Monday, March 10, 2014

Escalation and National Wormhole Week! Plus 300: Rise of an Empire Review, Wormfest, and Ninja News

I am triple posting today! (Not to be confused with triple dipping.) At the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I posted Where to Advertise Your E-Books – Discounted, Free, and Otherwise and at the A to Z Challenge Blog, I posted A to Z Tips – Making Friends and Building Relationships.

Escalation!

Today is the day! Stephen Tremp is kicking off his Escalation Blog Tour right here. And we’re celebrating with a potluck for the entire population of Blogdom.

Bring a dish cleverly named as a pun. Example. Stephen Tremp is binging Square pies (pi) and Interstellar Cookies. They’re out of this world. You can choose a food inspired by science, sci-fi, a book, movie, or music. But it’s open to any and all food puns. You can leave the food you’re bringing in my comments.

Example: Stephen’s bringing Square Pies (Pi) and Interstellar Cookies. They’re out of this world.

Other examples could be:
Harry Potter jelly beans
Motley Crutons
Souper Salad
You should get married if you cantaloupe
A salt and battery Fish and Chips
Tequila Mockingbird
Locks Stocks and Bagels
Lettuce enjoy this salad
Iggy Popsicles

Use your imagination or Google food puns, then stop by my blog Monday March 10th and leave what you bring in the comments.

Stephen Tremp is the author of the Breakthrough series. Together, Breakthrough, Opening, and Escalation follow the lives of the unlikely participants from innocence to a coming of age through sacrifice, betrayal, passion, lust, unconditional love, and hope. Escalation will appeal to fans of modern-day science fiction, action, horror, and even romance.

Stop by Stephen’s Blog for more information on the Breakthrough series.

To download Escalation: The Adventures of Chase Manhattan CLICK HERE.

Movie Review

300: Rise of an Empire
Blood, boobs, and carnage! And all in the first minute of the movie.
This film overlaps the first one, following Themistokles as he defends Greece against the Persian navy, led by Artemisia.
The first battle, which sets the stage for the Persian invasion later, is very cool. Visually it’s stunning (and best viewed in 3D) but we’ve seen it before. The characters aren’t as compelling, and while there is nothing wrong with the film, it won’t leave much of an impact. (It does feature the angriest sex scene you’ll ever witness.) It will appeal to young men looking for some bloody carnage. (And boobs – don’t forget those.)
Recommended as a rental, although you’ll miss the 3D.


Ninja News

Last week my March preview movie theme was blood, boobs, and carnage. I like to say a special thank you to Heather Gardner for making that the title of her IWSG post! Thank you for the laugh, Heather.

Thanks to everyone who offered to co-host the IWSG in April! I was overwhelmed with offers, so many of them I will save for future months. You guys are so supportive and awesome.

Worlds on Edge, Backworlds 5 by M. Pax is now available! Pick it up here - Amazon US Amazon UK Smashwords


Are you a slow writer? That’s actually a good thing according to Anne R. Allen. (She also had me explain why I’m a slow writer. She says I have a real life!) EJ Wesley quoted her and went over some other good points. Check out their informative posts!

Confessions of a Sex Fiend: Retreat Bound by Rayven Godchild is now available. (a.k.a. Angela Brown )

Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway!

Crossed 2000 GFC followers this weekend! Thanks to everyone who spread the word. This week I will compile all the entries and announce the winners on March 17.


Wormfest!

Today is the Wormfest blogfest, hosted by Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, and Alex J. Cavanaugh. (Yes Mark, I just hyperlinked myself.)

The rules:
Name one thing where science advances mankind, and one where technology with unforeseen consequences will go too far and set mankind back. (And they can be the same thing.) Example: De-Extinction, or bringing back extinction species through back breeding, genetic engineering, and cloning. With all the breakthrough discoveries mankind is on the cusp of, are we playing God?

My choice – the cell phone. In particular, the smart phone.

Yes, smart phones are a huge advancement. We can do so much on them – play games, watch movies, listen to music, take photos, and even talk to people. (Yeah, imagine that?) We are always connected and much safer.

However, it sets us back because we are losing the ability to communicate with others. Everyone is too busy looking at their phones to talk to the real people around them. (Adults as well as kids.) And no one needs a brain anymore – the answer is just a Google away on the cell phone.

Am I right or what?

Visit others participating in Wormfest!



What dish are you bringing today? Picking up Escalation? Did you see 300? Are you a slow writer? And what would you say advances and/or sets back mankind?

Be sure to visit the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and the A to Z Challenge Blog!

181 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Love the wormfest. And yes on the subject of mobile(cell) phones. Medical advances are frequently life savers - in every sense of the word. Yet sometimes they are used to prolong life, long after any quality is gone. And to preserve some deleterious genes so that future generations will suffer.
I would like to offer up Fromage to Catalonia - or is that gruel and unusual punishment?

Unknown said...

My brain isn't working well enough to bring a dish to the party.

Just watched the prequel to 300 the other night on TV. LOVED Butler in that movie. I'm afraid I prob won't see the new one because nothing could live up to the 1st.

I'm an extremely slow writer. Didn't get a chance to read Jane's post yesterday - too busy editing. Which is what I SHOULD be doing right now. Just need to wakey wakey first.

Agree on the cell phone!

Happy Monday.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I love my smart phone, but you're right--it's incredibly distracting and I rely on it a little too much. I have made rules for myself about not being on it around others! Especially family.

Huntress said...

Congrats to Angela and Stephen and Mary!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't think of anything to write for the wormfest unless clonning Danny Boy would be an advancement.
Will visit the other sites asap.
Have a good week.
Yvonne.

Rhonda Albom said...

I am definitely a slow writer, and I missed the science boat on the wormfest, but not the technology, speaking of tech, I love my smart phone, and recently got one for my teen.

Old Kitty said...

I still don't have a mobile phone and I still don't want one!! I want an ipad though! LOL!!

Happy Monday Cap'n Ninja!! Yay for Stephen too!! Take care
x

Toi Thomas said...

I cam to drop off my meal, I went all out. I'll be back for the other stuff.

I’m bringing three out-of-this-world courses.

I’m starting off with my Fire ’fly’ roasted Jayne ‘corn on the’ Cobb

Then I’m moving on to my Fifth Element Mangalores Surprise (not as scary as it sounds: a meatloaf in the shape of a chicken)

And finally my world-famous, lick the plate, Dean Winchester Pie.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats to Stephen on his new book. Sorry, I'm no good at puns so I'll have to mooch.

I totally know what you mean about cell phones and not connecting with people. And kids now text vs even talk to each other much. A double edged sword.

Heather Musk said...

Great shout for the Wormfest. It's such a shame that with these super duper phones we're also losing some of the most basic abilities of communication.

Great news about reaching 2000 GFC followers!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love the idea of a virtual potluck. Now I am craving food!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I forgot about Wormfest! How about Facebook? It's good in that it connects people and bad in that it can be a time-waster.

With my son going to sleep late due to DST, I'm going to need a lot of productivitea today at work.

Off to check out the slow writer posts.

mshatch said...

I totally agree with you about cell phones.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Those were some interesting links in your marketing post.

One of my sons saw 300 II. That's what he said too: blood and boobs.

Bish Denham said...

The other thing about cell phones is that you really don't have the privacy you think you have.

And I still think I'll alpaca a picnic basket for the Escalation tour.

I'm excited for M. Pax!

Unknown said...

I am a painfully slow writer. I tried NaNo in November and didn't make it. Didn't even come close.

Stephen Tremp said...

Thank you Alex for the shout out and hosting me today! What a great way to kick things off.

I'm bringing my famous Square Pies (pi) and universal cookies. They're out of this world.

I love Toinette's dishes. I'm digging in.

Stephen Tremp said...

I agree about cell phones. I'd rather talk face to face with people.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant's Child, that's good!

Terri, my brain isn't working either. And the second doesn't live up to the first.

Elizabeth, it's sad to see a family together and everyone is on their cell phone.

Yvonne, funny!

Kitty, skip the phone and get an iPad!

Toi, those are awesome!!!

Sandra, good choice.

Donna, let's give it up for blood and boobs!

Bish, funny!

Brian Miller said...

ah i would say the internet...its a great tool...but becoming ugh...esp with those data mongers...

escalation sounds fun...

sucks on 300...will heed your advise and wait on the rental. or the dollar theatre

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Don't forget people driving while talking or texting. That is positively not safe.

Jemima Pett said...

Thanks for the Wormfest - I went for more 'future' technologies - hope that's ok!

Jemima's Wormfest post

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm sure the library will get 300: rise of an empire and Lana will be able to check it out.

Jo said...

I do so agree about cell phones Alex, it is infuriating when you cannot communicate with someone face to face because they are on their mobiles.

I'm afraid I can't think of anything here. I am so in to food and yet I cannot invent anything for the potluck. Oh, wait a minute, how about some Gravity Bars, they make you feel as if you are floating.

Anonymous said...

Hurray, top 30! lol

Those puns were great! I don't think I can top them. :) But maybe I'll bring a Bruschetta Springsteen?

Gossip_Grl said...

Sounds like a fun blog hop. The smart phone seems like a good choice because so many people seem to not be able stay off of them long enough to do simple tasks. I just recently got a smart phone and only have a couple of apps Candy Crush and the app for the Quit Smoking.

Pat Hatt said...

Never expected more than a rehash of the first one for 300. Congrats on 2000.

Internet and cell phone are more than likely the two biggest of all. But they both make people sound smarter, yet usually make them dumber in the end.

PK HREZO said...

I'm bringing black-hole peas and children of the cornbread.

Big congrats on hitting 2k!! You're so right about cell phones. Hopefully we'll educate our future gens a little better on it.

Julie Flanders said...

Congrats on reaching 2000 followers, that's amazing!

Jemi Fraser said...

Cell phones - great choice! I've seen people at a restaurant texting each other - completely nuts!

Anonymous said...

Locks, Stocks and Bagels. ;-) Love that. Good luck, Stephen!

Will probably wait to rent 300 but we sure liked the first movie. Tempted, though, to at least see it in 3D...

Robyn Campbell said...

YaY Alex for the triple dip. Wow.

YaY for Stephen's tour. I've been looking forward to it.

I can't think of any puns Alex. Call me a fruitcake. You could say my brain is fried. I'd better ketchup to everyone's excellent puns.

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

Contacting hubby in WalMart during the Christmas shopping season (across the store) is for me the best use I've found for them so far. On the other end of the spectrum, I have used it to text him in the next room.

Arlee Bird said...

Congratulations on passing the 2000 follower mark.

I'll be reading Stephen Tremp's book soon.

I still just have a simple flip phone and only use it if I'm away from the house and then rarely. It's eerie to be in a place with a lot of people and many of them on doing something on their phones.

For the Wormfest I'm bringing Time Change Sorbet. I'm groggy and annoyed by the change to Daylight Savings and need to get the bad taste out of my mouth because of it. Also it's something icy cold that is in keeping with my own Wormfest post.

Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out

Mason Canyon said...

Wow, Alex you do have a lot going on. Congrats to all. A special congratulations to Stephen and his Esclation Blog Tour. For this potluck I brought Mac-and-cheese-beth with a Julius Caesar Salad. Wishing everyone much success.

Mason Canyon said...

Wow, Alex you do have a lot going on. Congrats to all. A special congratulations to Stephen and his Esclation Blog Tour. For this potluck I brought Mac-and-cheese-beth with a Julius Caesar Salad. Wishing everyone much success.

Melissa said...

I brought a bowl of Gummy Wormholes. You have no idea how hard it was to hide those from my boys so I could bring them here intact and uneaten! :P

Your article on e-books is just what I need to read. Heading over...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen, hope your book launch day rocks!

Brian, the 3D helps, but not worth the price.

Jemima, works for me!

Jo, I like that!

Debra, good one.

Gossip Girl, I have Candy Crush on my iPad. It's addictive.

Pat, it's a catch-22.

PK - children of the cornbread - awesome!!!

Karen, welcome to the world of slow writers. We're cool though.

Liz, if you have the cash to spare, 3D is the way to see it.

Robyn, that made me chuckle.

Lee, Daylight Savings Time sucks.

Mason, good ones.

Melissa, funny!

Creepy Query Girl said...

Congrats to Stephen. Loved your food pun examples and thanks for the 300 review. Hubs and I were thinking of seeing that.

Jay Noel said...

Yes. I'm picking up Escalation!

And for the picnic, I'll bring the steam-punked veggies. Good for you and they're awesome.

Christine Rains said...

Yay for Stephen! I think I'll bring some Lord of the Onion Rings. I'm not a slow writer. I write my first drafts quickly, but revising takes me a long while. Great review for 300!

Juliana Haygert said...

You know, I don't really like 3D. I prefer watching the regular version ;)

Oh, yeah, smartphones are big! And this too: " it sets us back because we are losing the ability to communicate with others. "

D.G. Hudson said...

You're right! Cell phones are limiting our communication abilities and words are being garbled for the sake of brevity.

This is just one example of how our language will change over time. I'm here from the Wormfest!

Mina Burrows said...

Wahoo! 2001 Followers. Congrats!

I didn't see 300, but wanted to. I finally saw catching fire.

And yes, I'm a slow writer. We already know this. *sigh* Sometimes I get stuck on plotting and I have to sit and think things through.

Unknown said...

Love seeing Stephen's book out and about!

Sarah Ahiers said...

That sounds about right for what i expected from the 300 sequel. I'll be waiting.

And damn you for mentioning potlucks. Because now i am so so hungry

The Angry Lurker said...

I'm hoping to see 300 on Monday but while I'm 45 my mental age is 14!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I didn't get to see 300 this weekend because it was our D&D/Pathfinder weekend. But I intend to go and see it for the 3D this week sometime. Looks like (from your recommendation) that maybe I should catch it for a matinee if possible. And Alex, you are not a slow writer.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Congrats on the 2000 GFC Alex! I knew you'd make it. Tequila Mockingbird. LOL

Sean McLachlan said...

M. Pax keeps going strong! Glad to see her output is continuing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Katie, you know what to expect now.

Jay and Christine - those are both good.

DG, and I hate text speech.

Sarah, go eat! I'm about to have lunch myself.

Fran, then you will enjoy it!

Michael, thanks, but yes I am...

Maurice - funny!!

M.J. Fifield said...

I didn't see 300, but I probably will when it's out on DVD. Eva Green's character seems like my kind of character.

And I am definitely a slow writer.

Ellie Garratt said...

I'm bringing Alien vs. Pretzels and CassaSoup ;)

Your comments about smartphones are similar to mine about the Internet. Such advances aren't always a good thing.

Leovi said...

Go! Amazing combination of blood and boobs 300: Rise of an Empire

SC Author said...

I was wondering how the new 300 would be. Thanks for the review!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I thought you'd comment on the Yellow Fender - but good to know you've been to Canary Wharf ..

... via the wormhole or just sometime in those ancient times?!

Gosh - talk about putting yourself about .. now you've reached 2000+ we'll never know where you're turning up ..

Good luck to Stephen with his Wormhole Blogfest .. and to one all published authors .. cheers Hilary

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

I have avoided getting a smart phone. I know I'd be one of those annoying people checking my email, etc. Better to not have the temptation!

A Beer for the Shower said...

Congratulations on 2001, a true space odyssey! (Was that lame? Apologies)

And crap, is that the sign I'm getting too old? I don't want to see a "young man's" movie like the new 300? It just looks like a rehashing of the old one, nothing new.

Why, in my day...

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Miley Cyrus Tongue Sandwich is my contribution -- but no one wants to sample it. I wonder why?

CELL by Stephen King tells you how much he loves cell phones.

Smart phones are the new addiction. I walk into the blood center (where they are outlawed) and everyone's head is down as they are staring at their personal smart phones! Sigh.

And you must be a clone! Your clone hyperlinking the real you proves it! THREE POSTS TODAY?

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats on reaching 2000 followers! I'm so excited for Stephen! All of the puns were fantastic. I could only think of a very silly one. How about Bob, Carol, Mike and Ike? So true about how easily smart phones could be abused.

Julie

Cathrina Constantine said...

I liked 300! Not the Boobs,but the men's six-packs. It sounds like the same movie. Will wait until the DVD. Congrats to Stephen's Book. Cell phones are great and a bone of contention. I recently heard about the same issue people had with the invention of television...how TV will take away from family communication.

Jennifer Lane said...

Blood, boobs, and carnage? Sounds like a fantastic combo. Happy worm day!

Mark said...

Worlds on Edge looks cool...I think I'll read that instead of seeing the new 300 movie:)

H. R. Sinclair said...

I'm bringing Clockwork Orange Soda.

Congrats again Stephen.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm a fast writer WHEN I'm in the zone. That's the problem. How do you stay in the zone, Alex?

CONGRATULATIONS ON 2000! You're amazing.

xoRobyn

Unknown said...

If only...
I were good at puns and enjoyed science...LOL
I hope you have fun with your wormhole and Congrats Stephen.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

MJ, she's tough!

Ellie - priceless!!!!

Hilary, I did notice the fender though!

Rachel, very wise.

Brandon and Bryan, thanks for the chuckle.

Roland, good one! And told you I knew how to use my clones wisely.

Julie, funny!

Mark, that's a wise choice.

Holly, good one!

Robyn, sheer determination to finish the stupid ass first draft, that's how!

L.G. Keltner said...

You're definitely right about smart phones. I've never been the best at interacting with others, but I'm appalled at how bad some people have gotten at interacting with one another in person. I see people go out together to supposedly spend an evening together, only to spend the entire time on their phones talking to other people, or playing games. It's mind boggling to me.

I brought some Soylent Green Salad to share, but I'm not sure if anyone will be brave enough to try it. Though it might go well with the Clockwork Orange soda that Southpaw brought!

nutschell said...

Wormfest! Ooh i love this. and that poster for National Wormhole Week is just hilarious!
I do agree about the Smartphone. Even I'm guilty of glancing at it too much during some social settings!

hugs,
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Elizabeth Seckman said...

My husband took me to see 300 (because he's romantic) and I wasn't impressed. There was so much blood, someone had to have gotten hepatitis from the splatter. And I'm glad you called it a sex scene. Geesh. My hubs tried to say it had a love scene, so it was a chick flick...ha!

I do love those smart phones. I can track my kids wherever they are. Bwa haha.

I couldn't think of a single clever food. My brain refuses to cooperate with me. I can't get past Elton John Creme Puffs, but I'm not sure if those would be in good taste.

Sherry Ellis said...

I think it's ridiculous that people who are sitting right next to each other, don't talk, but text. I saw my daughter do this with her friend, and nearly fell over. Talk, don't text!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

The smart phone is a great choice. There's an entire different definition of rudeness in their use between young people and me.
I have some Jupiter Jambalaya for the potluck.

Kristin Smith said...

I am bringing "don't go baking my heart" potatoes and "I couldn't if I fried" eggs.

I agree with cell phones being a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it is nice to have the internet at your fingertips, and your best friend who lives across the country readily accessible in your contacts list. But, on the other hand, it has made us more accessible too. And with that comes expectations, involving work, family obligations, etc. You can't escape it. And sometimes it is nice to turn off the cell phone, don't check the email, don't respond to texts. But if you do that, do you soon feel guilty?

randi lee said...

Well, goodness me...If I haven't stumbled my way over to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog! How in the world are you, man? I'm still rosy that you checked in while I was away, you good guy you! Stephen Tremp writes absolutely amazing and insightful blog posts. That said, his fiction must be amazing as well! I can only imagine the success he's going to have with this publication. I would NOT be surprised to see it on a Barnes & Noble shelf soon!! Anyway, you have yourself a good one!!

Andrew Leon said...

I don't think I will even be able to make myself rent the new 300.

Kyra Lennon said...

2000 followers. You are, indeed, a legend! :D

cleemckenzie said...

You are very right and the downside to our techi phones. Another downside to these handy and smart devices is that when they get lost or totally explode, kiss your data goodbye. So now not only can we not communicate well anymore, we have no way to tell any anyone about it. I found myself actually going to someone's house, knocking on the door and asking for their phone number. We had coffee and talked across a table. What a concept.

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats on 2000 followers!

Congrats to Stephen, Mary, and Rayven (Angela) for their book releases!

Karen Lange said...

Like the food examples. Trying to decide which one to make for dinner...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LG, good one! And yeah, a whole table of people on their phones and not talking to one another is sad.

Elizabeth, not the kind of sex I want to experience!

Sherry, good mom!

Susan, good stuff.

Kristin, only after a day or so...

Hey Randi Lee! Good to hear from you.

Lee, what a concept indeed!

Carol Kilgore said...

I'm a slow writer, too. And I didn't bring a dish. I'm a party pooper :(
But I have cabana boys at the Tiki Hut :)

Michelle Wallace said...

My brain is on the blink... can't think of a pun at the moment...
Off to check out the IWSG and A to Z blog posts---

mooderino said...

Angry sex scene in 3D, not sure I want that in IMAX. Could put you off for life.

mood
Moody Writing

Tina said...

So many questions...I enjoyed the blood, boobs and carnage theme as well, BB&C if you will. I nominate it as a regular feature.

I can't believe you hyperlinked yourself...I mean, I've seen you called "and Alex J. 'Needs no hyperlink' Cavanaugh" in more than one place...

Fell asleep during 300, so not planning to see this one. Besides, not that interested in boobs...(just your continual use of the phrase, which you should copyright)

I guess I'll bring the cups and flying saucers for the beverages to the potluck. Sounds like there will be enough food...

I completely agree with you about the smartphone, though if you want to take away mine, you'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands. (Says the girl who has had her iPhone 5C for a week and two days)
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014

Susan Kane said...

Starbucks...it has robbed customers of money for burned coffee, created addictions, and uses every street corner as an observation point for incoming invasion.

Unknown said...

Hi Alex, great post. I'm hoping to see 300 soon, so thanks for the review. First, I've got to see Robocop!

I agree with your thoughts on mobile phones. With texting, private messaging, and instant gaming etc, it's definitely changing our way of communicating. Teens are more likely to text than talk on the phone. What a change from my teen years...My parents could never get me off the phone.

Cheers,
Anna Soliveres

Liesel K. Hill said...

Congrats on 2,000 followers! Good for you! :D And thanks for the 300 review.I was curious about that one. :D

Cindy said...

Most technology has some sort of draw back. Computers and video games take up our time and lure us into being mouse potatoes.

M Pax said...

Congrats to Stephen! I'll bring some chocolate coated star clusters. Mmm.

Thanks for the mention, Alex.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Darn! I thought of Pumpkin PI, too! Well, I guess you can't have too much pie!

Thanks for the shout out! Everyone thought it was a great title.

I am a slow writer.

Congrats on your followers! I knew you could do it.

I agree about the phone. I need mine. Have to have mine. But, I get upset when my husband is on his and not listening to me. :)

Heather

Truedessa said...

Alex,

I agree with you about the ups and downs of smart phones. I have mixed feelings about them even though I own one. I think you need to have some boundaries on how and when to use them.

I do worry about future generations. How will all this technology shape the world to come?

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I've decided to make and bring KISS kisses. They're filled with yummy chocolate and Bavarian creme. Sounds decadent, eh@

J E Oneil said...

I am terrible at creating puns, so I shall laugh at the other ones instead. Although I think square pi should be pie squared.

Kim Van Sickler said...

And why bother remembering anything you Google, right? Because you can just Google again if necessary...Over Christmas during our family ski trip all my kids were taking selfies of themselves with goofy expressions on their faces and snapchatting them to all their friends. Bizarre.

Anonymous said...

I won't be able to post my wormfest blog until Wed, but I can't believe I didn't think of cell phones! I actually wrote an essay about that for a test I took this past summer--totally agree with you, but I usually do :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tina, that was always Mark who did that. Will bring back BB&C just for you and Heather. And you'd have to pry my iPad from mine!

Susan - funny!

Cindy, I've never heard that phrase before.

Mary, you're welcome!

Heather, thanks for amusing me!

Trudessa, it makes you wonder...

Joylene, sounds decadent - funny!

Kim, the whole selfies thing is weird...

Anonymous said...

I don't know if I'm a slow writer, but I can be a slow editor.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You are so right about the smart phones. And people aren't buying as many books because of them too!! ;)

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm a fast binge writer, but a very slow rewriter.

Congratulations to Steve for the new book release. I have my copy on my Kindle!

Carrie Butler said...

I'm bringing CassaRole (the secret fourth book in your series), covered in Malcolm Reynolds Wrap. :D

kjmckendry said...

I agree with cell phones and Facebook. I'll bring double chocolate Doc Brownies to the party. But I really want some of Christine's Lord of the Onion Rings!! :)

Congrats to Stephen and Angela!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Let's see... what shall I bring? How about some Big Bang-er sausages and pickled plasma with a nice plate of microchip cookies for dessert?

I was gonna say smartphone, too, and for the same reasons you already gave. I have some of the same feelings about scientific calculators, too. No doubt, they're wonderful tools to help us solve complex problems much much faster, but I wonder how many people have any concept of how to solve the problems themselves anymore. I have a problem with people turning tasks over to their tools, and becoming incapable of doing those tasks without them.

Good luck to Stephen on his new release.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Let's see... what shall I bring? How about some Big Bang-er sausages and pickled plasma with a nice plate of microchip cookies for dessert?

I was gonna say smartphone, too, and for the same reasons you already gave. I have some of the same feelings about scientific calculators, too. No doubt, they're wonderful tools to help us solve complex problems much much faster, but I wonder how many people have any concept of how to solve the problems themselves anymore. I have a problem with people turning tasks over to their tools, and becoming incapable of doing those tasks without them.

Good luck to Stephen on his new release.

SpacerGuy said...

I'm bringing the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster which is totally intoxicating. The fun part is in brewing it yourself. Congratulations on passing the GFC 2000 milestone.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Love your choice for the wormfest - although I actually think that having information at our fingertips helps us understand the world around us a bit better - I have a firmer grasp of geography now than I did as a teen ... of course, that's probably just my fault.

Thanks for the review, and I'll be checking out those other posts soon. :)

Bossy Betty said...

It is always exciting to see what is happening in Blogland! Thanks for coming by!

DMS said...

I am still someone who chooses not to have a cell phone. I know they can do amazing things, but so far I have been just fine without one. I find I am more engaged in conversations than my friends who are constantly checking their phones. I enjoyed your answer.

Best of luck to all the authors with great news. :)
~Jess

Shannon Lawrence said...

Congrats on crossing that follower threshold!

Oy, cell phones. They can be such a blessing and such a curse, all at the same time.

Pat Tillett said...

I'm happy that Stephen and Mary's new books are out. Congrats to both of them. I'm going to take your advice on the new 300 movie. I'm sure it will have amazing cinematography just like the first one.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Congrats on crossing the 2000 threshold Alex. Technology has it's up and downside.

Helena said...

Let's see, with Stephen Tremp's and Rayven's books we have passion, lust, betrayal and sex fiends. Sigh. So much fun reading!

As for advances in science--I'm always hopeful when I see medical breakthroughs that can heal people, like the new advancements in growing new neural pathways around damaged spinal cords. But I'm also haunted by that photo (was it ten years ago?) of a human ear being grown on the back of a mouse. I guess that's one way to produce human parts.

Carrie-Anne said...

I agree that people text way too much these days. I seriously wonder if the young generation fills out job applications and writes papers in textspeak, since they're never really exposed to proper language.

In my long-hiatused soft sci-fi Bildungsroman, which opens in 3001, there's a line about how people could live without barely lifting a finger, like that were so awesome. That actually makes my protagonist very lazy, the way she only has to push a button to get food and teleports everywhere instead of walking. She's in for a huge shock when she moves to a space colony by Jupiter and deprived of all those Earth conveniences!

Cynthia said...

I love food puns...I'll bring some Buns 'n' Roses. And some herbed butter too.

Cynthia said...

And congratulations to Stephen and the others on their books!

LynNerdKelley said...

Congrats to Stephen on getting book 3 published. I've been waiting a long time to read this one. Very cool!

Shah Wharton said...

Yeah, I'm featuring Stephen today (should have been yesterday but darn it if my scheduling thingy didn't work! Grr)...

I bring Gravity Cakes - so light and fluffy! :P

300 sounds gruesome! We'll stream it I think. Or watch it on the plain journey to UK next week. Gotta fill 7 hours with something.

I'm off to check out your guesties. Regarding your smartphone observation, I agree. Although, I don't own one and only use my very plain mobile while we're on holiday if I split up with the hubs. I often get lost. :) X

shahwharton.com

Frankie Miller said...

I really dislike the use of mobile phones in public meetings, theatres etc. Perhaps they think it makes them appear important? I feel offended when someone would rather text on a mobile than have a conversation with me when we're out sharing a meal or coffee.
We have Mars bars, Milky Ways, Starbursts and Galaxy bars. Can I bring these chocs?

Unknown said...

Best wishes to Stephen and Mary with their book launches! I hope they both do well.

Unknown said...

Best wishes to Stephen and Mary with their book launches! I hope they both do well.

ediFanoB said...

2001 followers!!

Congratulations! What a milestone.

I must say I did not see 300 and I will not see 300: Rise of an Empire.
It is not my cup of tea.

Meradeth Houston said...

I think I need to google food puns on my smartphone for this! Loving the responses on the Wormfest--so many things to think about!

Al Penwasser said...

I was all excited to see the '300' sequel, but your review matched almost exactly with a review I read Sunday. I still may go see it, though.
Never underestimate the drawing power of boobs.

Loni Townsend said...

Sliders! Oh, I guess that's cheating, as far as puns go. My favorite TV series growing up was Sliders. It just so happens to fit in with the wormhole theme too. But those mini-hamburgers (sliders) are delicious too.

Julie Dao said...

Here's my contribution to the potluck: endive 'n a bowl of ice cream. Get it?

J.L. Campbell said...

I have a taste for A salt and battery Fish and Chips. Congrats on easing over the 2000 follower mark. And yes, people do tend to pay a LOT of attention to their phones rather than those around them.

Susan Oloier said...

Mucho congrats to Stephen and Angela on their releases.

Cate Masters said...

Smart phones are fun until they think they're smarter than us. :)

Emily R. King said...

The food puns are great! Congrats to Stephen and Angela!

Anonymous said...

So you want to taco bout it, do ya, Alex? You butter back off or I might just have to toss the whole enchilada at you and start a food fight right here on your blog!

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

Congratulations on 2000 followers, Alex! That is completely awesome!

Mary Montague Sikes

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carrie, nice!!

KM, those are good.

Susan, we're slowly losing our brain power.

Spacerguy - awesome!

Jess, I don't have one either, although I am getting one soon.

Helena, that's just creepy.

Carrie-Anne, we may not be far from that...

Cynthia - funny!

Shah, I will visit soon!

Fanny, I agree, and yes you can!

Al, that's right!

Julie - ha!

Joy, good one.

MJ, bad pun.

Tonja Drecker said...

Wow! I have SO much to catch up on.

I'm a no-cell-phone-zone. Although my husband has his and my oldest has hers, I'm holding out to the bitter end. The thought of being reachable all of the time scares me. I need my private space ;)

Morgan said...

Triple posting??? Well, you are a triple threat so it makes sense...

And I'm totally LOL-ing at the hyperlinking yourself remark to Mark. :)

Mr. Tremp is pretty awesome--sounds like a funfest adventure to be sure. <---Oh crap. Now I'm starting to sound like Ol' Koop himself!

Nicki Elson said...

I'm not a huge fan of the smart phone...though I do find it very handy every once in a great while.

It's so difficult to pun on command. Oh man, I just typed something and deleted it because it was so bad. Be grateful.

Congrats to Stephen---looking forward to hosting him in a couple of weeks!

Anonymous said...

I love my phone, but I like to put it down and do other things. I don't believe in oversharing or being available all the time.

Yay for Stephen and his release.

klahanie said...

Hi human, Alex,

Ah yes, Stephen's blog tour. I shall bring something timely like A Clockwork Orange.

Well done, good human, you have passed the 2000 followers.

All the beast, um best,

Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.

Stephen Tremp said...

Wow! Thanks Alex for hosting me. And for everyone stopping by. I'm stuffed!

What great support and fun from the good people of Blogdom.

And Congrats! Alex on the 2,000 follower milestone.

Donea Lee said...

Hey, Alex!! The for stopping by today. Glad to be back ~ hope it sticks! Congrats, Stephen. Here's a helping of chitty, chitty bangers and mash. Enjoy!

LynNerdKelley said...

Woo hoo! Congratulations to Stephen! Got my copy. Have been waiting to find out what happens next!

Perfect blog to kick off your book launch. Yay, Alex!

Patsy said...

My food choice is oh, pen sandwiches.

Sorry, I'll get my coat.

Elsie Amata said...

How did I not comment when I saw this yesterday? I must have had a mind cramp. It's all that editing haha

My hubby and sons loved the new 300. I didn't go with them. I wasn't really thrilled with the first one. Just not my thang.

I'm happy to read that it's good to be a slow writer! That give me lots of hope!!

Elsie
AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

T, I'm with you!

Morgan, glad that amused you.

Stephen, you're welcome and thanks!

Elsie, slow is cool.

Crystal Collier said...

Yay! Huge congrats to Stephen. I need to get around to the rest of the hop, but whew! It's been an epic week. I'm headed to check our your other posts. =)

Liz Blocker said...

Wow, Alex, congratulations for the 2000 followers!! That is awesome.

My favorite food puns come from Sondheim, in Sweeney Todd, but...erm...they're not entirely appealing. You know - they serve, um, meat pies. But the puns are so awesome that I'm just going to have to bring one (except I'll do a metaphorical human pie!!)

I'll bring Poet Pie (which can be troublesome, because how do you know it's deceased? ;) )

Robin said...

I completely agree about SmartPhones or IPhones. My ex's kids got them for Christmas and then they came here for a week-long visit right after... and it was terrible. They didn't want to do anything but play with their phones. Uggghh.

Congrats on hitting 2000! Woohoo!

The Happy Whisk said...

The whole just sit and text whilst out to eat with someone else is stupid to me. Or, how people take calls when they are in the middle of eating.

Tara Tyler said...

i brought milky way microchip cookies!
you are totally right about smarty pants phones, i love/hate them!

i'd say video phones are great for seeing people when you talk to them, a lot is lost in text/email translation. but depending on these devices could keep us isolated and sitting on our butts even more than we do now!

ps, i'd love to sing w/your band!

Suze said...

This was the first time I've read one of your posts and actually felt a touch of vertigo at the end. :)

LD Masterson said...

I'm a little late for the potluck but I did give Stephen a shout out today on my blog.

I read a post on Facebook recently that asked what the hardest thing would be to explain to a time-traveler from the past about the present. The answer: that we all carry in our pocket a device that can access all the knowledge in the world, and we use it to look at pictures of cats and get into arguments with strangers.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, funny!

Whisk, that annoys me more than anything.

Tara, good one. And we'll get together for a gig.

Suze, is that good or bad?

LD, that's hilarious!

Leigh Covington said...

I'm okay with triple dipping and triple posting! Lots of great stuff going on!

Mason T. Matchak said...

I'm bringing an ancient sort of wine, one with odd effects on the drinkers. Those who imbibe find their ears lengthening, their hair turning black, and their waistlines expanding. They are possessed of an odd urge to speak in poetic, flowery language, curl their upper lip, and dance in a hip-shaking manner.

Yes, those who drink are known as Elvish Impersonators.

Unknown said...

Congratulations to Stephen Tremp =-) And I'll have to send along your review of 33: Rise of an Empire to my hubby... he really liked the first one.

Have a great week :)

Nicole said...

I totally want some Motley Crutons! Man, now I'm going to be thinking these up all night. ;)

Unknown said...

It's hard to remember life without smartphones anymore, even though I do want to turn mine off a lot to get off the grid. Great post on the IWSG blog, a list I've now saved to check out all the links for my next promotion. Congrats to Stephen and Mary!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on passing the 2,000 followers mark Alex!

I completely agree about smartphones. I love mine. I can do everything I need on it. Yet I see it stifle so many conversations because people just don't know when to put them down. I use mine usually alone, putting it down in company.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mason, funny!

Nicole, come back and let us know what you come up with.

Michael, glad it was helpful.

Rebecca, putting it down is just polite.

Leovi said...

Congratulations finally over 2000 followers!

Unknown said...

Sorry I don't have a food pun--but now I'm really hungry after reading the post! lol.

Also, thank you for the review on 300. My daughter wanted to see that, but thanks to your review, it's out of the question! Yikes! I had only seen a trailer on TV and I'm not even sure what it's rated, now realize that obviously it must be R.

Lisa said...

I can't think of anything pithy to bring, so I'll starve! Such a busy post this time. Thanks for the 300 movie review. I was wondering about it. I am very much a slow writer. And now I'm heading over to the IWSG to check out marketing info! Thanks for dropping by. I'm late this month, but better later than never!

Vanessa Morgan said...

Congratulations on the 2000 followers. It's time to open the champagne.

Birgit said...

I am behind! I really loved 300 so it is disappointing to hear the negative reviews. You seem to be on the same path as others who have seen the movie. I agree with you with the smart phone. The other big problem(s)-people are too distracted and end up dead because they are walking in front of traffic or they are driving and texting etc... It is also costly and people who can not afford it seem to be bent on having a cell phone even though they are on assistance or a pension. They have things so tight financially that this also cripples them money wise. Oh oh I do go on:)

Shell Flower said...

I totally agree with you on the smartphone. I really hate to go out and see people at restaurants sitting together and everyone is starting at their phones instead of talking. It's only the beginning, too, as the google glasses will take it to a whole new level. I still don't have any kind of phone.

Unknown said...

One thing where science advances mankind: the private space travel industry, which is pushing humanity where the government will not.

One thing where tech goes too far and sets mankind back: radar, which may soon uncover the sunken nightmare corpse-city of R'lyeh, built in measureless eons behind history by vast, loathsome shaps that seeped down from the dark stars. There lay great Cthulhu and his hordes, hidden in green slimy vaults. Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn

Brandon Ax said...

I really wanted to see the new 300, but with my son here I couldn't get away. I won't mind renting it as long as I get to see Captain America.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

MP, it's a very strong R.

Lisa, no worries!

Vanessa, we had a bottle of wine instead.

Birgit, very true! And texting while driving is more dangerous than driving drunk.

Shell, the Google glasses really scare me.

Bison, if they find R'lyeh, I'm hoping the Rapture happens at the same time.

Brandon, just a few more weeks!

Ella said...

Nice pick! Sorry I missed all the fun~ I thought of you when I heard the media is already complaining about Noah. Hubby still wants to see Blood n' Boobs movie...lol!

Congrats to Stephen! Yes, I love my phone. I snap pics all the time~
I tried to comment yesterday and blogger wouldn't let me?!

T.F. Walsh said...

Just watched 300 over the weekend... number one was much better. The sequel felt like it was just taking off but never got there... basically it was a set up for the third movie:)

Vicki Rocho said...

When I looked at the pic for 300 I swear I thought the guy was pregnant...look again, doesn't the shield make him look like he's in his 9th month? LOL...thanks for the unexpected laugh this morning!

Unknown said...

Congrats to Stephen, Mary and Angela on the release of their new books!

Yay for 2000 followers,Alex!!!!

Smart Phone is a good pick. Lucky for me, I don't have one. My phone is dumb as a rock. ;)

Mark Means said...

You're dead on with the cell phone thing, Alex. I've been saying the very same thing for years now.

I'll have to spend some times, this weekend, trying to think of culinary puns for Monday :)

Have a great weekend.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella, sorry you couldn't comment.

TF, it probably was.

Vicki, thanks for the laugh yourself!

John Wiswell said...

300 2 is picking up much more favorable reviews than I'd expected! It's fallen into my Netflix queue. Lucky me, I get to see The Wind Rises in the cinema tomorrow.

The Happy Whisk said...

Congrats on passing the two grand mark. Good on you.

Bevimus said...

I agree with you about cell phones- and that reminds of an awesome You Tube video I watched recently, maybe I'll post it on the blog...

Congrats to Stephen!!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Good luck to Stephen and the others.

I am soooo not connected to my cell phone but I have other techie distractions.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Good luck to Stephen and the others.

I am soooo not connected to my cell phone but I have other techie distractions.

alexia said...

Oooh, food puns! If I think of something clever I'll stop back by. Sooo not surprised by your review of 300. The first was fun visually, but way too violent for my taste, including the sex. And I'm certainly down for a certain level of violence and sex in my movies, just not that much. Anyways, hope all is well with you!

Anonymous said...

I'll be skipping the latest 300 -- green screen movies aren't my bag, baby. And you're right about smart phones. They make us dumb.

Leslie S. Rose said...

As soon as my Smartphone generates a hologram - I'll unleash my utter devotion to said device.

Trisha said...

I'm going to bring some very smashing pumpkin pie :)