Update: C2E2 2013 Edition

Hey guys and gals! Got a little bit of news to pass on for you all.

First off, I will be in Chicago Friday-Sunday for C2E2 this weekend. My dance card is getting pretty full for after con events, but if you track me down at the show I will be more than happy to talk to you and hang out! Just shoot me a tweet! Fair warning, might not be around much or at all on Sunday. It’s looking like a day out on the town, but I might be there for an hour or two. Also as a bonus, if you find me you will very likely find the wonderful Ed Siemienkowicz as well. Ed will have copies of Chrome and Dust Volume #1 at the C2E2 special price of $5 a pop. I’m sure if you ask nicely, he’ll even sign it for you.

Secondly, I might be returning to the world of comic book reviews. Currently talking to the editor of a website and might jump back into that come next month. I’ll let you guys know as soon as I know. I really used to enjoy reviewing comics, so hopefully this will be a positive experience and you guys will be able to see how I’ve grown as a writer over the past year or so.

Lastly, still waiting to hear back from Analog on my story submission. It’s been almost three months, so I guess that’s better than being rejected after a week.

Till next time, you kids play nice.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter

The future is when?

The big thing in technology is the claim that a device or service will “completely change” the way you do something. This is especially true when it comes to consumable media such as movies, books, etc. Every year it seems like an iThis or Pro that is coming out promising huge changes in the way we operate as a society. But the fact of the matter is that they never do.

Now stay with me here… There have been some huge breakthroughs in terms of distribution, but when it comes to the actual experience, very few things have changed. To give you a little bit of an idea of my current mindset, here is a video featuring comic creator Mark Waid speaking on how he approaches digital comics on his website Thrillbent. The video is about 20 minutes long, so if you want to watch the full thing be prepared for that…

I figure I should get to the point I’m trying to make though. Think back on the history of websites. Now the knee jerk reaction is to think we’ve come a long way, but really think hard. Besides making the internet more visually appealing, what have we really done to change the way you consume your media? Most webpages can be printed out on paper and have the same content or impact for the reader. I know some of you are thinking “what about video and audio content?” Sure, it’s there… but most of it is the digital equivalent to pasting a picture on a high school science report. It’s there, it might add some context to the discussion, but it doesn’t change the way you read the story.

That’s just a few thoughts I had. I really have no answers as to how to change it or make the world more interactive. If I did, I would be working for Google or some other web company.

Music Time on the Dance Floor

Policies and Change From the Desk of Pope Sidious I

Earlier today Pope Enabler CCLXIV announced his intentions to resign from the papacy. His rule has been infallible as usual, so we’re all heartbroken to see him go. But fear not! Don’t look at this as the end of a chapter, but rather a window opening. A Carl shaped window as I smash through the wall of the Vatican with a jug of Vodka laced Kool-Aid and my blood consisting primarily of nicotine and caffeine. I would like to formally announce my interest in being the next Pope.

The following is changes you can expect under the papacy of Pope Sidious the First:

  1. All followers of the Catholic faith must stop wearing pants – Pants are binding and restrictive. Have you ever seen a guy in a sarong in a bad mood? Neither have I. Next order of business.
  2. Priest are now allowed to have sex – It has been a long held belief that members of the clergy should abstain from sexual activity. Clearly this isn’t working. So I propose that we allow sexual activity for the members of the clergy that wish it. All sexual activity must be consensual and with adult members of the Holy Roman Harem (see point three for more information.)
  3. Establishment of Holy Roman Harem – All members of the Church that have contracted illness and disease from the policies of the Catholic church may choose to join the Harem. The church will provide food, lodging, and healthcare for all these people. While it is a harem in name, it isn’t a traditional harem in any sense. It will be not be restricted to only women. Members of the Harem are not required to have sex with clergy members, but those with incurable illness are highly encouraged to volunteer.
  4. Condoms use will be allowed – The church will reverse its stand on condoms. While condom use is allowed, they can’t be used for sex and can only be used for urination while away from a proper bathroom. Baby steps here people.
  5. All incense used in holy rituals will be replaced with marijuana – You’re welcome.
  6. Wine during communion – There will be major changes to the way wine in communion is handled. Wine will no longer be free, but the portions will be greatly increased. Communion will now be administered before the service, with a discount on wine being offered the hour before its start. This timeframe shall henceforth be referred to as “The Holy Roman Happy Hour.” Communion will now be offered to non-Catholics, available to all comers until 2am on weekdays, 4am on Friday and Saturday. Sacramental bread will also be replaced with sacramental boneless wings.
  7. Stay tuned for more announcements from His Holiness Pope Sidious the First.

    pope1

    Feel my holy girth and despair.

Music Time: Agree to marry me, so we can start over again

Music Time: Ending Bad Days

Music Time: Tame Elephant

Whenever anyone says Tame Impala sounds like The Beatles, I can’t help but feel they are lacking a musical vocabulary. To me they sound more like early Pink Floyd than anything else.