He brings joy to millions of children every Christmas. But what are his origins and how did he evolve into the grandfatherly figure we know today? Watch this and find out!
A Generous Offer
Friends. I only have one question for you. Are you absolutely satisfied with your life? I don’t mean just OK or you can’t complain. I mean are you absolutely satisfied with your existence? Do you want a new job, more money, a bigger house, or a faster car? Maybe lose some weight. Well I can help. You could have everything you want with a snap of my fingers. And all I want in return is a small token of your gratitude: your’e Intangible Eternal Essence. Otherwise known as your soul.
Now, you’re not really doing anything with it? You get up. Work. Eat. Maybe have some sex. Go to bed. Watch one of those Housewife shows or play fantasy football. You don’t need a soul for that.
You only have ONE when your’e born. And you STILL only have one when your die. It doesn’t increase in value like a 401k or a house.
So refinance your life. Give me what I want and you will get everything that you deserve in this life. Thank you.
Halloween Hijinks
I got up at 6:00 am to get ready for work. The horns were a big concern since I was afraid they wouldn’t stay on for the entire day. Dressing up is fun but it was irritating to not touch my face for the entire day. The Village Halloween parade was fun once I was able to get past the Thriller float. The float, blasting Michael Jackson’s song Thriller, was followed by at least 50 ghoul’s performing the dance from the famous video. They nearly blocked everyone behind them. I handed out treats and tricks to the crowd with a few selfies. It’s great to anonymously act a fool in public. After going somewhere to touch up my makeup, I went to a party on Ludlow street. I was able to get home before the horns fell off.
New York Comic Con 2017
New York Comic Con came around once again. This time, however, the massive event was squeezed into less space because Jacob Javits Center is being renovated. The area for the cartoonist alley was leveled to create a larger facility for future events. Every year some company gives away THE BIG BAG that everyone wants to use to carry their Con swag. This year it was the SyFy channel. Yes, the new logo is pretty ugly, but the large reinforced stitched bag was very useful. And it came in 4 different colors. Pink seemed to be the most popular.
I was most impressed by the new SyFy show “Happy”, originally a comic book created by Grant Morrison. Having read the insane story about a degenerate drug addicted hit man and his imaginary friend, I was surprised they were able to make it on the air. Mr Morrison was too. It stars Christopher Meloni, formerly of Law and Order SVU. After seeing the first episode, they are definitely on the right twisted track.
It has long since become impossible to sample close to every offering from this event. A co-worker of mine spent most of his time taking pics of Cosplayers outside. I roamed around, took some photos, and caught a few panels. It was like living in a bizaare air conditioned world for a few days. Here is the link to my photos.
A manic “Good Time” was had by all
“Good Time” was one of the most intense WTF movie experiences I have ever had because every 5 minutes I’m thinking “why the fuck would someone do that!” This film is about the aftermath of a botched robbery masterminded by Connie Nikas, played with increasing recklessness by Robert Pattinson of Twighlight fame. He is constantly lying on the run from the police in a quest to rescue his mentally challenged brother, although the brother would be better off without Connie’s assistance.
Most of the movie takes place in the space of a single neon lit night. One awful decision leads to another until Connie’s flight comes to an abrupt end, but not before damaging other lives during his manic journey. The extreme wide angle closeup film making puts you uncomfortably close to the action. It makes you feel like you were suddenly dropped into chaos, slowly figuring out the situation as the film proceeds. The intensity is relieved by the awkward humor of seeing people blunder their way through strange situations.
The often cringe inducing behavior should not discourage you from seeing this movie, now in limited release. A smooth drink afterwards certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Afro Punk 2017
Image
Although it was good to spend another sunny birthday at this funky music festival, there were some initial wrinkles. I was unable to use the more convenient entrance. Everyone was forced to walk around the park to another location. When we finally got ready to enter after a long wait, a guard said I couldn’t enter with my backpack. Bullshit. Stuffing everything inside another bag did the trick. But the inconvenience was worth it for two days of concerts WITHOUT lip sinking.
My personal lineup included Thundercat, Blitz the Ambassador, and Anderson Paak. The bone rattling base of the speakers, blaring horn sections, and lively crowd were energizing. In between sets, the DJs kept the party going, prompting many to dance wildly in the sun. Taking pics of the colorful outfits kind of reminded me of shooting around NY Comic Con. Except NYCC attendees were less partial to nipple piercing.
I was excited to see Anderson Paak, but it was still quite an endurance contest. Everyone stood in place crammed together for more than 2 hours, including a set by Dizzee Rascal. Someone in the crowd fainted during their set. They immediately stopped the music, resuming only after the person was helped out. Anderson Paak’s live drumming, singing, and rapping helped everyone not only endure, but roar with excitement. Talib Kweli was an unexpected special guest. I limped home completely satisfied. You can see my pics here.
The latest artwork on a wall surrounding a construction area down the street.
Setting up for class
We were setting up for our Video Production in the Field course at BRIC in downtown Brooklyn. They provide resources for ordinary citizens to create content for Brooklyn community cable television. We learned how to use professional video and audio equipment, including cameras, lights, and microphones. It was 3 four hour classes for only $50! In the last class, students took equipment outside to practice the techniques that we learned. Those who successfully complete the course become certified Producers. Producers are allowed to check out equipment for their own projects if they want.
Love illustrated
This is Michael and Laura Allred. Michael is the fantastic comic book creator of “Madman” and an artist on many more works, including “iZombie”. Laura is his wife, colorist, and long time collaborator. They both had a panel at a past comic book convention.
The first question concerned how Michael and Laura met in college. When Michael was boarding a bus to go to his apartment, he suddenly locked eyes with “the most beautiful girl in the world.” They were mutually entranced while they passed each other. As the bus pulled away, he chided himself for not talking to her.
Later at his apartment, he heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door there were two women. The woman in front asked to see his roommate. She was directed to the roommate’s bedroom leaving him face to face once again with “the most beautiful girl in the world.” He asked her if she wanted to go for a walk and she obliged. 30 years later they have 4 grandchildren.
The live action version of iZombie, the work he co-created, will be in it’s third season on the WB.