Steak & Bourbon

Well, thanks to the Church of Klugman for wishing me tons of steak & bourbon, but my question - why? (Other than they're big in Canada)

Anyway, in between sending off resumes and phone contacts, I've been catching up on my reading and DVD watching. Have to definitely agree with Logan on Shawshank Redemption - this movie found its way into my bitter, hurt, tired heart and spread a small ray of hope. This is one of those over-two-hour movies that needs to be so long - if you've never seen this, you're missing something special.

Of course, what didn't help was reading Ten Little New Yorkers by Kinky Friedman. No, it's not a bad book - it's actually pretty good - but it has a funereal, moody atmosphere. When I read the Kinkster, I'm used to his gravelly, Texas-style humor, and newbies are advised to start from the beginning and work their way up. For those who already dig the Kinkstah, I don't need to recommend this book - you've already read it or have it on your "to read" list. Recommended.

Also, I love Robert B. Parker's Spenser series, and Cold Case might be a minor entry, but it's got the goods. (For some reason, I can't get into Parker's other characters, but that's just me).
Worth your time.

In the "Ya Gotta Read This" category is Room Full of Mirrors, a biography of Jimi Hendrix. I knew the basic story of Hendrix's life, and this may not be the greatest Hendrix biography ever made, but it is a great solid read. (Especially at the end, which discusses some of the mystery behind Hendrix's death). It also smashes some myths (for example, the circumstances surrounding Hendrix quitting as opening act for the Monkees). At the very least, check it out of your local library. The best thing I can say about this book is that it is encouraging me to listen to Hendrix's music.

Finally, I really wanted to like Jay Mohr's Gasping for Airtime - a behind the scenes look at Saturday Night Live, especially during the Farley/Hartman/Sandler years. This book should have been an easy-to-like "expose". However, Mohr's writing style is a little awkward, the sense of entitlement (about instant stardom vs. being a "featured player") creates an awkward distance, and the anecdotes are only slightly interesting. (Apparently, Chris Farley would do anything for a laugh, David Spade only wanted to meet supermodels, and Rob Schneider was a "jerk", for lack of a better word - who knew?) There are one or two really strong passages (involving panic attacks and Phil Hartman's final SNL episode), but this book just doesn't satisfy.

First Annual Reader Poll!

Hey, everyone,

Since I am - let's face it - shameless in wanting attention, I thought I would take the temperature (metaphorically speaking) of all you readers out there. (Plus, it gives Roger something to borrow).
Check out the sidebar.

Also, am looking to do some writing on the side to bring in some extra money - if you know of anything, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. The job search is going a little longer than expected, and besides, I prefer working hard for my money, so you better treat me right.

More stuff to come!

Sorry 'Bout That, Chief

Don Adams, RIP

(Why do I get the feeling there's a "Cone of Silence" in heaven?)

Whadda Week!

First, I know, I know, I haven't been here in awhile - the temp assignment I was working ended abruptly on Tuesday, and I "came in a close second" for the job that I wanted but did not get.

(Must not snark. Will not snark. Must take the high road.) If anyone has contacts in the non-profit/public health area, I'm more than willing to forward my resume.

Anyway, with a little more extra time on my hands, I'm here to catch up on blogging and, well, eat a lot of Pop-Tarts. I cruise the Net so you don't have to.

First, I would suggest celebrating Banned Books Week, and Laura gives you a head start.

Ramblin' Roger polls you on things you said yes to. Will comment later, but never say "yes" to a peanut butter and Tabasco sandwich.

He may not be Norman Fell or Jack Klugman, but Mike Sterling is "one bad mutha".

Possible spoilers: judging by Villains United # 5 and JSA Classified # 3, I'm thinking the big bad in Infinite Crisis is either Anti-Monitor or Ambush Bug. Not snark - just a cheap joke.

(Speaking of Mr. Bug, attention John Byrne - I think you should do an Ambush Bug mini-series. Seriously).

If you want to catch up on the Left Behind series, here's a one-stop summary.

Personally, would you believe that this is the greatest home video release ever announced? No, how about second greatest? Well, important to me.....

Be Careful What You Wish For Dept. - For awhile, I've been kidding my mom that Logan (my 2 year old godson), when he gets his first haircut, should get a military-style cut or a mohawk. (He has long, flowing red locks that, according to Mom, was dangerously close to becoming a mullet). Anyway, my cousin was shaving her husband's head, and left the electric shaver on the kitchen table. Being an inquisitive tyke like me, Logan decided to take the initiative and give himself a cut. However, lacking experience (since he is two years old)...well, they ended up shaving his head completely.

Finally, I wish I could find the blog where I got this poll, but here you go:

Your Seduction Style: Sweet Talker

Your seduction technique can be summed up with "charm" You know that if you have the chance to talk to someone... Well, you won't be talking for long! ;-) You're great at telling potential lovers what they want to hear. Partially, because you're a great reflective listener and good at complementing. The other part of your formula? Focusing your conversation completely on the other person. Your "sweet talking" ways have taken you far in romance - and in life. You can finess your way through any difficult situation, with a smile on your face. Speeding tickets, job interviews... bring it on! You truly live a *charmed life*

What Kind of Seducer Are You?

Now, it's time to cheer myself up - mostly by eating Pop Tarts and watching my favorite Python. Enjoy!

Gordon Fixes the Comic Industry

When I last posted, James Meekly had asked what three problems I saw with the comics industry, and what I thought the solutions were. To be honest, I rarely talk about the industry, mostly because I would rather talk about the product, and maybe focus on the stuff I think people should be reading. However, never turning down an opportunity to be pretentious, here are my two cents (as opposed to Mah Two Cents) with the industry (which are, incredibly, focused on the big two):

1. Overreliance on Continuity and the "Franchise Mentality" - once upon a time, the whole notion of a "shared universe" was kind of a cool idea in a Wold Newton kind of way. A shared history, interesting takes when two heroes meet...unfortunately, it has led to a kind of myopia in comics. When you consider that Infinite Crisis' major selling point is that every past mega-crossover since Crisis On Infinite Earths has been a story beat...a company wide crossover was a cool idea 20 years ago; now, it seems stale and cliche. (What's even scarier is when, while reading a blurb for House of M, seeing a statement to the effect that "the seeds for the next major event will be sown at the end of this major event.")
   
   In addition, there is an overreliance on proven "franchises" in comics - I understand that it is hopelessly naive to assume that, in this age of global mulitnational conglomerates, comic companies should only focus on comics. But do we really need more than two or three Batman/Superman/Spider-Man/X-Men books at any given time? (With rumors that DC will be pursuing a more "corporate" than "fanboy" philosophy, this becomes even more critical). My solution would be to begin wide spread cuts. Cut down your franchises to two or three books. Concentrate on making them high quality comics. It's similar to what happened with Star Trek: Enterprise - no matter how many times Berman and Braaga try to deny it, it wasn't franchise fatigue, it was creative fatigue. Rather than focus on making good Trek, they just focused on making Trek, running a long-running franchise right into the ground. Comics deserve better.
   
   
2. Spandex Overload - Luckily, there are other companies that are making a strong effort to expand choice, but there are just way too many superhero comics. Brad Bird, in the commentary of The Incredibles, talks about how animation is often considered a genre in and of itself, and how that attitude is somewhat insulting. Animation can handle a multitude of genres - comedy, science fiction, Western - and why should it be limited to just one or two?
   
   My solution is something the industry won't do - promote other, more challenging books along with the spandex brigade. Yes, superheroes are the big two's bread and butter...but it's up to readers to begin expanding their tastes. Maybe even a small ban on Marvel/DC/select Image books.
   
   And finally, my personal "big problem with the comics industry":
   
   
3. Ego Run Rampant - and in all fairness, I spot it, I got it. If it's not the ego of creators doing "definitive" takes on characters, or who show complete and utter contempt for their readers, it's a select group of fans and pundits who mandate their tastes be applied to all. For every comic artist/writer who believes himself to be God, there is a snarking, cynical fan who has no problem engaging in character assassination rather than critically examining a given artist's work.
   
   Recently, grand proclamations have been made about the death of the comics blogosphere, to which I respond - these are greatly exaggerated, in my humble opinion. This is one of the things that I find so right with the comics industry: never before has it been cool to actually love comics.
   
   For every snarky, derisive, more-contemptuous-of-the-art-form-than-thou semi-pundit (many of whom can be found in the Comments section of Fanboy Rampage), there is a some comics blogger who may not always love what happens in the industry, but who doesn't hide behind cynicism.
   
   Cynicism is always an easy posture to take - you never have to worry about justifying it, rationalizing it, or explaining it. It takes real courage to back convictions, to be unapologetic about your preferences. It's the difference between someone whose heart has been broken repeatedly, but is still a romantic at heart, and a person who gives up on humanity over a broken heart. It's the difference between someone who repeatedly buys and reads books they don't like, and those brave souls who actually stand by their convictions and refuse to play the game.
   
   Good example - I defy anyone to visit The Absorbascon and Dial B for Blog and not have a knowing smile on their face. To a cynic, they highlight the cheesiest parts of comics, those parts that are not real "art". For those who love comics, they are loving reminders of why we love comics.
   
   Well, that and this post about Power Girl.

Whew - what a post! Hope that answers your question, James - or, at the very least, sparks some lively, intelligent, snark-free debate.

Listen....do you hear that?

I think the Internet is cracking in half.

Don't Ask Me Question Part Deux

As promised, you ask questions, I answer them. Plus, it gives me some things to blog about for the next day or so.

Roger gets us off to a great start:

What defines FRESH on your bloglinks?

Updated within 24 hours, thanks to Blogrolling. Of course, if someone uses Blogger's comments, that also counts as "fresh".

Who was the first person you kissed romantically, and what were the circumstances?

I was a late bloomer when it came to women - it was a then-girlfriend, 1995, during Pulp Fiction. Gives this song a whole new meaning.

Why do you hate cats?

I do not hate cats. I love cats. I own a cat. I've had cats since high school. Find a post in which I say "I hate cats". Cats are fun.

Why is St. Louis such a good baseball city?

I think St. Louis, in general, is a great sports town. I think it's a good baseball city simply because we have one good team, rather than Chicago, which has two mediocre ones.

What semi-illegal (or totally illegal) thing hsave you done in the vicinity of the arch?

Does forgetting to feed a parking meter count? Otherwise, nothing.

Next up is the mighty Chris "Lefty" Brown, who asks:

What comic books are you currently enjoying?

On the non-major side, I really dig Invincible (evocative of the Silver Age with a 21st century flair), Astro City, and Ex Machina (Superheroics + city politics = great read all around). For Marvel, Exiles and Young Avengers. From DC, Fables, JSA, and Legion of Super Heroes. Am always willing to take recommendations.

You're inviting a bunch of us over for a BBQ, what's on the menu?

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and pork steaks. No veggie/tofu/wussy food. Meat for the meat eaters, yeah! (Of course, it's also a potluck, so everyone's bringing a side/chips/soda)

Beer or wine? If yes, what's your favorite?

Beer - either Schlafly Pale Ale (aka "Nectar of the Gods") or Samuel Adams.

(Just coincidentally, it is illegal to serve wine in St. Louis City. At least, it should be illegal)

Finally, James Meeley asked:

What are the top three main probelms within the comic industry, and what do you think is the solutions to fixing them?

That's a good question - so good, in fact, that I'll wait until Monday to write a whole post and answer them. (As well as talk about what's right with the industry - gotta have balance, you know).

Until then, readers, remember - Oreos are meant to be eaten with the centers intact, and not scraped out, like my grandmother used to do.

Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nah-nuh-nuh

Borrowed this quiz from Tales from the Longbox:


You're Classic Batman. You're the old school,
iconic Batman that everyone knows. Your
sidekick is Dick Grayson, the original Robin,
and you also team up with Batgirl alot. You're
the World's Greatest Detective, and also one of
the best fighters on the planet. You're against
guns and lethal force. Right now, you're pretty
much in the prime of your career, before you
become haunted by Dead Sidekicks and loved
ones.


What kind of Batman are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Ask Me Stuff

Looking for something to do whilst netsurfing at work illegally? Had fun the last time I did this?

Once again, in lieu of real content, I'm encouraging any and all blog readers to submit questions by this Sunday, 9/18, 5 pm CST, and I'll answer them in a blog post.

NOTE: Had included a link to a quiz; unfortunately, I can't seem to make the code work. Therefore, it's deleted. My apologies.

Things That Make You Go, "Awwwwww"

First, last night I learned that I'm one of three finalists for the major position that I've been harping about in this blog. Decision will be made next Tuesday. If I owe you major favors, I'll cash them in. Want good karma.

Secondly, this morning, as I was heading out of my apartment building heading to work, I found a small, young cat attempting to wrap itself around my ankles. It looked like a cat that had been through a wash cycle and its colors had bled - black, orange, and white all mixed together to make it look rather ragged. Of course, it also "assaulted" several of my neighbors, and I swear, it almost jumped in my car with me as I headed to work. (Luckily, though, I shooed it away, making it follow an elderly neighbor taking his morning constitutional around the parking lot)

Normally, I would take it in for the day, or at least until I could find its owner, but seeing as 1) I saw one of my neighbors showering the cat with affection last night, and 2) Dax, my current cat, is "queen of the castle" (whom my vet recommends remaining a single cat), meant that I had to be a heartless cynic and let the small feline friend remain, alone, in the outside, with cloudy skies.

Gee, and people wonder why I'm still single. Going mushy over a stray cat - not exactly the manliest thing to do.

Why Couldn't I Have Been Brainiac 5?

You know, nothing says "great Saturday night" like hanging out with several young women with whom I serve with for this organization at a Trivia Night for the St. Louis Science Center. All I can say is, for everything I lack in scientific knowledge, I more than make up for in watching bad television for most of my life. All in all, the women were warm, the beer cold, and the trivia was flowin'. I think they were most impressed that I knew what "Biro" was.

Of course, thanks to this quiz I "borrowed" from Mike, I now know why I am always placed in the "friend zone"....and now it's time for some light, fluffy reading.


You're Salu Digby, Violet!

Which Legionnaire are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Note: Somewhere in my blogroll I've hidden two new (well, one new and one readded) blogs - first person to find them wins a personalized e-mail from me. Enjoy!

Moleskine Experiment Part Deux

As you may have read previously, I have entered the world of the Moleskine notebook - using the increasingly-hip tool for jotting thoughts, feelings, and just plain getting things out of my head. However, I'm finding it increasingly useful - in fact, I can't imagine ever living without it.

One new thing that I've found - when I don't want to carry around my bulky Day-Timer planner, I take the Moleskine with a fresh printout from PocketMod. After doing some tricky folding, I have a small, miniature planner that fits well in the rear Moleskine pocket (along with business cards). It looks impressive enough to pass, and the only tool I need is a pen or pencil.

In fact, there seems to be a movement back towards the simplicy of paper and pencil - between the Moleskine, the PocketMod, and DIYPlanner, it's refreshing to have a back-to-basics approach to personal organizing. My Moleskine has the advantage of never needing batteries, or crashing, and although I was tempted to get the Moleskine weekly planner, I chose not to - it just seemed like overkill. (Maybe 2007, but for right now, one Moleskine at a time).

In the past two months, I've found myself using the Moleskine to jot down a huge variety of things, including

• Writing notes for a presentation
• Substitute for my regular bound journal
• Drafting a response letter for correspondence I received as a board member
• Scribbling contact information for later input (names, phone numbers, etc)
  
• Blogging ideas, and
• Notes and outline for a story idea for the Strange New Worlds contest.

(Maybe that last statement was sharing a little too much information - my apologies).

Anyway, I think it's safe to say - I'm convinced. And if Moleskine wants to hire me as a spokesperson, well, you know where to find me.

Bowling for Snark

(This post will be snark-free; I just always wanted to give a post that title. I'm sure there's a blog out there called "Bowling for Snark". )

In going through my hard drive, found the picture you see on your left - given my professional background, my close and personals will really get a chuckle. Enjoy!

First, I've gotten a new temp assignment, but it looks like a great job opportunity - the job I interviewed for last week - is looking better. For those of you so inclined, please continue those good vibes. I really appreciate it.

Various comics (and pop culture) related thoughts:

• At my new assignment, I had to make a phone call to Scotland. Why is it, whenver I hear "Scotland", I think tennis playing blancmanges?
• Unlike others, I actually kind of like the Simone/Liefeld Teen Titans story (at least the first part). Is it just me, or was Liefeld's art a little too, er, "scratchy"?
• I never saw how people could accuse Denis Leary of ripping off Bill Hicks, since both are as different as beer and bourbon. Hicks was an intellectual at heart; Leary was more snark run rampant. Yes, I am renting The Complete Denis Leary, why do you ask?
• Thanks to Greg for selecting me as the winner of his contest - although I have to admit, it's as much fun entering blog contests as it is winning them.
• Is it just me, or is JSA Classified # 2 setting up Power Girl to have the Composite Superman's powers? (I don't think that's a bad thing)

Well, this weekend is back to letter writing, resume faxing, and getting a well deserved rest.

Fruits of Netsurfing

Well, everyone, while I'm waiting for steady employment, here are some highlights from the blogosphere:

Congrats to Mike Sterling on his 1000th post (and dude, let's do a Doctor Who round robin sometime), and to Logan for becoming an older brother/role model.

Dave's Long Box is now my most favorite comics blog ever. (Caution - may not be work safe)

Also, it pays to read your comments - otherwise, I never would have found Jessica's blog.

I like Ramen Noodles!

Spinster shows us some really classy photos of the Japanese festival.

You know, I always get Norman Fell and Jack Klugman confused, but thanks to the Church of Klugman, I see the light.

Massive movie fun: Andy discusses the greatest movie ever made in Chicago, and Greg recasts a classic.

Thanks to Boing Boing and Laura (and I can't find the more exact link), here are two free time management tools.

Dorian shows us that Supergirl's continuity isn't the only thing that may be slightly off-kilter.

Jamie at Something Old, Nothing New writes about how groundbreaking Leave It to Beaver was. Yes, I'm serious, why do you ask?

Do you dig freeware? Then check this out.

I'm seriously thinking about joining blogcritic like fellow blogger Tom the Dog. Any thoughts?

It's great to find another "brother in bronze" in Dr. Sordid - anyone who knows who Doc Savage was earns infinite kudos.

Finally, I'm going to miss these guys. They might have been bratty, but at least they were lively.

Far Beyond This World I've Known

Look up Glen A. Larsen in the Internet Movie Data Base, and you will find a man who comes second only to Aaron Spelling in terms of cheesy television. However, where Spelling focused more on soapiness, Larsen focused on adventure and science fiction. However, despite his reputation (alleged by Harlan Ellison) as "Glen A. Larceny", Mr. Larsen is responsible for one of the most solid science fiction television franchises...and I'm not talking about Battlestar Galactica

Nope, having Netflixed the first disc, I'm talking about Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

Now, let me get this straight off the bat - Buck is not in the same league as Star Trek, Star Wars etc. It's reminiscent of those CD "Greatest Hits" compilations found in a bargain bin, usually with "re-recorded by the original band members" or "recorded by the Anonymous Nobodies" in small print. It may not have been the most original, but was a nice, pulpy mixture of all that had come before, with an appropriate amount of whiz-bang to satisfy the preadolescent in all of us. At the very least, we wouldn't have had tongue-in-cheek series like Hercules and Xena, much less the return of Star Trek in 1997.

In viewing the first disc of the "epic series", it kicks off with "Awakenings", the pilot movie, released theatrically (presumably) to get a little bit more money for special effects...as well as some effects clips reused from Battlestar: Galactica. The only difference in the theatrical version from the tv version is a clipped blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo from Joseph Wiseman...and an introductory sequence of Gil Gerard making out with women in silver bikinis.

Let me repeat that - Gil Gerard makes out with space babes. If that doesn't scream late 70's...well, the "disco" sequence later on does. As well as the spandex prevalent throughout the series.

Anyway, the original movie took its inspiration (rather than direct plot) from Armageddon: 2419 by Phillip Nowlan. The plot of the novel is more of a "what if the Germans won World War One and how the future reflects our present". The movie is slightly more plausible - in the fantastic year of 1987, Captain William "Buck"Rogers flies a space probe into weird cosmic bits, freezing our good captain for 500 years. (It beats crashing in a dirgible or being trapped in a cave). When he wakes up, he finds himself in the clutches of a gorgeous space princess, and then finds himself on a new Earth, with "inner cities" and lots of blinky lights. There's more involving space pirates dressed in samurai costumes, a droid voiced by an obviously not-happy-to-be- there Mel Blanc, and fun a-plenty.

The kickoff two-parter, cheekily named "Planet of the Slave Girls", involves a rival for Wilma Deering, poisoned food pellets, Roddy McDowall, Jack Palance with glowing red hands and Larry "Buster" Crabbe coming in and kicking butt. The latter part was part of the charm (and downfall) of the show - it mixed a healthy knowledge of past science fiction with a slightly off sense of humor. (The second season would see Buck onboard a ship with "Admiral Asimov", "Hawk" - a half man, half bird, and flying around the galaxy looking for "lost tribes." Not only did Larsen never meet a theme he couldn't borrow, he seemed to be an influence on John Nathan-Turner). The episode is pretty much by-the-numbers, but there is a lively, slam-bang spirit to it.

Part of that spirit is, in fact, due to Gil Gerard - he brings a slightly Shatnerian sensibility to the role, playing the "cowboy-amongst-the-civilians" role with a sly wink. (Personal note - Gerard would have made a much stronger Sheridan on Babylon 5 than Bruce Boxleitner, who tended to play it so straight, he seemed slightly wooden). In those heady, pre-Empire Strikes Back days, it was the closest we had to pure space opera.

It's easy nowadays to complain - science fiction on television has exploded. The 4400, Farscape, Firefly/Serenity, the new Galactica - there's no lack of thought-provoking shows on television. Trek may have started it, but Buck kept the torch alive. And for that, we give thanks.

Labor Day Updates

First, unlike many others on the blogosphere, I won't link to Hurricane Katrina efforts. It's not that I'm a cynical jerk (although I am getting tired of the "don't-rebuild-NOLA-below-sea-level" style rants, and the back-and-forth is already seeming stale); I'm encouraging you to follow your hearts and your conscience. Besides, that's why Google was invented.

I've added Chipped Ham Productions and Tales from the Longbox to the blogroll for your reading pleasure. In addition, a hearty recommendation for The Comic Asylum, a bright, intelligent, snark-free read on comics and the industry. Please give all three a chance.

Finally, the interview yesterday went very well. Just mailed off some follow up letters (and will be e-mailing someone whom I don't have a snail mail address for), and then, it may be another 2 - 3 weeks. Until then, the search - and temping - resumes.

Maybe in that time, I can get around to reading Scott Pilgrim.

Anyway, since I can't think of more to write, something I swiped from Beaucoup Kevin:


You're a Mod. You dig expensive things, like suits
and speed. You have a fine appreciation for the
Kinks and know that Motown started it all, and
you have fabulous style. Hey, nice hair.
You Know Yer Indie. Let's Sub-Categorize.
brought to you by Quizilla


And yes, I was a mod in high school. Go figure.