Cool Geek Christmas Gifts, How I Miss You Blogfest, and Ninja News!

Cool Christmas Gifts for the Geeks in Your Life

Christmas is just one month away! Don’t panic – I found some cool, geeky stuff that Santa can bring…

Dancing Groot – only $9.99 from Toys R Us

Star Trek t-shirts – only $28.64 from RedBubble

Captain America Minion iPhone case – only $7.05 from Ali Express
(And they have a lot more Minion super heroes.)

The Ewoking Dead t-shirt – only $15.00 from Gifts.com

Pre-order for 2015
Melting Nazi from Raiders of the Lost Ark candle – only $31.29 from Firebox

And of course, retro t-shirts from Jeremy Hawkins’ Neat-O-Shop, including the Better Off Dead hamburger and the Ninja Army!

Ninja News

At the A to Z Blog today is Joss from Dreaming of Publication, talking about her theme for the Challenge – dogs!

It’s time for the second annual Holiday Food Drive! Started by MJ Joachim and the late Tina Downey, MJ is continuing the tradition with Jeremy Hawkins again providing the graphic. Check out how you can participate HERE and at the Effectively Human Community on Google+.


Are you a self-published indie author? Then you need to check out this giant list of indie book reviewers – over five hundred! Courtesy of laekanzeakemp.

Want to know what it’s like to be a full time writer? Then you need to read this post by Steven Symes.

Thank to everyone who has added Dragon of the Stars to their Goodread lists and voted for it in the Most Anticipated Science Fiction of 2015 list. It’s climbed to number three!

New releases!

Tarsier Man – A War Like None Before
By Pat Hatt

Dead Wrong
By Patricia Stoltey

Beacon
By Angela Brown

How I Miss You Blogfest

Hosted by Andrew Leon, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and Matthew MacNish

The bloggers you miss and the ones you would miss.
List one to three bloggers you really miss.
List one to three bloggers you would really miss if they stopped blogging.
And then go let them know!

The three bloggers I miss are…

Mark Means at Left and Write
Mark still posts now and then, but not at the same pace he used to post. The dude is a cool geek and I miss the geeky updates. Plus his A to Z Challenge themes always rock.

Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances
One of my first blogger buddies was Old Kitty. She’d post photos of her cat Charlie, now joined by Gumtree. It’s been many months since she posted and I really miss her. No one is as upbeat and positive as Old Kitty.

Tina Downey at Life is Good
I couldn’t do this list without mentioning Tina. I think about her often and there is still this void where her snark and humor used to reside. There are people you can’t imagine being gone, can’t imagine dying, and that’s what I always thought about Tina. I know she’s having a grand time in Heaven, running through the sunflowers, but the world is just a little bit dimmer without her light. Love you and miss you, Tina.

People I would miss if they stopped blogging:

This was tough! I’d miss all of you. Rather than play favorites, I thought I’d list three people who might not realize how much I’d miss them…

LG Keltner at Writing Off the Edge
LG, you are a fellow science fiction geek and writer, and you are so faithful to your friends. You always have the best A to Challenge themes and have dedicated yourself to the IWSG. (And you’re one of my best co-hosts.) You would be sorely missed, so don’t ever quit!

Ivy at The Happy Whisk
Ivy, I count on you for my daily laugh and chuckle. We’ve followed each other for years and I enjoy both your posts and our email banter. You paused in your blogging once before, and it really sucked. Don’t do it again. You are indeed Wonder Woman. And you always make me laugh.

Heather Gardner at The Waiting is the Hardest Part
Heather!!!! If I ever posted and there wasn’t an ‘Alex!!!’ in the comments from you, I’d send out a search party. You are one of the funniest, snarkiest, most spirited and strong-willed people I know. You rock the A to Z Team, keeping us in line. You’re such an awesome supporter and someone I can count on a hundred percent. You’re also one of my best friends. You ROCK!

Who do you miss? Who would you miss?



See some geeky gifts you just have to buy? Joining the Holiday Food Drive or picking up some new books? And who do you miss and who would you miss in the blogging world…?

I will be traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, so I’ll be very sparse here online Wednesday through Saturday. To all my American friends, have an awesome Thanksgiving!

Live RiffTrax Experience, How I Miss You Blogfest, Writing a Series, Who’s Your Hero, Foodie Blog Hop, and Ninja News

Riff Trax Live!

Worth every penny! (That’s Bill and Kevin in the photo.)

For those who wonder – what is RiffTrax? – here is the skinny:

Twenty-four years ago, Mystery Science Theater 3000 started, and it was a man and two robots making fun of bad movies. (You could see their silhouettes in the bottom corner.) When MST3K ended its very long run, the three guys started RiffTrax. They recorded the same snarky dialogue and jokes for hundreds of movies, good or bad. You download their riff and synch it up to the actual movie – and then sit back and laugh your ass off.

They started doing live performances, and those were broadcast to theaters across the USA. (With humorous slides shown beforehand, like the two here.) It grew to be huge, and they now do multiple shows a year. (Next one is December 4.) This past showing was a big deal because they filmed it LIVE in Durham, NC. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to see Mike, Kevin, and Bill in person, my wife and I hit the road and headed north.

It was an incredible experience! Nothing like being in a crowd of ‘your peeps.’ (Many came in costume.) They tackled the movie Anaconda, and it wasn’t difficult to parody. Folks, it was cheesy when it came out, but now it looks AWFUL. There is a scene where the waterfall is flowing UP. And the snake screams. Really! It was bad…

If RiffTrax comes near you, go!!

Five Tips For Writing A Series by Joy Campbell

Alex, many thanks for hosting me on the Island Adventure Romance tour.

I stumbled into writing this series because of a quirky secondary character with an interesting history. The books in the Island Adventure Romance Series are a combination of action, adventure and romance and can be read in any order. I've enjoyed writing these stories that have been described as well-written and compelling, with vibrant characters.

What are some important considerations when writing a series?

1. Compelling Characters - Create unique characters that readers will remember long after they finish reading. This can be done through character traits, interesting quirks or personal habits.

2. Meaningful Journeys - Give your characters goals that make their risk taking worthwhile. Their journey must result in growth at the end of the novel.

3. Unique Challenges - Each main character should be given a set of challenges that make their story distinct.

4. Return Visits - Readers like to catch up with characters from other books, so arrange little drop-ins to keep your fans updated on their favourite individuals.

5. Diminishing returns - Know when you hit the point where it's time to close a series. Don't get caught up in making money and forget good sense. Start a new book or series when there are no stories left to tell in the current one.

You may enter to win a ten dollar ($10.00) Amazon voucher or an e-copy of the entire Island Adventure Romance collection on the Rafflecopter HERE.

J.L. Campbell lives in Jamaica and writes romantic suspense, women's fiction and young adult novels. She also writes non-fiction and is a certified editor. Visit her website or her Amazon page. She's enjoys good company, so feel free to follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.

Who’s Your Hero Blogfest

Hosted by Joy Campbell

I have many heroes.
My wife, who continues to prod me when I want to give up. My parents, who set such a great example of a solid marriage. My blogger friends, who’ve accomplished some amazing things. The IWSG Admins and A to Z Challenge Co-Hosts, who tackle their responsibilities with gusto.

And of course my greatest hero, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m grateful to have a relationship with someone who was willing to die for me despite my imperfection. He’s my peace and steadfast rock. I’ll always fall short, but fortunately He always forgives me.

Who is your hero?

Foodie Blog Hop

Hosted by Holly Sinclair

She is celebrating the end of her tour with her cookbooks and wanted us to post about food. I could go on about how much I dig Thai food or post my favorite Chinese recipe, but I thought I’d just let you know what Mini-Alex Likes best:

Ninja News

And the winner of the Trick or Treat Bloghop is… Christine Rains!
Congratulations!

Charity Bradford has started a Kickstarter campaign for her next book.
I've decided to self-publish my latest novel FADE INTO ME. This book really highlights my growth as a writer. It's also the first book where I feel I let myself "out of the box." Before I send this book into the world, I want to make sure it's the best it can be. This means hiring a professional editor and typesetter. I'm not here to ask you to back me, but can you help me spread the word about my Kickstarter project? Finding people interested in this story is what will make the difference.
To donate, go HERE

Out now - What Time Is the Tea Kettle? By Andrew Leon

Just released - Nobody Knows (Razes Hell Book 1) by Kyra Lennon
Find it pn Amazon,Amazon UK, and Goodreads

How I Miss You Blogfest!

It’s that time of year again! Hosted by Andrew Leon, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and Matthew MacNish
The bloggers you miss and the ones you would miss.
List one to three bloggers you really miss.
List one to three bloggers you would really miss if they stopped blogging.
And then go let them know!

Join us November 24!



Who wants to go see RiffTrax now? Ready to write a series? Who is your hero? Favorite food? And what bloggers do you miss…?

Don’t forget Wednesday is Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day!

The Next Ninja Blogfest! Plus Golon the Grumpy Dwarf, Movie Reviews, IWSG and Thoughts, and Ninja News

A lot happening today! Hope the recent shift to less promotional stuff and more fun stuff, including movie reviews and a bit about me, is to your liking.
If not, Mini-Alex will play his guitar until your ears bleed...

Golon the Grumpy Dwarf

Today I welcome Golon from Jack Lewis Baillot’s latest novel, A Test of Loyalty, Book Two. He’s a dwarf with an ornery streak and his party is on a quest to save Prince Lachlan. We had some fun with the interview…

Are you any relation to Gimli?
Who is Gimli? Is this some kind of trick question? Is it because our names are kind of the same? I have a feeling this is something I should understand and my Author is laughing at me for not doing so. She laughs at me a lot though, so it is hard to tell the cause of it.

If you are Grumpy, then which Dwarf is your brother?
I am only grumpy around Elves...and hermits. And certain princes. And sometimes my brother. Oh, right, there is more to this question. This I understood because I looked it up. He would be the one they call Dopey.

What are some of the ways you like to annoy people?
I mostly just taunt their cooking skills, and their race. Elves are easy to annoy. Just insult their bows and their gardens.

Do you think Dwarves are represented fairly in literature?
While looking up the Grumpy reference I discovered the tale he is from and I do not think that was an accurate representation. As a general rule, we don't sing cheerily when we go off to work. What is called Tolkien's work, however, is accurate.

What's your weapon of choice?
I don't have just one. I use an ax a good deal of the time but I would be lost without my short sword. Therefore, I have to say both.

Do you like Dragons?
I am pleased to say I have never met one. I have heard they do exist, but I question that as they have become more of legends, and one can never really trust a legend.

And tell us what you really think of your brother....
Ahem...well, since he isn't here. He annoys me, as only younger brothers can, but I would be truly lost without him. He has been my constant companion since the time he could walk and he does ensure my life is always interesting as he finds ways to drag me along on some of his wilder adventures.

And since that is the last of the questions, I will bid a fair well, and a thank you.

Jack is an Author. Basically, run. She's not impossible, just a bit unlikely.
Find A Test of Loyalty Book Two on Amazon

Ninja News

Today’s Themes that Rocked the Challenge features Andrew Leon, who posted about abandoned places. Check it out at the A to Z Blog.

Released last week – Shear Trouble by Elizabeth Craig

Available now - Trench Raiders by Sean McLachlan

Movie Reviews

(Space Pirate) Captain Harlock
Harlock and the crew of the Arcadia battle the Gaia Coalition in hopes of returning to Earth and saving mankind.
Visually stunning – some of the best computer animation I have ever seen.
In typical anime fashion, the storyline is convoluted. This was compounded by the subtitles when all I wanted to do was watch the graphics. However, it’s really unique and worth slogging through the story for the visuals alone.
Recommended

I Frankenstein
Mercifully, it was short – not counting ending credits, it clocked in at 1:21.
An A list cast heads up a D- story with C+ special effects.
Apparently Angels take the form of gargoyles to battle demons. (Who only live a couple blocks away – how convenient.) I won’t go into how Frankenstein’s monster is horseshoed into this nonsensical plot. But it wasn’t good.
Skip unless you’re a glutton for punishment.

Open Grave
Man wakes up in pit of bodies with no memory and finds a nearby house with five others who also don’t remember who they are. There are no phones, no cars, and deranged people running about.
This is a unique twist on zombies, as they aren’t really zombies but infected with a disease that destroys the mind. It’s more of a mystery as the six characters try to piece together what happened. Lots of tension and definitely not a feel good film.
Worth a NetFlix rental.

IWSG and Ninja Thoughts

Last week’s IWSG was awesome, as always!

Special thanks to my co-hosts and to Marta Szemik and L. Diane Wolfe – those two ladies have not missed a single post day since the IWSG’s inception. (The only other person who hasn’t missed is me. That would look really bad if I missed a post!)

There were some amazing posts. As writers, we are all unique in our style. I started writing down my thoughts as I read the posts Wednesday:

Someone talked about remembering why she started writing in the first place. I know why I started, but I don’t know how to stop.

Most people edit in layers. I work on everything with each pass. Yes, I fix typos and grammar mistakes in sections I might later delete. They distract and annoy me if I don’t.

I’m a really lazy writer. If I didn’t set word count goals and deadlines, I’d never write anything.

Crap, I take a long time to put together an outline. Most people are on their second and third drafts by the time I start my first.

I really want to go see Guardians of the Galaxy again…

Wait, I probably wasn’t thinking that when I was reading. But I do plan on seeing it again this weekend!

What were some of your thoughts?

Underrated Treasures Blogfest!

Because it’s been ages since I hosted a blogfest! Time for some fun.

Everyone has a favorite movie or band that no one else has ever heard about. For whatever reason, they remain undiscovered and underrated. Now is your chance to tell the world about this obscure treasure!

On Monday, September 22, post about your favorite unknown –

MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK

Post about one or all four – dealer’s choice!

Underrated Treasures Blogfest signup -


What did you think of Golon? Seen any of the movies? What were your thoughts on last week’s IWSG? And who’s ready to share some underrated treasures…?

Retro A to Z Challenge: T – Terminator II 1991 (plus some Awesome Challenge Themes)

Terminator II: Judgment Day – 1991

Released seven years after the first movie, this sequel was bigger than life. It was the first movie to cost over $100,000 million to make, and the budget showed in its amazing special effects, most notably the T-1000 made of liquid metal. Ground breaking effects snagged four Oscars for this film. Hasta la vista, baby!

1991 fun facts –
*Cost of a new house - $120,000.
*Average income - $29,430.
*Cost of gas - $1.12
*The Soviet Union ceased to exist when Gorbachev resigned
*The Internet was made available for unrestricted commercial use. At that time, one million computers were online

Movies released –
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Silence of the Lambs
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey
City Slickers
Backdraft

Music released –
Nirvana – Nevermind (launching the Grunge era)
Dangerous Toys – Hellacious Acres
Guns ‘n’ Roses – Use Your Illusion 1 & 2

Games released –
Sonic the Hedgehog
Neverwinter Nights

And why is 1991 special?
It’s the year Edi married his wife, his daughter was born, he got a new job, and they moved to a new home!

Edi was the first book blogger I found online, and since then has become devoted friend and fan. If I ever venture to Germany, we are definitely sitting down over a brew and discussing books and movies! Edi reports on books, films, and interesting things around the web every weekend, and what he finds is often amazing. One of my best friends and an awesome guy. Edi blogs at Edi’s Book Lighthouse.

Great A to Z Challenge Themes

We’ve less than a week to go, and I’m sure you’ve all been following bloggers with some really great themes. I will be highlighting some of these themes this coming year at the A to Z Challenge Blog. (So let me know if there’s someone I must feature.) Some themes that have worked really well, and the ones below might give you ideas for next year.

Unique locations
Lexa Cain has been posting about haunted places and Andrew Leon has been posting about abandoned locations. Coupled with photos and facts, both have been fascinating.

Blogging about one’s book
This one is tricky, because it could come off as really promotional. Plus it might cater mostly to fans or be a book someone doesn’t want to read. However, Julie Flanders has done an outstanding job, as she’s focused on the location of her book, Martha’s Vineyard. Several others are also doing a similar style theme.

Excerpts
Another tricky topic, as it might not catch those who don’t start from the beginning. Quite a few of you have been blogging really great excerpts though! I’ll just give two examples. Loni Townsend has posted snippets from a serial, Murder Most Fowl, and her voice and sense of humor have made these a great read. Equally riveting has been CM Brown’s short teasers from her upcoming title, Forces of Mist.

And I’m sure you’ve found many more awesome themes!

Fan of Terminator II? Following the amazing Edi? What themes have you seen that were interesting and made you come back for more? And what do you remember best about 1991…?

Teleportation! Plus My W4WS Day, How I Miss You Blogfest, Ninja News, and Horror Taglines Trivia Answers

Today I tackle teleportation at Stephen Tremp’s awesome SITE! When did the concept emerge? How has it figured into science fiction? And is it possible…?

Writers4Writers

Hosted by Stephen Tremp, Mary Pax, Christine Rains, and CM Brown.

I have the honor of sharing W4WS today with the awesome Isis Rushdan. That’s right! It’s the Ninja’s turn today. And was it ever difficult coming up with the Tweets and Facebook posts.

Thank you to the hosts and to all the W4WS members – and anyone else who helps – for your efforts today.

For Twitter –

For fans of #StarWars and #Heinlein – CassaStorm by @alexjcavanaugh Amazon Best Selling author http://tinyurl.com/n9hrssx #W4WS #spaceopera

Space opera with heart – the Amazon Best Selling series by @alexjcavanaugh http://tinyurl.com/n5qdaqt #spaceopera #bestseller #W4WS

“CassaStorm pushes the limits…” best-selling #spaceopera by @alexjcavanaugh http://tinyurl.com/n9hrssx #W4WS #scifi

For Facebook-

"CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery." - Edi's Book Lighthouse. From the Amazon Best Selling author Alex J. Cavanaugh http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ Available in print and eBook at Amazon http://tinyurl.com/n9hrssx, B&N, iTunes, and others. Watch the trailer on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be #W4WS

For fans of Heinlein and Star Wars – space opera with a heart! CassaStorm concludes the Amazon Best Selling series by Alex J. Cavanaugh. http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ Available in print and eBook at Amazon http://tinyurl.com/n9hrssx, B&N, iTunes, and others. #W4WS

Ninja News

Nicole Zoltack’s Black Hellbore is out today in eBook – print coming in January. Congratulations, Nicole!

Rachel Morgan’s The Faerie War is out today!! Congratulations, Rachel. You have wrapped up your awesome trilogy.

Milo James Fowler had some exciting news this weekend - Captain Bartholomew Quasar and the Space-Time Displacement Conundrum, his first novel, will be published next year! The novel will first be serialized for subscribers, followed by an eBook and print release. Congratulations, Milo!

Cherie Reich’s epic YA short story, Magna’s Plea, is available and free at Amazon. Congratulations, Cherie!

Toinette Thomas is celebrating her birthday today by independently publishing two new works of fiction! Happy birthday, Toinette. I think you mentioned cupcakes…?

Kyra Lennon is hosting the Game On Bloghop October 28-31. To celebrate the second edition release of Game On, Kyra wants to know – who is your sports crush? Get the details at her site.

Remember, every Monday is a new post at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website. We’ve also added a lot of new sites to the databanks, so check often.

Pat at it’s Rhyme Time created this video - Orlin The Rhyming Cat - The Ninja Wannabe. If you’ve visited Pat and read about the Ninja Wannabe, no need to be confused, it’s just me. (A rhyme in your honor, Pat!) As if the lyrics and head-butting from a cat puppet weren’t enough, just wait until you see what Cassie does with me in the end…

Horror Movie Tagline Trivia Answers

1 - Ding dong. You're dead. 1986 House
2 - Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas. 1992 Army of Darkness
3 - Man is the warmest place to hide. 1992 The Thing
4 - The good news is your dates are here. The bad news is…they're dead. 1986 Night of the Creeps
5 - The night HE came home. 1978 Halloween
6 - Herbert West has a very good head on his shoulders...and another one in a dish on his desk. 1985 Re-Animator

The Second Annual Oh, How I Miss You Blogfest! 

November 8, 2013 - hosted by Andrew Leon, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and Matthew MacNish

The bloggers we really miss…and the ones we would really miss!

Do you have a couple blogger buddies who aren’t posting as often? Those who’ve pulled back and seem absent from the blogging world? Do you have blogger buddies you are grateful they are still around and would miss if they vanished? Now is your chance to show your appreciation and spotlight them!

On November 8, list one to three bloggers you really miss and one to three bloggers you would miss if they stopped blogging. Then go leave a comment on those blogs.

Our blogger friends are special – time to let them know!

Sign up below!



Thanks to all who send out the W4WS messages! Picking up some new books? Enjoy the video – even at my expense? Get any of the trivia correct? And can you think of some bloggers you miss…?

Don’t forget to visit Stephen Tremp!

A to Z Challenge - Memento, Meant to Live, Ninja News, and the Big Surprise!

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Memento

Nolan’s greatest masterpiece. The story is told backwards, which makes you think as every new scene unfolds. You do not leave your brain at the door for this one! Guy Pearce is exceptional as the man with memory issues searching for his wife’s killer. This film is the ultimate mind bend.

Leonard Shelby is focused on his goal. He might forget things, but never his ultimate target. Since every moment is new to him, Leonard possesses a child-like innocence.

Who is Leonard?

Charity Bradford!

Her goal was published author and she never wavered on that path, achieving it this past February. Charity also possesses that innocence, and it comes through in her smile and her Faith. Her passions shine, no matter what she is doing.

Charity is the author of The Magic Wakes and a devoted mother and wife.

To you I dedicate Meant to Live by Switchfoot. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

“We were meant to live for so much more… And everything inside screams for second life…” I will see that second life, Charity!

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know that Leonard’s medical condition is real? It’s called Anterograde Amnesia – the inability to form new memories – and is a result of damage to the hippocampus.

Switchfoot is a term from what sport/activity?

L’s trivia answer - Nancy’s son attends Arizona State University and Rush formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Ninja News

Shannon Lawrence at The Warrior Muse has a story, "The Family Ruins," in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, which releases today. Congratulations, Shannon!

The latest in Andrew Leon’s Shadow Spinner series, Part 19, is available today and free at Amazon. You can also pick up Parts 15-18 free, along with his book The Evil That Men Do. Congratulations, Andrew!

The Big Surprise!

The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest – May 17

That’s right – another fun and easy movie blogfest! Something simple after the insanity of the Challenge and my last one until the fall.

Hosted by me, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz.

When Hollywood runs out of ideas, they remake older films. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it fails miserably.

On May 17, list the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst.

Added bonus – list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard!

Sign up below!



Fan of Memento? Following the awesome Charity? Know the trivia answer? Eager to get Shannon and Andrew’s books? And ready for one final blogfest until the fall? I KNOW you can think of a really crappy remake…

A to Z Challenge – Jurassic Park and Journey on the Waves of Time, Plus Ninja News and Another Blog Reader - Bloglovin'

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

Jurassic Park

One of the best action films ever. Spielberg did an amazing job capturing the book and bringing it to life. The special effects still hold up, even after twenty years. The performances are so good they invest you completely in the story.

Dr. Ian Malcolm is Mr. Logic. He sees the holes in any plan and isn’t afraid to poke more holes. Armed with a wicked sense of humor and a sharp tongue, he’s very unique.

Who is Ian Malcolm?

Andrew Leon at Strange Pegs!

He’s very analytical and known as the Grammar Nazi for a reason. Andrew sees more than most of us and can never be accused of going with the flow. That’s the very thing that keeps conversations with him refreshing and memorable. You want an intelligent discussion? Go see Andrew! (Dry humor included.)

Andrew is the author of The House on the Corner, The Shadow Spinner series, and others.

To you I dedicate Journey on the Waves of Time by Ayreon. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

Because you are like the Universal Migrator, looking for truth. “Give me the answers to questions, Reveal to me secrets of life…”

Trivia and Facts:

Ayreon founder, Arjen Lucassen, has started and controlled many projects and bands over the years. After the success of the debut album Embrace the Storm, he let the members of this band continue on their own, and they now have several albums – name this Dutch progressive metal band.

I’s trivia answer – when Tina mentions “The Engineer,” she is referring to her husband.

Ninja News

Chuck at Apocalypse Now had an awesome post for I – Imagination – and he named four authors, most of whom you all know, as those he felt had the most imagination. To my surprise, I was one of them!! Thanks, Chuck – you the man!

He was the blogger featured for A, but you may have missed some of Al Diaz’s amazing creations. Look at this dragon:

He was also at Julie Luek’s yesterday and revealed a piñata that won him third place in a contest hosted by Museum of Popular Art:

You can see more details by watching the YouTube Video.

Al, you have an amazing talent!

I also discovered a new reader to replace Google Reader - Bloglovin’ At the moment, I like it even better than Feedly. You can transfer your Google Reader files directly, but if you follow even half as many people as I do, it will take a few minutes. You have been warned…

Dig Jurassic Park? Following Andrew? Ever heard of Ayreon? Know the trivia answer? Think Al’s artwork is amazing? And anyone else tried Bloglovin’?