The Return...

In the year of our Lord, 2-double aught-9, a mid-20's man makes his return to the interwebs. What he finds is a disgrace. A single post in December, January shamefully skipped, and over a week into February with nothing to show for it. This simply won't do. The only way to catch up to the NOW: Montage Post...

Starting it off, December: Had a most excellent vacation. Got to see most of my friends, ESPECIALLY those I keep in the best contact with. You others are next (I'm looking at you, Jen and Georgia). Christmas with the fam, including G-Maw Witte, was a nice taste of childhood again, but it's finally sinking in that I just can't go back to that life anymore. If you say 'Duh!', I've got a punch in the face and a kick in the teeth waiting for you. New Years was low key but fun. Spent it with Brian and Chris and Tara, had some most excellent wine, played games, and all in all, a good time to be had by all. Losing money aside, of course. AND if you ever wanted to know what The Witte looks like, this is me at New Years:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKJnguZtEv8

The biggest event for January was, obviously, the inauguration of Barack Obama, our 44th President and the first black one to boot. No one took a shot at him, his rhetoric was on point, and now I just don't want to have to see him and his family on every damn magazine cover (won't happen). Seriously, he's in, he's going to do good things, but give us something else besides the Obama's, the Pitt's, and every other boring, blah blah story you come up with. All that aside, I congratulate the man on being the official ruler of the free world and the best of luck to his term(s)...

The transition between that moment and now has been marked by a few events is varying degrees of importance. Some of these happen to be:

-My dear friends Lexie and Grant had their first child (Rose), around the end of January and the beginning of February. This is significant since they are my first close friends I keep in contact with to spawn (so that cuts Ben out). I haven't seen the pictures yet, but due to the attractiveness of both of my friends, I can only assume it is a pretty baby...

-While in the grand scheme this sounds piddling, I figure it was worth a mention. Gran Torino is an excellent movie and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a more slice of life, character driven movie. Clint is true to form and recalls the days of 'The Man With No Name', except in this one, he has one (Walt Kowalski). He plays a Korean vet, racial as hell but (you guessed it) with a heart of gold. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say it is amusing to see such a character in this the modern age and still believe that such a character might really exist...

-In a new segment for The Witte Says..., I will be on Celebrity Watch. Now, this may seem like pablum or other media offensive word, BUT so far it's been awesome. Comic book crowd aside (like at IthaCon, see below), I happened to meet this guy:

This guy is known by the stage name Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy and he is most excellent. I saw him first at McDaniel College in 01 or 02, and then again in summer of 06 at the Maryland Renfest. Each time, he has been a treat. His shtick never gets old and appears to truly love his craft. I met/saw Hilby at the Salvation Army (my second job if you've forgotten) up here in Ithaca. When I saw him with his companions(?), I thought 'There is no way there are two guys who look and sound like that so I just have to ask.' So I did, kinda. It was lame, I said, 'Sir, do I know you?' And he replied, with that delicious German accent, 'Why, yes, I am a stage performer. I juggle, tell jokes, that sort of thing.' So we talked for a minute and he said, 'Say hi at the next show you see.' Alright, Hilby, if you read this(and, much like Rick Springfield, you probably won't), expect an odd hello from this fan...

-And, finally: ITHACON. dun Dun DUN!!! Taking up my first Saturday (as well as Jon and Jesse's), this college town of Ithaca has it's own comic book convention, hosted by their resident comic book club (big friggin' surprise there). For those of you who don't know, I, along with the two aforementioned friends, have our own comic book label (Crash N Klein Comics). Our two titles, Denim Avenger and CosMick, are in the works, the DA will be done probably before the weather breaks and CM will debut online late summer. Since the Witte has it in with said comic book club, he arranged for CnK to have a table at IthaCon. We had a ball. We rubbed shoulders with legit comic guys, like Ken Wheaton, Storn Cook, and Roger Stern. We hawked our wares, raffled off a picture, gave out fliers, and nearly got Jon a date. Too bad he lives in lower PA, yes? All in all, it was very productive and fun day, proving once again that we just love it behind the table...

Turning from his post, The Witte gives a small smile. It's not much of an inroad, but it IS a start. It's a new year, and by God, we're going to give it a better chance than it had in the last. Salut...

Character commentary...

Two jobs prevent a guy from doing the things he loves. In my case, writing is one particular hobby that has fallen by the way side. I try to write on my breaks, but it just isn't the same. So the weekends are starting to turn into writing days, especially with Tara being away. Ah well...

If you couldn't tell by my interests, or you just don't/haven't read this blog much, I enjoy the series 'Heroes' very, very much. I haven't been this excited about a periodical in quite some time (potentially since I had an X-Men subscription back in the mid-90's). I have to say the acting has definitely been kicked up a notch and the story is quite captivating. Remember, this is coming from a guy who's been reading several generations of comics for at least 3/4 of his life, too. I find myself eager each week for a new installment. I do, however, have one complaint about this currant season, and that is the treatment of the character, Sylar...

For those of you who have not been following the show, Sylar (or Gabriel Grey, if you like), is the longest running villain on the show, who has stayed the most villainesque than any other character. Others have strayed into the gray areas of hero and villain, like Noah (I WILL NOT REFER TO HIM AS HRG) or the staff of Primatech, whereas others, such as Nathan Petrelli, just haven't been around as long. Anyways, his primary concern in life is to appease his vampiric hunger for more power by any means necessary. To do so (for the most part), Sylar opens another powered individuals head and and absorbs whatever in there makes them special. Possibly something involving the adrenal gland, they haven't been 100% clear yet (which is good)...

On to my complaint. In this particular season, Sylar has been tossed around by the two rival companies, Primatech and Pinehearst, and by consequence, between Arthur and Angela Petrelli. So far, he's been doped into a coma at least twice, convinced that he is a Petrelli, teamed with and then betrayed by and against Noah Bennett, reuninted and teamed with Elle then later killed her, and basically went from crazy bad guy to crazy sort of good guy to crazy chaotic guy and then back to crazy bad guy. Here it is: All that has gone on is way too much. Nothing involving him this season is being fleshed out enough (other than his back story [a little]), and thus, makes everything involving Sylar seem very half-assed and thrown together. I think his acting deals well with this kind of story, but it is not what I would have wanted to see...

Here comes the critic in me: Were I to have been a writer for this series (I wish), I would have made his transition into a Primatech agent been his main focus for this season, with the possibility of him going to Pinehearst near the end of it. This would allow him to develop more as a character and make his defection much more meaningful and traitorous. Further, he should not be a Petrelli and I am glad they have made it possible that this is likely (due to last weeks episode, based on what Noah noes...er, knows). His involvement with Elle was good, but much too quick from empathy to psychosis and back and forth. Just too quick. This kind of thing doesn't happen in comic books this quickly. These kinds of transitions take time to sink in, build meaning, and be worth breaking down and changing...

So there's my two cents. Make no mistake, I enjoy 'Heroes' very much, as well as Sylar as a character. I think his type is good for the struggle against the good and the evil. I blame most complaints on the writer's strike and having to shift all kinds of gears in its wake. But, I am still looking forward to the rest of this season as well as (hopefully) many as they throw our way. Viva la 'Heroes'!...

You've got to be kidding me...

Holy. Shit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxIvLcfNHPE

Our buddy Rick has, simultaneously, sold out the Rick Roll AND made it so freaking awesome. So, in his own way, he's pop music's Busta Rhymes. In any event, the amount of emotions flowing through me when I heard about, then saw, this awesome moment of the USA being Rick Rolled (which had to be like several million people), I can not describe it fully. Damn...

So cool a list...

Here's a tid bit of me for a quickie post:

Ten People I'd Like To Meet Before They/I Die (in no particular order)
1. Stan Lee...
2. Bruce Campbell...
3. Richard Garfield OR Mark Rosewater...
4. Frank Miller...
5. Phil Collins...
6. Dave Grohl...
7. Hugh Jackman...
8. Phil and Kaja Foglio...
9. Frank Welker...
10. Jim Cummings...

And, in a similar vein:

Ten Musical Acts I'd Like To See Before They Stop Playing
1. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band...
2. Foo Fighters...
3. The Eagles...
4. Phil Collins and/or Genesis...
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers...
6. Gipsy Kings...
7. Aerosmith...
8. America...
9. Dave Matthews Band...
10. Daft Punk...

'Nuff said...

Finally...

November, November, November. I just love the sound of it. Right between spooky October and festive December. MY month. MY November...

So it's been a while, which means I'll recap the major points since I'm on a schedule. We had Halloween that led into my birthday on the 2nd. Tara and me had already celebrated my birthday the weekend before and we did have a good time (despite what Tara wants to believe or remember). Took the day off of work and kept busy. Played some D&D with Tyson and Tara that day, so it was a low key birthday. Unlike last year, which (for me) was a super birthday. All (most) my friends came over and we hung out. I get razzed by some of my friends, cause they think that that's not a 'real party'. But I say I love it. I don't need booze and loud music to have good times. And hopefully anyone who came over then can agree...

We got ourselves a new President! Surprise, surprise. I didn't doubt that Barack would win it once he made it pass his primaries. His whole...everything was just too historic and epic to fail. But, to be totally honest, McCain did the best anyone could have done against such an opponent, and for that I give him respect. I hope he stays active politically because we need such a personality in his age group active...

Got a second job now. Will someone please tell me why and when I thought that working for the Salvation Army, which is a 40 minute walk from home and pays less than working at Tops, was a good idea. I have a feeling this won't last much past the turn of the next year. On the plus side, though, I get to see everything that comes in and then pick up some real gems for myself. I've got a copy of The Dark Tower game (a 'generic' fantasy board game {PRIMO}, not related to the Stephen King books) coming to me after work today and I cannot wait to bust it out will some of my geek friends...

Been keeping up on Heroes, too. A previous post corroborates such an addiction, but somethings do need to be said. I just caught last night’s episode today, and here are my thoughts:

-THEY KILLED USUTU?!?!?...
-I predicted this with Peter, but even though we have our 'favorite' characters losing their powers, whatever serum they are working on will give both Hiro and Peter their abilities back (Hint: this is how Peter will get his telltale scar)...
-I like how they've developed the older characters back stories. Definitely fleshes them out and makes them more three dimensional...
-Didn't see Meredith and Flynt being siblings, but I see what they are doing. Not sure I like how much interconnectivity they are giving the characters. Too much like a soap opera...
-Using Elle instead of replacing her with Daphne has been a joy. As probably stated before, I didn't like that it seemed Elle was written out of the show at the beginning of season three, but it looks like I was wrong about that. Elle vs Daphne, perhaps?...
-Eric Roberts' character wouldn't have let Meredith go. Everything that they set up him to be made that scene feel awkward. Same with Noah spying on and allowing Sylar to kill felt very off to me, partially because how quickly he turned against the company...

I think that will do for this catch up post. I'll stay on top of it more now, but working (potentially) 10 to 14 hour days, it doesn't leave much time to dilly dally...

Seriously guys...I'm getting to it...Not beating around the bush this month...

Keep your pants on...

Wow. November has been nuts. Stay tuned for more goodies...

Help me out...

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel. I know there is an emotion I should be feeling, but I can't pinpoint it. Maybe you've run across this situation in your life. Maybe not...

I've recently become devoted to, not one but, two different television series, both of which could be considered 'guilty pleasures'. The first is an obvious one for a guy like me; that show being Heroes. The other is obvious to a specific group of nerds like me; that show happens to Burn Notice...



Heroes is a widely popular show that is viewed and enjoyed by millions across the globe. Since its debut after the Superhero Movie Boom over the last 5 - 10 years, it has tapped into the latent interest of the superhero as well as the etheral concept which allowed the X-men (comic) to become as popular as it has been for nearly 50 years. This concept of the outsiders being special and having a community of their own resonates strongly with the 'downtrodden' and those feeling 'different', for whatever reason. Heroes has taken concepts, already very familiar to comic books, and added their own touch to the fantasy. To butcher an oft quoted statement, 'With great writing, comes great success.' The writing of the series, for the most part, has been believable and acceptable, at least in the realm they want to abide in. The first season was incredibly strong, as most could attest, and the second will always get dumped on due to it's quick ending and lack luster attempts at plot. This, however, could be attributed to the Writer's Strike that ended this year, bring to a close many television series prematurely. The third season of Heroes is upon us, and frankly, I'm excited thus far. While I have not approved of some of the decisions they've made thus far (Sylar is in the Petrelli family, killing off the black hole guy, killing off Adam Monroe, basically replacing Elle with Daphne, a few others), they have made an exciting season up until now, and they've kept me eager for more episodes. I call that the true sign of a good television series...



The other show, as stated above, is Burn Notice. It's sort of a spy type drama, if it needs classifying. The lead plays a burned (read: recently blacklisted) spy type who's trying to figure out why he was burned and, in the process, finds out he has a heart of gold by helping out the 'little people' in Miami. His 'sidekicks' are a slightly crazy and kinky ex-girlfriend who still has feelings for him (and vice versa) and a grizzled, slightly hokey semil-retired spy played by the main man, Bruce Campbell. Yep, I just revealed why I started watching the show. I love Bruce Campbell. Sue me. Thankfully though, the writing in Burn Notice is worth watching. It's clever, fast paced and the acting is a joy to watch, if a bit predictable. But I am finding predictable is ok, whereas I haven't always felt that way. Plus, whomever is on the writing team, they know what and how to write for Mr. Campbell. While not the main character, he is probably the best character, or at least gets the best lines. You might be thinking I'd want 'Ash' to be the lead in the show. No. He does better in small, pivotal/fun rolls in these situations, especially in the format of television. It's just who he is. The role seems tailor made for our man Bruce, and God love him, he gives us a treat each episode. Guarenteed...

There is help...

This is a short public service announcement for all of you afflicted with what has affected so many people across the world. Many don't understand it, most laugh it off and forget about it. But, my friends, there is help and I am going to give it to you freely. I will no longer sit idly by while you suffer, even if you are suffering in silence. I care, and it's because I care that I give you...

The Cure For the Rick Roll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD4bn5pp32w

Ok. Yes, it's silly but I occasionally enjoy hearing a song in reverse. So, the first time I happened across this, it struck me that I had just been UN Rick Rolled. That means I'm passing on the blessing to you all. It is upon you now to spread the word and save our fellow YouTubers (that's like a potato, right?) from their accidental fates. You can thank me later...

We've all done it...

I love movies. I'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't like seeing a movie. Going to the movies or even taking in one in the comfort of one's home; that's the makings of a good night. And, since I went out and saw 'Appaloosa' yesterday with Tara, I am making a movie styled posting...

For anyone who wants to know (who didn't already know), I'm a gamer. I do love my games, be they board or digital, tabletop or word-based. I'm am such a game lover that some of those I know can get a bit agitated on how much I want to play ANYTHING, they have to squash that side of me (and you know who you are, darlings)...

You might ask, 'How in the world is this tied together? Appaloosa's a Western, so how did gaming get involved in this post?' Simple, fair readers few. The gaming is tied into what this update is really all about. Being a gamer, I have heard others, like me, quote often their favorite genre of movie at (im)proper times during gameplay. It happens. I've done it, you've done it, and at least half the people you will meet in your life will too...

The post is about one thing; one list, really. I am exposing my 'Top Movie Lines Used In Everyday Speech' list. However, I am excluding lines quoted in a gaming setting (i.e. Holy Grail, Animal House, Spinal Tap, Princess Bride, etc.). That would make the list too easy to make and too easily predicted by the many I know and the few who read. No, this list will be comprised with those lines I have found to be useful in a normal (gaming isn't normal?) conversation, interjected to prove a point/make hillarity/sound ingenious. If done subtly right, those around you will not realize what you've done, who you've quoted, or where the line(s) came from. It's about being pointlessly deviant, you rouges, so pay attention...

My Top Movie Lines Used In Everyday Speech

1. "I don't know about you, but I'm having a ball..." - Marv, Sin City
2. "Have you ever seen anything so pretty in your whole life?" - Irish Terrorist, Sin City

Sin City has slowly been creeping up on my list of All-Time Favorite Movies (for a variety of reasons, for another post), so it is easy to understand why I've taken, not one, but two quotes from said movie. Marv's line can be injected anytime there is fun to be had, but it must be said with a gruff voice to get out the sadistic style pleasure that the line represents. The latter line has to be said with an Irish accent, else what's the point? No meaning otherwise...

3. "Groovy." - Ash, Bruce Campbell vs Army of Darkness

Yes, I love this movie to no end. Yes, I am a huge Bruce Campbell fan. Yes, I do think he makes most movies he's in better BECAUSE he was cast in it. Yes, I am a walking, talking stereotype. Move along...

4. "I mean, I'm drowning here! And you're describing the water!" - Melvin Udall, As Good As It Gets

This one may not count, but I do remember when I used this one distinctly. I was having a rough time years back and was hashing things out with Brian. He made a comment I didn't find overly helpful, so I fired back with the line in question. Brian was so pleasently surprised about my ability to come up with such an apt line, but I didn't have the heart to lie to him, so I explained where it came from. He still applauded my ability to pull it out properly, if not the originallity of said line. It is my only regret that more of Melvin's lines are not usable in everyday life, as they are mostly bigotted in some way or another, classic and hillarious though they might be...

5. "It's Green." - Scotty, By Any Other Name
6. "We did it, you and me..." - Scotty, By Any Other Name

Okay, so it doesn't quite fit. I know, I know; it's a TV show, not a movie. BUT, I am adding it to the list because I love the lines and I've been using them for god knows how long. It's almost instinctual at this point to use a (bad) Scottish accent with this, but what're you gonna do? I've been saying it a certain way, and by gum, I'm not going to stop now. The whole bits up on YouTube at this point; just look for Scotty's drinking buddy. The hillarity might be lost on those who haven't already seen the full episode yet, though. You've been warned...

7. "mmmMMMmmm" - Lord Chamberlain, The Dark Crystal

If you will grant this as a 'proper' quote, then I have been know to use it from time to time. If you don't know it, the Chamberlain uses it idley throughout the entirety of the film, making it his trademark I suppose. Used for intrigue, mostly, it can turn highly annoying with too much repetition...

All I want to do is 7 tonight, because I grew weary after that and I have other writings I must do, or at least begin, before I retire for the night. There are more, but I feel brain-taxed oddly. Stay tuned at some future date for a secondary list of Everyday Use for Movie Lines...