I'm in San Diego getting ready for ComicCon by taking a few days off with my sis. We had a Hercule Poirot marathon and just got started on film noir but I found so much stuff for this week's blog, I thought I'd better get started.
What to do first? Maybe Harry Potter? From Buzzfeed :
20 Alcoholic Beverages Inspires by the Harry Potter Series
Just two of my favorites:
Gryffindor Shot
Ingredients: 1/2 part Cinnamon Aftershock 1/2 part Goldschläger Instructions: 'First layer the Aftershock, then layer the Goldschläger on top. It's best if you shake the Goldschläger first so you can get some gold flakes.'
Ingredients: 1 part gin 1 part vodka 2 parts cranberry juice 1 splash Grenadine Instructions: 'Combine ingredients in a snifter over ice. Dry ice optional.'
Mmmmmm...
And this nice piece that I think I got from Shelf Awareness or UK Guardian, but for some reason I didn't not the source. My apologies. In it, she thanks a fan who wrote how much the HP books meant to her. Worth searching out a magnifying glass.... oops-- found the link
Particularly liked the last line... Classy lady.
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Doggy Bookends from Buzzfeed —under the heading, it’s always nice to include your pets in household duties.
A short examination of the art of the pun, narrated by George Gopen, Professor of the Practice of Rhetoric at Duke University and principal judge for the inaugural Durham Pun Championship at The Regulator Bookshop, July 9, 2011.
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This from Deadline Universal declines to make Stephen King's Dark Tower...
Universal has passed on going forward with the project, dealing a huge blow in the plan for Ron Howard to direct Akiva Goldsman's script, with Brian Grazer, Goldsman and the author producing and Javier Bardem starring as gunslinger Roland Deschain. Now, the filmmakers will have to find a new backer of what might well be the most ambitious movie project since Bob Shaye allowed Peter Jackson to shoot three installments of The Lord of the Rings back to back.
All I have to say about this next is WOW... Hunger Games Exclusive Motion Poster. See it in all it's fiery glory here
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Today I meet with my cousin's critique group at the home of another cousin in Oceanside. Should be fun...and interesting. I'm going to offer critiques. Hope I'm invited back.
So, what are you up to? Denverites, is it still hotter than hades??? I've updated my website (thanks, Jay Salam) so all upcoming appearances to date are noted. Stop by and take a look...
PS I have to add, back from my cuz's and his critique group has some of the most talented writers I've ever had the pleasure to visit with. Every item submitted was polished and well-written and every voice unique. I have a feeling we'll be hearing from some of them very soon. They were that good. So, thanks, Cousin Al, for inviting me! And Cousin Rich for sharing his beautiful home. And the Corona Writers Group for sharing their work.
PPS Two upcoming chats that you might drop in on--
Fresh Fiction Chat with the authors of Chicks Kick Butt
July 26 8pm Eastern / 7pm Central / 6pm Mountain / 5pm Pacific
Hotter than Hades???? I am laughing maniacally. I haven't felt true heat since February, and it wasn't in this country. You don't know how miserable it is to be in Seattle, now to be forever known as the Home of the 78 Minute Summer. Quote from the Seattle Times:
"Sistek decided to look back to June 1 to see how much of our summer has actually been summery. Using a minute by minute temperature station at the UW's Atmospheric Sciences Department, he looked for "truly warm summer" moments — which he defined as any time the temperature reached at least 80 degrees.
It's only happened twice, he found. First, on July 2, for all of 12 minutes. And then again on July 6, for 66 minutes.
That's it, Seattle. We've had a grand total of 78 minutes of summer. As Sistek put it, if you went to a movie you could miss it."
I would freaking KILL for a 90 degree day (dry heat, of course).