Thursday, January 31, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 191
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #268 (January 1960) - The Adventures of Aquaboy!
Aquaman has trouble convincing a blind man that Aquaman is real, which causes him to reflect on his past as Aquaboy.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Captured/Knocked Out report: A seaquake somehow manages to hurt Aquaman so he can't move his arms.
Quotefile: Captain Harte, "So you're an Aquaman, eh? I don't believe you! A man such as you describe couldn't exist in the past, present, or future!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaboy puts his head in a shark's mouth to prove his powers. Aquaman rides Topo. Aquaboy got sperm whales to support Captain Harte's ship into port. Aquaboy rode a dolphin to lead archaeologists to a wreck. Aquaman calls up one of the sperm whales that saved Harte's ship in the past to save Harte in the present.
This story establishes that the Silver Age Aquaman was active as a child. The Golden Age Aquaman didn't appear much at all, and only as an adult.
I love Aquaboy's Dutch adventure. Heh.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Aquaman has trouble convincing a blind man that Aquaman is real, which causes him to reflect on his past as Aquaboy.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Captured/Knocked Out report: A seaquake somehow manages to hurt Aquaman so he can't move his arms.
Quotefile: Captain Harte, "So you're an Aquaman, eh? I don't believe you! A man such as you describe couldn't exist in the past, present, or future!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaboy puts his head in a shark's mouth to prove his powers. Aquaman rides Topo. Aquaboy got sperm whales to support Captain Harte's ship into port. Aquaboy rode a dolphin to lead archaeologists to a wreck. Aquaman calls up one of the sperm whales that saved Harte's ship in the past to save Harte in the present.
This story establishes that the Silver Age Aquaman was active as a child. The Golden Age Aquaman didn't appear much at all, and only as an adult.
I love Aquaboy's Dutch adventure. Heh.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday Linkdump
Y The Last Man has ended. According to Bully on Twitter: "Wow, who woulda thunk that the ending of "Y: The Last Man" was them all hopping in a time machine to go undo the Plague?" But Gordon says, "Bully is kidding. The ending of Y involves a magic leprechaun and his pot of magic dice." I had to respond, "Bully and Gordon both got it wrong. It's was actually all a dream. Yorick wakes up and Beth is in the shower!" Says Johnny, "All of those Y endings were better than what they probably DID do, I'll bet!"
Oh my. A story of petty revenge, denied.
Pal Dorian reviews Torchwood.
Ah, the whine about saving a Denny's in Ballard... when Vintage Seattle tells the real story.
Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the sand.
Um, as I was put on The Pill originally in order to prevent ovarian cancer, I should hope it helps in that goal. Sheesh.
Giving back to the community by giving the gift of math.
Fractions are as obsolete as Roman Numerals! Um, ok...
And hubby-Eric and I had another setback as Frankenhaus acted up again, resulting in a call to an electrician. The cost was a shock. Houses should all come with maintenance manuals that detail all the various appliances and what needs to be done with them. In fact, I really should start recording that information myself. Should we move from Frankenhaus, I want the next owners to be a little more clued into its... moods.
Oh my. A story of petty revenge, denied.
Pal Dorian reviews Torchwood.
Ah, the whine about saving a Denny's in Ballard... when Vintage Seattle tells the real story.
Kolmanskop, a ghost town in the sand.
Um, as I was put on The Pill originally in order to prevent ovarian cancer, I should hope it helps in that goal. Sheesh.
Giving back to the community by giving the gift of math.
Fractions are as obsolete as Roman Numerals! Um, ok...
And hubby-Eric and I had another setback as Frankenhaus acted up again, resulting in a call to an electrician. The cost was a shock. Houses should all come with maintenance manuals that detail all the various appliances and what needs to be done with them. In fact, I really should start recording that information myself. Should we move from Frankenhaus, I want the next owners to be a little more clued into its... moods.
Labels: Comic Books, Doctor Who, Frankenhaus, Health, Links, Math, Seattle
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 190
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #267 (December 1959) - The Manhunt on Land!/The Underwater Archers!
Escaping prison, "Shark" Norton pledges to avoid the sea and Aquaman while "The Wizard" Kates pledges to avoid the land and Green Arrow.
Glove Color: Green.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo. He's the star of both stories, in fact!
Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman collapses into the water while being told about Shark Norton's new career on land, thanks to his one-hour limit. *sigh*
Quotefile: Coast Guard officer, "Yes! Everybody knows that if you're out of water for an hour, you gasp for water like a dying fish! But the police feel you alone have the know-how to catch "Shark"!"
Finny Friends Report: In the splash page (not in the story itself), Topo releases a number of fish from a railroad water tank to help Aquaman. Aquaman rides Topo at the beginning of the tale. Aquaman gathers a large group of fish in a tank-truck to help him on land. When the crooks shoot out the headlights on the truck, luminous fish spotlight them for a swordfish attack squad. Topo uses four bows and arrows to capture two crooks. A sea porcupine launches quills and punctures the escape balloon. Electric eels shock one bad guy, a seal gooses another, and a crab handcuffs a third in the aquarium. Shark Norton himself gets nabbed by a shark. In the Green Arrow story, Topo appears in time to rescue GA and Speedy from a fire-breathing sea monster.
This is one of those stories that's been reprinted a few times, but always with the Green Arrow story. If you have the Aquaman Archive and Showcase, you know that "The Underwater Archers" is reprinted in both. And, amusingly, Topo is seriously the hero in both stories. He's the hero in the Aquaman splash page and uses bow and arrows in the Aquaman tale, and Green Arrow would've been monster chow if Topo hadn't helped him out.
Aquaman's one-hour limit is now common knowledge. And he even falls over while a Coast Guard officer is talking to him... while he's IN the sea. He's gone from being able to survive out of water indefinitely to one-hour exactly. The writers clearly think it's a nifty plot device, but any reader will tell you it's a pretty stupid one.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Escaping prison, "Shark" Norton pledges to avoid the sea and Aquaman while "The Wizard" Kates pledges to avoid the land and Green Arrow.
Glove Color: Green.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo. He's the star of both stories, in fact!
Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman collapses into the water while being told about Shark Norton's new career on land, thanks to his one-hour limit. *sigh*
Quotefile: Coast Guard officer, "Yes! Everybody knows that if you're out of water for an hour, you gasp for water like a dying fish! But the police feel you alone have the know-how to catch "Shark"!"
Finny Friends Report: In the splash page (not in the story itself), Topo releases a number of fish from a railroad water tank to help Aquaman. Aquaman rides Topo at the beginning of the tale. Aquaman gathers a large group of fish in a tank-truck to help him on land. When the crooks shoot out the headlights on the truck, luminous fish spotlight them for a swordfish attack squad. Topo uses four bows and arrows to capture two crooks. A sea porcupine launches quills and punctures the escape balloon. Electric eels shock one bad guy, a seal gooses another, and a crab handcuffs a third in the aquarium. Shark Norton himself gets nabbed by a shark. In the Green Arrow story, Topo appears in time to rescue GA and Speedy from a fire-breathing sea monster.
This is one of those stories that's been reprinted a few times, but always with the Green Arrow story. If you have the Aquaman Archive and Showcase, you know that "The Underwater Archers" is reprinted in both. And, amusingly, Topo is seriously the hero in both stories. He's the hero in the Aquaman splash page and uses bow and arrows in the Aquaman tale, and Green Arrow would've been monster chow if Topo hadn't helped him out.
Aquaman's one-hour limit is now common knowledge. And he even falls over while a Coast Guard officer is talking to him... while he's IN the sea. He's gone from being able to survive out of water indefinitely to one-hour exactly. The writers clearly think it's a nifty plot device, but any reader will tell you it's a pretty stupid one.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Monday, January 28, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 189
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #266 (November 1959) - Aquaman Meets Aquagirl!
Lisa Morel suddenly discovers she has all of Aquaman's powers, and is determined to join him in his sea patrols.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman starts the story trapped by a giant clam.
Quotefile: Lisa Morel, "Migosh! According to my waterproof wristwatch, I've been down here sixty minutes! And I feel as if I could last hours!"
Finny Friends Report: A giant clam apparently is holding a grudge against Aquaman, as it refuses to release him until Lisa burns it. Lisa orders seals to save her father's trophy. Aquaman rides on Topo. Topo plays "Happy Birthday" on a piano, drum set, bass, banjo, and xylophone. Lisa has whales destroy the top of an iceberg. Aquaman has luminous fish light up the remainder of the iceberg to save the ship.
Oh, where to start with this one? There's a lot happening in here. First off, we're given Aquaman's origin again, but it's been changed already. In it, Atlanna admits she's from Atlantis while still living and vibrant, not on her deathbed. Aquaman implies that his parents died at the same time. And he mentions his mother's diary, which he promises to read to Lisa.
Aquaman states "But now I must return to the Sea! I can only exist for an hour out of water!" This is the first time the one-hour limit has been described as such. And Lisa suffers from it as well, and had to sleep in the swimming pool!
Aquaman doesn't explain to Lisa why he thinks she's in danger. WHY?!??? I mean, seriously, that's a bit obnoxious of him. Can't he just say, "There's a possibility your powers may vanish as suddenly as they've come, so I'd rather you don't go out on patrol with me"??? Why be a jerk? He doesn't have to say that Lisa's father lied about her birth.
We later learn that Atlanna's diary explains it all. Children in Atlantis born with purple eyes are exiled to the surface world because they cannot survive underwater. This fact is to become important in a few more stories, as another character with purple eyes will be introduced.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Lisa Morel suddenly discovers she has all of Aquaman's powers, and is determined to join him in his sea patrols.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman starts the story trapped by a giant clam.
Quotefile: Lisa Morel, "Migosh! According to my waterproof wristwatch, I've been down here sixty minutes! And I feel as if I could last hours!"
Finny Friends Report: A giant clam apparently is holding a grudge against Aquaman, as it refuses to release him until Lisa burns it. Lisa orders seals to save her father's trophy. Aquaman rides on Topo. Topo plays "Happy Birthday" on a piano, drum set, bass, banjo, and xylophone. Lisa has whales destroy the top of an iceberg. Aquaman has luminous fish light up the remainder of the iceberg to save the ship.
Oh, where to start with this one? There's a lot happening in here. First off, we're given Aquaman's origin again, but it's been changed already. In it, Atlanna admits she's from Atlantis while still living and vibrant, not on her deathbed. Aquaman implies that his parents died at the same time. And he mentions his mother's diary, which he promises to read to Lisa.
Aquaman states "But now I must return to the Sea! I can only exist for an hour out of water!" This is the first time the one-hour limit has been described as such. And Lisa suffers from it as well, and had to sleep in the swimming pool!
Aquaman doesn't explain to Lisa why he thinks she's in danger. WHY?!??? I mean, seriously, that's a bit obnoxious of him. Can't he just say, "There's a possibility your powers may vanish as suddenly as they've come, so I'd rather you don't go out on patrol with me"??? Why be a jerk? He doesn't have to say that Lisa's father lied about her birth.
We later learn that Atlanna's diary explains it all. Children in Atlantis born with purple eyes are exiled to the surface world because they cannot survive underwater. This fact is to become important in a few more stories, as another character with purple eyes will be introduced.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Snowy Monday Linkdump
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #139: Bucky, just Bucky.
The Seattle Times gives "Persepolis" three and a half stars.
Newbie's Guide to Twitter. Yes, I'm a twit.
Visualizing the Bible.
Three Hours of MTV from 1983.
It's 50 years of LEGO!
Polite Scott takes on Torchwood.
Hey, it's not a cat.
The Seattle Times gives "Persepolis" three and a half stars.
Newbie's Guide to Twitter. Yes, I'm a twit.
Visualizing the Bible.
Three Hours of MTV from 1983.
It's 50 years of LEGO!
Polite Scott takes on Torchwood.
Hey, it's not a cat.
Labels: Comic Book Urban Legends, Doctor Who, LEGO, Links, Movies, Seattle, TV, Twitter
Snow
So... Saturday night we went down to KBTC for the semi-annual Doctor Who pledge drive. The news reports were SCREAMING about how it was going to snow, and the roads would be awful and panic panic panic! We hesitated a little, as the idea of being out in the snow was not appealing. But eventually we all went, even me (because suffering from fibro at home alone was less appealing than suffering with a group of friends around me). And you know what happened, right? Not a drop of real snow. Oh, there was sleet, but the roads were wet and clear all the way home. It wasn't bad.
So the prediction for last night was a bit of snow mixed with rain. Of course, waking up this morning we had a couple of inches of snow and Seattle, being Seattle, is shutting down.
It's still coming down, nice and pretty. I think I'm not going out today...
So the prediction for last night was a bit of snow mixed with rain. Of course, waking up this morning we had a couple of inches of snow and Seattle, being Seattle, is shutting down.
It's still coming down, nice and pretty. I think I'm not going out today...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A Sunday Review
I started the week by reading Michael Chabon's Gentlemen of the Road. It was a very quick read, a lot of fun, and slightly depressing by turns. Certainly one not to be missed if you like Chabon's work.
I then read Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Asperger's by John Elder Robison. I was slightly surprised at how difficult it was for me to get through the first few chapters, which covered his earliest childhood. But my own experiences diverged completely from his pretty quickly. On pages 208-209 of the hardcover, in the chapter on "becoming Normal", I think he explains why. I may someday get up the nerve to try to pull all the strings together and write about it, but not today.
Another item I read was the first volume of Peach Fuzz by Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges. A very fun little manga-ish digest. The contrasting view of the child and the ferret is fun to see. I plan to check out the other volumes and see if their views ever begin to really merge. I was, I admit, slightly disturbed at how viciously the child played with the ferret, then I remembered it was a ferret and didn't care anymore.
I also caught up on reading Fortean Times, which was as amusing and frustrating as it always is. I usually get a couple of good suggestions for books to read from each magazine, assuming I can find them via inter-library loan.
Hubby-Eric and I also started in on the second Sapphire and Steel story, "The Railway Station". As soon as the guy in the opening set up his equipment, I said, "He's a ghost hunter!" and was only slightly surprised to see I was right. As is often the case in ghost hunting, the woman becomes the bait.
In television, I watched American Gladiators again (guilty pleasure), Supernanny (the guy's story made me cry), Torchwood: "Sleeper" (eh, it was ok), Ace of Cakes (the Harry Potter cake!), and Ghost Hunters International: "Whispers From Beyond" (eh, so-so).
I then read Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Asperger's by John Elder Robison. I was slightly surprised at how difficult it was for me to get through the first few chapters, which covered his earliest childhood. But my own experiences diverged completely from his pretty quickly. On pages 208-209 of the hardcover, in the chapter on "becoming Normal", I think he explains why. I may someday get up the nerve to try to pull all the strings together and write about it, but not today.
Another item I read was the first volume of Peach Fuzz by Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges. A very fun little manga-ish digest. The contrasting view of the child and the ferret is fun to see. I plan to check out the other volumes and see if their views ever begin to really merge. I was, I admit, slightly disturbed at how viciously the child played with the ferret, then I remembered it was a ferret and didn't care anymore.
I also caught up on reading Fortean Times, which was as amusing and frustrating as it always is. I usually get a couple of good suggestions for books to read from each magazine, assuming I can find them via inter-library loan.
Hubby-Eric and I also started in on the second Sapphire and Steel story, "The Railway Station". As soon as the guy in the opening set up his equipment, I said, "He's a ghost hunter!" and was only slightly surprised to see I was right. As is often the case in ghost hunting, the woman becomes the bait.
In television, I watched American Gladiators again (guilty pleasure), Supernanny (the guy's story made me cry), Torchwood: "Sleeper" (eh, it was ok), Ace of Cakes (the Harry Potter cake!), and Ghost Hunters International: "Whispers From Beyond" (eh, so-so).
Labels: Books, Doctor Who, Fortean, Ghosts, Manga, Sunday Review, TV
Caption This Cat
Labels: Cats
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Pain
No blog today. I hurt too much. Maybe tomorrow.
Labels: Fibromyalgia, No Blog Kinda Day
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday Linkdump
Wow, I like this idea for overhead lights.
Speaking of overhead lights: more on the Texas UFO.
Heh, no sooner do I post about right of way than Snopes has a bizarre right of way question.
More on the Martian Bigfoot.
This is one case where an LOL really made me laugh out loud. You're doing it wrong.
Why you shouldn't dump seaweed bits down the drain.
A nice little political commentary featuring Aquaman.
Preventing Da Vincis.
Stay on Target, stay on target...
More power to them.
Speaking of overhead lights: more on the Texas UFO.
Heh, no sooner do I post about right of way than Snopes has a bizarre right of way question.
More on the Martian Bigfoot.
This is one case where an LOL really made me laugh out loud. You're doing it wrong.
Why you shouldn't dump seaweed bits down the drain.
A nice little political commentary featuring Aquaman.
Preventing Da Vincis.
Stay on Target, stay on target...
More power to them.
Labels: Aquaman, Bigfoot, Cats, Education, Links, Politics, UFO
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Major Pet Peeve
Look, if there is an emergency vehicle behind you, then you PULL OFF TO THE RIGHT. And you do it immediately. Not when the vehicle is right behind you, pounding on the horn. You do it when you see the lights. You move over.
Coming home from work today, I spotted emergency lights behind me and immediately got over into the right lane. The car that had been behind me in the left lane zipped by and blocked the road for the fire engine. So the fire engine pulled over into the oncoming lane and nearly had a head-on with another clueless driver taking a blind right turn onto the road... right into the path of the fire engine.
I detest people who don't pull over. What if it was their house on fire? Would they get out of the way if they knew that? Would they move aside for an ambulance if they knew that a family member was in it? Are those non-moving people stupid, or just murderous a--holes?
Coming home from work today, I spotted emergency lights behind me and immediately got over into the right lane. The car that had been behind me in the left lane zipped by and blocked the road for the fire engine. So the fire engine pulled over into the oncoming lane and nearly had a head-on with another clueless driver taking a blind right turn onto the road... right into the path of the fire engine.
I detest people who don't pull over. What if it was their house on fire? Would they get out of the way if they knew that? Would they move aside for an ambulance if they knew that a family member was in it? Are those non-moving people stupid, or just murderous a--holes?
Labels: Pet Peeves
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday Linkdump
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #138: Dwayne McDuffie, Jerry Siegel, and Grant Morrison.
As reported by many people, The Library of Congress has put images on Flickr. I haven't even really started to go through them, but they are VERY cool.
Speaking of "reported by many people", it's another dumb Mars claim, but it sure does look like Bigfoot on Mars. Also check out this link for more information on how the image was made.
Hmm. My father used to pay his kids for every A and B they got, but not this much.
For Bujold fans only: The Vorkosigan Script from H***. Do not try to read if you have a weak stomach. Part One and Part Two. I'll confess, I can't read all of it. It's so bad.
The source code to SimCity (the original) has been released to the wild. But what if I just wanna play it?
I missed Blogging for Choice day, but Elayne's entry is worth reading.
What Kind of World Do You Want?
SAT Question Cats.
Pug comic for the in-laws.
As reported by many people, The Library of Congress has put images on Flickr. I haven't even really started to go through them, but they are VERY cool.
Speaking of "reported by many people", it's another dumb Mars claim, but it sure does look like Bigfoot on Mars. Also check out this link for more information on how the image was made.
Hmm. My father used to pay his kids for every A and B they got, but not this much.
For Bujold fans only: The Vorkosigan Script from H***. Do not try to read if you have a weak stomach. Part One and Part Two. I'll confess, I can't read all of it. It's so bad.
The source code to SimCity (the original) has been released to the wild. But what if I just wanna play it?
I missed Blogging for Choice day, but Elayne's entry is worth reading.
What Kind of World Do You Want?
SAT Question Cats.
Pug comic for the in-laws.
Labels: Astronomy, Cats, Comic Book Urban Legends, Library, Links, Pug
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Hey Ken Jennings, Lookee Here!
Much to my astonishment, Ken Jennings told me tonight that he reads my blog! And how did I talk about my blog with Ken Jennings? Well, it came up because I was wearing my "I'm blogging this." t-shirt to the Ken Jennings book signing and trivia contest at Third Place Books tonight with hubby-Eric.
My astonishment was so great I forgot to ask Ken my favorite trivia question: "What was the first United States team to win the Stanley Cup?"
I'm sure he knows, but it's still my favorite trivia question. Also, Ken, Tom Chambers? Eh, hubby-Eric did fine in your trivia contest, getting 18 of the 20 questions right. He only missed Tom Chambers and Mt Adams (he had a brain-freeze on that one). And he thanks you muchly for the $30 in gift certificates he ended up getting thanks to you!
As is traditional now, Torvald posed with Ken. I would guess that Ken is now one of the most recognizable people Torvald has posed with.
I also convinced hubby-Eric to pose with Ken. Maybe this will give him that tiny bit of luck he needs to finally get onto Jeopardy!
And lastly, as we were leaving the store, I realized that the information sign was in a very nice spot with regards to Ken Jennings. I couldn't resist taking a picture.
My astonishment was so great I forgot to ask Ken my favorite trivia question: "What was the first United States team to win the Stanley Cup?"
I'm sure he knows, but it's still my favorite trivia question. Also, Ken, Tom Chambers? Eh, hubby-Eric did fine in your trivia contest, getting 18 of the 20 questions right. He only missed Tom Chambers and Mt Adams (he had a brain-freeze on that one). And he thanks you muchly for the $30 in gift certificates he ended up getting thanks to you!
As is traditional now, Torvald posed with Ken. I would guess that Ken is now one of the most recognizable people Torvald has posed with.
I also convinced hubby-Eric to pose with Ken. Maybe this will give him that tiny bit of luck he needs to finally get onto Jeopardy!
And lastly, as we were leaving the store, I realized that the information sign was in a very nice spot with regards to Ken Jennings. I couldn't resist taking a picture.
Tin Man comments
Wow, I seem to be saying a lot more on this blog lately than Laura, huh? Well, that should change soon. Anyway, I was asked some time ago to write an article/review about Tin Man, the recent Sci-Fi Channel miniseries, for The Baum Bugle, the journal of the International Wizard of Oz Club. I turned it in yesterday, but the editor and I want to add a sidebar of comments from other folks, and not just Oz fans. So I want to hear from you now. Tell me what you think. So here's what I need from you:
a) your name (your real name, not a screen name or login or something like that)You can either answer in the comments, or send me an e-mail at this e-mail address. And feel free to spread the word. Also, if you know of any blogs or online reviews, let me know that, too. Thanks!
b) your location (city and state, or country)
c) a simple yes-or-no, are you an Oz fan?
d) a few (and I do mean few) words about what you thought of Tin Man (or, if you didn't watch it, why not — that could be interesting, too)
Labels: Post By Eric, Wizard of Oz
Monday, January 21, 2008
CameraPhone Zen
Labels: CameraPhone
The most depressing day of the year?
I just saw a news report alleging that today is the most depressing day of the year. Eh? My birthday is depressing? Apparently, a Welsh professor determined this from three factors:
a) The weatherNone of that applies to me! The weather today, while cold, was absolutely gorgeous, especially compared to the rain and clouds we've had the past few weeks. Since we have no money anyway, we didn't spend a lot for Christmas, and so we don't have any big new debts to worry about. And I'm still working on my resolution, and it may very well come to pass. Not only that, I got a lot of stuff done today that I've been wanting to do for a while. So I don't know about you, but I had a great day today, perhaps the best of 2008 (and much of 2007) so far.
b) Christmas bills are rolling in
c) You realize you've broken all of your New Year's resolutions
Labels: Birthday, Post By Eric
Happy birthday to me!
My turn! And as a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan, I'm tickled to say that today I turn forty-two!
Labels: Birthday, Post By Eric
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Lots of Birthday Greetings
Thanks to everyone for all the great birthday greetings and phone calls and e-mails and tweets today! I think I got more birthday wishes this year than I ever have before. Thank you!
Labels: Birthday
A Sunday Review
Hubby-Eric got a Veggie Tales DVD to add to his Oz collection. "The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's" is a parody/tribute to the Wizard of Oz which tells about the Prodigal Son. I was a little taken aback by the movie itself (veggies preaching!) although it wasn't too bad. But my favorite part of the entire DVD had to be this intermission:
Please be warned, if you watch this video you may end up singing the song over and over. It has great earworm potential.
I watched the new Ghost Hunters in the last week. The first was Ghost Hunters: "Return to St. Augustine Lighthouse". The initial episode at the Lighthouse was fun, but this one was a little disappointing as they overproduced the sound again, with annoying effects during times that I, as a viewer, wanted to hear what the Ghost Hunters were hearing. Also, as a repeat visit to a place, we didn't get the cool stories that are half the appeal of the show.
Ghost Hunters International: "Chillingham" was better, as we got two different locations with all the great stories. The only problem with GHI is that my least favorite of the original cast is part of the GHI team. Still, the debunking on GHI was better than on the regular show. The "horse and carriage" incident in particular was lovely. Ghost Hunters International: "Evil Unearthed" wasn't bad either, with some great comedy bits (they are visiting Italy, one of the team asks "does anyone speak Italian?" and there is a chorus of "no"s. Whoops) and lots of stories of monks being buried in the cellars. Again, good debunking, with one member researching the stories and telling the team that most of them were untrue.
Our weekend movie was Hairspray from 1988. It was a surprisingly excellent movie, with Divine making a scarily wonderful mother for Tracy. I'm looking forward to seeing the more recent movie, but I have a feeling Travolta won't hold a candle to Divine.
Hubby-Eric and I watched the 12th episode of Timeslip, which was in color! I now wish the entire series was available in color. We'll be going back to Sapphire and Steel next.
Of course we watched Torchwood: "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang", but I haven't got much to say about it. It was as enjoyable as I expect Torchwood to be. James Marsters was an interesting addition to the mythos.
Nothing new in comic books. I read a book called Ghosts of Seattle instead. The author's opinion of ghosts is pretty much the same as mine: she doesn't particularly believe in ghosts, but figures there is something going on that is worth investigating. But her goal in the book is only to collect the stories of Seattle's ghosts, and I think she did OK in that task. I wished she'd done a little more in-depth research, but it wasn't that kind of book. I did learn about a handful of places that I hadn't heard of, and one serial killer I knew nothing about.
In other media, I got a LEGO set for my birthday! A big one, as it goes. A friend overheard me saying I wanted the LEGO figure of Kit Fisto, the Aquaman of Jedi. Unfortunately, Kit is only in this one set. So he got me the set!
Please be warned, if you watch this video you may end up singing the song over and over. It has great earworm potential.
I watched the new Ghost Hunters in the last week. The first was Ghost Hunters: "Return to St. Augustine Lighthouse". The initial episode at the Lighthouse was fun, but this one was a little disappointing as they overproduced the sound again, with annoying effects during times that I, as a viewer, wanted to hear what the Ghost Hunters were hearing. Also, as a repeat visit to a place, we didn't get the cool stories that are half the appeal of the show.
Ghost Hunters International: "Chillingham" was better, as we got two different locations with all the great stories. The only problem with GHI is that my least favorite of the original cast is part of the GHI team. Still, the debunking on GHI was better than on the regular show. The "horse and carriage" incident in particular was lovely. Ghost Hunters International: "Evil Unearthed" wasn't bad either, with some great comedy bits (they are visiting Italy, one of the team asks "does anyone speak Italian?" and there is a chorus of "no"s. Whoops) and lots of stories of monks being buried in the cellars. Again, good debunking, with one member researching the stories and telling the team that most of them were untrue.
Our weekend movie was Hairspray from 1988. It was a surprisingly excellent movie, with Divine making a scarily wonderful mother for Tracy. I'm looking forward to seeing the more recent movie, but I have a feeling Travolta won't hold a candle to Divine.
Hubby-Eric and I watched the 12th episode of Timeslip, which was in color! I now wish the entire series was available in color. We'll be going back to Sapphire and Steel next.
Of course we watched Torchwood: "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang", but I haven't got much to say about it. It was as enjoyable as I expect Torchwood to be. James Marsters was an interesting addition to the mythos.
Nothing new in comic books. I read a book called Ghosts of Seattle instead. The author's opinion of ghosts is pretty much the same as mine: she doesn't particularly believe in ghosts, but figures there is something going on that is worth investigating. But her goal in the book is only to collect the stories of Seattle's ghosts, and I think she did OK in that task. I wished she'd done a little more in-depth research, but it wasn't that kind of book. I did learn about a handful of places that I hadn't heard of, and one serial killer I knew nothing about.
In other media, I got a LEGO set for my birthday! A big one, as it goes. A friend overheard me saying I wanted the LEGO figure of Kit Fisto, the Aquaman of Jedi. Unfortunately, Kit is only in this one set. So he got me the set!
Labels: Doctor Who, Ghosts, LEGO, Movies, Sunday Review, TV, Wizard of Oz
Yay! I'm 27 Again!
Happy Birthday to me!
Labels: Birthday
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saturday Links
Ring of Roses: "Google Books's keyword search is changing the world."
Diagramming the Preamble, via Garrett.
The Space Needle in its original color.
Dreamhost is still trying to make things right. At least they admit to their mistakes, which other hosting companies do not. And, some semi-good news: not everyone who got notified actually got billed due to an unknown bug in their billing program. Unfortunately, the unknown bug also resulted in not everyone getting a refund fast enough!
I think this article would be enhanced by an image of the outfit in question.
Diagramming the Preamble, via Garrett.
The Space Needle in its original color.
Dreamhost is still trying to make things right. At least they admit to their mistakes, which other hosting companies do not. And, some semi-good news: not everyone who got notified actually got billed due to an unknown bug in their billing program. Unfortunately, the unknown bug also resulted in not everyone getting a refund fast enough!
I think this article would be enhanced by an image of the outfit in question.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Too Busy To Blog
Been doing a lot of database work, and haven't had time or energy to do my usual posts. Sorry.
Labels: No Blog Kinda Day
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Road Trip!
My mom, "twin" sister, and I went up to Bellingham today on a little road trip. We started on the campus of Western, hitting the visitor's center to get a parking pass. We visited the bookstore first, as the whole point of the trip was to get something there. I got a couple of birthday presents from my mom: a t-shirt and a shot glass (which I plan to use for my morning pills).
Then we wandered the campus with Torvald the troll, taking pictures of him with various campus landmarks. I hope to eventually get those up on his website, but here's a sneak peek:
Eventually we got tired and decided to go out to lunch. It was still early, so the place Lisa wanted to visit was still closed, as was Boomers. So we went to Fairhaven and got a meal at Win's. Mmmmm. Grilled ham & cheese sandwich, batter fried zucchini, and a kiwi malt. Still as good as when I was attending school at Western. If I miss anything from Western, it's visiting Fairhaven.
After the meal we headed back down to Seattle. We drove through a snow flurry, and realized that it was clear enough that we could actually see the flurry behind us, and another one to the side, as we continued to drive past it. The hills were patchwork quilts, covered in snow where the trees had been clearcut.
It was a good trip. Short, fun, and productive in some ways. A nice girls' day out.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Leah
Thank you Leah. I miss you.
Wednesday Morning Links
My hubby-Eric is a Mac user, while I play with PCs and Ubuntu. I thought he might appreciate a link to the latest Mac news, including the announcement of the MacBook Air, which weighs 3 pounds and fits in a manila envelope.
The new Doctor Who is successful. I like it, but I like Sarah Jane Adventures almost as much. More Sarah Jane!
Best Book Title Ever.
Texans are seeing UFOs. I gotta wonder what they are really seeing, and if we'll ever find out? Says one witness: "everyone is afraid it's the end of times" Heh.
Speaking of end of times, we had a near miss last night. And another one coming soon.
I would love to make these, but they do seem to be a bit much work.
Interesting: The Ernst Bettler Hoax, about an ad designer who ruined a company that worked with the Nazis... only the entire tale is bunk.
Want to be a slush pile editor? Go to Amazon.com Breakthrough and read a few excerpts from unpublished novels and submit your reviews. I do have a friend with an entry, but I'm not sure if I should link to his novel.
Cigarette Pack Books are accused of looking too much like Lucky Strike packs. The publisher responded that "members of the public are unlikely to mistake a Hemingway novel for a packet of cigarettes." Boing Boing has pictures of the books. What do you think?
How to Win a Fist Fight. I recommend people who haven't taken a self-defense course in awhile read this one. The guide is for untrained fighters only.
"Research" paper contest. Get a bogus paper published in the "journal", and win a prize! Your entry to the prize sponsors must include a point-by-point rebuttal.
Smurfs turn 50.
From Wellington Grey: The TSA Guide to Reading Faces for Security Workers. I'm Angry Human.
The science of laughter. I had to link when I read this: "groundbreaking rat-tickling experiments."
Dreamhost really screwed up, but they want to make it right:
The new Doctor Who is successful. I like it, but I like Sarah Jane Adventures almost as much. More Sarah Jane!
Best Book Title Ever.
Texans are seeing UFOs. I gotta wonder what they are really seeing, and if we'll ever find out? Says one witness: "everyone is afraid it's the end of times" Heh.
Speaking of end of times, we had a near miss last night. And another one coming soon.
I would love to make these, but they do seem to be a bit much work.
Interesting: The Ernst Bettler Hoax, about an ad designer who ruined a company that worked with the Nazis... only the entire tale is bunk.
Want to be a slush pile editor? Go to Amazon.com Breakthrough and read a few excerpts from unpublished novels and submit your reviews. I do have a friend with an entry, but I'm not sure if I should link to his novel.
Cigarette Pack Books are accused of looking too much like Lucky Strike packs. The publisher responded that "members of the public are unlikely to mistake a Hemingway novel for a packet of cigarettes." Boing Boing has pictures of the books. What do you think?
How to Win a Fist Fight. I recommend people who haven't taken a self-defense course in awhile read this one. The guide is for untrained fighters only.
"Research" paper contest. Get a bogus paper published in the "journal", and win a prize! Your entry to the prize sponsors must include a point-by-point rebuttal.
Smurfs turn 50.
From Wellington Grey: The TSA Guide to Reading Faces for Security Workers. I'm Angry Human.
The science of laughter. I had to link when I read this: "groundbreaking rat-tickling experiments."
Dreamhost really screwed up, but they want to make it right:
If, because of this billing mistake, you somehow incurred some fees from your bank or credit card company, please let us know after tomorrow (today we are just replying to all 10,000+ billing messages with a generic explanation) and we’ll do our best to make it right for you.Oddly enough, although I use Dreamhost (and generally like them) I didn't get charged at all for any of my services. My hosting doesn't run out until 2009, and I've already set up payment for the domains that expire next month.
Labels: Astronomy, Books, Doctor Who, Links, UFO
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 188
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #265 (October 1959) - The Secret of the Super-Safe!
Aquaman is summoned to dump a giant safe into the ocean.
Glove Color: Green.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Quotefile: Aquaman, "With Topo's sensitive tentacles wrapped around your body, your slightest tremor will be felt by Topo and transmitted by sea-creature telepathy to me!"
Finny Friends Report: Various fish bring Aquaman messages from Mr Roxroyd. Aquaman rides Topo to the island. Topo acts as a lie detector to make sure Roxroyd isn't lying about what's in the safe. Whales push an iceberg to the island. Octopi create a ramp to get the safe onto the iceberg. Whale push the iceberg to the proper location. Swordfish force the diving bell to the surface. Eels explore the ooze under the safe and discover lead plates. Whales bring the safe back to show Roxroyd.
Another fairly basic story. Aquaman employs his finny friends very well in this story. I particularly like Topo as a lie detector.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Aquaman is summoned to dump a giant safe into the ocean.
Glove Color: Green.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Quotefile: Aquaman, "With Topo's sensitive tentacles wrapped around your body, your slightest tremor will be felt by Topo and transmitted by sea-creature telepathy to me!"
Finny Friends Report: Various fish bring Aquaman messages from Mr Roxroyd. Aquaman rides Topo to the island. Topo acts as a lie detector to make sure Roxroyd isn't lying about what's in the safe. Whales push an iceberg to the island. Octopi create a ramp to get the safe onto the iceberg. Whale push the iceberg to the proper location. Swordfish force the diving bell to the surface. Eels explore the ooze under the safe and discover lead plates. Whales bring the safe back to show Roxroyd.
Another fairly basic story. Aquaman employs his finny friends very well in this story. I particularly like Topo as a lie detector.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Monday, January 14, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 187
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #264 (September 1959) - Aquaman and his Sea Police!
On a visit to New Venice, flooded six months ago, Aquaman takes over police duties.
Glove Color: Green.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo (Aquaman is riding an octopus at the beginning of the story, but Topo is not named).
Quotefile: Aquaman, "The job is finished! New Venice is saved! Now it can remain forever a city of canals!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides Topo at the beginning of the story. Slinky the Seal puts seaweed into the propellers of speeders to foul their engines and stop their boats. When Slinky fails due to a more powerful motor, a whale lifts the speeding boat out of the water. An octopus detective catches a pickpocket. Aquaman rides behind two dolphins. Sea gulls bombard the litterers with litter. Swordfish pick up all the litter in the canals and then put junk on fishermen's fishing lines. Sharks threaten the robber. Various sea creatures fill the crack in the sea to prevent New Venice from draining.
Ah, New Venice. This town will become more important in the future, but this story is just a nice little Silver Age tale. The town is adjusting to their new reality, which they like, but the regular police haven't quite adapted to having canals for streets yet. Aquaman visits, and breaks some bad habits people have formed. Simple and very Silver Age. There is no indication of the role this place will later take.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
On a visit to New Venice, flooded six months ago, Aquaman takes over police duties.
Glove Color: Green.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo (Aquaman is riding an octopus at the beginning of the story, but Topo is not named).
Quotefile: Aquaman, "The job is finished! New Venice is saved! Now it can remain forever a city of canals!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides Topo at the beginning of the story. Slinky the Seal puts seaweed into the propellers of speeders to foul their engines and stop their boats. When Slinky fails due to a more powerful motor, a whale lifts the speeding boat out of the water. An octopus detective catches a pickpocket. Aquaman rides behind two dolphins. Sea gulls bombard the litterers with litter. Swordfish pick up all the litter in the canals and then put junk on fishermen's fishing lines. Sharks threaten the robber. Various sea creatures fill the crack in the sea to prevent New Venice from draining.
Ah, New Venice. This town will become more important in the future, but this story is just a nice little Silver Age tale. The town is adjusting to their new reality, which they like, but the regular police haven't quite adapted to having canals for streets yet. Aquaman visits, and breaks some bad habits people have formed. Simple and very Silver Age. There is no indication of the role this place will later take.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A Sunday Review
Let's see, over the last couple of weeks I read a few comic books, have been watching an old series called Timeslip, and saw the 2007 movie version of Bridge to Terebithia.
So hubby-Eric and I are 11 episodes into Timeslip, having watched the first six-episode story last Fall. We started the second one after we finished the first Sapphire and Steel story. Although this series was originally shot in color, only B&W versions of most of the episodes exist. In the first story, two children (Liz and Simon) travel into the past and unravel a mystery about Liz's father. In the story we're watching now, Liz and Simon visit the future and learn of Liz's family's misfortunes. I'm enjoyed the series a lot. It's from 1970, and it shows (I love the cassette tapes of the future!) but the story manages to convey some dramatic tension and is overall pretty fun to watch.
Our weekend movie this time was Bridge to Terebithia from last year. I'd feared from the advertisements that this movie would be horrible and not follow the book at all... until I saw an interview with the author's son (the original inspiration for Jesse) in which he stated it was a very faithful adaptation. And so it was. Almost too faithful for me, who cries every single time I read the book. Sure enough, I burst into tears at the dreadful moment in the movie. If you liked the book, definitely check this movie out.
As for comic books, I'm still a bit behind on my reading. I read and mostly enjoyed Teen Titans Year One #1, although the look of Aqualad in that book is hideous, especially compared to the other characters. I suspect the artist despises the character to make him look so bad. I also read Northlanders #2, which was as good as I remember from the preview. Again, this book looks better in color and is off to a solid start. Justice League Unlimited #41 was fine, but the bit in the back got my hopes up until I remembered the Super Friends comic that's coming out soon. Lastly, Doctor Who Classics #2 continues to impress with great coloring of the classic stories that I already had in at least three formats already. Still... when you're a fanatic...
Hopefully I'll read more comic next week so I can report on them.
Off in TV land, I've been watching the classic Doctor Who story "Robots of Death", which was great fun and similar to the most recent story "Voyage of the Damned" in some small ways. I also watched American Gladiators, and enjoyed the mindless fun of competition. The Daily Show and Colbert Report are back, but lack a lot without their staff of writers. Both are just watchable. And lastly, there have been new Ghost Hunters, but I haven't had a chance to watch them yet.
And that's the year in review so far, actually. I've been working almost non-stop on a database so I haven't really had that much time for extras. It's been remarkably difficult to just do my Ripples Through Time, even. Still, looking at it in sum like this, I seem to get a lot watched anyway!
So hubby-Eric and I are 11 episodes into Timeslip, having watched the first six-episode story last Fall. We started the second one after we finished the first Sapphire and Steel story. Although this series was originally shot in color, only B&W versions of most of the episodes exist. In the first story, two children (Liz and Simon) travel into the past and unravel a mystery about Liz's father. In the story we're watching now, Liz and Simon visit the future and learn of Liz's family's misfortunes. I'm enjoyed the series a lot. It's from 1970, and it shows (I love the cassette tapes of the future!) but the story manages to convey some dramatic tension and is overall pretty fun to watch.
Our weekend movie this time was Bridge to Terebithia from last year. I'd feared from the advertisements that this movie would be horrible and not follow the book at all... until I saw an interview with the author's son (the original inspiration for Jesse) in which he stated it was a very faithful adaptation. And so it was. Almost too faithful for me, who cries every single time I read the book. Sure enough, I burst into tears at the dreadful moment in the movie. If you liked the book, definitely check this movie out.
As for comic books, I'm still a bit behind on my reading. I read and mostly enjoyed Teen Titans Year One #1, although the look of Aqualad in that book is hideous, especially compared to the other characters. I suspect the artist despises the character to make him look so bad. I also read Northlanders #2, which was as good as I remember from the preview. Again, this book looks better in color and is off to a solid start. Justice League Unlimited #41 was fine, but the bit in the back got my hopes up until I remembered the Super Friends comic that's coming out soon. Lastly, Doctor Who Classics #2 continues to impress with great coloring of the classic stories that I already had in at least three formats already. Still... when you're a fanatic...
Hopefully I'll read more comic next week so I can report on them.
Off in TV land, I've been watching the classic Doctor Who story "Robots of Death", which was great fun and similar to the most recent story "Voyage of the Damned" in some small ways. I also watched American Gladiators, and enjoyed the mindless fun of competition. The Daily Show and Colbert Report are back, but lack a lot without their staff of writers. Both are just watchable. And lastly, there have been new Ghost Hunters, but I haven't had a chance to watch them yet.
And that's the year in review so far, actually. I've been working almost non-stop on a database so I haven't really had that much time for extras. It's been remarkably difficult to just do my Ripples Through Time, even. Still, looking at it in sum like this, I seem to get a lot watched anyway!
Labels: Comic Books, Doctor Who, JLU, Movies, Northlanders, Sunday Review, Teen Titans, TV
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Linkdump
Comics Fairplay on Playboy's Wonder Woman.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #137: Brave and the Bold, the Punisher, and Death's Head.
An Iraqi reviews The Pride of Baghdad, and finds it good.
An Interrupted Mind: Robin Balzer's Buffy Tale.
Star Wars Guide to the Presidential Candidates.
Merv Griffin's Grave.
Pacifist World of Warcraft player tries to make it to the top without killing anything or helping any players that kill.
Is it legal to blog about a failing marriage?
This can't be real, and if it's real, there must be some drawback I'm missing.
I was just reminded of my favorite HTML reference site: W3Schools. If you plan on doing any website design, this is a site you probably ought to have bookmarked.
The no-fly list is complete bull, and these kids will have troubles all their lives because of this bogus list that some idiot dreamed up that doesn't help keep us safe at all. The no-fly list ought to be abolished and the TSA turned over to monkeys... they'd do ten times a better job than the current morons.
Ars Technica explains why a recount in New Hampshire is necessary:
In Kenya, a Kiva.org borrower is spotted on the news at a refugee camp.
How literacy changes your way of thinking.
Self-Link: Aquaman Links, including the gaslight Aquaman and reaction to Teen Titans Year One. I'd like to proudly note that I got the in-line comments working on the Aquaman Blog too.
And finally, the Seahawks lost, no surprise. They were even spotted 14 points by the Packers at the beginning of the game. They were completely outplayed in the snow. Oh well... next year.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #137: Brave and the Bold, the Punisher, and Death's Head.
An Iraqi reviews The Pride of Baghdad, and finds it good.
An Interrupted Mind: Robin Balzer's Buffy Tale.
Star Wars Guide to the Presidential Candidates.
Merv Griffin's Grave.
Pacifist World of Warcraft player tries to make it to the top without killing anything or helping any players that kill.
Is it legal to blog about a failing marriage?
This can't be real, and if it's real, there must be some drawback I'm missing.
I was just reminded of my favorite HTML reference site: W3Schools. If you plan on doing any website design, this is a site you probably ought to have bookmarked.
The no-fly list is complete bull, and these kids will have troubles all their lives because of this bogus list that some idiot dreamed up that doesn't help keep us safe at all. The no-fly list ought to be abolished and the TSA turned over to monkeys... they'd do ten times a better job than the current morons.
Ars Technica explains why a recount in New Hampshire is necessary:
The fact that optical scanners leave a paper record is totally irrelevant if a random audit of the results is not mandatory by law after every election. And in New Hampshire, there are no mandatory audits. As I've said before, mandating a paper trail without also requiring post-election audits is like buying a security system for your house and then not turning it on.If democracy is worth having, then it is worth checking to make sure the results are certain.
In Kenya, a Kiva.org borrower is spotted on the news at a refugee camp.
How literacy changes your way of thinking.
Self-Link: Aquaman Links, including the gaslight Aquaman and reaction to Teen Titans Year One. I'd like to proudly note that I got the in-line comments working on the Aquaman Blog too.
And finally, the Seahawks lost, no surprise. They were even spotted 14 points by the Packers at the beginning of the game. They were completely outplayed in the snow. Oh well... next year.
Labels: Blogging, Comic Book Urban Legends, HTML, Kiva, Links, Politics, Voting Machines, Wonder Woman
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 186
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #263 (August 1959) - The Great Ocean Election!
Vic Wake is trying to become governor of Comstock, to replace the corrupt Big Jim Mason, but Big Jim has other ideas.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Neptune"
Quotefile: Opening text box, "Sinister forces are at work to prevent an honest election in the sea-bound country of Comstock, and Aquaman temporarily deserts his own domain to help elect honest Vic Wake!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides on Topo at the beginning of the story. Aquaman has electric eels form a giant billboard for Vic. He has octopi toss shells with Vic's election message on them into town. Topo comforts Vic when that effort fails. Sea gulls carry a banner through town announcing the gala fish show. Seals and octopi balance beach balls with "Elect Vic Wake" written on them. A swordfish takes the knock-out pills out of Big Jim's hands. Whales and octopi create spouts to knock Big Jim and his spear gun down. Topo holds up Big Jim as he confesses his crimes to the people of Comstock.
I adore the look on Topo's "face" in the third panel on page six, as he holds up Big Jim. It's notable that Big Jim is threatening to poison the fish in the opening splash page, but later on he is using knock-out pills.
The country of Comstock is described as an island nation. But we have no idea where it is. Everyone apparently speaks English, and they wear normal clothing of the era. Comstock is big enough to have a navy, as we see the battleship. The Department of Sanitation also runs around armed for some reason. I have to wonder if this country didn't later change its name to Cerdia.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Vic Wake is trying to become governor of Comstock, to replace the corrupt Big Jim Mason, but Big Jim has other ideas.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Neptune"
Quotefile: Opening text box, "Sinister forces are at work to prevent an honest election in the sea-bound country of Comstock, and Aquaman temporarily deserts his own domain to help elect honest Vic Wake!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides on Topo at the beginning of the story. Aquaman has electric eels form a giant billboard for Vic. He has octopi toss shells with Vic's election message on them into town. Topo comforts Vic when that effort fails. Sea gulls carry a banner through town announcing the gala fish show. Seals and octopi balance beach balls with "Elect Vic Wake" written on them. A swordfish takes the knock-out pills out of Big Jim's hands. Whales and octopi create spouts to knock Big Jim and his spear gun down. Topo holds up Big Jim as he confesses his crimes to the people of Comstock.
I adore the look on Topo's "face" in the third panel on page six, as he holds up Big Jim. It's notable that Big Jim is threatening to poison the fish in the opening splash page, but later on he is using knock-out pills.
The country of Comstock is described as an island nation. But we have no idea where it is. Everyone apparently speaks English, and they wear normal clothing of the era. Comstock is big enough to have a navy, as we see the battleship. The Department of Sanitation also runs around armed for some reason. I have to wonder if this country didn't later change its name to Cerdia.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 185
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #262 (July 1959) - The Undersea Hospital!
Aquaman opens a hospital after Topo sprains a tentacle, and his kindness to the fish pays off when he is himself injured.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Goldfish"
Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman is shot by pirates, and is unconscious until his fishy friends patch him up.
Quotefile: Aquaman, after being shot, "T-this's the end! I can't swim a stroke! *GASP!*... I-I'm losing consciousness! No one can help me now! No one... No one..." Melodramatic Much?
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman binds Topo's tentacle to relieve the pain. He has octopi, swordfish, and whales help him build his clinic. His first patient is a seal with a broken flipper. Then a shark with a toothache. Aquaman uses a lobster to pull the shark's tooth. An ambulance "manned" by Topo, pulled by dolphins, with eels for wheels brings in a sick dogfish. Topo puts the dogfish into a tank. Aquaman uses a swordfish to pry a turtle's head from where it's stuck in it's shell. A cutlass fish cuts a length of rubber sheeting for Aquaman to wrap around an electric eel that cannot control it's discharges. Aquaman puts a whale with a high fever into a tank of ice from a glacier.
After Aquaman is shot, all his finny friends help guide him to the clinic. Octopi act as stretcher-bearers with eels acting as the poles of the stretcher. Lantern fish illuminate the operating room, electric eels shock Aquaman for anesthetic. Octopi create tourniquets, and swordfish remove the bullets. Sucker fish suck out the lead, and jelly fish apply healing balm. Sharks and crabs make bandages from old sail cloth. A whale creates a sun deck for Aquaman to recuperate on. Flying fish shade him from the hot sun.
Aquaman's first stint at the medical profession was in Adventure #188, when he has to set up a quarantine. In that tale, Aquaman already has an established undersea clinic for treating his finny friends.
This story has a tiny link with Adventure #119, due to the floating observatory. While the idea doesn't seem too fantastic, the problem with creating any sort of successful observatory that floats is that you have to keep the platform absolutely still. Even an inch of change would completely mess up your observing. But clearly the idea appealed to the writers of Aquaman... more than once.
The pirates shoot Aquaman with what appears to be a tommy gun. It seems worth noting that, although Aquaman is described as being "riddled with bullets", the artwork shows no injuries, and the coloring shows no blood.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Aquaman opens a hospital after Topo sprains a tentacle, and his kindness to the fish pays off when he is himself injured.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.
Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Goldfish"
Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman is shot by pirates, and is unconscious until his fishy friends patch him up.
Quotefile: Aquaman, after being shot, "T-this's the end! I can't swim a stroke! *GASP!*... I-I'm losing consciousness! No one can help me now! No one... No one..." Melodramatic Much?
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman binds Topo's tentacle to relieve the pain. He has octopi, swordfish, and whales help him build his clinic. His first patient is a seal with a broken flipper. Then a shark with a toothache. Aquaman uses a lobster to pull the shark's tooth. An ambulance "manned" by Topo, pulled by dolphins, with eels for wheels brings in a sick dogfish. Topo puts the dogfish into a tank. Aquaman uses a swordfish to pry a turtle's head from where it's stuck in it's shell. A cutlass fish cuts a length of rubber sheeting for Aquaman to wrap around an electric eel that cannot control it's discharges. Aquaman puts a whale with a high fever into a tank of ice from a glacier.
After Aquaman is shot, all his finny friends help guide him to the clinic. Octopi act as stretcher-bearers with eels acting as the poles of the stretcher. Lantern fish illuminate the operating room, electric eels shock Aquaman for anesthetic. Octopi create tourniquets, and swordfish remove the bullets. Sucker fish suck out the lead, and jelly fish apply healing balm. Sharks and crabs make bandages from old sail cloth. A whale creates a sun deck for Aquaman to recuperate on. Flying fish shade him from the hot sun.
Aquaman's first stint at the medical profession was in Adventure #188, when he has to set up a quarantine. In that tale, Aquaman already has an established undersea clinic for treating his finny friends.
This story has a tiny link with Adventure #119, due to the floating observatory. While the idea doesn't seem too fantastic, the problem with creating any sort of successful observatory that floats is that you have to keep the platform absolutely still. Even an inch of change would completely mess up your observing. But clearly the idea appealed to the writers of Aquaman... more than once.
The pirates shoot Aquaman with what appears to be a tommy gun. It seems worth noting that, although Aquaman is described as being "riddled with bullets", the artwork shows no injuries, and the coloring shows no blood.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Haloscan In-Line Commenting
As many of you know, I've been using Haloscan for my commenting system for many years now. I've survived through upgrades to blogger and various other bits of nonsense, enjoying the control Haloscan gives me (I get a LOT of comment spam).
The newest feature of Haloscan is the ability to put your comments on your page, in-line. I've almost done it on my blog now. Check out this note to see what I mean (If you don't see anything, either you've got Javascript turned off or Haloscan is down for the moment). The only problem I have is that I can't get the comment box itself to work in the in-line post. I have some Javascript on the comments that conflicts with Blogger, I think.
I also finally figured out how to link to the comments even if Javascript is turned off, so even the super-cautious should see a "Comments" link on every post now. No doubt I'm the last person using Haloscan to have figured this one out.
I thought I'd turn this into a blog post, even though it's probably boring you all and driving off the few readers I have, because there are a couple of things I'm not allowed to blog about right now that are eating me up from the inside.
The newest feature of Haloscan is the ability to put your comments on your page, in-line. I've almost done it on my blog now. Check out this note to see what I mean (If you don't see anything, either you've got Javascript turned off or Haloscan is down for the moment). The only problem I have is that I can't get the comment box itself to work in the in-line post. I have some Javascript on the comments that conflicts with Blogger, I think.
I also finally figured out how to link to the comments even if Javascript is turned off, so even the super-cautious should see a "Comments" link on every post now. No doubt I'm the last person using Haloscan to have figured this one out.
I thought I'd turn this into a blog post, even though it's probably boring you all and driving off the few readers I have, because there are a couple of things I'm not allowed to blog about right now that are eating me up from the inside.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Wednesday Linkdump
Heidi asks us all: How Much Would You Pay? I think $3.99 is the limit, but I don't know. I'd spend more on an Aquaman book.
Johnny B shows us A Portrait of Mike Kaluta. Wow.
This is the single most evil alarm clock ever. I think I'd never sleep in for a second if I had this... either that, or I wouldn't bother hitting snooze and end up sleeping in several hours. Via Augie.
Speaking of gadgets, The Powerseed is a clever device to remind you... well, to do things on a regular basis.
Elayne directs us to a My Little Pony Generator that I found entirely too fun for my own good. Naturally, I set about making Aqua-Ponies.
I can't decide whether this story is tragic or a sign of overbearing parenting.
Here's a use for old iMacs.
Johnny B shows us A Portrait of Mike Kaluta. Wow.
This is the single most evil alarm clock ever. I think I'd never sleep in for a second if I had this... either that, or I wouldn't bother hitting snooze and end up sleeping in several hours. Via Augie.
Speaking of gadgets, The Powerseed is a clever device to remind you... well, to do things on a regular basis.
Elayne directs us to a My Little Pony Generator that I found entirely too fun for my own good. Naturally, I set about making Aqua-Ponies.
I can't decide whether this story is tragic or a sign of overbearing parenting.
Here's a use for old iMacs.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 184
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #261 (June 1959) - Aquaman Duels The Animal-Master!
Gustave the Great, an animal trainer, vows revenge after Aquaman stops his getaway after a daring robbery.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: none. Although an octopus appears, Aquaman does not ride it nor call it Topo, so I call generic on it.
Quotefile: Aquaman, "You're wasting your breath, Gustave. That buffalo won't listen to you! Only to me! I gave him a telepathic order to tilt the raft!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides a whale. Aquaman swims up the whale spout to attack Gustave. The whale takes the stolen money sacks back to port. Aquaman says he will summon giant squid to keep a plane afloat until help arrives, but the action happens 'off-camera'. A year later, Aquaman gets Gustave's phony SOS messages from an octopus, an eel, a swordfish, and a flying fish. Electric eels attack the gorilla without direct orders from Aquaman. Luminous fish beam a light into the elephant's eyes to spook it away from Aquaman. The octopus goes up against a lion and manages to muzzle it completely. A swordfish battles Gustave and wins the swordplay. Aquaman orders the water buffalo that Gustave had trained to dump the bombs, and Aquaman punches out Gustave. Flying fish carry Gustave to jail.
Aquaman specifically refers to his power as telepathy in this story. He also claims dominion over all water animals, including those that just spend time in the water. Animals do not have to breathe water for Aquaman to control them. This idea is later taken much further, as later writers will suggest that Aquaman's abilities are full telepathy with a block that prevents him from controlling land animals... but that's off in the future.
Fradon's art on this one is just wonderful. There are some fantastic action shots, particularly the last panel on page two. While the story itself is fairly silly, the animals are well-drawn and Aquaman has some great poses. I particularly like Ramona's cats.
Aquaman stutters at the start of every thought and speech balloon on page five. As a bonus, he stutters twice in the only speech balloon.
Like the last story, this story can be found in the excellent reprint volumes currently in print from DC. I checked my library system and found that they have the Showcase, so if you live near a library you might see if they carry it too.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Gustave the Great, an animal trainer, vows revenge after Aquaman stops his getaway after a daring robbery.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: none. Although an octopus appears, Aquaman does not ride it nor call it Topo, so I call generic on it.
Quotefile: Aquaman, "You're wasting your breath, Gustave. That buffalo won't listen to you! Only to me! I gave him a telepathic order to tilt the raft!"
Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides a whale. Aquaman swims up the whale spout to attack Gustave. The whale takes the stolen money sacks back to port. Aquaman says he will summon giant squid to keep a plane afloat until help arrives, but the action happens 'off-camera'. A year later, Aquaman gets Gustave's phony SOS messages from an octopus, an eel, a swordfish, and a flying fish. Electric eels attack the gorilla without direct orders from Aquaman. Luminous fish beam a light into the elephant's eyes to spook it away from Aquaman. The octopus goes up against a lion and manages to muzzle it completely. A swordfish battles Gustave and wins the swordplay. Aquaman orders the water buffalo that Gustave had trained to dump the bombs, and Aquaman punches out Gustave. Flying fish carry Gustave to jail.
Aquaman specifically refers to his power as telepathy in this story. He also claims dominion over all water animals, including those that just spend time in the water. Animals do not have to breathe water for Aquaman to control them. This idea is later taken much further, as later writers will suggest that Aquaman's abilities are full telepathy with a block that prevents him from controlling land animals... but that's off in the future.
Fradon's art on this one is just wonderful. There are some fantastic action shots, particularly the last panel on page two. While the story itself is fairly silly, the animals are well-drawn and Aquaman has some great poses. I particularly like Ramona's cats.
Aquaman stutters at the start of every thought and speech balloon on page five. As a bonus, he stutters twice in the only speech balloon.
Like the last story, this story can be found in the excellent reprint volumes currently in print from DC. I checked my library system and found that they have the Showcase, so if you live near a library you might see if they carry it too.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Doctor Who Turns 100
Well, the first Doctor, William Hartnell would be 100 today.
Labels: Doctor Who
Monday, January 07, 2008
Ripples Through Time - 183
I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.
Adventure #260 (May 1959) - How Aquaman Got His Powers!
To protect an undersea secret, Aquaman tells the story of his origin to a Navy Commander.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Atlanna, Tom Curry.
Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Neptune!", "Leaping Ladyfish!"
Quotefile: Aquaman, "You must forget your orders, Commander! Please listen to me! I've got a story to tell you... about me! It's been a dead secret... till now! It concerns my childhood... and how I got my powers!"
Finny Friends Report: On the splash page, young Arthur is threatened by swordfish. Aquaman has electric eels jam the depth bomb signals, then has whales slow the bombs down while he disarms them. Baby Arthur plays with turtles and sharks. Tom builds a tank and stocks it with swordfish, which threaten young Arthur as on the splash page. Arthur learns how to control them. In order to free a trapped squid, Aquaman summons octopi to row the wreck of a Roman galley off the squid. The fish pledge obedience to Arthur. Aquaman tries to get a whale to help a stranded ferry and learns that whales won't enter fresh water.
This is the first time that Aquaman is given a proper name. Until this story, he was ONLY Aquaman. We also know his parents' names: Tom Curry and Atlanna. Aquaman's mother died when he was just a child. His father died when Arthur was already an adult (and was buried at sea with a United States flag-draped casket).
So, this is it. The beginning of the Silver Age as far as most people are concerned. This is when Aquaman's origin changes from being the son of a scientist who learned the secrets of Atlantis to being the son of a lighthouse keeper and an Atlantean exile. This is not the first appearance of Atlantis in the strip, not even the first appearance of living Atlanteans, but it's quite a turning point anyway.
Now, there are two good ways to get this story without hunting down the original Adventure Comics. The first is the Aquaman Archives from 2003. This has the story better than it looked originally, with exactingly recreated colors. It is a truly fantastic reprint, though the price may be a bit hefty for the casual Aquaman fan. A less impressive but much cheaper reprint is in Showcase Presents: Aquaman Vol 1. The story is better (IMHO) in color, but the B&W reprint is a good way to get the story. The bonus with both these methods of getting the story is that there are plenty of other stories in each book, and both are in print from DC Comics right now.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
To protect an undersea secret, Aquaman tells the story of his origin to a Navy Commander.
Glove Color: Yellow.
Regular Supporting Cast: Atlanna, Tom Curry.
Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Neptune!", "Leaping Ladyfish!"
Quotefile: Aquaman, "You must forget your orders, Commander! Please listen to me! I've got a story to tell you... about me! It's been a dead secret... till now! It concerns my childhood... and how I got my powers!"
Finny Friends Report: On the splash page, young Arthur is threatened by swordfish. Aquaman has electric eels jam the depth bomb signals, then has whales slow the bombs down while he disarms them. Baby Arthur plays with turtles and sharks. Tom builds a tank and stocks it with swordfish, which threaten young Arthur as on the splash page. Arthur learns how to control them. In order to free a trapped squid, Aquaman summons octopi to row the wreck of a Roman galley off the squid. The fish pledge obedience to Arthur. Aquaman tries to get a whale to help a stranded ferry and learns that whales won't enter fresh water.
This is the first time that Aquaman is given a proper name. Until this story, he was ONLY Aquaman. We also know his parents' names: Tom Curry and Atlanna. Aquaman's mother died when he was just a child. His father died when Arthur was already an adult (and was buried at sea with a United States flag-draped casket).
So, this is it. The beginning of the Silver Age as far as most people are concerned. This is when Aquaman's origin changes from being the son of a scientist who learned the secrets of Atlantis to being the son of a lighthouse keeper and an Atlantean exile. This is not the first appearance of Atlantis in the strip, not even the first appearance of living Atlanteans, but it's quite a turning point anyway.
Now, there are two good ways to get this story without hunting down the original Adventure Comics. The first is the Aquaman Archives from 2003. This has the story better than it looked originally, with exactingly recreated colors. It is a truly fantastic reprint, though the price may be a bit hefty for the casual Aquaman fan. A less impressive but much cheaper reprint is in Showcase Presents: Aquaman Vol 1. The story is better (IMHO) in color, but the B&W reprint is a good way to get the story. The bonus with both these methods of getting the story is that there are plenty of other stories in each book, and both are in print from DC Comics right now.
Have you read this story? What do you think?
Labels: Aquaman, Ripples Through Time
Monday Links
I'd say his name ought to be changed to "Unlucky".
Andy of Owly fame has a return visitor.
Which Power Ring would come to You? I'm an Indigo Lantern, because my compassion knows no bounds, apparently.
Ooooooooh, me want.
Cheshire Crossing Issue 4 is out.
I just like this headline: Missing snowmobilers call 911, all OK. I hope they didn't have to pay roaming charges.
Happy Birthday, Schoolhouse Rock. I love these, even now.
Reading this editorial about cell phone spam reminded me that I got an unwanted spam-ish text message near midnight the other night. I promptly called my cell provider and had them completely disable text messaging for my phone, since I never use it anyway.
Cybil Awards Graphic Novel Finalists for 2007.
Tech review of OLPC XO-1. I still gotta visit my brother and see his.
How about a flu vaccine that works to prevent EVERY TYPE of flu? I'd risk another adverse reaction for the benefit of this one.
[citation needed]
Houseplants that even I could grow? I scoff.
A Barbie fishing rod, with a red plastic worm as bait, and the four-year-old catches a 50-pound fish.
Salman Rushdie Film. I almost want to see it to view the sheer badness of it, as conveyed via this snippet.
Oingo Boingo on the Gong Show. Wow.
The final post of mil blogger Andrew Olmsted.
Andy of Owly fame has a return visitor.
Which Power Ring would come to You? I'm an Indigo Lantern, because my compassion knows no bounds, apparently.
Ooooooooh, me want.
Cheshire Crossing Issue 4 is out.
I just like this headline: Missing snowmobilers call 911, all OK. I hope they didn't have to pay roaming charges.
Happy Birthday, Schoolhouse Rock. I love these, even now.
Reading this editorial about cell phone spam reminded me that I got an unwanted spam-ish text message near midnight the other night. I promptly called my cell provider and had them completely disable text messaging for my phone, since I never use it anyway.
Cybil Awards Graphic Novel Finalists for 2007.
Tech review of OLPC XO-1. I still gotta visit my brother and see his.
How about a flu vaccine that works to prevent EVERY TYPE of flu? I'd risk another adverse reaction for the benefit of this one.
[citation needed]
Houseplants that even I could grow? I scoff.
A Barbie fishing rod, with a red plastic worm as bait, and the four-year-old catches a 50-pound fish.
Salman Rushdie Film. I almost want to see it to view the sheer badness of it, as conveyed via this snippet.
Oingo Boingo on the Gong Show. Wow.
The final post of mil blogger Andrew Olmsted.
Labels: Blogging, Cellphone, Fish, Green Lantern, Health, Links, Owly, Wikipedia, Wizard of Oz
Rhetorical Question: Cloned Meat
So scientists can now pretty much create slabs of meat in the lab. It may be possible to create cuts of meat that are healthier than what's currently coming out of our food supply (no cross contamination, no steroids, no animals dying).
Here's the question: Would you eat it?
Here's the question: Would you eat it?
Labels: Rhetorical Question
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Saving My Back
A friend of mine, who I think might read this, helped me out yesterday during the Androgums party by taking a "field trip" with me and buying me a late Christmas present. The result of the present is that I'm now typing on my computer in a posture that is much better for my back. I had been putting my computer on the coffee table in the living room, but now I've got it up on a TV table that was freed up thanks to her gift. I'm now sitting upright instead of hunched over. Since I need to sit at my computer to do my database work, this is a very good thing.
So I just wanted to send a big electronic "THANK YOU!" to my friend. You are literally saving my back.
So I just wanted to send a big electronic "THANK YOU!" to my friend. You are literally saving my back.
Labels: Christmas, Christmas Presents, Health
Saturday, January 05, 2008
A Contrast in Customer Support
I had an issue with the Swiss Colony over a delivery. It was ordered in time for Christmas, but didn't come until after. I reported the problem and, instead of apologizing, they blamed it on first the delivery company and then on me ordering late (falsely claiming I'd ordered the product over a week later than I had). All I was expecting was an apology, instead I got excuses and accusations. I was insulted, so I replied... um... a little angrily. To my disgust, THAT got me the apology I originally wanted (along with, to their credit, a refund). I've decided to never do business with them again.
By contrast, I had a very small issue with some Stash Tea. I decided that they ought to know about it, so I wrote a slightly tongue-in-cheek note describing the problem. I got an immediate response (like, within an hour) apologizing profusely, asking for a little more information so they could track the problem, and offering a refund, credit, or extra tea. I replied and explained that I didn't need a refund, but thanks for the quick response. They sent me a $25 gift certificate anyway!
I think I'll probably buy more Chocolate Peppermint Tea, because it's the best after dinner drink I've found yet (no calories, but it tastes like a peppermint pattie!).
By contrast, I had a very small issue with some Stash Tea. I decided that they ought to know about it, so I wrote a slightly tongue-in-cheek note describing the problem. I got an immediate response (like, within an hour) apologizing profusely, asking for a little more information so they could track the problem, and offering a refund, credit, or extra tea. I replied and explained that I didn't need a refund, but thanks for the quick response. They sent me a $25 gift certificate anyway!
I think I'll probably buy more Chocolate Peppermint Tea, because it's the best after dinner drink I've found yet (no calories, but it tastes like a peppermint pattie!).
Labels: Professionalism
Friday, January 04, 2008
The Links of the Day
Still working on the database, and not reading comics, so here's some links I found to hold you until I think of something else fun to post.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #136, Rob Liefeld.
Comic book commentary on women in refrigerators from Something Positive.
An Iraqi reviews a webcomic about Iraq.
Seattle in 2014, as envisioned in 1914.
The potential of geothermal energy in Washington State.
Doctor Who obsession.
Oooh, a clock of nines. That's just cool!
Suddenly I really want a Quikoin. I used to have one a long time ago, when I was a kid.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #136, Rob Liefeld.
Comic book commentary on women in refrigerators from Something Positive.
An Iraqi reviews a webcomic about Iraq.
Seattle in 2014, as envisioned in 1914.
The potential of geothermal energy in Washington State.
Doctor Who obsession.
Oooh, a clock of nines. That's just cool!
Suddenly I really want a Quikoin. I used to have one a long time ago, when I was a kid.
Labels: Comic Book Urban Legends, Doctor Who, Links, Seattle, Webcomics
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Nothing to Say
I'm a bit off my blogging today, as I've been working all day long on a database. I'm not sure I can pull together anything coherent. So today will probably go down as a no-blog kind of day.
Labels: No Blog Kinda Day
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Linkdump
English LOLCats.
Holiday Logos from Google, the on-line archive.
For everyone's sake, I hope 2008 IS a much better year.
Let's hope that this event is the worst thing that happens to Seattle this year.
A Baghdad Muslim talks about Iraqis celebrating Christmas.
Big Brother is Watching You. But only if you fly. Which I don't, for precisely these reasons.
Doctor Who LOLs. I particularly liked the Ice Warriors.
The Charity Snowbank.
Upgrade coupons available for low tech televisions.
Holiday Logos from Google, the on-line archive.
For everyone's sake, I hope 2008 IS a much better year.
Let's hope that this event is the worst thing that happens to Seattle this year.
A Baghdad Muslim talks about Iraqis celebrating Christmas.
Big Brother is Watching You. But only if you fly. Which I don't, for precisely these reasons.
Doctor Who LOLs. I particularly liked the Ice Warriors.
The Charity Snowbank.
Upgrade coupons available for low tech televisions.
Labels: Cats, Doctor Who, Links, New Year, TV
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne!
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Labels: New Year
