America's birthday is over

I love when the holiday falls to give us a three day- and I didn't have work at the library! Spent Friday working on the yard and the house, with a raft race in the pool in between. Yesterday, some friends came over for food, beers, sangria, bocce ball, diving in the pool, Wii Fit and carnival games-- all in all a really good day.

Today got to sleep in- shoreturtle made pancakes- and I opened cards and presents, because it's my birthday! Didn't get to bike ride in Canada, so we got our bikes out for the first time in like 2 years and took a 7 mile ride in the park-- and the rain let loose leaving us soaked only in the last mile!

On to comics-- Is anyone else reading Tiny Titans (that doesn't have small children?). I've always thought the little images were cute, but really got interested after seeing Art Baltazar and Franco on a DC panel in Wizard World Philly. They were funny and mentioned how just about any DC character could appear in Tiny Titans...

I bought issue 5, mostly because highlighted on the front is Batgirl (and Nightwing-- his name change is the source of a lot of comedy in the book). There are short stories that cover a lot of DC characters, in a colorful, cutesy superhero style I love. I bought some Super Friends for my nephew which is also adorable. DC is succeeding with the younger crowd with these two titles.

I love the play on the classic Batgirl - the tricycle instead of a Batcycle.

And how about these redheads Sungirl and Star?

There are about 100 more scannable images in just the one Tiny Titans. Let's keep this one alive! (Now if I need to get back on the Trinity weekly- up to 3)

Phillygirl brought over a ton of Fables GNs, so I'll be a busy little reader with those too!

Wha? Three years plus one month

I completely forgot to post that I passed the three year blogoversary mark! Blame Canada. (isn't that from South Park the movie?)

2008 has been a hard year personally and professionally, and I know that my posting has been more heavy on the personal. But I think I've still been at blogging about twice a week, so give me that. As always, I appreciate anyone who reads or comments- and especially the bloggers on the sidebar that I read on as regular basis as I can.

The August MidJersey Comicon is kicking into gear, with about 3/4 of tables sold and many interesting calls and emails from new creators that might exhibit. Plus many of my old MJCC friends. This is my fifth con, the only one of 2008, so if you are anywhere near Central Jersey on August 16th, swing on by!

I guess it's the post-trip illness, but I went home sick and crashed for hours. Icky tongue and clogged ears. But only one day before the 4th holiday to work. I hope I feel well enough to spend time in the pool with some beers this weekend!

Bye Celsius

Back in the States, now in Maine! Went through customs (no firearms or fireworks), drug sniffing dogs, and border patrol no problems. Still have some Canadian money, like $2 coins.

I got in one run with shoreturtle- Nova Scotia is much more hilly than home.

Prince Edward Island was different than expected- bigger with farms and cities. But Brackley beach and Cavendish were great. The weather rained so biking and boat rides were out.

The only downer was a visit to a Halifax comic store. The girl working there did what has happened to me before-- she was yapping away to coworkers about Heroes Con. As soon as I came up and tried to joke with her she shut up and kind of ignored me and made it real uncomfortable. Why is it that whenever I go to a comic store with a girl working they act like aholes to me? We have a lot in common, I know all the artists and support women in comics--- they act much worse than even the most unsociable fanboy. So I don't have a positive comment about that store-- think it was called Strange Adventures or something...

On a postive note, here are two of the hundreds of pics from Canada-

Canada, eh!

Canada is great. Despite being the typical Americans, ignorant of Canadian geography, the metric system, and what 19 celsius is...Nova Scotia has been excellent. New Jersey can be so hard- rushed, clipped, rude--we could learn from the people here.

The drive was long- 9 plus hours to Bangor ME, then about 8 more across New Brunswick to Nova Scotia. I thought it would be a scenic drive full of water and lighthouses, but the highway was basically tons of trees, a few crows, and moose crossing signs (with no moose). It was so expensive to fly, or take the car ferry, but it was a bear of a drive.

But, Halifax is so nice, and its true how nice Canadians are. Shoreturtle and I went for a run, and the cars actually stop! They don't race through the crosswalk like home.

We went to the Citadel, where we saw a huge British fort and learned about the British, French and American history. The Celtic influence of the Scottish and Irish is everywhere too.

Peggy's Cove lighthouse is on rocks that are just incredible.

There are long stretches where there are no real gas stations, or ATMs, or much except water or trees or homes. There are a lot of Tim Hortons (a sandwich place named for some hockey players).

Last night we were so lucky to meet RobbRunner and his family. They toured us all around Mahone Bay, Lunenberg, and back to their house in Bridgewater. Perfect hosts and great company-- we ate mussels and other seafood, drank Keith's beer-- then went back to their house to see their ridiculously talented boys play guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, piano!! Big thanks to the family for the night.

The killer....Cusackboys

Today we drove a few hours to the Bay of Fundy (biggest tides in the world) and ate Digby scallops and walked along. We found a little rock filled beach that was secluded in a little park, and the weather was just perfect for rock hunting.

Tons of photos to show later--- tomorrow we leave for Prince Edward Island.

Vacating next week

Can not wait for the week off in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island that starts tomorrow! Much packing and prepping to do.

Some interesting posts:
The Middleman pilot (no I haven't seen it yet!)

Russell T. Davies article (Doctor Who and Torchwood)

William Katt making comic books
(I met him at Chiller con a few years ago-- he was very Cali mellow. )

Whole week of Super Friends commentary on Retro Squad

REM- and Eddie Vedder!

REM show amazing. The best energy and set list since I think the Monster tour. We were in the second section, right behind the sound board.

And Eddie Vedder joined them for "Begin the Begin"...this is not from the Philly show but it was so cool.

Food, Rides, Carnival games

The carnival opened last night a few blocks from us. The weather was supposed to be severe rain, L&T, even hail...so when the wind kicked up we left. Did get to have some carnival food with mom and shoreturtle. Tonight is fireworks night so we are going back.

Tomorrow night is REM! The weather has cooled into the upper 70s so hopefully it will be a nice outdoor show. Will be great to see the new Accelerate songs performed.

As far as comics, I read House of Mystery #2- still really enjoying the art and concept.

Trinity 1 and 2- hey I'm caught up on a weekly series! So far, so good. I like the focus on the big three and how they have different reactions. Batman sees criminality, Wonder Woman an oracle force. The backstory with Green Lantern and the purple Konvict was full of action and little barbs..Trinity 3 this week!

Hope those of you in the Buffyverse read Buffy Season 8: #15.
There is a giant robot Dawn, Willow's magic, Dracula joining forces against vampires in Japan, Andrew's jokes...