Comedian In Twilight: RAISED EYEBROWS

As you're reading this, I'm currently working a large convention of fans....and some would believe that I am "living the dream." But that does a great disservice...and for some, "living the dream" can be a mixed blessing.

Steve Stoliar was one such person - growing up as a Marx Brothers fan, he jumped at the chance to live and work with Groucho Marx in his later years. It forms the backbone of his recently reissued memoir Raised Eyebrows - My Years Inside Groucho's House (Expanded Edition), and also makes for some great, compelling reading.

If you're looking for sordid details and/or a hatched job....look elsewhere. This isn't the book for you. In fact, Stoliar does an exceptional job in providing a balanced  yet realistic look at life with Groucho in Raised Eyebrows. Stoliar came at a time when Groucho was embroiled in both a controversial relationship (with Erin Fleming) as well as a comeback (the Marx Brothers' "revival" in the 1970s). This could have made for an explosive, spare-no-details expose that would not be out-of-place in our TMZ-and-gossip-driven media culture.

But Stoliar doesn't do that - in fact, Stoliar makes great efforts to provide balance in Raised Eyebrows.  Consistently taking the high ground, Stoliar frequently sites that he may not have known all the details in a given situation, and more importantly, rarely descends to innuendo and character slamming. (Towards the end, Stoliar even relates details about some issues various individuals took with his memoir).

It's the kind of book rarely seen - an honest, open look at someone meeting the focus of their fandom....and seeing them as a human being. And that's the best reason to read Raised Eyebrows.

That, and Stoliar's story about Zeppo Marx as a romantic rival.

Highly recommended.

5 Things I'm Planning To Do New Year's Day

Yes, tomorrow is the beginning of a whole new year, and I'm prepping for New Year's Eve festivities tonight after two years of inactivity. (To be honest - one year involved wading in self-pity, the other was due to falling asleep early). So in that spirit, to close out the blog for 2013, here are my plans to spend tomorrow (other than sleep and possibly shovel snow):

1. Marx Brothers Marathon - In my younger days, I would stay up to catch the odd showing of a Marx Brothers film on local television. Thanks to the miracle of modern technology - and ownership of all of the Marx's films - I'll be spending the day laughing and enjoying myself.
2. Writing and editing - I have one story that I am writing due in February, the other I will be copyediting for publication. In addition, I may also receive news of other stories that need to be taken care of. My writing career will be off to a pretty interesting start.
3. Job Seeking and Freelance Work - I am doing contract social media work for a site looking to match home builders and home buyers (Drop me a line privately if you want more information); since this is only part time, I'll also be spending some time looking for other work. (My Linked In profile isn't going to update itself, you know.
4. Catch Up on Reading - this will be how I spend my morning, since I have a nice pile of magazines, review copies, and assorted other material to catch up with, and finally....
5. Relax With a Full Pot of Coffee - this is how I usually begin each day; sitting quietly and meditating while sipping a nice, hot cup of java. Home brewed.

So in other words, much of my New Year's Day will be spent...like any other day. But the important part is that, well, the New Year is going to bring plenty of new, unique opportunities and experiences.

Have a post up for automatic posting tomorrow, and will definitely see you next year!

I Know Cool People: Introducing - Pedro Cruz!

As many of you know, I've written a short (7 page) story for the collected Zone 4 webcomic. (Zone 4, as many of you are aware, is simply the greatest comic podcast ever created. It's as if God himself used Audacity and Libsyn....but enough hyperbole).

I'm grateful (and finally found the time) to announce that I have a really cool creative team. Brant Fowler, my Zone 4 co-host, will be doing the lettering, and a great artist - Pedro Cruz, from Portugal, will be doing the art chores.

I'm really pleased to have Pedro on board - you can check out his work in Airship 27's Jim Anthony: Super-Detective anthologies, as well as Dr. Watson's American Adventure (which I'm reading for Baker Street Blog). His art style hits just the right spot, and will be a great fit for my story - a little something called "Showdown in Jeff City", which tonally is like Josh Whedon casting the Marx Brothers in Firefly.

If you want to check out more of his art, you can visit his blog, his DeviantArt page, or check out Comic Related - they'll be publishing his Mighty Enlil webcomic weekly, and I think you'll enjoy it over leaps and bounds.

(Yes, Pedro is "sponsoring" the podcast. It's part of a cool exchange system, and his art is so good, I'm more than willing to continue talking him up. His art is that good, folks - be sure you check it out).

Help A Comic Get Published

As everyone knows, I've been expanding my writing parameters and have been working on a short, seven page story for the collected Zone 4 webcomic, to be published (hopefully) in the late summer/early fall. However, given that several of my pals are very highly connected, I'm hoping that I can receive some guidance and insight from you, the readers of this fine blog.

I need to put together an art team for this story, which is kind of like Firefly as written and performed by the Marx Brothers.This would be a full-color comic which would be available for purchase online (and could be purchased at cost by participants for signings, portfolio, etc).

Bad news - this is not a paid gig. The only concrete rewards I can offer is that this book will be made available via IndyPlanet. However, I believe in paying it forward, and would love to see what I can put together. (I've submitted a post via Digital Webbing, and have gotten some nibbles, but nothing major).

So what am I looking for? Here goes:

• Penciller/Artist - someone who can draw in a cartoon/slightly anime style (this is a comedy - with some science fiction and Western elements. Let that be your guide). I can provide samples of character design to make it easier.
• Inker - someone with a deft touch who can bring out the best in any artist
• Letterer - my Zone 4 cohort Brant Fowler will be handling the lettering. He does really good work.
• Colorist - yes, this is going to be a full color book, but I would love to work with someone who can bring nuance to colors, and has a strong vibrant approach

So if you can, I'm asking if you know anyone who can perform any of the above tasks, who has talent and is looking for an opportunity for exposure and publication, please have them drop me a line. The only thing I will promise is to give them a fair shake. (Trust me, this script is a pretty fun piece of work. You'll laugh out loud.)

Thanks, and looking forward to all your assistance.

Davy Jones: A Memorial

Photo Via Flickr

I'm probably going to lose my cool, indie cred for blogging this publicly, but I always liked the Monkees as much as I liked the Beatles. Maybe even slightly more.

Granted, coming home from school and watching reruns on channel 32 helped - it kind of made being in a band slightly romantic. Growing up on a steady diet of the Monkees, A Hard Day's Night, and The Marx Brothers, I developed a slightly irreverent, anti-establishment sense of humor. But also, it helped that the Monkees had some pretty strong tunes - you would never mistake them for the Beatles, but you could get a decent three-minute extravaganza out of them.

Hearing about Davy Jones' passing yesterday was shocking....much of it surrounding the unbelievability of the event. Jones was the most obvious showman of the group, the one most set to be a teen idol. It's easy to forget now how radical the idea of using television to create pop stars was in the 1960s. (Heck, the Byrds even wrote a song which seemed to be a snarky response to the group). But Jones was a natural - so much so that guest appearing on The Brady Bunch after the Monkees' success didn't seem all that out of line.

(No, I don't know how far along his Brady Bunch appearance was after the Monkees. I'll leave that to Roger to correct me on in the comments :))

But there's something uniquely iconoclastic about the Monkees' story - yes, it was a split between musical and artistic expression (Tork/Nesmith) versus more commercial, show-biz impulses (Dolenz/Jones). But Jones, at the very least, helped make sure that for whatever their more noble creative impulses, the group had that show biz grounding.

Plus, the guy played maracas - and tamborine - like nobody could.

My two favorite items of Monkees related media...well, I blogged about my favorite Monkees album long ago and far away, and I would like to direct you to the Daydream Believers made-for-tv-docudrama. Yes, it's chock full of factual errors, but it's a pretty cool representation of that time. Plus, it has Colin Ferguson from Eureka. I'll end with an embedded fan video, but be sure to include it on your Netflix queue....along with the Monkees episodes and Head.

That's probably the best way to remember Mr. Jones' career - with one heckuva show.

Five Reasons Why Fezzes Are NOT Cool

You know, there are probably greater issues to blog about, but I would like to spend some time on something which may seem minor....but is becoming increasingly grating to me.

It's the proliferation of fezzes amongst newer Doctor Who fans.

Yes, I get it - it's a way to celebrate a show. But it's a dead horse that is being beaten to a bloody pulp. (Which, not coincidentally, will be the new name of this blog in March). So anyway, let me just dive on in and give you my five reasons why fezzes are not cool....and have never been cool outside of Bogart, Laurel & Hardy, and Marx Brothers films.

1. It Takes A Perfectly Good Moment and Turns It Into A Lame Catchphrase - The whole point of the fez in The Big Bang/The Pandorica Opens is that it allows us to tell apart one character from two different timelines. Plus, it gets shot at the end. However, thanks to well-meaning yet obnoxious fans, fezzes have jumped the shark, and this has now become as ubiquitous - and annoying - in Who circles as "Where's the beef?" was in the 1980s.
2. It Only Shows That You're A Newb - Once, on Satan's favorite social media network (also known as Facebook), after criticizing someone for suggesting a fez, they asked, "But isn't that what the Doctor says?" My response - which was shorter and pithier than this - is "With a show with almost 50 years of history, all you can suggest is a fez? Not a long scarf/ Or even a velvet smoking jacket?" Quite honestly, it brings out the worst in old school fandom, especially in people like me. :)
3. You're Demonstrating a Total Lack of Understanding of the Show - For me, it's one of those "you-went-there-didn't-you" moments. I have the same reaction when I hear people praise Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, because it means that they're more willing to accept anything than dive into a phenomenon. In short, the adventures of a steampunk-y superdetective - or a fez-wearing time traveller - might be excellent. Just don't call them "Sherlock Holmes" or "Doctor Who". (And let me remind you - I not only write for a blog of serious Holmes devotees, I've been a Who fan most of my life. That qualifies me to make statements like, "Morton Downey Jr. would make a better Sherlock Holmes". 
4. Fezzes - no matter what the context - just look dumb: Just check out the photo on this blog. Even on semi-cute Pikachu, fezzes are just lame.
5. Headgear should never be a barometer for how something cool is - Just ask Jack Klugman. He's cool without needing fancy headgear. 

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to rant...and to promote the upcoming Chicks Dig Time Lords event on February 28th in Arlington Heights. To RSVP, just visit http://bit.ly/ChicksDigTL

And until next time....please don't even think about getting me started on bow ties. Seriously.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Groucho Marx!

(Yes, too much Doctor Who-related news this week, but didn't want to miss Sunday's milestone,  so I'm posting this today because you can never have too much Marx Brothers)

Just To Be Different

The Marx Brothers
Originally uploaded by twm1340

Rather than engage in either the "oh-what-we-lost-today" sentiment...or even Tea-Bagger-esque false patriotism...a little something special.

First, came across this Harpo Marx web site quite by accident. This is well worth your time.

Also, found a great new book, along with a great old one.

We need a laugh. Now, more than ever.

Revisiting My Marxist Past: ANIMAL CRACKERS at the Goodman Theater

(Revised May 28, 2023)

I think it is safe to state that, for the record, I have a very strong Marxist streak in my past - and present.

So much so that when I heard that Animal Crackers was coming to the Goodman Theater, I bought a ticket. Granted, it was a Sunday night ticket (and I managed to get second-row seating!) It was, without a doubt, a very rare occasion - a chance to time travel and see a play that had been put on before I was born. Or even before my parents were born.

I was not disappointed - this was one of the best experiences I have had in seeing live theater.

Part of it was a unique energy - not just amongst the actors playing the Marx Brothers, but all of the cast. Given that there are only nine people in the production - especially with the variety of roles - some of the quick changes were not only astounding but much like a great magic show, I was wondering how they did it. I was also surprised (and maybe this is due to a slight familiarity, having seen the movie multiple times) at how farcical the play was, poking fun at high society and....well, it's easy to see why it was popular during the Depression.

But anyway, what about the actors playing the Marx Brothers? Fine - it was hard for me to get the movie portrayals out of my head, but once I let those particular voices settle (voices in my head? did I just type that out loud?), it all clicked - Joey Slotnick's Groucho, Jonathan Brody's Chico, and Molly Shannon's Harpo (a female Harpo? Trust me, it works) helped give the show some expected jolts. But Ed Kross, who plays Zeppo - and another, more romantic lead - really deserves kudos. So much so that one can see why Zeppo left show business: the "Zeppo" character had maybe 30 minutes of total stage time.

(And in all fairness to the play, some other Marx material was integrated - it didn't seem like a Marx Brothers' greatest hits so much as a way to make a Depression-era play connect for younger viewers. It all hung together beautifully)

So this was one of my glad-I-did-before-I-got-too-old moments: a chance to see a play that resulted in one of my favorite movies. This is very well worth it, so I'm tempted to see it again.

Especially since I'm seriously crushing on one of the actresses.

See this. Now.

1,200 Posts Down the Road!

That's right - this very blog has made it's 1,200th post (of course, since this blog hit post 1,000 a year ago, that only means I've been slacking). But in that spirit, here are some things you can look forward to seeing on this very blog:

• September's "Record You Should Own"
  
• Another very special "One Web Day" podcast
• An online surprise birthday for pal Chuck with cake and pony rides and all sorts of wonderful good things
• A review of a Marx Brothers play. Put on in this decade.
• I watched Trial of A Time Lord - and I'll tell you if you have to!
  
• A special September TV Party on Comic Related; and
  
• A nice countdown-to-Halloween event (which you can vote on - just check the upper right corner for the poll).

Here's to more online shenanigans! But first, blame Sterling for this rip on my favorite podcast:

Friday da 13th Post

Well, everyone, some potential good news - I'm in the running for a pretty cool job. It will mean learning to how, like, be professional....but I'm still putting out the old resumes. So until I come up with something creative and new, here's some linkage.

Laura, Brian and I all agree - this is the greatest news of the 21st century.

(Well, that and Thunderbird 1.5's release)

As you may have heard, one of Oprah's Book Club selections might have fudged the truth. To be honest, Oprah should have known better, especially since 12 Step (and other recovery programs) usually depend first and foremost on honesty.

All hail the great Hembeck - and happy (belated) birthday! (And Mr. Hembeck - I'll try to keep you updated on this blog. Honest).

Beaucoup Kevin shows us some movies!

You know, it's much easier to love than hate, you know what I'm saying?

Everyone else celebrates the Batman TV show's 40th anniversary - I give you the history of the Batmobile, maybe the coolest thing about the show.

If you want to find cool stuff, check out Lifehacker, which includes links to such things as free courses, developing one good habit per month, and various other tips and tricks.

Here's an appreciation of H.P. Lovecraft. Huzzah!

Doing his part for cultural literacy, Greg shares with his readers daily facts about events that occurred throughout history. Now, if he only featured events that happened in Marx Brothers history, then life would be complete. If you don't like history, well....cross this Rubicon, pal!

Speaking of the Marx Brothers, this site has several examples of Harpo talking. Don't you wish some comics bloggers would take the hint?

Ian wants to know what brought you back to comics.

Finally, I am seriously considering this feature for the blog - let me know how you feel in the comments.

Jury Duty

Spent most of Monday and Tuesday in jury duty - of course, I wasn't chosen, but I'm not too surprised. I think my whole rant about how the guilty should "sizzle like a cheap steak" turned off the court. However, as a special treat - you get to read my snarky responses to referral log entries! Isn't that fun?

10 things to do before your 18 - these should include getting your high school diploma and learning to spell...

will-pfeiffer blog...and telling the difference between me and Mr. Pfeiffer

batman mumble sound file - Haven't we had enough of this?

anne rice reborn blog - uh, not here. I hate Anne Rice. Read more Robert R. McCammon. You'll thank me later.

Sound clip of Rawhide's theme song - why not just buy the album?

Bloop the Green Monkey - I enjoy euphemisms, don't you?

reemergence of the gifts of the spirit 1904 - you know, I could look up directions on building an atomic bomb at the St. Louis Public Library, but it blocks this blog. What gives? Seriously.

"Lake Bell" cigarettes - for those who don't want just the "Surface" of smoking...get it? (Sorry, Roger - had to go for the joke).

moleskine tips - check out here and here. But first, be sure you actually have a Moleskine notebook.

alone a night at the opera lyrics the marx brothers - buy the movie and use the captions. What do I look like, a trancriptionist?

conan "john tesh" animal planet - You don't get of the house much, do you?

svengoolie for sale - I'll settle for Sven showing up on St. Louis television

"procrastinators anonymous" "12 step" - I think I'll check this site out later.

douglas adams "three starships" - This is what happens when you drink and Google, folks.

blog true lies strip scene - This is the number 1 search term for this blog, based on a post about a shock tactic video. Since all you goofballs are too cheap to actually, like, buy the DVD, here's the clip. I hope you're frickin' happy.

Sorry 'Bout That, Chief - unless you're one of the goofballs mentioned above. For my usual readers, I'm sorry...I had to do it. Honest.

Procrastinators Anonymous

....or "how I learned to stop worrying and appreciate those who cleaned out their Firefox bookmarks for my entertainment"

First, in sad news, John Spencer (West Wing, L.A. Law) has passed away. Read this for more details about his life and career.

In much more upbeat news, I've added STL Rising to the blogroll - if you want to read about St. Louis in a way that you never have before, be sure to check it out. And a hearty thanks to my mapped pals, and please - feel free to map yourself. It's painless. honest.

If you need time to kill during the "slow period" of the holidays, here's a nice online game involving penguins. Andy might really like this.

(Side note - why is it Haloscan allows comments for group posts, but not individual entries?)

Don't worry, Dorian, I promise - no Coldplay or Chuck Norris quotes. But I will always throw in a gratutious Graham Parker reference when I can.

Best. Doctor. Who. Game. Ever.

Greg, when not comparing signs of depravity, strongly suggests (and I agree) owning Camelot 3000

File under "I can't see the point, but I see the attraction" - the difference between bad fan fiction and excellent fan fiction.

Polite Scott performs his holiday public service by telling you the nine things spammers don't want you to know (and pretty much hits the nail the head for his last point)

Even though it's Christmas, you're probably wondering, "how do I handle this particularly tricky Valentine's Day situation with my friend with benefits?" Here's the answer (not work safe)

For you fans of free/open source software, might I suggest Courier (for e-mail) and Open Office (especially since there's a blog with tips and tricks?)

The Ink Slinger has a really unique short story contest. You have to read the rules for yourself.

For you pop culture/comic enthusiasts - are you looking for old pulp literature in e-book form? Then check out Blackmask - they have almost every form of e-literature short of beaming it directly into your brain.

If you were a member of my family, here are the top three things you have to look forward to this holiday.

Finally, if any of you ever wondered what happened today in Marx Brothers history, here's the appropriate link (which you can use on your site)

At Last the 1948 Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 100 Movie Quotes

...and only one Marx Brothers quote? It's just not right

Hey Lord, Don't Ask Me Question

(with apologies to Graham Parker...)

As promised, I'll be answering questions which you - the reader - have asked. (Tried to post this morning, but thanks to Blogger, only half survived). Of course, only three of you did, so I'm going to have to be really clever on these. (Of course, it didn't help that I basically stole Mike's" idea)

Chris Brown asked How many boxes of comics do you have? Are they in alphabetic order? What's your secret favorite issue and why?

I now have three boxes - unfortunately, one box got destroyed by being stored in my basement. Yes, they are in alphabetical order, and my secret favorite issue is Sandman Mystery Theater # 33. It's the third part of the "Man of the Hour" arc, it features Rex "Hourman" Tyler, and also has both guys in their Golden Age costumes in a nice, pulp-inspired adventure.

BTW Drop the Zero and get with the hero, support Rann!

Never! Thanagar rules! (Besides, any guy who willingly quotes Vanilla Ice deserves contempt. I say Pfeh!)

Logan asks, Okay, here's one, what's your favcorite film ever, and why?

I had to really think about this one - I have several that are close seconds - Star Wars, A Hard Day's Night (it's got the Beatles plus clever writing & sharp direction), The Third Man(Orson Welles! Viennese sewers!), Animal Crackers (The Marx Brothers with a plot), and Free Enterprise (like Swingers, only it has the added bonus of Shatner rapping Shakespeare...and I bet those dudes at SciFiDaily have never heard of this movie)

My number one film - this one. It has everything a movie needs - ruminations on life, love, mortality, as well as huge honkin' spaceship battles. And yes, I have the two DVD set.

Finally, Psychbloke asks, "er....favorite Doctor Who?"

That's relatively easy - started with Pertwee, easily my favorite (patronising, rude, extremely Bond-ish), with Davison coming in a close second. (He was Doctor during my sad, fan teenage years, so go figure). I had a little too much Tom Baker exposure, never saw too much Hartnell/Troughton (although my preference is Troughton), Colin Baker got too short a season, McCoy comes in a close third, McGann didn't have much of a script, and no opinion on Eccleston, as I haven't seen him yet.

So, kids, here's what's coming up on Blog This, Pal:

• Zero Effect, a lost classic
• ponderings on employment
• Mixed Bag reviews; and
• of course, more wacky pop culture shtick

Easter Egging Y'All On

Well, first, a happy Easter (and wonderful Purim) for all of those who celebrate those holidays on this day. (As we know, Easter is the Christian holiday that celebrate's Jesus' resurrection...and if he sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of Lent). As usual, since I have nothing major to blog about (unless suffering through another cold is your idea of a good time), here's a list of searches...with a special treat. Three of the searches are "easter eggs" - I made them up, and you get to figure out which ones are false. If you identify all three, I'll find some special prize to send you.

And away-y-y-y we go:

robin battles kato - Howard Stern's sidekick vs. Mr. Kaelin? I gotta see this

their eyes were watching God soundtrack - the new "Jamie Lee Curtis True Lies strip scene".

Beowulf Vs. Led Zeppeln - Google fight! Google fight!

ajay law school chicago band monkey - Ok, I have a friend named Ajay, and he's in law school, but he's no Chicago band monkey. Honest.

Brian likes gladiator movies - I've known this about Brian for years. What's the point?

smothers brothers puma crevasse - there were three pumas in that crevasse - Mama Puma, Papa Puma, and Baby Puma....

Sin City Movie spoilers/sin city fan fiction/Sin City movie/Sin City spoilers - all this over a little movie review?

comic blogs - Here are several comic blogs to enjoy. The rest you can check via the blogroll.

smile "James Spader" "Brian Wilson" - you know, I just realized that I'm starting to use the finger quote movement that Dr. Evil uses? That's scaring me.

Barney likes Little Debbies - I am so not touching this one.

Jolene blog/Jolene Blalock blog/Star Trek Enterprise Jolene Blalock Dirty Nude Photo - and they say comic fans have problems with relationships?

how do addictions start - very carefully.

"we're geniuses in france" - the greatest television show ever made.

warren demontague/IFC Greg the Bunny clips - all this because I recognized a persecuted minority.

"teenage kicks" "another girl in the neighborhood" - anyone who digs the The Undertones is cool with me.

gladiator phillip wylie/Byrne gladiator - Brian, John Byrne will watch gladiator movies with you. You're no longer alone.

Aqua Velva Superman - I love this song by ZZ Top - it rocks!

Gordon College/Gordon College blog - if I blogged during my college years, it would probably read like this, "Went to class, had Oreos and Mountain Dew, checked out several women, went home, studied, fell asleep watching Doctor Who". Not my greatest hour, folks.

triumph insult comic dog press conference against pets.com - it's on DVD, folks. Buy it.

"boys' sherlock holmes" - wow, Michael Jackson's checking this site out. Awesome!

hot nude photos - if someone can find a nude photo on my blog, please let me know.

is the juice worth the squeeze - definitely, most definitely

highschool blog - it's that pesky meme that I continued. Darn me! (My high school blog: "Went to class, checked out several women, went home, studied, fell asleep watching Doctor Who")

lyrics for the song alone marx brothers "a night at the opera" - wow, someone with taste!

And finally, two easter eggs you don't have to search for - crank up the volume for this Flash Animation from the Accordion Guy, and you can Shizzolate your favorite sites. (I recommend Mike Sterling and Brent as your test runs - you'll have a good laugh).

Thanks, and happy Easter!

Thank You, Friends!

Taking a page from my pal Brian, well-known blogger/trivia enthusiast/all-around tough guy, I thought I would list all the things I am thankful for today, since this weekend may be not very blogworthy.

In the words of Jackie Gleason, and a-way-y-y-y we go!

• I get to leave work at 4:00 pm today, and avoid the yucky traffic.
• My friends, whom I correspond with on a semi-regular basis, and whom I take for granted all too frequently
• Dax, my cat, because as temperamental as she is, nothing says unconditional acceptance like a cat's purr
• Logan, my godson, who is a Jedi in training, and who (according to my family) knows who lives in a pineapple under the sea
• The blogs on my blogroll below, for providing some really cool writing (especially the greatest comics blog in the multiverse)
• National Novel Writing Month, which has provided me an outlet for this idea I've had since grad school (and I'm 75% completed)
• DVDs, which have allowed me to engage my fanboyish desires on a budget
• The Marx Brothers, because without them, I wouldn't be here
• My family, because as crazy as they get, they're, well, family, and
• Salma Hayek, my once and future ex-wife.

So, folks, there you have it. Have a wonderful holiday, and remember - only during this time of year is it a good thing to say, "Get stuffed!"

Sick Thoughts

These are thoughts that I am having while I am sick, i.e., not feeling well. (I know, I know, the title is misleading...)

• After reading Identity Crisis # 5, all I have to say is...huh?
• Thanks to Mike at Progressive Ruin, interest in one of my
  favorite characters has been revived
• I think a quote from Cat in Red Dwarf summarizes how I feel physically:
  

  "I don't wanna live...somebody shoot me in the head

Thank God I only have a full day today and a half-day training tomorrow - this weekend is going to be mostly rest, relaxation, soup, and Marx Brothers.

Linking Policy & Huge Favor

First, in the spirit of Boing Boing's linking policy, you can only link if you send me your credit card and PIN numbers, a pint of blood, and all the Marx Brothers' movies on DVD.

(Actually, link to your heart's connect - all these people did! And they suffered no ill effects!

Also, if you know of anyone who lives in Ballwin, MO, please let me know ASAP. We're doing some legislative work, and need constituents!