Alex J. Cavanaugh's Blog, page 45
April 8, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: H – Heat 1995 (and Mini-Alex)
Heat – 1995Directed by Michael Mann, this crime thriller was the first to feature Robert De Niro and Al Pacino acting together in a film. De Niro is head of a professional bank robbing ring and Pacino the cop out to bust them. This film is sleek and stylish, the signature mark of director Mann, and filled with troubled characters. You want atmosphere – this is your film.
1995 fun facts –*Cost of gas - $1.09
*First class stamp – .32 cents
*55mph restriction lifted
*Cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov retur...
April 7, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: G – Groundhog Day 1993
Groundhog Day – 1993
Bill Murray is the cynic reporter trapped in Punxsutawney, reliving Groundhog Day over and over again. At first he takes advantage of the situation, something I’m sure we’ve all wished we could do at some point – a day without repercussions – before becoming a changed man and finally escaping the loop. One of Murray’s funniest movies and a sweet romantic comedy to boot.
1993 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $113,200 / UK - 67,856 pounds sterling
*Harley Davidson celebrated nin...
Bill Murray is the cynic reporter trapped in Punxsutawney, reliving Groundhog Day over and over again. At first he takes advantage of the situation, something I’m sure we’ve all wished we could do at some point – a day without repercussions – before becoming a changed man and finally escaping the loop. One of Murray’s funniest movies and a sweet romantic comedy to boot. 1993 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $113,200 / UK - 67,856 pounds sterling
*Harley Davidson celebrated nin...
April 6, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: F – Foo Fighters 1997 (and Captain America II Review)
Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape – 1997
It wasn’t their first, but this was their breakout album and established the band as a legitimate force. The songs are very catchy and include some of my favorites – Everlong, Monkey Wrench, and My Hero. The music videos also revealed the band’s humorous side!
1997 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $124,100.
*Scotland voted to create own Parliament after 290 years union with England
*Woolworths closed its last store after a hundred years of operation
*Mi...
It wasn’t their first, but this was their breakout album and established the band as a legitimate force. The songs are very catchy and include some of my favorites – Everlong, Monkey Wrench, and My Hero. The music videos also revealed the band’s humorous side!1997 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $124,100.
*Scotland voted to create own Parliament after 290 years union with England
*Woolworths closed its last store after a hundred years of operation
*Mi...
April 4, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: E – Extreme 1990
Extreme – Pornograffiti – 1990
This was the band’s second album, but it’s the one that shot them to the top of the charts. Most people know More Than Words, but the album also featured Get The Funk Out (with guest vocalist Pat Travers) and the incredible guitar intro to He-Man Woman Hater called “Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee.” Nuno Bettencourt remains one of the most amazing guitarists of our time.
1990 fun facts –
*Saturn line of cars was launched
*Nelson Mandela was released from prison and...
This was the band’s second album, but it’s the one that shot them to the top of the charts. Most people know More Than Words, but the album also featured Get The Funk Out (with guest vocalist Pat Travers) and the incredible guitar intro to He-Man Woman Hater called “Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee.” Nuno Bettencourt remains one of the most amazing guitarists of our time. 1990 fun facts –
*Saturn line of cars was launched
*Nelson Mandela was released from prison and...
April 3, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: D – Dream Theater 1992
Dream Theater – Images and Words – 1992
This was the first Dream Theater album with lead singer, James LaBrie. Images and Words really established the band as a progressive metal force. It has stood the test of time and remains a brilliant album.
1992 fun facts –
*Cost of average house - $122,500.
*Euro Disney opened in France
*First McDonalds opened in Beijing, China
*Washington Redskins beat Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl (The Bills went to four Super Bowls in the 90’s and lost all four times)
*Ma...
This was the first Dream Theater album with lead singer, James LaBrie. Images and Words really established the band as a progressive metal force. It has stood the test of time and remains a brilliant album. 
1992 fun facts –*Cost of average house - $122,500.
*Euro Disney opened in France
*First McDonalds opened in Beijing, China
*Washington Redskins beat Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl (The Bills went to four Super Bowls in the 90’s and lost all four times)
*Ma...
April 2, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: C – CassaStar 2010
CassaStar – 2010
CassaStar
was a debut novel, a total re-write from a thirty year old manuscript, and supposed to be the only book. By the time it launched, I realized it was more than my first book – it was the beginning of an incredible adventure! CassaStar became an Amazon Best Seller in science fiction and spawned two more novels. And to think I didn’t even want to be an author…
2010 fun facts –
*Cost of average house - $232,850.00
*The first iPad was released
*The world’s tallest building at...
CassaStar
was a debut novel, a total re-write from a thirty year old manuscript, and supposed to be the only book. By the time it launched, I realized it was more than my first book – it was the beginning of an incredible adventure! CassaStar became an Amazon Best Seller in science fiction and spawned two more novels. And to think I didn’t even want to be an author…2010 fun facts –
*Cost of average house - $232,850.00
*The first iPad was released
*The world’s tallest building at...
April 1, 2014
Insecure Writer’s Support Group / Retro A to Z Challenge: B - Blazing Saddles – 1974
Double dose today - Insecure Writer’s Support Group AND A to Z Challenge!
It’s time for another group posting of the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group!
Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.
My awesome c...
It’s time for another group posting of the
Insecure Writer’s Support Group!
Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. My awesome c...
March 31, 2014
Retro A to Z Challenge: A – Apollo 11 Landing 1969
Co-Host, Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, welcomes you to the fifth annual A to Z Challenge!
Apollo 11 - 1969 The Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969 was one of the most monumental points in our history. Man had finally made the journey and set foot on another surface. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” And yes, I remember seeing it happen on television. (Anyone else want to admit that?)
1969 fun facts –*Cost of average house - $15,500. / UK - 4,640. pounds sterlin...
March 24, 2014
My A to Z Challenge Theme, Saving Mr. Banks Review, Melissa Maygrove’s Puzzle Contest, and Ninja News
Movie Review
Saving Mr. Banks
Staring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Colin Farrell, it focuses on author PL Travers as Walt Disney tries to woo her into a movie version of Mary Poppins. Half of the movie is told in flashback to Travers’ childhood and her relationship with her father, played by Farrell.
While a bit overlong, the story is charming and moving. All three leads shine, especially Thompson, and some of the best scenes involve the three writers working with Travers and moments with her...
Saving Mr. BanksStaring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Colin Farrell, it focuses on author PL Travers as Walt Disney tries to woo her into a movie version of Mary Poppins. Half of the movie is told in flashback to Travers’ childhood and her relationship with her father, played by Farrell.
While a bit overlong, the story is charming and moving. All three leads shine, especially Thompson, and some of the best scenes involve the three writers working with Travers and moments with her...
March 17, 2014
Avengers: Age of Ulton, X-Men: Apocalypse, Stargate Extinction, True Detective, Ninja News, A to A Challenge, And Epic 2000 Giveaway Winners!
I have an interview today at the blog of the talented
Medeia Sharif.
An author with multiple books coming out this year, she’s also a generous, genuine spirit. Please stop by her site!
The A to Z Theme Reveal is Friday, March 21. Since I do not post on Fridays, I will reveal my theme on Monday, March 24.
Genre News
From Blastr - Avengers Easter egg in Captain America 2 revealed.
At the end of The Avengers, Stark Tower was decimated and only a A remained of the name. That was a hint, as fans wi...
The A to Z Theme Reveal is Friday, March 21. Since I do not post on Fridays, I will reveal my theme on Monday, March 24.
Genre News
From Blastr - Avengers Easter egg in Captain America 2 revealed. At the end of The Avengers, Stark Tower was decimated and only a A remained of the name. That was a hint, as fans wi...
