Year: 2006

So today in synagogue, we have the day of atonement. And we pray to be better people, and for tolerance and, and a world of peace. We speak about “sins of injustice” such as waging war upon others or trying to use violence to change things.

And I come out of syngague, and into a world where sins of injustice are presidential policy, and a madman shoots children in Amish Country, and an art teacher loses her job–her contract terminated–apparently because a parent complained that their child had been exposed to nudity…during a class trip to an art museum (the school board claims “other reasons” were involved, but this is an award winning teacher of 28 years’ standing; the claim rings false.)

The problem with a day of pondering one’s own sins and shortcomings is that it prompts you to resolve to try and do better…and then you come out into a world aligned against such philosophies. It says something when the only place where utopias exist are in the pages of a prayer book…or fantasy novels.

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Take the ten minutes to watch Keith Olbermann eviscerate the Bush administration. This may well go down as one of THE memorable commentaries of the Bush era of disingenuousness and attack politics.

Clock with an eggtimer how long it takes the Daily Show or Colbert to have him on as a guest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9g8fzNSOrY

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Just letting you guys know that at http://www.jkwoodward.com, J.K. has added several of his painted pieces from Fallen Angel issues 1-5, and also lowered the page price to $75 for art pages that don’t feature the Fallen Angel in them.

Check it out.

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Remember how I was talking about how Max Allan Collins could have done a far better job on the George Reeves murder in a Heller novel? Well, Al Collins dropped me a line, and among other things, said the following (quoted with his permission):

The last Heller proposal I put together was about a Reeves novel. It was
declined by Penguin, who didn’t pick up the Heller option; and then I
shelved Heller myself to pursue the prose PERDITION sequels. Along the way,
however, I pitched a Reeves murder graphic novel to DC, specifically Dan
DiDio (about two years ago). Dan seemed intrigued, but they ultimately
turned it down, not wanting to be connected to anything having to do with
this particular historical incident.

I liked HOLLYWOODLAND, and thought Affleck was surprisingly good (that’s the
general take on his performance). But I think I could have done it better.
I had substantial research gathered, but I doubt I can do that novel now —
maybe I could do a novella version somewhere….

With all respect to the esteemed Mr. Collins, I disagree. I think he not only can do the novel now, but should, because I think there’s a market for it. And don’t go telling me he should publish it on the web: Screw that. I’d like to see a publisher step up and take it on. Regular novel, graphic novel, I don’t care. I want to see Nate Heller tackle the Reeves case.

So hey, publishers: Award winning novelist and writer of “Road to Perdition” with a marketable idea ready to go, sure to pique the interest of comics fans. Who wants to get it done?

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…and fixing all the comments and display problems. Should be all better now. And just so you know, going on vacation without my laptop wasn’t my idea.

John M. Ford (“Mike” to friends) passed away abruptly last night. An accomplished writer of fantasy, SF and RPGs, many fans will remember him for two of the best Trek novels ever, “How Much For Just the Planet” and “The Final Reflection.”

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Part 2 of the three parter involving the showdown with Singularity Investigations. Whad’ja think?

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