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Since 2008, Thomas Dimitroff and the Falcons front office have taken almost every position through the draft. One of the biggest positions yet to be drafted is tight end. Some thought the Falcons were ready to take Brandon Pettigrew in 2009. The trade for Gonzalez buried that idea and has mostly kept that need low on the priority scale ever since.
The recent news the future hall of fame tight end plans on hanging it up after this season has prompted many to think the Birds finally may draft a tight end, perhaps early, in this year's draft.
In terms of the future, it does make a ton sense to draft a TE early and have them learn from the best for at least a year. However, two things cloud the picture for this draft. First, the Falcons don't draft until the second round and they have a late pick at that (#55). Even if they wanted to get a top flight tight end, most of them would be gone by #55, especially if there happens to be a run on them with teams looking for the next Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski.
The second issue to cloud the picture is the fact that, much like safety, tight end is seen as an overall pretty weak group. Coby Fleener is undisputed as the best tight end in the group and is basically a unanimous 1st round talent. After that, there are some valuable prospects, but what round they are worth are anyone's guess. A look at some of the candidates the Falcons may have their eye on…..
Thanks to the following excellent draft / scouting websites:
*Projected draft rounds vary widely depending on scouting sites
**Statistics represent career collegiate numbers
Dwayne Allen
Clemson – 6'3 – 255 – Forty: 4.89 – Bench: 27 – Vertical: 32
Games: 39 – Rec: 89 – Yds: 1,041 – YPC: 11.7 – TDs: 12
Allen is heavily considered the next best tight end after Colby Fleener is likely taken in the 1st round. Allen won't be confused with the next Jimmy Graham or tight end to stretch the field and change the game, but he's a throwback, gritty tight end who gets the job done both in the passing game and blocking for the run. Some thought that Allen may even move up to first round territory after a blistering junior season that saw him catch almost 50 passes for 577 yards and 8 touchdowns. His very poor combine showing has definitely dropped him out of first round territory. Allen is one of the most complete and NFL-ready tight ends available and is an excellent red zone and 3rd down target. He may not be a game-breaker, but he's an extremely well-rounded tight end.
Orson Charles
Georgia – 6'2 – 251 – Forty: 4.73 – Bench: 35
Games: 40 – Rec: 94 – Yds: 1,370 – YPC: 14.6 – TDs: 10
Charles signed with Georgia as one of the top tight end prospects out of high school and some thought he may redefine the position. While Charles was very productive in Athens, he never became quite the game-breaker that some imagined. He may have simply suffered from the recruiting over-hype machine. Even though his height isn't ideal for an NFL tight end, his speed and potential are. He had his best year in terms of yards and touchdowns as a junior, but his yards per catch average dropped below his excellent 16+ range. Charles likely was inhibited by a fairly stale offense that lacked much creativity. The Georgia tight end could go as early as the 2nd round or could drop to 3rd or possibly even 4th with his poor combine showing, dropped passes, slow 40 time, and recent DUI arrest. If he's still there in the 3rd round, it will be hard for the Falcons to pass on the former Dawg.
Ladarius Green
Louisiana-Lafayette – 6'6 – 237 – Forty: 4.53 – Bench: 16 – Vertical: 34.5
Games: 45 – Rec: 149 – Yds: 2,201 – YPC: 14.8 – TDs: 22
Green has the buzz from many Falcons fans regarding the draft because of his size, potential, and the fact that there's a chance the Birds could get him in the 3rd round. Green is very much a receiving tight end that needs to add bulk to his long frame. His career production is superb, going over 2,000 yards receiving and hauling in over 20 touchdowns in his career. He is definitely a project, though, and will need some time to add muscle and improve his blocking to be an every down tight end. Falcons fans would love to nab Green in the 3rd round, but may find themselves disappointed with NFL teams looking for the next Jimmy Graham to redefine the position. Of all the tight ends in this draft, Green seems to have the most upside.
Michael Egnew
Missouri – 6'5 – 252 – Forty: 4.62 – Bench: 21 – Vertical: 36
Games: 43 – Rec: 147 – Yds: 1,332 – YPC: 9.1 – TDs: 8
While Green may be getting all the buzz, Michael Egnew is quietly a very appealing prospect. Egnew had a very showing at the combine where he had a good bench (21), forty time (4.62), and excellent vertical leap (36). He had a very productive senior year with 50 receptions for over 500 yards, but only added 3 touchdowns. Egnew's stock varies widely from scouting site to site. Draftcountdown has him ranked above Green. CBS Sports has him slotted to go somewhere between the 3rd and 4th rounds, but WalterFootball has him going in the 4th or even 5th round. Like Green, Egnew is a project with potential. While Egnew may be a little farther along than Green, his upside seems more limited. Most likely a big reach for the Falcons in the 3rd round, but will probably be gone by the time their 5th pick rolls around. Egnew would be a perfect selection if the Falcons had a 4th round pick this draft.
Deangelo Peterson
LSU – 6'3 – 243 – Forty: 4.76 – Bench: 18 – Vertical: 36
Games: 50 – Rec: 39 – Yds: 459 – YPC: 11.8 – TDs: 3
Around this territory, the Falcons may decide to simply pass on tight end altogether. Peterson hails from LSU, but had almost minimal impact and production while there. He has some decent measureables, but doesn't really strike many with tons of potential to be starting tight end in the NFL. In four years at LSU, he only managed to haul in 3 touchdowns and not break 40 receptions or 500 yards receiving. Peterson, like many tight ends around this area, likely don't project to much more than 2nd tight end option in many cases.
Rhett Ellison
USC – 6'5 – 251 – Forty: 4.79 – Vertical: 31.5
Games: 47 – Rec: 52 – Yds: 461 – YPC: 8.9 – TDs: 6
Some sites actually project Ellison as moving to fullback, as he also worked out with the backs at the combine. Ellison's stats won't knock you down, and his upside is definitely limited, but this statement from CBS Draft Scout will get many teams to take another look at Ellison, "Ellison doesn't excel in any one area, but is solid in all of them and has very good intangibles with very good character, work ethic and passion for the game. He is a third-day prospect who can wear several hats and will work his butt off for whichever team gives him a chance."
James Hanna
Oklahoma – 6'4 – 252 – Forty: 4.49 – Bench: 24 – Vertical: 36
Games: 53 – Rec: 52 – Yds: 720 – YPC: 13.8 – TDs: 9
Hanna might be one of the best prospects with the most potential in the entire draft. His college production isn't anything that will get him noticed, but he has all the measureables to do very well in the NFL. He was the fastest for all tight ends at the combine, running a sub 4.5 forty at 6 feet 4 inches tall and 252 lbs. That's not something to sneeze at. People looking for the next Jimmy Graham may take Hanna much earlier than many scouts believe. Sure, he would be a project, but he has many tools that most tight ends do not.
Chase Ford – Miami
6'3 – 246 – Forty: 4.93 – Vertical: 32
CBS Sports Chase Ford Scouting Report
Garrett Celek – Michigan State
6'4 – 250 – Forty: 4.73
CBS Sports Garrett Celek Scouting Report
Evan Rodriguez – Temple
6′2 – 239 – Forty: 4.49
CBS Sports Evan Rodriguez Scouting Report
(Thanks to waynester on the Evan Rodriguez mention)
Matt Veldman – North Dakota State
6-7 – 256 – Forty: 4.73
NFL Draft Scout Matt Veldman Scouting Report
Cory Harkey – UCLA
6'4 – 260 – Forty: 4.86
CBS Sports Cory Harkey Scouting Report
George Bryan – NC State
6'5 – 258 – Forty: 4.96
CBS Sports George Bryan Scouting Report
Kevin Koger – Michigan
6'4 – 253 – 4.84
CBS Sports Kevin Koger Scouting Report
David Paulson – Oregon
6'3 – 246 – Forty: 4.93
CBS Sports David Paulson Scouting Report
1) Should the Falcons spend a 2nd rounder on tight end? A 3rd rounder?
2) Do you think this tight end class is worth looking at?
3) What TE prospects do you like and what round?
4) How many of these prospects immediately offer more than Michael Palmer?
5) What will Falcons do if they draft no TE this year and Gonzalez retires?
April 19th, 2012
10:12 am
Enter your comments here
April 19th, 2012
10:19 am
One more "sleeper" for the list: TE/FB Evan Rodriguez….can line up anywhere to give lots of different looks, plus is an excellent blocker. Not the fastest, but runs great routes and has excellent hands….
"Let the Sleeper Awaken!!!"
April 19th, 2012
10:41 am
Here's what one site said about Rodriguez…
"The best blocking wingback in the entire class and it's not even close…commands terrific Core Strength, explodes off the snap, especially deadly on the move, diagnosing his target, quickly engaging, consistently hitting hard and effectively. Former Safety and QB, cerebral…athletic. As a receiver, commands remarkable Navigational prowess, Fluidity and Instincts…has attributes no one else in the(TE) class offers–powerful, slashing motion blocker and a smooth, dangerous receiver…could have an enormous impact…."
6′1.5″ 243lbs 4.58(40), BP 18reps, 36″ Vert, 9′11″ Broad, 20yd Shuttle 4.28, 3-cone 6.94, arm 32″,hand 9.5″, All-MAC 1st team 2010/11, Combine Invitee as FB, rated #1 FB by Draft Scout who called him a "poor man's Aaron Hernandez" after his outstanding Shrine game performance. Temple used him just like the Pats use Hernandez–all over the place–FB,TE,WR.Slot, in-line, wing, H-back….Projected rd 5-7th…
IMO an awesome bargain that late….
April 19th, 2012
10:47 am
I've been staying away from mock drafts recently because it will drive me insane trying to think about what may be available and the pure torture of Thursday night having to watch almost every other team add quality players to their team and we're sitting on our hands. Aarrrrggggghhhh!
Bradley has stirred up the Julio Jones trade again over on his blog and the poll was evenly split between good (30%), too soon to tell (30%), and bad (30%). I've finally gotten over it, mainly because Julio is such an awesome player, but it took some time and I can't say it won't swarm back over me again thinking about getting a stud LT. I can stomach one of these blockbuster trades from TD, but that needs to be it. No more. If for no other reason, than the draft is one my absolute favorite events of the year, and I'm going to have to take codeine to during the 1st round to prevent from breaking something.
Now, all complaining aside, there looks to be a ton of quality players available when we pick in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I do think TD did a good job in knowing that only because he's done a pretty good job of stocking this roster and likely knowing he would keep every single soon-to-be free agent except Lofton, than there's really not THAT many holes to fill.
Not saying it's right or wrong, but RIGHT AT THIS VERY MOMENT, there's only a few holes on our roster (at least in terms of starters)……
1) Left Tackle
2) Right Guard
The rest are depth. This won't be the same next year when we may lose Grimes, Gonzo, and Babs, but the way this roster is constructed, there's not that many holes at this moment. Next year's a different story.
April 19th, 2012
11:04 am
Judging from WalterFootball.com's 7 round mock, there looks to be some really good players available to us at various points when we pick………
2nd Round Available
Kelechi Osemele – OG/OT (who they have us picking)
Brandon Thompson – DT
Mychal Kendricks – ILB
Trumaine Johnson – CB/S
Brandon Boykin – CB
Mitchell Schwartz – OT
Donald Stephenson – OT
Josh Chapman – DT
Brandon Taylor – SS
Mike Martin – DT
Zebrie Sanders – OT
3rd Round Available
Ben Jones – OC (who they have us picking…..torturing Coop)
Isaiah Pead – RB
Ladarius Green – TE
Orson Charles – TE
Nigel Bradham – OLB
Unfortunately, they have a lot of the guys we've talked about going right before us in the 3rd round, like Brandon Taylor, Mike Martin, Zebrie Sanders, and Josh Chapman. The point is, that there is a ton of value to be had even though we don't have as many picks.
If this were my candidates I would go with either of the following:
2nd – Brandon Thompson
3rd – Ladarius Green or Ben Jones
2nd – Kelechi Osemele
3rd – Nigel Bradham or Orson Charles
April 19th, 2012
11:15 am
5th Round Available
They have us taking TY Hilton……really?
Aaron Henry – S
Andrew Datko – OT
Nate Potter – G/T
Brandon Hardin – S
Emmanuel Acho – LB
Christian Thompson – S
Kellen Moore – QB
Deangelo Peterson – TE
The more I think about it, the more I truly believe that we can get some good depth and value at Safety in the 5th round (Brandon Hardin, Aaron Henry) and won't need to spend a high pick on a CB/S, especially since this safety class is one of the worst.
1st Option
2nd – Brandon Thompson – DT
3rd – Ladarius Green – TE
5th – Andrew Datko – LT
2nd Option
2nd – Kelechi Osemele – LT/RG
3rd – Orson Charles – TE
5th – Brandon Hardin – SS
3rd Option
2nd – Trumaine Johnson – CB/S
3rd – Nigel Bradham – OLB
5th – Nate Potter – RG/LT
This draft should be all about best value, since we're TRULY not looking for immediate starters.
April 19th, 2012
11:17 am
I was just on Walter's too….I might have to double-dip on O-linemen with Osemele and Jones if it shakes out that way–but the need for a passing down D-lineman is huge, too….
BTW, both Walter and Charlie have TE Rodriguz going in the early 5th or early 6th, but before our pick….
April 19th, 2012
12:09 pm
The "Gonzo Osmosis" meme has driven me bat shiiite crazy for a few years now and I just wish the silliness would end. Picking up James Hanna in a later round would not bother me at all but wasting a low pick on this crappy TE class is just nuts. Fleener isn't bad but there is basically zero chance of him falling that far unless there is a good enough reason that we should pass too. Cooter historically has near ZERO production from his TE's so why bother especially if they aren't the blocking variety.
April 19th, 2012
12:12 pm
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
April 19th, 2012
12:17 pm
There must be a reason a prospect falls to the 5th round. If he was really "one of the best prospects with the most potential in the entire draft," then he'd be going in the first round.
Have you read his combine bio?
April 19th, 2012
12:28 pm
Jeff B — Fair enough. OK, so I should have left off the "best prospect" parts and simply said he SEEMS to have a lot of potential.
April 19th, 2012
12:37 pm
Dawson, I wouldn't have said anything but then I saw the comment about "steal of all steals." I'm just trying to keep us grounded a bit. I will concede though, that anytime you have a guy that height running sub 4.50 40s, you have to at least pay attention.
April 19th, 2012
12:52 pm
SP hit on it earlier–blocking. We're still going to be a run-oriented offense despite all the hoped-for changes in the screen game, downfield passing, etc. We've seen enough of Mike Smith to know radical changes are not his M.O.. That's why I'm so high on Rodriguez–he's actually an asset in the run game unlike Green, Egnew and the other taller, thinner TEs coming out, plus, he's not a liability in the passing game like Bryan and some of the other "blocking" TEs….
April 19th, 2012
12:57 pm
Jeff B — True. I got carried away with that one. I let me own feelings towards getting Hanna in the 6th skew the post a little bit. In terms of just raw potential that can be coached up, I think he would be a great pick in the 6th. Jimmy Graham was extremely raw coming out of college, but now look at him. Not saying that Hanna has that kind of potential, but it seems as though he may have more upside than Palmer at least.
April 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
waynester — Great point. You've sold me. I'll go back and add Evan Rodriquez with his scouting profile. The only reason I shied away from him was that many projected him as a FB.
April 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
The best thing about Hanna is his speed (4.49 40) a full 10th of a second faster than Rodriguez…what tips the scale to ER is production. For 2011, Hanna had 27 catches for 281 yds and 2 TDs. Rodriguez had 35 catches for 479 yds and 2 TDs and was the lead receiver on the team which wasn't even pass-oriented like OKs…..
April 19th, 2012
1:02 pm
Don't get me wrong–Hanna will be a great pro–his speed is a mismatch waiting to happen…but ER CAN play FB (rated #1 FB by DraftScout) allowing us to let Ovie go and roll with Snelling and ER….
April 19th, 2012
1:19 pm
"Cooter historically has near ZERO production from his TE's so why bother especially if they aren't the blocking variety." SP
This is a very good point and probably why the Falcons will not be drafting a TE this year. I think most of their picks(if not all) will focus primarily on defense. They can get better picks in next year's draft anyways.
April 19th, 2012
1:30 pm
Evan Rodriguez – Temple
6′2 – 239 – Forty: 4.49
CBS Sports Evan Rodriguez Scouting Report
(Thanks to waynester on the Evan Rodriguez mention)
I updated the post to reflect Evan Rodriguez and his scouting profile. I missed him because CBS has him listed as a FB. Thanks again waynester
RE: Cooter's (under)-Use of TE — I'm sure Tony Gonzalez is not real happy about that. If what you guys are saying is true, than you're right, no sense in wasting a pick on a TE when he won't even be used. Palmer will do just fine in that role.
Screen & Anyone Else Who Knows — So, does the marketing tagline of a "vertical passing game" match the actual results for those of you who have watched Koetter's offenses, or is just BS?
April 19th, 2012
1:38 pm
I feel sure we will try to go vertical more often, especially if we get our o-line squared away but my guess is, we'll still be run-first and continue to lag behind the elite offenses in passing….
April 19th, 2012
2:34 pm
April 19th, 2012
2:55 pm
According to Espn's NFL live the other day when the schedule's came out .They say the Atlanta Falcons have the toughest Schedule in the NFC maybe in both ledges . Not any home games back to back and a lot of time in the air for travel . Only one Div game before mid season among other things.
A report has said this is to compensate for the Saints having a tough schedule and there loss of players and coaching .
I have heard that no other team has ever had a Schedule this bad as far as the way it is set up. Just food for thought
April 19th, 2012
3:13 pm
thanks for the link–gotta agree– IF Fleener is still on the board he would represent tremendous value as the #1 player at his position and even with Osemele sitting there, BPA says take the TE….
April 19th, 2012
3:15 pm
that's an interesting analysis on the schedule–on paper(based on opponents' last year's record) it looks fairly easy. Having no back-to-back home games also means no back-to-back away games…. kind of a toss-up….
April 19th, 2012
3:31 pm
"RE: Cooter's (under)-Use of TE — I'm sure Tony Gonzalez is not real happy about that. If what you guys are saying is true, than you're right, no sense in wasting a pick on a TE when he won't even be used. Palmer will do just fine in that role.
Screen & Anyone Else Who Knows — So, does the marketing tagline of a "vertical passing game" match the actual results for those of you who have watched Koetter's offenses, or is just BS?" – D3
It has been awhile since I made that post linking a page with the info to look up all of Cooters games. If I'm not mistaken 2005-6 at ASU were Cooters best years running an offense, I remember one TE slant that was a big play in their bowl game from one of those years. Mostly what I saw out of Cooter was a run 1st to set up spread passing but not in the "normal" spread way. He like to dink and dunk with screens instead of MM's outs/comebacks and occasionally burn the D with slants if they spread. He is MM with a slight variation on how to attack when teams stack against the run. He supposedly is capable of more but I didn't see much of it. Cooter's few proponents point to a coaching video exposing 4 routes as their premise for him being a "passing" guy but I don't really buy it. Plenty of coaches make training videos for extra income instead. I would bet there are Dunwoody/ Riverwood pee-wee league coaches that have video libraries thus basic knowledge of "exotic" play like screen passes that far exceed the like of MM lol. It is not out of the realm of possibility for Cooter to have some passing scheme ability that he doesn't use which is why I shy away from outright saying WCO stuff is impossible for him…it isn't impossible for the nations pee-wee league coaches to get videos and maybe he could too .
April 19th, 2012
4:12 pm
Every one is over looking Rhett Ellison, read the scouting reports folks.
April 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
I'll just leave this here…
April 19th, 2012
4:14 pm
Good, short interview with TD concerning the craft.
April 19th, 2012
4:15 pm
April 19th, 2012
4:18 pm
The birds have a lot of air time with this schedule . There schedule is tougher than last year . They do face the Broncos and Dallas in Atlanta but travailing every other week is not good on players . Most will tell you they would rather have 2 or 3 games away in a row and a couple of home games in a row than this . Its a mind set and fatigue thing I have been told . As well as the other teams in our Div will have a lot of there Div games out of the way while they are fresh threw the first half of the season . But the Falcons will have only played 1 Div game . And then there is the Saints Who will be Stronger on D after the mid season with fresher players who were suspended for 4 to 6 games because of the bounty thing . I will be surprised and I hope I am wrong if the Falcons win more than 9 maybe 10 games this season
April 19th, 2012
4:35 pm
"I feel sure we will try to go vertical more often, especially if we get our o-line squared away but my guess is, we'll still be run-first and continue to lag behind the elite offenses in passing…."- waynester
I think O-line should be the priorty for the team outside of a BPA fall in our lap dream scenario, HOWEVER, I also think much more emphasis should be given to getting a feature back with full versatility. Cooter needs a multi-feature back to make alot of what he tries to do work. I mentioned getting Demps a long time ago before he went to the Olympics instead and settled on I. Pead as the 2nd fastest back. Having a speedy home-run hitting shifty back is gonna be alot more important to Cooter than Turner snow plowing. Having the option to go with a backfield of Pead and Quizz could really open up what he likes to do and with HD, JJ, and Roddy we would be a speed match-up nightmare for teams.
April 19th, 2012
4:58 pm
"And then there is the Saints Who will be Stronger on D after the mid season with fresher players who were suspended for 4 to 6 games because of the bounty thing."
Even with the suspended players coming back, the Saints defense will be atrocious.
April 19th, 2012
5:08 pm
Big Lou
It's kinda funny how the NFL has catered to the Saints not to play there strongest Div team 'the Falcons ' until they get all there starters back .Plus being rested and the Birds being played 9 games already
April 19th, 2012
5:22 pm
Excuse me .8 games already While only playing 1 Div game out of those 8
April 19th, 2012
5:33 pm
What it all boils down to is the Birds have got to play very good Football this year and pray they stay healthy for the Divisional second half of the season . But then maybe they will be a better team by then who knows . Its just funny that it seems they must do what they can for them poor Saints
April 19th, 2012
5:43 pm
Vote for cam, never wish injuries on players/drivers (maybe kyle b.) because of karma coming back to bite ya ass. But, vote for cam, sorry Mrs. SW! Big kitty fan I hear!
April 19th, 2012
6:05 pm
SCREEN PASS-If our new OC intends to reduce the role of the TE in our passing OFF, that's fine. We did quite well in 08 when we went 11-5 and made the playoffs when no one, and I mean no one predicted we'd even break even. We managed that feat with a roster full of TEs who were blockers rather than receivers, especially starting TE Hartstock.
And that yr we certainly didn't compensate by using many if any 4-5 WR formations. As far as the speed of any potential we might draft, TGonzalez has been pretty doggone effective and productive as a premier pass receiving TE and I doubt if he could run the 40yd dash with any of the top 15-20 top college TEs.
In fact, I'd love to see us drop the FB position from the starting lineup and run a 3 WR OFF, or a 2 TE OFF. The 3 WR OFF would be a modification of the 2 TE Patriot OFF. But if we decided to go with a 2 TE OFF, the combination of Gonzo and LGreen, and eventually MPalmer and LGreen, would be simply awsome.
Palmer gives us the blocking TE you want, but with good receiving skills. Green give us the receiving TE who's superior speed, for a TE, would give us the equivilent of a taller, bigger and more physical WR. Green would make it more a hybrid 2TE/3WR OFF. Split him out, it's a 3 WR OFF, bring him in tight and it becomes a 2 TE OFF.
I have no problem whatsoever if Koetter's vertical passing OFF includes a lot of screens, dinks and dunks as long as they're designed to get YAC. it's a good strategy. When teams bring their CBs, LBs and safeties up to compensate, we attack them over the top. It's a whole lot more effective and productive approach than the TAKING WHAT THE DEF GIVES US approach.
When DEFs spread out and/or drop back to protect against the dinks, dunks, screens, or the bomb, we gash them with the run. This passing OFF philosophy will take a ton of pressure off our OL by allowing Ryan to get the ball out of his hands much quicker. This drastically reduces the need for so many throw aways to avoid sacks, and reduces the amount of time our OL has to pass protect. It also limits the number of pass rushing moves a DLineman, especially a DE, can make before the pass is out of Ryan's hand, which makes it so much easier for our OL.
This OFF approach would also allow a rookie LT like Osemele, who's already an above average run blocker, to function far more effectly as a pass protecter. I realize you are more comfortable with the GLASS HALF EMPTY approach, but you have to consider the potential positive impact Koetter, his OFF philosophy, approach,and scheme, can have on our OFF.
April 19th, 2012
6:15 pm
I like the overall idea but "physical" and Ladarius Green don't belong in the same sentence. He got manhandled by college players and wound up on his kiester a lot. He has room to put on weight, but speed is his major selling point… I'd rather use that 3rd rd pick on a DT….
April 19th, 2012
6:25 pm
"I realize you are more comfortable with the GLASS HALF EMPTY approach, but you have to consider the potential positive impact Koetter, his OFF philosophy, approach,and scheme, can have on our OFF"- KS
There is nothing "glass half empty" about being real about Cooters past perfomance and his M.O. in general. You can spout "optimistic" vaguaries all you like but without the proper personnel Cooters scheme will flop and flop hard…kinda like last year at Jax. We have most of the personnel to take advantage of the upsides of his type scheme but certainly not all. If he chooses or is forced to try the same appraoch as MM last year than expecting different results w/o different personnel mainly on the O-line and RB core is usually referred to as "insanity". If you want to consider being sane and rartional as "glass half empty" go ahead, I'll still be me and keep my own perspective thank you much. I do consider the potential impact of his schemes and "shtick", unlike you I consider and weigh BOTH the positives and negatives. There are both whether you or anyone else wants to face that reality.
April 19th, 2012
6:29 pm
What you mean draft for need?
No way!!!
April 19th, 2012
6:31 pm
"It's a whole lot more effective and productive approach than the TAKING WHAT THE DEF GIVES US approach. " – KS
This all you really needed to say. The Falcons offense has much room for improvement and what Cooter offers can deliver that. Improving over MM and his inane and insane stubborn approach isn't saying much by itself however. HOW and how much Cooter can improve our offense will be a function of BOTH his schemes and the personnel we use to implement them.
April 19th, 2012
9:11 pm
SCREEN PASS-Good points. As far as our OL is concerned, none of us can really say that our OL and/or OLinemen will have the same or simular problems in Koetter's blocking scheme and OFF approach that thay had in Mularkey's last yr. SBaker has been roasted over his performance last yr. And even though it's been printed, as well as mentioned by me a few times, he had multiple injuries that required surgical procedures during the season and he had a difficult time recovering and was replaced.
I just finished reading an AJC article on TDs approach to the upcoming draft. He made it clear that the approach we've taken in addressing our OL and certain OLinemen, especially during FA, had everything to do with Koetter and Hil's evaluations. They obviously felt that the skills and abilities of our current OLinemen, regardless of what happened last yr, make them good, if not better, options in our new blocking scheme than any FA we might have signed.
For those who are convinced that an OL overhaul, or a change at LT, is the only way to improve our OL and protect MRyan, you're obviously going to be disappointed and in for a long season.
April 19th, 2012
9:33 pm
So, if they believe our ol is good enough to get it done do we still draft ol in the 2nd or even the 3rd? And if S is still a weak position in this draft and we go dt in the 2nd what position/player would be next?
April 19th, 2012
10:02 pm
If TD does not draft a O-lineman in the 2nd, he has lost his mind. Either that or a future super star fell our way but I really doubt that happens in the 2nd. You gotta fix what needs fixing first. New coaches and schemes may help but as SP said, you gotta have the personal to make it work.
April 19th, 2012
10:08 pm
1) No TE early in the draft this year.
2) Bradley is bored…hence his article about the Julio trade. I'm sick to death of that argument. It's pointless at this juncture. Imagine being Cleveland, having all those picks, and then realizing you suck at drafting, aren't any better than you were prior to all of those extra picks, and wake up to find that Peyton Hillis isn't around to be your offense anymore, either. NOW you have something to b!tch about….
3) Some folks just don't get that "Koetter's offensive scheme", "Glass half Empty", and Screen Pass mixes about as well as a junior high chemistry lab project…..
4) This, from Jeff Schultz (who is also bored):
Ryan was sacked only 26 times last season. But the Falcons' line allowed 84 "quarterback hits," which is a better gauge as to how often Ryan threw under duress. The 84 hits ranked as the seventh-most in the league, behind six non-playoff teams.
….is precisley why I will not screech about any respectable OL pick in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. Even those that might be considered borderline reaches. Don't ask me what a borderline reach is…..
5) I would be happy to get Brandon Thompson.
April 19th, 2012
10:14 pm
Just a few comments before bed ya'll…………
(+) — I was really big on the TE train early on, thinking we finally had to get a replacement for Gonzalez moving forward. And I won't lie and say that I wouldn't still pull the trigger if either Orson Charles or Ladarius Green were still there in the 3rd round. However, it's not like Michael Palmer is absolute garbage. He's a decent receiving option, a very good blocker, and an excellent #2 TE option, which is essentially what we want THIS year, now moving forward, no one here really believes that Palmer can be our #1 TE, but with this very weak TE class, I'm willing to take a flier on a guy like James Hanna or Rhett Ellison this year in the 6th round, see how they do, and the re-adjust next year for the draft. With all of our signings from this year, we're setting up pretty nicely going forward. Babs and Grimes (if no deal is struck) come to mind as holes for next year, but we don't have a ton right at this very second.
(+) — I won't be upset if we get a guy like Green or Charles, but I think I'm finally leaning towards building the OL with the best available DT and OL with 2nd and 3rd. Can't go wrong having too many big ugly linemen, even if that means undercutting other guys you picked in the past (Mike Johnson, Andrew Jackson, Peria Jerry, etc).
(+) — Sounds like Kelechi Osemele is getting a lot of buzz from various scouting and draft websites. I think he was originally mentioned with OG prospects, but now is listed as an LT prospect. Love this pick, if this is who we get. I've come back full circle to my argument as before, infuse this OL and DL with talent and let the best man win. What's there not to like about a 6′6, 333 beast that can either compete at RG or LT?
(+) — If we go Osemele at #55, then I would love to snap up a DT @ #84. The problem is, that even though the DT group is likely the deepest class in the draft, they will start getting snapped up left and right once that 3rd round rolls up. Still think we'd have an outside shot @ either Mike Martin or Josh Chapman at DT in the 3rd. After that, no sense in taking a DT just to say we took one.
April 19th, 2012
10:15 pm
Falcon 21 ,
Tempted to agree with you, but here's another perspective –
If all the guys you think can help fix the situation are gone by the time you pick, then you have to go with the next best "fix" or the Best Player Available.
In other words, if we look up and its our turn to pick at #55….and all the best offensive linemen are gone…and the next crop are serious "hit or miss" types that are guys who will likely be around when the fifth and sixth rounds come around…then you go upgrade elsewhere. If there is a very good pass rusher, a very good playmaker for a spot in the secondary, a guy who can help win the battle on the line of scrimmage…that's the guy you take.
I don't want to hear it either, but our best chance at getting a difference maker on the offensive line comes in 2013, when we'll have a first round pick. Or so I say…I don't know that any late 2nd rounder rookie offensive lineman will help ensure our offense goes the way it needs to THIS YEAR. It depends on who will be on the board when we pick.
I do think that guys like Mitchell Schwartz and Zebrie Sanders have a chance to do so. There are some other names as well. But none are probably as good of a prospect as we'll have when we get to select in the 20s in the first round of the 2013 draft (assuming we have a good season, we'll be picking that late).
As Unca Bob would say…just a thought.
April 19th, 2012
10:16 pm
One other thing –
I know I said I would be okay with a "borderline reach" pick on an offensive lineman.
I do NOT want to see any Sam Baker type of reaches. No, no, no, no, and no.
April 19th, 2012
10:16 pm
"personnel" my bad!


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Already missing my lovely weekend in Davis. Back to midterms and sadness #tminus11days #untilhappiness
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Published on Brock University (http://brocku.ca)
MARS Speaker Series
For information, please contact the Administrative Assistant, Marija Gojmerac at extension 5325.
Faculty Accomplishments
Dr. Andrew McDonald to present a free public lecture as part of the Congress of Humanities 2014 taking place at Brock University.
Date: Tuesday May 27, 2014
Time: 9:00am to 10:30am
Location: Thistle - 243
Title: "Then Sveinn went down to the Isle of Man" - Late Norse maritime empires, borders and boundaries: The View from Man and Orkney
Hosted By: Association for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies in Canada
All are welcome to attend!
Full details can be found at: http://congress2014.ca/program/events/then-sveinn-went-down-isle-man-late-norse-maritime-empires-borders-and-boundaries
Trip to Iceland
The Brock News highlights the MARS Iceland trip
MARS students share their experiences in Iceland
Follow one student's experience through her blog: Sagas and Fjords: One Student's Adventures in Iceland
Congratulations to Professors McDonald and Somerville on the recent
publication of their book "The Viking Age: A Reader"
Symposium highlights medieval documents at Brock


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Sycamore Flat - Local Area Photos and Information
Local Area Photos | Local Business Directory | Local Real Estate | Local Employment Center
Sycamore Flat is a populated place located in Russell County at latitude 37.124 and longitude -85.043.
The elevation is 1,050 feet. Sycamore Flat appears on the Russell Springs U.S. Geological Survey Map. Russell County is in the Central Time Zone (UTC -6 hours).
Russell County: Cities & Towns | ZIP Codes | Schools | Features (airports, churches, hospitals, etc.)
BOUNDARY MAPS: | Russell Springs Division | Russell County
Sycamore Flat - Searchable Map, Aerial Photos & Driving Directions
|BIG Map |
Driving Directions |
Data Source - USGS GNIS FID: 509176
BOUNDARY MAPS: | Russell Springs Division | Russell County
Nearby Cities, Towns & Census Designated Places
Sycamore Flat, KY
(< 0.1 mile)
Webbs Cross Roads, KY (1.4 miles SSW)
Decatur, KY (2.4 miles E)
Jericho, KY (2.7 miles S)
Humble, KY (2.7 miles SSW)
Sano, KY
(3.6 miles WSW)
Fonthill, KY (3.6 miles SE)
Honey Acre, KY (3.9 miles ESE)
Horntown, KY (4.3 miles SSE)
Salem, KY (4.9 miles SE)
Nearby Neighborhoods, Subdivisions & Other Small Populated Places
Red Hill, KY
(7.6 miles NNE)
Athens, KY (12 miles NE)
Green Hills, KY (13.3 miles W)


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Stereophile review
We're really proud to see the miniDSP 10x10 receiving an extensive review from Kalman Rubinson on Stereophile magazine! Put to the test for the equalization of his 5.1 surround sound setup, Kalman goes indepth on the use of REW, speaker and room tuning. A must read!
...the miniDSP 10x10Hd gave me the tools to do what I want in order to get the sound that I want. The 10x10Hd makes it easy to look under the hood of room EQ.Kalman Rubinson from Stereophile.com
Check out the review at stereophile.com for more details.
OpenDRC as a useful FIR tool
It's an honour to see Pat Brown from Synaudcon (www.synaudcon.com) using the OpenDRC + rephase + REW for a comprehensive review of the influence of FIR filters! His review is available on Prosoundweb.com and goes through a real life scenario of the advantage/limitations of FIR along with speaker design. A must read!
For more info on Synaudcon and the great learning/training sessions, make sure to check out their website.
Hifizine Reviews
John Reekie from HifiZine.com couldn't summarize in better details the steps involved in setting up a miniDSP system for a wide range of applications! From subwoofer tuning to 4way crossover, his detailed reviews take the time to explain the complete process from setup to measurement of the system, including diagrams and measurement results.
For more info, have a look at HifiZine website at the following links:
- miniDSP 2x4 for Subwoofer equalization
- miniDSP 2x4 for 4way Open Baffle project: Part 1 , Part 2
- PWR-ICE for the miniConvertible
HomeTheater Review
After meeting each other at CES 2011, Andrew Robinson from HomeTheater took the opportunity to review the miniDSP 2x4 unit. Initially wondering what this little box was about, Andrew quickly picked up the pace to put the miniDSP at use in his system. By giving it an overall 4.5 star out of 5, I guess that Andrew enjoyed our affordable DSP! A complete review of the miniDSP 2x4 product is now available on HomeTheater Review website at the following link.
TNT Audio
Nick Whetstone did a very comprehensive review of how to jumpstart your miniDSP system in few simple steps. With a real life experience at reviving his 2way Audax system, Nick summarizes his miniDSP experience in better words than any user manual. Check out his article on TNT Audio website for a comprehensive review of miniDSP.
Elektor Magazine
In an exclusive five page article, Harry Baggen from Elektor, the number one electronic magazine, provides an objective review of the whole miniDSP product range. Based on a miniDSP + miniDIGI + miniAMP combo, Harry was able to experience step by step how to configure and prototype his 2 way loudspeaker in very little time. A very complete and informative review available for download at the following link.
This article is offered for download on the miniDSP website with the permission of Elektor International Media. As the number one electronic magazine, we certainly recommend you to browse Elektor website for electronic circuits ranging from audio to microcontroller programming.


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Guests can feed and hold exotic animals while playing two 18-hole courses
By Chris Fish
CAPE CANAVERAL -- Golf N Gator offers more than a regular putt-putt experience.
Since its grand opening on March 28, hundreds of residents and tourists have flocked to the miniature golf course to play on the facility's two 18-hole courses, all the while being surrounded by live alligators.
Under the supervision of "Safari" Todd Drever of Safari Todd Unlimited, a conservation organization with the goal of educating the public about wildlife animals, guests can hold alligators, snakes, scorpions and tarantulas to enhance their golfing experience.
"We have been well-received by the community," said Gary Carothers, owner of Golf N Gator. "We are not really gimmicky. It's just a pure putt-putt environment, with no tricky stuff, like elephants or clowns. Everyone seems to enjoy it, and only one person has scored under par that I know of."
"Safari" Todd said he hopes to dispel myths created by film and television about the dangers of his animals.
"My alligators are harmless," he said. "They have never bitten anyone."
At Golf N Gator, guests may pick between two 18-hole courses. For an easier experience, guests are encouraged to try the "Swamp Cave Course," which is surrounded by cascading waterfalls, flowing streams and tropical landscapes, featuring 15 gators, four feet and less.
However, if a guest is really looking for a challenge, Mr. Carothers said "Gator Mountain," which includes several par-three holes, will provide an excellent challenge.
Golf N Gator also hosts parties and tournaments for local organizations.
In the future, Mr. Carothers said he will be bringing in more gators for his miniature golf course, increasing the number of reptiles to 30.
Also, Mr. Carothers said he is working toward a license to handle exotic creatures, so, in a year, he can take over the handling area from "Safari" Todd.
For guests looking for souvenirs and other memorabilia, Golf N Gator provides various Florida souvenirs, including anything gator and reptile-related, as well as NASA memorabilia.
Golf N Gator is located at 6355 N. Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral, and is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. To make a reservation for a birthday party or tournament, call (321) 799-4545.
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- Cast: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Bojana Novakovic, Shawn Roberts, David Aaron Baker, Jay O. Sanders, Denis O'Hare, Damian Young, Caterina Scorsone, Frank Grillo, Wayne Duvall, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Gabrielle Popa, Paul Sparks, Christy Scott Cashman, Dossy Peabody, Gordon Peterson, Peter Epstein, Tom Kemp, Timothy Sawyer, Molly Schreiber, Amelia Broome, Celeste Oliva, Scott Winters
- Director: Martin Campbell
- Writers: William Monahan, Andrew Bovell, Troy Kennedy Martin
- Producers: Tim Headington, Graham King, Michael Wearing
- Associate Producer: Lucienne Papon
- Executive Producers: James Laurenson, Gail Lyon, Danton Rissner, David M. Thompson, E. Bennett Walsh, Suzanne Warren
- Art Direction: Greg Berry
- Castings: Pam Dixon, Carolyn Pickman
- Costume Design: Lindy Hemming
- D.O.P.: Phil Meheux
- Editor: Stuart Baird
- Makeup: Felicity Bowring
- Music: Howard Shore
- Production Design: Thomas E. Sanders
- Set Decoration: Jay Hart
"Edge of Darkness" is an emotionally charged thriller set at the intersection of politics and big business. Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) is a veteran homicide detective for the Boston Police Department and a single father. When his only child, twenty-four year-old Emma (Bojana Novakovic), is murdered on the steps of his home, everyone assumes that he was the target. But he soon suspects otherwise, and embarks on a mission to find out about his daughter's secret life and her killing. His investigation leads him into a dangerous, looking glass world of corporate cover-ups, government collusion and murder – and to shadowy government operative Darius Jedburgh (Ray Winstone), who has been sent in to clean up the evidence. Craven's solitary search for answers about his daughter's death transforms into an odyssey of emotional discovery and redemption.
Basic Information
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Filming Locations: Massachusetts, USA
- MPAA Warning: Strong bloody violence and language
- Production Budget: $60 million
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, GK Films, BBC Films, Icon Productions
- Production Schedule: 18 August 2008 - December 2008
Featured Articles
Robert De Niro had originally been cast in Ray Winstone's role but dropped out due to 'creative differences' after spending a few days on the set.
The first time Mel Gibson has played the lead role in a film since 2002's "Signs".
John Corigliano was the first composer on the project and wrote a full complete score to the original cut of the film. When the film underwent re-shoots and the tone was changed to a more action driven film, Howard Shore was brought onboard.
2010 Guide Analysis: Though several award-winning British mini-series have been turned into bland Hollywood film adaptations ("The Singing Detective," "State of Play"), this one could be different in that original writer/director Martin Campbell is returning to the material over twenty years on and with several great films like "Casino Royale," "The Mask of Zorro" and "Goldeneye" under his belt.
The big question here is how will this be translated? 'Edge' was very much a product of 1985 with its critical examination of Thatcherism, corruption and nuclear proliferation. Yet it also threw in some left field Gaia theology talk of Mother Nature as a living organism who would terminate threats to her own survival. The first trailer for the film in October gave us our first clue, representing the film more as a "Taken" style action revenge movie, keeping the main storyline of the grieving father trying to learn the truth and not bothering with any of the environmental or political subtext.
Like "State of Play" it also appears as though the antagonists have been changed from Government and energy companies colluding to corrupt Haliburton-esque private military contractors. The result will likely follow the quality trend as well - a decent retread that works fine as is, but isn't a shadow of the longer, deeper and far richer original mini.


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10 - 50 downloadsAdd this app to your lists
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IntervalTrainer can help you get in shape by allowing you to create your own custom workouts based on timed intervals. Interval workouts are great for increasing your cardio activity, no matter what you're doing by keeping you focused and alerting you when it is time for the next workout. Syncs with your playlists too.
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Stops when phone is in standby
(56 stars)
Stops when phone is in standby


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Men have done better? Maybe more men have given up in favor of sitting on the sofa, drinking beer and watching ESPN, which their working wives are paying for.
With remarks like "binders full of women" Romney is continuing his self-destruction. Romney and his fellow Republicans don't even realize how insulting the remark is to women.
And his desire to stop funding Planned Parenthood; Jesus, Romney, why don't you just shoot us and get it over with?
$0 for Planned Parenthood; $0 for Big Bird, $0 for government (taxpayer)-provided contraceptives; $0 for green subsidies; $0 for oil subsidies; $0 for government (taxpayer)-provided abortions; $0 for Social Security for me (other taxpayers won't be able to afford it); and on and on. Cut the spending! Some liberal women can be as insulted as they wish to be, but at least they will be less broke 15-20 years from now.
I bet that Bill Clinton does not object to "Binders Full of Women" or is it binders of resumes of women? Darn, why did he not think of that when he was President.
Now that Hillary is officially rolled over by the big Obama Bus, maybe Bill is looking for another candidate to run in 2016. He will need a binder full of women for this task. After those comments, I suspect that Bill will push the button to Romney come November 6th. If I were in the Romney camp, I would offer Bill the position of staffing women in the White House and he would switch his alliance quickly.
The real women blunder are the jobless figures …. Around 46K more jobless this week.
Desperation by the Dems …. and it shows how they see women ……Obama's view of women: first free contraceptives and abortion and then they fit into a BINDER …. how deep can Obama sink .. President shameful. No women with brain will like those remarks by the Dems
The world is burning around us and Obama is in a "deep" cover up ! Running fast in his pants on fire …
"For a loser in the game, being reckless is no shame"
Is you image down the drain, why worry about further blame.
Once your reputation's lost, Just spend – no need to count the cost. Wilhelm Busch (German Poet)
Speaking of women…. has anyone heard when Hillary will resign ?
I belive she mentioned the "buck stops here" in regards to the murders in Benghazi.
Anyone really believe that Republicans have the interests of women at heart more than Democrats? Of course, the right-wing bluffers and yellers here and on Fox will posture and bloviate, but that's just politics. Women are for making babies whether they want to or not in Republican eyes. This whole "war on women" thing is a false argument, a counterattack by the GOP because, left alone, it would devour Romney's candidacy.
For all the talk of the "war on women" by Democrats- if you're interested to see how women fare in the Obama White House, Ron Suskind's excellent book "Confidence Men" paints a different picture of the so-called woman-friendly president. As a woman, when I hear the Crowley-selected questions of – what can you do to ensure I get paid as much, I wonder, what can you do, really? I don't have a woman-centric economic view. My view is create a climate for growth and I'll take care of myself!
Women were given the vote in Utah – second state to give women the vote in the nation – but this article avoids giving Mormons any credit for anything.
Even though Mormon women are the one of the longest living demographics in our country and their daughters don't go out and prego in droves and go on welfare like some demographics we know of – The President's demographic.
The "binders full of women" comment can only tick off people who were looking for reasons to support their stance. If he had said "binders full of women's resumes" in an effort to recruit more women it would have been fine.
I'm wondering about the proportions of women in public-service unions (teachers, nurses, clerical). My guess is that the percentage is much higher for women than men and that this would explain some of the gender gap in terms of women favoring a democrat over a republican. I'm not trying to say that other issues aren't in play. Just trying to proportion-out the reasons.
Watch "We Will Not Be Silenced" about how Obama's thugs treated the elderly and women in the caucuses.
Truly brutal. And the Democrats who made this felt Obama should not be President as his followers cheated so much.
So much for women's rights. Or the rights of the elderly.
Sounds like "fair and balanced" right out of the D'Souza mold. Even the title gives away the slant.
Aren't these statistics weird? Out West, unemployment is increasing and even liberal newspapers are coming out with the news.
Cities are going bankrupt due to the liberal policies of trying to give handouts to every Tom, Dick and Harry and illegal. They even build housing just for agriculture workers (in the city??????). And then, the workers only have to spend half their work hours working for agriculture in order to quality for the subsidized housing. It's literally filled with Latinos and the city even painted a huge mural with Latino faces – not whites even though last I hear, whites still do a lion's share of agricultural work in this country. And of course, they start most of the businesses as well.
At least one area I know of is so dependent on Intel and their stock is heading south.
What's up with that?
Californians know that their Democrat governor is trying to pull a fast one. He LIES about their debt.
It is actually $617 BILLION – about 70 times higher than what he told them.
Wake up, people! The Democrats will lead us down the garden path – just so their egos will remain intact.
Women are claiming to be independent and yet clamoring for more dependence on the other hand.
This I don't understand.
Start businesses if you are independent and quit trying to work for benefits like the pill (for young women) while ignoring the serious health needs of older women. It makes you look immature. But, we know you are.
Not to mention ditzy.
Start businesses and see how hard it is – liberals. Walk the talk.
Quit following the Communists in the Democratic Party. Stalin killed MILLIONS of poor women.
Can somebody please explain the Left's recent obsession with "binders" to me? I keep asking them about it on their websites, but I get only two flavors of answer:
1. "If you don't understand it, that proves how sexist you are!" – a classic evasion. What they're really saying is "The emperor has no clothes" – in this case, they have no idea what's wrong with it either.
2. They suggest that Romney "shouldn't have had to look so hard to find qualified women", or that in looking that way, he implied that there are fewer qualified women to find than qualified men.
But Romney clearly stated that he wasn't getting applications from qualified women, so he HAD to go looking for them. How is that his fault? What was he supposed to do – walk down the street and have qualified women just appear to him?
In no way does this line of thinking explain what makes the word "binders" in particular offensive.
And how do Democrats have any standing to condemn the seeking out of qualified minorities? They've been ramming Affirmative Action down our throats for decades! What is Affirmative Action if not the requirement that businesses go out of their way to find minorities to employ (qualified or not)? Are Democrats really slamming Romney for practicing AA?
In fact, their suggestion that he shouldn't have needed to go out of his way is a suggestion that AA is unnecessary! What hypocrites!
If I had any confidence in the intelligence of the electorate, I'd hope that Democrats continue to talk about "binders". It makes them look really stupid.
The article mentions the introduction of the 19th amendment in 1878. Well, I'm concerned that the federalism espoused in the Republican Party platform and on the ALEC website is code for taking the U.S. back to 1860 before the Civil War when aristocrats ruled. By 2009, the income of the top 1% had risen to almost 240% above the average income. Past results suggest money talks, but I believe opportunity also speaks volumes. Whether woman or man, I hope votes are cast for greater opportunity.
Lei – if you don't know that women are starting new businesses at a remarkably fast rate, you obviously don't know anything about business.
I own one myself. And, by 2018 it's estimated that 1/3 of all new jobs will come from women owned businesses.
Oh, and since I own the business, I can make a point of paying men less and also refusing to cover their vasectomies, Viagra, blood pressure meds – anything I feel like. At least the GOP would like me to have that right. Men would be wise to realize that in the future, 1 out of 3 of you are likely to work for a woman. All the men in my business work for me.
All you crazies who think you should be able to decide exactly what the government can spend money on or not, maybe you are right.
We should repeal the death sentence because I don't want my tax money used for murder. If you don't have to pay for abortions or birth control, why do I have to pay for state sanctioned murder?
Can you imagine Romney as your boss? What an a##%s !
12:45, you're incredible. It could not be clearer which party expands opportunity and which represses it. One party's entire purpose is to provide social welfare at the expense of opportunity.
The "war on women" has only one confirmed kill. That credit goes to the late Senator Edward Kennedy.
To Women biz owners:
How large are your businesses and do they hire millions like Walmart's 2 million – or just how many?
I own a business, too.
Big deal.
I worked for Medicaid – want to talk about Latino women from LA on Medicaid with 8 children from 3 males and never a marriage? Want to talk about these women and their Housing that YOU are paying for? Want to talk about new immigrants with 8 to 15 children – this is typical of new Russian families – all on Medicaid.
And screaming – RUDELY – for phone translators which can sometimes cost $60 or more an hour if the official Russian translator is out to lunch.
Want to talk about our communities who have oodles of other immigrants – all needing extra services from the school districts? And how much does it cost?
Don't talk about Etsy businesses.
Lei, I'm putting you in my Asian porn binder.
Mormon women are doing much better than the black female demographic who get pregnant too young, support their men on welfare and end up having daughters who repeat the cycle.
This is a no-brainer. Let's have some good examples in The Whitehouse.
Mormon women are the longest living Americans, their daughters don't get pregnant as often as many other demographics and these people have children who do well in school and are not the problem children of communities out here in the West. They, in fact, are admired families.
That's a strange way of looking at it, JD. Let's take another example. Suppose we all have affordable health care, whether it's the Affordable Care Act or universal health care. This would then encourage more entrepreneurship. Individuals would be more willing to risk leaving the current job and it's health care benefits knowing that there is a health care safety net for themselves, their families and their future employees.
Make sense? Of course not! You're a Republican!
Tying health care to "insurance" and to jobs are two terrible precedents established by acts of the Democratic Party that I fully support ending. But your ideas are not the only way to do that, and the cost of your ideas overwhelms their supposed advantages.
Democrats demand that we all believe, without question, that all ideas play out exactly as they imagine that they will, no matter how unrealistic they are. That is why they spend all of their time attacking the motives of their opponents instead of talking substance – they think that bad policies require bad motives!
Lei, rather than reacting to anecdotal evidence, do you understand why some individuals are constantly poor (because that's one trait common to all of your examples). And no, it's not for intelligence, genes or lack of opportunity.
Some of it is because of people like you. Yeah, you and others like you, over the decades, openly and insidiously, deliberately and accidentally, contribute to the very problem you complain about.
Now, I know you'll deny it and at that very moment demonstrate to yourself that you've fail to grasp the point, but some folks, such as yourself, are lost causes. Here's another kicker: you know your complaints about gov't getting bigger and passing more regulations and women and minorities getting uppity? You and your kind are, for the most part, responsible for it.
Mitt has widened the gap!
Gallup Poll today: Romney 52, Obama 45 / Romney +7
Nope, (I bet you wish you were a) Hoosier professor, the days of rugged cowboys are long over. Since that time we've become more civilized. Folks like you don't like that. You can either join civilization or bust an artery arguing against it. If anything, more money–yeah, more of your money–will be spend on these services.
Well, since I'm part Japanese – no I don't think my "type" is to be blamed.
The Japanese are not great welfare users – not like some other demographics.
LOL! You liberals are so prejudiced against conservatives. In fact, I am also a former Democrat.
Obama is nothing but a bad irresponsible joke on the American people. Gallup today has Romney leading by 52 to 45, showing that voters — women and men –finally are seeing that Obama is THE WORST president in history, even worse than Jimmy Carter. Even one more year of Obama would be a disaster for EVERY American — women, men, Democrats, Republicans, liberals, conservatives — because the destruction inflicted by this KNOW NOTHING on the value of our dollars, on rampant inflation, on runaway gasoline prices, on declining home values, on lost jobs, on throwing tens of millions of Americans into poverty, on danger to our soldiers and ambassadors abroad, and on the empowering of terrorists endanger us all. America is at the crossroads: Either proceed down the Obama road to destruction of the America the world depends on or elect Romney to restore America to its leadership — not only for Americans of every political stripe but for the people of the world desperate for the leadership of which Obama sadly and simply is not capable of or willing to commit.
There are now African billionaires. See Forbes. Yes, black. So, don't give me any guilt-trip about how "my kind" made blacks poor. Blacks could always go to Africa and apparently do quite well if they weren't so wrapped up in the Civil War and Rosa Parks.
In fact, it is the Republicans who would cut down immigration which is a cause of lower wages for black Americans.
Get a grip! Along with the freedom comes responsibility. This small fraction of women favoring the president in this stark Obamanomic tragedy playing out over four years is just a reflection of the same inclination men have. It reminds me of the Matrix movie where not surprisingly more people just want to choose the blue "pill" of comfy but fictional existence versus the red pill of reality – note the proper correlation of colors to each political party.
Some small portion of women may indeed be pigeon holed into an attitude of dependence above and beyond their 'brothers'. I say SUCK IT UP and stop whining just like I would say to the whining MEN libs (who act a lot like the anachronistic caricatures of pre-liberated women! Pigeon holed into believing that they can get more free stuff out of government. Planned Parenthood can raise its OWN money. Nobody is outlawing abortion, it's just that a large number of citizens don't want to be forced to PAY for something inimical to their basic moral beliefs. Give up the cell phone and cable TV for a few months and pay for your OWN abortion! Or, go ask Oprah, Sean Penn and the many other bleeding hearts to to pay for it.
Folks, we de-fund Planned Parenthood… and we're going to have many more "welfare babies" to support with entitlements… we can't have it both ways.
Funding Planned Parenthood is a huge investment for tax payers… for every $1 spent, it saves taxpayers $4…. think about it.
When are we going to start legislating against Men's Reproductive Rights? We probably should not support Viagra, vasectomies, etc …
Gov Romney and his opponent in that race for governor both signed pledges to a woman's group that they would hire a certain number of women if elected.
Gov. Romney honored the pledge he signed… out of the binders that women's group left on his desk. He didn't have to go out and recruit… he had that binder from the women's group with whom he signed the pledge…
Men would be wise to realize that in the future, 1 out of 3 of you are likely to work for a woman. All the men in my business work for me.
All the men in your business work for your business. If they worked for you, they would be body slaves. You obviously have dominance issues.
All the men and women in my business work for my business. Back when I work for others, I worked in a business owned by a woman. She would never have used the phrase, "You work for me". In fact, the only ones who normally use that phrase are inept managers.
Romney lives in a 1955 bubble where he only deal with rich white men and stay at home June Cleaver type women. Someone should ask him how many times he came home early to take care of sick child because his wife was working, or cooked dinner for same reason. He is clueless about real Americans life and life choices. To Romney America is terra incognito.
It's sarcasm smart guy – to turn the table a minute and get some of the Neanderthals out there to think for a moment what it's like to have some paternalistic nut jobs on here say they don't want health insurance to pay for birth control etc. and someone like Romney to act like he's doing us women some huge favor by slaving away through binders to find a competent woman.
Men are just used to being in charge but women are figuring out quickly that we don't need to wait for Mitt to offer us a job. We can create our own jobs and bypass the whole good ole boys system.
Maybe one day I'll be flipping through a binder full of men just trying to find ONE qualified guy who needs all powerful me to give them a job (again, sarcasm).
The recovery in unemployment for women has been slower since 2009 since most of the gains in employment has been in Manufacturing and some in construction. These industries employ more men.
The services sector and healthcare (political uncertainity in ACA & medicare) which employs more women have not been doing that great. Also State and Local government debts have affected public sector work. So the recovery in employment for women has been slower.
Doesn't matter AT ALL what the national polls say – it's an electoral vote issue (which half of American seems not to understand – our education system at work).
Obama is just running a SMARTER campaign and has figured out how to win this. For all of Romney's big talk about how successful he is and can turn around any problem – he can't even figure out how to win the electoral college during terrible economic times. You REALLY want this guy to run the country? He can't even run a successful campaign that should have been a sure thing.
Thank you, Lei, for outing yourself. You are a Republican ("as a former Democrat") who is, appropriately, a bigot. Prejudiced and downright disdainful against minorities, the poor and women by stereotyping with "types" ("I don't think my type is to be blamed" plus your rant against these individuals in a previous post) and claiming that you're type, Japanese, are not great welfare uses like other demographics.
And didn't I say that you'd deny all of this in my previous post? And that by doing so it would indicate your failure to recognize that you are indeed part of the problem you rail against? And wasn't I correct, Lei?
to not understand what Romney meant? I got it.
They are also trying to detract from the lie of the night….the real question is, did obama, or didn't he, in the rose garden, call the libyan attack, a terrorist attack? now, ms candy, his debate partner says so, but the actual words are not really what they claim them to be.
So, if I am a woman and get one and not the other, and am also smart enough to piece together the fact that obama has been lying either way, I must be too smart to be a woman in the eyes of the Dems.
Well played, Roselia. You played that poor sucker, Lei, like a fiddle.
and i am sure that lei will be back.
lie about libya?
did he or didn't he call it a terrorist attack, in the rose garden?
Either way, he is caught in a lie.
he meant to call it a terrorist attack, the day after, why did he claim to to be for other reasons, or claimed not to know for sure, for the next 2 weeks, to multiple audiences?
if he didn't call it a terrorist attack, then he lied at the debate.
are the real topic….not binders.
Guess that's why the libbies are playing this non-issue to the max?…to take the heat off of obama lies at the debate?
are smart enough to figure out lies….vs someone leaving out the word "resume".
Minorities and women, hurt the most because of his irresponsible economic policies.
I can't trust a man who refers to his grandmother as a "typical white woman"…that is a slam to any white woman.
Obama pays female staffers less than their male equals.
He supports the radical muslim brotherhood, with billions of our tax dollars, who "own" women.
In real life, Julia spends her existence on the government teat, because dems like to keep 'em dependent and down.
insults women's intelligence, by suggesting that they were too stupid to understand what Romney really meant.
Double dip insult, coming from joe.
that obama kept wrongfully accusing the guy who made the video….slanderous and shameful.
speaking of women…there is hillary, ready to take his bullet.
does not need others to take bullets for him…be it in the fast and furious scandal, or in the libyan scandal.
wouldn't still be blaming Bush….that gives us the essence of Obama's mettle.
No, Women Similar to Men, it's about equal opportunity, a women's health, and an economic issue. Those three could be considered, what the Supreme Court has recognized, as compelling social policies. As such, the services provided to women by Planned Parenthood are for the good of all of us, for our society, as Vicki pointed out (in terms of a return on investment, which should have resonated with your inner capitalist Republicanism). Ergo, your money will continue to be welcomed by the organization.
Moral beliefs? Whose? Yours? Those based on religion? Those based on individuals who see it moral and good the own automatic weapons but who also believe that funding an organization that denies a group of fellow citizens access to basic health care as immoral and just a waste of your money? Nope. Keep the money coming, pal.
He probably called it a terrorist attack for the same reasons that George Bush said Saddam had weapons of mass destruction (implying nukes). However, I'm willing to admit that Obama misspoke and that George lied because George made his statement long after reviewing and digesting intelligence reports and confirming with our military. Obama, unwisely, just reacted and nearly immediately said it.
Interesting. Men are ok with Romney's statement "binders full of women" and women are not. And the men who support the statement are Republicans, and the women who don't are Democrats.
The cranky white men that make up the Republican party are committed to telling women what's right and wrong, as well as what's good for them and the country.
Roselia wrote :
.Thank you, Lei, for outing yourself. You are a Republican ("as a former Democrat") who is, appropriately, a bigot. Prejudiced and downright disdainful against minorities, the poor and women by stereotyping with "types" ("I don't think my type is to be blamed" plus your rant against these individuals in a previous post) and claiming that you're type, Japanese, are not great welfare uses like other demographics.
And didn't I say that you'd deny all of this in my previous post? And that by doing so it would indicate your failure to recognize that you are indeed part of the problem you rail against? And wasn't I correct, Lei?
The truth HURTS, doesn't it Rosalia?
You are probably Latina and won't admit it – will you? And many blacks won't admit their races here and accuse all conservaties or Independents like me of being Republicans.
I do support Mitt Romney. He's a great human being, and most people in the West aren't frightened half to death of a Mormon! Whoohoo – a Mormon – scrary! (Not really.)
That's the Easterners who don't know Mormons and criticize them for small reasons like their underwear.
I know many Mormons both men and women. They are very well-educated, devoted to their families and also happen to do well in business.
And daily they are ALL attacked by liberals because liberals are on the attack. There are known Communists in the Democratic Party.
I am also a Sociology major – we study groups in college – groups and demographics are fair game – but stereotyping or attacking for tiny little reasons like one's underwear is bigotry.
Bigotry the Democrats are becoming known for.
They hate Christians and corporations.
Now, do the Japanese hate Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Sony? I ask you…..liberals — and never get an answer.
Ha ha – crankly old men in the Republican Party whose companies you liberals want to bill for more taxes.
That says it all.
It was Utah that was the second state in the union to give women the vote.
And it is in Africa that males can still have more than one wife.
Even Obama's father had two at the same time – his mother was one of the harem.
I believe younger women and men should ask advice from, or at least talk to their older relatives or family, e.g. parents, grandparents, uncle, aunts, etc about who to vote for in this turbulent time.
The most important factors that make this country great in the past are freedom and opportunity, not welfare, not social safety net, not free abortion bill….
When I worked for Medicaid, I was appalled at the welfare screens. Not only are people getting Medicaid, but they are on multiple programs.
I looked at the lists of programs and thought – why would anyone have incentive to work? In fact, they would have incentive to stay eligible which would mean turning down WORK.
And now many of those programs are going to eat the poor. They are literally sucking the life out of cities in California and now, the state of Washington is paying billions to support illegals – as California is.
There is no such thing as a controlled social welfare program anymore. They all have a life of their own.
Search for this article:
The Fiscal Burden of Illegals on Washingtonians
Hey Lei, are you saying that have more than one wife is primitive and barbaric? And that since Africans have more than one wife is primitive and barbaric, that Africans' are primitive and barbaric?
You uneducated moron. You're judging their cultural norms with your cultural norms.
Further, if that's the case, then aren't you half Japanese? And don't Japanese eat fish heads? We Americans think eating fish heads is disgusting, primitive and barbaric. So, that makes you primitive, barbaric and disgusting.
Hey Lei, search for this: your brain.
At the time when millions unemployed American are hurting Obama has found time to joke about Women's Binders. No wonder he is going to lose the election!
Aww, don't give us that crap, Dave. You're a Republican. You want minimal gov't intrusion and you don't think the government is a job creator. Yet, you complain that the gov't isn't doing anything about unemployment, like creating more jobs. You can't have it both ways, Dave. Unless you don't know better…dang! That's it! You don't know any better. You're a Republican!!
Hey, Anonymous – in England, the Muslims are bringing in all their wives and getting them on their version of Medicaid. Want to pay for someone else's cultural norm of 5 wives and the resulting 45 children?
@Carl: "you complain that the gov't isn't doing anything about unemployment, like creating more jobs"
Government can create jobs by not interfering into the private sectors. Government can create jobs by tax reform. Government can create jobs by simplify or eliminate regulations, by cutting deficits, slash wasteful programs……
I guess this is too complicated for partisan like you.
Republicans can't win, because even they know that they could help poor blacks, but poor blacks are so convinced by the Communists that everyone in the Republican Party is mean – that they can't even listen to what they have to say about labor competition or economics.
Put simply, we still import around 1 million LEGAL foreign workers a year. How can Americans of any color compete? Even Cesar Chavez figured this one out.
I started essentially neutral about funding Planned Parenthood with government money. But since last month when I read that the President of Planned Parenthood spoke in Democratic Convention, I have totally switched my position.
How can an organization that receives tax payers' money be so partisan and endorses a particular political party. It is disgusting.
Now I say: end all government funding to Planned Parenthood !
I will also boycott any charity that contributes to Planned Parenthood.
Go look at Planned Parenthood's website sometime. If you dare. I think it said something like "Healthcare without Borders" or something. Good grief. This is like saying we should just go bankrupt.
Healthcare without borders is just such a nice thought. But nice thoughts lead to bankruptcy.
We don't have the money!
You commiecrats can raise all the taxes you want, me and many others will find plenty of creative and LEGAL ways to avoid your calamitous thievery!
Pass more taxes on me and I have and will continue to just pass it on to the same commie voters who *THINK* they got one over on me. It's like barfing against the wind for you Obummer socies.
"Planned Parenthood" is anything BUT! It's "ooops Johnny forgot to pull out in time" and I was dating too many guys at once to know whose the father. And even if I KNEW, I can't count because I dropped out of school to make babies starting when I was 13.
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Tom Spurgeon has some amazingly low-priced comics auctions up now on eBay. He's recycling any profits from the sale of the books back into his invaluable site The Comics Reporter, so it's a win-win no matter which way you slice it. Go forth and bid.
Tom Spurgeon has some amazingly low-priced comics auctions up now on eBay. He's recycling any profits from the sale of the books back into his invaluable site The Comics Reporter, so it's a win-win no matter which way you slice it. Go forth and bid.
I wasn't too worried about the new Dan Nadel/Tim Hodler revamp of TCJ.com, but it's off to an even better start than expected. Now, I'm not offering anything close to a comprehensive review; one nice thing here is that there's quite a bit to dig into and most of the articles, columns, interviews and reviews are relatively lengthy. Just a few thoughts on the ones I read first:
Tucker Stone on Johnny Red - Tucker's a good reviewer, but it seems like he exposed a soft spot here. This sounds like a raft of formulaic, derivative old sub-Enemy Ace bollocks—why not let rip with some anti-aircraft fire? I realize he knows one of the other three people (Grant Goggans) in America who might be getting this book, but still. (Note: I just realized I wrote this after a loving review of a book of Adam Hughes' T&A covers. My daughter was embarrassed by Power Girl's cleavage.)
Sean T. Collins interviewing Blaise Larmee. Jaunty Sean T. is a thoughtful interviewer and Larmee is an exciting young talent. But while Larmee isn't insulting, I wasn't really into the games he was playing here. Which is fine. Maybe from now on I'll just focus on his lovely comics. (Note: sometimes we shouldn't interview artists we like. For me it was Kevin Huizenga, but it didn't ruin my affection for his comics.)
R. Fiore's Funnybook Roulette. Hey, Fiore's one of my favorites and I'm glad he stayed on. The line about Toy Story 3's characters exchanging one god for another is brilliant. Still, call me a dick editor but if I was Nadler I'd want to launch this new webmagazine edition of "Funnybook Roulette" with something about actual funnybooks. Not cartoons. (Note: this kind of attitude may be why nobody lasted very long with me editing them at Comic Book Galaxy.)
Bob Levin on the Frank Frazetta stolen artwork case. This is the best piece I read yesterday, and it's not even in my top 20 Levin pieces (never mind his full-length books). It was sad/funny to see commenters on the piece ripping him for a) not appreciating Frazetta's artwork the way they do, and b) practicing an un-tabloid reporterlike restraint by not intruding further into the lives of the hurting, feuding Frazetta kids (Bob could get another good piece about how we consume Art while not really caring about the artists themselves and the pain that results in or from their art). There's a kindness in his method, and in not pressing too hard on what seems pretty clearly an opinion that Frazetta's work was simplistic, didn't evolve, and even suffered some technical failings in the classic sense of believable light sources and the like. He also maybe thought Frazetta was kind of a loudmouth, if only judging by the TCJ Gary Groth interview years earlier.
While the piece offered no new revelations in the story (and even missed one or two recent developments), I appreciated the psychological insight of it. If your world-famous Pops moved your family out to the boondocks, that might feel a little stifling, might cause some resentment. I liked Levin's problem-solving here; lacking juicy quotes or an obvious hook for the story (he hitches a ride on the Art of the Steal/Van Barnes story, but it's not enough of a parallel with Frazetta to get him very far), he turns inward, seeing in the aging lion Frazetta and the void his passing left for his survivors his own struggles and obligations with his elderly, stroke-surviving mother. That's more of a fiction writer's technique, feeding off one's own life when inspiration ebbs. It works nicely here. (Note: I just really like Bob Levin's writing).
Good luck, TCJ.com. Glad to have you back.
—Christopher Allen
DC Comics. $39.99 USD
Man, you can really take some folks for granted.
I've been aware of Adam Hughes' artwork from pretty early on—not his Maze Agency stuff but Justice League and onward. At the time I thought, this guy is a pretty good replacement for Kevin Maguire! Since then, I guess I developed an attitude where guys like Hughes and Brian Bolland—guys who started doing interiors and now only do covers—were somehow not really living up to their potential. It's like, by not portraying the exploits of our beloved superheroes in sequential form, they weren't really contributing to their history, weren't really connected. It's nonsense, I see that now.
I picked this book up in my local library on a whim. I do get to some comics late in the game but don't live under a rock, so I've known for many years how good Hughes was as a cover artist, even if I was mainly experiencing it in thumbnail-sized solicitation copy or a quick scan at a comic shop shelf of new releases. That he has had a long, venerable run depicting Wonder Woman wasn't lost on me, but clearly, I didn't really appreciate how good he is.
This volume is an eye-opener into not just how good Hughes has been and for so long, but how hard he works to keep getting better. With a witty, self-deprecating tone, Hughes walks the reader through cover after cover, including preliminary sketches. We learn where he feels he went wrong, where he picked up a valuable bit of insight into, say, how best to depict the values of metallic clothing, or how Diana's lasso can be not just an Art Nouveau design element but also one that serves a storytelling function, leading the viewer's eye along an intended path. With each image, one comes to appreciate the fierce-yet-joyous, vaguely Mediterranean face of Diana, and where Hughes cops to making her too harsh here, too busty there, and boy, those boots are hard to get quite right. It's amazing; the guy really has a strong opinion about those boots, and he's sorry but he's going to keep drawing them that way. Technology like Photoshop has by Hughes' own admission been a godsend to his work, but the tools and toys are absolutely in service to a real artistic vision, a thoughtful and often humorous journey for beauty. I've surprised myself, but I really need to own this book.
—Christopher Allen
If you watch any reality television like Top Chef or Project Runway, you will notice that there's always that one guy who expresses a kind of superficial shock and empathy when the person who's just been cut by the judges comes back into the waiting room. "Really?! You're kidding me!" A lot of comics readers are like that, or at least a lot of the ones who post in comments threads. I'm not trying to be negative here—it's a nice gesture that at its best lets the people who were producing the canceled comic know that the few people who were buying their comic liked it and wished them well and an easy transition to other projects.
Still, the cancellation of DC's First Wave imprint shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone after the first month. The premise of a pulp fiction milieu for Golden Age comics characters like Doc Savage, The Spirit, Crimson Avenger and others to interact in a universe where they were the big heroes and the only superhero was a pulpy, out-of-continuity Batman, was going to be difficult to make a success under the best circumstances. None of these characters have endured in the public consciousness in a way that would bring in many non-comics readers, nor have they been particularly successful comics characters for many years.
Matters of taste aside, having Brian Azzarello script a lead-in one-shot and miniseries to introduce these characters wasn't a bad idea. Azzarello has his fans. Using Batman as a way to lead superhero readers over to the line was also a sensible idea. Where DC went wrong has much to do with scheduling and marketing, and those problems are not unique to this line, nor other comics publishers.
Publishers often have a perverse sort of Darwinism when it comes to publishing new titles, offering three or four in the expectation that that offers better odds for one succeeding than just publishing one and focusing on making that the best it can be. Of course, many times the editors in charge of putting these books together don't have much choice. Here, DC owns these characters and eventually must publish something featuring them, so there is some logic to doing it all at one time and hoping that generates more buzz than a single title. The problem, then, is that the prospective new customer is led to believe that he or she might need to buy all the titles to understand the line, and so it becomes easier to pass. Instead of a shared universe, it's a fishbowl with maybe only enough food for one fish. There is no camaraderie here. Do you think Seth MacFarlane was happy about Bob's Burgers? It's a competitor for his viewership. First Wave launched with the first issue of the lead-in miniseries, but it wasn't designed well as a lead-in because they scheduled the release of the Doc Savage and The Spirit books within weeks of its first issue, rather than building off the momentum of a hopefully good conclusion to the miniseries. The fact that those series didn't feature any of the talent who did the miniseries itself would also dull the excitement, unless readers were as excited by the new creative teams.
When it comes to the marketing, it seems reasonable to criticize DC for how little they promoted these titles, or indeed most ongoing series once they've debuted. I liken DC to a mama pig with a litter of piglets but only two teats, so only the two strongest piglets get fed. And having fed, they're going to be stronger than the others and thus able to keep getting fed, while those others get weaker and weaker, with many eventually starving to death. I can't blame DC for putting more time and money into promoting the projects and titles that either have already been selling or show more signs of crossover appeal, as in your Brightest Day and DC Universe Online and Batman and Green Lantern books. That just makes sense. But then again, if you're not going to do much for other books but one house ad, why bother? What expectation could DC have that this Doc Savage is going to be the one that takes off? I think it's probably reasonable to assume that most of DC knows that such titles aren't going to do well, so perhaps they publish them knowing they'll fail, and the lack of marketing push is just an attempt not to throw good money after bad.
With the First Wave line, it also occurs to me that those appear to have been approved and developed prior to Diane Nelson taking over. It's common practice in the motion picture industry, at least, for a new studio head to underpromote movies greenlit by the previous studio head, so that their failure will only reenforce that firing the last guy was the right move. I don't know how it works with publishing, but it's just human nature that one will work harder to make something succeed if it started on your watch. Having no attachment to First Wave, once it had performed its first function of trademark renewal and shown the titles were underperforming, it only helps Diane Nelson to show her bosses she's watching the bottom line and culling the books that are draining profits.
As far as the execution of the books, it feels wrong to knock them too hard when they're down and almost out, but Azzarello's cynicism never seemed a good fit when he wrote Batman stories, so Golden Age pulp heroes seem even more out of his comfort zone (though I could see him as a decent fit on The Shadow with his knack for conspiracy stories). On Doc Savage, well, they took a chance on a novelist with little comics-writing experience and it didn't work out. It happens, though one would think that there had to be an established comics scribe who had some affection for the Savage novels. Asking a contemporary novelist to take someone else's character and adapt him to a less familiar medium seems like an added degree of difficulty. Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark notwithstanding, I would prefer someone who'd already written musicals to do the book for a superhero musical than hiring a superhero comics writer for the job.
As for The Spirit, that was a lovely book, both Mark Schultz and David Hine managing to take a character with a tone and look wedded to the '40s and adapt him pretty successfully to a grimmer, somewhat contemporary urban setting with his essence intact, aided by the great artwork of Moritat. Those issues are worth tracking down, and one hopes those creators find their next gigs soon and that they're at least as satisfying and of longer duration. As for DC, it remains to be seen whether they'll learn anything or continue to dump too many related books on the market at a time and let them cannibalize each other.
—Christopher Allen
Writers - Joe Gill, Various
Artist - Steve Ditko
Editor - Blake Bell
Publisher - Fantagraphics. $39.99 USD
This second volume of Fantagraphics' chronological (in terms of creation rather than publication) reprinting of comics by moralizing maestro Steve Ditko finds the young cartoonist rebounding from a battle of several months with tuberculosis in 1956 to emerge into the beginning of a great period of prolificacy. Ditko found work at Timely/Atlas, which would eventually become Marvel Comics, including his first collaboration with Stan Lee, but the majority of the work here was produced for Charlton, which paid less than the industry standard but at least paid on time.
The other benefits for Ditko were steady work and very little editorial interference, so that he was able to refine his style and storytelling skills quickly. If one story didn't come out quite the way he wanted, there was always another script ready for him to start drawing.
Although it's unclear who wrote these stories, it's certain that Charlton regular Joe Gill wrote many of them. He was their lead writer, and at a rock bottom rate of $2 a page, Gill had to keep the work coming to make a living. This quantity-over-quality approach results in most of the stories here being, in Gill's own words, "shitty." Most of them are science fiction or horror stories with slim premises just deep enough to warrant the four or five pages they're given. The best ones have a predictable, O. Henryesque twist ending, not unlike the work Stan Lee was writing for Marvel at the time, and the worst ones seem to cut off abruptly or with slapdash, even nonsensical endings. It's possible Ditko may have written a few, but if so, his Objectivist philosophizing and intense outsider ethos have yet to emerge in his writing. There may be a tale or two here that does find a character who wants to get away to a better world, like the vaguely pedophiliac "The Man Who Stepped out of a Cloud," but if this isn't unlike some later Ditko-scripted stories, well, it's also logical that a script monkey for a third-rate comics publisher like Gill or other Charlton writers might share those fantasies.
The value in this volume is not in the stories themselves, which are not just generally poor but irritating in large doses, but in tracking how Ditko's art develops. Amid the stock characters of hapless dullards, five o'clock shadow Everymen and saturnine businessmen and the typical rocketships and ray guns of the day, Ditko gains confidence and consistency in his depictions, and an ability to pack more information into fewer images and to guide the reader's eye across the page for maximum impact. His ability to convey otherworldly horrors flowers as well, especially in a story like "A World of His Own," which benefits from a terrifically colored sequence where Ditko alternates panels of yellow, gray and orange, the figure within the same color as the background, as if with a filter used in film. It's not a steady progression but a fascinating one, as taking these stories in order, one sees Ditko constantly experimenting with line weight to mixed results, the amount of effort put into creating texture with ink sometimes diluting the power of the composition. Still, there's a good deal to enjoy in seeing how Ditko solves problems and attempts to add drama and imagination to the hokey stories.
—Christopher Allen


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By Marissa Sherer
ROCKFORD (WREX) - Students at Rockford College head back to class and the new year brings a lot of changes to the school.
It now offers an Early Childhood Education Program and new tracks in the Theater and M.B.A. programs. Graduate students getting their masters in Teaching and Business and students in the accelerated bachelor's program have brand new classrooms to learn in. "The facilities are awesome. The desks are big enough to fit the computer and have some work room. The chairs are comfortable. They really thought about the students when they made this building and when they redid everything," says Rockford College Senior Amy Collinsworth.
This is the 164th year of classes at Rockford College.
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text:
tumblrbot said: WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?
Azores: http://www.visitazores.com/
tumblrbot said: WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?
Azores: http://www.visitazores.com/
Click above to connect to my Wordpress blog. By the way, I emailed this post from my cell phone!
The best way of travel, however, if you aren't in any hurry at all, if you don't care where you are going, if you don't like to use your legs, if you don't want to be annoyed at all by any choice of directions, is in a balloon. In a balloon, you can decide only when to start, and usually when to stop. The rest is left entirely to nature.
— William Pene du Bois, The Twenty-One Balloons"
Intentionally waking up at 4:30 a.m. can be worth it. It's eerily quiet outside, traffic is light, and the sunrise lends - no, gifts - itself to photography. I learned all of this when I took a hot air balloon ride in Winters, CA near Napa Valley in 2010. The flight itself lasted about an hour and covers only a handful of miles, but you feel like it landed too soon and traveled much farther. The ride was smooth and dream-like, so much so you'll probably forget that all that separates you from certain death is a wicker basket.
Also, the post-flight mimosas. Totally worth it.