COMIC BOOK MEN come to Baltimore Comic-Con!

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Denise

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Yeah I’m excited.  Oh sure, I was really hoping that this would happen ever since I found out that Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes are coming to Baltimore Comic-Con this year.  But I didn’t get my hopes up.  But I should have y’all!

Not only are they coming to tape an episode, but they’ll be there to release their new comic book “Cryptozoic Man”.  What’s that about?  From Dynamite’s Web site:

From Walt Flanagan and Bryan Johnson of AMC TV’s “Comic Book Men” comes “Cryptozoic Man”! Alan Ostman, a middle-aged husband/father, sees his life quickly unravel when his daughter goes missing on a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest…Bigfoot country. After Gray aliens abduct him from a roadside bar, he learns that the fate of the world is dependent on trapping the world’s most legendary cryptids…not to mention defeating a psychopath in a pig-shaped leather bondage mask, Alan knows he has his work cut out for him. The storyline revolving around this four issue series will be revisited in Comic Book Men Season III.

Gotta say the art looks fiiiiiiiiine.  I’m gonna get my grubby paws on a copy; how can I not?  Cryptozoic Man has got a Bondage Pig on the cover!  Wanna know more about pigs in bondage masks, Comic Book Men and what the boys (er, Men) plan on trying to grab while they’re here?  Of course you do.  Read on for the official press release.  And see you next weekend at the ‘Con!

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Pull! August 30 2013

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Denise

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Last week of August. Man. But only one more week ’til Baltimore Comic-Con y’all!

The Strain – The Fall #2: (Dark Horse) If you’re sick and tired of cute, emo vampires, you need to be reading this series. David Lapham does a great job translating a series of books to graphic form, and Mike Huddleston’s art is all angles, shadows and dread. Niiiiice. Readers who aren’t up on the novels may find some of the transitions a bit abrupt, but with the final panel of this issue – and the promise of my favorite Mexican wrestler making his appearance in #3 – I’m in this for the long haul. (4 out of 5)

Night of the Living Dead – Aftermath #10: (Avatar) The Army over at Red Rock continues to search for a vaccine, our poor group of survivors bedamned. Things are looking good for the researches, and you know that’s not gonna be a good thing for everyone else. Tomas Aira’s gorgeous pencils and Emiliano Urdinola’s inks are sharp, giving the issue  really great in-your-face gore. And David Hine managed to not only move the story along, but inject a bit of humor; hippies vs zombies, anyone? Hell yeah that’s good stuff. (4.5 out of 5)

Numbercruncher #2: (Titan) Think someone can double cross Bastard Zane? Think again…and then again. Thyme has pulled a fast one, but can he worm his way out of the deal he’s made with The Divine Calculator? If you haven’t read #1, this probably sounds like gibberish. But it’s mesmerizing stuff in the hands of Si Spurrier. PJ Holden gives good art, and I especially love the back-and-forth between black and white & color (courtesy of Jordie Bellaire’s colors). A heckuva story, but only two more issues left in this mini? Bummer. (5 out of 5)

Bloodshot #0: (Valiant) A killer that does whatever it takes to complete the mission. You betcha I’ll take a look. Because “whatever it takes” usually means Massive Bloodshed. And in Bloodshot, that’s definitely the case. #0 presents a new/tweaked origin story, but it feels tied to earlier canon (people who are better versed may disagree, and I’m fine with that.) Gorgeous art, and a cool POV. My only issue with…this issue? The letting is really tiny. Fine if you’re reading this on paper, but on my li’l Kindle? It’s a constant back and forth with the pinch-zoom. But I want to know more. (4.5 out of 5)

Kiss Kids #1: (IDW) “You wanted the youngest, you got the youngest!” Oh Kiss. You complete me. Who knew rock could be so dang adorable? Behold: Li’l Demon, Starchild, Catkid, and Spacey. Little kids with a mission; rock out. There’s a ton of mini stories in here, kinda like Archie with leather. It’s strange, having the Kiss gang be little kids, but it works. I’ll be reading this to my 6-year-old nieces. One thing though; Cat will ALWAYS be Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley IS Spacey. Sorry new guys. (Luckily, this series only calls them by their alter ego monikers….) (4 out of 5)

Dinosaurs Attack! #2: (IDW) I’m bummed. I missed the first issue of this series. But after the fun, Golden Age vibe of this issue, Ima correct that posthaste. Herb Trimpe, I salute you sir. Your art is fun, retro and just the right touch of splat. It’s like Classics Illustrated, with intestines. (That’s a good thing, kiddies.) Crunch! Gulp! AAAAHHHH! The letting is also rockin’ it old school, and I love it. Flint Henry takes up the art duties after the first twelve pages, and though it’s noticeable, it blends well with the start of the issue. If you don’t love page 16 and it’s kickass pterodactyl, you’re just not a horror fan. For it is groovy. The teaser of next issue’s cover has me slavering for more. Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth may have my heart, but I’m definitely finding room for this series. (4.5 out of 5)

Lazarus #3: (Image) Forever Carlyle isn’t the only Lazarus around; each of the Families have their own.  So when she’s tasked with heading down to talk to Joacquim, the Morray Family Lazarus?  I didn’t want that scene to end.  Greg Rucka is adding layers to the Family mythos he’s created, and that makes the story as well as the characters that much more interesting.  With #3 there’s peace afoot, but some in the Carlyle camp aren’t too happy about that.  There’s a strong Haves/Have Nots undercurrent that’s also intriguing; can the Families juggle in-fighting with possible revolution?  Ending with a (literal) bang, this is an issue to pick up, and it’s an easy point to jump in, thanks to the brief catch-up description on the first page.  Michael Lark’s cover for this issue is mesmerizing…and I’m sure there’ll be a whole lot more blood spilled in coming issues.  Recommended!  (5 out of 5)

Crossed: Badlands #34: (Avatar) Poor Amanda.  She’s suffered and survived, but at what cost?  And I’m not just talking her own personal cost, darlin’s.  I loved the start of this arc, but with #33 and this issue it’s just not connecting with me.  Amanda was such a complete badass, and now she’s completely batshit.  I get that it’s been quite awhile since we first saw her, but as with Jack Nicholson in The Shining, I’d like to see a steady progression into insanity, rather than a flick of the switch to crazy town. I applaud the way Lapham shifts between Amanda’s reality and her visions, but I wish the art was better at showing us exactly what was going on.  Instead of getting a view that gives the story room to unfold, it’s a lot of close-ups and strange angles.  Perhaps I’d be more on board with Amanda’s unraveling if the panels drew me in better.  *shrugs* I’m guessing that #35 will be the finale of this arc, and all I can do is mourn for what could have been.  (3 out of 5)

Godzilla Rulers of Earth #3: (IDW) Oh no.  It’s an SDCC spoof cover.  Or “Ultra Convention VII”, to quote the issue. I tend to get a not-good cold chill down my spine when I see a ‘Con issue.  Why?  Because they’re usually shoehorned into a perfectly good series with no rhyme or reason besides a shout-out to the nerds that are already reading anyway.  (Hear me roar for our people!)  Sending Kaiju to San Diego seems like a cheap way to grab attention, and the Monster At The Con scene feels forced.  But a beautiful half-page — and then full-page — drawing of Manda makes me feel all happy and warm inside.  Gezora is just ge-orgeous too (see what I did there?  Fine.)  I had my worries about this issue after the final page of #2, and I’m still not convinced that adding aliens to the mix is a good idea.  As it stands, this particular aliens-as-big-bad storyline feels more like Godzilla For Kids. Still, Mowry has me clamoring for #4 with his final page, and though Shawn Lee doesn’t seem to be allowed to unleash the glorious letters he’s been dropping on us in previous issues, the colors and art in this issue is still in mix with the best-of-the-best.  And is that Mothra I see in the teaser for the cover of #4?  Okay, I’ll follow where  you’re going.  (4 out of 5)

Larfleeze #3: (DC) Y’know it always seems that the titles you pick up on a whim end up being ones you like the most.  Well, usually.  And in the case of Larfleeze, most definitely.  Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis have a helluva way with dialogue, and the back-and-forth between Larfleeze, his butler Stargrave, and the Wanderer is priceless.  Tired of stodgy, uptight superheroes?  Believe me, that ain’t the case here.  Larfleeze may be a greedy, overly-focused nutter, but he’s a fun character to watch and a real badass when push comes to shove.  (Or when things get in the way of his beloved…things.)  Kollins’ art does a great job with the art here, keeping outer space looking beautiful, absurd and crazy-cool.  Colors by Mike Atiyeh are bright, beautiful and *ahem* out of this world.  The Wanderer puts Larfleeze in a real predicament at the end of #3, but it’s Stargrave that will probably get the short end of the stick.  Oh, and who is this Wanderer chica, anyway?  I wanna know.  (5 out of 5)

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Pull! August 24th 2013

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Denise

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I read more. But I’m too lazy to post it all. So? Just a few of the highs, lows & so-so’s of my week….

Chin Music #2: (Image) I don’t often say “work of art” about comics, even though there’s some pretty fantastic stuff out there. But Tony Harris’ work in this issue is a gorgeous, Art Deco fever dream that is gross, gorgeous and definitely worthy of the term art. And Niles twists the story, winding it up so tight that I wasn’t sure what was going on…. But the tumblers fell into place at the end, leaving me wanting more of this Elliott Ness In Magicland story. I may get thrown by Niles’ story from time to time, but damn if the trip ain’t beautiful. (4 out of 5)

Constantine #6: (DC) John Constantine is bleeding out on the ground. Mages gunning for his destruction are thisclose to getting their wish. In the Astral Plane, John has a ton of payback in store, courtesy of all the people he’s wronged. Let’s just say the line wraps around the block a few times. And poor Lloyd has to deal with a ton of ghastlies from The Cult of the Cold Flame, as they try to get at John’s body. Just a typical day for our boy, but it’s a satisfying ride. I’m firmly in the New Constantine camp with this issue. It may not be the Constantine we’ve known before, but Ray Fawkes is delivering just the right amount of wicked fun to win me over. Not to mention the brilliant art and colors from Renato Guedes & Marcelo Maiolo. Bravo, y’all. (5 out of 5)

Creepy #13: (Dark Horse) Lucky number 13? Meh. As much as I looked forward to this issue, I can’t come up with much more than a sad trombone for the stories here. Why? Because they’ve been done before, and better. “The Last Stop” is a lukewarm “Down Bound Train”. “The Squaw”? A mean spirited, unfulfilling riff on “The Black Cat”. It’s as if the bulk of these stories were grabbed out of the Pass bin and published to make deadline. Yes, with genre pieces you’re always going to be comparing one story to another. But I was looking for a new, or at least interesting, spin. Luckily,”The Prospectre” by John Habermas tells an Old West ghost story that managed to make me smile (D. W. Frydendall’s groovy art adds to the fun) and Dan Braun & Peter Bagge’s “Creepy Cat in ‘Cat Crossing'” is an – dare I say it? – adorable look at my favorite animal. Thank the Dark Ones for these two tales. (2.5 out of 5)

Hellraiser: Dark Watch #7: (Boom) Cenobites that give a crap about humans? Stranger still, ones that align with humans to fight a rival to Hell? A Cenobite that doesn’t always speak in tones of Very Ominous Doom? What is Clive Barker doing? I’m not sure, but this scramble of the “usual” Hellraiser mythos has caught my eye with this issue. D’Amour, the new (and not 100% respected) Pope of Hell, needs an assist from humans Tiffany, Norton and Theo. Do they each have their own, incompatible, issues? You betcha. Does the war between Leviathan and his sister take a verrrry interesting turn? Absolutely. As I jumped into this series late, I’m betting on the new, almost human Cenobite D’Amour’s patois growing on me. And from the looks of the final panel, readers are headed for a wild ride in #8. Bring it, Barker. (3.5 out of 5)

Suckers #0: (Zenoscope) Hate sparkle pony vampires? I know, who doesn’t? Chad and John are two vamps that have had it up to their canines in romantic, twee vamps. So when they accidentally stumble upon a crew filming a sequel to “Moonshade”, they’re all set to put a hurting on the wuss lead actor…. Let’s just say you can’t always get what you want. #0 is worth your hard-earned just for the first few pages of mock-Moonshade hilarity. Suckers is definitely humor rather than horror, but there’s plenty of violence to be had. Can our pair of blood-pong lovin’ bros ever make people fear fangs again? I’m down for watching them try. (4.5 out of 5)

Six Gun Gorilla #3: Blue, our Everyman who only wanted to die but is having a hard time of it, continues to surprise the bigwigs at BlueTech-PV Corp. He’s managed to keep himself alive, and in the process folks at home (who are watching him and enjoying his experiences) are driving the ratings through the roof. Not too good, as Blue may be stumbling onto secrets BlueTech-PV doesn’t want made public. Si Spurrier is doling out the freaky in bits and pieces, leaving me dying for more. So far, his mythos is top notch, and #4 promises a cool new bit of mayhem. Jeff Stokely and André May give good art and colors; I’m especially loving the Earth viewers POV. But more Gorilla, please? He’s a cypher I’d like to know more about. And also, he’s badass. (4 out of 5)

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Small Press Expo announces the Ignatz Award nominees!

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Denise

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The Small Press Expo ain’t just about getting your Indie Comic Book cred.  It’s also a showcase of talent that may have been flying under your radar.  Thanks to the Ignatz Awards, you can get a look at what all the cool kids think is the best and shiniest.

For me, this is a list that serves to remind me that I need to get out and grab more indie.  Though I thoroughly enjoyed The Hive, I really need to get my hands on Pope Hats, The Property, Hair Shirt….  You get the picture.

Heeeeere’s the nominees; more info on each can be found at the Ignatz Awards 2013 page.  A big ol’ CONGRATULATIONS to each and every nominee!

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One Direction’s “This Is Us” screening passes? Baltimore, are you ready?

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Denise

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Yaaaay — One Direction rules!  Or at least that’s what my friend’s twin girls have informed me.  (Fine.  So I have “What Makes You Beautiful” in my gym playlist on my iPod.  It’s happy.  No haters.)

You know who else rules?  Morgan Spurlock.  He of Supersize Me and one of my favorite movies of 2011, POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.  I’ll pretty much watch anything that man puts out, because it’s sure to entertain and get me to learnin’ sumpin’.  And from that last sentence I obviously have some learning to do.

So…a film starring One Direction, directed by Morgan Spurlock, called This Is Us.  You betcha; it’s a documentary.  Want more details?  Our PR folks have been gracious enough to share:

ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis’ meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena. Hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it’s really like to be One Direction.
Directed by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and produced by Simon Cowell, Adam Milano, Spurlock and Ben Winston.

There’s a screening in Baltimore this week.  Wanna go?  Yeah you do.  Here’s the usual 411:

What: ADMIT TWO passes to This Is Us — I’ve got 75 of ’em to give away, and you should get yourself one.  Grab a friend, sister, cousin…or be really nice and take your mom.

Where: Baltimore, or rather the county surrounding ours.

When: Thursday, August 22nd, 2013

Why: Because, squee!

How: GOFOBO, of course!  Clicky:  http://l.gofobo.us/GpVDRgI7

Remember folks; seating is first-come, first served and is not guaranteed.  So make sure you get there early to grab yourself a seat!

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Pull! August 18th 2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Denise

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Halloween Oreos on the shelves in the supermarket. Orange & black ribbons in the craft stores. Mmmm, it’s getting close to Our Time, kiddies. Til then? Here’s how I’m prepping for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year….

Burn the Orphanage #1: (Image) A horrible past, a tantalizing mystery, and a man’s quest for the truth. Sounds promising, yes? Hold it right there. Everything gets tied up by the end of this issue, with nothing more than so-so chop socky. Sina Grace’s art is top notch, but the story (co-written with Daniel Freedman) is nothing more than a cool idea that gets rushed out the door too soon. Add bad guy characters that feel like they’ve come from the Snidely Whiplash School Of Ham, and an ending that peters out (lost it’s own steam, I assume), and this is a three part miniseries that really needs to step up it’s game. Because this issue is just so much style without substance. (2 out of 5)

Trillium #1: (Vertigo) Four thousand humans left in the universe.  A slick, constantly-evolving virus that has us in it’s sights.  A pretty flower that could hold the key to humankind’s survival.  And a bit of the ol’ something else…. Welcome to Trillium, Jeff Lemire’s newest story.  Trillium #1 is broken down into chapters, and as much as I’d love to get into the thick of things here, if I did that’d spoil the reveals Lemire has in store for you.  Here’s a hint; there’s space aliens, shrubbery, restless natives, world wars, and a big ol’ portal that could set things right or really do a number on the human race.  Lemire brings it again, and it’s looking gooooood.  (4.5 out of 5)

Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #2: (IDW) #2 kicks of with a roar, as Godizilla and a brand new ‘Zilla (picture the T-Rex mutant from 1998’s Godzilla)  face off in Honolulu.  Let’s just say Honolulu loses.  But readers win, so yay!  Shawn Lee, you rock my skreeonk-in’ world with your lettering.  Just wanted you to know that.  Chris Mowry and Matt Frank are giving kaiju fans what they want, and though I have a bit of doubt as to how they’ll pull off the story direction hinted at in the last few pages, with this issue I’m keeping hope alive.  (5 out of 5)

Breath of Bones #3: Ohboyohboyohboyohboy it’s here! The final installment of this Golem in WWII story. I was almost scared to start reading for fear of the first two damn-near perfect issues being let down by the finale. And while #3 has it’s ups and downs (this issue does have to bring the wind-down as well as the climax), it’s a winner. While the story is basically about one moment in time, Steve Niles uses it to touch on the basics of good and evil. The end does peter out quickly, and the groovy Golem action is short and sweet – hey, at 24 pages including cover everything is quick – but it’s a satisfying conclusion nonetheless. Niles leaves bits the story open, so I wouldn’t be surprised if another tale based on this basic story came around. I wouldn’t hate that. (4 out of 5)

The Walking Dead #113: (Image) “We don’t die… You and me. That’s the rule.” Oh pumpkin. Don’t you know that Robert Kirkman loves to bust up the rules? And with that crazy sumbitch Negan talking about “revenge” (putting that in quotes because he crazy), fans looking for a bit of the ol’ medieval morality play payback are in for a wait. The one-two punch of Kirkman’s story and Charlie Adlard’s penciling make for a tense, edge of your Kindle experience here. I really, really want to see Negan get a major league smackdown – preferably at the crumbling hands of a zombie or twelve, the likes of which are not seen in this particular issue – but I’m fine with this tense standoff sticking around for another issue or two. Hey, if things are good, then I’m all in. Right now, things are good. (4 out of 5)

George R.R. Martin’s Skin Trade #2: (Avatar) A second issue, but no muzzles make an appearance. Hey, I’ve read The Song of Ice and Fire, I’m betting on a slow burn here too. Y’know, then a little something that puts The Red Wedding to shame. Hopefully. (There are bits of…bits in this issue, so I think I’m on track.) Here, the stage is still being set, with many, many subplots and different points of view. Sound familiar? If this series brings even a quarter of the high caliber awesome of SOIAF, I can’t wait for more. But right now I’m dying for a glimpse of paw. (3.5 out of 5)

Zombie Spotlight #1: (Tiny Donkey Studios) It’s zombie anthology time y’all! Three stories kick off this new series, and each is a little piece of twisted fun. Tony Donley has a nice, Vault of Horror – like flair in these quick & dirty stories, and Rich Woodall does a wonderful bit of color work in the first story, “Shelby”. The zombie mythology isn’t consistent in these tales, but that just serves to keep you off balance. I’ll be back for issue #2. (4 out of 5)

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Grab screening passes to Getaway before they…get away….

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Denise

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It’s August, but it feels like September.  Either way, a new school year is comin’ up close, Whether you’ll be pounding the linoleum on the first day, or just justifying a Back-To-School splurge at the mall by driving by the ol’ high school, why not celebrate the winding down of summer and start of cool, lovely weather with Selena Gomez?  Yeah, it’s crazy that she’s fully legal now, right?  To me, she’ll still be that sweet little witch over on Waverly Place.

That could change with the debut of Getaway, a fun-fest full of car crashes, thrills and mayhem that stars Ms. G, along with Jon Voight and Ethan Hawke.  Here’s the official press release for the film; say thank you to the nice PR folks!

“Getaway” is the gritty, heart-pounding action thriller from Warner Bros. Pictures and Dark Castle Entertainment starring Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke (“Training Day,” “The Purge,” “Sinister”), actress and international music sensation Selena Gomez (“Springbreakers,” “Wizards of Waverly Place”), and Academy Award® winner Jon Voight (“Coming Home,” the “National Treasure” films) under the direction of Courtney Solomon (“An American Haunting”), who also produced the film.

Former race car driver Brent Magna (Hawke) is pitted against the clock.  Desperately trying to save the life of his kidnapped wife, Brent commandeers a custom Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake, taking it and its unwitting owner (Gomez) on a high-speed race against time, at the command of the mysterious villain holding his wife hostage.

Rounding out the cast are Rebecca Budig and Bruce Payne.

Solomon, Allan Zeman, Moshe Diamant and Christopher Milburn produced the film. The executive producers are Julius R. Nasso, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Robert Jones, Bobby Ranghelov, Jon Goodman, Dennis L. Pelino, Claudia Bluemhuber, Ian Hutchinson, Joel Silver and Steve Richards.  The screenplay was written by Sean Finegan & Gregg Maxwell Parker.   Finegan also served as co-producer along with Stephanie Caleb.

The behind-the-scenes team includes director of photography Yaron Levy, editor Ryan Dufrene, production designer Nate Jones, and costume designer Roseanne Fiedler. The music is by Justin Burnett.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Dark Castle Entertainment, an After Dark Films production, in association with Signature Entertainment, in association with Silver Reel, a film by Courtney Solomon, “Getaway.”  The film opens August 30, 2013 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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This film has been rated PG-13 for intense action, violence and mayhem

throughout, some rude gestures, and language.

I’ve got passes for the Baltimore area screening of Getaway.  Wanna come too?  Read on….

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If anyone needs me I’m binge watching: Orange is the New Black

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Denise

I’m late to the party, yes. But I’m absolutely loving Orange is the New Black on Netflix. Great writing, great acting, and characters that make you give a shit, even if at first you think you hate them.

But what I’m loving most of all is the music. This is one righteous soundtrack y’all.

I’d review these episodes, but Television Without Pity nailed ’em. With recaps that good, Ima put my feet up and hit play on the ol’ Roku…. Ahhhhh.

Oh, and check out the lovely soundtrack playlist from Saraquin. Thank you, darlin’.

orange is the new black ost from saraquin on 8tracks Radio.

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Otakon to move to DC? Stay classy, Baltimore.

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Denise

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Oh man.  This news from the Baltimore Sun is a real bummer.  And as Baltimore City government never seems to lose an opportunity to draw people to the city, I’m sure this is gonna be happening.  Sigh.

Otakon isn’t just a fun place for the Otaku to gather and be fannish.  It’s not just a great way to spend a weekend people-watching outside of the Baltimore Convention Center, while maybe even making a new friend or finding a new thing to be into.  Nup.

Otakon is a way to show that Baltimore is all about being fun, funky and all-encompassing.  It’s a weekend where everyone gathers together and there’s no judgement, no bashing, just a friendly and peaceful vibe that can bring a smile to even the most sourpuss dock worker whose back has gone out for the umpteenth time.  It’s a way to show that Baltimore is in fact a cool place to be, and where you can go ahead and let your particular flag fly, whatever it may be.  It’s feeling of acceptance and warmth is one of the reasons I decided that moving here would be a groovy idea.

But instead of fixing up the Convention Center — something that has needed to be done for years — Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Bernard “Jack” Young, and other officials throw money at big-budget items that only serve the wealthy few, like the Harbor Point project, which takes tax money and gives it to developers.  For what?  Exclusive living, shopping and amenities for those that can afford ’em.  Oh, and let’s not forget the Horseshoe Casino, another luxury item that on it’s face seems great — hey, money for schools! — but let’s face it, a casino in Baltimore would serve folks that couldn’t afford to gamble elsewhere.  People who should be saving, or putting that money to better use, rather than being tempted by shiny shiny.  You tell ’em, Gawker.

This is just another thing that the current crop o’ politicos have fubar’d.  The Baltimore Grand Prix was pushed through, and taxpayers had to bail out the flop, and citizens had to stand up and protest when Goverment officials decided that they’d get the Prix done By Any Means Necessary, including whacking down trees and not replacing ’em.  (Luckily, the Grand Prix of Baltimore seems solid, and as a volunteer last year I’ve gotta say it was fun and extremely well run…but thanks to Andretti Racing, not the City.)

And the lack of love for the Convention Center is gonna hurt more than Otakon.  Baltimore Comic-Con, Antiques Shows, Union/trade/association gatherings and let’s not forget city programs like Health & Wellness Expos that serve lower-income folks who don’t have access to the basics, let alone bright and shiny new luxury buildings?  All of these groups and more need a convention center that serves the public, not million dollar buildings on the fringes of the city.  In a perfect world I’d love to see both.  Hell, I’d be all over the “parks and amenities” something like Harbor Point would provide.  Why wouldn’t I?  I have access to easy transportation (otherwise known as my car), and though I’m not rolling in dough I’m certainly okay enough to indulge in some groovy now and again.  But.

Baltimore City cares about what THEY want, not about what the city needs.  The city needs positive publicity, tourism and a way to give city dwellers a bit of pride of place.  But city officials don’t care if the city makes money.  They care if THEY make money.  How do you think the casinos got in here?  Harbor Point?  Same thing.  But at the expense of a downtown that will crumble from neglect.

Sorry.  I’ll squee over nerdy stuff next, I promise.  But right now it’s tough to be fannish when the City is making MY PEOPLE move elsewhere, while the Baltimore City Government channels the honey badger.  I blow my nose at you, Ms. Mayor.

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Wanna taste of the reality behind American Horror Story: Coven?

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Denise

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The legend of Delphine Lalaurie gets a historical fiction treatment. Why should you care? Because it’s a crazy tale of high society and horror that’s based on a true story. A story that’ll get more of a spin this fall with American Horror Story: Coven hits the air, with Kathy Bates as Lalaurie. Yeah baby after hearing that, I was dying to read more about this historical figure too.

Hey, “L’immortalite: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen” is free to Amazon Prime readers. Right now I could use a bit of spine chilling with all the humidity around. But before you know it, Halloween will be around the corner. And I kinda want to be the cool kid that can pass along a creepy tale at the party this year.

“L’immortalite: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen” is currently available on Amazon. American Horror Story: Coven comes back to FX October 9th, 2013.
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