February 27, 2005
Crisis of Infinite Bookshelves
You know, if this book gets fanboys moving away to novels and prose, it's a good thing.
February 26, 2005
Sorting Through The Humbug
First, another hearty shout-out to the Zombie Killer - I'm doing my best to face the undead thread. And for those who are confused - this is a blog that basically consists of me writing about stuff - comics, movies, and basic life stuff. I'm doling out the harshness, Dr. Tran-style.
This has been a really intense week, work-wise: meetings, coordinating a huge tobacco merchant education campaign, getting phone calls done, barely any sleep, I have a birthday on March 6th, and am just feeling kinda tired -- how do I relax?
By working my way through season 2 of Penn & Teller's Bull$h!+.
I've written about this show before - I usually wait for the DVDs to come out, since I am too cheap to purchase cable. Plus, it allows me to rewatch several times, and to really enjoy each episode. (I'm 2/3rds through the set, thanks to Netflix). The second season takes on more hearty subjects, from animal rights to New Age, from the "war on drugs" to profanity.
Even though, at times, I don't agree with their stance (to be fair, they take an extreme on the "war on drugs", seeing legalization as the natural choice, rather than treatment/prevention/decriminalization as a middle route), but they always provide food for thought. (I'm really interested in seeing their episode on 12 Step programs - I know a lot of people in recovery, and so it will be good to see how
And personally, I find that they often take on targets that are way too easy, but worth it. For example, John Gray - Mr. Mars and Venus himself - is shown for the charlatan that he is. Another episode, focusing on profanity, featured a woman who thought that you should "give the whole turkey", and not just the bird, to other drivers. (You have to see it to believe it). It's also educational - "humbug" was the early 20th century version of, er, bull$h!+. (I'm no prude, but hey, I want to keep an above board blog...at the very least, it puts what Ebeneezer Scrooge said in a different light.
Finally, to Fred Hembeck - I could post my last name, but you couldn't pronounce it, and if you said it backwards, I'd return to the fifth dimension.
This has been a really intense week, work-wise: meetings, coordinating a huge tobacco merchant education campaign, getting phone calls done, barely any sleep, I have a birthday on March 6th, and am just feeling kinda tired -- how do I relax?
By working my way through season 2 of Penn & Teller's Bull$h!+.
I've written about this show before - I usually wait for the DVDs to come out, since I am too cheap to purchase cable. Plus, it allows me to rewatch several times, and to really enjoy each episode. (I'm 2/3rds through the set, thanks to Netflix). The second season takes on more hearty subjects, from animal rights to New Age, from the "war on drugs" to profanity.
Even though, at times, I don't agree with their stance (to be fair, they take an extreme on the "war on drugs", seeing legalization as the natural choice, rather than treatment/prevention/decriminalization as a middle route), but they always provide food for thought. (I'm really interested in seeing their episode on 12 Step programs - I know a lot of people in recovery, and so it will be good to see how
And personally, I find that they often take on targets that are way too easy, but worth it. For example, John Gray - Mr. Mars and Venus himself - is shown for the charlatan that he is. Another episode, focusing on profanity, featured a woman who thought that you should "give the whole turkey", and not just the bird, to other drivers. (You have to see it to believe it). It's also educational - "humbug" was the early 20th century version of, er, bull$h!+. (I'm no prude, but hey, I want to keep an above board blog...at the very least, it puts what Ebeneezer Scrooge said in a different light.
Finally, to Fred Hembeck - I could post my last name, but you couldn't pronounce it, and if you said it backwards, I'd return to the fifth dimension.
February 24, 2005
Too Much News
First, I added Suspension of Disbelief to the old blogroll - hey, anything that helps demystify some of the more boneheaded moves in comics is all right with me.
Secondly, Dorian has listed his 100 things he that annoys him about comics.
Also, if you don't see me for stretches on end, it's because work calls...and I have it cut out for me. (Will explain in detail this weekend)
Secondly, Dorian has listed his 100 things he that annoys him about comics.
Also, if you don't see me for stretches on end, it's because work calls...and I have it cut out for me. (Will explain in detail this weekend)
February 22, 2005
Random Thoughts
My life is getting mega-busy; a huge project at work that I absolutely, positively cannot screw up is taking up most of my time. Luckily, I had a miracle sent in today, so it looks like things may be coming to a good close.
Anyway, I have to admit - I never really read any Hunter S. Thompson. Sure, a friend of mine (Hey, Gil, if you're out there, drop me a line) recommended it, but did I? No, because - let's face it - I'm a white bread, processed, pasturized coward. If anyone has any good first starts, I'm more than willing to give him a try.
Also just finished reading Guns of the South - a great alternate history. (I'm a sucker for alternate history stories). It wouldn't lead me to read any of Turtledove's other work, but it's a great, Doctor Who-esque story, and that's all I'm going to say.
Finally, for those of you who consider yourselves pals - I'm thinking of doing an outing on my birthday (which is a Sunday). Which is preferable - bowling or dining?
Anyway, I have to admit - I never really read any Hunter S. Thompson. Sure, a friend of mine (Hey, Gil, if you're out there, drop me a line) recommended it, but did I? No, because - let's face it - I'm a white bread, processed, pasturized coward. If anyone has any good first starts, I'm more than willing to give him a try.
Also just finished reading Guns of the South - a great alternate history. (I'm a sucker for alternate history stories). It wouldn't lead me to read any of Turtledove's other work, but it's a great, Doctor Who-esque story, and that's all I'm going to say.
Finally, for those of you who consider yourselves pals - I'm thinking of doing an outing on my birthday (which is a Sunday). Which is preferable - bowling or dining?
February 21, 2005
Damn You, Blogger!
Just wrote this really, really clever post about Jekyll and Hyde, and thanks to Blogger, it's now toast. I went to save, and it's disappeared.
Oh, well, will blog more later.
Oh, well, will blog more later.
February 19, 2005
Seven Years of College Down the Drain
First, just some interesting posts of note - the Accordion Guy gives us a good cheap Bat-laugh, and Mike talks about the new Krypto animated series. (Hey, I'm thinking of buying my godson Logan a stuffed Krypto for his 2nd birthday). Also, have added the Zombie Killer's blog, only because I was going to review Damn Nation # 1, but here's it in a nutshell: any comic that has military-types and zombies should be entertaining, but this book ain't it - art is too messy, the plot is indecipherable, and it's just plain mediocre.
No, I am here to discuss the one film that corrupted my youth, the one film that, thanks to an uncle's description, I later came to appreciate - Animal House.
First, it was the first film in John Landis' late 70's/early 80's trifectas - following this came The Blues Brothers (a love letter to Chicago, and which had a great impact on me coming of age in the Windy City) and An American Werewolf in London (a really cool take on the werewolf myth, and probably one of the greatest horror films ever made). His work after this, in my opinion, seemed spotty, his only real high point since then being the HBO series Dream On
However, Animal House is a great "major debut", a film that made now would be deemed cliche and inappropriate...but that's the point. This film is a celebration of rude, inappropriate behavior, the kind of film that Michael Medved would find instaneously offensive, and thank God for that. It's a movie that, structurally, is near-perfect, the laughs natural, the acting spot-on, and that (at least for me) provided a picture of college life that was ideal.
(Ironically, I did spend seven years in college....going to school part time and working part or full time. Unfortunately, I have no interesting stories about debauched behavior. Read into that what you will.)
Unfortunately, these three films, with their kid-in-a-candy-store spirit, eventually led (in my opinion) to an incredibly spotty career. Landis, like Spielberg and Lucas, was part of a new "school" of directors. However, as the book Outrageous Conduct points out, Landis also lacked discipline, and that "bigger/better/faster" attitude ended up costing three people their lives.
However, in these times of comic-influenced blockbusters (with the simplest of plots and the heaviest of CGI), Animal House seems a throwback to a different style of filmmaking. No film in recent memory embraces this free-for-all spirit (Old School is maybe closest, but only because the debauchery serves as a counterpoint to the main characters). Sad as it is to say, this movie that defiantly cried, "Nothing is over until we decide it is!" seems a relic from a more innocent time.
This from a movie that features nudity, heavy alcohol use, profanity, and horse-related fun. Go figure.
No, I am here to discuss the one film that corrupted my youth, the one film that, thanks to an uncle's description, I later came to appreciate - Animal House.
First, it was the first film in John Landis' late 70's/early 80's trifectas - following this came The Blues Brothers (a love letter to Chicago, and which had a great impact on me coming of age in the Windy City) and An American Werewolf in London (a really cool take on the werewolf myth, and probably one of the greatest horror films ever made). His work after this, in my opinion, seemed spotty, his only real high point since then being the HBO series Dream On
However, Animal House is a great "major debut", a film that made now would be deemed cliche and inappropriate...but that's the point. This film is a celebration of rude, inappropriate behavior, the kind of film that Michael Medved would find instaneously offensive, and thank God for that. It's a movie that, structurally, is near-perfect, the laughs natural, the acting spot-on, and that (at least for me) provided a picture of college life that was ideal.
(Ironically, I did spend seven years in college....going to school part time and working part or full time. Unfortunately, I have no interesting stories about debauched behavior. Read into that what you will.)
Unfortunately, these three films, with their kid-in-a-candy-store spirit, eventually led (in my opinion) to an incredibly spotty career. Landis, like Spielberg and Lucas, was part of a new "school" of directors. However, as the book Outrageous Conduct points out, Landis also lacked discipline, and that "bigger/better/faster" attitude ended up costing three people their lives.
However, in these times of comic-influenced blockbusters (with the simplest of plots and the heaviest of CGI), Animal House seems a throwback to a different style of filmmaking. No film in recent memory embraces this free-for-all spirit (Old School is maybe closest, but only because the debauchery serves as a counterpoint to the main characters). Sad as it is to say, this movie that defiantly cried, "Nothing is over until we decide it is!" seems a relic from a more innocent time.
This from a movie that features nudity, heavy alcohol use, profanity, and horse-related fun. Go figure.
February 18, 2005
February 16, 2005
Your Future Dream Is A Shopping Scheme
...or, various happenings in the blogosphere.
First, somewhere, out there, Mike is sobbing heavily, wondering, "What in the name of Alec Holland was I thinking?" (To see everyone who participated, including my own entry, click here)
For my good pal Mark, I give you the Ramones Name Generator.
Beaucoup Kevin, I believe, has precisely summed up my feelings for the upcoming Wrath of the Spectre trade. (Of course, I had to explain to my local comic shop owner what it was as I tried ot have it added to my pull file...sad indeed).
To those Star Trek fans who wish to save Enterprise....please read this site first. At the very least, check out this news on a special edition of a movie you must see. If you don't, me and my pals will come by (and Brian and I hope you know kung fu). On a related note, what is with these guys? They have a lot of cool stuff to talk about, but they're like Mike and Dorian without the charisma.
Thanks to Michelle for this interesting article on "the friend zone".
In other Trek news, JMS has thrown his hat into the ring. Um, Mr. Straczynski, I thought you already wrote Trek, but just called it Crusade to avoid lawsuits. Just what we need - Trek with foreshadowing caked on like Tammy Faye's makeup, just like on Jeremiah. Thank God it's looking more like Doctor Who is getting an American outlet.
(I kid JMS. I really do. He seems to have more of a sense of humor than, say, Harlan Ellison)
Finally, for fellow lovers of the band The Who - I'm talking to you, Fred Hembeck and Tom the Dog, one question - The Who Sell Out, pro or con?
First, somewhere, out there, Mike is sobbing heavily, wondering, "What in the name of Alec Holland was I thinking?" (To see everyone who participated, including my own entry, click here)
For my good pal Mark, I give you the Ramones Name Generator.
Beaucoup Kevin, I believe, has precisely summed up my feelings for the upcoming Wrath of the Spectre trade. (Of course, I had to explain to my local comic shop owner what it was as I tried ot have it added to my pull file...sad indeed).
To those Star Trek fans who wish to save Enterprise....please read this site first. At the very least, check out this news on a special edition of a movie you must see. If you don't, me and my pals will come by (and Brian and I hope you know kung fu). On a related note, what is with these guys? They have a lot of cool stuff to talk about, but they're like Mike and Dorian without the charisma.
Thanks to Michelle for this interesting article on "the friend zone".
In other Trek news, JMS has thrown his hat into the ring. Um, Mr. Straczynski, I thought you already wrote Trek, but just called it Crusade to avoid lawsuits. Just what we need - Trek with foreshadowing caked on like Tammy Faye's makeup, just like on Jeremiah. Thank God it's looking more like Doctor Who is getting an American outlet.
(I kid JMS. I really do. He seems to have more of a sense of humor than, say, Harlan Ellison)
Finally, for fellow lovers of the band The Who - I'm talking to you, Fred Hembeck and Tom the Dog, one question - The Who Sell Out, pro or con?
February 14, 2005
I Hate Valentine's Day
That's right - I hate this holiday. Hate it, hate it, hate it.
First, every girlfriend and/or breakup I have had has been on this day. Yeah, really romantic, isn't it? You see hearts and flowers, I see emotional trauma.
Secondly, if you read the history of St. Valentine, you soon learn that it has nothing to do with romance, and everything to do with martyrdom. I mean, crikey, Peter Parker has seen more action than I have!
Plus, I have to admit - rough day at work today. Got chewed out for a really dumb mistake, but now, it's over, I've moved on.
Oh, well, at least I'll always have comics...and by the way, be sure to check out this contest. (Beaucoup Kevin has a contest too).
But enough with the bitterness....it's time for bed.
First, every girlfriend and/or breakup I have had has been on this day. Yeah, really romantic, isn't it? You see hearts and flowers, I see emotional trauma.
Secondly, if you read the history of St. Valentine, you soon learn that it has nothing to do with romance, and everything to do with martyrdom. I mean, crikey, Peter Parker has seen more action than I have!
Plus, I have to admit - rough day at work today. Got chewed out for a really dumb mistake, but now, it's over, I've moved on.
Oh, well, at least I'll always have comics...and by the way, be sure to check out this contest. (Beaucoup Kevin has a contest too).
But enough with the bitterness....it's time for bed.
February 13, 2005
100 Things I Love About Comics
Thanks to Mike, we have another comic-related meme – this time, the 100 things we love about comics. I was going to write “Cool pictures” 100 times; however, that wouldn’t be kosher. Plus, this will probably reveal me to be a sad, sad individual. So, hang on kids, here we go, in no particular order.
1. Watchmen – the Sgt. Pepper, All Mod Cons, and Let it Be of comics, wrapped into one book.
2. The Spirit – the Citizen Kane of comics
3. Comics Illustrated – making the classics accessible to those who don’t like literature
4. Batman – the best of the pulp adventurers distilled into one character
5. Superman
6. Dean Motter’s The Prisoner follow-up mini-series (better than the original TV show!)
7. You can reread a comic; you can never re-smoke a cigarette.
8. Sandman Mystery Theater – the Golden Age as written by Raymond Chandler
9. Starman – Jack Knight, Uberfanboy
10. Stan Lee – he’s like your favorite uncle, and your obnoxious uncle, all rolled into one.
11. Jack Kirby
12. D.R. & Quinch – Alan Moore does comedy!
13. Judge Dredd
14. Astro City
15. JLA/JSA Crossovers – the closest thing comics fans had to “blockbusters” in the old days
16. V for Vendetta
17. Comics are cheaper than crack
18. Spider-Man, especially in the 1960’s
19. Fleischer & Aparo’s Spectre in Adventure Comics
20. Fantastic Four, especially in the 1960s
21. Fred Hembeck (is there a number higher than number 1 – otherwise, he’s stuck here. Sorry, Fred)
22. Grant Morrison’s hallucinogenic writing
23. Enigma
24. Concrete
25. Scarab, another long-lost Vertigo series
26. Monkey Covers!
27. American Flagg
28. Phil Foglio’s Angel & the Ape mini-series
29. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
30. Doom Patrol, both in the 1960’s and Morrison’s run
31. Sugar & Spike
32. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 2
33. The Avengers/Late Night with David Letterman Crossover Issue
34. All-Star Squadron
35. X-Men (both in the 1960s and the Claremont/Byrne run)
36. Comics give us plenty of humor, especially Mr. McFarlane’s, Liefeld’s and Byrne’s shenanigans
37. Inferior 5
38. Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
39. Marvels
40. Hey, you gotta read something while eating White Castles
41. Kingdom Come
42. X-Men # 29: “Along Came a Spider” – my first (although coverless) comic
43. Milk & Cheese by Evan Dorkin
44. Steve Englehart & Marshall Rogers’ Batman run
45. Dick Dillon’s art on Justice League of America
46. Legion of Super Heroes (at least, until the Zero Hour reboots)
47. Millennium’s Doc Savage series
48. Tim Truman’s Spider mini-series for Eclipse
49. DNAgents
50. Mike W. Barr’s Maze Agency
51. Ex Machina
52. “It’s Clobberin’ Time!”
53. Powers
54. “Where I Come From, Bub, Them’s Fightin’ Words”
55. Planetary
56. O’Neill/Adams’ Green Lantern/Green Arrow run
57. Mike Grell’s art
58. Doctor Who & the Iron Legion (yes, I’m serious, why do you ask?)
59. “Hey, kids! Comics!”
60. Gruenwald’s Squadron Supreme mini-series
61. 80/100 Page Superstar Spectaculars
62. Calvin & Hobbes
63. Those little DC Digests
64. Evanier & Spiegel’s Blackhawk run
65. Crossfire
66. Comics make great bathroom reading
67. Sachs & Violens
68. “Bite Me, Fanboy”
69. Giant typewriters
70. Groo the Wanderer
71. Perez & Wolfman’s New Teen Titans
72. JSA
73. Jim Aparo’s art on The Brave and the Bold
74. The Wit & Wisdom of Sidney Mellon
75. Fanboys are highly entertaining
76. Bloom County
77. Pound for pound, comics provide excellent entertainment value
78. MAD Magazine
79. Eightball
80. The joy of reading a new series
81. Terra-Man!
82. The joy of recommending a comic to someone else
83. Steve Ditko’s Marvel art
84. Hawk & Dove
85. “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight, let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power – Green Lantern’s Light!”
86. Jim Steranko’s cover to Now’s Green Hornet # 1
87. Adventures of Kavalier & Clay – the best novel about the Golden Age of Comics
88. Invaders – the closest thing Marvel came to a JSA
89. Creature Commandos
90. “In order for the universe to live, (insert name here) must die!
91. Ambush Bug
92. Comic Blogs
93. Judge Dredd
94. 1963
95. Those huge, tabloid-sized comics for $1.00
96. Blue Devil (Hey, I loved that series)
97. “Hulk Smash!”
98. Defenders
99. Someone actually wrote a Vertigo version of Prez
100. Brother Power the Geek
1. Watchmen – the Sgt. Pepper, All Mod Cons, and Let it Be of comics, wrapped into one book.
2. The Spirit – the Citizen Kane of comics
3. Comics Illustrated – making the classics accessible to those who don’t like literature
4. Batman – the best of the pulp adventurers distilled into one character
5. Superman
6. Dean Motter’s The Prisoner follow-up mini-series (better than the original TV show!)
7. You can reread a comic; you can never re-smoke a cigarette.
8. Sandman Mystery Theater – the Golden Age as written by Raymond Chandler
9. Starman – Jack Knight, Uberfanboy
10. Stan Lee – he’s like your favorite uncle, and your obnoxious uncle, all rolled into one.
11. Jack Kirby
12. D.R. & Quinch – Alan Moore does comedy!
13. Judge Dredd
14. Astro City
15. JLA/JSA Crossovers – the closest thing comics fans had to “blockbusters” in the old days
16. V for Vendetta
17. Comics are cheaper than crack
18. Spider-Man, especially in the 1960’s
19. Fleischer & Aparo’s Spectre in Adventure Comics
20. Fantastic Four, especially in the 1960s
21. Fred Hembeck (is there a number higher than number 1 – otherwise, he’s stuck here. Sorry, Fred)
22. Grant Morrison’s hallucinogenic writing
23. Enigma
24. Concrete
25. Scarab, another long-lost Vertigo series
26. Monkey Covers!
27. American Flagg
28. Phil Foglio’s Angel & the Ape mini-series
29. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
30. Doom Patrol, both in the 1960’s and Morrison’s run
31. Sugar & Spike
32. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 2
33. The Avengers/Late Night with David Letterman Crossover Issue
34. All-Star Squadron
35. X-Men (both in the 1960s and the Claremont/Byrne run)
36. Comics give us plenty of humor, especially Mr. McFarlane’s, Liefeld’s and Byrne’s shenanigans
37. Inferior 5
38. Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
39. Marvels
40. Hey, you gotta read something while eating White Castles
41. Kingdom Come
42. X-Men # 29: “Along Came a Spider” – my first (although coverless) comic
43. Milk & Cheese by Evan Dorkin
44. Steve Englehart & Marshall Rogers’ Batman run
45. Dick Dillon’s art on Justice League of America
46. Legion of Super Heroes (at least, until the Zero Hour reboots)
47. Millennium’s Doc Savage series
48. Tim Truman’s Spider mini-series for Eclipse
49. DNAgents
50. Mike W. Barr’s Maze Agency
51. Ex Machina
52. “It’s Clobberin’ Time!”
53. Powers
54. “Where I Come From, Bub, Them’s Fightin’ Words”
55. Planetary
56. O’Neill/Adams’ Green Lantern/Green Arrow run
57. Mike Grell’s art
58. Doctor Who & the Iron Legion (yes, I’m serious, why do you ask?)
59. “Hey, kids! Comics!”
60. Gruenwald’s Squadron Supreme mini-series
61. 80/100 Page Superstar Spectaculars
62. Calvin & Hobbes
63. Those little DC Digests
64. Evanier & Spiegel’s Blackhawk run
65. Crossfire
66. Comics make great bathroom reading
67. Sachs & Violens
68. “Bite Me, Fanboy”
69. Giant typewriters
70. Groo the Wanderer
71. Perez & Wolfman’s New Teen Titans
72. JSA
73. Jim Aparo’s art on The Brave and the Bold
74. The Wit & Wisdom of Sidney Mellon
75. Fanboys are highly entertaining
76. Bloom County
77. Pound for pound, comics provide excellent entertainment value
78. MAD Magazine
79. Eightball
80. The joy of reading a new series
81. Terra-Man!
82. The joy of recommending a comic to someone else
83. Steve Ditko’s Marvel art
84. Hawk & Dove
85. “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight, let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power – Green Lantern’s Light!”
86. Jim Steranko’s cover to Now’s Green Hornet # 1
87. Adventures of Kavalier & Clay – the best novel about the Golden Age of Comics
88. Invaders – the closest thing Marvel came to a JSA
89. Creature Commandos
90. “In order for the universe to live, (insert name here) must die!
91. Ambush Bug
92. Comic Blogs
93. Judge Dredd
94. 1963
95. Those huge, tabloid-sized comics for $1.00
96. Blue Devil (Hey, I loved that series)
97. “Hulk Smash!”
98. Defenders
99. Someone actually wrote a Vertigo version of Prez
100. Brother Power the Geek
February 11, 2005
Tales from the Pull File
You know, that's the problem with leaving your pull file go too long - way, way too many comics to read. But it's empty, I've read my stash, and now, I share my thoughts with you.
Amazing Joy Buzzards # 1 - how can you not love a book that has punk rock, Mexican wrestlers, and pink robots? Sheer fun from beginning to end.
Young Avengers # 1 - cool premise (what if fanboys decided to become superheroes), a not-quite obvious twist, but some awkward moments. At least, I'll check out number 2.
JLA # 111 - the middle of the Crime Syndicate arc, and quite frankly, interesting. Busiek is at least giving us some great twists and turns in this. I'm glad I went on this ride.
Planetary # 22 - Although I enjoy the nods to past comic/pulp characters, there is a slight feeling of "get on with it". Hopefully, the story's going somewhere.
The Ultimates 2 # 3 - Soon to be a candidate for removal. I feel Millar always pulls a bait-and-switch when he's writing: hey, kids, here's some cool concepts, but first you have to wade through some cliches.
Supreme Power # 15 - Do you ever get the feeling that JMS writes his books like one-hour dramas? If so, please let me know. Enjoyable, but again, some really awkward moments.
JSA # 70 - Things actually pick up, a great "explanation" for earlier facts, and the buildup towards a future arc. Fanboy continuity porn at its finest.
Powers # 8 - I'm unsure if this is the start of a new arc, or a continuation of a previous one. However, it is a really interesting premise, and (for my money) Bendis' best book.
Green Arrow # 47 - Thanks to the writing and art, I felt as if I was reading a Mad magazine parody of Green Arrow. Not enjoyable, definitely worth removing from the pull file.
JLA Classified # 3 - This book is steeped in Morrison-isms, yet seems fun and refreshing. I honestly can't wait for his Superman.
Ultimate Fantastic Four # 15 - There is a reviewer out on the net who, although he states he has been reviewing comics for 20 some years, often (to me) writes like a ten year old. He might find this book "cool" because the FF explore a "new universe"; I didn't because I found myself thinking, "Get on with it." Probably going to remove this one from the pull file as well.
Exiles # 59 - yes, I'm a latecomer to the book (started with 40-something, have a few of the trades), and this is a "sequel" to an earlier story, but I really enjoyed it. It's simply a fun ride, and I'm getting the feeling that the status quo will be slightly shaken.
Hellboy: the Movie - I can honestly say that, thanks to this excellent movie, I will be checking out the book. I cannot praise it more highly than that.
Amazing Joy Buzzards # 1 - how can you not love a book that has punk rock, Mexican wrestlers, and pink robots? Sheer fun from beginning to end.
Young Avengers # 1 - cool premise (what if fanboys decided to become superheroes), a not-quite obvious twist, but some awkward moments. At least, I'll check out number 2.
JLA # 111 - the middle of the Crime Syndicate arc, and quite frankly, interesting. Busiek is at least giving us some great twists and turns in this. I'm glad I went on this ride.
Planetary # 22 - Although I enjoy the nods to past comic/pulp characters, there is a slight feeling of "get on with it". Hopefully, the story's going somewhere.
The Ultimates 2 # 3 - Soon to be a candidate for removal. I feel Millar always pulls a bait-and-switch when he's writing: hey, kids, here's some cool concepts, but first you have to wade through some cliches.
Supreme Power # 15 - Do you ever get the feeling that JMS writes his books like one-hour dramas? If so, please let me know. Enjoyable, but again, some really awkward moments.
JSA # 70 - Things actually pick up, a great "explanation" for earlier facts, and the buildup towards a future arc. Fanboy continuity porn at its finest.
Powers # 8 - I'm unsure if this is the start of a new arc, or a continuation of a previous one. However, it is a really interesting premise, and (for my money) Bendis' best book.
Green Arrow # 47 - Thanks to the writing and art, I felt as if I was reading a Mad magazine parody of Green Arrow. Not enjoyable, definitely worth removing from the pull file.
JLA Classified # 3 - This book is steeped in Morrison-isms, yet seems fun and refreshing. I honestly can't wait for his Superman.
Ultimate Fantastic Four # 15 - There is a reviewer out on the net who, although he states he has been reviewing comics for 20 some years, often (to me) writes like a ten year old. He might find this book "cool" because the FF explore a "new universe"; I didn't because I found myself thinking, "Get on with it." Probably going to remove this one from the pull file as well.
Exiles # 59 - yes, I'm a latecomer to the book (started with 40-something, have a few of the trades), and this is a "sequel" to an earlier story, but I really enjoyed it. It's simply a fun ride, and I'm getting the feeling that the status quo will be slightly shaken.
Hellboy: the Movie - I can honestly say that, thanks to this excellent movie, I will be checking out the book. I cannot praise it more highly than that.
February 9, 2005
This Is Why I Dig Fred Hembeck
The man goes out of his way to promote my blog (See the February 9th entry), and makes a gratuitous pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths Superman reference!
(Also, Mr. Hembeck - the reason why I don't post my last name is that it's kinda difficult to pronounce. Believe me - you'd have bloggers everywhere getting into bare knuckle debates, and it wouldn't be pretty. It would be Identity Crisis all over again, and hey, if it works for these guys, it'll work for me...although I seriously wish I could change my name to Johnny Bacardi. How cool a name is that? It would get me trouble at work, though...)
Oh, and for all of you readers wanting the necessary pop culture-related entry, I just saw The Bourne Identity. Good rental. Also, read Across the Universe: the DC Universe Stories of Alan Moore. You'll thank me later.
(Also, Mr. Hembeck - the reason why I don't post my last name is that it's kinda difficult to pronounce. Believe me - you'd have bloggers everywhere getting into bare knuckle debates, and it wouldn't be pretty. It would be Identity Crisis all over again, and hey, if it works for these guys, it'll work for me...although I seriously wish I could change my name to Johnny Bacardi. How cool a name is that? It would get me trouble at work, though...)
Oh, and for all of you readers wanting the necessary pop culture-related entry, I just saw The Bourne Identity. Good rental. Also, read Across the Universe: the DC Universe Stories of Alan Moore. You'll thank me later.
February 8, 2005
Cool Comic Contest
I saw a notice for this on Mike's blog -if you'd like a free hardcover copy of Marvel's Loki series, then check this out!
February 7, 2005
Useless Data
For the longest time, I envied blogs that revealed the various searches that led people to content (much like this recent post from Dorian); however, having put a tracking thingie on the blog, I checked to see how people came to my blog.
First, if you use Google or Yahoo, you had an equal chance of getting here. (Score one for the Alta Vista dude for being creative). Almost one fifth of my total traffic came from these two blogs, but only (I believe) because they wrote blogs around mine.
Anyway, here are the searches:
Peter Davison: OK, I blogged enough about Doctor Who, now let's see if I can drive traffic up with hot Colin Baker nude photos
Jolene Blalock blog: Please don't, Ms. Blalock. Seriously. The last thing we need is a blog named after a Dolly Parton song.
aa meetings Ballwin MO: I don't know of any myself, but if you need them, please head here or here
"Superman/Batman 14" "download": Kids, if you can pay for internet access, you can pay the three bucks for a frickin' comic book
Insult Comic Dog Ian American Idol: Inspired by this excellent post....for me to poop on!
Julliard Blog: Remember - drugs and blogs don't mix.
Jamie Lee Curtis Stripping in the Movie True Lies/Jamie Lee Curtis Strip Scene True Lies: It took me awhile to figure out why I was linked, but it was this long-forgotten post. Also, kids, if you want to see nude scenes in movies, rent them. E-mail me, and I'll even send you a free trial for Netflix. You'll thank me for it later. (See the Superman/Batman comment above for a rationale)
Blog Jolene Blalock: Who wouldn't? (Just kidding - again, see above for rationale)
mid-life crisis comics - women: Something tells me that, if he didn't like Swamp Thing so much, this would be Mike's favorite comic.
KROOZIN MUSIC CHICAGO: Understandable - great record shop. Now, it's an expansion site for Kelly High School (my dad and uncle's alma mater). Sad - now we're stuck in a Sam Goody/Musicland retail hell. I pray for the younger generation.
blogspot & kooey: I loved this show when I was a kid, especially the part when Kooey learned a valuable lesson in friendship.
So remember, dear reader - have fun, blog responsibly, and never wear Aqua Velva. You'll smell like your grandfather.
First, if you use Google or Yahoo, you had an equal chance of getting here. (Score one for the Alta Vista dude for being creative). Almost one fifth of my total traffic came from these two blogs, but only (I believe) because they wrote blogs around mine.
Anyway, here are the searches:
Peter Davison: OK, I blogged enough about Doctor Who, now let's see if I can drive traffic up with hot Colin Baker nude photos
Jolene Blalock blog: Please don't, Ms. Blalock. Seriously. The last thing we need is a blog named after a Dolly Parton song.
aa meetings Ballwin MO: I don't know of any myself, but if you need them, please head here or here
"Superman/Batman 14" "download": Kids, if you can pay for internet access, you can pay the three bucks for a frickin' comic book
Insult Comic Dog Ian American Idol: Inspired by this excellent post....for me to poop on!
Julliard Blog: Remember - drugs and blogs don't mix.
Jamie Lee Curtis Stripping in the Movie True Lies/Jamie Lee Curtis Strip Scene True Lies: It took me awhile to figure out why I was linked, but it was this long-forgotten post. Also, kids, if you want to see nude scenes in movies, rent them. E-mail me, and I'll even send you a free trial for Netflix. You'll thank me for it later. (See the Superman/Batman comment above for a rationale)
Blog Jolene Blalock: Who wouldn't? (Just kidding - again, see above for rationale)
mid-life crisis comics - women: Something tells me that, if he didn't like Swamp Thing so much, this would be Mike's favorite comic.
KROOZIN MUSIC CHICAGO: Understandable - great record shop. Now, it's an expansion site for Kelly High School (my dad and uncle's alma mater). Sad - now we're stuck in a Sam Goody/Musicland retail hell. I pray for the younger generation.
blogspot & kooey: I loved this show when I was a kid, especially the part when Kooey learned a valuable lesson in friendship.
So remember, dear reader - have fun, blog responsibly, and never wear Aqua Velva. You'll smell like your grandfather.
February 6, 2005
We're Number 2!
Just a few random musings, mostly to keep my hand in the blogosphere. Not really going to watch the Super Bowl (after the Bears won in '87, they broke my heart), so I'm going to listen to tons of music (including Doctor Who: Spare Parts - if anyone knows a St. Louis distributor of Big Finish Audios, please let me know), watch The Bourne Identity, and basically chill.
Good news, though - my pals and I came in second place at my employer's Trivia Night. (For those not in St. Louis, you basically pay to answer trivia questions, and win stuff). Highlight: round 1 bonus was matching secret identities to pseudonyms. I took care of that within 30 seconds. A childhood spent reading comics pays off!
The hot date I spoke about awhile ago - got stuck in the "friend zone". However, since her job keeps her busy, it's cool. I kind of enjoy being an international man of mystery, and right now, have some other things that need my attention.
Finally, had to clean up the blogroll (got several error messages for one or two), and added Brent's blog. Good to see you back, pal.
Good news, though - my pals and I came in second place at my employer's Trivia Night. (For those not in St. Louis, you basically pay to answer trivia questions, and win stuff). Highlight: round 1 bonus was matching secret identities to pseudonyms. I took care of that within 30 seconds. A childhood spent reading comics pays off!
The hot date I spoke about awhile ago - got stuck in the "friend zone". However, since her job keeps her busy, it's cool. I kind of enjoy being an international man of mystery, and right now, have some other things that need my attention.
Finally, had to clean up the blogroll (got several error messages for one or two), and added Brent's blog. Good to see you back, pal.
February 3, 2005
Where No Trek Has Gone Before
As you've probably read elsewhere (and by the growing number of commentaries on the subject), UPN has finally pulled the plug on Star Trek: Enterprise. Although I am saddened by the decision, and in a turn of phrase on a Shatnerian scale, all I have to say is...
It's about time
This is no reflection on the cast's efforts - they tried to do the best they can with what they had. (Although Jolene Blalock's frequent whining sure as heck didn't help things). This past season saw the series begin to really tap into its promise - a great prequel for an excellent series. However, Enterprise was, at best, a pale imitation of past efforts, an attempt to do Star Trek by-the-numbers that failed miserably.
How did it begin? Imagine, if you will, those heady days of 1995, when Paramount decided to create a new network, and all of a sudden, Star Trek became a "franchise." Instead of being a vehicle for cutting edge stories, of social commentary, now it meant that you couldn't make any serious changes to the show, you had to soften some of the blows, and you had to make it palatable to the general public. The original series wasn't all that palatable - it was a medium-sized hit whose legend grew in syndication. The Next Generation broke the rules, played to a non-network audience, and expanded upon Star Trek Fandom. Deep Space 9 started off poorly, but taking a page from Babylon 5, began expanding into a complex story that dared to ask the question, "How far can you go with Roddenberry's toys without breaking them? Or turning it into a whole new show?"
But alas, Paramount made Star Trek "the franchise", and with Voyager, began the ST-by-the-numbers approach. We have a ship, in new area of space! Everyone gets along, so let's meet evil aliens! Let's see familiar races! Let's see a character comment on what it's like to be human! Let's see a skirtchaser, a plucky ensign, a miracle working engineer! (OK, sarcasm noted, but you have to admit - nobody will remember Voyager the way they will TNG or TOS. But the franchise meant lack of creativity, of automatic limits, of not taking chances. Much like comic book companies, Star Trek has become less about invention and more about catering to the same small group of individuals.
Many people lay the blame with Rick Berman and Brannon Bragga, and quite frankly - they deserve it. Both men have been the driving force behind Trek, and chose to follow their marching orders to the letter. They were company men to the letter, and made sure that they ran Star Trek to the ground. (At least Doctor Who, in its initial 26 year run, had various producers, script editors, writers, actors, etc).
The worst crime both men faced - not seeing that Trek was slightly outmoded. I've written on this before, but the face of science fiction television has changed since the initial run, and I don't mean the advent of cable. Other shows have way surpassed Star Trek, creating new ways to handle similar stories: Farscape (in my opinion, the closest we will ever come to Blake's Seven), Andromeda (whose first season was supposedly inspired by a failed Trek pitch), Stargate SG-1, Babylon 5, even the recent Battlestar Galactica revival is more in touch with modern tastes. People just don't want simple dilemma-and-a-moral-in-45-minutes anymore; they have a lot more access to literary science fiction, to science fiction television, etc.
Sadly, Berman is stating that there will be a three year "hiatus" on Trek - dude, you're sounding like me with every woman I've been infatuated with. I sit there, as she lovingly walks away with someone else, thinking, "Once she dumps him, she'll realize she made a mistake and come back to me." Won't happen. Even with a change of the PTB at CBS/Viacom, even if they are making a mistake, it's theirs to make. No cameos, no stunt casting, nothing will change the fact that, at its very core, Star Trek went way too long. Burnout was inevitable. Let it go and move on.
We are lucky to have a legacy of Trek - I will always, first and foremost, remain a Trek fan. However, it is about time that we take the message of Trek to heart - to boldly go where no one has gone before.
A world without new Star Trek. I wonder what that's like.
And I can't wait to find out.
It's about time
This is no reflection on the cast's efforts - they tried to do the best they can with what they had. (Although Jolene Blalock's frequent whining sure as heck didn't help things). This past season saw the series begin to really tap into its promise - a great prequel for an excellent series. However, Enterprise was, at best, a pale imitation of past efforts, an attempt to do Star Trek by-the-numbers that failed miserably.
How did it begin? Imagine, if you will, those heady days of 1995, when Paramount decided to create a new network, and all of a sudden, Star Trek became a "franchise." Instead of being a vehicle for cutting edge stories, of social commentary, now it meant that you couldn't make any serious changes to the show, you had to soften some of the blows, and you had to make it palatable to the general public. The original series wasn't all that palatable - it was a medium-sized hit whose legend grew in syndication. The Next Generation broke the rules, played to a non-network audience, and expanded upon Star Trek Fandom. Deep Space 9 started off poorly, but taking a page from Babylon 5, began expanding into a complex story that dared to ask the question, "How far can you go with Roddenberry's toys without breaking them? Or turning it into a whole new show?"
But alas, Paramount made Star Trek "the franchise", and with Voyager, began the ST-by-the-numbers approach. We have a ship, in new area of space! Everyone gets along, so let's meet evil aliens! Let's see familiar races! Let's see a character comment on what it's like to be human! Let's see a skirtchaser, a plucky ensign, a miracle working engineer! (OK, sarcasm noted, but you have to admit - nobody will remember Voyager the way they will TNG or TOS. But the franchise meant lack of creativity, of automatic limits, of not taking chances. Much like comic book companies, Star Trek has become less about invention and more about catering to the same small group of individuals.
Many people lay the blame with Rick Berman and Brannon Bragga, and quite frankly - they deserve it. Both men have been the driving force behind Trek, and chose to follow their marching orders to the letter. They were company men to the letter, and made sure that they ran Star Trek to the ground. (At least Doctor Who, in its initial 26 year run, had various producers, script editors, writers, actors, etc).
The worst crime both men faced - not seeing that Trek was slightly outmoded. I've written on this before, but the face of science fiction television has changed since the initial run, and I don't mean the advent of cable. Other shows have way surpassed Star Trek, creating new ways to handle similar stories: Farscape (in my opinion, the closest we will ever come to Blake's Seven), Andromeda (whose first season was supposedly inspired by a failed Trek pitch), Stargate SG-1, Babylon 5, even the recent Battlestar Galactica revival is more in touch with modern tastes. People just don't want simple dilemma-and-a-moral-in-45-minutes anymore; they have a lot more access to literary science fiction, to science fiction television, etc.
Sadly, Berman is stating that there will be a three year "hiatus" on Trek - dude, you're sounding like me with every woman I've been infatuated with. I sit there, as she lovingly walks away with someone else, thinking, "Once she dumps him, she'll realize she made a mistake and come back to me." Won't happen. Even with a change of the PTB at CBS/Viacom, even if they are making a mistake, it's theirs to make. No cameos, no stunt casting, nothing will change the fact that, at its very core, Star Trek went way too long. Burnout was inevitable. Let it go and move on.
We are lucky to have a legacy of Trek - I will always, first and foremost, remain a Trek fan. However, it is about time that we take the message of Trek to heart - to boldly go where no one has gone before.
A world without new Star Trek. I wonder what that's like.
And I can't wait to find out.
Memes, Memes, the Musical Fruit
Although he didn't do this to me personally, I stole this meme from Beaucoup Kevin because - let's face it - it's kinda cool.
Here we go...
1. Total amount of music files on your computer:
About 2 GB - most of it is stuff that I can't find on CD and downloaded with file sharing software (hey, it may be questionable, but if you're looking for Smothers Brothers MP3s...a guy's gotta start somewhere)
2. The last CD you bought was:
Rhino's 2-CD reissue of Get Happy by Elvis Costello, but only because my Rykodisc tape snapped.
3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
"Swallowing Pride" by Don Dixon, off of Romeo at Julliard
4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you.
"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" by Them (Van Morrison sings the hell out of Dylan)
"Here Comes a Regular" by the Replacements
"These Important Years" by Husker Du
"Passion is No Ordinary Word" by Graham Parker
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong (yes, I'm a softie)
5. Who are you going to pass this stick to? (3 persons) and why?
Ran (because his musical tastes are excellent), Brian (because he probably has nothing but Def Leppard records) and Tom the Dog (because I'm curious)
Here we go...
1. Total amount of music files on your computer:
About 2 GB - most of it is stuff that I can't find on CD and downloaded with file sharing software (hey, it may be questionable, but if you're looking for Smothers Brothers MP3s...a guy's gotta start somewhere)
2. The last CD you bought was:
Rhino's 2-CD reissue of Get Happy by Elvis Costello, but only because my Rykodisc tape snapped.
3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
"Swallowing Pride" by Don Dixon, off of Romeo at Julliard
4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you.
"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" by Them (Van Morrison sings the hell out of Dylan)
"Here Comes a Regular" by the Replacements
"These Important Years" by Husker Du
"Passion is No Ordinary Word" by Graham Parker
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong (yes, I'm a softie)
5. Who are you going to pass this stick to? (3 persons) and why?
Ran (because his musical tastes are excellent), Brian (because he probably has nothing but Def Leppard records) and Tom the Dog (because I'm curious)
February 2, 2005
Various News & Updates
First, just a heads-up: Mom's OK and back from the hospital. Turns out she had some polyps (thanks to a colonoscopy), biopsy results pending. Mom's advice: "If your poop is black and you're not taking Pepto Bismol, see a doctor."
Next, in weirdly related news, I took second prize in the Polite Dissent contest. Happy happy joy joy!
Finally, you may have heard - Enterprise was canceled. Expect a post on that - and a meme - within the next day or so.
Next, in weirdly related news, I took second prize in the Polite Dissent contest. Happy happy joy joy!
Finally, you may have heard - Enterprise was canceled. Expect a post on that - and a meme - within the next day or so.
February 1, 2005
I Am A DJ, I Am What I Play....
If I didn't love you, I'd hate you,Actually, the title is a misnomer, even though I do have a friend who is a DJ.
I'm playin' your stereo brand;
Singles remind me of kisses,
Albums remind me of plans.
Squeeze, "If I Didn't Love You"
I'm really not much of an impulse buyer for practical stuff - if it's kitschy and pop-cultural, I will spend my last grocery money, will avoid buying medicine for poor Aunt May, etc; if it's practical, I won't get it. However, Target had the all-in-one phonograph-and-radio units in the clearance aisle for twenty bucks.
Yeah, sure, I have an old stereo in my basement that needs repair (and/or will become excellent garage sale fodder), but I've been too busy to take it in to be fixed. Plus, at twenty bucks, I now had easy access to my vinyl albums, which I haven't played since 1998.
Seriously - May 25th, 1998. The day my then-fiance and I broke up, beginning a huge bitter fight. The off-and-on button on my stereo faded out, and since then, I have been in a CD-and-mix-tape binge, denying myself the comforting crackle of vinyl. This unit isn't the height of sound reproduction, but it is a hell of a lot better than the Close-N-Play Phonograph of my childhood.
Once I unpacked it, set it up in my bedroom, I began rummaging through my collection, playing those records that I didn't have on CD. (Much of my LP collection I have on CD, but several I am unsure if they are available). Don Dixon's Romeo At Julliard (one of those great unfound albums, which is worth hunting down). rumble by the Nameless, a band once led by a former high school classmate who's one hell of a songwriter, REM's Dead Letter Office, Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, The Best of the Music Machine (the latter two from Rhino, when they released cool music and weren't just Time Warner's reissue label).
So, dear reader, you're probably wondering either why I am posting on this minor incident, and/or thinking, "What brand of crack is he smoking?" Well, my point is this - in this MP3/CD/iPod World, where music is at its most expensive (and most plentiful), there's something so reassuring, so essentially cool about revisiting old vinyl records - large, easy-to-read liner notes (for example: the Velvet Underground '84 reissues with notes from a pre-MTV Kurt Loder), having to get up to switch record sides, and, well, the encouragement to pay attention, to actually work towards listening to music. OK, we can't rewind, we've gone too far, but every once in awhile, it's good to revisit some old friends.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Husker Du's Zen Arcade
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