Third one today.Hmmmph.This is it and not again until Friday or even Sunday.Here's the story so far:
1)Tommorrow morning is my LCS day, so I leave early.I might hunt down some more of the Sinestro Corps stuff.I also found that he had some back issues of Deadpool,so I'll fill some more holes in what I hope can be a full run.All told, I'll probably walk out with about 13 comics.
2)I'm realizing that this blog thing is cutting into my piano practice time.I can only practice in the morning before work because I get home late.I have 3 to 4 hours in the morning before work,depending on when I wake up.Writing this can take more than an hour sometimes,depending on how distracted I am.
3)Man,I got a little nasty two posts back.Something about that just bothers me.It's like nobody is happy unless they can have a side to choose on everything.Republican or Democrat?Pink or blue?Black or white?Pro-Reg or Anti-Reg?(I was anti.)Tattoed or Non-tattoed?"Hardcore" or "casual"?WWE or TNA?Sony or Microsoft?Chunky or Smooth?Red or blue?Tastes great or less filling?This might be a little hippyish,but does every decision in our lives have to put us at odds with each other?I get sick of people shoving each other into easily labelable groups.It's a system that just doesn't work.
4)And I am an athiest.But I'm not anti-religious.I don't worship the devil.I don't believe in him either.It's not even a defining characteristic of my personality,but it's there.I believe that everyone should be able to practice whatever religion they want as long as it harms no one.(except possibly themselves.Call it natural selection.)Just don't force it on anyone.Stop using it as a way to modify thought and behavior.And keep it out of politics dammit.95%(not a scientifically valid figure)of the world manages to do just that.They're cool.I have no problem with them.The remaining 5%(or so)...that's who bothers me.Yeah...
6)Two days to vacation!!!
7)I can't watch the "Leave Britney Alone!" kid.I have yet to see more than 10 seconds into the video.I can't believe this kid is actually getting so much attention.That's the internet for you.It's kinda cool actually.All of these crazy,fucked-up personalities in our wonderful world have been given a place to be noticed by anyone with access to a computer.The more insane ones get on TV where they can be seen by all the people who don't have access to a computer.It takes some of the special-ness out of being a celebrity.It levels the playing field,which always makes things more interesting.
8)Actually,I like anything that shakes up the status quo.It's good for us.It's the only way to progress as a whole society.
And that's it.Until whenever...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
This is Cool
This website is pretty cool.All you need is a picture of yourself and it creates a Simpsons version of you.It works best with a headshot where you are standing against a white background.
This is me as a Simpsons character.Heh-heh.When they messed up my work ID badge and put a picture of a Latino guy instead of me on it, I taped this onto it.
sigh......
In my travels through the internet,I stumbled upon this article on Cnn.com.Two things really struck me about this article.First is the article itself,which I will summarize for anyone who doesn't actually want to read it.
1)Woman in her 20s gets a rose-shaped tattoo on her lower back.She got this in the age before the "tramp stamp" style of tattoo.It is meant to be a private thing for her and a potential loved one.
2)Woman goes on with her life:gets married,has a kid,etc.
3)Low-rise jeans come into style.Woman hops all over the fad,because that's always a good idea.(If you're reading any sarcasm into that,you should.I'm laying it on really heavy.)
4)One day,while wearing her low-rise jeans, her tattoo is exposed in front of her young son,who asks what it is.
5)The horrified woman decides that having a tattoo somehow makes her a bad parent and makes a choice.She could just tell her son what a tattoo is.She could just not wear low rise jeans,as they could go out of style next month.Instead she decides to get the tattoo removed.The procedure:
a)Will cost her over $2000
b)Will be 10x more painful than any tattoo could ever hope to be.
c)Will leave her with permanent scarring.
The article itself doesn't offend me.If this woman would rather undergo a painful,expensive procedure rather than buy a new pair of pants or talk to her child that's her choice.What pissed me off was the second thing to strike me about this article:the comments made by readers afterwards.
Thanks to those comments,I have discoverd that I,along with millions of other people who have tattoos:
1)Don't have personalities.We get tattoos to compensate.
2)Are just chasing a fad.Because tattoos are a fad.(One person with this view talks of "shotty"artwork.)
3)Are immature.Not just immature,but immature IDIOTS.
4)Are just rebelling.
5)Have an appreciation for lousy art.
6)Are doing something contrary to the (groan)Bible.(I'm an athiest.I have no interest in your silly superstitions.Practice your religion all you want,just leave me out of it.)
Now there was someone to defend tattooing for every person who decried it,but that's not the point.We have enough problems with discrimination against women,minorities, and gays.Why do we need to divide people up even further just to have more people to deny opportunity to?Now having tattoos makes me less of a person?Fuck you.Fuck each and every one of you,in the ass, with a dry sandpaper dildo.It's so dismaying to see ignorance on parade like it was here.That's why I can never be an activist for anything.I'd go insane.Maybe someone will take up the cause for tattooed people even though it's not as sexy as getting behind one of the big "-isms".
For the record,I have 16 tattoos.I can't wait to get my next 16.I am a college graduate.I have a steady job that I like and that I also got with arms covered in tattoos,as well as with a 6" goatee and long hair down to the middle of my back.I pay my taxes.I give to charity.I'm in a healthy relationship that will certainly lead to marriage,and maybe even kids.I'll be the first to admit that I might not be a model citizen,but I'm also not a degenerate.I do swear a lot though.And I avoid contact with other people.Maybe I am a little deviant,but it's not my skin that makes me so.
1)Woman in her 20s gets a rose-shaped tattoo on her lower back.She got this in the age before the "tramp stamp" style of tattoo.It is meant to be a private thing for her and a potential loved one.
2)Woman goes on with her life:gets married,has a kid,etc.
3)Low-rise jeans come into style.Woman hops all over the fad,because that's always a good idea.(If you're reading any sarcasm into that,you should.I'm laying it on really heavy.)
4)One day,while wearing her low-rise jeans, her tattoo is exposed in front of her young son,who asks what it is.
5)The horrified woman decides that having a tattoo somehow makes her a bad parent and makes a choice.She could just tell her son what a tattoo is.She could just not wear low rise jeans,as they could go out of style next month.Instead she decides to get the tattoo removed.The procedure:
a)Will cost her over $2000
b)Will be 10x more painful than any tattoo could ever hope to be.
c)Will leave her with permanent scarring.
The article itself doesn't offend me.If this woman would rather undergo a painful,expensive procedure rather than buy a new pair of pants or talk to her child that's her choice.What pissed me off was the second thing to strike me about this article:the comments made by readers afterwards.
Thanks to those comments,I have discoverd that I,along with millions of other people who have tattoos:
1)Don't have personalities.We get tattoos to compensate.
2)Are just chasing a fad.Because tattoos are a fad.(One person with this view talks of "shotty"artwork.)
3)Are immature.Not just immature,but immature IDIOTS.
4)Are just rebelling.
5)Have an appreciation for lousy art.
6)Are doing something contrary to the (groan)Bible.(I'm an athiest.I have no interest in your silly superstitions.Practice your religion all you want,just leave me out of it.)
Now there was someone to defend tattooing for every person who decried it,but that's not the point.We have enough problems with discrimination against women,minorities, and gays.Why do we need to divide people up even further just to have more people to deny opportunity to?Now having tattoos makes me less of a person?Fuck you.Fuck each and every one of you,in the ass, with a dry sandpaper dildo.It's so dismaying to see ignorance on parade like it was here.That's why I can never be an activist for anything.I'd go insane.Maybe someone will take up the cause for tattooed people even though it's not as sexy as getting behind one of the big "-isms".
For the record,I have 16 tattoos.I can't wait to get my next 16.I am a college graduate.I have a steady job that I like and that I also got with arms covered in tattoos,as well as with a 6" goatee and long hair down to the middle of my back.I pay my taxes.I give to charity.I'm in a healthy relationship that will certainly lead to marriage,and maybe even kids.I'll be the first to admit that I might not be a model citizen,but I'm also not a degenerate.I do swear a lot though.And I avoid contact with other people.Maybe I am a little deviant,but it's not my skin that makes me so.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Random Points....
I'm not really sure what to write about today,so I figure a few smaller items might work.Better to write something than nothing...
1) She-Hulk #21:I love it.Love it.Love it.Everyone acting out of character is an Earth-A tourist?This is the kind of fun,simple reasoning that comics should be all about.Most of the origins of Marvel's classic characters arose from Stan Lee's lack of knowledge of science combined with pure creative joy.I think they should have had a Wolverine or two in the group of tourists to explain how he's in so many places at once,but I think that's my conclusion to make.Not everything has to be part of some vast,complicated conspiracy.I love the fun,light-hearted feel of this book.It know it won't be the same with Peter David,but I have confidence in him and his talent.
2)Piano:I am always shocked that I'm making any progress in my piano playing.I never thought that I could coordinate my hands to play two different things.I've always wanted to know how to REALLY play a musical instrument.I tried bass guitar and guitar,but never took lessons.As a result,I never progressed.I could read tabulature and play some basic stuff,but that was as far as my talent went.But taking real piano lessons from a real teacher with a real lesson book...it does make a difference.Still,I look ahead in my book at what I'll be playing later and it drops my jaw.The fact that I WILL be able to play that stuff,not might be able to,is the greatest feeling.
3)Akercocke :If you have ANY sense of appreciation for death/extreme metal then this is the band to check out.I would describe them as very technical extreme death metal with an infusion of European Pop.It's an odd combo that just meshes soooo well together.Every musician in this band blows me away,but the drums are what makes it for me.It's funny that normally I'm a guitar type of guy,but with death metal it's all about the drumming for me.If you're used to Top 40-style of music,this is a challenging listen.The growls themselves might scare people away.I say listen through the growls and follow the drums.Then,when the drums are synched in your mind,add the guitar and bass.And then add the vocals.Every album they put out is totally insane,but what a ride you're in for if you open your mind.My favorite album of theirs is Words That Go Unspoken,Deeds That Go Undone.If you just like the heavy stuff,pick up Goat Of Mendes.If you're a music geek,this is heaven.Sure,they have the whole Satanist vibe going on,but don't let that put you off.It's just as much an artistic choice as anything else.Most of the lyrics are unintelligible without having them in front of you to read anyway.
4)The Walking Dead:I picked up the first two trades last weekend.I was a bit hesitant because of the black and white art,but two pages in and I didn't notice.I like how the zombies are just there.One minute, the gang is washing clothes and the next...zombies!Anyway,any time I actually feel for a character in a book I know the writer is doing a good job.And I was quite happy for Glenn when he found a woman.As someone who spent more than a couple of years as a lonely bachelor,it can be rough watching everyone around you find someone if you're alone.He did a lot for the group and deserved to find happiness.That said, I can't wait to get the next few trades so I can see what happens next.At the end of vol 2,they find an abandoned(yeah right) prison.Seems like good times ahead.
5)My Birthday:Is coming up next week,but I won't reveal the day.I never make a big deal out of it.I feel funny accepting gifts I did nothing to earn.And yes,I have the same problem with Xmas.I never saw birthdays as a big deal.It's not like anything really changes in that one day.My credit card bills don't go away.My car still needs gas.I still have to go to work.The sun doesn't shine any brighter.I'd just as soon get through it with as little fuss as possible.By the way,I'll be 34.I still don't feel old yet.I feel like I have a lot of adventures left in front of me.
That's it for now.Gotta go make my lunch for work.(Just one of my many adventures....The fun!The excitement!The mystery!The danger!)Tuna on soft oatmeal bread...That's the very definition of life on the edge.
1) She-Hulk #21:I love it.Love it.Love it.Everyone acting out of character is an Earth-A tourist?This is the kind of fun,simple reasoning that comics should be all about.Most of the origins of Marvel's classic characters arose from Stan Lee's lack of knowledge of science combined with pure creative joy.I think they should have had a Wolverine or two in the group of tourists to explain how he's in so many places at once,but I think that's my conclusion to make.Not everything has to be part of some vast,complicated conspiracy.I love the fun,light-hearted feel of this book.It know it won't be the same with Peter David,but I have confidence in him and his talent.
2)Piano:I am always shocked that I'm making any progress in my piano playing.I never thought that I could coordinate my hands to play two different things.I've always wanted to know how to REALLY play a musical instrument.I tried bass guitar and guitar,but never took lessons.As a result,I never progressed.I could read tabulature and play some basic stuff,but that was as far as my talent went.But taking real piano lessons from a real teacher with a real lesson book...it does make a difference.Still,I look ahead in my book at what I'll be playing later and it drops my jaw.The fact that I WILL be able to play that stuff,not might be able to,is the greatest feeling.
3)Akercocke :If you have ANY sense of appreciation for death/extreme metal then this is the band to check out.I would describe them as very technical extreme death metal with an infusion of European Pop.It's an odd combo that just meshes soooo well together.Every musician in this band blows me away,but the drums are what makes it for me.It's funny that normally I'm a guitar type of guy,but with death metal it's all about the drumming for me.If you're used to Top 40-style of music,this is a challenging listen.The growls themselves might scare people away.I say listen through the growls and follow the drums.Then,when the drums are synched in your mind,add the guitar and bass.And then add the vocals.Every album they put out is totally insane,but what a ride you're in for if you open your mind.My favorite album of theirs is Words That Go Unspoken,Deeds That Go Undone.If you just like the heavy stuff,pick up Goat Of Mendes.If you're a music geek,this is heaven.Sure,they have the whole Satanist vibe going on,but don't let that put you off.It's just as much an artistic choice as anything else.Most of the lyrics are unintelligible without having them in front of you to read anyway.
4)The Walking Dead:I picked up the first two trades last weekend.I was a bit hesitant because of the black and white art,but two pages in and I didn't notice.I like how the zombies are just there.One minute, the gang is washing clothes and the next...zombies!Anyway,any time I actually feel for a character in a book I know the writer is doing a good job.And I was quite happy for Glenn when he found a woman.As someone who spent more than a couple of years as a lonely bachelor,it can be rough watching everyone around you find someone if you're alone.He did a lot for the group and deserved to find happiness.That said, I can't wait to get the next few trades so I can see what happens next.At the end of vol 2,they find an abandoned(yeah right) prison.Seems like good times ahead.
5)My Birthday:Is coming up next week,but I won't reveal the day.I never make a big deal out of it.I feel funny accepting gifts I did nothing to earn.And yes,I have the same problem with Xmas.I never saw birthdays as a big deal.It's not like anything really changes in that one day.My credit card bills don't go away.My car still needs gas.I still have to go to work.The sun doesn't shine any brighter.I'd just as soon get through it with as little fuss as possible.By the way,I'll be 34.I still don't feel old yet.I feel like I have a lot of adventures left in front of me.
That's it for now.Gotta go make my lunch for work.(Just one of my many adventures....The fun!The excitement!The mystery!The danger!)Tuna on soft oatmeal bread...That's the very definition of life on the edge.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Comic Fans Are Not The Biggest Assholes In Fandom
I'm sure that if you're into comics enough to be reading or writing blogs about them,then you've dealt with comic fans before.I'm sure nothing groundbreaking is being revealed when I say comic book fans are harsh and judgemental.We take our stories,and the characters within them, very personally.(I'm using "we" as a generalization.I'm not talking about "you" or "me" in particular.)We think nothing of tearing down our favorite books in very public forums because we don't like the way the artist drew some characters mask.We bicker amongst ourselves over every line of dialogue in every panel.But for all of the fighting and drama we get swept up in,the assholiest dickwad of all comic fans doesn't hold a candle to a video game fan.
As proof,I need only to direct you to any gaming website,such as Gamespot .Just go the news section and look at the comments for any article there.You always find the best ranting in any article about "casual gamers".
1)In comics,when a new fan comes to a message board or blog and asks for advice,they can count on coming away with at least 6 or 7 titles to try.Even the most jaded reader can muster up a suggestion or two.In video games,new fans are abused online."Noob" is a slur,not a term of endearment.Instead of showing new players the ropes on any game,the "veterans" will instead run circles around the new person and mock their lack of gaming skills as they do it.It's trial by fire and I never wonder why new gamers feel the need to start with puzzles games and other non-threatening fare.
2)In comics,new readers are sought after,even if they only plan on reading Archie comics.Many an article has been written on the faults of the direct market system and how the industry needs to make the product more welcoming to new readers.The fans generally support these measures.In video games,new fans are looked upon with suspicion,especially if they don't play the "right games".You would think that just because a few 40-year old women bought a Wii,that the game industry was going to abandon all of their long time fans.Games that were legit games 5 years ago, such as puzzle games,suddenly are laughed at because they're not "hardcore" enough for the dedicated gaming audience.It's the equivalent of saying that if the Marvel Adventures line of comics sells well, that Marvel will stop putting out their core 616 books.
3)Fanboyism is out of control in video games.In comics,everyone has a favorite publisher.Most people do dabble outside of their favorite.The Marvel fan may read some Vertigo.The DC fan might read an Image comic or two.Fans of any company or the indies might read Manga.Someone who reads books by only one publisher is rare,and usually looked at like they are missing out by keeping such a closed mind.In video games,People tend to find one system and stick by it.The console wars have become a technical arms race,and all of the fans have been swept up in system specs and polygon counts.The Wii...pfft.It's a toy for non-gamers.The Xbox360?It's plagued with defects and only has first person shooters.The PS3?Overpriced and no good games.Older systems?Please....get with the times.The DS?Gimmicky and shit graphics.The PSP?An underperforming,still overpriced portable PS2 that has nothing worth buying as far as games go.And I'm being very polite about this.If I were playing the typical video game fan I'd be taunting you for your choices and dishing out personal attacks because "your" system just lost its exclusive game to "their" system.
You might disagree with me or think I need more examples,but I feel that the hostile attitudes towards those who aren't seasoned players,the ridiculous sense of entitlement(You might not like how Spider-Man is written,but you don't worry about his books being totally cancelled because Thor sells more.And Thor selling more is not a slap in the face to Spider-Man fans), and the blind,exclusionary fanboyism is enough for me to award video game fans with the title "Biggest Assholes In Fandom".If you take any offense because you're a gamer,then maybe something is just hitting to close to home.I'm a gamer too.Only I don't care what you play.
As proof,I need only to direct you to any gaming website,such as Gamespot .Just go the news section and look at the comments for any article there.You always find the best ranting in any article about "casual gamers".
1)In comics,when a new fan comes to a message board or blog and asks for advice,they can count on coming away with at least 6 or 7 titles to try.Even the most jaded reader can muster up a suggestion or two.In video games,new fans are abused online."Noob" is a slur,not a term of endearment.Instead of showing new players the ropes on any game,the "veterans" will instead run circles around the new person and mock their lack of gaming skills as they do it.It's trial by fire and I never wonder why new gamers feel the need to start with puzzles games and other non-threatening fare.
2)In comics,new readers are sought after,even if they only plan on reading Archie comics.Many an article has been written on the faults of the direct market system and how the industry needs to make the product more welcoming to new readers.The fans generally support these measures.In video games,new fans are looked upon with suspicion,especially if they don't play the "right games".You would think that just because a few 40-year old women bought a Wii,that the game industry was going to abandon all of their long time fans.Games that were legit games 5 years ago, such as puzzle games,suddenly are laughed at because they're not "hardcore" enough for the dedicated gaming audience.It's the equivalent of saying that if the Marvel Adventures line of comics sells well, that Marvel will stop putting out their core 616 books.
3)Fanboyism is out of control in video games.In comics,everyone has a favorite publisher.Most people do dabble outside of their favorite.The Marvel fan may read some Vertigo.The DC fan might read an Image comic or two.Fans of any company or the indies might read Manga.Someone who reads books by only one publisher is rare,and usually looked at like they are missing out by keeping such a closed mind.In video games,People tend to find one system and stick by it.The console wars have become a technical arms race,and all of the fans have been swept up in system specs and polygon counts.The Wii...pfft.It's a toy for non-gamers.The Xbox360?It's plagued with defects and only has first person shooters.The PS3?Overpriced and no good games.Older systems?Please....get with the times.The DS?Gimmicky and shit graphics.The PSP?An underperforming,still overpriced portable PS2 that has nothing worth buying as far as games go.And I'm being very polite about this.If I were playing the typical video game fan I'd be taunting you for your choices and dishing out personal attacks because "your" system just lost its exclusive game to "their" system.
You might disagree with me or think I need more examples,but I feel that the hostile attitudes towards those who aren't seasoned players,the ridiculous sense of entitlement(You might not like how Spider-Man is written,but you don't worry about his books being totally cancelled because Thor sells more.And Thor selling more is not a slap in the face to Spider-Man fans), and the blind,exclusionary fanboyism is enough for me to award video game fans with the title "Biggest Assholes In Fandom".If you take any offense because you're a gamer,then maybe something is just hitting to close to home.I'm a gamer too.Only I don't care what you play.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Odds And Ends...
Random shit....
1)There's a vending machine in the Fuddruckers in Succasunna that has Animal Crossing Keychains.I got a KK Slider one.
2)Got some new Deadpool comics from Midtown Comics,including two written by Gail Simone.I got those specifically because,reading around,I can't really escape not hearing about her.One was the issue where he meets Rhino for the first time and shrinks him with Pym particles.Both issues were great.Aside from Nicieza,she has written my favorite Deadpool.
3)Vacation coming up in two weeks.During it I plan on going hiking one day at the Appalachian Trail.I'm also going to go explore and take some pictures of this creepy abandoned street behind my house.It's all grow over and there are at least 15 houses, all abandoned, back there.You almost expect zombies to pop out of there.And then one day I'm going to put my iTunes on shuffle and spend the whole day reading my Y:The Last Man trades in order,all 9 volumes so far.And I'm going to do a lot of cooking.Can't wait.Some may think it sounds boring,I think it sounds friggin' relaxing.
4)I'm looking to read up on a little Green Lantern,so I'm looking for trades.The Sinestro Corps Special I got the other day really got my interest.I know there are a lot of Green Lantern fans out there,and if one of you stumbles upon this blog by accident looking for something else,make a suggestion.
5)There is no #5.
6)Nope.No #6 either.
7)Maybe....nah.Fuck it.
8)Still no.
9)OK.Idiocracy is a great movie.I totally believe that the future that movie shows can be achieved.I can totally see the world going like this.
10)That's it.For real.
1)There's a vending machine in the Fuddruckers in Succasunna that has Animal Crossing Keychains.I got a KK Slider one.
2)Got some new Deadpool comics from Midtown Comics,including two written by Gail Simone.I got those specifically because,reading around,I can't really escape not hearing about her.One was the issue where he meets Rhino for the first time and shrinks him with Pym particles.Both issues were great.Aside from Nicieza,she has written my favorite Deadpool.
3)Vacation coming up in two weeks.During it I plan on going hiking one day at the Appalachian Trail.I'm also going to go explore and take some pictures of this creepy abandoned street behind my house.It's all grow over and there are at least 15 houses, all abandoned, back there.You almost expect zombies to pop out of there.And then one day I'm going to put my iTunes on shuffle and spend the whole day reading my Y:The Last Man trades in order,all 9 volumes so far.And I'm going to do a lot of cooking.Can't wait.Some may think it sounds boring,I think it sounds friggin' relaxing.
4)I'm looking to read up on a little Green Lantern,so I'm looking for trades.The Sinestro Corps Special I got the other day really got my interest.I know there are a lot of Green Lantern fans out there,and if one of you stumbles upon this blog by accident looking for something else,make a suggestion.
5)There is no #5.
6)Nope.No #6 either.
7)Maybe....nah.Fuck it.
8)Still no.
9)OK.Idiocracy is a great movie.I totally believe that the future that movie shows can be achieved.I can totally see the world going like this.
10)That's it.For real.
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