RiffTrax – Godzilla, 80’s Trivia, Women’s Bodies, Monuments Men Review, and Ninja News

RiffTrax!

I hit the road Thursday night to see a live broadcast of the RiffTrax guys tackling 1998’s Godzilla. And as always, it was worth it!

It’s not a truly awful film, but it was incredibly cheesy. Some of the effects don’t hold up well, either. And no, that was definitely NOT Godzilla. (Although the babies did look a lot like velociraptors.)

If you’re a fan of RiffTrax (or Mystery Science Theater 3000) it’s a lot of fun going to see one of these films on the big screen. They do a live performance at one theater and broadcast it to many others across the US. Being surrounded by other fans while Mike, Kevin, and Bill make fun of the film is an incredible experience.

They also show slides before it begins – enjoy!

Ninja News

This Wednesday at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site is the amazing Angela Ackerman! You don’t want to miss it.

Author Sean McLachlan is having a sale – on August 18-19, Radio Hope will be only $2.99 on Amazon and Scavengers is free August 18 at Amazon.

Check out the book trailer for Loni Townsend’s 38 Seconds at her site!

Snatched in Gullybrook by Kim Van Sickler is out now.

Fight the Beard of White by Pat Hatt is available.

Milo James Fowler’s latest short science fiction story is out, Memory Lane. You can purchase it on Amazon OR to get a free copy, sign up for his newsletter, The Crew.

Next Ninja blogfest – Underrated Treasures Blogfest
On Monday, September 22, post about your favorite unknown –
MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK
Post about one or all four – dealer’s choice!
Sign up HERE


Last Monday was Father Dragon Al’s birthday! I’d volunteered to go pillage and plunder with him, but there were stipulations…

Women’s Bodies

Stephanie Faris posted about the trend in a women’s body image, which included skinny ankles and the thighs not touching. After I left my comment (where I stated I preferred healthy curves) the truth of the matter hit me.

Men don’t care!

We don’t care if your thighs touch. We aren’t measuring ankles. Yes, looks are what attracts us to a woman, but it’s more about does she have a pretty face and some nice shapely curves. And after that, is she a nice person and fun to be around. (Because if not, that negates the physical stuff.)

So ignore the media, ladies. We don’t care.

Hope that clears things up.

Movie Review

The Monuments Men
A group is tasked with rescuing stolen artwork from the Nazis during World War II.
An interesting aspect of history, although don’t go expecting historical accuracy.
The plot was all right, although non-existent at times, and the pacing occasionally glacial. There were some good and funny scenes, just nothing coalescent enough to make a great movie.
See it for the cast, because they got some great actors for the roles.
Worth a NetFlix rental.

Trivia Time!

80’s trivia – enjoy!

1 – What city did the LA Clippers move from in 1984?

2 – This band’s debut single was Goodbye to You.

3 – This now famous actor played Chris in the soap opera Another World.

4 – This MLB manager managed a National League (Phillies) and an American League (Indians) team in the same season.

5 – Robert De Niro said the line ‘Sarrano’s got the disks’ in what movie?

6 – Comedian Sam Kinison released a remake of what Trogg’s song?

Answers next Monday!

Anyone else seen a RiffTrax movie in the theater? Picking up new books? Signed up for the blogfest? Seen The Monuments Men? Know any of the trivia? And what’s your thoughts on women’s bodies? (Please keep it PG13) 

I also updated my blogroll - if you're a regular here and don't see your blog listed, please let me know.

Olympic Torch Relay, Ninja News, Favorite TV Shows, and TV Trivia!

Nicole at Write Me a World has been hosting an Olympic Torch Relay, with daily posts inspired by the Olympics. And now, it is my turn! Visit Nicole’s SITE to find out why I think writing should be an Olympic sport.

Speaking of the Olympics…

Highlight for me was watching the USA win Gold and Silver in Women’s Beach Volleyball. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won their third Olympic Gold medal, solidifying their names in Olympic history.

And for the final match, all four women wore bikinis – joy!

Ninja News

EJ Wesley will be revealing the cover art for his book soon and needs your help! Check out his site for details.

MsHatch at Maine Words is holding a three year blogging anniversary giveaway!

Voting continues for Diane’s Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest, Thanks DL and all the others who nominated me – you guys rock!

Don’t forget, Monday is the big reveal!

Save the date – September 17

Favorite TV Shows

Yes, my childhood was spent in front of the TV. Recently with NetFlix, that addiction has continued into adulthood. Those of you who’ve avoided this addiction, I salute you! In the meantime, these are some of my favorite shows, in no particular order:

Present:
Psych
Burn Notice
Leverage
Breaking Bad
The Glades
Sports Nation

Past:
Eureka
Firefly (curse you FOX!)
Stargate SG1
Stargate Atlantis
Star Trek Next Generation
Star Trek Deep Space Nine (my favorite Star Trek series)
Star Trek Voyager
Star Trek Enterprise
X-Files
Farscape
Yes, I tend to lean toward the science fiction shows!

TV Trivia

For those of you who struggle with the movie trivia…

1 – Burn Notice’s Bruce Campbell also stared in what western series?

2 – On Deep Space Nine, what do Rom and Quark call their mother?

3 – Who plays Jayne Cobb on the show Firefly?

4 – On the X-Files, what character did Mitch Pileggi’s play?

5 – On Psych, who plays Shawn Spencer’s dad?

(What, you were expecting questions about Glee or something? Be serious!)

Did you watch the final beach volleyball game? Ready for Monday’s reveal? Know the answers to the trivia questions? Seeing The Bourne Legacy this weekend? And what are some of your favorite TV shows?

Don’t forget to visit Nicole at Write Me a World

Soundtracks for Novels, Rush, Movie Trivia Answers, Prometheus Questions, and My Next Blogfest…

As you know, I am all about music! So I’ve invited my buddy Roland Yeomans to talk about soundtracks for novels.

DOES YOUR NOVEL HAVE A SOUNDTRACK?

My novel, END OF DAYS, does. My favorite movies have stirring soundtracks. I hear music when I write scenes. When I was writing the climatic chapter, DUEL OF THE FATES, I heard … no, not that tune but ANAKIN VS. OBI- WAN.

How do you write music into your novel?

In the chapter, THERE IS NO FAIL, Samuel McCord is evading and firing upon a swarm of dragons attacking the Blackhawk helicopter he is piloting. I have Alice hearing in her thoughts (courtesy of Victor Standish who is haunting her mind) Jesse Cook’s RATTLE & BURN.

The title to the tune says it all. If you look it up on YouTube, the music will add to the scene. Yet, the title is all that is needed.

As Alice is playing poker with Samuel in the haunted jazz club, Meilori’s, I have the ghost of Hank Williams singing the song written by his son, TUESDAY’S GONE WITH THE WIND. Alice is mourning Victor, and again, the title says it all. If you listen to the tune, it will add to the scene but you don’t need to hear the music.

Earlier Alice encountered DayStar, who believes himself Lucifer, as she is about to enter Meilori’s. Samuel is playing the WWII British song, THERE’S A TAVERN IN THE TOWN. DayStar is livid and explains why. It is the song the RAF pilots sang during the London Blitz. Its upbeat tempo was in defiance of the fact that they were fighting a losing battle in the skies and knew it.

Samuel playing it and Father Renfield singing it means that they have accepted that this is the End of Days. They are refusing to give into despair but are pledging their lives to fight to the death for a cause larger than they … as the two of them had done with those valiant RAF pilots.

(In CAPTAIN AMERICA, it is the tune in the background when Steve Rogers persuades the prisoners he rescued to become the Howling Commandos.)

Now, do you see how you can put music into your own novel?

Thanks, Roland! His latest book is End of Days and you can get the scoop at his BLOG

Ninja News!

Thanks to those of you who left comments about a feature at the A to Z Blog. I will try to get to everyone within the next week!

Cate Masters Is offering her book, Orion Risings, free for a limited time. Beat feet to her site for details.

Mark your calendars! Monday, September 17, 2012 will be my next blogfest. What is it? You have to wait until August to find out…

Picked up Rush – Clockwork Angels this week. Their 20th studio album, it’s a great disc. Not what you’d expect from guys approaching sixty! The fact they can remain relevant for forty years is a testimony to their great songwriting and musicianship. I’m an unabashed fan, so check out the reviews online – it’s been very well received!

Movie Trivia Answers!

Movie tagline answers – don’t kick yourself!

Be afraid. Be very afraid. The Fly (1986)

An adventure 65 million years in the making. Jurassic Park (1993)

A tale of murder, lust, greed, revenge, and seafood. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

The coast is toast. Volcano (1997)

Trapped in time. Surrounded by evil. Low on gas. Army of Darkness (1992)

Does for rock and roll what "The Sound of Music" did for hills. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Thank God it's only a motion picture. Airplane! (1980)

Prometheus

Caught this at MsMariah's Space Blog-yssey The Red Letter Media guys ask some hard questions about the movie Prometheus. Some of the questions can be answered, but some are valid observations. And it’s hilarious! (Sorry, some crude language – you’ve been warned.)



Does your novel have a soundtrack? Have you read End of Days? Ready for another blogfest in September? Pick up the latest Rush CD? Kicking yourself for not knowing the answers to the movie taglines? Think the Red Letter Media guys made some valid points? Anyone going to the movies this weekend…?

Paying it Forward!

Cool stuff and big announcement today!

Don’t forget the next posting of Insecure Writer’s Support Group is Wednesday October 5. If you haven’t signed up to participate in this awesome monthly event, click on the tab below my blog header for details.

The very beautiful and talented Elizabeth Mueller is hosting a blogfest to celebrate the release of her first novel! “I'd love to christen Darkspell by brewing up an online "If I had all the magic in the world, I'd ..." spookfesta. On Halloween day, share with me what you'd do if you discovered that you had all the magic in the world at your fingertips.”

Oh, and did anyone see the comments on Blastr about Terra Nova? The good, the bad, and the funny! My favorite was:
“I’m watching Terra Nova on Tivo delay. Someone let me know if Fox cancels it before it ends.”

Now for the big announcement!

This is the brainchild of Matthew at the QQQE. I’m helping with this awesome blogfest.(Okay, I just made the button for it.)

Pay it Forward! October 14, 2011 The idea is to introduce all of us to everyone else. We want this to be easy - meet and follow as many other bloggers as you like. In your post, we would like you to please list, describe, and link to three blogs that you enjoy reading and know that others would enjoy as well. And what’s cool, is this can be part of your regular Friday blogging.

Visit those who’s signed up. Visit those they recommend! If you don’t have time to comment, just follow. Take the weekend to go through the list. You might find some really cool blogs out there, just like you did during the first post of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group or last April during the A to Z Challenge. (Or during any of my odd blogfests. Really, I am a writer and an author! Just a little movie obsessed…)

Now, who’s with us???

And did you watch Tucker & Dale vs. Evil Wednesday night? (It was fun and a really good movie. Very gory, so be prepared.) Seeing it this weekend? Seeing anything? Back of your eyelids perhaps…?

FFW - Marketing Tips, Quiz Answers, and My Next Blogfest!!

Fantastic Friday Writers – Marketing Tips and Tricks

I’m not an expert on marketing, but there is one tip I can offer - don’t use your blog just to advertise. Sure, when you’re doing a blog tour or there’s a big moment, let everyone know. But don’t venture into blogging to advertise. Come here to make friends.

Why do I think that’s important? Because I can’t begin to tell you how many of my blogger buddies purchased my book just because they like me. For many, it was their first science fiction book! It’s really flattering and humbling.

If I’d focused on selling my book rather than making friends, I would’ve missed a great opportunity. And not just in the books I wouldn’t have sold, but in the priceless value of the friendships I would’ve missed.

Crap, I think I just learned something. Thanks, guys!

Check out my FFW partners’ answers: Elizabeth, Anastasia, J. D., Deirdre, M. Pax, and Jeffrey, and Charlene.


Quiz answers:

The Lexx was a living spaceship on these four TV movies before it was a series - name the movie series title!  Before it was a series called Lexx, it was four TV movies called Tales From a Parallel Universe.

Name the song VH1 Classics declared as the number one rock song of the 1980’s. Bonus fuzzy feelings if you can name the second song as well!  Number one - Bon Jovi - Living on a Prayer. Number two - Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar on Me


Now, are you ready for a new blogfest?

We had The Movie Dirty Dozen - now it’s time for:

That’s right! Time to list the worst movies ever made.

Here’s the scoop:

Worst Movies Ever Blogfest!
On Monday, September 19, post a list of up to ten of the worst movies you’ve ever had the misfortune to watch. Films that just oozed awfulness and featured plot holes so big you could drive a bus through them. Any genre or year, but only theater and straight to video/DVD titles. (Otherwise we’d all list every movie ever made by the SyFy Channel!) Sign up, grab the button, and on September 19, give us the worst! And be sure to visit others participating in the blogfest.

So, are you ready to warn the world about some really bad films?

It's All Fun & Games Blogfest!!

Shall we play a game?

Today is the It’s All Fun & Games Blogfest!! Everyone name your three most favorite games to play.

I am a game fan. Nay - a game fanatic! I developed a love of all things game at an early age. Board games, arcade games, card games, computer games, iPad games, I love 'em all! A majority of my formative years were spent either playing Dungeons & Dragons or chasing girls (another great game that only gets better when you win.) So, without further ado, my three favorite games...

1. Movie Trivia Games

If you need someone to fill out your movie trivia team, then I am your man. I've watched so many movies that it's either very impressive or very sad (and slightly pathetic.) I have a knack for remembering actors, directors, plots and titles. Just don't count on me for dates. I don't remember movie dates (heck, I don't even remember what I had for lunch yesterday.) I love all sorts of movie trivia from board games to iPad apps. I give my wife fits because when I am dialed in, I can win a game without giving her a turn. However, this happens with less frequency because I've watched so many movies that my brain is turning to tapioca.

2. StarCraft

This is a no brainer (which is helpful for good ol' tapioca brain.) For my money, the greatest RTS game ever made (that's Real Time Strategy for you noobs.) Featuring three distinct races (Terran, Zerg and Protoss,) a great tech tree, an engaging campaign and a pop-culture sense of humor, StarCraft is a rare game that works on every level and has amazing replay ability. I am not exaggerating when I say that I played the game on and off for nine years. Even though the graphics are a bit dated, the game still rocks and deserves a spot on the Mount Rushmore of gaming.

3. Dungeons & Dragons

I know, this just screams nerd in the basement with a 20-sided die and a half-elf named HoHo The Magic Newt. Well sir, (and madam) that nerd was me. Let's set the record straight, D&D did not make any of my friends lurk around the sewers and commit murder. This game helped me to harness my imagination, develop problem solving, and taught invaluable lessons on how to work as a team (and the consequences if you don't.) It also played a role in my moral upbringing. The scenarios that we encountered offered so many moral and social dilemmas. It's been a long time since I played but I will always treasure the friendships and the camaraderie.

Your turn! What games do you like to play?

Please visit others participating in this blogfest. Let’s have some fun, people! (And all links lead directly to the blogfest post.)

Too Many Blogfests? Room for One More?

There’s been numerous blogfests as of late. Last week I saw four writing ones alone. Was that too many? Are there too many blogfests happening right now? The A to Z Challenge starts next week and the Crusade is still going. Is it too much?

I’m just asking – feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

Because yes – I am planning my next blogfest! May or June. Not sure yet.

“Damn, Alex! Movies, TV, music – what’s left?”

I have two ideas and want you guys help me decide. Without giving away the gritty details (don’t want to spoil the surprise), which one interests you more:

Blogfest for writers, but not a writing blogfest. (That make sense? As in, no 500 word short story or anything.)

Another top ten type of blogfest on a fairly universal subject, something everyone could do.

Let me know which one intrigues you the most!

Oh, and for those on Twitter, the hashtag for the Challenge is #atozchallenge

Unique Christmas Gifts and Blogfests!

Still searching for that perfect Christmas gift? Look no further!

Cthulhu Plushie
Let your kids snuggle with a Lovecraft demi-god!
$19.74

AK Bullet Ice Cube Tray
For that killer drink...
$15.95

Samsung 65" Class 8000 Series 3D 1080p LED HDTV
Because you know you really want one!
$6,000.00

Alien Queen Lifesize Prop Replica Statue
Besides, how on earth would you take care of a real alien queen?
$24,999.95

Bugatti Veyron
Second fastest car in the world and my choice when playing Need For Speed. Enough said!
$1.5 million

Blogfests!!

January 1, 2011 – Eye Candy Blogfest
Post a favorite picture, any picture you want (ummm...PG-13 please) as long as it's something that makes you smile or say 'ahhhh' every time you see it.
Hosted by Vicki at Rambles and Randomness
And I've a great picture for this one! (No, it's not Kate!)

January 3, 2011 – Show me Yours Blogfest.
The point of this blogfest is to share an excerpt of your NaNoWriMo novel. It can be any scene but try to keep it at 500 words so we can all get around to as many blogs as possible.
Hosted by Falen Formulates Fiction, Musings of a Palindrome, and And This Time, Concentrate

So, who’s buying me the Bugatti this year? Anyone?

Top Ten Films They Should Have Made Blogfest

First, a big congratulations to Jessica at The Alliterative Allomorph - she landed a publisher!

Today’s fest is hosted by Ellie Garratt - Top Ten Films They Should Have Made Blogfest. We were to name some of our favorite actors and actresses and the roles they should’ve landed.

I decided to have some fun with this one. My list isn’t my necessarily favorite actors, just some interesting role twists, starting with the serious and degenerating into the hilarious. Enjoy!

1 – Alec Baldwin should’ve been in all of the Jack Ryan roles.
(Because the switch to Harrison Ford sucked.)

2 – Chris Pine would’ve made a far better Perseus in the Clash of the Titans remake. Actually, dead wood couldn’t done a better job than Sam Worthington.

3 – Kate Beckinsale should’ve been in any role that required nudity. Period!

4 – Claire Danes and Nick Stahl should’ve reprised their roles from T3 for Terminator Salvation. John Conner is NOT Batman!


5 – Ryan Reynolds should’ve had Shia LaBeouf’s role in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Not that it would’ve helped the movie any…

6 – Schwarzenegger and Stallone should’ve been in Room with a View. It would’ve been a whole different film…

7 – Mel Gibson should’ve been in Schindler’s List. (As a Jew of course.)


8 – Will Ferrell should’ve been in Hamlet.
(Shakespeare might’ve come back from the grave for that one!)

9 – Charlie Sheen should’ve been in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He could’ve phoned in that performance.

10 – Lindsay Lohan should’ve played Ghandi.
“I’m drunk – look at my boobs!”
(With an Indian accent of course.)

There you have it! Any roles you’d like to see differently? Be sure to visit Ellie Garratt’s site for other blogfest participants.

Creating Compelling Characters

Today’s blogfest is all about how writers create compelling characters.

First, let me quantify that statement – I hope I’ve figured out how to do that!

Now, on to my process…

I just look to the qualities in the characters of other books. What draws me to that character? What do I admire? What causes me to relate to those characters?

I prefer characters that are intelligent and crafty, remaining one step ahead of their opponent. They should be brave and possess confidence. But, the most important component – they are flawed and yet still manage to get the job done.

For me, that’s the key – imperfect characters. Nobody’s perfect. (I know I possess many defects!) That’s why we relate to others who share our weaknesses and insecurities. Of course, a character can’t be a total loser. Even at our lowest point, we still hope that we possess some redeeming qualities. We want to believe that we can grow and improve. And a compelling character needs to do the same.

In the end, believable characters give us faith in ourselves. Broken down into those simple terms, designing compelling characters isn’t so difficult after all.

And if you really think about it, that’s pretty damn cool!

Be sure to visit Elana Johnson and Jennifer Daiker at Unedited, along with the other participants listed below!

Top 10 TV Shows Blogfest!

It’s today! Time to share YOUR ten favorite TV programs, old or new. Please visit others who have signed up for the blogfest today – I bet you find a TV treasure you’d long since forgotten about… And now, my Top 10 TV Shows (in no particular order) celebrating the endless hours I’ve spent in front of the idiot box and watching Hulu and NetFlix…

1. Firefly - A brilliant cast, crisp dialogue and great stories made this one of my favs. Fox royally screwed up when they didn't give this show a chance to establish an audience.

2. Stargate SG1/Stargate Atlantis - I am such an unabashed fanboy that I could spend paragraphs gushing over how much I love these two great series. (Don't get me started on the craptacular Stargate Universe. I’m not sure even McKay and Woosley’s guest appearances will save it.)

3. MASH - Simply put, the best sitcom ever. (Sorry Seinfeld.) Just as funny and biting today as it was 36 years ago.

4. Mystery Science Theater 3000 - If I were putting these in order this would be my number one show. If laughter is the best medicine than everyone should have at least two doses of this hilarious show every week.

5. All Star Treks (Original, Next Gen, DS9, Voyager, Enterprise) - I've seen every episode, multiple times and I look forward to many more repeat viewings.

6. The X-Files - "Spooky" Mulder and Dana Scully had me from the very first episode. Not even a questionable last season can erase my respect for this show.

7. CSI - The original is still the best (even without the great William Petersen). The formula definitely works and keeps me coming back every week.

8. The Wild, Wild West - When I was a kid, I wanted to be James West. I still want to be James West.

9. Eureka - This is such a fun and entertaining show that I just had to include it. Can I be James West and live in Eureka?

10. The Big Bang Theory - I thought the sitcom was just about dead when this hilarious show came out. Full of great geek references, this quickly became a fav of mine.

Bonus Show, because I can! 11. Burn Notice - His name is Michael Weston. he used to be a spy until...he got a burn notice. This fun show that takes you inside the world of covert ops and includes one of my all time favorites, Bruce Campbell. Big thanks to those who promoted this event and/or participated today – you guys rock!!!