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Well, this took a while to post. Eight days afterwards. Heh.

Recently my friend Brandon has been in a production of Annie!, cast as Daddy Warbucks. Although his last show was Saturday, my girlfriend and I caught an early performance last week. This was the first time I've seen Annie! in anyway shape or form. I thought all of the actors were delightful and enjoyed it very much.

I've seen my friend in Sound of Music where he had sung, however also included in the cast of Annie! were folk I work with, which was a surprise and a delight to see on stage singing aloud.

The kids playing orphans were... cute. The sets were very nicely done, including impressive backdrops. The relationship between Daddy Warbucks and Annie was a bit creepy, but I chalk that one up to the time period from back then to what it is today... and the creepiness that is Brandon. (I kid... but seriously)

Aside from the eight dollar ticket price and the surprising amount of children who were in attentance, I have nothing bad to say and was glad to support my bud in the show.
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Yeah, so the Emmy's were a while ago. I did look for these right after it aired on youtube.com but they weren't up. Today, I just randomly searched for Conan O'Brien and there they were.

I can only put one of the two clips up, which is a shame because the one I can't put up has all of the TV show parodies. I think it can't be put up due to the new copyright crap that's going down on youtube.com. Which is crap if you ask me. Whatev.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsawmdGR3ow

This is an amusing story, it comes from an experience I had at K-mart on Saturday.

A gentleman enters electronics (a gruff man's man) starts looking at the new releases of DVD's.
I ask, "Help you look for anything in particular?".

"Yeah, do you have any copies of Brokeback Mountain?", he replies.

I remember a few copies are left and I grab him one. He looks it over and comments, "Twenty bucks? It better be good.", and walks off with it.

Now, either he knows what kind of a movie it is... and DIGS that sort of thing (in a Deliverence way) ... OR... he doesn't know what the hell he just bought, and is in for a surprise thirty minutes into the film.

In over the span of about a week and a half I've been overwelmed by the amount of video games I have come into posession. In no particular order:

Scarface: The World is Yours: I've barely played Scarface, although if you have time to watch the trailer for it, and if you're a fan of the movie... I highly recommend watching it. I have yet to see the movie, which is a sin I know, but the trailer sold me. It looks like Grand Theft Auto III with Al Pacino.

Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA: Continuing in the line of me owning every DDR for the PS2, I picked this one up. I've not played it, due to my dance pads being currently boxed up , nor do I know what songs are on it. All I know is I own it. That makes me happy.

Destroy All Humans 2: Never played the first one, although I've heard good things. I've wanted to play it, but now I have the second one to test drive. When I get to it.

Family Guy: The Video Game: Played this for a little while. It has the same type of humor as the show (because it has the same writers) and even same cast doing voices (which is great!). It has very enjoyable cut scenes between the action, but there enlies the rub... the parts where you play. I just don't see it as a video game very well. That, and at times it can be a little tough to play. Eh.

Bully: Well, I just thought I'd give this one a try. The only thing it's got going for it is it's by the same folks who brought us the Grand Theft Auto series on PS2 and Ping Pong for X-Box 360. Haven't played much of a level yet, but I will mention this: It has a huge load time at the beginning... feel free and knit a sweater during that time.

Justice League Heroes: Got a first glimpse of this game in San Diego. First impressions had it feeling like a clone of X-Men Legends... and I guess for the most part it is, I haven't played that game yet. However I, being a self proclaimed "DC Comic" fan, went into this game un enthusiastic. I didn't think I'd like it. But I've been playing this one the most out of all of the rest. And it's just a button smasher for the most part. I'm reminded of games such as Gaunlet Legends.

Anywho, wish I could just kill all sorts of time playing all of these. Truth be told, I'll be glad if I finish one or two.
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Hello all, I found this at Newsarama.com today... enjoy.

USA Today spotlights The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived, a new book that chronicles, “How characters of myth, legends, television, and movies have shaped our society, changed our behavior, and set the course of history.”

On the list, alongside the likes of Robin Hood, Romeo & Juliet, J.R. Ewing and Archie Bunker, are comics characters Batman (No. 60), Superman (No. 64) and Dick Tracy (No. 77).

So, who’s No. 1? “The most famous killer of the last two hundred years,” The Marlboro Man.

Other notables: Santa Claus (No. 4), Sherlock Holmes (No. 8 ), Mickey Mouse (No. 18), Dracula (No. 33), Alice in Wonderland (No. 34), Godzilla (No. 38), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (No. 44), Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock (No. 50), James Bond (No. 51), HAL 9000 (No. 66), Sam Spade (No. 68), King Kong (No. 74), Buck Rogers (No. 84), and Dorothy Gale (No. 91).

This weeks episode had a change of pace, I actually watched it with a bunch of my friends over at a friends house. It was a Heroes party, minus the snacks (Thanks for the water though).

So far every episode has ended with a nice cliffhanger, so at the start of each episode, there's some explaining to do. At the end of chapter three, things looked grim for Claire who apparently received a deadly blow to the head. Luckily for our indestructible cheerleader, she doesn’t let a little thing like fatal head trauma slow her down. The scene in the morgue is grotesque, but wonderfully so. Claire holds herself together amazingly well (allthings considered), even when she runs into the quarterback who tried to rape her and then left her for dead. But after finding out she's not his only victim, she becomes somewhat... vengful, and takes justice into her own hands.

Again, Hiro is the most entertaining character on this show. The scense between him and his english speaking friend Ando play off each other so well. The references to "Rain Man" and to Peter Parker were very funny.

While Hiro and his buddy make their mark in Las Vegas, Niki has been “persuaded” to entertain a visiting politician to help obtain some leverage. Niki runs into everyone’s least favorite Petrelli and begins to seduce him. She is unable to go through with it, however, until “Mirror Niki” takes control (after putting the beat down on Linderman’s thug!) Funny how three of the main characters end up in Vegas all in the same day.

The key story this week, however, is the introduction of Peter to Mohinder. Peter confesses to the scientist that he has special abilities. Most surprising is his revelations that he can only fly in the presence of his brother and that after being around Isaac he could paint the future. The revelation he makes is surprising, but it fits. Apparently Peter is a mimic, inheriting the powers of the “heroes” around him.

While Hiro seems to be the only one with a hero’s code in mind, Claire has shown her willingness to help those in need. Niki is trying to survive and make a better life for her son. Although her aspirations are noble, she must rely on “Mirror Niki” to handle the nasty details. Surprisingly, it is Isaac who wants to be a “hero,” and he is willing to sacrifice his own health to his heroin addiction in order to keep painting the future. Perhaps one day Peter will show him how to unlock his potential without the need for drugs.

I liked this episode very much. Best Line: “Niki’s not here right now.” Best Moment: The final scene on the subway. Looking forward to more!

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Damn, this episode was like eight times better than last weeks "freak of the week" special. After last week I was afriad they were going back to that formula that made up for most of the High School years.

Although there were some typical Smallville moments, there was a scene with Lana that made me say aloud, "Damn". And not for something like she was in a wet t-shirt contest or anything, it was because she threatened some dude, Luthor style. It was crazy, and I liked it.

The main focus of the episode of course was in introduction of the Green Arrow. I do like that they had Oliver Queen show up for two episodes prior, sans costume. They gave him some room to build him up, make him have some depth. He pulls off his Green Arrow like a modern day Robin Hood... "steal from the rich"... yada yada yada. So because of this, him and Clark have... some issues more or less, find out each others secrets (which... by the way Clark... you have X-ray vision), and come to the conclusion "If you don't tell, I won't".

But the kicker at the end is when Oliver shows up at the Kent farm to talk to Clark. Basicly he says, "with all of your abilities, why are you only helping your friends and family?" And then the lightbulb pops above his head. Finally! Even if it isn't as Superman, let's have us some Superhero moments.

One of the most popular games to come out for the PS2 a year ago was Guitar Hero. It wasn't until my roommates brother brought his over from Christmas and played it that I fell in love it. I had to have one for my own!

Now, after a year of shreading on the first one, almost the only game I have played for a year, the sequel is due out November 7th (yes, let the countdown begin! That's 18 days by the way).

Behold, the tracklist of songs for Guitar Hero II!

1. Opening Licks
Motley Crue - Shout at the Devil
Danzig - Mother
Cheap Trick - Surrender
Wolfmother - Woman
Spinal Tap - Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight

2. Amp-Warmers
Kiss - Strutter
Nirvana - Heart-Shaped Box
Police - Message in a Bottle
Van Halen - You Really Got Me
Kansas - Carry on Wayward Son

3. String-Snappers
Foo Fighters - Monkey Wrench
Alice in Chains - Them Bones
Iggy Pop and the Stooges - Search and Destroy
Pretenders - Tattooed Love Boys
Black Sabbath - War Pigs

4. Thrash and Burn
Warrant - Cherry Pie
Butthole Surfers - Who Was in My Room Last Night
Mathew Sweet - Girlfriend
Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knockin'
Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine

5. Return of the Shred
Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name Of
Primus - John the Fisherman
Sword - Freya
Thin Lizzy - Bad Reputation
Aerosmith - Last Child

6. Relentless Riffs
Heart - Crazy on You
Stone Temple Pilots - Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart
Stray Cats - Rock This Town
Allman Brothers - Jessica
Jane's Addiction - Stop

7. Furious Fretwork
Anthrax - Madhouse
Living End - Carry Me Home
Lamb of God - Laid to Rest
Reverend Horton Heat - Psychobilly Freakout
Rush - YYZ

8. Face-Melters
Avenged Sevenfold - Beast and the Harlot
Suicidal Tendencies - Institutionalized
Dick Dale - Misirlou
Megadeth - Hangar 18
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird

These are two teaser trailers for Hot Fuzz... the follow up film to the guys who brought us Shaun of the Dead. These are the same ones I saw in San Diego this year... It just sucks that it took this long to see them again. Of course... the movie doesn't come out until February of next year. Enjoy!

On Sunday after work my girlfriend and I were supposed to go on a double date with a few friends of ours. However plans fell through and we were left on our own for the evening, which turned out to be a good thing in the end, for it'd been a while since we've had a nice "date night".

The original plan was dinner and a movie and so it was. We went to the Legends and ate at Dave and Busters then went to go see Jackass Number Two, a movie we both wanted to see before it left theatres.

We went into one of the smaller theatres (which actually isn't that small at all) and found a nice number of people there as well which was a nice surprise... it really added to the experience. This movie is better with everybody else having the same reactions to what occurs during this film and all I have to say is, "What a great fucking movie."

Really, "Wow."

Of course it's full of stuff that probably should never have been filmed or even shown in a movie theatre... and I don't even feel like mentioning them I'd feel dirty about it... but it's like a train wreck... YOU JUST CAN'T HELP BUT LOOK! And they're enjoying themselves all the while, which makes it that much better.

What a fun way to kill time. I'd watch it again today if I could.
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Art School Confidential: Because I would have hated myself if I had bought this.

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (The Complete Series): Because I ain't spending $80 on this!

Click and Over the Hedge: Two movies I really wouldn't have given much of a chance, otherwise.
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This is where most of my Comic Book Run money went. I present the eagerly awaited Jimmy Page figure (which my flash totally muted out his face!) along with the gem of them all, my four Kingdom Heart II figures.

Wonderful plastic goodness!
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Last Wednesday was a big week for me at my comic book store. I had two weeks of comics waiting for me PLUS a figure waiting for me. But to my surprise I found four more figures to add to my collection. Suffice to say, I spent a pretty penny on my goodies that day. Here's my comic rundown:

52 #22: They introduce Super-Chief. Better late than never.

52 #23: Yet another addition to the Black Adam family.

Green Arrow #67: Shows how Ollie trained to be like Deathstroke. Not bad.

New X-Men #31: Wraps up the current arc, the kids have potential.

Ninja Scroll #1: Based on the Anime by the same name. I'm not a big anime fan, however of the ones I have seen, this remains my favorite. The comic takes place after the movie and before the television series... which is great for me cause I never watched the show.

Gen13 #1: Something I've never really got into, but then they restarted it. Curiousity peaked, I'll stick with it for a little while.

X-Men Phoenix: Warsong #2 (of 5): I should stop. I really should. But I don't.

Ultimate Power #1: I still haven't read this yet. The Squadron Supreme shows up on the last page though! And if you're a fan of the Ultimate Fantastic Four, then you'd enjoy this book.

Outsiders #41: This book is good, then it's crap, then get's good again. Right now, it's crap. Even the art isn't that great.

Uncanny X-Men #479: I'm still reading it. Only curiosity keeps me around.

Martian Manhunter #3 (of 8): I want good things to come from this, I really do. I love the NEW Martian Manhunter, I just don't dig the story about him right now.

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Sunday our collective group (quite a few actually) went to the Legends to celebrate Mike's birthday. Mike had originally given me a pic of a cake similar to the one you see pictured, but figured it was too good to pass up and emulate for him. Thanks to Summer for helping with the baking chores.
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It's been an exciting day for me as far as my personal campaign to become this "glorified comic book extra" is concerned.

Of course I speak of drawmein.com, and today... I got a big weight lifted from my shoulders in the form of hope... and an artist named Ryan Ottley.

A while back I picked five artists... all artists I either really like, like the characters they draw, or both to send letters to via the USPS. Time had passed and I don't know how much longer I would have waited before sending out a different "second" wave.

But then I got an e-mail from Ryan Ottley... artist on Invincible from Image Comics.

After a brief letter explaining how I got from meeting him in San Diego to the letter I sent, he then informed me I was to appear in Invincible #37, page 2.
"Holy Crap!"

I have had only one bite before today, and the only promise I got (which I will wait for) was that I was to appear in either Gargoyles #2 OR #3. Even though I look forward to this very much, issue #1 came out sometime before my July trip to the SDCC.... #2 isn't out yet. So who knows when I'll see myself in print.

I know now. And not only do I have an issue... AND a page... he also asked if I wanted to see the panel I was in.

"Um.. Hell Yeah!"

The waiting game continues. Hopefully the above pic will be out in stores in December.

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So, once again I was at work so I missed a lot of this episode. However thanks to the joy that is the internet, guess what I'm watching now.

So far, things are playing out like a movie. Having only seen two episodes I could imagine two more wrapping things up.

In this episode we are introduced to at least one new character, a police officer who can hear what people are thinking. He uses this ablitiy to find a girl who is hiding at a crime scene.

I wasn't really too impressed with the premiere, but with the second episode I am getting more hooked... all with one word: twists. Here is where things get good.

And it has a Quentin Tarantino quality to it, where they show the ending, and we're supposed to either figure out how we got there OR see how our heroes use information to change how the future changes.

Hiro continues to kick ass!
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Not the best episode of Smallville, nor do I like the fact that it's NOT really Lex Vs. Clark but Zod IN Lex's body Vs. Clark. But the fight is still cool and the effects are nicely done. I want a fight in the next Superman movie, they better not disappoint.
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Just because I thought it was funny.
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My Friday and Saturday were mostly tied up with work. So my only real weekend day off was on Sunday.

On Sunday my girlfriend and I were going to be going with a few friends to Kansas City to shop around a few Halloween stores. I had some time to waste before we were to gather so I decided to work more on my other site: Drawmein.com.

Using this crazy popular thing called MySpace, I managed to track down a few creators and send them messages. I know it is still early, but as of this time I've yet to get any responses. As it has been going with Draw Me In. I am still hopeful and will continue this little campaign for the time being.


After the time to meet had passed (our group of friends NEVER seem to organize on time), we finally gathered and left to go shopping. We didn't hit as many stores as planned, however I picked up just about everything I really need for my costume, anything else is just fine tuning I'd say.

Oh, and before I forget, congratulations to Chris and Robyn, a couple I know, who probably don't even visit here: They're now expecting.
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