We met Halee of Morphic at the ChristChurch arts center in New Zealand and bought two hoodies from her. They were made by her and her husband from NZ merino wool. With the weather getting chilly, I broke out the hoodie this weekend and discovered all over again how awesome this stuff is. The merino is warm but breathable, and not itchy at all. It's comfy and stylish and perfect for a fall evening. I think I would actually sleep in this thing!
They're on Etsy as well!
October 31, 2010
October 20, 2010
Dog Eat Dog
Well, our dog isn't a cannibal. But she loves bread. More than chicken or sausage or any other meat. The only time she has ever tried to snatch food from our hands, was for a fresh baked Philly pretzel. Forget training with treats or a clicker. She will do anything for a slice of plain white bread.
I wonder if it's a carbohydrate craving born of being fed mainly protein? She also flips out for noodles and rice. But bread is her ultimate ambrosia.
Every time she looks up with those big brown begging eyes, just imagine a thought bubble above her head with one word: Bread?!
I wonder if it's a carbohydrate craving born of being fed mainly protein? She also flips out for noodles and rice. But bread is her ultimate ambrosia.
Every time she looks up with those big brown begging eyes, just imagine a thought bubble above her head with one word: Bread?!
October 16, 2010
NYCC 2010 - Art Goodies!
Finally, some time to post a few art gems from this year's NYCC.
Adam Hughes! For a $5 donation to an English Sheep Dog rescue, you got a quickie head sketch:
Also, his wife is such a sweetheart. She manned the booth and kept the line interesting. And she loves dogs!
Awesome commission by Esad Ribic:
Ken Knudtsen. This one was really fun to watch! He went mad with these huge oil pastels, then razor bladed in a flurry. The colors are actually super vibrant, the photo doesn't do justice.
Alex Maleev watercolor. Again, the photo doesn't capture how amazing this really is!
Dirk Shearer, who did this using a technique called scratchboard, where blades are used to "scratch" the black ink, revealing white clay underneath. The results are pretty amazing - reminds me of a mix between woodblock print and inking.
We're considering getting the rest of the FF in this style by him.
Two commissions are still outstanding, and we got a bunch of other sweet original art, including pages and sketches. Having artist's alley in a separate section was definitely a plus this year. We got to meet lots of new talent and chat with the artists at length. I love how NYCC is still mostly about comics, and not overrun by TV and movie studios.
Adam Hughes! For a $5 donation to an English Sheep Dog rescue, you got a quickie head sketch:
Also, his wife is such a sweetheart. She manned the booth and kept the line interesting. And she loves dogs!
Awesome commission by Esad Ribic:
Ken Knudtsen. This one was really fun to watch! He went mad with these huge oil pastels, then razor bladed in a flurry. The colors are actually super vibrant, the photo doesn't do justice.
Alex Maleev watercolor. Again, the photo doesn't capture how amazing this really is!
Dirk Shearer, who did this using a technique called scratchboard, where blades are used to "scratch" the black ink, revealing white clay underneath. The results are pretty amazing - reminds me of a mix between woodblock print and inking.
We're considering getting the rest of the FF in this style by him.
Two commissions are still outstanding, and we got a bunch of other sweet original art, including pages and sketches. Having artist's alley in a separate section was definitely a plus this year. We got to meet lots of new talent and chat with the artists at length. I love how NYCC is still mostly about comics, and not overrun by TV and movie studios.
October 11, 2010
NYC Comic Con 2010
The crowd at the Javits Center was crazy this year! On Sat, it felt the same as SDCC - one could barely move between exhibits. There were more people in costume (though we didn't feel compelled to take many pics) and a huge PC gaming floor that wasn't around previously. I'm really glad we went on Friday and Sunday too; it gave us some extra time to wander the booths. In terms of panels and retailers, I wasn't too impressed. But on the art side, it was all we wanted and more.
That's mainly because artist's alley had its own large area, away from the main exhibit hall crush. I'll post the art haul separately. A few highlights first:
* There was an excellent epic fantasy panel, featuring some of the hottest writers on the market right now: Jim Butcher, Joe Abercrombie, Peter Brett, Naomi Novik, Brandon Sanderson. Everyone was friendly and funny and well spoken. Wordsmiths talking about their craft always makes for an interesting time. The next day, we got to meet Peter Brett and Brandon Sanderson for autographs, which was definitely awesome!
* My costume was a win! I dressed up as Liandra from Fallen Angel and got to meet the creative team. It was pretty much the best reaction I could hope for. Peter David frantically called his wife and daughter so they could take a picture. JK Woodward offered to use me as the cover model for an upcoming issue (he wasn't quite sober, so not sure if that will really happen). What a great feeling, to bring some appreciation and joy to people who have provided me hours of entertainment and good reading.
JK Woodward, Me [fist bump] Peter David:
I fights the good fight:
Blurry but badass:
* We got to meet Bruce Campbell! Twice!
Red Suit Saturday:
White Tux Sunday:
* BPAL was selling their entire general catalog of scents, along with a bunch of exclusives. In addition to buying enough oils to last a lifetime, I got tons of free sample imps. They were super nice folks and hopefully they come back to NYCC every year!
* And the best toy...Adult Swim's humping robot! With wind-up lovin' action!
We also picked up a bunch of new graphic novels and comics, which is one of the best things about attending a Con. There's immense pleasure in discovering a new creation by speaking directly with the author/artist/publisher. We definitely have some great reading material for the months ahead!
That's mainly because artist's alley had its own large area, away from the main exhibit hall crush. I'll post the art haul separately. A few highlights first:
* There was an excellent epic fantasy panel, featuring some of the hottest writers on the market right now: Jim Butcher, Joe Abercrombie, Peter Brett, Naomi Novik, Brandon Sanderson. Everyone was friendly and funny and well spoken. Wordsmiths talking about their craft always makes for an interesting time. The next day, we got to meet Peter Brett and Brandon Sanderson for autographs, which was definitely awesome!
* My costume was a win! I dressed up as Liandra from Fallen Angel and got to meet the creative team. It was pretty much the best reaction I could hope for. Peter David frantically called his wife and daughter so they could take a picture. JK Woodward offered to use me as the cover model for an upcoming issue (he wasn't quite sober, so not sure if that will really happen). What a great feeling, to bring some appreciation and joy to people who have provided me hours of entertainment and good reading.
JK Woodward, Me [fist bump] Peter David:
I fights the good fight:
Blurry but badass:
* We got to meet Bruce Campbell! Twice!
Red Suit Saturday:
White Tux Sunday:
* BPAL was selling their entire general catalog of scents, along with a bunch of exclusives. In addition to buying enough oils to last a lifetime, I got tons of free sample imps. They were super nice folks and hopefully they come back to NYCC every year!
* And the best toy...Adult Swim's humping robot! With wind-up lovin' action!
We also picked up a bunch of new graphic novels and comics, which is one of the best things about attending a Con. There's immense pleasure in discovering a new creation by speaking directly with the author/artist/publisher. We definitely have some great reading material for the months ahead!
October 7, 2010
Anticipation!
We are NYCC-bound tomorrow! This year's convention is looking really good. For the first time, we found things we're interested in on Friday. So excited!
October 5, 2010
Rotten Tea
I didn't actually hate the tea party until now.
On the Nov 2010 statewide ballot in Missouri will be Proposition B, also called the "Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act."
And next Tuesday, the Missouri Tea Party will be hosting a Vote NO on Proposition B meeting.
What the fuck?
Granted, the Missouri Tea Party isn't the only opponent of this Act. But to see them join the ranks of large scale commercial breeders and puppy mill operators just gets my blood boiling. In my eyes, those groups are the lowest scum and filth of the earth. For any political organization to ally themselves with such ilk is simply abhorrent. The tea party always struck me as a bunch of idiots who enjoy bitching, but not providing viable solutions. I understand it's a stressful time and everybody needs an outlet. But to direct that energy against helpless animals, especially dogs, who have been bred as sensitive companions keenly attuned to their environments and reliant on us for physical and social fulfillment, is sinking to a whole other level.
Yeah, I know it's just this Missouri chapter, and that doesn't necessarily reflect the entire movement. But I don't doubt they are receiving some national funding and the fact that anyone who professes to be in this party could be against something like Proposition B just leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth.
On the Nov 2010 statewide ballot in Missouri will be Proposition B, also called the "Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act."
And next Tuesday, the Missouri Tea Party will be hosting a Vote NO on Proposition B meeting.
What the fuck?
Granted, the Missouri Tea Party isn't the only opponent of this Act. But to see them join the ranks of large scale commercial breeders and puppy mill operators just gets my blood boiling. In my eyes, those groups are the lowest scum and filth of the earth. For any political organization to ally themselves with such ilk is simply abhorrent. The tea party always struck me as a bunch of idiots who enjoy bitching, but not providing viable solutions. I understand it's a stressful time and everybody needs an outlet. But to direct that energy against helpless animals, especially dogs, who have been bred as sensitive companions keenly attuned to their environments and reliant on us for physical and social fulfillment, is sinking to a whole other level.
Yeah, I know it's just this Missouri chapter, and that doesn't necessarily reflect the entire movement. But I don't doubt they are receiving some national funding and the fact that anyone who professes to be in this party could be against something like Proposition B just leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth.
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