Yes, It's Chris' Fault

Yes, It's Chris' Fault
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Blame Chris at the ISB...and check this out for reference.

(Speaking of which, a note to the DW Production Team - please get over the whole Rose thing. Gosh, she's more of a Mary Sue than Jason Todd is at DC)

Catching My Breath - Literally

Yeah, I know I've been ODing on the YouTube links, and it's getting to be annoying, but I have a perfect excuse - I've been sick.

Caught a very nasty upper respiratory infection from several kids at my godson's birthday party. (It was so bad, I thought it was strep throat - but no other symptoms were present). Anyway, it's meant a harsh, sharp cough that leads me breathless; having to scrap a podcast because my voice sounds like it's breaking (and at my age, that's so not cool); sleeping and drinking plenty of fluids; and, well, catching up on my reading.

First, if you liked The Tipping Point, you will absolutely enjoy Blink. The latter book deals with how we make decisions, and quite frankly - will make you reconsider how you make decisions. It's an easy read, and well worth your time.

Speaking of which, the book that has absolutely rocked my world is Daniel Stashower's biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Teller of Tales. If you think Doyle was just about Sherlock Holmes, think again - he wrote several science fiction type stories (including creating Professor Challenger, an early Doctor Who - esque adventurer). This book does what very few books want me to do - check out Doyle's other work, such as The Lost World, Trilby (about sexual obsession), and the Brigadier Gerard stories. In fact, Stashower is able to reconcile Doyle's "rational" approach to Holmes with a later interest in spiritualism. Now, if only Stashower could reconcile Greg's intelligent, sharp postings with his love of ABBA (which, as everyone knows, is Swedish for "Satan's Handservants").

But right now, I've got to conserve my strength - I got three different requests for job interviews, one of which is a big deal. As in, "I-better-clean-up-my-act-before-being-hired" kind of big deal. Hopefully, though, I will be rid of this nasty lung thing.

But first, time to watch the greatest Sherlock Holmes of all!

Memorial Day Video Madness

Unfortunately, I've been stricken with a weird sore throat - hopefully, it's not strep, but it's meant that I've had to relax this weekend. (Plus, it means I'm going to have to redo June's Record You Should Own podcast, since I sound like my voice is breaking).

Anyway, here are some You Tube-y treats, since I'm planning some real posts later this week.

First, the stereotypical Memorial Day remembrance:

Next, it's not a mashup - it's Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze singing the Sex Pistols:

Finally, for Mike and Tom, because I care - the sublime beauty of "Heat Vision and Jack"

EDIT RIP, Charles Nelson Reilly.

My 700th Post...

...and I'm jumping on the "Happy 30th, Star Wars" bandwagon.

Enjoy!

Two More Ways to Kill Time At Work

Since I haven't had the chance to blog, here are some more wacky fun things because I care:

Join the movement!

P.S. My thoughts on the infamous Heroes for Hire # 13 cover? If you've read this blog at all, you can pretty much guess.

The Nigel Tufnel Dilemma

Ian Faith: They're not gonna release the album... because they have decided that the cover is sexist.
Nigel Tufnel: Well, so what? What's wrong with bein' sexy? I mean there's no...
Ian Faith: Sex-IST!
David St. Hubbins: IST!

---

For those of you who are still confused on the point (namely, fanboys who go out of their way to attack certain bloggers, Jimmy Palmiotti, and those who say "it's just a statue"), I would like to help explain the difference between sexy and sexist, as defined in This Is Spinal Tap (Special Edition)

This panel from Amazing Spider Man # 42, in my opinion, is sexy. Just look at MJ - smiling, vibrant, looking like "the girl next door". She's casual, smiling at Parker, and let's face it - there's a charm there. Now, I defy you to not look at that panel and instantly wish MJ were real, but she's the next best thing - someone whom we all can recognize. Her posture is confident, her demeanor is friendly, and she looks accessible. Even though this panel was taken from a 60s comic, it could easily be transplated, and it makes the character seem all the more real. Everyone knows a Mary Jane Watson - someone who has humor, who sparkles, and who can relate to others. This, my friends, is sexy.

This statue of MJ - the object of much debate on the blogosphere, is definitely sexist. Her body is twisted in a slightly unusual angle, and her mode of dress - jeans two sizes too small, pink thong, and skimpy top seem torn right out of Victoria's Secret. She looks rather skanky, and her demeanor seems to say, "Hey, fella, I'm your favorite sex toy!". Rather than appear casual, it's almost a set up, as if her next line should be, "Face it, tiger, I'm going to help you write a Penthouse Forum letter". She's less a human being than a caricature, and something about this statue...makes me feel like I should take a nice, hot shower and scrub down with brillo pads. This isn't a human being - it's an object. This, my friends, is sexist. If you still doubt that, ask yourself how you would feel if this were your mother/sister/female friend/female relative/girlfriend being portrayed.

Granted, I'm not a prude by any means, nor am I going to claim that I don't check out the occasional cheesecake shot. However, with cheesecake, there's a playful quality - something which the statue lacks. Coming from a company that's given us Wanda "Psycho B!+ch" Maximoff, whose editor-in-chief stated that a married Spider-Man isn't "interesting", and...well, do I need to go on?

Of course, the fingers will be pointing and voices will still be raised. However, given the way Marvel's going - and I hate to be crass, so please forgive me - don't be surprised if you see the Sue Storm Inflate-A-Date in the near future.

Your Cheap Laugh of the Day

chris02
Originally uploaded by Gordon D.

...or, "What do you get when you mix Chris Sims, Archie Comics, I Can Haz Cheeseburger and this handy dandy site?

This Toddlin' Town

daxcheezburger
Originally uploaded by Gordon D.

The thought came to me two days ago, on the way home from a networking event. Maybe it has been the rush of getting settled, or even the influence of the appletini, but the thought finally occurred to me taking the Orange Line back home:

It feels as if I never left Chicago - I'm almost too comfortable here

Admittedly, it is easy for someone - even a long-term native - to disparage St. Louis. After all, at times living in St. Louis was like dating someone with severe self-esteem issues: you know you can help your significant other learn to grow, but you also get frustrated and want to say, "Get over yourself!" The consistent wink-and-nudge attitude about the provincial where-did-you-go-to-high-school?, the slow movement towards any kind of progression...most of the time, however, it was fun.

However, I'm finding that, deep in my heart, I always was a Chicago boy - right now, the only question that people ask when I inform them of my move is whether I'm a blue hat or a red hat. (Answer: I don't care, because I'm a basketball man). Reconnecting with friends has been slow (after all, they have their lives), and the job search has been fruitful (some interviews, and I'm considering moving from the non-profit world in order to become corporate - mostly to gain experience for a shift back), but all in all, I'm starting to adjust. I miss my friends in St. Louis, but on the other hand...I like having a Dunkin Donuts on almost every other corner.

Plus, this time has given me some opportunity to plan some of those always-wanted-to-do projects, including

• A proposal and outline for Continuum's 33 1/3 series;
• A possible Nanowrimo project;
• Some story ideas for television shows...at least, if they have spec submission guidelines; and
• A business plan for a non-profit consulting gig.

And at worst, I always have the option of trying out for the Luvabulls.

Coming soon: why I'm not "counting down" with DC, DVD reviews; a kick-ass "Biography You Should Read", more podcast madness, and cruising the multiverse old-school style.

Three Years Strong!

That's right - today marks the third anniversary of "Blog This, Pal!", which is slowly - but surely - becoming a pop culture phenomenon, even if only in my own head.

Anyway, I'll still keep doing the sort of thing I've been doing, as well as present important news bulletins like this one.

But in celebration, three videos clips for your enjoyment...and that, I believe, encompass the philosophy of this blog, or something.

Mother's Day Minutiae

First, happy Mother's Day - and a "get well soon" wish to Scott at Polite Dissent.

Brian decided to meme me, and we all know how painful that can be. So, without further delay, here are seven things you may not know about me.

1. My life shares several parallels with Bob Newhart: He and I attended the same high school and college; he became an account, and I took an accounting class; I became a psychologist, and he played one on television. There's many more similarities, but I won't go into them. (And here are some other famous alumni from my high school)
2. As a child, I took Polish language and folk dancing lessons: And "folk dancing" meant that I wore a goofy blue vest, red ribbon for a tie, and puffy white and red striped pants. Those pictures were destroyed. You'll thank me later.
3. I was this close to inventing Veronica Mars ten years early - In college, I wrote a screenplay and several unpublished short stories about a wisecracking, hardboiled college student whose father was a cop and whose mother was a lawyer. Had I but known, I could have sold those as spec scripts in the present.
   
4. I once introduced John Cleese to my "old, decrepit" mother - It was for a fundraiser for this theater company. And yes, it was that John Cleese, who remarked "Decrepit is such a wonderful word"
5. My last name, in Polish, means "smoker of meats" - As in "person who smokes meats over a flame" and not "person who smokes meats like cigarettes"
6. I once went out for drinks with the then-script editor of Touched By an Angel - no nothing happened; get your mind out of the gutter.
7. I was once in the audience for a taping of Bozo's Circus - When I was in fourth grade, my best friend's family received tickets for a taping of Bozo...and they had one extra ticket. No, I didn't play the Grand Prize game...but my friend and I hogged the camera during the ending march. Yes, I played hooky with my mom's permission, and I don't regret it. Of course, I don't know my multiplication tables, but hey, math is for losers.

No, I'm not going to tag anyone, but knowing the blogosphere, I can predict at least one person will pick this meme up.

New Who Reviews - Coming Right At You!

Yes, it's that time again - time for me to do some damage and "rock the mike":


Click here to get your own player.

By the way, my blogiversary's coming up - any suggestions on how to celebrate?

I Got Nothin'

Personal matters have had me busier than Alex Baldwin at an anger-management class, so I don't have my usual wacky posts ready. Instead, please enjoy this bootleg promo taken from the San Diego comicon, in celebration and hope that Veronica Mars is not taken off the air any time soon.

Also, feel free to leave comments, questions, or messages/faxes at 206-202-DETH.

Latersville!

The Best Chicago Thing Ever!

Yes, I'm slowly - but surely - adjusting to life in Chicago, and there's one thing that makes me glad I moved back.

No, not the decent pizza, or hot dogs, or even Lithuanian restaurants...but something which is, in my opinion, the greatest thing ever.

I've seen plenty of my life - I've seen the Pacific coast. I've seen Andy eat fire and juggle. I've even seen Branson, Missouri, but nothing has prepared me for the sight I saw several weeks ago at Randolph and Michigan.

Ladies and gentlemen...and Mike, you must all come to Chicago to witness the greatest thing to ever happen to Western Civilization since the Roman Empire.

You must prepare yourself for the awesome coolness that is....

Puppet Bike.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

5 Writer/Character Matchups I'd Like to See

As we've seen, many non-comic writers (like Brad Meltzer, Allan Heinberg, and Jodi Picoult) have been matched to some comics projects with mixed results. However, in the spirit of "how cool would that be", I am suggesting some writers who could do some cool things with specific comic characters.

(To the companies involved - if you use one of my ideas, I deserve a finder's fee. A huge one)

1. Rob Thomas on Supergirl/Legion of Super Heroes: It seems like an almost cliche pairing (given Thomas' work on Veronica Mars), but I think it goes a little deeper. Both Veronica and Supergirl are teenage girls who are outsiders - one in high school, the other in the super-hero community. With his ability for sharp dialogue, great plotting, and an atypical father/daughter relationship (at least, atypical for television), it seems only natural that he take the reigns of a character and give her some further dimensions. (Plus, his slightly knowing take on high school dynamics might make a great addition to Legion of Super Heroes).
2. Sara Paretsky on Black Canary: Again, it might seem obvious (Paretsky's main character being a hard boiled female PI), but my selection goes deeper. Paretsky's writing seamlessly melds social consciousness with hard boiled atmospherics - with the Canary coming into her own as a character, this seems an almost natural match. Make Dinah Lance more of a crusader, and have some friction between her and Oliver Queen (mostly in terms of class and wealth), and you have the makings of a great series, and Paretsky would deliver an excellent comic series.
3. Robert B. Parker on Batman: Let's look at how Spenser's creator fits the character....knight errant fighting for justice in his own way - Check. Interesting supporting cast, mostly in terms of main character's "building" a family - Check. Skewed take on justice and fairness, with some moral ambiguities- Check. Enough face punching action to keep ISB and Long Box fans happy - Check. Novel that could serve as template for Batman/Robin relationship - Check.
4. Jonathan Kellerman on Doc Samson: Kellerman's work focuses mostly on Alex Delaware, a clinical psychiatrist who consults with the police on murders. (Kellerman's also written about an LA Detective, and even wrote a murder mystery set in Israel.) Match him up with Doc Samson, make Doc a consulting psychologist to, say, SHIELD in a post-Civil War Marvel Universe, and you'll get a cool-as-heck series.
5. TIE - Simply Because I Can't Decide Which is Cooler:

• Jasper Fforde on Exiles - His Thursday Next novels are metatextual takes combining Monty Python surrealism, Douglas Adams whimsy, and a love of English literature (as well as parallel universes). His latest novels are hard-boiled mysteries featuring nursery rhyme characters. Who else would be appropriate to invigorate Marvel's universe-hopping mutants, giving them a slightly loopier tone, but also increasing the danger?
• Robert R. McCammon on Swamp Thing - Much of McCammon's early novels combined horror contrasting with real world settings, including werewolves in World War II, vampires in Los Angeles, and alien bounty hunting bees. So, since DC seems churlish on bringing Swampy into the regular universe, why not have McCammon have a go? At the very least, Swamp Thing won't be as lame.

Now, realistically, these will never happen, but just remember - there are two lessons you can walk away with after reading this post.

One, there are some great authors to read and watch - here are six suggestions. When you don't want to read a comic, head for one of these fine people.

Secondly, I have way too much free time on my hands.

End of the Road

52no52
Originally uploaded by Gordon D.

It was an experiment that had not been conducted since...well, Action Comics Weekly so many years ago. This week, the final issue of 52 came out. Many others in the comics blogosphere have been commenting on it, and since I'm a big bandwagon jumper, I might as well put in my two cents.

Thanks to a recent acquisition of a Chicago Public Library card, I found myself reading No Plot? No Problem!, the book which serves as a Bible for NaNoWriMo. (Yes, I'm considering doing it again, why do you ask?). As Chris Baty described the process of writing a novel in 30 days - the confident beginning, the what-did-I-get-myself-into doubts of the middle, and the mad burst of creativity towards the end, I realized that....

...well, 52, at worst, was a Nanowrimo project stretched out over a year.

As an experiment, sales wise it seemed to be a success - however, creatively it was an extremely mixed bag. We'll forgo WWIII, which I've talked about before (and didn't like), but let's look at the various plot lines that occurred:

• The Question/Renee Montoya storyline - probably my favorite of all of them. It dealt with a hero willingly turning over his "legacy"; mortality in the DC Universe; and best of all - it made me want to seek out some Gotham Central trades. Superheroing as self-discovery? I'm in.
• Ralph Dibney/Fate - I've never really been into magic/fantasy stories, but this grabbed me. I just felt that if they had to put such a cool character through all that to make him cooler and less "geeky"....then he deserved to stay "geeky".
• Luther and the Everyman Project - could have easily been a separate mini-series. Mostly it seemed to be rehashing the main theme of Kingdom Come. Although it gave Steel some good face time, personally...I'd rather he have his own book again. Part of the saggy "middle".
  
• Black Adam - ok, so he became heroic, and then his dying wife engaged in the cliche now-that-I'm-dying-my-personality-turns-180-degrees. Then, it leads into WW III. Again, part of the saggy middle/rush to the end.
• Booster/Supernova - It started well, but the final issue? Well, remember how I mentioned that the last week of Nanowrimo (according to Chris Baty) is usually a rush towards the end. The final issue had some of that, as if to say, "[Expletive]! We have some unresolved plot points we need to handle!"
• The return of the multiverse - I'm not too enthused about it, but nor am I too pessimistic about it. After all, what do you think the next weekly series Countdown is going to be "counting down" to?

Personally, I wish DC had held back from doing another weekly series so soon - yes, Countdown is going to be better plotted and have more coordination (a lesson learned from 52), but personally, I'm burned out from having to pick up a weekly comic. It's not that it was so horrible - I just like knowing that there's a bit of a break between issues. Giving the reader a chance to catch his/her breath is a good thing.

Although I'll be checking out the initial Countdown issues, I doubt I'm going to be into it over the long haul. But at the very least, 52 proved that it could be done.

I just wish it had been done better the first time.

May's "Record You Should Own"

A little something....because I care.

And just in time for Mother's Day!



Click here to get your own player.

Get Your Copy of this Month's "Record You Should Own"!