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
Monday, September 29, 2003
Internet has been fuzzy (will be changing over to hi speed by November, so blogs will start picking up)
First, I want to give a big thank you note to Alan David Doane of the late Comicbookgalaxy website. He was always very helpful and insightful. We struck up conversations on the comics and creators we liked, and the creators and policies we loathed. Because of Alan's help, I have bought/read the following comics, and Alan, trust me, there WILL BE MORE TO COME.
-Tom Strong
-The Forgotten
-Sleeper
-V for Vendetta
-Channel Zero
-Bulletproof Monk
-Transmetropolitan
-Powers
-Empire
-Global Frequency
Alan, thanks for all the help, wisdom, and your love of good comics. It was never unappreciated.
Michael Paciocco
First, I want to give a big thank you note to Alan David Doane of the late Comicbookgalaxy website. He was always very helpful and insightful. We struck up conversations on the comics and creators we liked, and the creators and policies we loathed. Because of Alan's help, I have bought/read the following comics, and Alan, trust me, there WILL BE MORE TO COME.
-Tom Strong
-The Forgotten
-Sleeper
-V for Vendetta
-Channel Zero
-Bulletproof Monk
-Transmetropolitan
-Powers
-Empire
-Global Frequency
Alan, thanks for all the help, wisdom, and your love of good comics. It was never unappreciated.
Michael Paciocco
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Sorry for yet another delay, as it was the result of two important factors;
1) Various family members required the phone line this weekend for school issues. I can't wait to get hi-speed
2) I'm an info junkie/read-aholic, and I got my monthly comic shipment. More on that later...
SADNESS....
Just read Alan's closing statement on Comic book Galaxy (www.comicbookgalaxy.com), all I can say is that he was the inspiration that got me to start blogging, and that he fought the good fight and opened a lot of minds to really good comics. His contribution will be missed dearly.
Here's to fighting the good fight....
ANGER....
I've had it had it had it with ignorant bastards like Rush Limbaugh making me ashamed to be a christian white guy with any amount of money. So, for today, I'm going to give you a manifesto of how to take guys like this to the wall, and deconstruct them for the small, bigoted trolls they are.
1) NO FUCKING FEAR - You must not be afraid of being outcast by your peers. Fear is the first, last, and only means for fascists to control the populace.
2) THE LIBRARY - OK, you need to show people how wrong people like Bush are, and how closeminded? Time to start some homework, start with Plato and other of the classic philosphers on how democracies are structures, and also some of the U.S. Founding fathers had some fucking airtight language on how that country works. The next time someone argues for the Patriot Act, remind them of the quote from Ben Franklin "Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither". Next up, some basic books on logical arguement structure (If you saw my dissection of Rush the other day, this is something taught in first year public speaking classes, and should be easy to get your hands on).
3) KNOW THY ENEMY - Go to Rush's web site, watch Fox News, maybe read the Bible (because if you know it as well as the Christian Coalition, you'll be able to rip apart that sub-human homophobia with a single biblical quote from the New Testament). You have to see them objectively, and see what they are really saying (which may make your stomach turn even more, because if you've done #2, you realize that what they are saying isn't much, and what little is there is full of bitterness).
4) KNOW YOUR ALLIES - The web is good for getting help, like www.michaelmoore.com (granted, he may be a little too far in the other direction, but it will help counteract Rush's brand of poison). The other reason I mention Moore's site is that he has a comprehensive links page to non-U.S. news sources, like CBC news (but then, as a Canadian, I'm biased).
5) FIGHT! - Win them over, not with force nor fear, but facts, compassion, and sheer humanity. Don't straw man Rush, but point out his logical gaps. Hate started this, but honesty will end it.
Humour
-Listened to an Ontario Election ad that stated that Conservatives would be "Hard on crime". This is funny because it insinuates that 1) they weren't before and 2) they can be harder. Given how LOW crime rates are in Ontario, it's funny. Now, if we were talking increasing penalties for corporate and environmental crimes...but on that issue they're silent.
Comics:
Like I said, I got a boatload of comics this week, because I get them from Waterloo, and I got caught up on a lot....
Invinicble #4&5 - Simply one of the best pure superhero books out there. Angst free, funny, and generally touchy without being after-school special melodramatic. This is a fun read, and one that deserves more attention. The art here is a blend is a blend of early Walt Siminson with a more minimalist touch (but then, we haven't seen any giant Kirby machines yet, so I'll reserve judgement).
Sleeper #1-4,7&8 - The opposite end of the spectrum, dark, moody, and tragic. This book should be a primer on how to structure modern adventure comics. The protagonist (anti-hero, hero? With Holden, it's hard to say, which is part of the title's charm) is truly felt to be out of touch and out of his depth, and his real feelings of isolation, frustration, and ruthlessness are perfectly communicated.
Empire #1&2 - JESUS! Mark Waid is freaking EVIL! Anyone who thought of Waid as a sentimental sap needs to read this to see how truly wrong they are.
Planetary # 16 - Not yet. I've got a very long blog on Planetary in general planned for the weekend, and I'll get to it there.
Bye for now,
Michael
1) Various family members required the phone line this weekend for school issues. I can't wait to get hi-speed
2) I'm an info junkie/read-aholic, and I got my monthly comic shipment. More on that later...
SADNESS....
Just read Alan's closing statement on Comic book Galaxy (www.comicbookgalaxy.com), all I can say is that he was the inspiration that got me to start blogging, and that he fought the good fight and opened a lot of minds to really good comics. His contribution will be missed dearly.
Here's to fighting the good fight....
ANGER....
I've had it had it had it with ignorant bastards like Rush Limbaugh making me ashamed to be a christian white guy with any amount of money. So, for today, I'm going to give you a manifesto of how to take guys like this to the wall, and deconstruct them for the small, bigoted trolls they are.
1) NO FUCKING FEAR - You must not be afraid of being outcast by your peers. Fear is the first, last, and only means for fascists to control the populace.
2) THE LIBRARY - OK, you need to show people how wrong people like Bush are, and how closeminded? Time to start some homework, start with Plato and other of the classic philosphers on how democracies are structures, and also some of the U.S. Founding fathers had some fucking airtight language on how that country works. The next time someone argues for the Patriot Act, remind them of the quote from Ben Franklin "Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither". Next up, some basic books on logical arguement structure (If you saw my dissection of Rush the other day, this is something taught in first year public speaking classes, and should be easy to get your hands on).
3) KNOW THY ENEMY - Go to Rush's web site, watch Fox News, maybe read the Bible (because if you know it as well as the Christian Coalition, you'll be able to rip apart that sub-human homophobia with a single biblical quote from the New Testament). You have to see them objectively, and see what they are really saying (which may make your stomach turn even more, because if you've done #2, you realize that what they are saying isn't much, and what little is there is full of bitterness).
4) KNOW YOUR ALLIES - The web is good for getting help, like www.michaelmoore.com (granted, he may be a little too far in the other direction, but it will help counteract Rush's brand of poison). The other reason I mention Moore's site is that he has a comprehensive links page to non-U.S. news sources, like CBC news (but then, as a Canadian, I'm biased).
5) FIGHT! - Win them over, not with force nor fear, but facts, compassion, and sheer humanity. Don't straw man Rush, but point out his logical gaps. Hate started this, but honesty will end it.
Humour
-Listened to an Ontario Election ad that stated that Conservatives would be "Hard on crime". This is funny because it insinuates that 1) they weren't before and 2) they can be harder. Given how LOW crime rates are in Ontario, it's funny. Now, if we were talking increasing penalties for corporate and environmental crimes...but on that issue they're silent.
Comics:
Like I said, I got a boatload of comics this week, because I get them from Waterloo, and I got caught up on a lot....
Invinicble #4&5 - Simply one of the best pure superhero books out there. Angst free, funny, and generally touchy without being after-school special melodramatic. This is a fun read, and one that deserves more attention. The art here is a blend is a blend of early Walt Siminson with a more minimalist touch (but then, we haven't seen any giant Kirby machines yet, so I'll reserve judgement).
Sleeper #1-4,7&8 - The opposite end of the spectrum, dark, moody, and tragic. This book should be a primer on how to structure modern adventure comics. The protagonist (anti-hero, hero? With Holden, it's hard to say, which is part of the title's charm) is truly felt to be out of touch and out of his depth, and his real feelings of isolation, frustration, and ruthlessness are perfectly communicated.
Empire #1&2 - JESUS! Mark Waid is freaking EVIL! Anyone who thought of Waid as a sentimental sap needs to read this to see how truly wrong they are.
Planetary # 16 - Not yet. I've got a very long blog on Planetary in general planned for the weekend, and I'll get to it there.
Bye for now,
Michael
Monday, September 15, 2003
Howdy again, how's it going?
I have a few things to tell, so sit back and listen to the stories....
MICHAEL'S FRIDAY NIGHT
After helping my kid brother with his Physics homework, we decide to hit the local Friday night bar scene.....
...which is apparently as dead as disco. After sitting on the patio, discussing stuff with my brother, a few guys I used to know from High school show up. After exchanging the usual "So what have you been up to" 's, they start asking me to go and pinch one of the other guy's nipples...
....I need a better life.
MICHAEL'S WEEKEND (REVIEWS!)
I spent a LOT of time reading this weekend. Mostly junk I've read before, but a few new graphic novels courtesy of my local library.
V FOR VENDETTA: This "post-apocalyptic" story set in a fascist London is one of Moore's earliest works, and while it lacks the full-bore symbolism and meaning of Watchmen and From Hell, it was definitely a step in that direction, and he doesn't shy away from the moral ambiguity of what he's attempting to do. However, it is David Lloyd's depiction of a claustrophobic, grey and bleak London that really allows Moore's story to rise above the level of the ordinary.
CHANNEL ZERO: I'm new to Brian Wood's work, but I definitely think it is worth reading as a focused and impassioned arguement against censorship, and the religous uber-zealots who pervert any system to their ends (I'm looking at you, Ashcroft). Pick it up.
WHY I'M NOT PICKING UP JLA/AVENGERS
Ok, this book is getting a lot of press, and there's no shortage of talk about it, good and bad.
I'm not getting it. Here's why:
1) Outdated: This does NOTHING for the modern state of comics. It is a nostalgic type of story, and even the beautiful work of George Perez can change that.
2) Continuity: Ever since the late 80s, modern continuity has throughly wrecked the idea of a "timeless" superhero comic story, and if you need proof of that, try getting that Marvel/DC mini from the mid-90s, which was trapped by it's ties to the continuity of the time (Such as the "Spider-clone", or Superman's hair, for minor examples). Kurt and George may try to make this timeless, but there's going to be some man-boy who hates it because Kyle Rayner is Green Lantern, or Hawkeye has his scar, etc., etc......
3) Thin Plot: This is the complaint I hear the most, but seriously, what do you expect from a cross over? Just looking through my collection for crossovers, here's what I've found
-Marvel v.s. DC: They fight, Amalgam's created.
-Superman/Fantastic Four: FF and Superman vs. Galactus and Cyborg
-Batman/Captain America: Bat and Cap in WWII vs The Red Skull and Joker
-Fantastic Four/Gen 13 - They fight, and team up, and something truly weird happens (at least it was funny)
-Batman/Punisher - Batman stops the Punisher from killing the Joker. Yeah, like we couldn't see that one coming.
-Silver Surfer/Green Lantern - GL and Silver Surfer vs. Thanos and Hal Jordan.
DO you see a pattern? Expecting great writing from a crossover is near impossible. Accept it and move on.
Michael
infinite_horizon@hotmail.com
I have a few things to tell, so sit back and listen to the stories....
MICHAEL'S FRIDAY NIGHT
After helping my kid brother with his Physics homework, we decide to hit the local Friday night bar scene.....
...which is apparently as dead as disco. After sitting on the patio, discussing stuff with my brother, a few guys I used to know from High school show up. After exchanging the usual "So what have you been up to" 's, they start asking me to go and pinch one of the other guy's nipples...
....I need a better life.
MICHAEL'S WEEKEND (REVIEWS!)
I spent a LOT of time reading this weekend. Mostly junk I've read before, but a few new graphic novels courtesy of my local library.
V FOR VENDETTA: This "post-apocalyptic" story set in a fascist London is one of Moore's earliest works, and while it lacks the full-bore symbolism and meaning of Watchmen and From Hell, it was definitely a step in that direction, and he doesn't shy away from the moral ambiguity of what he's attempting to do. However, it is David Lloyd's depiction of a claustrophobic, grey and bleak London that really allows Moore's story to rise above the level of the ordinary.
CHANNEL ZERO: I'm new to Brian Wood's work, but I definitely think it is worth reading as a focused and impassioned arguement against censorship, and the religous uber-zealots who pervert any system to their ends (I'm looking at you, Ashcroft). Pick it up.
WHY I'M NOT PICKING UP JLA/AVENGERS
Ok, this book is getting a lot of press, and there's no shortage of talk about it, good and bad.
I'm not getting it. Here's why:
1) Outdated: This does NOTHING for the modern state of comics. It is a nostalgic type of story, and even the beautiful work of George Perez can change that.
2) Continuity: Ever since the late 80s, modern continuity has throughly wrecked the idea of a "timeless" superhero comic story, and if you need proof of that, try getting that Marvel/DC mini from the mid-90s, which was trapped by it's ties to the continuity of the time (Such as the "Spider-clone", or Superman's hair, for minor examples). Kurt and George may try to make this timeless, but there's going to be some man-boy who hates it because Kyle Rayner is Green Lantern, or Hawkeye has his scar, etc., etc......
3) Thin Plot: This is the complaint I hear the most, but seriously, what do you expect from a cross over? Just looking through my collection for crossovers, here's what I've found
-Marvel v.s. DC: They fight, Amalgam's created.
-Superman/Fantastic Four: FF and Superman vs. Galactus and Cyborg
-Batman/Captain America: Bat and Cap in WWII vs The Red Skull and Joker
-Fantastic Four/Gen 13 - They fight, and team up, and something truly weird happens (at least it was funny)
-Batman/Punisher - Batman stops the Punisher from killing the Joker. Yeah, like we couldn't see that one coming.
-Silver Surfer/Green Lantern - GL and Silver Surfer vs. Thanos and Hal Jordan.
DO you see a pattern? Expecting great writing from a crossover is near impossible. Accept it and move on.
Michael
infinite_horizon@hotmail.com
Friday, September 12, 2003
Back and Back again
Well, that was unexpected. I got a cold for the first time in TWO YEARS, and it played havoc with my schedule. So, I'm going to talk about a large number of things....
Small things:
1) The comics I was trying to sell on ebay did not sell. Dang. I've got over 100 of these things that I just want gone....if you're interested, email infinite_horizon@hotmail.com
2) Saw Daredevil for the first time when I rented it this weekend. The first hour was tight, focused, and interesting, but I thought the pacing got choppy after the park scene. Decent overall, but nothing to write home about.
3) Started my gym program this week in order to slim down and build some muscle...but I have to admit, the health nazis are kind of creepy. When I got in, the lady at the counter gave me a book by one of the founders or whatever. This is the type of behavior I normally associate with cults, but I smiled and well, I understand that it takes aggressive policies to make gyms work....and I suppose you have to be a little crazy to work at that sort of job.
Big Things:
-Rush Limbaugh: I visit his website on occassion, and I recommend that anyone with an interest in arguement structure or logic take a close look. It is so simple to deconstruct his arguements and half truths that it stuns me that he is seemingly so popular and powerful in the world of radio. My favourite? "the top 50% of wage earners pay 90.96% of the taxes". Now, on the surface this looks like a jarring fact, but here's what Rush isn't saying;
1) How much of the tax base does say, the top 2% of wage earners pay for? How about the top 15%? Unless you have a better breakdown of how the tax base is divided into the working population, and maybe actually values of money (how much does the top 12% pay?), a single fact does not a valid arguement make.
2) The term "wage earners" is open to some interpretation. Are we talking about salaried workers, people on comission? Do you count part-time workers, people on leave? What about those with deferred wages (i.e. stock benefits, options, etc.)? How are these people accounted?
3) In order to maintain the level of economic development, and national infrastructure that is necessary for society to work (and all the Republican rhetoric in the world doesn't change the fact that government is a neccesary tool to economic progress, and to ignore that is proof of the worst kind of economic stupidity), the "rich" would NEED to be the key tax contributors, otherwise you would not have the capital necessary for government programs such as education, or say, the military (you DO have to PAY for that, don't you?).
4) Does being in the top 50% of wage earners necessarily make you "rich"? What is the Average U.S. Salary again?
5) My understanding of the U.S. Tax code being what it is, isn't it based on HOUSEHOLD earnings as opposed to INDIVIDUAL earnings?
6) Don't the "Rich" have more items that would be taxable by virtue of its existence. If I own 12 cars and 3 yachts, shouldn't I be paying more in taxes than the guy with one car?
Just so you know, I'm not trying to be mean spirited, but I do want you see the fallacies in his reasoning. A half truth is the most dangerous kind of lie. And Rush, no offence, but you offer more half-truths than someone with your influence has a right to.
- Comic Reviews: JSA All-Stars #5 - OK, first, let me say that I'm a fan of James Robinson's superhero work, particularly Starman , and it was his work there that made me like the 40's character Hourman, and the truly neat way the traditional power fantasy inherent in the superhero was married to the much more relevant themes of addiction and heritage/tradition (coming from an Italian Roman Catholic background, tradition isn't a work, it is a LIFESTYLE). With this in mind, I liked Johns' take on this "new" Hourman in that one solo issue of JSA last year (the only Johns or JSA work I've gotten to this point, though I may get a TPB just to try it). That being said, this issue SUCKED SUCKED SUCKED. It was smarmy, sappy, and more overly-sentimental than your average episode of "Touched by an Angel". Ugh....that's it, no more impulse buying. I'll put up more reviews when I get my shipment of comics from the store out of town.
Michael
Well, that was unexpected. I got a cold for the first time in TWO YEARS, and it played havoc with my schedule. So, I'm going to talk about a large number of things....
Small things:
1) The comics I was trying to sell on ebay did not sell. Dang. I've got over 100 of these things that I just want gone....if you're interested, email infinite_horizon@hotmail.com
2) Saw Daredevil for the first time when I rented it this weekend. The first hour was tight, focused, and interesting, but I thought the pacing got choppy after the park scene. Decent overall, but nothing to write home about.
3) Started my gym program this week in order to slim down and build some muscle...but I have to admit, the health nazis are kind of creepy. When I got in, the lady at the counter gave me a book by one of the founders or whatever. This is the type of behavior I normally associate with cults, but I smiled and well, I understand that it takes aggressive policies to make gyms work....and I suppose you have to be a little crazy to work at that sort of job.
Big Things:
-Rush Limbaugh: I visit his website on occassion, and I recommend that anyone with an interest in arguement structure or logic take a close look. It is so simple to deconstruct his arguements and half truths that it stuns me that he is seemingly so popular and powerful in the world of radio. My favourite? "the top 50% of wage earners pay 90.96% of the taxes". Now, on the surface this looks like a jarring fact, but here's what Rush isn't saying;
1) How much of the tax base does say, the top 2% of wage earners pay for? How about the top 15%? Unless you have a better breakdown of how the tax base is divided into the working population, and maybe actually values of money (how much does the top 12% pay?), a single fact does not a valid arguement make.
2) The term "wage earners" is open to some interpretation. Are we talking about salaried workers, people on comission? Do you count part-time workers, people on leave? What about those with deferred wages (i.e. stock benefits, options, etc.)? How are these people accounted?
3) In order to maintain the level of economic development, and national infrastructure that is necessary for society to work (and all the Republican rhetoric in the world doesn't change the fact that government is a neccesary tool to economic progress, and to ignore that is proof of the worst kind of economic stupidity), the "rich" would NEED to be the key tax contributors, otherwise you would not have the capital necessary for government programs such as education, or say, the military (you DO have to PAY for that, don't you?).
4) Does being in the top 50% of wage earners necessarily make you "rich"? What is the Average U.S. Salary again?
5) My understanding of the U.S. Tax code being what it is, isn't it based on HOUSEHOLD earnings as opposed to INDIVIDUAL earnings?
6) Don't the "Rich" have more items that would be taxable by virtue of its existence. If I own 12 cars and 3 yachts, shouldn't I be paying more in taxes than the guy with one car?
Just so you know, I'm not trying to be mean spirited, but I do want you see the fallacies in his reasoning. A half truth is the most dangerous kind of lie. And Rush, no offence, but you offer more half-truths than someone with your influence has a right to.
- Comic Reviews: JSA All-Stars #5 - OK, first, let me say that I'm a fan of James Robinson's superhero work, particularly Starman , and it was his work there that made me like the 40's character Hourman, and the truly neat way the traditional power fantasy inherent in the superhero was married to the much more relevant themes of addiction and heritage/tradition (coming from an Italian Roman Catholic background, tradition isn't a work, it is a LIFESTYLE). With this in mind, I liked Johns' take on this "new" Hourman in that one solo issue of JSA last year (the only Johns or JSA work I've gotten to this point, though I may get a TPB just to try it). That being said, this issue SUCKED SUCKED SUCKED. It was smarmy, sappy, and more overly-sentimental than your average episode of "Touched by an Angel". Ugh....that's it, no more impulse buying. I'll put up more reviews when I get my shipment of comics from the store out of town.
Michael
Thursday, September 04, 2003
Odds and ends
Other important heroes:
-Sanjay Singh: A good, if annoying, man, whom directly challenges me, and constantly reminds me to keep my mind open.
-Jon Smith: Simply the best moral compass you will ever find.
News and events:
-Went to see Weird Al Yankovic in concert last week, and while I guess everyone has different opinions on what songs are his best, and which ones he should perform, I have to admit that he puts on a damn good show, and he consistently entertaining, amusing, and well, I know I bust a gut or two during his faux Eminem interview (on a side note, maybe this is how FOX NEWS does their interviews?). And one has to credit his innovation, it takes a special type of skill to fit the entire plot of the Phantom Menace into the 4 minutes of "Bye Bye Miss American Pie" without missing a beat, and to do the same thing a few years later by With Spider-man and Piano Man respectively.
-Got a new batch of eBay auctions; Just so you know, the money is going to 2 things:
1) my getting a hardware upgrade to get hi-speed, so I can do this blogging thing more frequently
2) To donate to my martial arts school to get some floor mats
Here's the link to my auctions
- Read some new trade paperbacks from the library
Transmetropolitan: Back on the Street - While I think Planetary is hands-down Warren Ellis' best work, I'm learning to appreciate this bit of essential Ellis. I think the key to understanding Ellis is that he'll make you laugh darkly at the beginning, and then stir you with his insights later on. Good reading.
Bulletproof Monk: OK, first things first. I love the movie. In my mind, it was the best movie this summer, easily beating the crap out of Matrix/X2 whatever. The comic, has no connection except that there is a Bulletproof Monk and a guy named Kar. That's it. And you know what, anyway you get it, it is still good. A really uplifting experience to read.
Politics (RANT ALERT):
If it's not one thing, it's another
George Bush claims to be the funding underdog? HOW THE FUCK IS THAT? He's an oil millionaire, as are about 3/4 of his cabinet, nevermind his huge support group in the Republican party, which worships him like the Second Coming. Nevermind that he's got a $200 million warchest and won't be spending a penny on the primaries. Who the hell think that the current reigning president is the underdog?
-The U.S. going to the U.N. for Iraq help; This is like asking Dad for money to fix the car after you took it for a joyride while being grounded, isn't it? You know the Germans and The French are just going to rake them over the coals about this, rightly or wrongly. You mean that you, the most powerful nation on earth, actually need allies to fight this "War on Terror" ? 'Bout time you owned up to it. Oh, and Rush Limbaugh, I hope that this means you will stop your pointless and retarded bashing of the U.N., seeing as THEY are bailing out YOUR boys.
-More on Iraq: Quagmire? Yeah, it is. And you could have avoided it. How could the U.S. have avoided it? By not being so blatant about it, by not forsaking your allies. And the line that the troops will help draw out "the evildoers" (You know, some of Bush's speeches read like they were written by Stan Lee) into fighting the U.S. there. Which means that those kids are acting as bait, which will be a big comfort to their families no doubt, because it just means the rich ones can come to the U.S. to cause trouble there. Yes, brilliant Strategy! Please Tell me that Stormin' Norman doesn't buy this.
-Ontario Elections: 'BOUT TIME. Let the slaughter begin! I've been waiting years to take a bite out of the Harris/Eves "Common Sense" machine which have demoralized and crushed our hospitals and schools, sold off nearly any part of the province worth keeping, all to provide for a tax cut or two. Thanks to that logic, I my tuition go from $2700 to $4000 in 4 years. Hey, but it's worth it because it means that Big Business can profit and return the savings to me in the new privatized energy sector....no....wait....hmmm....looks like Ernie's got some explaining to do....
More later,
Michael
Other important heroes:
-Sanjay Singh: A good, if annoying, man, whom directly challenges me, and constantly reminds me to keep my mind open.
-Jon Smith: Simply the best moral compass you will ever find.
News and events:
-Went to see Weird Al Yankovic in concert last week, and while I guess everyone has different opinions on what songs are his best, and which ones he should perform, I have to admit that he puts on a damn good show, and he consistently entertaining, amusing, and well, I know I bust a gut or two during his faux Eminem interview (on a side note, maybe this is how FOX NEWS does their interviews?). And one has to credit his innovation, it takes a special type of skill to fit the entire plot of the Phantom Menace into the 4 minutes of "Bye Bye Miss American Pie" without missing a beat, and to do the same thing a few years later by With Spider-man and Piano Man respectively.
-Got a new batch of eBay auctions; Just so you know, the money is going to 2 things:
1) my getting a hardware upgrade to get hi-speed, so I can do this blogging thing more frequently
2) To donate to my martial arts school to get some floor mats
Here's the link to my auctions
- Read some new trade paperbacks from the library
Transmetropolitan: Back on the Street - While I think Planetary is hands-down Warren Ellis' best work, I'm learning to appreciate this bit of essential Ellis. I think the key to understanding Ellis is that he'll make you laugh darkly at the beginning, and then stir you with his insights later on. Good reading.
Bulletproof Monk: OK, first things first. I love the movie. In my mind, it was the best movie this summer, easily beating the crap out of Matrix/X2 whatever. The comic, has no connection except that there is a Bulletproof Monk and a guy named Kar. That's it. And you know what, anyway you get it, it is still good. A really uplifting experience to read.
Politics (RANT ALERT):
If it's not one thing, it's another
George Bush claims to be the funding underdog? HOW THE FUCK IS THAT? He's an oil millionaire, as are about 3/4 of his cabinet, nevermind his huge support group in the Republican party, which worships him like the Second Coming. Nevermind that he's got a $200 million warchest and won't be spending a penny on the primaries. Who the hell think that the current reigning president is the underdog?
-The U.S. going to the U.N. for Iraq help; This is like asking Dad for money to fix the car after you took it for a joyride while being grounded, isn't it? You know the Germans and The French are just going to rake them over the coals about this, rightly or wrongly. You mean that you, the most powerful nation on earth, actually need allies to fight this "War on Terror" ? 'Bout time you owned up to it. Oh, and Rush Limbaugh, I hope that this means you will stop your pointless and retarded bashing of the U.N., seeing as THEY are bailing out YOUR boys.
-More on Iraq: Quagmire? Yeah, it is. And you could have avoided it. How could the U.S. have avoided it? By not being so blatant about it, by not forsaking your allies. And the line that the troops will help draw out "the evildoers" (You know, some of Bush's speeches read like they were written by Stan Lee) into fighting the U.S. there. Which means that those kids are acting as bait, which will be a big comfort to their families no doubt, because it just means the rich ones can come to the U.S. to cause trouble there. Yes, brilliant Strategy! Please Tell me that Stormin' Norman doesn't buy this.
-Ontario Elections: 'BOUT TIME. Let the slaughter begin! I've been waiting years to take a bite out of the Harris/Eves "Common Sense" machine which have demoralized and crushed our hospitals and schools, sold off nearly any part of the province worth keeping, all to provide for a tax cut or two. Thanks to that logic, I my tuition go from $2700 to $4000 in 4 years. Hey, but it's worth it because it means that Big Business can profit and return the savings to me in the new privatized energy sector....no....wait....hmmm....looks like Ernie's got some explaining to do....
More later,
Michael
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