December 13, 2011: Snow Monkeys, Project Research, and a Mailbag!

Hey there, buddy - nice job.

It's been non-stop partying at Snow Monkey central since my Snow Monkeys wrapped up their first ever post-season victory in R.I.P. Stargate fantasy football league action.  This sets up a big semi-final showdown against the much-reviled, #2 ranked Popular Vote Petunia next weekend and, while all the experts (and their data-based computer-generated projections – ie. Madden 2012) are predicting a Snow Monkey loss, my wild and woolly warriors are focused on an upset win.  It's actually a double-celebration over at Snow Monkey central as the team has also advanced to the playoffs in my other NFL.com fantasy league where they'll be playing the #1-ranked team in semi-final action.  Should be a busy weekend, so please don't call between 5:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon and 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. Thanks.

My eyes are bleary from research.  First off, I've been reading up on the various rules and regulations covering Japanese-Canadian co-productions.  Unfortunately, while I've read a lot, I'm having a hard time getting a handle on the procedures for securing funding and participation.  Fortunately, I've got a fresh pair of eyes in Ivon Bartok who informed me he will join me in Tokyo early next year if I'm able to set up some meetings for our potential projects.

Also on the new project/research front – have been doing a lot of reading on the Italian renaissance of late: political intrigue, soci0economic factors, military conflicts.  A lot more interesting than international co-pros.  I hope to get through the last of these tomes sometime by the middle of next year, then start writing the first draft of the script during the summer.  A trip to Italy may also be in the offing (research, natch): Florence and Milan mainly, but a little Rome and Venice as well.  And, now that I think about it, given some of the more intriguing developments of the historical narrative I'll be pursuing: Naples, Bologna, Genoa and Perugia.

Anyone out there an Italian historian specializing in the Italian city-states?  Or an expert on Canadian-Japanese television co-productions? If so, you could well be my new technical advisor/consulting producer!

Ten days to Montreal and I just saved 2/3 on my round-trip fare by canceling my initial booking and taking advantage of a special seat sale.  Normally, whenever Air Canada sends me those "Great Deals!" emails, I delete them immediately.  This morning, however, I elected to check one out and, as a result, ended up getting the same return flight at 1/3 the initial cost.  Well, either that or I was redirected to a phishing site resembling the official Air Canada where I just gave them my visa number.  Guess I'll find out next Friday when I try to board my flight!

Mailbag:

DP writes: "Could it be that learning what you needed to know to write a comic has ruined your ability to enjoy them for a time?"

Answer: That's certainly the case in film and television.  My ex used to hate going to see movies with me because I used to grumble and grouse about the lazy writing, trite conveniences, and ridiculous logic all the time.  I do less grumbling and grousing nowadays – but only because I see very few movies, limiting myself to a few television shows whose dramatic developments and "shocking twists" I regularly predict, much to Akemi's amazement.  Aint nothing amazing about it.  Honest. In the case of comic books, I possess nowhere near the experience that would allow me to pass that sort of judgement.  Of course, I still bristle at the occasional plot contrivances, but my reasons for not following a title have more to do with personal taste than any failure on the part of the writer or artist.  I've read at least three issues of about 50 titles so far and am sticking with about 20 of them.  Those numbers may fall off as well but even if I'm only following ten books (in addition to favorites The Walking Dead, Scalped, and Chew) I think that's plenty.  Do you read?  What are you enjoying?

Shiny writes: "There used to be an old fashioned bakery a block from work but it's gone. So now I will have to scope out the coffee shop and pray they have pecan pie."

Answer: I have a weakness for pecan pie, especially when it's served warm with a healthy double-scoop of vanilla ice cream.  The one Patrick brought over this past weekend was surprisingly good – and available at your local Whole Foods market.

Maren. writes: "But skipping across your blog I stumbled upon the Asterix-comics in your "recently read"-list. I am myself absolutely fanatic about them and I was surprised to see them there. After all they have never been published in english language, have they? But then as you are fluent in French, not all that suprising, I guess."

Answer: While they have been published in English, I picked up the French versions because those are the ones I originally read in high school (French immersion).  Will have to finish re-reading them all before I can pick a favorite.  Haven't seen the live-action movies and I was, frankly, reluctant to – but if you say they're good…

jonathanquirk writes: "…may I recommend "Atomic Robo" from Red5 Comics…"

Answer: Yes, you may.  I'll be sure to pick it up tomorrow when I'm at The Comicshop

Mike A. writes: "Oh well, my money league is the one that matters most in the end and in that one, my guys look to have some pretty stellar matchups next week! Big points, here we come!!"

Answer: Best of luck.  I face a tough match-up against an opponent with an awesome backfield made up of Arian Foster, CJ2K, and MJD.  I've got to hope my receivers put up some big numbers.

Paloosa writes: "This week I'm hoping my luck holds up for the vestibular problems I'm going to be tested for."

Answer: Fingers crossed for you.  Keep us updated.