Chicago and the cast of Batman 3

Last weekend, one of my favorite things in the whole world, Survivors of the Undead Plague, hit the road and visited the great land that is Chicago. Waking early last Friday morning was difficult, but I was promptly greeted by Troy with one of the greatest Christmas cards ever. If you love tarsiers and Christmas, you would've enjoyed the homemade card thoroughly. Hopefully I can make some Christmas cards by hand this year. There is nothing like homemade cards. Not only do I feel accomplished in the creation of said cards, but the receiver also feels just a wee bit more special.

Chicago was great. We arrived in the late afternoon and quickly situated ourselves. Pegatron and I stayed with a friend on the Southside, while Troy and Damian sought refuge at the home of Lisa, Tyler and Dave. Soon, I was on my way to the theatre with a backpack and duffelbag full of fake guns. I've never been so filled with fear about carrying those fake guns. They look real. Cops would assume they're real. I could've been killed! Anyhoo, I made it to the theatre and the set went well. It was fun to do Survivors with only Troy, Damian and I for the first time in front of an audience. We had previously done shows with Hannah K, Aric M and Mike F as a fourth, but never just the 3 of us. It was delightful.

Saturday was a bit of a slow day. After getting up a little later, I was on my way to an improv workshop with iO's Jet Eveleth. For the first time in my improv career since taking classes at ComedySportz, I felt like my views on improv were reinforced. I'd previously taken classes with several well-known, qualified, talented folks, but I never took anything away. I know this was a little more focused on the strengths and weaknesses of just Troy, Damian and I, as opposed to a group of 12-15 people. However, it really was the approach that made me feel so excited.

After that, it was back to the theatre for the Mustache Rangers and Butch and Jill. Both were spot-on for the show. The only unfortunate thing about the evening was an intoxicated man who had a bit of a problem with remaining still and keeping quiet. The show was over and it was time to imbibe. First, Pegatron and I purchased the most hideous holiday apparel one could imagine and made our way to Tin Lizzie for some ugly sweater party action. White people love ugly sweater parties. We drank the night away with a friend of Pegatron's from high school and ended up catching a cab to her place for the evening. The next day only brought the worst hangover I'd had in ages... not the best thing to have when getting ready to drive to Minnesota. All in all, the Chicago adventure was delightful.

In other news, since the UK tabloid/newspaper The Sun reported that Shia LaBeouf would be Robin, Eddie Murphy would be The Riddler and Rachel Weisz would be Catwoman, I decided to take the great villains remaining in the Batman series and cast them for film. That update should be coming soon.

(Comic) Strip Joints

I'd like to invite all my favorites to read a great comic (new strip every Monday and Thursday) that I've enjoyed...

BlankIt

Aric McKeown is all up in this biz and I certainly recommend starting from the beginning as it is a continuous thread. And if you don't want continuous hilarity, feel free to visit this other strip I really enjoy...

Joe Loves Crappy Movies

Stuck at home due to the snow? Hanging out in a beautiful, warm locale and having nothing to do while drinking Coronas with lime? Enjoy those. More to come, I'm sure.

Employment and the Frailty of Humans

"Your job is killing you faster than a cancer could." -Her Space Holiday, Something To Do With My Hands.

The above quote is currently the only thing running through my head. Many companies unintentionally give you the opportunity to sink or swim and the unfortunate thing is that I believe my current employer is one of them. My sense of humor can only keep me afloat so long. I just don't want to get fired. I've never been fired and never want to get fired. It's a life goal, I guess.

As I sit in my cubicle, I have realized that the song Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros is on my iPod twice. I like it that way. That song gives me hope. And we're talking Barack Obama-style hope. Hope that lives on in most of us. The hope that the wonderful world could be wonderfuller. Shakespeare would be proud of that word... wonderfuller.

Back update! Every once in a while, I like to update my readers as to the condition of my back. I've been taking pills for back pain that appeared the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The following Monday I confronted the bastard pain and visited urgent care for some advice. After the x-ray told me I didn't have bone cancer or a herniated disc, I was prescribed indomethacin (C19H16ClNO4... for you chemical fans) as the doctor believed I had some sort of inflamed back muscle. Weird. Anyway, they work. Trust me. Though, I must say, I tend to get very tired about 5 hours after taking one. I nodded off during a training session at work and was looking forward to a "stern talking to," but it never came. The trainer only joked about his great ability to keep people awake.

Also, Pegatron was in an accident last week. She's doing much better, but it was very scary. However, after hearing the entire story, I grew a great respect for all the people that helped along the way. Between the first responders, state patrol and all the medical staff, Pegatron had a very pleasant experience for such an unpleasant accident. As with most traffic accidents, it was the stupidity of others that led to a brief hospitalization for Pegatron. Perhaps the saddest thing to come of this entire accident is the fact that Peggy and I will no longer have matching cars. So long, dear Echo. You will be missed... but not your lack of safety features.

'til next time.

Things I've Heard, Vol. 1

Since music is a fairly large part of my life, I decided to talk about a few of the new CDs and digital downloads I've enjoyed in the past few weeks.

• The Mighty Underdogs - Droppin' Science Fiction - The latest of hip hop supergroups, this CD on Def Jux label has been a joy to listen to. With Gift of Gab from Blackalicious and Lateef the Truth Speaker from Latyrx (and their producer Headnodic), this trio fell together after Lateef got together with Headnodic to make a solo album and Gift of Gab decided to drop in to collaborate with Lateef. If you're a fan of Blackalicious or enjoy a good J5 track, you'll like this. Inventive beats and a some great cameos from MF Doom on "Gun Fight" and one of my favorite MCs, Lyrics Born, on "ILL Vacation," make for a fun record, through and through.


• Sprengjuhöllin - Sprengjuhöllin - Dying for a little more Icelandic pop music in your life? Want to support the failing Icelandic economy? Well, either reason is a fine one to listen to Sprengjuhöllin. I have a severe soft spot for indie pop music and Sprengjuhöllin really delivers on the promise. Songs like Keyrum Yfir Ísland (rockin' out!) and Worry 'til Spring (ballad! gorgeous!) show just how much talent these guys have. If you want to be down with Iceland, this is definitely a disc or digital download you should consider.


• TV on the Radio - Dear Science - Obviously my favorite band would make it to this list of recent favorites. I'm not one to push TV on the Radio onto others, because they just are not the type of band anyone would want to listen to. But, the fact is, Dear Science is the most accessible CD the troupe has put out and therefore, I'm not pushing it on others to give a listen. They really try to make this album more "fun" than the others, which unfortunately means less substance, but they've taken part in that race and now want to explore a new version of themselves. This is a dandy.

• Marching Band - Spark Large - I don't think I've had a band stick around on my iTunes for very long without giving them a listen, however Marching Band is the exception and I made a terrible mistake for doing so. If you like The Shins, you'll probably dig Marching Band as well and if you wish The Magnetic Fields weren't so droopy, you'll enjoy the fresh Swedish pop of Marching Band. Do yourself a favor and at least check out the song, "Travel in Time."

• The BPA - Toejam (feat. Dizzee Rascal & David Byrne) - Ok. You caught me. This is only one song. But, I love it. It makes me so happy. And the music video will make anyone happy, whether you like the song or not. Boom.

That should be enough music to keep you happy for a few hours. By all means, if you've heard something wonderful lately, let other people know. In particular, let me know. Happy listening!

iPods and the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

One of life's simple pleasures is rediscovering things you own.

It has been about 2 1/2 to 3 years since I last used my iPod. It's clunky in comparison to today's "touch" models or the newest iPod nanos, but still works well. With it's relatively small screen and less-than-colorful display, it's not pleasing to the eye, but I've once again found the joy in having it. I generally enjoy listening to a CD or Minnesota Public Radio News in the car, so I never use the iPod. But, sitting next to the supervisor at work, who is inundated with people walking up to her and complaining/worrying/giggling/yelling, I found that I need something to keep me focused. Enter: iPod. I spent majority of Tuesday with earbuds in place and not only did I bust out a ton of work, but I also rediscovered a band I hadn't listened to in quite some time. What band, you ask? Cake. Yeah, WTF. How could I forget about Cake? So, after listening to the latest "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" from National Public Radio, I listened to every Cake album I have.

I wish I had an action figure at work that was covered in permanent ink. It seems as though people think they can just come to my desk and mess around with the things I've brought for decoration. I mean... yes... they technically are toys, but I have them to stand there and look ominous, not for someone to stop by, test the boundaries of it's plastic joints and saunter back to their desk. I'm obviously too "Minnesota nice" to say anything while they fondle my action figures, so I need something that will teach them a lesson. If only there were some toy out there that was constantly covered in a colored permanent liquid... a squid, perhaps.

I recently saw both the new 007 movie, Quantum of Solace, as well as the Disney Animation Studios film, Bolt. For the longest time, I've been a hater. I have avoided animated films at all costs since seeing, what-I-thought-was-a-train-wreck, Ice Age. I've folded and watched The Incredibles, but before that I hadn't enjoyed an animated film since Toy Story. So, seeing Bolt was dangerous. It could've perpetuated my current distaste of animated films (note: I don't dislike animation in general. It tends to only apply to feature-length films) or worse, I could've thrown up all over the place because of the bright colors. Well, the second was more probable because I saw Bolt in 3D. The movie was good. The 3D was better and though it totally messed with my head for about 10 minutes, I got used to it and it turned out to be quite amazing. On the recommendation of Butch Roy, I will continue to watch animated films, but only on the recommendation of others. So, in my animation queue sits Monsters, Inc. and WALL-E. And for those of you waiting to hear what I thought of the new Bond flick... I liked it. That is all.

Thanksgiving happens tomorrow. I agree with the idea of a harvest festival, to celebrate the planet that gives us life, but there's something terribly wrong with celebrating it as the peaceful gathering between American Indians and Pilgrims, gnawing on eel and maize on Plymouth Rock. If you have any doubt about how awful the white man has treated the Native population over the history of America, just read about the first Angl0-Powhatan War. Basically, when the colonists realized they didn't have enough food for the Winter, they just strong-armed Natives for their corn supply. Happy Thanksgiving, right!?!?! Anyway, enjoy the time you have with your family or the family of your significant other. Eat some potatoes. They're good for you.

'til next time.

Karate Kid and the Business Process

I really enjoy a good sketch session. Today at work I drew a picture, set up in the All Valley Karate Championship arena where the final fight of Karate Kid took place. I've replaced Daniel LaRusso with a monkey and his nemesis with the foot of the Cloverfield monster. The ref has a similar mustache, but is now a Weeble people. He wobbles, but he doesn't fall down. So ridiculous, but so fun to draw.

It's all of life's little things, isn't it?

In other news, I've started reading Moore's The Watchmen again. I read it a very long time ago and remember nothing, so before the movie comes out, I want to have a good base on which to judge said film. I have a good feeling that the Nite Owl will be my favorite character after I'm done, but I have no basis for that, just a random thought.

The final installment of Hellendrung, Scott and Associates goes up at Improv-A-Go-Go this Sunday. It's been such a joy to play with Jen Scott, whom I've decided is the nicest person in the Twin Cities. It'll be a great show as this week's associate is Josh Eakright of the Brave New Workshop mainstage. 8pm. Sunday. $1.

I've never understood why communication in a workplace fails, but I've now realized that a small portion of its' failure has something to do with how our generation does not take e-mail messages as seriously as a phone call or snail mail. At work, we get long e-mails of changes in the "business process" and are expected to just learn all these changes. I'd say we get these at least once a month if not more often. Many people just skip over them, thus making it more difficult to know if you're doing anything right. I'm frustrated and in need of some beef jerkey.

A New Hope and a New Cube

In the immortal words of the band Staind, "It's been awhile."

What a joy to be back on the ol' blog. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. At work, I've moved from the training facility to a cube. I can honestly say, I've never been happier to be in a cubicle. I do know, however, that very soon, I'll be regretting ever moving to a place in which I have to be in a cube. But, for now, I'm basking in the glory. So far, I've decorated my cube with a Hellboy action figure and a Mola Ram doll. I'm contemplating several pictures, motivational posters and a Star Wars ice planet Hoth action set. Or maybe I'll just have the two. Time will tell.

In politics, Barack Obama kicked some old guy's ass to become our next President. Though I was very excited for his win, the night of the election I was saddened that our Minnesota Senatorial race had not been decided. In fact, over a week later, we are still waiting for the recount. I really do hope that Al Franken can eek this one out. Also, Keith Ellison won. Hooray!

Words and phrases I will not miss:

• maverick
• Joe Sixpack
• Joe the Plumber
• pro-America
• "Our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of."

If Sarah Palin was our Vice President-elect, I might've thought about moving.

So, I love trivia. There's no use hiding it. Whether it's running a game of trivia at work, playing trivia games online, pub trivia or watching your favorite television game show; I love trivia. As you grow older, you learn more and more through experience, but I urge others to force yourself to learn something new and have fun doing it. If you love your religion, read about other religions to give yourself a better foothold within your own faith. If you love football, read about the origin. If you love foreign cultures, learn a language. And if you're like me and love random information and the general quest for knowledge, soak up everything you can. I challenge everyone out there to pick one thing and learn all about it. I'll report on my choice soon.

My boss lent me a copy of the 1966 version of Batman. Yes, folks, we're talking Pow! Whap! Oof! Bam! Batman. Let me just read the back cover for you:

When Batman and Robin get a tip that Commodore Schmidlapp is in danger aboard his yacht, they launch a rescue mission. But the tip is a set-up by four of the most powerful villains ever, who seek to defeat the Dynamic Duo once and for all! Armed with a dehydrator that can turn humans to dust, the fearsome foursome intends to take over the world! Can the Caped Crusaders use their high-flying heroism and groovy gadgetry to declaw Catwoman, ice the Penguin, upstage the Joker, and stump the Riddler in time?

Awesome. So very awesome. I love alliteration.