Tuesday, April 24, 2012

VARIETY - 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.

VARIETY

Joshua at Vive le Nerd
Tackling blogging for a second time, Joshua took a different approach – variety. He does have a theme, but it involves so many aspects that he keeps it fresh. From work and kids to movies and games, Joshua covers it all. Some days we get some of his writing. Every day we get an image, usually from his commute to work. (In Atlanta – God Bless you, man!) If you like top ten lists and a little nerdy humor, Joshua is your dude.

Sarah at Sarah Ahiers Writes
What do you get when you visit Sarah’s blog? Unless it’s Yvie’s Fun Friday, you have no idea! And that is half the fun. Sarah talks a little about writing, about weird facts, and about anything unusual she discovers. Often there are images and humor is always involved. And Sarah is nice enough to let her dog Yvie take over at least once a week. I know I will always get a smile when I visit Sarah’s blog!


Monty Python’s Flying Circus
This old show covers every type of comedy you could possibly imagine. From musicals and broad comedy to gross out and the downright esoteric, the Monty Python gang has you covered. Dead parrots, confused cats, silly walks, and singing lumberjacks are the order of the day. Can’t believe this UK is over forty years old now!

NINJA NEWS!

Welcome all new followers! Once the insanity of the Challenge is over, I will have more time to visit all of you. If you are a writer, please check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group We post the first Wednesday of every month and May 2 is our next date.

Thanks to Christine, Gwen, and Heather for posting about my giveaway. (Heather called me a myth – like to clarify that I’m not quite dead yet!)

NINJA CONTEST!

To celebrate 1500 followers, I’m holding a giveaway – a copy of CassaStar and CassaFire! 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 each) 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 Joshua and Sarah? Fan of Monty Python? (If so, what’s your favorite skit? I’m partial to the “Ex-Parrot.”) Determined to win the contest? (Or at least be the first commenter?) And who or what do you think represents variety?

122 comments:

Kela McClelland said...

First?

kjmckendry said...

OH I almost made it!!!

Well anyway, I love Monty Python's Holy Grail!

Kela McClelland said...

What, I really was first, like for real for real? I'm never first on your blog. How exciting!

I'm sure you will stop by, but in case you get too busy just wanted to mention that later (early tomorrow like usual) I'm mentioning your contest on my V post. It's very exciting and I think it'd be awesome to win, but I'm happy for anyone who does. :)

Juliana Haygert said...

I should check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group ... it would be a nice feature and a great support. Thanks for reminding me about it, Alex!

Rusty Carl said...

I'm so tired. You asked a lot of very good questions there today... I too tuckered out to answer them.

You're awesome.

Mary Aalgaard said...

If you want to be first, you have to type Bam really fast. Ha. Oh, well. Fun to see all your comments come flying in!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Monty Python is humor at its weirdest. I didn't appreciate it when I was younger. Now I find it outrageously funny. The Holy Grail scene with the 15 - oops, 10 - commandments remains my favorite bit.

Thanks for more great bloggers to connect with.

xoRobyn

Angela Brown said...

I'm in the top portion of the comments. Hot dog!

Time for Hot Tamales to celebrate :-)

Love the blogs you highlighted today. Going to go check them out and see what variety is on tap.

Anonymous said...

My favorite Monty Python skit is the Penguin on the Telly. I keep my three jugging penguins on top of my television because of that skit.

Nancy Thompson said...

I'm with Rusty. Just finished the last of my A to Z posts. I'm tuckered.

Tony Laplume said...

In college, I performed the Argument Sketch. Also, an argument is not mere contradiction.

M.J. Fifield said...

I'm a huge Monty Python fan. Holy Grail is one of my all time favorite movies and the Lumberjack Song is one of my favorites to sing around the house. I sing the traffic light song when I'm in the car.

Robyn Campbell said...

Thirteenth? I am going to blog about this later today. I'll bring the link back.

Don't know Sarah or Joshua. Will check 'em out, for sure.

Yippee for Monty!

Empty Nest Insider said...

I like variety so thanks for the new bloggers to visit! Julie

Rachna Chhabria said...

I have not met either Sarah or Joshua. Will have to check them out later today. You A to Z bloggers made us dizzy just trying to keep pace with you all. Whew. Thank God, its close to Z now.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the shout out, Alex! In your honor, I've posted my V post early (as in just a moment ago), and even gave you a special image of your very own. I found it humorous anyway.

Also, to Rawkynrobyn, the "15...10, 10 commandments for all to obey." was from Mel Brooks' HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1." Also outrageously funny. HOLY GRAIL is still one of my all-time favorites.

dolorah said...

Hi Alex. I'm playing catch up and reading your last few posts. Didn't see your 1500 followers contest so I didn't post it. But I will congratulate you on such an awesome goal.

I'm not a Monty Python fan, but I have been forced to watch Holy Grail a few times. All I can say is "Run away! Run away!" clop clop clop.

........dhole

Cassie Mae said...

Sarah and Joshua are two of my favorite people ever! I don't miss any of their posts. :)

And I'm so lost with the Monty Python humor. The hubs had to explain to me what was going on in Holy Grail. I did laugh at the favorite color question though. :)

Nick Wilford said...

Monty Python is the shiz! No one expects the Spanish Inquisition...

You gave a good write up to those bloggers. I'll be sure to get to 'em!

Trisha said...

I love Monty Python, A LOT! nice bloggers featured, too :)

Unknown said...

I haven't seen MP's Flying Circus, only the Holy Grail and Life of Brian. I should check it out.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm with Joshua (whose blog I love). Holy Grail is the best.

Kyra Lennon said...

Ah, I am a big fan of Sarah Ahiers blog, she's a lot of fun!

Denise Covey said...

Man, am I ever looking forward to the end of this A-Z! I'll miss my childhood bloggers though.

Denise

RaveAir said...

I love Monthy Python! The Holy Grail and Life of Bryan too.

(Spam with spam with spam :D)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

My hubby lurves Monty Python’s Flying Circus. I have to be in a very silly mood to fully appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Who doesn't like those classic Monty Python skits and movies? Dead Parrots is hilarious! Watched Life of Brian again last year and laughed so hard.

J.C. Martin said...

I do follow Joshua and Sarah. They are both awesome! I do enjoy Monty Python, too, and I think the parrot skit is a classic favourite for many.

J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger

Old Kitty said...

The Ministry of Funny Walks!!
:-)

Take care
x

Unknown said...

Do not know Sarah or Joshua, will have to pay them a visit. Thanks Alex. Monty Python is always good for a laugh.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kmck, you almost made it!

Kela, thank you! And yes, you were first.

Juliana, please join us.

Rusty, what are you doing up so late?

Mary, that's about it.

Robyn, hard to get the humor as a kid,

Jeremy, that's funny.

MJ, much to the amusement of the other drivers, I'm sure!

Robyn, thanks!

Rachna, I've made myself tired...

Joshua, thanks! Yeah, Mel Brooks, but that's all right.

Donna, great line. Contest is still going on through Friday.

Cassie, it will grow on you.

Michael, dude! Rent them now!

Denise, I'll miss doing the features.

RaveAir - and eggs!

Kitty, you made me laugh!

Thanks everyone.

mooderino said...

Elvis was a big fan of Holy Grail, used to watch it over and over and quote the lines. True story.

mood

Brinda said...

A photo from the commute? Now why didn't I think of that! Both bloggers sound so interesting. :)

Unknown said...

Joshua ans Sarah's sites are awesome. Josh and I are fellow Walking Dead fans and we have had many a lively discussion via Twitter.

I adored Monty Python and still do. Have not seen the Flying Circus in years, but I hope to track down the seasons very soon.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I can remember Monty Python....who could forget.? Though not everyone in the UK is like that...lol

Yvonne.

Jemi Fraser said...

At a parent teacher conference when I was in high school, my dad and the history teacher did all the Monty Python silly walks up and down the halls. NOW, I think it's funny - I was pretty emabarrassed at the time!!!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I always liked Confuso-Cat.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Monty Python will live forever. :)

Need to go visit the two featured bloggers.

Teresa

Talli Roland said...

Yay! I love Sarah's blog. :)

Tara Tyler said...

put it up today =)

and those brits crack me up!

kjmckendry said...

Just back to let you know I posted about your giveaway today, at http://imagine-today1.blogspot.com

Laura Eno said...

I love the name Vive le Nerd!

Christine Rains said...

I follow both Sarah and Joshua. Great bloggers! Thanks for the mention.

The Angry Lurker said...

Still a fan of Monty Python, a little dated now but still got good moments.

Sarah Ahiers said...

Aww! Thanks pal!
And i love me some Vive le Nerd AND Monty Python. LOVE the Python!

Huntress said...

You are the essence of variety, LOL.

Monty Python, Sarah, and Vive le Nerd (love the name) together in one blog. Zowie.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Spam! Sorry, unnecessary outburst there. Big Monty Python fan. Also a fan of Yvie and her Friday guest posts.

Tracy Jo said...

Two new bloggers to check out! Obviously I am not determined enough because every night I keep falling asleep too early. :-)

Annalisa Crawford said...

I've been following Sarah for a while, but not met Joshua yet. As for Monty Python, I've just never got that humour - Hubby despairs of me :-)

Jay Noel said...

Had to go visit Sarah. I mean, she's wearing a steampunk hat for goodness sakes!

Big Monty Python fan here! It's so silly yet intelligent at the same time.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Moody, I didn't know that.

Melissa, we own the boxed set.

Thanks, Kmck!

Sarah, you are welcome!

Thanks, everyone. And I have actual work to do today, so will catch everyone's post this evening. Hate it when that happens.

Heather M. Gardner said...

In fairness I also called you a legend!

(Bring out your dead!)

Going to check out Joshua and Sarah now!
HMG

Unknown said...

Those are new bloggers for me! Cool. Anyways, I haven't watched Python before but it sounds super funny.

Tonja said...

Monty Python is awesome. My favorite is The Meaning of Life.

vic caswell said...

two of my VERY FAVORITES you chose today!!!! grrrreat choices! :)

DL Hammons said...

I've been following Sarah for a LONG time! The variety in her posts are one of the reasons I keep coming back, that and she's just plain neat!

And as far as Monty Python goes, I am a huge fan from way back in my college days. They actually play a huge role in my book. :)

D.G. Hudson said...

Monty Python was British humour at its best for its time, although I preferred Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the movie, to some of the TV shows.

We liked the skit with the knight who wanted 'shrubbery' as payment for crossing the bridge. The attacking 'vampire?' rabbit was a good one too.

Will have to visit your blogger suggestions.

Matthew MacNish said...

Two of my favorite bloggers! And they fit perfectly together.

Word to the Nerds.

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Monty Python is a fav of mine!!

Hey Josh, prime spot sweetie!!! Whoo frikken hooo.

Mina Burrows said...

Okay, so I tried to be the first one to post last night,, but then I fell asleep. Damn.

BTW, Love Monty Python. "Always look on the bright side of life." *cue in whistling, minus the crucifixes of course* :)

farawayeyes said...

Love Monty Python. Favorite skit ever 'A Day at the Drag Races' you can probably imagine. I'm laughing out loud just thinking about it.

Gwen Gardner said...

I ADORE Joshua. He helped me rescue all my accidentally deleted comments once. I was completely broken-hearted until he helped. I owe him big time! I'll check out the others. Monty Python? I watched the originals, LOL!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Oh Falen! That's awesome to see another blogger pal highlighted. She and I chat all the time via email.

Gossip_Grl said...

Will check out the blog suggestions and have watched Monty Python, am not a big fan tho. I am still playing catch up on blogs because of the couple days I had to work and got lost.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I like the Ex-Parrot skit too, and the argument skit, and the the Ministry of Silly Walks skit. I just went and met Joshua and Sarah!
And who represents variety . . . well, I almost hate to say it . . . but Lady Gaga has definitely got some variety going on, even if I don't like her choices much.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, you got it!

Clarissa, you need to watch some episodes.

DG, that rabbit was a killer.

Gwen terrible to lose your comments!

Thanks guys! Still working...

Marta Szemik said...

I'll have to agree with Tyrean about Lady Gaga for the variety. Makes me wonder what she'll come up with next.
Following Joshua and Sarah now:)

Abigail@The Story Factory Reading Zone said...

I love Monty Python (and it definatly fits the variety theme)

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

Bringing up the rear but love Monty Python. The Challenge is almost done. What a ride!

Julie Flanders said...

Monty Python is one of my favorites ever. I still laugh and laugh even though I know the dialogue of the skits!

I've never heard of these two blogs but they both sound fantastic and very fun.

Angel said...

Nice that you promote other blogs for people.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Almost done with A-Z!

Monty Python has grown on me through the years. :) It's one of those things that my husband loves that I never really *got*. But now I really appreciate it...maybe I've gotten crazier as I've gotten older. :)

Anonymous said...

Stopping by to say hello. CONGRATS on your 1500+ followers! I'm not a Monty Python fan, but I see lots of other people are. Have a great day!

Carol Kilgore said...

You're not a myth, you're a living legend :)

Ella said...

Hi Alex, right now you win the Variety award! Showcasing all these amazing blogs is like a huge online variety show! We were talking about this flick the other day~
I'm off to visit, somehow I missed these two~ They both sound fun and it is great to be surprised!

Happy V day!

Johanna Garth said...

I don't know any of these bloggers but looking forward to meeting them. Have loved all my new friends met through your recs!

Budd said...

Flying Circus. I seem to remember a skit about Scottish people playing tennis. And one about using fruit for self defense.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, glad you got it now!

Carol, that's better.

Ella, does this mean I'm in show business?

Thanks everyone. Now back to work...

Julie Dao said...

Monty Python's a great way to relax anytime!

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

Joshua has the best T-shirt collection ever!

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

Joshua has the best T-shirt collection ever!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Squeee! So exciting for you Alex. You're just amazing, dude. And I love that the prizes will be donated to a high school. Good thinking!

Wanda said...

That's the beauty of blogging. At our fingertips is a vast variety of voices we can learn from.

PR said...

Is it the Holy Grail that has the scene where he is taken away in a spaceship just in time to miss being killed? That cracks me ups :)

Cherie Reich said...

I was already following Sarah, but now I'm following Joshua. :)

SpacerGuy said...

I'm following Sarah! Shes good gas.

cleemckenzie said...

Still haven't followed everyone, but am glad you post some links to nudge me to follow new people.

As to Monty Python . . . my favorite scene is the vicious rabbit that hops out to do a bit of shredding. Don't remember the Ex-Parrot, but I'm such a fan of MP that I'll have to find out where I can see that one.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Two more great bloggers! I have Victor Standish do a quote from the "Killer Rabbit" scene in Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail.

He can be forgiven his terrible accent he uses since at the moment he is stripped naked and in chains in front of his enemies!

I am following both Joshua and Sarah, both authors of fascinating blogs! Roland

Author A.O. Peart said...

Well, I always get here late. No way I can ever make it first . Sigh.

Love the idea of the photos from a commute! How creative :-)

~Sia McKye~ said...

Hubs has always loved Monty Python. Then again, he also loves the Three Stooges. Hmmm. Love ya honey, but not enough to set through multiple reruns of either.
But I can't help but giggle when I hear him Gawffing in the other room. He laughs so hard, at times, he has tears running down his face. And he's seen these things multiple times and still laughs like it's the first time.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Jaleh D said...

Great list for variety! Joshua's blog is lots of fun. And Parrot Sketch is one of my favorites on MP. That and the Lumberjack Song, and, well, the list could go on and on....... ;)

Nice giveaway! I still have to get your second book, but I liked the first.

Christopher Hudson said...

I was a big fan of Monty Python ... however, I was usually too .... how shall I put this ... IN too much of an altered state of awareness to remember the individual skits.

Anonymous said...

We are the ninjas who say . . . knee!

nutschell said...

ooh! I know Sarah. She really does have a lot of variety on her blog:)

Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Amberr Meadows said...

I bombed the challenge, but I'm still coming by to show some love to the participants. Nice work on getting to 1500 followers. I know it feels good!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Donna!

Anna, that's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy I believe.

CLee, that rabbit is deadly.

Roland, that's quite a scene!

Sia, Monty Python is like an old friend. Never gets old.

Jaleh, thank you!

Milo, you got it!

Amberr, if feels overwhelming.

Savannah Chase said...

You always post some great places to check out...

M Pax said...

I will have to check those blogs/bloggers.

I still love Monty Python. I used to watch with my Dad.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Now I have the lumberjack song in my head! Love Monty Python!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z

Karen Baldwin said...

Well a big DUH for me. You told me to go to your blog yesterday, and I did...the A-Z one. I didn't see your kind mention of me and my blog on this blog till today after I saw a comment on my blog. THANKS! I appreciate the plug. :)

Rick Daley said...

When I was 8 years old my older brother, who is 10 years older than me, came back from college break with a copy of Life of Brian for our Betamax. It changed my life forever. I was in second grade at a Catholic school, so the first scene with the three wise men going to the wrong manger hit home with me. I've been a fan since.

Here are my favorite sketches, in no particular order:

- Dead Parrot
- Upper Class Twit of the Year
- The Poet McTeague
- The Four Yorkshiremen
- How Not To Be Seen

Helena said...

You know your a fan of Monty Python when you have lyrics to one of their songs in your novel. Which is what I did. I also saw Spamalot when it came to Denver and just loved the craziness.

Golden Eagle said...

Following!

I've never watched Monty Python, actually. Though I have noticed clips of it on people's blogs.


The Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective

Tina said...

I'm glad to hear that though you're a legend, you're not dead. Living legend is your label, I believe! I'm going to check out Sarah's place and Josh's place. We nerds need to band together.
Always been a Monty Python fan, and my favorite skit is the "just a flesh wound" from the Holy Grail. That and the killer rabbit. And the bridge with the swallow questions...and...yeah, a fan.
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

Leovi said...

I think Monty Python is great.

Anonymous said...

Variety is the spice of life . . . Monty Python provides that for sure:)

Sonia Lal said...

that first blog is really nice!


Sonia Lal @ Story Treasury

Carrie Butler said...

You're almost to the end of the month, Alex. Go, go, go! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leigh, you are welcome!

Rick, you are a die-hard!

Helena, I still want to see Spamalot.

Tina, yeah, you're a fan.

Carrie, I'm going, I'm going!

Copyboy said...

Congrats on 1,500 plus!!! BTW...my favorite skit was Tunnel to Java.

Katherines Corner said...

You know I think you are terrific, right? Hugs! P.S. is it wrong that I dream of having this many comments on one of my posts? P.S> I hope you will join us at the hop tomorrow :-)

Pat Tillett said...

Thanks for the links!
To me, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, was the funniest show on TV. EVER! I openly admit that we used to make it a point to be in an "altered state of consciousness" when watching it, but it was funny anytime.

Chuck said...

I will check out the blogs you mention as you are rarely wrong about the good stuff. I like the Four Yorkshiremen. It's on youtube and still hilarious.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Katherine, no! Dream away.

Nicole said...

More fun blogs to check out! Thanks.

Ciara said...

I can't believe I didn't think to post about your giveaway. I'll make sure to shout it out again today.

michelle said...

I'm off to Josh and Sarah now--------------------*WHOOSH*

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Ciara!

Leslie S. Rose said...

Monty Python's Flying Circus was my high school Saturday night ritual. I have to give a shout out to the "Twits." And now for something completely different...

Patricia Stoltey said...

How did I fall behind in my blog-hopping so fast??? Well, anyway, I'm cruising through your recommendations for blogs to check out, Alex. Thanks for a great A to Z feature.

Suze said...

I can't believe the Python cover is almost four decades old, either!

Anonymous said...

I vaguely recall Monty Python from my childhood. I'm going to see if I can watch it online.