And Here I Thought I Was More Like Aaron Echols

Another one of those online quiz thingies - please feel free to use on your blog.

You scored as Keith Mars,You might have accused the wrong person in the Lilly Kane murder case, but we still love you! Except for those squicky moments...

Which Veronica Mars Character Are You?
created with QuizFarm.com

Keith Mars		100%
Veronica Mars		81%
Backup (2.0)		69%
Wallace Fennel		63%
Lilly Kane		56%
Duncan Kane		44%
Logan Echolls		31%
Eli		6%

Steppin' in the Ring, Part Deax

negmansnap
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Balactus' Friday Night Fights are back, and I've decided to throw down...

...because the only thing worse than getting a head butt in the kidneys...

...is being called "lead head"

(Panel from Doom Patrol # 105)

Justice Is Served!

Kids, take it from Kevin....


....it's not cool to be an Internet troll. Especially when you're caught.

Making Public Amends

daxsleep
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Oh, boy...this is where I have to come clean.

My online behavior has been...well, appalling. Rude. Flat-out nasty.

I've been close to patronizing - and flat out insulting - to Mike. As Greg himself pointed out, I've flat-out insulted him not once, but twice. And a keen listener of the most recent podcast pointed out that I was a little rough on Roger.

And for that, I need to make amends and apologize to all three gentlemen. My mood, as of late, has not been pleasant - mostly, it's been frustrating. And rather than be up front about it, or even mature, I chose to let my nasty side out...and quite frankly, it wasn't cool to do so at the expense of others.

So, in that spirit, rather than dwell on negativity, I will offer my humble apologies to my fellow bloggers...and share the stuff that I'm major league grooving on that does not involve the words "Doctor" or "Who".

• From Hell - So far, I'm enjoying Alan Moore's take on Jack the Ripper. Yes, there's quite a bit of material covered, but this reads almost like a practice run towards League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Lost Girls.
• Veronica Mars - The Complete Second Season - Thanks to Mom's generosity, I've "borrowed" her second season set, and I have to tell you...it's that good. I'm in the middle of the season, just past these two facing off in "My Mother, the Fiend", and with a nice drop-a-plot-point-followed-up-next-episode twist that is just frickin' clever. If a man my age loving this show is wrong...I just don't want to be right.
• July's Record You Should Own - I was trying to decide between three other records for the podcast, but this one - which I had all along - kind of snuck up on me. You're going to have to listen in July - I won't give any hints. Sorry.
• The Venture Bros.: Seasons One and Two - shortly behind Harvey Birdman as my favorite Adult Swim show. Funny as hell, some nice continuity, now please tell me there's going to be a comic book version.
• Never Eat Alone - Although I'm not the all-out networker that Mr. Ferrazzi is, I am gaining some cool tips and tricks from this book.
  

But again, Mike, Greg, and Roger - my apologies. Next time you're in town, I'm buying you my new favorite junk food - Wow Bao. You'll love it.

Proof That Evil Truly Exists

As I was perusing the blogsophere, I came across Thom's post which linked to Cheryl Lynn's post, about the new Hot Pocket ads.

After viewing them, I realized...

...that somehow, somewhere, not only did someone think such a truly stupid and offensive idea was worth pursuing, but that Hot Pockets paid a huge chunk of change to support these commercials.

(No, I'm not being politically correct - they're kinda dumb and uninformed)

You Tubey Goodness

Ok, let's see....

Mike gave you....a dramatic hamster.

Eddie presented....cats flushing toilets.

And now, I give you a piece that asks the question: Parody...or Propaganda

Yes, it's safe for work...but you'll die of embarrassment if you're caught watching it. And also (I'm surprised Sterling didn't find this), a mashup of two geeky obsessions.

A Podcast - for You!

As promised, here's a podcast for your listening pleasure - answers! A mini-comic rant! And, of course, how to get those nasty grape juice stains out of your white t-shirt.

(I'm kidding about the last point, but just a word - this podcast does contain some salty language, so you have been warned)


Click here to get your own player.

Walkin' Downtown

To be honest, I was kind of glad that my afternoon appointment was postponed yesterday, because it allowed me to partake in one of my favorite activities - walking downtown.

I had always grown up in a city, so for me, the ability to just pick up and explore downtown was taken for granted. The only time I really missed it was when I lived in Eugene, Oregon for a little under a year - yes, I got to walk around my block (I lived not too far from the University), but downtown Eugene was drive through and you'll miss it.

Downtown St. Louis was an easy transition back - I lived right near the small rail that went downtown, so I never had to drive. (In fact, several natives thought I was crazy, but to me, driving downtown is a sin. They complained if they couldn't find a parking space right near their destination - to me, it was a given that I would have to park a ways away). St. Louis' downtown is not only immensely walkable, but has also undergone some radical changes while I lived there. Washington Avenue, once a ghost town of old shoe factories and older buildings, is now the center of night life. Several buildings that were never inhabited are now towering office complexes. In fact, a mall that looked like a bad 1980s science fiction movie set is now being considered for condos.

However, downtown Chicago is the ultimate (and I admit, I probably should check out downtown NY) - first, even when I came back a few months ago, I had forgotten how big downtown Chicago was. But more than that, downtown Chicago has a series of areas that blend almost effortless into one another. Retail on State, offices further west, north near the Magnificent mile - all of these blend together into a nice, scenic stroll.

And of course, to finish off the tour, a perusal of the singular piece of genius known as Puppet Bike. Although many prefer driving around downtown, amidst traffic and snarls, the real magic of Chicago happens on foot.

5 Better Alternatives to David Hasselhoff

Dear Blogosphere,

Recently, I have become increasingly distressed at the attempts to make David Hasselhoff a kind of hipster icon. No, not because of the infamous video, but because - at his cold, dark heart - Hasselhoff demonstrates nothing more than a relatively inflated ego, sharply defined lack of talent, and poor taste in plastic surgeons.

(However, the recent release of his autobiography does nothing to settle the dread which is creeping in my heart - if anything, I am increasingly unsettled).

However, as a public service to you, the reader, I would like to suggest five other men who are worthy of public, hipster recognition. (I can't think of five women, and encourage female bloggers to take this on as a challenge).

1. Tom Jones - Unlike many hipster icons, this is a man who truly deserves adoration. He has one hell of a voice (don't believe me? Listen to these tracks, and watch as he makes the crappily written theme to Thunderball sound sexy). By comparison, Hasselhoff's singing sounds like an asthmatic death rattle. This is the man who wrote the book on reinvention - he deserves more love.
   
2. Robert Conrad - Although 70s hipsters dug his Eveready commercial, there's one key scene that determines Mr. Conrad's coolness. On an episode in the The Wild Wild West - The Complete Second Season DVD set, Mr. Conrad takes out a bunch of bad guys...with a bowl of fruit. If they weren't focused on comics, you know these two would be all over this.
3. Avery Brooks - Ok, he was pretty intimidating on Spenser: For Hire; however, he played the greatest Star Trek captain - a man who combined Picard's tendency towards contemplation and diplomacy with Kirk's cowboy diplomacy, willing to make tough ethical choices. Plus, he was a tenured professor, has done Shakespeare...and doesn't toot his own horn. I mean, if that doesn't scream cool, I don't know what does.
4. Graham Parker - I've posted about him before. Do a search yourself. Better yet, buy his records, and thank me later.
5. Tom Baker - Finally, a man who in many ways is like a British William Shatner - well known actor from a pop culture phenomenon - only Mr. Baker is more eccentric, and doesn't quite take himself so seriously.

So, readers, just remember - just say, "Hell, no!" to the Hoff. Show your colleagues that we have taste and restraint.

Fanboy Entitlement Writ Large

(First, a reminder - today's the last day to submit your questions for me to podcast, as outlined here. Feel free to leave your questions in today's comments, and I'll have the cast up this weekend. See how easy that is?)

---

Recently, pal Mike had performed a casual sampling of his readers to find out what they wanted more of in comics, and what they wanted less of. (My answers can be found here). Although I stand by my answers, I did want to make some casual observations, most notably about how the Big Two seem to be operating.

I've always been a fan of creators who worry less about how the market will accept their work, and more about pleasing themselves. It reflects Joel Hodgson's philosophy about MST3K - rather than worry about who will get the joke, just know that the right people will get the joke. However, increasingly it seems as if the Big Two aren't even willing to reflect its creators...or, as many (such as myself) suggest, are pandering to 40 year old fanboys. In short, the two companies seem to be - creatively, at least - reflecting the issues and concerns of its two senior editors.

First, Mr. Quesada has been outspoken about various aspects of Marvel characters - in short, how Spider-Man works better as a single man, how Captain America is out of touch with the times, and basically can't see how having women chained up and covered on goo might not be appropriate for young readers. (And before you knock me with the I'm-taking-this-too-seriously, take the costumes out, and review the picture as a normal picture - if I had posted that kind of picture, the outrage would be palpable). Plus, Marvel has been trying to move towards being more of a "multimedia" company, ranging from movies to games with comics as a secondary source.

And of course, there's Dan DiDio - luckily, DC slightly lumbers ahead with some unique titles (including, but not limited to, Manhunter and Birds of Prey), but creatively, it's starting to move back to 1965. It all started with Green Lantern: Rebirth, in my opinion (someone please explain this one to me), but creatively, DC has been looking back, and not even revamping its characters well. For example - consider Jason Todd: originally killed by a toll free call (actually, if the urban legend is correct, a guy who had a really good autodialer) was brought back in Infinite Crisis, and is angry at Batman. No, not because Todd was left for dead...but because Batman would never kill the Joker.

If that doesn't seem like a Mary Sue for Judd Winnick, I don't know what does...

But anyway, that may explain the recent trend for one-massive-crossover-after-another: rather than give these characters a chance to live and breathe, the emphasis is on making sure that things are constantly in a state of turmoil. What Stan Lee (I believe) once promoted as the illusion of change is now becoming a Jerry Bruckheimer/Michael Bay nightmare.

OK, I'm being a bit needlessly cruel and cynical - personally, the way that I've found to fight bad comics is to not read them. I've been fortunate enough over the past year to prune my reading list, and to not buy anything just because it's there. (I stuck with 52 over a year - does DC really expect me to shell out for another yearly book...just because?) Until there's some creativity in comics (and the fact that there are other companies with other, different types of comics makes me willing to hold out hope), I'm afraid that one reader will be lost due to editorial mandates.

Boy, I know how to bring a place down, don't I?

Great - I'm the Mr. Rogers of the Internet

Via Ben Varkentine:

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

Since this is a rated G blog, here's a message for the youth of America - drink tons of coffee. Then, head into your parents' wallets and send me those pictures of dead presidents on green paper.

(Hey, it worked for Soupy)

A Memo to Russell T. Daves

To: Russell T. Davies, Producer of Doctor Who

From: Gordon, Blogger

Dear Russell,

I am absolutely gobsmacked. In a good way. And I take back everything nasty I said about you.

It wasn't enough to bring Captain Jack back this week. Oh, no.

Tying in all sorts of plot threads.

The last 20 minutes of "Utopia".

The fact that, normally, this episode might have been used as a series closer...but is, instead, the first of a three part episode.

What did Dr. Who fans do to deserve such goodness?

Thank you, and I'll keep watching.

Your pal,
Gordon

Father's Day Bits

sterlinglol
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

I have to admit, my mood hasn't been the most pleasant the past two weeks...mostly because June 5th would have been my father's birthday.

Hard to believe it's a year since he's passed, but in that spirit, I offer you - the reader - some random tidbits collected from the blogosphere.

• Like Tom and Kevin, I am hopping on the LOL Cats bandwagon. In fact, the picture on this post is a gift for Mike - go ahead and use freely, pal.
• There's still time to ask me the questions you would like me to podcast. Lefty and Roger were more than brave...and remember: it's open. Nothing off limits. You ask, I gotta answer.
  
• I probably should be more outraged at the "reveal" in New Avengers # 31 and/or the infamous Mary Jane zombie cover...but right now, it's just too difficult. At this point, it seems that Marvel doesn't even seem to care...which is sad. I'm not surprised, which makes me seem even more bitter and cynical. [Please note: I am not claiming that this cover is not offensive....only that, given Marvel's track record so far, it should not be surprising]
  
• I would probably also make an appropriately snarky comment about DC, with canceling Flash at issue 13 and possibly bringing back Barry Allen...but when Ragnell posts news like this, a small - but fleeting - feeling of hope burns in my heart. Thanks!
• (Well, to be honest, so did Birds of Prey # 107).
  
• RAB recently memed me to provide eight facts about myself....so I'll lazily link back to this post and add that, thanks to working at a treatment center, I won an autographed picture of Bill and Lois Wilson. Yes, that Bill and Lois.
• Although I think there's a noble goal involved, this is just nutty.
• Current guilty pleasure: The Next Big Thing. It's like American Idol on acid...although, quite honestly, I watch mostly due to my obsession around one person.
  

Thanks for reading, and always remember - a woodchuck could not chuck that much wood if a woodchuck could chuck wood.

A Thought For Friday

David Chase is getting a lot of flack for ending The Sopranos the way he did...

...but personally, I think all he did was take a page from Blake's 7, except without the gunfire during the end credits.

Observe:



P.S. Here's one question that I'm sure several people on the blogsophere have, and will ask me: "Who do we have to blackmail to get Blake's 7 released on DVD in North America?"

RIP Don Herbert

Just heard the news that Don Herbert, aka "Mr. Wizard", has passed away...he's probably one of the few people that Roger and I could claim to have seen as kids.

And now, via YouTube...


Note: forgot to mention Jasmine's podcast when I uploaded June's Record You Should Own. My apologies.

Hokey Smoke! It's that time again!

mrknowitall1
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

That's right - given that I need something to podcast about, I am soliciting questions from you, the reader of this blog, and encourage you to ask your questions!

And if you're one of a lucky few, and come up with a good question, I will send you....some freebie that I pilfered from a health fair! Maybe it'll be a notebook, maybe a pen...who knows?

Also, you will get to hear your questions read out on a podcast - no area is off-limits! Whether it's general information or some embarrassing personal question, you can ask away, either by writing it in the comments or e-mailing it to me at blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com by June 20th (or a week from Wednesday)!

Just a few minor rules:

• First, a limit of three questions per person. This includes you, Mr. Green
• You are welcome, if you have the technology, to e-mail me an mp3 of you asking your question aloud. Please. It will make it easier.
• You are also welcome to post this notice and spread the word on your regular blog, if you're lacking content.
  
• Again, nothing's out of bounds. Nothing.Got a question about comics? Ask. My personal grooming habits? Ask. Anything in between? Ask.
  

So, friends, you have a week - come up with something that will really stump me. Or, better yet, questions that sound funny when read out loud.

Thanks, and we now return you to our regular blog.

Open Letter to Russell T. Davies & Stephen Moffitt

Dear Russell & Stephen,

First, Russell - Blink absolutely positively rocked. In the old days, an episode like this would have been seen as a budget necessity - it's great that it's so solidly built. Even if the trailer was extremely minimal.

Stephen - whatever you drink/smoke/whatever to write these episodes, keep doing it. The Eccleston two-parter, The Girl in the Fireplace...you are brilliant. So much so that I seriously want to snog you. Full, on the lips, man on man action.

However, I'll settle for Carey Mulligan. Please send her to Chicago. Or, conversely, I'll come to Wales - I have some story pitches for you.

I can't wait for the next episode.

Your pal,
Gordon

Cleaning Out the Ol' Moleskine

The job search has been keeping me busy this week - interviews, research, networking, etc. So, in that spirit, here's the usual list of assorted links and things that may not warrant full posts:

• Based on several comments, I will not be podcasting any more reviews of new Doctor Who episodes. (Basically, it's to avoid spoilers, especially since many people haven't seen series 2 yet). So I'll be moving those reviews back to written.
• However, since many of you also want a semi-regular podcast, I have one or two ideas...but make suggestions, preferably non-musical ones. I'm dying here.
• Andy - you are a god for posting this.
• Dear John Melloncamp - first, you made a poor co-host to Richard Roeper, then you couldn't even sell out correctly. I mean, how long will it take for you not to make a career out of Bruce Springsteen's table scraps?
• P.S. to Ebert & Roeper producers - I'd make a good co-host. Call me - I know where you tape, and it's right off the train I take to get downtown.
• DVD Selection of the Month - you have got to see Glenn Tilbrook - One for the Road - it is one of the most fun on-the-road documentaries ever made. So much so that I wish Glenn had his own reality show. Plus, let's face it - if you grew up in the 80's, you own this album already
• Dear Mrs. Dini (via Thom) - I am not ugly, nor female, although I am slightly chunky in build. I thought H4H # 13 was offensive. End of story.
• I have also not purchased any issues of Countdown, and don't feel I'm missing anything. Thanks, Greg (and the gang at Comics Should Be Good) for reminding me that I shouldn't buy anything just because it's there.
• If William Shatner is so cool, how come he doesn't do something like this?
• Finally - once I'm rolling in the dough, I'm going to be "on the prowl", and have joined OK Cupid. If you're up for a cheap laugh, take the test below and post in the comments your results.
  

Thanks for reading!

Do you Match Me?

Take My MatchMe Test

Brought to you by:
OkCupid - Free Online Dating!

Obligatory Paris Hilton Post

As many of you are aware as of this writing, Paris Hilton was "released" from jail. Now,I could go into a rant about 1) how there's two sets of justice (but Greg beat me to it), or 2) how Paris Hilton is nothing more than an attention-seeking, spoiled brat...but that would be too harsh. (Plus, you can easily go to Podcrapular and submit your own Paris Hilton jokes).

So I'm going to take the high road and bring attention to the reason why Ms. Hilton was jailed - reckless driving and violation her probation on a drunk driving charge. In that spirit, rather than criticize her, I would rather educate on drunk driving.

That's right - as a public service to you, the reader, I'm including some links on drunk and drugged driving. I know, it's not the usual pop culture shtick you're used to...but in a way, maybe, just maybe, one of Ms. Hilton's "fans" will read one of these sites and realize the big deal.

It's not just about her, or her popularity or lack thereof - it's about frickin' public safety.

(And for an obligatory comics reference, you can get tons of information on the net Iron Man movie at Screen Rant. Much of it is spoiler-free, and it's also a really cool site. Check it out after reading this entry).

MADD (who started doing a lot of public education about drunk driving)

Wikipedia Entry

About.com article

AMA information sheet

NIDA Infofacts

DSM - 4 Criteria for Alcohol Abuse (yes, it's relevant)

CDC Information

National Safety Council

Now I realize that I may sound rather shrill, but I'd rather not do the typical "I-hate-Paris-Hilton" post. Rather than give her more coverage, I would rather focus attention on something more important - encouraging people not to get behind a wheel after consuming a lot of alcohol. (I'm not talking one or two drinks - in fact, a member of the St. Louis Cardinals died in a drunk driving accident, and the aftermath is a real mess, folks)

Here's my challenge to the blogosphere - either head to Podcrapular and make a joke about Ms. Hilton, or feel free to use the links above to educate. Rather than give Ms. Hilton more air time - let's make sure that the public is reminded why she was in jail in the first place.

Assorted Thank You Notes

Past_Doctors_Notebook
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Dear Russell T. Davies and Paul Cornell,

Thank you for the Human Nature/Family of Blood two-parter on Doctor Who. It was absolutely frickin' brilliant, and quite frankly, well worth the series revival.

I was going to podcast my reviews, but I'm too awestruck by its awesomeness.

Plus, anyone who doesn't like this two-parter probably hates puppies. And democracy.

Your pal,
Gordon

---

Dear Kevin,

Thanks so much for putting together the comics blog search engine. I am awestruck by your genius.

Well, the engine and this little piece of comedy.

Between you and Bully, I am gaining a renewed love of the blogosphere, and I want to be both of you when I finally grow up.

Gordon

June's Record You Should Own

Yes, it sounds a little wonky, and may be rushed, but I kind of like the energy of it. Hence, no rerecord. Enjoy!




Click here to get your own player.

5 Best Lines from Birds of Prey 106

bofp106
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

This has been one hell of a weekend - some unnecessary family drama (which is now ended), getting some rest (meaning I only sound minimally like Froggy from the Little Rascals), and a very promising job interview have me rather renewed.

So today's blog entry - keeping it simple: Birds of Prey 106 totally frickin' rocked. (Ms. Simone, thank you for helping bring a smile to my face, and for making a comic so freaking cool - you are totally Osama Bin Awesome) So much so, that I'm choosing my favorite five lines from the issue, in no particular order.

1. "Fight, what fight?...there are only six of them"
   
2. "I know, I know, smart guy...turn around anyway
3. "Chow's better freelance"
4. "Do you know what they call this on Apokolips, harridan? Foreplay"
5. "And I like nice boys. Sorry."
   

The only thing that kinda sorta didn't hang was the end-of-issue reference to this 80s mini-series.

P.S. Happy blogiversary to the Redhead Fangirl!

Good News/Bad News About Animated Superman

superman
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Bad news - rumor has it the guys who do the lame animated "The Batman" series are working on a Superman series.

Good news - read here.

More blogging goodness to come....