Saturday, April 4, 2015

A to Z Challenge – D – Cult Classics: Dark City, Donnie Darko, Def Leppard, Dragonflight, and More! Plus X-Files and Blog Blitz.

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





Movies –

Dark City
Director Alex Proyas’ first film after The Crow, the movie is a mind bend of lost memories and a city with no sun that moves every night. Released in 1998, it was nominated for Hugo and Saturn awards.

Donnie Darko
Featuring a young man who escapes a bizarre accident and has visions of a giant bunny, this film is good until the end–then it becomes brilliant. It won many awards and became a midnight showing staple.



Music Albums -

Def Leppard –Hysteria
One of the best-selling albums of all time at twelve times Platinum, it produced seven hits. It also heralded the return of drummer Rick Allen and was the last album before Steve Clark died.


Science Fiction Books –

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep – Phillip K. Dick
The novel that inspired the classic film Blade Runner, it was nominated for a Nebula and won a Locus award. Published in 1968, it’s been adapted to radio, theater, comics, and more.

Dragonflight – Anne McCaffrey
The first of the Dragonriders of Pern series, it was the first science fiction book to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list in 1968. It also won both the Nebula and Hugo for McCaffrey, the first time either was claimed by a woman.




Bloggers –

Dean K. Miller
Want a little inspiration? A song, a poem, a snippet? The thoughts of a reflective author? A steadfast friend? Then visit Dean today!

Diane Salerni
Want some diversity from a published author? Want a glimpse of the whole picture? Want to meet someone who gives it her all? Dianne is your winner!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Dragon –
The Dragon is the legendary ship that vanished twenty years ago. Build by the Hyrathians in secret, she was to be their greatest weapon. Now she might be their only chance for survival. All Aden has to do is find the elusive ship…

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. Today is the last day of the sale!

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

DL Hammons started the Blog Blitz two years ago, and it’s an awesome way to support and encourage other bloggers. If you aren’t a part of it, please consider joining.


Here’s some weird news from Blastr: the X-Files finale almost crossed over with West Wing.
"We had hoped to use the West Wing's Oval Office set. And in fact, we'd even at one point considered asking Martin Sheen who played the president on the West Wing to do this scene, which would have been a nice sort of wink." 
Really glad they didn’t!

Watched either of the films? One of the millions who owns Hysteria? Read those books? Familiar with my featured bloggers? What do you think of that proposed X-Files ending? Want to ride on the Dragon? You first have to tell me - What Are the Kargrandes…?

102 comments:

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

It feels like a waste that I'm first (I think) given I have no clue about any of this, Alex. But I'm going to visit the bloggers you've spotlighted.

Happy Easter!

kaykuala said...

The music albums and science fiction books seem enticing. Have yet to post D posting!

Hank

Elephant's Child said...

As usual I am a fail on the movie front, and have read both the featured books.
My slow learning self has finally worked out why you went to the trouble of alphabetising your blog roll. Attention to detail and generosity are two of your defining characteristics.

Manzanita said...

Donnie Darko just caught my eye. I want to see that again.

Michael Abayomi said...

Awesome D choices, Alex. I enjoyed both Dark City and Donnie Darko, as well as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

nashvillecats2 said...

I well remember that music album, thanks for the memories Alex. Good selection of books but as for films did you know the last time I went to the cinema? 1968, Saw a film called Candy which had flashing lights throughout. It upset me as at that time I didn't know I was Epiletic. All good fun.
Have a wonderful Easter,
Yvonne.

Courtney said...

Aloha Alex! Were you the one who dragged Mark Koopman into participating this year? LOL! Fun theme! You've got some gems here. Maui Jungalow

Pat Hatt said...

Enjoyed both those movies indeed. Wow, never knew that about the x-files, smart move avoiding that. And now it's back for 6 whole episodes.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Dark City was a great film, well I think so... Darko will always be that mess, not mess... magical messed up bunny film.

I went to see Def Leppard in 1987 where I drove 4hrs in the rain... it was an awesome concert.

Jeremy

Jennifer Hawes said...

I am super excited about the return of the X-fIles, even if it's only a mini-series. Re-watching the series on Netflix.I'm on S1. The hair, the clothes :D

mshatch said...

I loved Dark City and Donnie Darko, in addition to having an awesome soundtrack, is one of my faves.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Love Def. Haven't seen either movie. AND I don't think i've met either blogger. Will check it out.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, never a waste with you!

Elephant's Child, thank you!

Yvonne, that was a long time ago...

Courtney, I might have prodded him some...

Pat, yes it is!

Jeremy, I saw their Hysteria tour as well.

Donna McDine said...

Rick Allen simply brilliant love Def. Hmmm love the Xfiles and west wing concept

Li said...

You know, I think I would have enjoyed the X Files/West Wing crossover.
Was a huge Def fan, now I need to go scrounge through my tape (yes, cassette tape) collection. I have a 2004 model car which has both tape player and CD player. (I also have a 1975 Radio Shack turntable.)

Truedessa said...

Good Morning and of course D would correspond to Dragon - that is one mighty ship. Tell me can that beast be tamed and save the realm? I guess I will have to buy the book and see what unfolds.

Def Leppard - good choice for music

Sarah Foster said...

Finally, a movie I've seen!! Love Donnie Darko.

Jo said...

I saw Blade Runner, a good movie. I also own every one of Anne McCaffery's Pern books, I was so upset when she died. Her son wrote a couple but they were never as good as her stories. If you are familiar with her books you will know that my email address is the name of one of her dragon queens.

Christine Rains said...

I'm so glad that X-Files didn't cross with the West Wing. Yikes! I owned Hysteria. I'm getting great reminders of old movies here too. Have a wonderful Easter. :)

J.L. Campbell said...

Is Def Leppard still making music?
Good move on the price drop!

Bob/Sally said...

Def Leppard AND Dragon of the Stars? Now that's making the most of the A to Z theme. :)

S. L. Hennessy said...

Do Androids Dream (and it's film adaptation) is one of the main reasons I read science fiction today. It made a huge impact on me when I was a teenager.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I had Hysteria on tape. I may just have to get an upgraded version. :) And yes, I've read those books! (Whew. I was beginning to feel like I'd missed all the classics)
I'm excited to meet the Kargrandes, soon. :)
Happy Easter, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lisa, I think we have a turntable that's even older...

Truedessa, perhaps!

Jo, I didn't know that. I've only read the one I featured.

Joy, they are still making music and touring.

Tyrean, glad I featured some books you're read.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I really liked Donnie Darko, and Hysteria is definitely on my top 20 favourite albums of all time.

L.G. Keltner said...

I love Dark City and Donnie Darko. I've seen them both more than a dozen times.

Great book choices! I always loved the title of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

Patricia Stoltey said...

How cool to see my friend Dean Miller featured on your D list. He's an inspiration!

Stephanie Faris said...

This is probably astonishing, but I've never seen Blad Runner. I do like Phillip K. Dick's stories, though. They've made for some amazing movies.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Thanks for the shout-out, Alex!

*raises hand* I read the Dragonriders series as a teenager. You're making me feel nostalgic for it. Perhaps it's time to re-visit the first book (which was my favorite, as I recall).

Andrew Leon said...

It's kind of amazing the kind of influence Dick has had on sci-fi, especially considering how kind of crazy he was. Or, then, maybe that's why.

cleemckenzie said...

In our house McCaffrey has a shelf of her own.

Charles Gramlich said...

Dark City is a really good movie. My wife is a big fan of that and Donnie Darko

Cherdo said...

I tweeted yesterday about the book! I'll do it every other day or so.

Donnie Darko is a staple for the DVD shelf.

Cherie Reich said...

That would be kinda weird with an X-Files/West Wing crossover. I'm kinda glad they didn't do that.

Anonymous said...

Dark City is a must own for me. I loved that movie. When I first saw it, I thought of it as proof they could make a live action DragonBall Z movie (although when they finally did it was... decent.)

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

Chrys Fey said...

A band you might find interesting...unless you already know them...Dragonforce. :)

Trisha said...

I vaguely remember, back in high school days, reading one McCaffrey book - but I need to read most of them! I just know I'm missing out on something legendary.

I love Def Leppard - saw them live, much fun!

Donnie Darko is a brilliant movie - and I wrote about Dark City in my honours thesis.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Yes, I want to ride the Dragon. I know all and everyone you mentioned. Maybe I did have some fun during the 80's beyond changing diapers.

Birgit said...

Oh saw both films and both are excellent. I remember Roger Ebert thought Dark City was the best film for that year! It was so well done. Sadly I have not read that book. I am not a huge Def Leopard fan. Next week will be a busy one for you but all great things!

SpacerGuy said...

Donnie Darko is a great movie, I must catch that one again, I've signed up for blogblitz, sure sounds like a great was to offer support.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, he's a really cool guy!

Stephanie, you need to watch it.

Dianne, you're welcome. And maybe it's time for a re-read.

Andrew, that might indeed be why.

Patricia, not great?

Chrys, I do know of them!

Trisha, in your thesis - wow!

Susan, that made me chuckle.

Birgit, I remember him saying that as well.

Thanks, Spacerguy!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Great choices. Dragonriders of Pern is one of my favorite series, and McCaffrey was such a fabulous writer. Dianne rocks too.

M Pax said...

I had an old boyfriend obsessed with Def Leppard. Brings back a memory of standing in the rain... Untethered Realms / MPax

Haneen Ibrahim said...

Donnie Darko is bleak and crazy! I liked Blade Runner and just recently found out about the original book, got to love the name though "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" well do they? I wanna know. Dragonflight sounds awesome. And I think the west wing wasn't going to get as cool as The X-Files so it's a right choice not to mix the two together.
"Haneen/I Will Never Give you Up (479)"

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Haven't seen either film. Love Hysteria! Excellent album.

Tweeted!!

J E Oneil said...

Of course Dragon is your word for today :). I wonder what happened to the Dragon of the stars.

I did like Donnie Darko. It's one of those things that you can always find more layers to.

Susan Kane said...

Dark City was fascinating in its filming and plot. Rufus Sewell became our new Ian McShane. Dragon Flight series...we read every one!
Great choices for "D"!

Leovi said...

Powerful music Def Leppard !!

Brandon Ax said...

I've actually seen and enjoyed both of those movies. I keep meaning to read Anne McCaffery.

Lisa said...

OMG you just made my day by having the Dragons of Pern listed here! Ann McCaffry is one of my fav authors and I have every one of her Pern Rider books. My daughter wrote an email to her once and AM actually responded to her! Wonderful lady and I miss her and her writing. I also loved Donny Darko and Blade Runner. Huge fan... Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

Shell Flower said...

Oh, I love Donnie Darko--best soundtrack ever. And we own a copy of Hysteria on vinyl. Philip K. Dick is quite an icon, too. Awesome.

Cathrina Constantine said...

My kids love Donnie Darko!!! I'd seen it a few times. Definitely a cult classic!!!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi, Alex! Nice Ds. I wish Dark City didn't have all the things that make it rated R. *Sigh* As far as Donny Darko, there's something luring about that but I've never picked it up nor do I think I should dare. I'm not into the horror scenes and if it has any rated R content, then exclude me. :(

Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony

RaShelle Workman said...

Def Leppard's Hysteria is still one of my fav albums ever.

So excited about your new book, Alex. =D

Mark Means said...

As always, an amazing topic...well done!

I saw Donnie Darko and never really "got it". Maybe I need a rewatch?

Def Leppard? Now you're speaking my musical language.

Have a great Easter and best wishes for A to Z!

Fundy Blue said...

Hey, Alex! You are doing a fine job of ramping up interest in "Dragon of the Stars!" I'm enjoying your A to Z theme! Happy Easter!

Mary Aalgaard said...

The Biker Chef has all those Dragonrider of Pern books. I'm going to get them out so my boy can read them this summer. He's always saying, "I finished by book. Now, what should I read."
Play off the Page

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

Our youngest daughter loved the Anne McCaffrey books when she was growing up.

stephen Hayes said...

Interesting choices. I have no idea what I would have done with the letter "D" except it was a grade I received often on science projects.

Empty Nest Insider said...

That would've been something to see the X-Files with the cast of The West Wing! Have a wonderful Easter, Alex!

Julie

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I loved, loved, LOVED Hysteria. What a great album! And the drummer was so inspiring.

I would love to make your J or H or M list if you're stumped. ;)

Thanks for being such an awesome host!

Mark Koopmans said...

Dianne and Dean are the bomb!

You and I would never agree on a movie, dude!

I think it would be brilliant to have Martin Sheen show up on the X-files (as long as Jamie Dornan doesn't.. have you been watching Gillian Anderson on Netflix's "The Fall." (6 Stars... it's amazing..)

Get some rest tomorrow.. big week coming up :)

Joanne said...

Donnie darko was such early Jake G. and he's just gotten better and better. That was darn weird. Can't go wrong with Def Leppard. Good D stuff.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I do have "Hysteria"...in tape form. Somewhere! Great tape, though.

And I've never heard of "Donnie Darko!" Sounds weirdly interesting.

kjmckendry said...

I would love to ride on the Dragon! I hope Aden can find it!

Rhonda Albom said...

If community property laws apply, then yes, I am one of the millions who own Hysteria.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Haneen, I wouldn't mix them.

JE, it had so many layers...

Lisa, that's really cool!

RaShelle, thanks!

Mark, you need to watch it again.

Mary, you will have a lot for him to read.

Stephen, sorry!

JH, thanks!

Mark, I bet there are a couple we'd agree on.

Kathryn, you'll find out soon!

mail4rosey said...

Ah I did love that Def Leppard album so. I think I overdid it though because these days I can only listen to a small portion of a song from it before I'll change it.

Unknown said...

The Dragon sounds like a pretty cool ship, Alex. :)

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Oops - nothing for me on the movie or music list. Love Diane Salerni! I'll check out Hammon's Blog Blitz. West Wing & X Files will always be favorites. Thuinderclap in three days. I'm excited for you. Happy Easter, Alex!!

Unknown said...

I knew I had read Anne McCaffrey, but it wasn't the Pern series.I was always a SciFi reader vs fantasy. I did a google search of her book covers and found it, "Crystal Singer." Of course, it took me almost 5 min to scroll through the huge amount of books she published. It made me look her up on wiki. What an amazing career she had!

You can find me here:
ClarabelleRant

Liz A. said...

I've been meaning to see Donnie Darko as I've heard good things about it. One of these days...

Ah, Dragonflight... That's the book that introduced me to sci-fi/fantasy when I was like 12 or so. Still a major McCaffrey fan.

T.F. Walsh said...

So many cool things starting with D... Love Dark City and Donnie Darko and even Def Leppard. Went to their concert when they came to Australia a few years ago:)

Susan Oloier said...

Alex, visiting your blog through this challenge is creating some memorable flashbacks. Hysteria is tied to a very specific memory for me.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - Dianne Salerni is definitely determined .. and her books sound so enticing ..

Setting us examples - good luck with your release next week .. cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rosey, it did get overplayed. Pyromania was overplayed even more for me.

Lanise, thanks!

Dixie, happy Easter!

Clarabelle, she did indeed! Most of her books are science fiction, including the Dragonrider series.

TF, the came to Australia? Very cool.

Susan, I hope it's a good memory.

Bushman said...

We were just discussing at work the other day about what exactly are the opening lyrics to Rock of Ages?

Bushman
2015 A to Z Challenge Ambassador
@jwb81074

Anonymous said...

Dragonflight got me hooked on Pern series, although favourite will always be The White Dragon. As for Donnie Darko that rates very high in my keep watching list, even though it took a few viewings to suss it out.

Nick Wilford said...

Seeing dragons all over for D Day.

Dean and Diane - both good eggs for Easter!

The Happy Whisk said...

99p, pretty darn good.

Liesel K. Hill said...

Donnie Darko I did see. I thought it was really bizarre. Not sure I "got" it. But at least it's one on your list I've seen. ;D Yeah, a crossover with X-Files and West Wing would have been strange (not in a good, x-files-ish way). :D

Anonymous said...

I've yet to see Donnie Darko and I must rectify that.

Oh my, the A to Z Challenge??? Where did the year go, Alex...

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love Anne McCaffrey's Dragonrider series. I read those books over and over.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeff, it's gunter glieben glauchen globen. And it's pure gibberish.

Nick, I know - I was honored.

Liesel, I don't think it would've been good either.

Liz, it's getting sucked away at a scary fast rate!

Holy Ghost Writer said...

Donnie Darko was a great movie

Leovi said...

Stunning Dark City !!

Michelle Wallace said...

Happy Easter Alex!

Sandra Cox said...

Here's to the Ds.
Happy Easter, Alex.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Donnie Darko! I need to see it again, so good. Happy Easter Alex and tomorrow is the day! Happy pre-new book birthday.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Happy Easter, everyone!

Ella said...

A great d list! I hope you had a Happy Easter, Captain~ Did you get Hot Tamales for Easter?!

Carrie-Anne said...

That would've been a really weird ending to X-Files, though I didn't watch the show that often anymore by the time it finally ended.

Tammy Theriault said...

Def leopard is seriously an ultimate pleasure to the ears!

Deniz Bevan said...

I miss the X-Files!
Aww, Def Leppard! I remember that album. I almost missed the return bus on a school field trip because I was buying that tape in a record shop!

Anonymous said...

I want to see those movies.

I read Do Androids...? But I don't remember how it ended.

OOH! Are the Kargrandes the descendants of the Hyrathians?! Have I guessed it?! lol

Ray Rousell said...

Love Donny Darko and especially Dark City!! Two great films!

Julie Flanders said...

The X-Files/West Wing crossover seems so bizarre. I was very surprised and also happy to hear about the new X-Files series that is in the works.

Hope your sale was a big success and helped spread the word about tomorrow's release!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I'm impressed with the eclectic collection of D words you came up with, Alex. Your mind must run a mile a minute!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Alex!

Donnie Darko was so strange!

Love Def Leppard!

So excited for your book to come out!

HMG

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella, yes I did!

Deniz, that's funny.

Debra, not quite!

Julie, hopefully it made a difference.

Karen, it is right now...

Heather! Tomorrow - scary...

Anonymous said...

Dang! Well, at least I can buy it now. lol

Toi Thomas said...

Both these movies creeped me out, but I still like them. Never read these books, but I want to. I can't belieive I never heard of the Blitz before. I gotta start paying more attention.