Two-Fisted Office Photos

Since I'm flying out to Chicago tonight for the godson's birthday - and to keep all of you looking at this blog - I'm posting some pictures of where I work, which is a Victorian-style house in north St. Louis. (E-mail me privately and I'll tell you where, unless I have a restraining order against you). Yes, come see me in two-fisted, form-filling-out action!

First, as you can see, the front of the building has a kind of "stately Wayne Manor" vibe to it. It's right next to a steel processing plant (as well as an apartment complex), and was at one time a homeless shelter. It was refurbished post-Katrina, in order to accommodate refugees who never came to St. Louis. Yes, most people get cubicles in a vast office space, I get a cool bedroom in here.
(Plus, our main office is located in an old church. It's casually referred to as "the chapel").



As you enter (and head upstairs), you will see my office in all its slightly disorganized glory - I have a little conference table for those important networking meetings, a mantle for my office toys, and most importantly - plastic shelving.
(Just a note - it's a gas fireplace, and I do have a cover for it. It does not work, and we cannot find the other part of the cover.)


Here's one half of my desk (which is alongside one of the walls of my office). As you can see, I have a computer, appropriate number of stress squeezers, a digital answering machine (because our voice mail hasn't been installed), free stapler stolen, er, taken from a hospital health fair, a small radio given as a gift, and...well, look closely and you'll see a small fanboyish accessory.

That's right - white out!

Bulletin boards are fun, aren't they? (My apologies for the blurriness - our camera's batteries were dying. My advice, folks - never buy batteries from a guy named "Vinnie". And if you do, remember - four AA batteries for a nickel is no bargain. Chances are, they're used and worthless.

Some things are worth a few extra bucks.

The most important machine in my entire office - that's right. Caffeine is the wind beneath my wings. It helps me be a productive member of society. I love caffeine more than Mike Sterling loves Swamp Thing, more than Brian loves poker, and more than Dorian appreciates Wildcat.

Coffee: a love affair that I hope never ends.

And finally, a white elephant gift from a River City Professionals Christmas party, and which I know Polite Scott will appreciate:


I'll be back on the 1st. Behave yourselves while I'm gone.

My Brain's Just Exploded

The greatest news of the 21st century so far. No kidding.

Curse You, Will Pfeiffer!

Yes, curse you to heck!

You're a great comic writer, have an excellent blog that for some reason keeps coming up in searches for my blog, live in the home town of one of the greatest rock bands in the world....and thanks to your love of Jerry Lewis, led me to read Dean and Me.

Now, in all honesty - I'm a Dean Martin guy, so I read the book with some interest. After all, it's one of the more unlikeliest friendships/partnerships since Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle, but I have to admit, this book does much to explain the unique dynamic of the partnership.

Now, there are one or two moments that show a bit of Lewis' ego - I mean, taking credit for "That's Amore"? Don't think so. However, this is an excellent biography/memoir of two guys who knew how to play together...but more importantly, were able to make an imprint on American pop culture. It provides insight into one of the most unlikely comedy duos...but on some level, it makes Jerry Lewis seem almost human - less the unpredictable arrogance and more the plain, straightforward humanity.

So curse you, Will Pfeiffer, for making me like Jerry Lewis. I bet you're also behind the fact that my new network card isn't recognized by my computer (I'm installing DSL).

But hey, I won't complain...at least it's better than a Streisand biography.

Do Not Adjust Your Set

Four score and several paychecks ago, I posted about At Last the 1948 Show, one of the televised precursors to Monty Python. Fortunately, given my new regular income, I decided to watch the "other half", or Do Not Adjust Your Set. Given its emphasis on the Jones/Palin/Idle (and some Gilliam) writing style (which I happen to prefer), I thought that I would give the two DVD a watch.

Even though it suffers (like the 1948 discs) at being kinescopes of broadcast tapes, I am glad to say that it holds up much better than the Cleese/Chapman show, and quite frankly, shows a visual inventiveness that was cemented by Python. Better than that, DNAYS has a few things that make it stand apart from Python, and make it rather enjoyable.

First, the fact that DNAYS was intended as a "children's show" - but without the slightly over-the-top attitude - helps cement some of the humor. This is one of those shows that's "fun for the whole family", especially in its visually inventive approach. (However, these are all first season episodes, and since Gilliam's animations weren't used until season two of DNAYS....makes you wish, doesn't it?). Sketches range from two men building the HMS Concorde (rather than the plane), to a "live" countdown of the last episode of DNAYS, the overall silliness of Python - as well as the more visual wackiness - begins to sprout.

What also cements DNAYS is the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, which serves in (almost) the same capacity as Gilliam's animations on Python. Very pre-MTV rock videos, they help give the shows a flow (plus, it provides even more cast members to play with). Just their performance of the Elvis-meets-Chandler "Death Cab for Cutie" is worth the price of the disc. (And later on, Innes and Idle would give us the story of the Rutles...but that's a post for another time).

Finally, there's also Captain Fantastic - one of the few overt attempts to create a Pythonesque recurring character. Basically, it's a little guy in a mustache, overcoat, and hat, going on some strange, unusual adventures. There's a disconnection between episodes on the disc (but at the same time, there are common elements - do any Python experts know if this was an extended narrative, or a catch-as-catch-can assortment?). However, these segments give a hint of what might have been...(Plus, at the end of episode seven, there's a tribute to the good Captain, worth it just to see Michael Palin dressed as Batman)

But, if Python was, as Terry Jones states in an interview, "the 1948 Show meets Do Not Adjust Your Set", then these DVD releases provide an excellent snapshot into how one strand works without the other.

If you like Python, comedy, or laughing, these are necessary rentals. If you are a Python fanatic, plan to purchase both. You won't regret it.

Earth Day Fever!

I admit it - I'm very upset that JSA is being canceled. Oh, sure, they're probably going to do another reboot/revisit, and there's a trade paperback coming out in August, but I'm still not happy.

(Well, that and the fact that BBC America gave Netflix a 2-disc version of Doctor Who: The Beginning, rather than the normal 3 disc version. I guess they think we can't get "An Unearthly Child"...but I digress)

Much like Roger, who enjoys shredding things, I will be doing my part for the environment this Earth Day. On Sunday, I'll be part of the big Forest Park Earth Day Celebration (come over and say "hi!), and on April 25th, I'll be part of the Green Drinks celebration. So, be sure if you're visiting or stalking me, to swing by and say "hello".

Also, if you're looking for a good excuse to visit St. Louis (like you need one), be sure to set May 4th on your calendar for the Boys and Girls Town Young Friends Happy Hour, at Jacques in the Sheraton (or, as it will be known on May 4th, Bernie Federko's). It's convenient to the MetroLink, and will be enjoyable. Just sign up here, and let 'em know I sent you.

Finally: the Alias guy takes over Trek - George Takei's concerned!

Super Karate Monkey Death Car

Just some random musings that wouldn't warrant a full post:

• You know, there's nothing more glorious then seeing the new Busch stadium as the MetroLink curves round towards the Stadium station. Third base rocks, man!
• Boston Public has a new episode tonight. Denny Crain!
• Just received the first batch of Mixed Bag 4 discs....Serene's looks cool, Roger's is promising, Greg has a great catch to his, but Mike....if there's even a hint of weirdness or strangeness, it's....not gonna be pretty.
  
• I'll probably give a listen to them next weekend, while I'm in Chicago for my three year old godson's birthday. Is it a good idea to buy a 3 year old bourbon?
• While reading The Essential Moon Knight, I realized why the book was so frickin' cool when I was younger - instead of rationalizing the guy's three identities as being from parallel earths (as DC might have done), Marvel simply gave the guy a split personality. (Well, that and the fact that having multiple identities allowed Moon Knight to operate in several fields). If this doesn't warrant a full post at some later date, I don't know what does.
• Who do I bug at Marvel to put together The Essential Guardians of the Galaxy. I mean, they've already done Killraven, and I want to see how using underarm deodorant leads to the end of the world.
• Also, DC Comics please take note - ten words of advice: Showcase Presents The Inferior Five; Showcase Presents The Doom Patrol
  

Lunch hour's over - it's back to work!

Online Easter Basket Blogaround

To be honest, other than free candy and ham, I never had much use for Easter. However, given that I'm starting to actually understand what the holiday means, and as a treat for all of you readers - sites for you to check on. (And a great shout-out to Eddie for building on "Holy Thursday, Batman!")

First, a huge shout-out to Tony at Mah Two Cents, who gave an update on Mark at Abject Conjecture. Having been in the whole out-of-work deal, I know it's tough, and it's good to see Mark handle it with good spirits. We're pulling for you, pal.

Also, in sadder news, Love's Arthur Lee is battling leukemia. I know what I'll be listening to this afternoon.

A "Blog THIS, Pal" recommendation - since I have to use Microsoft Publisher at work, and need to make the files e-mailable, I use CutePDF. It works wonders.

(For tons more freeware to make your life more workable, click here)

Mike Sterling presents James, the singing Batman.

Something Old, Nothing New talks about season four of Newsradio. If you do not laugh out loud while reading, there is something wrong with you.

Also, more free stuff here!

Allegedly, an American Idol contestant thinks Simon Cowell is mean and unfair. To which I respond - hey, if I had to listen to bad singers all day, I'd be testy.

Sometimes, I'm ashamed to be Catholic. (Thanks to Boing Boing)

Hey, readers, here are some solutions for gentle kitchen cleaning. (It's part of my new job. Honest).

Google has just released its online calendar, and having played with it - it's actually pretty cool. Be sure to give it a try. (If you want a Gmail invite, just drop me a line - I have plenty to go around).

Want to receive RSS feeds in an e-mail? Try Squeet.

Finally, because you demanded it - a list of Sherlock Holmes web sites.

Happy Easter, Everyone!

Holy Thursday, Batman!

That's right, dear readers - today is Holy Thursday. For those in the Christian faith, this signifies the evening when Jesus Christ had the last supper with his apostles. On Good Friday, He was tried and sentenced to death on the cross, and in our faith, he was laid to rest to rise again on the third day...and if He saw his shadow, he went back in and we had six more weeks of Lent.

OK, I'm burning in the underworld for that joke, but you're all probably wondering, "While I'm waiting out until Easter Sunday, what kind of cool movies can I be watching?"

I'm sure you've already done so, but catch Good Night and Good Luck on DVD. Telling the historic tale of Edward R. Murrow and Joe McCarthy, this is a crisp step above your normal made-for-movies historical drama. George Clooney proves that Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was no one movie deal - David Straithairn does a glorious job as Murrow, and by weaving in actual footage of McCarthy, shows how the politics of division eventually play themselves out. The photography is crisp, the script simply smashing, and it's enough to tick off conservatives. (The holier-than-thou kind, not the actually-believes-what-they're-talking-about kind)

Now, imagine a similar movie written by Andy Martello and directed by Dave "Bears on a Sub"Campbell, and you get a sense of the tone of Thank You For Smoking . It's a dark, cynical look at politics, spin, and culture, featuring one of the most likeable - yet cynical - characters ever created: the inimitable Nick Naylor (played by Aaron Eckhart, seemingly playing his character from In the Company of Men for laughs). This is one of the few movies that 1) I wish was longer, and 2) actually makes me want to seek out Christopher Buckley's novel. (The only weak link in the film - the future Mrs. Tom Cruise and mother of his space baby). See this movie. Now.

Finally, be sure to catch all three seasons of Titus, the short-lived sitcom that put the "fun" in dysfunctional. (Actually, 54 episodes in three seasons is quite a lot of show). If you find yourself wanting to smack Stuart Smalley (or even Al Franken), then this is the show you need to watch. You'll laugh yourself sick. Sharp, dark writing, excellent performances, and some really daring episodes equal a warm, wonderful time for the family. Bring the kids!

And finally, to paraphrase Ken Titus (actually, Stacy Keach, who looks eerily like my dad)....



"Don't be a wussy! Have a happy Easter! Save some beer for me, though"

Records You Should Own

April's Record You Should Own is a punk album of a different caliber.

When you think punk albums, you usually think three-chord anthems with the guitar amps on overdrive, right? You would, more than likely, dismiss a clean-sounding, almost mathematically-played album as not being "punk", but boy do I have news for you...if you like arty punk, then this month's selection - Marquee Moon by Television - is for you.

Coming out of the CBGB's movement in the 70's - the same movement that brought us the Ramones, mind you - Television played rock with a slightly jazzy inflection, engaging in twin guitar duels (between Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd) with impressionistic lyrics. (If you dig U2, this is one of the albums that had a great influence on the Edge's guitar playing).

Eight tracks (thirteen in the Rhino reissue) that run the gamut - the bounding, almost Stones-y "See No Evil", the playful "Venus" (with the classic line, "I fell right into the arms/of Venus De Milo", from the rough-and-ready "Friction" to the gentle "Guiding Light", from the playful "Prove It" to the melodramatic "Torn Curtain"...this album is a guitar lover's dream.

(And no, I didn't forget the centerpiece - "Marquee Moon", ten minutes of guitar heaven. You have to hear it to believe it).

In all honesty, Verlaine's voice takes some time getting used to, and you might want to find a used copy (the Rhino reissue includes their first primitive, jazzy single, "Little Johnny Jewel" as well as three alternate and one unreleased track), but this is the kind of album that everyone, at least once in their life, has to listen to.

Plus, it makes great music to read comics by.

Comics-Related Rant (Spoilers Abound)

Right now, I'm ticked off at DC Comics.

No, they didn't torture me, or feed bad tuna to my cat...but right now, I can't help but feel that there's a sense of "who-cares-'cause-we-sure-don't" in this week's books.

First, Superman Batman # 24 - my bad for jumping in mid-arc, but one major - and I mean major - faux pas occurred.

So, let me get this straight - Batman meets Batwoman (his presumably female counterpart) and, after tests, concludes that they have "identical DNA".

Bull...you don't need to be Polite Scott to know that men have XY chromosomal pairs, and women have XX pairs. Since (presumably) Batwoman was not Bruce, there is no way they could have "identical DNA." And for you fanboys - please don't e-mail and/or comment to me that I'm "taking this too seriously". Bad science hurts us all.

Just as bad comics...and I'm reserving the bulk of my contempt for Identity Crisis # 6.

Why? Ok, they teased us with the "return of the mulitverse" (a non-event in and of itself), which I thought was cool. But this issue outlines everything that is wrong with event comics.

First, the foreshadowing is laid on so thickly you would think Geoff Johns' middle name was Straczynski. I mean, the new Blue Beetle armor causes GL power rings to "be afraid"? The odd little exchange between Green Arrow and Batman? What's that about? (I'm probably the only person outside of Dial B for Blog who disliked this issue. It's left a really bad taste in my mouth).

There's also the whole meta-commentary with Conner Kent and "Superboy Prime". I know what Johns is trying to do - compare old-fashioned morality with the "darker tones", but it's hard to reconcile that with a two page sequence in which Psycho Pirate hints at assaulting an unconscious Power Girl, and then he gets his eyes - and entire head - poked out by Black Adam. There's the "I always find a way out" line, which insults the intelligence of the average comics reader.

But what gets me is the "reboot" - after all this, we get a "new earth." Not "our earth", not "the return of the mulitverse" but a "new earth" that DC will spend 20 years reconciling all of the inconsistencies until the next major event comic.

At least the original Crisis on Infinite Earths told a story - a story about a threat so huge that heroes across worlds came together. It was about sacrifice (Barry Allen, Kara Zor-El, and so on). It was about making a more cohesive universe out of intricate history, and deaths had meaning. In Infinite Crisis, the universe is reborn out of cynicism - sacrifices are made out of economics (so many bloggers have posted on the Superboy lawsuit, it seems superfluous), rebirths occur for less than noble reasons (let's face it - who really wanted Hal Jordan back as Green Lantern?), and the universe is simply a springboard for more bad comics.

So, dear readers, after you read this and take the comment poll in the sidebar, let's take the advice of my fellow blogger/well-read intellectual/all around cool guy Greg...and just say no to more event comics. Spend your money more wisely...but buying Homercat and Andy's merchandise.

Remember, friends - if we don't read bad comics, maybe they'll stop making bad comics.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man

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. So, therefore, consider this my quota.

You can't go wrong talking about Chuck Berry - he's one of the few celebrities I've met (at a signing for his 1987 autobiography), and is one of the main reasons I moved to St. Louis (Well, he, TS Eliot, and toasted ravioli). When I saw the unauthorized Brown Eyed Handsome Man at the local library, I did what any pop culture-obsessed guy would do - checked it out and read it.

Boy, am I grateful - for someone who isn't an STL native, Mr. Pegg is able to nail down some fine details surrounding Berry's life, and in so doing, creates an interesting portrait of a man who "wrote the book on playin' this kind of music" (according to Eric Clapton), but who also never seemed to let his guard down - granted, he lived in a time when doing so would have been .

One of the strengths of this book is relying on local press to back up much of the narrative - given that Mr. Berry himself openly avoided some topics, Pegg gave his book much local color. In addition, Pegg is equally capable of discussing Berry's music, and exactly why he was an architect of rock and roll. (Neither fawning nor overly critical, Pegg is able to put Berry in a strong historical context). It's a great, easy read that needs to be on your bookshelf.

And no, I'm not planning on featuring Berry as a "Record You Should Own" because - let's face it - it's more than likely you already do. It will make great music to listen to as you read.

Mixed Bag 4: Director's Commentary

Luckily, thanks to Lefty Brown (and the US Postal Service being open late at night), it's time once again for the Mixed Bag CD exchange. (Hey, maybe one of these day's I'll sponsor one for the two college students who read me). Anyway, here's the track listing - nothing more than just a cool assortment of tunes I've entitled "....This World, Then the Fireworks" (after the Jim Thompson novella). No theme, no wacky sound bites, just some good tunes put together. (Plus, it features this Picasa-inspired collage on the cover - read into it what you will)

Note: if you're not part of the exchange, but would like a copy, e-mail me at blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll send you one gratis.

Ghosts of Princes in Towers - Rich Kids: after being booted from the Sex Pistols, Glen Matlock put this group together, and they only released one album. Think of this track as a tighter, more polished Pistols track, and you'll see why it's the lead-off.

Happenings Ten Years Time Ago - Yardbirds: This is probably the only recorded instance of both Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck playing in the Yardbirds at the same time. Homercat could probably steer me straight. Listen to this track, friends, and you'll never ever need to take drugs.

I'm Gonna Make You Mine - Shadows of Knight: I loves me some garage rock, and although this band is better known for "Gloria", this is just sheer teenage joy. Killer guitar riffs, great snotty vocals - it's like Greg's blog set to music. (And Greg, that's a compliment - trust me)

Treason - Naked Raygun: Chicago old-school punk part one - first, buy some Naked Raygun albums. You'll do yourself a world of good. Personally, I think that if Pete Townsend gets snarky about using his songs as CSI themes, this song should be a contender. The guys could use the money, and the "it's never just black or white/I know the reason, reason" chorus just sticks in your brain.

Mob Clash - Effigies: Chicago old-school punk part two. Even though they were hardcore (you gotta own Remains Nonviewable, dude), they also had a diverse stylistic palette. I mean, it takes talent to make a hardcore punk song about Nazi's in Skokie, played against a disco backbeat with an Arabic-sounding guitar solo, come together. These guys manage it. You will believe.

Lies - Knickerbockers: The best Beatles sound-alike single ever.

Rat Race - Specials: I like ska. A song that I haven't heard since high school, which just came across my radar, a calm (but snarky) diatribe against "the man."

Slowly, Slowly - Magnapop: Because you have to have at least one generic 90's alternarock track. Actually, this Bob Mould-produced track is rather intricate, with a killer opener, tense verse, and then wide open chorus.

Divine Hammer - Breeders: For some reason, I think of Roger and Lefty when I hear this song. (Sounds like a Willie Nelson tune, doesn't it? "Roger and Lefty". Works for me)

Death or Glory - The Clash: The main highlight of March's Record You Should Own.

Novelty - Joy Division: Another song with contrasts - slightly funky beat with lyrics like, "You're on your own, now don't you think that it's a shame/But you're the only one responsible to take the blame". It shifts the mood of the disc slightly, taking it into darker territories.

Elevation - Television: From the underappreciated Marquee Moon, this song is almost a mini-movie in itself, suggesting drama and intrigue with impressionistic lyrics and clean, crisp, jazzy guitar lines. If you don't buy the record after listening to this track, well....I can't help you.

This Vicious Cabaret - David J: I wish this track had been featured in the movie. However, it does show that Alan Moore (even if he had a little help) could have been a killer songwriter.

Man in the Corner Shop - The Jam: A latter track, I dug it as a teenager because of the jangly guitar. However, as I got older, I realized exactly what Paul Weller was trying to say. Given that he was in his early 20's, it's even more impressive.

Valerie Loves Me - Material Issue: I've got kind of a Chicago theme going on with this disc - I love how the intro sounds rather creepy, the verses bounce, and there's a killer chorus where Jim Ellison screams "Valerie Loves Me!" That, plus the fretboard "solo" help give this song a really unique flavor.

Pink Frost - The Chills: This New Zealand band's big "hit", which should encourage you to seek out Submarine Bells and Soft Bomb in your local indie record store's cutout bins.

I'm Going Slightly Mad - Queen: One of the few times Freddie Mercury underplays, going for subtlety over bombast. (And before you flame me - I like Mercury's bombast. Just showin' a different side, that's all)

Banana Republic - Boomtown Rats: Before Bob Geldof became a saint, he wrote some cool Ray Davies-esque tunes, including this little reggae number. You can't do wrong by finding one of the various Boomtown Rats best-ofs at your local indie record store.

(No, I'm not being paid by any indie record stores - they just have better selections than your usual suspects).

King Midas in Reverse - Hollies: Usually covered live by Elvis Costello, this is a slightly melancholy yet psychedelic number about a loser. It's kind of like "Carrie Ann", only not as annoying. You'll like it.

Staring at the Sun - U2: I'm not a big fan of latter-day U2 (meaning - some of their work leaves me cold), but for some reason, this song resonates with me, especially the "stuck together with God's glue" line. One of their (I'm presuming) more spiritual songs. Definitely worth a listen.

My Dark Ages - Pere Ubu: One of the most noir-ish sounding songs I have ever heard. Great for listening to while driving around a city at 3:00 am.

We Live As We Dream, Alone - Gang of Four: Big 80's production aside, this is a song with some clinical, almost cold lyrics. It was one of those listen to nonstop songs when I was unemployed. "No man's land surrounds me/With no money, we all go crazy.". Only Go4 could make a Nietsczhe quote work in a pop song.

Thanks,and for those participating - they're in the mail. Enjoy!

Newsarama Threads We'd Like to See

(By the way, the following is satirical, and no way no how resembles the comic blogosphere. I swear. Double swear on my grandmother's grave. And apologies to Mike)

Who's the best comics blogger?

"Who, in your opinion, has the best content when it comes to comics and graphic literature. Who do you think is the best blogger on comics out there."

"I honestly feel that Beaucoup Kevin is the best comics blog - it's literate, has some great insights, and is just plain fun!"

"You're wrong - it's Dorian's site - it's funny, snarky, and just plain entertaining."

"Quit burning your lips on the crack pipe - there's a site where a guy talks about comics at times, but he also posts pictures. I think it's named after his girlfriend, Delenda. He could kick the other bloggers butts"

"Gotta go with Dave's Long Box - let's face it, he flosses punks like these other bloggers out of his teeth, and he can pimp slap Goku like the sissy boy he is"

"Two words: Polite Dissent. Anyone who disagrees with me gets a napalm enema."

"You know what would be cool? If these guys, like, formed a superhero team and called themselves, like, the Comics Blog Legion. They could fight, like, Thor and ninjas and stuff and take Wolverine's adamantium skeleton and use it to shave Superman's head and get some kryptonite lightsabers and go all snakes on a plane on Darth Vader and stuff."

"Actually, you know who should be taken off? Comics Should be Good and that Comic Spoilers sight. I mean, man, they're always busting on Bendis, man. Bendis is God! He rulz!"

"Hey, who wants to call that Brill guy and invite him to Fake ID night at the local bar? Who's with me?"

"You know, all of you - you're lame. You're lame because the post-Crisis Superman could take you all and trade you in for cigarettes in prison. And not real cigarettes, but the cheap generic ones. Yeah, so knock it off."

"Let me just remind all of you - the Absorbascon could kick all the bloggers fannies. Let's face it, it has haiku, panels, and DC goodness, whereas all that the bloggers have is just dumb opinions."

=================================================

Brief note - all of the above comments were meant in a satiric manner, and in no way reflects how I feel about the above blogs. Except the Bendis comment. The dude needs to lose the ego. Honestly.

(Besides, hard day at work. Needed to blow off some steam. All in fun).

Tales From The Pull File

Now that I have a regular income, that only means one thing - the kind of two-fisted critical analysis of current comic releases (and other stuff) that you've come to expect from this blog.

Ok, you're more about my obscure references, so without further adieu...

All-Star Superman # 3: Although I really like what Morrison's trying to do (integrate the sheer weirdness of Silver Age Superman with a 21st Century sensibility), what I find appealing about this comic is the sheer humanity and - dare I say it - realism in the writing. Best example: Lois asks Superman what he sees in her. His response is priceless, and Quitely's art reinforces that moment. Everything Miller and Lee can't (or won't) do on All-Star Batman.

Supergirl and the Legion of Superheroes # 16: Granted, the last page came out of nowhere, but except for the first three pages (I mean, really - Klar? putting on glasses? Spitcurl), an enjoyable read. I'm glad I'm getting back into the Legion.

New Avengers: Illuminati # 1: Avengers continuity used horribly wrong. Basically, Tony Stark encourages his smart colleages to do stuff, and they tell him where to go. Somehow, I doubt I'll be following Civil War...

Young Avengers # 10: Avengers continuity used cleverly and enjoyably. Even though it's in the middle of the "Family Matters" arc, this is just a flat-out fun book, and is my personal favorite Marvel, along with...

Exiles # 78: I'm probably in the minority, but I really dig this book. It's good, turn-off-your-brain, doesn't-take-itself-too-seriously ("This league serves justice"? Please) entertainment, and a great use of the Squadron Supreme. In fact, speaking of which...

Squadron Supreme # 1: Here we go again. Someone please remind JMS that it is perfectly ok to tell a story, and not "write for the trade".

New Rules by Bill Maher: You know, this stuff was funny when George Carlin first said it. (Note to Greg - when you become dictator, can we exile Mr. Maher to Antarctica? Please?)

Invincible # 29 & 30: On the cover, it says "Probably the best super-hero comic book ever written." Remove the "probably" - this book has Silver Age-style writing with some nice, modern flourishes. If you're not reading this book, there is something horribly wrong with you.

Powers # 17: Probably gonna have this book removed from the pull file. Didn't get it, and showing that Bendis is slowly - but surely- losing it.

JSA Classified # 10: I like the set-up, but it was a little "too" structured for my taste - in fact, I half expected to hear a voice pronounce "JSA Classified - A Quinn Martin Production". However, I'm such a Golden Age fanboy, it was worth it.

Fables # 47: The other book that, if you're not reading it, there is something horribly wrong with you.

Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle - Finally, if you're expecting a dumb, typical stoner comedy - this isn't it. It's a funny (though not to everyone's taste), insightful, and at times touching gem of a movie, and I wanna see more John Cho and Kal Penn adventures. The only weak spot - Neil Patrick Harris, who is supposed to be "spoofing" himself, but in the film (and in the supplmentary materials) takes himself way too seriously. Plus, this film features the greatest food ever made. How can you go wrong with that?

Special Announcement

Everyone,

I don't know if you caught this, but the President just announced that he is cancelling Daylight Savings Time.

In his address to the nation, President Bush announced, "We have to defend freedom, and to bring a Higher Power to those who lack it. We, in our arrogance, dare to defy divine will by setting our clocks ahead and back, thinking that we are manipulating the space time continuum by doing so. However, taking the initiative, this great nation will begin to fight the tyranny of time manipulation by canceling Daylight Savings Time. We hope that our international brethren will join suit, and move us toward a common goal - building a better, stronger America. Anyone caught setting their clocks ahead one hour beginning April 1, 2006, will be shot on sight. Since 1991, we have placed a special chip in timekeeping devices, and we will be aware when you set your clocks ahead. Besides, the great strength of our nation is when common people join together and work towards conforming to our nation's standards. We encourage everyone to join with us in this great endeavor - to handle time ourselves, rather than conform to some outrageous deception due to moving clock hands."


Please feel free to discuss in the comments.