Heartache and Love (an anthology)

Been Away at the Other Blog, Job, Life...Pick One

2011-07-18T12:42:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy lately. Between two jobs, taking care of my son (mom's assistant), starting The Comic Conspiracy podcast with Ryan Higgins, working on Conspirator Brock's Conspiracy Blog for said podcast, and in general having less and less free time I have neglected to post some updates here except for my Reading List. What can I say besides the fact that I need to clone myself a couple of times to get everything done.

I have started to say, "I'll put it on my list." Which means I'm making a list in my head of all the things I need to get done and I should write it down somewhere, but I need time to do even that. Put it on the list. This has even begun to happen at Comics Conspiracy where I work and the boxes of back issues in the back keep piling up. Even my girlfriend hates that I've started saying this and I can understand why, but for me it helps make things more manageable so I don't feel overwhelmed. I still would like a clone or two though.

Things will hopefully mellow out after this week. I need a little bit of down time to enjoy things like: spending time with my son, taking my girlfriend out, organizing my office, sorting my comics, relaxing, getting caught up on need to watch TV shows and movies, and catching up on reading my stack of current comics and graphic novels. So much to do so little time.

Fatherhood...

2011-05-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have been a very busy man and it is starting to catch up with me. My son is now almost three weeks old and he is a blessing wrapped in something that eats, sleeps (during the day which is taxing on Calli and me), and poops. Calli and I are tired, strained and wanting only a simple night of consecutive sleep. This will happen one day, but not right now.
I have so much to do around the house, and I'm not able to because I'm just so tired. I have to suck it up though and find some inner reserve of determination and drive to get it done and that is that.
Take it one day at a time because that's how they come, and just remember to breath because despite being a very difficult challenge a new child is in the end it is so very worth it.

Brody Ethan Sager

2011-05-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Was born on Wednesday May 11th 2011 at 6:00am. He was 7 lbs 10 oz and 19 and half inches. He is healthy and strong. Everything a brand new father could ask for. Calli is recovering well and did an amazing job bringing little Brody into this world. Let the molding (aka corrupting) begin.

May is here...

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

And all I can think about this month is that my son will be born anytime now. Of course I am ready (on some level) for him to be here now, but I have to be patient. Calli is doing better now that she is finally on leave and as of yesterday (5/4/11) Brody is 8 lbs. and one ounce. Big boy! I just hope he has the length to go with the weight. Soon very soon.

April has been a very busy month...

2011-04-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Despite all the weirdness with hours at my day job (a week off and Star testing), the sale and back stock organization at the comic shop, people's birthdays, Easter, events hand such; I didn't have much time this month to do any relaxing or even get some things done that I've wanted to get finished. This sucks because my son is almost here and when he comes I won't have anytime for that stuff. I shouldn't think this way though. I should understand that things aren't going to get done when I want and if it takes a little bit longer to do something or get something accomplished that is okay. Take it one day at a time and try to enjoy as much as you can.

Super tired and need a coma...

2011-04-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am, to say the least, tired. From script writing, blogging, pod-casting, working and in general wishing for more hours in a day I have been on the go for more weeks than I remember. And I'm going to be a new dad in five weeks. Maybe I can clone myself to get some more done. I think I just need some time to slip into a good old fashion couple-o-days coma. No rest for the weary I know, but couldn't I sneak in a cat nap?

Giants Game tonight...

2011-04-13T17:01:00.001-07:00

Heading up to San Francisco yet again to the Giants game tonight. Calli's brother is 25 today and he wanted to booze it up and go watch the Giants play the Dodgers. So, some drinking on the train and then off to AT&T Park for a night of overpriced food and booze, and some All-American Baseball. Good times.

Aveda time of year...

2011-04-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Calli and I are attending the Aveda Cat Walk for Water fashion show tonight at Ruby Skye. Aveda decided to forgo an actual walk this year, and I'm a little bummed about that. I had a lot of fun last year raising money and walking in San Francisco park. So, we will see how tonight's event goes.

Green Lantern Reading List

2011-04-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a reading list of Trade Paper Backs for the current runs of Green Lantern (Geoff Johns) and Green Lantern Corps (Peter Tomasi). I added the Volume numbers in parenthesis because there are none on the actual TPBs.

GREEN LANTERN:

Green Lantern - Rebirth
Green Lantern (Vol. 01) - No Fear
Green Lantern (Vol. 02) - Revenge of the Green Lanterns
Green Lantern (Vol. 03) - Wanted: Hal Jordan
Green Lantern (Vol. 04) - The Sinestro Corps War (Vol. 1)
Green Lantern (Vol. 05) - The Sinestro Corps War (Vol. 2)
Green Lantern (Vol. 06) - Tales of the Sinestro Corps
Green Lantern (Vol. 07) - Secret Origin
Green Lantern (Vol. 08) - Rage of the Red Lanterns
Green Lantern (Vol. 09) - Agent Orange

GREEN LANTERN CORPS:

Green Lantern Corps - Recharge
Green Lantern Corps (Vol. 1) - To Be a Lantern
Green Lantern Corps (Vol. 2)- The Dark Side of Green
Green Lantern Corps (Vol. 3) - Ring Quest
Green Lantern Corps (Vol. 4) - Sins of the Star Sapphire
Green Lantern Corps (Vol. 5) - Emerald Eclipse

BLACKEST NIGHT: (Stories in these trades happen simultaneously except with Tales of the Corps.)

Blackest Night - Tales of The Corps
Blackest Night
Green Lantern (Vol. 10) - Blackest Night
Green lantern Corps (Vol. 6) - Blackest Night

(There are a few more trades to this event but you don't have to read them.)

BRIGHTEST DAY:

Brightest Day - Vol. 1
Brightest Day - Vol. 2 (Hardcover release date May 10, 2011)

Hopefully this helps anyone looking to get into the current run of Green Lantern. I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for some down right awesome superhero stories.

The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 2

2011-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

We have made it to episode 2 of The Comic Conspiracy! This is a very exciting feat in an of itself so I'm going to give myself a little pat on the back...In this episode we mainly discuss WonderCon 2011 where Ryan Higgins caught Con-fluenza and has been a miserable sick bastard since. So check out Higgins sniffle voice and our WonderCon overview in this week's episode. Visit the Geekbox to download The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 2 or on iTunes. Enjoy.

WonderCon 2011

2011-04-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today was the first time I ever attended a WonderCon because I have always never had money or time to attend in the past. It was all I expected it to be and more. My wonderful girlfriend Calli, my unborn son Brody, and Calli's father Randy joined me for this geek fest, and even they had a blast. Brody was kicking a lot at while we were there. I hope it was because he was excited to be there and not out of fear.

There was a lot of stuff to see and do so we only walked the floor and checked out the convention as a whole. Still there were some memorable moments. One of the first things I saw was the Mattel booth where they had some of the large scale DC Universe Legion of Superheroes figures out this August; just in time for my birthday!

And while I was at the booth I swapped a Validus left leg for Kilowog's right arm. Now I need to build me a Kilowog figure. Oh yeah!

We also saw and met Robert LaSardo.

Calli has been really freaked out by him ever since she saw him play Escobar Gallardo in Nip/Tuck. Thank you Robert for being an awesome person on screen and off.

I got to meet Paul Levitz. This was a joy for me since I have just recently gotten into the Legion of Superheroes. He was nice enough to share a few words with me and he wanted me to thank my dad for making Atari games. Paul loves him some Atari. He signed my Great Darkness Saga Hardcover and took a photo with me. Thank you Paul

Definitely going to print this one up and hang it on my wall.

WonderCon 2011 was a lot of fun and if I missed you out there this year, well there is always next year.

Going to WonderCon tomorrow!

2011-04-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I head up to San Francisco for WonderCon 2011 with my girlfriend and her father. Neither of them are comic book fans, but her dad is looking forward to the Human Target cast being there. I myself have never been to a comic book convention like WonderCon so I'm excited just to be going. The best part is that my son will be there in the womb listening to all the craziness going on outside. Could this become a family tradition? Time will only tell.

The Comic Conspiracy Podcast

2011-03-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that the podcast Ryan Higgins and I have started up, The Comic Conspiracy, went live today on the Geekbox and on iTunes. If you like comics you should check us out and let us know what you think on the forums or even here. Remember to spread the word.

Paying Taxes is Common Sense in what Universe

2011-03-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

"Common sense would dictate if someone buys a product online, they should pay the same sales tax as anyone would if they had gone to the store in person."

This is from the Alliance for Main Street website (www.standwithmainstreet.com) and I laughed when I read it. Since when has it become common sense to pay taxes?

Of course, Alliance for Main Street's website advocates for the small businesses, but what is really going on. In an article from Yahoo Finance yesterday titled "Retailers Push Amazon on Taxes" it is brought to the attention of the reader that Alliance doesn't seem to have the small businesses in mind so much anymore.

"The Alliance for Main Street Fairness was formed last spring. Danny Diaz, a member of Washington political-consulting firm FP1 Strategies, who acts as the Alliance's spokesman, declined to disclose whether the majority of its funding came from large retailers.

"It's fair to say that both large and small businesses are active" in the campaign, he said."

It seems that big retailers (who are the original killers of small businesses) know Amazon is a major competitor and want to "make them pay" so to speak. This is all funny to me, because I still don't see how paying taxes is common sense. We shall see what happens with this topic down the road I guess.

Natalie Munroe told us the truth...

2011-02-16T11:07:00.001-08:00

The internet is a buzz with the actions of Natalie Munroe a high school teacher in Pennsylvania who has called students "disengaged, lazy whiners". Natalie is right. She said this about teenagers, "They are rude, disengaged, lazy whiners. They curse, discuss drugs, talk back, argue for grades, complain about everything, fancy themselves entitled to whatever they desire, and are just generally annoying." Thank you Natalie for the wake up call of truth. High school students are not held to a standard of behavior at school, and this has a lasting effect not only on education but out in the real world (i.e. college, work and public).
As I read over comments on this issue I found that people are aware of this problem but what if anything is being done to fix this. I don't know the actual statistics, but I would assume that poor behavior in the class room doesn't make for a good learning environment which hurts every students overall productivity as an individual.
The truth is this issue is bigger than we can imagine and who is going to take the initiative to make changes? Parents? Teachers? Administrators? Government officials? Students? Everyone needs to take responsibility in some way and work towards a better tomorrow. I just hope that Natalie Munroe still has hope for the future of education after this. Because as teachers we can only hope that we are making a difference and getting through to all of our students so that they can learn and be the best that they can be.

Source: Yahoo News - PA. Teacher strikes nerve with 'lazy whiners' blog

Costco Member...Again...

2011-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

I am once again a card carrying member of Costco. This time though I am more on top of what I spend there than I was when I was younger and living on my own. I used to mainly buy DVD's, books, food, and soda from Costco. Now I'm more for purchasing the daily supplies: Rock Stars, apples, Cliff bars, food that can be frozen and anything that would be much cheaper to buy in bulk and be used on a regular basis. Still got to watch how much I spend though because it may be in bulk but that receipt can jump up with one item.

Been MIA for a while...

2011-01-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

I could say I've been busy (and it would be true) but I have been more focused on writing in a journal than I have been posting here. I have filled about a composition book and a half this later part of the year and that has felt really good. I think if I did have a resolution this year it would be to write more across the board. So, if you are one of my few readers sorry for the delay in posts and I hope this year and future years will be more productive on the writing front.

Rascal Flatts 2010

2010-10-15T20:11:00.001-07:00

Out on a Friday night to see Rascal Flatts at the Shoreline Amphitheatre with the most amazing woman in the world...my beautiful girlfriend Calli. Haven't been here in a long time. It hasn't changed. I have. These are the good moments in life. I'm going to enjoy it.

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Making the Cents...Oh Yeah!

2010-08-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to reach that illusive level of making money that so many people I know have attained. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. I do have a great life despite my depressed financial state. I have a loving and beautiful girlfriend, a 40" Flat Screen TV I never watch, a comic book collection that is waiting for the day it can bury alive and I am some what healthy. These things are comforting in a way money can't be. So I guess I'll just truck along and keep making those cents. I have that ability down at least.

What is wrong with this generation of teenagers?

2010-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

My Top Ten Reasons: (in no particular order)

1) Reality TV
2) No motivation - "Bring a book to school to read that I enjoy? What is that?"
3) Cell Phone dependency - What do you mean I can't use it in class?
4) The Internet - See plagiarism news articles and Facebook updates
5) Text language - Short cuts like IDK and LOL - This is the death of language.
6) No real parental guidance - Parent says, "Why would she go and get pregnant at 15?" Because you suck as a parent you idiot.
7) Money - Schools don't got it. Parents throw it at there kids like a lonely man in front of a stripper. Don't forget Uncle Sam's cut.
8) Accountability - Parents (huge portion), schools and society are failing at this astronomically.
9) Apathy - They don't care.
10) It is all about me! - What do you mean the world doesn't revolve around me?

If you have any other suggestions please feel free to leave them as a comment.

Something for the group home...

2010-08-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

"This is what the girls bump at the group home."

This was in reference to a rap song about being a bitch. How does this not surprise me in the least?

Making Money Sucks...with Pokemon Cards

2010-08-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've been looking through Pokemon cards trying to sell them on eBay. This is such a shitty thing to go through. If people thought Magic the Gathering was confusing don't even try and figure out Pokemon cards.
I first went through all the cards (over 1,500) and pulled what I thought were rares and uncommons. Later I found out about half of these were fake Pokemon cards. Thank you experience checking ID's. Once this was done I was left with about 50 cards to go through to sell. We shall see if all this work pays off. Come on 99 cent bid make me some money.

Santa Barbara...almost LA

2010-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

She went out that way to capture
her own dreams of cemented stars.
A life of passion destined to drown
under the waves of the mundane.
Struggles and Trials / Love and Joy
Pain and Loss / Happiness and Hope
Still her heart never waned.
One day she says it all will come,
and she will shine all on her own.
For now she is content being close
enough to feel the angels calling
her name.

Poem 8/14/10

2010-08-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

There is a whisper, -faint-
it lingers in the air, -haunting-
hoping for meaning -truth-
as it dies on deaf ears.

31st Birthday Weekend

2010-08-14T15:07:00.001-07:00

What should I do for my 31st birthday? Since my birthday isn't until Monday and I start back up at work I really don't have time to do anything. So, my birthday celebration activities fall to this weekend. I'm not one for birthday celebrations honestly. Over the years I have tried to do things for myself or go out and have a good time, but these things mostly fall short of even a small level of expectation. I know I've had at least one good birthday celebration in my life, but that memory evades my recollection.
What to do? I don't feel like boozing it up, or having a large get together, or even a small family dinner. I'm turning thirty-one and I don't really care enough to say good-bye to thirty.
On a positive note I am looking forward to getting tattooed on Sunday at Guru Tattoo. Getting tattooed is something I have not gotten to do for some time (thank you MRSA) and I know it will be a good time. Maybe some friends will show up, maybe they won't, but I'll be there with the woman I love and a needle scaring me for life. That sounds awesome to me. Happy 31st Birthday to me! :)

Named January

2010-08-13T22:56:00.001-07:00

I met a woman named January today. She said she preferred to go by Jan. Makes you wonder about the meaning of a name to someone over time. The good and the bad. January was her name but to her it was just Jan.

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Saturday Night Fun

2010-08-07T21:55:00.001-07:00

I am lounging in bed relaxing on this August Saturday night. My girl friend is in the other room with her sister, niece and nephew scrapbooking. I am happy.
This is what life is. The little moments between the big ones. These are the ones to really remember. Especially the ones that make you feel as if you are Home.
Right now I am home.

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Droid Blog Test Post

2010-08-05T23:21:00.001-07:00

Just downloaded the Blogger app for my Driod Incredible. Maybe now I can post on the go. : )

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Kaiser Auto Dialed...

2010-08-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

I just received a call from Kaiser Permanente asking me if I wanted to know more about the resources available to me. The call was completely automated and by completely I mean I did not once talk to a human being.
I didn't want to get information on the resources availibe to me but I did take the survey about my opinion of Kaiser. To sum up my responses, "Okay people shitty medicine." For those of you out there looking for health insurance don't get Kaiser. It is a pain in the ass to get an appointment. You end up paying $20 bucks just to see a doctor who doesn't really give two shits about you and then they randomly prescrib you medication for something they assume you have. That is another $10 to $20 bucks out of your pocket.
I will say this about Kaiser. They are at least a half step up from Valley Medical. I have to go there tonight with my girlfriend to take care of another MSRA lesion on her shoulder because they did not give her the stronger antibiotic to fight off the infection. Gotta love government health care.
Oh but if I happen to be getting MSRA again I can't just get the prescription refilled. I most likely have to dish out another $20 to have a doctor look at me and maybe say I have MSRA or cellulitis.
Reform Medicine and improve health care not the bottom line. To be healthy is to have money and a lot of it in the Untied States. Land of the sick and dying...

It's been awhile...

2010-08-05T14:40:00.001-07:00

Life has a way of pulling you away from the things you want to do. This has been the case with my blog posts. Please keep reading even though it might seem like a lost cause at this point. There will be more.

If in some somothering dreams...

2010-06-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of stuff I keep hidden from the world. The kind of stuff that leads to confrontation or what is slangy referred to now as "drama." It is a difficult thing to accomplish even with years of practice. The easiest thing to do is walk away and never look back, but no matter what you will always find yourself looking back and regret or remorse is the delayed reaction to this easy route.
I feel smothered. Trapped in my own head and I want to get out. I won't though. I stronger than that. I will however be affected by it and that is what sucks the most. I'm better than that. More aware than that. Maybe I just need some time away from my life, the day to day stuff or maybe I need a drastic change that knocks my world on a track that gives me more freedom.
I'm comfortable with the unknown, but I'm tired of the mundane and the bull shit. I feel like the devil; sick of sin. I will be better. I will get over this. I will be strong. Because I am the only one who can keep the demons at bay and make a life for myself that resembles something I need and want...

Comic Pick of the Week -6/16/10- DMZ #54

2010-06-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

To be honest this series has been a fantastic read and I am glad to say that this last issue gave me the same feelings I had when I breezed through the first few trades...totally impressed and eager for more.
Issue # 54 finishes up the "MIA" story arc where Matty Roth has been on a soul searching trek through the DMZ, but now the end is near. Matty is turning himself in even though he could end up with a bullet in his head. But Matty gets the deal of a lifetime; amnesty for his war crimes. Will he take it or will he do something far more meaningful? You'll just have to find out for yourself.

2010-06-13T02:14:00.001-07:00

In the late hours the world is still, the hum of society lingers, and I finally have the time to let my mind go to create. Then I fall asleep...Fuck.

Comic Pick of the Week -6/9/10- Daytripper #7

2010-06-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Daytripper #7 keeps delivering the great stories that this series has been since number one. The world is a tough place to begin with and everyone needs quality friendships to get you through it, but how far would you go for a friend? Brás goes in search for his friend and what will he possibly find at the end of this journey? A friend? A stranger? Read it to find out for yourself. Daytripper...great comic!

Comic Pick of the Week -6/3/10- Thanos Imperative #1

2010-06-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

Thanos is back as our universe is being invaded by the cancerous alternate world on the other side of the fault which was created back during the events of "War of Kings." Who can stop this alternate world were death has lost from corrupting our world and destroying everything we know? Is Thanos that answer? Gotta check it out for yourself.

Memorial Monday

2010-05-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!

Most importantly on this day of reverence I want to thank all of our Veterans, those still with us, those recently gone and those who have give the ultimate sacrifice for us and the world. Thank you. But today I wanted to clarify something for the masses. It has to do with an old saying that has not been used properly for some time:

"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, sed dulcius pro patria vivere, et dulcissimum pro patria bibere. Ergo, bibamus pro salute patriae"

This Latin phrase is a line from the Roman lyrical poet Horace's Odes (III.2.13), which translates to English roughly as: "It is sweet and right to die for the homeland, but it is sweeter to live for the homeland, and the sweetest to drink for it. Therefore, let us drink to the health of the homeland."
Most people only know the beginning of this motto, and the military only seems to use the first part, "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," when they recruit to highlight the idea that dying for the country is a good and right thing. Which, is also used as an inscription at the entrance to the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater at the Arlington National Cemetery; the final resting place for those who did give their lives for this country.

This misleading use of a powerful and poignant motto has always disturbed me because as a whole, it calls for all to live in harmony and peace; to overcome the things that separate us. Using only one part of this taints the sacrifice given. We should be celebrating and making our lives something to be proud of. For those who have gone though today we salute you and we hopefully will be better and make the world a healthier place to live in.

Comic Pick of the Week -5/26/10- War of the Supermen #4

2010-05-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

War of the Supermen #4. What can I say besides the journey to this point has been an enjoyable, long, tense and amazing process two years in the making. Read my previous Comic Pick of the Week -5/19/10- before you proceed.

Flamebird sacrificed herself to restored the yellow sun and saved Superman and Supergirl from a horrible death, but will the family of El be able to save the world in time? Supergirl vs. Ursa! Superboy vs. Non! Superman vs. Zod! The Hundred Minute War concludes here! Who will be the victor, what will the loses be for both sides and what will our world be in the aftermath? Read it to see!

Been Away for Awhile...

2010-05-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

I must say that I haven't been keeping this thing up very well the past few months with everything that has been going on but I hope I can get back on track. Here are some of the things I need am going to get up soon...

1st - The next installment of my Comic Pick of the Week will be up tomorrow and it will cover the past two weeks. I will explain more as to why this is when I post them tomorrow.

2nd - I am currently starting work on a new screenplay. I am not at liberty to discuss what it is about but I can say that it is a movie for kids. Now if I can only get past my damn procrastination and writer's block.

3rd - I will give a solid and informative update on the Aveda walk that happened a month ago now.

4th - I need to work on some more headers for the blog. I have found some cool images but have yet to fix them up for posting.

5th - I need to find a new job. One that pays me enough to live comfortably with a little left over for a couple of rainy days.

6th - I have had some opinions about some topics lately and yet have not found the time to voice them here. This I will hopefully get to this weekend.

7th - Last but not least I need to get some book reviews up here and work on some suggestions for the Wilcox Reading List.

Well that is it for now. I'll be back again soon with some actual content.

Comic Pick of the Week -5/19/10- War of the Supermen #3

2010-05-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been tirelessly following the Superman story arcs that have been going on for the past few years in Action Comics, Superman, Supergirl, Adventure Comics, and various mini series your wait is finally coming to an end. World of the Supermen is a four issue mini-series that culminates all that has been happening in the world of Superman.
War of the Supermen #3 starts with thousands of Krytonians dying in space because our yellow sun (the source of Kryptonian powers) is turned red by the intellect of Lex Luthor and the corpse of the abomination of Rao (the Kryptonian god). Superman and Supergirl are among these floating in space awaitng the Hypoxia to kill them. Who can save them? Nightwing and Flamebird can but will the sacrifice be too great? Meanwhile the Zod turns his attention to destroying every human on Earth? Can the heroes win the day or are we doomed to be wiped out as a species? You'll have to read it yourself to find out.

(Here is a list of the Superman story arcs that lead up to War of the Supermen: Brainiac, New Krypton, World of New Krypton, World Without Superman, Codename Patriot, World Against Superman and Last Stand of New Krypton)

Comic Pick of the Week -5/12/10- Daytripper #6

2010-05-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

I must say that issue #6 of Daytripper is a fine example of current comic book stories that don't center around super heroes. Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon have an uncanny knack for telling gripping and engaging stories that touch on very natural experiences and strong emotions. Daytripper #6 opens with a horrific airplane crash that causes much turmoil and sorrow. Brás has to write the obituaries for the many dead from the crash and yet he cannot help but fear that his friend Jorge was an unfortunate victim of the disaster. In this state of hopelessness Brás finds a passion for words and he weaves wonderful last sentiments for those of TAM Flight 3905 but he doesn't feel connected. Is Jorge alive and if so will Brás risk everything to find out what is is Rio? I suggest you go out and find out.

2010-05-09T12:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! And today I saw two gay men pushing an Orchard Supply shopping cart with two hot dogs in the basket. My only question was whose the mother?

Comic Pick of the Week -5/5/10- Transmetropolitan - Spider's Thrash TPB

2010-05-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

The latest trade paper back edition of Transmetropolitan (vol. 7) titled "Spider's Thrash" (issues 37-42) from Vertigo Comics has more of Spider Jerusalem's antics, adventures, and general outrageous behavior even though he has been forced underground. No money, no place to live and hunted by the world, Spider and his trusty filthy assistants are still getting his vulgar truth telling words out to the people who need to hear them. But how long can he keep wreaking havoc on the powerful when he has sunk so low? You'll just have to pick up a copy of this re-issued trade paper back by Warren Ellis and drawn by Darick Robertson to find out for your damn self.

No more "Happy Meal" for Santa Clara County

2010-04-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

It is so wonderful to live in a society that bans toys from "Happy Meals" and even goes as far as to force a name change as well. "Happy Meals" in fast food restaurants in Santa Clara County are illegal now. The Santa Clara County Supervisors voted 3-2 in favor of the ban against toys in what is now refereed to as a "Kids Meal". The supporters of the ban see the toys and enticing name as the main cause in the levels of child obesity in Santa Clara County children. According to a survey 1 in 4 children in Santa Clara County are obese, but even these numbers are better than the rest of America where 1 out of three people are obese.

What this ban on toys in "Kids Meals" is attacking is poor eating habits in children and the fact of the matter is that poor eating habits don't develop because of a toy; they develop from a combination of many different factors. To name a few: laziness, stupidity, time constraints, poor choices, accessibility, ease of acquisition, lack of nutritional education and this list could go on and on. What it boils down to is the fact that people will eat what they want to eat. Children are not the exception here. A child might want the toy included in a "Kids Meal", but if he or she doesn't want the food then that food isn't going to be eaten. Instead I think a child would rather make a mess of the food or throw it at a sibling.

To develop better eating habits in children one needs to have options, and a majority of fast food restaurants do offer these options with "Kids Meals". Some examples of these healthier options are low fat milk or apple juice instead of a soda, a salad or apple slices instead of fries, and even chicken nuggets as a substitute for a cheeseburger. So, there has been progress made in giving children and parents healthier options when it comes to a "Kids Meal". This begs the question why was time wasted on banning toys in the first place if healthier options have become a standard when it comes to "Kids Meals"? The sad fact about this whole thing is that the toy in a "Happy Meal" could just as easily be used to entice a child to eat a "Healthy Meal."

Video: ABC News Coverage
Print Article: Time
Print Article: Weekly World News

After writing this and doing some research I found out that San Francisco was jumping on this band-wagon. This is ironic because San Francisco has been getting rid of schools in the city and making it a not so kid friendly place to live. Anyway check out the article below if you are interested in more.

NBC Bay Area

Comic Pick of the Week -4/28/10- The Outsiders #29

2010-04-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Looker is back and someone from The Clan wants her dead! Meanwhile the Outsiders are splitting up and Geo-Force is closing Markovia's borders. Owlman and Katana are caught in the middle as their hearts pull them together as the world pulls them apart. Overall I enjoyed this issue and hope that we get back to some good old fashioned Outsiders action. Dan Didio's writing is still choppy at times with awkward transitions but I am hopeful the series will improve with time. If not maybe I should just take a crack at writing comics. Imagine the possibilities...

Comic Pick of the Week -4/21/10- Guardians of the Galaxy #25

2010-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Thanos is back and he is destroying everything around him! The Guardians must stop him before it is too late but what could this rag tag group of space heroes possibly do to stop a god? Starlord may hold the answer but what could a mortal possibly do to stop Thanos? Get down to the comic book store (Comic Conspiracy is the best place to go for your comics by the way!) and pick up your copy of Guardians of the Galaxy #25 to find out.

Comic Pick of the Week -4/14/10- DMZ #52 & Daytripper #5

2010-04-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Vertigo has cornered the market on my Comic pick of the Week at least once a month it seems with DMZ and Daytripper. Both titles are amazing reads and I for one cannot wait to read them when they hit the shelves.

Daytripper #5 brings childhood to the forefront as we watch Brás go from the small world of his home in the city to seeing life as a wider object after staying out at his grandparent's ranch house. Brás finds out a lot about life in those days and he learns that the world is filled with amazing things. He even gets to glimpse the world in a whole new light and this makes him feel free and alive. There is something about an innocence not lost that moves the heart and you will find that feeling in the pages of this issue. Enjoy...

DMZ #52 continues the "M.I.A." story arch where Matty Roth finds himself questioning his involvement in the DMZ. After finding out key information that presents Matty with an opportunity what will he decide to do, and will he survive? Check it out for yourself.

I am an Uncle...again.

2010-04-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today, tax day, Kaylee Grace Sager was born at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. She was 7 lbs 11 ounces and was about 20 inches long. She is healthy and doing well. Now I need to go file my taxes.

Comic Pick of the Week -4/7/10- Superman Secret Origins #5

2010-04-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Geoff Johns first crafted the Secret Origin of Green Lantern which was a great story that delivered a new spin on the origin of Hal Jordan. Johns has done it again with Superman Secret Origin. The six issue mini series with art by Gary Frank, shows the Man of Steel's origin in a new light. In issue five we are introduced to Metallo and will Superman be able to best this new villain with a heart of kryptonite? And will Lex Luthor be revealed as the monster he is? A lot is going on in Metropolis and you need to pay attention or else everything will pass you by in a Flash (relaunched next week).

Long Easter Weekend

2010-04-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

The highlights of the weekend are as follows:

1) Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an okay movie (same with the book).
2) There was a runaway teen who came back home.
3) Easter Brunch was canceled.
4) I spent about 8 hours at Valley Med (2 on Saturday and 6 on Monday morning) with my girlfriend who was suffering from severe pain.
5) I worked a total of 12 hours at three jobs after getting only two hours of sleep and starting my Monday in an ER. (Total time awake on Monday...about 22 hours)
6) I recieved a donation for the Aveda Walk for Water 2010 from Switzerland for 100 dollars.
7) I had some Easter Candy.
8) Despite the hospital visits I spent some quality time with my girlfriend.
9) I had Friday off from work.
10) My mother screwed up her transmission by driving over a curb and the damaged transmission leaked fluid all over the garage floor. I had to go get cat litter. I don't like cats.
11) Ate at two good restaurants. (One was Mongolian barbecue)

There was probably more but that is all I can remember right now. At least I can say it is only a few more days until spring break. Time to organize my life.

Comic Pick of the Week -3/31/10- Blackest Night #8 and Outsiders #28

2010-03-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

Everyone and their mother has to choose Blackest Night #8 as their pick of the week, and I am doing the same, but I have to also pick Outsiders #28 because I love me some Outsiders.

Blackest Night #8. Comic Book Nerds have been waiting for this to come out since the first glimpse of this story began oh so long ago with the Free Comic Book Day prequel story. Geoff Johns is a master in the art of writing great stories and he has made being a reader of comics an enjoyable experience with his epic stories that keep you on your toes, and fill you with so much respect for language that you just want to keep reading.
What to say about this issue that doesn't spoil anything for you...not much. I will say this about Blackest Night #8, it effects everyone in the DC Universe. Now that you've wasted precious time to read my blog on it go out and get your hands on this momentous issue and prepare to be blown away into the Brightest Day...

Outsiders #28 doesn't have the hype or the pizazz that Blackest night #8 does, but it is a key issue. Black Lightning and Geo-Force face off and despite the victor in this fight the Outsiders will forever be changed. My money's on Geo-Force. Check out Outsiders if you haven't already. It isn't your standard super hero team book.

Aveda Walk for Water 2010 Donation Update 3/31/10

2010-03-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

My current total is $230. Some of the donations have come from as far as New York and Australia. I'm going to beat my girlfriend. I'm going to beat my girlfriend. Yes! Thank you to all who have helped so far.

Forget something?

2010-03-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

My good friend Ryan Higgins showed me this and I felt it was something I needed to post up here:

"This morning I was awoken by my alarm clock powered by electricity generated by the public power monopoly regulated by the US Department of Energy (DOE). I then took a shower in the clean water provided by the Municipal Water Utility. After that, I turned on the TV to one of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulated channels to see what the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) determined the weather was going to be like using satellites designed, built, and launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). I watched this while eating my breakfast of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected food and taking the drugs which have been determined as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
At the appropriate time as regulated by the US Congress and kept accurate by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the US Naval Observatory (USNO), I get into my National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approved automobile and set out to work on roads built by the Local, State, and Federal Departments of Transportation (DOT), possibly stopping to purchase additional fuel of a quality level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using legal tender issued by the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB). On the way out the door I deposit any mail I have to be sent out via the United States Postal Service (USPS) and drop the kids off at the public school.
After work, I drive my NHTSA car back home on the DOT roads, to my house which has not burned down in my absence because of local and state building codes and Fire Marshal's inspections, and which has not been plundered of all my valuables thanks to the local Police Department.
I then log onto the internet which was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and post on FreeRepublic.com and Fox News forums about how SOCIALISM in medicine is BAD because the government can't do anything right." -- Anonymous

Health Care reform is suppose to be happening in this country and it has so much stacked against it that is was refreshing to read this. Educated people understand that even if things don't run smoothly there is still something in place to help the people. Socialism, Capitalism, and even Communism are just ideas that have limitations. We as a people need to realize that thinking outside the box is sometimes the best thing for all. Standardized Health Care is coming and it is something that has been long past due. We can bicker over the details later. Just get the Department of Health Care (DHC) up and running so we can focus on more important issues like education and getting the people back on their feet again.

Comic Pick of the Week -3/24/10- Green Lantern #52

2010-03-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Blackest Night is coming to a close next week and you need to be up to speed on what is happening in this monumental story by Geoff Johns.
Sinestro has become a white lantern and he sees the truth behind the formation of the emotional spectrum of light and its power. Nekron will not allow the White Entity to live and cleaves Sinestro in half. Black Lanterns all around, the Corps and New Guardians out matched, the planet in peril from Xanshi the Black Lantern planet taking aim. How will we all survive this? We will find out next week when Blackest Night #8 hits the shelves.

Comic Pick of the Week -3/17/10- Fables #93

2010-03-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Fables #93, by Bill Willingham with special guest artist David Lapham, finishes up the two part story "The Championship" where Flycatcher sits in judgment of star baseball player Goblin. Goblin in a drunken state committed the capital crime of murder and Flycatcher must decided to enact the punishment of death or be merciful and damage his credibility as king. And on top of this Flycatcher is stuck in an uncomfortable position with Riding Hood. Does he really love her or is he still stuck in the shadow of the love he had for his long dead wife? So many heavy things to weigh on the shoulders of a new king trying to establish a kingdom of peace and order.

2010-03-15T21:52:00.001-07:00

At 4:00pm today my Uncle Steve passed away peacefully. He was surrounded by loved ones as he closed his eyes for the last time. I fly tomorrow to help bury him.
Obituary for Steve Bailey

2010-03-13T20:08:00.001-08:00

I don't drink to deal with the world. I drink so the world has to deal with me.

Aveda Walk for Water 2010

2010-03-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am participating in Aveda’s 6km Walk for Water in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Sunday April 25th. I am walking to support the Clean Water Fund which fights for clean water in California and across the country, and because my girlfriend Calli Rose asked me if I would. So, to score some points with my girlfriend and help everyone get clean water I am hoping to raise $1,000 for this cause. Any donation you can make would be appreciated and your donation is tax deductible. Fill out the information below and send your donations to:

By Snail Mail:

Brock Sager
115-A East Fremont Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Donation Via Pay Pal or Credit Card:
Sponsor Me to Walk
If you donate through Pay Pal or by Credit Card please send information below to: ashes279@yahoo.com

Information Needed:

First Name:_______________________

Last Name: _______________________

Donation Amount:__________________

Address: _________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Tax Deduction Receipt? Yes / No

Please write legibly and if you request a tax deduction form I will mail it to the address you provide. Thank you for your donation and come back to check for updates.

Please make checks payable to: Clean Water Fund.

More info visit;
Aveda
Clean Water Fund
Gilbert Dupont Salon

Dr. BS PhD diagnosis please...

2010-03-10T18:53:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend and I have been itching and scratching (she's Itchy, I'm Scratchy) like crazy for the past few months and we were not sure why? My girlfriend was afraid it was an allergic reaction to tattoo ink because she started to itch a few weeks after she had gotten her newest tattoo. I didn't think it was that so I did some research online and figured out it was the fact that her and I both are allergic to dust mites.
Now, I'm not an actual doctor (just your average guy who understands the principle Occam's Razor) so to be sure she went down to a dermatologist to get tested. Well, she isn't pregnant, or have scabies, or have any form of Hepatitis, but they did find that she is allergic to nickel (which can be found in red tattoo ink), but why do I have the same symptoms she has? I didn't get tattooed when she did. I didn't even know her when she got the work done. I am still thinking it is dust mites.
Well the dermatologist was adamant that it wasn't dust mites because we didn't look like we had been bitten. Fucking idiot! Dust mites don't bite you. The reaction is to the cast skins and feces of the dust mite not an actual bite. Again, fucking idiot!
After some medication and cream was prescribed for my girlfriend for something she obviously didn't have I took it upon myself to see what could be done about this dust mite problem. I took some steps to combat the dust mites like covering the mattress in an allergenic wrap cover, bought new anti-allergy pillows and pillow cases, vacuumed the shit out of her room, cleaned the bed sheets in hot water and changed them every week. These things didn't seem to work and the only thing left to try was an air purifier because the dust mite allergen is in the air. Air purifiers are fairly expensive and you have to be sure to get one that will be worth the money you spent on it. We got one that was on sale at Target and the thing sounds like a space ship engine idling. Her father came up with that one.
Despite all of this I decided to go get checked out by an allergist. Now I respect Doctors as long as they are open minded and genuinely concerned for the well-far of the patients they see. Well the allergist I went to was adamant that what I was suffering from was not caused by an allergic reaction to dust mites. I explained everything to this doctor in detail and she sent me off to get the allergy test done. Allergy tests aren't that bad. They prick you and stab you a little and in the end they assess from your skin reaction what you have and allergy to. Well it turns out that "I'M ALLERGIC TO DUST MITES!" Why is it that Doctors are so fucking stupid when it comes to basic diagnosis? I guess that big paycheck and feeling of superiority gives you the right to be an asshole to the people coming to you for help.
My girlfriend and I are still suffering from this allergic reaction and I feel it is her house that is causing the problem, but until the money improves or the weather starts to change for the better we are stuck itching and scratching with no real relief in sight. Oh and Benadryl doesn't do shit...

Comic Pick of the Week -3/10/10- DMZ #51 & Daytripper #4

2010-03-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

DMZ and Daytripper are released again on the same Wednesday and I as usual find myself torn as to which one to choose. So, I won't. Both of these titles are enjoyable reads that make comics a great medium to lose yourself in.

DMZ #51 is the first part of the "MIA" story. Matty Roth has isolated himself and wanders about the DMZ after the fallout of the nuclear strike. The wind has saved the DMZ from the radiation fallout but how long is that going to last. Matty is lost now. Wondering about what life is like when any moment could be your last and why is he doing anything when it is just a losing battle? Big questions in an issue that feels like the calm before the storm. What will become of the DMZ? America?

Daytripper #4 brings death and life and death again. Brás is expecting a little addition to his world and in the rush of getting to the hospital he misses a call from his mother. Brás's father has passed. Brás is now dealing with life and death at the same moment can he handle that strain? Could any of us really handle that kind of emotional pressure all at once? Only you can answer that for yourself.

2010-03-09T20:47:00.001-08:00

"Auntie Calli are you a teenager?"
"No. Why?"
"Cause you have alotta pimples."

2010-03-06T20:53:00.001-08:00

Saturday night. Drinks, music, cigarettes, great friends, and my D...Smurf. I'm going to enjoy myself and take in every moment. It is good to be alive.

This is for my D...Smurf

2010-03-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

So much depends
upon...

The smiles you make
me have.

Your heart finding
mine, Babe.

The light you bring
a room.

Your ire at my
knowing.

The kindness of
your heart.

Your arms that wrap
around.

The life you make
me want,

Because for me,
I'm home.

Comic Pick of the Week -3/3/10- Transmetropolitan - Gouge Away TPB

2010-03-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

This week my comic pick is the latest trade paper back edition of Transmetropolitan (vol. 6) from Vertigo Comics. DC has been re-issuing this graphic novel series written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Darick Robertson, and the latest story arc "Gouge Away" (issues 31-36) looks to be another great one.
The Transmetropolitan series came out in 1997 as a view into a future where anything and everything is possible and exploited for every last dollar. Ellis's take on an world drowning in its own self gratifying existence with a major dose of idiocracy and ignorance has been a refreshing read for me. So much is going on in Robertson's panels that you have to look numerous times to make sure you don't miss anything. Not to mention the fact that philosophical questions and crude humor abound in Transmetropolitan making it a deep and funny read. This book is like a head butt to the intellect from a tattooed midget transsexual on acid.
Spider Jerusalem, the journalist with addictions to pill popping, cigarettes, booze and the truth, carries the reader through this futuristic world where media rules the senses and the people have become genetically, pharmacologically and spiritually altered sheep just following the blind herd.
In "Gouge Away," Spider continues his quest for the truth behind the new President's rise to power. Bring on the paranoia, delusions, and assassination attempts. Looks like Spider is gonna have his hands and mind full in this one. I'm looking forward to it.

Comic Pick of the Week -2/24/10- Blackest Night #7

2010-02-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

This week I had to select Blackest Night #7 as my pick of the week because it is intense. Geoff Johns scripts with art by Ivan Reis, and they have delivered a story that is going to change the Green Lantern world forever.
Nekron has risen and after slaughtering a Guardian he takes blood from his scythe and drives it into the ground he summons the Entity; the living light bestowed upon the universe that triggered existence itself. Nekron then begins to attack the Entity in attempt to destroy the "white light." Every blow causes every living being to feel pain. The Entity is much like Parallax and Ion, a living power that needs a "pilot" to guide it. Hal Jordan realizes this and attempts to fly into the Entity. Sinestro stops him and dives into the Entity himself and emerges bathed in white garb as the Entity speaks, "Thaal Sinestro of Korugar. Destiny awaits."
Can you wait for Blackest Night #8? I can, but what I can't wait for is the graphic novelization of this story. If you haven't gotten Blackest Night then you are missing out on great comic book story that has effected the whole DC Universe and you should really fix that.

2010-02-22T17:54:00.001-08:00

Imagine sitting in a room knowing that they will never call your name. Creepy stuff.

2010-02-22T17:18:00.001-08:00

I now know where that stupid "Ish" game was invented. A hospital waiting room! I think I may need to be admitted to the nearest asylum. Hee, hee, hee...

2010-02-22T17:01:00.001-08:00

Just so you know, the best time to pick out a ring tone for your phone is in a hospital waiting room. Fuck mariachi music and ghetto people!!!

2010-02-22T16:43:00.001-08:00

You know you're fucked when the TV in the hospital waiting room is blue. The staff are to busy to change the muted movie. I could use hardcore drugs right now.

2010-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

I'm so tempted to yell that I have H1N1. Just to see if I can clear this waiting room. I tried fire and nothing happened...

2010-02-22T15:33:00.001-08:00

I honestly believe that this country's lack of proper health care is linked to the decline of educated medicine and the increase of a bottom line.

2010-02-22T15:29:00.001-08:00

I am at Valley Med with my ill girlfriend and now I know why sitcoms have waiting room scenes. Contained environment; nothing to do but talk and kill boredom.

2010-02-21T12:06:00.001-08:00

I told a four year old to lay off the creamers at IHOP. Otherwise he's on his way to Creamer's Anonymous. Yeah, it sounded that bad.

2010-02-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

Steve and I finished reading through the script and making line by line changes yesterday. Now it gets sent off and we wait to see if anyone picks it up. I'd keep my fingers crossed but I gotta use them to work on the next script. :P

Comic Pick of the Week -2/17/10- Outsiders #27 and Guardians of the Galaxy #23

2010-02-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Outsiders and Guardians of the Galaxy are my favorite team books that are out right now and it was a difficult decision to pick which one was going to be my pick of the week but I opted to pick both because despite my utter enjoyment of both of these titles they are lacking in performance this week and I want to let you in on why.

Outsiders #27 continues the Dan Didio story that began last issue where we found out that despite people's view of Kryptonians, Geo-Force has decided to align himself with the Eradicator. The team is divided on what is going on with Geo-Force since his run-in with Deathstroke and the events that transpired during Blackest Night. Black Lightning is feed up with it and tensions are running high. Owlman and Katana have a moment in this issue that has big consequences. Very good stuff.
The only problem I had that made me not go with this issue over Guardians of the Galaxy was the fact that the story despite being interesting lacked in character performance. Didio has a very choppy feel to his writing style and it has been very apparent since he started last issue. Hopefully this doesn't mean the end for the Outsiders and hopefully the story flushes out soon.
Despite my dislike of the writing you should still pick up Outsiders and enjoy an off-beat team trying to be not the Justice League but themselves.

Guardians of the Galaxy #23 reveals what really happened to the Guardians when they fought Magnus (Adam Warlock's evil half). It turns out that Phyla-Vell, Major Victory, Gamora, Cosmo, and Mantis were not killed by Magnus, but taken prisoner to be converted into his followers. Phyla-Vell must break free of her chains and escape to let the other Guardians know about what Magnus plans to do. Intense stuff from Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.
However the artist that Marvel had on this issue hurt the story that Abnett and Lanning where trying to tell. Wes Craig's artistic style is unique but it doesn't fit well with the Guardians of the Galaxy. I was distracted by the childishness of the art as I read through the issue and I felt it took away from the whole of the story.
Of course art can be liked or disliked by anyone. Go look for yourself.

So, the reason this week for two titles is that they both are good books but one thing feels off in each one right now. Despite the short comings I really enjoy these books and can't wait for the next issue of each to hit the shelves.

2010-02-11T20:11:00.001-08:00

"You need to stop kissing nasty things."
"But a sheep's asshole is so pretty."

Comic Pick of the Week -2/10/10- Very Vertigo Again!

2010-02-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Last month Daytripper and DMZ tied for my comic pick of the week and this month they have done it again.

DMZ #50 is a stories issue. Numerous artists and writers collaborated for this issue and it delivers a great combination of short stories and bio pages on major characters. "Notes from the Underground" is the title of the issue and it is a great read. Fábio Moon makes a creative appearance with one story in this issue and it is a powerful one. And one of my favorite artists Jim Lee does a bio page. So this issue has a lot to offer and I would have to say that the story "Heart of North Jersey" is a really fantastic read and my favorite from the issue. Go pick up a copy and get caught up with what is going on in the DMZ.

Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon deliver another wonderful story for readers with Daytripper #3. The main character Brás is going through a rough time in his life. The beautiful woman he met in Salvador is leaving him after seven years and he is now wandering through a "Desert City" so to speak.
"Every corner reminds me of her." This line stuck with me the most and I found myself remembering what it was like to be haunted by things in life that at one time never really mattered all that much.
Will Brás's heart mend and his life go on? You'll just have to take a trip to find out for yourself.

Lip Infection and waiting for Kaiser to get back to me...(Day 2 - part 3)

2010-02-10T23:37:00.000-08:00

Going to bed on Monday night I was on antibiotics and still had a huge fat lip with puss chilling inside. I feel asleep hoping that the appointment I was going to go to in the morning was going to finally get this ordeal on its way to being over. I really wish things had gone that easily.

10:00am - I took my antibiotics and had a small breakfast.

11:15am - My brother Grant took me down to the Minor Injury Clinic in Campbell and I was a little nervous about getting jabbed in the face with a sharp object, but i was still hopeful. I was checked in (another 20 dollars - total bill $50) and was taken to a small surgery room. The doctor came in and tried to numb my lip with first a topical and then an injection into my upper lip. Those three injections stung and burned like hell. The doctor then scrapped the wound on my lip and took a sample for the lab. He was unsuccessful at getting the wound to drain with the scrap (this sounds familiar) so he decided to consult with another doctor. This consultation spawned another trip over to the main Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara for an appointment with the Head and Neck Injury Department at 2:15pm. So I left the Campbell office around 12:15pm after dropping my sample off at the lab myself and instructions from the doctor that I should not eat or drink anything because I might have to go in for surgery for my drainage. Great. the antibiotics I'm on say that I need to drink plenty of water. I'm screwed is all I thought as my brother drove us home, and I was.

2:15pm - I'm waiting in the Head and Neck Injury department at Kaiser (another 20 dollar co-pay - total bill $70) and I'm not feeling well. The right side of my face is tight, tender and numb. My lip is throbbing with the swelling and my lips are parched and chapped. My brother goes in with me and the doctor comes in. He tells me that he needs to give me a local anesthetic and that he will then make a cut on my lip to drain the puss. Now I'm not proud of this but I was tearing up not from the pain but the discomfort of being slightly dehydrated and waiting so god damn long to get this infection taken care of. The doctor prepared the injection and attempted to administer the shot to my lip like an over zealous drug addict wanting a fix. The needle pinched my lip, according to my brother, and the doctor shoved the syringe down. This is when I jumped back from the shock and pain of it and the doctor said that I needed to get the shot so he could cut open the wound and drain it. I said I couldn't handle the pain of the shot. The doctor left the room to go consult with another doctor about getting me in to put me under for the procedure. I was not in good shape at this point if you hadn't already guessed. My brother was pissed at the doctor and he got even more upset when he came back with another female doctor to inform me that I wouldn't be able to go under until, at the earliest, midnight. At this time my mother arrived very concerned. The female doctor caught my mother up to speed and said that the only other option was to give me vicodin and let me calm down before trying to apply a topical numbing agent to give me the local anesthetic so they could cut me open to drain the infection. Oh, and by the way, the antibiotic I was on isn't the strongest so I would need to get another antibiotic from the pharmacy in addition to the vicodin prescription. I agreed to it and my mother got two vicodin from her purse. She happened to have two with her and the doctor's said it was okay for me to take. My brother was shocked the doctors allowed me to take the vicodin that my mother had with her. Don't they keep shit like that around the office in case of emergency? What the fuck is wrong with doctors today? A lot from my experience. I took the pills and tried to relax after they moved me to another room while my brother left to go pick his girlfriend up from work and my mom went down to the pharmacy to get my two prescriptions filled. (vicodin and antibiotic prescription $20 - total bill $90)

3:00pm - By myself in the room, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and waiting for the vicodin to kick in I tried to alleviate some of my discomfort by running warm water over the wound in my lip. It helped a little and for a brief moment I was tempted to take any sharp object in the room I could find and try and drain the bastard puss pocket myself. Hell there were plenty of medical staff around laughing and chatting it up about pointless drama that I would be in good hands if I passed out or worse. Luckily my mother returned and gave me the new antibiotic. So, not only am I hungry, dehydrated and tired, I have now two antibiotics in my system with two pills of vicodin. I didn't really relax.

3:30pm - The doctor finally came in to check on me and I requested that the female doctor to do the procedure. I was informed that she wasn't available and that we should get the draining done. So, I was moved back into the original room I was in so the doctor could try again. This time he applied a topical numbing agent and after getting a nurse to assist he said we could try to give the injection or attempt to open the wound with just the topical. I was so tired of needles and being poked in the lip that I opted for the open the wound option. Now what follows is kinda gross and intense.
The doctor and nurse got prepared and as my mother watched overly concerned the doctor took a Exact-o-knife like blade and stuck it in my lip. This fucking hurt. I grabbed the arm rests of the chair, my body went rigged and I tried to stick the next part out. The doctor then moved the blade up and into my upper lip area. My mother said it looked as if he shoved it in and up to the point where it wasn't just to drain my infection. Well mom, it felt like he was trying to stab the shit out of me! And he did just that! By this point I could feel the adrenaline peak in my system and as the doctor removed the blade and the shock of pain had passed I collapsed my tense body into the chair and started to feel the adrenaline drain out of me. The nurse saw that I was starting to twitch and convulse a little and got the doctor's attention. Observant people are so helpful when you are dealing with idiots. The doctor turned and said, "Oh. Brock you need to breath."
No fucking shit you moron. I've sat through enough tattoo sittings to know how to deal with shock and pain. I tried to control my breathing and after a few moments the doctor proceeded to drain the puss from the wound he had now made in my lip.
Puss is a funny thing. It can be clear and have the fluid consistency of water, or it can be solid like play dough. Well I was lucky enough to have the thick stuff that is more solid that fluid. So with his fingers the doctor started to squeeze my lip like a zit to get the puss out. Now many of you have probably had a tougher than shit zit in your life that hurts like hell to even the slightest pressure. Well try having that feeling multiplied by 20 and in your face where nerves are pack in like four poor families in a one bedroom apartment. Needless to say that after about five of those squeezes I was done.
Did I have the luxury of passing out. No. I was told to breath and relax and that all that is left is to shove a syringe in the wound and pump saline solution into it so it gets cleaned out. Three time this took place and all I wanted to do was get out, pass out or knock this fucking jack-off, piece of shit doctor out!
And if the ordeal of the infected lip wasn't over yet it was about to get the icing on the cake. The doctor forgot to have me sign the waiver giving him permission to go ahead and cut me open to drain me. I signed it after the nurse asked if my mother could sign for me (I'm thirty. I think I can sign it myself.) I signed it after the fact because I didn't want anymore hassle. Even though I know I could have sued the bastard and Kaiser for the fucking hell and pain and bull shit they put me through, but I just wanted to go home and see my girl-friend and relax on my own terms.

4:15pm - I am heading home and drinking a large chocolate shake from McDonald's. All the while my face is feeling a little better and I'm draining puss constantly.

That whole ordeal could have been avoided if I had either gone to the ER or gotten a bottle of Jack and an Exact-o-knife. Both of these options would have taken far less time and resulted in the same out come. Kaiser is still in my opinion, "Okay people, Bad medicine."

I wish anyone dealing with Kaiser the best of luck. I'm ready for standardized health care and reform.

Lip Infection and waiting for Kaiser to get back to me...(Day 1 - part 2)

2010-02-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

Let us finish the time line from Monday.

1:40pm - No one had called me back so I called again. I talked to a nice lady named Rhonda who was shocked that I had not been seen or contacted. Two things she said over the phone put a half smile on my swollen face. The first was "Ridiculous." She even apologized to me for this personal thought she voiced out loud on the phone. I said I was grateful for her genuine concern and as she looked up my information she said, "Unbelievable," which is exactly the word I would use to describe this ordeal.
Rhonda told me that she had flagged my request as urgent and that I should be getting a call from the doctor's office within an hour. I thanked her and asked to be transferred to a nurse so I could inquire about possibly going to the ER to take care of this lip infection. The nurse advised me that it was an option I could go with but to wait and see if I could be seen by a doctor. She also told me to file a complaint about the way in which my request for services was handled. She too thought it was ludicrous that I had not been seen yet.

2:55pm - No call back from the doctor's office and it is now time for the original appointment I had that was canceled to try and get me in earlier. Good times; not. This time I actually got transferred to the doctor's office where I heard this over the phone, "Oh, this one message right here never got taken care of..." No shit! This call didn't get me an appointment but it did get me a promise that my doctor would call me back ASAP.

3:20pm - My doctor finally calls me to tell me that she cannot see me but she will try and get an appointment with the night clinic for me. She tells me that she will call me back and let me know.

3:30pm - I get a call back from my doctor that I have an appointment scheduled for 6:00pm with the night clinic. i thank her and get ready to go to the hospital.

6:00pm - It is now almost twelve hours since I contacted Kaiser originally and three hours past the original appointment time I was suppose to have. I am though at the night clinic waiting to be seen. The doctor looks at my lip and scraps it and tells me that I need to pick up some antibiotics from the pharmacy and go to the Minor Injury Clinic in Campbell tomorrow to have them drain the infection from my lip. So after hours of bull shit I am going to have the puss drained from my lip and hopefully start on my way to getting back to normal and healthy.

What you just read over was the ordeal that I had to endure Monday to attempt to get some medical attention for an infection. Little did I know the worst was yet to come. And yes, my face was still throbbing and numb and tender and puffed up like an Air Jordon high top. Why do I have health care again? Despite some of the kind people I dealt with there really wasn't enough care given to me to warrant the premiums and co pay expenses I have.

(Total out of pocket expenses so far: $30 for co-pay and medication)

Lip Infection and waiting for Kaiser to get back to me...(Day 1 - part 1)

2010-02-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

I have health care. It isn't anything spectacular, but it should help me out with little things like an infected lip. So far in my quest to get medical attention for this problem I have had an appointment made for me, canceled so that I might see someone earlier which hasn't happened, and now I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor's office once they get back from lunch. The basic time line of actions goes like this:

7:30am - I call Kaiser to see if I can be seen today and appointment was made for 2:45pm but was canceled so I might get the chance to be seen earlier, but the office doesn't open until 8:30am and they will call me to let me know. If I don't hear back from them then I should call back. I did get some advice from a very concerned and kind nurse about reducing the swelling in my lip and her recommendation of taking Aleve did help.

12:35pm - I call Kaiser back to check on the status of being seen earlier (which now it appears as if I'm not even going to be able to be seen at 2:45pm) and is informed that the doctor's office is at lunch and may call me back when they return at 1:30pm. This leaves me waiting to just call them back after 1:45pm.

1:10pm - I'm writing this blog entry with an infected lip wondering why I pay money for such shitty health service. Why I can't keep an appointment at 2:45pm and still try and be seen earlier is beyond common sense?

I could ramble on right now about the state of the economy or the fact that elected officials in government are stupid for bickering over a standardized health care system or the fact that common sense is so fucking dead it is ridiculous, but I don't have the strength for that right now. Right now I would just like some medical advice about a problem and maybe if I'm lucky something that will help me get over it. I should just go down to the piercing shop and ask them about lip infections and treatment. They wouldn't charge me for the advice and actually show concern. What is the number for Body Exotic anyway?

2010-02-06T21:33:00.001-08:00

The heart is a tricky thing. Nothing a good amount of sense and grit can't handle. But you have to be patient and put in the time to tame that chaos.

Comic Pick of the Week -2/03/10- Nova #34

2010-02-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

This week there were very few titles that shipped but the gem for me is Nova #34. The writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have made Marvel's space titles amazing reads for the past few years. Nova has been through a lot and this issue pushes him even more than before.
What would you do if you could save the one you love from dying? Nova must answer this question because he could rewrite history and completely change the universe as we know it. Not to mention the fact that he has to stop the Sphinx from the past from destroying the Sphinx from the future. Luckily Nova has some help from his friends, Darkhawk and past versions of Black Bolt and Mr. Fantastic. This looks to be a great issue that is a tie in book with the Realm of Kings story arc.
So as usual get down to you local comic shop and pick up my pick of the week or whatever you are reading.

2010-01-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

"Thanks. I've always wanted a hickey in the shape of a farm animal."

January is over...

2010-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

For my readers I must apologize that there has not been more. I am still adjusting to this writing outlet, and I have been a little preoccupied with some things in my life. In particular, a young lady that I have started seeing, has been taking up a good chunk of my time. This is a very positive thing for me right now because I find myself in a place where the writing and ideas are starting to sync up. Not to say that a writer needs a Muse, but I think that to write and write well one must have an emotional connection to something that draws passion to the surface so the artist can get high on life. That is a drug that allows for great things.
For the most part I think I am ready to sit down and plug away at the keys to create something that will stir something in the people who read my lines. The next hurdle is getting into a routine with some good music and letting the creative side of me loose. I'm ready.

2010-01-29T17:58:00.001-08:00

It is Friday night. Date night. There will be Coors Light and Jack, but the best part is that I will be with an amazing woman. I am one lucky bastard.

Dulce Et Decorum Est - Wilfred Owen

2010-01-28T23:51:00.000-08:00

"If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin; "

--Wilfred Owen / Dulce Et Decorum Est

Why this piece popped in my head tonight I will have no idea, but it is a poem that I have always enjoyed. My exposure to this poem came from reading the Sandman series written by Neil Giaman back when I was in high school. The language of the poem is simple and yet it gives the reader a deep and memorable image of what it is like in times of war. After reading you will be left knowing that it isn't "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." The truth is dying in a war is just a number for the history books and that is in no way sweet or fitting...

Comic Pick of the Week -1/27/10- Guardians of the Galaxy #22

2010-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Moondragon is pregnant and the Universal Church of Truth has taken her. Can the Guardians save Moondragon from the Church and the being withing her belly, and can they save themselves from a world about to go supernova? Pick up a copy to find out for yourself because this series has been giving readers a fun, cosmic ride that doesn't pull punches and leaves you wanting and waiting for more.

Finishing up the script...

2010-01-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

Steve and I met over the weekend and combed through the script (Between the Lines) line by line and got to page 79. All we have left to do is the tail end of act two, and act three. Hopefully we will be meeting this week to finish editing the script. Once it is finished we are going to try and sell it. I am hopeful and cannot wait to start a new script and go through the journey of writing again.

Being in a relationship...

2010-01-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

...is something I have not done in a long time. It is nice, awkward, fantastic, comforting, slightly scary, and totally awesome. I enjoy it. Most of the people who know me now have never known what I'm like when I'm with somebody so this might be interesting to experience from that aspect. Not to mention the fact that I'd like to find out again too.
Here I am in my Thirties finding out about myself again. This time is of course it is definitely different. I'm a little wiser, a bit more level headed (to a point), and actually willing to put in some good old fashioned work to see how far this one can go.

Ripping, ripping and more ripping...

2010-01-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

Spent most of my day ripping music onto my laptop. This is a tedious task to say the least. I can say for sure that my music is organized though. That is enough.

Comic Pick of the Week -1/20/10- Outsiders #26

2010-01-20T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Outsiders are back for my pick of the week. Mainly because this is my favorite team book and because it is just plain awesome. Big changes are happening in the Outsiders book starting with the addition of writer Dan DiDio and artist Philip Tan. And this creative team's opening with the aftermath of the Blackest Night crossover story arc and an addition of a certain Kryptonian to the Outsiders roster. I'm really looking forward to reading this issue and you should too.

2010 (week 2)

2010-01-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

The second week of this new year has actually been a fantastic ride and I cannot believe that it is such a change from only a week ago.
I got some ink done on my left arm and I can officially say that I have a sleeve even though it isn't done. Thank you Dave at Guru Tattoo for being an awesome and understanding artist.
Next on my list of improvements for 2010 is the fact that I caught the little shit who stole my pack of magic last week. Scared the crap out of him and got a couple of the cards back. Justice was served.
Steve and I got to work on the script some more and are about a third of the way done doing the line by line read through for final edits. I must say the script has evolved a lot since the first draft was finished and I have a good feeling about this one. And once this one is put out there I can focus on the next one.
I hung out with some fantastic friends (Scott, Jodie, and Brandon) and had some fun out on the town this past weekend which my readers have already heard about. This past weekend made up for the crappy New Year's weekend I had this year (well except for the drunk New Year's Day antics that Steve and his fiance Les (congrats Steve) were slightly responsible for. I still need to replace that lost flask.
Last but not least on my list of improvements for 2010 I have been hanging out with an amazing girl named Calli. She is fun, smart, independent and tattooed! And I now officially have a girlfriend. So, 2010 is turning around for me. Let's hope this train stays on track and builds to a good speed.

Comic Pick of the Week -1/13/10- Very Vertigo!

2010-01-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

This week’s comic pick is a tie between Daytripper #2 and DMZ #49. These two titles from Vertigo comics are great reads and should be on any comic geek’s reading list.

DMZ is a what if book about an America ravaged by another civil war; where New York has become a demilitarized zone. The story follows a journalist through the chaos that is now life in New York. With a very stylized art style from artist Riccardo Burchielli and quick deep writing (and some art) by Brian Wood, DMZ will take you on a journey that you will keep you wanting more of this world we as America seem to be moving towards. Issue 49 is the final chapter in the Hearts and Minds story arc.

The second issue of Daytripper from Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon, brings the reader back into the life of Bras, the character we saw die in the first issue. The story is from an earlier part in Bras's life so my original look at this series wasn't exactly what I thought, but I'm still excited as hell to read this issue.

Get down to your local comic book shop and pick up DMZ #49 and Daytripper #2 for some truly great comics.

Saturday Night @ The Saddle Rack...Awesome!

2010-01-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

So, I went out Friday night and then again on Saturday. I'm turning into a club hopper or something. I had a blast. Great friends (Scott and Jodi), a kick-ass bartender, and there was a very attractive woman that I didn't get a chance to slow dance with but she did tell me she owes me one. I love the Saddle Rack and I can't wait to do it again. Until then I'll brush up on my country music, and try to take it easy...yeah, that's not going to happen. I need a beer and some whiskey.

A night at The Rodeo (club)...

2010-01-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have to thank, first and foremost, my friend Brandon for taking me out last night to The Rodeo club. I had a great time. Met some people, drank a fair amount and had a blast. There was a concert last night at the club, but I don't recall who it was. The girls singing where cute as hell though. It is nice to get away from yourself sometimes. I am however feeling my age when it comes to the next morning (or in my case normally the afternoon), but I have yet to truly have a hangover. Got to love being and Irish asshole!

2010-01-08T20:19:00.001-08:00

Good friends are hard to come by. I'm glad I have some great ones. Tonight is all about good music, beer and great situations. 2010 I will tame you!

2010 (a week in)

2010-01-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

I must say that 2010 has not been very promising and it is only the first week. First I lose a flask, then some little punk steals a pack of Magic cards I bought, my PS3 is corrupt with the code of death, and the CA tax board took money out of my account early and that caused my account to go negative and incur a over draft fee. So, 2010 is not looking to be a good year. Not to mention the fact that my car needs to be repaired and that is gonna cost over $700. Good times.

Comic Pick of the Week -1/06/10- The Walking Dead TPB vol.11

2010-01-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

I'm not a zombie fan but I must say that this past year I have become one. It all started with The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman (publisher - Image Comics). I picked up the first trade and it was all over after that.
The book follows a group of survivors who are not only dealing with zombie trying to eat them but other survivors trying to survive too. The book grabs you and doesn't let go. I can't read this series with the single issues. I would go insane wanting to know what happens next.
So, I pick up the trades every few months and get my fix of the undead and a world that is so unforgiving it makes you want more and more and more. And we may get some more of The Walking Dead as a TV show in 2010. Here's me hoping.

Just another Monday...

2010-01-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

I started back up at the high school today and am getting back into the grind of the work week. Currently I'm sitting at Comic Conspiracy working behind the register (okay not really working, more like filling a space) waiting for the day to finish. Of course I still have to go and work for two hours at Smoke Eaters in downtown San Jose, but hey I'll get some dinner and see some friends. After that I still need to go get some items from the store and eventually go to bed. Mondays are the true long haul for me. And one last note of interest; the Geekbox isn't recording tonight which would be weird but they haven't been consistent with Monday night recordings for almost a month now. Ah Monday how I'm glad your here and gone again.

2010-01-02T00:23:00.001-08:00

I am drunk!

2010-01-01T01:09:00.001-08:00

It is now 2010 and the hopeless romantic in me is going to watch a romantic comedy to ring in my new year. Lonely, I'm so lonely...this will change. Hope in '10