What this thing in Wisconsin is really all about... Elections Campaigns!

Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin: What a hypocrite! The guy is union busting by limiting the freedoms of unions that support state workers, but offers the ones who give him and other Republicans money, an out! This is soooo dirty and so telling This was never about the budget, it was all about hurting people who give money and support to the Dems! It's all about money and politics!

Bring Back The Original Pizza Pit Devil Logo

Petitioning the Pizza Pit Franchise to bring back the orginal devil logo!

For those of us who grew up in Madison in the 70s and 80s, Pizza Pit WAS pizza! There is still nothing quite like a piece of greasy Pizza Pit pizza with that spicy sauce... mmmm (unless it's from one of the franchise locations that Pizza Extreme bought so they could run them into the ground into the ground by using Pizza Pit's name to peddle their own inadequate thin crust pizza (their stuffed pizza is excellent though). You can still count on the East Wash and Fish Hatchery locations to bring you the original recipe with pretty consistent quality.

Why was the logo changed to that, now out of date logo, that looks like it was designed for a neon sign? Were their religious groups upset about a devil for a logo? In Madison? It's not like devils aren't used playfully all over the place, especially not an issue in one of the most progressive cities in the country. If the Pizza Pit brand has been run into the ground by pour management, it's those of us who love it that lose. Let us suggest to the powers that be at Pizza Pit, that a step in the right direction is "bringing it home" and nothing is more symbolic to that than bringing back the logo we identified as "Madison's pizza", the pizza that was always at the Willy St. Fair back in the day, that had huge pizzas by the slice in the malls, that East High students still trek over to for their lunch, and that has that spicy sauce that no one can beat! There are other great pizzas in Madison, but nothing brings it home like Pizza Pit!

I recreated the logo in Adobe Illustrator off an image I found on the web (not that it isn't one of the simplest logos to recreate). If the Pizza Pit people are ready to submit to our demands and bring back the original devil logo, I will happily make it available to them if they don't have a vector EPS file.

Review: Amazing Spidey # 649 (SPOILERS)

This review contains spoilers. It's also very fanboy heavy in the references.

I've considered myself the biggest original Hobgoblin fan for some time. I started reading comics in the Stern/Defalco 80s era and the Hobgoblin saga was one of the keys to my addiction. The Hobgoblin is his own villain, not just another goblin, very creepy and mysterious. Unfortunately, like with the Green Goblin, unmasking him changed a lot of his character. With the Green Goblin it made Norman Osborn overshadow the impish evil ambitious meddler, which in my opinion is where most of the appeal came from. With Kingsley however some of it was saved because of the use of the brother who was the wimpy Kingsley most of us were used to thinking of him as, so the real Roderick Kingsley simply took on The Hobgoblin's personality. It was still a bit of a letdown as a reveal considering that no one remembered or much cared about Kingsley by the time it was done, but it was cool to see the pieces that Stern laid out years before revealed.


The Hobgoblin is my favorite Spider-Man villain, period. So why was I not anticipating his return? Frankly, I think very few artists have done him justice. Only John Romita Jr. and Ron Frenz ever really made him look the way he should. Most draw his cape too long, they make his hood look weak, they don't effectively hide his face in shadows... and for me the art is a big part of the storytelling. And while I like Ramos in general (a little too cartoony for my tastes, yet very appealing for that style), I was not at all confident he would do the Hobgoblin justice. Also, frankly, I don't have faith that they won't wreck him like they did as soon as Tom Defalco was pulled off Amazing Spider-Man in the 80s. And I was really scared they'd kill him off and replace him.


Well, my fears about the art were unfounded. Ramos art is totally new yet feels like classic Hobgoblin. Probably my biggest disappointment with the story is that we won't see more of this Hobgoblin depicted.


Now that said, despite the (Spoiler) Hobgoblin's death in this issue (or maybe because of it), I think it was an excellent story. Boy, did it bother me, and that's good. In fact I haven't been this bothered since Kenneth killed Omar on The Wire, which of course was the perfect death for Omar (who in my opinion is one of the coolest characters on TV ever). This death was unexpected, sudden, and disturbing. And I realized that this a great story. It's classic Wild Bill Hickok. This was exactly what I didn't want to happen, and yet they pulled it off.

I mainly knew Phil Urich, the former Green Goblin wannabe who tried to be a hero, from the Spider-Girl comic. He was an okay character. I didn't have a particular emotional attachment to him but had nothing against him either. This definitely wasn't the same character so I pulled out the old Green Goblin series to check to see if this could be a legitimate evolution of the character and I have to say, it definitely could be. In that series he was definitely a poser, not totally stable or focused, and very self absorbed. The evolution in Spider-Girl is believable. He pulled it together and grew up. But the evolution here is also believable. There is no way the two characters could be the same person, but they both could have been rooted from what was established in that 1995 series. They're not the same continuity, so I see no conflict there or reason to get panties in a bundle.

I'm still bothered the real Hobgoblin is dead. I'm not crazy about other characters taking on the identities of others. It dilutes the characters and I think there is a limited life span when this concept is applied. But I think the new Hobgoblin is off his rocker enough to make him interesting for a while. While I think Ramos draws the original design better than his new design, I think the new costume works. I wish they'd lose the ears coming out of the hood, but this is a different character so maybe that's a way of characterizing that this isn't the cunning Hobgoblin that lurks in the shadows, he's the twisted maniacal one.


Here's why I don't just accept this story, but I like it, besides of course what I already mentioned; First off, all of us should know that nothing is permanent in comics. And The Hobgoblin will be back eventually and I would even bet that he will kill Phil Urich. In fact, I'm not so sure that Dan Slott doesn't intend for it to happen. In the scene of his death Hobgoblin did have thoughts that implied he was Roderick Kingsley because he's been there before. But there is no reason this couldn't be a stand-in, as Kingsley is known for using Hobgoblin stand-ins, or his brother Daniel, since he's Roderick's look-a-like (besides being bald) stand-in and was directly involved with supplying Kingsley his weapons which is why the Hobgoblin was raiding Osborn's at the time that he was murdered. It's implied by the head getting cut off that the Hobgoblin is in fact dead, but the mask is never removed. That almost has to be intentional considering everything we know about the Hobgoblin and his stand-ins. And remember, we thought we saw the Hobgoblin killed by a predecessor in a similarly unconventional fassion years before, only to come back and kill his replacement. You can't assume he's dead unless you see Roderick's face and even then you better check to make sure there isn't a hair piece there.


I'm looking forward to the rest of this story playing out in the next two issues.

Charter's Adventures In Phone Service

I'm going to allow people to judge this for themselves. You can tell me in your comments if you think this is the level of service we should expect from a land phone line provider.

This is the online dialog between myself and customer support representative:

Thank you for choosing Charter Chat Live! A Customer Care representative from Telephone Support will be with you shortly.
You have been connected to TTM Beth .
TTM Beth : Hello, my name is Beth. Welcome to the Charter. How may I help you today?
Todd Novak: My phone modem is down and we were supposed to have the number forwarded to our cell but it seems to not be working..
TTM Beth : I understand your concern with the phone service. I would be more than happy to help you with this issue. May I ask whom I am speaking with please?
Todd Novak: It's still giving a busy signal when people try to call. This is Todd Novak.
TTM Beth : Thank you Mr Novak. May I have the telephone number and full name listed on your billing account as well as the full address at which you reside?
Todd Novak: xxx.xxx.xxxx
Todd Novak: Todd Merrick Novak
Todd Novak: xxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx, xxxxxxx, xx xxxxx
TTM Beth : Thank you, can you verify the security code found on the front of your Charter bill? It is located in the upper right hand corner and is 4 digits long.
Todd Novak: xxxx
TTM Beth : Thank you. How did you set up the call forwarding feature. Did you set up unconditional or regular call forwarding?
Todd Novak: I don't know. I was talking to the phone support people and he told me a technician wouldn't be by until tomorrow so I asked if my calls could be forwarded.
Todd Novak: He did say I would have to call again to end that service when things were running.
TTM Beth : One moment please.
Todd Novak: The cell phone I would like my calls to be forwarded to is (xxx) xxx-xxxx
TTM Beth : Thank you for waiting, I'm sorry but it takes between 24 to 72 hours for this to be set up.
Todd Novak: So basically I have to go that long or until the technician gets here tomorrow for my phone to stop giving people busy signals? That can't be right...
Todd Novak: I can't afford to have my phone number out of service that long...
TTM Beth : I am sorry but we will have a technician out tomorrow.
Todd Novak: No, I had this problem before and my number was forwarded without any problem right away.
TTM Beth : I will request this be set up but it can take between 24-72 hour for completion. I will send the form now.
Todd Novak: Can I have the direct phone number to the department that handles that service?
TTM Beth : No, I'm sorry there isn't a direct line, I will send them a form via email.
Todd Novak: Someone there has a phone. I would like someone to contact me within an hour.
TTM Beth : I can not guarantee they will call you but I will submit this request. What number can you be reached at?
Todd Novak: xxx.xxx.xxxx
Todd Novak: This is very important. I'm am expecting critical calls today.
Todd Novak: Is there a voice mail service that calls can go to?
TTM Beth : I understand and will submit this request, no there isn't anything else we can do at this time. I am sorry.
Todd Novak: Tell your managers that they need to work on that or they will not keep customers. Phone service is not internet or cable tv. Lives can depend on it!
TTM Beth : I understand, that is why we do send a technician out within 24 hours. Is there anything else?
Todd Novak: No.
TTM Beth : I see that you have the Unlimited Long Distance Package with 10 features which is a great choice. I do want to let you know that we offer 3 way calling in your area. This would enable you to talk with 2 of your friends or family at the same time. Would you like to add that to your account today?
Todd Novak: This probably isn't the best time to try to sell me on an upgrade.
TTM Beth : I certainly understand. Thanks.
TTM Beth : I would like you to know about an exciting new program we are now offering! Live it with Charter is a free program which offers members an opportunity to earn points per dollar spent on Charter products or services. Save your points and earn great prizes such as Charter services, enter sweepstakes or even trips and other large prizes. It is very easy to register for the program. Just log on to www.liveitwithcharter.com and sign up today and start earning those points.
TTM Beth : I will notate your account of our chat today about . Thank you for entrusting me with your concerns. For all other Charter inquiries please call 1-888-438-2427. You may visit our website anytime at www.charter.net to manage your account, make payments as well as review all our wonderful products.
If you require further assistance, go to www.charter.com/contact
Your session has ended. You may now close this window.


I did receive that call within the hour and my number was forwarded to the cell from that point on. So I guess the moral to the story is, be persistent and a little bit of a pain in the ass!

Looking Forward... With Hope

A Moment for Hope

When I started this blog it was my intention to avoid politics. It wasn't a superficial or callow decision. I had put more of myself into the 2004 election than I had to give and the results left me disheartened and cynical, not only about that election, but about what was possible in politics. I have often found myself tempted the last few months, to use this blog to chime in but I've managed to resist the urge. However, I did come to understand that when this election ended I would use this space to voice my after thought. I had thought that, that afterthought, would a commentary about the dirt in politics. But November 4th was a transformative moment, for the nation, and for myself. I have been inspired, by my fellow citizens whom have joined with me to make history, and by this amazing leader whom has made his case by talking directly to us, and, by example, has reminded us about the best side of ourselves. I am, in general, a cynic. I don't believe in believing in politicians. But I do believe in Obama. We don't know exactly what we are going to get from him, but what we've seen is that he is poised, sober, and very very thoughtful and brilliant. I believe we are going to have a leader, and one that is dynamic enough to modify his positions to find solutions that work.

Obama wasn't elected because he was black, but he wasn't elected despite it either. It's not that Obama isn't a brother, it's that he's a brother to all of us. We are all in this together, and not just because we're stuck together, but because we are brothers and sisters. We are not going to find that Obama is the perfect politician, and we are not going to see the end of real world problems. We need to not make the mistake, as they did in the 60s, that we're on the verge of The Age Of Aquarius. But at the same time, we really need to take this moment forward with us. We have grown up believing this wasn't possible and I don't believe as a nation we were ready to move this forward this fast, not only to elect an African American to the presidency, but one with a Muslim name. It has given a reason for the last eight years. But most of all, it shows us that this particular man is more than his race and his name. He is a truly remarkable, brilliant man, who has the ability to assess the situations in front of him, work though a strategy, and effectively communicates his message in a way that enagages, captivates, and inspires, the people he makes his case to. His message is inclusive, and it is an example for all of us.

It has been my desire to leave my daughters a world where they have every opportunity I've had to reach their full potential, and have a healthy, happy life. We have been given a lot of reasons to be afraid. Those reasons are not suddenly gone and there will always be threats. But we have taken a huge step in a day. We have sent a message to the world that we truly are what we claimed to be and I believe we are immediately safer because of that. My daughters, too young to understand what's happening now, will never fully understand what a truly historic moment this is. They will take for granted that there was a time in our history that you could only be a white upper class male in America, if you wanted to be president. And I'm glad about that. I will teach them about the progress of this moment, just as I was taught about the civil rights movement of the 1960s. But for them it will be history.

For today, there is reason for hope. And that is something I have not dared to do in a long time. I finally believe my children have a chance for the future I want to leave them.



The Future For Republicans

Take this for what you will. I am not a Republican but I am not so foolish to think that we have seen the last of Republican power. I believe in a balance of power and I can accept that there are needs for checks and balances. What's would be good for Republicans politically is also what will be good for all of us when Republicans do carry power again, which is for the party to become less divisive, and more pragmatic.

The reason Obama won isn't because we know exactly what kind of policies he will give us but because he was calm and poised under pressure, and that he showed respect for the other side. He has been inclusive and promised to be the president of all people, and not just the people whom voted for him. There is a stark difference there to what we got from Bush.

What will the new Republicans be? Will it be about sticking it to liberals, something Obama isn't doing towards conservatives? Because, like the world with globalization, America is changing. A generation is passing and the America that is dawning is not divided with red and blue borders. The liberal is a son or brother to a conservative. The gay or lesbian is a co-worker. Insulting, attacking, and disenfranchising the other side is no longer the winning formula. And it lacks character and dignity.

Obama won because he was positive. He won because he didn't scare people, he made them feel more confident. Obama could not have won without independents and even without some conservatives. The generations are continuing to turn and the country is going to become more comfortable with change as it happens. If Republicans want to tap into that energy, they need to get beyond "liberals suck". Because, though we disagree, it doesn't mean we have to be enemies.

Isabella Suzanne Novak Rules Irish Fest!

08/16/2008 - At the Milwaukee Summerfest ground four year old Isabella Novak shows off her stuff after only six classes with the Cashel Dennehy Irish Dance School. She gets a cool little cameo but the real fun begins when she's cutting loose off stage!

It's not for the hardcore. This is a little girl having fun. She's been excited about getting on stage for a couple of months now and we're really thankful to Cashel Dennehy and Irish Fest for giving a little girl the chance to strut her stuff in front of a few hundred people.

Standing up for Speed Racer The Movie

Some people are enamored with words. Reviewers are often some of these people. Their job after all is to write. Writing a review might not be the same calibur of art than writing something to be reviewed, but if it's what you do, you might feel the need to flex your muscles. I, however, feel that the most important thing about writing is communicating a thought or idea clearly and often the more "artistic" the review, the more confused I become about what the writer is trying to communicate. As a reader I'm not really interested in what intellectual arsenal the writer might be trying to show off. I'm interested in what I get out out of it.

The movie Speed Racer has been ripped apart by critics and for sure, this is not a movie for everyone. But it worked for me and not because of all the special effects or action sequences, but because of the very basic, almost universal morals and values of the movie, and about how clear and genuine it is in communicating those values. We live in an era obsessed with deconstructionism, and we've come to expect our media to be more sophisticated and more abstract. But deconstructionism is nothing new, and frankly, it's become overused and often is unoriginal and cliched.

Speed Racer, however, reminds me of the movies I grew up with in the early and mid 1980s. It reflects a clarity of values (and not in a right wing political sense), where a hero takes a stand against a corrupt institution. There is the theme of the odds being stacked against the hero, the hero's idealism questioned, and then rediscovered in a more mature, less dogmatic, and more aware sense. There is a value to this kind of movie for kids, as well as for adults like myself who need to be reminded. It isn't a complicated message and it's quite opaque, but it is relevant and at least it isn't pseudo intellectual posturing. No, life is never this simple and it rarely works itself out so neatly. But when we can escape into the heroes of fiction we take something out of the story that adds to our lives.

I've seen a couple old episodes of the classic cartoon but don't really know much about the Speed Racer story. I'm sure hardcore fans might have legitimate reason to complain that something might be missing from the continuity. It seemed to me, from what I do know, that the essential story is there, but it cuts to the chase. The cartoon had that anime iconography and what the critics are complaining about regarding the manic visuals is the very literal way it is interpreted to film. For me this movie, not unlike Sin City, helped me see the source material for what I discounted the first time around. This is geek kitsch and there might be any number of reasons why it didn't speak to it's critics. And maybe the the most important one is, it wasn't for them. It might be a cliche, but the right one one; this is a movie for the young at heart.