A to Z Challenge – P – Cult Classics: Princes Bride, Pantera, Pink Floyd, Puppet Masters, and More! Plus A to Z Challenge T-shirt and Ninja News

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – P

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movies –

The Princess Bride
Adapted from William Goldman’s book, this ‘romantic, comedy, fantasy, adventure’ movie is on several, of the American Film Institute’s top one hundred lists.

Plan Nine From Outer Space
This Ed Wood film featured Vampira and Bela Lugosi, and was given the Golden Turkey Award for worst director and worst film ever.

Music –

Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power
Released in 1992, it’s one of the most influential metal albums of the 1990’s. It’s one of the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and features the iconic song Walk.

Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
This album debuted in 1973 and stayed on Billboard’s charts for 741 weeks. One of the bestselling albums of all time, it’s estimated one out of every fourteen people under the age of fifty own it.

Science Fiction Book –

The Puppet Masters – Robert A. Heinlein
This novel was originally serialized in Galaxy Science Fiction. Numerous movies and shows have used Heinlein’s concept, including Start Trek and The Outer Limits. There was also a film based on the book staring Donald Sutherland.

Bloggers –

Patricia Lynne
Enjoy the comical ramblings and insights of an author? Like short fiction and paranormal? Want a cheerful smile to greet you every time? Then visit Patricia today!

Patricia Stoltey
Do you enjoy mysteries and thrillers and want to know more about the process of writing such books? Interested in the Rocky Mountains Mystery Writers of America? Want to meet Katie Cat? Then you need to follow Patricia!

Patsy Collins
Want the latest on writing contests? Enjoy pictures of England and Scotland? Then you need to check out the blog of free spirit and author Patsy!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Pavott
Ensign Tamsin Pavott is the junior weapons officer on the battleship Ryzell. She is loyal and dedicated, not only to her job but to Lt. Commander Pendar. She is an important part of the mission to find the Dragon.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

Ninja News

Elizabeth S. Craig posted about using audio as a means to connect to readers and explains how to use SoundCloud. Check it out!

Brandon Ax just revealed the cover for his next book, Light Bringer, and is celebrating with a sale on Elemental and Ashes. (Both .99 cents until April 21.)

Those of you who’ve been around a while might remember a blogger by the name of Panda Ninja.
Well, she has a new blog and is publishing a serial novel.
Nightmare Chronicles by Brittney Woodson
Find the series at Channillo
Find Brittney: Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads

A to Z Challenge Survivor T-Shirt! 

Created by our very own Jeremy Hawkins!

You can order yours from the NETOSHOP.

Can you quote The Princess Bride? Fan of either band? Read Heinlein? (My books have been compared to his which is a great honor.) Following those bloggers? Think you’d like Ensign Pavott? Who’s ready to earn a Challenge Survivor t-shirt? Only ten more posts to go…

(And I might be a little slow commenting today, but I will get there!)

If you missed it, I visited Adventures in YA Publishing yesterday.

Great Guitarists

As promised, I will veer away from movies for a bit. I have to restrain myself, though, as I watched Rush - Behind the Lighted Stage this past Saturday and want to review it for you. (The DVD comes out Tuesday - if you're a fan, it's a MUST!)

It did inspire me to consider my favorite guitarists and those who inspire me to play better.

Six Great Guitarists

1. Alex Lifeson (Rush)

I think it's clear by now that I am a huge Rush nerd. Alex's guitar work has always been amazing to me. His smooth and effortless fretwork, along with the great songs and memorable riffs put him among the elite.

Essentials to check out: Natural Science, The Spirit of Radio, La Villa Strangiato

2. Joe Satriani

I was in college when a friend suggested I pick up a rock, instrumental album called "Surfing With The Alien". The album was a masterpiece of precision and beauty. I was hooked and have been a Satch fan ever since. Watching him in concert is like watching a star athlete at the top of his game. If you enjoy rock with a hint of Jazz and Blues, then Joe should be high on your list.

Essentials to check out: Satch Boogie, Always With Me (Always With You), Summer Song, One Big Rush

3. John Petrucci (Dream Theater)

The readers of Guitar Player Magazine just voted him Best Metal Guitarist. What more can you say about a guitarist who keeps upping his game with every release. Not only technically impressive, John seems to feel music like you and I breath air.

Essentials to check out: The Count of Tuscani, Octavarium, Constant Motion

4. Dimebag Darrell Abott (Pantera)

Before his tragic death (he was shot to death while performing at a club) Dime changed the sound of metal music. His snarling, growling, vicious style of playing has influenced every guitarist that followed. His playing always reminds me of fighting because it's so aggressive and explosive...simply amazing.

Essentials to check out: Mouth for War, Cowboys From Hell, Cemetery Gates, Walk

5. Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme)

If you've ever seen "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" then you've heard Nuno. Remember the crazy guitar work playing during the mall chase scene, it's actually an Extreme song titled "Play With Me". Nuno reached elite status with the next album "Pornograffiti". Without a doubt, some of the best riffs and fills that you will ever hear can be found on this disc.

Essentials to check out: Play With Me, Flight of the Wounded Bumble Bee (He Man, Woman Hater), Decadence Dance, Warheads

6. Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)

One listen to "Rust in Peace" is all it takes to convince any guitar aficionado that Dave deserves to be on this list. The amazing fretwork of Dave and fellow guitarist Marty Friedman is truly epic. The lineup has changed over the years but Dave continues to shred with the best of them.

Essentials to check out: Holy Wars...The Punishment Due, Wake Up Dead, Symphony of Destruction, Train of Consequences

Here are few other great shredders and riffers to check out:

Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)

John Sykes (Whitesnake, Blue Murder)

Jesper Stromblad, Bjorn Gelotte (In Flames)

Steve Rothery (Marillion)

Steve Vai

There are other great guitarists, but these are the ones I felt were the most diverse and talented, and who continue to improve and progress musically. And bottom line, they're my favorites!