Friday, April 3, 2015

A to Z Challenge – C – Cult Classics: The Crow, Cheap Trick, Childhood’s End, and More!

Today my tour stop is with the delightful C. Lee McKenzie at The Write Game. My topic - Curious About the Kargrandes? Want to know what real-life creature inspired the Kargrandes? Hop over and check it out!


A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – C
Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term




Movies –

The Crow
Brandon Lee’s last film, the movie carried a sad and haunting touch that could never be duplicated. Both the movie and the soundtrack did well, with the music winning several awards.

The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover
Quirky and twisted, this film features a most unusual dish. Originally unrated due to nudity and graphic scenes, it starred Helen Mirren as the wife.



Music Album –

Cheap Trick – Dream Police
They were already popular in Japan, but this album put them on the map in the USA and became their best seller in 1979.


Science Fiction Book –

Childhood’s End – Arthur C. Clark
Released in 1953, the story depicts a peaceful alien invasion. It’s been slated for film adaptation many times, including the SyFy Channel’s planned mini-series this year, but nothing has come to pass yet.



Bloggers –

Chemist Ken at My Hogwart’s Sabbatical
Are you a fan of Harry Potter and fantasy? Want to journey along with a writer finding his way? Want some great writing links every Friday? Then you need to follow this awesome dude!

Constantine
Want to meet a talented writer with a genuine heart? One who gives far more than she receives? Someone who’s dedicated and involved? The you need to visit Constantine!

Susan at The Contemplative Cat
Enjoy short fiction and poetry from one who excels at challenges? Like posts with a very human touch? Then you can do no wrong following this woman of faith and honor!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Ceteroll –
The planet of Hyrath ‘s oceans cover more mass than that of earth, and the result is a wide variety of sea kelp that is used for food and fuel. It’s also used to make the drug of choice – Ceteroll. Used as a pain killer in medicine, it’s also a pleasure drug used for relaxing. The green liquid can be added to any drink and many of Hyrath’s royalty use it on a daily basis.

Dragon of the Stars comes out April 7, 2015
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.
And just a couple days left to join the Thunderclap campagin for the book!

To prepare for the launch of Dragon of the Stars next week, my publisher has dropped the price of CassaStorm to .99 cents at Amazon. (If you prefer ePub, it’s also on sale at Dancing Lemur Press.) CassaStorm is my highest rated book, winner of the Pinnacle Achievement Book Award, and was an eFestival of Books 2014 Winner.

If anyone would like to Tweet about the sale, I would appreciate it:
Award-winning & best-selling CassaStorm by Alex J. Cavanaugh on sale for .99! http://tinyurl.com/q8dq3se @alexjcavanaugh #99cents #scifi


Ninja News

Available today!
Over the Garden Fence by Patsy Collins
Find it on Amazon






And look at the really awesome mug I won from Elizabeth Seckman! (I was top commenter on her blog tour for Defying Reason.) Is that not perfect? Elizabeth rocks!

Watched either of those movies? (And if you’ve seen the second one, what did you think of the ending?) Fan of Cheap Trick or Clarke? Following those awesome bloggers? Picked up your copy of CassaStorm yet? And who could use a good dose of Ceteroll right now…?

Don’t forget to visit C. Lee McKenzie!

117 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Love your Ninja mug. I follow Susan Kane, and am often awed by her talent and heart. Will check out the others too.

Patsy said...

Thanks for the mention, Alex! (Handy my surname starts with a C so fits into the A-Z on launch day.)

Nilanjana Bose said...

Cool mug! :) Harry Potter AND poetry/short story fan here, so many thanks for the links.



Nilanjana
from Madly-in-Verse

Rhonda Albom said...

I haven't heard Cheap Trick in years. My daughter is such a Harry Potter fan I am going to pass Chemist Ken on to her. Love your theme Alex.

Bushman said...

A peaceful alien invasion? Now that would be a heck of a read.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of Cheap Trick. I was born just a few years too late.

I like your tributes as well!!!!

Bushman
2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
@jwb81074

nashvillecats2 said...

This was fun to read, I am not up on films as I haven't been to the cinema in years but I love the review of books and people.
OH! That mug is just wonderful
how kind to show us.
Thanks Alex, have a nice day.

Michael Abayomi said...

I remember watching The Crow way back in the 90s. Can hardly remember anything beyond that though, which means a rewatch is imminent.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patsy, you're welcome!

Nilanjana, enjoy!

Thanks, Jeff!

Michael, you need to watch it again.

Sarah Foster said...

Love the mug! Haven't seen either of the movies but I've heard of them. I'll have to check them out.

kaykuala said...

The Crow should rekindle memories. Sadly it duplicated what Bruce went through that Brandon followed. Nice mug from Elizabeth you got, Alex!

Hank

Natalie Aguirre said...

Just tweeted for you. And that's a cool mug.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Alex, thank you for your beautiful words. I'm blinking teary eyes of awe.

My hubby recently played Cheap Trick. I remember them well.

I'm a fan of mugs, and can't jam another one into the cupboard. Which means I like your new ninja mug.



Unknown said...

So excited about your new book coming out Alex!

Christine Rains said...

What an awesome mug! :) Cheap Trick. I remember listening to them a lot! Have a happy Easter, Alex!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Did Mini-Alex model for that mug? ;)

Trisha said...

The Crow is a great movie, amazing soundtrack - but as you say, haunting. I guess in the same way the Dark Knight is.

Hyrath sounds like an interesting place!

Anonymous said...

Soon I will receive my pre-order of your book.

The Crow is one of my favorite movies.

Bish Denham said...

Childhood's End was among the first SciFi I read way back when... I might have to check out those movies as I haven't seen either of them. Always enjoy visiting The Contemplative Cat!

Stephanie Faris said...

I love that mug!!! So cute.

I'll be covering two cult classics later this month--Grease 2 and Xanadu. I'm guessing those two aren't favorites of yours? Have you ever seen Troll 2? I happened upon it on cable when I was in my 20s and couldn't sleep. I ended up staying up to watch it because it was so hilariously bad. I learned a couple of years ago that it's become a cult classic for its badness. They even have midnight showings of it in some places. I recommend it if you want a good laugh!

randi lee said...

Cathrina Constantine is an amazing blogger, wonderful person and brilliant author! And what would I do without Chemist Ken? Die of boredom, I suppose!!

Jennifer Hawes said...

I think I could use another cup of coffee! I remember reading Author C. Clark back in the day. Hang in there. Only ... days to go;-)

mshatch said...

I loved The Crow and I was bummed when Brandon Lee died :(

I'll have to check out that Arthur C. Clark novel.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

The mug is adorable.

I love The Crow. One of my favorite movies. I even dressed up as the character one Halloween.

Ruth said...

When you mentioned Cult Classics and music, I thought of The Cult. I am sort of a fan of Cheap Trick. I do like them. I went to a concert when I was 17 and while they sounded good, I was a bit disappointed with them over all. Their opening band played longer than they did.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hank, it was sad both father and son died the way they did.

Thanks, Natalie!

Cathrina, you're welcome!

Sandra, I think he did!

Trisha, they are similar.

Medeia, just a couple more days!

Stephanie, I had to feature one of those movies as there was no other for that letter. I've never seen the other Troll movies, but I remember the first one being cheesy.

Marcy, that was so sad...

Ruth, that's always a bummer when a band lets you down.

Al Penwasser said...

I saw Cheap Trick along with Heart at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia (this would explain the name, I suppose). They put on a great show.
Couldn't hear for a couple days, but it was a great show.

Suzanne said...

Never heard of the book, but like some of Cheap Tricks songs :)

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I'm familiar with both movies, but haven't watched either one! The Crow makes me sad because of its history and I think that's why I've avoided it.

Cheap Trick was popular when I was in high school. There was one song that got way too much radio play, though, and I got a little burned out on them (which is silly, since it was just the one song!)

Jo said...

I wasn't too keen on the people of Hyrath particularly because of their use of Ceteroll. Not that they are a very nice bunch anyway. Especially the Queen.

Arlee Bird said...

I went to see The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover in the theater when it came out and enjoyed it. I remember the film as being very richly colorful and odd. Also was impressed by The Crow.


Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Unknown said...

I love all your "C" cult classics. I know "The Crow" but hadn't heard of the other movie. Arthur C. Clark is a great writer, along with Asimov.

Congrats to Patsy on her release!

I love the idea of Ceteroll! Weird drugs in SF (or Horror) are so cool.

Pat Hatt said...

Saw the Crow of course, but never saw the second. Never even heard of it until recently.

Anonymous said...

I've always meant to see The Crow but still haven't. Childhood's End sounds interesting.

My neck's a little sore, so maybe a LITTLE ceteroll. lol

Stephen Tremp said...

Not seeing Cheap trick live is one of my regrets.

Al Diaz said...

Now I did see the Crow!
Thought Ceteroll was a very original thing in the book.
Fantastic mug, now you need ninja pj's to go with it. I will tell Mark.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I love The Crow, that is makes me sad that was his last movie. I haven't actually seen the second one I'm sad to say.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Al, that was a long time again. And I remember many concerts where I couldn't hear for days.

Elizabeth, the radio can just kill a song.

Lee, I didn't see that one until video, but it was sure quirky.

Lexa, glad you liked the drug.

Pat, don't bother - not good.

Stephen, I saw them a few years ago - they still play live.

Al, no!!

Lauren, don't bother.

Chrys Fey said...

I was never a fan of the movie The Crow.

Awesome mug! :D

Mary Aalgaard said...

I added The Cook movie to my list to watch. That book looks good, too.
Play off the Page

Mina Burrows said...

Loved The Crow. It's such a classic too!

Ceteroll sounds very interesting!

Huntress said...

Reading Childhood's End was a big turning point in my life. I went from the Little House books and The Black Stallion to Sci-Fi. Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and especially Clarke who wrote the amazing The Star.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

It's sad I think it's been 22 years since Brandon Lee has been gone... all the great things he missed out on, life... love and film roles he would have been perfect for...

and then YAH! for Cheap Trick!

Cherie Reich said...

I've seen The Crow. And that coffee mug is awesome!

Mark Koopmans said...

I think it's great that that cup found its way to you safe and sound (but Lord Baldernot's teamsters can handle any delivery :)

Ceteroll sounds like something I need to keep in large supplies... especially during times of extreme edits :)

Maurice Mitchell said...

"Childhood's End" sounds interesting so I'll look forward to the film. Clark's history with adaptations are very promising.

Holy Ghost Writer said...

Some great cult picks. One aawesome mug to

J.L. Campbell said...

Hey, Alex, as usual this is stuff I've heard of but haven't watched or listened to. Wonderful shoutout to your blogging buddies!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carol, that's like the turning point for me when I discovered Terry Brooks.

Mark, and in times of hyper children.

Truedessa said...

Good Morning Alex, moving along to letter C, I see. Ceteroll sounds like something I might like to try. I am anxious to jump into that book and have a look around. What about the non-royal subjects? Do they get to use Ceteroll?

Anonymous said...

AHA! Finally a cult classic movie I've seen. But then again, who hasn't seen The Crow?

~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Great mug! I had a Victor Standish mug for sale once. Not nearly as popular as your ninja mug!! :-)

I must be the only action flick fan who has not seen THE CROW. His dying made the film sad for me.

Donna K. Weaver said...

What an awesome mug> Love

cleemckenzie said...

Loved having you at The Write Game today with those critters of yours.

Haven't read that book by Clark. Should do. Have Dragon on my list!

Dixie@dcrelief said...

The Crow - love it!! Cheap Trick - anything. Childhood’s End – Arthur C. Clark. Love Catharine Constantine's blog! A- Z is fun, Alex. Thanks for the encouragement. LOVE that mug. You need stickers or mass produce the mugs.

LD Masterson said...

How did I miss The Cook,...? I try to see anything with Helen Mirren it. I have to go movie hunting.

Charles Gramlich said...

The crow was definitely an interesting movie. I thought it was pretty flawed but certainly memorable.

Susan Kane said...

Thanks for the shout out!

Loved The Crow, and was saddened by his tragic death. Also saw The Cook...It was so unusual to be intriguing and chilling.

L.G. Keltner said...

Love the mug! It suits you perfectly!

Tyrean Martinson said...

You keep finding books I haven't read yet . . . it's terrible because I think of myself as an avid reader. Hmm. I'm going to make a bigger list for summer break books. Definitely following those awesome bloggers!

Carrie-Anne said...

I started reading Childhood's End awhile ago, but didn't get very far into it. I'll have to try reading it again, since I love Arthur C. Clarke. I discovered him through his Mysterious World show, via the Phenomethon the Discovery Channel used to have every year around Thanksgiving, back in '94. He was such a fascinating person, and I admired how, in spite of being a self-professed hardened skeptic, he was still open-minded about the causes of and existence of unexplained phenomena.

Cathy Kennedy said...

I remember The Crow, but haven't seen it. It appeared Gothic, so it never appealed to me. I watched the trailer. The pilot sounds interesting, but I hate it when a hero is depicted as dark. Perhaps, if it's on Netflix then I might be persuaded to see it. I do not remember Dream Police by Cheap Trick even after I listened to it on YouTube. My mind is kinda foggy when it comes to music and find I have to investigate older tunes to refresh my memories. Oh well, good to get a bit of Cult Classics - C education!

Intangible Hearts said...

Can't believe I saw that movie--back when it came out. Oh dear.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I'm now intrigued by the Cook movie .. it's got good ratings - but would never have been shown in South Africa! Two of the bloggers I know and need to check out Chemist Ken; Patsy's book - good luck to her - the stories are very English ..

Cheers Hilary

SpacerGuy said...

I must watch the Crow, I haven't seen that one. I'm convinced your a Ninja now, you've got the perfect credentials with that mug, Cassastorm, the Kargrandes, Dragon of the Stars and minialex twisting my arm. So praise Great Space, I'm a believer!

DiscConnected said...

Loved "The Crow" so much that I've collected the DVD's of the sequels and the short-lived TV series.

I am also a huge Cheap Trick fan, although I am kind of partial to their "Next Position Please" album, especially in the vein of a cult classic-it was produced by Todd Rundgren, and while it did not sell as well as or Dream Police, it is a prize among the cult of Rundgren!

Larry

Unknown said...

Whew! Now THAT"S a lot of thematic content in one post! Well done! I love what you're doing here during the challenge. I'm going to have to read your posts with a notebook so I can remember everything :D Oh, and LOVE the ninja mug!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Elizabeth found the Ninja and Mini Alex Gift Shop! Awesome.

I remember Dream Police, because it was played all the time. The tune is catchy but the lyrics, strange.

Happy Good Friday and Easter, Alex.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Truedessa, usually just as a medicinal drug. It's expensive as a pleasure drug.

Roland, I would've liked that mug.

Lee, thanks again!

Dixie, I need my own Ninja mug.

Susan, you're welcome!

Carrie-Anne, he was my grandfather's favorite author.

Hilary, I think you will appreciate the film.

Jennifer, write it down - there will be a test!

Hart Johnson said...

Loved The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover--the use of bright colors really struck me--it was so artfully done. Love Cheap Trick, too.

David P. King said...

Well then, I better head on over. Loved the book so I want to know what creature inspired yours. :)

Liesel K. Hill said...

You know, I think I'm the only person in America who has never actually watched The Crow. (And I get no end of crap for it.) Guess I should remedy that. :D

Annalisa Crawford said...

Helen Mirren is an amazing actor, but I've never seen that film. The mug was made for you :-)

Chemist Ken said...

Thanks for the shout out, Alex.

Every time you mention one of Arthur C. Clarke's books, I get a little chill down my back. Those books are what got me into reading.

Misha Gerrick said...

I never could get myself to trust the Ceteroll. ;-)

Following all those bloggers already, and yes, they are awesome.

Michele at Angels Bark said...

Ah, Cheap Trick! I totally forgot about Cheap Trick...and my A-Z theme is on music of the 60s/70s! Now I can't get the Dream Police song out of my head...and that's okay: it is a great song! Thanks for the reminder. And I definitely want to see The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover: any movie with Helen Mirren has to be good. I love your theme. So incredible that you are spotlighting other bloggers too: really nice!
Michele at Angels Bark

AJ Lauer said...

Ahh.. Cheap Trick and The Crow. Good stuff :)
~AJ Lauer
an A-Z Cohost
@ayjaylauer on Twitter

Empty Nest Insider said...

Nice seeing you over at Lee's today! What a perfect mug for you! Have a wonderful Easter, Alex!

Julie

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Cute mug. Congrats.
Nope, haven't seen the movies.
Happy Easter.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, it was a very art type of film.

Liesel, you have to watch it!

Ken, you're welcome!

Thanks, Michele! I will definitely visit you if that's your theme.

Unknown said...

I did see the The Crow and thought Brandon did a great job. It was sad to watch knowing he died from an accident on that set. When I saw The Dark Knight, I had felt the same sadness watching Heath Ledger's amazing last performance. It did creep me out a little that they almost had identical face make-up on both films.

You can find me here:
ClarabelleRant

Lidy said...

Never seen The Crow, but my cult classics would be Class Act, A Christmas Story, Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's court and Creep Show.

Bob Sanchez said...

Childhood's End sounds like a good one.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Cool mug. I'm about half and half for being familiar with the blogs, books and music today.
And yes, send a sample of Ceteroll my way. Three days until your big release!

Unknown said...

Oh I love the mug! Super cool!!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

Leovi said...

I share with you the great admiration for the great master Arthur C. Clark!

stephen Hayes said...

Now I want a ninja mug. Darn it!

J E Oneil said...

I've seen The Crow. I'm not sure sad and haunting is how I'd describe it, though.

Birgit said...

I have not seen The Crow because of Lee's death. It just haunted me so. I have seen "The Cook, The thief, His Wife and Her lover" and thoroughly enjoyed it in all its dysfunction. I quite liked that ending so I must be a bit sick. I also love Cheap Trick. Great win with the mug

Nick Wilford said...

I just met Susan through the challenge! She seems lovely. Great mug.

Birgit said...

Oh I meant to ask if you have been watching "Face-OFF" did you see the Doll episode and how did you like the winner's take? I thought it was awesome!

Unknown said...

Cheap Trick, love!! :) and a visit from mini-alex makes my day!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Excellent C storm, Alex! Guess, what? You got the name right! Shhh, don't tell anyone, though. ;)

Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony

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

That's sad about Childhood's End being optioned so many times for a movie. Must be really disappointing to an author for that to happen. Still, it would be nice to have the option monies!

Liz A. said...

Never did see The Crow. My brother loved it, though.

jaybird said...

Hey Alex. Always so much going on here. Great ninja mug- that Elizabeth gave you. Nice to see you highlighting all of these bloggers.

The Crow has become too sad for me to watch, being Brandon Lee's last movie and a huge Bruce Lee fan it just depresses me.

Michelle Wallace said...

I know all those bloggers you mentioned... C.Lee, Chemist Ken, Constantin, Susan and Patsy!
Congrats to Patsy on the new book.
Love the mug!

Matthew MacNish said...

Oh man, The Crow! RIP Brandon.

Bevimus said...

Ah, the crow. The bible for those wanting to learn how to be goth when I was young. I've never seen the second one- sounds fun!

Another new group of bloggers, save for the contemplative cat who I know and totally need to visit.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Clarabelle, that is scary when you think about it.

Lidy, A Christmas Story is awesome!

Susan, I know!

Stephen, how much would you give me for this one?

Birgit, that ending was twisted. And yes, I have been watching! The winning doll was amazing.

Elizabeth, did I? Whoa...

Beverly, don't bother with the second one.

mail4rosey said...

I like to visit the Contemplative Cat. She does write great posts. :)

Cherdo said...

Cheap Trip! Oh, I loved them!

That Arthur Clark book needs to be on my nightstand. I think I'd love that one.

Thanks, Alex!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Fantastic mug! You highlighted some great blogger folks. I worked at a movie theater when The Crow came out. I was such a Brandon Lee fan that I was devastated when he died during the filming.

Scribbles From Jenn said...

Hooray, one I know, The Crow. I think it's only because my family was a HUGE Bruce Lee fan.

Scribbles From Jenn - Visiting from the A to Z Challenge

Tammy Theriault said...

The crow!!!! Enough said. Wow.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

No, you're awesome.

Love Cheap Trick! Live at Budokan...one of my favorite albums.

Anonymous said...

Childhood's End was one of my favourite books and I suspect influential. Watched The Crow a few times - tragic that he had to die so young and in such a weird way. Saw The Thief, The Cook, and her Lover, and loved the imagery - went on to use one of the Art Directing team myself.

Dean K Miller said...

Loved the Crow, C. Lee is also one not to be missed. Awesome list, Alex.

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm not familiar with anything on your C cult list, Alex. I need to get with it.

Shell Flower said...

Cool mug, and I'm sure you're the top commenter on a lot of blogs :) I haven't seen these movies, but you always have good recommendations, so I'll check them out. And ceteroll sounds fascinating!

kjmckendry said...

I love the mug!
I think I saw The Crow when it came out, but I don't remember much about it.
Ceteroll sounds handy, especially during the Challenge!

Laura Clipson said...

I love the mug, it suits you!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Liz always rocks and cool mug. The Crow was a very good movie with a tragic star.

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

Those the style of these post but how could you forget Calvin's Candian Cave Of Cool? I have even lost the smart cats.

Anonymous said...

Hey Alex! Wow, I haven't seen The Crow in years. I remember how sad I was over Brandon's death.

Definitely was a fan of Cheap Trick, though I haven't heard their songs in a while.

Constantine and Ken both have great blogs. I'll have to check out Susan's, since I haven't 'met' her yet. Have a great night Ninja.



Melissa Sugar said...

As usual, I am not familiar with the movies, but your music is taking me on a nostalgic trip back to high school & early college. Electric Light Orchestra, Don't Bring Me Down & Evil Woman will now be playing in my head all day. I truly haven't thought of ELO in over a decade, I am sure.

I am enjoying getting to know the bloggers that you honor and promote with each post.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hi Alex!

I loved The Crow. I found my original graphic novel boxed up with all my X-Files stuff.

They just talked about Cheap Trick on That Metal Show for the best live version song, I want you to want me!

Coolest mug ever!

Heather

Toi Thomas said...

I'm enjoying the new bloggers I'm discoverying here. I'm making a list that will take some time to traverse, but I'm very excited. I like these movies, but I adore Childhood's End.