COMICS!!!!

This week I didn't pick up much, and it was all old stuff, I'm nowhere near caught up.

Gen 13, I picked up issues 14 through 17, maybe one day I'll be all caught up on... well, everything. The current arc, I hope it's not over at least, I'm only two behind, covers the team's move to New York... I'm really not sure what to say about it, I love the book, it makes me laugh, but the second I have to write down what it's about I just don't know where to start. It's broad, since the major villains operate on a ridiculous scale. It makes me glad my day to day life is not the stuff of reality TV. I'm gonna grab those last few issues I'm shy at the first chance.

That's all I got, office hours are over, and you'll notice there are coasters now.

-James

A great tide of filth.

Let's start this weeks tide of filth with The Great TTC Strike of '08. The legislating back to work of private employees is a uncompromising victory towards a fascist state. They have a union, they have a right to strike. They've been forced back to work specificly without being declared an essential service, if they had been the federal and provincal governments would both be required to step up their level of funding, with the service being essential and all. This also made me sigh, poor wolves.

From the boards over at Whitechapel comes Cyborgs, Avatars, and Bears. I stumbled across This link on Whitechapel and thought I'd share it. I picked up Ball by Spiral Beach, I highly suggest it, I loved it. Also, show some love to Game Over.

I have a Busy Month Ahead, hopefully I'm not the only one.

-James

My last day on Azeroth.

Tuesday night I tread my last steps on Azeroth. I started with my first character, Gruumuz. Knowing I could always resume payment and return I was emptying out my mailboxes. After I'd mailed some valuable materials to a friend in need, along with a small token of esteem I realized there was something I was forgetting. I always knew Gruumuz would one day be left by the wayside, he wasn't a particularly serious character, and had selected a place for him to retire. I ran to the flight tower in Orgrimmar and selected the necessary Flight Point. The instant I was in the air my iPod shuffled to The Dresden Dolls' The Perfect Fit, quite possibly the single saddest song on my playlist. I landed in Thunder Bluff, left town and mounted up. As I rode across the grassy plains of Mulgore the song carried on. Finally, the song making the trip seem like an eternity, Bloodhoof Village came into sight. I considered parking Gru by the lake, with the Man who taught him to fish, but decided to be more practical. Gru scratched Wolf, his mount, behind his ear, dismounted and entered the inn. Once inside he fed and pat Patrick, his green spider companion, then logged out one final time. The song stopped, right then and there. When I related this story to a friend the next day he asked if my computer then produced a razorblade, "To finish the job" as he put it so delicately. Next came Tedward which was simple, his mailbox was empty and he was already somewhere safe.

Last came Encaitaro, my prize character. Encaitaro was part of a small group, The Knights of Ill Omen, and I simply cannot communicate how much being a Knight meant to me. From January to March things were... Difficult, and to spare some others the details remain private, but the Knights were there. Not always in person, but always via chat, with a well timed quip, witticism, or conversation when I felt alone and unwanted. For a time I was the only Knight in title, but the others were always happy to have me along with them, where ever or whatever they were doing. Encaitaro was running through Shattrath City, where I'd left him last, when he came to the main audience chamber. I laid eyes on a single object in the centre of the room and immediately sent a message to a Close Friend and fellow Knight, "I'll be back, a month, maybe two. Just long enough to get things back in order. I haven't seen Quel'Danas yet." Keep the fires burning, I'll be back soon.

"For the Horde, for Quel'Thalas, FOR THE SIN'DOREI! KNIGHTS, CHARGE!"

-James

COMICS!!!!

HI! This week I couldn't really afford to go out and buy a new stack of comics, so here's a review of a few trades I've read over the last little while instead.

Maintenance Volume 1: God did this make me laugh. There's a zombie kitten in a vending machine, a shark-man, a crash landed alien layman who's been passing himself off as a scientist, cavemen, and an alien bounty hunter who looks very familiar. If you read one comic about being a janitor, ever, make it this book. As soon as I can get my hands on volume 2 I plan to do so.

Cable & Deadpool: Volume 2: The Burnt Offering: L. A. F. F. If you don't know who Cable and Deadpool are there are links on the wiki page. This volume features Cable's plan to unite the world under one flag, Deadpool convinced he's both an X-Man and a mutant, he's neither, and a tea party in Cable's brain. If for nothing else buy this trade to watch Cable fight the Silver Surfer, it's a match up I'd never even considered, but GODS was it cool.

Finally, this one isn't really a trade, and you're going to have to track it down in single issues(Don't worry, there's only two.), I Feel Sick By Jhonen Vasquez. I Feel Sick is the third part of a series that started with Johnny the Homicidal Maniac The main character of which, coupled with the myth that all indie comics are about their authors, caused one of my high school girlfriends to try and convince me that Jhonen is pronounced John... It's not. It's a twisted little romp about the psychological "self" torment of an independent artist trying to make the switch to commercial work. Start from Johnny and the self in quotes will make some sense.

That's all I've got. You've behaved, don't make a mess and turn off the lights when you leave.

-James

A great tide of filth.

Ah, the ebb and tide of the internet, Neurotically Yours(NWS) has updated, I love these cartoons. There's a content warning on the cartoons, I think they're kinda mild, you might not. Whitechapel brings us more entertainment, this week in the form of The Steampunk Office Environment, like the posters in the thread, I could totally work here. Also they bring us news regarding a case being fought by the CBLDF, or Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Scott Pilgrim was confirmed as being in prodution a while back, for those not in the know IMDB is listing the production details thus far.

As a gift to my fellow nerds I am including This. This website is a listing of names in Tolkien's elvish. This next guy comes as a Gift from a mysterious message board I've begun frequenting, stay away from it, it's mine!
I linked This song on my facebook page an age ago, I'm posting it again as an offering, my iPod's playlist is growing stagnant, I'm skipping way too often, link or list for me songs you think I might like, I trust you.

I didn't really read this very throughly, but the title amused me to no end, irony, win.On an older note, I give you This. Finally, as I'm sure you all know, the TTC Strike has been averted, huzzah and transfers for all!

I'm sorry, that's all I've got, now, put your clothes on and get off of my damn desk!

-James

Another afternoon out and about.

Puff Puff Protest was held today in College Park and Hank and I felt it was an effective use of our time to go out and tell you all about it. First of all there were pot fairies, you heard me, girls in hemp shaped or just green fairy wings. There was a Super-Bong, basically Superman, as a bong. On top of that was the topless girl in a Cannabis Lei, more on that later.

To start with, I was walking north from Queen and I passed Dundas Square, there was an early Tree Hugger convention going on. The fact that someone somewhere decided this needed a police presence is laughable.

I got to 420 Younge just before people began filtering there in any significant numbers. Hank got there shortly after I did and we made our way over to the park. We drifted around, an interesting array of people filtered in behind us. In no time at all there were pot-smokers of every possible stripe rolling and smoking while the police and security looked on. The numbers of police and security would become practically nonexistent over the next hour.

By 2pm police presence was zero, at least uniformed officers, this proved to be a matter of clever placement when one malcontent attempted to agitate building security into assaulting him. Security guards appeared out of nowhere and in seconds they were joined by 2 uniformed officers, the last ones I saw present for the rest of the afternoon. Much earlier in the afternoon I found myself the target of an interview attempt by another blogger, one who'd done no research on the internet apparently and was looking to uncover the source of the use of 420 by cannabis culture. Google motherfucker, Do You Use It? The blogger approached us with his camera pointed at us, now, he did ask if he could take pictures, but he did it with the camera already on us. Rude.

The day proved nothing if not the generosity of the local pot smokers, as Hank and I never needed say any more than that we'd all ready gone thorough our own supply, which was true, and we'd find ourselves being handed a joint from people who had just approached us.

After 3 hours amongst them with only one additional person I previously knew running into us, Hank and I called it an afternoon and walked off towards Queen street. When we got to John we came across another gathering of the tree huggers, chalk Earth's in blue hearts drawn on the barricaded street. A child of six or seven was running about blowing bubbles with a mass-produced bubble maker, adults hula-hooping feet away. The topless woman in the marijuana lei now handing out Earth Day fliers, Happy 420 written across her chest. Some days, I love this city.

-James

Quite a ride.

Are you familiar with Salvia Extract? Well to start with it's traditional use is to enhance Meditation. On the particular Sunday in question Hank, or Henry as he prefers, had come over with an apothecaries vial nearly filled with the stuff. Hank retrieved his butane lighter and we were off to the races. After a couple of minutes, enough time to stand up and wander about, it hit. I was standing by the window when it became clear I was at a beach side amusement park, the evening sun warm against the cooling air. Nearby a rollercoaster's drive chain was clicking away and I found myself possessed of a need to sit.

Around that time Hank started asking me about a game, fighting the urge to sit I gathered what I needed and our game began. Once we started playing I realized where the clicking drive chain was, under the damn couch, the very place I'd just sat down! Now this looked like trouble, first of all as high as I was a rollercoaster was the last place on earth I should be. Secondly the cards in my hand seemed far too small, and I feared I may crush them.

Then things got interesting, Hank was still playing the game as the coaster/couch was ascending on rickety tracks, the warm sun an effective counter effect to the rattling. I tried to lean back and enjoy it but it became clear this coaster was not entirely well built and the panel at my back was threatening to come loose at any moment.

Bellow Hank was putting cards down on the table one at a time, he looked at me, clearly expecting a response. I said something and then excused myself. I stood up and walked away as the rollercoaster screamed around a bend. I intended to lie down and acquire my bearings, Hank caught up, and with a helpful, concerned tone he lead me back to the couch. It was around then that one of us, maybe me, muttered something about a second round.

The coaster sped on, so did the game. In a fit of confusion and frustration I quit the game, the little men on the tiny cards an affront to my giant existance, I swore then and there never to play again... For at least a week.

Our heads cleared and Hank packed up to go, his cards and paraphernalia safely away we headed down to the streetcar stop. We said we'd do it again soon, as yet no such plans have formed.

-James

"I hate anyone who takes drugs...customs officials, policemen..." - Hunter S. Thompson

COMICS!!!!

It's time for me to talk about one of the few things with any meaning left in my horrible little life(gods it feels good to talk like this again!),comics.

Let's start with Young X-Men #1. This was a fairly interesting read, the story centers around the formation of the new junior level X-Men team, since all of the teams were disbanded a few months back. I enjoyed it and if the reveal on the last page is any sign I will be enjoying the series for at least a few issues yet.

Next up,X-Men: Divided We Stand part one of two. This story is strictly for tying up loose ends and creating more threads. The short stories feature both adult X-Men and several of the students displaced when the teams were disbanded. I await part two.

Got my hands on my copy of Titans #1, the relaunch of the classic 80's Titans, bringing them back together from the far corners of the DCU. I could rave about this book and the amazing things it could mean but as anyone who's seen the prize piece in my comic collection can tell you that's because I'm a fanboy.

Blue Beetle #25, are you reading this book yet? Do I have to hit you with it? Read more Blue Beetle!

Teen Titans #57, the ongoing misadventures of the youth of the DCU, I still love this book, it's gone through two major creative shifts since it's inception, ninety percent of the team from issue 1 is either dead or has jumped ship for bigger things *Cough*Titans 1*Cough* but the line up is good, if only they could learn to work as a team.

Booster Gold #8! Continuing where 7 left off we have Booster and the recently time tossed Ted Kord attempting to fix the timeline problems created by the rescuing of Ted. Max can have the earth if we get more Ted.

Avengers: The Initiative #11, the book that just keeps on giving, we've got teenagers, alien weapons, teenage clones armed with alien weapons, and some of the classic New Warriors together again. READ!

Nightwing #143, it's the first Robin all grown up and kicking ass, if you didn't already know that I'm not sure how to sell you on Nightwing.

Robin #172 and #173, I haven't gotten out to pick up my books much... for a while. Spoiler is back from the looks of it, this could be nothing but good for Tim, and comedic gold to watch in his civilian identity, I foresee many good stories coming of this... Unless they just kill her off again.

That's all I got, now, GET OUT OF MY DAMN OFFICE!

-James

Behold the wash of the internet.

This week the majority of my entries come from the Whitechapel boards, enjoy.

Let's start with The Great Zombie Debate, this discussion revolves around whether fast zombies are better than slow zombies. It also features mention of ninja and pirate zombies. We'll follow that with a new piece of Computer Hardwear(NWS). This device will hopefully have a massive impact on the human race, population wise. our last entry from Whitechapel comes in the form of a Court Decision regarding the ownership of the Superman property.

Gape In Horror(Account Required.) as the OC Remix Off Topic board subject themselves to all the Rick Astly they can find on the internet! Then Drool In Terror(This One Too.) as they discus the country where Rednecks Make The National News!

Read this comic, I don't have a more convincing argument for it, but I like it.

That's all I got, it was a slow weekend it seems.

-James

A great reason to stand in the rain.

So, what do Rick Astley, a literal Carebear in a Gu.y Fa.wk.es mask, and a collection of Bandits all have in common? If my blog posts leave you thinking TLDR I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, for the rest of you, An.ony.mou.s was protesting outside of the Chu.rch o.f Sci.ent.olo.gy today and I felt possessed of a need to keep people informed.

The Ano.nym.ou.s movement has progressed far enough that the folks just looking for an excuse to wear a mask have begun to peter out, at least locally it seems. All the masked men and women(most boys and girls really.) I spoke to seemed very serious and informed. The movement has even become self policing, marked members of the faceless crowd making sure that along with having fun everyone also behaves and remains on message. The Ch.ur.ch of Sc.ien.tol.ogy seemed oddly silent, it's curtains drawn, and a delivery truck parked, at least briefly, out front. There is no doubt they were watching, the least subtle hint being the tripod mounted camera parked unattended in their lobby. After a few hours a police van parked in front of said camera and I had myself a little chuckle at the accidental assist.

A.non.ym.ous' "Hey guys, be nice" approach to organizing is a pleasant surprise given from whence they came, the Ch.ans not being noted for their courtesy. The C.hu.rch seemed completely devoid of representation, the grim weather a likely culprit. Several of the protesters I spoke to mentioned that before the initial protests they looked like a good excuse for harmless mischief and that the spirit of the group had changed that quickly. For a group with no centralized leadership they struck me as quite unified. The spirit of pro.te.st is alive and well in this bunch, who guard their anonymity for the sake of those around them. Make no mistake, these masked men and women intend to save you.

-James

Break Up Ettiquette; or how I learned to stop dwelling and take a lol.

This is mostly a catharsis thing for me. If you think it sounds angry that's you projecting, this is all about civility.

Let's start at the top.

1. The Break up itself:
If this is not your first break up with the person, do not use the same script you used to psych yourself into going through with it last time. You might not remember what you said last time, they do.

2. Closure:
It is not only your right, you need to share the closure with your former partner. Fucking off, leaving them with a bunch of stuff you don't want and were too lazy to throw out yourself just leaves them wanting you to come deal with it. Also, telling the other person what you want from the break up without them having to drag it out of you is just common courtesy, if you don't want to see them at all anymore tell them when you give them back their keys.

3. Contact:
You might not want to see them but if you've left little bits of yourself all over their life they have a right to ask that you deal with them, don't ignore them, it's just rude. Blocking them online is fine, they can't see you on a bunch of programs, unless they're spamming you or stalking you an occasional e-mail response to "I found more of your stuff" is only polite.

Special edition this weekend as soon as I get it put together and have what images I can get my hands on uploaded. I might even rope in a guest writer if he can be sufficiently blackmailed.

-James

COMICS!

Greetings,
This week I was only able to pick up one of my books Doktor Sleepless Issue 6, a brilliant and puzzling masterpiece from none other than Warren Ellis. Doktor Sleepless is still ongoing and is one of my favorites currently, issue 5 featured a radio-born rant on authenticity in culture and showed the massive depth of Warren's knowledge of music history. Mr. Ellis is also the mastermind behind FreakAngels and one of the two mods over at Whitechapel, and his past works include a run on Thunderbolts, Transmetropolitan, Nextwave: Agents of Hate, and Planetary.

I also picked up Kissing Chaos Volume 1, I haven't finished it yet, but it's been an interesting read, if not a little slow. The "Chapters", as the collected issues are referred to, are short and tend to offer little in the way of plot advancement. The characters are secretive and teenaged, and yes, I mean that in the most "Fuck are they annoying people" way possible, keep in mind they don't have to be likable to be interesting.

Tomorrow will be OpEd day here on the blog, our topic, Break-up etiquette; or final proofs that you're the only adult in the relationship.

Sweet somethings and get offa my desk!

-James

So I've been trawling the internet since 2:30...

Over the weekend I came across some truly epic things on the internet, I thought I'd share some of them with you.

You'll need an account with the site to view this, but that's not a bad thing, I like this board. The level of discourse since the porn threads were deleted and the board was switched from UnModerated(The former board name.) has only increased, never the less, I give you Dinosaurs and the trolls who love them(NWS).

I demand you go over to the Whitechapel boards, this may be the best community I have ever come across on the internet. Maybe because most of the people here hate things as much as I do, yet still behave like civilized adults. It's connected to a comic called FreakAngels, which is excellent, read it!

In other news, Moses himself has left us. This is normally the place where I'd put a caustic or cruel remark, in it's place I offer this; I promise to do my best to keep their filthy hands off you, just enjoy your rest.

That's all your getting today, more later in the week, otherwise "see" you Saturday.

-James

Welcome to my blog, get your feet off my desk.

I should have started with this in all likely hood, but here we go:

I'm not saying YOU need to be told things, maybe you don't, but if you did and no one told you wouldn't you wish someone tried?

That's what this is about for me, and it gives me a reason to go outside and see the world.

SOME people need to be told things, I aim to help.

-James.