I haven't written a post in a while.The holiday was pretty busy.I figured that I would give a little update and a few random thoughts.
1)I got my gf a ring, which now makes her my fiancee.I actually planned things out and put work into this instead of following my usual method of last minute, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants craziness.It went as well as I possibly could have hoped and am quite proud of myself at how everything turned out.Now it is on to the wedding itself, which I can already see is going to be quite an experience.
2)I got an mp3 player.Believe it or not, I have never owned one before.I have no interest in the small, cheap ones( I have too much music for that little storage space.).The big ones are too much money for me to feel comfortable spending at once.This one will be able to hold about 1/2 of my music.That will do.SO that's one reason I haven't been writing:I've been transferring my music.
One thing I won't be doing much of is buying music online.I am hesitant to buy anything that will stay only on my computer or any piece of elctronics.That means I'm still going to buy CDs, transfer them to my CPU, and then to the player.It seems laborious when I could just buy stuff online and have it within seconds.I think the effort is worth it because I will never fully trust my life to a computer.It is just a machine.Though it is highly doubtful to happen, this computer could crap out tommorrow and I could lose everything on the hard drive.If all of my music was just downloadable files it would all be gone.That and I also appreciate being physically able to possess the CD.A computer can never duplicate the sensation.It's too impersonal.
3)I wrestled again this past Friday in a Texas tornado tag team match.It went mostly well, but we ended the match at least 3 or 4 minutes too soon.The crowd was digging it though.That is what ultimately matters.At one point I went over the top rope, missed the apron, and landed HARD on my unprotected knee and elbow.I walked away with only a scrape on my elbow, which is just gross enough looking to be cool.
Sometimes my luck amazes me.I have never broken a bone in my life(that I know of) and have never had a stitch put in me or an operation.And between wrestling and my storied job history, I've been in more than my fair share of physically dangerous situations.I shot myself in the hand with a nailgun once and the nail just bounced off of the tip of my finger.Last year, I had an SUV on NJ route 287(If you don't live in NJ, that's a major North/South road in Northern Jersey.) almost hit me.I spun around 3 times:once on my side of the road, then once across the median and into the other lanes of traffic, and the third time back across the oppostie lanes of traffic and ended up stalled on the median, facing the right direction.I didn't hit anything more hazardous than a blade of grass.I took a second to gather myself, started my car, and finished my drive home.I've fallen asleep operating power saws(more times than I'm comfortable admitting) and haven't so much as broken a fingernail.I have twice fallen off of 24foot ladders(both times from about halfway up) and got nothing more than a scratched stomach.I once fell 10 feet through a ceiling onto a desk and then onto my head on a concrete floor and just got bruised.It will be interesting to see what finally "breaks" me.I'll probably slip on a banana peel and crack my skull open on some plush carpeting.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A Quick Thanks
Wendy Withers , who is also pretty much my only regular reader and the only person who actually leaves comments here, had some nice things to say about me in her blog(now award-winning).She deals with a large variety of topics, loves zombies and is a genuine writer.
If you're lurking through here trying to find something to read with more depth and better sentence structure, then check out her blog.
Speaking of zombies, if you ever find yourself in the midst of a zombie apocalypse the people at this blog have found some survival tips.You never know.
If you're lurking through here trying to find something to read with more depth and better sentence structure, then check out her blog.
Speaking of zombies, if you ever find yourself in the midst of a zombie apocalypse the people at this blog have found some survival tips.You never know.
Something Trippy...
I don't remember where I got the link, but this is cool.This is one of those things where every time you watch it you see something you missed the last time around.There is another one here , but it is a lot shorter.I actually use the one from the second link as my screen saver sometimes.
I always love finding these odd little flashes of creativity.The ones that are interactive are even better.I'm not talking games, but diversions.
I always love finding these odd little flashes of creativity.The ones that are interactive are even better.I'm not talking games, but diversions.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Looking Like This:Hair Tales
I am not a person obsessed with my appearance.I make sure that I am clean(clean feels better) and that I look like I bathe regularly.I'm not really concerned with my clothing.I'm a jeans and T-shirt person for life.I buy the cheapest sneakers I can stomach buying.(My current pair was $15.I will wear them until they need to be held together with duct tape.)
This isn't too say I don't have my peculiarities.I have made some very bold fashion choices in my physical appearance.For one thing, I have 16 tattoos.When I fist started getting thm, I wanted to keep them all in places where I could hide them.Then I got one on my forearm and suddenly it was open season.Some people are curious and might ask a question or two, but I've never gotten any grief over them.I think they're getting more and more common and accepted, so people aren't as shocked as they might have been in the past.
I also have a long goatee, maybe about 6 inches long.I shave only about once a month, and sometimes even less frequent.Once more, I rarely get any grief for this.My job is such that I don't need to be clean shaven.At worst people want to tug on my beard.It's a good prop for wrestling for that very reason.
The thing I get the most comments about, and hard times about, is my hair.I started growing my hair long when I was a freshman in high school.My mother was okay with it, but would never let it get too long.Her idea of long hair must've been an inch long, 80's mullet.I had other ideas and, by the time I was a junior, had won.I could grow it as long as I wanted as long as I kept it clean.I took that ball and ran with it and still won't give it back.
I have cut it short twice in the past:once because I got a bad haircut and the other time was to get a job.Both times I tried to work with the short hair and find a style I liked because short hair IS easier to take care of.It just never worked.It just ends up long.It grows in thick too.I'm not close to balding yet.(crosses fingers.C'mon genetics.)I'm also a redhead(real hair color).That means that not only is it long and there's a lot of it, but it stands out like a signal beacon.There's no mistaking me when you see me.
I love having it.It's just more...fun.It allows for a couple of different style options.Seeing other people's reactions to it over the past twenty years has been an experience in the best and worst that people have to offer.There is a whole set of prejudices and stereotypes that come with being a guy with long hair, none of them flattering.
My first experience came right about when I was a junior in H.S.My family was living in a condominium complex.That means your neighbors were right on top of you and privacy sometimes wasn't possible.One day I was cleaning out the inside of my mother's car.It was a sunny day, I had the radio out with me and was just cleaning and enjoying the tunes.
When I finished my job and came back in my mother pulled me aside.She told me that one member of a family from a condo next to ours, a lady senior, came to the door to warn my mother that there was a suspicious-looking man near her car.Looking back, I'm just thinking"How did she not know that I lived there?Our front doors were only 15 feet apart."But still, she saw me and instantly had me judged as "criminal", or "undesirable".
It has been a recurring pattern all my life.There are people who feel uncomfortable talking to me because of it.It has occasionally made me an uncomfortable spectacle.Almost every time that I've ever been to see stand-up comedy, I've been the guy that the comic picks out of the audience to tease.(Caroline Rhea once called me Jesus!Really.It was before Sabrina and Rosie.)I've been turned down for countless jobs because of it, often with a boldness and frankness that would not be tolerated if their issue involved race or gender.Some might ask why I just don't cut my hair and blend in.Guys SHOULD have short hair, you know.No one forces me to look like this.Peace is only a scissor snip or two away.The answer is simple:I don't want to.Dealing with the bullshit is a small price to pay for being happy with at least one aspect of your physical appearance.I have awesome hair.So fuck you all. I'm keeping it.
Hearing this little rant, you might think that it might be an obsession of my life.That maybe I walk around all day like"Yeah.Look at my hair.Pay attention dammit!!!"I'm not though.It's as unnewsworthy and familiar to me as my own face.It's just something I happen to have.People always will make jokes and I'll get the requisite haircut cracks and offers.But they get used to it.It gets old, kinda like the Superman jokes that Clark Kent endures in Superman:Identity.
These opinions that I wrote about above are always in my head though, even if they rarely are spoken of.I think that anybody who experiences discrimination because of their appearance, no matter how insignificant it may seem in relation to another person's experience with discrimination,retains it and has an encyclopedia's worth of counter attacks and defenses just waiting to be unleashed at anyone who gives them shit. I never really thought about what other guys with long hair go through.I'm too self-absorbed to care.Looking through the internet(That thing again)and I found just some of that:guys with long hair shouting their concerns.Some are more radical than others.I think this guy pretty much nails it.
Some things, like "get a haircut" being considered a slur I had never thought of.If I look back at many of the incidents that he brings up and count the number of times they happened to me, then it would seem that people have been pretty rotten to me.I can't seem to get mad about it though.It's interesting to read about.I can relate to the stories.But it doesn't make me seethe.I'm old enough and have heard it all.The comments just roll right off my back now.I don't blame anybody for the position I'm in, or not in.(But I do have my eye on you, Mr."The Man."You are never to be trusted under any circumstances.)But sometimes, it just feels good to rant.
This isn't too say I don't have my peculiarities.I have made some very bold fashion choices in my physical appearance.For one thing, I have 16 tattoos.When I fist started getting thm, I wanted to keep them all in places where I could hide them.Then I got one on my forearm and suddenly it was open season.Some people are curious and might ask a question or two, but I've never gotten any grief over them.I think they're getting more and more common and accepted, so people aren't as shocked as they might have been in the past.
I also have a long goatee, maybe about 6 inches long.I shave only about once a month, and sometimes even less frequent.Once more, I rarely get any grief for this.My job is such that I don't need to be clean shaven.At worst people want to tug on my beard.It's a good prop for wrestling for that very reason.
The thing I get the most comments about, and hard times about, is my hair.I started growing my hair long when I was a freshman in high school.My mother was okay with it, but would never let it get too long.Her idea of long hair must've been an inch long, 80's mullet.I had other ideas and, by the time I was a junior, had won.I could grow it as long as I wanted as long as I kept it clean.I took that ball and ran with it and still won't give it back.
I have cut it short twice in the past:once because I got a bad haircut and the other time was to get a job.Both times I tried to work with the short hair and find a style I liked because short hair IS easier to take care of.It just never worked.It just ends up long.It grows in thick too.I'm not close to balding yet.(crosses fingers.C'mon genetics.)I'm also a redhead(real hair color).That means that not only is it long and there's a lot of it, but it stands out like a signal beacon.There's no mistaking me when you see me.
I love having it.It's just more...fun.It allows for a couple of different style options.Seeing other people's reactions to it over the past twenty years has been an experience in the best and worst that people have to offer.There is a whole set of prejudices and stereotypes that come with being a guy with long hair, none of them flattering.
My first experience came right about when I was a junior in H.S.My family was living in a condominium complex.That means your neighbors were right on top of you and privacy sometimes wasn't possible.One day I was cleaning out the inside of my mother's car.It was a sunny day, I had the radio out with me and was just cleaning and enjoying the tunes.
When I finished my job and came back in my mother pulled me aside.She told me that one member of a family from a condo next to ours, a lady senior, came to the door to warn my mother that there was a suspicious-looking man near her car.Looking back, I'm just thinking"How did she not know that I lived there?Our front doors were only 15 feet apart."But still, she saw me and instantly had me judged as "criminal", or "undesirable".
It has been a recurring pattern all my life.There are people who feel uncomfortable talking to me because of it.It has occasionally made me an uncomfortable spectacle.Almost every time that I've ever been to see stand-up comedy, I've been the guy that the comic picks out of the audience to tease.(Caroline Rhea once called me Jesus!Really.It was before Sabrina and Rosie.)I've been turned down for countless jobs because of it, often with a boldness and frankness that would not be tolerated if their issue involved race or gender.Some might ask why I just don't cut my hair and blend in.Guys SHOULD have short hair, you know.No one forces me to look like this.Peace is only a scissor snip or two away.The answer is simple:I don't want to.Dealing with the bullshit is a small price to pay for being happy with at least one aspect of your physical appearance.I have awesome hair.So fuck you all. I'm keeping it.
Hearing this little rant, you might think that it might be an obsession of my life.That maybe I walk around all day like"Yeah.Look at my hair.Pay attention dammit!!!"I'm not though.It's as unnewsworthy and familiar to me as my own face.It's just something I happen to have.People always will make jokes and I'll get the requisite haircut cracks and offers.But they get used to it.It gets old, kinda like the Superman jokes that Clark Kent endures in Superman:Identity.
These opinions that I wrote about above are always in my head though, even if they rarely are spoken of.I think that anybody who experiences discrimination because of their appearance, no matter how insignificant it may seem in relation to another person's experience with discrimination,retains it and has an encyclopedia's worth of counter attacks and defenses just waiting to be unleashed at anyone who gives them shit. I never really thought about what other guys with long hair go through.I'm too self-absorbed to care.Looking through the internet(That thing again)and I found just some of that:guys with long hair shouting their concerns.Some are more radical than others.I think this guy pretty much nails it.
Some things, like "get a haircut" being considered a slur I had never thought of.If I look back at many of the incidents that he brings up and count the number of times they happened to me, then it would seem that people have been pretty rotten to me.I can't seem to get mad about it though.It's interesting to read about.I can relate to the stories.But it doesn't make me seethe.I'm old enough and have heard it all.The comments just roll right off my back now.I don't blame anybody for the position I'm in, or not in.(But I do have my eye on you, Mr."The Man."You are never to be trusted under any circumstances.)But sometimes, it just feels good to rant.
Dumbest Post Ever-Who Would Win In A Fight?
The rules of "Who would win in a fight?" are simple.
1)Anything goes, including any powers that the characters would have.
2)Anybody or anything, fictional or real is eligible.
3)There is no such thing as too silly a matchup.
4)I haven't figured out how to determine who wins yet.That's not really a rule.I'm just saying...
The inaugural fight is between two underappreciated advertising icons.
IN THE RED CORNER:
WEAKNESSES: Leaves do not make good armor.
Prone to shaming tactics regarding costume.
Lack of experience in the spotlight.Doubtful anyone even cares about him.
MY TAKE:I've seen this guy listed as being the "fig leaf guy" and also as the "leaves and currants" guy.Either one is equally stupid.Couldn't they have used an orange or a banana?(Sometimes when I type banana I have to restrain myself from typing too many "na"s.Otherwise I'd be writing banananana.And that's just stupid.)I'm sure someone got fired over that one.Come on.Fig leaves?Does anyone even eat figs except in Newton form?They need to stop trying to be different and edgy and give people a fourth fruit they can recognize.
On a similar topic, why are there 2 grape guys?It's like the guy who came up with this was told to come up with four fruit mascots and was like"Apple.Grapes.Uhhhh...More Grapes.Uhhh....Crap.Four?Really?I don't know.Leaves?Is that a fruit?"I could do better than that.
WHO WINS?:Hell if I know.I'd pick the fig leaf guy because Grimace is pretty much useless unless he's eating or sucking up to Ronald.And how is he going to do any damage with those short little arms?I doubt he could reach to squeeze his nipples if he had any.Grimace's only hope is to fall on fig leaf guy or eat him.I just don't see another way.
1)Anything goes, including any powers that the characters would have.
2)Anybody or anything, fictional or real is eligible.
3)There is no such thing as too silly a matchup.
4)I haven't figured out how to determine who wins yet.That's not really a rule.I'm just saying...
The inaugural fight is between two underappreciated advertising icons.
IN THE RED CORNER:
NAME:Grimace
STRENGTHS:Size Advantage
Unusual body shape and stubby limbs make grappling impossible
No external genitalia to be exploited
WEAKNESSES:Unusual body shape and stubby limbs make grappling or punching or kicking impossible
Soft and doughy.Probably can't take a punch for shit.
Appaling lack of cardiovascular conditioning
MY TAKE: No one is exactly sure what Grimace is."The Milkshake Guy" is not a proper answer.Is there a female version of Grimace?How do Grimaces have sex?Grimace also has no visible anus.He obviously eats.How does he poop?Why is he always naked?Even when around children?I think Grimace is fucked up in the head and probably angry about being backed up because he has no waste orifices.His opponent is in for a world of hurt.Speaking of which...
IN THE BLUE CORNER:
NAME:The Fruit Of The Loom Fig Leaf Guy
STRENGTHS:Mobility.The leaf costume is the least bulky and restrictive of all of the FOTL guys.
Righteous anger over having to wear the crappiest FOTL costume.
Heart and determination:wants to show that he can be as big as the Apple.WEAKNESSES: Leaves do not make good armor.
Prone to shaming tactics regarding costume.
Lack of experience in the spotlight.Doubtful anyone even cares about him.
MY TAKE:I've seen this guy listed as being the "fig leaf guy" and also as the "leaves and currants" guy.Either one is equally stupid.Couldn't they have used an orange or a banana?(Sometimes when I type banana I have to restrain myself from typing too many "na"s.Otherwise I'd be writing banananana.And that's just stupid.)I'm sure someone got fired over that one.Come on.Fig leaves?Does anyone even eat figs except in Newton form?They need to stop trying to be different and edgy and give people a fourth fruit they can recognize.
On a similar topic, why are there 2 grape guys?It's like the guy who came up with this was told to come up with four fruit mascots and was like"Apple.Grapes.Uhhhh...More Grapes.Uhhh....Crap.Four?Really?I don't know.Leaves?Is that a fruit?"I could do better than that.
WHO WINS?:Hell if I know.I'd pick the fig leaf guy because Grimace is pretty much useless unless he's eating or sucking up to Ronald.And how is he going to do any damage with those short little arms?I doubt he could reach to squeeze his nipples if he had any.Grimace's only hope is to fall on fig leaf guy or eat him.I just don't see another way.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Superman:Identity-A New Favorite
(A note-The internet is full of comic reviews and blogs.Most are filled to the brim with negative bullshit.I'm not going to waste anyone's time with books I don't like.When people are looking for new stuff to read, what's the point of hearing about the shit?You want to know what the good stuff is.I will take up the challenge of bring good stuff to people's attention.Starting now.)
Earlier this year, I started reading DC comics, despite being a "Marvel Zombie."One thing I didn't expect to happen was becoming a Superman fan.My interest was solidified after reading Superman For All Seasons.I was looking for more Superman GN/TPBs to read and kept hearing about this book called Superman:Identity. The problem was, every time I picked it up I always ran across the page where a 20-something Superman, still thin enough to look a little awkward in his costume, was flying around.My first thought then was always "I don't want to read about some bony Superman."So I always put it down.
About 2 weeks ago, I broke down and picked it up.I think I've read it seven times since then.For those who don't know, Identity is the story of a guy, whose name just happens to be Clark Kent, who lives in what I suppose is our world.Superman exists, but as a comic book character.Young Clark is constantly assaulted with Superman jokes, Superman comics, and all manner of Superman memorobilia.And he hates it.His closet is full of unwanted Superman crap and his name makes him an outcast at school, even amongst the nerds.
One night, while hiking in the woods, he wakes up to find himself floating in the air.He realizes that he now has Superman's powers and is immediately wondering if he should shout from the mountaintops or keep it hush-hush.The story continues through all stages of his life, all the way until he is an old, gray man.
The whole story is told from Clark's point of view, mostly through journal entries that he types up on an old typewriter.I don't know how Busiek did it, but I felt every single thing that Clark felt.I felt every tragedy and triumph.When Lois announces she is pregnant I was there, joyfully bouncing around the ocean like a caffeine-addled dolphin.I felt the disappointment when he discovered that his powers were fading with age.At a few points I found myself with a lump in my throat.If I am having an emotional reaction to a story, then there must be something good going on there.
Stuart Immomen takes every art duty here, taking pencils and color.The color is done painting-style(very professional term there) which lends a much more realistic feel than is normal for him.The realism helps draw you in here.If the art was more traditional this would still be a good story and worthwhile purchase, but would most likely lack the emotional resonance.
I can't recommend this book enough.It will brighten your day and make you believe that a Superman could exist.Even if you don't like Superman- read this book.If you don't like comics-read this anyway.I wouldn't steer you wrong.
At least not this time.
Earlier this year, I started reading DC comics, despite being a "Marvel Zombie."One thing I didn't expect to happen was becoming a Superman fan.My interest was solidified after reading Superman For All Seasons.I was looking for more Superman GN/TPBs to read and kept hearing about this book called Superman:Identity. The problem was, every time I picked it up I always ran across the page where a 20-something Superman, still thin enough to look a little awkward in his costume, was flying around.My first thought then was always "I don't want to read about some bony Superman."So I always put it down.
About 2 weeks ago, I broke down and picked it up.I think I've read it seven times since then.For those who don't know, Identity is the story of a guy, whose name just happens to be Clark Kent, who lives in what I suppose is our world.Superman exists, but as a comic book character.Young Clark is constantly assaulted with Superman jokes, Superman comics, and all manner of Superman memorobilia.And he hates it.His closet is full of unwanted Superman crap and his name makes him an outcast at school, even amongst the nerds.
One night, while hiking in the woods, he wakes up to find himself floating in the air.He realizes that he now has Superman's powers and is immediately wondering if he should shout from the mountaintops or keep it hush-hush.The story continues through all stages of his life, all the way until he is an old, gray man.
The whole story is told from Clark's point of view, mostly through journal entries that he types up on an old typewriter.I don't know how Busiek did it, but I felt every single thing that Clark felt.I felt every tragedy and triumph.When Lois announces she is pregnant I was there, joyfully bouncing around the ocean like a caffeine-addled dolphin.I felt the disappointment when he discovered that his powers were fading with age.At a few points I found myself with a lump in my throat.If I am having an emotional reaction to a story, then there must be something good going on there.
Stuart Immomen takes every art duty here, taking pencils and color.The color is done painting-style(very professional term there) which lends a much more realistic feel than is normal for him.The realism helps draw you in here.If the art was more traditional this would still be a good story and worthwhile purchase, but would most likely lack the emotional resonance.
I can't recommend this book enough.It will brighten your day and make you believe that a Superman could exist.Even if you don't like Superman- read this book.If you don't like comics-read this anyway.I wouldn't steer you wrong.
At least not this time.
Monday, December 17, 2007
I HATE WINTERTIME
It took me 40 minutes to get out of my parking space this morning.I needed to use a shovel, a hammer, 1/2 a bag of rock salt, about 5 pounds of kitty litter,a cardboard box, and a whole lot of rocking back and forth to escape.Fucking ice.Fucking winter.Fucking New Jersey.AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!
And it's not even Xmas yet.I can't imagine living any further north.I turn on the Weather Channel and see these places where it starts snowing in early September or something and they're always getting like 2 or 3 feet of snow per storm and I know that if I lived there I'd have gone crazy years ago.
On the plus side, my tires aren't completely bald after spinning them all morning and the ice only broke one of my windshield wipers.(on the driver's side!Of course...)I'm sure tommorrow will be just as much fun.
And it's not even Xmas yet.I can't imagine living any further north.I turn on the Weather Channel and see these places where it starts snowing in early September or something and they're always getting like 2 or 3 feet of snow per storm and I know that if I lived there I'd have gone crazy years ago.
On the plus side, my tires aren't completely bald after spinning them all morning and the ice only broke one of my windshield wipers.(on the driver's side!Of course...)I'm sure tommorrow will be just as much fun.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Oh Boy
On my last post, I talked a little bit about some of the more unusual keyword searches people used to find this blog.A She-Hulk fan site linked that because I mentioned that someone searched for me using the phrase "Jennifer Walters Boob Grow".He did it as a goof just to push me further up the search engine list for anyone typing in that phrase. I think it's pretty funny.
The funnier thing is that since linking me 3 days ago,248 people(as of now) have clicked on that post.The number of times people have come here from google searches looking for that exact phrase went from the initial one, to five now.
So, for anyone coming here looking for pictures of She-Hulk, don't say I never gave you anything:
This is my favorite She-Hulk picture, that I've seen so far.She looks pretty badass. There are no growing boobs, but if your taste in porn is that specific I'm sure there's an internet site somewhere out there that is perfect for you.Friday, December 14, 2007
A Blog First
If you look at the right side of my blog, under where the archives are, you will see my visitor counter.I use Statcounter to count the people coming here.One of the nice things about the service is that you get access to free statistics about your visitors.I like to look up the keyword searches to see how people arrived here.Some keywords I understand(such as he ones pertaining to the Delaware Water Gap).Some leave me puzzled(Used College Stud Underwear?That was searched TWICE, by the way.Jennifer Walters Boobs Grow?I know I've mentioned She-Hulk a couple of times, but I'm pretty sure I didn't talk about any mammarian size increases.)
When looking through the keywords last week, I noticed that one was the url for this blog.That means someone actually searched for me intentionally!They never came back though.Too bad.I do have one regular reader(Thanks Wendy!), who actually even put me on her blogroll.If you see a post with comments, chances are almost certain they are between her and I.It's cool.I appreciate the conversation.I do wish more people would comment though, even to tell me that this blog sucks.1600 visitors and they're all lurkers.Perhaps I need more interesting content, or meatier content.I kinda like doing what I want though.Maybe I'll try some new things once I figure out what they are.
When looking through the keywords last week, I noticed that one was the url for this blog.That means someone actually searched for me intentionally!They never came back though.Too bad.I do have one regular reader(Thanks Wendy!), who actually even put me on her blogroll.If you see a post with comments, chances are almost certain they are between her and I.It's cool.I appreciate the conversation.I do wish more people would comment though, even to tell me that this blog sucks.1600 visitors and they're all lurkers.Perhaps I need more interesting content, or meatier content.I kinda like doing what I want though.Maybe I'll try some new things once I figure out what they are.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Crappy Weather And A Revelation
Today we had our first nasty winter storm of the year.If this storm was an item on a Chinese food menu, it would be the pu-pu platter.It had a little bit of everything:snow,sleet,hail,freezing rain.Normally, I hate the snow.I've gone over this before on this blog.It's just downright aggravating when your relationship with it grows past it being something to play in or with.Today though...I didn't mind it one bit.When I wasn't working or reading my new comics, I was watching it fall and coat everything.These storms create chaos on the roads.People are forced to adjust their normally assholish driving behavior, for better or worse.That, and the threat of not being able to stop your vehicle as it slides uncontrollably down one of the many shoddily tended, hilly roads, makes winter weather my least favorite weather to be caught out in.
Yet this time I was happy.I was happy because, for the first time in 6 years, I wouldn't have to spend my whole day driving in it.I wouldn't have to chop the ice away from the front of a telephone pole with a hammer so I could set up a ladder.There wouldn't even be any ladders.I could just watch it from the warm indoors, drinking a cup of hot cocoa.I knew that by the time I left work, the roads would be clear of traffic and most likely be better plowed and salted.And I live five minutes from my job.Pffft.Even I can make that drive.
I also realized that this is going to be the weekend I make one of the most important purchases of my life.I'm not going to say exactly what it is, but involves a diamond.You know what I'm talking about.My life is going to change in slightly less than two weeks.It took 34 years, but I'm ready.I don't just think I'm ready.I know I am.
Yet this time I was happy.I was happy because, for the first time in 6 years, I wouldn't have to spend my whole day driving in it.I wouldn't have to chop the ice away from the front of a telephone pole with a hammer so I could set up a ladder.There wouldn't even be any ladders.I could just watch it from the warm indoors, drinking a cup of hot cocoa.I knew that by the time I left work, the roads would be clear of traffic and most likely be better plowed and salted.And I live five minutes from my job.Pffft.Even I can make that drive.
I also realized that this is going to be the weekend I make one of the most important purchases of my life.I'm not going to say exactly what it is, but involves a diamond.You know what I'm talking about.My life is going to change in slightly less than two weeks.It took 34 years, but I'm ready.I don't just think I'm ready.I know I am.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Short Graphic Novel Reviews
It has dawned on me that I haven't written about comics in quite a while.There are two main reasons for this.#1 is that I find the online comics community totally obnoxious and am not always willing to be associated with them, even if only vaguely.#2 is that in my week-to-week buying habits, nothing has really been wowwing me.Things have been merely adequate.I haven't had the urge to give anything multiple rereads.
My graphic novel purchases, on the other hand, have given me plenty to smile about.I'm all caught up on the books I want to be caught up on, so all that's left for me has been to thumb through as many recommendations as possible and buy some of the stuff that I've only ever walked past.This post is for the best ones that I have so far.Some may not be new to you, but they're new to me.
1)Crecy by Warren Ellis/Raulo Caceres:This is the story of the 1346 battle between England and France and is told from the point of view of a soldier in the British army.This is more of a breakdown of how wars were fought at that time in history rather than a manufactured drama.William, our narrarator, explains in humorous, agonizing detail every step of the English army's journey as well as giving us a more personal point of view regarding a time in history where the common man's voice was rarely, if ever, heard.The art, done without color, is busy and highly detailed.It fits the story to a T and reminds me of the art in the Big Book Of... series of books.Among the great details you will learn by reading are mechanics of crossbows and longbows and an alternate use for latrine leavings.A great, quick read and one I recommend highly.At only $6.99 it's a steal.
2)Rising Stars Vol 1&2 by J.Michael Straczynski:This is the story of a group of 113 children from Pederson, Illinois who develop powers because they were in utero during a meteor strike during the late 60's.The story starts with the kids, called "specials", as children and flashes back and forth between different stages of their lives.When the weaker ones are murdered, it is discovered that their power is dispersed to the reamining specials, making them all the more powerful.The first volume is the highlight here.It establishes the major players and, by the end of the book, ups the ante for the second volume significantly.I liked vol. 1 so much that I bought vol2 the next day.Unfortunately, things sort of fall apart here.You get some big, spectacular fights.But you also get some self-pitying "WHY ME?" moments which feel somewhat forced and cliched.The character who gets that monologue comes out on the other side a bit lamer, whinier and not as kickass as he was in Vol1.It also gets a little preachy at the end, but at that point I was wrapped up in the characters enough that I was able to look past it.But the lack of an immediate threat at the end might turn some off.Vol1 I recommend for fans of Heroes who wish the show had more action.I would only recommend vol2 for those who really need to see where the story goes.
I have 2 others I want to review, but I will do those later.I need to go to work and blogger doesn't seem to want to save my draft.
My graphic novel purchases, on the other hand, have given me plenty to smile about.I'm all caught up on the books I want to be caught up on, so all that's left for me has been to thumb through as many recommendations as possible and buy some of the stuff that I've only ever walked past.This post is for the best ones that I have so far.Some may not be new to you, but they're new to me.
1)Crecy by Warren Ellis/Raulo Caceres:This is the story of the 1346 battle between England and France and is told from the point of view of a soldier in the British army.This is more of a breakdown of how wars were fought at that time in history rather than a manufactured drama.William, our narrarator, explains in humorous, agonizing detail every step of the English army's journey as well as giving us a more personal point of view regarding a time in history where the common man's voice was rarely, if ever, heard.The art, done without color, is busy and highly detailed.It fits the story to a T and reminds me of the art in the Big Book Of... series of books.Among the great details you will learn by reading are mechanics of crossbows and longbows and an alternate use for latrine leavings.A great, quick read and one I recommend highly.At only $6.99 it's a steal.
2)Rising Stars Vol 1&2 by J.Michael Straczynski:This is the story of a group of 113 children from Pederson, Illinois who develop powers because they were in utero during a meteor strike during the late 60's.The story starts with the kids, called "specials", as children and flashes back and forth between different stages of their lives.When the weaker ones are murdered, it is discovered that their power is dispersed to the reamining specials, making them all the more powerful.The first volume is the highlight here.It establishes the major players and, by the end of the book, ups the ante for the second volume significantly.I liked vol. 1 so much that I bought vol2 the next day.Unfortunately, things sort of fall apart here.You get some big, spectacular fights.But you also get some self-pitying "WHY ME?" moments which feel somewhat forced and cliched.The character who gets that monologue comes out on the other side a bit lamer, whinier and not as kickass as he was in Vol1.It also gets a little preachy at the end, but at that point I was wrapped up in the characters enough that I was able to look past it.But the lack of an immediate threat at the end might turn some off.Vol1 I recommend for fans of Heroes who wish the show had more action.I would only recommend vol2 for those who really need to see where the story goes.
I have 2 others I want to review, but I will do those later.I need to go to work and blogger doesn't seem to want to save my draft.
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Blue Moon Is Out
As I've stated in the past month or so, I've gotten the opportunity to actually wrestle a few times over the past month.Normally, I am just a manager.That has gotten to the point where it bores me to tears to do.The wrestling, on the other hand, is fun and exciting.I had a show on the 30th of November.People I know even showed up.It was the first time I had sold a ticket in over two years.One of the guys took some pictures with his cell phone and emailed them to me.
I've been quite hesitant to post any pictures of myself.It's not because I think I'm so disfigured that it would make you vomit, but rather because I think no one has a need to know what I look like.Who fucking cares, right?But then again, who really cares about my comics or my cats or my old CDs?This is my blog, dammit.You know what?I'm posting the pictures I got.
They're a little blurry.They were taken with a cell phone.These first two are from the match itself.They aren't exactly action shots, but the match was kinda crappy.There wasn't much action to be had.
I wasn't completely happy with the match.I had a decent one set up, but the guy I was wrestling was having a bad day of the highest degree and wasn't really into it.After the first minute went good, he forgot a spot and everything after that went out the window.We had to improvise the whole thing from that point on.He wasn't hitting me very hard or staying on me like he should have been.Shit happens.The world didn't end.Our lives have gone on just fine.We have another shot in December to make up for it.It will be in a tag team match.
The other two are of me signing autographs for some of the kids at ringside.It's fun to sign an autograph, but it's not THAT big of a deal.They'll pretty much ask anybody on the ring side of the guardrail.I sign with a smiley face that I draw hair and a beard on.It's a logo I created for myself.Some fo the kids complained that I didn't sign my name.But I'm sure if they remember anyone, they'll remember the guy who signs with a smiley face.
I signed probably about 20 that night, which is a record for me.Some kid wanted autographs so bad he took off his shoes and was having people sign them.That was a first for me.A few kids were getting their T-shirts signed.I'll sign everything shoved in front of me.They don't know I'm a jabroni, just some guy with a day job who does this on the side.It doesn't matter to them though.I love entertaining the kids.They're so unashamed to be into it.They yell, scream, cheer, and boo louder than anyone.They aren't sitting around, waiting for you to fuck up so they can call you on it.They just want to have fun.Every audience should be so loose and free.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
I Used To Love Her...
As I've stated from the very beginning, the primary reason I even have a blog is because I'm one of those overactive-mind types.My brain races night and day and I can't ignore it.One positive effect this has is that, in order to entertain myself, I'm pretty open to trying new things, even if only a couple of times.Some things stick and never leave.Others are merely discarded and forgotten.This blog post is dedicated to those forgotten little treasures.
My apartment is like the world's lamest museum.I keep all manner of nonsensical trinkets that mark some passing interest I had at one point or another.I thought it would be fun to pull some of these out and see where my mind was at when these were an important part of my life.(All of my hobbies are, or were, important to me.What you choose to do with your free time says a lot about you.)Anyway, here we go.
1)ANIME
I count 17 anime DVDs in my collection.I probably got most of them about 5 years ago...I think.I was making decent money as a contractor and thought nothing of dropping a few bucks(a common trend for me) on some mindless entertainment.I always loved the animation and the unconventional stories.It is nice to have quality animation with adult themes.Some people still dismiss anything animated as "kids' stuff".Those people are missing out.The only animes I really watch now are pretty much just the Miyazaki ones.They're the only ones that hold up for me.I know they may be too mainstream for a hardcore anime enthusiast, but fuck em.The other ones don't hold up.Sorry.
2)SKA/PUNK
At one point sometime in the late 90's I was in a bit of a rut musically.My music of choice was, as it is now, heavy metal.The problem was that all of my favorite bands were breaking up, putting out less music, or putting out less good music.It never occured to me to try other bands, like I had always done.Instead I decided, on a whim, to pick up a few punk and ska compilations.I had known some people in college who listened to it and I always though it was, at worst, a little goofy.
I liked most of what I heard.The songs had good hooks, but didn't sound like typical pop or pop rock music.Maybe it was just a way for me to listen to some more mellow music.I was drinking a lot back then, which might explain why I wasn't thinking right.At that point in my life I needed mellow.I bought dozens of these compilations for like $5 each and then bought the albums of the bands I liked best.I was making mix tapes(about 30 over a 4 year time period) of the best songs because my car didn't have a CD player.I couldn't stop.
Then something funny happened.Listening to punk and ska turned into listening to hardcore groups like Earth Crisis and Strife.Listening to hardcore than evolved into listening to metal again and I came full circle.I stay away from the CD store now if I can help it.I can spend a couple hundred dollars in no time at all if I'm not careful.
3)SWORDS/WEAPONS
It all started when my gf and I had just started going out.We were at an outdoor flea market near the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border when we happened upon a table with a few assorted knives and daggers.There was one in particular that I thought was pretty neat-o:
It's a WWI combat dagger, or at least a replica of one.The handle, with the brass knuckles and the spike, look like they could really make your day miserable if they came into hard contact with you.I thought that was awesome, so i bought it.At about the same time, I started getting catalogs from a company selling inexpensive swords and replicas.So I started buying weapons.
You can see my collection a few pictures up.There is also a katana, but that is in my bedroom.My gf has kept it on her side of the bed ever since the day our place was broken into 1 1/2 years ago.The nunchukas are foam.I tried using them once or twice and felt really silly and put them away.People who visit usually like to play with the katana, once they see it.Everyone wants to be a ninja.
4)STICKFAS (WARNING!!!These shelves have dust on them because...I don't dust them.It's too boring and would occupy time I could be doing something fun.If dust offends you....I don't know what to tell you.Tough cookies.)
I have a couple others, but you get the point.For a few months about 3 or 4 years back, I thought these things were the greatest thing ever.If you don't know, Stickfas are these little models kits of anything from a skateboarder to knights and the dragon seen above.They are meant to be very poseable and all share the same ball-and-joint locking mechanism, so the parts are interchangeable.As you can see, my dragon comes equipped with missles(Sigh...I'm 5 years old again.But a dragon armed with missles would friggin' rock and you know it.)I bought the majority of the kits available at the time and then just quit.I have a bag of about 100 different parts, blades, guns, etc.I just don't feel like changing anything around anymore.
I think I might do this from time to time here.I have all sorts of odd little collectables, toys, CDs, books, and other assorted junk.Sharing these are the best way I can think of giving people a good idea of who I am.Some of my recollections might be a bit hazy and/or vague.Some of these things I might not remember at all if I didn't actually own them.It's always fun to try.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
My Poor, Neglected Blog
I haven't been writing much recently.I just haven't felt much like writing.I do have things to write about.I'm done with both of my wrestling matches.The Heroes finale was last night.I'm still buying plenty of comics.I'm only a few weeks away from taking a big step in my personal life.There's always something going on in the news.Yet this is all I can muster.I think my interest is just fading.I grow bored.We'll see what happens.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Fire Pro Wrestling Is Here Now!
(I'm not sure why I'm doing so many video game-related posts recently, but fuck it.I'm going with it for now.)
Even though I've cooled off a lot in the past few years, I've been a video game fan for a long time.In that time there has been a handful of games I've obsessed over:Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy Tactics, Mario Kart, Street Fighter II, Disgaea, Dark Cloud II, Castlevania( any version).If I had to pick one game that I've spent more time with than any other game/game series it would be Fire Pro Wrestling(which I will hereafter refer to as FPW.)
Back when I was in my final 1 1/2 years of college, I was working as dorm security.One of the other guys working security noticed that I liked to play games and also that I liked wrestling.He had a Super Nintendo with a device that let him copy games and play Japanese games, of which he had hundreds.He introduced me to this Japanese wrestling game called Fire Pro Wrestling.FPW is a hardcore, very realistic wrestling game.It is known for having huge rosters of real life wrestlers, changed ever so slightly to avoid copyright issues.It also has the best create-a-player feature of any wrestling game.
I was hooked my first time playing.I would be at the guy's dorm room daily for gaming sessions.Eventually, his game converter came out with an upgraded model, and he sold me his old one and let me copy as many of his hundreds of games as I cared to.I probably ended up with 150 or so games on 3.5 inch floppies, including 3 fire pro games and about 6 or 7 other japanese wrestling games.None had the impact of FPW though.
Over the years I grabbed as many FPW games as I could find and play.I was always teased unmercifully from my other gaming friends, who would mock the game's less-than-stellar graphics and sound effects.They didn't get it.Why would I play the polygonal PS1 wrestling game with 1/4 of the moves and 12 characters when I could play FPW?It was never about the graphics.It was all gameplay and customization.
I seriously got into this game.It's hard to put into words how much this game has meant to me over the years. I would create dozens of characters, from versions of my friends to musicians to other video game characters to , of course, other wrestlers.I set up tournaments, title belts and story lines.The older games didn't have that stuff built in, so I had to write it out on paper.I would let the cpu go at it and watch the matches in real time.I would recreate famous cards, like the various Wrestlemanias.I could never even begin to guess how much time I've spent playing FPW cumulatively, but I would say it easily surpasses the 500 hour mark.
The last FPW game that I seriously got into was called 6-Man Scramble.It was released for the Sega Saturn about 10 years ago.(I had a mod device for the Saturn to play Japanese games.)There were two FPW games on the Game Boy Advance, but they didn't thrill me.It was something to do with the lack of face buttons on the GBA.It seemed to limit the playability.
This month, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns was released for the PS2.It took a little bit of work to find because it was not a high profile title and many stores won't order a game if no one pre-orders it.I got it this past Sunday from an EBGames near me.Now I have a fully featured, ENGLISH copy of my favorite game of all time.There will be no more stumbling through kanjii-filled menus or relying on 20 page FAQ's to translate.I've already renamed the entire roster of 300+ characters.I haven't been to bed before 2AM since getting this game.I even joined the Fire Pro Wrestling Club so I could take advantage of their transferrable edit save files.This game has effectively booted Guitar Hero from my PS2.
A former obsession has returned to my life.Happy Days!!If you are a real wrestling fan, walk right past that copy of Smackdown Vs. Raw and buy this.Forget about being a graphics snob and you will find the deepest, most customizable wrestling game ever made.If I didn't have to go to work, I'd be setting up a lighttube deathmatch tournament right now.
Even though I've cooled off a lot in the past few years, I've been a video game fan for a long time.In that time there has been a handful of games I've obsessed over:Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy Tactics, Mario Kart, Street Fighter II, Disgaea, Dark Cloud II, Castlevania( any version).If I had to pick one game that I've spent more time with than any other game/game series it would be Fire Pro Wrestling(which I will hereafter refer to as FPW.)
Back when I was in my final 1 1/2 years of college, I was working as dorm security.One of the other guys working security noticed that I liked to play games and also that I liked wrestling.He had a Super Nintendo with a device that let him copy games and play Japanese games, of which he had hundreds.He introduced me to this Japanese wrestling game called Fire Pro Wrestling.FPW is a hardcore, very realistic wrestling game.It is known for having huge rosters of real life wrestlers, changed ever so slightly to avoid copyright issues.It also has the best create-a-player feature of any wrestling game.
I was hooked my first time playing.I would be at the guy's dorm room daily for gaming sessions.Eventually, his game converter came out with an upgraded model, and he sold me his old one and let me copy as many of his hundreds of games as I cared to.I probably ended up with 150 or so games on 3.5 inch floppies, including 3 fire pro games and about 6 or 7 other japanese wrestling games.None had the impact of FPW though.
Over the years I grabbed as many FPW games as I could find and play.I was always teased unmercifully from my other gaming friends, who would mock the game's less-than-stellar graphics and sound effects.They didn't get it.Why would I play the polygonal PS1 wrestling game with 1/4 of the moves and 12 characters when I could play FPW?It was never about the graphics.It was all gameplay and customization.
I seriously got into this game.It's hard to put into words how much this game has meant to me over the years. I would create dozens of characters, from versions of my friends to musicians to other video game characters to , of course, other wrestlers.I set up tournaments, title belts and story lines.The older games didn't have that stuff built in, so I had to write it out on paper.I would let the cpu go at it and watch the matches in real time.I would recreate famous cards, like the various Wrestlemanias.I could never even begin to guess how much time I've spent playing FPW cumulatively, but I would say it easily surpasses the 500 hour mark.
The last FPW game that I seriously got into was called 6-Man Scramble.It was released for the Sega Saturn about 10 years ago.(I had a mod device for the Saturn to play Japanese games.)There were two FPW games on the Game Boy Advance, but they didn't thrill me.It was something to do with the lack of face buttons on the GBA.It seemed to limit the playability.
This month, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns was released for the PS2.It took a little bit of work to find because it was not a high profile title and many stores won't order a game if no one pre-orders it.I got it this past Sunday from an EBGames near me.Now I have a fully featured, ENGLISH copy of my favorite game of all time.There will be no more stumbling through kanjii-filled menus or relying on 20 page FAQ's to translate.I've already renamed the entire roster of 300+ characters.I haven't been to bed before 2AM since getting this game.I even joined the Fire Pro Wrestling Club so I could take advantage of their transferrable edit save files.This game has effectively booted Guitar Hero from my PS2.
A former obsession has returned to my life.Happy Days!!If you are a real wrestling fan, walk right past that copy of Smackdown Vs. Raw and buy this.Forget about being a graphics snob and you will find the deepest, most customizable wrestling game ever made.If I didn't have to go to work, I'd be setting up a lighttube deathmatch tournament right now.
First Match Is Over
This past Saturday, I had the first of my two wrestling matches of this month.Things went about as smoothly as I could hope for.We had a stiff, energetic match.The crowd was a little dead in the beginning, but by the end everyone sounded like they were really into it.The ref was out of position for us once, but we covered it up and got to the spot a few seconds later.Overall, I'd give the match a 6.5 or 7 out of 10.
Tommorrow I have match #2.We've put together about 70% of it, though I'm not sure if I'll keep all of what we have so far.We'll have ten minutes instead of eight, which will give us a bit of breathing room as far as pacing goes.I plan on having this match involve a bit more wrestling than the first one, which was a straight-up brawl.I also might be in a battle royal that night. I'm looking forward to this.I've even sold five tickets so far, which is more than I've sold in the past 2 years combined.It's odd having people come to see and support me.It even makes me a little self-conscious.When the matches are done, hopefully I can go back to not selling tickets.
Tommorrow I have match #2.We've put together about 70% of it, though I'm not sure if I'll keep all of what we have so far.We'll have ten minutes instead of eight, which will give us a bit of breathing room as far as pacing goes.I plan on having this match involve a bit more wrestling than the first one, which was a straight-up brawl.I also might be in a battle royal that night. I'm looking forward to this.I've even sold five tickets so far, which is more than I've sold in the past 2 years combined.It's odd having people come to see and support me.It even makes me a little self-conscious.When the matches are done, hopefully I can go back to not selling tickets.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Console Rundown/Tech We Don't Need
I realize after yesterday's post that I'm pretty hard on video games and gamers in general.Today I'm going to lay off the gamers a bit and I'm going to take a look at the current group of consoles.I have not yet bought a new gaming console and do not think I will buy one this generation.If I do indeed refrain from buying one, it will be the first time I do.I really do like games, but something about this new generation just seems...off.It hasn't grabbed me at all.So here's my outsider's look in.
XBox 360 :I actually had a preorder for this when it was released but had to cancel it because it was expensive enough to take away from my ability to buy Xmas presents for other people.I was pretty sad at the time because I wanted to play Oblivion.Two years later and that is still the only game I have any interest in.Microsoft seems to be playing it really safe.FPS.Racing game.Grand Theft Auto rip-off.Rinse.Repeat.All they seem to be interested in last years game with this year's graphics.There's too many sequels and rehashes of old games.Xbox Live Arcade is where I would probably spend most of my time, but I can't justify the purchase of a console for that.Looking back, it seems like it was rushed out before it was needed.
Playstation3 :It was waaaaaay too expensive, but the price is going down(and still too expensive).The same complaints I have about game choice with the Xbox360 also apply here.There's also the issue here that much of that high sticker price is for the blu-ray player which I don't need.High def technology is still too expensive.I'm giving it a few more years before I jump onboard.I just don't see that much of a difference in picture quality.What little difference I do see is not enough to make me abandon my current, perfectly working TV so I can drop hundreds, or even into the thousands, of dollars on a new set.Sony needs to worry more about games and less about forcing new technology on a population that isn't ready for it.
Wii :I look at Nintendo's motion sensing technology as something that still needs to mature.It's too different and developers don't seem to know what to do with it.There are also too many minigame compilations out for this system.The only game I want to play on the Wii are the virtual console games.I don't think I'd buy even one Wii game.I'll look a little harder at the next iteration of the Wii, after the technology has grown up a bit.It's interesting and different but just not worth the investment right now.
Looking at what I wrote, it seems I'm more disappointed in the quality of the games for these systems.There are too many sequels and old ideas.I'm seeing the same games I saw two years ago.Better graphics or a fancy new controller on the same old game do not make a new game.I won't even get into this silly obsession with making games bloodier and bloodier, which is apparently the only way game companies know how to make "mature" content.
I don't want to sound like some grumpy old-timer who hates all new technology, but so much of it is just worthless.Companies prey on our need to be compulsive consumers.I've seen so many people rush out to buy, let's use high def TV's as an example again, and they don't know how to use them.They just plug them in and expect everything to be the same as it was with their ten-year old 19" set.The fact that one TV can be more sophisticated than an older one must be some sort of alien concept.I can't even count the number of times I have gone into somebody's house as a technician and had to explain to the customer who is so proud of his new 54" plasma TV what I mean when I tell him to set his TV for "video1".If I had to guess, I'd say slightly more than half of the customers I had didn't even know how to use their TV's remote.When talking to customers aged 50 and over I'd bring that number up to 75% at least.
Rant over.
XBox 360 :I actually had a preorder for this when it was released but had to cancel it because it was expensive enough to take away from my ability to buy Xmas presents for other people.I was pretty sad at the time because I wanted to play Oblivion.Two years later and that is still the only game I have any interest in.Microsoft seems to be playing it really safe.FPS.Racing game.Grand Theft Auto rip-off.Rinse.Repeat.All they seem to be interested in last years game with this year's graphics.There's too many sequels and rehashes of old games.Xbox Live Arcade is where I would probably spend most of my time, but I can't justify the purchase of a console for that.Looking back, it seems like it was rushed out before it was needed.
Playstation3 :It was waaaaaay too expensive, but the price is going down(and still too expensive).The same complaints I have about game choice with the Xbox360 also apply here.There's also the issue here that much of that high sticker price is for the blu-ray player which I don't need.High def technology is still too expensive.I'm giving it a few more years before I jump onboard.I just don't see that much of a difference in picture quality.What little difference I do see is not enough to make me abandon my current, perfectly working TV so I can drop hundreds, or even into the thousands, of dollars on a new set.Sony needs to worry more about games and less about forcing new technology on a population that isn't ready for it.
Wii :I look at Nintendo's motion sensing technology as something that still needs to mature.It's too different and developers don't seem to know what to do with it.There are also too many minigame compilations out for this system.The only game I want to play on the Wii are the virtual console games.I don't think I'd buy even one Wii game.I'll look a little harder at the next iteration of the Wii, after the technology has grown up a bit.It's interesting and different but just not worth the investment right now.
Looking at what I wrote, it seems I'm more disappointed in the quality of the games for these systems.There are too many sequels and old ideas.I'm seeing the same games I saw two years ago.Better graphics or a fancy new controller on the same old game do not make a new game.I won't even get into this silly obsession with making games bloodier and bloodier, which is apparently the only way game companies know how to make "mature" content.
I don't want to sound like some grumpy old-timer who hates all new technology, but so much of it is just worthless.Companies prey on our need to be compulsive consumers.I've seen so many people rush out to buy, let's use high def TV's as an example again, and they don't know how to use them.They just plug them in and expect everything to be the same as it was with their ten-year old 19" set.The fact that one TV can be more sophisticated than an older one must be some sort of alien concept.I can't even count the number of times I have gone into somebody's house as a technician and had to explain to the customer who is so proud of his new 54" plasma TV what I mean when I tell him to set his TV for "video1".If I had to guess, I'd say slightly more than half of the customers I had didn't even know how to use their TV's remote.When talking to customers aged 50 and over I'd bring that number up to 75% at least.
Rant over.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Comics>Video Games
A little bit of fuss had been made recently surrounding the video game Assassin's Creed or, more specifically, Jade Raymond's role in promoting it.Since much of this controversy involves a comic strip, it has found its way into my comic blog-reading attention.
First of all, the comic itself is not that good.It's drawn OK.The premise isn't particularly funny or clever though.The insinuation behind it is not much more inflammatory than a typical political cartoon, but the execution is pretty tasteless.It doesn't really offend me, but I'd be blind not to see how it could offend other people, particularly Ms. Raymond.Let's just say that I understand why legal action is being taken.
Seeing information about a video game in the comic book section of the internet just reinforces my view that video games/video game fans are a much lower form of life/"art" than comic book/comic book fans.About 6 months ago, I found the feminist comic book world by accident while clicking around at Newsarama, which I had also just found.It was right about when the Mary Jane statue controversy was just starting.Even though I don't always agree with what I'm reading, I must admit that it's been fun to read different viewpoints about topics that you don't typically see during standard fanboy bitching sessions.
Most of the writing is about controversy and negativity.You don't see many posts on WFA or Girl Wonder about things people like.It can sometimes be disheartening, but I realize that someone's anger is much more entertaining than someone's contentment.I also realize that there are comics and characters out there that these people must like but don't write about unless they're being mishandled.The characters aren't the problem.In comics you have great female characters like Supergirl, Power Girl, Oracle, Black Canary, She Hulk, Ms Marvel, Misty Knight, Coleen Wing, Storm, Jean Grey, Invisible Woman, Wonder Woman, etc.If your comic book reading goes beyond superheroes then the list will be even bigger.The problems usually come with a particular writer's or artist's(Especially the artists) interpretation of that character.Hand one of these characters to the right person(Gail Simone writing Wonder Woman is a good example.)and you can please a lot of people, not just angry fangirls.No one wants to read bad books.Regardless of how pervasive the sexism might be, there are safe havens out there if you just look.
Video game fangirls don't have that safe haven.The only video games made for girls involve ponies, princesses, or Barbie.(Sometimes all three at once.)I've been playing video games for about 30 years now, since the days of Pong and the Atari 2600.I don't think I could name 5 potential female video game character role models.There's Samus and that's about it.Everyone else is either a pretty princess or masturbation fodder.That's only good if your career goal is to be a stripper or Snow White.The only female character to make an impact in the last ten years is Lara Croft, who only became an icon because her boobs are big enough to make Power Girl envious.
Women/girls playing video games only have a few options:
1)Get used to playing as the tough guy lead character.
2)If you do get to be a woman, you can be sure she'll be as naked as the game rating will allow.
3)Fables is to the most overly recommended female comic book entry point as Tetris is to the most overly recommended female video game entry point.
4)Learn to love girl-centric IPs like Barbie or Bratz.
These are just the games.The fans are even worse.I know that there are hardcore female gamers who love all the same games that the guys do.My girlfriend is one.Since we started dating 6 years ago, she has beaten as many if not more games than I have, and that includes RPGs, first person shooters, and blood-soaked action games.She won't go online to play though and I don't blame her in the least.Any female gamer brave enough to go online is almost guaranteed to be propositioned and harrassed by the anonymously-emboldened online fanboy crowd.If she's really, really lucky she can even get unsolicited pictures of random penises.I guess they can stick it out out of love for their hobby, but why would they want to associate with those asshats?
Which brings us right back to the Jade Raymond comic.Was it in poor taste?Yeah.Was it surprising?No.She's pretty...and she's into games.I've seen some pictures of her.She wears clothes where you can tell she has breasts.I think in one picture I even saw about 1/2 inch of cleavage.Hubba hubba.So of course her position in the company is just to be the cover model for her company's games.Of course she fellated her way to the top.That's how pretty women succeed in life.(Insert eye roll emoticon here.)She couldn't possibly have EARNED her position through hard work and good ideas.She's doing what every female gamer is doing:waiting for the lucky day when she too can be the object of affection from GamerGuy1984.He'll ask how big her boobs are.She'll reply with a very coy "LOL".Maybe they can get married...ONLINE!!! It's so romantic.(You can put an eye roll emoticon here too.)
I'm not outraged, just embarrassed by association.On the positive side, Assassin's Creed has received praise and good reviews pretty much across the board.Kudos to Jade and her team for putting out a quality product in spite of the bullshit surrounding it.
First of all, the comic itself is not that good.It's drawn OK.The premise isn't particularly funny or clever though.The insinuation behind it is not much more inflammatory than a typical political cartoon, but the execution is pretty tasteless.It doesn't really offend me, but I'd be blind not to see how it could offend other people, particularly Ms. Raymond.Let's just say that I understand why legal action is being taken.
Seeing information about a video game in the comic book section of the internet just reinforces my view that video games/video game fans are a much lower form of life/"art" than comic book/comic book fans.About 6 months ago, I found the feminist comic book world by accident while clicking around at Newsarama, which I had also just found.It was right about when the Mary Jane statue controversy was just starting.Even though I don't always agree with what I'm reading, I must admit that it's been fun to read different viewpoints about topics that you don't typically see during standard fanboy bitching sessions.
Most of the writing is about controversy and negativity.You don't see many posts on WFA or Girl Wonder about things people like.It can sometimes be disheartening, but I realize that someone's anger is much more entertaining than someone's contentment.I also realize that there are comics and characters out there that these people must like but don't write about unless they're being mishandled.The characters aren't the problem.In comics you have great female characters like Supergirl, Power Girl, Oracle, Black Canary, She Hulk, Ms Marvel, Misty Knight, Coleen Wing, Storm, Jean Grey, Invisible Woman, Wonder Woman, etc.If your comic book reading goes beyond superheroes then the list will be even bigger.The problems usually come with a particular writer's or artist's(Especially the artists) interpretation of that character.Hand one of these characters to the right person(Gail Simone writing Wonder Woman is a good example.)and you can please a lot of people, not just angry fangirls.No one wants to read bad books.Regardless of how pervasive the sexism might be, there are safe havens out there if you just look.
Video game fangirls don't have that safe haven.The only video games made for girls involve ponies, princesses, or Barbie.(Sometimes all three at once.)I've been playing video games for about 30 years now, since the days of Pong and the Atari 2600.I don't think I could name 5 potential female video game character role models.There's Samus and that's about it.Everyone else is either a pretty princess or masturbation fodder.That's only good if your career goal is to be a stripper or Snow White.The only female character to make an impact in the last ten years is Lara Croft, who only became an icon because her boobs are big enough to make Power Girl envious.
Women/girls playing video games only have a few options:
1)Get used to playing as the tough guy lead character.
2)If you do get to be a woman, you can be sure she'll be as naked as the game rating will allow.
3)Fables is to the most overly recommended female comic book entry point as Tetris is to the most overly recommended female video game entry point.
4)Learn to love girl-centric IPs like Barbie or Bratz.
These are just the games.The fans are even worse.I know that there are hardcore female gamers who love all the same games that the guys do.My girlfriend is one.Since we started dating 6 years ago, she has beaten as many if not more games than I have, and that includes RPGs, first person shooters, and blood-soaked action games.She won't go online to play though and I don't blame her in the least.Any female gamer brave enough to go online is almost guaranteed to be propositioned and harrassed by the anonymously-emboldened online fanboy crowd.If she's really, really lucky she can even get unsolicited pictures of random penises.I guess they can stick it out out of love for their hobby, but why would they want to associate with those asshats?
Which brings us right back to the Jade Raymond comic.Was it in poor taste?Yeah.Was it surprising?No.She's pretty...and she's into games.I've seen some pictures of her.She wears clothes where you can tell she has breasts.I think in one picture I even saw about 1/2 inch of cleavage.Hubba hubba.So of course her position in the company is just to be the cover model for her company's games.Of course she fellated her way to the top.That's how pretty women succeed in life.(Insert eye roll emoticon here.)She couldn't possibly have EARNED her position through hard work and good ideas.She's doing what every female gamer is doing:waiting for the lucky day when she too can be the object of affection from GamerGuy1984.He'll ask how big her boobs are.She'll reply with a very coy "LOL".Maybe they can get married...ONLINE!!! It's so romantic.(You can put an eye roll emoticon here too.)
I'm not outraged, just embarrassed by association.On the positive side, Assassin's Creed has received praise and good reviews pretty much across the board.Kudos to Jade and her team for putting out a quality product in spite of the bullshit surrounding it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Just Lazy
I haven't been writing ,much recently because not much has been going on here.I feel a bit guilty , so I'm going to do my lazy fall-back post and just toss some trivial updates out there.
1)The first snow of the year happened today.It didn't amount ot much, but I still hate snow.When you're a kid, snow means cancelled school, sled rides, and snowball fights.When you're an adult, snow means breaking your back trying to shovel so you can slip and slide all the way to your job.The fun, playful aspect of snow disappears and is replaced by toil and inconvenience.It's so irritating.
2)Someone recently stumbled across my blog with the search term "used college stud underwear".It's the closet to a porn search I've seen yet.I wonder if the person was looking to buy some, look at pictures, or read some erotic used underwear fan fiction.(The internet's a big place.I'm sure there's some out there.)I thought that was funny.
3)It really has been boring around here recently if those two things are the best topics I can think of.How sad.
1)The first snow of the year happened today.It didn't amount ot much, but I still hate snow.When you're a kid, snow means cancelled school, sled rides, and snowball fights.When you're an adult, snow means breaking your back trying to shovel so you can slip and slide all the way to your job.The fun, playful aspect of snow disappears and is replaced by toil and inconvenience.It's so irritating.
2)Someone recently stumbled across my blog with the search term "used college stud underwear".It's the closet to a porn search I've seen yet.I wonder if the person was looking to buy some, look at pictures, or read some erotic used underwear fan fiction.(The internet's a big place.I'm sure there's some out there.)I thought that was funny.
3)It really has been boring around here recently if those two things are the best topics I can think of.How sad.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Uhhhh......
Yesterday, while looking through some message boards on Newsarama, I came across a thread about the strangest or oddest things people had seen.One person mentioned a video called "2 Girls 1 Cup".Apparently, this video is so horrific that there's a whole crop of videos on YouTube that just show people's reactions as they watch it.I was curious and googled it.(To see it you'll have to do the same thing.I AM NOT GOING TO LINK IT.)The description didn't give me much hope, but I watched it anyway.
Have you ever played the game where you say "For a million dollars would you..."and then you name an act you would never ever do under normal circumstances and see if the other person would do it for the money?Imagine if someone actually took you up on one of those scenarios, your most scatological one, and then took it even farther than you ever thought they would.Watching this video is like seeing the most heinous version of the joke "The Aristocrats" acted out in real life.
I can't even describe it.I didn't get sick or throw up, but if you have a weak constitution, don't watch.Don't watch this if you are eating, about to eat, or have just eaten.Don't watch this at work.The first two or three seconds will make you think that this is porn.This is not porn.I don't want to know if you have sexual thoughts when you watch it.
This is the video that would make baby Jesus cry.
Have you ever played the game where you say "For a million dollars would you..."and then you name an act you would never ever do under normal circumstances and see if the other person would do it for the money?Imagine if someone actually took you up on one of those scenarios, your most scatological one, and then took it even farther than you ever thought they would.Watching this video is like seeing the most heinous version of the joke "The Aristocrats" acted out in real life.
I can't even describe it.I didn't get sick or throw up, but if you have a weak constitution, don't watch.Don't watch this if you are eating, about to eat, or have just eaten.Don't watch this at work.The first two or three seconds will make you think that this is porn.This is not porn.I don't want to know if you have sexual thoughts when you watch it.
This is the video that would make baby Jesus cry.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Marvel Makes An Effort
Marvel Comics' recent efforts to promote their product through a subscriber-based online service has actually been getting some attention from the mainstream press.This attention, not to mention the service itself, can only be a good thing for comic book fans.
To say that comics are a niche hobby is a grand understatement.The best selling books are lucky to sell 200k copies.The 32-page monthly books can mainly only be found in specialty shops, which can be intimidating to visit for those new to the hobby.Bookstores carry trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and manga, but often without much of a selection and nearly always without an informed person to make recommendations for new fans or children.Putting the books on the internet, even without the ability to download, adds one very-accessible entry point for anyone interested.
This service could also potentially help with the other really big comic pitfall:the aging core readers.Comics have the unfortunate disctinction of being thought of as a "kids' hobby", in spite of the fact that an overwhelming majority of their readers are in their twenties and older.The problem is that many people read comics as a kid and eventually outgrow or move past them to other, more "mature", pasttimes.What is left are longtime readers and people who came back into the hobby after taking a bit of a break(I'm one of these.),both of whom are apparently unknown to the genral public.When these readers go, who will be left?Putting comics on the internet will allow kids more exposure to them, in a more comfortable environment(home), where parents are better able to monitor their kids and what they read.
This brings about the biggest obstacle an initative like this will face:non-comic reading parents. They are the ones who will ultimately pay for the service for their children.$4.99 or $9.99 per month for thousands of comics is certainly a better value for cost-conscious parents than $2.99 for a single issue.That makes one year's subscription($4.99 times 12 months)the same price as ONE X-box360 video game, three DVDs, and also less than a typical monthly cable bill.Perhaps they will also read a few issues themselves and won't be as hesitant to buy a monthly the next time.I would bet that a lot of parents or people who used to read comics twenty years ago would be surprised at how much things have changed regarding both the art and the writing.There is something there for fans of any genre of fiction. A good comic can be every bit as gripping as the best movie or book.
I really hope this takes and new fans come in.It probably won't be the savior of the industry, but it is a step in the right direction.I'd hate to see my favorite hobby die in ten years because the fan base got too old and drifted away.
To say that comics are a niche hobby is a grand understatement.The best selling books are lucky to sell 200k copies.The 32-page monthly books can mainly only be found in specialty shops, which can be intimidating to visit for those new to the hobby.Bookstores carry trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and manga, but often without much of a selection and nearly always without an informed person to make recommendations for new fans or children.Putting the books on the internet, even without the ability to download, adds one very-accessible entry point for anyone interested.
This service could also potentially help with the other really big comic pitfall:the aging core readers.Comics have the unfortunate disctinction of being thought of as a "kids' hobby", in spite of the fact that an overwhelming majority of their readers are in their twenties and older.The problem is that many people read comics as a kid and eventually outgrow or move past them to other, more "mature", pasttimes.What is left are longtime readers and people who came back into the hobby after taking a bit of a break(I'm one of these.),both of whom are apparently unknown to the genral public.When these readers go, who will be left?Putting comics on the internet will allow kids more exposure to them, in a more comfortable environment(home), where parents are better able to monitor their kids and what they read.
This brings about the biggest obstacle an initative like this will face:non-comic reading parents. They are the ones who will ultimately pay for the service for their children.$4.99 or $9.99 per month for thousands of comics is certainly a better value for cost-conscious parents than $2.99 for a single issue.That makes one year's subscription($4.99 times 12 months)the same price as ONE X-box360 video game, three DVDs, and also less than a typical monthly cable bill.Perhaps they will also read a few issues themselves and won't be as hesitant to buy a monthly the next time.I would bet that a lot of parents or people who used to read comics twenty years ago would be surprised at how much things have changed regarding both the art and the writing.There is something there for fans of any genre of fiction. A good comic can be every bit as gripping as the best movie or book.
I really hope this takes and new fans come in.It probably won't be the savior of the industry, but it is a step in the right direction.I'd hate to see my favorite hobby die in ten years because the fan base got too old and drifted away.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Oh no!Not The Holidays Again!
It's that time of year.The holidays are coming.Isn't it funny how stores seem to put their Xmas crap on display earlier and earlier?We can't even get through Halloween without fucking Santa hats and fake snow.I figure that maybe online sales are hurting brick-and-mortar stores so much that they are just trying to promote a Xmas-level shopping frenzy earlier and earlier to make up for it.An extra month of Santa Claus.An extra month of ear-stabbingly horrible Xmas carols.An extra month of trees and reindeer.Ugh.
In case it isn't glaringly obvious, I am not a fan of the holidays.I don't even want to celebrate my own birthday, why would I give half a fuck about Xmas?I don't, but the people around me do.Therefore, I reluctantly participate out of consideration.I don't want presents.If I want something, I'll buy it for myself. If I can't afford it then I can wait.I certainly don't want someone else spending it if I think it's too much.No one else needs to get involved in my very American consumer duty.You don't buy me anything.I don't buy you anything.It seems fair to me.All I want out of my holiday is the day off from work.And if I get extra pay for working a holiday even that is negotiable.
"But this is the one time of year when everyone is just a little nicer to each other.It's holiday spirit."Why can't we just be that polite all year round?Do you really need an excuse not to be an asshole?Holiday spirit is overrated.Eggnog is disgusting.That's why they only sell it once per year.Nobody would drink that shit on a daily basis.Xmas carols are the absolute WORST kind of music in all of human history.Another song about Santa and snow with chimes and bells in it?Make it stop. Please, make it stop.I wonder what group/singer will sell their soul this year and release a Xmas album?It should be Bruce Springsteen since his music all sounds like shitty Xmas music anyway.And I'm an athiest, so the religious aspect only merits an eye roll and a head shake from me.
My least favorite part of the holiday season is the "holiday party."I'm not a fan of parties.I avoid all larger-than-two-other-people social gatherings as a rule.I don't look at it as a free meal or a chance to interact with people outside of work.I look at it as being trapped in an environment that I have little control over.When you add a holiday theme that I dislike anyway, it just makes my desire to go shrink even more.If I did go, this would be my schedule:
4:30PM-I arrive at the holiday party.
4:35PM-After saying hello to a few people, I get on line for food.
4:45PM-I have my food and find the most remote, out-of-the-way corner of the building to eat my dinner.
4:55PM-I'm nearly finished with my plate.I realize that I could sneak out the door and no one would notice.
5:00PM-I leave through a side door without a word to anyone.
It's a waste of my time.I always feel a little bad about saying no, just because I don't want anyone to think that my decision is a reflection of my opinion of them.I have two this year to avoid, one for my job and another for my wrestling fed.The wrestling one I've blown off for the past two years since it started, so this year shouldn't come as too much of a shock to anyone.This is the first year I've worked in the building I work in now so I guess I'll have to see how persistant people are here.Last year, when I was in Central Jersey, no one so much as blinked when I didn't show up.I was also a technician and didn't know that many people in the building.All I can do is stay quiet and hope nobody brings it up.The only thing worse than being trapped at a party is having to give the same explanation about why you aren't going to twenty different people.I hate repeating myself like that.
Please let it be over quickly this year.
In case it isn't glaringly obvious, I am not a fan of the holidays.I don't even want to celebrate my own birthday, why would I give half a fuck about Xmas?I don't, but the people around me do.Therefore, I reluctantly participate out of consideration.I don't want presents.If I want something, I'll buy it for myself. If I can't afford it then I can wait.I certainly don't want someone else spending it if I think it's too much.No one else needs to get involved in my very American consumer duty.You don't buy me anything.I don't buy you anything.It seems fair to me.All I want out of my holiday is the day off from work.And if I get extra pay for working a holiday even that is negotiable.
"But this is the one time of year when everyone is just a little nicer to each other.It's holiday spirit."Why can't we just be that polite all year round?Do you really need an excuse not to be an asshole?Holiday spirit is overrated.Eggnog is disgusting.That's why they only sell it once per year.Nobody would drink that shit on a daily basis.Xmas carols are the absolute WORST kind of music in all of human history.Another song about Santa and snow with chimes and bells in it?Make it stop. Please, make it stop.I wonder what group/singer will sell their soul this year and release a Xmas album?It should be Bruce Springsteen since his music all sounds like shitty Xmas music anyway.And I'm an athiest, so the religious aspect only merits an eye roll and a head shake from me.
My least favorite part of the holiday season is the "holiday party."I'm not a fan of parties.I avoid all larger-than-two-other-people social gatherings as a rule.I don't look at it as a free meal or a chance to interact with people outside of work.I look at it as being trapped in an environment that I have little control over.When you add a holiday theme that I dislike anyway, it just makes my desire to go shrink even more.If I did go, this would be my schedule:
4:30PM-I arrive at the holiday party.
4:35PM-After saying hello to a few people, I get on line for food.
4:45PM-I have my food and find the most remote, out-of-the-way corner of the building to eat my dinner.
4:55PM-I'm nearly finished with my plate.I realize that I could sneak out the door and no one would notice.
5:00PM-I leave through a side door without a word to anyone.
It's a waste of my time.I always feel a little bad about saying no, just because I don't want anyone to think that my decision is a reflection of my opinion of them.I have two this year to avoid, one for my job and another for my wrestling fed.The wrestling one I've blown off for the past two years since it started, so this year shouldn't come as too much of a shock to anyone.This is the first year I've worked in the building I work in now so I guess I'll have to see how persistant people are here.Last year, when I was in Central Jersey, no one so much as blinked when I didn't show up.I was also a technician and didn't know that many people in the building.All I can do is stay quiet and hope nobody brings it up.The only thing worse than being trapped at a party is having to give the same explanation about why you aren't going to twenty different people.I hate repeating myself like that.
Please let it be over quickly this year.
Pointless Cat Photo/Nothing Better To Do
Once more, I'm stuck as to what to write, so here's a cute picture just for the sake of making a blog post.The one on the left is the oldest cat, a male.We don't really name our pets because the names never stick.They always end up as "Hey you" or "Kitty."The one on the right is the kitten, who gets bigger every day.This picture makes it look like she is making him smell her farts and he's covering up in self-defense. Or they could be sleeping.Whatever works for you.
The back of our couch is the most desired cat sleeping spot in the house.It never lacks at least one cat.They're all there as I type this.See?
OK.That's enough cat for one day.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Random Shit
As is becoming typical of me, I can't think of any topic long enough to make a full post about.So, in cases like this, I usually just hit briefly on some random trivia about myself.So, without further ado, here it comes.
1)I'm currently about 1/4 done with my Nextwave:Agents of H.A.T.E. #5 coloring project.I have many full panels done, but still no full pages.For some reason I just want to say how much sucky it looks so far.The problem is that I don't think it's going all that poorly.It's different, but still not too bad.
2)It turns out that my second wrestling match this month is a straight up match with no unusual stipulations.I'll take it.I haven't put it together yet but I plan on making it bigger than the TV match and a bit more brutal.There is also a chance I could be in a battle royal that night as well.That would be cool.I always have found battle royals to be easy matches because, unless you are in the final four guys, there's really nothing to memorize or plan.You just get beat up a bit and leave when you are ready.No muss, no fuss.
3)Somehow in the course of my getting into DC comics I became a Superman fan.I don't know how it happened.I'm only missing issue #2 of All-Star Superman.I bought Action Comics for the Bizarro arc and found that I'm still buying it.I also have a few Superman trades as well.I like Superman better when they focus more on his human tendencies and his desire to try to help everyone over the stories where he just steamrolls over people because he's friggin' invulnerable.I know the kryptonite deal, but I always thought it was kinda lame.He's better to me when his weakness is his compassion.It makes him easier to relate to.
4)The one DC character I like better than Superman is Black Canary, thanks to Gail Simone's rendition of her in Birds Of Prey. (I now have six TPB covering issues 56-103.)I also got her last miniseries on the last trip to my LCS.The two stories that did it for me were the Shiva Training story where she found Sin and the fight against the Silk Brothers in Singapore.Those fights are fucking brutal and made of 100% Grade-A awesome, especially the Silk Brothers fight.I don't understand how it is logically possible to not be a fan after reading that."IMPREGNABLE MOUNTAIN PEOPLE!"
5)Speaking of martial arts, I would like to recommend the movie "Shaolin Challenges Ninja".It is the tale of a Chinese man who marries a Japanese woman.Both are martial artists who think that the style of their own country is superior.They spar for supremacy and the husband(Toa), played by "Kill Bill"'s Gordon Liu, comes out the victor. The wife goes back to Japan to her Ninja buddies, who decide to go to China en masse to challenge Toa one at a time.What follows are some of the best fight scenes you could ever hope to see featuring some diverse styles.Drunken boxing, crab style, the three section staff, judo, ninjitsu, and many others make an appearance here.The story ends a bit abruptly, but none of the characters are made to look bad in it.Everyone gets a chance to shine.This is my favorite Shaw Brothers film and I can't speak highly enough of it.
6)Our kitten is driving us nuts with the very rough way that she plays with the other two cats.She is very physical and has already proven herself to be the better of the older male cat.She takes him down the same way a lioness takes down a gazelle and he doesn't like it at all.The older female( who weighs about 20 pounds) puts up a bit more of a fight, but seems to be a little nervous.The other day she took a dive off of a table onto the kitten in what I can only describe as a body splash.It was fucking hilarious.If this were a cartoon, the kitten would have been smooshed to the thickness of a piece of paper.I guess the entertainment value that comes from how creative their battles become makes up for the headaches.Fucking cats...
1)I'm currently about 1/4 done with my Nextwave:Agents of H.A.T.E. #5 coloring project.I have many full panels done, but still no full pages.For some reason I just want to say how much sucky it looks so far.The problem is that I don't think it's going all that poorly.It's different, but still not too bad.
2)It turns out that my second wrestling match this month is a straight up match with no unusual stipulations.I'll take it.I haven't put it together yet but I plan on making it bigger than the TV match and a bit more brutal.There is also a chance I could be in a battle royal that night as well.That would be cool.I always have found battle royals to be easy matches because, unless you are in the final four guys, there's really nothing to memorize or plan.You just get beat up a bit and leave when you are ready.No muss, no fuss.
3)Somehow in the course of my getting into DC comics I became a Superman fan.I don't know how it happened.I'm only missing issue #2 of All-Star Superman.I bought Action Comics for the Bizarro arc and found that I'm still buying it.I also have a few Superman trades as well.I like Superman better when they focus more on his human tendencies and his desire to try to help everyone over the stories where he just steamrolls over people because he's friggin' invulnerable.I know the kryptonite deal, but I always thought it was kinda lame.He's better to me when his weakness is his compassion.It makes him easier to relate to.
4)The one DC character I like better than Superman is Black Canary, thanks to Gail Simone's rendition of her in Birds Of Prey. (I now have six TPB covering issues 56-103.)I also got her last miniseries on the last trip to my LCS.The two stories that did it for me were the Shiva Training story where she found Sin and the fight against the Silk Brothers in Singapore.Those fights are fucking brutal and made of 100% Grade-A awesome, especially the Silk Brothers fight.I don't understand how it is logically possible to not be a fan after reading that."IMPREGNABLE MOUNTAIN PEOPLE!"
5)Speaking of martial arts, I would like to recommend the movie "Shaolin Challenges Ninja".It is the tale of a Chinese man who marries a Japanese woman.Both are martial artists who think that the style of their own country is superior.They spar for supremacy and the husband(Toa), played by "Kill Bill"'s Gordon Liu, comes out the victor. The wife goes back to Japan to her Ninja buddies, who decide to go to China en masse to challenge Toa one at a time.What follows are some of the best fight scenes you could ever hope to see featuring some diverse styles.Drunken boxing, crab style, the three section staff, judo, ninjitsu, and many others make an appearance here.The story ends a bit abruptly, but none of the characters are made to look bad in it.Everyone gets a chance to shine.This is my favorite Shaw Brothers film and I can't speak highly enough of it.
6)Our kitten is driving us nuts with the very rough way that she plays with the other two cats.She is very physical and has already proven herself to be the better of the older male cat.She takes him down the same way a lioness takes down a gazelle and he doesn't like it at all.The older female( who weighs about 20 pounds) puts up a bit more of a fight, but seems to be a little nervous.The other day she took a dive off of a table onto the kitten in what I can only describe as a body splash.It was fucking hilarious.If this were a cartoon, the kitten would have been smooshed to the thickness of a piece of paper.I guess the entertainment value that comes from how creative their battles become makes up for the headaches.Fucking cats...
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Totally Unfounded,Far Fetched Conspiracy Theory
(DISCLAIMER :The following is a work of fiction.This blog post is filled with wild and unprovable statements.I have put absolutely no research into any of my "facts."My theory has more holes than a donut factory.Yet somehow this doesn't seem soooo out of the realm of possibility for me.)
Every year you hear more and more about flu shots.Everybody needs a flu shot.Flu's gonna be bad this year.You really need a flu shot.The flu is portrayed in the media like it's some black plague and only by being injected with this medicinal miracle drug can you ever hope to deal with it.
The problem is that the flu shots are always in short supply.People are even going to Canada because they're so concerned.With medical science knowing full well when flu season is, you would think that they would be able to meet demand.It must be really tough to produce.I think the problem lies elsewhere.
We all know that the government controls the media and are in league with the medicine companies.We also know that our privacy and civil liberties are slowly being stripped from us, one by one.Programs like Google Earth make it possible for anyone with a computer and a decent online connection to get a satellite pic zoomed in on your neighbors driveway, close enough to make out the color of the cars.There are security cameras everywhere.Someone is watching you at all times.Even right now.Any lengths will be taken, by the government, to ensure that you are on their radar at all times.
Flu shots are part of the process.The reason they're so scarce is because every flu shot includes a microscopic chip that will enable our keepers to monitor us through their worldwide security system.All of the "security" items you see at stores?They're really there to detect your chip.Cameras at traffic lights?Oh yes. They know you've been there.The automatic sensors in public bathrooms that turn the water on and off so you don't have to touch the faucets?You're nailed, buddy.Metal detectors?Also chip detectors.Your cell phone?Now you're just broadcasting it.(Besides, your cell phones are being used to track you too.If they can put an MP3 player, a video camera, a datebook, and videogames in a phone then they can get a microtransmitter in there.If somebody took your cell phone apart, could you identify all of the individual pieces?I don't think so.But they don't advertise that feature at the booths in the mall.)It's why everything electronic has a digital display now.The extra circuitry is there to mask the tracking chip.There are chip detecting devices in every remote controlled televison so they know exactly what YOU personally are watching.I could go on but, as you see, there is no escape.
The people who own these devices don't even have to know that the chip technology is in there.All of the parts, along with the chips, are made in overseas factories.That way they are far,far out of sight and mind from all of us being chipped and controlled. Besides, they can't tell the retailers and vendors. They're being chipped too.
At this point you might be thinking "What about when you get a yearly flu shot?Does that mean you have that many chips in your body?"No.Every year the chip is upgraded for more functionality and one function is always to deactivate the old chip, which is then safely and discretely ejected in your urine.
And don't bother going to Canada to escape.They're in on it too.Canada has actually been a part of the United States since WWII but our government keeps it a secret because the usually friendly American-Canadian rivalry is good for morale on both sides.They get their representation through secret meetings with select members of the government cleverly referred to as "trade meetings".I know most people think that Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, but that is obviously a front.Great Britain just gets a cut from the flu shot profits to keep quiet.That's why our two countries get along as well as we do.
Why does it matter that the government controls the media?Because they can have every news outlet in the country run reports encouraging us to get the flu shot.You can't say that the media isn't adept at using scare tactics.Things like the internet and 24 hour news channels just make their job that much easier. Spread the word and you spread the fear.
Is this outside the realm of possibility?Or is it just stupid enough that it might be true?I don't know about you, but I'm not getting a flu shot.I never have in the past.I've had the flu once.I worked the entire time.It slowed me down, but didn't stop me. It's all hype.Don't believe it. Don't let yourself get "chipped."
Every year you hear more and more about flu shots.Everybody needs a flu shot.Flu's gonna be bad this year.You really need a flu shot.The flu is portrayed in the media like it's some black plague and only by being injected with this medicinal miracle drug can you ever hope to deal with it.
The problem is that the flu shots are always in short supply.People are even going to Canada because they're so concerned.With medical science knowing full well when flu season is, you would think that they would be able to meet demand.It must be really tough to produce.I think the problem lies elsewhere.
We all know that the government controls the media and are in league with the medicine companies.We also know that our privacy and civil liberties are slowly being stripped from us, one by one.Programs like Google Earth make it possible for anyone with a computer and a decent online connection to get a satellite pic zoomed in on your neighbors driveway, close enough to make out the color of the cars.There are security cameras everywhere.Someone is watching you at all times.Even right now.Any lengths will be taken, by the government, to ensure that you are on their radar at all times.
Flu shots are part of the process.The reason they're so scarce is because every flu shot includes a microscopic chip that will enable our keepers to monitor us through their worldwide security system.All of the "security" items you see at stores?They're really there to detect your chip.Cameras at traffic lights?Oh yes. They know you've been there.The automatic sensors in public bathrooms that turn the water on and off so you don't have to touch the faucets?You're nailed, buddy.Metal detectors?Also chip detectors.Your cell phone?Now you're just broadcasting it.(Besides, your cell phones are being used to track you too.If they can put an MP3 player, a video camera, a datebook, and videogames in a phone then they can get a microtransmitter in there.If somebody took your cell phone apart, could you identify all of the individual pieces?I don't think so.But they don't advertise that feature at the booths in the mall.)It's why everything electronic has a digital display now.The extra circuitry is there to mask the tracking chip.There are chip detecting devices in every remote controlled televison so they know exactly what YOU personally are watching.I could go on but, as you see, there is no escape.
The people who own these devices don't even have to know that the chip technology is in there.All of the parts, along with the chips, are made in overseas factories.That way they are far,far out of sight and mind from all of us being chipped and controlled. Besides, they can't tell the retailers and vendors. They're being chipped too.
At this point you might be thinking "What about when you get a yearly flu shot?Does that mean you have that many chips in your body?"No.Every year the chip is upgraded for more functionality and one function is always to deactivate the old chip, which is then safely and discretely ejected in your urine.
And don't bother going to Canada to escape.They're in on it too.Canada has actually been a part of the United States since WWII but our government keeps it a secret because the usually friendly American-Canadian rivalry is good for morale on both sides.They get their representation through secret meetings with select members of the government cleverly referred to as "trade meetings".I know most people think that Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, but that is obviously a front.Great Britain just gets a cut from the flu shot profits to keep quiet.That's why our two countries get along as well as we do.
Why does it matter that the government controls the media?Because they can have every news outlet in the country run reports encouraging us to get the flu shot.You can't say that the media isn't adept at using scare tactics.Things like the internet and 24 hour news channels just make their job that much easier. Spread the word and you spread the fear.
Is this outside the realm of possibility?Or is it just stupid enough that it might be true?I don't know about you, but I'm not getting a flu shot.I never have in the past.I've had the flu once.I worked the entire time.It slowed me down, but didn't stop me. It's all hype.Don't believe it. Don't let yourself get "chipped."
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Witold ‘Vitek’ Kieltyka (1984-2007)
Vitek was the drummer for the metal band Decapitated.He was killed in an automobile accident in Russia involving the band's tour bus.He was 23 years old.
This is a sad day for music.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
An Update On The Wrestling Thing
For those who have never read this blog(99.9% of you)I have been involved in the indy side of professional wrestling for the past four years.In that time, I have realized that the role I play(manager) isn't the role I want(wrestler).The role I want is also not something I would fit into well because of my size.This has led to some frustration and dissatisfaction on my part.Recently I have found out that I will be able to WRESTLE in a match in the coming month and have found my enthusiasm for wrestling has come rushing back to me.
Anyway, I went to practice on Saturday and was rewarded with an additional surprise:I would be getting TWO matches this month.The first will be at our monthly TV taping and the second at one of our more heavily promoted shows a week later.Details of the second match are up in the air, but I am hoping for some sort of gimmick match.A gimmick match is a match with some sort of stipulation such as a lumberjack match or a steel cage match.
My opponent and I put together our TV match at practice.I put together the basic outline of it and together we worked out the weak points and he changed some things so that it would fit his character better.I think we have created a really fun match.The match will start off with a little bit of character work where we will both get a chance to put our respective personalities over.Once the comedy is done though, the match becomes a fight.The psychology of the match is already pretty sound, but I am sure we will continue to tweak it as it approaches.I've already come up with an idea or two for my opponent to do to enhance his charcter.
This is my first real chance to get out there on my own and prove myself in the ring.My opponent, who has not been doing this as long as I have but has more matches under his belt, is psyched too because I am not afraid to take a beating.I've been in some battle royals and a few mixed tag team matches, but my singles matches were either at birthday parties or as a last minute add-on for another fed because I was on the ring crew.I might never get this chance again.I plan on going all out and leaving my heart and soul in the ring for all to see.I know I'm a little small to be taken too seriously as a wrestler, but damn if I'm not going to go all out for it given the opportunity.
I realize wrestling is often written off as "fake."People who say that are missing the point because they are comparing pro wrestling to competitive sports when it has more in common with theater.Even the "fake" part is questionable.Yes, we know who's going to win ahead of time and we aren't really trying to cripple one another.But you can't fake gravity.And a lot of the blows you see are delivered full force.You are expected to take a lot of punishment.Those who cry or complain don't last too long and lose a lot of respect from their peers.I thrive on the physical aspect.Pain is a great motivator.It's a side fans don't hear too much about because much of wrestling's mainstream media attention is usually devoted to steroid use or trying to catch wrestlers talking to each other in the ring in some ridiculous attempt to debunk it.Suspension of disbelief is critical to a good wrestling match.That is why we have to hit hard.That is why so many secrets of the business are still so closely guarded.Smart mark fans don't know half as much as they think they know. People would be much less critical of pro wrestling if they knew how complicated and deep it really is.EVERYTHING you see, no matter how insignificant it seems, has a purpose.
I can't wait for the end of the month.I will post more updates as I learn more.
Anyway, I went to practice on Saturday and was rewarded with an additional surprise:I would be getting TWO matches this month.The first will be at our monthly TV taping and the second at one of our more heavily promoted shows a week later.Details of the second match are up in the air, but I am hoping for some sort of gimmick match.A gimmick match is a match with some sort of stipulation such as a lumberjack match or a steel cage match.
My opponent and I put together our TV match at practice.I put together the basic outline of it and together we worked out the weak points and he changed some things so that it would fit his character better.I think we have created a really fun match.The match will start off with a little bit of character work where we will both get a chance to put our respective personalities over.Once the comedy is done though, the match becomes a fight.The psychology of the match is already pretty sound, but I am sure we will continue to tweak it as it approaches.I've already come up with an idea or two for my opponent to do to enhance his charcter.
This is my first real chance to get out there on my own and prove myself in the ring.My opponent, who has not been doing this as long as I have but has more matches under his belt, is psyched too because I am not afraid to take a beating.I've been in some battle royals and a few mixed tag team matches, but my singles matches were either at birthday parties or as a last minute add-on for another fed because I was on the ring crew.I might never get this chance again.I plan on going all out and leaving my heart and soul in the ring for all to see.I know I'm a little small to be taken too seriously as a wrestler, but damn if I'm not going to go all out for it given the opportunity.
I realize wrestling is often written off as "fake."People who say that are missing the point because they are comparing pro wrestling to competitive sports when it has more in common with theater.Even the "fake" part is questionable.Yes, we know who's going to win ahead of time and we aren't really trying to cripple one another.But you can't fake gravity.And a lot of the blows you see are delivered full force.You are expected to take a lot of punishment.Those who cry or complain don't last too long and lose a lot of respect from their peers.I thrive on the physical aspect.Pain is a great motivator.It's a side fans don't hear too much about because much of wrestling's mainstream media attention is usually devoted to steroid use or trying to catch wrestlers talking to each other in the ring in some ridiculous attempt to debunk it.Suspension of disbelief is critical to a good wrestling match.That is why we have to hit hard.That is why so many secrets of the business are still so closely guarded.Smart mark fans don't know half as much as they think they know. People would be much less critical of pro wrestling if they knew how complicated and deep it really is.EVERYTHING you see, no matter how insignificant it seems, has a purpose.
I can't wait for the end of the month.I will post more updates as I learn more.
What I'm Listening To
I often give out personal informationon this blog of various degrees of non-importance.Tonight I thought I'd give people a glimpse into my taste in music.I've given a recommendation or two in the past, but this is based on my favorite albums at this moment.These are the albums that I am currently most likely to put in my CD player or in my car.This list could easily change next week.I'm an avid heavy metal fan and my list reflects this fact.Please check out some of these albums.I will attempt to describe the bands for those who are not familiar with them.My descriptions are not meant to be comprehensive reviews, but rather guidelines.The world needs more people listening to good music.So now, in no particular order:
1)Dark Tranquility-Character :A Swedish Metal band that often features keyboards in a prominent role.The vocals are harsh, but comprehensible.There are no ballads here , but the music is not so heavy as to be offputting to people whose metal experience is limited to more classic metal such as Iron Maiden.Best song in my opinion is Out Of Nothing.
2)Vintersorg-Cosmic Genesis :This is a bit hard to descibe.Progressive Black Metal is as good a description as any.Vocalist Vintersorg also plays most of the instruments on this album.Vocals vary from a Black Metal growl to beautifully sung clean parts.This album is not above throwing hooks at the listener and those who don't normally like metal-style vocals will appreciate the more melodic parts.This is one of those albums that gets better with each listen.Instant gratification is possible but the patient will reap the greatest rewards.
3)Akercocke-Antichrist :I've mentioned this band in a past post that I am too lazy to look up at the moment.The core of their sound is some of the most extreme metal you can hear(Try their album The Goat Of Mendes for the best example of that)but is mixed in with a very European pop sound.These guys are virtuosos, extremely technical.This is not an album for beginning metal fans but rather for connosieurs.The sharp contrast between the heavy parts and the melodic parts can be jarring. But, once more, this is an album that should be listened to repeatedly.I recommend listening to it twice in a row at least.You will hear something different every time and the tapestry of their sound will only get richer. It might be of some interest to mention that they are quite noticeably into Satanism.If this will throw you, walk away now or just don't read the lyrics.I recommend the latter because you will be missing out on some grade AAA metal.
4)The Devin Townsend Band-Synchestra :Devin Townsend is a former Steve Vai guitarist who also plays in metal band Strapping Young Lad(Highly recommended).Except for a few moments, this is most assuredly not a metal album.Don't get me wrong, it can be heavy when it wants to be(Vampira).Most of the time though, this is a very sedate, relaxing, and even light-hearted album.This is a great album for people who might want to hear some more obscure progressive rock with a sense of humor.I've had this album for a while now and the fact that I still listen to it so often is a testament to how great it is.Of evrything I mention in this post, this would be the easiest album for non-fans to get into.
5)Epica-The Phantom Agony :This is perhaps the strangest thing I listen to.This is a female fronted symphonic/gothic metal band.Normally that means a Lacuna Coil or Evanesence sound-alike.In this case, vocalist Simone Simons pulls a page or three from more classical styles such as opera.This can make the music quite "syrupy" at times(plenty of ballads and softer parts), but don't let that put you off.This band is deceptively heavy.The orchestration works better for this band than many other symphonic bands just because it is such an integral part of their sound.There are also male, death-style male vocals that pop up in about half the songs.The song Cry For The Moon is probably in my five favorite songs currently.I have never gotten tired of hearing it.If hearing a choir and strings mixed in with your metal is going to put you off, then avoid this.For everyone else, this is a treat from a classy band.
6)Decapitated-Winds Of Creation :This is their first, and heaviest album.I like everything they put out and would recommend anything of theirs, but this is the king.This is a HIGHLY technical Polish Death Metal band.Surprisingly, when this album was made, most of the members were under the age of 18.Everyone here is classically trained as well.This album will relentlessly assault your eardrums.Like most really good metal, this one requires a good ear.There isn't a hook to be found and the speed varies between pretty fast and insane.This band seems to be following a musical path similar to that of Sepultura(if that gives you a point of reference), though without the world music phase.This is some of the best, truest metal for your $$$.
7)Ministry-The Last Sucker :This is another album I've mentioned before.If you don't know Ministry you should be ashamed of yourself.That's right. Hang your head in shame.I'll wait ...................................................................Arguably, if there was no Ministry, bands like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Mushroomhead, etc. might not exist as you know them.Oddly enough, they started off as a Depeche Mode-style pop band, but quickly grew out of that to become the kings of industrial metal.There is a cover of The Doors' Roadhouse Blues here.And no, it doesn't sound anything like the original(.Thank friggin' God for that.)Whenever Jougensen and company have a president named Bush in their sights the result is always magic.Brutal, bludgeoning magic.This album takes its cues more from the Psalm 69 days in that there are far fewer trance-style songs and more straight-up rockers.This is the album you want to put on in your car, turn up to full volume, and drive at insane speeds down the highway(Author's note:Speeding is not legal.Do so at your own risk.)
And that's it.Any album I list here I put my stamp of approval on.Each band here also has a great catalogue of albums to investigate if these catch your attention.My favorite of the ones listed here?Akercocke.Hands down winner.They manage to scratch every muscial itch I have.You can't go wrong with Akercocke.
1)Dark Tranquility-Character :A Swedish Metal band that often features keyboards in a prominent role.The vocals are harsh, but comprehensible.There are no ballads here , but the music is not so heavy as to be offputting to people whose metal experience is limited to more classic metal such as Iron Maiden.Best song in my opinion is Out Of Nothing.
2)Vintersorg-Cosmic Genesis :This is a bit hard to descibe.Progressive Black Metal is as good a description as any.Vocalist Vintersorg also plays most of the instruments on this album.Vocals vary from a Black Metal growl to beautifully sung clean parts.This album is not above throwing hooks at the listener and those who don't normally like metal-style vocals will appreciate the more melodic parts.This is one of those albums that gets better with each listen.Instant gratification is possible but the patient will reap the greatest rewards.
3)Akercocke-Antichrist :I've mentioned this band in a past post that I am too lazy to look up at the moment.The core of their sound is some of the most extreme metal you can hear(Try their album The Goat Of Mendes for the best example of that)but is mixed in with a very European pop sound.These guys are virtuosos, extremely technical.This is not an album for beginning metal fans but rather for connosieurs.The sharp contrast between the heavy parts and the melodic parts can be jarring. But, once more, this is an album that should be listened to repeatedly.I recommend listening to it twice in a row at least.You will hear something different every time and the tapestry of their sound will only get richer. It might be of some interest to mention that they are quite noticeably into Satanism.If this will throw you, walk away now or just don't read the lyrics.I recommend the latter because you will be missing out on some grade AAA metal.
4)The Devin Townsend Band-Synchestra :Devin Townsend is a former Steve Vai guitarist who also plays in metal band Strapping Young Lad(Highly recommended).Except for a few moments, this is most assuredly not a metal album.Don't get me wrong, it can be heavy when it wants to be(Vampira).Most of the time though, this is a very sedate, relaxing, and even light-hearted album.This is a great album for people who might want to hear some more obscure progressive rock with a sense of humor.I've had this album for a while now and the fact that I still listen to it so often is a testament to how great it is.Of evrything I mention in this post, this would be the easiest album for non-fans to get into.
5)Epica-The Phantom Agony :This is perhaps the strangest thing I listen to.This is a female fronted symphonic/gothic metal band.Normally that means a Lacuna Coil or Evanesence sound-alike.In this case, vocalist Simone Simons pulls a page or three from more classical styles such as opera.This can make the music quite "syrupy" at times(plenty of ballads and softer parts), but don't let that put you off.This band is deceptively heavy.The orchestration works better for this band than many other symphonic bands just because it is such an integral part of their sound.There are also male, death-style male vocals that pop up in about half the songs.The song Cry For The Moon is probably in my five favorite songs currently.I have never gotten tired of hearing it.If hearing a choir and strings mixed in with your metal is going to put you off, then avoid this.For everyone else, this is a treat from a classy band.
6)Decapitated-Winds Of Creation :This is their first, and heaviest album.I like everything they put out and would recommend anything of theirs, but this is the king.This is a HIGHLY technical Polish Death Metal band.Surprisingly, when this album was made, most of the members were under the age of 18.Everyone here is classically trained as well.This album will relentlessly assault your eardrums.Like most really good metal, this one requires a good ear.There isn't a hook to be found and the speed varies between pretty fast and insane.This band seems to be following a musical path similar to that of Sepultura(if that gives you a point of reference), though without the world music phase.This is some of the best, truest metal for your $$$.
7)Ministry-The Last Sucker :This is another album I've mentioned before.If you don't know Ministry you should be ashamed of yourself.That's right. Hang your head in shame.I'll wait ...................................................................Arguably, if there was no Ministry, bands like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Mushroomhead, etc. might not exist as you know them.Oddly enough, they started off as a Depeche Mode-style pop band, but quickly grew out of that to become the kings of industrial metal.There is a cover of The Doors' Roadhouse Blues here.And no, it doesn't sound anything like the original(.Thank friggin' God for that.)Whenever Jougensen and company have a president named Bush in their sights the result is always magic.Brutal, bludgeoning magic.This album takes its cues more from the Psalm 69 days in that there are far fewer trance-style songs and more straight-up rockers.This is the album you want to put on in your car, turn up to full volume, and drive at insane speeds down the highway(Author's note:Speeding is not legal.Do so at your own risk.)
And that's it.Any album I list here I put my stamp of approval on.Each band here also has a great catalogue of albums to investigate if these catch your attention.My favorite of the ones listed here?Akercocke.Hands down winner.They manage to scratch every muscial itch I have.You can't go wrong with Akercocke.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Being Good Pays Off
I've taken my short break and I think I've gotten the negativity out of my system.What better topic to return on than to tell a tale about my job.Because people LOOOOVVVEEEE hearing stories about other people's jobs.My blog...my choice.Besides,this made me happy.
A bit of background is needed first.As I've stated before, I worked as a cable technician for 6 years prior to arriving at my current position.It wasn't a bad job, but it was also one that I burned myself out on hard.Dealing with the public will do that to you.I'd been cursed at, threatened, had people attempt to hold me hostage, had someone threaten to call the newspapers and those guys on the news who fight for consumer rights, watched full grown men and women have temper tantrums because I couldn't move their 4000 pound entertainment center to put a cable outlet behind, and have also been kicked out of peope's houses.Sometimes all of this could happen over the course of one week.Needless to say, it gets to you after a while.
For most of my 6 years, I was a contractor.In spite of the difficulties, I always did top-notch work and made quite a good name for myself.This helped get me into the main company.The schedule was a little lighter there, but the shadow of "big brother" loomed even larger over you.The customers still sucked and now I was being called every 15 minutes by one person or another to pick up extra work, get yelled at for my numbers not being perfect, etc.I had had enough and asked to get out.Coincidentally, the job I am at now just happened to open up the next day and, after a quick interview process, I got the job.
I've always been pretty shy and quiet in my regular life.It takes me a while to warm up to people and conversations come extremely difficult.I'm the guy who gets the "One day he's going to snap and get a gun and kill everyone here."-type comments.When I started the new job I told myself that I would make every effort to say hello to everybody and to try to be a bit more open.So far, I've been moderately successful. A lot of people work in the building I work at. At one point or another, they all walk through the warehouse so I get to see everyone.I try to be as nice and helpful as possible to anyone who comes in who needs something.I'm not a "This isn't my job"-type of person.The way I see it my job is easy and I always have time to lend a hand.Despite my efforts, I still get the vibe from some people that I'm making them nervous and that upsets me a little.I've had enough of people being afraid of me.It benefits no one.
Last week, one of those people who give me strange vibes came in asking about delivering a package with UPS and I was the only one paying attention to her so I told her I'd make sure the deliveryman got her package.The guy came and I made sure he got the package.I decided to e-mail the woman to let her know.I felt a little weird beause I wasn't sure if she'd be irritated that I e-mailed her, so I was quite polite(Hey, that rhymes!) in the wording. She shot back a happy response and told me not to worry about bothering her.That was nice.
A few days later I found out that she was asking the woman I work with for half the week if I was always so nice.That made me feel so great.I can't tell you how satisfying it is to have someone have a conversation about me that doesn't involve the odds of my going postal at work.It makes me realize that I'm taking the right course and having the right attitude at work.Leaving out the drama at work CAN help you.I hate being at odds with anyone.It may sound corny, but I'd just like to be the guy at work people can rely on.I'd draw the comic book parallel to Awesome Andy from She-Hulk. I find I'm at my best when kept busy and the people around me are happy.I don't want to be anyone's boss ever again. I don't want to run the company, or even my department.I just want to be put to use.My job may not be glamorous, but it gives me that opportunity in spades.
A bit of background is needed first.As I've stated before, I worked as a cable technician for 6 years prior to arriving at my current position.It wasn't a bad job, but it was also one that I burned myself out on hard.Dealing with the public will do that to you.I'd been cursed at, threatened, had people attempt to hold me hostage, had someone threaten to call the newspapers and those guys on the news who fight for consumer rights, watched full grown men and women have temper tantrums because I couldn't move their 4000 pound entertainment center to put a cable outlet behind, and have also been kicked out of peope's houses.Sometimes all of this could happen over the course of one week.Needless to say, it gets to you after a while.
For most of my 6 years, I was a contractor.In spite of the difficulties, I always did top-notch work and made quite a good name for myself.This helped get me into the main company.The schedule was a little lighter there, but the shadow of "big brother" loomed even larger over you.The customers still sucked and now I was being called every 15 minutes by one person or another to pick up extra work, get yelled at for my numbers not being perfect, etc.I had had enough and asked to get out.Coincidentally, the job I am at now just happened to open up the next day and, after a quick interview process, I got the job.
I've always been pretty shy and quiet in my regular life.It takes me a while to warm up to people and conversations come extremely difficult.I'm the guy who gets the "One day he's going to snap and get a gun and kill everyone here."-type comments.When I started the new job I told myself that I would make every effort to say hello to everybody and to try to be a bit more open.So far, I've been moderately successful. A lot of people work in the building I work at. At one point or another, they all walk through the warehouse so I get to see everyone.I try to be as nice and helpful as possible to anyone who comes in who needs something.I'm not a "This isn't my job"-type of person.The way I see it my job is easy and I always have time to lend a hand.Despite my efforts, I still get the vibe from some people that I'm making them nervous and that upsets me a little.I've had enough of people being afraid of me.It benefits no one.
Last week, one of those people who give me strange vibes came in asking about delivering a package with UPS and I was the only one paying attention to her so I told her I'd make sure the deliveryman got her package.The guy came and I made sure he got the package.I decided to e-mail the woman to let her know.I felt a little weird beause I wasn't sure if she'd be irritated that I e-mailed her, so I was quite polite(Hey, that rhymes!) in the wording. She shot back a happy response and told me not to worry about bothering her.That was nice.
A few days later I found out that she was asking the woman I work with for half the week if I was always so nice.That made me feel so great.I can't tell you how satisfying it is to have someone have a conversation about me that doesn't involve the odds of my going postal at work.It makes me realize that I'm taking the right course and having the right attitude at work.Leaving out the drama at work CAN help you.I hate being at odds with anyone.It may sound corny, but I'd just like to be the guy at work people can rely on.I'd draw the comic book parallel to Awesome Andy from She-Hulk. I find I'm at my best when kept busy and the people around me are happy.I don't want to be anyone's boss ever again. I don't want to run the company, or even my department.I just want to be put to use.My job may not be glamorous, but it gives me that opportunity in spades.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Taking A Break
I think I'm going to take a break from this whole blogging thing for a little while.My brain is in a million places at once.I can't think of anything to write about.I've always used comics as my default topic, but I'm just growing tired of writing about them.I'd much rather just read them.Even reading WFA is getting tiring to me because I'm tired of hearing people bitch and insult each other.It makes me cranky and my posts have been too negative recently which is exactly what I NEVER WANTED.This was supposed to be my happy, brain pressure release valve.Instead it has become a window into my continuing disappointment with the human race.If I'm inspired I will write, otherwise I'm not going to kill myself trying to come up with a topic every day.And quite frankly, I don't think anyone would care if I never came back.Life goes on.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
How I Read Comics
Nowadays just about the only thing I read is comic books.I have regular books in my bookcase.Some of those don't even have pictures.But nothing has grabbed my attention like the comic book.I'm not sure if it's the characters, the format, the art, or whatever that has roped me in.But here I am.I even blog about comics here and there.
I also read other blogs about comics.I've stated many times in the past that I just don't understand the fandom.After reading so much negativity and people taking it upon themselves to become comic activists and others just pulling all sorts of subtext out of them I often wonder if I'm actually the strange one.I don't even try to find any subtext in my reading material.It requires too much thinking.Thinking isn't a bad thing, but sometimes I want to suspend that and just enjoy myself.
What am I even looking for?Am I just reading them to kill time?Is this just one more activity that I'm going to drop a year from now when something else comes my way to distract me?Is there something of substance to this hobby that I have adopted and spent soooo much time and money on?I though maybe I could look into that.
I go to my LCS on Thursday morning.It's the best time for me.I usually have a good idea what I'm looking for because I'll scan Diamond's shipping list sometime during the week.I'll first get what I know I want and, if I haven't already spent all of my money, I'll go through the shelves and pick up some random books that I think might be interesting.It doesn't seem like a big investment for me to spend 3 or 4 dollars to try something out.Sometimes I'll pick up a TPB too.There's definetely some impulse buying going on there.
When I sit down to read my comics I'm looking for one main thing:I want to feel like I'm in the story.It should not register in my brain that I am reading a comic.I should know what is going on without having to backtrack and re-read anything.The art, the lettering, and the story should all just come together and take me away.Allusions to real-life situations like politics or any -isms don't affect my enjoyment or my ability to escape.Why not?It's FICTION. Even fiction about real events is still fiction.I feel that if I let my own agenda taint my reading that I'd be cheating myself and I wouldn't enjoy them as much.That's pretty much what happened to me with video games.
Getting back to my point, I just need to feel swept away.I want to feel like I am standing right there with the characters, seeing just what they see.If, when I finish the comic, I open it up again it's because I want to re-read something that blew my mind and not because I was clueless about what went on.And that's really it.I watch movies with the same mindset.I want to be entertained.I'm here with an open mind.I'm not interested in social commentary unless it is part of the story.I'll accept the flaws if the product is good enough.I don't think that makes me weird.
As far as whether or not this will last with me I just don't know.It's been about two years now and my interest is stronger than ever.And I don't know what they could do to piss me off enough to make me stop.This hobby scratches all sorts of itches for me.I get to read, look at (mostly) great art, organize them, and there's an endless amount of material.I think the outlook is good.
This post was pretty pointless.I think I just wanted to write something today.Anything.Par for the course, I guess.
I also read other blogs about comics.I've stated many times in the past that I just don't understand the fandom.After reading so much negativity and people taking it upon themselves to become comic activists and others just pulling all sorts of subtext out of them I often wonder if I'm actually the strange one.I don't even try to find any subtext in my reading material.It requires too much thinking.Thinking isn't a bad thing, but sometimes I want to suspend that and just enjoy myself.
What am I even looking for?Am I just reading them to kill time?Is this just one more activity that I'm going to drop a year from now when something else comes my way to distract me?Is there something of substance to this hobby that I have adopted and spent soooo much time and money on?I though maybe I could look into that.
I go to my LCS on Thursday morning.It's the best time for me.I usually have a good idea what I'm looking for because I'll scan Diamond's shipping list sometime during the week.I'll first get what I know I want and, if I haven't already spent all of my money, I'll go through the shelves and pick up some random books that I think might be interesting.It doesn't seem like a big investment for me to spend 3 or 4 dollars to try something out.Sometimes I'll pick up a TPB too.There's definetely some impulse buying going on there.
When I sit down to read my comics I'm looking for one main thing:I want to feel like I'm in the story.It should not register in my brain that I am reading a comic.I should know what is going on without having to backtrack and re-read anything.The art, the lettering, and the story should all just come together and take me away.Allusions to real-life situations like politics or any -isms don't affect my enjoyment or my ability to escape.Why not?It's FICTION. Even fiction about real events is still fiction.I feel that if I let my own agenda taint my reading that I'd be cheating myself and I wouldn't enjoy them as much.That's pretty much what happened to me with video games.
Getting back to my point, I just need to feel swept away.I want to feel like I am standing right there with the characters, seeing just what they see.If, when I finish the comic, I open it up again it's because I want to re-read something that blew my mind and not because I was clueless about what went on.And that's really it.I watch movies with the same mindset.I want to be entertained.I'm here with an open mind.I'm not interested in social commentary unless it is part of the story.I'll accept the flaws if the product is good enough.I don't think that makes me weird.
As far as whether or not this will last with me I just don't know.It's been about two years now and my interest is stronger than ever.And I don't know what they could do to piss me off enough to make me stop.This hobby scratches all sorts of itches for me.I get to read, look at (mostly) great art, organize them, and there's an endless amount of material.I think the outlook is good.
This post was pretty pointless.I think I just wanted to write something today.Anything.Par for the course, I guess.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Just When I Thought I Was Getting Away
So I've been a bit down recently on my involvement in pro wrestling.I've been feeling pretty worthless there because I never seem to get to do anything except be a glorified cheerleader.All I really want to do is get physically involved and get hit a few times.I know by being a manager those opportunities don't always come about, but recently it seems as though they NEVER come.
My group had its TV taping this past weekend.I wasn't completely into going because I knew that I would, at most, have a promo to film.My mind was racing with thoughts of just quitting. No one is putting a gun to my head and forcing me to do this.The only thing that holds me back is not wanting to stop doing something I dreamt of doing as a kid, even if the reality of it is different from the fantasy.
I get to the building and right away I'm told that they're putting together a program between one of the other managers and me.That means I'll be getting a match next month!!Glory fucking days it happened!Anyway,I got to cut two promos to promote it.During the second promo, my adversary came out and I got in his face.The whole premise is supposed to be that I'm jealous of the attention he receives because (here's a surprise) I feel it is rightfully mine.After berating him for a few minutes he grabs me by the shirt and cocks back his fist to punch me.The guy I manage attacks him from behind and grabs his arms.I get right in his face and start yelling at him and I also get to smack him silly.The fight ends with him being thrown to the ground as I walk over him and then spit on him before leaving.It felt pretty good and the crowd, though small, was giving me plenty of heat.
Next month we get to have a match.I'm not sure if it going to be this one match and then the feud is over or if this will be an ongoing thing.I'm grateful for getting this match, but I'm really hoping for an ongoing thing.I'd love to have a gimmick match as the blow-off, preferably something with weapons.When I say weapons I don't mean knives and guns, I mean chains, leather straps, chairs, etc.A no-disqualification match would work for me as well.But it's not my call.It's the promoter's.I'll go with what he says.
I've worked with this guy before and we always have a good time putting these matches together.I usually put together the bulk of the match, even though he's wrestled many more actual matches than I have.(I have about 6 or 7 to my name.He probably has about 30.)It's a neat thing to go through.It's like choreographing a fight scene.My character is a cowardly heel and I'm not afraid to play it for laughs with some slapstick spots.I know that he's looking forward to it because I will actually let him hit me hard.The only thing I don't do is any "pulling pants down to humiliate" spots.The last time I did that 200 people got a full moon and also came one inch away from seeing my full monty because the guy who pulled my pants down grabbed up too high and hooked my underwear too.(That sentence would look really bad taken out of context.)That was easily my most embarrassing moment in wrestling.
So for the next month,I'll be plotting some epic battle in my head.I've already got a boatload of ideas.I'm going back to practice on Saturday to work them out with the guy.I'm going to make the most out of this chance so hopefully I can get more matches.It's almost as if the promoter knew I was feeling disenfrachised and came up with something to pull me back in.Indy wrestling is rough.You see a lot of people come and go.Many people get hurt.Some guys just want to wrestle a few matches in front of friends to look cool before quitting.Some people quit because there's little to no money being made.I've stuck with it out of pure love.I've been scorned but I'm still there.And apparently I'm still going to be there for a while longer.
My group had its TV taping this past weekend.I wasn't completely into going because I knew that I would, at most, have a promo to film.My mind was racing with thoughts of just quitting. No one is putting a gun to my head and forcing me to do this.The only thing that holds me back is not wanting to stop doing something I dreamt of doing as a kid, even if the reality of it is different from the fantasy.
I get to the building and right away I'm told that they're putting together a program between one of the other managers and me.That means I'll be getting a match next month!!Glory fucking days it happened!Anyway,I got to cut two promos to promote it.During the second promo, my adversary came out and I got in his face.The whole premise is supposed to be that I'm jealous of the attention he receives because (here's a surprise) I feel it is rightfully mine.After berating him for a few minutes he grabs me by the shirt and cocks back his fist to punch me.The guy I manage attacks him from behind and grabs his arms.I get right in his face and start yelling at him and I also get to smack him silly.The fight ends with him being thrown to the ground as I walk over him and then spit on him before leaving.It felt pretty good and the crowd, though small, was giving me plenty of heat.
Next month we get to have a match.I'm not sure if it going to be this one match and then the feud is over or if this will be an ongoing thing.I'm grateful for getting this match, but I'm really hoping for an ongoing thing.I'd love to have a gimmick match as the blow-off, preferably something with weapons.When I say weapons I don't mean knives and guns, I mean chains, leather straps, chairs, etc.A no-disqualification match would work for me as well.But it's not my call.It's the promoter's.I'll go with what he says.
I've worked with this guy before and we always have a good time putting these matches together.I usually put together the bulk of the match, even though he's wrestled many more actual matches than I have.(I have about 6 or 7 to my name.He probably has about 30.)It's a neat thing to go through.It's like choreographing a fight scene.My character is a cowardly heel and I'm not afraid to play it for laughs with some slapstick spots.I know that he's looking forward to it because I will actually let him hit me hard.The only thing I don't do is any "pulling pants down to humiliate" spots.The last time I did that 200 people got a full moon and also came one inch away from seeing my full monty because the guy who pulled my pants down grabbed up too high and hooked my underwear too.(That sentence would look really bad taken out of context.)That was easily my most embarrassing moment in wrestling.
So for the next month,I'll be plotting some epic battle in my head.I've already got a boatload of ideas.I'm going back to practice on Saturday to work them out with the guy.I'm going to make the most out of this chance so hopefully I can get more matches.It's almost as if the promoter knew I was feeling disenfrachised and came up with something to pull me back in.Indy wrestling is rough.You see a lot of people come and go.Many people get hurt.Some guys just want to wrestle a few matches in front of friends to look cool before quitting.Some people quit because there's little to no money being made.I've stuck with it out of pure love.I've been scorned but I'm still there.And apparently I'm still going to be there for a while longer.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
What I Hate About The Online Comic Fan Community
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Friday, October 26, 2007
What I Bought/What I Thought
Every Thursday Morning I go to my LCS to get my weekly comic fix.I buy them with the intention of loving them,not picking them apart.I try to throw some quick thoughts about them here.You won't find anything particularly thought-provoking,but rather just honest thoughts.I will use spoilers if I want to and I won't warn you about it.This week I left with eleven books,some a bit older.
1)She-Hulk #22 :This is one of my favorite books and I've been waiting for this issue in particular because of the change in creative team and direction.So now She-Hulk is a bounty hunter.That works for me.The Absorbing Man and Titania as villains also get the thumbs up from me.My question is what's up with Jen?I'm guessing she's a LMD.So far,so good though.
2)Cable & Deadpool #46 :While I bear no ill will toward Cable,taking him out of the book was the best thing to happen to it in a while.Hopefully,seeing Deadpool interact with the MU's heavy hitters will build up a case to keep him in another title when the book gets cancelled.This time,Deadpool and Bob,Agent of HYDRA hook up with two separate versions of the Fantastic Four:one from eight years ago and the recent Black Panther/Storm incarnation.Deadpool has the funniest moment of the week talking about Sue Storm's "ample,matronly bosom".This story was pure,fun comic book wackiness.It also had Bob as Doctor Doom and Deadpool as Wolverine in his Weapon X attire.Loved this book.
3)Tales Of The Sinestro Corps:Superman Prime :I came into this knowing nothing of Superman-Prime except that he's just one of many versions of Superman cluttering the DC universe.This origin story was a bit like the Cyborg Superman one in that it painted him as a slightly more sympathetic character.This book also featured Krypto who, as much as it pains me to say it,isn't as lame as I want him to be.It was a good issue,but I'm still not sure I like the character.
4)What If?Planet Hulk :I've always loved What If? stories.They give the writers/artists room to explore characters and concepts free from the constraints of continuity and often lead to some really interesting situations.The best story here explored what would happen if the Hulk landed on the planet that the Illuminati intended for him to go.The practical joke playing one-upsmanship between Banner and Hulk was priceless.It was also funny how Banner was the one who was hunting animals while Hulk was protecting them and enjoying their company.It was almost...sweet.
5)Birds Of Prey #111 :This is the first time I've bought this book in standard format instead of trade and also the first time I've read it not written by Gail Simone.I still liked this.I love how Oracle is worshipped by nerds everywhere and also how her and Calculator are sniping at each other from computers in the same room.She's also the luckiest character ever that she's not daed.The only thing keeping every villain from knowing who she is is their arrogant ,and even a bit sexist, assumption that Oracle couldn't possibly be a woman,never mind one in a wheelchair.It wasn't bad, and read enough like Simone's version so that it wasn't too jarring.
And I'm out of time because I have to go to work.That's all folks.
1)She-Hulk #22 :This is one of my favorite books and I've been waiting for this issue in particular because of the change in creative team and direction.So now She-Hulk is a bounty hunter.That works for me.The Absorbing Man and Titania as villains also get the thumbs up from me.My question is what's up with Jen?I'm guessing she's a LMD.So far,so good though.
2)Cable & Deadpool #46 :While I bear no ill will toward Cable,taking him out of the book was the best thing to happen to it in a while.Hopefully,seeing Deadpool interact with the MU's heavy hitters will build up a case to keep him in another title when the book gets cancelled.This time,Deadpool and Bob,Agent of HYDRA hook up with two separate versions of the Fantastic Four:one from eight years ago and the recent Black Panther/Storm incarnation.Deadpool has the funniest moment of the week talking about Sue Storm's "ample,matronly bosom".This story was pure,fun comic book wackiness.It also had Bob as Doctor Doom and Deadpool as Wolverine in his Weapon X attire.Loved this book.
3)Tales Of The Sinestro Corps:Superman Prime :I came into this knowing nothing of Superman-Prime except that he's just one of many versions of Superman cluttering the DC universe.This origin story was a bit like the Cyborg Superman one in that it painted him as a slightly more sympathetic character.This book also featured Krypto who, as much as it pains me to say it,isn't as lame as I want him to be.It was a good issue,but I'm still not sure I like the character.
4)What If?Planet Hulk :I've always loved What If? stories.They give the writers/artists room to explore characters and concepts free from the constraints of continuity and often lead to some really interesting situations.The best story here explored what would happen if the Hulk landed on the planet that the Illuminati intended for him to go.The practical joke playing one-upsmanship between Banner and Hulk was priceless.It was also funny how Banner was the one who was hunting animals while Hulk was protecting them and enjoying their company.It was almost...sweet.
5)Birds Of Prey #111 :This is the first time I've bought this book in standard format instead of trade and also the first time I've read it not written by Gail Simone.I still liked this.I love how Oracle is worshipped by nerds everywhere and also how her and Calculator are sniping at each other from computers in the same room.She's also the luckiest character ever that she's not daed.The only thing keeping every villain from knowing who she is is their arrogant ,and even a bit sexist, assumption that Oracle couldn't possibly be a woman,never mind one in a wheelchair.It wasn't bad, and read enough like Simone's version so that it wasn't too jarring.
And I'm out of time because I have to go to work.That's all folks.
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