Warren Ellis

So it's been a shade over 3 months since I stepped away from this blog. I wasn't sure if I'd come back. I haven't exactly missed it. I've been hiking a lot, hitting the gym, and just trying to keep busy. Life isn't that much different for me. I mean, it's only been three months. It's not like I went to the moon or anything.

Why am I back? What's so important that I am ready to sit back down behind the keyboard and torture all the people who stumble upon this blog by accident with my disjointed thoughts and borderline unreadable sentence structure? Well, the title of this post should provide a hint. Go ahead, take a second to move your eyes a few inches higher and look. I'll wait.

Done? Good. Now, I still read a lot of comics. It's a sickness. I try to cut back, but then I feel understimulated. My brain craves the whole sensory experience of reading a comic. It's not just about the art and the story. It's also about the feel of the book in my hand and the anticipation that comes with the turn of every page. I also love the variety of stories that are out there. The best thing I ever did regarding comics was to branch out beyond superheroes.

I don't reread my individual issues too much. Occasionally, I reread a story arc once I've collected it all. It's just a pain to dig them out of my long boxes. What I do reread, and often, are my graphic novels and trade paperbacks. I bring one to work with me every day to read during my lunch break. As such, and considering that I love the diversity of the art from and also don't want to read the same ten stories over and over again, my collection is growing REALLY fast.

I don't tend to follow creators like a lot of fans seem to do. My reading habits are actually quite simple, almost insultingly so. I just look for a story that might be interesting. That's all. If I read a bad story... Oh well, that's life. I forget about it and move on to the good ones. There's enough in life to be angry or cynical about, without dragging my leisure activities into the mud. Enough of that though, it's time to get to the point.

Now, I have been aware of Warren Ellis for most of the time since I returned to the comic-reading population a few years ago. I have expressed my love of Nextwave:Agents of H.A.T.E. a number of times in the past. I'm even working on the coloring book variant of #5. (Still. That is yet another project that has been temporarily shelved.) I loved Thunderbolts and Crecy. I wasn't a fan of these books because of Ellis though. I just liked the stories. Then I read Planetary.

Planetary, for those who are still reading and don't know what I'm talking about, is a series of stories about a group of superpowered archeologists who investigate unusual occurances and individuals, many of which bear striking resemblances to stories and characters from popular fiction. Don't let my bland desciption throw you off. Planetary is as good as it gets. Every story stands on it's own, and yet contributes to a much larger one. I hate to use this comparison, even though I loved the show, but think of how The X-Files was structured and you'll understand.

I won't go into a whole synopsis of the book and its cast, but the imagination and scope on display just blew my mind. The John Cassaday art was dazzling, but it was Ellis' story that hooked me. I started reading more sci-fi comics, but my itch wasn't being scratched. It was Ellis. It had to be.

The next Ellis book I picked up was Ocean. This is a science fiction story that deals with the discovery of life on the moon Europa, which circles the planet Jupiter. The thought is that there is an ocean of liquid water underneath the icy crust of Europa, possibly heated by hydrothermal vents or by its proximity to Jupiter itself. In the story, which is set about 100 years in the future, a large number of coffins and a cache of weapons are discovered in this ocean and U.N. weapons inspector Nathan Kane is sent to investigate.

The story isn't as heady as Planetary, but it doesn't fail to astonish. Once more, without going into great detail, the ideas on display just slay me. The reason behind the caskets being there is so logical and well thought-out that you can't help but wonder if Ellis knows something we don't.

My only problem was the ending. It just ends. Just like that. Out of nowhere. Poof! It was like watching an episode of Star Trek:The Next Generation. You know what I mean. They spend the whole episode dealing with whatever threat has befallen them. Then, in the last ten minutes of the show, someone is like "Oh yeah. Let's send a tachyon pulse through the reflector dish." And that's it. They shake it off and head to Rigel 5. The end. It may sound like a criticism, but I don't see it that way. I wanted MORE story, at least another issue's worth. So I looked for more Ellis.

Next up was Ministry of Space. An alternate history story that ponders what would happen if Great Britain was the first country to make it into space, Ministry was another fantastic tale. I was seeing a pattern develop: Ellis+science fiction= gold. I do have to say though, this story has the same "problem" that Ocean had, namely a very abrupt ending. What's up with that? I needed to read more.

If there are any people still reading who know Ellis' work, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that I should read Transmetropolitan. That's the book that I guess put him on the map. Well, I did read volume one a little more than a year ago. It didn't do much for me. It's an edgy book and I'm not always in the mood for edgy. I prefer the more deliberate Ellis stories to the frantic ones. Still, I'm sure I'll go back to it one day. In the meantime, I needed to find more books.

Since I wasn't really looking for superhero stuff, the books were getting harder to come by. I eventually got Black Summer. It's a superhero book, but not Marvel or DC. This was another edgy book, very dark and violent. It wasn't a bad story, but I was craving more science fiction and a deconstruction of superheroes wasn't cutting it. I will say that this story's ending wasn't as jarring. It felt right.

I started getting frustrated looking for more and turned to Amazon.com. I try not to do a lot of online shopping as it is just too convenient and easy to get carried away, but I needed more. I got two more gems: Global Frequency and Orbiter. I'll tale them in order.

Global Frequency is about a semi-secret civilian organization comprised of 1001 members, each of whom has a different specialty. They might be an athlete or a soldier or a scientist. Led by Miranda Zero, they take care of problems that government or the police either can't or won't deal with. This story is responsible for introducing me to the totally insane idea of kinetic harpoons. Check the link. Think about how crazy that sounds and then think that somewhere, someone is actually trying to make these fucking things. That's some serious mad scientist kind of shit.

That leaves us with Orbiter. Aaaaah, Orbiter. In this story, manned space flight ends when a space shuttle disappears without a trace. Ten years later it returns, covered in skin and with only one member of the crew remaining, alive and seemingly insane. A group of experts is assembled to piece together what happened and the story just gets deeper and deeper. This is my favorite of all of the Ellis books I read.

It hits all of the right notes. It's a space story with a solid, but not totally far-fetched scientific base. The characters all fit and there's a sense of wonder around the story. I got it just five days ago and have already read it three times over. The ending is a little sudden, but when the body of the story is this involving that almost seems like nitpicking.

I know Mr. Ellis has a number of ongoing books on the stands, mostly for Avatar. I'm trade waiting those. I'm also waiting for him to get moving with Newuniversal. It's been forever since the last issue!! I'm always looking for more and would love suggestions from anyone who is still reading this. So?

Is This The End?

Wow.It's been a little shy of a month now since my last post.Honestly, I find that I have little ambition to write.Even when I have something to write about I opt not to.I don't have time anymore.When I do have some free time, I don't want to spend it at a computer.

I can't say that I won't post again, but it's not something I'm thinking about doing.So...goodbye for now.I'm going out with a sputter and a pop.

Great Animation

I found this video somewhat by accident.I can't describe it.It's, well, it's creative.Creative in a good way.I would tell you to watch the whole thing.I think you'll find though that once you start watching, making it to the end won't be a problem.This kind of off-the-wall stuff is always cool.

Enjoy.(Video posts are fun because they're easy.Trust me though.This shit is cool.)

Nice Day

One thing I like to do in my spare time is cook.I like to think that I'm pretty good at it, but the only other person who eats my cooking is my fiancee.So, I'm never really sure if I'm really doing a good job or just making things that we both happen to like.

Recently, a friend of mine at work planted in my head the idea to make lemon meringue pie.I decided to give it a go and made one.This time, I brought one of my slices to work to give the friend.She loved it and has actually been talking it up.I decided to make one for a bake sale today.Well, I really made two, but one was bought outright.

Long story short, I brought it in to rave reviews.

"Delicious.Not too sweet."

"You really have talent."

"...to die for."

It may be a bit shallow, and fuck it all if it is, but it really gave me great pleasure knowing people were digging it.I worked hard and made those suckers completely from scratch.The smiles felt nice.The "...to die for" comment made my day.

I really do like to cook, especialy baking, because food is something everybody can appreciate.Of all of the three billion things I attempt to do and of all of the one hundred hobbies that I attempt to maintain(all at the same time) and rarely master, cooking gives me the most personal satisfaction.I don't even get pissed at the mistakes I make because I know it's something I won't do again.Hell, a few weeks ago I lost about $8 in white chocolate because I didn't know not to add water to melted chocolate.(It "seizes", which means it develops the consistency of thick, cold cake frosting and it can't be rescued without fucking up the taste of it.)

Before the lemon meringue, I made marshmallows.Fucking homemade marshmallows!!I made a batch of dark chocolate mint, one of chocolate covered Oreo cookie, and one of lemon and white chocolate.I don't know which was more fun.That's what it's about.I put on some tunes and I get to work.If the recipe is complicated, all the better.If it takes three hours to make, no problem.

I even thought for a time that I would pay off my credit card bills and use the money saved to go to culinary school.Then I realized that I hate high pressure work environments and I would end up resenting a job I thought I would love to do.So I'm keeping it a hobby, only now I'll feel more comfortable sharing it.

A Few Thoughts on Fables Vol10:The Good Prince

Fables is one of my favorite comics.I love the concept and the reinventions of the characters.I started reading it last year, starting with the first TPB.I only read it in trade paperback form, just because I think it works well in that format.This past Wednesday, the tenth trade was released.It's the story of Flycatcher, also known as Ambrose, and his adventure getting back to the Homelands to reclaim his kingdom and take on the Adversary.

In waiting for this volume to come out, I would glance at reviews.I saw a lot of mediocre ones.No one hated the story, but no one seemed to love it either.Too long, not up to past standards.After reading the whole thing last night I would have to say that those people are nuts.Though it is possible it is the "I just read it" factor at work, but this was one of my favorite arcs so far.It might even be my favorite of all.

I haven't done a list in a while.I think I'm going to rattle off what I liked about this story.

1)I know it's more in vogue to like the anti-hero or darker characters, but I am truly a sucker for the heroic, purely good characters.Ambrose defeats wave after wave of the Adversary's armies without spilling one drop of blood.He shows kindness, compassion, and respect to friends, as well as enemies, and his armies swell in number as a result.I found that inspiring.Even when Boy Blue shows up and offers a stockpile of modern weapons, Ambrose holds to his non-violent revolution and refuses them.

2)It was good to see Bluebeard again.He, along with Jack, provided a certain amount of inner tension to the Fable community that provided for some good stories.I was always totally shocked when he was killed off...and didn't come back.Maybe he was a distraction to where the creators wanted to take the story.I missed him.He shows his true, scheming colors again here.For a short time I though he was going to abandon his treacherous ways and stand beside Ambrose.Instead, he aligned himself with Shere Khan and got himself killed again.Cool death though.

3)I still think that Snow and Bigby's cubs are cute.I think the difference here is the number of them.One precocious kid could get annoying, but give him/her five(or six) more to play off of and the dynamic changes.It was good to see Ghost introduced to them.That character has been something of a sad one so far.Hopefully, with his brothers and sisters with him, that can change.

4)The ghost army is fucking awesome.That was the best sequence in the whole series.Mark Buckingham deserves a raise after that.

5) So was the scene with Grinder emerging from the waterfall.Absolutely a "holy shit" moment.

6)Fabletown is on the ball.The Adversary and his minions don't seem nearly so intimidating now.I'm not sure if this will hurt the story though as Fabletown doesn't seem quite the underdog anymore.The Adversary needs to strike a harsh blow to the Fables to build the threat back up.They haven't had a threatening moment since the wooden soldier invasion.

7)This book FINALLY places Jack Of Fables and some of the stories from 1001 Nights Of Snowfall in the timeline.I always wondered where they fit and how they would be worked in.I'm normally not a continuity fan.I don't find it works very well, at least not for the big two, simply because there are too many titles with too many stories to try to fit together.There are always gaps and inconsistencies for overzealous fanboys and fangirls to irritatingly pick at.For a singular title though, it works just fine.

Fables never disappoints me.This was their epic story and it totally changes the status quo.I can't wait for the next trade to see where they take this.

What Do You Get When You Mix Cats And Your Long Boxes?

Here are the culprits:

They look so peaceful, don't they?How could those sweet napping kitties ever be anything other than perfect little angels?Well...we introduce cardboard into the equation.My cats love cardboard.

This damage was on both of the exposed long boxes.It only took a matter of months to get like this.

Do you see all of those little scraps of cardboard in the box without the cover?I'm still finding those things 3 months later.

They actually clawed their way all the way through the box.

To stop this from going on I had to duct tape the tops of my long boxes.

I did that to both of the exposed ones.For some reason the cats won't sit on the duct tape.To be honest, I don't really care why.All I know is that my boxes aren't being ripped to shreds anymore.

I Changed My Mind

I was writing this long post about negativity on the internet and where I think it comes from when, after over an hour of typing, I realized that I wasn't into it anymore.So I deleted the whole thing rather than post a long, rambling essay that said nothing I haven't already said a dozen times before here.

There would probably be fewer pointless flame wars on the internet if people would just think before typing and read before posting as opposed to just running off at the mouth and sending it out for the whole world to read.

So I Tried To Read Manga

I'm a comic book fan.I'm a good one.I don't nitpick.I read what I enjoy and I enjoy what I read.I have a voracious appetite for it and am always on the hunt for new things to dig into.This unending search has led me to discover some fantastic stuff, such as The Walking Dead. It has also led me to some not-so-great books.I hate to name names, but let's just say that War Of The Undead won't be getting too many recommendations from me.Meh.Whatever.

It is this willingness to try new, non-superhero books that led me to manga.I've always eyed manga, as it is always seemingly eating away the shelf space that "regular" graphic novels in the bookstores used to occupy.I never actually bought one though because the art is such a turnoff to me.I'll read the back cover and the premise of the story will seem really sweet, but then I see the squat, superdeformed characters on the front with their huge eyes and spiky hair and the book goes right back on the shelf.Even the mature ones look like kiddie books to me.

Anyway, one day I was at the bookstore looking for a new thing to read and I was realizing that there was nothing I wanted to read in the graphic novel section. So, once more, I ventured over to the next rack and started thumbing through the manga.I eventually settled on a Vampire Hunter D book.I had watched the anime and really enjoyed it so I figured that I could get into this.

It was my first experience reading manga in its proper form, that is to say in its right-to-left, back-to-front set-up.My first read-through was a disaster.It's surprisingly hard to read through a book backwards after 35 years of doing it the regular way.Lots to unlearn.I realized that any opinion formed during that reading would be misinformed, so I tried again.The second time through I had a much easier time and somewhat enjoyed the story.The art was minimally offensive to me, though it did become something of a jumbled mess of lines during the action scenes.I often had to check the action sequences four or five times to figure out exactly what happenned.As for the story itself...It was OK.I like vampires and the story didn't have too much down time.

It was good enough though for me to want to give manga another try.I started researching genres I enjoy and found titles to watch for.When I would go to the bookstores though, none of the titles I was looking for would be there.I have a slight aversion to ordering things online, because I don't want to wait for them.These two factors were going to make my manga search a bit more difficult than I had hoped for.

Eventually, I decided that I was going to do what I do with music and , to an extent, with comics:I was just going to take a chance on something that seemed like it MIGHT be interesting.I settled on a book called Wolf's Rain, which is based on a anime that I've never seen.It seemed cool.It had wolves disguising themselves as humans and the art wasn't too kiddyish.I bought both volumes so I could take in the whole story.

I opened volume one up, ready to love every page.It started well too.Wolves had been though to be extinct for nearly 200 years.As it turned out, there were still some left, and they had some sort of supernatural powers which had enabled them to assume a human guise.A group of four of these secret wolves formed together to look for "paradise", which was some sort of sanctuary for wolves.Then the story detoured into anime weirdville.

Between video games, cartoons, and toys I've consumed a lot of Japanese culture( understanding that a portion of this is an americanized version).That said, there are certain recurring elements that have always bothered me.Why are a majority of the protagonists teenagers?What's with the focus on magic crystals and other similar shit?Why does it seem like there always a meek, fragile woman, hiding great power or potential, who needs to be guarded?She always dies too(way to go with the protecting), but her death brings with it great hope and often even touches the villains heart.And who's that irritating 8-year old who always seems to be tagging along?

Getting off of my tangent and back to the book, anime cliches once more reared their ugly head and ruined a story with great potential.I would have loved the book if it was just about a pack of wolves, braving a hostile world that thinks them extinct and searching for a sanctuary where they can be with their own kind and at peace.Instead we're introduced to some "flower maiden" crap.She is, you guessed it, a damsel-in-distress with special powers.And...wait for it... she dies at the end!!!!UUUGGGGHHHH!!!!!Pointless bullshit.I mourn my lost $20.

I'm not totally giving up on manga, but I'm also not going to just buy any book off the shelf anymore.I want a mature title, with grown-up characters.It can be comedy, action, horror, whatever.I don't want to read a zombie book only to find out that the only way to stop the zombies is to get the ghost princess to the crystal castle.I don't want to read Naruto either.

Suggestions???

Catching Up

Things have been pretty hectic recently.I'm at a point where it seems that I'm busy every day of the week.It hasn't left much time for my poor, neglected blog here.I though I'd shoot off a few random points to update people on what is going on.

1)It's been two weeks and I'm still going to the gym.This impresses me because I have to wake up at about 6:30 AM to get to the gym rather than sleep in.

I also have to sit in some morning commute traffic to go there.Traffic where I live is really crappy.All traffic heads east in the morning and west at night.It's insane to see one side of the highway backed up for a few miles and the other with only a handful of cars.If there's an accident then you are jolly well fucked.It's all a part of living this close to New York City.

2)I went to see Iron Man this weekend.It was probably one of my favorite superhero movies so far, and I'm not even that big a fan of Iron Man.I'm not going to sit here and review the movie, but if you're just looking for a good time and love action movies, then this is for you.Also stay around after the credits as there is a bonus scene that's fairly significant.

3)Brooke White was voted off American Idol last week.(I'm not completely embarrassed to admit I watch it.The singing may suck, but the premise is entertaining enough.Screw the haters.)She wasn't really a typical Idol contestant, as she was more singer-songwriter than powerhouse diva-wannabe.I think that ended up holding her back, as some of the theme weeks seemed to be designed for bigger voices.Speaking of which, those theme weeks really suck hard.Andrew Lloyd Webber week?My god, I've never wanted to jab the inside of ears out with a sharp, point stick more than I did that week.My musical soul still feels dirty after hearing Idol contestants sing showtunes.

Anyway, back on topic, the reason this even rates mention is because I have an ever-so-rare celebrity crush on Ms. White.I usually don't care because, well, what's the point?In this case though, she hit some of the right buttons.I'm a sucker for a woman with musical talent and ability.When you add in her pleasant personality, gorgeous blond hair and those eyes...I couldn't even fight it.I'd post a pciture, but that would require effort, which I don't feel like putting forth.

4)Looking at these topics so far, I'd have to say that my life is even more boring than I thought it was.Either that, or I'm just not as into this post as I though I would be.

5)I haven't been hiking in about a month.The only day I really have to go is Sunday and my Sundays have either been busy or it has rained.I really want to go back to Lusscroft Farm to try to find the plane wreck and go into more abandoned buildings.I'd also like to go to the PA side of the Delaware Water Gap this year.

6)Every time I sing up on an internet forum, I always post only about a dozen times before quitting.I get disgusted at the attitudes I see there.I get disgusted at the crappy attitudes I see.Do people have to stir up shit and cause trouble on EVERY SINGLE MESSAGE BOARD AND COMMENT SECTION ON THE WHOLE FRIGGIN INTERNET???I really don't think the internet is a good place to attempt to have a normal conversation.You can't hear the tone of people's voices or pick up on any visual clues to give you an idea as to a person's mood.All you can do is add an emoticon, which means nothing.My guess is that lack of practical information garbles signals a lot, and misunderstandings occur.People are also a lot braver in spouting off when they are behind a computer screen with an assumed name.Even if you use your real name, as I do, it doesn't matter.It's not like anyone is going to show up on my doorstep because I said that I didn't like their favorite band on a message board.

I call the bravery people feel while on the internet "internet muscles".I Googled it and no one had claimed it yet, so I am doing so right now.I created the term "internet muscles".My official definition is :Any display of bravado displayed on the internet by a person who wouldn't speak in such a way in a face-to-face conversation.It's my word now.E-mail me and I'll send you a billing address to send royalties.

7)That's it.This was a very long post that said very little.

So...Working Out

Since I decided about a month ago that I was going to dedicate myself to getting in better shape to wrestle, I've been trying to decide what the best way to go about that is.Last week was my chance to get started.If you've never exercised a day in your life, getting motivated to begin is a motherfucker.

My first thought was to go running a few days a week.There are some reasonably private and flat trails a mile or so from my apartment, so last week I decided to run them.I was somewhat dismayed to learn that I can't run too far without running out of breath.According to my pedometer, which at $4.99 probably isn't the most accurate one I can own, my best distance without stopping was .44 miles.On average though, I can go about 1/4 mile before stopping.

My second goal was to join a gym so I can really work out.A friend at work told me about the local YMCA and it sounded good.This past Thursday I went and signed up for 6 months.I really can't afford it, but I knew if I didn't sign up right then and there that I would never go back and would probably not start working out.That would make half of the reason I am taking six months off to train totally pointless.

I went for the first time Sunday and was a bit intimidated.I've never worked out before and I really don't know what to do.It's not in my peronality to ask a stranger there either.I decided to play it safe and go to the cardio room to ride an exercycle.What else I found in there was as if it was meant to be.In the back of the cardio room were 12 "lifestation" workout stations, each one with very specific instructions on how to use it and also with each one woking a different muscle group. I have to admit, I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would.

So between yesterday and this morning, which was my second visit, I came up with a plan.First, I will warm up with 15 minutes on one of the cross-country skiing machines.(At least that's what I think it is.After that I will do the whole 12 station circuit, doing 2 sets at each station and going back and doing a third on some if the machine I want is being used.Finally, I will cool down by riding one mile on a cycle.This way, I get some cardio in and I am working out my whole body.

My goal is to go 4 days a week(early morning, before work) and maybe on Sunday if I don't go hiking.I can definetely feel it in my shoulders and chest.I'm trying to make this part of my routine.I know if I stop for any long amount of time or start making excuses to not go, then I will be wasting my money and time.I have a tendency to lose interest in things over time and flake off, as the increasing amount of time between posts on this blog proves.Once more, let's hope this isn't one of those times as this is something that is actually GOOD for me and not just a way to kill time.

I'm Really Lazy

I noticed that it has been a while since I updated this blog(as if anyone cares).I've been pretty busy.There has been an interesting, new development in my life that has put me in a place I never expected to find myself in.I just can't talk about it here.Some things are better kept in secret.I do have some stuff to write about, but I'm going to wait a few more days.

Cooper's Mill Park Hike

I actually went here about 3 weeks ago, but have been too busy to post the pictures yet.I found this place while driving around looking for someplace new to eat.The hike itself was nothing that intense, but there are a few things of note to check out.

At the entrance, there is a historic building with a water wheel.I believe it was used as a mill at one point.I was not able to get into the building, but the water wheel was kinda neat to see.

The path goes in two directions.One way starts with a tunnel that goes directly under route 206.

I wasn't overly fond of this end of the trail as it runs right alongside a lot of homes and it takes away from the "get away from it all" vibe that I enjoy when hiking.The only thing really worth mentioning on this side is right when you leave the tunnel.This was about as close as I could get to it.It's actually pretty big.

The other side of the trails were honestly nothing special.It was a nice afternoon stroll, but presented nothing in terms of a challege.I did find the ruins of an old bridge alongside the trail.

Eventually I came across a long cyclone fence with signs saying that there were mines behind it.That's more like it.I walked along the entire perimeter of the fence looking for a break to crawl through and finally found a section where some folks had built up a stone pile and pulled the fence down.

I was a little hesitant about climbing the fence as this area was clearly visible from the road and I did not feel like getting pinched for trespassing.( I don't recommend tresspassing.Don't do as I do.)The lure of the mines though was too much to resist.The mines were of the hole in the ground variety.Most just opened up into deep pits.

After seeing a few of these I was even more unsure.I was afraid that I'd step on what looked like a leaf pile, but would really be covering some 100 foot deep pit.I decided to leave, but not before I snapped another shot of the only mine I saw that looked like you could enter it.

I didn't go in because, once more, I was alone and would have been jolly well fucked if I fell in or something collapsed.I finished my hike, turned around, and went back to the parking lot.There were quite a few other trails, but I didn't go on them because it was too late in the day and they were 5+ miles one way.

Overall, it was an OK hike.The bulk of the trail really was too close to houses and the highway and I like my hikes to be a bit more secluded.It's an easy afternoon though and most of the trail also follows a river, which is always nice.

When It's Time To Change...

Have you ever realized that the approach you've taken to life, though it has kept you safe and secure, has also held you back?That was the thought that was slowly entering into my head as I was driving into work one day last year.I was still a cable technician at the time and driving 35 miles, one way, to get to work at a job I hated so much that it took all of my inner strength not to break down in the parking lot when I got there.

So one day I was driving in and thinking "Why the hell am I doing a job that makes me so miserable?"I never even tried to hide it.I was mopey, melancholy, lethargic, and it was affecting my job performance in a negative way.I had ZERO enthusiasm and was in danger of using up all of my sick and personal time in the first 3 months of the year just so I could have "mental health days".Something had to change and I finally reached the point where I was so miserable that I had to act.I went to my HR rep, told her I wanted out of field service, and the rest is history.

The point is that I've always tended to let problems build up around me.I have always waited for opportunity to come to me and when it didn't, or when my problems got too big for me, I just dealt with it.It always seemed so dangerously uncertain to confront my issues head-on.I figured that since I was the only one hurting, it wasn't a big deal.I would rather suffer a million times over than cause someone else discomfort.My first shrink said that I was into "self-punishment."Looking back, it might have been the only accurate judgement he made in the 6 months or so that I saw him.

Last year, after I had started in my new position, I decided that I needed to approach my job differently.I had no plans of leaving and didn't want to revert back to my miserable, jaded self one year later.Simply put, I decided to just look for positives.I decided to smile and say hello to people instead of hiding myself and hoping that someone spoke to me.Lo and be-fucking-hold, it worked.Here I am one year later and I'm still not aggravated at the job.I'm friendly with a number of people there.I talk to people...on my own.I go out of my way to help and be useful.I'm still happy.It made me think that if a new approach can work at the job, maybe it can work in my personal life.So I started to work on that.

First, I resolved some long standing issues with my family.They are a little too personal to blog about, but they were holding me back and really preoccupying my thoughts.I vented to them in a way I've never even attempted before.It worked.I brought up all of the uncomfortable topics that everyone always danced around and avoided and made my positions crystal clear.My parents and I have come to a new understanding and time will tell if things hold up.At least for now, I have a clear conscience.

Another thing I did, and just this weekend, was to amend the dissatisfaction with my wrestling "career".I've blogged about it many a time in the past, but I'll repeat it here.I got involved in pro wrestling five years ago as a manager.I figured I was too small and skinny to actually get in the ring.When I got there, I realized that there were many guys who were my size, and some were a bit smaller.Still, I held on to my belief.Then I realized that I loved the wrestling part, and that standing on the outside as a manager was just depressing me.I felt I was missing out on what makes wrestling fun to be a part of.I cut down on my show schedule and, eventually, stopped going to practices.I was dreading going to shows and only stuck around out of loyalty.

One thought in my head was to stick around until my 100th match, and then quit.Last month was my 100th match.So I steeled myself and got ready to tell my promoter/trainer that I was leaving.I figured that I'd mention wanting to wrestle, but did not expect him to be too receptive to the idea.It wasn't an easy thing to do in spite of how unhappy I was.I was still involved in something I had loved my whole life, and couldn't believe that I was a part of.And I was going to walk away from it.

So I went to his office and laid all of my thoughts out.I wasn't a dick about it.I thanked him for the opportunities that I had been given.I told him what I wished for, but also relayed my concerns about my lack of size.Eventually he asked, "What do you want to do?"I told him that I wanted to take at least six months off to train, get in better shape, buy some new gear, and get my confidence up in the ring.Once I did all of that, I told him, I wanted to start wrestling.He said OK.

What that means is I just hit a big reset button on my wrestling life.I'm starting from scratch, but this time with 5 years of accumulated knowledge.I can come back as a good guy.(Please.Oh please.)I get a new gimmick and character.I get new gear.Maybe I'll come back under a mask.The sky is the limit for me now.

That's the question I have now:What kind of character should I be?I'd prefer to be a good guy(face).I'd prefer a more lighthearted gimmick, as I'm more at ease with being a little clownish over being serious or angry.The mask idea doesn't seem so bad to me.Even though I wasn't a big deal and will be gone for at least 6 months, people still might remember who I am.There aren't many guys out there with past-the-middle-of-the-back length red hair.(I'm not cutting or dying it either.I won't even entertain the thought.)It's all very exciting.

This also means I have to start exercising and trying to develop some muscles.I have never tried to get in shape before in my life.For me, having a metabolism that keeps me forever skinny has always been enough.I'm not completely sure that I can put on muscle.It should be interesting.I'll even have a diet to follow.That's another first.

I can't wait to see how it all works out.

Crap In A Hat

I just found out that there is another blog called "My Brain Hurts".It's also on Blogger and has ben around longer than I have.Damn.I'll keep this name for now.Obviously, they either don't know about me or don't care.

I'll keep the name for now.If ever the day should come where they want it for themselves, they can have it.I'll change mine.No big deal.

I love that saying "crap in a hat".I think Chase Stein said it in Runaways , but I'd have to check.Sometimes I substitute "box" for "hat" or something equally inventive.

In other news, Brooke White is still there on American Idol. I should feel embarrassed to watch that show, but I don't.Fuck anybody who doesn't like it.Tens of millions of people watch it each week and I'm one of them.I can like one lame, totally mainstream, safe show and my world certainly isn't going to collapse.The music sucks, but the show is fun.

A Rare Political Post

I would like to start off by saying that I am not a political person.I have never voted in an election and have never registered.My views on politics are shrouded in apathy and cynicism.I firmly believe that any changes in my life, for better or worse, have been guided by my hand and the actions of those around me rather than by some stuffed suit who happens to hold office.I believe this will hold true for the rest of my life.

The race for the White House this year has been pretty entertaining, but still very typical.No one, be they democrat or republican, has convinced me to take them seriously.I mean it. I just drift off when I hear them speak.All I hear is "Blahblahblahblahblahrhetoricblahblahblahblahblahsoundbiteblahblahblahblahblahempty,easier-said-than-donepromiseblahblahblahblahblahanothersoundbite"Wash.Rinse.Repeat.You don't inspire me.I don't believe you.You're going to fix our problems?Really?Just like that?I call bullshit.You're trying to win a popularity contest and the highest office in the country is the grand prize.If you were just honest, I would respect you.If you stopped making every election an ugly, mud-slinging contest of "us v them", I would respect you.If you actually answer questions, and answer them honestly even if it's not the answer I want to hear, I would respect you.But you don't do any of these things.You haven't earned the privilege of bringing me into the process.

That said, last night my fiance and I were in bed watching The Daily Show.They started off by discussing the new NY governor's admissions, which I expected.I live in New Jersey, so this story is all over the news here.It's pretty much the only story around here.Then they switched to Barrack Obama's speech about his former minister and racism.I had not heard of this development because local news here is too busy throwing the local scandal in our faces.

They played clips from the minister's speech first.They were inflammatory, but I've heard worse.Shit.I've read worse on message boards written by the same people who are probably going to blow a fuse over this.You probably have too.I didn't feel outrage over anything except having another random sound bite being thrust out there in an attempt to stir the pot.SENSATIONALISM!!!!!!!BE ANGRY!!!!!!CAN YOU BELIEVE HE SAID THAT???OMFG!!!!!!!!!!THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!SOMEONE HAS NO FAITH IN THE SYSTEM?!!!HERETIC!!!!!

They then played clips from Obama's speech.It seemed reasoned enough that I wanted to hear the whole thing.This morning I woke up, went right to the computer, and found the whole speech on YouTube. Here it is in its entirety.










A couple of paragraphs up, I spoke of what I hear when I hear a politician speak.This speech contains none of that.What I heard in this speech is a genuine attempt to reach out and start a dialogue over one of our society's most uncomfortable topics:race and racism.Mr. Obama isn't making his usual "I'm going to pull gold coins out of my ass and give them to every person who makes less than $100k a year" speech.It isn't a "This guy is a loon and I'm cutting him off from life completely so he can't hurt my political career"speech.This is a "He fucked up, but maybe he brought something up that we should really talk about" speech.

Hearing the whole thing, I realize that any sound bites taken greatly lessen the impact of Obama's message.I take that message to be that the country has problems and we should address them instead of covering them up with bandages and hoping that they go away on their own.This speech was intelligent, reasonable, emotional, conversational, and genuine in a way that this country is not really used to hearing out of its politicians.We were not spoken down to and the issue was not sugar-coated.

It seems to me as if he knows that this controversy could derail his campaign for good and that honest discourse could help.Of course that's just my view.I have little faith in the public to see past the "sexier" issue of the candidate's former preacher screaming "goddamn America".I have little faith in the public's ability to see the message delivered in this excellent speech and think that they will just see Obama not completely shunning his lifelong friend for some emotional, probably poorly-thought out comments.

Like I said, I'm not political in the least.I'm no pundit.I'm not trying to start a debate.I'm just some dipshit with a blog.Obama's speech wasn't typical political posturing and it wasn't a cowardly backpedal out of controversy.The man knows what could, and probably will, go down in the media and the public eye as a result of this and chose to take the issue head on.I think it was brave and noble.I urge anyone to listen to the whole speech.It's little more than 1/2 hour.Obama has at least shown me that he's worth keeping an eye on at least.

Why All Of The Hate??

I just noticed that my last posting was another in an unintended series of posts that treats the comic fan community like someone who scorned me.I wondered" Why did I return to that topic?Why even bring it up?"I think it's because some of those people are scary as hell.Not all. Some I enjoy enough to even comb through their blog archives.But the ones that are really...mmm...I don't know...Don't want to sound too nasty here...hmmmmmmmmm...intense?Yeah.The "intense" ones just make me marvel at the sheer volume of emotion that one can possess over a comic book.

I'm sure a lot of the shouting is internet bravado, but it astonishing.The whole kerfluffle(Love that word.Kerfluffle.)over the Spider-man OMD/BND reboot was incredibly entertaining.My recurring fascination with this topic is my commentary on that "scene".

This is a group of people who will purposely buy books that they don't like and expect failure from, all with the attitude that their creators should modify the book to suit their specific whims.It's "You had better change these books or...we're going to keep buying them anyway and complain about them on the internet."I know most of them would say that they buy books they like, but you wouldn't know it from reading many of the blogs and message boards.And every time it crosses my mind, it just makes me want to say "Relax.You can be pissed.But all the time?It's OK to say you like something too.Maybe you'll turn some people on to something GOOD."

I always wonder if these "intense" fans who shout so loudly on the internet are that outspoken and passionate in person.I wonder if they are that obsessed and passionate about anything else in their lives, like hamburgers, or roller coasters, or the Beatles?How extreme does someone have to be to make their eyes roll?

That's enough complaining.I'm going to give the ball a push in the right direction and say that I've been loving the last few issues of Thor.They're introducing this "culture clash" element into the book between the Asgardians and their small town, Oklahoman neighbors.The last issue was actually pretty funny with a well placed poop joke that didn't even feel forced.This book has become one of my current favorites as far as monthly comics go.

That wasn't hard at all.

The Blog Experience So Far

Last summer I had a revelation.Well, it wasn't so much a revelation as it was me discovering something that should have been blatantly obvious.I was a little more than a year into my return to reading comics and a month or two into a new job that allowed me internet access when I realized that there were people online that liked to talk about comics!!!OMFG!!!Why didn't I think of that before?

I started out on Marvel Comics' website forums.After about 100 posts and 10000 times rolling my eyes at overly-picky fanboy comments I grew tired of that.It was about the time that the second Fantastic Four movie came out and there were about 30 topics at any one time created with the sole purpose of bitching about how movie Galactus was not 616 Galactus.(Wank, wank, wank)

I then found Newsarama, which covers more of the industry and is a usually entertaining website that I still frequent during my down time.I never really got into the forums there.I created a screen name and posted about a dozen times, but the fans there seemed even more anal to me.I'm not a continuity nitpicker and I don't complain about out-of-character moments.(Unless it's something truly ridiculous, like Captain America smoking a big, fat joint.Even then I could accept it if the story was some sort of "What If?" thing.)So my involvement there was short-lived as well.

Through Newsarama I found When Fangirls Attack, which is a "linkblog" where they discuss comics from a feminist point of view.It's an interesting site in that you get to see topics discussed that don't typically come up in fannish conversations.Everyone seemed to be having so much fun there, even when they were fighting each other, that I got a case of blog envy.So, after one or two false starts, I started up this blog.

My initial intention was for this to be a big dumping ground for all of the stray thoughts and ideas that make their way through my head over the course of a day.Thanks to my focused reading of comic blogs though, it quickly became a place for me to talk about comics.I got linked at WFA a few times and that was pretty neat.My blog got some extra hits it would not have ordinarily received but I really didn't make much of a splash.

My attempts to get linked and involved there were doomed to failure though.I couldn't really get behind any of the "outrages", mostly because I'm not someone who looks to be offended.It's only comics.If I don't like something, I put it down and leave it to the people who want to read it.I did like to read about everyone else's outrage.

Eventually it got to the point where reading about how pissed everyone was was ruining my own enjoyment of the books.It was just such a downer.So I pretty much stopped writing about comics altogether and tried to focus on writing about little odds and ends.That sucked too and I got very apathetic about writing.

Recently, I started stepping up the amount of hiking I do and started taking more pictures.This has worked out the best so far.The focus is on the photots and the posts pretty much write themselves.The only problem is that I don't go as often as I would like to so my posts now are pretty spread out.I can live with that.It allows me to focus my free time more on things like my piano practicing, which has fallen into some admitted negligence.

So...what's the point of this long, rambling essay?What is the moral of this seemingly pointless story?

1)Comic book fans need to calm down.I get it.You're upset that your favorite comic isn't going in the exact direction that YOU PERSONALLY would like it to go.let go of your anger.Move on to a different comic.It's OK.You won't miss much.The way decompression works you could skip 6 months and only miss one storyline.

2)I suck at critical writing.I have no interest in looking for hidden context to further my own agenda, whatever that may be.Call me simple, but I just want to enjoy a story without worrying if the writer is subconciously insulting me.

3)This project, like the hundreds of others before it, is doomed to die of neglect.

4) The internet is a wonderful thing.Only here can a dozen people writing on their blogs magically multiply and become "everyone".Aaaahhh technology.

Guilty Pleasure

One thing that people might not guess by looking at me is that I'm actually a fan of American Idol.My fiance kinda started watching it a few seasons ago(the one with Taylor Hicks) and I got pulled into it.It's entertaining to me in that it's fun to analyze the performances and try to figure out who's doing good and who's going to get booted.

I have yet to find anyone though who made me want to own their album.The show makes the "rockers" look bad(like they're doing karaoke.Rock music is meant to be played with a band.The house band doesn't count.) and I have zero interest in the solo singers.They're just not my thing.

I'm also not the type to fawn over a celebrity.Sure, there are a lot of talented and beautiful people out there in TV and movie-land, but I really don't see the point in putting any of them on a pedestal.They really have no impact on my life.

So, of course, all of this introduction has a point.I found myself more than a little shocked to find myself completely smitten with one of this season's contestants:Brooke White.

Beautiful eyes and smile.Great hair.Great personality(or so TV makes it seem.My inner cynic is still there.)I told my fiance about this and now she teases me by refering to her as my "girlfriend".

In spite of being the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, she has actually managed to impress me musically.I love that she has come out playing the piano and, during last night's show, the guitar(And both were played well.)She's been consistent and always seems to pick appropriate songs.She has a good voice and genuinely seems to love performing.

I'm not sure if she'll win because she's not that flashy and isn't the diva-ish talent that the show seems to love to push.But needless to say, after three seasons, I finally have a contestant I think is worthy of rooting for.We even voted for her a couple of times yesterday(She's also my fiance's early favorite.)

So...Go Brooke!!!You've converted at least two people.One way or another, we'll vote for you every week.Oh yeah, you were the only good performance last night.You were also the only one the judges all liked.

Lusscroft Farm Hike(Kinda) and Outlook Lodge

Once more this weekend, I got out to hike with Darrell.This time we went out to Sussex and the Lusscroft Farm trails.This place is in the middle of fucking nowhere.This is the kind of place where alien abductions would happen.This is the kind of place that might have Bigfoot sightings.It was scenic, peaceful, and you had a great panoramic vista even at street level.So, naturally, I forgot to bring my camera.

The hike itself was pretty rough.There had been a snowstorm on Wednesday that left about 3 or 4 inches, but then it had warmed up a bit and rained and things mostly melted...everywhere but here.The whole trail was covered in snow and ice.We needed walking sticks to pull ourselves up the icy hills and we were surprisingly accident-free.

The highlight of the hike was within the first mile.That was the abandoned Outlook Lodge.Luckily, Darrell brought his camera and took some pictures.So, to give proper credit, any picture you see here is one taken by him and not me.

The outside of the Lodge had several stone carvings.You can see the biggest one in the picture above, but here it is closer up, with me standing next to it.

There was a fish carved into the chimney and there is a small bird on the right side of the above picture.That I was able to enlarge.

There was also a carving of a face on the side of the building.

The inside looked like...an abandoned building.

There were old mattresses everywhere.The stairs and floor were quite sturdy and you could walk around the whole place.

One surprise was finding some very fancy woodcarving downstairs.

There was a plaque at the peak of one roof giving a date and some initials.Thanks to the Lusscroft Farm website, I can guess that the J.T. is probably James Turner, who was a founder of the farm.

He did manage to take one or two other pictures besides the lodge.The first is a building we found about 1/2 mile from the lodge.We weren't completely sure what it was, but it was locked tight and the door had once said something about a spring.

The lock had obviously been beaten to shit by god knows how many people, but it was still holding.I thought that spoke very well of Masterlock.

The second picture was taken under a tree, where either some sap or some water colored by the tree had dripped down and frozen over some twigs, making a neat, accidental little sculpture.

I will most definetely be back here when everything melts.We could have covered a lot more ground if we didn't have to inch our way up every incline to avoid falling on our asses.There's also supposed to be a plane wreck up here, but we did not find it.It may have been buried in the snow.We also only hit about half of the trails.Next time...

Two Good Things

I haven't been writing much, and when I have it has just been a reason to post pictures of my recent hiking trips.Truth is, life has pretty much just been going on without much added excitement.I mean getting engaged is exciting, but it doesn't exactly put a sparkling finish on the day-to-day grind.

Anyhow, I figured I'd just share a few things interested in recently.Not very exciting, I know.It really is just an excuse to write something.

1)Epica -This could almost be considered a guilty pleasure.Epica is a symphonic metal band, although they are sometimes lumped in with groups like Lacuna Coil and Evanesence.This is probably because they have a female singer and instruments other than guitar, bass, and drums.The band's music is generally a bit "grand".If choirs, strings and woodwinds aren't your thing then you might want to just skip this band.Simone Simons provides most of the vocals.I am in love with her voice.(She's also gorgeous, but that really has nothing to do with the music.)It lends an air of class that helps some of the band's more grandiose moments escape becoming overblown.

They also have a darker, more black metalish side.This half of the vocal duties is handled by guitarist Mark Jansen.Let me tell you something, when Epica decides to rock, they put their peers to shame.They may get lumped in with Lacuna Coil and similar groups, but L.C. only wish they could get so heavy.

My favorite song is "Cry For The Moon", from the first album, The Phantom Agony. I could listen to that song all day and never get tired of it.

2)Strangers In Paradise :I had always heard good things about this comic, but just never bothered to pick it up.A conversation with the owner of my LCS inspired me to pick up the first trade and I've been hooked ever since.I have gotten completely wrapped up in the lives of Francine, Katchoo, David, Tambi, Casey, Freddie Femur, and the rest.I don't think any comic has ever made me laugh out loud as much as this one has.My favorite scene so far is from the second trade, when Francine decides to make a "milkshake".The visit from Francine's mother isn't too shabby either.

I also can't remember feeling so personally involved in the antics of fiction characters.Starting at about the 7th trade, Francine and Katchoo start to have some major falling outs.I find that whenever this happens, I get really upset and am in a bad mood.And Terry Moore just seems to LOOOVVEEE to play with your emotions in this book.I've had to take five or ten minutes after reading the last few trades to just let the events sink in so I could adjust.

I have last finished the 13th trade.There are only 6 more to go.I don't want it to end.I know the actual series has ended by now, but I've managed to avoid any spoilers.I hope it has a happy ending.These characters go through too much hell to not give tham a break in the end.

It's getting late and I'm tired.I think two things is enough for tonight.Hopefully I'll post again sooner rather than later.

Busy Day Part III:100 Steps

(This is it, I promise.)

As I was wandering around Pyramid Mountain as studying the trail map, I noticed that on the other side of the road from the parking lot was a trail marked "100 Steps" that also had stone ruins along it.I remember reading about the trail on some hiking website whose name escapes me right now.

The reason the trail is called "100 Steps" is because, after winding around a short trial alongside some warehouses, the first hill is ascended by means of a lot of stone steps.I wasn't counting, so I'm not sure if there's exactly 100.My official guess is that is seemed like a lot.

This isn't the whole staircase.It disappears up into the woods and around the bend.Climbing those stairs was just what I needed to completely tire me out after a long day of hiking.Still, I wanted to see those ruins.

At the top of the 100 steps the trail ran alongide some power lines.Soon enough I was at the sight of the first ruin, a stone house built into the side of a small hill.

This one was out in the open and quite easy to find.The second ruin was a couple hundred feet into the woods.

The second , as you can see, was slightly less intact.All that was left was the chimney and the foundation.Still, I wonder who lived out here on the mountain.The houses weren't very big, so I doubt they were rich.I guess that's something for me to research.

I took one last moment to take in the view, which was pretty nice.I could see a reservoir from there.

I left on a different trail because there was a limestone quarry there.Of course, I forgot to take a picture.That means I took my tired, sore ass about an extra mile or so to get back to my car and go home.The trail back was no much to look at, but I imagine it would be quite pretty once the leaves come back.

All in all, it was a busy, worthwhile day.I left a few places unexplored so a second trip is sure to be upcoming.I must've walked at least 6 or 7 miles over the course of 5 hours, including time driving from the falls to Pyramid Mountain.I need to rest.

Busy Day Part II:Pyramid Mountain

(Note:I am splitting my day up into parts.It's easier this way.Trust me.)

After leaving Boonton Falls, I decided to head up to Pyramid Mountain.It is located in Montville, which is one town and five minutes away.I came up with the thought to go there because it was featured in the Weird NJ book.

The lot was quite full, but I expected that.There were plenty of trail maps available there.The trail started off pretty flat and running along some power lines.As soon as the trail hit the woods, I took off on the more difficult trail.It got steep quick as I was at the bottom of Pyramid Mountain.



Then it got harder.

Honestly, the tough part did go by pretty quick.On the trip up I stopped at Bear Rock, which is one of New Jersey's largest individual boulders.

It had to be at least 15 feet tall.It was pretty impressive, for a rock.The land was also very swampy.Bear Rock was actually on the edge of one of the bigger ones.It's name, appropriately enough, is Bear Swamp.

Finally, I made it to the top and the reason I came here in the first place:Tripod Rock.

Tripod Rock is considered to be a glacial erratic.For those not willing to follow the link, a glacial erratic is a rock that was deposited somewhere unusual by a ...wait for it...a glacier.This one, as you can see is being balanced by three small stones.The space underneath is high enough to crawl under.Not that I advocate crawling underneath it, but if 10000 years of weather and erosion haven't toppled it, I doubt any of us will either.

There were other erratics in the area as well, though these were much smaller.

It was tough to get a good view up there as there were many trees, but when I found a clearing it was pretty rewarding.

I came down the side of the mountain on the yellow trail, which I have to remember to use to go up next time I come here, as it was a lot of fun.The whole trip only took me about 1 1/2 hours.I had enough time to check out one more trail, which will be shown in part III of my ever-so-thrilling adventures.

Busy Day Part I:Boonton Falls

On Saturday, I went over to Boonton and Montville to check out some of the sights.I had worked in those places probably about 150 times and never knew any of the things I found were even there.

My first stop was Boonton Falls, which is located behind Main St.There weren't many places to walk, but the scenery was nice.Waterfalls are always interesting to see.There are actually two here, but the first just goes over a dam.I'm not sure that counts.

Those aren't the real falls.This is the real falls.

If you stick to the small trail, you can't get too close to the falls.You have to cross the Rockaway River and follow the edge of it and you can get right up close to it.I took this pic from about 3 feet away.

There are a few other things to see.At the end of the trail there is a stone circle and some train tracks.The circle, after doing some research, was part of the railroad system.

I crossed the river at these tracks, which provide you with a nice enough view to make you forget that you are just 100 feet from a busy main street.

There wasn't much else to see.There were these four tunnels, none of which went deeper than 20 feet.

And finally, there was this huge rock, which you can climb to the top of with a little effort.

And that is Boonton Falls.It's not much of a hike, but would be a nice place to go for a picnic.The one thing I didn't take a picture of was some trash floating at the base of the falls.Booooo people.Shame on you for polluting this place with your crap.

It's Still Going On

A little over a month ago, some She-Hulk fan site linked to me as a bit of a goof.Since then, the post they linked to has gotten about 3/4 of the total hits of any post here.Also, the number one search term people use to find me is "She Hulk Boobs".

I am the #1 Google entry for "She Hulk Boobs."

That is so funny.

Speaking of She-Hulk, I bought the first five issues of John Byrne's run from Midtown Comics.They aren't collected anywhere that I know of and I was interested because I had heard that the book was pretty funny.They were right.The book was funny and the fourth wall stuff was pretty clever.I think I was expecting a Deadpool-esque tactic of addressing the reader and talking about caption boxes.Instead, she not only spoke to the reader, but to Mr. Byrne as well.She also tore through individual pages and walked across ads as part of the story.

The other thing I liked was the idea to use D-list villains.I had never seen Dr. Bong before.My life is much richer now.

As for Peter David's new run?I'm OK with it.I think some ideas, such as having the Absorbing Man accidentally absorb the properties of Legoes, was funny as hell.I do miss the law firm though.The first two Dan Slott She-Hulk trades are all kinds of awesome.I'd easily put at least vol 1( Single Green Female ) in my top 10 favorites.

Ramapo State Forest/Van Slyke Castle Hike

This past weekend, Darrell and I headed out to Ramapo State Forest in Ringwood,NJ for our hiking fix.For a cold, winter day the lot was actually packed.The trails themselves vary greatly in difficulty.The main trails, around Ramapo lake, are fairly flat and easy to navigate.The view at lakeside is great and I can see why it seems to be so popular.

As the trails start to head into the woods, the elvation rises, but the trails still manage to remain pretty low-impact.You are treated to some fantastic views.Here is two of Ramapo lake again, but from halfway up the mountain, and then from the top.

Our ultimate goal this time was to head up to the ruins of Van Slyke Castle (history and details are in the link.)We chose the least direct route to get there, and the trials then started to provide quite the workout.At the very top, you have to climb a low wall and the castle comes into view.

First of all, before we go into the castle, the view from up here is incredible.You can see the NYC skyline from here.I tried to take a picture, but it didn't come out well.(This is not that picture.) Also from here, you can see a tower off in the distance.

We made it there as well, but that picture is coming up later.

The inside of the castle is pretty much wrecked out.

Of course, we had to pose in there.

Those ledges we are standing on were not easy to climb onto, as the floors of this place have long since waved bye-bye.Speaking of which, we left Van Slyke castle and spied some pillars and one last view before we headed to our next target.

A little bit further along there is an old tower, which served as a water tower when the castle was still standing.

It's probably about 20-30 feet high and there is nothing inside of it anymore.With that, we headed out of the woods and onto a long, winding, uphill road to the other tower, which is actually on someone's property.It has also been sold out to various cell phone companies and such.It's a shame.It's a pretty nice building otherwise.

At this point, we had hiked about 7 or 8 miles and were pretty tired, so we headed back down and around the other side of the lake.To my surprise, there was a waterfall there.It went back pretty far, but wasn't that active.I imagine it flows a lot heavier after things melt.I still got a couple of nice pictures out of it though.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile hike.The castle ruins alone were worth the trip.This hiking thing is getting very infectious.I'm already anxious for the next trip.