Lefty Side of the Dial

This is just a reminder that if you are considering taking part in the next round of Mixed Bag, get your email into me. I only have 5 more spots left. For info on what the heck a Mixed Bag is, go here. And if you want to take part, follow the instructions and email me.

Okay Gordon D?

Posted by Lefty at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As promised, here's the first part in a multi-part post chronicling my musical evolution:

The Early Years

The first two songs I remember being cognizant of, and rather enjoying was The Pointer Sisters covering Bruce Springsteen's "Fire", and Crystal Gayle warbling "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue". It was 1978 and I was all of seven years old.

Around that same time my world became full of music when I got a record player and a few hand-me down records from my folks. I loved playing around on my brothers and my bunk bed, pretending it was a submarine, and we had to cross the ocean (a.k.a. the floor) to get to the record player to put on The Association to listen about everyone knowing it was "Windy". I flirted at the time with a little bit of disco.

I was entranced with the record label for Casablanca. It seemed too beautiful so that meant that the music was good as well. I remember playing Disco Duck, the Empire Strikes Back Medley, and also various Hooked On series (a series of disco-fied remixes of The Beatles, and other popular groups).

Even though I did my growing up in Texas, just an hour south of the Alamo, I could never remember hearing country music being played. It was always the Top 40 on the radio, and whatever country hits bleed through like Dolly Parton or Eddie Rabbit. It wasn't until I had moved to California in 1980 did I become all too familiar with Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Freddie Fender.

But I'll save that for Part II....

Posted by Lefty at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm pretty busy at work, so the post I was working on, probably won't hit the blog until Tuesday. Until then, he's a pic I found that will be making its way into next month's Circle of Friends CD mix.

There's a small story behind it. I chose to go to the prom with a friend who I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about, but I chickened out on asking out the person I really wanted to go to the prom with and ended up with this girl, Tina H. Anyway when I picked up Tina H. at her mom's apartment, her mom was enthusiastically yelling: "Take a picture in front of Elvis!" Above their entranceway was a huge latch-hook yarn portrait of "The King". For dinner we went to a French restaurant in neighboring Vacaville, and then she dashed off to a night of boring ecstasy in Sacramento. I didn't like my date, and dance one slow dance with her. We spent the night chatting with friends, and then drove home.

Years later I found out through friends that she had a child who she named Christopher Robin H. this was then followed by funny looks from my friends. I had to reassure them that sexual relations were the farthest thing from my mind before, during, or after prom.

You gotta love those huge glasses I wore.

Posted by Lefty at 12:54 PM | Permalink

and me as well!

Here's what’s been making my time disappear this past week:

1. Crackdown Demo (Xbox 360)

Wow! I can't for this game to come out! This game is Grand Theft Auto meets Superman meets Men In Black. I've never liked Grand Theft Auto, I always had a problem with the "objectives" of that game, but here it's your basic "Stop the Bad Guys" set in a city that you can just explore. The more you fight the good fight, or find hidden power-ups, the more super-powers you get. The game comes out in late Feb, and I'm really hoping to save up a few dollars to pick it up. It also has the added bonus of being able to play the multiplayer demo for Halo 3 when Crackdown comes out.

2. 80's Music

I've been working on my next month's Circle of Friends mix, so I've been listening to 80's music constantly. So much that even I am getting sick of it. It's like only having cheesecake morning, noon, and night. It tastes good, but too much will get you sick. Still I'm waiting for that final piece to arrive from Lala to complete next month's mix. I can only take so much Richard Marx (who I put on as a personal favor to my wife).

3. Scrubs (NBC)

Scrubs scored very highly on my Top Ten this week because of their fabulous musical episode. The episode was replete with various homages and worked the musical into the storyline very well.

4. The Office (NBC)

Boy, NBC really has created another Thursday night line-up powerhouse once again. Now maybe next year they can ditch/cancel ER and put Studio 60 in its place. The Office remains the funniest show on TV.

5. Persopolis 1 & Persopolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi

I only have two more weeks to prepare for my "lecture" on graphic novels. I am very stressed out trying to assemble things. However I am thankful that I've been able to read some really good works of literature, Persopolis is one of those graphic novels that sticks with you. I have found myself thinking about the Iranian culture, especially in light of the present war of words between the U.S. and Iran. These two books are excellent resources, and Satrapi does a wonderful job as a storyteller/memoirist.

6. Heroes (NBC)

This is really shaping up to be a fantastic episodic show.....if it can avoid the X-Files conundrum (keep the storyline/mythology going). I have to say I'm more excited by what the second half of the season holds for the viewers as character alliances change, and new characters come into the established universe.

7. 24 (Fox)

Speaking of episodic television, I am now watching 24 as it happens. I have forgone watching the recording sans commercials, so I can watch it in HD as this season story unfolds. I do have to say this season it feels like the bloom has come off the rose a little bit. Still, until they kill off Chloe I'm still watching it.

8. Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360)

I finally leveled up a rank and now I am in a loooooong crawl towards the next rank, which I'll probably hit in March. I am now at the point where I'm counting the days until I can download some new multiplayer maps.

9. One Punk Under God (Sundance Channel)

Nothing like seeing your DVR hit 80% full to get one started on watching some TV. I'm on my last episode of this show, and I have to say it's really gotten under my skin. I have really come to like Jay Bakker, particularly how he relates or attempts to relate to his parents. It's been a very enjoyable show. I hope Sundance renews the show.

10. Veronica Mars Season 1 DVDs

I've only watched one episode last week, as I got caught up on other shows, started back at the gym, and played Xbox 360...still I am looking forward to the rest of the season.

Posted by Lefty at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Before I dive into this week's 3 questions, I just want to remind you that you can still sign up to take part in next month's Mixed Bag 5. For information on Mixed Bag 5, go here.

1. What's your favorite graphic novel? What's your favorite book?

3. Do you have music that you are forbidden to listen to when around your loved ones? If so, what would it be?

Posted by Lefty at 09:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Over on the right hand side of my blog at the top of "Lefty's Links" is a listing of my "in the flesh" friends. For the past several months I started sharing music with them* in what I dubbed my "Circle of Friends Mixes". I've been having a blast doing this, and I find myself sometimes choosing songs to use that are geared towards certain people. Well now I have a leg up on my friend's musical interests. Last Friday, I sat with one of my friends I work with. The week before, Adam had made a crack about my favorite band U2. So last week I challenged my friend to post a little on what generally plays on his iPod or car stereo. You can check out his post here. He ends by challenging others to give up their musical histories. Another one of my friends, Heather, decided to write on her musical history in a continuing saga. You can read the first two parts here and here.

I intend in the next few days to gather my own thoughts on my musical evolution (and really evolution is what it is), but I wanted to challenge some other friends to do similar...because it just might make for an interesting Circle of Friends mix down the road. So I'm calling you out Steve P., Paul T., Tony H., Ed S., Anthony V., Sam W., Tom W., and heck anyone else who gets my crazy mixes each month.

Anyway, I thought I'd plug their blogs, just to show that I do read them (although I JUST became aware of Heather's blog), and if I'm missing anyone from my list of my mixes please let me know and I'll make sure you get hooked up to my Circle of Friends and my blog list.

Going down my list:

+ Justin K. is doing something I can never do. My attempts at similar feats leave me scratching my face all day, and pisses off my wife.

+ Heather S. has a weekly musical post I really enjoy. Even if I disagree with her not being a fan of Boomtown Rat's I Don't Like Mondays.

+ Anthony V. is my second oldest friend. I've known him sine 1989, and it gives me great joy to be an unofficial Uncle to his and his wife's children. In this post he tries to answer a tough question.

+ Ed S. is one of my musical gurus. He imparts some more musical nuggets in this post, which reminds me I have 88 more downloads before the middle of Feb on Emusic...I should download the band he suggests.

+ Adam W. is probably my latest "in the flesh" friend. He struck me a little bit of an arrogant ass when I first met him (I know, I know...pot meet kettle). However I'm really happy to say he's really not, and I've really been enjoying reading his blog, talking with him at breaks at work, and seeing his amazing wood-working skills around our campus. Anyway, Adams mentions the celebration for the 100th anniversary of Faber Castell.

+ Scott & Malisa J. posts about an over-ambitious salesperson. And no she's not evil Malisa...just ill-mannered.

+ Hmm, my best friend Mrs. Lefty actually posted recently. She wrote about our disastrous trip to San Francisco, which I recently found out we'll get compensation for our gas mailed out to us (in hindsight I should have requested compensation for the sick day I had to burn ass well). BTW, we are hoping that we'll get a new laptop with part of our income tax return money..so hopefully she'll be able to post more often in February.

+ Paul T. posts about the State of the Union address, which was the most unspectacular speech Bush has given. Although I am troubled by how much disinformation the White House is starting to spew out about Iran. Also, I'm surprised Paul hasn't written about the recent death of one of Nixon's cadre. Hmm, must be the impending birth of his twins keeping him busy.

+ Sam W. gives me one more friends to be jealous of. Her family just bought a house and is gearing up for the move next month. I really need to get Feb's very special "80's Prom" Circle of Friends mix done so it can be unpacking music for them.

+ Tom W. attempts to fix things, and ends up coming to some realizations.

+ Tony H. has another excellent post about where his head's at. Time for another post my friend! But Tony H. has another more personal blog where he gives me one MORE reason why to hate Fox News.

+ Steve P.......well he hasn't posting in almost a year. But cheer up; I recently heard he may revive the blog with twice weekly posts. Huzzah!

*except you Justin...I just plain forgot. Email me, I'll hook you up.

Posted by Lefty at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On my way out of the office, but just wanted to add that there are only 8 more spots left open for the next round of Mixed Bag. So if you are thinking strongly about throwing your hat..um mix, into the listening circle...better do it soon!

Someone go nudge Dorian, Mike "Cheater Pants" Sterling, and on a personal note I would love to get some more women taking part as well.

Posted by Lefty at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was thumbing through last week's Entertainment Weekly and they listed their 10 Greatest TV Villains, so I'd thought I'd do the same for comic book villains:

10. Punisher

9. Red Skull

8. Kingpin

7.Thanos

6. Darkseid

5. Galactus

4. Magneto

3. Joker

2. Lex Luthor

Lex Luthor could have become a Kingpin, but his intellect and cunning made him a captain of industry, powerful businessman, and even President of the DCU's United States.

1. Doctor Doom

Bow before Doom! Doctor Doom tops this list for good reason. He rules his own country with an iron fist. He's even fought and won against gods. The Marvel Universe will always tremble in fear as long as Doctor Doom draws breath.

Posted by Lefty at 11:07 AM | Permalink

Twice (sometimes three times) a year, I invite other bloggers to throw together a Mix CD to share with others. Over the past couple years this is resulted in a myriad of new music that I have become a big fan of, not to mention a fun way to connect with other bloggers from the comic, political, social, or entertainment community.

So I'm excited to announce a new round of Mixed Bag! This round features prizes! (But please note that this is not a competition....but some will walk away with prizes!) If you have your own blog and are interested in sharing your musical tastes with others, please consider taking part (and tell your blogging friends too!). Here's how it will work:

Mixed Bag 5 will be limited to 12 participants (including myself), so we don't overload people in mailing costs and what-not. If you like to participate send me an email with the following information:

Your name
A link and name of your blog
Your mailing address

(Your mailing address will only be shared with other participants)

There are no rules or theme for this round, so whatever music suits your fancy, go for it!

Signups will be open until Friday, February 2nd. At that time I will let all the participants know people's mailing addresses. All mix CDs must be in the mail on or before Friday, February 16th...'cause there are prizes to be won!!!

Um, I'll now take a few questions from the crowd....

But Lefty, if we are all winners, how can I win prizes?

Good Question!!!! If everyone will mail out their CDs on or before the 16th, then the participants will have until Friday, March 2nd to email me with their ratings of the various Mixed Bag on a scale of 1 through 10. I will tabulate the vote, and post the results. The top three will win prizes (note I haven't said BIG prizes). In case of a tie score the blogger with the higher score on my ratings will be declared the winner.

Um, what exactly are these fabulous prizes you speak of?

Well, let me reiterate that there are no winners and losers in Mixed Bad...just lots of great music.....but some of you will take home these prizes:

Grand prize: A 6 Month subscription to Emusic.com

Runner-up: A $20 iTunes gift card

Honorable Mention (3rd place): The Beatles "Love" CD

So signups are now open. Should I get 12 participants before Friday, Feb. 2nd. I will close down the sign-ups. Please, if you feel like you can't make the deadlines, refrain from signing up. Mixed Bag works well when its participants get their fantastic mixes out on time.

I also want to note that if you haven't taken part in a Mixed Bag before, don't let that stop you! It's a lot of fun, and it's always great to get folks from across the great big blogosphere sharing their favorite music with one another.

Posted by Lefty at 07:44 AM | Permalink

THANK YOU Roger Green for the inspiration. I had nothing to post today, so once again it's Meme time:

97 Random Questions

1) Do you have a crush on somebody?: Yes, mostly fantasy crushes like say on Toni Collette.

2) Do you hate more than 3 people?: Hate such a strong word, so no. Dislike probably hundreds.

3) How many houses have you lived in?: not counting apts, but counting mobile homes....7.

4) Favorite candy bar?: not a big candy bar guy, but occasional a Special Dark chocolate

6) Have you ever tripped someone?: Probably.

7) Least favorite school subject?: Physics.

8) How many pairs of shoes do you own?: 4

9)Do you own a Britney Spears CD? None.

10) Have you ever thrown up in public?: Twice.

11) Name one thing that is always on your mind: Music and finances.

12) Favorite genre of music?: classic rock

13) What's your sign?: Cancer

14) What time were you born?: If I remember right it was 3:30 AM

15) Do you like beer?: Do fish like water? Yes, but no more beer for me. :(

16) Have you ever made a prank phone call?: Yes.

18) Are you sarcastic?: Mush too often. It's started many an arguement with my wife.

19) What are your favorite colors?: green, and the yellow gold the hills of California get in August.

20) How many watches do you own?: None. Don't see the reason for it when I hae a clock on my PC at work, my iPod, the car, and the cell phone.

21) Summer or winter? Summer.

22) Is anyone in love with you?: Yes.

23) Favorite color to wear?: I feel more comfortable in generic Khaki.

24) Pepsi or Sprite?: Neither. It's Very Berry Flavor Crystal Geyser Sparkling Mineral Water for me.

25) What color is your cell phone?: black

26) Where is your second home?: Don't have one.

27) Have you ever slapped someone?: Yes.

28) Have you ever had a cavity? Yes.

29) How many lamps are in your bedroom?: one. two if you are counting the ceiling lamp.

30) How many video games do you own?: More than 20.

31) What was your first pet?: Dog, Oscar was given as a puppy to my Mom and Dad as a wedding present. It was a very tragic day when Oscar was put to sleep.

32) Ever had braces?: No.

33) Do looks matter?: Unfortunately.

34) Do you use chapstick?: No.

35) Name 3 teachers from high school: Mr. Potosnak (Chem/Physics teacher), Mdm. Oxley (French teacher), Mr. Dodd (English teacher)

36) American Eagle or Abercrombie?: neither.

37) Are you too forgiving?: No.

38) How many children do you want?: One, please God just one.

39) Do you own something from Hot Topic?: No.

40) Favorite breakfast meal: pancakes. Sadly I can no longer had pancakes...but I enjoy my daily serving of Oatmeal and coffee.

41) Do you own a gun?: I'll never own one.

42) Ever thought you were in love?: Many times.

43) When was the last time you cried?: 1/1/07 at 12:00 AM

44) What did you do 3 nights ago?: Fretted about a broken window we can't afford to fix until the end of the month.

45) Olive Garden?: If I have to.

46) Have you ever called your teacher mommy?: No.

47) Have you ever been in a castle?: No.

48) Nicknames?: Lefty, Buster Brown, Encyclopedia Brown, and a nickname my sister gave me that I will not repeat here (that I quite dislike).

49) Do you know anyone named Bertha?: Bertha don't come around here no more.

50) Ever been to Kentucky?: If the 40 goes through it, I've been in it.

51) Do you own something from Banana Republic?: No.

52) Are you thinking about somebody right now? Yes.

53) Ever called somebody Boo?: No.

54) Do you smoke?: No.

55) Do you own a diamond ring?: No.

56) Are you happy with your life right now?: No. I got to work on my trust and also anger issues. (Not to mention lose some freakin' weight).

57) Do you dye your hair?: Not since college.

58) Does anyone have a crush on you?: Yes. Ot's a generic man-crush, and an appreciation for my awesome musical knowledge. (You know who you are)

59) Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? Starbucks, but rarely.

60) What were you doing in May of 1994?: Visiting with my family back East.

62) McDonald's or Wendy's?: Wendy's. I think I'm the only person who likes their Frushetta sandwiches.

63) Do you like yourself?: I have my ups and downs.

64) Are you closer to your mother or father?: My mother. I suspect I was her favorite.

65) Favorite physical feature of the preferred sex?: the tukus.

66) Are you afraid of the dark?: on rare occasions.

67) Have you ever eaten paste?: No, but did like the smell.

68) Do you own a webcam?: Yes, it's attached to my Xbox 360.

69) Have you ever stripped?: as in poker? I think once I did way back in high school.

70) Ever broke a bone?: Yes, a toe. No cast involved.

71) Are you religious?: Um I guess yes if you define it in a certain way. I guess I aspire to be deeply religious, in the best possible way.

72) Do you chat on AIM often?: No.

73) Pringles or Lays?: Neither.

74) Have you ever broken someone's heart?: Yes. Thankfully we mended it together.

75) Rugrats or Doug?: Neither.

76) Full House or The Brady Bunch?: Ick.

77) Do you like your high school guidance counselor?: No, he was useless.

78) Has anyone ever called you fat?: Never....kidding! Quite a bit, because I am. It's the mean-spirited barbs I dislike.

79) Do you have a birth mark? Yes, on my hip.

80) Do you own a car?: Yes.

81) Can you cook?: To an extent.

82) 5 things that annoy you: 1. Not losing weight 2. when I get angry I become a dick 3. lack of politeness to others 4. bad customer service 5. being a dollar short and a day late

83) Do you text message often?: Yes, mostly on Xbox Live.

84) Money or love?: Love

85) Do you have any scars?: Yes.

86) What do you want more than anything right now?: A new window and some finacial security.

87) Do you enjoy scary movies?: No.

88) Relationships or one night stands?: As a Christian definately the one night stands.

90) Do you enjoy greasy food?: I am a fat man. I'm trying to break that.

91) Have you seen all the Rocky movies?: Yes, just this month I finally watched them all.

92) Do you own a box of crayons?: No.

93) Who was the last person that said they loved you?: My wife.

94) Who was the last person that made you cry?: My wife.

95) Who was the last person that made you laugh?: Will Ferrall in Tellegeda Nights

96) Who was the last person that instant messaged you? My friend Darcy...but that was sadly a while ago. I need to call her.

97) Who was the last person that called you? My wife who was at home sick.

Posted by Lefty at 03:34 PM | Permalink

So I have this preoccupation with all things 80's. Preparing for my next month's mix cd, I have had 80's on the brain these past couple weeks, so this week's 3 questions will be 80's themed. Like always my own answers to the following questions are in the comments section and it would be, like, so totally bitchin', if like, you left your own totatally bogus answers to these lame-o questions as well, like omigod!:

1. Do you have any CD, tapes or records by the following artists, and do you still listen to them? The artists are: Lionel Ritchie, New Edition, Wham!, Howard Jones, A-Ha, Tone Loc, and Cutting Crew.

Bonus question: What's your favorite modern movie remake of an 80s TV show?

Posted by Lefty at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Sunday Mrs. Lefty and I had a date night with a couple of friends. We saw The Holiday which had it's moments. However throughout the whole movie I could not shake this image from my mind:

Everytime I saw Jude Law on the screen I swear he is slowly becoming a carbon copy of this man:

That's right, Phil Collins! So when Hollywood eats itself and someone decides to do a remake of Buster...we have the perfect actor at the ready.

Posted by Lefty at 01:40 PM | Permalink

Yesterday I discovered that people have been posting to my blog, but for some reason they have been disappearing into my blog on Earth-3. 52. 52. 52.

Sorry, it’s the comic book fanboy in me. I’ve been fighting a losing battle against spam comments in recent weeks, and so I decided to turn up the posting defense which made all comments disappear with the promise I would review and approve the comments. Well they never got to that step, so if there is something important to say, try again. I lowered the defense, and just gotta keep vigilant against the spammers.

Anyway, it’s time for this week’s Top Ten:

1. 24 Season 6 (Fox)

I soaked up the first four hours of the new season like a sponge. This is one of the few shows I will actually sit down and watch without having to record it. Plus, seeing Jack try for the umpteenth time try to save the United States in High Definition also helps. I’m glad to see Jack back.

2. Veronica Mars Season 1 DVDs

I’m really enjoying re-watching this first season. I’ve been a sucker for mysteries ever since my Encyclopedia Brown/Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys/Hitchcock Gang reading days, and this series scratches that itch.

3. Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360)

Nothing new to add here. I’m stuck at the rank of Major and have about 50,000 more points until the next rank. I’m ready for some new maps, and another patch to fix some glitches (like the dreaded “Clean Disk Error”).

4. 52 (DC Comics)

The revelations and mysteries are starting to drop each week now. I’m glad to see Animal Man still sucking air, but I am a bit worried about his present predicament. Despite some of the minor inconsistencies, this has been a very pleasing weekly series, and I’ve really enjoyed the ride.

5. Ray Davies “Other Peoples Lives”

I’ve been listening to this a lot this past few days, mostly because Roger Green recent picked it up based on it’s placement on my Top 20 of 2006 list. I’m really interested in reading what he thinks of it. I still love listening to this album.

6. TIE: R.E.M. “Murmur” and 33 1/3 book on R.E.M.’s “Murmur”

I love reading a book on the album I happen to be listening to that’s being written about. The 33 1/3 book was incredibly detailed, and at times slightly above my head. “Murmur” is not my favorite R.E.M. album, but as a first album it’s remarkable for its tone, voice, and Southern Gothic feel. Next up on my 33 1/3 reading list is Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland”. Hmm, I just may need to download that off of iTunes.

7. The Office (NBC)

Darn it! I’m all caught up on my viewing of The Office. So now the weeks get longer as I wait until each Thursday’s new installment. I am loving this season quite a bit. The new cast members (whats left of them…they keep quitting for some reason) have really added some new flavor to the ensemble.

8. Dragonforce “Inhuman Rampage”

I’m still enamored with this album. I love the cheesy high-pitched voices, the mad guitar shredding, and the drumming at speeds that ought to be illegal. No sweating on it that I can hear, so I get an added bonus of irritating a co-worker that once almost made me quit my job. Bonus!

9. Heart “Heart”

Shut up! Recently my wife and I drove up to San Francisco for a doctor’s appointment only to be told the that appointment was cancelled. Nothing like a wasted 7 hours of your life, plus a full tank of gas wasted to make one feel like Bill Bixby turning into the Incredible Hulk. On our way back from our useless trek, we stopped in my old haunts and I found this Heart CD for only $2! I LOVE this album, so lay off of me. These Dreams, Nothin’ At All, What About Love…..mmmmmm I’m in 80’s pop-rock heaven! It has now inspired my next month’s Circle of Friends Mix project…so watch out! (Speaking of which, I just finished dropping off Jan’s mix…so Adam and Anthony next time you are on campus, swing by and I’ll hand you yours)

10. Will Eisner’s The Contract With God Trilogy

Next month I’m leading a discussion in our library on Graphic Novels: Are They Literature? (title hasn’t been decided yet), so I have begun reading the Eisner classic. Man this is some seriously good stuff! I can’t believe I’ve never read it before. I’m impressed by how well Eisner used not just art and story to convey meaning or symbolism but also used the font of the dialogue as well. I’ll be reading and re-reading this magnificent tome which was just added to our library collection.

Posted by Lefty at 09:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You know, between no one posting on last Friday's 3 questions, the holiday, and coming down with a case of the nasal-drainage blues, this blog is looking neglected. Hard to believe it's already time for another Weekly Top Ten (which will probably be waylaid until Thursday). Until then here's a few small things that has been stewing in my noggin':

Item #1:

Dear Rhino Records,

I love your box sets. Your company creates awesome collections, and well-crafted works that reflect the love you have for the artists. For 2007, it's time for the second best rock band out of Ireland to get its due. Thin Lizzy needs a box set that truly updated and remasters their music for new technology. We're talking about a great mix of the stuff from their albums, unreleased stuff and myabe a live DVD as well. Let's not forget a booklet by, say David Fricke, detailing just why these Irish rockers deserve more than a passing footnote in rock history.

Please?

Thank you,
Chris "Lefty" Brown

P.S. How about another 80's collection, this time featuring soul & hip hop?

Item #2: Next week I'll be announcing a new round of my Mixed Bag mix cd exchange. This time out, there will be prizes involved. Start your musical engines! Look for the announcement next week, with the exchange taking place in the middle of February. Should be fun!

Item #3: Just read Newuniversal #2 last night. Warren Ellis has done some great work retconning characters for Marvel and making them 10 times more interesting (and in the case of Nextwave...funny). I wonder if he'd started retconning my life...maybe a little backstory involving pan-dimensions and ape-Wolverines. I need a comic make-over...just without those silly capes and tights.

Posted by Lefty at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've begun the long process of moving my posts from my former blogspot blog over here. It's going to take me a while. I have two years of posts to move over, but already I'm lamenting that I'm going to lose all the great (and not so great comments) people have left on my posts. Still, it will be nice to have all my posts over the years under one roof. So my former site will be slowly dissapearing...but all of that stuff will slowly re-appear here. (See already my archives shows posts from 2005, when leftybrown.com went live in Feb of 2006)

Posted by Lefty at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now it's my turn to ask you some questions...how about three of them. Heck I'll even leave my own answers in the comments section, but you damn well better leave your answers there as well, so the government and those hamster-eating aliens from V can keep tabs on you:

1. What's the most you ever paid for a comic book? Do you still have it in your collection? [If you don't read "funny books" feel free to answer the bonus question at the end of these 3 questions]

Bonus questions: The last Harry Potter book is expected later this year. What crackpot theory do you think will find its way into the final book?

Posted by Lefty at 07:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Roger asked me a second series of questions.

OK, pick any three, or more:

your favorite experiences tied to Advent/Christmas (Day/Eve), New Years (Day/Eve), Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Lent/Easter, 4th of July, Hallowwen. (You can pick other holidays as well.)

Here's my answers:

Christmas -would would be in major hot water if I didn't mention the Christmas in which I sent my girlfriend on a scavenger hunt around campus and found a fiancee at the end of it. Best Christmas gift ever.

Lent/Easter -Although I waaay too liberal to feel comfortable in a Lutheran Missouri Synod church, I remember one year observing Maundy Thursday, and the liturgy, the act of feet washing, and the solumn service was just overpowering for me. It opened my mind to the both the humanity of Jesus, and my own need for his sacrifice.

Lent/Easter -One Easter break my then-girlfriend (now wife) took a trip to Monterey. Now this was a little taboo since we both went to a Christian college and are both Christians but we were "relatively" good, but had an awesome time that weekend visiting the aquarium and playing tourist on Cannery Row. I want to go back someday with the Mrs. L sometime.

Posted by Lefty at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So what have I been doing for the past few weeks? Guess it’s time for Lefty’s Top Ten for the week.

1. Rainbow Six Vegas (Xbox 360)

It’s an understatement to say I’ve been playing this game in my time off. I’ve worked my ass off on this game…um while sitting on my ass I guess. I’ve beaten the game solo, co-op, and have played hundreds of rounds of multi-player. I’ve gotten hundreds of achievement points and advances from a Private to a Major. So yes, I’ve been playing it just a bit.

2. Veronica Mars Season 1 DVDs

I’m just a short ways into the first season of Veronica Mars. This is actually my second time through the first season, and I’m working my way towards season two and what remains of season three that I have on the DVR. It’s a fun show, and I’m loving it even on the second time through.

3. Doctor Who Season 1 DVDs

I just wrapped up the first season of the new version of Doctor Who. Wow. The last three episodes really hooked me. I enjoyed the whole season for the most part, but it felt like they really got running towards the end. I hear that the second season just got released, so I’ll have to add that to my Netflix. I’m really interested to see how the next Doctor works out.

4. The Office (NBC)

I am happily catching up on my episodes of The Office. After recently finishing off all three seasons of Arrested Development during my Christmas vacation, I turned to the new best comedy on TV. The Christmas episode was hilarious!

5. Rocky I-V and Rocky Balboa

I used to give a good friend of mine grief because he loved the Rocky movies. Recently I had to apologize to him. You see, until recently the only Rocky film I had seen was Rocky IV. We all know that movie took the bloom off of the rose of the Rock franchise, until Rocky Balboa arrived in theaters this Christmas. During Christmas vacation I watched all the Rocky films, and I came away amazed. So much can be said about the first three films. I felt for the characters and their brokenness. Well a few days ago I saw the new movie, and that has to be my second favorite Rocky movie. I’ll have to post more on my thoughts about the franchise later.

6. Dragonforce “Inhuman Rampage”

Judas Priest! This is fun music! The fine art of metal and shredding lives on in this fantastic album. This is just pure bubblegum fun. It’s Iron Maiden 2.0. I’ve been listening to this constant fore the past few days after finally downloading it off of iTunes.

7. Marvel Ultimate Alliance (Xbox 360)

I spent a lot of my Christmas vacation beating this game on the easy level. Now I’m anxious to start playing this game in the co-op multiplayer. You get to play a good mix of characters, and you can unlock different versions of the character as you play. My team I found myself constantly assembling was Thor, Colossus, Iron Man, and Ghost Rider.

8. My Chemical Romance “The Black Parade”

After getting over the stigma of downloading an emo band, I have to say this album really surprised me! It’s a real nice concept album that takes loads of inspiration from Queen, Pink Floyd, and a little of Smashing Pumpkins. It even features a marching band at one point. How very un-emo of them. Still don’t tell anyone I downloaded it, I may lose some street cred.

9. Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360)

After accidentally trading a million dollar car for $1000, I’ve been trying to raise a little online capital to buy a few more vehicles. It still smarts after losing that vehicle (I was “loaning” it out to a friend, but someone bought it before he could get online) that only exists in ones and zeroes.

10. The Daily Show and The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)

Once again I find myself two months behind on both shows, and my DVR had an alarming 7 hours left on it. So I have once again started fiendishly watching episodes. I’m about halfway caught up as of yesterday.

Posted by Lefty at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Next question comes from Gordon D., he asks:

Has there ever been an album and/or artist that you bought, loved upon first listen, but over time thought..."what the heck was I thinking?"

I was once a rabid Sarah McLachlan fan, even to the extent of seeing 4 shows of the same tour, and two Lilith Fairs. While I still enjoy her music, I can't believe how far off the reservation.

But as for the "what was I thinking?!?:

Exhibit A: The Spice Girls. Yes I bought into the girl-power and a few months later I couldn't beleive that my musical tastes had sunk so low.

Exhibit B: Ryan Adams. Now I think Adams is a talented singer, and I have friends that LOVE hime. And I blame them for having not one but four Adams disc. The stuff he does with the Cardinals is redeemable, but the other stuff leave me bored.

Exhibit C: In the early 90's Lefty went country, and I amassed several recordings by Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, and other popular artist at that time. A year or two afterward I unloaded most of it onto various Wherehouse and used cd shops in town. (Not ALL of it was bad, the Lyle Lovett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and a few others were redeemable). However, this past Christmas I bought several Garth Brooks CDs for Mrs. Lefty who enjoys that "Crap Country" as I now call it. I must love her or something.

Posted by Lefty at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I had planned on answering this yesterday because it was Bowie's 60th birthday. Both Roger Green and Nik had excellent coverage of this milestone. But here's what Nik asked:

In honor of David Bowie's birthday today, what is your favorite Bowie song? (Man, I'm a geek)

I'll give you my Top 20 (in somewhat order):

1. Heroes (from "Heroes")
2. Space Oddity (from Space Oddity)
3. Modern Love (from Let's Dance)
4. Ziggy Stardust (from Ziggy Stardust)
5. Young Americans (from Young Americans)
6. Moonage Daydream (from Ziggy Stardust)
7. China Girl (from Let's Dance)
8. Soul Love (from Ziggy Stardust)
9. Drve-In Saturday (from Aladdin Sane)
10. Thursday's Child (from Hours)
11. All The Young Dudes (from Aladdin Sane 2-disc collection)
12. Life On Mars? (from Hunky Dory)
13. I'm Afraid of Americans (from Earthling)
14. Seven (from Hours)
15. Across The Universe (from Young Americans)
16. Diamond Dogs (from Diamond Dogs)
17. Lady Stardust (from Ziggy Stardust)
18. Rock N' Roll Suicide (from Ziggy Stardust)
19. Rebel Rebel (from Diamond Dogs)
20. Changes (from Hunky Dory)

Man, Ziggy is just about the perfect album isn't it?

Also, what foreign countries have you been to and when?

Just Mexico, Baja California to be exact. But man if I could ever afford it, I would love to travel. I really want to go to France, Italy, England, Ireland, Spain, Australia, South Africa, Japan, man just all over.

Posted by Lefty at 08:23 AM | Permalink

I'm answering questions that readers ask in my comments section, until I get some time to post. If you like to ask some questions for me to answers, ask away in the comments section.

First up is Roger Green:

1. How do you reconcile your Christian faith and your love of violent video games? What do you think of the Left Behind video game?

I'm old enough to recognize the difference between real life and fantasy life, so while I play mostly first and 3rd person shooters, in real life I'm a pacifist. I very much agree with my unofficial patron saint, Stanley Hauerwas, when asked why he was a pacifist, he said it was because he's a violent son of a bitch, so he needs to be a pacifist. I recognize I have anger issues, they've never been harmful to people or living things (pets, trees, etc), but in some occasions maybe to objects (like walls or library stack shelving). So in some sense these shooters are an outlet, but it's mostly entertainment. But the heart of the question is how do I reconcile it with my faith, and the truth of the matter is I can't because when it really comes down to it, it's "soma". It's a distraction from the real work taking the good news of Christ, loving my fellow neighbors, and the planet we are stewards of.

Oh, and on the Left Behind video game...that just gets me very upset, because many parents may look on that as a safe video game for kids, because it's "Christian", but gives a version of Christianity that is shameful (convert people or they die).

2. Have you ever started your own business? Might you in the future? What type of biz would it be?

Nope, but my secret wish when and if we ever do come into some money is to open a comic lounge pattern somewhat over the great Isotope shop in S.F. We have a great area in Fresno called the Tower that would be wonderful for such a place. I wouldn't try to compete with the wonderful shop I already patronize, Heroes Comics, because the owner Dave really runs a great shop. I know already I wouldn't make a great deal of money, but it would be a place that I could put my heart and passion into.

3. Which Presidents were worse than George W. Bush?

The worst is obviously William Henry Harrison. I can't think of a single thing he did. (Of course he did die 30 days into his term). James Garfield also didn't do much, seeing as how he was assassinated six months into his term. But all joking aside I do think history will look at W. as being one of the worst presidents. I think also really bad presidents were Herbert Hoover who ineffectual doing the Great Depression. I also think Richard Nixon was a really bad president, even if he did give us the Clean Air Act. I still can't stand Ronald Regan, who if he was a real leader would have put politics aside and dealt with the AIDS crisis before it became an epidemic.

4. Of the reviews in the book Kill Your Idols, which one or two did you most agree with? Which ones did you think were just wrongheaded? How many of those albums do you own in one form or another?

The ones I agreed with were: Sgt. Peppers (to a point), Captain Beefhart's Trout Mask Replica, Led Zeppelin IV, The Best of the Doors, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, and Wilco's Yankee Foxtrot.

Wrongheaded was both Beach Boys entries, the Byrds and Gram Parsons entries, Blood on the Tracks, Joshua Tree, and Nevermind.

The only ones I don't own from the books are : Pet Sounds (someday I will, but which version to get?), Tommy (why, when I have the deluxe Live at Leeds?), Kick Out The Jams, Sweetheart of the Rodeo (the deluxe edition has been taunting me for a year or so), Trout Mask Replica (this will NEVER be in my collection...and I like Zappa, but Beefhart...just can't get into), Led Zep IV, Desperado (all I'll ever need from the Eagles are on their two original greatest hits collection), The Best of the Doors (I only half-like like three of their songs), Horses (after reading Gaar's book last year I really really want to pick this up), Ram (I know next to nothing about McCartney's solo career), Double Fantasy (I wish I had more Lennon solo stuff but it's the Yoko factor that keeps me at bay), It Takes a Nation of Million to Hold Us Back (I already am well-served by their recent greatest hits disc).

5. Of the albums that were released in 2006, which artists not on your Top 20 list did you get to hear? Elton John, Rod Stewart, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks, SpongeBob SquarePants, Paul Simon, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Corrine Bailey Rae, Sarah McLaughlan, Madeleine Peyroux, Sting, Beatles, Beck, Jerry Lee Lewis, weird Al Yankovic, Linda Ronstadt/Ann Savoy, Kris Kristofferson, anyone else you want to comment on. Like? Dislike?

+I do want to pick up the Elton John disc, but didn't do it in 2006.
+Rod Stewart in my mind stopped making music three discs into his solo career.
+Rosanne Cash would cost me a lot of money if I opened that can of worms. I've enjoyed every song I've heard on various mix CDs
+Johnny Cash would have been in the Top 25 of 2006, I thought it was a good CD but not as good as his proper last disc.
+ Dixie Chicks would have been number 21. It's a very good disc, and I did listen to it quite a bit last year. And that surprised even me.
+ Paul Simon...that's an interesting chestnut. I loved Simon solo stuff but the last disc I picked up of his was the excellent South American flavored disc...but since then nothing.
+ Tony Bennet, Krall, Spongebob...sorry but I'll pass.

Now some good music but didn't make my top list: The Jerry Lee Lewis disc was surprisingly good, if taken in small doses. The Kris Kristofferson disc was amazing and really should have made it into my top 20 if I did it again. The Beatles disc was very good, Sting hasn't been interesting to me for at least five or ten years, and the same can be said about Weird Al.

Posted by Lefty at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm back, but I am catching up at work. So now is a great time to take your questions, as I unbury my work area with all the journals and serials that need checking in, invoices that need to be rushed through, and other miscellania that can sometimes appear simple and often will turn into major projects.

So ask away, and I'll get around to answering them.

Posted by Lefty at 07:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)