Announcing the Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest! Plus Ninja and Cassa News, The Bay Movie Review, and Monster Movie Trivia Answers

Ninja News

Milo James Fowler has stories in TWO publications this week – Big Bad Anthology and Bards and Sages Quarterly. Congratulations, Milo!

My blogger buddy Jeremy Hawkins just released four art books in the “It’s Time” series! Congratulations, Jeremy. He will be touring next month, so expect a visit from the Retro Art Master in August.

Rachel Morgan has several short stories in the textbooks Grade 7, 8 and 9 Core Readers for English First Additional Language. Congratulations, Rachel!

At lot of cool news came out of Comic Con this past weekend, including the fact that Zack Snyder will direct the next Superman-Batman movie. Yes, both superheroes in one film! Fans were also treated to a Godzilla experience similar to a ride at Universal Studios. And the metal band Metallica was even there for a panel!

Cassa Updates

Charity Bradford posted her early review of CassaStorm on her blog last week, with high praises for the world building and science elements. That blows my mind, because those areas are not my strong suit. (Although I am currently reading a book that glosses over those elements more than I do.) I guess Byron isn’t the only one who has grown and changed over the years.

CassaStorm is also on the Goodreads list for Can’t Wait Sci Fi Fantasy of 2013. It won’t take many more votes to get it into the top ten, so if you’d like to add your vote, I would appreciate it!

Monster Movie Trivia Answers!

1 – What was the monster in Brotherhood of the Wolf? A lion
2 – How many times have Godzilla and Gamera fought? None
3 – DeForest Kelley fought giant rabbits in what film? Night of the Lepus
4 – Which X-Men cast member starred in Deep Rising? Famke Janssen
5 – What year was the original King Kong released? 1933
6 – What was the giant creature in Lake Placid? A crocodile
7 – In Godzilla vs. the Thing, what was the Thing? Mothra

Movie Review

The Bay
Written and directed by Barry Levinson, this movie chronicles an ecological disaster in a small Maryland town which was covered up by the government.
An entry in the ‘found footage’ genre, this one is unique in how it handles the footage, piecing together views from dozens of cameras to reveal what happened one fateful Fourth of July. Something has infected the water – a combination of pollution, poultry farm runoff, and an unknown entity – and people are dying. The movie follows numerous characters, most notably a college student as a junior reporter for the local news.
What makes this film effectively creepy is the realism. What is killing the people is a real threat that kills fish. The possibility that in the right toxic soup it could kill people is disturbing.
It’s rated R and there is gore, but it’s not sensationalized.
Not for everyone, this movie will stay with you for a while.

The Anti-Blogfest to end all Blogfests!

Announcing the "Anti-Blogfest Gary Fest" on August 12, a blog hop in honor of Mr. anti-blog hop himself, Gary at Klahanie.

Hosted by Mark “Madman” Koopmans, Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, “Life is Good” Tina, Rockin’ Robyn Engel and Morgan “The Morg” Shamy.

The rules are *very* simple.

Create the titles of three PG-13 rated blogfests you would never join - and then add a descriptive sentence or two. That's it!

For example, I would never sign up for the:

Cheesecake & Cauliflower Bloghop - "where dinner and dessert is mixed in one dish."

OR the

Blocked up Toilet Blogfest - "where crap happens."

OR even the

Alphapet Zoo-mbie Bloghop - "where cuddly undead toys learn how to spell."

Sign up below!




Can you see growth in your writing? Have you seen The Bay? Get the movie trivia correct? (Joshua nailed it!) Can you vote for CassaStorm? And who’s in for some anti-blogfests?

A to Z Challenge – The Road Warrior and Rest in Peace, Plus Ninja News and Oblivion Movie Review

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!

The Road Warrior

Without a doubt the greatest chase movie ever. A post-apocalyptic world that is brutal but not lacking a sense of humor. Every guy wanted to be Max because he was so damn cool. (And be honest - you wanted to drive a tanker over some jerk after watching this!)

The Gyro Pilot is a slightly unbalanced man just trying to survive. At first he seems concerned only with himself, but he joins the cause and fights with the others. He has swagger and charm, a wicked sense of humor, and leads the others to a better way of life.

Who is the Gyro Pilot?

Gary at Klahanie!

Gary openly admits he struggles with issues and some days, it’s all he can do to get by. But at his heart, he is willing to sacrifice for others. Armed with Penny the Dog and Modest Internet Superstar, he stands for what is right and champions his friends. Add in his swagger and sense of humor, and Gary will charm your socks off.

Gary is an advocate for awareness of mental health issues and owned by Penny. He is also the Unofficial Anti-A to Z Challenge Mascot. (And we are proud to claim him.)

I dedicate to you Rest in Peace by Extreme.  (Title leads to YouTube.)

“Straight through the heart, Peace can be found, That’s where you start…”

Trivia and Facts:

Who directed The Road Warrior?

Extreme’s song Play With Me was featured in this 1989 film during the mall scene – name the science fiction comedy.

Q’s trivia answer – Iron Maiden’s mascot is Eddie.

Ninja News

Lexa has an agent - Michelle L. Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency. Congratulations, Lexa!

SC’s query contest is open again and there are eight agents lined up! Check out the details HERE

And correction! The Goodreads giveaway of CassaStorm is open through Sunday! Enter HERE

Oblivion Movie Review

Jack (Tom Cruise) and Victoria oversee the final stages of extracting resources from Earth (after its near destruction by aliens) before joining the others on Titan. However, Jack has questions – and a reoccurring dream.
The film’s overall storyline is unique, even as it borrows tiny bits from other movies. But there are several twists in the plot that keep it refreshing and a puzzle.
Special effects are great without being overwhelming. Jack’s ship is especially cool. (And my wife now wants a pool in the sky.)
It is slightly overlong, but at two hours, it won’t kill you.
It won’t completely knock your socks off, but you will be pleasantly surprised – and surprised more than once. Recommended!

Any Road Warriors out there? Fan of Gary and Penny? Remember Extreme’s Rest in Peace? Know the trivia? Ready for a query contest? And did anybody else see Oblivion?