Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term
Movies –
While it didn’t do well initially at the box office, this early effort of director Kathryn Bigelow, a Western vampire tale with a great cast, now has a huge following. Note that never once are the bloodsuckers referred to as vampires.
This fantasy-horror film was directed by Clive Barker and based on his novella Cabal. Featuring director David Cronenberg in a key role, this quirky film in the style of Hellboy achieved cult status many years after its release.
Music –
Released in 1975, this was the band’s biggest album and featured the hits Love Hurts and the title track, Hair of the Dog. ‘Now you’re messing with a son of a…’
Their second album, this one placed Nirvana on the map with numerous singles, including Smells Like Teen Spirit, and sold over thirty million copies.
Science Fiction Book –
This dystopian novel has been heralded as one of the greatest of the past century and introduced terms such as Big Brother and thoughtcrime. It’s had a huge cultural impact since its release.
Bloggers –
Want to go on an amazing journey with an author? One who is an incredible artist as well? And she can teach you so much about both. Follow the wonderful Mary today!
Want to meet an honest writer and genuine soul? Someone who will pull at your heartstrings with his openness? Then you can do no wrong in following Nick.
Non-parallel (having no equal)
The Dragon is a ship with no equal. Only one was created. Equipped with a weapon greater than imagined, it could best any ship in the galaxy and possibly any fleet. Its power source is also unique and Hyrath’s Council would like to build more.
Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.
And thanks everyone – Dragon of the Stars has been selling very well!
Movie News
Chris Pratt, star of Guardians of the Galaxy, has a busy schedule ahead of him. He’s starring in Jurassic World this summer, The Magnificent Seven, Guardians of the Galaxy II, and possibly The Real McCoy and the Indiana Jones reboot.
There is a new trailer for Mad Max: Fury Road that ties all of the Mad Max movies together:
Seen either movie? Remember those albums? Following those awesome bloggers. Want to know what powers the Dragon? Have you seen Furious 7? And what did you think of the new Fury Road trailer?
If you missed it, I visited Julie Musil yesterday, discussing the differences between a series and a stand-alone book.
Nineteen Eighty-Four is frighteningly prophetic.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is one dark trailer. My wimpy self is pretty certain I couldn't cope. Watching a movie with your eyes shut and your fingers in your ears is counterproductive.
Mad Max: Fury Road... I say "YES"... Hair of the Dog, I won that album during a lip-sync contest back in high school, I am so glad no one at the time had any recording devices. Read 1984 and it was an eye opener and still think about the rules that needed to be followed. I always think how it connects to our government now.
ReplyDeleteNightbreed is my favorite film, did you know they just released the director's cut?
I ramble, go... go play with the other kids, no more stories.
Jeremy
I found the video rather frightening to say the least.
ReplyDeleteMost films I have not watched due to not going to the cinema,
All the same I enjoy reading about what I have missed.
Yvonne.
Hi Alex .. 1984 - is one I have read and seen - so much has come to reality now ... but it must have been incredible to read when it first came out in 1949 ... and Orwell was such an interesting character ...
ReplyDeleteNotes Along the Way - by Monti .. is a lovely blog to visit .. love her art.
Nick - has some wonderful stories .. and I so agree with your comment ...
That's such good news Dragon of the Star is selling like hotcakes .. cheers Hilary
It's happened again; we've both highlighted Nirvana as part of our letter N posts. :D
ReplyDelete1984 is one scary book and eerily prophetic as well..congrats on the new release doing well!
ReplyDeleteNirvana brings back fond college memories! 1984...great book. And I read it (for school) in 1984, I remember.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alex! I'm touched.
ReplyDelete1984 is one of the books that has had the biggest impact on me and it only gets more relevant. Nevermind is a genuine classic too.
I waited until 1985 to read 1984!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Fury Road.
ReplyDeleteNevermind is one of the classics that my son loved instantly. It was always in the car, along with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, as music that we could always agree upon.
Nick and Nirvana - both are awesome! I don't know Mary but I'll have to check out her blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I saw Night Breed, long ago. i loved F&F 7 and I would see it again. Now a reboot of Indiana Jones,....not so sure.
ReplyDeleteThey're resurrecting Mad Max from the dead? I'm not sure that's necessary!
ReplyDeleteElephant, it probably is.
ReplyDeleteJeremy, were you lip synching the title song? Will have to look for the Nightbreed director's cut.
Michael, awesome!
Nick, you're welcome!
Sandra, that's funny.
Al, I'm not sure about the Indiana Jones reboot either.
Stephanie, at least they are continuing the story and it's not a reboot.
Nirvana: that has to be one of the most famous album covers of all time. Shock factor in many ways.
ReplyDeleteFantastic Ns. Great music, both of those bands, and nineteen eighty Four, great book that both my girls read last year and two great bloggers. Happy N :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic Ns. Great music, both of those bands, and nineteen eighty Four, great book that both my girls read last year and two great bloggers. Happy N :)
ReplyDeleteWe started watching Mad Max on Netflix, but then we stopped for some reason. Hmmm, I don't know if we just got too tired to finish it or it just didn't fly well with us. I've gotta ask DH about this one now. I'll stop off to visit today's noteworthy bloggers. I do remember your cult music classic picks, but I wouldn't say I was a huge fan of either band. I may have to double take on their musics to refresh my memory, though. Great no-nonsense fun with your A2Z post!
ReplyDeleteI saw 1984, so many years ago now.
ReplyDeleteI know what powers the dragon. If I don't get those bribes soon I will spill the beans.
I love Chris Pratt, looking forward to those movies. I read 1984 many moons ago. Lots of good cult classics today Alex. And very talented authors!!!
ReplyDeleteAlex, thanks for the awesome Mad Max trailer!!
ReplyDeleteNirvanna...great music.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see Furious 7!
The Dragon is such a neat ship. :)
I haven't read 1984 since high school. I should read it again since I really liked it.
ReplyDeleteI know my fiance is going to want to watch Ash vs. Evil Dead but HE'S gonna have to dish out the $20 a month to get Starz because I'm not. :P
No I sang something from the Blues Brothers, in my school I was part of a writer's team for the school paper known as The Blues Control. We covered subjects like cold lunch room food and going the wrong way down the stairwells. We were highly controversial.. censored all the time, now there I have said to much... :)
ReplyDeleteJeremy [Jake]
ps. Nightbreed DC is worth watching.
All good selections today!
ReplyDeleteAwesome trailer! Great summer movie season coming up!
ReplyDeleteGreat N flicks, and wow, that Mad Max trailer kicks butt!
ReplyDeleteWell, you may remember the way I feel about 1984. Creepy prophetic.
ReplyDeleteNirvana! Absolutely.
I know Nick!
Never even heard of Nightbreed. Guess I missed that one. Fast 7 is sure on a roll. Probably will stay that way until Avengers 2 comes out. Pratt seems to be pimped out to every franchise going now lol
ReplyDeleteNear Dark was one of my mom's favorite movies, so I've seen it several times. It's finger-lickin' good!
ReplyDeleteI love Nirvana and Orwell's 1984. Awesome choices for N!
ReplyDeleteI'm watching Furious 7 tonight. Can't wait!
You got me on the cult movies--never heard of either of them. The bands and the book I have heard of though. 1984 was prescient not only in its view of a future, but in the trend of dystopian books.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
I watched the old Mad Maxs. This trailer didn;t tell me much but I'll watch the movie in hopes it will be at least good.
ReplyDeleteStarted reading Dragon to the Stars and am a couple chapters into it.
Some classic faves in the list today. I've got to get back to Julie's blog from yesterday....missed it on my list.
ReplyDeleteI know humanity had to start somewhere, but I cringe at the way movies were produced from 70s to late 80s (even television shows)!
ReplyDeleteBtw, has the Nirvana baby *always* had that dollar bill there? I've never noticed it. Maybe because I love babies SO much, I didn't bother to look. Imagine how old that cutie pie is now?
Thought you might appreciate this, lol:
http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/9635-Nirvana-Nevermind.gif?1
Happy N day!
Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony
I really don't want to see Pratt as Indiana.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the Furious movie. I might... I do remember the Nirvana album. Hubby probably remembers the Nazareth.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Nick! It's hard to believe 1984 coined the term Big Brother. Chris Pratt! He's funny. I like humor.
ReplyDeleteYes to : Nazareth – Hair of the Dog; Nirvana – Nevermind; Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell - and the movie too; Love - Nick Wilford's writing at Scattergun Scribblings; I'seen all Mad Max- this one looks good too. Thanks, Alex!
ReplyDeleteNirvana is still one of my number one bands. And as MUCH as I love Chris Pratt, I'm just not sure about the idea of an Indiana Jones reboot.
ReplyDelete1984 is brilliant and ever-relevant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the N gems, Alex.
I can't believe I haven't heard of either of those movies.
ReplyDeleteI want to see Mad Max so bad though.
Melanie, wonder how that young man in the water feels about it now?
ReplyDeleteCathy, I'm trying to keep it fun.
Jo, no bean spilling!
Cathrina, glad you enjoyed it.
Sarah, not even I am willing to dish out extra money for it.
Jeremy, only you!
Pat, it has the whole month of April to rule.
Jackie, enjoy!
Stephen, awesome!
Elizabeth, dollar bill has always been there. Will check out the link - thanks!
Andrew, I don't want to see another Indiana Jones movie.
I love these albums of Nazareth and Nirvana!
ReplyDeleteNirvana was huge when I was in Middle School. Once again, awesome post. :)
ReplyDelete1984 is another of my favorites. So strange to think that "Big Brother is watching you" seemed ludicrous at the time.
ReplyDeleteNow we live in the culture of Big Brother. The last sentence of 1984 is chilling. NEAR DARK re-united 2 stars of ALIENS. Guess which ones?
ReplyDeleteNear Dark is my favorite vampire movie.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Near Dark but it sounds intriguing. Loved some of the songs on the Nirvana album. 1984 stuck in my brain like glue, and still does to this day because we are constantly reminded of how prophetic it is/was. I'm a fan of Chris Pratt, glad he's keeping busy! I'm still skeptical about the new Mad Max. Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteloved Nazareth back in the day. Love Hurts is distinctive. I say Nevermind to Nirvana - just not my thing. Good oldie N movie - Notorious.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for including me as a recommended blogger. I really appreciate your support and special comments!!!
ReplyDeleteMad Max was depressing, but interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've been visiting Nick's blog for a long time. He's been through a lot of life ups and downs and weathered it all,
You can't beat Orwell for good sci fi
Great interview over at Julie Musil's place!
ReplyDeleteI've read loads of classics, but don't think I've read 1984... will have to make sure I do!
Nick is a great guy! I haven't met Mary Montague Sikes... I'll pop by her blog.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI must read Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell. I have not read a single book written by him. Nick is a great choice for the Alphabet N.
ReplyDeleteOkay - that trailer made me want to see the movie a bit more - except I can't imagine a Mad Max without Mel Gibson.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I can't say I love 1984, I think it's an incredibly important book to read.
And I featured Nick, too. :)
Oh, and Nirvana . . . I like some of the music, but I didn't like the way that Seattle and all of Washington state became associated with them . . .
ReplyDeleteI remember when "Nevermind" first came out, and it was such a huge deal. There was nothing else that sounded like that. It's weird to look back and realize I was around as music went through such a massive change.
ReplyDeleteGranted, that was over twenty years ago, and now I'm tired of still hearing those songs on some stations, but still.
I haven't seen those movies but I remember the albums. I'm looking forward to all Chris Pratt's projects. Not sure about the new Mad Max.
ReplyDeleteI started 1984. My sister insists I try again. lol
ReplyDeleteI need to watch Furious 7 at home, by myself, with a box of tissues.
Congrats on the success of Dragon of the Stars! It was great seeing Nick here. He is a talented writer with a big heart. Sounds like they're marketing Chris Pratt as the next Harrison Ford.
ReplyDeleteJulie
I saw Near Dark years ago and thought it was quite unique in it's story. I read 1984 and it still gives me shivers (so does Animal Farm). They are remaking "The Magnificent 7?" Oh no. I love Bruce Campbell so i have to see this when it comes out
ReplyDeleteAs usual I'm not familiar with the movies or the books. I must have been living in a cave. My family and teaching and reading children's books took up most of my time. :)
ReplyDeletePatricia, it's not now.
ReplyDeleteRoland, in Aliens they were Bishop and Vasquez!
Joanne, that was their biggest hit.
Mary, you're welcome!
Tyrean, it became the center of grunge.
Mason, it was a revelation. Grunge took over hair metal.
Debra, my wife cried more than once during the film.
I love Nick. Great blogger to highlight.
ReplyDelete1984 was always a favorite of mine. But it was my daughter who picked this book up and couldn't let it go. She even named her lizard "Orwell". Not too many 11 year olds running around quoting Orwell, but then again, my kids are all a bit...odd. Like their mother :)
1984 is definitely a good read, but the connections I see in current society is quite scary! Wow, Chris Pratt has a lot on his plate, I hope he can maintain it all, he did really well in Guardians of the Galaxy.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of both those movies, but haven't seen them.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, my music is lacking Nirvana even though I really like them.
1984 takes me back to secondary school as it was one of the books on the syllabus, so for that reason it never really got to me, having to read something instantly gives me negative vibes! Might try it again now, choosing to read it :) x
ReplyDelete1984 - Big Brother is watching.
ReplyDelete2015 - We are watching Big Brother.
On TV of course. ;)
I must read 1984 by George Orwell and find out what the book is all about. It sounds like a really good read.
ReplyDeleteI'm officially angry, every time you mention a book I'm yet to read, 1984 like seriously? the first movies of Mad Max -witch I saw- were truly great, simply classic.
ReplyDeleteI'm officially angry, every time you mention a book I'm yet to read, 1984 like seriously? the first movies of Mad Max -witch I saw- were truly great, simply classic.
ReplyDeleteOur son played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" so many times I thought I'd go nuts.
ReplyDeleteJaybird, they're smart, not odd.
ReplyDeletePatricia, time to hit iTunes.
Suzanne, that does make a difference.
Jeffery, that made me chuckle.
I loved both of those albums! They're classics now. Still awesome.
ReplyDeleteNear Dark is great, too.
My son and I are finally going to get to see Furious 7 this weekend. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteNirvana's Nevermind.. Masterful :) I think they did a story a couple years ago about the naked baby on the cover, if I remember correctly? Should see if I can find that...
ReplyDeleteI am really hearing Furious 7 in the vines, wonder whether it is already in Malaysia
ReplyDeleteNevermind loses its appeal when it wakes you up blasting at top volume every day...
ReplyDeleteMy son enjoyed Furious 7. I haven't seen any of these movies.
ReplyDeleteKen, you will dig it!
ReplyDeleteAJ, I'd be curious.
Lisa, not sure.
JE, but what better way to wake up than with the volume cranked?
I'm probably the only person in movie land who hasn't followed the Furious films.
ReplyDeleteFurious 7 sounds exciting but I rarely go to the movies. Hate the sticky floors. LOL
ReplyDeleteThe book 1984 has come to fruition...big brother is watching us!
ReplyDeleteI still remember the first time I heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit".
ReplyDeleteI feel like a total moron but I didn't realize that was Nirvana's second album. Have always assumed it was the first.
ReplyDeleteLove both Nick and Mary's blogs, they are great people.
Mad Max is one I'm hoping will be good
ReplyDelete1984 and Nirvana are both high on my list. So is Nick. I'm thinking I really need to see Near Dark. Somehow it has escaped my attention for all these years, but I can tell it's my kind of movie.
ReplyDelete1984 still sometimes creeps into my dreams.
ReplyDeleteI've staying away from trailers, but this one I watched a little of. I didn't realise this was a sequel. I thought it was a remake.
Sandra, I'm sure not the only one.
ReplyDeleteJulie, it seemed like their first.
Shell, you'll dig it.
Toi, it's not a reboot. Thank God!
Ah, Nazareth's Hair of the Dog! Love that song, love the album. They were one of the featured bands on my post today too. I asked people to listen to the song and count how many times the song says "now you're messing with..." :)
ReplyDelete1984 was a great book! It's especially a good read now, in these times. Eye-opening!
Great post Alex.
Michele at Angels Bark
Sorry I'm so late, but been having a bad day. Pain is totally wasted on good people I think. Pain should be for all the people who are like on death row or something don't you think? Nevermind me... you really have a run of books here. You might make a reader out of me yet! :) Have a nice night my new friend! Thanks so much for stopping by. I just posted my N too! HUGS
ReplyDeleteNirvana - had some great music and is still played on the radio.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe Nirvana has achieved the status of a classic rock band. I feel really old, since they came out when I was in sixth grade and are already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (though we all know Jann Wenner plays favorites in whom he rushes in and whom he locks out).
ReplyDeleteI am scared to watch Furious 7-I will get a speeding ticket on the way home~
ReplyDeleteNicely done with N~
I LOVE Nazareth. Now I'm humming Love Hurts. They were so good. Memories....
ReplyDeleteI am dying to see Furious 7.
YaY Dragon of the Stars!!! Wahoo.
I do cyber know Nick. Don't know Mary. She sounds wonderful.
Great A to Z post, Alex.
Nazareth brings back so many memories. We seem to have a fondness for many of the same bands. And Nick is one of my favorite bloggers.
ReplyDeleteKathryn Bigelow is a ROCK STAR! No romantic comedy start for her AND she actually "studied" film making! At Columbia! Oscar was well deserved.
ReplyDeleteTrailer is fun. Hope the movie is, too. Every time I see Charlize Theron, I think there is no way to make this woman unattractive. Then I remember... oh yeah, she won an Oscar for it!
You can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
Don't hate but I never took to nirvana. I loved everyone after their break through of intriguing alternative rock.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear, my numbers are back down again. I only know Nick. :(
ReplyDeleteScribbles From Jenn - Visiting from the A to Z Challenge
I just finished reading 1984 and it's every bit as good as people say. It makes you think so hard and I couldn't see what was coming at any point.
ReplyDeleteNevermind is in my top 5 favourite albums ;)
Oh my goodness. I've been so seriously lost under a writing rock that I didn't even realise the A to Z Challenge is happening! (I did realise we're in April. My mind just didn't go any further than that!)
ReplyDeleteYou always pack so much great information in your posts, Alex! Thank you for being so supportive of your brother and sister writers (and others)! :O)
ReplyDelete1984 was an eye-popping-opener for me when I first watched it.
ReplyDeleteNirvana were a huge fave of mine to - I lived in Jersey when he died and my pal and I cried for a week. I visited Seattle's music museum couple of years ago and bought the bio. :)
I already follow Nick!
Unsurprised to hear, but still, massive well done on Dragon selling well! :)
shahwharton.com
Love the music and book in this post.
ReplyDeleteYou've also reminded me that I've only ever read one Clive Barker novel. Must explore more!
Admit to being a Near Dark cult member. A film that I've watched quite a few times. As for 1984. that is as topical a read as ever... maybe more so.
ReplyDeleteMichele, that's awesome!
ReplyDeleteMaria, thanks for the laugh and hope your Friday is much better.
Carrie-Anne, we know all too well! Took the fans to finally get Rush in the Hall of Fame.
Ella, you just might...
Clarabelle, for Monster - yes she did!
Rachel, that's all right!
Roland, it's such an underrated film.
Chris Pratt is awesome! I'm so glad they started taking him seriously! Well, kinda serious and yet still funny. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat movies you picked. I do enjoy some Nirvana songs. [Still convinced he was murdered.]
Hi, Nick!
Heather
Nevermind was the first CD I ever bought - still one of my all-time faves. It reminds me of being 11 yrs old, and being in my last year of primary school. haha.
ReplyDeleteNick Wilford is one of my fave bloggers for sure!
I guess it's not surprising that Furious 7 did so well. Sad reason, but still ... makes sense.
I was pretty excited to see the short for the new Jurassic movie!
I've never seen Niear dark, but I want to now. Sounds good.
ReplyDelete1984 - total classic.
Love the cover for Quiet Earth!
ReplyDelete