MUSIC SHUFFLE 11/10/2010

Here's what the iPod cranked out today while I was working:

Origin-The Aftermath

ISIS-Red Sea

High on Fire-Frost Hammer

ISIS-Deconstructing Towers

Converge-In Her Shadow

Cannibal Corpse-They Deserve To Die

Death Breath-Twisted In Distaste

Impaled-Masters Of Ordure

Immolation-In Human Form

Metallica-Damage Inc.

The Bronx-Heart Attack American

Black Tusk-Red Eyes, Black Skies

Howl-Oma

Judge-Like You

Old Man Gloom-Branch Breaker

Pixies-Where Is My Mind?

Dethklok-The Gears

Deadbolt-Channel 5

Iron Maiden-Children Of The Damned

Fugazi-Close Captioned (Demo)

Cannibal Corpse-Severed Head Stoning

Karate-Remain Relaxed

Converge-In Her Blood

Shelter-Knowledge Of The Absolute

Rival Schools-My Echo

Converge-When Forever Comes Crashing

Pink Floyd-The Great Gig In The Sky

Helmet-Speechless

Integrity-Nothing Left

Job For A Cowboy-Lords Of Chaos

Refused-Deadly Rhythm

Nile-Dusk Falls Upon The Temple Of The Serpent On The Mount Of Sunrise

Pixies-Vamos

Into Another-Actual Size

Lair Of The Minotaur-The Ultimate Destroyer

Aesop Rock-Forest Crunk

Sunny Day Real Estate-The Blankets Were The Stairs

The Dillinger Escape Plan-The Perfect Design

Misery Index-American Idolatry

Keelhaul-Tuco

Van Halen-Poundcake

Old Man Gloom-Three Ring Ocean Shideshow

Decrepit Birth-Ignite The Tesla Coil (A Departure Of The Sun)

Insect Warfare-Manipulator

Fugazi-Steady Diet

Fugazi-Close Captioned (Demo) (Again)

Threat-Jay-Z

Trap Them-Citizenihilist

Darkthrone- Underdogs And Overlords

Dead Kennedys-Funland At The Beach

Dead Congregation-Subjugation

Mastodon-Iron Tusk

Karate-This Day Next Year

Converge-Phoenix In Flight

Soundgarden-Somewhere

Horna-Vihanlietsoja

Morbid Angel-Ascent Through The Spheres



BEN TEMPLESMITH

Saturday morning I woke up and checked email and Twitter while I was feeding the little ones breakfast. Ben Templesmith had tweeted (I hate using that term) something about being at Black Cat Comics. There is a shop named Black Cat in Salt Lake City, so I checked to see if Ben happened to be here. Yep, he was!

I called Spence and Ryan right away to see if they wanted to make the 40 minute drive to SLC. Sadly, Ryan couldn't make it, but Spence could, so we were off!

We've spoken with Ben before and he is a pure joy to talk to. If you ever get the chance to meet up with him at a con or a shop, make sure you take the time to chat. He's incredibly witty, funny, and just an all around nice person.

Spence & Ben

 Me & Ben

                                

 

WHAT A DOWNER

I just had my first experience with a creator being a total asshole. I was not abrasive, nor was I pestering him. I asked one simple question and the guy fired off a rude answer. I was totally taken aback. He must not be fond of our reviews or something. Regardless, there was no reason to act so childish and rude.

No more buying his books. Not that it matters...this guy makes enough money without me buying them.

HARLEM TAINT TREADERS

No interviews this week. Just good old fashioned TPB comic talk with the crew. My favorite part is Spence's history lesson on mailbags. You'll see...

Here's the write up and Spence's awesome cover with Daredevil's feelings about Cally's rambling:

Cally is back!!!! After completely infecting the internet, and alienating some great creators forever, Cally is back with gang dishing the dirt about comics and insulting minority groups. We talk about Wildstorm closing (apparently because DC has to move to California, according to the aforementioned Cally), Captain America photos – now with Capri pants! – a Twitter mixup with us and Jeff Parker, Gabriel Hardman giving us free AWESOME sketches (oh yeah!!!), our old alumni Jake Black, how awesome Batman: Brave and the Bold is, DC animated movies, and – what’s this?! – a very brief discussion about someone from the world of SPORTS!?!?!?!?! (We promise this will never happen again)

Cally and Spence throw “insolent twat” at each other, we talk about another comic podcast that gave us a kind review, Mark physically can’t admit his love of fantasy, and we have the return of two beloved segments – Cold Storage and Spence’s Sack! Plus, stay tuned for a great interview with an up-and-coming comic book writer and artist – and friend of the show – at the end of this episode!

Reviews for this week: Stuff Of Legend: The Jungle #2 and Skullkickers #1
Musical Selection: “Jungle Love” by Morris Day and The Time Direct download: TPB Issue #71

TAGGING ALONG

As you all know, I'm part of a small press crew. The Basement is fun for us. Spence, Cally, Mark, & Nate started this thing almost two years ago. Ryan started on as a guest and then became a regular, and then he invited me to tag along with him during a few episodes. One thing led to another and I was lucky enough to be added to the crew. My roll with the crew is to deal with the PR. Chances are if you've had something reviewed or we've talked to you on the show, you heard from me. That's not to say that the other dudes haven't done their fair share of the work. Everyone has put forth the effort to contact someone or get us set up at a con, or whatever. I'm just explaining that my MAIN focus for TPB is PR stuff.

And I love it.

I mean, who doesn't want to speak with someone that they admire? I've been lucky enough to talk with some of the biggest names in comics today and it has been an absolute blast. What's even cooler about this whole thing is that every single artist and writer that I have talked to have been nothing but polite and accommodating. I have yet to run into a rude creator. That goes the same for publishers. Yessir, there are good people in comics.

I was listening to a bunch of different podcasts today while I was at work. There are some pretty professional podcasts out there. The best of them are lucky enough to be sponsored. Maybe we'll get there someday. Who knows?

Anyway, while I was listening to a few of these podcasts, I noticed that most of them had something in common; they are all groupies for comic book creators. What I mean by that is podcasters & "critics" seem to want so badly to fit in with those who have a genuine talent in comics that they've created their own medium just to try and tag along. They want the tightly intertwined crew of comic creators to accept them because they think they have something to offer the creators' community.

Don't get me wrong, I've made some friends in comics from doing this. Some genuine friends whom I look forward to seeing again very soon. With these people, I've connected on a different level. A level well outside of comics, though we all share the hobby. Perhaps other podcasters have these kind of friendships too, but you won't hear me brag about it like I've heard these groupies do.

Like other members of the comic podcast community, we attend cons, meet people, and try to get to know a few folks in the industry. We need to in order to be successful and gain listeners. Unlike some other interview podcasts, we are under no illusions of who we are. We are not comic artists, writers, or colorists. We are not publishers or editors and we will not pretend to be. We're not here to ride anyone's coat tails or get a free ride on someone else's hard work in the industry. When we record and conduct interviews, it's just a bunch of fan-boys sitting around in a room, lucky enough to chat with folks who've created something we like.

That's what I hope you get from listening to us.

TWITTER

Devotees,

If you have a Twitter account, please follow TPB. We need the support on Twitter. I promise amusing and funny updates. I may even throw up some Cally quotes from the podcast!

EPISODE #67 IS UP

Once again, the TPB gang is forced to leave the basement! Squinting at the sunlight, screaming in fear at flies and bugs, vainly trying to keep a fire going – it’s back to the great outdoors! In our second annual camping episode we – minus the sadly absent Cally – broadcast from next to the fire as we talk about HORROR comics! As if being outdoors talking about scary stuff wasn’t spooky enough, it was Friday the 13th when we recorded! We were even by a large-ish body of water – not quite Crystal Lake, but it was enough for us. (And mutant creatures were even reported to be in there by Spence’s wife! Yiiiiiiikes!)

Once again Ryan waxes nostalgic for old comics, Spence provides fine historical background info, and Jim loves X-Files/ 30 Days Of Night! We talk about all the horror out there for you, the discerning reader/listener. Whatever kind of horror you are into, we talk about it!

Thanks for our fine pals at Darkhorse, we were able to review two new awesome titles – B.P.R.D. : Hell On Earth – New World #1 and Buzzard #3. (Cally, you missed out!) After that, Ryan (with some help from Spence) does a very rushed Cold Storage – with a few new intros! Then, something awful happens. It is a true horror story. Listen to see if the boys make it out alive.

We had a wonderful time, despite being outdoors. Sadly, we didn’t get yelled at by Santa Claus this year, and there was no “Boner Anus” like last time – but we did at least have an offensive hot dog/marshmallow roaster! We hope you enjoy it, cuz we ain’t leaving the house till next year!

Reviews for this week: B.P.R.D. : Hell On Earth – New World #1 and Buzzard #3
Cold Storage Review: Creepy #1
Musical Selection:  “Where did you sleep last night” by Lead Belly

CLICK HERE!

VOODOO

Got me an iPad.

Awesome.

Comics are amazing on this thing.

I JUST THOUGHT OF THIS.

I never posted these interviews! Well, they're on the TPB review website, but I never mentioned them on my blog.

Interviews with John Arcudi (B.P.R.D., A GOD SOMEWHERE) and Boris Savic (BANIMON).

Check 'em out.

Infinity Gauntlet #1 Preview

We were all really excited when we heard Brian Churilla was going to draw Thanos and company for the new Infinity Gauntlet series. Marvel finally has a preview posted and it looks wonderful.

Nice work, Brian! I Can't wait to get this in my hands!

Check out the preview for Infinity Gauntlet #1 here.

Episode 66 Is Up!

Wonderful writer/artist/gentleman Martin Flink drops by the basement for a quiet chat in this episode! (Good thing our basement is so close to Denmark….) We talked/gushed about Martin’s new book “The Man Of Glass” – from our wonderful pals at Accent UK – a few issues back, and the gushing continues as we talk to Martin about “Man Of Glass” as well as his past work including Utopia, The Troll and much more! We also get soft and sentimental as we discuss children and how they affect you, and how this plays into “Man Of Glass”. We are then treated to a small description of Martin’s upcoming work “Lizard”, which promises to be awesome.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Do yourself a favor and go to your local comic shop and demand that they order “The Man Of Glass”. It’s a simple story, but it is beautiful, heart-breaking, and it will haunt you – not in a bad, creepy way, but in a way soul-searching kind of way. You won’t regret it.

Thanks Martin! We appreciate it!

After the interview, Cally, Ryan, and Spence power-trio it out, old-school style. First of all we talk about comic news…… depressing comic news. More Bendis rage from Ryan (Ryan, shut up already!), Red Hulk, Kevin Smith hate, Thunderstrike returns and more! The news picks up with some goodness about our pal/TPB alumni Francis Manapul! Hooray!

After that, we get a Comic-Con recap from Spence, our man-on-the-scene! He talks costumes, being crop-dusted by fat nerds, the Boom party, our boy Dan Fraga, and our other boy Brian Churilla! (Give him $5, you stupid nerds!) Spence met tons of folks, and then talks about a few! Ryan does a Cold Storage review of Oni Press’s great book “Love Buzz” because he’s a big fat softie, and then Spence does Nate’s Corner! What the?!?!?!?! It’s true! (Somebody has to do it…..) Luckily, the Nate’s Corner segment gives us a chance to gush about Joelle Jones, which you know we love to do.

We hope you enjoy!

Cold Storage Review: Love Buzz (from Oni Press)

Nate’s Corner Review (by Spence!): Trouble Maker

Music Selection: Happy Trails by Van Halen

Finished

I've finally finished my script for my contribution to Accent UK's Zombies 2 (2ombies) Anthology. I've sent it off to Dave and a few other friends to look at before I sit down with Dan and figure out the art.

As an aspiring writer, I'm always a bit nervous to send off a script and get feedback. I need the feedback, of course--how else would I better my writing? The thing I'm always scared of is, "HA! You think I could publish this sh*&?!? Write a better one or we'll find someone else." It hasn't happened yet, but it's always in the back of my mind.

Fingers crossed.

"What Swells in Wells, Stays in Wells"

My job takes me to some interesting places.

Most people travel to big cities like New York or Los Angeles. I travel to Wells, Nevada and Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Honestly, it doesn't bother me much. I get to see things that you don't see in a huge city. Things like these:

Yep, brothels are still legal in some places in the states. Here's the sign for another one: 

I still can't believe it. The next message to come up was "What swells in Wells, stays in Wells!" There were some others, but I can't remember them. It's probably a blessing.

I took all of these pictures in Wells, Nevada. Look it up on Google earth. This picture below is my favorite. I took it in a casino/gas station in Wells. The artist of this painting is asking $225. Let me know if you want me to pick it up for you.

It's titled "Freedom Isn't Free".

I almost had a stroke when I discovered all of this. Spencer suggested a live blog next time I travel.

Hmmm...not a bad idea.

HELLO KOREA!!

The latest episode is up on the TPB site. Go take a listen. I really think Spence has outdone himself with the cover. It's my favorite so far.

It’s back to basics, basementators! No fancy, wonderful or insightful interviews this time – just our regular douchebaggery, tomfoolery, and jackassery! Enjoy!

Ryan starts things off with some apologies – always a good time! Then we talk about our loyal Korean fans (email us!), our iPhone app, get more Bendis bashing from Ryan, and then get down to some news: including Harvey Pekar (R.I.P.), Mark Waid hatin’ on super-hero comics, and Hastings finally getting comic books – after about 20 years of having them already…

The gang also gets into an interesting discussion about writers who just want to make “their mark” on the character instead of just serving the character and writing a good story – for crying out loud, stop it!

After our regular reviews, we are treated to a review by Spence of the gorgeous “Blacksad”, and then he does a Cold Storage review that doesn’t have any rhyming?!?! What the? (You’ll see what I’m talking about)
Thanks for joining us again! We really do appreciate it.

Reviews for this week: Northlanders #29 and Stuff Of Legend Vol. 2 – The Jungle #1

Cold Storage Review: The Demon #1

Music Selection: Am I Demon by Danzig

LIVE FROM SDCC!

Our beloved Dic(k)tator, Spencer, will be blogging live from San Diego Comic Con this weekend. Head to the main site to check it out. Show him some love and post some comments or ask some questions. He'll be rubbing elbows with some of your favorites!

BANIMON!

I got some crazy comic stuff in the mail today.

There is a creator somewhere in Massachusetts named Boris Savic who's made some of the funnest & hippest comics that I've seen. I'm still doing a bit of research, but it looks like Banimon is much more than just a comic & Rocket North is much more than just a publisher.

We'll be talking about them very soon on the podcast and I'll have a review up for all of you on the Astonishing Reviews site soon. In the meantime, check Boris, Rocket North, & Banimon out HERE.

I'm Not Really a Hip-Hop Kinda Guy...

...In fact, Hip-Hop music makes me down-right uncomfortable to listen to. I always feel like I'm breaking some type of  unspoken lifestyle agreement if I ever listen to Hip-Hop or Rap. Honestly, who drives a Toyota 4-runner through the desert highways of Utah and bumps Ice Cube? I've got a real problem seeing kids that grew up in white suburbia neighborhoods drive tricked out Hondas and blast Dr. Dre at a deafening volume. I'm a metal guy and always have been. It fits my style, my tastes, and more importantly, it challenges me to listen to it.

Then Rob came along with up a bunch of Hip-Hop for me to try. Swollen Members? Bah! The name alone makes me uncomfortable (but I don't have a problem with the name Dying Fetus for some reason, and it's much worse....hmmm). Eminem? No thanks. Aesop Rock? Holy smokes....I...love it.

I can't get enough of Aesop Rock. His lyrics aren't about killing people or selling women off for money. He's got a strange tone and rhythm to his music that captivates me, and I just can't stop listening to it. It's been over a month now and I bet I've listened to the album "Labor" 50 times.

So, go ahead and make fun of me, but I'm pretty sure I won't be buying a tricked-out civic any time soon or trading in my Necrophagist for 50 Cent.

Check out Aesop Rock here.

BUZZARD #1

Review for Buzzard is up on the site.

It's twisted goodness.

ZOMBIES 2

I've been invited to write a story for Accent UK's 2011 Zombie 2 anthology. I'm pretty damn excited about it. I've got my outline finished and my artist is going to be another local from SLC; Dan Christofferson. Check out his stuff at http://www.beeteeth.com/. 

Dan's got a gnarly hardcore kind of style. by "hardcore", I mean hardcore music & culture. Hopefully between the two of us we'll be able to bring a bit of flavor from the scene we grew up in into this story. I think it'll be unique and fun as hell to work on.

JONAH HEX REVIEW

I did a review for DC's JONAH HEX: NO WAY BACK. It hits shelves next week (June 2nd).
Nope, it's not the GN for the movie. It's totally seperate and probably much more awesome.

http://talesfromtheparentsbasement.com/reviews/?p=422

ECCC

A good 13 hours after we left Utah, we arrived in Seattle. It really wasn't a bad drive. Yeah, it was f***ing long, but the company was good. I can honestly say that no one got on my nerves at all during the drive. (I can't really speak for either of my travel mates though) It was me, Ryan, and "Joey" ( http://www.joeysjams.blogspot.com/) in the car. Somewhere in Oregon, Joey & I found an NWA hat at Pilot for $6. I bought it for him and he wore it during the whole trip. That is until we bought do-rags to wear for the drive home...

As soon as we checked into our hotel, I began hunting down Dave & Colin who were to join us from Manchester for the con. No luck. I found their hotel and confirmed that they had checked in, but I couldn't get them to answer the damn phone. Ryan and I scrambled for hours to get them to respond to email, smoke-signals, flares...all for not. We finally resigned ourselves to the fact that they didn't make it to the states, or only Colin made it to the states and was afraid to answer the phone, OR that they were both severly addicted to heroine and passed out in some seedy back alley somewhere around Broadway. We were all very sad.

That last part was all bullshit. Turns out Colin had just unplugged the phone in the hotel room because the red flashing light was keeping him up. You know, the red flashing light that means someone left a message for you?  Hmph. They finally met up with us on Saturday morning as we were setting up our table. We were all very, very excited to meet them. There wasn't an awkward moment with them. They are possibly the nicest and most professional people that I've ever met. Meeting them face-to-face and hanging out with them was the highlight of the trip for me.

The con went very well over all. We brought 50 copies of 8AM and sold a little under half of them. The rest we gave away to companies, creators, and sent plenty home with the Accent UK fellows to give to contributors. Ed Brubaker got a copy as well as ONI Press and a bunch of others. Nei Ruffino actually bought one just to support us even though we would have happlily given her one. What a sweet girl.

We interviewed plenty of folks there too. Aaron Williams, Rick Remender, Joelle Jones...and a bunch of others. We got to see our pal Brian Churilla quite a bit during the show. He was a pretty busy guy both days. Still, he was very nice and willing to chat whenever we came by. His table was right next to Phil Hester, who was also incredibly nice. Actually, I can't think of anyone there who wasn't willing to spend some time to chat with us about whatever.

I'll quit rambling and let you see some pictures. Make sure you check out episode 54 over at http://www.talesfromtheparentsbasement.com/ . It'll be up shortly, and all of our stories and interviews will be in it!

Ryan & Aaron Williams (North 40, PS238)

Churilla signing 8AM (The Anchor, The Engineer)

Ed Brubaker (Criminal, Captain America, Sleeper)

Ryan & Colorist Dave Stewart (Hellboy)

Spence sketching away.

Phillip Tan (GL, EVERYTHING...)

Me, Ryan, Dave West, & Colin Mathieson

Ryan in his do-rag during the drive home...

...me in mine.

Reviews

I posted a couple of new reviews on the TPB site. Wildstorm sent us the collected series of Mysterius: The Unfathomable, and the great Denis Kitchen sent a PDF of his 200 page art & history book called The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen. Mr. Kitchen's book is being published by Dark Horse and will be on shelves in June.

I really enjoyed them both. You can read my reviews here:

http://talesfromtheparentsbasement.com/reviews/?p=313

http://talesfromtheparentsbasement.com/reviews/?p=323

Now that our publishing debut is almost finished, I'll get back to posting regular reviews up on the site.

CELEBS LOVE 8AM!

Episode #49

It's up and begging your attention on our website and iTunes.

Alexander Ovechkin

I'm pissed that I haven't been able to watch the Russian hockey team play yet, but I will soon enough.
Ovechkin is amazing. I'd have to say my favorite EVER. That's a bold statement considering that I grew up watching Gretzky play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hngzmauPeHc

THE ECCC EDITION OF 8AM HAS BEEN SENT TO PRINT

Spence made some changes to the price and the ECCC logo, but this is basically the cover. He did a damn fine job. I think we're all glad to be done with it, but we learned a lot and we're proud of the finished product. The 2nd printing will be even better!

Thanks again to all of you who contributed.

Playlist

This morning on my way to work I thought up this idea; I'd keep track of all my music today and post it here. No matter what music popped up, I wouldn't edit it. Take it or leave it. I honestly can't believe that more metal didn't come up. I've got all of the Zeppelin albums on there too and not a one. Hmm, Strange.

Well, okay, I suppose giving me shit is warranted... so, enjoy.

Here's what music I played today in my car, during my run, and on my iPod when I shuffled it at work:

1 The Roots- A bunch of random stuff I have on a CD (during my commute)

2 Heaven and Hell-Entire Album (during my commute)

3 Frodus- Red Bull of Juarez

4 Weedeater-For Evan's Sake (Albini Version)

5 Bad Religion-Portrait of Authority

6 Torche-Amnesian

7 Melvins-Rat Faced Granny

8 Witchcraft-Samaritan Burden

9 Minor Threat-Cashing In

10 Foo Fighters-I'll Stick Around

11 The Bronx-Rockers NYC

12 Jimmy Eat World-Over (What can I say? My friend opened up for them a few times. Sentimental really...)

13 Craft- Thorns in the Planet's Side

14 Craft- Demonspeed

15 Nine Inch Nails- The Day the World Went Away

16 Bad Religion-Leave Mine to Me

17 Kansas- The Pinnacle ( I grew up on prog-rock. My iPod is full of it.)

18 Cannabis Corpse-Chronolith (Hilarious!)

19 Planes Mistaken For Stars- Keep Your Teeth

20 Arsis-Failure's Conquest

21 Behemoth-Christgrinding Avenue

22 High on Fire- Fury Whip

23 Exodus-Forward March

24 Exodus-Culling the Herd

25 Simon & Garfunkel- Voices of Old People

26 Karate- New New

27 The Sword- Iron Swan

28 Darkthrone-Hiking Metal Punks

29 Hate Eternal- Behold Judas

30 INXS- New Sensation

31 Fugazi- Place Position

32 Clutch- Pulaski Skyway

33 The Sword- Ebethron

34 Megadeth- Millenium of the Blind

35 Snapcase- Guilty by Ignorance

36 Phil Collins- Heat on the Street (Damn it. Go ahead and throw your stones.)

37 Primus- Sgt. Baker

38 Pink Floyd- Fearless

39 Melvins- Pearl Bomb

40 Black Cobra- One Nine

41 Helmet- Tic

42 Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation- All The King's Horses

43 Helmet- Distracted

44 The Sarcophagus-Towards the Eternal Chaos

45 Sepultura- Subtraction

46 Queens of the Stone Age- Songs for the Deaf (During my evening run)

8 AM COVER

Nope, Rod Sirling had nothing to do with this cover.
Yep, it's that freaking awesome.

Art by Brian Churilla  http://www.brianchurilla.com/
Colors by Dave Stewart  http://www.dragonmonkeystudios.com/



The cover is like another story added to the anthology. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with it. Brian bounced a couple of different ideas off of us, but I'm really glad he settled on this one. Dave's colors bring it all together.

Prophecy

Here's a look at a couple of pages for my contribution to the 8AM anthology. Since the story is only 6 pages, I don't want to give away too much. This is the 1st and 4th page. Spence did a great job.

We were all sitting around one night after recording an episode for the podcast and I shared my idea for a series with all the guys. They seemed to really like my story. As we talked about it, Spence came up with the idea to publish our own book to showcase some local talent. What started as a small local idea soon became international as we collaborated with our friends at Accent UK. 

This version of PROPHECY is a very slender version of what my idea for a full-blown series would be. I originally wanted to name it THE GODKILLERS, but the title just wouldn't fit with the small amount of information that we share in 6 pages. If it were ever published, I would stick with the original title.

Sleeper Done

He pulled it off. Damn good books. Go and get Season 1& 2 of Sleeper.

Honestly, Brubaker kind of scares me. I don't know if he's got an axe to grind or not, but it sure seems like he hates himself and society.

Great writing. Phillips isn't too shabby with the pencils either.

Sleeper

I'm in the thick of SLEEPER; SEASON 2.

Flying cars and locked up aliens? C'mon Brubaker, let's finish strong. The books have been outstanding up to this point. I really hope there's a rebound.

You're the best, Ed. The best...

Welcome

To my surprise, I have had a lot of people ask about what happened to my old blog.

I've tried to explain that I am just another voice in an infinite sea of people on the internet and that no one really cares about my opinion. I have no art to share, no photos that I've taken, no books that I've written...the list goes on. Yet, for some odd reason, some friends like to read my words on a blog.

So, I'm going to try my hand at it again. I'm not looking for internet fame of anykind. I'm just going to talk a bit about comics, music, baseball, and...whatever, so my pals can read it and we can share some comments.

Should be fun.

-Jim