Retro A to Z Challenge: K – Kvelertak 2013 (and Rio 2 Movie Review)

Kvelertak – Meir – 2013

While not quite as good as the first album, Meir still delivers. It’s a crazy mash up of punk, metal, prog rock, death metal, and anything else they could throw in the blender. If you’re a fan of screaming metal, check out this unique band from Norway.

2013 fun facts –
*Cost of a gallon of gas - $3.80
*Cost of a movie ticket - $10.25
*A giant meteor exploded near Chelyabinsk in Russia
*Microsoft released the Xbox One and Sony released the Playstation 4
*House of Cards became the first web series to win an Emmy
*The 3D Printer hits the scene and the first 3D-printed gun was fired last May

Movies released –
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Star Trek: Into Darkness
Thor: The Dark World
Pacific Rim

Music released –
Amon Amarth – Deceiver of the Gods
Ayreon – The Theory of Everything

Games released –
StarCraft II – Heart of the Swarm

And why is 2013 special?
It’s the year Madeline Mora-Summonte released her flash fiction collection and Terri Rochenski released her first novel!

Madeline is an author with a fondness for sand and beaches. She’s the proud owner of two tortoises, Larry and Mrs. Larry, and you can sometimes catch their antics on her blog. Madeline is introspective and will make you think. (But she’s nice, so not too hard.) Find her at The Shellshank Redemption.

Terri is the author of several books and a mother to two girls. Rejection nearly derailed her twice, but she didn’t give up on her author dreams. A sweet and generous woman, she also hosts authors on tour. Terri blogs at Scribbler’s Sojourn.

Ninja News

My dear friend Yvonne Lewis just released her third book – Moments of My Life.
I was honored to supply a blurb for her book and look forward to getting my copy soon. (Who says poets and Ninjas can’t mix?)
You can buy it on Amazon HERE.
Congratulations, Yvonne!!

Movie Review – Rio 2

Let me begin by stating up front that I thought the first movie was ‘all right’ but nothing I ever wanted to see again.
However, I’d gladly sit through it if that meant I didn’t have to see Rio 2 ever again.

The second film picks up shortly after the first one ends. Blu and family travel to the Amazon to help Linda and Tulio find more blue macaws. The movie tosses in illegal logging, revenge, finding lost family, trying to fit in, and several other generic and clichéd plot ideas. (And Nigel the vengeful cockatoo with a lovesick tree frog made for a really weird pairing.)
While the movie is amazing to look at in 3D, the story is a bit flat, lacking in the first one’s charm and humor, and it’s overlong. There are also a lot of songs in this one. (I think one was called This is the Way We Pad the Film.)
Will kids like it? Probably. Will adults like it? Eh, good luck!

Have you ever heard of Kvelertak? Caught up on last year’s movies? Following Madeline and Terri? Enjoy Yvonne’s poetry? Keeping up with the Challenge? And anyone else get drug to a stupid bird movie this weekend…?

ENERGETIC and ENTHUSIASTIC - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

ENERGETIC and ENTHUSIASTIC

Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances

No one has more energy and enthusiasm than Kitty. You may think I am the blogging Ninja, but she is everywhere – every day! She is just so full of joy and wit. I don’t know what I’d do without a comment from Kitty. We may only be graced with posts once a week from her and Charlie, but her energy lasts all week. Kitty, you are a true blessing! I can’t give you Daniel Craig in person, so hope this will suffice. (And enjoy, as it’s the only man shot I intend to ever feature here!!!)

Nancy Thompson

Her icon says it all – just look at that smile! Nancy is also a total blogging Ninja, pouncing with glee. She judges not but approaches every person as if he or she is a good friend. Her posts are always upbeat, as are her comments. No matter what I post, I know Nancy will swoop in and say something encouraging. She’s one cool ball of positive energy! And soon to be a published author… her book comes out October 18, 2012.

Kvelertak
Take a dash of punk, rock, metal and hardcore and stick it in a blender. The tasty concoction is the Norwegian band Kvelertak. This is my go to music whenever I need high energy. The album is pure fun start to finish. Don't expect any English though - all of the lyrics are in Norwegian!

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone who posted for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group yesterday. The group now has a life of its own.

And apologies to anyone I missed yesterday. I blogged a little in the morning before meetings took me hostage. When I came back after lunch, there were a hundred and fifty unread posts in my blogger buddies folder alone. I really do wish I had clones to keep up with everyone, but I gave it my best shot yesterday. And I know so many have left comments here – I will visit you by this weekend!

Are you following Kitty and Nancy? Ever heard of Kvelertak? Having fun with the Challenge? Forgive the Ninja if I can’t get to your blog today? (I’m really trying!) Who or what would you call energetic or enthusiastic? And tomorrow I announce my next blogfest! (Relax, it’s not until mid-May.)