Tomorrow is April Fools Day so I am a bit leery. At my office, it isn't too bad, but on the internet everything is fair game so if anything is announced tomorrow I will tend to not believe it. What about you?
My comic book list is pretty decent this week as several mini-series ended last week. We are also on the last month of our file at our retailer, so that should be interesting.
Here is my list:
Action Comics #863
Countdown #4
Detective Comics #843
Nightwing #143
Trials of Shazam #12 (of 12)- here's another one that is ending!
Darkness Butcher One-Shot
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Guity Pleasures #10 (of 12)
Boys #17- cover pictured
That is eight books. That is great news for me! As Little Hughie of The Boys would say "jings"!
Have a wonderful night! I have just two and a half days left on my contest so I am going to go shower and relax.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Blast From the Past: Madonna- Borderline
This brings back memories. While I was in college Madonna exploded onto the music scene and hasn't left our consciousness yet. When I see this video, it makes me remember getting ready to go out on Friday and Saturday nights. We used to pre-function in our dorm rooms, drinking and crimping the crap out of our hair before putting on short denim mini skirts and tanks with big shoulders jackets on over it all!
It is official. I am middle aged. My clothes are still in my closet, and I still pull them out from time to time, but if I walked down the street wearing them, I would get strange looks!
If nothing else, I can still enjoy this video. Have a great night!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Great Krypton Edition! Random Thoughts and Musings
The thing I can't get out of my head today is the ruling on the Siegel heirs case regarding royalties and ownership of the Superman character. uncivilsociety.org has a fantastic take on it, and I urge you to head over and take a read. Jerome Siegel's heirs have been awarded copyright on Action Comics #1. This is huge, and sets a significant precedence for other creators and their families.
Having read Men of Tomorrow, a great book by Gerard Jones detailing the evolution of the super heroes comic book industry, I just can't help but wonder what these visionary creators would make of this ruling. Living a life of luxury isn't an option for Siegel and Shuster, but maybe their families can be financially comfortable. Reading about the business decisions made and the foresight or lack thereof of yesterday's creators made me cringe but also made me really think about the documents we all sign in our daily lives. Having an awareness of what we are putting our names to and not being pressured to sign anything we aren't sure of is a hard lesson to be learned.
In Facebook land, I made a decision to only ask people I have at least had an internet conversation with or a greater relationship to be friends. If I have answered a comment, or had multiple contacts of some kind, it makes me feel less like an imposter. After feeling like a whore while asking any name I was familiar with to be a friend on ComicSpace, I am trying to be truer to my sense of self here. God knows I might fail, but it is a conscious choice I have made. Heh.
I am going to go sit down and try to ignore how much pain I am in, considering that I caused it purposefully. Today I worked out for almost five hours. My weight lifting partner and I did triceps, shoulders, chest, and back workouts and finished it off with legs and cardio. Since it was one of our last days, we wanted to give 100%. I am relieved that Thursday is the weigh out. I am so damn tired.
Have a wonderful night! I am off to cook some dinner and relax.
Having read Men of Tomorrow, a great book by Gerard Jones detailing the evolution of the super heroes comic book industry, I just can't help but wonder what these visionary creators would make of this ruling. Living a life of luxury isn't an option for Siegel and Shuster, but maybe their families can be financially comfortable. Reading about the business decisions made and the foresight or lack thereof of yesterday's creators made me cringe but also made me really think about the documents we all sign in our daily lives. Having an awareness of what we are putting our names to and not being pressured to sign anything we aren't sure of is a hard lesson to be learned.
In Facebook land, I made a decision to only ask people I have at least had an internet conversation with or a greater relationship to be friends. If I have answered a comment, or had multiple contacts of some kind, it makes me feel less like an imposter. After feeling like a whore while asking any name I was familiar with to be a friend on ComicSpace, I am trying to be truer to my sense of self here. God knows I might fail, but it is a conscious choice I have made. Heh.
I am going to go sit down and try to ignore how much pain I am in, considering that I caused it purposefully. Today I worked out for almost five hours. My weight lifting partner and I did triceps, shoulders, chest, and back workouts and finished it off with legs and cardio. Since it was one of our last days, we wanted to give 100%. I am relieved that Thursday is the weigh out. I am so damn tired.
Have a wonderful night! I am off to cook some dinner and relax.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Random Thoughts and Musings
Okay, I have officially joined another internet group. Facebook came calling and I jumped. It actually looks like a better networking experience the mySpace, so that is good. Are any of you doing it and if so, what are all the capabilities?
My contest is in it's last week so my hubby is happy. Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. I weigh out. Thank God. I am dying for a piece of pizza. I have lost 23 pounds so far, and am shooting for 30, so I am close to my goal. My body fat is in the range for average folks, so that makes me happy. My goal was to not be "overfat" and I have achieved it, so life is good. Now I just have to keep it up!
On that note, I am going to go watch some television and veg for an hour or so before hitting the hay. My workout partner and I have at least four hours at the gym in store for us! Have a wonderful evening!
My contest is in it's last week so my hubby is happy. Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. I weigh out. Thank God. I am dying for a piece of pizza. I have lost 23 pounds so far, and am shooting for 30, so I am close to my goal. My body fat is in the range for average folks, so that makes me happy. My goal was to not be "overfat" and I have achieved it, so life is good. Now I just have to keep it up!
On that note, I am going to go watch some television and veg for an hour or so before hitting the hay. My workout partner and I have at least four hours at the gym in store for us! Have a wonderful evening!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sweet! Earth-2 Makes Hopefully Triumphant Return!
I just saw this image and a post on Newsarama and my heart is singing. Justice Society of America Annual #1 is due out this summer and I couldn't be happier. I have been dying for the Earth-2 characters I loved so much when I was younger to return. This is my chance and I am giddy!
I am especially thrilled to see Huntress (Helena Wayne) and Fury (Lyta Trevor). Both were favorites of mine. Having Power Girl in the forefront only serves to sweeten the pot. The topping is having Jerry Ordway on art chores. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated artists in the business today. Hallelujah!!
Head over to Newsarama for the post and article. I am going to just sit here and revel in the moment.
I am especially thrilled to see Huntress (Helena Wayne) and Fury (Lyta Trevor). Both were favorites of mine. Having Power Girl in the forefront only serves to sweeten the pot. The topping is having Jerry Ordway on art chores. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated artists in the business today. Hallelujah!!
Head over to Newsarama for the post and article. I am going to just sit here and revel in the moment.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Upward and Onward: We Ordered Comics!
After all your fantastic input, Jim researched the options for gettting comic books. We deliberated quite carefully and made the decision to try Discount Comic Book Service. I came home early tonight and we did our order. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. What a great site!
That being said, we will start getting our books from DCBS in May. We opted for the biweekly option and are hoping that will work well. After much discussion, we decided to try and be more patient and do things this way.
The only bad part is we don't know how to politely tell our local retailer that we are closing our file. I want to be honest so I will tell them that it is for ease of service due to my odd schedule, which is pretty much the truth. How would you break the news? I want to do it the right way, without a lot of crap or fibbing, because that is not how I operate. I want to be honest but nice.
On that note, I am going to take a shower. I still didn't answer comments tonight, but I will be back tomorrow. Take care!
That being said, we will start getting our books from DCBS in May. We opted for the biweekly option and are hoping that will work well. After much discussion, we decided to try and be more patient and do things this way.
The only bad part is we don't know how to politely tell our local retailer that we are closing our file. I want to be honest so I will tell them that it is for ease of service due to my odd schedule, which is pretty much the truth. How would you break the news? I want to do it the right way, without a lot of crap or fibbing, because that is not how I operate. I want to be honest but nice.
On that note, I am going to take a shower. I still didn't answer comments tonight, but I will be back tomorrow. Take care!
Monday, March 24, 2008
New Comics for March 26
It was another "manic Monday" here today. After a relaxing Easter, work was busy and then I went to the gym. To finish off the day, I went with a friend to pick out new furniture for his living room so I am really running late!
If you will bear with me, I will be back tomorrow to answer comments. I was really impressed and touched by what you had to say and want to respond with some brain cells intact. It is really embarrassing to get this tired and try and answer comments. It is also embarrassing to admit to being tired!
My list of comics for the week is as follows:
All Star Superman #10
Authority Prime #6 (of 6)
Countdown to Adventure #8 (of 8)
Countdown #5
Green Lantern #29
Loveless #23- maybe!
Teen Titans #57- this issue is a deciding one for me.
Wildstorm Revelations #6 (of 6)
Black Panther #35
Daredevil #106
Mighty Avengers #11
Ms Marvel #25
New Avengers #39 - see cover pictured
She-Hulk 2 #27
Ultimate Human #3 (of 4)
Ultimate Iron Man II #4 (of 5)
Ultimate Spider-Man #120
Ultimate X-Men #92
X-Men Legacy #209
Dan Dare #5 (of 7)
Fallen Angel #25
The good news here is that three mini series are ending. The other good news is that I am dropping more titles. Legion of Super Heroes, Blue Beetle, JSA Classified, and New Warriors are all books I have dropped. Otherwise, my comment here is what is up with all the Ultimate books this week?
Take care all and have a great night! I will see you back here tomorrow!
If you will bear with me, I will be back tomorrow to answer comments. I was really impressed and touched by what you had to say and want to respond with some brain cells intact. It is really embarrassing to get this tired and try and answer comments. It is also embarrassing to admit to being tired!
My list of comics for the week is as follows:
All Star Superman #10
Authority Prime #6 (of 6)
Countdown to Adventure #8 (of 8)
Countdown #5
Green Lantern #29
Loveless #23- maybe!
Teen Titans #57- this issue is a deciding one for me.
Wildstorm Revelations #6 (of 6)
Black Panther #35
Daredevil #106
Mighty Avengers #11
Ms Marvel #25
New Avengers #39 - see cover pictured
She-Hulk 2 #27
Ultimate Human #3 (of 4)
Ultimate Iron Man II #4 (of 5)
Ultimate Spider-Man #120
Ultimate X-Men #92
X-Men Legacy #209
Dan Dare #5 (of 7)
Fallen Angel #25
The good news here is that three mini series are ending. The other good news is that I am dropping more titles. Legion of Super Heroes, Blue Beetle, JSA Classified, and New Warriors are all books I have dropped. Otherwise, my comment here is what is up with all the Ultimate books this week?
Take care all and have a great night! I will see you back here tomorrow!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
If you are celebrating Easter, Happiest of Holidays from Comics Fairplay! Otherwise, Happy Sunday!
We are having prime rib today. I just prepped it and put it in the oven. My eyes are watering a bit from breaking up a garlic clove and inserting them into the meat, but hopefully it will be worth it. Otherwise, we are going to call family and relax the rest of the day. Tomorrow is a regular work day so I need to have everything done.
Nothing new or exciting since yesterday other then just being sore from working out. My contest ends April 3, so there is less then two weeks left now. I have lost 20 pounds and stalled, but am pretty happy with my body fat loss. Being thinner and losing fat is a nice consolation if nothing else. Now that I have come to the conclusion that I am never going to be a super model so I just have to be at peace with what I have.
I wish you and your loved ones a happy day filled with love and joy. I will be back tomorrow with the comic list!
We are having prime rib today. I just prepped it and put it in the oven. My eyes are watering a bit from breaking up a garlic clove and inserting them into the meat, but hopefully it will be worth it. Otherwise, we are going to call family and relax the rest of the day. Tomorrow is a regular work day so I need to have everything done.
Nothing new or exciting since yesterday other then just being sore from working out. My contest ends April 3, so there is less then two weeks left now. I have lost 20 pounds and stalled, but am pretty happy with my body fat loss. Being thinner and losing fat is a nice consolation if nothing else. Now that I have come to the conclusion that I am never going to be a super model so I just have to be at peace with what I have.
I wish you and your loved ones a happy day filled with love and joy. I will be back tomorrow with the comic list!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Women and Sex: The Great Divide
I had mentioned earlier that in the last few months I have been doing a great deal of reading about feminism. After several disconcerting run-ins occurred in my daily life and after being on the sidelines and frontlines of internet battles, I wanted to explore my own life from the ground up and regain a sense of self that wasn't defined by a preconceived perception that I had gained through society's dictates and the incessant need to be popular.
So I read and read.
My conclusion is simple. Feminism is not the throbbing, living system of empowerment that our foremothers had laid the foundation for. We are not fighting for our right to vote or the right to have a job. We aren't praying for the ability to not be ruled by a tyrant husband or trying to focus on raising a family to better the generations that come after us.
We are too busy fighting about sex in all it's forms.
There is a great divide in feminism. The cracks first appeared in the 1970's when a group of women came forward with the "sex is power argument". There was dissent from another group of women who felt that sex was a sacred, private thing that was used for its original intention of populating the earth. Sex wasn't meant for public consumption but for the greater good.
Needless to say, these ladies couldn't agree. This has led to a splintering of the feminist core value. There are those women who think that feminism is being empowered by their right to hit a strip club, get a lap dance, drink whiskey, and smoke a cigar, while still being unfettered by the need for a man yet still receiving validation from said male. The other extreme of womankind hates the "nakedness" and titillation of society and is calling for a return to a more Victorian time.
Who is right and will we ever agree? That is the one billion dollar question.
Somewhere in the middle, most of us reside in a truce of sorts. While not a strip club patron, or a highly sexualized person, I still like to believe that my private life and sexual doings are my own choice, and a right I have, regardless of what other folks think. As a non-prude but a mostly modest woman, I spend a great deal of time battling my place in the feminist pecking order. It is through the realization that being true to myself if the only possible answer to my self doubt, I have achieved a sense of self and a kind of freedom that I can enjoy. Screw it if you don't like me. That is the bottom line.
Seeing the women online going through a change of sorts during this time has been a bit ironic. We have the ladies who have been blogging for a longtime staking their claim to supremacy while the younger, brasher model begs to differ. It is sad in many ways, but also shows that the many facets of feminism will never allow women to truly band together in a unified manner.
That isn't to say that men are exempt. God knows I have dealt with more types of men then I can shake a stick at. I work with "macho men" who are country bred and proud. They want to be the breadwinner and take care of their wife. They want to have a whiskey, cuss, and tell dirty stories before retiring to bed. Then there is the extreme I see at the gaming shop. Mostly minimum wage earners who would love to find a "sugar mama" so they can continue to fund their habit, these are the guys who wouldn't talk to me when I was single but can't seem to shut up now. Don't even get me started on all the types of guys I see at the gym.
Do these men agree with each other? Do they interact? It seems that they do, but then they do what we all do. They make fun of each other behind their backs. I have seen many a cowboy laugh at a guy on the street wearing a pink shirt after slapping his back and wishing him the best. Men are certainly not exempt from this whole mess, they just have their own set of problems, whether it is worrying about hair loss, the flabby belly, or how to make a living worthy of their father's era. That is a whole other subject, and one that I don't want to delve into here.
Where am I going with this? The conclusion I have come to is that we are all unique but are all grasping to find our place in this world. Whether it be as a feminist who goes to the extreme to show her comfort in a strip club or a gaming guy who professes to not care about having a girlfriend, we are simply trying to find our niche. That is why I am not surprised that we can't find a unity.
My attempt at putting a positive spin on things is this: find a cause you are passionate about it and support it until the end. Even if there are those who don't agree with you, stand your ground. God knows it is the hardest thing to do, and I freely proclaim that I have had a tough time with it as well. It is all about doing what you think is right. While we as women may not be able to agree on what is sexist, the best thing we can do is at least hear each other out.
So I read and read.
My conclusion is simple. Feminism is not the throbbing, living system of empowerment that our foremothers had laid the foundation for. We are not fighting for our right to vote or the right to have a job. We aren't praying for the ability to not be ruled by a tyrant husband or trying to focus on raising a family to better the generations that come after us.
We are too busy fighting about sex in all it's forms.
There is a great divide in feminism. The cracks first appeared in the 1970's when a group of women came forward with the "sex is power argument". There was dissent from another group of women who felt that sex was a sacred, private thing that was used for its original intention of populating the earth. Sex wasn't meant for public consumption but for the greater good.
Needless to say, these ladies couldn't agree. This has led to a splintering of the feminist core value. There are those women who think that feminism is being empowered by their right to hit a strip club, get a lap dance, drink whiskey, and smoke a cigar, while still being unfettered by the need for a man yet still receiving validation from said male. The other extreme of womankind hates the "nakedness" and titillation of society and is calling for a return to a more Victorian time.
Who is right and will we ever agree? That is the one billion dollar question.
Somewhere in the middle, most of us reside in a truce of sorts. While not a strip club patron, or a highly sexualized person, I still like to believe that my private life and sexual doings are my own choice, and a right I have, regardless of what other folks think. As a non-prude but a mostly modest woman, I spend a great deal of time battling my place in the feminist pecking order. It is through the realization that being true to myself if the only possible answer to my self doubt, I have achieved a sense of self and a kind of freedom that I can enjoy. Screw it if you don't like me. That is the bottom line.
Seeing the women online going through a change of sorts during this time has been a bit ironic. We have the ladies who have been blogging for a longtime staking their claim to supremacy while the younger, brasher model begs to differ. It is sad in many ways, but also shows that the many facets of feminism will never allow women to truly band together in a unified manner.
That isn't to say that men are exempt. God knows I have dealt with more types of men then I can shake a stick at. I work with "macho men" who are country bred and proud. They want to be the breadwinner and take care of their wife. They want to have a whiskey, cuss, and tell dirty stories before retiring to bed. Then there is the extreme I see at the gaming shop. Mostly minimum wage earners who would love to find a "sugar mama" so they can continue to fund their habit, these are the guys who wouldn't talk to me when I was single but can't seem to shut up now. Don't even get me started on all the types of guys I see at the gym.
Do these men agree with each other? Do they interact? It seems that they do, but then they do what we all do. They make fun of each other behind their backs. I have seen many a cowboy laugh at a guy on the street wearing a pink shirt after slapping his back and wishing him the best. Men are certainly not exempt from this whole mess, they just have their own set of problems, whether it is worrying about hair loss, the flabby belly, or how to make a living worthy of their father's era. That is a whole other subject, and one that I don't want to delve into here.
Where am I going with this? The conclusion I have come to is that we are all unique but are all grasping to find our place in this world. Whether it be as a feminist who goes to the extreme to show her comfort in a strip club or a gaming guy who professes to not care about having a girlfriend, we are simply trying to find our niche. That is why I am not surprised that we can't find a unity.
My attempt at putting a positive spin on things is this: find a cause you are passionate about it and support it until the end. Even if there are those who don't agree with you, stand your ground. God knows it is the hardest thing to do, and I freely proclaim that I have had a tough time with it as well. It is all about doing what you think is right. While we as women may not be able to agree on what is sexist, the best thing we can do is at least hear each other out.
A Quick Note From Your Hostess...
The last few days I have been a bad blogger. My body decided to tell me it needed sleep rather then time in front of the computer, so after a long day, I went to bed. Last night I went to bed at 9:30 p.m. and didnt' get up until 9 a.m. Needless to say, today is the first day in a long time I feel human.
That being said, I haven't felt a great deal of enthusiasm for comics lately, but I do cop to enjoying Dark Ivory #1 and the crazy presentation of courtship rituals Wonder Woman dropped on Nemesis in Wonder Woman #18. I am also looking to the end of Countdown to see how drastically everything is going to be ripped apart in anticipation of Grant Morrison putting the pieces back together. Hmmm. I also hear rumors of DC having problems with Final Crisis, so how knows what the hell is really going on there.
In "woman world" there is all kinds of breaking with factions. That is alright. We don't have to stand together as women just because we think it is the right thing to do. If we have a common cause, that is all good and well, but as I have been reading the last few months, there is already a a division in the concept of feminism that is glaring enough without adding comics to the mix. I don't see a rush of men trying to stand together to keep boobies on covers- do you?
At any rate, I have spent the last few months reading several books on feminism in a deep hope of understanding why I don't like all my fellow womankind. After a horrifying experience in the women's locker room with women I didn't like and coming to the realization that I don't agree with all the women who blog, I felt a deep sense of guilt. Now that I have spent time exploring the concept itself, I have started to appreciate that we don't have to stand as a gender. We just have to stand up for ourselves as people who are individual and special.
In between spending four hours a day at the gym and working over nine hours a day I have really thought about this and I really truly hope to have time to explain myself sooner then later. Let me end with saying that I am a peace with myself and my values and no longer feel the need to cater to a cause because it seems like the right thing to do. I do things now because I believe what I am doing in my heart is right. It is very freeing.
On that note, I have really got to get some lunch. Back later with more..
That being said, I haven't felt a great deal of enthusiasm for comics lately, but I do cop to enjoying Dark Ivory #1 and the crazy presentation of courtship rituals Wonder Woman dropped on Nemesis in Wonder Woman #18. I am also looking to the end of Countdown to see how drastically everything is going to be ripped apart in anticipation of Grant Morrison putting the pieces back together. Hmmm. I also hear rumors of DC having problems with Final Crisis, so how knows what the hell is really going on there.
In "woman world" there is all kinds of breaking with factions. That is alright. We don't have to stand together as women just because we think it is the right thing to do. If we have a common cause, that is all good and well, but as I have been reading the last few months, there is already a a division in the concept of feminism that is glaring enough without adding comics to the mix. I don't see a rush of men trying to stand together to keep boobies on covers- do you?
At any rate, I have spent the last few months reading several books on feminism in a deep hope of understanding why I don't like all my fellow womankind. After a horrifying experience in the women's locker room with women I didn't like and coming to the realization that I don't agree with all the women who blog, I felt a deep sense of guilt. Now that I have spent time exploring the concept itself, I have started to appreciate that we don't have to stand as a gender. We just have to stand up for ourselves as people who are individual and special.
In between spending four hours a day at the gym and working over nine hours a day I have really thought about this and I really truly hope to have time to explain myself sooner then later. Let me end with saying that I am a peace with myself and my values and no longer feel the need to cater to a cause because it seems like the right thing to do. I do things now because I believe what I am doing in my heart is right. It is very freeing.
On that note, I have really got to get some lunch. Back later with more..
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Reason #1001 I Wish I Was Rich: Wonder Woman Statue by Andy Bergholtz
I was perusing the advance solicitations for DC Comics for June when I stumbled upon one of the coolest collectibles I have seen in a long time. Wonder Woman looks impossibly fierce but also graceful in this gorgeous statue that was sculpted by Andy Bergholtz. I love the pose of Diana holding both her shield and her axe, poised to go into battle. I also appreciate the realism of her heavily muscled legs and arms. She looks toned but not ripped, which I have always pictured. The whole thing is absolutely amazing. It absolutely makes me wish I would win the lottery today because every fiber of my being is screaming to buy it!
Here are the specifications:
"Standing atop battle-damaged Grecian ruins, this stunning 18" Wonder Woman mixed-media statue shows the Amazon Princess in all her fury. This 1:4 scale museum quality figure is composed of resin, metal, and an expertly crafted fabric outfit, including briefs with a star pattern, a faux-leather bodice, and a flowing cape. She is armed for battle with a shield, sword, eagle-shaped axe, and a lasso. The full piece measures approximately 16.5" high x 11" wide x 14" deep.
This exclusive, limited edition statue includes a 4/color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4/color box.
Advance-solicited;
in stores November 5, 2008 * Statue * $295.00 US "
Maybe my tax incentive could fund this little venture and help me stimulate the economy? Heh. I wish!
Anyone out there thinking of buying this?
Here are the specifications:
"Standing atop battle-damaged Grecian ruins, this stunning 18" Wonder Woman mixed-media statue shows the Amazon Princess in all her fury. This 1:4 scale museum quality figure is composed of resin, metal, and an expertly crafted fabric outfit, including briefs with a star pattern, a faux-leather bodice, and a flowing cape. She is armed for battle with a shield, sword, eagle-shaped axe, and a lasso. The full piece measures approximately 16.5" high x 11" wide x 14" deep.
This exclusive, limited edition statue includes a 4/color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4/color box.
Advance-solicited;
in stores November 5, 2008 * Statue * $295.00 US "
Maybe my tax incentive could fund this little venture and help me stimulate the economy? Heh. I wish!
Anyone out there thinking of buying this?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
John Mellencamp - Authority Song - Rock Hall of Fame
Since Flickr is giving me heck, I thought I would post an apt tune. Here is John Mellencamp proving he still has the chops and that he is getting better with age. "Authority Song" fits my mood!
I Was Going To Post But...
For the last hour I have been trying to do a post via Flickr and it isn't working. I am sitting here feeling enraged so I am going to say "Forget it" and try again tomorrow. Bummer!!
Anyone else use Flickr and have problems? Is there a better program I can use?
This sucks!
Anyone else use Flickr and have problems? Is there a better program I can use?
This sucks!
Monday, March 17, 2008
New Comics for March 19
Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you all! I hope it was a good day. I know it certainly was for some folks a couple of tables away from me at lunch- they were drinking green beer at 11:15 a.m. Nice.
My "Get In Shape" contest has a little less then three weeks left now, so bear with me. I didn't get home until 8 p.m. tonight, and I am tired. I need to catch up on my comments, but I am out of gas. I promise to be better soon. Thank you for being so kind during my 12 week obsession with weight loss and fitness!
The comic list this week is ugly, so I feel like I am sliding backwards. Yikes. Here is the list.
100 Bullets #89
Birds of Prey #116- iffy right now
Brave & the Bold #11
Catwoman #77
Checkmate #24- dropping after #25 because I don't like Bruce Jones' creative work- sorry.
Countdown #6
Death of the New Gods #7 (of 8)
Ex Machina #35
Fables #71
Flash #238- maybe
Justice League of America #19
Shadowpact #23
Dark Ivory #1 (of 4)
Invincible #49- may be dropping after issue #50. Kinda tired of it and bored. Bummer. (Cover Pictured)
PVP #39
Sword #6
Witchblade #116
Captain America #36
Immortal Iron Fist #14
Incredible Hercules #115
Wolverine Origins #23
Snakewoman: Curse of the 68 #1 (of 4)
I am mad at myself about this, so I have to figure out what to do. I will let you know.
On that note, have a great night! I am off to go shower and get some dinner. Take care!
My "Get In Shape" contest has a little less then three weeks left now, so bear with me. I didn't get home until 8 p.m. tonight, and I am tired. I need to catch up on my comments, but I am out of gas. I promise to be better soon. Thank you for being so kind during my 12 week obsession with weight loss and fitness!
The comic list this week is ugly, so I feel like I am sliding backwards. Yikes. Here is the list.
100 Bullets #89
Birds of Prey #116- iffy right now
Brave & the Bold #11
Catwoman #77
Checkmate #24- dropping after #25 because I don't like Bruce Jones' creative work- sorry.
Countdown #6
Death of the New Gods #7 (of 8)
Ex Machina #35
Fables #71
Flash #238- maybe
Justice League of America #19
Shadowpact #23
Dark Ivory #1 (of 4)
Invincible #49- may be dropping after issue #50. Kinda tired of it and bored. Bummer. (Cover Pictured)
PVP #39
Sword #6
Witchblade #116
Captain America #36
Immortal Iron Fist #14
Incredible Hercules #115
Wolverine Origins #23
Snakewoman: Curse of the 68 #1 (of 4)
I am mad at myself about this, so I have to figure out what to do. I will let you know.
On that note, have a great night! I am off to go shower and get some dinner. Take care!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thank The Lord! Manhunter is Back!
For two days now I have been meaning to post my joy and excitement about the fact that Manhunter will be back with new issues in June. Writer Marc Andreyko is still on board, along with new artist Michael Gaydos. This is absolutely fantastic news!
I do feel a bit sad that Javier Pina and Robin Riggs aren't back on art chores, but I know that they have worked on the Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag limited series and are most likely booked for another title. That being said, Gaydos did a remarkable job on Alias, and I am a fan.
From the preview at Newsarama, it looks like Todd/Obsidian and her familiar cast are still present and accounted for so I am quite thrilled. With issue #31 coming out in June, this means great things for the future... at least I hope! I love this book!
I do feel a bit sad that Javier Pina and Robin Riggs aren't back on art chores, but I know that they have worked on the Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag limited series and are most likely booked for another title. That being said, Gaydos did a remarkable job on Alias, and I am a fan.
From the preview at Newsarama, it looks like Todd/Obsidian and her familiar cast are still present and accounted for so I am quite thrilled. With issue #31 coming out in June, this means great things for the future... at least I hope! I love this book!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Why Aren't You Reading Wonder Woman?
At this blog, I tend to talk about Wonder Woman quite a bit. As you know, she has been my favorite female comic book character since I was eight years old, and I continue to be a big fan. I have every issue of her series since the first incarnation, beginning in 1965. Prior to that, I have either the hardcover collections or have various runs on the book.
Where I am going with this is to say that I haven't missed an issue since 1974 and I have collected older issues in filling in my collection. Through the good and bad, I have been a "dream reader" for DC in that I haven't dropped the book.
My question today isn't about why you read Wonder Woman. I want to know why you DO NOT read the book. I want to know if you ever have or ever will and why. Please humor me and answer some or all of these questions.
1. Have you ever read a Wonder Woman solo comic book? If not, why?
2. What "period" or creative team did you most enjoy and why?
3. Was there a specific reason you dropped the book and what made you pick it back up?
4. Have you read the current series? What is your take on it?
5. Who is best suited to write Wonder Woman?
6. What, if anything, would make you pick up the book?
I am really curious, so if you would help me out I would really appreciate it. I will give a couple of days and be back this weekend to talk more about this. Your input is critical!
Where I am going with this is to say that I haven't missed an issue since 1974 and I have collected older issues in filling in my collection. Through the good and bad, I have been a "dream reader" for DC in that I haven't dropped the book.
My question today isn't about why you read Wonder Woman. I want to know why you DO NOT read the book. I want to know if you ever have or ever will and why. Please humor me and answer some or all of these questions.
1. Have you ever read a Wonder Woman solo comic book? If not, why?
2. What "period" or creative team did you most enjoy and why?
3. Was there a specific reason you dropped the book and what made you pick it back up?
4. Have you read the current series? What is your take on it?
5. Who is best suited to write Wonder Woman?
6. What, if anything, would make you pick up the book?
I am really curious, so if you would help me out I would really appreciate it. I will give a couple of days and be back this weekend to talk more about this. Your input is critical!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Tagged! AKA Swinebread is a Hard Act To Follow!
The always deadly funny and sophisticated Swinebread from Atomic Romance has tagged me and I am here to answer him. Here are the rules:
"List 7 random things about yourself that people may not know.
Link the person who sent this to you, and leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours.
Post the rules on your blog."
Here we go, without further ado.
1. My palms are calloused from years of farm work and weight lifting. It doesn't matter how much lotion I use or what I do, my palms are determined to be ugly.
2. I cringe when I see inappropriate spandex. Yikes. It is a privilege, not a right.
3. I don't have a passport. I would love to travel but haven't left the country other then to go to Canada once, pre-9/11.
4. I get physically ill at the sight and smell of "pig in a blanket". It is the nightmare food of all time to me other then sauerkraut.
5. "American Gothic" is to me one of the most underrated television series of all time. I would love to see that show come back!
6. I desperately want to be a contestant on "The Biggest Loser" but they don't want me. Twelve weeks of working out and dieting without worrying about a job or cleaning house? Sounds like a freaking fantasy to me.
7. Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Pizza with extra cheese or shrimp pizza with cheese are my favorite foods. I haven't eaten pizza for over two months and I have weird, obsessive dreams about it.
Whew. That was kinda tough, since my blog makes me an open book. What about you? Tag to you bloggers out there. Tell me something about you!
"List 7 random things about yourself that people may not know.
Link the person who sent this to you, and leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours.
Post the rules on your blog."
Here we go, without further ado.
1. My palms are calloused from years of farm work and weight lifting. It doesn't matter how much lotion I use or what I do, my palms are determined to be ugly.
2. I cringe when I see inappropriate spandex. Yikes. It is a privilege, not a right.
3. I don't have a passport. I would love to travel but haven't left the country other then to go to Canada once, pre-9/11.
4. I get physically ill at the sight and smell of "pig in a blanket". It is the nightmare food of all time to me other then sauerkraut.
5. "American Gothic" is to me one of the most underrated television series of all time. I would love to see that show come back!
6. I desperately want to be a contestant on "The Biggest Loser" but they don't want me. Twelve weeks of working out and dieting without worrying about a job or cleaning house? Sounds like a freaking fantasy to me.
7. Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Pizza with extra cheese or shrimp pizza with cheese are my favorite foods. I haven't eaten pizza for over two months and I have weird, obsessive dreams about it.
Whew. That was kinda tough, since my blog makes me an open book. What about you? Tag to you bloggers out there. Tell me something about you!
Monday, March 10, 2008
New Comics for March 12
My latest confession: I am hurrying tonight because I want to watch Madonna get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on VH-1 Classic. I know she isn't technically a rocker by any means, but she shaped music in her own way as provacateur, chameleon, and entertainer. Her impact on music, while not hard rock, is lasting. I had just entered college when she exploded with her first album, so I feel like I grew up with her in a way.
In good news, I happily made it through the first Monday after the time change with no lasting effects. In bad news, I only lost a pound last week. This means it is time to step up the cardio, cut back on carbs, and up my fat burners. Lots of science involved in doing it perfectly. Crazy, but true.
Here is this week's list!
Countdown #7
Countdown to Mystery #6 (of 8)
Green Arrow Black Canary #6
Green Lantern Corps #22- pictured
Salvation Run #5 (of 7)
Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag #7 (of 8)
Wildstorm Revelations #5 (of 6)
Wonder Woman #18
Mighty Avengers #10
Punisher #55
Thunderbolts #119
Wolverine #63
X-Factor #29
There are four mini-series on my list that I will not replace books with, so I am looking for my book count to dwindle. Yay!
Holy Crap, John Mellencamp is singing "The Authority Song". I am out of here! Have a great night!
In good news, I happily made it through the first Monday after the time change with no lasting effects. In bad news, I only lost a pound last week. This means it is time to step up the cardio, cut back on carbs, and up my fat burners. Lots of science involved in doing it perfectly. Crazy, but true.
Here is this week's list!
Countdown #7
Countdown to Mystery #6 (of 8)
Green Arrow Black Canary #6
Green Lantern Corps #22- pictured
Salvation Run #5 (of 7)
Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag #7 (of 8)
Wildstorm Revelations #5 (of 6)
Wonder Woman #18
Mighty Avengers #10
Punisher #55
Thunderbolts #119
Wolverine #63
X-Factor #29
There are four mini-series on my list that I will not replace books with, so I am looking for my book count to dwindle. Yay!
Holy Crap, John Mellencamp is singing "The Authority Song". I am out of here! Have a great night!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Crotchgate Redux: Nightwing #140 Cover
Okay, I admit it. My eyes aren't what they used to be after almost 20 years of computer work and general use. Still, in my most basic sight perception I am wondering if the crotch on the cover of Nightwing #140 has been tampered with. The preview on DC comics' website has Richard Grayson's nether regions much more pronounced then the final cover.
This is frustrating to say the least. Artists Rags Morales and Michael Bair did a great job of showing Nightwing's muscular thighs. Then you look up a bit, and zero, nada. What is up with that? Can't poor Dick catch a break? This is an otherwise excellent cover that is sullied by it's final product.
Call me a dirty old lady if you want, but I want the same consideration given to the women readers as the men get. They get huge boobies with erect nipples and I get a bunch of shadowing. Not fair.
Reactions?
This is frustrating to say the least. Artists Rags Morales and Michael Bair did a great job of showing Nightwing's muscular thighs. Then you look up a bit, and zero, nada. What is up with that? Can't poor Dick catch a break? This is an otherwise excellent cover that is sullied by it's final product.
Call me a dirty old lady if you want, but I want the same consideration given to the women readers as the men get. They get huge boobies with erect nipples and I get a bunch of shadowing. Not fair.
Reactions?
Friday, March 07, 2008
Countdown to Extinction or Lifelong BFF's? Exploring the Storefront Versus Internet Comic Shop
Earlier this week I asked for suggestions on a new place to buy books from. For various reasons, we want to make a change, and I was hoping for assistance. Lucky for me, I had thoughtful, educated assistance from you folks, and I am going to work with my hubby to do the research this weekend. What I didn’t anticipate was a discussion that started with regards to “bricks and mortar” loyalty. I think that this is a much needed conversation, and I am interested in hearing your opinions on this.
For much of my life, I have walked into either a grocery store or a retailer shop to purchase my books. The last fifteen years, I have mainly bought from our local shop, with the exception of a six to nine month period where we bought from the Mile High NICE program. I have always found comfort in a routine, and knowing that I could pick my books up weekly has filled that void.
One problem I face on a regular basis is the lateness of the books, whether by Diamond, UPS, or the retailer being unavailable to pick up the books at the local UPS warehouse. Because of my work and my commitment to fitness and the community, I have very limited time to allow for schedule changes. I have also been faced with apathy and derision from time to time from these mostly kind folks I have had a long relationship with. It is a bit confusing and awkward, and too involved to go into, so let me just say that the time has come to make a change.
The situation I face in doing so is that our town only has one comic book shop. Any alternative would mean at least an hour’s drive. That isn’t going to cut it. My alternative is getting my comics by USPS, UPS, or one of the lovely shipping companies, and to receive them from a reliable distributor, whether it is a brick and mortar shop that provides that service or an internet based store.
Do I think the day of the brick and mortar shop is over? No. Why Not? As a consumer there is still the comfort of human contact and relationships. Also, there are several top notch retailers out there who provide great service and have made long lasting customers. I have also found that the majority of comic book readers I speak to like to go browse before purchasing. This is bad for the purist but great for spurring extra sales.
Storefront retailers encounter their share of problems in flaky customers and the “babysitting” service some parents mistakenly think they provide. They also have to keep a good faith that their customers will purchase what they ordered in Previews or have on their pull list. We have one customer in town who has been blackballed on most of the East side of Washington for special ordering thousands of dollars of manga and comic statues and books and never picking them up. I know these folks exist, and they are just waiting for a new shop to open to try and dupe the new guy or girl on the block.
I think there is also a market segment that appreciated the expediency of the internet experience. Order it and it shows up on the doorstep. Nice. Concerns that the handling of the credit or debit card is secure may detract but for others it makes the ease of purchase one step better then trying to write a check every week at the local store.
Okay, enough rambling from me on this topic. I would love to hear your thoughts. Mortar and brick versus online? Is there an extinction factor or will customers always maintain a loyalty? Let’s talk.
For much of my life, I have walked into either a grocery store or a retailer shop to purchase my books. The last fifteen years, I have mainly bought from our local shop, with the exception of a six to nine month period where we bought from the Mile High NICE program. I have always found comfort in a routine, and knowing that I could pick my books up weekly has filled that void.
One problem I face on a regular basis is the lateness of the books, whether by Diamond, UPS, or the retailer being unavailable to pick up the books at the local UPS warehouse. Because of my work and my commitment to fitness and the community, I have very limited time to allow for schedule changes. I have also been faced with apathy and derision from time to time from these mostly kind folks I have had a long relationship with. It is a bit confusing and awkward, and too involved to go into, so let me just say that the time has come to make a change.
The situation I face in doing so is that our town only has one comic book shop. Any alternative would mean at least an hour’s drive. That isn’t going to cut it. My alternative is getting my comics by USPS, UPS, or one of the lovely shipping companies, and to receive them from a reliable distributor, whether it is a brick and mortar shop that provides that service or an internet based store.
Do I think the day of the brick and mortar shop is over? No. Why Not? As a consumer there is still the comfort of human contact and relationships. Also, there are several top notch retailers out there who provide great service and have made long lasting customers. I have also found that the majority of comic book readers I speak to like to go browse before purchasing. This is bad for the purist but great for spurring extra sales.
Storefront retailers encounter their share of problems in flaky customers and the “babysitting” service some parents mistakenly think they provide. They also have to keep a good faith that their customers will purchase what they ordered in Previews or have on their pull list. We have one customer in town who has been blackballed on most of the East side of Washington for special ordering thousands of dollars of manga and comic statues and books and never picking them up. I know these folks exist, and they are just waiting for a new shop to open to try and dupe the new guy or girl on the block.
I think there is also a market segment that appreciated the expediency of the internet experience. Order it and it shows up on the doorstep. Nice. Concerns that the handling of the credit or debit card is secure may detract but for others it makes the ease of purchase one step better then trying to write a check every week at the local store.
Okay, enough rambling from me on this topic. I would love to hear your thoughts. Mortar and brick versus online? Is there an extinction factor or will customers always maintain a loyalty? Let’s talk.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Random Thoughts and Musings
I really want to thank you all for the reccomendations on finding a new place to get comics. The hubby and I are going to go online this weekend to research and get signed up. I really appreciate the help. I will be back tomorrow or Friday with more reactions to your comments on that post as I think you bring up interesting points.
I just got home from the gym and I am really happy. I have lost 6% body fat since the contest has started, and in doing the math have ascertained that every pound I have lost is actual fat. Not muscle, but that ungodly crap all over my body. Thank God.
Over at Comic Book Resources there is an overview and brief interview with Garth Ennis about The Boys. There is talk of a movie and the future of the book. It is a quick, fun read, so go check it out.
That is it for tonight. I have to go shower and get all my stuff ready for tomorrow. Thank you again for all the great information about where to get comics at. We really need to make a change!
I just got home from the gym and I am really happy. I have lost 6% body fat since the contest has started, and in doing the math have ascertained that every pound I have lost is actual fat. Not muscle, but that ungodly crap all over my body. Thank God.
Over at Comic Book Resources there is an overview and brief interview with Garth Ennis about The Boys. There is talk of a movie and the future of the book. It is a quick, fun read, so go check it out.
That is it for tonight. I have to go shower and get all my stuff ready for tomorrow. Thank you again for all the great information about where to get comics at. We really need to make a change!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Looking At My Options
After a long association with our local retailer, Jim and I want to explore our options. We are looking for a new place to get our comics, whether it be a retailer who ships nationally or an internet site that specializes in that.
It isn't a big break or anything. We have just been wanting to spread our wings and make a relationship with a company or retailer that has a greater variety of product or more of a willingness to procure it.
Please help us out here. Where do you get your books from and will they possibly sell to us? Any details would be appreciated.
It isn't a big break or anything. We have just been wanting to spread our wings and make a relationship with a company or retailer that has a greater variety of product or more of a willingness to procure it.
Please help us out here. Where do you get your books from and will they possibly sell to us? Any details would be appreciated.
Monday, March 03, 2008
New Comics for March 5
After an emotional weekend and a busy Monday, I am sitting here feeling a bit relieved and back to normal. I am anticipating the work week will be hectic and my workouts will be tough, but I feel a sense of normalcy about that. I know that may seem a bit strange, but knowing that I will be back on my routine is comforting.
It is a lighter week in comics for me, which makes me happy. I continue to consider dropping books, and try not to pick up too many new ones. The exception to this rule is Echo #1 by Terry Moore. I love his work and want to give his new book a try.
Here is the list for the week.
Countdown to Adventure #7 (of 8)
Countdown #8
Detective Comics #842
Green Lantern #28
Nightwing #142- I was going to drop this title, but I liked the last issue. Curses!
Dynamo 5 #11
Invincible Presents Atom Eve #2 (of 2)
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Guilty Pleasures #9 (of 12)
Penance Relentless #5 (of 5)
Powers #28
Uncanny X-Men #496
X-Force #2
Boys #16
Terry Moore's Echo #1
Two mini-series are ending, and I decided to drop Teen Titans Year One. I hope I don't regret that. The good news is that I am getting the number of books under better control and am noticing it in my finances.
Have a wonderful week! See you back here tomorrow!
It is a lighter week in comics for me, which makes me happy. I continue to consider dropping books, and try not to pick up too many new ones. The exception to this rule is Echo #1 by Terry Moore. I love his work and want to give his new book a try.
Here is the list for the week.
Countdown to Adventure #7 (of 8)
Countdown #8
Detective Comics #842
Green Lantern #28
Nightwing #142- I was going to drop this title, but I liked the last issue. Curses!
Dynamo 5 #11
Invincible Presents Atom Eve #2 (of 2)
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Guilty Pleasures #9 (of 12)
Penance Relentless #5 (of 5)
Powers #28
Uncanny X-Men #496
X-Force #2
Boys #16
Terry Moore's Echo #1
Two mini-series are ending, and I decided to drop Teen Titans Year One. I hope I don't regret that. The good news is that I am getting the number of books under better control and am noticing it in my finances.
Have a wonderful week! See you back here tomorrow!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Home!
Thank God I am home. It was a trip I will never forget, both bittersweet yet full of loving memories. My uncle died of cancer last weekend and I made the trip down to Vale, Oregon for his funeral service. It was the perfect memorial for him, filled with shared memories, many honors given, and touching music. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
The biggest problem is that my uncle was too young to die. He was just 63 and should have had many years of life left with my aunt and their kids and grand kids. He was involved with police dispatching, being volunteer fire chief, and farming for many years. In summary, he was the best kind of person God puts on this earth. It is tough to consider that he won't be around anymore to laugh and share with. My poor father has had to live through both of his brothers passing away, and I feel very deeply for him.
A lesson to be learned from this is that melanoma is real. It is what took my uncle away. My family of farmers tried to wear long sleeved shirts and hats, but all that sun exposure and not knowing about sun screen back in the day were problematic. We are all at least 1/4 Swedish with fair skin. God knows I have to literally bake myself to get a tan, but those days are over. Tanning isn't worth it. If you are going to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and protect yourself.
Today I am going to take care of my business and get ready for the work week. I keep reflecting on the family I saw Saturday that I hadn't seen in too long because I am always so busy. I have no idea yet how to change this and spend more time with family, but somehow I will figure it out. When it has been over seven years seeing some of these folks, it fills me full of shame.
Have a nice evening and I will see you back here tomorrow night!
The biggest problem is that my uncle was too young to die. He was just 63 and should have had many years of life left with my aunt and their kids and grand kids. He was involved with police dispatching, being volunteer fire chief, and farming for many years. In summary, he was the best kind of person God puts on this earth. It is tough to consider that he won't be around anymore to laugh and share with. My poor father has had to live through both of his brothers passing away, and I feel very deeply for him.
A lesson to be learned from this is that melanoma is real. It is what took my uncle away. My family of farmers tried to wear long sleeved shirts and hats, but all that sun exposure and not knowing about sun screen back in the day were problematic. We are all at least 1/4 Swedish with fair skin. God knows I have to literally bake myself to get a tan, but those days are over. Tanning isn't worth it. If you are going to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and protect yourself.
Today I am going to take care of my business and get ready for the work week. I keep reflecting on the family I saw Saturday that I hadn't seen in too long because I am always so busy. I have no idea yet how to change this and spend more time with family, but somehow I will figure it out. When it has been over seven years seeing some of these folks, it fills me full of shame.
Have a nice evening and I will see you back here tomorrow night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
