Heroes & Villains Blogfest SQM Version

HvsVblogfestI though about this one long and hard. I wanted to make sure I got this right. This was a hard decision, but I think I have narrowed it down to 4 each.  Sorry, it’s the best I can do.  Heroes & Villains are what make the story worth while.

Thank to all our host. Click on the badge to check out what other Heroes & Villains made the list.

Let’s start with the Villains:

Villain #4 – Loki from The Avengers
Villain #3 – Darth Maul from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace – scared the hell out of me as an adult
Villain #2 – Darth Vader from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – scared the hell out of me as a kid
Villain #1 – The Joker – from The Dark Knight – brilliant performance by the late, great Heath Ledgerimages

“If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” 

Now, the Heroes:

Hero #4 – Yoda from Star Wars New Hope – there are no Jedi’s w/out Yoda

Hero #3 – Bumble Bee from Transformers 3 – the radio voice track and a heart full of gold.

Hero #2 – Maximus Decimus Meridius from Gladiator

Hero #1 – Tony Stark/Iron Man (the original) and The Avengers

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“Let’s do the head count here.  Your brother, the demigod; the super soldier, living legend who kind of lives up to the legend; a man with breathtaking anger management issues; a couple of master assassins and you, big fellow, you’ve manage to piss off every single one of them.”

What are your favorite Heroes & Villains?  

C – Cowboy Stadium

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My insecurity stems from my subject for the day. I am an insecure sports fan.  We have a new season coming up, a new defensive coordinator and a quarterback with a totally underserving new contract.  Why is this relevant to IWSG? When I feel good, I write good. When I feel bad, dissapointed and dejected, I write not good. The Cowboys are going to suck. That’s my hot sports IWSG opinion.

I hope Alex excuses my levity in this months IWSG post considering the pressure of the A to Z Challenge.

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a-to-z-letters-c“Look at it.” Hailee pointed up at the metallic structure. “It does look like the death star.”
“No it doesn’t.” Brian tried the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He pushed the next door, again, locked.
It’s round, ominious.” Hailylee placed her hand on the structure. “I bet Darth Vader’s in there right now reading out thoughts.”
“Darth Vader controls thoughts, he doesn’t read them.”
Brian tried another door. Locked, “What’s so precious in there that every door has to be locked.”
“Here, let me try.” Hailee put her hand on the next door and pushed. It opened.
He grabbed her hand, “Come on.”
They walked into the structure. The energy flowed from the structure through him. It practically buzzed.
“You feel that?” Hailee said. “It’s alive. Just like the Death Star.”
Rolling his eyes, he pulled Hailyee down the corridor. Feeling the smooth metal walls along the way. They were cold to the touch. Strange considering it was 90 degrees outside.
The hall took a sudden left turn.  The light from outside did not.
“I think we should go back.”
“Let’s keep going.” Several feet more, there was a faint light visible in the distance. The comfort of the light encouraged them to walk faster.
Brian dared to take his eyes away from the light for a second to make sure Hailee saw what he saw. As they drew closer, they could feel the warmth. They entered a large open space, but didn’t notice, they were mesmerized. The light, warm and inviting, bobbed up and down in the middle of the space.
Hailee reached for it, but Brian pulled her hand back. “No, don’t touch it.”
“I have to, it’s so beautiful.”
“No must not touch,” It was hard for him to articulate because every ounce of his being wanted to touch it, too.
“Why?” Hailee whispered.
“Because, we haven’t earned the right.” As soon as the last syllable left his lips, the light exploded into a thousand lights. The blinding light knocked Brian and Hailee down.
The roof parted and sun shined brightly in there eyes.
“Yes,” a voice from above said. “You have not earned the right, but  you will, I promise, you will.” 
Brian and Hailee laid there, on the star, basking in the greatness that is Cowboy Stadium. 

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I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to visit 26 of 32 NFL stadiums, so I am fully qualified to declare Cowboy Stadium is the coolest stadium in the world, and not just because the local media refer to it as The Death Star.

I am done with sports and stadiums for awhile, at least until I get to V.  What’s your favorite stadium? Any insecurities to share? 

A – Addison Circle

First of all, A is for Arlee Bird, the creator of the A to Z Challenge. Please help me in showing Lee some love and a to thank him for being a supportive presence on the world wide web.

I hope you enjoy my A to Z Challenge Theme:  Dallas – Ft. Worth Past & Present.

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Addison circle is a hip and happening place in North Dallas.  In a state that prides itself on its suburbs with 1/2 acre lots and where people have to have a car to get around.  Addison was the first urban community in Dallas.

In Addison Circle, you can live, work, dine, and get culture all within a 1/2 mile radius.

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I laid out the blanket. Unpacked the snacks, wine and cheese for me, beer and spicy nacho Doritos for him. The blanket was old, but it was the same blanket we used on our first date 5 years ago today. It’s the annual Movie Under the Stars in Addison Circle. It wasn’t really his scene. He felt more comfortable at a baseball game, but on that night I told him we were going to see Star Wars, I just didn’t tell him where. Back then he was smitten with me, so it wasn’t a hard sell.
It took more of an effort these days. It seemed we only saw each other for a few minutes a day, morning and night. I had to remind him of the annual event by text message. I felt bad I almost let the day past like it was any other day. He answered my text, “Ok.” Not really a firm conformation.
I poured the wine as the credits began. Tonight they are playing Transformers, one of his favorites. Mine, too.
Sitting here alone, I try not to put too much emphasis on this night, but I can’t stop my mind from jumping to conclusions. If he doesn’t show up, he doesn’t care. If he doesn’t care, then it’s over.
I rub my arms thinking I should have brought my jacket. I think about the other blanket I have in the car.
The movie begins, but I can’t focus. Sam Witwicky’s anxiety usually makes me smile. Tonight, it’s increasing my own anxiety.  He’s really not coming, I think to myself.
I gather my stuff shove it in the bag. Offer the bottle of wine to the couple sitting next to me. Someone should enjoy it. I walk quickly towards the car hoping to make it before I burst into tears. As I walk across the park, I hear someone calling my name.
“Danni.”
I turn around and see Jeff sitting on a blanket, a pizza and a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket. I walk towards him wrap my arms around him. I laugh when he says, “Your late.”
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Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest

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It is time, once again, for another legendary blogfest from our Ninja Captain Alex. This time it is all about my favorite subject, movies.  But, to pick only ten. Wow, only ten.  Can I possible narrow my list down to ten? Let me give it a try.

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle’s Top Ten Movie Countdown (quotes included):

# 10 – The Matrix (1999) – “You hear that Mr. Anderson?… That is the sound of inevitability… It is the sound of your death… Goodbye, Mr. Anderson…” “My name is … Neo.”

#9 – Goodfellas (1990) – “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.”

#8 – Fight Club (1999) – “All the ways you wish you could be, that’s me. I look like you wanna look, I fuck like you wanna fuck, I am smart, capable, and most importantly, I am free in all the ways that you are not.”

#7 – Gladiator (2000) – “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

#6 – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – “No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.”

#5 – The Bourne Identity (2002) – “I can tell you the license plate numbers of all six cars outside. I can tell you that our waitress is left-handed and the guy sitting up at the counter weighs two hundred fifteen pounds and knows how to handle himself. I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab or the gray truck outside, and at this altitude, I can run flat out for a half mile before my hands start shaking. Now why would I know that? How can I know that and not know who I am?”

#4 – Notting Hill (1999) – “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

#3 – Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) – “There ain’t nothin’ more powerful than the odor of mendacity!”

#2 – Transformers (2007) – “We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight, but watching over them in secret, waiting, protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there’s more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars. We are here. We are waiting.”

#1 – The Avengers (2012) – “Let’s do the head count here.  Your brother, the demigod; the super soldier, living legend who kind of lives up to the legend; a man with breathtaking anger management issues; a couple of master assassins and you, big fellow, you’ve manage to piss off every single one of them.”MV5BMTk2NTI1MTU4N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODg0OTY0Nw@@._V1_SY317_CR0,0,214,317_

Do you agree with my list?  What films are on your top ten list?  

My Weekly Update – New Stuff

New Memories

My favorite thing about the holiday season is creating new memories with my family. I haven’t had the chance to do that for a couple of years, so this year was extra special.  I met some of the new additions to the extended family. I reconnected with some old friends and bonded with my nephews over, japenese anime, Jake the Pirate and Angry Bird Star Wars Edition Board Game.

Coolest Game Ever and no electricity or batteries needed.
Coolest Game Ever and no electricity or batteries needed.

I hope you had a great holiday full of new beginnings.

Awards

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Thanks to Amanda for another star.  I appreciate it so much.  I know we are done with 2012, but it’s nice to still be recognized.

New Post to Praise

The 5 Big Pop Culture Moments I Can’t Wait for in 2013 by Andrew at SparklyPretty Briiiight. Thought you might want to see what to look forward to in 2013.  Personally, I can’t wait to see Pink in concert.  

12 Tips for Recovering from Writing Burnout by Jami Gold.  Jami provided some great tips in order to get back to productive writing.  

Words and Phrases that Must be Banned by C.T. Westing. Well C.T., spoiler alert, passion is trending this year in my life.  YOLO.  😉

Regrets, Resolutions and Revolutions by A.M. Schultz.  A.M. hasn’t posted much lately, but when he does, he has something to say. Most importantly, he has no regrets. 

New Followers
Charles Henry Editing Blog
W.J. Rodriguez: writer-at-large
Christopher Profeta
CJ Blue
Simone Marrise
Too Full to Write
Finazzo380
Susan at Women Making Strides – love that title. 
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Next Week’s Schedule

909406_83318260-2-1-300x213The Peasant’s Revolt Flashback Blog Hop begins today. There is still time to sign up. Click on the link below to sign up and come back on Friday for my Flashback Post. Congrat’s again to the 1 year anniversary of www.scotzig.com.


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Fall in love with The Sullivans Blog Tour beginnings today.  They are still looking for host, if you want to participate, click on the badge for more information.