So Say We All

By sohmer, Jan 05 2009, 11:15 AM

And thus the holidays are over, and life can return to a semblance of normalcy (as normal as it ever is, in any event).

I did manage to finish up the first season of Sons of Anarchy, and yes, the finale did leave me in a panic, anxiously awaiting the second season. Still, with Battlestar Galactica and Lost returning shortly, I should be okay.

On your recommendations, I gave Showtime's The Tudors a shot and took a look at the pilot. Upon first glance, it's a poor man's Rome, but the plot is intriguing enough to warrant a few more episodes. I'll keep you apprised.

Aside from that, as you can surely tell from the current storyline, I'm on a huge Alternate History kick these days and I'm devouring Turtledove novels as fast I can pick them up. My question for you, aside from Turtledove and Eric Flint, are there other Alternative History authors and series I should be reading?

Also, did I mention Battlestar Galactica is returning soon?

- Because I can.

Quote of the Day

"WOoooo. I've never had a Red Bull before, but I had a Red Bull last night. I really like Red Bull"
-Carl, from Yes Man (2008)

Retrospective & Resolute

By sohmer, Dec 31 2008, 02:26 PM

I've always found it hard to look forward at an upcoming year without taking a moment to look back at the one we're leaving behind.

In 2008, I got engaged and I got married to the only woman on this planet who can stand me for long periods of time, without having to fight off the urge to stab me. In 2008, I turned 30.

In 2008, I made the conscience decision to go more green, in my personal effort to keep this world habitable (in 2009, maybe I'll even follow through). In 2008, I learned much to my dismay, that I don't hate Apple nearly as much as I used to. In 2008, I discovered that comic books, graphic novel and video games are actually more enjoyable than they were when I was a kid.

In 2008, I met Avery Brooks and realized that in the real world, he's no Captain Sisko. In 2008, I met George Takei and realized that Captain Sulu doesn't even come close to matching the personality of the real man. In 2008, I had dinner with Brandon Sanderson and couldn't get any hints at all about the last book in the Wheel of Time series. In 2008, I waited for George RR Martin to finish A Dance of Dragons (in 2009, I will continue to wait).

In 2008, I read several hundred books and graphic novels. In 2008, I was introduced to the worlds created by Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Roothfuss, Robert Kirkman, Kevin Smith, Judd Winnick, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian K Vaughan, Geoff Johns, Frank Miller, Garth Ennis and Neil Gaiman.

In 2008, I fell down some stairs and broke a rib (in 2009, I will continue to bitch about it).

In 2008, my disdain for the Webcomics creators community increased to near record levels.

In 2008, Lar and I did 6 conventions and I found myself wanting to do more. In 2008, I received the opportunity to shake the hands and personally thank several thousand readers for their continued support.

In 2008, I wrote over 320 comic strips, 110 comic book pages, 150 blog posts, 12 animated shorts, 6 half hour television episodes and 2 feature length film scripts. In 2008, I published 3 books, 4 comic books and a chock full of new merchandise.

In 2008, I made sure that every person who reads my work knows how appreciative I am for my employment, which is solely due to them.

In 2008, I expressed my love and respect for every person in my life on a regular basis.

Happy New Year, folks, may the next year of all of our lives be filled with love and laughter.

As is always our custom around here, I urge you to share your New Years resolutions with us in the forums.

And as for mine?

In 2009, I want to do more.

- Because I can.

Quote of the Day

"Walk a little further off the beaten path
And we'll drive on even if we get there last
Our backs against the wall
And we will lunge and bite
And we'll rage, rage, rage
against the dying of the light"
-Here and Now, by Great Big Sea

Gems of Television

By sohmer, Dec 29 2008, 10:25 AM

If I had tried to do less over the last few days, I don't think I could have succeeded. Truly, this holiday season I have set records for time spent sitting on my ass. Should The Guinness Book people be reading this, please get in touch with me so we can discuss which picture of me should be in next year's book.

Still, it wasn't a complete loss.

I did discover a show I was previously unaware of, entitled Sons of Anarchy on FX. I'm a little more than halfway through the 1st season, and each episode sucks me in into the world of Samcro that much more. I find that the setting and characters in this small town biker gang drama more believable than anything I ever saw on The Sopranos.

I may be in the minority here, but I'd rather see Jax, Clay, Tig and Bobby in a shootout with another gang over 20 minutes of Tony Soprano breathing heavily any day.

The cast is a fantastic ensemble, and honestly, seeing Ron Perlman without any makeup on is a treat in itself. It's great to see him in a leading role on TV once again.

All of this leads me to wonder if there any other television gems I've missed recently, that I should play catch up on. Any recommendations, folks?

- Because I can.

Quote of the Day

"I was just thinking what an interesting concept it is to eliminate the writer from the artistic process. If we could just get rid of these actors and directors, maybe we've got something here."
-Griffin Mill, from the Player (1992)

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