C.A. Milson's Blog, page 230
January 23, 2015
Guest Author – Ken Maxon
Guest Author – Ken Maxon
Books: A Chapter Finished, A Page Turned, The Sunset Will Come Back; Give It Wings And Let It Fly Away
Publisher: ASJ Publishing
Facebook
Ken has been a professional broadcaster, newscaster, production director, operations manager and voice over artist since 1988, hosted an 80s retro show, a morning talk show, afternoon drive classic country show as well as several other formats and shifts.
He���s a proud father of a teenage daughter who thinks his job is ���really cool��� and her name reflects his view on life- ���Hope���.
Ken resides in the mountains of rural central Pennsylvania in the middle of nowhere with about a dozen cats that call him ���meow���.
A Chapter Finished, A Page Turned, The Sunset Will Come Back, and Give It Wings And Let It Fly Away are available in Paperback, Ebook and Audiobook.
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Audiobook, Authors, Books, Give It Wings And Let It Fly Away, haiku, Ken Maxon - Poet, Kindle, Poetry, Poets, Writers, Writing
January 21, 2015
Book Review – Rise Of The Darkness – Horror Addicts
January 20, 2015
Guest Author – Lee Mavin
Guest Author – Lee Mavin
Books: The Students Sold Us Secrets Vol 1; The Students Sold Us Secrets Vol 2
Book Publisher: ASJ Publishing
Lee J Mavin lives in Sydney with his wife Grace and daughter Charlotte.
Lee is busy with Postgraduate study and is about to finish his Masters of Creative Writing at the University of Canberra.
���Between all this, he still finds the time to write poetry, short stories and novels for both children and adults.
The Students Sold Us Secrets Volume 1 & 2 are available in Paperback and Ebook
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Australian author, Horror Fiction, Horror Novel, Lee Mavin, The Students Sold Us Secrets
January 18, 2015
Guest Author – Ashlee Jensen
Guest Author: Ashlee Jensen
Books: Because That’s What Brothers Do; No More Frogs & Only One Butterfly
Films: 500 Miles (Director); The Telemarketers Show – TV Series (Karen)
Book Publisher: ASJ Publishing
Ashlee Jensen grew up surrounded by green plants, with lots of dirt digging and scuffling with her families pets. She has a younger brother and sister and loves writing, painting and taking photos of animals and the beautiful scenery.��
She is currently finishing a Bachelor of Early Childhood education at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Ashlee wants to change the world���one plant or person at a time.
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Ashlee Jensen, Because That's What Brothers Do, No More Frogs & Only One Butterfly
January 17, 2015
Because That’s What Brothers Do – Googleplay
Because That’s What Brothers Do
By Ashlee Jensen
Published by: ASJ Publishing
Blurb: ��The grown-ups told me I didn���t learn the same as everyone else. Well, even if that���s true I���m still really good at other things, including looking after my younger brother Max.
Available as Digital, Print and on GooglePlay.
Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Amazon, Ashlee Jensen, Children book, GooglePlay books, Kindle, Lulu.com, Picture book
January 14, 2015
Marco Polo (2014) – TV Series
Marco Polo (2014) – TV Series
Stars: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Joan Chen, Rick Yune, Amr Waked, Remy Hii, Zhu Zhu, Tom Wu, Mahesh Jadu, Olivia Cheng, Uli Latukefu, Chin Han, Pierfrancesco Favino, Claudia Kim
IMDB Rating: 8.4
Facebook
Plot: In a world replete with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, “Marco Polo” is based on the famed explorer’s adventures in Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century China.
Fast Review: Marco Polo has the components of a great show. Intriguing plot, great cinematography, exotic settings. I have seen some reviews that compare this to Game Of Thrones. And that being said, if you can throw that thinking right out the door and sit back and watch this epic story of�� Marco Polo, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Marco Polo is a well developed series that it intriguing and fascinating to watch.
My Rating: 8 out of 10
Filed under: TV Series Trailers Tagged: Amr Waked, Benedict Wong, Claudia Kim, Joan Chen, Kublai Khan, Lorenzo Richelmy, Marco Polo (2014), Olivia Cheng, Rick Yune, Shu An Oon, Yuan Dynasty, Zhu Zhu
January 12, 2015
Still Open All Hours (2013��� ) – TV Series Review
Still Open All Hours (2013 -)
Stars: Brigit Forsyth, Maggie Ollerenshaw, Lynda Baron, David Jason
IMDB Rating: 6.6
Facebook
Plot: Having inherited the shop from his uncle, it’s business as usual for Granville at Arkwright’s corner shop.
Review: Granville (David Jason) returns in this sequel to to the series “Open All Hours“.
Arkwright is long dead and Granville now runs the shop with his daft son Leroy, the result of a one night stand in Blackpool. Granville has inherited his uncle’s shop, trying to sell nappy rash cream as a body building aid whilst the handsome boy is a hit with the female customers. Granville would like to get back with old flame Mavis, now back on the market, but she is guarded by her fearsome sister Madge though Mrs Featherstone, the one time Black Widow, is extremely interested in a dalliance with Granville – unlike retired nurse Gladys, who is no more interested in Granville than she was in his uncle.
The sequel series may not sit with some, and even some others have compared this to the original series, which finished up in 1985. Ronnie Barker may no long be with us, but David Jason is, and he brings back to the small screen the lovable character of Granville. The conniving, street-smart convenience shop owner who is always looking to make a fast buck from unsuspecting customers (such as the hair-net face mask incident), while trying his best to win the affections (and more) of his old flame, Mavis (Maggie Ollerenshaw), dealing with his half-wit son Leroy (James Baxter), and trying to play matchmaker with Gastric (Tim Healy) and the overprotective Madge (Brigit Forsyth).
Some familiar faces in this delightful reboot from the original series, and it is wonderful to see that even after 30 years, some things don’t change.
Verdict: May you stay Open All Hours for another decade :)
My Rating: 9 out of 10.
Filed under: TV Show Reviews Tagged: Brigit Forsyth, David Jason, Granville, James Baxter, Lynda Baron, Maggie Ollerenshaw, Still Open All Hours (2013��� )
January 10, 2015
Remember Me (2014) – TV Series
Remember Me (2014) – TV Series
Stars: Michael Palin, Mark Addy, Jodie Comer
IMDB Rating: 7.4
Plot: The day Tom Parfitt moves from his home into residential care, he becomes the sole witness to a violent death.
Review: BBC does it again with this horror themed TV mini-series. Remember Me tells the story of Tom Parfitt (Michael Palin). A widower who is about to move into a nursing home to live out the remainder of his days, However, there is a sinister ghost at work who is intent on keeping him alive to “take care of him”.
In this 3 part mini-series, we meet Hannah Ward (Jodie Comer), who plays the role of a nurse, who becomes obsessed with Tom’s obsession of the variations of the song “Scarborough Fair“. Mark Addy (Atlantis) plays the role of Rob Fairholme, the detective who assigns himself to discovering the truth about Tom.
I wont spoil the story here and give you any spoilers, but I will say that there are some influences here from The Ring and The Grudge. But told with a difference.
The scenery is amazing in this series. Creepy, gloomy, but perfect for this type of film. If you liked The Ring and The Grudge, then this series by BBC is a must watch.
Verdict: Will you go to Scarborough Fair?
My Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Filed under: TV Show Reviews Tagged: Jodie Comer, Mark Addy, Michael Palin, Remember Me (2014), Review, Scarborough Fair, TV series, TV Series Review
January 8, 2015
Gone Girl (2014) – Movie Review
Gone Girl (2014)
Stars: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Carrie Coon, Emily Ratajkowski
IMDB Rating: 8.3
Facebook
Plot: On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?
Review: Gone Girl starts out with Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) faking her own murder and tries to frame her husband for it. For whatever reasons, it was not absolutely clear, other than apparently during their entire marriage she was playing the type of wife Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) wanted her to be.
What follows is a media circus as Nick is hounded by the tabloids and made to look like a real schmuck, while his psychotic wife is in hiding with a bucketload of cash…
That is until part of her plan comes undone and she is robbed by trailer park trash, and not having any backup plan (silly woman), she turns to an old flame, Desi Collins (Neil Patrick Harris) for help… Of course, since he still has the hots for her after all these years, (much to her disgust), her safe haven at his lake house soon turns to an obsession.
One would think here she would take what valuables she could load in a car and flee. But does she? No. Instead, she fakes being raped, and after killing Desi, she drives home, covered in blood, to the arms of her husband.
There are a few things in this that didn’t line up. Firstly, her disguise was an obvious fail, as the trailer park trash saw through her charade and took her money. Then, her alleged repeated rape as Desi’s home didn’t line up with the security footage. And finally the story she told police made no sense at all.
Nick – after being made a public spectacle of – takes her in and makes the decision to remain with her. After all her bullshit; After being made Public Enemy Number One on national TV; After discovering the truth of her failed plans, he allows her back into his life.
Anyone with half a brain would have kicked her ass to the kerb, or at least packed their bag and left themselves. But, Nick stays.. and why? Because of “Reasons”, which included the wealth that came with her “lifetime” movie of the week deal, among others….
This was a good film, if it wasn’t for the inconsistencies. The ending could have been better of they did a revamp of the ending scenes from “War Of The Roses“.
Verdict: War Of The Roses This Aint.
My Rating: 7.3 out of 10
Filed under: Movie Reviews Tagged: Ben Affleck, Carrie Coon, Emily Ratajkowski, film critic, Film Review, Gone Girl (2014), Movie Review, Neil Patrick Harris, Rosamund Pike
January 6, 2015
Interview With Cole Phoenix
Hello bloggers! Today I am featuring upcoming Aussie pop sensation Cole Phoenix.
Her brand new pop single “Hello” was released on January 1st. With catchy lyrics and upbeat electro-inspired sound,�� Hello is set to be one of 2015���s most downloaded tracks. The worldwide release represents new beginnings and will fuel the Cole Phoenix fire, set to blaze in 2015.
Hailing from Queensland, is an accomplished actress, singer/songwriter, novelist, scriptwriter and director. She released a self-titled album in 2012 as well as hit single “UFO”. “Hello” is her latest track and offers fans a sneak peak at her upcoming album, ���She’s on Fire.��� While her sound is entirely fresh Phoenix���s latest album retains her trademark universal appeal. Her music slots into a number of different genres which has won her fans of all ages and tastes.
(Phoenix and Nicolas Jacobi at Dolby Theatre Hollywood California United States, Wednesday 10th December 2014)On with the interview :)
Phoenix, What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
A cappuccino. Ha – I’m kidding. It’s more of a mocha that gets me moving – got to have that chocolate hit in with the caffeine fix. Double trouble (laughs). Seriously, no, what motivates me is fairly simple – a trinity of Fs. Family, fans and my Frenchie – he’s actually last out of bed would you believe! I’m more excited by the idea of a morning walk than he is truly!
If you could hang out with one famous person from history for one day, who would it be and why?
Is this odd to say my grandfather from my mother’s side? Not famous per se but famous to me. He passed away when I was about two years old and I would like to see him again – I can’t really remember him. I was named after him. He came to Australia from Greece when he was 14 and he never saw his own parents since that point – he worked hard his whole life here. It would be nice to treat him to some R & R for a day!
What’s the story behind your latest release, “Hello”?
“Hello” is essentially about falling for someone or even something that eventually turns out to be toxic. Although there’s the desire to return to this certain someone or something – you know it’s ultimately no good for you and that sooner or later you need to move beyond it to soar to greater and healthier heights. “To stop this game pretend, to start looking again” – that’s the bridge I penned to support this message. Releasing “Hello” on New Year’s Day felt very appropriate, representing a new beginning. Very “Phoenix” too – a new beginning created from ashy endings…
What are you working on next?
I’m currently writing a book entitled “The Phoenix” – it isn’t autobiographical thank heavens for us all (laughs). Weird as this sounds, I’ve written the book entirely on the iPad so far, I’ve found it liberating to write wherever I am and whenever I’ve time.
Tell us about your upcoming novel, “The Phoenix”, and where people can buy it.
The idea initially came about from a music video concept, hence the title “The Phoenix” I guess. It’s about a girl who has to control a new threat to mankind, but the greatest fear she must face is her own. Abstract perhaps but that’s as clear as I’ll make it for now! You’ll be able to find “The Phoenix“, only once published, online at iTunes, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble… Shortly after in most book stores… Between the electronic covers you’ll find some supernatural thrills, gothic violence interwoven with a bit of drama and lots of comedy and of course there’s some romance on those electronic sheets!
I understand that you also have a film script in the works for “The Phoenix”. How did that come about and what inspired you to get into script-writing?
Well as I mentioned – the seed for “The Phoenix” was a music video concept – that actually sprouted a script for “The Phoenix” prior the decision to pursue writing the novel in the first place! That’s me all over, taking the difficult route and writing a script first rather than vice versa! I’ve written stage plays before – one was shortlisted for the Queensland state young playwrights’ awards on Spartan king Leonidas. I realized upon completing the script for “The Phoenix” that I could make it even better by delving into deeper detail – hence writing a hefty novel…Now I’ll have to return to the script and adjust accordingly!
Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
I can tongue roll. Apparently that’s genetic? Ha – my parents have passed down a lot more for me to roll out than that! I just can’t come up with talents on the spot…I’m not too talented at doing self aggrandizement (laughs).
Who are your favorite authors and singers?
Too many to name, too little time! Here’s a few in random order – Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Harper Lee, Jules Verne, Lewis Carroll…Carroll seems a good segway into singers – Elvis Presley, Prince, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner!
What do you like to do with your free time?
Spend it with my partner Nicolas Jacobi, my family, my Frenchie – pretty much it’s those three Fs again that get me outta bed every morning and yes, sometimes get me freely using another F word throughout the day – but more often than not they inspire me to write far nicer ones!
Tell us about your plans for upcoming tours.
The book and script for “The Phoenix” are both a major focus for now (I’ve a determined producer and director Jacobi directly on my tail!) but a tour will be in the works once the upcoming album “She’s on Fire” will be released.
Where can fans find you on the web?
All over it!
Official website at: www.officialcolephoenix.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColePhoenixFlames
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CPhoenixTweets
Instagram: http://instagram.com/colephoenix
YouTube: www.youtube.com/ColePhoenix
MTV: http://www.mtv.com/artists/cole-phoenix
Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialcolephoenix
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ColePhoenix
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Officialcolephoenix
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/colephoenix
Tumblr: http://colephoenix.tumblr.com/
Finally Phoenix, Where can people buy your album?
All my music can be bought, streamed and listen to online at:
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1DRsGl9
AmazonMP3: http://amzn.to/1CsHz9h
Spotify: http://spoti.fi/1wDApt8
Rdio: http://bit.ly/1K3bn1f
��
Filed under: Guest Authors, Interviews Tagged: "The Phoenix", Cole Phoenix, debut author, Hello, New Pop Single, Noble NoBull, novelist, pop singer, singer, songwriter
