Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Aquaman on the Daily Show
Aquaman made a brief appearance on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show last night as a member of the Supreme Court. After Jon listed off his slightly altered list of Supreme Court Members, an image of the Court was shown. I've included the original of the image to show you which Justice was replaced by which fictional character.
Jon Stewart: "The final arbiter of American justice is the Supreme Court. Roberts, Ginsberg, Souter, Stevens, ... Blitzen, Sleepy, Aquaman, Thomas and Scalia. These nine judges, these magnificent b*****ds, help settle intractable American disputes. They settle intractable American disputes, oftentimes only 6 to 15 years after the original incident has lost its relevance."
Note that Aquaman replaces Alito. Aquaman continues to get no respect. *sigh*
You can see the full video segment on The Daily Show's site by clicking here or on the picture.
Jon Stewart: "The final arbiter of American justice is the Supreme Court. Roberts, Ginsberg, Souter, Stevens, ... Blitzen, Sleepy, Aquaman, Thomas and Scalia. These nine judges, these magnificent b*****ds, help settle intractable American disputes. They settle intractable American disputes, oftentimes only 6 to 15 years after the original incident has lost its relevance."
Note that Aquaman replaces Alito. Aquaman continues to get no respect. *sigh*
You can see the full video segment on The Daily Show's site by clicking here or on the picture.
Wednesday Afternoon Links
While several comic news sites were careful to cover up spoilers to the ending of a DC book I had pre-ordered that arrived today, ComicList had the spoiler right up front in a headline of their RSS feed. I've now unsubscribed from ComicList and will no longer visit the site. I hate spoilers. I don't care if the New York Daily News already spoiled it. I don't READ the NY Daily News. ComicList changed the article after the damage was done, to their slight credit. I'm still annoyed.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #152: Mutants, Patricia Highsmith, and Wizard of Oz.
Speaking of Oz, read this interview with Linda Medley. Yes, there is Oz content. One of the projects she was working on when she took her break from Castle Waiting was an Oz book. I've seen some of the art from it, and I think Oz fans would love it.
And if you have any comic book questions, Comic Book Questions Answered will help.
Burma Shave!
Going to Mecca makes Muslims more moderate. Perhaps we should make an effort to help more pilgrims get to Mecca.
We're wrecking our feet with shoes.
I don't see any Bloggers do it with... on the list.
EMI claims that storing files online is illegal. So you can't back up your own files on-line.
Pathetic. Penguicon is tainted by the Open Source Boob Project. Tamora Pierce chimes in with support of Penguincon, links to other commentary, and disgust for the twits behind the "project".
A cake in celebration of the Power of Two.
Don't like icy roads? Maybe under-road radiators could help. A pilot program is ready to start in the UK.
The first oil paintings in the world may have been painted in Afghanistan. The article also mentions the Taliban's desecration of artwork.
Drew Carey: Battle of the Bacon Dogs. The zinger of the video is that the woman who was arrested and spent 45 days in jail for selling bacon dogs was licensed (by the health department) and knew proper food preparation techniques. The smaller vendors who get her business now that she dare not sell with bacon are fly-by-night operators without any licenses. So the health department efforts to protect consumers is doing just the opposite.
The zebra pranksters write to the Museum of Hoaxes. The museum also lists three more pranks, one of which was harassment and got no punishment, one which was harmless and funny and got the students week-long suspensions (serious over-reaction), and one that was just strange.
I'm with Ken Jennings on the whole Harry Potter reference book thing. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with him, or even disagrees politely.
I am only linking to this article because of the name of the seal.
Another sad pug for the in-laws.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #152: Mutants, Patricia Highsmith, and Wizard of Oz.
Speaking of Oz, read this interview with Linda Medley. Yes, there is Oz content. One of the projects she was working on when she took her break from Castle Waiting was an Oz book. I've seen some of the art from it, and I think Oz fans would love it.
And if you have any comic book questions, Comic Book Questions Answered will help.
Burma Shave!
Going to Mecca makes Muslims more moderate. Perhaps we should make an effort to help more pilgrims get to Mecca.
We're wrecking our feet with shoes.
I don't see any Bloggers do it with... on the list.
EMI claims that storing files online is illegal. So you can't back up your own files on-line.
Pathetic. Penguicon is tainted by the Open Source Boob Project. Tamora Pierce chimes in with support of Penguincon, links to other commentary, and disgust for the twits behind the "project".
A cake in celebration of the Power of Two.
Don't like icy roads? Maybe under-road radiators could help. A pilot program is ready to start in the UK.
The first oil paintings in the world may have been painted in Afghanistan. The article also mentions the Taliban's desecration of artwork.
Drew Carey: Battle of the Bacon Dogs. The zinger of the video is that the woman who was arrested and spent 45 days in jail for selling bacon dogs was licensed (by the health department) and knew proper food preparation techniques. The smaller vendors who get her business now that she dare not sell with bacon are fly-by-night operators without any licenses. So the health department efforts to protect consumers is doing just the opposite.
The zebra pranksters write to the Museum of Hoaxes. The museum also lists three more pranks, one of which was harassment and got no punishment, one which was harmless and funny and got the students week-long suspensions (serious over-reaction), and one that was just strange.
I'm with Ken Jennings on the whole Harry Potter reference book thing. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with him, or even disagrees politely.
I am only linking to this article because of the name of the seal.
Another sad pug for the in-laws.
Labels: Castle Waiting, Comic Book Urban Legends, Copyfight, DRM, Fandom, Food, Health, Links, Math, Pranks, Pug, Wizard of Oz
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Free Ice Cream
It's Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream Free Scoop Day. I don't think Eric and I will get out and get ice cream, unless we have something to celebrate. But if you manage to get some, enjoy it for me, ok?
Labels: Food
Monday, April 28, 2008
I Wonder What Else Is On The Spelling List?
Ignoring all the rest of the sheer oddity of this scene, including Lana's strange transformation, I find the spelling word to be amazingly funny.
Labels: Silver Age Fun
Sunday, April 27, 2008
A Sunday Review
TV this week:
Comics this week:
My library book this week was Jack of Fables Vol. 2: Jack of Hearts. There's really not a lot to say about this one. It's ... Jack. If you have read enough Fables, you understand this guy, if not, you don't. I think I'll continue to read these in trade. The next one is out this summer, so I may wait awhile before it hits the library.
- Classic Doctor Who: "Sunmakers" Parts 1 & 2 - Ah yes. I have seen this one before, but it's still an interesting tale of taxes, drugs, and rebellion.
- Chefography: "Rachel Ray" - I didn't mean to watch this, but I caught it anyway and enjoyed it. I think the main issue folks have with Rachel is her oversaturation. Watching the bio, I see how she managed to get all over the place. I think she ought to slow down before she explodes or something.
- Iron Chef America: "Flay vs Rios" - One of my favorite ingredients, and my least favorite Iron Chef.
- Have I Got News For You: "Jack Dee, Peter Serafinowicz and Bob Marshall-Andrews" - This is one of the funniest shows on TV... unfortunately, there's no American version (and if there was, it would be dumbed down, I bet).
- Supernanny: "Schrage Family" - The sleeping habits of that family are beyond belief... I'm surprised the parents didn't fix that themselves out of sheer frustration years earlier.
- Ghost Hunters: "Spirits of the Old West" - Good old gory stories in this one, and not much else.
- Dinner: Impossible: "Brewhouse Bites" - I don't drink beer, and it smells like rotting feet to me, so this episode is utterly unappetizing. Perhaps I should watch it when I'm having trouble keeping my calorie level low.
- Ace of Cakes: "Skate, Rattle and Roll" - Best dream sequence ever! Duff looks good as a wish-granting fairy.
- Smallville: "Sleeper" - Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen. Halfway amusing, totally cringeworthy.
- Star Trek New Voyages/Phase II: "To Serve All My Days" - Chekov talks to himself very nicely. But the ending... that was NOT what I was expecting. For the record, we have now seen all released episodes of New Voyages/Phase II (we saw "World Enough and Time" back in March when we heard it was nominated for a Hugo).
- Doctor Who: "The Sontaran Stratagem" - I kept thinking, "Why are they adding another plotline? How can they wrap this one up?" I'd forgotten it was a two-parter. I like Donna even more now.
Comics this week:
- Countdown 1 - Um. Ok.
- Checkmate #25 - I expected the ending, but there was enough misdirection that I wasn't sure of it.
- Justice League of America #20 - It's a Flash story, with a little bit of a fight. Not bad.
- Batman #675 - I actually liked this one, despite some dodgy moments with the artwork.
- Super Friends #2 - This book is great. I love it. Aquaman is wonderful, full of confidence and a great sense of humor. "'Bye, Icky." I'm still grinning.
- Spirit #16 - I love how the gossip leads the investigation.
- Northlanders #5 - Flashback issue! Sven's path is pretty clear now.
- Witchblade #117 - I'm supposed to know who the guy at the end is, right?
- Fallen Angel #26 - Slightly disjointed, especially toward the end. I'm not really sure what happened, although I understand all the individual pieces.
- Star Trek: New Frontier #2 - I tried to read it. But without having read the books, it makes no sense whatsoever. I give up.
My library book this week was Jack of Fables Vol. 2: Jack of Hearts. There's really not a lot to say about this one. It's ... Jack. If you have read enough Fables, you understand this guy, if not, you don't. I think I'll continue to read these in trade. The next one is out this summer, so I may wait awhile before it hits the library.
Labels: Doctor Who, Fallen Angel, Food, Ghosts, Iron Chef, Library, Movies, Northlanders, Smallville, Spirit, Star Trek, Sunday Review, Super Friends
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Kiva Update!
One of my Kiva loans has been completely paid off! Yay! It was one of my two Christmas present loans (I asked for Kiva gift certificates for Christmas and got two of them). It was to a group in Paraguay, because the person who gave me the gift certificate has connections to Paraguay.
For that reason, I decided to reinvest the money into another business in Paraguay, which is still trying to raise money at this time. In fact, there are a TON of businesses that need financing at the moment (about 300). So if you have a spare $25 and a few moments, there are worse things you could do than make a microloan.
And, if all goes well, you'll get your $25 back to reinvest or withdraw in just a few months. Loan defaults are rare, but happen. Most of the time you'll get the money back to pass on to someone new.
For that reason, I decided to reinvest the money into another business in Paraguay, which is still trying to raise money at this time. In fact, there are a TON of businesses that need financing at the moment (about 300). So if you have a spare $25 and a few moments, there are worse things you could do than make a microloan.
And, if all goes well, you'll get your $25 back to reinvest or withdraw in just a few months. Loan defaults are rare, but happen. Most of the time you'll get the money back to pass on to someone new.
Labels: Kiva
Friday, April 25, 2008
It's Friday Night, Time for Links
Ingredients of the Batman Ice Cream are revealed (scroll down).
A collection of links about The Dionne Quintuplets. If you've ever read an old comic book, you've seen ads featuring them.
The Gordon Lee case is dismissed. It should never have started in the first place. And Lee offered to write a letter of apology before the whole thing even started, so the District Attorney is a scumbag twit and should pay back every dollar spent on this wasteful attack.
Can't afford any more action figures, but these would be fun to have.
I like Augie's To Do List. I might try it myself.
When I consider what I and my siblings got away with at 9 years old, I can't see why people are so upset that a woman let her 9-year-old son ride home by himself on a New York subway and bus.
You can watch all of season one of Babylon 5 on-line.
BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA!! Sorry, the idea of a guy in a trash bag yelling "Darth Vader!" attacking poor wannabe Jedis is hilarious.
I went ahead and added Mecca Time to my FoxClocks add-on, just in case.
Scientists find 17 living relatives of 'iceman' found in glacier. Yup, DNA testing.
One Laptop Per Child: keyboard problems. Not good.
It's not illegal to take photos, even if stupid police or overbearing security guards think it is.
Be good to your local postal carrier, she just might save your baby.
Plastic Ban. Anyone know what types of bottles have this in them? I'm just wondering if I drink anything with this stuff in it.
Why DRM sucks. MSN music DRM server to be shut down: all legally purchased music through them won't work on new computers, because it can't be validated. Stupid stupid stupid.
The Oldest Active Fuller Brush Man.
22 innings in 6 hours and 16 minutes, yeah, old news by now... but still impressive.
I think I want this. Numbered drawers... so useful. So nerdy.
A win for the good guys.
I like the idea of a prize for "vat-grown meat". But, as Slate points out, it won't do anything.
As for meat, would you eat meat from cloned animals? This is a different question than vat-grown meat, and I have a different answer. Cloned animals present all the same problems as far as waste to the environment, and they are living creatures. So, while I would eat it, I'd rather try the vat-grown stuff.
For the in-laws: a sad pug puppy.
A collection of links about The Dionne Quintuplets. If you've ever read an old comic book, you've seen ads featuring them.
The Gordon Lee case is dismissed. It should never have started in the first place. And Lee offered to write a letter of apology before the whole thing even started, so the District Attorney is a scumbag twit and should pay back every dollar spent on this wasteful attack.
Can't afford any more action figures, but these would be fun to have.
I like Augie's To Do List. I might try it myself.
When I consider what I and my siblings got away with at 9 years old, I can't see why people are so upset that a woman let her 9-year-old son ride home by himself on a New York subway and bus.
You can watch all of season one of Babylon 5 on-line.
BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA!! Sorry, the idea of a guy in a trash bag yelling "Darth Vader!" attacking poor wannabe Jedis is hilarious.
I went ahead and added Mecca Time to my FoxClocks add-on, just in case.
Scientists find 17 living relatives of 'iceman' found in glacier. Yup, DNA testing.
One Laptop Per Child: keyboard problems. Not good.
It's not illegal to take photos, even if stupid police or overbearing security guards think it is.
Be good to your local postal carrier, she just might save your baby.
Plastic Ban. Anyone know what types of bottles have this in them? I'm just wondering if I drink anything with this stuff in it.
Why DRM sucks. MSN music DRM server to be shut down: all legally purchased music through them won't work on new computers, because it can't be validated. Stupid stupid stupid.
The Oldest Active Fuller Brush Man.
22 innings in 6 hours and 16 minutes, yeah, old news by now... but still impressive.
I think I want this. Numbered drawers... so useful. So nerdy.
A win for the good guys.
I like the idea of a prize for "vat-grown meat". But, as Slate points out, it won't do anything.
As for meat, would you eat meat from cloned animals? This is a different question than vat-grown meat, and I have a different answer. Cloned animals present all the same problems as far as waste to the environment, and they are living creatures. So, while I would eat it, I'd rather try the vat-grown stuff.
For the in-laws: a sad pug puppy.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Why I Watch (and enjoy) Ghost Hunters
1) I love the ghost stories they hear from normal people, some of whom don't believe in ghosts, some of whom are simply frightened. Storytelling is a human talent, and ghost stories are as old as civilization.
2) I love the tech the hunters use, especially the thermal imager. I find it cool in a gadget-loving sort of way. I want a thermal camera. I have no use for it, but I want one.
3) It's fun to watch people stumble around in the dark, scaring themselves.
4) I like to figure out how the someone at the location or on the team could fake the 'evidence' they come up with. Most of it would be really easy to fake.
5) I like to watch them figure out how the evidence they gather could be faked. The efforts to duplicate conditions to repeat evidence approaches scientific thinking.
6) I like that TAPS doesn't charge for investigations, asks permission before visiting a place, and at least makes an effort to debunk hauntings rather than always declaring a place haunted.
7) TAPS has saved lives. Their presence at a lighthouse saved a couple of lost fishermen. They alerted a man to a dangerous level of toxins in his house, which he hopefully fixed. They warn people about the possible danger of high, constant electromagnetic fields (high EMFs seem to cause paranoia at the very least, which might make a haunting out of too many shadows).
8) TAPS has comforted people. They constantly tell clients at residential "hauntings" that ghosts are nothing to fear. They perform exorcisms if requested. They empower the frightened to take back their homes. They may be true believers in ghosts, but they want to help people not scare them further.
Altogether, this makes for a show I don't mind watching. Of course, there are a few problems with it. The sound is WAY overproduced. The constant background sound effects are really annoying. The investigations are way too short and never comprehensive... they are just jaunts and not scientific efforts. If you really want to investigate a place, you'd need to stay there almost constantly for at least a couple of weeks. And there is never any true control... have they ever investigated a house that had no claims of the supernatural as if it were haunted?
I do accept the possibility of ghosts. I don't know exactly what they are... whether they are human spirits, or just energy on a level we don't recognize yet, shared psychosis, or something else entirely. But too many people experience hauntings for there not to be something to them. They are part of the human condition. I'm just not sure what part they represent.
2) I love the tech the hunters use, especially the thermal imager. I find it cool in a gadget-loving sort of way. I want a thermal camera. I have no use for it, but I want one.
3) It's fun to watch people stumble around in the dark, scaring themselves.
4) I like to figure out how the someone at the location or on the team could fake the 'evidence' they come up with. Most of it would be really easy to fake.
5) I like to watch them figure out how the evidence they gather could be faked. The efforts to duplicate conditions to repeat evidence approaches scientific thinking.
6) I like that TAPS doesn't charge for investigations, asks permission before visiting a place, and at least makes an effort to debunk hauntings rather than always declaring a place haunted.
7) TAPS has saved lives. Their presence at a lighthouse saved a couple of lost fishermen. They alerted a man to a dangerous level of toxins in his house, which he hopefully fixed. They warn people about the possible danger of high, constant electromagnetic fields (high EMFs seem to cause paranoia at the very least, which might make a haunting out of too many shadows).
8) TAPS has comforted people. They constantly tell clients at residential "hauntings" that ghosts are nothing to fear. They perform exorcisms if requested. They empower the frightened to take back their homes. They may be true believers in ghosts, but they want to help people not scare them further.
Altogether, this makes for a show I don't mind watching. Of course, there are a few problems with it. The sound is WAY overproduced. The constant background sound effects are really annoying. The investigations are way too short and never comprehensive... they are just jaunts and not scientific efforts. If you really want to investigate a place, you'd need to stay there almost constantly for at least a couple of weeks. And there is never any true control... have they ever investigated a house that had no claims of the supernatural as if it were haunted?
I do accept the possibility of ghosts. I don't know exactly what they are... whether they are human spirits, or just energy on a level we don't recognize yet, shared psychosis, or something else entirely. But too many people experience hauntings for there not to be something to them. They are part of the human condition. I'm just not sure what part they represent.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Green Arrow on Seattle Weather
Labels: Green Arrow, Seattle, Weather
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday Night Links
Northlanders #1 is now available free online from DC/Vertigo. Go check it out.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #151: Nextwave, Jan Duursema, and Jill Thompson.
Evil Inc gives you a choice of seeing the strip in B&W or in Color.
Thieves publish an artist's website as an incredibly expensive book.
The Everywhere Girl.
South Korean cars have cell numbers as window stickers. This is so people can call the car owner if they are blocked in by the car.
Freezing small portions.
Origins of the firepole.
Easy Bake Ovens and memories. I wish I'd learned his trick for getting cheaper cake mixes. I seem to recall that we stopped playing with mine because we couldn't afford the mixes.
A LOT of reproduced artwork comes from one village in China, and some of the artists were asked to do self-portraits.
Did the 1918 Cubs throw the world series?
Censorship or not, a quick review.
Relying entirely on GPS is really stupid. You have to pay attention to the road as well as the navigation system. D'oh.
Here's a pug for the in-laws
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #151: Nextwave, Jan Duursema, and Jill Thompson.
Evil Inc gives you a choice of seeing the strip in B&W or in Color.
Thieves publish an artist's website as an incredibly expensive book.
The Everywhere Girl.
South Korean cars have cell numbers as window stickers. This is so people can call the car owner if they are blocked in by the car.
Freezing small portions.
Origins of the firepole.
Easy Bake Ovens and memories. I wish I'd learned his trick for getting cheaper cake mixes. I seem to recall that we stopped playing with mine because we couldn't afford the mixes.
A LOT of reproduced artwork comes from one village in China, and some of the artists were asked to do self-portraits.
Did the 1918 Cubs throw the world series?
Censorship or not, a quick review.
Relying entirely on GPS is really stupid. You have to pay attention to the road as well as the navigation system. D'oh.
Here's a pug for the in-laws
Labels: Baseball, Censorship, Comic Book Urban Legends, Food, Northlanders, Pug, Webcomics
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday Again Already?
As a supposed comic book blogger, I think I'm required to link to the 2008 Eisner Award Nominees. I guess I'm supposed to comment on them, too... um... everything I've read from the lists is excellent. I hope they all win.
Batman-flavored Ice Cream. Uh, yuck?
The 8 Addictive Habits of Bloggers, according to Daily Blog Tips. Oddly, the only one of these that even comes close to describing me is the RSS feeds one (#5), except I read all my feeds and remove any I don't like as soon as I realize I don't like it. In short, I'm not the type of blogger this is aimed at.
For the one or two people out there who didn't see it: Jim Mooney's last published work (probably).
I didn't like the most recent Noble Causes, and this article may tell you why.
Six things in Expelled that Ben Stein doesn't want you to know. And, as long as we're on about Creationism, Survival of the Fittest, an oldie but goodie.
If I could afford a hybrid, I'd get one. Hybrids are selling well and maybe I'll be able to get one on the aftermarket when my current car gives up.
I have always maintained that I want nutritional information available, but not on the menu! Unfortunately for New York, the menu is where the calorie count is going.
Water bags and flies. I'm just shaking my head at this one.
Iron Man Extra. Brit tourist talks his way onto the set.
Virgin Media isn't an internet provider anymore. They are a provider of some bundled internet services. If they were my ISP, I'd dump them immediately, just like Cory says he has. As it is, the only reason I'm still with Comcast (which sucks bigtime) is because we have no alternative here.
Is it Kosher?
And, just for fun, a cat playing the theremin.
Batman-flavored Ice Cream. Uh, yuck?
The 8 Addictive Habits of Bloggers, according to Daily Blog Tips. Oddly, the only one of these that even comes close to describing me is the RSS feeds one (#5), except I read all my feeds and remove any I don't like as soon as I realize I don't like it. In short, I'm not the type of blogger this is aimed at.
For the one or two people out there who didn't see it: Jim Mooney's last published work (probably).
I didn't like the most recent Noble Causes, and this article may tell you why.
Six things in Expelled that Ben Stein doesn't want you to know. And, as long as we're on about Creationism, Survival of the Fittest, an oldie but goodie.
If I could afford a hybrid, I'd get one. Hybrids are selling well and maybe I'll be able to get one on the aftermarket when my current car gives up.
I have always maintained that I want nutritional information available, but not on the menu! Unfortunately for New York, the menu is where the calorie count is going.
Water bags and flies. I'm just shaking my head at this one.
Iron Man Extra. Brit tourist talks his way onto the set.
Virgin Media isn't an internet provider anymore. They are a provider of some bundled internet services. If they were my ISP, I'd dump them immediately, just like Cory says he has. As it is, the only reason I'm still with Comcast (which sucks bigtime) is because we have no alternative here.
Is it Kosher?
And, just for fun, a cat playing the theremin.
Labels: Blogging, Cats, Eisner Awards, Environment, Food, Health
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Sunday Review
TV this week:
Comics this week:
- Doctor Who Confidential: "The Italian Job" - I usually watch these and don't comment, because they are good but not so much that I feel I need to make a fuss. This one, however, showing the trip to Italy for the Pompeii episode, is really worth seeking out.
- Star Trek New Voyages/Phase II: "In Harm's Way" - I was surprised at just how good this one was, despite some eye-rolling fanstuff early on.
- Star Trek New Voyages/Phase II: "Center Seat" - very short Sulu story that follows directly on from In Harm's Way. Amusing.
- Numb3rs: "Checkmate" - this one felt slightly disjointed to me, thanks to Charles being off for training.
- Chefography: "The Food Network" - I missed the early years of the network, so it was fun to see the non-food-creation stuff that originally aired.
- Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: "Something Different" - I spent too much time in school buses in my youth to want to eat in one, even if the food is good.
- Classic Doctor Who: "Image of the Fendahl" Parts 3 & 4 - I want a pet Fendahline-y thing.
- Ghost Hunters: "Ghostly Conversation" - not as bad as the last few, but I'm going to miss the comparatively grounded Destination Truth now that its season is over.
- Smallville: "Descent" - I no longer care when a character appears to die, since all the characters on this show have died a few times each already.
- Doctor Who: "Planet of the Ood" - oodles of scary fun. The Circle must be broken!
Comics this week:
- DMZ #30 went in an unexpected direction in multiple ways, and now I really can hardly wait to see what happens next.
- Powers Annual 2008 is quite a book, with 13 pages of letter column. Which I didn't read. Because reading the Powers letter column feels like wading into a pool of slime.
- Noble Causes #32 annoyed me. Seriously. Bring back Liz and Race.
- Doctor Who #3 has cats. I like cats, but this is getting ridiculous.
- Lone Ranger #11 was nearly incomprehensible because it's been so long since I read the last issue.
- Darkness #3 explained the whole series so far and twisted the end. Not really my thing, but at least it's vaguely interesting.
- Red Sonja #32 had an alternate Red Sonja, and since I'm a sucker for alternates/what ifs/elseworld-type stories, I enjoyed this.
- Countdown 2 made the entire series sort of make sense. I'm sure it would totally make sense if I'd read the entire thing. Maybe.
- Superman #675 was heartbreaking and yet hopeful. Hrm.
Labels: DMZ, Doctor Who, Food, Lone Ranger, Noble Causes, Numb3rs, Powers, Smallville, Star Trek, Sunday Review, Superman, TV, Wizard of Oz
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Ambush Bug #2 (Jul 1985)
Labels: Comic Books
Friday, April 18, 2008
April 18th 2008 - Snow in Seattle
We have set a new record, I gather. From the Seattle P.I.:
April 17, 1972, saw the latest snowfall in recorded Seattle history, Burg said. Meteorologists at the time said it wasn't unusual, even though the large snowflakes that fell in North Seattle made at least one person drive around with snow tires.
Still More Links
This adventure of Improv Everywhere is the absolute best ever, period. It was amazing: "a little league baseball game is turned into a major league event. All players, coaches, and parents do not know what is happening." Just when you think they've done everything possible... then IT arrives out of the fog. It's just under four minutes and worth every second. Just watch it:
Professional Engineers guide to cats. Read the comments on the post: the guy has gotten marriage proposals from the vid!
One more video: Miyazaki's Little Nemo. What could have been!
Michael Sensei continues to amuse with posts about pocky and pudding (aka flan). Oh, flan pocky. THAT would be sweet. Flan Kit-Kat. MMMmmmmm. Oh, I want flan. Best dessert ever.
I wish I could afford to buy these, as I've been enjoying the webcomic.
Cities making yellow lights shorter to increase revenue from red-light cameras. This has the added effect of killing more motorists.
Wil takes offense. And rightly so.
Girl Scouts take a stand against Thin Mints. As the article points out, the Girl Scout organization is already aware of the issue and fighting it, but it isn't enough for the girls. I'm ok with their stance, as long as it doesn't disrupt my annual supply of Tagalongs.
Ha! What do they know? My password IS "chocolate"! um. oops.
The Mars Express. Feasible? Maybe.
The band Crystal Castles is ripping off an artist and doesn't care about it. Don't buy their stuff.
If these weren't so expensive for just one set of bowl and spoon, I'd get one for myself. I think I'd like this one too.
More metal theft. It's a sad sign when signs get stolen because metal prices are so high.
Holocaust survivor compares the TSA to the labor camp she was in during WWII. As if there was any doubt that the United States is moving toward fascism.
Pug for the in-laws.
Professional Engineers guide to cats. Read the comments on the post: the guy has gotten marriage proposals from the vid!
One more video: Miyazaki's Little Nemo. What could have been!
Michael Sensei continues to amuse with posts about pocky and pudding (aka flan). Oh, flan pocky. THAT would be sweet. Flan Kit-Kat. MMMmmmmm. Oh, I want flan. Best dessert ever.
I wish I could afford to buy these, as I've been enjoying the webcomic.
Cities making yellow lights shorter to increase revenue from red-light cameras. This has the added effect of killing more motorists.
Wil takes offense. And rightly so.
Girl Scouts take a stand against Thin Mints. As the article points out, the Girl Scout organization is already aware of the issue and fighting it, but it isn't enough for the girls. I'm ok with their stance, as long as it doesn't disrupt my annual supply of Tagalongs.
Ha! What do they know? My password IS "chocolate"! um. oops.
The Mars Express. Feasible? Maybe.
The band Crystal Castles is ripping off an artist and doesn't care about it. Don't buy their stuff.
If these weren't so expensive for just one set of bowl and spoon, I'd get one for myself. I think I'd like this one too.
More metal theft. It's a sad sign when signs get stolen because metal prices are so high.
Holocaust survivor compares the TSA to the labor camp she was in during WWII. As if there was any doubt that the United States is moving toward fascism.
Pug for the in-laws.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tardy Linkdump
The 100 Most Powerful People in British Culture.
More from Mike Manley on babymen. While I don't agree entirely with everything he says about fandom, I agree with most of it.
Polite Scott has a cool article that links to a very cool short story. Thanks Scott!
Making Light reports on a book cover that would just annoy me.
Teen creates Chemistry Card Game: I want. Can you add your own cards, I wonder? Expansion packs would be cool.
As of July 1st, Washington state is going to have a tax like this, and it's insane. Especially since the state's tax affects small businesses that really can't afford to figure out the tax for every single municipality in the state. Sales taxes are regressive, anyway. I think they aren't the best way to get money for government.
The Bad Astronomer makes a webcomic about Creationist "logic".
Doctor Who Quiz Answers.
Earthquakes off the coast of Oregon are probably Godzilla.
Invasive species are BAD.
LOLcats are developing their own theology. I like it a little better than FSM in some ways. Happycat is happy. Ceiling cat is a pervert.
More from Mike Manley on babymen. While I don't agree entirely with everything he says about fandom, I agree with most of it.
Polite Scott has a cool article that links to a very cool short story. Thanks Scott!
Making Light reports on a book cover that would just annoy me.
Teen creates Chemistry Card Game: I want. Can you add your own cards, I wonder? Expansion packs would be cool.
As of July 1st, Washington state is going to have a tax like this, and it's insane. Especially since the state's tax affects small businesses that really can't afford to figure out the tax for every single municipality in the state. Sales taxes are regressive, anyway. I think they aren't the best way to get money for government.
The Bad Astronomer makes a webcomic about Creationist "logic".
Doctor Who Quiz Answers.
Earthquakes off the coast of Oregon are probably Godzilla.
Invasive species are BAD.
LOLcats are developing their own theology. I like it a little better than FSM in some ways. Happycat is happy. Ceiling cat is a pervert.
Labels: Books, Cats, Doctor Who, Environment, Fandom, Gaming, Links, Polite Scott
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Hands
I don't know if it's related to my fibro or not, but my hands are killing me today and I don't want to type. So no blog tonight, although the links are piling up again.
Labels: Fibromyalgia, Health, No Blog Kinda Day
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Too Painful to Blog
I spent the day doing a little bit of help for somebody. Unfortunately, my body hurts now, so I'm not going to do a linkdump until tomorrow or so.
Labels: No Blog Kinda Day
Monday, April 14, 2008
No Blog Today
Suffering from lots of pain today. Will blog tomorrow or Wednesday.
Labels: Fibromyalgia, No Blog Kinda Day
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Sunday Review
TV this week: Numb3rs: "Black Swan" (waffles for dinner!), Classic Doctor Who: "Image of the Fendahl" Parts 1 & 2 (a Doctor Who classic story I haven't seen!), Iron Chef America: "Cora vs Oringer" (I can honestly say I wouldn't want to try ANY of those dishes, or even smell them), Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: "A World of Flavors" (yay, more places I want to eat at!), Chefography: "Julia Child" (I never paid much attention to her, but now that I'm cooking more I find her life fascinating), Star Trek New Voyages/Phase II: "Come What May" (iconic characters with new actors, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't... but then, everyone who plays Hamlet isn't great), Verity Lambert: Drama Queen (A great tribute to a great woman who changed TV in her time), Destination Truth: "Giant Anaconda" (I think they were pretty lucky to get out of the Amazon unscathed), Ghost Hunters: "Haunted Air Force Base" (well, I'd like to love it, but they are getting more like other ghost shows... less scientific, more emotion and crap), Supernanny: "Citarella Family" (stop laughing, start disciplining), Chefography: "Mario Batali" (a local boy!), Chefography: "Duff Goldman" (I want to be that happy in my work), and Doctor Who: "The Fires of Pompeii" (Donna is a fangirl, and asks all the questions that fans have been asking for years!).
Comics this week: Countdown 3 was more of the same. Justice Society of America #14 was just a lead up to a big fight... then a big fight. Green Lantern Corps #23 was slightly promising. Wonder Woman #19 made me wonder what Aquaman villain got caught. Titans #1 made me wonder if Tempest was also attacked.
Tiny Titans #3 was just too cute for words. I loved it. Find Fluffy! Doctor Who Classics #5 was just as I recalled the story, only I can't remember how it ends. This issue ended on a good cliff-hanger, unlike some of the others. Serenity: Better Days #2 started out incredibly amusing, then went a bit downhill from there. I liked it, but it could've been better. And lastly, Castle Waiting #11 continued on like it always does. It's a happy sort of read, every time. I feel like I'm cuddled in warm blankets drinking hot cocoa when I'm reading this book. Even though the plot doesn't seem to be moving forward. Which is no doubt a problem for other readers.
This week's library movie was Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer. It was considerably better than I was led to believe it would be by the fanboi complaints. Great effects on the Silver Surfer. So-so plot, but fun overall. There were a few breath-taking moments. I found their version of Galactus to be MUCH more appealing and frightening than the purple giant in the comic books. Stan Lee's cameo was hilarious.
My library book this week was Jack of Fables - The (Nearly) Great Escape. I checked it out because I heard there were Oz characters in it, and I wanted to confirm them for hubby-Eric. I enjoyed this, and remembered why I read the original Fables collections. I probably should pick up where I left off and read more Fables. But this was good, and it had Oz characters. Heck, Toto gets nommed. This was about what you'd expect from Fables, but it might be a bit of a jump if you haven't read any of the original series that this spun off from.
Arriving this week: Fortean Times #235. Of interest in this issue was the article on Infectious Insanity, which seems like it would work well as a comic book story. There was also a Wizard of Oz sand sculpture that I had to show hubby-Eric. Another article I liked was the Brittany witches article, particularly for the fantastic photos. The Home on the Range article proposed tracking UFO and paranormal experiences in a scientific manner to locate "window areas", but I think it would be worth tracking just to encourage reporting so we can figure out what such events actually are. Why can't we apply the scientific method to the paranormal? I think close-minded "skeptics" are just as bad as true believers... they are the opposite sides of the same coin. Charles Fort was against throwing away data because it didn't fit, but skeptics toss out anything they can't explain. Too many people experience the paranormal for it to be nothing at all... so why isn't science willing to investigate it to find out what it is?
I visited Whole Foods to pick up some dark chocolate, which I eat in moderation to satisfy my sweet tooth. I also picked up a small tub of Venezualan Cocoa Nibs, raw cocoa beans. I've been chomping on them as a snack food. Just a little goes a LONG way. They taste a bit like dark chocolate walnuts, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. I'm surprised... I like it a lot, and probably will enjoy munching until I get through the tub. Unless I think of something else to do with the raw nibs.
Comics this week: Countdown 3 was more of the same. Justice Society of America #14 was just a lead up to a big fight... then a big fight. Green Lantern Corps #23 was slightly promising. Wonder Woman #19 made me wonder what Aquaman villain got caught. Titans #1 made me wonder if Tempest was also attacked.
Tiny Titans #3 was just too cute for words. I loved it. Find Fluffy! Doctor Who Classics #5 was just as I recalled the story, only I can't remember how it ends. This issue ended on a good cliff-hanger, unlike some of the others. Serenity: Better Days #2 started out incredibly amusing, then went a bit downhill from there. I liked it, but it could've been better. And lastly, Castle Waiting #11 continued on like it always does. It's a happy sort of read, every time. I feel like I'm cuddled in warm blankets drinking hot cocoa when I'm reading this book. Even though the plot doesn't seem to be moving forward. Which is no doubt a problem for other readers.
This week's library movie was Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer. It was considerably better than I was led to believe it would be by the fanboi complaints. Great effects on the Silver Surfer. So-so plot, but fun overall. There were a few breath-taking moments. I found their version of Galactus to be MUCH more appealing and frightening than the purple giant in the comic books. Stan Lee's cameo was hilarious.
My library book this week was Jack of Fables - The (Nearly) Great Escape. I checked it out because I heard there were Oz characters in it, and I wanted to confirm them for hubby-Eric. I enjoyed this, and remembered why I read the original Fables collections. I probably should pick up where I left off and read more Fables. But this was good, and it had Oz characters. Heck, Toto gets nommed. This was about what you'd expect from Fables, but it might be a bit of a jump if you haven't read any of the original series that this spun off from.
Arriving this week: Fortean Times #235. Of interest in this issue was the article on Infectious Insanity, which seems like it would work well as a comic book story. There was also a Wizard of Oz sand sculpture that I had to show hubby-Eric. Another article I liked was the Brittany witches article, particularly for the fantastic photos. The Home on the Range article proposed tracking UFO and paranormal experiences in a scientific manner to locate "window areas", but I think it would be worth tracking just to encourage reporting so we can figure out what such events actually are. Why can't we apply the scientific method to the paranormal? I think close-minded "skeptics" are just as bad as true believers... they are the opposite sides of the same coin. Charles Fort was against throwing away data because it didn't fit, but skeptics toss out anything they can't explain. Too many people experience the paranormal for it to be nothing at all... so why isn't science willing to investigate it to find out what it is?
I visited Whole Foods to pick up some dark chocolate, which I eat in moderation to satisfy my sweet tooth. I also picked up a small tub of Venezualan Cocoa Nibs, raw cocoa beans. I've been chomping on them as a snack food. Just a little goes a LONG way. They taste a bit like dark chocolate walnuts, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. I'm surprised... I like it a lot, and probably will enjoy munching until I get through the tub. Unless I think of something else to do with the raw nibs.
Labels: Castle Waiting, Chocolate, Cryptozoology, DC Countdown, Doctor Who, Fortean, Ghosts, Green Lantern, Iron Chef, JSA, Numb3rs, Serenity, Star Trek, Sunday Review, Tiny Titans, Titans, TV, Wonder Woman
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Weather
When all else fails, blog about the weather. It was warm and sunny today, the first really nice day we've had in Seattle this year. Hubby-Eric and I walked down to the library. We even did a little yard work. We had the doors and windows open all day to heat the house up (and it did help).
But other than that... nothing to blog about today.
But other than that... nothing to blog about today.
Labels: Weather
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday Night... I'm Home and Blogging
Yay! More on Doctor Who: The Forgotten.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #150: Green Arrow, Grendel, and Nextwave.
Babymen and Brave and the Bold.
Firefox Logo found in deep space.
Eco-friendly toys.
Washington State bees are dying.
Leonardo da Vinci's mother was a slave.
More about my eighth cousin.
I would eat it. If it was good, I'd never eat regular meat again.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #150: Green Arrow, Grendel, and Nextwave.
Babymen and Brave and the Bold.
Firefox Logo found in deep space.
Eco-friendly toys.
Washington State bees are dying.
Leonardo da Vinci's mother was a slave.
More about my eighth cousin.
I would eat it. If it was good, I'd never eat regular meat again.
Labels: Bees, Cartoons, Comic Book Urban Legends, Doctor Who, Environment, Firefox, Links, Politics, TV
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Morning Links
Emerald City Comicon has a Costume Contest page up now. I love seeing costumes, so I'm really looking forward to it. I need to start putting together my "to be trolled" list now.
This looks amazing. A two volume hardcover Willie and Joe set. Wow.
Can Marvel buy Superman? Jeff Trexler answers the questions that I hadn't even thought of asking about the Siegel Superman settlement.
Shaun Tan and Phil Foglio are Hugo Nominees. And I hope "The Arrival" wins. And Phil as well.
First the bees, now the bats. Again, bats are very important to the environment, as they eat insects which would otherwise overrun us. A lack of bats is bad news.
The tale of the gold kit, or "How to make money off of gold paint".
He was killed in action in Korea... only he wasn't. But the IRS still thinks he might be dead.
Scientists find the bad breath bug.
Scammers are taking advantage of the switch to digital television.
Universal Music thinks they still own promo CDs they sent out unasked for and for free. I suppose by this reasoning, the original publishers own all the review books they've sent me?
The real reason behind Crop Circles and Roswell.
Joe Lieberman owes an apology to Ned Lamont for lying about him during the 2006 campaign. The FBI also owes Lamont an apology for discovering the truth before the election, but NOT telling the public that Lieberman was lying.
The Seattle Times reports on my eighth cousin who grew up in the Seattle area.
Lies I've Told My 3 Year Old Recently. "Books get lonely too."
This looks amazing. A two volume hardcover Willie and Joe set. Wow.
Can Marvel buy Superman? Jeff Trexler answers the questions that I hadn't even thought of asking about the Siegel Superman settlement.
Shaun Tan and Phil Foglio are Hugo Nominees. And I hope "The Arrival" wins. And Phil as well.
First the bees, now the bats. Again, bats are very important to the environment, as they eat insects which would otherwise overrun us. A lack of bats is bad news.
The tale of the gold kit, or "How to make money off of gold paint".
He was killed in action in Korea... only he wasn't. But the IRS still thinks he might be dead.
Scientists find the bad breath bug.
Scammers are taking advantage of the switch to digital television.
Universal Music thinks they still own promo CDs they sent out unasked for and for free. I suppose by this reasoning, the original publishers own all the review books they've sent me?
The real reason behind Crop Circles and Roswell.
Joe Lieberman owes an apology to Ned Lamont for lying about him during the 2006 campaign. The FBI also owes Lamont an apology for discovering the truth before the election, but NOT telling the public that Lieberman was lying.
The Seattle Times reports on my eighth cousin who grew up in the Seattle area.
Lies I've Told My 3 Year Old Recently. "Books get lonely too."
Labels: Books, Copyfight, Emerald City Comicon, Family, Links, Politics, Science, Superman, Torvald, UFO
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
How About A Linkdump?
Novels that would make good comics. I'd like to see a few of these.
A fairly interesting Marriage Proposal. I wonder if he can patent that?
A redesign of Mt Rushmore.
Why voting can never be truly fair, Arrow's Theorem.
E-Voting is expensive.
Bookslut talks about "Readers Block". I suffer from this every once in awhile, and usually break out of it thanks to comic books.
Net Neutrality in a Nutshell: "do you want an Internet that operates like the one we have today, or one that operates like cable TV, where Comcast decides which content to carry, and offers it to you only in bundles of its own devising?"
Baitcars work. "...auto theft ... has declined 50 percent."
I want Camera Glasses.
Check out the four-armed Beyonce on the Photoshop Disasters Blog.
Richard Dawkins to be on Doctor Who. His wife is Lalla Ward, who had a role on the classic Doctor Who.
Video, YouTube: El Caminito del Rey. I'm not interested in walking there. No way.
Stop and look at the ducks.
Here's a scary prediction.
LOLDalek: BBC Budget is slashed.
A fairly interesting Marriage Proposal. I wonder if he can patent that?
A redesign of Mt Rushmore.
Why voting can never be truly fair, Arrow's Theorem.
E-Voting is expensive.
Bookslut talks about "Readers Block". I suffer from this every once in awhile, and usually break out of it thanks to comic books.
Net Neutrality in a Nutshell: "do you want an Internet that operates like the one we have today, or one that operates like cable TV, where Comcast decides which content to carry, and offers it to you only in bundles of its own devising?"
Baitcars work. "...auto theft ... has declined 50 percent."
I want Camera Glasses.
Check out the four-armed Beyonce on the Photoshop Disasters Blog.
Richard Dawkins to be on Doctor Who. His wife is Lalla Ward, who had a role on the classic Doctor Who.
Video, YouTube: El Caminito del Rey. I'm not interested in walking there. No way.
Stop and look at the ducks.
Here's a scary prediction.
LOLDalek: BBC Budget is slashed.
Labels: Books, Doctor Who, Links, Net Neutrality, Photoshop, Voting Machines, YouTube
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Forgotten?
I gotta say, there is one thing about this ad that makes me even more excited than the mere fact that it's Doctor Who. I see the artist name there: Pia Guerra! Wahoo! Go Pia!
Labels: Doctor Who
Monday, April 07, 2008
Networking
I spent the day at work, with no customers or co-workers, tracing out the network and then updating the various computers to run the new software. I've been wanting to do this for well over a year. I finally got the chance to do it. I didn't quite finish, but that's because the network was a little different than I expected, and it took me entirely too long to figure out how it was set up and how I could change it.
It helps that I wasn't risking taking the whole system down while people were trying to ring up sales in the front... like the LAST time I had a chance to examine the network. And yes, they did get annoyed when the whole system just died on them. I don't blame them.
In any case, I've been in nerdgasm troubleshooting mode all day, so I'm happy as a clam and tired. So don't mind me, go off and find someone interesting to read tonight. Me? I'm going to go to bed and dream of networks.
It helps that I wasn't risking taking the whole system down while people were trying to ring up sales in the front... like the LAST time I had a chance to examine the network. And yes, they did get annoyed when the whole system just died on them. I don't blame them.
In any case, I've been in nerdgasm troubleshooting mode all day, so I'm happy as a clam and tired. So don't mind me, go off and find someone interesting to read tonight. Me? I'm going to go to bed and dream of networks.
Labels: Technology, Work
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A Sunday Review
TV this week: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: "Neighborhood Joints" (some of these folks have really long weeks), Robin Hood: "A Good Day to Die" (wow, intense talking scenes, and the most that Little John has ever said), Robin Hood: "We Are Robin Hood!" (I really really didn't expect the ending, and I'm glad I managed to avoid spoilers about it), Ghost Hunters: "Ghostly Bounty Hunter" (nothing in this one but good tales that turned out to be false, and a bat), Destination Truth: "Flying Dinosaur; Sloth Monster" (way more bats than Ghost Hunters had), I also saw ads for Sarah Jane Adventures during both Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth, Supernanny: "Addis Family" (dinnertime problems brought back really bad memories for me), Ace of Cakes: "Duff's Birthday" (meatball cake for the goofball), Torchwood: "Exit Wounds" (whoa. intense. too bad I had one of the major plot points spoiled), and Doctor Who: "Partners in Crime" (I prefer my weight loss program).
Comics this week: Countdown 4 shows me that I clearly missed out on a lot of Mary Marvel storyline, since I haven't got a clue what the deal is with Darkseid. Detective #843 is as good as all the rest of Dini's issues, but there's a bit of continuity I'm not familiar with in this issue that made it a strange read. I also read Action #863, which was a suitable finish to the Legion tale. I found the two-page house ad for Final Crisis at the end of the book to be strange and slightly disappointing.
Justice League Unlimited #44 was a little depressing in the way it humanized another villain, something this series has done before. It's a shame this series is ending. It's probably the best Justice League series ever. I'm not sure what to make of Jonah Hex #30. It was a story told from the wrong angle. I think I liked it. And lastly for this week, PS238 #30 was excellent as usual! The Las Vegas saga gets nicely wrapped up and Tyler starts a new adventure. I love this book.
I also got Holmes from AiT/Planet Lar as a review copy. I think the description on the website says all that really needs to be said, "Omaha Perez' vicious skewering of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic..." I will confess that I've never been a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. In fact, I consider him an unsufferable twit. I adored a Doctor Who novel (All-Consuming Fire) that took Holmes into a fantastical setting in which Watson could cope but Holmes could not. This graphic novel goes quite a bit further, making both Watson and Holmes out to be insane drug-addicts. It's very strange, very raunchy, and a bit over the top in places. I can't really recommend it to most folks, but if you dislike Holmes already or like re-imaginings of classic characters, this is one you should check out.
While on the trip to Portland last week, we listened to Doctor Who: Spare Parts from Big Finish productions. This was an intense audio story about the origin of the Cybermen. The story is about the need to survive and the lengths to which people will go simply to continue existing. The story is chilling from start to finish in more than one way. I've listened to a few of the Big Finish audios, and I think this is one of the best.
This week's library movie was Surf's Up. As I somehow collect penguins (or do they collect me?) I tend to like the idea of another penguin movie. The style is very clever, as a documentary about Cody, a penguin surfer wannabe. The story is a bit like Karate Kid with surfing. I would not have enjoyed this movie if it were just a standard surfer movie: the penguins pretty much made it watchable. I really liked the Pen Gu-ins that Chicken Joe befriends. It's a fun little romp.
My library book this week was Dragon Harper by Todd and Anne McCaffrey. I have been a fan of Pern since I was a pre-teen. I've read all the Pern books I could lay hands on, and loved them dearly. Well, most of them. The collaborations between Todd and his mother on Pern have been... not quite a strong. The writing is less finished, like it needs about three more drafts. The action sometimes just jumps, leaving out key moments or transitions. I actually found typos in this one, which doesn't generally happen to me. While I'm certainly interested in this history of Pern, I don't find it nearly as satisfying as the original Pern novels. I'll keep reading these, but Pern is no longer on my "must buy in hardcover!" list.
Comics this week: Countdown 4 shows me that I clearly missed out on a lot of Mary Marvel storyline, since I haven't got a clue what the deal is with Darkseid. Detective #843 is as good as all the rest of Dini's issues, but there's a bit of continuity I'm not familiar with in this issue that made it a strange read. I also read Action #863, which was a suitable finish to the Legion tale. I found the two-page house ad for Final Crisis at the end of the book to be strange and slightly disappointing.
Justice League Unlimited #44 was a little depressing in the way it humanized another villain, something this series has done before. It's a shame this series is ending. It's probably the best Justice League series ever. I'm not sure what to make of Jonah Hex #30. It was a story told from the wrong angle. I think I liked it. And lastly for this week, PS238 #30 was excellent as usual! The Las Vegas saga gets nicely wrapped up and Tyler starts a new adventure. I love this book.
I also got Holmes from AiT/Planet Lar as a review copy. I think the description on the website says all that really needs to be said, "Omaha Perez' vicious skewering of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic..." I will confess that I've never been a big fan of Sherlock Holmes. In fact, I consider him an unsufferable twit. I adored a Doctor Who novel (All-Consuming Fire) that took Holmes into a fantastical setting in which Watson could cope but Holmes could not. This graphic novel goes quite a bit further, making both Watson and Holmes out to be insane drug-addicts. It's very strange, very raunchy, and a bit over the top in places. I can't really recommend it to most folks, but if you dislike Holmes already or like re-imaginings of classic characters, this is one you should check out.
While on the trip to Portland last week, we listened to Doctor Who: Spare Parts from Big Finish productions. This was an intense audio story about the origin of the Cybermen. The story is about the need to survive and the lengths to which people will go simply to continue existing. The story is chilling from start to finish in more than one way. I've listened to a few of the Big Finish audios, and I think this is one of the best.
This week's library movie was Surf's Up. As I somehow collect penguins (or do they collect me?) I tend to like the idea of another penguin movie. The style is very clever, as a documentary about Cody, a penguin surfer wannabe. The story is a bit like Karate Kid with surfing. I would not have enjoyed this movie if it were just a standard surfer movie: the penguins pretty much made it watchable. I really liked the Pen Gu-ins that Chicken Joe befriends. It's a fun little romp.
My library book this week was Dragon Harper by Todd and Anne McCaffrey. I have been a fan of Pern since I was a pre-teen. I've read all the Pern books I could lay hands on, and loved them dearly. Well, most of them. The collaborations between Todd and his mother on Pern have been... not quite a strong. The writing is less finished, like it needs about three more drafts. The action sometimes just jumps, leaving out key moments or transitions. I actually found typos in this one, which doesn't generally happen to me. While I'm certainly interested in this history of Pern, I don't find it nearly as satisfying as the original Pern novels. I'll keep reading these, but Pern is no longer on my "must buy in hardcover!" list.
Labels: Action Comics, AiT/Planet Lar, Cryptozoology, DC Countdown, Detective, Doctor Who, Ghosts, JLU, Penguin, Pern, PS238, Sunday Review, TV
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Torchwood Party!
Today is the Androgums Torchwood party, and we've instructed everyone to NOT bring food (our usual parties are potluck) and instead bring money for pizza. Despite this order, we usually end up with something. Today it was cake:
And if that one cake wasn't enough, try this one:
Oh, yeah. Someone brought garlic bread as well. But hey, Torchwood, pizza, and cake. Fun party, despite the party fouls.
And if that one cake wasn't enough, try this one:
Oh, yeah. Someone brought garlic bread as well. But hey, Torchwood, pizza, and cake. Fun party, despite the party fouls.
Labels: Doctor Who
Friday, April 04, 2008
I'm Home on Friday Night
...waiting for Torchwood to download, despite already having it spoiled by an idiotic RSS feed that ignores spoiler cuts.
Doctor Who Quiz. Can YOU answer all thirty questions? I bet most of you cannot.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #149: Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, and the Masked Marvel.
Slate tackles Wertham.
Tracking the link between Black Sabbath and Iron Man.
Duck gets court order for protection against a young man that attacked her with a pellet gun.
That's one scary looking fish.
Do you find barcodes boring? The Japanese don't.
Trying to save the government money doesn't work when the government is too stupid and rulebound to take advantage.
Health News: Who says you need eight glasses of water a day? It's a myth, just drink when you are thirsty.
Danger at Fenway as a student is attacked by a hawk.
I'd go postal if I lost my internet service like the entire Navajo Nation is about to because they were apparently double-billed and refuse to pay extra.
Pirates of Somalia seize a yacht, capturing 30 crew members and apparently holding them hostage. Of interest: "The International Maritime Bureau, which tracks piracy, said in its annual report earlier this year that global pirate attacks rose 10 percent in 2007, marking the first increase in three years."
Remind me, how many arrows makes an arm? Aztec math code is cracked.
Google Street View being sued for driving up a private driveway.
Pugs for the in-laws.
Doctor Who Quiz. Can YOU answer all thirty questions? I bet most of you cannot.
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #149: Gil Kane, Barry Windsor-Smith, and the Masked Marvel.
Slate tackles Wertham.
Tracking the link between Black Sabbath and Iron Man.
Duck gets court order for protection against a young man that attacked her with a pellet gun.
That's one scary looking fish.
Do you find barcodes boring? The Japanese don't.
Trying to save the government money doesn't work when the government is too stupid and rulebound to take advantage.
Health News: Who says you need eight glasses of water a day? It's a myth, just drink when you are thirsty.
Danger at Fenway as a student is attacked by a hawk.
I'd go postal if I lost my internet service like the entire Navajo Nation is about to because they were apparently double-billed and refuse to pay extra.
Pirates of Somalia seize a yacht, capturing 30 crew members and apparently holding them hostage. Of interest: "The International Maritime Bureau, which tracks piracy, said in its annual report earlier this year that global pirate attacks rose 10 percent in 2007, marking the first increase in three years."
Remind me, how many arrows makes an arm? Aztec math code is cracked.
Google Street View being sued for driving up a private driveway.
Pugs for the in-laws.
Labels: Comic Book Urban Legends, Doctor Who, Fish, Google, Health, Links, Math, Piracy, Pug, Technology
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Thursday Already? Links
Wil Wheaton is coming to Emerald City Comicon, and I plan to troll him if possible.
Speaking of small friends, Bully gets a Doctor Who scarf. I recall that he wore Monty the Penguin's scarf when he visited, but now he's got his own!
A review of Outside, the first massively multiplayer game.
Robin Williams saves the day.
Eminem, Benny Hill, and Doctor Who, enough said.
Before I move to Ubuntu for good, I need this book.
The Bad Astronomer has spotted a really cool clock. I wouldn't want it myself, but it's very cool.
MetroLyrics goes Legit. Now you all know where to look up song lyrics online.
Students fight back against the RIAA's illegal tactics.
Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial. My uncle Neil.
Speaking of small friends, Bully gets a Doctor Who scarf. I recall that he wore Monty the Penguin's scarf when he visited, but now he's got his own!
A review of Outside, the first massively multiplayer game.
Robin Williams saves the day.
Eminem, Benny Hill, and Doctor Who, enough said.
Before I move to Ubuntu for good, I need this book.
The Bad Astronomer has spotted a really cool clock. I wouldn't want it myself, but it's very cool.
MetroLyrics goes Legit. Now you all know where to look up song lyrics online.
Students fight back against the RIAA's illegal tactics.
Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial. My uncle Neil.
Labels: Bully, Copyfight, Doctor Who, Emerald City Comicon, Family, Gaming, Ubuntu, Wil Wheaton, YouTube
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
No Foolin' - Links
Heroes Initiative to Publish Mike Wieringo's final Marvel Comics work.
Superman creates Community.
There's something very appealing about Deep Value. While I don't want to toss my various gadgets, I wish I could repair my car myself. We use cloth shopping bags and have a clockwork radio. I also tend to have a healthy supply of candles on hand.
I don't know, Jack, I've listened to old-time radio and I enjoyed The Shadow.
The Ten most unreasonable parking tickets of all time.
Famous photographs redone in LEGO. Check each image to see links to the original photo.
Here's a write-up of a neat library event related to a book I recently read.
I'll be watching this story closely to see how well the turbine works.
More on the Wii Fit, the one video game I think maybe I ought to consider getting.
More pug for the in-laws.
And lastly, Rest in Peace Jim Mooney. For your delight, an image Mooney did of Aquaman:
Superman creates Community.
There's something very appealing about Deep Value. While I don't want to toss my various gadgets, I wish I could repair my car myself. We use cloth shopping bags and have a clockwork radio. I also tend to have a healthy supply of candles on hand.
I don't know, Jack, I've listened to old-time radio and I enjoyed The Shadow.
The Ten most unreasonable parking tickets of all time.
Famous photographs redone in LEGO. Check each image to see links to the original photo.
Here's a write-up of a neat library event related to a book I recently read.
I'll be watching this story closely to see how well the turbine works.
More on the Wii Fit, the one video game I think maybe I ought to consider getting.
More pug for the in-laws.
And lastly, Rest in Peace Jim Mooney. For your delight, an image Mooney did of Aquaman:
Labels: Alternative Energy, Aquaman, LEGO, Library, Marvel Comics, Memorial, Pug, Radio Shows, Superman
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Foolish Roundup
Kevin Church has April Fools Day haters pegged.
I like this one. Gentle humor, easily dismissed because the article itself says it's a joke.
I also have a fondness for Evil Bully. Dangerous m-- er, stuffed bulls, are very attractive.
The Museum of Hoaxes links to a few good ones.
Mike Sterling has gone All Star Batman and Robin for the day, while Pal Dorian has turned his blog into a Booster Gold fansite.
I pity the ... nevermind.
Google Sightseeing says Google Earth is using X-Rays and Infrared in its next update.
Something that wasn't a prank: Craigslist ad was meant to cover up crime.
Note: I may add to this post later if I see other fun ones.
I like this one. Gentle humor, easily dismissed because the article itself says it's a joke.
I also have a fondness for Evil Bully. Dangerous m-- er, stuffed bulls, are very attractive.
The Museum of Hoaxes links to a few good ones.
Mike Sterling has gone All Star Batman and Robin for the day, while Pal Dorian has turned his blog into a Booster Gold fansite.
I pity the ... nevermind.
Google Sightseeing says Google Earth is using X-Rays and Infrared in its next update.
Something that wasn't a prank: Craigslist ad was meant to cover up crime.
Note: I may add to this post later if I see other fun ones.
Labels: April Fool, Links
April Fools
Again, I have no intention of pulling a joke this year. I couldn't come up with anything either clever enough or silly enough. After my last couple of fails, I didn't feel like failing again. But watch for jokes all over the rest of the 'net.
Again: The internet is not reliable most of the time. But today, don't believe anything without lots of back-up and documentation.
Now, a couple of links to make this post not a complete waste of time:
A collection of April Fools' Day on the Web. (The site may be slow today)
Speaking of jokes, Jester is an on-line joke recommender that attempts to figure out your sense of humor and only feed you ones you might find funny. (I think this is for real)
Again: The internet is not reliable most of the time. But today, don't believe anything without lots of back-up and documentation.
Now, a couple of links to make this post not a complete waste of time:
A collection of April Fools' Day on the Web. (The site may be slow today)
Speaking of jokes, Jester is an on-line joke recommender that attempts to figure out your sense of humor and only feed you ones you might find funny. (I think this is for real)
Labels: April Fool
