style gave me some distance from the zombies.
A contest? I'm in. Love it. I wonder what you'll do at the 2000 mark? I'm heading to check out Mark now. Thx.
I love Michael's blog! Thanks for the links to the others too. Off to visit...
More great tips of other bloggers, thanks. Sure your wife was just upset re storyline of movie, I mean, Hugh Jackman? Sure, he's kinda alright, in a get-yer-pants off kinda way, but crying? No surely not ... LOL
Good T words! Following Michael, but not Mark. Will have to check our his blog. Thanks a bunch!
Nick, don't think I want 'rear' in my title though.
Kittie, says you!
Jackie, yes we can.
Annalisa, whatever works.
Elizabeth, you're welcome. And Zombieland went for comedy rather than horror.
Elaine, thank you! Glad you've enjoyed the Challenge so much.
I think you, Cassie, David, Elana, and Ali are some of the most thoughtful people I know.
Alex, reading David's story on the blog was pretty moving. Thanks for the heads up about these blogs. Real Steel was surprisingly touching.
- Maurice Mitchell
The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr
@thegeektwins | @mauricem1972
I've been following Michael for ages, but thanks for steering me to Mark and HUGE thanks for the blogfest shoutout!!!! you're the best!
Congratulations, Alex. I can honestly say, I knew you when...you've done a marvelous job, my friend, and I'm very proud of you! I'm also going to say you are on the top of the list on thoughtful. Just sayin'
There's a Celtic blogger I missed? how's that possible? Must check him out.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Awesome accomplishment :)
I saw Real Steel and love it!
All great recommendations again!
Congratulations on the big hit. Your the top ranker for sure!
Mark is one of my most favorite people I've met on this blogging journey so far. He's soooo funny, but so real. Very few people can pull both off, but he does. SO glad you gave him a shout out, Alex. Everyone should be following him. ;)
Great links as always. Will check them out. You are Captain. I believe you are the one who is thoughtful and tenacious.
Zombieland might be one of the funniest zombie movies I've ever seen. I cannot wait for the sequel.
2 blogs I need to check out. Hey is Zombieland like adventure land? Always get those two confused.
Tasha, thank you!
You're welcome, Hart!
Sia, thank you so much!
Christine, appreciate that.
Zombieland had an theme park, so maybe it is, Jesse.
Write me down for this giveaway. And I already follow those two bloggers so huzzah!
Mark and Michael are great.
I have a thing where I avoid all things zombie ... I'm still going to let the husband unit watch Real Steel without me ...
Congrats on 1500.
M Pax is so right. Both Mark and Michael are great guys. I know Michael much better. I pray that very soon his writing dreams come to fruition.
Congrats on the 1500 followers! Roland
Oopsy! I meant to post that here...that tenacious is the perfect writerly word!
Both Mark and Michael are class acts. You couldn't have chosen better bloggers to represent "thoughtful" and "tenacious". :)
Congratulations on hitting 1500!
Loved Zombieland, but I might still give the edge to Shaun of the Dead...
Awesome contest, and great T post. The Challenge has been awesome for meeting new bloggers, and I've met some cool folks through your blog itself. I haven't seen either movie, but at least I'm almost caught up with Game of Thrones!
Oh my word. I love a challenge and I might just have to get up at 3 a.m. to be the first to comment! Look out Ninja Army...I am on a mission! :-)
I love Zombieland so much! It can't beat out 28 Days Later for me, but i still luuurve it
cool idea to give away the books to libraries.
Lee
Places I Remember
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
95??? Guess I'm not the first comment!
What an awesome contest.
And you chose 2 good blogs to highlight.
I love the idea of winning books for our local high school. In fact, if I don't win, I may just buy an extra copy of each book and do just that.
Rule #2: Double-Tap.
Oh, and this is completely unrelated to today's post, but you were dead-on with Cabin in the Woods's third act: bat. shit. crazy.
Loved it.
Have you ever seen the screen shot of Tallahassee in the grocery store, and there's a Twinkie on the shelf behind him?
I love tenacious, although it always reminds me of Jurassic Park and dino doodoo.
Congrats on all your followers!!!
Oh, I hadn't seen EJ's post on Saturday. Just read it now and loved it, EJ is awesome.
Congrats on the 1500 followers!!! The giveaway is a fantastic idea. :)
Michael, be sure to comment all week then!
Bryan, it's close!
Tracy, hope my blog can handle it!
LD, that would be wonderful.
Nate, never forget Rule #2. And told you - bat-shit crazy!
Thanks everyone!
Alex,
Hey dude, congratulations and to celebrate your reaching the 1500 loyal and adoring fans, milestone, or for those into metric, 'kilometrestone' I shall be singing and dancing with uncontrollable joy at such a notable and thoroughly deserved accomplishment.
And no, not even a hint of sarcasm! Seriously, well done and continued happy writing.
Your starstruck fan, Gary
Congrats on passing 1500!
Zombieland is such a good movie! Much different than other movies.
Your theme is great, I always find such interesting people through your highlights!
Alex,what a wonderful give away :D
I love your idea~
Congrats to you Captain, 1500 wow!
Zombieland was outrageous fun!
I will go make the rounds~
It's official: I'm completely out of the loop because I didn't even know there was a movie out called Real Steel. I'm so pathetic.
Already follow those blogs, haven't seen Real Steel yet or Zombiland . . .
I have some awesome friends who are very thoughtful, and I think every writer I know is tenacious.
Already follow those blogs, haven't seen Real Steel yet or Zombiland . . .
I have some awesome friends who are very thoughtful, and I think every writer I know is tenacious.
Yes, I liked Real Steel. And Hugh Jackman :)
I love the people thought. Especially people who think to improve our lives.
I love Zombieland and Real Steel! And Hugh Jackman! haha
Yep, follow both Mark and Michael. Great guys.
Denise
Two great bloggers.
I haven't seen Zombieland, but will.
T
I love Zombieland.
I follow Mark, and I'll check out Michael.
Thanks, Gary! It's rather overwhelming.
Thank you, Jennifer.
Alexia, so does my wife!
Thank you everyone!
I'm a new follower of Michael's.
Will always check your blog suggestions.
Thanks for the info on the 'Reflections' Post. Good idea.
I've already got my copies of your books. Reading first one now.
I"m going to see Real Steel this weekend.
Congrats on the 1500!
Sorry for arriving SOOOO late. It is a bit hard for me to type write now, my vision is a bit blurry. I am very honored and speechless.
Thank you, Alex. It sounds so cliche' but I can't think of anything else that can express how I feel right now.
Damn these tears...
And for all my blogger friends, thank you too. I have read through all the comments and many of you said so many kind things about me. I am truly touched (hey, two "t" words). My mind seems to be clearing a bit.
Alex, you know how I feel about your thoughtfulness, kindness, and friendship. Ah, more waterworks.
Now I need to still post my "T' before midnight.... LOL. I was out of town for the weekend...
Again... always play catch up.
DG, thank you so much! I really appreciate that. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks, Susan.
Michael, you are most welcome. It was ironic you did that post for me on Friday, because I wrote this one over a month ago. Glad you read through the comments. You are one of the genuine ones my friend!
I just watched Real Steel and thought it was pretty awesome. I didn't expect the heartstrings pulls.
I hear they are making a sequel to Zombieland, not sure it would be as good.
You're SO right about Mark! He is one of the neatest people I've come across!
Shouldn't zombies have been for Z? LOL.
Nice idea about the contest.
I think I'll go check out both those blogs Alex. I loved Zombieland and especially the scene in Bill Murray's house. A complete riot.
I want to see Real Steel but I don't know if my wife will watch...she probably will.
And I of course will be trying to win the books for the kids!
Woody Harrelson was awesome in Zombieland!
Wonderful idea for the giveaway!
I enjoyed Zombieland so much, I want to watch it at least couple more times :-)
I haven't seen Real Steel yet. Looks like something I'd like. I saw parts of Zombieland and need to rent it and watch it in its entirety.
Congrats! And today's shout outs are well deserved. I've really enjoyed Mark's blog.
I never eat Twinkies, but watching Zombieland always makes me want one.
Real Steel predictable? Yeah, but sometimes those are the best movies.
I am a total sucker for special effects and the sappy stories. Loved Real Steel.
Powdered, hopefully with the same cast.
Chuck, my wife has bugged me for months to get Real Steel so she could drool over Hugh Jackman.
Stephen, you have to watch it - parts don't count.
You definitely need another ranking! Or at least some extra stars or stripes on your shoulder or something. :)
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