I'm actually taking a page from Greg's play book - he had suggested (about a year ago) a meme in which a blogger randomly selects text from various posts, one from each month, and posts them. In a blatant attempt to build my stats, here is the "Best of Blog THIS, Pal" for 2006.
January - Two words of advice to follow when you're hit by Wildcat: Stay Down.
February - I mean, surely in this CGI-driven world there's room for a great, quirky mystery series that's created by a guy who isn't Joss Whedon.
March - I've said it privately, and I'll say it publicly - Dark Shadows is the closest America will ever come to Doctor Who.
April - According to a newly passed St. Louis city ordinance, if you are linked to by at least three city bloggers, you must have at least one post per month on St. Louis-only content.
May - We had always known that Doctor Who had a charm...but a palpable sense of melancholy?
June - Often, I lay awake in bed at night, wondering if Alan Moore watched television as a child
July - ...double ham-fisted political commentary with a side of hash browns - if this is the new DC, I want off. Now
August - On behalf of male pop culture geeks everywhere, I would like to apologize to you women. Some of us are complete idiots.
September - ...we could use the readership, which consists of these five fine young gentlemen and, according to rumor, Peter Falk
October - I think that Kevin Smith could probably use a lesson or two from her (especially in terms of deadlines).
November - It will be like a super-hero version of Stuart Saves His Family, only with more punching
December - At the time, we took our baseball almost as seriously as St. Louis did
As always, thanks for reading, and looking forward to a healthy, happy 2007!
December 30, 2006
December 28, 2006
The Mad Thinker Summarizes This Blog!
(Meme via Random Panels)
Coming soon to Blog This, Pal! - A Double Dose of (Terrence)Dicks! The 2006 Best of Blog This, Pal! And, if I can slap one together, a podcast.
Coming soon to Blog This, Pal! - A Double Dose of (Terrence)Dicks! The 2006 Best of Blog This, Pal! And, if I can slap one together, a podcast.
December 27, 2006
Belated Tribute
Rather than gush about James Brown, I'd rather show you...since I'll be on a plane to St. Louis in a few hours:
December 25, 2006
December's Record You Should Own
You know, you can never go wrong with any of Elvis Costello's first seven albums (with Punch the Clock and Goodbye Cruel World showing that EC can be mediocre, if he wants to be). December's Record You Should Own is, in this humble blogger's opinion, one of his most underrated - Trust.Although this and Armed Forces often clash in my CD player, this is the one that seems to get slightly more airplay. It shows Costello beginning to branch out from the "angry young man" label and beginning stylistic detours that would take him into country, beautiful Beatle-esque pop, and lay out the blueprint for the rest of his career. This is where Costello's lyrical ability matches wits with the Attractions' musical chops, creating a collection of tunes that could just as easily be played during a cocktail party as in a loud and rowdy party.
You could almost hear the curtains part during the opening notes of "Clubland", a slightly noir-ish take on night life (Sample lyric: "The long arm of the law slides up the outskirts of town/Meanwhile in Clubland, they are ready to pull them down"). A Bo-Diddley-esque beat meets Latin piano in "Lovers Walk"; just feel the Elvis-meets-Jerry-Lee-Lewis vibe of "Luxembourg" or the slight paranoia of "Watch Your Step." You name the genre, it's covered, whether it's jazz ("New Lace Sleeves"), guitar rawk ("Whisper to a Scream") to country ("Different Finger") - this is the sound of an artist coming into his own.
So, if you're looking to listen to an underappreciated album; seeking a little sophisticated music for your New Year's Eve party; or just like solid tunes - Trust is well worth a listen.
December 23, 2006
Since I'm Flying to Chicago In the Morning....
Best holiday wishes from Blog This, Pal! no matter what holiday you celebrate! Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa....make it a good one!
December 22, 2006
5 Comic-Related Things I Want For Christmas
(I am a Catholic, so I celebrate Christmas - my apologies if I am offending anyone).
Since the holidays are coming fast, here's what I would like to see, comic-wise, for the holidays.
Well, that's all I want for Christmas...that and season 5 of Kids in the Hall on DVD.
Since the holidays are coming fast, here's what I would like to see, comic-wise, for the holidays.
- Art Lessons for Greg Land - Come on, Marvel, you have quite a bit of money. You can actually pay for Greg to either 1) learn how to draw attractive women and action poses without tracing, or 2) realize that he may not be that good of an artist, and consider other career opportunities. (Plus, if you're going to trace, Mr. Land, please don't use porn - I'm not a prude; I just prefer my comic women to be a little more three-dimensional in proportion and character). His artwork comes across as almost Drew Friedman-ish, but that would be insulting Mr. Friedman. Stop the madness, Marvel - honestly! Or fire him and give us....
- More NextWave - Any book that, over the course of several issues, contains references to "homicide crabs" and a grim-and-gritty Forbush Man does not deserve cancellation. It deserves time and support to grow into your biggest money maker. And if you do revive this, if Mr. Land does the art, there will be hurting involved. Serious hurting.
- DC Showcase & Reprints - I wan t to see the Inferior Five in a Showcase edition (yes, I know it's dated, but we need to put the "funny" back in funnybooks). I also want either a Volume 4 of the Doom Patrol DC Archives (completing the series) or a Showcase edition (Bruno Premiani's work deserves the black-and-white treatment). Plus, throw in a Sugar and Spike Collection...come on, Dan DiDio. Please don't make us beg.
- More Indie Recommendations - If anyone out there has good indie comic recommendations, please let me know. I need to expand my palate.
- No More Message Board Madness - Since the folding of Fanboy Rampage, both Mike and Dorian have been presenting excerpts to make fun of fanboys, but I think it has to stop. All we're doing is encouraging a small, vocal, obnoxious minority who couldn't even make it on Ain't It Cool News. Yes, it's easy to make fun of them, but you know what? We can do better than that. Honestly. Let's get rid of message boards...or, at the very least, allow them to work through their issues, meet appropriate dating partners, get out of the basement, and learn proper hygiene.
Well, that's all I want for Christmas...that and season 5 of Kids in the Hall on DVD.
December 19, 2006
Stocking Stuffers
A variety of miscellany from the Internet, because we love you:
- First, check out Andy Martello's Podcrapular - it's enough to make me want to do a podcast of my own. (And maybe, after the first of the year, who knows....?)
- Rumor has it there's a possibility of a new animated Star Trek series...and already the fanboys are whining. However, something to keep in mind - on the original series, you had a racist, a coward, and a kooky nationalist. Get a grip, people!
- In sadder news, Joe Barbera has passed, and if you don't know who he is...you should not be reading this blog.
- Best. Monty. Python. Sketch. Ever.
- Lifehacker gives you 15 unusual ways to use Google.
- Mike - I'll take out the Mike Sterling tag if you stop the madness that is the Betty and Veronica debate. Come on, man. Don't make me go Wildcat on you.
- Finally, a little special something from the Accordion Guy.
December 18, 2006
Here We Go Again...or, "Big News, Everyone"
This is going to be short and to the point - I gave notice last week, and will be leaving my job in January.
I appreciate the irony - especially for you long-time readers, when this blog became my "finding work" journal for six months. However, things here are a little crazy (was notified on Friday that we need to move to another office by Tuesday - that's right, tomorrow), and quite frankly, I've come to realize that with my mom's health - and father's recent death - I really haven't had the time or the opportunity to process it.
Will I stay in St. Louis? Will a Chicago job come my way? (I've already started looking) Will there be more self-indulgent posts like this one?
Keep watching this blog, dear reader
I appreciate the irony - especially for you long-time readers, when this blog became my "finding work" journal for six months. However, things here are a little crazy (was notified on Friday that we need to move to another office by Tuesday - that's right, tomorrow), and quite frankly, I've come to realize that with my mom's health - and father's recent death - I really haven't had the time or the opportunity to process it.
Will I stay in St. Louis? Will a Chicago job come my way? (I've already started looking) Will there be more self-indulgent posts like this one?
Keep watching this blog, dear reader
December 15, 2006
December 14, 2006
December 13, 2006
A Peter Boyle Story
Many on the blogosphere are noting the passing of Peter Boyle, and this blog will do it with a difference - I was actually fortunate enough to work with him.
While putting myself through school, one of the ways I earned extra money was as an extra. Most of the movies I did, I was on the cutting room floor, but I had a few notable scenes in Midnight Run and Conspiracy of Love. But my favorite movie shoot was Red Heat, with a scene (which isn't in the film) shot at a Chicago White Sox game.
I had my "character" lined up - I was wearing my Gary Fencik jersey, and sat through a game where the White Sox played the Seattle Seahawks. As the game began, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Walter Hill (the director) and Jim Belushi went to throw the first pitches.
Walter Hill - goes past the first baseman, but an outfielder catches it.
Schwarzenegger - throws it limply, it rolls to into the first baseman's glove.
Jim Belushi - hurls it into the outfield; one of the outfielders had to scramble to get it.
At the time, we took our baseball almost as seriously as St. Louis did.
After the game, it was time to shoot the scene - Peter Boyle and an associate (I think he played Belushi's boss) were giving away a key piece of information...at a White Sox game. The scene ended with Boyle shouting, in frustration, "What's the use of living in a town where they can't play baseball?"
As a twenty-something, it was the coolest thing a movie geek could experience - behind "behind the scenes". Having Walter Hill direct me to chug a beer when the "ball" was missed.
After the scene was shot, and was wrapped, several of my fellow extras began piling out - nothing major; as a movie extra, you're informed not to speak with the stars. As Mr. Boyle turned around, looking at the leaving crowd, I politely extended my hand and said, "It was a pleasure working with you, Mr. Boyle."
He smiled sweetly, and gave me a firm handshake. With that, I headed home.
Sure, the scene ended up on the cutting room floor, but sometimes...the experience is worth it.
While putting myself through school, one of the ways I earned extra money was as an extra. Most of the movies I did, I was on the cutting room floor, but I had a few notable scenes in Midnight Run and Conspiracy of Love. But my favorite movie shoot was Red Heat, with a scene (which isn't in the film) shot at a Chicago White Sox game.
I had my "character" lined up - I was wearing my Gary Fencik jersey, and sat through a game where the White Sox played the Seattle Seahawks. As the game began, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Walter Hill (the director) and Jim Belushi went to throw the first pitches.
Walter Hill - goes past the first baseman, but an outfielder catches it.
Schwarzenegger - throws it limply, it rolls to into the first baseman's glove.
Jim Belushi - hurls it into the outfield; one of the outfielders had to scramble to get it.
At the time, we took our baseball almost as seriously as St. Louis did.
After the game, it was time to shoot the scene - Peter Boyle and an associate (I think he played Belushi's boss) were giving away a key piece of information...at a White Sox game. The scene ended with Boyle shouting, in frustration, "What's the use of living in a town where they can't play baseball?"
As a twenty-something, it was the coolest thing a movie geek could experience - behind "behind the scenes". Having Walter Hill direct me to chug a beer when the "ball" was missed.
After the scene was shot, and was wrapped, several of my fellow extras began piling out - nothing major; as a movie extra, you're informed not to speak with the stars. As Mr. Boyle turned around, looking at the leaving crowd, I politely extended my hand and said, "It was a pleasure working with you, Mr. Boyle."
He smiled sweetly, and gave me a firm handshake. With that, I headed home.
Sure, the scene ended up on the cutting room floor, but sometimes...the experience is worth it.
December 11, 2006
December 10, 2006
5 Reasons To Read Justice Society of America # 1
You know, I've always been a JSA fan, but here, in my usual "can't-think-of-anything-else-to-post" spirit, are five reasons to add this book to your pull file/shopping list.
EDIT: for some reason, my picture of JSA # 1's cover disappeared, so I deleted the reference in the blog.
- The JSA's Raison D'etre - Sure, they're cribbing slightly from Kingdom Come, but having the JSA serve as the "real world" examples of heroism (in counter to the JLA as "strike force") helps reinforce the themes of legacy, of "moral responsibility", and helping reinforce Golden Age values in the early 21st century. Mr. America's short-lived career, Damage's rampage - all of these show the need for the Justice Society in the DC Universe.
- Maxine Hunkel - you know, I had never warmed up to Stargirl (at least, not until JSA # 81, where her father died), so I expected to be turned off by another teenage girl. However, Maxine brings a good kid-sister quality, and I'm eager to see if Johns has Maxine and Stargirl interact as mentor/mentee, or if it degenerates to semi-sibling rivalry.
- The Last Page - I loved the fact that Johns was risking a lot by showing us scenes from the coming year. So many comics get wrapped up in their arcs that they show a lack of plotting. This book, folks, looks to be good.
- The "New" Starman - OK, we all know that they're hinting that this is Thom Kallor from the Legion of Super Heroes. However, it will be interesting as we see - is this the same one from the current series? The one a previous Starman met in the 1990s? Or some new permutation? Does this mean the return of some kind of multiverse? Yes, it does rely on the old "person-from-future-may-or-may-not-be-crazy" cliche, but it brings up more questions than answers...and it's another tie to Kingdom Come
- A Surprise Revelation - There was a hint of this (no spoilers here) in the earlier JSA series; but here, there's a flat-out revelation about one of the main JSA characters. But it also shows how to take a new spin on an old character
EDIT: for some reason, my picture of JSA # 1's cover disappeared, so I deleted the reference in the blog.
December 9, 2006
A Strange Religion Without Any God
After viewing So Wrong, They're Right, I can honestly no longer make fun of Mike Sterling for his love of Swamp Thing.
Oh, sure, I can make fun of him for posting certain things on his blog, or even because he is a big cheater pants, but his love of Swamp Thing...it's genuine. If someone wanted to do a documentary about it, it would be heartfelt. It would try to capture the allure. Mike does that on his blog. So Wrong, They're Right simply doesn't.
I expected this movie - which is a documentary about 8 track tape collectors done by fanzine writers - to, at the very least, contain some glimmer as to why 8 track collectors love an outdated, unused musical format. Unfortunately, there's a slight "we're-hipper-than-you" tone to the movie, ranging from a woman who claims she was kicked out of Goodwill for life (for essentially breaking and entering) to entrepreneurs who are basically into it for the money (and admit it). It wants to take a stab at railing against the "digital culture" and fails miserably.
However, a writer from Stereophile magazine makes one point - that 8 track tape collecting is an inexpensive way to become acclimated to a wide variety of music - but it seems lost amongst the hipper-than-thou presentations.
It was after watching this film that I put in Tosy & Cosh's Burn THIS, Pal! Mix. Admittedly, it took me a couple of passes to listen to it in full - not because the disc itself is bad, but because it contained a variety of genres that I am not used to. Once it clicked it, I got it, and found myself liking this disc. There was a joy in hearing something that I never heard before.
However, the makers of So Wrong, They're Right never capture that joy.
Oh, sure, I can make fun of him for posting certain things on his blog, or even because he is a big cheater pants, but his love of Swamp Thing...it's genuine. If someone wanted to do a documentary about it, it would be heartfelt. It would try to capture the allure. Mike does that on his blog. So Wrong, They're Right simply doesn't.
I expected this movie - which is a documentary about 8 track tape collectors done by fanzine writers - to, at the very least, contain some glimmer as to why 8 track collectors love an outdated, unused musical format. Unfortunately, there's a slight "we're-hipper-than-you" tone to the movie, ranging from a woman who claims she was kicked out of Goodwill for life (for essentially breaking and entering) to entrepreneurs who are basically into it for the money (and admit it). It wants to take a stab at railing against the "digital culture" and fails miserably.
However, a writer from Stereophile magazine makes one point - that 8 track tape collecting is an inexpensive way to become acclimated to a wide variety of music - but it seems lost amongst the hipper-than-thou presentations.
It was after watching this film that I put in Tosy & Cosh's Burn THIS, Pal! Mix. Admittedly, it took me a couple of passes to listen to it in full - not because the disc itself is bad, but because it contained a variety of genres that I am not used to. Once it clicked it, I got it, and found myself liking this disc. There was a joy in hearing something that I never heard before.
However, the makers of So Wrong, They're Right never capture that joy.
December 7, 2006
The Lefty Brown Experience
Well, this has been a busy week, especially since I'm considering a life-changing decision. However, in the meantime, Lefty has asked some questions that I feel a public obligation to answer.
How long will it be before Cheap Trick shows up in your "Records You Should Own"?
Early 2007. I'm trying to decide which disc to feature.
How good is Cheap Trick's new disc? It's gob-smackingly good. As good as their "classic" stuff.
Is it required that all Chicago-area residents love Cheap Trick (like New Jersians and Springsteen)? Personally, I have heard a lot of local bands play "Surrender", but Chicago hasn't really embraced Cheap Trick, which is technically from Rockford, Will Pfeiffer's hometown. Their loss.
Cheap Trick, the best rock band out of Chicago, or the greatest rock band out of Chicago? I would say yes. Especially since other bands that have come from Chicago - Urge Overkill, Smashing Pumpkins - can't lay a frickin' candle to Cheap Trick.
How long will it be before Cheap Trick shows up in your "Records You Should Own"?
Early 2007. I'm trying to decide which disc to feature.
How good is Cheap Trick's new disc? It's gob-smackingly good. As good as their "classic" stuff.
Is it required that all Chicago-area residents love Cheap Trick (like New Jersians and Springsteen)? Personally, I have heard a lot of local bands play "Surrender", but Chicago hasn't really embraced Cheap Trick, which is technically from Rockford, Will Pfeiffer's hometown. Their loss.
Cheap Trick, the best rock band out of Chicago, or the greatest rock band out of Chicago? I would say yes. Especially since other bands that have come from Chicago - Urge Overkill, Smashing Pumpkins - can't lay a frickin' candle to Cheap Trick.
December 4, 2006
First Sulu As Hiro's Father
...and now this? If this is true, I'm definitely warming up the ol' VCR.
And, on an unrelated note, a little something borrowed from Roger:
And I'm still single. What does that say about me?
And, on an unrelated note, a little something borrowed from Roger:
| Your Lust Quotient: 66% |
 You are a very lustful person - and it sometimes gets the better of you! You know how to hold back, but you hardly ever do. |
And I'm still single. What does that say about me?
December 2, 2006
Answers and Reviews
Before I had left for Seattle, I had asked you all for questions. However, since Roger was the only person to participate, I wanted to answer his questions, but I'm also including - at no extra cost to you, the reader - some comic reviews. Let's get bloggin!How dost we get out of Iraq? Will the Baker Commission help? - First, Roger, you don't have to talk like Thor in order to get my attention. My answer is...very, very carefully.
Birds of Prey #100 - It looks like Gail Simone may be going for an old-school Mission: Impossible feel to this book, and that's so frickin' cool. If this issue is any indication, the action's just getting started.
What is your place in the family birth order? How many sibs did your parents have and what are their birth orders? - I'm actually an only child, because my parents got perfection the first time around.
What do you mean, "That explains a lot"?
Wonder Woman #3 - As superficial and sexist as this sounds, I am only reading this for the Dodson art. For some reason, this issue felt very exposition heavy. I'll stick around for whenever 4 and 5 come out, but I don't think I'm going to be reading Wonder Woman regularly.
What are YOUR favorite cities? - Chicago (where I was born and raised), St. Louis, Seattle, Toronto. Least favorite city - Kansas City. No disrespect to you KC residents, but it's just not my kind of place. I don't feel comfortable there, and I don't know why.
Bullet Points # 1 - You know those Elseworlds where Superman's rocket would land somewhere other than Kansas, yet he still ended up being Superman? Especially when he was adopted by the Waynes? This "What If Steve Rogers Became Captain America" miniseries is sloppily uneven, portentious...oops, JMS wrote this. Explains a lot. I'll pass on issue 2.
Do you always vote, even on the local races? Why? - Yes, because quite frankly, I'm a firm believer that democracy is not a spectator sport. Local politics can have even a greater impact than national politics, and so it's important to make sure our leaders are held accountable.
End of soapbox.
JSA Classified # 19 - After the uneven Hourman arc, a really cool beginning for a Dr. Mid-Nite arc with a slightly different take on a classic villain. Definitely hanging around for this one.
Where the heck is that piece you did on smoking? I swear you did one since 1/10/05, but I can't find it. - It's in the cupboard, top shelf. (Actually, there have been several - e-mail me about the one you're thinking about)
52 # 29 -30 - This series is a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, some of the character handling of the JLA (and the Luthor metagene subplot) are kind of interesting. On the other hand, the Kingdom Come riffing - and some of the Batman stuff - leave me cold. And in a slightly snarky tone, I strongly suspect a Frigidaire in Batwoman's future. But that may be just me.
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