Monday, April 23, 2012

UNSTOPPABLE - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

UNSTOPPABLE

Bossy Betty
This wonderful woman with a penchant for humor and eye for photography underwent a life-changing event last year, one that nearly wiped her out. However, she is not Bossy Betty for nothing! Struggling through the pain and sorrow, she bravely set out on the new path. I admire her strength and endurance and watch in awe as she tackles life renewed. Betty, you are truly unstoppable!


Leigh at Em-Musing
Her posts may be a wandering musings, but not her actions. Leigh is on the hunt, submitting her queries with determination. Add to her challenges a recent move to Mexico. But that won’t stop her either. And I know all of that unstoppable energy will one day meet with success.


Christopher Nolan
He certainly seems unstoppable with a string of one great film after another. Starting with Memento (from an earlier post) through Batman and Inception (also posted) he has a knack for hitting one home run after another. I can’t wait for the third of the Batman trilogy “The Dark Knight Rises.”

NINJA NEWS!

Wendy Tyler Ryan is putting together the Second Avenue Second Hand Anthology – see her site for details on how to submit.

Full details on the A to Z Reflections post May 7 are posted at the A to Z Blog

Don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest on May 14 – First loves of movies, music, books, and person.

NINJA CONTEST!

To celebrate 1500 followers, 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. (The winner also gets bookmarks.)

How to enter: (and 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 Betty and Em-Musing? Think Christopher Nolan rocks? Ready to share your thoughts about the Challenge on May 7? Entering the giveaway? And who do you know who is unstoppable?

Thanks again everyone for making 1500+ followers a reality. And despite the cool suggestions yesterday, I’m sticking with Ninja Captain. After all, Jean Luc Picard was an awesome captain!

123 comments:

Mary Aalgaard said...

I don't think it's possible that I'm the first commentor on this post. There must be something wrong with blogger!
Congrats on all your followers. You are doing such a fantastic job of connecting all of us!
Mary
Play off the Page

Heather M. Gardner said...

No. I wasn't lurking.
Much.

I like your choices today and why. I'm going to visit with them now.

Thank you for always posting about awesome people.
Heather

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, you did it! And you were one of those awesome people.

Mary, I' m sorry.

Lauren said...

Chris Nolan does seems unstoppable... I don't know how the man does it, but he's pretty awesome. :)

I'll have to go check out the other blogs...

Rusty Carl said...

Chris Nolan is one of my favorite directors without a doubt, I wish there were lots more just like him out there.

I don't know if I'll be able to collect my thoughts until the month is over. I'm looking forward to taking a breath.

Unknown said...

Those are some really strong bloggers.

Chuck said...

Dang Heather! Caught off guard again by an early post...very sly Alex. And BTW...Bossy Betty is the strongest women I have ever read. I have been with her since before family struggles and she is a trooper.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I love Christopher Nolan. The man hasn't missed once. He's the one person I'd trust Batman to at this point. Can't wait for Rises!

Nancy Thompson said...

I know Leigh! Gonna have to get me a little Betty though. Thanks for sharing. Hmm, I've seen all those flicks but I can't seem to place him. And once again, YAY! on your 1500!! I just reached a humble but respectable 400 today (+30 on NetworkedBlogs.) Not a rock star like Ninja Capt. Alex, but not to shabby for a studio musician. =-)

Morgan said...

Leigh and Betty sound fabulous. Thanks for pointing them out, Alex ;)

Robyn Campbell said...

Christopher Nolan definitely rocks!

Definitely entering the giveaway.

Betty and Leigh sound wonderful.

:-)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Alex,

Now that I am less emotional, I can CONGRATULATE you on 1500 friends! THAT GOES BEYONE AWESOME!

No one, and I mean now one, deserves it more than you.

Betty sounds amazing... I will pop over and see her. God bless the strength we have at time of real trouble in our lives.Only from a heavenly being could we draw this strength...

Thanks for sharing her story...

And again thanks for singling me out of all of your many, many, friends. I am still so touched.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I'm enjoying watching everyone duke it out for #1! Thanks for all of you wonderful comments Alex! You really are an amazing co-host and Ninja Captain! Julie

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

Thanks for the shout-out Alex, I appreciate it.

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

Sorry, Alex, my son made me come back to ask why you didn't mention Nolan's The Prestige?? We both like it. He says it's Shawshank Redemption level-goodness!

Unknown said...

I can't wait for The Dark Knight Rises! And Momento is in my collection of must have movies.

Cassie Mae said...

I think you need to email me right before your post goes up... That's not cheating, right?

I love Leigh but I haven't met Betty yet. :)

Can't wait for Dark Knight Rises as well! I'm thinking we need to do an online midnight showing where we all text from the theater before the movie starts.

I'm a dork, don't judge :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Christopher Nolan is super. I know many bloggers who are unstoppable, their determination and drive can make us dizzy.

Kyra Lennon said...

I am SO looking forward to Dark Knight Rises!

mooderino said...

I think Nolan uses structure really interestingly. All his films use a lot of flashback and intercutting between past and present to great effect.

mood

Old Kitty said...

BB and Em-Musing are gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous women! Gorgeous!! Yay! Morning! Take care
x

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I think YOU are unstoppable :)

J.C. Martin said...

Thanks for pointing out the anthology. Will go check it out.

J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Are you having blogging problems?
Your post didn't show up on my list of people I follow. Had to click on your name.

Great post as ever Alex, I know Bossy Betty.

Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, the weekend after the Challenge ends, I'm going into hiding.

Chuck, the prescheduled ones aren't posting, so I'm having to do it manually before going to bed.

SL, no he hasn't missed once. All great movies.

Nancy, that is awesome though!

Michael, you are very welcome. And thanks. I don't feel I deserve it but I am humbled by the accomplishment.

Wendy, you're welcome. And sorry, not enough room. I didn't even mention my favorite, Inception.

Cassie, we could, except that I don't text - no cell phone.

Moody, yes they do.

Thanks, Lynda.

PR said...

Hell yeah Christopher Nolan rocks. Will check out both these blogs. Awesome idea for your give-away, love it :)

Brinda said...

Betty and Leigh are both great sounding. I'll check them out.

Creepy Query Girl said...

Yay Em-musings! Determination is key!

RaveAir said...

I'm very curious about the new Batman movie. The Return and The Dark Knight were amazing, so I have high expectations towards to The Dark Knight Rises.

And what will happen after the 3rd Nolan Batman movie? There will be an another Batman reboot or we'll get a new Batman story from the current cast?

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome contest especially since the books get donated to a library.

Marta Szemik said...

I really enjoyed Inception. Loved the unique concept.
Going to follow the girls right after I drop off the kids at school:)

Jemi Fraser said...

I agree with sticking with Captain. Kirk regretted accepting the promotions - I think you might too :)

The Angry Lurker said...

I'm wondering who'll take over the Batman franchise after Nolan but he's done a good job so far!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Yours is a very cool theme....highlighting bloggers with your special words. I have a Bossy Bette for a sister! You could add yourself, Alex, to the list of unstoppables.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

RaveAir, with our luck, they will just reboot it again.

Jemi, good point!

Thanks, Yvonne.

baygirl32 said...

Betty is unstoppable!

Laura Pauling said...

I've met so many unstoppable writers/bloggers. In fact, most of them are. Writers have to be unstoppable as we move forward, forging our career, in the route and way we choose!

Jaye Robin Brown said...

Thanks for the list to the reflection post. I'm in the frazzled category (even with pre-writing) as I normally only post about 9 times per month.

Nick Wilford said...

I'll need to meet both of those, but I'm going to go through your posts after April and catch any I missed because I'm pushed for time now! I'll be away for the Reflections day but I'll still post with my thoughts after I get back.

Jay Noel said...

I'm also glad Nolan had a part in launching the upcoming Superman reboot, Man of Steel. That franchise needs CPR!

Again, congrats to 1500 followers!

Matthew MacNish said...

Chris Nolan for the win!

Rick Daley said...

The Avengers will have a new Dark Knight Rises trailer in front of it. Nolan shot over and hour of IMAX footage for the movie, it should be awesome on many levels, I can't wait to see it.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Big Chis Nolan fan as well. And I can't even believe you have the nerve to bring up another blogfest when we're all google eyed from reading posts six days a week for three weeks now! Though I'll probably sign up for it eventually. :))

kjmckendry said...

Congrats on 1500! That's awesome!

I'm heading over to check out Betty and Leigh.

farawayeyes said...

A contest, I missed a contest. I'll have to go back ad look for it. Finally, up and running AGAIN.

Laura Eno said...

I was already following Betty so my knees buckled in sympathy when she explained what happened. She has such a good heart and has found her strength again, stronger than before.

Tonja said...

I'll check out those blogs. Hard to believe it's U day already.

Savannah Chase said...

Will be checking out those sites today...Thank you

Julie Dao said...

Christopher Nolan's movies are amazing!

PK HREZO said...

yep Nolan just rocks!! Can't wait to see what else he comes up with!

Anonymous said...

Bossy Betty and Em-Musing are great. I'll stop by this morning to say hello to them.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jaye, I usually only do three a week!

Nick, anytime that week works!

LG, I hope you do! It's two weeks after the Challenge ends which gives everyone a chance to breathe.

Laura, it was tough to watch, but she triumphed.

Thanks, everyone!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

I am afraid of the third in the Dark Knight series, not that it won't be good... just in the last it has a tendency to get stale. Not in all cases, but most can turkey up...

My "U" post is directed at you... really Kate is the winner and we are the winners.

Jeremy

Sangu Mandanna said...

I'm DYING to see The Dark Knight rises too! Christopher Nolan really does seem unstoppable, doesn't he?

Anonymous said...

I've loved Nolan's work since MEMENTO. Can't wait to see what kind of influence he has on MAN OF STEEL.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Christopher Nolan is the man.

Tara Tyler said...

heather is #1!!!

great stuff as usual! congrats again on 1500 =)

Julie Flanders said...

I love Leigh's blog but hadn't heard of Bossy Betty. What an awesome name! I'm looking forward to checking her out. :)

Liza said...

Alex, you are unstoppable...and amazing. I'd like, just for today, to spell that "umazing."

Gossip_Grl said...

Thanks for the blog suggestions today. I already follow Leigh. She has a great blog. Checking out Bossy Betty's sounds like a fun blog.

Tracy Jo said...

Okay, so I wasn't the first to comment but I have a strategy. ha! I did blog about the contest in today's post though. :-) Already following Em-Musing and off to check out Betty. Have a great day!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, you made voting tough today.

Thanks, Liza!

Tracy, thank you!

michelle said...

You epitomise "I'm off to check out Leigh & Bossy Betty!"!

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I just went and checked out these blogs. Great selections!

michelle said...

Sorry for typo error - the computer is "freezing" and jumping all over! AAARRRGH!
Meant to say - You epitomise "unstoppability"

Melissa Sugar said...

I watched a movie last night on HBO or one of the movie channels and (sorry, but it was a chick flick)I kept thinking of you. I even commented to my husband, "The title of this movie belongs to Alex., but I'd have to change one word" It was I Don't Know How She (change to he) Does it."

I am serious, you manage to pull everything off and make it look easy. Congratulations on reaching 1500 followers. You deserve such a loyal fan base. Of all my blogger buds you are probably the best at reciprocating, answering comments and reading the blogs of your followers. That cannot be an easy task with as many comments as you get. I am awe-struck.

I have been a long time follower and fan of Leigh's, but will check out the other mentions. I have discovered quite a few new favorite blogs from your theme this year.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Love your word for today!!! Unstoppable describes all the bloggers in this final week of A to Z!

AuthorAlden said...

I'm so excited for Dark Knight Rises. Right now, I can't decide which I'm more geared up for, DKR or Prometheus. Both have me more excited for a movie release than I have been in years.

Donna Smith said...

This has been an amazing, unstoppable blogging fest! It's amazing that there were +1500 bloggers AND that they stuck with it! I am so going to miss it when May 1 is here. I'm afraid I'll have to clean house or something equally un-alphabetical. I will definitely be up for the drawing and for the Reflections on May 7!
Following...

Mina Burrows said...

Unstoppable is an excellent word. I'm heading over to check out Bossy Betty.

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm looking forward to the new Batman as well.

Cassie Mae said...

(In response to your comment to me.) Wait... What??? You don't own a cell phone? I thought that came standard with buying milk nowadays. :)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

What a fab giveaway idea, Alex!


Elizabeth
A to Z co-host

Christopher Hudson said...

Who do I know who's unstoppable? My lovely bride ... when she gets notion in her pretty little noggin, nothing in heaven or on earth is gonna stop it from becoming reality.

M.J. Fifield said...

Christopher Nolan is a terrific director. I really love his movies and I can't wait for the new Batman movie.

Sarah Ahiers said...

I also cannot wait for Batman! Stupid teasers doing what they're supposed to do and teasing us

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

Thanks for sharing! Off to check out some blogs...

Arlee Bird said...

Nolan has made some fine films.


Lee
Weird, weird, weird…
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog

Gwen Gardner said...

I love today's word! It gives me ton's of confidence:) I think I'll write it down so I can see it every day. Thanks Alex! Also, I'm entering the contest. Here's my link: http://rungwenrun.blogspot.com/2012/04/heres-fun-and-easy-blogfestgiveaway.html

Unknown said...

1500 - that's insane!

With the end of A-Z fast approaching, you're damn right I'm unstoppable!

Jamie
Fellow A-Z Buddy
Doing a monumental blog catch-up
Mithril Wisdom

Leigh Covington said...

Can't wait to check out these blogs and I love your plan for this giveaway. Very cool idea! Congrats on all the followers. That amount of followers amazes me!

Leovi said...

Yes, I love Christopher Nolan, you're right, his career is unstoppable.

Ella said...

Yes, I too love Christopher Nolan!
Great U post :D
Off to check out your links and then back to swimming soup!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michelle, that's all right. Made me smile.

Melissa, thank you! Some days I can't quite keep up. I do try though.

Tyrean, yes it does!

JW, I'm about equal on those two with the Avengers just edging out both.

Donna, it will be odd to go back to regular blogging.

Cassie, no I don't! No desire to have one either.

Christopher, I call that stubborn in my wife.

Gwen, thank you!

Thanks, guys!

Juliana Haygert said...

Christopher Nolan is the man!
I can't believe the A-Z challenge is already on U ... gosh, where did April go? lol

Donna K. Weaver said...

*heads out to check out some blogs*

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Juliana is right: where did April go? And Nolan is the man when it comes to directors. Have a great and lovely day, Roland

Christine Rains said...

You're just as awesome as Jean Luc! And yes, Christopher Nolan rocks.

Golden Eagle said...

Congratulations on 1500+ Followers! :)

I've got to start writing my post for May 7; it's been a while since I actually wrote a post myself, since I scheduled the ones for the Challenge! Got to get back into posting mode soon . . .


The Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective

Carrie Butler said...

Oo, have you ever heard Unstoppable by E.S. Posthumus? It's a great song. :)

Off to check out your recommendations!

Jennie Bennett said...

What a great idea for a giveaway! I'm sure any school would love to have your books on their shelves!

Unknown said...

Following Betty, she is wonderful. I too am looking forward to the next batman :)

Unknown said...

Wow, 1500 ninjas?! Amazing!

That picture for the Em-Musing blog is so cute ;)

Laura said...

Happy Tuesday Alex!
Lxxx

Kela McClelland said...

What an awesome giveaway!

And thanks for commenting on my blog all the time. You're very unstoppable, always going and going. :)

Now I'm off to check out the blogs you mentioned. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana - I know, less than a week now.

Golden, other than the Ninja News, mine were all written last month. Need to work on the next IWSG and the Reflections post.

Thanks, JA!

Thank you, everyone.

Catherine Stine said...

Congrats on reaching 1,500, and for sharing these interesting blogs.

M Pax said...

I think I must go meet some bloggers I haven't before.

Christopher Nolan is good. Batman is usually my favorite superhero movie.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I doubt I'll ever be first to comment here, but being #100 feels kind of neat.

Great "U" post, Alex. Unstoppable people don't stop inspiring others.

xoRobyn

Huntress said...

Woo HOO, TOO...er...I mean two blogs that I haven't seen before. Thank you, Alex!!

Lydia Kang said...

Look, here you are at U and still unstoppable!

But I agree with your choices. Bossy and Leigh are both incredible, strong, beautiful women!

Theresa Milstein said...

Bossy Betty is da Bomb! I'm going to visit her blog now.

Heather M. Gardner said...

I was going to tell you that I put your contest up on my blog but you beat me to it!

:)

HMG

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, that makes you special!

Heather, the Ninja is quick...

Kittie Howard said...

Wendy did the trailer for Remy Broussard's Christmas!! Great celebratory idea, Alex.

Cherie Reich said...

I'm following them now. And Christopher Nolan is amazing. I can't wait to see The Dark Knight Rises, although it saddens me that it is the last one.

Ciara said...

I always love meeting new bloggers from your recommendations. I'm in love with the new captain of the Enterprise. Any news on when they will make another movie?

Anonymous said...

That's a fantastic U word.

I like the sound of Ninja Captain.

Unknown said...

I feel happy that I've already visited and like almost all the bloggers you've featured this year, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kittie, wow that's awesome!

Cherie, I know...

Ciara, it's in the works!

Damy, you're doing good.

mshatch said...

I loved Momento; that was a great movie. But you had to pay close attention. And Inception was brilliant, also worth owning. Yep. Chris Nolan rocks.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Bossy Betty is a gem. I'm putting my thoughts together for May 7th.

Rick said...

Alex, I'm really getting hooked on these A-Z posts!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Alex, I just wanted to drop by and tell you how much it means to me every time you drop by and say hello. I mean, I haven't been doing half as much visiting as you, claiming busy-ness but here you are busier than ANYBODY and you're out bouncing around visiting everyone like the faithful friend you certainly are.
So you might want to add another name to your list of Unstoppables: Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rick, it will be tough when they end!

Cathy, thanks! Just don't want to miss any of my friends.

Copyboy said...

Love Bossy Betty and her blog!!

D.G. Hudson said...

Yes, don't go changing. . .

Stick with what's working. Will check out the new blogger suggestions.

You seem to be one of the unstoppable ones, Capt'n Alex.

Bossy Betty said...

Alex! I had left a message on here yesterday to thank you but I don't see it now! I am so honored and grateful to you that you mentioned my blog. Thank you so much. I have been lagging on my posts, but you have motivated me to write some more. Yesterday, I said I would don my blank Spandex ninja costume and wear it all day. Perhaps the thought of that happening made the blog Gods delete my comment!

Thanks again, Alex. This meant a lot to me!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. delighted I'm coming after Bossy Betty (even if sadly her previous comment disappeared) .. she's amazing in her fortitude and I love her approach to life .. thanks for highlighting here ..

Great posts and link-ups - cheers Hilary

Karen M. Peterson said...

I'm practically counting down the hours until The Dark Knight Rises. I love Christopher Nolan and every movie he makes.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Betty, you are welcome! And someone else mentioned her comments vanishing. Stupid Blogger.

Suze said...

I still say Ninja Captain but with some extra decoration ...

cleemckenzie said...

Wow! 1,500 and counting. Amazing, Alex.