Thursday, November 06, 2008

13 Things to Tell You About!


As always, if you're busily surfing Thursday Thirteens, bookmark this and come back later to check out the links! I know there's a lot of info here, but be patient with me!

The Amazing "Face"

1. The book trailer for Angela Hunt's THE FACE is out! I have more than one connection with this incredible trailer for an incredible book. Created by PulsePoint Design, the trailer features the author herself as the main narrator...and I must say, she does a terrific job. With a few lines each are my daughter Elizabeth Swanson and my radio co-host, Darren Marlar.

I need to add that Elizabeth is playing the role of a speaking deaf girl. One of the main characters is a 20-year-old girl with severe facial deformities, including the ability to hear only with a cochlear implant. Elizabeth had to do some research to be able to sound like a speaking deaf girl. The way she speaks in the trailer is not her normal speaking voice.
Scroll down to watch the trailer.


2. Here's what I had to say about The Face after reading an advanced copy last summer:

“In The Face, Angela Hunt has crafted an extraordinary tale that’s impossible to put down! The meticulously researched story line could have been lifted from today’s futuristic, high-tech headlines, and the undercurrent of international espionage will keep you turning pages. But long after you’ve finished The Face, you’ll be thinking—not only about the characters Hunt brings to life so skillfully, but the questions the story raises and the truths it underlines. The Face speaks profoundly to our inherent need for love and acceptance, as well as to the value we place on physical beauty. With each succeeding book—thanks to her masterful storytelling and thought-provoking plots, Angela Hunt’s stock as a contemporary writer of real importance continues to rise.”

(I need to add that I wrote this before I had any idea my daughter would have a small part in the book trailer. :))

Happy birthday, Billy Graham

3. Tomorrow is the 90th birthday of Billy Graham.

Prayer for persecuted Christians

4. Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, when churches in the United States and around the world will focus on prayer and support for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. More at the Open Doors USA website.

Some positive news for pro-life advocates

5. After the election of the most pro-legal-abortion president ever, there is still some good news for pro-life activists.

Thirty Days of Thankfulness

6. Author Robin Lee Hatcher is blogging about things she's thankful for, every day this Thanksgiving month.

Wah-Wah, Joaquin :(

7. Actor Joaquin Phoenix is quitting acting to concentrate on music. Wow...that's the loss of a very talented actor.

Farewell, Michael Crichton

8. What was your favorite Michael Crichton book and/or movie? Sadly, the author passed away Tuesday. Of course, Jurassic Park was an incredible book and movie, but I also really liked the under-rated Timeline movie (an early glimpse of Gerard Butler), and when my co-host Darren Marlar loaned me the book Prey , I was riveted. The book was about nanotechnology, specifically about a swarm that reminded me and a lot of other people of the smoke monster on "Lost"...but "Lost" writers and producers are insistent that the smoke monster is NOT about nanotechnology.

What the Dickens??

9. Speaking of books...my interest in Charles Dickens has been ignited by a not-yet-published book called Drood, by Dan Simmons. My daughter brought home an advanced copy from Borders, where she works, and I've got to admit: fascinating. It deals with Dickens' life after he was involved in a deadly train collision, and it's written, Salieri-like, from the viewpoint of his protegee and friend, Wilkie Collins. After reading Drood, I checked out Peter Ackroyd's comprehensive biography, Dickens--and was amazed to learn that much of the stranger-than-fiction stuff in Drood actually happened.

Entertainer of the Year?

10. EW.com has created a game where you can choose your favorite pop culture personality of 2008.

Holes-in-Many??

11. Unbelievably, this Illinois man has an amazing streak of holes-in-one at a local golf course.

Baby Obama?

12. Barely elected, and Barack Obama already has a baby named after him.


13. And now, the book trailer for Angela Hunt's The Face:




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9 comments:

Always Been Different said...

Today I have learned new things for sure thanks!
Happy TT!

Angela said...

That is your daughter? I'm so happy to know that! She did a wonderful job, and I love the trailer! Thanks for the plug, Cindy!

♥♥ Willa ♥♥ said...

OMG to your #8!!!, I didn't know that news until now.I have 3 of his books.

Nicholas said...

I have had Prey on my shelf, unread, for about a year. I should get to it.

I read Ayckroyd's Dickens many years ago. I remember being impressed but I don't remember too many details.

Susan Demeter said...

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Crichton too :( One of my all time fave films is Jurassic Park. Happy TT And thanks for stopping by!

anthonynorth said...

An excellent informative post. Michael Crichton will be missed. I must have read a dozen of his books. He was one of the few authors who wrote a blend of science fiction that became mainstream.

Ann-Marie said...

I will miss Joaquin (if it sticks)! I loved him in Gladiator, The Village, and Walk the Line. One of my favorites, actually. A little loopy in real life, though.

Randy Spradlin said...

So there's a kid named after the new pres-elect? Seems like a bad choice to me. Well, they could have named the kid with the pres-elect's middle name, not good!

Bethany said...

Thanks so much for stopping by, fellow baby name freak ;) I keep meaning to order "The Face" from the library but my pile of books to read is just so high. :) Neat list...stop by again soon!

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