Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 43
August 3, 2015
Mind Sieve 8/3/15
Morning!
Weekend was super busy as we were trying to catch up on movies and other things. So I am late! (Also was almost in a wreck this morning, making it a definite Monday!) Be careful out there!
Black Mass Official Trailer #3 - Depp and Cumberbatch... Oh My!
Zoolander 2 Teaser Trailer - lol!
Goosebumps Official International Trailer #1 - this looks like it will be a ton of fun! :)
Okay, I'm running for it. Have a great week!
Weekend was super busy as we were trying to catch up on movies and other things. So I am late! (Also was almost in a wreck this morning, making it a definite Monday!) Be careful out there!
Black Mass Official Trailer #3 - Depp and Cumberbatch... Oh My!
Zoolander 2 Teaser Trailer - lol!
Goosebumps Official International Trailer #1 - this looks like it will be a ton of fun! :)
Okay, I'm running for it. Have a great week!
August 2, 2015
Virtual Tourist - TERA 8/2/15
Morning, all!
TERA
Alamanthea Area
Oooooh! Magic! So cool!
I don't think the natives are friendly.
Ooooh! Hidden Shrine?
Dragon Temple
We're heading towards trouble.
Love the sunlight shafts!
Good things have not happened here.
Gorgeous though, isn't it?
Okay, this rocks!
Super cool architecture too.
You can feel the humidity. :P
Awesome ceiling.
Love the floor work, though not the little buggers in the corner. :P
Have a lovely day!
TERA
Alamanthea Area
Oooooh! Magic! So cool!
I don't think the natives are friendly.
Ooooh! Hidden Shrine?
Dragon Temple
We're heading towards trouble.
Love the sunlight shafts!
Good things have not happened here.
Gorgeous though, isn't it?
Okay, this rocks!
Super cool architecture too.
You can feel the humidity. :P
Awesome ceiling.
Love the floor work, though not the little buggers in the corner. :P
Have a lovely day!
July 31, 2015
Movie Review - Pixels
Pixels
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Matt Lintz, Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Jane Krakowski, Dan Aykroyd, Penelope Wilton, and more.
Directed by: Chris Columbus Screenplay by: Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling Screen Story by: Tim Herlihy Based on the Short Film "Pixels" by: Patrick Jean Cinematography by: Amir Mokri Music by: Henry Jackman
Premise: In 1982, Brenner discovered video game arcades and the fact he could figure out the patterns and score really high on them. In the same year, he entered a video game competition, which was being filmed and sent as part of a NASA probe carrying info on Earth for possible contact with alien species. 33 years later, Brenner has yet to live up to his potential, while those around him have fulfilled theirs. Yet when there's an attack on a US base in Guam, his time to shine might finally have arrived. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Playing the dispirited underdog is one of Adam Sandler's strengths, and he does it here very well. Michelle Monaghan makes a nice foil for Sandler, especially after the misunderstandings after they first meet. Kevin James did an exceptional job as Cooper. Totally loved the use of Penelope Wilton as England's Prime Minister, especially since she's already played the PM in Dr. Who! (Yes, I am easily tickled! :P)
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: This film truly had a ton of lovely special effects. Seeing a bunch of beloved 80's arcade games come to life in 3D was a treat. They even replicated the best bits from the original short by Patrick Jean - watching buildings shrink by matching Tetris tiles was too fun!
All my favorite 80's games and more were represented. Donkey Kong, Joust, Galaga, Centipede, Asteroids, Pong, and a ton more. My favorite replicated character was Q-bert! Though it was weird to hear him talk English. Heh heh. He was too cute!
The most impressive effect of the lot is probably Pac Man. They made him scary! Centipede up close was rather scary, too!
During the credits - they go super old school. They do the entire movie as a 2D low pixel game. Adorable!
For anyone who played arcade games in the 80's this will be a fun trip back in time. :) They even sneak in some of the original game music!
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: When I first saw the trailer for this film I was sure it would either be good or very very bad. I'm happy to say it ended up on the 'good' side. They actually worked at it and even had a couple of plot tracks running at once, giving the film a little more substance than you'd expect.
One of the main themes played with at multiple levels and situations was love. Yep, you read right - love. Even geek love! Heh heh. (Even rather 'weird' love, too!)
Some of the humor was lukewarm, but other bits were quite precious. It all depends on your taste in humor.
And believe it or not, they actually have a surprise or two in the plot! Even some commentary on the difference between games then and games now. Using 80's shows, personalities, and commercials for how the aliens communicate - priceless! (And wait till you see the surprise speaker when the crew tries to get under the mother ship! Squee!) (My daughter had no idea who I was talking about. So sad...)
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Great job by all the people running, screaming, jumping out of half disintegrated cars, etc. Some cool driving scenes, too! Especially during the Pacman sequence. Nice work!
5) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of popular 80's titles along with some great background music by Henry Jackman.
Conclusion: "Pixels" is a fun little film with tons of 80's arcade nostalgia thrown in. Watch the credits for a condensed version of the movie in old style 2D pixels!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
For fun, I've included the short film by Patrick Jean the movie is based on. Too darn cute!
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Matt Lintz, Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Jane Krakowski, Dan Aykroyd, Penelope Wilton, and more.
Directed by: Chris Columbus Screenplay by: Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling Screen Story by: Tim Herlihy Based on the Short Film "Pixels" by: Patrick Jean Cinematography by: Amir Mokri Music by: Henry Jackman
Premise: In 1982, Brenner discovered video game arcades and the fact he could figure out the patterns and score really high on them. In the same year, he entered a video game competition, which was being filmed and sent as part of a NASA probe carrying info on Earth for possible contact with alien species. 33 years later, Brenner has yet to live up to his potential, while those around him have fulfilled theirs. Yet when there's an attack on a US base in Guam, his time to shine might finally have arrived. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Playing the dispirited underdog is one of Adam Sandler's strengths, and he does it here very well. Michelle Monaghan makes a nice foil for Sandler, especially after the misunderstandings after they first meet. Kevin James did an exceptional job as Cooper. Totally loved the use of Penelope Wilton as England's Prime Minister, especially since she's already played the PM in Dr. Who! (Yes, I am easily tickled! :P)
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: This film truly had a ton of lovely special effects. Seeing a bunch of beloved 80's arcade games come to life in 3D was a treat. They even replicated the best bits from the original short by Patrick Jean - watching buildings shrink by matching Tetris tiles was too fun!
All my favorite 80's games and more were represented. Donkey Kong, Joust, Galaga, Centipede, Asteroids, Pong, and a ton more. My favorite replicated character was Q-bert! Though it was weird to hear him talk English. Heh heh. He was too cute!
The most impressive effect of the lot is probably Pac Man. They made him scary! Centipede up close was rather scary, too!
During the credits - they go super old school. They do the entire movie as a 2D low pixel game. Adorable!
For anyone who played arcade games in the 80's this will be a fun trip back in time. :) They even sneak in some of the original game music!
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: When I first saw the trailer for this film I was sure it would either be good or very very bad. I'm happy to say it ended up on the 'good' side. They actually worked at it and even had a couple of plot tracks running at once, giving the film a little more substance than you'd expect.
One of the main themes played with at multiple levels and situations was love. Yep, you read right - love. Even geek love! Heh heh. (Even rather 'weird' love, too!)
Some of the humor was lukewarm, but other bits were quite precious. It all depends on your taste in humor.
And believe it or not, they actually have a surprise or two in the plot! Even some commentary on the difference between games then and games now. Using 80's shows, personalities, and commercials for how the aliens communicate - priceless! (And wait till you see the surprise speaker when the crew tries to get under the mother ship! Squee!) (My daughter had no idea who I was talking about. So sad...)
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Great job by all the people running, screaming, jumping out of half disintegrated cars, etc. Some cool driving scenes, too! Especially during the Pacman sequence. Nice work!
5) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of popular 80's titles along with some great background music by Henry Jackman.
Conclusion: "Pixels" is a fun little film with tons of 80's arcade nostalgia thrown in. Watch the credits for a condensed version of the movie in old style 2D pixels!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
For fun, I've included the short film by Patrick Jean the movie is based on. Too darn cute!
July 29, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/29/13
Greetings!
Let's see what I can throw at you today. :)
We have a new assassin in the household. Mystique (aka Sweevil) had outgrown her kitten bed and Ells had been borrowing it off and on much to her chagrin. So we went and got a new and bigger bed. The following result in no way surprised me. lol.
Still trying to get the sun through the trees look. Heh
Last time we went to Yoshi's Shabu-Shabu they were serving locally made desserts - Nom Noms. The Coffee Cream was delicious! (And they run a Mexican restaurant as well - though we've never been)
Assassination Classroom - one of the oddest manga ever! I took a picture as I wanted to try to entice A. Lee Martinez to give it a look see. Tentacled Alien teaching class while having the whole classroom try to assassinate him or he'll destroy the earth. Too awesomely bizarre~!
My publisher had some truly outstanding prizes to give away during ArmadilloCon! This lighted bonsai indirectly ties in to my new novel Jewel of the Gods.
Steampunk bookends! Wish I'd been able to see the actual ones but the publisher said they were still on backorder.
And the most popular item - The Folio Society's Dune 50th Anniversary Edition. With illustrations. ZP kept it wrapped to keep better value for whoever won it. Lots of drooling over the weekend. :P
Loved this plaque at the Austin Airport.
I think I'd seen this there before, but I did not remember it looking this awesome. Isn't this cool?
Evil traffic earlier this week! Wish I'd thought of taking it when I was higher in the overpass. :P
Happy Wednesday!
Let's see what I can throw at you today. :)
We have a new assassin in the household. Mystique (aka Sweevil) had outgrown her kitten bed and Ells had been borrowing it off and on much to her chagrin. So we went and got a new and bigger bed. The following result in no way surprised me. lol.
Still trying to get the sun through the trees look. Heh
Last time we went to Yoshi's Shabu-Shabu they were serving locally made desserts - Nom Noms. The Coffee Cream was delicious! (And they run a Mexican restaurant as well - though we've never been)
Assassination Classroom - one of the oddest manga ever! I took a picture as I wanted to try to entice A. Lee Martinez to give it a look see. Tentacled Alien teaching class while having the whole classroom try to assassinate him or he'll destroy the earth. Too awesomely bizarre~!
My publisher had some truly outstanding prizes to give away during ArmadilloCon! This lighted bonsai indirectly ties in to my new novel Jewel of the Gods.
Steampunk bookends! Wish I'd been able to see the actual ones but the publisher said they were still on backorder.
And the most popular item - The Folio Society's Dune 50th Anniversary Edition. With illustrations. ZP kept it wrapped to keep better value for whoever won it. Lots of drooling over the weekend. :P
Loved this plaque at the Austin Airport.
I think I'd seen this there before, but I did not remember it looking this awesome. Isn't this cool?
Evil traffic earlier this week! Wish I'd thought of taking it when I was higher in the overpass. :P
Happy Wednesday!
July 27, 2015
Mind Sieve 7/27/15
Morning~!
Running super late. Had a good time at ArmadilloCon, though sadly the new novel did not get there in time. Publisher was not happy! Especially since she paid for super printing and delivery. DOH!
You can find Jewel of the Gods at several retailers online now though. So it's OUT! :)
Maze Runner - The Scorch - official trailer 2 - should be fun!
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Official Trailer - looking forward to it!
One and Two Official Trailer - looks funky!
Gotta go! Have an awesome Monday!
Running super late. Had a good time at ArmadilloCon, though sadly the new novel did not get there in time. Publisher was not happy! Especially since she paid for super printing and delivery. DOH!
You can find Jewel of the Gods at several retailers online now though. So it's OUT! :)
Maze Runner - The Scorch - official trailer 2 - should be fun!
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Official Trailer - looking forward to it!
One and Two Official Trailer - looks funky!
Gotta go! Have an awesome Monday!
July 24, 2015
ArmadilloCon Schedule!
Greetings!
For any of you fun people coming on down to ArmadilloCon this weekend - here's what panels I've been scheduled on.
Friday
9:00 PM - Ballroom F - SF TV Shows We're Anticipating
The Expanse, Man in the High Castle, Minority Report, etc.: Which looks the most interesting and exciting? How faithful can the ones with literary origins be to their source material?
Saturday
10:00 AM - Ballroom E - Silkpunk: Asian themes and influences in SF/F
Exploring the use of Asian concepts and locations in the work of Guy Gavriel Kay, Neil Gaiman, and Ken Liu contextualized as just a few of many.
2:00 PM - Southpark A - Broad Universe
A joint reading by members of the writers' group Broad Universe "promoting science fiction, fantasy, and horror written by women."
Sunday
11:00AM - Southpark B - Reading
Yes, I must find something worthy to torture anyone who shows up. Bwahahahahaha!
2:00PM - Dealer's Room - Autographing
For the full ArmadiloCon programming grid - go here.
For panel descriptions - go here.
And of course, there'll be added treats by Zumaya Publications as both my novel, Jewel of the Gods, and Rie Sheridan Rose's, The Nearly Notorious Nun, debut during the convention!
For any of you fun people coming on down to ArmadilloCon this weekend - here's what panels I've been scheduled on.
Friday
9:00 PM - Ballroom F - SF TV Shows We're Anticipating
The Expanse, Man in the High Castle, Minority Report, etc.: Which looks the most interesting and exciting? How faithful can the ones with literary origins be to their source material?
Saturday
10:00 AM - Ballroom E - Silkpunk: Asian themes and influences in SF/F
Exploring the use of Asian concepts and locations in the work of Guy Gavriel Kay, Neil Gaiman, and Ken Liu contextualized as just a few of many.
2:00 PM - Southpark A - Broad Universe
A joint reading by members of the writers' group Broad Universe "promoting science fiction, fantasy, and horror written by women."
Sunday
11:00AM - Southpark B - Reading
Yes, I must find something worthy to torture anyone who shows up. Bwahahahahaha!
2:00PM - Dealer's Room - Autographing
For the full ArmadiloCon programming grid - go here.
For panel descriptions - go here.
And of course, there'll be added treats by Zumaya Publications as both my novel, Jewel of the Gods, and Rie Sheridan Rose's, The Nearly Notorious Nun, debut during the convention!
July 19, 2015
Cover Flat Reveal - Jewel of the Gods
Howdy, all!
Been working a ton of OT at work (*cry*) and also fighting a cold, so I got little to nothing done this weekend on writer stuff.
On the bright side, I finally got a hold of a copy of the final cover flat for my fantasy novel - Jewel of the Gods.
Still don't have the website updated with the new pages (doh!) but I can at least show you what's coming.
Debut for the novel is scheduled to happen at ArmadilloCon on Friday 7/24! Great bunch of peeps, lots of authors, lots of panels, lots of fun. So if you're in the Austin area next week, come on by and sign up for the cool giveaways planned by my publisher Zumaya Publications!
If you've not taken a peek yet, I do have sample chapters at the blog - Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3.
Here's a bigger view of the cover.
If you've a mind to, please help spread the news! Much appreciated!
Ebook version and print versions should show up online retailers not long after. :)
Novel # 7! Lucky 7? Can only hope. :)
Been working a ton of OT at work (*cry*) and also fighting a cold, so I got little to nothing done this weekend on writer stuff.
On the bright side, I finally got a hold of a copy of the final cover flat for my fantasy novel - Jewel of the Gods.
Still don't have the website updated with the new pages (doh!) but I can at least show you what's coming.
Debut for the novel is scheduled to happen at ArmadilloCon on Friday 7/24! Great bunch of peeps, lots of authors, lots of panels, lots of fun. So if you're in the Austin area next week, come on by and sign up for the cool giveaways planned by my publisher Zumaya Publications!
If you've not taken a peek yet, I do have sample chapters at the blog - Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3.
Here's a bigger view of the cover.
If you've a mind to, please help spread the news! Much appreciated!
Ebook version and print versions should show up online retailers not long after. :)
Novel # 7! Lucky 7? Can only hope. :)
July 15, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/15/15
Happy Wednesday!
Peeping Kitty by Morkel Erasmus at Earthshots.org. Isn't he adorable? Awwww! He's got more animals and other stuff at his site, too!
Statuesque by Linn Smith at Earthshots.org - To me he looks like a conductor about to start a symphony, no? So cute! Doesn't look like she has a website. Too bad...
Mothership Landing by Dennis Oswald at Earthshots.org. What a cool visual! She's beeming up the cows. :)
Mr. Oswald has a neat portfolio. One whole section devoted to bad weather. Gorgeous stuff!
These are the Most Incredible Photos Shot by NASA’s Cassini Probe by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Some look so surreal. And the straight lines on the rings...dang!
Have a great day!
Peeping Kitty by Morkel Erasmus at Earthshots.org. Isn't he adorable? Awwww! He's got more animals and other stuff at his site, too!
Statuesque by Linn Smith at Earthshots.org - To me he looks like a conductor about to start a symphony, no? So cute! Doesn't look like she has a website. Too bad...
Mothership Landing by Dennis Oswald at Earthshots.org. What a cool visual! She's beeming up the cows. :)
Mr. Oswald has a neat portfolio. One whole section devoted to bad weather. Gorgeous stuff!
These are the Most Incredible Photos Shot by NASA’s Cassini Probe by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Some look so surreal. And the straight lines on the rings...dang!
Have a great day!
July 13, 2015
Mind Sieve 7/13/15
Morning everyone!
Fan Fun
Con Man Trailer - I am so looking forward to this. lol.
Awesome quality film of the FanExpo/Dallas ComicCon 2015 panel with Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk. I was at that event, but I never saw them. lol. That's the way of conventions when you're a vendor. lol. (Warning it's 50+ minutes but fab quality!) Even more panels on his Youtube channel
Sherlock BBC Special First Clip - they're going back in Time~!
Dr Who Series 9 Trailer - switching his look a little. The female Master is BACK! And I should know who calls him Old Man but argh! (That's Arya from Game of Thrones. I mean who in the Who verse...) :P
Just when you thought you were safe - Dr Who Arrives in LEGO Dimensions. Lol!
Social Media/Author PlatformBarnes & Noble, Dead Nooks, and Brave New Branding from Kristen Lamb. It is an ever changing world out there.
Writing AdviceThe Secret Behind Making Me Care About Your Characters by Chuck (NSFW) Wendig. Some great stuff here!
I am once more out of time. I'll try not to mention it too often, but "Jewel of the Gods" should be coming out towards the end of July!!!!!! *fingerscrossed* Have seen the final draft for the cover (no words and I will share once it's final final!), and the publishers is planning a big shindig at ArmadilloCon. Now it's all about the waiting and the praying and the finally woot yeah!
Fan Fun
Con Man Trailer - I am so looking forward to this. lol.
Awesome quality film of the FanExpo/Dallas ComicCon 2015 panel with Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk. I was at that event, but I never saw them. lol. That's the way of conventions when you're a vendor. lol. (Warning it's 50+ minutes but fab quality!) Even more panels on his Youtube channel
Sherlock BBC Special First Clip - they're going back in Time~!
Dr Who Series 9 Trailer - switching his look a little. The female Master is BACK! And I should know who calls him Old Man but argh! (That's Arya from Game of Thrones. I mean who in the Who verse...) :P
Just when you thought you were safe - Dr Who Arrives in LEGO Dimensions. Lol!
Social Media/Author PlatformBarnes & Noble, Dead Nooks, and Brave New Branding from Kristen Lamb. It is an ever changing world out there.
Writing AdviceThe Secret Behind Making Me Care About Your Characters by Chuck (NSFW) Wendig. Some great stuff here!
I am once more out of time. I'll try not to mention it too often, but "Jewel of the Gods" should be coming out towards the end of July!!!!!! *fingerscrossed* Have seen the final draft for the cover (no words and I will share once it's final final!), and the publishers is planning a big shindig at ArmadilloCon. Now it's all about the waiting and the praying and the finally woot yeah!
July 12, 2015
Virtual Tourist - TERA 7/12/15
Morning!
Still fighting my failing drive and the new backup setup. Progress us slow....
But on the Happy Side! I have seen what should be the last draft (before they add the titles, blurbs, etc) of the Cover for Jewel of the Gods. Booyah!
The publisher is still hoping for it to be ready to reveal for purchase during ArmadilloCon 7/24-26! Woot! *fingerscrossed* If you want a sneak peak at the book (since I still don't have the pages up at the site (argh!) (Hello To Do List!) you can find Chapters 1, 2, and 3 on the blog. (With over a years delay in getting it published, you'd think I'd have more stuff together...But nooooooo!)
TERA
Val Palrada
Isn't he just too cool?
Such a good boy!
Love the magic/holographic sign.
Look at the gorgeous dress!
Front side and a peek at hubby. (Yeah, he's the short one)
Cool setup and with the awesome sky - double so!
Look at the gorgeous tile work!
Drool
Just a hint of sexy and cool forms.
The jungle around Val Palrada
Quaint way station
The Hatchery - Arachnea
Close look at nastiness. Can you see the beady eyes?
Eggsacs and wrapped up food. Eek!
Oh! Nice room!
Such an impressive ceiling!
Confrontation time!
So determined.
And look at this floor! Lovely!
Truly thankful for all the hard work of the artist on these games! Thank you!
Still fighting my failing drive and the new backup setup. Progress us slow....
But on the Happy Side! I have seen what should be the last draft (before they add the titles, blurbs, etc) of the Cover for Jewel of the Gods. Booyah!
The publisher is still hoping for it to be ready to reveal for purchase during ArmadilloCon 7/24-26! Woot! *fingerscrossed* If you want a sneak peak at the book (since I still don't have the pages up at the site (argh!) (Hello To Do List!) you can find Chapters 1, 2, and 3 on the blog. (With over a years delay in getting it published, you'd think I'd have more stuff together...But nooooooo!)
TERA
Val Palrada
Isn't he just too cool?
Such a good boy!
Love the magic/holographic sign.
Look at the gorgeous dress!
Front side and a peek at hubby. (Yeah, he's the short one)
Cool setup and with the awesome sky - double so!
Look at the gorgeous tile work!
Drool
Just a hint of sexy and cool forms.
The jungle around Val Palrada
Quaint way station
The Hatchery - Arachnea
Close look at nastiness. Can you see the beady eyes?
Eggsacs and wrapped up food. Eek!
Oh! Nice room!
Such an impressive ceiling!
Confrontation time!
So determined.
And look at this floor! Lovely!
Truly thankful for all the hard work of the artist on these games! Thank you!
