Click for Woodridge, Illinois Forecast

5/16/13

New Book Cover Reveal: Maven by S.A. Huchton

How far would you go for love?

Since losing her parents at 14, young prodigy Dr. Lydia Ashley has focused on one thing: an appointment on the Deep Water Research Command Endure. Now 21, she's about to realize that dream, but nothing is how she imagined it would be. Her transitional sponsor forgets her, her new lab is in complete chaos, and, as if that weren't enough, she's about to discover something so horrific it could potentially destroy all life on the planet.

Daniel Brewer, a noted playboy and genius in his own right, may be exactly what she needs... Or he may make everything worse. Has she finally found a puzzle she can't solve?


Maven (The Endure Series, book 1), by S.A. Huchton
Genre: Science Fiction Romance (New Adult)
Release Date: June 3rd, 2013

Excerpt:

"Did you have a chance to look at those files I sent yet?" Daniel changed the subject.

"Files?" She thought back. "Oh, those files. No, not yet. I can take a look now though, since we're waiting for everyone else to get here." Lydia set her cup on the desk and walked around to the chair. Settling in, she called up her messages and opened the attached files Daniel had sent. He stood behind her, watching.

"Hmm," she murmured as she read the first one. "It looks like experiment results, but I'm not sure what the initial subject is." She opened another. More results. "I don't get... Wait. This list of bacteria?" She pointed at a column on the screen. He put a hand down on the desk and leaned in close to her to read the words. She was surprised that her voice didn't tremble when she spoke. "These are all marine specimens. Specifically, ones that have been found around deep ocean volcanoes. They're rare and we don't know much about them yet, but we do know they're dangerous. These are some of the most resilient bacteria on the planet. They have to be, given the environment they live in.”

Daniel frowned. "What kind of experimentation would have been going on here with these things?"

"That's what has me concerned.” She bit her lip. "These documents don't give any information aside from which samples were being used and basic test results, like genetic composition and temperature reactivity, but they’re reference documents for another research project. Given the dates they originate, I would have heard about any work with these specific bacteria, and I know of none. I wouldn't normally pick up research from another study without specifically being tasked, but something here isn't sitting right with me." It was hard to concentrate. At this proximity, she could smell the scent of his body; soft and clean, with the faintest hint of his aftershave.

"So, what will you do?" Daniel asked.

Lydia considered that for a moment, struggling to retain her composure. "Did you say you thought there were other related files somewhere?" She turned her head slightly, but couldn't face him directly. Not with him this close.

He shrugged. "It's possible. There was a ton of old data dumped into a trash file I dug up while cleaning out the system. Backups of backups, it looks like. I didn't know what I was looking for specifically, so I tossed anything from 3-SSR into the same group. It wasn't much, but there was a bunch of other stuff I couldn't identify." He straightened, much to her relief. The near contact was clouding her brain.

"If I gave you a list of keywords to search for, would that help? Based on these documents, I can narrow down what might be contained in related files."

"Yes," he said. "Definitely. If I know what I should be looking for, I have some tools for doing entire sweeps of all connected computers, including the Endure’s core programs. How long would it take you to make up that list?"

She looked at the list of files he had already sent. "There's forty-eight documents here. Not all of them may pertain to this project, but it will take me at least a day to do a quick once through. Are you sure you have time to take this on?" Lydia faced him.

"Absolutely," he said, his hazel eyes locking on to hers. Her breath caught unexpectedly in her throat. Something in the way he looked at her made her think that she could ask him for anything at that moment and he would say yes.

The sound of the lab door and voices shattered the moment. Lydia spun around and closed the list of files, along with the messaging program.

"Looks like people are arriving. I'll go fire up the lab computers so we can all see the new software." She rushed out of the office, hoping no one else could hear her pounding heart.

Starla Huchton released her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread, as a full cast podcast production beginning in August 2009. Her first foray went on to become a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. Since her debut, Starla’s voice has appeared in other podcasts including The Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine, The Drabblecast, and Erotica a la Carte. She is also a voice talent for Darkfire Productions, and narrates several of their projects, including The Emperor’s Edge series, This Path We Share, and others. Her writing has appeared in the Erotica a la Carte podcast, a short story for The Gearheart, and an episode of the Tales from the Archives podcast (the companion to Tee Morris and Philippa Balantine’s Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series), which garnered her a second finalist badge from the 2012 Parsec Awards. Her second novel, a Steampunk adventure entitled Master of Myth, was the first place winner in the Fantasy/Science Fiction category of The Sandy Writing Contest held annually by the Crested Butte Writers Conference. Maven is her third completed novel and the first in a planned series of four.

After completing her degree in Graphic Arts at Monterey Peninsula College, Starla opened up shop as a freelance graphic designer focusing on creating beautiful book covers for independent authors publishers. She currently lives in Virginia where she trains her three Minions and military husband.

Links:
MAVEN on Goodreads
http://www.starlahuchton.com
http://www.designedbystarla.com
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: @riznphnx

4/24/13

Doctor Who Meets Star Wars (Episodes 4-6) Parody

If you're a fan of Doctor Who and Star Wars, this is a MUST SEE!

Thor: The Dark World - UK Trailer

The sequel to Marvel's Thor, starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston and Christopher Eccleston. In US theaters November 8, 2013.

Emilie Autumn & ARTISTdirect.com Premiere "Fight Like a Girl"

~From ARTISTdirect.com

ARTISTdirect.com has teamed up with Emilie Autumn to premiere her new video for "Fight Like a Girl", from the album of the same name, directed by Darren Bousman, whose resume lists impressive credits such as Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, REPO! The Genetic Opera and The Devil's Carnival. It's also produced by Laura Bousman!

Emilie Autumn is a woman of the arts, with a very specific and arresting aesthetic, a true Renaissance girl, as she has recently released a book, "The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls". The album is based on the book and therefore the video is, as well.

Get ready to fight like a girl. The cinematic, sweeping, film-like clip [is reminiscent] of Carnival in its visuals (and even features some of the same actors).

Emilie Autumn is a true artist, one who creates art across different platforms and media. That's why I love her!

Video of the Day: Cups (Pitch Perfect's "When I'm Gone" - Director's Cut)

Music video by Anna Kendrick performing Cups (Pitch Perfect's "When I'm Gone" - Director's Cut).
(C) 2013 Universal Music Enterprises, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.

4/18/13

BONUS Video of the Day: Spectrum by Zedd ft. Matthew Koma

Music video: Spectrum by Zedd (feat. Matthew Koma) (C) 2012 Interscope Records
Video directed by Petro and featuring Taryn Manning & Derek Magyar
Download "Clarity"

Watch Ryan Reynolds Die in the "R.I.P.D." Trailer

~From Nerdist.com

While it may appear that someone put Rooster Cogburn, Ghostbusters and Men in Black into a blender, R.I.P.D. is so much more than what it seems. Based on Peter Lenkov’s Dark Horse Comics series of the same name, R.I.P.D. follows the recently deceased cop Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) as he is pressed into re-enlisting for active duty with the aptly named Rest in Peace Department, an undead police force that deals with otherworldly crimes happening in the land of the living.

The first trailer, appearing on Machinima, is finally here, and gives us a healthy helping of what we can expect from Robert Schwentke’s adaptation: Jeff Bridges’ sassy southern drawl as Roy Powell, Mary-Louise Parker as the world’s best job interviewer, and the kind of kick-the-door-in action that made us love the comic in the first place. Considering that we’ve yet to see Kevin Bacon’s character – well, there’s an awful lot to be excited about.

R.I.P.D. opens in theaters nationwide on July 19th.

Amazon's Zombieland TV Series Trailer

I know it says "Watch now for free on Amazon Instant Video" at the very end, but as of this morning, Amazon was only running a 12 second video that said COMING SOON, so I guess we'll just have to stay tuned!!!

Video of the Day: Better Dig Two by The Band Perry

Music video by The Band Perry performing Better Dig Two.
© 2012 Big Machine Records, LLC

4/17/13

Simon's Cat in "Screen Grab"

NEW SIMON'S CAT VIDEO!!


4/10/13

Video of the Day: Daft Punk Skrillex Remix by Conte

Played on a sideways TV with a Launchpad.
Jack Conte Music YouTube Channel
FaceBook
Twitter

Karen Gillan for Z’ombeal: The Complete Collection!

Check out Karen Gillan’s Z’ombeal Walking Dead Skin Care commercials from “The Nerdist” Zombies! episode.

Skin Care

Hair Care

SAY NØ TO BRAINS

4/8/13

First Look: Stephen King's "Under the Dome"

Check out this one-minute preview which contains the first footage for the adaptation which will be told over 13-episodes.

AMC to ‘Geek Out’ with Ernest Cline

~From Variety.com
AMC has greenlit “Geek Out,” a reality pilot with fanboy aficionado Ernest Cline.

Cline, who penned feature film “Fanboys” and novels including “Ready Player One” and “Armada”, will host the unscripted project and send ultimate super-fans to the zenith of their obsession, be it music, video games, TV series, comic books or the like.

Net notes that the project could feature anyone from a person whose body is covered in “X-Men” tattoos, to a suburban mom who collects “Twilight” memorabilia.

The wish-fulfillment program is currently casting a second co-host.

“Conceptually, ‘Geek Out’ is right in AMC’s wheelhouse of appealing to the fanboy community and ultimately creating an indelible moment in one lucky person’s life,” said Joel Stillerman, exec veep of original programming at AMC.

Cabler has become a hub for fanboy culture recently, with hit drama “Walking Dead” (based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman) and Kevin Smith’s reality show “Comic Book Men.” “Geek Out” would capitalize on AMC’s budding fanboy fare, expanding outwards with feel-good programming.

Cline added: “‘Geek Out’ celebrates a different facet of fanboy and fangirl culture, as we ‘geek out’ at the kind of epic level that usually only occurs at Comic Con.”

“Geek Out” will be exec produced by Cline along with Thinkfactory Media’s Leslie Greif, Adam Freeman, Adam Reed and Dan Farah through his banner Farah Films. Cline is repped by Farah, Paradigm and Greenberg Glusker. Thinkfactory is repped by UTA.

4/1/13

Video (Song) of the Day: Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult (Apollo 440 Remix)

My favorite remix, by Apollo 440, of one of my all-time favorite songs.

Hemlock Grove Werewolf Transformation

It's a werewolf transformation unlike any other in this scene from Eli Roth's new horror series, Hemlock Grove. All 13 episodes debut April 19th on Netflix. Are you ready?

*WARNING: This video contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.


3/29/13

Video of the Day: Try by P!nk

Music video by P!nk.
From the new album The Truth About Love, available now.

3/27/13

Video of the Day: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

Music video by Imagine Dragons.
Debut album Night Visions available now.

DWTS16 - Week 2: My Favorite Routine


(Dance begins at 1:13)

Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough dancing a Jazz routine on Week 2 of DWTS16.
As Seen On ABC©
Uploaded by TheVocalVault on Mar 25, 2013.

3/24/13

Lindsey Stirling Live

If you're a fan of Lindsey and were unable to see her in concert (like I was), here's a little something to tide you over until she tours again. And if you were lucky enough to see her, you can enjoy the concert all over again!

Recorded by rvdm88 at the Poppodium in Tilburg, The Netherlands on 1/16/13.

Tracks Listing:
00:00 Moon Trance
03:39 Spontaneous Me
07:21 Shadows
11:39 Electric Daisy Violin
15:24 Skyrim Medley
19:15 Elements Dubstep
23:40 Found Love
29:00 Lord of the Rings Medley
33:07 Michael Jackson Medley
36:43 Good feeling
39:47 Instagram picture
41:10 Zee Zee's Journey
44:52 Crystallize
50:40 Transcendence (cut up slightly)
54:00 Phantom of the Opera Medley

3/21/13

New International 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Trailer!

Paramount Pictures has revealed this new international trailer for J.J. Abrams' Star Trek Into Darkness, hitting IMAX 3D theaters on May 15 and conventional theaters on May 17.

3/20/13

Soft Kitty Warm Kitty

Too cute!  Had to share.

Charlie Marsden
@Charlie_Marsden
Charlie Marsden Bandpage
Charlie Marsden Facebook

Escape From New York Reboot


~From ComingSoon.net

Deadline is reporting that Joel Silver and his Silver Pictures are teaming with StudioCanal for a new big screen take on Escape From New York.

Set in a dystopic future, John Carpenter's 1981 original starred Kurt Russell as a Snake Plissken, an eyed-patched convict sent into a maximum security prison (formerly the island of Manhattan) to rescue the President.

Carpenter directed his own sequel to the original, Escape From L.A., in 1996.

New Line Cinema had been planning a remake for some time with, most recently, The Crazies director Breck Eisner attached to helm. Before that, Len Wiseman was planning a version that would have starred Gerard Butler in the Plissken role.

The new take will be produced by Silver and Andrew Rona with Alex Heineman executive producing.

Sony Sets a Release Date for Resident Evil 6

~From ShockTillYouDrop.com

If you saw Resident Evil: Retribution - the fifth chapter in the series, which grossed $221 million worldwide - you know they've left the door open to at least one more chapter in the series.  

[...] Director Paul W.S. Anderson [...] had mapped out a story for a new trilogy which would carry the franchise into a sixth film, so you know he's ready.  While we don't have a title for that sixth film, there is a confirmed release date...

ShockTillYouDrop.com has learned Sony/Screen Gems has set a debut date for September 12, 2014 which means Anderson and star Milla Jovovich will likely begin shooting the new film this fall.

Story-wise, no details have been released, but when we last saw Jovovich's Alice, she was at the White House and facing a rather large threat with Wesker by her side.

Global Zombie Walk


~From ShockTillYouDrop.com

There’s a Global Zombie Apocalypse coming to a city near you on May 4th, 2013 with over 1,000 cities around the world participating. Dress like a zombie and join the biggest pub-crawl in the known universe. Crawl, stagger, walk, or run to the party – there’s never been anything like it in the living world – or the world of the dead – before.

Zombie pub-crawls combine the decadent fun of the average boozy pub-crawl with the best of zombie walk traditional fun. Pub crawl participants don zombie attire, pour on the fake blood, and devour drinks and snacks shuffling bar to bar. They walk like the living dead and party like there’s no tomorrow. One of the first zombie pub-crawls began in the US, but the contagion of fun is about to spread worldwide. So what’s next? Zombies take over the French Quarter? Times Square? The Left Bank? Big Ben? The world's largest pub-crawl is bound to break the world record for the largest of zombie gatherings.

Zombies can create their own costumes or stagger on into a costume store. Must haves: fake blood and gore, ripped or tattered clothes, and a strong desire to turn the night of the living dead into a rocking, fun night of the living dead. No more will zombies be confined to B movies and comic books. They’re coming - it’s a dead man’s party!

Saturday May 4th, 2013, join the massive hordes of the undead. Be part of the swarm of zombies to descend on local bars - and party through the night at the biggest gathering of the undead ever seen.

For more info and locations check out the Zombie Apocalypse Facebook page or www.thezompocalypse.com.

3/17/13

Song of the Day: Pentatonik - Devotion

Pentatonik - Devotion
Release: One A.D. (Volume One Ambient Dub)
Label: Waveform Records
Released: 17 May 1994
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dub, Ambient

3/12/13

Study: Bee Venom Kills HIV

~From USNews.com

Discovery could lead to topical gel to prevent HIV transmission

Bees could hold the key to preventing HIV transmission. Researchers have discovered that bee venom kills the virus while leaving body cells unharmed, which could lead to an anti-HIV vaginal gel and other treatments.

Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, physically destroys the HIV virus, a breakthrough that could potentially lead to drugs that are immune to HIV resistance. The study was published Thursday in the journal Antiviral Therapy.

"Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this as a preventative measure to stop the initial infection," Joshua Hood, one of the authors of the study, said in a statement.

The researchers attached melittin to nanoparticles that are physically smaller than HIV, which is smaller than body cells. The toxin rips holes in the virus' outer layer, destroying it, but the particles aren't large enough to damage body cells.

"Based on this finding, we propose that melittin-loaded nanoparticles are well-suited for use as topical vaginal HIV virucidal agents," they write.

Theoretically, the particles could also be injected into an HIV-positive person to eliminate the virus in the bloodstream.

Because the toxin attacks the virus' outer layer, the virus is likely unable to develop a resistance to the substance, which could make it more effective than other HIV drugs.

"Theoretically, melittin nanoparticles are not susceptible to HIV mutational resistance seen with standard HIV therapies," they write. "By disintegrating the [virus'] lipid envelope [it's] less likely to develop resistance to the melittin nanoparticles."

The group plans to soon test the gel in clinical trials.

3/8/13

Take Your TV Shows & Movies to Go with PlayLater

~From Techlicious.com

PlayLater is an application that lets you record streaming video services (available services) and take those recordings with you for playback on your smartphone, tablet or PC.

Like other DVRs, PlayLater records video in real time, meaning a 30-minute show takes 30 minutes to record, or save, to your computer. Once the recording is complete, you have an MP4-format video that you can view on any device that can play an MP4 file, including iOS and Android devices. However, you can't watch the video while it's recording and you can't record more than one video at a time. Also, because PlayLater is recording in real time and doesn't have access to the original movie file, the file size of the recordings is very large—assume 250-500 MB per half-hour of recording.

For most subscription services like Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus, you'll need to be a subscriber to access the content. You simply supply your account name and password in the PlayLater settings and you're good to go.

Transferring videos to mobile devices
For Android devices, transferring your recorded shows is easy. You simply connect your device to your computer and then drag and drop the files into the default folder for videos.

If you have an iOS device, you can install the PlayLater app (free in iTunes) and sync your recordings through iTunes . You just need to connect your device, go to the “Apps” tab and add the files in the “File Sharing” section. And video playback is enhanced in the app by 15 second skip forward and 5 second skip back buttons.

Video quality
PlayLater will record in whatever resolution the video is streamed, so you can record in HD when available. However, video quality is highly dependent on how good your Internet connection is. Many streaming services will reduce the quality of videos to accommodate a slow connection. So HD, or even standard definition streams, can look pixelated and noisy at times—even within one show.

Pricing
You can purchase a lifetime subscription to PlayLater $39.99 or pay $19.99 per year. (Risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.)

Should you buy it?
If you travel and want to watch video where there’s no or slow access to the Internet, PlayLater provides a very cost-effective alternative to purchasing content. You won’t get the same quality as you would if you purchased a show or movie through iTunes or Amazon, but the quality is certainly at least watchable, and often very good.

New Simon's Cat video - Feed Me

New Simon's Cat video!!!

3/5/13

Why Aren't There More Android Apps?!

~From TheInquirer.net and Engadget.com

The two leading rivals, Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems accounted for a record 92 percent of the smartphone market in the fourth quarter of 2012, Strategy Analytics has revealed.

The research firm's latest statistics show that in the fourth quarter of 2012, Android and iOS boasted 70.1 and 22 percent of the smartphone market, respectively - a total of 92.1 percent of the global smartphone market.

Android claimed 70 percent of world market share!!!



So, this being the case, can anyone tell me why developers are still creating some apps for iOS only?!  Wouldn't it make more sense to create apps for the MARKET SHARE LEADER as well???

I am a loyal Android user (if you couldn't already tell...) and I can't tell you how much it upsets me to see an app advertised somewhere, only to find out that it's not available for Android!  Why would you alienate 70% of the market?!?!?

App creators, you need to fix this, and PRONTO!!!


3/3/13

MIND. BLOWN.

Dancer Julius "iGlide" Chisolm dancing to Levitate (Koven remix) by Hadouken!

2/26/13

Before they were Incorporated, they had to be Educated!



Check out the official Monsters University website!

Meet the cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 16!

~From ABC.com

The new celebrities for Season 16 of Dancing with the Stars were announced this morning!  I know... maybe I'm a little too excited, but I can't help it - DWTS is my second favorite reality competition show!  ;-)

Who will be vying for the Mirrorball Trophy this time?   An Olympic Gold medalist, comedians, a Grammy winners, a boxer, a football player, a soap star and... some other people I don't know!  HAR!  Regardless, the celebs are always entertaining - whether they end up being natural dancers or have two left feet - and the show is always fun to watch.

The Men!
Boxer Victor Ortiz and new pro Lindsay Arnold
Actor/Comedian D.L Hughley and Cheryl Burke
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff
Comedian Andy Dick and former troupe member Sharna Burgess
Actor Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson

The Women!
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas
Country singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
Country legend Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani
Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Olympic figure skater Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills/Vanderpump Rules star Lisa Vanderpump and new pro Gleb Savchenko

I'm going to go on record and make an early prediction - I think Aly and Mark will take the Mirrorball Trophy this season!  Who do you think will win?

2/25/13

Temporary Tattoos Could Make Electronic Telepathy & Telekinesis Possible

~From io9.com


Temporary electronic tattoos could soon help people fly drones with only thought and talk seemingly telepathically without speech over smartphones, researchers say. Electrical engineer Todd Coleman at the University of California at San Diego is devising noninvasive means of controlling machines via the mind, techniques virtually everyone might be able to use.

Commanding machines using the brain is no longer the stuff of science fiction. In recent years, brain implants have enabled people to control robotics using only their minds, raising the prospect that one day patients could overcome disabilities using bionic limbs or mechanical exoskeletons.

But brain implants are invasive technologies, probably of use only to people in medical need of them. Instead, Coleman and his team are developing wireless flexible electronics one can apply on the forehead just like temporary tattoos to read brain activity.

"We want something we can use in the coffee shop to have fun," Coleman says.

Read more >>>


“Locke & Key” to Come to Glorious Cinematic Life

~From Nerdist.com


The tales from Joe Hill's Keyhouse are going to be coming to a theater near you thanks to the brass at Universal. But before it was destined for the silver screen, Locke and Key was originally going to TV.

Fox optioned the pilot and got a respectable cast to join on, including Nick Stahl. The pilot aired during a special screening at San Diego Comic-Con International to rave reviews. When Fox passed on the series they cited the show's high production cost as the reason for holding back.

Universal now has its eyes on the series to turn it into a film trilogy penned by screenwriting duo (and Locke & Key producers) Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

Here's the trailer based on Fox's television adaption of Locke & Key.  It is still unknown if Universal will choose to re-cast for the trilogy or use the cast from the Fox's pilot.

20 Great Horror Movies You've Likely Never Seen



ShockTillYouDrop.com has opted to take a step away from mainstream theatrical horror and shine the spotlight on a group of films from the past 15 years that you may have missed and absolutely should see.

The seasoned horror fan may recognize some titles on the list, but ShockTillYouDrop.com is certain that you will find at least a few that are worth looking into.  The selections range from lesser known to completely obscure.  This is not a definitive top 20 list nor are the movies listed in any particular order.

  1. Alone With Her (2006)
  2. The Orphanage (2007)
  3. Home Movie (2008)
  4. Creep (2004)
  5. The Cottage (2008)
  6. Feed (2005)
  7. Severance (2006)
  8. Eden Lake (2008)
  9. The Pact (2012)
  10. Botched (2007)
  11. Grace (2009)
  12. All The Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006)
  13. Cold Prey (2006)
  14. Audition (1999)
  15. Inside (2007)
  16. Session 9 (2001)
  17. Martyrs (2008)
  18. Excision (2012)
  19. The Skin I Live In (2011)
  20. Dream Home (2010)
Now, I like to consider myself a "seasoned horror fan", but I'm embarrassed to admit that I've only seen two of the movies on this list - The Orphanage and Session 9.  Looks like I have a few hours of movie watching to do!

How 'bout you?  In the comments, tell me how many, if any, of these movies you have seen?

2/18/13

The Preemie's Prayer


This is dedicated to my friend's daughter, who was born prematurely at 24 weeks this past Saturday.  Please send your thoughts and prayers to this little fighter, that she may get stronger and stronger everyday so that she can go home with Mommy and Daddy soon.

Dear God, as you look down upon us,
We know that you might have to squint.
We're located here in the NICU:
It's the nursery that we rent.

There are many alarms and sirens,
Connected to condos and flats.
The nurses tape our booties on,
And dress us in funny hats.

We have a lot in common;
All of us were in a hurry.
For many different reasons,
Our storks came a little early.

Some of us don't know why,
We bursted out from our bubbles.
We entered into this world,
Never meaning to cause any troubles.

Mommy and Daddy are worried sick
About the odds that we must beat.
Please God, help them to realize,
That seeing us grow is a treat.

Breath by breath, we'll learn to breathe.
Ounce by ounce we'll tip the scale.
We're like a boat in the ocean,
That knows not sink- only sail.

For we are living miracles,
Mommy and Daddy must simply believe,
That you have angels watching over us;
From the time we arrive, till the time we leave.

Author Unknown

2/8/13

Director Found to Adapt Stephen King's "Cell"

~From ShockTillYouDrop.com

Last fall we saw John Cusack being attached to an adaptation of Stephen King's Cell which is now being developed at Cargo Entertainment.

Today, we learn Tod Williams (Paranormal Activity 2) is going to direct.  The project was once a directing vehicle for Eli Roth when the adaptation was set up at Dimension Films.

 Screen Daily reports King and Adam Alleca (The Last House on the Left) penned the script and production is expected to begin this May.

Here is the synopsis if you are unfamiliar with the story:
Artist Clayton Riddell had been in Boston negotiating a successful deal to sell his comic book project. His joy at finally hitting it big is shattered by an event called The Pulse which causes all those who were using their cell phones at the time of The Pulse to become zombies attacking and killing anyone in their way. Fortunately for Clay, he does not own a cell phone. In the panic to get out of Boston and find his way home to his wife and son in Maine, he is joined by Tom McCourt, a man he meets in the meleé immediately following The Pulse and a young girl, Alice, who they rescue from being killed by one of the “crazies.” The story follows their terrifying journey, avoiding capture—and worse—by the “crazies” who are beginning to “flock” and are led by one they call Raggedy Man as they attempt to reach Maine and a place called Kashwak which they hope will be their salvation.

Zombieland Series Casting Update

~From ShockTillYouDrop.com

It was revealed last month that Amazon is making plans to turn Ruben Fleischer's 2009 horror comedy Zombieland into a streaming series and, today, Deadline has learned two of the actors that will be joining the central four-person cast. Tyler Ross (Milkshake) will play Columbus and relative newcomer Izabela Vidovic will play Little Rock.

The original film, written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, starred Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin as a group of survivors trying to stay alive in the face of the zombie apocalypse. Ross and Vidovic's roles are those originally played by Eisenberg and Breslin, respectively.

Planned for 30-minute episodes, the "television" version of "Zombieland" returns the franchise to its original concept of an ongoing serialized comedy adventure.

2/4/13

First Look at Stephen King's "Under the Dome"

During Super Bowl XLVII, we got our first look at "Under the Dome", the much-anticipated CBS adaptation of Stephen King's 2009 thriller, which is scheduled to debut on June 24th, 2013.

So Fetch! Mean Girls Musical In Early Development!

~From Broadway.com

Broadway may get a little more mean thanks to Tina Fey and the Plastics. Seven-time Emmy winner Tina Fey is working on a musical adaptation of her hit 2004 film Mean Girls, according to E! Online.

“We want to. I would love to,” Fey said of adapting the movie for the stage. “I’m trying to develop it with my husband [Jeff Richmond], who does all the music for 30 Rock, and I think Paramount’s onboard.”

Based on the book Queen Bees and Wannabes, Mean Girls follows a group of popular girls, known as the Plastics, who rule a suburban high school with an iron first and the group of outcasts who takes them down. The film was written by Fey and starred Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried and Lizzy Caplan.

1/30/13

Video of the Day: Carrie Underwood - Two Black Cadillacs

Music video by Carrie Underwood performing Two Black Cadillacs from her 2012 album Blown Away.

1/23/13

Zombieland Series Heading to Amazon

~From ShockTillYouDrop.com

It appears Amazon doesn't want to be left out of the "genre series" business. This maneuver seems like an appropriate counter to what is brewing at Netflix: Hemlock Grove, an original series which is set to debut on April 19th.

Planned for 30-minute episodes, the small screen version of "Zombieland", which initially began as a TV series idea until it was reworked into a feature film, returns the franchise to that original concept of an ongoing serialized comedy adventure. The Zombieland series will blend familiar characters from the feature film with brand new characters specifically for the series.

Sadly, it doesn't look like the original film's cast will be a part of the production as there have been casting calls for the four major characters (Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock) as well as other minor characters.

The 10 Most Painful Places to Get a Tattoo

~From chacha.com

Tattoos are everywhere. We see them on all types of people and in all different places on the body. The decision to get inked is always an important one. Tattoos are permanent body modifications, unless you decide to shell out major cash to have them removed. Many people use tattoos as a way to memorialize important people or events in their lives, and where the tattoo is placed is often as significant as the tattoo image itself. Like it or not, tattoos hurt. Usually, the most painful places are areas of thin skin or where the tat is being placed directly over bone. That being said, here are the 10 most painful spots to get a tattoo.

10. Inside of the wrist
9. Knee, elbow, ankle
8. Anywhere around the eye
7. Neck

6. Ribcage
5. Behind the ear
4. Lips
3. Top of the foot
2. Along the spine
1. Bikini/genital area
Among my many tattoos, I have one on my spine and I will tell you this... sitting for that tat was the longest 3 hours of my life! But I will also say that once you go tat, you'll never go back! ;-)

1/14/13

THE GATE: Dazzling DNA mutation short

95% of the human genome is composed of redundant gene sequences. They appear to have no known biological function. Could a chance event reactivate them?

DISCLAIMER: Contains disturbing images. Viewer discretion advised. Although, anyone following this blog shouldn't have a problem. ;-)

1/12/13

Paramedic Revives Cat Rescued from Fire

~From LoveMeow.com

Disclaimer: May cause sweaty eyeballs. Have a tissue handy before reading this and watching the video.

Paramedic Shane Collectte of Rural Metro Fire revived a cat pulled from a fire by the use of a oxygen mask. initially the firefighters thought the cat didn’t survive, but Shane didn’t give up on the cat, and administered oxygen for 15 minutes, finally the kitty came around.

1/11/13

Eli Roth's & Netflix's New Series 'Hemlock Grove'

~From ComingSoon.net

Netflix has debuted a trailer for their upcoming original series "Hemlock Grove" from executive producer Eli Roth and based on Brian McGreevy's novel of the same name. Check it out in the player below!

All 13-episodes of the series, which stars Famke Janssen (X-Men), Bill Skarsgard (Simon & The Oaks), Landon Liboiron ("Terra Nova"), Penelope Mitchell (6 Plots), Freya Tingley (X: Night of Vengeance), and Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible II) will debut April 19 in all territories that Netflix is available – U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, Brazil and Scandinavia.

"'Hemlock Grove' is unlike anything else in its genre," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. "It's sexy, gripping, emotional and twisted, and we're certain viewers are going to be captivated by its intensity."

The series revolves around the eccentric residents of a dilapidated former Pennsylvania steel town and the murder of 17-year-old Brooke Bluebell. Through the investigation, the town's seamier side is exposed, revealing that nothing is what it seems.

"Hemlock Grove" marks the first foray into television by Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever), who also directed the first episode.

Jennifer Lawrence is ready for battle in new 'Catching Fire' image

~From HitFix.com

Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence is back as Katniss in the upcoming "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," and the first pic from the film has been released, featuring her alongside franchise newcomer Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair.

Katniss and Finnick are ready for battle and I'm soooo ready for this movie!!! Can't wait till November 22!


Eleven Doctors, Eleven eBooks

~From BBCAmerica.com

Eleven authors have been commissioned to write ebooks for the British publisher Puffin, based on the eleven Doctors, and these will have a staggered release across the year, on the 23rd day of each month, so that the Eleventh Doctor’s story arrives on November 23, the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who.

The identity of the writers – each one a big name in children’s literature – is being kept a secret. The first book (already available for preorder on Amazon.com), featuring the First Doctor, is called A Big Hand for the Doctor, and it has been written by Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl books.

I don't know about you, but I've already preordered the 1st book and will be anxiously awaiting the 23rd of every month!

1/7/13

20 Google Search Shortcuts to Hone Your Google-Fu

~From Lifehacker.com
Hidden behind Google's search box are a slew of shortcuts leading to so-called "OneBox" results that provide awesome tools and display helpful information quickly and directly. You might think you know them all, but a few are more hidden than others.

With these shortcuts, you can find the information you're looking for almost instantly, and you'll look like the smartest person in the room for knowing the results before anyone else!


1/5/13

Video of the Day: "I'm a Daddy and I Know It"

One of my best friends and her husband, parents of two girls, recently found out that they were pregnant with triplets! This is a natural pregnancy, no fertility drugs were taken. Hell, they weren't really even trying to get pregnant! SURPRISE!!! LOL!

I was visiting them last night and while talking, my friend's husband admitted that he had it fairly easy with their two girls, but now he's beginning to think about how the addition of three more children - all at one time - is going to add a little more... shall we say... excitement to their lives. (Ya think? Hehe!)

Ironically enough, this morning I found this video and have since posted it on each of their Facebook pages. It's laugh-out-loud funny and gives great insight into what it's going to be like to parent five children after the triplets arrive.

I wish them both the best of luck and can't wait for the madness to ensue!

1/4/13

Stephen King's 'Under the Dome' TV Adaptation Set to Air

~From Examiner.com

When "Under the Dome" was first released, there were mentions of a television series adaptation. Like many rumored adaptations, this seemed to be just that - a rumor - as nothing more was really said about it.

As it turns out, the wheels were in motion after all! It was recently announced that the series will hit the airwaves this coming summer. It will run for 13 episodes and will coincide with the release of a new paperback edition of the novel.

"Under the Dome" is about a town that is sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as the dome comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from and when -- or if -- it will go away.

It is being suggested that the series will take the form of a single season with a set number of episodes that tells the complete story. This would minimize story padding and filler and allow the viewer to go in knowing exactly how long the story will take to unfold.

Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Television, will produce the show along with Stephen King, who will serve as an executive producer with Brian K. Vaughan, the shows script writer. No word on casting yet, though.

1/13/13 UPDATE: According to HuffingtonPost.com, "Under the Dome" will premiere on CBS at 9 p.m. Central on Monday, June 24, 2013.

1/3/13

Video of the Day: Moon Trance by Lindsey Stirling

If you like music but don't know who Lindsey Stirling is, you are truly missing out. She is an extremely talented violinist, dancer and composer who performs a variety of music styles, including classical, pop, hip-hop and even dub-step. I first saw Lindsey on America's Got Talent, where she made it to the quarter-finals. On the show, she was dubbed the Hip-Hop Violinist.

Lindsey is cute and quirky and definitely has her own style, and her music is phenomenal, in my humble opinion anyway.  She has her own YouTube channel where you can watch music videos and live recordings of her playing and dancing to her choreographed violin performances.

In September, Lindsey released a self-titled CD with 12 original tracks - 6 remastered songs as well as 6 new releases.  I'm currently addicted to one of the tracks on that CD, Moon Trance, the video of which can be found below.  If you enjoy it as much as I do, you should check out the rest of her catalog.  I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

1/2/13

Friday Fix: The DØM Year in Review

As has become the tradition at Dark Øverlord Media, Scott Sigler and A Kovacs sat down in December to chat about the year gone by, the upcoming SuperBowl Saturday sales event and the year ahead, etc.

2012 was a big year for DØM. Two tours, five stories published, the second annual SiglerFest, Baby McButter as a cake, just so many great things.

In this episode, there are a meeeeelion Junkie shoutouts (me included!), info on upcoming Con appearances, new book release info (eBook, audiobook, hardcover and paperback), and even a spoiler or two (squeee!).  So, to hear about all the goings-on in the Siglerverse - past, present and future - make sure to listen all the way to very end!  Don't make me send Grand Mafioso Scott Pond after you!!!

That sure as f*ck ain't no cow!

New Years Eve Galena Mini-Vacation

Some pictures I took while in Galena this past weekend.

1/1/13

New Year, New Blog Posts

With the new year starting, I thought I'd try to get my blog up and running again. As it tends to happen, other life stuff demanded my attention and keeping my blog up to date took a back seat to everything else.

I've made some tweaks to these pages and as far as I'm concerned, everything is still under construction, so don't be surprised if you continue to notice small changes happening from day to day.  However, as part of my New Years Resolution, I will try to post new and interesting things regularly to keep my (very) small, but hopefully growing, blog-reading audience entertained.

I wish everyone peace, happiness, good health and prosperity in the coming year. Happy 2013!!!