Planetary #22
I really enjoy this series. Like everyone else, I dislike the irregularity of releases.
Part of the attraction for me is the attempt to tie all these different genres of comics, novels, movies and serials together into a fascinating universe. I loved the idea of Island Zero (where I believe the shiftship is probably located), the HK Ghost Cop was just too cool for words. The Pulp characters and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen equivalent and the Jules Verne homages all mesh together for a fascinating romp...
... the whacked-out science sometimes fascinates me, sometimes irks me.
But all-in-all... excellent work!
1602, American Gods, Neverwhere...
I found this little paragraph on the web from a link passed to me...
I found this little paragraph on the web from a link passed to me...
Incidentally, I'm trying to organise (well, I'm not actually doing the organising) the promised signings in the Phillipines and Singapore before or after the Melbourne convention and Australian book signings this summer. The signing in the Philippines looks like it's happening, but I'm not sure about the Singapore one, as originally I was going be brought in with Dave McKean by the British Council, a plan that was scuppered by MirrorMask, and now I'm not really sure who to talk to. (If anyone in Singapore has any bright ideas, feel free to let me know.)That's from some dude named Neil Gaiman.
Oshiasu - The Revered Wild Scholar King!
Yes, this is the "japanese" translation of my last name. See?
What about my first name? It's Wild Spirit-Air-Mountain Strike!
Beware the Wild Spirit-Air-Mountain Strike of the Revered Wild Scholar King!
Find out your name here.
Yes, this is the "japanese" translation of my last name. See?
What about my first name? It's Wild Spirit-Air-Mountain Strike!
Beware the Wild Spirit-Air-Mountain Strike of the Revered Wild Scholar King!
Find out your name here.
And now... for something completely different
A funny little animation link. Go and see! Bunnies... and has everyone else had more sex than me? It'll make sense...
A funny little animation link. Go and see! Bunnies... and has everyone else had more sex than me? It'll make sense...
Rings and Things
Never thought that buying a ring or having one made would be so complex! Not only do you have to get the size of the ring right, you also have to take into consideration the metal (yellow or white gold), the design (thick or thin, fancy, raised stone, embedded or whatever the correct terms are), and the stones too!
The final design I chose was similar to a lot of engagement rings I'd seen... the classic narrow band with a slightly raised stone. However, I also asked that the design I'd seen on some rings my Mom gave me be put in it... a line of teeny diamonds running down the center of the ring.
It turned out really nice, and I'm glad. It'll match the wedding ring designs too... hehe.
Turns out that was a consideration, since the traditional way of wearing engagement rings after you're married is to wear both the engagement ring and the wedding ring. In our case, I think that it's just going to be some added flexibility for my mahaw.
Never thought that buying a ring or having one made would be so complex! Not only do you have to get the size of the ring right, you also have to take into consideration the metal (yellow or white gold), the design (thick or thin, fancy, raised stone, embedded or whatever the correct terms are), and the stones too!
The final design I chose was similar to a lot of engagement rings I'd seen... the classic narrow band with a slightly raised stone. However, I also asked that the design I'd seen on some rings my Mom gave me be put in it... a line of teeny diamonds running down the center of the ring.
It turned out really nice, and I'm glad. It'll match the wedding ring designs too... hehe.
Turns out that was a consideration, since the traditional way of wearing engagement rings after you're married is to wear both the engagement ring and the wedding ring. In our case, I think that it's just going to be some added flexibility for my mahaw.
Writing Wrongs
I'm usually stumped about what to write about on this blog. I want to write something that doesn't take too much time, but is something meaningful (more or less). At the same time, there's this paranoia (no doubt helped by the ads that appear on my site related to the topics I've written about) that I'm being profiled by THE POWERS THAT BE!
Well, that sparked an idea...
Let's take a look at the things wrong with the world and my feelings about 'em... helps me keep abreast of current events and all that...
Women in times of War
My inaugural hop is to the Amnesty International site, where we discover that women tend to bear the brunt of warfare.
"Rape is used in armed conflicts to intimidate, conquer and control women and their communities. It is used as a form of torture to extract information, punish and terrorize."
I was once a member of the Rape Education and Prevention Program at my college, and it was taught to me that in terms of rapes that take place in the United States, majority are NOT done by absolute strangers. Most are acquaintance / date rapes. Rape, of course, is forcing someone to perform sex acts against that someone's consent. I'm sure there's a more legally binding definition elsewhere... but the debate largely grew from what constituted "consent".
In the case of rape used as a form of torture to extract information, punish and terrorize... I doubt that there's going to be much nitpicking. It's immoral on three (and probably more) counts: rape (a crime of power) and torture... and the fact that it's against civilians... to shame the community, to sap hope, to reinforce contempt for the enemy.
So what's being done about it? How effective can protest marches and similar actions be in places that are at war... against armies that show so much contempt for life and the quality of it? Can this type of "warfare" truly reflect a group or nation fighting for worthy ideals or principles?
If I've piqued your interest, here's a link for you to peruse.
I'm usually stumped about what to write about on this blog. I want to write something that doesn't take too much time, but is something meaningful (more or less). At the same time, there's this paranoia (no doubt helped by the ads that appear on my site related to the topics I've written about) that I'm being profiled by THE POWERS THAT BE!
Well, that sparked an idea...
Let's take a look at the things wrong with the world and my feelings about 'em... helps me keep abreast of current events and all that...
Women in times of War
My inaugural hop is to the Amnesty International site, where we discover that women tend to bear the brunt of warfare.
"Rape is used in armed conflicts to intimidate, conquer and control women and their communities. It is used as a form of torture to extract information, punish and terrorize."
I was once a member of the Rape Education and Prevention Program at my college, and it was taught to me that in terms of rapes that take place in the United States, majority are NOT done by absolute strangers. Most are acquaintance / date rapes. Rape, of course, is forcing someone to perform sex acts against that someone's consent. I'm sure there's a more legally binding definition elsewhere... but the debate largely grew from what constituted "consent".
In the case of rape used as a form of torture to extract information, punish and terrorize... I doubt that there's going to be much nitpicking. It's immoral on three (and probably more) counts: rape (a crime of power) and torture... and the fact that it's against civilians... to shame the community, to sap hope, to reinforce contempt for the enemy.
So what's being done about it? How effective can protest marches and similar actions be in places that are at war... against armies that show so much contempt for life and the quality of it? Can this type of "warfare" truly reflect a group or nation fighting for worthy ideals or principles?
If I've piqued your interest, here's a link for you to peruse.
Ghosts of Christmases Past
When my cousins called from the U.S. on Christmas Day, it brought back memories of the days we grew up looking forward to Christmas gifts and Santa, dreading dressing up and going to crowded churches, and running around without a care in the world.
I remember Lechon Baka slowly spinning on a spit, and having our storytelling and games interrupted by having to greet relatives who I'd remember for the occasion then forget for the rest of the year. I remember being offered alcohol that I'd avoid due to a promise to my paternal grandmother.
I remember occasionally hanging out in the Guard Room when celebrating at my maternal grandparents' place in Greenhills West, inhaling second-hand smoke and watching the guards play chess.
I miss them days.
Still there's room fer new memories. Plenty of room.
When my cousins called from the U.S. on Christmas Day, it brought back memories of the days we grew up looking forward to Christmas gifts and Santa, dreading dressing up and going to crowded churches, and running around without a care in the world.
I remember Lechon Baka slowly spinning on a spit, and having our storytelling and games interrupted by having to greet relatives who I'd remember for the occasion then forget for the rest of the year. I remember being offered alcohol that I'd avoid due to a promise to my paternal grandmother.
I remember occasionally hanging out in the Guard Room when celebrating at my maternal grandparents' place in Greenhills West, inhaling second-hand smoke and watching the guards play chess.
I miss them days.
Still there's room fer new memories. Plenty of room.
Someone to Talk To
Xandro: As a kid, we (Alex and I) were introverted. Sort of. I think that the common perception was that we were painfully shy. Once we considered you a friend, though... we wouldn't shut up.
Alex: And to some extent that's still true today.
Xandro: Shut yo' mouth, fool. I'm talkin'.
Alex: M'kay.
Xandro: Kate left for Vietnam this afternoon and I miss her already. One of the reasons is the temporary loss of someone to talk to. Another reason is the temporary loss of someone to be silent with.
Alex: Xandro's overanalyzing, but he's right. It's wonderful to be engaged in hours of conversation with someone you love... but it's just as wonderful to be sitting comfortably side-by-side with her and silently enjoying the company.
KawangaKid: This season's message was brought to you by... Hallmark.
Alex: How'd he get in here?
KawangaKid: Hallmark, more than just greeting cards...
Xandro: He's the defense mechanism. Keeps us from getting too mushy.
Alex: Thank you, Mr. Exposition.
KawangaKid: ... also a fine provider of family-oriented shows...
Vlad: Back to work, you fools.
Xandro: As a kid, we (Alex and I) were introverted. Sort of. I think that the common perception was that we were painfully shy. Once we considered you a friend, though... we wouldn't shut up.
Alex: And to some extent that's still true today.
Xandro: Shut yo' mouth, fool. I'm talkin'.
Alex: M'kay.
Xandro: Kate left for Vietnam this afternoon and I miss her already. One of the reasons is the temporary loss of someone to talk to. Another reason is the temporary loss of someone to be silent with.
Alex: Xandro's overanalyzing, but he's right. It's wonderful to be engaged in hours of conversation with someone you love... but it's just as wonderful to be sitting comfortably side-by-side with her and silently enjoying the company.
KawangaKid: This season's message was brought to you by... Hallmark.
Alex: How'd he get in here?
KawangaKid: Hallmark, more than just greeting cards...
Xandro: He's the defense mechanism. Keeps us from getting too mushy.
Alex: Thank you, Mr. Exposition.
KawangaKid: ... also a fine provider of family-oriented shows...
Vlad: Back to work, you fools.
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