Well, I certainly had good intentions, but it looks as thought the month of November was not a good one for me in terms of all I wanted to do. The result? No novel for Brad. With other things coming up and not devoting the requisite two hours per day over the course of the entire month, I simply do not have enough words to complete the 50,000 words necessary to successfully complete the National Novel Writing Month challenge.
I think with 7 days remaining, I could accomplish the task under normal circumstances, but Thanksgiving is upon us, and I need to spend time with the family over the next week.
I'm bummed.
But maybe I will challenge myself to complete the task some other month.
We'll see.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Quote of the Day - 11/14/08
"Pop culture's ready to have their shit shaken up a little bit."
- Zack Snyder on why he thinks audiences are ready for Watchmen.
- Zack Snyder on why he thinks audiences are ready for Watchmen.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Some Relief
Well, found out today that the Apple Insomnia Film Festival 24-hour film competition scheduled for this weekend (9 a.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday) has been postponed due to technical difficulties.
Frankly, I have mixed emotions. It's a bad thing because we were so excited about participating. But it also is good because now I can spend my weekend working on my screenplay for class, which I was a little behind on. And we have much more time to focus on developing a really good story.
Anyway, my hectic November just got a little less hectic.
However, with just about half the month left I still have 43000 words to write on my National Novel Writing Month short novel.
Frankly, I have mixed emotions. It's a bad thing because we were so excited about participating. But it also is good because now I can spend my weekend working on my screenplay for class, which I was a little behind on. And we have much more time to focus on developing a really good story.
Anyway, my hectic November just got a little less hectic.
However, with just about half the month left I still have 43000 words to write on my National Novel Writing Month short novel.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
National Novel Writing Month - #3
Okay, I'm up to 7,404. But I'm way, way behind the schedule I should be on. To meet the 50,000 goal, I need to be writing 1,667 words a day. While I'm averaging 2,468 words each day I write, I have only written for three days. As a result, I should have logged at least 13,336 words.
Whew...
I better get moving.
However, with three full weeks (22 days) left, I think I have time to step it up.
Now, I just need to step it up.
Whew...
I better get moving.
However, with three full weeks (22 days) left, I think I have time to step it up.
Now, I just need to step it up.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
National Novel Writing Month - #2
I'm up to 4,515 words.
I was on a roll today.
But 50,000 still looks so far away.
I was on a roll today.
But 50,000 still looks so far away.
Quote of the Day - 11/5/08
“Do I want it? You bet your f**king ass I do! I think that people assume that I don’t care or don’t want it or don’t need it or something. It’s hard to be there five times, and I’m only human, you know? But I don’t go home and cry, because we’re all grown-ups here.”
- Kate Winslet, my favorite actress and a five-time Oscar nominee, on winning the coveted acting award (via Vanity Fair magazine)
- Kate Winslet, my favorite actress and a five-time Oscar nominee, on winning the coveted acting award (via Vanity Fair magazine)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
National Novel Writing Month - #1
As you many know, I am attempting to write a novel before the end of November as part of National Novel Writing Month, which I wrote about a couple of posts ago. I wasn't able to start on November 1 but being off work today allowed me the opportunity to get started.
With 4 days of the month gone, I have 1,680 words. I need 50,000.
I have a long way to go.
You can keep up with my status on the left of this page.
In case you are wondering... Reinhold Thomas is my pseudonym.
With 4 days of the month gone, I have 1,680 words. I need 50,000.
I have a long way to go.
You can keep up with my status on the left of this page.
In case you are wondering... Reinhold Thomas is my pseudonym.
Monday, November 3, 2008
One of the greatest things I've ever seen
My favorite musical artist is Prince. My favorite female super-hero is Batgirl.
What do you get when you put those together?
One of the greatest things I've ever seen...
What do you get when you put those together?
One of the greatest things I've ever seen...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What have I gotten myself into?
Well, November is shaping up to be a very busy month for me. I could have prevented some of it, but no, I am accepting challenges that come once a year. Maybe I didn't have a choice.
First of all are all the things I continue to want to do: begin and complete the Web site design for my film work; begin gathering interviews for my documentary project; try to raise funds for my documentary project; finish my script for my screenwriting class (my next draft is due in three weeks - meaning if I want a complete draft I will need to write around 60 more pages); continue pre-production planning on two short films; write a script for another short film; complete the "mockumentary" of my first video editing project (a music video for Jimi Hendrix's "Red House"); record a commentary for that video; record a commentary for my short film "The Obituaries"; plan webisodes for "The Obituaries"; and on and on.
So, with all that on my plate, guess what I went and did... I entered two contests that have very stringent deadlines this month.
The first is a short film competition sponsored by Apple called the Insomnia Film Festival. It is a 24-hour contest where teams of filmmakers have 24 hours to shoot, edit and upload to the Interweb a 3-minute short film. Oh yes, just 24 hours. I have roped in some friends of mine and we are going to do it. Of course, it isn't quite as daunting as you might think. Everything can be in place prior to the designated 24-hour period: writing, gathering equipment, scouting locations, securing crew and actors, etc. But the actual filming and editing must take place the day of the competition, which is 9 a.m. November 15 to 9 a.m. November 16. This is going to be fun.
The big gonzo crazy thing I've gone and done is registered for the National Novel Writing Month competition. The quest here is to write a 175-page (50,000 word) novel between November 1 and November 30. Talk about daunting. Especially since I've never written a novel before. That's about 1,700 words a day. The goal, according to the Web site, isn't to write a masterpiece. The goal is to write. Just write and write and write. Complete the novel. Then, if it isn't any good, you at least have finished a draft that you can go back and fix later. The creators' contention is that if you don't push yourself, you'll never do it. While there is no true prize, there is the knowledge and relief and probably joy you will feel when finished. I think it's a great concept and I intend to complete it. I have the idea in place and on November 1, I will write my first words. And by November 30 I will have written 50,000.
So, what have I gotten myself into? I think a lot of cool stuff that will make me better than if I just sat around and watched TV for a month.
And that makes me feel good.
First of all are all the things I continue to want to do: begin and complete the Web site design for my film work; begin gathering interviews for my documentary project; try to raise funds for my documentary project; finish my script for my screenwriting class (my next draft is due in three weeks - meaning if I want a complete draft I will need to write around 60 more pages); continue pre-production planning on two short films; write a script for another short film; complete the "mockumentary" of my first video editing project (a music video for Jimi Hendrix's "Red House"); record a commentary for that video; record a commentary for my short film "The Obituaries"; plan webisodes for "The Obituaries"; and on and on.
So, with all that on my plate, guess what I went and did... I entered two contests that have very stringent deadlines this month.
The first is a short film competition sponsored by Apple called the Insomnia Film Festival. It is a 24-hour contest where teams of filmmakers have 24 hours to shoot, edit and upload to the Interweb a 3-minute short film. Oh yes, just 24 hours. I have roped in some friends of mine and we are going to do it. Of course, it isn't quite as daunting as you might think. Everything can be in place prior to the designated 24-hour period: writing, gathering equipment, scouting locations, securing crew and actors, etc. But the actual filming and editing must take place the day of the competition, which is 9 a.m. November 15 to 9 a.m. November 16. This is going to be fun.The big gonzo crazy thing I've gone and done is registered for the National Novel Writing Month competition. The quest here is to write a 175-page (50,000 word) novel between November 1 and November 30. Talk about daunting. Especially since I've never written a novel before. That's about 1,700 words a day. The goal, according to the Web site, isn't to write a masterpiece. The goal is to write. Just write and write and write. Complete the novel. Then, if it isn't any good, you at least have finished a draft that you can go back and fix later. The creators' contention is that if you don't push yourself, you'll never do it. While there is no true prize, there is the knowledge and relief and probably joy you will feel when finished. I think it's a great concept and I intend to complete it. I have the idea in place and on November 1, I will write my first words. And by November 30 I will have written 50,000.So, what have I gotten myself into? I think a lot of cool stuff that will make me better than if I just sat around and watched TV for a month.
And that makes me feel good.
Photo of the Day - 10/28/08
Downtown Lexington from the rooftop of a parking structure at UK.
Lexington, Kentucky
October 28, 2008
Lexington, Kentucky
October 28, 2008
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Sunday, October 26, 2008
Recent Project
Hello there. I don't normally write about my film work on this page since I also have a film blog at brokenheartfilms.blogspot.com; however, I wanted to post this video here for those of you who may not read that blog.
This summer I directed a short film called "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental," the sequel to a short my friend Eric made while we were in film class during the fall of 2007. I filmed some behind-the-scenes footage during the shoot. The video below recounts the first night of filming.
The short film itself will make it's debut in December, time and location to be determined.
Hope you enjoy. (And be warned, it has some adult language.)
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" Director's Diary from Brad Duncan on Vimeo.
This summer I directed a short film called "Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental," the sequel to a short my friend Eric made while we were in film class during the fall of 2007. I filmed some behind-the-scenes footage during the shoot. The video below recounts the first night of filming.
The short film itself will make it's debut in December, time and location to be determined.
Hope you enjoy. (And be warned, it has some adult language.)
"Previously Viewed: 2-Day Rental" Director's Diary from Brad Duncan on Vimeo.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What kind of son am I ....
that I was home for three days this weekend and it didn't occur to me while I was there to go visit my dad at the cemetery?
Please Lord don't let me forget him.
Please Lord don't let me forget him.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fall Festival Fun
It's that time of year again, so I headed home this weekend for the Evansville, Indiana, Westside Nut Club Fall Festival.
What makes this festival so great is the large, and I do mean large, amount of food available for consumption throughout the event. Four blocks of Franklin St. in E'ville are blocked off for six days. Along one side of one block of the street is the Midway where kids of all ages can spend their money on cotton candy, candied apples, rides and games to win crappy prizes. It's a grand time.
But the other three blocks and the four blocks on the other side of the street are where the real magic occur. This is where all the local groups set up their food booths to raise money for their organizations.
What I like to do when I get there is to walk the course and check out the items I might like to munch on while I'm there. In doing this, not only am I checking out the goodies available, but since a lot of items are available at different places, this allows me to find the cheapest prices. Maximizing your spending here is crucial.
However, I didn't arrive until almost one o'clock. Since I had had nothing to eat today, I decided to go ahead and get something quickly. The one item I had on my mind was the Texas Tenderloin. This wonderful sandwich is a fried pork tenderloin that hangs off of a regular sized bun by about an inch all the way around. A huge sandwich. And like I said, I was hungry. So I picked up one of these bad boys at the first booth I came to. I was too hungry to take a photo. I had to eat it right away.
My mom went with me and luckily she was hungry, too, so she spotted a Walking Taco that she thought would hit the spot.
And according to her, it did. Now, the Walking Taco is interesting. As you can see, the variety she got was the paperboat filled with Fritos, taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. There actually are two other varieties: the kind that is served in the Frito bag itself and the kind that is served in a cone made out of a taco shell.
Mom prefers the open boat. Also, there are things called Haystacks, which are the same as walking tacos. Go figure.
As always, there are many things to eat and drink. I didn't get photos of everything, but here is a sampling of the unusual offerings: Pig Lickers (slices of fried bacon dipped in chocolate), Gator Gumbo, YooHoo Milkshakes (I did try one of these, and oh my was it good), BBQ Grippochos (Grippo's BBQ chips covered in BBQ -- didn't try this but really wish I had), Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (I really wish I had tried that, too), and, of course Brain Sandwiches. Yes, I said brains. No, I did not eat one, but the two booths that have those usually have the longest lines. Here was one:
Yes, the sign up top says: Daughters of the Nile Brain Booth. For just $6 you could have a pile of fried pork brains on a bun to devour for your pleasure.
Also, you can get just about anything fried: candy bars, Twinkies, pickles, green beans, green tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms and macaroni and cheese. And don't forget the staples of any fall festival/festival-type gathering: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, lemon shake-ups, ice cream, nachos, onion rings and french fries.
I don't usually get that kind of stuff because I can really get that anywhere. However, one thing that has always confused me is the Corn Dog and the Pronto Pup. They look the same but I've never had a PP and have always wondered the difference. According to Wikipedia, the difference is this.
In addition to my Texas Tenderloin, I also had a double-sausage burger with pickle.
Mom had the funnel cake. Also a solid choice, but I passed on that for the Yoo Hoo milkshake. I also had some cherry cider.
Yes, apple is good, but if you like cherries and have never had cherry cider, you really should try it sometime. And this was locally made. Even better.
Oh, and I can't forget the mutton sandwich I got to bring home.
As for sweets, we also bought a couple of bags of French Waffles. No, these are nothing like regular waffles, and I don't know what is so French about them. They actually are made by dipping a shaped iron into batter and then dipping into hot oil to fry it. The cooked batter then slides off the iron and is heavily coated in powdered sugar. My grandmother used to make them when I was a kid.
But the ones we bought didn't look like that. My mom is a great bargain shopper and the lady selling these had two bags that had broken. So she gave us $2 off per bag. We aren't picky, and you have to break them to eat them anyway, so no problem for us.
After we had walked around a couple of times, eaten some good food and had some good drink, we were ready to roll. And this is what I felt like:
What makes this festival so great is the large, and I do mean large, amount of food available for consumption throughout the event. Four blocks of Franklin St. in E'ville are blocked off for six days. Along one side of one block of the street is the Midway where kids of all ages can spend their money on cotton candy, candied apples, rides and games to win crappy prizes. It's a grand time.
But the other three blocks and the four blocks on the other side of the street are where the real magic occur. This is where all the local groups set up their food booths to raise money for their organizations.
What I like to do when I get there is to walk the course and check out the items I might like to munch on while I'm there. In doing this, not only am I checking out the goodies available, but since a lot of items are available at different places, this allows me to find the cheapest prices. Maximizing your spending here is crucial.
However, I didn't arrive until almost one o'clock. Since I had had nothing to eat today, I decided to go ahead and get something quickly. The one item I had on my mind was the Texas Tenderloin. This wonderful sandwich is a fried pork tenderloin that hangs off of a regular sized bun by about an inch all the way around. A huge sandwich. And like I said, I was hungry. So I picked up one of these bad boys at the first booth I came to. I was too hungry to take a photo. I had to eat it right away.
My mom went with me and luckily she was hungry, too, so she spotted a Walking Taco that she thought would hit the spot.
And according to her, it did. Now, the Walking Taco is interesting. As you can see, the variety she got was the paperboat filled with Fritos, taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. There actually are two other varieties: the kind that is served in the Frito bag itself and the kind that is served in a cone made out of a taco shell.
Mom prefers the open boat. Also, there are things called Haystacks, which are the same as walking tacos. Go figure.
As always, there are many things to eat and drink. I didn't get photos of everything, but here is a sampling of the unusual offerings: Pig Lickers (slices of fried bacon dipped in chocolate), Gator Gumbo, YooHoo Milkshakes (I did try one of these, and oh my was it good), BBQ Grippochos (Grippo's BBQ chips covered in BBQ -- didn't try this but really wish I had), Fried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (I really wish I had tried that, too), and, of course Brain Sandwiches. Yes, I said brains. No, I did not eat one, but the two booths that have those usually have the longest lines. Here was one:
Yes, the sign up top says: Daughters of the Nile Brain Booth. For just $6 you could have a pile of fried pork brains on a bun to devour for your pleasure.
Also, you can get just about anything fried: candy bars, Twinkies, pickles, green beans, green tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms and macaroni and cheese. And don't forget the staples of any fall festival/festival-type gathering: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, lemon shake-ups, ice cream, nachos, onion rings and french fries.
I don't usually get that kind of stuff because I can really get that anywhere. However, one thing that has always confused me is the Corn Dog and the Pronto Pup. They look the same but I've never had a PP and have always wondered the difference. According to Wikipedia, the difference is this.
In addition to my Texas Tenderloin, I also had a double-sausage burger with pickle.
Mom had the funnel cake. Also a solid choice, but I passed on that for the Yoo Hoo milkshake. I also had some cherry cider.
Yes, apple is good, but if you like cherries and have never had cherry cider, you really should try it sometime. And this was locally made. Even better.
Oh, and I can't forget the mutton sandwich I got to bring home.
As for sweets, we also bought a couple of bags of French Waffles. No, these are nothing like regular waffles, and I don't know what is so French about them. They actually are made by dipping a shaped iron into batter and then dipping into hot oil to fry it. The cooked batter then slides off the iron and is heavily coated in powdered sugar. My grandmother used to make them when I was a kid.
But the ones we bought didn't look like that. My mom is a great bargain shopper and the lady selling these had two bags that had broken. So she gave us $2 off per bag. We aren't picky, and you have to break them to eat them anyway, so no problem for us.
After we had walked around a couple of times, eaten some good food and had some good drink, we were ready to roll. And this is what I felt like:
Thursday, October 9, 2008
21 Nights
This book I got in the mail today tops anything I got at this past weekend's Mid-Ohio Con.
Geeking it Up
I'm a bit of a geek. Anyone of you who really knows me will know that. If you don't really know me, then maybe you'll learn something via this post.
As I said, I'm a bit of a geek. And this past weekend I cemented my geekness by attending my first comic book convention, the Mid-Ohio Con. It is one of the closest cons to Lexington (Adventure Con in Knoxville is probably a little closer) but it has always been on Thanksgiving weekend prior to this year. Thus, I was never able to go. But earlier this year, the owners decided to sell it and the new owners decided to change the date. And because of that, I was able to go.
A few months ago I mentioned it to my nephew, PM, and invited him along. Over the past few years I have gotten him interested in comics. He reads some superhero stuff (Ultimate Spider-man), but really likes zombie books, especially Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead. I, on the other hand, love almost anything Batman. I don't know why, he's just my favorite superhero. I think a lot of it is that he has no super powers, so he's a little more grounded in reality. I mean, Superman is an alien... what's that about??? But beyond Batman, I do like a few others like Daredevil and Spider-man.
However, I do read a lot outside of the superhero genre. My favorite series of all-time is (was) Strangers in Paradise, which ended over a year ago after a very long run. I found out about late but when I did finally start reading it, I devoured it. Then when the end came, I decided not to read it as each issue came out. I wanted to wait so I could read the final story arc in one sitting. I still haven't done that. But I really need to...
Others I like include Blankets by Craig Thompson, Box Office Poison by Alex Robinson, Ghost World by Daniel Clowes, Breakfast After Noon by Andi Watson, Hepcats by Martin Wagner, Local and Demo by Brian Wood, Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, Stray Bullets by David Lapham, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn, and V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd.
So, anyway, PM and I were really looking forward to the show. I had told him that he needed to bring along his copy of Marvel Zombies to have signed because the guy who drew all the covers was going to be there. He was doubly excited about that. For the weeks leading up to the show, the Mid-Ohio Con Web site continued updating with the latest news on those from the biz who would be attending the show. In addition to Arthur Suydam (cover artist of Marvel Zombies), David Mack (writer/artist of Kabuki and a run on Daredevil), Lou Ferrigno (TV's Incredible Hulk), Doug Jones (Abe Sapien from Hellboy, the Silver Surfer from Fantastic Four 2, and a couple of characters from Pan's Labyrinth) and Jason Mewes of Jay and Silent Bob fame (Clerks, Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). In addition, the 1960s Batmobile was scheduled to be in attendance, as well.
The show ran on Saturday, Oct 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5. PM and I had passes for the whole weekend, but to save a little money we decided to drive up on Saturday morning so we only paid for one night at the hotel. On our drive up, I asked PM if he remembered his Marvel Zombies book. He didn't. Then I got to thinking... it didn't occur to me to bring anything for Jason Mewes or David Mack to sign. What a numbskull I am. Finally, I decided it wasn't worth it to worry about, what was done was done. So we arrived shortly after the doors opened at 10 a.m.
What a glorious sea of discount comics, half-price hardcover collections, action figures and artists/writers it was. Granted there are significantly bigger shows around the country, but since this was my first, I was duly impressed. PM and I decided to just start with the first aisle on the right and make our way through. At some point we got separated so I can't speak to all of his experiences but here is how the rest of day one went.
The first vendor I came to had a large number of action figures. I had a few in mind I was looking for and he had the most elusive one, the Movie Masters version of the Joker from The Dark Knight. The key thing about this particular figure is that it is the only one that actually looked like Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. The Joker is my favorite villain and I felt that I must have him in my collection. It was originally sold in stores like Wal-Mart, but I could never find it and I refuse to shop in Wal-Mart anymore (click here for that story). So the only place to get it was on the collector's market. On ebay it was averaging $20 a figure, a price I wasn't willing to pay on ebay because with the shipping those yahoos were charging, I'd be paying $30-$35 for it. It wasn't worth that much to me. However, $20 at a comic convention was worth it. So, I got it.
I was already forgetting about my lapse in preparation of not having anything for Jason Mewes to sign.
I continued down the first aisle, and since I had scored the most elusive item on my shopping list, I was just looking around pricing things, trying to find the best deal. I got to the end of the aisle and was looking through a bin of $1 comics when I came across one that I knew my nephew wanted, but since we were separated I had to call him to make sure he hadn't found it yet. Well, he didn't answer his phone. I decided to go ahead and get it and hoped he hadn't found it as well. It was for a comic called Bump, and it was issue #1 of 4. But my best find at that table was a comic version of Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. As a kid I loved that TV special and because I collect copies of the book by Charles Dickens (I have nearly 40 copies) I had to have it.
From there I made my way up and down a couple more aisles, was reminded that I didn't bring my Daredevil book for David Mack to sign, found a couple of 50% off hardcover and trade paperback bins and searched for more figures. Next to Batman my favorite crime fighter is Batgirl (big stretch, huh?). However, I prefer the Cassandra Cain BG to the Barbara Gordon version, but there are very few action figures made of the Cassandra Cain version. As such, I'm left to get the better versions of the Barbara Gordon BG, and I found two of the ones I was looking for at a very reasonable rate.
Later that day, I came across three of the characters from the comic Preacher: Cassidy, Tulip and The Saint of Killers. Luckily, the next day I found the main character, Jesse Custer.
I also found some books. Looking through a 50% off bin, I picked up a Spider-man hardcover, a couple of Batman hardcovers and I found a hardcover of the third Marvel Zombies story that PM didn't have. Which was very good, because now he has something for Arthur Suydam to autograph.
Eventually I found PM and we walked to the hotel room to drop off our goodies (I had purchased significantly more than he did and those action figures are bulky!). Then, we headed out to lunch. After re-energizing, it was back to the convention floor. Again, we split up.
This time I made an effort to scope out the artist booths and see if there was anything that interested me. There was a large number of folks I hadn't heard of or whose work I wasn't interested in, but I did take a few moments out of my day to stop and talk to Kenn Minter, a Lexington writer/artist who self-publishes a comic called the Experts. I already had all the copies available of that so I purchased his book of semi-autobiographical comics. We chatted for awhile about the show, comics and the odd guy dressed as Nightcrawler, and then I was off again.
I came across an artist who had a number of prints for sale of sketches he had drawn. But only one caught my eye. As I said I love Batman comics and the Joker is my favorite villain. Therefore, one of my favorite stories is The Killing Joke. The premise is very good and it sets up Barbara Gordon's future as Oracle.
Here is the cover to that book:
I really enjoyed The Dark Knight this summer and thought Heath Ledger's take on the Joker was genius. So, when I saw this print,
I knew I had to have it.
I ended up meeting PM in the next to last aisle. The line was short for Arthur Suydam, so we decided to go ahead and get in line to get his book autographed. While there I noticed he had a number of prints of his artwork for sale. I found this great print of Mary Jane Watson (Peter Parker/Spider-man's love) and decided to pick it up and have it autographed.
I don't read Marvel Zombies, but this print was cool. There was a guy two people in front of us who have a bunch of trading cards, I'd say 30, that he asked Arthur to sign. And he did. Everyone one of them. Which I thought was nice, but come on, 30? You know he was going to put those on ebay or something. So, PM got his book signed, I got a book signed for my friend Kim, and I got a print signed.
Then we moved over to the last aisle where the movie/tv folks were. That is where Lou Ferigno was charging $30 for a polaroid photo (are you kidding me????) and for $20 you could have your picture taken in the 1960s Batmobile. That car is very cool, but I certainly didn't need to sit in it. Also, we ran into Josh and his girlfriend Mel near the Jason Mewes booth. Mewes was mingling with the crowd around his table and Josh and Mel were getting their photos taken with him. He returned to his seat signing items, and I related to Josh that I was upset that it never occurred to me to bring something for him to sign. What a numbskull I was. About that time, someone in line came up to us and said that he was giving the 8x10 photos he had on his table away. At that point, we decided to get in line. I was redeemed!
Now, I must say this... I am not starstruck. I don't fall over myself to get near celebrities and I don't cry at the mere sight of someone whose work I like. But these photos were friend, dude. How could I pass that up? Mel went first and she asked him to personalize it and write "With love." I went next and asked him to personalize mine, as well. Here is what I got:
He was really cool and down to earth, and has this weird eyebrow thing he does when you take his photo.
I then snapped a photo of the Batmobile, and we all moved on.
PM and I were tuckered out from our 5 hours at the show, so we headed back to the hotel to drop our stuff off and take a breather. Now, PM is a shopper. When he has money, it burns a hole in pocket. And his favorite store is Hot Topic. I mean, you know kids today. So we head to a mall a few miles away. Luckily it's good for both of us because I got to go to the Apple Store and drool a little bit. But Hot Topic was where we both actually found something. He got a hoodie and t-shirt, and I found this gem:
Halloween is my favorite movie, so I had to get an action figure of my favorite boogey man, right?
After another hour or so of looking around, PM and I picked Josh and Mel up near the convention center and we all went out to dinner. Good times, good times.
After dropping them back off, PM and I headed back out to search out one of the three Half Price Books locations in the Columbus area. I love, LOVE Half Price Books. If you've never been, you must go sometime. As expected I found a book, one I had been looking for for some time.
And finally, we headed back to the hotel so this old guy could rest his weary, aching back.
On Day 2, we got started by checking out of the hotel and loading up the car. Once that task was accomplished we were off to the convention once again to take one last look around before heading out. We again split up to maximize our efforts. As I made my way around, I passed David Mack's table again and since no one was in line, I decided to just stop and tell him how much I enjoyed his run on Daredevil. As I mentioned before, he also writes/draws Kabuki, a title I had been tempted to pick in the past, but just hadn't ever done it. Since he had the trade paperback of Volume 1 for sale, I decided to go ahead and give Kabuki a try. I also asked him to sketch the character for me.
As we were talking he told me that the new series of Kabuki was a different writing style and a little different art-wise. He had a number of the issues on his table so he gave those to me as well, along with a couple of sketch books. And to top it off, he signed them all. I wish I had know then what I found out later: he is from the Cincy area and lives in Bromley, Kentucky, and he graduated from Northern Kentucky University. So, that made my day.
I wandered around a little more before tracking PM down. We talked about what we saw and did, and turns out he spoke to David Mack, too, and he gave PM a couple of signed comics. Just an amazingly cordial, nice guy.
By that time, we were pooped. We left the con for the last time, headed to the car and went searching for some lunch and the other two Half Price Books stores.
It was a great time, and honestly, I can't wait to do it again.
And like I said, if you had no idea how big a geek I am, you should know now.
As I said, I'm a bit of a geek. And this past weekend I cemented my geekness by attending my first comic book convention, the Mid-Ohio Con. It is one of the closest cons to Lexington (Adventure Con in Knoxville is probably a little closer) but it has always been on Thanksgiving weekend prior to this year. Thus, I was never able to go. But earlier this year, the owners decided to sell it and the new owners decided to change the date. And because of that, I was able to go.
A few months ago I mentioned it to my nephew, PM, and invited him along. Over the past few years I have gotten him interested in comics. He reads some superhero stuff (Ultimate Spider-man), but really likes zombie books, especially Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead. I, on the other hand, love almost anything Batman. I don't know why, he's just my favorite superhero. I think a lot of it is that he has no super powers, so he's a little more grounded in reality. I mean, Superman is an alien... what's that about??? But beyond Batman, I do like a few others like Daredevil and Spider-man.
However, I do read a lot outside of the superhero genre. My favorite series of all-time is (was) Strangers in Paradise, which ended over a year ago after a very long run. I found out about late but when I did finally start reading it, I devoured it. Then when the end came, I decided not to read it as each issue came out. I wanted to wait so I could read the final story arc in one sitting. I still haven't done that. But I really need to...
Others I like include Blankets by Craig Thompson, Box Office Poison by Alex Robinson, Ghost World by Daniel Clowes, Breakfast After Noon by Andi Watson, Hepcats by Martin Wagner, Local and Demo by Brian Wood, Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, Stray Bullets by David Lapham, Sandman by Neil Gaiman, Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn, and V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd.
So, anyway, PM and I were really looking forward to the show. I had told him that he needed to bring along his copy of Marvel Zombies to have signed because the guy who drew all the covers was going to be there. He was doubly excited about that. For the weeks leading up to the show, the Mid-Ohio Con Web site continued updating with the latest news on those from the biz who would be attending the show. In addition to Arthur Suydam (cover artist of Marvel Zombies), David Mack (writer/artist of Kabuki and a run on Daredevil), Lou Ferrigno (TV's Incredible Hulk), Doug Jones (Abe Sapien from Hellboy, the Silver Surfer from Fantastic Four 2, and a couple of characters from Pan's Labyrinth) and Jason Mewes of Jay and Silent Bob fame (Clerks, Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). In addition, the 1960s Batmobile was scheduled to be in attendance, as well.
The show ran on Saturday, Oct 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5. PM and I had passes for the whole weekend, but to save a little money we decided to drive up on Saturday morning so we only paid for one night at the hotel. On our drive up, I asked PM if he remembered his Marvel Zombies book. He didn't. Then I got to thinking... it didn't occur to me to bring anything for Jason Mewes or David Mack to sign. What a numbskull I am. Finally, I decided it wasn't worth it to worry about, what was done was done. So we arrived shortly after the doors opened at 10 a.m.
What a glorious sea of discount comics, half-price hardcover collections, action figures and artists/writers it was. Granted there are significantly bigger shows around the country, but since this was my first, I was duly impressed. PM and I decided to just start with the first aisle on the right and make our way through. At some point we got separated so I can't speak to all of his experiences but here is how the rest of day one went.
The first vendor I came to had a large number of action figures. I had a few in mind I was looking for and he had the most elusive one, the Movie Masters version of the Joker from The Dark Knight. The key thing about this particular figure is that it is the only one that actually looked like Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker. The Joker is my favorite villain and I felt that I must have him in my collection. It was originally sold in stores like Wal-Mart, but I could never find it and I refuse to shop in Wal-Mart anymore (click here for that story). So the only place to get it was on the collector's market. On ebay it was averaging $20 a figure, a price I wasn't willing to pay on ebay because with the shipping those yahoos were charging, I'd be paying $30-$35 for it. It wasn't worth that much to me. However, $20 at a comic convention was worth it. So, I got it.
I was already forgetting about my lapse in preparation of not having anything for Jason Mewes to sign.
I continued down the first aisle, and since I had scored the most elusive item on my shopping list, I was just looking around pricing things, trying to find the best deal. I got to the end of the aisle and was looking through a bin of $1 comics when I came across one that I knew my nephew wanted, but since we were separated I had to call him to make sure he hadn't found it yet. Well, he didn't answer his phone. I decided to go ahead and get it and hoped he hadn't found it as well. It was for a comic called Bump, and it was issue #1 of 4. But my best find at that table was a comic version of Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. As a kid I loved that TV special and because I collect copies of the book by Charles Dickens (I have nearly 40 copies) I had to have it.
From there I made my way up and down a couple more aisles, was reminded that I didn't bring my Daredevil book for David Mack to sign, found a couple of 50% off hardcover and trade paperback bins and searched for more figures. Next to Batman my favorite crime fighter is Batgirl (big stretch, huh?). However, I prefer the Cassandra Cain BG to the Barbara Gordon version, but there are very few action figures made of the Cassandra Cain version. As such, I'm left to get the better versions of the Barbara Gordon BG, and I found two of the ones I was looking for at a very reasonable rate.
Later that day, I came across three of the characters from the comic Preacher: Cassidy, Tulip and The Saint of Killers. Luckily, the next day I found the main character, Jesse Custer.
I also found some books. Looking through a 50% off bin, I picked up a Spider-man hardcover, a couple of Batman hardcovers and I found a hardcover of the third Marvel Zombies story that PM didn't have. Which was very good, because now he has something for Arthur Suydam to autograph.
Eventually I found PM and we walked to the hotel room to drop off our goodies (I had purchased significantly more than he did and those action figures are bulky!). Then, we headed out to lunch. After re-energizing, it was back to the convention floor. Again, we split up.
This time I made an effort to scope out the artist booths and see if there was anything that interested me. There was a large number of folks I hadn't heard of or whose work I wasn't interested in, but I did take a few moments out of my day to stop and talk to Kenn Minter, a Lexington writer/artist who self-publishes a comic called the Experts. I already had all the copies available of that so I purchased his book of semi-autobiographical comics. We chatted for awhile about the show, comics and the odd guy dressed as Nightcrawler, and then I was off again.
I came across an artist who had a number of prints for sale of sketches he had drawn. But only one caught my eye. As I said I love Batman comics and the Joker is my favorite villain. Therefore, one of my favorite stories is The Killing Joke. The premise is very good and it sets up Barbara Gordon's future as Oracle.
Here is the cover to that book:
I really enjoyed The Dark Knight this summer and thought Heath Ledger's take on the Joker was genius. So, when I saw this print,
I knew I had to have it.
I ended up meeting PM in the next to last aisle. The line was short for Arthur Suydam, so we decided to go ahead and get in line to get his book autographed. While there I noticed he had a number of prints of his artwork for sale. I found this great print of Mary Jane Watson (Peter Parker/Spider-man's love) and decided to pick it up and have it autographed.
I don't read Marvel Zombies, but this print was cool. There was a guy two people in front of us who have a bunch of trading cards, I'd say 30, that he asked Arthur to sign. And he did. Everyone one of them. Which I thought was nice, but come on, 30? You know he was going to put those on ebay or something. So, PM got his book signed, I got a book signed for my friend Kim, and I got a print signed.
Then we moved over to the last aisle where the movie/tv folks were. That is where Lou Ferigno was charging $30 for a polaroid photo (are you kidding me????) and for $20 you could have your picture taken in the 1960s Batmobile. That car is very cool, but I certainly didn't need to sit in it. Also, we ran into Josh and his girlfriend Mel near the Jason Mewes booth. Mewes was mingling with the crowd around his table and Josh and Mel were getting their photos taken with him. He returned to his seat signing items, and I related to Josh that I was upset that it never occurred to me to bring something for him to sign. What a numbskull I was. About that time, someone in line came up to us and said that he was giving the 8x10 photos he had on his table away. At that point, we decided to get in line. I was redeemed!
Now, I must say this... I am not starstruck. I don't fall over myself to get near celebrities and I don't cry at the mere sight of someone whose work I like. But these photos were friend, dude. How could I pass that up? Mel went first and she asked him to personalize it and write "With love." I went next and asked him to personalize mine, as well. Here is what I got:
He was really cool and down to earth, and has this weird eyebrow thing he does when you take his photo.
I then snapped a photo of the Batmobile, and we all moved on.
PM and I were tuckered out from our 5 hours at the show, so we headed back to the hotel to drop our stuff off and take a breather. Now, PM is a shopper. When he has money, it burns a hole in pocket. And his favorite store is Hot Topic. I mean, you know kids today. So we head to a mall a few miles away. Luckily it's good for both of us because I got to go to the Apple Store and drool a little bit. But Hot Topic was where we both actually found something. He got a hoodie and t-shirt, and I found this gem:
Halloween is my favorite movie, so I had to get an action figure of my favorite boogey man, right?
After another hour or so of looking around, PM and I picked Josh and Mel up near the convention center and we all went out to dinner. Good times, good times.
After dropping them back off, PM and I headed back out to search out one of the three Half Price Books locations in the Columbus area. I love, LOVE Half Price Books. If you've never been, you must go sometime. As expected I found a book, one I had been looking for for some time.
And finally, we headed back to the hotel so this old guy could rest his weary, aching back.
On Day 2, we got started by checking out of the hotel and loading up the car. Once that task was accomplished we were off to the convention once again to take one last look around before heading out. We again split up to maximize our efforts. As I made my way around, I passed David Mack's table again and since no one was in line, I decided to just stop and tell him how much I enjoyed his run on Daredevil. As I mentioned before, he also writes/draws Kabuki, a title I had been tempted to pick in the past, but just hadn't ever done it. Since he had the trade paperback of Volume 1 for sale, I decided to go ahead and give Kabuki a try. I also asked him to sketch the character for me.
As we were talking he told me that the new series of Kabuki was a different writing style and a little different art-wise. He had a number of the issues on his table so he gave those to me as well, along with a couple of sketch books. And to top it off, he signed them all. I wish I had know then what I found out later: he is from the Cincy area and lives in Bromley, Kentucky, and he graduated from Northern Kentucky University. So, that made my day.
I wandered around a little more before tracking PM down. We talked about what we saw and did, and turns out he spoke to David Mack, too, and he gave PM a couple of signed comics. Just an amazingly cordial, nice guy.
By that time, we were pooped. We left the con for the last time, headed to the car and went searching for some lunch and the other two Half Price Books stores.
It was a great time, and honestly, I can't wait to do it again.
And like I said, if you had no idea how big a geek I am, you should know now.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Quote of the Day - 9/29/08
"Clearly that's a bottle of Evian that I'm going to build a ship in."
- My friend Patrick when asked by his mom (who was helping him pack in preparation for moving) what that bottle was for
- My friend Patrick when asked by his mom (who was helping him pack in preparation for moving) what that bottle was for
Friday, September 19, 2008
Quote of the Day - 9/19/08
“He was a victim of what Quentin [Tarrantino] was a victim of. ‘Jackie Brown’ is a great movie, but it’s not ‘Pulp Fiction 2.’ ‘Unbreakable’ is a great movie, but it’s not ‘I see f**king dead people.’ ”
- Samuel L. Jackson on the original idea that M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable" be a trilogy.
- Samuel L. Jackson on the original idea that M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable" be a trilogy.
Friday, September 5, 2008
"Her Name Bubbles"
I have been having Seth Rogen overload. It seems all the characters he's been portraying are the same. As a result, I had lost some of my excitement on the upcoming Kevin Smith film "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." Could I stand more Rogen this soon? But my hope was that being written by someone other than Rogen would help. The red-band (R-rated) trailer came out this week.
I couldn't stop laughing.
My excitement has be reinvigorated!
Enjoy! (and remember, it's R-rated)
I couldn't stop laughing.
My excitement has be reinvigorated!
Enjoy! (and remember, it's R-rated)
Too Funny
I came upon the American "Office" late. I know, I know, where was I? In a cave? No, I was rewatching the BBC version and the BBC show "Extras." If you haven't seen "Extras" do it now.
Anyway, NBC made this commercial. I just came across it again and couldn't stop laughing.
I think I'll watch it again...
Anyway, NBC made this commercial. I just came across it again and couldn't stop laughing.
I think I'll watch it again...
Quote of the Day - 9/5/08
"It's one of the most disgusting developments in the last few years. The whole notion of a PG-13 horror movie to me is a contradiction in terms. It's like having a XXX Disney picture. It doesn't work."
- Horror Author Clive Barker
- Horror Author Clive Barker
Monday, September 1, 2008
Most People Won't Care...
that I saw Robert Kirkman tonight at the Lexington, KY Barnes and Noble.
I never get starstruck, and hadn't the nerve to walk up to him and talk to him. Oh, wait, you don't know who he is, do you? Kirkman is a comics writer who lives in Lexington, KY. He has written for the likes of Marvel (Marvel Zombies) and Image (Walking Dead and Invincible).
So, anyway, I didn't want to bother him. I mean he was there to shop. It's his time, and I respect that. However, when I told my nephew, who was with me, that I thought that was him, he didn't have the same problem.
I told him (he's a Walking Dead and Marvel Zombies fan) that I thought that was Kirkman. So he went up to him, asked if it was indeed him and then talked to him for a few minutes.
What came of the conversation? My nephew said he thought he was shy. I'm sure, as a comics writer, he doesn't get recognized much, especially in Lexington. My nephew also said he was nice and said that he wouldn't be at the Mid-Ohio Con in early October. That's a bummer.
Anyway, it was cool that my nephew got to meet one of the top comics writers in the business today.
I never get starstruck, and hadn't the nerve to walk up to him and talk to him. Oh, wait, you don't know who he is, do you? Kirkman is a comics writer who lives in Lexington, KY. He has written for the likes of Marvel (Marvel Zombies) and Image (Walking Dead and Invincible).
So, anyway, I didn't want to bother him. I mean he was there to shop. It's his time, and I respect that. However, when I told my nephew, who was with me, that I thought that was him, he didn't have the same problem.
I told him (he's a Walking Dead and Marvel Zombies fan) that I thought that was Kirkman. So he went up to him, asked if it was indeed him and then talked to him for a few minutes.
What came of the conversation? My nephew said he thought he was shy. I'm sure, as a comics writer, he doesn't get recognized much, especially in Lexington. My nephew also said he was nice and said that he wouldn't be at the Mid-Ohio Con in early October. That's a bummer.
Anyway, it was cool that my nephew got to meet one of the top comics writers in the business today.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
I blogged about this previously. The videos were taken down after a few days and has been available for purchase on iTunes. Now it's available for immediate watching at Hulu.
Wonderful. Just simply wonderful.
Wonderful. Just simply wonderful.
YouTube Screening Room
I like YouTube okay. It's not the greatest thing in the world because it just has so much junk on it. But there are videos that are funny (see this previous post), and it's a great place to catch some videos of informative things you might not have seen other wise (see this previous post). But I'd say most of it is trash.
However, earlier this summer, YouTube created a section for quality short films. These shorts are not the ones you and your cousin made in the back yard with that flimsy consumer-grade camcorder. These are top-of-the-line shorts: fiction, nonfiction and animation. Some great stuff.
It's called the YouTube Screening Room. Please, if you like short films, or films in general, do yourself a favor and check it out.
My favorite short film so far:
However, earlier this summer, YouTube created a section for quality short films. These shorts are not the ones you and your cousin made in the back yard with that flimsy consumer-grade camcorder. These are top-of-the-line shorts: fiction, nonfiction and animation. Some great stuff.
It's called the YouTube Screening Room. Please, if you like short films, or films in general, do yourself a favor and check it out.
My favorite short film so far:
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Future of the Dark Knight
Well, I really enjoyed "The Dark Knight." I had intended to come out here and kind of review it. But I'm not really good at that.
Anyway, the Internet (or interwebs as some like to call it) is abuzz about a possible third Bat-flick by Christopher Nolan (too many stories to link to from here. if interested, just Google it). I'm more of a wait-and-see kind of guy. I hope there's a third one, but I'm not gonna chatter on and on about how there should be and who the villain should be and all that nonsense. If there is a third one, Nolan and his writing team will advise us when they want to. Until then, we just have to wait.
But there is this guy out there somewhere, posting art on the interwebs about possible versions of heroes and villains as he envisions them in the Nolan Bat-verse.
Ian, a buddy of mine from my days at Cinemark Fayette Mall, and I had this ongoing discussion about who could play Harley Quinn in a Bat-film. We named a number of possibilities. One who did come up was Kristen Bell. Well, turns out she would like to play Harley Quinn (go to 3:39 of the following video).
Turns out fanboys and fangirls think whe would be a good choice, too (again, too many links to cite).
And so this interwebs artist created the Nolan Bat-verse version of Harley Quinn modeled after Kristen Bell.
Honestly, I think this could work. And it would be a great addition I think. The Joker is probably in Arkham. You could introduce the character of Harleen Quinzeel, a psychiatrist treating the Joker who falls in love with him and assumes the character Harley Quinn. I think you could even do it without ever seeing the Joker.
Now I really want Harley Quinn to be in the next film.
Anyway, the Internet (or interwebs as some like to call it) is abuzz about a possible third Bat-flick by Christopher Nolan (too many stories to link to from here. if interested, just Google it). I'm more of a wait-and-see kind of guy. I hope there's a third one, but I'm not gonna chatter on and on about how there should be and who the villain should be and all that nonsense. If there is a third one, Nolan and his writing team will advise us when they want to. Until then, we just have to wait.
But there is this guy out there somewhere, posting art on the interwebs about possible versions of heroes and villains as he envisions them in the Nolan Bat-verse.
Ian, a buddy of mine from my days at Cinemark Fayette Mall, and I had this ongoing discussion about who could play Harley Quinn in a Bat-film. We named a number of possibilities. One who did come up was Kristen Bell. Well, turns out she would like to play Harley Quinn (go to 3:39 of the following video).
Turns out fanboys and fangirls think whe would be a good choice, too (again, too many links to cite).
And so this interwebs artist created the Nolan Bat-verse version of Harley Quinn modeled after Kristen Bell.
Honestly, I think this could work. And it would be a great addition I think. The Joker is probably in Arkham. You could introduce the character of Harleen Quinzeel, a psychiatrist treating the Joker who falls in love with him and assumes the character Harley Quinn. I think you could even do it without ever seeing the Joker.
Now I really want Harley Quinn to be in the next film.
I wonder...
why many adults feel the need to try to get infants and toddlers to give them high-fives...
And why did that just suddenly seem weird to me?
And why did that just suddenly seem weird to me?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Quote of the Day - 8/14/08
"The first kiss of the movie was out on Haight Street, with, like, 200 people watching, outside. It was a crane shot--I'm sure in the end it will be a really cool shot, but it starts close and then it takes maybe a minute. That's a long time on film with everybody watching and, like, a fake mustache getting in your mouth. It was long enough that you couldn't help thinking, 'Oh, my God, I'm kissing Spicoli.' "
- James Franco on his role in Gus Van Sant's "Milk," at GQ.
- James Franco on his role in Gus Van Sant's "Milk," at GQ.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Quote of the Day - 8/11/08
"Needless to say, it was a grand, beautiful, and inspiring event that I’m pretty sure made London say 'Well, f*ck.' "
- Sara Schaefer, blogger for www.bestweekever.tv on how spectacular the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies put on by China were
- Sara Schaefer, blogger for www.bestweekever.tv on how spectacular the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies put on by China were
Thursday, August 7, 2008
San Diego Comic-Con
Okay, I know this is later than I had planned, but here are the things that came out of Comic-Con that interested me:
* Ed Brubaker, whose comic work I like, is writing a series for Sony's Crackle.com entitled "Angel of Death." What I like even more about this series is that is staring Zoe Bell, who also starred in the "Death Proof" portion of Grindhouse and has done numerous stunts in film. She was my favorite part of "Death Proof". More info here and here.
* Kevin Smith, whose writing a like though I think his direction is lacking, will be writing a three-issue Batman miniseries called "Batman: Cacaphony". The best part about this news is that two of the three issues already have been written. This is important because it took forever for him to finish "Spider-Man and the Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do." He never finished "Daredevil/Bullseye: The Target." But his run on "Daredevil" reinvigorated the series. I'm really interested to see how he writes Batman.
* I really like Marvel's take on Stephen King's "The Dark Tower." And I'm super pumped about the upcoming series "The Stand." So, I have to admit that I'm excited as well about "N." It's an interesting way to present comics and story.
* An interesting panel took place about whether monthly comics were on the way out in favor of graphic novels and trades telling the stories. Personally, I love monthlies, but I just can't afford to buy all the issues I'd love to. So, sad to say, I wait for the trades. But I also love original graphic novels. What can I say, I'm torn.
* I love the products of DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. They are more adult oriented fare (not that kind of "adult" material, you perv). Titles like "Preacher," "Y: The Last Man," "Sandman," "V For Vendetta," "DMZ" and "Demo" ("Demo" was originally published by AiT/Planet Lar, but now makes its home at Vertigo) make for some very good reading. At the Con, they announced the creation of a Vertigo: Crime imprint. So, SO exciting. I love crime stories.
* Since I wasn't there, there were a few panels that I would have liked to have attended but couldn't. But thanks to YouTube and people who were there I was able to see much of them. They included:
Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible
The Office Writer's Panel
RockNRolla
Pineapple Express
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Entertainment Weekly's Visionaries: Filmmakers
All of these clips are the first parts. For more, visit YouTube.
That's it. Seemed like a good Con. I'd love to go next year, but might try my hand at a smaller-big one first, like Chicago or Charlotte. I am going to Mid-Ohio Con in October and I'll be sure to blog about all my geek-filled moments.
* Ed Brubaker, whose comic work I like, is writing a series for Sony's Crackle.com entitled "Angel of Death." What I like even more about this series is that is staring Zoe Bell, who also starred in the "Death Proof" portion of Grindhouse and has done numerous stunts in film. She was my favorite part of "Death Proof". More info here and here.
* Kevin Smith, whose writing a like though I think his direction is lacking, will be writing a three-issue Batman miniseries called "Batman: Cacaphony". The best part about this news is that two of the three issues already have been written. This is important because it took forever for him to finish "Spider-Man and the Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do." He never finished "Daredevil/Bullseye: The Target." But his run on "Daredevil" reinvigorated the series. I'm really interested to see how he writes Batman.
* I really like Marvel's take on Stephen King's "The Dark Tower." And I'm super pumped about the upcoming series "The Stand." So, I have to admit that I'm excited as well about "N." It's an interesting way to present comics and story.
* An interesting panel took place about whether monthly comics were on the way out in favor of graphic novels and trades telling the stories. Personally, I love monthlies, but I just can't afford to buy all the issues I'd love to. So, sad to say, I wait for the trades. But I also love original graphic novels. What can I say, I'm torn.
* I love the products of DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. They are more adult oriented fare (not that kind of "adult" material, you perv). Titles like "Preacher," "Y: The Last Man," "Sandman," "V For Vendetta," "DMZ" and "Demo" ("Demo" was originally published by AiT/Planet Lar, but now makes its home at Vertigo) make for some very good reading. At the Con, they announced the creation of a Vertigo: Crime imprint. So, SO exciting. I love crime stories.
* Since I wasn't there, there were a few panels that I would have liked to have attended but couldn't. But thanks to YouTube and people who were there I was able to see much of them. They included:
Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible
The Office Writer's Panel
RockNRolla
Pineapple Express
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Entertainment Weekly's Visionaries: Filmmakers
All of these clips are the first parts. For more, visit YouTube.
That's it. Seemed like a good Con. I'd love to go next year, but might try my hand at a smaller-big one first, like Chicago or Charlotte. I am going to Mid-Ohio Con in October and I'll be sure to blog about all my geek-filled moments.
Friday, July 25, 2008
I'm Ridiculous
This morning when I got to work, I spent about an hour sending our e-mails to set up interviews with some faculty members for the college's upcoming research briefs publication.
After I finished that, I checked my Google Reader. Since then I have spent the rest of the day reading about the San Diego Comic Con.
So much great stuff has come out already. But I'm going to wait until Monday to post all my favorite news, photos and tidbits.
After I finished that, I checked my Google Reader. Since then I have spent the rest of the day reading about the San Diego Comic Con.
So much great stuff has come out already. But I'm going to wait until Monday to post all my favorite news, photos and tidbits.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog...
was the opposite of horrible! If you missed it this past week, you need to run to iTunes right this minute and download the three episodes. While it was online for free at the Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog Web site for just a few days, the episodes are available for just $1.99 each on iTunes. And they are well worth it.
I have not watched or read much of Joss Whedon's work, but I am a fan of Neal Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion. Of course, NPH, aka television's Doogie Howser M.D., now stars in "How I Met Your Mother." And while I have not seen any of Fillion's work in previous Whedon projects like "Firefly" or "Serenity," I liked him in the TV show "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" and the movie "Waitress."
These shorts were very funny and well-crafted. Check 'em out.
I have not watched or read much of Joss Whedon's work, but I am a fan of Neal Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion. Of course, NPH, aka television's Doogie Howser M.D., now stars in "How I Met Your Mother." And while I have not seen any of Fillion's work in previous Whedon projects like "Firefly" or "Serenity," I liked him in the TV show "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" and the movie "Waitress."
These shorts were very funny and well-crafted. Check 'em out.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What the Hell? Part 3
In our last episode, our fearless hero dropped his car off at Aamco Transmissions, left to fate. His concern and worry (which because it was a transmission problem caused him to consider what he was going to do when he realized he might have to take out a loan to pay for the fix) appeared and ended up making him physically ill.
He waited anxiously all morning for a phone call telling him about the damage. Finally, about 10 minutes to 1 p.m., he could stand it no more and called Aamco himself.
Drew said that it was, in fact, a problem with a shift solenoid. Our hero still had no idea what that was. Drew said, "Did you notice that the car wasn't shifting into fourth gear?" Our hero responded in the affirmative.
Drew continued by saying that the solenoid was dead, but that there was a good side to the news. The solenoid was an easy fix, easy to get to and shouldn't cost more than $300 to fix. Our hero was excited by this news. His fears were that he'd have to pay in the $1,000 range, but now realized the final figure would be significantly lower.
Aamco finally got the part, fixed the car and did right by our hero.
Final tally: $187.53. Actually, the part cost more than the labor. Rare.
But if you know our hero, you know that for weeks he will be paranoid that something will pop up again. And he's planning a trip home this coming week, a 200-mile trip.
Paranoia can upset the stomach, too...
He waited anxiously all morning for a phone call telling him about the damage. Finally, about 10 minutes to 1 p.m., he could stand it no more and called Aamco himself.
Drew said that it was, in fact, a problem with a shift solenoid. Our hero still had no idea what that was. Drew said, "Did you notice that the car wasn't shifting into fourth gear?" Our hero responded in the affirmative.
Drew continued by saying that the solenoid was dead, but that there was a good side to the news. The solenoid was an easy fix, easy to get to and shouldn't cost more than $300 to fix. Our hero was excited by this news. His fears were that he'd have to pay in the $1,000 range, but now realized the final figure would be significantly lower.
Aamco finally got the part, fixed the car and did right by our hero.
Final tally: $187.53. Actually, the part cost more than the labor. Rare.
But if you know our hero, you know that for weeks he will be paranoid that something will pop up again. And he's planning a trip home this coming week, a 200-mile trip.
Paranoia can upset the stomach, too...
Monday, July 7, 2008
What the Hell? Part 2
This morning I called an auto repair place close to me to see if they could check out what might be wrong with my car. They said I should take it to "Exhaust Pro." Turns out I think the repair place I chose doesn't work on domestic cars. Anyway, I take the car out to "Exhaust Pro," and leave it there to await my fate.
I get a call a few hours later. The guy there told me that the code that came up in the diagnostic test indicated a transmission issue, something to do with the solenoids. I don't even know what those are!
Unfortunately, "Exhaust Pro" isn't "Transmission Pro" so I had to find another place to take it. I didn't want to drive the car any further than I had to, so I found a transmission place just down the street from there. The "Aamco Transmission" dude told me over the phone that I could bring it in and they would run the diagnostics and find the problem for no charge. "Exhaust Pro" normally charges $29.95 to run the diagnostics. I told the "AT" dude I'd bring it by. He also told me that he was surprised I was bringing in a Ford Focus. He said that those cars usually have really good transmissions and that they rarely get a Focus in there.
Guess I bought a Friday afternoon or Monday morning car. Just my luck.
When I picked up my car from "EP", the dude there told me that he wouldn't charge me the $29.95 since it wasn't something they could fix and I'd be charged again wherever I ended up taking it. I didn't tell him he was wrong.
So, I took the car to "AT" and left it.
Now I have to wait for the diagnosis.
I get a call a few hours later. The guy there told me that the code that came up in the diagnostic test indicated a transmission issue, something to do with the solenoids. I don't even know what those are!
Unfortunately, "Exhaust Pro" isn't "Transmission Pro" so I had to find another place to take it. I didn't want to drive the car any further than I had to, so I found a transmission place just down the street from there. The "Aamco Transmission" dude told me over the phone that I could bring it in and they would run the diagnostics and find the problem for no charge. "Exhaust Pro" normally charges $29.95 to run the diagnostics. I told the "AT" dude I'd bring it by. He also told me that he was surprised I was bringing in a Ford Focus. He said that those cars usually have really good transmissions and that they rarely get a Focus in there.
Guess I bought a Friday afternoon or Monday morning car. Just my luck.
When I picked up my car from "EP", the dude there told me that he wouldn't charge me the $29.95 since it wasn't something they could fix and I'd be charged again wherever I ended up taking it. I didn't tell him he was wrong.
So, I took the car to "AT" and left it.
Now I have to wait for the diagnosis.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
What the Hell?
The check engine light in my car came on today. Since I'm not mechanically inclined, I called my uncle to get his advice. Basically, I was looking for an answer that would not require a huge out-lay of money. He had some interesting things to say, but I'm paranoid about tons of stuff. And getting stuck on the side of the road somewhere because my car broke down doesn't interest me in the least.
So, I decided to go ahead and take it someplace to get it checked out.
I called the first place I could think of that was close to me. It's a Goodyear Tire and Auto Service business on Richmond Road. I had an excellent encounter a while back when I had a bad tire. So, I thought, might as well check that place out.
I called and told them about the issue at hand. The guy said that if I could come out there right away, they'd run the diagnostic procedure on it to see what might be wrong. I said I'd be there in 10 minutes.
I got there in less than 10 minutes (thankfully I hit all green lights). I walked in and some older gentleman came to the counter. I told him I had just called, that I was there to have a diagnostic run because of the check engine light and that Terry told me he could run that if I got there right away (the technicians leave at 5 and it was 2:30 p.m.). The older dude said, "Let me go back and check." I reiterated that Terry said he could do it today.
The old dude left. He came back in just a couple minutes and said they had taken a couple more jobs since I had called and that they couldn't fit it in. I said, "But he told me he could do it." And all I got was "Well, they can't do it today now."
I am so pissed...
So, I decided to go ahead and take it someplace to get it checked out.
I called the first place I could think of that was close to me. It's a Goodyear Tire and Auto Service business on Richmond Road. I had an excellent encounter a while back when I had a bad tire. So, I thought, might as well check that place out.
I called and told them about the issue at hand. The guy said that if I could come out there right away, they'd run the diagnostic procedure on it to see what might be wrong. I said I'd be there in 10 minutes.
I got there in less than 10 minutes (thankfully I hit all green lights). I walked in and some older gentleman came to the counter. I told him I had just called, that I was there to have a diagnostic run because of the check engine light and that Terry told me he could run that if I got there right away (the technicians leave at 5 and it was 2:30 p.m.). The older dude said, "Let me go back and check." I reiterated that Terry said he could do it today.
The old dude left. He came back in just a couple minutes and said they had taken a couple more jobs since I had called and that they couldn't fit it in. I said, "But he told me he could do it." And all I got was "Well, they can't do it today now."
I am so pissed...
Friday, July 4, 2008
Oh, that Hellboy!
Check out these new promos for the upcoming "Hellboy II" flick set to hit theatres a week from today.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Hair-raising Experience
I have a hard time finding a barber who cuts my hair the way I like. I must admit, however, that as thick as my hair is and the fact that I'm losing it on top doesn't make getting a good haircut that easy.
There is a barber shop in Chevy Chase I used to go to where I had a barber who did about as fine a job as a barber has ever done. Then she up and got married and left that shop. I didn't know where she went, so I had to find a new one. I went back to the same shop, but the other barbers there just weren't what I was looking for. Finally, one Sunday I had to have a cut and the only place open near me was one of those chains.
Word of advice, I don't care if they offer discounted cuts. Never go to a national chain for a hair cut. My experience there was not good.
So, a while back a barber shop opened up down the street from my office. One day at lunch I decided to try it out and get a cut during my lunch break. I was very pleased. So please that I went back a second time when I needed the cut again. When I got up today, I felt that I needed a cut again so I walked down to Shaggy's Barber Shop (yes, that's what it is called) to get my cut. Much to my dismay, someone else was there cutting. I would have felt bad walking back out because there was no line. So I stuck around and got the cut. Luckily, it turned out well.
But there's still only so much you can do for this head of hair of mine.
There is a barber shop in Chevy Chase I used to go to where I had a barber who did about as fine a job as a barber has ever done. Then she up and got married and left that shop. I didn't know where she went, so I had to find a new one. I went back to the same shop, but the other barbers there just weren't what I was looking for. Finally, one Sunday I had to have a cut and the only place open near me was one of those chains.
Word of advice, I don't care if they offer discounted cuts. Never go to a national chain for a hair cut. My experience there was not good.
So, a while back a barber shop opened up down the street from my office. One day at lunch I decided to try it out and get a cut during my lunch break. I was very pleased. So please that I went back a second time when I needed the cut again. When I got up today, I felt that I needed a cut again so I walked down to Shaggy's Barber Shop (yes, that's what it is called) to get my cut. Much to my dismay, someone else was there cutting. I would have felt bad walking back out because there was no line. So I stuck around and got the cut. Luckily, it turned out well.
But there's still only so much you can do for this head of hair of mine.
iMac, uMac, we all Mac...
Well, I don't think we all Mac, but we sure should. I have used an Apple Macintosh in school and in a couple of my jobs, but always had a PC at home. In January of this year, I made the switch. I love the Mac.
When I was working at HOST Communications, I worked on a Mac and I would regress to the inferior PC I had when I got home. It was the way the past year when I was taking classes at BCTC. Now, I have a new job and a new Mac, but the same problem. But this time I have a PC at work.
I hate it.
So a friend of mine just got a shiny new iMac. I'm jealous. Yes, I already have a Mac but it's a Macbook Pro. Don't get me wrong. It's the Mac-daddy of Mac notebooks (hahahaha), but now I want a desktop. Frankly, when the time comes, I'll probably get a Mac Pro instead of an iMac. But I'm still jealous!
I am excited, though, because yesterday I ordered my mom a new computer, a shiny new iMac. It should ship today, and should arrive well in advance of my upcoming visit to the homestead on July 11-20. Mom is new to Mac so I'm doubly excited to introduce her to the greatest computing experience she has ever had.
And with the built-in iSight camera, she and I can video conference instead of talking on the phone all the time. Unless I'm having a bad hair day, then it's phone all the way.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Life Happens
So, had to head home Tuesday unexpectedly. Mom had gone through a stress test a while back and the docs saw something suspicious. As a result, they scheduled a cardiac catheterization for yesterday. She was a nervous wreck, and of course I was worried as well.
As you may know, that's basically what led to the end for my Dad. And I wasn't there for him during it.
So, I dropped everything and headed home. There were things I had planned this week that I really wanted to do, things to advance my dream a bit, but you know, life happens and it's important to prioritize. And since February 2006, my No. 1 priority is my family.
Therefore, I am missing a film showing and filmmaker Q&A tonight and unfortunately I had to delay the start of editing on the short film I've been working on.
Anyway, the procedure was yesterday and the doc said he was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. It wasn't nearly as bad as he thought it might be. As a result, no further medical procedures are necessary. We just need to get Mom to quit smoking. Which she has vowed to do.
As you may know, that's basically what led to the end for my Dad. And I wasn't there for him during it.
So, I dropped everything and headed home. There were things I had planned this week that I really wanted to do, things to advance my dream a bit, but you know, life happens and it's important to prioritize. And since February 2006, my No. 1 priority is my family.
Therefore, I am missing a film showing and filmmaker Q&A tonight and unfortunately I had to delay the start of editing on the short film I've been working on.
Anyway, the procedure was yesterday and the doc said he was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. It wasn't nearly as bad as he thought it might be. As a result, no further medical procedures are necessary. We just need to get Mom to quit smoking. Which she has vowed to do.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Old and Forgetful
That is what I am. I know, I know, you're saying, "No, Brad, you aren't old." Well, I might give you that, but I am forgetful. Prime example:
Back in early December 2007, I ordered some magazines through an online company for my nephew for Christmas. In an effort to not feel left out, I ordered a title for myself, too. I have yet to receive it. It's been nearly 7 months. 7 months! But I never called to check on it because I had completely forgotten I had ordered it. Until yesterday when I was straightening up a little around the old apartment (see my things are old, as well) and came across a copy of the magazine I had purchased last year.
How in the world could I go so long without thinking of it? First of all I read too many magazines. Well, I certainly subscribe to too many. Here's the rundown: Entertainment Weekly (I gave up on the magazine a few years ago because I found some of the reviews and stories just short of ridiculous. I was subscribing to Premiere Magazine at the time. It was a 10-issue a year mag devoted to movies. I loved it. Well, Premiere went to an online only version not long ago. Not long after that I got an offer in the mail to go back to Entertainment Weekly for $10. How could I pass up on a weekly magazine for $10 for a year? Well, I couldn't and now Entertainment Weekly clutters my tables and desks.), Comics Buyers Guide, Filmmaker Magazine, Movie Maker Magazine, Fade In (another movie mag), Creative Screenwriting, Script Magazine (another screenwriting mag) and the Hollywood Reporter (which is a daily!). Now, I've called about my subscription to Moving Pictures Magazine. The great thing about Moving Pictures is that they include a DVD with every issue. The issue I bought last year included the winning short films from the mag's film contest. There is another magazine I'd love to subscribe to and that's Empire Magazine. Unfortunately, it is a British mag, and subscribing to it would cost me more than what I pay on the newsstand. So, I just buy it off the newsstand. But not every month because it costs $10 an issue.
Anyway, I'm forgetful.
And don't you forget it!
Back in early December 2007, I ordered some magazines through an online company for my nephew for Christmas. In an effort to not feel left out, I ordered a title for myself, too. I have yet to receive it. It's been nearly 7 months. 7 months! But I never called to check on it because I had completely forgotten I had ordered it. Until yesterday when I was straightening up a little around the old apartment (see my things are old, as well) and came across a copy of the magazine I had purchased last year.
How in the world could I go so long without thinking of it? First of all I read too many magazines. Well, I certainly subscribe to too many. Here's the rundown: Entertainment Weekly (I gave up on the magazine a few years ago because I found some of the reviews and stories just short of ridiculous. I was subscribing to Premiere Magazine at the time. It was a 10-issue a year mag devoted to movies. I loved it. Well, Premiere went to an online only version not long ago. Not long after that I got an offer in the mail to go back to Entertainment Weekly for $10. How could I pass up on a weekly magazine for $10 for a year? Well, I couldn't and now Entertainment Weekly clutters my tables and desks.), Comics Buyers Guide, Filmmaker Magazine, Movie Maker Magazine, Fade In (another movie mag), Creative Screenwriting, Script Magazine (another screenwriting mag) and the Hollywood Reporter (which is a daily!). Now, I've called about my subscription to Moving Pictures Magazine. The great thing about Moving Pictures is that they include a DVD with every issue. The issue I bought last year included the winning short films from the mag's film contest. There is another magazine I'd love to subscribe to and that's Empire Magazine. Unfortunately, it is a British mag, and subscribing to it would cost me more than what I pay on the newsstand. So, I just buy it off the newsstand. But not every month because it costs $10 an issue.
Anyway, I'm forgetful.
And don't you forget it!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Quote of the Day - 6/18/08
"Unless you are proactive, others will determine the course your life will take."
- Unknown
- Unknown
Father's Day part 2
I was over tidying up my Myspace page and found a post from last year about Father's Day. Thought I'd repost here in case anyone missed it over there. It's still how I feel...
when i was a kid, i remember father's day being this great, wonderful day. the week before, my sister and i would go with my mom somewhere to buy the next great father's day gift. it could be a tie, a belt, some wonderful new blue dress socks, a wrench set, or some other typical father's day gift. we'd go to church on that sunday, and then gather at my maternal grandparents' house for a great lunch. it was always a wonderful, wonderful day.
but the day isn't about what you get your dad, it's about celebrating your dad. about thanking him for all he does for you, about telling him you love him as much as he loves you.
well, i know we all may not have the best relationships with our fathers, but that is how i feel about it.
when i got to college, i remember i didn't usually have the money to get my dad a great gift, but i would always hang out with him or call if i couldn't be there. and he didn't care that i didn't get him a gift, although he jokingly kept tabs on how many gifts i owed him from the ones i missed. but giving him a hug and telling him i loved him was really all he needed and wanted.
after college, it was much the same, but not one year went by that i didn't let my dad know what he meant to me.
in 1999, after having lived with my dad for almost a year after he and my mom separated (they got back together in 2000), i moved back to lexington. at the time, i felt it was the best thing for me, but i'm not as sure that it was the best thing for my dad. he was still feeling lonely and didn't know what to do, and i left. but you know what he did? he supported me. he was the one to kind of pushed me to do that. he came with me to lexington to find a place to live, to check out the school i wanted to go to. he never balked. he did it because he loved me.
for father's day that year, i again wasn't able to buy him a gift or to visit him. but for the first time in my life, i wrote my dad a letter. by that time he and my mom were reconciling, he was overcoming some problems he had, and things were certainly looking up for him, finally. in that letter, i told him that i was sorry i couldn't see him, but that i was extremely proud of him "for the man he was, for the man he is, and for the man he would be." i really just laid it out on the line like never before.
over the next few years each summer and at christmas i'd try to go home for a week or two to visit my folks. my dad was retired so that gave the two of us so much time to hang out, to catch up, to enjoy each others' company. and when it came down to it, he would do just about anything i wanted. we always would hit the movie theatre a couple times, usually seeing something i wanted to see, but he always said he enjoyed it. and truthfully, i think he did. he would go to the comic book store with me even though he really had no interest in comics. i would go to home depot and lowes with him, even though i really had no interest in those places. we were growing closer than we ever had before. i can remember around christmas 2005/january 2006 i was home and dad and i went to see "the family stone" one day and then the next we went to see "fun with dick and jane".
those were the last two films we'd ever see together.
in february of '06, he died.
when i was home for the funeral, i was looking through some materials of dad's, just looking for a piece of him, a memory of him that i could hold on to. while looking through the materials, i couldn't believe what i found -- the letter i had written him for father's day back in 99. i couldn't believe it. i knew dad was a pack rat, but in the time that had passed since i wrote the letter, he had moved a couple times, and this letter was in the top drawer of his desk. it wasn't filed away, it wasn't at the bottom of a storage box. it was in his desk. up to that point, i, of course had cried plenty, but when i found that letter, i didn't think i could stand it. and the tears gushed. i eulogized my dad at his funeral. instead of telling so many stories about him, that the people who were there would already know, i just read that letter, a letter he had not shared with anyone, even my mom. i read the letter and cried, like i am right now.
and here it is, the day we as a culture have set aside to celebrate our fathers. it is about a year and half after my dad died. a lot of things have happened, except for one important thing. i love my dad. i think i love him more than i ever could have thought possible. he was my best friend, especially over the past few years. he was a great father, a great husband, a great man.
he was the love of my life, and i certainly wasn't done with him. but there is nothing i can do about that, except love him. and i do.
i miss him so much it hurts. and that is a hurt that will never go away. i have a hole that will never be filled.
i love you dad.
when i was a kid, i remember father's day being this great, wonderful day. the week before, my sister and i would go with my mom somewhere to buy the next great father's day gift. it could be a tie, a belt, some wonderful new blue dress socks, a wrench set, or some other typical father's day gift. we'd go to church on that sunday, and then gather at my maternal grandparents' house for a great lunch. it was always a wonderful, wonderful day.
but the day isn't about what you get your dad, it's about celebrating your dad. about thanking him for all he does for you, about telling him you love him as much as he loves you.
well, i know we all may not have the best relationships with our fathers, but that is how i feel about it.
when i got to college, i remember i didn't usually have the money to get my dad a great gift, but i would always hang out with him or call if i couldn't be there. and he didn't care that i didn't get him a gift, although he jokingly kept tabs on how many gifts i owed him from the ones i missed. but giving him a hug and telling him i loved him was really all he needed and wanted.
after college, it was much the same, but not one year went by that i didn't let my dad know what he meant to me.
in 1999, after having lived with my dad for almost a year after he and my mom separated (they got back together in 2000), i moved back to lexington. at the time, i felt it was the best thing for me, but i'm not as sure that it was the best thing for my dad. he was still feeling lonely and didn't know what to do, and i left. but you know what he did? he supported me. he was the one to kind of pushed me to do that. he came with me to lexington to find a place to live, to check out the school i wanted to go to. he never balked. he did it because he loved me.
for father's day that year, i again wasn't able to buy him a gift or to visit him. but for the first time in my life, i wrote my dad a letter. by that time he and my mom were reconciling, he was overcoming some problems he had, and things were certainly looking up for him, finally. in that letter, i told him that i was sorry i couldn't see him, but that i was extremely proud of him "for the man he was, for the man he is, and for the man he would be." i really just laid it out on the line like never before.
over the next few years each summer and at christmas i'd try to go home for a week or two to visit my folks. my dad was retired so that gave the two of us so much time to hang out, to catch up, to enjoy each others' company. and when it came down to it, he would do just about anything i wanted. we always would hit the movie theatre a couple times, usually seeing something i wanted to see, but he always said he enjoyed it. and truthfully, i think he did. he would go to the comic book store with me even though he really had no interest in comics. i would go to home depot and lowes with him, even though i really had no interest in those places. we were growing closer than we ever had before. i can remember around christmas 2005/january 2006 i was home and dad and i went to see "the family stone" one day and then the next we went to see "fun with dick and jane".
those were the last two films we'd ever see together.
in february of '06, he died.
when i was home for the funeral, i was looking through some materials of dad's, just looking for a piece of him, a memory of him that i could hold on to. while looking through the materials, i couldn't believe what i found -- the letter i had written him for father's day back in 99. i couldn't believe it. i knew dad was a pack rat, but in the time that had passed since i wrote the letter, he had moved a couple times, and this letter was in the top drawer of his desk. it wasn't filed away, it wasn't at the bottom of a storage box. it was in his desk. up to that point, i, of course had cried plenty, but when i found that letter, i didn't think i could stand it. and the tears gushed. i eulogized my dad at his funeral. instead of telling so many stories about him, that the people who were there would already know, i just read that letter, a letter he had not shared with anyone, even my mom. i read the letter and cried, like i am right now.
and here it is, the day we as a culture have set aside to celebrate our fathers. it is about a year and half after my dad died. a lot of things have happened, except for one important thing. i love my dad. i think i love him more than i ever could have thought possible. he was my best friend, especially over the past few years. he was a great father, a great husband, a great man.
he was the love of my life, and i certainly wasn't done with him. but there is nothing i can do about that, except love him. and i do.
i miss him so much it hurts. and that is a hurt that will never go away. i have a hole that will never be filled.
i love you dad.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day
It's Father's Day #3 since my Dad died.
Guess I have something else to add to my "I Hate" list.
Crying is something I didn't want to do today, but sometimes, you just can't help it.
Maybe one day it will get better. Won't it?
Guess I have something else to add to my "I Hate" list.
Crying is something I didn't want to do today, but sometimes, you just can't help it.
Maybe one day it will get better. Won't it?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
I hate...
a number of things. And over the past week, I've been hating a lot. Unfortunately, this is very unlike me.
Now, I don't hate people, just things. It's a lot easier to hate something than someone. However, there are three people in particular who I could hate if I thought too much about a certain incident from December 2006, but luckily I've been able to keep it mostly out of my mind.
There are some things lately that I hate. Namely, I hate being ignored. Does that sound bad? I don't mean, I shouldn't be ignored all the time. I mean in certain instances. If I call you and ask a question or need you to call me back... just do it. If I am asking for something and you don't call because you don't want to give it to me, I don't care. I won't be mad. Just tell me. If I e-mail and ask a question, e-mail me back and answer my question. It's not that difficult. I don't care what the answer is, just respond. Even if I ask how you're doing, a sentence will do. If I need some information and you have the information, just let me know if you can. If you can't tell me, tell me that, too. I don't care, either way, I would like a response.
Sorry about the rant, but I just needed to get it off my chest.
And like I said, I don't hate often. But as Prince once sang, "It's more hard to love than it is to hate."
Now, I don't hate people, just things. It's a lot easier to hate something than someone. However, there are three people in particular who I could hate if I thought too much about a certain incident from December 2006, but luckily I've been able to keep it mostly out of my mind.
There are some things lately that I hate. Namely, I hate being ignored. Does that sound bad? I don't mean, I shouldn't be ignored all the time. I mean in certain instances. If I call you and ask a question or need you to call me back... just do it. If I am asking for something and you don't call because you don't want to give it to me, I don't care. I won't be mad. Just tell me. If I e-mail and ask a question, e-mail me back and answer my question. It's not that difficult. I don't care what the answer is, just respond. Even if I ask how you're doing, a sentence will do. If I need some information and you have the information, just let me know if you can. If you can't tell me, tell me that, too. I don't care, either way, I would like a response.
Sorry about the rant, but I just needed to get it off my chest.
And like I said, I don't hate often. But as Prince once sang, "It's more hard to love than it is to hate."
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Fallout After a Kickass Weekend
My nephew visited me for the weekend. He's 17 now and it seems that even though I'm twice as old as he is, he is now at a great age for us to have a number of common interests. As a result, we get along greatly and we have a great time when we are together.
This past weekend was no exception.
But with each visit, there comes the inevitable end to the fun and games. And it sucks.
I've lived alone for a long, long time. I'm used to it and it's just, for now, a life I'm accustomed to. However, I guess, as is the case for most people, there is only so much alone time you can handle. While I am used to it, when I do hang out with my nephew, it's like crashing when he's gone. For three days, it's constant action, doing this, doing that... It quickly becomes something I get used to and don't want be without. But it ends, and that's it.
I'm alone again. And it's a weight that seems unbearable for a day or two.
I always get over it. But that doesn't make it suck any less.
In the past, I used to call my Dad and talk to him when I felt overwhelmingly alone. I can't do that now.
Which makes it suck more.
By the end of the week, I'll probably feel better. But right now...
This past weekend was no exception.
But with each visit, there comes the inevitable end to the fun and games. And it sucks.
I've lived alone for a long, long time. I'm used to it and it's just, for now, a life I'm accustomed to. However, I guess, as is the case for most people, there is only so much alone time you can handle. While I am used to it, when I do hang out with my nephew, it's like crashing when he's gone. For three days, it's constant action, doing this, doing that... It quickly becomes something I get used to and don't want be without. But it ends, and that's it.
I'm alone again. And it's a weight that seems unbearable for a day or two.
I always get over it. But that doesn't make it suck any less.
In the past, I used to call my Dad and talk to him when I felt overwhelmingly alone. I can't do that now.
Which makes it suck more.
By the end of the week, I'll probably feel better. But right now...
Friday, June 6, 2008
Quote of the Day - 6/6/08
"It'll do until 'Dark Knight' comes out, then you're screwed."
Ben Stiller's nephew Carl responding to Robert Downey Jr. asking if he liked "Iron Man" in their "Tropic Thunder" viral video.
Ben Stiller's nephew Carl responding to Robert Downey Jr. asking if he liked "Iron Man" in their "Tropic Thunder" viral video.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Quote of the Day - 6/3/08
"Did you know that the title ‘Detective Comics’ was the impetus for naming the company ‘DC’? Thank god their flagship wasn’t ‘All Star Superman.’ "
Neil Kleid on blog.newsarama.com
Neil Kleid on blog.newsarama.com
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
"New Short Film" Update
So, a while back I told you about the short film I helped out on in North Carolina and mentioned it was going to be submitted to the Highbridge Film Festival at Asbury College.
Well, I just realized I never updated the blog with the results.
Eric, the writer/director/producer/do-everything guy on the project, got word that the judges wanted a couple of cuts. They told Eric that he could resubmit after those changes were made. He and I made the changes and resubmitted. It was not accepted into the competition.
Guess it was just too edgy...
Well, I just realized I never updated the blog with the results.
Eric, the writer/director/producer/do-everything guy on the project, got word that the judges wanted a couple of cuts. They told Eric that he could resubmit after those changes were made. He and I made the changes and resubmitted. It was not accepted into the competition.
Guess it was just too edgy...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
In Remembrance
After two years, my Dad finally has a cross in Henderson's Central Park.
See, the American Legion Post in Henderson helps organize a Memorial Day remembrance in Central Park where a white cross is placed in the ground for every Henderson County resident who served in the armed forces and has passed away. The don't have to have died during a conflict, just have to have served. As a result, my Dad, a Navy veteran, is now represented in the sea of crosses.
As it stands, there are 3,800 or so crosses. And what an image that is.
So, this past weekend, I went home to remember my Dad. Actually, it isn't the only time I remember him. That happens everyday, but I wanted to be sure that his cross was there (it hadn't been the previous two years). And there it was. And it hurt to look at it.
But it usually hurts to think of him. Even thinking of the good times hurts because I know those are gone.
As a result the Duncan family gathering on Saturday hurt, too. But it was a good time.
Does that make sense?
My Dad has a large family, as you might have read about elsewhere in this blog. So the gatherings now require a large venue. This year? The local Knights of Columbus Hall.
That last paragraph made me remember something. Before this weekend, when anyone would asked what I had planned, I would say that I was going to a gathering of my Dad's family. But that's not correct. I actually went to a gathering of MY family on my Dad's side. What's so great about them is they really love each other, they care about one another, and since Dad's death, they have made every effort to make sure my Mom continued to feel like part of the family. And I think she does, and is so grateful for it.
Sometimes it's hard because my uncle Tony is almost a splitting image of my Dad. Of course, that makes it nice, too. But I love him for things other than that. I love them all and hate I don't see them that often.
It's just a really great family. I wish I were closer to them. It would be nice to see them more often.
But even being so far away, it's great to know that I have them.
See, the American Legion Post in Henderson helps organize a Memorial Day remembrance in Central Park where a white cross is placed in the ground for every Henderson County resident who served in the armed forces and has passed away. The don't have to have died during a conflict, just have to have served. As a result, my Dad, a Navy veteran, is now represented in the sea of crosses.
As it stands, there are 3,800 or so crosses. And what an image that is.
So, this past weekend, I went home to remember my Dad. Actually, it isn't the only time I remember him. That happens everyday, but I wanted to be sure that his cross was there (it hadn't been the previous two years). And there it was. And it hurt to look at it.
But it usually hurts to think of him. Even thinking of the good times hurts because I know those are gone.
As a result the Duncan family gathering on Saturday hurt, too. But it was a good time.
Does that make sense?
My Dad has a large family, as you might have read about elsewhere in this blog. So the gatherings now require a large venue. This year? The local Knights of Columbus Hall.
That last paragraph made me remember something. Before this weekend, when anyone would asked what I had planned, I would say that I was going to a gathering of my Dad's family. But that's not correct. I actually went to a gathering of MY family on my Dad's side. What's so great about them is they really love each other, they care about one another, and since Dad's death, they have made every effort to make sure my Mom continued to feel like part of the family. And I think she does, and is so grateful for it.
Sometimes it's hard because my uncle Tony is almost a splitting image of my Dad. Of course, that makes it nice, too. But I love him for things other than that. I love them all and hate I don't see them that often.
It's just a really great family. I wish I were closer to them. It would be nice to see them more often.
But even being so far away, it's great to know that I have them.
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