A to Z Challenge – L – Cult Classics: Legend, Living Color, Logan’s Run, and More! Plus Birdman Review and New Releases

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – L

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

Movie –

Legend
Directed by Ridley Scott, this surreal fantasy harkens back to darker fairy tales. There is a director’s cut and the original USA theatrical release which features haunting music by Tangerine Dream.

Music –

Living Color – Vivid
This album debuted in 1988 and went Double Platinum, with the song Cult of Personality winning a Grammy.

Science Fiction Book –

Logan’s Run - William F. Nolan and George Clayton
Written by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, this dystopian story spawned two more books, a movie, a television series, a comic book series, and more.

Bloggers –

LD Masterson
Like a dose of humor every Wednesday with jokes and funny photos? Enjoy connecting with someone with a pure heart? Then LD is your lady!

Liza at Middle Passages
Want to witness the journey of writer through various stages of life? Enjoy beautiful photos from the seaside of Maine? Then you need to connect with this wonderful poet and special lady.

Liesel K. Hill at Musings on Fantasia
Enjoy thrillers, historicals, and science fiction from a multi-genre author? Enjoy Top Ten Tuesday, Feature & Follow, and the Walking Dead? Then you need to connect with the awesome Liesel!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Lieutenant
Every ship in the Hyrathian fleet has one or more lieutenants on board. On the smaller ships, the lieutenant is second in command to the captain. On the larger battleships, a Lt. commander is second in command. That is Aden Pendar’s rank when the story opens.

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.

New Releases!

Entwined by Cherie Colyer
Book 3 of the Embrace series

Only a few months after embracing her magical powers, defeating a dark witch at her high school, and banishing a faerie prince back to his realm, sixteen-year-old Madison Riley is back in book three of the Embrace series—and doing the bidding of a demon.

Find Entwined here - Amazon, Amazon UK, and Goodreads

Beware the Little White Rabbit anthology
Includes a short story by Medeia Sharif - Mustang Alice
And a short story by C Lee McKenzie

Movie Review

Birdman

From the IMDB: A washed-up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of his Broadway play.

This Oscar Best Picture winner was very unique. The long stretches of single shots are spectacular to watch. There are very few cuts, so the actors had to get multiple scenes right the first try. That’s impressive.

It does have some really funny lines, including the worst way to describe a relationship ever. (Said by a woman, which made it all the funnier.)

This film will make you feel better about yourself as almost all of the characters are complete train wrecks. Or one hot mess. Either way, you’ll be grateful you’re in a much better place and not so screwed up.

I admired this film, but can’t say I loved it. Like a train wreck, it was fascinating to watch. And once was enough.

Recommended if you enjoy thinking ‘What the heck did I just watch?’

Have you seen Legend and which version, USA or European? Fan of Living Color or Logan’s Run? Following those awesome bloggers? Picking up Cherie’s latest? And have you seen Birdman and what did you think…?

If you missed it yesterday, I visited Literary Rambles!

A to Z Challenge – I – Cult Classics – Jacob’s Ladder, Journey, Judas Priest, Jurassic Park, and More! Plus Some Cool Links For Writers

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – J

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

Movies –

Jacob’s Ladder
Directed by Adrian Lyne in 1990, this psychological thriller featured bizarre elements and unnerving scenes.

Music – 

Journey – Escape
Their best-selling studio album, Escape produced four hits, including the staple Don’t Stop Believin’. It even spawned a video game.

Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance
The band’s eighth album was their big commercial breakthrough, selling five million copies and producing the hit You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.

Science Fiction Book –

Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton
This 1990 book inspired one of the biggest blockbuster movies ever. It was followed by The Lost World and three more movies.

Bloggers –

Jack Lewis Bailot at However Improbable
Do you like movie quotes and Lord of the Rings? Do you enjoy ready quirky fun posts? Then author Jack is your gal!

Julie Flanders
Do you enjoy thrillers set in Alaska? Do you have a passion for animals? Then you can’t go wrong following this delightful author!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Jaxom Fyall
Captain Fyall commands the Ryzell, one of Hyrath’s battleships. He’s a fair man who knows how to lead people. When the story opens, Aden is serving as Lt. Commander under Fyall.

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.

And there is a Scavenger Hunt! An autographed copy of the book, bookmarks and swag, and $20.00 iTunes gift cards to the winner. Just visit the sites below and leave a comment – where do you think Mini-Alex is in the photo? Open until midnight Saturday, April 11 – winner announced here April 13. Now go!

Melissa Maygrove * Eva Solar * Father Dragon Al * Suzanne Furness * Karen Walker * Dianne Salerni * Christine Rains * Nick Wilford * EE Giorgi * Murees Dupe * L Diane Wolfe * Helena * Tyrean Martinson * Robin * Heather Gardner * Jo * Lynda Young * SL Hennessy * Toi Thomas * Lori MacLaughlin * Jess at Author Tracker, * Truedessa, * Annalisa Crawford, * Patricia Lynne, * Lisa at Flash Fiction, * Julie Flanders, * Julie Kemp Pick, * Nicki Elson, * Mark Koopmans, * Sydney Aaliyah!

Ninja News

Rebecca Bradley posted about a new app called Clean Reader that changes objectionable words in a book to something cleaner. See her site for more information on this new app.

Out now!
Adventures of Arkansawyer by Charles Gramlich


Cindy Borgne posted a link to a great list of homonyms. If you tend to mix up your words, you need to check out this site.

And don’t forget, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is also participating in the Challenge and posting daily tidbits of encouragement and inspiration.

Seen Jacob’s Ladder? Do those albums bring back memories? Fan of Jurassic Park? Figured out the Kargrandes? See some helpful sites? And have you found every Mini-Alex…?

A to Z Challenge – E – Cult Classics: Eraserhead, Evil Dead II, ELO, Ender’s Game, and More! Plus Furious 7 Review and Last Hint – What Are the Kargrandes?

Today I have the honor of visiting Bob at Beauty in Ruins and taking over for him for E – Exploration!

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – E

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

Movies –

Eraserhead
David Lynch’s first movie is horror at its most surrealistic. Shot in black and white and featuring disturbing, dream-like images, the film became a midnight movie staple. Released in 1977, it’s now preserved in the National Film Registry.

Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn
The first one gained director Sam Raimi attention, but this sequel/remake is over the top gory, funny, and memorable and was nominated for many awards.

Music –

ELO – Out of the Blue
This double album – and its ensuing tour with a spaceship as part of the stage – became their biggest hit ever. Released in 1977, it’s listed as one of the ‘1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.’

Science Fiction Book –

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
This award-winning novel has become a staple of the generations of X and beyond, winning a Nebula and a Hugo.

Bloggers –

Eva Solar at Lilicasplace
Want to be inspired to overcome your challenges? Want to meet the most genuine and caring soul on the Internet? Someone who is both friend and sister? Eva is your gal!

Elephant’s Child
Want to enter another world? Want a beautiful view of the land down under? Want to meet one of the strongest women on the Internet? Then visit this child today!

Elsie at Mock Turtle Musings
Do you appreciate brutal honesty? Do you need to connect with someone who will inspire you with her conviction and devotion? If you need support, you won’t find anyone more amazing than Elsie.

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Energy –
It’s a hot commodity on Hyrath. Those with the sea kelp plants provide, and control, the energy that fuels the cities and towns. The only thing the plants don’t fuel are the space ships. Especially the Dragon…

Dragon of the Stars comes out April 7, 2015 – tomorrow!!! And there is a cool scavenger hunt planned, so don't miss it.

Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story. Last clue posted today.

Sample Tweets: 

What are the Kargrandes? Are they sentient? Should the galaxy know the truth? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? The mystery will be solved April 7 2015! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

And last day to join the Thunderclap campagin for the book!

Ninja News

Out today!
Hope For Us by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Pick it up on Amazon

Just released!
Biggun by L.X. Cain
Pick it up at Smashwords

Movie Review – Furious 7

The seventh film in the franchise has Jason Statham as the bad guy seeking revenge for what Toretto’s gang did to his brother.
What can I say? It was a lot of fun with lots of laughs. Just leave your brain at the door.
The action and stunts are crazy and over the top. Don’t try jumping through three skyscrapers kids – you won’t live through it. However, it did make for an amazing sequence.
My only complaint is it could have been just a little shorter. (The film clocks in at 2:20.)
The ending was also a beautiful tribute to Paul Walker who died before filming was complete.
If you enjoyed the last two movies, you will enjoy this one. There are no surprises – you’ll get exactly what you expect. Fortunately, it’s awesome. Highly recommended!

Seen either movie? (Maybe at a midnight showing?) Fan of Ender’s Game? Any aother cult classics you can think of? Following those awesome ladies? Did you see Furious 7? And what do you think fuels the Dragon…?

Be sure to visit Bob at Beauty in Ruins!

April Movie Preview, What Are the Kargrandes, The Machine Movie Review, New Releases, and My World During the A to Z Challenge

I am visiting the delightful Stephanie Faris today with a humorous and snarky piece on giving from the heart.

I’m also at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, outlining what is to come in April.

And I updated my blogroll! It is now alphabetized and in smaller sections. If you're a regular here and don't find your blog listed, please let me know.

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number twelve – only one more to go! New clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? What are their powers? Are they sentient? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Can you solve the mystery by April 7? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

If you haven’t signed up for the Thunderclap campaign, please do. If you are on either Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr and want to help me spread the word of the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7, click HERE.


And to celebrate my upcoming release, my publisher will be dropping the price of my third book, CassaStorm, to .99 on Wednesday! So if you haven’t picked it up, later this week will be your chance.

Movie Review

The Machine
Set in the near future, scientist Vincent McCarthy creates a self-aware artificial intelligence modeled after his late assistant. Britain’s Military of Defense wants to use Ava as a weapon though.
This is another quiet, slower-paced film. It explores a lot of issues surrounding life and death. When the military starts training Ava and it bothers her, it raises a lot of questions about what is right and what is wrong, as does the presence of soldiers from earlier experiments who have undergone unique transformations.
The other half of McCarthy’s mental and emotional struggle is his dying daughter. He has been working with the military on AI in hopes of finding a cure for her.
The special effects are good and the movie is well done. It’s one of those smaller films that’s good but not enough to really stick with you. This movie came out in 2013 and ironically there is another film coming out in April that is very similar.
Worth a watch if you’re in the mood.

New Releases

Michael – Path of Angels by Patricia Josephine

There is only one path.
Born mortal along with his three brothers, Michael is an Archangel with a specific role: hunt fallen angels and send them back to Hell…

Find Patricia and her books at Website/Blog, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Wattpad

Catalyst by Lydia Kang

Sequel to Control

Purchase it at Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, and Powell’s

April Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for April! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

3 –

Furious 7
Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother.
Director: James Wan
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham
Early reviews say it’s a fitting tribute to Paul Walker…






10 –

Ex Machina
A programmer wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company's brilliant and reclusive CEO. Upon his arrival, he learns he’s been chosen to be the human component in a Turing Test-charging him with evaluating the capabilities, and ultimately the consciousness, of the latest experiment in artificial intelligence. That experiment is Ava, a breathtaking A.I. whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated--and more deceptive--than the two men could have imagined.
Director - Alex Garland
Starring – Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Artificial intelligence? Abd she’s named Ava? Now, why does that sound familiar…?

17-

Self/less
An extremely wealthy man, dying from cancer, undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man. But all is not as it seems when he starts to uncover the mystery of the body's origin and the organization that will kill to protect its cause.
Director: Tarsem Singh
Stars: Matthew Goode, Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, Michelle Dockery
Considering the director’s track record of doing beautiful looking films that are vapid, they might want to re-title this one Plot/less…

My World During the Challenge

The A to Z Challenge kicks off in just two days! There is still time to join us for the biggest blogging event of the year.

My theme is Cult Classics and I have all the posts formatted and images ready to go. I also have my posts scheduled at the A to Z Blog and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site.

However, this year will be a little more insane as I have a book release and tour going on at the same time.

I’m still going to aim for my usual blog visits during the Challenge, which is one hundred and fifty a day, spread between blogger buddies, Challenge participants, and commenters. I’ll also have tour stops that are a top priority. I’ve already taken two days off from work to handle the load. (April 1, since it’s both day one of the Challenge and IWSG post day and April 7, since that’s Dragon’s release day.) But there are two other days during the month when commitments elsewhere will prevent me from visiting as many, at least right away.

My promise to everyone is that I will do my best. I may not get to every single post you toss out there, but I will try to get to as many as possible. Know that if you leave a comment, I WILL visit no matter what.

Remember, in addition to cult classic movies, albums, science fiction books, and a term from Dragon of the Stars, I will be featuring one to four blogger buddies every single day!

Plus there will be a giveaway and a scavenger hunt on April 7 to celebrate the realse of Dragon. And some awesome tour stops, all unique and really, really short!

I might even have a blogfest to announce….

Still puzzled by Kargrandes? Picking up some new books? Seen The Machine? Any April movie catch your eye? Is your April going to be just as crazy? Have a plan for coping?

Don’t forget to visit Stephanie Faris and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal, Weird and Future News, What Are the Kargrandes, Battle of the Bands Results, and Ninja News

Double A to Z Challenge shot today!

I’m a guest at Curiosity Quills Press, explaining why the Challenge is a great opportunity for writers and authors. (It's live now!)

I’m also at the A to Z Blog with tips on how to make friends.

Interesting Weird and Future Stuff

Caught these first two items at Edi’s Book Lighthouse:

From Web Urbanist - The Capital: Egypt Plans Largest From-Scratch City in History.
Slated to be constructed in just 7 years and cost $300 billion (more than the GDP of Egypt), this ambitious design for a brand new capital city of 5 million people is unprecedented – if completed, it will be a record-setting endeavor. And it is not just a conceptual vision, or at least not entirely- the site has been selected and a 100-square-kilometer test section has already been approved by the Egyptian government.

Edi also posted this from Dark Roasted Blend - Futuristic Concept Cars of the 1970-80s. Check it out – not as far-fetched as you might think.


And in a similar vein, Dark Roasted Blend had an article about Videophones from Future Past. Some of these really are far-fetched!

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number eleven. (Why eleven? Because it’s higher than ten!) New clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Can you guess? What are their powers? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Solve the mystery by April 7! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

The Thunderclap campaign is a go! Thanks to all who signed up. If you are on either Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr and want to help me spread the word on April 7, click HERE.

I also have an awesome (and easy) Scavenger Hunt planned for that day that involves Mini-Alex. Many thanks to the bloggers who have volunteered to participate. (I’m sure the promise of an exclusive Mini-Alex photo was the deciding factor!)

Ninja News

DL Hammons is looking for volunteers to read through the entries of the upcoming round of Write Club. See his site for details.

Mark Koopmans signed a book deal!
REVIVAL: The Donald Braswell Story will be published Nov. 3, 2015 by Pen-L Publishing. Way to go, Mark!

The giveaway for The Great Time Lock Disaster by C. Lee McKenzie is coming to an end soon. Register to win at Goodreads.

New Releases –

Double book release!
There’s a Goat in my Boat by Pat Hatt



AND…

Vault of the Gods by Pat Hatt

Seducing Fortune by Brinda Berry
Book 3 of the Serendipity novels

Battle of the Bands Results

I pitted Dream Theater against Redemption with Elton John’s Love Lies Bleeding. Ironically, several voted for Elton John. For those who voted for the two featured songs, this is how it all came down:

Redemption - 5

Dream Theater - 21

And, no surprise, my vote went to Dream Theater. Both are good, but Dream Theater took it to a much higher level.

Challenge Theme Reveal

And now, the day we’ve all been waiting for–the Great Challenge Theme Reveal!

My theme–Cult Classics!

Cult classic movie.
Cult classic album.
Cult classic science fiction book. (Boy, that was tough!)
And of course, a featured blogger buddy. (Or two or three.)
Plus, a term from Dragon of the Stars.

All alphabetically!

In choosing blogger buddies, I tried to select those who hadn’t been featured in the past two years. I hated that I couldn’t feature everyone, but my goal was to keep this year’s Challenge posts short. Some will go by name, some by blog, and some by a crazy Ninja equation. So you’ll have to check every day to see who I’ve featured!

And I know a lot of you have your posts scheduled and ready to go for April. I have mine in Word, html formatted and ready, and all of the images sized properly – but I won’t schedule each post until the night before. (Everyone do a collective gasp.) I still intend to run the Ninja News, announcing any new books, movies, news, whatever. I’ll probably throw in a movie review now and then. Or a cult classic image. So I can only plan ahead so far. But I’ll manage.

Even though the Challenge opens on Wednesday, April 1 is still Insecure Writer’s Support Group post day. Plan accordingly and prepare for a wild ride that day.

Plus, my next book releases on April 7, right in the middle of the Challenge. There will be a Scavenger Hunt Blitz that day, with lots of Mini-Alex photos and a chance to win an autographed copy of Dragon of the Stars, bookmarks and swag, and $20.00 in iTunes gift cards. There’s also an extensive blog tour (which begins next Monday at Stephanie Faris’ site) and other cool stuff to win.

I’m also posting at the A to Z Blog and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group next month.

Yeah, it's a lot! I’ll survive. At least that’s the plan…

If you’re participating in the Challenge, what’s your theme?

Visit the A to Z Blog for the full list of theme reveal participants!

What do you think of Egypt building a new capital? Get a kick out of the concept cars and phones? Figured out the Kargrandes yet? Battle of the Bands’ result surprise you? Does my Challenge theme sound interesting? What’s yours…?

Be sure to visit Curiosity Quills Press and the A to Z Challenge Blog!

No Escaping Food Porn, What Are the Kargrandes, Battle of the Bands, Movie Trivia Answers, New Releases, and Ninja News

Please welcome fantasy author,L. Blankenship!

No Escape

When I was in the early stages of my fantasy series, Disciple, there was a joke going around about how GRRM’s Game of Thrones would turn into food porn whenever the characters sat down at a table.

So I foolishly said: I won’t do that! How silly! My story’s about war! and romance! and magic! No room for food porn!

For a while, it went fine. My characters ate humble fare: bread, potatoes, cabbage, the occasional hunk of roasted meat. Maybe even some infamous “stew.”

But then came the elk. There was a dinner at a countryside baron’s and there were kings and queens in attendance. Nobody would serve potatoes and cabbage to kings and queens unless there was a famine going on. Serving elk was perfectly reasonable. And then sure, they’d dress it up with a nice presentation -- that impressive rack of antlers -- and some tasty side dishes. Wouldn’t they?

That one dinner opened the floodgates. Next thing I knew, everything had fancy sauces and was being wrapped in pastry. There’s just something about fantasy stories that requires food porn. No writer can escape!

Disciple
The six-part gritty fantasy romance series is now complete!
Disciple, Part VI on sale.
Disciple Omnibus, the collection of all six books, is also available now.

What Are the Kargrandes?

New clue today at What Are the Kargrandes? This is clue number ten – new clues every Monday until the release of Dragon of the Stars on April 7.

Sample Tweets for this week:

What are the Kargrandes? Tenth clue – can you guess? What are their powers? http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes @alexjcavanaugh

What are the Kargrandes? Are they connected to the Dragon? Solve the mystery by April 7! http://whatarethekargrandes.com/ #whatarethekargrandes

The Thunderclap continues! If you can help spread the word of Dragon’s release on April 7 through either Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr, please join the campaign. I just need a couple more people. Many thanks to those who have joined – it’s great to know I have some awesome and supportive friends.

My good friend Spacerguy has a blog dedicated to all things Star Trek. He also has a Wikipedia page, and I’m honored to say the Kargrandes are mentioned there!

Ninja News

Donna McDine is visiting the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site on Wednesday, discussing book festivals and their importance.

The A to Z Challenge kicks off in a few weeks! It’s not too late to sign up and join the mad fun. Don’t forget the Great Theme Reveal is next Monday, March 23. Think I can outdo my theme from last year? Not sure, but I did try! We also Twitter chats every Thursday from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern and 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern. Look for #azchat.

My buddy Jeremy Hawkins runs the website for Howlin’ Wolf Record’s Online Magazine. They feature movie soundtracks, video releases, interviews, and science fiction and horror conventions. Posting several times daily, you’re sure to find something fascinating there!

New Releases -

One Good Catch by Heather M. Gardner

Ignoring a recent trauma that is affecting her everyday life, ER Doctor Kate Maguire engages in some high risk activities, but putting herself in these dangerous situations isn’t enough to feed her edginess. She needs something more...



Heather's a full-time mom, works part-time from home, a chocolate enthusiast, coffee junkie, cat addict, book hoarder and fluent in sarcasm.

Of Blood and Sorrow by Christine Rains

Zodiac Killer: Newly Discovered Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Holy Ghost Writer

Loyalty by Carrie Butler
Mark of Nexus Book III

Battle of the Bands!

Hosted by Stephen T. McCarthy and Faraway Eyes.

Back in the 70’s, Elton John did a song called Love Lies Bleeding.

Several rock bands have covered it since then, including these two prog bands. You know the drill – select your favorite. And with both, the singing doesn’t start until several minutes into the song.

First, Redemption:



Now, Dream Theater:

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Ratt – Body Talk, 1986 The Golden Child
2 – Queensryche – Real World, 1993 Last Action Hero
3 – U2 – Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, 1995 Batman Forever
4 – AC/DC – Who Made Who, 1986 Maximum Overdrive
5 – Journey – Open Arms, 1981 Heavy Metal
6 – Guns ‘n’ Roses – You Could Be Mine, 1991 Terminator II: Judgment Day
7 – Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son, 1977 Heroes
8 – Extreme – Play With Me, 1989 Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Do you write about food porn? Figured out the Kargrandes yet? (Spacerguy thinks he has!) Ready for the Great Theme Reveal? Picking up some new books? Get all of the trivia right? And which band I is your pick…?
And sorry, having site issues I'm trying to solve, so some links have been removed while I try to find the problem.