Retro A to Z Challenge: O - Ocean’s Twelve 2004 (Plus audiomachine and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge)

Ocean’s Twelve – 2004

Usually sequels fall short – but not this time! Ocean and the gang returned with one more member as they attempt their biggest heist ever. All the cast members shine and it’s just as funny as the original. At one point, Julia Roberts’ character has to pretend she’s… Julia Roberts! Priceless.

2004 fun facts –
*Cost of gas - $2.10
*The social site Facebook launched
*SpaceShipOne was the first privately funded spaceship to achieve spaceflight
*The Taipei 101 opened, and at 1676 feet/508 meters, it was the tallest skyscraper in the world
*The infamous ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’ happened during the Super Bowl halftime show
*Tennis player Roger Federer won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open

Movies released –
Shrek II
Hellboy
The Incredibles
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Passion of the Christ
Spider-Man 2
Shaun of the Dead

Music released –
Chevelle – This Kind of Thinking Could Do Us In
Green Day – American Idiot
In Flames – Soundtrack to Your Escape

Games released –
Half-Life II
World of Warcraft
Need for Speed: Underground II

And why is 2004 special?
It’s the year Diane Wolfe went on a cruise and enjoyed fresh beginnings, and Rachel Schieffelbein got married and had her first child!

Diane is the author of many books and a professional speaker. An admin at the IWSG website, she’s an expert in publishing and promoting, and offers tips at her blog. She’s also a photographer and a cat lover. She’s nicknamed Spunky for a reason! Diane blogs at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips

Rachel is an author and the mother of four kids. She also coaches speech for teens, so you know she has patience! She’s a sweetie, supportive, and very involved in the blogging community. Rachel blogs at Writing on the Wall

Ninja News

From the genius writer with connections, Samantha Redstreake Geary, comes an epic opportunity for writers - PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST!

Create an original SUPERHERO Story and/or Artwork inspired by PHENOMENA's track, "Fortress of Solitude“ in audiomachine's "EPIC HEROES CONTEST" for a chance to be PUBLISHED in the upcoming PHENOMENA album's companion eBOOK! Open Internationally April 15th -- May 15th. Go HERE for details.

And I am honored to announce that I will be a contributing author to this first ever audiomachine eBook!

Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge

Similar to Face Off, except they are making creature costumes similar to those seen in The Dark Crystal and Farscape.
Ten creators compete, designing creatures based on the weekly challenge. It involves fabric, sculpting, and mechanization, and they are judged on concept as well as design and execution. Creations are judged on a real set design.
Brian Henson heads up the project and is the top judge. Note that it’s also hosted by actress Gigi Edgley, who played Chiana on Farscape.
Fascinating and creative stuff!

Fan of the Ocean movies? Following Diane and Terri? Think you could write a superhero story for audiomachine? Watched Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge yet? And what do you remember about 2004...?