A to Z Challenge - H (and movie review!)

For the A to Z Challenge, I am featuring some awesome bloggers, many of whom are participating in the Challenge. These individuals have offered so much support of my book, CassaStar, and me on my blogger journey. Of course, I’ll be keeping up with the world of movies, music, and pop culture stuff as well! Ninjas are just talented that way...

Holly Ruggiero
Holly is a writer and more! She’s an illustrator, a photographer, and a cook. She even has a storefront online at Zazzle. She’s a southpaw with spirit, and I look for her bear icon on every post, because I know Holly will have something bright to say. Visit her for a daily glow!

Hollywood Spy
Dezz reports the latest in Hollywood. He’s everywhere. He even featured my book when it was released, despite the fact it had nothing to do with movies. Someday, Dezz!. Visit the Hollywood Spy for the movie news

And speaking of movies...

HANNA
Staring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett
"Raised by her father to be the perfect assassin..."

This movie is not what it seems - think art house action flick. It's more about Hanna's journey of discovery as she's exposed to the world for the very first time. Beautifully shot with emphasis on light, it moves at a slower pace than normal. But when the action occurs, it's sharp and packs a punch. Ronan is perfect in the role and capture's Hanna's innocence. For something truly unique, you must check out this film. I really dug it!

And look, my movie review even lined up with "H." Cool!

Small Presses, Dezz's Party, and Quotes

I had an unexpected request last week to contribute to Michelle’s series on small presses. My contribution is featured with several others today at The Innocent Flower. Please stop by and read why you should consider a small publisher.

Yesterday was the Hollywood Spy’s annual awards party! Everyone showed up in their finest, and there were many awards given to those in attendance. Dezz, thanks again for bestowing SF Star Award upon me and for allowing me to end the ceremonies with a guitar solo. You rock!

One more week to the Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest!

And to honor Martin Luther King Jr. today, I selected a couple quotes that spoke to me:

“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”

"From every mountainside, let freedom ring. When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Non-Milk Duds and a Gala Event!

Thanks to everyone who commented on Good vs. Evil. I should’ve clarified something – most of the time, with movies and books, I just want to escape. Yes, I enjoy a realistic, introspective drama, but most of the time, I just want to escape reality. Thus, I want good to triumph over evil in the end. Make sense?

And I took my wife out to dinner instead of seeing the Green Hornet last night.

First the duds. Sorry, these aren’t delicious Milk Duds. These are movie duds!

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
I finally watched this film, and I’m sure it was a better experience than going to see Season of the Witch. Cage is really hit-or-miss, although his acting cannot be blamed in this movie. The story idea is good, the special effects great, but there’s just something wrong. It’s like the film missed an essential beat. It’s as if the screenwriters knew what needed to happen but missed the steps of convincing us how the plot moved from point A to point B. It’s also a mix of serious, funny, and who knows what. I blame Disney - they wanted to hit all the happy Disney notes but forgot to compose a complete song. Plus I spent the entire movie listening to Jay Baruchel speak and thinking “Well, there’s Hiccup - where’s Toothless?”

Shrek Forever After
I don’t think the lack of 3D hurt my viewing. Or rather, I doubt it would’ve helped. They promise this is the last installment, and I hope they stick to their guns. Overall, it was better than the third, which was lame, un-funny, and often cringe-worthy. The problem with this one? There was no humor. It lacked the fun, fairy-tale humor of the first two movies. It was dark and serious. (The storyline is similar to It’s A Wonderful Life - what if Shrek had never been born?) It’s not that the jokes weren’t funny - there weren’t any. I was disappointed.

Fantastic Mr. Fox
How to describe this movie? Think The Royal Tenenbaums merged into a clay animation children’s story. Think awful! I don’t like director Wes Anderson’s films - I think they’re weird, pretentious, boring, and lacking in humor. Add that this is based on a Roald Dahl story and you just know it’s going to be weird. I didn’t make it to the end. Critics may have loved it, but Mr. Fox is one of the worst films I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of movies… (And this is NOT a kid's movie!!!)

Those were the duds of my week. Any duds you’d like to share? Warn some of us unsuspecting fools?

They Announced The Movie 411 Awards!

The winners of the The Movie 411 Blog Awards were announced today!

First, a big shout out to my fellow blogger buddy:

Dezmond at THE HOLLYWOOD SPY took home the Best Gossip Award AND the Gold Movie Award!!!

Awesome, Dez! Was there every any doubt?

And finally…

I won Best Sci-Fi Blog!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who voted for me! Last I saw, I had almost half of the votes (out of five blogs) which really blew my mind. And I was up against some big-time science fiction bloggers as well.

Guess it’s time I got serious with this science fiction thing, huh?

Be sure to stop by The Movie 411 site - Dempsey runs a cool blog.

Thanks again!!!

The Movie 411 Awards – Voting is Today!

I’ve been nominated for Best Sci-Fi Blog award. Go to The Movie 411 to cast your vote.


Two of my excellent movie blogging buddies have also been nominated - Hollywood Spy and CineMarvellous. Both of these guys cover movies far better than I do, so go vote for them as well! They are each listed in several categories. And our very own RaShelle at A No. 2 Pencil Stat! is nominated for sexiest female. Go vote now!

And I’ve decided to wait until after seeing Part II of the new Harry Potter movie to post a review. I’ve not read the books and would like to view this story in its entirety first.

Next weekend, not only will there be a review (of TANGLED, which is a perfect 100% right now on Rotten Tomatoes) but the rundown of the December movies. Yeah, November is coming to an end very soon!

All right, I need to get back to my writing. Go vote!

Release Date is HERE!!!!!!!

No, I’m not nervous at all – I’m in complete meltdown mode! CassaStar’s release date is TODAY!! First my virtual tour stops, because they are awesome! TWO interviews today – Hollywood Spy - interview with exclusive photos!! Speculative Book Review a second awesome interview!

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh Science fiction/adventure/space opera ISBN 9780981621067 Dancing Lemur Press LLC To pilot the fleet’s finest ship… Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard. Much to Byron’s chagrin, the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential. As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit? “…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal More Reviews: Scribbler to Scribe SFF Hub Edi’s Book Lighthouse Jaded Love Junkie Speculative Book Review Links to purchase: AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE BOOKS-A MILLION AMAZON UK AMAZON DE AMAZON KINDLE Also available in eBook format for iPad, Nook, and others MY GIVEAWAY - enter to win a free copy for you, a friend, or a local library or school. Read an excerpt HERE

Lighthouse Stop and Movie Tidbits

Next stop in the tour is today at Edi’s Book Lighthouse!!!

For those of you who enjoy Science Fiction, fantasy, and the like. Edi’s site is fantastic. His weekend posts round up books, movies, the web – you name it! Please do stop and say hello to my German friend. You’ll really dig his site.

How to Train Your Dragon came out on DVD Friday. Did you get your copy? Why not? I got mine! And guess what? According to our very own Hollywood Spy, a sequel is in the works, due out in 2012.
Now, go get your DVD. Trust me!

According to Blastr DC superheroes will not team up for a super movie. DC’s chief creative officer stated at NY Comic-Con that DC superheroes were bigger than Marvel’s, so there’s no need to put them together for a movie. What do you think? Cocky or lame?

I think Marvel, Iron Man, and the rest of the Avengers might laugh all the way to the bank.

Don’t forget to enter my CONTEST for a chance to win a copy of CassaStar – or enter Scribbler to Scribe’s contest. Or both!!

Seven Things....

Zoe at No Letters on my Keyboard gave me the Versatile Blogger award and wanted me to list seven things about myself. I’m rather boring, so instead I give you seven fascinating science fiction news flashes!

First is a big shout-out to Angela at Jaded Love Junkie! She was my 200 followers giveaway winner and received a review copy from my publisher. She got the book on Friday and posted her review yesterday – and she liked CassaStar! (Much to my relief!) Visit her BLOG to read the review, which really highlights what’s important about my book. Thanks, Angela! I don’t have to hide my head in shame… Stargate Universe, the third series in the Stargate family, has a few surprise guests for its second season – David Hewlett as Dr. Rodney McKay and Robert Picardo as Commander Richard Woosley, both from Stargate: Atlantis, will make guest appearances. And here I thought the series was doomed… Don’t forget Sharktopus! This train-wreck of a movie debuts on the SyFy channel September 25. This can be science fiction, depending on your selections – the TOP 10 TV SHOWS Blogfest! It’s MONDAY! There were 60 signed up for The Movie Dirty Dozen – I’d like to hit 70 for this one. Tell all your friends!!! Sign up and blog about YOUR favorite TV shows!

Movie review – The Book of Eli The reviews were so mixed on this film that I waited to see it on NetFlix. It’s atmospheric, almost like a graphic novel come to life. Denzel Washington is the hero, heading west with a book – the last remaining Bible – in a post-apocalyptic world. He comes upon a town run by Gary Oldman (ever the chameleon character) who is searching for a Bible so that he can control the residents with the power of the Word. The critics had issues with things that didn’t bother me. However, this is an awkwardly paced film. It’s very slow and dark – as in, sometimes you can’t see the character’s faces it’s so dark. It sets a unique tone, one that will not set well with everyone. If not for the big revelation at the end – and the purpose of Washington’s character heading west – I would’ve written it off as an average film. That made it all worthwhile for me. Have you seen the trailer for Monsters?

Blogging Idiosyncrasies III and Final Awards

Final round with the blogging junk, I promise! Comments from the first two posts spurred new ideas though.

Blog-whoring
Dezz at HOLLYWOOD SPY coined this term. It refers to those who leave quick, short, meaningless comments just to get you to comment on their blog. It also puts me in mind of those who follow you, and you to follow back. but then no matter how many times you comment on that person’s blog, he or she never comments back. I have several of those right now. Now I admit, I’m not overly interesting and not every post appeals to every person, but did you follow just to get me to follow you? Do you have followers like that? Or ones who leave short or odd comments?

Mechanics of comment box
Judging from last week’s comments, this is a sore spot for many. Is the comment box embedded or separate? There appears to be numerous ways to set up one’s comment box – separate small box (like mine), entirely new page, or the main page reloads. Sometimes the latter occurs, only you don’t realize it also has word verification – and when it refreshes the page, it returns to the top of the page. I wonder how many comments never go through because the commenter doesn’t realize he needs to do the word verification? What are your thoughts on the placement of the comment box?

Okay, I’m officially done with that mess!

On to the awards! Of which there are many…

Yvonne at Welcome to my World of Poetry gave me the Creative Writing Award! Yvonne, I am truly honored. I shall pass this on to just one person:

Ted Cross - don’t you dare give up on The Shard, dude!



Powdered Toast Man at Just the Cheese gave me the Super Commenter Award! I pass this on to:

Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere





iZombie gave me the Zombie Rabbit Award! Okay, I have to pass this on to someone who will appreciate it…

Rogue at The Roads of Autumn Dusk

Jules at Trying to Get Over the Rainbow gave me the Circle of Friends Award. Thanks, Jules! And Kate at The Scribbling Sea Serpent gave me the One Lovely Blog Award. Thanks, Kate! I’ve received both of these before, so won’t pass them on again.

September Movies and Centurion Review

A new month approaches and so does a slew of new movies...

September 3-

MACHETE
Director: Ethan Maniquis Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro
The Plot: After being betrayed by the organization who hired him, an ex-Federale (Trejo) launches a brutal rampage of revenge against the people who double-crossed him.
This was one of the spoof trailers for Grindhouse – and now it’s an actual, honest-to-God movie! Cheesy, over-the-top fun – I am so there!

THE AMERICAN
Director: Anton Corbijn
Stars: George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido
The Plot: An assassin hiding out in an Italian village while he anticipates his last-ever assignment tempts fate by seeking out the friendship of a priest (Bonacelli) as well as the affection of a local woman (Placido).
I’ll either do a double feature or catch this one on NetFlix.


September 10-

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller
The Plot: As the T-Virus continues to spread, Alice (Jovovich) maintains her mission to find survivors and keep them safe from the Undead, and to take down the Umbrella Corporation. Reteaming with Claire (Larter), Alice makes a dangerous journey to a new city that is said to be a safe haven: Los Angeles.
I doubt I’ll venture to the theater for this one, even though it's 3S, but will definitely watch on NetFlix.

September 17-

ALPHA AND OMEGA
Director: Anthony Bell Ben Gluck
Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci, Justin Long
The Plot: After being relocated to Idaho by park rangers, a female and a male wolf face a dangerous trip across unfamiliar territory in their attempt to find their way home to Canada.
Another computer animated flick – which doens't guarantee quality, so not sure about this one yet.

September 24-

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham
The Plot: Soren is a young Barn Owl who lives in the peaceful forest of Tyto. Kidnapped and brought to the foreboding St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls, Soren must face certain challenges -- including taking his first-ever flight -- on a dangerous adventure that leads to the mythical Great Ga'Hoole Tree, where he and his friends Gylfie, Twilight, and Digge look to fight a great evil in their world.
The animation looks incredible! HOLLYWOOD SPY has posted numerous trailers, so check it out.

???-

SUCK
Director: Rob Stefaniuk
Not sure when this one will hit theaters or DVD – it’s hit most of the independent film festivals. But it stars Malcolm McDowell, Dave Foley, Henry Rollins, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Moby, AND Alex Lifeson of Rush!! According to the IMDB, it’s “A comedy centered on a rock 'n' roll band that will do anything to become famous.” The previews bring to mind the likes of The Lost Boys and Fright Night – just good vampire fun. View the trailer HERE


REVIEW – CENTURION

Directed by Neil Marshall, starring Michael Fassbender
I was fortunate that this was a free view on HDNet last Wednesday night, so I got to see it two days before its USA release.
Centurion is exactly what I expected. It’s not a grand epic nor does it break any new ground. However, it does contain some amazing scenery and cinematography, very bloody battles, and an interesting storyline. The story follows Centurion Quintus Dias (played by Fassbender) – his brigade is slaughtered by the Picts, and he escapes capture and joins with General Titus Flavius Virilus (played by the always cool Dominic West) and the 9Th legion. When the general’s troops are ambushed, Dias must lead the seven survivors back home.
The Scottish landscape is incredible! It’s as much a character in the story as are the actors. Everything feels very realistic – the Picts are not supernatural, just people defending their land. And in the middle of bloody war was an aspect I was not expecting… Can’t tell you or I’d spoil the movie!
If you’re into medieval battles and suspense, this movie is for you! Again, nothing that will knock your socks off, but it’s an enjoyable movie.

Enjoy your popcorn!

It's Movie Time!

I've some movie news and reviews for you!

First, two short reviews...

Jade Warrior
I’d read good things about this foreign film, inspired by the Finnish epic, The Kalevala. The hero is a poor blacksmith recently dumped by his girlfriend. When she disposes of some of his artifacts, the shopkeeper discovers this smith can open an ancient Chinese metal box. He instructs the smith to create a machine called a Sampo, and as the smith does this, he at last recalls his previous life as a warrior destined to slay a demon. The movie is told in flashbacks between present day Finland and ancient China. It’s a slower paced film with some great visuals and a few surprises. And (spoiler) in the tradition of Chinese love stories, there is no happy ending. Scratch China off your list of places to seek true love, because apparently it never works out!

The Crazies
A remake of Romero’s 1973 film, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this zombie-virus flick. The story follows a town sheriff and his wife as they attempt to survive both the crazies and the military trying to stop the spread. It was entertaining and contained some good suspense, along with just a few too many narrow escapes. As with any horror flick, the characters split up on occasion, and put themselves in dire situations as a result. I promised my wife that if we have to flee from zombies, I wouldn’t tell her to “Wait here.” Not a great movie, but better than expected.

In other movie news…


Kate Beckinsale is definitely appearing in Underworld IV! Selene will be kicking butt in her sexy black leather outfit in 2012. Visit HOLLYWOOD SPY for details. I am one happy guy!


Hellboy III is on hold – perhaps permanently. Director Guillermo del Toro reports that Ron Perlman is happy doing Sons of Anarchy without six hours in a makeup chair. So no more Hellboy movies until Perlman changes his mind. Bummer, huh?

Heard any wild movie rumors or seen a good film lately? Watched any of the Quiet Movies I recommended? Wonder if after Sharktopus debuts on SyFy this fall they will consider doing Snarktopus…

More Sightings and Stuff

More sightings! Big thanks to SF Site, The Roads of Autumn Dusk, Booktionary, Coffee Rings Everywhere, and Only The Best SciFi for posting my book trailer! I can’t believe how many people have posted the video – wow! I received The Versatile Blogger Award from Geof at Enter the Man-Cave Thanks Dude! I received a variation of this one previously, but I’ll still hang this one on my wall with pride. And Geof just hit 300 followers! Go tell him congratulations - that is really awesome! I just realized I’ll hit 200 followers soon. Damn, I’ll need to celebrate when that happens. (Hope I notice when it occurs!) Any suggestions? And while Dezz at HOLLYWOOD SPY says he’s decided not to work with kids, he still likes elephants, so keep ‘em coming!

Weird, Outrageous, and Elephants

I'll begin with weird and work my way down the list... SciFi Wire is one of my favorite apps on my iPad and they post some wild stories and photos. Recently, they decided to change their name to Blastr - just so they can move beyond "just" science fiction. To what, I don't know. Wrestling? Knitting? Anything but science fiction, right? How weird is that? Well, on my iPad it is STILL SciFi Wire! I start seeing Oprah, somebody's getting a phone call. Now to the outrageous... The SyFy Channel (who owns Blastr) has always been known for truly awful original movies. Good series, bad movies. Well, they have stooped to a whole new level, and it's the buzz of the Internet right now. This clip was even part of Sport's Nation's show yesterday!! And on Attack of the Show. Watch the trailer for SHARKTOPUS - and prepare to laugh! Makes you want to watch JUST to see how awful it will be, doesn't it? 

The Secret and the Prize

First, the prize.

Hart at Confessions of a Watery Tart was giving away a prize – the critique of fifty pages of a manuscript. Much to my surprise, I won! Hart informed me I could use it in September (when she has time to do the critique) or pass it on to another writer. Since I won’t be ready with my manuscript until the end of the year (as in, I won’t feel comfortable letting anyone read it until it’s complete and I’ve had a chance to do some editing) I’ve decided to pass this prize on to another deserving writer.

I can think of several fellow writers who will have a manuscript ready by September. However, I don’t want to volunteer someone and cause that person to panic as well! So, I am offering this prize to anyone who desires a critique of his or her work. Please leave a comment if you are interested and I will draw names from a hat.

Hart’s an awesome writer and this is a great opportunity for some constructive feedback!

Now, the secret. The secret to successful blogging with lots of comments and followers.

Hate to disappoint you, but I’ve no idea!

I realized I’m about to hit 200 followers and that simply floors me. Around the end of March, approximately 100 days ago, I had thirty. That was it! Somewhere along the way, I did something right, and since I’ve no idea exactly what I did, all I can do is recap what I’ve been doing the past three months.

In searching for blog topics, I decided to focus on my profile description. I didn’t set up a schedule, just selected a few topics of passion. I blog about movies. I blog about books, music, games, and tech stuff. My theme is science fiction and fantasy, so all of these elements center around that subject. Yes, geek and fanboy stuff! Marvin Wilson commented that there seems to be a correlation between science fiction and heavy metal music, so I will explore that in depth one day.

I signed up for Arlee Bird’s April A-Z Challenge, in which we were to blog the letters of the alphabet every day except Sunday. (Good math work there, Lee!) I think a hundred bloggers participated, and I made a lot of great friends along the way.

Arlee Bird also hosted a Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites in May, so I met even more bloggers when I posted my favorite albums.

Last month I hosted my own blogfest, The Movie Dirty Dozen – twelve favorite movies. I was stunned when sixty people participated in this event, and I met even more new bloggers. The real pleasure came from the response of those who participated, though – they had a great time, met new bloggers, and some received the most comments on a post ever. That is awesome!

I’ve met so many amazing people and learned so much about writing, movies, books, and life experiences. My blogroll is LONG, but I visit those people every day and there’s more I need to add. (Yes, I really need to organize it before it scrolls off the page!)

So, what’s the secret? Well, if you can glean something from my ramblings, then I hope you’ll discover it. In the meantime, I thank every person who follows and comments. I am humbled. You’ve made this an incredible experience!

Welcome the Master Spy!

The HOLLYWOOD SPY !!

If you're into movies and love to catch the latest buzz in Hollywood, then this site is for you! Dezz was nice enough to answer a few questions, too.

What prompted you to start the HOLLYWOOD SPY blog?

I've been writing about movies around the Net for at least five years now, but at certain moment I felt I needed my own space, so I created HOLLYWOOD SPY. The main aim always was and still is - connecting with people who like discussing similar topics with me -films, TV, showbiz... I also wanted to create a blog which will be a haven of positive energy. Most movie junkies are very negative, they drool only over horrors and violent action movies and like criticizing a lot, while I wanted something different - a place where you will feel the positive vibrations. Everything in HOLLYWOOD SPY is devoted to that - the colours, the layout, the pictures, the posts, the polls .... you will never see anything negative there. The message is that we should give love and support to others always and everywhere. HOLLYWOOD SPY always tries to cheer up the readers, and I guess it's working since I will have a total of 100,000 readers and visitors this summer.

Have movies always been your obsession?

I'd rather say I'm obsessed with artists than with movies. I do adore films, especially the ones which can touch you deeply and profoundly. But I prefer actors and their performances. In this grayish world and era of alienation, I like to support true talents, true beauty, true hearts and artists who put passion in their roles and everything they do. You will see that my favourite actors, actresses and directors are people with vision, people with inner power and people with genuine soul. Creativity and talent should rule the world, not the thirst for power and superficial ambitions. As long as I live I shall fight for that.

Since you don’t live in Hollywood (or the USA) how do you spy on Hollywood from afar? (And I know a great spy can’t reveal his sources.)

Yes, HOLLYWOOD SPY's secret headquarters are in Vojvodina (Central Europe). The spying business became much easier for me after I've hired the penguins from Madagascar and put them in my team. Those are some seriously resourceful and witty creatures :) My personal mafia.

You work for a publisher – tell us a bit about translating books and other duties.

I've been working as a book translator for three years now, and I've translated 12 books so far for the readers in Serbia. It's a job which gives you an opportunity to work at your home, to live in the world of imagination and wisdom, but it requires a lot of effort, dedication, talent and knowledge. While translating the books you writers wrote, not only that we translators have to translate all the words, terms, names, expressions, metaphors (all of which can sometimes get extremely tricky) but we also try to transmit your sentence structure, your style, your vocabulary, your creative vision, the very soul of your novels, we even have to translate your mistakes. :) That's why we probably know your books better than you writers, yourselves, since we have to dissect each and every sentence and word in the process of translating. It's not an easy job: when I'm translating a historical book, I have to find a lot of archaic words an terms in my own language to translate the English ones and transmit the atmosphere of the original work, it's the same when a story has exotic or modern setting and I have to find exotic or modern words and expressions. This is why every translator is actually a writer himself, otherwise our translations would seem mechanical and stiff. Beside translating, I also write prefaces and blurbs for book covers, since books sell better when we have a good and attractive blurb, and I also take part in choosing and making a book cover if we decide to make a new one. Stunning book covers also sell books much much much better. Believe me.

Besides movies and books, what else strikes your fancy?

Well, I'm officially a professor of English language and literature, but as I've said I work as a translator of books. I also teach English when they pay me good :), usually in companies and firms where I teach English to business people and managers. I'm also a fashion designer, an interior designer, a nutritionist, a poet, a journalist, I love cooking and all kinds of design, I'm also good in public relations and I've worked as a PR, I also have a degree in Russian language but I don't really use it, but the thing most friends and people around me like to use and abuse :) is the fact that I have a talent for psychology so for most people I'm their favourite adviser, a shoulder to cry on and their Aunty Agony :)) And I couldn't live without music, and currently I'm absolutely obsessed with ONE REPUBLIC.

I bow to the movie master! Anything you’d like to add, Dezz?

Yes, where is the VANITY FAIR photographer that you promised would take a photo shoot with me for this interview??? I shall have to send a formal complaint to the Cassastarian royal embassy in Vojvodina :) Joking aside, dear Alex, I wish you a worldwide success with your upcoming sf bestseller this Autumn, you now you've always had and always will have my unconditional support, and I'm sending love to all of your readers .... yes, yes ... all you sexy and gorgeous people reading this babbling of mine ;P

Thanks, Dezz! And I'll check on that photographer... Maybe he fell into a worm hole!

And remember, HOLLYWOOD SPY LOVES YOU AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!

Movies in May

May kicks off the official summer movie run and the opportunity for me to slip into a dark, air-conditioned movie theater for two hours every week for months. It's also a time for my imagination to roam, sparking many writing ideas. (And you thought I watched a lot of movies because I'm lazy!)

I thought I'd give you the rundown of the movies that have caught my attention for May. (And one for June, because I've really been wanting to see this flick.)

May 7 - Iron Man 2
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle (who finally gets his own suit!), Gwyneth Paltrow, and Mickey Rourke

May 14 - Robin Hood
Ridley Scott takes a shot at the legend, which stars Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, and Matthew Macfadyen

May 21 - Shrek Forever After
Starring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas in what they are promising to be the last Shrek movie. (Unless it makes a ton of money of course!)

May 28 - Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, and Ben Kingsley in what we hope is not just another special effects hype.

Also May 28 - Survival of the Dead
Director George A. Romero returns with another zombie flick.

June 4 - Splice
Starring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley, this was the buzz of Sundance!

Remember, for all your movie needs, visit my buddy Dez at Hollywood Spy

Movies!

Continuing the A-Z Challenge from Arlee at Tossing it Out

Today is M - and one of my favorite subjects, MOVIES!

I am a die hard movie buff. I visit the theater several times a month, buy the latest & greatest on DVD, and I watch movies on NetFlix all the time.

Today I'd like to share with you where I get my movie information and updates, and what genre movies are my favorite.

For the scoop on the latest movies, I have three sources:

IMDB - Every fact, date, and box office total - it's the most complete movie database on the web.
Rotten Tomatoes - RT gathers all the top reviews and provides news & updates.
JoBlo Movie Network Movie and DVD releases, reviews, insider news - JoBlo has it all!

Now for my favorite movies...

Science Fiction

The Abyss

Aliens

Avatar

The Empire Strikes Back

The Fifth Element

Jurassic Park

The Matrix

Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie

Serenity

Star Trek First Contact

Horror

Blade II

The Crow

Evil Dead II

Jaws

A Nightmare on Elm Street

The Ring

Sleepy Hollow

The Thing

Underworld I & II

Zombieland

Fantasy

Conan the Barbarian

Hellboy I & II

Legend

Lord of the Rings trilogy

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Princess Bride

What are some of your favorites, particularly in the areas listed above?

And do you visit Dez's site? Remember, the Hollywood Spy loves you!

Prinkipria - Tales of the Fantastic

Came across this site and upcoming ezine, which focuses on sci-fi and fantasy.

Prinkipria's site is still under construction and the ezine will not release until March. But one can still explore and get a feel for what they are creating. It will cover books, movies & TV, games, technology... my kind of stuff! So will be watching this site come March.

Some other great sites I follow if you need a good sci-fi book fix-

Sci-Fi Guy is run by Doug Knipe and he'll keep you up to date on the latest releases and reviews.

Only the Best Sci-fi/Fantasy three writers here - Alec, Michael, and Bryce - and they do an awesome roundup of information.

And Dezmond at Hollywood Spy is my go-to guy for the latest in movie news!

Also, for book bloggers, John has some fantastic tips at Grasping for the Wind

Enjoy!