Ninja News!
Author Cindy Borgne at Dreamer’s Perch is hosting the Summer Speculative E-book Giveaway Contest this week! Visit her site for your chances to win.
Jamie at Mithril Wisdom is hosting a 350 Followers Giveaway Extravaganza! You could win a moleskin journal or a vial of Zombie Gone.
Diane at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips is hosting a Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest with prizes for nominators and the winner. I’ve made my nomination already…
J.C. Martin’s new book, Oracle, releases today! She’ll be visiting this Friday as part of her blog tour. Congratulations, JC!
Tyrean Martinson’s poem "Fruit Sale Cinquain" will be featured today at Every Day Poets. Congratulations, Tyrean!
Thanks to everyone who visited Annalisa Crawford on Friday. My answer for a popular blog was simple but it’s what works.
And welcome new followers! I hit 1600 this weekend, Whoa…
Super Quiz Answers
Science – How many colors are there considered to be in a rainbow? Seven
Sports – What is the official diameter of a hockey puck in inches? Three inches
Geography – Name the reef off the NE coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef
History – Name the first permanent English colony on the American mainland. Jamestown, Virginia
Movies – Who played Hawkeye in the movie M.A.S.H? Donald Sutherland (Alan Aldo played him in the TV series.)
Words – A handwriting expert is called a ___? Graphologist
August Movie Preview
Here are the upcoming releases for August. As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.
3 -
Total Recall
A factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run.
Director: Len Wiseman
Stars: Colin Farrell, Bokeem Woodbine, Bryan Cranston, Kate Beckinsale
Didn’t need a remake, but the storyline appears different enough to be interesting. And it has Kate!
10 -
The Bourne Legacy
An expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films.
Director: Tony Gilroy
Stars: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Donna Murphy
This is going to be wicked, bad-ass cool! My must-see movie of August.
The Campaign
In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two CEOs seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins, director of the local Tourism Center. Director: Jay Roach
Stars: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Sarah Baker
Not a big fan of Ferrell, but could be funny. Could be stupid as well.
17 -
The Expendables 2
Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.
Director: Simon West
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Liam Hemsworth, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Chuck Noriss, Dolph Lundgren
The first one was predictable and vanilla. Hoping the second one will be better. (Come on guys - look at all those action stars! Make a good movie for them.)
ParaNorman
A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
Directors: Chris Butler | Sam Fell
Stars: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann
Looks quirky and odd.
29 -
Lawless
Set in the Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a bootlegging gang is threatened by authorities who want a cut of their profits.
Director: John Hillcoat
Stars: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman
Oldman, Pearce, and Hardy? You have me intrigued…
Lots of good news this week! Entering any of the contests? Did you get any trivia answers correct? Any movies catch your eye? And are you ready for Wednesday’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post?
138 comments:
Maybe?
the campaign, looks so very funny! the rest of the films look light... that i can wait and outside of Kate looking hot... i am banning this film.
happy followers and success to all other go-getters!
I might not have noticed Lawless but with a cast like that, it has to be worth a look.
As I see we'll get some very interesting movie next month. I'm very curious about The Expendables 2.
Lots of fun movies to watch! I'm thinking, with my WIP, I'm beginning to feel insecure-- how do I join up? (I know I was weeded out once due to non-participation, but I promise to be good this time, Alex:) )
I love Will Ferrell. :)
Congratulations on reaching 1600!
Yes 1600 followers! That is simply awesome! Congrats!
I wouldn't mind seeing the remake of Total Recall, even though Arnie isn't in it!
You're tearing up the nominations at Diane's supportive blogger contest.
I whipped together my IWSG post yesterday. Not what I'd originally planned to write about, but at least I got something together since I have 2 very full driving days ahead as I return to L.A. from Houston.
Lee
Tossing It Out
I love the idea of the Supportive Blogger Contest! :D
Jeremy, I would ban it, but... Kate!
Karen, you have a couple days - don't panic!
Sarah, that's what I thought.
Zoltan, hoping they give this one a good storyline.
Damy, just sign up on the Linky List!
Thanks, Annalisa and CM.
Lee, am I? Hey, be good to have you back.
Kyra, I thought it was a cool idea.
Plenty of good summer reading coming out! My Kindle is getting lots of use.
'Not a big fan of Ferrell, but could be funny. Could be stupid as well.'
I'm thinking 'stupid' is not an unreasonable guess for this one, unfortunately. Though I did like Sudeikis on 'SNL' whenever I caught it -- which has not been often in the last eight or so seasons.
'Lawless' appears to hold potential for me, too. Mostly because I like pieces set in early parts of the 20th century but I'd be lying if I didn't admit Hardy holds a bit of the appeal, as well ...
Al, I'm taking a break from posting for just a bit so I won't be participating in the ISWG, this month. My participation has been patchy from the start, maybe 75%? Apologies on that front ...
Have a great week!
Thanks so much for the mention. I will check out those movies!
Dah!
IWSG.
Great 'shout outs' Alex.
After Matt Damon I'm not sure I'm up for the Legacy film. maybe it's just a girlie thing. I really enjoyed Bourne 1, 2 was good and 3 seemed unnecessary, though I adored the punchline. We have a scanner at work that sounds like the music bars for it.
I didn't like the look of Campaign either but it might be funny. I'd rather see 'The Watch'. Off to look at your last few weeks of posts to see what I missed around these here parts!
My kids saw Paranorman preview and they can't wait to see it. I'm looking forward to The Bourne Legacy - I love Edward Norton and I'm curious to see how J.Renner will fill M.Damon's shoes.
I saw a preview for the campaign - I have to confess it made me giggle
I took your Friday test mentally and did better than I thought I would. I should have answered them all then. Oh well.
I'm starting to come around on Total Recall, sorta. But the Bourne Legacy is what its all about in August. So stoked!
The Bourne Legacy has the best chance of being a good movie. I'll watch that one. I missed the first Expendables.
I saw Kickass on Netflix over the weekend for the first time. As stupid as it was I actually liked it a lot.
The Bourne Legacy looks good! I liked the others, too.
AJ, my iPad is overflowing!
Suze, take a break! And stupid is likely, although I did find Talladega Nights funny.
Cindy, you're welcome.
Madeleine, at least he's not replacing the character.
Katie, glad to have you back.
Rusty, that movie's going to rock. Need to take a stab at the trivia questions next time.
Stephen, I was surprised how much I liked it as well.
The Lawless, Expendables, Total Recall and Bourne for me, hopefully all next month!
I had no idea they made another Bourne film. I can't wait to hear your review. Congratulations to all the folks releasing books and yay for contests! Big congrats to you, Alex, for hitting 1600! My post is ready for Wednesday. Wow, almost August already.
great line ups!
for news and movies!
thanks!
liking lawless!
Total Recall and The Bourne Legacy seems good. And I might take my kid to see ParaNorman ...
Congrats on 1600+ followers!
I'm looking forward to THE BOURNE LEGACY, too. It has Rachel Weiz, always a good sign. Kate looks to be a great bad girl in the remake of TOTAL RECALL. August looks to be heating up in more ways than one!
I was wondering about Total Recall, too. I loved the original.
I enjoyed the Expendables so shall look forward to a second one. As for Bourne, I am sick to death of those stories.
The first time I saw the preview for ParaNorman, I laughed out loud - looks like fun. And Lawless has me intrigued... :)
Hiya, missed the science quiz...knew some answers for sure. I don't need a Total Recall remake, once was awful enough. In fact, the only scenes I really liked was when Arnie's face mask or whatever comes off like a jigsaw puzzle, and the Martian landscape at the end.
Bourne should be interesting.
As usual, lots of tidbits here.
IWSG ...here I come.
I'm excited about Total Recall and Bourne, but the rest I could skip. I've not written my IWSG post yet, because I'm debating the politically correct post versus what is truly bothering me. I don't like to rock any boats. :)
Wow, there is a lot of good news this week! Congrats to all! Thanks for keeping us up to date. :)
My kids all want to see Paranorman. It does look cute.
The Campaign looks funny. No more remakes's!! I refuse to see Total Recall on principle.
Sigh - got the MASH question wrong because I didn't read the question carefully. I did exactly what I tell my students NOT to do *sigh* :)
There was a MASH movie? I had no idea.
Can't wait to see ParaNorman!
Great Ninja News as usual. I'll check the links out this afternoon.
I managed to get 2 of the questions on the quiz.
I don't think I knew about any of those movies, will have to check a couple out.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you have a great Monday. :)
A lot of great movies this month! Also, I'm wondering how I missed the quiz! Though, I did leave work early on Friday to retrieve a sick kid from daycare, so that might do it.
The Bourne Legacy and Total Recall are high on my list of must sees, but Lawless looks intriguing. I like all four of those actors. And I might take my kids (at least the older ones) to ParaNorman.
Thanks, Christine. And I know! July slipped by me.
Thanks, Juliana.
Roland, Rachel is hot as well, so double bonus for that movie.
Ciara, those are always dicey.
Tonja, I was going to refuse...
Jemi, don't feel bad - most people guessed Alan Alda.
Lydia, many years ago...
Joshua, sorry!
Bryan, the lineup for Lawless is what caught my attention.
Three inches. Who knew? The first two movies look interesting. I've seen the trailers.
I'm really looking forward to the Bourne Legacy. I love Jeremy Renner!
Total Recall looks good too.
Lawless sounds like my kind of movie! thanks for giving me a heads-up. Bouncing between Spain and England I tend to miss a lot of the U.S. releases.
Thanks for the shout out! I already nominated someone for Spunk On a Stick too.
And movies . . hmm, Bourne Legacy comes out on my anniversary, and my hubby and I have a tendency to go out to the movies on our anniversary . . .it's sort of a revisit of our first date.
Way to go with hitting 1600 followers. Wow.
Looking forward to Bourne Legacy and Expendables 2. Total Recall actually did look good in previews.
I'm pretty sure they showed all the funny parts of The Campaign in its preview.
I knew all the answers to the trivia questions except what a handwriting expert is called.
We will definitely go see the Bourne Legacy. Loved the first few movies with Matt Damon and we read all the books. Intrigued about Total Recall. Did not see the first movie, so I will not have anything to compare it to, But Colin Farrell.... be still my heart.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your Ninja skills are much better than mine. I am such a baby Ninja. LOL
WOW and Congrats on the 1600+2! :) Sadly the one question I thought I knew the answer to was wrong, oh well- I'll try better the next time. :)
Lawless looks interesting! But I'm looking forward to Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie this Friday. Sad, but true. I find them hysterical!
Congrats to Tyrean!
I'm not sure how I feel about a new Total Recall. The first was campy, but good. How can you beat it?
Thanks for mentioning my contest.
I really liked the first Total Recall. Why would they remake it?
I want to see Paranorman! And Lawless looks pretty good!
I love the idea of Diane's Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire contest! What a lovely concept!! Happy Monday!
What happened to Matt Dammon for the Bourne Legacy? I can't imagine a Bourne movie without him! (I took my kids to see Ice Age. They thought it was hilarious. I personally liked the Granny and "Precious.")
I guess my brain actually worked for your trivia. Woo hoo! I'm going to go check out those other bloggers to see what's going on in their world. Thanks for sharing!
Alex, you are a sure bet for Spunk's contest, as deserved. I don't go to the theater for movies very often, but I'm anxious to the new Bourne flick with Jeremy Renner. It looks fantastic! And yep, I'm gearing up for Wednesday's IWSG post. Wouldn't miss it!
Kathy, Renner is in everything these days.
Sean, it looks intriguing.
Tyrean, you are welcome. And that's what we tend to do for birthdays around here.
Jay, probably! And thanks - I second that wow.
Maryann, the Bourne series is great. And Ninjas have to start somewhere.
Gossip Girl, thanks.
Emily, that was my thought, but after watching the trailers, I think I'll give it a shot.
Diane, you're welcome.
Lawless looks interesting. The others, not so much. And I bet you'll win Spunk's contest!
MUST see Total Recall!
Not sure if any of those movies make my must see list which is okay because that just means more time to read.
Yes, you're right, Total Recall I find very interesting.
Bourne Legacy and Lawless for sure. I'll take a pass on the rest!
Total Recall!?!?!? Without Arnie?!!? Jamais!!! But I'm most curious....!!!
Take care
c
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the address of the White House, is it not? You sir, are the president of the blogging sphere. :)
Sounds like some good movies coming in August and some not so good. It's Batman tonight!
Congrats to Cindy, Jamie, Diane, J.C and Tyrean! The Bourne Legacy looks OK, but it's going to be hard to top the first one. Total Recall will probably be predictable, but if they change the ending it could be perfect. Here's hoping!
I'm dying to see ParaNorman! It looks like so much fun!
I want to see all of the August movies, but I will probably only get to see 0 of them. It's so sad.
What would it take for you to plug my current freebie? :P
The Bourne Legacy is on my to see list, though I think it is just because Jeremy Renner is in it...I kind of got confused during the other three movies but I'm considering re-watching them before I see this one.
Thanks for the cover suggestions! I've been looking into it.
I love comedies, but they can fall flat. I hope The Campaign is good.
Thank, Nancy!
Bish, thanks for the vote of confidence.
Pat, I thought Lawless would intrigue you.
Kitty, without Arnie!
Michael, just what I need - another title!
Faraway, enjoy!
Maurice, they have to do something original with it.
Andrew, just ask! I can include it Wednesday.
Mis Jack, that might help.
1600 followers! Cool! Then again, I expected that to happen. By the end of the year, you'll have 2000+ for sure.:)
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
As the Boufne Identiy is my FAVORITE series of course I can't wait for the 4th one.
Lawless also tops my must see list!
Sorry about the typo goof. In sure you all know I meant Bourne, right?
August is a busy month for book releases. Congrats on 1600. I'm not quite ready for Wednesday, but I will be posting. ParaNorman is a great title. Made me laugh.
Great Ninja News! Congrats to everyone who has books coming out and blog events going on. :)
Your advice about followers was spot on. I am impressed that you visit 100 blogs a day. WOW!
Lots of interesting movies coming out. I wasn't sure why they were remaking Total Recall-but hopefully it is different enough. :)
~Jess
Congrats! woo hoo... :D
I'm excited about The Bourne Legacy. The preview looks amazing...
Wow, some great links to visit today!
I found a good idea for Wednesday in a book I'm previewing! :D
Happy Monday...I'm hoping for a Terrific Tuesday Today is more like Wacky Wednesday...lol
I had a feeling you'd be up for a movie with Kate in it. Not sure it can match up to the Arnie classic though.
mood
Hey, Alex! How have you been? I'm visiting because I'm on vacation from the 11 hour day job and have no excuse not to. ;)
Somehow I knew you'd be all over that Total Recall remake. It's Kate, baby!
I'm looking forward to The Bourne Legacy, too. Bad-ass cool is right!
Take care, man.
-Jimmy
I missed the post with the questions on it so I already saw the answers while reading them on this post.
It's weird seeing Arnold in movies now. And when is the last time Van Damme was in a big movie?
Ah Lawless. Set in Franklin County, Virginia, right around the corner from where we lived in Harrisonburg, VA. I think Franklin, though, is in West Virginia. Not sure. Have to check it out. I'm not up on any current movies. I gravitate more these days to the classics, as well as some VERY outstanding recent ones. I always know if I check out Alex's blog that I'll find lots of interesting stuff. So thanks for welcoming me back to blogging on your comment on my review of Dead Ringer. Yes, a few "bad" words I can do, but then there's overkill.
Ann Best, Memoir Author
I am v. keen to see Bourne Legacy!
I'm generally against remakes but I love Colin Farrell so I'd see Total Recall!
Congratulations on 1600!
I like Renner, so will likely see the Bourne movies. I've never much liked Damon, though the movies were good. I think ParaNorman will be fun, and I'm excited for Expendables 2. Can't beat the cast for an action movie. But I liked the first one, too. Not a great plot, but I was too busy enjoying the cast. :D
Congratulations on 1600!
I like Renner, so will likely see the Bourne movies. I've never much liked Damon, though the movies were good. I think ParaNorman will be fun, and I'm excited for Expendables 2. Can't beat the cast for an action movie. But I liked the first one, too. Not a great plot, but I was too busy enjoying the cast. :D
Wow, 1600! You can handle it. :)
Everything but The Campaign looks interesting. Not a Will Ferrell fan either.
Wow Alex alot going on in your world. I have spent the day trying to get that shot for my shoulder....without success.
So I phone the headquarters in London that deals with complaints of doctors and I have been told they are in the wrong so another visit tomorrow to tell them the good news.
Yvonne.
So excited for Total Recall and Expendables 2! Thanks for heads up on everything! :D
Nutschell, that's a scary thought.
Ink, I knew!
Thanks, DMS. And I really do visit that many.
Ella, looking forward to your IWSG post then!
Moody, probably not, but at least the eye candy will be good.
James - yeah! Must support Kate.
PTM, other than the first Expendables?
Ann, that's cool the setting is near where you lived.
Shannon, that's how I felt about the first one.
Cate, thanks for the vote of confidence.
Yvonne, you get him!!!
I saw the trailer for that ParaNorman movie and it looks really cute. Love paranormal stuff:) Congrats on hitting 1600 Followers! That's crazy *shakes head*
I so want to see Paranorman and Lawless. I wasn't too sure about total Recall, but it does look good. And I thought the first Expendables was pure fun, can't wait for round 2, it has Chuck Norris!
After seeing Renner as Hawkeye in The Avengers, I gotta see the Bourne movie.
Allison (Geek Banter)
YaY for the release of Oracle!
I want to see The Campaign.
This is always the place to find out the good stuff.
WOW, thanks for all the news and congrats on 1600!
Alex,
Yes, once again, you are getting a comment from me, yes me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star!
Lots of links to check out, which is pawesome!
I hope that "Expendables 2" is better than the first one. Gary's son and I quote, thought the first film "was rubbish!"
Speaking of the "Great Barrier Reef", evidently its good for coral sex. Right then, this busy dog has got to go share the love...
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Where have all the light and humorous movies gone? We need them to make a comeback.
Be well, Alex.
xoRobyn
I'm intrigued by the Bourne Legacy and want to see that. The Total Recall remake looks like fun so I'll probably see that one too.
Totally looking forward to Recall and Paranorman. And congrats on reaching 1600, and climbing! :)
I've always wanted to know the width of a hockey puck. (an actual trivia question from years back) Now if only I knew how much the average puck weighs.
BOURNE!!! Can't wait!
You rock, Alex!
Almost ready for Wednesday. Doubt I will see any of those movies in August. Maybe I'll go see Batman four or five more times.
Gwen, it is crazy!
Melissa, and the dude still looks good! Not fair.
Theresa, I try to stay on top of stuff.
Thanks, Heather!
Penny, bad coral joke! Still hoping they do something good with Expendables II. Plot would be a good start.
Robyn, sorry, I'll pick more next time.
Thanks, David!
Huntress, it weighs between 5.5 and 6 ounces.
Thanks, Heather!
Susan, that's always a thought.
I'm so excited about Bourne Legacy I can hardly stand it! The Campaign is also on my list. Not sure about Total Recall, I liked the original, but didn't love it.
I really want to see Legacy. Thanks for the news, Alex. Sorry I haven't been around much lately.
Crap, I knew Jamestown from living in Virginia when I was a kid. But I was second getting myself, so I didn't write it down. It's hard to get good westerns nowadays. I'm hoping Lawless is good because it sure looks cool.
Total Recall may be worth seeing for Bryan Cranston as the villain alone. I really thought that Elliot Gould was Hawkeye, but you stumped me again! Julie
Okay :) I'm asking!
Wow, Alex, congrats on 1600 followers! And thanks for saying the storyline to the remake of Total Recall is different than the first. I loved the first one, so I'm sure I'll like this one, too. I hadn't heard anything about this yet. Thanks for the heads up!
I am really looking forward to the Borne movie and Total Recall. I really hope to be finished with my editing by them so I can go see them guilt free.
Lots of good stuff here Alex. Thanks for sharing it.
......dhole
I'd watch (most) things with Gary Oldman, so I'm on board with Lawless. Total Recall, though, not so much. I wasn't a huge fan of the first one.
No movie for me on your list.
I nominated my Supportive Blogger qa couple of minutes ago.
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!
I like the unusual prices over at Jamie's giveaway.
1603 follower. And in 2013 there will be 2013 folowers ....
Hilde, we'll just have to see what they do with this version.
Clarissa, that's all right!
Michael, we need a kick-butt western.
Lynn, they don't go to Mars, which is a big change!
MJ, go anyway!
Sangu, Oldman is damned good actor.
Donald Sutherland. Duh. I knew that. My eyes skimmed right over the word 'movie.' LOL
All you need to know is that there are going to be 3 hobbit movies.
I can NOT wait for the Bourne Legacy! Woot!!!!
Congrats on 1600+ followers!
I'm off to check out Diane's Supportive Blogger Contest... and wrap up my IWSG post for tomorrow!
I definitely want to see the new Total recall.
Tom Hardy seems like a great actor.
Wow, there is a tons of stuff going on the in blogoshere!
And in the movie world.
Such great news going around!
And I didn't know Donald Sutherland played Hawkeye in the M.A.S.H movie.
Melissa, that's all right - most people missed the word movie.
Nicole, I do know that!
Thanks, Michelle!
Cherie, back in 1970. He was much younger!
I love all things Bourne, so that's the movie I'm looking forward to.
With you on Bourne Legacy. It has actually been one my most wanted all summer. Really loved the original trilogy, and hope they take it in an awesome new direction. The question is: Will Renner us a bow and arrow to blow something up? I sincerely hope so. :)
Congrats on the follower count milestone, Alex! Couldn't have happened to a nicer ninja!
Looking forward to Bourne and Total Recall. Renner's in everything lately.
Yeah, why remake Total Recall ... it was good. I've always wondered: why not remake the crappy movies ... lot's of room to improve, eh?
Patricia, it's at the top of my list!
EJ, we can only hope!
Thanks, Jeff.
Donna, he's the next big star.
Christopher, I guess they were crappy for a reason...
I'm definitely going to see Bourne Legacy. I'm on the fence about Total Recall. I was annoyed that they were remaking a perfectly good movie, until I remembered that Colin Ferrell is WAY hotter than Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I want to see all those movies except Lawless. See you tomorrow:-)
I'm definitely looking forward to The Bourne Legacy. :) Thanks for the previews!
Thank you for the suggestion, I will look into Photoshop. I've heard a lot of nice things about it.
And yes, I think you're right. Keeping an eye on my cat is probably a good idea, might just keep me alive.
Can't wait 'til it's 1700... ;)
Paranorman has caught my interest along with The Bourne Legacy and The Campaign (but I agree that this one can either be funny or just plain stupid). Glad to read another post and maybe I'll be an author featured on your blog one day.
Many congrats on finishing that draft!!
Congrats on Storm, Alex!
Thanks for the shout out, Alex, and congrats on finishing CassaStorm!
Well, I had to do it since I couldn't decide between them. I saw a double feature tonight at the theatre.
Bourne was SLOW to get going! Holy smokes! Enough with the plot. Need more action! But it finally picked up.
Total Recall was good! Loved Collin in it. Big improvement to Arnold, I have to say. He does conflicted so well.
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