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Selkie

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Posts posted by Selkie

  1. For the record:

     

    Lynched for being black

     

    Burnt for being the wrong religion (in the case of buildings, bombed is an acceptable substitute)

     

    Beaten and tied to a fence for being gay

     

    Dragged behind a car for being a redneck's dog

     

    Shot from a high place for being a politician

     

    Clear now?

  2. Seeing Darwin Fish mounted to cars isn't all that uncommon in the States (obligatory disclaimer: I live in a blue state near a major city), so selling them would hardly be a lynching offense. In the deep south, perhaps, but certainly not everywhere. Christian fish, or Christian fish eating Darwin fish, far outnumber Darwin fish, but they're certainly around.

     

    I heart the FSM version, which I've never seen before. Alas, even if I were inclined to attach things to my car, my allegiance to Cthulhu would dictate which I would purchase.

  3. Before I say anything more specific, let me be clear: this is not a bad movie. Perfectly pleasant to sit through on a hot summer's day, in fact. It's just that without Bryan Singer's hand to keep the film on course, the end result is underwhelming despite the amped up kick 'splode action that would do The Authority proud (even if Jenny Sparks would roundly kick Magneto's ass not so much for his politics or actions, but for being a piss poor tactician). The fancy pyrotechnics and mass destruction exist to distract one from the script problems, but fortunately for the summer movie viewer, they are very impressive to watch.

     

    All the warnings about the script being written by committee are dead on. There are a lot of competent-to-downright good ideas floating around. A LOT of them, and therein lies the problem. Few of the plots or characters are fleshed out, and the connective tissue tying everything together tends to be on the weak side. In several crucial places, we see the beginning and ending of a plot or character arc without seeing what comes between. A shame, because some of the elements, like an elegant framing device that appeals on both a structural and geek level, show us glimpses of a really good movie hidden somewhere amongst the chaos. The experience of watching X3 rip off BtVS's rip-off of the Chris Claremont X-men comics is a bit vertiginous, but not as much as watching a seminal Buffy moment played out by .... Wolverine. There's also an aborted attempt to rip off a major element of Smallville (imagine, if the thought isn't too terrifying, the parts of the Luthors being served by the Worthingtons), and it's a shame they didn't develop this more because it's the one thing in Smallville that's well worth ripping off. Unfortunately, it suffers the most from the "see the beginning, see the end, see nothing of the most interesting transitional part" problem, and as such it's a waste of a good idea theft.

     

    At some point, the producers clearly realized they had an Oscar winner in their cast, and decided by golly they were going to do something to showcase her. Fortunately, she's more at ease with her character than ever before. Unfortunately, I suspect that the need to move her up in the ranks resulted in some of the more unfortunate plot choices.

     

    Oh, and if you go? Stay through past the credits.

  4. I'm very touched to hear my presence on the forum is missed. Thanks, guys. Your words mean a lot.

     

    If watching X3 later this morning doesn't rot my few remaining brain cells, watch for a post from me on the Motor City thread before I return to the lurking shadows filled with the shrieks of shivering madmen and half-glimpsed gibbering forms from which I came...

  5. Yes, I was weak and bought one. I don't have display room for the one I already own, let alone another one, but I'll figure something out. They still have more available, if anyone's interested.

     

    Looks like they've got some other neat stuff available on the clearance/freeshipping deal too. I'm almost afraid to browse.

  6. Popping my head in to point out that Amazon's added free shipping to a number of their clearance toys. As of this morning, it was possible to buy 18" comic Hellboy for $9.25 shipped.

  7. Oh, are you planning to go anyway, Selkie?

    I didn't think anyone else was going, so I thought you wouldn't bother to go.

    If you're planning to be there, I'll have to try and make it.

     

    I have hotel reservations and the beginnings of an itinerary, but with everything going on in my life right now, there are no guarantees until I'm physically on the convention floor. In other words, I'd love to meet up with you and any other STHers who might attend, but don't go out of your way on my account. I hate not being reliable, but there are factors beyond my control.

     

    Anyone know an inexpensive but clean and safe place to stay near, but not necessarily in, Holland? North of the city is better than south. I'd prefer not to have to trek into Grand Rapids on my first night unless it's essential, even if iI do know of a hotel dwown the block from a combo tatto parlor/comic shop that I just HAVE to visit for the novelty value.

  8. Toy people -

     

    If anyone wants a couple of Sideshow "Collect for Life" bracelets, and/or one of the Sideshow keys, PM me or they're going in the trash. All are NIP. They're small and lightweight, so free (including shipping) to any STH member anywhere in the world.

  9. Lorne is now officially complete and photographed. According to the exhibition rules I can't publicly display him until after the event (mid-April), but if anyone were to PM me, it's possible they would receive some top secret URLs that aren't, technically, public....

  10. And if you think you need to remove your cat's claws (surgically removing what is equivalent to the first joint of each of our fingers and thumbs), then you shouldn't own a cat.

     

    word is born

     

    That method hasn't been used by reputable vet clinics for years.

     

    Keep in mind, as per almost any high volume cat rescue person you'll probably ever meet, declawing often makes the difference between an unplaceable adult cat being able to find a home, or being euthanized. Modern declawing methods are nothing like the barbaric methods of old, and although it certainly shouldn't be performed as a routine operation like a spay/neuter, condemning it out of hand also means condemning some otherwise healthy, friendly adoptable cats to death.

  11. John,

     

    Any chance of having you remove all the threads I've started in The Trading Post? Now that the comics and TPBs are being sold, given away, or otherwise disposed of through other means, there's no need to raise someone's hopes should they run across those threads in the future.

     

    Posting this publicly in case other like-minded souls want to recommend removal of their old sales threads.

     

    ETA: Looks like someone else's Trading Post thread wound up in Show Your Wares, too.

  12. I'm offering for FREE, including FREE shipping within the continental United States, the following group of X-files VHS tapes. They haven't been played for years but there's no reason to expect problems, and besides, they're FREE! Interested but living outside the U.S.? We'll work something out. P.M. me if you want them.

     

    Beyond the Sea/E.B.E.

    Conduit/Ice

    Little Green Men/The Host

    Ascension/One Breath

    Sleepless/Duane Barry

    Squeeze/Tooms

    Pilot/Deep Throat

    Fallen Angel/Fire

    Darkness Falls/Erlenmeyer Flask

  13. John, everything's going to eBay on Sunday. We might be able to get creative regarding PayPal - I had an inspired idea - so if you see stuff you want, drop me a note with a list of what you're interested in. A friend who regularly ships comics around the world has offered his PayPal account (which does accept CCs) and shipping knowledge, so overseas shipping shouldn't be outrageous.

  14. Almost all comics bagged, and usually boarded as well. Everything's in at least good reading condition unless otherwise stated, and usually much better than that. Payment by MO preferred, but non-CC PayPal accepted. Postage will be calculated once I know what you want and where you live, but I do everything in my power to keep the costs down. I haven't gone through the Hellblazers or most of the Marvels yet. If there's anything you're interested in that you don't see here, inquire. Will trade for certain DVDs or BtVS action figures.

     

    I will split the lots labeled "Sampler Packs" and sell individual issues at $1/each, but I've priced things so that it's much more conomical to buy them as groups. You get more comics for your money, and I get more shelf space!

     

    Vertigo Sampler Pack $10/set

     

    100 Bullets 11, 23-29

    American Century 1 - 4 (complete storyarc)

    Cruel & Unusual (Delano) 1, 2

    Faith (Ted McKeever) 1

    Grip 1

    Books of Magick: Life During Wartime 1, 2

    Lucifer 19-12, 17

    Hellblazer Special: Papa Midnite 3

    Scarab 1- 8 (complete miniseries)

    Sebastian O 1- 3 (complete miniseries)

    Totams (one shot)

    Vimanarama 1

    Y, the Last Man 5 - 7

     

    100% 1- 5 (complete miniseries) $10

     

    Alias 24 - 28 (complete story arc) $5

     

    American Freak 1 - 5 (complete miniseries) $3

     

    Bite Club 1 - 6 (complete miniseries) $4

     

    Catwoman (Brubaker) 4, 6, 7, 11-15, 17-24 $10/lot

     

    Sandman Presents: Dead Boy Detectives (Brubaker) 1 - 4 (complete miniseries) $4

     

    Deadline 1 - 4 (complete miniseries) $4

     

    Fables 4-9, 11-13, 19 $6/lot

     

    Gotham Central 1-5, 7, 8, 16 $5/lot

     

    Grendel Sampler Pack $10

     

    Grendel Tales: Homecoming 1 - 3 (complete miniseries)

    Grendel: God and the Devil 2-7, 9, 11

     

    The Hood 1 - 6 (complete miniseries) $5/set

     

    Human Target (ooriginal miniseries, complete) 1 - 4 $4

     

    Lobo: A Contract on Gawd & Convention Special $2

     

    The Marquis: Danse Macabre 1 - 5 (complete) $7

     

    Names of Magic 1 - 5 (complete miniseries) $5

     

    Obergeist 1 - 5 (complete miniseries) $5

     

    Point Blank 1-5 (complete miniseries) $5

     

    Outlaw Nation 5-8, 13-15, 17-19 $5/lot

     

    Rex Mundi 0-11 $10/lot

     

    Skinwalker 1 - 4 (complete miniseries) $4

     

    Skreemer 1 - 6 (complete miniseries) $5

     

    Sleeper S2 1 - 12 (complete - I recall one issue is pretty badly damaged but don't recall which one) $10/lot

     

    Transmetropolitan 40 - 60 $15/lot

     

    Goth/Horror Sampler Pack $10

     

    By Bizarre Hands 1

    Boneyward 2,3

    Creeps 1,2

    Devil's Footprints 1

    Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained 2

    Gloomcookie 8, 9, 13, 14, Holiday Special

    Goon 25cent issue (damaged)

    Lycanthrope Leo 1, 2

    Nocturnals Dark Forever 2

    Out There 17

    Swamp Thing 151

    Wolff & Byrd 8

    Vamps: Hollywood & Vein 1

    Xombi 0

     

    X-men Forever 1- 6 (complete miniseries) $5

     

    X-Men Age of Apocalypse & Onslaught Lot - will not split up $20

     

    Onslaught Universe

    Onslaught epilogue

    X-men Chronicles 1, 2

    Gambit & the X-ternals 1 - 4

    Alpha

    Omege

    X-Univers 1

    S-men Prime

    Astonishing X-men 1 - 4

    Amazing X-men 1 - 4

    Weapon X 1 - 4

  15. As I was updating my list at Sequential Swap, it occurred to me that board members here might be interested too. The basic idea is to arrange for one-for-one exchanges of squarebound TPBs/GNs in good reading (but not necessarily collectible "pristine") condition.

     

    Here are my lists of available and wanted books.

     

    I also have the following, for which there were no entries in the database:

     

    Beowulf (First Comics)

    The Elektra Saga (Marvel)

    Grendel: Devil by the Deed (Dark Horse edition)

    Hellblazer: Damnations Flame

    The Luck in the Head (VG Graphics)

    Oddjob: The Collected Stories vol 1 (SLG)

    Oh That Monroe: The Complete Adventures of Monroe Simmons (Wow Cool)

    Seven Samuroid (Image Int'l)

    Skin (Tundra) (Milligan)

    Superman's Metropolis (DC Elseworlds)

    Transmetropolitan: Filth of the City (DC/Vertigo)

    Video Noire (Dark Horse) (neat artwork by "100 Bullets" Risso)

     

    If you see something on my list of available books that you want, but don't see a corresponding entry on my list of books wanted, don't panic. Drop me a note with a list of what you have available, and we'll talk.

  16. Thanks for the compliments! Lorne represents a giant leap forward in my skills at sculpting humans (well, you know what I mean), and I'm very proud of him.

     

    The idea of sculpting action figures, comic characters, et al. for a living has certainly occurred to me, although my skill level isn't quite there yet. I'm not sure my speed ever will be. It's fun to think about, and may happen some day. Stranger things have happened, especially in my life. For now, I'm having fun with it and seeing where it leads. I never would have guessed that my raven head pins would be sold wholesale to a pagan supply store, and who knows what other interesting and unexpected paths Lorne and his kind may lead me down?

     

    As for the amount of time he has consumed, the sculpting time was much shorter than usual because I took a big shortcut. My first 1:6 scale male human head wasn't good enough to complete, but all the major proportions were correct. I cast a quick wax mold (not my medium of choice for this purpose, but it's the only suitable one I had on hand), and made a new polymer clay head from that to use as a base for Lorne. Not counting the time used for that original sculpture or the casting time, I expended around 12 - 15 hours making his head. His rather crude shoes took another eight hours, but now that my tired brain understands how to make them, the next pair might take me two. His hands are still too crude to judge. The cloth body required another three or four hours to make, but the next one will go much faster. I had only made one soft sculpture body in my life, and I learned that there are shortcuts one can take with a 1:6 scale figure that are ill-advised in the 1:12 scale where I learned the technique.

     

    The clothing ... egads. I will never complain about the poor tailoring and/or lack of detail on Mego or Sideshow clothing ever again. Next time I'm sculpting the entire body from clay even if I have to rent a suitable oven to bake it in.

  17. According to the rules of an exhibition I plan to enter this sculpture in early next month, he's not supposed to be revealed beforehand. I couldn't resist showing off a sneak peek of his almost-finished head, though, especially in honor of my 1,000 post at STH. There's still some sanding and painting to do (not to mention photographing him in natural light so that th red tones show more accurately) but this image gives you the general idea:

     

    Lorne sculpture

     

    For those unfamiliar with the character, here's the original

     

    His head, hands, and shoes (oh god, the those shoes) are sculpted in polymer clay, and decorated with paint and cosmetics as needed. The body is a soft fabric sculpture over a wire armature, with episode-accurate clothing that I'm still working feverishly on. For some silly reason, I thought dressing him in fabric clothing would be faster than sculpting the entire thing from clay. All I can plead is temporary insanity, for a doll tailor I clearly am not.

  18. It was a major aspect of his life.

     

    Yes, but this wasn't a biopic about Capote's life so much as a biopic about his writing of In Cold Blood. The film doesn't ignore that he's gay, or that he lives with his boyfriend during part of the time he writes the book, or that people often underestimate him in no small part because he's gay, but the focus is on him as a writer, not as a gay man. Had the movie focused on his relationship with his boyfriend, I would understand using it as a major example of Hollywood releasing more films with "gay themes", but it didn't. The fact that the leads in Brokeback Mountain are gay is essential to the story in a way that Capote's being gay mostly isn't.

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