Monthly Archives: September 2006

Dear George,

Posted on September 28, 2006 by Kelson

Or, Why I’m Not Buying the Star Wars Limited Edition DVDs

Now, keep in mind that I grew up with Star Wars. It was the key fandom of my childhood. I don’t remember discovering Star Wars because I did so before I could really form long-term memories. I started reading the novels when Heir to the Empire came out, and the Dark Empire and Tales of the Jedi comics. I was thrilled to see the special editions in theaters after nearly 15 years, even though some of the changes, like Greedo firing first and the way that you restored the Jabba scene,* didn’t make sense.

And while I’ve lost some interest over time—the novels and comics have gotten so complex that I wouldn’t have time to keep up with them if I wanted to, and the prequels were less engaging than the original series—I stayed on board for the entire prequel trilogy. Grumbling at times, but enjoying them nonetheless.

When you announced that only the special editions would be available on videotape, I was disappointed, because I liked both versions. When you announced that the films would be changed again for the DVDs, I was disappointed for the same reason. But I bought the DVDs, and (mostly) enjoyed them.

So when you announced that the original versions of the original trilogy would be available on DVD, I was thrilled! Continue reading →

Posted in Annoyances, Star Wars | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Naming Zatara

Posted on September 28, 2006 by Kelson

I flipped through Teen Titans #39, which introduces the new Zatara. He’s apparently Zatanna’s cousin, which makes him the original Zatara’s nephew (appropriate for a cartoon character).

OK, that makes sense. He’s got a connection to the original, he’s got a right to the name, he’s got a legacy of magic, DC gets to keep the trademark going, etc.

But wait a minute. Like the original, Zatara’s his last name. Zatanna, however, is her first name. (Though I have to question the wisdom in naming your daughter “Zatanna Zatara,” “Zachary Zatara” isn’t much better. I wonder if they ever get together and perform with ZZ Top?)

We have two related characters, one male, one female. The teenage boy goes by his last name, and the grown woman goes by her first name.

Figures.

Posted in Comics | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

C is for Coffee

Posted on September 28, 2006 by Kelson

NPR’s Morning Edition ran a story on finding the perfect balance of caffeine. Apparently as little as 100mg—typical for a 6-ounce cup of coffee—is enough to give most people a lift. Depending on tolerance, anxiety and jitters start showing up as early as 200mg.

And yes, a cup of plain coffee has more caffeine than a shot of espresso.

The story was followed by one looking at why children have so much more energy than their elders. One of the biologists they interviewed was Michael Rose, an evolutionary biologist at UCI. I actually took a class from him once, on an evolutionary approach to explain the aging process. His take on it is that youthful energy is all about exploring the world and filling up your brain. Once you’re an adult, you don’t need to explore as much. It also means you take fewer risks, increasing your odds of survival.

Posted in Food | Tagged , | Leave a comment

I Voted for Kodos

Posted on September 26, 2006 by Kelson

Sign: Re-Elect Sukhee Kang (Irvine City Council)

No comment on the candidate, since I don’t live in the city, just… is anyone else reminded of these guys?

Kang and Kodos from The Simpsons

Image from The Duff Brewery. Incidentally, while looking for a page on “Citizen Kang,” I discovered that “I Voted for Kodos” is also the name of a band.

Posted in Politics, Signs of the Times | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Pirates ’n’ Prada

Posted on September 25, 2006 by Kelson

Marquee: Barnyard Pirates Accepted

Wow, they’ll take anyone in that crew!

Marquee: Beerfest Wears Prada

Somehow, I’m not convinced!

The following movies were not harmed in the making of this blog post: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Beerfest, The Devil Wears Prada, and Barnyard.

Posted in Signs of the Times | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

DC Catches up on Fallen Angel

Posted on September 24, 2006 by Kelson

[Cover for DC Fallen Angel TPB 2]All right! DC has announced that they will be releasing a second collection of Peter David and David Lopez’ Fallen Angel!

The creator-owned series lasted for 20 issues at DC before low sales finally did it in. After the cancellation, IDW approached Peter David and offered the series a new home at their company. With new artist J.K. Woodward, it’s gone on to sell quite well at IDW.

Previously, DC had only reprinted issues #1-6 in TPB form as Fallen Angel vol.1. Interestingly, they re-issued it last month to coincide with the first collection from IDW, Fallen Angel: To Serve in Heaven.

Presumably one or both books sold well enough that DC has decided it’s worth reprinting the rest of the series. According to DC’s website, volume two will go on sale in January, and will collect issues #7-12. That includes the 5-part “Down to Earth,” introducing Black Mariah, and the flashback of Lee and Juris’ first meeting in New Orleans.

Posted in Comics | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Shut the Truck Up?

Posted on September 23, 2006 by Kelson

This license plate brought to you by the department of “how did they get that approved?”

License plate: HEY STFU

I mean, it’s not even in pig latin!

No, it’s not a manipulated photo. I really saw this car on the freeway a few days ago.

Posted in Signs of the Times | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Comic Thought of the Day

Posted on September 23, 2006 by Kelson

Adam Strange started out as an archaeologist. Which means he probably had a PhD. Which means, on Earth, his proper form of address would be Dr. Strange.

Posted in Comics | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Eat here—we have no taste!

Posted on September 21, 2006 by Kelson

Billboard: When it comes to hot dogs, this is our turf. (Wienerschnitzel mascot sprays mustard on a fire hydrant.)

I’m not sure what annoys me more about this ad: the fact that the joke is tasteless (which is an oddly appropriate phrase, considering it’s about food), or the fact that it’s equating something they serve (the mustard) with urine.

“Come here, our mustard tastes like piss!” Yeah, that’s encouraging.

Spotted on September 10.

Posted in Food, Signs of the Times | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Atlantis home

Posted on September 21, 2006 by Kelson

Space Shuttle Atlantis has landed safely. *whew!* I’m getting more nervous about shuttle missions lately. In part, it’s the greater focus on all the things that could go wrong. In part, it’s the realization that you know, the shuttle fleet really is aging.

But mostly, I think it’s the fear that, given reactions to the Columbia disaster, our nation may be only one disaster away from writing off space—or at least humans in space—entirely.

Speaking of Atlantis, the Bad Astronomy posted a fantastic photo by Thierry Legault of the shuttle and the International Space Station passing in front of the sun!

Posted in Space | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment