I'm pretty sure I don't have to explain to anyone
who Ren & Stimpy are...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
DC: Desperate Comics
 |
| Nope. No chance these two are just making a desperate grab for more of your hard earned comic cash. None at all... |
"Blah blah blah sales gimmick blah blah blah..."
In the face of bombing movie franchises, shrinking sales, and a Marvel sized arse whooping, DC Comics turns to the old tried and true to drum up sales and stay "relevant"; the title busting cross over/reboot...
No, this is not a repeat from the 80's... the 90's... or last year.
Oh those wacky Japanese beer drinkers...
Damn it, Japan!
At least leave my beer alone!
(Allow me to explain; it's an attachment that automatically
give you the perfect balance of beer and head right out of the can.)
 |
| I'm sorry, Mario, but our "princess" is in another pride bar... |
This is wrong on so many funny levels. Of course, it could have only taken place at last weekend's Fanimae.
I *HEART* you, Silicon Valley...
He's in a tux; he knows what he's talking about...
 |
| Sadly, though I am not a penguin, I have had this conversation, myself. |
New Comic... Tuesday?
It's the return of Neverland Transit Authority
with today's edition of Stuff, and our topic;
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day...
 |
| Editorial cartoon by John Cole. |
Originally known as Decoration Day, honoring the fallen of
the American Civil War, it became extended, after World War 1,
to include all soldiers lost in battle defending our nation.
Today it has changed to be the day of BBQ picnics, parties,
and car races. But, as America engages in relentless war
now on so many fronts, for so few even fair reasons,
let alone any good ones, perhaps we should, again,
consider the lives and times of those lost in the name of freedom;
both ours, and the world's, as well as those so causally thrown away, today.
Not all conflict can end in peace.
But, too, should not all conflict end in aggression.
Good night to the fallen. Sleep sound knowing we yet stand.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Big Heart by Kirby Krackle
From the upcoming album release, here's the new single by
Geek rockers Kirby Krackle from Seattle.
Geek rockers Kirby Krackle from Seattle.
Not to be confused with, though inspired by, Kirby Crackle.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Let's keep it civil, okay?
Over the years I've learned that it's not so much things suck,
just that they suck to me. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure...
just that they suck to me. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure...
30 Day Song Challenge: Day twenty - a song you listen to when you're angry.
Anger. We all get it at some point. There are so many things that can make us angry. Know what makes me very angry? When, it seems, no matter how hard I work at something, there's always a new obstacle in my way; some trip up that comes along, from outside my plans, and snarls my feet on my path.
You can't always avoid these, of course. But, when my frustration has reached to anger, and my teeth nashing has led to a loss of heart, there's always one song I can turn to:
Though quietly leading a very productive musical life, Stan Bush is best known for the single anthem of our childhoods; when a mouthy robot car took hold of his future and saved the galaxy. Actually, he's been responcible for quite a few themes through the eighties, as well as one song for Sailoor Moon... but we still love him, anyway.
Recently, Stan had remixed both The Touch, as well as Dare, and submitted them for the new Transformer movies. While neither did make the cut, they are both available in various places, including a download for the video game Rock Band.
Dream the Dream, his latest release, is out now, and avaialble through all the regular resources.
You can't always avoid these, of course. But, when my frustration has reached to anger, and my teeth nashing has led to a loss of heart, there's always one song I can turn to:
Though quietly leading a very productive musical life, Stan Bush is best known for the single anthem of our childhoods; when a mouthy robot car took hold of his future and saved the galaxy. Actually, he's been responcible for quite a few themes through the eighties, as well as one song for Sailoor Moon... but we still love him, anyway.
Recently, Stan had remixed both The Touch, as well as Dare, and submitted them for the new Transformer movies. While neither did make the cut, they are both available in various places, including a download for the video game Rock Band.
Dream the Dream, his latest release, is out now, and avaialble through all the regular resources.
Of things yet to come...
 |
| Now that's what I call ironic... |
Somehow I get the idea that, when Gary Larson drew this,
he wasn't exactly trying to predict the future.
Ah, but that's life on The Far Side, isn't it?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
I wanna be where the brains are...
 |
| I may never go swimming, again... |
I know that zombies are still - somehow - a hot commodity.
But I, for one, am really, really, REALLY done with them, thank you.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day nineteen - a song from your favorite album.
Challenges like this are particularly tough. You see, the artists from my top ranking favorite albums are all pretty much represented throughout this list. And, seriously, you really can't repeat. (Or, can you?) So, in an effort to keep things fresh, I present to you a track from one of my favorite albums; which, oddly enough, is - like its predecessors - a rock opera:
Ludo is an alternative rock band, born in a high schooler's car, sitting in a super market parking lot, somewhere in Ladue, Missouri. Wild and imaginative, the band's music crosses many different levels of geekdom, absurdity, and down right fun. Here, "Save Our City" is the middle bridge of the EP rock opera Broken Bride; the tale of a scientist bouncing through time, trying desperately to get back to 1989 to save his wife's life. Even though the premise may sound familiar, the execution is done with care, craft, and a twist ending.
Recently, Ludo's label, Redbird. (Yes, a tie in with Peter Mulvey!) became an Island Records imprint, with Ludo signing a recording deal; their third full length release Prepare the Preparations out now, in record stores.
Ludo is an alternative rock band, born in a high schooler's car, sitting in a super market parking lot, somewhere in Ladue, Missouri. Wild and imaginative, the band's music crosses many different levels of geekdom, absurdity, and down right fun. Here, "Save Our City" is the middle bridge of the EP rock opera Broken Bride; the tale of a scientist bouncing through time, trying desperately to get back to 1989 to save his wife's life. Even though the premise may sound familiar, the execution is done with care, craft, and a twist ending.
Recently, Ludo's label, Redbird. (Yes, a tie in with Peter Mulvey!) became an Island Records imprint, with Ludo signing a recording deal; their third full length release Prepare the Preparations out now, in record stores.
¡La motocicleta de lucha del combatiente de la libertad va hombre, sÃ!
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| This is exactly the awesome it looks like... |
Monday, May 23, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day eighteen - a song you wished you'd hear on the radio...
Okay, as challenges go, this one isn't as strong; mainly because the Station House Radio archives are full of music that should be on regular radio. Well, at least I think so. Of course, even with so many choices, it wasn't really hard to nail it down to this one:
Hailing from the home of the greatest NFL football team, ever, Peter Mulvey is what I like to think of as one of the true to heart American singer/songwriters. With his voice and a six string he can do more with his home spun lyrics that most of the mainstream acts couldn't with a mixing board, backing band, and a producer.
I, personally, discovered Peter quite by accident, when I came across his CD, Letters from a Flying Machine, in the Rasputin's clearance bin. It spun for several days in The Dangermouse, including an impromptu Christmas road trip in 2009. I have since begun collecting the rest of his catalog, including this ditty from his 2006 release, The Knuckleball Suite.
My big hope is that someone will see this, check him out, get him on the radio, and he'll finally come out here - perhaps on one of his famous bicycle tours - and I can see him play an actual live show.
I can dream, can't I?
At any rate, Peter Mulvey is definitely an act that needs to be on the radio. Still don't beleive me? Here, have a listen to Smell the Future and, one of my personal favorites, Charlie.
Hailing from the home of the greatest NFL football team, ever, Peter Mulvey is what I like to think of as one of the true to heart American singer/songwriters. With his voice and a six string he can do more with his home spun lyrics that most of the mainstream acts couldn't with a mixing board, backing band, and a producer.
I, personally, discovered Peter quite by accident, when I came across his CD, Letters from a Flying Machine, in the Rasputin's clearance bin. It spun for several days in The Dangermouse, including an impromptu Christmas road trip in 2009. I have since begun collecting the rest of his catalog, including this ditty from his 2006 release, The Knuckleball Suite.
My big hope is that someone will see this, check him out, get him on the radio, and he'll finally come out here - perhaps on one of his famous bicycle tours - and I can see him play an actual live show.
I can dream, can't I?
At any rate, Peter Mulvey is definitely an act that needs to be on the radio. Still don't beleive me? Here, have a listen to Smell the Future and, one of my personal favorites, Charlie.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Yeah, sometimes it feels a lot like that...
Every now and then, when making my comics, it hits me...
 |
| Thanks to Gregor Czaykowski's Loading Artist for nailing it oh so perfectly... |
The Road is Long...
The first track from the up coming album by
one of my all time fav bands
now available to listen and download
and addict you to their musical wilds!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Service interruption
Neverland Transit Authority is going to be shut down for a bit for maintenance.
However, things will still continue here, at The Conductor's Office.
30 Day Song Challenge: Day seventeen - a song you hear a lot on the radio.
Ah, the radio...
I can't honestly remember the last time I just sat and listened to it for anymore than a couple of hours.* Grand Central boosts over 1000 CDs and various digital musical sources. The entirety of the collection has come to be affectionately known as "Station House Radio". So, really, between indie retailer updates, and my monthly dives into Rasputin's clearance bins, there just isn't any real draw to listen to commercial radio, any longer; what with it's over plaid, over hyped, musical wasteland playu lists. And today's challenge illustrates this pretty perfectly:
Okay, so this number, by one time cultral revolutionists turned media staple Red Hot Chili Peppers, probably shows how long it's been since I had my dial tuned up to any major radio station. However, there was, at one point, a time when this made rotation two, maybe even three, times during each DJ's shift. The controversy over its simulatiry to a Tom Petty hit didn't help any, either.
Honestly? I don't care what it's about, or any particular back story it may have. Like so many
main stream" songs, I'm really just so disinterested and don't really care.
*I do find the dial tuned, every Saturday morning, to college station KFJC for the Norman Bates Memorial Soundtrack show. In fact, KFJC is about the only station I do listen to. Yes, I am really into independant music.
I can't honestly remember the last time I just sat and listened to it for anymore than a couple of hours.* Grand Central boosts over 1000 CDs and various digital musical sources. The entirety of the collection has come to be affectionately known as "Station House Radio". So, really, between indie retailer updates, and my monthly dives into Rasputin's clearance bins, there just isn't any real draw to listen to commercial radio, any longer; what with it's over plaid, over hyped, musical wasteland playu lists. And today's challenge illustrates this pretty perfectly:
Okay, so this number, by one time cultral revolutionists turned media staple Red Hot Chili Peppers, probably shows how long it's been since I had my dial tuned up to any major radio station. However, there was, at one point, a time when this made rotation two, maybe even three, times during each DJ's shift. The controversy over its simulatiry to a Tom Petty hit didn't help any, either.
Honestly? I don't care what it's about, or any particular back story it may have. Like so many
main stream" songs, I'm really just so disinterested and don't really care.
*I do find the dial tuned, every Saturday morning, to college station KFJC for the Norman Bates Memorial Soundtrack show. In fact, KFJC is about the only station I do listen to. Yes, I am really into independant music.
Small treasures when Spring cleaning...
Readers of Galactic Gun and Stuff, over at Neverland Transit Authority, probably have noted that things have been rather quiet, as of late. Not to fear; things will get running, again, fairly soon.
During the down time I managed to get a little spring cleaning done at Grand Central. And, while going through he files and piles of art, I happened across a couple of gems I thought would be fun to share...
As often the case, I find myself, from time to time, doing some fairly undirected doodle time as a sort of brainstorming process. Usually it starts along the side of a page, or in a corner, and just goes out from there. And there's really no plan involved, here. Generally it starts with a sketch of, say, Justin, and then explodes from there. Usually it ends with; "Hey, that'd be a cool character/prop/scene for the comic. How can I fit that in, somewhere?"
Three up coming stories were birthed in this process; though not necessarily from this particular session...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day Sixteen - A song you hate that you once loved
I've already covered, in a previous challenge, how I'm not quite attached to the word "hate". Having said that, there is one song that meets today's challenge perfectly. A song that, when first released some nearly ten years ago, was an absolute favorite that - I felt, at the time - touched the very essence of my soul. Today? Yeah, I blow right past it when it comes up on the player, thinking; "what the Hell was I thinking?!
Officially formed in 1990, VNV Nation unleashed - at least to us unwary American Goth types - a torrent of sound know as EBM; Electronic Body Music. From the underground Industrial clubs of the inner cities, to the top of the charts across Europe and, now, sneaking in on the American charts, the band's message - while, at times, delivered with thundering beats and often darker imagery - is generally one of positive hope and fuel for change.
"Joy" appeared on the '95 release, Advance and Follow, and had us hopping mad to hear it again, and again. Sixteen years later (Wait, that can't be right.) and you go up to a DJ in the booth to request this song? Yeah, you get laughed at.
Officially formed in 1990, VNV Nation unleashed - at least to us unwary American Goth types - a torrent of sound know as EBM; Electronic Body Music. From the underground Industrial clubs of the inner cities, to the top of the charts across Europe and, now, sneaking in on the American charts, the band's message - while, at times, delivered with thundering beats and often darker imagery - is generally one of positive hope and fuel for change.
"Joy" appeared on the '95 release, Advance and Follow, and had us hopping mad to hear it again, and again. Sixteen years later (Wait, that can't be right.) and you go up to a DJ in the booth to request this song? Yeah, you get laughed at.
Lost in translation...
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| I'm am thinking that this does not mean what I am thinking it is meaning... Ah, the innocence of another age. |
Monday, May 9, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day fifteen - a song that describes you.
We're about to cross the threshold of halfway through the 30 Day Song Challenge, and now, finally, we're getting to the meat of the matter; me, the listener.
But how does one describe themself in a song? Surely it takes more than one tune, yes? I mean, aren't we all a bit more complex than a single song can capture? Well, in my case, maybe not so much:
Chumbawamba are an anarcho-punk group hailing from the UK formed in 1982. With a name deriving from gibberish (No, really. Their name literally means nothing at all.) they took on the mantle of the punk power to the people, with political stunts that have included dumping water on a British official during a show that sided against striking dock workers. Having actually been to a Chumbawamba show, I can tell you they have a crazy stage presence that is full of life and vigor.
As for the song? Well, I think the lyrics speak for themself; especially when you map them against the turbulent, yet never boring, life I've lead. And, while many songs may reflect the various facets of my mind and personality, this one covers the most basic aspect of who I am; drink, song, and the enduring struggle of perseverance...
But how does one describe themself in a song? Surely it takes more than one tune, yes? I mean, aren't we all a bit more complex than a single song can capture? Well, in my case, maybe not so much:
Chumbawamba are an anarcho-punk group hailing from the UK formed in 1982. With a name deriving from gibberish (No, really. Their name literally means nothing at all.) they took on the mantle of the punk power to the people, with political stunts that have included dumping water on a British official during a show that sided against striking dock workers. Having actually been to a Chumbawamba show, I can tell you they have a crazy stage presence that is full of life and vigor.
As for the song? Well, I think the lyrics speak for themself; especially when you map them against the turbulent, yet never boring, life I've lead. And, while many songs may reflect the various facets of my mind and personality, this one covers the most basic aspect of who I am; drink, song, and the enduring struggle of perseverance...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge - Day fourteen - a song no one expects you to like.
I am known far and wide, out here, for my across the board musical tastes. I don't think there isn't a genre not represented in the Station House Radio collection in some way. However, it never ceases to amaze me that people are generally amazed that I like this particular song:
No, I am not a real fan of local boys made good, Train. (Though, with that name, one would figure I was, I guess.) But, this song I do like. The general message of trying to work out the problems in the world delivered in an unausally upbeat way kind of speaks to me; makes me feel like I might have the power to do something about life, sometimes. And, leaves me in a generally positive state about it, too.
And yet, they aren't really a popular kind of sound with my close crowd, and so they're surprised when this song comes on and I start singing away with it.
No, I am not a real fan of local boys made good, Train. (Though, with that name, one would figure I was, I guess.) But, this song I do like. The general message of trying to work out the problems in the world delivered in an unausally upbeat way kind of speaks to me; makes me feel like I might have the power to do something about life, sometimes. And, leaves me in a generally positive state about it, too.
And yet, they aren't really a popular kind of sound with my close crowd, and so they're surprised when this song comes on and I start singing away with it.
Momma said...
Republican in Minnesota makes himself look like an arse
with some public name calling and his mom makes him apologize...
Friday, May 6, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: day thriteen - a song that is a guilty pleasure.
I have failed day thirteen of the 30 Day Song Challenge; a song that is a guilty pleasure. I feel no guilt over the music I like. I am, in fact, very proud of my wrong taste in music!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A long time ago, with some bricks far, far away...
What is the measure of a franchise? How can you tell with it's gone south? Well, here; this might be a hint:
Anytime you can wrap up a trilogy with Legos in just over a couple of minutes? Yeah, fail...
From the gutters to the silver screen!
Summer is knocking at the door and, already, I have two,
count them, TWO, comic book based movies to choose from...
and...
Or, another eay to look at it...
30 Day Song Challenge: Day Twelve - a song from a band you hate...
Hate.
Hate can be such an ugly word. I like to think it a word saved for the most dire of circumstances. After all, do I really hate asparagus?
Well, yes, I do. But, generally speaking, when it comes to music, I like to say; "Nope, not really my thing," instead of that I hate it. One man's folly is, after all, another man's anthem.
So, how do I classify a band I hate? Well, if they, are, say, a pack of total douches:
Metallica started as an underground metal band. They were edgy, relevant, and real. They spoke to the fans, the people, and did so directly; utilizing garage style bootlegging to get their music. They were raw and were the voice of a generation.
And then they hit it big. You've heard the adage about power and corruption, right?
Spearheaded by Lars, the drummer, Metallica become the poster children for the RIAA, the musical boogie man; attaching themselves, personally, in lawsuit after lawsuit in file sharing pirating legal actions. In many occasions, directly against their very own fans. And they did so, aggressively; without mercy. A whole generation of music lovers watched as the powerhouse cut their hair, softened up, and got... well... greedy.
In a word? Sellout.
Are they good? Not as much as they used to be. Do I enjoy the occasional Metallica song? Every great once and a while. Do I like this band? No. Do I hate this band? Only for what they've come to stand for.
Hate can be such an ugly word. I like to think it a word saved for the most dire of circumstances. After all, do I really hate asparagus?
Well, yes, I do. But, generally speaking, when it comes to music, I like to say; "Nope, not really my thing," instead of that I hate it. One man's folly is, after all, another man's anthem.
So, how do I classify a band I hate? Well, if they, are, say, a pack of total douches:
Metallica started as an underground metal band. They were edgy, relevant, and real. They spoke to the fans, the people, and did so directly; utilizing garage style bootlegging to get their music. They were raw and were the voice of a generation.
 |
| I'd rather bang heads with these fellas than have my head bashed in by these fellas. Am I right? |
Spearheaded by Lars, the drummer, Metallica become the poster children for the RIAA, the musical boogie man; attaching themselves, personally, in lawsuit after lawsuit in file sharing pirating legal actions. In many occasions, directly against their very own fans. And they did so, aggressively; without mercy. A whole generation of music lovers watched as the powerhouse cut their hair, softened up, and got... well... greedy.
In a word? Sellout.
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| Give me fuel, give me fire! An Armani suit that I desire! |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day eleven - a song from your favortie band.
The measure of a man? A question of his worth? The merit of his metal? Today's challenge is really no challenge at all, but only stands to ask you one simple question:
Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend, Keith Moon, and John Entwhistle. In 1964 these four Brits came together to form what is, arguably, one of the greatest rock bands, ever. Crossing genres from Rock to Mod, with a little Punk, The Who have dished out some of the most iconic and memorable albums of all time, including the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, as well as My Generation, Who's Next, and The Who by Numbers.
Their place as an all time rock legend was cemented with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and punctuated with the most watch NFL halftime show, ever, in 2009.
Today The Who are survived by Roger and Pete, who continue to preform both together, and apart on various projects. But no one can deny the power this band had, and still has, in the lives of so many.
Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend, Keith Moon, and John Entwhistle. In 1964 these four Brits came together to form what is, arguably, one of the greatest rock bands, ever. Crossing genres from Rock to Mod, with a little Punk, The Who have dished out some of the most iconic and memorable albums of all time, including the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, as well as My Generation, Who's Next, and The Who by Numbers.
Their place as an all time rock legend was cemented with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, and punctuated with the most watch NFL halftime show, ever, in 2009.
Today The Who are survived by Roger and Pete, who continue to preform both together, and apart on various projects. But no one can deny the power this band had, and still has, in the lives of so many.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Like angels on the head of a pin...
"I look across the vastness of space and the countless stars contained inside endless galaxies, and I have to stop and wonder if, maybe, the molecules in my body believe themselves to be universes, too."
Probably not one of my most Earth shattering, revelations, but note worthy, none the less, in consideration of time, space, and the vastness of existence yet delved by human endeavour.
In the grand scheme of things, we, as humans - presumably the greatest species in all existence (A conceit, I know.), tend to look upon the planets, stars, and galaxies and see the top of the scale. Sure, we have no problem mixing our way down through cells, molecules, and into particles, quarks, and such; accepting that we will always find something smaller still. Each new building block of existence is excepted, after a time, quite well. We may not, at the time, understand the play of forces happening at that level, but we continue to dig.
Perhaps that is because looking down, at the smaller, is so much easier than looking up, toward the larger...
I won't be the first, here, to propose the idea of the infinite scale. Nor will I be the last. However, I tend to marvel, a lot, actually, at how our planetary system looks like an atom. In fact, the whole of the Milky Way could be seen to be a cluster of interacting atoms, more commonly referred to as a molecule.
If this were to be true, what ways could this bend our understanding of existence? How would we redefine the forces of nature as we understood them? How would we view and value our own selves? Atom smashing? What scale of genocide would that be? How could we, in turn, reach out toward our host universe as we would, inevitably have to reach into the tiny guest universes harboring within all matter?
Bigger still would come the philosophical musings that could tear at the very fabric of the spiritual...
In The Gunslinger, by Stephen King, Roland is a lone gunman at the end of his world. Toward the conclusion of book one he meets an old sage that takes him on a vision quest. He leaves the vibrational world he exists on and, eventually, moves away from his universe to see its place in the grand scheme; a molecule in a purple blade of grass in a vacant lot that's about to be cleared for a building.
Location, location, location...
When Roland returns to himself the sage then asks him to consider "God". For, if he truly is the maker of all things, is he the maker of all things there, too? And to all the levels below us, as well? He is then left to consider the nature of a creator who creates to an infinite level.
And, in such the same way, I now must ask you to do the same. Perhaps not in as much as the mythical, but, at least, in the terms of the cosmical. After all, what part we, to be trapped in that blade of grass? Or, still, to lord over existences untold as he splice apart matter in a vain search for our own minute understanding of space.
Probably not one of my most Earth shattering, revelations, but note worthy, none the less, in consideration of time, space, and the vastness of existence yet delved by human endeavour.
In the grand scheme of things, we, as humans - presumably the greatest species in all existence (A conceit, I know.), tend to look upon the planets, stars, and galaxies and see the top of the scale. Sure, we have no problem mixing our way down through cells, molecules, and into particles, quarks, and such; accepting that we will always find something smaller still. Each new building block of existence is excepted, after a time, quite well. We may not, at the time, understand the play of forces happening at that level, but we continue to dig.
Perhaps that is because looking down, at the smaller, is so much easier than looking up, toward the larger...
I won't be the first, here, to propose the idea of the infinite scale. Nor will I be the last. However, I tend to marvel, a lot, actually, at how our planetary system looks like an atom. In fact, the whole of the Milky Way could be seen to be a cluster of interacting atoms, more commonly referred to as a molecule.
If this were to be true, what ways could this bend our understanding of existence? How would we redefine the forces of nature as we understood them? How would we view and value our own selves? Atom smashing? What scale of genocide would that be? How could we, in turn, reach out toward our host universe as we would, inevitably have to reach into the tiny guest universes harboring within all matter?
Bigger still would come the philosophical musings that could tear at the very fabric of the spiritual...
In The Gunslinger, by Stephen King, Roland is a lone gunman at the end of his world. Toward the conclusion of book one he meets an old sage that takes him on a vision quest. He leaves the vibrational world he exists on and, eventually, moves away from his universe to see its place in the grand scheme; a molecule in a purple blade of grass in a vacant lot that's about to be cleared for a building.
Location, location, location...
When Roland returns to himself the sage then asks him to consider "God". For, if he truly is the maker of all things, is he the maker of all things there, too? And to all the levels below us, as well? He is then left to consider the nature of a creator who creates to an infinite level.
And, in such the same way, I now must ask you to do the same. Perhaps not in as much as the mythical, but, at least, in the terms of the cosmical. After all, what part we, to be trapped in that blade of grass? Or, still, to lord over existences untold as he splice apart matter in a vain search for our own minute understanding of space.
 |
| Where are we, now, if the universe is no longer distances to stars, but distances through scale? |
Truth, Justice, and the... unAmerican way?
If you read comic books - and I assume you do, since you're here - then you've no doubt heard the news by now...
Naturally, some grab hold of the possible controversy and really run with it, while others take the time to really delve into the implications of the new global world taking shape though this iconic figure.Of course, Supes is gonna find things a little more awkward abroad...
30 Day Song Challenge: Day Ten - a song that makes you fall asleep.
Okay, this is a tricky one. And those who are friends of The Conductor know why...
I hate to sleep, and have a hard time doing it.
Needless to say - and hard for some to believe - I do actually need a couple hours of shut eye every night. So, when I look for a soundtrack to my slumberland, I generally look for music like this:
Hey. HEY! Wake up...
Anyway, Dead Can Dance is definitely one of the most unique sounds to come out of the 1990's... or, for that matter, most of mainstream music. Their brand of haunting vocals and rich, vibrant sounds merge in such a way that my mind is able to drift into other places, constructing worlds, events, and the people that might be encountered there. This, in turn, helps me to relax for a little while, and get a couple hours' rest before the madness of my day begins, again.
I hate to sleep, and have a hard time doing it.
Needless to say - and hard for some to believe - I do actually need a couple hours of shut eye every night. So, when I look for a soundtrack to my slumberland, I generally look for music like this:
Hey. HEY! Wake up...
Anyway, Dead Can Dance is definitely one of the most unique sounds to come out of the 1990's... or, for that matter, most of mainstream music. Their brand of haunting vocals and rich, vibrant sounds merge in such a way that my mind is able to drift into other places, constructing worlds, events, and the people that might be encountered there. This, in turn, helps me to relax for a little while, and get a couple hours' rest before the madness of my day begins, again.
Monday, May 2, 2011
30 Day song Challenge: Day nine - a song you can dance to.
There are all kinds of ways to dance. And in just about every culture there are all kinds of dance forms, and the music to go along with it. We all have our preferred method, of course. But since I am The IronChuck, then my choice for the day nine challenge - a song you can dance to - should be obvious:
It was a particular ex-girlfriend that first introduced me to the subtle, yet fun, art of ball room dance. And over the years, I have been privileged to share this good time from the past with others. The gist of the thing is, usually, centered around the waltz, of course. And, as a way to soften the learning curve of the 1-2-3-4, I have found no better a song to teach the waltz by than with good old Mario.
After all, if a monkey squashin' Italian Plumber from Japan can do it, anyone can.
Not the version I was looking for-
which had horns and strings-
but it gets the job done.
It was a particular ex-girlfriend that first introduced me to the subtle, yet fun, art of ball room dance. And over the years, I have been privileged to share this good time from the past with others. The gist of the thing is, usually, centered around the waltz, of course. And, as a way to soften the learning curve of the 1-2-3-4, I have found no better a song to teach the waltz by than with good old Mario.
After all, if a monkey squashin' Italian Plumber from Japan can do it, anyone can.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Narrative, it's not just for comics, anymore...
Okay, if you haven't already noticed, I'm not a huge fan of this crazy idea that games now have to be "interactive movies". In fact, the limited involvement/straight play factor of games can tend to lend itself better to a more involving experience as the player has to get his - or her - imagination into the mix, some, to flesh out all kinds of things about what is, essentially, a piece of escapism.
Ironically, the web site The Escapist has a few folks on staff that, though the failure of Metroid: Other M, have been able to set out some well learned lessons in character building and narrative. But, the funny thing is, they apply pretty well to comics, as well.
At a little under twelve minutes, I know it can be a little long. But, if you're into gaming, writing, or game writing, you may want to have a watch. Go ahead, I'll wait:
Readers of my comic, Galactic Gun, over at Neverland Transit Authority have noted, over the past year, that there is relatively very little back story with any of the characters. However, that is simply not the case. A lot of what you can glean about Justin, Kali, and the rest is spelled out pretty clearly in what they do and what they say. It's a more natural, organic way, I feel, to go about getting to know who is who in any story. I mean, after all, when people meet for the first time, they don't just sit there and recite their full biography.
Well, this is the Internet Age, so maybe all bets are off...
Ironically, the web site The Escapist has a few folks on staff that, though the failure of Metroid: Other M, have been able to set out some well learned lessons in character building and narrative. But, the funny thing is, they apply pretty well to comics, as well.
At a little under twelve minutes, I know it can be a little long. But, if you're into gaming, writing, or game writing, you may want to have a watch. Go ahead, I'll wait:
Readers of my comic, Galactic Gun, over at Neverland Transit Authority have noted, over the past year, that there is relatively very little back story with any of the characters. However, that is simply not the case. A lot of what you can glean about Justin, Kali, and the rest is spelled out pretty clearly in what they do and what they say. It's a more natural, organic way, I feel, to go about getting to know who is who in any story. I mean, after all, when people meet for the first time, they don't just sit there and recite their full biography.
Well, this is the Internet Age, so maybe all bets are off...
30 Day Song Challenge: Day eight - a song you know all the words to
With a video that's somewhere between Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! and The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly comes the gateway song to another one of my most favorite bands, and the answer to the Day 8 challenge; songs I know all the words to:
The Killers were formed in 2001 in, of all places, Las Vegas, Nevada. But it was leaving the states to join a British label that got the notoriety. They've enjoyed the up and down roller coaster of stardom ever since. Though the album Hot Fuss contains two of the songs this band is best known for - "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me", the real gem is "All These Things that I have Done"; the strongest artisit piece it offers, in my opinion.
Currently the band is on hiatus, though they've announced that work has begun on a new album that should see release in late 2011,or early 2012.
The Killers were formed in 2001 in, of all places, Las Vegas, Nevada. But it was leaving the states to join a British label that got the notoriety. They've enjoyed the up and down roller coaster of stardom ever since. Though the album Hot Fuss contains two of the songs this band is best known for - "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me", the real gem is "All These Things that I have Done"; the strongest artisit piece it offers, in my opinion.
Currently the band is on hiatus, though they've announced that work has begun on a new album that should see release in late 2011,or early 2012.
Then and now...
Yet another reason why my games were cool
and kids' games, today, suck.
Oh yeah, and GET OFF MY LAWN!
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