Year: 2006

In the past few days, this is what I’ve been up to creatively:

1) Working on an original “Fantastic Four” novel slated for publication from Pocket Books next year.

2) Just finished proofreading the manuscript for the novelization of “Spider-Man 3.”

3) Am about to start proofreading the manuscript for “The Hidden Earth,” first book in a new series from Tor slated for Spring of 2007.

4) Finished proofreading “Fallen Angel #11” which has gone out to the printer (and, by the way, J.K. Woodward has updated his website and is offering cover art from retailer incentive covers of “Fallen Angel.” Several have already sold, so check them out at http://www.jkwoodward.com

5) Finishing proofreading “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #14.” As to what’s coming up in that issue, two words: Ben Reilly. I will say no more than that (okay, Deb Whitman and the Vulture). But…Ben Reilly.

6) About to start scripting issue #2 of “Dark Tower.” Jae Lee’s artwork will knock you off your spider throne.

PAD

The comedy stylings of John Kerry have provided something else to play into GOP hands besides congressional pages. They’re teeing off on his statement that lack of education “lands you in Iraq,” claiming that he was trash-talking the troops. Everyone knows that lack of supporting the troops has replaced social security as the third rail of politics. Kerry’s response is that he was making a misfired joke about the administration.

Who to believe? Well, putting aside my personal dislike for Bush and the fact that I voted for Kerry, let’s see what makes more sense: The notion that Kerry, who served in the armed forces, would be dissing the troops, or that Kerry, who despises Bush and Co., would be dissing the administration.

To quote that great pundit, Daffy Duck: Pronoun trouble. Displaying the comedic instincts of a California Redwood, Kerry SHOULD have said “we.” “We wind up in Iraq,” which would have made it at least somewhat clearer. Or if he insisted on “you,” then it becomes, “you wind up landing us in Iraq.” Something like that.

Considering word around the campfire is that “Studio 60” may be shutting down soon, perhaps Kerry can draft Aaron Sorkin to write some jokes for him.

PAD

Just got this e-mail from Dave Seidman. Being out in the sticks, I doubt I’ll have the opportunity to see this film in theaters, but…

“Back in 2003, when one of the Dixie Chicks criticized President Bush,
conservatives denounced the Chicks, and radio networks and radio
networks refused to play their records, I think you announced on your
website that you bought a Dixie Chicks CD, just to support their right
to free speech and defy the denouncers.

I just got back from a screening of SHUT UP AND SING, a documentary
about the controversy. The directors (who were at the screening) said
that — in a replay of 2003’s radio blackout — the film is facing some
of the same resistance that the Dixie Chicks did. For instance, NBC is
refusing to accept or air paid ads for the film.

So I’m passing on a recommendation to you and others to see the film.
I don’t think it’ll disappoint you. It’s an interesting story well
told. Besides, the music’s terrific (and I’m not a Dixie Chicks fan).”

A week from today, we’ll have a chance to see just how much the rest of the population has caught up with the sentiments the Chicks expressed.

PAD

This is from the imdb.com news feed:

“Desperate Housewives actress Marcia Cross is battling to keep naked pictures of her from being published. Two hundred sexy snaps were reportedly discovered by a catering company hired to removed rubbish from redhead Cross’ home in Los Angeles. The firm’s owner is being represented by agent David Hans Schmidt, who plans to sell the pictures. Schmidt tells the New York Daily News, “There are some pictures of her showering outside. She looks absolutely gorgeous. And yes, the carpet does match the curtains.” But 44-year-old Cross’ legal team claim the photos were thrown away by mistake and insist they still belong to her and husband Tom Mahoney. She is demanding their return. But Schmidt is confident he has the law behind him and hints he plans to sell them abroad: “The pictures were not stolen. When you throw something away, you forfeit that property. We recognize the copyright issue, but US copyright law stops at the border.” But he has given Cross the opportunity to buy the photos back, claiming he knows how wealthy she is after discovering her tax return in the trash as well. Schmidt adds, “I’m not looking to mortify Ms. Cross. I just want the most money for my client. I know how much she made, but out of respect for Ms. Cross, I won’t discuss it.””

Putting aside that I think they mean “carting company” since I don’t see caterers hauling trash all that often…and putting aside that the lawyer comes across as a complete pig with the carpet/curtains line…isn’t this astoundingly close to legalized extortion? I mean, it’s one thing if, say, you accidentally throw out a pair of Gucci loafers and a homeless guy who’s picked them up wants a hundred bucks for what is now his property. But this seems a whole ‘nother level.

PAD

No, this is NOT a joke:

Long Beach High School has an annual “Superhero Day” for its seniors. According to Newsday, while other students came dressed as Superman and Wonder Woman, three girls–Ashley Imhof, Eliana Levin, and Chelsea Horowitz–came attired as kid’s book superhero Captain Underpants. There was nothing remotely indecent about the ensembles: They were covered head to toe in flesh-colored tights (not see-through), sporting white jockey shorts on the outside. But the head of the school, who will henceforth be referred to as Principal Poopypants, insisted they change because they had “the appearance” of being naked.

What the hëll was he TALKING about? They were wearing capes, so seen from the back, they wouldn’t appear topless. Seen from the front, they would only appear naked if the biology teachers at Long Beach failed to teach the kids that girls have breasts. Nevertheless, the mere suggestion was enough to make Principal Poopypants issue an ultimatum that the clever teens cover up. Having no clothes to change into, the girls had to go home.

The Principal (real name Nicholas Restivo) stated he didn’t know the character, “not that it mattered.” Talk about having your underpants in a bunch. Someone should send Principal Poopypants a collection of the series.

PAD

Here is the photo that was taken by Ðìçk Yarwood for Newsday for the article.