Wrapped Up Like a Blog

Living in the Future?

2012-01-30T13:42:00.003-05:00

At my day job, I edit a lot of articles about technology. Many of them have to do with video conferencing and Skype. Reading these, I always think of old movies that tried to show the future. They predicted video phones as an everyday item. As a kid, I never thought they would be common, but I know more and more people who communicate this way.

So it got me thinking. Are we living in the future? (metaphorically speaking). We don't have flying cars in every garage or those nifty silver suits with the Saturn symbol on them, or even meals in pill form, but we do have other stuff. They told Gene Roddenberry that the Star Trek communicators were silly and could never happen, but we seem to have them now. We don't have transporters, warp drive or holodecks yet (damn!) or even medical tricorders, but we do have other nifty stuff. I tell people that I feel like my iPhone fell out of the sky from a rift in time, with all of the capabilities it gives me it often feels like alien tech.

So -- what do you have that you think of as futuristic? And what tech is NOT out there that you hoped, as a child, to see in the far-flung year of 2012?

Batman 5 Review

2012-01-29T10:05:00.002-05:00

I am a little late to the party, it seems, but I usually hit my local comic shop (Heroes, in Norwalk CT-- hey, Dave!) every other week. But I thought I'd chime in on the somewhat controversial issue.

I am going to discuss the entire issue (plus the ongoing plot of Batman), so if you haven't read it and you don't want to know what happens.

The big topic of debate, it seems, is the formatting of the comic. I remember in the 80's, when John Byrne turned the comic on its side for a 'widescreen' presentation in FF 252, and I am sure there were experiments in form before and after. But this issue goes one step further.

In the middle of the issue, the action turns on its side. Then, still later, it flips upside down (which is fun, since the ads stay in the initial orientation). Speaking of orientation, the formatting change is done to show the disorientation of Batman, who is trapped, dehydrated and hallucinating.

And THIS is what I love about the issue.

The New 52 is SO Batman heavy (there are at least 14 titles that are Bat-related, with at least one more to come), and he has been (in my opinion) pretty overexposed recently. But that doesn't bother me. What DOES bother me is that he seems almost infallible most of the time. He is always a step ahead, and he is smarter and better than everyone else. Rarely do we see Batman vulnerable.

But here, he is. He is losing his most important resource: his mind. A man who prides himself in being in total control has lost that, too. He is at the mercy of his enemies, his friends are worried, and he is lost, confused and vulnerable.

For years, the problem with Superman is that he was too perfect, and there was no real danger in his stories. The same problem, I think, crept into Batman. But here, he is clearly outmatched and, as the underdog once again, I find myself really invested in HOW he'll win.

So, of all the Batman books, THIS is my favorite right now. And I can't wait for issue 6, even if it's an origami issue I have to fold in order to get the whole story.

Patriots Playoffs: THE COLDEST I'VE EVER BEEN

2012-01-28T11:22:00.002-05:00

I am jumping ahead a bit here. I am going to skip the sole Pete Carroll home playoff win (vs. the Dolphins) and their two road playoff losses. I am going to jump past the REALLY good stuff (I'll reminisce about that closer to Super Bowl XLVI) and talk about one of my favorite Foxboro (in this case, Gillette) history.

The playoff game against the Titans. Saturday night. 4 degrees.

It was so cold they gave out free decaf coffee. They tried to encourage people not to drink alcohol (not everyone listened). My father and I took the train up from Providence, layers of clothing ready to go as soon as we stepped off. My father spent every timeout running up and down the steps in our section in the endzone.

Oh, and the Pats won. Adam Vinatieri (who else?) kicked a ball which must have felt like a rock for a winning field goal. They beat one of the co-MVP's, Steve McNair, in that game (they would later face off against the other co-MVP, Peyton Manning in the AFC title game).

After a season that started 2-2 (after a 9-7 post Super Bowl hangover), the team rattled off 12 straight and got the first seed in the playoffs for the first time. The ended up dominating Manning in the subsequent game and winning a pretty darn exciting Super Bowl (more on Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX later), but that cold weather game (thanks, Mr. Kraft for asking for those Saturday night games!) was a memory. I survived it with all my extremities intact, which I take as a badge of honor...

Weird Al Top Ten: My Reactions

2012-01-27T20:46:00.004-05:00

Recently, Rolling Stone took a poll, asking readers to pick their favorite songs by Weird Al Yankovic. As a huge Al fan, I'd like to give my commentary and provide my own list.

First of all, it's a pretty good list. I like the fact that there are some of his original songs on the list. Most non-fans tend to know of his parodies, but I really dig a lot of his original creations. You'll see a couple of these on my list, but I have to say, I am shocked that "Albuquerque" is so high. Not only do I think it's not one of his best songs, I don't even really like it that much. It falls into his "long and weird" subgenre, and it's one of the longest and weirdist. Kudos for "Dare to Be Stupid" (which also appears in Transformers, the Movie) and my favorite original song of his.

No surprise to see his two Star Wars songs there. Some of Al's parodies skewer current songs, but I like when he takes a classic and synchs it to a current flick (like his version of "Piano Man" about Spider-Man). These are often his encore songs at concerts (I have seen him thrice and would love to see him again). A couple of these are among my favorites, too. So, without further ado, my TWO lists:

Top 5 Original Weird Al Songs:

5) Hardware Store: I am a sucker for this one after years as a clerk myself.

4)One More Minute: So romantic. So true.

3) The Night Santa Went Crazy: Best Christmas song EVER

2) Bob: Palindromes meet Bob Dylan. Genius

1) Skipper Dan: Best song on his new album. He's still got it.

Top 5 Parody Songs:

5) Smells Like Nirvana: Nailed it.

4) eBay: Another one that connects to my life

3) Canadian Idiot: Eh?

2) Yoda: Kinks and Frank Oz. And Al.

1) Amish Paradise: Yeah. It's that good.

What are YOUR favorites?

Jack Bauer Touched by Heroes: But Can It Last?

2012-01-26T18:54:00.004-05:00

Last night we were treated to a "preview" episode of Touch, starring Kiefer Sutherland and created by the mastermind behind Heroes, Tim Kring.

Was it good? Yeah, actually? Will I watch it when it starts for real in March? Most definitely? Will it last? Outlook unclear...

I think the show suffers from two major drawbacks, which come from the two stars.

Kiefer was unforgettable as Jack Bauer for eight years on 24. The show itself was not always consistent, but his performance was intense and exciting week in and week out. That character left an indelible mark on TV history.

But Kiefer is not Jack, as much as I'd like him to be (because Jack is American, and I could vote for him for president. Kiefer? Not so much). His challenge, in his return to TV, is to create a second indelible character. Not many have done that (Matthew Fox, Ted Danson and Neil Patrick Harris spring to mind as recent examples), and ever time Kiefer's character got the least bit intense, I kept waiting for him to yell "Dammit, Chloe!"

So Sutherland has to shed Bauer and make his Martin character stand out.

But the bigger challenge is for Kring.

I LOVED season one of Heroes. It caught my eye, was dynamic fun and exciting.

For a season.

Season 2 was a mess and I abandoned the show to peter out in the final 2 seasons.

Kring had intended to have each season of the show follow a new set of characters discovering their powers, but America seemed to fall in love with Hiro, Nathan Petrelli and even Sylar, so the show went off the rails and became directionless and a shadow of its former self.

The first episode of Touch was tightly plotted, exciting and surprising. The numbers connected the lives of people in that world in interesting ways. But is this what the show will be like from week to week? Can we stand 5 seasons of this kid making these connections?

LOST famously floundered because it had no end date at first. FlashForward had a 5-year plan and suffered because it was too rigid. When I reviewed Ringer, I said that Prison Break should have been a mini-series. And I have a suspicion that Kring should have considered formatting his new show as a short form project, but it remains an ongoing.

I hope it proves me wrong when it comes back in March. I guess I'll just have to wait and see...

Patriots Playoff Memories: The Bledsoe Era

2012-01-25T20:32:00.003-05:00

The first sign of "betterness" (not quite greatness) of the Parcells/Bledsoe era was the 1994 season. I was a freshman in college, so I had to watch it from afar. The Pats were not good, despite their change in ownership, coaching and uniforms (Flying Elvis!) And for the first time in a while, I was not at the home games. So I missed the Vikings game, which was a miracle.

The Pats were 3-6, and pretty much done. They trailed the Vikings heading into the second half and Parcells, who had suffered through a losing season in his first year, looked like a bust.

And then Bledsoe let loose.

The Pats did not run the ball once after halftime. Bledsoe threw an NFL record 70 times in that game, and the Pats won in OT.

And they didn't lose another regular season game.

They made the playoffs and faced off against the Cleveland Browns on New Year's Day.

The Bill Belichick-coached Browns, of course.

The Pats lost and dropped back to a losing record the next year. But then came 1996.

The Pats finally clicked, with Curtis Martin running the ball and Bledsoe slinging it. They went 11-5 and wrapped up the second seed in the playoffs. They hosted the Steelers in the Divisional Round. The first home playoff game in nearly 2 decades (and only their second ever).

It was foggy and the Pats decided to set off fireworks before the game, which only made the visibility worse. The first play from scrimmage was a bomb from Bledsoe to Terry Glenn, thrown away from my seat in the endzone. I didn't see the play, but I heard the crowd roar.

The Pats won and, in a miracle, the underdog Jaguars knocked off the mighty Elway-led Broncos.

The Pats hosted the AFC title game.

It was ugly, but thanks to turnovers (including a great play by Otis "My Man" Smith) the Pats won, 20-6.

And I took the overnight train to college, showing up (unshowered and with a used notebook) for my first class the morning after. But I didn't care.

The Pats were going to Super Bowl XXXI

2011 Oscar Nominations: My Quick Reaction

2012-01-24T13:50:00.002-05:00

Am I a Muppet, or am I a Man?

That's the question I'll be asking on Oscar night, and I expect the bearded half of Flight of the Conchords to take the trophy (he has a 50-50 shot, right?). As for the other nominees, well, I ain't the Oscar hound I usta be.

Back in the day, I was sure to see all five nominees before the list came out. Even before they extended the list to 10 (now UP TO 10), I had trouble seeing them all. Life (and finances) got in the way. This year, I am woefully behind. I really do want to see The Artist, but I haven't yet. And I really intended to see Moneyball and Midnight in Paris in the theaters. Really I did. Maybe this will spur me on to see more of them?

Actually, maybe this list will spur me on to READ The Invention of Hugo Cabret or Moneyball or the books that inspired other nominations, like Dragon Tattoo or Marilyn or the Help. Maybe.

I wish I had more time for all of this!

Still, I'll be watching Billy Crystal. He's had me since he put too much pepper in the paprikash, and I think he'll be Mahvelous. I'll try to see as many films as I can in the next month or so, then take my best stab at the predictions. It's kinda like the Super Bowl for me, though this year I have more vested interest in the winner of the football game than the Best Picture...

Patriot Playoff Memories One: Before Brady

2012-01-23T20:06:00.003-05:00

Yes, the Patriots existed before Tom Brady.

It may be tough for some to believe, but they Pats were the doormat of the NFL in many ways for many years. I can't speak of the 70s, of Raymond Berry, of the heyday of Steve Grogan and phantom penalties against the Raiders.

But I can speak of the 80s and 90s. One of my clearest memories as a kid is the Patriots Wild Card run to the Super Bowl (before the Steelers and Giants won the Super Bowl after winning three straight road games, people might forgets the Pats did that first). After defeating three AFC foes, including division rivals the Jets and the Marino Dolphins, the Pats would face off against the Shufflin' Bears, who came in at 17-1 and had their own music video.

The Pats scored faster than anyone in Super Bowl history... then gave up 40+ points in a row to suffer what was then the worst SB loss of all time (thanks, Denver, for wiping that out fast). We rented a big-screen TV for the occasion, and, well, didn't speak much of it after that (though we kept the tapes of the AFC playoffs, the SB tape was mysteriously erased).

And then it went downhill. In the Victor Kiam era, the Pats were awful. Not only were they terrible on field (1-15, 2-14) but they were a bunch of idiots, exposing themselves in the locker room to a female reporter. It didn't matter what team my classmates liked (except maybe the Seahawks, but we don't have many fans of that team in CT), they were all better than the Pats.

But along came an irascible coach that no one seemed to love and a quarterback who was handsome, classy and talented, and things started to turn around.

That's right-- Bill Parcells and Drew Bledsoe.

New England Patriots Playoff Memories

2012-01-22T18:55:00.002-05:00

My family has had Patriots season tickets since the days of Schaeffer Stadium. We watched the Sullivan family lose money and the team on the back of a Michael Jackson concert. We suffered through Victor Kiam and James Orthwein and the thought of the St. Louis Patriots. We witnessed the awful years of Dick McPerhson and Hugh Millen, when I could move from my uncomfortable metal bench in the End Zone to practically sitting on the bench.

So when the Patriots suddenly became contenders in the Belichick/Brady era, it was nice to finally go to games that meant something. For a team that had only hosted one playoff game in more than 3 decades, it was an unexpected surprise to see some pretty damn good contests when it mattered most.

Over the next two weeks I'll sprinkle in my memories of the Snow Bowl, the 4-degree game, the Bledsoe games vs. Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, and more. Lots of good games, lots of great memories.

Stay tuned...

The Biggest Social Media Gaffes of 2011

2012-01-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

Check out my video here.

My Kindle Fire Review

2012-01-20T09:10:00.001-05:00

After weeks of use, here are my thoughts.

PULP ARK 2012 NOMINEES ANNOUNCED!

2012-01-19T18:26:00.003-05:00

Tommy Hancock, Pulp Ark Coordinator, announced the end of nominations and the release of the ballot for the second Pulp Ark Awards to be given out at Pulp Ark 2012 in Batesville, AR, April 20-22, 2012.

"We had a fantastic turn out in terms of nominations again this year," Hancock stated. "More than 25 publishers represented across the board, this is a ballot that truly reflects not only the popularity that Pulp has today, but also the variety and creativity within the field."

Listed below is the Ballot qualified voters received today. Only those who nominated a work or individual in one of the categories are qualified to vote. Voting will end on February 20, 2012 with winners announced soon after.

If you did nominate someone and did not receive a ballot, please email Hancock at proseproductions@earthlink.net and this will be corrected.

There will also be a Pulp Ark 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award given. This will be selected by a committee already chosen and results will be announced on or before February 21, 2012.

Best Novel Nominees

Yesteryear by Tommy Hancock-Pro Se Productions

Deadly Games by Bobby Nash-BEN Books

The Damned Thing by Barry Reese-Wildcat Books

Wake of the Red Mistress by Teel James Glenn-Eternal Press

Sentinels: Stellarax by Van Allen Plexico-White Rocket Books

Damballa by Charles Saunders-Airship 27 Productions

Hammered by Kevin Hearne-Random House

Viktoriana by Wayne Reinagel-Knightraven Studios

Misty Johnson, Supernatural Dick in Capitol Hell by R. P. Steeves-Seven Realms Publishing

Truly Deeply Disturbed by Andrew Nienaber-Postmortem Press

The Halloween Legion by Martin Powell-Wildcat Books

Dark Destiny by Jeff Melton-Jeff Melton

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage-Desert Demons by Will Murray-Altus Press

Fortune’s Pawn by Nancy A. Hansen-Pro Se Productions

Challenger Storm: Isle of Blood by Don Gates-Airship 27 Productions

The Myth Hunter by Percival Constantine-Pulpwork Press (?)

Knight Moves by John G. Hartness-Falstaff Books

Arron of the Black Forest: The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff by Phil Athans and Mel Odom-Arron of the Black Forest Partnership

Best Collection/Anthology Nominees

The Adventures of Fortune McCall by Derrick Ferguson-Pro Se Productions

Lance Star: Sky Ranger Volume 3 by Various-Airship 27 Productions

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars by Various- White Rocket Books

Hugh Monn, Private Detective by Lee Houston, Jr- Pro Se Productions

Shadows of New York by Teel James Glenn- BooksforaBuck.com

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray by Barry Reese-Pro Se Productions

How the West was Weird II by Various-Pulpwork Press

The Game by Various -Seven Realms Publishing

The Beer Chronicles: Tales from the Paddy Rodriguez Pub by Scott Lange-Postmortem Press

The Avenger: The Justice Inc. Files by Various-Moonstone

The Rook Volume Six by Barry Reese-Pro Se Productions

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Volume 3 by various-Airship 27 Productions

Mystery Men and Women Volume 2 by Various-Airship 27 Productions

Four Bullets for Dillon by Derrick Ferguson-Pulpwork Press

Dreams of Steam II: Brass and Bolts by Various-Kerlak Publishing

Best Short Story Nominees

“Sting of the Yellowjacket” By Howard Hopkins from the Green Hornet Casefiles-Moonstone

Red Badge Attacks by Mark S. Halegua and Andrew Salmon from Mystery Men and Women Vol II-Airship 27 Productions

Sherringford Bell: The Scandal of the Bohemian by Ken Janssens from Pro Se Presents #1-Pro Se Productions

A Bargain with Bandit Ping by Teel James Glenn from Tales of Old Magazine-Tales of Old

The Adventure of the Towne Manor Haunting was the tale in Holmes Vol. 3 in 2011

Gunmen of the Hollow Earth by Joel Jenkins from How the West Was Weird: Campfire Tales-Pulpwork Press

Vengeance is Mine by Ron Fortier from the Avenger: The Justice Inc Files-Moonstone

Storms of Blood and Snow by Derrick Ferguson from How the West was Weird Volume II - Pulpwork Press

Misty Johnson and the Monsters of the Caribbean by R. P. Steeves from The Game- Seven Realms Publishing

Sewer Rats-C. Bryan Brown from Dark Doorways: Best of Post Mortem Press-Post Mortem Press

Death with a Glint of Bronze by Sean Taylor from Dreams of Steam II:Nuts and Bolts-Kerlak Publishing

Bastion of the Black Sorcerer by Van Allen Plexico from Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars-White Rocket Books

Summer of Death by Barry Reese from The Green Hornet Casefiles-Moonstone

Clockworks by William Preston from Asimov’s-Asimov’s

The Devil’s Workmen by Barry Reese from The Avenger: The Justice, Inc. Files-Moonstone

Shortages-Lee Houston Jr. from Hugh Monn, Private Detective-Pro Se Productions

Dock Doyle by Adam Garcia from Mystery Men and Women volume 2-Airship 27 Productions

The Hunter Island Adventure by Wayne Reinagel from Pro Se Presents #3-Pro Se Productions

Felony Fists by Paul Bishop-Fight Card

Romney Marsh, The Scarecrow of Space by Phil Bledsoe-Phil Bledsoe

Dillon and the Bad Ass Belt Buckle by Derrick Ferguson from Four Bullets for Dillon-Pulpwork Press

The Real Magic by H. David Blalock from Dreams of Steam II-Kerlak Publishing

Beast of the Black Hills by Tony Wilson from How The West was Weird II-Pulpwork Press

Best Cover Nominees

Challenger Storm: The Isle of Blood by Wm. Michael Kaluta - Airship 27 Productions

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray by Anthony Castrillo-Pro Se Productions

Hugh Monn, Private Detective by David Russell-Pro Se Productions

Pro Se Presents #3, ‘The Hunter Island Adventure’ by Wayne Reinagel-Pro Se Productions

How The West Was Weird II by Jim Rugg-Pulpwork Press

Mars McCoy, Space Ranger by Chad Hardin-Airship 27 Productions

Strange Gods of the Dire Planet by MD Jackson-Pulpwork Press

These Trespasses by Philip R. Rogers-Post Mortem Press

The Halloween Legion by Danny Kelly-Wildcat Books

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars by James Burns-White Rocket Books

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage: Desert Demons by Joe DeVito-Altus Press

The Avenger: The Justice Inc. Files by E.M. Gist-Moonstone

Creeping Dawn: Rise of the Black Centipede by David Russell-Pro Se Productions

Mystery Men and Women Volume 2 by Mike Fyles-Airship 27 Productions

The Damned Thing by Jason Levesque-Wildcat Books

Arron of the Black Forest: The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff- by Keith Birdsong-Arron of the Black Forest Partnership

Dreams of Steam II: Brass and Bolts by Darrell Osborn-Kerlak Publishing

Best Interior Art Nominees

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars-Chris Kohler-White Rocket Books

The Rook Volume Six –Anthony Castrillo-Pro Se Productions

Yesteryear-Pete Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Robin Hood: Arrow of Justice-Rob Davis

Challenger Storm: Isle of Blood-Wm. Kaluta-Airship 27 Productions

The Damned Thing-Kevin Duncan-Wildcat Books

Lance Star Sky Ranger, Volume 3-Shannon Hall-Airship 27 Productions

Sentinels: Stellarax-Chris Kohler-White Rocket Books

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray-George Sellas-Pro Se Productions

Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Volume 3-Rob Davis-Airship 27 Productions

Creeping Dawn: The Rise of the Black Centipede-Pete Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Green Lama: Case of the Final Column-Mike Fyles-Altus Press

The Hunter Island Adventure-Wayne Reinagel-Pro Se Productions

The Silver Pentacle-Peter Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Best Pulp Related Comic Nominees

Green Hornet Year One-Dynamite

Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy-Moonstone

All-Star Pulp Comics #1-Airship 27 Productions

Warlord of Mars-Dynamite Comics

Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science-Red 5 Comics

Beware…The Frog Men from Neptune!-215Ink Comics

Mystery Men-Marvel Comics

The Lone Ranger-Dynamite Comics

The Spirit-DC Comics

Vic Boone-215Ink Comics

Kolchak The Night Stalker-Moonstone

Best Pulp Magazine Nominees

Startling Stories- Wildcat Books

Pro Se Presents-Pro Se Productions

Dark Worlds –Rage Machine Press

Best Pulp Revival Nominees

Green Hornet Year One-Dynamite Comics

More Tales of Zorro-Moonstone

Return of the Monsters-Moonstone

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage: Desert Demons-Altus Press

Jim Anthony-Mark of Terror -Airship 27 Productions

The Return of The Originals-Moonstone

Best New Character Nominees

Dr. Dusk created by Mike Bullock

John Blackthorn created by Van Plexico

Hairy Khetar created by Teel James Glenn

Nicholas Saint created by Tommy Hancock

Damballa created by Charles Saunders

Dock Doyle created by Adam Garcia

Misty Johnson created by R. P. Steeves

Doc Thunder created by Thomas Deja

Vic Boone created by Shawn Aldridge

Jeremiah Courage created by Jeff Melton

Violet Cambridge created by Barry Reese

Challenger Storm created by Don Gates

Red Badge created by Mark Halegua

The Black Centipede created by Chuck Miller

Elisa Hill, The Myth Hunter created by Percival Constantine

The Impostor created by Richard Lee Byers

Bubba the Monster Hunter created by John G. Hartness

Arron of the Black Forest crated by Phil Athans and Mel Odom

Best Author Nominees

Tommy Hancock

Howard Hopkins

I.A. Watson

Nancy Hansen

Teel James Glenn

Kevin Hearne

Joshua Reynolds

Derrick Ferguson

Martin Powell

Van Plexico

Ed Brubaker

Barry Reese

William Preston

Adam Garcia

Wayne Reinagel

Richard Lee Byers

John G. Hartness

Allan Gilbreath

Paul Bishop

Percival Constantine

Best New Writer Nominees

Danny Wall

Mark S. Halegua

MD Perkins

Don Gates

R.P. Steeves

Sean Taylor

Shannon Hall

Jeff Melton

Chuck Miller

6 Entertainment Properties with STAR in their Name Better than Wars or Trek

2012-01-18T18:10:00.001-05:00

Recently, sci-fi luminary and geek hero George Takei weighed in on the ongoing flame war between Carrie Fisher and William Shatner over which storied sci-fi franchise is better, Star Wars or Star Trek. Each has been immortalized in books, cartoons, comics and, of course, feature films. Sulu himself suggested banding together against a common enemy, something about sparkly vampires. But what Takei did not acknowledge is that there are entertainment properties with Star in their names that are much better than either Trek or Wars.

6) Darkstars

You think the Green Lanterns are bad-ass, with their fancy rings that let them do anything (as long as they’re not fighting a giant banana)? Compared to the Darkstars, they are nothing. Armed with little more than an exoskeleton that gives them enhanced strength and speed (and the ability to travel in space, natch) and cynical, hardened attitudes, the Darkstars patrol the galaxy maintaining order and fighting for the weak. Oh, and for vengeance. None of this namby-pamby willpower nonsense.

5) The Last Starfighter

So if you spend inordinate amount of time playing video games, then certainly someone has told you that you are wasting your time and your life. Well, what if the game you’ve been working so hard to beat was actually a training platform for an intergalactic war? When Alex Rogan beats the Starfighter video game, he is whisked away to serve as an actual pilot in an interstellar conflict. Every gamer’s dream? Hell, yeah!

4) Stargate

So Star Wars has 6 movies and a cartoon. Star Trek has 11 movies and a cartoon. But does either property have the transvestite guy from The Crying Game or Angus Freaking MacGyver? No. Of course not. So after one Stargate flick (with pre-insanity James Spader) and several shows (10 seasons of SG-1, 5 seasons of Atlantis and now Universe), the Gaters are right up there with the Trekkers and, er, people who like Star Wars.

3) Star Blazers

So Star Wars had imitators (like the original Battlestar Galactica wasn’t just Star Wars with Mormons) and Star Trek basically created fandom (would we have Twihards now if we hadn’t had Trekkies in the 70s?), Star Blazers can take much of the credit for igniting a cross-cultural fervor that hasn’t slowed in 30 years. The American version of the Japanese phenomenon “Space Adventure Roman” it included three TV shows and five movies. And fanboys hotly anticipate a new movie any day now.

2) Starman

Star what now?

No, not the 1984 movie. You know the one, with a slack-faced Jeff Bridges, wandering around, pining for Karen Allen (during her brief, inexplicable stint as ‘object of every man on Earth’s affection’ (see also: Animal House and Raiders of the Lost Ark), playing with his balls. Er, silver spheres that did… well, we’re not really sure what they did, but they were awfully important. Nor are we talking about the even less memorable TV series based on the aforementioned film. The one starring the guy from Airplane! and, uh, well, we don’t remember anything else about it, either.

In this case, we mean the comic book series. And not the 1988 series starring Will Payton in a hideous Purple and Yellow costume which apparently was designed by Matt Murdock in his spare time and had something to do with energy bolts from outer space and, um, flying around a lot. And being forgettable.

The comic series in question is the 1994 version, spun out of Zero Hour (which is best known for pissing off fans of Hawkman. And Green Lantern. And the JSA. And Hawk and Dove. And, well, just about everyone else of note). It starred Jack Knight, son of the Golden Age Starman, Ted Knight, and his Giant Metal Rod.

But trust us. It’s good. Very good.

Why it’s better.

Nothing silly here, despite the presence of a cosmic rod. Jack Knight is an everyman. A lover of tattoos and vintage everything, who runs a store and steers clear of his big brother super hero and his super dad. But when circumstances force him to take over the family mantle of Starman, he picks up the rod and dons the costume in order to avenge—

Wait. Forget that. He had no costume. He had a cool leather jacket. And goggles. And the ability to talk to a dead loved one for moments at a time when he needed advice. And an estranged father who turned out to be less of a hero and more of a three-dimensional character. And a shady, nigh-immortal arch nemesis. And a hot villain/lover.

And a giant rod. Er, staff. Either way, it was pretty darn phallic.

Jack flouted super-heroic convention, but was still a hero. He saved Opal City more often than you could count, and still acted as cool and detached as anyone in Singles or Reality Bites. But with less whiny angst.

The series ran for 82 issues and was written by James Robinson, before he forgot how to write and decided that Congorilla was not only cool but Justice League material. Yes. Congorilla. The less said about that, the better…

1) Battlestar Galactica

The modern version. The less said about Face in Space and Pa Cartwright of the Cosmos (and the even more dreadful Galactica 1980) the better. The modern, Ronald D. Moore reimagining was smarter, darker, more realistic and philosophical than Trek and Wars put together. With tremendous performances, grand ideas, gritty themes and kick ass action, this show puts either of those to shame. Too bad the silly name and sillier network ghettoized it in the minds of so many.

Wrapped Up Like a Review: Alcatraz Debut

2012-01-17T18:59:00.003-05:00

If you have not seen the first two hours of Alcatraz, turn away now!

Still with me? Good. Here's the short review:

I'll watch Jorge Garcia read vegan muffin ingredients, so I'm giving this a chance. Here's hoping the premise does not become too repetitive and the overarcing mystery holds its bite.

The long review? Well, here goes:

The good: As I said, I like Garcia. His character, "Doc" Soto, is a good match for his talents. Amiable and intelligent but in a little over his head, he is a nice source of humor, information and everyman perspective. Sam Neill, too, is very good in his role as the enigmatic agent Hauser. He has a bead on what is going on, but plays matters close to the vest. He knows more than he lets on, and that is a fun character to follow.

Parminda Nagra's character became a lot more interesting in the final few minutes of the second episode, so I look forward to seeing more of her. But our hero, Rebecca, is not quite as engaging as, say Sydney Bristow, female protagonist of another Bad Robot program. Still, I think her character has room to grow (especially in relation to her family history and her relationship with Robert Forrester).

As for the aspects of the show that make me a little leery, these have to do with the premise. The displaced convict (or guard, I AM intrigued by that aspect) of the week might get old (more season one of Smallville than freak-of-the-week X-Files). And I just don't know enough about this grand conspiracy to sense where they are going. Getting burned by FlashForward and The Event has made me cautious.

It's on my DVR so I'll be watching it for a while. I'll probably give it the whole season. After that? We'll see. Check back with me in 49 years or so...

Wrapped Up Like a Review: Geek Wisdom, The Sacred Teaching of Nerd Culture

2012-01-16T18:44:00.008-05:00

Time for another quick book review. This time, another book I wish I'd written: Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture edited by Stephen Segal.

The concept is so simple, it's a wonder no one has thought of it before. Take around 200 quotes from all things geeky (comics, movies, TV shows, scientists, novels, etc.). From "With great power comes great responsibility," to "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads," from Spock to Number 6 to Isaac Asimov, the quotes run the gamut of popular geekery.

For each quote, broken into five categories of wisdom, the authors provide a little insight into what it means in the context of the work plus general thoughts on what it says about life, the universe and everything. Plus, there are footers at the bottom of each page with facts and anecdotes related (at least tangentially) to each quote.

It's a fun read, in nice, easily digestible chunks which can be snacked or feasted upon. The chosen quotes include many expected ones ("Bazinga" or "I have a bad feeling about this") and some unexpected ones, from the likes of The Last Unicorn or Galileo. And the commentary is insightful and creative. The writers have respect for geek culture and a good sense of humor about matters. I recommend picking it up for the geek in your life. She (or he) will love it!

Apocalyptic Previews!

2012-01-12T08:56:00.003-05:00

Just signed contracts for two upcoming anthologies from the folks at Open Casket Press. One concerns the end of the world, and one concerns the end of the world PLUS mutants.

Here, then, is an excerpt from "Blob Tag," my upcoming contribution to the Mutant Apocalypse anthology:

For an instant, Millie thought about going over the Fence herself, going after them, rescuing them and the locket and being a Hero and being accepted by Barb and the rest. But, as she hesitated, she heard something that shook her bones.

It was a noise she had heard before, a terrifying, soul-rending sound that ran chilled daggers into her spinal column and wracked her to her very core.

It was cold, wet slurping, a bone-rending crunch, a choked gasp and a rhythmic, slapping, moving upward along the fence. Getting closer.

Slap, squish, slap, squish.

The terror rolled through Millie’s body, locking her in place as if she had been frozen solid, just as her father had been all those years ago. But this was merely fear, not cryonic suspension. She could shake it off.

And as she did, the slapping noise grew into an incessant pounding followed by a gradual cracking,

Slap, crack, slap, crack. CRASH!

The Fence had been breached. She ran.

Pretty exciting, eh? And here is an exerpt from "499 Seconds," from the At World's End anthology:

499

Beep

Dr. Berger was, once again and perhaps for the last time, grateful that he still wore a digital watch.

It was, in this day and age, something of an anachronism. With embedded tech flashing the time and temperature and coordinates and stock prices and sports scores directly across the retinas of most people, something as quant and archaic as a digital wrist watch was seen as a quirky affectation at best and a sad obsession with the past at worst.

Still, he’d been wearing one since his youth and his wrist never felt the same without it. He’d worn a watch every day of his life, so it was only fitting that he wear one now.

But looking at it, he realized it wouldn’t be right to sit there and continue looking at it as the counter approached zero. There was so much more he wanted to do in the next (here, he did glance down)…

476

… eight minutes or so.

Hope you like 'em! Look for more information about those anthologies, due out this spring, very soon!

Pithy Sayings

2012-01-11T08:37:00.003-05:00

Oh, THAT old chestnut.

We all have phrases or sayings that we use and reuse. I have been told I utter the phrase "Here's the Thing" more often than is healthy, probably. And I think most of us have fall back nuggets of wisdom that we use from the inane: "it is what it is" (of COURSE it is! Is it what it is not?!) to the profound: "This too shall pass." Heck, even some of my favorite entertainment properties are chock full of fortune cookie wisdom ("If we dont' live together, we're gonna die alone" or "This has all happened before, it will all happen again")

Sometimes these sayings can be annoying: "Everything happens for a reason" (but WHAT reason? Maybe everything happens for the sole purpose of irking me) or practical "Watch out where the huskies go and don't you eat that yellow snow." They can come from the wisdom of the ancients or of a modern song or TV show.

I thought I'd share my favorite with you and see if you have any you'd like to cop to saying more often than you should. This one comes from my dad, who tries really hard to have an arsenal of good sayings, to mixed results. This, though, is the best. He's been saying it for years and I live my life by it:

"Never give up an opporunity to go to the bathroom. You never know when you'll get another."

Think about it.

And when you're done, let's hear some of yours...

Entertainment Nuggets: Sometimes Size Does Matter

2012-01-10T08:42:00.002-05:00

Remember, back in the day, when you had five or 10 minutes to kill, and you didn't know what to do with yourself?

You could flip on the TV and catch a random bit of some program, or read a few pages in a book, or do some tedious chore you'd been avoiding (who am I kidding, I never did THAT).

But now, of course, the Internet gives us plenty of options. Hit a blog. Fire up a short video. You can do it in line or in the car, too, if you have a smartphone (but only if you are a passenger, I suppose).

And I am finally getting on the short video train. Aside from my own video segments for TMC.net, I am discovering a ton of these short-form videos.

I am loving, for example, Portlandia, which does air on cable, but exists in short bites which are perfect for consumption on the go. Loving the humor in sketches about chickens and cell phones.

I am also enamored with The Actress, a dark comedy about, you guessed it, an actress. From the fertile mind of actress (and former college classmate of mine) Ann Carr, it follows Hannah, who struggles with her career and all of the crazy people in orbit around her (her clueless sister, the boss at her desk job, her new scene partner, casting agents, etc). The videos are 5-10 minutes in length, so a perfect bite size. Each is funny and poignant. Check it out. Here's a sample:

Upcoming Video Games in 2012

2012-01-09T20:56:00.002-05:00

Check out my recommendations here for Vita, 3DS, PC, XBOX and PS3!

Sports, Reality TV and Dramas

2012-01-09T08:52:00.006-05:00

Some people are fans of what is colloquially known as "reality TV." Some love televised sports. Some love scripted dramas. But sometimes, people see themselves in one of these groups and hold the others in disdain. I say, what's the difference?

After all, sports are among the first examples of non-scripted programming to gain a large audience. Most of what fits in the "reality TV" box can be seen as documentaries (The Osbournes, The Jersey Shore) or game shows (The Bachelor, Survivor, American Idol). And what is a football game if not a giant game show?

So for those fans of these unscripted competition shows, sports seems to offer the same appeal: a group of people pitted against another group, following a set of rules to achieve a goal, with the outcome uncertain. Now, there are differences (they do tend to change the rules on the fly on some of these shows. Can you imagine if they'd forced the Steelers and Packers to change teams during half-time at the Super Bowl?), but you get the idea.

But what, pray tell, does this have to do with SCRIPTED drama? In that genre, the outcome is not left to the participants to decide (otherwise, actors might vote very different colleagues off a dramatic island in the form of a character death, for example), but rather a team of writers decides all the twists and turns. In a long-form game show (reality show), the editors do cut the footage together to create character arcs, so that is at least in some ways like a scripted show, but what about sports?

They have character arcs, too. The spoiled, talented athlete who crashes and burns. The angry player who can't get out of his own way. The unknown who rises to superstar. The grizzled veteran who gives it one last go. Heck, sports movies have cribbed these plots from the sports themselves.

Then there is the drama. Most TV dramas end predictably-- they catch the crook or save the patient. So, too, do most games-- the favorite wins, the star performs well. But some shows go in a completely different direction from what we anticipate. They kill a beloved character, they throw in a plot development you never saw coming. We see those moments in sports, too. A player suffers a tragic injury. The undergod pulls off the upset.

In the end, people are just looking for entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Not all games or reality shows give you that, nor do all dramas. But the hope is always there. And, if you are a Browns fan or a fan of Murder in Small Town X or A Gifted Man, sometimes all you have is hope...

Mixologist Mix Tape

2012-01-08T09:17:00.005-05:00

On Portlandia, a character recently made a mix tape for a bartender. Below are some songs I would put on that tape...

Red Red Wine (prob the UB40 version)

One Burbon One Scotch One Beer (George Thorogood version)

Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffet)

Escape (Rupert Holmes)

Tubthumping (Chumbawumba)

Piano Man (Billy Joel)

Where Everybody Knows Your Name (George Portnoy)

Italian Restaurant (Billy Joel)

Hey Jealousy (Gin Blossoms)

Kokomo (The Beach Boys)

Just the first 10 that popped into my head. Got any to add?

Leisure Time, Expertise and Snobbery

2012-01-06T08:53:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I posted about Geeks v. Nerds. In a related Facebook discussion, I chatted with others about how, say, hardcore sports fans are quite similar to hardcore sci-fi fans. I have more to say on this (and a long rant about the reason why, perhaps, sports obsession is viewed with slightly less disdain than sci-fi geekery), but I'll save that for later.

Today, though, I am thinking about the Industrial Revolution. Well, not quite. But I have been thinking about how the lives of humans were once full: hunting and gathering took up a lot of time. In the days of agriculture, tending the field or tending the home were full time pursuits (have you tried making candles or making your own clothes). But now, in the days of automation, we all have more free time. We can buy our food and clean our clothes in a matter of hours. So we have to fill that time.

And the parts of our brains that were dedicated to evading predators and ensuring our survival now need to be constantly stimulated. So, I think, we obsess.

If we're lucky, we obsess over something useful. If I knew as much about, say, the stock market as I do about Marvel Comics in the 1980s or the epic losses of the Patriots in the 1990s, I could probably be rich (not Rich, but rich). So, I think, everyone I know has some kind of obsession: clothes, food, music... whatever. This also, I think, leads to snobbery. You fixate on wine, you become, perhaps, a snob about it. Or coffee, or music, or what have you.

So, I'll come clean. I am obsessed with, well, a lot of things. Comics. Certain sci-fi TV shows. Movie quotes. And my snobbery? Pizza, for one thing.

How about you? Will you own up to any obsessions or snobbery?

The Geek vs. Nerd Debate Rages on...

2012-01-05T08:53:00.004-05:00

The debate rages on: Geek or Nerd? (or perhaps dork, dweeb, weirdo... well, there are a lot of subdivisions, aren't there?)

Today I saw an infographic about the topic. (as a quick aside: when did these become a thing? What happened, to, I don't know, reading about stuff?)

Anyway, I have seen Venn diagrams and essays about the topic, some of which included other categories, some just the Geek and the Nerd. I won't rehash what is said there, but it does feel like splitting hairs a bit. For someone who has feet in both camps (a Gerk? A Nerk? A Neek?), I embrace all my brethren. Though, I must say, this list comes from a tech website and, speaking for myself only, I am a little upset that so much focus is places on technology. I have no interest in nor affinity for technology, so I feel that my true geeky/nerdiness is somehow viewed as inferior in this light.

What do you think? Geek? Nerd? Neither? Both? Something else?

Speaking of Movie Quotes...

2012-01-04T09:03:00.002-05:00

I quote movies (and TV shows, and books and comics and, well, you get the point). A lot. Like, a lot, a lot.

In fact, my relationship with one of my closest friends in high school, Tobey, consisted almost exclusively of conversing in movie quotes. It was like a code, a test to see if one of us had been replaced by a pod person. Speak one line from Airplane! or Top Secret and see if the other person, the one who CLAIMS to be your friend, is not, in fact, a Skrull.

The problem with this, though, is that, when conversing with someone who is NOT as intimately familar with Monty Python or Groundhog Day, is that you may sound like an idiot. A quote out of context, or one misconstrued by a friend or colleague can make for an awkard situation at best. I'm lucky if I get off with a funny look and an uncomfortable laugh. Still, when I bust out a line from Ghostbusters and someone else jumps in with the corresponding line, well, that creates an instant bond that goes far beyond mere friendship.

How about you? Are you a quoter? Or are you fervent anti-quoter (I know you're out there!)? Or are you somewhere in between? Wanna hit me with some of your favorites?

10,000: A Magic Number?

2012-01-03T09:00:00.004-05:00

Somewhere around 8 pm Easter Time last night, this blog reached 10,000 hits.

I know what you are thinking... whoop-di-do. (do people really say that anymore? Did they ever?)

Still, for me, it's a pretty big deal. That's around 50 hits per posting (though my year-end 2010 is up over 500, for some reason). I imagine that even SOME of those people are not robots and/or Ukranians who can't understand why their search for Dick and Johnson ended up bringing them here...

Of course, it brings me back to my centennial post (which is my second biggest seller, so to speak). Is there a significance to 10,000? Not really. It's a cool flipping of the numbers, I suppose, but little else.

Most of the traffic (around 35%) has come in the last two months since I have been trying to post every day. So I suppose that says something. Maybe if I post TWICE a day, I'll have every man woman and child on the planet reading this.

Maybe...

Anyway, here is a bald-faced plea for the New Year: follow this blog. Recommend it to people you know (and even people you don't). Perhaps then I'll stop writing about myself and my blog and start writing about stuff people want to read.

Like, ummm... angry birds again?

My Short Story Contest Entry: Read and Comment, Please

2011-12-31T08:58:00.003-05:00

I have entered a short story contest held by Second Wind Publishing. My entry, "Chrysalis," is posted on their site right now. You can read it and comment on it if you'd like. Here's what they have to say about reader comments:

"The best entries will be posted on this site for everyone to read and comment. The authors and management of Second Wind Publishing will choose the three finalists, but reader comments will be taken into consideration. Entries will be judged on originality, readability, writing skills, characterization, plot, and how well they fit in with the theme of the anthology (spring or renewal)."

So your voice matters! Check out my story here:

http://secondwindcontests.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/chrysalis-by-by-r-p-steeves/

And happy New Year and Junk.

Obligatory Top Ten List for 2011 -- Because No One Demanded It!

2011-12-30T08:28:00.013-05:00

Since EVERYONE else is doing it (and yes, I did jump off a bridge once. What's it to ya? I missed, and found out I could fly. But that's another story). AND since I am incredibly self serving, here's a list of my top 10 posts (or groups of posts) from 2011

10) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire posts. Did I mention I was on a game show? I chronicled the matter here.

9) Scare-A-Cuse and Anthocon. I attended this first annual horror convention in Syracuse, NY, which was a blast. I also attended a convention in New Hampsire, which was equally cool.

8) Guest blogs! A number of great guest blogs on the site this year, from the likes of Stan Tremblay and Misty Rayburn!

7) Geek Love. I did a review of the new show Geek Love, which I, a geek, LOVED.

6) Reviews. Other reviews were popular as well, like my write up of Ready Player One, and As She Climbed across the Table, two books I adored.

5) Misty Johnson

4) Pulp Obscura. Kind of a big deal. I'll be writing tales of actual pulp heroes mostly forgotten. The Eagle, The Griffon, Major Lacy, Armless O'Neil and more.

3) All Things Wild Cards. I love me this book series, about a world where an alien virus blesses a select few with super powers and curses others with disfigurement and death. The popular series of mosaic novels will soon be made into a feature film. I am over the moon about it!

2) NYCC. I went to the New York Comic Con. I wrote about it. A lot.

1) THIS ONE

Guess what folks, that's 2011 and I... am... outta here!

Coming up in 2012...

2011-12-29T08:46:00.005-05:00

Just thought I'd give you all an update on the writing projects you'll see in 2012.

I recently signed contracts for two short stories that will appear in anthologies from Open Casket Press. The first, entitled "499 Seconds" will be in an anthology about the End of the World. The second, "Blog Tag" will be in a Mutant Apocalypse anthology. I'll update when I have firm dates on those.

As mentioned earlier, I'll be working on several projects for the Pulp Obscura line in 2012. I am currently working on a story involving the great US spy The Eagle. After that, expect tales of Armless O'Neil, The Griffon and Major Lacy... and maybe one or two more in there to boot!

Also, expect the new Misty Johnson sequel, The National Maul in 2012 as well.

I have a few more short stories in various stages of submission, but I won't say much until contracts are signed. I'm also finishing up the draft of my sci-fi novel, tentatively titled ...With Fortune and Men's Eyes... and my rediscovered novella, Trappe Street. More info on those to follow as well.

One more thing (Columbo style). 2012 may be the year I dip into theater again. I found a stage play script that I adore and I may try and make something of that, too...

Novellas: A Question of Length?

2011-12-28T06:58:00.003-05:00

There's a scene in the movie Get Shorty where Chili Palmer approaches producer Harry Zimm with an idea for a movie. After making his pitch, Zimm explains that he does not have a full movie, remarking on what he is missing (a love interest, a second act, etc). Palmer replies that he didn't have a movie, he had an idea for a movie.

This happens to me a lot. I have an idea for a story. In the notebook it goes. Sometimes, they end up being novels (see: Misty Johnson), sometimes, short stories. But what if something falls in between? Not long enough for a novel but too long to be a short story?

I came across a project from about three years ago. I wrote 11,000 words and gave up. I felt that there wasn't enough story for a full novel and, at the time, I had no interest in writing a novella. What would I do with it?

I have a few ideas, now, as to what I'd do with a novella. But I'm wondering: is this a format people dig? Is it in the uncomfortable zone between being a satisfying novel length or a crisp short story length? Do people find novellas unsatisfying? Or are there novella fans out there?

What do you think?

Oh, and more on this high-concept tale soon...

Discussion Topic: If the Internet Went Away...

2011-12-27T08:51:00.003-05:00

On a message board I frequent, I got into an intellectual debate recently with another poster about the importance of the Internet in our lives. Now, granted, you are using the Internet in some way to read this blog, but that notwithstanding, take a minute for a little thought experiment:

What would life be like if the Internet ceased to exist tomorrow? How would your life change? What would you have to do differently? What would you miss? What adjustments in your daily life or long-term plans would you need to make? How would our society, nationally or globally, change?

I think a lot of this has to do with how you use the Internet on a daily basis. Some people use it for their livelihood. Some for entertainment purposes. Most people have a mix of reasons for turning to the Internet.

So, what do you think?

Wrapped Up Like a Review: As She Climbed across the Table

2011-12-26T09:58:00.009-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to write a strong review of a book. Even if I enjoyed the book, maybe I don't feel quite clever enough to do it justice in my review.

That is certainly the case with As She Climbed across the Table by Jonathan Lethem. I liked it. A lot. But I'm not sure if I'm smart enough to write a decent review.

Part of the appeal of this novel is its combination of genres. It's a romance. It's a sci-fi story. It's an intellectual comedy. It's a commentary on intellectualism.

The plot, such as it is, revolves around a scientist, Alice, whose team of physicists discover a new phenomenon they dub "Lack." It's a hole in the universe that devours items. Selectively. Pistachio ice cream? Yes. A fried duck egg? No.

The book is narrated by Phillip, Alice's lover and a professor of anthropology. He loves Alice, but he fears he is losing her to her work.

That is the plot, but the book, as terse as it is, is crammed with so much more. A pair of co-dependent, chatty blind men. Pretentious scientists, both domestic and foreign. Campus protests. Drunken encounters with a coupling therapist. Sex and fights. Silence and conversation.

Lethem peppers the book with clever wordplay, using the language of science to describe the science of love, of loss, of a search for meaning in life. The narrative takes detours into the bizarre from time to time, but the relationship at the core of the story is engaging and worthwhile. And poor Phillip's plight is genuinely funny at times.

The book is a quick read, but enjoyable. You'll laugh, you'll smile, you'll think. You won't Lack much, I'd say...

Festivus? Nah. Happy HOT DOG DAY

2011-12-23T16:28:00.003-05:00

Feats of strength. Airing of grievances. The aluminum pole (tinsel IS distracting, isn't it?) Many people associate 12/23 with Festivus. Not me. For me, it'll always be Hot Dog Day.

20 years ago, I managed to convince my high school history teacher to allow us to hand in our term papers at her house by 5pm on Christmas Eve (being friends with her son since first grade had a perk or two (but not that many)).

So naturally, I would not start writing it until the morning of 12/24 (yes, I was that kinda student).

Also on tap for Christmas Eve was dinner at my grandmother's house. A truly epic affair, it would be full of food of every shape and size. I would bring my hollow leg.

So, for the night of the 23rd, my mother would serve hot dogs. Hot dogs that, we learned much later, were part of a tainted batch that would later be recalled by Hummel's.

Oops.

I won't get into the gory details, but it was the worst case of food poisoning I've ever experienced, and it hit me last. At that time, we realized the big problem with having four people in the house and only three toilets.

I was up all night, pretty miserable (and only moreso when my mother, who felt better first, starting making BACON early Christmas Eve morning). I did my best to write my paper (on the cult of George Washington) while running the bathroom every 45 minutes.

I handed in the paper a half hour before the deadline. My teacher, a very nice woman, said I looked like "death warmed over."

We made it to my grandmother's house. I had a roll and a couple of olives.

Luckily, we all felt a lot better on 12/25. A Christmas miracle!

And I didn't eat another hot dog for a decade...

Bicentennials and Years in Review

2011-12-22T17:31:00.004-05:00

Two of my most popular posts, for whatever reason, are my "Is It Too Early for a Year End Post?" which I wrote at the tail end of 2010, and "On Centennials," which was my hundredth post (natch.)

I had intended to do my end of 2011 post later, but then I realized that I could couple it with my 200th post and therefore create the most popular posting in the brief history of, well, everything...

I was a bicentennial baby. Sorta. I was born in 1976, but in August, so it was technically after the July 4th celebration, but students of American history know that date is pretty arbitrary anyway, so I like to count myself in the lucky bunch. At the very least I was in the womb at the time (and for Michael Bolton's wedding, but that is another story for another time).

So bicentennials should be more meaningful to me than, perhaps, centennials. But that ain't the case. And, as for a year-end recap, well, it's been a strange year. One of transitions: new jobs, new homes, new relationships. In many ways, a carry over from last year: the game show I recorded in November of 2010 aired in May of 2011. The novel that came out in ebook format in the waning days of 2010 came out in paperback this year. The car that was crushed on New Year's Eve last year gave way to two successors this year. The new job soured and was replaced.

But this year provided other opportunities, too. New writing chances (Open Casket press and Pro See/Pulp Obscura, to name two). New friends and new relationships. New hobbies and new hopes. It was a year with a dark beginning but a bright and hopeful second half. A year that gives way to a new one, coming quite soon, that will be filled with the unknown. Exciting opportunities and chances to take.

Should be fun.

And scary as hell.

Ready for Ready Player One? You Should Be! (A Review)

2011-12-21T10:27:00.002-05:00

It's either the book I wish I'd written, or the book written specifically for me. I just can't figure out which.

It's Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and it's tremendous.

First, the set-up: Wade Watts lives in a dystopian future where the energy crisis is worse than ever, as is the world economy. Most Americans live in abject poverty and find their only happiness inside a giant virtual universe called OASIS.

OASIS was created by eccentric billionaire genius James Halliday who died with no heirs. Instead, he left control of his company and his 12-figure fortune to the first person who completed his in-game scavenger hunt. The catch? The hunt is predicated on solving riddles and having intimate knowledge of 1980's popular culture. If you don't know the oeuvre of Matthew Broderick or the obscure details of Atari 2600 games, you have no chance of finding THE EGG.

So millions, living with no other hope, obsess over the egg hunt. Called gunters, some operate solo, others in guilds, others as members of a faceless corporation dedicated to seizing the prize and licensing OASIS for their nefarious plans.

Wade is a teenager, awkward and shy in the real world, with no close friends save for his fellow gunters. When he stumbles across the possible solution to the first clue, which has stumped the world for over five years, will he be able to complete the hunt before the soulless sixers find him and kill him?

That is the set-up. And, if that intrigues you as much as it did me, then you won't be disappointed.

References to dozens of movies, TV shows, games songs and other pop culture touchstones of the 1980's fill the book. Wade is, 30 years from now, re-living MY youth in his quest to find the treasure. And I love it.

But more than that, it's a coming-of age story, a heist story, a quest story and, yes, a love story all wrapped together. Wade finds an uneasy alliance with other gunters and falls in love with one. Can he have friendship and romance with these companions, as they compete to uncover the world's greatest treasure? Can this simple kid from a stack of mobile homes in Oklahoma show he has what it takes to defeat nigh-infinite odds? Will I follow him every step of the way nodding and smiling to references to shows, comics and movies that I adore?

The answer to the last question is FRAK YES.

And if you get THAT reference, you'll dig this book

In Love with Geek Love: A Review

2011-12-20T08:55:00.009-05:00

Full disclosure: I was walking through New York Comic Con and saw this show being made. I am also Facebook friends with one of the producers.

Having said that, I watched the two episodes of Geek Love that aired on TLC over the weekend (from what I understand, they were kind of pilot eps to see if the show would go to series).

I adored it.

The show could have been a disaster. It could have mercilessly mocked the subjects it was following (self-described geeks who have decided to take part in a speed-dating event held at the New York Comic Book Convention).

But it never did.

Each episode introduced us to a trio of geeks, fans of Star Wars or Ninja Turtles or Video Games or Iron Man. We got to hear from them before the event, as they geared up for what was, for many of them, a nerve-wracking social experiment. The subjects were shy or unlucky in love or had never found someone who appreciated their geeky pursuits and fanatical devotion.

I know what that can be like.

Some had never been on a date. Some had been the victims of heartbreak. Each seemed genuine and likable. Also likable was the guy who ran the event, who gave lots of insightful comments.

We followed the subjects through the event, cringing at some interactions, and cheering for others. Some found a connection, others did not. Those who did let the cameras follow them for first dates: sweet and real.

As someone who has been a geek his whole life, and who has struggled to find a geek of the opposite sex who appreciates his references to Cylons, the TARDIS and Emma Frost, I can indentify with these folks. They just want to connect with someone else. Isn't that what we all want?

I hope the show gets picked up and we see more of these geeks from around the country. And I hope they find love. Now, what sci-fi cliche shold I end this on...

Great Gifts for a Gaggle of Geeks!

2011-12-19T15:55:00.002-05:00

Looking for a last minute gift idea for that geek in your life?

Gift Giving

2011-12-19T09:17:00.003-05:00

So it's the time of year for gift giving for many of us (though, frankly, with all the holidays crammed into the year, I feel it's ALWAYS time for gift giving).

This has gotten me thinking... what makes a good gift? Something that someone NEEDS? Something they WANT? Something they did know they needed or wanted? Something you made? Cash?

Many people take gift giving seriously. Many feel compelled to get the perfect gift. Others, not so much. Sometimes a gift card will suffice. Sometimes, a last minute grab of smoked sausage or a candle will fill the bill nicely.

So, what do you think? Are you a good gift giver? Do you think about your gifts a lot? Or are you a last-minute shopper? What's the best gift you've ever given? The worst?

None of the Above Part 2: The Segments

2011-12-16T09:15:00.009-05:00

I've been talking recently about one of my college radio shows, None of the Above (my follow up show, co-hosted with my buddy Mike, Everything in Between, has been lost to history, unfortunately). It was a comedy show with a smattering of news mixed in. We had a few regular segments:

1) Top Five List: Pretty standard in design (we always said we had a smaller budget than that other show, so we could only afford half as many items). We had topics like the Top 5 Problems with Cloning (#1- the jokes tend to repeat themselves, repeat themselved) and the Top 5 Rejected Adult Themed Rides at Disney (that one got a little blue).

2) Canadian Invasion Update: Kathy's segment, explaining the dangers of the imminent incursion from the North.

3) Answer Matt: Our resident man with all the answers, Matt, would explain the REAL answers to tough questions, like "Why is the Washington Monument two different colors?" (answer: the big flood) and "Where does bologna come from?" (the bologna creature).

4) C-Bass' Soapbox: this is where I got up on my high horse and complained about hard hitting issues that bothered me, like how Syracuse U needs to change their mascot, as the Orange is offensive to Oompa Loompas (so I started the Oompa-Loompa Anti-Defamation League. Oo-adladl)

5) Phone a Freshman: With assist from my friend Schmidty, who called in from CT, we'd phone random freshman and ask them hard-hitting trivia questions... which rarely had a correct answer. In our live show, we made them do stupid Freshman tricks, like measuring the distance from the bathroom to our broadcast table in squares of toilet paper.

Ah, hard hitting college radio. Good thing I have them all on CD now...

The Real Story of None of the Above

2011-12-15T08:49:00.006-05:00

So yesterday I spoke about None of the Above as a political movement. Today you'll get the secret origin of None of the Above the radio show.

I have always had an interest in radio (or, some would say, face for radio) possibly because I like to talk a lot. Like, a lot a lot.

I used to help my old man when he broadcast high school basketball games by keeping stats, so the bug was planted early. One day, while chatting with my college friends, we decided that we were funny enough to have our own show.

So junior year, we submitted the show idea to the talk radio station on campus. Kathy, Matt and C-Bass would be the hosts, and Mike would be our producer. We decided on the title after we spent hours reading The City Paper (a free paper in DC that you could find in stores and machines on street corners) and finding the "None of the Above" listing in the personals section to be particularly amusing.

In fact, that was supposed to be a segment on the show. But when you had spots like "C-Bass' Soapbox," "Answer Matt," "Canadian Invasion Update," and Top 5 lists, what more could you need?

And you know what? More on THOSE segments tomorrow. Stay tuned true believers!

Would YOU Vote for None of the Above?

2011-12-14T08:38:00.005-05:00

In addition to the radio drama I created, wrote, directed and produced in college (details here, here and here). In addtion to that project (and my duties as Program Director), I hosted two shows, one of which was called "None of the Above." That was a comedy/news show where we talked about all sorts of topics that we felt fit in that None of the Above category (I'll probably post about that much-beloved show one of these days, so stay tuned).

One clip I never got around to making for the show was a compilation of clips from the flick Brewster's Millions, where Richard Pryor's character is trying to get folks to vote for, you guessed it, None of the Above:

But I bring this up not for entertainment value, but for political reasons. I have given a lot of thought to the political system in this country, political parties, voter apathy, etc. And I was wondering. Should None of the Above be a choice on a ballot? Should a voter be able to say "I don't like any of these choices!" Then either the post would remain vacant or the powers that be would have to come up with a new slate of candidates.

What do you think? Crazy pipe dream? Or a way to spur voters on, make candidates and parties more accountable? Comments? Questions? Criticism?

Xavier Falcons Dominate for Second Straight Undefeated Season

2011-12-13T08:41:00.005-05:00

It was never in doubt.

For a team that trailed for a total of 1:34 seconds in the entire season, a team that outscored its opponents by an average of almost 34 points, a team that dominated two playoff games against highly ranked opponents by a combine score of 89-20, it was as close to a sure thing as you can get.

And, so, the Xavier High School Falcons of Middletown completed their second straight undefeated season and won their second consecutive class LL CT state football championship. And they did it in impressive fashion.

By a final score of 42-7, they defeated the previously unbeated Staples High School Wreckers in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT, home of UConn football.

It was a great experience for the players, coaches, family members and students of the school. And for me, too.

It's been a while since I've been in the broadcast booth, and it was fun to return to the game with such a talented team, and talented partners. Working with Rich Warren and the legendary Bill Glynn (60 years in the broadcast biz, and 36 straight doing HS football in CT) was a treat and getting to see the Falcons roll over their opponents was fun (and a challenge. Making a 55-14 game interesting to the last snap is tricky!)

The culminating game was a great way to end the season on the air, at a large field in a nice broadcast booth with lots of other media folks. I look forward to staying in the game, whether doing other HS sports, or awaiting next football season, or trying other endeavors. It's back in my blood, and you know I'm going to keep at it for as long as I can.

Guest Blog: Stan 'The Man' Tremblay of Variance Publishing

2011-12-12T07:28:00.001-05:00

STAN TREMBLAY is the Assistant Publisher at Variance LLC, as well as designer extraordinaire at FindTheAxis.com. He is a staunch promoter of reading in his state by being the former Vice President of a non-profit organization to both raise money and awareness for literacy. He is also a staunch promoter of fine beer and whisk(e)y during his time off.

1) How did you get started in publishing?
When Variance first started, they were looking for someone who could soak up info like a sponge and was willing to work. I happened to fall into the position quite nicely because I was going to school for web design, part of the position I would have been filling, and was willing to take other classes and work towards a bigger and better goal. Here I am today, Assistant Publisher, Webmaster, and Art Director. I still have plenty to learn, but have come so far in just a few short years.

2) What are some of your artistic inspirations or influences?
I really love art from Erik Hollander, Larry Rostant, and Steve Stone, but some new people I’ve come across as of late are Morbideus Goodell, Ogmios, Josh Belanger, Michael Bailey, and Trevor Schubert (all met at Anthocon). While I’m no illustrator I look up to them for their amazing artwork. I also enjoy watching people like Paul Teutul Jr. and his entire team who create very organic creations off of a thought and make it come to life. My closest influence and mentor though would be author and cover designer Jeremy Robinson.

3) What project that you’ve worked on do you find the most fascinating? Why?
Hmm, I think that they are all fascinating in their own way. Each author makes it so because it is their blood, sweat, and tears that went into the title and they want to see it work just right. I do have to say though that when I did the interior design for the hardcover version of Steve Alten’s Grim Reaper: End of Days, it was so in-depth and so involved that it is certainly the piece of work that I remember the best. It ended up coming out so well that the paperback version from Tor ended up copying my design and taking my headers and layout… granted, it doesn’t say as such, but when compared side-by-side, they are nearly identical, well layout-wise. The headers are mine for sure.

4) What is your creative process like?
It’s certainly different for every project, but I typically start with input from the author - the description, main themes and/or places, etc. I might start some music to create a mood following discussion, typically instrumental-type tunage, but never turning down some great metal.

If I’m creating a cover, I start looking for stock photography that would build a basis to work off of. From there, it might take me a day, but perhaps three, to come up with a design I think is worthy of showing a client to get critiques and the go-ahead for completion.

If an interior, I’ll still go looking for stock photography typically, but sometimes I’ll create my own logos, like in Grim Reaper, for chapter headers. If I’m provided with interior picts, I’ll often find ways to spruce them up - make them look more professional, sharper, or more engaging.

If I’ve learned anything in the past few years, it is that I must provide readers with a balance of left and right brain stimulation. It keeps them coming back for more.

5) Besides publisher, what other jobs have you had in your life?
Many. Let’s see now… outside sales, process piping and shipping/receiving, water filtration media QC, juice and water QC as well as microbiology for the samples, and everyone’s great standby - landscaping. Yup, I’ve been around the block a time or two.

6) What is the secret to good public relations? What tips do you have for authors or publishers in regards to PR?
A few things, but really no secrets:

--Good public relations start with being humble! Please and thank you always take you further - regardless of who you think you are or how many books you’ve sold - than an attitude of someone who feels entitled to something from someone else.
--Be willing to set some time aside to putting effort forth to meet and greet these folks who you want to read/review/interview you. As an author I know you are busy, but taking the time to create a relationship with me shows me that you are in it for the long haul - not just an ‘I’m reviewed, now I move on’ attitude. Building these relationships usually turn into a much bigger thing down the road.
--Use the resources at your disposal, like conferences, to meet authors you look up to, have similar writing styles to, etc. While buttering someone’s palm isn’t really necessary, a little flattery is a great ice breaker to get a conversation started, and from there keep in touch… who knows, they may request your book without ever having to ask when the time comes to need a blurb. Many mainstream authors remember being ‘green’ and typically help when they can. It’s honestly pretty cool.

7) What do you do for fun?
My number one priority during non-work time is family time. While he is in his ‘terrible three’ stage, my son is probably one of the most fun people I know, and spending time with he and my wife are very important to me. I like to play computer games, as well as some Lego Batman via the Wii, going out with the boys to a local watering hole, going to Barnes and Noble to check out the new cover and interior designs, and rounding out the ‘free time’ category is, well, designing and learning new tricks to hone my skills.

8) What are you reading right now?
It’s taken far too long, but I NEED to finish Jeremy Robinson’s The Last Hunter: Descent, then move onto his Threshold, third book in the Jack Sigler/ChessTeam series. I actually just skipped ahead to the Rook - Book 1 novella that is actually based on, of all people, me. I got a new Kindle and had to test it out by reading about myself… I know, vain right? I do have a load of books I’ve fallen behind on though because I’ve been spending so many nights working on my freelance design work at FindTheAxis.com. Eh, I’ll have plenty of time to catch up on my reading when I take a dirt nap, right?

9) What are some upcoming projects that you are working on?
Well, I’ve been working on a cover for a novella coming out soon based on Steven Savile’s characters from the Ogmios series, Silver and Gold. I’ve been lucky enough to work on some titles with 7R, including a cover for David Sakmyster’s Blindspots coming out soon and David Lynn Golemon’s The Supernaturals interior (out now), as well as an interior for another Paul Byers title filled with short stories. My most recent work can be seen in the formatting of Kane Gilmour’s Resurrect and the majority of the Jeremy Robinson Chesspocalypse titles for Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords, as well as print.

10) What is one unforgettable memory you have from your youth?
Wow, just one? I have so many. Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you…

I’m back and have been thinking about it over the past few days and can’t pick just one! From an all-night Diablo-a-thon with my best friend, to baking with my mom during the holidays, to a damn decent Senior year of high school including a class trip to Disney and being Prom King. Overall, my youth was filled with unforgettable memories that I won’t soon forget.

High School Football Championship Preview: Xavier vs. Staples

2011-12-09T08:19:00.003-05:00

In addition to my work as a copy editor, tutor and author (and host of popular LOST podcast) I also work as a broadcaster for high school football on WLIS 1420 Old Saybrook CT and WMRD 1150 Middletown CT. This year, I have been covering the Xavier High School Falcons on their quest for a second consecutive undefeated season and class LL state title.

Tomorrow, that quest will reach its conclusion, one way or another.

Last season, Coach Sean Marinan's team won 13 straight, 10 in the regular season and all three playoff games, securing a state championship. This year, they were even more dominant, winning 10 regular season contests by an average score of 42-8. They plowed through every opponent, and nearly every game was over at the half.

In the playoffs, it was the same story. They defeated an excellent Glastonbury team 34-6 in the rain and defeated Norwalk 55-14, after trailing 7-6 in the first quarter.

Tomorrow at 5:30 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT (home of UCONN Husky football) they take on the undefeated Staples High School (of Westport, CT) Wreckers. The number 2 seed in the playoffs, Staples boasts a 12-0 record after defeating Newtown 44-20 in semi-finals action. If any team can put up a good fight in a bid to defeat Xavier, it's this team.

If that is not enough of a reason to listen, tune in to hear the immortal Bill Glynn wrap up his 60th (yes, SIXTIETH) straight season of broadcasting high school sports in CT. It is an honor to work with Bill.

So, if you are in the area, tune in. If not, await my recap on Monday!

Math Music and Me

2011-12-08T10:16:00.003-05:00

I don't usually write too much about myself in this space (who wants to hear about me, anyway?), but I thought I'd share a little bit about myself in order to introduce a philosophical musing that came over me last night.

As I have said many times before, I was fortunate that public schools in this country value the talents I possess. I am good at math, reading and writing and, as luck would have it, those are the subject areas that have the most value in the current educational system in this country. I have said quite often that, if standardized testing measured spacial reasoning or musical ability, I probably would have dropped out of school. Those are NOT my strengths.

And I started thinking about music. Now, I'll admit, I have a tin ear. I cannot carry a tune in a European Carryall. But furthermore, I realized another reason why I had difficulty reading music: it's spatial. I have trouble telling time on an analog clock with any speed or accuracy, so figuring out which little space is occupied by which symbol was rough on me. Also, I am a person driven by logic, and the logic of some of the embedded foundational concepts of written music confound me (more on that later).

Perhaps, if the opening line to Merrily We Roll Along had looked more like THIS:

3-1 2-1 1-1 2-1 3-1 3-1 3-1

Than THIS:

I would have been okay. Alas, I'll never know...

The Greatest Decade and the Role of Nostalgia

2011-12-07T08:30:00.003-05:00

A comics columnist that I respect (Andrew Smith. Check out his site here) once pointed out that for each comics reader, the subjective Golden Age of comics is when s/he was 10 years old. I think there is a lot of truth to this. My favorite comic of all time debuted in 1986 when I was (you guessed it) 10. I loved it then. I went back and re-read it and I love it now.

I am even that guy who says "comics were better when I was a kid" in duscussions and on the occasional comic book discussion board. Heck, I even think comics were better BEFORE I was born than they are now, for the most part. Give me a Silver Age comic or a 70's comic before you give me the latest from Marvel or DC. So I guess, comics wise at least, I think the 80's were the best decade.

But, as one FB friend pointed out, nostalgia has a lot to do with our opinion on a decade. Do I fondly remember watching Saturday morning cartoons in my pjs? Absolutely. Does that mean that TV was better in the 80s? Maybe, maybe not. It's all very subjective, of course.

Which is why I find it interesting when I hear people say "I wish I'd been a teenager during the '60s or the '20s" or whatnot. All we know of decades before are time is what we see on TV and hear from the mouths of others. So were they really better? Or is it just the distance that makes us crave the past?

What I know for sure is this: I would not want to live in a time before indoor plumbing. Any decade that has that little innovation is okay by me. Oh, and thought balloons and third person narrative captions in comics. That's all I really need...

What do you think is the greatest decade and why?

Education, Email and Me

2011-12-06T15:36:00.001-05:00

I am quoted on the above topic in this blog.

Games, Gadgets and Gallimaufry

2011-12-06T13:58:00.001-05:00

Check out my columnist page at TMCnet.com, Games, Gadgets and Gallimaufry. You can read articles I've written about games, gadgets, robots and other topics far less interesting!

Better off with Better off Ted

2011-12-06T08:30:00.004-05:00

In my continuing effort to give exposure to some of my favorite (but lesser appreciated, perhaps) shows, let me present to you... Better off Ted.

As I use my Kindle Fire (which I dig, by the way) as an entertainment option while I write, I focus on shows that are free streaming with my Amazon Prime membership. Scrolling through the options presented to me, I considered watching more Arrested Development, but instead opted for Ted, a show that has a lot in common with AD: cancelled too early; humor that is quirky and oddball, yet sophisticated and thought-provoking at the same time; Portia di Rossi.

The show follows a group of people working for the soulless mega-coporation Veridian Dynamics (and often, their fake in-story commercials were the humor high points of an episode). Ted, the consumate nice-guy single father is the on-screen, talk to the camera narrator. He is smitten with the equally nice Linda, who is so fish-out-of-water in the company that she steals creamers as an act of rebellion. Ted's boss (di Rossi) is Veronica, beautiful, icy and preternaturally tough, a caricature of every tough boss you've ever had.

But the heart and soul of the show has to be the pair of scientists, Phil and Lem, who are a bit clueless about the world of business (and anything else outside the lab), but who work tirelessly to create whatever bizarre technological marvel that's put to them (weaponized fruit, bagels with better ricochet, freezing chambers, jet packs... the list goes on).

The show makes excellent points about relationships, business, science and camraderie in the workplace. It also features bizaree situations ranging from medieval fight club to presentations for products that don't exist to motion sensors that are racist (and force the company to hire everyone on the planet (and there's not enough parking for that!)). I can't do it justice here, so check it out, and wonder why the network buried such a smart, funny and heartfelt show.

Then curse them and watch it again.

PULP OBSCURA!!!

2011-12-05T08:43:00.006-05:00

If you've been following along on this blog, I've been teasing a couple big annoucements. One announcement, related to the After LOST podcast is still on the QT, but the other broke on Friday. In case you missed it, check out the press release here.

All caught up? Good. Now, the first point I want to add to that PR are is how THRILLED I am to be a part of this. I spoke about it briefly on the podcast PULPED! last week, but now that more details have come out, I am able to share some specific thoughts.

First, the entire concept is exciting. I love the classic pulp characters, from the Shadow to the Spider, John Carter to Flash Gordon, from Zorro to Tarzan and (especially) Doc Savage. But they have had their time in the limelight, and have been mined considerably. But there are so many other characters, many of whom only appeared a few times, who have potential to be just as exciting.

Plus, the characters in the line-up we have run a gamut from fighter pilots to explorers of the Amazon, from masked vigilantes to mysterious mystics. That's part of the fun of Pulp. So many different sub-genres all joined under the umbrella of excitement and adventure.

The characters I get to work with are tremendous. Who wouldn't want to write about a guy called Armless O'Neil? And I am thrilled to explore my ideas about The Griffon and the Eagle, not to mention Major Lacy. I can't say TOO much about my specific stories, of course, but I can say that I am excited to tackle these characters.

Just to clarify, the stories are period pieces. We are not re-imagining the characters for 2011, nor are we taking the old names and creating new characters. But we are bringing our modern story telling ways with us and weaving those techniques into the old-fashioned, two fisted, guns blazing sensibility of Pulp.

So stay tuned for more updates as the Pulp Obscura movement continues. It's big and it's exciting and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

PULP OBSCURA PRESS RELEASE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2011-12-02T18:32:00.002-05:00

Pro Se Productions, a leading Publisher in the New Pulp Movement, and Altus Press, the foremost Publisher of quality Pulp reprints and new works such as THE WILD ADVENTURES OF DOC SAVAGE, announced a partnership in November and revealed today specifics to what has become known as the PULP OBSCURA Imprint.

The concept behind Pulp Obscura is that Altus Press and Pro Se Press will work in conjunction to produce related products. When Altus Press publishes specially selected titles featuring rare and largely forgotten Pulp characters’ original stories, Pro Se will bring together the best writers of New Pulp today and simultaneously release a collection of newly written tales starring the same character. This stunning partnership will showcase both the classic adventures of some of pulp's lost treasures while simultaneously allowing New Pulp's finest to bring those characters back to life.

“This,” Tommy Hancock, Partner in and Editor-in-Chief of Pro Se Productions, “is no easy task. First to provide New Pulp stories, brand new exciting adventures of rare classic Pulp Characters and to coordinate that with Altus Press. But then finding the right creators, the authors who can breathe new life into these concepts and on top of that, deciding and planning which books will come out in the coming year. It’s a heck of a task and one that has been rewarding on so many levels.”

Thirteen books in the Pulp Obscura line from Pro Se have been planned. At least eight of these will be timed to release simultaneously with the reprinted adventures of the same characters as produced by Altus Press. Five more will be published by Pro Se that will feature characters Altus Press has already published the available adventures of in the past.

“We are extremely proud,” Hancock stated, “to be able to announce a fantastic line up of writers for Pulp Obscura. Some of the creators involved are well known figures in the Pulp Community, others are prestigious in other genres and literary fields, and there’s even a blossoming new author or two thrown in the mix. It shows a project has great promise when you as a Publisher simply put a call out for authors who might be interested in participating and you get not only a flood of interest, but also writers who stay on through the selection process of what will be written and who will write it. Pulp Obscura could not have a better line up of creators for both their skill and their commitment.”

"It's going to be great to see this new material. Interest in the series has been huge and the enthusiasm by the writers will certainly result in plenty of enjoyable reads," added Matt Moring, publisher of Altus Press. "I cannot recall such a publishing plan ever in the history of the pulp community."

The writers involved in the Pulp Obscura Line in 2012 are-

Howard Hopkins Allan Gilbreath Barry Reese

Derrick Ferguson Joshua Reynolds Andrew Salmon

Nick Ahlhelm Jon Edward Klement Bobby Nash

I.A. Watson Teel James Glenn Nancy Hansen

Lee Houston, Jr. Chuck Miller R. P. Steeves

Don Thomas Adam L. Garcia Van Allen Plexico

Frank Schildiner Mike Bullock Sean Taylor

Andrea Judy C. William Russette Phil Bledsoe

Ashley Mangin Russ Anderson Brad Mengel

Terry Alexander BC Bell James Palmer

Andrew Hind Stefan Dogaru Kevin Noel Olson

Just as exciting and important as the lineup of writers involved in PULP OBSCURA is the list of characters and volumes that the Imprint will have in 2012. There are 13 planned volumes from Pro Se for the first year of PULP OBSCURA and the books, along with the writers contributing to them for the first quarter of the year include-

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF RICHARD KNIGHT VOLUME ONE-Adventures of a daring pilot/detective who encounters lost worlds and oddities galore!

Writers- Josh Reynolds

Barry Reese

Adam Garcia

I.A. Watson

Frank Schildiner

Terry Alexander

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE EAGLE VOLUME ONE-Classic Two Fisted Spy Stories! Pulpy Espionage and Intrigue!

Writers- Rich Steeves

Bobby Nash

Teel James Glenn

Lee Houston, Jr.

Ashley Mangin

Nick Ahlhelm

PRICE OF THE MISSIONARY’S GOLD: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ARMLESS ONEIL VOLUME ONE- Classic Pulp Adventure in Exotic Lands seeking Treasure and Action! And with a Tough as Nails Hook Handed Hero!

Writers- Sean Taylor

Rich Steeves

I.A. Watson

Chuck Miller

Andrew Hind

Nick Ahlhelm

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE GRIFFON VOLUME ONE-Thrill to the adventures of Kerry Keen, the masked hero known as The Griffon! High Flying Escapades in the Pursuit of Justice!

Writers-Don Thomas

Rich Steeves

Chuck Miller

Van Plexico

Phil Bledsoe

Stefan Dogaru

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THUNDER JIM WADE VOLUME ONE-Globe Spanning Adventures into the Darkest, Strangest Corners of the World with A Hero Like No Other!

Writers- Barry Reese

Andrew Salmon

Ashley Mangin

Nick Ahlhelm

Andrew Hind

Frank Schildiner

THE CASES OF MAJOR LACY VOLUME ONE –Follow The Major and his intrepid team of men as they take on crimes and criminals No One Else Can Stop!

Writers-C. William Russette

Andrew Salmon

Bobby Nash

Andrew Hind

Don Thomas

Rich Steeves

“At least seven more titles will follow later in 2012 in the Pulp Obscura line,” Hancock stated. “We are immensely excited not only to be a part of something so great, but also because of the fantastic response this concept has received. We hope everyone joins Altus and Pro Se for the wild roller coaster ride into Pulp Obscura!”

For more information on Altus Press, go to www.altuspress.com

To learn more about Pro Se Productions, check out www.prosepulp.com

Press packets and further information can be provided upon request at

proseproductions@earthlink.net

TIME FOR AN ANGRY BIRDS POST!!!

2011-12-01T14:52:00.001-05:00

Read about the Ticked-off Pterodactyl here.

Patience, Anticipation and Managing the Two

2011-12-01T09:29:00.003-05:00

Anticipation can be a blessing or a burden. I remember being excited about Christmas as a youth, and often that anticipation was better than the event itself. Heck, it's the reason I think playing the lottery is fun: you pay a dollar and I get several hours of excitement and anticipation until the number turn up and I don't have a single one. It's more cost-efficient than playing arcade games!

But anticipation can try one's patience. When I want to see someone I haven't seen in a while, for example, I might get testy or impatient, devolving into a petulant child. It's not pretty, but it happens.

That's why I'm in a tough situation NOW. I am anticipating making some pretty exciting annoucements, both in regard to my writing AND After-LOST podcast. These are big and awesome and fun and thrilling announcements.

But I gotta wait.

So I sit, impatiently, and stew. I know, I know, it's just a case of me whining, but I am excited about things coming up in the near future, and I kinda wish I had that TARDIS/DeLorean/Phone Booth/OMNI, etc. (bonus points if you know the last one).

So I wait. And so should you. Because the payoff will be pretty darn good.

Check back soon for news...

Robotic Uprising One Step Closer

2011-11-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

Read all about it here.

Grammar. What is it Good for?

2011-11-30T08:54:00.004-05:00

I am a writer. I am a reader. I make my living with words, editing, proofing, fixing and revising. I am steeped in grammar and am a bit "snobby" about it (grammar and pizza -- my areas of snobbery). Recently, on Facebook, I have been asking about grammar, usage, mechanics, spelling, punctuation, etc. There has been quite a response.

People spoke of their annoyance with misspellings, mispronunciations, usage of commas, and plenty of other errors. People also admitted to their own grammar mistakes.

But, to take the other side for a moment here -- is grammar important? Is it vital to follow rules and conventions, or is it more important that we understand one another? Grammar and spelling rules change and evolve anyway (dost thou use the word "thou" anymore?), so are people like me merely clinging to outdated ways when we bristle at the omission of the word "whom" from everyday vocabulary?

Thoughts? Comments?

Marilyn and Me. And Me.

2011-11-29T07:16:00.004-05:00

I am not usually a lover of biopics. I like movies that have fantastic or unsual elements, preferring action or sci fi flicks, or dramas drawn strictly from the imagination of the screenwriter. I am especially averse to biopics of very famous people, as I often wince at the caricatures that pass as performances. With that in mind, I was ready to cringe at My Week with Marilyn. But with such a talented cast, I should have known better.

Kenneth Branagh is fantastic as Sir Larry Olivier, Dame Judi Dench is tremendous as ever, and Jen from Dawson's Creek will get a lot of attention for playing Norma Jeane Baker herself. And heck, the guy who plays Howard Stark is in it too, and quite good. But I have to give the tip of the hat to Eddie Redmayne. I loved him as Jack Builder opposite Hayley Atwell in the fantastic Starz adaptation of The Pillars of the Earth, and he is fantastic here as Colin, a callow youth with dreams of Hollywood, swept onto Team Marilyn.

And that's the real crux of the flick, I think. Are you with Marilyn or against her? Are you a barnacle on her side, as the Paula Strasberg seemed to be (at least as portrayed here)? Are you a frustrated and perhaps jealous old-school thespian, as Larry himself seemed to be (again, as shown here)?

And who is "Marilyn," really? Is she a damaged soul looking to be saved? A tremendous talent looking to erupt? A vixen or an ingenue, a girl or a woman, a seductress or an innocent? Is she the best actress of her time or merely a curvy figure and a pretty face?

We know how Colin feels, swept up in the wake of Marilyn, but, to some extent, we are able to draw our own conclusions. Marilyn is, in the end, a cipher to us, perhaps as she was to her contemporaries and even herself.

So, I got to enjoy two hours of excellent performances and leave the theater thinking about the nature of fame and beauty and talent and infatuation. Not bad for a $9 matinee. Check it out if you are so inclined, and let me know what you think!

Guest Blog part II: My Interview on Regan Taylor's Blog!

2011-11-28T09:28:00.001-05:00

Check out my interview on Regan Taylor's blog here.

Guest Blog #2: Q & A with Regan Taylor!

2011-11-28T08:59:00.003-05:00

Continuing with my series of guest blogs, here's a Q & A with Regan Taylor. Enjoy!

There’s not much to say about myself. I’m on the staff of three cats: Mel, Missy and Bogie. They live in the lifestyle I’d like to be accustomed to. I’m a lifelong avid reader who lives in Marin County, California.

1) How did you get started writing?

My first two books were non-fictions. The first came about because I found myself navigating the workers’ compensation system with no real one stop place to get help. I compiled a considerable amount of research and when I was told how many other people might benefit I wrote The Guide to Disability Resources. When I went back to school to complete my masters in special education and rehabilitation counseling my thesis advisor asked me to write a text book for a class directed and helping students with disabilities, primarily learning disabilities, succeed in school.

My first foray into fiction came from Jewell Adams encouraging me to take part in one of her “kick-butt writing” weeks.

2) What are some of your literary inspirations or influences?

Alexandre Dumas and Rosemary Rogers. They are my favorite authors, along with Charles Dickens and have impacted my own writing.

3) What character that you have created do you find the most fascinating? Why?

Hmmm, she’s a secondary character that’s in my Cup series, part of eXtasy’s Tarot series, Sapphire Moon. She’s a tarot reader and sees all, knows all but doesn’t quite tell all.

4) What is your writing process like?

Its changed over time from a straight pantser where I’d just blast out the story and then go back and fill in the blanks, then look for more blanks and then fill those in to where I’m at now. These days I do my pretty much all my research up front – although in my current work in progress I thought I had it all but am finding gaps which means – FIELD TRIP!!!!!! Okay, I digressed. I do my research, collect pictures that inspire me and then write my first draft. Then I still go back in and look for gaps or things that don’t make sense and try to clear those up.

5) Besides writer, what other jobs have you had in your life?

Lots – retail in high school, waitress, legal secretary, lighting designer for theatre and police dispatcher.

6) How do you deal with criticism or bad reviews?

That depends on the review. If it’s one of the “this was an awful book” with no substantiation I tend to ignore it. No one can please everyone and I really don’t believe an author can have a top rating every time out. We’re human and we can’t always please everyone all the time. If it has a solid critique I look at what the reviewer has to say and then go back into the book and look at what didn’t work for them. I make note of it and see if I can figure out how to do better next time.

There are objective criteria that can be improved on and then there are subjective ones that are part of my personality that would take a good deal more to change.

7) What do you do for fun?

Read and hang out with my friends. I’m very fortunate in that my friends are a very diverse group of people. Everyone of them has something unique or interesting about themselves.

8) What are you reading right now?

Piper Maitland’s acquainted With the Night.

9) What are some upcoming projects that you are working on?

Right now I’m writing a time travel currently called Sapphire. This is one of those ones where even after spending almost three months going through information on the clipper ships, studying drawings and reading some first hand accounts and journals, now that I’m into the story I need to do a field trip. Fortunately for me Balclutha, one of the clipper ships, is a museum here in the San Francisco Bay area and I’ll be going with a friend in the next few weeks to check out some things.

10) What is one unforgettable memory you have from your youth?

Hmmm. The day my dad told me I had a little sister – I asked him if we could bring her back.

We didn’t.

My current release is Her Eyes

Her Eyes evolved from a discussion my friend, horror author, Jennifer Cloud and I had following the original face transplant in France. The story raised a number of “what ifs” for me and dovetailed with my own long term interest in organ donation, transplants and on the metaphysical side, reincarnation and walk-ins. Her Eyes was a place to draw those elements together.

If you are interested in an excerpt, the opening chapter is included in the Mundania link.

Thanks for having me!

Choose My Favorite Muppet? I Can Bearly Bear It!

2011-11-25T08:58:00.007-05:00

One of my Facebook friends asked the question: Which is your favorite Muppet?

And my head exploded.

It's like asking a Duggar to choose her favorite child, or a Republican to choose his favorite Reagan movie.

I jest, of course, but it ain't an easy task.

Take the original wave of Muppets. I love so many of them situationally. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a pompous Sam the Eagle rant? Or a whacky Gonzo stunt? Or the bizarre interplay between Beaker and Bunson or the Swedish Chef and his, um, meal?

But I suppose, when it comes down to it, the character I identify with most is Fozzie. The poor bear just wants to be liked. He's insecure and tries to connect with friends and strangers with his humor. Sound familiar? Plus, his jokes are really, really corny, and that's the only kind I know!

So when it comes down to it, I'd say my favorite old school Muppet is Fozzie. But man, I LOVE me the newer Muppets. Have I mentioned that Muppets Tonight might be my favorite TV show of all time?

The breakout star of that series is, of course, Pepe the King Prawn. But I really only liked Pepe when he was teamed up with Seymour the Elephant. The two of them, with their quest to rise from elevator operators to stars was cute and desperate.

I also loved Johnny Fiama and Sal and Mulch and Dr. Phil Van Neuter. And who didn't love Bill, who had bubbles come out of his head!

But really, my favorite new wave character has to be Bobo the Bear (no relation). His dry, laconic humor and delivery is fresh and hilarious. He would have made "Have a good day, sir" the newest Muppet catch phrase.

So there you have it. I dig the bears, I guess, Fozzie and Bobo, who could not be more different in looks or laughs, but I love them both. Though, really, I'll take any Muppet at any time. Even Robin. Or Bean Bunny...

Me and the Muppets: Movin' Right Along...

2011-11-23T08:32:00.004-05:00

Since yesterday, I have been listening to the soundtrack for The Muppets pretty much non-stop (at least in my head). It's excellent. With original songs co-written by Brett McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords (and fans of that show will recognize his touch on tunes like "Me Party" and, especially, "Let's Talk about Me"), and Muppety takes on popular tunes (the Muppet Barbershop Quartet (Rowlf, Link Hogthrob, Sam the Eagle and BEAKER) doing "Smells like Teen Spirit" and Camilla and the chickens doing Cee Lo Green? PRICELESS), the album is a ton of fun and warms me up for the flick.

Speaking of the flick, I have a confession. While I usually tell people that Casablanca is my favorite movie of all time (and I ADORE it), in a moment of honesty, I might say The Muppet Movie is. I've certainly seen it dozens of times (and I listened to the 8-track of that flick non-stop as a kid). I love that movie and I love the Muppets, from their movies, to their specials. Heck, I count Muppets Tonight as one of my 5 favorite shows of all time (maybe number one?)

So WHY do I love the Muppets? I thoguht about it, and the answer is simple. They. Are. FUN.

And that's pretty much it. They are free of nastiness. All of their jokes are in the spirit of fun. They are whacky (take anything having to do with Gonzo), but not over-the-top whacky for its own sake. They sing, they dance, they tell really, really bad puns. But all they have to do is flash that "Muppet Face" (YOU know the one) and all is forgiven, and I have to laugh and smile along with them. They have spirit and charm and a good-old-fashioned gee-whiz sensability.

And I love it.

I love Star Wars. I love comics. Heck, I wrote a whole blog about my obsession with Wild Cards. But the Muppets have a special place in my pop culture heart that is just the right size and shape for a bear with a hat and tie. Or perhaps a king prawn and his elephant side kick. Or, well, you get the drift. I look forward to this movie and a resurgence of this franchise. I will consume anything Muppets. Hey, they even played a small role in the plot of Misty Johnson (and an even larger role in her very existence, but that is a story for another time). So I am going to see the movie in the theaters (at LEAST once). And I'll let you know what I think right here.

Until then, I DON'T hope that something better comes along...

A Holiday Based around Food?

2011-11-22T08:45:00.002-05:00

I know you have cleaned-up images of American history, with buckle-hatted Pilgrims and Friendly Indians. I know you have football and parades and pagentry. I know you have the constant reminder that we should be thankful for the good things in our lives (though, in my opinion, we should keep this in mind EVERY day, but more on that later).

But, in the end, isn't this really just a holiday that celebrates food? And, if so, why can't we have a holiday that celebrates MY favorite foods?

Sure, I love succotash and rolls and cranberries. And I guess mashed potatoes. But, well, that's about it. Turkey is low on my list of favorite meats, and I really don't understand stuffing. But to celebrate my favorite foods, well, bring out these treats:

Popcorn, olives, croutons, egg noodles and grape Pez.

Doesn't THAT sound like a pretty awesome holiday? Throw on a Twilight Zone marathon and a tropical bird that brings gifts of silver age comic books and I think I've got something there...

What would YOUR ideal holiday look like?

Guest Blog on The Top Shelf

2011-11-21T16:57:00.002-05:00

After you read Misty's guest blog here, try checking out mine on The Top Shelf. You can even win a copy of the first Misty Johnson novel!

http://www.the-top-shelf.com/?p=2504

Guest Blog: Making Things Work by Misty Rayburn

2011-11-21T08:56:00.003-05:00

Below is my first ever guest blog, written by the incomparable Misty Rayburn of The Top Shelf. Check out the instructions below the post to see how to win a free e-book!

I have a knack for making things work. I honestly think it’s kinda strange and I keep testing it. Like yesterday, I wrote my guest blog for Mary’s blog, watched the first three Harry Potter films and still was able to put away around fifty pages of the review book I need to have read by today. That review is probably being written as you’re reading this blog if you’re reading it in the morning.

No matter what I pile on myself, I can do it. If someone forgets to remind me to do a review and they come to me day of and say can you still do this, I’ll say yeah! I’ve read 300 page books in one day to meet a deadline or at least the day after. Big giveaways? My readers KNOW about my big giveaways! Always try to outdo myself. I’m already thinking about how to do the birthday bash for next year.

My TBR list is long because of this. Some weeks, personal things get in the way and I’ll only read one book and other weeks I’ll read five. I still have time to run my other project, an online wrestling role playing game or play this game or that game. Dead Island has been an obsession lately. I’m almost done with it. Lately I’ve watched a few movies.

Some people would say that’s great time management. I’ve NEVER been good at time management.

What generally happens is this: I’ll set up a bunch of stuff, some I’ll write down and some I’ll forget to write down but remember and the rest will show up on my mailbox day of and a big SURPRISE will sound off in my head! If I have some extra time, I’ll set it up early and let it post on the date of. If I don’t, I’ll post it day of and if it shows up in my mailbox as a surprise… well I’ll freak out, hurry up and post it and play it off to you all like I meant to do that. It works really well! Now you all know and you can laugh at me for it.

Would you call that dumb luck? I mean I know part of it is because I love what I do. Things tend to just work when you love what you do, but I just have this feeling of this is what I’m supposed to be doing. Sometimes if I’m working on something I haven’t done before, I’ll pick it to death because I want it to be great. In general, it works out best if I just let it happen.
Further testing is required though. Just as soon as I figure out how to outdo this birthday bash!

Want to win a copy of Bloody Little Secrets by Karly Kirkpatrick? Leave a comment here, and we'll randomly select one person as a winner! Please leave your email in your comment so we can contact the winner!

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 and Sales Records

2011-11-18T09:14:00.000-05:00

http://www.tmcnet.com/topics/articles/238916-call-duty-modern-warfare-3-guns-down-sales.htm

Ringer Review: On the Nature of TV Seasons

2011-11-18T08:07:00.005-05:00

In past posts, I have reviewed some of the fall TV shows. I talked about how shows like Supernatural and The Office seem to be on their last legs, and I mentioned how I enjoyed Person of Interest and Once Upon a Time.

I have slowly been catching up on the shows in my DVR. I watched a bunch of episodes in a row of Ringer, so first, my thoughts on that show, then some musings about TV season in general.

Now I admit, I am predisposed to like Ringer. First there's the cast, with some great genre players of the past: Reed Richards, Richard Alpeter, LOGAN FRAKKING ECHOLLS. Oh, and Sarah Michelle Whatshername is on it, too. And it's got the kind of high-concept premise that intrigues me.

And so far, it's been fun. The show seems to throw a lot against the wall: plots about teens, murder, abduction, drugs, idenity shifting, etc, etc. It's got one foot firmly in camp (after all, the basic premise of a woman taking on her twin's identity has got to be far-fetched, but I can look the other way if you give me some juicy drama). The performaces range from solid to great, though the dialogue is a little clunky from time to time. Mostly, I am fascinated to see where it goes... and how long it can last.

Which brings me to my second point-- whether shows should be conceptualized as on-going or have finite limits. I won't talk about LOST too much, how it seemed to spin its wheels before it had an end-date set and how it got a lot tighter after that finish line was determined. But what about some other shows of the past. Shows like Grimm and Person of Interest seem more like Fringe and Supernatural: a broad enough premise so they can go on indefinitely. But Ringer and Once Upon a Time seem like they would need to reinvent themselves after a while, or the old premise would wear thin (like Alias did more than once, with varying success). I think about shows like Prison Break or Flashforward could have been better if they'd been conceived as finite works. Let's get out of prison and figure out what the flashfoward was about, then end the story. Heck, one show of recent vintage that I love, Harper's Island, was conceived as a limited series with a definite endpoint, and I thought it served the project well.

So what I am saying is that I would like to see more projects presented as shows with beginnings, middles and ends, even if those shows are packaged as one or two season projects. No syndication, I suppose, but there are always DVDs and various digital formats for extra revenue. What do all of you think?

Sick of Game Show Posts? Try THIS One!

2011-11-17T14:40:00.000-05:00

Move over Watson: Want to Win on Jeopardy!? There's an App for That!
http://www.tmcnet.com/topics/articles/238822-move-over-watson-want-w-on-jeopardy-theres.htm

Upcoming Projects into 2012

2011-11-17T08:45:00.002-05:00

As we move closer to 2012, it is my goal to begin branching out into a few new and different areas in terms of my writing.

First a quick update on current projects. The Noir anthology for Ravenwood Press is coming soon. That will contain a Misty Johnson short story set in California in the 1930's. Also coming soon is the Strong City anthology from the folks over at Pro Se and New Pulp. I'm still eagerly awaiting my turn at bat in the Stan Lee anthology from them as well.

I am still plugging away at the Sci-Fi novel draft, tentatively titled ... With Fortune and Men's Eyes ... and if that doesn't intrigue you, nothing will. And, of course, Misty Johnson, Supernatural Dick in... The National Maul will be out in 2012 as well.

But in addition to these projects (and my self-pubbed short story anthology-- lots more on that soon), I am working on submissions to anthologies that are a bit out of my usual comfort zone. First, I have a story I am looking to submit for a feminist sci-fi anthology (cannot wait to say more about THAT). Also, I have an apocalyptic story AND a mutant apocalypse story in the hopper for two different anthologies for next year. Plus I have a mystery novella and a contemporary fiction novel in the queue somewhere... when I have the time...

In the meantime, check out my links if you want to buy any of my current offerings in print or ebook format. Don't forget to check this space Monday for a special guest!

What ARE the 10 Best Cast Reunions of All Time?

2011-11-16T08:34:00.006-05:00

Recently, I received a message in the old inbox from Rose King, suggesting I check out the list of The Ten Best Cast Reunions of All Time. It felt like a topic that was up my alley, so I thought I would chime in with my three cents (inflation, doncha know).

The one item on that list that immediately jumped out to me was the Seinfeld reunion. I was a huge Seinfed fan, almost from the beginning (they had me from the elevator stake-out), and I watched it religiously through the end (having a viewing party for that underrated finale). I was a bit of a latecomer to Curb Your Enthusiasm (I thought a show entirely about George would be too depressing), but I love that the Seinfeld reunion was of a different sort than expected. Not an "in-world" sequel or a photo shoot for a mag, but rather a show within a show madness orchestrated by Larry David. From Michael Richards meeting Leon to Larry as George, it was, well, yadda yadda...

As for the rest of the list, it covers some of my favorite properties. I loved reading about the Princess Bride reunion an issue of EW this year. They seem like they had such a fun time making the movie and are proud of it. Good. It's a great flick. I am also excited by the Arrested Development reunion this year, as it gave me hope that there will be more of the Bluth family in the future.

One pet peeve about top ten lists, though. Can we make them countdowns, please? Start with 10 and go to 1 so we can build suspense and try to play along. Is that too much to ask?

Nice list though, and thanks for the idea. If anyone else out there has suggestions or ideas for posts, shoot them my way!

Anthocon Wrap-up!

2011-11-14T08:39:00.004-05:00

The first annual Anthocon wrapped yesterday and the three day event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire was a hit!

First of all, I'd like to say that everyone there was extremely friendly and welcoming, including celebrity actor/writer/guest star Michael Boatman! I met many great authors, publishers and fans and made some wonderful connections.

I am excited about some writing projects that I'll be announcing here in the future, growing from connections I made there. I also look forward to keeping in touch with many of the people I met (either for the first time, or the first time in person!) Look for several of them to guest blog here in the coming months.

I love going to these small conventions as I get to talk to readers and writers and really take time to hear what they have to say. I look forward to Pulp Ark in April (my first trip to Arkansas) and more conventions next year.

Tomorrow in this space: something completely different. Stay tuned!

Anthocon 2: Electric Booga-Nah, too Easy...

2011-11-13T09:06:00.006-05:00

You know what? Another movie needs to have an awful subtitle so we can forever retiree Electric Boogaloo as a punchline...

Anyway, I write about day 2 of Anthocon as I sit in my booth awaiting the crowd for day 3.

Day two went well. It was a full day of programming and there was a great, enthusiastic crowd of readers and writers who came down for the festivities. There were some excellent panels, including one about whether writing can be taught, moderated by Kristina Schram, PhD.

Also, Michael Boatman of Spin City, Gossip Girl, China Beach, Arliss, The Good Wife, etc., was there. Nice guy and a great author, too!

Met a lot of great people, as well, including the folks from Plum Tree Press, the gang at the New England Horror Writer's association, Tony from Open Casket Press, and the folks from Pink Narcissus press. Keep some of these in mind, as I plan on submitting stories to several of them in the future. Details to come!

Day 3 has a shorter agenda, but it's a nice fall day in New Hampshire and I hope to meet some nice people and sell a couple of books. Full recap of the weekend tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Anthocon, Day One: Convention Time!

2011-11-12T08:17:00.003-05:00

I am blogging from the road again (in a rare weekend blog. Exciting, eh?). Right now I am at my table in Author's Alley here in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at the first ever ANTHOCON.

First let me say that the trip up here was MUCH smoother than Scare-a-cuse! There were no major traffic jams and no flooding issues, so the drive was nice and easy. After checking into the hotel, I set up shop at my table.

I met some nice authors and other creative types, including local mystery writer KD Mason and fantasy author (and presenter at the con) Kristina Schram. I also met the awesome Stan Tremblay, from whom you'll be hearing soon, right here in this spot!

I also got to chat with some pretty great writers and readers who came by the booth. We chatted about writing and genre fiction and sold a book or two. I also have chance to write for a couple anthologies on the darker end of the genre fiction spectrum (can you say ZOMBIES?), which is pretty exciting to me.

The night was short, but today looks to be pretty exciting, as there is a lot of programming and a full day's worth of conventiony goodness. I'll keep you posted throughout the weekend!

One Year Gone: Final Millionaire Memories

2011-11-10T09:14:00.004-05:00

Just yesterday, a co-worker that I don't know all that well asked me if I was going on another game show soon. It occurred to me that, for the rest of my life, this will be a topic of conversation. That made me feel pretty good (since I was happy with how I did!)

For the first 6 months or so after the taping, it was pretty rough. I was so thrilled with how I did, but I was too scared to say anything, lest word get out about my performance and I forfeit the cash. I made a list of all my memories for future blogging, though, and thought about what I might buy with the money (a new computer! a used car!)

Finally, after 6 months, I got the call: the show would aire in May, 2011. I was also told that I was going to appear on a local TV morning show along with a couple fellow contestants. It was nice to see a familiar face from the Green Room when I showed up at WTIC channel 61 in Hartford. That experience was nice, as well. A little interview and some CT related trivia (I got them all right, too!)

Then I told the people at my NEW work that I was on a game show, and they were surprised and happy for me. I told my folks to watch, and even had a little viewing party. I thought I'd have a hard time seeing myself on TV, but I think I did okay. I got a few sarcastic comments from people (mostly about the shirt) but overall folks were pretty friendly.

I got my check, had a nice collage made of Millionaire Memories and blogged the heck out of it. It's been a great year. I still watch the show and I still have a lot of the money (gotta pay those taxes!) I hope to go on another game show someday (and maybe even to host one)! And if I do, you are sure to read about it here!

Millionaire Memories: GAME ON

2011-11-09T08:25:00.009-05:00

For those of you who may know me, you are aware that I am not the most confident person on the planet. I am passive and unsure of myself in virtually every situation, from driving to excercising and just about everything in between.

But as I stood there, at the podium, staring at the big screen, the lights going crazy, I felt in control, for the first time in a long time. I kind of know how athletes feel when they say they are "in the zone." That's where I was.

Of course, it helped that I got questions that were right in my wheelhouse.

After getting a laugh from the audience, I opened up with a question about World War II, a topic I taught in 8th grade history. I took my time, eliminated answers, just as I'd practiced, and I nailed it. I got the next question, a linguistics question, too. (the ONLY regret I have from that day was not telling Meredith she kinda looked like a ladybug. I didn't want to step on her toes after all).

I had to jump the next two questions. The audience was nervous about it, but I was not. I didn't know them, so I jumped. And I would not have been able to guess either one. At that point, I knew I would take a chance if it came down to it. I would either walk with a little over three grand or the thousand dollar consolation prize.

Then a history question. Then one about Washington, DC. I was on a roll. At the break, Meredith chatted it up with me, I got water and a backrub, and words of encouragement. The fist pump and the shirt were working.

Another linguistics question. A celebrity question almost stopped me in my tracks. But the audience, who laughed at my jokes (and, really, why do contestants always say they look smart? YOU CAN'T SEE THEM FROM THE STAGE?!), saved my bacon. Another linguistics question. Then one about a Pontiac. I WAS IN THE SECOND ROUND.

After the commercial, I was hit with a question I did not know. I don't follow politics and I abhor the two party system. I had no idea of the answer, so I walked. With $63,100. Not bad for less than a half-hour's work!

I exited the stage, signed some documents, and was in a daze the rest of the day. Tomorrow, on the one year anniversary of that day, one of the best of my life, I wrap this everloving series of columns up...

Two Pieces of Hard Hitting Journalism: On Asteroids and iPhones

2011-11-08T15:59:00.001-05:00

The asteroid does NOT mean the end of the world.
Consumer Reports loves the iPhone 4S.

Millionare Memories: ON STAGE

2011-11-08T08:28:00.005-05:00

So, as we waited in the Green Room, it became apparent that we weren't all going to make it onstage the first day. Some of us were coming back. It was a matter of numbers. They had extra people there in case we all went out on the first question. But, as luck would have it, I was the second person called from my group.

I got the word from Brian, and it was off for a touch of make-up, then down a winding hall and stairs to the floor. It was all a blur as I was placed in a smaller waiting room, sitting next to the tall guy. I felt like a George Carlin routine. You know, the one about the stuff and the smaller version of the stuff. It was me and Ross and a couple of the producers in there, desperately trying to make small talk. Off he went to prove his mettle, and he was replaced by another contestant, a fellow Nutmeg stater.

BUT... some things get in the way of greatness. Like lunch. Before I could go on, we broke for lunch and it was BACK to the Green Room where I was peppered with questions I could not answer. Instead, I fretted and headed back down after an hour, assured that I was first in the queue. I got my mike set up again, and was taken to my spot where I would wait for my cue. I remembered how to go onstage, so I was not nervouse about tripping (as many, apparently, are). I was told that Meredith was going to ask me about my desire to be a game show host, though she might ask me about my lucky Hawaiian shirt, too. If she did, I asked, can I make a joke? Only if it seems natural, I was told.

And then, it was time. The comedian warmed up the crowd and Meredith herself came out. I stood by the half door waiting for my entrance... and she flubbed her lines! So I had to wait all over again. But she nailed it, introducing ME!!! and I trotted out on stage, following directions and hitting my mark, doing the awkward hand hold semi-hug with the host.

And then, she asked me about the shirt. And I made my joke. And the audience laughed. And that show was MINE.

PULP ARK AWARDS!

2011-11-08T08:21:00.001-05:00

Check out the Pulp Ark Awards! Brought to you by Tommy Hancock and the folks at New Pulp, they have a bunch of categories. The awards coincide with the convention in April, and I'll be there. So nominate your favorites (you could even nominate me and my work if you so choose!)

tp://pulpmachine.blogspot.com/2011/11/nominations-open-for-pulp-ark-2012.html

My Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Experience: The Final Countdown

2011-11-07T08:33:00.002-05:00

Since my episode of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire aired in May, I have written about it intermittently. The one year anniversary of it approaches (11/10/2010 was when my segment was recorded), so I thought I'd devote this week to my final thoughts on the matter. If you have not seen me in all my glory (and my shirt). Check this out, then come back starting tomorrow for the final story of bad jokes, impressing Meredith, winning money and having the time of my life...

On Guest Blogs...

2011-11-04T08:07:00.002-04:00

As you may be aware, I have done a guest blog or two in my day (for example, here, here and also here). I have another one lined up on November 21 (a repeat performance, actually). More details on that to follow. But it won't just be yours truly playing the role of guest. I'll be having my first guest blogger writing for this site. It got me thinking: why not more?

So, here is an open call. I'd like to have some guest bloggers on from time to time (perhaps once a month, perhaps more frequently, depending on the response I get. I am incredibly lazy, so this could help me procrastinate). If you are interested in writing a guest blog, hit me up in the comments here or via Facebook, Twitter, Google + or any other method of communication that suits you.

Looking forward to hearing from -- and reading about -- you!

Underrated Shows Part Two: PARTY DOWN

2011-11-03T08:38:00.005-04:00

So, yeah, I dig Rob Thomas. No, not the one in that famous band, the one in the less famous band, who wrote a bunch of YA novels and created some underrated TV shows. I already heaped praise on Veronica Mars, but now let me shine a light on an even lesser known show: PARTY DOWN.

What, you say? Never heard of it? What, not a big fan of original programming on STARZ?

Yeah, I thought so.

The show is a comedy that follows a group of six people who work for Party Down catering in an around Los Angeles. They are all, in some way, touched by Hollywood. Constance (played by Jane Lynch. What ever happened to her?) was a minor actress in decades past. Kyle is a young, blond aspiring actor. Roman is a snobbish writer of 'hard sci-fi.' Casey is a stand up comic who wants to make it big. Ron Donald is a life-long caterer who only wants to own a fast food franchise. And Henry (Adam Scott) is an actor who once starred in a series of beer commercials which made him famous and ruined his chance at a serious acting career.

You'll recognize each of these actors from their other works (there is a huge presence of both Rob Thomas and Judd Apatow vets to be seen here), and the casting (both regulars and guests) is spot on.

The show follows these characters to different parties: a sweet sixteen on a cruise ship, a Russian mob party, adult film awards, and Steve Guttenberg's birthday party (and he shares his birthday with me, so extra points there). The parties themselves create situations for comedy ranging from farce to slapstick, parody to satire, character based humor to visual and verbal jokes that make me laugh out loud (a rare trick).

In the end, though, the characters are king, and I grew to care about them even as I laughed at and with them. It was smartly written and well acted and directed (Fred Savage, yes THAT Fred Savage, directed some of the sharpest episodes) and it was an awful shame when other, bigger shows (I am looking at you, Glee and Parks and Rec!) cherry picked some of the best actors.

The show is available on DVD (I proudly own it), and was on Netflix, though since they had a falling out with Starz, I am no longer sure of that. There are only 20 episodes, so it's not a huge time investment, but it is damn funny.

Wild Card Movie Musings Part Two: Casting and Plotting and Whatnot

2011-11-02T08:27:00.013-04:00

First of all, for the record, I am aware that Dudley Moore is dead. I was trying to make a clever reference to an in-story mention that, in the Wild Cards universe, Dudley Moore DID play Tach (and with a bad wig).

I am not huge on casting calls. Often, I want to see little-known actors as characters I cherish from other media (Lord of the Rings, for example, had a nice mix of actors I knew (Gimli, Gandalf) and ones I did not (Merry and Pippin, Legolas)). X-Men, though, used a lot of heavy hitters, and both films turned out well, I think.

Buuuut, I can take a couple stabs. If there is a Tom Tudbury sighting, what about Patrick Wilson? He was great as Dan Dreiberg, and I can see him as the Turtle as well. There will probably be a good role for Dr. Tachyon, so what about Chris Colfer? He can play the slightly fey Tachyon, and still have the soulful guilt and self-loathing coupled with a heavy dose of ego. He may look young, but those Takisians are long-lived. What about a John Krasinski as Mark Meadows? Tall and goofy, can he pull of the wide-eyed innocence of Cap'n Trips? Could Jensen Ackles pull off the intensity of Daniel Brennan? And what about Josh Holloway as Gregg Hartmann? JUSTIN BIEBER AS JETBOY?!

All of these ideas could be rendered moot, depending on the era the film covers. As I said, I like the idea of it being set in the now. We can be introduced to the set-up: the release of the virus over Manhattan, the spread of it throughout the world, the changes in society and history, etc., through flashbacks, dialogue or montages.

The tricky thing about the WC universe, though, is its versitility. Want to tell a down and dirty gang story? How about an alien invasion yarn? A tale of political intrigue? Murder mystery? Worldwide conspiracy? All of these and more are covered in the 22+ books that exist (plus a couple comic book takes as well).

My favorite storyline was in books 6 and 7, the political intrigue/murder mystery storyline. But I don't know if that is the right place to start. Maybe having the Astronomer's tale shunted to the present day could work. Or maybe the Sleeper can bring us into a gang war (though I think Typhoid Croyd would not work for a first film). Perhaps something more in line with the recent books, and their international scope would work (American Hero would be timely, after all).

I don't envy Melinda Snodgrass here. This is why I always thought Wild Cards would make a great series, as it could have time to explore all these ideas (and have different writers, just like the series). But perhaps that is in the future. For now, I have faith that the creator of Tachyon will spin a heck of a yarn, and that it'll be a big hit. Perhaps a quarter century from now we'll be discussing the 22nd WC FILM. Take that James Bond...

THEY MIGHT MAKE A WILD CARDS MOVIE!!!

2011-11-01T08:43:00.010-04:00

Now, I have given myself a few days to digest this before I posted but, as you may have seen earlier on this blog, thanks to the Hurculean (or, perhaps, Harlem Hammerian?) efforts of Melinda M. Snodgrass, Universal Pictures has acquired the screen rights to Wild Cards.

AWESOME.

In the buzz since the announcement, good news (or at least hopeful news) has only gotten better. An interesting side effect of the social networking phenomenon is the abilty to connect, even obliquely, with artists you admire. I belong to a message board dedicated to Wild Cards where creators frequently post and I am Facebook friends with several. So I've been able to hear some details from members of the Consortium.

Victor Milan, for example, has written quite a bit about the news. He has spoken of Ms. Snodgrass' efforts, over the course of more than two decades, to see Wild Cards on the screen. He has emphasized her involvment in the script and as a producer (along with the other main editor of the series, George R. R. Martin). He has also assured us that the term SyFy attached to the project does not mean (insert sharktopus joke here).

That makes me feel better.

Now, the fun begins. We can speculate until we are blue as Ice Blue Sybil. What characters will be featured in the script? If it is contemporary, will it feature flashbacks? What actors would we cast as our favorite characters?

Personally, I am fine with a contemporary setting. While X-Men First Class and the Captain American flicks worked as period pieces, I would like to see Wild Cards hit modern social issues. Though I would like to see flashbacks to cover lost time (maybe even a Watchmen-like Times They are a Changin' montage). I always saw the WC universe as a TV series (like Game of Thrones, I guess), but I'll take what I can get. Heck, if the first flick does well, I'd love to see later movies set in other eras (Four Aces, anyone?)

With Melinda Snodgrass on script, I can see Tachyon as a character, and I think his guilt and hubris make for a rich character arc (Dudley Moore in a bad wig? Nah, too old). I would love to see the Sleeper, as he is another character than can bridge eras. But, since they can't get a name actor to play him (what with his appearance changing so often), I wonder if he'd be more in the background...

Tomorrow, I'll talk more about what I'd like to see (and WHO I'd like to see. That's always fun.) But for now, what do YOU think, Wild Cards fans?

Is There a Halloween Equivalent of Bah, Humbug?

2011-10-31T09:00:00.002-04:00

First of all, it's not like I don't dig Halloween. I mean, when you're a kid, it's pretty darn great, right. As Jerry Seinfeld said "Who's giving away candy? EVERYONE WE KNOW IS GIVING AWAY CANDY?!" What's not to like?

As an adult, well, it gives me an excuse to dress like an idiot at work one day a year, which is nice. But when I was a middle school teacher, well, that's when the Bah met the Humbug on Halloween.

First of all, there were the rules. Kids couldn't have weapons in their costumes. Or drug paraphernalia. How can you be, say, Hawkeye the Marksman without your bow? Or a convincing Groucho without a cigar? Though, since I am allowed to be a hypocrite and you are not, I'll say I supported the rule against 'sexy' costumes. No middle schoolers should try to be sexy. Period.

(I am also against sexy versions of properties that should NOT be sexy, like Freddy Kreuger, Chewbacca or SponegBob, but that is a different rant for another time).

I also had a student once who was a GREAT box of popcorn for Halloween. Of course, she could not sit in a desk nor use her arms, so that didn't work out well.

The main reason I didn't like Halloween is that nothing got done. Teachers were dressed like idiots and so were the kids, so the whole day was a rash of distractions. It was exhausting. Thankfully, I never had to give out candy, living in sketch neighborhoods like I did (though I would give out comics along with the candy, if I ever had trick or treaters).

What do YOU think of Halloween? As an adult, do you dig it? Halloween parties? Movies? Pumpkins? What's there to like now that I am old?

WILD CARDS MOVIE IN THE WORKS!

2011-10-28T14:53:00.002-04:00

I have posted about my love for Wild Cards here before. Now there is word that the WC universe is coming to the big screen! My thoughts on this in excruciating detail soon!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/game-of-thrones-george-rr-martin-wild-cards-254382

Halloween Memories...

2011-10-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

I have been wracking my brain for good Halloween memories, but I don't have too many. I am hoping that some of my regular readers will be able to chime in.

I do remember my most exciting costume: the Batman outfit my mother made for me in kindergarten, complete with batarang and utility belt. We liked it so much that we dressed up our life-size Oscar the Grouch doll in the batsuit and put him out to greet Trick-or-Treaters for years to come.

I have a clear mishief night memory. My sister and I were in the basement watching Bixby and Ferrigno on The Incredible Hulk one night (well past my bed time, so it was a real treat). And the moment that David B. Banner was transforming into the green one, I heard an enormous (to me) explosion from the street above. Some kids had blown up our mailbox, but it seemed like a much bigger deal than that to me (and I kinda wished the Hulk had been around to avenge that one!)

As far as creative costumes go, I do like the otherwise disinterested looking teen that showed up to trick or treat one year seemingly wearing naught but jeans and a light jacket. When I looked closer, he had a potato sticking out of the front of his pants. I asked him what he was and he said "DICTATOR." I gave him extra candy.

I know, kind of a lame list. You got anything better?

Hidden Gem Recommendations Part 1: Veronica Mars

2011-10-27T08:40:00.003-04:00

Since I am behind in my fall TV viewing (since I spend more time writing than I do watching TV. I am thankful for the DVR, to say the least), I thought I'd start a segment where I review some of my favorite entertainment properties from the past that you may not know. And yes, if this sounds an awful lot like the DETOX segment from After Lost, it is. Good artists borrow, great artists steal.

So one property I am ALWAYS trying to promote is Veronica Mars. Heck, I even had a letter published in TV Guide telling the world how much I dug it. It's a show that was off the radar for most people: a teen detective show on UPN (later the CW)?! A modern day Nancy Drew, but with the guy from Just Shoot Me? No thanks...

But I stumbled upon it, and I was hooked. Created by Rob Thomas (no, not the guy from that band. This is the guy who created Jeremy Piven's breakout role,Cupid), it was as sharp, well-written, character-focused and challenging as anything on TV.

Veronica (like all the denizens of Neptune, California) is a complex person. As social pariah, she is bitter at the world but she won't let it beat her. She is smart and sassy and capable, and she investigates crimes in and around her high school and hometown. Oh, and she is trying to track down the identity of the person who murdered her best friend, too.

She is surrounded by other noirish characters, like her father, the private eye and disgraced former sherrif. A trio of bad boy high school students who may or may not be suspects in the murder. An intrepid best friend. And the wealthy families of the town: software magnates and movies stars alike.

Each season follows at least one long-form mystery, with clues unlocked each week. There is also a different, contained mystery in each episode as well. The dialogue is crackling with wit (Joss Whedon, who guest starred in one episode, said he wished he'd written something this good (Kevin Smith was also a fan), the characters are well drawn, the show has humor and suspense and genuine emotion. I recommend this program to anyone who owns a TV. It lasted for three seasons and is available on DVD.

What are you waiting for?

Millionaire Memories: The Green Room

2011-10-26T08:52:00.003-04:00

There was no 'trivia' allowed. That means no phones, no books, no magazines, not a single luxury... except a single DVD of Millionaire web shorts and the company of the other hopeful contestants.

And you know what? That was okay with me.

We weren't in competition with each other, like on Jeopardy! We could each win a million bucks and everything would be hunky dory. So, get a bunch of smart, telegenic people in a room and force them to talk, and it's kinda fun...

There was the mega-tall dude (6'9") who was in Green Energy. He was the gentle giant sort, who had a tattoo that reminded him always of his parents.

There was the guy with the handlebar mustache and the unusual Dutch name who had been on Jeopardy! in the 90's and who could share his wisdom.

There were others: bookstore clerks and small business owners, an 18 year old woman and contenstants in their 50's. People from CT, NY and Cincinnati. All of us nervous, and showing it in different ways. I, for example, had two bites to eat and a half a coke. Another woman said she at when she was nervous and downed sandwich after sandwich.

It didn't help that, Agatha Christie style, one by one we were called away to our fates. And never heard from again...

Short Story Anthology Info!

2011-10-25T08:32:00.005-04:00

For those of you who are Facebook friends (and if not, what are you waiting for? Friend me!), you may have seen me post recently about a short story anthology I am self-publishing soon. Here, then, are some long-awaited details.

Long ago, soon after the publication of the first Misty novel my friend Jim (a writer in his own right and a general smart cookie) suggested I take some of the short stories I'd had published online and in literary magazines and collect them into an ebook. Another title on the shelf, he explained, would increase my presence and generate more sales.

So I began the process and, because I am easily distracted (look, a pantsless monkey!) and because I had other projects and because I ran into road blocks with some of the new stories, well, it took me a while. But I wanted some new content for the collection, so I tweaked an old, unpublished story and I crafted two new ones for the collection. Those two are done and, after I do one last past for each tale, I'll be publishing the whole lot in a (as yet untilted) ebook collection.

Details an the name of the collection and the release date will follow, but one more thing before I go. I wrote a light-hearted paranormal mystery my first time out. But these tales are darker and more realistic. If you like Misty you may not necessarily like these and vice versa, but I have lots of literary interests, so this is a little taste of my range. Hope you enjoy and stay tuned to this spot for more info!

As Columbo Said about NYCC, Just One More Thing... FOXTROT!!!

2011-10-24T08:47:00.010-04:00

I had fully intended to let last Friday's piece about NYCC serve as my final thoughts on the convention. Then, like an idiot, I realized that I'd not yet spoken about one of my favorite panels:

BILL AMEND. FOXTROT.

Here's one problem I have with any convention of this size: assembling the panels is like an enormous logic puzzle and, quite often, panels I really want to see are against each other. I had to choose Jane Espenson over Felicia Day. I had to choose Dark Horse over Marvel or a pop culture trivia contest. And, I had to choose Avengers over Fox Trot.

Except I didn't.

When I was shut out of Avengers, I hightailed it over to see the creator of my all time favorite comic strip. If you have not read FoxTrot, you should. Click on the link. I'll wait.

Could there BE a better strip for me? I see myself in all members of the Fox family, from the nerdy Peter to the clueless Roger. They are funny, poignant without being sappy, clever and on the cutting edge, without being edgy. I have loved the strip for ages and I was thrilled to get to see Bill Amend.

His talk was funny, heartfelt and self-deprecating. He showed strips that would appeal to the nerd crowd (LOTS of Jason strips), talked about the origin of the strip and fielded questions. I asked him about merchandise (I REALLY want a Qunicy in an exercise ball toy!). There were also fans who told stories about how FoxTrot helped them smile when times were dark, and Mr. Amend was suitably humbled and gracious.

It truly was a highlight of the show, and, from now on, I'll have an even HIGHER apprecaition for my favorite comic strip of all time.

Tomorrow-- enough with Comic Con already!

New York Comic Con Final Post (for now): Quick Pops

2011-10-21T08:05:00.003-04:00

A few quick hits to wrap up my wrap-up of NYCC:

- Kirkman was a highlight. Funny, self-deprecating, smart and gracious, he was a hit on panels and signings.

- Met lots of cool people in lines, including Rich from Aggressive Comix and Dave from I Am a Stuffed Animal. Dave's site is so cool, I am going to do a ton of shopping there, both personally and professionally...

- Breaking into comics panels were good, though CB Cebulski (who was moderating a food panel) was sorely missed at the Marvel edition. Sending out some copies of Misty soon, so we'll see if I get any bites!

- Picked up some great merchandise, the best item being my Jedi Bathrobe (which will double as a Halloween Costume). Also grabbed some Kirby Krackle Music, a Kill Shakespeare collection and some great books from Two Morrows publishing. Got a Toon Tumbler as well.

The event had over 100,000 attendees, so it was pretty tightly packed. But next year, I plan on going as a pro, which should ameliorate some of the issues. All in all, a great Con and I look forward to next year!

New York Comic Con Had Comics! Dark Horse, Buffy, Angel, Faith and Other Vampire Goodness!

2011-10-20T08:44:00.006-04:00

I know my New York COMIC Con posts have been pretty well focused on other media, so I think it's about time I turned my attention to my favorite medium: comics.

One of the best panels I attended was "Dark Horse: We Do Vampires Right." Hosted by Dark Horse editor Scott Allie, the panel featured writers and artists on several Dark Horse supernatural titles, including the Angel and Faith series (Christos Gage and Rebekah Isaacs).

Writer Christos Gage discussed his plans for that series, including which characters from the Angel series might be coming back, how the continuity from the IDW run of Angel: After the Fall will be incorporated into the new series, and how he mainlined Buffy and Angel in a short period of time, as he had never seen either show before getting the writing gig!

The panel featured information on other current and upcoming Dark Horse titles that fit squarely into the supernatural. This is one of the strengths of their line: licensed comics. They have projects in the hopper that deal with Guillermo del Toro's strain and adaptations of young adult supernatural works. They also have old standbys like Hellboy and BPRD in their stable, so they do supernatural right.

As a writer of supernatural fiction, this encourages me. I later attended a panel with Scott Allie about breaking into comics, and I hope to send along copy of Misty Johnson, Supernatural Dick to Mr. Allie. I've always thought it would make a great comic, so you never know...

More on comics (strips and breaking in) tomorrow!

New York Comic Con Rewind 3: Jay and Bob, Not So Silent...

2011-10-19T08:43:00.005-04:00

The good news is: the Jay and Silent Bob Get Old podcast lasted for one hour and fifteen minutes.

The bad news: it started one hour and thirty minutes late.

Having said that, though, the dudes were funny. And when Kevin Smith came out to apologize for the delay, the 90 minute wait in the bowels of Hall C (the queueing area) on the cold concrete floor with a thousand other nerds was forgiven. Mostly.

Dudes were funny.

Crude, crass and nearly X-Rated, the show was full of laughs and typical, irreverant View Askew humor. Very little of which can be reproduced here.

The hosts did, however, tailor their presentation to the audience, talking about how comics brought them together on a trip to a con in the early 90's and some of their experiences going to cons after they hit it big. Both men peppered their dialogue with references like MODOK and Deadpool (though Smith loses points for disrespecting the New Universe. DP7 is my favorite comic of all time).

As annoyed as I was at the wait, I laughed harder than I had in ages. So hard, in fact, that the back of my neck hurt! It was truly a highlight of the convention, and I am glad I saw it.

Next on the recap agenda: COMICS!!!

New York Comic Con TV Review 2: Electric Boogaloo (and Person of Interest)

2011-10-18T08:42:00.005-04:00

Sorry about the pun. I have sore throat, I like rhymes and that NEVER ceases to amuse me...

Continuing my recap of NYCC, I am jumping ahead chronologically but maintaining the TV theme. On Saturday, there was a surprise screening of Person of Interest. We got a chance to see this Thursday's episode in advance, and were treated to a nice (video) intro by Michael Emerson (Finch) himself.

The video intro was the best part, of course. Emerson showed his trademark dry as dandruff humor, while really teasing the audience. For example, he was about to explain where his character, Finch, got his limp, when the Machine-delivered feed went dead. Then, when discussing how the Machine sees everyone at all times, even when on line, he admonished "steve, yeah, you in the middle with the Matter-Eater Lad t-shirt. Delete your cookies, man." Probably the greatest sentence ever uttered.

After the video we saw the latest episode of the show. If you have not seen the program, it revolves around Finch, a mysterious billionaire genius who designedfor the government a Machine which monitors every citizen all day every day. With this Machine he can predict when a person will be the victim or perpetrator of a crime. He enlists the aid of Reese (Jim Caviezel of Frequency and The Prisoner remake), a man of action with the skills and experience to thwart these crimes before they happen.

The episode was a typical one, based on what we have seen of season one so far. Reese investigates the kidnapping of the son of a judge while the cop who is on his trail investigates him. The cases are good, but what interests me the most is the interplay between Finch and Reese. These are two men with secrets and damage in their pasts, and I want to know more about them. The show Angel started off by focusing on the cases, but got better in later seasons when the spotlight turned on the main cast. That is what I want to see.

It was a fun way to spend an hour, though I wish there had been time for Q and A. I wanted to ask the producers if they are going to explore the darker side of Finch's mission and the invasion of privacy which allows the Machine to protect us while simultaneously robbing us of something many people hold dear...

More to come!

New York Comic Con Analysis Part One: Once Upon a Time...

2011-10-17T09:22:00.006-04:00

The first panel I attended at NYCC was also one of the best. It was a sneak peak at the pilot episode of ABC's Once Upon a Time (co-created by LOST writers Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis). There was also a Q & A session after the screening.

The pilot was one of the best I've seen this fall season. It has an excellent cast, an intriguing high concept, and brisk pacing, with multiple threads weaving together into a dynamic plot.

The story follows to different narratives: the travails of fairy tale characters we know and love, such as Snow White, her Prince, Gepetto, Jiminy Cricket, Rumplestilskin and others as they deal with a curse laid by the Evil Queen.

The second thread follows the story of a young boy, Henry, who has run away from a town in Maine to find his birth mother, Emma, in Boston. He wants to take her back with him to Storybrook, Maine. Oh, and he believes that Fairy Tales are very, very real...

Without giving too much way, let's just say that these two threads weave together into a complex and interesting tapestry. One which should give fertile ground for future stories.

The cast is strong, with Ginnifer Goodwin looking the part of Snow White and Jennifer Morrison strong in the role of Emma. Showing great promise in few scenes is Robert Carlyle as Rumplestilskin. Luckily, young Jared Gilmore seems to have the chops to play Henry.

The writers do not shy away from their LOST roots (there are some great LOST references in the pilot) and they pepper the script with nice touches (a pear for the teacher stuck out to me). I was encouraged by their choice of an overarcing theme 'hope' (contrasted with the redemption theme of LOST) which works well for the subject material and the current TV climate.

I was also pleased to hear that episodes, like LOST, will usually focus on one character, fleshing out his or her story, and that each episode will be complete in itself while moving the grander story forward.

Finally, I asked them what makes their show different from other Fairy Tale themed properties (like Fables or the upcoming Grimm). They likened Fairy Tales to a genre such as space operas or vampires. They said that they are putting their stamp on the genre, telling the tales that they want to tell and exploring the themes that interest them. That is what will make their show different.

And that's what makes me want to watch it...

Sunday- Day of Rest

2011-10-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

Wiped out by the Con. More updates tomorrow...

NYCC Day Three: AVENGERS PANEL FAIL

2011-10-15T20:28:00.003-04:00

No, I did not make it to the Avengers Panel, to my eternal shame.

To be fair, there were 80,000 people at the con today, and I bet a LOT of them wanted to see it. I just didn't make it in time. I had other plans...

The day started with a failed attempt to get an autograph with the cast of the Avengers. I waited in line for a chance but came up short. Still, I met a cool guy, Dave from IAMASTUFFEDANIMAL.COM. Look for an announcement about them soon! (also, I talked to Felicia Day at their booth. Very cool).

I caught a new episode of Person of Interest. If you are not watching it, you should! I went to the Dark Horse panel on their vampire comics (including Buffy and Angel & Faith). Details on that in a future post.

I got a chance to see Kirby Krackle perform their nerd rock, and I picked up an album of theirs, as well. I did a little shopping (pic of my new robe to follow!) and chatted with the guys at Comic Geek Speak.

Then, when there were FOUR panels I wanted to attend, I chose to network and went to the panel with Scott Allie from Dark Horse. I'd love to write for them some day, so I figured I'd let him see my face (and hear my humor. Had the room laughing with a joke).

Because of this, I missed the Avengers panel BUT I got to see Bill Amend, creator of Fox Trot, my all time favorite comic strip, so that was nice.

Now I am sore and tired. A couple hours tomorrow and NYCC will be in the books for one more year...

EXCELSIOR!

NYCC DAY 2: So Little to Do, So Much Time to Do It in...

2011-10-14T22:16:00.002-04:00

Whew! Exhausted but satisfied I end day two of the Con.

I'd hoped to update everyone as I went along, but connecting to the Internet was difficult at best. I did so much that I probably need to elaborate in a later series of posts, but here are some highlights:

1) Saw the pilot for Once Upon a Time from two writers of LOST (Kitsis and Horowitz). Great cast, sharp writing and some winks to LOST in there. Immediately adding it to my DVR.

2) Chatted briefly with Jane Espenson, writer of many things, including Buffy and BSG. She was gracious and friendly!

3) Tried to do some networking for my book and my ongoing quest to write for comics. Mixed results...

4) Saw Kirkman again. Dude is HILARIOUS. He owned the IMAGE panel (though Rob Liefeld did his best to snatch some spotlight)

5) Talked to Anton Strout, as well as Colleen and Danielle at Book Country. Looks like a great community for genre writers. More info to follow!

6) Briefly connected with CB "Busiest Man in Comics" Cebulski. Hope to see more of him soon.

7) Had to wait a LONG time to see Jay and Silent Bob get old, but damn were they funny (and RAUNCHY)...

Busy day tomorrow, Avengers Panel, Dark Horse Panel, some shopping and more!

Excelsior!

New York Comic Con Day 1: You Call THAT Customer Service

2011-10-13T23:33:00.003-04:00

Great day at NYCC. I can talk about how the layout is way better this year, as there is no construction. I can talk about the awesome people I met standing in line and chatting with people in line and at booths. I can talk about some of the cool purchases I made and how I am looking forward to tomorrow's panels.

But no. I need to talk about the horrible customer service experience I had. It just bothers me that much.

I am waiting in line to see Robert Kirkman, writer of, among other things, The Walking Dead. I stood where I was told to stand, which happened to be next to a dealer with longboxes of Silver Age Comics. What do I do when I find myself in front of longboxes? I browse. And what do I do when I browse? I spend money.

Yet, as I am asking the guys in line to hold my space and walking over to the boxes, the owner rudely tells me to move. I tell him I am going to look. He scoffs and says that I won't buy anything, that I am not interested in Silver Age comics because I am in line for Robert Kirkman.

Huh?

First of all, do NOT question my Silver Age nerd cred. I wanted Not Brand Echh and I wanted Shooter Legion comics, among other things. I would have spent money. Heck, it's my goal someday to own all 102 Lee/Kirby issues of FF. You are going to tell me that, just because I like a current title, I can't like Silver Age stuff?!

Second-- who cares what you think? When is it EVER okay for a merchant to insult a potential customer, or to discourage me to shop. I would have dropped at least $10, maybe $40 just then, and probably more later if the prices and selection were good. I needed something to do and something to read in line, and YOU were the one who convinced me to take my money elsewhere. Shame on you.

Sorry I had to start with a negative post. Fortunately, that was the only bad experience. Everyone else was fun and nice and awesome. I look forward to day two: Panels, autographs, shopping and FUN!

Excelsior!

New York Comic Con 3: Predictions and Prognostications

2011-10-13T08:40:00.005-04:00

As you may have read, I am off to NYCC this year (in a few hours, as I write this). I am looking forward to quite a bit. Here are a few potential highlights:

COMICS: NYCC is always a comics-heavy con, and I am excited about this year. The New DC Universe is fresh, so I expect a lot of buzz about that. I hope to hear some scoopage on the new Wonder Woman origin as well as some teases about the future of the new universe. I have enjoyed it quite a bit and I hope it thrives. I also look forward to a 'big announcement' at the Marvel panel. Not sure what it is, but I hope it is something major, not just another cross over. I'll attend the "How to Break into Comics the Marvel Way" armed with my book. Maybe I'll get it in the hands of the right person...

MOVIES: Avengers. Whedon. Chris Evans. Is it May yet? ASSEMBLE ALREADY!

SHOPPING: Gonna hit the back issue bins hard. I am on an 80's DC kick, so I'll be on the lookout there. Also, I usually come back with at least one cool t-shirt. Wonder what it'll be this time?

INTERVIEW: Oh, right. I am going to be interviewed by The Minions of Gozer, an awesome Ghostbusters themed group that I find fascinating and hilarious. Should be a fun time. It's my first video interview, so look for details here when it comes out.

MISCELLANEOUS: There is SO much to do and see. I plan on tweeting and live-blogging about it all weekend (gotta do SOMETHING when waiting for panels to start). So pay attention to this space and @druchance as well as my Facebook page.

Excelsior!

New York Comic Con Memories, Part 2: Last Year's Con!

2011-10-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

Last year, I could barely move.

That's how busy it was on the floor on Saturday. Attendance estimates ranged somewhere between 60 adn 70 thousand people, all of whom seemed to be after the same limited edition Harley Quinn statue I was considering. Good thing I can hold my breath better than Arthur Curry, as it might have been impossible to breathe on the crowded show floor.

However, in spite of the crowded show, I did get to see a lot of amazing stuff. I saw the preview for the new season of V and for the new version of The Thing (okay, not all of it was good). But I did go to a couple amazing Battlestar Galactica Panels, one with Richard Hatch (no, not THAT Richard Hatch), to whom I briefly spoke, and another with Nicki Clyne, Michelle Forbes, Katee Sackhoff and Tricia Helfer. I didn't speak to them, they were too pretty...

I also saw some great comics related panels, including one on intellectual property and another on breaking into comics the Marvel way. I got to meet some amazing authors, such as Anton Strout and Jim Butcher, as I did a little guerilla marketing for a certain book about a Supernatural Dick (the folks in artist's alley REALLY liked the title, by the way...) I even bought some cool stuff, including a t-shirt that indicated psychiatric diagnoses for DC comics characters, and a few purchases to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. All in all, a great show.

And 2011 should be even better. Avengers. Jay and Silent Bob. MORE guerilla marketing. The Minions of Gozer.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's 2011 NYCC preview!

New York Comic Con Memories Part 1

2011-10-11T07:11:00.004-04:00

Though San Diego called to me to make another trip, it just wasn't feasible. Though the city itself had been amazing, and the con had been chock full of Hollywood types (I nearly ran into Quentin Tarantino and Daryl Hannah on separate occasions, and I had a nice chat with Seth Meyers, when he was just the guy who talked about the Red Sox on Weekend Update), I would never be able to afford to fly out there each and every year.

Luckily, though, there was an alternative only a short jaunt away from my stomping grounds in Connecticut: the New York Comic Con.

I have been attenting NYCC since its inception, and it keeps growing. While San Diego gets a lot of traffic from nearby Hollywood, New York is far more comic oriented, as the big two publishers, DC and Marvel, are both headquartered in the City that Never Sleeps.

Over the years there have been many highlights of the con. From talking to my comic writing friends CB Cebulski and Bob Greenberger, to getting an early copy of the LOST Encyclopedia and meeting its co-author, Tara Bennett; from attending panels on the life and death of the letter column to Marvel Trivia panels; from seeing James Marsters and Bruce Campbell; from buying pint glasses with 70s Marvel characters to a Pac Man ghost for cats to chase around, the days and hours I've spent at NYCC have been fun and educational.

Last year in particular was a great time. I'll detail that for you tomorrow, then on Thursday I'll preview this year's con. And, starting Friday, updates galore.

Excelsior!

My One Experience with the San Diego Con

2011-10-10T18:24:00.005-04:00

Before I get into the awesomeness that is NYCC, let me first hit you with some previous memories of all things Con.

When I was a kid, comic book conventions happened at local Knights of Columbus Halls for 4 hours on a Sunday. I went with a list of needed back issues and a couple $20's (if I was lucky). They were fun ways to fill holes in the collection or get some back issues on the cheap (quarter bins were my favorite treasure troves).

Then, I read about San Diego. I learned about the convention there through Assistant Editor's Month. It was a stunt, for sure, but a hilarious one. In the early 1980's, when the main Marvel editors were 'in San Diego,' the assistants took over and the issues that month were whacky and wild (Franklin Richards, Aunt May, Galactus and a giant Twinkie? Yes, please).

So that's when I first heard of the convention in San Diego. Almost 20 years later, in 2003, I got to attend. It was HUGE. I have many fond memories of the convention, which I'll share in detail at some point, but getting the chance to hang out at the Marvel after party with CB Cebulski was a high point. Oh yeah, and meeting Joss Whedon was nice, too.

He was coming out of the Marvel booth and I was walking by. I knew I would only have one chance to talk to him, so I took it. I told him I enjoyed season 7 of Buffy and he was typically self-deprecating. I chatted with him for a minute or so, until he had to go, but it was a highlight of my trip.

NYCC would have a LOT to live up to...