Monday, March 9, 2015

Hawkeye Joins Civil War Cast, Arrow and JLA, What Are the Kargrandes, Movie Soundtrack Trivia, Mini-Alex, and Ninja News

I am over at the A to Z Challenge Blog today with a ‘Getting to Know Your Co-Hosts’ segment. Still time to sign up for the Challenge! We’re also hosting Twitter chats every Thursday.

Movie News


Hawkeye will be in Captain America: Civil War

From two sources -

JoBlo announced that Renner is scheduled to shoot Civil War next spring:If true, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is going to be one jam-packed film. The confirmed cast already includes Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, and Chadwick Boseman in his first appearance as Black Panther.

And from Cinema Blend: While the bulk of Steve Rogers' team has already been confirmed for the third Cap installment, it wasn't until nowthat we got confirmation that Hawkeye will also show face.


According to io9, DC is creating a Justice League in the Arrow universe: With the announcement that the CW is expanding its superhero show roster with an Atom/Firestorm/Black Canary team-up show, it looks like we might finally be getting something Smallville tried (and ultimately failed) to do: Create the Justice League on television.


 

And finally, now that we are into March, we can list the top films of 2014:
Transformers: Age of Extinction - $1,091.4 million (no idea why!)
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - $954.5 million (still making money)
Guardians of the Galaxy - $774.2 million

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number nine – new clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Ninth clue – can you guess? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes #scifi @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Are they connected to the Dragon? Solve the mystery by April 7! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

The Thunderclap campaign went live late Wednesday morning! If you missed it, please sign up to announce the release of Dragon through Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr. I am at the halfway point and need more commitments for the Thunderclap to happen. If you can share my campaign, I’d greatly appreciate it. Would really suck to miss it by just a couple sign ups.

JC’s Book Haven also had a really nice review up last Friday.


Ninja News

Editor Dianne Gunn is this Wednesday’s guest at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Milo James Fowler posted about a new site for both authors and readers - Quarter Reads. The short stories are basically .25 cents each and the author sees .22 cents of that. Milo has a huge list of stories available HERE. Sounds like a great opportunity for short story writers!

Donna McDine announced a very special library drive:
Numerous studies from both government and the private sector provide clear evidence that early reading skills are an investment in a child's future. Early reading skill development dramatically affects the quality of life for children as they grow into adulthood. Sadly, a recent article by Carole Dickerson on the Journal Standard website quoted a local social worker who stated that many of the parents in the homes she visits do not own a single children's book.
This is quite shocking to me and in response, I am announcing a children's book drive within my county to support the Rockland County Department of Social Services. I encourage other authors of children's books to do the same or if you have gentle used children's books to please donate to the book drive.

A to Z Challenge Minions urgently needed!
The following co-hosts still need a few more Minions:
Jeremy Hawkins (He only has one!!)
Joy Campbell
Heather Gardner
Zalka Csenge Virág
Susan Gourley
Matthew Rush

Jack Lewis Baillot is hosting a WWII themed contest and giveaway! See her site for details.

Out now –
Song Remains the Same from Tony Laplume
The second volume from his Mouldwarp Press Presents anthology series.
Find it in paperback and eBook on Amazon





Mini-Alex

Mini-Alex soaks up some afternoon sun with his best Dragon friend.



Trivia – Movie Soundtracks

I’ve listed the song, artist, and year – name the movie!

1 – Ratt – Body Talk, 1986
2 – Queensryche – Real World, 1993
3 – U2 – Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, 1995
4 – AC/DC – Who Made Who, 1986
5 – Journey – Open Arms, 1981
6 – Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine, 1991
7 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son, 1977
8 – Extreme – Play With Me, 1989

Answers on Monday!

Have you figured out the Kargrandes yet? Can you help with the book drive or as a Challenge Minion? Know any of the trivia answers? Excited Hawkeye will be in the next Captain America? And can you help with the Thunderclap campaign…? (I’m willing to grovel.)

Be sure to visit the A to Z Challenge Blog.

167 comments:

Michael Abayomi said...

#3 - U2 - Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, 1995 - Batman Forever. Not too sure about any of the other ones.

Tony Laplume said...

"Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me" is the song that made me a fan of U2. Thanks for the plug!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I'm surprised the Transformers did so well! Lots and lots of 12 year old boys in the US? :)

Nice review from JC...sounds like some nice romance in Dragon!

Truedessa said...

Good Morning Alex, A lot of news today to catch up on here. First, a few answers to the trivia.

#2 Batman Forever
#4 Maximum Overdrive
#6 Terminator 2

Anything with Renner is bound to be action packed.

The book drive is a great idea. I will have to wander over there to see what I can do to help.

If I can help you promote your book let me know.

Looks like the ninja enjoyed a bit of sun, I wish spring would come soon.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I still need to see the last Hobbit movie. Waiting for it to come out on Netflix.

The book drive is such a good idea. It's so sad when kids don't have one book.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I supported you already on Thunderclap, Alex! You'll get there without a doubt!

So many good Marvel Movies coming out. Excited!

Patsy said...

Mini Alex and his new friend look like an invincible duo.

nashvillecats2 said...

It's always a pleasure to read your blog. So much to read and take in. The one thing that struck me as sad was the person who didn't have a childs' book in her home. I was always reading as a child or playing the piano, reading to me was a real pleasure, although at school I detested poetry.......strange.

Jemi Fraser said...

Know and like the songs but can't remember the movies!! :)
Have been without a computer - off to sign up for Thunderclap now :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Mini Alex always makes me smile.

*sigh* Renner and the Cap'n. Love it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michael, correct!

Tony, you're welcome.

Elizabeth, the film made most of its money overseas, so not sure who went to see it so many times.

Truedessa, correct! And thank you - I appreciate all the help I can get.

Natalie, you'll enjoy it when you finally see it.

Thanks, Cathrina!

Yvonne, that's what I call irony.

Thanks, Jemi!

Anonymous said...

I will pretty much watch any movie with Robert Downey Jr.

Off to tweet...

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I have no clue on any of the trivia!

As one of Alex's A-Z Ninja Minions last year, I thoroughly recommend it! You really get a behind the scenes glimpse at how much work goes into the A-Z Challenge.

Pat Hatt said...

Not sure how black canary comes back from the dead, considering they buried her. Lazarus Pit only works for so long. Unless she was a clone or robot or shape shifter or alternate reality or okay, I guess she can come back lol Captain America is pretty much a mini avengers movie now. Fine by me.

1 - ummm
2. Last action hero
3. Batman forever
4. Maximum Overdrive
5. ummm
6. Terminator 2
7. ummm Supernatural lol
8. Bill and Ted

Jo said...

Love to see Mini Alex and his best Dragon friend together.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

THANK YOU FOR THE MINION SHOUT OUT!
It's March, I am still so very behind. Since August of last year nothing has been the same and it's never going to go back... sadly.

I enjoyed the trivia, know all but one which I think for me is awesome.

Take Care,

Jeremy

Bob/Sally said...

The Transformers movies may not be classic cinema, but they're great eye-candy. Plus, Age of Extinction had dinobots. Dinobots! :)

1 – The Golden Child
2 – Last Action Hero
3 – Batman Forever
4 – Maximum Overdrive
5 – Heavy Metal
6 – Terminator 2
7 – [drawing a complete blank]
8 – Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm sending books to Donna for the drive.

The G'n'R song is from Terminator II. I love that movie.

Stephanie Faris said...

You're one step closer to your goal. I signed up. Thunderclap is a cool thing...what will they come up with next?!

I don't get to the movies often but those top three movies of 2014 don't even sound at all interesting to me. I think I saw WAY too many action movies in the 90s, during the Stallone-Schwarzenegger-Willis reign.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Good morning, ALEX!

This post is chock full of amazing stuff!

I love that so many Marvel characters are in each others movies. It makes sense and its more fun for me. I wonder if that's how the actors feel cause so many of them don't like to share. : )
I bet Chris Evans is pretty cool about it though. Did you see the posts about him and Chris Pratt and their SuperBowl bets?

DC is going to screw this all up. They picked great people to do the TV shows but completely different people to do the movies. It's going to SO backfire on them.

I'm gonna skip the trivia today since I'd have to look them up!

Hi Mini-Alex!

Heather

Tonja Drecker said...

Dragon and the Ninja look content. I'm going out to catch a few warm moments myself this afternoon. Thunderclap is done. And yep, can't wait for the next Captain America movie.

stephen Hayes said...

Your blog is so rich with interesting content.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Donna's got a great cause. And it's terribly sad; we saw it firsthand when we gave that elementary school talk a while back. Those kids all LOVED books, but for some of them, the only access they ever had to reading was during school.

Also, we pitched in our help for your Thunderclap. Awww yeah!

Christine Rains said...

The next Captain America flick is going to be awesome! Good luck with the Thunderclap. I'm all signed up. :) Have a terrific week.

DL Hammons said...

Civil War is shaping up to be a Marvel event much like the Avengers are. Can't wait for BOTH!! :)

Charles Gramlich said...

I tend to get the Marvel and DC superheroes mixed up

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Carry On Wayward Son is now forever linked in my mind to Supernatural. Sorry, can't name what movie soundtrack it was in. :(

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Madeline, glad you had a good time last year.

Pat, you got five right.

Jeremy, I hope you get a few more!

Bob, very good! You got seven right.

Diane, correct.

Thanks, Stephanie!

Heather! No, I didn't see those posts. Still hoping DC does it right.

Thanks, T!

Karen, you can sign up for it using Facebook.

Brandon and Bryan, thanks! And that is sad.

Thanks, Christine.

Dianne, didn't know it was also tied to that series.

Unknown said...

ooh how sad is it that I don't know any of the movies? :( But I know the songs! and mini alex is loving that sun almost as much as I am (it's going to be mid 50s this week! what!)

Matthew MacNish said...

Thanks for the shoutout, Alex!

Luanne G. Smith said...

I'm starting to wonder if we've hit saturation levels on superhero movies yet. Apparently not. :P

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for all the news and notes. Hopping over to check out your post!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I sent Donna some books. Every child should have a book of his/her own to read over and over. Hope they get tons of books.

Enjoy the sunshine. Spring is on its way.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I was so sure I'd know at least one of those soundtracks...

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'm working as a Muffin Commando, although this month seems to be getting a bit crazy already . .
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Hawkeye in the next Avengers movie - my family and I would like to see a film with his story, or his story and the Black Widow's backstory, too.

Milo's post on QuarterReads was awesome - I have some stories on there, but never posted. :(

And, Go Donna! (I'll be checking that out later today.)

Tyrean Martinson said...

And, yay for Mini Alex and his Dragon friend!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I'm excited to see how the "Justice League" esque move that DC is making on the CW will go. So far so good. As far as Marvel's Captain America: Civil War, it sounds like they are making a non-Avengers Avenger's movie. They are so ambitious! Let's hope the director doesn't screw it up.

Julie Dao said...

I, for one, am really eager to figure out what the heck the Kargrandes are! I see the question everywhere and I still have no idea :)

Empty Nest Insider said...

I still have to see Guardians of The Galaxy. Donna is involved in such a worthwhile cause. Every child should have access to books, and it's great you're helping out in your county. Mini-Alex looks adorable as always. I signed up earlier for Thunderclap on Facebook.

Julie

Trisha said...

I have signed up for Thunderclap day! :) Best of luck reaching your goal! I don't doubt it can be done!

Just what the heck ARE the Kargandes? Someday we will know :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Matthew, you're welcome!

LG, never!

Tyrean, they need a movie for each of those characters.

Julie, you'll know in a month!

Trisha, thanks! And one day...

Chrys Fey said...

I'm glad Hawkeye will be in the next Captain America movie!

I'm already a minion. Otherwise, I would sign up to be part of everyone's team. ;)

Leovi said...

This dragon is wonderful, at the height of the Great Mini-Alex !!

shelly said...

Reading is so important for little ones. I love reading to my grandchildren.

mail4rosey said...

Alex and his dragon are pretty cute. I'm looking forward to the new movies... loves me some superheroes. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to all the Marvel movies. So cool Hawkeye will be in the next Captain America movie. I like that they are intertwining them all. Although my bank account might not like that. LOL!

Sarah Foster said...

Oh geez, I don't know a single trivia answer.
I'll definitely help out with Thunderclap!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Signed on for your Thunderclap. I'm excited about the Captain movie no matter who is in it.
Carry on Wayward Son only makes me think of Supernatural.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I'm jealous of mini-Alex and dragon. Sun and warmth are on their way her though. I'm sure of it.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

We'll be back in Canada April 12th. It's going to be weird finally having a proper internet connection. I have so much to catch up on. Happy A-Z.

cleemckenzie said...

I'm still scratching my head over those Kargrandes! But I have learned to spell them right. Hope Donna gets a ton of books.

L.G. Keltner said...

I'm now supporting you on Thunderclap!

Birgit said...

OK I did my support through Facebook:)I have no clue about the trivia but either Journey or the other song from 1977 has to be from Guardians Of The Galaxy. Is Hawkeye the character played by Renner? Have I just shown my ignorance? I don't know much on comics even though I still want Aquaman to have his own movie. I feel he is under-rated:)

~Sia McKye~ said...

Oh, we did a book drive for kids a couple of years ago and donated some books to our local social services for the workers to give to kids. It was a lot of fun and yes, kids need to be introduced to the joy of reading from babyhood up, in my opinion.

Yay on Hawkeye character being in Captain America film. I love the actor who plays him. I'll be watching for that.

Cool dragon and ninja pic! :-)

Sia McKye Over Coffee

Stephen Tremp said...

I didn;t see that Transformers movie. Probably never will. I saw interviews of Avengers actors on Access Hollywood over the weekend. Got a good look into their personal lives and families. It was really cool. Looking forward to their next movies!

Cherie Reich said...

Ooo, I really hope getting the Justice League on TV really works.

And I've seen two out of those three films. :)

Cherdo said...

I'm thinking I need to sign up for the A-to-Z challenge...then again, I may be the exact opposite of the person who needs to sign up for the A-to-Z challenge...

Unknown said...

signed up with thunderclap! I'd never heard of this tool before, interesting!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chrys, you would be really busy then!

Thanks, Sarah!

Susan, you're the second person to say that...

LG, thanks!

Birgit, thanks, and yes, he is played by Renner. I agree about Aquaman!

Stephen, dig the new icon!

Cherdo, join us! Resistance is futile.

Thanks, EE!

kaykuala said...

Civil war in the making with Hawkeye and Capt America. That should be interesting Wonderful write Alex!

Hank

J.L. Campbell said...

Anything to help, Alex. I'd signed up for Twitter, but I added Facebook as well. Will tweet this post too. I'm sure you'll get there.

Visited the A-Z blog earlier.

Loni Townsend said...

I'm looking forward to the next Captain America.

I signed up for your Thunderclap campaign! Woot! It's getting close now.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

CAP#3 sounds like AVENGERS 2.5! I will sign up for your Thunderclsp campaign. You knew it was going to meet its quota. You have friends, Alex. :-)

And I am like you: I do not know why the latest TRANSFORMERS made so much money!

Unknown said...

Can I just say, that I miss Smallville? LOL I'm glad to see more comic heroes in series but I miss the youthful innocence that started Smallville.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I signed up with Thunderclap!

I can't believe Guardians wasn't #1...it was the most awesome movie. Can't wait for the new Captain America. I saw Kingsman (is that right?) this weekend. It was good. Not awesome, but good. Could have left out the butt at the end...but my men all disagreed.

Murees Dupè said...

I'm heading over to thunderclap right now. Have an awesome week.

ediFanoB said...

I like the Avengers and like Hawkeye. Therefore it is good that he will appear in Captain America: Civil War.

Twittered the Kasagrande tweets
AND
support THUNDERCLAP with Twitter.

Transformers: Age of Extinction top film of 2014? Not for me!!!

My top film was Guardians of the Galaxy.

Elephant's Child said...

My dinosaur self doesn't play FB, twitter or tumblr so I can't join Thunderclap. I do wish you lots and lots of luck - and am confident that you won't need it.

Susan Kane said...

Jeremy Renner is exceptional in all his talents. Looking forward to seeing him again.

Will there be any good films in the upcoming roster?

Andrew Leon said...

Transformers 4 did well for the same reason Pacific Rim did well.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I like Jeremy. If his other minion isn't a Kar...dashian, sign me up. Thanks, Alex.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Robert Downey Jr just doesn't seem to age. I'm not sure how much longer he can keep playing that role. Are those really his pecs, is what I wondered in the last one. btw, my husband and I saw Chef on Netflix and we LOVED it. The ending was a little weak, but overall a really enjoyable film. It made us hungry!

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Loved your A-Z interview post!! Clones, who knew?
Did Thunderclap last week!!
Kargrandes - driving me nuts.

Carrie-Anne said...

The children's book drive sounds like a great idea. I've never understood children, either my age when I was young or children nowadays, who don't like reading, or who don't want to read. There'd be less reluctant readers if they had access to more books, and were encouraged to love reading from the jump.

Sarah Ahiers said...

The Hawkeye addition doesn't surprise me since he was originally going to be in Winter Soldier, but they had to cut his scenes just because of timing and pacing. I'm excited, though!

S. L. Hennessy said...

I am so SERIOUSLY excited about the Civil War direction they're taking. I think it was a brilliant choice and I can't wait to see what they do with it. Especially considering that was one of my favorite Marvel arcs.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joy, thank you!

Loni, awesome.

Roland, appreciate that!

Elizabeth, now I want to see it for the butt!

Thanks, Murees!

Edi, thanks. And that was my favorite film.

Susan, maybe next month.

Andrew, it did three times the business of Rim.

Robyn, he will appreciate that!

Karen, glad you enjoyed it!

Sarah, it didn't work out, but now it will.

Cindy said...

I really like what they're doing these days with the super heroes. Captain America is one of my favorites, but I don't know who Hawkeye is?

Al Diaz said...

Aren't those two dashing super cool friends? :D Made me smile this morning. Thanks for that!

SpacerGuy said...

There should be a law invoked compelling movie Studios to donate when box-office success rakes in the cash. Kargrandes could be a space species moving through time dimensions. It lands on Earth, activates its technogadget and dematerializes all weapons of destruction. The creature has a good belly laugh and leaves.

Robin said...

I didn't know that the CW was looking to expand their line-up in an effort to recreate The Justice League. I already watch Arrow and The Flash. I take it a show called Atom is coming???

I don't know that Smallville "failed" at recreating The Justice League. I prefer to think of it as "how it all began" and we saw only the beginning (as in before it all came together). They managed to include Green Arrow, Canary, The Flash, and Aquaman... and some lesser known Justice Leaguers. Now I'm really missing Smallville... thanks Alex.

J E Oneil said...

I still have trepidation about Civil War. I think I'm still haunted by some of the lousier comments in that story line.

Dang, I can't get a single one of the trivia. Of course, I'm more used to movies without major song tie-ins.

Emily R. King said...

Mini Alex is having a nice chill time with Dragon.

CIVIL WAR sounds AWESOME!

Liza said...

Glad mini-Alex is soaking up some rays! I am older than I care to admit, and I can still remember the day I got my first library card and the name of the main character in the book I took out. Reading is so very important for kids!

Jenni said...

I loved mini Alex's rocking pose today! :)
I loved Open Arms (Journey music always takes me back), but I didn't know it was in a movie.
Sad to say I don't know any of the movie trivia. :(

Ray Rousell said...

How the hell can that Transformers crap be the biggest film in 2014?? Beggers belief????

Liz A. said...

I have not seen any of the top three movies. Of course, I barely saw any movies last year...

Holy Ghost Writer said...

Transformers has to be cheating. Transforming their earnings. Captain America 3 should be great.

Unknown said...

Hi Alex *waves* it's been too long but I love seeing how some things never change. I can still count on all the goodies on your blog!

Unknown said...

So good to be back on your blog, Alex. Sorry I've disappeared, need to get some writing and life projects done, before I can return to the proper blogging in a few months.

I'm signed up for your campaign, aren't I? If I'm not, please drop me a line. I'm not posting much, but I'll do whatever it takes to get word out for anything you need.

Leandra Wallace said...

Civil War as in the civil war we had? B/c I love that time period! That would be a movie I'd definitely want to see. And off to check out the Thunderclap!

Unknown said...

And just to add, I did the thunderclap thing, on both FB and Twitter. Hope your book breaks all records!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cindy, the bowsman in Avengers.

Al, I knew you'd be happy to see them.

Spacerguy, good guess. But didn't that happen in Hitchhiker's Guide?

Robin, sorry!

Jenni, the movie will surprise you...

Ray, I know! Such a crime.

Holy Ghost, you may be on to something...

Hey Jen!!! Good to hear from you.

Damy! Good to have you back. I do have a tour date scheduled with you. And thanks for joining the Thunderclap.

Leandra, I think the Civil War refers to a fight among the super heroes.

Brian Miller said...

ha. nice scarf, little ninja alex...

i am stoke that hawkeye is getting more time...he is my fav actually...

and the new arrow/flash spin off sounds interesting...i need to see how it works though...waiting patiently...smiles.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the great review! I like mini-Alex's dragon. And soaking up the sun. I'll check into the Thunderclap and see what it's about. Happy Monday!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Best thing about that Batman movie was the song and I guess it's a Avengers reunion in there. Congrats on the Thunderclap campaign!

Unknown said...

Every single one of your movie trivia questions stumps me completely. I guess I'm just not a film fan :P

Tammy Theriault said...

I'm surprised those are the top 2014 flicks... But at least I have seen most of them!

Helena said...

Why, oh why did the Transformers movie make ANY money? But at least Guardians of the Galaxy is in the top three.

I'll see what I can do about joining Tumblr, Twitter et al, but I will also certainly give your novel a happy shout out on my blog (okay, that may not mean much, but my intention is good).

SC Author said...

Hobbit is still making money?!?! I guess I get it. It's the last LOTR (probably, maybe). I for one loved going back into the universe. And I love Hawkeye - that's awesome that'd he'll be in the movie.

Suzanne Furness said...

I'm all for finding ways to help children foster a love of reading. Sounds like a great scheme. Good to see mini Alex and his friend enjoying the sunshine.

Sean McLachlan said...

I hadn't heard of QuarterReads. Sounds interesting. I know Milo from the Wrtie1Sub1 challenge. He's a short story machine!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lori, thanks!

Maurice, the soundtrack had a couple really good songs.

Helena, that means a lot - thank you!

SC, we forget it came out mid-December, less than three months ago.

Sean, yes he is!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sending me the Thunderclap details, I have signed up and created the facebook post and tweet for your new release. What a great way to market your upcoming release.

I am looking forward to both the new Captain America and the tv version on Justice League sounds great.

Rhonda Albom said...

With the exception of "Robert Downey Jr" Your first paragraph is like reading a foreign language.

I am already a minion for Lisa.

Shell Flower said...

I've never heard of a Thunderclap campaign, but I'll check it out. My son used to love his transformer toys, so maybe kids are the draw for the Transformers movie doing so well? And I fully support reading with children. Great that you are doing a book drive!

Julie Flanders said...

Mini Alex and his dragon buddy are too cute. Good luck with your TC! Off to tweet now.

Sherry Ellis said...

Looks like Mini Alex is having a fine time with this dragon friend! Hard to believe the A-Z challenge is almost here. I won't be participating this year, because I won't be online regularly for much of April.

farawayeyes said...

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about when it comes to "The Avengers' and all those other comic book guys. However, I did like the 'Captain America' movies (only ones I made it all the way through),so I'll look forward to the third film.

I would love to help with your "Thunderclap', but I don't really know what it is and that's probably because I don't do any of those 'other' social media things no more.

I though I knew movie soundtracks, but you have completely stumped me.

Glad to see a movie like 'Guardians' made it up there as one of the Top 3. I'm not really a 'space nut', but I did enjoy that one to the fullest.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Signed up to support your book release with Twitter. Cute photo of mini Alex and the dragon.

Anonymous said...

Mini-Alex and the dragon are matching.

I just tweeted.

Leovi said...

Very nice, I love Kansas, fond memories of their songs!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carolyn, thank you!

Sherry, we'll miss you.

Faraway, that's all right.

Mary, thanks!

The Happy Whisk said...

I've never seen Transformers. Not sure what they are, either.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Hi Alex -- Not sure about my crazy schedule yet (because now I have to have a broken bone in my foot screwed together asap), but when I know more, I'll see if I can sign up to work on some of your promo. If I'm going to be homebound and stuck in a chair for a few weeks, I might as well make myself useful!

Cherie Colyer said...

#7 I was thinking Supernatural too. =)

I'm looking forward to the next Cap America.

Toi Thomas said...

I think I have the Kargrandes figured out, but I'm waiting for the big revelation.
Also, so excited about Hawkeye and the first appearance of The Black Panther in Civil War. Just keeps getting better.
I'm totally cluess on this trivia. Can't wait till the Monday post.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I still need to see the Captain America movies!!

mshatch said...

Donna's library drive sounds like a great idea. I was just hearing about how teens and young adults are become less empathetic, perhaps due to not reading as many books which have been demonstrated to help people become more empathetic.

Capt. America is looking good :)

ilima said...

Dude. I think Transformers bribed viewers or something. What? *off to check out Thunderclap*

LD Masterson said...

Well, I'm feeling decidedly out of it this morning. I haven't seen any of the top films of last year and I don't know any of the trivia questions.

But I did sign up for Thunderclap last week.

randi lee said...

Hi Alex! I will happily help with the Thunderclap campaign :)

Unknown said...

Hi Alex, I can help with your Thunderclap campaign! It's very nice to meet you!

Kristin Smith said...

That does sound like a stellar cast for the next Captain America! Looking forward to it, as I know my boys are. :)

I will sign up right now for your Thunderclap campaign. I'm happy to help out! Let me know if you need me to do anything else to spread the word.

Morgan said...

Hahahaha!!! Mini Alex! Yussssss… win. I seriously get such a kick out of him… and the dragon = love.

After the Kargrandes mystery is revealed, I think the next big mystery needs to be guessing what the J stands for in your name…

:)

M Pax said...

I signed up for your Thunderclap. Best of luck with the new release.

Lisa said...

I'm SO looking forward to the next movie, and so glad Hawkeye will be in it!!! This film should ROCK! Already did my duty on your Thunderclap. You have 83 and only need 17 more! With 27 day still to go, you're going to make it dude. Going to check out the quarter stories... I keep wanting to say the Kargrandes are dragons, but evidently they aren't... I donate books of all kinds here to our local literacy group...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, thanks, and sorry about your foot.

Toi, think you know, huh?

Marcy, that's disturbing.

Ilima, I think you're right.

LD, appreciate that!

Thanks Randi lee!

Hey Katelyn - and thanks!

Kristin, thanks - will touch base with you.

Morgan, knew you'd like that picture. And I guess I could have a contest for that...

Thanks, Mary.

Lisa, I'm that close? Whoa...

Michelle Wallace said...

There are so many kids who don't have books at home. Really sad.
Growing up, we may not have been financially well-off, but we ALWAYS had books in our home.
Signed up for Thunderclap last week.

Liz Blocker said...

Transformers was the highest grossing film of 2014? Seriously? That's...weird.

Thank you for giving me the sample tweets! I will always help out when people provide those. When they don't, I mean to help, and then I forget :( This way I can just paste it right into my buffer!

SpacerGuy said...

I see you know your Sci-Fi Alex. Guardians of the Galaxy is an impressive movie taking a leaf out of Star Wars. A lot of Hollywood movies are borrowing from comics and each other. Captain America's title alone should ensure success at the boxoffice.

I posted your idea "What are the Kargrandes" on my user page at wikipedia. Is that cool or what?

Unknown said...

Tweeted and Thunderclapped! Good luck :-)

DMS said...

I haven't seen any of the movies that made the most money- yet. I did miss a lot of movies in 2014 though. I signed up for the Thundercalp. I hope you get the numbers you need! :)
~Jess

DMS said...

Thunderclap not Thundcalp. :)

Mark Koopmans said...

Hey, I'll already signed up for the clap...

(ok, try that one again...)

I'm on the list for the Thunderclap already, but I did Tweet out the link, so I hope that helps :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, I will keep providing them!

Spacerguy, wow! Really? Thanks. Send me a link.

Thanks, Jamie,

Jess, that made me smile. Thanks!

Mark, you don't want the clap. Thanks for spreading the word. (Just don't spread the clap.)

Tess Julia said...

My daughter will be excited about the new avengers movie! She's a huge fan. I'm going right now to sign up for the Thunderclap- you've never failed to support me and I'd love to return the favour.

Chemist Ken said...

Glad Hawkeye is back. Gadget arrows are just so cool!

Al Penwasser said...

When I first saw the title of this blog, I wondered, "What the hell does Alan Alda have to do with Civil War?"
Good thing I scrolled down.

John Wiswell said...

Not surprised Hawkeye is in Civil War! He's been inconsequential for so many of these films despite being one of the big hands of their SHIELD. You would have thought that with Hydra trying to blow up the world in Cap 2, he would have poked his head in.

And I'll take a look at your Thunderclap, sir!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I read about the Quarter Reads over at Milo's site - but everyone else has seen your note here. Love mini Alex and Dragon together .. enjoy the sun - yes we still need our scarves.

Somehow I couldn't do the Thunderclap - but I'll remember for the 7th ..

Cheers Hilary

Theresa Milstein said...

Oh, wow, it's so close to A to Z. I just realized it. I'm sure all the coordinators have been busy already!

Leovi said...

It seems that "Transformers: Age of Extinction" will win the war of money!

Unknown said...

I love the superhero films and can never wait to see them. Great to see them continuing!

LynNerdKelley said...

just signed up for the Thunderclap campaign. I'd never heard of Thunderclap before! Great idea.

Thanks so much for your comment on my site about Jack Nicklaus. Totally made my day. I didn't know that about him!

Unknown said...

I think Smallville was my favorite superhero-on-TV show. I'm not a SHIELD fan. The bad guys are the ones with all the powers. The good guys are meh. Maybe the new ones will be good.

Happy to help with Thunderclap. Not sure what to do though...

Heather M. Gardner said...

This is the bet that Chris and Chris made about the Superbowl.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/22/chris-pratt-evans-super-bowl-bet-seahawks-patriots_n_6524540.html

This is them making good on them.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/chris-pratt-chris-evans-hospital-visit_n_6633164.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/10/chris-pratt-chris-evans-seattle-hospital-visit_n_6839454.html

They went to BOTH hospitals. Very classy guys.

HMG

Misha Gerrick said...

Awesome that Hawkeye will be in the new Captain America!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Will sign up to support your book release. You must be very excited. April 7th is now less than a month away!

SpacerGuy said...

Here the wikipedia link you asked for Alex. On the whole its my wiki user profile. So enjoy, I hope it provokes the curiosities of Ninja readers everywhere.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tess, thank you!

Al, I caught you off guard!

John, thanks!

Hilary, I'll take any help I can get.

Lynn, thanks! And I read it somewhere a few years ago. Thought it was rather amazing.

Lexa, just click over and choose.

Heather, will go read!

Thanks, Rachna!

Spacerguy, thank you.

Sabrina A. Fish said...

I'm took a break from blogging, so I'm a little late to see this one. I signed up to help with your Thunderclap campaign and look forward to reading your new book! Good luck!!!

Other obligations won't allow me to be an A to Z minion, and I'm not sure I'll even have time to participate this year, but I do plan on checking in to see everyone's A to Z posts.

I loved the Hobbit and Guardians of the Galaxy, so I'm not at all surprised to see them both as top movies for 2014.

I love the idea of QuarterReads and will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing, as always, Alex!

T.F. Walsh said...

Captain America looks great... can't wait to watch it.

Signed up for your thunderclap:) Best of luck.

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

Books in the homes with children are so important. I applaud the efforts of those writers. I belong to a club that makes certain local children have at least one book of their own.

klahanie said...

Hey dude,

Here I am, super fashionably late. As per usual, a lot of stuff to try and take in on your site. It's like some sort of blogging magazine. You are quite the dude, Alex.

I have been sharing that Thunderclap thing. Once I realised it wasn't something contagious that required ointment.

I shall now skilfully avoid any mention of that relentless alphabet challenge.

Gary aka Captain Canada.

Mason T. Matchak said...

Always good to see someone who's excited about the upcoming Marvel movies as I am. ^_^ That's grew news about Renner/Hawkeye; he needs some more screen time and development after being brainwashed through most of "Avengers". Ridiculously excited for "Age of Ultron".

And the only ones I know from the song list are that U2 was in "Batman Forever" and Guns 'n' Roses was in "Terminator 2".

Sandra Cox said...

Greetings, Alex.
I hadn't heard about Capn America: Civil War. Does sound like quite the cast.

Sandra Cox said...

Just signed up at Thunderclap, Alex.

Blue Grumpster said...

Let's just say that Scarlett Johansson looks super.

Lux G. said...

I'm one of those who gets excited for Marvel movies. Oh, this is a must watch. :)

Leovi said...

An interesting place Quarter Reads !!

kimlajevardi.com said...

I'm with little Alex in soaking up sun. I'm not a big superhero fan, but I enjoyed Ironman. Does that count?

Carrie Butler said...

I actually listened to my Batman Forever soundtrack last week!

...Don't judge me. LOL

Lidy said...

I'm just fangirling right now about the CW movie and Hawkeye. And JL too. Omg, I can't wait (feel the same about Age of Ultron). But I'd love it if they do a movie on the Black Panther, She Hulk or Wonder Woman. Have you heard that the CW is planning on introducing the super heroine character Vixen on either The Flash or Arrow?

Sandra Cox said...

Hadn't heard the term food porn before....I like it. grin.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Yay, Hawkeye will survive Avengers two. As long as there is no hero bloat feel free to combine shows to your hearts content Hollywood or whoever. Hey Mini Alex and dragon buddy.

Unknown said...

Yay Hawkeye! JK I'm a Black Widow fan through and through :P