Have a Happy Hallowe'en folks. I hope it does well by you...
I'll be in Waterloo for the next few days, but I'll have plenty to report on next week (including my long-delayed PLANETARY article/blog post)
Oh, and make sure to take the time to check out my Ebay Auctions, because if you don't this time, I'm probably going to give them up for silent auction to my martial arts school, ane they'll charge through the nose...
Later,
Michael
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Changing tactics?
More like increasing the propaganda.
How can you not see through the type of bullshit Bush is using to defend himself is beyond me.
More like increasing the propaganda.
How can you not see through the type of bullshit Bush is using to defend himself is beyond me.
For those of you whom might care, this will be my halloween costume
Thanks to Alan David Doane for puting this up for me.
Oh, and in case I haven't said enough, check out my Ebay auctions
Thanks to Alan David Doane for puting this up for me.
Oh, and in case I haven't said enough, check out my Ebay auctions
Monday, October 27, 2003
Sunday, October 26, 2003
I can't imagine what this must feel like. As I said before, my thoughts and prayers go for Cecilia's safe return.
"The time has come" the walrus said "to speak of many things"
Well, I don't feel I performed very well on my martial arts test, but I'll find out tomorrow whether or not I'll have to do a make up test.
At any rate, here are some of the things on my mind at the moment
1) The Tory/Alliance merger - Wow, something that is actually scary enough to make the Liberals clean up their act a bit. Not that I'd ever vote for the conservative blowhards who represent these parties, but the fact that such a merge would actually form a real challenge is enough to make me volunteer to help campaign for the Liberals come the next election. The fact that they are trying to get Mike Harris, Joe Clark, Brian Mulroney, and Ralph Klein involved in this political Legion of Doom is more than enough to make me more politically active.
2) The Toronto Kidnapping - I pray that the child is found alive and well, and that the psycho who did this is put behind some iron bars for a very long time. I also hope that this event is exploited into another "tough on crime, tough on the poor" campaign by self-serving right-wing politicans.
3) Plans for the next week - I'm hoping to have a batch of ebay auctions up for late Monday Early Tuesday, and I hope you find something you'll want to purchase. If you want a sneek peek email me at infinite_horizon@hotmail.com .
I'll be in Waterloo from Thursday to Sunday, meeting up with old friends, networking, researching some ideas for future career directions, and hitting some of the best comic shops and book stores in the country. My shopping list for this trip will include
-Star Trek: New Frontier - "No Limits" and "Stone and Anvil" - I've never cared for any of Peter David's comic writing (not to say that it isn't great, it's just not my cup of tea), but his novels are the only Star Trek stuff I've even bothered with since Deep Space Nine ended. New Frontier is too balsy to ever have even been considered for TV, and I really love what he's accomplished.
-Back the Attack and/or Stormwatch: Team Achilles - Only with the guidance of Alan David Doane and Johanna Carlson did I recently discover Mr. Wright and his witty writing style. I've already read all of the scripts he posted on his website, and I'm a frequent lurker on his message board, so it's time for me to put my money where my mouth is and actually start supporting this guy.
-ABC stuff: You can never have enough Alan Moore
-Sleeper back issues: So I can have the complete set. I'm also hoping to track down an extra copy of issue 1 to give to a friend who's a big fan of 24 and thus will probably get a big kick out of this.
-Invinicible #1 - I have all the other issues, and I read this one online, but I want it in my hands anyway.
4) Aw crap - there is only one thing in the world that could possibly get me to buy three issues of the regular issues of the regular Superman titles, and they've done it.
Mr. Majestic.
On one hand, I can see how this could end up being very awful, simply on account of the fact that these are the regular Superman titles we are dealing with here. On the other, I have to admit that there is an implied concession made here that is stunning; Superman's knock offs have become more interesting than Superman. Whether it was Claremont, Moore, Robinson, or Casey, I liked Mr. Majestic. It seemed to me that it was a great exploration of the Superman archtype, and you can see how Moore went from Majestic to his Supreme, thus thumbing his nose at DC by showing fans a much more compelling Superman than they've seen in some time.
I really, really like the idea and concept and even the basic character of Superman, but do you know where I get my Superman fix? It seems like everywhere but the cmonthly omics has a better idea of what the character is about. Whether it is the somewhat whiney and conflicted Clark of Smallville, or the Justice League cartoon version that batted Darkseid around like pinata or the many interesting takes on Superman in the Elseworld books (i.e. Mark Millar's absolutely shocking Red Son), or the aforementioned knockoffs, there is a lot of Superman to find. But oddly, not in the monthly rags with his name on them.
Why is that, you think?
Well, I don't feel I performed very well on my martial arts test, but I'll find out tomorrow whether or not I'll have to do a make up test.
At any rate, here are some of the things on my mind at the moment
1) The Tory/Alliance merger - Wow, something that is actually scary enough to make the Liberals clean up their act a bit. Not that I'd ever vote for the conservative blowhards who represent these parties, but the fact that such a merge would actually form a real challenge is enough to make me volunteer to help campaign for the Liberals come the next election. The fact that they are trying to get Mike Harris, Joe Clark, Brian Mulroney, and Ralph Klein involved in this political Legion of Doom is more than enough to make me more politically active.
2) The Toronto Kidnapping - I pray that the child is found alive and well, and that the psycho who did this is put behind some iron bars for a very long time. I also hope that this event is exploited into another "tough on crime, tough on the poor" campaign by self-serving right-wing politicans.
3) Plans for the next week - I'm hoping to have a batch of ebay auctions up for late Monday Early Tuesday, and I hope you find something you'll want to purchase. If you want a sneek peek email me at infinite_horizon@hotmail.com .
I'll be in Waterloo from Thursday to Sunday, meeting up with old friends, networking, researching some ideas for future career directions, and hitting some of the best comic shops and book stores in the country. My shopping list for this trip will include
-Star Trek: New Frontier - "No Limits" and "Stone and Anvil" - I've never cared for any of Peter David's comic writing (not to say that it isn't great, it's just not my cup of tea), but his novels are the only Star Trek stuff I've even bothered with since Deep Space Nine ended. New Frontier is too balsy to ever have even been considered for TV, and I really love what he's accomplished.
-Back the Attack and/or Stormwatch: Team Achilles - Only with the guidance of Alan David Doane and Johanna Carlson did I recently discover Mr. Wright and his witty writing style. I've already read all of the scripts he posted on his website, and I'm a frequent lurker on his message board, so it's time for me to put my money where my mouth is and actually start supporting this guy.
-ABC stuff: You can never have enough Alan Moore
-Sleeper back issues: So I can have the complete set. I'm also hoping to track down an extra copy of issue 1 to give to a friend who's a big fan of 24 and thus will probably get a big kick out of this.
-Invinicible #1 - I have all the other issues, and I read this one online, but I want it in my hands anyway.
4) Aw crap - there is only one thing in the world that could possibly get me to buy three issues of the regular issues of the regular Superman titles, and they've done it.
Mr. Majestic.
On one hand, I can see how this could end up being very awful, simply on account of the fact that these are the regular Superman titles we are dealing with here. On the other, I have to admit that there is an implied concession made here that is stunning; Superman's knock offs have become more interesting than Superman. Whether it was Claremont, Moore, Robinson, or Casey, I liked Mr. Majestic. It seemed to me that it was a great exploration of the Superman archtype, and you can see how Moore went from Majestic to his Supreme, thus thumbing his nose at DC by showing fans a much more compelling Superman than they've seen in some time.
I really, really like the idea and concept and even the basic character of Superman, but do you know where I get my Superman fix? It seems like everywhere but the cmonthly omics has a better idea of what the character is about. Whether it is the somewhat whiney and conflicted Clark of Smallville, or the Justice League cartoon version that batted Darkseid around like pinata or the many interesting takes on Superman in the Elseworld books (i.e. Mark Millar's absolutely shocking Red Son), or the aforementioned knockoffs, there is a lot of Superman to find. But oddly, not in the monthly rags with his name on them.
Why is that, you think?
Friday, October 24, 2003
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Rapid fire:
-on Rush's addiction: It's a sad thing that it should happen to anyone. On the other hand, I sincerely hope (though I realize it is most likely in vain) that this experience opens that tiny mind of his.
-on Bush: and it gets dumber and dumber and dumber. Practicing "Son of Reaganomics" plus "Son of Star Wars" plus "Son of the Ministry of Truth" plus "Son of War without End" = an incredibly messed up country. Let's get this straight one more time, YOU CANNOT CUT TAXES AND RAISE MILITARY SPENDING WITHOUT CREATING CRIPPLING DEBT. This is basic economic theory. Nevermind the open lawlessness and treason this government is a willing participant to.
-The "Black Lightning" issue - Moronic. Chasing away minority readership by destroying every decent minority character in mainstream comics. Yeah, and you wonder why we're seeing decreasing readership. Oh, and great way to beat up on Tony Isabella, a decent human being who commited the crime of actually creating a character you feel the need to debase for any number of stupid reasons.
-The "Avengers Sex" issue - Who the hell reads "Avengers" since Busiek left anyway? Who cares? And let's face it, I have no doubt that C.A. will top it once his 'run' starts.
-The new Spiderman cartoon : Nifty.
-Waid back on the FF: Old news, but I didn't respond to it yet. Good reversal, Marvel....thought like Alan, I doubt Waid will be on for more than a year.
-Other comic stuff: I don't care. I'm getting the latest issue of Planetary next week, and that's really all I care about
-Future plans: I'm doing some research on some ideas for another degree, plus some job searching and networking besides. I'm starting to realize that the future is open for me. The sad part is that it may force me from my home and I know that it will crush my family, whom were quite used to the idea that I would have a career here in my hometown.
More later,
Michael
-on Rush's addiction: It's a sad thing that it should happen to anyone. On the other hand, I sincerely hope (though I realize it is most likely in vain) that this experience opens that tiny mind of his.
-on Bush: and it gets dumber and dumber and dumber. Practicing "Son of Reaganomics" plus "Son of Star Wars" plus "Son of the Ministry of Truth" plus "Son of War without End" = an incredibly messed up country. Let's get this straight one more time, YOU CANNOT CUT TAXES AND RAISE MILITARY SPENDING WITHOUT CREATING CRIPPLING DEBT. This is basic economic theory. Nevermind the open lawlessness and treason this government is a willing participant to.
-The "Black Lightning" issue - Moronic. Chasing away minority readership by destroying every decent minority character in mainstream comics. Yeah, and you wonder why we're seeing decreasing readership. Oh, and great way to beat up on Tony Isabella, a decent human being who commited the crime of actually creating a character you feel the need to debase for any number of stupid reasons.
-The "Avengers Sex" issue - Who the hell reads "Avengers" since Busiek left anyway? Who cares? And let's face it, I have no doubt that C.A. will top it once his 'run' starts.
-The new Spiderman cartoon : Nifty.
-Waid back on the FF: Old news, but I didn't respond to it yet. Good reversal, Marvel....thought like Alan, I doubt Waid will be on for more than a year.
-Other comic stuff: I don't care. I'm getting the latest issue of Planetary next week, and that's really all I care about
-Future plans: I'm doing some research on some ideas for another degree, plus some job searching and networking besides. I'm starting to realize that the future is open for me. The sad part is that it may force me from my home and I know that it will crush my family, whom were quite used to the idea that I would have a career here in my hometown.
More later,
Michael
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Well, I seem to be getting the shaft from the local companies. Apparently the only jobs available for people under 30 are at the call centers. And people in this town wonder why the young folks leave.
I'll tell you why: WE DON'T WANT TO WORK IN FUCKING CALL CENTERS!
Here's the bitch of it; All of the friends I have in this town are a lot like me. We all decended from immigrant parents who gave up their homes, travelled what was then an unimaginable distance, and built a life and a family here out of next to nothing. They raised us with the values of being close to our families and our communities. They also taught us to aspire to higher positions in life; to become leaders of the community and to aim as high as our dreams and ability could take us.
Now it looks like we have to choose between being with our families or following our dreams, and that is the reason I get so angry at this town sometimes.
Sorry, I'll have more fun news and thoughts tomorrow, it's been a bad day.
Michael
I'll tell you why: WE DON'T WANT TO WORK IN FUCKING CALL CENTERS!
Here's the bitch of it; All of the friends I have in this town are a lot like me. We all decended from immigrant parents who gave up their homes, travelled what was then an unimaginable distance, and built a life and a family here out of next to nothing. They raised us with the values of being close to our families and our communities. They also taught us to aspire to higher positions in life; to become leaders of the community and to aim as high as our dreams and ability could take us.
Now it looks like we have to choose between being with our families or following our dreams, and that is the reason I get so angry at this town sometimes.
Sorry, I'll have more fun news and thoughts tomorrow, it's been a bad day.
Michael
Monday, October 20, 2003
Monday, October 13, 2003
THANKSGIVING
Today is Thanksgiving (in Canada anyway) and it is also my 24th birthday. With that in mind, I just want to say what I'm thankful for
-I'm thankful for my family and friends and their endless support and compassion.
-I'm thankful to live in a free and democratic society, where I can worship and express myself to any and all who would here it
-I'm thankful for all the opportunities I have and will continue to have to contribute to my society, and to help my friends, family, and my fellow human being.
-I'm thankful for the talents I have been blessed with, and for the opportunity to share them.
That's a lot to be thankful for.
I'll start having more regular blogs once I get hi-speed next week.
Later,
Michael
Today is Thanksgiving (in Canada anyway) and it is also my 24th birthday. With that in mind, I just want to say what I'm thankful for
-I'm thankful for my family and friends and their endless support and compassion.
-I'm thankful to live in a free and democratic society, where I can worship and express myself to any and all who would here it
-I'm thankful for all the opportunities I have and will continue to have to contribute to my society, and to help my friends, family, and my fellow human being.
-I'm thankful for the talents I have been blessed with, and for the opportunity to share them.
That's a lot to be thankful for.
I'll start having more regular blogs once I get hi-speed next week.
Later,
Michael
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Thanks to everyone who wrote in. Your support means a lot.
So, how did it happen?
Basically, I was in a firm where the engineering partner (the guy who was supposed to "show me the ropes" basically does all the work without any delegation, preventing me from being productive and preventing himself the time to train me, thus I had no opportunity to develop any new talents or skills. In the end, what happened is for the best.
As to what to do next? I'm going to relax for the next few weeks, weigh my options, and then put all my plans into motion at once. First things though? I'm turning 24 next week, and after 5 years of school and work and no summers off, I'm going to do the things I love best; read, write, and continue my martial arts training.
My options are many, even in the relatively small community I live in (80,000 isn't small, but the mindset of the community is). I'm probably going to tutor for the first little while to pay for internet and such, and I will be selling a HUGE chunk of my comic collection on eBay (I'll keep you posted). I have friends in the local engineering community who will be going to bat for me, and it's been suggested that I consider some type of further education/job training at one of the local universities/colleges (probably AutoCAD, or some such). If all else fails, I have the financial resources necessary to get a post grad degree of some sort, and that's hardly a bad thing.
Anyway, on to some thoughtful/thoughtless commentary
1) Limbaugh - Go figure, the very same people that Rush claims to support (middle class, 'average Joe Patriot' type) finally give him a symbolic ass-kicking. This goes a long way to restoring my faith in America.
2) The Bush/Rove/CIA 'scandal' - God, if you're reading this, please don't let the Bush/republicans spin this one away. Let's get the facts straight; Someone in the White House at the highest level leaked information to the press about a classified CIA agent/analyst (remember kids, in the CIA, the fictional character of Jack Ryan is an "analyst") whom happens to be the wife of an ambassador who spoke out against Bush's policies. THIS IS TREASON. Why? Because now THE BAD GUYS (like, I don't know, Al Queda, remember them?) now know that any organization this woman claimed to affiliate with could very well be a CIA front. It would be difficult to determine how much of VICTORY THE TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY THE US GOVERNMENT. Someone big is going down for this, and by rights, should and must face the maximum punishment for endangering America.
3) The Ontario Election - Good.
More later folks,
Michael Paciocco
So, how did it happen?
Basically, I was in a firm where the engineering partner (the guy who was supposed to "show me the ropes" basically does all the work without any delegation, preventing me from being productive and preventing himself the time to train me, thus I had no opportunity to develop any new talents or skills. In the end, what happened is for the best.
As to what to do next? I'm going to relax for the next few weeks, weigh my options, and then put all my plans into motion at once. First things though? I'm turning 24 next week, and after 5 years of school and work and no summers off, I'm going to do the things I love best; read, write, and continue my martial arts training.
My options are many, even in the relatively small community I live in (80,000 isn't small, but the mindset of the community is). I'm probably going to tutor for the first little while to pay for internet and such, and I will be selling a HUGE chunk of my comic collection on eBay (I'll keep you posted). I have friends in the local engineering community who will be going to bat for me, and it's been suggested that I consider some type of further education/job training at one of the local universities/colleges (probably AutoCAD, or some such). If all else fails, I have the financial resources necessary to get a post grad degree of some sort, and that's hardly a bad thing.
Anyway, on to some thoughtful/thoughtless commentary
1) Limbaugh - Go figure, the very same people that Rush claims to support (middle class, 'average Joe Patriot' type) finally give him a symbolic ass-kicking. This goes a long way to restoring my faith in America.
2) The Bush/Rove/CIA 'scandal' - God, if you're reading this, please don't let the Bush/republicans spin this one away. Let's get the facts straight; Someone in the White House at the highest level leaked information to the press about a classified CIA agent/analyst (remember kids, in the CIA, the fictional character of Jack Ryan is an "analyst") whom happens to be the wife of an ambassador who spoke out against Bush's policies. THIS IS TREASON. Why? Because now THE BAD GUYS (like, I don't know, Al Queda, remember them?) now know that any organization this woman claimed to affiliate with could very well be a CIA front. It would be difficult to determine how much of VICTORY THE TERRORISTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY THE US GOVERNMENT. Someone big is going down for this, and by rights, should and must face the maximum punishment for endangering America.
3) The Ontario Election - Good.
More later folks,
Michael Paciocco
Thursday, October 02, 2003
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