Just found this pic of me, and thought it was really cool...its from Heroes Con this year after I got James O'Barr to draw LANDIS in his sketchbook for me...(taken from http://www.jamesobarr.net/gallery.asp?page=2&id=24&cat=6)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
12-30-06: And Inside look at where the PS3 will WIN and LOSE the wars...
Don't you find it interesting that people are shunning the $600 (or $500 if you are cheap) pricetag of the PS3, and they are wondering why it costs so much? What I am going to do is take a look at where the PS3 is in contrast to the X-Box 360 one month after launch and then give my inside opinions on where they will Pass and Fail respectively, and why...be prepared, however, since this blog will DEFINITELY contain a history lesson...
Let's start with what we know about the videogame industry since Playstation 2 and X-Box launched.
When PS2 launched, it was all alone on top of the industry with no end in sight, and why? There was no competition, and there was no X-Box. The pricetag was $299.99 and this was at the time the least expensive DVD player on the market (now for $129.99 it is one of the more expensive ones). Two major directors VOWED to NEVER place their movies on DVD before this launch, and their names just happen to be Spielberg and Lucas.
One year later, Microsoft is determined to beat Sony in the gaming world, launching their own massive box, at exactly the same pricepoint. The only problem is, that at this point, videogame store walls are covered with about 120 titles of PS2 materials, and we are still seeing PS1 games made at this point that play on the PS2. Microsoft NEVER catches Sony, and never is accepted in Japan.
The big thing to recall here is that Sony REMAINED at 299.99...but now, with the massive amounts of units available, and the large library, those two movie directors started noticing that A LOT of people had DVD players in homes now...hmm....
Sony wins this round, no doubt about it. Games like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid (sure #2 finally made its way to Xbox, but come on, they never got to see #3), not to mention the year waits between getting to play Grand Theft Autos finally made people realize that the PS2 was the leader, and it didn't matter that the X-Box was a BETTER GAMING SYSTEM...if you don't agree, shut up, you are probably also the person that will then say, "But I miss my Dreamcast..." which proves my point...sometimes the best system does NOT win...or last.
Now that the history lesson is done, let's weigh the systems.
XBOX 360 PRO (launches November 2005) - $399.99
The core system was ONLY launched at 299.99 because Microsoft was afraid that NO ONE would forgive them for NOT hitting the 299.99 pricepoint of the prior generation, and is simply put...A FOOLS BARGAIN...its perfect if you are buying a gift, but if you are buying it for yourself, don't be an imbecile...buy the pro system...its $200 of accessories that YOU WILL BUY.
HD CABLES INCLUDED
HEADSET INCLUDED
ETHERNET CABLE INCLUDED
WIRELESS CONTROLLER INCLUDED
HARDDRIVE INCLUDED (20gb)
Does it go above and beyond in technology, nah...but does it need to? No...it utilizes TRIED AND TRUE mentality inside a nicely sculpted box...
By November 2006...160 games in the library...ALL IN HD, and ALL IN DOLBY PRO-LOGIC. Total video output suport...as of November 12th...1080P...that's right, P, not I as it was when the system launched...why is this important? Sony announced they were the only one capable of it.
November 2006 marks the launch of the PS3...Top Pricepoint 599.99...
Yikes...let's look back at that history lesson...Ps2 led and had the same price...XBox360 was now out, had 140 more games available AND ...AND...AND...a $200 pricebreak...IF you didn't want HD MOVIES available.
This is where the PS3 will fail...on the gaming end. Sure, it'll still be there at the end of this generation, and it is because the longstanding name both here and in Japan. But it won't be #1 this generation, and will probably send Sony back to the drawing board faster because of the fall to #2...a strategy that hurts everyone from Sony to us, the consumers.
alright, now lets look at the 599.99 system...
60gb Harddrive
WiFi enabled AND ethernet available
standard video cables included
memory card reader (SD, Memory Stick Duo and Compact Flash)
One wireless controller on one of the 7 BLUETOOTH channels
BLU-RAY video player
1080P resolution and 7.1 Digital Sound capable.
Okay, so for 599.99, you get one controller in the box, and one USB cable...but y'know what sucks? You have to BUY an HDMI cable to get 1080P resolution ($79.99), you have to buy a headset (Bluetooth, good headset...79.99) and if you need ethernet, add another $30 for that.
So literally another $200 in accessories to give you everything Microsoft has out of box... that's crazy...so sure, you can pay $50 a year for Xbox live, and pay $200 for the HD-DVD drive, but that's STILL LESS for everything...DON'T LET SONY FOOL YOU!
Okay...I've give you enough crap as to where Sony will fail, or IS ALREADY FAILING, and let's get to the last one...
BLU-RAY DISCS...OWNED BY SONY...PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE FORMAT...ARGH! Not another Sony Proprietary software piece...can we look at ALL THE FAILED ONES from the past? SURE...Betamax. DEAD. Mini-Disc. DEAD. UMD...might as well be DEAD. And finally, Blu-Ray...hm...
Anyone who says it will fail specifically because its a Sony Proprietary Software method may be onto something, but with me...I'm not so hard to judge, and let me explain...
Here's where Blu-Ray will FORCE success...
Right now, the Playstation 3 is the LEAST EXPENSIVE option for a Blu-Ray player, which shows very similar to that last DVD thingee...the PS2...But that's not why it'll succeed, its only something that someone with the HDTV and surround sound system will use to help justify the system to their wives, but it in no way is what will help it succeed.
Raw Numbers will. Think about this. Let's say Sony's sales EQUAL Microsoft from the 360 to the PS3 in their first years respectively...this would mean that there would be about 10million or so PS3's IN HOMES as early as the end of December 2007. Do you know what this means?
IF THAT WERE THE CASE...THERE WOULD BE 10 MILLION BLU-RAY PLAYERS IN HOMES ALREADY...
Let's be more realistic, however. Let's say 6 million by the end of business on December 31st, 2007...almost exactly one year from today...Blu-Ray would OWN the market. There'd be no choice at that point. And you can't argue that both would make it...the ONLY way that's going to happen is if Phillips patented disc that allows DVD/HDDVD/BLU-RAY all on one disc starts making its way to mainstream market AT A REASONABLE VALUE.
So there you have it folks, sure, it wasn't all the numbers I probably made it sound like it was going to be, but it is the cold hard truth...360 will win the game war this time, but I think if Sony can keep getting PS3s into homes, you will have a BLU-RAY player if you want HD movies...
What does everyone else think? Are my arguments valid?
Let's start with what we know about the videogame industry since Playstation 2 and X-Box launched.
When PS2 launched, it was all alone on top of the industry with no end in sight, and why? There was no competition, and there was no X-Box. The pricetag was $299.99 and this was at the time the least expensive DVD player on the market (now for $129.99 it is one of the more expensive ones). Two major directors VOWED to NEVER place their movies on DVD before this launch, and their names just happen to be Spielberg and Lucas.
One year later, Microsoft is determined to beat Sony in the gaming world, launching their own massive box, at exactly the same pricepoint. The only problem is, that at this point, videogame store walls are covered with about 120 titles of PS2 materials, and we are still seeing PS1 games made at this point that play on the PS2. Microsoft NEVER catches Sony, and never is accepted in Japan.
The big thing to recall here is that Sony REMAINED at 299.99...but now, with the massive amounts of units available, and the large library, those two movie directors started noticing that A LOT of people had DVD players in homes now...hmm....
Sony wins this round, no doubt about it. Games like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid (sure #2 finally made its way to Xbox, but come on, they never got to see #3), not to mention the year waits between getting to play Grand Theft Autos finally made people realize that the PS2 was the leader, and it didn't matter that the X-Box was a BETTER GAMING SYSTEM...if you don't agree, shut up, you are probably also the person that will then say, "But I miss my Dreamcast..." which proves my point...sometimes the best system does NOT win...or last.
Now that the history lesson is done, let's weigh the systems.
XBOX 360 PRO (launches November 2005) - $399.99
The core system was ONLY launched at 299.99 because Microsoft was afraid that NO ONE would forgive them for NOT hitting the 299.99 pricepoint of the prior generation, and is simply put...A FOOLS BARGAIN...its perfect if you are buying a gift, but if you are buying it for yourself, don't be an imbecile...buy the pro system...its $200 of accessories that YOU WILL BUY.
HD CABLES INCLUDED
HEADSET INCLUDED
ETHERNET CABLE INCLUDED
WIRELESS CONTROLLER INCLUDED
HARDDRIVE INCLUDED (20gb)
Does it go above and beyond in technology, nah...but does it need to? No...it utilizes TRIED AND TRUE mentality inside a nicely sculpted box...
By November 2006...160 games in the library...ALL IN HD, and ALL IN DOLBY PRO-LOGIC. Total video output suport...as of November 12th...1080P...that's right, P, not I as it was when the system launched...why is this important? Sony announced they were the only one capable of it.
November 2006 marks the launch of the PS3...Top Pricepoint 599.99...
Yikes...let's look back at that history lesson...Ps2 led and had the same price...XBox360 was now out, had 140 more games available AND ...AND...AND...a $200 pricebreak...IF you didn't want HD MOVIES available.
This is where the PS3 will fail...on the gaming end. Sure, it'll still be there at the end of this generation, and it is because the longstanding name both here and in Japan. But it won't be #1 this generation, and will probably send Sony back to the drawing board faster because of the fall to #2...a strategy that hurts everyone from Sony to us, the consumers.
alright, now lets look at the 599.99 system...
60gb Harddrive
WiFi enabled AND ethernet available
standard video cables included
memory card reader (SD, Memory Stick Duo and Compact Flash)
One wireless controller on one of the 7 BLUETOOTH channels
BLU-RAY video player
1080P resolution and 7.1 Digital Sound capable.
Okay, so for 599.99, you get one controller in the box, and one USB cable...but y'know what sucks? You have to BUY an HDMI cable to get 1080P resolution ($79.99), you have to buy a headset (Bluetooth, good headset...79.99) and if you need ethernet, add another $30 for that.
So literally another $200 in accessories to give you everything Microsoft has out of box... that's crazy...so sure, you can pay $50 a year for Xbox live, and pay $200 for the HD-DVD drive, but that's STILL LESS for everything...DON'T LET SONY FOOL YOU!
Okay...I've give you enough crap as to where Sony will fail, or IS ALREADY FAILING, and let's get to the last one...
BLU-RAY DISCS...OWNED BY SONY...PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE FORMAT...ARGH! Not another Sony Proprietary software piece...can we look at ALL THE FAILED ONES from the past? SURE...Betamax. DEAD. Mini-Disc. DEAD. UMD...might as well be DEAD. And finally, Blu-Ray...hm...
Anyone who says it will fail specifically because its a Sony Proprietary Software method may be onto something, but with me...I'm not so hard to judge, and let me explain...
Here's where Blu-Ray will FORCE success...
Right now, the Playstation 3 is the LEAST EXPENSIVE option for a Blu-Ray player, which shows very similar to that last DVD thingee...the PS2...But that's not why it'll succeed, its only something that someone with the HDTV and surround sound system will use to help justify the system to their wives, but it in no way is what will help it succeed.
Raw Numbers will. Think about this. Let's say Sony's sales EQUAL Microsoft from the 360 to the PS3 in their first years respectively...this would mean that there would be about 10million or so PS3's IN HOMES as early as the end of December 2007. Do you know what this means?
IF THAT WERE THE CASE...THERE WOULD BE 10 MILLION BLU-RAY PLAYERS IN HOMES ALREADY...
Let's be more realistic, however. Let's say 6 million by the end of business on December 31st, 2007...almost exactly one year from today...Blu-Ray would OWN the market. There'd be no choice at that point. And you can't argue that both would make it...the ONLY way that's going to happen is if Phillips patented disc that allows DVD/HDDVD/BLU-RAY all on one disc starts making its way to mainstream market AT A REASONABLE VALUE.
So there you have it folks, sure, it wasn't all the numbers I probably made it sound like it was going to be, but it is the cold hard truth...360 will win the game war this time, but I think if Sony can keep getting PS3s into homes, you will have a BLU-RAY player if you want HD movies...
What does everyone else think? Are my arguments valid?
Monday, December 25, 2006
12-25-06: Christmas and a ZUNE plug
Hello all you readers out there. I want to throw another shout out to Roscoe for reviewing DEAD SONJA and by placing a comment on the last DEAD SONJA blog entry, because it really touched me and made me feel great about what I wrote...it truly helped me realize that real readers will be inspired from such writings.
Now, subject matter. Want to throw a note out there to everyone that hasn't been able to get in touch with me recently...please, don't take it personally, I've been sick since my birthday (Friday) and can't seem to get well, and with no other days off from the day job this week, I have to take every real spare moment I have to sleep and rest. I haven't been this sick in a long time.
Alright, now to what I got for Christmas.
My mom and dad actually gave me THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 1 from DC comics...now this is great, because its one of the Absolutes I did NOT have since I started collecting them (I started with Batman: Hush), but this was one of the two I did not get recently (NEW FRONTIER being the other). It is an omnibus style oversized hardcover that clocks in at about 650 pages. It contains the first 20 issues of Neil Gaiman's series and the first 18 of which are completely recolored from Gaiman's personal notes. It also includes the entire script and sketches from #19, as well as an intro by DC Publisher, Paul Levitz and the entire premise for the series written by Gaiman that led to the series...this is a treasure for any true comic fan.
The parents also gave my wife and myself money for assorted needs.
I received quite a bit in giftcards from both sisters and their husbands, so that ought to help supply me somewhere...my brother and my wife's brother gave me FAMILY GUY and RED STEEL respectively (haven't played either)...Christy's aunt gave us a tv stand for the bedroom and her parents gave me some candy, some nicknacks, and then some really cool stuff... a Notre Dame placemat for outside, as well as..,oh yeah...THE GREEN BRADY QUINN jersey. Here's hoping that Jimmy Clausen decides that #10 is the number he's gonna want to wear.
Christy, not to be outdone gave me a kit of goodies for my nintendo ds lite with like 10 accessories in it, the first season of Prison Break from Brett Ratner, the second season of Entourage and then...the motherload...the ULTIMATE SUPERMAN COLLECTION...
This baby has it all. SUPERMAN...SUPERMAN THE EXPANDED CUT...SUPERMAN II...SUPERMAN II THE RICHARD DONNER CUT...SUPERMAN III...SUPERMAN IV...SUPERMAN RETURNS and then like 8 other discs...this thing is HUUUUUGE! It's awesome and just what I wanted!
Don't you love when you get exactly what you ask for?
Alright, and now my ZUNE plug. Ever since I received the Zune from Microsoft...no check that, ever since I heard about this product from Microsoft, I've thought its better than your standard iPod...now, please, don't tell my wife, because I gave her a NANO for Christmas, but this Zune... wow. Let's just talk about the features.
30 GIGS...yikes, that a lot of space. That's 1/7 of my harddrive.
music, pics and video...too many possibilities.
NO COMPRESSION and TV OUT...this means just hook up the right cable and watch your videos on your tv!
WIFI...streaming baby!
FM tuner BUILT IN!
and finally...$15 a month for UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS...are they crazy?! That's like only 15 songs from iTunes...
Guys, seriously...with everything this product has to offer, if you are considering an mp3/mp4 player, don't just go with #1 because it says its the best...do your research...I'm beginning to think this thing IS the best...
Well, g'night, all...I have to be up at 5:30 am, so I want you all to enjoy the rest of your holiday... I have to prepare for the nightmare that is the day after christmas.
Rob
Now, subject matter. Want to throw a note out there to everyone that hasn't been able to get in touch with me recently...please, don't take it personally, I've been sick since my birthday (Friday) and can't seem to get well, and with no other days off from the day job this week, I have to take every real spare moment I have to sleep and rest. I haven't been this sick in a long time.
Alright, now to what I got for Christmas.
My mom and dad actually gave me THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 1 from DC comics...now this is great, because its one of the Absolutes I did NOT have since I started collecting them (I started with Batman: Hush), but this was one of the two I did not get recently (NEW FRONTIER being the other). It is an omnibus style oversized hardcover that clocks in at about 650 pages. It contains the first 20 issues of Neil Gaiman's series and the first 18 of which are completely recolored from Gaiman's personal notes. It also includes the entire script and sketches from #19, as well as an intro by DC Publisher, Paul Levitz and the entire premise for the series written by Gaiman that led to the series...this is a treasure for any true comic fan.
The parents also gave my wife and myself money for assorted needs.
I received quite a bit in giftcards from both sisters and their husbands, so that ought to help supply me somewhere...my brother and my wife's brother gave me FAMILY GUY and RED STEEL respectively (haven't played either)...Christy's aunt gave us a tv stand for the bedroom and her parents gave me some candy, some nicknacks, and then some really cool stuff... a Notre Dame placemat for outside, as well as..,oh yeah...THE GREEN BRADY QUINN jersey. Here's hoping that Jimmy Clausen decides that #10 is the number he's gonna want to wear.
Christy, not to be outdone gave me a kit of goodies for my nintendo ds lite with like 10 accessories in it, the first season of Prison Break from Brett Ratner, the second season of Entourage and then...the motherload...the ULTIMATE SUPERMAN COLLECTION...
This baby has it all. SUPERMAN...SUPERMAN THE EXPANDED CUT...SUPERMAN II...SUPERMAN II THE RICHARD DONNER CUT...SUPERMAN III...SUPERMAN IV...SUPERMAN RETURNS and then like 8 other discs...this thing is HUUUUUGE! It's awesome and just what I wanted!
Don't you love when you get exactly what you ask for?
Alright, and now my ZUNE plug. Ever since I received the Zune from Microsoft...no check that, ever since I heard about this product from Microsoft, I've thought its better than your standard iPod...now, please, don't tell my wife, because I gave her a NANO for Christmas, but this Zune... wow. Let's just talk about the features.
30 GIGS...yikes, that a lot of space. That's 1/7 of my harddrive.
music, pics and video...too many possibilities.
NO COMPRESSION and TV OUT...this means just hook up the right cable and watch your videos on your tv!
WIFI...streaming baby!
FM tuner BUILT IN!
and finally...$15 a month for UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS...are they crazy?! That's like only 15 songs from iTunes...
Guys, seriously...with everything this product has to offer, if you are considering an mp3/mp4 player, don't just go with #1 because it says its the best...do your research...I'm beginning to think this thing IS the best...
Well, g'night, all...I have to be up at 5:30 am, so I want you all to enjoy the rest of your holiday... I have to prepare for the nightmare that is the day after christmas.
Rob
Sunday, December 24, 2006
12-25-06: Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas
Hello all, and as said in the post...Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
I'll probably post a personal update later, but just wanted to make sure everyone has a safe and healthy holiday!
Rob
I'll probably post a personal update later, but just wanted to make sure everyone has a safe and healthy holiday!
Rob
Sunday, December 17, 2006
12-17-06: Critics and artists agree, DEAD SONJA IS A HIT!
Hey everyone, I figured I'd look up to see if people have been reviewing the parody DEAD SONJA: SHE-ZOMBIE WITH A SWORD, and I figured I'd post up some places I saw online reviewing it...
http://arellis49.livejournal.com/275860.html - Roscoe Ellis' livejournal where he said, "I'll give this delightfully delicious parody the review it deserves," and here's the actual breakdown from him...
I'll let Freddie J go after him for using full page scans and delivering too much of the plot, but I'll accept the positive review :).
The art you see is the "DEAD SEXY" version of the cover, from Remy "Eisu" Mokhtar, also the artist of part three, and here's a link to what he had to say about the story and everyone else's opinions as well...http://darkkof.livejournal.com/119960.html It gets noted that I am the sole writer later in what they say, but it's cool! I'm just glad to have worked with three ULTRA TALENTED ARTISTS!
My old buddies at Broken Frontier actually posted this bit:
• Dead Sonja: She Zombie with a Sword #1: Sword and sorcery comics are making a comeback, especially Robert E. Howard-based characters such as Conan and Red Sonja. Another popular genre that has gained popularity in more than one medium is the Zombie Story. Both story types are ripe for parody. But what do you do if you don’t have time to poke fun at each one individually?
If you’re like Owen Gieni and Robert Blatant, you combine the two and come up with Dead Sonja. Yes, it’s a zombie version of Red Sonja. Is it unique? That would depend on the execution. If it’s successful, does this mean we will see more zombie parodies in our future? Quite possibly. Use that as a determination on whether or not you want to buy this book.
Owen Gieni (W), Robert Blatant & various (A), Blatant Comics, $9.99. One-shot
Now, unfortunately, they didn't make mention of me being a writer on the book, but alas, its publicity for the title.
"Dead Sonja She Zombie With a Sword is just begging to be read... along with Zombies VS. Robots. " - From a poster on SILVERBULLETCOMICS.com
Hey, I also get blasted in LASVEGASWEEKLY.com....
"Dead Sonja, She-Zombie With a Sword No. 1 Blatant Comics
Writer Rob Potchak Jr. and publisher Blatant Comics get plenty of points for marketing genius, coming up with one of the best and most inspired titles for a comic book this year, and one that pretty much sums up the current state of the industry's mainstream. But then they lose those points and more for delivering a dreadfully unfunny and occasionally even shockingly offensive parody story.
The book takes zombie comics and barbarian comics, the two most popular non-superhero genres of the moment, and squishes them together into a book whose title is a clever rhyming riff on Red Sonja, whose current publishers no doubt wish they had thought of making a book by this title first.
But much like the already forgotten movie Snakes on a Plane, the title is the best part of the experience, and once you get past that, it's all downhill. "
Writer Rob Potchak Jr. and publisher Blatant Comics get plenty of points for marketing genius, coming up with one of the best and most inspired titles for a comic book this year, and one that pretty much sums up the current state of the industry's mainstream. But then they lose those points and more for delivering a dreadfully unfunny and occasionally even shockingly offensive parody story.
The book takes zombie comics and barbarian comics, the two most popular non-superhero genres of the moment, and squishes them together into a book whose title is a clever rhyming riff on Red Sonja, whose current publishers no doubt wish they had thought of making a book by this title first.
But much like the already forgotten movie Snakes on a Plane, the title is the best part of the experience, and once you get past that, it's all downhill. "
But hell, at least they got my name right :). As to what this writer found OFFENSIVE... well, we cut out all those parts, so giminy...what book did they read?
And now finally one last bad review...
Dead Sonja, She-Zombie with a Sword #1 (Blatant Comics) Well, it had to happen sooner or later, didn’t it? I’m sure Dynamite Comics, who currently own the rights on Red Sonja comics and sell plenty of zombie-related comics due to their rights on Army of Darkness comics are kicking themselves for not thinking of this first. Hell, I know I am, and I don’t even own a comic book company. Writer Rob Potchak Jr. and Blatant certainly get props for coming up with a genius idea and title, but there’s nothing inside the book as remotely clever or well executed as the title, logo and covers (they even have several variant covers, ala Dynamite’s Red Sonja books). The black and white art, by Owen Gieni, Ap. Furtado and Remy “Eisu” Mokhtar (that’s Eisu’s cover pictured) is all decent, and done in a fun, loose style, but few of the jokes are very funny. Of course, seeing as the sixth page of this 48-page comic includes a rape-related joke, it’s hard to find anything that follows even remotely chuckle worthy, as that’s a pretty reprehensible thing to include in any story, let alone one as unserious as this.
and now a rebuttal...
Does anyone realize that I DOWNPLAYED the "rape" scene as much as one can DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS INSTRUMENTAL IN WHO RED SONJA *NOT THE PARODY CHARACTER, BUT THE REAL CHARACTER* is...? My god, folks...I stayed TRUE to the origin... was it a poor choice? No. It was integral in what makes the character. It seems obvious that the offensiveness spoken of from a city that PROSTITUTION is LEGAL is bogus, and unfounded. It is downright deplorable when you stay true to a character's origin and get blasted for it. Good thing these sites aren't reputable...hehe.
BACK TO GOOD REVIEWS!
"Dead Sonja, She-Zombie with a Sword: This is a black-and-white, 48 page indie book parody that is just incredibly funny. Witness, for instance, Zombie Sonja killing an enemy by crushing him between her breasts." - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=69130039 - Eric at Myspace.com
Well, this post has gone on long, and it seems only the people that really matter (FANS OF COMICS WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR) have enjoyed the book, but hell, I don't care...when I get placement next to Jeph Loeb and Darwin Cooke in lasvegasweekly.com, I'll take that as a positive...
Saturday, December 16, 2006
12-16-06: Cool art and some other things going on...
So some really bad movie, called DEAD AND DEADER starring Dean (Superman) Cain is on in the background tonight, so you'll have to forgive me if I start rambling about horrible movies outta nowhere tonight.
I finished the 20 pages of HALLO! that I committed to earlier this week and have sent it to Freddie J Blatant III for approval. Its good enough work, and something that anyone who enjoyed Dead Sonja would like...and I've heard there are quite a few of you...heck, at my comic store, I noticed they ordered about 25 copies, and it is almost sold out, so this is a great sign.
Every so often, I get this urge to just get into a story, and with the positive praise that Dead Sonja has been receiving, I have begun writing the book I want to do next...DEAD SONJA VS. THE ARMY OF DARKTWITS. The first ten pages (or so) are to introduce the Army of Darktwits since we haven't seen them, yet, the next portion would be how he gets introduced to Dead Sonja...then it would be their big fight...then they clear up any misconception and fight a common foe...wow, sounds like a full blown crossover, huh? Mostly, except, make sure you add in Victoria's Secret's catalogs, really stupid zombies and a three legged horse (with a dangling eyeball) and you have the most insane crossover since ROBOT vs. MONKEY...or whatever that one book was called.
I'm really excited about the idea of this book, so please, write on the LANDIS board that YOU WANT ARMY OF DARKTWITS, and maybe someone will finally cave in and give me the book I want to write :).
Oh, also...tonight, something a little different. I am posting a piece of art by Ryan Benjamin from the upcoming GRIFTER/MIDNIGHTER miniseries, an dI have to say, if the art for the book looks as good as this cover image, it is going to be a must have....so I figured he probably wouldn't mind the plug on the art and book...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
12/13/06: Dead Sexy...
Hello! Welcome to yet another one of these great days that I like to call, "A day without a day job..." That's right, I'm off from work, have told my assistant manager to NOT call me and have literally shunned myself away from the store...why? I don't want to think about it, and I'm not going to.
Today, I received copies of DEAD SONJA #1 from the publisher, and I have to say, I'm still really impressed with the book, and I'm even MORE impressed that they sent me 15 of the 400 limited edition copies...which I am trying to think of what to do with them.
I have discussed with Owen Gieni's collaborator, Chris Crosby, about offering the book on their website, somethumbsonline.com as a way to try to get people to see that as much as Owen likes drawing cutesy characters, he can draw one hell of a zombie, as well.
I've also offered to Chris to letter the remaining pages of LANDIS, so that we may yet see it in print form, since I'd like to start passing around a movie treatment, and I think the book in graphic novel format would help solidify us trying to sell a real project. I know some online comics have made it bigtime and even signed tv deals, but most of us get laughed at and worked over for trying to claim we're just as popular as the big boys in print.
Oh...before I forget...its PLUG time. Ryan Stegman, former artist linked to a title called LANDIS (originally scheduled to draw issues 5-7 of the series), has made his way to big and better things. He started working with Chuck Saterlee and Markosia last year, but this year, when he started drawing a title for the Dabel Brothers (Magician's Apprentice), I bet he never thought he'd be working indirectly for Marvel. Well, with Dabel's new agreement to print their books through Marvel, Ryan now technically works for them. I think this is great news for him, as it is definitely one of his dreams. And don't let him say he was never drawing Landis, either, because I've seen the pages...hehe. Congrats dude, you worked hard, got yourself to the speed and quality you needed to, and now you are there!
Achem...time for you to tell them about your friend who you think is a diamond in the rough writer, hehe...kidding!
Suggestions on what I should do with the copies of Dead Sonja?
Today, I received copies of DEAD SONJA #1 from the publisher, and I have to say, I'm still really impressed with the book, and I'm even MORE impressed that they sent me 15 of the 400 limited edition copies...which I am trying to think of what to do with them.
I have discussed with Owen Gieni's collaborator, Chris Crosby, about offering the book on their website, somethumbsonline.com as a way to try to get people to see that as much as Owen likes drawing cutesy characters, he can draw one hell of a zombie, as well.
I've also offered to Chris to letter the remaining pages of LANDIS, so that we may yet see it in print form, since I'd like to start passing around a movie treatment, and I think the book in graphic novel format would help solidify us trying to sell a real project. I know some online comics have made it bigtime and even signed tv deals, but most of us get laughed at and worked over for trying to claim we're just as popular as the big boys in print.
Oh...before I forget...its PLUG time. Ryan Stegman, former artist linked to a title called LANDIS (originally scheduled to draw issues 5-7 of the series), has made his way to big and better things. He started working with Chuck Saterlee and Markosia last year, but this year, when he started drawing a title for the Dabel Brothers (Magician's Apprentice), I bet he never thought he'd be working indirectly for Marvel. Well, with Dabel's new agreement to print their books through Marvel, Ryan now technically works for them. I think this is great news for him, as it is definitely one of his dreams. And don't let him say he was never drawing Landis, either, because I've seen the pages...hehe. Congrats dude, you worked hard, got yourself to the speed and quality you needed to, and now you are there!
Achem...time for you to tell them about your friend who you think is a diamond in the rough writer, hehe...kidding!
Suggestions on what I should do with the copies of Dead Sonja?
Saturday, December 09, 2006
12/9/06: Stop asking if we have it in stock...
Heh. Yeah, that's how I feel, but I don't get to say it to customers about the Wii or the Playstation 3. Our Corporate Offices have actually told us that we can tell people not to call because we won't have them by the time they drive to the store, which has alleviated some call volume, but for crying out loud, call volume is at like 300 calls a day now, and when we get them, we'll get like 3...so fat chance trying to get one, y'know?
So on the comic update thing, JK and I are talking about launching THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES sometime in January, and though he kind of wants to change the name, I like the long extensiveness of it, and think that it'll remain that long title, since calling it something simple like VANSTARR would be too cliche for me, since my other title is named directly after the last name of my other character. However, I've always wanted to call a series, ARDY, so who knows, we may yet do that.
Also, I'm currently writing the first portion of a HALO parody called HALLO! which is about a guy by the name of MASTER CHEF works on a cooking show for The United Planets Network (UPN) and it gets bought out by the COVENANT WORLDWIDE (CW). I'll leave the story there for now, don't want to give too much away, but needless to say, its a pretty fun story so far. Look for it to be a 64 page graphic novel due in the first quarter next year...
More Dead Sonja? Maybe. Right now, I'm lobbying to get Freddie Blatant III to actually publish a sequel to the hit oneshot, DEAD SONJA: SHE-ZOMBIE WITH A SWORD... and I'm really trying to get Blatant to let me do the DEAD SONJA VS. ARMY OF DARKTWITS story that I really want to write. I'd say we may see something like this in June ish, if they'll give it the greenlight.
Oh, BTW, DEAD SONJA #1 has been doing pretty darn well in the review department...at least with whom I've asked from the local shops. No real written reviews from any reputable places, but I'm proud of what I wrote, and I believe all those artists are really proud of what they drew, since I think its one of the best LOOKING parodies ever drawn.
So on the comic update thing, JK and I are talking about launching THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES sometime in January, and though he kind of wants to change the name, I like the long extensiveness of it, and think that it'll remain that long title, since calling it something simple like VANSTARR would be too cliche for me, since my other title is named directly after the last name of my other character. However, I've always wanted to call a series, ARDY, so who knows, we may yet do that.
Also, I'm currently writing the first portion of a HALO parody called HALLO! which is about a guy by the name of MASTER CHEF works on a cooking show for The United Planets Network (UPN) and it gets bought out by the COVENANT WORLDWIDE (CW). I'll leave the story there for now, don't want to give too much away, but needless to say, its a pretty fun story so far. Look for it to be a 64 page graphic novel due in the first quarter next year...
More Dead Sonja? Maybe. Right now, I'm lobbying to get Freddie Blatant III to actually publish a sequel to the hit oneshot, DEAD SONJA: SHE-ZOMBIE WITH A SWORD... and I'm really trying to get Blatant to let me do the DEAD SONJA VS. ARMY OF DARKTWITS story that I really want to write. I'd say we may see something like this in June ish, if they'll give it the greenlight.
Oh, BTW, DEAD SONJA #1 has been doing pretty darn well in the review department...at least with whom I've asked from the local shops. No real written reviews from any reputable places, but I'm proud of what I wrote, and I believe all those artists are really proud of what they drew, since I think its one of the best LOOKING parodies ever drawn.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
11/29/06: MORE GREAT NEWS...THE ARDY VANSTARR ADVENTURES RELATED!
Whoa...how many posts am I slapping up here this week? You'd almost think I had time to think and put coherant thoughts together, but that is most definitely NOT the case, heh.
Anyway, I figured EVERYONE would like to see what JK RADTKE is up to with ARDY, and The Ardy Vanstarr Adventures, and this morning, when I looked in my email inbox, I saw just that... two new pieces of art, one of which I'm going to display here (unless JK tells me to take it down... but until then, its going up because I'm really excited about it!)
So without further adeui...
Post comments!
11/29/06: DEAD SONJA: SHE-DEVIL WITH A SWORD SHIPS TODAY!!!
That's right folks, I'm not an out of work writer today! Today I have a hit parody book on BETTER comic book store shelves! As the book cover states: 48 Blood Covered pages, ALL KILLER, NO FILLER!
And that's just what it is. I want to thank Chris Crosby for setting me up with Freddie J Blatant III and Robert Blatant. I REALLLLLLY want to thank Owen Gieni (the art director and part 2 artist, as well as the former artist of the HIT SERIES Landis), AP Furtado (the artist of part one and hit books like Elf N Troll and serials in Heavy Metal) and Remy "Eisu" Mokhtar (the artist of part three and at least one Keenspot title I'm silly for forgetting). Without you folks, this book wouldn't be as beautiful as it was.
Let's be honest, nobody buys a parody book for the story, they all buy it for the gorgeous artwork, and I have to flat out state that this is one of the BEST looking parody books I've ever been associated with, though a close second was EboniX-Men/EboniX-Files with art by the aforementioned AP Furtado and Rob Nikolakakis.
I am really proud of this book, and if you CAN NOT find a copy, PLEASE, let me know, I'll be more than happy to strangle a few people in attempts to fulfill demand, and I will be offering signed copies through here as soon as I have them available.
Also, feel free to drop by the LANDIS forum and drop a note about what you thought about the book, as I'd really enjoy feedback from everyone.
Thanks so much!
And that's just what it is. I want to thank Chris Crosby for setting me up with Freddie J Blatant III and Robert Blatant. I REALLLLLLY want to thank Owen Gieni (the art director and part 2 artist, as well as the former artist of the HIT SERIES Landis), AP Furtado (the artist of part one and hit books like Elf N Troll and serials in Heavy Metal) and Remy "Eisu" Mokhtar (the artist of part three and at least one Keenspot title I'm silly for forgetting). Without you folks, this book wouldn't be as beautiful as it was.
Let's be honest, nobody buys a parody book for the story, they all buy it for the gorgeous artwork, and I have to flat out state that this is one of the BEST looking parody books I've ever been associated with, though a close second was EboniX-Men/EboniX-Files with art by the aforementioned AP Furtado and Rob Nikolakakis.
I am really proud of this book, and if you CAN NOT find a copy, PLEASE, let me know, I'll be more than happy to strangle a few people in attempts to fulfill demand, and I will be offering signed copies through here as soon as I have them available.
Also, feel free to drop by the LANDIS forum and drop a note about what you thought about the book, as I'd really enjoy feedback from everyone.
Thanks so much!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
11/27/06: Remembering Dave Cockrum...
You know, alot of people will tell you when they met this creator that he was a...hmm...well, not a nice man. However, that's NOT what I'm going to tell you.
I met Dave and his wife once, at the 2005 Heroes Convention, since it was the only show he and I both went to that year (and was the only show I went to this year, and I think for him as well). It was weird meeting him, because it was during his time on his little scooter that he was going around the convention floor, and I almost stepped in front of him, stopping to make sure we were both okay, heh.
I looked at him and immediately knew who he was, and in fact, the first thing out of my mouth was, "Sorry, Dave, I should watch where I'm going better..." to which he replied...
"Do I know you?"
Making me realize that I made the same mistake I seem to with everyone in the comic industry...thinking we're already friends based on the years of collecting their work. I'm sure stalkers justify this, but I apologized, and introduced myself as a local creator and handed him some sample pages, explaining that I didn't bring any books with me to get signed because I never really collected signed books.
I talked to him for about 10 minutes or so in the middle of the convention floor, asking how his health was, what his travel was like, and how he and Patty were doing. By the end of the conversation he told me to make sure I watch where I am going and pat me on the back.
Looking back, when you live through something like that, its almost mystifying, realizing that you are speaking candidly at a pioneer in your favorite industry. In video gaming, it'd be like talking to Harai or Miyomoto, people that truly stand out in the industry...
Here was was, a man that created the look for Storm and created Nightcrawler, and I was picking his brain, but not about comic stuff, about things that "mattered" in larger scale.
In a way I miss him more than other creators that have passed on, because he touched a little piece of me, and I hope before he left, I touched a little piece of him, too.
Finally tonight, here's a piece of NIGHTCRAWLER drawn by Travis Charest, as it was done for a Dave Cockrum donation book to help him cover his expensive costs for his diabetes. Have a nice night folks.
Friday, November 24, 2006
11/25/06: Got my PS3, a little other stuff and more.
So, I got my PS3, I got Resistance: Fall of Man, and though I think its a really cool game, it isn't my kind of game, meaning, the ONLY saving grace for the system so far is the fact that it can play HD movies...ON BURNED DVDS.
That's right. Anyone who didn't know that the PS3 was a non-region format system missed out. It allows for 4 types of video formats, and in most situations, can do a 720p movie on about a 4.4gb setup (meaning a DVD) and show it in all its glory. This is A HUGE thing, since it was probably something they at Sony overlooked when making the non-region coded system.
I'm not one for pirating software, but the fact that you can use a pay site and download movies and whatnot is awesome.
So today we did a heck of a lot of business, and it was really tiring, but I'm still up a total of 5 hours before I have to get up again to be at work tomorrow. Why? can't sleep. Was playing WII sports for a while and love it...the game is just so perfect. I just wish the company I work for would allow me to take my copy and place it into the system at work, because it would show (MUCH BETTER) than EXCITE TRUCK, exactly WHY you want a Wii.
I'm trying to write more on this blog recently, but I've been working so much that it makes it harder. I know with the contract I signed for KEENSPOT, I have to write at least once a week, and I'm attempting to.
I want to know what everyone else thinks of the Wii and PS3, since the premiums they are going for online probably isn't necessary, since they'll be readily available in March-ish...with Wii having more unit sales that either the 360 or the PS3 by then. (Just speculation on that one).
so tomorrow is Notre Dame AT USC for ND's final regular season game...and they get no love. YES...they lost by 24 to Michigan, but doesn't anyone remember that Michigan is a top 10 team? What about the 2 point loss for USC by ORegon State? Two points? Sorry, they were down by 21 in that game and made it close...I DO NOT buy the fact that they are looked at as the second best team.
Notre Dame struggled against Michigan and against UCLA, but are 1-1 in those games. They lost to a team that was then rated #2...USC lost to an UNRANKED team...what does this mean? Notre Dame SHOULD be HIGHER rated than USC, since the only team they lost to is respectibly better, and USC struggled against sub-par Stanford, Washington and lost to UNRANKED Oregon State...UNRANKED! I'd rather see Michigan get another shot at the NCAA title...or Florida, who's only loss is to a top 25 team...but Notre Dame's loss to a #2 team should put them higher than ANY TEAM that lost to an UNRANKED TEAM.
SCREW ESPN for their love of Pete Carroll and what he's done with USC...what'd he do with the Jets? Oh yeah...shit. Screw them for their bias against Notre Dame, who in the last 4 weeks DID NOT face two teams with two wins or less like Ohio State and Michigan...and let's be serious here...
Brady Quinn is going HIGHER in the draft than Troy Smith...and when Troy Smith FUMBLES twice in the biggest game of the year (CAUSING TURNOVERS)...in the Heisman Chase...it gets overlooked. But Brady Quinn has one bad game in two years, and suddenly he's out... Who cares if he throws for more yards, higher completion percentage, less ints, it's all about the NEGATIVE BIAS towards Notre Dame.
Give me a break. Quinn created names like STOVALL (in the NFL now), FASANO (in the NFL now), Samardjia (first round pick next year), Carlson (first TE to be picked when he leaves) and took a team that was mediocre at best and helped make it one of the most potent Offense's out there. You are NOT going to tell me that Troy Smith did the same.
Sorry, you can't. He walked in and stayed in the same system all along.
Now if you want to tell me the reason we don't want to see Notre Dame vs. Ohio State again is because Ohio State would trounce them...I might agree with you, but when you are an idiot at ESPN saying the "ONLY matchup worth the hyps is USC vs. Ohio State" you are mistaken. Ohio State is CLEARLY #1, but then let the BEST one loss team face them...Notre Dame (lost to #2) or Florida (lost to Arkansas) play for the title...early losses don't mean as much as late losses...so let'm figure it out.
Now if USC BEATS ND, then its a different ballgame, because THEN USC has beaten a top 5 team.
That's right. Anyone who didn't know that the PS3 was a non-region format system missed out. It allows for 4 types of video formats, and in most situations, can do a 720p movie on about a 4.4gb setup (meaning a DVD) and show it in all its glory. This is A HUGE thing, since it was probably something they at Sony overlooked when making the non-region coded system.
I'm not one for pirating software, but the fact that you can use a pay site and download movies and whatnot is awesome.
So today we did a heck of a lot of business, and it was really tiring, but I'm still up a total of 5 hours before I have to get up again to be at work tomorrow. Why? can't sleep. Was playing WII sports for a while and love it...the game is just so perfect. I just wish the company I work for would allow me to take my copy and place it into the system at work, because it would show (MUCH BETTER) than EXCITE TRUCK, exactly WHY you want a Wii.
I'm trying to write more on this blog recently, but I've been working so much that it makes it harder. I know with the contract I signed for KEENSPOT, I have to write at least once a week, and I'm attempting to.
I want to know what everyone else thinks of the Wii and PS3, since the premiums they are going for online probably isn't necessary, since they'll be readily available in March-ish...with Wii having more unit sales that either the 360 or the PS3 by then. (Just speculation on that one).
so tomorrow is Notre Dame AT USC for ND's final regular season game...and they get no love. YES...they lost by 24 to Michigan, but doesn't anyone remember that Michigan is a top 10 team? What about the 2 point loss for USC by ORegon State? Two points? Sorry, they were down by 21 in that game and made it close...I DO NOT buy the fact that they are looked at as the second best team.
Notre Dame struggled against Michigan and against UCLA, but are 1-1 in those games. They lost to a team that was then rated #2...USC lost to an UNRANKED team...what does this mean? Notre Dame SHOULD be HIGHER rated than USC, since the only team they lost to is respectibly better, and USC struggled against sub-par Stanford, Washington and lost to UNRANKED Oregon State...UNRANKED! I'd rather see Michigan get another shot at the NCAA title...or Florida, who's only loss is to a top 25 team...but Notre Dame's loss to a #2 team should put them higher than ANY TEAM that lost to an UNRANKED TEAM.
SCREW ESPN for their love of Pete Carroll and what he's done with USC...what'd he do with the Jets? Oh yeah...shit. Screw them for their bias against Notre Dame, who in the last 4 weeks DID NOT face two teams with two wins or less like Ohio State and Michigan...and let's be serious here...
Brady Quinn is going HIGHER in the draft than Troy Smith...and when Troy Smith FUMBLES twice in the biggest game of the year (CAUSING TURNOVERS)...in the Heisman Chase...it gets overlooked. But Brady Quinn has one bad game in two years, and suddenly he's out... Who cares if he throws for more yards, higher completion percentage, less ints, it's all about the NEGATIVE BIAS towards Notre Dame.
Give me a break. Quinn created names like STOVALL (in the NFL now), FASANO (in the NFL now), Samardjia (first round pick next year), Carlson (first TE to be picked when he leaves) and took a team that was mediocre at best and helped make it one of the most potent Offense's out there. You are NOT going to tell me that Troy Smith did the same.
Sorry, you can't. He walked in and stayed in the same system all along.
Now if you want to tell me the reason we don't want to see Notre Dame vs. Ohio State again is because Ohio State would trounce them...I might agree with you, but when you are an idiot at ESPN saying the "ONLY matchup worth the hyps is USC vs. Ohio State" you are mistaken. Ohio State is CLEARLY #1, but then let the BEST one loss team face them...Notre Dame (lost to #2) or Florida (lost to Arkansas) play for the title...early losses don't mean as much as late losses...so let'm figure it out.
Now if USC BEATS ND, then its a different ballgame, because THEN USC has beaten a top 5 team.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
11/22/06: WII Review
Well, I was finally able to get my hands on a NINTENDO WII, and I have to say that I'm OVERLY impressed with the overall performance, ease of use and the selection of games.
The Wii-mote and Nunchuk controllers take little if no time to get used to, and if you turn the sensitivity all the way up, are seamless in their movement and ease. Once you pick these up and get to play something like Zelda with them, you don't want to turn back to the conventional controller of the 360.
The graphics are nicer looking than the gamecube, if you have an HD tv, and a component cable will be available before Christmas to give the system 480p graphics, however, this system IS NOT ABOUT GRAPHICS...
For the first time EVER, my wife wants to play. She loves Wii Bowling from the Wii Sports lineup, and I have to say, if it has her wanting to game, then it is DEFINITELY moving in the right direction.
For cosmetics and all, this system is small, quiet and overall not an eyesore. The interface (the WiiChannels) are extremely easy to use, and with the browser coming in the near future, I can see myself checking my GMail account from it, rather than going to the computer to do it.
Nintendo hit the mark on this one, folks...its no wonder everyone is now looking for one.
SOLID 8 out of 10
The Wii-mote and Nunchuk controllers take little if no time to get used to, and if you turn the sensitivity all the way up, are seamless in their movement and ease. Once you pick these up and get to play something like Zelda with them, you don't want to turn back to the conventional controller of the 360.
The graphics are nicer looking than the gamecube, if you have an HD tv, and a component cable will be available before Christmas to give the system 480p graphics, however, this system IS NOT ABOUT GRAPHICS...
For the first time EVER, my wife wants to play. She loves Wii Bowling from the Wii Sports lineup, and I have to say, if it has her wanting to game, then it is DEFINITELY moving in the right direction.
For cosmetics and all, this system is small, quiet and overall not an eyesore. The interface (the WiiChannels) are extremely easy to use, and with the browser coming in the near future, I can see myself checking my GMail account from it, rather than going to the computer to do it.
Nintendo hit the mark on this one, folks...its no wonder everyone is now looking for one.
SOLID 8 out of 10
Thursday, November 16, 2006
11/17/06: PS3 sale...?
Just so everyone knows...my buddy, FUBAR, is selling his PS3...OBVIOUSLY, I AM UNABLE to PLAY OR SELL mine, since I am not ALLOWED to get one on the initial shipment even though my wife was FIRST IN LINE, but I thought I'd throw out a bone quick for Fubar, since he's trying to help the masses by NOT having a reserve price on his PS3...
check out the auction at:
http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MakeTrack&item=190052677434&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us
Help out if you want to at least attempt to get one.
Thanks.
check out the auction at:
http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MakeTrack&item=190052677434&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us
Help out if you want to at least attempt to get one.
Thanks.
11/17/06: PS3 sale...?
Just so everyone knows...my buddy, FUBAR, is selling his PS3...OBVIOUSLY, I AM UNABLE to PLAY OR SELL mine, since I am not ALLOWED to get one on the initial shipment even though my wife was FIRST IN LINE, but I thought I'd throw out a bone quick for Fubar, since he's trying to help the masses by NOT having a reserve price on his PS3...
check out the auction at:
http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MakeTrack&item=190052677434&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us
Help out if you want to at least attempt to get one.
Thanks.
check out the auction at:
http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MakeTrack&item=190052677434&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us
Help out if you want to at least attempt to get one.
Thanks.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
11-14-06: Prestige, PS3, and more...
Hello all.
First we'll start with the not so good news. SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT of AMERICA sent EB/Gamestop the amount of orders for the Playstation 3, and lets just say they were less than stellar. I'm not slamming MY company with this statement, but imagine having to tell people that you DO NOT expect to be able to fill their order until possibly the 24th of December.
The thing that bugs me about this is simple. I pre-ordered one. In fact, my wife waiting in the morning until I opened up and was the first person there. Now to avoid problems with picking it up, I made sure that both of our names had been added to the listing. NOW...NOW I'm being told I can't pick it up. "No employees will be allowed to pick theirs up one day one," was the statement I received from the company, to which I say this is unfair. The amount of people picking these up on day one and selling them on EBAY is about 90% of the initial orders, and we all know it. However, an employee would lose his job if he placed it on EBAY...meaning...the employee who ordered one is more likely to be the beneficial customer you want to have pick a unit up.
Anyway, just figured I'd vent that.
Christy and I went to see THE PRESTIGE last night, Chris Nolan's first film since Batman Begins. Let me start by saying I enjoyed it, though it ran a little long. The casting was terrific, as if any time Michael Caine is cast he isn't money right now, but Jackman and Bale really gave you that Batman vs. Wolverine feel that you wanted to see. Its just too bad that in some cases bullets were used instead of batarangs and birdcages were used instead of claws.
Throughout the movie, there was a competitive nature, but it was a very sad film. It was all about seeing who was the better magician, but never who was the better man. It was really interesting to see these characters in such a world where CPR is unavailable, and seeing how they cope with the anguish of everything going on.
The idea that a magician only sells his trick AFTER he retires was pretty cool of a plot point, as well, since both of these men grew on obsession, and neither would quit until one of them was declared the victor.
While not spoiling the end, the movie takes a "Sixth Sense" approach, but one that unfortunately should be spotted right away.
Nolan goes more for his melodrama of MEMENTO than his visual wizardry of BATMAN BEGINS in this film, and that's part of the reason I feel I enjoyed it so much. He keeps you thinking, but again, I felt dropped too many clues about the end well before it ended. Towards the end, it seems to feel like its running long, but you forgive him for tying up the plot.
I liked it, and would recommend it to anyone that has enjoyed his movies.
First we'll start with the not so good news. SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT of AMERICA sent EB/Gamestop the amount of orders for the Playstation 3, and lets just say they were less than stellar. I'm not slamming MY company with this statement, but imagine having to tell people that you DO NOT expect to be able to fill their order until possibly the 24th of December.
The thing that bugs me about this is simple. I pre-ordered one. In fact, my wife waiting in the morning until I opened up and was the first person there. Now to avoid problems with picking it up, I made sure that both of our names had been added to the listing. NOW...NOW I'm being told I can't pick it up. "No employees will be allowed to pick theirs up one day one," was the statement I received from the company, to which I say this is unfair. The amount of people picking these up on day one and selling them on EBAY is about 90% of the initial orders, and we all know it. However, an employee would lose his job if he placed it on EBAY...meaning...the employee who ordered one is more likely to be the beneficial customer you want to have pick a unit up.
Anyway, just figured I'd vent that.
Christy and I went to see THE PRESTIGE last night, Chris Nolan's first film since Batman Begins. Let me start by saying I enjoyed it, though it ran a little long. The casting was terrific, as if any time Michael Caine is cast he isn't money right now, but Jackman and Bale really gave you that Batman vs. Wolverine feel that you wanted to see. Its just too bad that in some cases bullets were used instead of batarangs and birdcages were used instead of claws.
Throughout the movie, there was a competitive nature, but it was a very sad film. It was all about seeing who was the better magician, but never who was the better man. It was really interesting to see these characters in such a world where CPR is unavailable, and seeing how they cope with the anguish of everything going on.
The idea that a magician only sells his trick AFTER he retires was pretty cool of a plot point, as well, since both of these men grew on obsession, and neither would quit until one of them was declared the victor.
While not spoiling the end, the movie takes a "Sixth Sense" approach, but one that unfortunately should be spotted right away.
Nolan goes more for his melodrama of MEMENTO than his visual wizardry of BATMAN BEGINS in this film, and that's part of the reason I feel I enjoyed it so much. He keeps you thinking, but again, I felt dropped too many clues about the end well before it ended. Towards the end, it seems to feel like its running long, but you forgive him for tying up the plot.
I liked it, and would recommend it to anyone that has enjoyed his movies.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
11/8/06: Court Case...Closed.
Well, anyone still reading and looking for an update on the personal life end of things has to wait, NO MORE. I was convicted of DWI (though the level of DWI is undisclosed) with a suspended license for one year, 24 hours of community service, a class for an hour placed by MADD and 20 hours of alcohol assessment classes.
Luckily, I've been able to postpone everything until the end of the holiday season (besides the loss of license), but my lawyer was able to make sure that I got a fully provisional license, and not have the interlock device (the blower to make sure you aren't drinking and driving) installed.
While it was a win (no interlock), it was also a loss (conviction). I had the possibility of going for a full not guilty, but it looked as though the judge was going to go with the DA's side, even though they had no proof I was driving, they felt the case was strong enough, so I admitted to driving, and they saw that I was not the type that would be a detriment to society...
Anyway, that's what's up with all that. Thanks to anyone and everyone who said they hoped things would work out...its a little depressing, but it looks like I'll make it through...
Now I just have to figure out how to pay for my car insurance.
Later all!
Luckily, I've been able to postpone everything until the end of the holiday season (besides the loss of license), but my lawyer was able to make sure that I got a fully provisional license, and not have the interlock device (the blower to make sure you aren't drinking and driving) installed.
While it was a win (no interlock), it was also a loss (conviction). I had the possibility of going for a full not guilty, but it looked as though the judge was going to go with the DA's side, even though they had no proof I was driving, they felt the case was strong enough, so I admitted to driving, and they saw that I was not the type that would be a detriment to society...
Anyway, that's what's up with all that. Thanks to anyone and everyone who said they hoped things would work out...its a little depressing, but it looks like I'll make it through...
Now I just have to figure out how to pay for my car insurance.
Later all!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
10-31-06: Thoughts on this football season.
We all know I'm a big Notre Dame fan...but where's the love? Anyone out there that calls themselves a football pro is simply missing the facts...and here's where the problem TRULY lies...
Notre Dame lost to Michigan...NOW the #2 team in the BCS standings...USC, however, loses to Oregon State...who? Exactly. They aren't ranked in the top 25, and they are nobody special. Their record against USC in the last 32 years? 2-30.
Why then...is Notre Dame ranked lower, when they lost to the second best team in College football, and even beat a Penn State team by 24 that Michigan could not just put away even AFTER knocking TWO quarterbacks out...?
You see, this is stuff I don't understand. I was looking at the schedules for both Michigan and Ohio State...does anyone realize that in the next two weeks, both teams go up against opponents that are a combined 4-14? Sure, Notre Dame has some cupcakes in the next three weeks, too, a combined 7-17, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much, but come on. Look at the teams Notre Dame played already, and tell me their schedule wasn't tough?
Georgia Tech? They could win the ACC...
Penn St? They lost to Michigan by 7 with only having their 3rd string QB.
Michigan? yeah, they lost to them...but look at that team? Stacked.
MSU? They've lost to Michigan, Ohio State and Penn...without those three games on their schedule, they're 4-2, and then if they had teams like Oregon State, they're probably 6-2/7-2ish.
Purdue? 5-4 playing in the Big Ten
Stanford...okay boo them for their killing the opponent's record stat
UCLA? Weren't they top ten last year? Sure its rebuilding, but they are decent.
Navy? They were 5-2 facing ND
Forget the next three and look at USC...6-1, losing to a no-name, and for four straight weeks, having trouble beating ANYONE...yet they are the #9 team...
When you look at the records and the games...Texas got spanked by OSU, yet they are ahead of ND, and they had to rally from 21 down to beat Texas Tech...who?
Ultimately, you can ask ANYONE I talked to before the season this year...I FLAT OUT said that the team to watch was Rutgers. My buddy Arnie went there, and I said it after their bowl game victory last year, and I would LOOOOOVE for them to beat Louisville and West Virginia...why? Because then they deserve to play OSU for the National Champion...or Michigan.
Well, I'm tired of ranting about this topic now, but seriously...Notre Dame's schedule has two EASY games on it (and one is this week)...but So do OSU, Michigan, USC, WVU, FSU and every other team out there...All the haters need to shut up...the style Charlie brings to the game is this..."DID WE WIN? THEN SHUT UP AND MOVE US UP THE POLL..." And finally "If we continue to win...we deserve to be in the playoff to determine the champion..."
Thats right, I am talking 8 team playoff...
First round: Nokia Sugar Bowl
First Round: Rose Bowl
Second Round: Fiesta Bowl
Second Round: Orange Bowl
Championship game: NEW BOWL GAME...
How hard is that?! Christ.
Notre Dame lost to Michigan...NOW the #2 team in the BCS standings...USC, however, loses to Oregon State...who? Exactly. They aren't ranked in the top 25, and they are nobody special. Their record against USC in the last 32 years? 2-30.
Why then...is Notre Dame ranked lower, when they lost to the second best team in College football, and even beat a Penn State team by 24 that Michigan could not just put away even AFTER knocking TWO quarterbacks out...?
You see, this is stuff I don't understand. I was looking at the schedules for both Michigan and Ohio State...does anyone realize that in the next two weeks, both teams go up against opponents that are a combined 4-14? Sure, Notre Dame has some cupcakes in the next three weeks, too, a combined 7-17, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much, but come on. Look at the teams Notre Dame played already, and tell me their schedule wasn't tough?
Georgia Tech? They could win the ACC...
Penn St? They lost to Michigan by 7 with only having their 3rd string QB.
Michigan? yeah, they lost to them...but look at that team? Stacked.
MSU? They've lost to Michigan, Ohio State and Penn...without those three games on their schedule, they're 4-2, and then if they had teams like Oregon State, they're probably 6-2/7-2ish.
Purdue? 5-4 playing in the Big Ten
Stanford...okay boo them for their killing the opponent's record stat
UCLA? Weren't they top ten last year? Sure its rebuilding, but they are decent.
Navy? They were 5-2 facing ND
Forget the next three and look at USC...6-1, losing to a no-name, and for four straight weeks, having trouble beating ANYONE...yet they are the #9 team...
When you look at the records and the games...Texas got spanked by OSU, yet they are ahead of ND, and they had to rally from 21 down to beat Texas Tech...who?
Ultimately, you can ask ANYONE I talked to before the season this year...I FLAT OUT said that the team to watch was Rutgers. My buddy Arnie went there, and I said it after their bowl game victory last year, and I would LOOOOOVE for them to beat Louisville and West Virginia...why? Because then they deserve to play OSU for the National Champion...or Michigan.
Well, I'm tired of ranting about this topic now, but seriously...Notre Dame's schedule has two EASY games on it (and one is this week)...but So do OSU, Michigan, USC, WVU, FSU and every other team out there...All the haters need to shut up...the style Charlie brings to the game is this..."DID WE WIN? THEN SHUT UP AND MOVE US UP THE POLL..." And finally "If we continue to win...we deserve to be in the playoff to determine the champion..."
Thats right, I am talking 8 team playoff...
First round: Nokia Sugar Bowl
First Round: Rose Bowl
Second Round: Fiesta Bowl
Second Round: Orange Bowl
Championship game: NEW BOWL GAME...
How hard is that?! Christ.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
10-29-06: Real World Wake Up call moment.
Who here is a manager at their job? At the same time, how many of them already put in 50+ hours of work per week and feel that it goes unappreciated? Now, couple that with an assistant manager who gets sick on the ONLY WEEKEND you can schedule yourself off, and due to the STUPIDITY of the company only allowing THREE keyholders, you suddenly find yourself having to sacrifice your own personal time for the company. Now how many of you suck it up and do it because you "have to" and how many just bottle it up?
Here's the problem with this situation. Apparently, said assistant manager has had this problem for over a week. I'm one for toughing it out, too, so this issue is something where I would probably end up being guilty of the same thing, but the problem lies here...if you are puking blood...see a doctor. If you are shitting blood, same thing. These are true words to live by. He waited...and waited...and waited...to the only time I had off, rather than going to the doctor/hospital when it first started, so that by the weekend, he should be well rested, and while I'd be cranky having to do this for anyone, I would have still had my day off, rather than having to pull at least another 6 day work week...
See, I don't mind having to work open to close...that's not a problem. I have a serious issue with not getting my time off. It isn't his fault, and mainly, it is the company's fault for not allowing a fourth keyholder, because it forces the manager to make UNHEALTHY LIFE DECISIONS. You find yourself asking questions like, "Can you come in anyway?" and "When will you be back?" But not getting the answers you want to hear, thus creating a void in work.
And who ends up the sickest? The manager that doesn't get to rest, is unappreciated for all his ass-busting hard work, and doesn't get to spend time with his wife and family because of the stupid fucking system.
Its a retarded world we live in, and forcing me to do things that I don't want to do because it hurts my livelihood is exactly why I hate retail and why if anyone would offer me $15 an hour to sell...I'd jump at the opportunity because I don't want the burden, and all I DO want is to do what I do best, but in my situation...that's just not possible.
Here's the problem with this situation. Apparently, said assistant manager has had this problem for over a week. I'm one for toughing it out, too, so this issue is something where I would probably end up being guilty of the same thing, but the problem lies here...if you are puking blood...see a doctor. If you are shitting blood, same thing. These are true words to live by. He waited...and waited...and waited...to the only time I had off, rather than going to the doctor/hospital when it first started, so that by the weekend, he should be well rested, and while I'd be cranky having to do this for anyone, I would have still had my day off, rather than having to pull at least another 6 day work week...
See, I don't mind having to work open to close...that's not a problem. I have a serious issue with not getting my time off. It isn't his fault, and mainly, it is the company's fault for not allowing a fourth keyholder, because it forces the manager to make UNHEALTHY LIFE DECISIONS. You find yourself asking questions like, "Can you come in anyway?" and "When will you be back?" But not getting the answers you want to hear, thus creating a void in work.
And who ends up the sickest? The manager that doesn't get to rest, is unappreciated for all his ass-busting hard work, and doesn't get to spend time with his wife and family because of the stupid fucking system.
Its a retarded world we live in, and forcing me to do things that I don't want to do because it hurts my livelihood is exactly why I hate retail and why if anyone would offer me $15 an hour to sell...I'd jump at the opportunity because I don't want the burden, and all I DO want is to do what I do best, but in my situation...that's just not possible.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
10-24-06: Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe = buyrate...
Hey all, I'm sorry its been almost two full weeks since my last entry, and I have to say that I apologize for that. I know I'm not giving you comic content recently, so I should at least be giving you somehting to read, so here's a little bit...
I'm working over 50 hours a week and just plain exhausted by the time I get home. When I get there, I throw Splinter Cell: Double Agent into the 360 and pretend to be Sam Fisher. The guy has it all. He is a good guy, a bad guy and he's trying to kill a couple thousand people to save the lives of millions...all while trying to stay on the right side of the law. Its a terrific concept and one that NEEDS to be turned into a comic book (I'D WRITE IT! Hello?!)
With the comics, Eric sent me the whole penciled first issue of TAGGER, and he's outdoing himself on ever page. He's trying new things, making it work and really putting in a better effort than I've seen. Hopefully we'll be able to get something started with this project in early 2007 to start getting the LANDIS site updated again. I used to love watching the hits run in, and its a shame that it was only a miniseries...
I've not been able to letter any more of the pages of ARDY from JK, either, with all the work being done, but when I get some time to myself, I'll be doing it.
And I really hate this no online gambling act that got passed...that's ridiculous... give me back my freedom to lose money whereever I please...PLEASE!
I'll try to be more communicative, folks, sorry I haven't been :(
Rob
I'm working over 50 hours a week and just plain exhausted by the time I get home. When I get there, I throw Splinter Cell: Double Agent into the 360 and pretend to be Sam Fisher. The guy has it all. He is a good guy, a bad guy and he's trying to kill a couple thousand people to save the lives of millions...all while trying to stay on the right side of the law. Its a terrific concept and one that NEEDS to be turned into a comic book (I'D WRITE IT! Hello?!)
With the comics, Eric sent me the whole penciled first issue of TAGGER, and he's outdoing himself on ever page. He's trying new things, making it work and really putting in a better effort than I've seen. Hopefully we'll be able to get something started with this project in early 2007 to start getting the LANDIS site updated again. I used to love watching the hits run in, and its a shame that it was only a miniseries...
I've not been able to letter any more of the pages of ARDY from JK, either, with all the work being done, but when I get some time to myself, I'll be doing it.
And I really hate this no online gambling act that got passed...that's ridiculous... give me back my freedom to lose money whereever I please...PLEASE!
I'll try to be more communicative, folks, sorry I haven't been :(
Rob
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