Catching Up

I spent the past two weeks in four different cities and this blog has been stagnant as a result. I figured a general update post is in order and then I’ll get back to the content.

As far as the traveling goes, I was in Buffalo visiting my sister, New Orleans for a work conference, Colorado Springs for a marketing trip, and NYC for Thanksgiving. It’s been hectic and I have a nasty cough and sore throat as a result. I’m leaving for Vicksburg, MS this Sunday for three days and then I should be remaining in DC until the holidays. I’ll be in NYC and Framingham for Christmas and New Years.

I start up again in January, with multiple trips to Orlando and one to Macomb, GA and San Diego, CA, most likely. Then it’s comic book season. NYC Comic-Con and SPX are definite this year – I’m pretty sure I’ll be skipping SDCC this year since it’s a month before my wedding. I guess attendance depends on whether or not my bonus is high enough to pay for the rest of the wedding. Based on my past years' performance it should be high enough to pay for wedding and honeymoon. Based on, you know, reality I doubt I'll be so lucky. Fingers crossed.

I’ve been reading a lot about World War I lately, particularly books, journals, and articles on the Ypres Salient. I’m doing an 8-page story for a War Anthology the DC Conspiracy is putting together but I’m kind of itching to do something much bigger – like a regular series. Ypres was basically a mass grave site during WWI, it was the testing ground for many modern warfare innovations, the conditions were horrific, and some of the 20th centuries most influential politicians, writers, and policy makers cut their teeth in the Salient. It’s one of the most intriguing stories I’ve ever read, and the narrative just seems to fall right of it. I’ve read several histories so far, but it’s a recent crop of journals I’ve stumbled upon that are really getting my brain going.

The Netflix/X-Box partnership has been a great way to catch up on my movie backlog. I’ve been watching Weeds, several great documentaries, and some old crime flicks like Bonnie & Clyde and the original Scarface. TV-wise I've seemed to pick up no new series this year. I dropped Fringe, Life on Mars, and Pushing Daisies. The Office, 30 Rock, Entourage, Sarah Connor Chronicles and, reluctantly, Heroes, are the only shows I'm watching now. Lost and 24 will be on the list come next year.

Someone’s been leaving Chick Tracts in my work elevator. The publications are compliments of the Hope Church of God. One of them uses bible verses to prove actors go to hell. I can’t wait for the day when all comic book properties are optioned and Warner Brothers is forced to option Chick Tracts for its 2018 slate. I can’t wait to see Tom Selleck making Muslims cry with the truth about the Moon God.

Christmas shopping is underway. Taking it easy this year, wedding and recession and all. Just getting something small but thoughtful for Robin, the sis, the ‘rents, and the nephew and niece. All I want is a new hat.

Kanye’s new album…I like what I’ve heard so far. My hip-hop tastes have been tumultuous of late. I wasn’t satisfied with the newest Blackalicious, El-P, Del, etc album but Cadence Weapon’s Afterparty Babies got me into the house-side of hip-hop. As a result I’ve been finding myself getting more into the radio-play stuff, particularly Lil’ Wayne and Kanye’s new stuff. It seems like a complete departure of my usual hip-hop tastes but, oh-well – time to accept the new reality, I guess.

Dogfish Head(one of my three favorite breweries along with Rogue and Bell's) opened a restaurant in Seven Corners. It’s magical.

I’ve been impressed with Obama’s cabinet picks so far. Back in August I said Obama’s going to be the kind of guy that assembles a fantastic cabinet, much like Lincoln did when he was elected President. Choosing Hillary Clinton as Secretary State is as inspired as Lincoln’s pick of Seward. I also love the fact that Obama is working his ass off. Say what you will about the man’s policies, you can’t say he’s some slouch that’s going to occupy the Oval Office for four years and do nothing. Obama’s going to be a workhorse for this country and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes.

I have a Big Brothers/Big Sisters orientation tonight. I really want to volunteer my time, especially since monetary donations will likely be down next year.

Tomorrow night is the final Writing for Comics class. We’ll probably have it at a bar. Not sure if I’ll be coming back for another term.

As a Jets fan, I’m cautiously optimistic about our chances this season. I still don’t believe in the Bret Favre hype. With the line he has and the Jets’ defense doing what they’re doing Ryan Leaf would have this team in playoff contention. But if we make it to the playoffs I’ll be happy and if we make it to the Super Bowl I’ll shit my pants and if we win the Super Bowl I’ll be convinced that I actually did die in a Mexican bar back in 2003 and I’m now in heaven, a theory that I sometimes embrace when things seem to be going too well. No matter what happens this season I hope the Jets sign Cassel next year and Bret Favre ends up in San Francisco.

I guess that’s all. Content should be coming this week but no promises. I have plenty I want to write about but little time to write.

Labels: news, rambling

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