Monday, September 10, 2018

Jack Ryan Series, Omnium Gatherum, Movie News and Trivia, IWSG Anthology Contest, New Releases, and More!

Jack Ryan Review

One thing I love about these pay services creating original content is that they are all trying to one up each other with quality programming. (Of course, paying for them all is a massive bummer.) Amazon has made some compelling programs, but Jack Ryan delivers as must see television.
Truth be told, I’m halfway through and trying to savor each episode. This is high quality (acting, directing, cinematography) film making that is an edge of your seat experience.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like John Krazinski as Ryan, but he does a great job as a CIA analyst thrust into the role of unlikely hero.
I like everything about the series. Even the villains are given a backstory to elevate them well beyond cookie-cutter bad guys.
If you’re on the fence about Amazon Prime, this may well tip you right over.
Highly recommended.

Omnium Gatherum: The Burning Cold Review

It must be very cold in Finland. It’s really the only reason I can think of why so many great musicians and bands come out of this small country (about equal to the size of New Mexico). They must not have anything better to do than sit around, write amazing music, and practice.
Omnium Gatherum is not for all tastes. They have been labeled as a melo death band -melodic death metal. What that means is that they play this incredible, melodic, majestic music over growling, screaming Cookie Monster vocals. If you need clean (singing) vocals, then this is not the band for you, however, the adventurous will find a lot to like on this latest release.
For me, it’s all about the music which incorporates a lot of progressive elements with soaring guitars and intricate keyboard play. This disc simply gets better and better with each listen. This is my favorite OG release and will be in my top ten at year’s end.
Highly recommended!

Writing News

Another great IWSG posting! Everyone had great reasons why they chose their publishing path and seemed to really enjoy the question and the answers of others.

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is open for submissions! Young adult romance is the genre and masquerade the theme. See the site for details. You have two months! (Although please don’t wait until the last minute…)



New Releases:

The Twelfth Time: Lyuba and Ivan on the Rocks by Ursula Hartlein (Carrie-Anne Brownian)
A Russian Historical

Earth Shaker (A Fire Heart Chronicles Novella) by Juliana Haygert
Find it on Amazon









Cool Stuff

Jo posted a link to this: Craziest Cars Ever Built.
Some are really cool. I’ll take a Batmobile!

Amanda from Enlightened Digital sent me this cool graphic. Check it out!


Digital and DVD release dates:
September 18 – Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
September 25 – Solo: A Star Wars Story
October 2 – Sicario: Day of the Soldado
October 9 – Skyscraper
October 16 – Ant-Man and the Wasp

Don’t want to miss the next superhero film?
Then check out this listing at JoBlo’s site: Superhero Release Dates


Movie Trivia!

I made these for Twitter, but I kept forgetting to post a new one every day. So I’m going to share some here. Give me your best guess!




Anyone else watching the Jack Ryan series? Fan of Omnium Gatherum? Which crazy car was your favorite? Entering the IWSG Anthology Contest? And can you answer the trivia?
There is a major hurricane headed our direction, so prayers please for everyone in the path of Florence. 
And due to the hurricane and spotty Internet and power, my next post won't be until September 24.

100 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

I hope that Florence wimps out before she causes any damage, and will be thinking of everyone in her path.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I like the description of 'screaming Cookie Monster vocals.' :)

Hoping Florence blows out of here without any damage, but it sure doesn't look that way. Trying to decide if I should go through the bother of prepping for it here since Charlotte doesn't usually get hit...I likely will, Girl Scout that I am. :)

Pat Hatt said...

Can't really say Netflix is one upping much these days though, so much crap added on there. Want to see Ryan, but another subscription, ugg.

Walken and Mobile Army Surgical Hospital

Hopefully Florence goes out to sea and minds her own business, sure don't want it here or anywhere.

Mason Canyon said...

Congrats to those with new releases. I was wondering about Jack Ryan, now I'll be sure to watch it. Sending prayers the hurricane becomes a mild wind and all are safe.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

It seems like boyish faced "every man" John Krazinski is positioning himself as the next Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise. Thanks for reviewing Jack Ryan. Mrs. Shady and I subscribe to Amazon Prime and have watched several of their original series on it. We will surely check out Ryan.

As you well know, melodic death metal is one of my favorite genres, and I look forward to listening to Omnium Gatherum: The Burning Cold from start to Finnish.

Have a great week, Alex!

alexia said...

I succumbed to the insane amount of advertising they threw into Jack Ryan (the pivotal moment was when seeing the enormous e-boards inside the Dallas airport coming home a few days ago) and really enjoyed it even though it's not my usual genre at all. My only complaint is the terrible chemistry between Jack and his love interest. It was awesome otherwise.

Joanne said...

Hunker down and good luck with the hurricane. Water is powerful and scary - too much of it...ugh!
(Jack Ryan was awesome - I binged in two days. Each episode ratcheted the tension)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant's Child, so do I.

Elizabeth, you'll probably see some rain from it.

Pat, both trivia right!

Shady, if you can handle the vocals, the music will amaze you. And you do need to check out Jack Ryan.

Alexia, it's not my wife's genre either but she's hooked now.

Juneta key said...

I have not started watching that one but I have been looking forward to it. Goliath is also really good on Prime.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

We saw Hereditary over the weekend - excellent, creepy, unsettling. I still shiver when I think about it.

Keeping you and your family and all those in the paths of these storms in our prayers.... Stay safe and take care!

Stacy McKitrick said...

MASH - Mobile (something, maybe Ambulatory) Surgical Hospital.
Jack Ryan looks interesting, but I'm not doing Prime. Maybe it'll show up on DVD someday (I'm also waiting for Star Trek Discovery to show up on DVD, too).
Here's hoping Florence is all bark and no bite.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That hurricane can take a hike. It's going to mess with the writers' conference this weekend.

I love Metropolis and didn't know it was the first AI movie.

Sherry Ellis said...

You may be right about the reason great musicians come out of Finland. I think it's the same reason so many great musicians came out of Russia. :)

Stay safe during the hurricane! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

John Wiswell said...

I was happy to see Bunk from The Wire was in the new Jack Ryan. Also happy to see you're enjoying the show! Is it compelling if you're not already a fan of the character and universe?

Please stay safe during the hurricane. It looks like a serious one. You'll be in my prayers.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Thanks for the Jack Ryan review! I've enjoyed several of the books so I'll give the Prime series a look.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joanne, now that is binging!

Juneta, I watched that one as well.

Stacy, with the new Trek show with Patrick Stewart, looks like I'll be paying for CBS All Access and seeing Discovery that way.

John, it is!

Patricia, it's supposed to be closer to the character than the movies were.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I'll have to tell Chad about Jack Ryan. I just finished binge watching Buffy (how had I never watched this?!) and I think he's ready for a break from vamps. So, maybe Jack Ryan before I start on Angel...

We often get rain from hurricanes all the way up here. Some of our worst flooding came after Ivan stalled over our area.

Shamefully, I have no clue about Batman. And even more of a shame, I can't think of what MASH stands for and it's one of my favorite shows of my youth. I'm pretty sure it's Mobile Army Superhero Hospital.



Lisa said...

I used to know what M.A.S.H. stood for. All I remember now is "Mobile" and "Hospital".
I've been wondering about Jack Ryan but wasn't sure I was ready for a series instead of a movie. Now I'll check it out.
We've had steady rain for two days... Today is good but soggy!

Cherie Reich said...

Jack Ryan is definitely a series I want to see. It looks awesome.

And it's definitely worrisome about Florence. Even living as far inland as I do in Virginia, they say we could get 10-15 inches of rain, depending on how it tracks.

Suzanne Furness said...

Sending everyone in the path of hurricane Florence good wishes and prayers.

Sandra Cox said...

I love the storyline and the acting in the Jack Ryan series: stellar.
But WAY too much T and A, violence and kink. For me, it added nothing to the story and wasn't necessary. Keep in mind this view is from a senior female:)

Loni Townsend said...

My husband and I are on the second episode. We tried to watch it while working on other stuff, and it just didn't work out since all of the subtitle reading. But one of these days, we're going to sit down with a big bucket of popcorn after the kids are asleep and do some binge watching. :)

dolorah said...

MASH: Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. That was an easy one. The other I'd have to look up.

This was a fun post. I want to see Sicario.

sherry fundin said...

I love anything Clancy, so you have me thinking about Amazon Prime.lol
I live in the Florida Panhandle, so my thoughts are with you concerning Florence.
sherry @ fundinmental

Birgit said...

Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. I love the TV Show. I want to say Christopher Walken but I think I am wrong with that but the Dead Zone was an excellent movie. I am assuming you mean the movie and not the TV Show?? I don't get Amazon prime but I would like to check out this series even though i am not sold on the lead but you make me really want to see it now. Knowing how much you love heavy Metal and ..Blecchh...Rush (sorry I say this with a smile on my face), I don't think that CD would be my cup of tea. I would ride in the pussy mobile (again, tongue in cheek..oops, that even sounds wrong) and I love the bubble car and the tiny car but I would love to be in that convertible but the colour must be blue. I would also take the first one shown as well. My thoughts are with you and hope you come out unscathed as well as the others who are in line with that hurricane.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm so behind the times, I had to have a kid define "AI" for me. I'm going to go out on a limb here: MASH stands for Military And Salacious Hooligans.
Have a great week, Alex.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Oops, PS STAY SAFE! My thoughts are with you.

J E Oneil said...

I always assumed that the murder rate being so low and the death metal band number being so high in Norway was connected.

Was Christopher Walken in Batman Returns? It's been so long since I've seen it that I can't remember. I suppose I could just google it.

Tonja Drecker said...

The Batmobile is something, but the low clearance would be murder on our dirt road. MASH - Mobile Army SSssss...something or the other Hospital :)
And stay safe the next days!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

Yike! Too many things I don't know, Alex. My mom used to watch MASH. I thought it stood for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Maybe? Huh? I wish you all the best sir. Thanks for all you do to assist your fellow writer.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, you need to watch Jack Ryan then. And you are really close...

Cherie, our area might get almost twenty. It's scary.

Loni, do it!

Donna, you got it!

Birgit, correct on both. And that's all right. My kind of prog music is an acquired taste.

Robyn - funny! And thanks.

JE, he was!

Thanks, everyone!

Truedessa said...

Hi Alex

I had to laugh when I saw the cat car! That was very clever and great advertising gimmick. I would like to ride in a batmobile. That would be so cool!

I haven’t seen the Jack Ryan series. If you are enjoying it, then it must be good.

Be safe that storm could get rough bringing a lot of water and wind.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

You are the second person that has told me I should be watching Jack Ryan. I guess I'll have to give it a try.

Arlee Bird said...

I've currently got Amazon Prime, but I rarely take advantage of it. I probably should cancel. Or maybe I can obtain some Amazon Time--since as it is now I can't seem to find the time to watch much.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Liz A. said...

I still can't stream to my TV, so no Netflix or Amazon for me. One of these days...

Sending you good thoughts. Hunker down and take care.

DMS said...

MASH (Mobil Army Surgical Hospital) is my favorite show. Love it- and rewatch it all the time.

Great to know about Jack Ryan- I somehow thought it was a movie. Great that its a series! :)
~Jess

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations on the new releases.
I know nothing about the movies but do like Star Wars.
Praying for those in the path of the hurricane. My oldest son lives in Charleston.
Have a great week.

Botanist said...

Never heard of Omnium Gatherum but thanks for introducing me to them. I'm just listening to the opening tracks as I type this, but this album might find its way onto my playlist for writing to.

Andrew Leon said...

Jack Ryan is on my list, but who knows when I'll get to it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Victoria, yes!

Truedessa, you stay safe as well.

Michael, I think you would really appreciate it.

Jess, correct!

Beverly, did he have to evacuate?

Ian, that is very cool.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to everyone with new releases!

nashvillecats2 said...

Always something for everyone in your post's Alex. Great read.

Yvonne.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Mobile Army Surgery Hospital - that's the only one I know :)

Stay safe. Way too many disasters right around the world...very worrying.

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

Favourite crazy car? Mine''s the Munsters' family hot rod. An aunt of mine was actually good friends with the mom of the gentleman who owned the car at one time. (I think he sold it.)

I like that info graph of AI firsts in movies! Really neat!

You and the people in your region are definitely in my prayers. Natural disasters besides human ones are a big pain.

Anonymous said...

I love some of the original programming hulu and Netflix and Amazon have. It's great. Not sure I could watch Jack Ryan. I'm not really into that kind of show and I'm not sure I can see that actor without thinking about The Office and that might ruin it for me.

diedre Knight said...

I was mildly interested in 'Jack Ryan'. After reading your review I am determined to watch it!

I'm torn between the Ferrari and the Cat's Meow. Can I pick two?

I read 'The Dead Zone' a few hundred books ago, but never saw the movie. I did see 'Batman Returns' and was tempted to guess - then I saw one of the comments above.

Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The show just never gets old.

My thoughts and prayers are with all on the east coast. Times like these often reveal humanity at its finest.

Take care, Captain.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Nice description of the metal band. Probably not for me, though. Crazy cars? Kit from the show Night Rider, and the Batmobile, of course.

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats to Carrie-Anne and Juliana on their new releases. Book birthdays are huge!
YOU have a productive and pleasant day.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Steven, I've seen a replica of that car. Really wild.

Patricia, he slips into the role nicely.

Diedre, sure! And good guess on an awesome show.

Mary Kirkland said...

Stay safe in that hurricane. I hope everyone comes out alright after it's gone.

mshatch said...

I haven't seen the Jack Ryan series but I do have amazon prime so I could...thanks for the temptation! I've seen most of the movies on the list, but not all. Metropolis is supposed to be a classic so I probably should add it to my list.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - I keep seeing the Jack Ryan thing ... and am sure I'll get into it sometime. I hope the storm won't be too awful - but certainly they're putting the reminders out for everyone on the east coast ... good luck to all - for the storm, new books, anthology entries et al - cheers Hilary

Susan Kane said...

I'm looking forward to Jack Ryan. Jack definitely brings a different persona to something I really like.

Our son has an Amazon Prime acct and lets us use it. We don't know his pin. We'll have to ask him to buy it.

Cars? cars? My Mother the car?

Helena said...

I got Christopher Walken for the trivia. Is that correct? And I like Krazinski so that adds to my wish to see this series. Trouble is, I don't get Amazon so I'll have to see which one of my friends do.

And yes, please stay safe, Alex my dear. And the same for so many people in the storm's path.

Unknown said...

My husband is bingewatching Jack Ryan!

And that's a really cool graphic. Good to be back on your blog, Alex--I feel like I'm caught up on all the bloggy news after reading up a few of your posts.

Damyanti

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Marcy, it's an ambitious film for its time.

Helena, that is correct! And thanks you.

Damy, I am here to entertain and inform!

Ella said...

I loved the Jack Ryan series! So, addictive!! It was crazy to see the Coastguard from Elizabeth City pick up Jack! I frequent this city and have been to the base~ Hubby and I were like WHAT?!

I hope you and the Mrs. will be safe during this storm. There is no gas around us. We were packed and ready to roll out this morning and now are staying. Life feels like a yo yo~ Stay, go...go, stay....

Be safe Captain!!

SpacerGuy said...

Sometimes it takes a computer to defeat another so lets hope they've got the projections wrong with Florence.

Sandra Cox said...

I checked out the craziest cars. I HAVE to like the cat car:)

Where are you in the line of fire, Alex? Our son is in Greenville, less than 2 hrs from the coast. His wife works at the hospital so right now it doesn't look like they are leaving. It's worrisome.

Anonymous said...

I keep hearing great things about Jack Ryan but was so hesitant to watch it because of how much I love him as Jim. Your review just pushed me to the other side of the fence. Hubby and I will start watching it this weekend!

Elsie

Christine Rains said...

We do have Prime, but I've watched very few things on there. The Tick being the main one! Might have to check Jack Ryan out. Interesting about AI in movies having increased. I do wonder if AIs are preparing us for something! Have a terrific weekend, Alex. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ella! Good to hear from you. We are stocked and ready. Glad you didn't have to leave home.

Sandra, they should be all right. It's headed south after making landfall.

Elsie, you'll enjoy it!

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks again for allowing me to co-host this month. It was so much fun.
Glad to hear the Jack Ryan series is good. My dad is really excited about it.
That's a cool graphic. I'm very into the idea of AI and what it can do, though still not sure about it becoming self-aware.
Christoper Walken and no clue.
Don't think Florence is going to hit my area as bad as originally thought, but we're still prepared, just in case.

Blue Grumpster said...

Jack Ryan delivers as must see television? Whoa! I sure did not expect that. See, now I will have to put another series on my to-see-and-hopefully-in-this-lifetime list. :)

Hi Alex

P.S. Now excuse me while I go and prove I'm not a robot.

Sandra Cox said...

Are you getting any rain yet?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Toi, glad you enjoyed it!

Blue, enjoy!

Sandra, we are now, just a bit.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I'm late to the party as always. I'm looking forward to watching Jack Ryan!!! I've just been waiting for my husband to get on board because I know he'll like it.

Praying for people being hit with disastrous weather.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Those cars really are cool. My hubby's a total gearhead, and he has a number of cool cars, my favorite of which is a rat rod he made from a 1930 Model A. My pick of the ones on that site would be the McLaren, one of my hubby's favorites, but the only one I WOULDN'T want is that PeelP50. I have enough trouble finding my normal-sized car in the parking lot!

I hope Florence doesn't cause nearly as much damage as is projected. Be safe!

Magic Love Crow said...

Jack Ryan sounds excellent! Thanks Alex! Congrats on everyone's new releases! What does MASH stand for? I really pray Alex, that you and everyone in the path of Florence are ok! We have been watching it on the news!! Be safe!

Unknown said...

Alex, stopping by yet again to check if you're back online. hope you're warm and safe, and if you see this, please let me know you and your family are ok after the storm.

Mina Burrows said...

Hi Alex,

I hope you're okay during and after the storm.

Anyway, I saw Jack Ryan. I really enjoyed it. It was very well done.

I missed IWSG post for the last few months because of Summer. I'm getting back on schedule now though.

Hope you're safe there. I have totally been there. Ugh.

M Pax said...

Hope you're safe! I have Hulu and Netflix. Haven't succumbed to the Amazon beast yet.

Heather R. Holden said...

Omnium Gatherum's music sounds intriguing!

And so sorry to hear about the hurricane. Hope everything's safe for you there!

mail4rosey said...

I haven't heard of the Jack Ryan series. I do like Krazinski. I haven't considered Prime but you're making a good pitch for me to do so. :)

mail4rosey said...

Sorry, I hit 'enter' too fast. I was trying to say I hope you and yours are safe from that awful storm!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, my wife still loses her SUV in a parking lot...

Damy, we are all right. Our county is a mess, but we are good.

Mina, glad you're back with us.

Thanks, everyone! We are safe. We didn't flood or lose power. But our area is a bit of a mess now and still getting rain.

Shannon Lawrence said...

My husband and I both really enjoyed Jack Ryan. Looks like the next one will be set in Russia. Looking forward to it! Good luck weathering the hurricane. Here's to zero damage.

I'm trying to remember if Christopher Walken is in Batman Returns. Unless you're talking about the TV show of Dead Zone.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Relieved and glad to know you and family are safe. News coming out of US has been anxiety inducing...

Karen Lange said...

Hi Alex,
Hope all is well in your area. Praying for those impacted by Florence. Here in north central KY, we're getting rain from the outer bands, but nothing of significance. Thanks for coming by the blog today. Appreciate your support. It's great to see you. Have a good week!

Anonymous said...

Hope you're doing okay, Alex...Man, that hurricane.

Anyway, I can't get past seeing Jim Halpert as the new Jack Ryan. Can't help it. I keep expecting him to say, "Pam?"

Hope to see you back on your blog soon.

Carrie-Anne said...

I hope you and your family have been safe from the hurricane!

The Angry Lurker said...

Is that Jack Ryan the son?

Sandra Cox said...

I'm going to have to catch Jurassic when it's released and get a copy of Solo.
Glad you're okay. Are you near any rivers or lakes?

Chrys Fey said...

I don't think I'd mind a melodic death metal band. I just don't like the straight death metal stuff, but I love bands that are more melodic and mix metal in with that.

Trisha said...

I really want to watch Jack Ryan, but as you say the cost of all the different streaming services is a hard pill to swallow. I subscribe to two already here in Australia, and there's a third I'd like to have but it's far more expensive than any others, and on principle I refuse to give them any money at all. So I guess I will miss out :P

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

So happy to know you and your family are safe in this devastating storm.

Erika Beebe said...

Praying for everyone in the path of the hurricane. The weather has been wild this year. I started watching the Jack Ryan series this week too! Thank you. I'll watch another episode tonight. Thank you also for the list of releases. I haven't seen any of those flicks so I will have some great shows to see coming up. May you and yours be safe during this hurricane season.

Jemi Fraser said...

MASH = Medical Army Surgical Hospital ???? (maybe :)) Loved that show!
The videos of the devastation Florence has caused are terrifying. Hope everyone stays safe!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Hmmm - I think I deleted my comment somehow...
MASH = Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (I think!!) - loved that show!
Hope you and everyone else in the path stay safe from Florence

Sandra Cox said...

Hope things are getting squared away on your end, Alex.

kimlajevardi.com said...

Stay safe, Alex!

Stephen Tremp said...

Now that's a very cool graphic! Have to wonder what this graph will look like in ten years. An entire decade when today may seem like the pioneer years with no electricity or running water.

Yolanda Renée said...

Hope you weathered the storm! I can't imagine the devastation of NC. Being caught in a flood is real scare for me. I'm glad we left, but thrilled to be home again, and feeling a little guilty because we fared so well!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shannon, you are correct!

Nila, been just as anxious going through it.

Liz, so far he's not said Pam...

Carrie-Anne, we are good!

Fran, no it's THE Jack Ryan.

Sandra, fortunately I'm not.

Trisha, soon every will be a paid service.

Erika, glad you're enjoying it.

Jemi, correct!

Julie Flanders said...

Ooh I've had Jack Ryan on my list but hadn't watched it. Glad to know it is so good! I think I will give it a try this weekend.

Hope you and your loved ones are all safe and didn't suffer any damage from the hurricane, Alex. Take care.

Shadow said...

I have been searching for a worthwhile series to watch, I'll give Jack Ryan arty, thank you, and have a wonderful weekend

Raimey Gallant said...

I'm not going to lie, the first time John Krazinski took off his shirt in this show, I was pretty awestruck. I'm loving the more balanced approach the story is taking to the issue of terrorism. I'm only 3 or 4 episodes in at this point.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I bring up Skynet all the time. It saddens me when someone doesn't get it. I would put IRobot on that film list. An AI that had won over the humans to its humanity. Loved Jack Ryan.

Jennifer Lane said...

I loved Jack Ryan! I agree it's really well done. There were a couple of Hollyweird aspects I didn't enjoy but I chose to ignore those and go along for the ride.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I'm glad to hear you weren't hit too badly by the hurricane. It must have been frightening.

I wish we could get Amazon Prime in Canada. I've heard good things.