The one that doesn't talk

I've been a fan of Penn & Teller for years, ever since I saw that first PBS special they did. There was something about the way that they went against the grain of the tradition; they often revealed the secrets behind the tricks. Still there was a sense of wonder and craftsmanship in their work.



I had two of their three books, and used them both to aggravate and amaze my college friends. There might be more books now, but I only remember three. I remember a deaf friend of mine just bawling me out for one bit. Man, good times!

Nowadays they do a show called Bullshit of which I've seen a season or so. I follow Penn Gillette on Twitter. He's the one who did all the talking. He was the voice of Comedy Central for a long time. He's the one that most people remember. Teller on the other hand, never said a word during their act. So I took great delight in reading this story:

The Las Vegas Weekly - A man, a ball, a hoop, a bench (and an alleged thread)… TELLER!

Thanks to Neil Gaiman, from whose Twitter post I stole this link.

6 weeks to 300!

Yesterday I took my initial test for 200 sit-ups. Today I'll take my test for 100 push-ups. I'll start the programs on Monday and Tuesday respectively. I was considering P90x, but these programs are free and will tide me over until Augie is finished with his DVDs.

I haven't gone to a gym in over a decade, though I've been relatively active. Last time I was working out was when I was working with Ben & Sheri's team, and a hiatus between that and The New York City Ballet Workout (book and DVDs 1 & 2).

Wish me luck!

Red over left, blue over right.

I'm glad that Ray Zone is still making comics. I remember the first time I ever put on those funky specs, the ones that turned flat red/blue images into multi-layered space-scapes. It was called Battle for a Three Dimensional World, written by Ray Zone and with art by Jack "The King" Kirby. I bought it from a 7-Eleven, where it sat on a rack behind the register. I must have been 11 and I certainly didn't know who Jack Kirby was at the time. For me it was about that weird trick with the glasses.

Ray Zone was the guy who brought the tricks back to the trade.He has worked with legends, like the aforementioned Jack Kirby, Will Eisner, Neal Adams, Dave Stevens.... He's even had a hand in work with some of my favorite authors, including Alan Moore and Grant Morrison.

Whenever I see a 3D comic, I make sure to pick it up. Thanks to Sara who picked up a set of plastic 3D glasses for me. The paper ones always fall apart.

It's 8 f'in thirty!

Let the Hazing Begin!

Oh wait, it's not that kind of pledge week.

Y'all should join KCRW. I'm volunteering during their pledge drive. You should consider sharing your love. And by love, I mean cash.

In case you need some reminding about KCRW's music programming:

Sia


Cat Power


Beck performing with The Flaming Lips

Check out their streaming music station to hear more of what they're about.

I mean, they don't just have great music programming, they were also one of the first NPR stations to feature This American Life. As far as I'm concerned, KCRW is ahead of the curve.

Plus crazy freebies and giveaways to anyone who makes a pledge.

And if you really want to be hazed, I'm sure something can be arranged.