Happy Halloween!

Halloween greetings from your pal, Hoochie Smurf
(via Jessica)

Music & Stuff

Taking a cue from Tosy & Cosh, I think I'm going to chime on in with this meme. Play along, kids!

Favorite Beatles song: "Help!"
Desperation never sounded so exciting

Favorite solo song by a former Beatle: "Band on the Run"

Favorite Bob Dylan song: "I Want You"
Bouncy music + longing lyrics = fun

Favorite Pixies song: "Gigantic"

Favorite Prince song: "When U Were Mine"

Favorite Michael Jackson song: ?
(Not a fave)

Favorite Metallica song: "Master of Puppets"

Favorite Public Enemy song: "Bring the Noise"

Favorite Depeche Mode song: ?
Sorry, Beaucoup Kevin

Favorite Cure song: ?

Favorite song that most of your friends haven't heard: "Pretty Ballerina" by The Left Banke
Heartbreakingly pretty

Favorite Beastie Boys song: "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn"

Favorite Police song: "Message in a Bottle"

Favorite Sex Pistols song: "Anarchy in the UK"

Favorite song from a movie: "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" from Batman & Robin
In another world, it's a James Bond theme

Favorite Blondie song: "Dreaming"

Favorite Genesis song: "Land of Confusion"

Favorite Led Zeppelin song: "Dancing Days"

Favorite INXS song: "Devil Inside"

Favorite Weird Al song: "Dare to Be Stupid"
The real manifesto of the 80s

Favorite Pink Floyd song: "Not Now John"
Half screaming rocker, half Subterranean Homesick Blues

Favorite cover song: The Sonics' version of "Louie Louie"
Hell, any cover of "Louie, Louie" for that matter

Favorite dance song: "Shake Your Tailfeather" from The Blues Brothers
Happy now, Psychbloke?

Favorite U2 song: "Surrender"
That slide guitar kills

Favorite disco song: ?
never liked disco. Sorry.

Favorite The Who song: "I Can See For Miles"
A great riff, sneering lyrics, and killer drumming. Still feels like I'm hearing it for the first time when I hear it

Favorite Elton John song: "Tiny Dancer"
Reminds me of a certain someone - she knows who she is

Favorite Clash song: "Safe European Home"
Great sloppy solo and cool fake fade-out

Favorite David Bowie song: "Suffragette City"

Favorite Nirvana song: "Verse Chorus Verse"

Favorite Snoop Dogg song: ?

Favorite Ice Cube song: ?

Favorite Johnny Cash song: "I Walk the Line"
My personal credo

Favorite R.E.M. song: "Walk Unafraid"

Favorite Elvis song: "Heartbreak Hotel"

Favorite cheesy-ass country song: "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks

Favorite Billy Joel song: "Through the Long Night"

Favorite Bruce Springsteen song: "Backstreets"
Killer intro, with great dramatic movements....almost a mini-opera

Favorite Big Audio Dynamite song: "C'Mon Every Beatbox"

Favorite New Order song: "Bizarre Love Triangle"

Favorite Neil Diamond song: "Love on the Rocks".
Ok, I admit it. I like this song. Go sue me

Favorite Squeeze song: "Up the Junction"

Favorite Smiths song: "Panic"
More timely than ever

Favorite Tragically Hip Song: ?

Favorite Beach Boys song: "Don't Worry Baby"

Favorite Dave Matthews Band song ?

Favorite Dire Straits song: "Walk of Life"

Favorite Elvis Costello song: "Man Out of Time"

Favorite Guns 'N Roses song: "Welcome to the Jungle"
I loves me some sleazy rock

Favorite Jimi Hendrix song: "Burning of the Midnight Lamp"

Favorite John Mellencamp song: ?
I Hate Mellencamp. Hate him with a passion.

Favorite Living Colour song: "Cult of Personality"

Favorite Neil Young song: "Hey Hey My My"

Favorite Paul Simon song: ?

Favorite Simon & Garfunkel song: "I Am A Rock"
I like Simon and Garfunkel, but Simon's solo stuff leaves me cold - what's that about?

Favorite Queen song: "Killer Queen"

Favorite Radiohead song: "Let Down & Hanging Around"

Favorite Sting song: ?

Favorite Tracy Chapman song: "Fast Car"

Favorite Van Morrison song: "Want A Danish"

Favorite XTC song: "Life Begins At the Hop"

And for some additions:

Favorite Kinks Song: "All Day and All of the Night"

Favorite Graham Parker Song: "Discovering Japan"

In other news:

Good news - attended a Build St. Louis social last night, and met a few potential consulting clients, as well as just basic schmoozing.

Bad news - this morning, I woke up with a bad cold. Feel icky. Getting plenty of sleep, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Thankfully, I have sweatpants, a humidifier, and plenty of DVDs to keep me entertained.

Public Service Announcement

Everyone,

As you may be aware, I recently won penguini for promoting my pal Andy's blog. However, one day when I came home from a job interview, this is what I found:





Lesson learned: never leave penguini unsupervised.

And unlike others, I take full responsibility.

Good News

Well, instead of the usual pop culture commentary, some pretty good news all around.

Last night, I had the best job interview I have had so far. The job I interviewed for...there are some rough edges to it. But at the same time, I am really grateful, and evidence seems to be that I'm on the right track professionally.

Sadly, I have a committment on Mondays that makes me miss one of my favorite local radio shows, so thankfully, they're podcasting.

Finally, my favorite e-mail software is now free, and it's still my favorite. Hopefully, it will become yours as well. (Don't let the order form fool you - once you click through, you get your registration code).

Tricked: A Review

I absolutely love the Schlafly branch of the St. Louis Public Library, not the least of which is their extensive stock of graphic novels.

It's been a hectic few days - participating in a Deliberation Day for Focus St. Louis, commenting on the closing of a comics blog, chuckling at another's blog post, job-related networking and interviewing, all the tiem fighting one heck of a cold. Luckily, though, between naps and cups of tea, I pored through Alex Robinson's Tricked

Needless to say, I had been very impressed with Robinson's Box Office Poison, which examined the comics industry...but to say that is like saying The Wizard of Oz is about a Kansas girl who travels. Robinson's strength lies in the way he takes disparate characters, often seemingly unrelated, and bringing them together in a natural, almost effortless way.

Tricked works similar magic, but I think it's safe to say - Robinson's aimed his bar much higher. His characters are a lot more sharply defined, but his real strength lays in how he presents them. In BOP, each "chapter" was separated by a six-panel fourth-wall-breaking sequence by characters who appeared in each installment. Tricked is slightly more straightforward: however, key sequences - including a man's breakdown into madness, and a woman realizing that her beau is "the one" - help move the story forward to a great, almost surreal end.

It also helps that Robinson has a great knack for characterization - people who could have been trite cliches (a faded musician, a girl looking for her father) turn into full-on, rounded characters. (So much that, despite myself, I wished one of the characters were real.) Even though the book is thick, this is one of the easiest, most enjoyable reads out there. There are a few incidents of violence in this book, but Robinson uses them sparingly, almost as a way to forewshadow....but that would be spoiling it.

In interviews, Alan Moore had always complained that writers focused on using Watchmen more as a template for grim-and-gritty superheroes than in terms of storytelling structure. (And unlike the Howling Curmudgeons, I really believe Watchmen is a novel proper - after all, could prose be as multi-leveled as the comic? I doubt it)

At the risk of hyperbole, Tricked is the first worthy offspring of Watchmen. It works on a narrative, character, and artistic level.

You deserve to read a comic this good.

Mixed Bag 3: Director's Commentary

Since they're in the mail, I thought it might be good to do a "director's commentary" on my contribution to Lefty Brown's Halloween Mixed Bag. I tried to go for a subtle, creepy vibe with some ties to Halloween - trust me, it's a good mix. For those of you at home, please follow along.

Intro - a familiar fave from my favorite childhood show

The Thing That Only Eats Hippies- Dead Milkmen: Needed to start with something a little bratty, a little punky, and didn't want to go the Ramones route. Plus, a clever dis on a great band.

Out of Limits - Marketts: As close to a surf version of the Twilight Zone theme as you're
gonna get.

Surfin’ Dead - Cramps: Greatest. Song. Ever.

So good this site featured it twice.

Shake Some Action - Flamin’ Groovies: Killer 12 String riff, sounds like the love child of the Byrds and the Sex Pistols.

Gimme Danger - Stooges: Because Iggy Pop is the scariest [12 letter word with Oedipal overtones] on the planet.

Good Cop Bad Cop - Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet: Surf punk at its most dangerous sounding. Could have used "Zombie Compromise", but too many people would say, "Hey, that's the Taco Bell song!"

He’s Waitin - Sonics: A killer song by the world's greatest garage band about a woman two-timing her man, and which invokes.....Satan!

You Better Run - Rascals: A nice, semi-raunchy groove with a great guitar riff. Plus, Eddie Brigati never got his props as a great vocalist.

If You Have Ghosts - John Wesley Harding & the Good Liars: First, if you've never heard John Wesley Harding, think of Elvis Costello's cuter brother with a more pop sound. This is a great cover of a Roky Erickson tune for a tribute album - for Roky, every day was Halloween.

Jump Around - House of Pain: Needed a little hip-hop, and the screeching vocals help keep up the mood.

Plan 9 Channel 7 - Damned: A five minute Goth masterpiece.

Ghost Town - Specials: Used well in Shaun of the Dead. I liked the windy intro and outro, and which leads to...

Night of the Long Grass - Troggs: If I could have cross faded, I would have. A great 5/4 tune from the minds that brought you "Wild Thing" and "Love is All Around".

Howlin’ Wind - Graham Parker & the Rumor: Finishing the three song "wind" motif. Parker's first real "hit" - a reggae groove with angsty lyrics.

Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival: This song was written was Nixon was elected in '68. You can hear the fear in Fogerty's voice as he's singing.

Smiling Faces Sometimes - Undisputed Truth: An unsettling - yet funky - song about not trusting others.

Backstabbers - O’Jays: aka "Smiling Faces Sometimes" part two. Even funkier paranoia.

No Tears for Caesar - William Shatner: Shatner raps Shakespeare. If that doesn't say "scary", I don't know what does.

Jack the Ripper - Link Wray & the Wray-Men: A growling instrumental from the inventor of the power chord.

Dark End of the Street - James Carr: Possibly the greatest we-shouldn't-be-doing-this-yet- can't-help-it song ever written.

I’m So Tired - Beatles: Ever have the kind of night where you want to sleep, but just can't? This song is a great mellow tune, and helps begin to bring the disc to a close.

Burning of the Midnight Lamp - Jimi Hendrix: 12 String Guitar + Wah Wah Pedal = Unearthly sounding classic.

West One (Shine on Me) - Ruts: A rushing, desperate song combining lyrics of isolation and a reggae-punk rush.

Outro - Fun with the 7th Doctor and Davros.

Encore - A midnight movie tune. Yep, the obvious one.

EDIT: For some reason, there's this belief that I'm often mistaken for Joe Don Baker or Jack Klugman. Thanks to the Church of Klugman for pointing this out.

However, a thought to consider: have you ever seen me and Mike in the same room together?

At Last the 1948 Show

Monty Python holds a very special place in my heart - it was the first show that I watched in defiance of my mother's orders. At nine years old, I was already becoming slightly rebellious, and the Mr. Neutron episode introduced me to a whole new way of silly comedy. Having been brought up on the Marx Brothers, Get Smart, and The Dick Van Dyke Show, it was a great way to begin growing into more sophisticated tastes.

When I read Kim "Howard" Johnson's book on pre- and post-Python, my immediate thoughts went to wanting to see the legendary pre-Python series At Last the 1948 Show and Do Not Adjust Your Set. These were the video equivalent of the Beatles Anthology series, looking at another early "take" on Python.

After seeing At Last, the 1948 Show, I have mixed feelings.

Most of them are due to the condition of episodes - these are kinescopes of "live" videotaped shows. Unfortunately, the company (most likely) did not have any restoration money - watch any black and white Doctor Who DVD and you'll see what I mean. Plus, these five "episodes" were edited from existing film clips, meaning that some of the intended flow was lost.

However, content and comedically - almost flawless. A pastor begging his congregation for a hymn. Two sketches ("Four Yorkshiremen" and "Top of the Form") which were part of the Python live show after the series ended. A chartered accountant doing a silly dance. It's easy to see seeds of Python in these sketches, especially with the lovely Aimi McDonald performing the "links". (Graham Chapman, as the major, would perform a similar role in Python. I personally would have preferred Aimi McDonald). It's also easy to see the formation of Cleese's persona (of the Establishment character with turmoil boiling under), Marty Feldman's unique charisma, and the more logical/verbal humor of Python prevalent. In fact, the only "complaint" is that it lacks the kind of visual, surreal humor noted in Python.

And they would get that by teaming with the members of Do Not Adjust Your Set...but that's a blog for another time.

(Side note to Psychbloke & Dr. Sordid - are The Goodies available on DVD? I haven't seen them since I was ten years old. Could use a lot more British humor).

Charles Rocket RIP

First, thanks to Something Old, Nothing New for bringing this sad news to light.

For more details, click here. If you're wondering, "Just who is Charles Rocket, and why did he matter?" click here.

For the record, no one deserves to pass like this. No one.

My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Assorted Stuff

First, next chance I get, I'm removing the blogpoll on the sidebar - let your opinion be known! (Plus, I like getting feedback - makes me glad somebody's reading this thing).

Also, I rock, especially since I know what KITT stands for.

Finally, a little something I stole from two other blogs:

Doing Anything November 12th?

Then why not attend the Boys and Girls Town Young Friends Committee Trivia Night? That's right - the best of trivia 1985 - 1995. For a small fee, you and your friends can have a great time, raise funds for a great organization, and basically avoid Enterprise reruns on Channel 30.

(OK, brief note - I'm on the committee, and am helping put it together and will be working that evening. For those of you not in the STL area, consider it a good road trip experience).

For more information - and to RSVP - head here, and tell 'em Gordon D sent you.

As for my plans this weekend, I'm doing another trivia night, as well as watching one of my favorite movies tonight, and making my way through this book (thanks to the public library).

Hey, Andy!

You might want to check your e-mail - here's my fan pic for your blog:



(We'll resume normal blogging tomorrow).

Gettin' Personal

First, a great recommendation - be sure you pick up and read Where the Truth Lies, especially before the movie comes out. For one thing, it's a cracking good story about a comedy duo and their possible involvement in the death of a young girl. In addition, Rupert Holmes redeems himself for this song. And don't let my reputation as an "online tough guy" sway you.

Anyway, had a job interview on Monday that went OK - nothing major; wasn't as prepared as I should have been. However, I'll be preparing for an interview later this afternoon, and the agency was nice enough to send me some of their informational materials. (OK, maybe they sent it to all of their candidates, but it's still extremely flattering). Hopefully, I can get something to earn some income - but thankfully, DC has a site which spoils their own comics. Between that and Spoilt!, my comic budget has gone down, and I can concentrate on quality.

Anyway, if you dig the fan fiction, check out this Avengers fan fiction site. It's....interesting. (And it's the British Avengers, not the Marvel ones).

Finally, news that both I and Laura can enjoy - the mouth on legs is returning!

By Hook or By Crook

I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered! My life is my own - Arrival.

(For Logan, Jill, and the Lord of Nuance, who have never seen what I'm describing).

Like many in my generation, I was a television brat. Most people would find their role models in sports and athletics: mine were such gentlemanly heroes as John Steed or the Third Doctor. However, thanks to a then-cutting-edge PBS station in Chicago, I was introduced to a character that would form my moral core - Number 6 of The Prisoner.

I find it not-so-coincidental that Patrick McGoohan and I were born 13 days and 30-some years apart; maybe that's why The Prisoner resonates so strongly. The plot was almost typical 1960s Cold War/spy fare: a secret agent angrily resigns, and finds himself "kidnapped" on an island where the powers that be want to know his reasons for resigning. It was an anomaly in that there were only 17 episodes - short enough to not lose interest, but long enough to provide a good thorough viewing. (You can either purchase all five boxed DVD sets, or get one mega-set; I own all five, the first two sets given to me with my first DVD player).

It was also unique in that it straddled various genres (from Western to science fiction to sheer drama), and that it ended with as many (if not more) questions than it started with. This was, as A & E's promotions put it, "Television's First Masterpiece" - a 17 episode essay on individualism, politics, and various other issues. It's been an influence on other media, most notably comics (both a Wolfman/Kirby proposal for Marvel and Dean Motter's sequel), as well as V For Vendetta) and television (the why-the-heck- wasn't-this-a-hit Nowhere Man, which is coming to DVD later this year, and, in my opinion, Lost ).

So why did this show "form my moral core"? At its heart, it was a basic story of man versus society, of almost pure anti-establisment defiance. It covered other areas as well - the perversion of scientific thought, the nature of identity, democratic elections, McCarthy-esque blacklisting, among others - but its core was Number 6's refusal, in spite of numerous attempts to the contrary, to compromise his principles. In essence, Number 6 - despite any other criticisms - remains a man who is willing to do what he considers right. (Some schools of thought entertain that Number 6 is working for the "other side" - I personally maintain that he has his own agenda. After all, if you resign from one side, why not defect to the other?) This is a show that emphasizes pure freedom - the ability to know where one stands and act accordingly. And that is a value that I consider my strongest asset...but enough about me.

In many ways, it does reflect the time it was created - both in terms of design, and a slight whiff of misogyny. (There's also a bit of a double standard - McGoohan thought kissing was inappropriate for "family entertainment", but fisticuffs were). However, in current times, it seems even more relevant than ever, especially in terms of American politics. Erosion of individual liberties, manipulation by the powers that be, being declared almost "unmutual" for dissenting with public opinion - all of these issues are being discussed in our post-911, post-Katrina World. The Prisoner is a series that should be considered necessary viewing for anyone who wishes to be a concerned citizen - after all, if made in the present day, Number 6 would be considered an anti-hero, a person who challenges an authority that - let's face it - knows what's best for you.

In short, we're all living in the Village.

Hot, Happening News

First, I'm in the process of getting some relatively old (within 1 year) printers ready to sell on eBay (along with some other stuff) - if you're interested, please let me know. I'm also working on a couple of interesting pieces, mostly television related, so keep watching this space!

Thanks to Greg at Delenda Est Carthago (and happy blogiversary!), I am the proud winner of America: The Book. Yes, dear readers, people do win blog contests!

Andy asks what wine goes with porn (probably not work safe) and offers free stuff (definitely work safe).

Missouri's considering a cigarette tax, and already, there's some disagreement about how it should be spent. Of course, with a governor who has relatives in the tobacco industry, that's cool...just as it's cool to, say, have someone who isn't a judge serve on the US Supreme Court.

(End of soapbox. Honest.)

Roger answers your questions - and I've actually seen Ms. Fischer "in the flesh" at the St. Louis International Film Festival last year. She is very attractive in person, and I'm not just saying that because I really enjoyed her film LolliLove. Honest. I am glad to hear that it's coming out on Troma in 2006 - see this movie, people. You will love it.

Chris "Lefty" Brown also answers your questions.

If you have freaky dreams, head here to get them interpreted.

Here's my sure-fire Hollywood hit: an adaptation of this comic character starring her. (Have I been single too long or what?)

The Absorbascon has been taken over by a big monkey. Now, is there spanking involved?

You know why I love Something Old, Nothing New? Only there can you find a post on F-Troop. If you dig pop culture of the past, there's a little something for everyone.

Mike takes a little time to share some Joker resources. (Hey, Mike - howzabout the Inferior Five? I mean, any man who publicly admits this needs to make some amends)

Finally, let's all wish the Spinster a belated birthday.

Thanks, and more to come.

Mixed Bag 2: The Final Chapter

First, news - I have two job interviews next week (and one looks very promising), and since I was invited to another Halloween party later in the month, I'm dressing as # 4 in this entry on Saturday, and # 2 at the second party. And with that, onto the last Mixed Bag reviews (at least, unless I am chosen for Lefty's Halloween Mixed Bag).

Hearing the first five installments, the Mixed Bag exchange has proven fruitful - some great tunes by some excellent bloggers. This final edition is no exception - if you want to say, "save the best for last" that's fine - however, that might be putting the other participants down.

First, as always, the ever-dependable Johnny Bacardi knocks it out of the ball park with Different Stuff by Different People, Volume 4. First, the cover alone - a nice, pulp-influenced work - set my heart racing. However, inside is a rather eclectic collection that never fails to satisfy. Let's face it - if you can fit such diverse acts as Jill Sobule, Roy Wood, Cibo Matto, non-big-hit Kinks, and Warren Zevon onto the same disc, you have a ready-made hits collection. My only quibble - I like the single, 3 - 4 minute version of Street Hassle by Lou Reed; nine minutes is way too long, but I blame Lou, not Johnny.

Mrs. Brown's Feelgood Mix, like Roger's disc, is mandatory listening for a road trip - or, if you like, sitting at home and trying to improve your mood. Easily one of the most upbeat discs I've heard in a long time - pleasant and frisky without being annoying.

Finally, Lefty Brown's Under Cover - I have to admit, it took me awhile to get into these discs. Nothing wrong with them - I might have just been a little Mixed Bagged out, and a double disc covers collection seemed somewhat intimidating. However, these two discs have some great moments and some out-of-left-field choices (Black Crowes doing Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds? Etta James going I Got You Babe?), but they make for great listening. My only quibble - I don't know if I would have done more than one cover of a songwriter in a row, followed by more than one of another writer. (Of course, some intrepid future Mixed Bagger might put together a compilaiton of cool covers of one particular artist). However, both of these discs have provided some great listening.

My thanks to all those who participated - and for those who didn't, a very stern fingerwagging and strong encouragement to do so next time. You'll dig it. Trust me.

Decisions, Decisions

Well, if you dig answering polls (like the one in the sidebar), you'll love this one - and all you have to do is post your thoughts in the comments.

Here's the situation - I've been invited to a Halloween party this Saturday night, and I would be heading there straight from another event. I want to dress up in costume, but don't want to have to worry about elaborate dressings. (Plus, my Batman cowl got used last year) So, here are my ideas for a Halloween costume - tell me what you think! (And no other suggestions - I'm not going to stress over this kind of thing).

1) Red-Shirted Star Trek Ensign

Pros: Have shirt, pants, phaser, fake communicator, would only need a little gold foil and minimal sewing
Cons: Screams "anti-social loser who lives in mom's basement"; not exactly mojo-friendly as well

2) Construction Worker

Pros: Have hat, flannel shirt, boots - very minimal changes; also, very simple
Cons: May get mistaken for one of the Village People

3) The Ninth Doctor

Pros: Have the outfit: all I would need is a sonic screwdriver; has that "Ramones meets James Bond" vibe

Cons: Eccleston's much skinner than I am, plus somehow seems a little too...obscure

4) Number 6 from The Prisoner
Pros: All I would need is the pennyfarthing bicycle badge; also, featured on an infamous episode of The Simpsons

Cons: Might be a little too conceptual

Now, you're probably wondering why I'm going public with this, and the answer is...why not? It allows me more interactivity with you guys, and plus - I think it's pretty freakin' funny.

Blogging on a Saturday Morning

First, if you haven't voted already - check out the sidebar poll and vote. It's good to hear that people actually check this blog out several times a week - maybe I should update more often. Or even follow this demotivator more closely. But anyway, it's all good - I am, at the very least, catching up on General Hospital. Lord knows, I need even more drama in my life. (OK, OK, enough with the snark). I've even started reading Where The Truth Lies, and the movie is having some rating issues.

Without further ado, some random thoughts from the comic/pop culture world:

• You must read JLA # 119. The next-to-last page reveal...if Mike's right about this, we owe him big time.
• So I'm watching The Batman, which is "introducing" Batgirl, and I'm thinking...why do I get the sense this takes place in the same universe as Teen Titans? (Not snark - the animation styles are very similar). In my opinion, however, this is the ultimate Batman. No questions asked.
• Roger wants you to ask him questions. He's a good guy, so visit his blog and ask away.
  
• I'm glad that in Young Avengers # 7, they cleverly handled the "Are Wiccan and Hulkling gay"? subplot. However, for those who have expressed concerns about "promoting a gay lifestyle" - wake up and smell the millenium, dudes. It's 2005. Get over it. And I notice you wouldn't make a stink about the oh-so-flattering-to-women Skechers ad on the inside back cover. No, that's OK. (Sorry 'bout the snark)
  
• Given the whole "Inferior Five" cameo in Villains United # 4 hubub, just remember - I called dibs.
  
• Note to Gail Simone - I know you cited Scott of Polite Dissent in an issue of Birds of Prey. If you need consultation on substance abuse treatment or recovery issues, I'm your guy. I'll even send you my resume to prove it.
  
• I'm watching Ramones: End of the Century on DVD, and the question I have is - why wasn't CJ invited to the Ramones' induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I mean, he was part of the band, wrote one of their great final singles ("Strength to Endure"), and comes across in the movie as a genuine cool guy.
• I'm of two minds about Supreme Power - although I really want to stay on board with it (Straczynski has some great ideas), I'm finding that his pacing and tendency to "foreshadow"...are really starting to annoy me. (Plus, the Hyperion and Nighthawk "mini-series" look promising). Any thoughts?
• Denny Crain. Now more than ever.
  

Well, that's it from me, folks. Remember, everyone, that coffee isn't just for breakfast anymore.