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Blowing Dudikoff

6

Posted by Christian A. Dumais on March 13, 2012 at 12:48 am

In honor of Dudikoff’s 5th birthday today, I decided to repost this humiliating story. I hope you enjoy it.

Before moving to Poland, miscommunication was something that happened to people like Jack Tripper or Frasier that was normally resolved in 22 minutes or less. Now it’s a part of my daily routine, and if I’m lucky, it’s resolved in less than 22 hours.

Like the time when I was in the hospital and my doctor said, “You have test. Your stomach healthy.” And just as I was feeling pretty good about passing a test I didn’t even know I had taken, I was brought into a room full of female medical students to get a high colonic. Only as the tube was inserted into my rectum before a live studio audience did I realize that I was going to take the test and later my stomach would be healthy. To their credit, when the procedure was over, their English was very clear: “You feel like you must go to bathroom more than anything in world. YOU. MUST. NOT.”

Man, I wish that last paragraph was a joke. (more…)

Some Thoughts on TEDx Wroclaw

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on March 6, 2012 at 1:33 pm

I’ve been a fan of TED for years now, so I was extremely honored when I was invited to speak at TEDx Wrocław last Friday. Not only were the presentations charming and engaging, but the sense of community among those present throughout the day and into the late night made this one of my most favorite days in recent memory.

I was the first speaker for the day. My presentation was called The Problem with Cats in Boxes. In less than 18 minutes, I wanted to communicate that some of the ideas present in metafiction isn’t something meant only for writers and readers, but something that can be applied into our everyday lives. I also wanted to inspire people to start sharing their stories more, rather than talking at one another on Facebook and Twitter. My goal was to make the presentation surprising and inspirational, much like all of the TED talks I’ve connected with over the years. While I’m uncertain I accomplished this, the response to my talk has been enormously gratifying.

I want to take the opportunity to thank all of the amazing people who organized TEDx Wrocław, including the main organizer Michał Kasprzyk (whose dream was to organize this event, and I’m confident he can sleep well knowing he not only did it, but did it wonderfully) and Michał Krasoń (who was an enormous help throughout the experience). I would especially like to thank the people who attended – from all over the country – who were kind enough to share their stories with me during and after the event. Their enthusiasm was one of the highlights of the day. And I would like to thank the other speakers, including Jim Williams and Professor Arkadiusz Wójs, who not only were engaging onstage, but supportive offstage.

My only complaint is that many of the speakers arrived right before they went on and left immediately after. This didn’t allow any room for any discussion, which is one of the most important aspects of this kind of event. I hope that this won’t be the case in future TEDx events – here in Wrocław and throughout Poland.

I’m told that the videos for the presentations – including mine – will be made available online in a few weeks. Once they’re online, as well as the photos, I’ll link or post them. In the meantime, here is the website for TEDx Wrocław and their Facebook page. And here is a nice review of the event, including a look at my presentation from a different point of view.

The Official Puff Chrissy Business Card!

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on February 28, 2012 at 10:31 pm

In an attempt to become a Big Boy, I’ve had business cards made. Now I’m super prepared for Friday!

West Coast Wednesdays: West Coast Avengers Annual #5

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on February 8, 2012 at 3:22 pm

West Coast Avengers Annual 5 (1990)

WEST COAST CREDITS!

Writer: Roy & Dann Thomas/Rob Tokar/Gary Barnum/Dwayne McDuffie/Carrie Barr

Penciler: Jim Fry/Jim Reddington/Brad Vancata/Grant Miehm/James Fry

Inker: Keith Williams/Jim Sanders/Chris Ivy

WEST COAST SUMMARY!

The Terminus Factor – Marvel’s big summer event - continues in this annual. Plus, lots of back-up stories! One could argue, too many back-up stories.

WEST COAST THOUGHTS!

When Titans Trash

The first story picks up right after the events from the last issue (#62) with Pym reactivating the original Human Torch after his battle with the Scarlet Witch and Magneto. After getting him (and the readers!) up to speed, Quicksilver runs in the room to inform everyone (including Machine Man who is inexplicably present) that there’s an emergency. Hercules is in San Francisco “battling hordes of metallic beasts he calls Termini.” And they’re off!

When we see the threat of the Termini for the first time, Hercules is at the scene unloading a ton of exposition on the reader. Since this is the fourth part of a five parter running through the annuals, I admit it’s appreciated for someone who won’t be reading the other books. However, when he starts describing things that are happening in the panel, it unfortunately reveals that penciler Jim Fry isn’t exactly doing his job at 100%. Anyway, it seems there are two Termini fighting one another, one claiming to be the other’s “son”. That’s as deep as this is going to get. (more…)

West Coast Wednesdays: West Coast Avengers Vol. 2, #62

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on February 1, 2012 at 3:01 pm

West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2, Issue 62 (September 1990)

WEST COAST CREDITS!

Writer: Roy and Dann Thomas

Penciler: Paul Ryan

Inker: Danny Bulanadi

WEST COAST SUMMARY!

This is it! The conclusion to the storyline that started way back in issue #42. The team finally confronts Immortus to save the Scarlet Witch from intermittent trances.

WEST COAST THOUGHTS!

After wasting an issue fighting the Legion of the Unliving, the West Coast Avengers are face-to-face with Immortus at last. Before punches are thrown, Immortus answers some questions with the Power of Exposition. It was Immortus who reverted Vision to an android incapable of loving Wanda. It was Immortus who made Wanda’s twins disappear. All of this was done because Scarlet Witch is a nexus, a rare being who belong equally in all possible timelines. And Immortus needs her so he can protect and control the centuries under his dominion.

Finally, the team has had enough of all the big words Immortus keeps using. So do what they do best and start punching! (more…)

West Coast Wednesdays: West Coast Avengers Vol. 2, #61

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on January 25, 2012 at 2:57 pm

West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2, Issue 61 (August 1990)

WEST COAST CREDITS!

Writer: Roy and Dann Thomas

Penciler: Paul Ryan

Inker: Danny Bulanadi

WEST COAST SUMMARY!

Immortus transports the West Coast Avengers to Limbo where they face off with the Legion of the Unliving. Meanwhile, Agatha Harkness finds out what Immortus’ plan is all about.

WEST COAST THOUGHTS!

While Roy and Dann Thomas get the writing credit, it should be pointed out that there’s a “special thanks” to R.J.M. Lofficier, who was the wife of French science fiction writer, Jean-Marc Lofficier. I don’t know what her contribution to the story was, but I figured since someone at Marvel felt it pertinent to give her thanks on the opening splash page, I should at least mention her here.

And we’re off… (more…)

West Coast Wednesdays: West Coast Avengers Vol. 2, #58

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on January 4, 2012 at 2:25 pm

West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2, Issue 58 (May 1990)

WEST COAST CREDITS!

Writer: Fabian Nicieza

Penciler: Tom Morgan

Inker: Randy Emberlin

WEST COAST SUMMARY!

The team returns to Los Angeles after suffering the defeat of Magneto, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. And before they can figure out what to do next, the city suffers a horrifying earthquake.

WEST COAST THOUGHTS!

“The Day the Earth Moved” probably disappointed a lot of readers. Not only does it not continue the big throw down between the West Coast Avengers and Magneto, but it seems that John Byrne has departed the book. Fabian Nicieza has taken over the writing and Tom Morgan returns (issue #38) to do the art with Randy Emberlin.

(more…)

West Coast Wednesdays: West Coast Avengers Vol. 2, #57

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on December 28, 2011 at 3:32 pm

West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2, Issue 57 (April 1990)

WEST COAST CREDITS!

Writer: John Byrne

Penciler: John Byrne

Inker: Paul Ryan

WEST COAST SUMMARY!

The team suffers a serious defeat against the newly turned Scarlet Witch with her father Magneto and brother Quicksilver. When the bad guys flee to Asteroid M, the team gets the chance to regroup and attack again. But the second time isn’t always the charm…

WEST COAST THOUGHTS!

We start right where we left off last issue, with an unconscious Pym at the mercy of the villainous trio. Magneto is the one who keeps showing restraint and not causing bloodshed unless there’s absolutely no choice, which appears to disappoint Wanda. It’s the Human Torch who comes to save the day, but he’s clearly outmatched. Wanda tries to deactivate him with her powers, but Pietro stops her, claiming that he thought Wonder Man was about to break free (we know, of course, that Quicksilver is helping the Avengers and is playing along with his family for his own reasons). Magneto decides that enough is enough and he transports them out of the cottage towards his Asteroid base in space. On the way, they run into Iron Man who is easily taken down by Wanda. Of interest, Magneto tries to save Iron Man, but due to Iron Man’s use of anti-magnetic agents in his armor, he could not stop his free fall. (more…)

Snowman Cookies!

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Posted by Christian A. Dumais on December 27, 2011 at 10:52 am

While these cookies didn’t turn out as lovely as the one in the recipe/tutorial, I’m pretty proud of these. If you ever feel the need to anthropomorphize your food, this is a delicious way to go.

West Coast Wednesdays: West Coast Avengers Vol. 2, #55

1

Posted by Christian A. Dumais on December 14, 2011 at 3:32 pm

West Coast Avengers, Vol. 2, Issue 55 (February 1990)

WEST COAST CREDITS!

Writer: John Byrne

Penciler: John Byrne

Inker: Paul Ryan

WEST COAST SUMMARY!

The team learns that Loki is behind the recent alliance among their worst villains. When they confront Loki to turn the tide, the trickster refuses to go down without a fight!

WEST COAST THOUGHTS!

Now this is certainly more like it. If the beginning of this storyline had half the fun as its ending, this would be a fantastic crossover. That said, Acts of Vengeance just didn’t work. Luckily for us, Byrne steers the ship to a strong finish while setting up the West Coast Avengers’ next big threat. I even like the story’s title “Let There Be an Ending!” which feels like something a disgruntled and tired editor or writer would come up with.

Thor tells everyone that it’s his half-brother, Loki, who is responsible for the recent attacks and destruction. This comes as a surprise to everyone as they thought Doctor Doom was in charge, even though the recently captured Wizard insists he’s the one in charge. Before they can question the Wizard, he escapes from his cell using a miniature teleportation device he had hidden in a false thumbnail (like most of us do!).

The Wizard arrives back at the villains’ secret headquarters where everyone is dealing with the fact that Doctor Doom had never been a part of their alliance, that it had been one of his Doombots all along. When Lackey (Loki in disguise) learns that the Wizard had just teleported there from a cell at the Avengers’ headquarters, he freaks out and reveals his true identity to everyone. All the villains are shocked by the reveal. Kingpin sees this as an opportunity to exit stage right.

Wonder Man returns to the compound to see the Scarlet Witch’s cottage missing. Harkness tells him that the cottage was hurled skyward. U.S. Agent appears to tell them that using the automated tracking system, he’s discovered that the cottage is orbiting Earth (why would you put a tracking system inside a cottage?). Wonder Man wants to jump into action immediately, but it’s U.S. Agent who insists that they take a space-rigged quinjet and “do it by the numbers, with cool heads.” Cool heads or not, as soon as they’re in space, Wonder Man flies to the cottage when it suddenly explodes.

Just as Loki predicted, Thor and the Avengers were able to track the energy signatures from the Wizard’s teleportation device and begin an attack on their secret base. It turns out, however, that they’ve been operating out of the Isle of Silence, where Loki had previously been imprisoned, and where Loki has complete control over its environment. The heroes launch a full attack against Loki, but between the monsters, living plants and strong winds, they’re forced to fight for their lives against their surroundings. So it comes down to a battle between Thor and Loki, which is handled effectively and quickly. Thor uses his hammer to create a pit for Loki to fall in and then he closes the ground above him like a giant door, trapping Loki “under a million tons of Earth” (so the Isle of Silence is on Earth?).

Hank and Janet return to the compound. Janet decides to check in on everybody’s favorite comatose witch, but finds a bruised and battered U.S. Agent instead. He warns her to get away, but it’s too late. The issue ends by revealing the Scarlet Witch, sporting a new outfit and haircut, stating that all of her powers are finally unleashed.

WEST BOAST OR ROAST?

Boast. And we’re back on track. Crossover or not, this is the quality I’ve come to expect with Byrne on the title.

WEST COAST SCENE (OF THE WEEK)!

Falcon says it best…