A to Z Challenge – King Kong and Kiss From a Rose, Plus Ninja News and Movie News

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!

King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s first movie after LOTR is an exciting take on the mythos. It has a great cast and a good heart. And this time, no awkward sexual innuendo between woman and beast!

Ann Darrow is not your typical damsel in distress and proves she’s just as tough as Kong. She’s a beauty with a comical side as well, and uses her wits to survive. Reality does not get in the way of her dreams and aspirations.

Who is Ann?

Elise Fallson!

She is beauty and strength. Elise has a charming sense of humor and isn’t afraid to poke fun at herself. Elise is also humble and giving. With her awesome attitude, I know she’ll achieve her dreams.

Elise is a writer living in France and creator of the awesome Mini-Alex!

I dedicate to you Kiss From a Rose by Seal. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

Because the beauty of the song matches you!

Trivia and Facts:

What 1995 movie is Kiss From a Rose from?

J’s trivia answer – Arjen Lucassen was a founding member of the band Stream of Passion. Lead singer, Marcela Bovio, performed on one of the Ayreon discs, and Arjen was so impressed, he put together Stream of Passion to showcase her amazing voice. After their first album, he sent them out on their own. (Stream of Passion also performed the song “Street Spirit,” a moving piece that helped me finalize a pivotal scene in CassaStar.)

Ninja News

Sherry Ellis acquired an agent for her book, Big Hole to China. Congratulaions, Sherry!!!

Michael Pierce revealed the cover for his next book, Susy Asylum, the sequel to Provex City. Looks awesome, Michael!


Annalisa Crawford’s book, That Sadie Thing, is free from today until Monday! Download it from Amazon US and Amazon UK
 

In movie news…

Morgan Freeman and Johnny Depp are slated to star in Transcendence, a science fiction action movie scheduled for release in April 2014.

You can view the new trailer for Rush, a Formula One racing film directed by Ron Howard and staring Chris Helmsworth, Olivia Wilde, and Daniel Bruhl at JoBlo

Did you like Jackson’s version of King Kong? Follow Elise? Know the trivia answer? Ready for some new books? How about new movies? How about a weekend to catch up on A to Z Challenge posts?

Special announcement on Monday – be sure to come back!

First Loves Blogfest and Ninja News!

Today is the First Loves Blogfest! Your first movie, first music (song/band,) first book, and first person. Four loves, one blogfest!

(And between my regular blogger buddies and a hundred and seventy blogfest participants, I did not get to everyone on Monday. If I missed your blogfest entry, rest assured I will visit you Tuesday. After two hundred blogs today, it's all beginning to blur...)

First, Ninja News! 

(Because something is always happening around here…)

Jeremy at Geeky Tendencies is celebrating a hundred followers! He has teamed up with GIANTmicrobes to host a giveaway in order to celebrate. Check out his blog for details.

My friend Dafeenah at Indie Designz worked with several others and started Ebook Deal of the Day. They offer low-priced and free eBooks for the iPad and the Kindle. Check out the information and links at her SITE.

This month, Laura Eno is on her Enchanted Life Book Tour. Go visit her for the full schedule. Congratulations, Laura!

Rick at The Writer and the White Cat had a big announcement last week – “White Cat Publications, LLC. is pleased to present the submission guidelines for its first anthology, Airships & Automatons, edited by Charles P. Zaglanis.” Congratulations, Rick!

Diablo III comes out Tuesday! Yes, I might be picking it up at midnight Monday night. Then I can play it all day long on my laptop at work.

Very cool news! CassaFire jumped back into Amazon's Best Sellers for science fiction/space opera last week!!

Due to some mean-spirited, anonymous comments, I’ve had to adjust the security on my comments. Sorry about that – hope it won’t be for long. In the meantime, pray for the anonymous commenter(s).

FIRST LOVES BLOGFEST!

Movie – Jaws
This movie scared the crap out of me. I was even afraid to lift the toilet seat lid. Every time I swam in the deep end of the pool, the music haunted me. Despite all of that, seeing this film in the theater was exhilarating. It was a pure adrenaline rush and the first big summer blockbuster. It made me realize that movies could be major events.

Music – Rush
This was the first band I felt made music specifically for me. It dealt with complex subjects and ideas. The band never dumbed down their music or lyrics – they felt fans were smart enough to keep up. (Which is one of the reasons I so admire progressive rock.) If I was down, I could play a Rush song and it would turn my day around. And that is still true today!

Book – The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
I read The Hobbit and LOTR in grade school but found them ponderous and frustrating at times. Then I discovered this book. Brooks took a similar formula and made it more accessible. It’s one of the few books I’ve ever read more than once. (Read it three times as a matter of fact!) Definitely launched my love of fantasy and of writing.


Person – My wife
Yes, my wife was my first love. She’s been with me so long that I even insert memories of her into my life before we met. She has really taught me a lot about opening up, dealing with others, and becoming a better person. I truly admire her work ethic. She works harder in one day than I do in a month. (Really!) She is an all around joy and I am blessed to have her in my life.

Thank you to everyone who signed up for my blogfest! Please visit others on the list below.

Want to win a GIANTmicrobe from Jeremy? Looking for deals on eBooks? See a good movie this weekend? (Sorry, didn’t go to the theater, but we did watch Hugo again – damn that film is brilliant!) And what are YOUR first loves???

MOTIVATED - 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.

MOTIVATED

Milo at In Media Res
If you’ve ever wondered if there was a market for short stories, then wonder no longer. Milo is THE short story master. He doesn’t just write and submit a couple a year – this dude submits weekly, and his rate of acceptance and publication reflects that. Last year during the Challenge, he posted links to sites that accept short stories, which was very generous. Milo is motivated times a thousand!

Jeffrey at World of the Scribe
Two years ago – maybe longer? – Jeffrey’s manuscript The Flettleglag Force was accepted for publication. He’s been waiting… and waiting… and waiting for its release. Jeffrey didn’t remain in limbo though – he continued writing and finally decided to self-publish his fantasy epic, Spell of Entrapment. I admire his bravery and determination to expose his work to the world. Jeffrey is also one of my awesome critique partners and one of the first real friends I made here in the blogging world. Dude, you rock – keep pushing forward!

Rush
This is a band that is motivated by the sheer joy of making music. Formed in 1968, the band’s first record dropped in 1974 but didn’t quite gel until drummer and lyricist Neil Peart joined later the same year. Nineteen studio records (with a twentieth coming this year) and the band is still going strong and sound just as good as ever.

NINJA NEWS! (And movie reviews)

The Cabin in the Woods
Wow! The trailer does NOT give away the twist. It’s not a parody, but rather a scathing satire of the horror genre. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, it’s clear the makers are in on the joke. With Whedon’s impeccable writing, some scenes are laugh out loud funny. I wouldn’t dare put any spoilers in this review, but sufficed to say, the third act is bat-shit crazy.

The Thing (2011)
This movie is well done, the acting decent, and the special effects really good. It was cool seeing the alien’s spaceship. As a prequel to 1982’s The Thing, you know where it’s going and it leads you right there. That said, it didn’t break any new ground or bring anything new to the table. And with CGI, they could do more, but gone was Carpenter’s skill of proper lighting to bring out the best in the special effects. Worth a watch if you’re curious. Or bored.

We are almost halfway through the Challenge!!! Good to hear so many are having fun with it. And some of you have worked SO hard on your themes – I am impressed. Don’t forget that May 7 will be the Challenge Reflections post, so mark your calendars. Details soon.

Following Jeffrey? If you write short stories, you definitely need to follow Milo. Fan of Rush? (And if you’re not, please don’t make the Ninja sad.) Did you see The Cabin in the Woods? Or The Thing? Any other movies? Having Challenge meltdown? And who do you know who is motivated?

Important A to Z Challenge Guidelines, My A to Z Theme, and Sad Songs Blogfest!

The A to Z Challenge starts Sunday!

For those of you participating, here are the basic guidelines:

Post on a topic or word that matches the corresponding letter of the alphabet, starting with “A” on Sunday, April 1, then every day except Sundays after that.

Visit fellow Challenge participants starting with the blog immediately following yours on the sign up list. Aim to visit five blogs a day; more if you have time.

Keep posts SHORT!

Turn off word verification. Make it easy for others to leave comments.

Make it easy for others to follow you.

Use the official A to Z button. Link back to the A to Z BLOG.

Have fun and make new friends!

My theme for the Challenge? I’ll get to that in a minute…

First, it’s the Sad Songs Blogfest, hosted by Spunk on a Stick’s Tips

Disappear by Dream Theater from Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

Song tells the unbelievably sad tale of a man sitting by his wife’s bed as she passes away. Song almost guaranteed to make me cry every time. (And I never want to be in that position. My wife is in big trouble if she dies first.)

After Me by Marillion from Season’s End

Song takes you to the depths of heartache before the uplifting ending. Saddest line – “There’s a stray dog she feeds that she found in the street and he loves her to hold him but he won’t let her keep him. And he claws at the door to be let out at night and she makes do without him and she worries about him.”

Collapse the Light into Earth by Porcupine Tree from In Absentia

It’s a song about someone who’s gone through a very traumatic event. It’s a metaphor for a breakup. The poor man sings about how the light has collapsed in the spot where his lover should be.

Losing it by Rush from Signals

The saddest song about aging you will ever hear. “The writer stares with glassy eyes, defies the empty page, his beard is white, his face is lined, and streaked with tears of rage. Thirty years ago, how the words would flow, with passion and precision, but now his mind is dark and dull, by sickness and indecision, and he stares out the kitchen door, where the sun will rise no more.”

Now, my theme for the Challenge!

Last year, my theme was featuring blogger buddies whose blog title corresponded with the letter of the alphabet. Everyone really seemed to enjoy it so I decided to put a little twist on it this year.

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.

The only downside is that I have a lot of blogger buddies. (Note sidebar which is still missing some blogs.) I won’t be able to mention everyone, but I will try to highlight some cool people.

I’ll also be posting short bits of Ninja News, so if you have anything exciting happen, new book release, anything – leave a comment and I’ll mention it the next day.

So, you never know who I will be highlighting on a given day!

Oh yeah, and I’ll be announcing my next solo Blogfest during the Challenge (first one since Worst Movies Ever – whoa!) and it’s really going to surprise you.

Any questions about the A to Z Challenge? Any sad songs on your list? Want to guess what my next blogfest will be? Do you like my theme for the Challenge? Care to share your theme? I’ve been hearing about some good ones…

Did You Know...?

Just entertaining and interesting news from around the web... New Terry Brooks novel due out on August 24, 2010 - Bearers of the Black Staff (Legends of Shannara) Sharktopus makes an appearance in Futurama!  Lame movie news - Columbia Pictures is in negotiations with Len Wiseman (Underworld) to direct a reboot of Total Recall. Yes, the 1990 movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Apparently we didn’t have special effects back in 1990. Why else remake the film? Three people are suing Apple over ‘overheating’ iPads. The iPad automatically shuts down when used in temperatures or direct sunlight over 95 degrees for extended periods of time. This is to prevent damage to the unit. Now, you make think this is an issue with users or that the unit has failed to shut down before the heat causes permanent damage. Not true! Prepare for the real reason these people are suing: “The plaintiffs seem to take particular issue with Apple claiming that "reading on the iPad is just like reading a book." This claim is patently false, according to the lawsuit, because a real book can be used in "the sunlight or other normal environmental conditions" without shutting off.” - CNN.com Is that petty or what? I’m sure Kindle and Nook lawsuits will follow. Let's see how fast Amazon and Barnes and Nobel's legal department can move to remove the words "just like a book" from all literature! New albums coming within the next year from the following bands: Anthrax – Worship Music Serenity – Death & Legacy Symphony X OSI Fates Warning And… Rush – Clockwork Angels, due out Spring of 2011!!

July 29th was Geddy Lee’s birthday! The dude is fifty-seven - can you believe that?

Last but not least, I am visiting Breakthrough Blogs on Monday, sharing a little bit about my publishing journey. Stephen also has a new book coming out, so visit his site to learn more! Anything else of interest happening in the world of entertainment? Platytigers taking over the world perhaps? (Now that would be quite a sight!)

Beyond the Lighted Stage Review and Other News

Before I get into my review and subsequent drooling, thought I’d mention a couple things.

I just joined Blog Book Tours, an online class about setting up a book tour. Hope to learn a lot over the next few weeks.

I also received news that my book trailer will be ready sooner than expected! I am so stoked to see it. Believe me, you will all know when it happens!

Now, on to my review of “Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage.”

It probably comes as no surprise to my regulars that I am an unabashed Rush fan. As an adolescent, a derogatory comment about the Canadian power trio was cause for World War III. (Yes, I was overly sensitive to the topic.) As an adult, I am no longer concerned what others think of the band, but I still enjoy the music and respect the group.

So it was with anticipation that I was finally able to catch a screening of the new rock doc "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage." Would it surprise anyone to learn that I really enjoyed it? What may surprise you is that I think that anyone who enjoys an engaging documentary will find some good stuff as well. The film chronicles (Rush reference) the band from their Junior high days growing up in Sarnia, Toronto to their rightful place in the limelight.

One aspect that may be unexpected to the Rush neophyte is how much humor is in the film. The anecdotes and stories are downright funny. I was very impressed with the rare, archival footage that the director unearthed. Like them or not (I won't get angry) Rush has an amazing fan base that has kept them going for 40+ years. The film is interspersed with interviews from many established rock artists and it was refreshing to hear them echo what I've felt for years...

Rush is truly a great, genre-defining band that remains relevant because of their immense talent and songwriting. I can't wait to get the DVD - loaded with extra content... Joy!

Okay, Amazon – where’s my DVD?

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!

Rush, the World Cup, Extreme, and Everything

Okay, maybe not everything.

I do have to provide an update on one of my favorite bands.

Rush was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 10! Ironically, they are still not in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame because the owner hates Rush. Go figure!

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage is their new DVD and it comes out on June 29. It was also released to theaters for one night only on June 10 and received a B+ in Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman. (Who also hates Rush!)

I've been watching some of the World Cup. I couldn't watch it for long today, though. The drone of thousands of plastic horns started to give me a headache. Has anyone else noticed this? It sounds like a giant swarm of bees! Must be driving the players nuts. More than one sportscaster has mentioned this issue, too. Guess I'll have to watch with the volume down.

Also caught the new Extreme concert DVD this weekend on HDNet. (Remember Extreme? More Than Words and Get the Funk Out?) I have to pick up this DVD. They sounded amazing in concert - crisp, clean and sharp. Nuno is incredible. The dude can play guitar! I was just in awe.

.
No, I don't sound like Nuno when I play. I don't look like him, either! (That's probably a good thing, though - if I was in that good of shape, I'd find any excuse to take of my shirt, and work and church are just not appropriate places for that sort of thing!)

I'm pleased so many have signed up for The Movie Dirty Dozen next week! I also interviewed one of the top movie news blog owners, so don't miss that next week, either.

And so far, Twitter is all right! Thanks to everyone who found me.

Rush

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

And today's letter totally rocks - R for RUSH!

Hey guys, It is with great pleasure that I am afforded the opportunity to gush over a band that is near and dear to my heart (perhaps even "Closer to the Heart".) I am, of course, referring to the great prog rock band "Rush." This is the music that molded my early teenage years and influences my writing and guitar playing to this very day.

The first time I heard the "Permanent Waves" album (yes, kiddies, back in the day we played music on vinyl) my understanding of the profound impact of music was forever altered. I have such fond memories of rushing (pun intended) to the record store and purchasing "Signals." I was so excited, I wanted to sprout wings and fly home as fast as possible. Dropping the needle while staring at the lyrics printed on the sleeve as "Subdivisions" began will forever hold a place in my heart.

This was the soundtrack of my youth and as I have grown older, the band has been a constant companion. Rush has influenced so many of my favorite bands (Dream Theater, Symphony X, Redemption, and on) that I truly owe them a debt of gratitude.

Yes, I am gushing like a 15 year old fan-boy but for good reason. Rush will always by close at heart.