COMMAFUL - a lovely writers community

If you have never done it....go check out COMMAFUL

It is an awesome writers community. It is so unique and I have made many friends via this site. You use words and photos and/or gifs to create. They have contests and daily prompts. It is so much fun. I have also learned a great deal by reading about things I never knew a thing about. I HIGHLY recommend you check it out!!!

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via Commaful

via Commaful

San Diego Comic Con & Walking Dead theories

San Diego Comic Con will be held July 19-22 and the much anticipated Walking Dead panel has been scheduled for July 20th. Some of the actors that will be involved in the panel include Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan, Norman Reedus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, along with new showrunner Angela Kang. Kang was announced as the new showrunner recently. She has been involved TWD since Season 2 and has written some really well done episodes such as Four Walls & a Roof, Coda & Thank you. There is even a rumor that Jon Bernthal may show up. He has been seen hanging out in Georgia with Reedus & Morgan which leads to fans speculating on what his role will be in Season 9. Will there be a flashback? Is it something to do with Lincoln's departure from TWD?

With the release of the first SDCC promo image for Season 9 comes all the fan theories. The dark image appears to be in Washington DC and features Rick Grimes in the foreground with Carol, Michonne, Maggie & Daryl in the background. Beyond them is what looks to be the US Capital which is charred and destroyed.  We also see birds scattering from the remains of the Capital but in my opinion, the most interesting thing the is presence of a helicopter! We have seen helicopters a number of times and I am anxious to see where they are coming from. The fact that Rick is well groomed with a different hair cut as well as Maggie's longer hair and no prego belly probably confirms the talk about a major time jump.

Fans always look forward to SDCC because that is when we get to see the official trailer for for the upcoming season. Season 9 promises many changes including the rumored departure of Rick & Maggie. I don’t imagine any major secrets will be revealed but it is always exciting to see the tone that will be set for the season.

The Lost Boys Soundtrack and all it's awesomeness

When I was 16 I won tickets on a radio contest to The Lost Boys movie. I was extremely excited because I had tried forever to win by calling into radio contests and I really wanted to see this movie. Unfortunately, I was unable to use those free tickets! But, when the movie came out on VHS I rented it and LOVED it immediately. I rented that VHS more times than I can remember. The cast was excellent – Keifer, Jason, Dianne, The Corey’s, etc and MY FAV Billy Wirth! The vampires were sexy and made you want to move to Santa Carla and join them. But, the thing that impressed me most was the soundtrack. I still listen to it today. It is such a diverse selection of songs and artists.

When Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, I bet they never imagined it would eventually be covered by Roger Daltrey, of the Who, for a movie about vampires. This version is amazing. Roger’s voice is strong and powerful giving this song an awesome edge.

What 80s girls didn’t LOVE Michael Hutchence from INXS? Those eyes and that hair!! Good Times is as awesome meld of two great Australian singers, Michael and Jimmy Barnes. The controlled screams, the up-beat tempo make this song a fun one to jam out in car karaoke!

Who can forget I Still Believe by Tom Cappello? Who knew that sweaty, oily, ball of muscles was really singing that song? Back in the day Tom played sax for Tina Turner among other notable musical accomplishments! Including this memorable gig on the Lost Boys soundtrack. At age 62,he still dresses the part, purple spandex included and performs that song for Lost Boys fans.

Did you get a Foreigner vibe on this soundtrack!? Of course you did! Lou Gramm, lead singer of Foreigner, sings Lost in the Shadows. This is probably one of the favorites on this soundtrack. Powerful vocals, amazing instruments, a dark sexy feel, how can it not be a fav!?

                                                               

Echo and the Bunnymen do an excellent job of covering People are Strange by the Doors. Their version has a little more bounce to it than the original and goes well with the scene in the movie showing all the diversity Santa Carla has to offer.
I loved the homage to Jim Morrison in the vampire abode.

We get another taste of INXS w/ Jimmy Barnes with Laying Down the Law.

Mummy Calls, singing Beauty Has her Way gets me with the lyrics:  Sometimes she shines, and i know Beauty has her way.

Thomas Newman's The Shock of Miss Louise is a great carousel song to start out the movie. The Lost Boys are harassing the Surf Nazi's on the boardwalk carousel and the song just fits. It is also reintroduced later in the movie when Michael confronts the Boys and they reveal their true identity.

(below is a shameless plug for my favorite Billy Wirth...just look at him!! SWOON!!)

I imagine Cry Little Sister, performed by Gerard McMann, is the all-time favorite for most fans. The powerful vocals, the eerie chorus of children, the goth feel of it all lends itself to this movie and the darkness that surrounds the movie.

I can honestly say this is one of my favorite soundtracks ever! What’s not to like?? If you haven’t given it a listen but sure to check it out. If you haven’t watch the movie SHAME ON YOU! Go do it now!

NETFLIX - ROM-COM SET IT UP

Netflix has finally figured out how to bring back the rom-com with 'Set it Up'. I love a good rom-com and this one is just the right amount of each element. We find ourselves witnessing the inner workings of two executive assistants whose lives are ruled by their workaholic bosses. Harper, Zoey Deutch, works for the overly driven sports editor Kirsten, Lucy Lui, who has launched her own successful sports website. While, Charlie, Glen Powell, works for the short tempered, often times, asshole, Rick, Taye Diggs, who works in investments. They work in the same building and meet one evening while trying to secure last minute dinners for their respective bosses.  Once they meet and realize they are both overworked, underappreciated and have no time for their own personal lives, they hatch a plan to play matchmakers for their bosses so they will be preoccupied with romance and perhaps ease up on the workload.

The chemistry between Harper and Charlie is on point which draws us in from the original ‘meet cute’. Harper has aspirations to be a writer and knows her boss can help make that happen. So, she does everything she can to make Kristen’s life run like a well oiled machine with hopes that she will one day see that Harper is a gem deserving of praise & give her that chance to become a writer. Charlie is working hard for that promotion he has been promised for so long. He knows the in’s and out’s of Ricks life and goes so far to make sure he doesn’t hear about things that upset him like his ex wife’s “spiritual non-legal commitment ceremony”. Harper and Charlie both work for bosses that are the best at what they do and will do anything to stay on top including overworking their assistants without really appreciating all they do. The dialogue between all of the characters is brilliantly written. They sling dialogue back and forth that is often times means but humorous nonetheless.

This movie has a refreshing classic feel to it without all the raunchy additions that a lot of of rom-coms seem to force on it’s viewers. There are several hilarious parts to the ‘set up’ such as a hilarious elevator encounter in which they are assisted by Creepy Tim, a maintenance man, played by Tituss Burgess, from the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. As well as a forced kiss cam opportunity and countless other antics.  Personally, I am a sucker for a good soundtrack and ‘Set it Up’ doesn’t disappoint. Lots of well known feel good hits to keep things moving. If you like a good rom-com I recommend you give ‘Set it Up’ a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Netflix is doing an excellent job of putting out some really great series and movies. I have really enjoyed The Crown, The Killing, Ozark & Stranger Things, to name a few. Can’t wait to watch even more!

My review of the 1st Annual Senoia Dead Bash

My review originally published at comiconverse.com

Senoia Summer Dead Bash

The 1st Annual Senoia Dead Bash is over and i the books! If you missed it, I am just plain sad for you because this event was spectacular. It was a unique and intimate fan experience. The event was the brainchild of Oscar Rodriguez, Scott Spillman and their, without a doubt, better halves Casey and Becky. The vision was to host a Walking Dead themed art event in the heart of Walking Dead Country, Senoia, Georgia. For the backdrop they decided to use the historc Veranda Bed and Breakfast for the venue. A quant BandB was the perfect setting for this event.

We arrived in Senoia a couple of days ahead of the event, we were give the grand tour by Oscar. He showed us the grounds and explained the layout of the event. Being a huge fan of historic homes, I was impressed with the Veranda. The house itself would feature the main artists Oscar, Scott, Robin Overton, known as the Black and White guy and special guest artist and Walking Dead actor Xander Berkeley. The outside area where most of the event would take place was well laid out and gorgeous. Oscars's passion and enthusiasm for the Dead Bash could not be ignored as he excitedly pointed out the layout to us and whipped us into a frenzy of excitement.

The initial idea behind the Dead Bash was to promote artists but, it grew beyond that quickly! As a brilliant move they added vendors and meet and greets with Walking Dead cast members. The event was sold out but people were allowed to gain entry before 5pm without a ticket. During this time they were able to access some meet and greets and check out the vendors. But, after 5pm it was ticket only entry and the party started! The attendees were able to access ALL the meet and greet opportunities with the actors like IronE Singleton (T-Dog), Peter Zimmerman (Eduardo), James Chen (Kal), Sabrina Gennarino (Tamiel), Josh Mikel (Jared), Jake Kearney (Nelson), WF Bell (Savior), Karen Ceesay (Bertie), Jeremy Palko (Andy) and Nicole Barre (Kathy). And, if you were on your game you would have seen Jayson Warner Smith and Seth Gilliam milling about. Other awesome guests were Addy Miller (Teddy Bear Walker), Steven Vining (Hero Walker), Tim Proctor (Hero Walker), Kylie Szymanski (Walker Penny), and Melissa Cowan (bicycle walker). Being a comic-con veteran I can tell you it was much more intimate and exciting than fighting through a crowd of thousands. The actors took their time to engage with their fans, laughing and joking and my husband even got a big ol' bear hug from IronE.

As if this event could have been any more awesome with all its Walking Deadness it was also a fundraiser for Animal Hope and Wellness and Royal Animal Refuge! It was such a great idea to bring in the puppies! Who doesn't want to cuddle a puppy? There was a silent auction with amazing items available for bidding with the proceeds benefiting both of these charities. 

For the nights entertainment the MC was  Chris from BeaztModeNY. He did a fantastic job of keeping the crowd engaged and did amazing interviews with the celebrities. DJ on 1 wowed the crowd and kept the dance party going until the very end.

Oscar and Scott, if this event doesn't have a sequel you two better have a damn good reason because THIS girl had one hell of a time!!

Keep your eyes out because you won't want to miss next year's 2nd annual Senoia Summer Dead Bash!

The Walking Dead - What is left to be explored

This is my submission for comiconverse.com find it here: 

https://comiconverse.com/the-walking-dead-what-is-left-to-be-explored-24008

Season 8 of The Walking Dead didn’t leave us with a cliff hanger which is sometimes the route the writers like to take. I for one, am happy for the fact that there seemed to be a little bit of closure for this season. I think cliff hangers are great most of the time but when they become the norm it’s too predictable & loses its impact. I wasn’t too thrilled about how quickly the War was over. This has been built up for MANY episodes and then it was over that quickly? To quote a friend “lazy writing”.

We leave Season 8 with Negan being injured but patched up. Rick has told him he will be locked in a cell for the rest of his life. Will they follow the comic story for Negan? Who can tell but I don’t think he will be locked in that cell and leave it at that. Negan is too badass of a character and Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays this character too well to just let him sit in a cell.  It will be interesting to see how his prison term plays out.

By request of Rick, Morgan approaches the Scavengers’ leader, Jadis or Anne, and extended an invitation for her to join Rick & his crew. She was left alone in her junk yard after Simon killed all her people. He was mad at Negan and had to take it out on someone.  We end the season with Morgan extending the invitation to Anne to join Rick and his crew. She seems to be a survivor and might make a good addition. She has betrayed them multiple times, so I am a bit leery about her. There has been talk on the web that she could possible be Alpha from the Whispers. I am excited to see where the writers take Anne in season 9.

We finally see Maggie have some emotion where Glenn’s death is concerned. She wanted Negan dead to avenge Glenn’s death. Rick didn’t let him die & she finally had her break down about losing her husband. I was glad to finally see some emotion regarding the brutal loss of Glenn. She has been so hell bent on revenge that she really hasn’t taken the time to mourn him. And what about her baby? She has been under a HUGE amount of stress. Will the baby even make it? The final scene with Maggie, Jesus & Daryl makes us believe they are all turning on Rick & Michonne, I don’t believe that is the case. I think they all want Negan dead and that is what they will be planning. They have finally re-signed Lauren Cohen so Maggie’s story can continue.

The Saviors seemed to give up too easily. Are they just going to roll over, give up and be peaceful? I can’t see that happening. There were many of Negan’s followers who seemed to be just as brutal and die hard about their arrangements with neighboring groups as Negan. I just can’t see them happily planting vegetables are going about life peacefully.

Even though Daryl had every reason not to, he let Dwight go. His parting words were “Find her.”  Are we to assume Dwight understood the note Sherry left for him and will go off to find her? I imagine that will be the end of it, but I hope not. I think they could both be excellent additions to Ricks group.

The Kingdom saw the return of their King along with Jerry, Carol & Henry. Exciting things could happen there. Carol is an awesome character that the writers just kind of push off to the side & bring her out when they need some badassery. We will she come along side Ezekiel and become his Queen?

There are many other loose ends that would be interesting to explore. A few I would like to see more on: where the heck did Heath end up? That frickin helicopter? Is this all we will see of Oceanside? Filming has started on Season 9 and I am anxious to see what is coming next.

Don't call 80s Hair Bands Classic Rock

I hear it all the time...80's is now class rock. NO, it isn't. Classic Rock is a specific sound from the late 60's and 70's that is set apart from the 80's sound. People will argue this with me and I will fight you!

Classic rock was a new sound that originated in the late 60's and continues on through the 70's and even in to the 80's. This sound was heavy in guitar and vocals that were belted out like never before. Guitar Gods were formed with this sound. You can hear these sounds in bands like Queen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Who, to name only a few.

The 80's hair bands or Glam Rock emerged in the late 70's and early 80's. This sound was still heavy but with the addition of the shred guitar solo and a somewhat pop feel set this genre apart from the 1970's classic rock. These sounds were best diplayed by bands like Van Halen, Poison, Motley Crue and Quiet Riot.

When you listen to say Led Zeppelin you can feel this underlying heaviness that you can feel in your soul. It touches you on a deeper lever. It pulls you in with the driving guitar and those vocals. The vocals are loud, rich, and belting. There is a raw quality to the sound. It isn't the over edited music of today.

Bands like Van Halen have a much different sound. You still get that heavy feel but there is a touch of of pop that keeps it a bit lighter. The vocals still have that amazing range but with the addition of melodies gives it a new sound. Guitar solos were another thing that set these 80's bands apart. Jimi Hendricks and other before have made the guitar solo an amazing spectacle to watch but 80's hair bands made it a staple to their existence. 

You can argue it is all rock 'n roll and I will agree. But, when I am on a road trip listening to my playlist I hear these bands playing and you can definitely tell a difference in the areas of rock 'n roll. You can hear a Queen song and know that it is a 70's sound whereas Poison has a distinct 80's sound. I am not going to argue which genre is better because in my opinion they are both amazing sounds. 

This is a piece I wrote for the website wearyourmusic.com.https://www.wearyourmusic.com/

It can be found here: 

https://www.wearyourmusic.com/blogs/whose-strings-are-you-wearing/don-t-call-80s-hair-bands-classic-rock