So, with the recent hard times financially, I've re-done my pull list.
Subscriptions:
Astonishing X-Men
Runaways
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine
Wolverine: Origins
X-Men Legacy
Pull:
Robin
Teen Titans (for now)
Wolverine: First Class
X-Factor
X-Force
Young X-Men
Minis:
Batman RIP
Kick Ass
Secret Invasion
War Heroes
I'll still pick up anything Wolverine or X-Men and anything Kevin Smith does (Batman). I'm trying to limit random purchases.
As far as the Dark Tower comics, I've decide to go for the trades. I'm not reading them until I'm done with the novels, so there's no point in picking them up now.
Monday, October 13, 2008
New Mix
Here's the latest mix CD:
1. Flobots - Handlebars
2. Reel Big Fish - Beer
3. Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
4. Shwayzie - James Brown is Dead
5. Beck - Gamma Ray
6. Vampire Weekend - M79
7. Foo Fighters - The Best of You
8. Dispatch - Two Coins
9. Blake Lewis - Time of the Season
10. Dave Matthews Band - Two Step (Live)
11. Flobots - Happy Together
12. Nas - Hip Hop is Dead
13. Jack Johnson/G. Love - Rodeo Clowns
14. Justin Nozuka - After Tonight
15. Linkin Park - My December
16. Matisyaho - Time of Your Song
17. Dispatch - Elias
18. Shwayzie - Lazy Days
1. Flobots - Handlebars
2. Reel Big Fish - Beer
3. Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
4. Shwayzie - James Brown is Dead
5. Beck - Gamma Ray
6. Vampire Weekend - M79
7. Foo Fighters - The Best of You
8. Dispatch - Two Coins
9. Blake Lewis - Time of the Season
10. Dave Matthews Band - Two Step (Live)
11. Flobots - Happy Together
12. Nas - Hip Hop is Dead
13. Jack Johnson/G. Love - Rodeo Clowns
14. Justin Nozuka - After Tonight
15. Linkin Park - My December
16. Matisyaho - Time of Your Song
17. Dispatch - Elias
18. Shwayzie - Lazy Days
Monday, August 25, 2008
X-Factor: Secret Invasion
I'm normally not one to complain about a series tying into a crossover, but this one was really unneccesary. I like the idea of Darwin and Longshot joining the team, but the whole story felt forced. The team could have tracked Darwin down without Longshot being a Skrull - or at least not have She-Hulk as part of the story.
The art was the worst part. Everyone has a boxy face and was un-recognizable. I don't remember the artist's name, but I hope he was only a fill-in for the arc.
I'd skip this arc and pick up the Layla one-shot.
The art was the worst part. Everyone has a boxy face and was un-recognizable. I don't remember the artist's name, but I hope he was only a fill-in for the arc.
I'd skip this arc and pick up the Layla one-shot.
Brave New World Review
I just finished Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. It was a really good book and nothing like I expected.
I was expecting something more like Fahrenheit 451 - the main character was going to challenge the status quo. Instead, the main character introduced a person of the "old ways" to the "new society."
I was told ahead of time that the ending was one of the best in literature. I thought it was a good ending, but somewhat saw it coming.
Overall, I'd recommend the book.
I was expecting something more like Fahrenheit 451 - the main character was going to challenge the status quo. Instead, the main character introduced a person of the "old ways" to the "new society."
I was told ahead of time that the ending was one of the best in literature. I thought it was a good ending, but somewhat saw it coming.
Overall, I'd recommend the book.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wizard and Glass Review
I just finished Wizard and Glass, the 4th book of Stephen King's Dark Tower series. While I like the series, it's pretty hard to read at times - which is clearly evident in this book.
Instead of dealing with Roland and his current Ka-tet, most of the books is set in a flash back of Roland's youth. It deals with his first love, Susan, and the demise of their relationship. While there are some important points, like the begining of his obsession of the Dark Tower, most of the story was boring for me. The middle of the book really dragged on.
I did like everything that was set in the present day, and the end of the flash back was good. It's what I was expecting for the whole book, instead of just a few parts.
Overall, this has been the weakest book of the series. I'm going to hold off before getting book 5 - I'm really tired of these type of books and need to change it up a little bit (just for the record, I started reading these books 5 years ago and just got to the 5th book).
Next up - Brave New World.
Instead of dealing with Roland and his current Ka-tet, most of the books is set in a flash back of Roland's youth. It deals with his first love, Susan, and the demise of their relationship. While there are some important points, like the begining of his obsession of the Dark Tower, most of the story was boring for me. The middle of the book really dragged on.
I did like everything that was set in the present day, and the end of the flash back was good. It's what I was expecting for the whole book, instead of just a few parts.
Overall, this has been the weakest book of the series. I'm going to hold off before getting book 5 - I'm really tired of these type of books and need to change it up a little bit (just for the record, I started reading these books 5 years ago and just got to the 5th book).
Next up - Brave New World.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Top 5 Books
Top 5 Books (No Graphic Novels):
The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk
Moneyball - Michael Lewis
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Get Shorty - Elmore Leonard
The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk
Moneyball - Michael Lewis
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Get Shorty - Elmore Leonard
DVD Reviews
Caught a few movies this weekend.
There Will Be Blood - Ok movie. Very slow, but not slow enough to kill the movie. I was expecting an awesome movie and was underwhelmed by it.
3 of 5
Ultimate Avengers - For an adaptation of a comic that was adult oriented, it was ok. They made it family friendly, so Captain America wasn't a a**, Giant Man didn't beat his wife, etc. The story was a mix of the 2 arcs of the first series and did well combinding them.
4.5 of 5
Meet the Spartans - It was about as good as you'd expect from a spoof movie. The jokes were hit or miss; most of the hits went on for too long. I'm glad I didn't see it in the theaters.
2 of 5
21 - Let me preface this by saying I'm a huge fan of the book. I didn't like the movie. It was entertaining, but it was too Hollywood-ized. They changed a lot - especially for a movie based on actual events. If you see it, please realize this is not how the events really happened.
3 of 5
There Will Be Blood - Ok movie. Very slow, but not slow enough to kill the movie. I was expecting an awesome movie and was underwhelmed by it.
3 of 5
Ultimate Avengers - For an adaptation of a comic that was adult oriented, it was ok. They made it family friendly, so Captain America wasn't a a**, Giant Man didn't beat his wife, etc. The story was a mix of the 2 arcs of the first series and did well combinding them.
4.5 of 5
Meet the Spartans - It was about as good as you'd expect from a spoof movie. The jokes were hit or miss; most of the hits went on for too long. I'm glad I didn't see it in the theaters.
2 of 5
21 - Let me preface this by saying I'm a huge fan of the book. I didn't like the movie. It was entertaining, but it was too Hollywood-ized. They changed a lot - especially for a movie based on actual events. If you see it, please realize this is not how the events really happened.
3 of 5
Friday, July 25, 2008
Comic Pull List
Since I'm reviewing what I'm reading, I figured I'd put my pull list here.
Pull List
Captain Britain and MI-6
Kick Ass
Robin
Teen Titans
X-Factor
X-Force
Young X-Men
Subscriptions
Astonishing X-Men
Runaways
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine
Wolverine: Origins
X-Men: Legacy
Other Series Being Read
1985
Batman: RIP
The Dark Tower Comics
Secret Invasion
Wolverine: First Class
Wolverine - any one shot or mini series
It also looks like I'll be picking up Kevin Smith's Batman mini after RIP. I may also pick up the last arc of Detective Comics (Dini does good work) and the current arc on Fantastic Four (Millar is fun to read). Let me know if I need anything else.
Pull List
Captain Britain and MI-6
Kick Ass
Robin
Teen Titans
X-Factor
X-Force
Young X-Men
Subscriptions
Astonishing X-Men
Runaways
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine
Wolverine: Origins
X-Men: Legacy
Other Series Being Read
1985
Batman: RIP
The Dark Tower Comics
Secret Invasion
Wolverine: First Class
Wolverine - any one shot or mini series
It also looks like I'll be picking up Kevin Smith's Batman mini after RIP. I may also pick up the last arc of Detective Comics (Dini does good work) and the current arc on Fantastic Four (Millar is fun to read). Let me know if I need anything else.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Comic Reviews
I'm almost caught up on the last 2 weeks of comics; here's what I thought about what I've read.
Runaways/Young Avengers: Secret Invasion #1: I guess I ruined the end of the last Runaways arc (I haven't read the last issue yet). It was fun, which is what was to be expected. I'm a big fan of Yost's work.
X-Factor #33: I felt lost, even though I've been reading the book. How do Longshot and Darwin know each other? It was like they've been together for years. Other than that, the story was good. I'm interested to see how it all really ties in with Secret Invasion. They really need to fire the artist; the interiors looked like crap.
Detective Comics #846: Great issue. It's a RIP tie in, but really didn't have anything to do with the story. I liked it much more than the other RIP issues. I may track down the previous arc.
X-Force #5: I'm glad Archangel is back, but this issue doesn't stand out 2 days after reading it. It was kind of bland and didn't do much to advance the arc. Hopefully the next issue picks up the pace.
Captain Britain and MI-6 #1: I picked this up because a couple of posters were raving about it on the Marvel Boards at Inside Pulse. It was pretty good. I've got the next 2 issues to read. It could possibly be a keeper.
I still have to read a few more issues - I should get to them tonight.
Runaways/Young Avengers: Secret Invasion #1: I guess I ruined the end of the last Runaways arc (I haven't read the last issue yet). It was fun, which is what was to be expected. I'm a big fan of Yost's work.
X-Factor #33: I felt lost, even though I've been reading the book. How do Longshot and Darwin know each other? It was like they've been together for years. Other than that, the story was good. I'm interested to see how it all really ties in with Secret Invasion. They really need to fire the artist; the interiors looked like crap.
Detective Comics #846: Great issue. It's a RIP tie in, but really didn't have anything to do with the story. I liked it much more than the other RIP issues. I may track down the previous arc.
X-Force #5: I'm glad Archangel is back, but this issue doesn't stand out 2 days after reading it. It was kind of bland and didn't do much to advance the arc. Hopefully the next issue picks up the pace.
Captain Britain and MI-6 #1: I picked this up because a couple of posters were raving about it on the Marvel Boards at Inside Pulse. It was pretty good. I've got the next 2 issues to read. It could possibly be a keeper.
I still have to read a few more issues - I should get to them tonight.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Dark Knight Review
I saw the Dark Knight over the weekend and this was easily the best movie of the year to date. I highly recommend this movie (and there will be no spoilers here).
The story was flawless. Each new character was developed and existing characters continue to progress. The acting was top notch; Heath Ledger deserves the acclaim he's receiving but Aaron Eckhart needs some more recognition for his take on Harvey Dent.
The movie was also set up perfectly from the viral marketing campaign, which will be noticable in the movie (for those who followed it).
Rating: 5 of 5
The story was flawless. Each new character was developed and existing characters continue to progress. The acting was top notch; Heath Ledger deserves the acclaim he's receiving but Aaron Eckhart needs some more recognition for his take on Harvey Dent.
The movie was also set up perfectly from the viral marketing campaign, which will be noticable in the movie (for those who followed it).
Rating: 5 of 5
Foo Fighters Concert: 07/20/2008
Foo Fighters
Scottrade Center, St. Louis MO
Opening Bands:
Year Long Diaster
Supergrass
Setlist:
Let it Die
Pretender
Times Like These
No Way Back
Learn To Fly
Cheer Up, Boys
Young Man Blues
Long Road to Ruin
Breakout
Stacked Actors
Skin 'n' Bones
Marigold
My Hero
Cold Day
But, Honestly
Everlong
Monkey Wrench
All My Life
Big Me
Generator
Best of You
Thoughts:
I wish they wouldn't have had anyone opening; Supergrass was ok, but Year Long Diaster was horrible. It would have been much better if the FF would have just started (mainly because we had to leave early to pick up the little girl from the babysitter).
They had a stage that had a long walk-way out of the front to a smaller round stage. Half way through the show, they went to the smaller stage and did some acoustic stuff (Skin 'n' Bones through Everlong). They also did band intros (including the 4 add'l musicians touring, one none other than original FF Pat Smear) and small solos.
Highlight of the night was My Hero acoustic and Everlong that started acoustic with only Dave and ended electric with the whole band.
We left during Monkey Wrench.
Overall, this was probably one of the top 5 best concerts and as good as, if not better, than the last time I saw them (10 years ago).
Scottrade Center, St. Louis MO
Opening Bands:
Year Long Diaster
Supergrass
Setlist:
Let it Die
Pretender
Times Like These
No Way Back
Learn To Fly
Cheer Up, Boys
Young Man Blues
Long Road to Ruin
Breakout
Stacked Actors
Skin 'n' Bones
Marigold
My Hero
Cold Day
But, Honestly
Everlong
Monkey Wrench
All My Life
Big Me
Generator
Best of You
Thoughts:
I wish they wouldn't have had anyone opening; Supergrass was ok, but Year Long Diaster was horrible. It would have been much better if the FF would have just started (mainly because we had to leave early to pick up the little girl from the babysitter).
They had a stage that had a long walk-way out of the front to a smaller round stage. Half way through the show, they went to the smaller stage and did some acoustic stuff (Skin 'n' Bones through Everlong). They also did band intros (including the 4 add'l musicians touring, one none other than original FF Pat Smear) and small solos.
Highlight of the night was My Hero acoustic and Everlong that started acoustic with only Dave and ended electric with the whole band.
We left during Monkey Wrench.
Overall, this was probably one of the top 5 best concerts and as good as, if not better, than the last time I saw them (10 years ago).
Sports
I'll have sports post here, but most of my Baseball stuff will stay at the Riding the Pine... blog (I'm slacking there, I know).
Here we go...
Alright, I made that Top 5 site but deleted it. I figured that I could just a make a general blog that covers everything and throw the top 5 lists in with it. So, I'm going to review movies, TV, music, etc.
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