NBC?! Ok, sure.

http://m.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/pre-caffeine-tech-sneezing-monkeys-super-manatees-759337

I had no idea the manatee thing was going to become this popular. Surely this is the beginning of the end. Whatever happens, it's been an amazing ride.

Brand-Aid

For some reason, I have a fascination with words- their use, their origins, their meanings. Anyone who really knows me will not be surprised by this revelation. My wonderful wife has put up with my quasi-philosophical observations for quite some time. She may have even found them endearing in the early years of our romance. Nearly ten years on, and she merely endures this particular quirk of mine.

The reason I'm bringing this up? It occurred to me (for some unbeknownst reason) earlier this evening that the brand most synonymous with a product (including other brands' versions) is Band-Aid. Kleenex is a close second, but I still hear people asking for a tissue. I do not, however, ever hear people asking for a small adhesive bandage. Other brand names that are nearly synonymous with a certain style of product include Xerox, Velcro, Teflon, Frisbee, Slinky...the list goes on.

An Inspiring Day

What a day it was today. To be able to watch the inauguration with my wife Nickie and my infant daughter Natalie was an amazing experience. I really felt the poignancy of the ceremony and of President Obama's words. He truly does instill hope at a time where hope is sorely needed. I told Nickie that Obama is seemingly the kind of leader men would gladly follow into battle. 

I really have hope for the future of our county and for it's peoples. I feel proud to be an American for the first time in a very long time.  Thank you, President Obama. 

RIP, Ringo

I'm not usually more than mildly affected when I hear of the death of a celebrity, artist etc (someone I only know from various media, as opposed to an actual physical or interactive relationship).

This is the rare exception. I have been saddened the past two days after reading of the death of comic book artist, Mike Wieringo. I must say, I wasn't a particularly big fan of Mike's art, though I enjoyed it. I didn't even know that much about his personal life, other than he was regarded as an amiable guy. But when I read the headline that he had died at the age of 44 on Sunday, I was immediately taken aback with a feeling of sadness.

Mike was, by all accounts, a very healthy man. He was a vegetarian, exercised regularly, owned pets, didn't smoke. Did all the right things. Yet he died from a massive heart attack.

Besides the fact that Mike was one of the most humble, forthcoming and talented artists in the comic book business, it was deeply unsettling for me to think that this healthy 44 year old man was robbed of his life so quickly and without warning.

Just now, when my wife and I have bought a new house, want to start a family, and are just generally the most contented we've ever been, the thought has been put into my head- "What if these are the last days of my life and I don't know it?" If Mike had known his fate, how would he have spent the last week or so? Or would he prefer not to have known?

I realize I'm thinking somewhat fatalistically, but I admit, I think of it often. I don't dwell on it, but when something like this happens to someone like Mike, it makes me think harder on it.

Mike, you will be missed.

Edit: I had colored this Ringo-pencilled Spider-Man piece in remembrance of him a few days after his passing (click for larger view):


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Now playing: Ralph Stanley & Alison Krause - Heaven's Bright Shore
via FoxyTunes

Still kickin'

I'm sure at least some of you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth, but alas, it's not so. I've just been in kind of a bubble lately. Pretty bubble...bubble...heh. That's a funny word.

But seriously, my creative juices have been flowing more recently, so you should be seeing a major update on my site soon- I've done a good deal of art in the past couple of months, which I need to get into Dreamweaver so I can share with you good folks.

For now, I'll re-present one of my favorite pieces of mine from recent years. This is a portrait I did in '06 of the musician, Sam Beam, a.k.a. "Iron and Wine". If you're unfamiliar with his work, you should do yourself a favor and check him out. While you're at it, check out the multi-talented Andrew Bird (who I had the pleasure of seeing live in St. Louis in April!).

I'll try to blog more in the coming weeks and months- so stay tuned here for new art, maybe some reviews, general thoughts, etc.

Snowed in!

Man, the snow is coming down here in Springfield, IL. Don't believe me? Here is a photo my wife took from our front door earlier today. (clicky click)

We've got well over a foot now, and it doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon.

BRRR....... Luckily Pumba (our pug pictured here) can keep warm in his styling winter coat.

For Jason

My friend Jason was giving me a hard time about not having updated my blog in some time...so...this one's for you, Jason.

I want an iPhone. What is an iPhone, you ask? Why, it's a handy dandy, all-in-one iPod, phone, browsing, carwashing, backscratching, meat tenderizing, dog walking, can opening, fire starting, bone picking gadget the likes of which you've never seen, folks! Step right up, don't be shy! First ten customers get a free bottle of fish vinegar! Cures what ails ya, I say! Why, cured me of my scurvy like the miracle liquid it is!

I'm under-selling this product. Seriously. I want one of these.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/

Holocaust files

"Holocaust archive tells many new stories "

16 miles...16 miles-- of files are going to be made available to victim's families and scholars. This is fascinating to me, as the Holocaust has always been, because it's not only a massive tragedy, but a cautionary tale which we (the human race) seem not to have heeded completely.

I remember my mother taking me to Holocaust memorial services as a child. We had no Jewish blood in my ancestry at all (that I'm aware of), but my mom really has a heartfelt sympathy for any and all who suffer(ed) wrongly. Thankfully, that is one of her traits that I've inherited.

I remember seeing the photos, seeing the translated testimonies of survivors, seeing victims' eyeglasses, shoes, books...each of which held such an amazing energy. Energy that seemed to jump right into me. Seeing these things in front of me instilled within me an empathy that I could never have realized by simply reading the story in a textbook or seeing an aged documentary on the subject. Those each had their impact on me, but seeing survivors speak of their tribulations firsthand...that is a truly incomparable history lesson. I feel lucky that I was able to witness these testimonies. After all, even the youngest of survivors are now elderly and this oral passing of their plights will soon be impossible.

I think any human being with half an ounce of compassion must feel the way I do about genocide. The very thought of it is practically incomprehensible. I seriously cannot fathom such unbridled, unfettered, unwaivering blind hatred. Thank God for that.

It's my greatest hope that we are on the verge of a global sea change in terms of geo-politics and worldviews. I am not nearly as socially aware as I may sound, but it doesn't take a scholar to see that things must change, and soon. I hope it's not just a pipedream.

A Dog's Life

You've gotta love the dog's life. This is Pumba lounging in his favorite spot (well, when he's not on our laps, that is).

Just wait until we have kids. We'll post so many photos your head will spin.

Singing Pugs...

So...this is a cautionary tale. 

Wake up when the alarm goes off. 
Otherwise, your wife in the bathroom with the radio on, combined 
with your dog barking will seep into your morning dreams and combine 
to create (in your dream, that is) a singing dog. 

Fun stuff. 

Third time's a charm!

Bam...another blog. I'm going through them like underwear. Faster, sadly. 

I've created a new dance called the Blog Shuffle. What's that you say? I'm not the first one?? Well...shucks.

If you want to see my previous ramblings, they are all located HERE.